《I'm Really a Superstar》


 Chapter 0: I Want to Be a Star!

    <h4>Chapter 0: I Want to Be a Star! </h4>


    Chapter 0: I Want to Be a Star!


    Zhang Ye felt that his life was wonderful.


    Last month, he held his 32nd solo concert.


    Just a few days ago, he was invited to dinner by the Secretary General of the United Nations.


    Yesterday, he was invited to be the male lead for the Hollywood, 3D science fiction blockbuster, "Railway Gueris".


    As an excellent artist, Zhang Ye had mixed feelings. Did he have any regrets in life? No, his life was perfect. If he was to mention a w in his life, uh, it would probably be his bad habit of bragging that he had never managed to get rid of.


    Whatever mentioned previously was just nonsense.


    Zhang Ye was, in fact, just a fresh graduate. He was an extremely ordinary person in this world. His dream was to be a celebrity. Be it a host, a singer, or an author, he just wanted to be famous. His aim was pretty high. Not only did he want to be a star, he also wanted to be the world''s top superstar. This was his life goal. He had never given up on that thought. Tomorrow, he had an interview at a radio station. He stillcked confidence, unsure if he would seed at it or not.


    Maybe it was because he slepttest night, but tonight he had a dream where a few lines of words shed across his mind.


    [ Installing Game... ]


    [ Authenticating Gamer�� ]


    [ Game is installed. You are the game''s only yer. This is a game that will help the gamer realize his dreams. Have checked the gamer''s dreams and goals. Game settingpleted. Game line endingpleted-help gamer to be the greatest superstar in the world. ]


    [ Game Difficulty: Maximum. ]


    [ Please wait. Randomly choosing new yer incentive package. ]


    [ Received reward ''Randomly changing existing world background.'' ]


    [ Counting down, 5...4...3...2...1...... Game Begins! ]

 Chapter 1: The World After Being Altered!

    <h4>Chapter 1: The World After Being Altered! </h4>


    Chapter 1: The World After Being Altered!


    Beijing.


    The morning of the second day.


    At home, Zhang Ye, who had just woken up, was still wondering about the dream fromst night. As he yawned, he switched on the television, so that he could watch the news. Suddenly, he realized that there was an additional silver ring on his left pinky. It was clearly not something that belonged to him. He tried as hard as he could to take it off, but it was to no avail. Not only that, but when he rubbed the surface of the ring, a touchable virtual screen suddenly appeared. It was written in the same font as the messages in his dream. It said, "Game Ring initialized. New yer incentive package, ''Randomly changing existing world background'' is in preparation for augmentation."


    Counting down��


    Three seconds��


    Two seconds��


    One second��


    Incentive package augmentation initialization!


    Following that, Zhang Ye saw an rming scene.


    The HTC phone that he had thrown on the bed began twisting and strangely changed shape. Even the brand changed and ''TCC'' was engraved on it instead. One of the two pirated Xu Zhimo''s poem collection ced by the window sill suddenly disappeared, while the other became Chen Tianmo''s poem collection.


    He could not notice all the changes, as many things within his house were undergoing changes!


    What rmed Zhang Ye the most were the changes on the television. The Changhong-branded television turned into a Feitian brand, which he had never heard of. And the main thing was the content being broadcast on the television!


    "Mango TV''s new variety show, ''Glittering Radiance'' breaks 1% viewership."


    "Wu Bang''stest movie, ''White Maiden'' breaks 500 million in the box office."


    "Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi''s new song failed once again. She will focus on the film industry from now on."


    "Yesterday, the work of world-famous artist Dake, "Blue Sky", was auctioned off in America."


    "Many people in the entertainment circle dedicated songs to the most influential Heavenly King of film of the 20th century, Chen Weishi''s, 10th anniversary memorial concert. Heavenly King Sun Yu teared up on the spot while singing."


    Zhang Ye looked at all of this for ten minutes in a state of shock. He still did not understand what had just happened. How did the television and cellphone change brands?


    Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi?


    When was there a Heavenly Queen named Zhang Yuanqi?


    And the 10th anniversary memorial concert?


    Where did this Chen Weishie out from?


    How could he not have heard of him? Zhang Yuanqi?


    Could it be that Zhang Ziyi had changed her stage name?


    Was ''Chen Weishi'' Eason Chen''s new name?


    That can''t be right. Eason Chen is still alive!


    What sort of movie was "White Maiden"?


    Was it a film Bai Yansong f***ing starred in?


    When the f*** did he start filming movies?


    Zhang Ye rushed off the bed, in a panic to open the curtains. He saw everything outside changing. The two old trees by the road had disappeared. Recing them was a flower bed. A high-rise building far in the distance had turned into a shorter building, with only six floors left. And not only had a few buildings that were originally gray in color subtly changed position, even the color of the stairs had changed to a brownish-white!


    Ding!


    Incentives augmentation has beenpleted!


    Note: The real world''s background has been changed into a theoretical bnce.


    Zhang Ye''s face went pale. He picked up that unknown brand phone and examined it. The date and time were right. Today was the day two months after he had graduated from college. After flipping through a few pages of his contacts, he purposely called a few people. His close friends were still the same, but how could the changes in the surroundings be exined? Also, what was this game ring on his hand? Had the game ring really altered reality?


    Zhang Ye could not believe it, as he switched on hisputer to check the Inte. The more he browsed, the more frightened he became.


    It had changed!


    Everything had changed!


    There was no one in the show hosting industry named "He Jiong" or "Xie Na".


    The music industry no longer had people like Eason Chen or Jacky Cheung.


    The film industry no longer had people like Feng Xiaogang, Sun Honglei, etc.


    In China and in foreign countries, people like Qi Baishi or Pablo Picasso no longer existed in the world of calligraphy or painting.


    The divine song, "Perturbed"?


    Mo Yan''s novels?


    Beethoven''s piano pieces?


    The movie, "Transformers"?


    The variety show, "The Voice of China"?


    The famous painting, "Mona Lisa"?


    They were all gone!


    Seeing all of these things being randomly changed by the unknown game, he wondered if these were the game rewards he had obtained as the sole yer. However, how did reality be a game?


    And what sort of game was this?


    "Contra", or "Super Mario"?


    Should he use his head to smash at a wall, causing a small magical mushroom to burst out, which could make him bigger?


    Of course, there were things that did not change. Some important historical figures, world patterns and social environments had not changed. The Master Kong instant noodles on the table were still the same. LV was still a world-famous brand. A lot of things had not been modified. Was this the so-called "randomness"?


    Something supernatural had happened!


    What the heck had happened?


    At this moment, thumps were heard. Someone outside was knocking on his door. The knocks were quite loud and were definitely done by hammering the door with a lot of strength!


    Zhang Ye guessed who it was and pretended not to hear it.


    After the person knocked a few more times, the clinking of keys could be heard and the door was suddenly opened!


    Zhang Ye looked at the person who came in. He was thinking that even though the world had changed, thendy was still the samendy.


    A woman in her thirties walked over. She looked very beautiful. Sometimes, the two words "very beautiful" were very hard to use in describing her. For example, she had clearly just washed her hair. Her head was still wrapped in a white towel, but her beauty, which could overthrow states and cities, could not be concealed. Her figure was exceptionally good. Her skin''s sticity was clearly revealed and it appeared very sharp.


    However, one could only understand this beautiful woman''s mean side through being in close contact with her for a few days. She could be as venomous with her words as you wanted. If not, how could she still be unmarried at this age? Just that mouth of hers made many unable to tolerate her!


    Seeing that Zhang Ye was at home, Rao Aimin cleared her throat andughed without a smile, "Kid, are you trying to y hide and seek with me? Why did you not respond when I was knocking all day? Are you ying dead?"


    Zhang Ye turned slightly awkward, "Landy, you came?"


    Rao Aimin conveniently sat down in the living room. With a smashing sound, she mmed a calctor onto the table. Zhang Ye had seen her calctor numerous times in the past. Previously, it was a Casio brand, but now it had changed into a new brand that he had never heard of before. It started with a "K". It even looked like the calctor businesses had been altered. "Why don''t you tell me what I''m here for? I''m here to collect rent!" Her fingers hammered on the calctor in a very well-versed fashion. "You haven''t handed over this month''s rent. Adding upst month''s utilities, I have already calcted them for you. The total bes 2,582. I have already reminded you several times. Not one cent less is allowed! I tell you, Little Zhang.. I allowed you to pay rent monthly, only because you were from Beijing. Go ask around; which ce would not first require you to put up a three-month rental deposit? How much special treatment have I given you?"


    Zhang Ye smiled wryly, "Please give me another few more days. I really don''t have any money on hand right now. Once I find a job, I''ll give it to you."


    Rao Aimin elegantly swept her fingers, "If you don''t have any money, get lost now!"


    Zhang Ye pleaded, "You know my situation.The rent I previously gave you was all money from my elders. I only have that much money. If you were to chase me away, I can only return to stay with my parents. I had already told them I would move out and be independent once I graduated. How can I just go back with my face still intact? Auntie, look at our floor. The entire row''smercial and residential apartments are all yours. Your wealth doesn''tck just this bit of money. About this, I have an interview at the Beijing Broadcasting Television Station this afternoon. If I really be a host, I will make up for the rent once I get my sry."


    Rao Aimin nced at him and, with contempt, said, "You? Be a host? Cut it out. With your looks and height, who would pay attention to you in a crowd of people? You only dream all day of bing a star. You think it''s that easy to be a celebrity? If you can be a host, then this old aunt will dare to appear in the Spring Festival Ceremony tomorrow!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Anyways, just give me a few more days. I��"


    Rao Aimin ignored it, "No way!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t you see that I haven''t even eaten breakfast at all for the past few days? I really don''t have enough money."


    "What do I have to do with you not eating? Eh?" Rao Aimin said with an inhumane expression.


    After fussing for a long time, he managed to get thendy to leave. After about ten minutes, Rao Aimin, who was in pajamas, came back. She did not knock on the door and immediately used her key to open the door.


    Zhang Ye thought Big Sister Rao was here to reim her money, so he carefully said, "Landy auntie, you��"


    Rao Aimin threw a breakfast set onto the table and coldly grunted, "I couldn''t eat it alone. Kid, you lucked out. Let me tell you. Even though jobs are not easy to get these days, you are still a graduate from the Media College; how can you not get a job to make ends meet? Stop clinging to a single tree ''til you hang yourself on it!"


    Zhang Ye was surprised and quickly said, "Thank you. I got it."


    Rao Aimin, with her cold, beautiful face, left by mming the door.


    Zhang Ye felt his heart go warm. Looking at the breakfast on the table, it was still hot. Clearly, it was not leftovers from this older sister Rao. It was definitely something that she had especially went down to buy after she heard Zhang Ye say that he had not eaten breakfast for a few days. Zhang Ye knew older that sister Rao was someone who was warm on the inside, but cold on the outside. She may have a venomous tongue, but she still cared about him. Actually, he also understood what older sister Rao meant. However, Zhang Ye had always had dreams of making it big since he was young. He wanted to stand on a stage, facing the public. As such, he had never considered doing jobs that involved being behind the scenes.


    Zhang Ye went out by taking the elevator downstairs.


    On the street, Zhang Ye looked all around. He realized that the road was familiar, yet strange. The billboardmercials were all of celebrities that he did not know. Some business shops were ying the hottest popr music that Zhang Ye had never heard before. As he walked through this familiar, yet strange, street, he found it hard to adapt. He felt like he did not match with this altered world. Many things had changed. Or, it could be said that this was no longer the world from Zhang Ye''s past.


    It was August. The air was still hot and disturbing.


    It was not scientific!


    Really unscientific!


    Zhang Ye was, after all, a graduate from a prestigious university. Of course, he could not easily ept this reality. What day and age was this? It was no longer an ancient society where superstitions, such as demons and ghosts, existed. Being superstitious only brought harm. This was something even elementary school kids knew. Everything boiled down to science. One had to firmly believe in the power of science. As such, Zhang Ye''s eyes turned solemn. He pulled out a one-Yuan coin from his pocket respectfully and he threw it up in the air earnestly. "If it''s heads, then this exins that this world''s background has really been changed by the game. If it''s tails, then it says that everything is fake."


    Ding Ling Ling.


    The coinnded on the ground. Heads!


    Zhang Ye''s vision went ck. It wasn''t fake. Everything was real!

 Chapter 2: I Can Save?

    <h4>Chapter 2: I Can Save? </h4>


    Chapter 2: I Can Save?


    Afternoon.


    It was August. The air was still hot and disturbing.


    That''s not right. This description of the environment had already been written.


    It was August. The air was still�� disturbingly hot. Right, that hasn''t been used yet.


    This world''s Beijing Radio Station had merged with the Beijing Television Station a few years ago. Although they had merged, their offices were separate. Under the radio broadcasting building, Zhang Ye adjusted his western suit. He looked like a dog�� a respectful person, before walking in. All the official employees had already started work early in the day. Now, arge portion of the people who entered were interview candidates, like Zhang Ye.


    There was still some time; let''s examine the ring.


    Zhang Ye lowered his head as he fiddled with the mysterious game ring on his left hand. The eye-catching screen could only be seen by him. The people surrounding him did not notice the screen. Zhang Ye felt a chill run down his back. It was too sinister. Could something have gone wrong with his brain? So as to result in such serious illusions? There was a second when he had thought that he would have to eat the brain supplement, Brain White Gold, for life.


    The virtual screen had a few options.


    [Reputation]: 199,983.


    [Items]: None.


    [Merchant Shop]: Not unlocked.


    [Lottery]: Obtain a treasure chest prize.


    (Note: The increment of Reputation is rted to the yer''s fame, exposure, achievement, trust, reputation and other rted factors. The items in the Merchant Shop and Lottery can be bought using Reputation points. Reputation is total Reputation gained since the yer''s birth until today.)


    190,000+ Reputation points?


    Zhang Ye wondered for a while. He had obtained a few awards when he was in elementary school for writingposition. He also did alright in his studies during middle and high school. He was frequently praised by his teachers. Right, he even had the experience of going on TV. He and his dormitory mates in college were interviewed by a CCTV reporter on the streets in Xidan. Before the reporter could hand over a microphone to him, Zhang Ye had answered immediately, "I''m very happy." Back then, the CCTV reporter was rendered speechless and said, "We aren''t asking that, we are asking if you feel��" And before he finished speaking, Zhang Ye, who seemed to be deep in thought, suddenly said loudly, "Socialism is good." Well, it was unknown if it had been broadcast, in the end.


    Were all these Reputation points obtained from that? To earn 190,000+ Reputation over 23 years? It seemed pretty good? However, Zhang Ye quickly did not think so anymore. When he opened the virtual screen''s options to see what he could buy with his Reputation points, he was rendered speechless for a long time.


    The Merchant Shop had not been unlocked, so he could only click on the Lottery choice.


    [Lottery]: Requires 100,000 Reputation points. Upon purchasing, the game will randomly choose a treasure chest.


    Heavens. After all that he had done in his life, he had gathered enough Reputation points just to draw once in the Lottery? Just short of drawing twice? With the mindset of trying his luck with the Lottery, he touched the screen with his hand. It had a solid feeling. After confirming his selection on the prompted disy, 100,000 points were spent and his Reputation immediately became 99,983. The Lottery interface shed and a virtual wheel appeared. There was a needle and a button. On the wheel were the words, "Consumption Category", "Stats Category", "Skills Category" and "Special Category". Each category had a respective color and its own region. The four regions were different in size. The Consumption Category took up arge portion of the wheel - nearly half of it. Next up were the Stats and Skills Categories. Together, they took up nearly the other half of the wheel. The smallest region was the Special Category. It only took up a tiny region and was nearly invisible.


    A game screen introduction appeared!


    Category Exnation:


    [Consumption Category]: One-time use disposable consumable item.


    [Stats Category]: Permanently increasing a stat.


    [Skills Category]: Skill''s experience item.


    [Special Category]: Adds the purchasing privilege of buying a certain Merchant item.


    Note: The treasure chest from the item category where the pointer stably stops will be the item that will be obtained.


    Zhang Ye was confused. He could only try by pressing the button to begin the lottery. Ba Da! The Lottery began. The needle on the wheel kept moving as the wheel rotated clockwise extremely fast. After a few seconds, the needle slowed down and finallynded on the biggest area on the wheel, the Consumption Category.


    The Lottery waspleted!


    A tiny golden treasure chest appeared. The prize was automatically stored in his inventory. And within his inventory appeared an icon of a "small golden treasure chest"! How do you use it? Zhang Ye tried stretching his hand into the inventory. His hand actually entered as if there was a space within it. As he touched the floating Treasure Chest (Small), he grabbed it and opened the treasure chest that no one else could see, while still on the street. With a sh of golden light, the treasure chest opened!


    It was a tiny crystal!


    Disyed Item: [Save].


    Item Description: One-time use disposable consumable item. Saves a record. This save file can only be stored for half an hour.


    Save? This was extremely familiar to Zhang Ye. Anyone who had yed games knew that saves were used just before closing the game, or to redo a certain eventter on. It could only be stored for 30 minutes? Did that mean that it could not be used 30 minutes after it had been used? The save would be invalidated? As for the Lottery and the treasure chests, they were not foreign to him. Many games had a Lottery. Treasure chests of different grades resulted in different grades of items. The probability was also different. Zhang Ye took the Save crystal out. The golden treasure chest immediately disappeared into points of light. Zhang Ye tinkered around with it. Pa! identally, he had crushed the crystal.


    Saving...


    Savingpleted!


    At that moment, time seemed to stop for a second. Everything stood still!


    When everything was restored, the ring''s interface had one more option. "Load Save" was disyed.


    The record was saved just like this? Zhang Ye touched his nose, still confused. Newbie incentive? Background change? Treasure chest Lottery? Items? Save? Was he really ying a game?


    "The interview is at 10 A.M. Let''s hurry."


    "Brother Sun, what''s the hurry? You will definitely be epted."


    "That''s not necessarily true. They will only be hiring two people for the radio host position. I heard that there were more than 20 people that applied for the written interview. Thepetition is fierce."


    "Indeed. The position for hosts are the most popr. Old Zhou and I haveparatively less pressure. I applied to be an editor, while Old Zhou applied to be an operator. There is lesspetition, since fewer people applied for it."


    Some people said this as they walked in.


    Zhang Ye looked at the time. He ignored researching the game ring and hurried upstairs. The interview today was too important for him. He had thought through his development path properly. With his qualities and image, should he be a television host? A singer? A movie star? He did not even qualify to be a viin in a movie. He wasn''t outstanding and would never be popr. Thinking it through, it was best that he start off as a radio host. The requirement of having good looks were lower by a tiny bit. The listeners would only have contact with his voice, so it was the best position for him to begin in. It was also the springboard for his future development. He could not fail at this!


    Second floor.


    Radio host interview venue.


    There were over 20 people in the corridor. Everyone was apeting against each other, so the atmosphere was peppered with silence.


    Zhang Ye nced around and suddenly felt a chill.


    All of the 20+ people were handsome and beautiful�� except him.


    All of the 20+ people were aged between 25 and 30 and had experience�� except him.


    Zhang Ye''s only advantage was that he was trained specially for the job. He was a graduate from the Media College''s broadcasting department. Besides that, he didn''t have a single advantage. After graduation, Zhang Ye had also interviewed at a few broadcasting mediapanies, but he was eliminated at the interview phase. Zhang Ye knew that it was because hecked the looks and experience.


    "Sun Hongwei."


    "Here."


    "Come on in."


    The first person was brought into the room. The interview was over in five minutes. When the next person was called inside, the people beside him quickly asked about the interview. However, after a few times, no one asked anymore. This was because everyone''s interview was different. Some were asked to interact on the spot with a difficult audience. Some were asked to debate on a topic. These differences were here to understand the candidate''s overall quality.


    "Fifth person, Zhang Ye." a female assistant called out with a list in her hand.


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath and stood up. He would be lying if he said he wasn''t nervous.


    Within the room were eight interviewers. There were both men and women and they looked serious.


    Seeing Zhang Ye, at least two of them frowned. It was unknown what they found unsatisfactory.


    Zhang Ye gently bowed. He handed over the required recordings of his information and speech to the interviewer before returning to his seat. He began introducing himself, "Dear Teachers*, how are you? My name is Zhang Ye. I''m 23 years old this year and I graduated from the Media College''s broadcasting major. I��"


    A middle-aged man impolitely interrupted, "We have your resume, so you don''t have to repeat it." He looked down at the information in his hands, "Oh, your written test results barely made the cut."


    The middle-aged woman beside him exchanged looks with him and took out a manuscript. Sheid it on the table and said coldly, "There are only two questions for the interview. The first is for you to use your fastest speed to finish reading the manuscript and then read it off script."


    Off script?


    It was that simple?


    Zhang Ye was overjoyed. Although going off script was not his best trait, it was not too difficult for him. He had undergone systematic training on this, back in college. It was considered part of the basics. As such, he walked up and picked up the manuscript and looked at it. There were about a thousand words. It was very long. But just as Zhang Ye was feeling confident that he could memorize all these words, the middle-aged woman stretched out her hands and took the manuscript from Zhang Ye''s hands after ten seconds.


    "Oh? I haven''t finished reading it." Zhang Ye said in surprise.


    "That''s it. Read it." The middle-aged woman said indifferently.


    The other interviewers did not have any reaction. It appeared very normal.


    However, Zhang Ye was in a daze, "Teacher, it was just ten seconds and there were a thousand words��"


    The middle-aged man said unhappily, "If you need a day''s time to memorize it, then I can just grab anyone on the street to do it. Why would we need an interview? Since we asked you to recite it, recite it! Why are you saying so much nonsense!?"


    Zhang Ye was a bit angry, "But��"


    "Say as much off script as you can." The middle-aged woman said impatiently, "Hurry up! There are still more than ten people after you!"


    Zhang Ye swallowed his anger and began reciting, "A notary organization, which ensures judicial activities and the stability of social order in our country, is a specialwful cause. Notarization is a notary organization that depends on natural persons,wful persons, or��or��" After ten seconds, that was all that he had read.


    A few of the interviewers scribbled something on their books.


    Following that, the middle-aged man waved his hand, "That''s it. There''s no need to ask the second question. Next."


    Zhang Ye knew that he had failed at his interview once again. He was disgruntled. Weren''t these people being too unreasonable? You didn''t even tell me how much time I had and asked me to go off script. In the end, you wanted me to begin just after ten seconds? Not to mention reciting it, I want to see you try reading a thousand words in ten seconds! If you can really finish it from beginning to end, then I''ll eat the Chang''e 3! Eh, forget it. The country would not let me eat that.


    At thest moment before he walked out of the interview room, he heard the faint voice of an interviewer behind him, "In the future, people with such looks do not need to go through the interview. It''s a waste of our time!"


    Zhang Ye heard this. Only then did he realize that the moment he entered, he had been given a death sentence. They had purposely given him an interview question that no one could answer, even under the threat of death!


    Maddening!


    I''m wasting your time?


    You didn''t even give me a chance to answer! I don''t believe it!


    Zhang Ye, who was in the corridor, felt like his heart had been wrenched out. He recalled the save record. The time that had passed since he had saved was still under 30 minutes and it was still within the save record''s effective time range. He decided to use it as ast resort as he opened up the ring''s game interface. Looking at the "Load Save" option, he gritted his teeth as he pressed down on it. He did not know if it would work!


    Reading Save...


    Readingpleted!


    *He''s using a formal mode of address here, kind of like "Sir" or "Mr." in English. In Chinese, they use a more ambiguous word of respect that is also used to address teachers and there will be a y on words in the future, so the literal trantion is used here.

 Chapter 3: Dumbfounded Interviewers!

    <h4>Chapter 3: Dumbfounded Interviewers! </h4>


    Chapter 3: Dumbfounded Interviewers!


    His eyes went into a blur!


    The surroundings changed!


    The sky was blue and the ground was gray!


    The first feeling that Zhang Ye had was that of the change in temperature around him. It was August. The air was still hot and disturbing. Eh, why does Zhang Ye like to use this to describe his environment?


    It isn''t that his vocabry iscking, nor is it because he iscking in literary knowledge, resulting in him knowing only those few descriptive phrases. It really isn''t. Seriously, it really isn''t. It''s because��because��nevermind. You will never understand, no matter how much I exin our artists'' world!


    "The interview is at 10 A.M. Let''s hurry."


    "Brother Sun, what''s the hurry? You will definitely be epted."


    "That''s not necessarily true. They will only be hiring two people for the radio host position. I heard that there were more than 20 people that applied for the written interview. Thepetition is fierce."


    As the changes caught him off-guard, Zhang Ye did not catch his footing and stumbled to the ground. As he helped himself up, he looked around. This was no longer the corridor from before. He was now standing in front of the radio broadcasting station''s entrance again. This was where he had previously saved. Even the dialogue of the candidates that had been heard after saving was exactly the same. Looking at the time on his cell phone, he had really returned to a time that was half an hour ago!


    God! This��


    Let''s not think too much. There are important matters to do!


    Zhang Ye thought through it once and came around. Now was not the time to research on what had happened. He absolutely needed to get the job of being a host. Saving had given him a chance to redo it again. Even if he didn''t understand what had happened, he still had to take advantage of the opportunity. He didn''t go up the building. Instead, he searched the inte on his cellphone. As he remembered the first line of the interview, it was very easy to find it. Zhang Ye quickly found the article. It was a research thesis of some unknown student in a university in the South. He guessed that the interviewers had randomly found it on the inte. He only had about 25 minutes or so left. Without saying another word, he immediately started memorizing and reciting it! The 1000-word manuscript was very long. Thankfully, it wasn''t some ancient text or ssic. As the entire thesis wasn''t full of abstruse words, and with every word rted to the next and being in ordance withmon sense and general knowledge, it wasn''t that difficult to memorize it. Besides, Zhang Ye had some knowledge of thew, so he knew some of those words.


    He needed to memorize it. Sess or failure rested on this!


    ����


    In the broadcasting building, at the interview venue.


    A female assistant opened the door and looked at her list, "Zhang Ye." After calling once, with no one responding, she repeated, "Is Zhang Ye here? It''s your turn!"


    At the end of the corridor, Zhang Ye briskly walked over with his mouth seemingly chanting, "I''m here. I''m here!"


    The female assistant looked at him with suspicion. Having seen hundreds of interviewees this year, this was the first time that she had seen someone chanting. Were monks and priests prepared to join the workforce?


    In the room.


    During the idle time between interviews, the eight people were drinking tea and exchanging their views.


    A 40+-year-old Li Honglian said disappointedly, "This batch of interviewees is too average."


    An older Zhao Guozhou also said, "Yeah. It''s much worse than the interviews from half a year ago. What use is having a good written score? Theyck in ability!"


    A youth behind him said, "Leaders, there are still quite a few people still to be interviewed. There should be someone good."


    "Hopefully. But I think it''s hopeless." Zhao Guozhou smacked his lips, "Previously, that Little Xu* was alright. If there''s no other choice, our channel will want him."


    Li Honglian leered, "I think Little Xu isn''t bad, too."


    Now, the door was opened after a knock. The next interviewee, Zhang Ye, entered.


    The people stopped their idle chatter and nced at him, sizing him up.


    "Dear teachers, how are you?" Knowing that they would interrupt his self-introduction, Zhang Ye simply changed his introduction and felt free. To put it bluntly, he was still disgruntled and angry. This fellow''s temper was usually bad. If people gave him an inch of respect, he would return a foot of respect. "My real name is Zhang Ye."


    Zhao Guozhou burst intoughter, "You still have a stage name?"


    Zhang Ye simply replied, "I have two stage names, one is "Zhang Tenn"* and the other is "Zhang Jingkong"*."


    This world no longer had these two "great people". The interviewers did not understand that they had been unknowingly ridiculed by Zhang Ye.


    Li Honglian was ignoring Zhang Ye, as she had her head lowered to read his resume.


    The result was the same. The same scene and the same expressions. This time, Zhang Ye could sensitively detect two interviewers slightly frowning. This was their dissatisfaction with Zhang Ye''s appearance. It was weird. Even in an industry where the audience could not see the face of the broadcaster, the broadcasting host was still expected to have good looks. What did it mean to be good? It meant that one needed to look better than the vast majority of people. It had always been like this for broadcasting hosts.


    Zhao Guozhou and Li Honglian, who was sitting beside Zhao Guozhou, sat in the middle and were the main judges. As the two radio hosts that would be hired were to be directly under their supervision respectively, they were very serious with their selection. No one wanted trouble for themselves, so when they saw Zhang Ye with his average looks, they had already crossed him out mentally. Furthermore, Zhang Ye had zero working experience listed on his resume. He still needed some training before he could take over the job, so they did not even consider him for the position. It was not bad being in a specialized major, but there were many that graduated from the broadcasting specialization major. And how many of them had be a host? Only a handful of people who were extremely outstanding had managed to do so.


    Zhao Guozhou and Li Honglian exchanged nces and understood the thoughts of each other. This person was definitely not suitable. They would randomly give him a question and shoo him away - to prevent wasting time!


    Li Honglian took out a manuscript in the same posture as before and nced at Zhang Ye, "There are only two questions for the interview. The first is for you to use your fastest speed to finish reading the manuscript and then read it off script."


    Zhang Ye, who came back from a save record, knew their attitude and wish to make it difficult for him, so he stood up and took it without any expression.


    As expected, in just ten seconds, Li Honglian had meanly taken away the manuscript. "That''s it. Read it."


    The other interviewers also knew in their hearts. Ten seconds? Even if it was an experienced person who had decades in the industry, that person would not be able to memorize more than a hundred words in ten seconds, let alone a mere graduate. Eh, it should be said that ten seconds was only enough for them to read 200 words. And even so, they would only get about 40-50% of those 200 words right while reciting. And why would that not even pass? That''s because this manuscript had more than 900 words. It was only about a fifth! If one could memorize and recite 300 words in ten seconds, only then was that a perfect score. But everyone knew it was impossible.


    They were purposely making it difficult for Zhang Ye and it was to the point where they were just disguising their intentions of telling Zhang Ye that hecked the qualities and abilities. But what made them feel strange was that Zhang Ye did not have any questioning reaction with the ten seconds of memorizing time. He remained extremely calm and returned slowly to his seat.


    Li Honglian fell into a daze as she tried to find anger and surprise on Zhang Ye''s face, but she could not find anything.


    The other interviewers found it bizarre, too. Was this kid really stupid, really stupid, or really stupid? We''d made it difficult for him, yet he did not have a single reaction? It seemed like they had done right. This silly kid would be useless, even if he was recruited. He was so stupid and not sharp-minded. He would not amount to much.


    Zhao Guozhou urged, "Begin! Hurry up! There are many people behind you, who are waiting!"


    Li Honglian and the other interviewers immediately gave Zhang Ye a score on his interview results. They did not bother listening before scoring. One wrote 20 points, while another wrote 15 points. They were all very low scores. Following that, they flipped to the next interviewee''s resume.


    Zhang Ye was not in a hurry, even with their urging. He looked at them calmly and recited in a rhythmic fashion, "A notary organization, which ensures judicial activities and the stability of social order in our country, is a specialwful cause. Notarization is done by a notary organization that depends on natural persons,wful persons or the other applications of other groups. Under the legal procedures set up by the courts, matters that deal with thew or documents that are needed to certify the activity require the procedures of a notary activity to be done in ordance with thew��"


    When Zhang Ye went off script for a hundred words, Zhao Guozhou raised his head.


    When he went off script for 200 words, Li Honglian gasped and looked at him with surprise.


    When he went off script for 300 words, all the interviewers ced the things in their hands down and looked at Zhang Ye in surprise!


    Zhang Ye was not affected by anyone and kept going on. "Because if the relevant parties provide false materials or fail to go through notarized procedures to obtain legal certifications, then there is a negative effect on the reputation of the publicly recognized bodies. Hence, faith is the most basic requirement in the notary industry��"


    In Zhao Guozhou and Li Honglian''s eyes, anyone who could memorize 300 words was a miracle and was something impossible, but Zhang Ye was still reciting!


    "This��"


    300 words!


    500 words!


    800 words!


    The interviewers'' faces turned aghast!


    When thest paragraph was recited, Zhang Ye remained at his constant pace, "As an embodiment of integrity, a system that builds on the society''s trust, a notary allows people to ept and adopt means to acquire trust." With a pause, he cleared his throat, "Thank you, Teachers. I''ve finished reciting!"


    A female interviewer''s pen dropped from her hand. "Lu Lu", it rolled down to the floor!


    Zhao Guozhou was in shock and turned his head sideways, "Old Li*? This�� Was it memorized correctly?"


    Li Honglian looked at the manuscript in her hand and gasped, "��920 words, recited verbatim!"


    The leftmost interviewer nearly fell from his chair as he said in surprise, "How did you do it? Ten seconds? You memorized it all?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I read things a bit faster than others and have a rtively good memory. A nce would be sufficient."


    Ten seconds was just enough to sweep through over 900 words. This wasn''t just fast, this was f***ing too fast! The person even wanted to ask if Zhang Ye had previously memorized the thesis, but he knew it was impossible. This thesis was unknown and was randomly found on the inte. Besides, there was no way it could have been disclosed beforehand. Li Honglian also randomly grabbed a topic, so how could that person know in advance!?


    F***! Are you even human?


    Zhang Ye''s act had shocked them all!


    A few interviewers were greatly surprised, as if they had seen a ghost!


    *Little surname will be seen verymonly in this trantion of the novel. It is usually used when an older person addresses a younger person, it is also shows a bit more endearment.


    *Old surname is used in a simr fashion, when a younger person addresses an older person with endearment.


    *Zhang Tenn is a y on a Japanese pornstar''s name, Wu Tenn/Ran Asakawa.


    *Zhang Jingkong is a y on a Japanese pornstar''s name, Cang Jingkong/Aoi Sora.

 Chapter 4: A “The Song of the Stormy Petrel” to Shock the Masses!

    <h4>Chapter 4: A ��The Song of the Stormy Petrel�� to Shock the Masses! </h4>


    Chapter 4: A "The Song of the Stormy Petrel" to Shock the Masses!


    In the room.


    Complete silence.


    In fact, they had not even prepared the second question. They nned to brush Zhang Ye off with the first, but now under these circumstances, the eight interviewers looked at each other without knowing how to give a score. ording to the on-the-spot performance, giving this young man a hundred points was necessary. No, it wasn''t too much to give him 200 points!


    He had read it in ten seconds? Recited more than 900 words off script?


    What sort of godly person could do this?


    Previously, the interviewers thought Zhang Ye was an idiot for not having any expression. However, apparently it was because he was extremely confident. He had never found the thousand words a problem. Correspondingly, it was them, the interviewers, who were idiots!


    However, if they were to give Zhang Ye a perfect score, then it was equivalent to hiring him. This young man''s written test results may have passed, but it was not outstanding amongst the more than 20 people. The differences between the candidates weren''t huge, so the interview was the best way to differentiate them. 80 points was a very high score, so giving a perfect score meant that he would definitely be ranked in the top two amongst the more than 20 people. Unfortunately, Zhang Ye''s qualifications were not eptable to them. His looks were too average and even a radio host who usually does not need to show his face would still need to show his face asionally. For example, there would be activities or public appearances. If his looks did not make the cut, it would affect the listeners after they saw him. Hence, good looks and a tall height were essential.


    Li Honglian was in a dilemma, "Old Zhao?"


    Zhao Guozhou sighed and said earnestly to Zhang Ye, "Little Zhang, we can tell from this interview that you are a rare talent. Furthermore, you are a specialized course graduate. We should greatly wee you; that is indeed the case. However, you.. chose the wrong profession. I do not need to talk about your looks. I guess your college''s teachers have given you advice on that matter. The radio profession is like that. How about this? I''ll give you a backdoor and we don''t need to have the second interview question. There are many positions in our radio station. As long as it''s a behind-the-scenes position and not a host position, you can choose any of them. I will pass you immediately. Bring your things tomorrow and report for work. If you want to go down the road of being a host, then it is really not easy. Think through my words."


    Without a second thought, Zhang Ye said, "Teacher, thank you for your kindness. I know my qualifications make my path arduous. However, I only want to apply to be a broadcasting host." This was his insistence on his dreams. If he were willing to switch to another job, Zhang Ye would have done so long ago. He would not have remained jobless to this day.


    Zhao Guozhou waved his hand. This kid sure didn''t listen to advice.


    Li Honglian also smacked her lips, "Are you sure? Let me give you a warning. The second interview question is not easier than the first. It''s almost impossible for you to pass. Youngd, it''s not that we are purposely making it difficult for you. Interviews are like that. We give a question of appropriate difficulty ording to the candidate''s qualifications. Your qualifications really can''t pass the threshold needed for a broadcasting host. That''s why our questions are correspondingly harder. As such, you need to have far more outstanding talent in order to mask the qualifications youck. I advise you to think over Director Zhao''s words."


    Wasn''t this making it difficult?


    You are intentionally making it difficult!


    Zhang Ye was a very stubborn man, and insisted, "There is no need to think about it further. Please give your second question."


    Li Honglian was exasperated at his failure to make good. She shook her head and was also angry. "Alright, I am in charge of the foreignnguage channel. There are many English-speaking talents in the station, but we arecking a person with talent in Russian. This recruiter was originally hoping to get someone who had a basic foundation in Russian. If you canpose a modern poem in Russian that makes us satisfied, then I''ll give you full marks for the interview!"


    Russian?


    He still needed topose a poem in Russian?


    Zhao Guozhou looked sideways at Li Honglian and did not make a sound. It was a tacit consent.


    The other interviewers had different expressions on their faces. Zhang Ye had showcased something that had left them speechless. They knew Zhang Ye was someone with ability, but not having good looks in the broadcasting host profession was a lethal deathblow. Except for a very few people with extremely outstanding talent, very few people could break through this situation. Hence, it could be seen from the second question that Li Honglian was not giving Zhang Ye an inkling of a chance. Russian? Zhang Ye''s resume was right in front of them. The foreignnguage listed there was only English. That was the only foreignnguage taught in the university. He wasn''t in a foreignnguage major and, even if he was in a specialized ss, a teacher would not be so free as to teach Russian! Without knowing thisnguage, there was no reason to even mentionposing poems. If you couldn''t even speak it, how could youpose it?


    Zhang Ye had already expected that the second question would not be easy, but he had never expected it to be of such difficulty. Not a single chance was given to him. And it was in Russian? Zhang Ye wasn''t even good at English. He had barely passed the basic eligibility test for graduation, so how could he know some bull**** Russian!? Damn it. I have a harder path ahead, just because I''m not good-looking? And I need to suffer such unfair treatment and torture? What are you basing it on? What are you basing your decision on, that makes you think I can''t make the cut? Why will no one give me a chance? I want fairness! Is that so hard?


    Li Honglian''s nails were tinkling on her tea cup. "The poem needs to be an original work of yours. Do not read the famous works of the famous Chen Tianmo or Wells. I''m looking at yournguage skills and also your literary knowledge. These are all rted. Begin."


    And it had to be an original poem? An interviewer even thought in his mind, "What''s the point of carrying on? Just get the next person. Even a person who professionally does Russian would not be able to use Russian topose a poem, much less a person who doesn''t know Russian!


    Chen Tianmo?


    Wells?


    Who are they? Why does it sound familiar?


    Zhang Ye suddenly recalled. Chen Tianmo was someone he caught a glimpse of when he searched the inte. He was now one of the most famous poets in the country. In the altered world, Zhang Ye''s Xu Zhimo poem collection by the window sill had changed into Chen Tianmo''s! He had nearly forgotten that this world no longer had Xu Zhimo or Pushkin. Recing them were this world''s poets and works he had never seen before. Zhang Ye finally refocused and had a brilliant sh in his mind. If he had never seen the poems in this world, then this world would definitely not have seen the famous poems of his world!


    Zhao Guozhou was slightly sympathetic and added on, "Little Zhang, it''s not toote to regret now. My offer still stands. You don''t have to take the second question''s test. I will arrange for a behind-the-scenes position for you."


    Don''t take the test?


    Why should I not take the test?


    Zhang Ye was already fed up. They had made it difficult for him so many times. Were they even done? You want an original poem in Russian? Sure! I''ll create a poem today just for you! I don''t know Russian? So what! Zhang Ye had never learned Russian, but that did not mean he didn''t know Russian poems! Were these two sentences in conflict? It waspletely not in conflict. Back in his college days, the broadcasting major teachers would create all sorts of difficult problems to train them. For example, Zhang Ye clearly remembered one from the second semester of his third year. Their vocal teacher had brought a Russian pronunciation recording of a famous Russian prose and forced Zhang Ye andpany to memorize it. Zhang Ye and his ssmates found it torturous and took a month before they memorized it. Those days were like a nightmare. But only after memorizing it did Zhang Ye understand his teacher''s intentions. His speaking ability and memory had greatly increased. This way of memorizing something and not through understanding the meaning behind the words was very taxing. It was likely that all those who came from the specialized ss had such a training experience.


    "If you can''t do it, let''s get the next person." Li Honglian began to chase him away as she flipped to the next resume.


    Zhang Ye recalled his Year 3''s basic skills and said, "Is prose okay?"


    "Prose?" Li Honglian was dumbfounded. You still want to do prose? This was even harder than normal modern poems. Furthermore, it was a foreignnguage''s prose. To Li Honglian, this was on apletely different level of difficulty. She was the only person present who knew Russian. But when she encountered prose, Li Honglian would find it extremely difficult to read it, let alonepose a poem. This Little Zhang sure was good at raising the stakes. "If you want to choose to do the harder prose, I will not stop you. As long as it''s an original Russian poem, any theme would do."


    "Alright." After he said that, Zhang Ye closed his eyes and stayed silent. He was adjusting his mood.


    "Are you done?"


    "Why aren''t you beginning?"


    "Forget it. You haven''t even learned Russian. Come again next time for an interview."


    "Can you stop wasting our time? There are still others waiting behind you. Go back. Your qualifications are reallycking for a broadcasting host!"


    After not getting a response for a long time, the interviewers became more impatient. They began nagging. None of them believed he could speak Russian. Wasn''t this a joke!?


    As they spoke with doubt and sarcasm, Zhang Ye sounded out from his diaphragm as his eyes opened. The first sentence he said left all the interviewers present gaping!


    "���֧�ߧ�-��-�ҧ��֧ӧ֧��ߧڧܧ֣����ѧ�-��֧է��-��ѧӧߧڧߧ��-�ާ���-�ӧ֧�֧�-�����-���ҧڧ�ѧ֧䣬���֧اէ�-����ѧާ�-��-�ާ��֧�-�ԧ��է�-��֧֧�-�����֧ӧ֧��ߧڧܣ���֧�ߧ��-�ާ�ݧߧڧ�-���է�ҧߧ���."


    "Ah?"


    "He really could speak it?"


    "Whatnguage was that?"


    Zhao Guozhou''s eyes zed over as he looked back at Li Honglian, "Old Li? This is?"


    The other interviewers stared back at Director Li. They, too, knew that Director Li knew Russian.


    But as they looked over, they saw Li Honglian''s eyes staring, and her eyes were everger than theirs. Without a word, everyone knew instantly!


    What the f***!


    You can even speak Russian!?


    Zhang Ye began speaking faster and faster. In his voice, it was mixed with pride and apathetic emotion. This was because this poem needed to be recited with such emotions!


    Gorky''s "The Song of the Stormy Petrel"!


    This was a Russian poem that everyone in his world knew. It was even in middle school textbooks. This poem was also precisely expressing the emotions Zhang Ye was feeling at the moment. He recited it with glee. Thest sentence was especially nearly shouted out by him!


    "�������-��ڧݧ�ߧ֧�-�ԧ��ߧ֧�-�ҧ���!"


    The poem was done!


    Everyone turned silly!

 Chapter 5: Being Hired!

    <h4>Chapter 5: Being Hired! </h4>


    Chapter 5: Being Hired!


    Silence!


    Not a single person spoke!


    Zhang Ye was not at all surprised to see them speechless.


    Li Honglian was already at a loss of words, "You�� That poem��"


    Zhao Guozhou could not understand Russian, "Old Li, trante it. How''s the poem?"


    Li Honglian cleared her throat with a cough, "That, I��I, too, did not understand it too well. *cough* I only understood a small portion."


    Ah? Even you, as a person who studied Russian, did not understand it? A few of the interviewers nearly fell off their chairs!


    "Prose poems are like that. Russian is also a bit harder to understand. Besides, Little Zhang said it pretty fast��" Li Honglian came up with an excuse.


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Then I''ll trante it into Chinese and recite it once again."


    Even after seeing Director Li being taken aback, a young interviewer was still unwilling to give up. He wanted to gain back some reputation for his Leader. As Chinese phrases were rich and contained all sorts of variations, it was different from Russian. Chinese was the only way to test a person''s ability. I can''t understand Russian? Then I can definitely make a fuss about the Chinese trantion! I won''t let it rest if you misuse a single word! I will fail you! This person still remembered the secret intentions behind his Leader''s words. So what if you know Russian? The poem needs to be good, too! You think that you can foolishly pass the test by saying some random Russian phrases? How can it be that easy!?


    Everyone had different thoughts as they focused fully on the Chinese version of Zhang Ye''s recitation!


    Zhang Ye could read some of their minds just by looking at their eyes. He knew that they still thought lowly of him. With a sneer, his emotions were perfectly aligned with his recitation. "Up above the sea''s grey nd, wind is gathering the clouds. In between the sea and clouds proudly soars the Petrel, reminiscent of ck lightning. ncing a wave with his wingtip, like an arrow dashing cloudward, he cries out and the clouds hear his joy in the bird''s cry of courage. In this cry-thirst for the tempest! Wrathful power, me of passion, certainty of being victorious the clouds hear in that bird''s cry. Seagulls groan before the tempest, - groan, and race above the sea, and on its bottom they are ready to hide their fear of the storm��"


    It was still calm in the beginning!


    However as the poem reached its climax, Zhang Ye''s tone became more pressing. His volume increased, "The wind howls . . . the thunder rolls . . . Like a blue me, flocks of clouds ze up above the sea''s abyss. The sea catches bolts of lightning, drowning them beneath its waters. Just like serpents made of fire, they weave in the water, fading, the reflections of this lightning-Tempest! Soon will strike the tempest! That is the courageous Petrel proudly soaring in the lightning over the sea''s roar of fury; cries of victory the prophet��"


    Why do difficulties always befall me?


    Why is the world always this unfair?


    But! So what if that was the case! So what if my body was shattered! This is the road I chose! I will not retreat! I have no fear!


    Zhang Ye took a final breath and said loudly, "-Let the tempeste strike harder!"


    The final stanza of the poem was engraved in the hearts of many in Zhang Ye''s previous world. It boiled one''s blood and, now throwing it into this world, it simrly injected itself into one''s blood!


    Zhao Guozhou turned dumbfounded hearing this!


    Li Honglian also felt goosebumps!


    The young interviewer who was thinking of finding fault with Zhang Ye''s poem was now speechless. He did not even dare to breathe!


    Silence!


    Seeing everyone stunned by his poem, Zhang Ye felt discharged of his anger. His emotions escaped from the poem, allowing him to recover his calm. This society judged people by their looks and, over time, he had grown ustomed to it. As such, he did not have any scruples, as long as he was selected, "Teachers, I have finished answering the second interview question!"


    "Ah�� Okay." Li Honglian''s soul finally returned to her body. Previously, her thoughts had flown into the tempest together with that Petrel.


    Zhao Guozhou said with a hoarse voice, "What''s the name of this poem?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "This poem''s name is ''The Song of the Stormy Petrel''. In Russian, it also has the meaning of a person predicting the storm."


    "What a good Petrel!" Zhao Guozhou may not understand Russian, but he could understand the Chinese perfectly. "A flying Petrel, a proud Petrel, a fearless Petrel. That is describing you, right? The power of poems is sometimes very miraculous. Youngd, you have given all of us a lesson today!"


    "I don''t dare to take thatpliment." Zhang Ye said.


    Everyone looked at Zhang Ye in a different light. Previously, reciting a thousand words off script had shocked them greatly. Now, a casual recitation of a Russian prose poem that was at the level of a grandmaster hadpletely conquered the hearts of all the people present! His performance had also pped all the interviewers in the face! Li Honglian had given this question to prevent Zhang Ye from passing the interview. It was clear that she was leading him into a trap, but she had never expected him to give a perfect answer. And the answer even included Zhang Ye''s anger and his unwillingness to ept the situation. It made them, as interviewers, ashamed!


    From which stone did this sort of amazing person jump out from?


    Li Honglian said with an expression that was hard to read, "That will be all for today. Go back and wait for the news."


    Was he epted or not? Zhang Ye was not sure either. He only said, "Alright. Thank you, Teachers."


    He walked away and closed the door. Zhao Guozhou, who was all picky with Zhang Ye previously, immediately mmed the table, "My Literature Channel''s broadcasting department wants this person!"


    Li Honglian disapproved, "Old Zhao, didn''t you say that you were eyeing that little Xu?"


    Zhao Guozhou turned indignant, "Little Xu can be given to anyone, but this person definitely cannot!"


    "Are you even being reasonable?" Li Honglian began vying for Zhang Ye, "I''m having first dibs on Zhang Ye!"


    "I was the one who had first dibs! Your foreign channel is not well-matched with him. With his literary prowess, he should definitelye to our Literature Channel. Say no more, Old Li. It''s settled. Whatever good seedlings we haveter will all be given to you. I will not vie with you!" Zhao Guozhou said without relenting.


    "I only want him.. and not anyone else!" Li Honglian said with a cold face.


    Zhao Guozhou said, "Last year, I had given up a good seedling to your foreign channel. This year, I''m definitely not giving up. Stop fighting me over this. Later, I''ll give you a treat and, at most, I''ll owe you one!"


    ����


    Afternoon.


    Jiaomen East.


    After returning from his interview, Zhang Ye did not go to his parents'' ce. He still returned to his rental apartment. The small apartment was about 30-40 square meters, but he still liked it here. After all, this was his first time leading an independent life after graduation. He could not rely on his parents for every tiny thing. He nned to return home, but only after he had aplished something.


    Lunch was sumptuous. It was fresh prawns and noodles. Of course, it was the Master Kong-branded instant noodles.


    Without money, Zhang Ye could only make ends meet by eating instant noodles. He did not find it tough while working hard towards his ideal goals and, instead, he found joy in it.


    Suddenly, without any premonition, a person opened the door with the use of a key.


    Rao Aimin, who was dressed in an autumn dress, entered the apartment, "How was the interview?"


    Zhang Ye, who was topless, was at a loss about whether tough or to cry as he put on a vest. "Landy auntie, can you please knock first? I have my privacy, too."


    Rao Aimin sat down with her legs crossed and snapped, "What sort of privacy does a little kid like you have? You did not pass the broadcasting host interview, right? I''ve already told you umpteenth times. Just make an honest living by working behind the scenes. With your looks, who would hire you to be in the spotlight? That is, unless they were blind!"


    It was quite a coincidence when the phone rang.


    Zhang Ye picked it up and it was the voice of a youth. "Hello, are you Zhang Ye?"


    "I am. Who is this?" Zhang Ye had a hunch, but he still could not believe it.


    The youth said, "I''m calling from the Beijing Radio Station. You have been epted and the higher-ups want to inform you toe to the Literature Channel the day after tomorrow toplete the necessary paperwork. Congrattions."


    "Yes. Thank you! Thank you!" Putting down his cellphone, Zhang Ye pped his thigh. Great! He got it!


    The telephone call''s volume wasn''t soft, so Rao Aimin also heard it. She said, surprised, "Aiyah. Hey? It can''t be! You actually managed to get hired? Every dog has his day. Even a rotten egg can be lucky one day!" Her tongue was indeed very venomous as she said, "Even you can be a host? Hehe. People have said that there are endless possibilities in the future for humans, but I never believed in miracles. However, after seeing you today, I finally believe what the miracle of life means!"


    Miracle of life, your sister*!


    Can you not be so disparaging?


    Zhang Ye was in a good mood, so he did not retort. He immediately picked up the phone and phoned his parents. He informed them of the good news that he was no longer a jobless person. He was to be a broadcasting host!


    Bing famous and being a celebrity was what he had always dreamed of. Today, he had finally taken his life''s first step. Although it was a tiny position and he did not have the looks or the height, but now, because of the game ring''s help, his dreams might actually be fulfilled. He remembered the notice disyed in his dream while the game was being installed. This game was to aid him in fulfilling his dreams, in bing the greatest superstar in the world. Now, the results were striking. The ability to save that he had obtained from the Lottery had helped him reverse the situation. The newbie incentive reward that had changed the literary background of the world had also yed a miraculous role. Today, he could use his imbnced knowledge of literature to build his fame. By ruing Reputation, he could draw at the Lottery, obtaining treasure items to help him fulfill his dreams of being a celebrity!


    I''m thriving!


    This bro is going to thrive!


    Immediately, Zhang Ye felt that even the Earth could not stop him!


    Bing famous? House?


    Girlfriend? That was really a problem!


    Bungalow? Have you even seen the world!? Can you live in that kind of broken down ce? Does it suit the status of a world-famous person? If one wanted to stay, one had to stay in arge mansion! Several tens of thousands of square feet in size!


    As for a girlfriend? It has to be at least a super beauty like Rao Aimin! A girlfriend? Finding a girlfriend with my qualities? Are you cursing me!? How can I not go out with three to five beauties at once? Wouldn''t it be a loss of face? I need to find at least five! That is just the beginning number!


    Rolls Royce car? Can you not be so humorous!? Can you really not be so humorous!? If I don''t sit in a bulletproof car when I go out, what happens if I get assassinated? Ah? What to do?


    Anyways, he would move up to the peak of the entertainment world, step by step. People would remember him. The world would also remember his bright and mighty name, Zhang Jingkong!


    Eh, that''s not right. You got it wrong!


    It''s Zhang Ye!


    *In this novel, you will see a lot of ''your sister'', ''your granny'', ''your grandpa'', etc. "Your abc" was originally a euphemism for "your mother" or other variations, which is a pretty vulgar curse word in Chinese that''s usually tranted as the F word.


    ''Your sister'' is amon phrase used online. It is a derogatory term; but when used against people, it has a humorous take to it. Most people use it without any malice. It is also usually used in conversations as a harmless retort (simr to ''screw you'' when used in a joking fashion), and can also magically reduce awkwardness in a conversation. The other variations for different rtives also have simr connotations.44

 Chapter 6: Laundry Day!

    <h4>Chapter 6: Laundry Day! </h4>


    Chapter 6: Laundry Day!


    Sunday.


    Morning, 7+A.M.


    Zhang Ye could not sleep from the excitement. He kept tossing and turning in bed, imagining a better future. However, he heard a knock at the door. Only he and thendy had his rental apartment''s keys. Even his parents did not have it. Without question, it was definitely thendy inviting herself in.


    The small room did not have a hall. The bed could be seen the moment that the door was opened.


    He heard Rao Aimin''s mature voice floating over, "Kid, are you sleeping?"


    Zhang Ye touched his nose and rolled over, "I''m awake. Are you looking for me?"


    Rao Aimin sat by the bedside and smiled. "You have been epted by the Radio Station and are reporting to work tomorrow. Shouldn''t you be returning the rent you owe to this big sister?" Saying that, she seemed to conjure a magic trick by pulling out a calctor and smacked on it a few times, "This month''s inte fee is also due. You need to add another 80."


    Zhang Ye yawned, "What are you saying?"


    Rao Aimin repeated, "You didn''t catch that? I''m telling you that your rent is now a total of 2,662."


    Zhang Ye, "No, what was the first line you said?"


    Rao Aimin blinked her eyes, "First line? Kid, are you sleeping?"


    Zhang Ye immediately covered his head with a nket, "I''m sleeping!"


    "Heh, you damn rascal!" Rao Aimin finally got around and smacked on Zhang Ye''s thigh ording to the contours of the nket, "Do you want a beating? Get up! Stop ying dead in front of me! Wake up quickly! If you can''t pay the rent, then do some housework, like cleaning the ce! Return it bit by bit!"


    Zhang Ye shamelessly said, "I''m still sleeping."


    "I''ll give you half an hour! I''ll be waiting at home at eight!" Rao Aimin said with her face darkened.


    Encountering andy who valued money as if it was her life made Zhang Ye suffer in silence. However, he really did not have any money this month. As such, he could only struggle to crawl out of bed to brush his teeth and wash up.


    Right, let''s see what the game ring is like now. This was the greatest thing he could rely on in his future bid to be a superstar.


    When he tapped it open, he realized that his Reputation had increased. Yesterday he had spent 100,000 points for the lottery, leaving behind 99,983 Reputation points. However, it had now increased to 99,999. He did not need to think to know that this was rted to his interview. He had been so outstanding and he had even used Gorky''s most famous "The Song of the Stormy Petrel". It was no surprise to have his Reputation points increased. Now he was just one Reputation point short of having another attempt at the draw.


    Reputation ismonly a very general concept. From a game''s perspective, it was a very vague word.


    Right, now that he had figured out how Reputation points were obtained, he needed to do some household chores for thendy. He wanted to see if he could add a Reputation point by doing this!


    Suddenly, a loud voice erupted from the corridor, "Little Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye realized that it was eight as he quickly wore his slippers and went to thendy''s house.


    Commercial and residential apartment buildings had long corridors. This corridor was almost all Rao Aimin''s property. It was quite obvious what having 20+ apartments in Beijing, with extremely expensive property prices, meant. Rao Aimin could be considered a rich woman. But it was strange that despite staying here for so long, along with the other renters, he had never heard of Sister Rao having any rtives or friends. She was not married and was also childless. They had also never seen Sister Rao work at a job, so everyone found this beautifulndy mysterious. No one knew how she was so rich.


    Rao Aimin''s house was on the same level. It was the biggest loft apartment on this floor. It was the kind where the upper and lower floors added up to more than a hundred square meters in area.


    The door opened and Zhang Ye walked straight in. "Landy, I''m here."


    Rao Aimin sarcastically quipped, "Was your Chinese Zodiac sign a pig in your previous life?


    Why are you so slow getting out of bed!?"


    Zhang Ye exined, "I was too happyst night and didn''t sleep all night. I''m still tired now."


    "You just got hired to be a radio host; do you need to make it such a big deal?" Rao Aimin hit him at where it hurt the most, "Now, the radio profession is no longer like what it was 20 years ago. There is the television and there is the inte. How many people still listen to radio?"


    Zhang Ye also knew that the radio profession was a thing of the past as he said sadly, "Hai, if only my mom gave birth to me 50 years earlier, then I might be able to grab an opportune time."


    Rao Aimin sarcastically said, "Your mom is just 50 years old; how is she to give birth to you 50 years early? Do you think your mom is a snake spirit!?"


    Zhang Ye, "��"


    See how venomous her mouth is!?


    Rao Aimin ordered, "Cut the crap and get to work!"


    Zhang Ye rolled up his sleeves, "Alright, tell me where to clean. I''ll do all your house chores today."


    "Wipe the ss, sweep the floor, wash the sheets and I''ll pass my clothes to you." Rao Aimin poured a cup of tea for herself and satfortably on the sofa. Her legs were crossed, making her look like a lord of thend.


    She was wearing a shirt and long skirt that was not considered stylish. Her feet wore ck ts. Although her dressing sense was old, beautiful people looked beautiful no matter what they wore.


    Hai, time to get working.


    Zhang Ye began busying himself sweeping and mopping the floor.


    Rao Aimin was a person whose mouth could not rest. Whenever she was free, she would trample on Zhang Ye by nagging, "What kind of wiping are you doing? I''m telling you not to do it haphazardly!"


    "I''m not doing it haphazardly."


    "Fine, fine. Go wash the clothes!"


    Entering the bathroom, Zhang Ye sighed as he sat down on a stool. He had thrown everything that could be washed into the washing machine. However, there were some clothes that could bleed their color or were not suitable to be washed with the washing machine, so he had to hand-wash them by soaking them and scrubbing. Piece after piece of clothes, Zhang Ye did not idle one bit for the entire morning.


    He had no way out. He had lost his human rights by being in debt.


    Afternoon.


    Zhang Ye finished his task as he felt extreme pain in his lower back.


    "Are you done washing?" Rao Aimin nced at the clothes hanging out in the balcony to dry. It was rare for her to not wag her venomous tongue as she said with satisfaction, "Alright, not bad. That will do. You can stay behind for lunch." Putting down the ancient book "ssic of Mountains and Seas", she went into the kitchen to cook.


    The existence of the "ssic of Mountains and Seas" had been modified by the game. There were things that changed and things that did not change in this world. Zhang Ye could only slowly learn and get used to the details.


    Zhang Ye was very happy. He had been eating instant noodles for too many days and now he could finally eat a proper hot meal.


    He sat on a chair to rest. After taking a few breaths, he opened the game ring''s interface. He realized that his Reputation score had increased by one. It was now 100,000 points!


    This additional point was given to him by thendy?


    It looks like his assumptions were correct!


    The game ring''s exnation of Reputation was, "The increment of Reputation is rted to the yer''s fame, exposure, achievement, trust, reputation and other rted factors."


    That is to say, if a person were to trust him, admire him or agree with what he did, then his Reputation would increase by one. The Reputation obtained from others could be stacked repeatedly. How did he figure this out?


    He figured it out from the interview from the previous day. There was a total of eight interviewers, yet Zhang Ye''s Reputation had gone from 99,983 to 99,999. He had 16 Reputation points added. This meant that when Zhang Ye recited the thousand words off script, the eight interviewers had given him a total of eight Reputation points. Later, when Zhang Ye recited the "The Song of the Stormy Petrel", they had given him an additional eight Reputation points. The numbers matched up perfectly!


    After figuring out how Reputation wasputed, what was left was drawing at the lottery. He wanted to see what he could get this time!


    Zhang Ye looked forward to an item that could allow him to turn into Superman. He would be so happy if he could be worshiped by the entire world.


    However, that was unrealistic upon further thought. Some people could be Spiderman from the toxins injected into their body from a spider''s bite, while there were others who had pieces of iron ced within their body to be Iron Man. Some people became Batman by spending many years with bats.


    Well, if that had any scientific basis, Zhang Ye felt that�� the chance of him bing an Instant Noodles Hero was more likely!


    He drew at the lottery, spending 100,000 Reputation. His remainder was zero!


    The lottery interface appeared as Zhang Ye deliberately blew at his palms. With a rub of his hands, he pressed on the button that began spinning the wheel!


    It began!


    The needle was moving very quickly on the spinning wheel!


    "Special Category! Give me a Special Category!" Zhang Ye muttered to himself. However, from the wheel''s setup, even a fool would know that the Special Category was extremely rare. Although he did not know what it meant by the introduction text, "Adds the purchasing privilege of buying a certain Merchant item", it was definitely not wrong to hope for a rare item, as that increased its value.


    However, that one to two percent chance of good luck did not befall Zhang Ye. The needle stopped and it was still pointing towards thergest Consumption Category.


    Treasure Chest (Small) dropped!


    As he opened the chest, light blinded him!


    Inside was something that looked like a stick of chewing gum!


    [Unlucky Sticker]: Effective once it''s stuck on. Bad luck will surround the person. Lasts for 5 minutes.

 Chapter 7: First Day of Work

    <h4>Chapter 7: First Day of Work </h4>


    Chapter 7: First Day of Work


    Monday.


    The weather god was not happy, so the haze was heavy.


    This was Zhang Ye''s first day of work. He wore a western suit and a tie. He came, once again, to the Beijing Radio Station respectfully and found the Literature Channel department upstairs.


    The radio station''s coverage was the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area. Some small cities in the northeastern regions could also receive the signal. Although it could not bepared to the Central Radio Station, its coverage and listeners were much greater than other local radio stations that were simrly ranked.


    The Leader''s office.


    Zhang Ye knocked on the door gently. After hearing a e in" from inside the room, he pushed open the door and entered. Sitting behind the office desk was a person Zhang Ye had met during the interview. He was Zhao Guozhou, who was in his 40s. He was the person in charge of the Literature Channel. Be it the radio station or the television station, this position in Beijing and several areas was called Director. Of course, there were exceptions; for example, Southern and Northern Hunan would call this position Master.


    "Leader."


    "Hello, Little Zhang. Sit down. Have you brought all the documents?"


    "I''ve brought them all."


    "Great. Someone from HR will do the hiring procedures for you, but there''s no rush with that. Drink some water and, after that, I''ll first bring you to the office in order to introduce you to everyone."


    "Okay, thank you for the trouble."


    Zhang Ye was very mindful of his speech, even during this simple exchange.


    After a while, Zhao Guozhou led Zhang Ye with a smile to the Literature Channel department''s office on the same floor. It was arge area and there were about 30-40 desks. As today''s programs might have already been pre-recorded, everyone did not look too busy. Some were ying games, while others chatting.


    Only when they saw their leadere did they stop ying and chatting.


    "Leader."


    "Good morning, Leader."


    Everyone greeted.


    Zhao Guozhou nodded and pped Zhang Ye on the shoulder. "Everyone, stop what you are doing. I''m introducing a newrade. Zhang Ye is a broadcasting major graduate from the Broadcasting College. He will be one of us, from today onwards. Please wee him." Although the Media College was its current name, it was previously known as the Beijing Broadcasting College. Its name was changed only in the past few years, so many people still called it by its previous incarnation out of habit. "��There might be some schoolmates of Little Zhang here. You are his senior brothers and senior sisters. Everyone, please take care of this rookie."


    The weing apuse was sparse. Some people gave an obvious questioning look.


    Zhang Ye grabbed the opportunity to say hello and gave a brief self-introduction.


    Following that, Zhao Guozhou called over a youth. He looked to be about the same age as Zhang Ye and could not be much older than Zhang Ye. However, there was no need topare their looks. He was much more handsome. "Tian Bin. Ah, you are radio host. Bring Little Zhang around these days to get him familiar with the business."


    Tian Bin offered to shake Zhang Ye''s hand, "Hello, Little Zhang. You can ask me anything if you have any doubts."


    Zhang Ye immediately used two hands to receive the handshake, "Brother Tian, I''ll be troubling you in the future."


    Zhao Guozhou said to Zhang Ye, "Little Tian is the radio host of our channel''s ''Late Night Ghost Stories''. Learning from him would be helpful to you." Previously, the Literature Channel had ghost stories on thete night channel, but the program name was different. It was probably changed by the game ring.


    After all the necessary procedures were done, Zhang Ye went to do the paperwork formalities for his hire. After he was done, it was already 10.30 A.M. Only then did he return to his office desk in the corner.


    A corner desk is usually popr amongst people, as the leader will not be able to see it, allowing one to skive. However, this corner was different. Firstly, it was not far from the entrance and secondly, there was a water fountain here. People came to and fro, which made it a busy spot.


    As a rookie, Zhang Ye could not do anything. Although his position as a radio host gave him wages higher than the office secretary or editors in the office, he was, after all, a rookie. No special seat would be left for him to choose.


    Tian Bin was sitting across from him with a board separating them.


    Zhang Ye looked around, as he had nothing to do. No one had given him any work, so he stood up and asked, "Brother Tian, what do you think I should do or learn?"


    Tian Bin nced at him, but his expression was clearly no longer the same as the one he had in front of the Leader. He did not care about him and said, "Familiarize yourself first."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye was not able to ask anything more.


    At noon in the station''s cafeteria, Zhang Ye took the opportunity to greet his colleagues in the same office, "Hello, Sister Wang. I''m new, so please take care of me."


    Wang Xiaomei''s gaze swept across his face and gave an unfeeling "Uh", before turning away.


    Zhang Ye had wanted to shake her hand, but now he got himself into an awkward position.


    Previously, he had gathered from everyone''s conversations that Wang Xiaomei, who was about 30 years old, was one of the starlets of the office. She was the top girl in the Literature Channel. The "Talk About the World" she hosted was the celebrity program that had the highest ratings of their channel. It was a humanities and history program, where the past and present were discussed. Wang Xiaomei was good at hosting and her looks were good.


    Although she was not as ridiculously beautiful as Rao Aimin, everyone who saw her would evaluate her as a beauty.


    Only Zhang Ye was not smitten by her, because although Wang Xiaomei looked pretty, she had no characteristics to her beauty. She wascking in temperament, which made her pale inparison to hisndy.


    For an entire day, Zhang Ye tried to build personal ties with people, but it was to no avail. It was as if everyone was not friendly with him. He seemed dispensable.


    Tian Bin was as such.


    Wang Xiaomei was as such, too.


    Only when it was time to knock off did Zhang Ye realize it when he happened to chance upon a conversation between the Literature Channel''s phone editor, Tian Bin, and another beautiful woman.


    The beautiful woman was most likely Tian Bin''s wife, as the two of them were holding hands. She had probably came to meet her husband after their work hours had ended.


    "Brother Tian, how did Zhang Ye get hired?" the phone editor asked.


    Tian Bin curled his mouth and shook his head, "Who knows? Just his looks makes him fail."


    The phone editor sighed, "That''s right. How can a person with such looks be a radio host? I seriously have no idea what the channel was thinking. I think I could do a better job than him."


    Tian Bin asserted, "Zhang Ye will definitely not be famous."


    The phone editor echoed, "Let''s not even talk about being famous. He might not even be able to get a program. All of our programs in the Literature Channel have permanent hosts. He can, at most, be a recement host or a guest host to take over for someone who''s sick. Do you think he can have his own program? I don''t even think that will happen next year. Let him endure through it. Heh, if not for the previous recement host being transferred to the News channel, would he have been hired with his looks? It would not even be his turn to enter the Literature Channel as a host."


    Tian Bin''s wifeughed, "Even such a person was hired? What a joke."


    Tian Bin said, "The leader even got me to lead him around. I don''t have that time."


    His wife said, "Then just ignore him. If he doesn''t have a program, the channel will probably transfer him to another department."


    The three of them walked as they chatted. They were unaware that Zhang Ye, who was by thepany entrance, had heard them. Speaking ill of me behind my back?


    Still want to transfer me away?


    What sort of people are they!?


    Clearly, the editor was jealous of Zhang Ye''s good luck. The other radio hosts also did not think Zhang Ye would aplish much. To them, Zhang Ye a recement host, who was no different from any ordinary article. As a result, this scene unfolded. No one in the Literature Channel valued him.


    Who told you I won''t be famous?


    Who told you that I can''t go on programs?


    Wait and see. I''ll let you open your eyes!


    People chased after fame and fortune in their lives. Zhang Ye was not greedy, as he only wanted fame and not money. He would put all of his effort and energy into bing famous, heading towards his final goal that was set by the game ring''s settings, which was to "be the greatest superstar in the world"!


    Hard work would always pay off. By abandoning all desires and to only strive for fame, he did not believe that he could not make it big!


    As for other things, like money?


    Well, what is money? How can it bepared to being famous?


    He had always treated it like dirt. He really did not care about other worldly things, such as money. He really did not care��


    Eh, wait!


    Zhang Ye suddenly stopped at the Western entrance of the station. He had used his foot to step on to something. Seeing that no one was looking at him, he bent down and picked up a dime that someone had dropped on the floor. He surreptitiously stuffed it into his pockets, before he carried on walking.


    Right, where was I?


    Oh, right!


    Who told you that I can''t go on programs?


    Eh?


    Who told you that?

 Chapter 8: Trying the “Unlucky Sticker”!

    <h4>Chapter 8: Trying the ��Unlucky Sticker��! </h4>


    Chapter 8: Trying the "Unlucky Sticker"!


    A week passed.


    That afternoon, Zhang Ye was sitting in his office, eating by himself.


    His lunch was a bun, a bun and a bun. Finishing three buns was enough to fill his stomach.


    After a few days of exploration, he was now familiar with his job, the equipment and the interpersonal rtions in his department. Zhang Ye learned quite a lot. But of course, all of that was self-learned. Tian Bin, who had been assigned by the Leader to bring him around, had ignored himpletely. After getting used to the work environment, Zhang Ye finished whatever was in hands, as he waited for an opportunity. He had not done a single program over the past week. It would even be good if he could be a stand-in host, but all of the eight radio hosts were each healthier than thest. No one got into a car ident or got struck by lightning. Hai.


    "Little Zhang." a person beside him called out.


    Zhang Ye nced over and said in a lukewarm fashion, "What is the matter?" He still remembered the feelings he had, when he had seen this person for the first time. It was of great shock. There was a moment that Zhang Ye''s mind unconditionally sprouted out a phraseһaliens have finally invaded Earth!


    Right, go ahead and think what he looks like!


    This person''s name was Li Si. It was a very native name. It was ranked alongside Zhang San and Xiaoming as the three most widespread names in the country. The reason why Zhang Ye gave him such an attitude was because the person who had been speaking behind his back with the Tian Bin couple was this phone editor. He had even criticized Zhang Ye for his ugly looks. Just thinking of it made Zhang Ye want tough. Shouldn''t you look at yourself in the mirror first? No matter how I look, I am at most average. What about you? No matter what, you can only be described with a poem!


    You are like the clouds in the sky.


    You are like the thick haze.


    You are like the bright moon.


    You are like the dust in the wind.


    �DUh, well you just aren''t like a person.


    Li Si put down a bunch of A4 paper. "Brother Tian will be beginning a new novel on the program tonight. Thest novel, ''Ghosts at the Zero Point'' has finished recording and broadcasting yesterday. Today, we will begin with "Recalling Spirits", and we have gotten the copyright for the storyst week. The n is to prepare for 50 episodes. This is the script for the first two episodes." The phone editor''s job was generally to vet the listeners who call in during a live broadcast. However, nowadays, as it was mostly pre-recorded broadcasts, the phone editor''s job was to do some text editing for some programs. Tian Bin''s "Late-night Ghost Stories" had always been arranged, annotated and audited by Li Si.


    Zhang Ye said, "Why are you giving me this?"


    Li Si looked at him and said, "Help Brother Tian to edit a few paragraphs. These paragraphs are a little political and the standards for broadcasting and publishing are different, so we need to edit it. Oh, I still need to mark up some words and other jobs. The program tonight will be broadcast live, so there isn''t enough time."


    Zhang Ye had been assigned by the leader to be led by Tian Bin. Since he could not say no to this task, he took it and edited it.


    In the afternoon, just before getting off work.


    Zhang Ye had finished the editing and had also read the first few chapters of the novel. He found it average and very cliche. ording to his understanding, "Recalling Spirits" was a very popr supernatural novel these days. The simplified Chinese edition had been selling like hotcakes; however, when Zhang Yepared it to the supernatural Tomb Robbers novel in his mind, the difference was great. This world''s supernatural novels were weaker in entertainment value and continuous suspense to the Tomb Robbers novel. When Zhang Ye checked the web to gain some understanding, he realized that this world did not have anything simr to Tomb Robbers. No one had written it and the state of the novel industry was in its beginning stages and wascking in richness.


    Suddenly, Tian Bin arrived for work. It wasmon for those who had night programs. Usually the host who had caught up to the live broadcasts would onlye to work in the afternoon or at night.


    Zhang Ye handed him the prepared scripts, "It has been edited." He no longer called him "Brother Tian", as this fellow was a very vengeful person.


    "Li Si gave the task to you?" Tian Bin read it once and said, "Oh, that will do. These modifications will do." He did not say any niceties.


    Li Si arrived at this moment and discussed the script with Tian Bin.


    Just as Zhang Ye stood up to get off work, the work that he had been eagerly looking forward to for a week came.


    An assistant from the editor team came looking for Zhang Ye. After seeing him, the middle-aged man quickly stopped him, "Little Zhang, are you getting off work?"


    Zhang Ye responded, "Yeah."


    The deputy said, "Hold on a while. I have something here."


    "No worries. Tell me where you need me." As a rookie, he had to be more hardworking. Zhang Ye knew this deep down.


    The assistant looked at the documents in his hand, "At night, besides the broadcast of the first episode of "Late-night Ghost Stories", there will be another broadcast. It''s the golden time period''s interview program. We have invited a guest, so there is a need for an additional host to help attune the mood. The Literature Channel only has you as a stand-in host. Uh, I''m just not sure if you are up to the task. After all, you have just been here for a week and you might becking in experience. It would have been fine if it was a pre-recorded program, which we can fix by re-recording and editing the material. However, we can''t do so for a live broadcast. If any problem happens, it''s an on-air ident, so I need to make sure."


    Zhang Ye immediately promised, "I have no problems with it. I am already familiar with my work. You can rest assured!" He had been waiting for this!


    The assistant from the editing team gave a faint "oh" and asked Tian Bin beside him, "Teacher Tian, Little Zhang is led by you? Do you think he is up to the task? If you don''t think there will be any problems, then I''ll let him try it out. The people for the program have been rushing me and the broadcast will happen soon, so we are in a hurry to prepare it."


    Zhang Ye looked at Tian Bin.


    Zhang Ye was hired to be a broadcast host, so he had to go on a show one day. Now, he had the opportunity and, typically, people would not hinder his future prospects and would say some niceties.


    However, Tian Bin''s reaction was far from expected. After staying silent for a few seconds, he frowned, "He has juste and isn''t familiar with the business. Forget it."


    Forget it?


    The assistant from the editing team was stunned and acknowledged it tersely.


    When Zhang Ye heard it, he turned annoyed, "I''m a broadcasting major, and have had practical lessons, so I''m already very familiar. I know how to use all the equipment, too��"


    Tian Bin interjected in a manner as if he was very experienced, "Little Zhang, I know you are from a specialized major and have good foundations. However, a live broadcast is different. It tests one''s spontaneity. You are still far from that and I''m saying this because I''m responsible for you. You should first slowly gain experience in broadcasting." With a simple sentence, he had destroyed the chance for Zhang Ye to go on a program. As for the reason, Tian Bin had obviously noticed that Zhang Ye''s attitude towards him had changed. He didn''t even call him "Brother Tian". Tian Bin sneered in his heart and naturally took the opportunity to suppress him.


    The assistant from the editor team had no other alternative but to keep the programyout and say, "Alright, then our channel''s Teacher Chen doesn''t have a program today, right? I''ll get Teacher Chen to make the appearance."


    With the opportunity lost, Zhang Ye immediately turned hostile, "Teacher Tian, I have not offended you, right? You did not give me any help on my job to give me experience. You never answered my doubts. Now, you don''t even know what my abilities are and you say I won''t do? You even took away the chance for me to a be ast-minute assistant host? And you spoke behind my back to scheme against me? Did I kill your father or your mother? Is there a need to be this ruthless?"


    Tian Bin did not expect Zhang Ye to dare to speak to him in such a manner and angrily said, "You repeat that again!"


    Li Si also rushed forward and said, "As a rookie, how can you speak to Brother Tian like that? Are you rebelling?"


    Everyone in the office turned their gazes towards them to watch themotion. Everyone''s eyes were staring, with no oneing forward to stop them.


    Tian Bin pointed at Zhang Ye, "This kid can''t even appreciate my kindness! I''m protecting you by not letting you go on air! It''s to let you build up your experience! And you actually yelled at me? And still said that I schemed against you behind your back? Are you maligning me?"


    Zhang Ye said coldly, "You know what you said back then with Li Si!"


    The two began to quarrel and no one wanted to be in the weaker position. Finally, a few colleagues in the office came forward to stop them. Actually, everyone knew that Tian Bin had the bad habit of speaking behind people''s backs, so they knew that Zhang Ye would not have said this without reason. Furthermore, Zhang Ye was being asked to be a substitute host. Not only did Tian Bin not care bringing the rookie around, he had even made him do all his dirty work. And when the rookie finished the dirty work, you still didn''t let him go on a program? This was indeed quite unreasonable. No matter who it was, they would definitely not be happy about this!


    Tian Bin and Li Si walked out angrily.


    Zhang Ye stared at their backs as he scoffed. He knew that people had to tuck one''s tail between one''s legs and behave himself at times; however, when people bullied him, he would not be courteous to them. Tian Bin had pushed it too far! Beat him? Then wait to get fired. Scold him? It was likely that would have the same end result. This was a job Zhang Ye had a hard time getting. He definitely could not lose it. He still needed to use the radio station as the first step to bing famous!


    Wait!


    That Unlucky Sticker!


    Zhang Ye suddenly thought of the new item he had won at the lotteryst week. He did not know how effective the item was and had never nned on using it. Whatever, since we''re in this state, let''s try using it on you! The game ring was what he would rely upon in the future. He had to understand how the items within were used and how effective they were. With his livelihood at risk, how could he not experiment? He really did not know how bad the bad luck would be!

 Chapter 9: The extremely unlucky Tian Bin!

    <h4>Chapter 9: The extremely unlucky Tian Bin! </h4>


    Chapter 9: The extremely unlucky Tian Bin!


    Chapter title is a spoiler, highlight it to read it now, or see it at the bottom.


    After work.


    "Hey, did you hear about it?"


    "I just went for dinner. What happened?"


    "The rookie nearly fought with Tian Bin."


    "Ah? Seriously? What happened?"


    Many people in the office began speaking in whispers. Everyone loved amotion.


    Zhang Ye did not go home either. He rubbed the game ring to open his inventory and took out the chewing gum-like object he had previously taken out from a treasure chest. He opened the package. And at this moment, Tian Bin hade back in from outside. As the two of them sat across from each other, their seats were in close proximity to one another. If Tian Bin wanted to get to his seat, he had to pass by Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye quietly stuck the Unlucky Sticker onto Tian Bin''s trousers with a finger. This thing could not be seen by anyone other than Zhang Ye!


    Pa!


    Tian Bin had the feeling that Zhang Ye had touched him when he walked past. However, when he looked down, he could see nothing, so he coldly nced back at Zhang Ye.


    The game ring made an announcement!


    The Unlucky Sticker has been used. Effective for 5 minutes. Countdown begins. 4:59, 4:58...


    Although Zhang Ye''s antics got on Tian Bin''s nerves, his mood today was still good, overall. "Recalling Spirits" was currently the most upward-trending ghost story and he had spent a lot of effort securing the audio & broadcast rights to the novel. A few other provinces'' radio stations hadunched a bidding war to secure the rights, but in the end, Tian Bin had won the rights. He had actually resorted to under-the-table methods and had went directly to the publisher, instead of the author, who was a rookie. He negotiated with the publisher''s management and promised a higher price for the rights. As to how the publisher would negotiate the payout with the author, it was none of Tian Bin''s business. He had only promised the publisher that the bid price would not be revealed to the author and that the station and the publisher would be the only ones gaining from this deal.


    Tian Bin saved no effort, as he wanted to make use of this novel to help boost the listenership of his "Late-night Ghost Stories" segment, attract more sponsorship and gain a name for himself.


    Beep, beep. Another short message came.


    Tian Bin looked at his mobile phone. It was a message from the publisher''s vice-president, wishing sess to Tian Bin''s radio segment, as well as a reminder to not divulge the fees agreed upon for the novel''s audio & broadcasting rights.


    Tian Bin smiled and, as he replied while he walked, something happened on the office desk to his left!


    A female colleague was thinking of taking her lunchbox and getting off work, but when she stretched out her arm, she did not pay attention, causing the lunchbox''s lid to crash to the ground with a "ding dang" sound.


    Tian Bin just happened to step on it and slip to the ground. With a m, he crashed to the ground!


    "Aiyah!"


    "Ah, Teacher Tian!"


    "What are you doing?"


    "Sorry, are you alright?"


    Tian Bin was in pain. But as he stood up, he waved his hand, "Forget it, forget it."


    He picked up the phone and saw that the message interface was gone, so he created a new message and typed, "President Li, please rest assured that we would not be asking about how you split the profits with the author. We will not be revealing our end of the deal with Li Gen either. This is not our first time working together, so you can trust me." After writing this, Tian Bin scrolled to President Li''s contact to send out the message, but at this moment, the colleague opposite was preparing to knock off from work. When she was passing Tian Bin, she identally knocked into him. The silk fan she was holding fell andnded, spread out on the floor.


    Tian Bin lost his bnce, stepped on the fan at the same time and then came crashing onto the ground once again.


    "Brother Tian!"


    "I am so sorry!"


    "You���� Aiyoo, my back. What''s going on!"


    This time, people in the office paid more attention. Two falls in the space of a few seconds?


    How unlucky could it get?


    Tian Bin stumbled onto his feet, so angry that he wanted to give a good scolding. He took a look at his phone and realised that while he was falling just now, he had scrolled to the wrong contact, which just so happened to be the author, Li Gen. President Li and him both had the surname of Li. Therefore, their contacts were just beside each other.


    Tian Bin felt really angry and nned on choosing the correct contact again.


    But all of a sudden, Li Si walked up from behind at a fast pace, "Brother Tian!"


    Tian Bin turned his head around, "Peng!!"


    The fluorescent light above his head exploded without a warning!


    The light tube''s pieces came falling towards them and gave Li Si a scare. His reflexes caused him to ce his hand forward to protect himself, but instead hit Tian Bin on his chin.


    Tian Bin screamed out, "Putong!"


    As he fell backwards onto the ground, his hands tightened and, at the same time, the message was sent!


    Li Si rushed to help him up, "Brother Tian! Sorry! This��"


    Tian Bin was nearly in tears, "What are you doing!? Do you not have eyes!?"


    Li Si scratched his head and said, "I''m sorry, Brother Tian. I wasn''t aware. Who would have thought that the light would explode?"


    But when he picked up the phone to take a look at the screen, Tian Bin''s face changed. Damn it! How did it get sent!?


    He wanted to save the situation, but it was already toote!


    This scene yed out in front of Zhang Ye. He saw clearly with his eyes how Tian Bin fell and was knocked into. Their colleagues wereughing, thinking, "What bad luck Tian Bin has today!"


    Three times!


    He had fallen down three times!


    Didn''t you check the almanac before leaving the house?


    But this was not the end. Just as the effects of the Unlucky Sticker was ending, the Literature Channel''s person in charge rushed in!


    "Tian Bin." Zhao Guozhou called loudly.


    Tian Bin acknowledged, knowing that something was wrong, "Leader."


    Everyone looked over, without knowing what had happened.


    Zhao Guozhou screamed, "What the hell are you doing!"


    "Eh?"


    "The author of "Recalling Spirits", Li Gen, just called and demanded that the contract be voided and for us to stop the broadcast of his novel!"


    "And if we infringed upon his copyright, he will send us hiswyer''s letter!"


    "Wasn''t this matter supposed to be handled by you?"


    "Why has it be my problem now?"


    Tian Bin didn''t dare to say a word and just looked down.


    The rights for the novel "Recalling Spirits" were all with the author and the same went for the audio rights. It was down to trust that the author allowed the publisher to negotiate on his behalf. Therefore, strictly speaking, without the author''s written permission, any agreements were not legal. This was how it was for "Recalling Spirits" and Tian Bin had only signed a contract with the publisher. If the author had taken his part of the payment, then the contract would have been in effect. But even so, if the author wanted to, he could have the contract voided!


    Zhao Guozhou chided him for a full ten minutes.


    Finally, the Literature Channel''s several managers arrived and everyone was discussing the issue at hand. Only then did Zhang Ye and the others understand what had just happened. It was now known that Tian Bin had an agreement with the publishers of "Recalling Spirits" for the novel''s audio rights. He would keep the agreed price a secret from the author and let the publisher keep a part of the profits. Actually, this was verymon in the industry. Even if Tian Bin did not purposefully hide the details, as long as the publisher did not mention it, the author would not have known. But somehow, Tian Bin''s message with all the details of the deal was sent wrongly to the author!


    Isn''t this a nail in the coffin?


    Isn''t this disgusting?


    Cancelling the rights wasn''t too much. If it were any other author who saw that message, the oue would have been much worse!


    Tian Bin exined, "Leader, this time it was my mistake, but I feel that we can continue with the broadcast. The contract has already been signed with the publisher, actually��.."


    Wang Xiaomei, who had not knocked off yet, replied with displeasure, "Are you going to fight the court case?"


    A head of the editorial team also chipped in, "It definitely cannot be broadcasted!" "Who will be responsible when problems arise?"


    They were a public institution and profits were not the main problem; responsibility was.


    Everyone was discussing back and forth, but finally Zhao Guozhou mmed his hand on the board, "Change the novel. All departments who have suitable ghost story resources, help out. Tonight''s broadcast cannot be cancelled. Use the shortest time and settle the new novel''s copyrights!" Zhao Guozhou pointed at Tian Bin''s nose and said, "It''s all on you! Wait for your punishment!"


    In contrast, Tian Bin looked like his father had just died!


    While Zhang Ye''s anger simmered, he realized the Unlucky Sticker had only been in effect for five minutes. Just a short five minutes had passed and Tian Bin''s luck became like this? This item is too miraculous! It looks like, in the future, besides the nickname "Zhang Jingkong", another nickname is necessary. Yes, how does "Famous Detective Kogoro Mori" sound!?


    Chapter 9: The extremely unlucky Tian Bin!

 Chapter 10: ‘Ghost Blows Out the Light’ is Born!

    <h4>Chapter 10: ��Ghost Blows Out the Light�� is Born! </h4>


    Chapter 10: ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' is Born!


    Outside the office unit, the sky waspletely dark.


    It was past 11 at night, and they were just less than 30 minutes away from the live broadcast at midnight!


    "Has it not been done?"


    "Leader, I really can''t find one!"


    "You have to find one, even if you can''t! Look at what time it is!"


    "Yes. Then, then I''ll try again. I will do my best!"


    Many people in the office worked overtime. More than ten people hurried about, trying to save the situation. If an idiom was used to describe the situation, it would be "all hell broke loose"!


    "Leader." Tian Bin asked carefully.


    Zhao Guozhou waved his hand, "Go to the broadcasting studio and wait there first!"


    Li Si ran inside the office and said, "There''s still no way. I have inquired about more than ten supernatural novels. Their audio rights have been sold to other websites or radio stations. I have also contacted the Beihe province''s radio station regarding some of their novels, hoping to broadcast them in a cooperative manner, but they refused. Also, there are some moremon horror novels, but due to the tight time schedule, there is no way of contacting them. Some of them don''t even have a way of contacting them."


    Zhao Guozhou mmed the table, "There''s not a single book?"


    Li Si said bitterly, "Supernatural novels are now in short supply. The market is still in its nascent stages and there are only just slightly more than ten books that are mature works. Radio stations from everywhere are snatching them up, too."


    An editor said, "The worst situation is for us to dy one to two episodes. We can then buy the copyright for them over these two days. Following that, we can resume broadcasting when we have the contract signed."


    Zhao Guozhou said fiercely, "This program has been ongoing for five years without a break. If it goes off the air, who will take up the responsibility? Besides, we have advertised the program over the past few days. Three of our channels have been continuously promoting the new novel for today''s "Late-night Ghost Stories". Who doesn''t know that the most important day of a novel is its first day? Although people do not know what book is to be broadcast, with such widespread publicity, there would at least be four to five times the usual listenership waiting for the broadcast today. Halt the broadcast? Are you going to say it? Today''s program has to be broadcast, regardless of anything. Hurry and try to make contact! I don''t believe that we can''t sign a single supernatural novel!"


    As "Recalling Spirits" was the hottest supernatural story today, the station had struck the iron while it was hot by promoting it. They had never expected that thisrge-scale promotional campaign had turned into a noose around their own necks!


    Tian Bin said softly, "If we really can''t make it in time, then��"


    Zhao Guozhou shouted, "Even if you can''t make it in time, you still have to make it! Since this trouble was caused by you, wipe your own ass!"


    Tian Bin did not dare to make a sound as his forehead sweated profusely. He felt oppressed, but he could not release his anger. Who knew that such coincidences would happen? If he had not slipped due to that lunchbox lid, he would not have closed the message window with President Li and he would not have sent the message to the wrong person. If he had not fallen because of a colleague that brushed past him, he would not have chosen the wrong name. If the fluorescent light did not explode and cause Li Si to hit him, he would not have wrongly pressed the send button. Tian Bin had never bungled up so badly in his entire life. However, with all these coincidences happening at the same time, Tian Bin found it very odd! Now with the program on the brink of a major incident, Tian Bin might even be faced with disciplinary action. He did not know how he had offended the Heavens. Why was he being toyed with? Tian Bin looked at Zhang Ye, as if he had seen a ghost. Ever since he had an argument with Zhang Ye, he had been unlucky!


    ����


    Midnight.


    Number five live broadcast studio.


    This was the Literature Channel''s dedicated broadcast studio that was very well-equipped.


    Zhang Ye and another staff member entered to test the devices. The staff member checked the headset, while Zhang Ye tested the microphone. There were still ten minutes to go, before the live broadcast entered countdown. Without the novel''s copyrights, there was no way to proceed with the live broadcast. What was there to say? This was not some talk show, where one could talk anything under the sun. This was a ghost story program. People switched on their radioste at night just to listen to this. Without any material, there was no way of going through with it.


    Across the studio was a transparent ss with a soundproof room on the other side. Typically, that was where the phone editor sat. After finishing his job, Zhang Ye went over. Zhao Guozhou, Tian Bin andpany began to enter, one after the other.


    A female assistant alerted them, "There are still three minutes remaining."


    Zhao Guozhou said to Tian Bin, "Go on up!"


    Tian Bin''s intestines had turned green, "Leader. How, how can I go on up? I can''t say anything without a story!"


    Zhao Guozhou, who was also experiencing tremendous amounts of pressure right now, bellowed, "Do you think that I don''t know you can''t say anything without a story!? But what can we do now? Eh! You tell me what I can do!" Pointing towards the studio, he said, "Quickly go in there! The program will be for an hour! I don''t care how you are going to hoodwink it, but just do it!"


    "There''s no way to hoodwink for an hour." Tian Bin refused to go on up.


    His other colleagues looked at each other. Up until now, there was not a single solution!


    The female assistant looked at the time, "There''s still another minute. 59 seconds��58 seconds��"


    Wang Xiaomei, who was the Literature Channel''s top star and one of the backbones of the channel, had also stayed behind. Seeing that Tian Bin had not moved from his seat, she reprimanded him, "Quickly! If you don''t even go on air for your program, then it will be a broadcasting incident! Think carefully!"


    A lesser leader of the Literature Channel also said, "Go on up first, before saying anything!"


    Tian Bin still remained motionless. His expression was miserable!


    The female assistant reported the time quickly, "There''s still ten seconds��nine seconds��"


    At this moment, Zhang Ye suddenly clenched his teeth and made a decision. You can''t do it? You may not be able to do it, but I can! Wasn''t he still gloomy about not being able to have a program? Wasn''t this an opportunity for himself!? No novel''s copyright had been given to them? Zhang Ye still remembered a few tomb raiding stories from his world! Although he did not know if that world''s novels would work in this world, he had to at least try! Taking in a long, deep breath, he primed his expression. His entire aura changed. As the female assistant was counting down the time, Zhang Ye took three steps first and then two steps into the studio. With his ass on the seat, he pushed the button that controlled the audio volume as he wore the headset.


    Everyone was stunned, with their mouths agape!


    "Little Zhang!"


    "What are you doing?"


    "Why did you go on up?"


    Everybody did not understand what Zhang Ye was doing. Without a single word of a novel''s script, how was he to do a program? Are you going to have a live broadcast just like this? Are you trying to pull something from thin air?


    Only Tian Bin heaved a sigh of relief and felt lucky.


    Three seconds. Two seconds. One second. The live broadcast began!


    With it done, no one could pull Zhang Ye out. The hearts of Zhao Guozhou and many others were now in their throats. How was Zhang Ye, who was a rookie that had just started work a few days ago, going to resolve this situation that had such a huge mishap? Who knows if it would turn out even worse!?


    Leaving it up to fate, Zhao Guozhou andpany gave up!


    On the other hand, Zhang Ye appeared calm and, in fact, seemed slightly excited. He calmly said, "Hello, everyone. This is the "Late-night Ghost Stories" program. I will be your DJ today, Zhang Ye. With thest novel that was highly appreciateding to an end, we will usher in a new work today, ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''!"


    Ghost Blows Out the Light?


    What was that?


    Zhao Guozhou andpany were stunned!


    Zhang Ye adjusted his tone and said with a low, deep voice. "Introduction. Grave robbing is not like touring,posing poetry, or creating art; we can''t be that elegant, leisurely, adoring or respectful. Grave robbing is a technical skill, a skill for breaking��" Zhang Ye said it neither quickly, nor slowly as he narrated, "All of these stories began with an iplete book my father left me. That book is the ''Mystic Secret of Feng-Shui, Yin and Yang in Sixteen Characters''. However, no one knows what happened to thest part of the book; the only thing left is the first part. What''s in the book is mainly about the secrets of how to read geomancy and the structure of tombs." The words and the tone used were very steady.


    Zhang Ye had chosen this book firstly because "Ghost Blows Out the Light" did not exist in this world. Secondly, this book had been really popr. Be it in its sales and or its resounding response, it was number one in Zhang Ye''s world at the time it was published. Ignoring theparison with other supernatural novels, it had led far ahead, whenpared against the most mainstream romantic novels back then. Thirdly, it was because back when he was practicing how to go off script and recite, he had used this book. Thus, he could still faithfully recite the content at the beginning of the novel. Even if there were mistakes or errors in his memory, it would not matter too much, as it did not affect the plot.


    *Ghost Blows out the Light is a famous novel in China. NomYummi on Gravity has actually tranted the first chapter as a teaser! Check it out here! Portions of the trantion was using NomYummi''s original trantion. Thank you to NomYummi!

 Chapter 11: Having His Own Program!

    <h4>Chapter 11: Having His Own Program! </h4>


    Chapter 11: Having His Own Program!


    On air.


    As Zhang Ye narrated the story, he spoke more quickly. It was at least much faster than Tian Bin''s speed. This was like how the personalities of people differed. Narrating a chapter also depended upon one''s character. Most of the time, Zhang Ye described the story at a fast to very fast pace. Of course, at important parts of the story, he would slow down when it was required.


    "First chapter. The Funeral Doll. My grandfather is called Hu Guohua and his ancestors werergendowners known far and wide. During their most glorious period, they purchased in the city three alleys that linked together forty houses. They were also involved in some politics and trade, donating provisions and assisting in transportation."


    Outside.


    Everyone did not know what was going on. No one had expected Zhang Ye to take over the job of narrating a ghost story and they were worried. From listening to the first few paragraphs, no one had much anticipation for the story''s content. Was this a supernatural novel? It was too in. Was this an autobiography? After describing for so long, it was all matters regarding the main character''s grandfather? And grave robbing was mentioned earlier on? Was robbing graves considered supernatural? There had never been such a novel of this type before. To them, only works that had been epted by the market and had experienced the trial by fire of readers were considered good. However, Zhang Ye''s grave robbing novel was something they had never heard of. As such, they immediatelybeled it as something that "was not up to mark".


    However, this view onlysted for ten minutes.


    When Zhang Ye described how the funeral paper doll made by the craftsman came to life and asked to marry Hu Guohua, Wang Xiaomei felt a shudder. Zhao Guozhou''s gaze turned serious as the entire atmosphere of the studio chilled down!


    The funeral paper doll had let Hu Guohua dig up her grave for riches. Eventually, when Hu Guohua could not resist the temptation, his liver was eaten by the paper doll. When the plot reached this intense point, everyone''s breathing had also tensed up!


    Tian Bin was stunned when he heard this. As this was a midnight program, many people working for the channel did not listen to it. Most people would have slept by that time; hence, they would not know much about ghost stories. However, Tian Bin was a DJ who narrated such stories. He dabbled with all these ghostly stories on a daily basis, so he had the ability to distinguish things. Initially, he had deemed it impossible for this grave robbing novel to have any market, as it had never appeared before. But as he listened, Tian Bin felt his pores contract. It was as if Zhang Ye''s mouth emitted a chill. The story had captured Tian Bin immediately!


    Was this an original work of his?


    How could this be possible!? He could write such stories?


    Tian Bin did not believe. Neither could Wang Xiaomei andpany believe!


    Only Zhao Guozhou had a vague idea of the situation. Thinking back to how Zhang Yeposed the poem, "The Song of the Stormy Petrel" during the interview, Zhang Ye had managed to surprise all of the interviewers. This was a very talented person. Else how could he be granted special permission to be hired with his looks? Zhao Guozhou had grabbed Zhang Ye from Li Honglian''s hands forcefully into his Literature Channel. Now, it seemed like he was prescient.


    One o''clock in the morning.


    An hour passed by very quickly.


    The number of people outside were the same as before. No one, including Zhao Guozhou, had left early. They were all listening to the story.


    The female assistant gestured to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye nodded to signal that he got the message and he stopped his story at a suitable spot, "Dear listeners. That will be all for today''s broadcast. I wee you to carry on listening in for the story tomorrow. Thank you, everyone. This is your DJ, Zhang Ye." Pushing a button to broadcast music, Zhang Ye took off his headset and heaved a sigh of relief. It would have been a lie if he said he was not nervous. He had made some mistakes during the process and nearly embarrassed himself. Thankfully, he had the basic foundations, hence Zhang Ye was still pretty satisfied with his first broadcast. There was still some room for a few ws.


    A staff member walked in quickly. What followed was a rey of prime-time programs, so he had to adjust the equipment.


    Zhang Ye walked towards the room that Zhao Guozhou andpany were in. After pushing the door open, he first apologized, "Leader, sorry. I took the initiative to take over the broadcast without discussing with everyone. Mainly it was because there was no time. I did not want the program to have any broadcast incidents and go off-air, too, so I suddenly thought of a plot and idea I previously had. I followed my thoughts and narrated the story. Since it''s my original work, then it would not cause any problems with copyright. I also thought pretty simply, uh, anyways, sorry to everyone. If the higher-ups want to pursue the matter, I will take full responsibility for it!"


    No one had any response as they were silent.


    Zhang Ye blinked his eyes, "Leader, I��"


    Suddenly, Zhao Guozhou raised his hands and slowly pped!


    A middle-aged man in the editing team also raised his hand and pped vigorously!


    Following that, a round of apuse sounded. It caused quite amotion in the radio station''s buildingte at night.


    Zhao Guozhou grabbed Zhang Ye''s shoulders and smiled. "Are you still apologizing? You have saved this situation at such an opportune time! Without you going on up, we don''t even know what would have happened to the program. Besides, your ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' was written so well. There''s nothing to say about the quality and neither can I pick on yournguage. I find it much better than the supernatural novels that our station has to pay top dor for. Great, I knew I did not make a mistake choosing you!"


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Thank you. I''m ttered."


    The female assistant also grinned, revealing her canines, as she secretly gave Zhang Ye a thumbs-up.


    Li Si''s eyebrows were knitted tightly. Tian Bin was also not in a good mood as he stared coldly at Zhang Ye.


    Zhao Guozhou pped his hands to attract everyone''s attention. "Alright, everyone has been busy all night. You have all worked hard today, so go home and take a rest." Again, he spoke to Zhang Ye, "Little Zhang, do you still have a follow-up to this story? Tomorrow you can just carry on narrating it. ''Late-night Ghost Stories'' will temporarily be hosted by you!"


    Me?


    This program was temporarily mine?


    There was no need to mention Zhang Ye''s pleasant surprise. He was, of course, overjoyed. He had just started work for a week and was a rookie amongst rookies. Without any experience, he was given a program that he could call his own? He had seized the opportunity at the most opportune time as he immediately said, "Thank you for the Leader''s trust. I will definitely do well!"


    Tian Bin could not ept hearing this, "Leader, letting him host? Then, what about me��"


    Zhao Guozhou said impatiently, "What about you! You didn''t even dare to sit on the seat during thest few seconds! If not for Little Zhang rescuing the situation, we would have a live broadcast incident! You shall be a stand-in host for now! And take some time to reflect!" After covering his mouth to yawn a few times, he walked out tiredly.


    "Leader!" Tian Bin shouted.


    Zhao Guozhou went home without even looking back.


    Wang Xiaomei stared deeply at Zhang Ye, before returning.


    Zhang Ye nced and said to Tian Bin, "Teacher Tian, I''m sorry. I will consult you if there is anything I do not know in the future." He did not kick Tian Bin while he was down and did not turn arrogant upon being sessful. He calmly said some pleasantries. Zhang Ye was pretty impressed with his own bearing. Look at me being so refined!


    Tian Bin was so angry that his eyebrows were tightly knitted!


    Earlier that day, Tian Bin had been all-powerful and had repressed the rookie, Zhang Ye, due to his qualifications. In a few hours, his program had been taken over by Zhang Ye! With winners crowned and losers vilified, it could be said that nothing could be taken for granted in this world! Tian Bin bit his mrs as he believed that it was still to be determined as to who had thestugh. The most important thing was to see the listenership ratings when they were released tomorrow. If the first day''s rating was still at the bottom, even after all the promotions, then Zhang Ye might be kicked away even if he did not make a mistake. After facing disciplinary action, the program would still be Tian Bin''s!

 Chapter 12: Tidal-like Good Comments from Listeners!

    <h4>Chapter 12: Tidal-like Good Comments from Listeners! </h4>


    Chapter 12: Tidal-like Good Comments from Listeners!


    The next day.


    Zhang Ye squeezed in the subway to get to work. He heard two men, who had just got on the train, speaking nearby. The topic of conversation made Zhang Ye''s ears perk up.


    "Old Zhao, did you listen to ''Late-night Ghost Stories''st night?"


    "Of course, I did. I listen to that program every night without fail. Eh, I thought you didn''t listen to the radio?"


    "I don''t listen to it, but my wife does. Yesterday, she forcefully made me apany her and had me listen to the program. You should know my wife, right? She has so much courage. If she sees a gangsterte at night on the street, just her voice will scare the gangster away. She listens to ghost stories just so she can sleep. She had never felt so afraid before. And strangely, yesterday, they had broadcast a new ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'', which scared her so much that she woke me up. I told her not to listen to it if it''s so scary and just switch it off, but she refused and was adamant about tuning in."


    "Haha, yesterday''s ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' was awesome. Although I was not fear-stricken, I did find it creepy deep down inside and could not sleep well. It was very good."


    "I also apanied my wife and listened till 1 A.M. It was indeed good."


    "I will carry on tuning in today. I really want to know what happens in the tombter."


    "That host is a rookie, right? His name is Zhang Ye? I find his narration very good. His speed was very appropriate, as the host from before spoke too slowly.


    As the two people continued to chat, they did not know that the Zhang Ye they were discussing was just a few meters away from them.


    Zhang Ye felt good hearing that. This feeling was so good. Opening his game screen to look at his Reputation, it was now at 10,677.


    Having bought the second ''lottery'' ticket yesterday, his Reputation had been depleted all the way down to zero. His Reputation had grown by more than 10,000 in a night. One had to know that ever since Zhang Ye was born, he had only managed to gain 200,000 Reputation in his more than 20 years of living. Now, with just a night''s time, he had nearly matched what he had previously gained in a year. This speed was indeed very fast. There was indeed no mistake in choosing a radio station as his first step towards bing famous. Besides, his Reputation would slowly increase. It would increase by one or two sporadically. It was the standard practice that every episode of "Late-night Ghost Stories" would be edited by specialized staff before they ced the recording on the radio station''s website. Clearly, the gradual increase in Reputation was from people who did not listen to the live broadcast the previous night and were instead from people who listened to the sound bite on the website and gave Reputation points to Zhang Ye if they found it good.


    Getting off the subway and onto the tform.


    Zhang Ye first went to a roadside store to buy cigarettes. His addiction was not too bad, as he would smoke two sticks whenever he encountered a good situation.


    "What cigarettes do you want?" the boss asked.


    Still Red River? This was the cigarette brand that Zhang Ye usually smoked. However, realizing that he was now at least a celebrity, smoking a 6 CNY cigarette did not match his status as a sessful radio host and a would-be famous world celebrity. Smoking a 6 CNY cigarette would be too embarrassing. A celebrity had to appear like a celebrity. They had to disy their financial ability and their social image at every moment.


    As such, Zhang Ye waved his hand, "Give me a pack of Double Red Joy!"


    ��Alright, this pack is 6.50 CNY.


    ����


    Reaching the office.


    There were many colleagues who had dark circles under their eyes, as they had worked overtime until veryte yesterday.


    Zhang Ye entered and was already ustomed to being ignored by everyone. He was preparing to take his seat to begin working. Now that he had his own program, it could be considered a promotion, so he naturally had a lot more things to do.


    "Little Zhang, you''vee?"


    "Good morning, Teacher Zhang."


    "I heard the program. It was awesome."


    "Right, I could note back yesterday, as I had something going on. I also listened back at home. I heard that it is an original work of yours? And without a script? Speaking whatever you thought on the spot? Amazing!"


    "No ordinary person can go on a live broadcast without a script."


    "Teacher Zhang is from a specialized major, so this is nothing."


    A few colleagues smiled and greeted Zhang Ye. Their attitude was very friendly.


    Zhang Ye did not make a timely reaction. Teacher Zhang? What Teacher Zhang? Are they��calling me that? Realizing this, Zhang Ye quickly turned humble, "Teacher Qian, Teacher Wu, Brother Wu, please don''t call me teacher. I''m still new and am just a student. I still need to learn a lot from all you seniors. Just calling me Little Zhang would do." As a person working in the media industry and someone facing the public, "Teacher" was a form of "salutation". It was not too much, but Zhang Ye knew his boundaries. With his present qualifications, other people may respect him by calling him teacher, but he could not ept it.


    By exchanging pleasantries, this was the first time Zhang Ye actually had a deep exchange with his colleagues.


    The reason was clear. Previously, people ignored Zhang Ye because he was just a stand-in DJ. He did not have the looks, so no one thought he could make it big; hence, no one bothered to build a rtionship with him. But now, things were different. Tian Bin had made a mistake and Zhang Ye had saved the situation at thest minute, preventing a broadcast incident. His story was also very good and he was temporarily made the host of the program. He had went from being a substitute to a main host, so the attitude of his colleagues naturally had a subtle change.


    Was this how the world worked?


    The way humans reacted was normal, so Zhang Ye did not make a fuss about it.


    Of course, there were still many in the office who pretended Zhang Ye did not exist. This was in the character of some of them, while there were others whose work had nothing to do with Zhang Ye. Although everyone shared an office, they all had different responsibilities. A portion of them even had good rtions with Tian Bin.


    Behind him, a female clerk walked over with a cardboard box in her hands. Inside, there were stacks of bound letters. After passing some letters to a few program hosts, she came by to the corner and was about to put the letters on Tian Bin''s table through habit, but after thinking it over and seeing that Tian Bin was not around, she nced at Zhang Ye and passed them to him. "Teacher Zhang, these are letters from the listeners of ''Late-night Ghost Stories''. Some of the letters are for Teacher Tian. As the postal service was slow, some of them were received only today. Some of them are yours. They were mailed out by the listeners early this morning."


    Zhang Ye said, "Thank you."


    "You''re wee." The female clerk walked away.


    Zhang Ye breathed in as he opened the letters. It was like the experience of a newly-wedded bride.


    The first letter was written by a child. His words were crooked and very innocent, "Hello, Teacher Zhang. The story you narrated is so good. My mother had wanted me to go to sleep early and even beat me up, but I still did not switch off the radio and listened to it secretly under the nket. I will listen to ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' from now on, daily!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and, with some thought, he picked a pen and wrote, "I am Zhang Ye. Thank you for your letter. You should sleep early and listen to your mother. Don''t stay upte at night. ''Late-night Ghost Stories'' is uploaded on the Literature Channel''s website, so you can listen to the broadcast online." After he finished writing, he found the female clerk and received her help in sending his response to the young listener, ording to the sender''s address. After returning to his seat, he carried on reading his letters.


    Second letter: "Today''s story is better than all the trash ghost stories from before by 10,000 times. This is the supernatural novel that resides in my heart!"


    Third letter: "I am a taxi driver who works the night shift. ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' is an awesome story. I will continue supporting it!"


    Fourth letter: "This is the best supernatural novel I have ever heard! I just want to say thank you to the program team! Thank you, Teacher Zhang! I finally do not find the nights boring!"


    There were more than ten letters and Zhang Ye read each and every one of them. He picked out three letters to respond to.


    He then switched on hisputer, so that he could read the letters in his e-mail inbox. Ever since taking over "Late-night Ghost Stories", someone had given him the password to the program''s inbox. After logging in, he realized that there were more than 80 unread e-mails. This mail was not written as formally as the hand-written letters he had received. There was more online ng.


    Liuliu59: "''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' is too cool!"


    Edhska115: "Great, Great, Great, Great!"


    Qqqry: "Teacher Zhang, say a bit more each day. I strongly request for the program to be extended. I have already rmended ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' to many of my ssmates and friends. I will be calling all of them up at night to ask them to tune in. Hehe, I''ll give you a ''like'' and be your fan in the future!"


    So many goodments?


    Zhang Ye found it to be extremely beautiful!


    Look at this. Look at this. This is the voice of the people!

 Chapter 13: The Listenership Rating for the Program Explodes!

    <h4>Chapter 13: The Listenership Rating for the Program Explodes! </h4>


    Chapter 13: The Listenership Rating for the Program Explodes!


    At 9 A.M., it was time to work.


    Zhang Ye was busy replying to letters from his listeners.


    Tian Bin and Li Si walked in together,te by a few minutes. But in an institution like this, the rules were morex than in the private sector.


    After Tian Bin arrived, the atmosphere became a little awkward.


    Everyone''s attention was focused on both Tian Bin and Zhang Ye.


    As victors were always more gentlemanly, Zhang Ye made his greeting, as if nothing had happened, "Teacher Tian, good morning." It was as though they had not quarreled the day before.


    Tian Bin ignored him, thinking begrudgingly, "That Zhang! Don''t get too c*cky. That ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' might not get you anywhere. Grave robbing? This was something illegal. These two words are already not positive and you are finished if the listeners do not ept it. When the ratings reach a new low, it will be time to get off your high horse. You won''t be jumping around for much longer. The listenership ratings will be announced soon. Wait and see!"


    Tian Bin was waiting for the listenership ratings.


    Zhang Ye was waiting for them, too. He, too, didn''t really know how epting the listeners were. Although he had received a lot of letters of praise, there were still some critics, some of which were quite harsh. Although this was just a small sample of the audience, what the actual results were still depended upon the whole listener base.


    The door outside opened and Zhao Guozhou walked in with his pot belly as he came for his inspection. He passed on some instructions to his oldrades and spoke with an editor, before setting his eyes on Zhang Ye with a littleugh, "Little Zhang. Uh, yesterday''s performance wasn''t too bad. Whether the rating is good or bad, your story was just too timely." Speaking of this, he spoke to someone, "Oh, right. Are the ratings for yesterday out? Why didn''t anyone give it to me?"


    Wang Xiaomei raised her head, "I just came from upstairs. They are still at it, but it should be ready soon."


    Suddenly, the female assistant, Xiaofang, who helped Zhang Ye the night before, briskly walked in with a form. The moment she stepped in, she took a quick look at Zhang Ye and handed the form to Zhao Guozhou, "Leader, the ratings have been released. These are the overall statistics for yesterday!"


    Zhao Guozhou acknowledged it and took a look, but he couldn''t help but be taken aback, "Did you take the correct one?"


    Xiaofang, with a wry smile, said, "Of course, I did. The statistics department directly handed it to me." While saying that, her eyes drifted over to Zhang Ye''s direction again.


    The leader''sment could not help but stir up everyone''s curiosity. Well? Was there anything wrong with the ratings?


    "Everyone, stop your work for a bit. I will be announcing the rankings." This was a daily affair of the Literature Channel. Zhao Guozhou would, almost without fail, announce daily the rankings for the previous day, so as to apply pressure on everyone. The top-ranked star segments with high listenership had high advertising fees and high bonuses. Segments that ranked at the bottom faced the risk of being cut, like Tian Bin''s hosted segment "Late-night Ghost Stories"'' previous novel, "Ghosts of Midnight". There were many parts in the middle which had been edited out and the ending was directly broadcasted. All in all, a total of over 10 episodes were removed due to theck of listeners.


    There was no choice.


    The station always reyed the day''s programs after 1 A.M., meaning that "Late-night Ghost Stories" was thest program of the day. Listener numbers were already limited due to this reason. How many people would want to listen to the radio thiste at night? Segments that appeared veryte at night, like this one, would never have a chance to bepared with the segments that were broadcasted between the golden hours of 7 and 8 P.M. The amount of people listening in could even reach a result that had a difference of ten times. Including the weekend, the Literature Channel had slightly over 20 segments in total. "Late-night Ghost Stories" was always ranked at around 20th ce, which meant it was either first or second if you were to count from the back. Even a lightning strike wouldn''t be able to move it. It was not that the segment was bad. They had the most loyal listeners amongst all of the Literature Channel''s segments. It all boiled down to the extremely limited audience base andte night timing, so how could it ever fight for a ce among the top spots? It would definitely be an international joke!


    Zhang Ye eagerly looked on with hope, but without any ambition. As long as it was not inst ce, he would be fine with the result.


    Zhao Guozhou announced, "First ce, "Talk About the World."


    This was Wang Xiaomei''s segment. She and her team were not surprised. Several years had passed with Wang Xiaomei''s segment always being ranked at the top, without losing its ce even once. Not only at their own station''s Literature Channel, the amount of ratings received was one of the highest amongst the Beijing Radio Station''s radio channels. It had a prime-time slot and a pretty female host, so other than the traffic and news channels, her segment had always outdone all the other segments.


    "Second ce." Zhao Guozhou read from the list, "Entertainment Daily."


    The Literature Channel, which included the entertainment circle''s news, could not bepared with the News channel in terms of its audience base. But they had their own fixed audience base, as well. This segment was also a standard fixture for second ce.


    It was time to reveal the third ce.


    But Zhao Guozhou held back for a long while, like he was reading off the ratings graph.


    "Old Zhao?" one of the managers who was close to him said suspiciously.


    Zhao Guozhou remained in his paused state for a short moment before announcing, "Third ce����." Stretching his tone, he finally said, "The third ce goes to��.. ''Late-night Ghost Stories''!"


    What?


    "Late-night Ghost Stories" ced third?


    Upon hearing this, Tian Bin freaked out from the inside! He was still wondering if Zhang Ye could carry on the tradition of being in thest ce, but somehow the results were as such! Were the statisticspiled incorrectly? That must be it: aption error! He knew his segment the best of anyone here. Tian Bin was wondering, "How could this unpopr program , which was on its deathbed, achieve such a high listenership?"


    Li Si was staring out of his gaping wide eyes!


    Zhang Ye did not expect such a result either and was shocked by it!


    Not to mention anyone else, the whole office was temporarily in shock. No one could believe their own ears!


    "Late-night Ghost Stories" ced third? This is not a joke, right? This segment was always rankedst or the second tost in the Literature Channel! Alright, as this was the first broadcast for a new story and the promotions were more than ever before, logically, the listenership would increase a lot. This was because listeners would always be curious and a new story would always attract them to find out what story would be broadcast. If it was any good, they would continue listening in; otherwise, they wouldn''t. Thereafter, the listeners would dwindle in number before settling on a steady number. But even if a new story could increase the ratings, this was too much of an exaggeration!


    Straight to third ce?


    Even doing better than the 5 P.M. and 9 P.M. segments?


    Doesn''t this mean that all the listeners pulled in by the promotions never turned off or changed channels once they heard the beginning of "Late-night Ghost Stories"? Almost all of them were retained by this story? That reason allowed the ratings'' average to be pulled up by so much?


    Even Wang Xiaomei, who was the host with the best ratings, reacted to this. Even her segment could not retain all of its listeners. Who doesn''t switch channels if they found the program boring? That''s why, even when the listenership rating was high at the beginning of the segment, it would slowly decrease towards thest half hour of the segment and, as such, the average rating would go down by at least half!


    But what''s with "Late-night Ghost Stories"?


    The average listenership was too scary!


    Instantaneously, everyone looked at Zhang Ye differently. A rookie who had just arrived, a novel ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' that no one had ever heard of - these led to thete night segment securing third ce in the ratings? Holy ****! You must be on drugs!

 Chapter 14: A late-night Segment has Actually Turned Popular!

    <h4>Chapter 14: Ate-night Segment has Actually Turned Popr! </h4>


    Chapter 14: Ate-night Segment has Actually Turned Popr!


    "Those are the top three for ratings." Zhao Guozhou was very pleased. He praised, "I would like to nowmend the team for ''Late-night Ghost Stories'', especially Little Zhang. For ate night segment to achieve a cing in the top three for its first broadcast, it is unprecedented and should be entered into the record books. I''ve seen the listenership ratings graph and there isn''t much of a difference between the upper and lower ratings throughout the program. Starting from midnight, it was always on a high and this shows the affirmation the listeners have about the plot. And because of the explosion of ''Late-night Ghost Stories'', this channel''s overall rating also rose. Let''s have a round of apuse for Little Zhang and wish that he would keep working harder!"


    Bba Bba Bba.


    Everyone reacted with apuse.


    But Tian Bin did not move; he couldn''t ept the truth!


    Zhang Ye sped his hands in appreciation, "It''s all thanks to the Leader''s help and everyone''s support; it wasn''t down to me alone."


    "Talk About the World" listenership 3.17%.


    "Entertainment Daily" listenership 2.29%.


    "Late-night Ghost Stories" listenership 0.98%.


    "Laughter Daily" listenership 0.92%.


    "People''s Broadcast Station News Highlights (Affiliate Broadcast)" listenership 0.89%.


    Sixth ce.��Seventh ce����the ratings had very little difference.


    This time, the segment inst ce was "Old and Young Story Club", taking over thest ce position of "Late-night Ghost Stories", with a listenership of 0.27%.


    After Zhao Guozhou finished announcing, he summarised the previous day''s results before letting everyone return to their work.


    Zhang Ye sat back down and got himself busy. On the surface, he was calm. But inside, he was bursting with excitement. If no one was around, he would have smiled until his mouth went crooked. Only after it sunk in did he calm down and analyze the reasons for the program''s poprity. The most important reason should have been because of market and environmental factors. The ghost stories and supernatural novels of this world was still in their infancy stages, so not many good works have appeared, yet. The ones that could be considered good numbered around 4 or 5 novels. In Zhang Ye''s view, these top novels would only be considered to be so-so; therefore, the market still hungered for more. Now, Zhang Ye had brought to them a story full of novelty about grave robbing, a story that was already tested and well-received in his world. The key was that this story was being first released on radio. It was an original story that was not avable anywhere else in the market and so it was not in anyone''s imagination that it would achieve such great results.


    That afternoon, the recording schedule was confirmed.


    The female assistant, Xiaofang, came looking for Zhang Ye while holding a slip, smiling sweetly, "Teacher Zhang, it''s time to do the recording for tonight''s program. You have Room 7 from 10 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. Don''t go anyter than 11:40 A.M., because there is another recording after that. Well, in the afternoon, Room 8 has a lot of free slots. If you are up for it, I will book the timings for you? We can book three hours at the most."


    Zhang Ye considered this, "Okay, then thanks for the trouble. Book it for however long it is avable for. I will try to record three broadcasts by today." Of course, it would be good to prepare a few broadcasts in advance while in good health and spirits, rather than to rush at ater time. Besides, in this line of work, having one''s voice in a good condition was imperative. If he caught a cold, it would definitely affect the quality of the broadcast, so it was better to be prepared.


    "Sure." Xiaofang blinked, "Then, should I help to prepare your manuscripts?"


    Zhang Ye waved his hands, saying, "No need for that. I don''t have any manuscripts. Let''s go straight to recording."


    No manuscripts? Xiaofang couldn''t help but look at him admiringly. Even the colleagues around who heard that were impressed. Ignoring theposition skills of the newly-arrived Teacher Zhang, just his off script reading skill was one of a kind in the Beijing Radio Station. Even for programs that demanded spontaneity like interviews, the host would still require a script of some sort for a guide, not to mention a program like story-telling!


    Tian Bin watched with envious fury. Look how everyone is behaving. It''s just a good result for the first broadcast and that''s to be expected. I don''t believe that the next few broadcasts will bring such high ratings. The station had been promoting it so strongly, so, of course, the first broadcast would be highly-rated. Tian Bin also had a broadcast for a novelst year and on the first day of the broadcast, he had received ninth ce. But the next few broadcasts'' ratings dropped exponentially by the day. In the end, it becamest ce as usual. Such is thew of programs in thete night segment and no one has ever managed to escape the ws of this curse!


    Wait and see what happens tomorrow and the day after! I will watch you cry when that happens!


    Tian Bin was already confident of his judgement!


    Other Literature Channel colleagues, even Zhao Guozhou, had simr thoughts. Luck probably yed a part for its first broadcast rating. No matter what, this was ate night segment: a midnight segment, in fact. This timing had the lowest audience numbers, so the ability to take third ce would be lost for sure. It would even be normal for it to slip to around the tenth ce.


    However, the way the situation progressed caught everyone by surprise!


    There was a slight dip in the listenership for the second episode of "Ghost Blows Out the Light". After all, even the best things would not be well-liked by everyone. If there were people who liked it, there would be people who disliked it. It could not be forced. After listeners who contributed to the first episode''s listenership rating left, the results dropped to the segment to sixth ce for the entire channel. However, immediately following the third episode of "Ghost Blows Out the Light", it ushered in another explosive breakthrough. It returned, once again, back to the third spot in the entire channel. Very clearly, although a small fraction of listeners had left, arge group of listeners gradually came in to rece them!


    Zhang Ye''s deep voice flowed from the radio, "Thousands of pieces of timber were used to build up a pyramidal tower that stood above-ground. There were red sparkling stars above the tower and, using the weak light to see, the foundation of the wooden tower was about two hundred meters wide, made of cement. Thousand-year-old cedar wood was used to build the tower''s body and it had a total of nine floors. Each floor was filled with dried skeletons, wearing all sorts of strange ancient costumes. There were people of all ages and genders. Each piece of wood was engraved with Tibetan runes. Is this a tomb? Who could have built a tomb of this size underground?"


    Many listeners in the city of Beijing felt an eerie chill while listening nearby their radios!


    Zhang Ye was listening to his own program at home, too, while checking the inte for messages andments, enjoying it thoroughly.


    "I''m finished! I won''t be able to sleep, again, tonight!"


    "Me, too. This part is too exciting!"


    "Can you not leave us with a cliffhanger? Why did it end here today?"


    "Strongly requesting for a bit more! I will not be able to sleep at ease!"


    The listeners'' feedback was very positive. The posters included the old, the young, both males and females. It covered almost all ages!


    About ten minutes after the program ended, Zhang Ye noticed on his Weibo a bigwig ount''sment. The verified ount belonged to a famous Central TV producer, Hu Fei, who had a following of over 600,000 fans. He posted, "Yesterday, a director from the station rmended to me ate-night radio program called ''Late-night Ghost Stories'', telling me that the novel being read was really awesome. At first, I didn''t quite believe it and, with a skeptical attitude, I listened to five episode broadcasts. But in the end, I was really impressed. I felt pleased, as I have read many supernatural novels, but none of those had amazed me this much. The country needs more of such great works."


    Below the post, many fans rushed to re-publish it.


    "''Late-night Ghost Stories''? Never heard of it. Is it that good?"


    "If Teacher Hu says he is impressed, then it must be pretty good!"


    "Haha, even Teacher Hu is rmending it? Looks like everyone''s aesthetic style is the same. I began listening to ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' from the first episode and cannot help myself!"


    Seeing this, Zhang Ye felt good. This was the greatest affirmation he could receive!


    ��


    The next day.


    "Late-night Ghost Stories"''s ratings for the past few days had been released!


    First episode: 0.98%


    Second episode: 0.69%


    Third episode: 1.01%


    Fourth episode: 1.14%


    Fifth episode: 1.27%


    After nearly a week of broadcasts, even though Zhang Ye''s program was still in the top three, it was still a far cry from the second-ced "Entertainment Daily". It was not likely to take second ce any time soon, but it had already firmly rooted itself at third ce, since it wasfortably above the fourth cing. Moreover, the rating was increasing ever so slightly by the day, meaning that there was still a lot of potential for improvement!


    Upon the release of the rating results, many skeptics were shut down, including Tian Bin.


    A miracle had been created! The sess of "Late-night Ghost Stories" made it unbearable for many toy their sights on it!


    Colleagues expressed wonder and admiration. As an unexpectedpetitor, the rise of thiste-night segment was too sudden!


    Even the traffic, music and news channels knew of Zhang Ye! That''s how it was in the station; what secret could remain a secret?


    "Hey, Ah Li."


    "Old Meng? What''s up?"


    "I heard an awesome person came to your Literature Channel? He pushed thete-night program''s listenership rating to third ce? It is catching up with the ratings of prime-time programs? Is that true?"


    "Yes, it''s true."


    "Awesome, too awesome."


    "You have not heard ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'', yet, right? If you listen to it, you will not be surprised. It''s a really good piece of work. And it has opened up the tomb robbing genre for supernatural novels. It is the founder! You may not know this, but for the past few days, the amount of letters sent in by listeners everyday is just crazy. There would be at least a hundred letters a day!"


    "Really? Then I must really give it a listen!"


    Zhang Ye was passing by, when he heard the discussion between the two. With a slight tinge of happiness, he understood now that he has firmed up his standing in the station. "Late-night Ghost Stories" had be a star program of the Literature Channel and by continuing to contribute to the listenership, Zhang Ye''s ce as a radio host will rise, too!

 Chapter 15: Opening a Treasure Chest Again!

    <h4>Chapter 15: Opening a Treasure Chest Again! </h4>


    Chapter 15: Opening a Treasure Chest Again!


    Weekend.


    Jiaomen, inside the rented room.


    It was Zhang Ye''s day off. "Late-night Ghost Stories" was a nonstop weekly program. Since the Saturday and Sunday segments were pre-recorded already and left to the female assistant, Xiaofang, to broadcast, Zhang Ye could afford to stay home and bezy. He woke up past 10 A.M. and stretched his body, before getting out of bed. The first thing he did was to bring up the virtual game screen to check on his achievements for these past five days. His Reputation points were at 110,000. Other than the first broadcast, which grew his Reputation slightly by just over 10,000, and the second broadcast, which added slightly less points, the remaining broadcasts, in total, added over 20,000 Reputation points a day. Seeing his Reputation grow so rapidly, Zhang Ye couldn''t be more pleased.


    There were enough points to draw at the lottery once again.


    Without any hesitation, Zhang Ye spent 100,000 Reputation points to open up the lottery, "This time, I''m not wishing for a Special Category. Giving me a Skills or Stats Category would do. I''ve already yed it twice, but have still not seen what is in the other categories!"


    Tapping on it!


    The needle began moving!


    Stats Category��Special Category��Skills Category��


    The needle slowed down and constantly moved past many other regions. Just as it was about to stop on the Skills Category, a slight jerk made it move forward. It did not hold!


    Missed by just a bit!


    Fine, it''s still a Consumption Category!


    Zhang Ye epted it as he opened the lid of the Treasure Chest (Small). Inside the chest was a clear bottle with a small wood stopper!


    "Invisibility Potion": Stealth mode activates after drinking it. Lasts 5 minutes.


    Seeing the game ring''s introduction to the item, Zhang Ye kept the potion bottle into his ring, as if it was something that did not matter. The inventory was like a spatial storage bag. As for the item he had drawn, he was clearly not very pleased. What''s the use for this? To peep in thedies'' room? Don''t be ridiculous. Zhang Ye had always been a gentleman. He would not do such nasty things. He had never even thought about it. Besides, the time limit was just a short five minutes. It was not enough to see a thing!


    Outside, sounds from amotion could be heard.


    After washing up, Zhang Ye opened the door to take a look. A bunch of tenants were crowding around in the hallway.


    "Landy auntie, the rooms are already expensive, yet you want to raise the rental?" a university student said angrily.


    "Yeah, you are killing us. This is exploitation!" a white-cored female shouted.


    Standing in the middle, Rao Aimin had a face which didn''t care for emotional pleas. She squinted her eyes and confronted all of them, "Houses are so expensive right now. Everyone else is increasing their prices. Do you think I am a charitable organization? If you don''t want to stay, there are others who want to. Hmph, to think you dare to argue with me. You, Little Zhao, when you owed people money and they came looking for you, who lent you the money to pay it off? And you, Little Xue, when you didn''t have enough for your school fees, who helped you?"


    The university student''s temper suddenly subsided. Speaking softly, he said, "Didn''t I return it all back to you already?"


    Rao Aimin staring with her beautiful eyes, "Paid back and that''s it? Have you all forgotten the good I''ve done for you? Eh? You ingrates! If you aren''t staying, scram!"


    Many of them stopped speaking, slowly moving back to their rooms.


    The others, who had not benefitted from Rao Aimin''s help, continued to protest the increase, but were scolded back into their rooms. Her mouth was vicious; any ordinary person would never be able to win an argument against her!


    After everyone dispersed, Rao Aimin spotted Zhang Ye, "Hey, Little Zhang. Get over here!"


    Zhang Ye wanted to hide, but it was toote. Begrudgingly, he followed her to her ce.


    After the door closed, Rao Aimin dragged her slippers-wearing feet to the coffee table, where a low-distribution cultural newspaperid. She flipped it open to a page, "I identally saw this in the papers I bought this morning. Not bad, kid. You were mentioned in the papers." She shook the papers and spoke in a strange manner, "Recently, Beijing Radio Station''s Literature channel''s ''Late-night Ghost Stories'' broadcasted a story called ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''. It attracted some good attention and even created history in the ratings of ate-night segment, gaining big sess. It has even subtly broken the situation of physical and web publications for supernatural novels. ording to this reporter, this story is an original work of the segment''s DJ, Zhang Ye. Hence, the sess of this program cannot be replicated."


    It was also the first time Zhang Ye realized he was in the papers as he rushed forward, "Let me see that."


    "Although the distribution of this newspaper isn''t very wide and is a bit biased, it''s still not bad. You had such results just after entering the radio station?" After attacking him once, Rao Aimin sat with her legs crossed and quickly changed the subject, "When are you paying the rent? If you can''t pay, then clear the debt by doing house chores. It''s about time to clean the house again!"


    Her attitude flipped faster than flipping a book!


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips, "Landy auntie, see, I''m already now in the papers and am a person with status and fans. Can I��"


    Rao Aimin did not wait for him to finish, "What status do you have? Your only status now is a debtor!"


    Zhang Ye bargained, "I can do house chores for you, but you need need to provide me lunch and dinner." He was almost unable to afford instant noodles.


    Rao Aimin leered at him, "You even gave a condition?"


    Zhang Ye grumbled, "I have not even eaten lunch. I can''t work, if I don''t eat."


    Rao Aimin clearly was reluctant as she curled her mouth before entering the kitchen. Afterwards, she threw a stic bag with buns inside, "There''s only this! I bought it in the morning!"


    Zhang Ye did not stand on ceremony. He wolfed them down right there and then without even heating it up.


    Rao Aimin said disdainfully, "You only know how to eat. Did you not eat in your previous life? However, let me tell you that eating buns can kill!"


    Zhang Ye had finished eating two buns in a blink of an eye as he nearly choked, "Eating buns can kill?"


    "Why would I lie to you. There was a resident here who diedst year because of eating buns. Who doesn''t know that!" Rao Aimin recalled.


    There was indeed a person who had diedst year. Although Zhang Ye was not here back then, he had heard about it after moving in. He was immediately scared out of his wits. In his previous world, he had heard of Sudan Red G, gutter oil and mmine which were big problems for food hygiene. Zhang Ye was already frightened. And now hearing that someone near him had died eating buns, his face turned white, as he cherished his life greatly. He tried to vomit out the buns that he had just eaten, but failed in doing so. Just as he felt like he could not tolerate it any further, he quickly asked, "How did that person die? Was it terrible?"


    Rao Aimin swept the dust off her legs and sighed, "It was terrible, so terrible. That day, after he went out to buy buns, he got hit by arge truck, killing him!"


    "He died from a collision?" Zhang Ye nearly fainted. "Then, what has that got to do with eating buns?"


    "I did not say there was any connection." Rao Aimin was in stitches, clearly having teased Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye, "��"


    Rao Aimin was feeling good as she smacked Zhang Ye in the head, "Alright, kid. Quickly tidy up the ce after eating. Also, fill up the bathtub for me. I want to take a bath."


    Her smiles were like flowers and her expressions were sultry!


    Although Rao Aimin teased Zhang Ye often and she had a bad temper, was older, had frequent mood swings, was cold to others, loved money like it was her life and was very venomous with her words, still.. she was very pretty!


    In Zhang Ye''s dreams, he also wished to marry and have such a beautiful woman as his wife!


    Hai. But upon further thought, it was quite useless. So what if you had a beautiful wife? After seeing her for so long and getting used to her, it would all be the same. It did not matter if she looked pretty or not. What? You don''t believe that? Let''s give an example. Who wouldn''t find his wife beautiful before marriage to the point of dying for love? But after being married for seven years, if you were to look into the eyes of your wife for more than a minute a day, then you can be considered to have been stung by your conscience and have rekindled your feelings!


    Oh, of course, if you are outraged and say things like, "Bullsh*t, even after another 50 years, or even 500 years, I will still find my wife to be as pretty as a flower, one that can topple countries and is the world''s number one beauty." Well, then I don''t even have to ask. Your wife must be beside you reading this book!

 Chapter 16: The Door Opened!

    <h4>Chapter 16: The Door Opened! </h4>


    Chapter 16: The Door Opened!


    Rao''s house.


    Second floor, in the bathroom.


    "The bath water is done." Zhang Ye shouted from inside.


    Thendy seemed to be on the phone and, after a while, she responded, "I can''t bathe. I need to go out and will onlye back in the afternoon!"


    "Ah? What are you doing?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "What I do is none of your business!" Big Sis Rao''s voice was never friendly. "I''ll leave the house for you to tidy up. Clean it well. Especially those windows on the South side. I''m leaving. Remember to close the door after you leave and don''t touch my items!"


    With a m, the door on the first floor closed.


    There was only Zhang Ye in the house. After he grumbled andined a few times, he did not sit idle and began working hard. He knew Big Sis Rao was tough on the outside, but soft on the inside. Many of the tenants mayin about her venomous tongue, but many of them had received help from her. Zhang Ye was one of them. Every time he hadn''t eaten, wasn''t it Big Sis Rao who settled his meals? Hence, he knew to be grateful. Since he had agreed to clean up her house, he naturally did so properly. After working hard all day, Zhang Ye was done and was covered in sweat. It was already noon, so he finished the remaining two vegetable-stuffed buns.


    As the ancient saying goes, when the belly is full, the mind is among the maids��Er, that''s not right.


    As the ancient saying goes, one should have an afternoon nap after having one''s meal and get a well-deserved weekend.


    Zhang Ye did not n on going against the ancient sayings. However, he could not rest with his body sweaty. He eyed the bathtub in Rao''s house with evil intentions. All Zhang Ye had in his bathroom was a shower tap. It wasn''t thrilling enough, while Big Sis Rao''s bathtub was a big bathtub. Zhang Ye had never enjoyed the sensation of bathing in a bathtub. Furthermore, he had filled it with hot water before, so it would be a waste not to use it. So although Rao Aimin had warned Zhang Ye not to touch her things, Zhang Ye did not heed the warning. After all, she would only return in the afternoon.


    Her house had two bathrooms and the bathroom in question was in Rao Aimin''s bedroom, upstairs.


    The bathroom wasrge and the bathtub was very wide. Touching the water, Zhang Ye found that it was still warm.


    Zhang Ye closed the door and began taking off his clothes. He threw his underwear and T-shirt into a clothes basket that was beside the washing machine andid down in the bathtub. After he pulled the white curtain, hefortably heaved a sigh of relief. Soon, he closed his eyes involuntarily as it was an extreme enjoyment.


    Half an hour��


    One hour��


    Unknowingly, he had fallen asleep.


    When Zhang Ye opened his eyes again, he was awoken by the mming of a door nearby. He realized the water''s temperature was no longer hot.


    "Phew, this damn sun is really burning me up!" The voice of a woman speaking to herself came from beyond the curtain!


    Who was talking?


    Thendy was back!


    Zhang Ye immediately reacted. His face was green. Sh*t, why is she back so early? Didn''t she say��Heh, what do you mean early? He had slept so soundly. Zhang Ye was in a panic. He felt like he had been caught red-handed and felt extremely embarrassed. But no matter what he did now, it was useless. Zhang Ye tilted his head and looked through the gap of the curtain, thinking of admitting his mistake.


    However, just this peek made it worse!


    Zhang Ye felt his nose turn warm. He nearly couldn''t control it!


    About two meters away, Rao Aimin had taken off her top and threw it into the washing machine. She did not wear much, it being Summer. Her back was facing Zhang Ye and she was currently bending her arms to unhook her bra. And soon, the nude-colored embroidered bra was taken off and thrown to the side. Her hands moved down as she cursed at the weather, while she began taking off the gray skirt she was wearing. With an unbuckle, the dress fell to the bathroom floor. After taking a step forward, Rao Aimin used her toes to fling the skirt into the washing machine.


    Thendy was always a person whose actions and words were swift like lightning!


    How swift was it? It reached the point��where just as Zhang Ye was about to shout out to her, thendy had taken off her bra and skirt at a speed which you can call as swift as lightning! Now she was bending over to take take off the pantyhose that covered those perfectly stic legs of hers.


    Zhang Ye quickly held back the voice that he almost released. He remembered the scene of himing to this ce while looking for a ce to stay, back in his previous world. The 30-square-meter room he was currently renting was originally rented by a jobless young hooligan. He had drank too much with a friend one day and, together with his friend, insulted Rao Aimin sexually. With his own eyes, Zhang Ye saw Rao Aimin, a female, beat the two hooligans from upstairs all the way to downstairs, with them not even being able to hit back. They ran away with their faces bruised. With the room empty, it was rented to Zhang Ye. As such, Zhang Ye knew how powerful thendy was and was always in awe.


    She had almost stripped off everything!


    He had also almost seen enough!


    It was already toote to say, "Sorry, I''m here!"


    Zhang Ye did not want to end up being beaten up like those two hooligans. Although the world background was different now, there had not been any fundamental changes in his interpersonal rtions. Thendy was still that woman who had the ability to fight against two young males single-handedly. What would be his oue if she kicked him with all she got? Furthermore, Zhang Ye was just taking his first steps in bing a well-known radio host. If he was caught peeking, then wouldn''t it be embarrassing? He definitely could not let thendy discover him. With a sh of inspiration in his mind, he quickly made a decision. He did not dare to make any big actions, as he was afraid the sound of the water sshing would reveal his presence. He could only quickly and gently open the game ring''s interface and take out the invisibility potion that he had drawn in the afternoon. Quickly, he opened and drank down the transparent liquid!


    In a second, Zhang Ye could see his body turn transparent and it seemed to merge with the water. He had magically disappeared!


    The game virtual screen began counting down!


    4:59, 4:58...


    Coincidentally, after taking off the nude-colored stocking, Rao Aimin turned around and pulled open the bathtub''s curtain and looked inside.


    Zhang Ye did not have the mental facilities to consider the miracle of being invisible as his body tensed up. He did not even dare to breathe. Under these circumstances, it was very difficult to hold his breath. He endured it so much that even his eyebrows stood up. The fragrance of a mature woman impacted his nostrils!


    That skin��


    That body��


    As for Rao Aimin, she really did not see Zhang Ye, who had disappeared because of the invisibility potion. She muttered to herself, "That kid Zhang Ye did not release the water, even after knowing I was going out. Was he waiting for me to use it to water the nts? To think that he became a host with such slow thinking. This is the first time I heard of radio stations being charity organizations. They will take in anybody!"


    Zhang Ye was wondering how much she hated him for her to scold him even when he wasn''t around.


    Some people may have a spiked tongue on the surface, but what was said was usually done in a joking fashion. However, Rao Aimin''s spiked tongue came from her bones. She loved to scold, taunt and put down people. Wasn''t this so? Even with Zhang Ye not being around, Rao Aimin had no intentions of being light with her biting remarks, even in private.


    "Hai, let''s see if the water has cooled down!" Suddenly, Rao Aimin reached out her hand towards the water without any warning!


    Zhang Ye''s soul nearly flew out due to his fright. Seeing thendy''s hand move towards his thigh, sh*t! He was about to be discovered!

 Chapter 17: Little Zhang, Quickly Run!

    <h4>Chapter 17: Little Zhang, Quickly Run! </h4>


    Chapter 17: Little Zhang, Quickly Run!


    Note: This chapter has been retconned by the author. This chapter is supposed to be rewritten by the author, but he has not done so. It is provided as is. However, note that the events can be considered as filler. It is likely the author is retconning the perverted personality of Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye couldn''t just sit around and do nothing. His invisibility was just an illusion; it was a trick. He could still feel his body physically exist and thendy could naturally be able to touch him, too. It wasn''t as if he hadpletely disappeared. If he was touched, not only would Zhang Ye have to endure Rao Aimin''s fury, but his greatest secret would be exposed, too. The game ring - no one could ever know of its existence. Not everyone could ept something so illogical and out of this world. And so Zhang Ye''s reaction was abnormally fast and agile!


    A split second!


    A second split!


    At this moment of danger, he��. He did nothing!


    Well, luckily Rao Aimin''s hand did not dip herself into the water. It was only deep enough to test the water temperature with half of her palm.


    "It''s still warm." Rao Aimin said to herself. She bent over and released the bathtub''s water. At the same time, she turned on the hot water faucet to fill up the tub.


    Invisibility time duration was still valid for four and a half minutes!


    Zhang Ye was d that he had not washed his hair, nor had he applied shower foam and that his body was rather clean. Otherwise, any floating things on the water''s surface would have given him away. There''s only one n left - RUN!


    Over there, Rao Aimin was already unable to withstand the hot weather and could not wait for the water. She took a step forward with her tight and beautiful legs and, with a tip-toe, she stepped towards Zhang Ye! At this moment, Zhang Ye could not remain motionless. Noticing that thendy''s gaze was not on the bathtub, he took advantage of the hot water sshing down to conceal his moves. He bent his waist and carefully avoided those white legs of hers and stood up from the bathtub immediately following that! At the same time, Rao Aimin''s other leg had made the stride as she stood in the bathtub, too!


    "Oh?" Maybe it was due to the turbtion Zhang Ye had caused while standing up, but Rao Aimin felt as if something was amiss as her face turned vexed.


    Twenty centimeters!


    The two people were separated by such a tiny distance!


    Zhang Ye held his breath and did not make a sound. He didn''t even dare to blink!


    After observing the surroundings, Rao Aimin seemed to brush away her suspicions. With a ssh, she sat down in the bathtub and let out afortable sigh of relief.


    There were still three minutes left of invisibility!


    Rao Aimin''s hip was nearly about to touch Zhang Ye''s legs, which were still in the bathtub!


    Zhang Ye knew that he could not wait any longer. Seeing thendy cross her legs in midair as she reached out to take the shower gel from the counter, he took the opportunity to quickly pull a leg out of the bathtub, which was quickly followed by the second leg. Although the sound of himing out was drowned by the rushing water, it still seemed abnormal. Rao Aimin, who wasthering the shower gel, frowned and focused once again. Her senses were very keen.


    She was met with silence again!


    Two more minutes left! Another 1:59!


    During the periods when he could not move, Zhang Ye could not help but check thendy''s body out. His throat was dry, but he did not dare to swallow. It was extremely ufortable!


    Slender!


    Well-proportioned!


    This was the body evaluation Zhang Ye gave to thendy. Although he had never dated because of his looks and height, with the advanced information age, he was no stranger to females. Even if he had not seen it in person, how could he have not seen it in pictures? However, Rao Aimin''s body lines were something Zhang Ye had seen for the first time. It was too well-proportioned and was perfect in all the right ces. Even at her age, she did not have the slightest b anywhere. There was not even a tiny amount of fat on her belly!


    Beautiful and a nice figure!


    Look at her and then look back at himself?


    Hai, sometimes the Heavens were unfair. Some people had things that he would not be able to obtain, even if he worked hard all his life. If he had such excellent looks like Rao Aimin by being handsome and tall�� The thought about bing a celebrity? To ability to develop his career? It could at least reduce the hard work he needed to do by a decade!


    It would be great if this world did not judge people by their looks. This was something that Zhang Ye had always felt helpless against. Look at the television programs from his world. What sort of rotten programs were "The Voice of China" and "Super Boy"!?


    Why weren''t therepetitions like "The Leg Hair of China"?


    Why weren''t there pageants like "Super Leg Hair 2014"?


    If the artistic realm did not discriminate and had ranks in the artistic world, then if he could make leg hair be popr, then Zhang Ye would not have such a low starting point. He would not have needed to endure the criticisms and difficulty in bing an unseen radio host.


    Forget it. There was no time to think about this!


    Zhang Ye walked sideways as he slowly moved around the bathtub''s curtain. After spending thirty seconds, he managed to reach the outermost part of the curtain. The opening to the curtain was also where Rao Aimin''s head was. Rao Aimin was enjoying her bath and had alreadythered up a lot of foam with her hands. Zhang Ye took a final reluctant look at her fully-foamed body, before squeezing out of the curtain. He had also identally touched a strand of thendy''s hair, but thankfully she did not notice it.


    The hair tickled him when it brushed past Zhang Ye''s thigh.


    There was less than 20 seconds left to his invisibility!


    Zhang Ye did not have time to reminiscence, as he gently grabbed his clothes from the washing basket beside the washing machine. He silently took a few deep breaths. Thankfully, thendy threw her clothes onto the washing machine and not into the clothes basket, or else she would have felt that something was amiss after seeing Zhang Ye''s clothes.


    Next, he needed to leave the bathroom. There was no way to hide the sound of opening the door, but Zhang Ye could not care less. Waiting any further would expose him, hence he carefully held the door handle!


    Ka!


    The door made a sound!


    Before he could rush out, the voice of thendy came in a killing fashion, "��Who?"


    The curtain was sewn, but it was not impossible to look out. Zhang Ye knew this, so he did not even wait before rushing out the bathroom. Only then did he pretend to open a door from the outside and say in a cold sweat, "Uh, Landy auntie, it''s me. Are you back?"


    Rao Aimin''s voice came from inside, "Oh, it''s you. Heh, why are you still in my house? Why didn''t I see you when I returned home?"


    Zhang Ye immediately answered, "Oh, I was outside helping you wipe the windows."


    "Really? You sure are quite dedicated. Alright. I''m still bathing. Since you did well, you cane here for dinner tonight!" Rao Aimin said.


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, then I''ll go back first."


    Rao Aimin said, "Alright, scram."


    Zhang Ye heaved a sigh of relief as the duration of the invisibility potion expired. Seeing his body slowly turning visible, he wore his clothes and dried the wet stains he had left behind with a cloth to remove the evidence of his crime�� After cleaning up the scene, he left Rao Aimin''s house.


    Today, his heart nearly failed!

 Chapter 18: The Channel’s Number One Girl Doesn’t Acknowledge Him!

    <h4>Chapter 18: The Channel��s Number One Girl Doesn��t Acknowledge Him! </h4>


    Chapter 18: The Channel''s Number One Girl Doesn''t Acknowledge Him!


    Note: This chapter has been retconned by the author. This chapter is supposed to be rewritten by the author, but he has not done so. It is provided as is. However, note that the events can be considered as filler. It is likely the author is retconning the perverted personality of Zhang Ye.


    A new week.


    Zhang Ye came early, as there was a meeting early in the morning.


    The small conference room in the Literature Channel''s office area nearly could not fit everyone. The main director, Zhao Guozhou, said with glee, "I have a piece of good news to tell everyone. Our Literature Channel''s overall average listenership has exceeded the music channel for two consecutive days for the weekend. We have once again taken over the top three spots in the station. There is no way to separate this result from everyone''s hard work. I suggest that everyone give a round of apuse for yourself."


    Bba Bba Bba!


    Everyone pped and cheered!


    As the news channel and the traffic channel were special, there was no way topete for the top two spots in the Beijing Radio Station. It was the same for television programs. How could a variety show or drama showpete with the Central News broadcast? No one wouldpete, except for certain heaven-defying programs or events, as there was no point and no meaning. However, third ce was something topete for. The third ce was always something the music and literature frequency channelspeted for. Thepetition had always been fierce over the past couple of years. Everyone heaved a sigh of relief after regaining third ce from the music channel, having been suppressed by the music channel for months.


    "Next, I will announce the listenership for the weekend." Zhao Guozhou picked up the document.


    "Talk About the World" listenership 3.19%, 3.27%.


    "Entertainment Daily" listenership 2.13%, 2.22%


    "Late-night Ghost Stories" listenership 1.39%, 1.42%.


    "Laughter Daily" listenership 0.92%, 0.93%


    The two numbers were respectively for Saturday and Sunday.


    Zhao Guozhou announced from first ce, "Talk About the World", tost ce, "Old and Young Story Club", and finally summarized his speech while looking at everyone, "There''s no need to talk about Xiaomei. ''Talk About the World'' has always been number one in our channel and its listenership has always been very stable. Right, I need to specially praise Zhang Ye this time. For us to finally exceed the music channel, we cannot ignore the contributions "Late-night Ghost Stories" has made. It managed to go fromst ce all the way to a segment with great listenership and that was all thanks to Zhang Ye. And maybe it was because it was the weekend with people sleepingter, which made "Late-night Ghost Stories" have another jump in its ratings. Very good, Little Zhang. Keep it up!"


    Zhang Ye humbly said, "Director Zhao: yes, I will."


    Tian Bin gritted his teeth as he nced at him with aplex look.


    The number one girl, Wang Xiaomei, the other hosts and the staff looked at Zhang Ye. They all had different thoughts about seeing this rookie host who had such outstanding results.


    Zhao Guozhou nodded, "Next, let''s discuss about the week''s tasks."


    Zhang Ye did not like meetings, as they would make him sleepy. It was the same during college. He always could not help but sleep after reaching a certain point. But surprisingly, he did not sleep today. As the talks droned on, Zhao Guozhou suddenly jumped up on the meeting table and danced the Rumba. Zhang Ye was instantly interested as he watched with worry at those old legs dancing and relished the sight. And then��well, Zhang Ye woke up. He noticed the host of "Old and Young Story Club" beside him. Fifty-plus-year-old Teacher Feng was pulling at his arms to wake him up. Zhang Ye immediately gave Teacher Feng a grateful nce. Hai, but he slept again.


    Zhao Guozhou was still droning on as he said to Wang Xiaomei, "Xiaomei, for tonight''s "Talk About the World" live broadcast at 8 P.M., it would be the rare topic on emotions. You will need to have intensive interactions with the listeners, so are you well-prepared?" "Talk About the World" was a more open segment. It would talk about almost anything under the sun, including about society and emotions,


    Wang Xiaomei said in a rxed fashion, "Leader, be rest assured. Although most of the shows were pre-recorded over the years, I have done several live broadcasts, too. There shouldn''t be a problem."


    "Then, that''s good." Zhao Guozhou smiled. "I''m at ease with you hosting it."


    Wang Xiaomei asked, "I''m nowcking a guest. The counselor, Teacher Jiang, we invited thest time can''te, as he''s out of town. We were informed only this morning, but if there''s really no one, I can do it alone."


    Zhao Guozhou gave some thought before saying, "It''s better if there''s a guest."


    A small director suggested, "Why don''t we get one of our channel''s hosts to make a guest appearance?"


    Zhao Guozhou''s gaze suddenlynded on Zhang Ye and, with a blink, he seemed to have an idea, "Little Zhang, why don''t you go? You are about the same age as Xiaomei and you are both young, so your values and emotional aspects should be simr and work well together. You can also use this opportunity to promote our channel''ste-night program. What say you?"


    Zhang Ye was stunned, "I''ll follow the Leader''s instructions."


    Zhao Guozhou made his decision, "Alright, then let''s have it that way."


    This was naturally a good thing for Zhang Ye. Although his ratings had improved by leaps and bounds, breaking records, it was still a great distance away, whenpared to the station''s top program, "Talk About the World". They werepletely not on the same level. If he could take advantage of her show to benefit his, it would be the best oue. Besides, Zhang Ye never gave up the opportunity for him to have an appearance. His goal was to be famous, so every opportunity to make an appearance was an opportunity for him to raise his Reputation points. Zhang Ye was dying for such an opportunity!


    However, it was clear that Wang Xiaomei was reluctant to ept this as she said unhappily, "Director Zhao, shouldn''t you find a teacher with more experience?"


    Zhao Guozhou said, "Little Zhang goes without a script, be it a live or pre-recorded broadcast, and you are doubting his ability to speak? I don''t think there is a problem."


    The meeting ended.


    People shuffled out from the conference room.


    Zhang Ye definitely had to talk to Wang Xiaomei about the live broadcast. As he ran to catch up with Wang Xiaomei, "Teacher Wang."


    Wang Xiaomei stopped, "Little Zhang, what''s the matter?"


    Zhang Ye thought in his mind that wasn''t it clear what he was doing, as he said, "About the live broadcast, shouldn''t we��"


    Wang Xiaomei cut him off, "This episode''s live broadcast does not have a script. We will just listen to the connected listener''s questions and give solutions. You do not need to speak much during the broadcast. You also should not speak, unless I allow you to do so. I have my rhythm, so you should just follow mine. Do not express too many of your personal opinions and rmendations in matters of the heart. I don''t think you have ever dated, so leave all the technical questions to me. If you were to say something wrong or give a wrong suggestion, you will influence my program''s listenership and the listeners'' trust!"


    Zhang Ye, "��"


    After Wang Xiaomei dropped those words, she left.


    Zhang Ye thought, "Did I provoke you? Why do you need to do that? I didn''t do anything to you, yet you had already attacked me repeatedly. Don''t you trust your colleagues? And what was that attitude? I''m, after all, our channel''s host with listenership rates that ce third; can''t you give me the most basic amount of respect? And to not let me express my personal opinion. just because I have never dated? You sure are funny. Thinking about the times back in school when so many young girls chased after me, but I never bothered paying any attention to them. This bro''s rtionship experience ispletelypletely��*cough*, forget it. Let''s not brag anymore."

 Chapter 19: Someone Wants to Commit Suicide During a Live Broadcast!

    <h4>Chapter 19: Someone Wants to Commit Suicide During a Live Broadcast! </h4>


    Chapter 19: Someone Wants to Commit Suicide During a Live Broadcast!


    At night.


    "Talk About the World"''s broadcast studio.


    Ten minutes before the broadcast began, Zhang Ye, who was the guest, came inside. Wang Xiaomei was already here, head bowed and busy with her preparations. She did not bother to look at Zhang Ye. Her phone call editor was also in the room, a youth whose face had many moles. Compared to Wang Xiaomei, he was much nicer.


    "Teacher Zhang, you havee? Please, take a seat here."


    "Okay. This is my earpiece?"


    "Yes, please put it on and test it. I will adjust it for you."


    "Yes, it sounds just nice; the mic is fine, too."


    "Then, the live broadcast is nine minutes away. I will go to the other side."


    The phone call editor went into the soundproof room. With every minute that passed, he gave a gesture to signal.


    In thest thirty seconds, Wang Xiaomei suddenly said, "I''ll repeat it; do not speak without thought and follow my views and rhythm."


    Zhang Ye replied indifferently, "Alright." She was, after all, more experienced than him. Regardless of results or experience, Zhang Ye could notpete. Moreover, he was here with hopes of promoting his program. Therefore, he did not take her attitude to heart.


    Three, two, one. The broadcast began!


    Wang Xiaomei fiddled with her equipment. She said, smilingly, "I hope everyone is well. Wee to ''Talk About the World''. I am your DJ, Wang Xiaomei. Some of you might know that today''s live broadcast topic is about the matters of the heart. We are fortunate to have a guest with us today. He''s our very own channel''s "Late-night Ghost Stories" host, also known as the author of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'', Teacher Zhang Ye. Please say a few words to our listeners."


    Zhang Ye immediately spoke into his attached mic, "Hello, listeners and friends. I am Zhang Ye. I''m very honoured to be here today with Teacher Wang to listen and try to solve everyone''s matters of the heart."


    Wang Xiaomei followed up, "The hotlines are already open. If you have met with any love issues, please feel free to call in."


    On the broadcast tform, there was aputer shown, which disyed the listeners'' and website''s real timements. Just as expected of the Literature Channel''s top program, the discussion atmosphere was very strong.


    User3577: Love topic program? Haha, this is great. Let''s see Teacher Wang take on love issues!


    User1041: Teacher Zhang Ye is here, too? My wife and I are listening to "Ghost Blows Out the Light" every night these days!


    User5502: "Ghost Blows Out the Light"? It''s a ghost story, right? There aren''t any good ghost stories these days. I''ve been let down by supernatural novels long ago!


    User2890: Friend above, that''s where you are wrong, I guarantee you that "Ghost Blows Out the Light" is different from any supernatural novels you have listened to before; it''s a ssic amongst ssics!


    User5502: Is that so? Then, I will go give it a listen tonight.


    User0019: Just the title alone sounds good. I will listen to it tonight, too.


    A star program''s promotional effect is really good. Zhang Ye knew that tonight''s broadcast rating should be able to go up a little more.


    On the other side, the phone call editor signalled; the call screening was done. Of course, such calls have to be screened. After all, it was a live broadcast and there would be troublemakers. As such, a professional phone call editor had to judge and pick, filtering for the correct topics and the reliable callers.


    Wang Xiaomei nodded, "Okay, our first caller has connected."


    "Hello? Is it me?" It was a female listener, excited, "Is it really me?"


    Wang Xiaomei said softly, "Haha, yes. How can I help you?"


    The female listener quickly answered, "Teacher Wang, Teacher Wang, you are my idol. My boyfriend and I both like you very much��." Upon saying that, her tone became a sigh, "But my boyfriend has been ignoring me recently. In the past, he wouldn''t get angry with me and now, he''s been throwing his temper at me every day. He even goes to the inte to chat with other girls and flirts with them. I peeked at his messages and they all say "Are you awake?", "Have you slept?", "Good night.", and "Remember to eat on time." He has never been this concerned towards me before! Teacher. please tell me�� What should I do?"


    Wang Xiaomei frowned, "Lady, towards these kind of men who don''t care about you, my suggestion has always been to break up. Such kinds of messages of concern might not seem like a big deal. It could be concern for ordinary friends. But let me tell you, this is actually a big issue. If it goes on, it could get dangerous. It also shows that his heart is not with you. If you mention an intention to break up, you are also sending him a message of where your limits are. If you bear with it, he will only be more encouraged and get further and further away from you. If that is so, why not just break up now? See if he is willing to change; if he does, you can consider being with him. If not, then it goes to show that he really does not care about you. It''s better to end it early in that case."


    The female listener replied, "Is that really so?"


    Wang Xiaomei looked at Zhang Ye, "What do you think, Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye blinked, "I feel it''s better tomunicate first. A rtionship is basically between two people. It might be because you have him too tight on a leash, leading him to feel like running away." Noticing Wang Xiaomei''s stern eyes, Zhang Ye added, "Ifmunicating doesn''t work, Teacher Wang''s suggestion could be a way out, too."


    On theputer disy, the listeners had big reactions.


    "Teacher Zhang Ye is a troublemaker!"


    "You should just break up with this kind of guy. Teacher Wang is right!"


    "Correct. If it were me, I would have given that guy a good scolding! Whatever does he mean by a problem between the two!?"


    "Haha, I like listening to Teacher Wang''s talking down about people; it''s so forthright. Teacher Zhang Ye, don''t make trouble!"


    One phone call����


    Three phone calls����


    Five phone calls����


    Wang Xiaomei was talking down to all of them! She advised them all to break up!


    Wang Xiaomei obviously thought that Zhang Ye spoke too much and did not follow her directions, so for the next few calls, she did not even ask for Zhang Ye''s views. Zhang Ye sat in his seat for a good half hour without saying anything. Zhang Ye wasn''t too happy either; he was here as a guest to express his views. Oh, but you are good, forcing me to express views that are yours? Based on what!


    "Our program ising to an end soon. Let''s go for amercial break and we will be back to answer thest call." Wang Xiaomei signalled with a finger to her phone call editor.


    Zhang Ye simply switched off his mic since he was prepared to not speak anymore.


    During themercial break, Wang Xiaomei stared coldly at Zhang Ye, "What did I tell you earlier?"


    Zhang Ye retorted: "We were just giving our own opinions; what''s the problem with it? I feel that matters of the heart should be given advice; as to whether they will break up or not should be left to themselves. We are only giving a point of view and our thoughts to them, not encouraging them to break up. This encouragement is well-liked by the listeners, but they just want to see the world burn. Who doesn''t like some excitement? But what about the couple? What about their feelings?"


    Wang Xiaomei was on fire, "Do I need you to teach me?"


    Zhang Ye threw back his arms, "So I will not say a thing anymore; you talk."


    The two of them were very unhappy. Zhang Ye did not care about respecting seniors anymore; anything can be solved amicably, but not something concerning principles.


    After themercial break, the live broadcast continued.


    Wang Xiaomei suppressed her anger, "Let us answer thest call."


    "Hello?" A voice of a very quiet female, young and likely not over twenty five years of age, spoke.


    "How are you? What issues did you encounter? You can tell it to us." Wang Xiaomei said.


    But it was thisst call that had a big problem. The girl said "My name is Xiao Li and I am twenty-three years old. I am a third year university student and my boyfriend graduated this year. But, his family arranged for him to further his studies overseas and he will only be back after five years."


    Wang Xiaomei questioned, "Where will he be going?"


    The university student said, "New York. I know that if he leaves, our rtionship will end. So I am trying my best to make him stay, but he refuses. He even made me promise to wait for him, saying that he will marry me when he is back after five years. But, I don''t believe it."


    Wang Xiaomei, seemingly unaffected by Zhang Ye''s words earlier, instead became more persistent in her way of handling these matters, "Lady, if your boyfriend really loves you, I think he would choose to stay behind. But it seems that he puts his career and development over your love. Such a guy doesn''t deserve to be kept. If you really wait for him for five years, then you are really silly. I don''t believe in long-distance rtionships; even if the love is strong, it will fade, eventually. End it sooner thanter; you should think about it."


    The university student replied weakly, "I''ve already thought it through."


    "That''s good." Wang Xiaomei pleasingly said, "That is all we can help you with."


    The university studentughed lightly, "Thank you, Teacher. I know what to do now. This phone call will serve as thest message from me. I hope my boyfriend can hear this."


    Oh no! There was something unusual with the call.


    Wang Xiaomei sensing something was wrong, "What are you doing?"


    The university student replied lightly "Holding my boyfriend''s razorde. Without him, there is nothing for me to live for anymore. Goodbye!"


    Zhang Ye shivered in fear!


    Wang Xiaomei suddenly felt anxious!

 Chapter 20: That “The Furthest Distance in the World” Poem

    <h4>Chapter 20: That ��The Furthest Distance in the World�� Poem </h4>


    Chapter 20: That "The Furthest Distance in the World" Poem


    Committing suicide?


    The razor de is already in her hand?


    The atmosphere in the broadcast room immediately changed!


    Wang Xiaomei was a veteran broadcasting host in the station and had seen all sorts of situations, especially unexpected incidents during a live broadcasting, like a listener calling in to curse or a piece of equipment failing; however, this was the first time she had encountered a person wanting tomit suicide during a live broadcast!


    Listeners by the radio immediately exploded in their reactions. Boatloads of messages began flooding in!


    "Is that true?"


    "Teacher Wang, quickly say something! Don''t let hermit suicide!"


    "Quickly persuade her! She''s just a twenty-two-year-old child!"


    "Why is she taking things so hard? Miss, you must not die! How can you do this to your parents?"


    However, the messages left by theizens obviously could not be seen by the youngdy!


    Wang Xiaomei gasped as she quickly said to the female university student, "Sister! Sister! You must notmit suicide! Listen to what this elder sister has to say!"


    The female university student replied, "There''s no need to say anything more, Teacher Wang. I''ve already decided that I can''t live on in a world without him. The distance between Beijing and New York is the world''s greatest distance. By leaving today, I hope that I can be closer to him. I believe we can be together in Heaven, forever."


    Wang Xiaomei shouted, "Why are you so silly!"


    The female university student said, "I''m not silly; it''s because I love him."


    "Put down the razorde first!" Wang Xiaomei hastily said, "This is you being irresponsible to yourself! It is also being irresponsible to your family! How can you just die like that after your parents painstakingly brought you up? You are too selfish! Have you thought about what others feel? Have you thought about how sad your parents and friends will be after you leave?"


    With a life on the line, Zhang Ye could not be bothered to argue with Wang Xiaomei. He signaled to Wang Xiaomei to stabilize the girl as he ran out of the broadcasting room into the telephone editor''s room. He closed the door and shouted, "What are you dazing around for! Quickly, call the police!"


    The telephone editor panicked, "Call the police? Right! Call the police!"


    Zhang Ye directed, "Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Give her telephone number to the police! Find out her address and quickly go to her rescue! If not, it will be toote!"


    The telephone editor immediately followed his instructions, "Hello, is this 110?"


    Suddenly, the door leading out was pushed open as seven people rushed in!


    The group was led by Zhao Guozhou. He angrily shouted, "What the heck? Ah?"


    The telephone editor pretended he was busy on the phone with the police and did not dare to respond to Director Zhao''s question.


    Zhao Guozhou had a bad temper and immediately mmed the table, "How did you screen the telephone? Eh? How can you let just any telephone call through? What were you doing!?" If the call was not chosen, then the female university student would not have listened to Wang Xiaomei''s extremist advice and might not have decided onmitting suicide. Taking 10,000 steps back, even if the girl eventually chose to take her life, at least it wouldn''t have been during their Literature Channel''s live broadcast and would have had nothing to do with their radio station. However, now with the telephone call having been connected, to the listeners, it was clear that the girl had decided to end her life due to Wang Xiaomei''s words and their program. With the negative news, it was obvious that their radio station would be pushed to the tip of the nk. "Talk About the World"? The Literature Channel''s number one listenership program? Those were all jokes! From the pressure of public opinion, their program would definitely face being taken off the air! There would be no way to recover from this!


    The Literature Channel''s deputy was also extremely anxious, "How is it, now?"


    The telephone editor put down the phone and said, guiltily, "The police have said that they will need at least an hour to find her address and her house. They asked us to dy as long as possible!"


    The "Talk About the World" program editing team turned pale, "An hour? There is no way we can do it!"


    Zhao Guozhou shouted, "You have to do it, even if you can''t! Hold on to her! Definitely do not allow her tomit suicide! Or our Literature Channel is doomed! All the programs will suffer a devastating blow!" They were working in the media, so they definitely knew the power of public opinion and the media!


    The back door opened once again!


    The radio station''s leader also rushed in, "Old Zhao!"


    Zhao Guozhou came forward, "Station Head Jia! Why are you here?"


    This was an old man, who was also the Beijing Radio Station''s Deputy Station Head, "You''re asking why I''m here? I''m here to see the trouble your program has caused! Immediately settle it for me!"


    Zhao Guozhou said, "We will definitely do our best!" He said to Zhang Ye, "Little Zhang! Go back and persuade her! You must hold her for at least an hour! You can ignore the programs after this! Everything will be dyed!"


    Zhang Ye responded and ran back into the broadcasting room.


    In here, it was soundproof, so there was no noise, only Wang Xiaomei''s continuous persuasion.


    "Sister, you are still young. This elder sister is experienced, so you must hear what I say." Wang Xiaomei said earnestly, "Just now, what I said was a bit extremist. Actually, if the both of you still have feelings for each other, it is not impossible. I have handled several such cases where the men are in a distantnd for many years, but the rtionship between the two when he returns is still as good as ever. In the end, they got married and had kids, leading a blissful life. Why can''t you?"


    The female university studentughed, "The distantnd you say is at most in the south and north of China. Taking a ne or a train will allow them to quickly meet. But it''s different between me and my boyfriend. Beijing and New York are on opposite sides of the world and is the world''s greatest distance. Also, due to the financial limitations and the issue with passports, we will probably never meet in the entire five years. I know this more than anyone else. Thank you, Teacher Wang. Thank you for your constion. I have already made my decision. Let me say sorry to my parents and friends here. I''m really sorry."


    Ba La!


    The sound of the de sounded again!


    At this second, Deputy Station Head Jia, Zhao Guozhou and all the members of the management outside covered their mouths and turned silent!


    Wang Xiaomei shouted, "No!"


    The female university student felt liberated as she said, "Goodbye."


    Zhao Guozhou''s lips turned pale. It''s over! We can''t hold on anymore!


    The other female staff members of the Literature Channel all screamed as they covered their ears. They could not bear to see this scene!


    Wang Xiaomei still wanted to persuade her, but she was already at a loss for words. The female university student was clearly a youth in the literature and arts department. She was artistic and very sensitive. She was immersed in her world and nothing could prate into it. This sort of person was the most terrifying, as there was no way of persuading such a person! Wang Xiaomei had already tried her best, but at this moment, she, as the person who always helped solve the emotional problems others, had imed to speak for women, but felt powerless and weak for the first time in her life!


    She was just 22 years old!


    She was still a university student!


    She was ending her life, just because of a rtionship?


    Zhang Ye''s face sank as he angrily turned on his microphone and rebuked, "Lady, do you know what sort of person I hate the most in my entire life? It''s self-righteous artistic youths, like you!"


    Wang Xiaomei was shocked, "What are you saying!?"


    Zhao Guozhou and the telephone editor outside were stunned!


    At this moment, on the brink of disaster, why are you provoking her? Do you really want her tomit suicide?


    "Why?" The female university student remained silent for a moment before saying, "I''m not self-righteous! I understand the gap in our feelings very well!"


    Zhang Ye coldly sneered, "This is why you are self-righteous. There is no distance for feelings. You previously said the distance between Beijing and New York is the furthest? That''s simply ridiculous!"


    "Why? Isn''t that the furthest?" The female university student asked.


    Zhang Ye pondered before saying a famous poem from his world.


    "The furthest distance in the world is not the distance between opposite sides of the world. It is that you don''t know that I love you, when I stand in front of you."


    "The furthest distance in the world is not that you don''t know I love you when I stand in front of you. It is when I cannot say I love you, when I love you so madly."


    "The furthest distance in the world is not that I cannot say I love you, when I love you so madly. It is that I have to bury it in my heart, despite the unbearable yearning."


    "The furthest distance in the world is not that I have to bury it in my heart despite the unbearable yearning. It is when we cannot be together, even when we love each other."


    "The furthest distance in the world is not that we cannot be together, when we love each other. It is when we turn a blind eye to it, despite knowing true love conquers all."


    "The furthest distance in the world is not the distance between two distant trees. It is when branches cannot depend on each other in the wind, despite growing from the same root."


    "The furthest distance in the world is not when branches cannot depend on each other in the wind. It is when the trajectories of stars cannot cross, even when the blinking stars look at each other."


    "The furthest distance in the world is not when the trajectories of stars cannot cross. It is when they are unable to find each other after crossing trajectories."


    "The furthest distance in the world is not being unable to find each other. It is when we are doomed not to love, even when we coincidentally meet."


    The air turned still and the atmosphere quiet.


    The deathly feel in the broadcast room suddenly turned gentle.


    No one had heard of the poem Zhang Ye had said. A few women were even mesmerized by the poem.


    At the final stanza, which was the critical ending stanza, Zhang Ye used his maic tone as a broadcasting host to recite it slowly, "The furthest distance in the world is the love between the bird and fish. One is flying in the sky, the other is looking upon the sea."


    The furthest distance?


    Flying bird and fish?


    This sort of interpretation of distant love was the first time everyone had heard it. Wang Xiaomei''s expression turnedplex. The telephone editor was entirely convinced, while Zhao Guozhou andpany were deep in thought!


    This poem had really shocked everyone present!


    It was a heartfelt shock that came right from within; it was hard to be described with words!

 Chapter 21: The Person Who can Cure a Cultured Youth is Another Cultured Youth

    <h4>Chapter 21: The Person Who can Cure a Cultured Youth is Another Cultured Youth </h4>


    Chapter 21: The Person Who can Cure a Cultured Youth is Another Cultured Youth


    The poem was done reciting.


    After seeing that the female university student did not answer for a long while, he carried on, "This poem is called, "The Furthest Distance in the World" and is also called, "The Flying Bird and Fish". Today I''m giving it you. Is Beijing and New York very far? I do not think so at all. You can still meet again, you can know each other again, you can fall in love again and can be together once again. Are you going to be defeated by this trivial geographical distance? Then your feelings isn''t anything worth mentioning. Lady, don''t use distance as an excuse. Do not use distance to avoid reality. In my opinion, the distance between you isn''t far. Think of the flying bird and think of the small fish. If you are stubborn and insist on being self-righteous, then I will not say another word if you were to sh down with the de!"


    "��"


    There wasplete silence on the other side of the line.


    Following that, the sound of a girl sobbing could be heard, "Flying bird��and fish��*sob*��Flying bird��and fish��"


    Upon hearing the sobbing, everyone in the broadcasting room were excited. Previously, she had appeared too calm, but now she had cried? This meant she was moved!


    The female university student said while sobbing, "Teacher, then��what��should I do?"


    Zhang Ye gave a thought, "I do not know what you should do either. This is your path, so you will need to find your own path."


    "But��*sob*��I don''t know how to walk down the path��" The female university student pleaded for help.


    Zhao Guozhou, who was behind the ss, gave Zhang Ye an exaggerated gesture! The other Literature Channel staff were also secretly worried. Why can''t you tell her what to do and save her? What do you mean, "You should find your own path?" What if she wanted to end her path there and then?


    Wang Xiaomei kicked Zhang Ye in the shin.


    However, it was as if Zhang Ye did not feel it.


    The female university student cried, "Teacher, you tell me��what I should do��I trust you��*sob*��I can''t sleep every day��What should I do��Everyday��I''m groggy��at night��I can''t see any future��"


    With her crying, Zhang Ye became calm, "Lady, I do not have the right or the way to help you decide your own path. Even if we tell you, you might not listen to it. You need to think it through carefully. Let me give you another poem. I hope it can enlighten you somewhat."


    Another poem?


    The people outside held their breaths again.


    Zhang Ye said deeply, "The dark night gave me ck eyes, but I use them to seek the light."


    Again, this poem did not exist in this world, but it was famous in Zhang Ye''s world. It was Gu Cheng''s "A Generation". The entire poem only had those two verses. It was very short, but it contained within it a lot of energy. It was difficult to dissect and analyze the meanings within the poem. It could only be said that different people would have different insights. Zhang Ye gave her this poem, hoping she would be enlightened. At least, when Zhang Ye was previously lost, this poem had apanied him for a long period of time.


    "The dark night��gave me ck eyes, but I use��them to seek the light." The female university student repeated it again and slowly stopped crying.


    Five minutes.


    Ten minutes.


    The female university student suddenly spoke, "Teacher Zhang Ye, thank you. I think I know what I should do. I will wait for him. I also want to wait for him. Regardless of the final oue, I will not try tomit suicide again. Thank you. Your two poems�� I will remember them for life!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I wish you happiness. I also believe a gooddy like you will be happy."


    Theizen listeners in front of theirputer screens started sending in messages in an explosive manner, breaking all historical records. No number of refreshes were enough to show all of them!


    "Heavens!"


    "Teacher Zhang is too good!"


    "Right, this is the first time I''m seeing a broadcast host who can speak so well!"


    "''The Furthest Distance in the World''? This poem has too much feeling!"


    "I think theter poem was the best. The dark night gave me ck eyes, but I use them to seek the light. It''s a superb poem, a superb poem for the ages!"


    "No wonder he is able to write a divine work like "Ghost Blows Out the Light". I finally understand Teacher Zhang Ye''s artistic standards. It is evidenced by these two poems!"


    "Saving a life is better than building a seven-storey pagoda. I''ve decided to support and listen to "Late-night Ghost Stories" every day!"


    With the situation assuaged, Wang Xiaomei let out a long sigh of relief and quickly said to the listeners, "Thank you to everyone listening in to ''Talk About the World''. We will meet you again tomorrow at the same time."


    With the transmission cut, the live broadcast ended!


    Wang Xiaomei slumped into her chair as if she had lost all strength.


    Zhang Ye gave a wry smile as he touched his neck. He was also covered in sweat. D*mn it, to think I met a suicide situation on my first time being a guest! Can it even get any better!? Thankfully, he had the wisdom of the ancients and managed to somehow convince thedy!


    The outer door opened as people rushed in.


    Deputy Station Head Jia was no longer around. Zhao Guozhou was the first to enter and he said loudly, "Well done, Little Zhang! You did beautifully!"


    "It was really thrilling!"


    "Indeed, our Teacher Zhang is talented!"


    People began to admire and praise him!


    Zhang Ye''s telephone editor, Xiaofang, also gave him a thumbs up from behind the crowd, "Teacher Zhang, those two poems were too great!"


    Words could kill, but words could equally save. Today, everyone who listened in to the live broadcast learned this. By seeing this all at once, there were a lot of mixed emotions.


    Wang Xiaomei stood up and daringly said, "Leader, today it was my responsibility. I will ept any punishments the station will mete. I was too provocative in my words."


    Zhao Guozhou looked at her and did not criticize her, "Write a self-reflective piece and hand it to me tomorrow. Actually, it is not all your fault. That female university student had already prepared tomit suicide. Even if she did not make the phone call, she would definitely havemitted suicide. From another perspective, by us counseling her, it''s also us saving a life. Right, but make sure to be careful in the future. We need to greatly consider the listener''s emotions and capacity to ept. This live broadcast can be said to be a lesson for all of us. It is also a form of experience."


    The matter was done.


    Everyone let out a sigh of relief.


    Wang Xiaomei looked towards Zhang Ye, "Those two poems wereposed by you?"


    Zhang Ye could not say no. After all, these poems did not exist in this world, "Yes."


    "You can evenpose poems?" Wang Xiaomei found it unbelievable.


    Zhao Guozhou, who was about to leave, heard this and turned around andughed, "All of you might not know how Little Zhang was epted during the interview, right? It was because of a prose, "The Song of the Stormy Petrel". Our entire Literature Channel''sbined efforts probably cannot even match Little Zhang''s artistic talent in poems." Saying that, he reminiscenced and recited from the beginning. Zhang Ye never expected that Zhao Guozhou would actually be able to recite his poem verbatim. Clearly, he loved the prose so much. "��That is the courageous Petrel proudly soaring in the lightning over the sea''s roar of fury; cries of victory the prophet: Let the tempeste strike harder!"


    When everyone heard this, they were stunned!


    "Good poem!"


    "It''s written so well!"


    "This poem was alsoposed on the spot?"


    Each of these poems was more stunning than thest. Only then did everyone recall what had just happened and an interesting thought arose in their minds. Hipsters were a kind of disease and so were cultured female youths. How could one cure this disease? The answer was simple; use a cultured male youth that was more artistic than the cultured female youth!

 Chapter 22: Appearing on the Newspapers!

    <h4>Chapter 22: Appearing on the Newspapers! </h4>


    Chapter 22: Appearing on the Newspapers!


    Nighttime.


    Past ten in the evening.


    Many people had gotten off of work. Zhang Ye went to the recording studio alone to work overtime. As he did not manage to get a slot to record in the day and the broadcast was dyed by "Talk About the World" at night, he could only record if it was thiste. The first few episodes that he had recorded had been depleted over the weekend. So he needed to record "Ghost Blows Out the Light" episode for tonight in one and a half hours. Time was tight.


    "The grave robbing military officers were working hard. Every corner in any tomb that was dug up had to��Ah, it''s not right!"


    "A candle was lit up inside any tomb that was dug up and ced on the southeastern corner."


    "If the southeastern candle goes out, then one had to put back the treasures they had gotten, Kowtow three times respectfully and return by the original route."


    This recording session was different from the past. There were stumbles along the way. Zhang Ye was also finding it tough. He never expected that this day woulde so soon. Actually, he had previously memorized this book during in his school days to train his off script skills, but he had only done so for the beginning. No matter how good his memory was, he was unable to recite the hundred thousand characters of "Ghost Blows Out the Light". He had only memorized the early portions, so now was the problem. With the material he had memorized back then depleted, he quickly reached spots where he did not remember very well. Although Zhang Ye knew the direction of the plot and knew the details clearly, it was, after all, not the original version. A lot of the time, he had to create his original material. The literature and textual aspects of it were greatly weakened. He still knew where he stood. Clearly, this would definitely seriously affect the listenership rates.


    Pause. Deleting the paragraph. Re-recording.


    Only after a long while did he manage to finish it before midnight.


    He had managed to bamboozle past this for this episode, but he did not know what to do for the next episode. Sigh. If there were problems with quality and the listenership rates dropped, then what would happen!?


    After finishing his work, Zhang Ye leaned on a window and smoked. The station prohibited smoking, but since there was no e at night, it did not matter.


    Ring, ring, ring. Suddenly, his cellphone rang.


    Zhang Ye was wondering who had calledte in the middle of the night. He picked it up, "Hello?"


    The other party was male, "Hello, is this Mr Zhang? I''m Beijing''s repor��"


    Before he finished speaking, Zhang Ye thought it was a fraud and said, "I don''t care if you are Beijing or Double. Don''t you dare tell me I hit the lottery. I have already hit the lottery 47 times this year. Including the three BMWs and two Mercedes cars, the total prize money is 12,213,000. Don''t you dare tell me my daughter has been kidnapped. Then you need to help me first find a wife. And don''t you dare tell me you are promoting a ham sausage. Truthfully, I only have 1.50 in my pocket. If I were you, I would hang up immediately and not spend five minutes and manage to take the 1.50 in my pocket to buy your ham sausage after using all your effort. That tiny bit ofmission isn''t even enough to pay the telephone bill." Against frauds and promoters, Zhang Ye was very experienced. "Alright, time for you to speak."


    If it was anyone else who had encountered a hooligan like Zhang Ye, they would have hung up.


    However, the man on the other side did not. He said in a speechless manner, "I''m not selling Beijing ham. Man, I''m Beijing Time''s reporter. Is this Mr Zhang Ye?"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Reporter? Hai, it was a mistake, it was a mistake. I thought it was a scam."


    The man said, "It''s alright. I got your number through a friend, who works at the radio station. The main reason is because of today''s ''Talk About the World'', which I listened in on. Our editing team is very interested about your two poems. We might publish this matter in the papers tomorrow, so we are informing you first. Also, I want to ask about the name of the second poem, as you did not mention it during the broadcast."


    Zhang Ye was enlightened and, after thinking, said, "The second poem is called ''A Generation''."


    The reporter was amazed, "''A Generation''? This title doesn''t seem to fit?"


    The title "A Generation" was actually more fitting for another topic. The original author, Gu Cheng, had intended it for the thoughts and determination of an era and society. When Zhang Ye read it to the female university student, had not adhered to the title''s meaning. It hadcked the great meaning that was so significant. But as Zhang Ye respected the original author and had used the wisdom of the forefathers, how could he then change the poem''s title, too? Cultured youths, oh, cultured youths, when you break down such kind of a person, what is leftover would be stubbornness. Zhang Ye was not an exception; he abided by his principles.


    So what if it did not fit? He knew the title was different from how he had expressed it tonight, but this was a work by a great poet from his world. A ssic ought to be respected, Zhang Ye thought to himself. Even if the author cannot see it, regardless of any reasons, can going against this principle be excused? Going against morality can be excused? The answer was obvious����Hehe, of course, it''s excusable!


    Zhang Ye answered "Publish what you feel is suitable. As long as it can be published, you can do whatever you want. I''m fine with it even if you had to give it a dreamy title to increase the sales!" He was a man of principles, but sometimes he was also a man of no principles! This was Beijing Times! It was not the same as the small publication that published reports of "Ghost Blows Out the Light"!


    The reporter nearly vomited blood upon hearing that. He was just freely expressing his thoughts; who would have thought that Zhang Ye had no lower limits? He was a modern poet, an artist who couldpose such a ssic poem.. yet he would allow his poem''s title be changed so easily? Damn, do you even have the conduct of a schr!? How could there a schr like you! The reporter who was astounded, replied with a cough, "I didn''t mean that; I was not implying that you should change the title. It''s better we keep it as "A Generation"; it''s your work, so I can''t be deciding on it."


    "Alright, then." Zhang Ye replied uncaringly.


    After speaking for a brief while, they hung up.


    Zhang Ye''s strong point is that he did not have any fear. After the line was cut off, he could no longer suppress his excitement. He was going to be in the Beijing Times? A little more fame hade again! It was another step towards his goal! Oh, right. I should take a look at my Reputation. He opened up the virtual game screen!


    Reputation points: 95,344.


    What? Why are there so many points?


    Zhang Ye was startled. He had just used up all his Reputation points on Saturday morning. ording to the Reputation gained from "Ghost Blows Out the Light", there should be around 20,000 gained Reputation points daily. Over the weekend, he had about 40,000 Reputation points. Including the holiday, which might have given him a little more, he should have slightly below 50,000 Reputation points. In short, today''s "Talk About the World"''s live broadcast had brought him over 50,000 Reputation points? This was really worthy of the Literature Channel''s top program! Just the number of listeners were a big difference! Of course, Zhang Ye''s outstanding performance could have helped contribute; the two poems were just right for the circumstances. It must have conquered a lot of listeners!

 Chapter 23: Becoming Slightly Famous!

    <h4>Chapter 23: Bing Slightly Famous! </h4>


    Chapter 23: Bing Slightly Famous!


    The next day on the way to work, while walking past the subway''s west newsstand, Zhang Ye asked, "Has the Beijing Times newspaper arrived? How much?"


    "A dor." the owner replied mechanically.


    Zhang Ye took out some money, "Give me a copy."


    The owner took the money and handed a copy over, "Okay, take it."


    Zhang Ye, broke as hell, felt bad giving the dor. But it was unavoidable; money ought to be spent that had to be spent. He held up the paper and flipped through it page by page. When he arrived at the subway and pushed through the crowd at line 10, a sparkle appeared in his eyes. He flipped to the center page, saw his name printed across the page with the headlines especially attention-capturing - "Two Poems Saved a Life"!


    Yesterday night, on Beijing Radio Station''s Literature Channel program "Talk About the World" special, during the call-in session for the "Matters of the Heart" topic, a female university student attempted suicide on the air over her boyfriend''s ns to further his studies in New York. The program host, Wang Xiaomei, attempted to talk her out of it, but failed. In the end, the guest of the show, the Literature Channel''s "Late-night Ghost Stories" host, Teacher Zhang Ye, saved her life with two poems!


    The dark night gave me ck eyes, but I use them to seek the light - A Generation.


    The furthest distance in the world is not the distance between opposite sides of the world. It is that you don''t know that I love you, when I stand in front of you��The furthest distance in the world is the love between the bird and fish. One is flying in the sky, the other is looking upon the sea. - "The Furthest Distance in the World", also named "Flying Bird and Fish".


    The above are the poems in their original form.


    ording to sources, the two poems wereposed on the spot by Teacher Zhang Ye. Our reporter also contacted Teacher Zhang for an interviewtest night. Although it was just a phone call, he was awed by Teacher Zhang Ye''s literary talent.


    Ah?


    Awed by my literary talent?


    Zhang Ye blushed a little. He had taken the reporter to be a ham salesman. Literary talent, my ass!


    The report continued: We have to mention here a side story. At midnight, the editorial department was rushing the report. After seeing the two works, they were moved. An exnation and review of the two poems were done, but when handed over to the head editor for checks, we were held back from publishing it. After reading the poems, his own words were, "Delete all the reviews and analysis. Do not use the old way of writing the report. ''Flying Bird and Fish'', a modern poem like this would immediately hit it off with the reader. And the other, ''A Generation'', the strength in this cannot be exined by words. This is a great modern poem. Whether or not the author is a rookie, the only word to describe this poem is ''Great''. Maybe the author''s fame and current era''s background are not enough to make this poem well-known throughout the world, but I believe time will prove much. A few years or maybe a few decades, or even a few hundreds years down the road, the future generations will remember this poem and remember a person - Zhang Ye and his ''A Generation''. Our generation, their next generation and the future generation of the next generation."


    The review was highly positive. Zhang Ye''s heart fluttered.


    ��


    Department.


    "Morning." Zhang Ye walked into the office.


    Assistant Xiaofang was the first to wee him, smiling and revealing her small canine teeth, "Teacher Zhang, you came at the right time. We were just talking about the report in the Beijing Times. Have you seen it?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I''ve also seen it."


    Xiaofang giggled, "People were chatting before about it. You are the first person in our Literature Channel to go in the Beijing Times in the recent years." She was happy for Zhang Ye. "This is, after all, the Beijing Times. Even though it''s limited to the capital area, the cirction numbers are in the hundreds of thousands. Most people don''t have such a treatment!"


    The old host, Teacher Feng, of "Old and Young Story Club" looked over and gave high praises, "Teacher Little Zhang, I heard the rebroadcastst night. I listened to the two poems again and again. Hai, indeed the younger generations will surpass us in time. I''m about to retire soon, so this station will be in the hands of you young people."


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "It''s not as serious as you make it out to be. My literary standard is still far from aplished. I came to the station with a learning attitude. Today, it will still be the same. I''m hoping to receive lots of advice from every Teacher."


    Tian Bin and Li Si had already came to work.


    Zhang Ye also noticed him and saw the rage in Tian Bin''s eyes. He was jealous and ignored Zhang Ye, before sitting at his desk. After having Zhang Ye rob the position of main host of "Late-night Ghost Stories" from him, Tian Bin was now a stand-in DJ. He usually did not have any work to do and only stood in when there was a shortage. He had not gone on a program for days, so it wasn''t strange that he was mad.


    However, Li Si''s attitude today waspletely different. It was clear he did not want to speak, but for some unknown reason, he suddenly stopped just as he was about to turn around, "��Teacher Zhang, morning."


    Zhang Ye looked at him, "Oh, morning."


    Li Si nodded with his head and then returned to his seat. It seemed like he had given in and had sized up the situation.


    Seeing this, Tian Bin''s expression turned worse. His poprity was always average amongst his colleagues. Previously, he would often speak about people behind their backs, so it was not strange that he was abandoned by the masses today.


    Later on, the top celebrity of the station, Wang Xiaomei, came in. She did not look towards Zhang Ye and greeted a few oldrades and friends she had good rtions with, before surprisingly saying to Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang, quite a number of letters from my program''s listeners were written to you. I will get an assistant to give it to you in a while." Although her attitude did not seem to change, one had to know that Wang Xiaomei had never privately addressed Zhang Ye as "Teacher Zhang". A change in salutation clearly showed a subtle form of recognition.


    Twenty minutester, Zhang Ye received the letters from the listeners of "Talk About the World". In the generation where the inte was pervasive, this world was simr to Zhang Ye''s world. Few people wrote letters, but Zhang Ye remained serious about it. Words written on a piece of paper felt more real and sincere.


    "Hello, Teacher Zhang Ye. I heard the program yesterday. I''m also a parent, so I won''t say much. I''ll just thank you for that child''s parents."


    There was a total of 37 letters and all the feedback from the listeners was very positive.


    Zhang Ye then went through the official e-mail inbox of "Late-night Ghost Stories". He read every mail sent by the listeners and then read thements left on Beijing Radio Station''s website. Suddenly, he saw a link and upon clicking it, he realized his "The Furthest Distance in the World" had been posted on arge discussion forum!


    There had been 750,000 views!


    There were more than 3,000 replies!


    "This poem is too touching!"


    "Why are there so many views? Isn''t this the early stages of going viral!?"


    "It has gone viral online, too? When I saw this poem in the Beijing Times in the morning, I was impressed. However, I prefer ''A Generation'' more."


    "I''m a moderator for the literature section on a website and an outright literature lover. I have always liked modern poems and I especially like writing them. I have always thought that I write very well and have left many modern poems in the literature section. However, after seeing Teacher Zhang Ye''s two poems, I now know what it means to be the frog in the well. This is a real modern poem and what I wrote wasn''t!"


    There were praises and there were, of course, doubts.


    "What rotten poem is this? It''s just so-so."


    "Right, it''s toome. One moment the furthest distance is this, then the next moment the furthest distance is that. There is no precision!"


    No matter how well anything was done, it could not satisfy everyone. Zhang Ye knew this, so when he logged on, he wore an anti-troll fire vest before leaving a message. He did not have any strengths; only his attitude was good and tended to be more peaceful and calm. Seeing all the cursing, he only smiled and had the bearing of a literature writer and great poet.


    He answered in style, "��I f**k your second granny''s lungs! Just so-so? Do you even f**king know literature? Eh? You dare think lightly of this divine work that canst the ages!? You all are a piece of s**t! A stinking piece of ****!"


    People immediately felt the rush, "Eh, why are you cursing?"


    Anotherizen chimed in, "#3256 is right. All of you don''t understand art!"


    Anotherizen said, "How can there be criticisms for a poem this ssic? I really don''t understand the aesthetic values of others!"


    "Right, this is a poem that has saved a life. Still so-so? Then write a poem to save a life for me to see!"


    Under Zhang Ye''s lead, those people who had left their negative opinions were drowned by their spit and no longer posted. Seeing the warm enthusiasm, Zhang Ye logged off without his face red or heart throbbing excitedly. He did not feel that he was wretched. This was the attitude a literature writer had!


    Lao Tze said this before: take actions when the right timees!

 Chapter 24: Giving You Another Poem!

    <h4>Chapter 24: Giving You Another Poem! </h4>


    Chapter 24: Giving You Another Poem!


    Zhang Ye sat in front of theputer, watching the praises given to him online. Past 10 A.M., amotion sounded out outside the Literature Channel''s office area. It was quite loud!


    "Let us in! I want to find Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "This is an office. This ce is restricted for non-staff!"


    "We just want to say a few words and leave. We definitely won''t give you trouble!"


    "That still will not work. Go to the registration desk and wait for a while. Make an appointment first!"


    After some pushing and shoving, a man and woman squeezed their way in. A security guard was half-heartedly blocking them, which many people could tell. Maybe it was due to a small meeting having just ended, but there were several Music and Traffic Channel staff who were walking past. They were curious over what was happening. Finally, even Zhao Guozhou was startled by thismotion as he came out of his office to probe the issue.


    "What''s going on?" Zhao Guozhou frowned.


    "They are adamant abouting in! They refuse to listen to what I have to say!" the security guard exined.


    "We want to find Teacher Zhang Ye! Just letting us meet with him once would do! Just once!" the male-female duo shouted.


    Upon seeing the situation, Zhang Ye had no choice but to stop the work on his hands and squeeze through the crowd, "I''m Zhang Ye. Who are you?"


    They rushed up and tightly held Zhang Ye''s hands, "Teacher Zhang! Thank you! Thank you! You are Xiaoli''s benefactor! You are also my benefactor! I want to thank you! Thank you!" As he said this, tears welled up in his eyes. It was not easy for men to cry, so this scene looked odd.


    Zhang Ye was bbergasted, "What benefactor?"


    The quiet girl beside also started crying after seeing her boyfriend cry, "Teacher Zhang, I''m Xiaoli. If it weren''t for the two poems of yours yesterday, I might have��"


    Everyone immediately had a moment of realization!


    Zhang Ye also understood, "It''s you. Is this the boyfriend you mentioned? Don''t cry. All of you, don''t cry!"


    The man had tears of remorse, "I only knew about it yesterday night. If you have not persuaded Xiaoli, we would have been separated, forever in different worlds! You are our family''s benefactor!"


    Xiaoli suddenly opened her bag and took out a long red banner, "This was rushed by my parents to be made overnight." Her boyfriend stepped forward quickly and pulled it open!


    Shua!


    The banner spread out in front of everyone!


    "Gratitude of one speech, in mind for life"!


    With that, the two of them stood properly and bowed deeply to Zhang Ye!


    Such a situation moved Zhang Ye greatly as he helped them up, "To think you went through the trouble. There is really no need to. There is really no need. I didn''t do much. All that matters is if you healthily and safely live on. Hehe, you are not fighting anymore? Have you discussed it well?"


    The man bit his lip, "I''ve thought it through; I''m not going overseas!"


    Xiaoli eximed, "No way! Your parents have already arranged it for you!"


    "Who says one can only be sessful in one''s career by studying abroad? I can develop myself domestically, too. I will exin it to my parents. It''s alright, even if they do not agree. I will convince them. I will stay behind and apany you. Once I graduate, we will get married!" the man said with determination.


    However, Xiaoli remained resolute, "Definitely not! You have to go! Even if you don''t want to! I have already thought it through; I will wait for you. I''ll wait for you, no matter how long it takes!"


    "Xiaoli!" The man''s eyes turned red again!


    Xiaoli gently hugged him, "As long as you are well, I''ll be fine with anything!"


    Upon seeing this scene, many people in the office pped in their hearts. The power of love was always infectious.


    "Isn''t this good." Zhang Yeughed.


    Zhao Guozhou also said, "Next time, be well. Don''t do something stupid."


    Xiaoli said embarrassingly, "I won''t. I''m fine as long as he lives well. I will not make him worried ever again."


    Suddenly, someone made a suggestion, "Teacher Little Zhang, give them another poem."


    "Right, right." Assistant Xiaofang said, "Let Teacher Zhang give you another poem."


    Zhao Guozhou also found it interesting, "This suggestion is good. When you get married, remember to invite Teacher Little Zhang as your marriage witness."


    Xiaoli was ttered, "How can I ept it. Teacher Zhang''s words are like gold. I don''t dare to ask for one after he gave me two poems."


    Zhang Ye touched his nose. With the leader saying that, he had to give a poem, so he said, "Alright. Let me think."


    The Beijing Times had highly appraised and published Zhang Ye''s modern poem, which was proof of his literary prowess. Now that Zhang Ye was about topose another poem, many people perked up their ears. The staff from other departments who were outside also tried to get in on the action!


    "Don''t block."


    "Move to the side; I can''t see."


    "Sister Chen,e quickly. There''s another poem."


    "What poem? Whose poem?"


    "It''s the one from the Literature Channel that went on Beijing Times. That poem is very popr online now."


    "The author of ''Flying Bird and Fish''? Wow, then I must listen to it. Wait for me to go in."


    Many people squeezed into therge office as nearly a hundred pair of eyes stared at Zhang Ye!


    Xiaoli and her boyfriend was looking forward to it the most. They did not even bat an eyelid!


    Zhang Ye never expected the situation to be so grand with so many audience gazing at him. He turned more cautious for he could not embarrass himself with a lousy poem. Well, what poem should I use? Which poem was most appropriate? Zhang Ye recalled a moment, as long as you are well, I''ll be fine with anything? Got it! He slowly spat out his words, "Xiaoli, the words you said previously are quite nice. I will use your words as the foundation for the poem I''m giving you."


    The room turned silent.


    Zhang Ye slowed his breath and recited.


    "The passage of time is like water, ever so silent."


    "If you are living well, then the skies are clear"


    Zhao Guozhou immediately apuded, "Good poem!"


    When her boyfriend heard it, he immediately took it down on paper, afraid he would forget it!


    Xiaoli did not move and closed her eyes, as if revelling in the poem. After a while, she bowed at Zhang Ye once again, "Thank you! You are forever my teacher!"


    "If you are living well��then the skies are clear?" A female staff member seemed to feel her eyes fog up upon hearing this. It was unknown if she had recalled something or was moved.


    Wang Xiaomei and Xiaofang also mumbled to themselves and the way they gazed at Zhang Ye was no longer the same. Such a poem affected the feelings of women more. The poem was light and the words were simple, but the overflow of feelings it gave surpassed a thousand words. It was difficult to believe that this poem was the same maleposer of "Flying Bird and Fish". Furthermore, it wasposed on the spot!


    What sort of literary talent was this!


    Zhang Ye''s single poempletely astonished everyone!


    Even Tian Bin who was not far away did not say anything. Some people felt that the two poems given to Xiaoli during the broadcast were notposed on the spot by Zhang Ye, and were actually written prior, as they did not believe he was so talented. But now, this poemposed at this moment in time shattered the doubts of many!


    Actually, this poem was very famous in Zhang Ye''s previous world. It was spread on the inte, especially thest line. There were all sorts of ims about who the original author was. Some said it was Lin Huiyin. Some said it was Lin Huiyin''s dad. Some said it first appeared on the inte and another line was added in the show, "Empresses in the Pce". It was not much different from "Flying Bird and Fish". Zhang Ye treated it as a collective work of predecessors. Anyway, no one in this world had heard of these people. There was no dispute to those poems being his alone!


    He said it was his?


    She said it was her dad''s?


    Then he said it was her third aunt''s?


    Hai, isn''t that so troublesome and tiring? Putting the controversy to an end, Zhang Ye decided to unify it; this poem is mine. There''s no need to thank me, just call me Lei Feng*!


    *Lei Feng was a soldier of the Chinese army in Communist legend. He was reported to be altruistic in his actions, but there is controversy that his image was part of Communist propaganda.

 Chapter 25: There are Advertising Sponsors!

    <h4>Chapter 25: There are Advertising Sponsors! </h4>


    Chapter 25: There are Advertising Sponsors!


    Lunch time.


    The poem that Zhang Ye gave to the young couple was once again relished by the radio station''s colleagues. One could easily hear people discussing about it at any time of the day.


    "Little Zhang, you are eating instant noodles again?" The director came in.


    Zhang Ye hurriedly swallowed thest mouthful and smiled. "Yeah, I just need to fill my stomach."


    Zhao Guozhou asked with concern, "Eating like this isn''t healthy. Is it because you are tight on your living expenses, as you haven''t been paid? Hehe, if that is the case, don''t worry about it. I have something to announce in while." Looking at the office, he said, "Is everyone back from lunch? Then put down what you are working on for a while. As the scene in the morning had wasted some time, well, I''ll be announcing the listenership rates for yesterday."


    Everyone looked over.


    Zhao Guozhou found a seat to sit down, "First ce, "Talk About the World". The listenership is��" He purposely dragged out his tone, "4.09%!"


    "Ah?"


    "Is that true?"


    "Above four percent?"


    "Our rating broke four percent?"


    It was clear that Wang Xiaomei was surprised by this.


    Zhao Guozhou said in a satisfactory manner, "All these years, Xiaomei''s segment has been our channel''s number one in ratings, but it always averaged around three percent. Everyone, you didn''t hear wrongly. We have really broken four this time. And I can happily tell you that the broadcast ''Talk About the World'' yesterday was fourth in the entire station, on average. We are only just behind the News Channel''s two news segment and the Traffic Channel''s ''Safe All the Way''. This is an unprecedented result for our channel. Everyone, please congratte Xiaomei."


    There was apuse and cheers!


    The colleagues were also beaming. If the performance was good, the year-end bonuses would also be multiplied, so it was a joyous asion for everyone in the Literature Channel.


    Wang Xiaomei exined, "Thank you everyone. However, yesterday was a special case. There is no way that we can maintain it." She knew why they had jumped from the entire Beijing Radio Station''s 8-9th ce to 4th ce. After a brief feeling of excitement, she did not say anything else.


    She wasn''t alone. Zhao Guozhou and the rest were the same. Zhao Guozhou carried on, "I rmend everyone to give Teacher Little Zhang a round of apuse. Hehe. Yesterday''s program was all thanks to Teacher Little Zhang; not only did he save us during a crisis, he had also pulled up the rating for ''Talk About the World''. Let me announce the rating for "Late-night Ghost Stories". Last night''s Little Zhang''s segment had an average rating of 1.57%. It ranked third ce in our channel and is higherpared to its weekend''s 1.4%. Clearly,st night''s event had led to this. I believe, and I have reason to believe, that under Teacher Little Zhang''s hard work, "Late-night Ghost Stories" will make a new high again. Hence, I have already spoken to the Deputy Directors and Heads and n to give the 5,000 Yuan bonus award to Teacher Little Zhang. Does anyone have any objections about this?"


    "No objections."


    "It is necessary!"


    "Teacher Little Zhang, congrattions!"


    Zhang Ye pretended to be polite, "Leader, how can I? I''m just a neer. And really��"


    Zhao Guozhou beamed with a smile, "In a while, I''ll let finance enter it into your wages. Do not be like that. It''s what you deserve. Besides, this bonus is also because of another reason. From today onwards, "Late-night Ghost Stories" will have advertising sponsors. As your "Ghost Blows Out the Light" has information regarding antiques and its listenership rates have been always high, arge pawn shop business'' public rtions staff have contacted the station. The sponsoring negotiations have basically been done. As for the exact numbers, it is still kept under wraps and I cannot divulge it. However, I can roughly tell you that, hehe, about this "Late-night Ghost Stories" sponsorship�� It is about the same as our channel''s prime-time programs'' and is extremely high!"


    What?


    Almost the same as prime-time programs?


    When this was revealed, many were dumbfounded. After all, "Late-night Ghost Stories" was ate-night segment. It was worse thante-night programs in the 11 P.M. - 12 A.M. slot. However, the sponsorship it had obtained was nearly the at the level of feesmanded by prime-time segments? Was the advertiser mad? However, it was reasonable once one thought about it. "Late-night Ghost Stories" was no longer ate-night program hosted by Tian Bin. After Zhang Ye took it over, its ratings had an explosive increase. Also, the cohesion rate of the listeners was high. It could be seen from the figures of the listenership breakdown. The pawn shop business was using this rtively specialized and relevant program, which had greatly attracted its listeners, to gain recognition. Hence, this high advertising fee was not unreasonable!


    "Teacher Little Zhang, you will need to give a treat."


    "Right, you must treat. It''s so enviable."


    "My afternoon segment''s sponsorship isn''t even as high as yours. This is such a blow to me. Haha, when our sry is paid, don''t be stingy and treat us all!"


    The more advertising sponsorship there was, the greater the cut they would get for their sry. Zhang Ye may be still a rookie whose base sry was inferior to others, but with the addition of the cut of a sponsorship that was nearing the amount for prime-time segments, Zhang Ye''s monthly ie would be higher than the olderrades who had had worked in the station for decades!


    Zhang Ye was also delighted, "Sure, sure."


    Seeing Zhang Ye''s delighted mood, Tian Bin was so envious that his intestines turned green. He had ran "Late-night Ghost Stories" for years and, on average, it had 300 days a year without sponsorships. asionally, there would be a short-term sponsorship, but the fees received were negligible. It was extremely low. This Zhang had only started work for a few days; how was he so lucky? Tian Bin still refused to acknowledge Zhang Ye''s abilities. He was adamant that it was due to luck.


    After announcing all the programs'' ratings, Zhao Guozhou called Zhang Ye over. He reminded him, "The advertisers areing soon. Today is the day we are signing the contract. They, too, want to see your recording situation in person. I have already gotten someone to reserve the recording studio for you. Once they arrive, you can begin. As for the advertisement lines, I haven''t received them. They might bring it and I''ll get someone to pass it to you."


    Zhang Ye responded, "Recording in the afternoon?"


    "Yes. Anyway, you do not need a script. Why? Is there a problem?" Zhao Guozhou asked.


    Zhang Ye bit his tongue, "There''s no problem, Leader. I''ll begin preparing."


    Zhao Guozhou nodded, "Do wellter. Don''t let the advertisers pick fault with it, or there will be questions for the nearly-settled contract."


    "I understand. Don''t worry about it." Zhang Ye guaranteed.


    When the Leader left, Zhang Ye''s face turned bitter. No problem, your sister! He had no way of reciting the remaining text of "Ghost Blows Out the Light". He only knew the rough direction to the plot. As he was excited about being in the papers, he had not worked out a draft. He had been nning to work out the draft in the morning, but who could have known that something would happen in the morning? Now, with the advertisersing in the afternoon, there was definitely no time left. Even if he wanted to go off script, he couldn''t. Ugh, was he going to destroy all the umted Reputation in one go? "Ghost Blows Out the Light" was difficult to carry on. Was he going to mess up his own program?


    Bad things were about to happen!


    The end is near!


    Thankfully, he had still gotten 5,000 Yuan in rewards. With money, even if he messed up the program, Zhang Ye would be fine. In this world, money is��No, that''s not right!


    I think I previously said that I treated money like dirt?


    Let me think for a while, did I say that? Forget it, I don''t think I said that!

 Chapter 26: Encountering a tough problem!

    <h4>Chapter 26: Encountering a tough problem! </h4>


    Chapter 26: Encountering a tough problem!


    1 o''clock, afternoon.


    Zhang Ye hurriedly rushed his draft. Behind him, his assistant, Xiaofang, called out to him.


    "Teacher Little Zhang."


    "What''s the matter, Xiaofang?"


    "Leader said to tell you that the sponsor for your program is here."


    "Eh? So early? Didn''t they say noon?"


    "Er, it''s noon now. This is for you; it''s the advertisement copy. The recording studio is also ready. The director wants you to get ready before he brings over the guests."


    Damn, this time I''m done for!


    Zhang Ye had only just typed out the words for "Ghost Blows Out the Light", without any structure or thought. He could only switch off hisputer and go do the undoable at the recording studio.


    Sometimes, the one who knows you best is your enemy. That is a very true saying. Tian Bin keenly noticed Zhang Ye''s abnormal actions and linked it to the quality drop in the recent two broadcasts of "Late-night Ghost Stories", where stuttering and the wrong usage of words urred frequently. Even the recording took longer; where it used to take an hour, it took about 1.5 hours to 2 hours to finish a recording now. Tian Bin guessed that Zhang Ye has reached a creative bottleneck or it was even possible that the novel had a problem. Looking at him now, it was obvious that he had no script for it. Haha, this kid is getting what he deserves. The story won''t be able to continue on from here? I''ll see how you get past this! Tian Bin was over the moon. He stood up and proceeded to the recording studio, ready to see Zhang Ye make a mockery of himself and get what he deserved!


    ��


    Recording Studio 1.


    This was the most prestigious studio in the station. It was bigger than the other studios by at least three times. This did not even include the outside of the studio. There was a small space outside of the studio where the telephone editor worked and on the other side there was a viewing hall. It had a transparent soundproof ss which did not block the view, space for 30 leather chairs on the inside and even a small conference table. The station obviously prepared this ce for the advertisers who had a sizeable sponsorship. Otherwise, this sort of a studio was usually only reserved for off-site interactive activities or management inspection use.


    It was a situation of great importance!


    And the pressure was greater, too!


    Zhang Ye went in with the equipment settings readied by a staff member who informed him about the differences between this studio and the others before leaving. Zhang Ye was now alone in the room and felt like he was sitting on a cushion of needles. He mumbled to himself, "What should I do?" Bullsh*t my way through this? That won''t work. The clients were willing to sponsor him because they have heard his program before. Just opening his mouth would let the cat out of the bag. Besides, the listeners would definitely not agree to it. Narrating whileing up with and organizing his thoughts? But he didn''t have that capability; even if he hurriedlyposed, the quality would be bad! All his ideas had been exhausted, Zhang Ye could do nothing more. He only hoped that the client would not tear up the contract.


    Outside.


    Viewing hall.


    "It''s over here. Please,e in." The door creaked and then Zhao Guozhou and a deputy led five to six men and women in. "Let''s have a seat. Someone will get you tea."


    A woman said, "Director Zhao, you are too weing of us."


    Another person looked through the ss at Zhang Ye, "Is that Teacher Little Zhang?"


    "That''s right." Zhao Guozhou smiled. "Let Little Zhang start; we will listen and discuss at the same time."


    "Sure. I am a loyal fan of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''. I even listened to the programtest night. I''m honoured to be listening live on-site today." a middle-aged man mentioned politely.


    They sat at the first row next to the location. They were from the Hua Tian Group, operators of pawn shops, jewelry shops and some auction house businesses. Zhang Ye did not know them from his world; the closest to it that he knew of was the Hua Xia Group''s pawn shop businesses. Seemingly, even pawn shop businesses were altered in this world. Maybe the sponsored amount this time was too high. The contract duration was also longer than usual, not like those of a week or half a month. Because of this, this leading corporation gave the deal more attention. Five to six people from the marketing department, leaders and staff included, came over to discuss the contractual details. Likewise, Zhao Guozhou also had his own entourage. Wang Xiaomei and several other radio host Teachers also came along. Thest to join was Tian Bin and he was probably uninvited. But as there were no restrictions on the attendees, the Leaders did not mention it.


    After settling down, Zhao Guozhou signaled to Xiaofang with his index finger.


    Understanding his intention, Xiaofang also signalled towards Zhang Ye in the studio and did a countdown from ten. After so many broadcast sessions, the two of them couldmunicate with just gestures. Li Si was the previous assistant for "Late-night Ghost Stories". Xiaofang was an assistant to everyone, also known as a helper to all. After Zhang Ye arrived, with the poprity of his program, Xiaofang became his personal assistant. Her previous tasks were all handed over to other assistants, while she concentrated on her job for "Late-night Ghost Stories". She was part of Zhang Ye''s program team.


    By now, Zhang Ye had to step up. With a deep breath, he pushed a button. 3, 2, 1. The broadcast started with the opening, "Hello, everyone. I am your DJ, Zhang Ye. Wee to today''s "Late-night Ghost Stories". Casually stating the chapter''s title, Zhang Ye started reading the story.


    As he spoke, the others were discussing outside.


    "The contract has been prepared. Please take a look?" Zhao Guozhou went straight for the subject.


    The woman who looked like she was the leader of the group said, "Director Zhao, it''s okay if you are busy and need to attend to your work. Let''s not rush this. We would like to listen in, first."


    "Alright. Of course." Zhao Guozhou said.


    The women enquired curiously, "Oh, yes. I see�� That Teacher, Little Zhang, does not have a script?"


    Zhao Guozhou smiled a little, "That''s right. This is also a specialty of our program. Little Zhang has never needed a script. He''s always working off-script for the program."


    "That can''t be true?" the women said skeptically.


    Several of the people in the pawn shop business group also felt that they were exaggerating.


    In the studio, Zhang Ye read, "The fatty had a piece��.a jade heirloom that he always had with him. This piece of jade belonged to a��a northwestern army''s��" Before he could finish a line, Zhang Ye already could not carry on. With his brain trying to organize his words and also trying to recall the plot''s direction, it was beyond his abilities.


    Eh? What''s the matter with Little Zhang today? Zhao Guozhou finally realized something was wrong with Zhang Ye!


    Tian Bin had realized this beforehand and wasughing at him on the inside. He was gleefully awaiting to see the joke that was Zhang Ye. This was the purpose of his attendance.


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Eh? Why did he stop?"


    The clients looked at each other nkly, not understanding the situation.


    Zhang Ye disguised his situation with a cough, switched off his recording, "Let''s re-record this portion. I apologize. My throat is a little unwell, let me get some water."


    Zhao Guozhou looked at him, then spoke to him through the inte, "Didn''t sleep wellst night? Don''t worry, please rest for a few minutes." To help Zhang Ye smooth out the situation, Zhao Guozhou branched out the conversation and spoke to the clients about other topics.


    Xiaofang had a face full of worry!


    Zhang Ye''s colleagues also had looks of suspicion!


    A lot of the others had the same feeling from two days ago. Zhang Ye''s story did not sound smooth. The novel''s quality had dropped and there were stumbles in the story plot. Everyone wondered, "Was Zhang Ye a prodigy that has wilted? Is it that the story cannot continue on? Why did it have to happen at this moment?" The sponsors were here today to sign the contract, so if any mistakes happened, then all that sponsorship money would go up in smoke. Zhang Ye would then have to bear the responsibility and this would also be a smudge on their Literature Channel''s reputation!


    A lot of people held their breaths for Zhang Ye.


    Only Tian Bin had a different expression from the rest. He only wished that Zhang Ye would make a mistake. If "Ghost Blows Out the Light" really could not go on, then there would be no need for Zhang Ye''s existence. Ignoring the fact that he would be cursed at by the listeners, the Leaders would not agree to it. Even though over the years, "Late-night Ghost Stories" had stories that were cut short, as they had poor ratings, none of them had been dropped midway. There would always be a simple finale to the stories. If Zhang Ye could not produce a story today, then it would be a broadcast incident and nobody could save him!

 Chapter 27: Getting a Big Prize in the Lottery!

    <h4>Chapter 27: Getting a Big Prize in the Lottery! </h4>


    Chapter 27: Getting a Big Prize in the Lottery!


    He only had a few minutes to rest.


    Inside the recording studio, Zhang Ye was sweating profusely. He was really worried. No matter how he racked his brains, it was to no avail. Right, there was still onest lifeline!


    The Lottery!


    He could only ce his only hope on the game ring. He should still have the ability to have a chance at the Lottery. Whether he could ride out this storm depended on the oue of the Lottery. Maybe he could draw an item that gave people mass hallucinations? Maybe an item that could rapidly increase his creativeposition of words? Sess or failure depended on this! Zhang Ye could only go for broke as he opened the game ring''s virtual interface and checked his Reputation score.


    Reputation points: 305,931.


    Upon seeing this number, Zhang Ye was dumbfounded. It took a while before he understood how his Reputation points had increased so much. The first reason was the addition of Reputation points from Xiaoli''s suicide matter from the previous night. The program "Talk About the World" was also uploaded onto the inte. The second reason was the 30,000+ Reputation points obtained from the previous day''s "Late-night Ghost Stories". With the rating improving by the day, there were more and more Reputation points gained every day. The third reason was, of course, due to the Beijing Times report today. This was a major newspaper that had a cirction rate of a few hundred thousand in the capital. Even if half of those who had bought the papers had read Zhang Ye''s news and only a half of those half had marveled at the two poems or were impressed by how Zhang Ye used the modern poems to save a life, that was sufficient to add more than a hundred thousand Reputation points. Exposure, achievements and fame added to his Reputation points.


    Great!


    The Reputation points were enough for him to draw three times at the Lottery!


    Zhang Ye tapped the "Lottery" purchase button and began his first attempt at the Lottery. The needle began moving as he chanted, "Please not something from the Consumption Category! Not a Consumption Category item!" No one could see the virtual game interface in reality, so he was not worried about it.


    But he was born unlucky!


    The needle firmly stopped itself in a Consumption Category region!


    Bada, a Treasure Chest (Small) appeared in his inventory. Zhang Ye helplessly took out the treasure chest and ced it on the floor. Avoiding the gaze of others, he opened the chest. There was a little circr band. It looked like the halo band seen above angels in movie productions. The only difference was that the color was ck.


    [ Unlucky Halo ] : Effective once it is worn. Lasts for 5 minutes. Triggering specific conditions will cause those around the yer to enter a state of bad luck.


    What does this mean? It has the same effect as the Unlucky Sticker? Only that it''s an "area of effect" type this time? What were the conditions? It won''t be attacking indiscriminately, right?


    Zhang Ye did not study it much and first stuffed the Lottery item into his game ring. Following that, he puffed on his palm a few times. It was too depressing. What sort of sh*t hands were these? He had drawn from the Lottery four times, since he magically obtained the game ring. However, every time it was a Consumption Category treasure chests. Even though the Consumption Category region took up thergest proportion on the wheel, it shouldn''t happen all the time, right? At least let me see what Stats Category and Skills Category are. The probability of hitting the Special Category was too low, so he did not have any hopes for it, but the Stats and Skills Categories still had a non-trivial probability of hitting them!


    Again!


    I don''t believe it!


    Zhang Ye frowned as he breathed in like he was practicing qigong. After messing around for a while, he spent another 100,000 Reputation points to buy a chance at the Lottery, despite his painful heart!


    He clicked on the Lottery!


    The needle began moving again!


    It was all random. At least, Zhang Ye still could not see any pattern up until now. He could only stare and chant, waiting for the needle to slow down before he could see what it was! Skills Category! Stop! Stop! Aiyah, it did not stop! Another Consumption Category! Quickly get past it! Just a bit more! The needle was obedient this time as it grinded forward by a bit! Move some more! Move some more! It''s not enough! Almost got it! As Zhang Ye eagerly watched as the needle seemed to use all its strength before stopping, it suddenly moved that tiny bit as its final rally!


    Click!


    Special Category!


    It had actually stopped at the Special Category region, which had a 1-2% chance of being picked!


    The Heaven''s have shined their light on me; I managed to get a grand prize! Zhang Ye was finally delighted. The time for the Lottery to give out its prize hade. There was no item to receive, nor was there a treasure chest to be opened. There was just a system message.


    Special Category awarded: Opening the Merchant Shop, adding the right to purchase item, "Memory Search Capsule".


    After that, the virtual game''s interface for the Merchant Shop opened. When he clicked it open, there was an item inside.


    Memory Search Capsule: Effective upon consuming it. Helps the yer search a memory or subconscious memory and permanently reinforces it. Lasts for five minutes. Costs 100,000 Reputation points.


    Zhang Ye still remembered the Special Category''s introduction. It was written that it would allow the purchase of a certain item. It seemed like the method to obtain magical items was not just limited to the luck of the draw. He could also use the random chance fromnding on the Special Category to give him the right to buy an item. He could buy an unlimited number of the items in the Merchant Shop, as long as he had the Reputation points. He would no longer be restricted to the limitations of the random chance in the Lottery. This discovery made Zhang Ye excited!


    Memory search?


    Could this solve the problem he was facing?


    Time was running out, so Zhang Ye didn''t spend too much time thinking about it. He looked at the remaining 100,000 Reputation points he had left and decided against the Lottery. He could not afford it. As such, he opened the Merchant Shop and spent 100,000 Reputation points to buy one "Memory Search Capsule". He only had a few thousand Reputation points left as a result.


    Ding!


    With the sessful purchase, the item automatically entered his inventory!


    Zhang Ye quickly opened up his inventory and, with a grab, pulled out a ck and white capsule. It looked like something one ate when one had the cold. Gritting his teeth, he swallowed it. As he crunched on it, he felt his eyes go nk before he could even decide on its taste. His brain''s activity suddenly increased, as several scenes shed before his eyes. Zhang Ye was filled with worry about the "Ghost Blows Out the Light" script, so all his thoughts were focused on it. So with a thought, the scenes in his brain suddenly jumped to the scene of him back in school in his previous world. It was the weekend when Zhang Ye had just bought the entire "Ghost Blows Out the Light" set after school. It had books written in simplified script. The moment he reached home, he excitedly flipped through them to read it!


    One page��


    Ten pages��


    Twenty pages��


    It was all scenes of him flipping through the books. It was as fast as a movie ying!


    At this moment, the effective duration of the "Memory Search Capsule" ended. Zhang Ye returned to reality from his weird memories. Only five minutes had passed in reality, precisely the effective duration of the item. However, the speed at which he thought was clearly much faster. The concept of time waspletely different. In his memories, Zhang Ye seemed to have spent several hours reading. With a blink, Zhang Ye was delighted to discover that after reliving those memories of reading "Ghost Blows Out the Light", every word in the novel was remembered by him clearly. He could recite them from memory easily! The Memory Search had helped him dig out buried memories and had reinforced those memories! Although the Memory Search did notpletely let him recall the hundreds of thousands of words in "Ghost Blows Out the Light", it had reinforced about a quarter of the content in his memories. Previously, Zhang Ye had only narrated about tens of thousands of content during the earlier segments. Hence, with his current memories, he could easily narrate another 200,000 words with his eyes closed!


    It''s done!


    There''s no need to worry about the script anymore!


    This item hade at an opportune moment! Besides, as long as he had enough Reputation points, he could buy an unlimited number of Memory Search Capsules. There would no longer be any worry about trying to recall artistic works from his previous life!

 Chapter 33: I Guess I Should Write a Self-reflective Essay!

    <h4>Chapter 33: I Guess I Should Write a Self-reflective Essay! </h4>


    Chapter 33: I Guess I Should Write a Self-reflective Essay!


    Chapter title is a spoiler, highlight it to read it now, or see it at the bottom.


    The second day.


    Zhang Ye woke up early in the morning. Without eating breakfast, he switched on theputer at home. Theputer in his parents'' home was a locally-made "Donghua" brand. It was also a brand that Zhang Ye had never heard of. It was cheap and its price-to-performance ratio was rtively higher. The only problem was it liked to hang.


    Checking online, Tian Bin''s Weibo messages had already been deleted. Zhang Ye also began deleting some of his Weibo messages that he had posted the previous night. There was no other way, as Director Zhao had called him personallyst night to rage. Everything seemed to be calm, but anyone who had experienced yesterday''s war of words knew how thrilling the scene was.


    Oh?


    This year''s online catchphrases?


    Through a Weibo link, Zhang Ye entered a voting website. It was the selection of the top ten most popr online catchphrases that appeared over the past year. This was quite different from his previous world. The catchphrases that were popr were nearly all acknowledged by the public and that was it. In this world, there was a tiny difference. Many of the popr catchphrases caught on only through the voting ofizens. The result was quite interesting. If one didn''t see it, they would not know. But just looking at it would give a shock!


    No. 1. I bought a watchst year - Zhang Ye.


    No. 2. Please (QU) take (NI) good (MA) care (DE) - Zhang Ye.


    No. 3. Your door is filled with parasol trees - fromizen, I''m your aunt.


    No. 4. Teacher Tian, why did you give up treatment? - Zhang Ye.


    Amongst the top ten inte catchphrases, Zhang Ye''s curses had been given tens of thousands of votes byizens to take the top few spots. The first, second and fourth spots were all his. Looking further down, the rest of Zhang Ye''s other curses were hovering between the 20th-30th spots. The votes were for them were also continuously increasing. Zhang Ye was immediately delighted. Especially because that "why did you give up treatment" phrase had Tian Bin''s name in front of it!


    After the war of words ended, the newspapers did not report it. This was because Zhang Ye and Tian Bin were not very famous, so this was not considered news. However, there were some online media and other people who had participated in the war of the words that gave their evaluation.


    "The culture and quality of radio station hosts".


    "A blockbuster war of words. A poet''s counterattack".


    "Weibo miracle. A war of words that gained the notice of tens of thousands of people".


    After a few simple sweeps of the news, Zhang Ye finished the breakfast his parents had made for him, before going to work.


    ��


    The unit.


    Upon reaching the doorstep of the radio station building, many staff members, who Zhang Ye did not know, were looking at him. Some were even pointing at him.


    "That''s Zhang Ye!"


    "He is the one? Haha."


    "Did you see Weibo yesterday? Too awesome!"


    There was even a youth from the human resources department who waved at Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang, you came? Good morning."


    Zhang Ye blinked, clearly not knowing him, but he still politely greeted back, "How are you? Good morning." Great, I must have be famous again. However, Zhang Ye, who wanted to be famous even in his dreams, was not very happy today. He bitterly smiled because he knew that this was infamy. As he approached his office, he felt more perturbed. *Cough*, he didn''t know how the Leader would dispose of him.


    Upon entering the office, everyone was already there.


    "Ah, Teacher Zhang!" Xiaofang was the first to see him.


    Teacher Feng, who was about to retire soon, said with some resentment, "Young man, you�� Why are you so impulsive?"


    Other people eitherughed or nced over. Their looks becameplicated when they looked at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye said, "Teacher Feng, it''s not that I''m impulsive. It''s just that someone was pushing it too far. He scolded me on Weibo for no rhyme or reason. He even led his fans to curse at me. How could I not fight back?" Don''t look at him writing poems and novels; in fact, those did not show his true side. He was extremely nationalistic and cursed at any grievance under the sky. This was this fellow''s true nature. He was just a very ordinary viinous person. He was not as noble as how people thought him to be.


    "Right, where''s Tian Bin?" Zhang Ye began looking.


    Teacher Feng hesitated with an odd look before saying, "He''s been hospitalized. He''s on leave today."


    "Hospitalized?" Zhang Ye felt nervous. Don''t tell me this bro had agitated him into such a state? That can''t be, right?


    Someone from the editing department said, "Little Zhang, you are definitely in trouble this time. Director Zhao said for you to look for him the moment that you reached the unit."


    Zhang Ye said innocently, "I didn''t cause any trouble. All of you should have seen. It was Teacher Tian who threw the first stone. You can''t me me for his hospitalization, right? Hai, the saying is so apt, NO-ZUO, NO-DIE."


    Xiaofang was stunned, "What does it mean?"


    The other people were also curious, "Is it English? No? Die? What was that?"


    Zhang Ye exined, "If you read it together�� If you don''t seek death, you won''t die."


    Teacher Feng spat out the water he had just drunk from his white porcin mug upon hearing this. He began coughing, "That mouth of yours sure is wicked!"


    Everyone, "How do you speak English at home!?"


    NO-ZUO? NO-DIE? Upon hearing this, Wang Xiaomei, who was usually reticent, was also amused. After clearing her throat and wiping her smile, she went back to work.


    Turning around, Zhang Ye bitterlyughed to hide his anxiousness as he walked towards the Leader''s office. He knocked on the door twice.


    "Who is it?"


    "It''s me, Zhang Ye!"


    "��Come in!"


    Upon hearing Zhang Ye''s name, the tone from inside immediately turned unfriendly.


    Zhang Ye carefully entered the room and saw Zhao Guozhou watering the flowers by the window sill. He closed the door and said, "Leader, I heard Editor Zhou say you were looking for me?"


    Zhao Guozhou said hoarsely, "Do you know why I''m looking for you?"


    "I don''t know?" Zhang Ye feigned ignorance, "Is it about the recording of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''? Don''t worry, I''ll finish recording them today. The recorded program can be broadcast for more than a month without a problem."


    Zhao Guozhou turned speechless, "Are you ying dumb with me?"


    Zhang Ye could only admit his faults, "Leader, I know I wasn''t entirely in the right yesterday, but it was Tian Bin who first scolded me as a viinous person intoxicated by sess. He even fanned the mes to get his fans to curse at me. Tell me, what should I have done? I could not have pretended to not see it, right?"


    Zhao Guozhou said angrily, "He has his faults! You, too, have your own faults! No matter what, Tian Bin did not use a single vulgarity, right? What about you? Look at what you posted! Yesterday, the station''s Leader even called my home! He asked me what was going on! Do you know how great an effect that has brought to the station? Eh?" Zhao Guozhou ced the watering pot down and said, "You do not need to exin any further. I''ll write you down with a demerit mark. Well, then�� Write a self-reflective essay. I''ll decide after seeing the self-reflective essay. If your attitude is still incorrect, I''ll add on more punishments. It''s your choice!"


    Zhang Ye was not willing to do it, "Director Zhao, I''ll ept the demerit mark. However, I will not write the self-reflective essay, because I do not think I did anything wrong!"


    Zhao Guozhou angrily said, "You still want to legitimize your cursing?"


    "But Weibo is my personal space. I had also stated that whatever I said was my personal opinion and, as such, has nothing to do with the unit!" Zhang Ye quibbled. How old was he, for him to still write a self-reflective essay!? He was not an elementary student anymore. Zhang Ye would definitely not agree to it, as this was about his principles and dignity!


    "You are still quibbling?" Zhao Guozhou stared at him.


    "You can give me any punishment, but I will definitely not write the self-reflective essay!" Zhang Ye said firmly.


    Zhao Guozhou nodded, "Alright, then I''ll leave your bonus for next month on the backburner. I''ll hand out the bonus only after you turn in the self-reflective essay!"


    Deducting his bonus?


    What a joke! How can a bonuspare with anything!?


    Zhang Ye said without thinking, "I''ll immediately write the self-reflective essay! I''ll pass it to you in a while!"


    Zhao Guozhou, "��"

 Chapter 35: Hosting a New Segment!

    <h4>Chapter 35: Hosting a New Segment! </h4>


    Chapter 35: Hosting a New Segment!


    Afternoon break.


    News was spreading within the Literature Channel.


    "Old Wang, did you hear? Zhang Ye is done for."


    "Ah? How can that be? Aren''t his program ratings very high?"


    "It''s useless, no matter high it is. He''s not a pir of the station, so would not having him matter?"


    "Is it because of the cursing incident? That can''t be! Hasn''t the Leader already meted out punishment to him?"


    "Because of the publishing of "Ghost Blows Out the Light", the station wanted to buy over the copyright. However, Zhang Ye was unimpressed, so he didn''t sell it. The leader was embarrassed. If it was just any other Leader, it wouldn''t be so bad, but this is Deputy Station Head Jia we are talking about. The station''s Leader. If they would let him off, that would be strange!"


    "Aiyo, there''s such an incident?"


    "Right, he''s done for."


    "It can''t be that bad?"


    "Cutting off the station''s profit and long-drawn ns, how can it not be that bad? Watch, the Leader will do him in; they won''t groom him any further."


    "Oh, what a shame. This kid''s cultural upbringing is very good; he''s a good sapling."


    "I knew this day wasing. Zhang Ye doesn''t know his ce. He''s a good person, but too stubborn. When you join the working world, how can your principles be that important anymore? He should know where topromise and give in, otherwise he will suffer sooner orter. His "The Song of the Stormy Petrel" was indeed good. I also approve of his literary skills, but that''s only literature, only a poem. Work is still work; when you have to give in, you have to give in. Otherwise, if he follows his poem''s "Let the tempest strike harder", he wouldn''t need toe in to work anymore. He would have offended all sorts of people."


    The radio station is big, but its social circle is small. With a little hearsay, everyone heard the news.


    When Zhang Ye came back, he was surprised to see Tian Bin. His hand was wrapped up in gauze, like he had suffered an injury.


    The moment he saw Zhang Ye, Tian Bin gritted his teeth, like he had wanted to bite at him. But subsequently, Tian Bin was smiling again, like he was witnessing a joke. He''d had a few drinks the day before and was not clear-minded, so he picked on Zhang Ye on Weibo and even encouraged his fans to curse at him. Who would have known that in the end, he and his fans were out-cursed by Zhang Ye. In his anger, Tian Bin smashed the ashtray beside his hands and identally cut himself. He even had to go to the hospital to get a few stitches. Tian Bin was so angry that he wanted to murder Zhang Ye, but who knew that when he arrived at the unit at noon, a surprise awaited him. Zhang Ye had offended the Leader. This was what''s called retribution; at least, that is what Tian Bin thought. His anger from before had also dissipated.


    "Teacher Zhang!" Xiaofang rushed forward, "They said that you��.."


    Zhang Ye waved her away, "Carry on with your work. I''ve finished recording the broadcast; go straighten it out."


    Teacher Feng, who was on good terms with him, also came forward, pulled him aside to a corner and spoke in a whisper, "Did you really offend the station''s Leader?"


    Zhang Ye smiled bitterly, "I guess so."


    Teacher Feng concernedly asked, "You are really great. If the station wants your copyright, just sell it off to them. It''s okay to earn less; after all, your future''s here in radio hosting. If you don''t sell, are you prepared to resign?"


    Zhang Ye replied unconcerned "Why should I resign? The copyright belongs to me. If the station wants to shortchange me, I won''t sell. I did nothing wrong."


    Teacher Feng was at a loss for words, "You don''t want to stay on? Do you think you can still stay on?"


    "Why not?" Zhang Ye rebutted, "Not only will I stay on, I even want to do well." Such was his temper; he would not have it any other way.


    Teacher Feng shook his head, but didn''t say anything further.


    Being a radio host, Zhang Ye had pondered repeatedly before applying for the job. Of course, he wouldn''t resign because he had yet to achieve the results and experience. Thete-night segment exploded into a well-known program? This result was not enough. Although thete-night program brought together many people, the audience base was still too little. As for those poems? At most, they could let Zhang Ye get around; it could not continuously bring him experience, nor fame. Zhang Ye''s focus was still to gain more fame through using the radio station. At the very least, he had to win an award. This would be the very foundation needed for him to be famous in the future. Zhang Ye''s horizons were very wide; naturally, he would not be stuck in the radio station. But deep inside, he knew that he couldn''t make it without them. Right now, he would like to join the TV station, but that would require them to want him. Even if it was him, he could not be a TV host. The TV station was at least ten times morepetitive than the radio station. Lots of people were queuing up to join the TV station, so why would they want him? Based on this height? Based on this image? Bull***t! Even if he worked backstage all his life, it wouldn''t be his turn. So what if he had talent? Even with the cultural support he had from his world, it would have little effect. To be a TV host, not only do you need cultural learnings, but also a mixture of strength and qualifications. This is why Zhang Ye felt the basics in the radio station were very important. He needed to hone his skills here, before he can continue to climb up!


    Suddenly, Zhao Guozhou entered the office.


    "Director Zhao."


    "Director."


    A few people hurriedly greeted. Tian Bin did so, too.


    Zhao Guozhou looked at Tian Bin, "How''s your injury?"


    Tian Bin quickly said, "It''s not a problem; it was just aceration. A few stitches was all it needed."


    With a terse acknowledgement, Zhao Guozhou nced at Zhang Ye, who was sitting at this seat. Suddenly, he pped to attract the attention of everyone, "Everyone, put down your work. I have two disciplinary matters to settle." Looking at Tian Bin, "Little Tian, although you are injured, I still need to give you a verbal reprimand. I have already received your self-reflective essay. Your attitude is pretty good. In consideration of your hard work and working attitude in the past, only one month of your bonus will be deducted. Never again!"


    Tian Bin promised, "It won''t happen again."


    "Also, Zhang Ye." Although Zhang Ye had been dealt with, Zhao Guozhou suddenly went back on his word. "Little Zhang, your behavior was extremely bad. You used vulgarities and not only did you scold your own colleague, you even scolded the listeners who have always been supportive of us. You have caused an indelible effect on our station. The station''s management are also taking this very seriously and have decided to revoke Zhang Ye''s position as the host of "Late-night Ghost Stories". He will be a stand-in host. The position will be taken up by Tian Bin. Here, I also want to warn everyone to remember that every word and action you do is representative of our station''s image!"


    Many people had already guessed it!


    However, there were still people who could not believe that the punishment dealt to Zhang Ye was so severe!


    Tian Bin was the most delighted person amongst them all. He immediately said, "Thank you, Leader. I promise that I will not disappoint the trust the station has put in me!"


    Zhang Ye also never expected the station to be ruthless. "Director Zhao, then will ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' be taken off-air?"


    Zhao Guozhou said indifferently, "Why would it be taken off-air? Haven''t you already finished recording? Once ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' ends its broadcast, the next ghost story will be broadcasted by Tian Bin!"


    Finished recording?


    This was pretty much ughtering the donkey after it has done its job at the mill!


    Zhang Ye was vexed. This bro had worked overtime until 2-3 A.M. in the night every day over the past few days. He nearly did it without rest, but all he got in return was this? Not giving me the royalties I deserve, removing me from my post, yet still continuing to use my program to gain listenership for the station? One shouldn''t kill after one has apologized! But what could he say? He was without any background or power. He could say nothing and could only me himself. He had used vulgarities on Weibo, causing others to have something on him. Zhang Ye was a person who had a good memory. In the future, if he encountered something on the inte like this again, he would definitely��definitely carry on cursing!


    This was Zhang Ye!


    No one could stop him with something he wanted to do!


    "I have finished announcing the disciplinary matters. That would be all." Zhao Guozhou was about to leave.


    At this moment, no one expected Wang Xiaomei to stand forward, "Director Zhao, I saw the Weibo incident too. Even though Teacher Zhang had his faults, this matter was instigated by Teacher Tian. If the punishment for Teacher Zhang was so severe, I think it should be done so equally. We shouldn''t let Teacher Tian go on a segment, right?"


    Zhang Ye was a rookie who had no experience. His performance was just above-average. However, Wang Xiaomei was different. She was the number one person of the Literature Channel. She was also a supporting pir of the Beijing Radio Station. The words she said certainly had pull!


    Tian Bin''s face flushed red and white. However, he did not dare open his mouth, as it wasn''t his time and ce.


    Zhao Guozhou stared deeply at Wang Xiaomei, "Teacher Xiaomei, no matter what problems Little Tian has, he did not scold anyone. He had still paid attention to the repercussions."


    Wang Xiaomei said, "Then I think this punishment is not fair. If Teacher Tian can go on segment, then Teacher Zhang should be given a chance to mend his ways."


    Teacher Feng hesitated before looking up, "My "Old and Young Story Club" is about to be axed. I heard that the station has arranged for other segments to rece it. However, there should be about a dozen or so more episodes to be recorded. I have already begun the retirement proceduresst week. It is quite pointless for me to host it any further. Why not let Teacher Little Zhang host my segment? I''m already old. My body is also not good. I really don''t have the energy to carry on broadcasting."


    Zhao Guozhou''s eyebrows ticked, "Old Feng, there should be a beginning and an end. You have already broadcast your segment for five years. You want to give up at the final critical moment?"


    Teacher Feng sighed, "I think it''s best to hand it over to the young people. I only want to retire peacefully now."


    After a few seconds of silence, Zhao Guozhou could only say, "Alright, then. In that case, tomorrow, Little Zhang will host ''Old and Young Story Club''." Since the segment had only about a dozen days left, it was pretty meaningless.


    Tian Bin and many others felt the same, too. It was meaningless.


    However, Zhang Ye did not agree. At this moment, he felt warmth in his heart. An indescribable feeling surged from deep within his heart. He had never expected that someone would help him at this moment. After Zhao Guozhou left, Zhang Ye rushed to Wang Xiaomei''s table, "Teacher Wang, thank you very much."


    Wang Xiaomei said without expression, "You had helped me relieve the problem on my programst time. Treat it as me returning the favor."


    "Thank you." After saying that, Zhang Ye went to Teacher Feng, "Teacher Feng, thank you very much. I really do not know what to say."


    Teacher Fengughed, "Retiring tomorrow is also retiring. Retiring a dozen dayster is also retiring. What difference is that to me? You don''t have to thank me. In fact, I can''t help you much. You are, in my opinion, the best sapling in the station. Don''t me me for always nagging you. In fact, I actually like that bad temper of yours. You are identical to when I was young. Hehe. I also do not wish to see you being put down like that. My segment will be handed over to you tomorrow. This segment is my child. You must treat it well. Even though it will be taken off-air in a dozen or so episodes, you must do it diligently. Can you agree to that?"


    Immediately, Zhang Ye felt a heavy burden. He said confidently, "I can agree to that!"

 Chapter 37: My Segment Will Not Go Off-air!

    <h4>Chapter 37: My Segment Will Not Go Off-air! </h4>


    Chapter 37: My Segment Will Not Go Off-air!


    The next morning.


    A superstition was spread through the unit by word of mouth.


    "Hey, have you heard about Zhang Ye?"


    "The one whose poem went in the papers? The one that cursed online?"


    "Right, that''s him. Everyone is saying he''s odd. It''s like he knows some evil mystic techniques!"


    "Haha, what day and age is it? Why are you still so superstitious? How can that be? Even if his "Ghost Blows Out the Light" is so well-written, it is just a novel."


    "You dont'' know what happened at the Literature Channel? A few people who offended Zhang Ye all encountered bad luck. One got scalded by hot water, one got electrocuted by the air-con, another got hit by a bouncing ball from out the window and another one twisted her ankle because of her heels. And finally, falling down repeatedly after a florescent light tube exploded. How do you exin this? Why were all those who did not offend him alright?"


    "Ah? There was such a thing?"


    "Why would I lie to you? Everyone is talking about it. Old Sun, if you see Zhang Ye in the future, stay far away from him. This guy is really strange!"


    Two people in the Music Channel whispered.


    This simr scene happened in many parts of the radio station.


    Today, Zhang Ye showed upte. When he reached upstairs, people had already begun working, so the corridor was empty. When Zhang Ye reached the door to the Literature Channel''s office, he heard Zhao Guozhou''s voiceing from within. He pushed open the door, "Sorry, there was a traffic jam." This rascal, of course, was not in a traffic jam. He took the subway to work. He had overslept. It was also because he felt like cking off at work. He was furious with the way the management and his colleagues had treated him. Since his segment had been taken away from him, he no longer had much passion for work.


    The moment he appeared, the entire office turned silent!


    Every pair of eyesnded on him!


    Zhang Ye felt a bit creeped out as he gave a cough before returning to his seat. Only then did he see a youth standing beside Zhao Guozhou. He was about the same age as Zhang Ye. He was in his early twenties and was very handsome. He was the type that one would consider a standard good-looking guy. His hair was short, he was 1.8 meters tall and a bit thin.


    Zhao Guozhou pretended that he did not see Zhang Ye, as he carried on, "I''ve already said what I need to say. Today, I''ll introduce to everyone a neer, Jia Yan. He is a fresh graduate and his broadcasting ability is excellent. From today, everyone will be colleagues. When "Old and Young Story Club" finishes next week, that time slot will be reced by a new segment, "Soaring Youth". This segment has been nned over a long period of time by the station, and having spentrge amounts of money. The position of a broadcasting host will be handed over to Jia Yan. Teachers, please guide him, so that Little Jia can do well."


    Everyone immediately apuded.


    Jia Yan took the opportunity to speak, "Seniors, in the future, I hope you would correct me if there is anything I''mcking with."


    "Your office seat��" Zhao Guozhou searched around as he looked towards Zhang Ye, "Little Zhang, go sit with Teacher Feng. Teacher Feng''s desk is quiterge, so grab a chair there. Little Jia, in the future, this will be your office desk. Work hard and don''t let us down."


    Jia Yan said, "Yes, I will, Director Zhao."


    There were no more desks in the office, so Zhang Ye was thrown away.


    Zhang Ye could not help butugh deep down. Surprisingly, he did not say a word as he moved his stuff and stood up.


    Just as Zhang Ye''s items was about to lose bnce to the point of nearly touching a passing-by Tian Bin''s arm, it was as if Tian Bin was a cat that had its tail stepped on. His hair stood up as he hurriedly retreated away. The chair under his ass even pulled back with a screeching noise.


    Zhang Ye, "��". He carried on walking.


    When he walked pass Li Si, whose forehead was covered by a piece of gauze, he immediately turned sideways. It was as if there was a danger zone within a one-meter radius of Zhang Ye, so one needed to stay at least two meters away.


    On his way, Zhang Ye sure felt it was lively. Everywhere he passed by, his colleagues would all dodge. It was as if they were shunning the gue!


    Holy sh*t!


    Must all of you go to that extent?


    Zhang Ye was the person who felt most speechless!


    Simrly, the neer, Jia Yan, was also speechless. He was unaware of what was happening, having just arrived at the unit. Seeing everyone''s attitude towards Zhang Ye, he was wondering, "Just who is this man? Some people were unpopr, but who the f**k has seen such an unpopr person!? How unpopr are you?"


    The neer''s introduction carried on.


    Zhang Ye was in no mood to listen as he whispered to Teacher Feng, "Sorry, Teacher Feng. Both of us need to squeeze together at a table. What the heck! Who is that person? It seems the Leader highly appreciates him?"


    Teacher Feng whispered back, "I heard that he is a rtive of Deputy Station Head Jia."


    "Both of them have the surname, ''Jia''? No wonder." Zhang Ye was enlightened. He had been forced to his current state all because of Deputy Station Head Jia. Of course, he did not have a good impression of Jia Yan.


    Afterpleting the procedures, Jia Yan had officially entered the profession. He also rushed to form bonds with his colleagues. A few youngdies in the station even rushed forward to chat with him happily. Male colleagues also had a good chat with him. Without asking, all of them knew that he was a rtive of Deputy Station Head Jia. Even if one did not build a good rtionship with him, he was not someone they could afford to offend. If he were to speak ill of you in front of the Leader, then you would be in trouble.


    "Little Jia, if you have anything you do not know, feel free to ask me."


    "Sure thing, Teacher Wu. Sorry for troubling you."


    "There''s no need to stand on ceremony. We are a family the moment you entered this office."


    Only Zhang Ye and a small minority of people ignored Jia Yan, as they did what they had to do.


    Jia Yan was still alright in the beginning. After humbly interacting with his colleagues, he looked around and came to Teacher Feng, "May I ask if you are Teacher Feng?"


    Teacher Feng nodded and shook hands with him, "That''s me."


    "Hello. The Leader has arranged for me to take over your segment, so I will need to consult you if there''s anything I do not understand." Jia Yan said, smiling.


    Teacher Feng smiled slightly, "Sure. No problem."


    However, the tone in Jia Yan''s next sentence changed, "I have already nned the theme for two episodes of the program. "Soaring Youth" is a show that has to do with stories and matters regarding youths and society, so I actually have a slight problem. As my theme is more pertinent to actual matters, you should know that the poprity of the topic is limited. After a while, it would lose its poprity, so it cannot be dyed. I heard from the station that you would be retiring. Hence, I''m asking for your opinion if I can begin broadcasting my program thising Monday. If it is dyed another ten days or so, then what I''vee up with might not be relevant anymore."


    Teacher Feng, who was still holding his hand, turned stiff, "You are telling me to end "Old and Young Story Club" early?"


    "That''s my intention. Ending a show ten episodes early wouldn''t make much of a difference. I think we should be looking forward. I also hope that my segment for that time slot would have a higher listenership rate." Jia Yan said in a dignified manner.


    Teacher Feng''s expression sank, "Impossible!"


    Teacher Feng was the most senior person in the office. He was a nice guy and had always been well-liked. A few oldrades who had good rtions with Teacher Feng could not bear listening any further.


    "Little Jia, what''s the meaning of this?"


    "Are you trying to put on airs, having just arrived?"


    "The ending to the segment was decided by the Leader; do you think you can change as you wish?"


    Jia Yan hurriedly said, "Teachers, you have misunderstood what I meant. I absolutely do not have such a thought. I only want to make my segment do well. I have already told the Leader about my thoughts. The Leader told me to discuss it with Teacher Feng, so I came over to ask. The first two episodes really need to be expedited!"


    Wang Xiaomei frowned, and said to him, "Expedited? Then why don''t you adjust your own segment. If it''s old, let it go. Can''t you create something new? Why must you adjust someone else''s segment?"


    There were people who helped Jia Yan.


    Tian Bin said, "Ending early orte will have the same oue."


    Wu Datao also said, "Little Jia is a neer. We should give him room for opportunities. The future world belongs to young people like him. It isn''t such a serious matter, right?"


    The sounds of sparse footsteps from outside could be heard.


    "What''s the matter? What''s the ruckus about?" A management inspection team had arrived. The inspections by the higher-ups had no fixed schedule. It purely depended on the mood of the Leader. Every now and then they would take their rounds.


    "Station Head Jia."


    "Station Head Jia."


    "Chief Zhang."


    Everyone stood up.


    Deputy Station Head Jia asked in a long tone, "What''s going on?"


    Jia Yan saw his grandfather but he pretended not to know him. He then exined what had happened.


    Deputy Station Head Jia gave a long "Oh" and put his foot down, "The ending time of the segment was just preliminarily decided. It can be adjusted at any time. Since your segment has its requirements, then let''s push it forward by a week." Looking towards Teacher Feng, "Old Feng, can you make way for the neer, please?"


    What else could Teacher Feng say? His face turned pale with anger! Just as what he said to Zhang Ye, he had always treated his segment as his child. As its listenership had always been aroundst, there was no way to help it if it were to be axed. However, just because he was a rtive of the station''s Leader, the decided ending date was overturned? I still have not retired yet! Now you are sending me off already?


    The matter was settled.


    The inspecting management left.


    Jia Yan got his wishes, "Sorry, Teacher Feng. My segment is really in a rush. Please don''t bother about me. About the handing over of the segment��"


    Zhang Ye very impolitely interrupted him. He was already mad while watching from the side. The moment he spoke, he said some harsh words, "''Old and Young Story Club'' will be mine from today onwards. Anything you need to say should be said to me. However, you don''t have to say any more, nor do you need to consider the handing over of segments. I can solemnly tell you that this segment, ''Old and Young Story Club'' will not end its broadcast. From today forward, I will let the segment reach greater heights. As for you, take a number and honestly queue up. It''s not your turn yet! In the future, it will still not be your turn either! So there''s no need to be impatient!"


    What?


    "Old and Young Story Club" will not end its broadcast?


    Tian Bin nearlyughed out loud after hearing this. Could you change what the Leader has already decided?


    Jia Yan also found it ridiculous, "I''ve heard that you are the previous host of ''Late-night Ghost Stories'', Zhang Ye, right? I really do not know what you are talking about!"


    He did not know, neither did anyone else!


    Would not hand it over? Would not end its broadcast? Are you dreaming!?


    This is already a sure thing! How are you going to reverse the situation? Do you think you can let "Old and Young Story Club" go fromst to first in listenership rates? Today was Wednesday! There were only five days left until Sunday! You have really made a hrious joke! You really aren''t afraid of saying anything?

 Chapter 38: Zhang Ye narrates “Snow White”!

    <h4>Chapter 38: Zhang Ye narrates ��Snow White��! </h4>


    Chapter 38: Zhang Ye narrates "Snow White"!


    People scattered.


    They all returned to their seats.


    No one cared about the harsh words Zhang Ye said. This was because, be it Tian Bin, Jia Yan or Wang Xiaomei andpany, everyone knew that it was impossible. Not even Zhang Ye, even a famous broadcasting host in the industry, with an extreme amount of fame would not be able to revive "Old and Young Story Club" from the dead in five days. Everyone worked in the same industry. They knew the limitations and bottlenecks of the segment. Why was "Old and Young Story Club" always low on the ratings? This was probably fated.


    This segment was in the afternoon time slot, which was 12 noon to 1 P.M. The segment was to tell stories like children''s fairy tales. From the moment the segment was established, it already had a pitfall and a limitation. As a result, this segment had never be popr. In recent years, it carried on returning low ratings.


    Why? This was because it was no longer like years ago. There was too much information in present-day society. Communication methods and technology were improving by the day. People no longer used the radio to obtain information. Typically, children were still in school during this afternoon time slot, other than during Winter and Summer breaks. Those who were not in school, because they were too young, would not be able to understand the stories. Those who were in school did not have the time to listen. This created this awkward situation.


    Furthermore, children''s literature was bing more and more downtrodden. Be it the quality or quantity of works, they were all decreasing. If one carefully counted, the more famous new fairy tales this year only included "Can Kites Fly?" and "Tong Tong''s Day". However, these two stories could not be split up and broadcast over an entire year, right? Children might not even listen to it. The same old stories were listened to over and over again. Those which were famous had been heard by everyone. Those that were not famous were not well-liked by everyone. So in such an environment, who would listen to the radio?


    Not only the Beijing Radio Station, even many radio stations all over the country were cancelling their children story segments. The market was as such. No one could reverse the situation.


    Hence, Zhang Ye''s words were treated as a joke. Many people did not even bother retorting. There was no meaning behind having an exchange and rification.


    "Little Zhang." Teacher Feng also said, "You really think so?"


    Zhang Ye said in a determined fashion, "I didn''t have this thought yesterday, but I have it now!" This rascal was a warrior. He was still resigning himself to despair before, but now, after seeing Deputy Station Head Jia and his family challenging him, his fighting spirit was rekindled. He was full of energy!


    "You don''t understand the situation." Teacher Feng wanted to exin it to him.


    However, Zhang Ye refused to listen, "You don''t have to speak any further. I do not need to understand the situation either. You don''t have to care what I do. You just focus on your retirement procedures. Hand everything over to me. I, Zhang Ye, will guarantee you that ''Old and Young Story Club'' will soar to even greater heights! I will not let your baby end in my hands! If you believe me, then don''t leave the unit first. Aren''t there still five days left? Five days is sufficient! See how I make our program do well! ''Soaring Youth''? I''ll let that Jia Yan never be able to have his segment!"


    Upon hearing that, Teacher Feng also felt a little excited, "You really can do it? But the segment''s stories are all those fairy tales from the past. No matter how good your broadcasting skills are, everyone only cares about the story."


    Zhang Ye tly said, "Then I''ll write my own stories!"


    "You do not have children. You won''t understand the mentality of children!" Teacher Feng cautioned him, "This is different from writing a novel orposing a poem!"


    Zhang Ye was confident, "Wait and see. I''ll make them not be able to speak a single word!"


    "Alright, then go ahead and try. It''s not early anymore. Let''s go to the recording studio. On the way, I''ll tell you things you need to pay attention to." Teacher Feng brought Zhang Ye along with him.


    However, just as they took a few steps, Li Si came forward, "Teacher Feng, Teacher Jia just went to Recording Studio #3 to record his new segment. You will need to wait."


    Teacher Feng''s voice changed, "Which Teacher Jia?"


    "It''s Teacher Jia, Jia Yan." Li Si no longer spoke to Teacher Feng as respectfully as in the past. There was no need to for a person that was about to leave. As for Zhang Ye, there was even less need to do so, as he had been cklisted by the Leader. "I actually told him that your segment had already reserved it, but Teacher Jia got an expedited approval from the Leader, so I had to give it to him. Well, Recording Studio #4 will be free in an hour."


    Teacher Feng said angrily, "It will nearly be 12 noon soon! How can we record an hourter!? At that moment, it will be a live broadcast!"


    "Please don''t get angry at me. This was not decided by me." Li Si said.


    Zhang Ye had already seen through him, as he appeared unfazed, "Teacher Feng, don''t worry. Let''s do a live broadcast today. I happen to like live broadcasts!"


    Teacher Feng was unwilling, "This is the first time you are going on the segment. You have also never narrated such a story. If there''s a mistake, you��"


    "There won''t be. I won''t make a mistake!" Zhang Ye said to Li Si, "Reserve the live broadcast room for us!"


    Li Si extremely disliked Zhang Ye''s tone. But after the spooky event that happened yesterday, he did not dare to challenge Zhang Ye. He did not even dare to enter a two meters radius from him, so he could only obediently follow the instructions. As the saying goes, kind people will be bullied. After being aware of Zhang Ye''s powers and sinister side, everyone became well-behaved. And Li Si was one of them. He did not wish to be hit in the forehead another time. His wound was still hurting right now!


    ��


    Before noon.


    Live broadcast studio #6.


    Today, other than Zhang Ye and Teacher Feng, there was no one else. Everyone knew that Zhang Ye was doomed. This segment was also doomed. So naturally, no one had the mind to listen to their live broadcast.


    It was still before the segment''s scheduled time. Zhang Ye took this opportunity to open his game ring. After the war of words, his Reputation points had constantly increased. With the Reputation gained from yesterday''s ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'', Zhang Ye already had another 100,000 Reputation points today. Without any hesitation, he bought a "Memory Search Capsule". He searched through the fairy tales he had read when he was still young, reinforcing the memory!


    One story!


    Three stories!


    Five stories!


    The capsule''s time was over!


    Zhang Ye had a great harvest before he opened his eyes. His eyes were clear and sparkling.


    "We are about to begin." Teacher Feng cautioned him. He began the countdown. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. He turned on the volume and said amiably, "Hello, children. It''s our ''Old and Young Story Club'' segment today again. I am your old friend, Grandpa Feng. Today, I will introduce a new friend to everyone. His name is Uncle Zhang Ye. The following story and segment will be told by Uncle Zhang."


    Zhang Ye introduced himself, "Hello, children. I am Zhang Ye. You can call me Brother and you can also call me Uncle. Hehe."


    After handing over the segment, Teacher Feng turned off his volume and signaled to Zhang Ye. As he walked out, he looked backwards. He did not remain in the live broadcasting studio. It was not that Teacher Feng was assured of Zhang Ye; in contrast, he was overly worried. As such, he did not even dare watch or listen, for his heart could not take it.


    With Zhang Ye left alone, Zhang Ye felt even more calm!


    "Old and Young Story Club" had a bottleneck? It had its limitations? Those were all excuses!


    Zhang Ye did not believe in such crap. He still wanted to revive this segment! What was his method? It was to use the fairy tales from his world. His brain was filled with all sort of literature resources. Let''s not even talk about one story a day, he could even narrate ten stories a day for a full month without a hitch! Furthermore, every story would be something never heard of in this world! Zhang Ye had even specially checked on the inte. Just like "Ghost Blows Out the Light", this world did not have the famous fairy tale authors like Hans Christian Anderson or the Brothers Grimm!


    Lacking in children''s literature?


    Others were worried, but he wasn''t! His whole being was a resource!


    Zhang Ye began to speak the moment he opened his mouth. The Memory Search Capsule had allowed him to reproduce the fairy tales without missing a word. The speed at which he narrated was different from that of narrating "Ghost Blows Out the Light". This was narrated to children, so the speed had to be done slowly. Furthermore, he could not use the tone of narrating a horror story. He had to use a soft and gentle tone. He even needed to pinch his throat to change his pitch, so as to let children feel closer to him. These basics had beenpletely learned by Zhang Ye when he was in college. Zhang Ye was not weaker than anyone else in these professional sses. He was onlycking a stage from which he could perform. Hence, for a person like him who had poor looks, he greatly valued work in the radio station. He needed to do well. He needed to reverse the situation with "Old and Young Story Club". It was both for himself and also for Teacher Feng who had been kind to him!


    "Today, I''ll tell you a children''s fairy tale. Once upon a time, long, long ago, a king and queen ruled over a distantnd. Both of them wished for a child. So they sincerely prayed to God, ''God! We are a good King and Queen. Please give us a child!'' Soon after that, the kind queen gave birth to a baby girl, who had skin white as snow, cheeks as red as apples��


    The people of this world did not understand.


    However, if anyone from Zhang Ye''s world heard this, they would definitely blurt it out. Yes, Zhang Ye was narrating the famous, and widely-known all around the world, fairy tale that everyone had heard before��"News Broadcast"!


    Alright, let''s not joke!


    *Cough* It was "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves"!

 Chapter 40: Fairytale Essay Competition!

    <h4>Chapter 40: Fairytale Essay Competition! </h4>


    Chapter 40: Fairytale Essay Competition!


    Before getting off work.


    Zhao Guozhou called Zhang Ye into his office, "Little Zhang, now that it''s just the two of us, I want to have a nice chat with you." He said earnestly, "You were brought in by me. The facts have proven that I was not wrong. Your ability has been acknowledged by everyone. You have also gained the recognition of the listeners. However, humans are not lone individuals in this society. You need to eat, you need to survive, you need to cater to others, you need to be tactful. The station had nned the case regarding "Ghost Blows Out the Light" for a very long time. It had even established a special small nning team for it. Just because of one simple word from you of not selling, all the ns the station''s management had gone up into smoke. How could the station not be angry about this? Me suppressing you a bit this time was beyond my control. Do you understand what I mean?"


    "I understand." Zhang Ye said with a deadpan expression.


    "That''s good, then about the copyright��" Zhao Guozhou persuaded.


    Zhang Ye said without hesitation, "Not selling."


    Zhao Guozhou turned mad again, "You really can''t give me peace of mind!"


    Zhang Ye also said his heartfelt feelings, "Director Zhao, I know you greatly appreciated me. Back then it was you who took me in despite my looks. For this favor, I''ll remember you for life. I know the station is repressing me, so it''s fine no matter how you treat me. However, about the copyright, I will say that same line forever - not selling!"


    "You are willing to not go on a segment in the future?" Zhao Guozhou asked as he worried over his talent.


    Zhang Ye said, "I still have a segment now. I will pull it up!"


    Zhao Guozhou knocked on the form on his table, "The afternoon listenership rates have been handed out. Although it will only be announced tomorrow, I shall take this opportunity to tell you that ''Old and Young Story Club'' is still inst ce. This segment cannot be pulled up. It''s useless, no matter who it is. Your talent should be ced on a bigger stage, but why are you so stubborn? You��Hai, forget it. Go back."


    Lining the bottom once again?


    Really can''t be pulled up?


    Zhang Ye refused to believe that it was so. If two episodes weren''t enough, he would record a third. If the third recording wasn''t enough, he would record a fourth. He still had three days'' time. It was still possible for him to turn the situation around!


    ��


    The sky still was bright, even after he returned home.


    The rental apartment was quiet and lonely. It was like his current situation.


    Zhang Ye switched on theputer as he absent-mindedly read the news. After some analysis, he realized that the reason why the ratings had not been pulled up was not the fault of the story. How could "Snow White" and "The Emperor''s New Clothes" have a problem? They were the ssic fairy tales out of the ssics fairy tales from his world. The reason was apparently due to inertia. There were not that many people listening to this segment. New listeners were alreadypletely disappointed with the present fairy tales, or they were sick of them. There was no habit to even listen in. There would not be any fresh blood being injected, so it would be odd if the listenership rate was going up!


    How was he to attract new listeners?


    He felt that he needed an opportunity; otherwise, it would be very difficult!


    Zhang Ye left his mouse as he switched on television, nning to watch the News Channel. As someone working in the media industry, watching the news was part and parcel of one''s daily work.


    "Today, another heinous case of a missing child happened in the capital. In a small district near to Cheng Nan Jia Yuan, four-year-old Wen Wen was left alone at home with his parents at work. ording to police investigations and analysis of closed-circuit TV footage, Wen Wen had opened the door to a male stranger around the age of 35. It is unknown what method this person used to gain Wen Wen''s trust. Not only did he bring away Wen Wen, he had taken several valuables in the house. ording to the closed-circuit TV footage, Wen Wen apparently was not crying. Currently, the police are using all their efforts to take in criminal suspects. This is the picture of the suspect taken from the closed-circuit TV. If anyone sees this suspect, please immediately contact the number shown on your screen!" The Central TV''s News Channel''s female anchorwoman said solemnly with a tinge of anger.


    Next were street and school interviews.


    A woman holding a vegetable basket said to the reporter, "This is already the fourth time a child has been abducted from home this month, right? It''s so depraved! These people should be shot to death!"


    An old man said, "Why do these sort of things keep happening? Why would a child open the door to a stranger? I think it''s a problem with our education!"


    At a particr kindergarten, the reporter interviewed at a promotional event held in the school. There were many people gathered in the school field. There were teachers, older students and parents.


    "Little friends, remember that when you are alone at home, you must never open the door to strangers. Did you hear that?"


    "Heard that!"


    "Can you remember?"


    "Yes!"


    The screen switched back to the studio. The female anchor said, "Actually, the instructions of never to open the door to a stranger has been repeated countless numbers of times in the children education system. All the children know this, but when they meet strangers who im to be "Mommy''s" or "Daddy''s" colleague, they still open the door. This is the fourth time that it has happened this month. I do not know what has gone wrong in our education system."


    Maybe we should use a teaching method more suitable for children to tell them this. It should not be something repeated to them in a dogmatic manner. Children have their children''s way of thinking and their own world. The way we indoctrinate them with ideas might not be something they can understand. Hence, a week ago, Beijing''s Education Ministry has led the way by organizing the historicallyrgest fairy tale essaypetition event. The name is "Fairy Tale Essays Collection for Not Opening the Door to Strangers", The goal is to use these fairy tales to caution children in a fun and educative manner, so as to let children genuinely realize how to protect themselves."


    Fairy Tale Essays Collection?


    Zhang Ye immediately had a feeling. Here came an opportunity!


    But the next thing the female anchor said made him disappointed, "Submissions beganst week and the deadline is at midnight, tonight. During this period, the education ministry has allowed people to vote as a fair way to choose the number one story. From that, kindergarten and elementary schools or other child care groups will receiverge-scale promotions!"


    It was already 7+ P.M.!


    There was less than five hours left?


    Zhang Ye switched off the television and hurriedly opened the Beijing''s Education Ministry''s specially created essay website. There were many publicity pictures on it. They were filled with pictures of children that had gone missing in Beijing. Their smiling faces, their pictures of their lives and the crying expressions of the parents whose children had gone missing. There was only one slogan: Please use your words to help children. Upon seeing this, Zhang Ye''s heart felt heavy, as if he felt suffocated. He was nning to look for an opportunity to improve the segment''s ratings. But upon seeing that the deadline was at midnight, Zhang Ye knew that it was impossible. Others had umted a full week of votes, so how could he exceed them within just a few hours? However, when he followed the stories of how children were abducted, Zhang Ye felt that he had to write something. It had nothing to do with his segment, nor did it have to do with anything else. He just wanted to contribute a portion of his strength!


    So what if he did not seed?


    It was enough, as long as he did something!


    ��


    As this matter caused quite amotion in society, people on the streets, in public transport, on the inte and those interacting with online media were all reflecting and discussing about it. It could be considered a hot topic among all the citizens. Anything that was child-rted would forever be something that grabbed the hearts of people. Hence, this continuous outbreak of heinous crimes had caused great concern for society. As such, this fairy tale essaypetition had be abnormally well-received. Many people published their stories.


    The most famous one was by Tao Xueru, the highest-paid female children''s fairy tale author in the country.


    Secondly, there was Little Red Mushroom. It was a stage name. She, too, was a female children''s fairy tale author. The sales of her books were inferior to Tao Xueru, but the most famous fairy tale in the country was hers.


    The both of them were practically propping up about half of the children''s fairy tale industry in the country.


    There were other children''s literature authors. Many authors of fairy tales that people were familiar with when they were young had submitted their stories to the essaypetition.


    The ranking was as follows.


    Little Red Mushroom: 28,018 votes.


    Tao Xueru: 24,311 votes.


    Old Lee: 17,223 votes.


    Zhang Qiang: 16,976 votes.


    For the storypetition, the authors who submitted their works would show their verified status. For example, Little Red Mushroom andpany all had their verified status. Zhang Qiang, who was ranked at fourth ce, was a children''s literature author. Only Old Lee, who was in third ce, was not in the industry. In his verification status, there was written "Office Employee".


    Zhang Ye flipped through the stories. Ever since the world changed into a different world, Zhang Ye always had a feeling of looking down upon others. However, when he looked at the top ranking stories, he was quite impressed. They were worthy of being the top figures in the field of children''s literature. They were well written, especially Little Red Mushroom''s children story that was ranked first. Even if it was brought to Zhang Ye''s world, it was a high-quality fairy tale that could be remade into an animation.


    However, it was stillcking slightly. It was not that the story was poor, but it was because the story was slightlyplex. After all, the target audience of a fairy tale to warn children not to open a door to a stranger was definitely very young. One could not expect them to understand things that were tooplicated. Little Red Mushroom''s story was 8,000 thousand words long. So although it was really good, there were too many characters. Zhang Ye suspected that children would not be able to finish reading it properly.


    The further he went down the ranks, the more horrible the stories became.


    Ignoring those who were not professional authors, some of those with verification statuses were children''s literature authors. How could they write such a mess? These stories all had a serious problem. Either they were so childish that even children themselves would find it childish, or they were too mature, where the entire story was written ording to an adult''s way of thinking. How could these be shown to children?


    None of them could work!


    All of the stories were inappropriate!


    Zhang Ye pulled up his sleeves and got to work. He felt that he had a story that was extremely appropriate. It was also a story gathered out of the overall essence from his world. It would be perfect if used in this essaypetition. There was no other story that was better than that one.


    Zhang Ye first used his Weibo''s information to gain the recognition on the education website. After obtaining his verification, Zhang Ye began typing. He cked away before uploading it!


    The story''s name: "Little Bunnies Be Good".


    Mommy Bunny had three children. One was called Little Red Eyes, one was called Long Ears, and one was called Stumpy Tail.


    One day, Mommy Bunny said to her children, "Mommy is going to the fields to pick carrots. Watch the house and close the door. Don''t open the door to anyone; open the door only when Mommyes."


    Mommy Bunny carried her basket and walked towards the fields. The Little Bunnies remembered Mommy''s words and locked the door well.


    Later on, the Big Bad Wolf came. He wanted to enter the Little Bunnies'' house, but the door was tightly closed by the Little Bunnies, so he could not enter!


    The Big Bad Wolf sat by the Little Bunnies'' door. He narrowed his eyes and thought of a bad idea. Suddenly, he saw Mommy Bunny return. He quickly ran and hid behind arge tree.


    Mommy Bunny came to the door. She pushed the door but the door was tightly closed. As she knocked, she sang, "Little Bunnies be good; open the door! Come, open it quickly; I want toe in."

 Chapter 41: Zhang Ye’s Troll Fan Army!

    <h4>Chapter 41: Zhang Ye��s Troll Fan Army! </h4>


    Chapter 41: Zhang Ye''s Troll Fan Army!


    Eight o''clock in the evening.


    Four hours before the essaypetition ended.


    "The next day, Mommy Bunny went into the forest to pick some mushrooms. The Little Bunnies locked up the door and waited for their mommy to return. After a while, the Big Bad Wolf came again. He knocked at the door while holding his nose, "Little Bunnies be good, open the door. Come open quickly; I want toe in."


    "No, no! That''s not Mommy''s voice."


    "No, no! It''s not Mommy; it''s the Big Bad Wolf!"


    "Not opening, not opening. We''re not opening. Mommy hasn''t returned yet. We won''t open it for anyone!"


    The fairy tale was simple, but to the point. The Big Bad Wolf mimicked Mommy Bunny''s song to trick the Little Bunnies. Little Red Eyes and Stumpy Tail were tricked and wanted to open the door, but Long Ears knew better. So it peeked through the cracks in the door and saw that it was not Mommy Bunny. They tricked the Big Bad Wolf into putting his tail in through the doorway and mmed the door shut. The Big Bad Wolf was trapped and when Mommy Bunny came home, she chased the Big Bad Wolf back to the mountains, with his broken tail between his feet.


    A message simplified.


    Something so simple, but yet the message was clear.


    After posting, Zhang Ye didn''t give it further thought. He went to the bathroom and had a warm shower. After drying up and blow-drying his hair, he went off to thendy''s ce. He pressed the bell many times, but no one opened the door. Rao Aimin must not be around. Giving it some thought, Zhang Ye finally took out his wallet and countedst month''s rent and supply debts, together with this month''s rent, before slipping it underneath the doorway. He followed up with a note to exin.


    At this moment, the opposite door opened and a couple came out of their rented home.


    "What shall we eat?"


    "Anything''s fine. Oh, I just read a fairy tale and found it to be really good."


    "The ones from the Education Ministry''s essaypetition to the children?"


    "Yes, it''s called "Little Bunnies Be Good". It''s so well-written, even though it''s just a paragraph of words to tell children not to open doors to strangers. The words seem rubbish at first nce, but in fact none of the words in there can be considered rubbish; it''s even interesting. Too bad there is no music to apany the song portion. I''m really looking forward to seeing how the song should be sung."


    "Is it that good?"


    "You would know if you read it. The story has only been posted for less than an hour. There''s already a few thousand votes for it, and it is doing better than most submissions that were sent in a week ago."


    "So ruthless? Which Teacher wrote it?"


    "I don''t know. I did not pay attention to that."


    The person rting it had less interest than the listener. Zhang Ye gazed at the two of them walking further and further away. He rushed back to his room and quickly went online to check his ranking!


    9th ce!


    "Little Bunnies Be Good" Total votes: 7,861 votes!


    The discussion andments below were also explosive!


    #1: Which master''s work of art is this? The story is too awesome!


    #2: Zhang Ye? I have never heard of him. Master, don''t put on an act anymore. You must be a fairy tale author. Please tell us your true identity. You can''t bluff me!


    #3: Such depth!


    #75: It''s almost reaching 8,000 votes. How long has it been up?


    #80: Who is Zhang Ye? Those must be manipted votes, right?


    #81: You still ask who he is? Isn''t there a verification behind his name?


    #82: Verification details cannot be believed. A ghost story writering to write a fairy tale? And he wrote so well?


    #90: As a kindergarten teacher, I find this story to be absolutely perfect! I have already rmended it to my colleagues. I have also posted it on Weibo for my students'' parents. Everyone, help vote for "Little Bunnies Be Good". Help promote it. This is first ce in my heart!


    #99: I read this story to my child, and he really liked it. And he actually understood it. He kept saying how he would never open the door for the Big Bad Wolf! I''m so thankful to Teacher Zhang Ye. With so many abducting incidents happening this month, as a couple, we were very worried. We kept instilling in our child that he should not open the door to strangers, but he could not understand. But now after listening to this story, without us needing to say much, the child himself has understood. In the past, I really did not believe in fairy tales or so-called children''s literature. I was thinking, ''What about them? Could children really understand that?'' At most, it would be a joy reading it. But today, I understood that it is not that children''s literature is unreliable, it is that our countrycks good stories! I have already activated several parents to help vote. We must keep voting for it to the end!


    #130: Can it not be so dramatic!? Why are there so many votes? Haha, however, one of those votes is mine. There''s nothing else to say about the story. It''s absolutely great!


    Zhang Ye watched with his own eyes as the votes soared. He, too, was shocked. He had not expected much from this essaypetition, as he could notpare to people who had been canvassing for votes for a week. He never expected that everyone gave it its due recognition!


    10:30 P.M. The votes had reached 10,000!


    11 P.M. The votes had already exceeded 20,000!


    At 11:30 P.M., "Little Bunnies Be Good" had already climbed to second ce. It was only losing to first ce, Teacher Little Red Mushroom''s story, by a few hundred votes!


    Having been uploaded for four hours! Votes reaching 29,000 votes!


    This was almost a miracle! Many people turned silly seeing this!


    As the saying goes, "problems happen to people when they turn famous; the bird which takes the lead gets shot." For ayperson like Zhang Ye to catch up with the top masters in the field, especially in a sure-kill momentum all the way up, there were naturally people who couldn''t stand watching this. Fans of Little Red Mushroom immediately came attacking!


    Thements section on "Little Bunnies Be Good" had exploded!


    "Definitely manipted votes!"


    "Do you even have a heart? To manipte like this?"


    "How can you have more votes than Teacher Tao Xueru!?"


    "Summoning! All fans of Teacher Little Red Mushroom, take notice! Regardless if they are manipting votes, we must help Teacher Little Red Mushroom to push hers to the top. Every IP is limited to one vote, but I can teach you a simple way. Disconnect and connect again. Typically, your inte connection will change its IP. If that doesn''t work, clear your cookies, then carry on voting. Everyone, let''s go!"


    "Right! Come and help!"


    "We cannot let Teacher Little Red Mushroom get suppressed!"


    "We must get first ce! Regardless of who stands in our way!"


    "Haha, aren''t we a bit of a bully? He is a neer and must not have seen the power of such a huge fanclub. He''s probably scared by now!"


    "The point is to scare him to death!"


    "That''s right; we must let him know who is the boss in the industry!"


    "Ah, Teacher Little Red Mushroom has posted on Weibo, asking everyone to vote for her!"


    "Supporting Teacher Mushroom. How dare ayperson be this arrogant? Let''s tell him why flowers are so red!* However, do it with mercy; don''t scare a neer!"


    The moment Little Red Mushroom made the call to arms, her massive fanbase gathered together. Initially, they were leading by a few hundred votes. But in just ten minutes, they had pulled away from Zhang Ye by more than 5000 votes!


    Her fans had even gone into Zhang Ye''s storymenting section to ridicule.


    "Oho, you are going down now, right?"


    "We''ll let you try to catch up. Looking down on our Mushroom fanclub?"


    "Everyone show some mercy. I''m guessing that this neer Zhang Ye is already dazed from fright. Haha!"


    Many onlookers could not stand watching this any further. What sort of people were the Mushroom fanclub? How could they be so insolent? "Little Bunnies Be Good" was in itself a very good story; how could you im that they had manipted votes? And the bunch of you ended up manipting votes? And even trampled on him!? Laughing at how he was a neer without any fans!? This made many ufortable. So what if he was a neer? So what if he did not have fans? Who made the rule that neers could not write good stories? The onlooking parents and kindergarten teachers wanted to help Zhang Ye, but their strength was limited. They could only give him another 1,000 votes.


    There was another ten minutes before the polls closed!


    There was only ten minutes left to midnight!


    At this moment, everyone knew that Zhang Ye had no hopes of being first. He was forcefully suppressed by the local pecking order. Zhang Ye felt the same way, too!


    However, there were always surprises thaty in wait!


    A miracle that no one had expected happened!


    ��


    On Weibo, a post appeared out of nowhere!


    ZhangYeNumber1Fan howled, "Are there any brothers who have not slept? Quicklye out! Urgent! Urgent! Teacher Zhang Ye has posted a children''s fairy tale on the "Fairytale Essays Collection for Not Opening the Door to Strangers"! It''s a new piece of work! It was about to get first ce! But it was suppressed by Little Red Mushroom''s fanclub! They even cursed by saying Teacher Zhang Ye is a neer and doesn''t have the power of fans. They even flooded the screen with mocking words. Let me show you a screenshot!"


    He immediately uploaded a screenshot, which included the mockery and ridicule the Mushroom fanclub had posted. Some morally bankrupt fans even cursed at Zhang Ye using vulgarities for no apparent reason!


    "Holy shit!"


    "Immediate anger!"


    "Something has happened again?"


    "They dare to scold Teacher Zhang Ye? Haha! Expecting a tragedy from them!"


    "They sure are overly bold. Really too bold. They clearly do not know what the result of scolding Great God Zhang is. I''m really worried about their intellect!"


    "I can only admire their courage!"


    "Right, anyone who knows about the war of words would never dare to tantly curse at Teacher Zhang Ye. This is purely the prelude to courting death!"


    Those members of the troll army who had participated or watched in that day''s war of words forwarded the Weibo post!


    ZhangYeNumber1Fan''s growled angrily, "Can you bear it anymore? I can''t! F**k! Who told them that Teacher Zhang Ye doesn''t have a fanclub? Who told them that Teacher Zhang Ye is a neer? I''ll blind their dog eyes! To think they didn''t find out about Great God Zhang''s awesomeness! Comrades! The time when we are needed hase! We cannot let Teacher Zhang fight alone! All those brothers who had participated in the war of words, gather! Those who had previously fought with Teacher Zhang Ye in arms, gather! All of us, go vote for Teacher Zhang Ye! Let that Mushroom fanclub know the power of our troll army! Let''s see who will let who know how the f**k the flowers are this red!" I have "@" a bunch of people below!


    ��


    At almost the same moment, the appearance of the troll army had flooded into thement section of "Little Bunnies Be Good"!


    "I''m here!"


    "Responding to the call, vote has been cast!"


    "I bought a watchst year! F**k the Mushroom fanclub to death!"


    "I don''t read children''s fairy tales, but I unconditionally support Great God Zhang!"


    "Ditto!"


    "Ditto+110!"


    "Ditto+119!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, we are here!"


    "When trouble urs at one spot, helpes from all quarters!"


    "Following Teacher Zhang Ye gives you meat to eat and girls to meet!"


    "Today, Teacher Zhang is too refined. To think that he did not fight against them�� So we shall do it!"


    "Who told them that Teacher Zhang Ye doesn''t have a fanclub? We, the troll army, will forever be the strongest supporters of Teacher Zhang Ye! We will fight wherever Teacher Zhang points to!"


    "Brothers, let''s fight!"


    "The Mushroom fanclub is nothing but a fart! Seeing who has more people? When have we been afraid!?"


    "To be able to fight alongside Great God Zhang Ye! I feel my warm blood boiling! Myrge saber can no longer endure the thirst! Brothers, attack!"


    Zhang Ye''s fans began their war cries, as if they were on stimnts!


    1,000 votes!


    5,000 votes!


    10,000 votes!


    In just ten minutes!


    To be urate, it was in just nine and a half minutes!


    "Little Bunnies Be Good" had suddenly jumped to take the number one spot in the essaypetition! 45,000+ votes! It far exceeded second ce''s Little Red Mushroom by nearly 10,000 votes!


    In this miraculous instant, everyone turned silent. They were dumbfounded from the shock!


    The 1,000+ people from the Mushroom fanclub gasped. They could not believe their own eyes! What was the matter? What had happened? Your granduncle! Where did these people suddenly jump out from!?


    The onlooking neutral crowd also became overjoyed. They then realized that Teacher Zhang Ye, who had been scolded for being a neer by the Mushroom fanclub all day, was no neer. He, too, had his fanclub�� and the numbers were more than the Mushroom fanclub''s by a few dozen times!


    This smacking of the face was too ruthless!


    The Mushroom fanclub fell silent. Teacher Little Red Mushroom also did not speak a single word!


    This was because, at this moment, arge question mark had simultaneously appeared in their minds. Your sister! Who is this Zhang Ye? How does he have such powerful charisma!?


    Chapter 41: Zhang Ye''s Troll Fan Army!


    *This is amon ng phrase in China, it was originally a lyric from a song, to represent the passion for revolution. It waster used in other situations. Commonly used when exchanging words in a violent scene. The general idea behind it is that the person would spill so much blood the flowers would soak it up and they would turn red.

 Chapter 42: Deserving of First Place!

    <h4>Chapter 42: Deserving of First ce! </h4>


    Chapter 42: Deserving of First ce!


    The clock struck midnight.


    The votes were finalized. Zhang Ye''s story got first ce.


    Needless to say, members of the Mushroom fanclub and onlookers were shocked. Other long-time authors of fairy tales were dumbfounded. Even Zhang Ye did not immediatelye to believe it. He only had one thought; that it was impossible. When did this bro gain so many die hard fans?


    He knew his own worth. Indeed, he had written a few poems and created a supernatural novel. But he was not that great; he still had some ways to go. Compared to Andy Lau''s works, if anyone saw them, their first reaction would be, "''Oh, this is a Heavenly King''s movie", "Oh, this is an Andy Lau song". There were also works produced by others which were very famous, too. However, if you were to ask who the author was, a lot of them would not remember. Zhang Ye was in a simr situation. Even when many people had seen those works of his, they would only remember the title of the work. Only a small number of people knew his name as the author!


    Then how did this huge fan supporte about?


    With the blink of an eye, they had annihted the Mushroom fanclub who had dered war? And it was destroying them to the point of them being unable to respond?


    This essaypetition was their cultural domain! That was the fanclub of one of the top children''s fairy tale authors! However, why did it now seem that this battle was in Zhang Ye''s territory instead?


    This should not be, there must be a reason!


    Looking at thements����


    Checking Weibo����


    Soon, Zhang Ye found the reason. The majority of the voters could not be considered his fans; at least 80% were not. Most of them had not even heard of "Ghost Blows Out the Light", nor read Zhang Ye''s poems. Themon point was that they had participated in or witnessed the "CurseGate" scandal from a few days ago. Still, there were some of Zhang Ye''s hardcore fans among them; for example, the one who gathered all the support, "ZhangYeNumber1Fan". The others were inte trolls who participated because they had nothing else to do. When there was some excitement gathered over here, all of them had quickly gathered around to mess things up. These were people who were not afraid of anything, as they were bored out of their wits. Coupled with the fact that "CurseGate" was only a few days ago and Zhang Ye had an astounding victory then, the inte trolls were in awe. Therefore, many of them had crazily voted after being alerted by some of Zhang Ye''s hardcore fans. It was simr to his world''s "Helping Wang Feng hit the headlines"*, creating issues for the sake of creating it!


    After achieving victory, the trolls went about boasting of their victory!


    "First ce!"


    "Good one, bros!"


    "Haha! Everyone was f**king awesome!"


    "10,000 votes, 10,000! Can we not be so crazy!?"


    "Where''s the people from Mushroom fanclub? Where? Weren''t you moring to scare us? Why does it look like all of you are scared instead?"


    "Know how many fans Great God Zhang has now? Dare to look down on us?"


    "You should be well aware, Mushroom fanclub, that you are too naive!"


    "iming that Teacher Zhang Ye manipted the votes? Yet you people kept on manipting? That''s funny! Does Teacher Zhang Ye even need to manipte? Do we need to manipte? We just voted once each! We do not need to manipte any votes to destroy you! With our friends, we share good meat and wine, towards our enemies, we will take them on anytime and are never careless! Today, we will gift every one of you the famous phrase of Teacher Zhang Ye �� I bought a watchst year!"


    "This is a memorable battle! Let us record down this historic moment! Let''s follow Teacher Zhang Ye again to create another miracle!"


    "So fun! So exciting!"


    "Is Teacher Zhang Ye still around?"


    "We have captured the enemy''s walls. We have sounded the trumpets of victory. Teacher Zhang, please say a few words to us bros!"


    Zhang Ye did not know whether tough or to cry. He did not expect that so many people woulde and help him. In his heart, he was also very touched. He immediately left a message on the "Little Bunnies Be Good"ments section. Everyone had been so supportive towards him, so he had to leave a message, "Thank you everyone for your help. Myrades, you have worked hard!"


    The replies were very orderly!


    "To serve the people!"


    "To serve the people +1!"


    "To serve the people +723!"


    A thread that had over 800 replies, all of which were the same!


    What was this battle formation? What was this momentum? A lot of neutrals watching felt their adrenaline rushing. A troll army like that was enough to rule the world��.. *Cough* Except that this army was too not up to par. At the end of it all, the onlookers still had no idea who Zhang Ye was; how did he have such arge troll army helping out?


    ZhangYeNumber1Fan dispersed the crowds, "Mission aplished! Troll army pull back! Thank you for the help, bros!"


    They gathered quickly, and they also dispersed quickly. This group of trolls were like a nest of wasps, attacking whoever they disliked. They came and went as they wished!


    Seeing the dispersal of the troll army, the Mushroom fanclub members reappeared. They went to the website''s report section toin about Zhang Ye''s fairy tale.


    Mushroom Gang Warrior: "Reported! "Little Bunnies Be Good" vote maniption!"


    Mushroom Gang 77: "More than forty thousands votes in four hours! Impossible! The maniption is too obvious!"


    QWYUE33: "In my opinion, it looks manipted, too. The others only had tens of thousands of votes in seven days. Furthermore, they were professional authors. He''s only a radio host who writes ghost stories. How could he have written such a good fairy tale? And to have so many people vote for him? It''s not realistic!"


    Suddenly, Little Red Mushroom''s ount message also appeared in the reporting section. She had taken it upon herself, obviously unhappy with the result of second ce. Because this essaypetition only had one winner; second and third ce did not matter. There would be no prize money, nor any trophies. Only the first ced essay would be selected by the Beijing Education Ministry to be promoted to kindergartens and primary schools; second ce would receive nothing!


    Little Red Mushroom posted "Did anyone check the authenticity of the votes? I believe many of the authors in the professional circle will not ept this result. The votes for "Little Bunnies Be Good" seem to be abnormal!"


    Once the top author of children''s books spoke, several professional authors who took part in the essaypetition followed up with their replies regarding Zhang Ye''s votes'' authenticity!


    "Did the technical team go off duty?"


    "Such obvious vote maniption, yet nobody realizes it?"


    "Are there still fair rules and a transparent system?"


    A website staff member replied, "The technical team is handling theint. Please wait; if there are manipted votes, they will be invalidated!"


    After about 10 minutes, the results were out!


    Essay Competition 1st ce: "Little Bunnies Be Good".


    Author: Zhang Ye.


    Total Votes: 45,871!


    Zhang Ye''s total votes remain unchanged; it was exactly the same as when voting closed. Rather, it was second ce Little Red Mushroom''s story whose votes dropped from 37,212 to 35,399! Around 2,000 votes were invalidated!


    After the results were released, there was silence!


    There really was no fake votes! This story really defied logic! It really managed to gain more than 40,000 votes in four hours?


    Everyone was surprised, but no one questioned the authenticity of Zhang Ye''s votes. Even without the troll army''s support near the end, subtracting the votes manipted by Little Red Mushroom''s fans, Zhang Ye would have still obtained first ce. There were no qualms about that!


    Of course, one could not say that, as well. If the troll army did not push Zhang Ye to the top and, as second ce, Zhang Ye''s report of Little Red Mushroom manipting votes might not even be heeded by the website.


    The cute troll army had given Zhang Ye a huge favor!


    Zhang Ye was moved for a while, before he suddenly recalled what really mattered. He immediately added another sentence to his story''s introduction, "This version of the story is a silent text edition. It is not the full ''Little Bunnies Be Good'' version. Tomorrow, at noon on Beijing Radio Station''s Literature Channel''s ''Old and Young Story Club'', theplete audio version will be promptly broadcast for everyone. The song in the story will be presented to everyone then; please listen to it."


    "There''s really a song? I thought it was just text!"


    "I''ve remembered the time. I will definitely listen to it punctually!"


    "Haha. I was waiting for the song. I will tell my colleagues, too."


    "I''m still feeling pissed. Some people just don''t like to see people in a better off state? If you are inferior to others, you are inferior to others. To im others were manipting votes? Who set the rule that only professionals can write a good story? Who set the rule that a ghost story''s author cannot write a good children''s fairy tale? I suggest that those so-called Teachers who had reported Teacher Zhang Ye should look at "Little Bunnies Be Good" with a patient and learning attitude. Don''t use the perspective and moral of looking at a stranger''s work. Teacher Zhang''s fairy talepletely beat all of you. He deserves it fully! My child is now beside me, pestering me to memorize "Little Bunnies Be Good" and narrate it to her daily! The children have already given their answer!"


    "The previous poster said it well!"


    "Hai, whenever a neer makes new waves, his legitimacy will always be questioned!"


    "I can''t watch this any further. It was already quite irritating when the Mushroom fan club first started screaming and dering war. Were they thinking of using their numbers to bully others? Ha! In the end, their faces got smacked terribly! Zhang Ye? This Teacher is interesting. I have already fan-ed his Weibo. I really like his fairy tale."


    "Handshake!"


    "I like Zhang Ye''s story! Passer-by transforming into a fan!"


    Zhang Ye''s poprity had a small amount of growth. Even more people got to know his story and him as a person through this incident!


    *Wang Feng - a celebrity whose news was often overshadowed by other celebrities'' news that happened at the same time.

 Chapter 43: An Insane Listenership Count!

    <h4>Chapter 43: An Insane Listenership Count! </h4>


    Chapter 43: An Insane Listenership Count!


    Friday.


    As Zhang Ye had woken up early, there was plenty of time. Zhang Ye was not in a hurry to take the subway to work. He stopped by a kiosk for some time as he browsed through the morning''s papers. He wanted to see if "Little Bunnies Be Good" would be reported.


    Beijing Times? None!


    Beijing Morning Post? None!


    Other tabloids in the capital? Also none!


    Zhang Ye was depressed. Could it be because the polls ended toote yesterday? These newspapers probably had to begin printing at 4 A.M., so they could not publish it in time? That would be bad.


    He was nning to use this to pull up his listenership rates. Without any promotion, how was he going to pull it up?


    Hai, I''ll leave it in God''s hands.


    What could be done had been done by Zhang Ye. He had put in his best efforts. Today, he needed to see if the listenership rates would still be at the bottom for "Old and Young Story Club". Just rising up a bit to the 19th or 20th spot would be good; at least, it wouldn''t be so embarrassing. Only then could Zhang Ye carry on thinking of a method to pull the segment up. There was not much time left.


    This time, Zhang Ye was really cing all his hopes and bets on the Education Ministry''s official Essay Competition event. "Old and Young Story Club" depended on this bet to be revived!


    Zhang Ye''s goal now was very simple and that was to use his fastest speed to do the segment on his hands well. By obtaining the best neer broadcasting host award in the shortest time possible, especially one that was quite authoritative, then he could say goodbye to this screwed up unit. This ce was just a springboard for Zhang Ye. It was a pit stop before he went to an even higher stage. After obtaining the experience and qualifications, Zhang Ye would be like a free bird. Just using a nichete-night program like "Ghost Blows Out the Light" was insufficient for buffing up his resume!


    From today onwards, he wanted to develop towards being a television host. That was a ce that required good looks. Their looks and height requirements were many times higher than a radio station''s for a broadcasting host. How was he to convince the Leaders, Directors or Program Producers to ignore his appearance, so as to get them to hire him? He was a neer with average looks and height, and he did not have any background or connections.


    Women could rely on makeup if they did not have a pretty face. Without makeup, they could use their bodyline!


    What about men? What could men with poor looks rely on? There were only three things that they could rely on.


    First: Fake it to make it!


    Second: Being good at faking it to make it!


    Third: Must be able to be good at faking it to make it!


    Alright, let''s be serious. Actually, for a person like him who wascking, he needed ability and records of service!


    Zhang Ye was currently notcking in ability. The only thing hecked was his record of service. He had to cause a segment''s listenership to explode, so as to establish his foundation!


    ��


    The unit.


    It was business as usual.


    He had reached the office on the dot. The moment he arrived, Jia Yan had already begun announcing the listenership ratings rankings. Zhang Ye already knew that his segment was stillst in ce yesterday, so he did not give any face by listening to the ratings. He did not listen to it at all, as he went to the recording studio to record the day''s program.


    "Hello, children. Recently, there have been many heinous cases of people abducting children and burrizing the house when parents are not around in Beijing. Hence, I''ll be telling everyone a short story. Its name is "Little Bunnies Be Good". I hope everyone will not open the door to strangers from today onwards!"


    "Mommy Bunny had three children. One was called Little Red Eyes, one was called Long Ears, and one was called Stumpy Tail."


    "Little Bunnies be good; open the door."


    "Come open quickly; I want toe in."


    In terms of singing ability, Zhang Ye was like an ordinary person. He had no foundation, but neither was it too bad. After all, he was a student of the Broadcasting major. In terms of volume control, voice control and lung capacity, Zhang Ye was not that bad. It was actually pleasing to the ear when he sang the children''s song.


    "Not opening, not opening. We''re not opening!"


    "Mommy hasn''t returned yet. We won''t open it for anyone!"


    After singing it a few times and having re-recorded it a few times, Zhang Ye was finally satisfied. He called Assistant Xiaofang to help him arrange the recording tape.


    The moment Xiaofang came in, she stammered, "Teacher Zhang, your��your segment''s rating��"


    "It wasst, right? I knew about it yesterday. It''s alright." Zhang Ye did not make a fuss.


    Xiaofang was even more worried than him as she said, "But tomorrow and the day after, it will be finished over the weekend. ''Old and Young Story Club'' will be taken off-air; then, you would not have any segments after that!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Isn''t there another two days? No one will know what the oue would be until the end."


    At noon, the program was broadcast. Zhang Ye did not go to lunch, as he was worried over his listenership rating. However, Zhao Guozhou and two other Leaders of the channel did note to work, as they seemed to be having a meeting somewhere. It was apparently for the Mid-Autumn Festival''s Poem Meet next week, organized by the Beijing''s Writers Association and the Beijing Radio Station. It was even going to be broadcasted live. Since the Mid-Autumn Festival was approaching, everyone was busy preparing for it. As such, Zhang Ye had no way of knowing the rating beforehand. As there was no news of the promotion of "Little Bunnies Be Good", both on the television and the newspapers, Zhang Ye felt a chill in his heart.


    ��


    The next day, Saturday.


    Today, most of the colleagues hade, as they collectively worked overtime.


    "Teacher Jia, have you finished recording the first episode?"


    "I''ve finished recording the first two episodes. What do you think?"


    "It was very good. The quality was very high. I think it can enter the top ten."


    "Teacher Jia, you sure are awesome. The station will belong to you young people from now on."


    The moment Zhang Ye came to the office, he saw Jia Yan mingling with his colleagues. He was in the middle, beingplimented. Jia Yan seemed to enjoy that feeling.


    Jia Yan suddenly saw Zhang Ye as he smirked, "Hey, Teacher Zhang is here? I was just looking for you. We should have a transition for our programs."


    Zhang Ye put down his stuff as he sat down, without giving him a look.


    Jia Yan''s expression sank, "On Monday, my program will be broadcast. Tell the listeners over the weekend about this and also promote my program. Is that alright?" After some hesitation, he said, "Teacher Zhang, I know what you are thinking and you have your views. You can''t ept the oue of the segment being axed, but this was already decided long ago by the station. If a segment always sits at the bottom in terms of listenership ratings, then the station would do their adjustments to the segments or even axe them ording to reality. Today, programs with fairy tale stories are at an all-time low. This is the underlying trend. Every radio and television station have begun their adjustments to children''s programs. No one can save them, so I hope you would consider the bigger picture and make way for my segment."


    Zhang Ye nced at him, "I do not need a rookie like you to tell me what is the big picture. Just do your own things well. When was it your ce to meddle in my affairs?"


    "Are you picking a fight?" Jia Yan turned angry.


    Zhang Yeughed, "Ie to work to do my job and do my work. Here youe, trying to educate me, so who is the one picking a fight?"


    "Little Zhang, what sort of attitude is that?" Wu Datao, who had a grudge with Zhang Ye, shouted, "Why is there so much malice in your words?"


    Zhang Ye looked at him and said, "This is my attitude. In the past and in the future, it will always be like this. I do not need someone teaching me how I should be. I still have the same words to say, ''Old and Young Story Club'' will carry on broadcasting. This segment is being hosted by me and my segment doesn''t need people telling me what to do! You want to take over the Literature Channel''s afternoon show? Alright, wait until your segment really goes on air before talking!"


    Jia Yan took up his challenge, "Alright! Let''s wait and see!"


    Tian Binughed, "Zhang Ye, you did not see yesterday''s listenership ratings, right?"


    An old anchorman in the channel said, "Little Zhang, I have listened to Old Feng''s segment all these years. Although I do not want it to end, but reality shows that it cannot keep up with the times. The quantity of children''s fairy tales is too low, and the quality of the works are too poor as well. It is the trend."


    Teacher Feng, who was sitting beside Zhang Ye, also let out a long sigh.


    Another middle-aged editor said, "We can understand how you want to make your segment do well, but one needs to face the facts. You should begin preparing for the end of the segment."


    There were people who kicked him while he was down, while others took a schadenfreude attitude. Everyone began chiming in to "educate" Zhang Ye.


    Hearing all the chatter, Wang Xiaomei also got irritated. She said, "The segment will definitely end, but how Teacher Little Zhang wants it to end, he definitely has his own opinion. So there''s no need for everyone to keep chiming in, right? Can''t you mind your own business?"


    The old anchorman frowned, "Xiaomei, can''t us fewrades say something to a neer? Can''t we advise him when his thoughts are problematic?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "I surely do not think my thoughts are problematic. I want to use a positive attitude to do my segment well. Is that thought problematic?"


    Tian Bin snorted, "But can you do it well?"


    Jia Yan waved his hand, "Let''s not say anymore. It''s not like he will listen."


    Wu Datao shook his head and said, "Trying to chase up by to one or two spots higher is a positive attitude. To let it go from the bottom to the top ten? Then that is reaching beyond one''s grasp! Indulging in fantasy!"


    Someone came in from outside!


    "Who will take the ratings table?" It was a staff member from the Statistics department.


    "Give it to me." Jia Yan pretended like he was the Leader. He slowly walked over to take the form. After the Statistics department staff left, he did not take a look and just said to everyone, "I''ll announce the ratings for yesterday." This feeling was quite wonderful. He had high expectations for his future. He also thought highly of his own segment. Just thinking of his segment''s rating increasing day by day, and then getting a position in the station through his connections, he will then definitely fix that Zhang!


    Everyone was inattentive. Few cared, as it was pointless. The station''s ratings were pretty much fixed. It was almost the same every day, as it was difficult to have any change.


    Teacher Feng also did not pay attention. It could be said that he didn''t even want to hear it.


    "First ce��" Jia Yan announced, "Teacher Wang Xiaomei''s "Talk About the World". Listenership 3.87%."


    Back then when Wang Xiaomei''s rating broke four, it was due to abnormal circumstances. However, even though it never broke four again, "Talk About the World" had gained an increase in listeners after the university student''s suicide matter. As such, its ratings were much higher than before.


    Everyone gave a token round of apuse before they lowered their heads to busy themselves with work.


    "Second��" Upon seeing this, Jia Yan''s hands suddenly trembled. It was as if he had seen a ghost as his eyes widened, "This!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Teacher Jia?"


    "Why aren''t you reading it?"


    Everyone felt something was amiss as they all looked over.


    Wu Dataoughed, "Why? Did my ''Entertainment Daily''''s rating increase again?"


    "Entertainment Daily" always took second spot in the Literature Channel. Due to the special nature of the segment, the broadcasting host would take turns. It was usually a man and woman duo. Now, it was Wu Datao and a female host who took over the hosting. The week''s ratings had been good, as they had steadily increased.


    Jia Yan did not reply.


    Wu Datao was dazed. What? I''m not second?


    Everyone was shocked, too. It was impossible! "Entertainment Daily" was a news segment! This type of program had never dropped below second ce!


    Then who was it?


    ''Late-night Ghost Stories''? Impossible! Ate-night segment did not have such an audience base!


    With everyone paying attention, Jia Yan paused for a long while before vaguely saying, "Second ce is��''Old and Young Story Club''. Listenership 2.40%!"

 Chapter 44: Will it really not be axed?

    <h4>Chapter 44: Will it really not be axed? </h4>


    Chapter 44: Will it really not be axed?


    Holy sh*t!


    Second ce?


    "Old and Young Story Club"''s rating actually managed to get second ce?


    The entire Literature Channel''s office exploded into an uproar! Impossible! Absolutely impossible. This was what everyone thought by default! What sort of segment was "Old and Young Story Club"? This was a pathetic segment that had been lining the bottom or the second from the bottom of the rankings over the years. Even "Late-night Ghost Stories", which was even worse, could jump up to a ranking of around ten on the first day of a new novel. However, "Old and Young Story Club" had never managed to do so before. It''s best result was 18th ce! This was also because of an "explosive" special program on Children''s Day five years ago!


    Second? Listenership rates of 2.40%? And it had even exceeded a news-rted program like "Entertainment Daily"? No one believed what they had just heard!


    Wu Datao got angry for no reason, "Did you read it wrongly?"


    Jia Yan also wished he had wrongly, "It''s written��like this."


    "Impossible." Tian Bin also did not believe. "Going fromst ce to second? It''s obvious that such a thing is impossible!"


    Jia Yan nodded. He looked at the ratings report and said, "I''m sure Statistics made a mistake. There''s no point announcing further. The rankings after this would all not be urate. I''ll go up and find someone from Statistics!"


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Ye exploded, "What do you mean by this? Eh? When my listenership rating is at the bottom, you think it''s normal and take it for granted. Now that my listenership rating has turned for the better, you say Statistics made a mistake? Everything follows what you say? Everything you say must be the truth?" Zhang Ye coldly stared at everyone who doubted him, "I want to ask you! When has the station ever made a mistake with the statistics? Has there ever been once? Oh, so you having good results is justified? While me having good results is an error? What sort of people are you!"


    Jia Yan knew his words were a bit over the top, but he insisted, "Everyone is questioning the statistics. We must first check it. After all, the jump is too great of an exaggeration!"


    Zhang Ye quipped, "Sure, you can check. Then�� what will happen if there''s nothing wrong? Will you take responsibility for the words you just said?"


    Jia Yan looked at him and was sure that there was a mistake, so he said, "If the statistics are free of errors, I can apologize to you."


    "Alright, go check it." Zhang Ye was confident. This confidence came from trusting his story. Although he, too, did not know how the rating had suddenly jumped up by so much, he knew that this story was an impable ssical masterpiece from his world. It could not be bad!


    Jia Yan left, while others began to whisper.


    "Is that true?"


    "I''m pretty sure it''s a mistake."


    "I think so, too. If not, it would be too great of an exaggeration."


    "Right. Teacher Feng has been at it for so many years, yet his ratings have always been at the bottom. How could the rating explode in just three days'' time when in Zhang Ye''s hands?"


    "Wait and see. Little Jia should be back soon."


    Teacher Feng quickly pulled Zhang Ye over, "What''s going on?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t worry. The rating is definitely normal."


    Teacher Feng rolled his eyes, "You can still call this normal? This is too abnormal. If you got 19th or 20th, I could definitely believe it, but 2nd? It''s not that I don''t believe you, Little Zhang. It''s just that�� Do you think our unpopr program can get a better listenership rating than a news-rted program like ''Entertainment Daily''?"


    Zhang Ye blinked, "Why not?"


    Teacher Feng said, "What do you mean, ''why not?'' It''s like on television�� Have you seen a program have higher ratings than the Central TV''s news broadcast?"


    Actually, for this, Zhang Ye had actually seen such a case in his world!


    "Forget it. Let''s wait for the oue, before we speak further." Teacher Feng''s mind was in a mess, too.


    Over there, Jia Yan came back. Checking such a thing could be done very quickly.


    Tian Bin and Wu Datao asked, "Was it written wrongly? The names were messed up, right?"


    Jia Yan remained silent as he looked with an ashen face at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye also smiled back at him. He stretched out his right hand and, with a snap of his fingers, he did a veryplicated motion.


    Jia Yan blinked his eyes, before holding in his temper, "Sorry, Teacher Zhang, for doubting your results. Statistics had counted it once again�� There was no mistake!"


    What?


    It was the real listenership rating?


    Wu Datao and Tian Bin stared, agape!


    Zhang Ye epted his apology and said with an educative tone, "There is no program that can''t do well forever. In the future, your first reaction to a person''s program having a good rating should not be of doubts and rejection!" Following that, he looked towards Wu Datao and Tian Bin, who had been the first to point out the error in the statistics. "Do you have nothing to say?"


    Tian Bin naturally would not apologize. He pretended not to hear.


    Wu Datao also did his own things, having lost all of his momentum.


    Zhang Ye did not spare them as he said to them, "By my own efforts, I made the program do better and better. I did everything in an orthodox fashion. Based on what did you say that my listenership rating was fake? Or wrong?"


    An elder in the station tried to smooth things over, "Forget it, Teacher Little Zhang. It is not that everyone is targeting you."


    At this moment, Li Si suddenly shouted, "Quick, look at the news! Beijing''s Education Ministry had issued a document earlier this morning! It required every junior kindergarten and all elementary schools in Beijing to have ess to the children''s fairy tale, ''Little Bunnies Be Good''. They have even sent a ''Letter to the Parents'' to let the story, ''Little Bunnies Be Good'' bepletely immersed in both school and family. They have suggested that parents learn and teach it to their children, so as to strengthen the educative need to never open the door to strangers!"


    Jia Yan was somewhat aware of this. He had also heard about the Essay Competition on the news, "It''s that Essay Competition event held by the Education Ministry? So what about it?"


    An editor said, "What''s the fuss?"


    Li Si smiled bitterly and did not say a word.


    A woman beside Li Si looked at his screen and immediately turned dumbfounded. After swallowing a mouthful of saliva, she eximed, "For this Essay Competition, the first ce was ''Little Bunnies Be Good''��Heavens! It''s written by our Teacher Zhang Ye! He had obtained first ce after suppressing good Teachers like Tao Xueru and Little Red Mushroom!"


    Zhang Ye added on, "Yesterday, that was the story that was broadcasted at noon!" When he heard this, he, too, understood. So this was what had happened. No wonder his listenership rating had gone so high. Previously, he believed that the newspapers had not advertised for him, but who knew that the Education Ministry had issued a direct order. How many kindergartens were there in Beijing? How many elementary schools were there? How many of them were young students? It was nearly uncountable! Having disseminated to the students by the schools, wouldn''t the teachers have to listen to it, too? The students had to listen, right? Even more parents had to listen to it, too, right? That was why the listenership rating had such a miraculous leap! This was like textbooks. You don''t like them? You still need to read them, even if you didn''t like them! It was like mandatory education! Everyone had to learn!


    The woman quickly followed up, "My son and I have heard of ''Little Bunnies Be Good''. His kindergarten even printed brochures about it. Teacher Little Zhang, so that story was written by you?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, Big Sis Zhou. That day, I saw the Essay Competition and decided to do something for the children. With some inspiration, I wrote a piece."


    The woman praised, "You wrote very well. My son really loves it."


    Wang Xiaomei looked at Zhang Ye, "The children''s fairy tales for the past few days of ''Old and Young Story Club'' were also written by you?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged and said in a low-key manner, "Yes. I just wrote it haphazardly."


    Teacher Feng eximed, "You did not use the story scripts that I gave you? You really wrote the stories yourself?" Zhang Ye had told him that if the fairy tales industry was low in quality, then he would write his own fairy tales. However, Teacher Feng never expected Zhang Ye to really write them. He thought that he was joking!


    Zhang Ye was at a loss of whether tough or cry, "Teacher Feng, could it be that you haven''t been listening to my program over the past few days? This is a segment that you have been broadcasting for so many years, and you didn''t listen?"


    "I didn''t. *cough* I did not dare to listen." Teacher Feng''s face was a little red. It was not right for him to not listen to it at all.


    Zhang Ye exined, "The few stories were all written by me. I have some experience and talent in writing after all. Sorry for incurring the ridicule of everyone."


    Incurring the ridicule?


    Many people could sense the sarcasm in Zhang Ye''s words!


    After they put down the things on their hands, everyone searched on the inte. All they saw were praises and discussions on the inte message boards!


    "The story is too awesome!"


    "Little Bunnies be good; open the door. Haha, Teacher Zhang Ye really sang it well!"


    "That''s right. This children''s song is marvellous. And it''s very simple. You can learn it instantaneously."


    "My daughter has already learned this song, but she still wants me to tell the story every day. I''ve no way out. From today onwards, I will have to listen to Teacher Zhang Ye''s program at noon."


    "There''s no need for today onwards. Check the past two episodes."


    "There are more in the previous two episodes? I''m already sick of listening to those children''s fairy tales."


    "No, the previous two episodes were also original fairy tales written by Teacher Zhang Ye. One of them is "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves", and another is "The Emperor''s New Clothes". They are extremely good stories and have a moral behind them. From a literary perspective, it is even better than ''Little Bunnies Be Good''!"


    "Really? Then I''m going to take a listen!"


    "I''ve heard it. Now, I''m really astounded by Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "I''ve decided that as long as Teacher Zhang Ye is around, I will not miss a single episode of ''Old and Young Story Club''. After listening to it, I can tell it to my twins at night!"


    "Hey, did you notice it? The Beijing Radio Station''s website has a notice of programs going off-air. Why is the name ''Old and Young Story Club'' inside it? How can such a good program be taken off-air?"


    "It can''t be?"


    "Really. I''ll send you the link!"


    "Ah? It''s really true? It''s being taken off-air?"


    "Holy sh*t! Is the radio station dumb? How can such a good program be taken off-air?"


    "Hai, maybe there won''t be many episodes left. Everyone hear as many as you can. There will be one fewer episode after every listen."


    "It can''t go off-air. If it does, I''ll sendints. What the heck! Do they even have any aesthetic taste?"


    Over there, Xiaofang had brought the letters from the readers. Knowing that Zhang Ye had obtained second ce, pushing Wu Datao''s news program down, Xiaofang was extremely overjoyed. The amount of letters in her hands was nearly half the height of a person. She nearly could not bring them over by herself. "Teacher Zhang, your letters."


    Zhang Ye stood up and took them over, "Which stack is mine?"


    Xiaofang said happily, "All of them. The other Teacher''s letters are still in the mail room. I couldn''t bring them over."


    Ah? These are all mine?


    There must be a thousand letters here, right?


    Teacher Feng marveled, "This number of letters must have broken a record, right? Our channel has never had more than a thousand letters sent from listeners!"


    Xiaofang smiled gently, "That''s right. The rest of the letters received today, when added up, aren''t as many as this."


    Zhang Ye wiped the sweat from his forehead. He lifted the letters over and began reading. They were mostly written by parents. There were tens of them which were written by children. It was easy to see at a nce, as the characters were all crooked. They looked very innocent.


    Everyone looked at each other, for they no longer had words to describe their current feelings. Back then, Zhang Ye had made the bold statement that "Old and Young Story Club" would not be taken off-air. They had not believed it, nor did they take it to heart. However, now, Zhang Ye had used his abilities and his program''s rating to make everyone shut up. Everyone even had a thought that they had never thought of before!


    It''s already in second ce!


    Will "Old and Young Story Club" really not be axed?

 Chapter 45: The Serialization of “The Wizard of Oz”!

    <h4>Chapter 45: The Serialization of ��The Wizard of Oz��! </h4>


    Chapter 45: The Serialization of "The Wizard of Oz"!


    Afternoon.


    The atmosphere in the office was very awkward.


    Tian Bin was full of envy. Jia Yan, normally proud and full of confidence, also felt like he was now sitting on a cushion full of needles. He felt ufortable and had an ominous feeling. The breakout of "Old and Young Story Club" has given them significant stress. Wu Datao was annoyed about how "Entertainment Daily" had suffered an unprecedented slip from 2nd ce, never before seen in its history!


    Zhao Guozhou did not appear in the office for the whole day. Everyone was sure that he knew about Zhang Ye''s results, but no one made a sound, as they all simultaneously chose to remain silent. No one could tell what the other was thinking about. In ordance with regtions, a program''sst broadcast could only be decided by its ratings. Programs which ced badly for a long period of time were cut. But never had a program scheduled to be cut had its ratings increase so explosively. How should this situation be handled? Stop broadcasting? Continue broadcasting? The leader was silent about this and no one could really answer this either. But silence could also be a sign!


    Xiaofang called out, "Teacher Zhang, the recording studio is ready."


    "Okay. Thanks for the hard work. I will head over immediately." Zhang Ye switched off his monitor.


    When he got up, Teacher Feng, whom he shared a table with, gave him a thumbs up. "Come on; write another good story. Failure or sess will depend on these two days." Teacher Feng had be hopeful now; perhaps the young Little Zhang could really create a miracle this time!


    "I understand." Zhang Ye replied.


    As everyone watched on, Zhang Ye went to the recording studio.


    As for the Leader''s thoughts, Zhang Ye had his own assumptions. Jia Yan was Deputy Station Head Jia''s rtive; he would surely be well taken care of. But Zhang Ye was just a rootless duckweed and had even offended the Station Leader before. He would surely not be preferentially treated. It could then be said that if Saturday and Sunday''s ratings had a tremendous drop, the Leader would not hesitate to axe "Old and Young Story Club". But if the ratings could maintain at 2.40% or even higher, then the situation would not necessarily be fixed. With the results ced in front of them, they could not move him even if they wanted to!


    So how was he to keep the ratings consistent?


    Zhang Ye did not rush to record his program, but pondered in the recording studio for a long time. The situation was to his advantage now. Through the promotion of "Little Bunnies Be Good" and through the official announcement of the Education Ministry, many parents had already be audience members of his program. Zhang Ye had to make these people stay on and not let them leave after the fad was over. He also had to make some ns for his program!


    Got it!


    A serial!


    In this world, a serialized fairy tale might seem unfamiliar. To the people, a story is a story. It ends after it has been read to the end. But in Zhang Ye''s new world, this was moremon. There were uncountable famous stories which were serialized.


    Why did he choose a serialization?


    Firstly, Zhang Ye nned to gather poprity through serialization. For example, some sis may have episodes which could stand on their own. There was not much continuity, therefore viewers were less enthusiastic towards it; even if they skipped an episode, it would not affect them much, as every story was independent. But serialization was different; a story that was read daily for 18 days would be affected if you missed a part in the middle. So listeners would be more enthusiastic about listening in to every episode. Secondly, since the station had sent out the notice that the segment would be axed after Sunday, by using a serialization, it was impossible to finish narrating it on Sunday. It was clear that he did not want to hand it over, and this would also give the station a problem. Since you can y dirty with me, am I not allowed to y dirty as well!?


    This method was quite wicked, but Zhang Ye did not care. If others were good to him, he would return it without question. However, when others kept gunning for him again and again, then Zhang Ye did not care anything about professional ethics!


    What story to choose?


    Zhang Ye''s eyes rolled and, with a sh, he opened the game ring and saw that he still had quite a lot of Reputation points. He then went into the Merchant Shop to buy a "Memory Search Capsule". These days, the Reputation gained from the umtion of "Late-night Ghost Stories" and the result at the Essay Competition with "Little Bunnies Be Good" had increased Zhang Ye''s Reputation to 200,000, as tallied by the game ring. "Late-night Ghost Stories" would give 20-30,000 Reputation points on a daily basis, which was not a lot. The main reason was the fame gained from the Essay Competition. So he did not feel the pinch from spending 100,000 Reputation points to buy the capsule. After eating it, Zhang Ye immediately recalled aplete, full-length children''s fairy tale.


    It''s this!


    He began recording!


    "Chapter 1: The Cyclone. Dorothy lived in the midst of the great Kansas prairies with Uncle Henry, who was a farmer, and Aunt Em, who was the farmer''s wife. Their house was small, for the lumber to build it had to be carried by wagon many miles. There were four walls, a floor and a roof, which made one room. And this room contained a rusty-looking cookstove, a cupboard for the dishes, a table, three or four chairs and the beds."


    That''s right. The children''s fairy tale that Zhang Ye had chosen was "The Wizard of Oz"!


    Why did he choose it? This was because Zhang Ye had read this growing up. Although the tranted names could cause some reading difficulty, history had told Zhang Ye that it would not be a problem. Children could perfectly ept it. There was no need to say how ssic this children''s fairy tale was. Not many people in Zhang Ye''s world were ignorant of its existence. And one of the reasons Zhang Ye chose "The Wizard of Oz" was because this story was different from "Little Bunnies Be Good" or "The Emperor''s New Clothes". It was not limited to an audience below the age of twelve. "The Wizard of Oz" was a fairy tale that was suitable for all ages!


    Boys? Girls?


    Adults? Old people?


    It covered all age groups! This was extremely rare among children''s fairy tales!


    Zhang Ye still remembered when he had just became a freshman. He had watched the animation and television drama version of "The Wizard of Oz", together with his parents. His parents had also liked it a lot.


    Wouldn''t some people say that "Snow White" was the same? Actually, it''s not the same. "Snow White" was also a work that managed to wipe out all age groups. It had many animations and movies, but the point was that they were adapted. For example, "Snow White and the Huntsman", "Snow White and the Magic Mirror ", etc. These had changed almost everything beyond recognition from the original version''s foundation. And, to put it bluntly, even "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" itself was not the original version. The original version sure was bloody, so let''s not talk about it.


    From this angle, for "The Wizard of Oz" to cater to all ages was a very rare exception!


    If there was a w that could be picked, it was that "The Wizard of Oz" first came out as a live-action version, and not as a children''s fairytale. So this might make it seem risky, but he still needed to take the risk, even if it was risky.


    Zhang Ye knew very well that if "Old and Young Story Club" only depended on the listenership ratings from children, then it was not enough. For example, for yesterday''s program, most of the listeners were parents. If the parents were listening in, so as to read stories to their children, then it would be too passive. One or two days may work, but problems would surface down the road. Hence, Zhang Ye had a great idea. This fellow decided to pull the children''s parents in as the fans of his story. By telling them a story that they would also like, this would further secure his segment''s listenership ratings!


    "Chapter 2: The Council with the Munchkins"


    "She was awakened by a shock, so sudden and severe that if Dorothy had not been lying on the soft bed, she might have been hurt. As it was, the jar made her catch her breath and wonder what had happened."


    ��


    At noon, the program was broadcast.


    Many colleagues, who were having their lunch break, began to listen in to "Old and Young Story Club", while having lunch in the office. Previously, they had not paid attention to this segment. But now, due to Zhang Ye''s thunder, and it also being ced first in the Essay Competition and it also being promoted by the Education Ministry, who was not curious after he had obtained that terrifying listenership rating? Of course, everyone paid attention to it. They wanted to know what was so good about Zhang Ye''s fairy tales. Why was it so sought after by so many people? Wasn''t it just a children''s fairy tale? Why would it be different from other children''s fairy tales authors? Those fairy tale masters, who had been working in the industry for so many years, could not save the industry as it deteriorated by the day. But�� Why did it work when it was you?


    However, upon listening, almost everyone cheered. They finally understood why Zhang Ye had managed to obtain first ce in the Education Ministry''s Essay Competition!


    "It''s too good!"


    "This Little Zhang has turned divine!"


    "Is this a children''s fairy tale? Why do I like it so much?"


    "The Wizard of Oz? Is this another original work of Teacher Little Zhang? I really do not know how his brain works. He''s good at poems, good at supernatural stories, but even his fairy tales are so good?"


    A few female colleagues began chiming in.


    After they discussed for a long while, a woman sought out Zhang Ye, who was eating his lunch from a lunch box, "Teacher Little Zhang, what happens next in "The Wizard of Oz"? Tell us what will happen first."


    Zhang Ye drylyughed, "Don''t be like that, Big Sis Zhou. You can hear it tomorrow."


    Big Sis Zhou said, "We can''t wait any further. My daughter knows that you are my colleague. The moment she finished listening to the program, she gave me a call and asked me to find out what happenster. If you don''t give it to me, I really can''t face my daughter. Hehe. What do you think, kid?"


    Zhang Ye scratched his head, "Big Sis Zhou, I really can''t do it. Actually, I haven''t thought of it yet. You know that I never have a script and I just narrate as ites to my head. I haven''t nned it well for what happenster. Listen to it tomorrow." After finding an excuse, he finally managed to drive them away by deluding them.


    Some praised, while others shook their heads.


    Jia Yan was one of those who did not believe it would do well. When he went downstairs for lunch, he had secretly listened to Zhang Ye''s program. The story was still alright, but�� it was a serial? You actually made a children''s fairy tale a serial? Are you joking!? Even the two fairy tale masters, Tao Xueru and Little Red Mushrooms, did not dare attempt this! Do you think children are as patient as adults? Would children follow the story, just because it could not be finished in a day? Is it possible? Children were creatures with short attention spans. The way you think is too simple!


    However, Jia Yan was happy about this. The more errors Zhang Ye made, the more beneficial it was for him. Of course, he could not let his program be unaired. The time had already been fixed!


    Teacher Feng came back from lunch, "Little Zhang, why did you do a serialized broadcast?"


    Zhang Ye winked, "It''s a serial. I don''t think there''s a problem?"


    "It''s too risky." Teacher Feng was a professional who had done "Old and Young Story Club" for years. Hemented, "You must know the top master, Tao Xueru, in the industry, right?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I know."


    "Teacher Tao had previously tried a serial, but it was not a broadcast type, but a published serial. One book was split into three separate children''s books. And the result? The sales for each book were each worse than thest. The situation where children do not recognize serials is due to their patience. Children may suddenly have the idea of reading a story today and might feel anxious about not knowing how the story ends. But after a period of time, the children will forget it. It is like with toys. They have not settled on their personalities. If Teacher Tao couldn''t seed, why are you trying to outdo her?" Teacher Feng initially had some hope, but with Zhang Ye''s act, he naturally had to criticize bluntly.


    A few officedies stood up for Zhang Ye, "Not really. I think it''s very good?"


    "Me too. I''m especially looking forward to tomorrow''s story." another woman said.


    Teacher Feng said, "That''s because you are adults; but, children are not the same."


    "Teacher Feng." Zhang Ye made a bold im, "Teacher Tao not seeding does not mean I can''t seed. I shall say something disrespectful. The reason why my essay got first, while Teacher Tao only got third, is because of a problem with the story. Maybe my story is more suitable and is better at grabbing attention than Teacher Tao''s. As long as it''s a good story, a good story that can grab the attention of children, then there would not be a problem serializing it!"


    Tian Bin happened to walk past. He maintained a two-meter "safe distance" from Zhang Ye and said mockingly, "Let''s see the listenership ratings tomorrow!"


    Jia Yan also had simr thoughts. The reason for the explosive ratings was due to special circumstances. The Education Ministry had given an order, so it was no wonder that the ratings were high. However, today was different. One would know if it was a mule or a horse, just from the ratings. Don''t be happy too soon; we shall see your true form tomorrow!


    In Zhang Ye''s mind, he was thinking, "Bring it on. Let''s see what happens tomorrow!"

 Chapter 46: Another Crazy Surge in the Listenership Rating!

    <h4>Chapter 46: Another Crazy Surge in the Listenership Rating! </h4>


    Chapter 46: Another Crazy Surge in the Listenership Rating!


    Sunday.


    ording to the notification, today was thest broadcast of "Old and Young Story Club". It was also the end of an old program that had experienced many years.


    The message boards were made very active by listeners.


    "This program cannot end!"


    "Right; it cannot be taken off-air. Hear that!?"


    "My entire family of eight is waiting to hear it!"


    "If you end Story Club, do you believe I will smash your radio station''s ss, bastards!?"


    The letters Zhang Ye received from the listeners in the morning all showed their strong desire. However, Zhang Ye did not reply. He had no way of responding, as everything depended on Heaven''s wishes.


    Teacher Feng was holding a bunch of things as he came in. They were all procedural documents.


    Wang Xiaomei said politely, "Uncle Feng, have you settled your retirement?"


    "I just finished settling it." Teacher Feng also sighed, "I really can''t bear to."


    Another old editor who had as much experience as Teacher Feng said, "Old Feng, let''s have ast meal in the evening."


    However, Teacher Feng waved his hands, "There''s no need. I don''t n on leaving for the time being. Hehe, I still want to stay behind for another two days, to help Teacher Little Zhang cruise this ship until its end."


    Everyone understood that it wasn''t as simple as helping steer the ship. Although Zhang Ye''s personality was not likable, no matter how bad his social poprity was, Zhang Ye''s ability and capacity was not questioned by anyone. Be it "Late-night Ghost Stories" or yesterday''s "Old and Young Story Club", they had all been brought to even higher heights by Zhang Ye. Such a talented man of God did not need Teacher Feng''s help in steering the ship, so it was clear that Old Feng was still upset with the program he had worked on for so many years ending. He wanted to stay behind to see if "Old and Young Story Club" could carry on existing under the hands of Zhang Ye!


    "Are the listenership ratings out?" Teacher Feng asked.


    Zhang Ye volunteered to help Teacher Feng carry his things, "It''s not out yet. I''m not sure, too."


    Xiaofang had alsoe in early, "You still need to wait for a while. The entire Statistics department was basically resting yesterday, so it will be slower. It should be out soon."


    Teacher Feng sighed, "I hope the rating won''t drop too much."


    Zhang Ye said jokingly, "You have so little confidence in me."


    "It''s not that I don''t believe in you." Teacher Feng looked at him, "If I didn''t have any confidence in you, would I have handed thest few days of my segment to you? The reason is because using a serialization yesterday was too sudden. For such a long story to be split into two days is very dangerous. Children might change frequencies midway."


    Split into two days?


    Yes, everyone thought that Zhang Ye''s story only had two parts. Finishing the serialized story over the course of two days was perfect for the closing.


    Zhang Ye smiled without speaking. He did not dare tell everyone that the novel, "The Wizard of Oz", was actually�� 24 chapters long. That is to say, this story needed at least another ten days to finish it! Two days? Less than half the main characters had been introduced, so how could it finish!?


    Everyone was too naive. They never expected Zhang Ye to so brazenly leave a hanging serialized story without an ending for Jia Yan to take over. Most people would not do something so wicked!


    Tian Bin chuckled as he looked at Zhang Ye from a distance.


    Jia Yan, who was busy nning his new segment, was also looking forward to this move of Zhang Ye''s causing a drop in his rating. He estimated that he would be somewhere beyond tenth ce. There was no need to give an exnation. Well�� Forget it; I''ll say it. The Education Ministry had only made "Little Bunnies Be Good"pulsory. People may endorse that story, but it did not mean that they would endorse his other stories. Secondly, having a serialized fairy tale itself was a mistake.


    Waiting to the left, waiting to the right.


    Waiting to the top, waiting to the bottom.


    Waiting to the front, waiting��alright, not doing this already.


    Someone came in. He was Zhao Guozhou, who had not appeared for two days. He was holding an A4-sized sheet. Clearly, it was the table of yesterday''s listenership ratings.


    Jia Yan quickly stood up, "Director."


    Zhao Guozhou pressed his hand down, "Sit. I''ll announce the ratings today."


    "Oh, alright." Jia Yan sat down awkwardly.


    Following that, Zhao Guozhou nced at Zhang Ye. He had not interacted with Zhang Ye in public for a very long time. In fact, he had not even looked at Zhang Ye in front of others for the past few days. However, for some unknown reason today, Zhao Guozhou had looked at him. His eyes were filled with aplex and deep meaning.


    Zhang Ye was not sure if it was an illusion. He seemed to see joy and pleasure in Zhao Guozhou''s eyes. Zhao Guozhou was the person who brought him in. He was his Bole. That day he had spoken with Zhao Guozhou privately that he would never forget this for life. But to say that he was not angry would be a lie. It was not the truth. Even though Director Zhao had repressed him due to pressure from the station''s management, Zhang Ye still could not ept it emotionally. However, now that he saw the pleasure in Zhao Guozhou''s eyes, Zhang Ye lost all of his anger. He nodded back at him.


    There was a poem that was most appropriate for this.


    We remain brothers despite all the vicissitudes and to have an unfaithful wife appearing�� Hai, that''s not right. It''s: let''s forgo our grudges by smiling when we meet again!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye was even more curious about his listenership rating yesterday. Why would Director Zhao change so much today?


    "First ce, Wang Xiaomei. ''Talk About the World''." Zhao Guozhou spoke, "Listenership 3.66%. It has droppedpared to the past few days. Teacher Xiaomei, you might need to add something interesting to the segment. It can''t be too dry. I heard the program yesterday; it seemed like you were resting on yoururels."


    Wang Xiaomei nodded, "I''ll improve on it today."


    Zhao Guozhouughed, "Actually this result is already very good. You are a pir of our channel, so everyone naturally expects more from you."


    "I understand." Wang Xiaomei remained humble.


    "Next, second ce." Zhao Guozhou shook the form in his hands.


    At this moment, many people swallowed their saliva. For example, Jia Yan, Zhang Ye and Teacher Feng were extremely nervous.


    "Entertainment Daily." Zhao Guozhou said.


    A smile immediately beamed on Wu Datao''s face. He had finally returned to second ce. He had redeemed his previous disgrace! Tian Bin and Jia Yan also heaved a sigh of relief happily!


    However, before a second of their happiness could pass, Zhao Guozhou''s tone had a 180 degree turn. "Entertainment Daily, I want to criticize your segment team. Especially Wu Datao and Song Yan. You are the two hosting it these days, but the results are dropping every day. Your listenership rating was only 2.21%. Look at all the entertainment news articles you have been doing the past few days. What were they? Can it be more interesting? Is there any news that people are concerned about? Even if there is, it''s all stuff that are scraps after other people have reported itprehensively. Nothing in the news program shines. How are the reporters for your segment team gathering news leads? How are you announcers reporting it? There were slip-ups during the live broadcast. Do you still want to carry on in this business?"


    Wu Datao immediately turned silent!


    Zhao Guozhou said, "With today, your segment has been pushed out of second ce for two consecutive days. Today, second ce is not yours!"


    It''s not "Entertainment Daily"?


    Then who was it? Whose program?


    Everyone''s eyes stared widely!


    Zhao Guozhou announced, "Second ce. Zhang Ye''s ''Old and Young Story Club''. Listenership 2.45%!"


    "Ah?"


    "Aiyah!"


    "It''s ''Old and Young Story Club'' again?"


    "It''s higher than yesterday''s rating by 0.05%?"


    "Is this going crazy? This segment is going into a craze!"


    There were exmations everywhere. Tian Bin and Jia Yan were both dumbfounded!


    Teacher Feng also gave a disbelieving expression. It can''t be! It can''t be! Yesterday, it was due to the Education Ministry''s promotion that caused the explosive increase! How did the listenership rating increase again today? Furthermore, it was a serialized fairy tale that no one thought was likely to seed! Didn''t all those predecessors and masters of children''s fairy tales prove that fairy tales could not be serialized? Why could Zhang Ye manage it? Why was it possible when he did it?


    Why?


    No one understood!


    Only Zhang Ye clenched his fists. It was like a heavy rock had been removed from his chest. Great! Not only did the listenership rating not drop, it had actually increased? Zhang Ye was quite surprised, but he knew the reason behind it. The power of "Little Bunnies Be Good" only showed its effect today. The second day''s explosive increase was actually in the early stages. Only a tiny portion of people had surged it. However, yesterday and today was the climax of the promotion from the Education Ministry. The newspapers and television stations had reported on it. So although Zhang Ye''s program was not mentioned, information on the inte easily obtainable and a search would allow everyone to know. Hence, when yesterday''s new story was broadcast, a portion of audience who had just listened in for ''Little Bunnies Be Good'' would have definitely left. However, at the same time, a surge of parents had appeared, attracted by the fame. This had caused the listenership rating to increase, instead of decreasing!


    Of course, the most important reason was because of the story!


    Zhang Ye did not make a wrong bet. "The Wizard of Oz", a story well-liked by all ages, had shown its miraculous effects. It had managed to hold on to many parents!


    Zhao Guozhou lowered his hand, "Everyone, quiet down. I will first praise Teacher Little Zhang here. Back then, when he first took over ''Late-night Ghost Stories'', we all knew that it was the worst segment in our channel. It had always been first from the back. However, the first day Teacher Little Zhang took it over, the segment was pulled up to third ce. It had created history amongte-night programs. Later on, ''Old and Young Story Club'' became the channel''s worst segment. There was no improvement shown in its ratings over the years. And this time, with Little Zhang taking it over, the results are open for all to see. Second ce. He went from the bottom to second ce! Maybe ''Old and Young Story Club'' will be taken off-air after today, but I think Teacher Little Zhang''s diligent spirit is something worthy of learning! I wish to say something to everyone! Something that Teacher Little Zhang has taught us! He has used real action to prove it to us - there is no program that can''t do well forever!"


    sping the A4 paper, Zhao Guozhou took the lead to p!


    Bba Bba Bba. Teacher Feng was extremely exhrated. His eyes were a bit wet as he pped for Zhang Ye with all his strength. His hands turned red from pping!


    What a formidable rookie!


    At this moment, many colleagues who had their reservations about Zhang Ye werepletely convinced.


    However, Jia Yan was in trouble. He was in a predicament. Why did the Leader''s attitude change? What did this mean? To even publicly apud Zhang Ye? To publicly praise Zhang Ye? Although Zhao Guozhou had previously said that "Old and Young Story Club" would end today, one had to take note that Zhao Guozhou''s words were prefaced with the word "maybe". Maybe it would end today; then, could it also mean that it would not end?


    The ratings were announced one after another.


    As Zhao Guozhou was about to leave, Jia Yan rushed out into the corridor, "Director, then my program on Monday��"


    Zhao Guozhou remained kindly to him, "Hehe, Little Jia. Let''s talk about it tomorrow. I''m still busy over preparations for the Mid-Autumn Festival''s Poetry Meet. I need to thoroughly supervise it. If there''s anything you need, look for Old Xu." With that, Zhao Guozhou left while making a phone call on his cellphone.


    Jia Yan stood alone in the corridor, clearly feeling a bit lonely.

 Chapter 47: The Parents Are Revolting!

    <h4>Chapter 47: The Parents Are Revolting! </h4>


    Chapter 47: The Parents Are Revolting!


    Recording studio #4.


    Since there was no part where the audience called in, Zhang Ye did not get his assistant, Xiaofang, to help. He began to record his program for Sunday.


    "Chapter 3: How Dorothy Saved the Scarecrow."


    "Dorothy leaned her chin upon her hand and gazed thoughtfully at the Scarecrow. Its head was a small sack stuffed with straw, with eyes, nose, and mouth painted on it to represent a face. An old, pointed blue hat that had belonged to some Munchkin was perched on his head, and the rest of the figure was a blue suit of clothes, worn and faded, which had also been stuffed with straw."


    "Chapter 4: The Road Through the Forest."


    "So the Scarecrow led her through the trees until they reached the cottage. Dorothy entered and found a bed of dried leaves in one corner. Shey down at once and, with Toto beside her, soon fell into a sound sleep. The Scarecrow, who was never tired, stood up in another corner and waited patiently until morning came."


    After finishing the story for today, Zhang Ye looked at the time. He had reserved two minutes, so he quickly did the ending which did not seem like an ending. There was no other way out. Since the station did not give him any notice and the Leader did not say anything, Zhang Ye could only follow the original instructions to end his segment. "Children and our friends in the audience, that will be all for today''s segment. ''Old and Young Story Club'' will also end today. This segment has gone on for many years. Here, I''ll thank everyone on behalf of Teacher Feng for the ongoing support. Although I have only taken over this segment for five episodes, I have extremely deep feelings for ''Old and Young Story Club''. I have so many things I want to say in my heart that are soplex. Forget it, I won''t say it. Next week, there will be a new segment taking over, called ''Soaring Youth''. Please support it."


    ��


    Office area.


    Zhang Ye returned.


    "You''ve wrapped it up?" Teacher Fengmented.


    Zhang Ye responded, "Wrapped up."


    Teacher Feng patted him on the shoulder, "It''s been tough on you."


    "It''s been tough on you, Teacher Little Zhang." Big Sis Zhou, who did editing, gave him a thumbs up.


    Xiaofang also looked towards him, "Teacher Zhang, you''ve worked hard. Teacher Feng, you''ve worked hard."


    This was customary. Every time a segment ended, everyone would say this. It was a form of farewell and was also to show respect for the long-term efforts of the Teachers.


    Wang Xiaomei and others also said the same words to Teacher Feng and Zhang Ye.


    Only Jia Yan did not say it. He couldn''t care less, as he was busy with his new segment. Although he had recorded the first two episodes for his program, he had not done the opening and ending. He was secretly writing a script. Why did he write a script secretly? Maybe it was because Zhang Ye never used a script. This was no secret in the entire Beijing Radio Station. Zhang Ye''s "feat" was often talked about. Zhang Ye was a neer and so was Jia Yan; hence, he did not want to lose to Zhang Ye psychologically. He waspetitive!


    Afternoon.


    Thest episode of "Old and Young Story Club" was broadcast.


    Many officedies were listening in to Zhang Ye''s program. It seemed to have turned into a rule since yesterday. They all had children, but as parents, they would never find a good children''s fairy tale that could educate their children excessive.


    "The Scarecrow, who was never tired, stood up in another corner and waited patiently until morning came." This was thest sentence for today''s "The Wizard of Oz".


    When everyone heard this, they eximed.


    "It can''t be? It ended just like that?"


    "The story ended? It hasn''t! Isn''t it finished!?"


    "Isn''t it a serialized four-chapter story that was to be broadcast over two days? Why did it end up like that? This can''t be an ending. A new character has just appeared. Having saved the Scarecrow, the plot has not even developed!"


    "F**k! There''s still more?"


    "There must be more stories thate after! It''s not only four chapters long!"


    Everyone finally understood it as they nearly fainted!


    It was unknown who told Jia Yan. He immediately rushed back to the office when he was eating at the cafeteria. He angrily looked for Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang! What happened?"


    Zhang Ye feigned ignorance, "What do you mean, ''what happened?''"


    "What do you think!?" Jia Yan was flustered, "Why hasn''t your program ended?"


    Zhang Ye blinked, "It''s already over. I even said the ending and even introduced your program."


    "That''s not the problem. I''m saying why are there more parts to the serialized story at the back!" Jia Yan was really furious.


    Zhang Ye said, "I can''t care about that. My story is that long. To speak the truth, not even today, it won''t even be finished next week. There''s a total of 20 more chapters in the series. How can I finish it today? Little Jia, I also want to tell a story that could be finished in two days, but unfortunately, I do not have one. I only came up with ''The Wizard of Oz'' recently. There''s no other way around it. After all, I independently created it. Short fairy tale stories aren''t so easily created. Creating a work is not easy."


    Not easy?


    When youposed poems, when has it ever not been done in an impromptu fashion?


    When you told ghost stories, when was it not done on the spot?


    Original works may be very difficult for others, but it was definitely nothing for you!


    Everyone knew Zhang Ye was doing it on purpose. He was wicked! It was too wicked! To leave such a good fairy tale story on a cliffhanger, how was Jia Yan to take over the slot!? Even if he could take it over, wouldn''t he be cursed to death by the loyal listeners of "Old and Young Story Club"? Listeners were originally already unhappy about the ending of the Story Club, with many people saying they wouldin or smash windows. Well, maybe they were just speaking nonsense. If Zhang Ye had really finished his story for Story Club, then the end was the end. There was nothing much to it, as time could solve everything. However, now, Zhang Ye had not finished his story. It was a neutered state; wouldn''t this be like blue balls? Wouldn''t this incite the emotions of the listeners? There was nothing more wicked than this!


    Zhang Ye''s simple response had pushed it back at Jia Yan.


    Jia Yan turned and left, "I''m not speaking to you, I''ll go to the Leader!"


    The moment he left, Teacher Feng felt both angry and happy, as he pointed towards Zhang Ye and whispered, "You kid, you sure are something." Heughed at the end.


    Zhang Ye did not care about this. Were you going to bite me if I wanted to tell the story in such a manner?


    After some time, Jia Yan returned. He had clearly not found the Leader, as he went back to his seat with a sulking face.


    The situation had turned moreplex. With the Leader not around and him remaining neutral, this matter waspletely in a state of limbo. Furthermore, there were listeners of "Old and Young Story Club" already leaving curses on the Radio Station''s official website. The broadcast of today''s episode had caused quite amotion!


    "Holy shit! This is too damaging!"


    "It''s been neutered? It became neutered just like that?"


    "Do not end it! This will take the lives of people!"


    "My child has just heard four chapters! If I do not continue telling him the story tomorrow, the child will be rolling on the ground screaming! Teacher Zhang Ye, quickly carry on! Do not stop the broadcast!"


    "What is the radio station doing!?"


    "Teacher Zhang is so bad! He left an unfinished story for us?"


    "What ''Soaring Youth''? We don''t want to listen to it! Return to us our ''Old and Young Story Club''!"


    "Right, return to us our ''Old and Young Story Club''! We only want to listen to this!"


    "Let that ''Soaring Youth'' die! Soaring, your sister! With ''The Wizard of Oz'' not finished and stuck in the middle! What fart is it soaring!?"


    "Soar, just jump off the building and you can fly!"


    "Right, I really feel like jumping off a building! I''m not telling it to my children, as I''m not married yet. It''s because I really love the story!"


    There were even children who left messages. Now, children got into contact with advanced technology at a younger age. Thinking back, Zhang Ye only had aputer in high school. Now, children would already have ess to that during elementary school. "Uncle Zhang Ye, don''t leave. Please do not end it. I want to hear theter parts of ''The Wizard of Oz''. This fairy tale is too good. Our school has even left homework for us to listen to your story!"


    The response of the crowd was very "loud".


    Not to mention others, even a few olderdies in the office could not ept it. Threedies discussed before surrounding Zhang Ye''s desk, "Little Zhang, you are too immoral. It''s fine if your program is ending, but you must at least write out theter parts of the story for us. There''s still another 20 more chapters, right? Quickly write. We are waiting!"


    Zhang Ye smiled bitterly, "I''ll try my best, sisters."


    Big Sis Zhou said, "You can''t try your best. You must write it well, or it''s too aggravating!"


    Suddenly, some parent had left a message on the radio station''s website''sment section. It was titled, "Do not let the story end. Everyonee in and support." The content was, "Comrades, parents. Everyone probably knows that the Story Club is ending. The power of the masses is the greatest. Let us show our voice and let the radio station see it. Let ''Old and Young Story Club''" carry on with its broadcasting!"


    There was a sea of responses beneath it!


    "Support!"


    "Support+1000!"


    "Boycott ''Soaring Youth''!"


    "Return the blue skies to the children!"


    "Nowadays, there are already so few children''s fairy tales. The only remaining children''s program on the radio are the Beijing Radio Station''s ''Old and Young Story Club''. We must not let the program end. The children still need this segment! The children need Teacher Zhang Ye''s story! Prop it up!"


    There were a countless number of messages. There were also many supporters.


    It was just 2 P.M., which meant that in an hour, there were more than 1,500 messages left on the boards!


    Radio, which was part of the old media, had already beenrgely reced by new media. It had lost its glory days and did not have much of an audience. However, the controversy caused by this matter could make anyone, who looked at the radio station''s website, mistakenly believe that they had returned to the 80''s or 90''s, when the radio was still having its absolute reign. The Big Brother status seemed to return. And the technology and equipment were not prepared for this. Therge crowd that flocked to the Beijing Radio Station''s website to show their support or curse had caused the website''s server to nearly crash!


    This was a big deal!


    Zhang Ye and many colleagues never expected this. They all jumped from fright!

 Chapter 48: The Program Won’t Be Axed!

    <h4>Chapter 48: The Program Won��t Be Axed! </h4>


    Chapter 48: The Program Won''t Be Axed!


    Monday.


    Today was an important day. Zhang Ye woke up at 5 A.M. and could not return back to sleep. After tossing and turning, he reached the unit early. The office was still empty. There was not a single person. Editor Zhang who opened the doors had not arrived, so Zhang Ye had to go downstairs to the lobby to get the key to the Literature Channel, before he managed to enter the room.


    He watched the news.


    He checked his name.


    He searched forments for his program.


    These were the three things Zhang Ye did every morning. A nce at the morning news was sufficient. Thements were mostly simr to those of yesterday. Either they were cursing that Zhang Ye was without morals by neutering the story, or they shouted to not have "Old and Young Story Club" end. Zhang Ye was mainly searching for his name and he was surprised to find out that in a day''s time, the number of searches for his name had reached a total of 16,000 times on the country''s biggest search engine website. Although it could not bepared to those A-list celebrities who had hundreds of thousands to millions of searches, it was still a sharp rise. Note that this was not the search numbers of Zhang Ye''s segments. It was also not for his fairy tales or novels, but the two words "Zhang Ye".


    "Ghost Blows Out the Light" having 10,000+ was no surprise, as there was nearly ten thousand searches every day!


    The search numbers for "Little Bunnies Be Good" exceeding 10,000 was also no surprise. In fact, it had exceeded 110,000 the day before!


    They were all searches, but the value of Zhang Ye''s name being searched waspletely different. This meant that many listeners who had tuned into the programs had noticed the voice behind the radio, Zhang Ye. This was a mark of his growth in poprity. Zhang Ye''s ambition was to be this world''s greatest and most famous celebrity in the world. He knew how things worked in the industry. Following a particr work was just the beginning stages. It was just poprity on the surface and wasn''t as reliable. This was because once a piece of work "expired", people will forget with time. Then this poprity on the surface would also dissipate, and not much poprity would be left. However, if people paid attention to a person, it was different. This had a much deeper meaning in terms of poprity than paying attention to a piece of work.


    Once his poprity rose, even if it was negative, that was also considered fame. Zhang Ye could feel his dreams taking its initial steps, but it did not stop one bit. He was developing towards his goal with every second.


    However, even though it was a good thing, he still could not feel happy.


    This was because the fate of "Old and Young Story Club" was still unknown. If the program was axed, then he would not have a tform for him to disseminate his works. As such, he would not be able to carry on increasing his poprity using high-quality works. The little amount of poprity he had would not be able to be maintained for long before turning to naught in the end.


    "Eh, Little Zhang, you''vee?"


    "Teacher Zhang, why are you so early today?"


    At around 8 A.M., colleagues began reaching the unit.


    Teacher Feng had also arrived early. After seeing Zhang Ye, their gazes crossed and after a greeting, no one said anything more. The both of them were aware. Teacher Feng was also waiting for a result. He wanted to see if Zhang Ye was able to create another historical miracle!


    Quite a number of people were also discussing about this.


    "Do you think the station will cancel the axing of ''Old and Young Story Club''?"


    "I''m pretty sure that won''t happen. Little Jia is, after all, a rtive of Deputy Station Head Jia. Have you forgotten?"


    "But now Teacher Little Zhang has made his program perform so well with listenership ratings in second ce. If the station did not revoke the notification from before, how much pressure would they need to withstand?"


    "That''s right. The listeners paralyzed our station''s official website with all the cursing!"


    "That doesn''t mean that it won''t be axed. There has never been such a precedent."


    "Precedent? Ate-night program had never reached the top three in the ratings. A children''s fairy tales segment has never reached second ce in the ratings. Precedents are meant to be broken!"


    "How would we know what the Leader is thinking? Let''s just wait and see."


    At this moment, Tian Bin had arrived. Jia Yan had also arrived. So no one carried on discussing this topic.


    The office turned silent, as if everyone was watching Zhang Ye and Jia Yan. Everyone knew that this day belonged to them. It was the day of their battle!


    At 9 A.M., Zhao Guozhou arrived punctuality. It was clear that he had just arrived at the unit. His hand was still holding a bag. He did not return to his own office first and instead came to announce yesterday''s listenership ratings, "Almost everyone is here, right? Alright, then stop for a while. I''ll announce the listenership ratings."


    Everyone was very serious. Many people were curious about the listenership rating for yesterday''s "Old and Young Story Club". Although Zhang Ye had seeded in taking the risk of a serialization on his first day, it was not necessarily the case on the second day. Maybe the listeners did not realize that the story was a series, so they finished listening to it without a second thought. Maybe they would lose their patience on the second day when they realized that it was a serialization? These were all possible. So the rating was clearly crucial for the battle between Zhang Ye and Jia Yan today.


    "First ce. ''Talk About the World'' listenership 3.81%." Zhao Guozhou gave a very pleased look at Wang Xiaomei, "Teacher Xiaomei, well done. After telling you off that day, there was a significant improvement in the program yesterday. There were many new things. Hehe, I really liked that part about eating watermelons. Was that something you did on the spot?"


    Wang Xiaomei smiled. "Yes."


    "Well said. Carry on maintaining it. I think breaking four percent on your listenership rating will not be too far off." After Zhao Guozhou gave his praises, he looked down at the table, "Second ce��"


    It was unknown if it was intentional as he paused for a long time.


    As everyone was looking, hoping to see through the form, Zhao Guozhou said, "Second ce. ''Old and Young Story Club'' listenership��" Again he stretched it out. "2.78%!"


    Wow!


    Everyone went into an uproar!


    2.78%? What the f***!


    You must be going mad! Is there anyone that can stop it?


    One had to know that "Old and Young Story Club" only had zero point something listenership ratings a few days before. Even yesterday''s and the day before''s ratings were around 2.4%. Today, it had increased by slightly more than 0.3%? Didn''t this development mean that it was trending to break three? Holy ****! This was too amazing!


    Many people drew in a mouthful of air!


    ording to the situation''s development, it would be very hard for "Entertainment Daily" to catch up with "Old and Young Story Club". It would be a dream for the previous set-in-stone second ce to regain the second spot. Uh, it could not be said that way either. This was because the Story Club was going to go off-air today. Without the program, there would not be a listenership rating. Thus, "Entertainment Daily" would regain its second spot without a fight��


    Teacher Feng was the happiest. He grabbed Zhang Ye''s arm and clutched him tightly.


    Zhang Ye was already mentally prepared for today''s listenership rating. The day before yesterday was "The Wizard of Oz"''s first day of serialization. He had carefully selected a fairy tale that would appeal to all ages, so as to retain many of the listeners who hade for "Little Bunnies Be Good". The facts had proven that Zhang Ye had managed to do it. Not only had he done it, he had excelled, nearly achieving perfection. Yesterday was the second day of the serialization. Zhang Ye''s goal was not as simple as retaining the audience. Under the premise of creating a new audience base, his goal was to create a habit for people to listen in. By letting them wait for ''Old and Young Story Club'' every day for the serialization, there was no way of catching up if one episode was missed. This was also a forceful method of making people ept the serialization of a fairy tale. Now, looking at the listenership ratings, Zhang Ye knew he had managed to do it!


    As long as "Old and Young Story Club" was not axed, Zhang Ye had every reason to believe that the listenership ratings of "The Wizard of Oz" would keep increasing!


    This was the benefit of a serialization!


    This was the advantage of a serialization!


    Zhao Guozhou did not praise Zhang Ye like yesterday. He said it in passing before announcing the rest of the listenership ratings. This ambiguous attitude made everyone even more baffled.


    After he finished announcing, Zhao Guozhou did what he did yesterday. He left after turning around.


    Jia Yan was also dazed. He was still thinking that Zhao Guozhou would say something. However, in the end, there was nothing. Like yesterday, he ran out to chase after him.


    "Director!"


    "Little Jia?"


    "I want to talk to you. Do you have some time?"


    "Sure. Follow me to my office."


    Once they left, Big Sis Zhou worried for Zhang Ye, "Little Zhang, you should go, too!"


    "That''s right, that''s right!" Another person, Aunt Wang, chimed in, "You should quickly try to grasp an opportunity. Say something nice. Who knows if the Leader might change his mind!"


    Previously, Zhang Ye was not popr with his colleagues. Firstly, he had offended the Leader. Secondly, he was new, so he hadn''t had much interaction with others. He did not know many people, which resulted in his poor social poprity. Now, through his fairy tale stories, Zhang Ye had at least managed to gain the liking of the five to six women in the office.


    Furthermore, with Jia Yan being young and so aggressive that he did not show any respect for Teacher Feng on his first day, there were many older people who did not like him. As such, they slowly leaned towards Zhang Ye. They did not care that Zhang Ye cursed as he had back when he and Tian Bin cursed at each other on the inte. Tian Bin was a person who usually spoke badly of people behind their backs and since he was the person who first instigated the dispute and Zhang Ye was just reacting to it, it was understandable due to the extenuating circumstances.


    Furthermore, no matter how much a jerk Zhang Ye was, he had never been disrespectful to the older people in the station. When had he never been polite when he met them? Just from this point, Zhang Ye was already in a much better position than Jia Yan in the hearts of the older people!


    "There''s no need." Zhang Ye did not go.


    "You care about your face too much. Will lowering your head kill you?" Aunt Wang felt exasperated.


    Zhang Ye was very clear of the situation, "I have done my things well. I have already put in my greatest efforts into it. The Leader''s decision was likely already decided some time ago. I also won''t be able to change it."


    Although he said so, the process was quite a torment.


    Two hours passed since Jia Yan left, but still, he was not seen.


    Zhang Ye repeatedly looked as his watch. He also went to the Leader''s office, but there was no one there. He returned to the office and asked an old editor, "Editor Xu, the afternoon''s program is about to begin soon. The Leader isn''t around either. What''s going on? What about today''s program?"


    Editor Xu was also unsure what to do. He could not reach Director Zhao on the phone!


    Finally as it was approaching noon, Zhang Ye asked, "What''s going to happen?"


    Editor Xu pped his forehead, "Little Zhang, why don''t you record it first?"


    "It can''t be recorded anymore. It can only be broadcast live since it''s thiste." Zhang Ye pointed to his watch.


    Editor Xu bit his tongue, "Then let''s do a live broadcast. You take the reins. We''ll speak after the live broadcast is over!"


    Zhang Ye agreed and immediately called for his assistant, "Xiaofang, quickly reserve a live broadcast studio. The faster, the better." He picked up a bottle of mineral water to moisten his throat before setting off.


    ��


    12 o''clock.


    Zhang Ye pushed the volume button, "Hello listeners. Due to some special reasons and circumstances, today''s program will still be ''Old and Young Story Club''. Let me tell everyone the fifth chapter of "The Wizard of Oz", The Rescue of the Tin Woodman."


    ��


    Zhang Ye managed to finally finish his program''s live broadcast. He returned to the office from the live broadcasting studio at 1 P.M. Only then did he see Jia Yan, who was silent.


    When Jia Yan saw Zhang Ye, he had raised his head, but then quickly bowed his head to carry on typing on theputer. He no longer had the aggressive air that he had on his first day.


    Zhang Ye roughly understood what had happened. He walked towards Teacher Feng, "Our program won''t be axed?"


    Teacher Feng whispered, "No talk about not axing, but Director Zhao did not say a word despite knowing you were broadcasting live. His intention is to let us carry on broadcasting. The station has not mentioned anything about axing the program anymore."


    Zhang Ye heaved a sigh of relief, as if a burden had been lifted, "Teacher Feng, I finally did not disappoint you. I managed to keep the program!"


    Teacher Feng squeezed his shoulder, "I won''t being to the unit tomorrow. You have given me a big gift before I leave! Thank you!"


    "To think you have to say that. It''s what should have happened. I also do not wish for the program to end." Zhang Ye said.


    Tian Bin was secretly burning with anger. How could it be!? The Leader really tolerated him?


    Wu Datao could not ept it. The station really did not axe the program? They really were letting Zhang Ye do what was deemed an impossible task?


    Everyone saw this and felt mixed emotions. The past few days were too dramatic.


    Thinking back to the day when Zhang Ye dered his bold words, saying that "Old and Young Story Club" would not be axed, none of them had believed him. No one treated him seriously. But by giving Zhang Ye five days, just five days of programming was enough for Zhang Ye toplete a startling reversal. He had managed to change a segment that was deadst to a legendary myth in terms of ratings. The results were so stunning that the station''s management could not say anything!


    A young person''s abilities must be respected!


    A new generation was recing the old!


    This made people begin to realize that maybe one needed to bow one''s head orpromise at work, but in front of absolute ability and results, many intrinsic beliefs appearedughable. Jia Yan was an example. So what if he was the Station''s Leader''s rtive? A segment that was decided on could still fail to go on air! It simrly could not rece Zhang Ye''s segment. Jia Yan had to queue up obediently in the station! Why? This was because Zhang Ye had handed in a result that no one else could hand in! "Old and Young Story Club" had received second ce in the Literature Channel! Its rating was at the tenth ce in the entire Beijing Radio Station! Coupled with "Late-night Ghost Stories" being fourth in the Literature Channel and 19th in the entire station! There was no one who could move Zhang Ye''s position in the radio station!


    This time, Zhang Ye had really rooted himself. He hadid a deep foundation through his hard work and determination!

 Chapter 49

    <h4>Chapter 49 </h4>


    As he had applied for leave, he was taking a day off today.


    He had recorded one additional episode yesterday, so with the crisis alleviated, Zhang Ye remained at home to sleep.


    He remainedzing in bed, even when it was already 10 o''clock. He began watching television in bed, switching to one channel after another. Suddenly, Zhang Ye''s hand stopped, as he quickly adjusted the television''s volume. It seemed to be scenes recorded fromst night. It was a press conference of a new movie release. The name was familiar; it was called "White Maiden 2". He remembered the day that the game ring had changed his world; one of the first things he had seen on the television''s news were the words "White Maiden". It was produced by one of the more famous directors, Wu Bang, in this world. Its box office sales were very high and now its sequel was being released.


    Why was Zhang Ye so concerned about it?


    There was only one reason. The movie''s female lead was too beautiful!


    When Zhang Ye''s eyes swept across the television, his eyes had remained fixated on her. This world also had many superstar Heavenly Queens. This person was probably the prettiest celebrity Zhang Ye had seen in this world. Right, maybe it should be said that she was most fitting to what he considered the aesthetic of a beautiful celebrity.


    Wang Xiaomei?


    Tian Bin''s wife?


    None of them couldpare with her beauty!


    The only person who couldpare was probably Rao Aimin. If thendy had worn something more fashionable, then the two might beparable.


    On the screen, the press conference had ended. Zhang Yuanqi* was surrounded by reporters. Even the famous director, Wu Bang, did not stir up such a fuss.


    "Sis Zhang, what are your expectations of the box office sales?"


    "Teacher Zhang, I heard that you were injured during the filming process?"


    "Can you tell us the plot of the new movie? Has there been any changes with the prequel?"


    "Sis Zhang, your new song has had unsatisfactory results once again. Are you nning not to develop in the music industry from now on? To focus on your movie career?"


    The journalists began rattling off their questions like a machine gun.


    The onscreen Zhang Yuanqi smiled very amiably. She did not seem to have any airs, "Ask one by one; I will definitely answer them. Well, I definitely hope so! The higher the box office sales, the better, but I will need everyone''s support. I can''t reveal the plot, or else it''s pointless for everyone to watch. Hurhur. As for my injury, sorry for worrying everyone. Thank you very much. It''s already alright. It was just a superficial wound. A bandage healed it the second day after being wounded. It was just exaggerated when the news spread out. It''s not considered an injury."


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Do you have any ns for a new film this year?"


    "I''ve heard that you will be one of the judges for the uing Golden and Silver Microphone Broadcaster Choice Awards?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said in a pleasant manner, "There might be a new film being recorded at the end of the year. As for being a judge�� You sure keep abreast with the news. I''ve indeed been invited. My manager is still checking my schedule; if there is no event that cannot be postponed, I will definitely be there."


    The journalists carried on their siege, as they tailed her from behind.


    Zhang Ye was not sure of Zhang Yuanqi''s age. She looked like she was about thirty years old. She was this world''s Heavenly Queen and was also an S-list superstar. She had won the country''s most authoritative Best Female Lead and Best Supporting Actress awards more than once. A few of her previous songs had even received the Golden Melody Award. She was a celebrity that was involved in several lines of work. If onepared fame and poprity, Zhang Yuanqi was probably ranked in the top five in the country. She would be described as a Heavenly Queen figure amongst Heavenly Queens. Although she was not considered very old, she had a lot of experience. She had debuted very early. In the entertainment industry, Zhang Yuanqi was considered a Big Sister. ording to hierarchy, many neers would have to address her as Master Aunt. Zhang Yuanqi was pretty and famous. What was most critical was that she was easygoing and elegant. Hence, her position in the entertainment circle was extremely high. She was also very well-liked.


    Look at her looks!


    Look at her achievements!


    Look at her temperament!


    Zhang Ye knew that he could not envy her. He did not have her looks, so he could only rely on his hard work. And his hard work was based on what? The game ring was the greatest reliance he had!


    Noon.


    Zhang Ye ate instant noodles again. He opened the game ring on his finger to check his overall Reputation. There was a total of 230,000 points. Firstly, some of these were umted from some time ago. Secondly, some of the Reputation points were earned from the past two days of "Late-night Ghost Stories" and "Old and Young Story Club". Although "Old and Young Story Club" was not that much higher than "Late-night Ghost Stories" in terms of listenership ratings, the former still brought more than double the Reputation points to Zhang Ye than thetter. After all, ate-night program was now a mainstream program, while "Old and Young Story Club" had already be Zhang Ye''s center of attention.


    He could draw at the Lottery again.


    Zhang Ye was only prepared to draw at it once. He needed to leave some Reputation points in reserve, so as to allow him to buy a "Memory Search Capsule" in the event of an unexpected turn of events. After taking this into consideration, Zhang Ye opened the Lottery interface!


    He spent 100,000 Reputation points!


    The Lottery began! The needle spun!


    This time, Zhang Ye was still looking forward to drawing something from the Stats Category or the Skills Category. His luck was too terrible; he had not drawn from either of them, not even once. Of course, it would be even better if he got something from the Special Category.


    Skills Category��


    Stats Category��


    Consumption Category��


    The needle slipped past one category after another!


    One time around! Five times around! Ten times around!


    Zhang Ye began chanting, "Skills! Skills!" Suddenly, he shouted again, "Aiyah, why did it go past! It missed by just a bit!"


    Bada!


    He had hit the Consumption Category once again!


    Zhang Ye let it be. Since it was a Consumption Category, then so be it. After all, this category took up half the area of the Lottery. Besides, the previous Consumption Category items had helped him a lot. The Consumption Category''s Treasure Chest (Small) automatically entered his inventory. Zhang Ye took it out and ced it on the desk. Then he opened the lid! The chest opened! The familiar gold beams shed! A pink-colored sachet appeared in the Treasure Chest!


    [ Cupid Sachet ] : Effective once it is worn. Increases the yer''s luck with the opposite s*x for five minutes!


    Luck with the opposite sex?


    There was an item that actually increased luck with the opposite sex?


    Zhang Ye was quite happy. Unfortunately, it was a one-time expendable item. If he could obtain the rights through the Special Category to buy it in the Merchant Shop, then it would be excellent. He could buy an unlimited number of these. Then with it, would he need to worry about having a wife? Wouldn''t buying it and having an uninterrupted 24-hour period of using the Cupid Sachet be so good? Hai, but that was just a thought. Furthermore, he still did not know how the item worked. Zhang Ye understood what the word Cupid meant, but he did not know its actual effects.


    He hung the sachet around his neck!


    Ping. Item has been used. Countdown Begins!


    Seeing the virtual game interface''s effective time countdown, Zhang Ye sat in his seat waiting. However, nothing had happened!


    Where was his luck with females?


    Why was there no reaction?


    Only when there were two minutes left remaining did Zhang Ye realize what was going on. Oh no, he was too naive! It was simr to the Unlucky Halo. If no one had offended him to trigger the Unlucky Halo''s effects after it was activated, then the Unlucky Halo would not do a thing. Simrly, the Cupid Sachet probably was the same. Now that he was alone at home with not even a female around, how was he to have good luck with females? He had to at least first meet a female. Would waiting at home have a girl send herself to his doorstep?


    Ke La!


    There were the sounds of keysing from outside!


    Dong. Ka. It seemed like someone was stabbing keys into Zhang Ye''s door. But no matter what, the person could not open the door. The person outside seemed angry, as that person began kicking on the door!


    "Who is it!" Zhang Ye went over with a darkened expression.


    The person outside did not speak, as the person carried on inserting the key.


    Zhang Ye opened the door, "Stop screwing around! Who is it?"


    The moment the door opened, the smell of alcohol came surging over. It nearly caused Zhang Ye to topple backwards. It was too strong. Looking up, it was a woman. She was wearing a pair of wide aviator sunsses. She looked somewhat familiar, but he could not recall where he had seen her. Zhang Ye only knew that this drunken woman was someone he did not know. The woman clearly had drunk too much. She was still stabbing the empty air with her keys, despite Zhang Ye having opened the door. She was not standing firmly, while wearing her nude-colored heels!


    Eh?


    Could this be the good luck with females?


    Ha! The Cupid Sachet had really sent a woman to his doorstep?


    "Have you gotten the wrong door?" However, Zhang Ye did not dare to ept this good fortune in love. She was drunk and he was still not clear what was going on.


    The woman dizzily stared at him, "Who are you? What.. are you doing in my house?"


    Zhang Ye was at a loss as to whether tough or cry, "Big Sis, this is my house. Where do you live? I''ll send you home." However, the moment he saw the key in the woman''s hand, Zhang Ye turned speechless. The keys looked veryplicated and it was easy to tell at a nce that it was for a high-grade door lock. There was even an ess card, so clearly she did not live in his district.


    The woman squeezed into the room without standing on ceremony. She also did not listen to Zhang Ye''s words, "You.. are my mom''s.. cleaner, right? Got.. it!"


    You are the cleaner!


    Your whole damned family are cleaners!*


    She nearly stumbled as she missed her footing.


    Zhang Ye quickly rushed to hold her, "Look carefully; this is really my house! Who are you?"


    The woman sneered, "I.. You don''t.. know?" As she spoke, she took off her sunsses. She didn''t manage to do so on her first attempt. It took her a second attempt before seeding.


    However, with the sunsses removed, Zhang Ye was so shocked that his jaw nearly dropped off. Only then did he realize why he found the girl very familiar, even though she was someone that he did not know. Behind the sunsses was a wless face. That earth-shattering beauty immediately made Zhang Ye recall!


    Zhang Yuanqi!


    Wasn''t this the Zhang Yuanqi that he had been watching all morning on television!?


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded about how she had managed to make the mistake ofing to his house. Only then did he realize that this was definitely the magical effect of the Cupid Sachet. Or else, how could this be a coincidence? The top S-list big shot in the country had managed to reach his home in a drunken stupor? Even novels weren''t that ridiculous! However, with the sachet''s effect, it had managed to happen! Zhang Ye did not know what to feel!


    Are all the items in the game ring so powerful?


    * Zhang Yuanqi''s surname, Zhang is different from Zhang Ye''s Zhang.


    * This is a popr Chinese ng in the form "You''re the one XXX! Your whole damned family XXX!". It came from "My Own Swordsman" character, Mo Xiaobei. The original text goes along the lines of someone saying to Mo Xiaobei, "Mo Xiaobei, you are a child who matured early!", before Mo Xiaobei replies "You''re the one who is maturing early! Your whole damned family is maturing early!"

 Chapter 50: The Heavenly Queen’s Personality Can’t Be That Bad!

    <h4>Chapter 50: The Heavenly Queen��s Personality Can��t Be That Bad! </h4>


    Chapter 50: The Heavenly Queen''s Personality Can''t Be That Bad!


    Afternoon.


    Zhang Ye''s house was in a mess.


    "Give me.. water."


    "Getting me to get water for you?"


    "��Thirsty!''


    "Alright, wait��Hai! Don''t vomit on the floor!"


    Zhang Ye was in a panic and felt grossed out. He quickly dragged Zhang Yuanqi, who had just vomited, to the bathroom. Opening the toilet lid, the reeling Zhang Yuanqi vomited inside.


    As she vomited, Zhang Yuanqi''s body slumped to the ground. Even her clothes had some vomit!


    Zhang Ye said loudly, "Big Sis? Big Sis?"


    Zhang Yuanqi did not make a sound. She had fallen soundly asleep.


    Noticing the situation, Zhang Ye had no other way but to endure the grossness as he bent down and lifted up the dirty Zhang Yuanqi into the room.


    At this moment, the Cupid Sachet''s effective time was up!


    Zhang Ye felt like crying. That was the five minutes he got with good luck with the females?


    He did not have the opportunity toin. The smell in the room was terrible. Zhang Ye opened the windows to ventte the room, as he pinched his nose and entered the bathroom to get a mop to wipe the floor. Then he cleaned the vomit in the bathroom.


    What should he do?


    Zhang Ye smacked himself in the forehead. He went to thendy''s house, but no matter how long he knocked on the door, no one came out. Rao Aimin had not seemed to be at home for the past few days. Finding a female neighbor? That wouldn''t do. The rooms here were all rented. The people that lived here were a bit unruly; and what sort of status and fame did Zhang Yuanqi have? If this was made known, her poprity would definitely take a hit. The Heavenly Queen always appeared so graceful on television, so this was not to be made known to others!


    Returning home.


    Zhang Ye poured a ss of warm water and brought it to her, "Sis, drink some. Didn''t you say you were thirsty? Here, open your mouth."


    It was unknown if Zhang Yuanqi heard it as she moved her mouth.


    Zhang Ye took the opportunity to pour the water in. There was some water that spilled onto the bed. Hai.


    After suffering till 4 P.M., Zhang Ye managed to tidy up the room. Finally, the gross smell was gone. He was tired enough, as he fell asleep on the chair.


    One hour��


    Three hours��


    When Zhang Ye opened his eyes, the sky was already dark. Looking at his watch, it was already 10 P.M.!


    Ring, Ring, Ring. The Heavenly Queen''s cellphone kept ringing. So it was her phone that had woken him up.


    Then Zhang Yuanqi''s body also moved. She let out a very long tone as she rubbed her eyes. Suddenly she sat up, "Oh?"


    Zhang Ye immediately stood up while rubbing his eyes, "You have finally woken up!"


    Zhang Yuanqi''s beautiful eyes looked coldly at the room''s environment, before staring right into Zhang Ye''s eyes. Her tone was blunt, "Who are you?"


    Zhang Ye said, "My name is Zhang Ye, I''m��"


    Zhang Yuanqi abruptly interrupted, "Why am I here?" Checking her clothes, she looked up, "I''m giving you a minute to exin!"


    Your sister!


    To think you are angry?


    Zhang Ye said, "Big Sis, shouldn''t I be asking you this? I was in my room, minding my own business, but there you were using your key to stab my door. After you entered, you threw up on my floor. It took me two hours to clean up the mess!"


    Zhang Yuanqi frowned, "What did I say in the afternoon to you?"


    "It was all nonsense. Then you fell asleep." Zhang Ye said.


    Zhang Yuanqi asked again, "Do you recognize me?"


    "Zhang Yuanqi, right? I''ve seen you on television." Zhang Ye said honestly.


    After about ten minutes, Zhang Ye managed to exin the situation to her. She had gone to the wrong house in her drunken stupor.


    "What happened in the afternoon should only be known by you. Don''t tell anyone, alright?" Zhang Yuanqi said without exining herself.


    Zhang Ye nodded, "Sure. I''m not a gossipy person. Then, now you should��"


    Zhang Yuanqi lowered her head and sniffed her clothes. Her eyebrows knitted and her expression turned sullen, "Give me some female clothes; I''ll leave once I change."


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "Why would there be female clothes in my house?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said impolitely, "You can buy it outside."


    "It''s almost 11 P.M. Which mall is still open?" Zhang Ye rummaged through a closet and threw her a pair of pajamas. "This should get you through."


    Zhang Yuanqi''s eyebrows ticked.


    "I''m going to the bathroom. You change here." Zhang Ye went into the bathroom and hid himself there. After a few minutes, he asked, "Are you done changing?"


    "Yes!" A lukewarm response sounded.


    Zhang Ye came out and saw the clothes that she had taken off had been ced on the bed. "Shall I wash it for you?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said yes with a deadpan expression, "Leave it in the dryer for a while to dry it faster."


    Zhang Ye was thinking how much she did not stand on ceremony. "I don''t have a dryer, but I can try using a hairdryer." After he went through the motions of blowing on it with the hairdryer, he hung up her clothes.


    Coming out, her majesty Zhang Yuanqi was sitting on a small sofa, with her legs crossed in an elegant fashion. "Little Zhang, right? Get me something to eat. I''m a bit hungry."


    Zhang Ye, "��"


    "Alright?" Zhang Yuanqi exhorted.


    Hai, forget it. She was, after all, a superstar!


    Zhang Ye took out thest egg in his house, "I''ll make a poached egg for you." This was a studio, so the kitchen was also in the house. Zhang Ye expertly turned on the fire, poured oil and sprinkled green onions. After the oil heated up, he cracked the egg into it. Knowing that the Heavenly Queen was waiting for her meal, Zhang Ye did not resist. He did it proudly. He was a man, after all. To be able to show off in front of a woman tends to give them a sense of aplishment.


    The egg was done!


    Zhang Ye presented the te, "It''s done!"


    Zhang Yuanqi looked at the te, "Are you sure that you can cook?"


    "Of course. You sure are funny. If I don''t know how to cook, who can?" Zhang Ye said mockingly.


    Zhang Yuanqi asked, "Then tell me why the color of the egg on the te is this color? Also, why am I smelling a burnt smell?"


    Zhang Ye waved his finger with confidence and dragged the te towards her. "That''s because you don''t understand. One nce and I know you can''t cook. This is a new method of cooking. I did it on purpose. This is to fully express the vor of the egg and to extract the fragrance of the egg to its fullest extent. The fire needs to be big, hence resulting in this color. Hai, you won''t understand. Such a superstar like you must have never eaten authentic street-side chicken eggs!"


    Zhang Yuanqi looked at him silently.


    Zhang Ye coughed and finally threw the egg into the rubbish bin dejectedly, "Alright, I messed up!" How could this rascal know how to cook!?


    Zhang Yuanqi continued sending short messages with a deadpan expression.


    "My house only has instant noodles. I''m also hungry. Do you want to eat it with me?" Zhang Ye asked for her opinion.


    "��Do I have any other choices?" Zhang Yuanqi said in a lukewarm manner.


    Hei, you sure are a big shot, to be picky with your meals! Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. He began boiling water to make the instant noodles. Each person had a bowl of noodles.


    "I''m not going to care about you. I''ll eat first." Zhang Ye was extremely hungry.


    Zhang Yuanqi put down her cellphone and looked very unhappily at the bowl of instant noodles. Finally, she picked it up and frowned as she ate it.


    Zhang Ye was having a good time eating, "It''s delicious, right?"


    Zhang Yuanqi, "��Have never eaten anything else?"


    "It''s not delicious? Uh, then you''ll have to make do. Other than instant noodles, my house has nothing else." Zhang Ye said.


    "When will my clothes dry?"


    "The weather isn''t very hot now. It will probably take four to five hours?"


    "Then I still need to live in your house tonight?"


    "You can wear my pajamas and leave."


    "Were you joking with me? I don''t find it funny at all!"


    Zhang Ye also did not find it funny. What good luck with females? He had seen through it. There was all sorts of bad luck befalling him today. What good luck with females? Clearly an Empress Dowager had arrived! Thinking of the Zhang Yuanqi on television, she was so elegant and gentle. She was kind and warm to others. She remained patient and answered all the journalists who surrounded her. She was unusually friendly with her fans!


    But now, what had happened?


    Can someone tell me what had happened?


    Who is this person? Why has her personality changed by 180 degrees!?


    Zhang Ye''s impression of the female goddess, Zhang Yuanqi, in his mind was shattered. My Heavenly Queen''s personality can''t be that bad! Something was definitely wrong!

 Chapter 51: Comrade Little Zhang has been Cursed At Again!

    <h4>Chapter 51: Comrade Little Zhang has been Cursed At Again! </h4>


    Chapter 51: Comrade Little Zhang has been Cursed At Again!


    The night sky was vast.


    It was 11 P.M. at night.


    After the meal, Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi held her chest with one hand as she leaned against the headboard to send email on her phone. Maybe she was working, as her face looked serious and sullen. She did not have any intention of speaking to Zhang Ye.


    She would kill the donkey the moment it left the millstone!


    You''ve forgotten about this bro after you are full?


    Zhang Ye also knew that a distinguished person like her was busy, so he did not disturb her. He also wasn''t emboldened enough to disturb her. Zhang Yuanqi was standing at the pinnacle of their country''s entertainment industry, while Zhang Ye himself was just a small figure, who was a fledgling. He was not even considered a celebrity. He would, at most, be considered a public figure. The gap between them was heaven and earth. Zhang Ye knew this himself, so he was very respectful towards a senior.


    Switching on theputer, he began doing his own thing. He first checked his Weibo and was suddenly dumbfounded. Why were there so many forwards for one of his Weibo messages? Upon checking, he realized what had happened. The "Flying Bird and Fish" message that originally only had about 2,000-3,000 forwards back then? It wasn''t that much. But now, this poem''s forwards on Weibo had suddenly be more than 8,000. It had tripled! After being surprised for a while, Zhang Ye treated it as nothing. Back in his world, "Flying Bird and Fish" itself had more than a hundred million clicks on the inte. How many people did not see it? Hence, this tiny explosive increase was reasonable. A good poem could never be buried. As for the reason? Zhang Ye''s analysis was that it was due to many things. "Ghost Blows Out the Light", fairy tale stories and his other poems. The number of people who knew of him was slowly increasing. So people would begin checking his other works, which created an entire increase in poprity for all of his works!


    "Good poem!"


    "Only now do I know about this poem today!"


    "Why are there so many forwards? Let me see it first."


    "ssic. Who is this Zhang Ye?"


    "You have just seen it? It''s already a poem fromst month. This poem even saved a person''s life. It is especially legendary!"


    Zhang Ye browsed through everyone''sments as he was lost in reverie. They were basically positive. As he was enjoying it, there was a suddenment that appeared!


    Meng Dongguo.


    Verification: Beijing Writer''s Association Deputy President. Poet. Author.


    He was a distinguished person with more than 3 million fans!


    Meng Dongguo had used his verified Weibo to openly question, "I do not know why such things can be so popr. Just because there''s a lot of people looking andmenting on it, that makes it a good poem? A legend? It saved a life? A poem''s worth is based on its literary value; it does not depend on other stories or situations to add to its worth. I cannot see any literary value in this poem. All I see is moaning and drool. This can also be considered a modern poem? This is also called literature? Also, the author''s ''A Generation'', I would notment on the poem''s words, but why do I find the topic so twisted? A slightly past 20-year-old childmenting on a generation? This should be a term used by us, right? You are not grown up yet, and still have a long road ahead. You do not have the ability to see through your generation, so don''t write such a poem to cause ridicule to yourself!"


    Some people did not like that.


    "It can''t be!? I think it''s very good!"


    "So what about youths? Youths can''t write poems?"


    "What a joke! Just one sentence of ''you young people don''t know anything'' to negate all his worth? To think that you are the Deputy President of the Beijing Writer''s Association?"


    However, there were even more that joined the ranks of the doubters.


    A number of them were authors and poets of the Beijing Writer''s Association. They were all verified ounts.


    Romance author Zheng Anbangmented, "Even Vice President Meng hasmented? Actually, I was not able to continue watching this, starting from a long time ago. This poem may be very popr now, but no matter how many times I see it, I can''t figure out what is good about it!"


    Children''s literature author Little Red Mushroommented, "Zhang Ye''s poem isn''t bad, but it''s only average. It does not deserve all this attention!"


    A famous poet in Beijing, whose pseudonym was Big Thunder, said, "What a mess! Complete bull****! What sort of poem is this? What are you trying to express with ''The Song of the Stormy Petrel''? Do you think these are the old days? Even if you wanted to expression that period''s rebellion and helplessness, how old are you? Do you know what the old society was like? Were youposing poems with your fantasy? How can there be any literary skill!? He is, at best, a temporary demagogue! Those who are following you, what''s up with all of you? Do you even have any appreciation for art? I really wonder!"


    Suddenly, five to six authors and poets began barraging Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye, who was in front of hisputer, could not help but curse, "What the f***! Are you monkeys backup that were invited? Where did you all pop up from? Did I provoke all of you!?"


    Zhang Yuanqi did not know what was happening as she came behind Zhang Ye. As she held her shoulders, her face was expressionless as she looked without blinking at hisputer screen, "Who are they scolding?"


    "Scolding me." Zhang Ye said angrily.


    Zhang Yuanqi''s eyelids twitched, "Meng Dongguo? Beijing Writers'' Association''s Leader? This person has quite a bit of reputation in the industry, right? Then what about Little Red Mushroom? She was the one who wrote fairy tales, right? Big Thunder? I have seen his poems. He is not anything in the country, but he is still quite famous in Beijing." As the literature circle was encroaching into the entertainment industry, it was almost indivisible. As an S-list star in the industry, Zhang Yuanqi was quite aware of this. She was objective with their evaluations. Of course, only Zhang Yuanqi had the right to say this. If it was anyone else, no one would dare say who was not anything in the country. "Why are so many Beijing authors and poets scolding you? Are you very famous?"


    Zhang Ye was still upset, "What do you mean, famous? I have only written a few poems. But who knows why they suddenly went crazy and started scolding me? My poems have problems? What an unfunny joke!"


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuanqi stared at him, "You canpose poetry?"


    "Of course. Have you heard of ''Flying Bird and Fish''?"


    "��No."


    "What about ''A Generation''?"


    "��.Never heard of it."


    "Alright. Then, forget that I said anything!"


    Zhang Yuanqi seemed a little interested. She said in a deadpan manner, "Go sit at the coffee table." There was only one chair in the house. With Zhang Ye standing up, Zhang Yuanqi sat down.


    Zhang Ye no longer had the energy to care about this, "They are bullies!"


    Zhang Yuanqi must have finished her work, as she began speaking to Zhang Ye, "Everything has a cause. Go look at the first person who questioned you, Meng Dongguo''s, Weibo."


    After checking, Zhang Ye was immediately enlightened. Meng Dongguo had published a few poems early in the month. But other than a few fans praising it, no one else had seen it. The forwarding count of a single poem from Zhang Ye was more than all his poemsbined by ten times. "He saw that my results as a neer are better than his, so he wants to pull me down? What a grandson! What sort of people are they!?"


    Zhang Yuanqi was only watching the scene unfold before her as she remained silent.


    At this moment, the fans of Meng Dongguo and a few poets and authors had rushed to Zhang Ye''s Weibo to curse at him. They did so indiscriminately!


    "Demagogue!"


    "To think you dare to publish such a beaten-up poem?"


    "Everyone, don''t read this person''s poem. The industry''s experts have given their evaluation. This is not called literature. There is no value to it!"


    "It can''t be? It''s quite good!"


    "Do you know, or do the experts know?"


    "That''s right; the Vice President of the Beijing Writer''s Association has already said it''s bad!"


    "I see. I thought it was such a good poem. You wasted my feelings!"


    "That''s right; I even recited Zhang Ye''s poem to my children. I never expected it to not have any cultural value. Isn''t this harming others? Harming me is fine, but don''t mislead my children!"


    "Zhang! Get lost from of the field of poetry!"


    "Get lost! There is no need for you!"


    "To think I liked Zhang Ye''s poems in the past. Hai, it''s so disappointing!"


    A few of Zhang Ye''s original fans were steered by Meng Dongguo and a few authors and poets, as they began toin!


    However, there were people who insisted on supporting Zhang Ye. However, soon, they drowned in those people''s spit. They had no chance to talk!


    Zhang Ye felt sourness in his heart. He was also very distressed. That was the poprity that he had worked hard to obtain. But just because of their few words, it was being scattered away. Even those who supported Zhang Ye''s poems were no longer that firm in their beliefs. After all, with so many professional Teachers and famous authors and poets collectively denying Zhang Ye''s worth, people would all have second thoughts as to whether his poem was really good.


    Even his fans were scolding him. Zhang Ye''s fists clenched tightly.


    Zhang Yuanqi said indifferently, "This is what the circle is like. You have to get used to others. If not��"


    "Then what''s the ''if not''?" Zhang Ye asked for advice.


    Zhang Yuanqi said coldly, "��If not, make others get used to you."


    Zhang Ye thought for a while and, after digesting Zhang Yuanqi''s words, he was no longer angry. Seeing the cursing or disappointed fans, Zhang Ye posted a message on Weibo.


    It was a response!


    A response from one to all!


    Zhang Yuanqi was by his side, reading. As she saw Zhang Ye type one word after another, her gaze changed for the first time. There was a brilliance in her eyes!


    Zhang Ye had written this.


    "See me, or not. There will I stay, no sorrow, nor joy."


    "Miss me, or not. There will affectiony, no immersion, nor dispersion."


    "Love me, or not. There will love remain, no more, nor less."


    "Follow me, or not. In your hand is mine, no discarding, nor departure."


    "Come to me, or give me your heart to dwell in."


    "Love with serenity. Rejoice in silence."


    This was an old poem. Why so? Because ording to the poem''s age, it was actually quite old in Zhang Ye''s world. It was not very famous at all until the movie, "If You Are the One 2" was released. It then became famous. Even the drama, "Pce" had used it as lyrics for its ending song. Later on, someone said that this poem wasposed by Tsangyang Gyatso. Actually it wasn''t. There was even a copyrightwsuit. The original author of the poem was Tashi Lam, Dodo? The original name of the poem was "The Silence of Vadjra Guru Pema" and also "See Me or Not".


    Some people might question whether a love poem like this would be suitable in this situation.


    It was precisely that many people were not sure. This poem was not a love poem at all. It had nothing to do with love. This poem''s inspiration came from his world''s Guru Rinpoche''s famous words, "I have never abandoned people who believed in me, or even those who did not believe in me. Although they will not see me, my children will forever be protected by mypassion." This poem expressed the Guru''s neither clinging, nor abandoning love for his disciples. It had nothing to do with romantic love.


    It was perfectly apt for Zhang Ye to use it as a response!


    Maybe he was not as noble as the original authors, but it currently represented his feelings!


    Regardless of people who like me staying or leaving me.


    I will be right here, neither clinging, nor abandoning, neither sad, nor happy!

 Chapter 52: Who Dares Say ‘Teacher Zhang Can’t Write Poems’?

    <h4>Chapter 52: Who Dares Say ��Teacher Zhang Can��t Write Poems��? </h4>


    Chapter 52: Who Dares Say ''Teacher Zhang Can''t Write Poems''?


    After he posted on Weibo, the surging voices that came to curse at Zhang Ye seemed to stop!


    See me or not. There will I stay, no sorrow, nor joy. What a free and easy poem! What a big-hearted attitude! Many people heaved in a mouthful of air upon seeing this! With the entire poem appearing, it gave a feeling that it was detached from all material things! It made the reader of the poem full of positive energy!


    What was a good poem?


    This may be what a good poem was!


    Zhang Ye''s choice of this poem to hit back was undoubtedly very powerful!


    With this, the other side weakened, whereas Zhang Ye''s neither clinging, nor abandoning fans felt their spirits enriched. They all began to shout!


    SpringWindBlows: "Haha! Teacher Zhang Ye has fought back! Everyone, quickly have a look!"


    WillowBowl: "Another new piece of work! Wow! This poem has a lot of feelings!"


    Macho557: "None of Teacher Zhang Ye''s works can be faulted! Too awesome!"


    There was a person who published a long evaluation, named LifeIsABallOfFire, "I never read modern poems. I have never liked things rted to art, ever since I was young. However, Teacher Zhang Ye has made mepletely fall in love with literature and art, like poems. I do not know if those people cursing at Teacher Zhang Ye behind their keyboards or those so-called professional authors have any eyes! All of you are at least authoritative literature authors in Beijing. One of you is even some association''s Vice President, so don''t make us look down on you, alright? Even ayman like me can see how good Teacher Zhang Ye''s poems are. Yet you despise it? Just because he is young? Is age a reason? Is this the method that you use to belittle the works of others? Then aren''t you stooping too low!?"


    "The previous poster said it well! Supporting Teacher Zhang!"


    "Forever supporting Teacher Zhang Ye! Bull**** experts! Ignore them!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye''s poems are popr. Look at the number of forwards. Look at thements. Look at the search hits of every poem of Teacher Zhang''s, as well as the clicks in any major discussion forum. The eyes of the masses are bright. The market has already made its judgment. I''m curious; why would some people be jealous of Teacher Zhang''s results? Must they jump out and say some words to stomp on him? Using Teacher Zhang''s words, why did you give up treatment?"


    With Zhang Ye taking the lead, his fans also followed him to counterattack.


    The Beijing poet, Big Thunder, alsomented, "Do you know literature, or do we know literature? Just now, that love poem�� Does anyone know what he is saying? Do you know? Don''t pretend to know if you don''t understand! Literature is literature! Art is art! They are not things used to fool others!"


    ZhangYeNumber1Fan came out. Ever since the Weibo war of words, this hardcore fan of Zhang Ye would not hesitate to stand up whenever Zhang Ye faced troubles. He retorted, "Then can I ask Teacher Big Thunder above, ''what is art?'' Do you not know? Well, is art something that depends on what you say? Then what are wemoners for? Then what''s the point of us poetry lovers? Literary works are things only you can enjoy? What a joke! To be a poet at such a level? You aren''t even a hundredth of Teacher Zhang Ye''s level! A literary work is for themoners to see it and for them to resonate with it. They would be moved; they would have feelings. That is why Teacher Zhang''s poem is so popr. This is the literary judgment by usmoners!"


    There were also capable people on Weibo.


    For example, a person named HDUSOS09 said, "Let me first dere that I am neutral. I do not support either side. I''ve been reading all day and have seen Zhang Ye''s poem. I may becking in knowledge, but let me correct Teacher Big Thunder''s evaluation. I think it is quite biased. Love poem? I do not think it is a love poem. Although the poem''s text has the word affection, and even the ending has the word love, that is just something literal. If you can properly understand this poem, you will discover that this is a poem that is full ofpassion. How can a person write about romantic love with apassionate heart? That''s why my analysis is that Teacher Zhang Ye had written this poem to his fans. No, actually, it should be said that he wrote this poem to everyone in this world!"


    "Please continue."


    "A capable person hase; please continue your analysis."


    "Waiting for the capable person to analyze this poem I couldn''t understand!"


    A lot ofments came in below. Many of them did not understand what Zhang Ye wanted to express, but nheless they felt that the poem was especially carefree!


    HDUSOS09 continued, "It is my personal opinion, but I think that Teacher Zhang Ye wanted to express love to themon person. He knew his work would not be epted by everyone. Whether they scold him or dislike him, he will not be affected. He only wants to use his works to move people, touch people, help people. Which is why whether they see or not see him, he is neither sad, nor happy. Whether they follow or unfollow him, he will not discard or depart from them. Being a normal person, Teacher Zhang Ye might not be able to reach this state. But as a poet, he needs to have such an attitude. Yeah, this is what I see. I might not be correct, but this poem is so memorable and worth rereading; every sentence feels like it can make people think and reflect upon on it for a long time!"


    "Well said!"


    "It''s informative!"


    "So that''s what it means! Thank you for the expert dissection!"


    HDUSOS09 replied, "It not really a dissection; the poem is really deep, so even I don''t have the ability to analyze it. It is just my personal opinion. Nevertheless, the truth has been proven; who says Teacher Zhang Ye does not know how to write poems? Who says Teacher Zhang Ye''s poems are not works of literature or art? Don''t take others as fools! I am neither an author, nor poet, but I''m still considered a literary person. If i dare to say it today, just based on Teacher Zhang Ye''s ''See Me or Not'' poem, there should be a ce for Teacher Zhang in the nation''s literary circle! No one can deny the quality of his art!"


    "I sincerely apologize. Listening to those dog s*** Beijing Writers'' Association''s Vice President and a few vocal authors, I thought they were correct. It made me post and criticize Teacher Zhang Ye. I''m so godd*mn stupid; why did I believe them at all! What professionals? In the future, I won''t listen to any professional opinions! I will trust in my own judgement! Teacher Zhang''s poems must be good poems! They moved me so many times!"


    "I apologize, too. I was really confused just now!"


    "Yeah. Who still f***ing dares to say Teacher Zhang Ye doesn''t know how to write poems?"


    Zhang Ye''s fans who left came back again and made a scene. Zhang Ye proved his worth and, at the same time, responded back at those unscrupulous people!


    But there were still scoldings.


    "Bull****!"


    "He only knows how to put on an act!"


    "That''s right! You said it so amazingly! It was too exaggerated!"


    "Howe I didn''t see anything good about the poem? You guys are just bragging about Zhang Ye! How much did he pay you all? A dor for ament? You guys are so supportive with the bragging!"


    "The professionals have stated their case and yet you all are unhappy?"


    ZhangYeNumber1Fan could not longer stand it, "Comrades, when logic no longer works, what do we do?"


    ZhangYeNumber1Fan seemed to have a good reputation andwork on the inte. When he appeared, lots of trolls would respond to his callings. They had responded earlier, but were overwhelmed by the fans of those poets and authors. There were too many of them and the trolls were unable to do much. Now was the time to fight back!


    "If logic doesn''t work, then there''s nothing to talk about anymore!"


    "Let''s curse! Crash their Weibo!"


    "When did our troll army ever need to use logic?"


    "Hahaha. Logic was never our strong point!"


    "All the discussion earlier�� I did not understand one bit of it. Even the poem, I did not understand it. But so what! I just godd*mn support Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "Let''s attack, bros!"


    "Buy watches for all of them!"


    "It''s time for us to attack our enemies again!"


    "Myrge saber is again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    "Quickly gather the forces; there''s nothing better than fighting our foes together with Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye''s troll army once again embarked on a bloody battle with their enemies. This group of people with nothing to do, who could find fault with anything, were bloodthirsty. Nothing could stop them. To them, this was the joy of living.


    The opponents'' fans were awed by Zhang Ye''s "See Me or Not". Some of them even quietly logged off. They knew that they were behaving vexatiously earlier. A person who could write such an awesome modern poem, how could he not know how to write poems? But many of them still supported the teachers of the literary circle. To them, Meng Dongguo and the others were the seniors, Big Thunder and the others were the real professionals on poems. Since they rejected Zhang Ye''s literary upbringing, then they must be right!


    Two sides cursed each other, but there was no clear oue.


    Close to 12 midnight, most people had logged off. After both sides came to a standstill, Zhang Ye''s modified poems were scheduled for an appearance!


    There was "The Song of the Stormy Petrel".


    There was "Flying Bird and Fish".


    There was also "A Generation".


    Everyone was more than happy with Zhang Ye''s modified poems. This was something started by Zhang Ye, because no other writer had ever modified their own works for arguing!


    "Proposing to me, or not. There will I stay, no sorrow, nor joy��"


    "Marry me, or not. There will your mom always stay, sometimes sorrow, sometimes joy��"


    In the blink of an eye, Zhang Ye''s "See Me or Not" Weibo message had been forwarded more than 2,000 times. There were more than 10,000ments. Regardless of it being questioned, this poem had gone viral!


    "Where''s Teacher Zhang?"


    "Our standards are limited. Wishing for Teacher Zhang''s modifications!"


    "Hahaha, that''s right. Every time Teacher Zhang modifies his own poems, he does it so well!"


    Seeing this, Zhang Ye heeded their summons and came forward. Again, he disyed his self-mocking spirit and posted a new Weibo message.


    "Fan me, or not. There will I stay, no sorrow, nor joy."


    "(Thread) Bumping me, or not. There will people stay, noing, nor going."


    "Reply me, or not. There will the thread stay, no increase, nor decrease;"


    "See me, or not. There my poem stays in your Weibo, no discarding, nor departure;"


    "Come to my Weibo, or let me go to your Weibo. Forwarding with serenity. Comment that''s all!"


    This was one of the modifications of "See Me or Not" in Zhang Ye''s world. Zhang Ye felt that this was most appropriate to obtain fans, so he sent it out.


    When everyone saw this, they were in stitches!


    "I''ve already fan-ed!"


    "Must fan!"


    "Teacher Zhang is too cute!"


    "I love you, Teacher Zhang!"


    "So well-written! Hrious!"


    "Teacher Zhang can always spare no effort to publicize himself in the best method! And he doesn''t even show a trace of that!"


    "The critical thing is his magnanimity. Look at what sort of spirit Teacher Zhang has! He can make jokes and mingle with us. Look at all those Beijing literature bunch of so-called authors and poets. All of them are as if they are all so high and mighty!"


    "That''s right!"


    "As expected of Teacher Zhang to be cute!"


    "Teacher Zhang is the greatest poet in my heart!"

 Chapter 53: Obtaining the Heavenly Queen’s Cellphone Number!

    <h4>Chapter 53: Obtaining the Heavenly Queen��s Cellphone Number! </h4>


    Chapter 53: Obtaining the Heavenly Queen''s Cellphone Number!


    It was midnight.


    Zhang Ye switched off hisputer. He had forgotten about the Heavenly Queen in his home and had casually turned on the radio to listen to his broadcast, "Late-night Ghost Stories".


    "Hello, everyone. I am Zhang Ye. Today''s story����"


    Zhang Yuanqi, who was sitting on the chair, heard it, "You are a radio host?"


    Zhang Ye, suddenly remembering that there was someone around, turned his head, "Ah, yes. This is my program; I have another program called "Old and Young Story Club" that ys in the afternoon. You can listen to it when you have time��" He passionately introduced his program.


    Zhang Yuanqi replied straightforwardly, "I''m not free to listen."


    Zhang Ye replied, "Can you be more tactful?"


    "I can''t do it." Zhang Yuanqi replied stiffly.


    Zhang Ye was already used to her indifference and smiled bitterly, "I know that you are the Heavenly Queen and you are busy with work. But on ount of me letting you stay the night, cooking for you and washing your clothes, could you just say ''I will listen to it when I''m free''? I will feel better, even if I know that you didn''t mean it."


    Zhang Yuanqi still insisted, "I''m not free!"


    Zhang Ye was no longer able tomunicate with her. He turned down the volume of the radio, "Go get some sleep? The clothes will only be dry tomorrow morning. I will make do with the chair. I''ve had enough sleep in the afternoon anyway, so I''m not sleepy." Regardless of Zhang Yuanqi''s temperament, Zhang Ye was still a gentleman.


    Zhang Yuanqi nodded and went straight to bed.


    Zhang Ye also went to the bedside to retrieve a pillow from it. He thought that it would at least make his time on the chair morefortable.


    But Zhang Yuanqi frowned and said, "The pillow stays."


    Zhang Ye blinked "Why?"


    "I''m used to having two pillows; one is too low." Zhang Yuanqi justifiably took the pillow from him and put it at the back of her head.


    Zhang Ye, "��"


    This is my home, Big Sister!


    Couldn''t you be more gracious? Couldn''t you?


    Zhang Ye hesitated for a long time, but couldn''t bear to grab the pillow away from the woman. He could only bear with the hard chair, while listening to his program.


    "Lower the volume!"


    "����Oh, okay."


    "There are mosquitoes in your home; switch on the lights and kill them."


    "Big Sis, could you give me a break?"


    "The mosquitoes will keep me awake. Quick, it''s just at the edge of the bed!"


    Zhang Ye thought to himself that he spent the whole day doing nothing but taking care of this Empress Dowager. The Cupid Sachet gave him five minutes of ambiguous feelings, but after that, all he had was suffering? If he got the item again in the Lottery, he would still have to consider whether to use it again! This time, he had met Zhang Yuanqi. What if he met someone worse the next time; how could he survive!?


    Middle of the night.


    The radio broadcast had ended and the house was quiet.


    Zhang Ye was wide awake. There was a beautiful woman sleeping in his bed of a few months. In this proximity, it would be a wonder if he could sleep. He looked out the window at the moon. Tomorrow���� Strictly speaking, today was Mid-Autumn''s Day. The moon was really full. He nced under the moonlight and realized that Zhang Yuanqi was also awake. Was she admiring the moon as well?


    "Teacher Zhang?" Zhang Ye carefully said.


    Zhang Yuanqi responded with her usual unfriendly tone, "What?"


    "You are not asleep, too? It''s nothing�� Just that it is Mid-Autumn''s Day; I would like to wish you a happy Mid-Autumn''s Day." Zhang Ye pondered a little, "Thanks for today. You said something that enlightened me greatly; either I get used to people, or people get used to me. I can''t do the former; that''s not my temperament. I will work hard towards the..tter."


    Although Zhang Ye had beenining about Zhang Yuanqi''s personality, never had he once looked down on her. She was already at the top and was very experienced and knowledgeable. Just a few words from her today became valuable help to Zhang Ye. Besides, her personality was not even really a problem!


    She was all smiles and endearing in front of others?


    Once alone, she revealed her nature that was cold and distant?


    Or to put it in another way, Zhang Yuanqi was a real professional. She could differentiate between work and personal life. When she was friendly and polite, it was for work, in order to gain more fans and work partners, as well as to let more people like her, so that she could have a smooth career. What is a professional? This is a professional! Zhang Ye did not know how to differentiate like this. His life and his job were one and the same. One-minded, stubborn; to put it nicely, it''s called personality. But to switch around the perspective, this sort of style may not suit Zhang Ye''s career!


    Zhang Yuanqi didn''t look at him, "You don''t need to thank me; I just blurted it out."


    Zhang Ye replied seriously, "I still have to thank you anyway. You gave me the fighting spirit I needed. I want to slowly climb my way up. I will climb my way up to your position. Even if others scold or hate me, it will not matter. I will let people get used to me."


    Zhang Yuanqi finally looked at him, "You want to be in the entertainment industry?"


    "Yes." Zhang Ye coughed, "This has always been my ambition."


    Zhang Yuanqiughed coldly, "What is so good about where I am? Once you are famous, everyone knows you. Wherever you go, people''s eyes are always on you. You will be observed under a microscope; there will be no privacy. Today was my long-awaited rest day, but it wasn''t really my rest day. It''s my day to break off allmunications with the outside world. At my position, there''s no longer such a thing as rest days. You want a break? I can''t answer any calls, nor contact my manager. Otherwise, there will be a load of appointments that I need to attend. To rx for a day is wishful thinking. Do you know how long I have not been able to enjoy myself, being able to go drinking and viewing the moon? At least a year!"


    Zhang Ye replied, "How can that be? No rest days?"


    Zhang Yuanqi spoke with a sunken expression, "You should feel lucky; not many people know this side of me. Even my friends, my manager and my assistant�� All of them only know the pleasant side of me. They think I am good-natured and easygoing. What''s so easygoing about me? My temper has been bad since I was young. I only don''t show it to outsiders. It''s because I started off as a child star. As I became an artist when I was young, I cannot let down my fans. This kind of pressure is not something that you can understand now, but you will in the future. Now, there are only two ces where I can be myself; one is my parents'' house, the other.. is your house."


    Zhang Ye was very ttered, "Please, don''t worry; I will keep it a secret!"


    "Sigh. Why did I share so much with you? I''m still a little drunk, so I''m talking a lot." Zhang Yuanqi rubbed her temple, perhaps still a little dizzy. "Also, here''s one more piece of advice. Your image and height are not suitable for the entertainment industry. You won''t be popr."


    Zhang Ye said, "You are too damn direct!"


    "It''s only the truth." Zhang Yuanqi said, "The entertainment industry does not suit you."


    Zhang Ye shook his head, "I know I am not suitable, but i want to give it a shot. The dark night gave me ck eyes, but I use them to seek the light."


    "This is a poem?"


    "It''s ''A Generation'', which was written by me."


    "Recite your other poems to me."


    "Sure. Let''s start with ''Flying Bird and Fish''. The furthest distance in the world is not��.


    ��


    At some point in time, Zhang Ye fell asleep. When he opened his eyes again, it was already morning. The bed was empty as well, with no signs of Zhang Yuanqi around.


    Where''s the Heavenly Queen?


    Where''s the Empress Dowager?


    Zhang Ye shouted twice, "Teacher Zhang? Teacher Zhang?"


    She was not in the bathroom either. Atst, he found a note on the table. Written on it neatly was the handwriting of a woman: I''ve saved your phone number; the same goes for your unit number. I''ve forgotten yesterday''s incident; I guess you have, too.


    Phone number?


    Unit number?


    Why does it feel like a threat!


    Zhang Ye took his phone and checked. As expected, ten minutes ago, there was a call to an unfamiliar number. Apparently, this was Zhang Yuanqi''s contact number. She had used Zhang Ye''s phone to call herself, so that she could find out his number. Zhang Ye was delighted, and so saved Zhang Yuanqi''s number as well. This was the Heavenly Queen''s contact information. Most people would only be able to contact her manager or her assistant; how would they ever be able to get ahold of the Heavenly Queen''s personal contact information?


    Eh?


    Dialed ten minutes ago?


    That meant the Empress Dowager hadn''t gotten too far?


    Zhang Ye drew aside the curtains and looked downstairs. Not to mention the coincidence, but he really saw the back of Zhang Yuanqi leaving. As he opened the windows, her high heels could be faintly heard. She had just walked out from the staircasending.


    "Ah!"


    "That is��.."


    "I think it''s Zhang Yuanqi?"


    "It''s her. It''s really Big Sister Yuanqi!"


    "Oh, my God! Who did I just see? Who did i just see?"


    "Zhang Yuanqi is here! The Heavenly Queen is here! Everyone,e and see!"


    The people were very familiar with with Zhang Yuanqi. She appeared on TV shows, in movies and sang music. Her ssic works were uncountable. She was one of those top S-list superstars; she was more famous than her works by a mile. Thus, even her shades and face mask could do little to hide her identity!


    In the small district, there were many people going to work. Even during Mid-Autumn''s Day, there were still people who put in work hours. There were also students who were out for morning practice. When they heard themotion, everyone gathered around, causing quite a ruckus!


    A female student went excitedly, "Could I have an autograph?"


    Zhang Yuanqi asked smilingly. "Sure. What is your name?"


    The female student was so excited that she almost couldn''t speak, "Me? I''m called Wang Ying!"


    "Okay. Wishing Wang Ying well in her studies and good health." Zhang Yuanqi wrote as she spoke.


    The female student didn''t expect that she would have gotten her autograph; furthermore, she had the blessings from the Heavenly Queen. She was so excited that she screamed and lost control of herself!


    "I want it, too. I want it, too!"


    "Could we get a photograph together?"


    "Sister Yuanqi, I love you so much! Everyone in my family is your fan!"


    Zhang Yuanqi unconditionally smiled with gentleness, "Thank you for your support and thank your family for their support, too. Okay, one by one. Everyone, don''t rush. Haha."


    "We aren''t dying you, are we?" a middle-aged person who wanted a photograph together said.


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled. "You aren''t dying me. Even if it''s a dy, it is fine. Satisfying my fans is the most important thing to me; this is my top priority."


    "Thank you! Thank you!" said the middle-aged person, who was melted by the Heavenly Queen''s smile.


    After 20 minutes, Zhang Yuanqi finally could move off.


    "It''s great!"


    "I''ve gotten a snapshot together!"


    "Teacher Zhang is well-known for being approachable; it''s true!"


    "Correct, correct. In the entertainment industry, who doesn''t know that Zhang Yuanqi is the one who puts on the least airs! She is especially good to people! And she also gets along very well with other stars! Otherwise, why would everyone, regardless of their ages, address her as ''Big Sister Zhang''? She has never lost her temper with anyone! She is especially gentle and kind! Ah, ah! Too beautiful! Sister Zhang is too beautiful! She''s prettier than on TV!"


    Seeing the Empress Dowager treating her fans in a friendly manner, listening to the fans'' impression of Zhang Yuanqi, Zhang Ye became at a loss for words.


    She was a different person in different situations?


    This would require some skills!


    If not, how could Zhang Yuanqi manage to get several top acting awards! Other people would not be able to pull this off!

 Chapter 54: Mid-Autumn Festival’s Poetry Meet!

    <h4>Chapter 54: Mid-Autumn Festival��s Poetry Meet! </h4>


    Chapter 54: Mid-Autumn Festival''s Poetry Meet!


    Afternoon.


    The weather wasn''t too good. It was a bit misty.


    Zhang Ye came to the unit and before he entered, his phone rang. It was his mother.


    "Son."


    "Oh, mom."


    "Are youing home for Mid-Autumn''s Day?"


    "I can''t go back; I have to work overtime."


    "Overtime on a holiday? You should be free at night then?"


    "I should be free tonight. I will go back once I have knocked off."


    "Don''te back to Cai Shi Kou; go directly to your grandmother''s ce. The rtives will all be there. They have heard that you have gained fame; your younger sisters (cousins) are all nagging to see you."


    "Okay. Then, I will try to go early."


    "Don''t forget; my face will depend on you tonight!"


    "What face? They are all rtives. Are you bragging about me again?"


    "Anyhow, just buy more things and bring them over. Don''t be too thrifty; buy the expensive ones. You are now a public figure; don''t go throwing my face. Okay, I''m hanging up."


    Du Du Du; the line was disengaged.


    Zhang Ye smiled bitterly. His mom didn''t have any other bad points. The only big feature was that she liked to brag. Yes, Zhang Ye admitted that he had inherited this from his mother. But he had never felt this was a bad point! Many examples in his world would validate this.


    Is bragging wrong? No!


    Do you know how Bill Gates became the richest person in the world?


    Do you know how Li Na became the tennis world champion?


    Do you know how Liu Xiang broke the world record in the hurdles event?


    Not many people should know about this! What is the reason? Haha, the reason is they���� Alright, all of these events have nothing to do with each other. Let''s change the topic!


    Not many people had arrived at the office.


    Zhang Ye didn''t look around as he walked in. Suddenly, a voice appeared from behind.


    It was Big Sis Zhou. She smiled. "Greet me, or not. There will I stay, no sorrow, nor joy."


    Zhang Ye quickly smiled and turn back to look at her, "Big Sister Zhou, good morning. I''m sorry. The flowers on your desk were blocking you; I did not notice you were here."


    Big Sis Zhou said proudly, "How was it, Little Zhang? I used your poem correctly?"


    Zhang Ye embarrassedly said, "You saw Weibost night?"


    "Of course, I saw it. I followed your Weibost night. I did not expect that after I followed it, the party had also started. It caused me to fall asleep after 12st night. You didn''t follow me, right? I even forwarded your new poem." As she spoke, she felt some injustice for him, "Ignore those people from the Writers'' Association. If you don''t know what art is and can''t write poems, then no one in the world can write poems. Big Sis supports you. Don''t take it to heart."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Thank you, Big Sis Zhou."


    Outside, people began streaming in for their overtime.


    "Eh, Teacher Little Zhang, you''vee? Why did you get into a pinch with people yesterday?"


    "Vice President Meng is the Leader of the Beijing Writers'' Association. How did you offend him?"


    "That''s right. I saw it yesterday, too. Teacher Little Zhang, if I had any say, you shouldn''t have posted yourst poem. Those are the Writers'' Association''s Leaders and seniors. If you really offend them, how are you to enter the Writers'' Association in the future? I think that it is best to leave some leeway. Hai, but those people are also too much. Why did they reprimand you for no reason? Even if your poems aren''tparable to them as seniors, how old are you? You are still young. They also can''t say that your poems have no literary value. That''s too damaging. I think your poem is still eptable and isn''t as bad as they say."


    "Sis Liu, what did you say? You say Teacher Little Zhang''s poem is eptable? I think you have been misled by that group of people; Teacher Little Zhang has so much talent!"


    Several sisters and aunties began an exchange of difference in opinions.


    Until work starts at 9 A.M., the topic was hotly discussed amongst everyone.


    Tian Bin also had an interest in the battle on Weibost night. He interrupted to ask, "Sis Zhou, what sort of person is Vice-President Meng like? Those old timers are very experienced. Big Thunder and a few other poets, all of them are professionals. If they said so, then it must mean they criticized it ording to their literary learnings. How can we judge, since we are not as knowledgeable as them? It''s not that I am stepping on Teacher Zhang Ye. But like the oldrades of the Writers'' Association said, there are many issues. After reading it, I also feel some doubts."


    Big Sister Zhou looked at Tian Bin, "Then why don''t you create a poem for me to listen to?"


    Tian Bin replied, "I don''t have such capabilities, but I still have some basic judgment skills." He turned around towards Jia Yan, "Teacher Little Jia, what do you think?"


    Jia Yan gave some thought and said, "Teacher Zhang''s poems definitely cannotpare with those seniors. As for whether it has any literary value, it''s not my ce to make an evaluation."


    What they said was also heard by Zhang Ye.


    When Zhang Ye used two poems to save a life on Wang Xiaomei''s live broadcast, the office and even everyone in the Beijing Radio Station hadpletely acknowledged his talent and poem. They had all said that it was good, with no one denying it. But now, the Writers'' Association with Meng Dongguo as the head had openly questioned and denied Zhang Ye''s poems publicly. As such, his colleagues were now not unified in their beliefs. Some said they were good, while others said they were bad. Even more were uncertain and confused. Sometimes, the authoritative opinions of experts were very damaging and also affected many.


    How was one to change the situation?


    How was one to eliminate the public''s doubts?


    There was no other way. As long as Zhang Ye''s qualifications were weaker than Meng Dongguo andpany''s, then he was not able to turn the tide. He would only be repressed by their words. Unless�� Unless Zhang Ye used his absolute talent and strength to trample on Meng Dongguo andpany at a specific ce and time. Otherwise, the doubts by people would forever linger on. So what if he responded yesterday? So what if the poem was well-written yesterday? The Writers'' Association said that it wasn''t good! They said that he did not know art! They said that he did not know literature! Just them moving their lips was enough to make you be helpless! This was the deceptive power of authority and prerogative. Manymoners did not understand this, so they only believed what the experts said!


    Today, there was no announcement of the listenership ratings, as there were a lot of things happening in the station.


    Zhang Ye did not care what everyone said. He got up to get his recording done, "Xiaofang, help me reserve a recording studio. Quickly, or it will be toote."


    "Alright." Assistant Xiaofang answered and immediately went to arrange it. However, she returned a few minutester, "Teacher Zhang, the station has informed me that our Literature Channel''s programs from noon to 2 P.M. have all been canceled. There''s no need to record. Apparently, the News and Music Channels will also be broadcasting the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet!"


    "Ah?"


    "It''s been cancelled?"


    "Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet? This is the thing that the Leader has been busy with over the past few days?"


    A few momentster, Zhao Guozhou entered, "Everyone, quiet down. Today''s broadcast has somest-minute changes. Listen for a while. From 12 noon, the seventh Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet that was held in conjunction with the Beijing Writers'' Association and our radio station will begin. Our Literature Channel will also join in for the live broadcast. This Poetry Meet will be different from thest one done by the Jinshi Radio Station. There will be aposing and voting segment. We have invited the Education Ministry''s Leader and the Vice President of the Beijing Writers'' Association and about a dozen of its members. The exact name list has not been confirmed, but there will definitely be quite a few people. As the association''s Teachers'' creations will be poems rted to the Mid-Autumn Festival, the listeners behind the radio can alsopose and post them on our website''sment section. Later on, the listeners'' votes will decide on the top three. So we have added somepetitive elements to make the program more interesting."


    Compose poetry?


    Then Meng Dongguo and those people from the Writers'' Association would alsoe?


    Zhang Ye chuckled upon hearing this. "He who has one enemy will meet him everywhere." Yesterday, he had just been scolded by him on the inte. And today they would be meeting?


    Would Big Thundere?


    Would Little Red Mushroome?


    In fact, Zhang Ye actually looked forward to seeing them in the station!


    Zhao Guozhou exhorted, "So put down everything in your hands. Today, everything will have the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet as its focus. Everyone, go help out. The live broadcast venue will be in the auditorium. This is the first time that we are using such arge live broadcast venue. The equipment has not been fully tuned, so those I call out will follow meter and help out. Right. As it was not easy inviting arge audience, everyone should take an early lunchter. The cafeteria will hand out lunch early at 10.30 A.M. At noon, everyone will take their seats in the auditorium.


    After calling out some names, Zhao Guozhou brought four youngds with him to the auditorium.


    Big Sis Zhou suddenly said, "Teacher Little Zhang, will you be participating in the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet? Writing poetry is one of your strengths. They said that you don''t understand literature? Then show it to them!"


    Another Big Sis said, "Come on. Little Zhang did not make any early preparations and just got notified. Those Teachers must have been informed a long time ago. They would have foolproof preparations. How can Little Zhangpete with them? It''s better that he not embarrass himself."


    An auntie in charge of copyright said, "Little Zhou, don''t let them give you bad ideas. Little Zhang''s poems are good, but that''s only to us. Those people from the Writers'' Association are professionals. Some of them are poets and famous artists; how is he topete with them?" In ayperson''s heart, the work is not actually important. Reputation and prestige is what they first look at. Zhang Ye is just a neer and has never entered the Writers'' Association, so people will subconsciously identify Zhang Ye''s works as inferior.


    There were all sorts of differing opinions.


    Later, as there wasn''t much time left, everyone went to the cafeteria for an early meal.


    Zhang Ye was actually in a dilemma. For the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet, Meng Dongguo, Big Thunder andpany would most likely be participating. Wasn''t this the best time to turn the tide for himself? Wasn''t this the best moment to prove himself? But how was he to participate in it? It could be seen from the format of the poetry contest. Although the listeners could participate by publishing their creations, that was just in text form. But the people from the Writers'' Association would be reciting their works live. Hence, the top three had already been decided by the station to be one of those from the Writers'' Association. They had already given them a huge advantage!


    Go mess things up?


    Stab them in their backs?


    Hence, even if Zhang Ye wanted to go on, he did not know if the radio station''s management and the people from the Beijing Writers'' Association would let him go on the show.


    Forget it. We''ll see how it goes. As for the poem regarding the Mid-Autumn Festival? Zhang Ye had not thought of it yet. It was not that his brain was void of works, but it was.. filled with too many!


    He wasn''t prepared?


    Did he even need to prepare?


    Mid-Autumn Festival poems? Not to brag, but Zhang Ye would probably not be able to finish reciting them, even if given a day and a night!


    The Mid-Autumn Festival was not a modern day festival. It had a long history that dated back to ancient times, so there was a countless number of poems rting to the Mid-Autumn Festival. In this world, history did not have many changes. There were the same old dynasties and emperors, just like in Zhang Ye''s memories. As such, history would not cause too many changes. The game ring probably could not change the historical background, or else society might no longer have such a social structure. It would affect everything.


    However, many famous cultural works and famous historical figures did not exist!


    Li Bai?


    Du Fu?


    Wang Wei?


    None of them existed!


    They were all reced by others!


    This world''s ancient master poets were people Zhang Ye had never ever heard of. For example, there was Haoran, or Chen Yiqian, or Meng Fan. Zhang Ye had also never heard of any of the poetry of this world. Simrly, he was sure that they had never heard of the ssic poems from his world!

 Chapter 55: You Don’t Meet Unless You Are Enemies!

    <h4>Chapter 55: You Don��t Meet Unless You Are Enemies! </h4>


    Chapter 55: You Don''t Meet Unless You Are Enemies!


    Before noon.


    Beijing Radio Station.


    The auditorium at the top floor was filled with people. Many anchors and staff from the various channels had arrived. All segments had made way for today''s Mid-Autumn Festival Poetry Meet.


    Zhang Ye had a stomach ache as he squatted on the toilet at the top floor. It might be due to having eaten too many instant noodles during the past few days. Even an Instant Noodle Hero would have times when he could not cope, for his stomach would also revolt. As he was squatting while doing his big business, he surfed the inte on his cellphone. He realized that the station''s Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet had been publicized greatly. Not only was the publicizing in full swing on the radio station''s website, it was also advertised onrge message boards and other portal websites. Today was a public holiday, so most people were resting at home as they spent the festival with their friends and rtives. Noon was when people were gathered together to have lunch and chat. As they would be idle, listening into the poetry meet was a good choice. It was a very wise choice for the radio station to choose this time slot for the poetry meet.


    There was a lot of discussion on the inte, with numerous messages posted.


    "Poetry Meet? Great!"


    "I must listen to it!"


    "Last year, the one that the Jinshi Radio Station organized was not bad. There were many good poems."


    "Ha. This year will be even better. Didn''t you see that so many Teachers areing from the Writers'' Association? I guess that there will be at least one ssic Mid-Autumn poem."


    There were also people who heard of yesterday''s Weibo war of words, or people who knew about Zhang Ye.


    "Eh? Meng Dongguo? A person who writes fairy tales like Little Red Mushroom is also going? The namelist also includes Big Thunder? Those poets who looked down on Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    "Haha! There will be something to see!"


    "Right. I remember that Zhang Ye works at Beijing Radio Station, right? Today''s Literature Channel will also be broadcasting it? Teacher Zhang Ye will also be there too, right?"


    "That''s right. They will meet each other!"


    "To think that they were scolding each other yesterday, but now they are meeting today. You really don''t meet unless you are enemies!"


    "Will Teacher Zhang go on stage to recite a poem? I''m slightly looking forward to it!"


    "I don''t know. His name isn''t on the namelist. It''s all people from the Writers'' Association!"


    There were supporters of Zhang Ye''s poems, and naturally, there were even more who were fans of Meng Dongguo and the other Teachers. They were people who did not agree with Zhang Ye''s prowess in literature!


    "All of you are still not convinced? Still speaking against Zhang Ye?"


    "Ignore those people. There''s no way of getting through to them. It will only be troll bait!"


    "Zhang Ye''s name is definitely not on the namelist. Yesterday, the Teachers have already made it clear. This person is a demagogue. How is he able to write poems? At such an important event as this important Mid-Autumn Festival Poetry Meet, letting Zhang Ye go onstage would be a joke, since it''s a live broadcast. His poems can deceive those who aren''t knowledgeable. Those who are knowledgeable will justugh silently at him, before letting othersugh their heads off."


    "Hurhur. I don''t think Zhang Ye will dare to go up, even if he was asked to!"


    "That''s right. Don''t talk big when you don''t have what it takes!"


    "I''m actually hoping that Zhang Ye will go on up. Previously, there was noparison to let others know his true self. But with so many Teachers present, it will let everyone know what a true poem is. That crappy poem of Zhang Ye''s will reveal its true colors. Let the Teachers teach the junior!"


    "Support!"


    "What sort of crap is Zhang Ye!?"


    "This person is just an empty vessel. I''m guessing that he will definitely not go onstage. Have you seen the words Zhang Ye uses to curse? Your sister! As a cultured person, as a poet, how can you curse at others in this way? He doesn''t have the temperament of a cultured person at a nce. The Teachers are right in questioning him. He can''t write poems!"


    Basically, they were all people who questioned Zhang Ye. He did not carry on reading as he left the bathroom.


    People who were invited were important figures. Seeing that the poetry meet was about to begin, the station''s Leaders and the invited guests from the Writers'' Association began walking in.


    Zhang Ye happened to meet them at the door.


    Deputy Station Head Jia smiled as he led them inside, "President Meng, this is our auditorium. I remember that you havee here the year before?"


    Meng Dongguo was a forty- to fifty-year-old plump man. He had quite a lot of hair and was not suffering from balding. He nodded, "I dide once. That was for a meeting. I''ve not seen Station Head Jia for two years. You sure seem as energetic as ever, while I can''t go on anymore. Look at all these wrinkles."


    Deputy Station Head Jia seemed to have a good rtionship with him, "Haha. Come on. I''ve already lost so much hair. I think you are the one as energetic as ever."


    At this moment, a group of youngdies from the station piled forward the moment they saw them!


    "Teacher Meng! You are Teacher Meng, right?" a 20-year-old girl asked excitedly. She had rushed forward, despite her work to guide the line outside. "I''m your fan. I especially like your poems. My mom frequently recited your poems to me when I was young. I really grew up listening to your works. Aiyah! I''m too excited, too excited. You, you�� Can you give me an autograph?"


    Deputy Station Head Jia waved his hand, "The meet is almost about to start."


    However, Meng Dongguo said, "It''s alright, old Bro. Giving an autograph doesn''t take much time. Here, youngdy."


    The girl got the autograph as she wished, before leaving happily.


    Seeing Meng Dongguo being so friendly, immediately, a few girls and youths came over to get his autograph.


    There were a few people who ran to the back and ignored if the Leader was agreeable to it. They found their own idols and Teachers they liked, so that they could get their autograph.


    "Auntie Little Red Mushroom! You, I, can I get your autograph? I grew up listening to your fairy tales. I really like you!" a youth said submissively.


    Little Red Mushroom was a bit plump, but she was dressed very prettily. She said in a nice way, "Sure. Where do I sign?"


    "Teacher Big Thunder!" Another person came forward, "Your poem has always been on my cellphone''s home screen. Can I take a picture with you? Just one would do!"


    Big Thunder was a big, stout man from the northeast. His ent was heavily northeastern. It was written in his personal information that he was from Beijing, but he might have grown up in the northeast. "That wouldn''t be a problem! Here!"


    Autographs, pictures together.


    The Teachers from the Writers'' Association received quite a lot of praises from onlookers. It was no wonder, as they were very famous in Beijing. Since the Beijing Radio Station was broadcasting in the regions around Beijing, it would also broadcast their works asionally. Hence, the staff were no strangers to these Teachers. Some even idolized them.


    Big Thunder? Meng Dongguo? Little Red Mushroom?


    There were still about a dozen people behind them. Hearing the fans shout, it seemed that there was also the romance author, Zheng Anbang?


    Weren''t these people those who had scolded him yesterday? Hei, alright. All of them came?


    Zhang Ye stared deeply at all of them as he remembered all their faces. Suddenly, someone shouted at him from behind.


    "Teacher Zhang Ye. Aiyah, I''ve finally found you. I reserved a seat for you. Our Literature Channel''s seats are in the middle of the back row. Let me bring you over." a youth who had just joined the Literature Channel said.


    "Alright, let''s go." Zhang Ye followed him into the auditorium.


    Zhang Ye?


    He is that Zhang Ye?


    Upon hearing this, Meng Dongguo, Big Thunder, Little Red Mushroom andpany all looked over.


    Big Thunder was still confused over the situation. He did not have much of an impression of this name. Seeing Meng Dongguo andpany''s expression, Big Thunder finally remembered the name, as he asked, "Which Zhang Ye? The one who wrote the so-called modern poem?"


    Little Red Mushroom said, "Should be."


    Deputy Station Head Jia confirmed, "Yes, it''s him. Why?"


    Big Thunder said, "He works at the radio station? I just learned about that."


    Zheng Anbang said to Deputy Station Head Jia, "It''s nothing, Station Head Jia. We just happened toment about him yesterday on the inte. Hepletely can''t write poems, and things he writes cannot be considered literature. President Meng wanted to advise him as a senior, but he ended up unhappy about it. He was not modest at all, and even wrote a poem to retort. What would you call this matter? President Meng and us had good intentions, wanting to teach him, but he was ungrateful. He treated our kindness as dirt!"


    Deputy Station Head Jia was enlightened as heughed, "Zhang Ye is just a neer. He can be considered not bad when ites to writing ghost stories, but as forposing poems�� How can hepare to all of you? Hurhur."


    Meng Dongguo shook his hands, "Let''s not talk about him, old Bro. Let''s go in?"


    "Let''s go. It''s about to begin." Deputy Station Head Jia and a few smaller Leaders in the station led them in. They sat in the first row.


    The surrounding people looked at each other.


    "Did you see Zhang Ye''s Weibo yesterday?"


    "I saw it. I never expected them to meet today!"


    "I think that something is going to happen. Who doesn''t know what sort of temper Teacher Zhang Ye has? When has there ever not been something happening when he''s around? Hopefully, they don''t end up fighting."


    "I doubt it. I don''t think it will be as bad as fighting."


    "Cultured people tend to scorn each other. People from the Writers'' Association insisted that Zhang Ye doesn''t know literature. And with Teacher Little Zhang''s personality, it would be a wonder if he could endure it. What sort of person is Teacher Little Zhang? He is a person who would even curse at his colleagues. He is a person who doesn''t give face to the station''s Leader. Watch and see. I believe that today will not end peacefully."


    In the radio station''s other channels, Zhang Ye was currently quite famous. Everyone knew him, so once the situation was understood, they had a feeling that a storm was about to brew.


    ��


    In the middle of the back row of the auditorium.


    Zhang Ye sat at his seat. To his left was Wang Xiaomei, and to his right was Wu Datao. He had bad rtions with Wu Datao, so they naturally did not speak. Wang Xiaomei was well-known to be quiet, and seldom exchanged words with Zhang Ye; hence, Zhang Ye only looked down at his cellphone.


    And of course, the cellphone''s reception wasn''t good.


    It might have been due to the good sound istion of the auditorium, which also blocked out the reception.


    Zhang Ye only managed to go on the inte after trying a few times. The judging interface of the radio station''s Mid-Autumn Festival Poetry Meet indicated that it had already begun. There were quite a lot of listeners and people from all walks of life publishing their works. Some wrote ancient poems, while some wrote phrases. Some were modern poems, and some were original song lyrics that were relevant to the Mid-Autumn Festival. There was no prize for this meet, but there was glory to it. If you could gain any spot in the top three, it would cause your fame to rise sharply in the industry. Hence, there were many people who participated.


    However, the content was nothing ttering.


    "The moon, my moon, you are so beautiful��"


    "Mid-Autumn Festival, families eat mooncakes. Finishing one, eating another one."


    Zhang Ye nearly cried tears seeing this. The voting process had already begun, but even the number one voted poem was average. The quality was not high.


    Dong.


    The doors to the auditorium closed.


    Thest signal bar on the cellphone disappeared. There was no way of going on the inte, so Zhang Ye kept his phone in his pocket. He was pondering how he could correct his reputation!


    My poems aren''t good?


    My poems have no literary value?


    This was not denying Zhang Ye, but denying the famous masters of his world. Zhang Ye felt amused for them. This was only happening in this world. If it was switched to Zhang Ye''s world, would Meng Dongguo andpany dare to question these poems? They would only be beaten to death if they did!

 Chapter 56: One Poem After Another!

    <h4>Chapter 56: One Poem After Another! </h4>


    Chapter 56: One Poem After Another!


    At 12 o''clock sharp.


    The auditorium was directly broadcasted live.


    The stage was decorated nicely and there were flowers and carpets. A handsome man and a beautiful man presided over the event as hosts. Well, unfortunately, only the staff and family members present at the radio station could witness this. The listeners in front of the radio could not appreciate this, as they could only hear their voices.


    "Our listening friends, how are you?"


    "I am your host, Zhang Huo. This is my partner, Sun Mengjie."


    "People have reunions during the festive season of Mid-Autumn. Wee to our listeners for today''s News, Literature and Music Channels'' live broadcast of the Mid-Autumn Festival Poetry Meet!"


    The two hosts were the star hosts of the News Channel, and they were recognized as some of the best in the station. They were steady with their words and rarely made mistakes. Letting them be in charge of this huge event was because they were highly appreciated by the station. After saying a few words of introduction, the two hosts began to introduce today''s guests.


    "Let us wee Beijing''s Education Ministry''s Deputy Director, Chen Kun!"


    "Also Beijing Writers'' Association''s Vice-President, Teacher Meng Dongguo!"


    "Famous poet, Big Thunder!"


    "Famous children''s fairy tale author, Little Red Mushroom��"


    Every introduction was met with apuse.


    After the introduction, the host, Zhang Huo, said beamingly, "Before the poetry meet begins, let''s invite a few Teachers from the Writers'' Association toe onstage to recite a poem as an opening. We also wish that the listeners in front of the radio have a good and perfect family. May your dreamse true. And may you have the best of all reunions!"


    The poem recitation for the opening was clearly prepared beforehand.


    Meng Dongguo was first to go onstage, and then he lightly recited, "Many Mid-Autumns underwent, but together seldom spent. Compensating it today, mellow, as a momento."


    With this sequence recited, everyone present knew what poem they were about to recite to tune up the festive mood. Of course, Zhang Ye himself was probably the only one present who had not heard of this poem.


    Big Thunder went onstage, "Through the mirror, possessing two moons."


    Zheng Anbang went onstage, "Wrapping silence with a wooden branch."


    An old man from the Writers'' Association that Zhang Ye did not recognize was the third person to follow up, "Fragrance from one tree lulls."


    Thest sentence was followed up by Meng Dongguo, ending the poem, "Brimming full of Fall."


    Everyone enthusiastically apuded. Zhang Ye also apuded after hearing it. This poem was not bad, it was really not bad.


    This poem was "Time for Well Wishes", written by this world''s famous poet, Ma Ruihong. Because of some reason, this poem was made famous everywhere. It was always a highlight of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Only a person like Zhang Ye, who did not understand this world, did not know it. Not many others did not know of "Time for Well Wishes". Anyone of any age and gender, if pulled off the street, would be able to recite it. Yes, if an example was needed, it was the same feeling as "Hoeing millet in mid-day heat, sweat dripping to the earth beneath" in Zhang Ye''s world.


    Zhang Ye no longer had the intention to belittle all heroes of this world. This world was also filled with capable predecessors.


    After the poem was done reciting, Beijing''s Education Ministry''s Deputy Director, Chen Kun, went to the podium to give his speech. Following that, Deputy Station Head Jia also went onstage to give his speech, wishing everyone a happy Mid-Autumn Festival on behalf of everyone working at the Beijing Radio Station.


    After a while, the main highlight came.


    The female host, Sun Mengjie, said with a brilliant smile, "Thank you for the speech of the Leader. Next will be the poetry contest segment. Let me introduce the rules. Regardless of whether it is for the poems by the Teachers from the Writers'' Association present, or for the poems posted by listeners on our official website, anyone who likes poems can vote three times for the works you like. Today, we have invited a notary from the Chengdong district. We will find out who is voted into the top three. So please, cherish your every vote."


    Zhang Huo smiled. "Then, who will be the first Teacher?"


    There were more than a dozen people from the Writers'' Association. After looking at each other, Meng Dongguo walked forward, "Hurhur. Since no one came forward, then let me be the first. I have a poem." Clenching the microphone, Meng Dongguo stabilized his mind and began speaking gently, "The poem''s name: ''Thoughts of a Rainy Mid-Autumn Night''."


    "Abundance of flower blossoms fall, the full moonments the waning moon."


    "Day by day the Spring resides, farewell the twilight bids."


    "Thickness begets flourishing, sparseness begets Autumn farewell bidding."


    "The supporting pillow hears the thunder, as the stormy rain recalls the night."


    Big Thunder was the first to apud, "Good poem!"


    Another youth from the Writers'' Association said, "President Meng is getting more superb!"


    Zheng Anbang also nodded, "It is well-written. There are too many reunion Mid-Autumn Festival poems these days. This poem reverses the trend, writing about separation, defects and weeping. It may not give people the scene of a family reunion, so it is not suitable for the asion, but this makes people reflect and treasure the beauty of their reunion even more. This is writing about the Mid-Autumn Festival from another angle. This part of "recalls the night" was so well-written. Hai, I don''t even feel confident with my poem."


    Little Red Mushroom gave a wide smile, "Old Zheng, don''tpete with them. We are novel writers, so wouldn''t we die of angerpeting with them over poems?"


    Zheng Anbangughed, "Indeed."


    The two hosts also ttered onstage. They also introduced them to the listeners since they could not see anything. "This is the Beijing Writers'' Association''s Vice President Teacher Meng Dongguo''s new work. Wow, just hearing this makes me intoxicated."


    Meng Dongguoughed, "Not really. Hurhur. If the listeners find it good, remember to vote for me. I came here with some stress. If my voting numbers are too low, I won''t have any face to go home, so I need to try to garner some votes."


    Zhang Huo said, "President Meng is too modest."


    "That''s right." Sun Mengjie said, "I think this poem has the looks of a champion."


    "This is just the first poem, isn''t it?" Zhang Huo pretended to ask.


    "Hurhur. Zhang Huo, why don''t we make a bet? I''m guessing that this poem will be first." Firstly, Sun Mengjie was giving face to Meng Dongguo. Secondly, she also felt that this poem was very good.


    Zhang Huo said, "Alright, so what if we bet? Then I.. will also bet that this poem will be first!"


    Seeing the both of them joking around, the audienceughed. Actually, many people agreed. Meng Dongguo was a professional at this, so how can his poems be bad? With his skills ced there, and with Meng Dongguo''s status ced there, he was the Writers'' Association''s Leader and was quite famous in Beijing. He was a veteran. Even if this poem was not ttered by them to the heavens, it was still of very high quality. It was pretty difficult for it not to get first.


    Meng Dongguo went down.


    The second person was Zheng Anbang. The moment he went onstage, he added onto Meng Dongguo''s words, "President Meng said that he was stressed. Actually, my stress is greater. Just being after President Meng, isn''t he trying to make a fool out of me? Forget it. I need to say it regardless. I''m not good at ancient poems, so let me help cheer the mood with a modern poem."


    A minuteter, he finished.


    Everyone was stunned as they all gave a round of apuse.


    Meng Dongguo praised, "This Little Shen. He kept being modest, but he actually had such a good piece of work."


    The other people from the Writers'' Association did not expect that a romance novel author couldpose such a good modern poem. It might not be better than Meng Dongguo''s, but it definitely had what it took topete for second or third ce.


    The third to go onstage was a young author. However, he did not recite a poem, but said a phrase, song lyrics. Although there was nopanion music, the song lyrics were still vivid and refined. It was very creative.


    The fourth person was Little Red Mushroom. The moment she went up, she first said, "Let me say something first. I don''t have talent writing poems. I write fairy tales. Today I will tell a fable." She began narrating. The story was about personification, making the moon into a person. It was quite beautiful.


    One worked followed another.


    One person followed another.


    Everyone that entered the Writers'' Association was not simple. They all showed their abilities.


    Thest person to appear was Big Thunder. His poems were always known for their magnificence. It was simr to his character. Hence, the theme of the Mid-Autumn Festival had hindered his abilities slightly. He narrated a melody poem, but the effect was not as satisfactory as he had wished. It did not garner a lot of apuse. However, as it had quite a lot of literary value, the melody poem managed to make people reflect a lot. Meng Dongguo and the other Teachers from the Writers'' Association also gave him high praises after he came down.


    "Big Thunder, it was a nice melody poem."


    "Do not care about the apuse. It''s very good."


    "Their apuse iscking because they can''t understand it. They have not researched it deeply. If they listen to it several times, after some rumination, they will really find it memorable."


    Big Thunder said indifferently, "I also think it''s fine."


    About an hour after the poetry meet started, it was almost 1 P.M.


    The host, Zhang Huo, took over the microphone, "Thank you for the interesting works from the Teachers of the Writers'' Association. It was indeed an eye-opener today. Every work really made me wish to not miss a single word. I''m guessing that the listeners in front of the radio must have enjoyed the feast for the ears. What are you hesitating for? Quickly vote for your favorite work. The voting deadline is at 2 P.M. sharp. Just now, the notary has told us that it takes five minutes to verify the votes. Hence, our poetry meet still has one hour and five minutes left. What will we do for the rest of the time? Let us announce the rankings from the voting website. Everyone can have a listen to the submissions by theizens at the same time, too."


    Female host, Sun Mengjie, held a tablet. There was no cellphone reception here, so most of the broadcast equipment was equipped with their own wireless signal. Hence, they could still use them. "Ah, let''s see. Ranked first is Teacher Meng Dongguo''s work. Let me announce the top ten."


    1st ce: Meng Dongguo, 23,019 votes.


    2nd ce: Zheng Anbang, 12,553 votes.


    3rd ce: Dong Fei, 9,813 votes.


    4th ce: Little Red Mushroom, 9,681 votes.


    And so on and so forth. The top ten were all people from the Writers'' Association. Meng Dongguo was leading far ahead. Dong Fei was also a very famous modern poet in the Writers'' Association. They all swept up the top spots. Even though Big Thunder''s poem was not well-received amongst the station''s staff, it had also obtained 10th ce. Only at 11th ce was there aizen''s work.


    The host read it out.


    This piece of work called "Wind Breaking Through the Clouds" was not bad. But it was just not bad. There was always a difference between a professional and an amateur. One could tell just from the votes.

 Chapter 57: Zhang Ye’s Anger, “Shuidiao Getou“!

    <h4>Chapter 57: Zhang Ye��s Anger, ��Shuidiao Getou��! </h4>


    Chapter 57: Zhang Ye''s Anger, "Shuidiao Getou"!


    In the audience.


    Wang Xiaomei was fiddling with her phone, "Can you ess the inte?"


    Zhang Ye didn''t know if she was asking him, but replied anyway, "Ah, there is no signal."


    "How will you post without the inte?" Wang Xiaomei nced at him.


    Zhang Ye blinked, "How did you know I would participate in the poetry contest?"


    Wang Xiaomei replied matter-of-factly, "With your temper, you wouldn''t swallow your pride just like that. See you, or not, there will you stay, no sorrow, nor joy? I didn''t take that seriously."


    Zhang Ye was embarrassed. It was true; he was not that forgiving.


    "Do you need me to ask around for whose phone has a signal? And borrow it for you?" Wang Xiaomei took the initiative.


    Zhang Ye replied, "There''s no need for that. If I want to post, I will go outside to post. But I have yet to think of a poem. Teacher Xiaomei, what''s with you?"


    "Why I am so enthusiastic?" Wang Xiaomei answered, "Because you are the representative of our Literature Channel. You already are our channel''s branded host. If they doubt you, it means they are denying our Literature Channel''s cultural standard. Besides, I don''t think that your poems are worse than theirs. I cannot feel no sorrow, nor joy. I am angry right now."


    ��


    Onstage.


    The poetry event has progressed to the poetry recital and appreciation round.


    After reading a fewizens'' poems, Zhang Huo spoke, "These few poems are pretty well-written. It looks like ourizens are also capable people. Haha. But Sun Mengjie and I are really just here to watch. We are not professionals, so would still hope that the teachers from the Writers'' Association would enlighten us a bit."


    The participants from the Writers'' Association passed around the responsibility for a while.


    Finally, Meng Dongguo stood up, as expected. He was the one with the most influence within the group, "After listening to a few of the poems, I find them still to be okay."


    The female host said, "Still okay? I can understand President Meng''s thought on this; so that means they still have their problems?"


    Meng Dongguoughed "They are only amateurs, so to be able to write like this is not bad."


    "Can you exin to us the differences between their poems and a professional''s? We are still unclear; perhaps everyone here is unclear. The poems sounded pretty good." Zhang Huo pretended to be ayman.


    Meng Dongguo touched his beard and spoke honestly, "Those who don''t understand poetry may not be able to tell the difference. On the surface, it''s quite good. The writing and phrases are elegant. But there are too many ways to read into it. Like the work "Wind Breaking Through Clouds" by thatizen�� A professional would know immediately that there are issues with it. The modern-style poetry he wrote? It''s actually not. Modern-style poetry must adhere to a certain tonal pattern, rhyme scheme and parallelism. With the five character poems as an example, it must start with a level tone. The second part requires a deflected tone. Then the third part requires it to go back to the level tone. On the contrary, if the first part uses a deflected tone, then the second part requires a level tone, then in the third part, it has to be a deflected tone. He was not right with that."


    Zhang Huo was enlightened, "I see."


    Meng Dongguo said, "Hence, if they are amateurs or beginners, they are rmended to write modern poems. The requirements are simpler. Well, one of the modern poems that the hosts recited also had a small problem. The mood seemed a bit off, and the entire poem did not have a core literary belief. In our jargon, we would say that it''scking ''spirit''. The words used are pretty, but literature eventually needs to abide by literature. It needs to move the hearts of the people. If a poem that iscking in essence, energy and spirit, it cannot move the hearts of people, then it is empty at its core. It is just showy."


    "We''re gaining knowledge here." Zhang Huo said.


    Meng Dongguo seemed like he was hooked onto saying more. It was unsure if he did it consciously, but he suddenly mentioned, "Like recently on the inte, there have been several poems with a lot of views. Actually, in my opinion, there are some ws in their conception. Of course, this could be a matter of ''beauty is in the eyes of the beholder'', so there''s still room for discussion."


    Sun Mengjie added, "Vice President Meng, are you talking about ''Flying Bird and Fish''? Or ''The Song of the Stormy Petrel''?"


    Meng Dongguo smiled. "I''ve mentioned it on Weibo. Those who have seen it will know. I have my reservations about these two poems."


    What?


    Zhang Ye was mentioned?


    Immediately, quite a number looked towards Zhang Ye. Zhang Ye''s seat had be the focus of attention, with many eyes on it.


    Zhang Ye had not expected Meng Dongguo to question him openly like this at such an important event like the Mid-Autumn Festival Poetry Meet. What''s more, this was a live event and held at Zhang Ye''s own unit. Meng Dongguo was now publicly invalidating him and killing his chances with just a simple nod? Did I f***ing kill your father or your mother? Why are you trying to fix me? After your online "education", you now came to my unit to "educate" me? Are you f***ing sick!?


    "What sort of people are they!?"


    "How can they say such things?"


    "It wasn''t easy for Teacher Little Zhang, too. What are they trying to do?"


    "This is a live broadcast program! Aren''t they trying to destroy him!? They are pushing it too far!"


    Many of the Literature Channel''s employees could no longer bear to continue listening. Even those who did not know Zhang Ye well were feeling angry. Yes, even if Zhang Ye was not a professional poet, even if Zhang Ye''s poems were ordinary and notparable to yours or have literary standards�� But you still can''t bully your way around here like that! These people from the Writers'' Association were really too much! This was their unit! This was their radio station!


    ��


    At this moment.


    The poetry meet''s website blew up!


    "Did you hear that?"


    "Teacher Meng said ''Flying Bird and Fish'' and ''The Song of the Stormy Petrel'' were problematic?"


    "That can''t be? I think those two poems are very good!"


    "Can the Vice President of the Writers'' Association be wrong? So that Zhang Ye actually isn''t anything. I was still wondering over all that clicks and forwards. So it was just crap!"


    "Right, this person does not have any ability!"


    "Zhang Ye''s poem really has a problem?"


    Many people who weren''t already in the know of yesterday''s incident on Weibo became informed of it now. Today, right now, was even Zhang Ye''s "Old and Young Story Club" program''s schedule. The event was broadcast live through the Literature Channel and many of Zhang Ye''s listeners were tuned in. To be passed judgement upon by such an authoritative person like the Writers'' Association''s Vice President, it would be expected that from tomorrow onwards, Zhang Ye''s segment listenership ratings would be dealt a big blow. A listenership ratings drop of more than half would even be possible. Perhaps those who really liked Zhang Ye or those who held their own views would not be affected, but how about the others? The citizens'' views would be affected by herd mentality and belief in authoritative figures!


    A neer host!


    An industry''s Writers'' Association Vice President!


    Whose literary level would everyone believe in? It was clear at a nce!


    This move by Meng Dongguo was really vicious, with the objective to kill off Zhang Ye''s chances!


    Zhang Ye was bursting with anger. This was really forcing his hand!


    Zhang Huo secretly nced over to his partner, Sun Mengjie, ming her for saying a little too much. He was actually biased towards Zhang Ye. It wasn''t because of Zhang Ye''s poems; he also believed that Zhang Ye, as a neer, could not be better than these teachers from the Writers'' Association. But because Zhang Ye was his colleague and Meng Dongguo had publicly doubted him, Zhang Huo felt that this was uncalled for. After taking a look at theputer tablet, Zhang Huo continued, "Teacher Meng, the two poems you just mentioned�� From my understanding, they wereposed by our Literature Channel''s Teacher Zhang Ye. Teacher Zhang Ye should be here at the venue, too. I''ve seen thements left by our listeners and they all feel that ''Flying Bird and Fish'' is really good. All of them don''t seem to understand what''scking in the poem."


    Meng Dongguo smiled without a word, before he said, "Let''s have Big Thunder exin; he is a specialist in modern poems and also a well-known critic. He would exin better than me."


    On hearing that, Big Thunder stepped up, "Haha. Since President Meng called me out and the subject is on this, it''s now the poetry appreciation segment, so let me bring up an example to exin. Actually, President Meng had already said it once on Weibost night and I fully agree with it. ''Flying Bird and Fish'' has be very popr on the inte recently, but it is so because of the circumstances at that time. Because this poem has saved someone''s life before, it leads to it being hotly followed and discussed, furthering its poprity. This practically added a lot of value based on the circumstances. There aren''t much literary learnings within the poem; likewise for other works by Zhang Ye. Its depth in essence, energy and spirit are just imaginary and I cannot see what he wanted to express. So in the eyes of us professionals, the author is just an amateur hobbyist."


    "It''s like this?" Zhang Huo questioned.


    Meng Dongguo chimed in, "Exining this way would not be clear enough for everyone here. Since Zhang Ye is here today as well, why don''t we invite him onto the stage, so that he canpose a Mid-Autumn Festival poem. We will analyze the ws in it for everyone, so that it will be clearer to understand."


    "This��.." Zhang Huo looked towards the station''s Leader.


    Sun Mengjie could not make a call either. Although there was still a lot of time, but to let their colleaguee up onto the stage to be treated as a negative example? To be pped in the face by Meng Dongguo andpany right in front of everyone? They couldn''t bear with the thought of it!


    Big Thunder agreed, "Is this not the poetry appreciation segment? It''s for everyone to learn more about the traditions of poetry."


    They were both singing each other''s tunes. Zhang Ye''s reputation was decided before he could say anything �� Zhang Ye was an amateur; they had wanted to show the differences between a professional and an amateur!


    Deputy Station Head Jia looked at Zhang Huo, and pondered for a moment before he nodded slightly.


    Zhang Huo then said, "Alright, then. But we need to know first if Teacher Zhang Ye has any new works. Because Teacher Zhang Ye was not informed beforehand of this poetry meet. This was impromptu, so��.." The Writers'' Association was informed much earlier to give them some time to make preparations. But Zhang Ye was not given this advantage. With Meng Dongguo and Big Thunder yelling for Zhang Ye toe onto the stage, Zhang Huo felt they had really overstepped their boundaries, not even allowing for a minute of preparation! They really wanted to pick on Zhang Ye''s ws, to strike him a fatal blow! What feud is there between all of you? That it had toe to this, to step over our colleague? The critical issue was that even Deputy Station Head Jia had agreed to this impudent proposal?


    Many eyes were focused on them!


    Zhang Ye let out a furiousughter. You want me to go up? You want to p my face? You guys are courting death!


    Wang Xiaomei''s eyes had already gone dark upon hearing what was said. She said to Zhang Ye, "Let them see, Teacher Little Zhang!" "Show them whether we hosts from the Literature Channel understand art and literature!" said a furious Wang Xiaomei!


    In front, Big Sis Zhou turned back, "Teacher Little Zhang! Attack!"


    Auntie Sun, who did not really acknowledge Zhang Ye''s poems, could no longer bear with this. She shouted across two rows of seats, "Little Zhang! Go get them! This is pushing it too far!"


    Tian Bin, putting on a damper, said, "Forget it; don''t go!"


    Wu Datao shook his head, "Little Zhang, listen to me and don''t go. An amateur like you wants to put on a fake act in front of the professionals? Just say that you aren''t prepared; otherwise, when they criticize and point out your ws, not only will you be embarrassed, even our Literature Channel will be embarrassed!"


    All around, colleagues from the channel softly advised, "Teacher Zhang, ignore them."


    Some colleagues who wanted justice for Zhang Ye said, "If they are capable, let''s see them challenge Teacher Zhang in ghost stories! If they are capable, let''s see them challenge Teacher Zhang in fairy tales! Story writing is the true profession of Zhang Ye! Competing with poetry won''t determine anything! You all have been in this for so many years! Isn''t it a shameful for you topete with a rookie? Eh?"


    It was a little messy in the audience.


    The auditorium''s mood was slowly losing control!


    But under the spotlight, Zhang Ye stood up without any resistance. He smiled coldly, looked towards Zhang Huo, and signaled a ''1'' determinedly. This was a signal everyone in the station knew. When hosting a radio live broadcast, ''1'' would be signaled to the assistants to convey readiness.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Teacher Zhang! Think carefully!"


    "Aiyo! Don''t go! Don''t you see that they are purposely making it difficult for you?"


    Zhang Ye didn''t listen; he was already making his way out past the row of seats.


    Zhang Huo understood, "Teacher Zhang has said that he is okay. Everyone, please give some apuse."


    Meng Dongguo was waiting for Zhang Ye to recite before he passed his judgment on Zhang Ye''s ws for everyone listening.


    Zheng Anbang and Little Red Mushroom were also waiting for Zhang Ye to make a joke of himself. The others also knew that this time Zhang Ye would embarrass himself, but yet he willingly stepped up to be embarrassed!


    In the apuse that was either disturbing, helpless or gloating, Zhang Ye followed his determination up towards the stage. In the spotlight, and on the red carpet, this was his first time standing in front of so many people, unlike the sealed-up space of the recording studios. It was a meaningful face-to-face experience with so many people. But Zhang Ye did not have stage fright. This psychological strength of his had always been very good. Instead, he seemed to enjoy this moment!


    Since you have forced me out, I will respectfully obey!


    My poems have no literary value?


    I am biting off more than I can chew by disying my ipetence in front of an expert?


    I am an amateur while you are a professional?


    Alright, then! Today, I''ll let you bunch of Beijing Writers'' Association people know who is the amateur and who is the professional!


    Sun Mengjie tried to stall for time for Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang, since you were unprepared, please don''t rush. You can take your time to think it through."


    "There''s no need," Zhang Ye said.


    Zhang Huo paused. There was no need to consider? Creating the work on the spot?


    Big Thunder disdainfully looked on. On the flyposing? What''s more, a poem that has a theme? Even for him, he would need at least half an hour to seek inspiration! If I can''t do it, how could you?


    Of course, Zhang Ye did not need any preparations, nor did he even feel a need for preparations. A poem had already appeared in his head!


    When he knew about the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet, Zhang Ye began thinking about which poem he should use. He had not decided on or even wanted to use this poem. Why? Because this poem was too ssic! A ssic that when someone mentions Mid-Autumn and poems, 9 out of 10 people would think of this! After this poem existed, there were no other poems for Mid-Autumn! It could be said that no other poems could measure up to the influence of this poem!


    Topose for Mid-Autumn, this would be the top choice!


    It deserves the spot!


    Zhang Ye did not want to choose it; he had wanted to leave some leeway for them. But after seeing how Meng Dongguo, Big Thunder and the others yed dirty to force him, Zhang Ye no longer wanted to hold back!


    Some of the audience were anxious.


    Big Sis Zhou urgently asked, "Is Little Zhang going to be alright?"


    Auntie Sun replied, "Even if he cannot, he mustn''t lose hisposure. That group of people have already s*** on our heads!"


    Tian Bin purposely sighed, "Was that necessary? Isn''t he asking for it? This Zhang Ye is really..! An amateur is an amateur!"


    Despite all the talk, Zhang Ye touched the microphone and took in a light breath, "When will the moon be clear and bright? With a cup of wine in my hand, I ask the clear sky. In the heavens on this night, I wonder what season it would be?"


    Everyone was stunned when he said those lines!


    He wasn''t using the modern poems that he was good at? And he chose a melody poem? Zhang Ye could also write melody poems?


    And why was this melody poem.. able to make people have goose bumps? This��


    Zhang Ye closed his eyes as he looked up at the ceiling. He waspletely in a recitation mood, "I''d like to ride the wind to return home. Yet, I fear the crystal and jade mansions are much too high and cold for me. Dancing with my moonlit shadow, it does not seem like the human world. The moon rounds the red mansion, stoops to silk-padded doors, shines upon the sleepless. Bearing no grudge, why does the moon tend to be full when people are apart? People experience sorrow, joy, separation and reunion. The moon may be dim or bright, round or crescent shaped. This imperfection has been going on since the beginning of time." After pausing for two seconds, Zhang Ye opened his eyes. With his gaze soft, he slowly read thest sentence, "May we all be blessed with longevity; though thousands of miles apart, we are still able to share.. the beauty of the moon together."

 Chapter 58: The Masterpiece that Shocked the Entire Hall!

    <h4>Chapter 58: The Masterpiece that Shocked the Entire Hall! </h4>


    Chapter 58: The Masterpiece that Shocked the Entire Hall!


    May we all be blessed with longevity?


    Though thousands of miles apart, we are still able to share the beauty of the moon together?


    Zhang Ye had already finished reciting his poem, but the sound lingered on. Everyone present seemed to have their goosebumps explode. They were momentarily silent! The entire auditorium was echoing with the sound from the microphone!


    With the poem unleashed, it shocked the entire auditorium!


    Meng Dongguo was already stunned when he heard half of it!


    Big Thunder, Zheng Anbang, Little Red Mushroom and the other Writers'' Association''s Teachers were dumbfounded!


    Even without mentioning them, one could tell just by observing the atmosphere in the auditorium. Everyone in the audience had turned silent. Even the host, Zhang Huo, was at a loss for words while holding onto the microphone. The female host, Sung Mengjie, was even worse. She stared straight ahead and did not even realize that her hand had lost its grip on the microphone. Only when it issued a heavy thud on the red-carpeted floor of the podium did shee around. Following this, the souls of the people returned to their empty bodies, as if they had just crawled down from the moon in Zhang Ye''s poem!


    Wow!


    Shouts immediately exploded!


    "Good poem!"


    "What the f***!"


    "Heavens! What did I just hear!"


    "The pen of God! The pen of God!"


    "Too awesome! This poem is enough to explode!"


    Some people could not help but stand up and apud loudly!


    Director Zhao Guozhou and Wang Xiaomei were stunned!


    Big Sis Zhou eximed, "What a good melody poem! Teacher Little Zhang really created it on the spot? Oh, my God! Oh, my Buddha! Oh, my Guanyin Bodhisattva! Oh, my Jesus! Oh, my Heavens!" She believed in quite a few religions, as there were all sorts of variations. "That ''The Song of the Stormy Petrel'' was made on the spot. ''Flying Bird and Fish'' and ''A Generation'' were also improvised on the spot. ''See Me or Not'' was also written there and then. This is also written at thest minute? How could this be possible!? What sort of brain does Teacher Little Zhang have!?"


    Wow!


    It was unknown who gave the first apuse! Thunderous apuse!


    This was not an analogous description! It was really like thunder! The entire auditorium''s ceiling seemed to have been blown away! Other than apuse, nothing else could be heard!


    What was good about this melody poem? Manyymen might not be able to tell what was good about it, but they knew that it was definitely good.


    Only Meng Dongguo, Zheng Anbang andpany knew what realm this melody poem had reached. This was written too well. It revolved around the thoughts and imagination that opened up due to the Mid-Autumn''s moon. It embodied the joys and sorrows of the world into a philosophical pursuit of the meaning of life and the universe!


    When will the moon be clear and bright? With a cup of wine in my hand, I ask the clear sky.


    In the heavens on this night, I wonder what season it would be?


    Almost every word was ssic. Each word had a charm to it. Some of the words even needed to be repeated several times to gain an understanding of the profound meaning behind it! For example, the sentence, "ride the wind to return home"? Why was the word "return" used? A few people from the Writers'' Association did not understand the first time that they heard it. Only as they heard to the end did they slowly understand. The word "return" was the finishing touch. It expressed how the original author, Zhang Ye, was in fact not treating himself as a mortal of this world. He treated himself as an immortal that had detached from the world; hence, he needed to "return" to the immortal pce, and not "go" to the immortal pce. It sounded insolent, but this melody poem''s essence, energy and spirit had suddenly broke the confines of this world, and had raised the bar by more than one grade! Coupled with the ending sentence, the dozen or so Teachers and authors from the Writers'' Association were too shocked for words!


    Zhang Ye?


    Who was he?


    What sort of person is he!?


    Other than Meng Dongguo and Little Red Mushroom understanding Zhang Ye a bit more, the other Teachers from the Writers'' Association did not know this person. They had never even heard of him; hence, they were so shocked. How could a person that could write such a melody poem be some nobody? How could he be a rookie that they had never heard of? Furthermore, these people had prepared for the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet for several days, while this person was called out onto the stage! He did not even have time to prepare! Just this alone! No one present felt that they could do it themselves! What''s more, he produced such a shockingly great melody poem!


    When did the realm of poetry have such an awesome person!?


    Two minutes. The apusested for two minutes before it ended!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    Finally, loud cries began to shout out in unison. Many people were calling out Zhang Ye''s name, cheering him on and encouraging him. They were backing him!


    Why?


    It was because Meng Dongguo was too much of a bully!


    He had publicly invalidated Zhang Ye? And even said that he was an amateur? And even called him out to get him onstage for a showdown? And even wanted to find his faults, so as to show everyone how to write a poem? Don''t forget that this was Beijing Radio Station. It was Zhang Ye''s unit. Everyone was a bit angry that their colleague had been bullied! Hence, seeing Zhang Yeing up with such a magical and godlike poem in an impressive fashion, everyone seemed like they were on stimnts as they cheered him on. Although they were cheering on Zhang Ye''s name on the surface, they were in fact trampling on Meng Dongguo, Big Thunder andpany!


    Deputy Station Head Jia''s face turned ck. He stood up to p his hands. This was a live broadcast. What were they doing!?


    Seeing the station''s Leader''s attitude, everyone stopped shouting and began to sit down one after another. They were all waiting to see themotion that was to follow!


    The host, Zhang Huo, managed toe around and speak. As he drew in his breath, he asked, "Teacher Zhang Ye, what is the name of this melody poem? Can you tell us?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s called ''Shuidiao Getou''."


    Sun Mengjie said, "I already do not know how to evaluate it. I''m ayperson and do not understand melody poems much. However, with me dropping the microphone without realizing it, you should know how much I love this poem. Really, I love this poem to death. Its words are beautiful to an extreme!"


    Zhang Ye was a person who did not fear stirring up chaos in the world. He immediately said, "It''s alright. You are ayperson, but there are many experts on-site. They are professional Teachers from the Writers'' Association." Turning his head, he looked towards Meng Dongguo and Big Thunder. Both of them had already returned to their seats when Zhang Ye recited his poem; however, Zhang Ye was able to find them with a nce. "Teacher Meng, Teacher Big Thunder�� Previously, the both of you said my works have no literary value. Previously, you have also said I might not be good at writing poems. Yes, I admit I''m a beginner and an amateur. I shall modestly ask you Teachers for advice to please help me improve my level. Can you advise me on this poem?"


    Zhang Huo nearly burst outughing.


    Sun Mengjie was also at a loss as to whether tough or to cry.


    Upon hearing this, Big Thunder nearly vomited a mouthful of blood. He nearly cursed his mother. Your granduncle! I advise you, my ass!


    Find a problem? Find faults? I haven''t even fully understood the melody poem''splete meaning! Where can I find fault with it!? Although he was unrelenting and was angry, most of this anger came from being embarrassed. To be fair, Big Thunder had no choice but to admit that Zhang Ye''s poem was wlessly perfect. Not even them, probably no one could pick a fault with it. Zhang Ye had trampled on them!


    Meng Dongguo was even more direct. He stood beside a youth from the Writers'' Association and whispered with his head down. It was as if he was discussing the poem and had pretended not to hear Zhang Ye''s words.


    Everyone who had called him out no longer made a noise!


    Against such a dazzling poem, they had no means of making a noise!


    Upon seeing this, Zhang Ye also felt it was meaningless. There was no need to say anything more. He had already expressed himself using his work. Furthermore, it was a live broadcast, with many listeners listening into it. It was not good for him to say so much, as it was easy to make a mistake with too many words. It would make himself seem agitated. Although anyone could tell that those words were Zhang Ye''s way of fighting back, what he said was without fault. He had admitted to being an amateur and had asked for advice as a neer. No one could speak ill of that. Hence, he passed the microphone back to the host and prepared to go offstage.


    Zhang Huo was actually quite warm-hearted, "Teacher Zhang, although we are in the second poetry appreciation segment, it is still part of the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet. Your poem will definitely be voted upon byizens. Do you want to canvass for votes for yourself?"


    Zhang Ye turned around and smiled. "It''s alright. There''s no need."


    No need to canvass for votes? Meng Dongguo andpany had all canvassed for votes, but you don''t need to?


    Zhang Huo did not understand what Zhang Ye''s attitude was and could only respect his idea.


    Meng Dongguo, who was below the stage, squinted his eyes slightly upon hearing this. He was not canvassing for votes? It was alright, even if he canvassed for votes. He believed that he was guaranteed to receive first ce.


    There were two reasons. Firstly, he also felt that his poem was very good. He did not believe that his "Thoughts of a Rainy Mid-Autumn Night" was in any way inferior to Zhang Ye''s "Shuidao Getou". He felt that it was one of the best Mid-Autumn works that he had created in recent years. Secondly, he had the advantage of time. Meng Dongguo was the first person to recite his poem at the Poetry Meet. It began at 12 noon and ended at 2 P.M. There were two hours, so the longer the program went after your poem was presented, the more people there were to vote for you. There was no dispute. This was also the reason why Meng Dongguo had arranged to be the first to present a poem. As the Beijing Writers'' Association''s Vice President, and a leader of the capital''s poetry industry, he could not even show his face if he got second ce for this sort ofpetition. He and the radio station had at least done their best to make sure that he would be the champion. If not, Meng Dongguo would probably not have participated in it, as it would affect his prestige.


    But what about Zhang Ye?


    Now, it was already 1.30 P.M. That was to say, Zhang Ye had barely half an hour left!


    Even if theizens and listeners liked his poem and voted for him, how many votes could they cast? It definitely could not exceed the votes for Meng Dongguo. Hence, he believed the championship title was likely in the bag!


    Other people also shared his thoughts.


    For example, Big Thunder and Little Red Mushroom had the same thoughts. Although they knew that Zhang Ye''s melody poem was well-written, it had no chance of bing the champion. It was also quite impossible for him to enter the top three. How many votes could one garner in 20+ minutes? The other people already had more than ten thousand votes. It was already not bad if Zhang Ye could get into the top ten! When the results were out, people would not care about the procedure or that there wasn''t enough voting time. They only looked at the final oue. When the top three was dominated by people from the Writers'' Association and Zhang Ye was ranked beyond third ce, then it was a way for the Writers'' Association team that Meng Dongguo led to save their face!


    Ah, alright!


    Your melody poem this time had a lot of literary value to it!


    We acknowledge that your melody poem was indeed very good!


    But so what? Aren''t you still ranked behind us? In the end, everyone will still see that you are inferior to us professional Teachers from a professional body like the Writers'' Association!


    Schrs tended to be more stubborn. There may have been some small conflicts at the beginning, but as the situation worsened, neither side would agree to back down. Anyway, they were going to go forceful on Zhang Ye! This was probably the sh between their orthodox background as Teachers of the Writers'' Association and Zhang Ye, a half-past-six unorthodox "amateur" that wrote supernatural stories, fairy tales and poems! They would not give up until they beat the other party into submission!

 Chapter 59: A Shocking Vote Count!

    <h4>Chapter 59: A Shocking Vote Count! </h4>


    Chapter 59: A Shocking Vote Count!


    In the audience.


    Under the attention of everyone, Zhang Ye went back to his seat.


    The atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival Poetry Meet was pushed to its peak by "Shuidiao Getou". Everyone was getting more and more excited about the final results of the voting. Right now, the top ten spots are all held by people from the Writers'' Association. Even the next ten spots were scattered with people from there. It was an almost unanimous victory for them. But the breakout of Zhang Ye had put the whole contest into suspense and uncertainty!


    "Teacher Zhang, you were great!"


    "Good job! You didn''t embarrass the Literature Channel!"


    "Those Writers'' Association guys don''t dare to speak up anymore? That''s what they get for showing off! They are all humbled now!"


    "Haha. Teacher Little Zhang, give me an autographter; I want it as a memento."


    The members of the Literature Channel were seated in the same area. When Zhang Ye came back to his seat, everyone gave him a thumbs up. Even Tian Bin, Jia Yan and Wu Datao did not dare to make snide remarks. The poem had them in awe, too!


    Zhao Guozhou, who was originally seated the furthest away, changed his seat with several subordinates and said to Zhang Ye, "Little Zhang, you have impressed everyone yet again!"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Thank you for your acknowledgement, Leader."


    Zhao Guozhou queried, "Why did you not canvass for votes?"


    "That would be unnecessary, right?" Zhang Ye had felt it wasn''t necessary, "Everyone is not stupid; they all have their own artistic appreciations and if they thought my poem was good, then they will vote for me. If they felt the other poems were good, they will vote for them. There''s not much meaning to canvassing for votes. It''s not a contest, but an exchange of literary learning. It''s better to keep it simple." He had said so logically, but self-righteously.


    Wang Xiaomei said, "You seem rather rxed."


    Zhao Guozhou asked everyone from the Literature Channel, "What ranking does everyone think Little Zhang will get? Teacher Xiaomei, what''s your opinion?"


    "In my opinion, from just the quality and literary qualities, Teacher Little Zhang would definitely get first. But that''s just my own opinion. We don''t know if the audience has been convinced by it. Vice-President Meng Dongguo''s poem was good, too. Perhaps some will find it to be better. It''s all possible." Looking at her watch, she said, "Besides, there''s only about 20 minutes left."


    "20 minutes?"


    "Ah, yes! The voting will be ending soon!"


    "Aiyo, then there''s no hope; how can we catch up to them!?"


    Everyone felt a little pity; such an amazing poem appeared, but it could not achieve a good result due to theck of time!


    From behind, the Literature Channel''s Big Sis Zhou came back alone. So as to not block the people behind her, she bent over as she squeezed all the way over. "Excuse me. Liu''er, Zhou''er, let me get past." In the blink of an eye, she was beside Zhang Ye, "Eh. Leader, you are here, too?"


    Zhao Guozhou tersely acknowledged, "What did you do?"


    "I pretended to go to the bathroom." Big Sis Zhou held her cellphone, "Actually, I was checking the voting results for Little Zhang. There''s no inte reception in the auditorium and I can only see it outside."


    Auntie Sun asked with concern, "So how was it? How was it?"


    The other people from the Literature Channel also tilted their heads over, wishing to know.


    Big Sis Zhou pointed to her cellphone. There was no more inte connection, but the web page that she had opened before could still be seen. "Little Zhang''s ''Shuidiao Getou'' has already caused quite a sensation. Three minutes ago, the website staff had uploaded his poem after he finished reciting it. ''Shuidiao Getou'' already has more than 900 votes. Look at theirments. Thements left by theizens are practically going nuts. It''s almost explosive!"


    The cellphone''s screen showed densely packed messages.


    "God!"


    "This melody poem is invincible!"


    "Can it not be so powerful?"


    "Who is Zhang Ye? Why have I never heard of this Teacher?"


    "Did I hear wrongly? Previously, I thought Meng Dongguo and someone from the Writers'' Association were going to criticize Zhang Ye''s poems? Using him as a negative example? With the melody poem out, why did no one criticize it?"


    "I''mughing. I''m reallyughing!"


    "The Writers'' Association is so hrious! Their faces are swollen from being smacked!"


    "Haha. I have always supported Teacher Zhang Ye. Today, I want to see who dares to say that Teacher Zhang Ye doesn''t know how to write poems! From today onwards, I want to see who still dares to say that Teacher Zhang Ye''s works have no literary value!"


    "To be going against the Teachers from the Writers'' Association, I can only now express my heartfelt condolences!"


    "If a person who canpose a melody poem like "Shuidiao Getou" does not know poetry, then the whole f***ing world doesn''t know poetry. Are the people from the Writers'' Association stupid? And a Vice-President at that? I want to ask you now: are you the ones who do not know literature or is it Teacher Zhang Ye who doesn''t know?"


    "Quickly vote!"


    "Right, cut the crap. Voting is of utmost urgency. Time is running out!"


    "Troll army, gather! Although we won''t be able to catch up and we are too far behind, when have we ever been afraid of anyone? We fear no one! Even if an individual is weak, we will contribute that tiny amount of energy to Teacher Zhang Ye! Not for anything else, just because of the spirit of Teacher Zhang Ye''s courage to fight with anyone! We must not fail him!"


    "I''m here!"


    "Troll army signing in!"


    "Vote has been cast!"


    "Myrge saber is again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    Zhang Ye''s fans came to support him. There were many others who first got to know about him through the poetry meet, who were touched by "Shuidiao Getou". They all sent in their support!


    ��


    "Just 900 votes?" Zhao Guozhou frowned.


    Big Sis Zhou said, "That happened in an instant. Isn''t that already a lot?"


    "Sis Zhou, what is Little Zhang''s ranking now?" Wang Xiaomei inquired.


    "Before I went offline, there were 925 votes, so he was ranked at 41." Big Sis Zhou spoke for Zhang Ye, "It may seem low, but that was just in a few minutes. If it increases at that speed, then it would definitely be higher than those people from the Writers'' Association. Little Zhang is too formidable!"


    41? Zhang Ye was not very satisfied.


    Aunt Sun sighed, "Hai, there''s no way of catching up. There''s no need to think further. The others have umted their votes for two hours, while we only had a bit more than 20 minutes. The difference is toorge. Besides, the people from the Writers'' Association have fans that number in the hundreds of thousands. How many fans does our Teacher Little Zhang have? His poprity definitely can''tpete with them."


    Big Sis Zhou curled her mouth, "But there is still hope. Many listeners had just heard it and might not have the opportunity to vote yet. There will be more. I believe that Little Zhang will be able to fight for the top ten! No, maybe even the top six is possible!" Holding her cellphone, she said, "Look at this. Other than first-ced Meng Dongguo, who is leading far ahead with 37,000 votes, the ones after him have considerably fewer votes. Sixth ce only has 11,000 votes. I think Teacher Little Zhang definitely has the chance of overtaking this! Even if it was any worse, tenth ce had 8,500 votes. Even if he didn''t enter top six, there is still chance to enter top ten. I don''t think there is a problem!"


    An editor from the Literature Channel said, "Entering the top ten would be enough. At least we can break the monopoly of the members from the Writers'' Association. It will also gain some glory for our channel."


    "That''s right!"


    "May the Heavens bless you!"


    Everyone also began to ept the harsh reality.


    Big Sis Zhou suggested, "I think we should take turns ''going to the bathroom''. Let''s go five at a time to help vote for Teacher Little Zhang. The higher Little Zhang''s cing is, the more glory our channel will receive! I have already voted for Little Zhang once just now!" This old sister sure was warm-hearted.


    Zhang Ye sweated profusely, "There''s no need to; there''s no need. Thank you, everyone, but there''s really no need!"


    What was this poem?


    This was Su Shi''s poem!


    This was the famous "Shuidiao Getou"!


    Did he need to rely on his colleagues'' ten or so votes to help pull up his vote count by pretending to go to the bathroom? That would be too drastic a drop in this work''s value. This would be too much. If this was seen by people from his world, they would all beughing their heads off! Anyway, Zhang Ye would not do something this embarrassing! If people did not appreciate this melody poem, "Shuidiao Getou", then Zhang Ye was also helpless. He was also helpless if the vote count did not increase.


    Forget it.


    Let''s resign ourselves to fate.


    Whatever Zhang Ye could do, he had done. He had also worked hard. Now, to see if Su Shi''s masterpiece was able to reverse the situation and whether it was able to help Zhang Ye trample on the bunch of people from the Writers'' Association and establish his fame. All that he could do was wait. Everything was in the hands of the people to judge!


    Five minutes��


    Ten minutes��


    Time flew. Even if Zhang Ye was looking forward to it and more time was given to him and the listeners, the watch would not stop. Soon, it was already 2 o''clock!


    "Alright, now the voting has ceased." Zhang Huo announced, "We are waiting for the notaries to consolidate the final scores. While they are reviewing it, let us recount the ssic poems from before."


    With the recording yed, Meng Dongguo, Zheng Anbang and Big Thunder''s poems were reyed once again.


    Soon, a man and a woman from the Chengdong District''s Notary Office came over with a book. "It''s done."


    The female host, Sun Mengjie, smiled. "Therades from the Notary Office have done the statistics, and I''m dying to know what the results are. I need to first take a look."


    She immediately took a peek at the results.


    Zhang Huo was also very curious. He also looked at the rankings in the notary''s hand.


    This look did not matter, but Zhang Huo and Sun Mengjie werepletely stunned!


    Upon seeing the two hosts'' expressions, there was amotion from offstage. They did not know what had happened, and were even more curious!


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Are the results too exaggerated?"


    "Could it be that Vice-President Meng''s votes are leading by too much?"


    The female notary held the microphone, "September 8th, from 12:00 to 14:00, Chengdong District notaries Li Hai and Zheng Meihong as supervisors have dered the votes to be fair for this Mid-Autumn Festival Poetry Meet. I will begin to announce the top ten!"


    Zhang Ye listened attentively.


    Zhao Guozhou, Wang Xiaomei andpany stared straight ahead!


    Meng Dongguo, Big Thunder andpany were more rxed. They felt there was no suspense.


    "Tenth ce, Little Red Mushroom. ''Auntie Moon''. Vote count: 9,300!" the female notary read.


    Upon hearing this, Big Thunder congratted with a smile, "Congrattions. This is a poetry meet, yet a fairy tale writer like you can get into the top ten. This sure shows Teacher Little Red Mushroom''s skill."


    Little Red Mushroom said, "Come on. Don''t tter me."


    The notary carried on, "Ninth ce, Big Thunder, ''Untitled''. Vote count: 9,800!"


    Little Red Mushroom smiled. "See? You are even better than me. Who said your melody poem was too niche? See, the listeners still recognize it."


    Big Thunder waved his hand modestly, "Actually, I was not pleased with this melody poem of mine. It doesn''t have my character or mood. A poor response from everyone is also normal."


    ��


    "Fourth ce, Zhou Anyi, ''Onlooking the Moon''. Vote count: 16,001!"


    At this point, the fourth to tenth ces had been read out. All of them were people from the Writers'' Association. Not a singleizen''s poem entered the top ten!


    "It''s time for third ce!"


    "I''m so nervous. Who will it be?"


    "Why haven''t we heard Zhang Ye''s name?"


    "That''s right; could it be that he took third ce?"


    "It can''t be that high. He only had twenty minutes of voting time, so it won''t happen."


    As everyone was discussing, the female notary announced third ce, "Third ce, Zheng Anbang, modern poem, ''Feelings of Mid-Autumn''. Vote count��19,822!"


    What?


    Zheng Anbang was third?


    Big Sis Zhou urgently said, "What about Little Zhang!? Why isn''t there Little Zhang!?"


    Tian Bin said, "There''s no need to ask. He definitely did not enter the top ten."


    "It''s a conspiracy! There definitely is a conspiracy!" Big Sis Zhou said angrily, "Little Zhang did not even enter the top ten? Who would believe it! It''s such a good melody poem!"


    "Hai, it was all for naught in the end."


    "That''s right; there was too little time, or else this result might be unthinkable!"


    The people from the Literature Channel were all feeling a sense of regret. Some sighed, while some refused to ept the oue!


    However, when the female notary announced second ce, everyone was silenced. It was as if everyone was muted suddenly. There wasplete silence!


    "Second ce, Meng Dongguo, ''Thoughts of a Rainy Mid-Autumn Night''. Vote count��40,058!"


    Second?


    Meng Dongguo was second?


    There was an uproar offstage!


    Meng Dongguo was also shocked. How could it be possible!?


    Big Thunder and Zheng Anbang looked each other in the eye as a bad premonition hit them!


    Everyone suddenly had a staggering thought. Meng Dongguo wasn''t first? Then who was first? Who would be the champion for this Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet?


    The female notary paused for a while before looking and said loudly, "Voted first for this Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet, Zhang Ye! ''Shuidiao Getou''! Vote count��" Upon reading up to here, the female notary''s voice also had a tinge of surprise. Actually, she and her colleague had already seen the votes and cings; however, now upon looking at it again, the female notary felt that it was unbelievable. "The vote count for ''Shuidiao Getou'' is��158,600!"


    150,000?


    150,000 votes??


    What the f*** to your fifth granny!


    Upon hearing this, the audience waspletely shocked!

 Chapter 60: Using Mo Yan’s Prize Acceptance Speech!

    <h4>Chapter 60: Using Mo Yan��s Prize eptance Speech! </h4>


    Chapter 60: Using Mo Yan''s Prize eptance Speech!


    "It''s gone mad! Everyone has gone mad!"


    "How many votes did she say!? Did I hear wrongly?"


    "Is that true? Isn''t this result just shooting out of the universe?"


    "How can there be so many!? It isn''t scientific! Really too unscientific!"


    "150,000? The dozen or so works from the Writers'' Associationbined have fewer than Zhang Ye''s votes alone?"


    "And it''s really true! One against ten! Complete victory!"


    "All the Teachers from the Writers'' Associationbined lost out to him? Holy ****!"


    Too many people could not believe their ears. It was too unbelievable!


    More than 150,000 votes? What did this mean? This meant that it was going against the Heavens! Others may not understand this, but how could they, as people from the radio station, not understand? This was because the poetry meet was special and it had an upper limit to the amount of attention it could garner. Every year''s Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet was not broadcast on television; it was just broadcast live through the radio. The year beforest''s Hebei province''s Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet had an old man from the Hebei Writers'' Association for its champion. He won weakly with about 23,000 votes. Andst year, the champion of the Jinshi Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet was an operatic actor from the Jinshi literary circles. As he had used the moon as his topic and performed an operatic piece, he won with an undisputable 37,000 votes!


    20,000+!


    30,000+!


    Even considering all the previous years, the number of votes the champion garnered had never exceeded 50,000 votes!


    However, this year, what had happened in the Beijing Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet? Alright, Beijing had more people, so it had greater influence than provinces like Jinshi or Beihe. The Beijing Radio Station''s frequencies provided a greater coverage area than even provinces like Tianjin and Hebei could broadcast to, but it should not have been so ridiculous!


    150,000?


    Are you all f***ing pumping stimnts!?


    And what was most shocking was that "Shuidiao Getou" had only about 20 minutes of voting time! It was not even half an hour! 150,000+ votes! This far exceeded everyone''s imagination and beliefs. Hence, no one had thought of this possibility! This was because it was too unreal! But the fact was that Zhang Ye had done it! "Shuidiao Getou" had done it! Zhang Ye had used a melody poem that he came up with on the spot to create such a Heaven-defying miracle!


    No one questioned the authenticity of the votes. Everyone knew this was not a statistical error, as the two notaries were present. They were monitoring the entire process!


    Big Thunder remained silent!


    Little Red Mushroom and Zheng Anbang turned sullen!


    Meng Dongguo choked to the point of not being able to say a word. He moved his lips, but no words coulde out from them!


    Zhang Ye, this person who Meng Dongguo and the Writers'' Association looked down upon and said did not know literature! He had used a single "Shuidiao Getou" to smack them all in the face! And it was the type of smacking that pped them repeatedly! Their faces were really swollen! Meng Dongguo had only obtained 40,000 votes! The ten thousands spot of Zhang Ye''s vote numbers were more than his by 10,000 votes! Zhang Ye''s single vote count exceeded theirbined vote count by a lot more! Wasn''t this a smack in the face? Describing it as hanging them on a tree while smacking them wasn''t too much! It was even too light a description!


    Zhang Ye was an amateur?


    All of you are the professionals?


    Meng Dongguo, Big Thunder andpany''s ravings were still echoing in their ears. Just thinking of those words, those members from the Writers'' Association who hade with them felt their faces turn green. They had disgraced themselves along with Meng Dongguo! They werepletely ashamed! They had been pulled into this for no reason!


    "Who is the real amatuer?"


    It was as if they could see the evening news'' headlines for tonight!


    Speaking of this, up until now, Big Thunder still did not understand how "Shuidiao Getou" managed to garner so many votes. He admitted that this melody poem was extremely well-written, but it shouldn''t be so exaggerated. Themoners also liked it that much? 150,000 votes? About half of those tuning into the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet had voted for "Shuidiao Getou"?


    Zhang Huo was very relieved, and was most gratified. He was very happy to see this scene. It was time for someone to kill these so-called expert Teachers'' momentum and their unrelenting words. Just because of these expert Teachers'' baseless rhetoric and unrelenting words, how much public controversy had they caused in society over the past few years? Maybe, as Zhang Huo was in the news-reporting business, his philosophy was that as public figures, one had to respect the facts and be proper with their words. If they spoke blindly, then they could mislead the public, causing great harm!


    Just because of a few words from them, how much criticism did Zhang Ye endure? They nearly ruined an excellent and great poet! If Zhang Ye did not have a good psyche, he would not have been able to create this work today. Zhang Huo firmly believed that if "Shuidiao Getou" was killed in its infancy, then it would have been a great loss to the cultural world! The entire People''s Republic would suffer!


    Thankfully, Zhang Ye had not been disappointed, and was not put down by those words. In fact, he became braver, despite the setbacks. And for this, Zhang Huo gave Zhang Ye a huge thumbs up in his heart!


    Great!


    He had really made the Beijing Radio Station proud!


    Zhang Huo raised his microphone, "Let us congratte Teacher Zhang Ye in bing the champion with an overwhelming number of votes for ''Shuidiao Getou''! It is well-deserved!"


    A round of apuse exploded!


    The female host, Sun Mengjie, said, "Next, let''s invite the top three ced Teachers onstage for them to say a few words to our listeners."


    Big Sis Zhouughed, "Little Zhang, quickly go!"


    "They are calling for you. Hurry, hurry!" Aunt Sun urged.


    Another colleague pped him on his shoulder, feeling excited for him, "You sure are awesome! I thought you wouldn''t be able to enter the top ten! In the end, you obtained first ce!"


    Zhao Guozhou was alsoughing, "Hurry up and go, Little Zhang. Say a few words. You deserve this honor."


    Zhang Ye could only squeeze out and walk towards the stage from the back of the auditorium.


    When he reached the stage, he saw that Meng Dongguo, who was sitting in the first row, was shaking his hand at the host. He had no intention of going up!


    Zheng Anbang, who had obtained third ce, decided not to go up and embarrass himself once he saw that Vice-President Meng had no intentions of going up. What glory was there with third ce? In his opinion, it was shameful and humiliating! Zheng Anbang also shook his hand, indicating to the host that he was not going up onto the stage.


    Zhang Huo also ignored Meng Dongguo andpany as he smiled. "Then let''s invite this meet''s champion, who is also my colleague, Teacher Zhang Ye, to say a few words."


    What should he say?


    This fellow, Zhang Ye, was a person who bore grudges. He nced at Meng Dongguo andpany. Although he knew that at this moment, they were full of wounds and scars, he still made it his obligation to add another stab, "Actually there''s nothing much to say. I''ll just thank everyone for your support. I am a half-past-six poet and am indeed an amateur. I do not know if my poems have any literary value or if it is art. I have also not considered these whileposing this poem. As long as everyone likes it, and everyone acknowledges me, I think it is enough!"


    What was adding fuel to the fire?


    This was what adding fuel to the fire was!


    What was rubbing salt in one''s wound?


    This was f***ing rubbing salt into one''s wound!


    Below, Meng Dongguo, Big Thunder andpany''s faces were shing red and white. They had never expected this neer with surname of Zhang to still be mentioning this thing! He refused to let this go!


    Zhang Huo was clearly unsatisfied, "Teacher Zhang, please say a few more words."


    "Yes. From the messages from our listeners, they want to hear you talk about things regarding literature, such as producing works, or for example, the value of literature." Sun Mengjie added.


    Really say his thoughts?


    Zhang Ye could not help but have a headache.


    He could speak very well and was a broadcast major. All he relied on was his mouth. Since it was his profession, how could he not be able to speak? But this fellow was, most of the time, saying things ad verbatim. It was the same with how he learned in university. If not, he could tease and scold others, which was also what he was good at. But if he had to say something decent, such as speaking seriously about literature, he would be grasping at straws. There was no other way. He did not have the ability.


    What should he do?


    And it had to have literary value?


    Eh. Zhang Ye had a sh of brilliance. I got it!


    Zhang Ye pondered over it and decided to use the Nobel prize winner from his world, Mo Yan''s*, words in his eptance speech. He nearly recited it ad verbatim, "Alright, then. Then I will seriously repeat myself. I want to thank my family and friends. Their wisdom and friendship shines through my work."


    Mo Yan''s original words were as such.


    These words might not mean much to others, but it had a deep meaning for Zhang Ye.


    Then he carried on Mo Yan''s eptance speech, "Just now, we talked about the value of literature. My personal understanding of it is actually very simple. Inparison to science, literature indeed has no practical use. Yet the greatest function of literature is perhaps itsck of function." With a nod, "Thank you, everyone. I''ve finished speaking."


    Upon hearing this, Meng Dongguo was dumbfounded.


    Big Thunder and Little Red Mushroom also gave a surprise look at each other!


    Zhang Huo''s eyes lit up and sighed, "Teacher Zhang Ye keeps saying that he doesn''t know art and is an amateur, but his final words have perfectly revealed what sort of literary quality Teacher Zhang has. This is the most thought-provoking eptance speech that I have heard in the past few years. Let us once again give a round of apuse of Teacher Zhang!"


    As people apuded, they were deep in thought.


    Some people did not understand it, but others could understand a tiny bit!


    The greatest function of literature is perhaps itsck of function? Those dozen or so Teachers from the Writers'' Association stared at Zhang Ye, who was walking off the stage. This was the first time that they garnered interest in him, a broadcast host who had written "Shuidiao Getou". An "amateur" poet who had managed topletely destroy predecessor authors, them! A just over 20-year-old young man who could say such an eptance speech! The things that Zhang Ye had managed to disy were things that they could not ignore!


    In the middle of the back seat rows.


    The moment Zhang Ye returned, everyone began to speak!


    "Congrattions, Teacher Zhang!" an editor said.


    "You have made our Literature Channel famous!" Aunt Sun was gratified.


    "I already said Teacher Little Zhang was formidable. Look at Little Zhang''s words; they are so philosophical. Uh, although I didn''t understand the meaning behind it." Big Sis Zhouughed.


    Wang Xiaomei, who had her eyes closed, opened her eyes and said, "Teacher Little Zhang''s mention of function might be referring to the creative powers in actual life. How it can have considerable influence and effect on this materialistic society. For example, science can build skyscrapers and dams, but literature is unable to have such an effect. However, the biggest function of literature is itsck of function. This meaning of this sentence is that because literature is unable to cause a materialistic effect on other things like other culture, giving the greatest satisfaction from the item, it is not confined to this physical world, but it can have endless sublimation at the spiritual level. It has a pioneering effect on man''s soul. This, then, is its best function. At least, this is how I understand it."


    "Deep."


    "So that''s how it is."


    "If not for Teacher Xiaomei''s analysis, I would have never understood it."


    Actually, Zhang Ye disagreed with Wang Xiaomei''s understanding. The exnation of how literature may appear useless, but actually had a use to it, waspletely opposite of what he felt. It was because it was useless that made literature great. This was what he wanted to express, and probably what Mo Yan wanted to express, as well. However, Zhang Ye did not refute this or give an exnation. If you got it, you got it. If you understood a different meaning, then so be it. There was no need to distinguish. It was up to one''s interpretation. If literature was also one equals one, two equals two, A equals A, B equals B, and did not have multiple interpretations, then literature would not be called literature.


    Zhao Guozhou clearly was very interested in that sentence, "Little Zhang, your melody poem was well-written, and your eptance speech was also very well-said. Not only did you exceed others in poetry, you have even exceeded others in the understanding of literature! Rest assured, no one will ever dare to say that you do not know anything about art!"


    Aunt Sun sighed, "Little Zhang sure is formidable. He can write supernatural novels, fairy tales, modern poems and ancient poems. See, even a simple eptance speech is enough to shock everyone. Hai, is there anything that you do not know how to do?"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "All of you are ttering me. I just said those words without thought. It''s not that serious."


    The eptance speech was well-said?


    That was definite!


    Who was Mo Yan? The people from this world may not know, as in this world, no one from the People''s Republic had won the Nobel Prize in Literature. However, Mo Yan was famous in his world. He was a person who really stood at the pinnacle of literature. For a person at the peak, he was a real master, so how could what he said be bad!?


    A simple eptance speech had once again made him well-known!


    Anyway, Zhang Ye had really stolen the show today!


    *Mo Yan was the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature for 2012. His real name is Guan Moye, better known by his pen name, Mo Yan, which means "don''t talk." The phrase mentioned in this novel was said not ording to script, as he had previously dered that he had forgotten the written version (as sent to the Nobel Foundation for publication and subtitling) in his hotel room. His given speech differs, therefore, in parts to the published speech.

 Chapter 61: The Weibo Messages of the People from the Writers’ Association have been Deleted!

    <h4>Chapter 61: The Weibo Messages of the People from the Writers�� Association have been Deleted! </h4>


    Chapter 61: The Weibo Messages of the People from the Writers'' Association have been Deleted!


    The Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet was wrapped up.


    After leaving the auditorium, Zhang Ye came within steps of Meng Dongguo and the other members of the Writers'' Association. They still did not make any attempt to have a conversation with Zhang Ye and were escorted out by the staff. Deputy Station Head Jia was amongst the escorts and when he spotted Zhang Ye, he had a dark expression about him. One look and you would know that he was obviously unhappy.


    Why?


    Zhang Ye knew clearly why.


    Ignoring the matter of Zhang Ye not selling the copyright of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' to the station, and ignoring that Deputy Station Head Jia''s rtive Jia Yan''s nned program segment was forced out by Zhang Ye, the reason could only be today''s poetry meet. Why were there so many Teachers from the literary circle attending, even though there was no official poetry session? Because of fame. The Leaders of the broadcasting station must have promised Meng Dongguo something; most likely, the promise was of guaranteeing him first ce in the contest. Perhaps Meng Dongguo was notified very early on to let him have the preparation time toe up with a poem and in return, he would allow members of the Writers'' Association to join. If it wasn''t for the lure of first ce, there wouldn''t be any meaning topeting at all!


    But an unexpected incident had to happen this time!


    Zhang Ye had caused an upset bypleting an impossible task within 20 minutes and had snatched the trophy for his own! How could Meng Dongguo be happy? How could Deputy Station Head Jia be happy? Indeed, Zhang Ye had brought glory to Beijing Radio Station, putting them in the limelight. Afterall, he was a host at the radio station. But Deputy Station Head Jia did not care about this. He was more concerned about their promise.


    Zhang Ye could not be bothered to care about it, though!


    First ce belongs to this bro! Wanna bite me?


    In any case, Deputy Station Head Jia and the Station Leaders were already offended; Zhang Ye could not be bothered anymore. If they didn''t care about him, he was not obliged to care about them. He walked past them and back to his office.


    "Teacher Zhang is back?"


    "Haha. Teacher Zhang is too awesome!"


    "That melody poem is so good; it makes me so excited just by listening to it!"


    Several colleagues who were not close to him before had now actively joined him.


    After offending the Station Leader, Zhang Ye was ostracized by the office and he wasn''t well-respected. But after "Shuidiao Getou" was born, his poprity increased even a bit more than after his release of "The Wizard of Oz". Even though there were still some colleagues who wouldn''t speak with him, they at least treated him with more respect now. After he obtained the coveted first ce under so much attention, who would dare to not respect him?


    "On the inte, theizens'' responses were erupting!


    Zhang Ye flipped through the forums and Weibo and had a shock himself. He had not expected so much support over his injustice!


    "I will not trust the Writers'' Association anymore!"


    "Right! From now on, I will only trust Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "''The Song of the Stormy Petrel'', ''Flying Bird and Fish'', ''A Generation'', ''See Me or Not'' and those untitled works are all ssics amongst ssics! They are all great literary works of this world, yet they were s*** upon by Meng Dongguo and the others? Thrashed into worthless, rubbish poems? What is wrong with this world? Can''t they differentiate between right or wrong? That gang of so-called Teachers, are they blind?"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye has proven his worth today! Let me see who still dares to gossip!"


    There were Zhang Ye''s ghost story fans, fans who liked his fairy tales, the troll army who followed his cursing phrases and even more fans who got to know about Zhang Ye through the poetry meet today. They had set up camp to denounce the Writers'' Association''s Meng Dongguo and others. Someone even shouted, "A Vice-President with standards like that should step down quickly."


    Zhang Ye quickly replied, one by one, thanking them all. He knew that this miracle of garnering 150,000 votes was all because of these supporters. They were the ones who had created this miracle and made Zhang Ye into a legend. Of course he had to thank them!


    Suddenly, someone @-ed Zhang Ye.


    It was ZhangYeNumber1Fan. He mentioned on Weibo, "Teacher Zhang, quickly go check Meng Dongguo''s Weibo and Big Thunder''s Weibo. Haha!"


    Weibo?


    What has happened now?


    Zhang Ye trusted this fan of his; he had received a lot of support from this person the past few times that he had met with difficulties. He quickly opened up Meng Dongguo''s Weibo. Oh? There was nothing at all? The Weibo message that had been shared thousands of times that had criticized Zhang Ye''s works forcking literary value were no longer avable. The status of this page was listed as "Has Been Deleted". And checking on Big Thunder and Little Red Mushroom''s Weibo, thements that they had shared were no longer avable, as well. It was like they''d had a discussion to delete them away.


    The trolls celebrated their victory!


    "Brothers, we have again brought down another city wall!"


    "Haha. This is fun! There''s no failures when we fight alongside Teacher Zhang!"


    "That''s right; our team is getting more and more united, and the spirit is very good!"


    "Correct. I suggest that we improve our partnership from now on. When there''s a problem, we will attack together. Just look at how those idiots from the Writers'' Association had to swallow their own words!"


    "Teacher Zhang is awesome!"


    "This ''Shuidiao Getou'' is too well-written!"


    Following the deletion of their posts from Weibo, it was clear that Meng Dongguo and the others had retracted their words. For now, this could be considered to be an ending. Zhang Ye used a work of his, used his style beautifully and found a solution to this problem. The people who had been misled earlier on by Meng Dongguo andpany also beganing back. Many of them leftments stating that they would renew their support for him. The conclusion of it all was that Meng Dongguo, Big Thunder and the others'' casting of doubt onto Zhang Ye not only did not cause his poprity to drop, it had instead increased his poprity by several times!


    It was the perfect resolution!


    It was a perfect reversal!


    Zhang Ye now took some time off to check on the virtual screen of the game ring. His total Reputation was now over 320,000! And even while he was checking, his Reputation points were visibly piling up nonstop in front of his eyes!


    +1!


    +13!


    +16!


    It was obvious that people were now paying a lot of attention to him!


    If we do a count, this was in fact the first time that Zhang Ye''s Reputation points had grown by so much. Even though within them, some of the points came from "Ghost Blows Out the Light" and "The Wizard of Oz". But mostly, they were brought in by "Shuidiao Getou" and all that had happened at today''s Mid-Autumn event. It was really the case of ''not opening for business for three years; once opened, it can survive for three years''. He had earned fame and Reputation. Today, he had the best of both worlds. Just the Reputation points now could afford him three lucky draws. If we mention the newspaper reports after today, the Reputation points still had a lot of room to grow!


    Someone had tried to put him down, but he instead ended up getting popr by the day?


    Zhang Ye wanted to scream out those words again �� Let the tempeste strike harder!

 Chapter 62: Family Dinner

    <h4>Chapter 62: Family Dinner </h4>


    Chapter 62: Family Dinner


    Afternoon, 4 P.M.


    The unit knocked off earlier, since it was Mid-Autumn''s Festival.


    Zhang Ye had wanted to rest an extra day tomorrow, so he stayed over to record the next day''s episode of "The Wizard of Oz" before heading home. His mom had called this morning to inform him that he should go to his grandmother''s ce. Zhang Ye naturally obeyed, so he went home to the Jiaomen rented apartment, so that he could change into something more presentable.


    Upon entering the corridor, he coincidentally bumped into Rao Aimin, who wasing out of the elevator.


    "Eh, Auntie Landy?" Zhang Ye greeted, "What have you been doing these days? Why haven''t I seen you? I have pushed the rent through the underside of your door. Did you see it?"


    "I saw it. Wait up." Rao Aimin threw the trash bag in her hands into a trashpartment by the door and took the elevator with Zhang Ye. She nted her eyes at him, "You sure are good, kid. You became famous once again. You won first ce at the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet just now, right?"


    Zhang Ye said proudly, "Just average."


    Rao Aimin flicked a ball of thread that had fallen on her arm, "To think that you epted the praise I gave you. It is only because those people don''t know anything. Your poem was so sh*tty!"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Ah? My poem is sh*tty?"


    "How did youpose it? Recite it." Rao Aimin said.


    "Alright, then please analyze and tell me where it''s wrong. I really can''t believe it." Zhang Ye immediately turned offensive. He was thinking, "How could anyone pick a fault in Su Shi''s most famous work? Isn''t this bull****? Even those people from the Writers'' Association could not say anything, but you can?" He then shook his head as he said deeply, "When will the moon be clear and bright��"


    "Isn''t that a load of rubbish!? When will it? The 15th day of the 8th month!" Rao Aimin said loudly.


    Zhang Ye was stunned as he suppressed his speechlessness, "With a cup of wine in my hand, I ask the clear sky��"


    Rao Aimin interjected, "Why do you even need to ask the clear sky? There''s no need to ask it. Asking me would do. I already told you; it''s the 15th day of the 8th month!"


    Zhang Ye''s brain was already filled with ck lines, "��In the Heavens on this night, I wonder what season it would be?"


    Rao Aimin interrupted once again, "Didn''t I already tell you. Today is the 15th day of the 8th month! Year 2014, the 15th day of the 8th month of the Lunar calendar! Do you have no calendar at home?"


    Zhang Ye, "��.%$#@@#@)!&&"


    Rao Aimin showed her venomous tongue once again. This was the first time Zhang Ye had heard such a sharp criticism of the poem. He was momentarily dumbfounded!


    Your sister!


    Are you understanding "Shuidiao Getou" as something from the children''s show, ''A Hundred Thousand Whys''!?


    Zhang Ye already knew that he could notmunicate with thendy who had not one bit of literary culture, so he immediately went home to change his clothes. If he carried on speaking with thendy, Zhang Ye believed there were only two oues. Either he would be vexed to death, or Su Shi would be vexed to life! However, after giving it some thought, Zhang Ye was hoping that there was someone like her amongst his fans. If a queen with a venomous tongue like Rao Aimin joined in the troll army wars, then she would be an absolute force to be reckoned with. Thendy herself had the power to fight a thousand alone. That was the real battleground for her to show her prowess. Yes, on this point, thendy was an extremely rare talent!


    ��


    5.30 P.M.


    The sky was still cloudy and looked like it was about to rain.


    Zhang Ye came to Liu Li Qiao, where his granny''s house was. This was an old and tiny district. The thing slightly different from his memory was that this tiny district had been repainted, so the houses looked newer. Clearly, this was a change caused by the game ring. It was like a butterfly effect. There were many slight adjustments in this world. Well, it was unknown what changes had happened to his rtives. This was also one of the reasons why he had not dared toe to his granny''s ce ever since he had started work. Strictly speaking, this was no longer the world hepletely knew, so he was afraid of letting the cat out of the bag.


    Upstairs.


    The door was open, but the anti-theft door was still activated. Laughter and chatter from the few cousins could be heard.


    Zhang Ye opened the anti-theft door and entered. The first thing he saw was his mother and his third aunt, who were cooking in the kitchen, "Mom, Third Aunt."


    His Mom smiled. "Son, you are here?"


    His Third Aunt smiled. "Heh. Our superstar is here."


    "What do you mean, superstar? I''m just a radio host, so don''t tease me." Zhang Ye said humbly, before looking towards the sofa, "First Uncle, First Aunt, Second Uncle, Third Uncle." He greeted them one by one. "All of you are here? Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!" Only his Second Aunt was not here for some unknown reason.


    "Heh, Little Ye."


    "I haven''t seen you in a long time."


    "Quicklye in and meet your grandparents."


    Zhang Ye said, "Okay." and entered the small house. The door was closed. His uncles smoked, while his grandmother did not like the cigarette smell. Opening the door, he gave some nutritional and health supplements that he had bought from the supermarket to his grandparents, "Grandma, Grandpa, happy Mid-Autumn Festival. How are the both of you?"


    Grandma liked Zhang Ye the most. The moment that she saw him, she urged him to take a seat, "I''m good. My health is good, too. I''ve only been missing you. Why haven''t youe in a month?"


    Grandpa also doted on Zhang Ye a lot. There was no other way. Although Zhang Ye was a maternal grandson, he was the only boy amongst the younger generation in the house. As old people, they were more traditional and prefered boys, "Little Ye is busy at work. He just started work, so he can''t keeping like before."


    Grandma asked, "Hehe. Why did you buy so much? How much would that cost?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s not much. It''s just to honor the two of you, and let you supplement your bodies."


    "Look at our Little Ye; he''s so sensible." Grandma beamed.


    At this moment, shouts came out from the house. These shouts sounded likerks. They were clear and pleasant.


    "My brother is here!"


    "Bro! Let me take a nce!"


    "The superstar is here! I need to see him, too!"


    The three sisters crowded into the small room.


    His mother''s family situation was quite interesting. His mother was the eldest sister in the house. She had three younger brothers, who were Zhang Ye''s first, second and third uncles. The three uncles all had daughters as children, which were the three cousins of Zhang Ye.


    The eldest sister was Cao Dan. She was in her early twenties and was not much younger than Zhang Ye. She was still in college.


    The second sister was Cao Tong. She was in high school. Her personality was quite frank, like a boy. She was good at making big hoohas.


    The third sister was Cao Mengmeng. She was in middle school. She was the most mischievous of all. She made a fuss all day and she was not afraid of doing anything.


    In summary, none of these three girls were easy to deal with.


    When Zhang Ye saw them, he sighed, "Little Dan, Little Tong, Mengmeng."


    The eldest sister was considered the quietest amongst the three. She obediently called, "Bro."


    His second and third sister were not that particr. Cao Tong pped Zhang Ye on the shoulder loudly, "Well done, Bro! You became a celebrity after I had not seen you for a few days!"


    Grandma shot a nce at her, "This kid�� How can you speak to your older brother in this manner?"


    Cao Mengmeng sank as she held Zhang Ye''s arm whileughing, "After hearing what First Aunt said, I specially went on the web to check, and I really found quite a lot of your works. Our school has also publicized ''Little Bunnies Be Good''. I only knew that it was written by my Bro yesterday. So awesome. Hehe. Bro, you must have made quite a lot of money? Be honest. The few of us don''t have any allowance left to spend. My parents also aren''t giving me any pocket money. We will be relying on you."


    Money?


    Hurhur, what sort of question was that!


    You are my sisters; how can I not give money if you ask?


    Well, but talking about money hurts feelings, so let''s change the subject!


    Zhang Ye digressed and chatted about other things with them. First Uncle and Second Uncle also came over and they chatted.


    After a short exchange and some leading questions, Zhang Ye received quite a good understanding of the present situation. His rtives had not changed too much. However, there were still some differences. For example, his youngest cousin''s school was no longer the middle school from his memories. His eldest cousin had scored tens of points higher for her college entrance exams than in his memory. For example, the working ce of his First Uncle and Aunt had changed to somewhere Zhang Ye had no memory of. All of these were considered minor changes. After all, the world had changed to a new world. A lot of cultural industries may change, so it was impossible to not affect his family. After figuring this out, Zhang Ye also dared to speak, and was not too afraid of making mistakes.


    Even as dinner time approached, everyone was still talking about Zhang Ye.


    "Little Ye is so promising."


    "Little Ye, when did you dabble in creative work? Why didn''t I see it before?"


    "That''s right; I''ve never seen this talent of Little Ye in the past. Even if he gained enlightenment, it shouldn''t have been so exaggerated. I heard from Big Sis that Little Ye even wrote poems!"


    Third Uncle and Aunt had a suspicious tone, but they had no malicious thoughts. They really could not understand. This was because other than Zhang Ye having managed to make the cut for a pretty good university, he was not great in any other aspect. He had been too normal since he was young, hence they had even discussed before that after Zhang Ye graduated, he would at most find a behind-the-scenes job in a radio station or newspaper firm, where he would do the lighting or write documents. No one expected Zhang Ye to find such a well-fitted profession and even manage to sit stably as one of Beijing Radio Station''s broadcasting hosts!


    His parents did not speak.


    However, his Mom did not like hearing that and was just about to retort.


    Suddenly, Second Aunt came home. She held a bag of mantou in her hands. She had just went to buy food. The moment she entered, she began to chatter. She pulled out two rolls of newspapers that she had held under her arm. "Eh. Little Ye, you got off work? Quickly take a look. I just bought the newspaper at the newsstand. Little Ye has made it into the papers. At this afternoon''s whatever Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet, Little Ye had shockingly taken down the professional writers from the Beijing Writers'' Association, getting first!"


    "Eh?"


    "There was such a thing?"


    "Quickly, let me see."


    "What sort of newspapers? Some tabloid?"


    Everyone was very surprised.


    Second Aunt said, "What tabloid? It''s the Beijing Evening News. Another is the Beijing Times. They are all big newspapers and each have a great cirction!"


    Zhang Ye tilted his head over and took a nce. He had walked past the newsstands just now, but he did not buy it. He did not think that the afternoon''s events would be reported in time, as the newspaper firms would have prepared manuscripts. So it would never be in time. But who knew that it woulde out today? Hence, he also had not seen the specific content.


    His Third Cousin, Cao Mengmeng, grabbed it, "Wow, Bro. You really became famous. I thought it was just some small hooha. I didn''t know that you had be so famous!"


    The rtives passed the newspapers around as they surrounded them. Only then did they realize how promising Zhang Ye had be.


    Grandpa and Grandma were very ted. They praised their grandson for his abilities.


    Mom''s face was beaming with pride as she began to brag, "That''s because you don''t know. Little Ye is awesome. Justst time, he used a poem to save a person''s life. A female university student wanted tomit suicide; but after hearing my son''s poem, she immediately did not want to die. The next day, the entire family even brought a banner and made a big hooha at my son''s unit to thank him. Also, that fairy tale that was greatly publicized by the capital, it may seem like an ordinary story, but in fact, it''s nothing ordinary. Back then, when my son posted ''Little Bunnies Be Good'', that was a national contest�� That was something that even shocked the Education Ministry. I think it''s even possible for it to be written into elementary school textbooks. And then, there''s the other time��"


    Mom was bragging throughout the entire meal.


    Zhang Ye blushed while hearing this. He was thinking, "I didn''t realize that I was so kick-ass!"

 Chapter 63: Can You Get Zhang Yuanqi’s Signature?

    <h4>Chapter 63: Can You Get Zhang Yuanqi��s Signature? </h4>


    Chapter 63: Can You Get Zhang Yuanqi''s Signature?


    After dinner.


    Dad and the three uncles went to the balcony to smoke.


    Zhang Ye felt embarrassed to smoke in front of his family, so he stayed behind with all the women, speaking at random.


    Second Cousin Cao Tong was looking at her cellphone and suddenly kicked at Zhang Ye''s shoes. "Eh. Bro, there will be the Golden Microphone Awards soon!"


    Zhang Ye replied, "I know."


    The Third Cousin immediately said, "I have also heard of it. My idol, Zhang Yuanqi, will be one of the judges this time. I heard from my ssmate that this was the first time that the Golden Microphone Awards have invited such a big S-list celebrity to be a judge. Some people are even questioning if my big idol knows about broadcasting and hosting. Ha, what a joke. Don''t they know that Auntie Yuanqi had been a television host many years ago? Furthermore, the program she hosted was very popr. It was only because she went to do music and film movies that she did not further develop herself in the hosting business. If she was not qualified to be a judge, who else is qualified? Keke. With Auntie Yuanqi present, there will definitely be many people watching the awards ceremony this year."


    Zhang Ye said with surprise, "You sure know quite a lot."


    "Of course." Cao Mengmeng smiled. "I''m most infatuated with Zhang Yuanqi."


    Eldest Cousin Cao Dan looked at Zhang Ye, "The finalist nominations are almost done, right? Did you get in?"


    Zhang Ye smirked, "Golden Microphone Awards? That has nothing to do with me. I have just started work this past month. To be nominated for the Golden Microphone Awards, one needs to have at least three years of broadcasting experience. I''m still far from the gates." He did want to get an award and had nned very well. Once he obtained an award and gained experience, he could leave the radio station for a bigger stage to develop himself. However, even if he set his sights high, he had never considered the Golden Microphone Awards. That was the most prestigious broadcasting host award in the country. He would not be able to squeeze into it, even if he broke his head.


    Cao Dan blinked, "I''m not talking about being nominated for the Golden Microphone Awards; I''m talking about the Silver Microphone Awards."


    Zhang Ye turned his attention back, "Silver Microphone Awards? What''s that?" If he was not mistaken, his world only had the Golden Microphone Awards. Where did the Silver Microphone Awardse from?


    "The Silver Microphone Award is a neer award." Cao Dan might have dreams of entering the entertainment industry, so she knew a bit more. She checked on her cellphone and passed it over, "Look. These are neer awards that were specially created for neers who have less than three years in the broadcasting industry. Among these, there are ten spots for all the rookie television hosts in the country, while there are ten spots for all the rookie radio hosts in the country. Take a look."


    "Bro, you are so stupid." Cao Mengmeng scoffed.


    Cao Tong was speechless too, "To think that you are an anchor. You don''t even know this?"


    Grandma protected her grandson, "Don''tugh at your brother. Little Ye has just started working for a month."


    Zhang Ye broke into a sweat. He, of course, did not know of this because his world did not have it. Why was there a specially established award for neers? And they were given to ten people? He quickly checked and finally understood. These special Silver Microphone Awards prepared for neers were not something to be scoffed at. It was not limited to the capital regions. This award was a national award and meant a lot!


    Haha!


    He got whatever he wanted!


    Zhang Ye felt that he had to get this award, regardless of anything. Wasn''t he waiting for this? Once he had experience on hand, Zhang Ye could have vast oceans of flying fish�� Eh, that''s not right. Vast oceans of jumping birds�� Eh, that''s not right either. High skies�� high skies filled with birds�� Forget it! What a crappy phrase!


    After teasing Zhang Ye, Cao Mengmeng began talking about her biggest idol. Strictly speaking, Zhang Ye did not belong to this world and there were many changes that he did not know about. But everyone in the family knew of Cao Mengmeng''s hardcore star-chasing, and Zhang Yuanqi was her favourite, "I must go support my Auntie Yuanqi''s new movie. She''s too pretty, so gentle and so very elegant. When I grow up, I want to be as beautiful as someone like Auntie Yuanqi."


    Third Aunt smiled. "My daughter will definitely be beautiful."


    Remembering something, Cao Mengmeng nced toward Zhang Ye, "Brother, you''ve got to work harder. You''re only a small star now, so you have to quickly gain more fame. And when you reach Zhang Yuanqi''s level, you must get an autograph from her for me. That is my biggest wish. Ah, ah. If I had her autograph, that would be so great; my schoolmates would be so envious of me!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes, "Who is a really small star now?"


    "Heehee. That''s about what you are." Cao Mengmeng swung her pigtails around saying, "If you get me Zhang Yuanqi''s autograph, I will admit that you are a famous star and worship you in the future."


    Zhang Ye deliberately quipped, "If I can get it? How will you worship me?"


    Cao Mengmeng rolled back her eyes, "Get over it. You can''t even meet Zhang Yuanqi now; how do you expect to get her autograph?"


    "Who says I can''t get to see her?" Zhang Ye suddenly bragged.


    Cao Mengmeng stuck out her tongue, "Keep on bragging; like I would believe it."


    Cao Dan asked, "Where will our brother get the autograph from? What kind of person is Zhang Yuanqi like? Having bodyguards all around whenever she goes out, even if you were to meet her coincidentally, you would not be able to see her. She''s going to be well-protected."


    Cao Mengmeng eagerly said, "Brother, I will depend on you anyway!"


    "Don''t give trouble to your bother." Third Aunt told her daughter. "Little Ye has just debuted; how do you expect him to get you Zhang Yuanqi''s autograph?"


    Third Uncle, who had juste back from his smoke break, also said, "Little Ye, don''t be bothered by her."


    Zhang Yeughed, then said to the youngest sister, "Do you really want to have it?"


    "Of course! I want it, even in my dreams." Cao Mengmeng was a passionate fan of Zhang Yuanqi''s, "Even if you take away a year of my lifespan, I still want it!"


    "Stop spouting nonsense." Grandma lightly nudged her head.


    Cao Mengmeng clutched her head and said, "But it''s true; I am Auntie Yuanqi''s hardcore fan!"


    Zhang Ye and his Mom, along with their few aunties, were all tickled by Cao Mengmeng''s antics.


    Zhang Ye then mysteriously said, "Sure. Wait for me a little, then. I will go to the bathroom." In the toilet, Zhang Ye flipped through his wallet and took out a piece of paper. Did he have Zhang Yuanqi''s autograph? He really did have it. It was from the other time when Zhang Yuanqi left the note to him before leaving his house. On it was written, "I''ve saved your phone number; the same goes for your unit number. I''ve forgotten yesterday''s incident; I guess you have, too." in some sort of threatening tone.


    Sign off:


    �� Zhang Yuanqi.


    Zhang Ye cleared his throat, tore off the top part of the note, and kept the signature intact. He then grasped it in his hand and walked outside.


    Outside the house.


    Cao Mengmeng was still jumping around, expressing her love for Zhang Yuanqi, "The other time when the concert ended, I was just 100 metres away from her; a hundred metres! I hate myself for not having the courage to rush up! Then, maybe I would have gotten an autograph from her! It''s my biggest regret! I hate it!"


    "Really?" Cao Dan said in frustration.


    Cao Tong tousled her little sister''s hair, "Haha. There will be chances in the future."


    Actually, Cao Dan and Cao Tong were also very into Zhang Yuanqi. They were just not at the level of crazy, like their third sister was.


    Zhang Ye came over and nudged Cao Mengmeng with his arm, then opened his fisted hand and said, "Take it."


    "What''s this?" Cao Mengmeng not understanding the situation, "Did you use this in the toilet? Aiya, brother; that''s too dirty!"


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted, "It''s not toilet paper! Take a clearer look. You don''t know how good I am."


    "Let me see; what''s this mysterious thing?" Cao Tong grabbed it, opened the note and gave out a scream, "Ahh! This can''t be?"


    Cao Mengmeng''s curiosity was aroused. She immediately jumped up, "Show it to me! Show it to me!"


    Cao Tong handed the note to Cao Mengmeng, dumbfounded, "You should prepare yourself for this!"


    Cao Mengmeng casually took it from her, but when she saw the writing on it, it sent a shiver down her spine. Her little voice suddenly shouted, "OH, MY GOD! God! Zhang Yuanqi''s autograph! Autograph!"


    The entire family was startled.


    "Is that true?"


    "Zhang Yuanqi''s autograph?"


    "Little Ye, how did you get it?"


    Even though the adults don''t follow any stars, they still knew Zhang Yuanqi well!


    "Did brother go to the toilet and forge this autograph?" Cao Tong asked cautiously after recovering from the shock. She immediatelyunched her mobile inte browser to search for Zhang Yuanqi''s autograph to verify it!


    Cao Mengmeng and the others gathered around to see!


    The truth was revealed; it was exactly the same!


    This was really Zhang Yuanqi''s signature!


    Cao Mengmeng nearly went mad, running around the house while holding the note in both hands. She shouted while doing this, "I have it now! I have it now!"


    Zhang Ye "��Be quiet."


    "My schoolmates are gonna be so jealous of me! I want to frame it! I want to frame it against the wall and ce it above my bed forever!" Cao Mengmeng was ecstatic for a long while, before she remembered about Zhang Ye. She pounced on him, "Brother! I love you! I really, really love you!"


    Zhang Ye patted her back, pretending to despise her, "Get down. Down!"


    Cao Mengmeng held on tightly, "You actually got it. How did you get it?"


    "I have my ways. But it''s a secret, so I won''t tell." Zhang Ye could still be stern when he wanted to be stern. "Keep it well."


    Cao Tong stared, "Brother, I want it, too!"


    Cao Dan also embarrassedly looked at Zhang Ye, "I would like one, too."


    Zhang Ye was in cold sweat, "I''ve only got one; let''s talk about itter."


    "Brother, you are biased. You gave it to Mengmeng, but not to us." Cao Tong held out her hand in a tantrum, "I don''t care. I want it anyway; you just get it for us!"


    "Next time, next time." Zhang Ye said dismissively.


    The autograph was handed around for everyone to take a look at it. Cao Mengmeng looked on, unwillingly. Whenever it was passed onto another person, her eyes followed closely, afraid they would damage it.


    Having gotten this autograph, Zhang Ye was looked upon in a different light by his family. He actually managed to get his hands on Zhang Yuanqi''s autograph? They only had the sudden realisation now; Zhang Ye was no longer the silly boy who could not achieve anything!

 Chapter 64: New Feature of the Lottery – Additional Stakes!

    <h4>Chapter 64: New Feature of the Lottery �C Additional Stakes! </h4>


    Chapter 64: New Feature of the Lottery - Additional Stakes!


    The second day after Mid-Autumn''s Day.


    It drizzled lightly overnight and the morning was cool.


    Zhang Ye was resting. In his rented apartment of about 30 square meters, Zhang Ye was preparing for something very important - the Lucky Draw.


    At this moment, his total Reputation had reached an rming 630,000. It had umted 100,000 points from before, from the broadcasts of "Ghost Blows Out the Light" and "The Wizard of Oz" over the past few days, as well as more from the fans gained from Weibo''s "See Me or Not" poem, and "Shuidiao Getou" from the live broadcast of the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet. Also, there was the poprity that Zhang Ye had received from yesterday''s Beijing Evening News and Beijing Times. It was as if flowers were blooming from all directions. Hence, his Reputation had reached an unprecedentedrge number with all these aspects. Counting it, Zhang Ye had really never obtained so many Reputation points before. He felt like a nouveau rich!


    It was so addicting!


    It could be said that his hard work had paid off!


    Zhang Ye forgot about his pressures and took a deep breath. Then he went to the bathroom and used some soap to wash his hands three times before sitting down on his bed �� He was always this superstitious.


    The game''s interface appeared.


    [ Inventory ]: Currently empty.


    [ Merchant Shop ]: Only "Memory Search Capsule"


    [ Lottery ]: There was only this method left to obtain new items.


    Zhang Ye used his heavily scented hands to tap open the Lottery screen and chose to purchase the chance at the Lottery once. After he made the confirmation, the wheel began to spin. The drawing had begun!


    Stats Category��


    Consumption Category��


    Skills Category��


    Special Category��


    The needle slipped past one after another!


    About ten secondster, the needle began to slow down!


    Zhang Ye had previously had great luck when he had obtained a Special Category prize. He did not have any extravagant wishes, as the probability of it happening again so soon was too low. This time, he was hoping to obtain a Stats Category or Skills Category prize. It was because he had still not seen what sort of items there were in these two categories. He had no concept of it, so he naturally anticipated it. He also wanted to be familiar with the game ring''s usage and effects as soon as possible. For example, what was a Skills Category item? For example, there were parentheses at the end of the Treasure Chest, within which was written "Small". Was there a Treasure Chest (Medium) or Treasure Chest (Large)? How was it opened? Or did he need to level up? Will there only be this feature in the future? Zhang Ye did not understand any of these.


    The increase in his poprity depended on it. The Unlucky Sticker, the Memory Search Capsule, etc. had all given him a wondrous boost for his career. Even the modification of the world''s background was all due to the game ring. It was only this that allowed Zhang Ye to use unknown literary works to appear so divine. For such an important thing that he relied upon, he had to research it thoroughly. He had great goals. He would not be satisfied with an average life.


    As he was thinking this, the needle had stopped!


    Seeing the needle point to a stop, Zhang Ye was a bit depressed. Your sister. Why is it still a Consumption Category? Even if this category ounted for a 50% probability, it shouldn''t happen all the time!


    Zhang Ye obtained another Consumption Category''s Treasure Chest (Small). He helplessly took it out and opened the lid. Actually, Zhang Ye no longer looked forward to the Consumption Category, as he had obtained it too many times. However, when he opened the Treasure Chest and saw the item inside and its introduction, he could not help but be pleasantly surprised!


    [ Lucky Bread ].


    The item''s introduction: Effective once eaten. Increases the yer''s Luck stat for five minutes.


    Adding luck? This was a good item! Zhang Ye had clearly not used it before; however, he had used the "Unlucky Sticker" and the "Unlucky Halo". These items were things that had bad luck effects. From those two items, he could also see what effect that the Lucky Bread would have. It definitely would not be terrible!


    Zhang Ye finallyughed. He carefully kept the Lucky Bread, and then opened up the Lottery interface once again. He still had 500,000 Reputation points, and could still draw another five times. However, to be safe, he would leave 100,000 Reputation points unused. He needed to ensure that he could obtain knowledge he could not remember clearly when there was a need. For him to want to be a celebrity, a celebrity more popr than Zhang Yuanqi, it was important for him to be careful.


    There were still four more chances!


    Zhang Ye chose the Lottery once again, and then confirmed his purchase!


    The needle moved. Zhang Ye stared at the turntable, without blinking. Maybe it was because he looked at it so seriously, but Zhang Ye was suddenly shocked. He noticed that there was an option that he had never seen before on the turntable. As there were too many categories, and there were all sorts of color zones and the needle, the turntable was tooplicated. It had distracted a lot of his attention, so Zhang Ye had only discovered it at this time. The option was very small, and was at the rightmost corner of the turntable.


    [ Additional Stakes ].


    These two words did not have any other introduction.


    Zhang Ye hesitated for a while, before he tapped it.


    Pa! A window popped out. At the same time, the needle stopped in its ce and did not carry on moving. There were only six words on the screen.


    Adding Stakes Or Not?


    "Yes" or "No".


    Zhang Ye was of a mind to try it for research purposes, so he chose "Yes". Following that, his remaining Reputation points and more options appeared.


    Select Additional Stakes Quantity.


    The default was "1", and there was an up and down arrow beside it. He could add more stakes.


    Zhang Ye hesitated for a long time. With a ruthless determination, he decided to add an additional three more stakes. He reserved 100,000 Reputation points. This was thergest number of stakes that he could add. Every additional stake cost 100,000 points.


    With the three additional stakes bought, his Reputation immediately became 130,000.


    Following that, the interface bounced and returned back to the turntable interface from before.


    The needle continued moving. It did not begin from the beginning. It was in the previous state as before. Its momentum was slowly decreasing and was closing in on the Stats Category!


    Stop!


    Stop, please!


    Zhang Ye only wished that he could use his hand to pull the needle over!


    Maybe it was because the Heavens had heard his call. As the needle carried on moving, it began to close in on the Stats Category at the final moment. It had hit the zone by just a millimeter difference! Finally, he had obtained the Stats Category that he had never obtained before, just what he had wished for. Zhang Ye was greatly anticipating it!


    The Treasure Chest appeared. It was still the same old Treasure Chest (Small).


    However, different from before, there were four Treasure Chests (Small)!


    This was the effect of adding stakes? Drawing from the Lottery was one stake. With three Additional Stakes, there were four Treasure Chests?


    Zhang Ye rushed to take out all the Treasure Chests. He used his left hand to open a lid, and the result greatly surprised him!


    Fruit of Charm (Eye)!


    Fruit of Charm (Eye)!


    And still Fruit of Charm (Eye)!


    The four Treasure Chests opened the same Stats Category item!


    So this was the meaning of Additional Stakes! It was the same as buying lottery tickets. Additional Stakes meant doubling, tripling or more!


    Understanding this effect, Zhang Ye believed this Additional Stakes option would definitely aid him greatly in the future. As he had added his stakes when the wheel was almost stopping, yet it carried on. That meant that whenever Zhang Ye wanted a particr category''s item, he could watch the needle and wait until it was about to stop at the category he needed, then begin adding stakes. By buying Additional Stakes, he could then obtain many of the category''s awards that he needed, all at once!

 Chapter 65: The Amazing Effects of the Fruit of Charm!

    <h4>Chapter 65: The Amazing Effects of the Fruit of Charm! </h4>


    Chapter 65: The Amazing Effects of the Fruit of Charm!


    He now had an understanding of the Additional Stakes.


    Looking at the item''s introduction, Zhang Ye was overjoyed.


    [ Fruit of Charm (Eye) ]: Permanently effective once eaten. Increases the yer''s charm stat (Eyes). Can be unlimitedly stacked.


    Only for the eyes? Could there be other Fruit of Charms for other parts?


    So this was the Stats Category award! No wonder the chances of getting it were so low!


    It waspletely different from the one-time Consumption Category items! This was a permanent effect item!


    And looking at the description, it could be stacked an unlimited number of times? This meant that he could eat as many of these permanent effect fruits as he could get his hands on?


    Zhang Ye finished his Lottery draw. He had spent most of his points, so he had no intention of drawing again. He immediately ced the four Fruits of Charm on a desk. The fruits were not big; they were about the size of a fist. It was in a shape that Zhang Ye had never seen before. The fruits'' skin were deep purple in color, and its surface was pitted with potholes; however, it had a magical charm to it that made it very beautiful. On the stalk, there was even a few green small leaves that exuded an aromatic fragrance.


    Let''s eat!


    Don''t believe in advertisements, believe in effectiveness!


    There was a mirror in front of the desk. Zhang Ye prepared himself, holding up a Fruit of Charm in his hand. He took a bite with excited and mixed emotions!


    Poof!


    Even the aroma sttered out!


    Zhang Ye uncontrobly closed his eyes. He swore that this was the most delicious fruit that he had ever tasted. Sweet and creamy, mellow tasting, overflowing with fragrance, full of fat, but not greasy, melts in the mouth, with a lingering taste��.. Forget it, I''m not gonna exaggerate. Actually, the taste was just so-so, but if it were not exaggerated, how else could the specialness of the item be expressed? When you watch TV, those cuisine programs'' food critics�� Are they not the same? They easily say it melts in the mouth every now and then. Zhang Ye could never understand it in the past. Your sister! A piece of lousy jackass barbecued meat�� How the heck could it melt in the mouth!? Did you think you were eating Dove? Zhang Ye could understand now why barbecued jackass meat could even melt in the mouth on TV �� Because this would make it seem f***ing awesome!


    All the fruits had been eaten!


    Everything had been stuffed into his stomach!


    Rumble, rumble. He felt his throat pulsating. The next moment, Zhang Ye had a surprise. He could only feel a very special, magical feeling. Something that was indescribable. Something very, very special; it was a feeling that could not be held in!


    Could it be so magical?


    Yes, it was just that magical!


    Right. And so Zhang Ye rushed to the toilet for his small business. After flushing, the magical feeling had disappeared.


    Alright, not kidding anymore. Let''s go back to before the writing table. Zhang Ye was looking into the mirror at himself and he really discovered that there was something different!


    His eyes had a burning sensation and he couldn''t keep them open!


    He could feel this burning sensation all around his eyes for over half a minute!


    Only after Zhang Ye returned to his normal condition did he open his eyes. His reflection in the mirror gave him a little bit of a shock. This��. His eyes were like��.


    Were like they were unchanged!


    Or maybe it changed!


    The unchanged parts were the eye contours and its appearance, which was still like before, not too big and not too small, with a single eyelid. However, the spirit seemed to have changed. Originally, there was nothing special about his eyes. Now, there seemed to be an air of quality and depth, but it was not too obvious.


    Seeing this, Zhang Ye''s spirit rose. He excitedly grabbed all the remaining fruits and ate them!


    One!


    Two!


    Three!


    Everything had been eaten!


    Fruit of Charm (Eye)! Effective.


    yer''s Charm state (Eye) permanently effective.


    After bearing with the burning sensation with each fruit, Zhang Ye finally rubbed his eyes and looked into the mirror. He got a fright from looking at himself!


    Is this still me?


    How did I be so charming!


    Could it be a delusion? Was this a cebo effect?


    Zhang Ye was really confused, which caused him to question the results. Seeing that lunch time was almost here, he decided not to eat instant noodles. He went out to a restaurant to eat Lamian.


    Going out.


    Taking the elevator.


    Inside the elevator, there were two 18-year-old female students who lived upstairs.


    Seeing Zhang Ye enter, one of the girls with a ponytail did not respond. She gave a nce before looking back down at her cellphone. The other girl, who wore spectacles, paused her gaze on Zhang Ye for an additional second. Only when Zhang Ye''s eyes met hers did the bespectacled girl quickly pull away her gaze. When the elevator almost reached the first floor, Zhang Ye could see from the corner of his eyes that the bespectacled girl had nced at him again. When the elevator stopped and opened its door, the first girl went out, while the bespectacled girl took a third nce at Zhang Ye. This nce was very fast, before the two of them briskly walked away.


    Were there flowers on my face?


    Or was my face stained with something?


    Zhang Ye was unsure. As he used his cellphone''s front camera as a mirror, he realized that there was nothing unusual. The girl had definitely not looked at him because of that!


    Coming out of the small district, Zhang Ye walked towards the Lamian restaurant.


    On the way, people still ignored Zhang Ye. This was something that Zhang Ye was already used to.


    However, as he walked, a 27-year-old older sister who wore a long skirt noticed Zhang Ye. She looked at him and her gaze paused on Zhang Ye''s face for three full seconds, before taking her gaze off him as they brushed past each other.


    He reached the Lamian restaurant.


    Zhang Ye found a seat with air-conditioning, "A bowl of Lamian, a big bowl."


    "Do you want to add meat?" A female waitress came over.


    "There is no need to add meat. Add more chilli peppers. Thank you." Zhang Ye smiled.


    The waitress took a look at his eyes, "Alright, please wait a moment. It will be served shortly."


    In three minutes, the 18-year-old waitress brought the Lamian over, "It''s ready."


    Zhang Ye lifted his chopsticks and began eating. He noticed that there were four pieces of meat in the Lamian. He had frequently eaten in this Lamian restaurant before. He had always been thrifty and never added meat, hence there would always be at most two pieces of meat in the bowl. But there were actually four pieces today? He had said not to add meat!


    Now, it was still 11 o''clock. There was still some time before the lunch hour, so there weren''t many people here.


    Soon, the waitress came over again and began chatting with Zhang Ye, "Do youe here often for your meals? I find you familiar."


    Zhang Ye replied, "Ah, yes. I''vee here a few times."


    "Aren''t you working today? Why did youe here so early for lunch?" the waitress asked.


    The two of them had some idle chatter until a person behind called out to her. The waitress then busied herself.


    After finishing his meal anding out of the Lamian restaurant, Zhang Ye looked up into the sky and had the impulse to cry out!


    People on the street look at me? He got special treatment when eating noodles? The waitress even took the initiative to chat with him? This was something that had never happened in the past, and was something that Zhang Ye had not even dared to think of!


    The Fruit of Charm was indeed effective!


    This was not a delusion of his! It was not a cebo effect! It had really worked!


    Although there were only a few special cases and most people had not changed his attitude towards him, this was still Zhang Ye''s first time experiencing this. He had never encountered special treatment before! Previously, he would often envy handsome hunks, where they would be given special attention or would be stared at. People would hit on them for telephone numbers, while no one paid him any attention. Ignoring the possibility of having additional pieces of meat in his Lamian, just not having his meat reduced would be something to be thankful for! And now that Zhang Ye had a tiny experience of such treatment, it would be weird if he wasn''t happy!


    He had reversed his situation!


    He had seen hope!


    At this moment, he wanted to sing a song, "Arise! All who refuse to be ves!*"


    But what was the principle behind the Fruit of Charm? How did it cause the change?


    Actually, charm was something hard to exin. Some people had average looks without any attractiveness. However, there were people with average looks, who exuded a lot of charm. Zhang Ye understood that it was abination of one''s facial features and also the nourishment of one''s experience. If one gained self-confidence, then it would result in a different air. For example, some celebrities did not look eye-catching in photos when they were young. Some could even be said to be ugly. But as they grew older and their career began to thrive, they somehow became more handsome or beautiful. Zhang Ye might currently be in such a situation. His looks were very average, and there was not anything outstanding about his eyes; however, after eating four Fruits of Charm (Eyes), the change in his eyes had be very obvious!


    He was still the same person. While his eyes were still the same eyes, the feelings they produced in others werepletely different!


    The feedback he got froming out to eat lunch had let Zhang Ye confirm this!


    With the result from the test out, Zhang Ye was unsure what he himself was feeling either. This bro can have such a day? This bro can also be good-looking and be full of charm? He had always been helpless with his looks. They were given to him by his parents and it was natural. There was no other way. However, now that there was an opportunity for Zhang Ye to reverse this situation? This discovery made him extremely excited. He would no longer be obscure again! He could still be saved!


    The world had such an attitude to people of his looks!


    People differentiated one''s looks into different grades!


    In this objective environment, Zhang Ye felt that he had no other way out. Especially his goal of bing a world-renowned superstar, the requirement for looks was even higher. Now, Zhang Ye had seen some hope. This was the best reward he had gained from the Lottery!


    His looks could not change!


    But his charm could change! Charm could be increased!


    Now, just four Fruits of Charm had given him such a significant change. If Zhang Ye were to eat a hundred pieces��no, a thousand pieces, or even ten thousand pieces of Fruits of Charm, what sort of situation and concept would that result in? Could he charm the entire world with just one look? Zhang Ye did not know, but he was greatly looking forward to it. After all, the Stats Category''s Fruit of Charm could be infinitely stacked. As long as he had the Reputation points, then as long as he gained the purchasing privilege of buying this sort of Fruit of Charm in the Special Category, then he could eat an unlimited number of them! When that happened, then would he need to work so hard in his unit, tiring himself to death just to increase his visibility and fame? He just needed to casually sing a song or film a movie; wouldn''t his fan numbers increase with just a smile with his eyes? Just thinking of it made him excited!


    What was the highest realm a celebrity could reach?


    It was not working desperately to have a good piece of work and heavily promoting it to draw in numerous fans!


    It was having fans stream towards him and increasing in numbers with him just standing there without moving! He did not need to work at all! Completely using charm!


    *The lyrics are from the national anthem of the People''s Republic of China, March of the Volunteers.

 Chapter 66: The Olive Branch Held Out by the Television Station!

    <h4>Chapter 66: The Olive Branch Held Out by the Television Station! </h4>


    Chapter 66: The Olive Branch Held Out by the Television Station!


    The next day.


    The sky had just turned bright.


    Zhang Ye, who was still sleeping, heard the irritating sound of the phone ringing. He opened his eyes and grabbed around with his hand stretched out, before pulling the cellphone to his ear, "Hello. How are you?"


    "Is this Teacher Zhang Ye?" It was a middle-aged man''s voice.


    Zhang Ye had never heard this voice as he said with his eyes closed, "That''s me. May I know who you are?"


    The middle-aged man''sughter rang, "Teacher Little Zhang, are you still sleeping? Should I call againter? So as not to affect your rest."


    "It''s alright. May I know who are you?" Zhang Ye asked.


    The middle-aged man said, "My name is Hu Fei. We have previously had some interaction on Weibo. I''m not sure if you still remember me."


    Hu Fei? Who was that? Eh, wait a moment! Interaction on Weibo? Was it that famous producer, Teacher Hu Fei, from Central TV? Zhang Ye was immediately jolted awake. He sat up with his eyes opened wide. Of course he knew the name. Firstly, Hu Fei was quite famous in the industry. And secondly, when "Ghost Blows Out the Light" was released, he was the first big wig Weibo ount to publicly praise Zhang Ye. He remembered very clearly that Hu Fei had supported him when his poems were posted on Weibo. He had even posted a very long Weibo message that gave him endless praises.


    "Hello, Teacher Hu." Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "How do you know my telephone number?"


    Hu Fei said, "Finding your telephone number sure wasn''t easy. I have managed to get it thanks to someone from the Beijing Broadcasting Television Station. With their connections, they could get the telephone numbers from your radio station''s anchors." The Beijing Television Station and the Beijing Radio Station had merged a long time ago. They were interlinked and had amon system, "You may not know that I have already left Central TV. My Weibo verification has already changed to Former Central TV Program Producer. I can tell you some things in advance. Shortly, I will be working at the Beijing Television Station and will be doing my old business of program production."


    Left?


    He had job-hopped to Beijing Television Station?


    Zhang Ye did not understand, "Eh, and you are calling me because��?"


    Hu Feiughed, "Ever since you began ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'', which was rmended to me by a colleague, I have begun taking note of you. I have read all of your modern poems. They are very good; they are so good that I''m speechless. Of course, the reason why I am making this determined decision to call you is because of the ''Shuidiao Getou'' that you wrote. I never expected your ancient poetry literacy to be so outstanding. That melody poem had given me goose bumps after I finished hearing it. Hence, I came looking for you. Although my program hasn''t been decided, and I am still negotiating with the Beijing Television Station about the program matters, I still want to invite you in advance. How about it, Teacher Little Zhang? Are you interested ining over to the television station to develop yourself?"


    Zhang Ye was stunned with surprise, "Me?"


    "Yes. I am new, so I need my own team. If my team has a talented person like you, it would be my honor." Hu Fei appeared very polite.


    Zhang Ye said unsurely, "Can I ask if I will be working front-stage or back-stage?"


    "I was attracted by your front-stage work, so of course I want you to work front-stage." Hu Fei said.


    "However, my appearance might be off the mark. I''m not sure if you have previously seen my profile." Zhang Ye was afraid that he would go back on his word in the future, so he gave him a heads up.


    Hu Feiughed upon hearing this, "I have seen your photo from the Beijing Television Station''s system. Your image might not be considered good, but you are also not ugly. You have decent features. Well, you might not know what sort of program category mine would be. It would be alright for me to divulge this to you. We have preliminarily decided on a cultural knowledge segment. Hence, we do not have very stringent requirements on the host''s and guests'' looks. If youe, I can arrange for you to be a host or arrange for you to be a long-term guest in the segment. This still has some room for discussion until we really decide on the program."


    Zhang Ye took two deep breaths, as he was lost for words, "This��"


    "How about it?" Hu Fei invited him again, "Are you interested in helping me? Being a television host or guest would definitely be a challenge for you. However, if you want to go further in the future, it is something that you need to go through. It will definitely be better than developing yourself at the radio station. You should consider it."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "There''s no need to consider. Teacher Hu, I''m going!"


    Hu Fei nodded, "Alright, but I have a tiny request on my side. You are, after all,cking in experience and have just entered the industry for a month, so I hope you can understand this."


    Zhang Ye said, "Please say it."


    Hu Fei exined, "It''s this. The Silver Microphone Awards are entering the nomination period soon. I want you to win this award, so that your resume will look better. With that, the pressure on my side will be much less. Although I am pulling you over for my segment, a lot of things are decided by upper management. I''m not questioning your ability. But due to your experience andck of any official acknowledgement, the television station will not let a rookie like you who has no experience in television hostinge over. I will definitely need to show a lot of papers just to convince them. For this, I hope you can understand."


    Zhang Ye certainly understood, "I understand."


    Hu Fei said, "This award should not be a big problem for you. With your current ratings there, if you can raise your ratings further and get the rmendation from the radio station, it would not be difficult to do. When you get a Silver Microphone Award, my program will be approved, and then I can immediately rmend you to my superiors for the position of host or long-term guest.


    Zhang Ye said, "Thank you for Teacher Hu''s trust."


    "Your works have touched me. If we can work together, I believe the segment will gain pretty good ratings. When that happens, it will be me thanking you. Hur Hur." Hu Fei did not have any airs of a famous Program Producer. He spoke very nicely.


    The phone was hung up.


    Zhang Ye threw his cellphone on the bed as he rubbed his head and pped his face. It felt like he was in a dream! Great! The television station had invited him! He had not worked so hard for the past few days in vain! He had finally gained the attention of people in the industry! He immediately picked up his cellphone, intending to make a phone call to his parents to tell them about the good news. The radio station was just his springboard. The television station was really the stage that Zhang Ye would be satisfied with. How could he not be excited? However, just as he called out, Zhang Ye gave some thought before quickly hanging up. Not yet; it was still too early!


    Someone had just held out an olive branch to him. The future had not been decided yet!


    He had also put forward a condition that had not been reached, which was winning a Silver Microphone Award!


    From Hu Fei''s words, Zhang Ye could tell that if he didn''t win the award, he would definitely not be epted. Which television station would dare to hire a fresh graduate, who had worked for a month with no service of records or television experience, as a long-term guest or host? Hu Fei appreciated him, but Hu Fei was unable to make the decisions for certain things. The only way was for Zhang Ye to live up to his expectations!


    He needed to get the award!


    Zhang Ye felt an imperative. He definitely could not lose inpeting for a Silver Microphone Award, regardless of any unexpected situations!

 Chapter 67: The Rookie that was about to Make History!

    <h4>Chapter 67: The Rookie that was about to Make History! </h4>


    Chapter 67: The Rookie that was about to Make History!


    The morning phone call had empowered Zhang Ye with energy. After he washed up, he left home. Today, he was again the first to reach the unit. After he retrieved the keys from the door keeper''s room, he rushed straight to the recording studios.


    He wanted to record programs.


    And he intended to record a few episodes.


    After squeezing in some xiaolongbao, which he bought from the streets, into his stomach, Zhang Ye began to narrate "The Wizard of Oz" as he ate. He wanted to organize the plot. For example, the ending part of each chapter and the crucial plot''s position. He was not changing the text or the plot, nor could Zhang Ye change it. He would not change anything about the story, but he could arrange where he would end the segment every day. He did not follow the exact chapter format of "The Wizard of Oz" to the tee. For example, he was ending the program today at a part that made people anticipate. With people''s anticipation hooked, the listenership rating tomorrow could be slightly higher. These were all strategic methods.


    Why did he go through all this trouble?


    It was because Zhang Ye was trying to pull up his listenership ratings!


    His current "Old and Young Story Club" listenership ratings were approximately 2.4% or so. It was second in the Literature Channel. If it went any higher, then he could break a few records. That would be extremely helpful for him in winning a Silver Microphone Award. Then, it would be quite certain that he could win the prize.


    "Chapter 9: The Queen of the Field Mice."


    "''We cannot be far from the road of yellow brick, now.'' remarked the Scarecrow, as he stood beside the girl, ''for we havee nearly as far as the river carried us away.'' The Tin Woodsman was about to reply, when he heard a low growl. Turning his head, he saw a strange beaste bounding over the grass towards them."


    ��


    9:30 A.M.


    His colleagues had already begun work for half an hour.


    Zhao Guozhou''s image had changed today. He had permed his hair. He held out the ratings table as usual, "Stop the things that you are doing for a moment. Is everyone here?"


    Tian Bin looked towards an empty seat, "Zhang Ye isn''t here."


    Zhao Guozhou frowned, "He isn''t here yet? What time is it already?"


    Big Sis Zhou spoke out for Zhang Ye, "Little Zhang must have been too tired over the past few days, so he''s a bitte. I''ll give him a call." She took out her cellphone and gave a call, but Zhang Ye''s cellphone was switched off.


    Jia Yan tried to instigate matters, "He''s not picking up?"


    Big Sis Zhou stared at him, "His phone is switched off; maybe he''s still sleeping."


    Wu Datao seethed, "Isn''t this not treating work seriously? He decides not toe on a whim? He has be arrogant just with this bit of results? Does he even have the Leader in his eyes?"


    With this fault to pick on, a few colleagues who had extremely poor rtions with Zhang Ye began to fan the mes. Their tones made it even worse.


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye came in from outside. Hearing everyone say his name, he asked strangely, "Director, are you looking for me?" He was still unsure of what had happened.


    Zhao Guozhou looked at him, "Why are you sote?"


    Zhang Ye was puzzled, "No, I''m notte. I reached here at 7+ in the morning." He shook the bunch of keys in his hand, "I got the keys from the door keeper''s room, and was in the recording studio, recording my program. I wanted to record a few more episodes today, so I came in earlier, so as to not need to line up to wait for the recording studio."


    What?


    You came in at 7?


    He had been working and recording all this time?


    Tian Bin, Jia Yan and Wu Datao''s faces turned ugly.


    Big Sis Zhouughed and mocked at Tian Bin andpany. She again stood up for Zhang Ye, "I was wondering why Teacher Little Zhang''s cellphone was switched off; so he was recording programs."


    Zhao Guozhou nced at Jia Yan andpany from the corner of his eyes before finally patting Zhang Ye on the shoulder in a satisfied manner. He smiled. "Very good. However, you must make sure to rest. Don''t work too hard."


    "Thank you, Director; I will." Zhang Ye said.


    "Go back to your seat. I''ll announce the results." Zhao Guozhou said warmly.


    Noting that Director Zhao''s attitude towards Zhang Ye was changing, Tian Bin''s heart began to quiver. He suddenly felt a sense of danger. "Late-night Ghost Stories" had just been returned to his hands. "Ghost Blows Out the Light" was not done broadcasting, and it would be some time before Tian Bin managed to really take up the job. However, with the way things were going, why did he feel a sense of danger? Could Zhang Ye steal the anchor position of "Late-night Ghost Stories" once again?


    Zhao Guozhou began announcing the listenership ratings.


    "First ce. ''Talk About the World'', listenership 3.69%


    "Second ce, ''Old and Young Story Club'', listenership�� 2.98%!"


    "Third ce, ''Late-night Ghost Stories'', listenership rating�� 1.97%!"


    With the top three announced, everyone was already speechless and unsure about what to do. Some people even let out audible heavy breaths!


    This was too fierce!


    Was this something that no one could stop?


    Even "Late-night Ghost Stories" had gone up as well! It had gained third ce!


    Ever since Zhang Ye had a new segment, the first episode of "The Wizard of Oz" had reced "Entertainment Daily"''s second cing. "Late-night Ghost Stories", which was always third in ce then got pushed back to be fourth. However, now, with Wu Datao and his partners frequently having errors in his program, "Entertainment Daily"''s listenership ratings have begun to drop off. Even "Late-night Ghost Stories" had surpassed this news-rted segment, and had even reached a shocking 1.97% listenership rating. Ignoring their Literature Channel, even in the Central Broadcasting Radio Station, or even in all the radio station channels in the country, there were note-night segments with such a f***ing ridiculous listenership rating! This��This was about to break 2%?


    F***!


    Was this still ate-night segment?


    Even prime-time segments were not so fierce!


    Only those colleagues who had been steadfastly listening to "Late-night Ghost Stories" were not surprised. This was because they knew that "Ghost Blows Out the Light" had ended a particr arc a few days ago and had begun toy a foundation for a new story. During these few days, it was in a thrilling climax and was especially interesting or even very scary. This naturally pulled up the listenership ratings, resulting in another small outbreak. So it was no wonder that it could exceed "Entertainment Daily".


    Actually, what shocked everyone the most was the listenership ratings for "Old and Young Story Club"!


    The first episode was 2.49%


    The second episode was 2.45%


    The third episode was 2.51%


    There was supposed to be the fourth episode being broadcast the day before yesterday, but it was cancelled due to the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet, so there was no listenership rating for that day. The real fourth episode had been shifted to yesterday, which was also the listenership rating that was announced today!


    2.98%!


    This growth was too defiant of the Heavens!


    This was almost like making rockets! It was flying up in such a short period of time!


    How can that be? Their channel had never had such a jump between listenership ratings before! They acknowledged that Zhang Ye''s new story, "The Wizard of Oz", was indeed very fascinating; however, even the best segment and story needed a gradual process of improvement. It could not have such a jump without any signs, right? Eh, that''s not right! Who said that there were no signs? Many people realized after giving it some thought! It was the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet! It was winning first ce with "Shuidiao Getou" that allowed Zhang Ye''s fame to greatly increase! The live broadcast of the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet happened to be the time slot for Zhang Ye''s program. And from various factors like this were "Old and Young Story Club" and even "Late-night Ghost Stories" brought to such an amazing height!


    This was 2.98%!


    It was going to break three soon?


    In the history of the Literature Channel, only three programs had broken the 3% rating barrier. One of them was "Criticizing Books", and another was "Daily Jokes". These two segments had a historical reason for breaking 3%. Back then, television was still not universal, and radio broadcasting was the main avenue. Later on, with television and the inte bing prevalent, "Criticizing Books" was axed six to seven years ago, due to poor ratings. "Daily Jokes" had now changed into a witty skit segment. It could be said to have ceased to exist. Today, the only program in history that still managed to break 3% in the Literature Channel was Wang Xiaomei''s "Talk About the World"!


    But now, another one was about to appear!


    What sort of glory was this? It was about to enter the Beijing Radio Station''s annals soon!


    And it was highly possible for "Late-night Ghost Stories" to break a record, too! No, actually it should be said that ever since "Late-night Ghost Stories" was in Zhang Ye''s hands, it was making new records every day. It had created a history and miracle forte-night midnight segments! And this miracle was about to usher in a new peak!


    Breaking 2%!


    If "Ghost Blows Out the Light"''s rating could break 2%, this was not just creating history in the Beijing Radio Station, but history for the entire country''ste-night segments on radio!


    A neer!


    Two segments!


    They had all reached a peak at this moment!


    Zhang Ye''s results had made everyone envious; however, Zhang Ye was clearly not satisfied. It could even be said that he was far from satisfied!


    He wanted to get the Silver Microphone Award!


    He could not stop in his footsteps; he needed to climb even higher. He could still go further!

 Chapter 68: Refreshing a New Historical Record!

    <h4>Chapter 68: Refreshing a New Historical Record! </h4>


    Chapter 68: Refreshing a New Historical Record!


    Lunchtime.


    Many people came to speak to Zhang Ye.


    "Teacher Zhang, let''s go. Let''s go for lunch."


    "I have to congratte you in advance. You might break a record tomorrow!"


    "That''s right! If it all goes well tomorrow, your programs will definitely break 2% and 3%. At the verytest, it should happen the day after tomorrow. Don''t forget to give us a treat when that happens. I would not believe if your bonus money is less than 20,000 this month. Haha! Speaking of which, Little Zhang''s two program segments are in the channel''s top three, and also in the station''s top 20. This is already a record in itself! Imagine our oldrades from the past; only a small handful of them could have done the same."


    Everyone was praising him.


    Except for Tian Bin, Jia Yan and a few others, everyone else in the Literature Channel was friendly towards Zhang Ye now. If Zhang Ye could really wield his prowess and break a few station, or even national, records by bringing up his listenership ratings, then everyone in the Literature Channel would also stand to gain. There was a rule in the station that not only gave out rewards for individual performances, but also for team performances. Their whole channel''s employees could all gain an increase in wages of 10% to 20% due to Zhang Ye''s performance. When Wang Xiaomei''s segment broke 4% the previous time, everyone received a reward of about 1,000. It all depended on what record Zhang Ye could create now.


    Zhang Ye smiled wrily, "Don''t expect too much. This time was just a coincidence that the results shot up by so much. It may not continue on."


    "Shouldn''t it be possible?" Big Sis Zhou was a little unsure now.


    Zhang Ye waved it off, "There are no guarantees."


    Auntie Sun smiled. "We will just see tomorrow''s results. Let''s not give Teacher Little Zhang too much pressure."


    Wang Xiaomei took her lunch box and prepared to go to the canteen. She obviously had wanted to bring her lunch back to the office to eat, but the canteen didn''t have takeaway boxes. Wang Xiaomei gave a nce at Zhang Ye when she was passing him and suddenly stopped in her tracks, "Did you put on makeup today? Or use skincare products? Eye cream?"


    Zhang Ye was stunned, "No?"


    Big Sis Zhou wondered, "Hey, I also felt it when Teacher Xiaomei said that. It''s not makeup, but why does Teacher Little Zhang feel a little different today?"


    Someone asked, "Really?"


    Another asked, "Nothing changed, right?"


    Auntie Sun said, "How could there be no changes? When I saw Little Zhang today, I felt it immediately. Shouldn''t this be a case of when everything is going well, the spirit is also refreshed? Haha. Look, it''s like he has be more handsome. His eyes are also discharging electricity every moment. Little Zhang doesn''t have a girlfriend, right? Auntie can introduce one to you. Do you want me to?"


    Zhang Ye''s assistant, Xiaofang, alsoughed, "Teacher Zhang did be more handsome."


    Zhang Ye finally understood why the question of makeup was brought up. They were actually talking about the effects brought about by the Fruit of Charm. "Even my eyes can discharge electricity? Damn, that''s too exaggerated!"


    Xiaofang nodded furiously, "For real!"


    She said nice words and had good taste. Zhang Ye was feeling very proud right now.


    ��


    Afternoon.


    The letters from the listeners had arrived.


    Zhang Ye was once again the one who received the most letters within the channel. There were over 400 letters, more than Wang Xiaomei by a hundred. It wasn''t hard to guess why. Zhang Ye had two programs, so the letters were also abination of both of them. Besides, a children''s program would definitely get more letters than an adult''s program. Therefore, it cannot be said that just because of this, Zhang Ye could rece Wang Xiaomei as the channel''s top host. He couldn''t do it, because he was a guy.


    The letters were written by a mixture of both adults and children.


    "Please speed up the narration!"


    "''The Wizard of Oz'' is really interesting, but it''s too slow!"


    "Uncle Zhang, could you read it faster? I can''t wait any longer!"


    "The program duration is too short. Comrade Zhang, I hope the program duration can be extended, or that the speed could be increased. It''s making me so eager to listen!"


    A lot of listeners put in their suggestions.


    Zhang Ye thought about it. He also felt that the suggestions were valid. When he was narrating "The Wizard of Oz", he had maintained the speed and softness of when he had read "Little Bunnies Be Good". After all, this was a children''s program and he wanted to take care of them, so he narrated it very slowly. But the letters this time made him reconsider. The speed could definitely be quicker. Because "The Wizard of Oz" had a more mature theme and suited arger age group, it would not be suitable to use style of "Little Bunnies Be Good". The children might still ept this, but the adults definitely would not have the patience. They might like the story itself, but if it was too slow with its emphasis on every word, the adults might not continue to tune in.


    Some changes were required!


    Three chapters per segment was possible. Adding one chapter wouldn''t be too difficult!


    Zhang Ye had Xiaofang contact the recording studio for a booking. He stayed inside the studio for the whole afternoon to prepare the recordings for tomorrow and the day after. Zhang Ye had already recorded tomorrow''s broadcast this morning, but for the quality of the program, Zhang Ye did not think twice about deleting the recording from before. He re-recorded a full three chapters for tomorrow and almost doubled the speed of narration for them. He had set very high standards for himself. He only finalized it after a few recordings.


    ��


    The next day.


    Friday.


    Everyone had arrived early. Zhang Ye was in the spotlight today. Everyone from the Literature Channel also thought so and were waiting for history to be rewritten, but were unsure if it could happen. Yesterday''s result was a special case. That rating had been brought about by the attention from the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet event.


    Zhao Guozhou also came in very early today. When they saw himing in at 9:10 A.M., they all saw the smile he had on his face.


    He got it?


    He broke a historical record?


    They listened to Zhao Guozhou announcing, "Today I will not be reading the listenership ratings in order of ranking. First, I would like to announce yesterday''s 3rd cing, Zhang Ye, ''Late-night Ghost Stories''. The listenership rating is��.." pausing on purpose to pique everyone''s curiosity, Zhao Guozhou continued on, "Everyone apud! Ghost Stories'' listenership rating is 2.01%! Maybe some people have already expected it. Yes, the program has broken the 2% rating barrier. Not only has it broken the listenership rating record forte-night programs of the same period, it has once again refreshed the historical record for the midnight segment in the country. It has reced the Central Radio Station''s ''The Sound of the City''''s legendary ''Zero Point Night Chat'' from thirteen years ago, which had a 1.99% listenership rating! Now! This legend belongs to us! It belongs to our Beijing Radio Station!"


    Whew!


    Thunderous apuse!


    "Haha!"


    "Too awesome!"


    "Too impressive!"


    "I think our channel is about to defy the Heavens!"


    It has even exceeded thete-night segment, "The Sound of the City"''s rating. It may not seem like much, exceeding it by only 0.02%. What was 0.02%, right? However, it was not that simple. Maybe only people in the industry would be shocked by this news. Why would it be shocking? Because it was too shocking!


    This was a listenership rating from thirteen years ago. What sort of position did the radio station have back then? It had half dominance, and was already in decline, but it had not beenpletely taken out by television. Arge number of people still maintained the habit of listening to the radio. It waspletely different from the harsh broadcasting environment of today. The audience size differed by tens of times! But even so, "Late-night Ghost Stories" had managed to rece "Zero Point Night Chat"''s record! What sort of value was this!? To people in the industry, this was something impossible!


    However, Zhang Ye had managed to do it!


    "Ghost Blows Out the Light" had managed to do it!


    "Late-night Ghost Stories" had managed to do it!


    People had reason to believe, that although they were unable to tell for sure at this moment, that the people on "The Sound of the City" had definitely received this news. They were definitely in a state of shock. They might have never expected that someone could break a listenership record from more than ten years ago in such a broadcasting environment!


    Big Sis Zhou wailed, "Teacher Little Zhang, say a few words."


    Zhao Guozhou also smiled. "Little Zhang, tell everyone your mood?"


    "Very excited." Zhang Ye stood up and spoke, "I''m really very excited. I had never expected to have such a result, either. Actually, back when I created ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'', everyone should know that it was due to extenuating circumstances. I had braved myself to narrate that one episode, so as to not have a live broadcast incident. To have reached the point of today''s result, I need to thank everyone for your help. Thank you for the Leader''s trust. This is not my achievement alone, but is also the hard efforts of our team."


    Zhao Guozhou gave a deep nod, "Well said."


    Everyone gave another round of apuse and gave their congrattions.


    Zhao Guozhou opened up the form in his hand, "Let me carry on announcing. First ce is still Teacher Xiaomei''s ''Talk About the World''. Listenership 3.77%." With a pause, he said with a smile, "I know everyone is very concerned with the next listenership rating. Yes, it''s still Little Zhang''s segment. Second ce, ''Old and Young Story Club''. Listenership��3.17%!"


    Ah? 3.17%!


    Compared to yesterday''s 2.98%, it had jumped even more?


    It can''t be! Why is it jumping higher every day!?


    Even if the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet had attracted many new listeners, it shouldn''t have jumped like that, right? Could it be the charm of a serialized story? A serialization had managed to consolidate the listeners further? This was definitely the case! People were still awed. Back then, people had questioned Zhang Ye''s use of a fairy tale serialization. Even Teacher Feng and several experienced oldrades had rebuffed his method of telling such a story. However, Zhang Ye had ignored their reproach and carried on going forward. He had used facts to tell everyone that others might not be able to do it with a serialization, but in his hands, it was possible!


    Zhao Guozhou was extremely pleased as he looked warmly at Zhang Ye, "''Old and Young Story Club'' has broken 3%, and it has broken way above 3%. We still need to give Teacher Little Zhang another round of apuse. Our Literature Channel will have four segments that have broken 3% from now on. Our Beijing Radio Station only has 25 segments that have broken 3% in listenership ratings, too. So everyone remember this name, ''Old and Young Story Club''!"


    What was originally inst ce had now be a star program that had broken through 3% in its listenership rating in just a week! This miracle could not be said to be not great! The Literature Channel''s colleagues had witnessed the entire process. Even now, a lot of them could hardly believe it. This was not a miracle anymore!


    It was a divine act of God!


    As changeable as the clouds and rain, a divine act of God had made ite back from the dead!


    Everyone even had the thought that ording to the rate at which the listenership ratings were increasing, could "Old and Young Story Club" have a chance at catching up to "Talk About the World"?


    People were shocked by their own thoughts!


    It can''t be, right? No matter how ridiculous it was, it can''t chase up to Wang Xiaomei''s segment, right?

 Chapter 69: Little Zhang Reached the Top of the Literature Channel!

    <h4>Chapter 69: Little Zhang Reached the Top of the Literature Channel! </h4>


    Chapter 69: Little Zhang Reached the Top of the Literature Channel!


    Saturday.


    There were only a few people who came to work.


    Zhang Ye was one of them. As he had rested from Wednesday all the way to today, he definitely needed to work overtime. However, his colleagues had worked overtimest week, so they were on break now.


    The telephone in the office rang.


    Zhang Ye noticed that a few editors and clerks were busy, so he picked up the phone, "Hello. How are you? This is the Literature Channel."


    "Little Zhang, right? I''m Zhao Guozhou." The phone call was from Director Zhao, "I was just looking for you. Come over to my office."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye went over the moment he put down the phone. He knocked on the Director''s office door. Zhao Guozhou was reading the listenership ratings table inside, "Are you looking for me?"


    "Here, take a seat." Zhao Guozhou lowered his hand. "Take a look for yourself."


    Zhang Ye sat down and looked at the form that was passed into his hand. It was the ratings rankings for Friday. "Late-night Ghost Stories" had dropped back down to 1.9+%. Clearly, it had lost momentum. It would be difficult for it to go higher. After all, it was ate-night segment that had a limited audience. This was nothing to be surprised about, but the listenership rating for "Old and Young Story Club" made Zhang Ye pleasantly surprised. It had increased once again!


    Its listenership rating was 3.31%.


    And at first ce, "Talk About the World" only had a 3.63% listenership rating.


    One had dropped, while the other had risen. The gap between the two segments had once again narrowed!


    This was something that had never happened before. No one had managed to force the number one girl, Wang Xiaomei''s, segment to such a dire point!


    To see Zhao Guozhou say, "Maybe it was because many students were having a school holiday on Friday afternoon, but your segment''s numbers have once again sharply increased. Even the station''s management has been startled. Beautifully done, Little Zhang. I knew I didn''t make a mistake with you." Following that, he said, "I saw the segment chart for today, just now. The program after yours at 1 P.M. is ''Weekend Laughing Forest''. This program should be no stranger to you. Typically, it doesn''t have an anchorman; it just broadcasts some skits or cross talk that we bought the copyrights to. However, as skits and cross talks are slowly deteriorating, as there are too few good works, we have been broadcasting the same skits over the past few weeks for ''Weekend Laughing Forest''. It has lost a lot of its audience, and has also been greatly criticized. Hence, for this weekend, I''m thinking of temporarily halting ''Weekend Laughing Forest'', and handing you the time period from 1 P.M. to 2 P.M."


    Zhang Ye said, "Is that alright?"


    "It''s only for this weekend. Can your story keep up?" Zhao Guozhou asked.


    "There''s no problem on my side. If I''m given a total of four hours for today and tomorrow for my broadcast, I can definitely finish ''The Wizard of Oz'' this weekend." Zhang Ye said.


    Zhao Guozhou tapped the table as he thought, "Alright. Then, let''s do it. This opportunity is yours, so it''s up to you to grab the opportunity well."


    Zhang Ye promised, "Thank you, Leader. I will do my best!"


    Zhao Guozhou said, "Go to the recording studio and get it done as soon as possible."


    ��


    Walking into Recording Studio #4, Zhang Ye felt his body full of energy again. It felt like he had inexhaustible strength, so he quickly got down to recording the segment for the weekend. This was a great opportunity. He had also seen a glimmer of hope of surpassing Wang Xiaomei for the first time. Although he knew that it was still very difficult, and was almost unrealistic, Zhang Ye still wanted to fight for it. He wanted to do it for his records of service, for a chance at grabbing one of the Silver Microphone Awards and for him to be able to enter the television station!


    The recording began.


    "Hello, everyone. Today''s program will have some temporary adjustments. ''Old and Young Story Club'' will be broadcast from 12 noon to 2 P.M., so please do not change the channel. After it ends at 1 P.M., there will be a short advertisement before ''The Wizard of Oz'' carries on its broadcast. And this weekend, ''The Wizard of Oz'' will alsoe to its end. I hope that everyone will listen to it punctually." After adding these words, Zhang Ye began recording.


    Working until the afternoon, he finally managed to finish recording "The Wizard of Oz".


    After he came out, he wanted to look for Zhao Guozhou, so that he could ask about the listenership ratings; however, he could not find him. The Leader had gotten off work, so he could not do anything but wait until Monday.


    ��


    He had a day off on Sunday.


    The listenership ratings were not out and the announcement was dyed.


    ��


    Monday.


    Today seemed to be the day that was destined to be enshrined in the Literature Channel''s historical annals.


    After Zhang Ye got off the subway, he met Wang Xiaomei, who had been recognized by two male fans, in front of the station tform. Teacher Xiaomei was giving the fans her signature.


    "Thank you, Teacher Xiaomei."


    "You''re wee. Is that all?"


    "Can we get a picture together? I really like your ''Talk About the World''!"


    "Next time. I came to workte today, so I''m runningte."


    Seeing Wang Xiaomei cross the road, Zhang Ye also walked up to her, "Teacher Wang."


    Wang Xiaomei turned at look at him and acknowledged tersely, "I heard your program''s listenership rating on Friday had increased once again? 3.31%, right? It''s very good."


    Zhang Ye said, "There are more children resting on Friday, so it went up."


    Wang Xiaomei said, "Aren''t there even more resting on Saturday? Also, parents do not need to work."


    "Uh, I don''t know. It''s of course good if it can increase a bit more." Zhang Ye said nonchntly.


    However, Wang Xiaomei said, "Work hard, then. It''s not that easy to surpass my listenership ratings." Her tone sounded a bit prickly. She left after she finished speaking.


    Zhang Ye smiled bitterly.


    At the unit''s office, today''s atmosphere felt particrly weird.


    "Did you hear? The rating for ''Old and Young Story Club'' on Friday was 3.31%!"


    "I knew about it the day before yesterday. It''s really such an exaggeration!"


    "Say, do you think Teacher Little Zhang will really reach the top of our channel?"


    "It might have just been a fluke. I don''t think it will happen. Teacher Xiaomei has been number one all these years. Her segment''s foundation lies deep, so it shouldn''t be taken down."


    "But Teacher Little Zhang is too fierce! He has already chased to just about 0.3% left. Besides, I''ve heard they are giving him an additional hour over the weekend. They have halted ''Weekend Laughing Forest'' for two episodes. There are also more people resting over the weekend, so an afternoon session might be able to rival a prime-time session at night!"


    "That is still impossible."


    "Right. Teacher Xiaomei isn''t a pushover."


    Everyone was discussing about this matter. The moment that they saw Wang Xiaomei enter, they stopped talking. Following her in immediately to the unit was Zhang Ye, who received a lot of attention from everyone. For a full half an hour, the entire office was quiet. No one spoke a word. Everyone was not really into their work. Today was the Literature Channel''s battle of the top boy and girl. Even if it did not have anything to do with them, they were still curious.


    Suddenly, everyone put down the things in their hands.


    "Director."


    "Leader."


    Zhao Guozhou had arrived, "Alright."


    This time, he did not need to speak any further, as everyone stopped working and uniformly looked towards him.


    Instead, it was Wang Xiaomei and Zhang Ye, who were the people directly involved and today''s main characters, that did not have many changes in their expressions. They seemed nonchnt.


    Zhao Guozhou looked at the listenership ratings in his hand. His eyes looked veryplicated, "Let me first announce the ratings for the programs on Saturday. There are quite a lot of things today, so I will not announce all of them. I''ll first announce the top three." Looking up to look at everyone, "First ce, ''Talk About the World'', listenership 3.81%!"


    3.81%?


    Teacher Xiaomei was indeed not someone simple!


    Actually, the listenership ratings for "Talk About the World" had been dropping over the past few days, so that even Zhang Ye had managed to chase up to it by quite a bit. People were even worried for Wang Xiaomei. But today''s results made everyone understand that Zhang Ye had no chance. Teacher Xiaomei had gotten serious!


    "Second ce, ''Old and Young Story Club'', listenership�� 3.55%!"


    Holy ****! Many people gasped again! It added another 0.2%?


    Teacher Xiaomei had an explosive increase, but Teacher Little Zhang was not far off, either? However, it was still off by a bit; "Old and Young Story Club" would definitely not be able to catch up!


    Sure enough, Zhao Guozhou said, "Next I''ll announce the listenership ratings for Sunday." When he said this, Zhao Guozhou specially looked at Wang Xiaomei and Zhang Ye, "Teacher Xiaomei''s ''Talk About the World'', the listenership rating is still at 3.81%!"


    Big Sis Zhou sighed as she murmured, "Little Zhang, there will still be plenty of opportunities in the future."


    Aunt Sun alsoforted Zhang Ye, "Don''t lose heart. Second ce is already very formidable. Don''tpare your segment with ''Talk About the World''. It''s nothing disgraceful to lose to it."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s alright." He had not given up, because he had noticed that Zhao Guozhou may have first mentioned Wang Xiaomei''s listenership rating, but he had not said that she was first. On Sunday, ''The Wizard of Oz'' had came to an end, and that was also the climax of the entire story. It was also a two-hour segment, so Zhang Ye believed that even if he did not get first ce, his listenership rating would definitely be much higher than Saturday''s.


    It was not over!


    He still had a chance!


    Zhang Ye was not confident in himself, but confident in his own story. This was ''The Wizard of Oz'', one of the greatest fairy tales in his world!


    Tian Bin funnily looked at Zhang Ye. He was thinking, "To think you still hoped to get first ce? To really surpass ''Talk About the World''? You sure are funny!"


    From the eyes of Jia Yan and Wu Datao beside him, one could tell that they were thinking Zhang Ye was having fantasies!


    Alright!


    The situation was fixed!


    Time to do whatever you had to busy yourself with!


    With this oue, people no longer had any intention of listening.


    However, what Zhao Guozhou said next stunned everyone. Zhao Guozhou looked at them and said, "But Sunday''s first ce is not ''Talk About the World''." After everyone stared widely with their mouths agape, Zhao Guozhou said, "First ce, Zhang Ye''s ''Old and Young Story Club'', listenership�� 3.82%!"


    What?


    Higher than "Talk About the World" by 0.01%?


    With a "H" sound, the entire office seemed like a bomb had dropped! It exploded instantaneously!


    Tian Bin was dumbfounded! Jia Yan''s eyeballs stared like a cow! Big Sis Zhou was so shocked that her throat vibrated for a long while! The looks of the other colleagues were each more astonished than thest!


    Zhang Ye had reached the top!


    Zhang Ye had actually reached the top!


    Although the gap was tiny, first ce was still first ce!


    No one understood how Zhang Ye had managed to do it! No one could understand why ''The Wizard of Oz'' was full of magic! But the facts were ced in front of them! This neer, Zhang Ye, had managed to use a segment that was ranked right at the bottom to pull Wang Xiaomei''s star segment down from its divine spot!


    It went from first from the back to first from the front!


    Zhang Ye had used less than two weeks to achieve it!


    What the heck! What sort of perverse existence did this Zhang Yee from!

 Chapter 70: The Silver Microphone Awards Nomination

    <h4>Chapter 70: The Silver Microphone Awards Nomination </h4>


    Chapter 70: The Silver Microphone Awards Nomination


    Too impressive!


    This was the change of an era!


    Zhang Ye''s literary aplishments were not only known by those at the Literature Channel; even the whole Beijing Radio Station knew of them. Based on his strengths, everyone knew that Zhang Ye would achieve this someday, but no one had expected it to be so soon!


    Zhao Guozhou continued, "Additionally, yesterday''s ''Old and Young Story Club'' ced fourth in the entire station''s listenership ratings!"


    It had gone to the top 4?


    Only second to several of the news and traffic segments?


    Zhao Guozhou looked towards Wang Xiaomei and said encouragingly, "Teacher Xiaomei, Teacher Little Zhang is catching up. Your program finally has apetitor now and won''t be lonely anymore. If you don''t push harder, Little Zhang''s segment might really end up in first ce."


    Wang Xiaomei calmly replied, "I will."


    Zhang Ye followed up modestly, "It won''t; it''s just my good luck that there were more weekend listeners and the program duration was extended by an hour with ''The Wizard of Oz'' ending at its climax. All these helped to pull up the ratings. It won''t be able to continue topete for first tomorrow and will definitely be lower again."


    Everyone knew so too, but why did it matter? Getting first one time was still getting first. In the past few years, no one in the Literature Channel had dared to challenge Wang Xiaomei''s "Talk About the World". Zhang Ye was the first.. and he even seeded!


    "I want to add on something." Zhao Guozhou finally smiled and said loudly, "Yesterday, on Sunday, our Literature Channel''s overall listenership rating managed to exceed the Traffic Channel''s total listenership rating for the first time in 11 years. We are ranked second overall in the station! This was a team effort that contributed to our channel''s brilliance. I would like to take the chance here to specially praise Teacher Zhang Ye for helping to pull up the two segments which had the channel''s lowest listenership and bringing them to first and third ce. Just his contributions alone have brought us amazing listenership ratings; it''s also the main reason for us surpassing the Traffic Channel for the first time in 11 years! I feel that everyone here, no matter if you are a rookie or veteran, could learn from Little Zhang!"


    They had not obtained second ce in 11 years!


    In the past, it had always been in fourth ce, suppressed by the Music Channel. Later on, it was always in third ce, behind the Traffic Channel. But today, their wish had finally been granted?


    "Amazing!"


    "Haha! It''s time to disburse the rewards, Leader!"


    "No one can stop us from now on!"


    "Let''s work even harder and surpass the News Channel, too!"


    Some roared. Some bragged. In any case, everyone was on an emotional high.


    Zhao Guozhou gestured for everyone to be quiet and said, "This afternoon, I will call the shots. Everyone do what you need to and we will break for lunch at 10:30 A.M. Let''s go to a restaurant outside for a good meal. It''ll be my treat!"


    "Oh!"


    "Long live our Leader!"


    "Can we order expensive items?"


    Zhao Guozhou gave a smile, "Choose whatever you like! Anything is fine!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I guess I won''t be joining? I still have a recordingter. ''The Wizard of Oz'' has ended and I have to tell a new story today."


    Big Sis Zhou happily said, "How could you not go?"


    "Right. Little Zhang must go. You are the star." Auntie Sun urged.


    Zhao Guozhou also added, "Everyone must go; no one can give it a miss. As long as we get back before noon, your broadcast will not bete. Let''s not discuss this any further. Don''t think that I have forgotten your specialty. You don''t need any preparation at all. Since when have you made a mistake during a live broadcast?"


    Zhang Ye rubbed his temple, "Alright. Then, I will follow the Leader''s instructions."


    "That settles it, then. We''ll set off at 10:30 A.M. I will gather everyone in a while." Zhao Guozhou then left.


    Zhang Ye had something to discuss. After thinking for a moment, he followed him out. Seeing Zhao Guozhou going into his office, he followed in closely behind, "Director."


    Zhao Guozhou turned back to look, "Ah, Little Zhang. Hur Hur. How can I help you?"


    Zhang Ye coughed a bit and said nervously, "About that�� I saw on the news a few days ago that the nominations for the Golden and Silver Microphone Awards will be held soon. I''ve joined the station for almost two months now and I won''t talk about my performance, but it''s been quite okay. I haven''t been working for a year yet, so I fit the criteria for the Silver Microphone Awards. Do you think that I could get a nomination?" As no one had discussed this with him before, Zhang Ye could only bring it up himself.


    Zhao Guozhou acknowledged this and signaled for him to take a seat, "It''s just this matter? I was still expecting something else. You are asking about this today? If I had waited for you to apply for the nomination, it would have been toote already." While speaking, he pulled out a drawer from his desk and took out a document, "Here. This is a copy. The original has been submitted to the Station Leader a few days back. I rmended that you be nominated for the Silver Microphone Awards and sent this over, together with your resume."


    Zhang Ye wore an expression of joy, "You rmended me already? Thank you, Leader. Thank you!"


    Zhao Guozhou told him, "The Silver Microphone Awards are not as important as the Golden Microphone Awards, so the nomination list for it is smaller, too. Our Beijing Radio Station has two nomination spots. Even though your nomination has not been approved by the management, I guess your nomination is almost guaranteed. Among all of this year''s rookies, your results have been the most outstanding. There is no one close to your work performance; at the very most, there is someone from the News Channel called Zh��ng Y��*, who is performing reasonably well. If all goes ording to expectations, then it''s likely that you and Zh��ng Y�� will be our station''s two nominees. There''s only one winner in the end and I expect it to be you. It is true that, in the past, the Golden and Silver Microphone Awards judges have always favored those from the news channels, but you are different. Your contributions are too outstanding. You have provided a dominating result that no one canpare with."


    Zhang Ye asked, "When is the selection date?"


    Zhao Guozhou answered, "This Friday, but only the Golden Microphone Awards will be broadcast live, not the Silver Microphone Awards."


    The Silver Microphone Awards �� 10 winners from all the nation''s radio stations.


    There were about 30 to 40 nominees, but only 10 received an award.


    The number of radio stations in the country amounted to more than that, but it was impossible to give every station an award. Only some of the key provinces and cities could be given the award. For example, Central Radio Station almost always had two winners, followed by Beijing Radio Station and Shanghai Radio Station, each of which usually had one winner. As for the other provinces, the other winners would rotate around their radio stations. Beijing Radio Station would never miss out on a spot, though, since its ce was already politically guaranteed.


    That was why with the station''s two nominations, there was a 50% chance for either person to win an award. No, ording to Zhao Guozhou''s analysis, Zhang Ye''s chances at winning an award was 99%. As such, Zhang Ye felt refreshed and good about it. This time, with backing from his recent first ce in the Literature Channel and the unprecedented history he had set, giving him a thicker resume, his confidence was emboldened. On the subject of the Silver Microphone Awards, Zhang Ye could only feel that it was a sure thing that was in the bag!


    Get down off your high horse quickly!


    He already couldn''t wait to further his career at the TV station!


    *Another person named Zh��ng Y�� (��Ұ), aspared to our main character, Zh��ng Y�� (����). If the side character is mentioned again, his name will have the Pinyin tones included to distinguish between them. The main character will remain without any Pinyin tones.

 Chapter 71: You Really Think I’m a Pushover!?

    <h4>Chapter 71: You Really Think I��m a Pushover!? </h4>


    Chapter 71: You Really Think I''m a Pushover!?


    At the celebratory lunch, everyone was in good spirits.


    Zhang Ye had not felt this rxed in a long time. Because he was due for a live broadcast soon, he did not drink any alcohol, but instead only ate the food.


    Ring, ring, ring. Zhao Guozhou received a phone call. Shortly after he answered, he suddenly did not look too good. He hung up and then took a look at everyone, saying, "I will head back first; there''s a short meeting. You guys head back early after you are done. I''ve settled the bill already; enjoy yourselves."


    "Ah?"


    "Why are you leaving now?"


    "Then we should head back, too."


    "That''s right; we are almost done anyway."


    Everyone left, one after the other. They decided that they might as well return to the unit together.


    Zhang Ye was also wondering about Director Zhao''s expression. But he couldn''t care about it for now. After he went back, he sat in front of hisputer to think about the story for his broadcast. Which should he choose? "The Wizard of Oz" had finished, and it had been received quite well, too. Should he choose another serialized fairy tale, again?


    His colleagues were also treating it as if it were any other day and were chatting during the lunch break.


    But at this time, an rming piece of news had reached them!


    It was from an old editor from the Literature Channel, "Teacher Zhang Ye, your ''Old and Young Story Club'' has been reced. The notice has just been passed down by the station. Jia Yan''s ''Soaring Youth'' will be taking over. You don''t need to do your broadcasting today�� Little Jia''s pre-recorded program will be broadcasted instead!"


    "What?" Big Sis Zhou got anxious.


    Auntie Sun asked, "Why? Why so?"


    Wang Xiaomei was also stunned, "With the listenership ratings of ''Old and Young Story Club'', why would it be taken off the air?"


    The old editor exined, "The management said that ''Soaring Youth'' was a nned program and would certainly be implemented. Because ''Old and Young Story Club''''s listenership ratings soared during the weekend, the station ns to move Little Zhang''s program to a weekend broadcast. It will be shortened from 7 days to 2 days, but the program duration will be increased. If that n is executed, then ''Weekend Laughing Forest'' will be axed, but all this is still being worked out and is not fixed, so Little Zhang temporarily does not have a segment for now. At least on the notice, ''Old and Young Story Club'' has been taken off-air."


    Zhang Ye''s face sunk!


    Wang Xiaomei was acutely aware, saying, "He has no program now? Then what about Teacher Little Zhang''s Silver Microphone Awards nomination? The rules for the nomination states that if a host has no program duties, they are not eligible to be nominated. Today is the deadline for the nominations, right?"


    The old editor paused for a moment, "That''s why he wasn''t nominated for the Silver Microphone Awards."


    Once that was said, everyone became silent. The atmosphere was heavy inside the office!


    The station was too harsh! They were ruthless! Are they not trying to y Zhang Ye to death!?


    "Old and Young Story Club" would definitely not be canceled. No one would dare to cancel such an outstanding program. Not only would the station not agree to it, even the audience would not agree to it. That was why the station had only put the program on temporary hiatus and pushed the segment of Deputy Station Head Jia''s rtive, Jia Yan, up, and then told everyone that Story Club would be shifted to a weekend broadcast.


    However, they did not pass down a document to drag things out. With the proceduresing to a halt, it was only empty talk. Zhang Ye, who had been removed as the "Late-night Ghost Stories" anchor now no longer had any anchor duties.. at least before Friday! Why was it done this way? The answer was already very clear! Someone in the higher-ups obviously wanted to fix Zhang Ye! They just didn''t want him to be up for the Silver Microphone Awards! In fact, they didn''t even want him to be nominated! They even went to the extent of putting a cap onto Zhang Ye''s program duration and influence! They had changed Jia Yan''s program so that it could take over their Literature Channel''s number one listening segment without directly informing the audience. By forcefully switching, arge number of Zhang Ye''s listeners would end up supporting Jia Yan. This gave Jia Yan a flying start in his ratings!


    They had repressed Zhang Ye and let Jia Yan take advantage of the situation, killing two birds with one stone!


    This move made Zhang Ye''s colleagues heart palpitate!


    This was really pushing Zhang Ye to his death! They even resorted to such venomous trickery? Did they need to push it so far with a rookie? To treat someone who had contributed so much to the station and brought pride to them, did they have to go so far? This had really made everyone''s heart go cold!


    At this moment, even Tian Bin felt ufortable. Given that he had several conflicts with Zhang Ye, he wanted to see Zhang Ye embarrass himself. But no matter how much he disliked Zhang Ye, he also acknowledged Zhang Ye''s abilities. His opponent had used his abilities to move up step by step, so even if Tian Bin could not ept it, he had to ept it. He was indeed inferior to his opponent. But what about you, Jia Yan? Just because you have a Station Leader as a rtive, just because of that, you cane in and take up our resources? Get favored over every one of us? Even push a colleague off a cliff like that? This has really gone too far! Isn''t the Station Leader going too far? Tian Bin may be quite close to Jia Yan, but that didn''t mean he liked him!


    This time, Tian Bin did not kick Zhang Ye while he was down.


    Wu Datao nced at Zhang Ye, but on this rare asion, he did not gloat. He only shook his head helplessly and mourned silently for Zhang Ye''s future and the current system. This was such a ce that if the leaders wanted to fix you, there was no way of escaping it. You just sat idly and were fixed!


    There was always a benevolent side to the human mind. The station''s treatment towards Zhang Ye was too much. It was also unreasonable and unfair. This had affected many of the staff in the unit and had left them inclined towards Zhang Ye''s plight!


    Big Sis Zhou was nearly tearing, "They are such bullies! Bullies! Who has Little Zhang offended? How could they do this! The Silver Microphone Awards event only happens annually; if he misses this opportunity, it is over!"


    Auntie Sun also did not hold back and said, "Deputy Station Head Jia, does he think that he can behave sowlessly?"


    At the side, a youth quickly said, "Auntie, lower your voice; don''t let people hear that."


    Auntie Sun was outraged, "Little Jia is not around; I''m only saying a few more words. I really don''t get it. What is the Station Head doing? Why is he not managing this? How can he just stay still, while watching some of these Leaders do the wrong things?"


    The old editor that had led the conversation hesitated for a moment, before saying softly, "There are no outsiders here today, and we have been old colleagues for decades. There might be some conflicts amongst our people, but we have stayed together over all sorts of hardships. Even through the friction, we are warrades in the trenches, so let''s just keep this amongst us and not spread this outside."


    "Don''t worry."


    "We won''t."


    "Old Zhou, you think too little of us."


    Everyone could see that he had something to say. They looked over at him in a serious manner.


    Having made sure that everyone was onmon ground, the old editor exined, "Actually, Director Zhao tried very hard earlier in the meeting when he was notified of this matter. Director Zhao was in a rage and strongly disagreed about letting ''Soaring Youth'' take over, but since it was already decided by the higher-ups, Director Zhao was also helpless." Looking at Auntie Sun, he said, "Just now, Sis Sun asked why the Station Head is not doing anything about it. I shouldn''t say too much, but I''ve heard of some talk. I know of this from a friend from the News Channel. The other person that was nominated for the Silver Microphone Awards, Zh��ng Y���� His father is an oldrade-in-arms of our Station Head."


    No wonder!


    No wonder Deputy Station Head Jia had nothing to fear!


    That was killing two birds with one stone? No! This was killing three birds with one stone! Fixing Zhang Ye, assisting Jia Yan, and promoting Zh��ng Y��!


    If Zhang Ye had been nominated, be it his literary standard or his broadcasting standard or his aplishments, Zhang Ye would no doubt have gotten the only spot for the Silver Microphone Awards given to the Beijing Radio Station. There was no way that Zh��ng Y�� would have a chance at it. But now that the person in charge of the Literature Channel, Deputy Station Head Jia, had used an extremely ruthless method to trample down upon Zhang Ye, leaving Zh��ng Y�� as the only nominee, then was there any need to decide on who would win the Silver Microphone Award? It would definitely go to him! With this, Deputy Station Head Jia would not need to be worried about other Station Leaders using him of abusing his powers. From a certain viewpoint, he could be considered as following the instructions of the Station Head. Who would dare question him then?


    At this moment, Jia Yan came back.


    The old editor and the others saw him and they did not mention the issue again, afraid that the Leader would hear of this.


    At the celebratory lunch, Jia Yan was still feeling a little down. But after he came back and disappeared for half an hour, he came back in high spirits. "Editor Chen, my two broadcast recordings are still around, right?"


    A female editor replied, "They''re in the small room."


    "Good. Help me to prepare them; in the future, from Monday to Friday, the afternoon segment will be changed to be mine." Jia Yanmanded, "Hurry up; it''s almost 12 P.M.!"


    The female editor was unwilling, but could only go.


    Zhang Ye''s heart felt cold. He also felt disgusted. When he had wanted to job-hop, he initially felt sorry, as the unit and organization had groomed him well. But now, Zhang Ye''s decision was firm. With such a Leader in the station, he did not want to stay here for one second longer!


    Haven''t you guys have gone too far?


    First, it was the Jia''s, one old and one young!


    Now, even the Station Head wanted to trample on him a few times?


    Zhang Ye did not know what wrong he had done. You all had offered that little amount of money and tried to buy my copyright to "Ghost Blows Out the Light" for your own profits. When I refused, you removed me from my program. That''s fine, so I abandoned "Late-night Ghost Stories". Then, I worked hard on my new program. Now that the program has reached the summit and set a trail of outstanding results for the station, you all f***inging at me again? And you even want topress and repress my segment? You''re even resorting to such underhand means to not let me get the Silver Microphone Awards nomination! Just to let Deputy Station Head Jia''s rtive step over me to gain his ce? Just because of helping the Station Head''s old warrade''s son win the Silver Microphone Award?


    I''ve worked so hard to fight for such a result for the station and even helped a program from Beijing Radio Station break a record previously set by the Central Radio Station! And in the end? In the end, this is what I get?


    F*** your grandpa!


    Do you take me, Zhang Ye, to be a pushover?


    Beside him, a youth about the age of Zhang Ye advised in whispers, "Forget it, Teacher Zhang. You can''t beat them. Just endure it. The station has purposely dragged to Friday before announcing the resumption of your segment, so as to stop your Silver Microphone Award nomination. Without an anchor position, you cannot be given the nomination, no matter who rmends you." He added on casually, "That is, unless one of the five judges for the Silver Microphone Awards give one of their additional nomination spots to you directly. Every year, there are three other additional nominations for the Golden Microphone Awards, while there are two for the Silver Microphone Awards. Only these spots do not need to gain the nomination through the stations, and can be put on the list of nominees through an exception."


    Additional?


    There were additional spots?


    Zhang Ye''s mind began churning. He recalled that Zhang Yuanqi was one of the judges this time!

 Chapter 72: The Silver Microphone Awards’ Nomination List has been Released!

    <h4>Chapter 72: The Silver Microphone Awards�� Nomination List has been Released! </h4>


    Chapter 72: The Silver Microphone Awards'' Nomination List has been Released!


    Throughout the unit, the news spread like wildfire.


    "Did you hear? Wang Xiaomei from the Literature Channel was knocked off her perch!"


    "It''s that Zhang Ye from the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet, right? This rookie emerged out of nowhere. If not for his average looks, he would be someone in the future. It''s a pity that he justcks that little bit to seed."


    "Hey, why are you guys so outdated?"


    "What''s the matter, Old An? Did something happen again?"


    "Zhang Ye''s program has been halted and might be rescheduled to a weekend slot. He had lost his former positions as anchor for those two programs; he hasn''t got a chance for this year''s Silver Microphone Awards nomination!"


    "Impossible!"


    "Right�� How can that be!"


    "With his results, he can''t get the Silver Microphone Award?"


    "What do you know? Do you know who is the new program''s host that is taking over Zhang Ye''s Monday to Friday segment? His name is Jia Yan; he''s Deputy Station Head Jia''s rtive. Also, don''t tell this to anyone or tell others that I told you this, but the nominee for the Silver Microphone Awards, Zh��ng Y���� His father and our Station Head are oldrades."


    "This��"


    "Isn''t Zhang Ye too tragic?"


    "Hai, he sure is unlucky enough!"


    "It''s so disgusting for the Station to do this; not only did they not reward the station''s greatest contributor, but they actually�� What the heck is this!"


    "Well, he is the Leader, after all."


    "If the station carries on doing things like this, it will lose the trust of the people sooner orter!"


    "The rtives and good friends of the Leader have to be well taken care of. That is normal human behavior; but, you shouldn''t be so insidious. Isn''t this forcing Zhang Ye to his death!?"


    Everyone did not dare to openly question this, as this was a decision made by the Station Leader; however there was a flurry of discussion in the shadows. Everyone had a strong opinion about this.


    ��


    Deputy Station Head''s office.


    There were two people in the room. One of them was Deputy Station Head Jia and the other was Zh��ng Y��.


    Deputy Station Head Jia was friendly, "Little Y��, how has your work been recently?"


    "It''s pretty good." Zh��ng Y�� sat across him and said, "I troubled Station Head Jia. Thank you for your concern."


    Deputy Station Head Jia smiled. "There''s no need to be so polite. We aren''t outsiders. I even saw you often in the Station Head''s house when you were young. Do you still remember?"


    Zh��ng Y�� touched his neck and said, "I remember."


    Deputy Station Head Jia nodded, "Then, let''s talk about proper matters. Today is the deadline for the Silver Microphone Awards nominations. They will be officially selected on Friday. The station has only just submitted your name to the selectionmittee. As we do not have enough outstanding personnel in the Beijing Radio Station, we will only be nominating you. It is equivalent to handing one of the ten Silver Microphone Awards, which has been reserved for our Beijing Radio Station, to you. Calling you over is just a formality, so prepare your eptance speech. You might even need to say a few words onstage. To put it nicely, it will be helpful for your future development. After all, there will quite a lot of famous people in the industry there on the day of the awards ceremony. There will be broadcasting Leaders, various producers from radio and television stations and famous anchors. Hur Hur, there will even be Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi. So prepare your eptance speech well and leave a deep impression on everyone."


    Zh��ng Y�� might have known of this earlier, so he was not very excited, "Thank you for Station Head Jia''s nurturing; I will work hard."


    "So modest. Good." Deputy Station Head Jia said with appreciation, "After you receive the Silver Microphone Award, your future will be limitless. After you have some training, people from the television station will definitelye for you, even without my rmendation."


    ��


    Literature Channel''s office.


    Jia Yan energetically set off for the live broadcast studio. Although his program had been recorded, he still needed to make an opening statement and introduce himself.


    Big Sis Zhou hatefully watched his back, "He is a scoundrel having greatness thrust upon him!"


    Auntie Sun said withforting words, "Little Zhang, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future; don''t worry."


    "Right. Teacher Little Zhang, you will definitely be able to do it. There are still other awards in the future" his assistant, Xiaofang, said.


    However, even if they said so, everyone knew there would not be such a good opportunity in the future. Indeed, there were other awards in the future, but which one of them had more value than the Silver Microphone Award? This was the nation''s most prestigious neer award in the broadcasting world. There was only one a year and nominations were only allowed for rookies who had worked for less than three years. It would be gone once it was missed out on.


    Those famous radio announcers currently in the radio station, and those famous hosts currently on television�� Which of them did not receive a Silver Microphone Award back then? They had all received it. They could reach their present height all because of the qualifications the Silver Microphone Award brought them. Receiving it was equivalent to having a thickyer of gold ting. It waspletely different from those people who did not have this neer award!


    Many people felt pity for Zhang Ye!


    Many colleagues felt aggrieved for Zhang Ye!


    However, Zhang Ye''s expression looked abnormally calm.


    "Little Zhang, don''t let your thoughts go astray." Big Sis Zhou was extremely worried, "If you want to curse, curse a bit. Everyone here is on your side; no one will spread it out."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m fine, Big Sis Zhou."


    Wang Xiaomei nced at him and stood up to walk towards him.


    "Teacher Xiaomei, what are you doing?" Xiaofang noticed something was wrong.


    Wang Xiaomei said calmly, "I''m going to ask the station''s Leader to change his mind; it''s too demoralizing!"


    Big Sis Zhou cleared her throat and grabbed her, "Don''t do that, don''t do that. It would be useless, even if you went. Don''t pull yourself into the ditch!" From Zhang Ye''s situation, people could tell that the politeness given to the star anchor by the station''s Leader was only just pure courtesy. So what if you were a star anchor? Zhang Ye had also gotten the number one listenership rating! Wasn''t he still suppressed by the station''s Leader? When there was a conflict of interest with the station''s Leader, no one else mattered. Everyone had to pave the way for them, letting their rtives take off!


    This was the status quo!


    After all, they had someone higher up!


    Zhang Ye was very touched, "Teacher Xiaomei, thank you, but there''s no need. You won''t put any sense into them, no matter what you say. If the nomination will not be given by the station, fine�� I''ll get it myself!"


    Wang Xiaomei was shocked, "You get it yourself?"


    "Where are you getting it from? Isn''t it impossible without an anchor position?" Big Sis Zhou could not understand, either.


    Zhang Ye did not respond to them. He picked up the cellphone on the table and stood up, "I''ll go out and make a call." He then disappeared out of the office.


    On the corner of the hallway.


    Zhang Ye opened the window and leaned on it. He flipped through his message book and found Zhang Yuanqi''s telephone number. After pondering for a moment, he made the call. He was not a person who liked to beg for favors, at least he would not suddenly beg of people. If he could do it himself, Zhang Ye would do it himself. If he could not do it, then he would not do it; that was always his character. However, he did not have much pressure making this phone call. This was because Zhang Yuanqi had drunkenly gone to his house that day. Zhang Ye had taken care of her, washing her clothes and making food for her, so Zhang Yuanqi owed him one.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Only after it rang ten times did the phone call connect.


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "Hello, Teacher Zhang. It''s me, Zhang��"


    A maic voice from Zhang Yuanqi came over, but the tone was not very friendly, "I know who you are. I''m very busy now. I''m giving you ten seconds to speak."


    Zhang Ye was not taken aback. He had slowly gotten used to the Heavenly Queen''s coldness. He knew that it was the Heavenly Queen''s character deep down, and was not directed at him, "Then I''ll cut the long story short. It''s like this. You are one of the five judges of the Silver Microphone Awards, right? My segment has been axed through the machinations of my station''s Leader, so I cannot be nominated for the Silver Microphone Awards ording to the rules. I heard judges have two additional nomination spots, *cough*, so I''m asking if you can��"


    At this moment, the ten seconds were up!


    Bada, the other side punctually hung up!


    Zhang Ye was surprised. Your sister! I haven''t finished speaking! The ten seconds you said was really ten seconds? He nearly cursed at her mother, thinking how he would not care about her no matter how drunk she was in the future. If he saw her drunk at his ce again, he would push her out on the road and write a que, "Take a photo with the Heavenly Queen: 1,000 Yuan." This bro could earn some extra money!


    ��


    In the afternoon, "Soaring Youth" finished broadcasting.


    Jia Yan returned to his office and he stood straighter than ever before. He looked arrogant as the listenership rating had already been coted. It was 2.13% For a new segment, this result was quite brilliant! Jia Yan was very satisfied.


    Everyone knew that the next Silver Microphone Award for the Beijing Radio Station was guaranteed to be Jia Yan''s. However, looking at his attitude, no one was was impressed. This was because he had not done it with his own abilities, and it was not because "Soaring Youth" was that good; the reason was that he had a good rtive. Everyone knew deep down that axing Zhang Ye''s segment forcefully without any notice was to help pull listeners for Jia Yan. How many listeners did Zhang Ye have? Ignoring "Soaring Youth", even a program that wasn''t even worth a fart would have a listenership rating of 2%!


    Someone who had no ability sure appeared impressive!


    Some average person could receive the Silver Microphone Award!


    Yet a huge contributor like Zhang Ye had been forced into such a pathetic state! He was not even given a nomination! They were really brutal and cold-blooded, confusing right with wrong!


    The nomination deadline was in the afternoon!


    Now, Teacher Little Zhang waspletely out of the race!


    Big Sis Zhou''s hands were trembling with anger. It was too unfair!


    Jia Yan and the News Channel''s Zh��ng Y�� knew each other well. They knew each other due to their elders'' connection. Seeing Zh��ng Y�� getting the Silver Microphone Award, while Zhang Ye got nothing, Jia Yan also felt his anger vent.


    It was almost time to get off work.


    A tall and thin youth suddenly entered the office.


    "Yan, let''s go. Let''s have dinner together." The youth said to Jia Yan.


    Jia Yan smiled upon seeing the person, "Zh��ng Y��? Sure. Wait for me to pack my things."


    No one was surprised that the two knew each other. Both of them were products of nepotism, so it was inevitable that they knew each other.


    Zh��ng Y�� was also curious about the identity of Zhang Ye. Looking around, he saw him at a nce. The Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet had been a big deal, and he had seen Zhang Ye''s photo before. He has just this much looks and height? They''re only average! Zh��ng Y�� was already sure that he would win the Silver Microphone Award, so he looked down on Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye also looked at him.


    The two of them locked eyes, while Zh��ng Y�� let out augh, showcasing the power of the victor.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s assistant, Xiaofang, suddenly shouted. It was unknown what serious matter had happened. She pointed towards theputer, "Oh, hey! Come and see, quickly! Everyone,e and see! The Silver Microphone Awards nomination list has been released!

 Chapter 73: This Time it’s Smacking the Leader’s Face!

    <h4>Chapter 73: This Time it��s Smacking the Leader��s Face! </h4>


    Chapter 73: This Time it''s Smacking the Leader''s Face!


    This year''s Golden Microphone Awards event was organized and sponsored by the Beijing Television Station, so the award ceremony would be held in the Beijing Television Station''srge theater. Hence, all the announcements and name lists were published on the television station''s official website, including the nomination list announcement.


    What Xiaofang saw was clearly this!


    But no one understood why she was making a fuss!


    "Come quickly!" Xiaofang was still shouting, "This��This��"


    Big Sis Zhou snapped, "What big shot list? Without Little Zhang, what''s there to see!"


    But Xiaofang shouted with even more exaggeration. Quite a lot of people gathered around, "What''s the matter? Let me see."


    Upon taking a closer look, a second person also immediately called out, "What the f***! Why is there Teacher Zhang Ye''s name!? Am I seeing things?"


    Zhang Ye''s name?


    Why was his name there?


    Auntie Sun also ran over in disbelief. She then said with excitement, "There''s Little Zhang! There really is Little Zhang!"


    Jia Yan was shocked, "How can that be? Did you see wrongly?"


    Zh��ng Y��''s expression also changed. What? Didn''t the station rmend him as its sole nominee?


    Wang Xiaomei also came over, "Little Zhang does not have an anchor duty temporarily, so the station should not be able to nominate him, right? Also, who would nominate him?" Zhang Ye had offended the Leader, so even if he was qualified to get the nomination, one of the Leaders would definitely think of a way to get him out of the way!


    Xiaofang said with a pleasant surprise, "It''s not rmended by our Beijing Radio Station! It''s rmended by one of the five judges for the Golden Microphone Awards! Someone gave Teacher Zhang Ye a Silver Microphone Awards additional nomination!"


    "Ah?"


    "The jury?"


    "An exception was made to nominate him?"


    Big Sis Zhou said in a surprised manner, "Why would the jury give Little Zhang a nomination? Out of the five judges, three of them have three additional nominations for the Golden Microphone Awards. The other two people would have the two additional nominations for the Silver Microphone Awards. That is to say, one of the judges has helped Teacher Little Zhang?"


    Many people looked at each other, for they could not react in time!


    To think that they were were worried over Teacher Little Zhang. Take a look. Zhang Ye himself had someone up there!


    Zhang Ye heard this and felt a burden lift off his chest. He was really shocked. Just now when he called Zhang Yuanqi, he thought Old Zhang would not have bothered with him. She had hung up on him. But who knew that Comrade Old Zhang was so reliable? She had immediately set things right for him. She was righteous!


    ��


    At the same time.


    Deputy Station Head Jia''s office.


    "What''s the matter with the name list?" Deputy Station Head Jia said with a ckened face to his secretary.


    The secretary had a wailful expression, "Leader, I only rmended Zh��ng Y�� alone to the jury. There was no mistake. Maybe it is one of the additional nominations from the jury."


    "Additional?" Deputy Station Head Jia immediately confirmed it on the website. And indeed it was true. He waved his hand, "Go out and close the door!"


    The secretary walked out gingerly. He knew the Leader was mad.


    Deputy Station Head Jia called someone he knew on the jury, "Hey, Old Zheng, what''s the meaning of this?"


    The middle-aged man on the phone had a husky voice, as if his vocal cords had been injured, "Old Jia, I was just about to contact your radio station. I only just got to know about the nomination matters. Do not worry. There''s no other meaning to it, nor are we trying to beat on your radio station. From what I know, someone from the jury submitted this nomination. The other judges had to give that person face, so we have such a list."


    Deputy Station Head Jia asked, "Which judge?"


    "I don''t know about that." Head Zheng said.


    Deputy Station Head Jia said angrily, "But in the eyes of others, you are smacking our Beijing Radio Station''s management''s face. We have only nominated one person, and did not nominate a second person because there was no one suitable. But with you doing this, isn''t it saying that our radio station is failing to recognize someone for his worth? For us to not discover him, despite having a good candidate�� Wouldn''t that mean that we needed someone from the jury to nominate him for us? How would the other stations look at us??"


    He had clearly caused the present situation due to his private goals, yet he said everything as if he was right!


    Head Zheng exined, "Don''t be stressed. There''s really no way to control this matter. As a small Head, I can''t do anything with the nomination from the higher-ups."


    ording to the rules, additional nominations could be given freely.


    However, in principle, these nominations were not given willy-nilly. This was also the reason why Deputy Station Head Jia was angered.


    In the past, the jury and the broadcast stations had a tacit understanding. Most of the time, the jury would not use the additional nomination. When it was used, it was because the broadcasting station had too many good neers, despite only being able to nominate two. Only then would they need the additional nomination from the judges, to give those who weren''t rmended a nomination, as a form of encouragement. Yes, it was a form of encouragement. This was because there was no precedent of a person winning the award with the additional nomination. It was just a symbolic nomination as an encouragement. They would not award the person who was given an additional nomination.


    Why?


    This was because the jury not only had to consider the qualities and abilities of the broadcasting host, they had to also take into ount the views and attitudes of the unit the person worked at. And since there were two nominations from a station, these two people indicated the opinion of the station, so the jury would usually respect it, and naturally would not consider the additional nominations.


    But even so, Deputy Station Head Jia was still filled with anger. Anyone who had eyes could see Zhang Ye''s results. He had broken so many records and made new history. Even other radio stations from other provinces might know of Zhang Ye''s name. But Zhang Ye had not been nominated by their station. So anyone with eyes would know the attitude of their station, which was not wanting Zhang Ye to be up for nomination. But now? An unknown judge had pulled Zhang Ye into the nomination list! Wasn''t this a smack in their faces? Who was it?


    Could it be Teacher Lu? Impossible! Teacher Lu''s additional nomination should be for the Golden Microphone Award.


    The person with the Silver Microphone Award nomination had to be a new judge. Could it be the famous Heavenly Queen? That was more impossible! How could Zhang Ye know Zhang Yuanqi!?


    The phone was hung up.


    Zh��ng Y�� knocked on the door and entered, "Station Head Jia, about the nomination��"


    Deputy Station Head Jia suppressed his anger and got over it, "It''s alright. It''s just a little bump. You are rmended by the station, so the Silver Microphone Award is definitely yours. You don''t have to worry."


    Only then did Zh��ng Y�� heave a sigh of relief before saying, "What is he trying to do? He found someone to give him a nomination? Isn''t this openly challenging the unit?"


    "Go back." Deputy Station Head Jia did not say much. He had already given Zhang Ye the death sentence in his heart. You even dare take the station down a peg; do you even have any concept of a bigger picture!?


    Some people were like that. Even though they were the one repressing others with their power, fixing anyone they wished, they did not allow the other party to fight back. There was no consideration when they abused their powers. They were always unreasonable. But when the other party resisted, they would respond with a ton of logic! In short, they would never be wrong. Whatever they did was the truth.


    All the fault was on Zhang Ye! It was Zhang Ye that should not have been born in this world! Against such a person, Zhang Ye would usually only say this to them��Helping those bunch of ungrateful crap that thought the world revolved around them, then go f*** yourself!


    ��


    After work.


    His colleagues left the unit in pairs or trios.


    Big Sis Zhou said happily, "Little Zhang, you have a chance this time."


    However, Auntie Sun pessimistically said, "There''s still no chance. ording to what I know, additional nominations will never win the award."


    "Ah?" Big Sis Zhou did not understand, "There''s such a thing?"


    "It has always been so. The judges will follow the unit''s opinion." Auntie Sun said, "But this is enough. It is also a smack of the Station Leader''s face. Little Zhang has at least been able to vent out some of his anger!"


    Enough?


    It''s far from enough!


    After having been repressed so much, Zhang Ye would not take this lying down!

 Chapter 74: The Awardee’s Name has been Messed Up!

    <h4>Chapter 74: The Awardee��s Name has been Messed Up! </h4>


    Chapter 74: The Awardee''s Name has been Messed Up!


    Friday.


    Afternoon, there was a clear sky.


    Today was the day of the live broadcast of the Golden Microphone Awards. Countless numbers of people crowded outside the Beijing Television Station''s Grand Theater. They were lining up with their entry tickets.


    The moment that Zhang Ye came, he saw his colleagues.


    "Little Zhang, over here!" Big Sis Zhou waved from the group.


    "Big Sis Zhou? Auntie Sun?" Zhang Ye blinked before walking forward.


    Auntie Sun let him cut in line. She thickened her Beijing ent, "Come over quickly. There''s no need to line up behind everyone."


    Zhang Ye did not feel bad about cutting in line, since he was nominated. He did not need to line up and could just show his work pass to enter. "Why is everyone here?" He really did not know that there would be so many peopleing, as he had not gone to work the past few days. He had been fired from "Late-night Ghost Stories", and "Old and Young Story Club" was still halted, so he did not have any work to do. Zhao Guozhou also took into ount Zhang Ye''s mood, so he made an exception to let Zhang Ye take a few days off.


    "These are tickets from the unit. There are many seats in the Grand Theater. Almost all our colleagues are here. Look - Tian Bin and his wife are right in front. See them? They are near security, and Teacher Xiaomei came early and is already inside. We actually camete." Big Sis Zhou saidughingly.


    Auntie Sun said in aforting fashion, "Little Zhang, just rx today and don''t think about anything else."


    Big Sis Zhou also cheered him on, "Right. It''s alright if you don''t get it this time. There are still chances in the future. Just treat it as watching a show."


    Zhang Ye said untruthfully, "I understand."


    "That''s good. Let''s go." It was their turn to go through security.


    Throwing his lighter into the trash can, Zhang Ye passed through security and entered with them.


    This was thergest venue that Beijing Television Station had. It could amodate a thousand people. The seats for Zhang Ye''s unit were arranged to the right of the front rows. It was pretty good. After all, their radio station was part of the Beijing Broadcasting Television Station. It was their turf, so they naturally had priority treatment. It was much better aspared to the other broadcasting stations from the other provinces. This was the home turf advantage.


    "Teacher Little Zhang, you''vee?


    "Sis Zhou, you are too slow."


    "Little Chen, Little Xu, why are you so early?"


    The tickets for the Literature Channel were all in serial, so they naturally all sat together. Some came alone, while some brought their lovers. Some even brought their children.


    After greeting each other, everyone sat down.


    Right in front was the Beijing Radio Station''s News Channel''s seats. Zh��ng Y�� was sitting in the first row. Clearly, it was for him to easily go onstage to receive his award. He had already made his preparations. At this moment, he turned around after being reminded. He looked at Zhang Ye and raised his hand with a smile to attract Zhang Ye''s attention, "Zhang Ye." He was the same age as Zhang Ye, but had entered the station half a year earlier, so he did not use the salutation of "Teacher".


    Zhang Ye looked over, "Oh?"


    Zh��ng Y��ughed, "Why aren''t you sitting in front? The both of us are nominated for our station." There was not too much of a problem with these words, but people felt ufortable hearing it.


    Everyone knew that Teacher Zhang Ye did not sit in the first row for nominees because he knew he would not win. Yet you had to rub it in? Aren''t you doing this on purpose!?


    Zhang Ye said coldly, "There''s no need."


    "Oh, suit yourself, then." Zh��ng Y�� turned around.


    Jia Yan also happened to arrive at this moment. With his ticket in hand, he did not sit at the Literature Channel''s area, and instead went to the News Channel''s seats.


    "Zh��ng Y��."


    "Hi, Jia."


    "There was heavy traffic; that felt crappy."


    "Sit over here. I reserved a seat for you."


    Jia Yan and Zh��ng Y�� sat together. They chatted happily, as if there was no one else around them. Ever since Zhang Ye''s matter was made known and Jia Yan got his program, many people felt demoralized, seeing the Station Leader''s insidious schemes. Many people from the Literature Channel had excluded him from their circles, so Jia Yan decided not to make himself unwee. Since the colleagues from the Literature Channel did not value him, he did not value them, either. After all, with Deputy Station Head Jia, he could ignore anyone.


    Once upon a time, when Jia Yan just came, everyone was very polite and friendly to him. After all, he was a rtive of the Leader. In contrast, Zhang Ye had been excluded for a period of time. But now, the situation had reversed itself. There was really a reason of degree. Some methods were too damaging. It may be Zhang Ye this time, but could it be someone else from their Literature Channel the next time, in order to make way for Jia Yan? Forced to their deaths by the Leader? People could not help but have such thoughts after this matter!


    Big Sis Zhou said to Zhang Ye, "Ignore them."


    "Those without abilities won''t be jumping for long." Xiaofang also said hatefully.


    An old editor sighed, "Hai, the internal affairs of the unit is getting more messy these days."


    This year''s Silver Microphone Award for their station was definitely Zh��ng Y��''s. There was no question that it would be Jia Yan''s next year. So what if Zhang Ye had the ability? He could only bow down before others. Of course, those were the thoughts and judgments of others, and not Zhang Ye''s. Zhang Ye had not given up!


    Compromise?


    Yield?


    Endure?


    That waspletely not his style!


    He could only develop himself further in the television station by winning the Silver Microphone Award. But what did he need to do to win this award that he absolutely needed? Zhang Ye did not know. He was out of methods at this moment. Find Zhang Yuanqi? Impossible. The Heavenly Queen also had no way to change today''s oue. The jury was decided on a majority. Three votes out of the five judges would make it effective. Other than Zhang Yuanqi, who was a new judge, the other judges respected the rules. So no one would vote for Zhang Ye. So it was meaningless if Zhang Yuanqi helped Zhang Ye alone. Besides, Zhang Ye had already used her favor, so he could not seek Zhang Yuanqi''s help anymore.


    He was at a loss!


    There was no way out and no way back!


    Zhang Ye had to admit that he was really backed into a corner. However, he needed to find a way out despite this impossible situation, for he could not swallow his anger!


    Routine methods were definitely ineffective. Zhang Ye opened his game ring''s interface, hoping to find a method to break this quandary. These few days, with "Old and Young Story Club" halted, he could only count on "Ghost Blows Out the Light" to increase his Reputation. However, that was all there was. Hence, he did not have much Reputation. If he yed the Lottery��


    Hey! I almost forgot!


    There was an item in the inventory that had not been used!


    Zhang Ye suddenly thought of it. He opened the game inventory and indeed, there was a shiny little thing inside. Lucky Bread! This was something that he had received a few days ago. He had eaten the Fruits of Charm that he had received from the Additional Stakes right there on the spot, so he had nearly forgotten about this item!


    Let''s try it out!


    Let''s try it as ast resort to save a hopeless situation!


    The Silver Microphone Award was about to be announced soon, so Zhang Ye had no other choice. He could only bet on this!


    He took out the Lucky Bread from his inventory. Holding an Ice World mineral water in his hand, which was a famous mineral water brand of this world, he pretended to drink the water, but was actually secretly eating the Lucky Bread. People could not see the items obtained from the game ring''s Lottery, but people could still see Zhang Ye''s actions. If he were to stuff thin air into his mouth and even chew, people would think he was crazy, so he had to have some cover up actions. Gulp. Thest mouthful of bread was finished!


    Lucky Bread in Effect!


    yer''s Luck state Increased!


    Countdown of five minutes begins!


    ��


    At the same moment.


    In the back, resting area three, inside the hall.


    There were five staff arranging the trophies and certificates to be awarded today. Yesterday, the results were actually decided, so the certificates and trophies were quickly produced. There were Golden Microphones and Silver Microphones. They were all ced on a table. The door was locked. It was a strictly confidential process. However, although it was so to speak, confidential, this sort of thing was impossible to keep a secret. Anyone in the industry would be able to understand who would win or lose. Furthermore, it wasn''t the election of a President, so it was not that strict.


    "Name - Liu Feng."


    "Over here."


    "Alright, ce it in front. The certificate has to correspond to it. Don''t mess up."


    "Don''t worry. It can''t go wrong."


    "Zh��ng Y��, this is one of the winners of the Silver Microphone. Take it in front and send it over in a while."


    "Alright, it''s ready."


    But just as the few staff were arranging the order ording to the name list, without any forewarning, a female employee identally knocked into a certificate. Pa Da, the certificate flipped, pushing down a mineral water bottle that was mysteriously ced on the table. The cap covered the top, but it was not tightly sealed, so momentarily, water spilled onto that certificate. It was all very sudden!


    "Ah ya!" The female employee hurriedly wiped the certificate with her sleeve.


    "Don''t rub it!" An oldrade beside cautioned, but it was toote.


    With this rub, the paper on the certificate turned into a mess. The words could no longer be read.


    A youth quickly came over to help, quickly wiping the water off the table and onto the ground, so as to not to affect the other certificates. However, the floor was made of zed tiles, so with water it became very slippery. The youth nearly slipped, but although he did not crash to the ground, he had still pressed on the table with his hand to stabilize himself, and thus he had touched the corresponding trophy to that certificate. The trophy crashed to the ground amidst their panicking eyes!


    The trophy shattered!


    The Silver Microphone Award trophy was different in qualitypared to the Golden Microphone Award. It may be a Silver Microphone Award, but it was actually made of something simr to crystal. It was in the shape of a microphone. And since the toughness of crystal was not that much stronger than ss, it ended up shattering. Even its real mother wouldn''t recognize it!


    "Ah!"


    "Bad, bad!"


    "What are you doing!? How can you be so careless?"


    "Sorry, sorry. I didn''t know that it would turn into such a mess!"


    Everyone began running helter-skelter. After that mishap, there was no other way, as there was such a huge mess!


    "Uncle Ping, what do we do? There''s still another hour before the Silver Microphone will be awarded!" The female employee was worried. She had never expected that they would screw up such a simple job!


    The Silver Microphone Awards were what was first awarded in the morning. As it was not a live broadcast, it was considered a warm up for the Golden Microphone Awards. Only after the Silver Microphone Awards were given out would the Golden Microphone Awards be broadcast live on television. There was indeed not much time left. There was no way the Silver Microphone Awards would be ced after the Golden Microphone Awards, as there had never been such a precedent!


    The oldest employee gritted his teeth, "Don''t panic. We can still make it in time. The certificate is easy. We still have nk, ready-made certificates. Just filling it in would do. The judges would definitely have an official seal on their side. Little Chen, go get the seal from the judges. Little Wang, I''ll give you a task. Immediately call Yi Xuan. The trophies were produced by hispany. I''m sure they still have backup Silver Microphone Award trophies. The name is nk, so get them to engrave the name ''Zh��ng Y��'' on it as soon as possible. Go get it yourself. Do it as soon as possible!"


    "Alright!"


    "Understood!"


    The two of them went out. One of them made a phone call, while the other made the certificate.


    The female employee first got Yi Xuan''s number and hurriedly called, "Hello, this is the Beijing Television Station��Yes, we have a situation here. Can I ask if there is still a Silver Microphone Award trophy��There is? That''s great, that''s great. Please help us make the name again. One of them was shattered��Yes��Thank you very much. Please do it quickly, or it will not be in time�� Alright�� The name? The name is Zhang��" Being in a hurry, she had forgotten the name that the oldrade had told her as she said into the phone, "Hold on!"


    The youth had already taken out a certificate and was about to fill it in.


    The female employee immediately asked, "Little Chen, what''s that person''s name?"


    "Uh, the unit is the Beijing Radio Station, I think it''s Zhang.. Y��?" The youth was also not certain and did not feelfortable asking Uncle Ping again, for fear of being reprimanded. Hence, he quickly searched for the nomination list on his phone. "Oh, I found it. Beijing Radio Station, it''s this; his name is Zhang Ye!"


    "Which Ye?"


    "Take a look for yourself."


    "Alright, I''ve written it down."


    The pronunciation of Zhang Ye and Zh��ng Y�� was about the same. They were both "Ye", just that there was a slightly different tone.


    The youth used a pen and wrote down the name from the inte.


    The female employee also told the trophy makers, "It''s Zhang Ye (����)�� It''s written with a �� and a ��. His unit is the Beijing Radio Station!"

 Chapter 75: Zhang Ye’s Miraculous Win!

    <h4>Chapter 75: Zhang Ye��s Miraculous Win! </h4>


    Chapter 75: Zhang Ye''s Miraculous Win!


    9 in the morning.


    The entire Grand Theater was packed. Almost everyone was here.


    At this moment, the game ring on Zhang Ye''s pinky disyed a screen with virtual text.


    Countdown ended - the Lucky Bread was used up!


    Five minutes have passed?


    It''s over? Just like that?


    Zhang Ye blinked his eyes in a daze. He looked to the left and then to the right. Why didn''t anything happen? It increased my Luck stat? Where was it increased? I couldn''t see a bit of it! This was the first time that the special items from Zhang Ye''s game ring did not have any effect. He was extremely depressed. He was originally hoping that the "Lucky Bread" would help him, and it was also his final life-saving weapon, but who knew that nothing happened at all. At least let this bro pick up a wallet to show its effects!


    Unlucky!


    There was not a chance left now!


    Zhang Ye was at a loss as to whether tough or to cry. He had choked at the critical moment!


    Over there, the Literature Channel''s old editor, who had be the eldest after Teacher Feng retired, returned. He had not been seen all along, for he had gone somewhere.


    "You just came?" someone asked.


    The old editor said, "I came much earlier. I just went to find a friend backstage."


    Big Sis Zhou was excited, "You know people here? Are the decisions for the awards out?"


    "It came out earlier on." The old editor said, "There was something happening backstage. Don''t tell others that I was the one who told you. I heard that one of the trophies shattered from dropping."


    Auntie Sun eximed, "Then wouldn''t they not make it in time?"


    The old editor said, "Thepany manufacturing the trophy must have spares. By quickly engraving the unit and the name of the winner, it''s quite fast. They should be able to make it in time."


    Nobody took this news in mind.


    Big Sis Zhou asked again, "Then who will win our station''s Silver Microphone Award?"


    The old editor said helplessly , "You are still hoping for Little Zhang to create a miracle? It''s impossible. The additional nomination will not win the award. There has been no precedent, and neither will there be one in the future."


    Big Sis Zhou rolled her eyes, "I know that. I''m asking if Zh��ng Y�� got it. It''s said that every year our radio station will get one Golden Microphone Award and one Silver Microphone Award, but wasn''t there a mistake five years ago with the Golden Microphone Award, where both our station''s nominees were not awarded, and it was awarded to Hebei province''s broadcaster?" She could no longer stand seeing Zhang Ye being bullied to such a state. Since Zhang Ye could not get it, then it was best that Zh��ng Y�� did not get it as well. It could vent her anger. Seeing Zh��ng Y�� and Jia Yan''s overbearing manner from before was annoying!


    The other colleagues also looked over.


    The old editor gave a wry smile, "How can there be so many idents. I heard from my friend that he happened to see the award certificates yesterday. Our station''s Silver Microphone Award winner is Zh��ng Y��."


    "It''s already decided?" Big Sis Zhou still remained adamant.


    "It was decided yesterday afternoon." The old editor said, "It''s him. My friend saw it with his own eyes. The trophy even has Zh��ng Y��''s name on it, so how can it be wrong?"


    Big Sis Zhou tutted.


    With so many colleagues worried for him, Zhang Ye felt quite heart-warmed. He had never seen a good unit or a good Leader, but he had met a group of cute colleagues, making him feel blessed.


    "Hey! That''s Teacher Cheng! The eighth Golden Microphone Award winner!"


    "Aiyah, even this round''s Teacher Zhou is a guest? Although he had long retired, but he was the number one brother of the hosting world. Who couldpete with him back then?"


    "That is Auntie Qu! My idol and goal! I watched her program while growing up!"


    The important show was at the back as heavy-weight big shots began to enter. There were top hosts from years ago, and also current top hosts. There were Leaders from the broadcasting stations and also the judges. The moment they entered, they stirred up amotion. Other than some established people from various industries who were invited to be in the audience through a lottery, the other people were all hosts from various television and radio stations. In front of so many sage-like predecessors and former idols, people were extremely excited. They were the direction people were fighting towards!


    However, when thest figure appeared, people''s emotions weren''t excited anymore, but explosive. The entire venue resounded into a earth-shattering uproar!


    "Zhang Yuanqi!"


    "Zhang Yuanqi!"


    "Ah! I see Auntie Yuanqi!"


    "Sis Zhang! I love you forever!"


    Many staff of the television and radio stations did not make a big fuss, for they were in this industry, so they would not craze over celebrities. Even if they crazed over someone, they would do it for a top figure in the hosting world. Zhang Yuanqi may have been an excellent host in the past, but she was after all not professionally doing it, hence people were rtively calm.


    However, the other audience members could not be suppressed! Many people stood up! They raised their signs and light sticks as they roared Zhang Yuanqi''s name! They did not care about the Golden or the Silver Microphone Awards! They were here for the Heavenly Queen!


    Zhang Yuanqi appeared from the side stage. She had initially wanted to take a seat, but seeing the audience shouting so enthusiastically, she waved with a smile at everyone!


    "Ah! Sis Zhang smiled at me!"


    "Didn''t you make a mistake!? Sis Zhang was smiling at me!"


    "Sis Zhang, you are too beautiful! I love you to death!"


    "Sing a song, Sis Zhang! I want to hear ''I Don''t Believe''!"


    The situation went out of control. There were even fans rushing up to get her signature. Many reporters charged up to take pictures!


    More than ten security guards, who were standing by to maintain order, immediately came to fend off people. They finally managed to control the situation. It was tiring enough!


    Zhang Ye and his radio station colleagues were secretly surprised!


    This was a Heavenly Queen! This was the current number one sister of the entertainment industry! This appearance showed the apparent gap! The number of fans waspletely of a different gradepared to star hosts! It was estimated that all the fans of the star hosts present added up were far smaller in number than Zhang Yuanqi''s alone!


    Zhang Yuanqi sat in the first row. People could no longer see her, as they were facing her back, so the shouts slowly stopped.


    "The Heavenly Queen sure is beautiful." the old editor praised.


    Big Sis Zhou also said, "Yeah, better looking than in the movies."


    Auntie Sun said, "I also like her movies. She''s good at singing, too. Her voice has a maic charm and metamorphic charm to it. No one in the current entertainment industry canpete with that mature and gentle charm that she has!"


    A Literature Channel youth sighed and said, "Yes, Sis Zhang is really like a giant panda in the entertainment industry. Other Heavenly Queens and Kings can be reced, for they look good and are good at acting, but Zhang Yuanqi is definitely someone who cannot be reced. She represents a generation!"


    Everyone''s evaluation of her was very high.


    Tian Bin and Zh��ng Y��, who were in front, also looked towards Zhang Yuanqi.


    Maybe some people did not craze over Zhang Yuanqi, and some people had controversies with Zhang Yuanqi''s works, but no one could deny that wherever Zhang Yuanqi was, she would forever be the main lead!


    ��


    Onstage.


    A host went up. This person seemed to be from the News Channel from the Beijing Television Station. He was not very famous, but everyone found him familiar.


    "Hello, everyone. Wee to this year''s Beijing Television Station''s live broadcast of the Golden Microphone Awards. He did not introduce the guests and judges, because it still wasn''t a live broadcast. Those were lines only said during the live broadcast. "There is still half an hour''s time before the Golden Microphone Awards. ording to established practices, now is the time for the awarding of the Silver Microphone Awards. First, let me announce this year''s Silver Microphone Awards nominees."


    "Beijing Television Station - Chen Bin! Yan Qi!"


    "Hebei Television Station - Lu Mei! Huo Dongyan!"


    "Jinshi Television Station - Chen Tao! Zhang Yang!"


    ��


    "Beijing Radio Station - Zh��ng Y��, Zhang Ye!"


    "Shanghai Radio Station - Su Leilei! Li Bang!"


    ��


    After each nominee''s name was announced, the host began to announce the first winner, "Next, I will announce the winner of this year''s Silver Microphone Awards'' television host award, Beijing Television Station''s Yan Qi!"


    Everyone apuded.


    A female host seemed very surprised as she quickly rushed onto the stage while covering her mouth to ept the award.


    The person handing the award to her was one of the five judges, Teacher Cheng. He was an old senior of the broadcasting world.


    The awards hostughed, "Congrattions to Yan Qi. She is almost my colleague. Little Qi, this asion is quite magnificent. With so many seniors sitting below, do you have something to say?"


    Yan Qi took over the microphone, "Thank you. Only thank you. Thank you everyone for your help! Thank you everyone for your recognition!"


    Next.


    Then the next.


    The announcement of the winners of the ten television hosts awards quickly came to an end. Other than a few people having longer eptance speeches, there was no dy. Next was the Silver Microphone Awards for radio hosts. They were also for ten people. However, at this moment, it was cut back to the host, to hear him say, "Next will be the radio station broadcasting Silver Microphone Awards. Let me invite my colleague Zhang Huo from the Beijing Radio Station to announce it." After he walked down, Zhang Huo came up with a smile.


    Zhang Huo was no stranger to Zhang Ye. Back at the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet, he was also one of the hosts. He was a winner of their station''s Golden Microphone Award many years ago. Since this award ceremony was organized by the Beijing Television Station, he had the qualification to do it, even if he wasn''t very famous in the industry.


    Zhang Huo came onto the stage, "Hello, everyone. I''m Zhang Huo." At such a big asion, with so many seniors and Leaders around, he also seemed slightly nervous. After all, he was just a radio station''s news-rted broadcaster, so his fame was definitely iparable to other television stations'' hosts. "Thank you for the Leader''s trust for me to host this Radio Station Silver Microphone Awards. Next, I will announce the first winner of the ten awards."


    He flipped open the certificate and announced, "Central Radio Station, Gong Xu!"


    Immersed in the apuse, Gong Xu excitedly went up on stage. Zhang Yuanqi took over the trophy from a member of the staff. It was her turn to give out the award.


    "Congrattions." Zhang Yuanqi gave a warm smile.


    Gong Xu received it with an expression of shock, "Thank you, Teacher Zhang. Thank you to the jury. I will continue to work hard. I will not put this trophy to shame!"


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled. "You''ve already done very well."


    Zhang Huo smiled. "Let''s give a round of apuse to Teacher Gong."


    Beijing Radio Station''s Station Head and Deputy Station Head Jia were in the first row. They apuded the winner.


    Next, Zhang Huo announced another person from the Central Radio Station. Zhang Yuanqi did not get offstage. She took the trophy and handed it to him, congratting him.


    Offstage.


    Big Sis Zhou was not feeling an emotional high, "It''s almost already time for our radio station."


    Wang Xiaomei looked unsurely at Zhang Ye, "Are you alright?"


    "I''m fine." Zhang Ye pretended to look indifferent. Actually, it would be weird if he was fine. This award was extremely important to him!


    Auntie Sun patted Zhang Ye on the shoulder, "Let''s not bother ourselves arguing with the likes of them."


    Suddenly, Zhang Huo''s voice came again, "Next is the third Silver Microphone Award. The result of the jury is��" Upon saying this, Zhang Huo suddenly paused. His words were still stuck in his throat. He had opened the certificate and remained silent for a long while. He looked with an unsure gaze offstage, with a questioning gaze.


    Deputy Station Head Jia frowned, "Carry on reading."


    "What''s the meaning of this?" The Beijing Radio Station''s Station Head also pulled a long face. This was organized by them, and Zhang Huo was from their radio station. Even though it was not a live broadcast, he should not have made such a low-level error. Wasn''t this embarrassing their radio station for a host to lose his focus?


    ""Eh?"


    "Why isn''t he speaking?"


    "Who''s next? He''s not announcing it?"


    Zh��ng Y�� was already waiting offstage to receive his award. He knew he was next.


    The few people from the jury were also wondering what he was doing. Hence, they gave Zhang Huo a stern expression to tell him to carry on!


    Zhang Huo breathed in deeply. Seeing the Leader and jury members having such expressions, he could only read, "The next winner of the Silver Microphone Awards is Beijing Radio Station''s��Zhang Ye!"


    In the beginning, no one realized it.


    Zh��ng Y��, who was in the front row, smiled and got up.


    Zhang Huo hurriedly waved at him not to go onstage. He said to his News Channel colleague, "It''s not you. It''s.. Zhang Ye!"

 Chapter 76: Does this Award Count?

    <h4>Chapter 76: Does this Award Count? </h4>


    Chapter 76: Does this Award Count?


    "It''s not me?" Zh��ng Y�� was the first to be dumbfounded.


    Jia Yan was just about to apud Zh��ng Y��, and his hands were still frozen in midair.


    Host Zhang Huo''s words made many people who knew what was going on stunned. Everyone looked disbelievingly at Zhang Huo, thinking that he had made a mistake!


    However, Zhang Huo looked seriously at the award certificate in his hands, and with great care and confirmation, read once again, "This year''s Silver Microphone Award winner�� Zhang Ye!"


    He articted his words very clearly!


    It was Ye! Not Y��!


    Deputy Station Head Jia was stunned!


    The Station Head''s face turned ck!


    Everyone from the Beijing Radio Station made an uproar!


    Xiaofang almost jumped up. She grabbed Zhang Ye and shook him hard, "Heavens! It''s you! Teacher Zhang, it''s you!"


    Zhang Ye was in a daze, "Me?"


    Auntie Sun widened her mouth, "How did it be Zhang Ye?


    "I don''t know, either." Zhang Ye wasn''t sure himself.


    "It''s you! He has already read your name twice!" Big Sis Zhou was happy all of a sudden. She gave Zhang Ye a hard push, "Haha! Stop looking silly there! Quick go on stage to receive the award!"


    The old editor also urged in a whisper, "No matter what, just go up first!"


    "Right, first get the award before speaking. Even if the staff made a mistake, it will be toote to change who gets it at that point!" Big Sis Zhou came up with a rotten idea.


    Zhang Ye was about to stand up, but he was stopped.


    A staff member suddenly ran onto the stage tomunicate with the host, and then took the award certificate from his hands.


    Next, Zhang Huo waved his hand at Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang, wait a while. The jury has asked for a pause. I think there''s been a mistake." Following that, he said to everyone present, "Sorry, everyone. We have a situation on our hands. Please wait for the jury''s review."


    The other people did not know what was happening and also waited to see a show y out before their eyes.


    The five judges were already in discussion. Besides them, there were other staff members gathered together.


    Deputy Station Head Jia went over to take a look and also came together with the Station Head to understand the situation. What had happened? It was clearly supposed to be Zh��ng Y��. They had even seen Zh��ng Y��''s trophy. But why did the announcement suddenly change to Zhang Ye? Wasn''t this nonsense!? There was no precedent of additional nominations winning an award! Not even once!


    "Where''s the award certificate?"


    "It''s here. Take a look. It''s written ''Zhang Ye''."


    "It''s definitely not him. It should be the Beijing Radio Station''s Zh��ng Y��."


    "Ah? Then why is it this name in the award certificate? That''s not right. The trophy is here, too. It''s also engraved ''Zhang Ye''. There''s no mistake."


    "Even on the trophy was written ''Zhang Ye''?"


    "Can someone tell me what is happening?"


    "Teachers, this might be the fault of my people."


    "Qu Ping, what are you talking about?"


    "Just now backstage, one of my staff members spilled some water and the award certificate could not be used. The trophy also shattered from falling, so I got them to get a spare from the manufacturer. But.. they might have heard the names wrongly. Zhang Ye and Zh��ng Y�� sound quite alike."


    "What do you mean by this?"


    "How can this happen?"


    "Then how are we to present the award?"


    "The names are all written as Zhang Ye, so should we present it now or not?"


    At this moment, the Beijing Radio Station''s Station Head interrupted their conversation, "Even if it''s wrong, it should still be presented to Zh��ng Y��. This was decided by the jury, so how can we change it?"


    An old judge looked at him, "We already announced it, so how do we take it back?"


    Deputy Station Head Jia knew that Zh��ng Y�� had to get this Silver Microphone Award, for he was the only son of the Station Head''s old warrade. Hence, he said, "Since it''s an error made by the jury staff, we shouldn''t have it affect our station''s neer award winner because of this! That would be too unfair for Zh��ng Y��! You can''t do that!" Fairness? When they were pushing Zhang Ye to a cliff, refusing to give him a nomination, they had never thought of the meaning of fairness. But now, once it affected their own interests and rtions, they began shouting about fairness!


    The old judge was very unhappy with their tone. In terms of qualifications, he was an old veteran in the circle, and was one grade more senior than the Station Head and Deputy Station Head Jia. "Isn''t Zhang Ye from your radio station, too?"


    Deputy Station Head Jia tly said, "No way can it be Zhang Ye! It has to be Zh��ng Y��!"


    One of the five judges, a younger judge, stared at Deputy Station Head Jia, "Please keep your tone down and don''t scare us again. Now that we are discussing how to resolve the matter, must we go to the point of making such a fuss? Zhang Ye and Zh��ng Y�� are bothrades from your radio station. I have some impression of Zhang Ye. If I remember correctly, his results are much better than Zh��ng Y��''s, right? So this should not be a huge difference for your radio station."


    The judge''s tone had changed. They seemed to have the intention to leave the mistake uncorrected and make the best of it.


    Actually, Zh��ng Y�� was chosen by them. Among the five, four votes were given to Zh��ng Y��, while one abstained. Under normal circumstances, the jury would of course respect the views of the radio station, but the problem now was that the circumstances were now not normal. The trophy and certificate were all wrong, and even the host had announced the wrong name. It was not easy to deal with this situation. And with the Golden Microphone Awards about to be broadcast live, where did they have the time to make a new trophy for Zh��ng Y��?


    "But��" the Station Head said with a long face.


    The old judge said, "We will take it into consideration. Can those who are uninvolved please return to your seats?"


    The Station Head could not say certain things, so Deputy Station Head Jia decided to say it, "This Zhang Ye has a character problem. That''s why our station did not rmend him. He definitely doesn''t deserve to win this award!"


    As their voices were a bit loud, and Zhang Ye was sitting in the front area, and was pretty close by, he could hear clearly what the Deputy Station Head said!


    I have a character problem?


    I don''t deserve this trophy?


    Zhang Yeughed from extreme anger. He never expected that these so-called Leaders would not only trample on him for no good reason and push him aside, they would even smear him now!


    The old judge looked at Zhang Yuanqi, who was still onstage smiling and chatting with the host, before looking at Deputy Station Head Jia''s eyes, "Character problem? An exception was made for Zhang Ye''s nomination by our jury. Are you questioning our jury''s level or are you questioning our jury''s basic distinguishing ability?" Seeing that they still wanted to add on further, he waved his hands and put it to a stop, "I''ve already said that uninvolved people should please leave!"


    ��


    Over here.


    Big Sis Zhou was straining her ears to listen, "What are they saying?"


    A Literature Channel''s young editor said, "I think they were saying the trophy broke from falling, and they wrote wrongly. That''s all I heard."


    Zhang Ye had naturally good ears, so he heard more than them. He had not missed a single word of what the two Station Heads said!


    "The trophy shattered?"


    "No wonder! So this was written wrongly?"


    "Hehe, I see. Zhang Ye and Zh��ng Y�� are quite simr!"


    Everyone finally understood. After all this time, it was a blunder!


    Blunder? At this moment, Zhang Ye finally understood. He had initially thought that the Lucky Bread had been ineffective, as he had not seen any effects. In fact, it was not ineffective, but it had happened without him knowing. He was sure that the shattering of the trophy, the messing up of the award certificate, and having the name written wrongly were definitely the effects that the Lucky Bread gave in those five minutes. If not, there was no way that such a thing could happen!


    All the mistakes happening together at the same time?


    If it was a coincidence, it was too exaggerated!


    Zhang Ye secretly touched his game ring. You sure helped me a lot this time!


    Wang Xiaomei looked at Zhang Ye who was two seats away, "Teacher Little Zhang, I still do not know what magic you used? Such a thing can even happen?"


    Wang Xiaomei said out what was on everyone''s mind!


    That''s right! This can even happen? You can even make aeback with this!?


    During his time in the station, Zhang Ye had never had a smooth-sailing experience. He was looked down upon the moment that he came. He was never appreciated. Heter offended the Leader, and was repressed by the Leader. It could be said that he stumbled to the extreme.


    However, what made everyone speechless that despite all the dire situations, Zhang Ye had never suffered. He had managed to turn around every difficulty and problem that he encountered, saving the situation. He was godly!


    They were sure that Zhang Ye would definitely nt his face into the ground this time, but who knew that this would happen. He had managed to get his name announced in a manner that no one could believe!


    Big Sis Zhouughed heartily, "Our Little Zhang is full of luck!"


    In the back row, Tian Bin and his wife heard this. They were thinking, "What darn good luck? He was more bad luck. Whoever stained themselves with him would end up unlucky." The bizarre sequence of events that happened in the office was still fresh in their minds. It was simr with this situation. The coincidences made people speechless!


    But it was still early to say that Zhang Ye had won the Silver Microphone Award, because the jury had not made their indication, so no one could guess the oue!


    Zh��ng Y��''s face tightened as Jia Yan spoke to and apanied him.


    The Station Head and Deputy Station Head were sent back. They sat in their seats, silent. They stared unblinkingly at the people in the jury. This was not only about Zh��ng Y�� not getting the award, it also had to do with their Beijing Radio Station''s face. Although Zhang Ye was from their station, he was not nominated by them. Letting a neer that they had abandoned win the Silver Microphone Award? The few Leaders in the radio station could not afford to lose this amount of face!


    This was not just the smacking of the face!


    It was the trampling of the face! The kind that used feet to trample!


    They were all waiting for the jury''s decision. The jury was still in urgent consideration, and had not made up their minds.


    However, a few minutester, a few guests and audience members could not bear waiting. They did not understand what had happened, nor did they care if there was a problem. They did not give a damn who won the award!


    "What the heck?"


    "Are they still handing out the award?"


    "Hurry up! Sis Zhang has been waiting there for so long!"


    The few judges and staff members halted their exchange. The final words they said seemed to mean that they hade to a conclusion.


    A staff member immediately ran up to the podium and whispered to the host, Zhang Huo.


    Zhang Huo nodded slightly, as his lips moved without anyone knowing what he was to say. He then picked up his microphone, "Sorry for the wait. I will announce this award again."


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath!


    Zh��ng Y�� appeared full of anticipation!


    Both Big Sis Zhou and Auntie Sun balled their fists!


    The Station Head and Deputy Station Head Jia''s faces looked solemn!


    This result had caused a lot of angst amongst many people''s hearts. After Zhang Huo remained silent for a moment, he announced, "The winner of this year''s Silver Microphone Award, Beijing Radio Station''s��Zhang Ye!"

 Chapter 77: A Poem to “Thank” the Unit and the Leaders!

    <h4>Chapter 77: A Poem to ��Thank�� the Unit and the Leaders! </h4>


    Chapter 77: A Poem to "Thank" the Unit and the Leaders!


    It was still Zhang Ye!


    The reward recipient remained the same!


    Instantaneously, Zh��ng Y��''s face was as ugly as it could be. The Station Head and the Deputy Station Head''s expressions were not much different from his. They felt like there was a stream of fire burning inside them that they could not vent! Zh��ng Y�� had clearly been selected previously! It was clearly something that had been decided long ago! Why did it inexplicably be Zhang Ye''s award?


    What the heck!?


    What is the meaning of this!?


    How can such a ridiculous situation happen?


    The other side had a different expression!


    Xiaofang was heard screaming, "Teacher Zhang! It''s really you! This time, it''s really you!"


    Wang Xiaomei congratted, "Congrattions. Even if it was a blunder previously, now that the jury did not change the oue, it has be reality. With the Silver Microphone Award, the path ahead of you will be much easier. This is a national-level award that is given alongside the Golden Microphone Awards. It''s the highest honor and qualification for a rookie!"


    "Beautifully done!" Big Sis Zhou mmed Zhang Ye''s back heavily, "Even the Heavens have helped you!"


    Only Zhang Ye knew that it was not because of Heaven, but because he had used the game ring to reverse the situation!


    The Station Head had risen from his seat and stared at the people from the jury. He did not speak, but managed to express his great dissatisfaction with his eyes!


    Deputy Station Head Jia also mmed loudly on the hand rest!


    The people from the jury paid no heed. They already had a result!


    Zhang Ye noticed the actions of the two Leaders. Up until this point, the station''s Leaders still had the same attitude towards him. They did not even want to give him the little bit of respect he deserved. It was clear that they did not acknowledge Zhang Ye. He finally saw through it. So what if he worked hard? So what if he broke the Central Radio Station''s record? So what if he got first in his channel''s listenership ratings? So what if he won the Silver Microphone Award?


    The Station Head and Deputy Station Head Jia would never look kindly at a small figure like him! They had taken for granted Zhang Ye''s great contribution from his results. Zhang Ye had used his works to create a legend, and even did not want any bit ofpensation for his copyright from the station, yet they still thought it was expected of him, and in turn, tried to basically rob him of his copyright without spending a dime. And if he didn''t give it to them? If he didn''t give it to them, he would be threatened! Removed from his position! Not given a nomination! They were so ugly in their actions and faces that they looked inhumane!


    It was as if Zhang Ye owed them. They would never remember Zhang Ye for his merits. They would never care about his results. That was all that they cared about!


    It was quite tragic! Zhang Ye''s heart was alreadypletely cold. A surge of anger exploded in him. He had already umted this sentiment of his for too long. He could not repress it any further!


    "May I invite Teacher Zhang Ye toe onstage to receive his award." Zhang Huo smiled.


    Zhang Ye straightened his clothes and strode up, "Thank you."


    Zhang Yuanqi was wearing a nightgown today. It was purple. Arge portion of her smooth back was revealed. The whiteness was especially charming. She took over the trophy from a staff member, and with a gentle smile and eyes, no one could tell the Heavenly Queen''s usual indifferent nature, "Teacher Zhang, congrattions."


    "Thank you, Teacher Zhang." Zhang Ye took the trophy from the Heavenly Queen''s hands.


    Receiving this award was not easy, but was this the end of it? No! It was not over!


    Zhang Huo conditioned the atmosphere, "As the saying goes, the road to happiness is strewn with setbacks. Teacher Zhang took the longest to receive this year''s Silver Microphone Award. Hur Hur." Looking at the audience, he said, "Some people might not know Teacher Zhang, or they might not be familiar with him. But if I say something, I''m sure many would know. A few days ago at the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet, it''s this Teacher Zhang who beat all sorts of elites, shocking the entire auditorium with a single ''Shuidiao Getou''!"


    "Oh!"


    "I''ve heard of it!"


    "So it was him?"


    Quite a small number of people were enlightened!


    Zhang Huo acted ording to tradition and began introducing Zhang Ye''s segments. It was easy for others, as they would end with a few words, but Zhang Ye''s was really very long. "Teacher Zhang had previously hosted ''Late-night Ghost Stories'' and ''Old and Young Story Club''. He gave birth to several excellent works, such as ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'', ''Little Bunnies Be Good'', ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarves'', ''The Emperor''s New Clothes'' and ''The Wizard of Oz''. And they were all original creations of Teacher Zhang!"


    "Ah?"


    "He was the one who wrote ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''?"


    "Even ''Little Bunnies Be Good'' was created by him?"


    "Holy ****, I wouldn''t know if you didn''t say it, but the moment you said it, it''s really frightening!"


    "Who is this person? He''s so awesome!"


    "That''s nothing. It is only now that you understand? Note that the most famous ''Flying Bird and Fish'' was written by him. I heard this poem even saved a life."


    "I know this person, too. I especially like ''The Song of the Stormy Petrel''. It''s so aggressive!"


    "With these qualifications, he can even vie for the Golden Microphone Awards. Why was there so much controversy over a Silver Microphone Award? If he doesn''t get it, who else can get it? Are the judges blind?"


    Some people had heard of him, while there were even more people who heard of him for the first time.


    After hearing all this, many people were astonished by Zhang Ye''s achievements!


    Zhang Huo carried on, "I''m not sure if Teacher Zhang has brought with him an eptance speech. I recall that the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet was also hosted by me, and the eptance speech Teacher Zhang gave could only be described as art. It is as good as his talent for poetry." As they were colleagues, Zhang Huo also knew him, so he added on quite a bit more. This was also to ease his tension, since the he was at an important asion, so even a senior like Zhang Huo could not feel at ease.


    Zhang Ye smirked, "Since Teacher Zhang Huo has mentioned my poems, then I will use a poem for my eptance speech."


    Zhang Huoughed out, "Then that will be a treat to our ears, for us to hear your new work for the first time." After he finished, he stepped back and gave the stage to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Yuanqi also went down. She sat in the first row, listening.


    Zhang Ye touched the microphone stand in front of him, "I actually did not wish to say anything today. I want to use this asion and setting to thank the station''s management that helped me. Our Beijing Radio Station''s Station Head, and our radio station''s Deputy Station Head Jia. Without the strong support from my Leaders, there would not be today''s Zhang Ye!"


    ��


    Below.


    When Deputy Station Head Jia heard this, he thought, "At least you know how to appreciate favors!"


    However, the Station Head did not even give Zhang Ye a look. From the beginning to the end, Zhang Ye had not entered his eyes!


    Jia Yan snorted in his heart. He looked down on Zhang Ye. To even say that you received help from the Station Head and Deputy Station Head? You sure know how to kiss ass! Now you know the importance of having a good rtionship with the Leader? It''s toote! For you to obtain an award you should not receive! It is considered an ident! The Leader will not let you go. He will definitely remember to take revenge on you! Zh��ng Y�� was someone close to the Station Head! You even dared to steal his award? It''s toote trying to suck up now!


    ��


    Big Sis Zhou said with a surprise, "What''s Little Zhang saying?"


    "This doesn''t sound like what Little Zhang would say." Auntie Sun was also wondering.


    Tian Bin interjected, "He''s been forced by the situation. From a certain perspective, Little Zhang has matured."


    The old editor sighed, "Indeed. Hai, this is also a chance to reconcile rtions. Little Zhang is still quite smart. He knows that this situation is not a time for private emotions."


    ��


    The famous Program Producer formerly from Central TV was also offstage. He had been transferred to the Beijing Television Station for work, so he was naturally invited for the Golden Microphone Awards.


    "Old Hu, this is the neer that you rmended?"


    "Yes. He is Zhang Ye, a very talented young man."


    "His looks are quite in. You want him to be your segment''s host or guest? I don''t think it''s appropriate."


    "I seldom make a mistake in my judgment of people. This kind of talent is not met even in a hundred years. Isn''t he going to recite a poem soon? Listen well. See if my evaluation is wrong."


    Hu Fei began promoting Zhang Ye.


    ��


    "Sis Zhang, you know this Zhang Ye?" a young judge in the first row spoke softly.


    Zhang Yuanqi gave a smile, "I don''t know him."


    "Then why did you give the additional nomination to him?" The youth was puzzled.


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "I''ve seen his ''See Me or Not'' poem before. I think it''s very good."


    The young judge was enlightened, "I see. This person''s poems are indeed exceptional. I have not seen ''See Me or Not'', but ''Shuidiao Getou'' was like a precious jewel falling into my hands."


    Another old judge said, "Let''s see what poem he will recite today. I happen to have heard of his ''A Generation''. I heard that there were some problems with that bunch of people from the Beijing Writers'' Association?"


    ��


    Other than these industry insiders, other people were not looking forward to it.


    "Thank the Leaders?"


    "What''s nice about such an eptance speech?"


    "That''s right; to think he even wrote a poem to thank his Leaders? What an ass-kisser! He''s kissing too much ass!"


    "What can you do? It''s all people in the system. Who can you thank other than the Leaders?"


    Quite a number of radio and television station counterparts from other provinces were dismissive. Some even silently scolded Zhang Ye as an ass-kisser!


    ��


    Everyone was discussing.


    However, Zhang Ye was not distracted. In this atmosphere that was not particrly quiet, on this stage with elites and Leaders gathered, Zhang Ye recited a poem. "This poem is me giving back to my station''s Leaders, as well as Beijing Radio Station, which nurtured and taught me!"


    Everyone listened most devoutly and respectfully.


    Zhang Ye closed his eyes to gather his emotions. The first lines of his poem dumbfounded everyone. His opening expression was that of a mockingughter, "This is a bleak pool of dead water, where no breeze can raise a ripple. One may as well throw in metal scraps and leftover food!"


    Dead water?


    Furthermore, a bleak pool of dead water?


    What modern poem was this? Are you sure that this is thanking the Leaders and the unit?


    Many people began whispering. Some of them had not even gotten around to it!


    Zhang Ye carried on, and sneered, "Perhaps the metal will turn into emeralds, the rusty cans into peach blossoms, the grease will weave a silken gauze, and the mold will rise and be twilight clouds. Let the dead water ferment into a green wine, in which white foam floats like pearls. Tiny pearls giggle and turn into big pearls, then get broken by pilfering mosquitoes. Perhaps a bleak pool of dead water is fair, after all. If the frogs get lonely, they can bring music to the ce."


    Upon reaching this point, Zhang Ye''s expression suddenly changed into a cold and angry look as his voice reached a crescendo, "This is a bleak pool of dead water! Where beauty cannot reside!" Finally, he stressed, "One may as well let the Devil cultivate it! And see what kind of world he will create!!!"


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    Faced with the absolute silence and a shocked crowd, Zhang Ye dropped the microphone and left while holding his trophy after finishing his poem!


    This poem was called "Dead Water", and it was written by Wen Yiduo. It did not exist in this world.


    In Zhang Ye''s world, this poem could be considered the most famous "scolding poem" and "cursing poem". This was also the highlight of Wen Yiduo''s poem. There was only one central idea and theme from the beginning to the end, and that was to scold! And this poem was even printed in high school education textbooks! In his second year of high school, his teacher had specifically made them all memorize it to recite it. It was probably the same with many other schools, hence Zhang Ye did not need to use the "Memory Search Capsule" at all to clearly recite it ad verbatim. This poem was too famous, and he was too familiar with it!


    He had scolded happily!


    He got a kick from cursing!


    After being repressed for so long, Zhang Ye finally was in a great mood today. He was happy, inside and out!

 Chapter 78: One of the Station Leaders Fainted!

    <h4>Chapter 78: One of the Station Leaders Fainted! </h4>


    Chapter 78: One of the Station Leaders Fainted!


    The poem was done reciting.


    Without staying an additional second, Zhang Ye went straight backstage with the trophy in his hand. He only left his back and the outcry of thousands of guests and judges!


    Holy ****!


    What modern poem was this!?


    Could you mean that your Beijing Radio Station is Dead Water? Your radio station''s Leaders are devils? No, there was no need to begin the sentence with ''could'', he clearly meant that! This sort of poem was not profound. "Dead Water" was extremely easy to understand. That''s right; it was used for scolding!


    "What the f***!"


    "Isn''t this way too overbearing?"


    "Is this person mad? How can he say that?"


    "Wasn''t he going to thank the unit and his Leaders?"


    "That''s right; I even believed it. Haha, this will be interesting!"


    "Although it''s not broadcast live, but this is still the Silver Microphone Awards; is he sure that he won''t get into trouble for saying that? Can he really do that? Isn''t this offending his Leader to the point of death? Station Head? Didn''t he mention a Deputy Station Head Jia in his eptance speech? He is already naming names. Aiyah, holy ****. I really did note for nothing. I really did a good job vying for one of the ten tickets from my unit. When would you usually hear such a heroic modern poem? This poem is too ssic. He cursed so ruthlessly!"


    "To think that the television and radio station system has such a ruthless person!"


    "Zhang Ye? I have remembered this name. Haha, impressive!"


    "I have to apologize. I even scolded Zhang Ye for being an ass-kisser, I never expected that it was such a ''thank you''!"


    This was the perspective of the audience . As they had no direct interest in the matter, everyone just had the state of mind of watching a thrilling show.


    But there were some people who were not the same.


    Big Sis Zhou nearly dropped her jaws upon hearing it. She smacked herself in the forehead, saying loudly, "I already said it! I already said it! Thank the Leaders and the unit, my ass! This is not something Little Zhang would say! When has he ever fawned upon the powerful!? You see! I hit the jackpot!"


    Zhao Guozhou, "��" He already did not know how to speak.


    Tian Bin and his wife were also in a daze. Back when Zhang Ye was about to give his thank you speech, they had thought that he was trying to make apromise with the Leader, and had known how to yield and exercise forbearance. But the next moment, with Zhang Ye reciting such a poem, they could not figure out where Zhang Ye got the courage!


    Xiaofang stamped her feet due to her worry, "What do we do now!? Teacher Zhang has caused such big trouble!"


    "Only big trouble?" Wang Xiaomei said, "Little Zhang has offended too many people this time!"


    Auntie Sun whispered, "But the way he scolded sure was good for venting anger! I have never understood Little Zhang''s other poems, that ''Flying bird and fish'', or ''The Song of the Stormy Petrel''. I do not have much cultural literacy. But today''s "Dead Water", I really understood it. It''s written so well and delightfully. May as well throw in metal scraps? And leftover food? Little Zhang is certainlypletely disappointed with the station. This ce is like a pool of Dead Water to him!"


    The old editor was at a loss about whether tough or to cry, "You can''t say that, either. What sort of asion is this? It''s the Golden Microphone Awards! There are the top predecessor Teachers in the industry. There''s the Heavenly Queen, the other television and radio station''s staff, and many audience members not from this circle. Little Zhang may get a kick from scolding, but what will happenter? Does he still want to work in the station? They went ahead with the blunder of the award, and that was not already not a small problem.


    An additional nominee winning the award? This was another unprecedented event! Alright, then he used a microphone to scold the unit and the Leaders during his eptance speech? This is no longer an unprecedented event. Do you understand? It''s not something that will happen in the future, either! There will only be this once!"


    Yes, this matter was absolutely unprecedented and would never ur ever again. The old editor dared to guarantee it, because if it was another person, no one would dare to do this!


    Xiaofang gave a wry smile, "Teacher Zhang has always had such a temper."


    Big Sis Zhou said, "That''s right. Only Little Zhang would dare to do it. Sometimes, I really envy him, and I like this guy more and more. He''s blunt. If he''s not happy, he scolds. You can feel peace of mind when you interact with him. You never need to worry about him scheming against you. Everything is ced out in the light with Little Zhang; he would never backstab someone."


    The old editor said in a speechless manner, "You may be feeling good, but others aren''t."


    ��


    Hu Fei was one of those who were not feeling good. After hearing Zhang Ye''s poem, Hu Fei nearly fainted. Just a few minutes ago, he was boasting on behalf of Zhang Ye to his channel''s Director, who was beside him. He had strongly rmended that Zhang Ye join his new segment. Who knew that a few minutester, Zhang Ye had done this!


    The Director nced at him, "Teacher Hu, this is the person you are rmending?"


    Hu Fei gave a cough and helped speak up for Zhang Ye, "Let''s put aside his temper for now. Just looking at this poem, there are absolutely no ws. It is pure literature."


    The Director also could not control hisughter, "You sure can right a wrong for him. I don''t know if it is pure literature; I only know he is prickly!"


    Hu Fei said, "Talented people tend to have an attitude."


    The Director said, "But his attitude is too explosive. Thankfully the Silver Microphone Award is a lifelong award. There is no revoking it; if not, just that modern poem in his eptance speech could have gotten his award revoked. Besides, the Beijing Radio Station is also under the same umbre as our Beijing Television Station. We have merged long ago. By scolding their radio station, isn''t that also including us?


    Old Hu, I need to give your rmendation further thought. I dare to guarantee you that after this matter, Zhang Ye might very likely be known by everyone in the television and radio station business. Some people may appreciate him for his bold words, but even more will push him aside. No one in the industry will dare hire him. You can nearly call it a ban. Hur Hur. Who would dare want a ticking time bomb? If he did that at a critical moment, who could stand him!?"


    Hu Fei firmly said, "Even if he is prickly, I still want him. His literary talent definitely cannot be buried, for it will be too great a pity!"


    ��


    Over at the judges.


    Zhang Yuanqi watched Zhang Ye leave the ce with smiling eyes. She did notment.


    The young judge was speechless, and after that said, "This poem.. sure is alright��" After he hesitated for a while, he did not dare say anything further, as he knew Zhang Ye was rmended by Zhang Yuanqi. Although he did not believe that Zhang Ye could know the Heavenly Queen, in the end, it was still Zhang Yuanqi who gave the nomination. He had to give the Heavenly Queen face, for he was not like Teacher Zheng and the other judges. He did not have the experience, nor the age. He did not dare to be rash in front of Zhang Yuanqi, for she was his predecessor.


    Teacher Zheng closed his eyes and did not make a sound.


    "Old Zheng? What do we do?" A female judge consulted, "Is he not respecting our award presentation stage and jury?"


    Teacher Zheng opened his eyes, "Let''s put aside whether the poem is right for the asion; just this "Dead Water" has broadened my horizons. Originally, I did not intend to join the jury this year. I''m already old and should step back. But now I feel that I''m very thankful to havee here. Hur Hur. Do you believe it? Just with this modern poem, I dare to say that this young man will definitely carve a name for himself! One may as well let the Devil cultivate it! And see what kind of world he will create? I''m very interested to see how this young man will create such a world!"


    ��


    At this moment, the most angry people were the radio station''s Leaders!


    There was no need to mention the unit''s Station Head. He had already promised his oldrade''s child this year''s Silver Microphone Award, but ended up failing. This already made him extremely angry. Now, Zhang Ye came along with a finishing move.


    It was not smacking of face, neither was it trampling of face, it was live stomping of face! One foot after the other, stomping on their faces! With so many peers and predecessors present, there were also the Leaders from other broadcasting entities. The Beijing Television Station''s Leader was here, too.


    The Station Head already felt he has lost all his face, with nothing left of it! From today onwards, no, there''s was no need for tomorrow. Just this afternoon, this matter would probably spread to all the television and radio stations. How was he to look up ever again? To be scolded by a subordinate who was a lowest-level neer anchor, and yet have no way of retorting. Zhang Ye was holding a microphone onstage. Even if the Station Head had said something, no one else could hear him.


    But the Station Head was still good. He was in rtively better shape.


    What was most notable was Deputy Station Head Jia. Zhang Ye was in the Literature Channel under him. As he had conflict with Zhang Ye over the copyright matter, it was Deputy Station Head Jia who made the decision to make it difficult for him. Hence, Zhang Ye''s retaliation this time was clearly meant for him!


    "This f***ing punk!" Deputy Station Head Jia''s face was already green. It was really green. He could not stop himself from cursing. He had turned silly from anger due to Zhang Ye. His lungs were almost exploding, in the end, maybe because his heart could not take the anger, Deputy Station Head Jia ended up suffering from shortness of breath. His eyes turned white and he actually passed out!


    Another Deputy Station Head beside him was fast. Seeing Deputy Station Head Jia''s neck slump on his seat, he quickly held him, "Old Jia! Old Jia!"


    "Aiyah!


    "Deputy Station Head Jia!"


    "Someonee quickly! Someonee quickly!"


    "Call an ambnce! Someone fainted!"


    "First check his pulse. Quickly, see if he''s still breathing!"


    It became a huge mess immediately. Seven to eight people gathered around to help!


    In the end, there was not big a problem. After rubbing his philtrum, Deputy Station Head Jia woke up. A staff from backstage helped him measure his blood pressure, and indeed he was fine.


    This tiny episode made people even more speechless.


    Deputy Station Head Jia also felt the shame of letting a subordinate he looked down upon anger him to the point of fainting. His face naturally looked ugly!


    Zhang!


    Wait and see!


    The Station Head used this matter to talk to the five judges, "Teachers, I suggest withdrawing the Silver Microphone Award from Zhang Ye. This person spoke nonsense and discredited his organization unit. He has to be severely punished!"


    The most qualified old judge, Old Zheng, looked at him, before discussing simply with the other judges. He said, "I''m afraid that''s impossible. The award has been handed out. Be it the Golden Microphone Award or the Silver Microphone Award, they are lifetime awards. There is no process or rule for withdrawing the award." After he finished speaking, he added on, "This littlerade''s speech indeed is a bit problematic. Your unit should handle the education and disciplinary matters itself."


    "But the Silver Microphone Award��" Deputy Station Head Jia stood up due to his flustered anger.


    Another young judge tly said, "The award will not be revoked. The rules are rules. Well, let''s begin the next award presentation. Hurry up and do not dy the Golden Microphone Awards'' live broadcast. We don''t have much time left!"


    The other Silver Microphone Awards were announced, but no one had the mind to pay attention to them. No one even cared about the Golden Microphone Awards!


    Zhang Ye had stolen all the limelight by himself!


    Zhang Ye had attracted all the attention with a single "Dead Water"!


    A few sensitive reporters even ignored the awardees'' name from then on, not caring whose Silver Microphone Award it was. They just sat at their seats and began typing up a manuscript, preparing to immediately report back to their office about this matter. Teacher Zhang Ye, well done! The reporters were thrilled. Their professional traits were fated to be those of people who wished to see the world burn. They were not afraid how big a controversy you would make; they were afraid that you would not make a big enough controversy!


    What was a topic of controversy?


    This was a topic of controversy!


    What could be more interesting and eye-catching than a person scolding his Leaders during an eptance speech?


    Besides, this was not any normal scolding. It did not use vulgarities without any technical skill!


    Cursing tends to be a derogatory term. When mentioned, the first impression others have is itsck of quality. But today, Zhang Ye had broadened the horizons of everyone. One could scold others in such a bold and unrestrained manner. Scolding others could be so elegant and cultured. This was the first time they had really seen it. They had learned something!


    This was a schr!


    Killing people without knives, using one''s mouth!


    Swearing without one''s mouth, using one''s poems!


    Zhang Ye had used "Dead Water" today to show the lofty sentiments of a schr. He had inherited the good tradition of a poet, quaking the world with his poems!

 Chapter 79: Zhang Ye — Synonymous with Notoriety!

    <h4>Chapter 79: Zhang Ye �� Synonymous with Notoriety! </h4>


    Chapter 79: Zhang Ye �� Synonymous with Notoriety!


    Afternoon.


    Grand Theater''s hall.


    The venue hosts were announcing the remaining Silver Microphone Award winners. There was still somemotion, but Zhang Ye had already left the venue and backstage. Along the way, Zhang Ye attracted the attention of many people. This was because outside the theatre, the staff had also heard Zhang Ye''s poem. Some of them even saw him while they were below the stage. Therefore, there was such a strange scene happening now.


    "Uh."


    "Hey, look!"


    "That''s Zhang Ye."


    "F***, this guy is too awesome!"


    A few staff members kept staring at him like he was some kind of god.


    Some others who were not aware of the situation could see the crowd watching Zhang Ye and parting when Zhang Ye passed through them and thought that he was some superstar. That can''t be necessary, right? He''s just walking along. Why does everyone need to send him off so properly?


    "Who''s that?"


    "Don''t you know? You weren''t at the venue earlier?"


    "No. I took over my shift outside earlier."


    "Hey, then you''ve missed a great show. go regret it in a corner. Haha!"


    Seeing everyone''s reactions, Zhang Ye knew that he had done something with big repercussions today. It was not like he did not know his cursing poem was inappropriate. He had killed his chances at remaining in the radio broadcasting industry. The same could be said of the TV industry, especially in Beijing Television Station, which is a sister station to Beijing Radio Station. With the cursing speech by Zhang Ye, they would not have a good impression of him. Even though Hu Fei had promised him that if he had won the Silver Microphone Award, he could join his new program, after the poem the invite would have been voided. Zhang Ye had weighed his thoughts and was clear that he would not be joining Beijing Television Station anymore.


    But even so, he just wanted to curse!


    He would do it all over again if given the chance!


    You are the people I''m cursing! Your faces are the ones I''m pping! I just want to put you in a spot! I just want to expose your ugly faces to those in the industry! And any other thing? Zhang Ye did not care about any other things; he just wanted to feel good first. To let those who made him ufortable, he would not let them befortable, either!


    That''s how it was!


    It was that simple!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s phone rang. So many people were calling him: his Leader, his colleagues and some others whom he did not know. They might have been reporters. Zhang Ye rejected them all without exception. He did not want to listen to anyone right now. What was done was done, andwhat was scolded had been scolded; there was no need for an exnation.


    He only strolled slowly into a restaurant and treated himself to a meal. There was a television in the restaurant and it was tuned into Beijing Television Station. The Golden Microphone Awards event was just about to start. Zhang Ye only footed the bill after the awards ceremony finished its broadcast. He took a bus back to the Beijing Radio Station afterwards.


    ��


    Afternoon.


    The colleagues who were in the Grand Theater had all made their way back. They were discussing the happenings of the day with those who did not attend the awards. They only had half a day off and had work in the afternoon.


    "Ah?"


    "That''s not true, right?"


    "Big Sis Zhou, you are just joking around, right?"


    "Yeah, how can that be? Does Teacher Little Zhang still want his job?"


    Just as they spoke of the devil, Zhang Ye returned at this moment. When he stepped into the office, everyone''s gazes were focused on him!


    Big Sis Zhou eximed loudly, "Little Zhang! Why didn''t you answer the phone!"


    Zhang Ye smiled "I didn''t hear it; I was having lunch earlier."


    "You were great!" Big Sis Zhou said. "Did you know that after you left, the whole theater''s atmosphere was so charged up! You winning the Silver Microphone Award this time, it could be said that you have entered the record books. First was the blunder, then came ''Dead Water''. You were nothing short of astonishing!"


    Auntie Sun said, "Deputy Station Head Jia was so angry that he fainted."


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye blinked, "Really?"


    "It''s true." Xiaofang quickly mentioned, "His neck was crooked on his seat. Everyone was in a mess and they had to resuscitate him!"


    "How is he now?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "He''s alright. They pinched his philtrum and he recovered. I guess it was the shock." Big Sis Zhou answered.


    Soon after, perhaps the news of Zhang Ye''s return had spread. Zhao Guozhou arrived with big strides. "Little Zhang, get over here. Look at the big mess you created!" he chided. He said with a straight face, "Follow me. The station leaders are calling for you; exin it to them yourself!"


    Zhang Ye reached into his pocket, took out a letter and ced it on the desk, "Leader, this is my resignation letter. I will not be exining it to them, nor could I. I will not be working for them anymore. Please let them find someone else that is better!" Having said that, Zhang Ye started to pack his desk. A long-serving employee would find this troublesome, but Zhang Ye was strictly still in a probationary period. His resignation process was too simple.


    Zhao Guozhou''s face ckened, "You are leaving, just like that?"


    "Leader, honestly, I would like to not go." Zhang Ye said so sincerely to Deputy Zhao and also at every one of his colleagues. He said, "Here, I learned a lot. My present results cannot be removed from the help of you, Director Zhao and colleagues Xiaofang, Teacher Xiaomei, Big Sis Zhou, Auntie Sun, Teacher Feng, etc. Although I came for just over a month, I have also grown attached to everyone. Who would want to leave unless it was ast resort? But the reality is as such. Everyone has already seen it. It''s not that I want to leave, but it''s the station forcing me to leave. As the saying goes, ''while the dropping flowers pine for love, the heartless brook babbles on unrequited love''. I would not stay here, asking to be snuffed out!"


    Zhao Guozhou exasperatedly said, "You are too rash!"


    "I am not rash, Director. I have thought through it clearly and understand it very well." Zhang Ye turned to look at his colleagues and gave a deep bow, "Thank you for everyone''s help all this while!"


    Xiaofang''s eyes turned red, "Teacher Zhang."


    Big Sis Zhou and Auntie Sun also could not bear to part, "We really don''t want you to go."


    However, everyone was not surprised with Zhang Ye''s resignation. The station''s Leader had been too unfair with Zhang Ye and had gone too far. If it was anyone else, they would also go mad!


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s alright. We can meet again when we have the chance."


    Zhao Guozhou sighed, knowing that Zhang Ye had made up his mind, "Alright, I''ll do the paperwork for you." He brought Zhang Ye to his office. When there were only the two of them, Zhao Guozhou said, "You were brought in by me into this business, and I have always appreciated you. Now with things in such a situation, I am also quite at fault. Little Zhang. Hai, I didn''t manage to protect you, letting you feel wronged."


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "Don''t say that. You are my Bo Le*. I will never forget this kindness for life. I know you did your best. You can''t do anything with the Station Leader''s instructions. Anyways, if there''s anything in the future, just tell me. If I have the ability, I will never refuse!"


    Zhao Guozhou suggested, "Let''s have ast meal tonight with everyone."


    Zhang Ye waved his hand, "I think it''s best not to. My status now is sensitive. I have already offended the Station Leaders to such an extent. If they know that everyone sent me off, it will give trouble to everyone. It''s fine going off on my own." He was very thoughtful,ing nicely, leaving simply.


    ��


    Afternoon.


    The resignation paperwork was done.


    Zhang Ye hugged his stuff as he left the unit. Coincidentally, he met Jia Yan and Zh��ng Y��, who had juste back.


    Enemies see red the moment they meet!


    Jia Yan might have already gotten the news, "Yo, leaving?"


    "Zhang Ye." Zh��ng Y�� stared at him, "I will remember today''s matters, and it will be for life. If we have the opportunity to meet again at work, we will square off!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Alright, I''ll wait for that day."


    Jia Yan said, "You won''t meet him. You think anyone in the industry will dare to want a person who dares to publicly denounce his unit''s Leader?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Just wait and see, then."


    After taking onest look at the building, the ce where he had worked his first job after graduation, Zhang Ye''s gave aplicated gaze. After he chuckled, he turned around and strode away, without looking back! Now, there was no use in saying anything else, so he did not leave behind any words. However, in his heart, Zhang Ye said to himself, "Beijing Radio Station, I will use concrete actions to prove to you that forcing me away is your loss! I will definitely let you regret every action you made whenever you hear my name, Zhang Ye!"


    Jia Yan and Zh��ng Y�� entered the station''s door. Zhang Ye was gone, but they did not feel happy at all. Why? Because Zhang Ye did not suffer at all. Not only did he get glory and results from the radio station, he had thickened his resume and won the Silver Microphone Award. Leaving with the Silver Microphone Award trophy in his hand, he had gotten everything he could as a neer. On the other hand, the station had suffered due to Zhang Ye. They had entered a passive condition with his "Dead Water" scoldings. It could be imagined that the radio station would not be peaceful in the future. They had to busy themselves to reduce any influence from this terrible situation to its minimum! This fellow Zhang Ye had left, but he had left behind a mess!


    Who profited?


    The result was obvious!


    Going for wool anding home shorn! It was like the Dog and its Reflection!


    The Station Head and Deputy Station Head Jia really felt the pain from Zhang Ye''s beating! Maybe they had never imagined that this world had a neer that did not spare his punches like Zhang Ye!


    What schr? Bull****!


    This was a damn hooligan!


    Everyone had already seen the essence of Zhang Ye. After "Dead Water", Zhang Ye''s name had be famous in the industry. But of course, it was notoriety! The newspaper, gossip tabloids and online videos were most likely beginning to report on Zhang Ye''s ''eptance speech'' at the Silver Microphone Awards. From today onwards, Zhang Ye''s name would be synonymous with notoriety in the radio industry!


    In legends, a god in charge of manning the horses was named Bo Le. In the human world, a person who can distinguish a good horse is also called Bo Le. In some sense, it is simr to saying how a person is your muse, but in a different way.

 Chapter 80: This World’s Celebrity Rankings!

    <h4>Chapter 80: This World��s Celebrity Rankings! </h4>


    Chapter 80: This World''s Celebrity Rankings!


    The second day, Saturday.


    It was entering Autumn, so the temperature was cool and pleasant.


    Today was a rest day. But even if it was not a weekend, Zhang Ye had to take a "long vacation". After leaving the radio station, he was now a free man.


    The phone rang.


    Zhang Ye did not pick it up the first time, as he was sleeping soundly.


    However, the phone kept ringing nonstop, giving Zhang Ye a headache.


    He could only yawn as he grabbed the cellphone on the table, "Hello. Who''s this?"


    "Who do you think is it?" It was Mom''s voice, "Why are you still sleeping? It''s already 9+! And I want to ask you, what is this matter that is written in the newspapers? How did a rotten kid like you offend his Leader again? If you took the Silver Microphone Award, so be it! It''s such a good thing! Even a person who doesn''t know your industry like me knows about the award! It''s very valuable! But what did you say for your eptance speech!? Do you still want to work at your unit?"


    Zhang Ye said sleepily, "I don''t want to."


    "What did you say?" Mom turned worried.


    "I already resigned yesterday. My wages have also been settled." Zhang Ye told his Mom.


    Mom was angry from worry, "You finally managed to find a job and you were doing well! Why did you quit!? Are you dumb!? That is the Beijing Radio Station! An institution! Where can you find a better ce than that in the future? Who would want you with your looks?"


    Zhang Ye gave a helplessughter, "Mom, I''ve already resigned. I will have no future staying there. Let me rest a few days. After that, I''ll go look for other units."


    Mom was rejected, "No, immediately take back your resignation letter!"


    "Mom��" Zhang Ye was at a loss of whether tough or to cry, "Don''t worry. My next unit will definitely be better than this. And it has to be much better. I assure you."


    "No way!" Mom was angry.


    However, Dad''s voice came from over the phone. Zhang Ye only heard him say lightly, "Our son has grown up. He has his own ns, so you don''t have to worry about it."


    "How can I not be worried!? Now all our rtives know my son is a small celebrity in the radio station. With him quitting, how can I keep bragging in the future?" Mom was quite frank.


    Zhang Ye was amused, "Alright, Mom. Let''s end it here. I''m hanging up."


    After putting down the cellphone, he could no longer fall back asleep. He got up and used theputer and watched the news.


    Indeed, there were many forum discussions on the Silver Microphone Awards ceremony yesterday online. Zhang Ye''s Weibo had been @ crazily, with a barrage of notification sounds!


    "I love this ''Dead Water'' too much!"


    "Every work of Teacher Zhang Ye is earth-shaking!"


    "Haha. It is a delight to hear and see! Teacher Zhang Ye also can get mad! So addicting!"


    "Well-cursed! The institutional abuse is too much nowadays! Only Teacher Zhang Ye dares to stand up and speak out!"


    "Did you notice that Teacher Zhang''s Weibo''s verification has changed to ''Former Beijing Radio Station Literature Channel famous radio host''. Was Teacher Zhang fired?"


    "He wasn''t fired. I heard my insider friends say that he had resigned by himself."


    "So what if he quits. There''s no need to be attached to such a Dead Water unit. Teacher Zhang, you still have us. No matter where you go, we will support you!"


    "Well-said! Supporting Zhang Ye!"


    "All limbs up in the air while rolling on the floor to support!"


    "A single ''Dead Water'' has sounded the words in people''s hearts. Yes, it is clearly Dead Water filled with metal scraps and leftover food, yet it pretends to be elegant. This is the state of many of our units. It reeks of death, with the Devil proliferating it. On Monday, when I was at work, I really wanted to be like Teacher Zhang Ye, shouting at my unit''s Leader, ''One may as well let the Devil cultivate it, and see what kind of world he will create'', but I couldn''t do it. I still have a family to feed. I do not dare to lose my job. I do not have Teacher Zhang Ye''s boldness and courage, so after listening to that poem, I have made a decision. From today onwards, I will be a hard-core fan of Teacher Zhang Ye and will never change until death!"


    "Will never change until death+1!"


    "Will never change until death+28!"


    This work of Zhang Ye had brought him quite a number of white-cor worker fans online!


    "Dead Water" had gonepletely viral online. Not only was the poem well-written, the special background gave it additional fame. That was the Silver Microphone Awards ceremony. This made "Dead Water" even more legendary, as people enjoyed talking about it!


    Weibo forwards!


    Forum clicks!


    The publication in newspapers!


    The transmission of the award ceremony''s broadcast!


    Zhang Ye''s poprity had once again increased slightly. Maybe it did not have much influence on people outside the circle, but it was shocking inside. Many people in the industry already knew of Zhang Ye''s name!


    Thements and replies seen previously were mostly yesterday''s.


    Suddenly, the fan, "ZhangYeNumber1Fan", who spared no effort in supporting Zhang Ye, @-ed him. A new Weibo post was published with a picture.


    "Wow, quick look at the Celebrity Rankings!"


    "Godly Number1, what''s the matter?"


    "Didn''t I attach a picture? Can''t you see it?"


    "Ah, I see it! Holy ****! Teacher Zhang Ye has be an E-list celebrity!"


    "Is that true? It''s really true! Congrattions, Teacher Zhang Ye. You deserve it!"


    "Citizens of the Hebei province send their congrattions. Congratting Teacher Zhang on making a new high!"


    "There aren''t many people who be E-list celebrities just from writing poems and making radio programs, right? You can count them with your fingers; there''s definitely not more than 20 people!"


    "Awesome!"


    "Teacher Zhang is impressive!"


    They were all very lively and excited.


    However, when Zhang Ye saw this, he was confused. E-list celebrity? Celebrity Rankings? What and what? Zhang Ye knew he was still unfamiliar with this world. For example, his previous world did not have the Silver Microphone Awards. Hence with an open mind, he clicked the link everyone gave into the Celebrity Rankings'' official website. Upon seeing it, he was shocked. Holy ****. He had originally thought that it was someone''s personal website or some forum, but when he saw the organizing unit of the website, he was dumbfounded. It was the News, Publication & Broadcast Bureau!


    This was an official authoritative website?


    There were even official announcements for Celebrity Rankings?


    He had initially thought it was fake. He quickly checked the website''s cooperating units. There was the National Writers'' Association, Directors'' Union, Editors'' Association, China Film Group Corporation, etc. Zhang Ye knew it was not fake. After a series of searches and inquiries, Zhang Ye finally manage to understand what this Celebrity Rankings was all about. This ranking was standardized internationally, and was not only effective domestically. It had a certain amount of authority even internationally. As for the ranking criteria and choices, they were partially done manually, but arge portion of it was calcted through a statistical form. It was valid worldwide. The entire world also used this form to give a celebrity a ranking based on his overall abilities, influence and poprity. It was most authoritative, unlike any other!


    In Zhang Ye''s world, there were also rankings for celebrities.


    For example an international B-list celebrity, or a domestic S-list celebrity.


    But over there, this ranking had no fixed form, nor was it conclusive. It was beauty in the eyes of the beholder. It only counted if arge number of people acknowledged it. It wasparatively fuzzy. For example, some celebrity may be considered as an A-list celebrity by industry insiders, but many people would only think he was a B-list celebrity. There were also cases where people felt he was a B-list celebrity, but the professionals or other people would think that he was a C-list celebrity. Who do you listen to? What rank would this celebrity be? There was no certainty, because there were no clear boundaries!


    But this world was different!


    There were all sorts of scores and all sorts of rules. Over many years of refinement, a nearly-perfect set of judging rules were produced. It was acknowledged by official bodies and the people. Even other celebrities acknowledged it! It was no longer that troublesome to know a celebrity''s specs; one could get it from flipping through the Celebrity Rankings!


    Domestically, there were seven rankings.


    S-list, A-list, B-list, C-list, D-list, E-list.


    The seventh rank was not called a F-list celebrity. In this world, they were collectively referred to as "public figures".


    After checking this out for a long time and taking a long time to absorb this information, Zhang Ye finally understood. The celebrity rankings between the two worlds were simr, but they also had their differences. For example, in Zhang Ye''s world, when an E-list celebrity was mentioned, it was just an adjective. There was no real E-list celebrity in his world. The meaning of E-list meant the lowest and most obscure celebrity. There were at most the A-list, B-list, C-list and D-list. Even D-list was not something many people acknowledged. There was a lot of controversy behind it. However, over in this world, it was clearly demarcated. An A-list was an A-list, an E-list was an E-list. There was no dispute!


    There was another difference.


    Maybe it was because this world''s entertainment industry was rtively more developed, where people crossed over more often. the rating score was an overall integrative score.


    Notability was important.


    Influence was important.


    The fan cohesiveness strength was important.


    The quality of the works were important.


    Good works had to be produced over a long period of time, and had to not go out of fashion.


    In general, no matter what industry one was in, the ranking depended on one''s overall ability!


    For example, the authors, Han Han or Guo Jingming, were they considered celebrities in Zhang Ye''s world? Of course! Were they highly notable? Of course! But what rank were they? Probably no one could tell. There was no celebrity ranking system for people in the publication industry. At most, when they were mentioned, they would be publicly acknowledged as A-list authors in the publication industry, but this world had unified it. Be it writing novels, children''s fairy tales, poems, or even university professors and wealthy businessmen who received a lot of attention, they could obtain a rating from theirbined abilities and appeal using the statistical form. Once the rating was calcted, they could be perfectly ranked!


    This was this world''s Celebrity Rankings!


    Zhang Ye had used "Dead Water" to go from a public figure to an E-list celebrity. This could be said to be one big step, and could also be said that this was the actual moment that he entered the entertainment industry. One had to know that be it Little Red Mushroom, the Vice President of the Beijing Writers'' Association, or Big Thunder andpany, they were all considered public figures. As for Tian Bin and Zh��ng Y��, they were ranked in the tens of thousands amongst public figures. They would not even be ranked.


    Zhang Ye had already surpassed them!


    Although an E-list celebrity was the lowest, it was still a celebrity!


    However, he still had a long way to go. This was just the beginning!

 Chapter 81: The Absolute Unsparing Duo!

    <h4>Chapter 81: The Absolute Unsparing Duo! </h4>


    Chapter 81: The Absolute Unsparing Duo!


    Afternoon.


    The sun had risen. It was a bit stuffy in the house.


    Zhang Ye opened the room''s door to air the ce out. He stepped on a flyer that was slotted under the door and picked it up. He took a look and saw that it was a menu from a fast food restaurant called Long Long. It''s likely this was a new eatery that only existed in this world, as Zhang Ye had never heard of it before. Whatever. Since it was convenient, he called in to make an order.


    "Hello."


    "This is Long Long Fast Food."


    "What''s the cheapest item you have for delivery?"


    "Well, the cheapest is chicken rice. Adding the delivery fee, ites to 15 Yuan."


    "Okay, I''ll take that. Let me give you the address."


    Just as he was about to hang up, Zhang Ye suddenly caught sight of a small shadow creeping into his house. Zhang Ye was startled, hung up the phone and then looked over. It was a little girl who came in. She was about eight years old and obviously an elementary student, as she was wearing a school uniform from the Xuanwu district''s No.2 Experimental Primary School. The little girl had a face like a porcin doll. Zhang Ye had never seen such a fair and glowing child; she was especially beautiful.


    "Little kid." Zhang Ye blinked, "Who are you looking for?"


    The little girl took a nce at him, ignored his presence and walked straight to the fridge. She opened it up and looked inside, then as if it were her house, tiptoed at the edge on the inside of the fridge and reached for a bottle of c that Zhang Ye had inside. She mmed the fridge door shut afterwards and looked around for a ce to sit down. She found herself a seat on the sofa and twisted the bottle cap open and slowly enjoyed the gassy goodness.


    Zhang Ye, sweating with anxiety, asked, "What''s your name? And what are you doing here at my house? Did you lose your way from your parents? What are your parents'' names? I''ll take you back."


    The little girl asked childishly, "What''s your name?"


    "I''m called Zhang Ye. Hey, why are you asking me instead?" asked Zhang Ye.


    The little girl briefly acknowledge that and took a look at Zhang Ye for the first time, "You are THAT Zhang Ye? The school has been broadcasting your fairy tale every week now. I''m so sick of it; it''s so childish!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "You know me? My story is childish?"


    The little girl''s tone was that of a child, but somehow her voice was deep. When she spoke, it felt like you owed her some money, "Not childish? Just take ''Little Bunnies Be Good''. When I first listened to it, I thought that the person who wrote it was rather dumb, like he had no general knowledge." She spoke with a logical flow and wasposed, unlike many other kids her age. "Let me ask you: is the Big Bad Wolf a picky eater?"


    Zhang Ye in confusion replied, "Why would a wolf be picky about food?"


    "That''s it." she pouted. "You''ve personified the wolf in your writing, making it able to open or knock on doors. The little bunnies could converse with the wolf, too. These are not the problems, though. However, you wrote that the wolf tried all kinds of means to lure the Little Bunnies out to eat them instead of eating the Mother Bunny, so this would be a fault in your logic. You just said that the Big Bad Wolf is not a picky eater, so why does it only want to eat the Little Bunnies and not the Mother Bunny? The Mother Bunny was not protected by the door. Would that mean that the wolf was repulsed by the thought of Mother Bunny''s meat being too old? That it would be difficult to chew?"


    Zhang Ye "��"


    The little girl was calmly sipping on her c and continued, "Another fundamental mistake is in thest paragraph where Mother Bunny used a stick to hit the wolf. Even if it had used a kitchen knife, it could not have beaten the wolf. Firstly, there''s the physical difference in their build, and secondly, there''s a gender difference, too, so how could it have beaten and chased off?"


    Zhang Ye "��..It''s just a fairy tale; it precedes life!"


    The little girl''s snorted, "But fairy tales are inspired by life."


    Zhang Ye was rendered speechless. He nearly wanted to curse. Your sister! Which family did this unlucky childe from! Was the Big Bad Wolf a picky eater? A female bunny could not beat a male wolf? All these were questions that Zhang Ye had no answers to. He had been choked by them! Why are kids nowadays such smarty-pants? They are too unlikeable!


    "By the way, how do you know me?" Zhang Ye looked at her and asked, "Did your family tell you?" That couldn''t be right; he did not know most of the tenants here, nor had he even seen this kid before.


    Suddenly, thendy auntie''s voice could be hearding from the corridor!


    "Chenchen!"


    "Rao Chenchen!"


    "Where did you run off to?"


    After several shouts, under the stunned eyes of Zhang Ye, Chenchen shouted back to the outside, "Aunt, I am at Zhang Ye''s house."


    Two secondster, Rao Aimin appeared in front of Zhang Ye''s door. She came in and immediately stared at the little kid, "Running around again! Sooner orter, you will be sold off if you bump into human traffickers!"


    Rao Chenchen''s sipped a little of her c in disagreement.


    "Drinking c again? Who gave that to you?" Rao Aimin angrily snatched the c out of her hands, "Let''s go back to Aunty''s house."


    Rao Chenchen pursed her lips and said "You are always scolding me at home. I don''t want to go back; it''s better here at Zhang Ye''s house."


    Rao Aimin smacked her little head saying, "Call him Uncle Zhang Ye; don''t be disrespectful!"


    Zhang Ye was all confused while listening beside them. Damn it, I was still wondering why the speaking manner of the kid was so familiar. So it''s a rtive of thendy auntie! No wonder she''s so sarcastic; it''s exactly the same as her aunt! Each one was more sarcastic than the other!


    "Landy Auntie, this is��.." Zhang Ye asked.


    Rao Aimin looked at him, "This is my niece; my sister''s child. She will be under my care from now on. You keep your eyes on her, too. Don''t let her run around; this little imp is full of tricks."


    A puzzled Zhang Ye asked, "Under your care from now on? What about your sister and brother-inw?"


    Rao Aimin''s eyes did not betray any emotions as she replied calmly, "They passed away a long time ago. The child had been cared for by my brother-inw''s family in the past. Two days ago when I was not around, I was at the proceedings to take custody of her. Her surname will follow our Rao family."


    "I see." Zhang Ye understood that her family matters were probably a littleplicated, so he did not probe further.


    "Oh, yes." Rao Aimin thought of something, "I heard you resigned? How is it?"


    Zhang Ye nodded, "It''s alright, Landy Auntie. I did not want to continue there for some time already; thanks for your concern."


    Rao Aimin looked at him, "I''m not concerned about you. I am concerned if you are able to pay your rent on time. It''s almost the end of the month; if you can''t pay up, then get out. No two ways about it."


    Zhang Ye nearly vomited blood. You are too damn direct!


    At this time, Rao Chenchen alsoughed at him derisively, "Hur Hur."


    Rao Aimin agilely picked up Rao Chenchen with her hand and held her in her arm. A child of eight years old was not that small, but thendy auntie did it without skipping a beat. It was as if she was carrying a beer bottle. She said to Zhang Ye, "Quickly find a job next week. Who allowed this boy to curse at the award presentation ceremony? You deserve to lose your job, hur, but that poem of yours was quite appropriate. You had some of my style when I was younger!"


    Zhang Ye casually said, "Sure. I will look for a job after a few days'' rest. Please don''t worry. The rent will continue without break; I will definitely find a good workce."


    Rao Chenchen who was in her aunt''s arms looked at Zhang Ye cross-eyed, her mouth stiffly smiling, "Hur Hur."


    Hur Hur, what Hur Hur! Zhang Ye was utterly defeated by these twodies. Thendy auntie''s poisonous mouth was enough to give him nightmares. Great, now there''s a little one, too!


    Could he live through this?


    Will this old and young one team up ande destroy him every day?

 Chapter 82: Zhang Ye brings the Child to School!

    <h4>Chapter 82: Zhang Ye brings the Child to School! </h4>


    Chapter 82: Zhang Ye brings the Child to School!


    During the weekend, Zhang Ye spent most of his time sleeping, eating and watching TV. He handled no serious business, but instead used the break to readjust his condition and rx his mind. It''s Monday now. Zhang Ye was nning to sleep until daybreak, but someone did not give him the chance to do so.


    It was only 6 in the morning.


    Someone was knocking at his door.


    Zhang Ye pretended not to hear it. He was still deep in his sleep.


    Bang, bang, bang. It had changed to pounding on his door. In a moment, a click sounded, a turn of keys. The door was unlocked from the outside.


    "See, he is at home!" It was Rao Aimin who stepped into the house, "This rascal, he''s always pretending not to hear!"


    Thendy auntie was holding the hands of a cute and beautiful little kid. It was Chenchen. He could only hear the little girl repeating her aunt''s name for him, "Rascal."


    Rao Aimin looked at her, "That''s for me to call him that."


    "Then I can call that, too." Chenchen said in a deadpan way.


    "Be good and call him uncle; don''t be so disrespectful." Rao Aimin educated her.


    Chenchen acknowledged, then deeply called him, "Uncle Rascal, get up quickly."


    Zhang Ye, who was sleepingfortably, was nearly driven mad by the twodies'' perfect harmony, as he pulled his hair, almost on the brink of copse, "What''s the matter, Landy Auntie?"


    Rao Aimin began talking about important matters, "I''m going out soon. I had scheduled an appointment with the subdistrict and police station to settle Chenchen''s residential information to be transferred over to me, so I haven''t had time. However, Chenchen''s school has a public ss in the afternoon today. All the guardians have to be present to listen to the child''snguage ss. I think there''s a session with guardians and children writing aposition." Saying that, she thrusted Chenchen''s hand over, "I can''t trust others with the child. Since you are also known as a Teacher, I''ll hand Chenchen over to you. In a while, bring her to school. Just say are Chenchen''s uncle."


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted and quickly covered his head with his nket, "I''m not going. I still have things to do during the day. I still need to submit my resumes, and��"


    Rao Aimin kicked his leg that was dangling out of the bed without any reason, "Cut the crap and get up quickly! You have to go, even if you don''t want to!"


    Zhang Ye was disagreeable towards it, "Definitely not. I''m tired."


    Chenchen nced at Zhang Ye and spoke like a tiny adult, "Azy ass has lots of sh*t and urine."


    "Anyway, I''m handing the child to you. I''m leaving." With that, Rao Aimin left. But before she left, she said, "If you don''t finish the task, see how I will settle score with youter! If you do well with Chenchen in the morning, this big sister will cook and settle all your meals for the next few days!"


    "That won''t do." Zhang Ye was anxious, "Don''t go, Landy Auntie. Landy auntie?"


    As he sat up to shout, she had already disappeared, leaving little Chenchen gloomily staring at him with her big eyes. She gave off thatughter that made people want to faint, "Hur Hur."


    What a crappy child!


    Can you stop Hur Hur-ing!?


    As the two looked at each other in the eyes, Zhang Ye decided to roll over and carry on sleeping. Taking care of a child�� How is he to take care of a child?


    One minute��


    Five minutes��


    Zhang Ye fell asleep again. He slept soundly.


    But suddenly, an uncute voice from Chenchen rang in his ear, "Zhang Ye! I''m hungry!" She even used her tiny arm to push his shoulder.


    Zhang Ye pulled her hand away, "Stop messing with me!"


    Chenchen ignored and carried on pushing him, "I''m hungry."


    "Aiyah, I''m really sumbing to you." Zhang Ye may say so, but how can this fellow bear to let the child go hungry. No matter how sleepy he was, he got up and said unhappily, "What do you want to eat?"


    Chenchen said confidently and straightforwardly, "Soy milk and fried dough sticks."


    "What fried dough sticks? My house only has instant noodles." Zhang Ye said.


    Chenchen constantly nagged, "Soy milk and fried dough sticks, soy milk and fried dough sticks, soy milk��"


    Zhang Ye got a headache, "Stop saying that already! Fine, fine, fine. Wait for me to change."


    He finally understood that with this tiny thing beside him, there was no hope of him sleeping. Hence, after washing up, he looked for something to change into, and then brought Chenchen downstairs. They went to a breakfast stand across the street.


    The female boss approached with a smile, "What do you want?"


    "Two soy milk, three fried dough sticks. Thank you." Zhang Ye was very polite.


    "Sure, in a moment." The female boss gave a loving nce at Chenchen, "Is this your child? She''s so pretty. How gorgeous would she be when she grows up?"


    Zhang Ye was thinking that if he had such a wicked child, he wouldn''t need to live his life ever again!


    ��


    Hepingmen.


    Beijing No.2 Experimental Primary School.


    There was also a subway station here. But as three transfers were needed, making it very inconvenient, Zhang Ye came with Chenchen using a public bus. It was a direct line on Route 70.


    "Give me your hand." As they were about to cross the road, Zhang Ye held out his hand.


    Chenchen curled her lips, "You did not wash your hands after eating the fried dough sticks."


    Zhang Ye was gloomy, "Didn''t you not wash, either? Hurry up! Why are you so troublesome?" He was afraid that the road was dangerous, so he forcefully held onto Chenchen''s hand.


    Chenchen gave a reluctant look as if she greatly despised him, but she followed Zhang Ye to the school gates while carrying a tiny school bag.


    Today, there was indeed a public ss for second grade students. The moment that Zhang Ye entered the school, he saw many parents bringing their children in. Some children even had two parents beside them.


    "Chenchen!" someone shouted.


    A young boy came running over with his parents.


    Chenchen gave him a nce, "Dede?"


    The little boy said in friendly fashion, "You came? Is this your dad?"


    Chenchen said nonchntly, "He''s my uncle. My father is much more handsome."


    Dede''s parents were amused hearing this. Dede''s father took the initiative to stretch out his hand, "Hello."


    Zhang Ye shook his hand, "Hello. Are the both of you here to join the public ss? Aye, the school sure is something. The things they organize are getting more and moreplex."


    Dede''s mother said, "Indeed. Both of us needed to work today, but ended having to take time off. Hur Hur. There''s no way around it. Children matter the most."


    Dede was also trying to chat with Chenchen.


    "Did you prepare today''sposition?"


    "No."


    "Did you do the homework our teacher assigned for the weekend?"


    "No."


    "Ah, why didn''t you do it? You will be reprimanded by the teacher again. I''ll let you copy mine. I did them."


    "There''s no need."


    It was Dede who kept the conversation going, but Chenchen appeared uncaring.


    On Zhang Ye''s side, he had already finished chatting with Dede''s parents. They brought the children into the school building. Zhang Ye also held Chenchen''s tiny hand and as they walked, he said, "Dede was chatting with you. Why were you so cold? You won''t have friends in the future if you keep this up."


    Chenchen said nonchntly, "Women need to be more reserved."


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded, "Who taught you that?"


    Chenchen said, "My aunt said it."


    "Let me tell you something: don''t keep learning from your aunt. Look at you. You are almost a duplicate of your aunt. Speak a bit more cutely and pleasing to others, understand?" Zhang Ye taught with utmost care.


    Chenchen directly said, "I can''t."


    Fine, treat it as if this Bro didn''t say anything. Zhang Ye brought her to the ssroom of the first ss, second grade.


    "Are you Dede''s parents?"


    "Right, you are Qianqian''s mother, right? Hur Hur, I always hear my son talk about Qianqian. The two children seem to hit it off well. Whenever you are free, you cane visit my house."


    "Alright, let''smunicate more."


    In the ssroom, there were quite a lot of parents introducing themselves to each other as they got to know each other.


    However, there was not much a reaction when Zhang Ye brought Chenchen in. Other than a few boys like Dede who were willing to speak to Chenchen, the rest ignored Chenchen. Some girls even gave her aversive looks. Zhang Ye finally understood. Indeed, little Chenchen was too unpopr in school.


    "Hey, the teacher is here."


    "Teacher Zhao Mei, hello."


    "Teacher Zhao, thank you for taking care of our children."


    Zhang Ye whispered to Chenchen, "Who is she?"


    Chenchen said indifferently, "Zhao Mei, my ss'' teacher-in-charge. She always criticizes me!"


    Just as she finished saying that, Teacher Zhao Mei saw Chenchen, and then her eyes stared right at Zhang Ye''s face. She strode forward, "You must be Chenchen''s guardian, right?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Ah, yes. I''m her uncle."


    Teacher Zhao Mei''s face turned sullen, "I''ve finally seen you. Uncle Chenchen, follow me." Saying that, she went to the end of a corridor.


    Zhang Ye could only follow, "Teacher, what''s the matter?"


    Teacher Zhao Mei immediately said, "What sort of guardians in the world are you people? Chenchen has been in school for a year. This is the second year, but this is the first time I''m seeing her guardian. I heard that back when she first came to school, Chenchen had reported to school with her books and fees herself. Last year, I had been asking to see Chenchen''s guardians for an entire year, but none of you came. Do you even care about the child? I''ve been a teacher for so many years, but this is the first time I''m seeing such seniors like you!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned, "No one brings Chenchen to school usually?"


    "No." Teacher Zhao Mei asked angrily, "You even asked me? I stand at the school gates to greet students almost everyday. Chenchen always takes the bus herself to school!"


    Zhang Ye finally understood. It was no wonder thendy auntie had gone through legal procedures to obtain the child''s custody, because her brother-inw''s family didn''t take good care of her, so he immediately exined, "Teacher Zhao, it''s like this. Chenchen''s family situation is a bit moreplicated. Her parents are no longer alive, and she had been under the care of her elders on her father''s side. They were not very attentive. Now, with the child''s custody in her aunt''s hands, who is also a big sister of mine, I will guarantee you that this will not happen again. If you have any problems, just give her aunt a call, or even call me. I assure you, I will be avable immediately." After understanding Chenchen''s family situation, Zhang Ye felt pity for the child.


    She was just seven years old!


    She had gone to school herself? She probably even needed to make her own meals. No wonder Chenchen was so much more mature than her peers!


    Teacher Zhao Mei eximed, "Ah? Is that so? Aiyah, then I haven''t been a good teacher-in-charge. Sorry, I didn''t know before this." After sighing, she said, "Actually this child is very pitiful. No wonder she never got along well with her ssmates."


    Zhang Ye frowned, "Are others bullying her?"


    Zhao Mei gave a wry smile, "You think too much. Who dares to bully Chenchen. If she doesn''t bully others, I''ll already be praying to the gods. As a guardian, you should know Chenchen''s mouth better than me. Many of the young children in ss have cried because of her words. Not only children, even her math teacher, a new teacher who just came for a year, nearly got sick from the stress due to Chenchen, and even had to take several days off!"


    Zhang Ye said in an ashamed manner, "How can this be?"


    "Why not?" Zhao Mei also felt angry and funny at the same time as she said, "A few days ago when school opened, the math teacher had just been assigned to our ss. On the first day, the teacher had asked Chenchen to answer a question, but Chenchen could not answer. When the teacher reprimanded her, Chenchen retorted with a question that no mathematician could prove. In the end, Chenchen even said that since the teacher could not answer, then she had no right in demanding that she answer the teacher''s question! There was also thenguage teacher. She could not stand in anymore with Chenchen and even left the ssroom with her materials!"


    Zhang Ye coughed, "I''ll speak to her about it. This child is not very sensible."


    "Don''t say things so heavily. Treat it slow and progress slowly. I can tell that she is a good child, but she doesn''t trust people easily. Hai, maybe it''s due to her family situation." Zhao Mei could understand and felt pity, "A family''s influence on a child is too great."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll have to trouble you in the future."


    "I''ll try my best." Looking at her watch, she said, "ss is starting soon. There will be Leaders from the Education Ministrying today. Chenchen''s guardian, please take a seat."


    "Alright." Returning to the ssroom, Zhang Ye saw Chenchen sitting alone by herself. He felt his heart go soft. He went over to straighten her ruffled hair and adjust her school uniform''s cor. Then, he brought a seat to sit beside the child, just like the other parents were doing by their children.

 Chapter 83: Zhang Ye Writes an Elementary School Composition!

    <h4>Chapter 83: Zhang Ye Writes an Elementary School Composition! </h4>


    Chapter 83: Zhang Ye Writes an Elementary School Composition!


    Morning.


    No.2 Experimental Primary School began sses.


    A familiar musical tone rang. A forty-something-year-old female teacher holding some lesson ns entered the ssroom, "Good morning, students."


    "Attention!" a ss representative shouted.


    Everyone stood up at the same time, "Good morning, teacher!"


    Thenguage teacher smiled. "Students, please be seated."


    The other children were pretty well-behaved and listened to instructions ordingly, except for Chenchen. Her movements were slower by a beat, without any spirit and a look of disinterest. It was like she was not properly fed her meals. Zhang Ye had never seen Chenchen smile sincerely before, not even once. Her smile was always "Hur Hur", like a cold sneer which always hung from her face.


    Zhang Ye prodded her, "Pay attention."


    Little Chenchen just nodded in acknowledgment.


    The female teacher hearing somemotion, immediately looked towards Chenchen and said with a sudden displeasure, "Keep quiet; it''s ss time now!" before putting on a smile again and saying to the parents, "Good morning, parents. Today is a public exhibition ss, so I would like to thank everyone for taking time off to attend. As for today''s lesson n, I would like it to be more interactive. I will be giving a question for the students to write an essay piece of at least 200 words. Parents may supervise, advise or work on it together with your child. This is to let our parents understand our children''s world and improve our interactions with them. Alright, I will now begin the question."


    She turned around and wrote some words on the ckboard.


    Title: Sing the praise of any type of nt.


    Requirements: The theme is to be clearly written, with at least 200 words used.


    The form teacher of the ss, Zhao Mei, was seated at the back of the ssroom, observing every student''s performance.


    pping her hands, thenguage teacher announced to everyone, "Alright, students, You may start writing. If you are unsure of any words, you can ask your parent for help."


    "Dad, I want to write about roses!"


    "Sure. That is good."


    "But I don''t know how to spell ''rose''."


    "Here, let dad write it out for you."


    "Mummy, mummy, I want to sing a praise for the Cathaya nt. Ah, orchids are not bad, too; the orchids we have at home are very pretty. Didn''t you say that they were extremely famous and expensive?"


    Everyone started moving their pens.


    Only Chenchen kept still for a long time. She was biting on her pen without writing a single word. In the end, she turned her head and looked at Zhang Ye, "Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What?"


    Chenchen''s heart did not miss a beat as she passed her pen to him, "Write it for me."


    Zhang Ye stared at her, "The teacher gave the assignment to you; we adults at most can teach you to write some unknown words. You are really thick skinned. Hurry up and write it yourself."


    Chenchen lowered her voice, "I don''t know how to."


    Zhang Ye tried encouraging her, "What''s there to not know how? Think about which nt is good and which one you like, then write what is good about it and how it is pretty. That is all. Aren''t you very good at talking? Your vocabry should be much greater than others of your age. You can definitely do it." This little kid had someone like Zhang Ye, someone who was good at speaking and who had worked as a radio host, at his wits end. Zhang Ye knew that Chenchen was especially clever.


    But Chenchen just could not write. Sheid there for half a day without writing anything. It was obvious that Chenchen was getting frustrated.


    Suddenly, there was a rush of footstepsing from outside.


    The school Leader had arrived, along with several people who looked like they were from the Beijing Education Bureau''s chiefs. There were about 20 of them in a row, men and women, young and old.


    Thenguage teacher quickly greeted, "Director Liu. Principal Li."


    No.2 Experimental Primary School''s Principal Li lowered his hands, "Carry on. You don''t have to bother about us."


    The form teacher, Zhao Mei, also stood up to wee them and showed them the pre-arranged seats at the back of the ss, "Please take a seat, everyone. The children are all writing an essay for theirnguage ss."


    Director Liu from the Education Bureau said pleasantly, "That''s great. We have to hear some of the children''s essays."


    Zhang Ye swept his vision to the back and understood that they had likely arranged an exhibition ss because of the Leaders visitation. Eh, this was so troublesome. Formalism was really a pain in the ass.


    Soon after, thenguage teacher looked at her watch, "Okay, time''s almost up. Whoever has finished writing, please put up your hands. I will read, hur hur. As this is an experimental ss, the first ced for today''s essay writing will be broadcast during the school''s broadcast period. This is a rare opportunity."


    When they heard, the children became all eager and excited!


    "I''ve finished writing!"


    "I''ve finished writing, too!"


    "Read mine first! Read mine first!"


    Everyone was very enthusiastic; the children all had the urge to show what they could do.


    Principal Li was very d. He told the Leader, "Director Liu, this is our school''s best experimental ss of grade 2. The children are all very motivated."


    "I saw it." Director Liu praised "Very good."


    Only Rao Chenchen lowered her head and did not make a sound. Her essay book was still nk. When Chenchen looked around and saw her ssmates all raising their hands, she slowly pursed up her mouth.


    Zhang Ye could not bear the sight of this. He bit his teeth and did not care anymore, if I have to write, so be it. This child cannot afford to lose her confidence in front of her ssmates. Moreover, thenguage teacher had been angered by Chenchen before. If she were to rub it in, Chenchen will further be ostracized. This was something that Zhang Ye did not want to see happen. Thendy auntie had always helped him when he was at his lowest. Big Sister Rao had entrusted the child to his care, so Zhang Ye definitely would not let the child suffer while under his care.


    "Chenchen." Zhang Ye whispered, "I will read, you write."


    Chenchen pursed her mouth and nodded. For once, she did not rebutt Zhang Ye''s words.


    But what should they write? Praise which kind of nt? Zhang Ye''s head was nk, too. But all of a sudden, he had an idea. Yes, that''s the one!


    Chenchen urged him on, "Zhang Ye."


    "Alright, don''t rush me. I have something." Zhang Ye said, "The subject �� ''Tribute to the White Por''. The white por is no ordinary tree. Let me sing its praises."


    Chenchen''s writing was extremely fast. With a few strokes of the pen, she was caught up.


    Zhang Ye continued on, "When you travel by car through Northwest China''s boundless teau, all that you see before you is something like a huge yellow-and-green felt nket. Yellow is the soil �� the uncultivated virgin soil. It is the outer covering of the Loess teau, umted by Mother Nature several hundred thousand years ago. Green are the wheat fields signifying man''s triumph over nature. They be a sea of rolling green waves whenever there is a soft breeze. Here, one is reminded of the Chinese expression ''����'', meaning ''rippling wheat'' and cannot help admiring our forefathers'' ingenuity in coining such a happy phrase."


    Chenchen did not know some of the words, as she had not learned them. Zhang Ye guided her with instructions on how to write them.


    ��


    Over there, thenguage teacher had already picked up Dede''s essay, "Dede raised his hands up first, so I will read his essay first. "Violet". "I like the violet. Once, dad and mum brought me on a trip to Europe. I first saw them in a courtyard. They were so beautiful��.." after reciting, thenguage teacher praised, "Well-written. I could see Dede''s heart in this; the words were also quite good."


    Dede was spoilt by the praise.


    Dede''s dad and mom also smiled. They felt proud of their son.


    "There. Tongtong raised her hand. Let me take a look at Tongtong''s essay." Thenguage teacher picked up the little girl''s essay, "Praising the Cedar". "The Cedar is one of the most treasured trees in the world. Because of overharvesting, many of the ancient cedars no longer exist��" she finished reading. Thenguage teacher''s eyes lit up, "Tongtong''s essay is even better. Compared to Dede''s essay, there is more depth and the concept of environmental conservation. It''s really quite good; please continue to work hard."


    "Thank you, teacher." Tongtong grinned. She looked over at Chenchen''s table and gave her a look of arrogance, like she was showing off. It can be seen that her rtionship with Chenchen wasn''t too good.


    1 essay��..


    3 essays��..


    5 essays��..


    Every student''s essay had been read out.


    Atst, thenguage teacher asked, "Who else has finished, but not let me read it?"


    Tongtong suddenly said loudly, "Rao Chenchen''s essay has not been read yet." She pointed towards her.


    Tongtong''s dad who was by her side, looked over at Rao Chenchen and Zhang Ye. His nce was a bit cold and he said cynically, "That''s right; I also want to hear Student Chenchen''s writing." Last school semester, Chenchen had made his Tongtong cry a few times, so Tongtong''s father was obviously not very pleased with them. He had purposely found fault with them, "Chenchen''s guardian, are you already done? Then recite it for teacher. Chenchen''s educational performance can be said to be ''outstanding'', so herposition must be very well-written!"


    Everyone in ss knew that Chenchen''s educational performance was bad; in fact, she was one of thest few in the ss!


    Many of the children who did not y with Chenchen were now gloating and booing at her.


    "Read it, Chenchen!"


    "I also want to hear Chenchen''s essay!"


    Thenguage teacher had not wanted to read Chenchen''s essay. It was not like she didn''t know about Chenchen''snguage standard. She was the ss'' worst student, and was likely to be kicked out of the experimental ss next year. Today, it was a public ss, so with so many teachers and school Leaders, and even Leaders from the Education Bureau present, she naturally wanted to choose the best works to be recited. By doing so, she could highlight her teaching abilities. Hence, she said, "Chenchen might not have finished writing."


    Tongtong''s father sneered, "I saw her stop writing a while ago!"


    Teacher-in-charge, Zhao Mei, who was in the back of the ss, was a bit mad. What sort of parent was this!? Why did you have to treat another person''s child like this? Was there a need to mock others? Yes, Chenchen might have a sharp mouth, and had made your child cry, but don''t you know that you should not take offense at a child''s babble? Furthermore, that was also the child''s own matter. Why must you, as an adult, step in and help your child bully another? What sort of words were those!? Ever since she knew of Rao Chenchen''s family background and history, Zhao Mei''s attitude towards Chenchenpletely changed. She also became very tolerant.


    Zhang Ye was also mad. He stared at Tongtong''s father. Grandson, what sort of words are you saying!? Are you finding fault with me? Fine!


    "Chenchen, you?" Thenguage teacher queried, and also signaled to Chenchen with her eyes, indicating that it was fine if she just said that she was not done writing.


    But before Chenchen sounded out, Zhang Ye spoke up, "My child is done writing! Since everyone wants to listen to it, then read it!"


    Thenguage teacher was stunned. Holy sh*t, are you really reciting it?


    Tongtong''s fatherughed, "Teacher, we are all waiting."


    The Leaders from the Education Bureau and school could not bear watching this any further. They felt that some parents parents wascking in bearing, so they did not n to carry on listening. They got up and were about to inspect other sses.


    At this moment, thenguage teacher had already taken theposition from Chenchen''s hands. The moment she looked at it, she was at first stunned. There was nothing else. There were too many words in thisposition, and it had far exceeded 200 words. She wrote so many words? You can write so many words just topliment a nt? She then read with a skeptical tone, "Title: ''Tribute to the White Por''. The white por is no ordinary tree. Let me sing its praises!"


    When the first sentence came out, everyone was amused.


    Singing the praises for the white por? And it was no ordinary tree? You must be kidding! There were damn white por trees everywhere on the streets, and most of them were in the rural areas. What was the meaning of praising this nt? Look at what the other ssmates were writing. They wrote about orchids, cedar orvender. Even the worst of the worst was praising roses!


    What about you?


    Praising the white por?


    Man, why didn''t you praise the oil waste in the sewers!


    Quite a number of children mocked, and a few adults, like Tongtong''s father,ughed together with the children. They looked disdainful! A rotten child was a rotten child! They could not do anything! What sort of crappyposition was this!? Aren''t you even ashamed to use it topare with my child''sposition?


    Thenguage teacher also felt there was a problem with theposition. The title itself wasn''t well chosen, but there was no other way. With a few parents purposely forcing the situation, she had to carry on reading, but the more she read, the more astonished she became. Her expression became more and more surprised!


    This��


    This was prose?


    Only then did she realize that theposition was not as simple as she thought. The words may have been simple and uplicated, but there was something amiss in it!


    "With straight trunks and branches, white pors aim high."


    "White pors are no ordinary trees. But thesemon trees in Northwest China are as much ignored as our peasants in the North. However, like our peasants in the North, they are bursting with vitality and capable of surviving any hardship or oppression. I pay tribute to them because they symbolize our peasants in the North and, in particr, the spirit of honesty, tenacity and forging ahead �� a spirit central to our struggle for national liberation."


    "The reactionary diehards, who spite and snub themon people, can do whatever they like to eulogize the elite nanmu (which is also tall, straight and good-looking) and look down upon themon, fast-growing white por. I, �� for my part, will be loud in my praise of thetter!"


    Thenguage teacher closed Chenchen''sposition book and said in a daze, "End."


    She had finished reciting theposition!


    Everyone at this moment was silent!


    Tongtong''s father was dumbfounded!


    The other parents were in a daze!


    The Education Bureau and school leaders who had just walked out the ssroom also stood in their original spots for no reason. Then.. one by one, they quickly returned. They looked in shock at the ssroom, as if they had seen a ghost!


    Zhang Ye began to be the braggart he was and scoffed at the parents who questioned Chenchen and him. You really despised me as a dog!?


    Show off! Show off some more to me!


    Competing with me atpositions? All of you are sure funny!


    Zhang Ye was not surprised at the astonishment of everyone. Was I joking with you? This was the ''Tribute to the White Por''. If he did not remember wrongly, this was a famous essay in his world''s second grade textbooks. And its author was even more famous: Mao Dun!


    Zhang Ye would spit at anyone who could find fault with this essay. ''Tribute to the White Por'' did not have flowerynguage, and also did not haveplicated vocabry, but it was because of this that the value of this essay was highlighted. Only then could it highlight the ideological, educational and literary value of the essay!


    An essay that praised items?


    ''Tribute to the White Por'' was the most inconspicuous one! But it was also the most famous one!

 Chapter 84: You are That Zhang Ye?

    <h4>Chapter 84: You are That Zhang Ye? </h4>


    Chapter 84: You are That Zhang Ye?


    In the first ss, second grade''s ssroom, the atmosphere had suddenly turned silent. The rowdy children and parents were all fixed in their spots!


    Astonishment!


    Astonishment!


    And more astonishment!


    Teacher-in-charge Zhao Mei gaped, "This essay��"


    "''Tribute to the White Por''! What an excellent ''Tribute to the White Por''!" The Education Bureau''s Director Liu apuded and praised it. This shout also broke the silent scene. He looked slightly over-excited, and it was obvious he was not just a Leader. There was an 80% chance he was a teacher or schr who was involved in education in the past. "The text is in, and could even be said to be simple. There is no umon word orplex rhetoric in it. It does not look like prose at all, but it is this kind of text that perfectly harmonizes with the topic to an extreme. Amon white por, simple peasants in the North. It might be writing about nts, and furthermore, a very inconspicuous tree, yet in actuality it is expressing the greatness and power of themon people!"


    Another person from the Education Bureau was also extremely shocked, "This�� This is practically a model essay out of model essays! Currently, in all the mainstream textbooks, be it in elementary, middle or high school, there is no other educative model essay as this! How could this be written by a child!? And a eight-year-old child at that?"


    Principal Li immediately asked, "Who wrote it?"


    Thenguage teacher said in a daze, "It''s�� It''s written by our ss'' Chenchen!"


    Principal Li nearly fainted, "I meant, who was the real author of this essay!"


    Which of them was dumb? Furthermore, even a person with intellectual disabilities could tell that this in on the surface, but riddled withyers of profoundness, essay was clearly not written by an eight-year-old child. Ignoring an eight-year-old student, even among them, who were in education all their lives, there was not any one of them who would be able to write such an outstanding model essay even at the age of eighty! They did not have that literary foundation! They were almost certain that the person who could write a prose like ''Tribute to the White Por'' was no ordinary person!


    Famous author?


    Schr?


    Or which professor?


    They were all trying to guess!


    Thenguage teacher gave a wry smile, "Principal Li, I, I do not know either." Immediately looking towards Rao Chenchen, she asked, "Chenchen, who wrote the essay for you?"


    Chenchen said without being ashamed, "I wrote it."


    Zhao Mei immediately said, "The Leader and Principal are here. Chenchen, say it truthfully; who prepared this essay in advance for you? It''s alright. We won''t say anything bad." Of course, they could not criticize Chenchen. Today''snguage public ss'' topic was meant for parents and children to write an essay together. For example, in Tongtong''s save-the-environment kind of essay, it did not look like Tongtong''s work at all, with its terms or deeper meaning. It was definitely prepared by Tongtong''s father ahead of time. Quite arge number of other parents and guardians were also ghostwriters for their children. After all, it was a parent''s heart. No one would like their child to be embarrassed in such a public setting, so the teachers understood this.


    Chenchen said with a calm face, "It was written by me." She did not lie, but she added on, and looked towards Zhang Ye, "I wrote it while my uncle read it."


    Your uncle?


    He was the original author?


    Immediately, everyone''s eyesnded on Zhang Ye!


    As Zhang Ye was too young, everyone gave a suspicious look. Who was this? Not familiar? Never seen him before? He could write such an essay at such an age? That can''t be! Principal Li, Director Liu andpany had their doubts.


    Principal Li asked, "You are?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m Chenchen''s uncle."


    "I mean�� How do I address you?" Principal Li said with a skeptical tone.


    Without waiting for Zhang Ye to respond, Rao Chenchen said with a hoarse voice quickly, "My uncle''s name is Zhang Ye (����), written with a �� and a ��."


    "Zhang Ye?" Thenguage teacher was immediately stunned!


    Principal Li was also shocked, "You are that Zhang Ye? The Zhang Ye who wrote ''Shuidiao Getou''? The original author who won first ce in the essaypetition with ''Little Bunnies Be Good''?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "That''s me." Hehe, I didn''t know this bro was so famous in the education system.


    However, there were only these few people who knew him. The other parents did not know him. They only knew Zhang Ye was probably quite an impressive person, given Principal Li and thenguage teacher''s surprised expressions.


    Director Liuughed, "So it''s Teacher Zhang Ye. No wonder, no wonder you can write an essay such as ''Tribute to the White Por''!"


    If it was any other person, how could a youngd just past the age of twenty be able to write ''Tribute to the White Por'' on the spot? They would definitely not believe it, as it was impossible. But the author was Zhang Ye, the famous Zhang Ye. There was no need to talk about his other works. Just think of ''The Song of the Stormy Petrel'', which shocked the online world was written by Zhang Ye.


    Both essays were writing about living things. One was written about an animal, while the other was written about a nt. One was a prose poem, while the other was also prose. Themon theme was clear; they were using a living thing as an allegory. "The Song of the Stormy Petrel" was using the petrel to express one''s resistance and fearlessness, while "Tribute to the White Por" was using the white por to express the greatness and simplicity of the ubiquitous people.


    They had different themes, but the same feeling!


    Hence, there were no doubts about his authenticity after they knew he was Zhang Ye. Zhang Ye was the only literature author in the country who could write such an essay at his age. Of course, there were other young people who wrote well, and they were also about the same age as Zhang Ye, but the problem was they were just not bad. No peer of Zhang Ye could reach his standard! The difference in quality in the works was too great!


    Thenguage teacher eximed, "You are really Zhang Ye?"


    Zhang Ye blinked, "That''s me. Why?"


    "Nothing, nothing, I�� Nevermind. I''ll talk to you after the ss has ended." Thenguage teacher seemed to have something on her mind.


    Director Liu then said, "Right; there''s still ss. Come, let''s go behind and continue listening. Let''s not disrupt the children from their lesson."


    The people from the Education Bureau and teachers all sat in the back row. With the appearance of "Tribute to the White Por" , they no longer had any intentions of visiting other sses.


    Principal Li said after taking his seat, "Teacher, carry on. Don''t bother about us."


    "Alright." Thenguage teacher calmed her mood and said to everyone, "Students, just now you heard ''Tribute to the White Por'' once. From the looks of everyone, you might not understand why this essay is good, and it can''t be med. This prose is not something easily understood at your age, because its essence and excellence is not on its surface, but within. I really wish each one of you will be like the white por, and using Chenchen''s uncle''s words�� With straight trunks and branches, aim high, stand erect and be unbending in face of a violent wind."


    The children all looked towards Chenchen.


    "Actually, I need to be self-critical of myself." Thenguage teacher said honestly, "Just now when I read the first sentence of ''Tribute to the White Por'', I had some contempt in my heart. Like everyone else, I also find the white por mundane. Praising the white por? What was there to praise? But after I finished reading it, I knew I was wrong. A rose may be beautiful, but it easily withers. The orchid may be beautiful, but it is easily bent. The white por might look ugly, but I think they are much more beautiful than them. It is beautiful in the sense of striving for excellence. It is an unyielding beauty. This is a ubiquitous beauty!"


    Thenguage teacher''s evaluation of it was of a certain standard.


    After hearing this, everyone apuded!


    Director Liu and Principal Li also nodded and gave their apuse!


    "Just now when I recited ''Tribute to the White Por'', I had some uncertainty and hesitation. So my tone was not right at times. Actually, I also do not have the ability to recite it properly. I wish to invite Teacher Zhang Ye to recite it once. I''m not sure if Teacher Zhang is willing to?" Thenguage teacher suddenly said, "You might not know this, but Teacher Zhang Ye is a professional in this line of work. His profession is a broadcasting host, but he is also an author. His recitation will definitely be better than mine by a hundred times. Hur Hur, students, let us give a round of a apuse for Teacher Zhang Ye to recite."


    There was apuse once again.


    Director Liu also greatly wanted to hear how Zhang Ye recited it. Principal Li might not have heard Zhang Ye''s live performance, but Director Liu had happened to listen to an audio upload of Zhang Ye''s recital of "Dead Water" onstage at the Silver Microphone Awards ceremony. That mocking tone, that sarcasm and that anger, with no scruples about cursing, could be felt throughout the recitation. Back then, Director Liu had even stood up and mmed his table when he heard it. It was too exciting!


    Zhang Ye was not willing to incur ridicule on himself. However, Chenchen kept stabbing him with her little elbow, "Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye could only stand up, "Alright, then. Since the teacher has said so, I''ll incur ridicule on myself today. If I don''t recite it well, please don''t fault me." Following that, he did not take Chenchen''sposition book. He did not need to see it. He walked to the podium and closed his eyes to steady his breath. It was his habit, and also a breathing technique taught in his broadcasting college. This was because recitation was not a simple matter. It needed to be recited with emotion. Amateurs might think that it was simple, as it was just reading an essay, but only professionals knew the trade well. Zhang Ye was a professional at this, so he was not sloppy at all.


    He calmly said, "Tribute to the White Por."


    Immediately following that, Zhang Ye gave a smile. It was a smile exuding confidence that ignored everyone, "The white por is no ordinary tree. Let me sing its praises!"


    Smile.


    Frown.


    Coldness.


    entricity.


    Zhang Ye''s visual interpretation of this essay was extremely good!


    The children were fascinated listening to him. Not even them, even the parents and thenguage teacher were watching with respect and shock!


    A professional was indeed a professional!


    It was indeedpletely different from how the teacher had read it!


    Especially when Zhang Ye read thest line, his fanatical smile made people feel a rush, "The reactionary diehards, who spite and snub themon people, can do whatever they like to eulogize the elite nanmu and look down upon themon, fast-growing white por. I, �� for my part, will be loud in my praise of thetter!"


    Bba Bba Bba!


    The apuse this time reverberated through the entire corridor!

 Chapter 85: Could I Have an Autograph?

    <h4>Chapter 85: Could I Have an Autograph? </h4>


    Chapter 85: Could I Have an Autograph?


    Second floor.


    Along the corridor.


    The sixth ss'' public lesson had ended early, so the parents had alreadye out. They were chatting outside, and those with smoking addictions even hid in the bathroom to smoke.


    "Eh? Why is there such amotion in the first ss?"


    "What''s the matter? Is the teacher teaching?"


    "It''s not teaching; I heard the experimental ss is writingpositions today."


    "Oh, a student''s essay? Let''s go and take a look."


    "Alright, but we should be quiet. There''s the school''s Leaders and teachers in there."


    Soon, a number of curious parents hade outside of the first ss. They had happened to hear Zhang Ye''s recitation of that "Tribute to the White Por"!


    A parent touched the goose bumps on his arm. He was rmed.


    The other parents were also stunned. A person looked at the other parent from before, "Friend, are you sure this is aposition written by an elementary school student?"


    The person wiped his sweat, "That''s right; their ss is having aposition writing public lesson."


    The parents were all feeling amazed. Were elementary school students so impressive these days?


    ��


    A few minutester, The public lesson ended.


    "End of ss."


    "Rise."


    "Goodbye, students."


    "Goodbye, teacher."


    Thenguage teacher smiled. "Thank you to all the parents who came. Today''s lesson will end here, so you can bring your children home. Today''s homework is for everyone to write a reflective piece after you read ''Tribute to the White Por''. Tomorrow, I will check them in ss."


    The moment that the lesson ended, Chenchen''s seat was surrounded by all the other children!


    "Chenchen! Your uncle is so awesome!" Dede was the first to run over.


    Chenchen was unlike her peers who would be smug in such a situation. She still had that grumpy little face of hers as she nonchntly said, "Passable."


    "Is your uncle a superstar?" Another boy asked, "Why do the principal and the teachers know him?"


    Chenchen quietly kept her pencil case and books, saying, "I guess so. I didn''t know he was that famous."


    "Chenchen, let''s go home together."


    "I want to go, too. Let my father drive us home."


    "Chenchen, Chenchen, do you want toe to my house and y? My house is nearby."


    A group of boys and girls surrounded her, asking all sorts of questions. They were very friendly.


    Zhang Ye also felt relieved when he saw the current situation. He was greatly wishing to see this little rascal have good rtionships with her ssmates. Actually, little Chenchen was pretty and cute, like a porcin doll, and probably no child in the school was prettier than her. From an aesthetic point of view, most people would be willing to y with her; however, as little Chenchen was too cold, and was mature beyond her years, this resulted in her not mixing well with others. After today''s matter, there was reason to believe that Chenchen''s interpersonal rtionships would improve. This was also the only thing that Zhang Ye could do.


    Tongtong and her father were already silent at this moment. The father brought his daughter out of the ss. He did not want to stay a second longer, for he felt disgraced.


    "Teacher Zhang Ye!" Thenguage teacher suddenly walked over.


    Zhang Ye, who was about to bring the child home, stopped in his tracks. He recalled that she had said something in ss, something about talking after ss. He then asked, "Teacher, previously, you were saying?"


    Thenguage teacher was a bit embarrassed. She did not look much older than Zhang Ye, and she had also not graduated for more than two years. After she hesitated for a moment, she took out a book, "Actually, actually, it''s nothing important, just that�� I especially like your poems. I have seen your ''Flying Bird and Fish'', ''The Song of the Stormy Petrel'' and ''A Generation'' more than ten times. I can even recite them without a mistake now. Especially that ''Dead Water'' you recited a few days ago.. I like that the most. I am one of your hardcore fans!"


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Ye felt embarrassed, "Ah? Thank you, thank you."


    Thenguage teacher held the book and looked at him, "Could I have an autograph? My husband also likes you. He likes your ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''. He stays upte every night to tune in to it. He has not missed a single episode!"


    Zhang Ye immediately took the book over, "There''s definitely no problem at all. How many do you want?"


    "One�� No, two would be best." Thenguage teacher was very happy as she passed him a pen.


    Zhang Ye''s words were not very nicely written, but that was his normal handwriting. When it came to autographs, it might seem funny, but this rascal had purposely practiced before. He had wished to be famous since he was young, fantasizing about being asked for an autograph one day. He finally had his wish fulfilled today. Come to think of it, this was the first time a fan had asked for his autograph. It was a day worth remembering.


    "Here''s the autograph." Zhang Ye returned the book to her.


    "Thank you! Thank you!" Thenguage teacher was especially excited.


    Chenchen gave a cold nce over.


    Zhang Ye then touched little Chenchen''s head and said to thenguage teacher, "This child Chenchen is not very sensible and not very obedient, so I''ll be troubling you in the future."


    "You''re wee, too wee." Thenguage teacher immediately said, "Don''t worry. I''ll definitely teach the child well." Saying that, she whispered, noticing that there were no adults around, "Actually, with Chenchen''s results, she might be transferred out of the experimental ss this or next semester, but�� I will definitely help Chenchen fight for it, so that she won''t be transferred."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then I''ll have to thank you."


    At this moment, the teacher-in-charge, Zhao Mei, briskly walked over, "Teacher Zhang, give me your autograph, too. I am a loyal protector of your children''s fairytales. Hur Hur, back then for ''Little Bunnies Be Good'', I had even activated the school''s teachers to vote for you. However, I like ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarves'' the most."


    "Then I have to give you an autograph. Thank you for the support." Zhang Ye gave an autograph to Zhao Mei.


    After finishing this, Zhang Ye bade farewell to a few teachers and reached out his hands, saying to Chenchen, "Let''s go. Time to eat lunch at home."


    Chenchen again revealed those eyes of contempt, but she still obediently ced her tiny hand into Zhang Ye''s big hand, allowing him to hold her hand.


    Zhang Ye led the child out of the ssroom.


    The other parents and children that had not left watched as they left, while they discussed about them.


    ��


    Afternoon.


    Jiaomen East.


    With the two reaching downstairs, they took an elevator up the building.


    Zhang Ye bragged, "How was it, little rascal? Now you know the awesomeness of Uncle Zhang, right? Don''t be too impolite to your Uncle Zhang in the future. You must learn to be respectful of your elders."


    Chenchen smirked, "Hur Hur."


    Zhang Ye "��"


    With the elevator reaching the floor, Zhang Ye led her to thendy''s house and pressed the doorbell.


    In a short while, Rao Aimin, who was wearing an apron and had her hair tied up, opened the door, "You''re back? Wash your hands and prepare to eat."


    Rao Chenchen returned to her own room. Zhang Ye entered the kitchen with Rao Aimin, hoping to help. But noticing the table was full of dishes, he was shocked. "Landy Auntie, what''s the asion today? Why are there so many dishes? Is someone elseing? How many people are eating?"


    Rao Aimin stir-fried some vegetables as she said, "It''s just the three of us."


    "Then that''s too much. How can the three of us have such big appetites?" Zhang Ye found it extravagant.


    Rao Aimin did not even look at him, "Why are you saying so much crap? Just wait and eat." Pausing, she said, "Chenchen''s teacher called me just now and told me what happened in school. Not bad; I didn''t know that you were quite that famous. Even the teacher knows you?"


    Zhang Ye unted, "That''s right. It''s only you who keeps trampling on me. I''m not bragging. My poprity�� Let''s not talk about it!"


    Rao Aimin shrugged her shoulders, "Hur Hur."


    Following that, Rao Chenchen, who just came in, also smirked, "Hur Hur."


    The twodies had given the mockingughter at almost the same time. Even their expressions looked identical, like they were carbon copies, making Zhang Ye extremely depressed.


    You''re the Hur Hur! Your whole damned family is Hur Hur!*


    ��


    In his own house.


    After returning home, he held his stomach and burped. It was too delicious. Thendy might be unsparing with her words, and could be as negative as she could, but her cooking was par excellence. Anyways, Zhang Ye hadpletely sumbed to thendy''s culinary skills. Although he had previously eaten Rao Aimin''s cooking, it was clear that she had not put her heart into it. It was like the food had been prepared by apletely different person. It could be seen that thendy was using such a method to thank him for his help today, which was why she put in so much more effort into the meal.


    Delicious!


    His stomach was exploding!


    Zhang Ye climbed before hisputer. As he digested, he surfed the inte. Ever since he entered the E-list celebrity ranks, there were many people who @ him. He did not find it tiring, and looked at every one of them. After spending an hour, he finally saw the newest one and was immediately focused on it.


    The person who posted it was called "The Skies for the Children".


    "Today I saw my idol Teacher @Zhang Ye. Due to certain reasons, I won''t say how I met him. But thankfully, I received two of Teacher Zhang Ye''s autographs. And I''m very honored to have listened to Zhang Ye recite his new work live, which was a prose. Weibo doesn''t allow too many words, so I''ll include the essay in an attached picture. The words are written by a child, so everyone can ignore that."


    The entire text of "Tribute to the White Por" was posted.


    This was a picture of Chenchen''s notebook, taken using a cellphone.


    Zhang Ye knew at once that the person who posted it was thenguage teacher. He immediately helped by forwarding it.


    "Teacher Zhang''s new work?"


    "Zhang Ye also knows how to write prose?"


    "How can''t he? Wasn''t ''The Song of the Stormy Petrel'' a prose poem? It''s about the same."


    "I''ve seen it. It''s really impressive. It indeed looks like it was written by Teacher Zhang Ye."


    "Ah, Teacher Zhang also forwarded it and gave it a like. It''s definitely Teacher Zhang Ye''s work!"


    "Everyone, quickly push it to the top. The next big work after ''Dead Water''! Don''t let it sink!"


    "After seeing ''Tribute to the White Por'', my mind suddenly had these words, ''Tribute to Zhang Ye''. What sort of talent is needed to create so many works worthy of being ssics!?"


    "You really saw him? What does Teacher Zhang look like? Is he handsome?"


    Thenguage teacher replied, "You can''t describe him with handsome, but I think his eyes are quite charming. Haha, my husband ising home soon, so I''ll delete this reply in a short while."


    That afternoon, ''Tribute to the White Por'' did not receive as many forwards or clicks as Zhang Ye''s previous works, perhaps because it was more educative in nature. But many teachers and schrs who worked in education treated it as a treasure as they forwarded it and discussed about it. It did not draw in arge audience, but it was surprisingly well-acimed! This was Zhang Ye''s only work that did not have much controversy. Those who had seen it did not have any doubts!


    * This is a popr Chinese ng in the form of "You''re the one XXX! Your whole damned family XXX!". It came from "My Own Swordsman"''s character, Mo Xiaobei. The original text goes along the lines of someone saying to Mo Xiaobei, "Mo Xiaobei, you are a child who matured early!", before Mo Xiaobei replies "You''re the one who is maturing early! Your whole damned family is maturing early!"

 Chapter 86: Little Zhang Seeks Employment!

    <h4>Chapter 86: Little Zhang Seeks Employment! </h4>


    Chapter 86: Little Zhang Seeks Employment!


    Today.


    Early in the morning, Zhang Yezed in his bed. Heid under his nket while surfing the inte on his cellphone. Thements on his "Tribute to the White Por" was ever increasing and it was all positive. He browsed through thements before opening up the Celebrity Rankings website to take a look at his own ranking. The site was very well-organized. After all, it was the most authoritative ratings publisher with historical information and all results are clearly listed.


    Searching for "Zhang Ye".


    Day before yesterday''s rating: E-List, ranking 1375.


    Yesterday''s rating: E-List, ranking 1382.


    Today''s rating: E-List, ranking 1375.


    Zhang Ye''s previous world had many things that did not exist in this world. But this world also had many sessful works which did not exist in his old world. There was no fairparison as to which world was stronger. In fact, this world''s professional ratings were very well-standardized. There was an especiallyrge number of artistes, with very broad development and advancement routes. There was hardly any limitations to who you can be.


    For example, in this world, many stars started off as models. They developed within their industry to D-List celebrities or higher, before turning to acting in TV shows and films. In the end, they even managed to get very high achievements. Where Zhang Ye came from, it was a very different world. Models, authors or poets�� It was very difficult to crossover from different industries. At the most, they could reach the pinnacle of their own field. Only a small minority could seed when they transitioned from their own industry to a different one. The limitations were huge.


    This was something that Zhang Ye appreciated. Because with his level of a few radio broadcast shows and several poetry works, he would never have be a celebrity in his old world. This world had been unified in a way where no matter which industry you came from, as long as your results were exemry, they would contribute to your celebrity ranking data. Even if you were a cab driver, as long as you attracted enough social attention through any means and managed to climb up the Celebrity Rankings Index, advertisers would still look for you. What matters most in this world is fame!


    Of course, if it were because of some hot topic which contributed to your fame, the data would take it into consideration and average out your rankings. Every factor would be carefully formted, so that any viral topics would not attribute to an increase or decrease in rankings suddenly. The Celebrity Rankings website will also decrease rankings very quickly if a celebrity has not been producing any works that mattered.


    Then again, it could be exactly because of the open nature of such rankings that contributed to the scale of development herepared to Zhang Ye''s previous world. The number of celebrities here were over ten times the amount of where he came from.


    Just looking at the E-List ranked celebrities, Zhang Ye was ranked at over 1000. Further below him, the lowest number was 1400+. Going further up the list to D, C, B and A, the total number of celebrities were too many. Not counting S-list and A-list celebrities, as those had much smaller numbers, the number of people who peaked were in the minorities.


    The entertainment industry''s environment is not bad, but sigh, thepetition was fierce, too. You win some, you lose some!


    1375?


    1382?


    Fell 7 ranks yesterday?


    Zhang Ye knew clearly that "Dead Water" had brought him up into the E-List of rankings. But what goes up, usuallyes down. There were still some fluctuations after the attention has faded. Yesterday was an exception. Even if "Ghost Blows Out the Light" was still being broadcast, Zhang Ye''s ranking dropped. Even though today''s ranking rose again, he knew that it was due to the talk around "Tribute to the White Por". Although the sharing rate for it was not very high, the artistic nature of the prose was very important. It was important in the calction of the rankings and likely to have had a big contributing rating in the statistics formtion. After all, the artistic values was something that could not be measure by fame. This had already been considered by the formtion.


    "Dead Water"''s trend had already died down.


    "Tribute to the White Por" would only be trending for several more days.


    "Ghost Blows Out the Light" would finish its broadcast run within half a month.


    Zhang Ye''s pressure was extremely high. He also felt that he was in danger. He couldn''t stay like this any longer. If he continued to stay home doing nothing, then his fame would fall sharply. What does an artiste depend on? They depend on continuous attention on themselves. Zhang Ye thought that if he had nothing else to show for, he would fall off from the E-List celebrity rankings in several days and go back to the role of a public figure again. He definitely did not want to see this happening. It hadn''t been easy to achieve his fame and reputation. It had been very difficult in getting closer to his ambition, so he cannot just helplessly watch himself fall!


    Time to look for work!


    Target: Television stations!


    �� This was the next target for Zhang Ye upon finishing his work at the radio station. He really wanted to be a television host to further develop himself. They had muchrger audiences than at a lousy ce like a radio station!


    Zhang Ye didn''tze around any longer. With an imminent taste of sess, his spirits had been lifted and he began searching on a few job-seeking websites. After submitting a few resumes, he browsed over some of the television stations'' official website recruitment pages. If there was a hosting position open, he would email them his resume. Even when there was no opening for the position, he didn''t hesitate and emailed them all the same. He had to spread his fish. It did not matter whether they were hiring or not. We will talk after the resume has been submitted!


    However, something that made Zhang Ye at a loss of whether tough or cry happened!


    20 minutester, Tianjin Television Station was the first to reply to Zhang Ye''s email. The email said, "Teacher Zhang Ye, our temple is small. Therefore, we cannot afford to ce such a strong deity like you here. Please look for another ce." One look and he knew that they knew of him; they must have heard of "Dead Water".


    The second reply was from the Zhejiang Television Station. The email was written by the human resources department of the Zhejiang Television Station, "We''re sorry, but we aren''t hiring." However, Zhang Ye clearly saw that they had a job posting on their website which was to hire a variety program host.. and they were especially urgent!


    It was a job posting that was just posted!


    Great�� When it reached me, you aren''t hiring?


    Are all of you television stations banning me? That can''t be necessary, right? I just said a few sentences to scold my unit and Leaders. I scolded the Beijing Radio Station, not all of you!


    Actually, Zhang Ye knew very clearly how big a mess he had stirred up at the awards ceremony, or he would not have submitted resumes himself without contacting Teacher Hu Fei, who had promised him earlier. He knew that no one in the industry would dare to hire him, especially the Beijing Television Station. From a point of view, they might not be the same team, but the Beijing Television Station and the Beijing Radio Station were practically two sides of the same coin, so Zhang Ye did not n to give Hu Fei trouble. Although he knew, Zhang Ye still could not help but curse a few times while speaking to himself. All of you are less forgiving than a chicken!


    ��


    At the same time.


    Like Wind Recruitment Online, Shanghai headquarters.


    A staff member in charge of contactingpanies about recruiting candidates was twiddling his thumbs. He was flipping through resumes half-heartedly. He wished to finish his work sooner, so that he could leave work early. However, when he clicked casually, he found Zhang Ye''s resume posted on hispany''s website. Upon seeing it, he was astonished. A former Beijing Radio Station broadcaster? Created and also broadcast the current most famous supernatural novel, "Ghost Blows Out the Light"? Wrote "Little Bunnies Be Good" that was promoted by the Beijing Education Ministry? Posted modern poems online with more than a million clicks? And even received the most authoritative neer award in the broadcasting industry, the Silver Microphone Awards?


    He was a talent!


    This was a high-quality talent!


    He was shocked by the beautiful resume, and after checking on the inte, indeed, there was nothing fake about the resume; they were all Zhang Ye''s achievements! Immediately, the staff member felt touched. Why would such an impressive person need to use our online recruitment website to look for a job? Which ce wouldn''t be fighting for you? But you still chose us? You trusted us this much? He immediately felt a great responsibility!


    He had to be worthy of the client''s trust!


    He had to live to up the recognition from such a high-quality talent!


    He immediately turned diligent. He noticed that Zhang Ye wished to be a television station host and that he had no other position restrictions, which made him appreciate him even further. Look at him. He was fine with any position as a host. Variety, science, etc, he was not picky at all. Tsk, look at others. There were a bunch of those who had achievements simr to a fart. Thest time, he had seen a person who was also looking for a hosting job. He was just a fresh graduate and had no experience at all. He demanded to be a variety show host, and needed a guarantee of his screen time after he received the position. He was so picky, and based on what?


    Look at Teacher Zhang Ye!


    Friendly! Low-key! Professional!


    Don''t worry! Leave this job to me!


    The staff member logged onto the backend system and quickly found the data of seven or eight stations that were hiring hosts. He then called them one after another!


    "Hello, this is Like Wind Recruitment Online. I have a very qualified person here who wants to apply to be a host. When can you interview him?" the staff member asked.


    The other side asked, "Does he have working experience?"


    The staffughed, "Of course, and his results are especially outstanding. You industry insiders should know. His name is Zhang Ye, and he has received this year''s Silver Microphone Award."


    "Zhang Ye?" The other side was dumbfounded.


    The staff chuckled, "Yes, yes, you know him, too, right? He trusts our site greatly and posted his resume to us. I think your television station is pretty good, so I chose first to rmend a person with such outstanding credentials to you. How about it? Interview tomorrow?"


    The other side was silent for a long time before saying, "Then please leave this person with outstanding credentials for other television stations. Our station isn''t that great, so we won''t need him."


    "Ah? You don''t want such an exceptional talent?"


    As he said that, all he heard was the sound of the other side hanging up.


    The staff was curious and called a second telephone number, followed by a third and a fourth. In the beginning, it was fine on the other side, as they appeared very thirsty for talent. But the moment that they heard him say the person was Zhang Ye, they all declined!


    Finally, when he made the sixth phone call, a television station staff member put on a long face as he said, "Big Bro, can I call you Big Bro? This is the second time you are calling. I''m in charge of both the hiring for the variety segments and the news segments. We were just on the phone before, so please spare me. I''ll tell you the truth; if I were to agree to let Zhang Yee for the interview, I can probably tell that I''ll be interviewing at other ces!"


    The Like Wind Recruitment staff was stunned, "Is it that exaggerated? What''s wrong with this person?"


    The television station staff gave a bitter smile, "Nothing much. He just had a war of words online with his colleague, cursed his unit with a poem at an award presentation ceremony, and caused a Leader to faint from anger!"


    The moment the staff heard this, he nearly vomited blood. He finally realized why Zhang Ye would submit his resume to a small website like theirs. It was not because he trusted them, but because no unit dared to hire him, so he had tried his luck with them!


    This wasn''t some high-quality talent!


    It was clearly an extremely notorious hooligan!

 Chapter 87: Selling the Copyright to the Novel and Fairy tales!

    <h4>Chapter 87: Selling the Copyright to the Novel and Fairy tales! </h4>


    Chapter 87: Selling the Copyright to the Novel and Fairy tales!


    Beijing Radio Station.


    "Station Head Jia." His secretary entered.


    Deputy Station Head Jia had his head lowered, busy with work, "What''s the matter?"


    The secretary smiled. "I heard that Zhang Ye is applying for television hosting jobs and had submitted his resume to several provincial television stations."


    Deputy Station Head Jiaughed, "He still wants to go to a television station?"


    The secretary said, "Yes. And from what I know, they have rejected him. No one wants him."


    "Alright, I got it." Deputy Station Head Jia let his secretary leave. He knew that no one would dare hire Zhang Ye because both he and the Station Head had already informed friends in the industry. Although working in the radio station was not as morous as a television station, they still had quite a lot of connections. Maybe they might not be able to make other radio or television stations do anything to a person with excellent qualifications, but if they made the indication for someone whose qualifications were not good, then they could definitely let everyone in the industry reject that person!


    This was the so-called banning!


    The moment "Dead Water" was out in the world, the Beijing Radio Station and Zhang Ye were irrevocably irreconcble!


    ��


    An entire day.


    Zhang Ye did not receive anything. Every time he sent his resume, he would not even be given a chance at an interview. Their replies were very fast, for they rejected him without even giving him a look. It was impossible for them to not know him. A typical process of submitting a resume would need at least a few days before responding, even if they did not want him. Some even dragged it out for a month or two. But for Zhang Ye, it was different. It could be said to be a "second-level reply". Some people had responded politely, but others were not that polite. There were even e-mails that said "we want anybody but you"!


    It''s the end!


    The ns were up in smoke!


    Has this bro be public enemy number one?


    After trying a few more times to no avail, Zhang Ye was also out of options. Immediately, his temper turned bad. F**k it, were the television and radio industry collectively banning me? Fine, you think I can''t live without you? Do you really think I need you to be famous?


    Zhang Ye immediately corrected his short-term ns. He definitely needed to join a television station, as it was a very important development and waypoint for his future. However, now with the situation changed, Zhang Ye had to make some temporary adjustments. He decided to put the television stations on hold, pushing forward some of his earlier ns, and waiting out the negative influence brought by "Dead Water". Since there was nothing to do these days, Zhang Ye would naturally not just sit idle, or his poprity would decrease by the day. He had to retain his poprity, as well as earn some money on the side.


    He called his previous assistant, Xiaofang from the radio station.


    Du Du, it was connected.


    "Hello, Xiaofang. This is your Brother Zhang."


    "I know, Teacher Zhang, I have your number."


    "Have you gotten off work?"


    "Not yet. I''m adjusting some documents and will probably need to work overtime until eight."


    "It''s this. I came to you because of a matter. Thest time, do you know about the matter of publishers contacting our radio station to publish my ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''? I didn''t agree back then. The publishing firm had also skipped over me, or it could be said that the station management purposely prevented them from contacting me. Now, I''m thinking of getting the publishing firm''s telephone number. I have already left the unit, so it''s not convenient for me to ask. Even if I asked, I wouldn''t be able to get it. Can you check for me?"


    "Aiyah, I also won''t be able to find that out. I''ll secretly ask others for you. I''ll see if any colleagues know anything about this. You just need to know the publishing firm, right?"


    "Yes, I just need to know the publishing firm."


    "Alright, I''ll do it immediately. Wait for my news."


    "Sorry for giving you trouble. Thank you. I''ll treat you in the future."


    After putting down the cellphone, Zhang Ye lit up a cigarette and waited.


    After about twenty minutes, Xiaofang called back. She was very efficient, or it could be said that she was diligent with Zhang Ye''s matters, "Hehe, Teacher Zhang, I got it for you. Get a notebook and write it down. The telephone number is 53276172. It''s the Beijing Education Publishing Firm, one of thergest publishing firms in terms of sales in Beijing. Although they specialize in publishing some official books and works, they also domercial books."


    Zhang Ye wrote it down and said hurriedly, "Thank you very much."


    Xiaofang whispered, "You don''t have to thank me. Actually, it was Teacher Tian Bin who knew that you needed it before telling me. After all, he was always the anchor for ''Late-night Ghost Stories'', so it was his responsibility to contact authors and publishers and knew this area well. Uh, but Teacher Tian Bin told me not to let you know this telephone number was given by him. I''m just being frank with you, so don''t betray me."


    Zhang Ye was surprised, "Tian Bin? He was so nice? And didn''t even want you to tell me?" He and Tian Bin had previously had several quarrels and their feud was not tiny.


    Xiaofang sighed, "After you left, Teacher Tian''s days haven''t been good. You might not know that yesterday, the station had already removed Teacher Tian from his anchor position of ''Late-night Ghost Stories'', making him a recement host. He has no position now."


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye was curious, "That can''t be; didn''t he get the job after I was removed?"


    Xiaofang exined, "It''s because of Jia Yan. Jia Yan''s new segment, about 8-9 episodes of ''Soaring Youth'' have been broadcasted already. Other than the first episode having an extremely high listenership rating, the episodes after decreased by the episode. It could only get that listenership rating for its first episode from the poprity of ''Old and Young Story Club'', and it could not measure up to its previous usual standard.


    Now, with the program''s defects exposed, yesterday''s listenership rating was just 0.46%. I heard that it''s about to be axed soon, so the higher-ups have transferred Jia Yan to ''Late-night Ghost Stories''. Once ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' is done broadcasting, Jia Yan will take over. After all, with tomb robbing-rted supernatural novels being extremely popr these days, there are quite a lot of good works that are tailing behind you on the market. As long as we buy the copyright, we can use the poprity to increase the listenership ratings. The station is clearly paving the way for Jia Yan, letting him build up his qualifications. As for Teacher Tian�� He naturally became the sacrificialmb."


    Zhang Ye frowned, "Old Tian is so miserable now?"


    "Hai, your ''Dead Water'' did not wake them up. Now the station is getting even messier. Anyways, I heard that Teacher Tian has already submitted his resignation letter. He should be leaving in a day or two." Xiaofang said.


    The phone was hung up.


    Zhang Ye sat on the bed. Hearing a previous enemy of his in such a situation, he did not feel happy at all, and in fact felt very ufortable!


    Let''s put this matter aside for a while.


    Zhang Ye called the number given to him by Tian Bin. It did not connect on the first time, as the other party might have been busy. It connected on the second try.


    "Hello, who''s this?" The other party was a middle-aged man.


    Zhang Ye said, "Hi! I''m Zhang Ye, the original author of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''. I heard your publishing firm wants to discuss about the publishing copyright? I''m wondering if you still have those intentions?"


    The middle-aged man was stunned, "You are the author of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Hur Hur, that''s me alright."


    "Eh, I thought you were not nning on selling your copyright?" the middle-aged man curiously asked.


    Zhang Ye said, "I never said so. You must have gotten that information from my unit, right? The unit did not inform me. They told you things I know nothing about. I have also resigned already."


    Hearing this, the middle-aged man was very excited, "Aiyah, then that''s great. We were still worried about how to get the rights to ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'', but your unit was unwilling to reveal anything. Now that we have gotten ahold of you, things can be expedited. Teacher Zhang Ye, I''m the one who was in charge of this matter, so you can discuss about the copyright matters with me. Do you want to go the royalty route or a one-time buyout of the simplified Chinese edition copyright?"


    "What would be the prices?" Zhang Ye asked.


    The middle-aged man said, "If it''s royalties, then it will be normal, for we all use a standard rate. It will be based on a percentage of the sales received. If it''s a buyout, we had offered two million to your radio station back then. Of course, that was back then. Now ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' is causing a greater effect on the market, and the response is very hot. Many people are looking forward to a physical copy. Even a few tomb robbing books that imitate yours have sales of about 100,000 copies. Even if I don''t tell you, I believe you will understand. Nor will I lie to you, as the evaluation of your work is definitely very high. Uh, let''s do this. I''ll make the decision, and not decide based on the word count. I''ll offer four million. We only want the copyright to the simplified Chinese edition. The rest of the copyright belongs to you; how about it?"


    "It''s a bit low, right?" Zhang Ye''s tone sounded unsatisfied, but he was actually overjoyed in his heart. Baby, four million? This was enough to buy him so many instant noodles!


    However, upon further thought, it was actually not a lot. In his world, ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' had gone mad. He did not know how much the author had received, but it was definitely more than four million.


    The middle-aged man paused, "Teacher Zhang, I''m not sure how much you want, but please believe me. Only our Beijing Education Publishing Firm will be willing to buy the copyright of one book with four million. It happens that we have good cash flow this year. If it were other publishing firms, none of them would dare make such a bet, for if the sales aren''t good��"


    Zhang Ye interrupted, "Can''t you already estimate the sales volume? If the works that imitate mine already have such sales, the sales of mine would definitely be higher than theirs by a lot more once ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''es out! I believe you know the market better than me."


    The middle-aged man said, "But your program has been broadcast on radio, and many have already heard it, so it might cause some detrimental effect to the sales."


    Nonsense. ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' was first posted online in his world. And weren''t there quite a number of people who had read it? Yet, I didn''t see it having low sales when it was published!


    After more bargaining.


    Zhang Ye requested for six million.


    The other side was only willing to give 4.8 million, having added a bit more.


    After the bargaining could not carry on, the middle-aged man pondered and said, "Alright, Teacher Zhang, we can do six million, too, but you will have to give the publishing rights of ''Little Bunnies Be Good'', ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarves'', ''The Emperor''s New Clothes'' and ''The Wizard of Oz'' to us. We are an education publisher firm, so that is our core business. We can include some illustrations and sell them as small books. With all that added up, six million!" Clearly, they knew Zhang Ye well and had done their homework on his fairy tales. They knew the value of those stories!


    "The fairy tales do not include the overseas copyright, right?"


    "Man, no it does not. Only the domestic simplified edition. As for publishing overseas�� We don''t have that ability, either." The middle-aged man felt that Zhang Ye was very ambitious. Was he already thinking of selling the fairy tales overseas?


    Zhang Ye did some calctions and felt that the price was right, "Alright, then."


    "Great! Since we are in a rush for time, shall we meet now? And sign the contract?" The middle-aged man said, "I am also a loyal listener of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''. I can tell that this novel will end in a few more episodes, so once we sign the contract, we can send awyer''s letter to the Beijing Radio Station to stop the broadcast of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''. The audio edition copyright is still in your hands, right?"


    "Yes, all the copyright is with me." Zhang Ye said.


    "Then, that''s great. If the radio station finishes broadcasting it, then there is no suspense. It will definitely affect the sales. Since you have already resigned, I believe you have no qualms about stopping the broadcast?"


    "Of course not. You can do it for me."


    "Alright, leave this to us. I''ll immediately draw up the contract!"


    Having negotiated sessfully, both sides were overjoyed.


    Actually, the price received for selling ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' was not that high. It could be said to be eptable, at best. However, Zhang Ye knew that in his world, the legendary sales of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' were not created in a short period of time, but over a long process. One year, two years, three years, they were umted sales figures. And the publishing firm had bought it out with six million at once. After intion and other factors, Zhang Ye did not lose out at all, and it was just the simplified Chinese edition. It did not include the copyrights to games or movies, so he was very pleased.


    The contract was signed.


    Details and the promotion were discussed.


    ��


    The morning of the second day.


    Deputy Station Head Jia had just arrived at the radio station. But before he could enter his office, his secretary came rushing over. "Station Head Jia, we have a situation. The Beijing Education Publishing Firm has sent us awyer''s letter, requesting that we immediately stop broadcasting ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'', or they will sue us for infringement!"


    "Infringement?" Deputy Station Head Jia said angrily, "What copyright has our program infringed on!?"


    The secretary gave a wry smile, "But, but the novel was written by Zhang Ye. He never gave us the copyright. Now, thewyer''s letter is with the Station Head. I heard that it even has Zhang Ye''s signature."


    Deputy Station Head Jia''s anger surged, "What is this Little Zhang doing? Eh? How can he stop the broadcast after it had been broadcast for so long? How are we to answer to the listeners?"


    The secretary sighed, "But legally, we are indeed��"


    The phone in the office rang, Deputy Station Head Jia quickly went forward to pick it up, "Hello. Oh, Station Head�� What? Stop the broadcast? How are we to stop! The story isn''t over yet�� But�� Alright, I understand. I will instruct the Literature Channel�� Rest assured."


    The station did not want to lose money in a court case. The Station Head hadpromised!


    Deputy Station Head Jia was gritting his teeth with hate. This Zhang Ye! He was gone, but he was still around haunting them?


    Admittedly, they had caused a ban on Zhang Ye and Deputy Station Head Jia had naively thought that Zhang Ye would never have a tform of his own forever, existing silently. With such a major "ban order", what waves could he set off without a program? But Deputy Station Head Jia now realized something. They could suppress Zhang Ye in the broadcasting industry, but they had no say in other industries!


    The publication world?


    They could not ban him even if they wanted to!


    And Zhang Ye was not a person with only broadcasting abilities! He also had his creations! And those novels and fairy tales! Despite Zhang Ye leaving the broadcasting industry, Deputy Station Head Jia realized to his anger that Zhang Ye could still thrive! This made him extremely angry, but he was helpless!

 Chapter 88: The Competition for the Rights to Ghost Blows Out the Light

    <h4>Chapter 88: The Competition for the Rights to Ghost Blows Out the Light </h4>


    Chapter 88: The Competition for the Rights to Ghost Blows Out the Light


    Two dayster.


    The news of the publication of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' was spread like wildfire.


    When Zhang Ye opened a fewrge discussion boards, three of the boards had the advertisement banners for ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' on the main page. "The original ancestor of Grave Robbing Novels, ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'', will be released on the 1st of October at all major bookstores."


    Today was already the 29th.


    It was about to go on sale in less than two days.


    Zhang Ye had also asked the middle-aged man from the publication firm why it could be done so quickly. His reply made Zhang Ye speechless. He had said that back then, their publication firm had already agreed with the Beijing Radio Station a long time ago. They had even readied the contracts, as well as all the preparations for the promotions and sales printing nned.


    Everything was just waiting for the green light. However, there wasplete silence from the radio station, which was because Zhang Ye did not agree to Deputy Station Head Jia acquiring his rights. Hence, all the printing and promotional ns were put on hold. Now, having finally received the rights to ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'', they just needed to bring forward their ns from before. This resulted in a very fast procedure, and was unlike other publications which could take months.


    Of course, the most important thing was that the Beijing Education Publishing Firm was also in a hurry. Six million Yuan (1,000,000 USD) was not a small amount. The situation with the fairy tales was better, for there were no simr fairy tales that tried topete with Zhang Ye''s. However, ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' was not the same. As it was not published immediately, this resulted in arge number of works that chased the tailwind and left it behind, being published first. If this dragged on, the situation would be hard to tell. If the grave robbing novel market was oversaturated, then their publishing firm would be unable to regain their initial investment. This was what they were worrying about. Hence, the moment that they received the copyright, they had rushed to ensure things would go smoothly. Clearly, they were more worried than the author himself.


    It was good that the publishing firm was very diligent.


    As a result, Zhang Ye did not worry over it. Since his copyright had been bought out, he was no longer worried about the situation with the sales. He remained at home, watching the television without any worries.


    Ring, ring, ring. A phone call came in.


    Seeing that it was an unfamiliar number, Zhang Ye picked it up, "Hello."


    "Hello, may I know if this is Teacher Zhang Ye?" It was a female''s voice.


    "That''s me; may I know who this is?" Zhang Ye asked.


    The woman smiled sweetly, "I''m calling from the Hebei province''s radio copyright department. It''s this; I heard that the Beijing Radio Station has halted broadcasting for two days. Later on, there was the promotion of the publication of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''. Are you trying to preserve the sales volume, so you halted the broadcast of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''? I want to ask how many audio episodes left are there in ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''? Is it convenient to tell me?"


    Zhang Ye said, "There''s probably another 10+ more episodes."


    The woman said, "Then, will it be possible to sell the audio rights of thest 10+ episodes to my radio station? The price is negotiable. Shall we meet to discuss the details?"


    Zhang Ye understood what was happening and said, "There''s no need. Before the publication of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'', the audio version will definitely not be broadcast. I have already discussed this with the publishers."


    The woman said determinedly, "No problem; we can wait. ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' should be published in 5-6 books consecutively, right? After thest book is done, our radio station will publish it. Price-wise, we can give you 100,000 in copyright fees, as there''s not that many episodes. Uh, what do you think?"


    "Forget it." Zhang Ye shook his head.


    "If you think the price is too low, we can still discuss it." The woman was unwilling to hang up.


    "Thank you, but I''m not selling it for the time being." Zhang Ye hung up the phone.


    But not long after, a few more phone calls came in. It was unknown which publisher or other circles had revealed his contact information. This resulted in various provincial radio stations calling him to buy the audio rights to ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''. They did not quote a low price, and were willing to wait until the publication was out before releasing the audio version, paving the way for the hardcopy. What was most hrious was that even someone from the Beijing Radio Station came looking for Zhang Ye.


    "Teacher Zhang, I''m Little Li from logistics." The youth said, "We once met in the elevator and exchanged a few words. Do you still remember?"


    Zhang Ye naturally did not remember, but he said, "Oh. Little Li, I remember you."


    The youth sighed before saying, "The higher-ups told me to discuss the rights to ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' with you. I know that you have had some conflicts with the station previously, but even so, ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' is your program, your child. It was brought up by you and your novel is already well-rooted in our radio station. The audience recognizes this brand. With this halt, many listeners are calling it quits. Our official website has received a few denial of service attacks. I believe that you also do not want to see this situation. The audience is wishing for ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' to resume its broadcast."


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Ye sneered, "Yes, that is not something I want to see, but I did not leave willingly. Everything has a solution, but your station''s management did not leave a route for me to live. I also wish to see ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' finish its broadcast, with a beginning and an end, but I have no choice.


    You don''t have to say nice words to me, nor use the audience to try to influence me. Those listeners who like my novel can buy the book to ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''. Those who like listening to a broadcast and audio version can hear it on a radio station after thest volume of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' is published, but I can guarantee you this�� It will definitely not be on Beijing Radio Station!"


    He immediately hung up. He did not say anything unnecessary!


    Zhang Ye found it amusing. You were the ones forcing me away, and now you are keeping a straight face to get my permission and rights? How big is your face?


    As for the other radio stations, they had definitely been given the order to ban Zhang Ye. Although Zhang Ye had not submitted his resume to the radio stations, it was obvious that no one would ept him even if he applied. But now? After banning me, you still want my rights? You want to get all the advantages?


    Not selling!


    Zhang Ye had rejected them all!


    However, with careful thought, if other radio stations, including the Beijing Radio Station, were dying to buy the rights to ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'', and furthermore a ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' with just 10+ episodes left, this showed that many people in the industry thought highly of the novel. It could also be said that the industry knew how exceptional ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' was.


    Zhang Ye had used a single ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' to break thete-night segment listenership ratings records! Number one in the country for that time period! The creator of the midnight period historical record in the whole country! Even the Central Radio Station''ste-night segment was not enough to defeat Zhang Ye! What sort of legend was this? Probably most colleagues in the radio station knew that having ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' meant having such listenership ratings!


    Even if there were just 10+ episodes left, even if it was less than ten episodes, even if it was ate-night segment, ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' was ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''. It was not something otherte-night segments couldpete with! Hence, they had rushed to buy the rights. Even the Beijing Radio Station had straightened their faces before approaching!


    Not longter, the phone rang again.


    Zhang Ye was prepared not to pick it up, as he knew it could be someone from the radio station. However, when he saw the number, he gave a wry smile. He had to pick it up.


    "Hello, Little Zhang." It was Beijing Radio Station''s Literature Channel''s Director Zhao Guozhou, "What are you doing? Why did you take so long to pick up the phone? Hur Hur, you can''t still be sleeping, right?"


    Zhang Ye coughed, "No, Director Zhao. I woke up earlier on. I had been on the phone for an hour."


    Zhao Guozhou understood, "They were all looking for you to buy your audio, right?"


    "Yes," Zhang Ye said, "You can even guess it?"


    Zhao Guozhou said lightly, "I wasn''t guessing. I knew it. I called you because of this matter. Just now, you rejected someone from logistics, right? The higher-ups aren''t willing to let go of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'', so they got me to look for you. They also know that you and the station''s management are as unmixable as oil and water, so they got me to discuss the price with you. It is a market economy after all, so they wish to use money to talk."


    Zhang Ye was about to speak, "Leader, I��"


    Zhao Guozhouughed, "Listen to me first. I already know, even without you telling me. They do not understand you, but I believe I know this kid that is you. If you were willing to swallow insult and humiliation for money to sell ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' back to us, then you wouldn''t be called Zhang Ye. You would also not have said that ''Dead Water'' in front of so many people.


    They clearly think too simply of you. So I have no intentions of persuading you to sell the rights. I only called to ask about your situation. Seeing your publication promotions doing so well, I''m also well-assured. After all, you were brought in by me. I deserve to be faulted for not being able to protect you."


    "Director Zhao, what are you saying?" Zhang Ye was not willing to hear this, "How can you me yourself. Every injustice has its perpetrator, and every debt has its debtor. I know this clearly." After pausing for a while, he said, "Actually I already told Little Li from logistics that I would sell the rights to anyone but the Beijing Radio Station. But.. if you were to say it, you can take the rights away. I won''t want a single cent. Once thest book is released on the market, you can carry on broadcasting it on the Literature Channel!"


    Zhao Guozhou remained silent for a while. Zhang Ye''s words had touched him. Speaking truthfully, Zhao Guozhou had only brought Zhang Ye in. He did not help much. But even so, Zhang Ye was still a loyal person and remembered their old friendship. Back when Zhang Ye said to Zhao Guozhou that he would show his gratitude by repaying him, these were clearly not just empty words. He would really do it!


    But Zhao Guozhou was not willing to ept it!


    He was not a person without a sense of propriety!


    "Little Zhang, just those words alone are sufficient. Alright, I didn''t make a mistake in my judgment with you." Zhao Guozhou assured him, "You can sell the audio rights to anyone but us. I have already received the news that if we were to obtain the rights to ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'', it would end up with Jia Yan broadcasting it. The 10+ episodes that you had recorded would be deleted, and Jia Yan would be re-recording it. The station is using all its resources to raise him up."


    "I got it. Thank you, Director Zhao." Zhang Ye suddenly recalled, "By the way, what happened to Tian Bin? I heard that he was removed from his segment?"


    "Why are you suddenly concerned about Little Tian?"


    "I''m just casually asking."


    "Little Tian has already resigned. He left the day before yesterday. He should be at home, waiting to get a job. I heard that his situation isn''t very good. No radio station wants him, as hecks experience and results. Hai, actually with the two of you fighting so much, and causing all the suffering between each other all this time, in the end, it benefited another person."


    "Can you give me Tian Bin''s number? I did not store his number."


    "What are you looking for him for? Forget it, I won''t ask. I''ll send it to you in a moment."

 Chapter 89: Helping an Old Colleague!

    <h4>Chapter 89: Helping an Old Colleague! </h4>


    Chapter 89: Helping an Old Colleague!


    Afternoon.


    Close to noon.


    Zhang Ye looked at the number that Zhao Guozhou had sent over. He called Tian Bin using the number listed. When the other side picked up, he immediately said, "Teacher Tian, it''s me."


    But it was a woman who answered back, "You? Who?"


    Zhang Ye mumbled and recognized her voice, "Sis, it''s me, Zhang Ye."


    "Which Zhang Ye?" Tian Bin''s wife asked knowingly. She added, "Old Tian is not around!"


    Just when she was about to hang up, Tian Bin''s voice rang out, "What are you doing? Give the phone to me."


    Tian Bin definitely had Zhang Ye''s phone number stored. Presumably, his wife had seen Zhang Ye''s name when he called and answered it. Tian Bin''s wife was heard in the background, nagging, "Why did you answer? That Zhang Ye fe must have called to make fun of you. How long have you two been fighting, and you still wanna answer? Yes, both of you have left your jobs already, but you were forced out. As for Zhang Ye, he might have looked like he was forced by the circumstances, but you know that he resigned on his own terms. He left the station with pride. Look at the sess of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''; it''s even going to be published soon. Tsk! What else could he be nning by calling you now! He definitely wants to step on you while you are down! Why are you even answering!"


    "I want you to give me that!" Tian Bin turned furious.


    "I''ll give, I''ll give, I''ll give! I won''t bother about you anymore!" Tian Bin''s wife was frustrated as well.


    Their conversation had been clearly heard by Zhang Ye and it made him a little intolerable. He knew that this call of his was made at the wrong time. He could tell that Tian Bin had not had it easy for the past few days. He had lost his job and still couldn''t find a new one yet. As the saying goes, in peaceful times, everything is fine. And it was the same the other way round; a poor couple, a lifetime of misery. The two of them must have had countless arguments in recent days.


    "Hello." Tian Bin answered. His voice was a little cold, "What''s the matter?"


    Zhang Ye hesitated a little, but went ahead, "Teacher Tian, thanks for the other day."


    Tian Bin yed the fool, "Which matter from what day?"


    "The publisher''s number." Zhang Ye reminded him.


    Tian Bin frowned, "That Xiaofang, I repeatedly instructed her not to say that it was me. Forget it. You don''t need to thank me; it was not a big matter."


    "Have you had dinner?"


    "Not yet."


    "Come out and join me then?"


    "That''s not necessary. If there''s nothing else, I''m hanging up."


    "Don''t be like this. Old Tian,e out and have dinner. We have been fighting for so long. I stole your show, you stole my show. We also argued and left our posts at about the same time. Isn''t this some sort of fate? Just ept my invitation. Let''s decide on that ce called something-something pavilion near the unit, where we had the celebratory lunch the other time. I will be there in 30 minutes. Bring your wife along. See you there!


    "No need for that!"


    "I have something to tell you; we need to talk over dinner!"


    After saying that, Zhang Ye hung up without exining further. He packed up,bed his hair and then left for the ce by subway.


    After reaching the vicinity of the restaurant, he didn''t know whether Tian Bin would show up. He had arrived slightly early and went to a copier shop. He used the publicputers and signed into his email ount. After downloading the copyright contract that he had received when he was still at the unit, he changed a few of the names and let the staff print it out for him. He asked for a pen and signed off on the contract before cing it into his briefcase. He then left for the restaurant, greeted a waiter and asked for a room to wait for Tian Bin''s arrival.


    After about 10 minutes.


    Tian Bin and his wife had arrivedte. The waiter had led them to Zhang Ye''s reserved room.


    When Zhang Ye saw Tian Bin, he was stunned. It was as if he didn''t know him anymore, because the changes were too much. In the past, he was much more handsome. But now he looked a little dirty, with hair stubble on his face. It was obvious that he had not shaved in a few days. Even though his hair was washed, it was still rather messy and not groomed. His fallen spirit was apparent without him saying anything. It was written all over his forehead. Tian Bin''s wife still looked quite refreshed. She still dressed like her usual pretty self.


    "Would you like to order?" the waiter asked.


    "You have not ordered? Then, I will order." Tian Bin''s wife did not stand on ceremony. The moment that she sat down, she began ordering everything that was expensive on the menu, "Sharks'' Fin Soup, Dongpo Pork, Abalone for three��.."


    Tian Bin stared at her, "What are you doing?"


    Tian Bin''s wife said "It''s his treat, anyway."


    "I didn''t say it was my treat, Sister." Zhang Ye hastily said.


    Tian Bin''s wife eyes looked like they were popping out, "If you weren''t treating, why did you ask us out? Why are you picking on us! Your book will be published soon! If a single volume of the book sells below 500,000 units, I will twist my head off for you. You are so rich now and yet you want to save on this meal?"


    Zhang Ye wiped his sweat, "Big sister, my money has not been transferred over yet. The publisher hasn''t paid me yet."


    "Still, it should be your treat." Tian Bin''s wife said to the waiter, "Did you write down what I ordered just now? Listen, continue to take the order. Steamed sea bass, a roast duck�� I want it to be freshly roasted, and the most expensive type. Don''t cut back on the quality. Okay, that''s all for now."


    Zhang Ye added on, "Serve us some Wuliangye as well!"


    "Okay." The waiter proceeded to prepare the order.


    Maybe because it was past lunchtime and there weren''t many guests. The food was served quickly.


    "Here, Old Tian, Sister. Eat, eat." Zhang Ye said politely.


    Tian Bin did not move his chopsticks. The wine had been brought over, so he twisted it open and poured a full cup for himself. He then passed it to Zhang Ye, "Pour some for yourself."


    "Sure, let''s have a drink together." Zhang Ye poured some for himself.


    Tian Bin''s wife kept ncing at them, "This should be a good wine; I will have some, too."


    "What are you drinking for?" Tian Bin was unhappy.


    Tian Bin''s wife had been speaking with sarcasm since the moment she had entered the restaurant, "Only you can drink and I cannot? I''m not in a good mood; can''t I have a ss?"


    "Drink, drink, drink. Who cares about you?" Tian Bin then took a mouthful.


    They had nothing to talk about. They were foes to begin with, so the atmosphere was rather awkward. Besides eating, they were drinking. No one tried to say anything more.


    Finally, it was alcohol that worked its magic.


    Tian Bin suddenly said something. He looked at Zhang Ye andughed, "What do you think about our feud? What were we fighting for? Look at it now. You have left, and I have also left. In the end, it was that Jia Yan who took our ces. Don''t you think that we were stupid?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Yes, we were really dumb."


    Tian Bin might have had a little too much, and he began to talk much more, too, "Forget it; let''s not talk about the past. If there''s anything that I did wrong in the past, let this big brother apologize to you. Come, cheers."


    Zhang Ye stopped him, "Stop right there; we have to be clear here. It should be me apologizing. I am younger and more hot headed, and I did not think before I spoke��.."


    Tian Bin interrupted him, "Let''s shut up and drink!"


    Zhang Ye heartily said, "Good; let''s drink!"


    Zhang Ye did not hold his alcohol well; he was the type who copsed after a ss. After a few mouthfuls, he did not dare to raise his ss anymore. Instead, he talked about a more serious topic, "Old Tian, how''s the job search?"


    Tian Bin sighed, "There''s been nothing yet. The radio stations are currently not understaffed. In fact, there are over-staffing issues; they are firing rather than hiring. There aren''t many positions. I''m not like you; even though I have several years'' of experience, I still have no results to show for them. Hur, I can only stay home; I''m even prepared to switch careers."


    Tian Bin''s wife shouted, "Don''t talk rubbish. What do you mean by switching careers!?"


    "If I don''t make a switch, what can I do? There''re no positions avable!" Tian Bin said worriedly, "I love my radio broadcast job, but it doesn''t f**king love me back!"


    Tian Bin''s wife relented, "There will be chances; try again."


    "How many times have I tried already? I''ve even asked the outer provinces and there''re no suitable positions for me. In truth, it''s just because they don''t want me, because I''m not good enough!" Tian Bin mourned.


    "You have so much experience; I don''t believe that no one wants you." Tian Bin''s wife said.


    Zhang Ye pondered for a bit and took his bag out. From it, he pulled out several documents and ced it squarely on the table. He pushed it over to Tian Bin, "Old Tian, take a look at this."


    "What is that?"


    "Take a look first."


    Tian Bin read it while his wife nced at it from his side. And soon, their faces were in shock, "This is.. the contract for the audio rights to ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''?"


    Zhang Ye nodded, "Yes."


    "What''s the meaning of this?" Tian Bin was confused.


    Zhang Ye exined "The contract is a general one. The terms are nothing too special. A radio station would use this kind of contract for copyright purchasing. I actually took it from another station and had it changed. The title is ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''. At the bottom is my signature to release the copyright. I''ve had everything filled out already, except for the beneficiary. From here, take this contract with you when you go for your interviews. Bring the story with you and it will be you choosing your employer, not the other way around. Old Tian, I am handing the radio broadcast of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' to you. It is like my child, so please don''t mistreat it."


    Tian Bin was stunned, "But you��.."


    Tian Bin''s wife said with her mouth agape, "Can this work out? With this copyright, everyone will be snatching for Old Tian?"


    "Why is that not possible!" Tian Bin said agitatedly, "Do you know how many radio stations are fighting for the rights to ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''? They are all fighting their heads off for it!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes. Just today, there were 8-9 stations who called me, but I did not sell it."


    "Why didn''t you sell it?" Tian Bin asked.


    Zhang Ye fiddled with his hands and spoke honestly, "Actually, I don''t know why either. Maybe I just want to help out an old colleague. After fighting for so long, I do not wish the worst for you. Old Tian, you have to do well. We still have to continue our rivalry in the future. Don''t fall here without a fight. Haha, otherwise who can I cuss at next time?"


    Tian Bin''s eyes were a little red; he knew how important the contract was. He grasped the pieces of paper in his hands and went silent. He did not say any dismissive, nor gratuitous, words, but he looked deeply at Zhang Ye and nodded, "Do not worry; I will not fall like this!"


    Tian Bin''s wife excitedly cried out, "Little Zhang, you�� Tell me how we can ever repay you. You have helped Old Tian out big time. Aiyo, and to think this Sister treated you in that manner just now. Please don''t hold it against a little woman like me."


    Zhang Ye did not mind, "Sister, your words just now, I have already encountered them on my first day at work when you spoke down on me with Old Tian here. Hur Hur, if you don''t talk down on me, I will not feelfortable!"


    Tian Bin''s wife was red with embarrassment, "When did I talk down on you?"


    "You did." Tian Bin replied and then had augh himself.


    "Alright, then Sister will atone for it with a drink!" Tian Bin''s wife mood had also turned for the better.


    No discord, no concord. Some rtionships in this world were just so marvelous!

 Chapter 90: The Chance for an Interview at the Television Station Has Come!

    <h4>Chapter 90: The Chance for an Interview at the Television Station Has Come! </h4>


    Chapter 90: The Chance for an Interview at the Television Station Has Come!


    1st October.


    Today was National Day.


    Early in the morning, Zhang Ye was in the bathroom, brushing his teeth.


    Mom called and her tone was filled with me and criticism, "Have you found a job? Not yet? I already told you not to quit. Take a look, take a look!"


    Zhang Ye simply rinsed his mouth and wiped his mouth as heughed, "Mom, even if I don''t have a job now, I will also not starve to death. Don''t you know? My ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' and a few fairy tales are about to be published. Today happens to be the day it goes on sale, so you don''t have to worry about me. When the publishing firm transfers me the money, I''ll give you some."


    Mom was overjoyed, "It''s published already? How much did you make?"


    Zhang Ye feigned ignorance, "Not much, not much. Have you eaten?"


    "I asked you how much, so stop trying to interrupt!" Mom said fiercely.


    Zhang Ye could only say, "About six million. After it reaches me, it''s probably around five million. Quite a lot of it is taxed."


    "What? Six million? Aiyah! Hey!" Mom was shocked, "Did you rob a bank? So much? Aren''t most people earning only a few tens of thousands when they publish a book? Our neighbor Uncle Zhang''s child is also an author. His best book only received 80,000. Why is yours so much more?"


    Zhang Ye began bragging, "How can that be the same. What kind of book is my ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''? It''spletely on a different level whenpared to theirs. Also, I have my fairy tales. All of them are ssics. I even think I lost out. If not for them giving me the money quickly, and that they only wanted the simplified Chinese rights, I wouldn''t have sold for this pittance. Mom, help me tell Dad. Don''t let him be worried for me. I''m doing fine. After quitting my job at the radio station, I actually have more freedom. If I want to publish, I can publish. I don''t have to be limited by my job''s regtions. Besides, I can guarantee you that there will be even better units waiting for me in the future."


    "Then are you going to your granny''s house today?"


    "Go with Dad; I won''t be joining for now."


    "Alright then. I know you are busy. Then do well."


    Just as the phone was about to be hung up, he even heard her Mom say to his Dad, "Goodd, our son is impressive. Six million! He earned six million from publishing!"


    Only then did the call hang up. Tian Bin''s number came calling.


    "Hello, Zhang Ye." Tian Bin''s voice sounded excited.


    "Old Tian, it''s me. What''s the matter?" Zhang Ye walked out of the bathroom.


    Tian Bin said, "I''ve been hired. Yesterday, I submitted my resume and came for an interview today. In the end, after just five minutes of interviewing, they informed me that I would start work tomorrow."


    "Hey, that''s good. Which radio station?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Tian Binughed, "It''s the Central Radio Station, the biggest radio institution in the country!"


    Zhang Ye was also happy for him, "Alright, then I''ll congratte you first."


    Tian Bin paused for a while, "Actually, it was all thanks to your copyright power of attorney. When I gave it to them during the interview, they were all speechless. Then a Leader made a phone call and came back, telling me to report to work tomorrow. It looks like the Central Radio Station also highly values your segment. Zhang Ye, thank you!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "I won''t be able to get used to you being so polite, so there''s no need to thank me. It''s not a big deal; it''s as simple as lifting a finger."


    "If we have the chance, let''s have a meal." Tian Bin said.


    "Alright, then we can have it when there''s time." Zhang Ye hung up.


    After the two phone calls, Zhang Ye appeared happy. He had reported the good news to his mother and had congratted Tian Bin; however, he was still feeling worried. Now with the publishing matter settled, this step had ended early, but his next step returned to that dead end once again, which was the way to get into a television station.


    If he was really banned and couldn''t enter one, Zhang Ye would have to redevelop his ns. Where should he go? Filming movies? Singing? But the timing was not right. He still did not have the qualifications or ability to make people ignore his looks. If he were to encroach into the music and film industry straight away, probably no one would care about him. So what if the works he produced were great? The time was not ripe.


    Let''s give an example.


    Was "Miss Dong" a good song?


    Back when the original songwriter released his album, almost no one heard it, nor did anyone know about it. Later, when it was sang by Zuo Li on the singing contest stage of Singing Boy did it be popr. It even went viral throughout the entire country. What was the reason? Although the lyrics were slightly changed, it was essentially the same song. There was no difference. Maybe his singing ability was slightly better than the original songwriter, but why did it only be popr when it was sung by Zuo Li and not him? It was not a problem with the song. The song was just a song, and it was also a good song. It was due to a fortuitous turn of events and also because of Zuo Li''s story about his girlfriend. And a lot more of it had to do with looks and conditional factors. At least that was how Zhang Ye saw it. This was something he could do nothing about, for Zhang Ye knew that he was in a simr situation.


    Without the opportunity, he could not do something at the wrong time!


    He could only go to the television station. No matter how much thought he gave, that was the only ce suitable for his next step to develop further. He needed a springboard, and he needed it a lot!


    No!


    Still can''t give up on this!


    Zhang Ye decided to submit a few more resumes to give it a try. People did not want him the past few days, but it did not mean they it would not work now. He had already published ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' and the promotional work done by the publisher firm was done very well. This had also added Reputation and poprity to Zhang Ye. The effects of "Dead Water" had also decreased after a few days, so the television and radio stations could not ban him for life. There was a period, and once that period expired, Zhang Ye would naturally be able to appear.


    One resume!


    Three resumes!


    Five resumes!


    Zhang Ye began submitting resumes once again. There were only those few television stations that had a hosting position, so naturally he still submitted to them again.


    However, the response poured cold water on Zhang Ye again!


    The few television stations still responded very quickly. It was just like two days ago. The answer was still no!


    Zhang Ye felt that his head hurt and also felt dispirited. Your sister, how long must I have to wait? If this drags on, this bro will really drop off from being a E-list celebrity!


    Just as he was thinking, the third phone call of the day came.


    Zhang Ye was shocked, for the number was from the famous Program Producer who had previously invited him and had also job-hopped to the Beijing Television Station, Teacher Hu Fei!


    "Hello, Teacher Hu." Zhang Ye was not very sure why he had called.


    Hu Fei''s tone was not very pleasant, "Teacher Zhang, I heard you have been submitting your resume to a few television stations the past few days? Applying to be a host for them?"


    Zhang Ye coughed, "Yes, I was thinking of trying my luck."


    Hu Fei said, "Didn''t I already invite you? And you had previously agreed, so why are you submitting resumes to other television stations?"


    Zhang Ye was stunned, "Ah? Teacher Hu, isn''t the Beijing Television Station banning me? After all, I said that poem at the award presentation ceremony, and since the Beijing Radio Station and the Beijing Television Station are one, I knew what I should do. So I didn''t have the nerve to bother you and make things hard on you."


    Hu Fei was enlightened, "So you applied to other television stations, but did not submit your resume to the Beijing Television Station? You man, you. Hur Hur. What should I say to you. Well, this matter is also my fault. I didn''t contact you immediately, making your thoughts wander. Teacher Little Zhang, you might not understand me as a person. I, Hu Fei, have been working in the television system for so many years, and I have never gone back on my word. Since I have already promised you, and did say I cannot guarantee that I could do it, but I would definitely do my very best to get your matter settled!"


    Zhang Ye was said in disbelief, "Teacher Hu, so you are saying�� Your side still wants me?"


    "I don''t care what the station thinks. I definitely want you. I fancied your artistic attainment and your literary foundation. Amongst the younger generation, your standard is peerless. Maybe there are people your age or even younger than you who are more famous than you and have greater aplishments than you, but I dare to say that no one canpare to your literary standard! If I don''t want a person like you, who else do I want?" Hu Fei affirmed.


    Zhang Ye was excited, "Teacher Hu, then��"


    "Come to the Beijing Television Station this afternoon for the interview. I have already arranged it for you." Hu Fei hesitated for a while, "But I still have to tell you this. I may acknowledge you, but the matter of the host and guest selection is decided by the higher-ups. My opinion can only have a certain degree of influence. After all, the situation you caused was not tiny. It still hasn''t calmed down yet. I believe you know this very well, too, so I cannot guarantee you that the interview will be sessful. For this interview, there will also be a Leader from higher up. In short, do well; I will fully support you!"


    "Thank you, Teacher Hu!" Zhang Ye said emotionally.


    "You don''t have to thank me. The situation hasn''t been fixed. It won''t be toote thanking me when you seed. Also, I need to say that this opportunity was not given to you by me. You earned it yourself. You have used your literary foundation to conquer me, and conquered many people. This is something you deserve!" Actually, before Zhang Ye won the Silver Microphone Award, Hu Fei only appreciated Zhang Ye, hoping that he coulde help him. However, after Zhang Ye''s "Dead Water" at the award presentation ceremony, Hu Fei was first speechless, then angry, and then finally�� He appreciated Zhang Ye even more. That "Dead Water" hadpletely conquered Hu Fei. Hu Fei felt that Zhang Ye was the talent he needed the most at that moment. No one else would work!


    The call ended.


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath, feeling things have changed!


    The Beijing Television Station was interviewing him! He still had a chance of entering a television station!


    This news was no doubt what made Zhang Ye the most happy today. It was more exciting than the news of publishing "Ghost Blows Out the Light". Publication was just temporary, and the poprity was just temporary. To really be famous, to continue on increasing his poprity, he had to go on television!


    However, there was a major drawback about going on television, which was that it was easy to suffer destruction to both people and family!


    Look at the excellent programs and talk shows on television. Those who go up on stage would mention how many people had died in their family. Today was a grandfather''s death, tomorrow would be her father''s death. Later on, his aunt would have cancer, and the day after their family''s dog would suffer from prostatitis!


    One was worse than the other!


    Hence, from a certain angle, going on television was very dangerous. If you didn''t have destruction happening to both people and family, you would be embarrassed going up!

 Chapter 91: Television Station Interview – Literature Contest!

    <h4>Chapter 91: Television Station Interview �C Literature Contest! </h4>


    Chapter 91: Television Station Interview - Literature Contest!


    That afternoon.


    Beijing Television Station.


    In an office at a certain floor, Zhang Ye was led by a staff member from the front desk. He did not even see which floor the elevator had stopped at. This was because he was feeling a bit worried. He knew this was thest chance for him to enter a television station. So he treated it with highest regard, hoping that he could grab this opportunity.


    The office was empty.


    "Teacher Zhang, please wait a minute." the staff member said.


    "Alright." Zhang Ye sat on a chair by the side.


    The staff said, "The Leader should being soon."


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure, do what you need to do. Thank you very much."


    "You''re wee. Then I''ll go first." The staff left after closing the door.


    After a few minutes, a plump, middle-aged man pushed open the door and saw Zhang Ye immediately. He said with a sigh, "Teacher Little Zhang, you''vee?"


    "You are?" Zhang Ye found the voice familiar.


    The middle-aged fatty said, "I''m Hu Fei. We''ve spoken on the phone twice."


    Zhang Ye immediately came forward to shake hands with him, "Oh, so it''s Teacher Hu. It''s nice to meet you."


    Hu Fei had previously seen Zhang Ye at the Silver Microphone Awards, but Zhang Ye had not seen him. This was the first time they had actually interacted, so they exchanged pleasantries.


    Finally, Hu Fei got round to business, "Teacher Little Zhang, you have to be mentally prepared for today''s interview. There might not be too much hope."


    Zhang Ye was stunned, "��I got it."


    Hu Fei exined, "I have already repeatedlymunicated with the management. In the morning, when I spoke with you, I still thought that I could convince them. But after all I said, they still felt you were not up to the task. The incident of you saying ''Dead Water'' back then gave them concerns, and they were not�� I have tried my very best. In a while, I will also try my best to help you win the job, but I can tell that they do not wish to let youe to the Beijing Television Station. Even if you were to pass the interview perfectly, they might not hire you. So, I''m informing you beforehand. You can only me me for not doing my job in advance."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "I can''t me you. You have already helped me so much. It was my fault. Since I said ''Dead Water'', scolding the unit and the management, then I already had the preparations to bear the consequences. So it''s alright."


    Suddenly, footsteps from outside could be heard.


    Hu Fei stopped talking with Zhang Ye and sat on an interview seat behind the desk.


    Zhang Ye was feeling bitter. This was like a roller coaster ride. A few hours ago, Hu Fei''s words had given him hope. But in a blink of an eye, the situation had changed. He went from having hope to not having hope. He had not even gone through the interview, but he already knew he was sure to fail the interview? It was meaningless, no matter how well he answered? Zhang Ye felt his heart go cold to the freezing point, but he did notin. As he said, since he had done certain things, he had to bear the consequences. Life had always been fair, so he had nothing toin about!


    Getting something is because I''m lucky!


    Losing something is because of my fate!


    Zhang Ye remained silent for a moment. His mental state also calmed down. Of course, he did notpletely give up. Even if he knew the chances were slim or even zero, he still wanted to try!


    The interviewers came in, one after another.


    There were around 8-9 people. They were probably the channel or station''s junior heads or staff.


    "Old Hu, you''ve alreadye?" A 40+-year-old middle-aged man said.


    "I also just came in," Hu Fei answered.


    The middle-aged man looked at Zhang Ye, "This is Zhang Ye? Let''s begin then."


    "Alright, then let''s allow Little Zhang to prepare?" Hu Fei suggested.


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "I''m fine. I can have my interview any moment."


    Everyone sat down. The middle-aged man that had spoken previously then sat in the middle. His name was Wang Shuixin. His name sounded slightly feminine, and he looked gentle, with his golden wire-rimmed sses. Zhang Ye had checked the television station''s official website''s information before he came. He knew this person was the Beijing Television Station''s Arts Channel''s Director. He was probably the Leader of all the people present, and head of the Arts Channel.


    There was not much public information one could find on the inte, but there was plenty of information about Wang Shuixin. Before he left, Zhang Ye had happened to find it online. Director Wang happened to be a poet in the past. A few years ago, he had published a few works and anthologies. He was best at modern poems. Although he did not have many works in recent times, he was still famous. Most people in the industry still knew him.


    It was quite obvious after giving it some thought. As the head of the television''s Arts Channel, he would not be able to have the role without some ability. He definitely had to have some literary quality to him.


    "First introduce yourself?" Director Wang Shuixin said.


    "My name is Zhang Ye. I''m 23 years old this year. I graduated from��" Zhang Ye began his self-introduction.


    During this, a few interviewers were whispering to each other. Some frowned, while others shook their heads. It was as if they did not wish for Zhang Ye to enter their Arts Channel.


    Wang Shuixin was also one of them. Back at the Silver Microphone Awards, he and Hu Fei were present. He had heard with his own ears Zhang Ye''s angry recitation of "Dead Water". The atmosphere seemed to have exploded, but Wang Shuixin had secretly shook his head. He knew that Zhang Ye was a problematic person. It was not easy to handle him. His literary standards were passable, but his temper was too terrible. No Leader would want such a person. Leaders tended to want obedient subordinates, so by getting such a different kind of guy in, he would not be as gregarious and he had to worry that he would stir up something daily! So even though he treated Teacher Hu''s rmendations seriously, Wang Shuixin was unimpressed!


    Of course, there was another reason.


    Wang Shuixin actually felt that Hu Fei was blowing Zhang Ye''s so-called literary level out of proportions. And it was this matter. He never believed that Zhang Ye couldpete on the same level as him. He felt that Zhang Ye was still far inferior! "Dead Water"? "A Generation"? Wang Shuixin believed that he could write such poems, too. He even felt that his previous works were much better than Zhang Ye''s.


    Cultured people tended to scorn each other!


    No one considered themselves inferior!


    Actually, the other interviewers had the same thoughts. Although Zhang Ye was highly acimed on the inte, they did not think that Zhang Ye could bepared to a master like Wang Shuixin. In the literature scene, Wang Shuixin was clearly not the most famous person, but he was a veteran who had many excellent works. Furthermore, he had several poems that were very popr. So how good could Zhang Ye, a young kid who had just appeared, be against Director Wang? At this interview, they were, in fact, not bothered. As Director Wang''s attitude was very clear, Zhang Ye was definitely not going to be hired!


    Zhang Ye finished his introduction.


    Hu Fei interjected, "Director, Teacher Little Zhang has one of the highest literary skills amongst his generation. He is the best amongst his peers. Besides��"


    Wang Shuixin interrupted his words, "He can be considered good amongst his peers, but he is far too inferiorpared to predecessors who are in the arts."


    Hu Fei tried to fight for Zhang Ye, "With Little Zhang''s literary foundation, he is not necessarily worse than the predecessors."


    Wang Shuixin was amused, "You are too absolute, Old Hu. I know that you appreciate Little Zhang, but maybe Little Zhang''s literary skills match your appetite and managed to move you. But that does not mean others will be moved. It does not mean his literary skills are wless. I know about the matter from the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet. I also know Big Thunder, Old Zheng and a few of them. Do you think Little Zhang has exceeded people from the older generation just because you think Little Zhang overshadowed them? Not really. Actually, Big Thunder andpany''s poems are just a bit famous in the Beijing circles. They aren''t much in the country. I also heard their poems back then at the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet. They were all quite average. So Little Zhang overshadowing them can''t show anything."


    This Director was clearly a schr to the bone. His temperament waspetitive. He did not mince his words and had said it in front of Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye gave him a nce and did notment.


    Hu Fei wanted to add on, "But Teacher Little Zhang��"


    "Then let''s test him with an interview question." Wang Shuixin said very confidently, "I can tell you, Old Hu, that he is weaker than me, not to mention other predecessor masters." Saying that, Wang Shuixin looked at Zhang Ye, "Little Zhang, we are just blindly chatting amongst ourselves. We aren''t saying you are terrible, so don''t take it to heart. Actually, to write ''Dead Water'' at your age is already not bad."


    Just not bad?


    Zhang Ye smiled without speaking. He only thought that he was too careless!


    "Alright, I''ll not talk about your physical factors. I''ll give you an interview question. There will only be one today for this interview. I actually want to see how much ability and skill a young man like you, who was rmended by Old Hu, has." Wang Shuixin said.


    Zhang Ye said, "Please say it."


    Wang Shuixin seemed to have the intentions topete with Zhang Ye in literature, "I have a poem that I''m not sure if you have heard of. It''s called ''Everything''."


    He began reciting.


    "Everything is fated."


    "Everything is unreal."


    "Everything has no end."


    "Everything has no home to return to."


    "Every happiness doesn''te with a smile."


    "Every suffering doesn''t have tears."


    "Every past is in the dreams."


    "Every faithes with longing."


    "Every burst is preceded by moments of silence."


    "Every death has a prolonged echo!"


    After a few interviewers heard this, they gave their praises again.


    "Good poem!" a middle-aged woman said.


    A youth said, "This is Director Wang''s best poem, right? I always feel something whenever I hear it!"


    Hu Fei also had to admit that this poem was excellent. This was probably written about four to five years ago by Wang Shuixin when he was at the lowest point of his life. It was very powerful. It called out to people''s hearts and shocked the world!


    Wang Shuixin said calmly, "Little Zhang, this is the interview question. This is one of the works that can be considered famous, and also a modern poem that I''m most pleased with. Teacher Hu has always said that your poetry is excellent and you have deep literary foundations. Then can youpose a poem here on the spot, to show us your literary level?"


    If it was a poem that had no boundaries, it would have been nothing!


    But it was Wang Shuixin who said his own poem first, which meant he wanted topete with Zhang Ye. It was also called a "Poem Contest". If Zhang Ye was to create another work, it had to be targeted at Wang Shuixin''s work. Furthermore, it had to exceed Director Wang''s poem for him to pass. But was this possible?


    Hu Fei knew it was impossible!


    Not to mention the other interviewers!


    What sort of poem was "Everything"? It was a poem that was previously included in high school textbooks! Although it was in an appendix and was not eye-catching, and was eventually removed due to its dark and depressing artistic quality, it was still a model essay that was once made into teaching material!


    What could Zhang Ye use topete with it?


    He had nothing topete with it!

 Chapter 92: “This is also Everything”!

    <h4>Chapter 92: ��This is also Everything��! </h4>


    Chapter 92: "This is also Everything"!


    The interview question was out.


    Everyone looked at Zhang Ye, wondering how he was to answer. He had to follow up on a tough poem that had previously gone in Chinesenguage textbooks, Wang Shuixin''s most famous poem, "Everything".


    Zhang Ye did not speak for a long while.


    "Everything"? Why did it sound so familiar?


    He was sure that he had heard this poem somewhere, but he could not remember it clearly. Hence, he said, "Can I have some water?"


    "Yes." Wang Shuixin turned his head.


    An interviewer threw a bottle of mineral water to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye used the time to drink the water and opened his game ring and bought a "Memory Search Capsule". He closed his eyes, pretending to be in thought. In fact, he had swallowed the capsule while drinking water. He was searching the memories in his brain, and finally Zhang Ye opened his eyes. He had found his memory and had finally remembered why this poem sounded so familiar!


    What the f**k!


    Wasn''t this Bei Dao''s "Everything"!?


    However, there were some slight differences!


    For example in his world, Bei Dao had written, "Every fate is destined. Every cloud is fleeting. Every beginning is without an ending. Every search is brief."


    As for Wang Shuixin''s poem, it was "Everything is fated. Everything is unreal. Everything has no end. Everything has no home to return to." It may look different, but the format and meaning were about the same. The core idea was simr. One of the lines, "Every faithes with longing", was identical in both poems. There was not a single word different!


    This world also had something simr to "Everything"?


    However, there was no Bei Dao, but it was written by Wang Shuixin?


    This was not surprising either. The two worlds'' cultural backgrounds weren''t much different. The Four Great ssical Novels, such as Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin, still existed. Maybe it was because the Four Great ssical Novels had too strong of an effect ingrained in the country, so there was no way of changing it. So it was not modified by the game ring. Then it was pretty normal to have simr literature works from both worlds. Of course, they were just simr. In Zhang Ye''s world, Bei Dao was a very famous poet. In terms of text and profoundness, Zhang Ye clearly believed Bei Dao''s "Everything" was much more excellent than Wang Shuixin''s "Everything"!


    This was the topic?


    Zhang Yeughed, for he could not control himself.


    Bei Dao''s "Everything" was considered quite famous, but the reason why Zhang Ye did not remember it to the point of needing to use the Memory Search Capsule to search his memories for it was because there was another poem that was more famous. It was written as a retort to Bei Dao''s "Everything". It hadpletely negated Bei Dao''s work, hence Zhang Ye and the people from his world had a deeper impression of that poem and had forgotten about Bei Dao''s "Everything". Even if people from his world mentioned "Everything", it was to use it as a reference or backstory. It was as if "Everything" existed just to entuate the other poem. Hence, no matter how well it was written, and had cried out the lives of people so perfectly, in front of that poem, "Everything" was just a supporting role, and considered a sidekick. It could only be hidden under a shade!


    "Are you done?" a woman urged.


    "Can you begin?" a young interviewer was also turning impatient.


    Seeing that Zhang Ye did not speak for so long, Hu Fei guessed that Zhang Ye was unable to follow up. He sighed in his heart. Zhang Ye had low odds of sess, and it would have been impossible for him to be epted by the Leader. Wang Shuixin''s attitude was very clear. Now, by not being able to answer the interview question, the chances of hiring him were close to nil.


    However, Hu Fei''s love for talent was very deep. He was still trying his best to help Zhang Ye fight for it, "Director Wang. Little Zhang is still young, so no matter how much talent he has, he can''tpare to you. This question is indeed quite difficult. Shall we change a topic and let Little Zhang have freedom to express a poem?"


    "Brother Hu, " a female interviewer said, "then what''s the point of an interview? Anyone can write something freely. That''s not ability."


    Wang Shuixin also lightlyughed, "Old Hu, to speak the truth, I want to test Little Zhang''s creative ability on the spot today. It seems all his poems in the past were created on the spot. As for the poem''s quality and logic, I''ll reserve my judgment. I don''t believe those good works of his were written on the spot by Little Zhang. It doesn''t agree with reason. Even if it was written on the spot, it couldn''t be done without any stammering, right? And those poems of his had so much logic? And the parallelism was done so well? And since you appreciate this youth so much, I''m testing him this time. So I purposely used my poem to let him follow up. First, it''s to see if he really canpose on the spot, and secondly, to see if Little Zhang really has as much literary skill as people say."


    Hu Fei said, "But to follow up on a ssic poem that even enterednguage textbooks, Little Zhang will��"


    Wang Shuixin waved his hand to stop Hu Fei from continuing. He looked at Zhang Ye, "It''s alright, Little Zhang. Take your time to think; there''s no hurry. Hur Hur. At your age, you might not have heard this poem. When you were in high school, the materials for yournguage ss might not have included "Everything". If you did not catch everything, I can recite it to you again."


    A youth volunteered, "Since you already recited it once, why don''t you let me, Director Wang?"


    "Alright, Little Xu, you do it. Hur Hur." Wang Shuixin was in a good mood. He had been doing administrative work all these years, so for him to once again disy his literary works was a rare event. Seeing Zhang Ye remaining silent, and his subordinates looking at him with admiration and respect, Wang Shuixin was very pleased.


    The other interviewers and the youthpletely ignored Zhang Ye. They knew that it was impossible for Zhang Ye to follow up on the poem. The only reason that they were still in here to interview Zhang Ye was to kiss ass and tter the Leader. They wanted to see with their own eyes how their Leader defeated Zhang Ye, a neer who had been praised for his poetry. Besides, even without the ttering factor, Director Wang did have the absolute ability!


    Zhang Ye? A neer!


    Compared to Director Wang, what was he!?


    He wanted topete with Wang Shuixin in literature and poetry? Wasn''t this do something beyond his ability!?


    Director Wang''s "Everything" came about due to his using all his senses toe into maximum contact with the pulse of life. He had used his critical perspective to inspect the interpersonal moral and ethical rtions, as well as the sparks that arose when people shed. He had also subconsciously pondered above love, freedom, joy, suffering, hope and death, which were allmon factors of human life. It was one of the best modern poems, and could be said that he had written a poem of such a genre at its peak. Zhang Ye wanted to use the literary insight from "Everything" as a topic to exceed "Everything"? That was impossible!


    Well, but it was not that the poem did not have its ws. If one wanted to pick faults with it, it was probably the reason why it was eventually removed from thenguage textbooks. The poem was too dark and oppressive. There was no hope in it. This was also why "Everything" was criticized by some people. But the ws could not obscure the splendor it possessed. This poem was still enjoying a rtively high status in the poetry world. It could be considered a "pessimism" masterpiece.


    "Let me recite it, while you listen well." the youth said to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye ignored him, and already had his ns.


    The youth frowned. You even turned haughty? Just because you were praised to the skies by people who did not know literature, you already forgot who you were? See, your original form has been revealed! I have no idea why Teacher Hu appreciated you so much. You can only have your way with Big Thunder and those slightly known poets in Beijing. But take a look; once you encounter a real master of literature, you have nothing against them, right?


    The youth grunted and cleared his throat, "Everything is fated. Everything is unreal. Everything has no end. Everything has no home to return to."


    Wang Shuixin squinted his eyes as he listened to his poem.


    The other interviewers again revealed their reverence. Their mouths moved gently, as if they were tasting the poem, and were also reciting it along with the youth.


    The youth carried on, "Every happiness doesn''te with a smile. Every suffering.."


    But suddenly, a scene no one expected happened. Zhang Ye opened his vocal cords and interrupted the youth, who was having a good time reciting, rudely!


    Zhang Ye shook his head, "Not every tree has been broken off by the storm; Not every seed cannot find soil to root; Not every true feeling is lost in the deserts of human hearts; Not every dream wishes to be cut off at its wings. No, not everything�� is like what you said!"


    Hu Fei gasped. This��This poem��


    Wang Shuixin and the other 7-8 interviewers were stunned!


    Zhang Ye looked at Director Wang and then at a few interviewers, then began stressing his words, "Not every torch is burning itself, but not illuminating others; Not every star indicates darkness, but does not predict the dawn; Not every song passes through the ears, but does not stay in the hearts. No, not everything�� is like what you said!"


    The second paragraph was also out!


    It was another massive parallelism! His tone also grew stronger!


    Wang Shuixin''s expression instantly looked ugly, but he made no sound!


    However, Hu Fei got a kick hearing this. He clenched his fists and was so excited that he wanted to stand up to cheer for Zhang Ye. This was the first time that he had such a bright smile on his face. He was happy for Zhang Ye and also happy for himself. He had not evaluated Zhang Ye wrongly! He was really a remarkable talent of the age!


    Zhang Ye scanned everyone with his eyes and purposely paused before reciting thest paragraph. For this paragraph, he wiped off the solemnity and seriousness, and changed it to that of a smile. There was even mockery in his smile, "Not every appeal has been dismissed; Not every loss cannot bepensated; Not every abyss is death; Not every griefnds on the heads of the weak; Not every heart and soul are to be stepped on and buried in the mud; Not every consequence is blood and tears, but without mirth!"


    "Everything in the present is creating the future!"


    "Everything in the future is grown from yesterday."


    "Hope, and to fight for it, please put all of them on your shoulders!"


    Thest shout was Zhang Ye saying it to Wang Shuixin, and could also be him saying it to himself!


    Everything was darkness? Everything was suffering? Every sess was apanied by tears and sorrow?


    Be it Bei Dao''s "Everything" or Wang Shuixin''s "Everything", Zhang Ye could not agree with them!


    He knew that many people hated him, or had a grudge with him or disliked him. He also knew that he had not much hope for this interview, but Zhang Ye had never felt that his life was filled with darkness. He had never hesitated in his life. As long as he had a glimmer of hope, he would never give up!


    That was everything?


    Everything is like what you said?


    No! Not everyone is like what you said!


    At least, I am not! I, Zhang Ye, am not!

 Chapter 93: The Outcome of the Interview?

    <h4>Chapter 93: The Oue of the Interview? </h4>


    Chapter 93: The Oue of the Interview?


    Everyone had their own recital style.


    Some had highly exaggerated expressions. Some liked to use bodynguage. Some had varying tones when delivering the recitals. And some did it with a straight face. There were all sorts of reciters. Those who were not skilled at recitals would always attempt to copy someone else''s style or just not attempt a style at all and recite it just as it is. But someone like Zhang Ye, who was from a background of media arts, would always recite in their own style. This was his rice bowl; he would not lose to anyone in a basic skill like that. His recitals tended to be calmer. He was used to expressing his emotions through the subtle expressions of his eyes and the tonal changes in his voice, and did not use exaggerated bodynguage like dancing and shouting.


    From the results, it looked like he had done a very good interpretation of the poem.


    These interviewers, each and every one of them had a shocked look!


    "I''ve finished reciting it. This poem��is called ''This is also Everything''." Zhang Ye said lightly after adjusting his breath and looking at the interviewers.


    Director Wang''s "Everything"!


    Zhang Ye followed up with "This is also Everything"!


    The former was filled with the cries of darkness! While thetter was overflowing with the light of hope!


    Zhang Ye''s work was heard! The 8-9 interviewers looked at each other. They were thinking that this wasn''t some poetrypetition with Director Wang; it was clearly a smacking of face! You were clearly here to mess things up! They had initially thought that Zhang Ye was unable to follow up, or even if he did, it would not have been good. As for a "pessimism" poem, "Everything" was impable! Using the line of thought of Wang Shuixin''s poem to carry on writing a pessimistic modern poem? He would never be able to write something better than "Everything", no matter how much he tried!


    However, no one had expected Zhang Ye to do the opposite. He did not follow the line of thought of "Everything". He had instead used "This is also Everything" tombaste this pessimistic view!


    Not all!


    Not all!


    No, not everything�� is like what you said!


    A few lines of "Not everything" had gradually stepped up the mood of this poem and at the same time stepped down on "Everything"!


    If this wasn''t face pping, what was?


    If this wasn''t a tant challenge, what was?


    But somehow, this tant challenge had sent shockwaves down everyone''s spines. A few interviewers who had not thought much of Zhang Ye initially had been swept along with their emotions while hearing Zhang Ye''s poetry. A few lines of "Not everything" had convinced them as they maintained their stunned faces.


    This is Zhang Ye? This was the Zhang Ye that they didn''t think much of? Director Wang had doubted Zhang Ye''sposing on the spot before this? He felt that his poems were all prepared beforehand to fool the listeners? And felt that Zhang Ye''s literary standards could only bepared alongside amateur poets? And if he met a professional poet, he would be exposed? Those who had thought this to themselves earlier were now blushing from embarrassment!


    And they thought he was just so-so?


    Or that he could notpose on the spot!


    This was called a low literary standard that could only bepared to low-grade poets?


    Zhang Ye'' s "This is also Everything" had made them swallow their words. Even the least literary educated person present could tell that Director Wang had been outdone by a neer! "Everything" had really been overshadowed by "This is also Everything"! And the gap did not feel like it was by a small margin. It was a crushing victory! There was no question about it!


    Zhang Ye''s poem had even answered the biggest w of "Everything" �� Pessimism! It was full of optimism in "This is also Everything"! Full of positive influence on the people! No wonder "Everything" was only in the appendix of the high school textbook for a short one year. Compared to "This is also Everything", "Everything" was such a shallow and weak piece. Instead, Zhang Ye''s poem looked like it should be added into the textbooks!


    They all whispered to each other. All of them had been shocked by this poetry piece of Zhang Ye''s!


    But none of them knew. In Zhang Ye''s world, this poem was precisely born because of Bei Dao''s "Everything".


    "This is also Everything" �� This was a piece by a famous poet in Zhang Ye''s old world, the writer Shuting''s work. It was rumored that after Bei Dao''s work was criticized for being too pessimistic, Shuting had also criticized something about it. Soon after, "This is also Everything" was born. From its words, parallelisms and thoughts, it could be seen that "This is also Everything" was targeted at "Everything"! So after Wang Shuixin had read his poem, Zhang Ye''s immediate thought was this work of Shuting''s!


    Poetrypetition?


    This poem was made for it!


    This was walking into the line of fire!


    Hu Fei had given Zhang Ye a thumbs up in his heart. He looked over at the silent Wang Shuixin, "Director, Little Zhang has answered the interview question. What do you think?"


    The others also looked over at Director Wang.


    Wang Shuixin acknowledged, "It''s matched pretty well."


    How was it just pretty well! It was perfect! But of course they did not say that�� No one was that dumb!


    Hu Fei took advantage of the situation and asked, "Then about Little Zhang''s recruitment?"


    Wang Shuixin looked at Zhang Ye, "Little Zhang, stand up and let me have a look at you."


    "Stand up?" Zhang Ye did so ordingly.


    Wang Shuixin took a look and shook his head, "I won''tment on his looks since a minority of sessful hosts and guests arecking in that department, too. But your height is even more importantpared to your looks. If I''m not wrong, after your shoes are off, your height is around 1.65m, right? That''s too short; even with shoes on, you won''t hit 1.70m. If you were onstage with other hosts or guests, your height would be a problem. If a female guest wears slightly higher heels, you''d probably be shorter by half a head or more. How can you be a host like that? It will affect the broadcast quality. If your looks are ordinary and you arecking in height, then it certainly will not work!"


    Great!


    You couldn''t find fault with my literary standards, so now you started picking on my height?


    Zhang Ye was thinking that if he was f**king tall and handsome, then he wouldn''t be wasting so much effort here! He would have gone to be a singer or movie actor!


    Hu Fei added, "Little Zhang can add insoles to his shoes."


    "That at most will add 6-7cm to his height. Any taller than that and it wouldn''t look natural. A look and you will know there''s no conformity. What''s the use of that 6-7cm? At most, he will be 1.7m tall with his shoes and insoles." Wang Shuixin was finding faults, "Our male hosts at the Beijing Television Station, which one of them doesn''t reach 1.8m after wearing shoes? It is the minimum requirement to reach the height of 1.8 with shoes." After that, he also sighed, "Old Hu, I''ve seem Little Zhang''s talent today. It''s not bad. You didn''t make a wrong choice, but his height is not enough. If his height can reach the standard, he can report to work after National Day! I wouldn''t say anything else!"


    He could be hired as long as he was taller?


    But this was actually a load of rubbish!


    Looks were not hard to change. There was stic surgery. But how could one change one''s height? Zhang Ye was already 23 years old. As the saying goes, one could still grow at 23, but no matter how much you grew, you couldn''t go from 1.65 to 1.75! Do you think that you were sitting on a rocket!? That you could increase your height so easily!?


    It was clear that he did not want Zhang Ye!


    It was just a way of rejecting him by saying that he would be hired if he was taller!


    Hu Fei was disagreeable with it. He strongly insisted, "Director, I really want to hire Teacher Little Zhang. My segment is about to begin recording. Little Zhang will be of great help to me, and will also greatly help the station." Saying this, Hu Fei said to Zhang Ye, "Teacher Little Zhang, why don''t you go out to the resting area and wait for a while?"


    "Alright." Zhang Ye could only take his things and leave the room.


    Outside, he could hear Teacher Hu fighting for him. Zhang Ye knew that there was no hope left. He could only take Teacher Hu''s appreciation of him in his mind. He would return the favor in the future slowly.


    After he waited for a while, no one came out.


    Zhang Ye leaned on the windowsill and watched the traffic flow below. Suddenly, he saw a shoe shop across the road. Seeing this, he also wanted to try to see how much elevator shoes could increase his height. Who knew if he could reach the height of 1.8m wearing them? Zhang Ye had never tried them, so he quickly took the elevator downstairs.


    On the side of the road.


    It was a foreign shoes shop named HT.


    "Sir, what type of shoes do you want to buy?" A female attendant came forward.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Do you sell any insoles or shoes that can raise a person''s height?"


    The female attendant smiled. "There aren''t insoles, but there are elevator shoes. This way, please." She led Zhang Ye over. "There are two styles. They are elevated leather shoes and can increase your height by about 5-8cm."


    Zhang Ye tried them. Although he felt some difort in his heels, he was indeed much taller. However, it was clear that 8cm was an exaggeration. It was not that much, and was probably at most 6cm. With Zhang Ye''s height, he could only reach 1.71m at most. He was still shorter than Wang Shuixin''s lowest requirement of 1.8m by nearly 10cm. The difference was too great, and could definitely not meet the requirement. Zhang Ye smacked his lips but still decided to buy the shoes. He did not wear his shoes and let the attendant remove the tags. He wore the new shoes and walked back to the television station, returning to the resting area.


    Every bit helps in bing tall.


    Who knows�� If Teacher Hu was helping him, maybe he might have a chance?


    Hai, what was he thinking!? He was still having hopes when he knew there was no chance?


    Right, why was he relying on others? He still had his game ring! He could try his luck at the Lottery!


    Zhang Ye suddenly thought of it. Every time he faced a tough situation, he had used the magical items from the game ring to resolve them. Who knew if the Heavens would be standing on his side today?


    The office on the other side was still having arguments. There was Hu Fei''s voice, and the voices of the other interviewers. It did not seem like it would be over in ten minutes.


    He did as he thought!


    Zhang Ye immediately opened the game interface!


    The menu opened, and a virtual screen was presented before Zhang Ye''s eyes. Staff from the television station who walked past could not see it at all.


    Then, a nce at the Reputation points he had umted over the past few days made Zhang Ye extremely pleased. His overall Reputation points had reached an rming 930,000!

 Chapter 94: A Huge Discovery About the Lottery!

    <h4>Chapter 94: A Huge Discovery About the Lottery! </h4>


    Chapter 94: A Huge Discovery About the Lottery!


    The explosive outbreak of ��Dead Water��.


    The receiving of the Silver Microphone Award.


    The listenership ratings of the unstopped ��Ghost Blows Out the Light��.


    Therge scale promotions and sales of ��Ghost Blows Out the Light��.


    And even ��Tribute to the White Por�� and various other contributions.


    All these Reputation points that were umted allowed Zhang Ye to have more than 900,000 Reputation points at this moment. It looked like an exaggeration, but it was umted by Zhang Ye bit by bit through hard work. Every Reputation point increment was not easy for him. Of course, before the ��Memory Search Capsule�� that he had bought just a while ago, it had already exceeded a million.


    The Lottery interface opened.


    Zhang Ye decided to take a gamble.


    He clicked on the Lottery and spent 100,000 Reputation points. Confirm!


    The wheel began to move. The needle began rapidly moving. As it was a bet, Zhang Ye decided to have Additional Stakes. After clic.king the Additional Stakes button on the bottom right, he gave it some thought and added two Additional Stakes. After all, he needed to leave some Reputation to bet on the next chance. He could not use it all on one try.


    The needle began to move slowly.


    Special Category�� Skills Category��


    Stats Category��Consumption Category��


    The needle began to slow down gradually. Finally, it stopped on the Consumption Category!


    Zhang Ye did not have much hope, nor was he disappointed. This was because he did not know what items he needed at this moment. He was only trying his luck.


    Three Treasure Chest (Small) appeared!


    Zhang Ye brought them and ced them on a table in the resting area. He opened one after another. Since all the items that were obtained from Additional Stakes were the same, he just needed to see one.


    [ Lucky Bread ] x 3!


    He had previously obtained this prize before. And this was also the first time that Zhang Ye had obtained an item that he had received before!


    However, Zhang Ye gave a wry smile. The Lucky Bread may be good, but it was not very useful for him now. Back at the award presentation ceremony, the Lucky Bread had expounded its miraculous effects, allowing him to magically receive the award. But it had a reason to. It was because of luck that the trophy and certificate both had problems backstage, which caused such an effect.


    But this time, it was different. Luck was useless here. As it was not something that could change from subjective means. Wang Shuixin had objectively not wanted Zhang Ye. He had already said that Zhang Ye was not tall enough. So no matter how lucky he was, Director Wang would definitely not change his attitude.


    He had lost the bet!


    Hai, there aren��t many opportunities left!


    Zhang Ye was feeling down. He was already used to having items he received from the Lottery being of use. For example, the Save, the Unlucky Sticker, or the Memory Search Capsule, all of them were a great help to him after they were obtained. And even though the Lucky Bread from back then was not something that he had received on the spot and was something he had stored from a previous luck of the draw, it had been effective at the critical moment. Even the Unlucky Halo and the Invisibility Potion had their own usage.


    However, this time it wasn��t enough!


    Zhang Ye no longer had the luck from before!


    His hand nearly pressed down on the Lottery purchase button, but he paused and did not press down on it. Zhang Ye knew it was impossible. Actually, upon careful thought, the items he had received from the Lottery were not really just right for the purpose. For example, the Save�� He might have used it, but if he had obtained the Memory Search Capsule, he could have also used it to help him recite from memory. If he swept through at a nce and used the Memory Search, Zhang Ye could simrly recite out 900 words. Furthermore, he could save the time he took to memorize it, and the uracy would be even higher. And with the Unlucky Sticker, if he had obtained the Lucky Bread or something else, those items could probably create a simr effect, allowing Zhang Ye to get a program. Simrly, if he had used the Unlucky Sticker at the Silver Microphone Awards, giving Zh��ng Y�� bad luck, resulting in him being unable to receive an award, the award would have still ended up in Zhang Ye��s hands.


    It may be said that his luck was good when he had yed the Lottery in the past, but it could also be said that the difficulty that Zhang Ye faced was rtively smaller. The difficulty range was much wider, which resulted in many items being able to be used as magical weapons. They could all help.


    But this time is was different. Wang Shuixin had made his attitude clear. His requirement was on Zhang Ye��s height. Hence, the items that he could draw that would be useful from the Lottery were extremely specific and limited. How could Zhang Ye have such good luck and draw whatever he needed at the Lottery? What a joke. Zhang Ye had never felt that he had good luck!


    Eh, luck?


    Wait a moment! Luck?


    Zhang Ye was suddenly shocked. Then he excitedly stood up from the couch. Right, usually when he yed the Lottery, he definitely could not obtain items he was in desperate need of, for he did not have the luck. No one in the world had such luck. Even if they had luck for a moment, it would not be for life. However, Zhang Ye had a sudden thought. So what if he did not have luck? This was not a problem! Without luck�� He could create luck!


    Lucky Bread!


    He had just drawn Lucky Bread!


    Zhang Ye��s mind opened up. Previously, when he had received items from the Lottery, he had only thought about how he could use them in reality, but who made the rules that the luck from the Lucky Bread could not be used on the game��s Lottery? The Lucky Bread��s description said that it could increase the Luck stat of a yer for five minutes. Since Zhang Ye��s Luck stat would increase, then drawing at the Lottery was also within its range. He couldpletely use this to create luck, so as to obtain things he needed!


    Could it work?


    Even if it didn��t, he had to try!


    Zhang Ye felt that this discovery of his was too important. It would be very important for his future. If it was like his spection, then whenever he was faced with a difficult problem, Zhang Ye would have a chance and method to solve it. He did not need to bet on the so-called luck!


    Zhang Ye immediately reached his hand into the game ring��s inventory. He took out one of the Lucky Bread, and immediately ate it!


    Lucky Bread in Effect!


    Countdown, 4:59...


    Zhang Ye was afraid that there was not enough time, so he quickly clicked on the Lottery and did not even wait for the needle to slow down as he gritted his teeth to have Additional Stakes. Seeing the needle pause temporarily, Zhang Ye immediately added all his remaining Reputation. Having just spent 300,000 Reputation points, and having spent 100,000 for the Lottery, he still had 5 more Additional Stakes left. Sess was all counting on this. Without any hesitation, Zhang Ye spent nearly all of his Reputation points!


    Additional Stakespleted!


    The needle began moving again!


    One revolution��Three revolutions��Five revolutions��


    Then it slowed down, and the needle slowly moved towards the small region of the Special Category!


    Zhang Ye was almost about to cry. If it was some normal time, he would love to have the Special Category, because he greatly had the need to be able to permanently purchase items in the Merchant Shop. It was unlimited purchase, and he did not need to draw at the Lottery. But now, he did not need it. Even if he had obtained the right to buy an item, he did not have enough points to buy it! He was only left with about 30,000 Reputation points, so even if he wanted to buy something, it would not be enough!


    Move!


    I don��t want the Special Category!


    A treasure mountain was right in front of him, yet Zhang Ye did not want it. This was the first time that he felt cheap. However, there was no other choice. He had to solve the problem he had now!


    Move a little bit more!


    Just a little bit more!


    Finally, the Special Category was moved past. It did not stop there!


    The Lottery wheel��s category size was fixed. For example, the Consumption Category��s probability was the greatest, while the Special Category was the lowest. Hence, the size of all the regions were the same every time. However, the cement of the regions were random. For example, thest time that he drew at the Lottery, the Special Category was between the Consumption Category and the Skills Category. But this time, the Special Category was now in the middle of the Stats Category and the Skills Category. After the needle moved past the Special Category, it immediately stopped at the Stats Category!


    Bada!


    Six Treasure Chest (Small) appeared!


    At this moment, there was still one minute left for the Lucky Bread!


    Zhang Ye did not dare to dy. This was because he was not sure if the item in the Treasure Chest was decided at the moment it was drawn or if the Lottery only fixed the type, and the specific item was decided only when the treasure chest was opened. Hence, he used the remaining amount of lucky time to open the Treasure Chest!


    The first Treasure Chest opened �C Fruit of Growth!


    The second Treasure Chest opened �C Fruit of Growth!


    The six Treasure Chests all contained a small white fruit. It was basically round, but it was not uniform. It did not have leaves, but had a brown root zone.


    [ Fruit of Growth ]: Effective upon consuming it. Activates the yer''s growth genes. Can be stacked repeatedly.


    Growth?


    Activates genes?


    He got it! He really got it!


    At this moment, the lucky effect ran out. Zhang Ye nearly cried out! His theory was right! The Lucky Bread really could be used on the Lottery system!


    After a moment of excitement, Zhang Ye regained hisposure. He quickly picked up a Fruit of Growth and ate it. He still did not know the effects of the fruit. Although the Fruit of Charm had already proved the effects of such Stats Category items, but what did growth mean? Where would he grow? Please don��t make my chest hair grow? This bro doesn��t need that!


    After consuming it, his whole body heated up!


    Zhang Ye nearly shouted out as he felt his bones crunching, as they sounded out!


    After a few seconds, the strange feeling disappeared. Zhang Ye looked around and looked at his chest. Thankfully, his chest did not get any bigger.


    But which part of him changed?


    He could not detect it!


    But when he looked at his pant legs, Zhang Ye was slightly surprised. His pants had been slightly longer, so that it would roll up above his shoes. But now, the rolls had rxed a bit more. What was the meaning of this? What did this represent? There was only one possibility presented. That was�� Someone had secretly cut his pant legs with scissors when Zhang Ye was slightly distracted!


    Alright, actually there was another possibility. It meant that Zhang Ye had grown taller!


    Although it was just a tiny bit, but it no doubt made him excited!


    Zhang Ye decided to consume the remaining five Fruits of Growth in one go. The sound of his bones cracking incessantly lingered on.


    One centimeter��


    Two centimeters��


    Three centimeters��


    Finally, Zhang Ye used the change in his pant leg��s length to guess that he had grown about 5-6 centimeters taller! That was to say, every Fruit of Growth increased his height by nearly a centimeter!


    Zhang Ye was overjoyed. His looks and height had always been a chronic problem for his development. He never expected one of them to be solved just like that!


    The Fruit of Growth was too amazing!


    Zhang Ye understood that this fruit probably did not increase his height directly. It had helped activate his potential within his genes. That was to say, Zhang Ye��s genes should have allowed him to grow to that height, but Zhang Ye had grown up in rtively poor conditions. Without milk to drink, or eggs and much meat to eat, his poor nutrition when he was young stunted his growth. If he was properly fed and nourished when he was young, then he could definitely be like others. At least, he would have a good average height.


    Now, the Fruits of Growth had remedied all of this!


    Now, his height was 1.71 meters! He already entered a normal range!

 Chapter 95: You are Changing Persons!

    <h4>Chapter 95: You are Changing Persons! </h4>


    Chapter 95: You are Changing Persons!


    Upstairs at the Beijing Television Station.


    Today was National Day, so not many people worked. However, even the small number of people who came to work was definitely more people than people from other industries by several times. As this was a television station, it was simr to supermarkets or shopping malls. They were busier during this period. There were quite a number of people working overtime, who not far from Zhang Ye, who were looking at him.


    "What was that sound just now?"


    "I also heard it. It sounded like cracking."


    "Did that youthe for an interview? What was he doing just now?"


    "Yeah, why was there so much noise? Was he molting?"


    A few people began discussing as they pointed fingers at Zhang Ye. They found him weird.


    Actually, from a certain point of view, Zhang Ye had indeed "molted". His height was now 1.71m. If he wore the elevator shoes that he had just bought, he could barely tell from the receding of the pant leg that he was about 1.78m tall with the elevator shoes, even though he did not have a ruler on hand. He was about 2cm shorter than Wang Shuixin''s minimum requirement.


    Zhang Ye tried to find some paper to pad the bottom of his shoes, but it was obvious that it wouldn''t work. Even if he could pad his height a bit more, it would not be natural. This was already a height increased by a pair of shoes. The heels were already very high, so by padding it with paper, his foot would probablye out of the shoe. There was no way that he could go on screen like that. Even if he went on screen, he was unable to walk, as the shoes would just drop the moment that he walked. There were boots that could increase his height a bit more. However, it was autumn, and the weather wasn''t cold yet. It was sometimes hot, so how could he go on screen with boots? This was also not practical. The interviewers would also not agree to it!


    ��


    The other side.


    In the office.


    Wang Shuixin looked at his watch, "Old Hu, don''t be in a rush. It''s not that I don''t believe in your judgment and professional achievements. Our station headhunted you because we appreciated your experience and ability. However, a host is abination of various aspects. He can''t just be epted because of his literary foundation. Even if Zhang Ye was made a guest, he is also not up to it. I believe that you know the importance of a segment''s host and its guests. If the audience doesn''t like the visuals, the program will suffer a hit, no matter how good it is. It will also lose arge number of the audience members. I cannot gamble on this."


    "If we are excluding Zhang Ye because of his height, it would be such a pity!" Hu Fei''s eyebrows were knitted together. "This is too unfair to Little Zhang!"


    Wang Shuixin said lightly, "The entertainment business has never been about fairness. Little Zhang''s height is indeed not enough. I cannot give the go ahead for him alone."


    Hu Fei said, "Weren''t there also hosts who had heights around 1.6m in the past?"


    "But were they ever popr?" Wang Shuixin retorted, "How many hosts of those heights managed to make it big? Also you are talking about some second or third tier cities'' small television stations. Where are we? This is Beijing Television Station!" He stood up, "Alright, Old Hu. There''s no point in talking about this anymore. What time is it already? I still need to hold a meeting soon!"


    "Director!" Hu Fei tried to speak.


    Wang Shuixin interrupted, "I can lower my final requirement. He doesn''t need to be 1.8m. As long as he can reach 1.78m with elevator shoes, I will immediately hire him! I will not say another word!"


    "Brother Hu, forget it."


    "That''s right, Producer Hu. There are plenty of good seedlings."


    The other interviewers also persuaded Hu Fei.


    However, Hu Fei was thinking, "What was the difference between 1.78m and 1.8m? Zhang Ye was just 1.65. He wouldn''t reach that height even if wore any kind of shoes! Unless he went on stage with stilts!"


    ��


    Outside.


    As the final exchange of words were done while they were approaching the door, Zhang Ye had heard thest line. He just needed 1.78m? Ha! I was just waiting for that word of yours! It looked like the twenty minutes that Teacher Hu had fought for Zhang Ye was not in vain! It had helped him a great deal!


    The door opened and Wang Shuixin was the first to exit. He looked at Zhang Ye in the resting area. "Little Zhang, you can go back." It meant that the interview was over.


    Hu Fei looked at Zhang Ye, apologetically shaking his head.


    Zhang Ye gave Teacher Hu a "nevermind" look. He sat there and said to Wang Shuixin, "Director Wang, I think I have reached the standards you mentioned."


    "What did you reach? Height?" A young interviewer was amused, "Enough. Go back."


    Zhang Ye did not say anything further. He only slowly stood up from his seat.


    A few interviewers were nning to leave, as they had been dyed for far too long. There were many programs for National Day that they had to busy themselves with. However, when they saw Zhang Ye stand up, a person who was about to turn and leave was suddenly stunned. He immediately turned back with his eyes staring widely!


    Several others also stared widely with their eyes!


    Holy sh*t! Your height, why�� Why does it seem��


    Zhang Ye walked closer and let them take a closer look, "Does this height meet your standards?"


    Wang Shuixin was also dumbfounded. He patted his forehead and also rubbed his eyes. He felt as if his eyes had gone blurry before looking at Zhang Ye again, "You��"


    Taller!


    This person was actually taller!


    During the interview, Wang Shuixin and a few interviewers remembered clearly that Zhang Ye was about half a head shorter than many of them. Although they were not very tall, they were about 1.7m tall. But now, twenty minutester, this person was no longer shorter than them, and was instead�� He was instead taller than them by a lot more!


    Shorter by half a head to taller by half a head?


    Are you doing magic?


    They could hardly believe their own eyes!


    After his surprise, Hu Fei quickly said, "Little Sun, bring a measuring tape!"


    A youth looked at Wang Shuixin and seeing Director Wang nod his head, he quickly left and came back shortly after with a retractable ruler.


    "Teacher Little Zhang, please stand nicely." Hu Fei gestured.


    Zhang Ye held his back to the wall and stood very straight.


    Hu Fei personally measured him and then looked at the marks on the ruler. He turned with a look of surprise and said to everyone, "1.78! Exactly 1.78!"


    Someone did not believe it and also measured Zhang Ye, but the result was also the same!


    The female interviewer nearly fainted on the spot!


    Wang Shuixin also never expected such a situation!


    A young interviewer said with fear, "How, how did you do it?"


    Zhang Ye pointed to his feet, "I changed my shoes. I just bought them!"


    Wang Shuixin, "��"


    "How could this be possible!? Where was there such elevator shoes that could increase that much height!?" the youth eximed.


    "It could increase more than 10 centimeters? And not a trace of it can be detected? Not unnatural at all? What sort of shoes are those?" Another interviewer nearly cursed vulgarities!


    Go to hell!


    How are you changing shoes here?


    You are f**king changing persons!


    Hu Fei did not care about this. He treated it as if there was such a magical shoe, for technology had developed so much. He stared at Director Wang, "Little Zhang has reached 1.78m with the shoes, and you said previously?"


    Everyone else looked at the Director.


    Wang Shuixin was really�� This guy really did it? He had originally found a reason to reject a problematic person like him, as he did not want him. However, the oue was too surprising! What should he do now? He could not rescind his words, and furthermore he had said it in front of so many people. He was also the Leader��


    After a long silence, Wang Shuixin looked at Zhang Ye, "Report to work next week." After saying that, he turned and led the others away.


    He had entered the television station!


    He had finally entered the television station!


    Zhang Ye suddenly felt like all the hard work had paid off!

 Chapter 96: Face Smacking Specialist!

    <h4>Chapter 96: Face Smacking Specialist! </h4>


    Chapter 96: Face Smacking Specialist!


    Evening.


    The sun had set, dying the sky red.


    Zhang Ye had returned to his rental ce. After taking the elevator, he did not return to his house, but followed the aroma from thendy''s house. The door was open and the sound of oil sttering could be heard from the kitchen. At a nce, the little rascal Rao Chenchen was in the living room, doing her homework.


    "Chenchen, are you busy?" Zhang Ye smiled as he entered the house.


    Chenchen immediately shouted to the kitchen, "Aunt! Zhang Ye is here to scrounge for food again!"


    Zhang Ye nearly nted himself on the floor, "This unlucky child. I treated you well for nothing."


    Chenchen gave her trademark smile, "Hur Hur." Then she lowered her head and carried on doing her homework.


    Rao Aimin from inside probably heard this. She opened the kitchen door and did not look kindly at Zhang Ye, "You really came on time. Is your Chinese Zodiac a dog? You followed the aroma over?"


    Zhang Ye was also not mad, for he had already adapted to her vicious tongue, "I worked so hard for Chenchen, and you said thest time that my food for these days will be settled by you."


    "You only know how to eat. Did you not eat in yourst life?" Rao Aimin''s mouth was vicious, but she was soft-hearted. "Wait a while. I''ll cook another two more dishes!"


    "Thank you, Landy Auntie!"


    "Make sure that Chenchen does her homework!"


    After the small rascal did her homework, the table was already filled with dishes.


    Rao Aimin threw a pair of chopsticks at Zhang Ye, "You sure look happy today! Did you pick up a wallet? Eh, wait a moment. Come over and let me take a look. Why are you so much taller?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "You finally noticed it. I''m wearing elevator shoes."


    "Oh, I was just wondering. Alright then, let''s eat!" Rao Aimin sat down and handed a bowl and chopsticks to Chenchen.


    Actually Zhang Ye was not wearing his elevator shoes, but his own normal shoes. He had said that for fear of not being able to exin it. After all, he had grown so much in a blink of an eye. No one would believe him if he said it. Hence, he decided to use the reason of elevator shoes to let others be used to his height. When people were ustomed to it, then there would not be a problem. Well, actually it was not something new for a person to grow 5cm overnight. At least in Zhang Ye''s world, he had frequently heard of such miraculous things happening, such as waking up to realize that one had grown 6cm, or how family members heard his bones crackle at night while he was sleeping. When Zhang Ye heard of this, he was skeptical, but people growing tall overnight was indeed a fact. There were more than ten such cases in the world as examples, but the reasons were still unknown. Hence, Zhang Ye did not have any pressure. Even if others questioned him on this, he could use this as an excuse.


    "Landy Auntie, I''ll tell you something." Zhang Ye told the good news, "Just now, I was hired by the Beijing Television Station. I will be either a host or a guest after National Day."


    Rao Aimin said, "Oh, you sure can create miracles in life. That can even happen?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes, "I''m using my strength! Absolute strength!"


    "Stop bragging." Rao Aiminughed, "Chang''e 4 just went up into space, and was taken down by your bragging!"


    Chenchen swallowed the celery in her mouth, "��Hur Hur."


    Zhang Ye curled his mouth, "Keep trampling on me. When I be famous, I''ll let you open your eyes!" After the meal, Zhang Ye was feeling bloated. He was toozy to go home, "Let me borrow yourputer."


    "Go home and use yours!" Rao Aimin said impolitely.


    "I can''t even move. I''m too bloated." Zhang Ye ignored her.


    Rao Aimin smacked her lips, "It''s upstairs. Use it yourself." She went to wash the dishes.


    Zhang Ye clutched his belly as he walked upstairs with great difficulty into thendy''s bedroom. The moment that he opened the door, he was caught off-guard. A dazzling array of underwear and fall clothing assaulted his eyes. There were clothes of Big Sister Rao''s on the bed. There were about 20-30 pieces. It was obvious without asking that Rao Aimin was clearing her closet in the afternoon. She was keeping her summer clothes and preparing to wash and dry her autumn clothes. But before she was done, she had to cook. Hence, there was a bunch of clothes left on the bed and balcony. This made Zhang Ye''s heart race!


    Floral print dress.


    Hollow flesh-colored underwear.


    ck silk stockings with decorative patterns.


    There was white underwear that had just been taken off.


    Zhang Ye looked behind to make sure there was no one before closing the door. He could not help but pick up a few pieces of Rao Aimin''s underwear and examine them before throwing them back. This Big Sister Rao was seriously too much. She was too careless. Forget it, let''s look at myputer. Actually, just like Rao Aimin''s vicious tongue, Zhang Ye was also slowly getting ustomed to Old Comrade Rao''s careless demeanor. She had always been like that and never took heed about their difference in gender. But she had to be such a unkempt big sister, yet she made amazingly delicious food and was particr good at taking care of others.


    People were just so strange.


    At times, there were such contradicting amalgamations.


    Switching on theputer and going online, Zhang Ye was initially intending to check the current events and entertainment news. But he habitually first logged in to Weibo. He discovered that his poem had been posted online!


    "Let me post a poem. I happened to hear it while chatting with a friend at the television station. The original author should be Zhang Ye."


    "The title is ''This is also Everything''."


    "Not every tree has been broken off by the storm."


    "Not every seed cannot find soil to root."


    Finally he concluded, "I was very excited after hearing it, so I posted it to share with everyone!"


    Zhang Ye looked at the discussion and messages below. It had already broken 1,000 views, and there were numerous messages!


    "Teacher Zhang''s new poem?"


    "Holy sh*t. I remember there''s a poem called ''Everything'', right?"


    "Yes. It''s ''Everything'' written by Wang Shuixin. It even went in textbooks. This poem is clearly targeted at ''Everything'', rejecting everything in it!"


    "Haha, this poem is so great!"


    "As expected of face smacking master Zhang Ye''s work!"


    "Wow, everyone take a look quickly. Face smacking specialist, Teacher Zhang Ye has a new work!"


    "You don''t say. This really is a smack in the face. Every line contradicts ''Everything''! Teacher Wang Shuixin is probably crying! To encounter such a face smacking specialist!"


    "But ''This is also Everything'' is really much more suitable as anguage education material than ''Everything''. I pity Zhang Ye. Why can''t such a good poet like him enter the Writers'' Association? There is no official recognition of his position in literature."


    "@BeijingWriters''Association."


    "Who told Teacher Zhang to trample on the people from the Writers'' Association!?"


    "Supporting Teacher Zhang''s entry into the Writers'' Association. Or providence would not forgive!"


    "That''s right. It doesn''t make sense. Can the Beijing Writers'' Association respond? Why isn''t Teacher Zhang invited into the Association? Just because cultured people tend to scorn each other?"


    "Summoning the Beijing Writers'' Association!"


    "Teacher Zhang is impressive! He has to enter the Writers'' Association!"


    Everyone stood in solidarity. Zhang Ye''s works came one after another, and each one was more interesting and wonderful than thest. It made people feel disappointment that the Beijing Writers'' Association did not have any response!


    But what Zhang Ye was most concerned about was his nickname and description!


    Face smacking specialist?


    Your sister''s a face smacking specialist!


    Why is my nickname so terrible!?

 Chapter 97: Night!

    <h4>Chapter 97: Night! </h4>


    Chapter 97: Night!


    It was veryte.


    Other households were slowly switching off their lights.


    Zhang Ye was still online. When Rao Aimin returned back to her small duplex bedroom on the second floor, she pushed the door open and frowned. She began to keep the clothes on the bed, hanging them up, and those that could not be hung up were thrown into the washing machine. She turned back and said unkindly to Zhang Ye, "You, I''m speaking to you. Look at the time. Quickly grab your stuff and get lost. It''s time for Chenchen to sleep. Go back to wherever you came from!"


    She was wearing a very homelike sportswear. It looked old on her, and the colors did not look good. It was probably worn when she cooked.


    Zhang Ye nced at her and said, "Oh, alright. I''ll be done once I finish reading this."


    It was news rted to the first day''s sales of "Ghost Blows Out the Light". Although there were no specific numbers, and the publisher firm had not made it public, by analyzing the numbers from various bookstores, there was only one conclusion, and that was that "Ghost Blows Out the Light" had a craze-like sale. Except for a fewrge bookstores who had still one or two copies of "Ghost Blows Out the Light" left, as they had arge inventory, the other smaller bookstores that ordered fewer copies werepletely sold out!


    This was just the first day!


    The initial printing of "Ghost Blows Out the Light" was just 100,000 for one volume, and 200,000 for two volumes!


    And almost half of it was already sold out? In recent years, very few books would have such crazy sales. They could be counted on one hand, not to mention a niche supernatural genre like "Ghost Blows Out the Light"!


    After reading the news, Zhang Ye closed the page.


    At this moment, Chenchen was walking heavily up the stairs. She came and took a look at Zhang Ye. In her tiny pajamas, she slipped into bed.


    "I''m going, little rascal." Zhang Ye bade her farewell.


    Chenchen looked at him, "Zhang Ye, tell me a story."


    Rao Aimin was done packing her clothes, and she said, "Your Uncle Zhang needs to go home and sleep!"


    Chenchen ignored as she looked at him with silent big eyes, "Zhang Ye, tell me a story, or I won''t be able to sleep. My aunt doesn''t read me stories."


    Rao Aimin mumbled, "How old are you to still want to listen to stories!"


    Chenchen reached out her tiny hand to grab Zhang Ye''s big hand, as if she did not want him to leave.


    Zhang Ye had no other choice but to sit on the bed. Seeking the opinion of thendy, "Then I''ll tell Chenchen a story?"


    "Read it, then. I''ll go shower." Rao Aimin did not care and went into the bathroom and closed the door. A momentter, the sound of flowing water could be heard. Maybe she was feeling thefort of showering, which resulted in the whistling sounds of Rao Aimining out of the bathroom.


    "Zhang Ye!" Seeing him wandering with his mind, Chenchen called out very unhappily.


    "Oh. Oh, alright." Zhang Ye asked, "Have you heard my fairy tales? Which ones have you listened to?"


    "Our school has read your ''Little Bunnies Be Good'' and ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarves''." Chenchen closed her eyes as shey in bed.


    "Alright, then. I''ll read you ''The Wizard of Oz''." Zhang Ye began reading. After speaking for so long, he also ended up tired. He ended up lying on the perimeter of the bed, with his shoes off and the nket over him, as he carried on narrating to Chenchen.


    However, this little thing got more spirited the more she heard. Herrge eyes grew brighter, and all the sleepiness had disappeared from her eyes.


    Thendy had finished her shower and, seeing that Zhang Ye was not gone, she looked at him, "Still reading?"


    Zhang Ye gave a wry smile, "She doesn''t want to sleep."


    Chenchen insisted, "I still want to listen."


    Zhang Ye said, "Let''s do it tomorrow. I''ll read to you tomorrow."


    "No, I must listen to it today." Chenchen said, "We don''t have sses on National Day. I can sleepter."


    Rao Aimin may look like the devil daily who stops people and grumble daily, but whoever had long exposure to her would realize that she was a very careful and soft-hearted big sister. "This child is so disobedient. Let''s see when this aunt of yours will beat you up one day." After saying these ruthless words, she added on, "Alright, alright, keep listening." Then she said to Zhang Ye, "Little Zhang, I''m not going to care about you. I''m tired, so I''ll sleep first."


    "Uh, alright." Zhang Ye said.


    Rao Aimin tightened the towel on her body and went to the other side of the bed and slipped into it. Then she turned with her back facing them, "Keep it down. Don''t disturb me."


    Chenchen said like a small adult, "Sleep then. Cover your nket well. Good night, Aunt."


    There were three people in bed. Thankfully, thendy''s house was big, and her bed was big, too. It was not crowded at all. Now, Zhang Ye and Rao Aimin took up both sides of the bed, with Chenchen in the middle. This scene looked like a family, making Zhang Ye feel some warmth.


    "Zhang Ye," Chenchen said softly.


    Zhang Ye then said, "Alright, I''ll carry on."


    He read from 9:30 to 10, and then from 10 to 10:30.


    When it was nearly 11, Rao Aimin turned around in a sleepy daze in an annoyed fashion, "Why are you still reading the story? Quick sleep!"


    Chenchen did not answer, for she was already sound asleep.


    Only then did Zhang Ye notice. He was also extremely tired. He was toozy to make a move, so he just slept where he was in the bed.


    ��


    Note: The following parts and the next chapter have been retconned by the author. The part after this is supposed to be rewritten by the author, but he has not done so. It is provided as is. However, note that the events can be considered as filler.


    The next day.


    The morning of the second day of National Day.


    There were a lot of sparrows here, so they began chirping the moment the day broke.


    The soundly sleeping Zhang Ye felt hot, so he kicked the nket off him, then he turned sideways to find afortable position. He even lifted his legs over. He had the habit of hugging his nket in his sleep.


    Oh?


    Why was there the scent of a woman?


    And it was the special body smell of a mature woman?


    Zhang Ye was a bit more awake, and he finally recalled that he did not sleep at homest night. Hence, he opened his eyes to take a look and was covered in sweat!


    This was thendy auntie?


    Man! Why am I cuddling her!?


    Zhang Ye was still wondering why he could feel the touch of flesh on both his hands and legs. Chenchen had somehow crept to the end of the bed, and was near Zhang Ye''s feet. Without any barrier in between him and Rao Aimin, Zhang Ye might have not been a honest sleeper, for he had snuck towards Big Sister Rao!


    Rao Aimin was still sleeping, but after a night of tossing and turning, the red towel on her body had unwrapped. Most of her shoulder was revealed. Her thigh was just barely covered by the towel, concealing the most critical region. The remaining two firm long legs were left revealed outside. He could see a tiny trace of flesh-colored cotton underwear on her right most side. Clearly, this was revealed when Zhang Ye kicked the nket previously. The three people were in bed, but now, Big Sister Rao had been exposed!


    And it was not only that!


    The scene gave too much information!


    Zhang Ye''s legs were lifted above Rao Aimin''s buttocks. Her knees were fixed there and his knees moved floated up and down as Big Sister Rao''s body breathed. What was most worth mentioning was Zhang Ye''s hand. This pair of unlucky hands had happened to snuck into Rao Aimin''s towel when he turned his body. His hands were located very close to her chest. Zhang Ye had never really touched females before, so he was not sure what the feeling was on his hands. He was not sure if he had touched things he should not have touched!


    Things were not good!


    Zhang Ye''s sweat began streaming down his head. He did not dare to stay a second longer, nor did he dare to appreciate the soft touch. He quickly pulled his hand out a bit.


    But this made Rao Aimin wake up!


    It''s over!


    Bad things are going to happen!


    Zhang Ye''s face was green. He recalled the glorious deed of Rao Aimin beating up the two young renters in the past. Big Sister Rao was a powerhouse in the entire small district. Who wouldn''t know this story? "Woman challenges two hooligans. Hooligans beaten up badly." was even the title of the article that had appeared on some small unknown newspaper! Rao Aimin had gotten fame from that one fight. Her fighting prowess was well known by everyone in the small district.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye suddenly recalled his home country, recalling the parents he left behind in the far countryside. He recalled of his long lost child�� Alright, it was just an artistic exaggeration.


    Anyway, he was just scared out of his wits!


    Zhang Ye remained motionless, hoping for a miracle to appear. He hoped Rao Aimin would not realize it and would go back to sleep.


    But Rao Aimin was still awake. Zhang Ye was already prepared to get beaten, but�� The development waspletely different from what he thought!


    "Oh?" Rao Aimin uttered.


    Zhang Ye did not dare breathe. His hands were still by her chest, and his leg was still on her hips.


    Rao Aimin smacked her lips, "What are you doing?"


    Zhang Ye did not know how to answer, so he did not speak.


    "Don''t go around touching and sleep." Rao Aimin reprimanded with a sentence.


    Zhang Ye''s body had been tightened, awaiting the fury of thendy, but he never expected those words. What did it mean? Why didn''t you beat me up? Why were you so calm?


    Rao Aimin turned around, and her back faced him. The towel on her body slipped even more. Now her entire smooth back was revealed. She carried on sleeping.


    When she rolled over, Zhang Ye''s hand had also slid off from her body, and fell onto her waist.


    Zhang Ye''s heart was beating, but he was also emboldened. This time, he began touching on purpose. He was moving his palm on thendy''s waist!


    Flesh!


    The feeling was really good!


    Rao Aimin remained motionless, but she said, "Sleep. Stop messing around. I''m sleepy."


    She was still not mad? Zhang Ye was excited as he emboldened himself further. He knew such an opportunity did not befall him usually. He slipped his hand downwards and touched thendy''s thigh. At first, he did not dare to move much, but after observing Rao Aimin''s reaction, he noticed that Rao Aimin did not say a word this time. As if he was given permission to continue, Zhang Ye shifted his body closer, sticking himself to Big Sister Rao''s body. Then he began to carefully touch her!


    What about below?


    What should he do next?


    Zhang Ye did not know. He had no experience in this at all!


    ��

 Chapter 98: The Landlady’s Loss

    <h4>Chapter 98: The Landy��s Loss </h4>


    Chapter 98: The Landy''s Loss


    Note: This chapter has been retconned by the author. This chapter is supposed to be rewritten by the author, but he has not done so. It is provided as is. However, note that the events can be considered as filler. It is likely that the author is retconning the perverted personality of Zhang Ye also due to censorship by the Chinese government.


    In the bedroom.


    A picturesque scene.


    Thendy did not make any obvious rejection, and didn''t even reprimand him with any harsh words, so Zhang Ye did not stand on ceremony. He used the principle of "you are an idiot not to take advantage" to explore thendy. Zhang Ye, who was a person who had never had a rtionship before, obviously had never experienced such a scene. He could only move steadily. This ambiguous atmosphere made Zhang Ye agitated. He felt like his entire body was almost melted by thendy''s flesh and mature body scent!


    This was a memorable asion that made Zhang Ye want to give a song of love.


    You are my little, dear little apple*!


    Lighting my life''s fire fire fire fire fire!


    Forget it, it spoils the atmosphere a bit. It''s best not to sing it!


    Anyway, Zhang Ye was now feeling very daring. He felt life was pleasant.


    But when Zhang Ye wanted to change his position, with his palm preparing to attack thendy''s seductive ass, Rao Chenchen suddenly woke up!


    The little rascal said in a daze, "Aunt, I''m hungry!"


    Thendy said gracefully, "Got it."


    "Aunt, I''m hungry." The little rascal constantly nagged with her eyes closed. "I''m hungry. I''m hungry."


    Suddenly, Rao Aimin was awake. Her body suddenly stretched and in a blink of an eye threw away Zhang Ye''s unmannerly hands!


    Before Zhang Ye could even react, his wrist was pinched by Rao Aimin!


    His eyes went blurry and his head went dizzy. Zhang Ye had no idea what had happened. He only felt the world spinning, and even the ceiling and the ceiling lights and pictures on the wall had shed past him. Then, his ass was thrown off the bed. Only then did he feel the intense pain!


    "Aiyah, hey!" Zhang Ye screamed.


    Rao Aimin looked at him from the bed, "So it was you! What were you doing on the bed!?"


    As Zhang Ye moaned, he said, "Of course I''m there. Ah, wasn''t I telling stories to Chenchen yesterday. I was also sleepy and then I fell asleep!"


    Rao Aimin stared at him, "Then what were you touching me for!"


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded, "You did not know I was around?"


    He finally understood. Damn, thendy had not quietly allowed him to take advantage of her, but it was because she had been sleeping with little Chenchen these past few days, so she had treated him as Chenchen? She thought the person touching her was her niece? Hence, she said, "Stop messing around."? Just now, when Chenchen shouted that she was hungry, the voice came from the other side of the bed. Only then did Rao Aimin realize? And then threw Zhang Ye off the bed!


    It was a misunderstanding!


    Your sister, it was a big misunderstanding!


    Zhang Ye felt like crying his heart out. Heid on the ground, without being able to get up. It was too painful. He didn''t even know what had happened. He had been thrown off the bed with a single hand of thendy. Big Sister Rao! Goddess Rao! How much strength do you have? You did a over-shoulder throw with one hand? That was too crazy! But since Zhang Ye was initially the one at fault, he could only be the first toin despite being the one to offend. Hein on the ground screaming, "I can''t take it anymore! Aiyah! I''m dying! My waist has broken! I can''t take it anymore!"


    Rao Aimin nced at him, "Who let you grope!? Fine, stop screaming. Treat it as I mistakenly overused my strength!"


    Zhang Ye was embarrassed, so he shouted even louder, "Oh, my elbows! Aiyah, my knee! Aiyah, my disc!" It was quite a catchy phrase.


    Rao Aimin wrapped the towel on her body again, then stepped off the bed with her bare feet. She squatted down and touched his elbow, "Is there pain here?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s not painful here."


    "What about here?" Rao Aimin examined his knee.


    "Ah, it''s not painful here, too," Zhang Ye said.


    "What about here?" Rao Aimin pressed on his intervertebral disc.


    "Also not painful," Zhang Ye said.


    Rao Aimin kicked him in the ass with an unhappy face, "Damn kid, if it''s not painful, why are you screaming? Quickly get up. It''s no big deal!"


    Zhang Ye''s screams became worse, "I can''t get up, I can''t move!"


    Rao Aimin curled her mouth and stretched her arm underneath his waist. And like she was lifting a bag of rice, she threw Zhang Ye onto the bed. It was unknown if she knew traditional Chinese medicine, as Rao Aimin checked his pulse. She then firmly said, "It''s alright. You just have some muscle injury. Lie down. I''ll give you some medicine!" Turning towards Chenchen, she said, "Bring my medicine box over. It''s at the bottom of the cab."


    Chenchen gave a nonchnt, "Oh." and went to take it.


    Zhang Ye was still shocked that he had been thrown by Rao Aimin with one arm, "Landy Auntie, have you practiced kungfu before?"


    "Why do you care?"


    "Then why are you so powerful?"


    "Don''t mind my business."


    "��Oh." Zhang Ye did not ask again.


    With the medicine box brought over, Rao Aimin took a bottle of safflower oil. It was one of those especially old bottles. Right, it was like those sesame oil bottles.


    "What''s that?" Zhang Yeined, "Will it work?"


    "Are you just full of nonsense? Lie down and stay still!" Rao Aimin pricked him with a sentence. She then spread the safflower oil on him and massaged him, "Tell me where it hurts!"


    After seeing this, Chenchen went downstairs. She was probably too hungry, so she went searching for food.


    After rubbing him a few times, Rao Aimin went onto the bed with her bare feet. It was likely because her pose was not conducive for her to use her strength, and it was also ufortable. She crouched beside Zhang Ye''s side and massaged his back. This allowed her to use more strength.


    "It''s painful here, it''s painful here!"


    "Got it."


    "It''s painful here, too!"


    "��Alright. Bear with it."


    Rao Aimin must have definitely learned before, for her technique was very good. She was more professional than a professional.


    Zhang Ye''s pain was slowly alleviated. What reced it was more and more pleasure. It felt so good! It was toofortable! Zhang Ye enjoyed it while closing his eyes!


    "Still painful?"


    "Painful."


    "Why don''t you look like you are suffering to me?"


    "No, it''s especially painful!"


    Rao Aimin did not say anything more. She carried on massaging his back and thigh. She even grabbed his ass and gave him an angr massage.


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye turned his head and saw a flowery scene. As thendy was crouching on the bed and her body was wrapped in a towel, the opening to the towel by her thighs was undefended. As Zhang Ye''s position was low, so he could clearly see what was underneath! As he was afraid thendy would discover it, Zhang Ye did not dare to keep looking. He looked away, but after waiting a while, he turned his head to sneak a peek.


    Ten minutester.


    Rao Aimin patted his ass, "Alright, it''s done."


    Zhang Ye sat up and stretched, "Why do I still feel sore?"


    "Of course. You should be happy that it was just a simple muscle pull after being thrown be me. If I had really went all out, it would be a light injury if you forearms and calves were only fractured." Rao Aimin chased him off the bed, "Hurry up and get lost. Be more honest when you sleep and don''t go groping around!"


    "I haven''t eaten breakfast." Zhang Ye looked at her.


    "None! Go home and make your own!" Rao Aimin said.


    Zhang Ye could only hobble downstairs to return to his home.


    Yes, this is the end of the chapter. Why? You asked why the title is called "The Landy''s Loss"? Alright, it''s because I wrote the wrong word. The title should be "The Landy''s Mistake"!


    Hai, actually, it''s about the same.


    *This song is "Little Apple", a Chinese song by the Chopsticks Brothers that went viral in 2014. It was also remade into a Korean version, sung by Korean girl group, T-ARA

 Chapter 99: The Five Million Copyright Fee has been Banked In!

    <h4>Chapter 99: The Five Million Copyright Fee has been Banked In! </h4>


    Chapter 99: The Five Million Copyright Fee has been Banked In!


    Home.


    After returning from thendy''s house in the morning, Zhang Ye crashed back into bed. There was nothing he could do about it. Rao Aimin''s throw had caused him to go into a daze. He had still not recovered from it. Of course, thendy was not easily taken advantage of. He had been taught a lesson, a bloody lesson!


    Beep, beep. A short message was received.


    Zhang Ye twisted his arm while feeling the pain and tapped on the phone. However, the next moment, he could not be calm. His waist did not ache, and his legs were no longer painful!


    It was a notification from the bank!


    He had received the copyright fees! There was more than five million Yuan!


    Excluding taxes, this was the amount Zhang Ye received for selling "Ghost Blows Out the Light" and several of his fairy tale stories!


    His cellphone vibrated. A call wasing in. It was a call from the man from the Beijing Education Publishing Firm, "Hello, Teacher Little Zhang. Haha, did you received the royalty fees? Congrattions! The sales for ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' yesterday was a huge sess. No, I should say it was an unprecedented sess! In all these years, our publishing firm had never, besides nonmercial publications, had a first day sales record of 90,000 copies!" He was very excited, "To be working with you, it is our honour. All along the way, you have been a man of miracles!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "You are generous with your praises, I''m not that great. It''s great due to your sales promotions."


    "But this sales figure is certain to decline; it won''t be able to hold at such high numbers going forward. Our most conservative estimates say that we will hit at least 700,000 copies per series this year. The next year estimates will likely increase very little, but we will still reprint. I think that with time, to break through a million copies sales per series should not be a problem at all." said the middle-aged man excitedly.


    This sales figure was also within Zhang Ye''s own estimates. It wasn''t too much of a surprise to him, "How about the fairy tale stories?"


    The middle aged man reported happily, "We have already started on the promotions. When some of the bookstores and web stores knew that we were going to publish aption of "Snow White", "The Wizard of Oz" and other fairy tales, many of them approached us to make pre-orders. The pre-order figures are already over 30,000. We have also put a priority on this publication. The firm''s Leader has already decided to speed up the publication of your fairy tales for release in a short time!"


    They hung up.


    Zhang Ye was still a little worried, so he went online to check his bank ount. There was indeed 5 million more in his ount. Thisrge amount of money made Zhang Ye dizzy. When had he ever seen so much money?


    I''m rich!


    Time to buy a house and car!


    Zhang Ye first thoughts were to buy a 3 bedroom apartment within the 2nd Ring Road of Beijing City. Then what next? Then what''s left to buy? Cough, cough�� All you can buy is a fart, because you still have to pay it in installments after that! 5 million and you want to buy a 3 bedroom apartment within the 2nd Ring Road of Beijing City? That is something that would only happen in the New York Times and the Washington Post!


    At once, Zhang Ye opened up Weibo to interact with his followers. This was an activity that he liked doing very much recently because his followers had increased to around 89,000 odd people. He had found out that he could increase his Reputation this way, too. As long as he posted something interesting or something that left them in admiration, he would gain a certain amount of Reputation. Afterall, this was also a form of social media, not unlike that of a radio or TV station.


    After posting: Received the royalty fees, but after doing some calctions, I''m still far from buying a house. Forget it; I won''t be buying one after all.


    Unsure if ZhangYeNumber1Fan had been on standby for Zhang Ye the whole day, immediately after it was posted, the first to forward andment on it was him, "That can''t be? Teacher Zhang also cannot afford a house?"


    "How much is the royalty fee? Requesting for insider news!"


    "Definitely on the level of a million. ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' is too hot!"


    "How can it be just a million? It has to be a least a few millions to do justice to a work like this!"


    "Haha, Teacher Zhang is deliberately ying dumb again. But honestly, property prices are getting expensive. I doubt I will ever be able to afford one in my lifetime. I can only afford to rent."


    Everyone was busy discussing.


    Suddenly, a nastyment appeared, "Is this Zhang Ye retarded? How are property prices expensive? It''s cheap enough. If you can''t afford it, it''s because you are useless. Don''tin. Even though I can''t afford one myself, the people around me have all bought one and have paid in full. And they''re even in the top-tier cities!"


    This poster was nicknamed "I''mTheBest".


    Someone below replied, "Are you for real? Paid in full? Top-tier city?"


    "I''mTheBest" replied "Of course. Those are even houses in the city. It''s not difficult!"


    "Laughable." Someone retorted, "Do you even know how much property prices are right now? Don''t you watch the news?"


    ZhangYeNumber1Fan was speechless, "This person watches the news, but I bet it''s News Simulcast*!"


    After following Zhang Ye''s Weibo, many of these followers were "fighters". This challenge had provoked a war. Everyone was now arguing!


    All of thesements were posted under Zhang Ye''s Weibo post, so, of course, he felt helpless and irritated. Scolding me? Even saying property prices are cheap? So he followed up with a post "Everyone, don''t argue. Actually, ''I''mTheBest'' has a point there. I also know a friend who paid in full for a house in a top-tier city, too. It''s not impossible. You can still work for others and be able to afford a so-called luxury home. This is not an impossible dream."


    "An employee can afford a luxury home?"


    "How''s that possible!"


    "Eh? Why is Teacher Zhang talking for that guy?"


    "There''s can''t be any logic in this? Even a fool knows how high property prices are!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s gone crazy today, right?"


    The masses were now questioning Zhang Ye. Some of theirments were very nasty.


    Zhang Ye replied, seemingly unaffected "Listen to my friend''s story first." He had randomly remembered a very popr story from his old world.


    "Tell us!"


    "How is this not bullshit!"


    "I would like to see how you exin yourself out of this!"


    A lot of people began to talk down to him.


    Zhang Ye posted "Five years ago, my friend Xiaoke ran into walls when he was seeking employment. In the end, he found a job as a small-time programmer in a small ITpany in Beijing. After half a year, Xiaoke felt that he could not continue on like this anymore and came up with a n to buy a house within five years. Every step was carefully nned and followed! ''At first, it was really difficult. I could not do any social or entertainment activities.'' Xiaoke rted. ''From the start, I used any free time from work to study financial nning and programming courses to increase my knowledge.'' Just like that, Xiaoke took all sorts of IT certification exams and got hispany to give him yearly raises in increments of 3%. ''I even applied for management courses and got to know many outstanding industry people.'' Using suchworking, Xiaoke slowly built up his contacts. Finally, with the five years of umted savings of 50,000, adding on the 7.95 million that his parents gave to him, Xiaoke managed to buy his first ever house. It''s even a house in Beijing City''s 2nd Ring Road area. ''Having a dream that can be turned into reality is the most beautiful.'' said Xiaoke with determination in his eyes."


    At first, everyone was still seriously reading, trying to understand Xiaoke''s miraculous n to buy a house and learn from it. But when the story ended, everyone passed out!


    "Pu!"


    "Hahaha!"


    "That was a godly reversal!"


    "This is definitely Teacher Zhang''s style!"


    "Teacher Zhang is too cute! That was such a tease!"


    "This is what a master is. A short story can be written with such sarcasm and depth!"


    "Turns out to be ironic! I had thought that Teacher Zhang went crazy! I quickly apologize! I''m ashamed to have treated Teacher Zhang wrongly! I will definitely support you in the future!"


    "This story has written out our voices and frustrations!"


    "This is what a writer should be, at least to me. Look at Teacher Zhang; he can write modern poetry, ancient melody poetry, novels, fairy tales and even such thought provoking and humorous short stories. The Beijing Writers'' Association must be blind. Are you sure that you won''t be admitting Teacher Zhang Ye into the association?"


    This story had actually been so overused back in Zhang Ye''s old world. If you surf the inte often enough, you''d have heard of this story before. But it has never appeared in this world before, so everyone''s curiosity was piqued and theyughed so hard at it. Then came the forwarding and dissemination of the story!


    A simple short story like that had now been voted to rank 9 of the main page!


    An explosive viral effect had been achieved within such a short time!


    This also made Zhang Ye secretly shocked. The power of the masses was indeed great. The number of Weibo fans and his Reputation points were both increasing! It seemed like he had to do such things more often in the future. He could not give up any opportunity to be famous. His goal was to be the world''s number one superstar, so naturally, he had to grab every opportunity. No matter how small a mosquito was, it was still flesh. If he could go onto the front page of Weibo or make the headlines, it would greatly increase his poprity. And the poems, novels, passages and essays in Zhang Ye''s mind were what he relied on greatly. He was notcking in knowledge!


    *News Simulcast (Xinwen Lianbo) is considered to be a government inclined news outlet.

 Chapter 100: Buying a Car!

    <h4>Chapter 100: Buying a Car! </h4>


    Chapter 100: Buying a Car!


    Afternoon.


    Thendy auntie did not cook for Zhang Ye anymore. He grabbed something to fill his stomach before going online to transfer 100,000 Yuan to his father. It was an instantaneous transaction. After the transfer was made, his mum called him with her cellphone.


    "Son, did you transfer money to your dad?" his mum asked with some surprise.


    "Yes, my royalty fees have been paid, so I transferred 100,000 over to spend first." Zhang Ye said like he was a nouveau riche, "When you finish spending it, you can ask me for more! We are not short on money!"


    "You are really my good son." Mom said happily, "Is the money for me or your dad?"


    Zhang Ye did not know to cry orugh, "Isn''t it the same who I give it to? Alright, alright, it''s for you."


    Mom seemed to be showing off at Dad on the other side of the phone, "Heard that? Our son is giving it to me. Don''t you touch the money. In a while, I''ll go buy some jewelry. Our family has been suffering for so many years, and we have finally reversed our situation. Ha, my son is indeed capable. Mom did not work for nothing by feeding you through sh*t and pee!"


    So, I grew up being fed sh*t and pee?


    Then everyone, please be careful when you are close to me!


    Recalling how others talk about their youth, they would say stuff like, "thinking back to my innocent childhood", and then say how it was, but when it was my turn, it''s "thinking back to my days of being fed sh*t and pee childhood"? Just this impressive opening speech would make people listen to his childhood stories with their noses pinched!


    Zhang Ye grumbled to himself a little, then finished up the conversation with his mother before taking an afternoon nap.


    ����


    In his dreamlike state.


    Bang, bang, bang. Someone was knocking on the door.


    "Brother!"


    "Brother, open the door!"


    "We know you are home!"


    Zhang Ye was awoken by three chattering voices. He knew from their voices at once that they were his cousins, "Coming,ing!" After putting on his clothes, he went to open the door.


    three nice-smelling girls streamed into the room.


    The slightly more reserved eldest sister, Cao Dan, stuck out her tongue, "Brother, I was pulled over by the both of them."


    The second sister, Cao Tong, smiled and put her arms over Zhang Ye''s shoulder, "We heard from First Aunty about your new book. It earned a few million?"


    "Is that so? Why do I not know about it?" Zhang Ye yed dumb. He thought to himself that he had been utterly defeated by his mum. His mum''s loud mouth was really strong. Oh, it''s only been an hour and the secret is out? Did everyone in the family find out, too?


    The third sister, Cao Mengmeng, pouted cutely, "Brother, you are already a big time author. How can you be so stingy? We already know and you still don''t want to admit it?" She shamelessly sat down on Zhang Ye''s bed, not even removing her shoes before sheid down, "I don''t care. In any case, I want the newest model of a Phoenixptop, the ultra thin type. If you don''t buy it for me, I will not leave." She rascally kicked her feet in the air.


    Phoenixptop? It should be a brand of this world, since Zhang Ye has never heard of it.


    Cao Tong alsoid down on the bed, "I''m not leaving either. I want an OC business ssptop!"


    "Their eldest sister, Cao Dan, looked at Zhang Ye and coughed, "Brother, I alsock aptop. Any type is fine, as long as it''s usable."


    Zhang Ye seemingly scammed, "Sure. If you aren''t leaving, I will."


    "Brother, you are bullying us!" Cao Mengmeng''s eyes turned red. Don''t even mention that acting, "When I go back, I will tell First Aunt and Uncle that you bullied us!"


    When a hard stance doesn''t work, try the soft way.


    Zhang Ye was just the type to fall for emotional ckmail, "What are you doing? What are you crying for!"


    Cao Mengmeng said with tearful eyes, "You are earning so much money, yet you won''t even spend some to buy things for your sisters. Aren''t you ashamed to be our brother? Not ashamed?"


    The hypocrite rascal Cao Tong also joined in the pitiful nagging, "Brother����"


    Cao Dan, witnessing it all, said, "Why not you buy it for them both; they need it for their studies. Forget about me."


    "I can tell that you three are here to rob me." Zhang Yeughed bitterly. He knew that he could not escape this, so he said, "Alright, alright. Buy it; I will reimburse you all!"


    Cao Mengmeng immediately stopped crying and jumped in excitement, "Long live Brother!"


    Cao Tong had wanted to buy aptop since a long time ago. She went over to give Zhang Ye a peck on his cheeks, "I love you to death, Brother! My sister is included too, right?"


    "Yes, yes. There''s one for everyone." Zhang Ye helplessly said.


    The three sisters were all very happy at this time. They hugged together and cheered!


    Zhang Ye was also happy to see them so joyful. They quickly pulled him out of the house to go with them to the mall to buy theptops.


    Sigh, I can''t help it that I''m their brother. Let''s go!


    ����


    At Yintai Mall beside Jiaomen subway.


    "Brother, this is theptop that I want!"


    "Buy."


    "Brother, that is the one I want."


    "Buy."


    "Brother, I want thisptop."


    "����Buy."


    "Brother, can I also have a bag? It''s only 800. Not really that expensive."


    "��������.Buy."


    "Brother, I would like a pair of sunsses and also, you are now a famous author; you will need one too. This is a unisex design. One for you and one for me, okay?"


    "����������..Buy."


    Outside the mall, the three sisters had theirs arms full and took the subway home.


    Zhang Ye''s mouthined, but he did not feel sorry at all. He was more capable now, so taking care of his little sisters was the normal thing to do. He was really not feeling sorry, only that his heart was bleeding a little. This trip had cost him over 10,000. The blood was sshed all over!


    These three prodigal women!


    I will definitely not let them enter the door in the future!


    Wearing his new sunsses, Zhang Ye wandered around in the streets. He walked until he came upon arge 4S shop. (4S - Sales, spare parts, service, survey. An integrated auto shop.) Zhang Ye no longer wanted to buy a house. Although he was usually stingy, there were things that he wanted only the best of. For example: a house. He couldn''t buy arge one with only five million. It wasn''t too bad where he stayed now, so why not be a little cautious? But a car? That he had the capability to buy. It would be more convenient and besides, he will be starting work at the TV station in a few days, either as a guest or a host of a show. If he were to continue taking public transport, that would somewhat be belittling his status.


    He went inside.


    A female shop assistant came over, "Sir, which price range of a car would you like to look at?"


    "Show me around. I want to see if there''s any I like, thank you." Zhang Ye had a passion for cars. He was a man, after all. He was all excited since stepping foot in here.


    "Sure. This way, please." The female shop assistant in her high heels said, "What do you think of this sedan model? It''s an imported Reizi, top of the range. 4T, and is selling very well right now."


    Reizi?


    What the hell was that brand!


    Zhang Ye waved his hands, "I don''t really like it."


    "How about this model? It''s a J-Bond, imported from Europe. It''s a seven seater, very suitable for the family outings. It is very spacious. It''s also very suitable for businesses." The shop assistant introduced.


    J-Bond?


    Why don''t you call it a Durex instead!


    Zhang Ye continued to shake his head. He was not interested in this world''s new car manufacturers. Although these brands may not be "new", Zhang Ye still had totally no concept of them. He still preferred the manufacturers of his old world, maybe because he was nostalgic, or because he was used to them. Or maybe even because those were the only things that reminded Zhang Ye that he did not truly belong in this world.


    Eh! He saw it!


    BMW! There''s "Don''t Touch Me" (Bie Mo Wo) over here, too!


    Upon going further over to the other side, he saw the logo of Mercedes-Benz, too!


    There weren''t many brands that this shop was selling, so he could only find two brands that were exactly the same as the ones back in his world, "What about the BMW?" He wanted to know whether BMW was also a high-end manufacturer here.


    The female shop assistant blinked, "BMW is an international brand, but it''s quite expensive." She looked at Zhang Ye''s dressing, obviously thinking that Zhang Ye could not afford it.


    "Can you tell me more about it?" Zhang Ye didn''t mind.


    The female shop assistant said okay and pointed at one of them, "This is the BMW 3 series, rmended selling price is 320,000, but there''s a promotion right now and the price is lower by 10,000. This is the BMW 5 series��.."


    After understanding the situation, Zhang Ye found out that the BMW here and the BMW from his world were almost exactly the same. The models, configurations, exterior and interiors were hardly different. He was immediately relieved. He thought about it, and felt that he was more inclined towards BMW''s SUVs. They wererger, more stable and looked more impressive!


    If he was buying, make it a good one!


    X5 or X6? Which is better?


    X6 look more stylish. It was sportier. X5 was much more stable and had an air of dominance.


    Zhang Ye eyes swept over them several times. He had taken fancy to the X5. He pointed to the X5 far away at the disy window, "How much is that?"


    The female shop assistant hesitated slightly, "That model is not a conventional X5. You should be referring to the one over here." She pointed at an exactly same looking ck X5 beside her, "This one with a lower configuration is 804,000. There is ready stock avable."


    Zhang Ye said, "The two are not the same, right?"


    The female shop assistant smiled wryly "They look the same, but the one you pointed out earlier, that''s the bulletproof version of the X5. It''s the current year upgraded version of the bulletproof X5. The rmended selling price is 4,720,000. With a full configuration, it would be slightly above 5,000,000. It''s the most expensive BMW model here."


    Bulletproof vehicle?


    Upgraded version?


    There''s even the bulletproof X5 in this world?


    When Zhang Ye heard that, he got excited. They had this over in his world, too. It was also released this year. He remembered that when he was lucky enough to have a ticket to see the International Security Equipment Expo at the Conference Center, a promotional video for the X5 bulletproof vehicle caught his attention. He swore at that time that if he ever became a superstar, he would buy one for himself. Now that his dream was right before his eyes, Zhang Ye was trembling!


    Five million?


    Zhang Ye clenched his teeth and forced himself to point toward the armored vehicle, "I will take that!"


    "Ah?" The female shop assistant was dumbfounded, "Are you sure about that?"


    "I am very sure. Do you have avable stock?" Zhang Ye inquired.


    "There''s no avable stock, you have to ce a reservation. We have to transfer the stock from another location. You can collect the car in about two days. It doesn''t take too long." The female shop assistant, upon realising that Zhang Ye was serious about buying, became excited, too. This was the most expensive car in their shop and had been on disy for several months without selling, even though there were a lot of curious viewers. She wouldn''t have thought that a car worth over five million would be sold by her, a rookie employee. She felt happy to death about the sessful sale!


    "Okay, then I will pay the deposit first. Please expedite the transfer of the car." Zhang Ye exhratingly followed the shop assistant to make his payment.


    This world''s right to obtain a license te was also through a lottery. At least, the machine that did it was stricter than Zhang Ye''s world. The probability was very tiny, but there was a government policy that if any local family did not have any member who had a car under their name, they did not need to participate in the lottery the first time they bought a car. As such, Zhang Ye fulfilled that criteria.


    Trantor''s Note: Zhang Ye buying a bulletproof car was foreshadowed in Chapter 5, "Rolls Royce car? Can you not be so humorous!? Can you really not be so humorous!? If I don''t sit in a bulletproof car when I go out, what happens if I get targeted for assassination?"

 Chapter 101: One Day at the Television Station

    <h4>Chapter 101: One Day at the Television Station </h4>


    Chapter 101: One Day at the Television Station


    A few dayster.


    The long National Day holidays were over.


    Now, Zhang Ye was already so poor you could hear his coins jingle. However, when he woke up to go downstairs to the BMW X5 in the parking lot, he felt that it was all worth it. He had obtained his driving license when he was in his fourth year in college when there weren''t many sses. Yesterday, the car had already been brought back by Zhang Ye. After settling the procedures for his license te, he drove with an air of dignity out of the parking lot.


    4.4L!


    330kW!


    Turbocharged!


    Its external appearance looked simr, but the inside was different. The configuration of a bulletproof X5 waspletely different from a normal X5. Even if it did notpare with the ordinary X5''s low configuration, evenparing it to the X5''s high configuration, the bulletproof X5 was was better than it by a mile. It was definitely worth its price!


    It was extremely cool!


    People in themunity raised their eyebrows. Some were envious, some twitched their mouths, and some looked at it respectfully.


    When he went passed his block, Rao Aimin happened to be throwing out the trash. Her eyes were sharp and saw the car, "Eh, Little Zhang? You bought a car?"


    Zhang Ye braked and lowered the windows with a smile as he patted the steering wheel, "How about it, Landy Auntie? This car is not bad, right? Ha, you don''t have to say. You must think this is a normal X5, right? Let me tell you that it is definitely not. It looks the same, but my car��"


    Rao Aimin nced at him, "It''s just about five million. Look at your smug look."


    Zhang Ye said, "Ah, you know this is a bulletproof car?"


    Rao Aimin mocked, "You think you are the only one who can afford it? I previously drove this before. But it was not an upgraded version. I drove a normal bulletproof X5."


    Zhang Ye perspired. He had bragged to the wrong person!


    Your sister! Only now did he recall that thendy owned several residential apartments in a certain level of a certain building in his district. Just any two small apartments would already cost 5,000,000. If she had bought therger ones, it would exceed 5,000,000. And this was just buying at a whim. Who knows if thendy had other property and savings? Zhang Ye estimated that even if he sold another ten copyrights to "Ghost Blows Out the Light", each selling for 6,000,000, he would not have a chance topete with a female tycoon like thendy. He was far from it!


    Forget it; I''ll notpete with you!


    If he couldn''tpete upwards, he couldpete downwards!


    Zhang Ye drove to work grumpily.


    En route, Zhang Ye had purposely driven slower. He drove slowly, so as to enjoy the attention from others. Actually, this was nonsense; he couldn''t drive fast even if he wanted. This was the Third Ring Road, and it was during rush hour; how could he drive fast? That must be you dreaming while driving due to fatigue! In Beijing, even if you had an Alto, you could not push it to its maximum horsepower. If you ignored your safety and sought a thrill? Then there''s no need to ask; when you take out your cellphone from your bag, there would definitely be a short message waiting for you: Hebei Mobile wees you!


    ����


    Beijing Television Station.


    Arts Channel, station logo, BTV - Arts.


    In the past, Beijing''s channels were represented by numbers. For example, BTV-2 (the Arts Channel from back then) and BTV3. Now that they had been changed to text across the board, making it more convenient.


    The Beijing Television Station Arts Channel had the purpose of "Broadcast the Strengths of an Era to Serve the Capital''s People". It adhered to correct guidance of public opinion, and used existing resources to its maximum effect, creating a new literary entertainment image. There were 11 programs in all, including celebrity interviews, film and television special topics, variety interaction, cultural information, etc. All of them were artistic programs with different styles and themes. In fact, to put it inly, it was pretty simr to Zhang Ye''s previous job at the radio station''s Literature Channel. However one was an audio media, while the other was a television media. The size of the audience base differed greatly.


    Arts Channel D office.


    30+-year-old Hou Ge (elder brother Hou) smiled. "I heard that we will be getting a rookie?"


    "I heard that, too." Another, Hou Di (younger brother Hou), who looked exactly the same as him said, "I think it''s either a host or guest? Dafei, did you hear about it?"


    Dafei seldom listened to gossip, "No idea."


    Hou Ge asked, "Xiao Lu? Do you know?


    Thedy sitting behind said, "I''m a neer; how would I know?"


    "Fine. You think all of us are old people?" Hou Di was using a razor to shave somewhere he had missed shaving, "We are neers, too. At most, we were hired a few days earlier than you. My brother and I came from making television dramas. Dafei does movie scenes."


    Xiao Lu said, "I was previously from a newspaper editorial. I knew Teacher Hu a long time ago, and thanks to Teacher Hu appreciating me, I came over."


    "Everyone is the same." Hou Ge said.


    Hou Di said, "Right. We mustmunicate more often in the future."


    "We are now all considered old people." Hou Ge suggested a bad idea, "When the rookiees, we should put him in his ce. As a host, his status is higher than us, so when he gets arrogant, and starts ordering us around, it wouldn''t be good."


    Xiao Lu raised her hand in support, "Agreed."


    Dafei quietly said, "��Nothing better to do."


    The Arts Channel''s D office, with D representing the program time slot. This office was also for programs of a certain time slot. As the program for that time slot was still being broadcast, and their program team had just been established, everyone here was a neer. It was considered a program team that Hu Fei had formed himself. Some of them may have dabbled in television, or movies, or editorials, but no one was ayperson. All these skills were portable. They must have had excellent results in their own fields to obtain Hu Fei''s appreciation.


    "Hey, there are footsteps."


    "Someone ising, someone ising."


    They looked towards the door.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye was brought in by Hu Fei into the D office area. Although it''s described as an office area, it was actually just a bit bigger than a fart. It was very tiny. There were six to seven desks and four people.


    Hu Fei smiled and exined the situation, "This ce is different from your radio station. Every channel will have its program teams separated into different offices. Our program will still take some time before it gets broadcast, so there aren''t that many people. When the program is done nning, the personnel and equipment will increase. But for now, if we want to record a program, we still need to get other personnel from the station to help. It''s quite troublesome."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It will be better in the future."


    "Yes, with Teacher Little Zhang joining us, we are like tigers that have gained wings." After that, Hu Fei introduced the people inside, "These are Hou Ge and Hou Di. They are twins. Of course, these aren''t their real names. But to distinguish them better, we call them this way. Their position is that of program director. This is Dafei; he deals with program design and the scene. In terms of technology, he is also very proficient. This is Xiao Lu, a text editor. She''s an elite in the industry. I spent a lot of effort to headhunt Xiao Lu over. Anyway, all of us here are elites. The general team will be this. In the short-term, I do not have ns on adding others. After all, we are doing some history- and educational-rted program. We do not need as many people as the variety shows do. For example, for lighting and cameras, the station has aplete set mechanism, so we just need to borrow people when the timees."


    Hu Fei was the program''s overall-in-charge and overall-director and overall-producer and executive producer.


    Man, he had so many positions and led five staff members? It was indeed a bit shabby.


    Although the Arts Channel''s signal could not cover the whole country, and could at most cover the capital''s region, its ratings were pretty good. It was considered quite a popr channel in Beijing, and the local audience were very loyal. For example, Zhang Ye and Zhang Ye''s parents had grown up watching the Arts Channel. But why were there so few people? It was probably because Hu Fei was new here after having job-hopped, so he did not want others to meddle in his core team. So he was more focused on quality than quantity? Allowing him ease to express himself?


    Zhang Ye immediately shook hands with everyone, "Hello, everyone. I''m very pleased to meet you. I''m Zhang Ye."


    Hu Fei said, "Let Little Zhang introduce himself. I have a meeting to go to, so I''m leaving first. Communicate well, and do the program design again."


    After he finished speaking, he left.


    Left behind were Zhang Ye and four others.


    Xiao Lu nced at him, "Zhang Ye, what did you do in the past?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh, I was a radio anchor."


    Xiao Lu was curious, "It seems Brother Hu appreciates you greatly. What sort of results did you have in the past?"


    "Nothing spectacr." Zhang Ye said modestly, "Just some trivial stuff. Brother Hu was too kind."


    "A radio anchor cane over to be a host?" Hou Ge blinked, "How old are you? Should we call you Little Zhang in the future? Come sit here. This is your desk."


    "Alright, thank you Hou Ge." Zhang Ye smiled and didn''t mind it. He took his things and sat over there.


    Seeing that Zhang Ye was a person who couldmunicate easily with them, Hou Ge began to take advantage of his seniority, "Little Zhang, in the future, we mustmunicate more often. If you have anything you do not know, ask me. Although my brother and I were not in the television business, we have still done many years of television dramas, so we are definitely more experienced than you."


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure, I''ll consult with you if I have anything I do not know in the future."


    He finally understood. These colleagues of his were not exactly people of his industry. They hade from other industries over the past few days. It was no wonder that they did not know who he was. In the industry, few would not know of Zhang Ye, especially in the Beijing Television Station. Any veteran or person who had paid attention to the Golden Microphone Awards, or had heard chatter from colleagues, would definitely know about Zhang Ye.


    This was good, too.


    He was able to get along much more easily.


    After Zhang Ye got used to it, he was quite pleased with his environment.


    From another side, Dafei looked at him, "If you have a problem withputers, look for me. There''s nothing I can''t handle." Then, he handed over a document in a strictly business manner, "This is our program''s nning. Everyone has one. I''ll lend you my copy. I''ll make a copy for you in a while." Saying that, he lowered his head and worked on hisputer.


    "Thank you, Brother Fei." Zhang Ye said.


    Hou Ge stared at Dafei. They had already agreed to put the neer in his ce, so why were you in a hurry? Hence, he said, "Little Zhang, we have unwritten rules that when a neer just arrives, he is in charge of cleaning and pouring water."


    Zhang Ye was amused, "Alright, I''ll do it. Who wants water?"


    "I''ll have one." Xiao Lu raised her hand, "Thanks."


    "I want one, too. Thanks for the hard work." Hou Ge said.


    Hou Di did not feel like it was right to get one, but Zhang Ye still poured a cup for him in the end.

 Chapter 102: Car Was Smashed by a Flower Pot!

    <h4>Chapter 102: Car Was Smashed by a Flower Pot! </h4>


    Chapter 102: Car Was Smashed by a Flower Pot!


    Before noon.


    Arts Channel D Office.


    After he finished reading the program ns, Zhang Ye did not give any suggestions. He only absorbed the information and familiarized himself with the environment. He also built ties with his colleagues. This was the mission for his first day at work. After finishing the matters on his hands, Zhang Ye took the initiative to get up and went to a worker''s room at the end of the corridor. He found a broom and dustpan to begin sweeping up the office. He was diligent and did the job well. He even cleaned the corners, which were a bit more dirty. Finally, he even used a cloth to wipe the window panes happily.


    One pane��


    Two panes��


    Zhang Ye did notin at all.


    Xiao Lu took a nce and said quietly, "Were we too much?"


    Hou Geughed, "Not at all. We are putting the rookie in his ce. Everyone has to go through this initiation process. It''s verymon."


    "But no matter what, Zhang Ye is a host, and Brother Hu appreciates him so much, so��" Hou Di also could not bear this any more.


    Xiao Lu coughed, "Why don''t I wipe, too?"


    Hou Ge stopped her, "No, or this will be all for naught. Let''s just order him around today. We''ll return to usual tomorrow."


    Xiao Lu could only say, "Alright."


    Dafei expressed his attitude once again, "Nothing better to do."


    Hou Ge rolled his eyes, "What do you know? In the future, you will thank me. Rookies need to be suppressed a bit, or they will revolt!"


    Hou Di sighed, "I''ll listen to my elder brother."


    ����


    Lunch break.


    Zhang Ye had finished his chores and wiped his sweat and cleaned his hands. He was prepared to head to the cafeteria for his meal, but he was not sure where it was. "Hou Ge, shall we eat together? Where''s the cafeteria? Do we need to make a meal card?"


    Hou Geughed and patted him on the shoulder, "Little Zhang, since it''s your first day, why don''t we have a meal outside? Why bother with the cafeteria?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh, sure. I didn''t think that far ahead."


    Xiao Lu''s eyes lit up, "Where shall we eat?"


    Hou Ge said, "We don''t have to go to too good a ce. Just any restaurant will do. Let''s have a weing meal for Little Zhang. I heard there''s a restaurant at Guomao that''s not bad. The food is cheap and delicious." Saying that, he added on, "Little Zhang just graduated from college, so he can''t have much money. We should help him save."


    Hou Di was also hungry, "Alright."


    "Dafei, are you going?" Hou Ge nced at him.


    "How can I not go, with all of you going?" Dafei put down his work.


    The group of people left the small office and walked downstairs.


    However, on the way, they met many employees of the television station. Some of them were from the Arts Channel, while others were from other channels. What made them surprised was that when many people saw Zhang Ye, they gave off the feeling like they had jumped out of their skins. Some even flitted a nce at Zhang Ye, while some were even worse. They tried to avoid him as far as possible. And when Zhang Ye walked past them, they would all turn back and look at him. They would also enter into whispers and point at Zhang Ye.


    "It''s him."


    "I saw him."


    "He really came to our unit?"


    "It can''t be? Why did the Leader hire him?"


    "It can''t be? It''s really him? Did you see wrongly?"


    Out of the television station, Hou Ge was curious, "Little Zhang, why were they all looking at you?"


    "That''s right, that''s right." Xiao Lu was also very surprised. "Aren''t you a rookie? And yet people know you? The radio station doesn''t show your face, but only your voice, right? That can''t be!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "How would I know? They might not be looking at me."


    "They must have recognized the wrong person." Hou Ge concluded and then said, "Right, my car can''t be driven today. Which of you drive? We can''t all be taking public transport there, right? Then we wouldn''t be back in time in the afternoon. It will be too slow.


    Zhang Ye took out his keys, "I drive."


    Hou Ge was surprised, "Eh, you even have a car? Not bad, Little Zhang. Looks like you work very hard. You can buy a car just after a few months? Eh, this key��" He said in surprise, "BMW?"


    Dafei seemed very interested, "Which series?"


    "X5, I just received it yesterday, " said Zhang Ye.


    "Not bad, even the low configuration of the X5 costs hundreds of thousands," said Hou Di.


    The few people came to the parking lot, while Zhang Ye drove to pick them up. Everyone got in the car, and the five people filled the car perfectly. As the space inside the car was veryrge, it did not feel crowded.


    Dafei acimed, "Nice car."


    Sparks flew out of Xiao Lu''s eyes, "When will I be able to buy such a car that''s worth hundreds of thousands?"


    Hou Ge smiled. "Little sister Xiao Lu, my car is also a high configuration Reizi. The entire thing costs 700,000-800,000. If you like it, I''ll let you drive it for a few days." He and his brother had a good job for the past few years, and their sries were high. Hence, they gritted their teeth to buy a good car, so as to unt. Compared to the X5, their car was in no way inferior. Even its performance was slightly better than the X5, and was cheaper.


    Just hundreds of thousands?


    Hur Hur.


    Zhang Ye did not say a word and just drove to their destination.


    Xiao Lu was excited, "You said it, Hou Ge! That''s great!"


    Hou Ge waved his hand, "No problem at all. My car is your car. Drive it as you wish!"


    "Hou Ge sure is chivalrous." Immediately, Xiao Lu no longer put too much thought on Zhang Ye''s X5.


    Even Dafei''s eyes turned clear, "Hou Ge, lend it to me, too. I don''t have as much money as you. Lend it to me to have a thrill, too."


    "Not a problem, not a problem." Hou Ge enjoyed their reactions.


    Hou Ge was bragging about his Reizi along the way, saying how it was better than a BMW, and how the configuration was good. Everyone was listening to him.


    Dafei said, "Indeed, the Reizi''s performance is far better than a BMW. At the same price, its functionality and performance capabilities are about the same. BMW is really just selling its brand." Saying that, he paused and looked at the interior of Zhang Ye''s X5, "But why do I think this BMW is a bit different? Is this really a X5? I''ve seen a few versions of the X5. My friend is in the car business, but why is the interior slightly different? And this ss��" He knocked on it, "Why is it so thick? The sound also doesn''t seem right. Did you modify it?"


    "No." Zhang Ye said.


    "Then that''s weird." Dafei gave a touch.


    Hou Ge chuckled, "What''s different? It''s just the lowest configuration. I saw a 4S shop''s price. It''s 800,000, right, Little Zhang? "


    Zhang Ye smiled. "About there."


    "See? I''m right!" Hou Ge said, "It''s just slightly inferior to my car."


    Xiao Lu was impressed, "Hou Ge has the money, indeed."


    Zhang Ye only focused on his driving. The restaurant rmended by Hou Ge was just in front, so he drove forward to search for parking. As the roadsides were full, Zhang Ye parked his car beside the restaurant''s wall.


    But suddenly, an ident happened!


    Just as Zhang Ye stopped his car, and when his colleagues were about to alight, the sound of children''sughter came from the windows on the fifth floor of the restaurant. Maybe they were messing around, but suddenly, a ceramic flower pot that contained Mo''orea flowers fell from the sky, smashing straight at the BMW X5!


    "Ah!"


    "Don''t touch the flower pots!"


    "Xiaotong,e down!"


    "Oh, no! Oh, no! It fell down!"


    "Those people downstairs, dodge!"


    The voices of adults came from the fifth floor to warn the people below.


    Hou Ge raised his head and was scared out of his wits, "Mommy! Run!"


    Then, the flower pot mmed loudly into the rooftop of Zhang Ye''s BMW. The flower pot was smashed into pieces, and the soil was scattered everywhere. The force involved was clearly great!


    Hou Di shouted, "Hey!" He quickly got out of the car.


    Dafei was also feeling sad, "This is a car that Zhang Ye just bought! This��"


    Xiao Lu opened the door and shouted upstairs, "Who the hellcks public courtesy!? Come down! What the heck!? Do you want to kill people?"


    The staff from the restaurant were also worried. A few employees standing by the door rushed forward, "Is everyone okay? Is everyone okay?"


    "We are fine!" Xiao Lu said angrily, "But the car��"


    Dafei said, "This is a new car!"


    The employee immediately said, "Sorry, sorry. We will settle it immediately. But the children upstairs are naughty, so��" He looked at the terrible state of the flower pot, and could imagine what the state the car would be after the impact. This was a BMW. If their restaurant had to pay the cost, they would��


    Suddenly, a bunch of adults pulled their children downstairs.


    A middle-aged woman came forward with an apologetic face, "Sorry, sorry. It was carelessness on my child''s part." Seeing that no one was injured, she was relieved. But when she saw that a car had been smashed and the brand of the car, the middle-aged woman turned pale, "BMW? This�� We can''t afford to pay for it!"


    A boy and two girls knew that they had made a mistake. They cried out loud.


    Xiao Lu said in a hurry, "Just because you can''t pay for it, that''s the end? It''s the fifth floor. With this impact, who knows if the car can still be driven. Maybe even the ignition has been destroyed! It''s a new car!"


    The few colleagues were worried for Zhang Ye.


    However, the car owner, Zhang Ye, was very calm. He alighted from the car without any hurry, as if nothing had happened.


    The middle-aged woman''s eyes were red as she looked at Zhang Ye, "Sorry. We are really sorry. We did not do it on purpose. This car��"


    The three children were crying loudly, looking very sad.


    Zhang Ye smiled and touched the children''s head, "Don''t cry. It''s alright." He looked at the woman, "Big Sis, go on up and have your meal. It''s alright."


    "But the car��" The woman was nearly on the brink of tears.


    Zhang Ye said kindly, "Go back. You don''t have to pay. My car is fine."


    Dafei said, "What do you mean it''s fine? The ignition might even be destroyed!"


    Xiao Lu also pulled on Zhang Ye, "Why aren''t you making them pay? Are you dumb!?"


    Many of the people present did not know why the car owner was so calm. Did this person turn dumb from the impact?


    However, Zhang Ye lightly walked before his car and used his hands to slowly wipe away the flower pot''s fragments and soil. When everyone looked carefully at this, they were dumbfounded!


    The roof was damaged?


    The ignition was destroyed?


    Your granny is destroyed! The car''s roof was not damaged at all!


    There was not even a scratch or mark! Even the f**king paint had not been chipped off!

 Chapter 103: Colleagues Realize Zhang Ye’s Glorious Deeds!

    <h4>Chapter 103: Colleagues Realize Zhang Ye��s Glorious Deeds! </h4>


    Chapter 103: Colleagues Realize Zhang Ye''s Glorious Deeds!


    This scene shocked everyone!


    Hou Ge''s eyes nearly popped out, "Your car��Your car is fine?"


    "Impossible! Impossible!" Hou Di refused to have his beliefs shaken as he rushed forward to examine the car!


    Dafei and Xiao Lu also rushed over. They touched the roof that had been smashed by the flower pot. Then they touched the front windshield that had also been hit by the fragments of the flower pot. Then they looked at each other in shock. They did not know what to say anymore. They looked like they had seen a ghost! Regardless if it was seen far away or up close, or even if it was touched with one''s hand, the car''s roof and the ss werepletely intact!


    This was from the fifth storey!


    A fifth storey that was more than ten meters high!


    A flower pot filled with soil was not light. Furthermore, with eleration from gravity, a normal car would be dented from the smash. A small dent or even the hood flipping open would be expected, even for European cars with thicker shielding. The X5 was no exception!


    But Zhang Ye''s car was fine!


    It was as if the thing that came crashing down was a bubble wrap!


    The mother of the children that caused trouble, the middle-aged woman, also came forward in a daze together with her rtives to confirm. Finally, she looked at Zhang Ye, "Little brother, your car��"


    Zhang Ye waved his hand, "I said that my car is fine. You don''t have to pay. However, take care of your children. Thankfully, we got lucky; if it had hit someone, it would be no trivial matter."


    "I know, I know." The middle-aged woman said excitedly, "Thank you. Thanks."


    Then she quickly got her children to apologize to Zhang Ye.


    The child said with tear-stained cheeks, "Uncle, sorry."


    Zhang Ye patted him on the head, "It''s alright. Be careful next time."


    Although the matter was settled, everyone still remained. More people crowded around the car. Many of them had been eating in the restaurant or had happened to walk by. They had witnessed it with their own eyes, and did not know what had happened. Why was this car��


    Suddenly, Dafei thought of a possibility, he eximed, "Holy sh*t! Zhang Ye! This car of yours is not a regr X5! This is a X5 bulletproof car!"


    Hou Ge was stunned, "Bullet, bulletproof car?"


    Hou Di and Xiao Lu said, "Ah, that can''t be?"


    "Why not!?" Dafei pped himself in the forehead, "I was already saying that it didn''t feel right when sitting inside. The engine''s sound was not the sound of the horsepower from a low configuration. It did not sound so thick, and the interior has slight differences from a normal X5. Also that ss�� It clearly gave a heavier thud than normal ss-reinforced stic. And one can tell with the naked eye that it''s much thicker!"


    Xiao Lu said with a daze, "It''s really a bulletproof car?"


    "Definitely! I dare to swear!" Dafei had done research on this as he vowed, "This came out this year! And it might even be an upgraded X5 bulletproof version! No wonder it was fine, even after being smashed by a flower pot from the fifth floor! This is a bulletproof car worth about 5 million Yuan! It can even resist bullets! What more a tiny flower pot! I heard that they had tested it overseas. As long as it''s not too close to an exploding hand grenade or rocket-propelled round, this car can protect the safety of the people inside!"


    Hou Ge said in horror, "How, how much did you say?"


    Dafei nced at him, "The base price is 4+ million. The entire set is slightly more than 5 million. There''s no doubt about it. My friend had even specially asked about it. This car is being sold in several ces in the country. It''s just that the supply is quite low. Usually, one has to preorder it before the shop will do the necessary arrangements. It''s not easy to buy. Most ces don''t even have it, so it''s not even wrong to say that it''s a limited edition car!"


    More than 5 million to buy the car?


    And it was a bulletproof car?


    When the surrounding people heard this, there was an uproar!


    The few children and the middle-aged woman stared with their tongues tied!


    After Dafei finished, he turned towards Zhang Ye, "Zhang Ye, was I right?"


    "I guess so." Zhang Ye did not acknowledge or deny it, "Let''s go. Let''s eat first, or we might not be able to return in time for work." Saying that, he entered the restaurant under the watchful gaze of everyone.


    ����


    After lunch.


    Zhang Ye went downstairs to drive his car.


    The few colleagues also boarded the X5 again. Their expressions this time werepletely different from before.


    Dafei could not help but touch the car''s interior. He liked it very much and kept praising, "Nice car. It''s really a nice car!"


    Hou Ge, who spoke a lot, no longer made a sound. He was about to cry at any moment. Just recalling the words he had said en route made him feel like his face had swollen. A low configuration X5? A car that cost just hundreds of thousands? And to say it was inferior to his Reizi? 800,000, your ass! He met a master today!


    Xiao Lu was curious, "Zhang Ye, is your family rich?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head, "No. My parents are from the working ss."


    "Then how did you buy such an expensive car? Didn''t you only work for a few months? Didn''t you just graduate from college?" Hou Di asked in bewilderment.


    Zhang Ye did not say much, "I was lucky enough to make some money."


    The twins, Hou Di and Hou Ge stared into each other''s eyes. They began to feel that this person was a bit mysterious.


    ����


    The car reached the television station.


    When they got out of the car and entered the station, they saw a simr scene from before. When a few people saw Zhang Ye, it was as if they saw a ghost from a supernatural novel. They were shocked and frightened.


    "I''ll go to the restroom. You guys go ahead." Zhang Ye left first.


    Seeing people still pointing at Zhang Ye''s back, Hou Ge finally could not resist and went forward, "Brothers, what''s up with that person?"


    "Ah? Weren''t all of you together?" a television station employee asked.


    Hou Ge blinked, "We are together. He is our colleague. But why are all of you looking at him? Did you know him previously? Who is he?"


    Another employee gave a wry smile, "Still colleagues? You don''t even know Zhang Ye? Even if you didn''t go to the Golden Microphone Awards in person, you should have heard of this name. Are you new here? And you were not part of the radio and television circles?"


    Hou Ge, Xiao Lu andpany never expected to be read in a nce.


    Hou Ge said, "Eh, how can you tell?"


    The employee said, "Who can''t? Few people in this circle would not know Zhang Ye. Since you don''t know, I''ll tell you. This person is no ordinary person. He wrote a novel, ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'', and has written many poems, such as ''Flying Bird and Fish'' and some ''if you are living well, then the skies are clear'', and that ''See Me or Not'' and that ''Shuidiao Getou'', and that "This is also Everything". Right, recently there''s a very popr funny short story about working hard to buy a house that was also written by him."


    Hou Ge eximed, "''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' was written by him? What the heck! I just bought the hard copy book yesterday! That novel is too awesome! I, I didn''t notice the author''s name!"


    Xiao Lu''s eyes dimmed, "He wrote ''Flying Bird and Fish''? It''s that ''The furthest distance in the world''? What the f**k! I love that poem so much! Why is it written by Zhang Ye!?"


    The employee was speechless, "If it''s not written by him, then who wrote it? The things that happened at the Silver Microphone Awards just a while ago.. I guess you have not heard of it?"


    "No, we just started working a few days ago." Hou Ge quickly asked, "What happened?"


    The employee exined, "Zhang Ye is famous in the system not because of his well-written novels and poems, but because of his guts. During the award eptance speech at the award ceremony, Zhang Ye had used a ''Dead Water'' poem to publicly curse his unit and Leaders. He offended people greatly. He even made one of the unit''s Leaders faint on the spot. It took all day to revive him. So do you think such a divine person can''t be famous? So when we saw Zhang Ye at our television station, we were all surprised. I still want to ask you. Why did the station hire him?"


    ����


    Afternoon.


    Work time.


    Zhang Ye went back to the small office in the Arts Channel from the restroom. He sat down and busied himself. But even after waiting for a while, his colleagues still had not returned. He did not know what they were doing.


    Only ten minutester did they return to the office.


    Zhang Ye looked up and went to the water dispenser, "Do you want to drink cold or hot water?"


    Hou Ge nearly jumped up and hurried forward, "Don''t move, don''t move. I''ll do it, Little Zhang�� No, Teacher Little Zhang. You sit down, you sit down!"


    Zhang Ye tried to do it, "No, I''m a neer. This should be done by me."


    Xiao Lu also came to pull on him, "Teacher Zhang, please sit down. Let me do these chores. Don''t put us to shame. We failed to recognize a great person. You aren''t a neer. It''s just the ignorant us that haven''t heard of you because we aren''t from this circle."


    Zhang Ye was not used to it, "Please don''t. I''m not famous. Even if I am, it''s just notoriety."


    "What do you mean, not famous?" Hou Ge said, "I''ve been reading ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' for the past two days and two nights. It''s too awesome. Yesterday, I even told my brother that the person who wrote ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' was too formidable. I never expected to meet you today. Hai, it was all my fault previously. Please don''t fault me!"


    Now, they hadpletely understood Zhang Ye''s deeds and knew why Hu Fei valued Zhang Ye so much that he would pull in a person with such average looks onto his team. So this person had so many "glorious deeds" in the past. The person that they thought was a rookie, a rookie they wanted to repress, a rookie they wanted to order around to do chores, was actually this famous!


    Suppressing a rookie?


    Teaching a rookie a lesson?


    Afraid he would revolt?


    Just thinking of his initial thoughts made Hou Ge feel at a loss of whether tough or to cry. With Zhang Ye''s qualifications and bad temper, who knew who was the one trampling on who. Thankfully, they had realized this early. If they had offended Zhang Yeter, just a casual poem by him would make them famous, as they would be damned to death!


    Who was Zhang Ye?


    He was a person who dared to curse his unit and Leaders!


    They had even just searched online for Zhang Ye''s information and realized that the newest "This is also Everything" was specially used to smack their Arts Channel''s Wang Shuixin. The person known as the "Face Smacking Specialist" was him! He even dared to trample on Director Wang! Who else did he not dare to trample on?

 Chapter 104: The Crisis for the Television Station’s Public Service Advertisement!

    <h4>Chapter 104: The Crisis for the Television Station��s Public Service Advertisement! </h4>


    Chapter 104: The Crisis for the Television Station''s Public Service Advertisement!


    The next day.


    The clouds covered the sky.


    Today, Zhang Ye was not permitted to drive, so he had to leave his car in the parking lot. He took the subway alone to work. There were quite a lot of people there, so he failed to board the first time. He waste by a few minutes by the time he reached the office.


    "Morning."


    "Teacher Zhang, you are here?"


    "Teacher Little Zhang, good morning."


    Hou Ge and Xiao Lu greeted him. Yesterday, when Zhang Ye first came, they had called him by his name or "Little Zhang", but now after knowing the awesomeness of Zhang Ye, they all changed their form of salutation. It changed from "Little Zhang" to "Teacher Little Zhang". They were very polite. Be it an institution,mercial business, private business or the entertainment industry, it was all the same. As long as you had sufficient experience and great ability, with your fame, no one would dare to disrespect you.


    Xiao Lu took the initiative to pour a cup of water for Zhang Ye, "Here you go."


    "Thank you. I''ll do it myself." Zhang Ye did not want to impose.


    Hou Di smiled. "Right, Teacher Zhang. Just now, Brother Hu came over, but didn''t find you. Maybe the higher ups have a meeting that Brother Hu wants you to join."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Aye, why was Ite? Where''s Teacher Hu?"


    "Brother Hu''s office is here, too." Hou Ge chuckled, "He will be here in awhile."


    Just after he finished speaking, Hu Fei walked into the office.


    "Teacher Little Zhang, follow me for a while." Hu Fei smiled. "The channel has a meeting. Since I don''t have an assistant, go with me, too. Hur Hur. I''m not treating you as an assistant, and roping you in is not just to make you be in the front stage; your literary qualities can always shine backstage."


    Zhang Ye asked curiously, "Teacher Hu, what sort of meeting is it?"


    "A public service advertisement. Let''s go. You''ll know when we arrive." Hu Fei led him upstairs. While they were in the elevator, he exined, "The higher-ups sent a policy downst month, and it can be considered a media policy. They wanted our Arts Channel to produce an electricity-saving public service advertisement. But we have not finished it after a month. Actually, it''s not that we haven''t done it, it''s just that the higher-ups did not pass it. Seeing that tomorrow is the final deadline, our channel''s Leader is extremely anxious. So he gathered everyone to help in nning and discussing the details of the advertisement."


    Zhang Ye was enlightened.


    ����


    A small meeting room upstairs.


    There was a long table, with not more than twenty seats.


    By the time that Zhang Ye and Hu Fei arrived, the room was nearly full. A few people-in-charge and employees from the various segment teams from the Arts Channel had filled the room. Zhang Ye saw a few familiar faces here. There was a youth and a woman, who were his interviewers from the previous day.


    Seeing Zhang Ye, these people only gave him a nce.


    "Old Hu, Hur Hur. You are the slowest." a middle-aged man greeted him.


    "Isn''t the Leader not here yet? It''s fine, as long as we aren''tte. Old Wang, this is our segment team''s Teacher Zhang Ye. Please take care of him in the future." Hu Fei seemed familiar with him.


    The middle-aged man said in amusement, "He''s your man. I can''t take care of him, even if I wanted to. However, I have long heard of Little Zhang''s name. What is his position now?"


    Hu Fei said, "Guest host. I might also get Little Zhang to do some of the documentation work for backstage work. There''s no other way, since my segment isn''t asrge as others. With few people, everyone has more responsibilities."


    The woman, who had interviewed Zhang Ye, smiled. "It''s also quite suitable for Little Zhang to do documentation work. Few in the channel can match him in their literary skills. A capable person has many responsibilities."


    Everyone sat down.


    Hu Fei introduced people to Zhang Ye in whispers.


    Zhang Ye knew that the middle-aged man''s name was Wang Meng. He was an overall Director-in-charge of the trending music segment team. The woman who had interviewed him was Jiang Fen, an overall Director-in-charge of entertainment and literature news reporting.


    At this moment, about 5-6 people came in from inside. One of them was the head of the channel, Wang Shuixin.


    Director Wang did not look happy today. He walked straight to the seat of power. Without saying anything first, he drank all the tea in his cup. He looked like he had just scolded someone, so his throat was dry. After finishing it, he put down the cup and said, "Alright, let''s begin. I believe that everyone knows what the details of today''s meeting are. We need to fix the public service advertisement, and it has to be done by today. We need to finish its production by this afternoon in order to submit it to the higher-ups for approval. After the approval, tomorrow will be the final deadline, where it will be broadcast on television. We don''t have much time left!"


    The people who came in after Director Wang were probably employees that did advertisements for the television station.


    An employee handed over a draft, or it could be precisely said to be a writeup, "These were the two ideas that we came up withst night during overall time."


    Another employee distributed copies to the others.


    Zhang Ye also obtained a copy. He flipped it open and took a nce.


    After giving it a look, Wang Shuixin threw the writeup on the table, without reading it carefully, "You call this creativity? This is your so-called creativity?" Wang Shuixin rapped on the table, "Everyone is responsible for saving electricity! Saving electricity begins with everyone! Is there anything fresher?"


    The employee from the advertisement department said, "Leader, all the public service advertisements in the country are like that. It''s easy to understand. If not, it will be shouting a slogan. Or it could be some shocking statistics, saying how many people don''t have ess to electricity, saying how much loss results from every watt wastage. We want to be creative, too, but it can''t be done. This is already the limit of public service advertisements!"


    Wang Shuixin said furiously, "Even if you can''t do it well, you have to do it well. Why are you making excuses?"


    The person remained silent for a moment, "Leader, it''s our responsibility. We will think of something again."


    "There''s no time anymore! Didn''t you hear what I just said? There has to be an oue today, and it has to be done today!" Wang Shuixin said, "I know that public service advertisements are at a bottleneck, but only with a bottleneck can you break through. The higher-ups have such a request for our channel. This is a policy-based advertisement; there can be no mistakes! I''m not asking about anything else, nor reasons. I just want to see a result. I want to see creativity! Or else the higher-ups will not pass it!"


    It was pointless pinning his hope on the advertisement department. They had handed more than ten drafts over the past month, but all of them were rejected by the higher-ups. Wang Shuixin said to everyone, "I called everyone here to help brainstorm. Whoever has a good idea or creativity, you can speak up!" It could be seen that he was anxious, too. If they could notplete a task that had governmental implications, then everyone would suffer when the higher-ups demanded an answer!


    Jiang Fen asked, "How many seconds does it need to be?"


    Wang Shuixin said, "There''s no restriction, but ording to usual practices, it has to be within 15 seconds. If it is a longer public service advertisement, it''s best it doesn''t exceed 20 seconds."


    Jiang Fen suggested, "Why don''t we be creative on the advertising tagline? I have a pretty good one, ''Saving, the path to the continuation of life''."


    Wang Shuixin shook his head, "No, that''s still toomon."


    Wang Meng said, "What about a witty tagline? Gentlemen have manners; be a man when using electricity."


    "It''s too umon." Wang Shuixin said, "The higher-ups want creativity, not something umon. Creativity is something that will light up the eyes of others, or something no one can think of." As he spoke, he got irritated, "Can you broaden your minds? We have so many capable people in our Arts Channel, yet we are stumped by a public service advertisement? Can''t youe up with any good ideas?"


    Another segment team''s person-in-charge gave a wry smile, "Leader, we do administrative work. Creativity isn''t our forte. If the advertisement department can''t think of something, there''s not much hope for us."


    Wang Shuixin said angrily, "You have to think of something, even if there''s no hope! Are you going to be shouldering the responsibility for failing the task?"


    The person-in-charge had been joking, but with this retort, he did not dare to say another word.


    Following that, others from a few segment teams suggested their ideas, but Wang Shuixin was unsatisfied by them. They were all denied. No creativity!


    However, everyone felt helpless.


    Freshness?


    Creativity?


    How could one be creative for the theme of electricity saving?


    After so many years, all sorts of tricks had been used by all the different television stations!


    Wang Shuixin looked at Hu Fei, "Old Hu, only your segment team has not contributed an idea. We invited you here toe up with ideas, not to just sit there and drink tea!"


    Hu Fei had never done public service advertisements, and he had no ideas either. He had simr thoughts as the others. Public service advertisements had been done to the point of flogging the dead horse. It had long ago reached a bottleneck. Everything followed the same line of thought, to the point where they had to do so. As there was no way to be creative in public service advertisements, what was there to be creative about? Could you exalt an advertisement regarding electricity savings to the heavens?


    Just as Hu Fei was not sure how to answer and the other people-in-charge and employees were unsure what to do, Zhang Ye spoke.


    "I have an idea." Zhang Ye''s words shocked everyone.


    Hu Fei''s eyes lit up upon hearing this. That''s right. He suddenly thought of Zhang Ye. The person beside him was an effective writer, "Teacher Little Zhang, please say."


    Wang Shuixin looked on with aplicated look at Zhang Ye, "Go ahead."


    Seeing everyone look at him, Zhang Ye cleared his throat. Public service advertisement? Of course, he did not know about them. This fellow was a broadcasting major, so how could he learn anything about advertising? Although he did not know, the masters of his world knew. He had also seen quite a number of public service advertisements from this world. From the exposure to television, there was no way that he would not have seen it. Hence, he had some understanding of it. The public service advertisements from both worlds had their strengths. This world emphasized on the details and words said. In this area, they did especially well. Some of the advertisements'' tagline had shocked Zhang Ye. This world was much better than his world in that aspect. However, the public service advertisements from his world had its advantages. It had creativity. This was the only thing about the public service advertisements of his world that was much better than those in this world!


    Who made the rule that public service advertisements could not be creative?


    How could this be difficult for me? I''m going to be the pirate king�� I mean.. I''m going to be a superstar!


    Trantor''s Note: Zhang Ye was not permitted to drive on certain days due to a regtion in Beijing. Read here for info on Road Space Rationing

 Chapter 105: An Excellent Advertisement Exalted by the Masses!

    <h4>Chapter 105: An Excellent Advertisement Exalted by the Masses! </h4>


    Chapter 105: An Excellent Advertisement Exalted by the Masses!


    A small meeting room in the television station.


    Everyone was looking forward to see what idea Zhang Ye coulde up with. They wanted to see how capable this notorious, esteemed writer was. Everyone present knew Zhang Ye. They had all gone to the Golden Microphone Awards. About half of the people in the room knew that he was a thorn among thorns. They also acknowledged his literature standard as passable, but literature was literature. Creativity was creativity. There was not much of a rtionship between the two.


    You have an idea?


    You can open a new field for public service advertisements?


    A few people had their doubts.


    There were a few people from the advertisement department who did not even doubt him; they only treated it as if Zhang Ye was joking. They were in the advertisement business, and they were the professionals, yet ayperson like you could be so sure of yourself? Isn''t this a joke? Do you think you are the only intelligent and capable person in this world? What a joke! This was a problem that no one in the country had managed to ovee. Even among those who hade up with a creative public service advertisement, the focus was on the creativity itself and they were criticized badly because creativity and public service didn''t mix. If it did, then it wouldn''t be considered a public service advertisement. They were not optimistic about Zhang Ye!


    "Little Zhang?"


    "Please share with us?"


    "Yes, what idea do you have?"


    "Another one that just involves changing the ad catchphrase?"


    "If it''s just changing the ad catchphrase, then don''t bother saying it."


    Seeing Zhang Ye keeping his silence, some people became impatient.


    Hu Fei frowned and said, "You have to give Little Zhang some time to conceptualize his presentation. How can it be so fast!"


    Earlier, there were many people giving suggestions, too, but everyone listened attentively. At most, they gave somements after the suggestions were given. But it could be seen how many people were unhappy with Zhang Ye. They were suggesting ideas all the same, but everyone''s attitude towards him was totally different. They couldn''t help it. Zhang Ye had attracted too much negativity during the Silver Microphone Awards and, on top of that, he rejected Wang Shuixin''s poem with a work of his own. It would be odd if he was liked by the others.


    Zhang Ye didn''t mind; he was used to it.


    He was actually thinking of which public service advertisement to use!


    Which one from his world? There were a few good ones, but he felt that they were not going to stand out; they didn''t stand out in the creative portion.


    Saving electricity������


    Saving electricity������


    Got it! Haha! That''s the one!


    Zhang Ye suddenly remembered a very famous Russian public service advertisement from his world. How famous was it? It didn''t just get attention in Russia; it was also rebroadcast in China. There was a textbook in China that Zhang Ye did not remember if it was from a university ss about advertising. However, the book was basically an introduction on public service advertisements. It cited advertisements as a sessful examples. It could be seen then how famous it was; it had even gathered many honors and awards.


    And clearly, in this world, that advertisement had never appeared before!


    Zhang Ye had happened to see it once, and it had left a deep impression on him. After he looked at everyone, he spoke lightly. He first introduced the setup of the advertisement. "The advertisement I''m speaking of will use an animation. Of course, real people can be used, too. That isn''t important. 15 seconds for the advertisement should be sufficient."


    Wang Shuixin wasn''t too worried, "Carry on."


    Previously, people had said they had something creative, but it turned out that their ideas were not creative. They did not qualify, so no one believed that Zhang Ye coulde up with something.


    Zhang Ye ignored their thoughts and with his eyebrows straightening, he said with a solemn expression, "In a room, a couple are having a fierce quarrel. The wife points at the husband, scolding him. Note that there will not be any words spoken or vulgarities. Just the animation or the mouthing of real people to express it is fine. The audience can tell at a nce that the wife is being unreasonable. Well, then the husband finds it unbearable, and he packs his clothes to leave the house. The wife then realizes her mistake. She hugs her children and cries loudly. Then suddenly, the door opens. The husband appears in the doorway."


    What?


    What and what?


    Wang Shuixin frowned even more. He was very unhappy!


    Jiang Fen and the other employees were nearly falling asleep from this!


    A couple quarreling? Are you talking about a public service advertisement? Even if they quarrel to the edges of the universe! Even if they f**king quarreled to the Milky Way! That had nothing to do with saving electricity!


    Hu Fei kicked Zhang Ye''s feet, "Little Zhang."


    Zhang Ye was oblivious to it. He remained serious, "The husband is back! The wife thinks that he has forgiven her rashness and rudeness. Just as she runs to hug her husband amidst tears��" Then, the dull atmosphere changed. Just as people were feeling Zhang Ye''s idea was extremely boring and Wang Shuixin was about to interrupt him with a scolding, Zhang Ye''sst line reversed the entire situation, "Without any forewarning, the husband reaches out his hand and flips the switch on the wall, turning the lights off. Then he closes the door and leaves. The room is suddenly dark."


    Everyone gaped!


    This was still not the end. Zhang Ye had not forgotten the key slogan at the end. "After the room goes dark, a subtitle appears: Conserve electricity. Lights off with people gone!"


    Conserve electricity?


    Lights off with people gone??


    Holy sh*t! What a godly statement! It was definitely a godly statement!


    Especially that ''lights off with people gone''. Not only did it fit the feeling, it also fit the scene. It was a slogan with multiple meanings!


    An advertising professional who had been doubting and looking down on Zhang Ye a few seconds ago sat up straight, "This�� This advertisement��"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Can this work?"


    Can this work?


    This works too well!


    What was creativity? This was f**king divine creativity!


    The few employees from the advertisement department were stunned. They knew for the first time that a traditional public service advertisement.. could be done like this?


    Momentarily, everyone stared at Zhang Ye. What sort of brains did this person have? He could even do that? He could even think of that?


    Even Wang Shuixin was secretly impressed. He mmed on the table, "Good! Good! Good!" After saying ''good'' thrice, he said, "This is the creativity I needed! We''ll be using this!" He said to the people from the advertising department, "Do it now! Follow Little Zhang''s case! Immediately!"


    Jiang Fen, "But the approval��"


    Wang Shuixin interrupted, "We''ll do it and directly send it for approval. If this case doesn''t pass, then there won''t be a case that can pass! Quickly prepare it!"


    The advertising department people obeyed the order and went to busy themselves.


    "Let''s end the meeting." After resolving a tricky matter, Wang Shuixin was feeling pretty good.


    Hu Fei grabbed the opportunity, "Director, I did some calction of the funds allocated to us, and we stillck some funds. After all, we need to invite some professors and schrs that will need money."


    Wang Shuixin waved his hand and said without a thought, "I''ll approve another 500,000 to you!"


    Hu Fei was overjoyed, "Then I''ll thank you, Leader." Then he patted Zhang Ye on the shoulder. Well done!


    After the meeting ended, people also began leaving the office.


    Wang Shuixin recalled something when he walked quite a distance. He suddenly turned back and nced at Zhang Ye. He knew Old Hu had not chosen a wrong person. This Little Zhang was indeed very talented. But to Wang Shuixin, such a disobedient, but yet genius, thorny person was someone he had to love and hate at the same time!

 Chapter 106: The Heavenly Queen Comes Again!

    <h4>Chapter 106: The Heavenly Queen Comes Again! </h4>


    Chapter 106: The Heavenly Queen Comes Again!


    Hou Ge was chatting with Xiao Lu.


    Hu Fei brought Zhang Ye into the office andughed, "Xiao Lu, in a while go to Finance, and settle the program''s finances."


    Xiao Lu eximed, "They gave in?"


    "We got an extra 500,000." It looked like Hu Fei had been having a headache about this sum for a long while.


    Hou Ge said in surprise, "How? Thest time I discussed with Finance all day, and didn''t you even go? They refused to grant it then, but today they did?"


    Hu Fei patted Zhang Ye on the back, "It''s all thanks to Teacher Little Zhang. He helped the channel resolve a major problem. He suggested an advertisement idea to Director Wang!"


    "That public service advertisement?" Hou Di knew about it.


    Dafei said in admiration, "Teacher Zhang, other than novels, poems and prose, you can do advertisements, too?"


    Hu Feiughed, "It''s an awesome advertisement. It can be said the best public service advertisement that I have seen all these years. You will soon see it, at thetest, tomorrow afternoon, and at the fastest, tonight!"


    Xiao Lu was full of admiration as she walked over with a smile. Pretending to have a microphone in her hand, "Teacher Zhang, can I interview you? Why are you so awesome? Do you have a secret to your sess? Can you reveal it to us? Is there some trick?"


    Zhang Ye did not hesitate to say, "There''s a trick."


    Xiao Lu was stunned, "Really? Tell us quickly! I want to learn, too!"


    Zhang Ye said, "There are two tricks. First, read through the entire Chinese dictionary, memorizing every single word of them seriously. It''s best if you can memorize and recite most of the text and phrases. It should reach an extremely familiar stage, where you have them at your fingertips."


    Xiao Lu nodded, "Memorize a dictionary? That makes sense. What''s the second point? What''s the second point?"


    The others also listened in as they focused over, hoping to hear the trick to Zhang Ye''s sess.


    "The second trick is��" Zhang Ye chuckled, "Memorizing is useless!"


    Xiao Lu was stunned before bursting out inughter, "Even so, it''s useless? Then why did you say it!"


    Hu Fei was also amused as heughed heartily, "Teacher Little Zhang is just teasing you. umtion, experience, talent. You can''tck any. How can there be a trick?"


    ����


    8:30 P.M. at night. Off work.


    Zhang Ye worked overtime quite a bit. The reason was that the public service advertisement was, after all, his creation and proposal. He was most familiar with it. The advertisement department also contacted Zhang Ye for help and gave it to him for review. After Zhang Ye disyed his capabilities, the advertisement department did not dare to look down on him. They respected Zhang Ye''s instructions for every detail and suggestion. Some was not changed at all, but some had major changes ording to Zhang Ye''s instructions. Only when the animation public service advertisement was done did Zhang Ye leave.


    Entering the district.


    The sky was already dark.


    Amp along the corridor was not working. Zhang Ye had to blindly grope him way home. Hai, do you think this bro is having it easy? I have to work so busily everyday, and even had to work for the advertisement department. However, capable people have a lot of responsibilities. Zhang Ye was not displeased with this, and in fact liked it a lot.


    Why? Just because he could be famous. He was always chasing towards that goal with no intentions of retreating. What about doing advertisements? If a public service advertisement was done well, it would clearly result in a one-time increase in his fame. He never looked down on the opportunity for a tiny fame increase that other popr celebrities looked down upon. Even if he did not increase his fame greatly, Zhang Ye would not miss the opportunity. As he had a limitation to his external looks, he could not be picky about things other people looked down upon. Maybe this was the struggle and determination of a small figure.


    He was hungry.


    What should he eat?


    Zhang Ye rummaged through the house and there was only one packet of instant noodles and a chicken egg. Just as he was about to light the fire to cook the noodles and egg, the telephone rang!


    Seeing the number, Zhang Ye could not believe his own eyes. After repeatedly confirming it, he knew it was true!


    Zhang Yuanqi had called!


    The extremely famous S-list Heavenly Queen!


    Zhang Ye quickly picked up, "Hello. Teacher Zhang?"


    "Are you home?" Zhang Yuanqi''s tone was very cold.


    "I''m home. I just came home and am preparing to eat." Zhang Ye was baffled, "What''s the matter?"


    "I haven''t eaten, too. Make some for me, too." Saying that, she then hung up.


    Zhang Ye failed to react in time. Make some for you, too? You mean�� When the noodles were just done, the doorbell rang. Zhang Ye opened the door to a woman wearing sunsses. Without any question, she was Zhang Yuanqi. Her outfit today was very weird. Sunsses, face mask and a hat. She looked like she was afraid of catching SARS, but as a huge celebrity like Zhang Yuanqi, she had no choice but to do so. If she did not take protective measures, she would be easily recognized with just sunsses on the street. She was too well-known and everyone was very familiar with her!


    Without a word, Zhang Yuanqi entered the room. ncing at the open kitchen, she frowned, "Instant noodles again? Don''t you have anything else at home?"


    Zhang Ye closed the door, "May I know why you havee?"


    Zhang Yuanqi threw the stic bag from her hands onto the table. The bag was translucent and there was a bottle of wine inside. "Other ces are too noisy. Your ce is quiet."


    Zhang Ye recalled Zhang Yuanqi saying that there were two ces that allowed her to reveal her temper. One was her parents'' ce, and the other was Zhang Ye''s ce. It was probably the reason why the Heavenly Queen came to his house again. From this point, Zhang Ye was somewhat ttered and also quite pleased. He thought to himself, "Look, take a look. The renowned Heavenly Queen Zhang came to my house to scrounge for food. She had to beg me for a meal. I''ll see who dares to challenge me in the future. Who dares say I''m not famous!"


    "There''s only instant noodles. Are you eating?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Zhang Yuanqi unscrewed the wine bottle, "What can I do if I don''t eat?"


    Zhang Ye scooped the noodles and divided it into two bowls. "Let''s each have a bowl. Make do with it. There was only one packet of instant noodles at home. Right, let''s also split the egg."


    Zhang Yuanqi graciously poured him a ss of wine, "Give me the egg."


    Zhang Ye flipped his eyelids, "Why? I''m hungry."


    Zhang Yuanqi nced at him and said nonchntly, "Because I''m your senior. I entered the industry earlier than you and am older than you. Andpared to instant noodles, I prefer eating eggs."


    "Fine, fine, fine. I''ll give you, I''ll give you." As a man, Zhang Ye did not want to fight with women. He handed the egg to her. "Thanks for the Silver Microphone Awards nomination thest time."


    Zhang Yuanqi ignored him. Crossing her legs, she began eating and drinking wine.


    This was the true character of the Heavenly Queen after she peeled off her outer skin. She would only speak when she wanted to. When she didn''t wish to speak, it would be as if she did not hear.


    "How''s the taste?"


    "��"


    "Are you staying here tonight?"


    "��"


    "I''m working at the television station now. The program will be aired in a few days. I''ll be either a host or a guest. For me, it''s a huge opportunity."


    "Oh."


    Zhang Ye liked to show off. He could not say some things to his colleagues or people would think he was not being low-key. However, he could say anything with Zhang Yuanqi. He began bragging about the matters that had happened to him the past few days. Sometimes, Zhang Yuanqi would answer with a "Um" or "Oh." Sometimes, she would appear like she didn''t hear it. Thankfully, Zhang Ye was already used to her temperament. He did not mind and continued speaking excitedly.


    Zhang Ye got a kick from saying all that. He then began eating his instant noodles.


    Eh, to be a big superstar? This was him walking closer to the path of an Instant Noodle Hero.


    But thankfully, there was a heavenly beauty like Zhang Yuanqi apanying him to eat. Zhang Ye did not find the instant noodles revolting, for good looks reced meals.

 Chapter 107: The Commotion Caused by the Advertisement!

    <h4>Chapter 107: The Commotion Caused by the Advertisement! </h4>


    Chapter 107: The Commotion Caused by the Advertisement!


    9 P.M.


    They finished eating the noodles.


    Zhang Yuanqi didn''t bother cleaning up the dishes. She leaned on the bed with a cup of wine in hand, "Little Zhang, TV."


    Zhang Ye snorted. He unwillingly grabbed the remote control beside him to switch on the television for her, "Which channel?"


    Zhang Yuanqi answered inly, "BTV - Arts Channel."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "You watch this channel? I work there now."


    Suddenly, the telephone on the table began to vibrate. Zhang Ye was wondering who it was sote at night. He picked it up.


    "Teacher Zhang." It was a man''s voice. "I''m the Little Wang from the television station''s advertising department. We met about two hours ago. I called you to inform you that the public service advertisement that you came up with and supervised will broadcast soon. In at most five minutes, once this segment ends. It was also approved by the higher-ups, after they deemed the effects to be very good. And since the part about switching off the light isn''t very suitable for an afternoon broadcast, they decided to push it forward to tonight."


    "Alright, I got it."


    "We passed the verification. Thank you."


    "You worked hard, too. You''re wee."


    After putting down the cellphone, Zhang Ye quickly increased the television''s volume, "Teacher Zhang, once this music shows ends, I''ll have something to show you."


    Zhang Yuanqi did not ask either. She just kept drinking.


    A few secondster, the program ended. First a cosmetics advertisement was broadcast. And the next moment, an animated advertisement was aired. It was the scene of a husband and wife quarrelling!


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "Look, look!"


    Zhang Yuanqi couldn''t tell, "Why an advertisement?"


    "You''ll know once you watch it. Haha." Zhang Ye was full of anticipation.


    Following that, the husband left after being scolded by the wife. Just as the wife was crying in regret, the husband came back. Bada! He switched off the light and left.


    The screen went ck.


    The subtitles appeared - Conserve electricity. Lights off with people gone!


    Zhang Ye had interacted and supervised it with the advertisement department. It was basically following the original Russian version from his world. There were nearly no changes.


    Seeing that, Zhang Yuanqi was stunned. She had probably never expected such an amazing ending, "This is a public service advertisement? It can be done this way? The country still has such a good and creative public service advertisement?"


    "This must be the first time you are seeing it, right? Come over here." Zhang Ye was very pleased. He switched on hisputer and found the television station''s website. After clicking it, he called Zhang Yuanqi over to see the production credits.


    Supervisor: Zhang Ye.


    nning: Zhang Ye.


    Idea Provider: Zhang Ye.


    About half of the seven to eight names on the credits list were Zhang Ye''s name.


    "This is your production?" Zhang Yuanqi looked at him.


    "That''s right. I suggested it and it was also supervised by me." Zhang Ye said, "How was it? Not bad, right?"


    "Yes, not bad." Saying that, Zhang Yuanqi returned to leaning on the bed, ignoring him.


    Zhang Ye also did not care about her. He opened the television station''s official discussion board.


    "The electricity conservation public service advertisement was awesome!"


    "Hahaha. I also just saw it. I''m dying ofughter!"


    "Divine idea! Divine creativity! Divine twist! Divine ending!"


    "Whose idea was it? I never expected public service advertisements could be made this way!"


    "Heavens, Zhang Ye? The idea provider, the supervisor and several other roles in the credits list are all Zhang Ye? It can''t be the Zhang Ye I know, can it?"


    "Who is Zhang Ye?"


    "I don''t know which one."


    "Ai, this name has a link on it. Let me see."


    "Holy sh*t, after clicking it, there''s the person''s information. It''s that Teacher Zhang Ye. Although there''s no picture, just look as his resume. Previous Beijing Radio Station broadcasting host, now employed at the television station, BTV-Arts Channel. Teacher Zhang Ye has started work at the Beijing Television Station!"


    "Is that true?"


    "Congrattions to Teacher Zhang for his sess!"


    "I thought that Teacher Zhang had been banned. He actually progressed another step!"


    "Isn''t Teacher Zhang a broadcasting host? Why did he make a public service advertisement? Furthermore, he did it so well! There''s no other public service advertisement that is better in the entire world! The creativity is good and the connotations are all world-ss!"


    "Who is Zhang Ye?"


    "Go check on the web. You don''t even know him?"


    ����


    At the same time.


    Arge number of audience members who were watching BTV Arts Channel in Beijing had seen the advertisement. There was no credits list after the public service advertisement. It was only released on the website. Hence, many people did not know whose production it was. Even if they knew, many did not know of Zhang Ye. His poprity was still in a very small circle. He was not that famous. But even so, it did not prevent people from being shocked and amazed by this advertisement!


    "Haha! I''m dying ofughter! I''m dying ofughter!"


    "It''s really amazing! This public service advertisement is amazing!"


    "I''ll watch it again in a while. I want to watch it again. It''s so humorous!"


    ����


    "Darling,e over here!"


    "What?"


    "Stop washing your face. Quick, watch this public service advertisement!"


    "What''s so nice about a public service advertisement? Do you have nothing better to do?"


    "Damn, you camete. It''s over. What do you know? This isn''t any ordinary public service advertisement. F**k, it was such a reversal!"


    ����


    "Director Zheng, who did this advertisement? It''s too perfect!"


    "Beijing Television Station? That can''t be. Their television station doesn''t have such a talent!"


    "That''s right. I''m curious. There are only a few people in the industry who do public service advertisements that are famous. No matter how I look at it, they don''t work for the Beijing Television Station. But just watching this advertisement, I know it is the work of a master. Did they headhunt someone? Which famous advertisement nner did they grab over?"


    "There''s no news."


    "Let''s check the production credits on the web."


    "Ah, I found it. Zhang Ye? Who''s Zhang Ye?"


    "Never heard of him. There''s no such person in the advertising industry."


    ����


    That night, quite a number of households in Beijing began discussing this Public Service advertisement. The advertisement''s effectiveness was unbelievable. It was a great sess. In half an hour''s time, the discussion of it had exploded on the web. It could be said that no public service advertisement had ever been this popr!


    Laymen watched the buzz, while professionals examined the skill!


    The greatest impact was on the professionals in the advertising industry!


    This industry was neither too big, nor too small. Even if they had never met, they would all know each other. They even had such interactions with people inside and outside the country. This public service advertisement had caused numerous discussion first in this country, and wereter shared with several foreign friends who were in the advertising industry. In the end, many people in the advertising industry outside of the country were greatly surprised that night, itself!


    Everyone was trying to find out who was the one who did the nning for the advertisement!


    Finally, when they obtained the answer, they were at a loss of whether tough or to cry. The person who had nned the advertisement was not from their circles. It was a f**king broadcasting host!


    Immediately, several people in advertising felt a sense of defeat. The bottleneck of public service advertisements had troubled the industry, both domestic and foreign, for half a year. No one had been able to reverse the situation. But now, a broadcasting host, who did not work in this line of work, had managed to conquer this problem? This idea was too new and had an enlightening effect. It seemed like it had opened a door for the people in advertising. They were suddenly overjoyed.


    A new textbook entry to creativity in public service advertisement!


    This reputation did not sully Zhang Ye''s production at all!

 Chapter 108: Where did this Zhang Ye appear from?

    <h4>Chapter 108: Where did this Zhang Ye appear from? </h4>


    Chapter 108: Where did this Zhang Ye appear from?


    At home.


    It was gettingter andter.


    Zhang Ye still did not know how big a name he had made for himself in the advertising circles, both foreign and domestic. He was not even looking at theputer, despite it being in front of him. He had opened the game ring''s virtual interface. He was staring with surprise at the Reputation points surging upwards on the menu!


    +266!


    +7692!


    +2103!


    At times, it increased by the hundreds, while at other times, it increased by the thousands!


    Just before the advertisement was broadcast, Zhang Ye''s had recalled taking a look in the afternoon. His overall Reputation points had been 290,000. Some of it was left from the interview, and the other 200,000+ were from the sales of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' over the past few days. But today, just after a small public service advertisement, in a short time span of an hour, Zhang Ye''s overall Reputation points had reached 470,000!


    480,000��


    500,000��


    And it was still growing nonstop!


    It was estimated that after tomorrow, it would at least increase to 800,000!


    Zhang Ye had another deep understanding of the game ring. That was that the works he produced could keep increasing his game Reputation points, even if the audience did not know Zhang Ye''s name, so long as they satisfied the respect and amazement requirements. How could he tell?


    The public service advertisement did not have a credits list. Nomercial would list it. Only a small number of people will check on the official television website to find out that it was Zhang Ye''s production. The numbers were so small that they were negligible, yet Zhang Ye''s Reputation was increasing nonstop. This exined the problem.


    With this rule, Zhang Ye looked at such sideshows with more importance. No, to be exact, this public service advertisement was no longer a sideshow. With so much attention focused on it , and it earning him so much reputation, how could it be considered a sideshow anymore?


    At this moment, the Arts Channel''ste-night program had just ended. It now broadcast again the public service advertisement.


    Zhang Yuanqi put down her wine ss and looked over. She looked at it fully before saying, "You seem to be multi-talented. In the future, when I have any advertisements or endorsements, you can do the nning for me."


    Zhang Yeughed, "Endorsement, advertisements? Don''t they have professional productionpanies?"


    Zhang Yuanqi answered coldly, "They can''t do it as well as you can. The direction is a little stiff."


    Advertisements and endorsements�� They not only bring in the money for the celebrities. If an advertisement is done well, it has another advantage. It can bring up the visibility of the celebrity, which is very important. But if an advertisement is done poorly and the product performs too lousily, then even if they paid a lot, no big time celebrity would endorse it.


    Zhang Ye promised, "Sure. Let''s discuss about it again sometime."


    "What else do you know?" Zhang Yuanqi switched over her crossed legs.


    "I know everything, I am an original producer. You can''t do without me." Zhang Ye started bragging, "Oh, yes. I remember watching a news article about you. In your acting career, no one should beparable to you; you are considered to be a top star, right? But in your music career, it seems to not be such smooth sailing? Why did the news mention that you are no longer getting ready for a concert anymore? Will you be focusing on movies instead? After conquering the domestic market, you will aim for the international market?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said unfeelingly, "I have no good songs."


    "Let your team spend some money then." Zhang Ye said.


    "A good song is not so easy to find. Sometimes you think it''s good, but after people listen to it, no one approves of it." Zhang Yuanqi rted calmly.


    Zhang Ye blinked, "Okay, if I have time, I will write you a song. With this song, I can guarantee that you will get back your ce in the music industry."


    Zhang Yuanqi didn''t think much of it. She looked at her watch. Probably thinking it''ste, she switched on her cellphone.


    When it turned on, a pile of message tones yed. Then a phone call came in, probably from Zhang Yuanqi''s assistant or manager.


    "Sis Zhang! My Big Sister Zhang! You are finally answering the phone!" It was a woman''s voice.


    "Hur Hur, my phone''s battery was t just now. It was charging." Zhang Yuanqi expression had changed, a total difference from the one she wore when she interacted with Zhang Ye.


    The woman brushed her off, "You��. Right, who are you trying to bluff! The other time you had disappeared for a night! This time you disappeared again? Sis Zhang, are you in a rtionship? At your boyfriend''s ce? Let me tell you first, thepany''s regtions state that our artistes are not allowed to be in a rtionship. Even if they want to be in one, they have to go through thepany, get permission and report about it. Of course, thepany will not dare stick their noses in too much for someone like you, but you can at least inform me first, right?"


    Zhang Yuanqiughed "You''re thinking too much."


    "I hope that I''m overthinking it, too. If you really had a boyfriend, how many people''s hearts would be broken? It would surely affect your acting career." The woman said worriedly.


    Zhang Yuanqiughed, "You have really been overthinking it. Alright, I will go back now. Please wait at my home. We will touch on tomorrow''smercial performance tomorrow."


    The woman replied, "I''ve been at your house waiting. I waited for the whole night."


    "Alright, then please wait for me. It''s been hard on you. I will bring some food back for you. I know you love curry beef rice a lot." Zhang Yuanqi said kindly.


    The woman softly said, "You are always like this, cating me after disappearing. I don''t even have the chance to be angry. Okay, so I will wait for you."


    The phone was hung up.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Going off?"


    "Going off." Zhang Yuanqi took and wore her zer, then put on her sunss and face mask.


    To mention it, when the Heavenly Queen was around, Zhang Ye was a little annoyed. The main issue was that her attitude was bad, with that uncaring attitude of hers, but yet she treated her assistant in such a gentle manner. But when it was time for Zhang Yuanqi to leave, Zhang Ye felt a little reluctant, "It''s already sote. Why don''t I send you back?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "I drove here."


    Zhang Ye said "Oh, then, then alright. Drive safely."


    Zhang Yuanqi did not answer. She took her stuff and left in a hurry.


    Zhang Ye said to her back, "Come over when you have time."


    Zhang Yuanqi did not look back, but replied, "If we won''t be having instant noodles again, I will consider it. Bye."


    Zhang Ye happily said, "Sure, we will order takeouts next time."


    After closing the door, Zhang Ye couldn''t help but smile. His rtionship with the Heavenly Queen was a little unclear. Were they friends? They could not considered to be friends, as she had onlye over twice and they hadn''t spoken much. Zhang Yuanqi''s replies were mainly uhms and ohs, or silence. But if we were to say that the two of them were strangers? You can''t say that either; strangers don''t go to each other''s housete at night, do they? She is a femalerade, and even a well-known celebrity. So, their rtionship could be considered as something very subtle, yet special.


    Forget it, I''m not thinking anymore.


    Zhang Ye went back to hisputer.


    On Weibo, a number of people started to @ Zhang Ye.


    "This public service advertisement is really Teacher Zhang''s work? I''m again impressed by Zhang Ye''s artistic foundations!"


    "@BeijingWritersAssociation @ them once everyday"


    "Help Teacher Zhang into the writers'' association, @BeijingWritersAssociation !"


    "We have mentioned them for so many days. Why is the writers'' association not replying? Are they such petty characters? If they are inferior to Teacher Zhang Ye, they should learn from him how to write poems. Why are they ostracizing him instead? Such pettiness! If they are like that, then it''s better that Teacher Zhang be not admitted!"


    The voices calling for Zhang Ye''s admission into the the association were getting louder and louder.


    But there were also some voices that were focused on the public service advertisement.


    A long Weibo post was written specially to Zhang Ye. The poster was called Hundred Year Tree "Teacher Zhang, I have been your loyal fan since I heard of your melody poems. Only after seeing everyone''s discussion did I realise that the public service advertisement earlier in the night was made by you. That ''Lights off with people gone!'' is a real ssic; it''s really great. We are also having some worries over an issue here at our unit, so we would like to seek your advice."


    His Weibo verified status was as an employee of the Beijing Taoran Pavilion Garden Park, "I am an employee with the garden parks. During the November long holidays when there are more tourists, the cases of stepping onwns have be our nightmares. A lot of the grasswns have been destroyed due to all the trudging. 20% of the whole park''swn areas have been destroyed and the percentage is ever-increasing. Are you able to help use up with an advertisement tagline to discourage such hical behavior?"


    "Support!"


    "Yea, the ethics of many tourists these days are getting low!"


    "We would like some advice. Are there are any creative slogans?"


    There were many replies below, especially from employees of the garden parks and their rted industries.


    Concerning this request from his fan, Zhang Ye thought for a bit and replied, "Okay, let me think a little."


    "Haha, Teacher Zhang actually responded!"


    "Sitting here waiting for Teacher Zhang''s advertising slogan; I hope it''s aggressive!"


    "Right, it needs to stop people from stepping onwns just by seeing it!"


    When this discussion came up, many advertising professionals who were lurking at his Weibo suddenly paid attention. They had all just found out about Zhang Ye''s name and searched for his Weibo. They were just in time to see him giving a creative brief for another public service advertisement, so they immediately kept their eyes peeled on his Weibo!


    "Old Zhou, quicklye and look at this Weibo!"


    "Teacher Sun, that creative who made the ''conserve electricity public service advertisement'', Zhang Ye, is preparing another advertisement. It''s on Weibo!"


    A few creative people informed their friends, some over the phone, while some @ them over the inte. In the end, more and more people gathered to observe.


    Zhang Ye was a mysterious person to the advertisement professionals'' circle. He had no industry experience, nor any results or reputation, but somehow his first production had given the creative world a light of innovation. Everyone was curious about this person, about whether he had the ability or if it just a fluke. Was he the real thing? This resulted in advertising professionals from Beijing, outer provinces and even foreign countries staring at Zhang Ye''s Weibo and awaiting his new idea.


    Love thewn?


    These days, on the PSA taglines were all "Love thewn; be responsible." What else could be a new idea? If it''s nothing more than just changing the slogan, the effect will be the same! If a person was ethical, even without a warning, they would not step on thewn. Those without ethics, even if you told them off for half a day, they will ignore the warnings.


    This was too difficult!


    Everyone wanted to see what Zhang Ye, the man who made a public service advertisement miracle, woulde up with.


    Zhang Ye made an announcement a short whileter. He wrote very simply, a single line for a slogan. When the Garden Parks employees wanted him to be more aggressive, the first thought that came to his mind was a popr phrase concerningwn protection from his world. Aggressive? There was nothing more aggressive than this!


    Zhang Ye typed: "Lawn slogan: Stepping on me today, growing on your grave tomorrow!"


    The moment it was posted, Weibo nearly exploded!


    "Pfft!"


    "I burst out!"


    "It''s too damn fierce!"


    "Hahaha, I''ve gone madughing!"


    "If this slogan is used, who would still dare step onwns!?"


    "The fiercest advertisement slogan this century! Verificationpleted!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye is always so humorous! I love him so much!"


    "You may say say so, but I think it''s really good. I think we should try it!"


    The Garden Parks employee who had posted before said, "Haha, thank you, Teacher Zhang. This slogan is too good. Why didn''t I think of it? In a while, I''ll try submitting it to the higher-ups. Uh, but I guess it won''t be approved."


    This slogan was ced on a property in a tiny city in his world. It had not been greatly promoted. But when the slogan was made known, it caused a stir online. Everyone was shocked. The person who hade up with the slogan was too talented!


    If Zhang Ye had used it in this world, the effects would be simr!


    Some people treated it as a joke, while others didn''t. For example, those people in the industry or famous or obscure advertising professionals saw a different scene! Honestly, from a certain angle, this slogan was offensive to the public''s morals. As there were some morally degrading words, it was unlikely that it could be widely publicized by garden parks, not to mention publicized openly. It was a slogan that could not be used!


    But so what if it could not be used?


    So what if it couldn''t be publicized openly?


    This slogan had lit up a light for everyone in the advertising industry. It made many of them curse in their hearts. Your sister, who knew that a slogan for caring for the grass could be written this way?


    They had gained a lot!


    Zhang Ye had really given them a lesson!


    Who was this person? Where did this Zhang Ye appear from?


    Momentarily, an advertising professional who was rather famous in the industry sent Zhang Ye a private message on Weibo, "Teacher Zhang, are you interested ining to the advertising world to develop yourself? If you are interested, you can contact mypany. We can discuss the remuneration."


    Zhang Ye received the message and was at a loss of whether tough or to cry.


    Following that, another person sent Zhang Ye a private message, "I''m from Aide Advertising. Teacher Zhang Ye, ourpany wees you with open arms. Please give us a line of contact."


    Zhang Ye very politely rejected them.


    Make advertisements? Forget it. Doing it for fun to gather some fame and reputation was nice, but to do advertisements professionally? Zhang Ye was not so free!

 Chapter 109: Calligraphy Skills Experience Book!

    <h4>Chapter 109: Calligraphy Skills Experience Book! </h4>


    Chapter 109: Calligraphy Skills Experience Book!


    The next day.


    At the new unit.


    Zhang Ye had arrived very early for work. When he entered the office, he grabbed a broom to begin cleaning; he was very hardworking.


    It was different from when he first arrived at the radio station; the colleagues here treated him with respect. Of course, this was also because Zhang Ye had fought for it with his reputation. Even though others were polite to him, that was their initiative. He could not be big-headed, otherwise it would be difficult to maintain their rtionship as colleagues. After all, he was still a rookie and he was considered the youngest here, too. There was no harm at all in doing more chores. This would partially contribute to his self-cultivation. It was a necessary step of valuable mental training on his path to sess.


    After the chores were done.


    Zhang Ye checked the game ring for his Reputation. As expected, it was as he had guessed yesterday; his Reputation had reached over 700,000, being just short of 800,000.


    +23��


    +11��


    +9��


    His Reputation was still growing, albeit slowly now after yesterday''s peak.


    After waiting for what seemed like half a day, his total Reputation had reached exactly 800,000. This made Zhang Ye''s hands itchy for a draw at the lottery. There was no point in saving it without spending it. Anyway, the Reputation was a one-time windfall and was unexpected "side-pocket earnings", so that he didn''t feel bad about using it.


    Also, at this time, Zhang Ye only had 2 Lucky Bread left in his inventory from thest Lottery draw. He definitely would like to have more items stored for times when he might need them. It would be better than thest time, when he was blindly forced to draw for something. With some insurance, it would be better. This was all to ensure that Zhang Ye''s stardom dream would be smooth sailing, so he would definitely be motivated and not ck.


    He clicked on the lottery draw!


    As usual, he spent 100,000 to start the pointer moving for the draw!


    Zhang Ye did not n to ce Additional Stakes this time because he wanted a few more draws to receive more items, or maybe, if he was lucky, try his luck at getting the Special Category Treasure Chest. Of course, this was what he had nned. But when the pointer was slowing down to a stop, Zhang Ye realized that the pointer was now in the Skills Category; in fact, it had just moved into the Skills Category portion. Although the pointer always spun at different speeds, Zhang Ye was still 90% certain that this was where the needle would end up pointing!


    Skills?


    He had never drawn this category before!


    Zhang Ye immediately changed his mind and clicked on the Additional Stakes, thinking that it was a rare chance, so he might as well go for it.


    Add seven Additional Stakes!


    Pour all of his Reputation into this round!


    As to why 100,000 Reputation was not reserved as a backup for a Memory Search Capsule, it was because the public service advertisement was still running and the inte would still be discussing about it for another one to two days. It might not be able to add much more Reputation, but 100,000 a day shouldn''t be an issue. Moreover, the book sales for "Ghost Blows Out the Light" was still booming; for every book sold, he would receive one additional reputation. Therefore, he staked everything!


    There was another reason for doing so. From the game''s introduction, Zhang Ye knew that many of the Skills Category and Stats Category items were stackable. For example, the Fruit of Growth and the Fruit of Charm; these could both be used without limitations. Eating one would add onto the stat. The Skills Category was the same. If he used a single skill book, the effect would be too small to be noticeable. From the Fruit of Charm, we could see that the effect was minute; eating one did not make much of a difference. This was also the reason why Zhang Ye put in all his reputation for the Additional Stakes. Only if the quantity was enough would the effect be noticeable; otherwise, he would be better off not using them.


    The needle stopped!


    It wasn''t a surprise that itnded over the Skills Category.


    8 Treasure Chests (Small) were added automatically into the inventory. Zhang Ye took them out one by one and ced them on theputer desk. The Treasure Chests were not big; it was a (Small) item after all. But on the desk, it was crowded all the same.


    Let''s open them!


    Zhang Ye opened them all at once!


    It was an ancient-looking book. It was a little old, and neither thin, nor thick.


    "Calligraphy Skill Experience Book" (7)


    Item description: Takes effect after reading. Increases yer''s calligraphy skill experience. Stackable usage.


    This was the first time that Zhang Ye had received such an item. He did not know how to use it. Will it take effect after being read? He still had to read the whole book? Zhang Ye tried to open the book, but realized that he had overthought the process. The moment that he flipped the book, a white sh of light appeared, the book dissolved, and the contents surged into his mind. It made his brain go into a mess momentarily, as if something had grown in it, but yet he could not exin it. Just flipping through it once and it was done? It''s just like the skill books in games? That''s convenient!


    Calligraphy?


    Does it have to be the brush type of calligraphy?


    That shouldn''t be; ball point pen or fountain pen writing should also be considered a form of calligraphy!


    Zhang Ye used a pen to test it out. Since he had started school, his penmanship had not been too good. Sure, it was pretty standard. But you know guys; people with good handwriting were still in the minority, so it was nothing strange. But when Zhang Ye''s pennded on the back of the unit''s work file, the written word gave Zhang Ye a minor shock. He swore that he was still writing in his original style and it did not feel any different. Somehow, the moment when pen was put to paper, his brain had an especially vivid memory of writing; when he wrote it, it would automatically adjust to his memory!


    His writing was good!


    It was really better-looking; at least, it was not messy. It was much more organized than before!


    Even if it was just a slight improvement, Zhang Ye was delighted. This showed that the "Calligraphy Skill Experience Book" had a visible effect. After that, he did not need any further exnation. He just flipped open all of the remaining experience books.


    1 book��..


    3 books��..


    5 books����


    After eating these skill experience books, Zhang Ye had wanted to try out his new writing, but a colleague had just arrived. He raised his head and, from that point on, did not manage to test it out.


    "Teacher Zhang." Dafei arrived.


    Xiao Lu also followed closely behind, "Yo, Teacher Zhang. You are so early."


    "Good morning." Zhang Ye greeted them, too.


    Xiao Lu gave a him a thumbs up, "I saw your public service advertisement; it was so awesome, too awesome. I swear, I have never seen such an interesting public service advertisement!"


    Dafei''s praise was even much higher, "This advertisement was��..marvelous!"


    Hou Ge and Hou Di had arrived too, looking at Zhang Ye, Hou Ge was very excited, "Teacher Little Zhang, must you be so talented? Yesterday, Brother Hu said your idea was very good, and I still didn''t know what was going on. I was still having my doubts. Butst night, when I saw the advertisement, my brother and I were dumbfounded."


    Hou Di added, "He''s not exaggerating; we really were dumbfounded!"


    "I cannot get tired of watching this advertisement! When I watched it again during the rebroadcast, it was really better than the first time; the feeling builds up!" Hou Ge said admiringly.


    Soon, Hu Fei came into the office, "Yo, everyone''s here?"


    Xiao Luughed, "Brother Hu, we were just chatting about Teacher Zhang''s creative ad; it''s too interesting!"


    Hu Feiughed and looked over to Zhang Ye, "You saw it yesterday, too, right? I thought that the ad was good, but didn''t expect that it would cause such a sensation and response. Did you all know? Little Zhang created a miracle; during the public service advertisement''s second broadcast, the ratings surpassed the official programs before and after it. Haha!"


    Hou Ge was shocked, "What?"


    Hou Di was also amazed, "The ad''s rating was higher than the official programs''?"


    "It''s because of the first broadcast''s good response, so once the program ended, to make way for the advertisements, everyone waited for it. This created such a miracle." Hu Fei sighed, "This advertisement has really gone viral. The feedback from the audience was not only good. Many said it was fresh and creative, and many people even expressed that after they watched the advertisement, they would definitely have their ''lights off with people gone''. Hur Hur. We have gotten the recognition and praise from the television station''s higher management. Little Zhang, I happened to bump into Director Wang Shuixin upstairs. He had named you in his praises. Your bonus this month definitely can''t be low. Check it out yourself when that happens."


    Zhang Ye humbled himself, "I was just lucky."


    Hu Fei waved his hand, "There''s no point in being humble. This isn''t luck. Why aren''t we lucky? Why were so many advertising professionals not lucky at all over all these years? This is your ability!" Saying this, Hu Fei''s expression suddenly looked odd and also a bit funny. He said to Zhang Ye, "There''s another interesting thing."


    Zhang Ye blinked, "What?"


    Hu Fei said with amusement, "After you were hired, wasn''t your resume posted on the television station''s official website? Many domestic advertising professionals found you through your resume. I received two phone callsst night, and one this morning. All of them were requesting your contact information from me, hoping that you could go to theirpany or their television station''s advertising department for further development. One of them even has quite good a rtionship with me. Hur Hur. One of them even offered a 500,000 annual sry to headhunt you. He even tried his best to convince me to let you go. This is the sry of theirpany''s upper management. See how much they value you?"


    Zhang Ye immediately made known his stand, "Brother Hu, I''m not going."


    Xiao Lu and Dafei were also worried. They did not want Teacher Zhang to be headhunted, for their rtionship was getting more harmonious over the past two days.


    "Haha, I was just waiting for you to say that." Hu Fei pointed at Zhang Ye andughed, "Even if you wanted to, I wouldn''t agree to it. I used so much effort to rope you in against all odds. Who dares rob you from me? I''m the first to reject! No way!"


    Zhang Ye was relieved, "Don''t worry. Even if they gave me a 5 million Yuan annual sry, I would definitely not go, let alone a mere 500,000!"


    Xiao Lu giggled, "That''s right. Teacher Zhang''s car is a 5 million X5 bulletproof car. Does heck that hundreds of thousands of sry?"


    Hou Geughed, "Indeed. Teacher Little Zhang looks wealthy from any angle. They sure dared to name their price."


    Hu Fei was shocked, "Bulletproof car? The bulletproof version of the BMW? People actually buy that car? I thought not a single one would be sold!"


    Xiao Lu said, "Brother Hu, you may not know. When we went for lunch, a flower pot even smashed into it from the fifth floor. We were all dumbfounded. But in the end, Teacher Zhang cleaned off the pot fragments in a rxed manner. Guess what we saw? The car''s paint was not even chipped off! It was in perfect condition! That car was too awesome!"


    Hu Fei said, "Really? Then I must try it the next time. I doubt I can earn that much money in my entire life. I''ll try to rub off some of Teacher Little Zhang''s greatness. Hur Hur. But indeed, Little Zhang won''t covet that tiny bit of money, so I was not afraid of them poaching. Teacher Little Zhang can casually write a ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' and earn millions of royalties, right? If he really wanted to make money, he would have gone into writing books and poetry. Why would he need to trouble himself making advertisements?"


    Xiao Lu was also curious, "Teacher Zhang, then what are you doing this for?"


    Hou Ge was also quite concerned, "That''s right; you aren''t short of money, so why did youe to the television station? The sry here is pathetic. You may earn a bit more as a host, but it can''t exceed 20,000, right?"


    Zhang Ye gave some thought and dered, "I am for the transmission and development of Art. I dedicate my strength for national education. Social harmony and national peace are things I spend my efforts researching on. Only the television station can express my greatest ideals��"


    Hu Fei rolled his eyes, "Speak normally!"


    Zhang Ye was helpless, "Alright; I can be famous here!"


    Xiao Lu also burst out inughter, "Hahaha!"


    Hou Ge and Hou Di were also amused!


    In this line, they either wanted to make a name for themselves or make money. They were all thetter, doing it for a living. However, Teacher Zhang Ye was clearly a level higher. He was in pursuit of the former!


    Was it embarrassing?


    What was so embarrassing about it!?


    Everyone had desires. However, many people had used it as a derogatory word. It could be a bit ridiculous, but if desire was said in a different way, it was motivation!


    This was the power and source of sess!

 Chapter 110: Beijing Couplet Competition Begins!

    <h4>Chapter 110: Beijing Couplet Competition Begins! </h4>


    Chapter 110: Beijing Couplet Competition Begins!


    Afternoon.


    Zhang Ye was discussing with Xiao Lu about the program recording in a few days time, when suddenly, some people from the advertising department came.


    "Teacher Zhang," a youth said politely.


    "Oh, Teacher Liu." Zhang Ye went over. He had seen these people before. They had worked together on the public service advertisement.


    "Don''t, Hur Hur, don''t call me Teacher. Although I''m older than you by about three years, I do not dare to be addressed as Teacher in front of you. Well, the results of the advertisement are out. The reception was extremely good. I believe that you must have heard of it. We came over to thank you. Thank you for all the help," the youth said in friendly manner.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "You''re wee. It was nothing."


    Anotherdy chimed in, "If we encounter a tough problem in the future, we might even consult you. Please don''t be stingy when the timees and give us your guidance."


    Zhang Ye replied helplessly, "I''m just ayman. How can I give any guidance?"


    The third youth gave a wry smile, "If you are ayman, then no one in the country is a professional. I also saw the slogan for thewn on your Weibo. Although it cannot be used, it was really well-written. Also, the electricity conservation public service advertisement''s creativeness are things we need to learn from. I don''t think that it is too much to write them in advertising textbooks. You have opened a new path for creativeness in advertisements. It is extremely meaningful!"


    Zhang Ye waved his hands, "You are putting me on a pedestal. There''s no need. Really, there''s no need."


    After the people from the advertising department gave their gratitude, they left.


    Xiao Lu gave him a big thumbs up, "Teacher Zhang is indeed Teacher Zhang. This is the first time that I have seen people from the advertising department seeking someone from the program teams for advice."


    "Stop making fun of me." Zhang Ye returned to his seat.


    "Hey, look at Weibo!" Hou Ge shouted out suddenly. As he was very loud, no one was prepared for it, so they were greatly shocked.


    "Weibo?"


    "You gave me a fright."


    "What''s on Weibo, Hou Ge?"


    A few people asked.


    Hou Ge pointed to theputer, "I followed Teacher Little Zhang''s Weibo yesterday. I saw that many of Teacher Zhang''s fans were @-ing the Beijing Writers'' Association, right? They wanted to get him into the Writers'' Association, and there were people questioning why the Writers'' Association did not let Teacher Little Zhang join. It seems like it has been stirring quite a buzz for days. Look, the Beijing Writers'' Association''s official Weibo ount has replied. They said that they have the intention of inviting Teacher Zhang to join and were doing the final inspection and approval. And the Beijing Writers'' Association''s official Weibo even posted an invitation. It invited many people. Probably in the tens, and thest one is Teacher Little Zhang."


    "Entering the Writers'' Association is good. With Teacher Zhang''s ability, he should have entered long ago. What''s there to inspect? There''s no need to inspect. Anyone with eyes knows Teacher Zhang''s literary foundation!" Xiao Lu said in a displeased manner.


    Indeed, although this world''s Writers'' Association''s admission criteria was stricter than in Zhang Ye''s world, with the minimum criteria very high, with Zhang Ye''s poems, essays, novels and fairy tales, the minimum criteria was not something that could faze him. Besides, the Beijing Writers'' Association was just a province''s Writers'' Association, so was there a need for them to take so long before they announced their intentions of inviting him? There was something subtle with their attitude.


    "Invitation?" Zhang Ye was concerned about something else.


    "What invitation?" Dafei also asked.


    Hou Ge was unable to exin it properly, "Aiyah, just check yourselves."


    Zhang Ye and the rest opened Weibo and understood!


    The annual Beijing Couplet Competition was being held tomorrow. It was held in Peking University''s newly renovated hall. It was a grand coupletpetition, jointly organized by the Beijing Couplet Organization, the Beijing Writers'' Association and several other organizations. Every year, the leaders of the broadcastingpanies, officials from the Beijing Education Ministry, members of the Couplet Organization and Writers'' Association, etc would be invited as guests orpetitors.


    What was a coupletpetition?


    To be simple, they were to match verses!


    There were all sorts of one-to-one correspondence in matching the number of characters on a line, etc. It was very profound and had many rules to adhere to. It was a traditionalponent of Chinese literature and had more than a thousand years of history.


    The traditional Chinese literature of this world may be inferior tomercial entertainment programs in terms of poprity, butpared to Zhang Ye''s original world, it was much superior. Chinese literature received a lot of attention. Although Zhang Ye''s world would have coupletpetitions or poetry meets frequently, where they might even be on a national level, organized in various states, their scale was very small.


    It was done very simply. Sometimes it would even be held in a crappy ssroom with about 20 people participating. Even if it was a coupletpetition at a provincial level, there were not many who paid attention to it. However, this world was different. The number of people who paid attention to it was considerable and the scale wasrge. It was held in Peking University''s hall, and the entire process was broadcast live online. It was considered an annual grand meet in literature in Beijing. At least, many professionals paid a lot of attention to it.


    Big Thunder?


    Zheng Anbang?


    Seeing nearly a hundred members invited aspetitors, Zhang Ye could recognize a few old familiar names with his sharp eyes. Alright, they were considered old enemies. They were those people from the Beijing Writers'' Association who had gone to the Beijing Radio Station to trample on Zhang Ye, but ended up being smacked in the face by him!


    He did not know any of the other contestants.


    Many of them were from the Beijing Couplet Organization or were grassroot members.


    Zhang Ye finally saw that thest person to be invited was him!


    "But I didn''t register! Why are they inviting me to be a contestant?" Zhang Ye frowned slightly. Do you really not care about me? When you ignored me, you ignored me. When you cared about me, you didn''t ask for my opinion to put my name in there? Do you know what respect is?


    Xiao Lu said, "Who cares? You should go."


    "That''s right. It will be interesting. We can decide when the timees whether to participate or not." Hou Ge encouraged him too, "This is a grand literature event. It is much more important than the Mid Autumn Poetry Meet that you participated from before. Not just anyone gets the participation qualification. Even the entry tickets for spectators aren''t easy to get."


    With a smile, he said, "Teacher Little Zhang, aren''t you fighting for fame? This would suit you perfectly. This is entirely broadcasted live on the inte. Not many people watch it, but the numbers definitely aren''t low. If you can enter the final round and show your face, it can increase your fame. If your fame increases, it will help our new program, too."


    What he said was right.


    But�� I don''t f**king know couplets!


    It wasn''t that he didn''t know. He only knew the couplets from his world. He had no idea what the situation and foundation of the couplets for this world were!


    Zhang Ye suddenly thought of something. F**k, could the bunch of people from the Writers'' Association know that he did not know couplets, resulting in them putting him on the invitation name list without asking him? They had lost in the poempetitionst time, with the entire Beijing Writers'' Association losing to Zhang Ye. They were indignant about it and wanted to take revenge? They wanted to use a literary area that Zhang Ye did not know to ridicule him? Put him to shame? Regain their reputation?


    It seemed highly probable!


    With the Beijing Writers'' Association''s Vice President Meng Dongguo''s personality, what wouldn''t he do!?


    Ring, ring, ring. A phone call came.


    Zhang Ye picked it up, "Hello. Who is this?"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye?" It was a middle-aged woman''s voice, "I am an employee of the Couplet Organization. I want to confirm your invitation for tomorrow''s Beijing Couplet Competition. Do you have time to participate in it? If you do have time, I will inform my colleagues from the Beijing Writers'' Association to print a contestant pass and entry pass for you. You were rmended by them. Tomorrow, you can just go to Peking University, and someone from the Writers'' Association will attend to you."


    Zhang Ye hesitated for a while before saying, "Alright then."


    So what if he joined? He would analyze the situation first. If the Writers'' Association had really nted a trap for him, or this world''s couplets were things Zhang Ye did not know, then he would give up and not bring ridicule to himself. Of course, if he had a chance to show his strength, Zhang Ye would definitely not grab the opportunity to show off. Being an E-list celebrity could not satisfy him. His goal was even higher and further. He would grab tightly at every opportunity that could make him be famous. Writing novels? Writing poems? Writing stories? Writing essays? Making advertisements? Match couplets? He was never picky! He would devour them all, despite what they were!


    Outside.


    Hu Fei, who was carrying a bunch of stuff, entered.


    Hou Ge was the closest, so he rushed up, "Brother Hu, let me do it."


    "Alright. Thank you." Hou Ge gave him the box. It was the information and documents needed for work. However, after Hou Ge took it away, Hu Fei reached into the box and took out a few tickets ced at the top. Then he said to everyone, "Tomorrow, the Peking University will have a Couplet Competition. It is very grand. The Couplet Organization has invited us from the television station to spectate it. They are middle row tickets. They are hard to get, but I managed to grab five of them. Tomorrow is Saturday; let''s go together."


    "Five tickets?" Xiao Lu asked in a baffled manner, "Aren''t we short of one? With Brother Hu, we have a total of six people."


    Hu Fei pointed to Zhang Ye, "Little Zhang doesn''t need it, right? I heard that the Beijing Writers'' Association has rmended Little Zhang topete in thepetition. All contestants have an entry pass, so he doesn''t need a ticket to enter. Is that right, Little Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye nodded, "Yes, someone from the Couplet Organization just called me."


    Xiao Lu was happy, "That''s good. Then, let''s go tomorrow. Anyway I have nothing to do at home."


    Hou Di snapped his fingers, "Right, we''ll go tomorrow to cheer for Teacher Little Zhang. Do you think we should make a banner? With ''Teacher Zhang Ye, We Love You'' on it? Pretending we are his fans? With that, it can show how popr Teacher Little Zhang is and how many fans he has!"


    Dafei wiped his sweat, "��You really have nothing better to do."


    Hou Ge also pped his brother in the neck, "Does Little Zhang need to fake it? He has nock of fans!"


    Everyone happily chatted together. They came up with ns and joked around. Yes, they were actually too free. After being hired for so many days, their program had not begun airing. Since the nning for their segment had been mostlypleted, they did not have much work to do. So whenever something interesting happened, they would be extremely passionate about it. They didn''t feel good about not having anything to do all day, so naturally they had to find something to do!


    Trantor''s Note:


    Legge here. I hope you have enjoyed the releases so far for I''m Really a Superstar! I have enjoyed reading it myself and happy that you could enjoy the tranted version too.


    When I agreed to work on this with CK, we had some initial doubts on how we could make this work (fair trantion to author''s and the works featured in this story)


    We had identified that the uing couplet arc would be the most challenging to trante. In Mandarin, all of these couplets are super interesting and meaningful. So to actually make it work in English, we had to rack our brains together and try to present it well enough for the reader to feel the satisfaction of a couplet duel.


    I had a good time researching on them, learning lots in the process. No ready English resources were harmed in the process of tranting (They weren''t avable anyway) So we would like to ask for some tolerance if we didn''t do well enough. If you think that there were mistakes, feel free to contact CK, or actually feel free to discuss about the couplets if you know Chinese on Reddit, various novel forums or in thements section.


    Please do take time to read the couplets rather than skim through it. It would make us feel that our efforts were worth it. Our methods might be a little unorthodox this time. (you will find out whyter)


    As for what couplets are, please read the extract below, taken from Wikipedia.

 Chapter 111: The Preliminaries Begin!

    <h4>Chapter 111: The Preliminaries Begin! </h4>


    Chapter 111: The Preliminaries Begin!


    Saturday.


    The weather had turned chilly.


    Entrance to Peking University.


    Today, the school was sealed off. It only allowed the school''s students and teachers, as well as the Couplet Competition staff and contestants, to enter. Hence, all of the other entrances to the school were closed, leaving only the main gate and thergest side gate open. There was even a sign erected. The side gate was for students and teachers, while the main gate was used for the admission of the Couplet Competition''s relevant personnel and spectators. There wasn''t ack of security. Many of the school''s security guards were gathered here, and there were more than ten people. Because there were more extreme events happening frequently in society these days, the security check was done more strictly.


    Zhang Ye was also being inspected.


    "Hello. Please show me your tickets," a Couplet Organization staff said.


    Zhang Ye, who hade early, took advantage of not needing to line up to enter the school, but he was stopped. He said, "I''m a contestant."


    The youth looked at him, "May I know what your name is?"


    "I''m Zhang Ye. Please check for me. The Writers'' Association should have given me a pass," Zhang Ye said.


    "Alright, let me take a look." The youth immediately called out to a colleague to bring a suitcase over. Inside were the contestant passes. "Zhang Ye��Zhang Ye��" After rummaging for a while, the youth frowned, "Sorry, there''s no contestant pass with your name." Then looking at the name list, "Zhang Ye, right? The contestant name list submitted by the Writers'' Association doesn''t have you. Sorry, but I won''t be able to let you in."


    "It doesn''t have me?" Zhang Ye could not stifle hisughter.


    The people from the Couplet Organization thought that Zhang Ye was purposely here to mess things up and enter, so they ignored him and checked the tickets of others.


    Zhang Ye could smell a rat at this moment. Was it really as he had guessed? The Beijing Writers'' Association inviting him was a scheme to pay him back with his own coin? They were determined to make things difficult for him and disgust him? But aren''t your methods too low-ss? Or could it be that he was an eyesore to a minority of people from the Writers'' Association, so they had schemed against him? And the people from the upper echelons of the Writers'' Association and the Couplet Organization were uninformed of this? He felt this was most likely. Anyway, no matter what, someone had definitely done something behind the scenes. They had made an error, forgetting Zhang Ye''s contestant pass? This possibility was almost zero!


    The official admission time came.


    There were quite a lot of people lined up at the school gate. They were beginning to enter.


    Hu Fei brought Hou Ge, Hou Di, Dafei and Xiao Lu with him, and they just arrived. The moment they reached, they noticed a gloomy-looking Zhang Ye nearby.


    "Yo, Teacher Zhang!" Xiao Lu shouted.


    Dafei also waved his hands, "Teacher Zhang, over here!"


    Zhang Ye walked up, and Hu Fei andpany walked over too. Hu Fei asked in surprise, "Little Zhang, why haven''t you entered? The preliminaries have already begun, right? Contestants like you should enter much earlier than us."


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands, "I can''t get in. The Beijing Writers'' Association did not prepare a contestant pass for me. Although they invited me, my name isn''t on the invitation list."


    "What? Such a thing can happen?" Hou Ge immediately turned angry.


    Hou Di also understood immediately as he gritted his teeth, "F***, aren''t they being bullies?"


    They had recently gotten to know of Zhang Ye''s previous matters. They knew that he had offended quite a number of people from the Beijing Writers'' Association, including its Vice President Meng Dongguo. However, in their opinion, the Writers'' Association was such a big organization that wouldn''t be so petty. Since they had invited Teacher Zhang Ye, they were probably making leeway in order to then rope Zhang Ye in. That was the reason why they had encouraged Zhang Ye to join thepetition yesterday. However, who knew that they were too naive? They had invited Zhang Ye, but would not allow him entry? Were they bent on disgusting him?


    On the web, many of Zhang Ye''s fans knew that he was participating in thepetition. Many of them were full of anticipation, waiting in front of theirputers for the live stream to begin. In the end, Zhang Ye did not even enter the gates? If someone asked, would the Beijing Writers'' Association just exin it away with, "Zhang Ye gave up on his own ord"? That would make the fans grumble at Zhang Ye and, at the same time, strike a blow to his reputation. If someone investigated, the Writers'' Association could simply say, "Oh, a subordinate made a mistake and did not process the contestant pass." They could push the me just like that? It was too despicable!


    "Those bunch of grandsons!" Hou Ge cursed!


    Hu Fei''s face was also sullen, "Little Zhang, have you called the person who contacted you?"


    "Well, I was just about to call." Zhang Ye called the woman from the Couplet Organization who had contacted him from before, "Hello, I''m Zhang Ye."


    There was a lot of noise on her side. She was probably busy. "Zhang Ye? Oh, Teacher Zhang Ye. Why haven''t you entered? Can''t youe? Our preliminaries have just begun."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m already here, but I can''t enter." He exined the situation.


    The woman clearly did not know of the situation. She was stunned, "How can that be? The Writers'' Association should have done the necessary work for you. Alright, I''ll give them a call. I''ll try to arrange it for you."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye said, "Why don''t all of you go in first?"


    "If you aren''t going, what''s the point of us going?" Xiao Lu said, "If we are going in, we must all go in together!"


    Hu Fei reached into his bag and passed him a ticket. "Take my ticket and enter first. Take part in the preliminaries first. Since they invited you, even if they did something underhanded, your name must be on the namelist of the Couplet Organization. They just need to provide you a contestant pass."


    Zhang Ye waved his hands, "There''s no need. Go in first." They had all taken the pains to travel here, so how could he go in himself while leaving them outside?


    Suddenly, there were a few shouts!


    "Haha! Little Zhang!"


    "Teacher Little Zhang! Here, here!"


    "Why are you here, too? Oh, right! You are here topete!"


    The people who came were Zhang Ye''s former colleagues, Big Sis Zhou, Auntie Sun and assistant Xiaofang. After greeting them, Zhao Guozhou looked to be a bit further behind them. Zhao Guozhou and a few staff and Leaders of the radio station''s other channels were there. Seeing Zhang Ye, Zhao Guozhou smiled and walked over.


    "Little Zhang, it''s been a while." Zhao Guozhouughed.


    Zhang Ye blinked and immediately went over to say, "Brother Zhao, do you have any extra tickets?"


    "Entry tickets? Too many people on your side came? You don''t have enough tickets? That can''t be. Your television station should have more tickets than our radio station." Zhao Guozhou was puzzled. The Beijing Radio Station and the Beijing Television Station had long merged together. The tickets were first handed out to the television station. Only the leftovers were handed over to the radio station. They were considered one, and their seats were even side by side.


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "No. I can''t get in. They didn''t prepare a contestant pass for me."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Guozhou understood what could have happened, "Do we have tickets?"


    Big Sis Zhou said, "No, everyone has only one. This Couplet Competition is too popr. It''s not easy to get tickets."


    "I''ll ask around for you." Zhao Guozhou went to ask the Leaders from the other departments.


    Xiaofang immediately said, "Teacher Zhang, use my ticket. I happen to have something to do and didn''t want toe in the first ce." Everyone knew that she was lying.


    Zhang Ye shook his head, adamant about not wanting it.


    Just as they were looking for tickets, Tian Bin and his wife suddenly appeared, hand in hand. By now, Tian Bin was one of the hottestte-night segment anchors of the Central Radio Station. Under his hands, ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' had reached even greater heights. His ratings were even higher than when Zhang Ye was at the Beijing Radio Station. Afterall, the Central Radio Station could be received throughout the country, so its exposure was many times more than the Beijing Radio Station. These results were no wonder. Besides, the Central Radio Station was a huge station. It had nock of tickets, so Tian Bin would naturally get them, which meant that he could also bring his wife.


    "Zhang Ye." Tian Bin''s wife waved at him with a smile.


    Tian Bin had probably heard their conversation, so he pushed a ticket into Zhang Ye''s hands. "I have four tickets. The two friends I invited could note, as they had to work overtime. I''m giving it to you."


    Zhang Ye asked for confirmation, "This isn''t your own ticket, right?"


    "No," Tian Bin was amused, "I might not give you my ticket, even if you wanted it."


    "Alright then. Thanks a lot." Zhang Ye epted it.


    Tian Bin said, "Hurry and go. They thought a tiny trick or two can trample on you? Let the people from the Beijing Writers'' Association know who Teacher Zhang Ye is!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Alright!"


    Following that, everyone lined up to enter.


    After chatting with his former colleagues and Leader, they entered the school gates. Zhang Ye walked together with his new colleagues and Hu Fei, and went straight to a small square in the center of the school. This was where the preliminaries were being held. Only those who could pass the preliminaries had the qualification to participate in the Couplet Competition in therge hall.


    It had begun some time ago.


    There was not even much time left.


    Xiao Lu was more worried than Zhang Ye, "Teacher Little Zhang, hurry up. The people of the Writers'' Association did that, so as to deal a blow to your reputation. They might have even thought of the scenario where even if you managed to get a ticket to enter, the preliminaries would almost be over due to the dy. If you can''t even pass the preliminary, they will definitely say howcking you are. They will smear you, and then win back the reputation they lost thest time. So, we definitely cannot lose to them! We must enter the finals! Let them know how good you are! Let them recall the scene of them being hit in the face by you in the Mid Autumn Poetry Meet!"


    Hu Fei recalled something, "None of you have even asked Little Zhang if he knows anything about couplets. This is a different domain than writing poems or essays. It''spletely different."


    Only then did Hou Ge realize, "Oh, right. Teacher Little Zhang, do you know?"


    Zhang Ye sweated, "Not really. I''m not very sure either."


    "What''s there not to be sure about?" Xiao Lu said, "Just say if you have ever studied couplets before?"


    "No." Zhang Ye admitted honestly. In his world, couplets were popr only in ancient times. As for modern times? Other than cultural hipsters or schrs who still studied couplets, at the most, he had seen some Millennial Impossibilities left behind from ages long ago. However, he was still unsure what the couplet situation of this world was. He did not know if what he knew could be used.


    "You really haven''t?" Xiao Lu lost heart.


    Hou Ge also sighed, "Then there''s no other way."


    Hou Di said, "It''s alright. We cane up with a strategy to help Teacher Zhang. Let''s enter the finals first. I still know a bit about matching couplets."


    Xiao Lu said, "I also know a bit. I once did a special article about it previously in the newspaper business."

 Chapter 112: The Last Question that No One could Match!

    <h4>Chapter 112: The Last Question that No One could Match! </h4>


    Chapter 112: The Last Question that No One could Match!


    Square in the school.


    The woman from the Couplet Organization gave him a call.


    "Hello, Teacher Zhang Ye. Where are you?"


    "I''m already inside, in the square where the preliminaries are held."


    "Oh? Why can''t I see you? Which one are you?"


    "Are you the one in a white long dress? I can see you."


    She was the only one making a phone call. Zhang Ye walked over, and she was indeed the woman from the Couplet Organization. "Hello."


    The woman lowered her cellphone and handed him a contestant pass and said, "Sorry, Teacher Zhang. The staff missed it. They just found it. Hurry up and participate. There''s no need to register. You just need to answer a question. Well, I have something else to do. I''m leaving first."


    "Thank you." Zhang Ye watched her leave.


    Not far away, Hu Fei greeted him, "You got it?"


    Zhang Ye tersely acknowledged before looking at the questions asked in the preliminaries.


    There were three question boards in front. They were spaced ten meters apart. There were many people crowded in front of each question board. There were contestants, as well as spectators. Of course, there were not many contestants left at this moment. Many of them had passed the preliminaries and entered the hall by answering correctly. There were less than twenty people left answering. They were pondering deeply in front of the question boards. The questions did not seem easy.


    There were the preliminaries'' rules by the side.


    1. Contestants, please answer the questions ording to the specifications.


    2. You have passed only after the judges'' decision.


    3. There are only 50 questions. There cannot be more than 50 people passing the preliminaries.


    Xiao Lu eximed, "There are only 50 questions? Aren''t there nearly a hundred contestants? Doesn''t that mean that they are eliminating half? That''s too cruel!"


    Hou Ge was in a hurry, "There''s not much time left!"


    Hou Di pointed to the question board. "There are only two questions left on this board. Ah, that board is full and all the questions have been answered by others. The third board also only has one question left!"


    There were three questions left, and about 20 contestants who had not given up on answering!


    Some of the contestants felt that they would not be able to answer and had given up, so they had entered the spectator stands.


    "Hurry, hurry, hurry! Let us quickly look at the questions! Grab every second!" Xiao Lu said in a rush.


    The 50 questions were all couplets. There were four-word, five-word and seven-word verses. All of them were the first half of a couplet. The rules were very simple. There was nock of ink and brushes in front of the boards. As long as a contestant wrote an answer below the first half of a couplet, and matched it properly with the proper correspondence, they would pass.


    The three judges from the Couplet Organization had the authority to make the judgement. The judges were all pretty old. Two of them were old men, and one of them was an old granny. Although Zhang Ye did not know them, he could tell that they were likely authoritative figures in the industry from the way the contestants were so respectful to them. At least, they were top experts in the couplet domain.


    After calming his mind, Zhang Ye began looking at the questions.


    Three��


    Five��


    Zhang Ye scanned them once. He discovered that the couplets in this world were simr to those from his world. Heaven matched Earth, Rain matched Wind, Land matched Sky. There was no difference at all. However, he saw some that he had never seen before. Many of the couplets did not exist in Zhang Ye''s former world. Maybe it was because Zhang Ye was not well-read, or perhaps he had already forgotten. After all, he did not really study much of couplet culture.


    Let''s eat a Memory Search Capsule first!


    Zhang Ye opened his game ring and looked at his Reputation. With the help from yesterday''s public service advertisement, his overall Reputation points were still slowly increasing. It wasn''t fast, but after two days and one night, it had managed to reach 100,000. Zhang Ye clicked on the Merchant Shop to buy one Memory Search Capsule, before eating it.


    ����


    His memories shed past.


    Under the mental guidance of Zhang Ye, time returned to the year 2011 from his previous world.


    Back then, Zhang Ye had just entered college. He was determined to be famous. Every piece of news had an objective attraction to it. One weekend, he had obtained a library card and went to the Media College''s library to browse through books. In the beginning, he did not manage to find books he wanted to read. So he flipped through books like searching a needle in a haystack. In the end, he had flipped through a coupletption and apanion book that exined and dissected couplets.


    The two books were not thick.


    One page, ten pages, a hundred pages.


    ����


    The five minutes were up.


    The Memory Search time was over.


    Zhang Ye slowly opened his eyes. Back then, he had been flippantly browsing, but now with the Memory Search reinforcing his memory, Zhang Ye could remember every single couplet!


    Immediately, he looked at the 50 questions again!


    In the clouds, something, something? I don''t know!


    The flying snow, something, something? No idea!


    Scorching vine, something, something? Never seen before!


    After seeing quite a number, they were works that had not appeared in Zhang Ye''s world. He could not answer them. But just as he was beginning to believe that the couplets of his world had no crossover with this world, a couplet appeared in his eyes. Following that, there was a second and a third!


    They existed! There were really some that he recognized!


    They were identical to the couplets from his world!


    For example, the 41st question, the first half was: Two Three Four Five.


    The second half had been matched by someone else. It wrote: Six Seven Eight Nine.


    This couplet looked silly and a bit ridiculous, but there was a profoundness to it. Zhang Ye had previously searched his memories and there was a dissection of this particr couplet. In professional terms, it was a hidden couplet. Why did Six Seven Eight Nine match Two Three Four Five? That was because Two Three Four Fivecked (ȱ, Qu��) One (һ, Y��), and which sounded likecking (ȱ) clothes (��, Y��). And Six Seven Eight Nine was missing (��, Sh��o) Ten (ʮ, Sh��), which sounded like missing (��) food (ʳ, Sh��). Together, it formed an idiom, ȱ����ʳ (Qu�� Y�� Sh��o Sh��) "have not enough clothing and very little food". This was a hidden couplet.


    This discovery made Zhang Ye overjoyed. After inspecting it once, although the couplets from his world only took up about 20-30% of the 50 couplets, this was enough to make Zhang Ye relieved. This meant that he still had a chance. It meant that the two worlds had a crossover in works, and it was not to a tiny extent. After thinking about it, they had shared a simr history. Some historical figures were still the same, even after being altered by the game ring. Therefore, the couplet culture, as a whole, shouldn''t differ by too much. For the same couplets to appear in both worlds was not unusual at all.


    Xiao Lu suddenly said, "Hey, I may be able to match this couplet. When I was an editor, I had seen a simr one to this before. I just need to modify it a little and it should work. Morning snow��.. not right, morning dew��.."


    Hou Ge urged "Xiao Lu,e on, hurry!"


    "Don''t rush me. I am still thinking!" Xiao Lu grasped her hair.


    Isn''t it morning something something, won''t it be better to match it with early?" Hou Di also chipped in with ideas.


    It could be seen that all of them sincerely wanted Zhang Ye to qualify for the finals to prevent the lowlives from the Beijing Writers'' Association from achieving their target at discounting Zhang Ye''s authority within the literary circle.


    Over there was a middle-aged man who suddenly smacked his own forehead. He then stepped forward with a writing brush and matched the couplet by writing on it while Xiao Lu, Hou Di and the others were thinking. After he wrote, he looked over at the 3 judges and received their acknowledgment. Heughed heartily. He had passed!


    Xiao Lu was mad, "Someone got it before us!"


    Hou Di said pitifully "Just a step short; we were close to an answer!"


    "There are only two questions left." Dafei reminded.


    However, Hu Fei sighed and pointed, "Actually, there''s only one left."


    When they looked over, they saw an old foe of Zhang Ye''s stepping up, holding a brush and matching the couplet. His strokes were vigorous and strong, and the words were very nicely written. That person was Big Thunder, a poet from the Beijing Writers'' Association. After getting the judges'' acknowledgment, heughed, "Thank you, Teachers."


    The bald, old male judge looked at him and said, "Big Thunder, you were the previous coupletpetition''s runner up. Why did you use such a long time to match?"


    The second judge, the old granny smiled. "Did you not see it? Big Thunder did not answer the simple questions, but chose one of the two most difficult questions. This is the ingrained stubbornness of the previous runner up. Hur Hur. Only Big Thunder has such a standard. If he did not answer this question, I guess that no one else would be able to."


    The third judge, an old man said, "There''s still onest question left? Oh, my guess wasn''t bad at all. This is really thest question left. Elder Qian, this question of yours cannot be answered by just anyone. It''s just the preliminary round and you are already making it so difficult? In such a short time, who can match this couplet?"


    Elder Qian was the 1st judge of this year''spetition. He was also the oldest and the most experienced. He touched his beard and said, "This is the Couplet Competition. How can it be interesting if it is not difficult?"


    Big Thunder and the judges obviously knew each other. He said to them upon hearing that, "The 50th question was given by Elder Qian? No wonder, I was thinking about it all day but could not match it. This couplet is probably not going to be matched by anyone. Don''t mention trying to match it, whether it can be read properly would also be a problem. Even a professional might not be able to read it right."


    That was a given. Elder Qian was known as the Phantom Talent in the literary circle. He wasn''t a part of the Beijing Couplet Organization, nor the Beijing Writers'' Association, but he was a member of the National Writers'' Association. His reputation was very high, and he was well-known for giving extremely difficult questions, and not only in the field of couplets. He was one of the examiners at this year''s college entrance examinations, too. His questions were usually not given to grade a student, but to differentiate the good students from the bad.


    A lot of contestants had now given up, including many distinguished authors and university professors. When met with such a question and hearing the conversation between Elder Qian and Big Thunder, everyone knew that they had to give up, and that there was no chance of them passing the preliminary round. They might as well be content with being the audience today.


    All of them gave up, except for Zhang Ye, who was still staring at the question. His eyes were even blinking.. because this couplet was one that he had seen before!

 Chapter 113: Zhang Ye’s Second Half!

    <h4>Chapter 113: Zhang Ye��s Second Half! </h4>


    Chapter 113: Zhang Ye''s Second Half!


    In the square.


    The preliminary round wasing to an end.


    "Time is almost up?" Elder Qian said.


    The second judge said, "Well, let''s wait another two more minutes."


    The third judge nodded, "Okay. If no one steps forward, we will be closing up. Hur Hur."


    The three judges announced the ending time, as the preliminaries could not go on without an ending. Everyone was still waiting for the opening ceremony over at the auditorium. Actually, they had not expected anyone to be able to match this couplet. There wasn''t enough time either. The key couplet''s second line was a very tricky one; every word had to be separated, broken down and digested before you could attempt to match the second line. There was just no other way.


    Elder Qian looked at those who had given up and shook his head slightly. In his heart, he had hoped that someone could match this couplet, but he understood that there was no way anyone could.


    ����


    Not far away.


    Xiao Lu was getting anxious, "Quickly match it!"


    Hou Di did not know whether tough or to cry, "How do you match question 50?"


    Dafei also looked over at the couplet that was coined as one of the two most difficult questions, "Hai shui chao chao chao chao chao chao chao luo*? Was this couplet matching, or was this a tongue twister? What is this crap?"


    Hou Ge also stared, "The words are written incorrectly, right? Why are there so many ''chao''?"


    Xiao Lu gave an idea, "Why don''t we just bullsh*t and try our luck? Let''s match it with ''Da feng gua gua gua gua gua gua gua qi''."


    Man, with so many gua (Gusting), it had to be a typhoon. Zhang Ye could only smile bitterly.


    Dafei nearly fainted as he said, "Why didn''t you match it with ''Fu ben zou zou zou zou zou zou zou'' (copy cat go go go go go go go)?"


    Xiao Lu also knew it couldn''t work. She looked down in despair, "Then what should we do?"


    Just as they were discussing, Big Thunder was staring at Zhang Ye andughed. He walked up and said, "Yo. Zhang Ye is here, too? Have you not matched any yet? But there''s only this one left." Big Thunder was good at poetry and also couplets, otherwise he wouldn''t have received the runner up position in thestpetition. He stood before Zhang Ye this time as apetitor in the coupletpetition. Big Thunder was very confident; he knew that in terms of poetry, he might notpare to Zhang Ye, but in couplets? He wants topete with me in couplets? You sure are funny! Big Thunder joined this year with the target to be the champion!


    Zhang Ye looked at him, "So what if there''s only one left?"


    "Then you had better hurry; there''s not much time." Big Thunderughed, "And are you even sure that you can match this couplet? This was given by Elder Qian. Before bragging that you can match it, why not read the first part of the couplet for us first? I''m afraid that you can''t even read it correctly. If that''s the case, then you can forget about matching it."


    Xiao Lu whispered, "Teacher Zhang, just bullsh*t your way through!"


    "Right. Write anything. You might even get it correct!" Hou Di said, "Why don''t you just use the one Xiao Lu suggested earlier?"


    The few of them discussed in whispers.


    Big Thunder shook his head, "You are even trying to match the couplet collectively? Isn''t this cheating?"


    Xiao Lu stared viciously at Big Thunder. This old bald donkey! What has it to do with you? Could it be that you were the one who did not allow Teacher Zhang topete? Were you the one ying tricks?


    The first judge, Elder Qian, looked at his watch, "Okay. Let''s call it a day."


    They were preparing to go off. The school staff wereing over to move the tables away and pack up.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye said loudly, "Judges, please wait. I would like to give it a try."


    Big Thunder was stunned, and he was also happy. He wondered if Zhang Ye was even serious about matching this couplet? And he hadn''t even arrived for long? In such a short time, what could he match! Even if it was him, he might have had to spend an hour or two and it might not even be a good match, or he might not even be able to match it, so how could Zhang Ye?


    The other contestants also stopped in their steps and paid attention.


    "Eh?"


    "Who is this person?"


    "This couplet must be an impossibility, right? Yet, someone actually wants to try it?"


    "It cannot be considered an impossibility, but it is definitely very difficult."


    "Can he do it? I have never seen him before. Is he from this field?"


    Big Sis Zhou, Auntie Sun and Zhao Guozhou were also observing near the square. When they saw Zhang Ye stepping up, they all cheered.


    "Teacher Zhang, go for it!" Xiaofang shouted.


    "Little Zhang! Show them what you''ve got!" Auntie Sun said


    Zhang Ye turned around to look. Even Tian Bin and his wife were gesturing for him to do well. He nodded to them in acknowledgment and assured them.


    With all the shouting, many of those who had given up were shocked!


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "He is that Zhang Ye?"


    "Shuidiao Getou was very well written. So that''s him."


    "I heard that he pped the faces of those in the Writers'' Association thest time, yet he dares to step foot here today?"


    A portion of the crowd still did not know of Zhang Ye, but there were still some who had heard of him before. They all gathered together and discussed about him, asionally pointing at him.


    At this time, the cameraman responsible for live streaming the event also pointed his camera at Zhang Ye. The preliminary round was not streamed live, but he still had to record it. There would be edits to create a highlight reel that was to be uploaded to the inte.


    The three judges looked over at him, "Try it then."


    Zhang Ye did not mind the discussion around him and stepped forward.


    Xiao Lu suddenly asked, "Are you really going to use that ''gua gua gua gua gua gua gua''?"


    Zhang Yeughed. He was thinking that not even a fool would use a crappy match like yours; the words didn''t even correspond. If this bro wrote it, he would have caused the professionals to die ofughter. This first verse had hidden tricks behind it, so how could it be easily solved with just luck? But Zhang Ye felt no pressure. Coincidentally, one of the two most difficult upper verses, the 50th and thest question, fell into the 20-30% of couplets that existed in his previous world. This couplet had even beenpleted by the capable predecessors of his world!


    The question board was nearing.


    Standing in front of it, Zhang Ye stopped and lowered his head. He picked up a writing brush, dipped the ink on its tip, raised his hand and started writing the second verse without a thought.


    Big Thunder had a look. At first, he did not understand.


    The other contestants also inexplicably watched Zhang Ye writing the second verse. Because they did not understand the first verse at all, arge portion of them did not even know how to read it. So when Zhang Ye wrote the second verse out, they did not seem to understand it either. They were all confused.


    The only thing they knew was that this man''s calligraphy was very good!


    Hou Ge eximed, "Good writing!"


    Hu Fei eyes brightened, "Teacher Little Zhang, great calligraphy! The flicks are elegant, and yet doesn''tck strength!"


    Xiao Lu was also lost in admiration, "These words are so beautiful! Teacher Zhang Ye is even skilled in calligraphy?"


    The other contestants and audience members also had a look at Zhang Ye''s writing. He was such a young man, yet his calligraphy was so good. It was not often that there was such a person!


    Zhang Ye put down the brush. He hadpleted the verse!


    Everyone then focused on the second half of the couplet Zhang Ye wrote: Fu yun zhang zhang zhang zhang zhang zhang zhang xiao*!


    What second half is this?


    What did it mean?


    Nothing could be seen on the surface!


    Big Thunder and a few aplished couplet experts stared at the second half. They gave it some thought and tried to read it a few times, but they did not manage to.


    It''s not right?


    Did this second half match?


    They were not sure either. The first and second half were both very vague, so they could hardly tell!


    Even the second and third judges did not give it much thought at first nce. They felt that this young man was likely writing it blindly, but his words were very neat and tidy. Elder Qian''s first half of his couplet was definitelyplicated, both in its profoundness and mood. It was impossible to match it.


    Some booing was heard in the audience.


    "What is this?"


    "Haha, using these few words and it can be considered a second verse?"


    "Right, then I can do it, too. The first verse can''t be that simple."


    "This must be blindly matched. Zhang zhang zhang zhang zhang? What and what!"


    Only Elder Qian narrowed his eyes, "Lad, how do you read this second verse of yours?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and responded with a question, "How do you read your first half?"


    "My first half is��" Elder Qian recited, "H��i shu�� ch��o, zh��o zh��o ch��o, zh��o ch��o zh��o lu�� (the sea tide; it rises everyday; everyday it rises and everyday it falls)."


    After reading them with the right pronunciation, these consecutive ''chao/zhao'' made clear sense. A lot of the contestants and audience members were suddenly enlightened. So that''s how it was! That was how it was read! No wonder the previous runner up, Big Thunder, said that even professionals might not be able to read it right! The technique within was so profound! This was a couplet consisting of same characters, but different pronunciations! This kind of couplet matching was too damn difficult! Because it was veryplicated! And it even required a second verse to match it neatly? Impossible!


    Xiao Lu was speechless, "This first verse is too obscure!"


    Hou Di sighed, "Teacher Little Zhang definitely didn''t manage to match it. Chang chang chang chang? It doesn''t correspond, right?"


    Hou Ge said, "Forget it. There''s nothing to feel regretful about. After all, Teacher Zhang''s forte is not in matching couplets. He had even said before that he did not know much about couplets."


    The second judge looked at Elder Qian, "Let''s go, Elder Qian. Let''s go to the hall."


    "That''s right; we need to judge the finals." The third judge, who was an old man, said.


    But no one expected to see Elder Qian remaining motionless. He looked at Zhang Ye, "What about you?"


    "H��i shu�� ch��o, zh��o zh��o ch��o, zh��o ch��o zh��o lu�� (the sea tide; everyday it rises; everyday it rises and everyday it falls)." Zhang Ye repeated it again, and then smiled before saying his second half, "F�� y��n zh��ng, ch��ng ch��ng zh��ng, ch��ng zh��ng ch��ng xi��o (the cloud forms; it forms constantly; constantly it forms and constantly it dissolves)!"


    The second and third judges, who had just turned around, halted in their steps upon hearing this. They turned their heads in shock!


    Many spectators and contestants were about to leave, too. But when they heard Zhang Ye recite the second verse, one could tell with the naked eye that their expressions were that of shock!


    Big Thunder was stunned!


    Hou Ge, Hou Di, Xiao Lu andpany stared widely!


    At this moment, the entire Peking University''s small square seemed to quieten down!


    *��ˮ���������������� (Hai shui chao chao chao chao chao chao chao luo).


    The repeated character, �� (pronounced either zh��o or ch��o), when pronounced as ch��o, it means "the tide" (��); when pronounced as zh��o, it means "the day". Depending on the way the punctuation is ced, the sentence can mean somethingpletely different.


    *���Ƴ��������������� (Fu yun zhang zhang zhang zhang zhang zhang zhang xiao).


    The repeated character, �� (pronounced either zh��ng or ch��ng), when pronounced as zh��ng, it means "long/length/grow"; when pronounced as ch��ng (��), it means "always/often". Depending on the way the punctuation is ced, the sentence can mean somethingpletely different.

 Chapter 114: Miraculous Couplet Matching Miraculous Couplet!

    <h4>Chapter 114: Miraculous Couplet Matching Miraculous Couplet! </h4>


    Chapter 114: Miraculous Couplet Matching Miraculous Couplet!


    There was silence all around!


    H��i shu�� ch��o, zh��o zh��o ch��o, zh��o ch��o zh��o lu�� (the sea tide; it rises everyday; everyday it rises and everyday it falls)?


    F�� y��n zh��ng, ch��ng ch��ng zh��ng, ch��ng zh��ng ch��ng xi��o (the cloud forms; it forms constantly; constantly it forms and constantly it dissolves)?


    No one expected that the simple ''chang chang chang chang chang'' Zhang Ye had written had a simr hidden catch to it!


    The old man who was the third judge cried out with a hoarse voice, "This�� Someone really managed to match it?"


    They could not believe it, but reality was ced right in front of them. Phantom Talent Elder Qian''s most difficult question had been matched. And it had been matched perfectly!


    The video camera man for the online stream closed up on Zhang Ye''s face. He also stopped on the couplet that Zhang Ye had written for a long period of time!


    Elder Qian looked at Zhang Ye. After several seconds, he burst out intoughter, "Good! A young person''s abilities must be respected! A young person''s abilities must be respected!"


    After he stoppedughing, he stroked his beard. "You really exceeded my expectations. Today you have given me too great a surprise. Good. Youngd, I will barely pass you."


    Pass?


    And only barely?


    Everyone was puzzled. Didn''t he match it?


    Zhang Ye looked at Elder Qian, but he was not angry. Heughed, "Why only barely?"


    The second judge who was the old granny was also pondering over his words, "Old man Qian, didn''t he do a good job matching? There''s nothing to fault at his correspondence. The mood is also just right. What is there for you to pick on? I think it was matched perfectly!"


    The third judge frowned as he gave it some thought, before suddenly saying, "Hey, does your first half of the couplet still have a hidden catch?"


    Elder Qian smiled. "Yes, the first half has other ways of reading it. The meaning and mood are all different. So he can only be considered to have matched a tiny portion of it, hence I said that he barely passed."


    There were still hidden catches?


    There were still tricks inside?


    Everyone was stunned. Did Elder Qiane out with a miraculous couplet?


    They had originally thought that the couplet was extremely difficult. Yet they had underestimated it?


    It was a miraculous couplet!


    Xiao Lu eximed, "Passing is good. Teacher Zhang is awesome!"


    Hou Ge and Hou Di were also full of admiration. It was quite exaggerated to even match a portion of it. After all, they had not been able to understand the first half of the couplet just now!


    Big Thunder felt his mind bnce.


    The other contestants also felt their minds bnce upon hearing it!


    Oh, so he did notpletely match the first half. He still had other ways of reading the first half!


    Elder Qian looked at Zhang Ye and pleasingly said, "If we follow strictly by the rules, I can''t let you pass based on your answer. Because this is the the Beijing Couplet Competition, not only do we have to adhere to the rules, but it also has to fit the mood in all aspects. But because this first verse is veryplex andplicated, and is a miraculous couplet, and the fact that you are still young, to be able match to this point is already a very good result. That is why I gave you a pass. I believe the other two judges won''t have any objections."


    The old granny said, "Of course I have no qualms. Pass him."


    The third judge said, "I would have had a problem with you if you didn''t pass him. Haha."


    But just as Elder Qian was about to pass Zhang Ye, Zhang Ye suddenly stepped forward and said with augh, "All of you might have no problems with it, but I have a problem with it. Elder Qian, you said that my second half had barely managed to match the first half. I can''t pretend I didn''t hear that. Hur Hur."


    Everyone burst into an uproar!


    You still have a problem?


    What problem can you have?


    Elder Qian was amused, "Why? You aren''t convinced? Then I''ll read the other ways of reading my first half. I will let a youngd like you be utterly convinced after losing."


    Losing?


    I will lose?


    Zhang Ye said without fear, "What a coincidence. My second half also has many ways of reading it!"


    It was time for Elder Qian and the rest to be shocked. "Eh? You also have?"


    Xiao Lu shouted out, "What the hell! Teacher Zhang, you really can do it?"


    Zhao Guozhou, Hu Fei andpany could hardly believe it.


    Big Thunder scoffed. It was impossible!


    He was amused in his mind at how Zhang Ye had made such an outrageous brag!


    Big Thunder already understood the tricks behind the first half of the couplet. Hai shui chao chao chao chao chao chao chao luo?


    In between the few ''chao'' words, punctuation could be ced. And changing the pronunciation, the meaning would bepletely different. Even the message expressed would be very different. There were all sorts of knowledge intertwined in it. Hur, what a joke. What knowledge was there in your chang chang chang chang chang?


    It was just a coincidence that the first verse was matched for this interpretation of the verse!


    Why are you still bragging?


    You''re full of yourself!


    The inte streaming cameraman did not dare lose his focus. He kept the camera pointed in Zhang Ye''s direction.


    Themotion had attracted a lot of people. More and more of the guests who had previously gone to the auditorium had returned.


    "Someone has answered thest question?"


    "What''s the situation? Who is that person?"


    "It''s not considered as answered. Elder Qian''s first verse has a trick."


    These contestants who had gone through to the finals apparently found out about the situation here when their friends called. Their curiosities were piqued and they proceeded back here to see who had answered the 50th question. Those who had gone through earlier had all seen that question and no one was confident in answering it, but instead they all chose to match simpler couplets. Now that someone had solved one of the two most difficult questions, everyone naturally wanted to know who it was.


    Amongst them was Zheng Anbang, who was from the Beijing Writer''s Association and had participated in the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet together with Big Thunder. It seemed like he was also an expert at couplets and had already passed the preliminaries earlier. When he reached the square, he bumped into Big Thunder and asked him for the details.


    Following that, Beijing Writers'' Association''s Vice-President Meng Dongguo also arrived.


    And Zhang Ye''s current Leader from the TV station''s Arts Channel, Wang Shuixin, also walked over. Director Wang was not a participant. He probably had tickets toe watch thepetition, "Old Hu!"


    Hu Fei went over, "Director, you are here, too?"


    "What''s going on? Little Zhang answered it?" Wang Shuixin was very curious.


    Hu Fei replied, "Not yet. Teacher Little Zhang and Elder Qian.. were just about to have a couplet duel."


    "A couplet duel with Elder Qian?" Wang Shuixinughed loudly, thinking that the young one was too overconfident!


    ����


    Ignoring the chattering around.


    After hearing Zhang Ye''s big words, Elder Qian narrowed his eyes and curiously said to Zhang Ye, "Okay, then let''s give it a try? Are you sure that you have considered it properly and are ready for it? My first verse has a lot of variations!"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Such a coincidence! My second verse''s variations are more than a few, too."


    Elder Qian epted the challenge, "Then let''s begin."


    "Yes." Zhang Ye was unrelenting, "You first."


    Elder Qian closed his eyes, "H��i shu�� ch��o, ch��o zh��o zh��o, zh��o zh��o ch��o lu�� (the sea tide; ites daily; daily it falls)!"


    Once the duel started, everyone stopped their chattering and focused towards the two of them. Everyone wanted to know how Zhang Ye could counter every move!


    Elder Qian had stated that his first verse had a lot of variations and intonations. Everyone had believed this because it was Elder Qian, the man who was the college entrance examination''s question setter. But Zhang Ye also said his second verse had its own tricks?


    No one believed this. Not Big Thunder, not Zheng Anbang, and not Meng Dongguo!


    Let''s see Elder Qian''s first verse!


    This time, the usage of words and intonation of the first verse were different!


    Compared to the previous couplet, this one had inclinations towards a big rise and a big fall. This modified first verse was now something closer to nature, so it was different. Even though the words were still ''hai shui zhao zhao zhao zhao zhao zhao zhao luo'', in fact this had be another version of a first verse!


    This was definitely the showstopper!


    Everyone knew that Zhang Ye''s second verse could not match this!


    But then, Zhang Ye just gave a smile, "F�� y��n zh��ng, zh��ng ch��ng ch��ng, ch��ng ch��ng zh��ng xi��o (the cloud forms; it expands often; often it shrinks)!"*


    What?


    This second half��


    What the heck!


    He matched it?


    Your freaking second half also has variations?


    Upon hearing Zhang Ye''s second match, everyone still had note around to!


    Elder Qian was also stunned. He came up with the third variation, "H��i shu�� ch��o, zh��o zh��o zh��o ch��o, zh��o zh��o lu�� (The sea tide; daily it rises; daily it falls)!" This time, not only the pronunciation and words had been changed, even the punctuation had been changed. It was a 3-4-3 punctuation.


    Zhang Ye immediately answered, "F�� y��n zh��ng, ch��ng ch��ng zh��ng zh��ng, ch��ng ch��ng xi��o (The cloud forms; often it expands; often it dissipates)!"


    Elder Qian immediately came up with the fourth couplet, "H��i shu�� ch��o, zh��o ch��o zh��o ch��o, zh��o ch��o lu�� (The sea tide; it rises and rises; daily it falls)!"


    Zhang Ye said, "F�� y��n zh��ng, ch��ng zh��ng ch��ng zh��ng, ch��ng zh��ng xi��o (The cloud forms; it expands and expands; often it shrinks)!"


    Elder Qian''s eyes narrowed even more, "H��i shu�� zh��o ch��o, zh��o zh��o ch��o, zh��o zh��o lu�� (The tidees in the morning; daily it rises, daily it falls)!"


    Zhang Ye said coolly, "F�� y��n ch��ng zh��ng, ch��ng ch��ng zh��ng, ch��ng ch��ng xi��o (The cloud often spreads; often it spreads; often it dissipates)!"


    Everyone turned dumbfounded while hearing this. All of them were like stone statues while hearing the two in their couplet duel!


    They felt that this was in the realm of another. No one could interfere, nor could anyone interrupt them. They could only listen to it, as they got more and more astonished with every variation of the miraculous couplet!


    Elder Qian could not believe it, "H��i shu�� zh��o ch��o, zh��o zh��o zh��o ch��o zh��o lu�� (The tidees in the morning; daily it rises and falls)!"


    Zhang Ye brushed his hair, "F�� y��n ch��ng zh��ng, ch��ng ch��ng ch��ng zh��ng ch��ng xi��o (The cloud often spreads; often it expands and dissipates)!"


    Elder Qian gave him a look, "H��i shu�� zh��o ch��o, zh��o ch��o zh��o zh��o ch��o lu�� (The tidees in the morning; its rise daily falls)!"


    Zhang Ye returned the look, "F�� y��n ch��ng zh��ng, ch��ng zh��ng ch��ng ch��ng zh��ng xi��o (The cloud often spreads; its expansion often shrinks)!"


    He could even do that?


    He could even match that?


    Noticing that he was on the brink, Elder Qian used his ultimate move, "H��i shu�� zh��o zh��o ch��o, zh��o ch��o zh��o zh��o lu�� (The seawater daily forms tides; the daily tide daily falls)!" This time it was a "5-5 punctuation"


    Who knew that Zhang Ye was not pressured at all as he answered easily, "F�� y��n ch��ng ch��ng zh��ng, ch��ng zh��ng ch��ng ch��ng xi��o (The cloud often grows long, the often expansion often dissipates)!"


    Elder Qian did not stop, "H��i shu�� ch��o zh��o zh��o, zh��o zh��o zh��o ch��o lu�� (The tidees daily, daily the tide falls)!"


    Zhang Ye''s answer was also extremely fast, as if he did not need to think before answering, "F�� y��n zh��ng ch��ng ch��ng, ch��ng ch��ng ch��ng zh��ng xi��o (The cloud expands often; often the expansion shrinks)!"


    Finally, Elder Qian gave hisst couplet, "This is the final variation, H��i shu�� zh��o zh��o zh��o ch��o, zh��o zh��o ch��o lu�� (The seawater daily forms morning tides, daily it falls)!" This was an irregr 6-4 punctuation.


    Zhang Ye replied with a smile, "This is also myst variation, F�� y��n ch��ng ch��ng ch��ng zh��ng, ch��ng ch��ng zh��ng xi��o (The clouds often makes expansions; often it shrinks)!"


    When thest verse was finished, the square turned into chaos!


    "What the heck!"


    "Your sister!"


    "What did I hear?"


    "God! He can even match that?"


    Zhang Ye actually managed to match that!


    He matched them all!


    Every variation of the couplet was matched!


    And it was not as simple as barely matching!


    Every match was wless!


    It waspletely harmonious!


    Elder Qian, "��"


    Big Thunder, "��"


    The rest of the contestants and spectators, "��"


    What the f**k to your second granny!


    You could even do that!?


    Zheng Anbang gasped, "This Zhang Ye''s aplishment in couplets is so deep?"


    "How would I know!?" Big Thunder''s face wasn''t very good. "He can even match such a miraculous couplet? To manage to fight back in a couplet duel with Elder Qian? This kid must be on stimnts!"


    Everyone was curious and astonished!


    No one had witnessed such an exciting couplet duel before!

 Chapter 115: The Buzz from the Live Webcast!

    <h4>Chapter 115: The Buzz from the Live Webcast! </h4>


    Chapter 115: The Buzz from the Live Webcast!


    It was silent for a few seconds!


    Many people''s emotions were stirred!


    "Teacher Zhang, I love you!" ex-assistant Xiaofang screamed.


    Xiao Lu also waved her arms excitedly, "Teacher Zhang, I love you, too!"


    Hou Ge and Hou Di cried with excitement, "Teacher Zhang, you are so godly! So godly!"


    Too awesome, too merciless, too strong, scaring the heavens, making spirits cry! So a couplet duel can be so earth-shattering?


    Other than Big Sis Zhou, Zhao Guozhou and the others who knew Zhang Ye personally, once the couplet duel was over, those that were present couldn''t hold back from apuding loudly!


    A miraculous couplet had amazed the whole audience!


    Especially the second verse; it was simply the ultimate!


    The first and second verses had matched so perfectly!


    Of course it was perfect. Because not only did Zhang Ye know about this couplet, he even knew about its origins. In Zhang Ye''s previous world, on Qinhuang Ind, there was a Temple of Lady Meng Jiang. In the front of the temple were two pirs, which the couplets had been inscribed upon. It described the scenery around Shanghai Pass and the Temple of Lady Meng Jiang, as well as the expression of nature, the expression of the universe, describing the world of everything using the sea tide and floating clouds as figures of speech, rising and falling, expanding and dissolving, without a state of normalization. This pair of couplets could be read in over ten ways, and was considered a wonder of the world. And in the examples in the textbooks, these couplets had been used as an examination question, as well as an example. Hence, even if Zhang Ye did not use a Memory Search Capsule, he still had a deep impression of it!


    As for whose creation this pair of verses belonged to, Zhang Ye did not know. But since this was basically a pair of couplets, then of course it was perfect and without blemish; otherwise, why would the future generationsbel it as the Millennial Miraculous Couplet? However, Elder Qian was considered to be quite a genius. This world might not have a Temple of Lady Meng Jiang, yet he had came up with the upper half of such a miraculous couplet. Seeing Elder Qian''s expression and his reaction from just now, he must have not thought of a corresponding second half, or the second half he had thought up wasn''t the one that Zhang Ye had used.


    It was alright. Zhang Ye had helped himplete the couplet, and had found a good home for the Millennial Miraculous Couplet in this world!


    Elder Qian was speechless for quite a while.


    The second judge, the old granny, asked him in aghast, "Youngd, what''s your name?"


    Zhang Ye said, neither superciliously nor obsequiously, "My name is Zhang Ye."


    The old granny was taken aback, "That ''Shuidiao Getou'' was written by you?"


    "Yes, it is mine. Sorry for incurring your ridicule," Zhang Ye said humbly.


    The third judge, who was the old man, praised, "What a marvelous ''Fu yun chang chang chang chang chang chang chang xiao''! Well-matched! A miraculous couplet matching a miraculous couplet! Haha!"


    The old granny nced at Elder Qian, "Old man Qian, you sure met your match this time around!"


    Elder Qian gave Zhang Ye a few long stares, and in the end, ridiculed himself, "When I wrote the first half, I had also matched it with another second half. But now,pared to your second half, my second half�� Forget it; let''s not talk about it. Be it the corresponding neatness or the mood, your second half is one level higher than mine. Thank you, youngd, for giving this miraculous couplet''s first half a perfect match!" Saying that, Elder Qian returned to his seat to pick up a pen to write Zhang Ye''s name, "I dere that the preliminary round has officially ended. Zhang Ye, you passed!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Thank you, Teacher."


    ����


    The preliminaries had ended.


    Everyone left as they discussed.


    "Bravo!" Hou Ge hugged Zhang Ye''s shoulders!


    Hu Fei gave a relieved and contented pat on Zhang Ye''s back, "Goodd! You really are the best! This is what you call not knowing how to match couplets? This is what you call not studying couplets before? Who are you bluffing! Haha!"


    Zhang Ye immediately tried to stay low-key, "It was just sheer luck."


    "Come on, Teacher Zhang!" Hou Di said delightedly, "You have tricks up your sleeve at every turn!"


    Amongst the people, Tian Bin gave Zhang Ye a big thumbs up. His wife also smiled, happy for Zhang Ye from her heart.


    Big Sis Zhou craved nothing short of nationwide chaos. Seeing how Big Thunder had challenged Zhang Ye, but Zhang Ye had managed to match the couplet the next moment, she was tickled amused, "Little Zhang, bring the championship title back!"


    Zhang Ye said at a loss, "Big Sis Zhou, you think too highly of me. I only came for the bustle. What do you mean, ''champion''��" He really did not think that he could be the champion, and might not even be able to be ced. After all, even if this world''s couplets had a portion of those from his world, they were just a tiny minority. He had happened to run into thest couplet that he knew of from before for the preliminary round, allowing him to pass. If not, he would have been eliminated.


    Big Thunder was livid. He nced at Zheng Anbang, before rushing straight to the hall with Zheng Anbang. He had never expected Zhang Ye to sessfully match such a miraculous couplet. And he had done it so quickly, without any thought? Back then, he thought that Zhang Ye did not know couplets at all. But who knew that not only was he good at writing poems, essays, novels, fairy tales and advertisements, he was also good at couplets? Big Thunder no longer dared to despise Zhang Ye. He had to hurry to prepare for the finals!


    ����


    A whileter.


    In the men''s bathroom outside the hall.


    Zhang Ye had abdominal pains, so he did not enter together with Hu Fei andpany. He found a stall in the bathroom and locked himself in to do his business. As he had time, Zhang Ye took out his cellphone to surf the. Although he did not much of his data bnce left, he still opened the Beijing Couplet Competition''s video website!


    The video for the preliminary round was already out!


    Zhang Ye immediately watched it!


    In the beginning, the scenes were of the contestants who were answering from before. The scene of Big Thunder matching a couplet and passing the preliminary round also appeared. Nearing the end, Zhang Ye''s scene finally appeared!


    "My first verse has a lot of variations!"


    "Such a coincidence! My second verse''s variations are more than a few, too."


    "H��i shu�� ch��o, ch��o zh��o zh��o, zh��o zh��o ch��o lu�� (the sea tide; ites daily; daily it falls)!"


    "F�� y��n zh��ng, zh��ng ch��ng ch��ng, ch��ng ch��ng zh��ng xi��o (the cloud forms; it expands often; often it shrinks)!"


    The scene of the couplet duel between Zhang Ye and Elder Qian had beenpletely recorded!


    Seeing his mighty self in the video, Zhang Ye was also very satisfied. It was well-filmed, but the only regret was that he was not given a clear frontal shot. Most of it had scenes with side shots or back shots. Throughout the entire process, Elder Qian was facing the camera. There was nothing he could do, for Elder Qian was a famous senior.


    The video ended.


    Taking another look, the discussions andments below were boiling!


    "That 50th question is too exaggerated!"


    "That''s right! And someone actually managed to match it?"


    "It''s Teacher Zhang Ye! Haha! I knew it was him!"


    "Everyonee and see! The Face Smacking Specialist has made aeback!"


    "Pfft. I''m having stitches fromughing. What sort of nickname is that?"


    "Who is Zhang Ye? This name sounds familiar."


    "Search on the web yourself. It''s full of his data and there''s plenty of information on the web. Hehe, seeing Teacher Zhang Ye revealing his invincible might sure feels good! The second half was matched too brilliantly!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s literary skill remains the same!"


    "Indeed, I even thought that Zhang Ye did not know how to match couplets. I never expected Zhang Ye to also have such deep attainments in couplets! Teacher Zhang is really defying the heavens!"


    "No, I have to watch it again. I have never seen such an awesome couplet duel!"


    "The first half was good, but the second half was matched even better! As expected of Teacher Zhang!"


    "It''s too bad that Teacher Zhang looks average. His looks are different from the image in my mind. Hai, but it''s nothing much. Teacher Zhang engages in literary work, and is not a movie star or singer, so I can''t ask for too much. I will still support Teacher Zhang!"


    "Let''s watch the finals!"


    "Right, the finals are starting soon!"


    "Looking forward to Teacher Zhang''s performance!"


    "The finals won''t be easy. There are so many experts. For example, Big Thunder is also quite formidable. He was the first runner-up for thest Beijing Couplet Competition. He won''t be easy to deal with."

 Chapter 116: A Situation During the Finals!

    <h4>Chapter 116: A Situation During the Finals! </h4>


    Chapter 116: A Situation During the Finals!


    Peking University.


    The grand hall was packed, with no empty seats.


    Zhang Ye used his pass to enter, aftering out of the bathroom. The opening speech was already over. A Leader from a radio or television station walked away after putting down the microphone. Following that, two hosts came onstage. Zhang Ye had never seen them before. They were probably students of Peking University and were a male-female duo.


    "Hello Leaders, guests and everyone."


    "Wee to the annual Beijing Couplet Competition."


    "As a host, I feel very honored. I feel like my body is sparkling with light."


    "Is your Zodiac sign a firefly? I''ve known you for so many years, but this is the first time I''m hearing about this ability of yours?"


    The stage lines were clearly prepared beforehand. The two hosts exchanged banter with each other to liven up the atmosphere, before announcing thepetition''s rules, "Before we begin, let us introduce the rules of the final." He pointed to a long stretch of seats from his podium. There were about 50 seats. And to the side, there were three seats for the judges. Their names were written on it. They were the same three judges from the preliminary round. "Here are the seats for the contestants. There are where the judges'' seats are. The final will be held in a first to the answer format. The three judges will eache up with a question. Following that, the other 50 contestants wille up with the first half of a couplet. Whoever manages to speak first will be allowed to answer. If the answer is unanimously agreed upon by the three judges, then the answer will be epted, giving the contestant one point. If you do not manage to match it�� One point will be deducted. Please note that there is a new rule for this year. If a contestant''s couplet cannot be matched by anyone in the time allotted, that contestant will obtain ten points. Finally, the contestants with the highest scores will be ced ordingly for the top three."


    This year''spetition had a slight difference in rules, whenpared withst year''s, but they weren''t much different. There were just some changes to the way the points were calcted and the point deductions.


    "Next will be the opening dance."


    "Please give a round of apuse to our Beijing Couplet Organization''s dancing Teachers!"


    An ancient melody sounded. A few dance artists dressed in historical costumes appeared. Their long sleeves fluttered and immediately drew the apuse of the audience!


    Zhang Ye bent his back as he quickly walked to his front row seat, "Excuse me, thank you."


    His ticket was given to him by Tian Bin. But since the tickets given to the television and radio stations were concentrated together, everyone was actually in one area.


    Tian Bin''s wife saw Zhang Yeing and said puzzledly, "Teacher Zhang, why aren''t you preparing backstage? Haven''t all the contestants gone there?"


    Big Sis Zhou asked, "That''s right, Little Zhang. What are you doing here?"


    Hu Fei, Xiao Lu andpany also looked over, "Thepetition is about to begin."


    Zhang Ye waved his hand and found an empty spot to sit down. "I''m not participating. Let thempete."


    Hou Ge was shocked, "What? Why aren''t you participating? With your deep foundation in couplets, it is such a great opportunity. Why would you��"


    Former Leader Zhao Guozhou also frowned, "Little Zhang, this doesn''t seem like your usual style."


    Xiaofang was even more anxious than Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang, go on up! Hurry! How can you not go!?"


    Zhang Ye answered truthfully, "I just happened to be lucky at the preliminary round. I don''t believe that I will be that lucky in the final round. They are all experts, so I won''t bring ridicule on myself."


    Actually, Zhang Ye also wanted to give the final round a try. Of course, he wanted to seize a chance to be famous. However, when he heard thepetition''s rules when he entered, he decided that it was better not to shame himself. He might as well leave the impressive and mysterious impression he had from the preliminary round. Why? Why didn''t he even try? It was because there were too many questions. He had not heard of most of this world''s couplets. It wasn''t that he could not answer all of them, but he could not answer at least 80% of them. He could not use the literary foundations from his world. So even if he went and happened to hear a few questions that he had previously heard of before, that was pointless. If he couldn''t get into the top three, then it would be a waste. He decided not to go, getting rid of the chance for the Beijing Writers'' Association to suppress him, and not giving them the chance of using the fact that he did not get a cing to fault him!


    As for damaging to his Reputation if he abstained? If the preliminary round did not exist, it would definitely have happened. However, he had staged an astonishing couplet duel with Elder Qian in the preliminary round, and had even won. Hence, even if he did not participate in the final round, his fame would only increase, not decrease.


    "Little Zhang!"


    "Aiyah, you��"


    Many of his old friends and colleagues were persuading him.


    Zhang Ye only shook his head. He could do nothing about it. It was just that they did not understand the situation.


    Seeing that Zhang Ye did not have any intentions in participating, everyone felt a sense of regret and stopped saying anything.


    The opening dance.


    Recital of Chinese Literature.


    Ancient ssic couplets were drawn by famous calligraphers.


    The programsted for an hour. It was very interesting, giving enjoyment to people.


    Now, everything was being broadcast live on the inte. A few cameras were facing the podium, and a few were hanging above. One of them was above the podium, and another was behind the audience. Compared to a traditional professional television''s live broadcast, this was not considered very professional; there were too few cameras. But since it was a webcast, it was already considered pretty good.


    At this moment, the performances came to an end.


    The male and female host went onstage.


    "Hello, everyone. I believe that the performance from before was already great fun for many, but what is more fun will be in a while. I am announcing the beginning of thepetition. Let me first introduce our judges for this Beijing Couplet Competition��" A judge would walk out from backstage as the female host announced each name. Amidst apuse, the judges took their seats. Following that, the female host continued to announce, "Next, I will announce the contestant name list for those who passed the preliminary round. Lu Fang, Big Thunder, Zheng Anbang, Zhou Yan��" The final name, "��Zhang Ye."


    Suddenly, there seemed to be a situation.


    A staff member with a blue badge ran out. One could tell at a nce that he was from the Writers'' Association, as all the members from the Writers'' Association wore a blue badge. The Couplet Organization wore white. Different units have different colors. Following that, a few Couplet Organization and Writers'' Association employees came out. They surrounded the three judges and seemed to be discussing something with them. Following that, they even signaled to the host onstage to temporary stop. It was as if they wanted the hosts to first dy something.


    "Eh?"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Why is the atmosphere so tense?"


    "What has happened? It''s a live broadcast, too. Why aren''t they beginning the finals?"


    The camera quickly moved away, but the audience present could see it clearly. They began to discuss about it.


    The male host was quick to react, "Thispetition sure is highly anticipated. I wonder who will be this year''s champion. Last year''s champion, Professor Wang, unfortunately could note due to his old age. This year, I''m cing my bets onst year''s first runner-up, Teacher Big Thunder. What about you?"


    The female host smiled and said, "I''m cing my bets on Teacher Zhang Ye."


    "Why?" From the male host''s expression, he clearly did not know who Zhang Ye was. But since his partner had said so, he had to pretend like he knew.


    The female host blinked, "It''s nothing much. It''s only because I''m Teacher Zhang Ye''s fan. I have memorized every poem of his except ''The Song of the Stormy Petrel''."


    The male host was amused, "But this is a coupletpetition."


    "So what? It can''t prevent me from worshiping my idol!" the female host said matter-of-factly.


    "I only just realized you chase idols!" The male host was at a loss of whether tough or to cry.


    The two of them exchanged words as they dragged the time out to change the subject.


    Offstage, Xiao Lu was smiling with glee, "Look at our Teacher Zhang''s poprity! He has fans all over Beijing!"


    "That''s right. That female host is your fan." Hou Ge prodded Zhang Ye with his elbow. "Teacher Zhang, are you sure that you aren''t participating? This will disappoint your fan!"


    Zhang Ye was actually thinking about how much he wanted to go up onto the stage.


    Five minutes passed and the audience was already bing impatient.


    The hosts could no longer drag it out any further. Looking offstage, a host said, "Teacher Judges, can we begin?"


    An employee with a blue pass offstage noticed the situation and quickly went onstage, and took over the microphone, "Sorry, but we have a situation. Just now, someone reported that a contestant had vited the rules by cheating. So please wait patiently. We are still discussing the situation."


    "Cheat?"


    "Who?"


    "What cheating?"


    The audience began to chatter.


    The Beijing Writers'' Association''s employee said quickly, "The person that was reported is Zhang Ye."


    A few judges were looking very harsh, especially Elder Qian. He stared coldly at the Writers'' Association employee who had went up onstage to speak without their agreement. The oue was not settled, so who allowed you to announce the name of the contestant that was reported? Who let you say it?


    The female host was also stunned. She had previously mentioned that she had her bets on Teacher Zhang Ye.


    The Writers'' Association employee pretended that he did not see the fierce stares from the Couplet Organization''s Leaders and the few judges. He carried on speaking casually, "This is because during the preliminaries, Zhang Ye was discussing the questions with his surrounding friends. Someone even heard one of his friends suggesting to n a strategy for him to solve the question. After receiving the report, we checked the video footage and realized that it did happen!"


    Elder Qian was enraged, "Get him down! What the heck!"


    The faces of the few people from the Couplet Organization turned ugly. A Leader from the Couplet Organization said to a Leader from the Writers'' Association, "Things aren''t even confirmed. Who let you say that? Eh?"


    The Writers'' Association''s Leader threw up his hands, "I didn''t instruct him to do it."


    The woman from the Couplet Organization who was responsible for receiving Zhang Ye said, "Get him the f**k down!" Even vulgarities came out!


    The Beijing Writers'' Association''s Leader frowned, but he got his employee down. But since the words had been said, it was useless to think of turning the situation around by having his employee removed!


    The words were shocking. This matter immediately blew up!


    Whether it was the audience or the people watching the live webcast, everyone heard it!


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Zhang Ye cheated?"


    "His friends helped him match it during the preliminary round?"


    "Hai, I already said it. How can a person manage to match the second half of such a miraculous couplet in such a short time? He must have gotten somebody''s help!"


    "This kind of person even participated?"


    "Right, quickly revoke Zhang Ye''s finals qualification!"


    "I was even amazed at that Zhang Ye. Who knew that he relied on others to enter the finals!"

 Chapter 117: Zhang Ye’s Reputation Crisis?

    <h4>Chapter 117: Zhang Ye��s Reputation Crisis? </h4>


    Chapter 117: Zhang Ye''s Reputation Crisis?


    Many people began to despise him!


    But many clear-minded people refused to believe!


    Big Sis Zhou said angrily, "Little Zhang cheated? Bullsh*t!"


    "Does Little Zhang even need to cheat?" Auntie Sun was also enraged, "Who reported it? Who is so mean?"


    Seeing how Zhang Ye was being defamed, Xiao Lu''s eyes turned red, "We did have ideas! But it was all nonsense! Teacher Zhang relied all on his own ability during the preliminary round!"


    Hou Ge also stood up, "Who is so insidious!?"


    Zhao Guozhou''s expression sank, "Cheating? Even a fool can see through it. Can ideas from a group of people match that miraculous couplet of Elder Qian? Anyone who knows a bit of literature and couplets would know that this isn''t about having strength in numbers!"


    Tian Bin asked, "Someone is setting a trap for Zhang Ye, right?"


    "It must be." Zhao Guozhou inhaled, "They really have vicious intentions!"


    Hu Fei suppressed his anger and said, "Some people from the Beijing Writers'' Association have already been reduced to such means?"


    Hou Di also thought through it, "It must be them messing with things. They were the ones who reported! The staff who went up just now was from the Beijing Writers'' Association! When he finished speaking, the people from the Couplet Organization were enraged. The judging Teachers seemed to even order him toe down, and stop talking nonsense. The matter is already very clear. This bunch of people from the Writers'' Association are serious in destroying Teacher Zhang''s reputation. By using Teacher Zhang Ye for cheating during a live webcast, even if only half of the people believed, Teacher Zhang''s reputation would be gone in the future. Also, by reporting him, they can prevent Zhang Ye from taking part in the final round. Without him, Big Thunder from the Beijing Writers'' Association would probably win the championship!"


    Dafei cursed angrily, "Those bunch of grandchildren!"


    Only Zhang Ye remained silent. He closed his eyes, but his breathing was hurried. Everyone could tell that Teacher Zhang Ye was enraged, too!


    ����


    The male host immediately tried to save the situation, "Then let''s first wait for the Teachers toe up with a decision after some discussion."


    However, the female host was very angry, "Teacher Zhang Ye cheated? I''m the first to not believe in it. I saw the preliminaries, too. I was not too far away. Is exchanging a few words with friends considered cheating? Then all the contestants who used a cellphone during the preliminary round should be considered as having cheated! Just being able to send the question through a phone and get someone to answer�� Isn''t that also possible? Then there''s no point to this year''s Couplet Competition. We have all cheated!"


    The male host nearly cried as he signaled his partner with his eyes. He was thinking, "What are you doing? Don''t you think it''s messy enough already? And why is your logic so crooked!?"


    The female host ignored him, "Let''s wait for the result!"


    ����


    The situation became more and more messy!


    There were people cursing at Zhang Ye, and there were others supporting him!


    In the end, even the female host had chimed in to publicly support Zhang Ye. The situation was nearly on the brink of them losing control. Everyone knew that something had to be done!


    Offstage, the people from the Beijing Writers'' Association were chatting.


    "Such a cheat is undermining the fairness. He has to be severely punished!"


    "That''s right. But that isn''t enough to convince the masses. I think we should just cancel his qualifications!"


    "Judges, how can anyone be convinced if you do not disburse appropriate punishment to an immoral person like Zhang Ye? The participants backstage are now having their objections, too!"


    The woman from the Couplet Organization said with a cold face, "Immoral? What do you mean by immoral? The results aren''t out yet. We are still discussing it. Who let you people from the Writers'' Association go up onstage? Who allowed you to reveal the entire situation? You haven''t even verified the situation! Do you think by just revealing it, those things will be facts?"


    A minor Leader from the Beijing Writers'' Association said, "Why is it our problem now? My colleague happened to be fast to speak. It is a bit inappropriate, but it is a fact that Zhang Ye cheated. We can see clearly from the live footage!"


    Actually, the Couplet Competition had been held for more than ten years. Every year it was about the same. The preliminaries were held in an open area. There was no limitations to contestants using their phones or interacting with others. This was because they believed that everyone had a basic quality to them. They would not lower themselves to cheating. No cheating had ever urred. Although Zhang Ye discussing the couplets with others was not in ordance with the rules, usually, no one would say a thing. Who knew that such a situation would happen this year? This was the first time that someone had reported such a vition. And the conclusion was given onstage before there was any conclusive investigation!


    There was definitely something underhanded about it!


    The people from the Couplet Organization could tell!


    The youngest among the three judges was also 58 years old. They were very experienced, so how could they not see what the people from the Beijing Writers'' Association were trying to do?


    The second judge, the old granny said, "Is the video proof? Just seeing them interact is proof? Then flip through the video. I believe this isn''t the only asion where a contestant chats with others during the preliminaries. Oh, so you don''t allow the contestants to talk?"


    A person from the Beijing Writers'' Association said, "But they were discussing the question!"


    Elder Qian firmly said, "Even if they discussed it, my question can''t be matched just from some nning. Are you underestimating me? I am absolutely sure that the second half of the couplet was matched by Zhang Ye. It was all his own wisdom!" After he said that, he announced, "Carry on with thepetition!"


    The person from the Beijing Writers'' Association, who had went onstage to speak nonsense, stared, "But, Zhang Ye��"


    "I said to carry on with thepetition! Did you hear what I said?" Elder Qian stared at him, "If you aren''t convinced, why don''t you be the first judge! I''ll give you this seat of mine!"


    That person stopped speaking.


    A person from the Couplet Organization said, "I''ll let the hosts know."


    Not longter, the male host announced, "There was no evidence for the report of Teacher Zhang Ye''s cheating. Thepetition will carry on."


    ����


    Online.


    Thements left below the live video feed exploded.


    "What? There is no evidence?"


    "There''s a conspiracy! There definitely is a conspiracy!"


    "That Zhang Ye must have cheated! There''s no smoke without fire!"


    "I also saw it. In the preliminary round footage, there really was a scene of him discussing with a few people. It was coincidentally captured when filming Big Thunder''s matching of the couplet. I believe there are scenes the camera got directly, but they did not upload it. They were all cut! So despicable!"


    "Boycott Zhang Ye! I already did not find him pleasing to the eye!"


    "No way. Teacher Zhang''s literary skills are so good; is there a need to cheat?"


    "It is impossible to judge a man''s heart from his face. How can he have such abilities at such a young age? I guess those past poems of his were written by someone else!"


    "Didn''t that person from the Beijing Writers'' Association already announce that Zhang Ye was cheating? The Writers'' Association is, after all, an authoritative source. How can it be fake?"


    "Not necessarily."


    "We will know if he''s a mule or a horse just by testing him."


    "Right, let''s watch the finals. Without any ability, even if he cheated to pass the preliminaries, he would not be ced in the finals. Haha, waiting to see Zhang Ye make a fool of himself!"


    There were also Zhang Ye''s fans who helped speak up for him, but soon they were drowned by the criticisms. With this scandal, about 80% of the people watching the live webcast were against Zhang Ye!

 Chapter 118: The Three Couplets of the Finals!

    <h4>Chapter 118: The Three Couplets of the Finals! </h4>


    Chapter 118: The Three Couplets of the Finals!


    On the podium.


    The female host said, "We now invite the contestants onstage."


    The male host read the names, "Last year''s first runner-up, Teacher Big Thunder!"


    The apuse from the audience was sparse and not too warm. This was because many people were still focused on the problem of Zhang Ye''s cheating. Even though the judges and the organizers from the Couplet Organization had said the report was invalid due to ack of proof, it was natural for people to be absorbed by conspiracy theories. They felt that the result was untrue, and that Zhang Ye had cheated.


    "Member of the Couplet Organization, Teacher Lu Fang."


    "Peking University Associate Professor, Teacher Zhou Yan."


    "Famous romance author, Teacher Zheng Anbang."


    The contestants appeared onstage one by one as they sat in one of the 50 contestant gallery seats.


    As he had the least experience and was the youngest, Zhang Ye wasst on the list. When the female host saw thest name on the list, she read, "Please wee thest contestant, famous poet, famous best-selling author, renowned radio host, Teacher Zhang Ye!" Zhang Ye''s title was the longest amongst everyone.


    However, the moment Zhang Ye''s name was mentioned, people from offstage booed.


    "Boo!"


    "Go back down!"


    "There''s no way to cheat during the final round! Don''t embarrass yourself!"


    The attitudes of many were unfriendly.


    Big Thunder and Zheng Anbang nced at Zhang Ye, who was sitting in the audience. They smiled at each other. In the audience stands? They were still wondering why they did not see Zhang Ye backstage. So he had decided to not participate and abstain? At least you knew your ce! Big Thunder felt that the championship was in the bag!


    But no one expected to see Zhang Ye suddenly stand up.


    "Little Zhang! You��" Big Sis Zhou said in surprise.


    Hou Ge and Xiao Lu also chimed in, "You arepeting?"


    Hu Fei said with worry, "Didn''t you say that you did not have much hope for the finals?"


    Zhao Guozhou also gave a suggestion, "Little Zhang, you must think it through carefully. If you reallyck the confidence, then you might as well not go. At least you can retain some of your fame. The moment you go and do not get a cing, then the cheating scandal will explode. Everyone will use you of cheating, and it will be the truth."


    Zhang Ye said lightly, "I''m not sure and have no confidence."


    "Then why are you going?" Hu Fei was unsupportive of him going forward.


    Zhang Ye only said, "The result is binary. Either you win or you lose. But someone has to win, and why not me?" This was said by famous basketball star Kobe Bryant from Zhang Ye''s world. He remembered this line very clearly.


    Why not me?


    That''s right, why won''t I win!?


    Xiao Lu clenched her fists and stood up, "Well-said, Teacher Zhang! Go all the way!"


    Teacher Zhang also cheered him on, "Teacher Zhang, let all those who doubt you see your talent! Use real actions to shut them up!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "I will!"


    Onstage, the female host repeated, "Let''s wee Teacher Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye squeezed out from the row of seats and walked to the 50th seat. His name was written there. He narrowed his eyes as he sat down. Confident? Yes, Zhang Ye was now confident after suppressing his tremendous wrath. Why did he suddenly have such a sudden change? This was because just a while ago, under the tremendous stress and voice of doubts, and the pressure of a stain that could destroy Zhang Ye''s life as a celebrity, he suddenly had a bright idea. He suddenly thought of a way out! This method was actually something he was not 100% sure. He was not even 50% sure about it, but now.. he had no choice but to risk it! He was betting everything on this!


    Win or lose?


    Sess or failure?


    Zhang Ye had no idea, but he definitely was unwilling to admit defeat. Beijing Writers'' Association, do you think that by doing this, you can defeat me, Zhang Ye? Do you think your despicable means can make me forever be beyond redemption? And allow you to achieve your despicable goals?


    Alright!


    I''ll y with you!


    Let''s see who is more skilled today!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s fighting spirit was lifted from his anger!


    Seeing that Zhang Ye did not abstain from thepetition, even in the face of the audiences'' mockery andughter, Big Thunder had a look of discontent. But from another perspective, wasn''t this a chance for them to gain back their pride after thest Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet? The champion would definitely be Big Thunder. This way, not only would they recover from their loss of face and let everyone know that the Beijing Writers'' Association was not a farce, Zhang Ye not being able to get a cing would also verify that he cheated in the preliminaries. Performing so well in the preliminaries, but not even getting ced in the finals? If you didn''t cheat, then what could it be!


    Two birds with one stone!


    Big Thunder nced at Zhang Ye.


    But Zhang Ye did not look at him; he just closed his eyes and gathered his thoughts.


    The female host holding the microphone said: "I will now announce the time limitations. After a judge or a contestant has submitted their question, the other contestants have ten minutes to prepare an answer. If no one has an answer within ten minutes, the submitter will gain victory and also ten points."


    The male host asked, "Does anyone have any questions?"


    Zhang Ye snapped his fingers, "How do we signal our intent to answer?"


    The female host patiently answered, "The microphone in front of each contestant has been switched on. The contestants can just directly answer into it. Whoever can match the most perfect answer will gain one point. To emphasize this, it has to be a perfect answer; if it is slightly mismatched or off in meaning, it will be considered wrong. This will be decided by our three judges. If there are any words that the judges are not sure about, the contestant can write out the second verse and it will be disyed out in front for them to verify. But the basic medium will still be by speaking."


    Zhang Yeughed, "Thank you; I understand." It was his first time participating, so he wanted to be sure of the rules.


    The male host looked over to the judges, "Teachers, can we begin?"


    "Yes, please begin." The third judge said, "I will be giving out the first question. Everyone, please get ready."


    At the same time, everyone eagerly looked forward. Some stared towards the old man and felt their emotions tense up as they prepared to match the couplet.


    But at this time, just as the third judge was about to speak, Zhang Ye very quickly opened up the game ring''s inventory and grabbed one of his two Lucky Breads. He had gained them earlier and stored them away. Now it could finally be put to use. This was the only idea Zhang Ye had in mind. He wanted to switch the situation to his advantage with this Lucky Bread. With its luck, he wanted to let these bunch of people not say any couplet that he had never heard of before! Was this possible? Of course it was possible. The Lucky Bread''s effect was already known to Zhang Ye. It would increase his luck stats!


    Lucky Bread in Effect!


    Countdown begins, 5:00...


    As the third judge was about to give the first verse, the second judge beside him dropped the bottle cap of her water onto the table in front of him. Tla! The third judge gave a nce and was distracted. He suddenly forgot the first part of the couplet he wanted to use. But he still had many couplets in his mind that he hade up with, as well as couplets that no one had been able to match with. So, he immediately changed to another one, "Hu�� sh��ng he hu�� he sh��ng hu�� (A lotus and monk on a painting)!"


    As all the contestants listened, they gave a wry smile.


    Big Thunder had wanted to be the first to answer. But when he heard this, he felt helpless. He could only be practical and think it over. He knew that this first verse would be difficult to match in a short time. The upper half of the couplet looked normal, but when read backwards, it was no longer normal. It was the same, no matter if it was read from the front or the back!


    The first couplet was already that difficult?


    That can''t be necessary, right? Why is it soplicated!


    However, Big Thunder and many others believed that given enough time, they would definitely be able toe up with a match for it!


    But somehow, someone did not allow them to have the time to think. When he heard this first verse, Zhang Ye smiled. He knew the Lucky Bread had taken effect. This was a couplet that he knew. It was a couplet by Tang Bohu, who had said that if any future generation could match this, then the person was definitely a genius.


    Zhang Ye said without giving it any thought, "sh�� l��n h��n m�� h��n l��n sh�� (The ink on the book writes Official Han Lin)!"


    The third judge was stunned. Big Thunder and the other contestants were stunned, too. F**k! You are too fast!


    Elder Qianughed and nodded, "Pass!"


    The second and third judges also said, "Pass!"


    The female host immediately gave Zhang Ye 1 point.


    Immediately following was a question from the second judge, "Ch�� ch�� h��ng hu�� h��ng ch�� ch�� (Everywhere, red flowers make it red everywhere!)!" It was again a palindromic couplet, and was one that was so difficult that it needed a lot of time to be solved!


    Zhang Ye knew the time limits of the Lucky Bread. He had to answer every question fast. Otherwise, he would have to waste the second Lucky Bread. He answered quickly, "Ch��ng ch��ng l�� sh�� l�� ch��ng ch��ng (Green tree groves are lush green!)!"


    F**k!


    Matched again?


    Everyone was stunned!


    It was time for Elder Qian to put forth his question. It was yet another palindromic couplet, "Xu�� y��ng mei hu�� mei y��ng xu�� (The snow reflects the blossoms as the blossoms project the snow)."


    As soon as thest word ended, Zhang Ye matched, "Y��ng y�� li�� x�� li�� y�� y��ng (Therks suit the willows as the willow suits therk)!"


    At this moment, Elder Qian could only wryly smile. He looked at the two judges, who were his old friends, beside him. He helplessly threw up his hands. The questions they had thought about for days had been answered by Zhang Ye in less than a second, like it was a conditional reflex. The second and third judges looked at each other and did not say a word. They were taken aback! They knew very well that these questions could be answered by a master, but they did not expect it to be matched so quickly. The verses were matched without thought? This is too f**king exaggerated! Moreover, the third judge who gave the first verse of "Hu�� sh��ng he hu�� he sh��ng hu�� (A lotus and monk on a painting)" didn''t even have a second verse for it. Yet Zhang Ye matched it without skipping a beat!


    Three questions in a row!


    Three points in total!


    Zhang Ye spent less than ten seconds in total!


    Xiao Lu jumped up and screamed, "Teacher Zhang, well done!"


    "Teacher Little Zhang! You are too cool!" Hou Ge also screamed!


    Many of Zhang Ye''s friends and former colleagues broke out into cheers. It was relieving! This was so f**king relieving! Who said Teacher Zhang Ye was cheating? Eh? Who said Teacher Zhang Ye relied on others to pass the preliminaries? Open up your eyes and take a look! Is this called cheating?


    Some of the audience members were dumbfounded!


    Many of the audience were still skeptical. They felt that it was a coincidence. Maybe Zhang Ye was very good at matching palindromic couplets, but he was not good at others!


    Big Thunder, Zheng Anbang and all the other contestants thought the same. They could not think otherwise because then there would be no exnation for Zhang Ye''s amazing matches!


    No one can be so fast like you!

 Chapter 119: A God-Like Zhang Ye, Shocking Couplets!

    <h4>Chapter 119: A God-Like Zhang Ye, Shocking Couplets! </h4>


    Chapter 119: A God-Like Zhang Ye, Shocking Couplets!


    3 points!


    Zhang Ye was in first ce for now!


    Considering this momentum, everyone knew that Zhang Ye had the chance to be the champion. The contestants could not sit idle. It was their turn to provide the questions. They decided toe up with the most difficult questions. Some of them even decided to change the questions they had originally intended to use.


    For example, someone from the Beijing Writers'' Association was Contestant #1. He would be the first to produce a question. He originally had a palindrome couplet, as the difficulty was much higher. If no one could answer it, he would obtain ten points. This would at least guarantee that he would enter the top five. However, the moment he saw Zhang Ye answering palindrome couplets so easily, as if he didn''t need to think, he decided to change couplets on the spot.


    This couplet was not created by him, but obtained from a master, so he had not nned on using it, afraid that he would be suspected of cheating. But now, with Zhang Ye''s imposing momentum, he had no choice but to use it!


    Contestant #1 gave his question, "Shu�� shu�� sh��n sh��n ch�� ch�� m��ng m��ng xi�� xi��! (Lakes, mountains, bright and gorgeous everywhere)!"


    This sort of couplet was in a conversational style called couplets with reiterative locution. The difficulty was quite average, and was considered quite low.


    Big Thunder''s eyes lit up. He could match this couplet. After giving some thought to smooth the word flow before beginning to open his mouth, that second of thought had allowed Zhang Ye to beat him to it.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Q��ng q��ng y�� y�� sh�� sh�� h��o h��o q�� q�� (Sunny days, rainy days, wonderful and miraculous all the time)."


    The three judges gave his answer some thought. They did not pass him immediately.


    Many of the contestants could see that there was a twist to it. This couplet was not that simple!


    Big Thunder saw this, too. After Zhang Ye spoke, he had thought of another second half, but after some further thought, that second half was not appropriate. It did not match!


    There was a trap!


    There was a trap in it!


    Contestant #1 noticed that Zhang Ye had fallen for his trap and gave augh, "Sorry Teacher Zhang Ye, this first half of the couplet can be read backwards. Even with the repeated locutions, it can be read backwards, xi�� xi�� m��ng m��ng ch�� ch�� sh��n sh��n shu�� shu�� (The clear mountains and rivers are everywhere)."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "What a coincidence. My couplet can also be read backwards, q�� q�� h��o h��o sh�� sh�� y�� y�� q��ng q��ng! (It''s very good even when it''s rainy or sunny!)"


    The first contestant was stunned, "My first half can be read in parts, and can be repeated in a cyclic manner. Shu�� ch�� m��ng, sh��n ch�� xi��, shu�� sh��n ch�� ch�� m��ng xi��! (Clear is the water, gorgeous are the mountains, theke and mountains are clear and gorgeous everywhere!)"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "What a coincidence. My couplet is the same, and can also be repeated in a cyclic manner. Q��ng sh�� h��o, y�� sh�� q��, q��ng y�� sh�� sh�� h��o q��! (Wonderful when it is sunny, marvelous when it is raining, it is miraculous when it rains on a sunny day!)" This was a popr couplet from his world. It was rumored to be written by Huang Wenzhong. But in this world, the second half had apparently been lost.


    When Contestant #1 heard this, he nearly vomited blood. He felt as if he had suffered a great deal of internal injuries. In such a short period of time, no, it was almost in an instant, he had managed to see through all the variations of the first half of the couplet?


    And he hade up with such a perfect second half?


    Your sister!


    Is a god possessing your body!?


    There were the sounds of gasps!


    The three judges pressed their buttons. Beep, all of them unanimously passed him!


    Contestant #2 was a member of the Couplet Organization, and he refused to have his beliefs shaken. He gave his question, "W�� sh��n de sh�� w�� sh��n h��o. (No (Wu) mountain can bepared to Mt Wu)" This was a couplet with different homonyms. It was very difficult!


    Just as someone was about to attempt to match it.


    Zhang Ye gave the second half, "He shu�� neng r�� he shu�� q��ng! (What (He) water can be clearer than the river''s (He) water?)"


    The second judge, the old granny could not help but shout out, "Great couplet!" As a judge, she should not have said anything, but as a lover of couplets, she could not resist giving her kudos!


    W�� sh��n��w�� sh��n?


    He shu����he shu��!


    She looked at Zhang Ye with a pleasant surprise!


    The next person tried a different method and came up with a rare couplet that had a missing word, hiding its true meaning, "W�� y�� f��i r�� l�� s�� q��n, xu�� l�� s��ng t��n. (A crow flies into a siege of herons; delivering coal in the snow - meaning to help someone when they need it most)"


    But Zhang Ye immediately gave the second half, "F��ng hu��ng l�� z��i yu��n y��ng p��n, j��n sh��ng ti��n hu��! (A phoenix stands upon the mandarin ducks'' pond; adding flowers onto embroidery - to make something beautiful, perfect)"


    That person, "��" Then he admitted Zhang Ye''s superiority by giving him a big thumbs up. He did not say another word.


    Zhang Ye obtained more and more points. At this moment, it no longer seemed like a Couplet Competition amongst contestants; it became apetition with Zhang Ye soloing against everyone!


    It was Contestant #5''s turn. This person was also from the Beijing Writers'' Association. Before he gave the question, he signaled to Big Thunder with his eyes. This person had previously exchanged questions with Big Thunder. He had given Big Thunder the answer, so as to allow him to be the champion. This was one of their tiny tricks up their sleeves.


    Big Thunder understood tacitly. The moment the person said his question, Big Thunder would be the first to answer. He definitely did not want Zhang Ye to obtain another point.


    And this was a rarely seen riddle couplet. The difficulty of riddle couplets were even more difficult than reverse couplets!


    "Y�� k��u neng t��n ��r qu��n s��n ji��ng s�� h��i w�� h�� shu��! (Able to swallow the two springs, three rivers, four seas, fivekes with one mouth)" a person said confidently.


    In the end, just as Big Thunder opened his mouth, Zhang Ye was already faster than him, "G�� d��n g��n r�� sh�� f��ng b��i x��ng qi��n ji�� w��n h�� men (Daring to enter the hundred surnames, the thousand families and the ten thousand households from everywhere alone)!" The answer to the riddle was a hot water bottle. He had matched it perfectly!


    Big Thunder''s face sunk!


    The other contestants looked at each other!


    "B��i she gu�� ji��ng, t��u d��ng y�� l��n h��ng r�� (a White Snake crosses the river, a red sun overhead)," It was another riddle couplet. Someone had challenged Zhang Ye. The moment he finished speaking, he looked at him.


    Zhang Ye immediately matched, "Q��ng l��ng gu�� b��, sh��n p�� w��n di��n j��n x��ng (an Azure Dragon hangs on the wall, multiple golden stars it wore)!"


    "Ti��n w��i q�� p��n, x��ng w��i zi, he ren neng xi�� (the sky as a chessboard, the stars are its pieces, who dares y)?" Another person looked unconvincingly at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "D�� zu�� p�� p��, l�� zu�� xi��n, n�� ge g��n t��n (the ground as a pipa, the paths are its strings, who dares y)?"


    Another person said with a ckened face, "F��ng q�� d�� h��n shu��ng ji��ng w�� qi��n cheng xi��o xu�� (the winds are cold, as frost turns to snow)!"


    Zhang Ye answered, "R�� zh��o du��n w�� q��ng m��ng shu�� d�� ji��n ch��ng y��ng (the sun shines in Duanwu, Chongyang can be seen in the Qingming/clear waters)!"


    A femalerade said, "B��i y��n n��n f��i shu��ng ch�� d��ng x�� f��n sh��ng xi�� (a northern goose flies south; its wings point east and west as they go up and down?)!"


    Zhang Ye answered, "Qi��n ch�� h��u zhe li��ng l��n zu�� y��u z��u g��o d�� (a cart in front leaves behind; two tracks left and right as it wobbles up and down)!"


    A middle-aged man said, "L��o y�� t�� du��n l��o y�� zh��, y�� f��i zh�� lu�� (an old crow steps on an old forked branch; the crow flies; a branch falls)!"


    Zhang Ye tapped the table with his fingers, "Xi��n h�� gu�� l��i xi��n h�� ji��n, h�� l�� ji��n m��ng (the red-crowned crane returns to the heavenly ravines, a crane cries; the ravine sounds)!"


    It was followed by another long list of couplet duels!


    As usual, Zhang Ye answered the moment he opened his mouth. He did not hesitate to answer more than ten couplets!


    The female host nearly shouted bravo from seeing this!


    The male host was already staring with his eyes wide open while holding the microphone!


    Finally, it was the Beijing Writers'' Association''s Zheng Anbang''s turn to provide a question. His eyebrow ticked, for he did not believe Zhang Ye had superhuman powers. Hence, he came up with his question, "Sh�� y�� b��n x��n xi�� z��ng f�� (A halved tree does not need an axe - meaning there''s no need to kick someone when he''s down)."


    Zhang Ye looked up and said his words to everyone''s surprise, "Gu�� r��n y�� di��n b�� xi��ng g��n (It is indeed not a bit relevant)!"


    Why did he match with this?


    He didn''t match it sessfully!


    Zhang Ye had finally failed!


    Zheng Anbangughed, "You call that a couplet? What sort of standard is that?"


    The first half and the second half had no rtion at all. The meaning waspletely different, yet Zhang Ye could brazenly say it out?


    "What sort of couplet is that?" Xiao Lu from offstage could also tell that it didn''t match!


    "Is Teacher Zhang beginning to fail? After matching so many, his mind is also messed up?" Hou Ge said in a surprise.


    However, an unexpected scene appeared. Elder Qian and the other two judges initially felt it did not match. Their eyes were filled with suspicion. That''s not right. Zhang Ye had matched so many, so how could he make a mistake even beginners would not make?


    Why did he match in such an entirely disparate manner?


    But in the blink of an eye, he understood something beforeughing loudly, "Good. What a good gu�� r��n y�� di��n b�� xi��ng g��n (it is indeed not a bit relevant)." After exining a few words with the other two judges, Beep, Beep, Beep. All three of them passed him!


    "What?" Zheng Anbang eximed, "Passed?"


    Some yers beside could not ept it, "This second half can actually pass? How''s that possible!?"


    Many of the audience and guests were alsopletely lost. What and what?


    Elder Qian smiled as he exined, "I see many people puzzled. Hur Hur. I wonder if people have heard of ''Mismatched Couplets''?"


    Mismatched Couplets?


    Of course they knew!


    This was created many years ago by a famous predecessor. However, few people used it, as it was a most unorthodox amongst unorthodox types!


    Elder Qian exined in detail, "Sh�� y�� b��n x��n xi�� z��ng f��, gu�� r��n y�� di��n b�� xi��ng g��n (The halved tree does not need an axe, it is indeed not a bit relevant). The ''sh��'' (��, tree) matches with ''gu��'' (��, meaning fruit, part of indeed) as the substance. ''y�� di��n'' (һ��, a bit as a length) matches ''b��n x��n'' (��Ѱ, need) as the quantifier. In ancient times, 8 feet is ''x��n''. And ''g��n'' (��) matches f�� (��, axe), which is the name of a weapon. In ancient times, g��n was a weapon.


    So the second halfpletely corresponds, but the words do not match, so it is considered a Mismatched Couplet. The meaning has no connection at all, but Teacher Zhang Ye''s second half not only miraculously matched the first half neatly, but he had used such an odd ''gu�� r��n y�� di��n b�� xi��ng g��n'' as the second half. This is one of the most impossible Mismatched Couplet amongst impossibles! Of course I need to pass him!"


    You can even do that?


    You even knew such an unorthodox Mismatched Couplet?


    Everyone''s expression when looking at Zhang Ye again looked like they were looking at a god!


    The next person to provide a question was Big Thunder. Seeing Zhang Ye killing from all directions, Big Thunder was gritting his teeth with hate. But for his own couplet, Big Thunder had absolute confidence, "D�� l��n mei hu�� s��o l�� xu�� (Leaving a path in Spring''s snow to view the plum blossom)!"


    Eh?


    It was so simple?


    All the contestants knew Big Thunder was good. He was the first runner-upst year. Withst year''s champion, an old professor, noting, many people believed that Big Thunder would likely be the champion. The couplets he gave would be extraordinary. But when they heard it, they were extremely puzzled. This wasn''t just simple; it was overly simple, right?


    D�� l��n mei hu�� s��o l�� xu�� (opening a path through Spring''s snow to view the plum blossom)?


    Anyone present could match it!


    After Big Thunder finished his question, he smiled without a word.


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes and came up with a second half, "X�� n�� sh��n sh�� w�� li�� x�� (the stream flows through the glorious mountains in a sidelong nce)."


    With this, the judges also did not understand. The both of them hade up with an extremely simple couplet, making them have doubts.


    Big Thunder chuckled, "Little Zhang, this time you answered wrongly. Do you think my couplet is so simple?" Seeing Zhang Ye fall for his trick, he was very pleased, "My first half has another way of reading it."


    Zhang Ye answered with a chuckle, "What a coincidence. My second half has another way of reading it, too."


    Seeing how Zhang Ye was unwilling to repent, Big Thunder decided to serve him the death sentence as he dissected, "My first half is d�� l��n mei hu�� s��o l�� xu�� . The first sound of each word matches to do-re-mi-fa-so-ti, the seven tones!"


    "Ah!"


    "So that''s how it is!"


    "I knew it wouldn''t be so simple!"


    "This is too profound, right? Why is it so obscure?"


    "Haha, Zhang Ye really hit his head hard on the wall!"


    Big Thunder no longer looked at Zhang Ye as he said to everyone else, "Has anyonee up with a match?"


    Zhang Ye leered at him, "Didn''t I already give my second half? Why are you asking others? Your first half may have a trick behind it, but I already said that coincidentally, my second half also has another way of reading it."


    Big Thunder snorted, "What other way of reading it?"


    "Read my second half again." This time, it was Zhang Ye''s turn at smiling without a word.


    "Read it again? X�� n�� sh��n sh�� w�� li�� x��?" Upon reading that, Big Thunder stared with horror, "This��This is.. a homonym. One-Two-Three-Four-Five-Six-Seven (Y��'' ��r s��n s�� w�� li�� q��)?"


    Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti!


    Matching against One-Two-Three-Four-Five-Six-Seven?


    Go f**k your sister!


    You can even f**king match that?


    Big Thunder nearly fainted!


    All the surrounding judges, audience members and contestants were dumbfounded!


    *This entire scene of crossing verses with each other can be best understood fromedian actor, Stephen Chow''s movie, Flirting Schr. Watch it here, it''s quite a funny scene too. The subtitles also be somewhat nonsensical as there is no good way of tranting the essence of couplets into English.

 Chapter 120: Zhang Ye’s Millennial Impossibility!

    <h4>Chapter 120: Zhang Ye��s Millennial Impossibility! </h4>


    Chapter 120: Zhang Ye''s Millennial Impossibility!


    How can there be such a person?


    How can there be such a person?


    This was practically how one man could hold back all of the enemy forces!


    With Zhang Ye sitting there, no one had the chance to even open their mouths. His not very tall frame had at this moment appeared like a mountain crushing on their heads and chests!


    50 contestants! There was nock of famous authors and masters amongst the other 49 contestants. None of them were useless, and none of them were pushovers. But now, the scene that appeared was something not seen at a provincial or nationalpetition, much less a Beijing Couplet Competition! From the beginning to the end, the 49 contestants had no chance to answer a single question! All the questions were answered by one contestant! And the second half was matched perfectly! It was faultless!


    Absolute genius?


    A demon not seen in a millennium?


    Whatever evaluation given to him would not be too much!


    As previously said, cultured people tend to scorn each other, but at this very second, many of the contestants eyed him with respect. Even those seniors clearly much older than Zhang Ye by many years and who had qualifications much higher than Zhang Ye gasped, looking at Zhang Ye with absolute conviction!


    Unconvinced?


    You have to be convinced, even if you aren''t!


    Zhang Ye had scared the wits out of everyone in one move!


    Actually, there were people who did not think anything of Zhang Ye. Others were saying that he was cheating. And since he was such a youngd, everyone also believed it to be so. No one really thought that he had so much ability. But with the development of the events, people were surprised and enlightened. All that which had previously been said was bullsh*t! Bullsh*t cheating! Bullsh*t having no ability! Apparently, this person had used a melody poem titled "Shuidiao Getou - When will the moon be clear and bright" to overshadow the masses. He was indeed a capable person, worthy of his reputation!


    ����


    Offstage.


    Xiao Lu strained her throat to shout, "Teacher Zhang, you are so cool!"


    Former assistant Xiaofangpeted with her in terms of loudness, "One against 49! Teacher Zhang, you are too awesome!"


    Big Sis Zhou alsoughed loudly, "Little Zhang! Let''s see who still wants to say you cheated!"


    Tian Bin gasped with amazement again and again, "What a good couplet! Every one of them is a good couplet! Zhang Ye even has this capability?" Previously, he had encouraged Zhang Ye, but�� But that was just simple encouragement. This had really exceeded the expectations of Tian Bin and his wife. That machine gun-like response in the couplet duel made them stunned at every moment!


    Hu Fei and Zhao Guozhou did not say a word. They were still reveling in the second half of the couplets that Zhang Ye had answered. They were repeating them with their mouths, as they gave their kudos!


    Only Little Zhang has this standard! Only Little Zhang has this standard!


    And he said that he wanted to forfeit the finals just now? He said that he did not have the confidence? He did not even have intentions to go onstage to participate in the final? Only when he was forced by others did he go up? A few people who had previously heard Zhang Ye''s words nearly cursed at their mothers. No confidence, your sister! No confidence, your third uncle and grandma! You call this not having confidence!? Then how many people in this world still have confidence?


    ����


    The audience below erupted in apuse!


    "Well-matched!"


    "Exciting! Really exciting!"


    "So much fun! I''ve never heard such fun matches!"


    "Your granduncle! Who the f**k said Zhang Ye cheated? Who said it just now?"


    "That''s right! Isn''t that bluffing and cheating? Isn''t this saying lies with your eyes wide open!?"


    "With this kind of knowledge, does he even need to cheat? It was announced by the Beijing Writers'' Association just now, right? F**k, are you dumb, or are we dumb?"


    "These people from the Writers'' Association sure are amazing! They treated us as idiots!"


    "Cheating, your sister! I finally see it! The bunch of people from the Beijing Writers'' Association are trying to attack him!"


    "This bunch of grandsons! To think that I even believed that Zhang Ye had relied on the ideas of others to pass the preliminaries!"


    ����


    Online.


    In thement section of the live webcast, there was also a huge stir!


    ZhangYeNumber1Fan jumped out. Every time that Zhang Ye had a problem, he would be the first to run up and support him. He was a hardcore fan amongst Zhang Ye''s hardcore fans. Hepletely concerned himself with the individual, and not with the facts. He unconditionally supported Zhang Ye, "Say again how Teacher Zhang Ye was cheating! I want to see who dares to say that again!"


    The people who had been previously defaming Zhang Ye all had their tongues tied!


    Some even went from mer to fan, "Bro, it was a misunderstanding. A misunderstanding."


    Another person said, "That''s right. Previously, we did not know the situation, so we apologize to Teacher Zhang Ye. Teacher Zhang is too formidable. Haha. I''m changing from a bystander to a fan!"


    "So amazing! Teacher Zhang''s couplet matches are so amazing!"


    "Previously, it was the Beijing Writers'' Association who slung mud at Teacher Zhang? That bunch of bastards!"


    "I''m really worried for those people''s intelligence. Did those people from the Writers'' Association who tried to trap Teacher Zhang eat their medicine in the morning?"


    "I bought a watchst year! I was even supportive of Teacher Zhang entering the Writers'' Association from before. I even @Beijing Writers'' Association every day for Teacher Zhang. Now, I think it''s pointless going! What a crappy ce!"


    "Right! If it can''t work, Teacher Zhang can create his own sect! Why must he get the recognition of the mainstream literary circles!? So what if they don''t recognize him? So what if they don''t let Teacher Zhang into the Writers'' Association? Teacher Zhang''s talent can equally demolish all of you! The abuse would be so much that you would take it in silently!"


    "Brothers, let''s explode the Beijing Writers'' Association''s official website!"


    "Good idea! Agree!"


    "Agree+110!"


    "Agree+119!"


    "Myrge saber is again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    "Haha. I am meeting ''Big Saber Bro'' again. Every time I forget how many times our troll army has fought together, I just need to count how many times ''Big Saber Bro'' uses the word ''again''!"


    This friend with ID, ''Big Saber Bro'' was also one of Zhang Ye''s hardcore fans, but he was different from ZhangYeNumber1Fan. Big Saber Bro never spoke nonsense, nor did he reason with others. But whenever there was something, he was the first person to lead the charge. He was a hardcore fan who didn''t speak nonsense, but spoke with actions!


    With this mess, the number of people watching the livestream soared!


    100,000!


    230,000!


    380,000!


    ����


    The situation had reversed so quickly!


    Zhang Ye had used his abilities to reverse the situation. The usation of cheating was now a ridiculous joke. Even the few people from the Beijing Writers'' Association did not even dare to mention it again.


    Thepetition had not ended and was still continuing.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Can the next friende up with a couplet?" He only had a short amount of time left with his Lucky Bread, and even if it was expended, he still had another Lucky Bread in his inventory, so he was not too worried. What was key was that Zhang Ye had not gotten a kick out of it yet. He had reached a climax matching couplets, so he could not stop!


    Hurry!


    Hurry, hurry, hurry!


    Zhang Ye was urging in his heart!


    But those contestants that had not given their questions were all smiling wryly. You still want to match? You still want to match? Get lost! Just with that inhuman couplet battle strength..! Who dares to y with you!


    "I''m not giving a question," the next contestant said.


    The following contestant also helplessly said, "I give up, too."


    The next after the following contestant also wiped his sweat, "I, I''ll forgo, too."


    Zhang Ye had already obtained more than 30 points. Even if he did not answer any of the remaining questions, and they were all answered correctly by one contestant, that person would not have been able to vie for the title of champion from Zhang Ye. So thest few questions no longer had any meaning. But of course, the crux of the matter was that those contestants did not want to shame themselves any further. You can even freaking match the few judges, Zheng Anbang, and Big Thunder''s couplets. Then is there any need to talk about ours? Is there any couplet that can give you trouble? So let''s not waste any effort. They also left some face for themselves!


    "Give up."


    "I give up, too."


    "A young person''s abilities must be respected, I will forgo, too."


    All the contestants at the end gave up without a fight!


    At this moment, the Lucky Bread''s five minutes were up, but Zhang Ye was feeling depressed. He had not gotten a kick out of it yet, but it was nothing much. The result was still good.


    The female host was Zhang Ye''s fan, so when she saw Zhang Ye''s prowess, one could see the joy on her face. They had even said that Teacher Zhang had cheated? The means they had used stooped so low! Hence, she said, "Then is thepetition over? I shall announce that the champion is��"


    Before she said anything, Big Thunder interrupted her, "Teacher Zhang Ye, aren''t youing up with a question?"


    "That''s right; Zhang Ye hasn''te up with a question. I''d really like to hear it." So even though the result was fixed, there were people still curious to see what Zhang Ye woulde up with.


    "More?"


    "Is there a need?"


    "Anything will do. We can just listen to it."


    Some people did not care. It was not something that really mattered.


    However, many of the people from the Beijing Writers'' Association did not have the same view, especially Big Thunder and Zheng Anbang. They had shamed themselves too much today, and had lost terribly. And it was the inhumane kind of miserable loss. After the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet, their Beijing Writers'' Association had once again been annihted by Zhang Ye. Of course they were unconvinced. Even if they were convinced, even if they acknowledged Zhang Ye''s standard in matching couplets, they needed to get back some face!


    Big Thunder and many people thought simply. He was amazing at matching couplets? But it was not the necessarily the case whening up with a couplet. There was no topic or theme. All sorts of logic and possibilities could be considered, so the real experts amongst them knew thating up with a couplet was much more difficult than matching a couplet! Big Thunder and some of them were still unconvinced. Even if Zhang Ye was no doubt the champion, if they could match Zhang Ye''s couplet, then they would win back some face for the Beijing Writers'' Association, and would have won against Zhang Ye in this domain!


    Zhang Ye blinked, "Then I''lle up with one?"


    "Please." Big Thunder did not think that he coulde up with a good couplet, and even if he came up with one that was difficult, they had 49 people. Even if they could not answer as fast as Zhang Ye, given enough time, they could definitely answer it. The people present here were the elites amongst elites. How could there be a couplet that they could not match? No couplet was left without a match in every year''s Beijing Couplet Competition!


    Elder Qian stared at Zhang Ye.


    The second and third judges also widen their eyes, particrly interested while waiting.


    That second, the entire audience quietened down. Everyone was focused on him.


    Zhang Ye smiled, and said a simple five words. It looked like a very simple first half, "My first half is������������ (y��n su�� ch�� t��ng li��, Willow pond locked in smoke)."

 Chapter 121: This World has another Millennial Impossibility!

    <h4>Chapter 121: This World has another Millennial Impossibility! </h4>


    Chapter 121: This World has another Millennial Impossibility!


    ���������� (y��n su�� ch�� t��ng li��, Willow pond locked in smoke)?


    Such a simple five-word couplet?


    Zheng Anbangughed out, "Just this?"


    "The mood is not bad, but��" Big Thunder also said.


    A youth from the Writers'' Association was brimming with confidence, "What''s so hard about this? I''ll match it with Rain falls��"


    But before he finished speaking, Zhang Ye had already written his couplet on theputer in front of him.


    Immediately, a staff member did something to project the couplet onto the big screen, letting everyone see it clearly!


    When the youth from the Writers'' Association saw the couplet, he held back his words after saying, "Rain falls". With a cough, he stopped speaking. He just realized how humorous the "What''s so hard about this?" he said was.


    When the surrounding people saw it, they were stunned!


    ���������� (y��n su�� ch�� t��ng li��, Willow pond locked in smoke)?


    Fire (��), Metal (��), Water (ˮ), Earth (��), Wood (ľ)!


    Every word contained one of the five elements in its left radical!


    Your grandmother!


    How did you think up of such a tricky couplet?


    And the five elemental radicals matched so well?


    Who said that Zhang Ye couldn''te up with a question!?


    Big Thunder lowered his head to ponder over it. His lips were constantly muttering, clearly trying to match the couplet.


    Zheng Anbang and several people from the Writers'' Association also began to silently try matching it.


    Seeing them work so hard, Zhang Ye was amused. He hugged his shoulders as he watched the show.


    Yes, this couplet was tricky with the five elements Fire (��), Metal (��), Water (ˮ), Earth (��), and Wood (ľ) in the radicals, but it did not look very difficult. Anyone who knew a bit of couplet culture would think that they could match it given enough time. They just needed to find an appropriate word. From the audience''s expression, they were clearly having such thoughts.


    But only Zhang Ye knew that no one could match this couplet!


    In Zhang Ye''s world, it was precisely proven. Some couplets might look difficult, but they were not as hard as people expected when it was matched. For example, using a top radical to make a couplet like �ɻ���ź����̦ (he hu�� j��ng ��u peng li��n t��i, moss of the lotus flower, lotus root, lotus fruit). It looked extremelyplicated at first nce, as their top radicals were all ܳ, but with some careful thought, they were all nts, so matching it with ܽ����ҩ��ҷ�(f�� r��ng sh��o y��o ru�� f��n f��ng, scent of the buds of the hibiscus and peony) would not be a problem. It could be matched with other words, too.


    But some couplets might not appear to have any tricks behind them, and looked about the same as any other couplet, making you think that you could understand it at a nce, but even a lifetime of effort would not allow you to match it!


    ���������� (y��n su�� ch�� t��ng li��, Willow pond locked in smoke) was a couplet that no one could match even in a few lifetimes!


    This couplet''s history was quite long. In Zhang Ye''s world, it had been passed down as a Millennial Impossibility. Nearly a thousand years had passed with people sumbing to it. As for this world, they must have never heard of it.


    Some people matched with ���򺣳�¥ (p��o zh��n h��i cheng l��u, Sea tower rocked by cannons).


    The television series "The Eloquent Ji Xian" had previously used this verse. Many people thought this was the match to the couplet, but in fact it wasn''t. ���򺣳�¥ (p��o zh��n h��i cheng l��u, sea tower rocked by cannons) could only be considered as "corresponding", but not matched. The w in the second half was not only in its mood, but also in its order.


    Firstly, in its tone pattern, with the prosody of its first, third, and fifth words not considered, the second, fourth, sixth were to be distinct. The first and second verses'' second and fourth words were both oblique tones (������������) and did not match well.


    Secondly, in terms of mood, the first half was simple and elegant, while the proposed second half was boorish and rough. Although one was like a schr, the other was like a warrior, it was not coordinated and there was ack of overall harmony.


    That was why this second verse, which many people believe to be the standard answer, was actually not good enough.


    There were also matches of ��������� (d��ng sh��n c��n s�� zh��ng, the bell echoes in a distant dimly-lit temple) and ���������� (f��ng xi��o j�� s��i h��ng, the smoke signals an unfulfilled desire), which matched well in prosody, but did not match the elemental order of the words.


    In that world, the best epted match was ��ȼ������ (t��o r��n j��n ji��ng d��, peach blossoms scorch the Jinjiang dyke).


    However, even this second verse had a problem.


    Its strong point was in matching the prosody of the first verse, with a profound mood, especially with "r��n" being used extremely well. The radicals were also in the right order.


    The only weakness was that "j��n ji��ng d��" was a proper noun, while the other was amon noun. "J��n ji��ng" and "ch�� t��ng" were not simr. In that aspect, there was still a gap.


    From a prosody view, the first verse was level-oblique-level-level-oblique, so in order not to vite the "lone level" rule, the second verse has to be level-level-oblique-oblique-level or oblique-level-level-oblique-level or level-level-level-oblique-level, of which the level-level-oblique-oblique-levelbination was the most ideal.


    Of pity, the "ji��ng" in this verse was of a level tone, failing to match as an oblique tone to the level tone of "t��ng" in first verse.


    Hence, there was no solution to the first half, giving it the name of a Millennial Impossibility!


    "Big Thunder, did you match it?"


    "Just a bit. Almost, almost."


    "I think I''m almost there, too. I already have some thoughts."


    "There''s still time right? I think I can also try. I''mcking just two words. A word with a fire (��) radical��fire radical��"


    With the champion decided, thepetition had alreadye to an end. So these people began to have exchanges in whispers and things were not as strict anymore.


    The few judges ignored them, too. They were writing on their tables, trying to match Zhang Ye''s couplet, too.


    Seeing them frowning in thought, Zhang Ye silently smiled. Go ahead and match it. If any one of you can really match it, this bro will chop off his head and give it to you. This couplet had been passed down for more than a hundred years, maybe even a thousand years in his world, and yet no one could seed. Do you think that just ten minutes would allow you to match it?


    Ignoring this bit of time, even if a hundred years were given to all of you, no, even if this world was given a hundred years or a thousand years, no one could perfectly answer this couplet.


    Forget it; I won''t inform you. Torture yourselves. I''ll take this opportunity to rest.


    Five minutes passed.


    Ten minutes passed.


    This was a live broadcast, so they could not just wait and do nothing. The two hosts were trying to regte the mood.


    "This first half seems to not be simple?" the male host said, while looking at the screen.


    The female hostughed, "It''s far from not simple. It might lookmon, but the difficulty is there. Just the Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth radicals would stop many people in their tracks. Furthermore, there is still the tone pattern one has to match. These two must bebined together to result in a correspondence. The key to the problem is its mood. Teacher Zhang''s first half''s mood is far and distant, like an ethereal picture, bringing with it full of life. Trying to match this would not be easy."


    She knew a bit after all.


    However, it was just a bit.


    The second judge had a headache as a result of thinking. Throwing down her pen, she said, "I can''t do it. I''ll let you do it. I feel like there should be a solution, but no matter how hard I try, I can''t. It just doesn''t correspond!"


    The third judge threw up his arms. He had given up, too.


    The male host blinked and thought, "No one could match it? Even the judges couldn''t? That can''t be!? Isn''t it just a couplet!? There were so many famous experts here! There was strength in numbers!"


    He looked towards an area where the Couplet Organization and the Writers'' Association were. Those people were also silently trying to match it. Looking at the audience, all of them were focusing on the couplet. Each one refused to have their beliefs shaken, as they tried to solve it!


    But after a long while, no one spoke!


    Finally, Elder Qian threw down the pen in his hand. He raised his head and said, "Let''s call it a day."


    Big Thunder refused to throw in the towel as he quickly said, "Elder Qian, just give me a bit of time. I''m almost getting it."


    "That''s right; I''m just a word short. I just can''t think of a single word." Another person from the Beijing Writers'' Association said.


    Elder Qian interrupted them and issued the most authoritative opinion, "There''s no need to think further, nor do you need to try matching. No matter how much time is given, no one can match it!"


    Zhang Ye was surprised as he nced at Elder Qian. Eh?


    There really was someone wise?


    "Impossible regardless of how much time?" Big Thunder refused to believe, "Why?"


    Elder Qian smiled bitterly and said bluntly, "Because this is a Millennial Impossibility!"


    "What?"


    "Impossibility?"


    "Millennial Impossibility?"


    "Impossible! There must be a solution!"


    "Right, how can it be an Impossibility!?"


    "Elder Qian, did you make a mistake?"


    The contestants were all puzzled and none of them acknowledged it


    What was a Millennial Impossibility?


    In simple terms, it was a couplet no one could match!


    Back in the preliminary round, Elder Qian had came up with "hai shui chao chao chao chao chao chao chao luo". To many people, wasn''t it considered an Impossibility?


    Actually, no. It was just considered a miraculous couplet. At best, it would be considered a Millennial Miraculous Couplet, but it definitely was not a Millennial Impossibility. This was because this miraculous couplet had been matched by Zhang Ye neatly. Furthermore, Elder Qian himself hade up with a passable second half. He could match it himself, so there was a solution, so in no way was it a Millennial Impossibility!


    Big Thunder''s couplet from before?


    That didn''t count either!


    It was even slightly worse than a miraculous couplet. It was, at most, considered a wonderful couplet!


    And it had been matched by Zhang Ye!


    It was solved!


    None of those counted!


    But ���������� (y��n su�� ch�� t��ng li��, Willow pond locked in smoke) was?


    No one was convinced as they waited for Elder Qian to give an exnation.


    Elder Qian said, "I know what all of you are thinking. I had the same thoughts as you. I was thinking that as long as I had time, I would be able to solve this first half. But after I tried several times, I discovered that this first half is unsolvable. The radicals from five elements, and the order of the elements, the level tones, the mood, to match all of them, you cannot miss a single one of the five. It is easy to match one, and matching two would not be bad. If you want to match three, it is nearly impossible, not to mention matching all five perfectly. ���������� (y��n su�� ch�� t��ng li��, Willow pond locked in smoke), even if this was ced in ancient times, it would have definitely been a Millennial Impossibility that would shock the world. I can be absolutely sure in telling everyone that this first half will definitely be unsolvable in a hundred years! It can only be left for people of the future!" Saying that, Elder Qian sighed with regret.


    Unsolvable in a hundred years?


    It really was a Millennial Impossibility?


    Elder Qian was very famous in the circle, and he was one of the most aplished few in the country''s couplet literary culture. With him saying that, everyone had to believe, even if they didn''t!


    And so what if people refused to agree?


    They really could not match it!


    The second judge gasped, "It''s really an Impossibility?"


    "I''m very sure." Elder Qian said with a firm tone.


    The third judge looked at Zhang Ye, who was not far away. He gave a wry smile, "What sort of person hase to this year''s Couplet Competition? This is no longer how each new generation excels thest one! Thisd has smacked to death all the predecessors and seniors in the profession on the beach! Or am I just an old ignorant man? When did our country have such a spectacr genius?"


    The old grannyughed, "In a while, read his ''Shuidiao Getou''. No, it''s best if you listen to the version he recited live. Then, his performance today would not seem that strange. That, too, was a melody poem that wouldst the ages!"


    What was the concept of a Millennial Impossibility?


    Saying it just like that might not be easy to understand, but giving an example would make it very clear.


    A Millennial Impossibility was equivalent to a few mathematical conjectures in the field of mathematics. They were also the most difficult problems in the world of mathematics. Everyone knew there was a solution, and everyone knew it was possible toe up with a solution, but no one could provide it!


    There were a few major conjectures in the world of mathematics.


    And in the world of literature, there were only about 5-6 Millennial Impossibilities!


    But starting today, this world had another Millennial Impossibility. The Impossibility''s first half was ���������� (y��n su�� ch�� t��ng li��, Willow pond locked in smoke)!

 Chapter 122: Face Smacking Specialist is Back!

    <h4>Chapter 122: Face Smacking Specialist is Back! </h4>


    Chapter 122: Face Smacking Specialist is Back!


    Grand Hall.


    "Judges?"


    "Alright, the finals is over."


    "Alright, the score has already been tallied."


    "I announce that this year''s champion for the Beijing Couplet Competition is��Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    As the host finished announcing, the audience erupted into apuse. There were even screams of praise; it was a very lively scene. Onstage, many of those participants, who had lost convincingly, stood up to apud Zhang Ye. Some even gave him a thumbs up! There was no other way, Zhang Ye had garnered all the praises. This had been the strangest coupletpetition in recent years. Why strange? Does it need to be exined? All the questions had been answered by Zhang Ye alone. That''s why Zhang Ye was the only winner. There was no 1st runner-up or 2nd runner-up. All the other 49 contestants had 0 points!


    Doesn''t this deserve all the apuse?


    Doesn''t this deserve all the respect?


    Only Big Thunder did not move; he did not apud!


    Zheng Anbang and the others from the Beijing Writers'' Association were not looking so good. None of them apuded Zhang Ye, but instead lowered their heads and did their own things. They were too petty!


    When Zhang Ye saw this sight, he smiled coldly.


    The female host smiled. "Let''s invite Teacher Zhang up onto the stage to receive the award."


    Zhang Ye stood up, went around the side and proceeded towards the stage. He smiled at both of the hosts.


    At the side, Elder Qian and the other two judges also walked up. The trophy was prepared beforehand, but they had prepared three trophies to be brought up. Elder Qian held one in his hands; the other two were not of use anymore. Honestly, this was the first time that they had to present an award for such a dominating performance. One person had dominated and finished off all of his opponents. This was an unprecedented happening in all of thepetition''s history.


    "Teacher Little Zhang, congrattions." Elder Qian handed him the trophy.


    Zhang Ye epted it and said, "Thank you for the affirmation of the Teacher judges."


    Elder Qian smiled. "It is not our affirmation. This is the glory of your victory. And I believe without me saying, this is a Couplet Competition where the victor is known without any suspense!"


    The audienceughed. Yes, this was really was one without any suspense!


    The female host said, "Teacher Zhang, say a sentence or two for your eptance speech?"


    "Well, are you sure you want me to say it?" Zhang Ye blinked his eyes.


    The male host was surprised. What was there to be sure about? Doesn''t every winner of an award say an eptance speech? Thanking friends, thanking leaders, thanking parents, stuff like that?


    But the female host knew the meaning behind Zhang Ye''s words, "This��"


    "Alright then, I''ll say something." Zhang Ye turned to face everyone, and paused for a moment. He said, "I recall.. that someone said I cheated?"


    Everybodyughed, treating it as a joke.


    Only the people from the Beijing Writers'' Association had ugly expressions. They were thinking, "Aren''t you done? Why do you still mention the past? Why are you so petty?"


    But in fact, Zhang Ye was a petty person. The more people did not want him to mention something, the more this fellow would mention it. "I want to know who reported me, and I want to ask therade from the Beijing Writers'' Association who came on stage a while ago saying I cheated. The judges andrades from the Couplet Organization had not investigated, and had eventually allowed my participation, but why did you say it in such a certain fashion that I cheated?" He stared at the youth from the Writers'' Association offstage, "Shouldn''t you apologize to me? This is just the most basic respect, right?"


    The youth stared at him with a darkened expression. F**k, apologize, me? Based on what!?


    A woman from the Couplet Organization looked at him, "Little Wu, you should really apologize."


    "Apologize, Little Wu." Yet another person from the Couplet Organization said. "This is a live broadcast. Everyone is watching. What you previously said onstage was indeed inappropriate. It was too arbitrary and it impacts Teacher Zhang''s reputation. It is only because Teacher Zhang Ye reversed the situation, proving that he did not cheat, that the oue has not be disastrous. Just a few words of yours was enough to destroy a person!"


    The youth named Wu did not move. He shut his eyes stubbornly.


    Zhang Yeughed, "Since it''s a Couplet Competition today, it''s alright if you don''t apologize. I''ll give you a couplet."


    Give a couplet?


    Why are you giving a couplet now?


    Everyone was stunned and was curious as to what Zhang Ye would say.


    The next moment, Zhang Ye said, "Mice, old or young, we call them ''old'' (��, l��o)." Because they are all called mice (����, l��osh��)!


    With the next verse, Zhang Ye smiled. "Turtles, male or female, they are surnamed Wu (��)!" Because they are all called turtles (�ڹ�, w�� gu��, also used as a vulgarity, like bastard)!


    The youth whose surname was Wu nearly vomited blood! Grand Uncle Zhang Ye! You are too f**king ruthless! He was so angry that he nearly cried out! His face was green! This is a live broadcast program! There were hundreds of thousands of people watching! He scolded him in public? The youth wanted to bury his own head somewhere! He had thought that if he had just refused to apologise, nothing could be done about it.


    But he had forgotten that this person was not any ordinary person. This was that Zhang Ye who had publicly scolded his Leaders at the Silver Microphone Awards! Venomous person! Venomous mouth! His heart was the most venomous! At this moment, the youth really felt regretful. He was numb. If he had known, he would have gone forward to apologise!


    The male host was stupefied, "Teacher Zhang!"


    The female host, in turn, was not surprised at all. She knew of Zhang Ye''s misdeeds before, so she quickly gave him a nudge on his shoes with her feet and whispered, "Teacher, you����"


    The audience was also stunned!


    But Zhang Ye still had more to say, "This year, I was invited by the Beijing Writers'' Association to participate in thispetition. To be able to win it, I would like to thank them, too. Thank you for always supporting me, Writers'' Association. I also have a couplet for you all." After saying all that, he immediately said, "A bull''s head hopes to grow a pair of dragon''s horns."


    This sentence was quite usual; no one had a problem with it.


    But Zhang Ye''s second verse nearly made everyone faint, "But have you ever seen elephant tusks growing out of a dog''s mouth (when have you seen a mean fellow speak of nice things)!"


    The Beijing Writers'' Association''s Leader and members, "������."


    People from the Couplet Organization were covering their mouths andughing; this was too interesting. The scolding was too wicked!


    Of course, Zhang Ye wanted to scold. From the moment he participated, it could be seen that none of those from the Beijing Writers'' Association had pure intentions. They had made it difficult for him from the beginning, resorting to all sorts of tricks. If not for Zhang Ye''s wit, his reputation would have been wrecked. His career path would have been cut off. If the usation of cheating was not proven otherwise, then he wouldn''t have been able to clear his name at all. Didn''t this justify his revenge? He naturally wanted to take back what was his!


    Scolding others?


    It''s not like I f**king never scolded!


    So what if it was live? You are the people I''m cursing!


    At this moment, the Beijing Writer''s Association''s Vice-President Meng Dongguo hade forth from the backstage. He had heard Zhang Ye publicly scolding their Writers'' Association. In his moment of rage, he didn''t care that this was a live broadcast anymore. He snatched a microphone and argued with Zhang Ye, "Zhang Ye, you are good at couplets, aren''t you? Then I will give you a question, too. Listen up! Two apes breaking branches deep in the forest; a little monkey dares to have seen it, too?" This was a homonymic first verse. ''Seen it too'' was equivalent to matching a couplet; he was scolding Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye was overjoyed. This first verse was also remembered when he was searching his memories. He immediately retorted, "Then you listen up, too! A horse steps into dirty mud; how can the old beast (bast**d) raise its hooves!" Raise its hooves was equivalent to giving a question!


    "Alright!"


    "So beautifully matched!"


    "Hahahaha! I''m so amused!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye is a god!"


    The audience could not help butugh out loud!


    Meng Dongguo, "��.&%#@*) *&@@! ! !"


    Vice-President Meng''s couplet-matching skill was not that deep, otherwise he would have taken part. He could not match Zhang Ye at it, which is why he lost the moment he attacked!


    But Zhang Ye did not let him off, "Since you gave me a question, then I shall give you a question, too. 1-2-3-4-5-6-7!"


    Eh?


    What''s this question about?


    There were rarely couplets that stopped at 7. If he wanted to give the first verse, shouldn''t it be 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8? Why did he forget about the 8?


    Zhang Ye then looked at him, "Can''t match it? Then let me give you the second verse. Xi��o t�� zh��ng x��n l�� y�� li��n (filial piety, respect, loyalty, trust courtesy, uprightness, honesty)!"


    That was not right!


    The second verse was not correct either!


    Xi��o t�� zh��ng x��n l�� y�� li��n (filial piety, respect, loyalty, trust courtesy, uprightness, honesty)? What about shame? Why is shame not in there?


    But who can be a fool for long? A few contestants thought for a moment and quickly analyzed the metaphor of this couplet, "The first verse had forgotten about 8? The second versecked a shame? This is��. forgetting 8cking shame (bast**d with no shame)? F**k!"


    Bast**d?


    No shame?


    Meng Dongguo nearly exploded with anger! Zhang! You are scolding people now?


    The male host, nervous with sweat, hurriedly tried to talk them out of an argument, "Our two Teachers, the two of you, say less, say less. The cameras are still��." This is what you called literary people! Their scolding didn''t even have any vulgarities in them!


    Meng Dongguo didn''t care anymore. He said directly to Zhang Ye, "In such a setting, you publicly scolded the Beijing Writers'' Association, insulted our Writers'' Association''s staff, insulted the people who invited you? Well, well, now I can put it clearly here: a person like you, even if you are a talent, our Beijing Writers'' Association will never have you!"


    Isn''t this the pot calling the kettle ck?


    And you act like everything about you was correct?


    When you wanted to step on me, you just stepped! When I fought back? All of you began using reasoning to press me down? Just because you are the authoritative body? So that makes you reasonable? What the heck!


    Zhang Ye was extremely bemused, holding the microphone, looking at all those angry and speechless Beijing Writers'' Association''s members. He said hisst words, a doggerel. Its origins were from a famous crosstalker in his previous world - Guo Degang. Guo Degang''s doggerels were considered one of a kind, with them being highly controversial. The one that he used to scold the Beijing Radio Station''s Leader had especially attracted all sorts of criticisms from industry insiders. But today, Zhang Ye had selected another one of Teacher Guo''s doggerels. It was written by Guo Degang after he was uninvited by the New Year''s G organizers. It had a very special feel and was also very meaningful.


    "Madness and ailing grass, difficulty in discerning. The plum blossoms seemed trimmed, coldness outside the walls. The icy sky is like jade, the silver branches seemed buried as dust. Pushing the nket into the snow, open your eyes and stop acting nice, returning after traveling the Jiang province, with the poem done and alcohol drunk, the world seems small."


    Up to here, many had not understood it.


    What poem was this? Was it a doggerel?


    Zhang Ye even knew doggerels? This was really the first time they had heard about it!


    But after hearing the final part of Zhang Ye''s poem, they finally understood andughed out loud, "Embracing beauty,menting how life is all about fame and fortune." At this point, Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes and looked towards Meng Dongguo and the people from the Writers'' Association. "Open your drunken eyes slightly. No matter how you seed or fail��" With augh, "It''s not like I''lle!"


    It''s not like I''lle?


    They said that they were not going to invite him into the association! And he came up with such a doggerel?


    Hahaha! What a good "it''s not like I''lle"! A lot of the audience members were tickled by this!

 Chapter 123: This Time, His Reputation has Really Gone Bad!

    <h4>Chapter 123: This Time, His Reputation has Really Gone Bad! </h4>


    Chapter 123: This Time, His Reputation has Really Gone Bad!


    This year''spetition was fully broadcasted live. The video feed could only be switched among the different camera angles to prevent any wrong or unwanted footage from being shown. But the audio feed could not be cut off. When Zhang Ye scolded, it caused the cameramen in the auditorium to be extremely busy. ording to past experiences and rules, it was needless to say that they definitely had to avoid a troublemaker like him. The effect was too negative.


    The champion was making trouble at the coupletpetition?


    Zhang Ye cursed at the Beijing Writers'' Association?


    If such a headline had spread, it wouldn''t look good!


    While they were busy making sure the cameras did not capture the wrong things, an inte video website''s supervisor received a call from his manager.


    "Old Wang!"


    "Leader, the situation now is��.."


    "I know! Don''t cut off the camera!"


    "Ah? If I don''t cut away, what should I do? Just face it straight at them?"


    "Of course! Such a hot topic only happens once in a hundred years! Hurry, hurry, hurry! Live stream the whole event! Don''t cover up anything!"


    "Is that�� Is that really okay?"


    "Why is it not okay? We are not an actual television station, just an inte live stream site. We don''t have so much to think about. Whateverments or opinionse, we can handle it! Let me tell you, Old Wang, the amount of people watching online now has already surpassed 1 million. Although this is the Beijing Couplet Competition, the people watching are not limited to only the Beijing area. People from all over the country are viewing it now. This is a 1 in a million chance. Are you still going to shift the camera away? This is a 1 in a million chance! Just follow my instructions! Record the cursing, too! If anything goes wrong, I will be responsible!"


    "Alright, Leader. I understand!"


    ����


    So, the viewers over the inte didn''t miss anything. The camera not only recorded the whole scene, Zhang Ye and Meng Dongguo were both given feature shots. Their back and forth exchange of couplets reached a climax and almost made the web audience jump up and cheer!


    "Oh, my God!"


    "A simple couplet can be used to curse in such an earth-shattering manner?"


    "Hahaha! Come and see!"


    "Those who did not watch the live broadcast will regret this for sure!"


    "It''s too delightful! Teacher Zhang Ye is too delightful! Wahaha!"


    "Such a great bull''s head hopes to grow a pair of dragon''s horns!"


    "I feel the ultimate was ''A horse steps into dirty mud; how can the old beast (bast**d) raise its hooves!''!"


    "That ''it''s not like I''lle'' doggerel was too good. Teacher Zhang is as splendid as ever with his words. A doggerel was also written so interestingly!"


    "Support Teacher Zhang! They don''t want us? We are the ones who don''t want the association!"


    "That''s right! No matter how you seed or fail, it''s not like we''lle!"


    "What did I say? What did I say? The Face Smacking Specialist has returned once again!"


    "Hehe, don''t they know what happened at the Silver Microphone Awards? They actually dared to get Teacher Zhang to give an eptance speech in public? ''Face-smacker Zhang'' is a person with past (''criminal'') records!"


    "Here ites! I knew Teacher Zhang would not say anything nice!"


    "This time sure is interesting. Back then, Teacher Zhang was banned by the radio station. This time, he will be banned by the literature circle. Teacher Zhang is too good at causing incidents, but�� Haha. I like it. I love a Teacher Zhang who dares to speak up and act! He is my lifetime idol!"


    "This is a godly curse!"


    Some people were still unclear of what was going on, "Why did this person scold so ruthlessly?"


    A person below him said in a despising manner, "Bro, did you just get onto the inte today? This isn''t the first time Teacher Zhang has scolded others. Search online for this year''s online ngs. About half the top 10 ngs for cursing were created by Teacher Zhang Ye. It''s not weird!"


    That person went to check, "Eh? I bought a watchst year was an original creation of Teacher Zhang? I just learned about it!"


    "Bros, in the future, join our Teacher Zhang''s troll army. It gives you meat to eat, and girls to meet!" The person began recruiting. There was reason to believe that after today, Zhang Ye''s poprity would definitely have another explosive increase!


    ����


    Peking University.


    Couplet Competition venue.


    After Zhang Ye said thest doggerel, no one dared to challenge him to a quarrel anymore!


    Meng Dongguo stopped speaking. Big Thunder also shut up. The people from the Beijing Writers'' Association could only stare angrily, as they could not do a thing. It was hopeless, for they werepletely no match for Zhang Ye. Saying anything more would just bring ridicule to themselves. A pair of couplets from Zhang Ye was enough to feel like curses were raining down on them. Meeting a prickly person who did not care about anything would only cause headaches!


    Zhang Ye surveyed the surroundings. Seeing that no one made a sound, and seeing that they were all stunned because of him, he ced the microphone back onto the rack before walking off the stage. He left Meng Dongguo and the people from the Beijing Writers'' Association the view of his back!


    The three judges were also looking at each other with wry smiles. Couplets were one of the traditional cultures of China, and it was also an important piece of Chinese literature. They knew that although people felt that couplets were mostly quite proper, there were couplets that embedded mockery in them. There was no doubt that the couplets Zhang Ye had used to curse were some of the best amongst mocking couplets. Zhang Ye was the first person that they had seen that was able to use mocking couplets in such a masterful way and say it so impressively.


    Every one of them was good!


    Every one of them was wless!


    From their point of view, this young man, Zhang Ye, hadpletely researched what there was to couplet culture. He was probably more knowledgeable than old schrs who had been immersed in it for decades!


    Elder Qian suddenly had a yearning for talent, "Hai, I suddenly feel like taking in a disciple."


    The third judgeughed, "Old man Qian, aren''t you not taking in disciples anymore? You still want to take him in? Besides�� What can you teach him?"


    Elder Qian was helpless, "Indeed, it is precisely that I do not know what to teach him. In literature, it seems that he is more aplished than me."


    The old granny said, "And he is quite a prickly person. After what he did today, he would most definitely be known in the literature scene. However, there will be even more people doubting him. Just like a few old fools I know, they are predecessors who enjoy teaching juniors to be respectful of their elders. They would definitely attack him."


    "Then I won''t take him in as a disciple." Elder Qian said, "I''ll help him."


    The third judge said, "Elder Qian, why do you think so highly of this youth? There are many people who are talented. But most of them are young and aggressive and would fall to nothing early on, with no aplishments. There are so many of these kinds of youths. They are uncountable, but how many of them canst until the end? You think he can make it?"


    Elder Qian was very determined, "Those people you mention just have average talent, but Zhang Ye is different. He definitely can. I think he definitely can." Saying that, Elder Qian looked at his two old friends in a joking manner, "No one from China has gotten a Nobel Prize in Literature. What if at some time in the future, when China really gets this highest honor�� Will it be him?"


    The old granny said surprisingly, "You really have such thoughts?"


    "Elder Qian, isn''t your evaluation of him too high?" The third judge was shocked as he said, "There are so many literary schrs in the country who have failed. No one has reached the top after all these years. He is just a 20+-year-oldd. Nobel Prize in Literature? You think too highly of him!"


    The old granny also didn''t think so highly, "Zhang Ye is still far from that."


    Elder Qianughed, "At least he is closer than us. Now, all he needs is time and experience. He is the best seedling that I have ever seen!"

 Chapter 124: “Facing the Sea with Spring Blossoms”!

    <h4>Chapter 124: ��Facing the Sea with Spring Blossoms��! </h4>


    Chapter 124: "Facing the Sea with Spring Blossoms"!


    Sunday.


    Zhang Ye was resting.


    Early in the morning, eldest little sister Cao Dan had woken him up, "Brother, you are famous again. I went to the newspaper stand this morning. A few local newspapers had you in them. Only after reading did I know that you took part in yesterday''s Couplet Competition and won! You are really great, Brother."


    Zhang Ye tiredly said "So-so, I guess."


    "Pass me the phone. Pass it to me." It was mom''s voice on the other end.


    Zhang Ye was a little stunned, "Mom, you are around, too? Are you at Grandma''s home?"


    His mother said fiercely, "You rascal, why did you make such a mess again! Such an importantpetition�� You were just onstage to collect your award and you scolded people? You��. You are ''fantastic''. That was all broadcast live. I heard from your sister that the inte is discussing about how many of the authors and literary people are criticizing you!"


    Zhang Ye sighed, "It will be fine."


    "How can that be fine?" his mother said angrily.


    "It''s not like it''s the first time; don''t make a big fuss." After being through worse before, Zhang Ye was calmer, "How big could it be? After all, it was them who started the dirty tricks. You know me; I''m not the type to mess with others, but others also shouldn''t mess with me. If they do, then they will pay for it. That is my style!"


    "You, you!" his mother said disappointedly.


    "Mom, I am going back to sleep." Zhang Ye hung up.


    To others who could fall asleep after such a big incident, they would be worried about this and that, or thinking of the consequences. But to Zhang Ye, he was already used to this. Every two or three days, he would get into some sort of trouble. He no longer put it at heart. Wasn''t this just the usual? Zhang Ye honestly just took hiszy naps and didn''t care much about the issue.


    Being scolded?


    Being doubted and criticized?


    When someone scolded him the first time, Zhang Ye raged. When they scolded him the fifth time, Zhang Ye was angry. When they scolded him the tenth time, Zhang Ye was humbled. But now, Zhang Ye was invulnerable. If and when someone scolded him with an interesting phrase, Zhang Ye would even smile.


    ����


    After he woke up.


    Zhang Ye went downstairs to buy a few newspapers and bring them home to read.


    The first copy was The Beijing Times. This newspaper was considered an acquaintance of Zhang Ye''s. When Zhang Ye had first appeared in a newspaper, it was them who had reported on him. The paper''s article was considered to be more objective, as it reported the details of yesterday''s coupletpetition. It mentioned Zhang Ye''s scolding situation, but mentioned more about Zhang Ye''s dominating performance and award, as well as the more than ten couplets that were said. The focus was on the couplet that Elder Qian described as an Millenium Impossibility, which was praised to the skies by the paper. Overall, the report gave recognition to Zhang Ye.


    As for the second and third newspapers, they were generally critical of him.


    A newspaper had mentioned that Zhang Ye had been reported for cheating from out of nowhere, and it also wrote at the end that he should not have used a couplet to scold others at such a situation, regardless of what had happened. This was a problem with his quality of person. It criticized Zhang Ye for not having the bearing of a schr and was overly petty!


    Zhang Ye let it pass and turned his attention to Weibo.


    On Weibo, just as his sister and his mom had said, many people were criticizing him, "Having literary talent, but not having a good heart!"


    But there were also many supporters of Zhang Ye!


    "Who are the ones without good hearts? It''s you people from the Beijing Writers'' Association!"


    "If they had not said that Teacher Zhang Ye had cheated, would Teacher Zhang have scolded them?"


    "I''m neutral. But anyone with eyes could see what had happened yesterday. I support Zhang Ye on this matter!"


    "It''s the Beijing Writers'' Association who deserves to be scolded! Who can they me?"


    "Still criticizing Teacher Zhang Ye? Your asses sure are crooked!"


    "Back at the Silver Microphone Awards, I did not agree to Teacher Zhang''s recital of ''Dead Water'', as I think he went beyond bounds. But yesterday, I don''t think Teacher Zhang did any wrong. Those of you who are criticizing Teacher Zhang Ye, I want to ask you: If it was you who was being maligned by others, to the point where your job would be lost as a result, and you would not be able to survive in this industry anymore, would you treat it as if nothing had happened? Will you carry on being a grandson of the Beijing Writers'' Association? Hur Hur. Maybe you can do that, but Teacher Zhang can''t do it. He isn''t a wimp like you! Because his name is Zhang Ye!"


    The Beijing Writers'' Association''s official Weibo also publiclyunched an attack on Zhang Ye. From the posting time, it had just happened a few minutes ago, "Just like how Vice President Meng said, a person like Zhang Ye would not be epted by our Writers'' Association, no matter how aplished he is or how talented he is. How can a person with such a questionable character be any good at literature? Our Writers'' Association focuses not only on talent for taking in members, it also greatly focuses on a person''s character and moral standing!"


    Below the post, many people were still cursing!


    "What a joke!"


    "You dare to talk about morals?"


    "Hahaha. All of you are too humorous!"


    "You do not want him, but it''s not like Teacher Zhang will go!"


    Just as everyone was having a debate, the official Weibo of the "National Writers'' Association" suddenly expressed their position, "After the National Writers'' Association''s Committee Member Qian''s and other Writers'' Association''s members'' rmendation, after an inspection, we invite Teacher Zhang Ye to join our National Writers'' Association!". With this statement out, the discussion became even more explosive!


    "Holy sh*t!"


    "The National Writers'' Association has given their statement!"


    "Haha! Face smacking! The Beijing Writers'' Association''s face has been smacked senseless!"


    "That''s right. The Beijing Writers'' Association just said that they would not want a person like Zhang Ye, but in the end, the National Writers'' Association has invited Teacher Zhang Ye. Their faces are swollen now!"


    "Elder Qian rmended Zhang Ye?"


    "He really wants Zhang Ye to enter the National Writers'' Association?"


    "Support! Teacher Zhang has finally obtained the recognition of the mainstream literature world!"


    "Do you think that Teacher Zhang Ye will enter the National Writers'' Association?"


    "I guess so. After all, it''s one of the most authoritative literature units in the country."


    "I guess not. There are so many authors in the country scolding Teacher Zhang. Teacher Zhang might not even bother about being a part of them. With Teacher Zhang''s temper, it''s something he would definitely do!"


    Many people were quite delighted to know what the oue was.


    Some of the older elders of the National Writers'' Association raised their objections.


    "Mr Qian, why are you rmending such a hooligan into the association?"


    "This is the National Writers'' Association. If we let that Little Zhang in, wouldn''t that cause the atmosphere to turn foul!?"


    "I don''t support it. He doesn''t even know the basics of respecting one''s elders. He can''t even mind his mouth. What can such a person do? Mess things up?"


    "This Zhang Ye has no standards!"


    ZhangYeNumber1Fan expressed, "Teachers, all of you may be predecessors, but I don''t think any of you have the qualifications to say that. If you have the ability, then match the ���������� (y��n su�� ch�� t��ng li��, Willow pond locked in smoke) Teacher Zhang gave. Only then will you have the qualifications to criticize Teacher Zhang for his literary standard! If not, anyone can say ''what standards does Zhang Ye have''. If you want to reject him, why don''t you show some of your abilities?"


    After this was said, many people stopped speaking.


    ZhangYeNumber1Fan said, "No one can match it? Then don''t say anything!"


    Actually, since yesterday, ���������� (y��n su�� ch�� t��ng li��, Willow pond locked in smoke) had be a hot phrase on the inte. It was extremely popr for a while. Some famous people did not believe it in the beginning and thought that they would be able to match it. Someone even dered so. But after a day, those people who had made the deration that it was not some Impossibility had shut up and disappeared!


    Are you scared?


    Why hasn''t any person matched it!?


    This was a Millennial Impossibility! Many authoritative people in the profession had begun to acknowledge it!


    ����


    At home.


    After seeing that Weibo message, Zhang Ye only felt touched. Zhang Ye had only spoken a few words with Elder Qian, but he had stood up for him when almost everyone in the profession was criticizing Zhang Ye. He had even rmended that he be invited into the National Writers'' Association, and had held out an olive branch for him. As long as Zhang Ye nodded, and as long as Zhang Ye gave a call or simply left a reply on Weibo, he would enter the Writers'' Association. And it was not just a provincial-level Beijing Writers'' Association, but the biggest National Writers'' Association!


    Zhang Ye thanked Elder Qian in his heart, but�� He suddenly did not feel like entering the Writers'' Association. This ''small organization'' was not very powerful and was veryplicated. The experienced predecessors were stuck in their ways. Euphemistically speaking, they were overly traditional. But without mincing one''s words, they were overly pedantic. It did not match Zhang Ye''s temper in any way. He could already predict that if he joined, there would be even more of such simr events like yesterday. All of that made Zhang Ye ufortable, so why would he join? Asking to be rebuffed? Zhang Ye didn''t think that he was that free!


    Others didn''t like him?


    Hur, this bro doesn''t even wish to enter!


    However, Zhang Ye did not want to give too cruel a rejection after Elder Qian''s painstaking effort, as it would have been not knowing what was good for himself. Hence, he thought of a roundabout method that rejected it, but did not end things badly.


    "Thank you Teacher Qian. Thank you for the National Writers'' Association''s acknowledgement," Zhang Ye replied.


    "Ah! Quick, take a look!"


    "Teacher Zhang has said something!"


    "Haha. Let''s see what Teacher Zhang will do!"


    Netizens on Weibo gathered over. Many professionals and people from the National Writers'' Association and other provinces also moved their attention. They were waiting for Zhang Ye''s reply. Those who cursed him, those who supported him, and even those who were neutral paid attention. Before Zhang Ye posted the next message, that Weibo message had been forwarded a thousand times. This showed how much attention was ced on this matter! There was no other way about it. After all, Zhang Ye was now famous. He had said "Dead Water" at the Silver Microphone Awards, and he had scolded using couplets at the Couplet Competition. Everything Zhang Ye said would gain the attention of others. This was also the temporary fame brought from the Couplet Competition!


    Zhang Ye paused for a while before expressing his stance:


    "Starting tomorrow, I will be a happy man;


    Feed a horse, split logs, travel the world.


    Starting tomorrow, I will care for crops and vegetables.


    I have a house; it faces the sea, and flowers bloom in spring warmth.


    Starting tomorrow, I will contact every rtive


    to tell them about my happiness.


    As that lightning bolt of happiness told me,


    I will tell each and every person.


    Give every river and every mountain a warmhearted name.


    As for strangers, I wish you happiness, too.


    I wish you a glittering future.


    I wish you a lover who bes a spouse.


    I wish that you obtain happiness in this world.


    I wish only to face the sea, where flowers bloom in spring warmth."


    ����


    "It''s a poem?"


    "A modern poem that Teacher Zhang is best at?"


    "What''s the meaning of the poem? What does Teacher Zhang want to say?"


    "Why do I have goosebumps reading this poem!? It''s too beautiful!"


    "Haha, I got it! He is indeed a cultured person! Even when rejecting, Teacher Zhang can reject in such an artistic manner! This poem was written too nicely!"


    Many people could not understand.


    But many people knew it well.


    Amongst them was a literary author who wasn''t that famous. He dissected it, "Starting tomorrow, Starting tomorrow, Starting tomorrow. This was said three times, which makes the meaning very clear. What Teacher Zhang means is that tomorrow, or in the future, he might be able to melt the grievances like ice and not fuss about the problems in the past. Tomorrow, or in the future, he might be able to give his well wishes to those who criticized or hated him, wishing them a good journey ahead��" Upon saying that, the author gasped in admiration, "But today, but now, he wishes only to face the sea, where flowers bloom in spring warmth!"


    A simple poem from Zhang Ye had caused great acim once again!


    Below, a person from the Couplet Organization gave his evaluation, "Mr Zhang is so talented. I bow in deference!"


    Elder Qian, the Committee Member of the Writers'' Association also repliedter, "Since Little Zhang has made his decision, then we can only respect it. But I have something to say. I will say it now, and I will also say it again in the future. It is not your loss that the National Writers'' Association doesn''t have you, but it''s our Writers'' Association that has suffered!" After that, he added on, "Teacher Little Zhang, I wish to wait for tomorrow, where you can still face the sea, and can also let the flowers bloom in the National Writers'' Association. The Writers'' Association''s invitation to you will be effective for life!"


    The matter was settled.


    However, there was no end to the discussion. Zhang Ye had thrown out a poem to once again shock the modern poem arena!


    "This poem is really good! It''s so good, it''s explosive!"


    "Face Smacking Specialist has made another production! Come gather around!"


    "I have a feeling that this poem will be more popr than ''Flying Bird and Fish''!"


    "Haha, it''s already popr. Look at the forwards. It''s already exceeded 4000! This is almost defying the heavens! Everyone is ''Facing the Sea with Spring Blossoms''!"


    ����


    Switching off theputer, Zhang Ye felt rxed. He wanted to give Teacher Qian a call to apologize again, but he decided against it. Why? Because there were two reasons. Firstly, there was no need to say anything more. They were considered good friends despite the great difference in age. They had not interacted much, but one poem and one couplet was enough as the most profound interaction. So there was no need to mull over it on the phone. It would instead make it more corny. The second point was�� Your sister! Because he did not have Elder Qian''s telephone number! The first point was actually not important at all!


    Forget it!


    He was not entering the Writers'' Association, so there was nothing to worry about!


    Literature was not important for Zhang Ye''s development. It could be considered a tiny tributary towards his goal. It was nice to have it, as it added brilliance to the existing splendor. If he had the opportunity to develop this further, Zhang Ye would not let it go. But the main goal was not this. This was not the most important thing, so it was alright if he did not enter the Writers'' Association.


    Then what was his goal?


    What was his goal all along?


    Was there a need to ask? His goal was of course not to have decayed teeth!

 Chapter 125: Countless Lottery Draws!

    <h4>Chapter 125: Countless Lottery Draws! </h4>


    Chapter 125: Countless Lottery Draws!


    +3200!


    +12676!


    +6981!


    His Reputation kept increasing!


    When it hit 9 P.M. at night, Zhang Ye looked into his game ring''s Reputation points. It had reached 1.4 million. Zhang Ye had been staring at the disy for the whole day, and with every Reputation point gained, it felt like a promotion. Zhang Ye was very excited because these points could let him y the lottery to gain items to prevent tooth decay���� Rather, to help him further his dreams of being a superstar. Secondly, with every Reputation point gained, it meant that another person knew of him and admired him.


    The points gained decreased slowly, likely to being to an end. After all, the coupletpetition, the Millennium Impossibility and "Facing the Sea with Spring Blossoms" could not gain him Reputation points forever. It was all for the moment, and it was reaching its limit. Zhang Ye had never had such a quick increase in Reputation, nor had he reached such a level of Reputation points before. He had to be content for now, as it afforded him a lot of lottery chances now.


    Time for the lottery!


    Buy a chance at the draw!


    Without a thought, Zhang Ye added an Additional Stake, not more, to try his luck.


    The needle spun fast and stopped at the Skills Category in his first draw. A Treasure Chest (small) appeared and Zhang Ye immediately opened it up.


    A sh of light!


    A skill book appeared!


    "Lock Picking Skill Experience Book" (2): Upon reading, increase the lock picking skills of the gamer.


    A skill book. As there was no use in storing it, Zhang Ye flipped open the books one by one. After consuming the two books, he felt slightly giddy. With new memories filling up in his mind. Looking sideways at his closet and drawer, Zhang Ye had felt a sense of thievery instincts and, without any basis of logic, he knew that he could pick that lock open. All he needed were some tools.


    F**k, what a wretched oue!


    Why did I even get such a skill for? Luckily, he did not stake too much on it!


    Zhang Ye was wondering if the game ring had known that his nickname was called "Instant Noodle Hero"? And therefore gave such a skill to him, to see if he could carry a pack of instant noodles out of a ce? Thus ensuring the glory of being nicknamed "Instant Noodle Hero"?


    Forget it, and continue to draw!


    It''s always better to have a skill. After all, having many skills did not burden the body!


    For the second round of lottery, Zhang Ye also added an Additional Stake, spending 200,000 of his Reputation. He observed as the needle spun!


    1 round!


    2 rounds!


    3 rounds!


    The needle stopped at the Consumption Category!


    Zhang Ye immediately opened up the Treasure Chest (small) and the items appeared!


    "Save" (2): Saves a record. This save file can only be stored for half an hour.


    This Save Crystal was already familiar to Zhang Ye. It was the first item he''d had, which he had gotten from his first lottery draw. It had helped him a great deal during his interview for his job back then. Even though the record could only be saved for 30 minutes, it was enough to solve many problems. Zhang Ye regretted a little; if he had known that he would get this item, he would have added ten additional stakes! What a pity.


    He put the Save Crystal away.


    At the third draw for today, Zhang Ye did not use additional stakes temporarily. He waited until after the needle wasing to a stop before opening up the Additional Stakes menu. This was to let him analyse a little first, as there were two categories ahead. The needle was currently at the Stats Category, and further in front was the Skills Category.


    To add or not to add?


    How many stakes to add?


    These two categories had items that were quite good. After thinking it through, and with the earlier experience of the Save Crystal, Zhang Ye bet all his remaining reputation with the use of the Additional Stakes. Whatever will be, will be. In his earlier two draws, he had spent a total of 200,000 each time. Now that he had 1 million points left, deducting the 100,000 he spent on the third draw, he could add nine additional stakes. And so he bet all of it!


    The draw continued!


    The needle continue moving!


    At this time, the needle, as if giving all its strength, slowly moved forward!


    Since Zhang Ye was not concerned with which of the two categories the needle wouldnd on, it was a bet anyway, so he closed his eyes and waited quietly. When the game ring indicated that the lottery had ended, Zhang Ye slowly opened his eyes narrowly to peek at the lottery board - It was the Skills Category!


    Ten Treasure Chests (Small) opened up!


    This was Zhang Ye''s biggest bet ever, so he was nervous!


    He feared that if the game ring had gotten him a "How to Cook the Most Delicious Instant Noodles" Skill Experience Book, then his heart would have just died!


    Let''s open them!


    After removing the ten Treasure Chests from the inventory, they all piled up on the ground.


    Zhang Ye once again went to the bathroom to wash his hands, this time with shampoo. A pleasant aroma floated around as he took a deep breath and opened the first chest. It was a book, different looking from the "Lock Picking Skill Experience Book" and the "Calligraphy Skill Experience Book". The book cover was newer and all white, so it didn''t look too ancient.


    Consecutively, he opened ten of the chests, all containing the same book. He then held up a book to take a look.


    "Taekwondo Skill Experience Book": Upon reading, raises the yer''s Taekwondo skill experience!


    Taekwondo? Something of the Koreans? Zhang Ye eyes showed some disdain, but he still smiled from ear to ear. He immediately flipped open the book to gain the experience!


    1 book!


    5 books!


    10 books!


    With a single breath, he consumed all of the skill''s experience!


    Although as a nationalist, he did not like things from the Koreans, nor did he like fighting techniques like Taekwondo, this was at least a skill that allowed one to throw one''s weight about. Once he knew it, Zhang Ye did not need to be afraid of anything else. When he sawrger-sized elementary school students, he, too, would be able to put up a fight!


    Cross kick!


    Side kick!


    Inverted kicks��. Alright, there''s no such move!


    Zhang Ye raised his leg to try some moves. It felt powerful. His leg kicks were very standard. Steady, urate and relentless, you could feel the wind with each kick. But s, Zhang Ye''s physical fitness was poor, and his strength and stamina werecking. Usually seated in front of hisputer andcking in exercise and training, after seven to eight moves, he felt like he had already pulled something and was in pain. F**k, looks like the Skill Experience Book could only let him learn by gaining knowledge of the techniques. It did not improve his physique to that of those who had trained for many years. He wascking in stature and strength, so he could not fully utilize it.


    But it''s okay. This was good enough!


    At least now, he had the ability to beat up the those in the Southern Mountain Old Folks Home and then trample on the Northern Seas Kindergarten School!


    What''s more, Zhang Ye was most excited by the possibilities of the existence of this Taekwondo skill. Does that mean that there will be a Muay Thai skill? Could there be an Eight Trigrams Palm or a Jeet Kune Do skill, too? Zhang Ye believed that those definitely existed. It was just that he had not managed to get draw them. If he could really obtain the unlimited right to buy these Experience Books of various international martial arts in the Special Category, he would one day be invincible with enough Reputation!


    Judo is good, too!


    T��n Tu�� isn''t bad, too!


    If ten books were not enough, he would consume a hundred!


    If a hundred was not enough, then he would consume a thousand!


    If a thousand was not good enough��.. 10,000 books should do it, right?


    At that time, the whole world''s top martial artists could have a go at him. Who could defeat him by then?


    He would go and challenge all the martial arts schools, and challenge the whole world. Martial artists were also considered celebrities in this world. They could be famous and gain reputation, too!


    All roads lead to Rome!


    Zhang Ye could finally see a clearer path forward!

 Chapter 126: The New Segment is Going on Air!

    <h4>Chapter 126: The New Segment is Going on Air! </h4>


    Chapter 126: The New Segment is Going on Air!


    Monday.


    Slightly cloudy.


    Beijing Television Station. Zhang Ye came early to the unit once again. After he put down his stuff, he was prepared to do some cleaning.


    "Eh?" He suddenly realised that someone else was in the office, "You are?"


    It was a fifty-something-year-old middle-aged man, who was almost fully bald, and who looked older than others his age. Upon seeing Zhang Ye, the middle-aged man curled his lips. He was holding a broom behind the door and was sweeping the floor, "You are Teacher Zhang?" You can just call me Old Wei. Hur hur. I am an editor of the Arts Channel. Everyone calls me Editor Wei or Old Wei."


    Zhang Ye said, "Yo, then why are you doing the cleaning? Please leave it to me."


    "It''s fine." Editor Wei replied, "The cleaner is on leave today and I wasn''t doing anything anyway."


    "That won''t do. I am younger; how can I let you do the work?" Zhang Ye tried to snatch the broom from him, "Besides, you are not from our team. You don''t need to."


    But Editor Wei did not let him take the broom. He justughed and took out a small book, "Just help me by signing this. I am your fan and like your poems very much, especially that "Facing the Sea with Spring Blossoms" from the other day. My daughter had found it online and showed it to me. To be honest, I read it ten times and still can not recite it by heart. There aren''t many good works like these now in modern poetry."


    Zhang Ye was a little embarrassed, "Then an autograph won''t suffice. Since you like it, then it''s my honor. I will write out this poem and sign it for you."


    Editor Wei was very happy, "That would be the best.. if it''s not too troublesome?"


    "It''s not troublesome." Zhang Ye quickly took a pen and paper. Since it was a modern poem, a pen would be good enough. There was no need for brush and ink.


    The poem was written.


    He signed on it.


    Zhang Ye then gifted it to him.


    Editor Wei shouted his praises, "Good poem, good poem!"


    At this time, the twins Hou Ge and Hou Di arrived at work. When they entered the office, they saw Editor Wei. Hou Ge panicked and rushed over, "Uncle Wei, why are you doing the cleaning again?"


    Hou Di also rushed over, "Give me, give me!"


    Editor Wei couldn''t argue with them, so he just took the rubbish out from their office and went back.


    When he left, Zhang Ye asked curiously, "Who is that Editor Wei?"


    "You must have thought he''s a cleaner, right?" Hou Ge sighed, "When I first came, I also thought so, too. I always see him cleaning the ce or clearing the trash in the various offices or changing the water cooler''s water. I heard from other colleagues from other departments that Uncle Wei even sponsors several students who can''t afford school. He''s a very kind uncle. Everyone respects him a lot. But apparently, he previously offended our Arts Channel''s boss, Director Wang Shuixin. Although his job title is an Editor, he doesn''t get one bit of bonus. He doesn''t have any responsibilities and has been repressed all this while. Since he has no jobs to do usually, he would help clean the ce and change the ink cartridges. Hai."


    Director Wang Shuixin?


    Zhang Ye''s "This is also Everything" had previously also offended him, so he knew that he was not a magnanimous person.


    Xiao Lu came into the office following that, in high spirits. Seeing Zhang Ye, sheughed, "Teacher Zhang, why aren''t you feeding the horses, splitting logs and traveling the world? I thought you wouldn''te to work today and will be facing the sea, watching the flowers bloom in spring warmth."


    Hou Ge also recalled and gave a big thumbs up, "Yesterday, that poem on Weibo was amazing. Did you not see what happened on the webter? It was spread like mad!"


    Xiao Luughed, "My own tagline has changed to the name of your poem. I wish only to face the sea, where flowers bloom in spring warmth? What grows on your brain? How can everything you write be so deep?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "My brain doesn''t have anything growing. But at least there''s something underneath my feet."


    Dafei also arrived at the unit. Hearing that, he asked, "Underneath your feet? What''s there underneath your feet?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I am standing on the shoulders of giants."


    At the door, Hu Fei strode in and happened to hear their conversation, "Haha. Amazing. What an amazing ''standing on the shoulders of giants''. Little Zhang''s words are always pearls of wisdom!"


    Xiao Lu and Hou Ge were also impressed.


    The shoulders of giants? They had never heard of such a metaphor!


    This expression was attributed to his world''s Newton; however, they would forever not understand what Zhang Ye really meant. The giants were not giants. Zhang Ye was not referring to the greats of this world, but the sages of his world. Of course, he would definitely not exin this. This was a secret of his. He would not tell a second person as long as he was alive, regardless of who it was.


    After some chatting.


    Hu Fei suddenly pped his hands. "Alright, let''s get down to business. Stop standing and take a seat. Just listen to what I have to say, and ask if you have any question." He sat at his own desk. His office was also there and had the same treatment as the rest. Hu Fei did not have a lone leader office for himself. It was just that he was usually busy, so he would be away at meetings and various other affairs. Sometimes he would have things outside of the office, so he was seldom around.


    Zhang Ye andpany waited for him to speak.


    Hu Fei seemed to be in a good mood as heughed, "Yesterday, I obtained a message that our segment will begin soon. The program at the same time slot has been decided by the station to be axed this Friday. So our segment will officially begin on Saturday. If we are recording, it has to begin tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. We need to finish recording it at thetest on Friday, to make it in time for the Saturday afternoon broadcast. So for these few days, we won''t be able to rest easy. It''s time to busy ourselves. I hope that no one grumbles when we work overtime. I will work overtime with everyone."


    Xiao Lu chuckled, "Look at what you are saying, Brother Hu. What''s there for us to grumble about? We will work overtime if need be. We''ve been rxing for so long, so we can''t wait to busy ourselves!"


    Hou Ge also said, "Right. We will definitely do our best to help Brother Hu!"


    Hou Di said, "Brother Hu, it''s alright if we work overtime. If you need to rest, please rest. We will do everything well for you!"


    Dafei said, "You invited us because you trusted us. We also trust you. As long as you say it, I would be fine working overtime for an entire week!"


    Hu Fei nodded feeling relieved, "Then I''ll thank everyone first." Saying that, he looked towards Zhang Ye, "Actually, the person who will be working the hardest will be Teacher Little Zhang. I have already gotten the approval from the higher-ups. Little Zhang will officially take on the role of our segment''s host. He will be responsible to work with the lecturer and the guests, as well as interact with the audience. This role of his is very important. I do not have any script. The lecturer has been confirmed, and what is to be talked about has been fixed. The only thing is the that the content and order of the lecture hasn''t been confirmed. We might need to have some discussions during the recording, so the workload on Little Zhang would be even higher and more difficult." He was also not very sure, for Zhang Ye had no experience being a television host. "Little Zhang, is it fine without a script?"


    Everyone looked towards Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye was amused, "Leader, go to my previous unit and ask, and you will know. Even if it''s a live broadcast, I have never used a script. I just say whatever is on my mind. I actually might not be able to say anything if you give me a script. I''ll just improvise on the spot."


    Hu Fei was relieved, "Alright, I was just waiting for you to say that!"


    Xiao Lu chuckled, "With Teacher Zhang, one of him can handle two!"


    Hou Di said, "Teacher Zhang would definitely not have any problems with his working abilities."


    Hou Ge said with concern, "What''s the name of our new segment?"


    Hu Fei said, "It was also just fixed. It is tentatively called ''Musings of History''. If there is something more appropriate, we will change itter. It''s a trivial problem. Well, with Zhang Ye as host, he will work with the lecturer. He will try to let the lecturer''s knowledge be expressed to the fullest extent. Maybe a historical figure or historical event will be discussed. It might even be a novel. Anyways, it will be a spread of historical knowledge. We will then invite a few guests. The guests will supplement or examine the topic. They can even raise doubts. It''s alright, even if they do not agree. This willrgely be moderated by Teacher Zhang Ye. I believe that he will do it well, but the core is to listen to the lecturer''s speech. The guests are just helping out. The main point is to amodate the lecturer''s point of view. The person that we invite is definitely a professor, and it one of the most authoritative ones. What he says can''t be wrong. So the doubts by the guests will just be an interlude and not the main theme."


    Zhang Ye nodded, "I understand."


    Hu Fei said, "The time of the segment also has some minor adjustments. From today on, our segment will take over the Saturday and Sunday 1 - 2 P.M. time slot. There will be two episodes a week, and each will be an hour long. Hur Hur. Although this time slot can''tpare to the primetime hours on the weekdays, it''s actually pretty good."


    Hou Ge snapped his fingers, "That''s good."


    "Are there any more questions?" Hu Fei looked at them.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Have the higher-ups given any instructions on the ratings for our segment? For example, how high do the ratings have to be, to be passable? How much lower than a certain percentage will it be axed?" Amongst the colleagues, Zhang Ye was really the only professional. He was from a specialized major and had worked in the radio media for a period of time, so he knew a bit more. The others like Hou Ge and Xiao Lu, they were in no way part of this profession. They were, at best, technical staff.


    "Ah? There''s a possibility of being axed?" Xiao Lu asked with a dumbfounded expression.


    Hou Ge said, "That can''t be. Our station seems to think highly of our new segment."


    Hu Fei smiled wryly, "No matter how highly they think of us, results still matter. Also, every program in the station is highly thought of. If not, would they even air the program? Is there a need to say anything else? Teacher Little Zhang asked a good question. I didn''t want to talk about it initially, but it''s okay if I say it. The Arts Channel set the lowest ratings for us that the first episode must get as at least 1.0%. If it is lower than that, it could be axed three weekster."


    "1%?"


    "Seems hard."


    "It''s not considered very high. It''s alright."


    Zhang Ye also felt it was manageable. It was not high at all.


    People might say that the hottest variety shows in the country would be considered blockbusters if they broke 2%. Breaking 1% was considered pretty popr. So how could it be easy? Actually, it was not the same. Those were for the Central TV or other provincial satellite TV segments. They covered the entire country''s frequencies. Although it did not cover 100%, the signal was in basically all the major districts in the country. There were hundreds of millions of people. As for the Beijing Television Station''s Arts Channel, it only covered the area of Beijing. Even if everyone watched it, there were only tens of millions of people. The difference in audience numbers was huge, hence the ratings were notparable.


    For example, for the Beijing Television Station satellite TV segment, if a program could obtain 2% in ratings, there might be tens of millions watching. Then it would be considered to be hot.


    But if it was the local channel with the Beijing''s Arts Channel, if a program could obtain 2%, the number of people watching was only about a million. It might even be 800,000-900,000 people. Zhang Ye could only estimate. He did not know the actual figures, as he was still new. However, what he was sure of, was that the ratings required were not considered bad, nor was it hot. It could be considered average, neither high nor low.


    The difference was great!


    Hence, a satellite channel''s ratings and a provincial channel''s ratings werepletely different concepts!


    If one wanted to reallypare, it was like Zhang Ye at the Beijing Radio Station where despite being a provincial radio station with a short range signal, he had managed to use "Late-night Ghost Stories" to create history. His ratings had overtaken the ratings of the Central Radio Station, which broadcast to the entire country. Only then could it be said that the Beijing Radio Station''s program had exceeded a simr program of the Central Radio Station. The listenership and audience numbers were the most objective statistic. Only then could a provincial stationpare with a satellite station. There was no point in looking at percentage ratings, for there was no way topare them, as the way it was calcted was different.


    Of course, getting back to the point.


    Taking a provincial audience count topare with a satellite channel''s? This was also impossible. It was fool''s talk!


    Any satellite channel''s program would have a potential audience of hundreds of millions, but what about a provincial channel? The potential audience was just tens of millions!


    The difference was nearly ten times!


    How could theypare?


    Only an anomalous person like Zhang Ye had done it previously. But that was in the radio system. There weren''t that many listeners, so the probability wasn''t that impossible.

 Chapter 127: The Recording of the Segment’s First Episode!

    <h4>Chapter 127: The Recording of the Segment��s First Episode! </h4>


    Chapter 127: The Recording of the Segment''s First Episode!


    Three dayster.


    Thursday morning.


    Beijing Television Station recording studio.


    "The rostrum should be here, yes, a little bit more." Dafei instructed the stage staff, "The guest seats should be ced on the opposite side of the rostrum."


    "The lighting is not good enough; it''s too dim." Hou Ge said.


    Xiao Lu was preparing the guests and lecturer''s introduction script, which were to be given to Zhang Ye.


    Although they weren''t exactly experienced yet, they were still experts in their fields. They did not fully understand the TV industry and it''s workings, but they were very professional and it was what they were good at, so there wouldn''t be any hups.


    Zhang Ye arrived.


    "Teacher Zhang is here?" Dafei greeted.


    Xiao Lu had finished writing and came over immediately, "Teacher Zhang, for you. This is the introduction script. It''s for today''s lecturer and guests general information.


    "That''s good, I will memorise it." A lot of hosts who introduced their guests usually held a cue card. Some hosts even made a big issue and used teleprompters. But Zhang Ye never had this habit, he liked to do things to perfection and since he was trained in media, he put more emphasis on going off-script.


    Half an hourter.


    Hu Fei walked in quickly, "Is everything ready?"


    "Everything is ready, Brother Hu." Dafei said. "I''ve already checked twice over."


    Hu Feiughed, "Good, I''m assured when you guys handle it." Looking at his watch, he said, "It''s almost time. The audience will be arriving soon, have the guests and lecturer arrived?"


    Xiao Lu said, "I didn''t see anyone."


    "Still not here?" Hu Fei was surprised, "I''ve informed them it''s at 8 A.M., and it''s already half past eight now."


    "I will hurry them then." Xiao Lu was in charge of coordination. She immediately made a call. After speaking for half a minute, she hung up and said, "The teachers said that they will be arriving very soon."


    Zhang Ye frowned. He had wanted to interact with the teachers beforehand for a short dry run, but it looked like there wouldn''t be enough time now.


    "Let''s not wait any longer, let the audience in first." Hu Fei instructed.


    Coordinating with the lecturer, nning for the program,municating with the lecturer, all of these had been dyed for some time already. Today was already Thursday, and the scheduled broadcast was this Saturday; it couldn''t afford to be dyed any further. The recording had to be done by today, otherwise it would be toote.


    The audience began to enter the studio.


    Some of them had tickets, which were handed out by the station. Some of them were staff members of partnering units and didn''t require any tickets.


    "Little Zhang!"


    "Haha, Teacher Zhang!"


    Someone called out to Zhang Ye as he was reading his script.


    The trio of Auntie Sun, Big Sis Zhou and Xiaofang had alsoe over.


    "What are the few of you doing here?" Zhang Ye had not expected them and was a little happy.


    Auntie Sunughed, "This is your first time being a host, hosting a new program. Of course we had to be here to support you. We had to fight a long time for these tickets."


    Big Sis Zhou pointed at him, "Please do well; I think very highly of you."


    Zhang Ye guided them and said, "Then please take these seats at the front row. They are VIP seats. Hur Hur."


    "That will be good. We will share some of your spotlight and enjoy the VIP treatment." Auntie Sun and the others took their seats on the first row, which were very close to the stage. The program''s tickets were all handed out at thest minute, so it wasn''t too formal and there were no seat numbers. Afterall, the recording studio was small, their program didn''t have any fame and thus things were not too strict. Since there were no seat numbers, Zhang Ye could still call the shots on some matters, like seating the VIPs at the front. His old colleagues hade to support him. Zhang Ye was definitely touched by this.


    The audience members were all now seated.


    Former assistant Xiaofangughed a little, then took out a piece of paper from her bag. It wasn''t really a paper, more like a banner, and on it was Zhang Ye''s name. They felt like groupies, holding the banner above their heads and swaying left to right.


    Zhang Ye smiled bitterly. Surely that wasn''t necessary?


    Over there, Xiao Lu was anxiously stomping her feet, "Why are they not here yet!"


    Hu Fei''s expression did not look too good, "Call them again! Do they have any concept of time!"


    Xiao Lu called them again, then told Hu Fei, "They seem to being over together and even said they will be here immediately."


    "This immediately has taken half a day?" Hou Ge said unhappily.


    "Their diva behaviour is even worse than the stars? They might have been invited to Central TV before, but what''s the big deal!" Hou Di said.


    After much discussion and research the past few days, Hu Fei and his program team had decided on presenting Romance of the Three Kingdoms on the first episode of "Musings of History". Why? Because this was one of the Four Great ssical novels. This novel had been read by almost everyone, the audience base wasrge, and its influence was also great. As the pilot episode, its topic would interest a lot of people and help pull up the ratings. Otherwise, if they had presented about a lesser-known historical figure or novel, most people would not understand or know about it. In that case, the ratings would definitely not be good. The first episode was also the most important episode. Hu Fei and the team had to prioritize it over anything else. It would have to be done to the best of their ability!


    So they had invite a Renmin University''s professor for this episode. He was called Ma Hengyuan. He was not a historical schr, and neither was he a historian by profession. He was a literary schr who researched some historical novels and literature works and was considered an authoritative figure in this field. His knowledge on "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" was considered to be very thorough and deep and he even appeared on a Central TV program to give a talk about the Three Kingdoms to a group of university students. It might not be considered a great achievement on the national level, but within Beijing, he was a famous professor. Hu Fei had spent a lot to invite this professor because he acknowledged his professional knowledge and reputation.


    What about the guests?


    They were also experts and hobbyists of the field, who were as good as the professor.


    But who would have expected, these people were actually sote on the day of the recording. This also represented their attitudes and respect towards the program. Yes, Hu Fei admitted that their channel could notpare to Central TV, but they are also a well known TV station with considerable reach, so how could they do this?


    Everyone was waiting for them.


    The audience became impatient.


    "Why aren''t you starting?"


    "Wasn''t it supposed to start at 8 A.M.?"


    "Yeah, it''s almost 9 A.M. now."


    Zhang Ye had no choice but to announce through the microphone, "Everyone, we are sorry, but the program recording might have to be slightly dyed. Let''s record the apuse first. Thank you for cooperating." Of course, natural apuse would have been best, but in most circumstances, this effect could not be achieved. Therefore, for recording purposes, most TV stations would have their program crew record some apuse or cheering to add to the program in post production, to improve the viewing experience.


    Xiao Lu went over to lead the apuse, "On the count of 1, 2, 3, everyone start pping together��.."


    After the apuse and audience reaction were recorded, it was back to waiting for the arrival of the lecturer and guests.


    A youth stood up and said, "Teacher Zhang Ye, since the recording hasn''t started, can.. can you help me by autographing this?" He took out a copy of "Ghost Blows Out the Light" from his bag.


    Zhang Ye smiled and walked over to him from the stage, "Of course."


    "That''s great. I came today just to see you!" The youth was very excited.


    After Zhang Ye had given him an autograph, another teen girl ran up, "I want one, too. I want one, too!"


    A momentter, an older sister asked him for an autograph, too, "My child really likes your fairy tales."


    After signing three autographs, no one else bothered him. Since Zhang Ye wasn''t that well known yet, most of those at the venue probably did not even know him. Not everyone who went on the inte would pay attention to his works and deeds. The amount of people who paid attention to him were still in the minority. This was normal.


    "Who is this host?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Is he famous? Why have I never heard of him before?"


    "How could you not know Zhang Ye?"


    Just as everyone were whispering and discussing, the lecturer and guests finally arrived!


    From the backstage, a shadow emerged. The one leading the way was the Renmin University professor, Ma Hengyuan. He was a 50-something-year-old little man with a slightly sharp nose. One look and you knew that he was not an easy person to talk to. Following behind him were two men and a woman; they were today''s guests. The men were middle-aged, and both were surnamed Xu. One was Teacher Xu from the Beijing Normal University, the other was Editor Xu, a deputy editor of a Beijing publishing house. The woman, younger than all of them, was called Ci Yan, and she was a newspaper reporter. She was in charge of the literary section.


    Hu Fei was calm, "Professor Ma."


    "Producer Hu." Ma Hengyuan smiled. "We were having some discussion on the way here, discussion about the program. That''s why we werete."


    Hu Fei did not mention it, "It''s okay. Can we start now?"


    "Yes." Ma Hengyuan said.


    "Let me introduce to you." Hu Fei faced towards Zhang Ye, "This is Zhang Ye, the host. He will follow your lead on the set."


    Zhang Ye put out his hand, "Professor Ma, how are you?"


    Ma Hengyuan gave him a look, but ignored his hand. He nodded, "I know."


    He did not want to shake hands?


    What''s the meaning of this?


    Hou Ge, Dafei and the others wore a dark expression. You guys werete, yet your attitude is so arrogant?


    That Teacher Xu and Editor Xu also pretended to not see Zhang Ye and only spoke with Ma Hengyuan. It was as if they had deliberately excluded Zhang Ye.


    Only the newspaper reporter, Reporter Ci, held out her hand, "How are you, Teacher Zhang?"


    "How are you?" Zhang Ye and Ci Yan shook hands, not taking the earlier events to heart.


    They were not wearing their microphones yet, so the audience could not hear what they were saying, but surely they had eyes? When they saw that Zhang Ye had been ignored by the three of them, they all immediately started discussing. Auntie Sun and Big Sis Zhou were even feeling anger and injustice!


    "What kind of people are those!"


    "They were already given face!"


    "Yet they are giving attitudes to Teacher Little Zhang?"


    "So what if he is a professor? So what if they are experts? Are they really that full of themselves? Old bast**ds!"


    Big Sis Zhou and the others were already scolding them. Zhang Ye''s colleagues, Xiao Lu, Hou Ge and the others were very unhappy!


    Why are they all so biased and treating Zhang Ye in this manner? With some thought, it was clear. Those people were probably the traditional literary professionals. Zhang Ye had scolded his unit before, scolded his Leaders and also at an event a few days ago, argued with the Beijing Writers'' Association on a live broadcast. Even when the National Writers'' Association had invited him to join, he did not agree. His name within the literary circle was now rotten. Many of those professionals had now cklisted him.


    Hu Fei whispered, "Little Zhang, bear with it."


    "It''s fine." Zhang Ye still had some grace. He had to put everyone''s interest first. It was his first time as a TV host, so he could not mess this up!

 Chapter 128: Let Them Get Lost. I’ll Lecture!

    <h4>Chapter 128: Let Them Get Lost. I��ll Lecture! </h4>


    Chapter 128: Let Them Get Lost. I''ll Lecture!


    The recording began.


    A few cameras were already powered on.


    Hou Ge, who was the field director, spoke into the microphone to Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang, everything''s in ce. If there''s any mistake, we can re-record." He also knew that this was Zhang Ye''s first time recording a TV Program. Thinking that Teacher Zhang could be nervous or pressured, he said some words to relieve him. Re-recording was not really an issue in TV programs. Some of the programs, which had very high standards, could take as long as four to five hours of recording for a one-hour program. It was done by having a lot of repeated re-recordings.


    But Zhang Ye would not rx himself. He was very strict with himself. He treated this as a live recording, so that he would not make any mistakes, "Good day, everyone. This is a new program of the Beijing Arts Channel, ''Musings of History''. I am your host, Zhang Ye."


    After the introduction of the program.


    Zhang Ye started to introduce, "Today''s lecturer is Renmin University''s professor, Ma Hengyuan."


    Ma Hengyuan stood behind the rostrum and nodded in acknowledgment.


    Zhang Ye continued to introduce the other guests before going back to his seat beside the guest''s sofa. This was the position for the host.


    Ma Hengyuan was not overwhelmed by the stage. He had seen bigger asions, like being on Central TV, "Good day, viewers and guests. I am Ma Hengyuan. Today, we will be speaking about the Three Kingdoms. Like a beautiful painting that presented the political situation, it was a time when power struggles were won through wars. It was aplicated time of political strife thatsted a century from the end of the Han dynasty to the Jin dynasty. It was an intense and sharp��"


    He spoke for about five minutes.


    Ma Hengyuan said, "Speaking about the Three Kingdoms, who do you like?"


    The guest, Editor Xu chuckled, "Of course, it''s Zhuge Liang."


    Another host, the university teacher, Teacher Xu said, "I also like Zhuge Liang. Borrowing arrows with straw boats and the empty fort strategy are both amazing military strategies. It has left a legacy for us to learn from."


    Zhang Yeughed, "I like Zhou Yu."


    The two guests named Xu gave him a stern look.


    Ma Hengyuan also did not pay any heed to Zhang Ye. He ignored his words and smiled. "Well said. I also like Zhuge Liang. Speaking about the Three Kingdoms, the greatest impression many people would have of it would be of Zhuge Liang. He was an amazing man. Even the original text says that he was a miraculous person. What does being a miraculous person mean? It means that he was a person that did miracles��"


    Zhang Ye''s face did not betray his thoughts, but his heart was on fire!


    Once was fine, twice was fine, but you did it a third time? You aren''t even bothering about me?


    Ignoring Zhang Ye''s status in literature, for it was still controversial, so there was no point mentioning it, but he was still the host of the segment today. It was a very important role. As a lecturer, Ma Hengyuan was going to just treat him as if he did not exist? He treated the host, Zhang Ye, as thin air? What was the meaning of this? Xiao Lu and Dafei could no longer watch this any further. They were thinking, "Has Teacher Zhang provoked you? Are you f**king sick?"


    The program continued.


    Later on, Zhang Ye tried to mediate the situation twice to lead the audience.


    However, every time he spoke, Ma Hengyuan pretended not to notice and ignored Zhang Ye''s words. He did not think anything of Zhang Ye. He just spoke what he wanted to and interacted with the other hosts. In the end, Zhang Ye had been treated by Ma Hengyuan as a meaningless person!


    Hu Fei was also angered. He walked to the side stage where Hou Ge was. He used the field director''s microphone to speak to Ma Hengyuan, "Professor Ma, please cooperate with the host. Please cooperate with the host!"


    Ma Hengyuan did not even blink as if he did not hear it. He still did what he wanted.


    Hu Fei could no longer stand it any further. We invited you here with money, so you just needed to work, but what are you doing now? Eh? What are you trying to do?


    "Hold on!" Hu Fei shouted loudly.


    A few cameras turned off, "Executive Producer?"


    Hu Fei said to Ma Hengyuan and a few guests, "Let''s go backstage for a while." Then he strode away. He was not only dissatisfied with Ma Hengyuan''s attitude, he was also extremely dissatisfied with the way he lectured.


    ����


    Backstage.


    Everyone sat in a resting area.


    "What''s the matter? The audience is still waiting," Ma Hengyuan was quite unhappy.


    Hu Fei asked, "Professor Ma, why aren''t you cooperating with the host? Once or twice is fine, but so many times? I even told you through the microphone, right?"


    Zhang Ye also looked at Ma Hengyuan.


    Ma Hengyuan chuckled, "When I came, didn''t you say that the host will cooperate with me? When did it be me cooperating with him?"


    Hu Fei''s rage was not trivial, "What does it mean to cooperate? It needs to be mutual!"


    Ma Hengyuan looked at him, "I have always lectured like that. I do not like people messing things up or interrupting. If you think the program''s atmosphere isn''t good, then remove the host!"


    The guest, Editor Xu, said, "For this, there really is no need for Little Zhang to be around."


    "I think so, too." Teacher Xu smacked his lips, "He also doesn''t know the Three Kingdoms, nor does he know history. He can be a bit redundant presently. Teacher Ma is right; I think it''s best if he doesn''t go on up. With a professionalmentator of the Three Kingdoms like Professor Ma, and a few guests like us, it is meaningless to have a host!"


    Xiao Lu turned nasty, "What are you saying?"


    Hou Ge was also enraged, "You are trying to reverse the positions of host and guest?"


    "This is my program! It''s our Beijing Arts Channel''s segment!" Hu Fei looked coldly at the three people, "Your opinion doesn''t count in the nning of the program!"


    Ma Hengyuan stared at him, "Old Hu, aren''t you taking this a bit serious?"


    Hu Fei said, "And I can tell you very clearly now that such a program would not work. It is not a fault of the host. It is a fault of yours!" He pointed to the stage outside, "Professor Ma, you gave an introduction to the Three Kingdoms just now, right? Some of it was the notes of the ancient schrs, and some were direct quotes from the work. There is nothing constructive or anything interesting. This sort of program will hardly get 0.5% in ratings, let alone 1%. Everyone has read Romance of the Three Kingdoms, so why would they need to hear you repeating it? And to repeat it on a television station? Is there any meaning to it?"


    Ma Hengyuan sneered, "You want something fun? Then why aren''t you doing a variety segment. Why would you do a historical segment? History itself is not fun! It is boring!"


    The guest, Teacher Xu, frowned, "That''s right. We have to respect the historical facts. So how can we talk rubbish? We are all in the business of learning. We are professionals, so there is no right for you to argue with us on this!"


    Hu Feiughed from extreme anger, "Historical segments can''t have fun? Who set the rule? If I wanted to tell everyone the story of the Three Kingdoms, then wouldn''t I just need to find a storyteller? Why would I need to invite all of you?"


    The few people had a falling out. No one could ept the other''s way of thinking.


    Zhang Ye also knew that the program could not go on like that. It would not have any ratings, so he stood forward and said, "Professor, Teachers, if you do not like me, or think lowly of me, I can reduce what I say onstage. I can even remain silent and you can enjoy your lecture and analysis. The Three Kingdoms you were lecturing is definitely not passable. If a good program and a good piece of history wants to attract people, it must not only be about history. It must be interesting and also topical. This is not disrespecting history, and it is because we respect this piece of history that we want to think of a way to spread this piece of history to everyone, so that they can deepen their understanding. What do we rely on? We aren''t relying on lengthy theories and evidence! We rely on factors that can absorb the audience and pull them in!"


    Xiao Lu eximed, "Well said!"


    Hou Ge said, "Teacher Little Zhang, how can a host like you not be present to speak. That''s not necessary!"


    But even so, Ma Hengyuan still did not give Zhang Ye a direct look. He gave him a sidewards nce, "I''m a professor in the Literature Department. Do I need you to teach me?"


    Then there was no way to further negotiate!


    These people were imprable!


    "I also lectured in this way at Central TV." Ma Hengyuan began to put on airs as he defiantly looked at Hu Fei, Zhang Ye andpany, saying, "So? Is your Beijing Arts Channel better than the Central TV station? Don''t keep nagging at me, and I can tell you what to do. As long as I''m on the stage, then there will be arge audience watching. I can say it in any way that I want! That is my business, and not somethingypeople like you should interrupt. Do you know history, or do I know history?" He was not only a professor in the literature department, he was also a famous professor online. He had nock of fans, so when it came to anything professional, Ma Hengyuan looked down on anyone else. He did not think anything of the Arts Channel.


    Hu Fei and Xiao Lu were extremely furious.


    A member of the staff came running over, "Producer Hu, the audience has waited a long while and some have even left. This�� Are we still recording?"


    "Soon." Hu Fei said with a ck face. He never expected to have invited such a bunch of old fools. If he knew earlier, he would not have invited them. What was he to do now? He had to finish recording the program today. It was toote to invite other lecturers. Even if another lecturer came, there was no script, so how was he to lecture? There was not a least bit of preparation time for them, forcing them to go onstage just like that!


    Ma Hengyuan took his time to drink a mouthful of water. He then said a few words to the guests before slowly getting up, "Let''s go. Let''s continue recording!" It was as if he had be a mighty lord!


    The moment they left, Hu Fei indicated for Zhang Ye and the rest to stay behind.


    Xiao Lu said worriedly, "What do we do, Brother Hu? How can we have any ratings like this? Don''t you see? The audience is nearly falling asleep! We need to think of something. If not, the moment the program airs, will it be axed the second day? Wouldn''t the segment team then be disbanded? This bunch of old fools is destroying our livelihood! They aren''t working for us, despite receiving the money, and are putting on airs. I''m pissed. Are they that good, to put on such airs?"


    Hu Fei was also helpless, "Teacher Little Zhang, do you have any ideas?"


    Zhang Ye looked at the receding back of Ma Hengyuan andpany before taking a deep breath, "Brother Hu, I have an idea, but I''m not sure if you dare to do it!"


    Hu Fei said seriously, "The program is going to be axed, so is there anything I don''t dare to? Tell us!"


    Hou Ge and Hou Di were waiting for Zhang Ye''s proposal. Amongst them, Zhang Ye was clearly the most witty and most literate person. This was something everyone agreed upon.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "We''ll tell Ma Hengyuan andpany to get lost!"


    Hu Fei was stunned, "Asking them to get lost? Then who will lecture on the Three Kingdoms this episode?"


    Zhang Ye straightened his shirt''s cor, "��I''ll lecture!"

 Chapter 129: Little Zhang Creates “Lecture Room”!

    <h4>Chapter 129: Little Zhang Creates ��Lecture Room��! </h4>


    Chapter 129: Little Zhang Creates "Lecture Room"!


    Backstage.


    Zhang Ye''s words shocked people!


    Xiao Lu stared, "You''ll do it?"


    "You are lecturing?" Hou Ge was also surprised, "How are you going to lecture?"


    Dafei was quick to persuade, "Don''t be rash. This is not a joke."


    Hou Di also said, "That''s right. You don''t even have a script prepared. There''s nothing at all. It''s not that we don''t believe in your ability, Teacher Little Zhang, but when lecturing about history, and especially when lecturing about the Three Kingdoms, one must at least have the experience and age. You might have outstanding literary talent that no one in Beijing can match, but when lecturing about the Three Kingdoms��"


    Zhang Ye said indifferently, "Firstly, I do not need a script. I have never needed one in the past, do not need one now, and will not need one in the future. Secondly, I''m not being rash and am not joking. This is a matter regarding the survival of our new segment. It not only touches on our stay here, but also the responsibility of Brother Hu. I would not joke about such matters. Thirdly, the Three Kingdoms I lecture about will be real history. As for that self-righteous Ma Hengyuan and those guests, they are only talking about the novel, ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms''. It is not history at all. Do you know the Three Kingdoms just from reading ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms''? It''s fine if a professor from a literature department talks about literature, but talking about the history of the Three Kingdoms? That''s simply ridiculous! They don''t know sh*t! They are only speaking rubbish! The point is that it would have been fine if they were speaking rubbish, but their rubbish can''t even attract the audience!"


    They don''t know history?


    What they said was all wrong?


    Xiao Lu blinked, "That can''t be! What they said was very clear. Everyone knows it. It''s justcking in interesting elements. How can this piece of history be wrong?"


    Zhang Ye said amusingly, "It is not that the piece of history is wrong, it is them beingpletely wrong with what they said. If this program was really aired, many people willugh at us!"


    Hu Fei took a deep breath, "Are you sure?"


    "I am 100% sure!" Zhang Ye said firmly, "Brother Hu, let''s get them to pack up and leave. I''ll do it. I don''t dare to say how high or low the ratings would be, but if the first few episodes that I lecture go below 1%, causing our segment to be on the brink of being axed, then you will see my resignation letter the second day. I am confident and also have the ability to do a good job with this ''Three Kingdoms Lecture'' for the segment!"


    Everyone turned silent.


    Hu Fei was in a dilemma, "Little Zhang, are you sure?"


    "I am sure of it!" Zhang Ye''s eyes were cold as he said, "If you believe me, then let me try. I guarantee that I will tell a different Three Kingdoms!"


    Xiao Lu only had a wry smile, "Brother Hu, this��"


    Hu Fei turned silent with his eyes closed. After a while, he suddenly opened his eyes and gritted his teeth, "Fine! It''s on you! I can no longer f**king stand those bunch of old grandsons!" He actually cursed.


    Hou Ge, "��"


    Hou Di hurriedly said, "Leader, calm down, calm down!"


    Hu Fei did not have any regrets after making a decision, "Let Teacher Little Zhang give it a try. I trust him. The reason why I headhunted Little Zhang over was also because of his knowledge and literary skills being able to help this segment at the critical moment."


    Dafei wiped his sweat, "But the station has already decided. This��"


    Hu Fei said categorically, "You don''t have to worry about the responsibilities. I''ll bear them!"


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Thank you, Brother Hu. I guarantee that I will not disappoint you or the audience. But I''m not sure if I should list some of my conditions. I want our segment to change names."


    Actually, from the beginning, Zhang Ye was only focused on being a host. He only wanted to do his job as a host well, so he did not give it that much thought. Only after being treated that way by Ma Hengyuan andpany did Zhang Ye begin to churn his mind. He recalled a very famous program from his world. It had went viral from North to South!


    Three Kingdoms? I don''t know!


    But the greats from my world knew!


    Historical education program? Ha! Is there any program that can be more popr than that program from his world? No! There was none in that world either! This world had never seen it!


    Hu Fei asked, "Change the name?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "This is because ''Musings of History'' has the meaning of certainty. We cannot bear that responsibility, nor do we have the authority. After all, there are many conflicts about many historical figures and events in the historical records. Some of them are even opposite of one another. No one knows the actual situation, so I think changing it to "Lecture Room" would be more appropriate. We are not musing about this piece of history to the audience, but with the word ''Lecture'', it is just a personal view."


    Hu Fei gave some thought before deciding, "This name is good! Heh, why didn''t you say this earlier?"


    "I didn''t think of it earlier." Zhang Ye added on, "And I do not need guests or hosts. I alone would be fine." "Lecture Room" was a show with one lecturer and an audience.


    Hu Fei said, "Alright!"


    Zhang Ye nodded, "Then that would do. Shall we go onstage?"


    Xiao Lu eximed, "You, you are going to lecture now?"


    "Time is too tight. You didn''t even have any preparations." Hou Ge was surprised.


    Zhang Ye was confident, "There''s no need to prepare. I can do it right now. Hur Hur. I''ll drink some water first." Saying that, he sat down on a sofa in the resting area to drink water.


    At the same time, Zhang Ye opened the game ring''s Merchant Shop quietly. He used 100,000 Reputation points that he had slowly obtained over the past few days to buy a Memory Search Capsule before swallowing it.


    ����


    The scene changed!


    Time was turned back!


    He returned to a summer when he was still in high school of that world!


    That day was a Wednesday. His parents had gone to work, leaving behind a bored Zhang Ye, who had just finished his final exams. He switched on the television and couch surfed. Suddenly, the Central TV''s Channel 10''s program''s opening attracted his attention!


    "Using stories to talk about figures."


    "Using figures to talk about history."


    "Using history to talk about culture."


    "Using culture to talk about human nature."


    "Lecture Room"? Professor Yi Zhongtian''s "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms"?


    This seemed to be a rerun? He had previously heard of its famous name. There was no other way, for it was too popr. It was as if the entire country''s citizens had watched it!


    Zhang Ye then began to watch it carefully. The first episode, "Great River Flows East".


    The show talked about Zhou Yu, Zhuge Liang and the empty fort strategy. The content was very rich!


    Zhang Ye thought in the beginning that it was just the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Who had not read it, so what could be said of it? But after he heard what Professor Yi Zhongtian had to say, he was stunned. He immediately fell in love with this historical program. It was no wonder so many people watched it. No wonder the entire country was discussing "Lecture Room". This program hadpletely subverted all previous historical lecture programs. The show revealed its cards in unorthodox manners, but everything was proven in history! Especially, "Yi Zhongtian''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" was one of the episodes with the highest ratings in "Lecture Room"!


    Although theter episodes of "Lecture Room" declined over the years and the program was a husk of its former glory days, it was a program no other simr program could surpass in its heyday. It had created a legend!


    ����


    Memory transferred.


    Soon, Zhang Ye''s thoughts returned. Five minutes of the Memory Capsule was enough for him to watch three episodes of "Lecture Room" and remember everything about them. It was enough!

 Chapter 130: “Lecture Room – Zhang Ye’s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms”

    <h4>Chapter 130: ��Lecture Room �C Zhang Ye��s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms�� </h4>


    Chapter 130: "Lecture Room - Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms"


    The recording studio.


    Ma Hengyuan and the others stepped onto the stage and waited. But after a while, Hu Fei, Zhang Ye and the others still had note over. Ma Hengyuan just went ahead and signaled to the cameraman to turn on the cameras. He then stood behind the rostrum and got ready to begin speaking without the host.


    The cameraman said, "The host is not back yet."


    "There''s no need to wait for him." Ma Hengyuan said straightforwardly.


    "But the executive producer is not back yet, too." The cameraman, of course, would not listen to him. He was bothered by it, too, thinking, "Why was this guy acting like a big shot? Wasn''t he just a professor? Did he think he was the Station Head!? To bemanding us like this? Do you think that the TV station is your family''s business? Mental! Even if you were the authority on the Three Kingdoms, and even had some influence in Beijing, you still couldn''t do this. You are looking down on others too much!"


    Ma Hengyuan was frustrated, too. He looked at the cameras and asked, "Are we recording or not? I have something to doter!"


    Ma Hengyuan thought that he was very famous. He had the pride of a schr. But the audience did not approve of it.


    "Who''s that?"


    "Why is he such a diva?"


    "Ma Hengyuan? Never heard of him!"


    "I do know about him. He had been on Central TV before. He was quite famousst year."


    "Even so, he shouldn''t be overriding the staff. He is even giving out instructions now? Isn''t this the Arts Channel''s program? Is he the station''s Leader?"


    "What''s with the standard of this person?"


    "Right. I almost fell asleep listening to him!"


    "It was so uninteresting. He''s pretty snobbish!"


    Everyone had seen diva behaviour before, but that had been from the big stars. Regardless of whether such behaviour was right or normal, those were still stars who could afford to do so. But who the heck are you? A respected literary figure who was a professor from the university with a diva behaviour? This was an umon encounter!


    At this time, Hu Fei and his team came out.


    "Let''s get started, Producer Hu!" Ma Hengyuan said impatiently.


    Hu Fei was just about to speak, when Zhang Ye stopped him. He wanted to say this himself. Hu Fei understood, Little Zhang wanted to take the responsibility for offending them. He did not reject this after some thought, but just nodded. He and Xiao Lu, Hou Ge and Hou Di returned to their own respective positions. Zhang Ye wasn''t afraid of offending anyone. He had already done so to too many people. There wasn''t any more burden if he were to offend another one.


    Ma Hengyuan ignored Zhang Ye and continued speaking, "Let''s talk about Zhou Yu next. Although this person had been characterized in a very positive way in film and TV, in actual fact he was a very jealous person. He��."


    "Professor Ma." Zhang Ye interrupted him without holding back.


    Ma Hengyuan face sank, "I''m in the middle of a lecture! What are you interrupting for?"


    Zhang Ye said very impolitely, "We don''t need you anymore now. Get lost to as far as your learning goes!"


    "What did you say?" Ma Hengyuan was stunned. His face has turned ck, "Say that again!"


    Editor Xu said, "You, this junior! How can you speak to Professor Ma this way? Eh?"


    Zhang Ye said without a change in expression, "I will speak however the person speaks to me!"


    Teacher Xu also furiously said, "Incorrigible! You don''t need Professor Ma now? Then you will give the lecture?"


    Looking at the two guests surnamed Xu, Zhang Ye said, "And to the two of you: we don''t require you here, too. If you are willing to listen in the audience, then go there and listen. The production team will leave a few VIP seats at the front for you. But if you intend to make trouble onstage and affect our program, then I''m sorry, but I will still say the same. Get lost to as far as your learning goes. We do not wee troublemakers and divas!"


    As far as your learning goes?


    Get lost as far as that?


    Haha! This line was too good!


    A simple line from Zhang Ye turned out to be a refreshing line to the people in this world. The audience was also stunned upon hearing this. Some of those who knew Zhang Ye''s personality were reminded that many of the most popr curses online were created by him. They understood that this person who cursed at others without any worry for repercussions was clearly annoyed by Ma Hengyuan andpany. Not only him, after all the events earlier, the audience also began to dislike Ma Hengyuan andpany.


    Big Sis Zhou said loudly, "Little Zhang, well said!"


    Auntie Sun also added, "Go quickly. Everyone is working hard for the recording. You didn''t intend to cooperate and even put on airs and made trouble! What kind of people are you! It''s the first time I''ve seen people like you who took a payment and still showed an attitude to his boss! Do you even make sense?"


    The two Xus clenched their fists!


    Ma Hengyuan looked coldly at Zhang Ye, "Remember what you said today!"


    Zhang Ye said with pleasure, "Don''t you try to threaten me. Of course, I remember my words. I want to tell you another thing. Remember your face today!"


    Hu Fei did not bother with them anymore, "Teacher Little Zhang, let''s start."


    Zhang Ye nodded and signalled to the staff to move the sofa away, "The sofa is not needed anymore. Please help to move it away." He turned to Reporter Ci and said, "I''m sorry. There will be some changes to the program. Please proceed to the VIP seats. You made a wasted trip today, so we will treat you to a meal as an apology." Reporter Ci wasn''t bad. She had been very cooperative and had shaken Zhang Ye''s hand earlier, too. Therefore, Zhang Ye was very polite to her.


    Reporter Ciughed, "It''s fine." Then she went to her seat.


    Ma Hengyuan finally understood the situation. Heughed angrily, "Don''t tell me that you are going to lecture on the Three Kingdoms? You are just a young person. What would you know of the Three Kingdoms?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Whether or not I know, you just have to listen to find out!"


    "Okay. Then I will have a listen!" Ma Hengyuanughed hysterically and walked off the stage to his seat in the first row.


    The two guests named Xu also followed and sat beside Professor Ma. They were waiting to see Zhang Ye make a joke of himself.


    Ma Hengyuan didn''t leave. Of course, he actually had hoped to be on TV very much. Even though this was a local station, it was still located in Beijing, which had a strong viewership. He stayed behind as an audience member, as he thought he knew the program staff was fooling around. Let the host lecture about the Three Kingdoms? Let a 20-something-year-old host talk about history?


    Isn''t this an international joke! Like he''d know a fart! Like he could say a fart! When that happens, you all would still need to swallow your pride and beg me to do the lecturing! Hur. Ma Hengyuan had already thought about it. In a while, he would make Zhang Ye apologize to him in front of the audience, and make the whole program team apologize to him, too. Otherwise, he wouldn''t help them!


    The audience members were also in discussion.


    "Let him lecture?"


    "Does he even know about the Three Kingdoms?"


    "This person is too young. He definitely can''t do it."


    "I know him. He''s very good at literary works, and has written a few poems which were very good. But how could he lecture on history? Didn''t he graduate as a broadcasting major? Isn''t he a host?"


    Xiaofang did not like what she heard, "Teacher Zhang can do it, right? Big Sis Zhou, Auntie Sun?"


    Auntie Sun coughed, "About this, I don''t know either."


    Big Sis Zhou was also a little worried, "Hopefully, but the Three Kingdoms have already been discussed so many times. Everyone would have seen it before, too. This isn''t too good to discuss about. And Teacher Little Zhang''s history knowledge? I don''t think we have heard of it before. We have not witnessed his talent in this field before."


    As his old colleagues were worried about him, so were Hou Ge, Dafei and the other new colleagues.


    The audience members were skeptical. A lot of them did not believe that he would be able to present it well.


    As for Ma Hengyuan and the two Xu guests, they were just waiting for the show to start, so that they could gloat.


    Only Zhang Ye was not affected by any thoughts. He waited for the staff to redecorate the stage settings before he stood back on it. He said a few things to them before testing his mic, "Sorry, everyone. Today''s program has a few changes. There won''t be any guests or a host. I will be the one to talk to everyone about the Three Kingdoms. The segment title will be called ''Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms''. It cannot be said that this is a lecture, as it will involve some personal opinions of mine."


    Xiaofang apuded. Big Sis Zhou and Auntie Sun also pped. Everyone else in the audience did not really react. They stayed quiet. Some of them were not even paying attention.


    Zhang Ye did not mind. He gave a thumbs up towards Hu Fei.


    Hu Fei acknowledged, signalled to the cameraman and did a countdown on the mic, "Get ready. 3, 2, 1, start!"


    Zhang Ye wore a smile, and then did an introduction which changed many of the audience''s opinions, "Using stories to talk about characters. Using characters to talk about history. Using history to talk about culture. Using culture to talk about human nature. Hello, everyone, and wee to ''Lecture Room''. I am Zhang Ye and I will be bringing to everyone an ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms''. Let us talk about some of the things about the Three Kingdoms. The first episode''s title is called ''Great River Flows East''!"


    A strong opening?


    He even wanted to talk about history through characters? Using history to talk about culture?


    Ma Hengyuan and the two Xu guests looked at each other. They were all chuckling.


    Zhang Ye then continued by saying, "What was it like during the Three Kingdoms period? It was a chaotic time. It was a time of hardship. But it was also a time of heroes. Cao Cao had even written a poem about this period of time: ''the bones were left to the wild, not a sound of chickens within a thousand Li''. At this period of time, a lot of people, for the sake of re-unifying the country, had contributed their intelligence and wisdom. For example, the heroic and talented strategist Cao Cao, the loyal and devoted Zhuge Liang, the graceful but not showy Zhou Yu, and the fortuitous Liu Bei. These were the heroes of those times!"


    Eh?


    This speech was very interesting!


    Many of those who were not paying attention earlier were now listening attentively. They had not expected anything worthy of listening to being said by the host. But who would have thought that he had that up his sleeves?


    Ma Hengyuan and the others were still dismissive. All of that was in the books. Did you need to say it? Who wouldn''t know all of this!


    But Zhang Ye''s next lines were aimed directly at Ma Hengyuan. Actually it wasn''t exactly aimed at him. Zhang Ye was just quoting directly from the show, "Firstly, let''s talk about Zhou Yu. Those who have ever read Romance of the Three Kingdoms, heard about Romance of the Three Kingdoms reviews or watched any Romance of the Three Kingdoms shows, usually have the wrong impression, of Zhou Yu being a very spiteful person. Because we remember the story of the ''Three Infuriations of Zhou Yu'', we remember the saying, ''If (Zhou) Yu were to be born, why must (Zhuge) Liang exist as well?''. What we remember was the saying, ''throw the helve after the hatchet''. All of these have be part of our daily pet phrases." He slowly exined, "But the real situation.. was not like this!"


    Ah?


    Not like this?


    Then how was it!


    Ma Hengyuan nearlyughed out loud. See! He was full of nonsense already and this was only the beginning!

 Chapter 131: A Professor was Dumbfounded by Zhang Ye’s Questions!

    <h4>Chapter 131: A Professor was Dumbfounded by Zhang Ye��s Questions! </h4>


    Chapter 131: A Professor was Dumbfounded by Zhang Ye''s Questions!


    Ignoring the whispers and doubts of many audience members.


    Zhang Ye was calm andposed, saying, "Zhou Yu was a very loyal and heroic character. When he was 24, he was appointed by Sun Ce as the ''General of the Household Who Establishes Might'' and started to gain credit and make contributions. In the same year, he and Sun Ce, who were the same age, married the beauties, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao. It can be said that Zhou Yu enjoyed sess from a young age and was riding the crest of sess. He was good-looking, and he did things well. Back then, in Wuzhong, he was addressed as Zhou-Lang. The meaning of the word Lang refers to a youngd, but there is an intention of praise in it. In a ce like Wuzhong, Sun Ce was called Sun-Lang, and Zhou Yu was called Zhou-Lang. If tranted, they will be ''Stunner Sun'' ��and ''Stunner Zhou''."


    What?


    Stunner?


    Xiao Lu and Xiaofang eximed!


    Quite a number of the female audience could not help butugh!


    Was this talking about the Three Kingdoms? Why were there modern phrases?


    "So, think about it��" Zhang Ye looked at everyone, "Zhou Yu was already ''General of the Household Who Establishes Might'' in his twenties. He had married the prettiest babe as his wife. It could be said that in the arena ofbat, politics and romance, he was well aplished. So why would he be jealous of others? It was more likely that others would be jealous of him!"


    Babe?


    Even babe was used?


    Many people nearly fainted. Many people were amused!


    "In fact, the historical Zhou Yu was a very magnanimous person." Zhang Ye carried on, "Chen Shou once said that he was a broad-minded person. His contemporaries'' ratings of him were also very high. Liu Bei''s appraisal of him was that he was magnanimous. Jian Gan''s appraisal of him was that he was graceful, so if one was to say that Zhou Yu was a very spiteful person, it is a great wrong!" Ma Hengyuan''s program that had been abolished had even said that Zhou Yu was a petty person, but this was refuted by Zhang Ye. Furthermore, he had reason, and his arguments were referenced from the passages in the books. The Face Smacking Specialist vibe was at full re!


    The audience was skeptical.


    Ma Hengyuan believed that Zhang Ye was speaking nonsense!


    The two surnamed Xu guestspletely disagreed with Zhang Ye''s view!


    Zheng Yeughed, "Some people might disagree, but I can certainly say that the novel, ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms'', is not history. Why is Zhou Yu''s image so different from the impression that we have? Why are we both familiar and unfamiliar with the historical period during the Three Kingdoms? There are three reasons.


    There are three images regarding the history of the Three Kingdoms. The firstes from historical books. Mainly, it is the image recorded in history. It is the image mainly advocated by historians. This image will be called the ''Historical Image''. I want to make it clear that the Historical Image does not mean historical fact. This is because historical records are not necessarily reliable. The second is the image from artistic works. I call this the ''Artistic Image''. The third one is made from the legends and belief that themon citizens have. I call this the ''Civil Image''."


    People listened and thought at the same time.


    "As such, this can already exin why Zhou Yu''s image is so different from what we have in mind. This is because everyone has an image and evaluation of a person. Once this image is formed, some people would not be able to ept other images. If you say he is different, you will say that isn''t right. You are wrong. So when we see some historical dramas, there will always be an audience member in thements saying, ''Aiyah, this Zhou Yu doesn''t seem right''."Zhang Ye seemed to look at Ma Hengyuan andpany and then said, "Eh, this Zhou Yu doesn''t seem right? Then have you seen.. the real Zhou Yu?"


    The audienceughed again, "Hur Hur Hur Hur."


    Hu Fei was also amused. This Little Zhang!


    Ma Hengyuan''s beard had went crooked from anger, but he could not refute it!


    "Hence, history is not a novel, nor are the characters appearing in a literary piece of work." Zhang Ye said, "Then for example, Zhuge Liang. When Zhuge Liang is mentioned, most people will think of the empty fort strategy first, where his military talent was disyed. But actually, all of this was described and created in a novel. Of course, there are some logic and reasons behind it and it was for a good reason. In recent years, there was a person called Guo Chong. This Guo Chong was probably a hardcore fan of Zhuge Liang."


    Hardcore fan?


    The audience was amused hearing that.


    However, Zhang Ye was extremely serious, "Hence, he wrote a book, ''Bringing to Light Five Hidden Matters of Liang''. He revealed five things that most people do not know about Zhuge Liang. The third matter was the empty fort strategy. So the empty fort strategy was not seen as fabricated, and had a origin. However, we all know that the words of hardcore fans aren''t very reliable. I will solemnly tell you that the historical Zhuge Liang was an excellent politician, but his military talent was farcking. He was in no way a military genius. As for the empty fort strategy��" Zhang Ye said a shocking sentence without any heed, "It doesn''t exist at all!"


    What?


    The empty fort strategy did not exist? It was all fabricated?


    Ma Hengyuan immediately was angered, "What nonsense is that!?"


    "How can it not exist? Isn''t that nonsense!?" Teacher Xu was also angered.


    Hu Fei and Xiao Lu were also stunned. The audience doubted even more. After all, many things were already entrenched in their minds!


    Zhang Ye said in a manner that was neither too fast or slow, "Many people are questioning this point. This is the position in the hearts of themon people known as the Civil Image I mentioned earlier. However, I still have the same thing to say. History is not a novel. Just now, the person who refuted was Professor Ma Hengyuan, right?" The cameraman immediately focused the camera on Ma Hengyuan. "You are in the field of literature research, so you research literary works. For the dissection of ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms'', I believe not many people in the country canpare with you. However, that is not history. This is an adapted piece of literature inspired from history. If someone still doesn''t believe me or does not agree with my view, then let me ask two questions. Guo Chong said that Sima Yi led his soldiers to attack Yangping. Back then, Zhuge Liang did not have any soldiers on hand, hence he came up with an empty fort strategy, causing Sima Yi ti retreat. That was it, right?"


    "That''s right."


    "Isn''t that so."


    "What''s wrong with that?"


    The audience answered.


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "Then herees my first question. ording to historical records and validation, Sima Yi was stationed at Wancheng in the north of Jing Province. He was not at the battleground in Yangping. Since he was not there, how did this thing happen?"


    "Ah?"


    "This��"


    "Is that true?"


    The audience was confused.


    Ma Hengyuan and Teacher Xu looked at each other and did not have a clue. They were, after all, not historians, so they could not refute it!


    Zhang Ye carried on, "Then there''s the second problem. Sima Yi''srge army had arrived and Zhuge Liang was very quick-witted. He opened the city gates and got old soldiers to sweep the city gates. Then he had two children with him while sitting on the top of the city gates, singing karaoke."


    "Pfft!"


    "Karaoke?"


    "Haha!"


    A few members of the audience wereughing in stitches.


    Zhang Ye said, "What does he sing in ys? Standing on the city walls, admiring the mountain scenery, I hear noise and confusion below everywhere. Their generals are in disagreement, that insatiable Sima Yi has attacked me once again? If you areing, so be it. I am fully prepared. The streets are swept spotless. Tasty wine is prepared to reward your victorious three armies. Since you are here,e into the city. Come! Come! Come into the city, and hear me strum the zither!"


    Everyoneughed again. They felt that the way Zhang Ye acted as Zhuge Liang was too wretched!


    Zhang Ye blinked and then said, "At this moment, Sima Yi was already at the city gates. He looked up and smacked his lips. In his mind, he was thinking�� What''s the meaning of this bro? He''s inviting me up to sing karaoke with him? Oh, so if I go up, I''ll ended up being OK-ed (killed)? I won''t fall for this trick. Retreat!"


    Everyoneughed even louder!


    Zhang Ye also smirked, "Then here''s my second question. This matter does not conform to logic at all. Why did Sima Yi not dare to attack? He was just afraid of an ambush in the city. But how many people could there be hiding in the city? In the era of cold metallic weapons, it was impossible to bury a Scud missile, right? There can''t be any other weapons of mass destruction. Couldn''t he send some reconnaissance to scout ahead and check if there really was an ambush? Why should he retreat?"


    Scud missiles?


    Weapons of mass destruction?


    The audience was once again tickled!


    Ma Hengyuan andpany could not say a thing. They had been rendered speechless by Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye looked at Ma Hengyuan and said, "Also, wasn''t Sima Yi able to see Zhuge Liang? Wasn''t he hearing him ying the zither above the city gates? And he could even hear him sing karaoke. Based on this description, the distance between Sima Yi and Zhuge Liang must have been very short. Even if you were afraid of an ambush and did not dare to enter the city, why couldn''t you order an archer to kill Zhuge Liang? Why did you have to leave?" Pausing for a moment, "Furthermore, ording to Guo Chong''s ount, or ording to ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms'', the difference between the military power between the two armies was highly disparate. Some said it was 200,000, while others said there was 100,000. Couldn''t you just surround the fortress? Can''t you surround the city for three to five days, trapping them inside? Why would you withdraw the army?"


    No one could answer Zhang Ye''s three questions!


    Everyone was listening very attentively, while others were shocked!


    Even Ma Hengyuan andpany could not say a thing. Every question of Zhang Ye was very sharp. Even academics like them could not figure it out!


    There really was no empty fort strategy?


    This was all fabricated?


    Zhang Ye summarized, "So this im of the empty fort strategy ispletely unreliable. As for the others, such as the Battle of Bowang, borrowing arrows with straw boats, or praying for the eastern wind. None of these were recorded in history. However, literary works had illustrated him in an extremely exaggerated manner. Zhuge Liang became a person with divine strategy and shrewd calctions, while all the other generals became idiots. Oh, in a war, Zhuge Liang gave his orders to the army. What happened to the other generals? They didn''t even know themselves. They just went there, and yed it by ear. Then, when they reached their destination, they didn''t do anything but open the military orders in the satchel. The satchel had brilliant strategies after all. Only then did they know what they had to do or what to fight. Isn''t this treating war like a game!?"


    At this moment, it was unknown who first gave an apuse!


    Bba Bba Bba, following that, several members of the audience also began to join in the apuse!


    Exciting!


    Really exciting!


    Who said that Zhang Ye was unable to talk about the Three Kingdoms and did not know history as a host? What he said was not only humorous and interesting, it overthrew what people knew. It caused people to subconsciously be engrossed in it. And in terms of historical information, there was no problem at all. Didn''t you see Ma Hengyuan, Teacher Xu and Editor Xu being dumbfounded by the questions?


    The crucial point was that after he used Zhou Yu to refute Ma Hengyuan, he had mentioned Zhuge Liang. Previously, Ma Hengyuan had mentioned how Zhuge Liang was so clever and formidable during his lecture, but in a blink of an eye, Zhang Ye had thrown a bomb. The empty fort strategy did not exist at all! Praying for the eastern wind waspletely fabricated! Zhuge Liang was no military genius at all!


    If this wasn''t face pping, what was?


    Zhang Ye hadpletely refuted the views of Ma Hengyuan and the two guests! He had ripped them to pieces!

 Chapter 132: Unending Applause from the Audience!

    <h4>Chapter 132: Unending Apuse from the Audience! </h4>


    Chapter 132: Unending Apuse from the Audience!


    "Hence, be it the empty fort strategy, or praying for the eastern wind, they are just artistic imaginations of the writers. This is not called history." Zhang Ye''s words seemed to vaguely beat down on Ma Hengyuan, Teacher Xu and Editor Xu. He then said, "What if we use artistic works such as ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms'' or ys of the Three Kingdoms as a basis to understand history? If we used the plot of these artistic works as lectures, or used them to analyze these historical figures, then it would be making things too trivial. Even the real image of the historical figure is something you don''t understand, so what can you analyze?"


    Ma Hengyuan andpany nearly cursed out!


    Zhang Ye! Do you have no end to that? Who are you trying to beat upon?


    Teacher Xu immediately stood up and shouted loudly, "What a load of crap! How can a young kid like yourself know any history!?"


    The audience was startled. What''s wrong with you? Have you gone mad?


    Hu Fei was also angered, "Stop the camera!" This scene was definitely not suitable for broadcasting.


    Zhang Ye looked at them and said, "If you think what I said is wrong, you can refute it. If your point of view is right and it makes sense, anyone will listen to it. Please tell me which part of what I said was nonsense?"


    Ma Hengyuan also said, "You just don''t know a thing!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "I''m asking what I do not know. Can you tell me?" Seeing that they could not say a thing, Zhang Ye''s face sank, "The three of you say I''m not right. Fine, I am willing to ept the opinions of others. But can you at least say something? Without any reasons or arguments, you are just saying that I do not understand. You just keep insisting that I don''t know a thing. Are you professors and teachers, or are you rogue hooligans? Even I know that when a teacher lectures, he would need to use reason and arguments to convince a student. Why are experts and professors like yourselves unknowing of that fact? Is this a joke? You say I do not understand. Yes, I don''t understand. So, are you gods? Wherever you say there is light, there will be light?"


    The audience erupted intoughter. They felt that this host was extremely humorous!


    "What you said is totally unfounded!" Ma Hengyuan said angrily with a ck face.


    Big Sis Zhou was the first person who could not take it any longer, "You old fart, what do you mean by saying that Teacher Little Zhang''s words were unfounded? Everything he said was clear and following the details!"


    Auntie Sun also scolded, "What mess are you trying to create!?"


    Xiaofang said angrily, "To think he''s a professor. He''s socking in manners!"


    A member of the audience also said, "That''s right. He was doing a good job, and we were enjoying it. Why are you interrupting offstage? Previously, you even said the host interrupted you? Ah, others can''t do it, but when ites to you, you can?"


    "Hurry and go back home!"


    "Right, stop ridiculing yourself. The host is doing such a good job!"


    "And Professor Ma? Just an undeserved title! I really wonder how you went on CCTV! With the Three Kingdoms from what you said just now? Our whole family was nearly falling asleep from it!"


    "The three of you are really funny. It''s clear that you are turning angry from embarrassment!"


    "You even said the host doesn''t know history? I think it''s you who do not know!"


    Quite a number of audience members began to boo. They did not have any good impressions on these so-called professors and experts who put on airs!


    Ma Hengyuan and the two Xu surnamed guests still wanted to speak. Even Teacher Xu stood up and red at the audience, "You can go on television saying the Three Kingdoms like that? Do you even know history!?"


    Big Sis Zhou erupted, "Do you only know how to f**king say that? You just keep saying others do not know. You are f**king sick!" She cursed!


    Teacher Xu was flustered as she pointed to Big Sis Zhou, "I dare you to scold me again!"


    A person in the audience could no longer let this go. He stood up and stood by Big Sis Zhou, "Why are you shouting at a woman like that!? If you have the ability, shout at me! Shout for me to see!" He was a stout middle-aged man with a height of 1.9m!


    Teacher Xu immediately shut up.


    Auntie Sun also spat, "Only you know! Only you are the professionals!?"


    "What the heck!"


    "How can they be so hypocritical!"


    "Did us the audience pick the fight? Why are you yelling at us?"


    "Hurry and get lost! What kind of sh*t are they!"


    The audience began to curse. The situation was quite out of control!


    Zhang Ye was also disgusted. He immediately took the microphone and said, "A few of the stronger staff, I''ll trouble you. Please throw the people who have interrupted the recording out!"


    Dafei and Hou Ge had long disliked them. They immediately rushed forward!


    There were two guards and three staff members who volunteered. They immediately surrounded Ma Hengyuan andpany. Lifting them up, they were thrown out of the studio''s door. Not only were they not cooperating with the recording, they did not listen to anyone''s directions. They had even messed up a scene and impeded the recording. Not only would throwing them out not be a problem, even beating them up would have been fine. Did you really think that you were some big shot star? Bullsh*t!


    The third guest, Reporter Ci from before, also shook her head and sighed. Ma Hengyuan andpany had really lost their reputation and had disgraced themselves!


    Zhang Ye cleared his throat, "There has been aplication, so please do not mind. Let''s continue analyzing the Three Kingdoms."


    Hu Fei did the countdown once again, "Three, two, one. Begin."


    Zhang Ye continued from before, "So that is why we must differentiate between ''Historical Image'' and ''Artistic Image''. The differences are huge, but then we ask: is the ''Artistic Image'' worthless then? It does have value. There''s much worth in the studying and analyzing of it, like the ''Empty Fort Strategy''. Sima Yi was a schr. The way he thought would be moreplicated. When something is said or an action is made, he would have given it some thought. Aiyo, what does this mean? What could this mean? Hur Hur, if it was a gang of thieves or bandits, they would have entered the city directly, with the attitude of ''who cares''! Then what would have happened? Zhuge Liang would have been caught!"


    Everyone wasughing for the umpteenth time.


    After speaking for another ten minutes, Hu Fei made some hand signals.


    Zhang Ye understood that this episode''s time was almost up, so he made a closing, but suddenly remembered that this was the most important first episode, so how could he just make a simple closing to it? It didn''t seem to be good enough; it didn''t match the beginning well. With a sh of brilliance, Zhang Ye said, "The first episode ising to an end. Some of you may still be wondering why this episode was named as ''Great River Flows East''?" Because I haveposed a melody poem, and these four words are a very important part of this melody poem. So I would like to use this as an ending, which I was lucky enough to have gone to the Red Cliff and had been inspired by it to create this melody poem."


    Melody poem


    Ancient poetry?


    A few people were listening in earnest now. They had likely heard of Zhang Ye''s ''Shuidiao Getou'' before, and knew of his melody poetry''s prowess.


    Zhang Ye built up the moment; this was a famous Su Shi melody poem. It wasparable with ''Shuidiao Getou''. In his previous world, there were other versions of it. But the one he would be using was Yi Zhongtian''s opening to ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms'', although it was not used in full.


    When speaking of the Three Kingdoms, Su Shi''s melody poem had to be mentioned as well!


    But since there was no Su Shi in this world, many other literary schrs involved with Three Kingdoms poems had also not existed, Zhang Ye made some modifications ordingly to the flow of ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms''.


    Zhang Ye looked at the audience and began reciting, "''Lyrics to Remembering Your Charm - Remembrance of the Tale of the Crimson Cliff''."


    The audience were listening earnestly, they were curious to know what it would be.


    Zhang Ye said with a bnced tone, but his voice had nock of majestic energy, "The great gushing Yangtze with piling waves flows towards the east; away it carries gant souls of the remote bygone days."


    The first line had captured everyone!


    The ancient fort on the west is said to be The Crimson Cliff, where Zhou of the Three Kingdoms era defeated Wei''s navy. Stones were hurled into the sky indiscriminately; Mighty waves must have crushed onto shores hurling high snow-like foam." Zhang Ye said with a smile, as his eyebrows appeared concentrated, "The river and mountains today''sndscapes paint; Where once there were many courageous and heroic men. Picture Zhou in his prime; dressed in in clothes together with his young bride, gant he must have been. Topped with a silk crest, he held in his hand a fan of feathers; with humor he helped see to that the masts and sculls of Wei''s navy go up in smoke and ashes turn into. My mind wanders in the history vested hither; My sentimentality, no doubt, has caused my early grey. Life is a dream; Allow me to libate a drink to the river, the moon and its reflection."


    Many people were engrossed listening to it!


    The river and mountains today''sndscapes paint? Where once there were many courageous and heroic men?


    Many of the malerades became very passionate when they heard it! As though they were now in battle during the Three Kingdoms era! They could hear the the sounds of battle around them!


    The femalerades were all charmed by Zhou Yu''s description of ''With humor he helped see to that the masts and sculls of Wei''s navy go up in smoke and ashes turn into.'' What sort of grace was this? What level of daringness was this?


    But in the end, everyone was a little hurt by the first line of Zhang Ye''s poem!


    Yes, "Great River Flows East". How many heroes in history had been washed away by the waters of the great river?


    What a spectacr "Great River Flows East"! What a great "Lyrics to Remembering Your Charm - Remembrance of the Tale of the Crimson Cliff"! What a great "Lecture Room"! What a great Zhang Ye!


    Hu Fei stood up, stunned!


    The audience also didn''t make a sound when they heard it!


    Zhang Ye closed off with this, "As it is, how many events of history are hidden within light-hearted conversations? Starting from today''s program, I will be sharing with everyone through light-hearted conversations an analysis of the Three Kingdoms. But where should we start from? I think that we should begin from that era''s most contentious figure, whether in historical image or civil image. Let him lead us as we delve into the mostplex and magnificent history next week with ''The Real Cao Cao''!"


    After finishing.


    The recording studio was silent for a moment.


    Suddenly, Big Sis Zhou and Auntie Sun stood up and apuded with all their might!


    Everyone else stood up one by one from their seats and apuded with admiration!


    Even the staff present, the cameraman, Hou Ge, Hou Di, Dafei and others also apuded loudly. They were all very excited!


    In that time, the studio was filled with thunderous apuse!


    It went on for a full minute before stopping!


    No one left, as they did not want to leave!


    Zhang Ye was very ttered and sp his hands together, "Thank you, everyone. Thank you, thank you." This was a huge acknowledgment to him!


    But in the closing poem, there was a w. Because at the end, there was a sentence about early graying of hair. This was Su Shi''s plight and not Zhang Ye''s. Therefore, with analysis, this would be a small w. But Zhang Ye did not care, it was not a bother to him!


    My hair has precisely grayed early!


    I precisely have gray hair at a young age!


    Are you going to bite me?

 Chapter 133: Waiting for the Rating!

    <h4>Chapter 133: Waiting for the Rating! </h4>


    Chapter 133: Waiting for the Rating!


    After the program.


    The audience cleared from the studio. A lot of them were left wanting for more. As they left, they were discussing about Zhang Ye''s "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms".


    "What a good lecture!"


    "That''s right; I was so engrossed in listening!"


    "I just came to join in on the buzz, and was thinking of improving my knowledge at the television station. But who knew that I would encounter such a quality program? I will definitely watch every episode!"


    "The same goes for me; I will watch every episode for sure too!"


    "Such an exciting program�� Only a fool would not watch it!"


    "It also enriches our knowledge. I only found out today that the ''Empty Fort Strategy'' did not exist!"


    "Hur Hur,pared to this host, those so-called experts are like clowns. Their knowledge is not enough and their delivery was so boring. Who would want to listen to them bber? They are totally not as good as that Zhang host. Ah yes�� He''s called Zhang Ye; I will remember him!"


    ����


    After the studio was cleared out.


    Zhang Ye looked at his colleagues, "Was that okay?"


    Xiao Lu was the first to run up, "It was not only okay, it was too okay!"


    Hou Ge also rushed forward, "Man, Teacher Zhang was really able to speak about the Three Kingdoms! You even gave the expert professor a hard time! And you let the audience p for you for the whole day!"


    Zhang Ye humbly said, "It was not that I was good; it''s just that the experts were clueless to begin with. About the ''Empty Fort Strategy'', Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu, all of that was just history''s general knowledge. With just some digging, anyone would know. Even without researching, just reading ''Records of the Three Kingdoms'' would make it understandable. Even though ''Records of the Three Kingdoms'' is also a literature work,pared to ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms'', it was more historically unbiased. As long as it was something unverifiable, ''Records of the Three Kingdoms'' would not blindly write about it. There''s also a lot of information to help the reader understand about that period of history."


    Dafei blushed and said, "I have not heard of ''Records of the Three Kingdoms''."


    Xiao Lu coughed, "I''ve heard of it, but never read it. This book seems to be less popr; not many people have read it before. Besides, some of the things that you mentioned about, I did not even know about them. Do you think that everyone''s knowledge is as rich as yours?"


    What?


    There are people who have never heard of "Records of the Three Kingdoms"?


    That shouldn''t be! How can anyone not know about it?


    Only then did Zhang Ye understand. Although in this world there were ssics like "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", the cultural background was a little different. Su Shi did not exist, and a number of other works also did not exist anymore. Even though "Records of the Three Kingdoms" was still preserved, the influence and poprity of it was different from Zhang Ye''s previous world. Because of the game ring''s modifications, it had created such a situation now. It had created a world where everyone seemed to have the wrong perception and understanding of the Three Kingdoms. If it were in his previous world, this would not have happened. Because even though most people did not know of the real Three Kingdoms, a big portion of them still did understand the true Three Kingdoms!


    No wonder that literature professor, Ma Hengyuan, was not clear about things like the empty fort strategy. Because this world''s study of the Three Kingdoms went through "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", while the most authentic "Records of the Three Kingdoms" and other simr works were not mainstream! This was why when Zhang Ye brought Professor Yi Zhongtian''s "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" first episode out, it had received such a big reaction!


    This was helping the illiterate!


    Zhang Ye did not know whether tough or to cry when he thought of this.


    Hu Fei had just finished speaking with the cameraman. He then rushed over and gave a squeeze on Zhang Ye''s shoulders, clearly emotional and said, "You were great, Little Zhang! That was done too well!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "As long as I didn''t throw your face, that is good enough."


    "You, throw my face? Haha!" Hu Fei excitedly said, "Let me tell you, this is exactly what I wanted in a program. It was even better than what I had expected! I listened from the beginning to the end without missing any words. I dare to say that this is the best historical segment I have listened to before!"


    Xiao Lu said, "That''s right!"


    Dafei said, "It can''t even be described with ''wonderful''!"


    Hou Di gave a thumbs up, "Just one word - awesome!"


    "Did you write that melody poem by yourself?" Hu Fei asked.


    "Yes," Zhang Ye replied.


    "You are surprising me over and over again. The background of this poem�� Amongst all other Three Kingdoms poems, nothing canpare to it. It was too well written!" Hu Fei said happily, "If I knew you would be so good, I wouldn''t have invited that Ma Hengyuan. I didn''t even have to look for guests! Do you think I have nothing better to do? I would have just put you in. Yeah, but the incident this time, with all thosest-minute changes in the program name, studio settings, lecturer change and such, we will have to seek approval from the Arts Channel again. We need the Leader''s approval!"


    A cameraman said, "Producer Hu, it should be done in an hour. Any deletion needed, you can just assign someone to follow up with us and we will do so ordingly."


    Dafei, who was in charge of the technical and studio settings, said, "I will follow up with them."


    Hu Fei said "Okay, I will leave it to you then. Once it''s done, I will send it up for approval."


    ����


    Afternoon.


    Lecture Room''s first episode waspleted. The segment was edited to its allotted time and informational graphics were added in.


    Hu Fei watched it once over, and being satisfied, he looked for the Arts Channel Leader, Wang Shuixin, in his office. When he went in, the Leader was having his lunch.


    "Director, you are eating?" Hu Feiughed.


    Wang Shuixin did not look happy, "Old Hu, I was just looking for you. I heard that your program recording encountered a big problem. In the end, even the program name was changed? And the lecturer and guests were thrown out? That was the lecturer that you had a hard time inviting. What is wrong with you all?"


    Hu Fei was angry at the mention of him, "There''s no need to invite them anymore. I have a better candidate here. The program also has a better development n now. Hur Hur, do you still remember that I wanted Zhang Ye here at all costs? He is now the lecturer. We no longer need a host or any guests. The program effects were still very well done. No, it''s precisely because we don''t need those that the program''s effect is so good!"


    Wang Shuixin frowned, "Zhang Ye? What can he say? Old Hu, I know you think highly of this young man, but don''t you think that you are being too biased? This is a historical segment we are talking about!"


    "When you look at the recording, you will understand." Hu Fei knew that he didn''t need to say too much, so he just handed the recording over to him.


    Wang Shuixin lowered his head and looked, "Let''s go." He asked a few other deputies and staff members to apany them to watch the screening.


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "He is speaking about the Three Kingdoms?"


    "He''s just a youngd. What does he know about the Three Kingdoms?"


    But a few minutes after the screening began, no one made any furtherments.


    After an hour had passed, everyone looked at each other. They were all astonished and no one said a word.


    Hu Fei asked, "What does everyone think? Are the changes eptable?"


    A head from another program team said in jealousy and regret, "If I knew this person was so capable, I would have fought with Old Hu for him and brought him into my own program team!"


    "Director?" Hu Fei looked towards Wang Shuixin.


    Wang Shuixin was silent for a moment before saying, "Let''s just air it and see what the viewership is like on Saturday. We will see if the audience approves; if it does well, we will continue Sunday''s segment."


    Hu Fei replied, "Won''t it be too rushed if we were to record on Saturday?"


    Wang Shuixin tly replied, "We still have not seen what the market''s response to it is. We need to be careful. After all, Little Zhang is young andcking in qualifications. The audience might not agree to him lecturing on history. So we need to make adjustments ording to the actual scenario. Let''s broadcast it to test the waters. Only then can we decide if he can continue being the lecturer of this segment!"


    Putting it inly, Wang Shuixin did not trust Zhang Ye that much. Wang Shuixin already felt that it was inappropriate for Zhang Ye to be a host or guest earlier on for such a big program. He felt that Zhang Ye''s height and image were all problematic. And now, it was even worse. Zhang Ye went from a host, who would appear asionally, to the only lecturer of the program? He became the most important person on the program? This was a bit too fast!


    However, Hu Fei was extremely confident, "Alright then, let''s wait for the rating."


    A deputy who spoke previously said, "With this standard, the rating definitely can''t be bad. Just that ''Lyrics to Remembering Your Charm - Remembrance of the Tale of the Crimson Cliff'' makes it exceptional!"


    Another woman said, "That might not be true. The tastes of the market is bing more and moreplex these days. No one can figure out what programs the audience likes. Even people like us, with years of experience, make guesses from our experience. Who dares to guarantee? I think that this program is just average. It is unconventional, but isn''t the content a bit too sensational? The empty fort strategy really doesn''t exist? That''s too assertive!"


    A middle-aged man present, who was a bit more learned, said, "ording to what I know, the empty fort strategy is indeed fabricated. I once got reprimanding by a schr who researched history."


    The woman shook her head, "But the audience doesn''t know that. It is really challenging the beliefs of the audience. Sometimes being unconventional might result in an opposite effect."


    "I''m rather optimistic about it."


    "I don''t think it will do. A young man can''t hold the ground. If there are any mistakes in logic or historical facts, the audience will pick a fault with it and curse us to death. After all, a historical segment is all about authenticity. Who knows if what Zhang Ye said was right or wrong? It it was all made up by him and found out by the audience, then our television station''s reputation will be hammered!"


    There were disagreements with different judgments.


    Wang Shuixin rapped on his table to stop the debate, "There''s no need to say anything anymore. Let''s wait for the rating on Saturday. That would be the most objective thing."

 Chapter 134: An Alarming Rating!

    <h4>Chapter 134: An rming Rating! </h4>


    Chapter 134: An rming Rating!


    Friday.


    Zhang Ye rested for a day.


    Upon being informed by Xiao Lu, he switched on his television at home, and then tuned to the Arts Channel.


    "Beijing''s BTV Arts Channel''s new segment, ''Lecture Room''. Inviting Beijing''s well-known broadcasting host, Silver Microphone awardee, Beijing Mid-Autumn Festival Poetry Meet''s champion, Beijing Couplet Competition''s champion, famous poet, famous literary author, famous children''s fairy tale author, famous supernatural best-selling author, famous advertiser, leader of the popr phrases on the inte, Teacher Zhang Ye. With him as lecturer, he will let us have a taste of the period of the warring Three Kingdoms. He will tell everyone things you might not know about the Three Kingdoms. BTV-Arts. We look forward to you watching, this Thursday at 1 P.M.!"


    There were so many titles that Zhang Ye turned a bit red from hearing them. And nearly all of them were prefixed with the word ''famous''. Although Zhang Ye did have these works and achievements, he knew clearly that he was far from worthy of these titles with the word ''famous''. He did not dare to ept it. However, it was an advertisement. There was no other way of doing it. Advertisements were all done this way. They had to use some gimmicks to attract the attention of eyeballs before the broadcast.


    This was the advertisement of his own channel.


    Hence, it did not spare anything in bragging about Zhang Ye.


    At this moment on the inte, a few video websites released advertisements for "Lecture Room". This was all because of Hu Fei. As a pretty well-known former producer of Central TV, he was definitely given some preferential treatment after being headhunted by the Beijing Television Station. Of course, the station gave him quite a bit of advertising for his new segment, both online and offline. They had done their best!


    Everything was ready.


    Now, only tomorrow''s rating mattered!


    Zhang Ye also knew of the Leader''s attitude from Hu Fei. If the rating was not ideal, then he might not have a chance to be the lecturer for "Lecture Room". The program was likely to return to the initial temte from before. Zhang Ye would then return to being a host that only appeared from time to time. Hou Ge, Xiao Lu and the other colleagues had their hearts strung. However, Zhang Ye did not feel the pressure, or it could be said he was not worried at all!


    It was just a provincial station''s 1% rating!


    What segment was this? This was "Lecture Room"!


    Although Zhang Ye did not know how high the ratings would be, he was certain that it would not be below 1%. If it was, he might as well jump into a river!


    ����


    Saturday.


    In the afternoon at 12 o''clock.


    Zhang Ye had prepared something to fill his stomach before he met his unit''s colleagues, to watch the broadcast together. However, while he was rummaging through his refrigerator, someone suddenly knocked on his door.


    Knock, knock.


    The knocking on the door was very slow and very dull.


    Zhang Ye opened the door and did not see anyone at first nce. Only when he lowered his head did he see a very short girl. It was Rao Chenchen.


    Chenchen nced at him, "My aunt is calling you over for lunch."


    Zhang Ye was overjoyed, "I happen to not have eaten. Let''s go, let''s go."


    The two went to thendy''s house. Rao Aimin was taking off her apron and had finished cooking. Seeing Zhang Ye, she greeted with him with a, "Let''s eat!"


    "Well, thank you, Landy Auntie." Zhang Ye did not stand on ceremony as he picked up a pair of chopsticks to wolf down the food.


    Rao Aimin derided him, "Look at the way you eat. Were you reborn from a starving ghost? I''m telling you that I need to go out in the afternoon to settle the residential information for Chenchen. It was not settled thest time, so I need to go again. I won''t be home, so help me babysit. I do not trust others."


    Zhang Ye smiled wryly, "Man, so this meal wasn''t for free. Landy Auntie, I won''t be resting today. I still need to go to work in the afternoon."


    Rao Aimin picked her eyebrow, "I don''t care about that. Anyway, the child is in your hands."


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "But how can I bring the child to the television station?"


    At this moment, Chenchen looked at him and said with a hoarse voice, "Television station? I want to see!"


    "There''s nothing to see there. It''s all office and equipment!" Zhang Ye said.


    Chenchen ignored his words and stared at him, "Zhang Ye, bring me to see the television station."


    "You guys figure it out. I don''t care." After finishing the meal, Rao Aimin packed her things and left.


    Zhang Ye was at a loss of whether tough or to cry. He could not leave Chenchen alone at home, so after some thinking, he drove his BMW X5 with Chenchen to his unit.


    ����


    Television station''s door.


    After getting out of the car, Zhang Ye reached out his hand with his palm facing up.


    Chenchen looked at him before reluctantly cing her tiny hand into Zhang Ye''s.


    Zhang Ye brought the little rascal upstairs. On the way, many of the television station''s staff looked over at Chenchen. They liked her a lot.


    "She''s so pretty!"


    "Eh, whose kid is that?"


    "Why is she so cute? I really want to pinch her."


    "Eh, isn''t that Zhang Ye? He has a kid?"


    Upstairs, in the segment team''s office. Zhang Ye led the child in as the office turned into chaos!


    Xiao Lu seemed to melt, "Aiyo, aiyo. This kid is so pretty!"


    Zhang Ye exined, "My neighbor''s child. She has something to do in the afternoon and got me to take care of her for a day, so I brought her to the unit." Looking at Hu Fei, he said coyly, "Leader, your thoughts?"


    Hu Feiughed, "It''s alright. There''re so many of us here anyway. When you are recording the program, others can help you take care of the child."


    Zhang Ye nced at Chenchen and smiled wryly, "I suspect I''ll have to take care of her. Others can''t handle her."


    Xiao Lu smiled and walked over, "What do you mean by others can''t handle her? I''m very good at taking care of children. Back then, I took care of my young nephew for a week. He had a great time with me." Saying that, she bent down and said to Chenchen, "Little rascal, you are so cute. Let sister carry you."


    Chenchen nced at her, "Auntie, there''s no need."


    Xiao Lu nearly fainted, "Who''s the auntie? I''m a sister!"


    Chenchen eyed her from top to bottom a few times before letting out augh, "Hur Hur."


    Xiao Lu nearly vomited a mouthful of blood.


    Hou Ge volunteered, "Let me do it. That bag of bones won''t be able to carry you. Little rascal, let uncle raise you high, high up."


    High, high up?


    Chenchen shriveled her mouth, "Immature."


    Hou Ge, "��" He suddenly suffered from internal injuries.


    "All of you won''t do. Watch me. You must pander to a child''s liking." Dafei smiled and greeted her, "Come to uncle. Uncle will teach you how to y games."


    Chenchen did not look at him and instead looked at Zhang Ye, "Zhang Ye, you can still y games at work? No wonder television programs these days are getting boring. The employees are not working."


    Dafei nearly nted his face onto the ground as he looked carefully at Hu Fei.


    Hu Fei erupted intoughter, "This youngdy sure is interesting."


    Only then did everyone understand why Zhang Ye had said that he had to take care of her even while he was recording, while others couldn''t. This was no child. She was clearly a tiny adult. She was too derisive with her words!


    Xiao Lu andpany tried a few times tomunicate with Chenchen, but they were helpless. Not to mention carrying her, they could not even hold onto Chenchen''s hand to bring her around the television station. Chenchen did not agree to anything. Her little hand was only exclusive to Zhang Ye. No one else could hold it. This little rascal refused to recognize them!


    Hu Fei suddenly looked at his watch, "Stop fooling around. The program is beginning."


    "Right, right. I nearly forgot about it. Quick, switch on the TV." Xiao Lu immediately switched on the television. There was one in the office and the television was quite good. It was a 50-inch television and it was mounted on the wall. The direction it faced could also be adjusted freely. She then turned her head to Chenchen, saying, "Little rascal, your uncle Zhang Ye will be on television soon. Let''s not talk about the impressiveness. All the burden of our program rests on your uncle alone. Whether the program stays will all depend on today''s rating."


    Everyone was sitting before the television. Although they had watched the recording live and they had watched it after the editing, there was a different feeling when watching a broadcast.


    "It''s here!"


    "Time is up."


    "Heh. Teacher Zhang, you sure look okay."


    "That''s right; there''s an author''s air to him at a nce."


    Zhang Ye was actually quite happy deep down as he quickly said, "No way, no way."


    This was the first time he was appearing on television. And it was also a program with him alone. And the time slot was not bad. So, of course, Zhang Ye was quite excited. Seeing himself looking awesome while lecturing on television, he was quite in admiration of himself. As such, he got out his cell phone and sent a few short messages to his parents, rtives and friends. He also informed his three younger cousins, getting them to watch the show.


    This was different from a radio station. It was a television station. It was Zhang Ye''s brand new step onto a bigger stage.


    "The empty fort strategy�� It doesn''t exist at all!"


    "The great gushing Yangtze with piling waves flows towards the east; away it carries gant souls of the remote bygone days!"


    The program was done broadcasting as the advertisements rolled in.


    Immediately, Xiao Lu, Dafei andpany apuded in the office. The apuse was all dedicated to Zhang Ye.


    Hu Fei got up and left. One could tell that he was not very sure either, "I''ll go get the rating!"


    "It will be out so early?" Xiao Lu was surprised.


    Hu Fei said, "The result calcted at this moment is just a preliminary estimate of the rating. It is not urate, but it isn''t that much different from the actual rating. It won''t deviate too greatly."


    Hu Fei left.


    The few of them were left anxiously waiting.


    Hou Ge raised the spirits as he said, "It should not be a problem. Teacher Little Zhang did a very good job."


    "What we are afraid is that single mishap. What if the audience doesn''t like it?" Xiao Lu said as she worried about the gains and the losses.


    Dafei asked, "What are your estimations? I''m estimating about 2%."


    "The first episode has such a high rating? That''s not realistic, right?" Hou Di said, "I''m estimating 1.5%."


    Xiao Lu said, "Anyway, we just need 1% to keep the program. I would be satisfied with it."


    As they chatted, Zhang Ye did not say a word. He was actually more concerned with the viewership rating than anyone else. As every number and every result in the television station would be a foundation of Zhang Ye''s qualifications and achievements, so naturally he took it very seriously. He clearly would not work in the television station for the rest of his life, nor would he do a program for the rest of his life. He had to go to higher ces to develop himself.


    Now, "Lecture Room" was a historical educative segment. Be it the host or the lecturer, one''s looks were not very important. What was most important was a person''s knowledge and ability to orate. There was no doubt that this was the best ce Zhang Ye could be. It was the best ce for him to develop. As long as he built a good foundation for himself and created good results, then it would pave a solid path into the core of the entertainment industry.


    That was a ce where things were ruthless. Zhang Ye could not rely on his looks, the way others could. He had to rely on his qualifications and skills!


    Rating?


    Let''s hope it''s higher!


    Just as everyone was worrying, Hu Fei returned.


    "Brother Hu!"


    "How was it?"


    "What was the rough estimate? Did it pass one?"


    Everyone kept asking. Zhang Ye''s heart also missed a beat upon seeing Hu Fei''s expression.


    At this moment, Hu Fei''s expression was sunken. His emotions did not seem good. As he heard them, Hu Fei inattentively slumped into his seat and remained silent for a long while.


    Xiao Lu was rmed, "It did not hit 1%?"


    Dafei inhaled, "Our program is going to be axed? Or it needs to change a person?"


    However, who knew the Hu Fei, who was sullen looking, suddenly lost that heaviness as he erupted intoughter, "The initial estimate of the rating is 7.8%! Our program is hot! And it is extremely hot! The Arts Channel''s Leaders, the television station''s Leaders and other segment teams were dumbfounded when they saw the results! None of them could believe it! Hahahaha!"

 Chapter 135: Extreme Validation from Peking University’s Professor!

    <h4>Chapter 135: Extreme Validation from Peking University��s Professor! </h4>


    Chapter 135: Extreme Validation from Peking University''s Professor!


    "7.8%?"


    "Holy sh*t! It broke 7?"


    "This is too amazing!"


    "Brother Hu! Are you bluffing us!?"


    "That''s right; I thought we were done for when you came in with your face sullen!"


    Everyone in the office was in jubtion. Xiao Lu threw all the documents in her hands into the air. She was unable to contain her joy and kept screaming!


    Zhang Ye was also scared by Hu Fei''s earlier behaviour. When he knew the real rating, he gave a sigh of relief. He knew it! This was the well known "Lecture Room", and he had presented an exact reproduction of Yi Zhongtian''s version of the show. How would it then receive a rating of less than 1%? It was all because of Hu Fei''s antics that scared them. Who would have expected Brother Hu to have such a side to him? But with some thought, Hu Fei was also too excited, so he decided to y a trick on them!


    Dafei said, "Teacher Zhang, congrattions."


    Xiao Lu hade back to her senses now, "Right, right. Teacher Zhang, in the future we have to add another title to your introduction: famous program host!"


    "Seven point something percent�� That is at least 2nd ce in our Arts Channel''s more than 20 years of program listings. Even if we were to include all of the programs that were ever shown from this television station, this would definitely be in the top 15 to 20 ces. This is really too awesome!" Hou Ge said with amazement.


    Zhang Ye quickly replied, "It''s all because of Brother Hu''s good leadership. It''s everyone''s credit and also our team''s contributions. I am not capable of all that by myself."


    Hu Feiughed and pointed at him, "Don''t act all humble!"


    Xiao Lu giggled, "Leader, are we getting a treat tonight?"


    "Treat? Of course there will be a treat!" Hu Fei announced, "During tonight''s celebration feast, everyone has to be present!"


    "Oh, that''s great!" Xiao Lu cheered, "I want to have big prawns!"


    Little Chenchen also raised her head and said, "I want to eat hairy crabs."


    Zhang Ye smacked her head, "You want a part in everything. Hur Hur."


    Chenchen threw her tantrum and said, "Zhang Ye, you did not wash your hands! Don''t touch my head."


    Everyone was amused by the little one.


    After that, Hu Fei cautioned, "Teacher Zhang, Sunday''s program recording is scheduled after this at 5 P.M. Please get ready your script��. Oh, right. I forgot that you don''t need those. Hur Hur. Then maybe you can do some conceptualization for the second episode, ''The Real Cao Cao''. The others can go and freshen up, but don''t let it drag back your work. After the celebrations, get back to work in the afternoon. Make the most of the weekend. Let''s go towards a rating of 8%! We will bring ''Lecture Room'' to the top of the Arts Channel with the highest ratings! We will show those who doubt us what we can do! Is everyone confident?"


    "We are!"


    "We are confident!''


    "That''s for sure!"


    "Haha. With Teacher Zhang Ye, who can scare us!"


    Everyone was giving their opinions and thoughts. They were full of fighting spirit!


    When they first arrived at the station, not many people expected things from the motley crew of those who dabbled in TV drama and journalism. Even for the program itself, many of those from other programs were not optimistic about it. Historical segment? Scientific segment? They felt that there was no market for this. Those who had talked behind Hu Fei''s back were now proven wrong by their team''s vision and working ability!


    A rating of 7.8%!


    Who would now dare to gossip about them anymore?


    Those who did were probably now still in a state of shock!


    ����


    Afternoon.


    Zhang Ye signalled from his seat, "Chenchen,e over."


    Chenchen came over from Dafei''s side with a cellphone. She was ying with it and then looked up and asked, "What?"


    "Don''t make trouble at Uncle Dafei''s side. Come over here. Don''t be further than two meters from me." Zhang Ye insisted that shee over. This child was different from other children; she wasn''t so straightforward to handle. Zhang Ye thought that it would be better if she was in his sight. Otherwise, if something were to happen, he couldn''t possibly answer to Rao Aimin. "I will give you half my seat; you can y here. If you want to do something else, tell me. If you need the toilet, ask Sister Xiao Lu to bring you."


    Chenchen rolled her eyes, "I''m not unable to take care of myself."


    Zhang Ye gave half his seat and sat her down. He went online to check on thements. This was part of his job. He would take in suggestions from everyone.


    Upon looking, he saw the attention that he had gathered!


    "Zhang Ye went to the TV station?"


    "D*mn, why did this guy be a lecturer?"


    "Yeah, does he have the qualifications? Isn''t he just a university graduate? And he''s a broadcast major graduate, too, right? This doesn''t match up! He''s not a learner of history!"


    "One look and I know that you all have not watched ''Lecture Room''!"


    "You watched it? How was it? It must have been a mess, right?"


    "A mess, my a*s! You don''t even know how good it was to watch it!


    "Yes, yes. My dad dragged me to watch it. It was so intriguing to watch!"


    "This Zhang Ye spoke too well. It seems like you guys are saying he is very famous? I have really never heard of him. I need to check the inte. Otherwise, I will be behind the times."


    "This talk about the Three Kingdoms is really too godly!"


    "Is that so? Why do I feel that it is just normal?"


    Everyone had all kinds of opinions, but the number of those who praised it was in the majority.


    Of course, the doubtful voices were also catching up.


    "This Zhang Ye, what does he know about the Three Kingdoms! Zhuge Liang was not a military genius? What the heck! He dares to insult my idol?"


    "The empty fort strategy does not exist? Hahahaha. What a joke!"


    "Borrowing the east wind was a historical event, right? How could it not exist?"


    "To find someone who doesn''t know a sh*t about the Three Kingdoms to speak about it? What is wrong with the television station!"


    "That''s right! With this kind of standard, he can appear on TV? With those kind of looks, he can appear on TV? I amughing. Alright, I will admit that Zhang Ye can write poetry well. In Beijing, the number of writers and authors who dare say that they can write better poetry than him can be easily counted. That ''Lyrics to Remembering Your Charm - Remembrance of the Tale of the Crimson Cliff'' and ''Shuidiao Getou'' can be considered as iparable. Zhang has such capabilities, and no one can question that. But to speak about history? He is far from it!"


    But just as these people were scolding, suddenly, a Weibo verified ount belonging to a Peking University history professormented. He presented today''s "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" examples cited by Zhang Ye in its original form and said, "It''s true that there are too many people in our country these days who do not know enough about the Three Kingdoms history, but they write books and appear on TV to speak about it. This is getting toomon and it is also our history world''s sadness. But I must tell everyone that the kind of person that you guys are discussing about is not Zhang Ye. With just the first episode''s ''Lyrics to Remembering Your Charm - Remembrance of the Tale of the Crimson Cliff'', I also have to address Zhang Ye as Teacher Zhang!"


    "Uh."


    "History professor?"


    "That is a professor of Peking University!"


    "Let''s not talk first, we should listen to what the professor has to say."


    Finally, someone from the field with authority has spoken. Theizens on Weibo had also quietened down.


    The history professor said, "I can tell everyone that, as a history professor, what Teacher Zhang Ye has said can be fully backed by facts, records and has good historical logic. Of course, some of that is Teacher Zhang Ye''s personal opinions; I will notment on those. But since this is a discussion, everyone has their own thoughts. They can add their opinions and analysis into it. A little deviation is normal. But even so, the deviation cannot be too much. Like the empty fort strategy and borrowing the east wind? These are not recorded in history. In fact, many history experts and I share the same analysis as Teacher Zhang Ye. These two events did not exist. Even if they did, they couldn''t be so exaggerated, nor could they have happened because of Zhuge Liang. This is totally cooking up facts or embellishment, but it is not the true history. Zhuge Liang is also not a military genius; at most, you can say that he was a military practitioner. Zhuge Liang can also be called a political genius, but his true achievements were not with the military!"


    Below, a lot of people immediately Liked thement and followed it.


    Within them, there were a number of history schrs, including the Peking University professor''s colleagues, his students and postdocs. Even other university''s professors began to startmenting to argue for Zhang Ye, to let this historical truth dawn upon the mass audiences.


    "What?"


    "There was really no empty fort strategy?"


    "F**k! Zhang Ye was the one who spoke the truth? Those other lecturers were the ones who were bullshi**ing?"


    "I''ve been enlightened! I nearly scolded the wrong person!"


    "That''s not right. I recall that there was a professor on the scene during the program''s recording. He was even given a shot. I know him. That person went on Central TV before. He had doubted Zhang Ye!"


    The Peking University''s professor clearly knew Ma Hengyuan, "You are talking about Ma Hengyuan, right? I also saw him. However, you have to know that Professor Ma is an elite in the realm of literature. But if you want to talk about his research and contribution to the realm of history? Sorry, but he doesn''t exist in our history circles." He was probably long aware of Ma Hengyuan''s spread of misinformation about the Three Kingdoms, so he was not pleased with him. Hence, his tone was not very polite.


    "So that''s the case."


    "Sh*t, that means this Zhang Ye is so good?"


    "No way. I must watch the next episode!"


    "Are there tickets to the live recording? My dad loves this new segment so much. I want to get a ticket for my dad to let him watch it live and also see with his own eyes Teacher Zhang Ye''s awesomeness!"


    Public opinion quickly changed. Not many people doubted Zhang Ye anymore. With so many history professors and schrs affirming it, who could say a thing?


    Finally, that Peking University professor and a few history professors rmended "Lecture Room", "I had not thought of the subject for my uing lesson for graduate students, but now I have thought of it. I will get them to do a thorough analysis of ''Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms ''. This is a good program. This is a program with real history mixed in with Zhang Ye''s personal views that agree with historical reasoning. If I have a chance, I really want to have an exchange with Teacher Zhang Ye, face to face. I will watch every episode in the future."


    Upon seeing this, Zhang Ye quickly replied, "Professor, you are too kind. There''s no exchange to speak of. I should be the one learning from you."


    The Peking University History professor said, "You are being humble, Teacher Zhang. Just with your historical standard and lecturing ability, even in Tsinghua or Peking University, you will at the minimum obtain a title of Associate Professor!


    Associate Professor?


    Man, I can even be an Associate Professor?


    But why was that impossible? Zhang Ye recalled that there were several famous hosts in his world who went to universities to be associate professors to lecture after quitting their jobs. Some of them even took hosting as a sideline, while they had an internal position in the university. This direction into academia was not bad.


    Zhang Ye was slightly tempted, but he knew that the professor was just making a remark. He did not have the credentials yet. He had to prove himself.


    "Teacher Zhang is impressive!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, I love you!''


    "I have three televisions at home! Every ''Lecture Room'' episode in the future, I''ll turn on all three televisions! Well, but it seems that the television station ratings are calcted through sampling statistics. Three televisions would probably be of no use!"


    "I don''t really like the Three Kingdoms, nor did I read the novel. But as long it''s Teacher Zhang''s work or segment, I will unconditionally support it!"


    "Because of that line, ''The river and mountains today''sndscapes paint; Where once there were many courageous and heroic men'', I have be Teacher Zhang''s hardcore fan!"


    "Well said. Every one of Teacher Zhang Ye''s poems are so ssic. It was too fast when shown on TV, so I didn''t see it clearly. I''m hoping that Teacher Zhang Ye will post the original text!"


    With the doubts ending, what was left were the cheers from Zhang Ye''s fans.


    Zhang Ye responded to his fans'' request. He posted "Lyrics to Remembering Your Charm - Remembrance of the Tale of the Crimson Cliff"!


    Immediately, everyone began to forward it and Like it. Furthermore, all of thements were full of praise, drowning out everything else!


    Initially, people were unsure or did not understand Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms, so there were many criticisms and doubts. But with this poem, not a single person issued a statement criticizing it!


    This poem was too good!


    The romance, warring and the appearance of heroes in the era of the Three Kingdoms was vividly embodied in this piece!


    Many people even believed that amongst all the poems on the Three Kingdoms, this poem was the best, and.. that there was nothing that couldpare!

 Chapter 136: The Difficulty of Getting One Live Ticket!

    <h4>Chapter 136: The Difficulty of Getting One Live Ticket! </h4>


    Chapter 136: The Difficulty of Getting One Live Ticket!


    4 o''clock.


    Two hours after the program was broadcasted, the reactions and reviews online became more and more heated. The discussions and praises kepting in. Some areas outside of Beijing, like Hebei province or the northeastern provinces, were not able to receive the broadcast of BTV - Arts Channel, but they got curious and, with the trending news of it, went ahead to search for online videos and watched "Lecture Room"''s first episode on streaming websites.


    The program was going viral!


    It was really viral!


    Shortly after, a few people suddenly loitered around outside Hu Fei''s team''s office. A 30-something-year-old woman and two youths looked in and said, "Excuse me. Is this the office of ''Lecture Room''?"


    Xiao Lu, who was the closest to them, replied, "Yes. Who are you looking for?"


    The woman said, "It''s like this. We are from BTV - Sports Channel, and are your fellow colleagues. I would like to ask if there are any tickets to today''s recording for ''Lecture Room''?"


    Xiao Lu looked at Hu Fei, "Leader?"


    "There are. Besides the ones we distributed, we still have about 50 tickets left." Hu Fei opened the drawer and generously passed the tickets to Xiao Lu, "I had nearly forgotten about them. Please distribute them as you like. Hur Hur."


    Xiao Lu gave them three tickets.


    The woman said, "Thank you so much. If there''s anypetition, as long as it''s sports rted, we will definitely have some tickets. Just look for us."


    Xiao Lu smiled. "It''s fine. We are all colleagues."


    Ring, ring, ring. Suddenly, Hou Ge''s phone rang.


    Hou Ge answered, "Hello. Old Sun? I''m busy right now; it''s almost recording time. I will call you back tonight."


    The caller seemed to be someone from the television station, "Don''t hang up. First, help me get a few tickets for ''Lecture Room''. I have a few friends who like the show very much. Since they know I work here, they are insisting that I help get tickets for them. My goddess is one of them! Old Bro, you need to help me out here. My happiness depends on you! I wille upstairs to look for youter. That''s set, so leave me three tickets at least!"


    Hou Ge was speechless and hung up.


    Outside, there was someone again, "Is Dafei around?"


    Dafei looked up, "Yo. Isn''t that Science Channel''s Brother Wu?"


    That Brother Wu smiled. "Dafei, my dad and mom would like to attend the live recording of ''Lecture Room'', I heard you start at around 5 to 6 P.M.? Let me have two tickets then."


    Dafei generously agreed, "Sure. If uncle and auntie wants to watch, it won''t be problem."


    Wave after wave, people came to ask for tickets. Some were for themselves and some were for friends. There were even people asking for their parents and rtives. In the blink of an eye, their 50 tickets became less than 40 tickets. It was decreasing rapidly, but the number of people who came to ask for tickets kept increasing.


    "Hou Ge, give me a ticket!"


    "Brother Fei, are there still any tickets? Just one will do."


    "Sister Xiao Lu, please just give me one. My friend really wants toe. If I don''t get one for him, how can I show my face!"


    Xiao Lu did not know whether tough or to cry, "But I don''t have any."


    "Help me to find one, please. Thank you."


    "Oh, alright then. Teacher Zhang, can you give me two of your tickets?" Xiao Lu could only turn to Zhang Ye for help.


    The 50 tickets from before were already handed out to the team earlier. Zhang Ye had received ten tickets himself. Since he did not know many people in the station, he handed them to Xiao Lu, "Take them."


    This afternoon, Hu Fei''s program team had be highly sought after. It was difficult to get ahold of a ticket from them!


    Later on, the people from the advertising section who knew Zhang Ye from before also wanted some tickets. But Zhang Ye had none left. He was practically empty.


    Xiao Lu wiped off her sweat, "So our program is this popr?"


    Hou Ge also said tiredly, "Whoeveres next, I won''t be able to give anymore tickets to. I''m out of tickets, too."


    Hou Di seemed to enjoy the attention. He said, "When we are going around next time, we can puff our chests out and be proud. Let''s see who dares say our program cannot make it!"


    Zhang Yeughed. Suddenly, he looked around, "Eh? Where''s Chenchen?"


    Xiao Lu also helped to look around, "I don''t see her around. Where did she go? She couldn''t have gotten lost, right?"


    Hou Ge happily said, "Can you even lose that little one? Anyone can be lost, but she will never be lost! She''s got the street smarts! I''ve never seen a kid as smart as her!"


    As he was saying that, Chenchen came back holding a can of cold Coke, walking and happily slurping her drink. She even gave a delightful burp!


    Zhang Ye stared at her, "Where did you go to? I told you not to wander around!"


    Chenchen put out her hand and saidmandingly, "Zhang Ye, give me a live ticket."


    Zhang Ye was stunned, "I will bring you inter. You don''t need a ticket. Why would you need one?"


    Chenchen pointed outside towards the door, "That auntie bought me Coke. I promised her a ticket."


    Zhang Ye smacked his forehead. He had been utterly defeated by the little imp. She even knew how to take bribes now. He had to give Chenchen thest ticket in his hand.


    Chenchen took it to the auntie.


    She said before leaving, "Thank you, lovely baby. Teacher Zhang, thank you, too."


    Hou Ge was very excited, "Look. You guys, even the kid has been activated. This shows how popr our program is. They are crazy for it!"


    Hu Feiughed, "Alright, we should get to the studio earlier."


    Hou Ge said excitedly, "Right, we should work hard on today''s recording, too. Usually the first episode''s ratings are higher. After all, it was a new program. It''s more refreshing and audiences watch it with hopes that it will be different. But from the second episode onwards, the quality really matters. If it''s not a good program or does not hold up to expectations, the ratings would drop by a lot. We have to do better in this episode than thest one!"


    Dafei gave to Zhang Ye a bottle of mineral water, "Teacher Zhang, it''s all yours."


    "Leave it to me." Zhang Ye took a sip before leading Chenchen by her hand to the recording studio.


    ����


    The recording was starting soon.


    The audience had gradually entered the set.


    Zhang Ye was testing the microphone onstage, when he noticed a few people walking in. They were the Arts Channel''s several Leaders, including the Director, Wang Shuixin. He had actuallye to observe the recording.


    Hu Fei went forward to wee him, "Director."


    Wang Shuixin sat down with the others and said, "Carry on, Old Hu. We are here today as audience members. We just want to have a look; you don''t need to be bothered by us."


    Hu Fei was not bothered, "Okay, then we will do our work."


    Today, there were many colleagues from the television station. They took up a fifth of the seats in the studio. Some of them really liked the program, while the others were instructed by the Leaders to observe and learn. After all, the preliminary rating for "Lecture Room" was too surprising; the first episode hit 7.8%. With such sess, there was definitely something worth learning here.


    There were many people.


    So many pairs of eyes.


    These included the colleagues of the television station and their Leaders.


    Zhang Ye could feel a little pressure, but it wasn''t much. It did not affect him too much, because he had the mental strength and he was never afraid of being onstage!


    It was almost time.


    Zhang Ye went to the camera and pulled Chenchen, who was curiously listening to what the cameraman was saying, to the audience seats. He carried her up, ced her on a chair and instructed her, "Sit still. When Uncle is recording, don''t move or run around. Understood?"


    Chenchen impatiently nodded, "Understood."


    This child�� Sometimes, she made people worried. But most times, she was the most reassuring child, because little Chenchen was different from children her age. She was more mature and knew how to behave, even if you didn''t tell her.


    Zhang Ye went onto the stage, assured.


    Hu Fei said, "Teacher Zhang, are you ready?"


    Zhang Ye habitually signalled a number 1 with his finger. This was a habit from the days of being a radio host at the radio station. It was a way ofmunication to say it was time for a recording or live broadcast in the radio station.


    "Alright. Everyone, on cue. 3, 2, 1, start!"


    Zhang Ye was very professional. After all, he was a graduate from the broadcast major. He had no expression at first. But once the cameras started rolling, his face wore a big smile, "Hello, everyone. Wee to today''s ''Lecture Room''. I am Zhang Ye. Last episode, I read a melody poem for everyone. It was very well received, especially the part ''With humor he helped see to that the masts and sculls of Wei''s navy go up in smoke and ashes turn into'', that had received many positive remarks. It highlighted Zhou Yu''s coolness. Yes, actually many of the quotes from any literary person are unreliable."


    A few people smiled.


    Zhang Ye was self-deprecating about his words, and said, "''With humor he helped see to that the masts and sculls of Wei''s navy go up in smoke and ashes turn into'', this was a little exaggerated. He wasn''t that cool; it''s only my artistic polishing that made him so. Likewise, Cao Cao had also been artistically polished into a moreplex character. Today, we will be speaking about him. When we mention Cao Cao, there are at least three perceptions of him. First, as a hero. Second, as an arch-careerist. Third, as a traitor. So, which one was the most urate depiction him?"


    Which was the most urate?


    Cao Cao was definitely a traitor or an arch-careerist! Were there still any doubts?


    Zhang Ye''s question had piqued the curiosity of everyone. They were wondering what Zhang Ye would say now.


    Zhang Ye continued on, "People say that Cao Cao was wicked. A lot of people do not like him. During the times of Northern Song, Cao Cao was already an unpopr person. So why was he unpopr? Everyone knew that Cao Cao had famously said this before, ''I''d rather do wrong to others, than have others do wrong on me'', What did this mean? This was simply saying that he would rather be the one doing wrong to everyone than to have anyone do any wrong to him. To have had said this, this person must have been really wicked. That was why people hated Cao Cao. Now, let us clear this up as to whether this was the truth."


    The audience stirred.


    What? How can that not be the truth?


    F**k, yesterday you had just vindicated Zhou Yu, then took off Zhuge Liang''s halo. Today, you want to vindicate Cao Cao, too? But Cao Cao''s case has already been judged! How can there still be disputes? Those words were said by him. If he could have said it, how could he have been a good person?


    Wang Shuixin frowned; he hated Cao Cao very much too.


    A lot of colleagues from the television station also looked at each other, waiting for Zhang Ye to continue on.


    Zhang Ye said, "On this matter, there are some contradictions in the records of history books. It was likely due to Dong Zhuo''s persecution that led to Cao Cao fleeing from the capital. While fleeing, he came across an old friend''s house. This old friend was called Lu Boshe and he was involved in the tragedy when Cao Cao killed him and his family. There are three versions of this incident. The first one was����" After saying that, Zhang Ye analyzed, "Actually, Cao Cao did not mean to kill them or had killed them wrongly. When they died, Cao Cao was very sad, too. Sigh, what''s done is done. Saying he''d rather do wrong to others than have others do wrong on him�� So let us look at the situational analysis of this. Cao Cao likely said this as a form of selffort, to put the me on himself for the mistake he had made. But when it was presented in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he said that with a sense of self-righteousness. In fact, Cao Cao''s original words were not as everyone had known it."


    Oh?


    What were his actual words?


    It''s not this? Really not?


    Zhang Ye slowly exined, "Cao Cao''s original words were ''I''d rather have done wrong, than have others be wronged.'' But this was changed in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, where he was implied to be self-centered. This would have made the difference; Cao Cao said those words for that particr situation. Since they were dead, nothing could be done to make up for it. He could only admit that he was in the wrong, rather than let them die under the guise that he was right to kill them. This showed a certain kindness in him. Therefore, from this matter, it could be said that most people''s impressions of him are questionable."


    "Moving on to the tolerance of Cao Cao��.."


    "Cao Cao''s will was written as such��.."


    "So I believe that the evaluation of Cao Cao''s should be summed up in these three words �� a lovable arch-careerist! Why a lovable arch-careerist though? Please stay tuned to the next episode, "The Mystery of the Arch-Careerist"!


    Zhang Ye finished with a bow.


    As this moment, everyone erupted into apuse!


    It was the same reaction as the first episode. This time, all the audience had also stood up. Bba bba bba bba! The apuse was all for Zhang Ye!


    What a cute "lovable arch-careerist"!


    So Cao Cao was actually not as they had known him to be!


    This condemned traitor had such a side to him!


    Everyone were hooked on listening to the lecture. A few of the audience members rushed up to Zhang Ye for autographs when the recording was done. They liked his program very much and were very impressed by Zhang Ye''s knowledge!

 Chapter 137: Meeting Thieves in Crime!

    <h4>Chapter 137: Meeting Thieves in Crime! </h4>


    Chapter 137: Meeting Thieves in Crime!


    At night.


    Hu Fei brought everyone out for the celebration feast.


    There was a newstand on the way. Xiao Lu said, "I''m going to buy some newspapers."


    "Buy a few more." Hu Feiughed, "The relevant papers should have it."


    "Okay. But leader, you will need to let me do a im for those." Xiao Lu giggled and joked around.


    Hu Feiughingly said, "It''s only a dor each. You are so stingy. Fine, I will submit a im."


    After the papers were brought over, Zhang Ye also took some of them and brought Chenchen to the restaurant which Hu Fei had booked. Sitting in the hall, he started flipping through them. Sure enough, the reports were out.


    "A mind-changing Analysis of the Three Kingdoms!"


    "Lecture Room ignites the studies of National History!"


    "BTV - New Arts Program, record-breaking rating creates a new miracle in historical programs!"


    "Lecture Room - Why did it be so popr? Watch the series and be brought into Zhang Ye''s world of the Three Kingdoms!"


    "Zhang Ye - A miracle man at every stage, from being a radio host to a supernatural author to a fairy tale writer to an advertising creative to a television lecturer. See Zhang Ye''s route of sess!"


    Many of the Beijing newspapers mentioned his new program. One of them had even chronologically listed out his achievements!


    "What a great sess!" Hou Ge praised.


    Dafei smiled. "Teacher Zhang, this time you are famous in Beijing again."


    Zhang Ye dismissed it, "That''s not true. With my image, no one would remember me."


    Just as he said that, a middle-aged couple, who were having lunch in the same hall, suddenly pointed at Zhang Ye. They stood up and walked over, "Are you Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "That''s me."


    The woman said happily, "Oh, it''s really you."


    "I told you he looked like him," her husband said. "Teacher Little Zhang, we watched your program. It is really good. Everything on TV these days are variety programs. They are either pranking or singing. I''m so bored of them. There''s no depth to them at all. I still prefer ''Lecture Room''. You are too humorous and made usugh. The suspense is good, too. It especially hooks us in. Moreover, the program is really good for knowledge. I''ve learned a lot and have a deeper understanding of history now. This is what I call a good program. Even though those variety programs have good ratings, but what''s the use of them? They don''t evenpare to ''Lecture Room''."


    Zhang Ye quickly replied, "Thank you. It''s all thanks to your support. It''s because of everyone that my program could achieve such a result."


    The woman suggested, "Could we have a picture together?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Of course. No problem," and stood up.


    Xiao Lu volunteered, "Let me help you take the photo." She took the digital camera from the woman. She snapped two photos for them.


    The couple walked away, satisfied.


    Hou Di said, "Look at the poprity of our Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye had not expected this. This was the first time that he had been recognized outside. At Chenchen''s school, he did have some fans who wanted his autograph, but that was after Zhang Ye mentioned who he was. They did not recognize him first. It could be said that TV was the best form of promotional media. It was where you could be famous most easily. Look, he had been with the radio station for so long, had written so many poems and fairy tales, and yet he remained an unknown. But now, just after one episode of "Lecture Room", people could recognize him. There would still be more episodes broadcasted in the near future. His poprity would definitely keep rising. Yes, even if the broadcast area was kept within Beijing, and even if his poprity would be confined to the city''s audiences, but that would be considered quite a sess!


    The dishes were served.


    The steaming hot crabs were being served at the table.


    "Chenchen, this was ordered by you. Eat up." Xiao Lu took some to put on her dish.


    But Chenchen was looking for something. She finally found a pen and a notebook and looked at Zhang Ye with her big eyes, "Zhang Ye, sign this for me."


    Zhang Ye was a little surprised, "Did the sun rise up from the west today?"


    Chenchen urged him, "Help me to sign a few more. I will give it to my teachers when I go back to school. This way, even if I don''t do my homework, they won''t scold me."


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted, "Was this your motive all along? Then I won''t sign it."


    Chenchen used her small hands to push him, "Sign it, sign it."


    Everyone was tickled funny by Chenchen, "Your Uncle Zhang does not have so much charm to do that."


    Chenchen pursed her lips and said, "He has. One of my female teachers is his hardcore fan. My form teacher is, too."


    "Female teacher?" Hou Ge said jealously, "Sigh! Sigh! When will I have treatment like this!"


    ����


    After dinner.


    Everyone headed home after having a good time.


    Zhang Ye drove home with Chenchen to Jiaomen. When they arrived, Chenchen had already fallen asleep. Zhang Ye parked the car and tried to wake her up, but she stayed sound asleep. It had been a long day for the child. She had been following him all around the television station, all day long. Zhang Ye undid the seatbelt and carried her in his arms. Heh, she was quite heavy. He turned around and went into the lift to go upstairs.


    Dong, dong.


    Dong, dong, dong.


    "Landy Auntie?" Zhang Ye shouted from outside the door.


    It was almost 9 P.M. There was no sound in the house. Was Rao Aimin still not home?


    The shout had woken little Chenchen. She rubbed her eyes cutely, "Zhang Ye, I want to sleep."


    "I know, but I think your aunt is not home." Zhang Ye continued knocking.


    Suddenly, there was a sound of a small movementing from inside the house. Squeak. Then came another sound. Ding, dang. The noise was not loud, but both Zhang Ye and Chenchen heard it.


    "There''s someone inside?" Zhang Ye was stunned.


    Chenchen said, "There''s a burr! A burr!"


    Zhang Ye expression changed, "Maybe Landy Auntie might be at home? Did she get tied up by the burr?"


    Upon hearing, Chenchen said "That''s not possible. My aunt is very skilled at kung fu. In this whole world, less than 20 people can beat her!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Are you exaggerating?"


    Chenchen nced at him, "It''s up to you to believe it or not."


    Zhang Ye knocked on the door again, but there was no answer.


    Chenchen nervously pulled him, "Zhang Ye, quickly get inside. Quickly!"


    "How can I get inside? I don''t have the key!" Zhang Ye was also getting worried. He didn''t believe Chenchen''s words. Even though the Landy Auntie knew some kung fu, she was probably an amateur. Besides, she was a woman. What if the burr had a knife����


    No way!


    I need to get in!


    Zhang Ye looked left and right. Along the hallway was a house with some construction materials outside the door. Inside, there were some PVC boards, the kinds that were used as a roof for the kitchen and bathroom. Zhang Ye quickly walked over and bent down to pick up a piece and broke off one end of it. Then he walked back to thendy''s door and took out an earpick that was chained to his keys. He inserted the earpick in and adjusted the PVC board. With a twist and a push, the lock moved along with the earpick!


    Chenchen asked curiously, "What are you doing?"


    "Opening the door," Zhang Ye said.


    Kacha! The door was unlocked the next moment!


    Chenchen wore an expression of shock. She was dumbfounded!


    This was the Skills book he had gained from thest draw at the lottery. For items, he still had two "Saves" and a "Lucky Bread". As for the Skills Category, he had eaten ten Taekwondo Experience Books, while he had eaten seven Calligraphy Experience Books. Finally, he had eaten the least with Lock Picking Experience Books, with the number at two. However, in a small and simple district, even two Skill Experience Books were enough for Zhang Ye. He did not need to think much, as the scenes of how to pick the lock appeared in his brain. There were at least five to six methods that could easily allow him to open Rao Aimin''s door.


    Zhang Ye threw the keys to his own house to her, "Go to my house. It''s dangerous here!"


    Chenchen didn''t want to do it, "I''m not going. I also know kung fu. My mom and aunt taught me the Eight Trigrams Palm since I was two!"


    Zhang Ye suspiciously said, "Eight Trigrams Palm? Then I know Taiji!"


    Chenchen argued, "I really know it! My aunt is the Eight Trigrams Palms'' number��.."


    Zhang Ye called 110 and threw the phone to her, "Quickly report to the police. I know that you are smart and know how to tell them. Quickly, go!" He had be serious with her because he was worried that something had happened to Rao Aimin in the house. He had to get inside immediately, but he couldn''t possibly bring the child in with him!


    Chenchen could only hold the phone and move further away, "Hello. Policeman uncle? There''s a burr at my house!"


    With the little one gone, Zhang Ye didn''t have any second thoughts. He suppressed his emotions and walked into the house. He looked around and took the broom from the shoe cab beside the door. With the broom in hand, he slowly and carefully walked further into the house. After just two steps, two shadows appeared! It was already dark, and the house was unlit. He could only see that there were two men. They were not too old; they were in their twenties!


    Shua!


    There was a beam that shed!


    It was a knife! Each of them had a knife!


    The moonlight was reflected by the de onto Zhang Ye''s face. He saw it clearly and his face went pale!


    Holy sh*t! There really were thieves! I''m finished, I''m finished! This bro is done for today!


    However, Zhang Ye did not take a step back and instead moved forward and bolstered his courage, "How dare you rob a private residence under broad daylight! Are you looking for death?"


    A thief immediately decided, "Kill him!"


    "Alright," said the other thief.


    Zhang Ye flustered, "I''m telling you, don''te over. I know kung fu. Stay away from me. If youe closer, my internal energies will injure you with vibrations!"


    The two thieves, "��"


    Zhang Ye carried on, "What happened to the Big Sis in the house!? What did you do to her?"


    A thief said, "What Big Sis?"


    Zhang Ye was relieved when he heard that. They did not know? The Landy Auntie wasn''t home? Then that was great!


    "Cut the crap with him. Attack! Let''s quickly leave after killing him!" One of the thieves was clearly the leader.


    Zhang Ye swung the broom in his hand in a flustered manner, "Don''te over. I''m telling you not toe over. I can really injure you. You haven''t seen my prowess! I don''t usually fight! But when I do, people will die!" This rascal was a broadcasting professional. All his skills used his mouth!

 Chapter 138: Zhang Ye’s Shows His Prowess!

    <h4>Chapter 138: Zhang Ye��s Shows His Prowess! </h4>


    Chapter 138: Zhang Ye''s Shows His Prowess!


    Even talking about killing now?


    And even internal energies?


    You even know kung fu?


    The two thieves looked at Zhang Ye and his physique and immediately realised that this was a guy who wouldn''t have passed physical education in primary school. Looking at his weapon, a broom, made them even less worried. How could they be afraid of him?


    The two of them went up against him at that point!


    Zhang Ye readied the broom once more, ready to start the fight with the thieves!


    The taller thief attacked first with a few shes of the knife!


    Zhang Ye was scared sh*tless, but at least he was somewhat capable. While brandishing the broom, he could ward them off at a distance of one meter. They could not approach!


    However, the thieves were not dumb. How much offensive power could a broom have? A thief decided to move forward and ignored the two hits of Zhang Ye''s broom. It was not especially painful. He wanted to get into "closebat" with Zhang Ye as the shiny sword stabbed over!


    Zhang Ye threw the broom down, as he was out of options!


    The two thieves sneered and began to approach!


    It was unknown when Chenchen suddenly appeared behind him, "Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye was worried, "The damn kid! What are you doing here! Quickly go! Hurry!" He could tell that the two were really capable of killing. As Zhang Ye had seen their faces, now with Chenchen here, Zhang Ye could no longer run. As long as he retreated, Chenchen would definitely be caught!


    "No one leaves!"


    "Kill the both of them!"


    The two thieves turned aggressive!


    Chenchen was, after all, just a child. She did not even run and just stood rooted to the spot!


    Zhang Ye was truly angered at this moment. In his opinion, it was alright to sh at him, but for them to do it to a child? They even wanted to sh at a child? F**k your grandpa! In that instant, Zhang Ye was no longer flustered. His heart was filled with angry emotions!


    Let''s risk it!


    Who gives a f**k who your mother is!


    Without the broom, Zhang Ye''s hands were empty, but he still charged forward at the two thieves! The shorter thief lifted the knife above his head and shed at Zhang Ye''s head! At this second, a movement suddenly appeared in Zhang Ye''s mind. It was as if he had long learned this movement and had honed it a thousand times. Without any thought, he lifted his leg and very urately kicked the knife in the short thief''s hand. And like a conditional reflex, Zhang Ye moved his body to the side and lifted his right leg and used a very precise Taekwondo side kick, hitting the thief''s stomach!


    Smash!


    The thief fell backwards in shock!


    The other tall thief was surprised as he quickly stabbed his knife at Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye''s body nted and evaded it as much as he could, but his arm was still grazed by the knife, causing blood to flow out!


    The tall thief kept his momentum as he stabbed at Zhang Ye a few more times. He was also new to this, so his stabbing was not very urate!


    Zhang Ye dodged three times consecutively and his anger red once again. Phew. As he sent a straight kick, he kicked the knife out of the second thief''s hand. Instead of retreating, Zhang Ye charged forward! He kicked the tall thief''s crotch fiercely and heard a terrible cry from him. However, Zhang Ye did not seem to stop. With a turn of his head, he moved his thigh and did aplete roundhouse kick from Taekwondo, hitting straight at the person''s chest!


    Smash!


    The second thief was sent flying backwards!


    At this point, not only were the two thieves stunned, even Zhang Ye himself was dumbfounded!


    Holy sh*t! I am really an expert! Who knew that this bro was so powerful! Who knew that the ten Taekwondo Experience Books were so useful!


    Zhang Ye immediately felt inted and felt awesome. As he cursed, he began stamping the two thieves on the ground. He did not give them have a chance to recover, "What did I say? Eh? What did I say? I told you that I knew kung fu! And you guys didn''t believe? Your dog eyes are blind! Now do you know? Eh? I already said I did not dare attack because I feared for your lives! And you still force me!?"


    Smash! Peng!


    One stomp after another!


    Zhang Ye felt a high from it!


    "Hero! Hero, spare us!"


    "Aiyo! We failed to recognize a great person like yourself! Please stop beating us! Ah! Please stop beating us!"


    The two thieves began pleading.


    At this moment, many neighbors were startled!


    The sirens of police cars were heard downstairs. Five to six policemen had arrived!


    "Where''re the thieves? Where are they?" Two policemen even came with guns.


    Zhang Ye also stopped his beating, "Comrade policemen, here they are. I have subdued the criminals!"


    The policemen also saw the two knives in the house and were surprised, "They were using knives and you managed to subdue the two of them alone?"


    A young policeman was suddenly stunned, "Eh, you are�� You are that��that��one on the television! Zhang Ye! You are Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "That''s me."


    Chenchen shouted, "Zhang Ye! Blood! Blood!"


    Zhang Ye waved his hand, "It''s no matter; I''m alright." But when he looked down at the wound left behind by the criminals, he wobbled and immediately copsed and leaned on the door frame, crying out, "Aiyah, hey! I can''t take it anymore! I can''t take it!"


    The policemen were speechless, "��It''s fine. It''s just a small wound."


    A neighbor also said, "There''s not that much blood."


    The policeman, who recognized Zhang Ye, said, "Should we call an ambnce?"


    Zhang Ye screamed like he was a pig being ughtered, "Hurry and call the ambnce! Hurry!"


    Suddenly, Rao Aimin''s figure appeared along the corridor, "What happened? Chenchen!"


    Chenchen rushed at her aunt and grabbed her waist upon seeing her aunt back, "Aunt! Thieves came to our house! Zhang Ye was injured!"


    Rao Aimin''s face sunk, "What about you? Were you injured?"


    Chenchen said, "I''m fine. Zhang Ye was protecting me all this while."


    A female neighbor said, "I saw it when I came out. Little Zhang sure was good. In the beginning, he was unable to defeat the criminals, but once he saw that they were shing at Chenchen, Little Zhang was angered and charged at them without any regard. Finally, he used a few kicks to defeat the two thieves. Little Rao, your tenant sure is good!" The auntie gave a thumbs up. "If it were anyone else, they would have long fled!"


    When the policemen and neighbors heard this, they felt respect for Zhang Ye!


    The only regret was that Zhang Ye did not look anything like a big hero at this moment. The entire corridor was filled with his screams as he covered his arm, "Is the ambnce here? Is the ambnce here?"


    Everyone, "��"


    A policeman asked Rao Aimin, "Are you thendy?"


    Rao Aimin ignored him and walked straight towards Zhang Ye, "Let me take a look." Grabbing his arm, she pressed an acupuncture point on Zhang Ye''s back. Following that, she pressed forcefully on an acupuncture point on his arm. After massaging it for about ten seconds, she released her hands. "There''s no need for an ambnce. It''s fine. I''ll wrap it up for you in a while."


    A miraculous scene happened!


    The wound on Zhang Ye''s arm had ceased bleeding!


    A tenant eximed, "Landy Auntie, you are a traditional Chinese medicine doctor?"


    Zhang Ye said eagerly, "I think it''s safer to send me to the hospital. What if there''s poison on their knives!"


    Everyone was at a loss once again. Do you think this is a wuxia novel? Poison?


    The thieves were handcuffed by the police, but suddenly the tall thief had a burst of strength as he jumped up. He was trying to escape!


    Rao Aimin nced at him. She was about two meters away from the thief. But when she suddenly made a move, it seemed like she was moving in the style of the Eight Trigrams. She did not even run, but with a twist of her body and two steps, she had appeared in the blink of an eye behind the thief. With her palm raised slightly, she pressed forward. It did not seem to use any strength, but when her palm hit the running thief''s thigh, the thief suddenly flew up and mmed to the ground with a thud!


    There was no scream and the thief did not even move. The thiefid on the floor, motionless. He had fainted! Seeing the thief''s thigh, everyone gasped! His thigh had deformed! There was no need to ask to know! His bones must have been broken!


    Just with that one palm?


    That light palm?


    And it looked like a fluttering move! How could it break bones!?


    Rao Aimin''s attack frightened the people present, as they turned dumbfounded!


    Zhang Ye was also dumbfounded. Your sister! Can you not be so fierce? He knew that Rao Aimin was truly angered, but he had never expected her to be so powerful. Thinking of the words Rao Chenchen said before, Zhang Ye suddenly believed in it. Rao Aimin had really trained in Chinese martial arts? This was the Eight Trigram Palms? However, Zhang Ye had seen the Eight Trigram Palms before. Many old grandpas and grannies did the Taiji or Eight Trigram Palms in the parks. But who had seen such powerful Eight Trigram Palms!?


    An old policeman eximed, "Is this��hidden force?"


    "What? This world really has hidden force?" a younger policeman gaped.


    "That can''t be! She''s just a woman; how could she have reached the point of having hidden force?" another policeman said softly in disbelief. "Isn''t that something that only Chinese martial arts grandmasters could obtain?" And all of this was just from what they heard. They had never even seen it before! Could the thief have broken his bones himself when he fell to the ground?


    The policemen could not figure it out. Since none of them had even seen a Chinese martial arts expert, none of them could tell, so they could only blindly guess.


    The surrounding neighbors did not understand, "What''s hidden force? What does it mean?"


    An old policeman looked at Rao Aimin with respect, "May I know who��"


    Rao Aimin leered at him, "I just deal with renting apartments."


    The old policeman cleared his throat, "Is that the case?"


    Rao Aimin said, "The matters here have been settled, right? I have someone injured here, and the child has received some shock. Can the testimony be left until tomorrow?"


    "Alright, alright. Please take a rest. We wille again tomorrow." The old policeman led the group, as well as the two thieves, away.


    The other neighbors were not too concerned with Rao Aimin''s prowess, as everyone knew how Rao Aimin had previously beaten two hooligans in the tiny district bare-handedly. They all knew that she was powerful and knew some kung fu. Everyone''s focus was on Zhang Ye. He had stepped forward bravely to protect little Chenchen!


    "Zhang Ye, you are too fantastic!"


    "Little Zhang, I saw you on television. I never knew that you became a celebrity!"


    "Ah? Little Zhang went on television?"


    "Isn''t that the case? None of you have watched ''Lecture Room'', right? Little Zhang did a very good job!"


    "To think that Little Zhang, who could not pay his rent when he first came, is now working at a television station in the blink of an eye!"


    "Then we must call him Teacher Zhang in the future. Just the quality of being able to risk his life to save another�� The results Teacher Little Zhang has obtained is in no way strange!"


    "That''s right. Little Rao, you must thank Zhang Ye well in the future!"


    "Right, if not for Little Zhang, your house would definitely be robbed clean. Chenchen would also be in danger!"

 Chapter 139: Teacher Zhang Shamelessly Refuses to Leave!

    <h4>Chapter 139: Teacher Zhang Shamelessly Refuses to Leave! </h4>


    Chapter 139: Teacher Zhang Shamelessly Refuses to Leave!


    Deep into the night, even the moon was setting.


    Rao Aimin''s house, a small maiste.


    After the matters were settled, Zhang Yey on thendy''srge fragrant-smelling bed and began to brag, "Landy Auntie, you may not know, for you camete and didn''t see me. Did you know how formidable I was? Eh? In the beginning, I was haphazardly swinging a broom so as to appear weak to the enemy. Do you understand about appearing weak? It wasn''t that I couldn''t beat them. How can just the two of them be a threat to me? What a joke. That would be ridiculing me. Firstly, I was letting them lower their guard, and secondly, I was fooling around with them. I have kung fu myself, Taekwondo!"


    Rao Aimin was rummaging through for medicine in a first-aid kit.


    Chenchen leered at Zhang Ye, "��Hur Hur."


    Zhang Ye smirked, "Little rascal, what''s with that reaction of yours? The pathetic me you saw just now was me just acting. It was really just an act. I was fooling around with them. Did you see uncle''s two key kicks that kicked away the knives? Was it interesting? Was it powerful? Haha! That was like a kick from a god! Also, my most beautiful roundhouse kick, that was practically a model example found in textbooks! Was I cool?"


    Rao Aimin found a bandage and ointment and smacked him, "Stop bragging. Lie still!"


    "Aye," Zhang Ye looked at her worriedly, "Landy auntie, can you do it lighter. Will this ointment hurt? If it''s painful, I sure cannot withstand it. You must��"


    Rao Aimin had already poured the ointment!


    With that, Zhang Ye screamed out loud, "Ah! Painful, painful, painful!"


    Rao Aimin used a cotton bud to dab at his wound, "Endure it, even if it''s painful."


    "It''s really painful! I can''t take it! I''m dying! I''m dying!" Zhang Ye wanted to push her, to prevent her from using the ointment.


    Rao Aimin roared, "Kid, stop moving!"


    "No can do, I don''t want it!" Zhang Ye became shameless.


    Chenchen looked at him, "Zhang Ye, you are so shameless."


    Zhang Ye cried out, "What do you mean, shameless!? If you have the ability,e try it! Ah! Ah!"


    Rao Aimin gave a nce and sat down and restricted his body to prevent him from squirming before dabbing his wound with ointment, "To call yourself a cultural artist or host, or someone on television. Look at what you are!"


    Zhang Ye also immediately stopped moving, "Cultural artists are also people!"


    After Rao Aimin finished dabbing his wound with ointment and bandaged him up, "Who asked a kid like you to not wait for me to return home? If you think there are thieves at home, just give me a call and wait for me to return!"


    Zhang Ye grumbled, "Didn''t I think that you were at home, and was afraid that you had been tied up by the thieves and was in some danger? Or else, do you think I would choose to fight it out with thieves?"


    Rao Aimin was still sitting beside him, "Even if there were twenty of them, they would not be even able toe close to me, let alone two thieves. To think that a kid like you wants to act powerful!"


    Zhang Ye grunted, "Who knew you were so powerful?"


    Chenchen smirked, "I already said that the number of people who can defeat my aunt does not exceed��"


    Rao Aimin interrupted her speech, "Aren''t you speaking too much? Return to the house and do your homework!"


    Zhang Ye was also curious and asked, "Landy Auntie, are you really so powerful? What kung fu do you train in? Eight Trigram Palms? When did you learn it?"


    Rao Aimin tied a knot in the bandage, "Ask less about my matters!"


    "Aunt, I''ll be going to do my homework," Chenchen said reluctantly.


    Rao Aimin turned her head, "Wait a moment. Have you thanked Uncle Zhang?"


    Chenchen acknowledged tersely and looked towards Zhang Ye, "Thank you, Uncle."


    Zhang Ye waved his hands, "You''re wee. It was convenient. It''s nothing."


    After the child left, Zhang Ye no longer cared about his face, "My other arm is also in pain."


    "Was it twisted?" The corner of Rao Aimin''s mouth showed her frustration.


    Zhang Ye lied down with his face down and presented his arm behind him, "Yes, treat it for me."


    Rao Aimin took his arm and began pressing on it.


    Zhang Ye felt extremelyfortable.


    Suddenly, she began massaging his hand, and naturally, thendy''s hand was ced in Zhang Ye''s hand. Her hands were not very slender and was a bit hard, yet it presented a different feeling.


    Zhang Ye was enjoying himself greatly.


    "It''s done!" Rao Aimin got up, "Your injury is fine. You will recover in a few days. Don''t touch water and don''t eat stimting foods, such as mutton, fish and shrimp or spicy foods."


    Once food was mentioned, Zhang Ye felt hungry and rolled on the bed before looking at Rao Aimin, "I''m hungry. I want to eat Zhajiang noodles."


    Rao Aimin squinted her eyes, "A kid like you became a lord?"


    Zhang Ye cried out, "I''m severely injured; I can''t even move."


    "Look at a man like you behaving this way. Chenchen is even stronger than you!" Rao Aimin''s mouth was vicious, but she was soft-hearted. She turned and left, "Wait a while!"


    A whileter, the fragrance of Zhajiang could be smelled from downstairs.


    Zhang Ye took in a few delightful breaths of the fragrance.


    After that, Rao Aimin brought a bowl of noodles upstairs. She threw it on the table in a bad mood, "Eat it!"


    Zhang Ye looked up with watery eyes, "My arm is injured. The other arm has also been pulled. I can''t move. Feed me." Upon seeing thendy''s face go ck, Zhang Ye immediately sat up from the bed, "Hai, I was just joking. I''ll eat by myself."


    "It''s hot."


    "I know. Hu. Hu. It''s so fragrant. Your cooking skills are awesome!"


    "Just eat, there''s no need to say so much when eating. Why do you have so much crap to say!?"


    On the other side, little Chenchen, who was done with her homework, smelled the fragrance and came over, "Aunt, I also want to eat Zhajiang noodles!". She then stared at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye protected his food, "I''ll fight with anyone who wants to steal my food!"


    Chenchen said, "Zhang Ye, give me half. Give me half of yours!"


    ����


    After the meal.


    The young and old one were done eating and were lying on the bed, rubbing their stomachs.


    Rao Aimin gestured with her chin towards the door and said to Zhang Ye, "Alright, it''s almost 11 P.M. Kid, get lost. These two girls need to sleep!"


    Zhang Ye shamelessly refused to leave, "No. What if I fall sick at night? What if there was poison on the knife and it shows its effects at night? There''s no one to take care of me at home. When I shout for someone, it would be useless. Also, what if the thieves'' aplices seek me for revenge? Although my kung fu is quite formidable, but that''s when I''m not seriously injured. I can''t go. I have to stay here."


    Rao Aimin stared at him, "Why is a rotten kid like you so squeamish?"


    Zhang Ye was lying downfortably and said in life-cherishing way, "Anyway, I will be staying here. If there''s anything, I''ll call out to you at night. You know traditional Chinese medicine and can save me in time."


    Chenchen did not have any reactions. Shey beside Zhang Ye and fell asleep. Even her shoes were not taken off.


    Rao Aimin was unforgiving with her mouth, but she had great maternal instincts. She gently took off Chenchen''s tiny shoes before adjusting Chenchen and covering her with a nket. She then red at Zhang Ye and covered his legs with a nket, "Just this night. Get lost tomorrow!"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Then I''m sleeping."


    After switching off the lights, Rao Aimin did not seem tired. She carried a book downstairs into the living room.


    Zhang Ye had gone through quite a lot today. He had never fought before, ever since he was young. Today, he had even injured himself after battling with the criminals, so he could notst any longer. He fell asleep the moment his head hit the bed.

 Chapter 140: Taking Advantage again!

    <h4>Chapter 140: Taking Advantage again! </h4>


    Chapter 140: Taking Advantage again!


    Late at night.


    Rao Aimin and Chenchen were both asleep.


    After Zhang Ye slept for an hour, he was suddenly bright and alert. Besides, he wasying beside thendy. Her bathrobe''s sleeves was on Zhang Ye''s shoulder, so she was very near to him. The bed was filled with the fragrance of a mature woman, which came from thendy. Her body''s warmth was even constantly emitted, so it would be a wonder if Zhang Ye could carry on sleeping. His heart began to turn itchy like a cat''s w. He once again thought of taking advantage of Rao Aimin like thest time.


    Try touching another time? However, it was not easy to take advantage of thendy. Although Rao Aimin did not pursue the matter thest time, she had still thrown Zhang Ye over her shoulder from the bed onto the ground. Just thinking of it made Zhang Ye feel jittery. He did not have the guts, despite feeling the temptation. However, after a lot of thinking, he came to a conclusion. That''s not right. He was now a patient, so thendy wouldn''t be too harsh on him, right?


    It was worth it, even if she turned rough!


    Being thrown over the shoulder was also worth it!


    Zhang Ye was emboldened and was nning to risk his life. Despite the lesson from the burr who broke his leg, this fellow was risking his life to be a hooligan!


    Turning his body sideways, he went from facing the ceiling to facing thendy. Rao Aimin was sleeping with her back facing him. Her long hair was coiled up, revealing her white neck. Zhang Ye took a deep breath. He moved his hand under the nket and slowly lifted it up to move it over. As his hand moved across the warm bed, he touched thendy''s bathrobe at her hips. After some hesitation, he grabbed her hip, despite the bathrobe separating them.


    One second��


    Two seconds��


    Thendy did not respond.


    Zhang Ye became even more bold as he gently squeezed the cloth on her hips.


    But at this moment, Rao Aimin suddenly moved. Zhang Ye felt her body move, and the bed shake. She used one hand and pinched Zhang Ye''s hand, and then threw his hand off from her ass. Zhang Ye felt himself perspire and did not dare move. However, Rao Aimin did not seem to say a word after she made that move. It was like she had returned to sleep.


    "Aunt." Chenchen woke up groggily.


    Rao Aimin turned around, "What?"


    Chenchen yawned, "I want to pee."


    Rao Aimin acknowledged, "Got it." She threw away the nket and stepped down from the bed, barefooted.


    Chenchen could go to the toilet herself, as she was not too young anymore. She could do anything adults could do. But as she was too short, she could not reach the bathroom''s light switch. Hence, every time that she needed to go to the bathroom at night, she would need to get Rao Aimin to switch the lights on for her. It didn''t matter in the day.


    The lights switched on.


    Chenchen dragged her tiny slippers as she rubbed her eyes.


    Zhang Ye was afraid that thendy would settle the score with him. He pretended to sleep and even pretended to make a few sleepy grunts.


    Hu. The toilet''s flush was heard. Little Chenchen walked back and fell back to sleep the moment she crawled back into bed.


    Rao Aimin switched off the bathroom''s lights and returned to bed. Pulling the nket open, she ced her beautiful legs inside andy down. She then covered herself and went back to sleep.


    After waiting for more than ten minutes.


    Zhang Ye looked towards Rao Aimin from the side again. Her back was still facing him. Zhang Ye''s heart turned crooked again. After some struggles with his thoughts, he moved his hand over, bit by bit. This time, he touched Rao Aimin''s outer thigh under the nket. As thendy''s hips were perky, and a woman''s hip bone was naturally wider than a man''s, her thigh was naturally in a higher position with herying sideways. Zhang Ye had to go through quite a lot to reach there. His arm was beginning to ache. After all, he had sprained it while fighting with the burrs. He wanted to move his hand lower. If he let his arm rest on her thigh, then it would be a lot morefortable. With that, if he moved his hand downwards, then he could move his body over. His fingers could then grab onto the opening of thendy''s bathrobe, and then move upwards.


    It was unknown if Rao Aimin was sleeping or not, as she did not move.


    Zhang Ye uncovered a bit of the bathrobe on her legs. After uncovering it, he flipped it backwards.


    Rao Aimin''s right leg was naturally exposed. However, Zhang Ye could not see it due to the nket, but he could still touch it.


    Smooth!


    Tight!


    Soft and delicate!


    However, just after touching a few times and before he could recollect the pleasant feel of it, Rao Aimin''s hand suddenly shot out and grabbed Zhang Ye''s wrist, throwing his hand once again.


    Zhang Ye coughed. Seeing Rao Aimin not throw him over her shoulder, he was no longer afraid. He became bolder. After his hand was thrown, Zhang Ye moved his hand over again with his face straight. He touched the behind of her ankle and thigh, and swept across it a time or two. Maybe it was because it was a bit hot under the nket, Rao Aimin''s leg was also bing sweaty. It was moist, but her sweat was fragrant. It came with her body''s delicate fragrance.


    Eh.


    He touched fabric.


    When Zhang Ye''s hand moved backwards, his thumb touched the fabric at the corner of Rao Aimin''s hip. It was 100% cotton. Zhang Ye understood that this was definitely thendy''s panties. She took off her bra when sleeping, as it was ufortable. However, she did not take off her panties.


    Zhang Ye used his finger to feel the fabric. The boundary was thin cotton withoutce. Moving further upwards, his fingers touched all sorts of patterns. They were definitely flowery patterns. Zhang Ye rubbed his hand a few times and felt the overall fabric. He discovered that it was likely peony flowers or roses.


    She wore very traditional undergarments.


    Zhang Ye swallowed his saliva as he felt his heart heated up.


    At this moment, Rao Aimin turned around. From being on her side, shey t.


    Zhang Ye quickly pulled his hand away with fright. After a second and seeing Rao Aimin sleeping, he moved his hand over again. This time, he touched thendy''s waist. After feeling the perimeter, Zhang Ye hesitantly moved further in. He released the bathrobe''s belt, which was was very easy to release. Then he carefully separated the frontal bathrobe of thendy. He squeezed his hand into the bathrobe and touched her stomach.


    Oh?


    There was a scar?


    Previously, Zhang Ye had seen it, but he did not pay much attention to it. With this touch, he realized that Rao Aimin was covered in scars. Some of them were protruding and clearly left over from injuries. It was inevitable for martial arts practitioners. However, Zhang Ye felt his heart ache for her.


    Rao Aimin suddenly spoke, "Can you sleep already?"


    "Cough, yes, yes," Zhang Ye said embarrassingly.


    Rao Aimin threw his hand out from her clothes, "Sleep! I''m sleepy!"


    Since she had already spoken, Zhang Ye did not dare to be impetuous again. Clearing his throat, hey down properly and did not touch thendy again. Hai, it was best to stop before she got angry. If he really angered Rao Aimin, probably ten of Zhang Ye himself would end up being beaten up by thendy.


    However, he had taken a lot of advantages!


    Zhang Ye secretly moved his hand to his nose and smelled it. It was filled with the fragrance of thendy''s sweat. Of course, it wasn''t really especially fragrant, but it was a smell that made his heart be at ease.

 Chapter 141: Introduce a girl to Zhang Ye?

    <h4>Chapter 141: Introduce a girl to Zhang Ye? </h4>


    Chapter 141: Introduce a girl to Zhang Ye?


    Sunday.


    Zhang Ye woke up in the morning.


    He was awoken by the pain. Even before he could open his eyes, he was already groaning in pain. When he opened his eyes, he saw Rao Aimin dressing his wound.


    "Don''t move!" Rao Aimin said.


    Zhang Ye shouted, "Let go! Painful, painful, painful!"


    Rao Aimin thundered, "Keep still! It''s almost done!"


    Chenchen also woke up, and she was hur hur-ing at him in bed. Even a child looked down on him.


    Zhang Ye didn''t care; he cherished life and was afraid of pain. He could only focus on himself now, "Lightly, lightly! The pain''s killing me! Ah, ah! I''m gonna die!"


    Finally, Rao Aimin gave him a pat, "Alright, it''s done."


    Zhang Ye fell back onto the bed, sweating, "I can''t move anymore. I''m gonna die!"


    Rao Aimin patted hard on his thigh, "Don''t y dumb with me. The wound has already started to close up. As long as you don''t move heavy stuff, it will be fine. Hurry up and get up!"


    Zhang Ye grumbled, "Can I have breakfast? If I get breakfast, I will get up."


    Rao Aimin pulled Chenchen up, "Let''s go. The two of us will go have breakfast. He can stay there if he wants!"


    "What? It has already been prepared? I''ll be right there!" Zhang Ye tumbled out of bed to brush his teeth. His actions were very quick. He tore open a new package holding a toothbrush which was ced there and used a pink face towel to dry his face without knowing who it belonged to. From the smell, it should be thendy''s. Last night, Zhang Ye had enjoyed her scent close up. Even his hands held the scent from her body. He was naturally familiar with it.


    Downstairs.


    The two of them had already started on breakfast.


    "Hey, why didn''t you two wait for me." Zhang Ye sat down and took an egg with his chopsticks and stuffed it into his mouth, "Mmmm, delicious!"


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Zhang Ye phone, which he had left upstairs, was ringing.


    "Landy Auntie." Zhang Ye said when he heard the phone ring, "My leg still hurts. It would be hard to go up and down the stairs. Can you help me get the phone?"


    Chenchen pouted and said, "Fragile!"


    Zhang Ye stared at the little one, "Your uncle, I, was hurt badly. Understand?"


    Rao Aimin mmed her chopsticks on the table, staring at Zhang Ye, "I am not going to take it up with you because you protected Chenchen! Are you addicted withmanding me?" Even though she said so, Rao Aimin still went upstairs and threw the phone to him.


    The phone stopped ringing.


    Zhang Ye took a look at the number and called back, "Hello, Brother Hu."


    "Little Zhang." Hu Fei asked, "Are you stuck in a jam? Didn''t you say that you wereing earlier today?"


    Zhang Ye sighed, "Let''s not talk abou it. I might not be able to make it today."


    Hu Fei knew that Zhang Ye was very professional, as he would usually arrive one to two hours early, in order to work or clean up the office. No one was as professional as he was in the office. He was a guy who would work to death. Most of the time, he would be forced to go on leave by the Leader instead of taking leave himself. Therefore, Hu Fei understood that something must have happened, "Why? What happened?"


    Zhang Ye sighed again, "Yesterday, a neighbor''s house was burgled. There were two of them, and both had knives. I had to do something, so I fought them and my arm was wounded."


    Hu Fei said surprised, "Eh? Is the injury serious?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "It''s not so serious; I just need some rest."


    Hu Fei said, "You are really great. A literary man like you went up against some criminals. They even had knives. Don''t you want to live anymore? Next time, don''t force it. What if something happens? Luckily, you are fine! Alright, I will give you a few days off to rest. You cane back when you are better! I will bring the team to go visit you tonight!"


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "Don''t, don''t. The team is busy, and my injuries are not that serious. Don''t bother everyone. I will return to work on Monday."


    Hu Fei said, "Alright, take good care of yourself then."


    Zhang Ye said, "Okay. Thank you for your concern, Leader."


    He hung up. Rao Aimin then said to Chenchen, "When you grow up, remember not to learn from a certain person. A small injury, and he''s crying like he''s going to die."


    Chenchen had a sip of her porridge, "Mmh."


    Hearing what thendy said, Zhang Ye was not angry. He stole a nce at Rao Aimin''s outfit that she was wearing today. She was wearing an all-white pair of yoga pants and it was skin-tight. However, there was a fabric belt wrapped around her legs. Her top was ck, without many frills. Thendy usually wore clothes that did not look trendy and looked old. However, she wore it beautifully. Especially those yoga pants�� They clinged to her thighs and beautiful hips tightly, showcasing her curves. Her figure was fantastic.


    After breakfast.


    Rao Aimin didn''t keep him around, "Okay, get lost now."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Then, am I going to get any lunch?"


    "I''m going to bring Chenchen to the police station to have her statement recorded. You are injured, so I will bring back the statement form for you to sign. I have no time to make lunch, so don''t expect too much!" Rao Aimin then chased him off.


    ����


    Afternoon.


    Zhang Ye couldn''t bear with the hunger any longer. He went to thendy auntie''s house, but no one was around. He received a call from his mom at this moment, so Zhang Ye decided to head home.


    Caishikou.


    The area around his home.


    Zhang Ye pulled down his sleeves before heading upstairs. He did not want his dad and mom to see his injury, so as not to worry them.


    When the door opened, there were lots of voices inside!


    Zhang Ye got a fright when he entered. He saw 3-4 people the moment he entered, and there were more inside.


    His mother pulled him in and said caringly, "Come inside. Did you eat yet? Mom cooked something for you."


    Once inside, Zhang Ye noticed there were 8-9 people. He knew all of them. They were all the elder neighbors. "Auntie Zhang, Auntie Chen, Uncle Sun, Brother Li, Grandpa Liu."


    It was 1 P.M. now and the TV was tuned in to BTV Arts Channel. They were watching ''Lecture Room'' and Zhang Ye was talking about Cao Cao''s life on TV.


    "Aiyo, Little Ye is back!"


    "You are a big star now!"


    "Right, right. You''ve done your family proud!"


    "Brother Zhang, I envy you so much. Your son is so great!"


    "I carried Zhang Ye around when he was still young. Who would have thought that he has be a big star in the blink of an eye. When he was young, I had already known that he would grow up to do big things!"


    "Brother Zhang, really, you and your wife. How can you tell us only today? I did now know that Zhang Ye has already be so famous in Beijing. Why did you hide it from your old neighbors?"


    Everyone was busy discussing.


    His mother said with pride, "That''s not true. This kid has only just began. It wasn''t worth mentioning, hur hur. Actually our son didn''t want us to mention it to anyone. Don''t you know my son? He has always maintained a low profile! Besides, I don''t like talking about such things. It''s not a big matter, so I didn''t tell you all beforehand." Actually, this was not the reason. The reason was because Zhang Ye had only informed them yesterday that he had started work at the Beijing Television Station. The program was also going to air very soon. They didn''t like to talk about it, my ass! He maintained a low profile, my ass! Otherwise, by that mouth of his mother''s, how could she hold it in? Whenever Zhang Ye had some results, she would want to let the whole neighborhood know!


    Uncle Sun nodded vigorously, "Yes, yes. Little Ye has always maintained such a low profile!"


    Grandpa Liuughed heartily, "That''s the making of a great person! Good! Really good!"


    Auntie Chen excitedly held up Zhang Ye''s mother''s hands and sat down, "Little Ye''s mom, I heard that Little Ye doesn''t have a girlfriend yet? I have a niece who is quite pretty and has a good job at the bank. Why don''t we arrange a time for them to meet up? They can get to know each other."


    His mom yed hard to get on his behalf, "Aiya, our Little Ye is not that old yet. I have not considered him dating so early on."


    Auntie Chen said, "He''s not that young; he''s already 23 years old and will be 24 in no time. It''s the right time to start a family."


    Brother Li said, "You can''t say it like that. Actually, look at all the big stars. They marryte, and there are a lot of them who are not even married at 40. Marriage will affect their careers, so there''s really no rush."


    The program ended.


    The neighbors went back to their own homes.


    Only then did Zhang Ye begin to have the lunch prepared by his mother. He had been chatting with the neighbors earlier, "Hu, I''m starving. Dad, mom, why did the neighbors alle over?"


    His dad said with a straight face, "It''s all because of your mom. She''s been telling it to everyone, and now the whole neighborhood knows that you are famous!"


    Zhang Ye, "��"


    His mother dismissively said, "My son is on TV! Can''t I be happy about it? Can''t I?"


    His father said, "Being happy about it is one thing, but don''t exaggerate like saying Little Ye has even appeared on satellite TV, that Central TV has already targeted to headhunt him to their station. You are saying all that without any basis!"


    Zhang Ye said while eating, "Dad, mom is just being happy. Let her be. I''ve not brought much pride to our family in all these years. Now that I have achieved some results, mom can finally be proud. Like our Auntie Chen, when I was young, she still spoke behind me saying that with my looks, I would never be able to find a wife. Yet she wants to introduce someone to me now, and it''s even her niece. Just let mom get back all the pride we''ve lost in the past."


    His mother, hearing that, immediately stood up and hugged him. She said to her husband, "Look, look. Our son is the one who truly cares about me! A mother still prides herself by her son, don''t you know? Those neighbors have been talking behind our backs all these years. Now I can finally prove them wrong!"


    His father did not bother anymore and continued reading the papers.


    His mother sat down, "But speaking of earlier, I''ve seen Old Chen''s niece before. Her looks are quite good and she has a good stature, and she''s about 1.66 metres tall. If you really think it''s a good idea, do go and meet her. If not, then tell mom who has caught your eye. Mom will settle it for you! You are a big star now, and your status is now different. In the past, others would be be the one to choose you, but now it''s you who can do the choosing!"


    "There''s no rush."


    "Really, you don''t have anyone in mind?"


    "No one; you don''t need to worry about this."


    Zhang Ye ate silently. There were some things that he would never tell his mother.


    Of course, he had someone in mind. Thendy auntie, the Heavenly Queen�� He had them in his mind, but would they have him in their minds? Impossible! And with their ages, his father and mother would never agree to it! Therefore, there were some things that Zhang Ye only had passing thoughts about!

 Chapter 142: Growing Success of “Lecture Room”!

    <h4>Chapter 142: Growing Sess of ��Lecture Room��! </h4>


    Chapter 142: Growing Sess of "Lecture Room"!


    Monday morning.


    Zhang Ye went to the police station to record his statement. It didn''t take too long. After taking care of the issue, he finally arrived at work.


    "Ah, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Why did youe to work?"


    "Didn''t Brother Hu give you time off?"


    "How''s your injury? Where is it? Is it serious?"


    When he arrived, Hou Ge, Dafei and the others surrounded him and asked him many questions out of concern.


    Zhang Ye folded up his sleeves to show them, "Thank you for your concern, everyone. I''m fine. It has almost recovered and shouldn''t affect work too much."


    Xiao Lu was shocked, "Such a big wound?"


    Hu Fei also came over, "It''s a knife injury? That''s dangerous!"


    Zhang Ye answered, "It''s already healing up. A few more days and it should be totally fine."


    Hu Fei pointed at him and said in earnest, "You�� It''s not that I want to criticize you. Even if you were being a good samaritan, there should be a limit. Do you understand? You have a good heart and intentions, but this is out of your abilities. You are in the literature field and were a radio host. Your kung fu hangs off your mouth and is written with a pen. Yet you dare to pick a fight with criminals? And even two of them? With knives? You really don''t value your life!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It was Chenchen house. I was worried that her aunt was tied up. She''s very good to me, so I had to help. Besides, they were going to attack Chenchen. I was right there, so I couldn''t have not done anything. Even if I had to fight for my life, I couldn''t let a child get hurt."


    "So that''s how it was!" Hu Fei understood. He squeezed Zhang Ye''s shoulders, "Well done!"


    Xiao Lu had a face full of admiration, "Teacher Zhang is really an ethical man! He''s a role model for the people! Our role model!"


    Dafei took the initiative to get some water from the water cooler, "Teacher Zhang, don''t exert yourself. Today, leave everything to us. If there''s anything you need, I will get it for you!"


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "I appreciate your kindness, but it''s okay. I can move around. It''s just a little injury. Hur hur. When I was shed that day and bleeding, I didn''t even raise an eyebrow. In the end, I fought with all I had and captured the two thieves. When the police arrived, they wanted to call an ambnce for me, but I rejected it. A small injury like that needs an ambnce? What a joke! Wouldn''t that be an insult to me? It''s a small injury, so don''t worry!"


    Xiao Lu was stunned, "You are that fierce?"


    Zhang Ye boasted, "I''m not bad at all. I''m pretty alright."


    After chatting, Hou Ge suddenly asked, "Teacher Zhang, did you watch yesterday''s ''Lecture Room''?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "I had some things to handle yesterday, but I did catch a bit of it. It was okay; it didn''t have many problems."


    Hu Feiughed and said, "Yesterday, I had everyonee to work earlier to discuss the second episode''s editing and the issues for the third episode. We would like your opinion on how to edit it, such as which parts to cut away and which parts to keep. After hearing about your injury, I did not ask you further. I discussed with everyone else and we decided to do it simr to the first episode, keeping it fully. However you said it, we will keep it as it is. When we saw thements on the inteter on and asked some professionals for their opinions, everyone said this episode was as good as the first one. It was not draggy. Every part had a hook that kept the viewers interested. It''s basically a textbook for history sses!"


    Dafei said "Yeah, an ex-colleague, who is also an old friend of mine, called me. He said that my editing and treatment of the show were very good, and even theizens said so. Hur hur. But they don''t know that I didn''t even have to do any changes. Not a frame was cut. Your lecture was too good, and the rhythm was too well controlled, so there was nothing irrelevant to remove. Teacher Zhang, you are really making my job obsolete. In all my years of editing, even the best ones had to be edited a little. But I have never seen an episode where after a program has been recorded, no additional editing was required!"


    Xiao Lu happily said, "If not, Teacher Little Zhang would not be called Teacher Little Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye thought to himself. Of course, there was no useless footage. He did not know how Yi Zhongtia gave the lecture, but the "Lecture Room" he watched was the edited product; it was the essence, so of course there wasn''t anything that could be cut.


    "Right�� How was the rating for the 2nd episode?" Zhang Ye asked, "Did it maintain or go up?"


    "We still don''t know. In a while, we will. Wait a while." Hu Fei looked at his watch, "It will be soon."


    Everyone went back to their seats, but no one did any work. They were all anxious to know the ratings. The beginning few episodes were the most important to them. From the ratings, it would show the potential and momentum of the program. Many in the station were also focused on it; the ratings were the decisive factor in many decisions.


    Five minutes��


    Ten minutes��


    A person suddenly came.


    It was Editor Wei. Zhang Ye had seen him once before. It had been the day when he arrived early and saw him, a pretty old man, cleaning the office for them. He had even asked for an autograph from Zhang Ye. Later, he found out that Editor Wei had offended Wang Shuixin and was given menial tasks to do.


    Hu Fei apparently knew him, too, "Brother Wei, why are you here?"


    Editor Wei smiled. "The director wants you and Teacher Little Zhang to go to the meeting room. Maybe something is up."


    "They could have just gotten someone else to notify us. There are many other younger staff in your department. Also, a phone call would have sufficed. You are poor in health, so don''t keep running around." Hu Fei said.


    Editor Weiughed, "Don''t take me for an old man. I''m fine. My health is good!"


    Hu Fei said, "I will speak to the Leader afterwards, to transfer you over to our program team. You have to bear with so much working at your department. There''s no need for that. I can''t bear to watch it go on like this."


    "Thanks, but it''s okay." Editor Wei said.


    After chatting for a while, Hu Fei brought Zhang Ye along with him.


    Behind, Editor Wei followed them out. He ran into several of his team''s colleagues. Everyone was very polite and greeted him.


    "Uncle Wei," a girl said.


    Another youth said, "I went home a few days ago and bought some tea back with me. I''ll bring some for youter."


    Behind, a woman said, "Oh, yes. Our department has saved a lot of bottles. When they wanted to throw them away, I didn''t allow them to. I will put them under your deskter."


    Editor Wei said, "Thank you. I will go get them from you instead."


    "No need, no need. Let me bring them to you." the woman said.


    In front, Zhang Ye witnessed the scene and asked curiously, "Editor Wei is so well-liked?"


    Hu Fei sighed "That''s only natural. Every time the station holds a donation drive, Brother Wei always donates the most. Which colleague here has never received kindness from him? As long as anyone asks, he would help, no questions asked. He even takes the initiative to help everyone clean up, change the water dispenser, and fix the air conditioners."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Then what''s the matter about the bottles?"


    Hu Fei exined, "Brother Wei usually sells old bottles. Sometimes after work, he would go rummage through the trash outside. You must think that he does not have enough money, right? Of course he doesn''t. The money he gets from those are either donated out or to sponsor some children who can''t afford to go to school. Previously, one of the children he sponsored graduated from a university. That child came to the television station immediately after the ceremony with his family to kowtow and thank him. The child even calls him Father Wei. When I saw it myself, I was so touched. I heard that Brother Wei supported more than ten children through school with his sry and money that he gets from selling bottles! He''s such a great man. How can anyone not respect him?"


    Zhang Ye frowned, "Then why is Uncle Wei not appreciated?"


    Hu Fei sighed, "Don''t mention it, or I will get angry. I will only tell you briefly, but don''t tell this to anyone else. It''s Wang Shuixin''s son. He came to the television station some years ago and flirted around. He was being very touchy with a few women, when Brother Wei saw it and used a chair to chase him away. In the end, Director Wang removed him from his position and used him like an assistant. He has him send documents, move stuff around, and does not leave him any dignity.


    Zhang Ye''s expression changed, "There''s such a thing?"


    "I just know about it. Don''t spread this around." Hu Fei said.


    After hearing this, Zhang Ye''s impression of Wang Shuixin became worse. This old bast**d!


    ����


    In the small meeting room.


    There were quite a few people who attended. The Arts Channel''s section and different program teams in charge all attended.


    Wang Shuixin, who was seated in the centre, pressed his hands together and smiled. "Old Hu, you''re here? Take a seat. Let''s officially begin the meeting. Let me first announce the ratings for this weekend''s ''Lecture Room''. ''Lecture Room''''s first episode garnered 7.72%, slightly lower than the estimated 7.8%. As for the second episode''s ratings�� It''s 8.06%!"


    The meeting room was in a state of shock!


    "It broke 8%?"


    "Breaking 8% on the second episode?"


    "This�� How did the rating get so high?"


    The other program teams'' personnel looked at each other.


    Zhang Ye snapped his fingers secretly under the table. In his previous world, "Lecture Room" had a highest rating of only 0.5%. That was at its peak, but of course that was the national rating. If we were to use total viewers, the 8% that the BTV-Arts Channel had would surely not even be near to the 0.5% viewership. But it should not bepared that way. To be fair, one had to use Beijing area''s viewership as aparison. In that way, Zhang Ye''s version of "Lecture Room" far exceeded Yi Zhongtian''s "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" ratings in the Beijing area. This was without a doubt!


    Why was it higher than the original version?


    What reasons caused this?


    Zhang Ye analyzed the causes to be due to the numerous modifications to the culture of this world. This world had less knowledge of the Three Kingdomspared to his previous world. It could even be said that they were farcking in their understanding. Everyone did not have a clear understanding of this historical period. Their understanding of it was all from "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", so when "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" was released, the shock and uproar it created was bigger and that caused it to be more well received!


    "I called for everyone today regarding a matter." Wang Shuixin looked at them and said "I would like to single out praise for the team behind ''Lecture Room''. Through their hard work, our Arts Channel''s overall rating for the weekend was also pulled up. We are already firmly in third ce overall in the whole of Beijing Television Station. We were even in 2nd ce on Sunday. But for the weekdays, our results are always in limbo. What''s the problem? We have done some research. Yes, we arecking a signature program. We were unable to capture the attention of the audience, to make them think of watching the Arts Channel when they turn on their televisions. We want to change that through an outstanding signature program, to pull in more viewers and bring up our ratings!"


    Wang Meng, the person in charge of the Music Charts program asked, "What is your direction?"


    The Entertainment News director asked, "You want to add a new program? But there are no good ideas."


    "No." Wang Shuixin said, "What I want is to extend the broadcast of ''Lecture Room'' from Monday to Friday as well, for a total of seven days a week!"


    Jiang Fen was shocked, "But��.."


    Wang Meng didn''t quite agree too, "But there''s no program slot avable!"


    Wang Shuixin exined, "If there are no slots, then we make one." He took a chart out to give a look, "I noticed that at 3-4 P.M. on weekdays, there''s a skit and crosstalk segment. Its ratings have always been low, as it''s an old program with old material. Those skits and crosstalk have been repeated again and again, and there''s nothing new to it. The audience is also tired of watching those. To obtain the rights, we have to pay for the copyright, making us lose more than we gain. I don''t think that there''s any need to keep such a program running. With this slot opened up, and pushing the segment at the weekday 1 o'' clock by an hour, we can let ''Lecture Room'' carry on broadcasting from 1 o''clock to 2. What does everyone think?"


    No one said anything. Since the Leader had decided on it, they had no grounds to rebutt.


    "Old Hu, can your side make it?" Wang Shuixin asked.


    Increasing the program''s time, and especially with an increase with five days, Hu Fei naturally agreed with both hands, "I have no problem. I''m not sure about Teacher Little Zhang��"


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "I have no problems, too. The program is in my head, so I can do it at any moment." Increasing the program''s time also meant elerating Zhang Ye''s umtion in his reputation, so he naturally did not object to it. It was more tiring, but all that mattered was he be famous!


    An Arts Channel''s Leader asked, "How many episodes of ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms'' are left remaining?"


    Zhang Ye gave some thought. Many things in the original ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms'' could not be used. As the world''s culture had changed, for example, there was no point talking about famous people like Lu Xun or Qian Xuesen. There was definitely need for some reduction, but it could not be that much, "No matter what, there should be ten plus episodes."


    That Leader nodded, "Alright, ten plus episodes is the best. If you have more to say, then please do so. You are the highlight of our channel."


    Wang Shuixin looked at Hu Fei, "Old Hu, when ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms '' is done, quickly find a lecturer to take over as soon as possible. We must let this segment be longsting, and it must be well-done!"


    Hu Fei said, "I got it!"


    "Alright, then it''s decided. You are dismissed!" Wang Shuixin got up and left.


    The other segment teams said after the meeting was dismissed, "Old Hu, Teacher Zhang, congrattions."


    "Hai, with such ratings, you really make us die of envy. If our segment can break 8��no, breaking 5 would do. I would be so happy that I''ll wake up in the middle of sleep!" a supervisor said.


    Wang Mengughed out heartily, "Then pull Teacher Zhang over to your side."


    Hu Fei stared at them, "I''m telling all of you, no one is to dare touch Little Zhang. I will really have a falling out, so don''t even think about it!"

 Chapter 143: Establishing Zhang Ye’s Official Fanclub!

    <h4>Chapter 143: Establishing Zhang Ye��s Official Fanclub! </h4>


    Chapter 143: Establishing Zhang Ye''s Official Fanclub!


    After reaching home.


    The clock was pointing at 8:30 P.M.


    Starting tomorrow, Zhang Ye and the program team would have to busy themselves with recording "Lecture Room". Preparing to take over the timeslot of the cancelled crosstalk program, they had to create the work n and program, so they worked until it was quitete. Luckily, Hu Fei got someone to buy them dinner takeouts, so that they didn''t go home hungry.


    Huu, tired.


    Oh, right. Let''s take a look at the reputation.


    The program had been broadcasted over the past two days and Zhang Ye had been holding back from looking at his Reputation points. When he was lying in bed, he brought up the game interface!


    Total Reputation: 980,271!


    980,000! It was almost a million!


    Thinking back, when he had first started the broadcast for "Ghost Blows Out the Light", he would gain an additional 20-30,000 Reputation. But this time, in just two days, he had gained so much? This meant that on average, he had gained about 500,000 of Reputation each day? It was about 20 times more than what he would have gotten at the radio station?


    Although Zhang Ye had a few incidents that had led to his Reputation jumping by a few hundred thousand, they were one-offs. Those times, he had captured the attention of people, which led to the jump in Reputation points. Those kind of incidents happened only once in a blue moon.


    It was different now. With "Lecture Room" scheduled to be broadcast seven days a week, therge number of Reputation points earned each day would be be the new normal. What sort of concept was this? Even if a lot of people went to work from Monday to Friday and couldn''t watch the program in the afternoon, they could choose to watch it on the inte at night. The rating would not be as high as on Saturdays, but a few hundred thousand Reputation points a day would not be a problem!


    A few hundred thousand Reputation points a day!


    This would mean a rhythm of ying the lottery more than once per day!


    Zhang Ye did not y the lottery today; he wanted to umte his Reputation points. So he bought three memory search capsules and ate one to start searching through his memory of Yi Zhongtian''s "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms". After finishing the first capsule, he ate another two. In the end, he had a bit left to search through, and so annoyingly had to buy another memory search capsule, for a total of four now, to finish up the series of "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" memory search.


    When he first used it to search through "Ghost Blows Out the Light", one capsule would have been enough to memorize a lot of words. But this time, he had to expend quite a number of them. Firstly, maybe because a novel was presented as text, it was more simplified and easier to memorize. A video would include subtitles, audio and video, etc, which was a lot moreplex.


    Secondly, "Ghost Blows Out the Light" was memorised continuously when he had nothing to do other than reading, so the memory data was more ''whole''. "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" was watched by Zhang Ye at different times, sometimes on television, sometimes online. The timings were irregr and the continuity was pretty much broken.Therefore, there were some difficulties in searching the memory and more capsules were used.


    Four capsules!


    400,000 reputation points!


    Zhang Ye felt the pain of spending for the extra capsule, and so to change his mood, he switched on theputer to check on the Celebrity Rankings website. He searched his name.


    He was still ranked as an E-List celebrity!


    But what made Zhang Ye happy was that in the past, he had just entered the E-List rankings and was at the bottom of it. He had floated around thest few ces while he was out of work. Without exposure, he had even dropped a few ces and had nearly fallen off the E-List! But now, his ranking had skyrocketed. It was as if he took a rocketship up from the bottom to somewhere above the middle. If the trend continued, after he finished with "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms", he might even fly up into the D-List rankings!


    Come on!


    He was getting closer to his dreams!


    "Is Teacher Zhang around?"


    "Paging for Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "@ZhangYe! God, please respond!"


    Suddenly, a lot of people were @-ing him on Weibo.


    His Weibo client was always on. When he saw it, he immediately opened up Weibo to see what was happening and why they were all looking for him.


    ZhangYeNumber1Fan had @ him. When Zhang Ye saw it, he replied to him, "I''m here."


    "Haha, the god is here!"


    "He''s been called out!"


    "We have something serious to discuss. Brother Number1, you discuss it with Teacher Zhang."


    There were many of Zhang Ye''s fans standing by on Weibo today, and Zhang Ye did not know what was going on.


    ZhangYeNumber1Fan mentioned, "Teacher Zhang, we all had a discussion today. In the past, we called ourselves your troll army. In fact, we really were a troll army. We were always trolling around or getting into arguments with others. But now, most of those who joined in themotions for fun have be fans of your works. Some of us like your novels, some of us like your modern poetry, some like your melody poems, and some like your new program ''Lecture Room''. Then, there are some like me, who like all of your works. After our discussion, we realised that we can''t call ourselves your troll army; that''s too meaningless. Besides, we were trolls in the past, but have now be your fans."


    Zhang Ye blinked, before typing, "What you mean is..?"


    ZhangYeNumber1Fan replied, "We would like to set up your fan club. Although your fame is still far off from those established celebrities, and you''re only an E-Lister, many E-Listers don''t have an official fanclub because they don''t have many fans. But that''s them. You definitely have many fans. Just our army alone has a few hundred of us. Don''t see us as a pile of loose sand. When you need our help, we will always respond. We are your hardcore fans!"


    "Right!"


    "I will join, too!"


    "Count me in!"


    "Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    "Haha, Big Saber Bro is here again! Why do you always only have that to say?"


    "Teacher Zhang, please decide soon. As long as you agree, we can set up the fan club. In the future, we will go wherever youmand us to go!"


    Everyone lent their support!


    Seeing the fans like this, Zhang Ye was a little touched, "Okay. Of course, I don''t have a problem, but I have been very busytely. I definitely don''t have the time to manage it. Can you all elect a moderator?"


    "Is there a need for election?"


    "Just let Number1 do it!"


    "Right, Number1 is the most suitable!"


    "I fully support it. Every time Teacher Zhang has a problem, Number1 is always the first to rush in to help. We can''t do any better than that."


    "Big Saber Bro is not bad, too. He is also a fierce general!"


    "Then Number1 will be the moderator and Big Saber Bro will the deputy moderator?"


    No one had any qualms about that.


    Zhang Ye then said, "Alright, then it''s decided. I''ll have to trouble Number1 and Big Saber Bro in the future."


    ZhangYeNumber1Fan said, "It''s no trouble at all. Since everyone trusts in me, then I won''t reject it or it will appear corny. Also, Teacher Zhang please do not worry. I will definitely manage your fan club properly."


    Zhang Ye private messaged him, "1482642921. This is my cell phone number. Let''s keep in contact." He also sent it to Big Saber Bro.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    A phone call quickly came in.


    Zhang Ye picked it up, "Hello. How are you?"


    The person on the other side of the phone had, to his surprise, a female''s voice, "Hello, Teacher Zhang. I''m ZhangYeNumber1Fan. Hur Hur. It''s such a pleasure to hear my idol''s voice."


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "You are.. female?"


    She said, "I never said I was male. Oh, the bios was made up." Saying that, she said very properly, "Let me introduce myself. You can call me Number1 or Yang Lian. I''m about twenty years old, and have been working at a privatepany after graduation. I''m just a small employee at the moment, but I studied management, so I have some experience in management, so I can definitely do well managing your fan club. Teacher Zhang, where do you think our HQ should be set up? We must set up a fan tform, so that it is easy for everyone to interact and increase our club''s cohesion."


    Zhang Ye was not very familiar with this, "What''s your suggestion?"


    Yang Lian said, "Typically, those A-list celebrities have their own personal websites, which are also the gathering ground for their fans. However, we do not have the ability to do so, nor is there a need. Also, a specialized website is too limiting and more closed off. I think it''s best if our fan club''s HQ is on Tieba. It''s fast and easy tomunicate. Its capacity is big, so if it is done well, it canst a lifetime!"


    Zhang Ye found it reasonable, "Alright, I''ll follow what you said. Sorry for troubling you."


    "You''re wee. Then I''ll register on Tieba now. Phew. I''m a bit tired today. I don''t know why I''m so tired these few days. Hur hur. I''ll quickly do it up and go to bed. I''ll rally the masses tomorrow." Yang Lian said.


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, then rest early and don''t overwork yourself."


    This world also had Tieba, but it was not Baidu''s Tieba, but it was another search engine''s Tieba format. In general, there was not much difference, and it only had a few different functionalities. What Yang Lian said was reasonable. Tieba was the best HQ for a fan club. People could interact freely over there, airing their own views. They could also post notices and broadcasting information. It was quite an open tform.


    What about Weibo?


    That definitely wouldn''t work!


    Other than Weibo, in this world, there were other instant messaging programs like QQ, which all had several limitations. It was easy to see why thesemunication tools did not work. It was alright for a small group of people tomunicate, but once the fan club''s numbers increased, there was no way they could support it.


    Weibo was the same. It was pretty good as a tform for promotion and posting messages. There were many people there and the spread of news was faster. The only thing was that themunity capabilities were not perfect. There was not enough personal space. It was alright for Zhang Ye to use it for himself, but it was not convenient for his fans to interact with each other, so it naturally would not do.


    Also, the member situation on Weibo wasplicated. He already had about a hundred thousand fans on Weibo, but in fact, less than 20% of them were real fans. It was likely that only 10% of them were really fans. Arge number of people were not really fans who supported him, so the number on Weibo was less reliable.


    Di Di.


    ZhangYeNumber1Fan''s short message came: The Tieba ount has been established. It''s called "Zhang Ye''s Nest". I''ll be sleeping. Hehe. Teacher Zhang, good night.

 Chapter 144: A Fan is Diagnosed with a Terminal Illness!

    <h4>Chapter 144: A Fan is Diagnosed with a Terminal Illness! </h4>


    Chapter 144: A Fan is Diagnosed with a Terminal Illness!


    The next day.


    Beijing Television Station, recording studio.


    "Last week, I brought up a point of view, that Cao Cao was a lovable arch-careerist. So, was that right? Let us talk about it part by part."


    "Let''s talk about an arch-careerist first. What is an arch-careerist, exactly?"


    "Cao Cao''s family background was very bad����"


    "So we cane to the conclusion that Cao Cao was a lovable arch-careerist. His treachery and heroism were one aspect of him, but in fact, Cao Cao had wanted to be an able minister. But what stopped him from bing one? Please watch the next episode, ''An Able Minister''s Path''. Thank you, everyone."


    The third episode had finished recording.


    The audience instantly stood up and apuded!


    A few other people at the side pped and cheered!


    Zhang Ye had to catch his breath. His forehead was sweating. An hour of nonstop talking and standing was physical work, too!


    Xiao Lu hurriedly ran over to pass him a towel to wipe off his sweat.


    Dafei brought over a bottle of mineral water for him, "Teacher Zhang, have a drink."


    "Thank you." Zhang Ye drank with big mouthfuls and felt better.


    Hu Fei walked over, "Why don''t we have a break? You are still injured, so don''t force it."


    Zhang Ye waved, "I''m fine, Leader. Our program will be broadcast within the next two days. Today is the deadline, so we have to record a few more episodes. Otherwise, if something unexpected happens in the next few days, what would happen if we were to stop broadcasting after just a few episodes? I intend to record three to four episodes by today."


    Hu Fei said, "So many? Are you able to take it?"


    "No problem." Zhang Ye saw that some of the audience members had returned from the washroom, so he said, "Let''s begin."


    ����


    4th episode, "An Able Minister''s Path"


    5th episode, "Where to go from here"


    6th episode, "Two wrongs don''t make a right"


    7th episode, "Foresight"


    Although he said that he would record three to four episodes, Zhang Ye couldn''t stop once he started. The more he spoke, the more spirited he became. He did not want to stop. After dinner, the audience was rotated and Zhang Ye continue recording. In the end, he had finished the recording for the 8th, 9th and 10th episodes!


    Eight episodes were recorded in a single day!


    They had even recorded next week''s broadcast!


    After the recording studio was emptied, Xiao Lu, Hou Ge and Dafei were all exhausted.


    Xiao Lu stared nkly, "Teacher Zhang, your battle strength is really too strong. I''ve never heard of anyone recording from the morning until the end of the day. And it''s only you speaking; you don''t even have a helper!"


    "It''s not only battle strength." Hu Feiughed, "Teacher Little Zhang''s eloquence and memory are also godlike. He doesn''t even have a prompter and can speak off-script the entire way. Back when I heard people from the Beijing Radio Station say that Teacher Little Zhang recorded ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' for eight hours nonstop without a script, I did not believe it. I thought they were bullsh*tting. But now, I really believe it!"


    Hou Geughed, "Today''s two batches of audience members must have got a kick listening to it. We enjoyed it, too. It was done so interestingly. The details were full of ups and downs!"


    Hu Fei said, "Everyone, thank you for the hard work. Let''s go. It''s time to get off work."


    ����


    At night.


    Before he slept, Zhang Ye switched on hisputer and first checked for news regarding him on the inte. Most of it contained the raving reviews for "Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms". After scanning them, he clicked into his fan club''s HQ in anticipation. The Tieba''s name was "Zhang Ye''s Nest". The two moderators had been approved: ZhangYeNumber1Fan and Big Saber Bro. Zhang Ye did not apply to be a moderator, for he did not have time to manage the affairs of the Tieba ount. However, he was its spiritual leader and the core figure. After all, this was a fan club established for him.


    There were nearly a thousand posts in the forum.


    A stickied post was an announcement and rules of the fan club made by ZhangYeNumber1Fan was included in it. For example, they had to support Teacher Zhang unconditionally. There should not be any internal squabbles and everyone was to be united, etc. She really did seem like a talent good at management. These things were done very well.


    Big Saber Bro also posted, "Why am I a moderator? I''m just in charge of battles; I don''t care about anything else."


    This Big Saber Bro was also quite an interesting fellow. Zhang Ye had left his cell phone number with him yesterday, hoping to contact him and have an exchange of words. However, who knew that Big Saber Bro would not give him a phone call? It was like Big Saber Bro only had battling and curse words in his dictionary. He did not care about anything else.


    Zhang Ye tapped his keyboard and was thinking of posting something, but he stopped after some consideration. He used his voice to record a message and posted on it. He imitated a Hunan province''s ent, "Comrades, I announce, Zhang Ye''s fan club��is established��today!"


    "Ha, Teacher Zhang has appeared!"


    "Idol! I''ve seen my idol!"


    "Why is it this ent?''


    "Teacher Zhang, you are being mischievous again. Haha!"


    Others might not understand why he did so. As for why a Beijing person like Zhang Ye had to use a Hunan way of speech to say it, only Zhang Ye himself was amused. There was quite a bit of mischief in it. These words were known by everyone in his world. They were the the original words said by the Chairman at Tiananmen when the country was established. The ent was the same, but it was just changed slightly by Zhang Ye. Using a mighty figure''s words as an opening speech was also a showcase of how much Zhang Ye treasured his fan club. It also showed his hope for an auspicious and smooth beginning.


    Uh, the only problem was that the number of fans wascking.


    The number of people who joined Zhang Ye''s Tieba page was less than 3,000 people.


    This result was even after Zhang Ye promoted it on Weibo, and ZhangYeNumber1Fan promoted it along with others fans. No matter what, while Zhang Ye''s fame was at best passable in Beijing, he was still nothing in the other provinces. He had just debuted and did not have any foundation or influential works. Naturally, his fan numbers werecking. However, it was alright. Zhang Ye was confident that his fan numbers would increase with time. This was just the beginning. Everything needed a gradual process. There was no reaching the sky in a single step.


    ����


    Inside Tieba.


    Zhang Ye interacted with everyone and began chatting about anything under the sun.


    Suddenly, someone said, "Eh, why isn''t Number1 here today? Teacher Zhang has already appeared. Shouldn''t Number1 always be the first to reply?"


    "Maybe he''s sleeping?"


    "Recently Number1''s online time isn''t very stable."


    "Could it be due to work?"


    "She isn''t feeling well. She went to the hospital today."


    "Ah? She? Number1 is a female?"


    "The brother on post #5, you know Number1?"


    "Yes, I''m her middle school ssmate. Recently, she has beencking in energy. She even called me a while ago, saying that she would go to the hospital. I have no idea what the results are. Maybe she''s suffering from fatigue with work."


    Zhang Ye felt bad seeing this. He thought Yang Lian had fallen sick because of busying herself for him. Yesterday, she had said that she was tired all the time, as she felt unwell. Hence, Zhang Ye gave Yang Lian a phone call. Ring, ring, ring. No one picked up, despite it ringing more than ten times.


    Zhang Ye also had nothing else to say. He went to bed.


    ����


    The next day.


    Once again, he was caught up with work.


    And the results for "Lecture Room" was building its foundation by the day!


    Wednesday. It was the first day "Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" was broadcast on a weekday. Although there was an inevitable drop in its rating, its reception was still very good!


    Wednesday''s rating: 5.08%


    Thursday''s rating: 4.99%.


    Friday''s rating: 5.11%.


    When it was the sixth and seventh episode, which were broadcast over the weekend, the ratings once again jumped up, while everyone was resting. It respectively hit 8.09% and 8.12%!


    With the ratings stabilized, and with a tiny growth in numbers, everything was a given. There was nothing stopping the ratings legend that was "Lecture Room". Amongst all the simr historical and educational programs in the same period, "Lecture Room" crushed itspetitors. And even when counting the number of people tuning in, the Jinshi satellite television station''s historical segment paled inparison to "Lecture Room"''s numbers!


    The program was hot. There were all sorts of discussions regarding "Lecture Room" on the inte. The number of clicks on the online video broke a million views for every episode. Many people either wanted more or felt that they had missed something after watching the television broadcast, so they would watch it on the inte another time or two. Few people watched "Lecture Room" as a form of entertainment, but rather, they watched it as a form of culture. Most watched it with the hopes of learning.


    Naturally, Zhang Ye''s name as the main lecturer was mentioned again and again. He was bing more and more recognized by the day. His career was developing very well!


    ����


    However, on this day.


    Zhang Ye had finished recording a few episodes yesterday, so the Leader gave him a day off. He switched on theputer after eating breakfast and checked his Tieba. Immediately, there was grievous news!


    "Where''s Number1?"


    "Right, where''s the moderator?"


    "This is our fan club''s leader. Why isn''t she here?"


    "It''s already been five to six days, right? Why haven''t we seen her?"


    Then, a post was made. The poster was the self-proimed middle school ssmate of ZhangYeNumber1Fan, "Number1 has fallen really ill! These few days, I could not get in touch with her over the phone. In the beginning, she did not pick it up, butter, her phone was just switched off. It was onlyst night when I contacted Yang Lian''s mother. Her mother said that.. she was hospitalized in Beijing. The hospital has already diagnosed that she suffers from myelodyssia. I heard that it is in the initial stages of contracting leukemia and needs a bone marrow transnt urgently. However, the medical fees would be more than a million Yuan. And that''s just the minimum. Their family situation has always been average. Her parents are just workers. What.. are they to do!? I''m dying of worry!"


    "What?"


    "Is that true?"


    "Leukemia? How''s that possible!?"


    The ssmate of Yang Lian said anxiously, "Which of you are in Beijing? Who can help me visit Yang Lian? I do not know the situation at all. I''m worried that something will happen to her! Yang Lian was verypetitive in school! To get such a terminal illness�� I really do not know what she�� I beg of you. Please visit her for me!"


    "Who''s in Beijing?"


    "Is there anyone?"


    "Everyone, help out!"


    "Right, let''s see what her situation is like. If it''s bad, we can begin a round of donations!"


    Zhang Ye''s expression changed and he immediately replied, "Give me the address to the hospital!"

 Chapter 145: ZhangYeNumber1Fan is Jumping off a Building!

    <h4>Chapter 145: ZhangYeNumber1Fan is Jumping off a Building! </h4>


    Chapter 145: ZhangYeNumber1Fan is Jumping off a Building!


    8 something.


    Zhang Ye went out, despite the bright morning sun. He clenched tightly a piece of paper, which had the hospital''s address that he had obtained from Yang Lian''s middle school ssmate. He then drove his BMW straight towards the hospital.


    On the way, he kept calling Yang Lian.


    "Pick it up! You have to pick it up!"


    Once, twice, thrice. She did not pick up!


    Zhang Ye could not help but curse. She did not pick up her phone and had pretended to disappear. She did not inform others of such a big matter. Was she trying to shoulder it all by herself? But can she shoulder it? Zhang Ye was burning with anxiety. He was a person whose heartstrings were easily tugged.


    Yang Lian, you sure are good. Whenever I, Zhang Ye, got into trouble, every time people questioned and scolded me online, you were the first to step in front of me. You were always the one leading everyone to fight for me and protect my honor. Now that you are in trouble, now when you need help, you don''t even tell me? You must be looking down on me, Zhang Ye!


    His BMW flew!


    He drove faster and faster!


    ����


    Beijing People''s Hospital.


    This was one of the best hospitals that treated leukemia in Beijing.


    There were no more parking spots in the hospital. Zhang Ye left his car in a parking spot by the road and strode towards the main building of the hospital. Scanning the address, he knew that Yang Lian lived in one of the wings. However, he did not know which level and room she was in. He had to ask when he went in. It was alright. As long as he knew her name, he could find her from the hospital''s records. The most important thing was that Yang Lian had to be able to hold on!


    There was a middle-aged woman in front of him.


    "Big Sis, please hold." Zhang Ye called out to her.


    The woman looked back at him, "Oh? What''s the matter?"


    Zhang Ye held out the address and said, "May I know which building is this wing?"


    "Oh, it''s that one." The woman pointed and then said to him, "You must be a reporter, right? Quickly go. It''s just behind the wing. She''s almost jumping off."


    Zhang Ye was stunned, "What does that mean?"


    The woman said in surprise, "You aren''t a reporter? Hai, then it''s my fault. About half an hour ago at that wing, a girl sat on the top floor, as if she was jumping off at any moment. Quite a number of policemen havee. No matter how they persuaded her, she wouldn''t get off. Hai, young people these days are seriously�� They think too lightly of their lives and want tomit suicide so easily. It wasn''t easy for their parents to rear them. Go take a look. I''m leaving."


    Zhang Ye suddenly felt an ominous premonition. He no longer walked, but ran as he charged towards the back of the wing.


    When he arrived, it was filled with people!


    Right inside, there were about seven to eight policemen. They had cordoned off an area with police tape.


    Behind them were doctors and nurses from the hospital. There were many families and patients gathered in the outer perimeter. Everyone was looking up and pointing.


    "Little Lian! Come down quickly!" an old father''s voice cried out.


    An old mother was wailing too, "Little Lian! Don''t frighten mom! We have money! We have lots of money! We can definitely treat you! Child,e down quickly! Quicklye down!"


    The old father shouted out with his head raised up, "We only have you as a daughter! Even if we smash our iron pots and pans into pieces and sell them as scrap metal, we will definitely make sure you recover!"


    Little Lian?


    Was it really Yang Lian?


    Looking up, there was a girl with average looks. She looked to be in her twenties and was dressed in patient overalls. She was sitting on the roof of an eight-floor building. Her legs were dangling in midair!


    Zhang Ye''s face went pale. However, he pulled a nurse beside him and asked to confirm, "What''s the girl''s name upstairs?"


    "It''s Yang Lian." The nurse was in no mood to care about him. After she said so, she immediately went to pull Yang Lian''s parents back. "Auntie, Uncle, don''t say that. The more you say that, the more your daughter won''t think straight! Do you think that she wants tomit suicide because she can''t handle the stress and the illness? It''s not because of that! I''m this block''s nurse! I even took care of her the day before! She knew that she needed a million in medical fees, and that there was no guarantee of sess! That''s why she chose tomit suicide! She��" Saying this, the nurse''s eyes turned red, "She''s afraid of being a burden!"


    At this moment, a female doctor in her fifties came to one of the policemen and said agitatedly, "Mr Policeman! You must save that child! She''s a good child! She''s too filial! She knew her family could not bear the burden of the medical fees! So, she��" There was a lump in her throat, "You do not know how she has been passing the past few days. She knew that she had nearly expended all of her family''s money over the past few days. She kept saying that she did not feel good, so she did not eat. She did not take a single bite and even gave the hospital food to her parents. She only knew how to save money for her parents and ate only one meal a day. She also prevented us doctors and nurses from telling her parents. She told us to tell her parents that she had already eaten if they asked! Later on, a few of us doctors and nurses could not stand watching this any further. We then took turns bringing food for her and managed to finally make her eat!"


    A male doctor also said emotionally, "Quickly save her!"


    When the old mother heard this, she cried even louder, "Little Lian! Why are you so silly!? If you aren''t around, what are we to do!? What do you want us to do!"


    When the policemen heard this, they were clearly disturbed!


    "We must save her!"


    "Our men have already gone up to persuade her, but��"


    "That''s right. We don''t dare to approach her. She is already sitting up there. If some mishap happens while saving her, she might��"


    Over there, a middle-aged man in a white doctor''s coat stood forward. He seemed to be the Leader of the hospital. He shouted, "Youngrade,e down first and talk. The medical fees aren''t a problem. You should be treated first before we talk about the medical fees. Besides, there are a lot of good-willed people in society these days! I don''t believe that no one would help you! I don''t believe everyone''s conscience has been eaten by dogs! I''ll lead! I''ll donate 30,000!"


    "I''ll donate 5,000!"


    "I''ll donate 2,000!"


    Everyone expressed their intentions to donate. Although this amount of money was useless and just a drop in the bucket for the medical fees, they wished to summon back this filial girl.


    But no matter how long they persuaded, Yang Lian remained unmoved. She did not even look down, nor did anyone know if she heard what they said. She only looked quietly at the sun in the sky.


    The policemen looked at each other and had ugly expressions. From their experience, they knew that this youngdy had made her decision. There was no way to change her mind. Typically, those who insisted on seeing various people and said a lot in a fierce manner beforemitting suicide were not really wishing to die. However, Yang Lian''s behavior was too calm. Clearly, she had made her decision!


    Suddenly, the reporters arrived!


    A few Beijing Television Station''s reporters came. Some drove an interview truck. The moment they got off, they pointed their cameras to the top of the building.


    "Come down!"


    "Everyone will help you!"


    "Yang Lian! Come down first!"


    "If you die, who is to take care of your parents?"


    Everyone used all sorts of words, but the girl up there remained unmoved.


    Suddenly, something happened. Yang Lian lifted herself with both her arms and stood up on the top of the building, "Thank you. Goodbye."


    "Ah!"


    "She''s jumping!"


    "Oh no, oh no!"


    "Little Lian! No! No!"


    The leading policeman tried his best to shout into the walkie-talkie, "Move!"


    "There''s no time anymore! It''s too far!" The other side of the walkie-talkie replied in a hurry.


    At this moment, many people covered their eyes. At this moment, everyone was feeling extremely grieved!


    A child, a young girl in her twenties, actually chose to end her life, so as not to burden her parents or trouble her family. This sounded simple, but how many people in the entire world would do that? She was extremely filial!


    No one wanted her to die!


    At this moment, everyone was out of options!


    A few reporters and cameramen also revealed doleful looks!


    Many doctors and nurses who had interacted with Yang Lian in the hospital over the past few days even teared up. They were crying!


    At that split moment, Zhang Ye had already arrived behind a few policemen. With a grab, he took a loudspeaker from a policeman and spoke out to Yang Lian, who was about to jump down the next second. Zhang Ye was not long-winded, nor did he preach. He only said a poem and did not say it slowly or quickly. His tone was very calm, "When cobwebs sealed my stove without mercy; When the smoldering embersmented poverty; I didn''t yield, but smoothed out the ashes of despair; And with the lovely snow I wrote: In the future we trust."


    Yang Lian stopped in her motions and looked downstairs with a surprise. She looked at the person reciting the poem downstairs!


    The police were angry, "What are you doing?"


    "Who let you say anything? You grabbed my loudspeaker?" Another policeman charged forward.


    But immediately following that, an old police leader blocked him, "Don''t move. Let him speak!"


    Zhang Ye looked upstairs and exchanged gazes with Yang Lian, "When my purple grapes turned into thete fall dew; When in somebody else''s bosom I found my flowersy; I didn''t yield, but with a vine withered and frosty; I wrote on this dismalnd: In the future we trust."


    Saying that, Zhang Ye slowly walked a few steps towards her. His hands were raised into the sky, as if he was grabbing the sun, "With my finger, I''ll point to the waves rolling to the horizon; With my hands, I''ll hold the vast sea that props up the sun; And wielding a pen so nice and warm in the morning glow; In a childish handwriting, I''ll write: In the future we trust."


    Everyone was stunned!


    A young man with such a mighty poem had made the entire area silent!


    Zhang Ye smiled. "The reason why I have absolute trust in the future is because I trust the eyes of the future beings, who have eyshes that bat off the dust of history and pupils that pierce through writings of years past. No matter how people think of our rotten flesh; The gloom of being led astray, and the anguish of defeat; Be they moved to tears in profound sympathy; Or shooting a sneer or even a sharp ridicule. I have no doubt that people will judge our backbone; Our countless quests, bungles, failures, and sesses; With enthusiasm, in all fairness and objectivity!"


    "Yes, anxiously I''m awaiting their judgement."


    "Trust firmly in the future, my friends."


    "Trust in our unyielding effort!"


    "Trust in the victory of youthfulness over death!"


    "Trust in the future, and cherish life."

 Chapter 146: Zhang Ye Takes Care of the Surgery Fees!

    <h4>Chapter 146: Zhang Ye Takes Care of the Surgery Fees! </h4>


    Chapter 146: Zhang Ye Takes Care of the Surgery Fees!


    And with the lovely snow, I wrote: In the future we trust?


    I wrote on this dismalnd: In the future we trust?


    In a childish handwriting, I''ll write: In the future�� we trust?


    Zhang Ye had recited "In the Future We Trust" and had forcefully stopped Yang Lian, who was at the top of the building, in her steps. Everyone in the hospital''s yard was smitten by it. When they looked up to look at the girl about tomit suicide, they were shocked!


    Yang Lian cried. She covered her face and squatted on the roof, crying her heart out!


    "Who is this person?"


    "I don''t know him. Where did hee from?"


    "Her parents said so much to no avail, and the police and everyone else persuaded for so long without any use. But that person used a poem and managed to change her mind?"


    "This person looks familiar?"


    "Right, right. I find him familiar, too, like I''ve seen him on television!"


    The crowd immediately looked at the youth holding the loudspeaker!


    In the end, it was a Beijing Television Station''s News Channel''s staff member and reporter who recognized him. A female reporter eximed "Aiyo, isn''t that Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Lecture Room''s Zhang Ye?"


    "Yes, that''s him! I was wondering why he was so familiar!"


    "So it''s him! No wonder he could freelypose such a great modern poem!"


    This poem contained too much energy. It was a positive, energy-filled poem, filled with ponderment and an endeavor to improve. When everyone heard it, they were still wondering how a person could produce such an amazing piece of work on the spot. But when they heard that the person was the famous poemposer, Zhang Ye, they were enlightened.


    Probably only this person, who became famous from writing poems, and also this Zhang Ye, who had numerous ssic poems, had such skill! And many people had previously heard that it was written in the Beijing Times that when Zhang Ye was still in the radio station, he had used two poems to save a female university student who was on the brink ofmitting suicide. Zhang Ye had such a prior achievement in this area!


    This time it was jumping off a building, that time it was cutting the wrist.


    That incident had previously been a very discussed topic. A lot of the people here today had been doubtful then, thinking, "How could a few poems, which were just some literary works, have such a charm? How could it save a life which was already imminently lost?"


    But today!


    At this ce!


    When they heard Zhang Ye reciting his poem, they were no longer doubtful. All they felt was a sense of shock in their souls!


    "In the Future We Trust" �� This was a great poem!


    In Zhang Ye''s previous world, those that were qualified to bebeled as "Great Poems" did not number many. "Flying Bird and Fish" was not one. "See Me or Not" was not one either!


    But "A Generation" was one of them!


    "In the Future We Trust" was also one!


    This poem was written by the poet Shi Zhi in 1968. This poem used its profound thoughts and beautiful imagery and a catchy text to let people know how to live well and encourage oneself in the worst of situations. It taught people to promise oneself to have an unshakable resolve for tomorrow.


    This poem was previously spread in society in handwritten form and quickly became amon thing spoken in a generation of youths. As it was quite an old poem, even quite a number of youths from Zhang Ye''s world had not heard it before. However, if another work was mentioned, almost everyone would know. That was Wang Feng''s song. That song was adapted from "In the Future We Trust" and was created as a song to show respect to idols.


    The sound of crying could be heard upstairs.


    Zhang Ye looked up and said loudly, "You said that you like my poems, so I will dedicate this ''In the Future We Trust'' to you. So get down now!"


    Upstairs, the police rushed over and grabbed hold of Yang Lian.


    Yang Lian did not resist and disappeared back over the ledge onto the rooftop.


    Seeing this, everyone present heaved a sigh of relief!


    "Great!"


    "She''s finally safe!"


    "Such a good child has finally been persuaded!"


    Beijing''s several television stations and newspaper reporters all rushed over to capture this scene.


    "Did you record that?" a female reporter asked.


    "Everything was captured; don''t worry," the cameraman assured.


    "That''s good; this news footage is going to be great!" the female reporter said excitedly.


    If it was just any typical suicide by jumping case, it might not have gone on the news. After all, this sort of things happened frequently every day, and there were too many to be reported. However, with a filial daughter who wanted tomit suicide so as not to be a burden on her parents, and with Zhang Ye, a person notorious both in the literature and broadcasting circle, whose every work went viral in Beijing? This was definitely topical. There was no need to even mention the birth of "In the Future We Trust"!


    At another side, Yang Lian''s parents were crying and walking towards Zhang Ye thankfully, "Teacher Zhang, you, why did youe? My daughter has always been a fan of yours. Even while she was in hospital these past few days, she has always been watching your works and poetry. She really likes you a lot!"


    Zhang Ye answered, "Yang Lian''s middle school ssmate posted on the inte and I saw it. So I asked for the hospital address and came."


    Yang Lian''s mother cried, "We are so grateful to you! Thank you!"


    Yang Lian''s parents grabbed Zhang Ye''s hands, "If not for your poem, Little Lian might have��"


    Zhang Ye said anxiously, "It was nothing. You don''t have to be so serious. Let''s go upstairs and look at Yang Lian!"


    At this moment, everyone was enlightened. So this young girl, who had contracted a terminal illness, was Teacher Zhang Ye''s hardcore fan. And Zhang Ye, who was a public figure, had actually rushed here, despite work or rest for a fan. This made everyone feel nothing but respect for Zhang Ye and his professionalism. It was consideredmon for fans to do things for their idols, but for a celebrity to do something for a small fan was impressive!


    ����


    In the wing.


    Fifth floor ward.


    Yang Lian had been brought back to her room and was settled down by the police and nurses. Sheid on the bed.


    Typically, the police would escort the person back for education and a statement in such societal cases of suicide which garnered interest. If it was serious, they would be remanded, but due to Yang Lian''s condition, the police did not do that. They closed one eye. Besides, this girl''s matter had really touched many of them. Hence, once shey down, the police exhorted the few nurses to watch her and prevent her from doing anything silly before leaving.


    Yang Lian''s parents rushed into the room!


    "Daughter!"


    "Little Lian! You silly girl!"


    "Dad, Mom, sorry��"


    Yang Lian cried as she hugged her parents and cried together!


    Zhang Ye also followed in. This was the first time he had seen Yang Lian close up. She was a very ordinary girl. She gave off a very gentle and quiet vibe.


    Yang Lian looked up and hurriedly said, "Teacher Zhang! Why are you here?"


    Yang Lian''s parents said, "Teacher Zhang heard from your middle school ssmate and came to see you!"


    Yang Lian wiped her tears, "I didn''t want to tell others. I have even troubled you toe all the way here."


    "I''m d I was troubled, " Zhang Ye felt a lingering fear. "If I didn''te, who knows what would have happened. You sure are good. You need a poem from me to stop you?" Back then, the situation was extremely dangerous. When Zhang Ye saw how Yang Lian''s parents, the medical staff and police were unable to persuade her, he knew it himself as well. If he starteding up with all sorts of reasonings, it would have the same result. Even if she was his fan, she had already decided onmitting suicide, so why would he listen to him? Hence, Zhang Ye had no choice but to use this method as an attempt.


    Yang Lian did not speak. She did not know why she felt an emotional upheaval when she heard "In the Future We Trust". As a result, she had abandoned the thoughts of giving up on life, and really had hope to believe in trusting the future.


    The door opened.


    A few doctors and nurses hurriedly examined her.


    "Are you fine?"


    "Little Lian, how do you feel?"


    "Do you have strength? Come, let''s put her on a drip first."


    Yang Lian was still a bit resistive and reached out her hands, "There''s no need."


    Yang Lian''s mother angrily said, "Quickly cooperate with the doctors for your treatment. Don''t worry about the money!"


    Yang Lian''s father sighed. At home, he had already borrowed from his rtives. Together, with his daughter''s savings and his savings with his wife, they had only managed to umte about 70-80,000. And most of it had been spent over the past few days. Although they had told their daughter not to worry about the money, they actually did not know what to do.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye spoke. He said to the female doctor, who was in her fifties, "Doctor, do the bone marrow transnt for Yang Lian. If there ispatible match, do it as soon as possible. Please do not dy her treatment."


    The female doctor sighed, "Actually, we have already found apatible match. However, the medical fees will be about a million Yuan. Our hospital began collecting donations today. The hospital''s Director has already said he will donate a bit, but it is still farcking towards the required figures. We, too��"


    Zhang Ye asked, "How much more iscking?"


    The female doctor said, "The most conservative estimate is 1.1 million. This includes the surgery fee and the post-surgery fees, as well as the hospitalization fees and misceneous fees."


    Hearing that, Zhang Ye did not even give it a thought and said, "Alright, then please immediately prepare the surgery. 1.1 million, right? I''ll pay for it!"


    The female doctor eximed, "You are paying?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll bring the money over tonight!"


    The female doctor and the few nurses were overjoyed, "That''s great. Yang Lian will be saved!"


    Yang Lian immediately turned anxious, "No way. Absolutely no way. How can I take your money!?"


    Yang Lian''s mother began to speak and then hesitated, "Teacher Zhang, We�� We really can''t return it."


    "There''s no need to return it." Saying that, Zhang Ye looked at Yang Lian, "When I was in trouble, you would lead people to fight for the injustice I suffered online. Sometimes, you will busy yourself until 2-3 A.M. Now that you are in trouble, it''s my turn to help you."


    Yang Lian''s tears welled, "But��But��"


    Upon hearing this, Yang Lian''s parents walked over and knelt down before Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye was nimble and quickly held them up, "Don''t do that. I really can''t ept it, nor do I deserve epting it. Please get up!"


    Yang Lian''s mother said with her tears streaming down, "Thank you! Thank you!"


    Chapter 146: Zhang Ye Takes Care of the Surgery Fees!

 Chapter 147: Gathering the Surgery Fees!

    <h4>Chapter 147: Gathering the Surgery Fees! </h4>


    Chapter 147: Gathering the Surgery Fees!


    Afternoon.


    Beijing Television Station''s News Channel broadcasted the news.


    "Next, we will have a piece of breaking news. Here is a shocking scene recorded by our reporters this afternoon at People''s Hospital. Back then, a girl, who was diagnosed with a terminal disease, was standing at the roof of the hospital, thinking ofmitting suicide. The persuasion of her close loved ones and the police were ineffective. Just as she was about to jump down, my colleague, Teacher Zhang Ye, of the Beijing Television Station stepped forward and used a poem to save her life!"


    Zhang Ye''s figure appeared in the video footage.


    There were people all around him, those who were present at the hospital.


    "When cobwebs sealed my stove without mercy��"


    "When the smoldering embersmented poverty��"


    "I didn''t yield, but smoothed out the ashes of despair; And with the lovely snow I wrote: In the future we trust."


    Finally, the scene changed to that of a girl squatting on the roof wailing before she was rescued by the police who rushed there in time.


    Returning back to the studio, the news anchor said, "Our station''s reporters learned from the hospital that Yang Lian is Teacher Zhang Ye''s fan. Her parents said that she has always liked Zhang Ye''s works. She could memorize every poem easily, and now, Yang Lian''s surgery fees have been settled. Zhang Ye has undertaken all of the fees. With that, my heart can''t help but think of a sentence, This world.. still has many good people."


    Once this news was broadcast, everyone heatedly discussed on Weibo, on Beijing area''s forums, and on Tieba!


    "So awesome?"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye has another new work? He saved someone yet again?"


    It''s too awesome. Someone could actuallye up with such a mighty modern day poem in such an intense atmosphere and scene in an impromptu fashion?"


    "''In the Future We Trust'' is written too well!"


    "Why are Zhang Ye''s poems so good? Is he on steroids?"


    "He will bear all of the fan''s medical expenses? Such morals, such virtues, I am speechless!"


    "I''ve heard a few people from the industry saying Zhang Ye''s reputation is bad. But a person who would go so far for his fan, how bad of a person can he be?"


    A Weibo verified vice president of a certain profession posted, "It''s not that Zhang Ye''s reputation is bad, but it''s because his morals are too good. He dares to speak up, resulting in him offending many. Honestly, the first feeling I had from seeing this piece of news was disbelief. Secondly, I was touched. I have never encouraged people who chase after stars, for I think it''s meaningless and dumb. After chasing them all day, would the celebrity know who you are? But today, I can''t be sure anymore. Maybe being one of Teacher Zhang Ye''s fans is a blissful matter."


    At this moment, a verified Weibo ount made a post. It was a famous person from Beijing''s economic circle. You could even say he was an elite. "I had randomly listened to Beijing Radio Station''s Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet in the past. I remembered Zhang Ye giving a speech after winning the meet. It said something like ''inparison to science, literature indeed has no practical use. Yet the greatest function of literature is perhaps itsck of function.'' I always found it very difficult to understand this line for some reason, and it has been revolving in my brain all this while. Today, I think I have understood a bit of Zhang Ye''s words."


    "Well said!"


    "I''ve decided. From today forward, I will be a fan of Teacher Zhang!"


    "Me, too. Where do Zhang Ye''s fans gather at? I want to join!"


    "Count me in. Teacher Zhang Ye has done it beautifully today!"


    ����


    Tieba.


    Zhang Ye''s Nest.


    The discussion in the fan club''s main turf was even more explosive than the discussion elsewhere on the inte!


    "Number1 nearlymitted suicide? How can that be?"


    "She did not have enough money, so Number1 did not want to burden her parents!"


    "If she didn''t have enough, she could tell us. All of us could donate! She''s so silly!"


    "She''spetitive and did not want to trouble others. Thankfully, it''s so thankful that Teacher Zhang Ye rushed there in time, or the consequences would be unthinkable!"


    "Teacher Zhang is too fierce! Thisdy loves him to death!"


    "That''s right. Teacher Zhang is like a divine army descending from heaven today! It was so timely!"


    "Number1''s medical fees are all going to be paid for by Teacher Zhang Ye? Teacher Zhang has so much money? He just started working, so he can''t be rich, right?"


    "Do you think Teacher Zhang is like everyone else? The publication of ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' already has so much sales. Teacher Zhang is richer than the average person!"


    "That''s right. Teacher Zhang is rich!"


    "Then I''m relieved. Hai, we really did not be fans of the wrong person!"


    "That''s for sure. Teacher Zhang ispletely different from the others in the entertainment industry!"


    "If anyone dares to speak badly of Teacher Zhang Ye, I''ll be the first to fight with them!"


    "Right. For a celebrity to do something for small fans like us, how many in this world will do that? If anyone goes against Zhang Ye, it means they are going against me!"


    "That''s right. I''ll support Zhang Ye for life!"


    "Support for life +1666!"


    ����


    At the same time.


    At the Beijing Television Station.


    Zhang Ye stopped his car in the unit''s public car park. His younger cousin, Cao Mengmeng, called.


    The moment the call connected, the youngss immediately chatted, "Bro! I saw the news! You are too awesome! You are too cool! You are so cool that the heavens are overturned!"


    Zhang Ye said, "What''s so cool about it!?"


    Cao Mengmeng said, "That poem made my blood rush!"


    Zhang Ye could not help butugh, "Enough. At that moment, I was covered in cold sweat. Alright, enough of this talk. I''m busy over here. I''m hanging up."


    Entering the television station.


    Quite a number of people were looking at him. Some even greeted him. Clearly, they knew of the news.


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "Teacher Zhang is back?"


    "I was touched by you today. Awesome."


    Previously, Zhang Ye was like a jinx in the television station. Many people would avoid him. Even if they did not purposely avoid him, they would seldom speak to him unless necessary. This was because everyone knew of Zhang Ye''s past notorious records. He was a person who would dare scold anyone if he was enraged. But with today''s matter, Zhang Ye immediately won the respect of many people. Some people, who never greeted him before, greeted him with a smile today. Of course, one of the main reasons was that "Lecture Room" was having better and better results.


    Zhang Ye greeted them back before returning to his own office.


    Hu Fei andpany were all there, "Hey. Little Zhang, we heard of the matter on the news. We were just about to give you a call."


    Xiao Lu chuckled, "Teacher Zhang is Teacher Zhang. Even when he is resting at home, he can still appear on the news. You are getting famous again this time!"


    Dafei asked, "Right, why did youe to the unit? Haven''t a lot of episodes been recorded already? There''s no need to record any today."


    Zhang Ye hesitated, "I''m here to raise money. Which one of you has a million. Can I borrow it? I need it by tonight. I''ll sell my car and return it."


    Hou Ge eximed, "A million?"


    Hou Di said, "Is it for that girl''s medical fees?"


    "Yes," Zhang Ye said, "I only have tens of thousands here. It''s not enough. I also can''t sell my car on such short notice, so I''m thinking of borrowing first, so that Yang Lian''s surgery will not be dyed."


    Hu Fei said, "Your car definitely can''t be sold. Yours is a bulletproof car. Typical people would not need it and it''s not very practical. Few would buy it. Even if those who want to buy it and have the ability to buy it aren''tcking in cash, they will likely not buy a secondhand car. It would be difficult to sell it, even if you have just driven it for a few days. For me, I have a bit over a hundred thousand. If you need it greatly, you can take it. But it''s still not enough."


    Xiao Lu counted her purse, "I can provide 10,000."


    Hou Ge was dumbfounded, "Teacher Zhang, could it be that you don''t have spare cash? Then why did you agree to undertake all the medical fees? You are too generous!"


    Dafei also did not agree, "That''s right! We don''t have the means. About helping others, you��"


    Zhang Ye waved his hand, "When I was in trouble, she helped me. Now it''s my turn. Even if I have to smash my iron pots and pans into pieces and sell them as scrap iron, I''ll make sure she''s cured!"


    "This way!" Hu Fei suddenly thought of an idea, "Yesterday, the Director chatted with me. It''s regarding the rights to ''Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms''. As some other provincial television stations want to broadcast it, too, the station wants to strike while the iron is hot and create a few DVDs before the program finishes airing. Compared to letting the video websites profit for nothing, why don''t we sell it? The rights belong to you, so it seems that the station wants to buy it from you. I actually wanted to have a good chat with you about it next week. Since you are in need of money, there''s only this method."


    Zhang Ye did not even give it thought, "Alright, I''ll sell it."


    Hu Fei said, "Alright, then let us go to the Director."


    ����


    Wang Shuixin''s office.


    Hu Fei exined the matter to him.


    Wang Shuixin nodded, "Fine. Let''s talk about the price."


    Zhang Ye also did not offer a high price. He knew the value of the DVDs to "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms ". Even if its sales would not be too good, it couldn''t be too terrible. Hence, he offered, "1.1 million will do." It was exactly the amount for Yang Lian''s medical fees.


    However, Wang Shuixin frowned, "Little Zhang, you are biting off more than you can chew. You are our station''s employee. To have your current results and ratings, it''s all due to the station pushing for you. Without our Arts Channel''s promotion, can your ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms'' reach this poprity and obtain such aplishments? The moment we talk about rights, you offer more than a million. Aren''t you being too particr? Even if it''s half the price, I already find it too much!"


    Zhang Ye said unhappily, "Director Wang, I didn''t ask for too much, right? If I negotiated with cooperating merchants, people will buy it even for 1.5 million!"


    Wang Shuixin stared at him, "You even want to sell your rights by jumping over the station?"


    Hu Fei tugged at Zhang Ye and immediately tried to harmonize the situation, "Director, you must have seen the news just now, right? Little Zhang is doing this for a patient who is in urgent need for surgery. The surgery fees happen to be 1.1 million. He iscking in money, so he wants to quickly raise the funds to pay for the medical fees for the youngdy."


    Wang Shuixin waved his hand, "This has nothing to do with the unit. I can''t damage the interests of the unit because Little Zhang has agreed to donate to someone and do some charity. It is against principles!" After some thought, "600,000. It will be 600,000 at most!"


    Hu Fei''s face turned dark, "Director, this is too little!"


    Wang Shuixin probably knew that Zhang Ye was in desperate need for money, so he took advantage of the situation, "Our unit is not a charity organization. That is the most it can give. Well, unless Little Zhang transfers the permanent broadcasting rights to our station. It happens that several provincial television stations are negotiating with us. If so, we can give a bit more. 1 million would do. 1.1 million is definitely impossible!"


    Hu Fei argued, "It''s just short of a 100,000. You��"


    Wang Shuixin shook his head, "Not one bit more. It''s a matter of principle."


    Zhang Ye gritted his teeth, "Fine, one million then. I''ll sell it all. However, I have a request. I need the money today. They are still waiting for the surgery now!"


    Wang Shuixin put on airs, "I can''t guarantee that. You will need to negotiate with Finance. Let''s settle the contract first, and talkter."


    Zhang Ye had originally wanted to obtain 1.1 million from selling the DVD rights, but who knew it would end up being for the permanent broadcasting rights as well? Furthermore, it was only a million. There was still 100,000cking. And even though Zhang Ye had said so, with his eyebrows knitted, saying it was for saving a life, he was still not guaranteed that he would receive the money today. Seeing Wang Shuixin taking advantage of the situation, Hu Fei felt coldness. Let alone Zhang Ye, Hu Fei had never expected Wang Shuixin to deal with this matter in this way, as he had not believed he was a person with such a character.


    Back at the office.


    Xiao Lu rushed over anxiously, "How was it?"


    Zhang Ye did some calctions and said, "I have tens of thousands, so with that one million, I''mcking about 40 to 50 thousand. Everyone, can you lend me a bit? I''ll return it to you once the sry is paid. If this month isn''t enough, I''ll pay in installments." He did not have a credit card, so that was the only way he could do so. There was no other way.


    Dafei said in surprise, "A million? Impossible. I heard the estimate given by other cooperating merchants that other than the cut from the television station, as the original creator, you should get at least 1.3-1.4 million in copyright royalties."


    Hu Fei said, "That was for two of the rights. Even the right to broadcast has been sold!"


    "It''s all been sold? And all of that for a million? Teacher Zhang, are you dumb!?" Hou Ge could not take it any further, "This is not some pittance; how can you sell it so cheaply!?"


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "Is a human life more important, or is money more important? Saving a life is more urgent; I can''t care about anything else!"


    Xiao Lu could not help but curse, "That Wang Shuixin! He''s too wicked!"


    Dafei was also angered, "He even wants to scam the surgery fees for saving a life? Does he even have a heart? Isn''t he afraid of going to Hell after he dies?"


    Hu Fei immediately opened his online banking, "Little Zhang, give me your ount. Don''t say anything else; I''ll pay the remaining 50,000. You don''t have to pay it back. Treat it as a donation from me."


    Zhang Ye resolutely said, "Then I wouldn''t want it. She is my fan, and this is also my business. I can''t take your money. I''ll treat it as a loan and will slowly repay it."


    In the afternoon, Zhang Ye signed the contract.


    Wang Shuixin did not guarantee when the money would reach Zhang Ye, so Zhang Ye went to Finance and urged them five to six times.


    The Finance department was quite reasonable and knew Zhang Ye needed the money urgently to save a life, so they made an exception.


    Finally, Zhang Ye managed to raise 1.1 million before getting off work. Without hesitation, he rushed to the hospital and settled Yang Lian''s surgical fees!

 Chapter 148: A Celebrity Goes Broke to Save a Fan!

    <h4>Chapter 148: A Celebrity Goes Broke to Save a Fan! </h4>


    Chapter 148: A Celebrity Goes Broke to Save a Fan!


    The second morning.


    The sun moved away from the horizon, but was covered by dark clouds.


    Zhang Ye had applied for absence from work. Yesterday, he had rushed to the hospital in the morning to save a life, then he raised money and sent the money. He was both mentally and physically exhausted, so he wanted to rest. After he woke up, there was nothing to do. He switched on the TV and watched some news before logging on to Tieba.


    His Tieba suddenly increased a lot in fan numbers.


    "Teacher Zhang, I''m also your fan. My father is sick, I wonder if you could lend me 500,000. When I have the money, I will repay you."


    "Teacher Zhang, I am sick. Please help me. My family can''t afford my medical bills, so I could onlye to you."


    "I am a fan of your books. You are so good to your fans. Can you lend me 30,000 for me to see a doctor?"


    "The doctor says I need 100,000 to cure me of my illness. 100,000 is enough. You don''tck that bit of money, so why don''t you help me!"


    Many threads seeking for help began appearing. Some directly asked for money without any reason, while some others didn''t go into details except to say that they were fans of Zhang Ye and were sick. Some even posted their bank ount numbers directly for Zhang Ye to transfer the money to them.


    Zhang Ye''s original fanclub members weren''t too happy about this. But for threads asking for help for their illnesses, the moderators didn''t dare to delete them.


    "Where did all these peoplee from?"


    "Who are they, and why are they all sick?"


    "It''s definitely fake. Aren''t these people just taking advantage of the situation?"


    "Not necessarily. Some might be real. Can Teacher Zhang help?"


    "Are you crazy? There''s so many people here! How can he help all of them? Teacher Zhang does not own a bank. Even if Teacher Zhang has the money, he can''t possibly help like this. If anyone just posts their bank ount, does that mean Zhang Ye has to transfer money to them? Based on what? There''s no such logic!"


    "How should we handle this?"


    "I don''t know. Let''s wait for Teacher Zhang to respond."


    "Eh, Teacher Zhang is online. He should have seen it."


    Zhang Ye did see it, but he did not respond.


    One of the posters who posted several threads urging for anwers saw that Zhang Ye was online but did not respond, so he posted another thread, "What is this yapping on and on about Teacher Zhang! They were all exaggerating about him on TV! I think he''s just a pretentious fe! Oh, is it just because the fan is female!? Because she''s a female, that''s why you help? Such a big amount just like that? Are we male fans not people, too? You don''t even bother about us? Aren''t you being too biased like that? Eh? What good person? You''re definitely a hypocrite!"


    Another person who had earlier asked for helped said, "That''s right; I bet he helped because she is a female. He didn''t have any good intentions in the first ce. Such a person can go on TV? Pui!"


    A lot of Zhang Ye''s fans could no longer bear with it.


    "How can you say that!"


    "Watch what you say!"


    "Number1 had been fighting alongside Teacher Zhang since the very beginning! She''s our fanclub''s Leader! Of course Teacher Zhang will help! Who the hell are you all? Immediately asking for money after signing up! We didn''t pick on you, yet you dare to scold! What sort of people are you!"


    The help seeker said, "We are also fans, so why does he help others but not us?"


    Zhang Ye could no longer not reply. He posted in the thread, "I''m sorry. I''m currently unable to help."


    The help seeker mocked, "Come on. Your ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms'' is so popr. And with all those poems, novels and fairy tales, how could you be short of money? A bit over a hundred thousand shouldn''t even be money to you! If you don''t help us, that means you are not willing to help us! Don''t say that you are unable to help! You''re so d*mn fake!"


    Those who wanted money all began scolding.


    Zhang Ye was not bothered by this, but he did not know what to say either.


    He had thought that this would pass without any issues, but it became more and more problematic. People who imed to be his fans kept appearing on his Tieba, using all sorts of excuses to ask money from him. In the end, this matter even became a topic of discussion online.


    "When a fan is in trouble, should they be helped?"


    �� A poll with that title appeared on Weibo for discussion.


    "Sigh. This society nowadays�� It doesn''t allow people to do good things anymore!"


    "Why are there so many people suddenly? Teacher Zhang Ye is very unlucky."


    "Yes. He helped one person, but other people want in, too? Oh, you are helping her, but not us? Why? Why should you help her? We are all your fans, but why are you biased �� It has brought about a wrong effect. If Zhang Ye wants to help, but is unable to help everyone, then the other fans will have opinions again."


    "There''s no point in doing good."


    "Why is it always like that these days?"


    "That bunch of people, are they really Zhang Ye''s fans? I doubt so!"


    In the end, this issue was even reported on the fifth page of the Beijing Daily newspaper.


    ����


    Afternoon.


    An angry Hu Fei, who was at work, mmed the newspaper onto his desk, "This bunch of people, they are too disgusting! What do they know?"


    Xiao Lu asked, "What''s the matter, Brother Hu?"


    "Take a look for yourselves." Hu Fei passed the papers to them.


    Hou Ge had only read half of it before he also angrily hit the table, "Do they take Teacher Zhang for an ATM? So many of them are asking for money? They even act like they are entitled to it?"


    Suddenly, a woman''s voice came from outside the door.


    "Producer Hu, can I disturb you for a moment?" It was a familiar face. They all knew her from the first recording of "Lecture Room" as one of the guests �� Reporter Ci. At that time, when Zhang Ye and the program team had disagreements with the guests, Reporter Ci had helped to smooth things over. They had a good rtionship with her, and she was even one of the more well known reporters in her field.


    Hu Fei said surprisingly, "Reporter Ci, you are here? Pleasee in. Is there anything we can help you with?"


    Reporter Ci smiled. "I am now in charge of the newspaper''s literature section, but the news team asked for my help, so I came over to understand the situation. A lot of Teacher Zhang''s fans are still asking him for donations now. Do you know about this?"


    Dafei indignantly said, "We just found out a while ago."


    Xiao Lu said, "These people are really wicked!"


    "Don''t spout nonsense." Hu Fei was speaking to a reporter. He had to be careful, even though they weren''t just mere acquaintances, one couldn''t be too careful.


    Reporter Ci blinked, "Teacher Zhang had posted on Tieba this morning. He said he was unable to help and rejected donations to those fans."


    Xiao Lu spoke without thinking, "Of course he couldn''t help, Sister Ci. Let me tell you: do you know how Teacher Zhang Ye paid for Yang Lian''s operation fees this time? He didn''t have much saved. This money was raised by selling ''Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms''. Two copyrights were exchanged for one million. If Teacher Zhang wasn''t in a rush to raise the amount, with more negotiations and time, these two copyrights would have fetched a minimum of 1.6 or 1.7 million. But because Teacher Zhang wanted to save a life, he didn''t bargain for a better price. In fact, the amount was not enough to cover the fees. Teacher Zhang had to break the bank to make the difference. He even wanted to sell his car, but as it wasn''t easy to sell it off quickly, he had to borrow money from us!"


    Upon hearing that, Reporter Ci was slightly shocked, "What? There''s such a thing?"


    Dafei grumbled, "Yeah. Even our money was not enough. In the end, Brother Hu had to lend him 50,000. With Teacher Zhang''s sry, he would need to pay it off over at least 3-4 months. Of course, Teacher Zhang was unable to help; he has less than 1,000 on him! Who can he even help if he doesn''t have enough to eat!"


    Reporter Ci was somewhat agitated, "What you said, is that the truth?


    "Of course, it''s the truth!" Hou Ge said, "Why would we lie to you?"


    Reporter Ci said with a trembling voice, "I still thought that Zhang Ye could afford the operation fees easily because he had enough. Who knew��.. Alright, don''t worry about it. Let our newspaper clear Zhang Ye''s name this time!"


    ����


    That afternoon.


    A freshly published newspaper went on sale quietly.


    "Celebrity gone bankrupt saving fan''s life"


    Content: Yesterday afternoon, Beijing Television Station reported some news that had captured everyone''s attention. A celebrity saved his fan''s life and pledged to pay for her medical bills. Most people know this as the story, but on our newspaper reporter''s further investigations, the story is not so straightforward. Although Teacher Zhang Ye had agreed to cover the medical bills for his fan, this has caused him to go broke. He had agreed to sell off his work''s copyright for a low sum and even had to borrow money from his colleagues to raise 1.1 million. Teacher Zhang Ye has hardly a cent left for himself, preferring to put this debt on himself to help raise the amount for the fan''s operation.


    However, many self-proimed fans of Zhang Ye are now asking for money from him! We did some simple research and found that one of the ims is from a Mr Liu from Jiangnan. He was admitted to Jiangnan''s Second Hospital and wanted to borrow money from Zhang Ye for an operation due to a terminal illness. But upon our reporter''s investigations, his posting IP was not from Jiangnan; it was not even from the south, but from the northeast!


    There were also many others who used illness as an excuse to ask for donations from Zhang Ye!


    I only want to say a few words. Why don''t you all touch your heart and ask yourselves�� Are your consciences really clear?


    ����


    With the report made public, the inte went into a frenzy!


    "What? Zhang Ye had to borrow money for the operation fees?"


    "Is this news reliable? If it is, then this person must definitely not be criticized!"


    "Yes. I thought that Zhang Ye was very rich. After all, he is pretty popr in Beijing. Who knew that he had to sell his copyrights and borrow money to ����"


    "I''m numb. My eyes are all red!"


    "Me too. I''ve not been this touched in many years!"


    "Who are the ones trying to take advantage of Teacher Zhang? F**k their ancestors!"


    "This bunch of heartless things! Zhang Ye went broke to save a person! Yet you people are fishing in troubled waters? And even tried to discredit Teacher Zhang? Aren''t you all wicked!"


    On Tieba.


    Zhang Ye''s fanclub HQ.


    A person had posted the newspaper report. Upon seeing this, all of Zhang Ye''s fans went silent. They didn''t know what to say; they only felt that their hearts were full.


    Those who had earlier been scolding or asking Zhang Ye to lend them money no longer made a sound.


    Only one person who had asked Zhang Ye for a donation posted a thread �� "I''m sorry".

 Chapter 149: If You Do Not Leave Me, I Will Always Be at Your Side Until the End of Life

    <h4>Chapter 149: If You Do Not Leave Me, I Will Always Be at Your Side Until the End of Life </h4>


    Chapter 149: If You Do Not Leave Me, I Will Always Be at Your Side Until the End of Life


    A few dayster.


    Zhang Ye''s Nest, the number of fans were rapidly increasing!


    It was increasing rapidly in a straight line. When the Tieba page was first created, the fans numbered in the thousands. But just overnight, it had increased to 58,000+. It seemed like people from all corners of the country had surged in to register to be part of Zhang Ye''s fan club. As such, a presentable-looking, small-scale fan club was established!


    One had to know that Zhang Ye was just an E-list celebrity, and he was just a small rookie celebrity who appeared in Beijing. With close to 60,000 fans, they were not as unreliable as Weibo fan numbers. There were no zombie fans, for all of them were genuine fans. It was almost impossible for an E-rank celebrity like Zhang Ye to have this number. Usually, simr celebrities would not have such cohesive fans, but Zhang Ye had managed it. The news of him dissipating all of his fortune to save Yang Lian had touched a countless number of fans. Many people who had no ns for chasing after stars or joining fan clubs came to be one of the members of Zhang Ye''s fan club!


    It was very lively on Tieba these few days.


    "Zhang Ye, we love you!"


    "Teacher Zhang, we will always support you!"


    "Your sincerity is something that we all can see. The fans will be sincere to you, too!"


    "We heard that Number1 will be having the operation soon. We wish her well. We also wish Teacher Zhang.. a peaceful life!"


    "Teacher Zhang, Number1 is in recuperation, while Big Saber Bro only cares about battling and not management. Now the matters of the fan club are under the responsibility of a few of us as junior moderators. It''s pretty much settled. The front page has changed to a picture from your ''Lecture Room''. It''s just that we haven''t written our fan club''s slogan or introduction. We don''t know how, nor do we have the literary talent. Can you give us something? Or maybe something you want to say to us? Anything is fine. As long as you have decided on one, we will add it to the Tieba page''s most eye-catching spot, so that everyone can see it."


    "Right, right. Let''s not fret over it. Let Teacher Zhang think of a phrase. Haha, Teacher Zhang''s literary talent is not something that even if ten thousand of us werebined together could match!"


    "Watching this."


    "Seated here and waiting for Teacher Zhang''s words of wisdom!"


    "Teacher Zhang, give us one!"


    In just a short time, the thread already had over 4,000 replies!


    Zhang Ye, who had just woken up, was also filled with adrenaline from the passion of the fans. There were so many fans, so many people, who supported him. Did Zhang Ye ever think this would happen to him? Besides excitement, he also felt touched. Actually, in Zhang Ye''s dictionary, he did not demarcate clearly what a celebrity and fan was. He did not feel like he was much higher in status than fans, nor did he feel that whatever the fans did was something necessary. If fans looked up to Zhang Ye and supported him, that was giving him face. So naturally, he had to give his fans face, too. He needed to also support and help his fans. For example, Yang Lian''s matter was an example. It was a mutual thing.


    Zhang Ye got up to wash up before returning to hisputer to think carefully. Then he posted, "I''m also not sure what phrase to use. If it''s absolutely needed, I just want to thank everyone. Thank you for everyone''s support and trust. If you do not leave me, I will always be at your side until the end of life!" This was a very popr phrase in his world. It could be said to be a melodic poem, so Zhang Ye decided to use it.


    When the fans saw this, their eyes lit up!


    "Awesome!"


    "Everything Teacher Zhang spits out is literary genius!"


    "If you do not leave me, I will always be at your side until the end of life? We''ll use it!"


    "Teacher Zhang, this phrase should be what we, as fans, say to you. If you do not leave us, we will always be at your side until the end of life. We will forever support you!"


    Very quickly, this poetic phrase was ced on the front page of Zhang Ye''s Nest. Zhang Ye''s post was also instantaneously stickied and countless numbers of people discussed and followed the thread!


    ����


    With the matters of the fan club more or less settled, with people taking care of the backend, Zhang Ye no longer need to worry. Switching off theputer, Zhang Ye pitifully went to the open kitchen to prepare a bowl of Guamian. He had also sessfully leveled up from "Instant Noodles Hero" to "Guamian Hero". There was no other choice. What else could he eat? He was out of money, so he could only make do with noodles. This time, he had added an egg with the Guamian, which was also a change of taste.


    Typically, an open kitchen made it difficult for the oil and smoke to be easily released.


    As such, Zhang Ye opened the windows and door to ventte the room, so as to release the Guamian''s smell.


    The moment the door opened, a neighboring tenant brought a Tupperware box over. "Little Zhang, heh, I was about to knock the door. Here, have some!"


    Zhang Ye subconsciously epted it, "Uncle Lu, what is this?"


    The neighboring uncleughed, "My wife just braised some beef. We saw the news and knew you spent all your money to help your fan in her illness, and you are in quite a bit of debt now. Guessing that you aren''t eating well, and since we braised too much meat, we decided to bring you some."


    "There''s no need. Please don''t." Although Zhang Ye said those words, his hands were grasping the Tupperware box tightly. His eyes were bulging and he looked like he was starving.


    The neighboring uncle said, "Enough, quickly take it. Next time when my wife makes something delicious, I''ll bring it over for you. Eat it; I''m leaving!"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "Thank you, uncle!"


    The neighboring uncle waved his hand, "Don''t stand on ceremony. Hur hur."


    The moment that Zhang Ye returned into his room, he opened the lid. Goodd, the meat was still hot. He had not even had a bite of meat thesest few days, so the moment he saw the box of beef, it was like a weasel seeing chickens. His eyes shed and, without using chopsticks, he grabbed a piece of meat with his hands and stuffed it into his mouth!


    Gu Lu!


    Fragrant! Too fragrant!


    Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside! Melted the moment it entered the mouth! Mouth full of�� Alright, that''s not used to describe beef!


    Anyways, it was very delicious. Zhang Ye ate another seven to eight pieces before he was pleased. Kindness indeed begets kindness. His neighbors still remembered him, so Zhang Ye felt very heart-warmed.


    After eating his fill, there was still some time before he had to go to work. As such, Zhang Ye opened the game ring''s interface to check his overall Reputation. 4,300,000! A portion of the points came from the respect people had after watching the Beijing Television Station broadcast of him saving his fan, while arger portion of it came from "Lecture Room". Everyday, it would add to his Reputation points. More than ten episodes of "Lecture Room" had already been broadcast.


    Other than the first two episodes being something everyone saw for the first time, with the extremely great shock value resulting in a very high Reputation contribution, the remaining episodes gave less Reputation. Especially the episodes from Monday to Friday. As they were aired while people were working, one could tell from the ratings that they were inferior to the weekend episodes. Even if everyone watched videos of itter, the Reputation gained back would still not be as much as the first episode. Of course, although it was little, it wasn''t that little. It still provided about a hundred thousand points every day.


    More than four million!


    Zhang Ye felt that he had be a nouveau riche!


    Time for the lottery! He had to draw once at the Lottery! He could no longer bear it!


    Zhang Ye had already endured for ten days and could no longer bear it any further. Although he had felt that his career was going smoothly, and the ratings for "Lecture Room" were increasing by the day and had stabilized, he had still wanted to umte Reputation points and only use them when required. But like a woman, who had finished shopping at an online shopping portal, Taobao from his world, would say - if I were to shop on Taobao again this month, I''ll cut off my hands. However, reality proved that this sentence was one of the top ten lies in his world. It was not to be believed. Zhang Ye was in the same situation.


    Draw!


    He left 300,000 points for emergencies, so there was four million left to use!


    Zhang Ye tapped on the Lottery and bought a draw. He wanted to first try to gauge his luck for the first time, so he did not ce any Additional Stakes. It didn''t matter if it was good or bad. After all, he was notcking 100,000 Reputation points. He was a nouveau riche now!


    1 round��


    2 rounds��


    3 rounds��


    The needle slowly stopped.


    It stopped in a the biggest region, the Consumption Category!


    Treasure Chest (Small) appeared. Zhang Ye took the Treasure Chest and opened it. He discovered a small bottle in it. There was a red liquid in it and the bottle looked crystal clear.


    [ Health Potion ] (1): Effective upon consumption. Recovers yer''s injuries.


    Zhang Ye put the Health Potion into his Inventory and treated it as an emergency item. It was not known when he would need to use it, so Zhang Ye would never feel like he had too many of such a good item.


    Again!


    This time he was going to go all in!


    Zhang Ye gambled again. The moment he began the Lottery, he was nning on buying Additional Stakes, but after some hesitation, he decided to have a feel for where the needle wouldnd before deciding. After all, this was using 3.8 million Reputation points at one go. If he was unlucky and got tens of garbage, then he would really feel the pain.


    Time for the lottery!


    The needle began to move!


    Zhang Ye stared unblinkingly at the wheel and watched the needle slow down after each revolution. Finally, the needle approached the Stats Category and Skills Category. If nothing unexpected happened, it would likely fall into one of those two regions. Only then did Zhang Ye feel relieved. This was because no matter how bad the items from the Stats Category and Skills Category were, they still produced an improvement of himself. That lock-picking skill from before did not seem useful, but it had also helped Zhang Ye catch the two burrs, right? As such, Zhang Ye immediately bought the Additional Stakes. Leaving 300,000 Reputation points behind, all the remaining 3.8 million Reputation points were all added!


    Arge bet!


    This was what a realrge bet was!


    The Lottery carried on and the needle slowly moved!


    Finally, under Zhang Ye''s constant attention, the needle stopped in the Stats Category region. The Lottery ended and immediately, 39 Treasure Chest (Small) icons appeared in his inventory! Seeing the densely-packed, small, golden-colored Treasure Chests, Zhang Ye was extremely excited!


    Opening the Treasure Chest, Zhang Ye checked!


    [ Fruit of Charm (Voice) ]: Effective upon consumption. Permanently increases the yer''s voice''s charm.


    The voice''s charm?


    There was charm to voice, too?


    Zhang Ye did not understand. Hence, he began taking out one Treasure Chest after another. He then took out the reddish-green fruit within the chests!


    There were 39 Fruits of Charm!


    Having the experience of eating Fruit of Charm (Eyes) in the past, Zhang Ye appeared very serious. He picked one up and tried eating it!


    His throat warmed up and his body began to heat up!


    After enduring for a few seconds, the feeling slowly dissipated!


    Zhang Ye then picked up the remaining Fruits of Charm (Voice) and ced them into his mouth, taking big bites of them!


    He finally finished eating them. Zhang Ye was already covered in sweat. He immediately went to the bathroom to shower. As he showered, he blinked and then said casually, "Burn, my little universe!"


    Eh?


    His voice seemed to have a maic charm to it!


    But other than that, it did not seem to have any other feeling.


    Slightly less than 40 Fruits of Charm were eaten, but that was all their effect? Could there be some effect that he could not feel?

 Chapter 150: The Amazing Fruit of Charm!

    <h4>Chapter 150: The Amazing Fruit of Charm! </h4>


    Chapter 150: The Amazing Fruit of Charm!


    Leaving home for work.


    On the way, Zhang Ye was pondering over the effect of the Fruit of Charm (Voice). Previously, when he drew the Fruit of Charm (Eyes), although there were only four of them, the results were obvious. People walking on the street would take another nce at him. It was no longer like in the past where no one paid him any concern. Alright, although the attention wasn''t that great, but at least there was some effect. This time, he had eaten nearly ten times the number of Fruits of Charm, but why wasn''t there a great change in his voice? He still had his original voice, but he could not feel the charm.


    There was a small sundry shop in front of him.


    Zhang Ye walked over after getting off the subway, "Big Sis, give me a bottle of mineral water."


    The female boss looked at him, and then, in a disinterested manner, took a bottle of mineral water with the brand of this world, "Boat Mountain", and passed it to him, "1.50."


    Zhang Ye subconsciously tried to bargain, "Can it be cheaper?" He was out of money, so he had to scrimp.


    What he did not expect was that when the female boss heard him, she looked at him and said, "If you want�� Then 1.10. That''s our cost price. It can''t go any lower."


    Zhang Ye immediately got the money out, "Thank you."


    The female boss said, "You''re wee. I just found what you said soothing to the ear."


    What I said was soothing to the ear? Zhang Ye was surprised. He still had his original voice after all.


    After Zhang Ye left, the female boss began to y will her cell phone out of boredom. Suddenly, she was stunned as she muttered to herself, "Eh, why did I really sell it to him at cost price? It''s just a bottle of mineral water. If he didn''t want it, then he shouldn''t have bought it! To think he bargained..?" After saying that, she smacked herself in the head, "What''s wrong with me today? Just that kid''s words made me confused!" Only then did she react. The youngd''s voice seemed to have an indescribable charm to it. After hearing it, she could not help but follow his instructions. She did not understand the situation herself!


    Outside the shop.


    Zhang Ye finally understood. The Fruit of Charm for voice was the same as the Fruit of Charm for eyes. It did not change the yer''s physique in any way. For example�� Making the eyes bigger? Or making the voice sound clearer? There were no such effects. Zhang Ye still had that slightly hoarse-like voice. What the Fruit of Charm changed was something that was more like the essence and something more mysterious. Hence, the other person sold him the bottle of mineral water to him at cost price. Anyway, Zhang Ye had never heard of anyone bargaining while buying mineral water. And it could be seen that she did not recognize him, nor was she a fan of his. Then, there was no doubt that the 38 Fruits of Charm had directly increased the charm of Zhang Ye''s voice or his manner of speech!


    Man, why does it feel like it has the feeling of bewitchment?


    If he really ate 10,000 of such Fruits of Charm for voice, would a simple word, poem or song from him cause everyone in the world to crazily worship him? Wouldn''t this perfectly make up for his naturally poor voice? There was really such a possibility. When that happened, would this bro need to work so hard? He just needed to speak daily and the fans woulde rushing over. Wouldn''t that be easy?


    ����


    The unit.


    Everyone had arrived.


    "Teacher Zhang, you are here?"


    "Morning, Teacher Little Zhang."


    Hou Ge, Xiao Lu andpany greeted him.


    "Morning, everybody," Zhang Ye smiled and returned the greeting.


    Xiao Lu was stunned, "Eh! Teacher Zhang, why does your voice sound different today? No, that''s not right. Your voice hasn''t changed, but why do I feel�� Heh, I can''t tell!"


    Hou Ge pondered for a while, "There''s something different."


    Hu Fei came in, carrying his bag, "Are you all here? Then let us get to work. It''s time to work. With Little Zhang taking time off for the past few days, the recorded programs have finished broadcasting. Today, we will need to produce a few more episodes. Time is tight on our side. Let''s go. As for the exact details, let''s talk about it in the recording studio." He rallied the people to work.


    ����


    The audience came.


    The cameras were turned on.


    Zhang Ye stood behind the podium and adjusted the microphone. He then began speaking, "During thest episode, we talked about how Cao Cao was good at using people. He was good at using people because he knew how to read people. And it was because he knew how to make a prating analysis of people that he seldom thought highly of others. He only thought differently of Liu Bei. Cao Cao once said��"


    One episode was done.


    The audience stood up to p and cheer!


    "Alright!"


    "So interesting!"


    "I think today''s episode is better than any other episode!"


    "Indeed, I also have that feeling. But it seems the previous few episodes were all about the same, right? However, why do I find that this episode is especially soothing to the ears?"


    "Me, too. Listening to Teacher Zhang''s lecture is like a form of enjoyment!"


    It was notmon for people to give a standing ovation after one episode was finished recording. It was all spontaneous from the audience. No one requested it. Even if it was requested, it was not something obtainable. What wasmon?


    Commonly, when recording a television station program, a recording was made of the audience''s apuse and cheers before the show began, as the audience would still be patient and still in high spirits. Later on, during editing, they would intersperse that into the program. That wasmon. Back then, "Lecture Room" did the same, too.


    However, from the recording of the second episode onwards, the program team no longer used such a method, for there was no need to. Zhang Ye''s "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms " was too interesting. If you prevented them from cheering and pping, they might not even be able to endure it. Was there a need to record apuse as backup? It was unnecessary!


    In a day, Zhang Ye recorded eight episodes!


    If this carried on, he could probably finish recording all of "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" this week!


    ����


    Time to knock off work.


    After working hard all day, Zhang Ye''s forehead was covered in sweat. His throat was a bit hoarse. Xiao Lu rushed over to wipe his sweat and handed him some water.


    As Zhang Ye gulped it down, he saw Hu Fei looking down at a sheet of paper. His looked skeptical and curious. Seeing that everyone was done with their work, he then said to the filming team and the lighting crew he had borrowed from the station, "Everyone, thank you for the hard work. Thank you. You may go now."


    After everyone left, only the segment team was left behind.


    Hu Fei looked at them and said, "Today''s first recording was broadcast in the afternoon. The ratings have been calcted ahead of time. Well, there''s something strange."


    Dafei asked curiously, "Strange?"


    This also caught the attention of Zhang Ye andpany.


    Hu Fei ced the sheet on the podium, "Take a look. Our ratings have always been very stable. Today isn''t the weekend either. I also watched the program. It''s still the same high quality as in the past. There''s nothing wrong with it, nor is there anything more interesting than the past. But today''s rating actually hit 5.62%! It was higher in ratings than the other simr episodes by 0.5 or even 0.6! This increase was indeed very strange! It increased so much for no reason!"


    Xiao Luughed, "This is good! If it''s the weekend, it will definitely be above 8.6, right?"


    "It may be good, but why did it increase? Is today some enforced holiday? No!" Hu Fei could not figure it out no matter what!


    Only Zhang Ye had a vague idea of why this was so. This was most likely the effect of the Fruits of Charm. Now, his voice and manner of speech was infused with the effects of the Fruits of Charm (Voice). As long as he spoke, he could grab the attention of people to a certain extent. This was probably how the increase in rating came about!


    Fascinating!


    His path in the future would be easier from now on!

 Chapter 151: Not Giving the Leader Face!

    <h4>Chapter 151: Not Giving the Leader Face! </h4>


    Chapter 151: Not Giving the Leader Face!


    After work.


    Hou Ge asked, "Teacher Zhang, how about we have dinner together?"


    "Count me out." Zhang Ye waved, "You guys go ahead."


    Xiao Lu also invited him along, "Come on; let''s go together. It won''t be the same without you."


    Zhang Ye smiled bitterly as he patted his pockets, "I need to save now. Any spare money needs to be saved. Otherwise, I won''t be able to pay my Communist Party of China fees. You guys go ahead; don''t bother about me."


    Hou Ge said "I will treat."


    "Still, leave me out. Maybe next time." Zhang Ye said.


    Xiao Lu queried, "Teacher Zhang, you are still a member?"


    "Yes, I joined in university." Zhang Ye answered.


    Zhang Ye had joined as a member in his third year of college. Of course, that happened in his world, but it was about the same in this one, also. When he sounded out his mother, he knew that he had applied to be a member around that time. He had also followed the crowd and handed in the application form. After two meetings, he became a probationary member. He was already a proper member now, but he never participated in any of the Party''s activities. He was only messing around in there�� Eh, no. That''s wrong. Zhang Ye was�� He was receiving the edification and education from the party.


    Why did messing around be edification?


    Nonsense! There was no why! It has to be said that way!


    Hou Ge could only reluctantly say, "Alright then. Let''s go ahead. Teacher Zhang, you must join us next time."


    Xiao Lu waved, "Wait a few minutes for me. I have to switch off theputers. The windows are also not closed."


    "You guys go. I will do it." Zhang Ye insisted that they go for dinner. He switched off everything and packed up before locking up to leave.


    In the corridor.


    Editor Wei''s stooped figure came towards him from far away, "Teacher Little Zhang."


    "Uncle Wei, you have not knocked off yet?" Zhang Ye knew how Editor Wei was. He respected him very much and ever since that time, he addressed him as Uncle Wei.


    Editor Wei smiled. "I have to work overtime today."


    "Why are you always working overtime? I''ve never seen you every time I leave the office." Zhang Ye expression tightened.


    Editor Wei was a very optimistic person, "It''s alright. I have lots of work. The others have less. Even if I go home, I have nothing to do."


    Zhang Ye knew by now that it must be Wang Shuixin who made Editor Wei work overtime. Bearing the grudge from a few years ago when Editor Wei beat up his son, he had always been making it difficult for Editor Wei. Actually, not only Editor Wei was treated this way. Wang Shuixin did this to many others, too.


    Previously, Zhang Ye had not really noticed it, but after Wang Shuixin took advantage of him by buying Zhang Ye''s copyrights at a cheap price, Zhang Yepletely saw through what sort of person he was. Wang Shuixin usually appeared dignified, was full of cultural bearing and was even quite a famous poet, but from that matter, it could be seen that he was a guy who did not treat others as humans. Zhang Ye and Hu Fei had already said that it was the medical fees for a leukemia patient, but not only did Wang Shuixin did not have any humanpassion, he even took advantage of Zhang Ye''s desperate need for cash and obtained the maximum benefits for the station. It had also maximized his own personal interests!


    One could find a person with an ugly face annoying!


    But a person with an ugly heart like Wang Shuixin was to be hated!


    And it happened that Editor Wei mentioned the same name, "Director Wang''s secretary told me to tell you to go over. There might be something."


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes, "His secretary is the one who''s calling me over? Why doesn''t hee here himself?"


    That Wang guy was already ordering Editor Wei around. Now even his secretary wants to order him around?


    Editor Wei had a good temper, and he even defended the secretary, "He''s also rather busy. Why don''t you make a trip there?"


    "His secretary, busy? I''m the one who''s busy!" Editor Wei might be good-natured, but Zhang Ye''s was well known for being bad-tempered. He was already suppressing his anger towards Wang Shuixin. His anger was already simmering on the edge to begin with. If they had wanted him to meet them during office hours, that''s fine. But it was already after work. It was already past the legal working hours!


    Look for me?


    Not free! I don''t care who he was!


    If one put it nicely, a person like Zhang Ye was a more emotional person. If one didn''t put it nicely, it would be a prickly person. When he was happy, when others were nice to him, he would go along with anyone and be courteous with them. But if someone made him unhappy, the rascal wouldn''t give a d*mn who you were. Be it a Leader or a Leader''s secretary, Zhang Ye would even dare point at one''s nose and curse. And it was something he had indeed done before.


    Editor Wei smiled bitterly.


    A few co-workers who had just knocked off heard Zhang Ye''s words. They saw him leaving after that without going to Wang Shuixin''s office. They all could only look at each other with wry smiles.


    "Zhang Ye is Zhang Ye."


    "Right. A lot of news and online discussions recently weremending him for his righteousness, as he''d rather be broke to help a fan. But they don''t know that when he gets angry, he doesn''t give a d*mn about anyone. That "Dead Water" had shocked so many people during the Golden Microphone Awards! Oh, but then again, this could be the reason why so many people like him."


    "Me, too. I find Teacher Zhang Ye to be a rather nice person."


    "But why does he show that attitude? Director Wang has offended him?"


    "Hey, don''t you know yet? The royalty fees to the rights for ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms '' was reduced to a million by Director Wang. And that was the DVD and broadcasting rightsbined. To give such a low price for such a popr program, even if Zhang Ye is an employee of our television station, that''s still too little. The crux of the matter isn''t just about money. Did you see the newspapers? That money was the money needed by a patient to save her life. In the end, Director Wang didn''t even give enough. Zhang Ye had to borrow from others to scrape it all together. It would be a wonder if Zhang Ye was happy with the station doing that!"


    "But the Leader is calling for him, yet he won''t go? Is this appropriate?"


    "If it''s other people, of course it''s inappropriate. But it''s not a problem for Teacher Zhang Ye."


    "Right. He is one of the most important hosts of our Arts Channel. Anyone has to give him some face. Fire him? That''spletely impossible. For the programs of others, even including very popr variety shows, nothing much would happen when the host is changed. There would certainly be some effects, but it would not be too great. After all, people watch it for the program itself. But Zhang Ye is different. His role is not just as simple as a host. He is a lecturer. And ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms '' has just reached the halfway mark. To take Zhang Ye down? Then who will analyze the Three Kingdoms? Nobody can analyze it! His role is irreceable. Hur hur. Everyone on the inte says that Zhang Ye only has ordinary looks, but what do they know? Those who are good-looking exist inrge numbers, and they could all be easily reced. But how many people in the country could rece a talent like Zhang Ye? Absolutely none! Even if the Leader is offended, he has to bear with it. Otherwise, if Zhang Ye leaves, what will happen to the station''s ratings?"


    "A big shop can bully it''s customers, but a big customer can bully a shop, too!"


    "When can I reach the level of Teacher Zhang, and able to not give a f**k about the Leader whenever I want? Haha. Just thinking about it makes me excited!"


    It became a conversation before you knew it.


    Editor Wei shook his head helplessly, "This Teacher Little Zhang, ah."


    A person said, "Uncle Wei, you might as say that you did not see Teacher Zhang Ye. Tell them he has knocked off."


    "I guess that''s the only way." Editor Wei did not want to create any more trouble for Zhang Ye, so he helped him to cover it up.


    ����


    Arts Channel.


    Director''s office.


    The secretary knocked and entered, "Director, Zhang Ye has gone home. They didn''t find him."


    Wang Shuixin was standing by his window, watering his nts. He was shaking his head, as if he were reciting some flowery poetry. He looked back at the secretary and signalled for him toe over, then pointed outside the window.


    The secretary went over and looked, then immediately saw Zhang Ye''s figure. He was walking towards to subway, obviously just leaving work. When he saw this, the secretary was angered, "I got Old Wei to call for him, and he still said he was not around? Isn''t he just leaving? I''m sure they met each other. Is Old Wei lying to me? Leader, leave this to me. I will go look for that Wei guy right now! Is he rebelling now?"


    "No need." Wang Shuixin said calmly.


    "But this isn''t conducive!" The secretary had been following Wang Shuixin for many years, so he could speak freely with him. "He didn''t evene when you had summoned for him, and that Old Wei also covered up for him. If it happens once, it will happen twice. Your credibility����" He knew that Wang Shuixin viewed his own reputation and credibility highly. For a poet and a literary figure, these are characteristics that won''t becking in them. They all valued themselves highly.


    Wang Shuixin finishing watering the nts and turned around to sit down. He said, "Deduct all of Old Wei''s overtime pay for this month."


    "I understand." This was a good reason, but even if there wasn''t a reason, it''s always been this way. It was a practice set by Wang Shuixin that anyone else would get overtime pay, but only Editor Wei, even if he were to work overtime every day, would not received a single cent of overtime pay. There would always be a reason to deduct it off. As for the reason why, everyone had a tacit understanding. Wang Shuixin had wanted serve justice for his son. He was his only son, so he spoiled him badly. Even Wang Shuixin could not bear to hit his son, but Editor Wei had used a chair to beat and chased him away some years ago. Wang Shuixin did not take it up with Editor Wei back then, but from then on he had been slowly getting back at him.


    "For Zhang Ye��.." Wang Shuixin said slowly, "Deduct all his bonuses."


    The secretary nodded, "But what reason do we give?"


    Wang Shuixin said, "Didn''t he take a few days off?"


    The secretary pondered, "But he also worked overtime for a lot of days. He was even recording the program on a few public holidays. If he took time off ordingly, then����"


    "Who authorized his time off?" Wang Shuixin asked. "It was true that he took time off. If he took so many days of time off, then would there be a problem with deducting his bonuses?"


    The secretary immediately said, "There''s no problem. I''ll process it tomorrow. I''m just afraid if Zhang Ye will re up. After all, he iscking in cash now. After donating the surgery fees and having borrowed money, if we deduct his bonus, he might�� Besides, his program is currently very popr. What if��"


    Wang Shuixin said, "Just do it ording to my instructions!"


    The secretary did not dare say more, "Yes."

 Chapter 152: Beating the sh*t out of Wang Shuixin’s Son

    <h4>Chapter 152: Beating the sh*t out of Wang Shuixin��s Son </h4>


    Chapter 152: Beating the sh*t out of Wang Shuixin''s Son


    Early in the morning.


    The telephone had awakened him.


    "Little Zhang, what did you do yesterday?" It was Hu Fei on the line.


    Zhang Ye sat up, "Brother Hu, what do you mean?"


    Hu Fei said, "We are getting our sries today, but you only received your basic sry and your bonuses for the month have all been deducted. Even your basic sry is not in full, as you have not even been here for a full month, so it was prorated. When I checked for you with Finance, they said you took too many days off. I said that you were given time off-in-lieu, as you had worked overtime even more and had not rested for a whole week, but they said that they did not see the off-in-lieu timesheet!" Pausing, he then said, "Let''s talk when you get to the unit. I''ll definitely help you get back the bonus. Don''t worry!"


    Zhang Ye''s expression sunk, "Yesterday, while knocking off, Wang Shuixin''s secretary sent Editor Wei to look for me. I did not go. I did not care about that bunch of people, so I headed straight home!"


    Hu Fei said, "You still have that temper of yours!"


    Zhang Ye said without any guilt, "If people respect me, I respect them. If they don''t respect me, why should I respect them?"


    "Forget it. I will bring you to see Director Wang when you reach the office!" Hu Fei became unhappy, not towards Zhang Ye, but towards Wang Shuixin''s attitude. Everyone in the whole station knew that Zhang Ye was broke and going through a difficult time. But Wang Shuixin, this Leader of the channel, rather than helping Zhang Ye when he needed it the most, he instead pressured him on the copyright fees and was now rubbing salt into his wounds? While knowing that Zhang Ye was already broke, he still deducted his bonuses? Even if Little Zhang was wrong in some way, he shouldn''t have done this!


    After hanging up.


    Zhang Ye thought over it. He decided to give his mother a call.


    Ring, ring. The call was connected, "Hello, son."


    Zhang Ye was feeling embarrassed, "Mom, that thing. Lend me some money."


    His mother asked cautiously, "How much do you need? If it''s more than 500, don''t bother asking!"


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted, "How is 500 even enough, I''m a little hard up recently. Didn''t I tell you already? My fan had to have an emergency operation. You saw it on the news, too."


    "You are a good person, aren''t you? A million given away just like that�� Are you not silly? There''s a lot of good-hearted people around. Why did you offer to help then? You aren''t a tycoon!" His mother got angry at the thought of this.


    But there was some murmuring on the other side of the call.


    "What are you doing!"


    "Give me the phone!"


    Finally, his father answered, "Little Ye, what you did was right. You didn''t embarrass our Zhang family. Don''t listen to your mother''s nonsense. If you meet someone less fortunate than you, then you must help them within your means. You are a Communist Party of China party member, so you must be conscious of this. You did really well. How much do you need? The money you gave to your mother, she has spent some of it on a few gold nes. The rest is still unspent. Is 50,000 enough?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Enough? 50,000 is good enough. I will return the money I owe first."


    His father said, "Good. I will transfer it to your ount now."


    Zhang Ye added, "Tell mom that when I earn more money, I will make it up to her."


    Zhang Ye did not want to bother his family initially. He had wanted to return Hu Fei''s money slowly with every paycheck. But it seemed that he couldn''t do that now. His bonuses were a lost cause. How long would it take to pay off what he owed with just his basic sry? So he had no choice but to turn to his dad and mom. Sigh, he will make it up to them in the future.


    He was in a bad mood early in the morning. After showering, he went to the office angrily.


    ����


    At the television station building.


    Having just arrived at work, there was already a person waiting to be hit by Zhang Ye''s cannon!


    Just as Zhang Ye stepped out of the lift, he heard amotion not too far away. He walked over to take a look, but there were many bystanders around.


    "What''s happening?" Zhang Ye moved towards the front.


    Hou Ge and some others were not here yet, but Xiao Lu was amongst the crowd. When she saw Zhang Ye, she pointed in there angrily, "Teacher Zhang,e quickly. It''s Wang Cen; he''s harassing our female colleagues again!"


    "Who''s Wang Cen?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "Director Wang''s son!" Xiao Lu answered.


    In there, he saw Editor Wei confronting Wang Cen.


    "You bast**d! You still dare to be arrogant in the television station?" Editor Wei was always a very good-natured person, but right now his face was totally cold!


    Wang Cen stared at him, "What am I arrogant about? Can''t I chat with them? Is that your business?"


    Editor Wei scolded, "Chatting? Do you need to put your hands around the youngdy if you were just chatting? Eh?"


    Wang Cen became angry, "What age and era is this now? This is how we chat. What has it got to do with you?"


    "Didn''t you see the youngdy trying to push you away? And to think you even made greater advances? Are you a hooligan? Do you believe I will not beat you up and chase you away?" Editor Wei pulled the youngdy over and stood in front of her.


    The youngdy said thankfully, "Thank you, Uncle Wei."


    Editor Wei protectively said, "Don''t be afraid; I''m here!"


    Wang Cen smiled angrily, "Beat me and chase me out? Do you think that this is a few years ago? I don''t believe it, but you can give it a try!"


    The surrounding crowd was watching, but no one dared to help. After all, that was the Director''s son. No one felt like it was their ce to say anything. Back then, when Editor Wei beat up this person, what happened to him? He had directly been given the cold shoulder by Wang Shuixin. Difficulties were created for Editor Wei and he was being schemed against. No one wanted to end up in such a situation.


    Editor Wei did not say anything else. He saw a chair by the side and lifted it up, "Are you getting lost or not?"


    Wang Cen sneered, but remained motionless.


    Seeing this, Editor Wei moved forward with the chair!


    As Wang Cen''s eyelid twitched, with a move of his feet, he disyed a certain series of steps.


    Others could not tell what was happening, but Zhang Ye knew. This was the basic series of steps in Taekwondo. And from the posture, it looked like the lead-in to a roundhouse kick. After being beaten up by Editor Wei a few years ago, he had been learning Taekwondo the past few years? He was nning on taking revenge one day?


    Editor Wei was in danger!


    Without any hesitation, Zhang Ye squeezed through the crowd!


    At this moment, Editor Wei was already in front of Wang Cen. And as expected, Wang Cen spun his body as he lifted his leg, and was about to hit Editor Wei with a roundhouse kick!


    "Ah!"


    "Uncle Wei!"


    "Be careful!"


    Zhang Ye was furious. You came to our unit to take liberties with youngdies, and yet you still want to beat people? Do you think you are reasonable? Are you being thiswless just because your father is Wang Shuixin? Get the f**k away! Wang Shuixin''s son? When Zhang Ye heard this, it was an even greater fresh animosity added to an old grudge. He charged forward and blocked before Uncle Wei. As he also knew Taekwondo and had eaten many skill books, he naturally knew the weakness of a roundhouse kick. Its preparation time was too long, and the amount of movement was too much. Hence, Zhang Ye aimed for the appropriate moment and moved up to give a kick, as he quickly kicked Wang Cen''s side hip!


    Smash!


    Wang Cen was still in the midst of his attack, but this kick, together with his wed kick''s momentum, caused him to scream out as he mmed into the ground!


    Smash! He fell to the ground!


    "Aiyah!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    Xiao Lu shouted!


    No one had expected Zhang Ye to attack!


    A few years ago, Editor Wei had beaten up Wang Cen. A few yearster, it was Zhang Ye''s turn!


    "Uncle Wei, step back a bit. Everyone, step back, too. I don''t want to hurt you!" Zhang Ye said loudly, "This bro will serve justice today!"


    Do you think everyone will give you face as the son of Wang Shuixin?


    Bullsh*t! The matter with the copyright, the matter with the bonus, the matter with Editor Wei, Zhang Ye had already put up with Wang Shuixin for too long. Your son was the one asking for it! If I don''t f**king beat him, who do I beat!?


    Wang Cen also never expected someone to dare to step forward and even beat him. He was quick to react. With a flip, he bounced up. It could be seen that he did not ck in his Taekwondo. He was not some dabbler, but had really put in the effort, "Grandson! You dare touch me!?"


    Zhang Ye said, "The one I''m touching is you!"


    With a huff, Wang Cen charged up and began fighting with Zhang Ye!


    Cross kick!


    Side kick!


    In a few seconds, the two crossed four to five moves!


    Zhang Ye was frowning deep down. In terms of technique, they were about at the same level. However, it was clear that Wang Cen had mastered it bit by bit, so his strength and speed were slightly greater than Zhang Ye. As for Zhang Ye, he had directly learned Taekwondo from eating skill books. His strength and reaction speed was not up to snuff. Two kicks from him on Wang Cen were met with four kicks back. The difference was bing more apparent!


    "Little Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    The crowd was dazzled, but they could see that Zhang Ye was losing!


    Zhang Ye was hit quite a few times and was almost unable to take it anymore. However, Wang Cen was not any better. But he was clearly stronger than Zhang Ye by a bit. He could still fight!


    Just as Zhang Ye was about to be defeated, he narrowed his eyes and recalled the bottle of "Health Potion" that he had obtained from the Lottery. Turning his body to the side, he immediately retrieved the little red bottle from the game ring, opened the cap and drank it down. Immediately, Zhang Ye felt the pain in his body diminish greatly. He could stand straight now!


    Wang Cen was just about to give Zhang Ye the fatal blow!


    However, Zhang Ye suddenly red up as he took it on with a kick that was as swift as a sudden p of thunder which left no time for one to cover one''s ears.


    Wang Cen was rmed. The surrounding crowd was also rmed. They clearly knew Zhang Ye was about to be defeated, but he suddenly became energetic!


    Smash!


    A dull thud!


    Zhang Ye''s kick had hit Wang Cen in the chin. Wang Cen''s head flew up a few centimeters before crashing t onto the ground. It was still not the end, as Zhang Ye rushed forward and began stomping, "Trying to be a hooligan? You f**king still want to be a hooligan? I''m telling you! Don''t you daree here to act wildly again! Everytime I see you, I''ll beat you up!"


    More than ten stomps were made consecutively!


    Wang Cen covered his head and cried out in pain. He no longer had the strength to fight back!


    Editor Wei rushed up to pull Zhang Ye back, "Stop beating him, Little Zhang. It''s enough. Just teaching him a lesson is enough!"


    Xiao Lu, together with Hou Ge and Dafei, who had juste to work, rushed forward to stop the fight. One pulled at Zhang Ye''s arm, while another pulled at his waist, "Teacher Zhang! Someone will die if you carry on this beating!"


    Zhang Ye was pulled back a bit, but he was not mollified. He kicked at Wang Cen without any warning once again, as he cursed, "You f**king bast**d!" From the angle of genes, this curse included Wang Shuixin!


    "Aiyah!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "He already can''t get up!"


    Only then did Zhang Ye "reluctantly" give up!


    Everyone stared with their eyes wide open. This Teacher Zhang was not only good at talking, he was actually quite brutal when he beat someone up!

 Chapter 153: Zhang Ye has been Arrested!

    <h4>Chapter 153: Zhang Ye has been Arrested! </h4>


    Chapter 153: Zhang Ye has been Arrested!


    In the corridor.


    The crowd was in chaos.


    "What do we do?"


    "No idea!"


    "Let''s call an ambnce first!"


    "Right, let''s call 120 before anything else!"


    "Teacher Zhang is too formidable. I heard that Wang Cen had trained in Taekwondo for two whole years and is already a green belt. Teacher Zhang, who is just a literary person and makes a living with his mouth, can actually beat him up that badly? F**k, could Teacher Zhang also have practiced before? Both of their techniques seemed about the same!"


    "Such a good vent!"


    "Shh, say it quietly. Don''t let others hear it."


    "But Zhang Ye has really gotten into trouble this time. There''s no way of turning the situation around anymore."


    "That''s right. Back then, Editor Wei only hit Wang Cen once and then chased him out the door. He wasn''t even injured, but in the end�� Now, for Teacher Zhang to beat Wang Cen into such a state, his father will definitely not let it go. Could he report it to the police?"


    "How could he?"


    "It was that Wang Cen who first took liberties against a woman, and he even wanted to beat someone!"


    "Right, Teacher Zhang did it to protect Editor Wei. It was in self-defense!"


    "Besides, Wang Cen isn''t that injured, right? None of his bones have broken. It''s just a superficial wound!"


    Everyone began to discuss amongst themselves. On the whole, everyone was supportive of Zhang Ye. Wang Cen had, after all, brought this upon himself. No others were to be med. If they had Teacher Zhang Ye''s courage and skills, they might have beaten Wang Cen up earlier already! If you were a staff member of our television station, it might have still been discussable, but you haven''t even graduated from university. How dare youe to our television station to mess around? This was too outrageous. It even led everyone to question Wang Shuixin''s ability to rein his child in! Thest time, it was Editor Wei who taught your son a lesson. Rather than being impartial, you condoned his actions. That Wang Cen was beaten up like this today. The fault lies with you, Wang Shuixin! It was because you condoned his behaviour!


    Hu Fei had just arrived at the unit at this moment. When he saw themotion, he knew something must have happened. He pulled a friend over to ask and then his face immediately changed!


    The ambnce arrived.


    Wang Cen was put on a stretcher, but before he left, he pointed at Zhang Ye. "You grandson! Wait and see!"


    "You still dare to be arrogant towards me? I don''t need to wait! If you have a problem, you can say it now! What''s there to wait!" Zhang Ye''s stared at him as he rushed towards him.


    Wang Cen immediately backed up further.


    Xiao Lu pull him back, "Teacher Zhang!"


    Hou Ge and Hou Di were also afraid that Zhang Ye would beat him up further, so they held him back together with Xiao Lu. The two of them did not know whether tough or to cry. Teacher Little Zhang''s image now�� Which part of it seemed like a literary man! Which part of him looked like a historical lecturer! A streetside hooligan would have looked decent beside him!


    Wang Cen was pulled away, but was still scolding. It could be seen that his injuries were not serious.


    Hu Fei came forward in anger and shouted, "Little Zhang! Come with me. Now!"


    Zhang Ye was seeing Hu Fei so angry for the first time. He blinked and didn''t say anything, going back to his office together with Hu Fei, Xiao Lu, Hou Ge and the others.


    Once inside, Hu Fei mmed the table, "What were you doing!"


    Xiao Lu tried to exin for Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang was acting bravely for a just cause. All of us saw it!"


    "Right, we can be witnesses. That grandson was being a hooligan, and even wanted to beat Editor Wei and Teacher Zhang, which was why Teacher Zhang beat him up. It''s not Teacher Little Zhang''s fault," Hou Ge added.


    Hu Fei said, fumingly, "Do you need to beat someone up so badly while being a Good Samaritan? If he gets a medical opinion and reports this to the police, what would you do? Eh?"


    Zhang Ye was not one who would regret his action. That was his personality. Like a scoundrel, he sat on a seat, "Anyway, I''ve already beaten him up. This person deserved it. Brother Hu, I know what you are talking about, but so what? If that Wang guy dares toe again to y the hooligan, I''ll still beat him up every time I see him!"


    Xiao Lu secretly gave Zhang Ye a big thumbs up.


    Hu Fei stared at Xiao Lu, "Are you all revolting!?"


    Xiao Lu muttered, "It''s supposed to be a matter that satisfies the masses."


    "Enough with the bantering! Time to work! Begin recording!" Hu Fei gathered everyone to the recording studio, also taking the opportunity to dodge Wang Shuixin.


    However, there were certain things that there were impossible to dodge. The people who should be in the know knew, and the people who shoulde eventually came.


    ����


    Arts Channel.


    Director''s office.


    Wang Shuixin''s secretary was thest person to receive the news, which showed how terrible his interpersonal rtions was in the unit. Only when Wang Cen was sent away by an ambnce did he receive the news. He was immediately struck dumb as he entered the Director''s office without knocking, "Director! Wang Cen got beaten up!"


    Wang Shuixin was on the phone. His face was extremely sullen. Clearly, he already knew of it.


    The secretary fumed, "That Zhang Ye! Does he even look up to the Leader!? What is he doing!?"


    Wang Shuixin put down the phone and with a cold face said, "Report it to the police!", and with a pause, "You don''t have to care about it! Go out!"


    "Yes," the secretary left upon hearing this.


    Wang Shuixin flipped open his telephone book and called a number, "Hello, Superintendent Song. I''m Old Wang. My son got beaten up. Please send the police!"


    ����


    Recording studio.


    Zhang Ye had finished recording two episodes.


    The audience was paying full attention. Sometimes they bent overughing, while sometimes they apuded.


    At this moment, the door to the recording studio was pushed open. A few policemen came in!


    "What are you doing?"


    "We are recording a program!"


    "Unauthorized people are prohibited from entering!"


    Hou Ge and Dafei said in an unfriendly manner.


    The Leader, Superintendent Song, shed a warrant, "Police. Is Zhang Ye here? Come with us to the station! There''s a matter that requires investigation!"


    Xiao Lu shouted, "That can be der!"


    "It cannot be der! It has to be now!" Superintendent Song turned fierce!


    Who knew that Zhang Ye did not even mind them. He was even toozy to even give them a nce. He continued lecturing about the Three Kingdoms. He looked unperturbed and did not even stammer once. He still did what he needed to. The noise from the live audience was quite loud, and there were a few cameras, but Zhang Ye''s microphone was the only one that mattered. As long as the scene was not too chaotic, it would not affect the audio recording.


    The audience turned back and were shocked. They did not know what was going on.


    Police?


    They were here to catch Teacher Zhang Ye?


    What, what had happened?


    Hu Fei suppressed his mes of anger. He never expected Wang Shuixin to allow the police to enter the recording studio and even do it in front of the audience. The reason why Hu Fei took Zhang Ye away for recording was to dodge the trouble and to allow everyone to calm down and digest it. Who knew that Wang Shuixin was such an ***hole that he would let the police into the recording studio? From the fact that they were here, didn''t it mean that Wang Shuixin disregarded anything else because of his son? He did not ask why, nor did he care if his son was in the wrong, and all he wanted was revenge? He didn''t even care how much trouble and negativity it would bring to the television station and their Arts Channel''s program? Wang Shuixin''s reaction made Hu Fei feel cold. He knew that when a person abandoned all objectivity and principles for his own son, that was a very scary and dangerous signal!


    "Are you not stopping?" a policeman said angrily.


    "Where is your Leader?" Superintendent Song said impatiently.


    Hu Fei stood forward, "I''m the Leader. If you have anything to say, say it to me, but not here. This is a recording studio. It does not wee anyone!"


    Superintendent Song looked at him, "Alright, I''ll wait till you finish recording this episode!"


    Outside.


    Dafei simmered with anger as he said, "Based on what are you arresting Teacher Zhang? Do you even know about the situation?"


    Superintendent Song, "We understand the situation already. Wang Cen is injured and is currently hospitalized. This is intentionally causing bodily harm. We need to bring Zhang Ye back for the investigation!"


    Xiao Lu said, "I can testify! Teacher Zhang was doing it in self-defense!"


    "I can testify, too! Everyone can testify for Teacher Zhang!" Hou Ge said.


    Superintendent Song was unyielding, "We have already heard many of such testimonies. I''m telling you, we already understand the situation very well. Regardless of the reason, battery is battery! No one can escape the arms of thew! Is your program done? Quickly bring him over!"


    Xiao Lu gritted her teeth, "Wang Cen was taking liberties with a woman! And he was arrogant enough to beat people! And Teacher Zhang was wrong to return blows? What sort of logic is that!?"


    Superintendent Song said, "You do not need to care how we handle the case!"


    Not longter, the episode was done recording.


    Zhang Ye signaled to the few cameras and packed his stuff and walked out of the recording studio, "Dear policemen, are you looking for me?"


    Superintendent Song said coldly, "Take a trip down to the station with us!"


    Zhang Ye was already mentally prepared. He was without any fear. Anyway, he had beaten Wang Shuixin''s son to a pulp, "Alright, let''s go."


    "Teacher Zhang��" Xiao Lu said anxiously.


    Zhang Ye waved his hand, "It''s alright. I''ll be right back."


    A lot of the audience also followed outside. They stretched their necks to see what themotion was about as they muttered.


    Hu Fei came close to Zhang Ye and said softly into his year, "Wang Shuixin should be acquainted with this Superintendent Song. You just insist it was done because of self-defense. Don''t talk nonsense. The station will definitely not be too harsh on you, as this program still needs you to record. Without you, who is to lecture about the Three Kingdoms? So don''t worry. You will be fine." Hu Feiforted Zhang Ye. Actually, he was also not so sure.


    There was reason to it.


    The matter was as such.


    However, Wang Shuixin currently had his eyes closed. He could do just about anything for his son. It was not impossible for him to use some underhanded methods to remand Zhang Ye for an extended period of time and charge him with criminal penalties! From the way Wang Shuixin handled things today, there were signs that he was crazy! His condoning of his son had far exceeded Hu Fei''s expectations and imaginations. He, too, did not know what Wang Shuixin would do!


    However, Zhang Ye, as the person involved, was calm. He followed the police and was very gentlemanly, and the bearing he had was impable!


    Why?


    This was because Zhang Ye had a clear conscience!

 Chapter 154: Causing an Uproar!

    <h4>Chapter 154: Causing an Uproar! </h4>


    Chapter 154: Causing an Uproar!


    Courtyard of the police station.


    The police car entered the back gate and stopped the car in the courtyard.


    It was very messy and noisy. There were robbers who had just been arrested and were being prepared to transfer to another station, and people, who were arrested for drunken rioting the previous night, being released.


    "Superintendent Song?" An old policeman looked over.


    Superintendent Song said, "Old Zhao, is there any empty spare room?"


    Old Zhao nodded, "There is. Eh, you arrested someone personally?"


    Superintendent Song looked at Zhang Ye beside him, "This person is a bit special. He''s a public figure, so I personally led the team."


    "Alright, then hand it to me. I''ll bring him there. Is there a need for handcuffs? What crime did hemit?" Old Zhao looked quizzically at Zhang Ye. Typically, when a public figure was brought to their station, they had to be a bit more careful. After all, a public figure had a lot more fans and the public attention on it was greater. Sometimes there were even reporters, so it was not a simple thing to handle.


    With some thought, Superintendent Song said, "He is suspected of intentionally causing bodily harm. Also the matter is a bit serious, so handcuff him, just in case."


    "Alright." Old Zhao epted the order.


    Zhang Ye looked at them, "Have you investigated properly? Handcuffing me?"


    "How we investigate is our matter!" A policeman said from behind, "Let''s go!"


    Zhang Ye did not resist, "Alright, I sure want to see how you do your investigations!"


    "You sure have lots of nonsense to say! Are you going?" The policemen were a bit unhappy from seeing him so unyielding despite being in the police station.


    In a small dark room.


    A remanding cell used to temporarily imprison people in the police station.


    Zhang Ye walked in. Taking a few looks around, there was a table in the room. Bottles of finished mineral water were scattered on the ground. Other than that, there was nothing else. The room wasn''t too big, and the environment was not that clean. There was a faint moist smell to it that was slightly pungent.


    Superintendent Song said to Old Zhao, "I''m handing him over to you. I''ll go to the hospital to check on the victim''s injuries. The hospital''s assessment report should be out soon."


    "Alright, be rest assured, " Old Zhao said.


    Only then did Superintendent Song leave with an old policeman.


    A junior policeman left behind asked, "Brother Zhao, where should we secure him to?"


    After some pondering, Old Zhao pointed to a heating pipe, "Old ce."


    "Alright." The junior policeman lowered his head to cuff Zhang Ye''s ankle and then, with a nk, cuffed it to the heating pipe.


    Zhang Ye moved his foot around, and he was still sneering.


    Old Zhao said to the junior policeman, "Go check his record." Then he said to Zhang Ye, "Comrade, we are just doing business ordingly. Before we finish our investigations, it might be tough on you." As Zhang Ye was a public figure, and seemed somewhat famous, they did not dare to be violent.


    The junior policeman went to check and not longter, he came back with a surprised look. He was even holding a copy of a document, "Brother Zhao, take a look. This��"


    "What''s the matter?" Old Zhao looked it over.


    The junior policeman was very surprised, "This person has no prior record. However, the Guimen police station has a record of his. Two burrs had entered his neighbor''s house and were wielding knives. Back then, to protect a young girl from the neighbor''s house, he even fought with the criminals himself and even subdued them. The records even said he was shed by the criminals and was injured."


    "Oh? There was such a thing?" Old Zhao was a bit surprised. He looked at Zhang Ye and gave him a thumbs up, "Two knife-wielding criminals�� I can''t even handle that!"


    Zhang Ye said nonchntly, "You can''t hide from what you meet."


    The attitude the junior police gave to Zhang Ye also changed. He said softly, "Old Zhao, seeing this record, the matter this time is likely because he was acting bravely for a just cause. When I was checking the case, I heard people from Records say that. This Zhang Ye is quite famous in Beijing. Do you remember the news on television talking about a celebrity dissipating all his wealth to save a fan? That celebrity seems to be him. He used all his cash and even borrowed money just to pay the surgery fee for his fan. From these two matters, this person''s character and personality��is impable!"


    Old Zhao was also in a dilemma, "Superintendent Song has already gone to investigate. We can''t be sure before the investigations are done. However��" Looking at Zhang Ye, "Wrap a cloth in Teacher Zhang''s handcuffs, so that we don''t scuff his ankle."


    "Alright, I''ll do it." The junior policeman found a piece of cloth and squatted by Zhang Ye''s foot and wrapped it around the handcuffs. He even brought a bottle of mineral water to Zhang Ye. For a person who had fought two knife-wielding criminals to save a young girl and a person who was willing to dissipate his wealth to save a fan, they only felt respect. So their attitude was a lot kinder.


    Zhang Ye did not stand on ceremony as he drank a mouthful of water. After capping the bottle, he asked, "When can I go?"


    Old Zhao said, "We still need to investigate and receive the injury report. The fastest would be within 24 hours. If it''s slower, we might need to transfer you to a branch for police custody."


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes, "Police custody?"


    Old Zhao shrugged, "It''s not up to us."


    At this moment, a policewoman came in, "Where''s Teacher Zhang? Aiyah! It''s really Teacher Zhang? I heard that they brought you here. I never expected it to be true!" She took out a book and a pen, "I''m one of your biggest fans! I love your poems to death! Especially the modern poems! It''spletely�� Can you give me an autograph?" However, thinking of Zhang Ye''s present situation, she turned awkward. "Sorry, I was also too excited. This setting is really too�� Heh!" When she saw the handcuff by Zhang Ye''s foot, she raged, "Who cuffed Teacher Zhang?"


    Old Zhao said helplessly, "It was instructed by Superintendent Song."


    The policewoman''s expression changed, "How can this be!?"


    "It''s not my intention. Go talk to Superintendent Song about it." Old Zhao raised his right hand.


    However, Zhang Ye said, "It''s okay. Give me the book. I''ll give you an autograph."


    The policewoman quickly handed it over, "Thank you, thank you."


    Zhang Ye signed his name and handed the book back to her, "I should thank you for liking my works."


    The policewoman asked Old Zhao, "Brother Zhao, what happened to Teacher Zhang? Are you sure you didn''t arrest the wrong person?"


    Old Zhao said, "I also don''t know the details. I heard he beat someone up, and it was not light either."


    The policewoman immediately knew it was trouble, but she could not help in any way. "Teacher Zhang, it''s almost noon. I''ll bring you your meal in a while!"


    The junior policeman blinked, "It seems unnecessary. Usually the people in the small dark room just receive some bread��"


    The policewoman leered at him, "Can''t I use my own money to buy something from a restaurant? Can''t I bring the food box to Teacher Zhang myself?"


    The junior policeman said with a wry smile, "Fine, as Sis Lei wishes. You don''t have to do it. I''ll buy in a while. Alright, Sis Lei?"


    The policewoman said, "That''s more like it."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "There''s no need to be so troublesome. Thank you. I''ll be fine eating what others eat."


    The policewoman waved her hand, "That won''t do. My parents watch your ''Lecture Room'' every day. They also know about you paying the surgery fees for your fan. They''re all full of praise for you every day. If my parents know I did not treat you well, they will tear me apart."


    ����


    At the same time.


    A rumor spread on the inte!


    "Something big has happened! None of you know yet, right?"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "My wife and I, who received two live tickets of ''Lecture Room'' from a friend, went to the television station to watch the live recording. In the end, we saw a few policemen from the police statione to make an arrest. The moment that Teacher Zhang Ye finished recording, he was brought away by the police. I even watched them board the police car with my own eyes!"


    "Threadstarter, please take notice. Do not create rumors!"


    "That''s right. Teacher Zhang is such a nice person. Why would he be arrested?"


    "The threadstarter didn''t create rumors. I was present there, too. Zhang Ye was really arrested. I even happened to hear that Zhang Ye had intentionally caused bodily harm!"


    "What?"


    "Is that true?"


    "Teacher Zhang got into big trouble!"


    "It can''t be? Then will ''Lecture Room'' still carry on broadcasting? It can''t be halted, right?"


    Back then, there were too many people in the recording studio, so there was no way of keeping this news under wraps. In the blink of an eye, the news proliferated. As for the actual reason for why Zhang Ye was arrested, most were still unsure. Hence there was some erroneous information as people spected. Some said Zhang Ye murdered someone, while some said Zhang Ye had put on airs and beat up a colleague. There was all sorts of talk on Weibo.


    Not longter, the news appeared on several inte portals.


    Although Zhang Ye was not that famous, and it was just a small piece of text in the entertainment news section, the title was very eye-catching, "Famous ''Lecture Room'' Lecturer, Zhang Ye, Taken in for Questioning by Police"!


    Finally, someone in the know revealed what was going on. It could be seen that this insider was an employee of the Beijing Television Station.


    "Something very infuriating happened today. This is because I witnessed a very disgusting matter. The television station''s Leader''s son came to the unit to take liberties with a woman. When he was prevented from doing so, that person did not heed the warning and even wanted to beat someone up. And that someone was a 50+ year oldrade. When Teacher Zhang Ye saw this, he sprung forward and protected the oldrade and the woman who was taken liberty of. He was kicked more than ten times before he barely managed to subdue the viin. But in the end, it was Zhang Ye who was arrested. As for who the Leader is, it''s not my ce to say, but this matter really makes one feel coldness! Isn''t this confusing right from wrong? I want to ask what is wrong with this society! All the witnesses in the station can testify for Teacher Zhang Ye. All of them said Teacher Zhang was acting as a Good Samaritan, and it was also in self-defense. After all, the other party was too brutal in his attacks, so Teacher Zhang had no choice but to fight back. However, the police did not even listen to anyone''s words. They disregarded what anyone said and just arrested him! I dare to guarantee that someone is working the police behind the scenes, and might even have used personal rtionships! Anyone who has a little conscience and sense of justice, please push this thread to the top! Let even more people see it! Rescue Teacher Zhang!"


    "Propping!"


    "Holy shit! So insidious!"


    "Supporting Teacher Zhang!"


    "Let that bunch of people die!"


    The number of hits for the thread quickly soared!


    Many people replied to the thread in anger as they demanded for Zhang Ye''s release!


    However, in less than half an hour, this thread was deleted by the administrator of the forum. The reason for deleting the thread was, "spreading unhealthy information".


    This move ignited the fumes of anger in even more people!


    "The thread was deleted?"


    "What does it mean, ''unhealthy information''?"


    "This is infuriating! I''m really angry!"


    "There must be someone behind the scenes! Someone is trying to push Teacher Zhang Ye to his death!"


    "Could it be done by the television station''s departmental Leader the threadstarter mentioned? To have such a high position, he must have some interpersonal connections in the media circles. It''s nothing to get them to delete the thread!"


    "His son was being a hooligan and even tried to beat someone up, and to think he thinks he is being reasonable?


    "I never liked Zhang Ye before. I felt like he does not know how to restrain himself and that he dares to even curse his Leader. There are some problems with that. But today, I support Zhang Ye. Well beaten! This sort of person should be beaten to death!"


    Very quickly, the negativements were also deleted. Not a single one was left!


    Threads that reprimanded Zhang Ye for beating someone or that he deserved being arrested remained undeleted!


    When everyone saw this, they were furious. This was wiping out any negative opinions on the person behind the scenes? Only negativements about Zhang Ye were left behind? Using this censoring method to enforce a narrative about Zhang Ye''s battery matter? No one was allowed toment or question?


    F**k!


    You are crazy!

 Chapter 155: Zhang Ye’s “My Confession”!

    <h4>Chapter 155: Zhang Ye��s ��My Confession��! </h4>


    Chapter 155: Zhang Ye''s "My Confession"!


    Afternoon.


    Police station.


    The sun was overhead, and the sunlight was zing. However, it was not hot, as it was autumn.


    In the small, dark room, Zhang Ye was quite fine. He did not know how big a stir he had caused online. He was sitting there, eating. There was Kung Pao chicken, sea cucumber with scallions, bean curd mixed with chopped green onion, and there was also hot and sour soup. It was really three dishes and a soup. This was all bought by someone, ording to the policewoman''s instructions.


    "How does it taste, Teacher Zhang?" the policewoman asked.


    "It''s good. Thank you." Zhang Ye thanked her.


    "You are wee. Try the soup." The policewoman gave him some soup.


    Suddenly, Superintendent Song came back from the hospital with the old policeman. When he saw Zhang Ye sitting there like a lord, eating a hearty meal, and it was even three dishes and a soup, Superintendent Song was speechless for a long time. Even the old policeman nearly fainted. What the heck! What sort of treatment was this? The Superintendent and I were outside, busy all day, and we did not even have our meals, and yet a suspect like you, is eating? And even eating so well?


    "Little Lei, what are you doing?" the old policeman was unpleased.


    Zhang Ye was also done eating, and he put down his chopsticks and wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin.


    "Alright." Superintendent Song did not pursue the matter and pointed to Zhang Ye, "Release his handcuffs and bring him to the interrogation room."


    The old policeman uncuffed Zhang Ye, but he did not remove the entire handcuff. He had only released the side on the heating pipe. The other side was still cuffed on Zhang Ye''s foot.


    The interrogation room was also in a small yard.


    The moment that they entered, Superintendent Song and the old policeman sat behind a desk.


    Zhang Ye also did not wait for them to say anything. Without standing on ceremony, he sat down.


    "Be honest with the truth!" The old policeman said with a gloomy expression, "Why did you beat him up so brutally? I''m telling you the truth. The injury assessment is out. Wang Cen''s injuries are very serious!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Did his bone fracture?"


    The old policeman said, "No, but��"


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes, "He didn''t even have a bone fracture and you call that seriously injured? Can I understand why are you scaring and threatening me? Using vague words to lead me on�� Are you trying to get a statement that you want from me?" He had attacked through measured means. He knew how heavy he had hit.


    The old policeman mmed the desk, "You dare to even answer me with questions?"


    Superintendent Song looked at him, "Teacher Zhang, it would be best if you were serious! This matter is no trifling matter. I''m advising you to tell the truth, so that we can all save our time."


    Zhang Yeughed, "It''s not saving all of our time. It''s just saying your time and the time of the Wang Shuixin father-son duo. It''s not me. I have already talked about my problem. My problem is that I do not have a problem. But if you insist that being a Good Samaritan is a mistake, then I have nothing to say! If so, then you should say it early. You must publish an official statement, telling everyone that being a Good Samaritan is wrong. Everyone should not do that, or they will be arrested. If I had known it would be this way, then I wouldn''t have been so nosy!"


    The old policeman was a bit angry, but he was helpless. This person indeed made a living with his mouth. His words were formidable, and ordinary people could not engage in a battle of words with him.


    Superintendent Song said, "Wang Cen said that he did not take liberties with that female. Back then, he was only having a chat with her. But when you saw it, you came attacking!"


    Zhang Ye could not help butugh, "Then what is the result of your investigations? There were so many people there to testify for me. I don''t believe that not a single person has told you the sequence of events. You can ask in the television station. There were at least 50 people there who can testify for me. But did you listen? You werepletely indifferent to it? A simple sentence from that viin, Wang Cen, and you believed it? You are taking his testimony as fact? Is this how you deal with cases?"


    The old policeman said angrily, "Who said that we have settled this case? We are still doing our investigations! We are telling you each other''s testimony. Zhang Ye, do you like that female colleague? Is that why, when Wang Cen interacted with her normally, you turned jealous and beat him up?"


    Zhang Ye stared at the old policeman for a long while, "I see it now. So all of you are in on this together? You are so protective of Wang Cen? Willing to perjure for him? I don''t even know that female''s name. I don''t even have an impression of seeing her before. I like her? Turning jealous because of love? You sure are funny. Are you trying to write a story in front of a novel author like me? Just by opening my mouth, I cane up with 200 stories like that in a day!"


    Superintendent Song said, "Then why did you beat him?"


    "Why did you not ask Wang Cen why he was taking liberties with that woman?" Zhang Ye asked.


    The old policeman snorted, "Fine. If you are not going to cooperate, then we have nothing more to talk about. Then go wait in that small, dark room. When you are willing to cooperate, we will talk again! It''s useless, even if you refuse to speak. It has already been established that you have caused substantial injuries to him. There is no way for you to escape from that! Superintendent?"


    "Take him away!" Superintendent Song knew that he would not get anything from him. This person''s mouth was more more formidable than theirs. They also had a headache facing such a person.


    They brought Zhang Ye out of the interrogation room.


    However, inside the small yard, there were suddenly a lot of people!


    "Hey! What are you doing?"


    "We are reporters!"


    "Get out, all of you! What the heck!"


    "We want to interview you! How is Teacher Zhang Ye now?"


    "I want you out of here! Who allowed you to rush in from the back door? We are not epting any form of interview! We will give an official word after the case''s investigations arepleted!"


    A few reporters from Beijing''s various newspapers had gotten in while people were not paying attention!


    "Hey! Look there!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Quickly go over! Quickly go over!"


    The reporters did not heed any instructions and pushed past a few policemen, rushing forward!


    There were not many policemen, so they could not stop that many people. They could only watch helplessly as the reporters surrounded Zhang Ye, Superintendent Song and the old policemen!


    A Beijing Time''s female reporter raised her microphone and said hurriedly, "Teacher Zhang, someone familiar with the matter said that you had beaten up your Leader''s son because you were doing it for a just cause, resulting in you being framed and sent to the police station. May we know if this matter is true? If it is true, do you have anything to say?"


    Before Zhang Ye opened his mouth, the old policeman pushed the reporter away, "Get out of here! This is state territory!"


    Another young reporter from a Beijing tabloid blinked, "Sir policeman, why are you bringing Zhang Ye away?"


    Superintendent Song said in an official manner, "He is suspected of intentionally causing bodily harm. It is still under investigation. It is still not convenient to release any other information."


    The tabloid reporter asked again, "Many people are saying that Zhang Ye is prone to violence, as he has a bad temper, which was the reason why he brutally beat up a person. Is this true?


    This time, the old policeman did not stop him, "We are still investigating."


    Another reporter came forward, "Teacher Zhang Ye, may I know when did you have bouts of violence? When you were young? Or after you became famous?"


    A fourth reporter asked, "I heard you often put on airs, and this is not the first time you beat someone up. Can you exin this?"


    A fifth reporter followed up, "I am a reporter from the Daily News. Is this beating up of someone true? Was it done on purpose? Please give an exnation to everyone and the fans who like you!"


    Upon seeing this, Zhang Ye nearlyughed out. What sort of questions were these reporters asking? Other than the Beijing Time''s reporter being neutral, what sort of questions were the other reporters asking? They were clearly giving him the death sentence. He was prone to violence? He often beat others? He often put on airs and beat others? These were all matters without any basis. In the end, when these reporters asked, it was as if they were speaking matters of fact and had given Zhang Ye the title of a devil!


    Was this due to Wang Shuixin''s personal connections?


    Was this one of Wang Shuixin''s tricks?


    Ha! Fine! You activated so many people to malign me? You sure are unscrupulous!


    Even the police station''s Leader''s attitude made Zhang Ye lose thest bit of patience he had. The reporter who asked properly was chased away by you, preventing her from speaking. But towards a bunch of reporters who were maligning me, you did not even stop them. And even answered them in a warm manner? Making others think that I was really guilty of the crime? Just that the investigations were not done, so it was inconvenient to announce it?


    Good!


    Then don''t you me me!


    The reason why Zhang Ye was not worried when he had followed them to the police station was firstly because his conscience was clear, for he had done nothing wrong, and secondly because he had his own methods to retaliate and killer moves! To others, Zhang Ye looked like a littlemb in a cage that was to be ughtered. Whatever others said would be made fact, but they seemed to forget that Zhang Ye''s greatest weapon was his mouth!


    The policewoman could no longer take it any more, "What are you saying!?"


    Old Zhao pulled at the policewoman, preventing her from going forward. He could tell from Superintendent Song''s attitude that it would be useless, even if they wanted to help Zhang Ye!


    However, Zhang Ye spoke, "You want me to answer?"


    The Daily News reporter said, "Please exin the reason behind hitting someone!"


    Zhang Ye roared withughter and asked again, "You want me to exin?"


    Another tabloid reporter said, "Don''t you need to exin after beating someone?"


    Zhang Yeughed to the heavens in a very exaggerated manner, then he took a step forward. As the handcuff on his ankle scratched the ground, it echoed a dull metallic sound. Zhang Ye looked at them and everyone in the courtyard of the police station. He then said in a proud and loud manner, "No matter how heavy the iron shackles ng at my feet, no matter how high you raise the whip, I have no confession, even if a bloodied bay is pointed at my breast! Humans cannot lower their noble heads. Only cowards will plead for ''freedom''!"


    Poem?


    The crowd was dumbfounded from shock!


    Zhang Ye''s tone suppressed his anger, "What do torture and beatings amount to? Even death has no means to open my mouth! In the face of death, Iugh out loud. Myughter rocks this pce of demons!" Then, his gaze swept the crowd from front to back, left to right. Then, he punctuated his words in a ruthless tone, "This is my, amunist member''s, confession!"


    Zhang Ye was sure wicked!


    Since he felt that they were inhumane towards him, then there was no reason to me him for being unjust!


    This fellow even used a poem said by a revolutionary martyr back then, "My Confession"!

 Chapter 156: Fans Seek Justice for Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 156: Fans Seek Justice for Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 156: Fans Seek Justice for Zhang Ye!


    This poem had a long history.


    Just about everyone from his previous world knew of this poem, or had even recited it before. This was quite a famous poem in thenguage textbooks!


    It was during the revolution of April, 1949. As the underground political mouthpiece, "Advancement Report" was raided by the Kuomintang. The "Advancement Report" Special Branch''s Secretary, Chen Ran, was arrested. In prison, Chen Ran was subjected to all kinds of torture, but only confessed that he had handled all of the editing, printing and publishing of the paper. He was determined to sacrifice himself, in order to protect his team andrades. His captors used threats and coercion to force his confession. So Chen Ran picked up his pen and wrote an earth shattering poem �� "My Confession".


    This was a great revolutionary poem!


    This was the freedom of amunist member, an uprightness that symbolizes the heroism of martyrdom!


    If it wasn''t in extreme circumstances, Zhang Ye would not bring out this poem, since it was really extreme. But now, Zhang Ye no longer had any hesitations!


    You want to torment me?


    You want to insult me?


    Sure! Then I will f**king torment and insult all of you, too!


    ����


    He was done reciting the poem.


    There was silence in the police station''s yard due to the shock!


    The policewoman, Old Zhao, as well as the others in the police station, and even the reporters, drew a gasp because of Zhang Ye''s poem!


    Or perhaps it was the Fruit of Charm''s effect. No, it had to be the Fruit of Charm''s (Voice) effect! Those 38 fruits had greatly increased the charm in Zhang Ye''s manner of speech and voice. They caused his poem to enter deep into their hearts, and showcased the soul of the poem to its fullest extent! There might even be some of the effects from the few Fruits of Charm (Eyes), which made the present Zhang Ye awe-inspiring. The aura emitted from his gaze, and the dauntless words he shouted out, had influenced a majority of the people present, turning them emotional and making them dumbfounded! Even those who were not heavily influenced by Zhang Ye could not help be slightly moved!


    The policewoman''s eyes even turned red from hearing it!


    The female reporter from the Beijing Times also shed a tear. She quickly wiped her eyes as she felt a surge of warm blood!


    In the face of death, Iugh out loud?


    The Devil''s pce trembles from theughter?


    Many of the people now had their eyes focused on Zhang Ye. What kind of a great spirit of a man would it take to write a sentence like this!


    The female reporter came back to her senses. She hurriedly noted down the poem from memory! Many of those reporters reacted by noting it down, too!


    This was news!


    It was big news!


    Before they came here, someone had talked to them. It was either their Leader''s instructions or friend''s request. But faced with the current situation, their reporter''s instinct had also taken over. Who cares about the story of Zhang Ye beating someone up! This poem was the highlight!


    Why?


    Because the message it conveyed was huge!


    The reporters began to take a flurry of pictures. Instantly, Zhang Ye was flooded by bright lights, and especially the handcuffs on his leg, and the few bruises on Zhang Ye''s body, which were a result of the fight with Wang Cen, were specially focused on by the reporters. They kept taking photos with all they got!


    "No photographing!"


    "What are you doing?"


    "No photography is allowed here!"


    Superintendent Song panicked and tried to prevent it.


    But with so many reporters, how could they control them in time!


    The reporters behaved like they were on stimnts, acting all excited. But what made some happy, made others sad. With Zhang Ye''s poem, Superintendent Song and the old policeman had somehow been mesmerized by Zhang Ye''s inexplicable charming voice for a split moment, before they quickly regained theirposure. They faces were already pale!


    Zhang Ye!


    F**k your grandpa!


    A kid like you is such a grandson!


    Superintendent Song and the old policeman wished that they could swear openly! Despite all their nning, they had never expected Zhang Ye to recite a poem, and it was such a poem!


    The heavy iron shackles ng at my feet?


    Iron shackles, your sister!


    It''s just a handcuff! And it was loose! All the people locked in the small, dark room basically received such a treatment!


    No matter how high you raise the whip?


    Whip, your sister! Where did we have a whip!? We didn''t eveny a finger on you!


    And that line about even if there is a bloodied bay by my chest?


    Bloodied, your grandma! Bay, your grandpa!


    Are you trying to malign our police station!?


    What do torture and beatings amount to?


    Who tortured you!?


    Even death has no means to open your mouth?


    Big Bro! My dear Bro!


    At most, you had deliberately caused harm! ording to this situation, you would at most be detained for fifteen days!


    Death?


    Death, your sister! You didn''t intentionally murder anyone!


    What sort of adjectives are you using? What adjectives are they?


    After a long time, the reporters were finally chased away.


    Superintendent Song andpany wiped their sweat and quickly brought Zhang Ye back to the small, dark room!


    ����


    Afternoon.


    The Beijing Times began selling!


    "Zhang Ye''s ''My Confession''" : This afternoon at the police station, our reporter witnessed the police taking Zhang Ye away. Under the flurry of verbal attacks by other reporters, Teacher Zhang said righteously in his own words a poem�� No matter how heavy the iron shackles ng at my feet, no matter how high you raise the whip, I have no confession�� The above was the poem''s original text. From this, we can tell that unless there was a great grievance and fury, how would a person be able to write such a poem? Together with the bruises on Zhang Ye''s body and the handcuff on his leg, we do not know what sort of unjust treatment Zhang Ye had endured in the police station. This matter will be followed up by our newspaper''s reporters!


    The other city tabloids also published an evening edition!


    "There are hidden facts behind Zhang Ye''s assault?"


    "The police station tortured Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    Of course, some of these tabloids were still discrediting Zhang Ye, writing him as being a heinous guy. They wrote that he hit others because of personal desires, or that he had taken a fancy to the female colleague!


    ����


    Jiaomen East.


    "Aunt, Zhang Ye was arrested!" Rao Chenchen said waving a newspaper.


    "This kid''s getting into trouble again?" Rao Aimin frowned. She grabbed the papers to take a look andughed, "Hur, this kid was already brought to the station, but still did not forget to write poems?"


    Chenchen said anxiously, "What to do? What to do!"


    Rao Aimin threw down the newspaper, "That rascal is smart; don''t worry about him."


    Chenchen pulled at Rao Aimin''s clothes and said, "Aunt, go and save him! Break him out of prison!"


    "You wench, you are so protective of your Uncle Zhang?" Rao Aimin was speechless. "Break into the prison? This is awful and orderly society. It does not matter if you have the skills. Besides, your Uncle Zhang was just brought in to assist in the investigations. He hasn''t been judged yet!"


    ����


    Caishikou.


    Zhang Ye''s house.


    An old neighbor knocked on the door and came in, "Old Zhang, things are bad. Your son was arrested!"


    "What? Little Ye was arrested?" Dad shook his head, "Impossible. My son is a Party member! He''sw-abiding!"


    A neighboring auntie threw them a Beijing Times newspaper, "Look at it yourself. It''s already in the newspapers!"


    Zhang Ye''s mom, who was cooking in the kitchen, rushed over. Seeing this, she was rmed, "Who dares to use my son? That bunch of bastards! And he even dared to beat my son?"


    Dad was also furious as he got up, "Let''s go! To the police station!"


    ����


    On the web, Zhang Ye''s "My Confession" had been spread!


    If it were anyone else''s poem, it might not have attracted that much attention. But this was a poem by the author Zhang Ye, who hadposed "Dead Water", "A Generation" and others like them. Whether it was ssical poetry or modern poetry, it would be anticipated highly. His least popr work even surpassed a million hits! You could imagine his poprity! Furthermore, "My Confession" was in a simr style as "Dead Water"! Everyone was even more interested!


    "Great! This poem''s absolutely great!"


    "Zhang Ye is truly talented! I''m convinced!"


    The Devil''s pce trembles from theughter? What a strong spirit! I am already beginning to like him! This person is so f**king charismatic!"


    "Especially thatst line. This is my, amunist member''s, confession. It''s so empowering!"


    "I feel that even though many people in the literary world do not acknowledge Zhang Ye, no one can deny that no one can match the literary value and the ability to speak to one''s heart in his works! Personally, I think amongst all of Zhang Ye''s poems, this is the best!"


    "Right. Especially this Confession. I stood up just from reading it. I never felt my body''s blood surge from reading a poem!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye must have definitely been framed! Look at the mass deletion of threads on several forums. Isn''t it clear? Someone is trying to entrap Zhang Ye! It was thest straw when Teacher Zhang Ye issued his angry roaring sound, feeling the senselessness in this! That bunch of people are too much!"


    "Let''s go! Let''s post!"


    "That''s right! Count me in!"


    "I''ve prepared my clone ounts! If they delete the threads or ban us, let''s just carry on!"


    "Right! They delete one! We post ten! Let''s see if they are faster or if we are faster! I don''t believe this world has no justice! Teacher Zhang is a person who can go to such means for a fan. Would he do something illegal? Only a ghost would believe so! This must be insidiously done by someone! They are guiding the public opinion!"


    ����


    Inside Zhang Ye''s Nest Tieba.


    The otherizens were only angry. But when Zhang Ye''s fans saw the "My Confession", they were furious to the extreme!


    "Bastard!"


    "That bunch of bastards!"


    "Teacher Zhang is in trouble! Everyone quicklye!"


    A junior moderator posted, "Comrades, brothers. Everyone should already know what''s going on, so I won''t say anything else. I don''t even want to know the cause and course of the matter. All I see is that Teacher Zhang is in trouble! I ask all of you! When we fans were in trouble! Who reached out a helping hand!? Who was the one who dissipated all his wealth to pay the medical bills for a small fan?"


    "It''s Teacher Zhang!"


    "It''s Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    The junior moderator said angrily, "Right! It''s Teacher Zhang Ye! When a fan was in trouble, Teacher Zhang reached out his helping hand without any hesitation! Now that Teacher Zhang is in trouble, it is time for us to help him!"


    Big Saber Bro posted, "Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    The junior moderator said, "Big Saber Bro is here, too? Good! All the brothers have gathered. Big Saber Bro, this moderator who doesn''t bother about the board or bothers thinking, please lead everyone to the various Tieba forums, Weibo and other public media sites and post Teacher Zhang Ye''s poem! Let''s seek justice for Teacher Zhang!"


    "I''m going!"


    "Count me in!"


    "There''s me, too! I''m going all out!"


    "They deleted a thread! I''ll f**king post a hundred!"


    "That''s right! Let''s see if they have more people or if we have more people! I refuse to believe we have less manpower!"

 Chapter 157: Another “Prisoner’s Song”!

    <h4>Chapter 157: Another ��Prisoner��s Song��! </h4>


    Chapter 157: Another "Prisoner''s Song"!


    There were discussions so intense that they could overturn the heavens outside.


    Yet the small, dark room in the police station was quiet.


    It was almost time for dinner, but Zhang Ye had eaten quite a lot for lunch. He had nearly finished everything from the three dishes and the soup. He was still even burping now.


    There were two others in the room. One was the old policeman, and the other was Superintendent Song.


    The old policeman''s face was a bit ck, "Zhang Ye! Who allowed you to say such a poem?"


    Zhang Ye was amused, "I was suddenly inspired, and said it however I wanted to say it. Do I need someone''s permission to write a poem?"


    Superintendent Song angrily mmed the table three consecutive times, "But the poem youposed does not match the actual situation! It''spletely fabricated and meant to incriminate!"


    Hur Hur.


    All of you should know what it means to incriminate, right?


    Zhang Ye said with a dumb face, "No, I didn''t? How would I dare to incriminate a state vessel. I was just inspired topose a poem, and it had no other meaning. Do you know what art is? Do you know what literature is? This is all drawn from life and on a realm higher than life. It requires proper artistic embellishment!"


    The old policeman angrily said, "But you made us appear to be in the wrong!"


    Zhang Ye looked at him, "It is you who first made me appear to be in the wrong, alright? Ask your conscience, were you objective in your investigations from before? Are your asses still upright? From the beginning, you have already decided on my guilt, and you did not care if I was acting bravely for a just cause, so I had nothing I could do. I just casually recited a poem to express my emotions. The powerful can do whatever they want, but the weak are not allowed to do anything?"


    "You��" The old policeman was so angry that he stood up.


    Superintendent Song was also angered by Zhang Ye''s attitude. Before he entered the small, dark room, Superintendent Song had received a few calls from the main branch''s Leader, inquiring about the matter''s origins and the situation. He was even given a scolding, which made Superintendent Song feel very restrained. Also, he had looked at the inte.


    It was fine if he did not know, but just looking at him scared him out of his wits. The inte and Beijing''s area werepletely stered with Zhang Ye''s matter. He did not know where so many people came from who were helping seek justice for Zhang Ye. They were even shouting for the police station to immediately let him go.


    Zhang Ye was, after all, a public figure. And the news of him saving a fan''s life had was still fresh in people''s minds, so they were still focused on him. Now, with this matter suddenly jumping out of nowhere, the attention people paid to Zhang Ye was once again extended! Hence, their police station had immediately been thrust to the forefront of a wave! All of Beijing''s citizens'' eyes were instantly on them! The people were seeing how they would handle the matter!


    A prickly person?


    Trying to be a scoundrel?


    I sure wasn''t afraid of that!


    Superintendent Song was enraged by Zhang Ye and did not turn generous toward Zhang Ye. He even wanted to teach Zhang Ye a lesson, "Regardless of what you say, we will still do our investigations. We will do it in an official manner. Do not think that we will do things in ax manner, just because you are public figure. It is precisely because you are a celebrity which is why we are extremely strict with you. This is because your every action is something of the people''s concern. You are responsible to set an exemry model."


    Zhang Yeughed, "Then my exemry model is to admit that I am innocent?"


    "You are innocent?" Superintendent Song stared, "Then let me ask you! Who beat up Wang Cen?"


    Zhang Ye answered back sarcastically in an unrelenting manner, "Then let me ask you! Why did I beat Wang Cen?"


    Superintendent Song said, "He was beaten by you and has been hospitalized. You have broken aw, so whatever you say is useless! Let me tell you, Zhang Ye! I''ve seen all sorts of hooligans! You are not an exception! If you confess the truth fully right now, we can still negotiate and reduce your punishment! Your parents are already here. If you don''t want to think for yourself, you should at least think for your parents. Are you letting them stay outside, feeling worried and fear for you? Be honest and speak the truth! Or you will suffer the consequences!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Then I really want to see how you will make me suffer the consequences!"


    Superintendent Song said coldly, "Don''t think that you will be saved just because you have a few fans! Thew is watching you!"


    Zhang Ye also looked at him, "Don''t think that because you are in a police uniform that it means you can knowingly vite thew! The citizens are watching you!"


    "You fuc��" Superintendent Song nearly swore, but quickly stopped himself. He took a deep breath to calm himself. It was too infuriating! This Zhang was too infuriating, "Fine. You are a broadcasting host, so people like us cannot cross words with you. But don''t think of leaving! Have some self-reflection in this tiny, dark room! When you decide to admit your mistake,e look for me! I''ll be waiting for you in my office!"


    Zhang Yeughed without a word.


    The old policeman said, "Superintendent, should we��"


    "Let''s go." Superintendent Song did not say anything else as he led him away.


    With a bang, the door was mmed shut from outside and locked tightly!


    Zhang Ye was left alone in the room. He sat on the floor and touched his pocket. His phone had also been confiscated, so there was nothing that he could do. He could only close his eyes to take a nap.


    Slowly.


    The sky turned dark.


    Many people had already gotten off work, and the police station was deserted.


    Zhang Ye could not fall asleep, so he opened his eyes again. At this moment, the door was opened.


    That old policeman walked in and threw a loaf of bread and a bottle of mineral water to him, "Have you decided on exining? If you say it, you will be given a lighter sentence!"


    Zhang Ye picked up the bread, "I''ve decided how to eat my meal."


    "Still being stubborn? Fine!" The old policeman closed the door and left. He did not believe that Zhang Ye could hold out and wanted to see how long a pampered celebrity couldst!


    Outside, the policewoman hade, too.


    "Little Lei, it''s almost time to get off work. Why are you here? You are not on duty today." The old policeman frowned.


    The policewoman ignored him and squeezed through, "I''m bringing food for Zhang Ye."


    "What? I''m here, and you still want to break the rules?" The old policeman reprimanded, "As a member of the police force, how can you deliver food to the criminal?"


    "Who''s the criminal? The investigations aren''t clear yet!" the policewoman said unyieldingly.


    The old policeman said, "I already gave him his meal. You don''t have to care!"


    The policewoman stared with her eyes wide open, "You call that crappy bread a meal?"


    "Everyone who goes there eats that, right?" the old policeman said unhappily.


    Zhang Ye very naturally broke the bread and said to the policewoman outside, "Comrade Little Lei, it''s alright. The bread smells pretty fragrant. Let me try it." He tore open the wrapping and pinched it. It was a bit hard, "Hey, is this is French bread?" Lowering his head to bite at it, Zhang Ye then said with a pleased expression, "Ha, who knew our police station''s food was so good? The bread is so delicious! Where do you buy it from? Next time when I go out, I''ll buy a box of it. The taste is really good. Yes, so fragrant!"


    The old policeman was shocked. Even this was delicious? He felt that Zhang Ye was being stubborn. Disregarding a celebrity like him, even a typical thief or burr could not put up with their food!


    But in reality, Zhang Ye did find it delicious because he grew up poor. The old policeman thought he was pampered? That was actually bullsh*t. Zhang Ye didn''t even get to drink milk when he was in elementary school, or else why would he be this short? After earning money, Zhang Ye was still not very particr about food. He was already used to a tough and simple life.


    Ignoring everything else and talking about instant noodles, if it was someone else, who could eat instant noodles for a whole week and swallow it down? Zhang Ye could! He was not picky with food. Besides, this fellow was recently short of money, and since this ce settled his meals, he was of course happy to have something to eat.


    The old policeman refused to have his beliefs shaken as he stared through the window for a long time.


    However, Zhang Ye really happily finished the entire bread, and finally, he even poured all of the bread crumbs in the bag into his mouth.


    The policewoman was impressed. As expected of Teacher Zhang Ye!


    The old policeman did not say a word about that, "Let''s go. It''s time to go home!"


    ����


    8 P.M.


    Zhang Ye knew he had to spend the night here. They were not letting him go, right? They were trying to force a confession from me? Fine, it looks like the "My Confession" was still not powerful enough. Your police station''s resistance sure is strong. With that, Zhang Ye stood up, having eaten and drunk his fill. Looking around, he found an extremely tiny stone on the ground. He picked it up and checked it. It was passable.


    Suddenly, argemotion came from outside the door!


    "Policemen, please ept our interview!"


    "May we know where Zhang Ye is locked up at the moment? Let us in!"


    "We want to interview Teacher Zhang! Our newspaper has already submitted an application for an interview!"


    The reporters had arrived once again. From the sounds, there were probably more than two to three times the number of people than in the afternoon. Also there were even video cameras. Even people from the television stations hade!


    Zhang Ye understood that it was definitely a result of "My Confession" from the afternoon. It had garnered public interest. They were here just in time!


    The few policemen on duty tried to block the reporters.


    "Why are all of you here again?"


    "And to forcefully barge in? Do you believe that we won''t arrest all of you?"


    "The interview request has not been approved by the Leader! All of you, get out!"


    The three policemen clearly could not stop more than twenty reporters, as the reporters charged in. "Where''s Zhang Ye? Where is Zhang Ye locked up at? Ah! Over there! Over there! He seems to be writing something! Quickly video it!"


    There was amp in the small, dark room. Despite it being not bright, it was enough for people to see.


    Zhang Ye knew that the reporters were standing outside the door. He could not help but use the small stone, and he faced the wall while having his eyes closed to gather his mood. Suddenly, he opened his eyes and wrote two words on the wall with the stone, "Prisoner''s Song"!


    You want me to exin?


    You will judge me once I exin?


    I can leave once I lower my head?


    Zhang Ye sneered and then wrote forcefully on the wall:


    Shut are the doors for humans,


    Open is the entrance of a dog''s cage,


    A high-pitched sound is heard:


    crawl out and freedom will be granted!


    I''ve been longing for liberty,


    However, I am acutely aware


    that a human body should never ever crawl out from a dog''s cage!


    I have a dream that one day


    the fierce fire from the underground


    will consume the contained me,


    And I shall live with fire and warm blood ever after!


    ����


    Every word seemed to be filled with extreme anger! It was the same with "My Confession"! It also contained a dauntless spiritual essence that was not afraid in the face of death!


    Zhang Ye had eaten calligraphy skill books, so even though he was writing with a stone, the words were very well-written. Every word was written in wide strokes!


    It looked like a letter written in blood, causing people to feel shock!


    The reporters seethed with excitement once again, "Hurry! Hurry! Snap it!"


    "Where''s the light?"


    "It''s too dark! Turn on the lights!"


    "The people holding the lights have been intercepted by the police!"


    "Let''s use our cell phones to illuminate it! Hurry! We must film it!"


    "Right, our cell phones have shlights!"


    At this moment, the reporters worked together in unison. The reason was that a famous poem had appeared once again, "Prisoner''s Song"!

 Chapter 158: That Zhang Ye is Writing a Poem Again?

    <h4>Chapter 158: That Zhang Ye is Writing a Poem Again? </h4>


    Chapter 158: That Zhang Ye is Writing a Poem Again?


    In the endless night sky.


    It was 9 P.M.


    Superintendent Song, who had tired himself all day, finally reached home. The moment that he entered his house, he said, "Hurry and make me a bowl of noodles. I can''t take it anymore. I''m starving!"


    His wife came out to give him a pair of slippers, "You haven''t eaten?"


    "I didn''t have the time." Superintendent Song sighed, "A troublesome figure came in today. I was busying myself on this small case the entire day. I ran around to do all that, all for what? That Wang Shuixin. I''m definitely not helping him in the future. It''s a thankless, arduous task. If I don''t do it well, I''ll get into big trouble. Thankfully, I can still handle some of that stress, and it''s also giving Old Wang some face." Superintendent Songughed and bragged to his wife, "After all, I have been working on the police force for more than a decade. I still can handle the pressure from Zhang Ye!"


    His wife disagreed, "I saw the news, too. I think that Zhang Ye is quite a nice person. Don''t make an uproar with him. You mustn''t take things too far."


    Superintendent Song was at a loss of whether tough or to cry, "I make an uproar with him? I just need to say a sentence, and he would be dying to retort with ten sentences. And every single sentence pricks a person''s heart, preventing anyone from answering. I''m telling you, just that Zhang Ye''s mouth makes me not feel like talking about it, but I believe that even a corpse could be revived using his mouth. Now, as long as I see him move that mouth of his, I get a headache. You may not know about himing up with some "My Confession" in front of so many reporters at the yard of our police station. The branch Leader even gave me a scolding on the phone after seeing the news. He med me for not doing things well! Tell me, who did I offend? In the future, I''ll never speak to people who are in the broadcasting or literature business. Their mouths are too vicious! Being a policeman for so many years, I have never seen a person who debates so well."


    His wife went to the kitchen to prepare noodles for him, "Since he''s troublesome, why did you arrest him? It''s not a big deal either. If it were me, I would have let him go and that would be it."


    "But he did beat someone, and had done so quite badly." Superintendent Song consoled, "Don''t worry, I''m just helping Old Wang. I have a sense of propriety. If Old Wang really wants me to help his son right a wrong, I wouldn''t even agree. How can I not settle this problem properly?"


    "Yeah, yeah, only you are the one who''s awesome." His wifeughed with a curled mouth.


    "Indeed." Superintendent Song sat at the dining table, waiting for his meal, "Who do you think I, Old Song, am? Do you think a single Zhang Ye like him can��"


    Ring, ring, ring.


    The phone rang.


    Superintendent Song smacked his mouth and picked up the phone, "Little Sun, I just came home and haven''t even gotten to eating a warm meal. Why did you call again? What happened again?"


    The other side was a junior policeman''s voice, "Superintendent! Not good! The reporters came again! This time, there''re tens of them! We can''t even stop them! There are too few people on duty!"


    Superintendent Song said, "Just throw all of them out. Is there a need to tell you that?"


    "B��But��" The junior policeman was on the verge of tears, "That Zhang Ye, he, he wrote another poem again!"


    "What? Repeat that again!" Superintendent Song nearly fell off from his chair when he heard it!


    "He wrote a poem again. This time, he wrote it on the small, dark room''s wall with a stone." The junior policeman hurriedly said, "It''s�� It''s called ''Prisoner''s Song''!"


    Superintendent Song said angrily, "How was it written? Quickly repeat it to me!"


    The junior policeman said, "I can''t remember it all. The deepest impression I had was of the first two sentences, ''Shut are the doors for humans, open is the entrance of a dog''s cage�� Now, the reporters have taken pictures of the poem on the wall! Some of them have even returned to their offices! It seems that they are going to report it!"


    Superintendent Song may be a boor, but these days, few in the civil service were illiterate. He had gone through the education system and knew a bit of literature, hence when Superintendent Song heard the first two lines, he cursed in his heart. He only wished that he could curse all of Zhang Ye''s eighteen generations of ancestors. He immediately said, "Hold the ground! I''ll be there immediately!" Then he shouted into the kitchen, "There''s no need to cook the noodles. I''m leaving!"


    His wife came out, surprised, "I''ve already boiled the water. Leave after you eat."


    "What is there to eat!" Superintendent Song wished that he could die, "I encountered a darn hooligan! I got eight generations of bad luck! In the past, people said that eight out of ten schrs were hooligans! I didn''t believe it! But now, I instead feel that ten out of ten schrs are f**king hooligans!"


    His wife asked, "Is it that Zhang Ye''s matter again?"


    Superintendent Song said, "Of course! He wrote a poem again!"


    His wife said, "Didn''t I already say it? You should not have arrested him! He''s such a good person!"


    ����


    On the web.


    Zhang Ye''s "Prisoner''s Song" was first published on a tabloid''s official website. They could not wait for it to be published the next day, as it would definitely be published by someone first! Sure enough, following that, several of Beijing''s newspapers began to publish "Prisoner''s Song" and even included pictures. Every newspaper''s pictures were different. Some were taken from the side, some were diagonally taken. Some were bright and some were dark. In the end, it was still Beijing Times, which had the biggest distribution in Beijing, that had the highest quality with their employees. The photography skills were excellent, and the picture they published was very clear and had a great feeling to it.


    The picture gave off a tragic atmosphere!


    Zhang Ye''s foot was cuffed and he had reached out, using a small stone to write thest period for "Prisoner''s Song" on the wall. In front of him, none of the text of "Prisoner''s Song" was blocked. It was presented clearly, and with the dim lighting, and that empty, small, dark room, the entire atmosphere matched that poem perfectly!


    "They still haven''t released him?"


    "This is too infuriating! This is too infuriating!"


    "What a good ''Prisoner''s Song''! What a good shall live with fire and warm blood ever after!"


    "Open is the entrance of a dog''s cage? They want to make Teacher Zhang lower his head and beg for mercy? Dream on!"


    "After seeing that ''Prisoner''s Song'', I was enraged! Teacher Zhang! You should not live in the fire for eternity! But you should let those people suffer in the fires for all eternity!"


    For this matter, many celebrities and public figures were conservative with their words. Some of them even didn''t make anyment or express a stand, as no one knew what had really happened. If they did not say something right, they might be pulled into this matter. Was there ack of such matters in the entertainment industry? However, after "My Confession" and "Prisoner''s Song" was released, a very prestigious person in the literary circle spoke out!


    It was Elder Qian!


    The Elder Qian who had made an acquaintance with Zhang Ye at the Beijing Couplet Competition and had strongly rmended his entry into the National Writers'' Association!


    Elder Qian posted on Weibo, "What sort of environment can force a person to write a poem of such despair? And what sort ofnd could raise such a fearless person? I am not very familiar with Little Zhang, but I know him as a person. I also dare to be sure of his character. If the police station is rejecting Little Zhang on this matter, then it must be a ridiculous joke. A person, who can take out all his savings and even borrow money just to raise funds to pay for his fan''s surgery, will beat up someone because of his personal desires or for no good reason? Whose intelligence is the police station insulting? Ever since Little Zhang''s message, it has already been ten hours. Have you not obtained a result from your investigations? You still haven''t announced the actual reason?"


    "Teacher Qian has stood forward!"


    "Right. Well said. Supporting Teacher Zhang!"


    "Strongly appealing to the police station to release him! You should arrest that culprit who had molested a woman and still wanted to beat someone! And not Teacher Zhang!"


    "No one is answering?"


    "The police station is pretending not to see it?"


    "Fine. Brothers, let''s carry on posting. This time, we will add ''Prisoner''s Song'' to it. It will be posted once on every Tieba and discussion forum�� No, a hundred times! I don''t believe that the relevant authorities will not see it! I don''t believe that this world is one with no justice! Anyone who has a little conscience, please push the two poems to the top!"


    "Propping!"


    "Count me in!"


    "I am the moderator of City Forum, Beijing edition, and have stickied it at the most prominent spot!"


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s hardcore fan, Big Saber Bro, posted a picture on Weibo and added a message, "I have already posted it on all of thement pages andint pages of Beijing''s official websites, such as the public safety department, branch departments, and station departments. Who has the link to the official website of the Commission for Discipline Inspection? I''m toozy to check. Give it to me in private chat. I''ll carry on smearing the boards with Teacher Zhang''s poems. Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    "Holy sh*t, so fierce?"


    "Big Saber Bro hasbat power!"


    "Once the Big Saber appears, who can challenge it!"


    "Haha, that''s so coquettish! Big Saber Bro is still the same as ever!"


    "As expected of the Big Saberrade who has the strongestbat power in Zhang Ye''s fan club!"


    "Right, only Big Saber Bro has a broad mind. We should not be restricted to forums and Tieba. We should smear the boards of governmental websites! We must make the matter big! Let those Leaders all know of the unjust treatment Teacher Zhang Ye has received! I don''t believe that no one will care about this matter to the end! Teacher Zhang Ye is nice to us fans, so how can we flinch when he is in trouble! This is the best chance for us to repay Teacher Zhang Ye! So what about governmental websites? Kill!"


    "Right! Attack!"


    "Who''s afraid of who!"


    "I''m going all out, too!"


    "Big Saber Bro, I have private messaged you the Commission for Discipline Inspection website. Please check!"


    "Give it to me, too! Do you still remember the words Teacher Zhang Ye gave to our fan club? If you do not leave me, I will always be at your side until the end of life? This was a promise Teacher Zhang Ye gave to us! It is also a promise we made to Teacher Zhang Ye! Never leaving! Everyone, let''s fight shoulder to shoulder!"


    "Alright! That was done too well!"


    "Never leaving! Always be at your side until the end of life!"


    "We will return the debt owed by Number1 for her!"


    "Brothers, what are we waiting for!? Teacher Zhang Ye has already used ''Prisoner''s Song'' to express how he doesn''t fear death! It is time for us to use our strengths!"


    Suddenly, there were voices from others.


    A person called FloatingRain said, "Friends, I''m not a member of Zhang Ye''s fan club. Can I join?"


    Another person called CHAIDJD44 said, "That''s right. I also didn''t previously join the fan club. Seeing that your cohesion is so high, is it toote to join now? Count me in for smearing the boards!"


    A junior moderator of Zhang Ye''s fan club said, "All men are brothers! What do you mean, te''? What do you mean, ''can you join''? This is like a stranger''s words. We are thankful if everyone supports Teacher Zhang Ye, and we can''t be more thankful than that! Everyone is a Brother! Let''s fight together!"


    "Alright, count me, Old Chen, in!"


    "Me, too. Let me feel my blood boil today!"


    "I also want to join your fan club! I''ll listen to yourmands!"


    Many onlookers joined in the fray. There was nothing else, but they were moved seeing all this. The words exchanged by Zhang Ye''s fan club made their blood surge. They had never seen such a united fan club. There weren''t that many people, but they were like strands forming cohesively into a rope! None of them flinched! Not a single one felt fear! They were all thinking of ways to help Teacher Zhang Ye in a single-minded fashion, as well as contributing their tiny bit of strength! They did not hide and watch the show! To these people, this was probably Zhang Ye''s personal charm!


    This was the charm from Zhang Ye''s works!


    It was even more so the charm of his personality!


    Zhang Ye gave his heart to his fans! To the point of dissipating all of his wealth!


    Now, the fans would naturally repay him wholeheartedly. This scene touched many people!


    Hence, about 3,500 people started to follow the "Zhang Ye''s Nest" on Tieba, which also meant them joining Zhang Ye''s fan club, bing one of its members!

 Chapter 159: The Heavenly Queen gives Zhang Ye a “Like” on Weibo!

    <h4>Chapter 159: The Heavenly Queen gives Zhang Ye a ��Like�� on Weibo! </h4>


    Chapter 159: The Heavenly Queen gives Zhang Ye a "Like" on Weibo!


    What was united we stand?


    This was united we stand!


    On every discussion forum, Tieba and every government website, there were traces of Zhang Ye''s fans. His Tieba subscribers only numbered in the tens of thousands, so on this night, those who were online and could help only numbered in the thousands. At its highest peak, it numbered around 10,000 at most. But it was these supporters who were stationed on several of therger discussion forums which were deleting and censoring their threads, fighting back by posting more threads until the top pages were flooded by their posts!


    This fighting spirit and cohesiveness were too great!


    Some of therger Tiebas which numbered in the hundreds of thousands did not even have this ability!


    Those Tieba subscribers were great when things were going well, but if something were to happen and the group needed their support, a majority of them would disappear. Only a few would be left to fight the battles. But this wasn''t the case for Zhang Ye''s fans, as almost every one of those online were fighters!


    "This fan club is too passionate!"


    "That''s right; it''s as passionate as Zhang Ye''s poetry!"


    "Seeing this, I can''t sit around anymore; I''ve gotta help!"


    "Yes, they don''t have too many people, after all. If this goes on, there won''t be much effect!"


    Many of Zhang Ye''s ex-colleagues from the Beijing Radio Station also appeared on their verified Weibo ounts!


    Wang Xiaomei posted on Weibo, Zhao Guozhou responded to Zhang Ye''s poem, while Big Sis Zhou and Auntie Sun stepped up, too! Tian Bin, who was now at Central Radio Station, also posted an emotional and angry statement through his Weibo!


    His colleagues and friends all supported Zhang Ye, each in their own way!


    ����


    A few minutester.


    A moderator from the SS Tieba also posted a thread. This SS Tieba was the hottest FPS game forum these days, and its subscribers numbered over 300,000, many more than Zhang Ye''s fan club. As it was, gamers from an FPS game were naturally more hot-blooded and angry.


    That moderator was one of them!


    He wrote, "Brothers of the SS Tieba, after a discussion with the moderators and administrators, we are angry over an incident that happened today. It''s the case of Teacher Zhang Ye''s arrest. I am a fan of Zhang Ye and I like his poems very much. Perhaps those not from Beijing have never heard of Zhang Ye''s name. So even though I am a moderator, I do not wish to make the decision for everyone; we would like everyone''s view instead. I will post the key point of this incident and have a vote about whether we will help in this matter or not!"


    A few links were posted!


    A few pictures were also posted!


    After viewing, many of them were angered!


    "Holy sh*t!"


    "Is it this messy over at Beijing?"


    "How did this kind of thing happen? Such a good person was arrested? And not even let out yet?"


    "That person was harassing a woman! Why did they arrest Zhang Ye instead! Are the police crazy?"


    "The discussion forums are even deleting threads? In my opinion, there''s someone behind the scenes, manipting the matter!"


    "So what if he''s the son of television station''s Leader? Can he misbehave just because of that? And he can''t take a beating because of that? What the heck! Zhang Ye served justice!"


    "These two poems were written too awesomely!"


    "So this is who Zhang Ye is? I have not watched his programs before, and I don''t live in Beijing either. But I have read his poems on the web; they are really quite good!"


    The moderator asked, "Does everyone think we should help or not?"


    "Help!"


    "F**k! We definitely must help!"


    "Zhang Ye''s fan club''s guys are really brave! I saw them flooding those forums! Even though they were deleted, they continued to repost. I can feel their anger; even I can''t let this pass. Help them! They don''t have enough people! Their strength is not enough! We must definitely help!"


    "Right! Support them!"


    "Let''s agree to support ''Zhang Ye''s Nest'' Tieba!"


    "There''s no two ways about it! We definitely must help on such a matter!"


    "I''ve just finished a round and have nothing better to do! Let me help out, too!"


    "We can''t let them battle alone!"


    SS Tieba''s members all leaned towards helping Zhang Ye''s fan club. Their sense of justice was high as they all prepared to lend some support to his fan club!


    The Tieba moderator acknowledged and immediately sent out a post announcing, "In response to Teacher Zhang Ye''s arrest, and with everyone''s approval, SS Tieba has decided to immediately give support to Zhang Ye''s fan club and help them with manpower and resources to seek justice for Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    A screenshot of the post was then quickly posted onto Weibo.


    Zhang Ye''s fan club members who saw the post were touched!


    "Men of SS Tieba! Thank you!"


    "Words can''t express our gratitude! If you all need any help in the future, just say it!"


    "We will always remember this kindness! We will repay it a hundredfold in future!"


    "A friend is best found in adversity! From now, any problem of SS Tieba will be the business of our Zhang Ye''s fan club!"


    The SS Tieba moderator replied "Don''t mention it! Let''s delegate the duties. Your group has less people, so you all should concentrate on the forums. We are more experienced with Tieba, since we''ve been around here for so many years. Our SS Tieba has got contacts in many ces, so let us handle the Tieba front! Let''s bombard Beijing Television Station''s Tieba! As for the other Tieba pages, let''s split up and go break the news to them! We need to let more people know of this incident!"


    A moderator from Zhang Ye''s fan club said, "Okay! Let''s split up and get to work!"


    With the sudden surge of supporters from SS Tieba, the news of Zhang Ye''s arrest captured the inte within a few minutes. Many of the discussion forums did not manage to delete the threads in time. The posts were sprouting like weeds in the spring wind and this helped to further attract attention on the incident!


    Soon after.


    While Zhang Ye''s fans and SS Tieba''s members were busy with their spreading of the news of Zhang Ye''s arrest, an unexpected person made an unexpected move! This came totally out of the blue!


    This was one of the few S-list heavenly queens!


    This was the superstar with no less than 10 million fans, both domestic and overseas!


    It was not a studio, nor apany''s Weibo, but her own personal Weibo. This ount had actually Liked the "Prisoner''s Song" posted by the Beijing Times newspaper! After a minute, she still used her personal Weibo ount to Like another of Zhang Ye''s poems, "My Confession"!


    The first time could have been a coincidence, for she might have Liked it identally!


    But with two Likes, and was purposely on one person, this couldn''t be a coincidence!


    Zhang Ye''s fans were all stunned, and SS Tieba''s bros were all dumbfounded. All those who were observing were tongue tied. Everyone only had a thought. They felt it was.. impossible!


    "Is what I''m seeing right?"


    "It''s really happening!"


    "It''s really the Heavenly Queen''s Weibo ount!"


    "Holy shit! Even the Heavenly Queen has appeared!"


    "This is turning into something big!"


    "Zhang Ye''s news was even noticed by the Heavenly Queen?"


    Everyone knew that Zhang Yuanqi was a very friendly celebrity; she had no airs about her. Even those D-list or E-list celebrities weren''t as friendly as her. But she usually interacted more in person and did not often use social media like Weibo. Her poprity was already at the peak, so she did not need Weibo for her promotions. So whenever there were any posts that appeared on her Weibo, they were usually symbolic promotional materials; for example, the dates of her concerts, or the date hertest movie would screen. It was basically requested by herpany, and it was very rare that Heavenly Queen Zhang would interact with her fans on this tform!


    But to Like?


    And to Like two posts in a row?


    Zhang Yuanqi''s fans swore that they had never seen that happen before!


    Sister Zhang''s Weibo could actually Like posts? Sister Zhang actually reads news on Weibo? Everyone was not used to this, so they were a little stunned!


    After getting over it, they exploded with thoughts!


    All those who had supported Zhang Ye in this incident were now inspired!


    "The Heavenly Queen has pressed Like! Does this mean that she also supports the idea that the police should not have arrested him?"


    "How can that be? Was it someone else who used the Heavenly Queen''s ount, such as her manager or her assistant? The Heavenly Queen couldn''t have pressed Like! She''s a Heavenly Queen; she wouldn''t have time for this!"


    "But she did press Like!"


    "It''s definitely the Heavenly Queen who Liked it! Her personal ount can''t be essed by others! If it were her manager who wanted to publish any official information, they couldn''t possibly use her ount to press Like! She would have used her own ount, right?"


    "Good point!"


    "It''s really the Heavenly Queen?"


    "This is my closest experience with the Heavenly Queen!"


    After the unexpected moment, many of Zhang Yuanqi''s fans had now joined in the fun!


    "What poem is it that''s so charming? Even the Heavenly Queen likes it? Let me take a look!"


    "Aiyo, these two poems, who are they written by? So kickass, Zhang Ye? Who is this Zhang Ye?"


    "I don''t know him either, but his name sounds familiar. He might be a small-time celebrity, and is probably not very famous."


    "Looks like this Zhang Ye has some grievances. Otherwise, how could hepose two such earth-shattering poems? It really evokes thoughts when reading it!"


    "What shall we do?"


    "That should be needless to say! Let''s bump it up!"


    "Sister Zhang has already Liked it! How can we not Like it?"


    "Yes, let''s go along with Sister Zhang! We will go wherever Sister Zhang points us to!"


    "Haha, for something to be able to get the Heavenly Queen''s attention, we have to support it!"


    It was just two simple Likes without even mentioning anything, yet it had attracted millions of people to take notice. These people numbered many times more than those who had gathered from SS Tieba. This was the charm and poprity of Zhang Yuanqi. In this world, amongst the Heavenly Queens, Zhang Yuanqi was in the top two!


    "Let''s go; let''s support Zhang Ye together, too."


    "Although I don''t know who he is, for him to be able to attract Sister Zhang''s attention�� I believe he is not an ordinary person. I don''t care so much. Wherever Sister Zhang goes, I will go!"


    At this time, there were countless Likes and countless shares!


    Zhang Ye''s two poem-rted searches were now in the top 9 and 10 spots on the front page of Weibo. From this, it could be seen how strong Zhang Yuanqi''s fan club were!

 Chapter 160: We Aren’t Issued with Bayonets!

    <h4>Chapter 160: We Aren��t Issued with Bays! </h4>


    Chapter 160: We Aren''t Issued with Bays!


    The web was teeming with discussions!


    The pressure was increasing!


    Superintendent Song''s house was quite far from the station. His drive back to the station was also dyed quite a bit. This time, it was a phone call. He thought that it was a call from police station again. Just as he was about to give them a scolding, he saw from the side of his eyes the Caller ID and kept his mouth shut.


    "Chief Shen." Superintendent Song said politely.


    "Old Song! What mess did you create?" Chief Shen said in a low voice.


    Superintendent Song hurriedly exined, "I will take care of it. I guarantee it will be settled without a hitch!"


    Chief Shen rebutted angrily, "You will solve this? My ass! It has already exploded all over the web now! Everyone''s questioning your station! The branch''s website has been getting so much traffic! It almost crashed! This case has already captured the attention of the city''s people! You still can settle it? How are you going to settle it? Wasn''t this just an ordinary case of fighting? Why couldn''t your station even deal with this kind of a case? Look at what it has blown up into! Do you even know how much trouble this has caused? All of you have even caused the branch here to be activated! Even the superiors from the city''s Commission for Discipline Inspection have called us to question us! They sound like they want to take over the investigations!"


    "Ah? The Commission for Discipline Inspection?" Superintendent Song was dumbfounded, "That won''t be necessary, right? We were just following procedures. This case hasn''t been investigated thoroughly yet. That Zhang Ye really did beat someone up quite badly and the 24-hour custody period has not expired. This is all within the norm. We are��.."


    Chief Shen said, "Don''t exin it to me! Leave it for when the Commission for Discipline Inspection board questions you!"


    "Don''t be like this, Chief Shen!" Superintendent Song was anxious, "Let''s not bother the Commission for Discipline Inspection department!"


    "I still have the same words - don''t exin it to me!" Chief Shen said, "It''s spreading now on the web that your station had forced a confession, tortured him and even used a bay!"


    Superintendent Song nearly fainted, "That''s not true! Chief Shen, I swear to God that''s not true! That poem of Zhang Ye''s is full of sh*t! No such thing happened at all!"


    Chief Shen said, "But the people take it to be the truth! Everyone is spreading it as such!"


    Superintendent Song was almost crying, "We have really been framed! That Zhang Ye! He''s too wicked!"


    "The branch''s other Leaders also know about this case. Old Song, if you insist on doing it your way, even I won''t be able to stand up for you! Do as you see fit!" Chief Shen obviously knew about this case, "I can''t be bothered anymore! A hooligan who tried to attack others, even if he was beaten up, so be it! It''s not like there were serious injuries, right? Why are you arresting the Good Samaritan instead? The station''s procedures for handling cases need to consider thew and following the will of thew, but where did thewse from? Thew can be viewed as a form of service for the people! Therefore, it has to take into consideration the people''s feelings, too! That''s it, I''m not talking to you anymore! I''ve said all that I could! If you don''t have the abilities to handle this case, then alright, scram! I will ask someone more capable to handle it!"


    Du du, the phone was cut off!


    "Don''t, Chief Shen, Chief Shen��." Superintendent Song was sweating by now. He knew that he had gotten into big trouble now. No, it wasn''t him who caused it. It was Zhang Ye who caused all these troubles!


    At this moment, Superintendent Song only wanted to curse at Wang Shuixin 10,000 times! Just as Superintendent Song had told his wife, he was only helping a friend within thews. Zhang Ye''s behavior and actions, as long as they was tolerable, they could close an eye regarding the matter. But if they had to be strict, ording to thew, they could still hold him in custody for a few days. Therefore, Superintendent Song did not have any pressure. Even if there was any pressure, he could still handle it. But now, Superintendent Song obviously could not handle it!


    The Commission for Discipline Inspection wanted to take over?


    The whole city was paying attention to the case?


    The branch Leaders were also keeping an eye on them?


    Superintendent Song could only feel cold sweat on his back, and his uniform was all wet. This wouldn''t do. He had to quickly handle this. Otherwise, he might really be sacked. He sped up quickly towards the station!


    ����


    10 P.M.


    It was alreadyte at night.


    However, the station was brightly lit. A few of the spotlights were also switched on. The on-duty policemen also increased from 3-4 to over 10 of them. They knew that something had happened here, so those who were off duty had returned to help with controlling the reporters. They were now kept out with barriers in the courtyard at the back gate.


    A car arrived. The door opened.


    "Superintendent Song!"


    "Superintendent, you''re finally here!"


    "What do we do now? I''ve seen the situation on the inte��.."


    "There are too many reporters outside. A wave of them just left, but another wave has arrived. They are blocking the gate. The back gate and the front gates are full of reporters!"


    "Superintendent, our station''s ''famous'' now. When I was taking the public bus here, I was on the phone regarding a previous case and when I said that I was from this police station, a few people overheard me. They were all looking at me with contempt. That feeling was so burdensome and I didn''t dare raise my head until I got off! Who do you think we offended?"


    When Superintendent Song arrived, everyone wasining.


    "Where''s Zhang Ye?" Superintendent Song asked directly.


    Old Zhao pointed over to the other side, "Still in the dark room."


    Superintendent Song did not answer their questions. Instead, he walked straight toward that room.


    He pulled open the door and saw Zhang Ye sitting down, holding the cuffs on his legs, He was idly humming a song like nothing had happened.


    "Superintendent Song?" Zhang Ye looked up.


    A few policemen also followed over. They wanted to see how Superintendent Song would handle this. It was Zhang Ye''s two poems that had caused all the trouble. With Superintendent Song''s hot temper, he would be crazy if he didn''t get mad! Sure enough, Superintendent Song shouted out. But what they did not expect was that the shout was directed at them, not Zhang Ye!


    "Who cuffed up Teacher Zhang Ye? Eh? Who was it!" Superintendent Song face was full of anger. He pointed at the policemen, "Who was it? Stand forward now!"


    Everyone was confused!


    A policeman nearly vomited blood. Superintendent Song! Wasn''t it you who asked us to cuff him up?


    Superintendent Song angrily mmed his fist on the table in the dark room, "Are you all rebelling? Eh? Do you all even care that I am your Superintendent?" Then, he pointed towards Zhang Ye who was seated on the floor, "Do you know who this is? Do you? This is one of the famous writers in Beijing! A writer! And a historian! Such a prestigious teacher! How could you all beat him? And even put cuffs on him? How do you all handle things around here? Eh? Are you not trying to drive me to the grave!"


    Old Zhao, "����."


    The policewoman, "������."


    The policemen were all unsure of what was going on!


    Superintendent Song shouted, "What are you all looking at me for? Quickly take the cuffs off Teacher Zhang Ye! What are you waiting for!"


    A junior policeman quickly came forward, "Let me do it, let me do it!"


    When the cuffs were off, Superintendent Song continued, "I''ve only been away for a short while! And you guys have already caused such a big mess! How many times have I told you all! To a venerable person like Teacher Zhang Ye, you have to be respectful and courteous! But see what you all did? Did you just ignore my words? Instead of treating Teacher Zhang Ye properly, all of you cuffed him up instead?" Superintendent Song said disappointedly, knocking his clenched fist on the table, "I am bitterly disappointed! I''m really disappointed in all of you!"


    Zhang Ye was venerable?


    You want us to treat him with respect and courteously?


    F**k, when did you tell us that!


    Seeing Superintendent Song like totally a different man now, with that air of righteousness, made Zhang Ye, who was still seated there, speechless. The small table looked like it was about to copse from his knocking. The table''s four legs looked like they were now embedded in the crumbling cement floor!


    "Go! Go away, all of you. You guys are a sore sight!" Superintendent Song chased away the group of policemen.


    When they left, Superintendent Song quickly helped Zhang Ye up. "Teacher Zhang, sorry to have let you suffered. I did not teach my men well; please quickly get up."


    Zhang Ye got up and patted off the dust on his butt.


    Superintendent Song looked at him, "But Teacher Zhang, I feel that you are not particr. You were really not particr. What whip? What bay? Speak with your conscience. Have wey a finger on you ever since you came? We didn''t! But your poem was written with those descriptions, like torture? I really feel that you are a little not particr!"


    Zhang Ye casually said, "Those are artistic embellishments. Actually, I didn''t mean to be sarcastic. It was just a stroke of inspiration, and it had nothing to do with you all."


    Superintendent Song was at a loss to cry orugh, "But the public believes it. Everyone''s saying that we used torture on you. Don''t you feel that we have been maligned? Right?"


    Zhang Ye threw up his arms, "But I am a literary person; I don''t care how others look at it."


    "Look at you. We can talk this out. Actually, we weren''t intending to press any criminal charges against you. Such a Good Samaritan''s acts are good! This act should be strongly encouraged and publicized!" Superintendent Song said sternly, "We would keep you in custody? That''s impossible! We were just going by the book by bringing you back for the investigations to show everyone. Look, you must have been mistaken about us!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh, really?"


    "Yes, really." Superintendent Song looked up at the writing on the wall, which was "Prisoner''s Song", "And this poem, aiyo, who would dare not let you out? We would open the door for you toe and go anytime. Whoever dares to stop you is asking for it from me, Old Song! What ''I shall live with fire and warm blood ever after''? That''s not necessary. Your words are too strong, too strong! Teacher Zhang, you can go back now. Let me send you home!"


    Zhang Ye knew that his poem had caused amotion, so he was not in a rush, "It''s okay, Superintendent Song. I''m happy to be here. I understand your job. As a citizen, I have the duty to cooperate. I will wait until the investigations are done."


    Superintendent Song hurriedly said, "Don''t. How can we do that? The environment here is so bad; it''s not suitable for a man of your stature. I will get someone to send you back!"


    Zhang Ye dismissively waved it off, "It''s pretty good here. You''re overthinking it, Superintendent Song. I can write some stuff here andpose some more poetry. It''s not that boring at all." Having said that, Zhang Ye looked down as if he was looking for something. He saw the broken cement and mud pieces at the foot of the table and went over to pick it up!


    When Superintendent Song saw this, he nearly felt his spirit escape from his body. He rushed forward, "No! Teacher Zhang! If you have something to say, let''s talk! Let''s have a good talk! Please, don''t you write a poem!"


    Two poems had already caused chaos to their police station. And you still want to write? Do you really still want to write?


    "Someone! Someone,e here quickly!" Superintendent Song shouted.


    The old policeman pushed the door and entered, "Superintendent, what''s the matter?"


    As Superintendent Song pulled on Zhang Ye, he pointed to the floor, "Quickly clean the gravel on the ground! Sweep them all away! Don''t leave any behind!"


    The old policeman wiped his sweat, "Alright!"


    Zhang Ye was speechless, "What are you doing? I''m just writing a poem, and just writing a few words to relieve my boredom."


    "Teacher Zhang! You are wanting our lives! Don''t write. Please don''t write!" Superintendent Song noticed that the old policeman was being slow, so he ended up doing it himself. He dug out all the gravel and cement blocks and quickly passed it to the old policeman for him to throw them away.


    Zhang Ye was at a loss.


    Are you a graduate of the Lanxiang Vocational School?


    Why are you so good at digging?


    Superintendent Song had his unspeakable reasons. He didn''t dare let Zhang Ye write anything again. Other people had to use guns to kill, or had to use fists to fight, but a person like Zhang Ye could not be described in a normal way. If he wanted to pick on anyone, he only needed to write. Superintendent Song and the station had apparently tasted Zhang Ye''s medicine and were suffering. And so, once bitten, twice shy!


    "Teacher Zhang, why don''t we take a seat and talk this out? Give me, Old Song, some face." Superintendent Song said, "We are gentlemen and we talk with our mouths, not our fists!"


    Zhang Ye said, "But I didn''t use my fists?"


    Superintendent Songined, "Your words are like your fists! Our attitude from before was inappropriate. I would like to apologize right here. Teacher Zhang, won''t you go back home? Don''t make it difficult for us anymore. We are just a small police station. We can''t take your bashings. Please, have mercy, have mercy."


    Zhang Ye was not an unreasonable person, but as Superintendent Song''s attitude from before had annoyed him by pushing things too far, "What about the case? It has not been fully investigated yet!"


    Superintendent Song hesitated for a moment, then clenched his teeth and said, "It''s already been fully investigated. You were just doing a good deed, and you did nothing wrong. That hooligan, Wang Cen, attempted to hit someone. So when he is out of the hospital, we will bring him in for investigations! Detention! And also press civil charges against him!"


    That''s better.


    Zhang Ye thought for a while, "Alright then, since it has been investigated already, I will leave."


    Superintendent Song let out a heave of relief, and eagerly told the old policeman, "Quick, send Teacher Zhang back home. Drive safely and don''t make Teacher Zhang ufortable."


    The old policeman could only helplessly say, "Yes."


    Seeing Zhang Ye leaving, Superintendent Song said loudly, "Teacher Zhang, when you are home, could you please post on Weibo to clear our names? Our station really didn''t use any bays! The city''s armory does not even issue any bays to us at all!"


    Zhang Ye just looked straight and waved back at him. It wasn''t clear if he would do as they asked.


    Superintendent Song wiped the sweat off his forehead. He finally had sent away this jinx. He did not even want to see Zhang Ye anymore as long as he was alive!


    He had seen wicked people before!


    But he had never seen anyone so wicked as this!

 Chapter 161: The Heavenly Queen asks Zhang Ye for Help!

    <h4>Chapter 161: The Heavenly Queen asks Zhang Ye for Help! </h4>


    Chapter 161: The Heavenly Queen asks Zhang Ye for Help!


    After releasing him.


    Superintendent Song went to a corner of the yard at the police station. He took out his mobile phone and made a call to Wang Shuixin.


    "Hello, Old Song." Wang Shuixin was still awake.


    Superintendent Song said harshly, "Old Wang, Zhang Ye has already been released. I am just calling to inform you."


    Wang Shuixin was stunned, "What? Released? Why was he released? He beat up my son so badly, yet your station still doesn''t��.."


    Superintendent Song said angrily, "You still dare to mention that? Because of helping you, I nearly lost my job. The branch Leaders already reprimanded me several times, and even the Commission for Discipline Inspection nearly wanted to investigate us! The orders from above are already out! If I don''t release him, what can I do? Tell me, what should I do? Besides, this problem was caused by your son, so don''t make excuses for him! You should be prepared. When your son is discharged, we will summon him for sure. He might be detained and might be fined! Old Wang, I have already done all that I can. Whether you will listen to me or not, these are my words. The pressure from Zhang Ye''s two poems are too great, and no one else would have been able to protect your son! It had to be done!"


    Wang Shuixin said. "Old Song, we have known each other for so long. You��."


    Superintendent Song said, "It''s precisely because we''ve known each other so long that I''m telling you this. Oh, and if there''s anything rted to Zhang Ye in the future, don''t look for me. This man, I''m really afraid of him!"


    ����


    Caishikou.


    Zhang Ye''s parents'' home district.


    Every family was preparing to sleep, and the district was quiet. Zhang Ye was sent back here by the old policeman. After getting off, he went straight up the stairs.


    Dong, dong, dong.


    Zhang Ye called from outside the door, "Dad, Mom."


    The door opened swiftly, and his mother came out anxious and worried, "Aiyo! Our son is back!"


    "Yes, I''m back. You aren''t asleep yet?" Zhang Ye came inside and changed his shoes.


    "How could we sleep? Your dad and I went to the station earlier to look for you, but those policemen did not let us in. I gave them a good scolding at the door!" his mother huffed.


    His father walked out from the hall, "Are you injured?"


    "No, they were quite kind to me." Zhang Ye said.


    His mother stared at him, "Then what about the poem you wrote? Bay, beatings, you nearly scared your dad and me to death! They really did not hit you?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Then they would have to dare to do it. Hur hur. It wasn''t that serious; I was just inspired to write a poem, that''s all. Oh, yes. Mom, I''m hungry."


    "Wait a while. Let me heat up the food for you." His mother went into the kitchen.


    His father stopped her, "Let me do it. Give the rtives a call and inform them about the news."


    His mother suddenly remembered, "Oh, yes. I nearly forgot. They are still worried." So she went to the telephone by the sofa and made some calls, "Hello. Little Dan? I want to tell you that your brother''s home already. He''s alright��. Yes, tell your dad and mom not to worry��. Okay��.."


    Seeing that, Zhang Ye also made a few calls. His friends and colleagues were definitely worried about him. They probably tried to help, too, so he should inform them of his release.


    Du, du, du, click.


    "Hello." It was a child''s deep-sounding voice.


    "Chenchen?" Zhang Ye blinked, "Why are you the one answering? Where''s your aunt?"


    Chenchen answer with the tone of a grown up, "Oh, it''s Zhang Ye. My aunt went out for a run."


    Running at thiste time? But knowing that Rao Aimin was a martial arts practitioner, he was not worried. "I''m fine already. I''m at my parents ce now. Please tell your aunt not to worry."


    Chenchen replied, "My aunt was always very assured with matters regarding you. She said that good people die young, while the scourges would live a thousand years, so you would definitely be fine."


    Zhang Ye, "����&##@)#! !"


    Thisndlord! This bro had already been arrested and brought to the police station! Yet, your mouth continued to be this venomous!


    Following that, Zhang Ye called a few other colleagues.


    "Hello, Xiao Lu. It''s me��."


    "Hello, Brother Hu. I''m out��.."


    "Hou Ge, is your brother with you? I am already home. Thank you for the concern."


    The rice was heated up. They were dishes probably left over from his parents'' lunch or dinner. The frugal Zhang Ye was not a picky eater. He just gobbled everything up.


    "We will be sleeping first," his father said.


    "Eat by yourself. But there''s no need to wash the dishes. I will wash them tomorrow." His mother also went into the room.


    The two of them had been worrying all day, making calls and going down to the station. They were probably very tired from all of this and still had to work in the morning, so they went to bed quickly.


    After Zhang Ye finished his meal, he still washed the dishes before returning to his own room. He switched on his old PC and went online to chat with his fans. He knew that the reason that he could be released with so little trouble was all due to the fans'' help. It was them who gave pressure to the authorities. It was them who helped to make it a big issue to put attention to the case, so Zhang Ye naturally had a responsibility to let them know.


    "I am Zhang Ye. I''m currently back at home. Thank you for everyone''s concern and support. Sorry for troubling you. I''m very good. The police station has already investigated the matter properly. I have reason to believe and choose to believe that ourw enforcement system would not malign a good person, nor would it let a bad person off!" This line was known by all in Zhang Ye''s world, but this line had apparently not appeared in this world. Zhang Ye did not think much about it and used it. The main reason was to tone things down on the police station''s side. Since he was already fine, if the fans carried on having a field day with them, it might create a counter-effect, causing discord in society. This was something that Zhang Ye did not wish to see happen.


    "Haha! It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye has been released!"


    "That''s great! They have finally released him!"


    "Now I''m feeling at ease. I can finally sleep well. Goodnight, Teacher Zhang."


    "We won! Cheers, brothers! This is our victory of the Zhang Ye fan club! It''s the result of everyone''s hard work! Thank you to our brothers from SS Tieba! Thank you to Heavenly Queen Zhang''s Universal Army! If not for you, Teacher Zhang would definitely not have been released today! The waterdrop-like bit of gratitude will be repaid in the form of a fountain!"


    Zhang Ye''s fans began celebrating!


    However, when Zhang Ye saw this, he was surprised. Eh? SS Tieba? What was that? Heavenly Queen Zhang''s fans? Why did her fans join in on the matter? The dark room did not have any inte, so all he could do was spread the matter out. He had only written two poems, but he had no idea about the actual situation. Hence, Zhang Ye quickly minimized the Weibo page and went to his fan club headquarters to ask about the details.


    Someone answered, "It was all thanks to SS Tieba''s members. They felt that injustice was done, and seeing that our numbers werecking in strength, they took the initiative to help us. Their people nearly flooded the entire Tieba with your ''Prisoner''s Song'' and ''My Confession''. They had such a strong sense of justice! There was also Heavenly Queen Zhang. She seldom uses Weibo, but at night, she Liked two of your poems. Later on, some of Heavenly Queen Zhang''s fan club army came, too!"


    After their exnations, Zhang Ye immediately understood. He was immediately touched and felt his heart feel warmth. Without saying anything else, he immediately went to SS Tieba and posted a message, "Thanks. Many are the years toe." He did not say much; the words were simple. However, the meaning behind it was intense. This was Zhang Ye''s promise. He would definitely pay them back in the future.


    "You''re wee."


    "We naturally needed to do something after seeing injustice happen!"


    "The good will be rewarded. Teacher Zhang, you don''t have to thank us!"


    SS Tieba''s members replied. After that, Zhang Ye''s fan club''s junior moderator and SS Tieba''s moderator had some exchange. Both Tieba pages exchanged links, bing friendship Tieba pages.


    After all this, Zhang Ye left the matter with Zhang Yuanqi aside first. He then checked on the inte to see what had happened after he had entered the dark room. Then he saw Elder Qian''s message, as well as support from Wang Xiaomei, Zhang Yuanqi, Big Sis Zhou, Tian Bin and his other old colleagues. He was extremely touched.


    He did not have Elder Qian''s number, so he left a private message on Weibo.


    As for Zhao Guozhou, Tian Bin andpany, Zhang Ye gave them each and every one a call to tell them that he was fine and thanked them.


    After all this, Zhang Ye''s fan club Tieba numbers had increased greatly once again. There were a few thousand more members. And when he checked the score on the Celebrity Rankings that considered the poprity of celebrities, he realized that he had entered the first few names amongst the E-list celebrities. He was getting closer to being a D-list celebrity.


    In just a night''s time, Zhang Ye''s poprity had increased by so much!


    If one pursued the root of the matter, it was because the two poems, "My Confession" and "Prisoner''s Song", had been written too ruthlessly! They had been written too well! The unyielding and tenacious attitude andck of fear towards life and death had touched too many people! Zhang Ye even saw that many literary authors had left messages on the two poems. Everyone''s evaluations of them were positive. Although this work was a bit exaggerated in his artistic embellishments based on the environment, there were no doubts regarding the literary value and spirit inside the works! The moment these two poems were released, everyone had another deeper understanding of Zhang Ye''s artistic standard!


    After dealing with this, he had dealt with the things that he needed to do.


    Only then did Zhang Ye switch off hisputer to wash up. Then, heid on the bed thinking. It was best not to give the Heavenly Queen a call. After all, she was a big shot, and she might be asleep at this time. With that, Zhang Ye sent a short message to Zhang Yuanqi''s cell phone. First, he informed her that he was fine and then thanked her, "Thank you. Your fans have given me a great deal of help this time. If there''s any matter in the future, just say it."


    No reply.


    Nothing happened, despite waiting a long while.


    Zhang Ye helplessly shrugged his shoulders and put the cell phone down before crawling into bed.


    About thirty minutester, when it was nearly 11:30 P.M., Zhang Ye''s phone suddenly sounded. Heavenly Queen Zhang had replied with a short message.


    It wrote: "I really have something I need you for. Tomorrow,e over and give me a hand. In a while, I''ll let my manager contact you. That''s all."


    Zhang Ye replied, "Alright, but what is it? At least tell me first."


    The Heavenly Queen no longer responded. It made Zhang Ye at a loss of whether tough or to cry. Can your personality be any worse? Will replying kill you?

 Chapter 162: Does your House need to install Broadband?

    <h4>Chapter 162: Does your House need to install Broadband? </h4>


    Chapter 162: Does your House need to install Broadband?


    In the morning.


    Today''s weather was especially good. A simple phrase, the sun shined brightly.


    However,pared to the weather, in a patient ward in a particr hospital, Wang Cen was in a bad mood. It could even be said that he was extremely furious.


    The door to the ward opened.


    A nurse came in, "Time to eat your medicine."


    Wang Cen acknowledged tersely as he ate his medicine with a ck face.


    "You are fine. It''s time to be discharged," the female nurse said.


    Wang Cen''s expression changed slightly, "I feel like�� I actually think I can have some more emergency treatment."


    The nurse rolled her eyes at him, "It''s just some superficial wounds. Why is there a need for emergency treatment? You have already been bandaged, and wherever that needs medicine has been applied. I''m telling you not to refuse leaving. The police station has already informed our head. They will be taking you away in a while."


    Wang Cen pretended to cover his waist, "My waist is in pain. I can''t get up!"


    "Look at it yourself!" The nurse ignored him and left muttering.


    Due to the police station''s investigations, everyone in the hospital knew that Wang Cen had been beaten up because he had taken liberties with a woman. The doctors, nurses and even patients did not treat him nicely. They despised such a person.


    Wang Cen had been getting a whole day of disdainful looks since yesterday. He was panicking. After getting beaten up by Zhang Ye, he had wanted to get revenge on him, thinking that Zhang Ye will get it from him. But after just one day, everything seemed to have not proceeded as he expected. Zhang Ye was arrested. But after reciting and writing a poem while in custody, the tables had turned. In the end, he was released, and instead Wang Cen received news that upon his discharge, he would be brought to the police station for questioning!


    Wang Cen was full of hate. He looked at his watch, fully expecting the police toe at any time now. Then, he took out his mobile phone and made a call to his Taekwondo coach.


    "Hello, coach!" Wang Cen said bitterly.


    His coach was a Korean man, but well versed in speaking Mandarin, "Oh, it''s Wang Cen. What''s wrong with your voice?"


    Wang Cen continued bitterly "I was beaten up by someone, someone who knows Taekwondo too. I''m in the hospital now!"


    When the Korean coach heard this, he was also furious, "Who beat you? Which Taekwondo dojo is he from?"


    Wang Cen said, "I also don''t know where he learned it from. Anyway, his standard is about the same as mine, but I don''t know how I lost to him. Coach, you must seek revenge for me!"


    The coach was in a dilemma, "About this, you guys often spar, so it''s not umon to be injured. It''s not nice for me to do it!"


    Wang Cen gritted his teeth, "If you get my Senior brothers and sisters to seek revenge for me, I will donate 200,000, so that our Taekwondo dojo can be renovated!"


    The coach''s eyes lit up, "See what you are saying? You are my disciple. If you get bullied, how can I, your teacher, not do anything about it? Who is he? Where is he now?"


    Wang Cen said, "I know he lives in Jiaomen. Alright, I''ll send you his address."


    As the television station''s Leader''s, Wang Shuixin''s, son, Wang Cen naturally had the means to obtain Zhang Ye''s residential address. Hence, he sent a short message to his coach. As for why Wang Cen had sparred with his opponent and some other minor details, even the fact that Zhang Ye was a public personality was not told to his coach. He was afraid that his coach would not help if he knew, so he avoided the subject. All he wanted to do now was to teach Zhang Ye a lesson to appease his anger!


    ����


    Jiaomen East.


    Zhang Ye had returned to his rented home early in the morning.


    He was just turning the keys when he heard a something. Not far away, a tiny head appeared at thendy''s house, "Zhang Ye, you are back?"


    Zhang Ye looked at her, "Call me uncle."


    Chenchen nodded, "OK, Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye, "��.Where''s your aunt?"


    "Who''s looking for me?" At this moment, Rao Aimin also appeared, wearing her slippers.


    Zhang Ye couldn''t hold back hisining, "Landy auntie, you are so terrible. What do you mean, ''scourges would live a thousand years''? Why are you always blindly telling the child things like that? Look at Chenchen; she''s being taught the wrong things by you. Why am I the scourge? My actions are upright. Even if I pick up a penny on the road, I will hand it over to the policeman. That''s unforgivable; my heart''s utterly broken by you. Just because of that, you should take care of my breakfast!"


    Chenchen let out her trademark smile, "Hur hur."


    Rao Aimin nced at him, "If you want to scrounge for food, just say so. Why are you muttering all day for."


    Zhang Ye reached out for a yard after taking an inch as he rubbed his arm, "And my arm and legs. I was injured when I fought for a just cause. You must give me some ointment and rub it."


    Chenchen leered at him, "Zhang Ye, you sure are squeamish."


    Zhang Ye snorted, "What do you mean, ''squeamish''? It is a roar from seeing injustice. None of you saw my heroic stance back then! There was no need to even mention it! I punched here! And a kick there! I fought with that person for 300 rounds in a massive battle! Finally, with my awe-inspiring righteousness, my opponent was subdued by my spirit and stance, and lowered his head to kowtow�� Forget it, I''ll stop bragging." Zhang Ye turned weak and held his stomach, "Landy Auntie, I''m really hungry."


    His parents had gone to work and had not left him breakfast. Besides, Zhang Ye had to help the Heavenly Queenter today. And since all his clothes were here, he had toe back to change.


    Rao Aimin could no longer stand him, "Fine, fine. If your body''s kung fu is 1% of your mouth''s kung fu, you would not have been injured! I''ll cook at your ce. It just happens that Chenchen and I haven''t eaten!" Saying that, she did not forget to educate the child as she said to Chenchen, "In the future, don''t learn from Uncle Zhang. All he knows is bragging."


    Chenchen acknowledged seriously, "I got it, Aunt."


    At this house, Rao Aimin first cooked porridge. As it stewed under a small fire, she made Zhang Ye lie on the bed. After seeing his body with his shirt off, "I thought how injured you were from your big hooha, but it''s not even a fart. It''s just two bruises. It will subside in a few days!"


    Zhang Ye said as if his life was on the line, "Then at least rub some medicine on it. Why are your attitudes so cold towards a Good Samaritan hero''s return!"


    Rao Aimin curled her lips, "If you are considered a hero, then anyone can save the world!"


    Zhang Ye snorted, "To think you say to save the world. Have you watched too many animations? Childish."


    The next moment, Rao Aimin sneered coldly and gripped Zhang Ye''s wrist and twisted it!


    Zhang Ye cried out in pain, "Aiyah. Hey, what are you doing. If you have something to say, just say it nicely. Don''t be rough!"


    Rao Aimin twisted his arm and said, "Did you grow some abilities recently, kid? You stay at my apartment, eat my food, and now you are arguing back to me?"


    Chenchen giggled at the side.


    Zhang Ye eximed, "No, no, I wouldn''t dare talk back to you. Also, although the apartment is yours, but I paid the rental to stay here."


    Rao Aimin said, "The rental has already increased twice! Did you see anyone else who stays here having a lower rent than yours?" After tormenting Zhang Ye a little longer, she let go of him.


    But Zhang Yeid down, ying dead, "I can''t take it anymore. My arm''s broken. It''s broken!"


    ����


    At the same time.


    Two people appeared at the corridor.


    "Coach, it''s here?" said a thin-faced youth.


    The Korean coach looked at his phone, "Yes, it''s here, right up there!"


    The youth suddenly turned arrogant, "Bully my disciple brother? I will take care of them! Coach,ter on, don''t make any moves; I can take care of him myself!"


    The coach nodded, "Wang Cen said that Zhang Ye''s Taekwondo is about the same standard as his. You are a ck belt, so you should be able to handle him easily." He had not wanted toe along initially, but he was worried, so he followed along to take a look. It was also for insurance. Besides, it was also rted to the 200,000 donation. Their Taekwondo dojo was at Nancheng. It was neither too big, nor too small, but it had been in need of repair for many years. He had long wanted to do some refurbishing to it, since he had a share of the dojo.


    The youth was aggressive. His face was thin, but his build was burly. He looked very tough and had tanned skin. One look and you would know the explosiveness of his muscles, "Where is he? Which house is it? I want to see if that kid really has three heads and six arms! To think that he even dares to beat up a brother from our dojo! Let''s see if I''ll kill him!"


    The coach was very pleased with the enthusiasm of the youth, "Very good. We martial artist practitioners should have such an indomitable spirit. Oh, we''re here. You go ahead; I will be your backup!"


    "Yes, Coach. Leave it to me!" The youth sneered. Every thud on the floor caused by his shoe sounded ferocious and tough!


    Because the kitchen was also in the house, adjoining the living room, any cooking fumes did not escape easily. Because of this, Zhang Ye''s house door was kept open.


    They could hear voicesing from inside.


    "My arm is broken!"


    "I haven''t even used any strength!"


    "I can''t handle it anymore. I can''t move anymore!"


    "Kid, are you trying to pretend to be a piece of broken porcin? You want to scam me?"


    "My hand doesn''t work anymore. I won''t be able to cook anymore. You will have to settle my meals for the rest of my life!"


    Rao Aimin was amused by him. With a side nce, she saw a pair of iron scissors next to the coffee table. She picked it up and said, "Twisting that little bit and you y dead? Alright then, let me show you a little of my strength of what twisting is!" Just as she finished saying that, Rao Aimin formed her right hand into a palm and sliced down towards the scissors!


    There was silence!


    There was not any movement at all!


    The metallic scissors was bent by a hand of flesh! It looked like when Rao Aimin had flicked her wrist, the scissors bent!


    At the same time, the Korean coach and his ck belt disciple were standing at the door!


    "Is this Zhang Ye''s residence? Eh?" the youth said with a fierce look. But the next second, he and the coach witnessed Rao Aimin splitting the scissors apart with her bare hands!


    The two of them were stunned, then instinctively looked at each other!


    Zhang Ye already knew that thendy had some abilities, so he was not that shocked. He looked out at the door "Yes, this is my house."


    Rao Aimin threw down the bent scissors, "What do you all want?"


    The youth puffed up his chest, then suddenly rxed and smiled. "Do you want to install broadband in your house? We are currently doing a promotion. 998 for two years! Just 998! Don''t be shy, give it a try! Big Sis, why don''t you apply, too!"


    Rao Aimin looked at them suspiciously, especially the guy at the back, "Promoting broadband packages? That can''t be! Why haven''t I seen you all around here before? Which broadbandpany are your with?"


    That Korean coach swallowed his saliva and quickly replied, "We are with a newpany that has just been established. We were just expanding into this area. There''s even a small gift with every signup!''


    Chenchen blinked, "There''s even a small gift?"


    Rao Aimin looked over, "That''s quite cheap. Are you installing?"


    "I''ve already installed it." Zhang Ye immediately regretted, "If only I knew that yourpany was so cheap. Hai, why did I install it so early? I wasted money for nothing!"


    Rao Aimin also felt regret, "What a pity. I''ve installed it already, too."


    The youth hurriedly said, "Is that the case, then that''s such a pity. Then we won''t be disturbing you anymore."


    Rao Aimin walked them out, "Alright, then take care. I suggest that you set up a table in our small district and write how much it is. I''m sure many people wille to you. It''s really cheap."


    The coach quickly said, "Aiyah, what a good idea. It''s really good. Thank you for your suggestion. We will definitely heed it. Sorry to disturb you. Take care! Take care!"


    "Alright, I''m still cooking porridge. Then, bye!"

 Chapter 163: The Fleeing Duo!

    <h4>Chapter 163: The Fleeing Duo! </h4>


    Chapter 163: The Fleeing Duo!


    Along the corridor.


    The elevator doors opened.


    The coach and his disciple were just about to leave, when a tenant of Rao Aimin shouted out. It was a female undergrad, "Hey, Landy Auntie, I heard something about broadband instation? I was just thinking of installing one. My contract for the old one has already expired and it was too slow anyway. I want to try another provider. Where are they?"


    Rao Aimin called out to the two of them, "Hey, you have business here!"


    In the end, the two of them pretended that they didn''t hear a thing and hurriedly got into the elevator. Ding. The door closed.


    Rao Aimin said wondering, "Heh, those silly people. They don''t want business, even when it was right there? They don''t want to earnmissions? Hur, stupid."


    The female undergrad was disappointed, "If they are gone, then forget it."


    Rao Aimin said, "You should go check with the managing agent. They should have an inte ess point here. It''s rather cheap; just 998 for 2 years."


    "Really? Yo, I''ll go check it out then. It''s so cheap." The female undergrad hurriedly chased after them. Shortly after, she returned and passed by Zhang Ye''s door. She said, "Landy Auntie, the managing agent said there''s no such cheap broadband. They did not have any tie-ups like that."


    Zhang Ye had already gotten up to eat, "Eh? Then what was that just now?"


    The female undergrad shrugged, "Who knows? It might have been a scam."


    "It can''t be? I noticed that the two of them were dressed rather smartly." Rao Aimin was also puzzled.


    Chenchen let out a coldugh, "Hur hur, I can see that those two were Di��o S�� (losers)." In this world, there was already a phrase like Di��o S��.


    ����


    Outside the district.


    The two who werebeled as losers by Chenchen - the coach and his disciple - had already ran outside the area. But they were still slightly worried. Only after they were a few hundred meters away from the district did they stop to take a breather.


    The youth patted his chest in fear, breathing heavily, "Luckily, luckily, I was able toe up with an excuse, saying we were broadband resellers!"


    The coach also wiped his sweat off his forehead, "Your reaction was quick. Well done! That line of yours was the key!"


    The youth said, "Coach, you yed along well. I didn''t even think of the small gift. I thought you were really a professional there! That was too convincing! No loopholes! You were great!"


    "That because, in the past, I was��.Hey! What are youplimenting me for!" The coach had realized that they were forced to flee. What was there to praise about such a shameless incident? But when he remembered how the woman had used her palms to split the scissors, the coach wanted to curse at mothers!


    The youth started cursing first, "What the h*ll does that big sister do? Wasn''t that just too awesome? Is she even human? The scissors could be split and bent like that? Is she a magician?" To split things, Taekwondo practitioners were very familiar with it. Rather, when they practice Taekwondo, they usually liked to split things here and there, such as splitting wooden nks with their hands and feet. These were all normal activities and training. Like the ck belt exam, sometimes they were required to split things, too!


    But��.. But those were only wooden nks!


    Even if there was a stack of a few levels, they were still essentially wooden nks, no matter how thick they were!


    But what did the woman split? It was a godd*mn motherf**king pair of scissors! A pair of iron scissors! This was on a whole other level! It did not belong to this world!


    The coach kept silent for a long time before saying, "Do you think that it will be shameful if we just left like this?"


    The youth immediately tried to ease their embarrassment, "It''s not shameful at all. That woman isn''t a human at all. She''s a female beast. Coach, let''s not even talk about the two of us; even for an Olympic Taekwondo champion, no one has heard of someone splitting metal like that. And to do it in one hand chop, without any external leverage? This is already not something normal. For something abnormal like that to happen to us, why is it shameful?"


    The coach also tried to ease his embarrassment, "Yes, indeed. You''re right."


    The youth sighed, "Thankfully, we did not enter to beat him up. If not, we probably wouldn''t be able toe out of there. Even if we cane out, we wille out in pieces. That woman can even split and bend metal, so there''s no need to even talk about humans. Just a p from her will break our legs. The bones might even be bepletely shattered! We won''t even be left with our corpses intact!" Thinking of this, the youth cringed. Just thinking about how their fierce expressions of wanting to seek revenge suddenly changed into a wretched expression that was trying to sell broadband services only made him feel lucky. If he was not quick to respond, the two of them would really be goners there and then!


    The coach sighed, "However strong you are, there is always someone stronger."


    The youth pursed his lips and angrily said, "That Wang Cen is too much! Isn''t he trying to scam our coach!? What sorts of thoughts does he have? That Zhang Ye has a master expert living in his house! And he wants us to seek revenge for him? He is up to no good! He wants to kill us!"


    Hearing this, the coach also hated on Wang Cen, "That Wang Cen! He''s too much! I was wondering why he was willing to donate 200,000 to the dojo! He even dares to scam his teacher?"


    The youth said with a ck face, "Our lives were really spared today. There''s no way that I''m letting that kid off! And he wanted us to seek revenge for him? He should get lost! Don''t let me see him next time!"


    The two cursed as they left.


    Coincidentally, Wang Cen suddenly called.


    When the youth saw this, he showed the cell phone to the coach and then picked it up, "Hello!"


    Wang Cen asked, "Senior Brother, has that Zhang Ye been settled? How was it? Was he beaten up miserably?" Noticing there was no response, Wang Cen began to be presumptuous, "Haha, with Senior Brother and Coach, it would definitely be an easy task. There''s no point in me asking."


    The youth was infuriated. You still want to know if he was beaten up and miserable? Miserable, my a*s! If not for Coach and I escaping fast enough, it would be us who would be miserable. He angrily said, "Wang Cen! You are f**king too wicked! I''m telling you! You better be careful in the future! Don''t let me see you again! If I see you again, I''ll beat you up until you need to look for your teeth on the ground! You still want to seek revenge? Do it yourself in the future! In the future, don''t you look for me or Coach! If you want to court death, do it yourself! You even wanted to pull us down with you? Have you lived long enough? Coach and I haven''t! You dare to mess with anyone?"


    Wang Cen was dumbfounded, "Eh? What''s going on? Senior Brother, why are you scolding me!? I don''t even know what''s going on. Tell me about it!"


    "I''ll give you a fart! If I were you, I will never mess with a person like that in my entire life!" The youth did not want to spout any more nonsense with him, "Make sure you take care of yourself by yourself!"


    "Senior Brother, Senior Brother!" Wang Cen shouted.


    The youth grunted and hung up.


    ����


    On the other side.


    The door to the ward just happened to be pushed open.


    Superintendent Song came in with his men, "You are Wang Cen, right? Take a trip down to the station with us!"


    "Uncle Song, I��" Wang Cen clearly knew him. He was, after all, his father''s old friend.


    However, Superintendent Song did not seem to know him. He said in an official manner, "Let''s go! The police car is waiting downstairs! We will settle your problem back at the station!"


    Wang Cen''s mind was still preupied with what had happened on the phone. Even when he reached the police car with Superintendent Song andpany, he still did not know what his Coach and Senior Brother had encountered. Never mess with a person like that in one''s entire life? How can that be? That Zhang Ye''s Taekwondo level was about the same as his! He was even slightly weaker in terms of strength and speed! What was this reaction and attitude from his Coach and Senior Brother?


    Did Zhang Ye really have three heads and six arms?


    However, he was likely unable to figure this out for the rest of his entire life. He was facingwful detention. This mark would never disappear for life. Only then did Wang Cen really regret. He regretted molesting the television station''s female employee. He regretted fighting with Zhang Ye, and he regretted getting his father to fix Zhang Ye. If he had taken a step back at any part of the sequence of events, he would not have gotten into such a situation!


    ����


    Over at Jiaomen.


    Zhang Ye''s rented apartment.


    Zhang Ye curiously examined the bent scissors that thendy had bent with amazement. No matter how he looked at it, he was amazed. "Landy Auntie, you sure are strong. You can even do this? Hehe, if I ever have kung fu like yours, then I can do as I wish every day!"


    Chenchen nced at him, "Hur hur."


    Zhang Ye grunted, "Why? You may still not believe it, but when your Uncle Zhang reaches such a level, your Uncle will bring you to thrash martial houses every day!"


    Rao Aimin shook her head, "You? In your next life, maybe."


    Zhang Ye was unconvinced, "Then teach me how you managed to cut the metal."


    "Technicalities. Even if i tell you, you wouldn''t understand. Even if you understood, you wouldn''t be able to learn it." Rao Aimin said.


    "But I really want to learn it. Please teach me." Zhang Ye was very interested in this technique. After sparring with Wang Cen, he realized that that hisbat skills were not enough. If he hadn''t used the Health Potion, the one who would have gotten a beating would surely have been him. So, of course, he wanted to be stronger now.


    Rao Aimin gave him a nce over and said mockingly, "I believe you don''t even understand what martial arts are, so how would you be able to learn? You are a half-past-six practitioner of Taekwondo. How can I even talk about Chinese martial arts with you? What you are practicing now is probably just made up of some fancy moves, coupled with some basic technique, agility and strength. It''s just a mixture of that, but there''s nothing solid within. The basis of Chinese martial arts is self-cultivation, from the inside out."


    "I can start self-cultivating now. If you can, I can, too." Zhang Ye said.


    "But you are already past the age for learning martial arts." Rao Aimin did not have much hope for him, "Do you know at what age I started tform stepping training? What were you doing at that age?"


    Zhang Ye realized suddenly, "No wonder you maintained yourself so well, and are so beautiful with such a good body. So it''s because you have been practicing martial arts since you were young."


    Chenchen pouted, "Bootlicker, shameful."


    Zhang Ye turned red faced, "Landy Auntie, then why not teach me a skill or two?"


    "I like what you said," Rao Aimin said. "But it''s useless, even if you tter me. If you can''t learn it, you can''t learn it. You should just settle for your fancy moves."


    Zhang Ye interrupted, "If you don''t want to teach, then don''t. What''s the big deal? I will just learn it myself. Wait and see, when this bro has finished training, let''s have a sparring match!"


    Rao Aimin only uttered, "��.Hur hur."


    Zhang Ye may have said some big words, but he wasn''t a hopeless case at all. If one fine day he managed to draw a Special Category skill in the lottery, a Chinese martial arts experience book like Eight Trigrams Palm or Wing Chun, when he had enough Reputation points to buy a few hundred books, he might even be a match for Rao Aimin!

 Chapter 164: The Music Copyright to “When Will the Moon Be Clear and Bright”?

    <h4>Chapter 164: The Music Copyright to ��When Will the Moon Be Clear and Bright��? </h4>


    Chapter 164: The Music Copyright to "When Will the Moon Be Clear and Bright"?


    Morning.


    Zhang Ye napped a little while at his apartment.


    At around 10 A.M., an unknown number called in.


    "Hello." Zhang Ye yawned as he answered the call.


    "Hello, is this Teacher Zhang Ye?" It was a woman''s voice on the other side. It was a matured, crisp voice, "My name is Fang Weihong. You might not know me. But I believe you know Zhang Yuanqi''s name? I am her manager and I received your contact information from the television station. I''m sorry if I''m disturbing you. Let me say this directly. We would like your help."


    Got my contact information from the television station?


    Zhang Yuanqi did not give you my cell phone number?


    Only then did Zhang Ye understand that the Heavenly Queen had not told anyone that they knew each other already. True, having met twice and with an ambiguous rtionship, to the point of even spending the night alone by themselves together, this wasn''t exactly something you''d say to people. "What help?"


    "Do you have time now?" Fang Weihong asked.


    "Yes, today is my rest day." Zhang Ye was, in fact, already waiting for her.


    Fang Weihong said, "It''s not convenient to speak over the phone, Let''s meet up and have a detailed chat. Where do you live? Send me your address and I will arrange for you to be picked up. I''ve been reading news online. It seems that you have a lot things going on recently, so I called to make sure that you were free."


    Zhang Ye did not say too much, "Okay, I will send you my address."


    "Okay. Thank you. We will see you then." Fang Weihong hung up.


    About 20 minutester, the driver called Zhang Ye to inform him of his arrival. Zhang Ye looked outside and saw a car brand that belonged to this world. He did not know thebel well, but it looked like a high-end car. It looked like they really wanted his help. But they really should have disclosed a little information. What help did they want? What if this bro can''t help at all? Then wouldn''t all these be for nothing?


    ����


    In a shopping district.


    At a high-endmercial building.


    The car stopped and the driver opened the door for Zhang Ye. At the building, the driver spoke to the woman at the front desk and she made a call.


    In a short while, Fang Weihong appeared in the lobby. She was a 30-odd-year-old woman. She was not very pretty, but she looked very capable. In fact, it should be said that she was someone who tied up things up neatly. Otherwise, Zhang Yuanqi would not have trusted her to be her manager.


    Fang Weihong looked around and said, "Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye looked at her, then shook her hands, "You must be Sister Fang, I heard of your great name." Actually, he had never heard of her before, but this was just conversation chatter, so he had to say things like that.


    "Come, let''s proceed upstairs and talk along the way." Fang Weihong, who was wearing ts, ushered him towards to elevator. She said, "Actually, I was supposed to be the one fetching you here, but I had something to attend to at thest minute. Please don''t mind. It wasn''t convenient to speak over the phone regarding our request, as it''s amercial secret. It''s better if we speak face to face. You will know once we are upstairs."


    Ding, the elevator reached their floor.


    The two of them entered a veryrge music recording studio. There were about eight or nine people in there, and Zhang Ye immediately noticed Zhang Yuanqi.


    "Sister Zhang." Fang Weihong also addressed her as Sister. It was not known if this was an age thing or just a respectful way of addressing her.


    Zhang Yuanqi looked over, smiling, "Weihong is back? This is?" She acted like she was clueless.


    Fang Weihong wasn''t aware of it and introduced, "Let me do the introductions. This is Teacher Zhang Ye." While looking at Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang, I guess I don''t really need to introduce Sister Zhang?"


    Zhang Yuanqi reached out her hand and said gently, smiling, "How are you doing, Teacher Zhang? It''s my pleasure to meet you."


    "Hello, Sister Zhang." Zhang Ye also yed along and shook her hand. This was his first time seeing Zhang Yuanqi smiling so kindly. He was really not used to it.


    After a while, the people in the room all looked at Zhang Ye with concerned looks.


    Zhang Ye was a little ufortable, "Sister Zhang, Sister Fang, what is it that you need me here for today?"


    "Didn''t Weihong tell you?" Zhang Yuanqi smiled. "Actually, we would like to purchase a copyright from you."


    Zhang Ye blinked a few times, "Buy my copyright? I don''t have any copyrights right now." "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" had already been sold, and "Ghost Blows Out the Light" was already considered as sold off, too. Wait, the movie rights to "Ghost Blows Out the Light" were still avable. But even if Zhang Yuanqi wanted to shoot the movie, it wouldn''t be her who would be buying the rights. That would have been handled by the productionpany.


    The three of them sat down.


    Fang Weihong exined, "It''s like this, Teacher Zhang. We would like to buy the rights to ''Shuidiao Getou''. Actually, it isn''t really buying the copyright, but we would like your approval as the originalposer. Because the lyrics have a lot of potential in our view, we would like to make it into a song to be sung by Sister Zhang. We would like to use the lyrics andpose the music for it. This would be a win-win situation. Your lyrics would be more well-known too."


    Zhang Ye was stunned.


    The copyright to "Shuidiao Getou"?


    What? Even in this world, there were people eyeing it?


    But Zhang Ye replied determinedly, "I''m sorry, but I can''t help you with this. If you wanted to use any other lyrics of mine, I can give the copyright to you all for free. Sister Zhang��. I also admire her a lot, and her movies and songs, too. So money is not an issue. But this set of lyrics, I definitely cannot give up the copyrights."


    "Why?" Fang Weihong frowned.


    Zhang Ye waved it off, "Anyway, I cannot help with this matter. I''m sorry."


    The few staff members who heard this became unhappy. Zhang Yuanqi was, after all, an S-list Heavenly Queen and wanted to use your poem to make a song. This was such a great opportunity. If it happened to anyone else, they would be more than happy to sell it. But you, why do you have such an attitude? Not selling? Why would you want to keep the lyrics for? Besides, even if you wanted to publish it, the copyrights were separate issues. There was no conflict at all!


    A few musicians by the side also did not look too happy.


    "Who is this person?"


    "He is the author of ''Shuidiao Getou''."


    "He''s putting on such airs? Is he very famous?"


    "Compared with Sister Zhang, definitely not. I don''t know what he''s thinking either."


    Zhang Yuanqiughed, "Why not let Teacher Zhang listen to the melody first?"


    Fang Weihong had already expected things to not go so smoothly, so she had already made other ns. This was why she had not informed Zhang Ye of the details beforehand and made hime down to this ce. She was worried that if Zhang Ye did not agree, at least they could try to persuade him in person by letting him hear theposed melody for the song. If it was an ancient poem, the copyrightws would not apply, as the original author had already passed away many years ago.


    But Zhang Ye''s "Shuidiao Getou" was recentlyposed, and the copyrights would naturally still belong to him and not to anypanies. Therefore, if they wanted to use the lyrics, they needed Zhang Ye''s approval. Otherwise, they could not use it. "Alright, Teacher Zhang. Please listen to it first. You might even change your mind. Hur hur. We must confess to you first that without your agreement, we have instructed a fewposers do up the melody for the song."


    Zhang Ye really did not want to sell, "I feel there''s no need for it. Why not consider my other lyrics? Like ''Lyrics to Remembering Your Charm - Remembrance of the Tale of the Crimson Cliff''? I can let you use it for free."


    Zhang Yuanqi did not feel too annoyed andughed, "The lyrics for those are too descriptive and not suitable to be used as song lyrics. The setting and mood also aren''t too suitable for me, a woman, to sing."


    Fang Weihong just said, "Let''s have a listen anyway."


    By the side, the musician nodded and signaled to a staff member.


    The staff member went over to the console and yed a pre-recorded song. It wasn''t Zhang Yuanqi''s voice, but another woman''s. Her singing was so-so. It was just a song sample, "When will the dear moon be clear and bright. With a cup of wine in my hand, I ask the dear clear sky. In the heavens, on this dear night, I wonder, what season��" There were a few words added in between, and some of the words and phrases had been changed.


    Fang Weihong introduced, "The song''s mainstream poprity characteristics are quite strong. With small modifications to the original lyrics and adding some chorus words, it still keeps the original''s feel to it."


    Zhang Yuanqi looked at Zhang Ye, "What do you think?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head, "It''s not nice. The pop song characteristics are too much. There''s no ancient feel to the whole song, so it doesn''t suit the lyrics settings and feel."


    The musician couldn''t bear it any longer and asked directly, "But this is a pop song. If it''s not pop-like and without a catchy melody, how would it be called a pop song?" This song was probablyposed by him.


    "This is Wang Ge, theposer. He has written 4 or 5 songs for Sister Zhang before." Fang Weihong introduced.


    Wang Ge vowed, "I guarantee that if you use my melody, the song will definitely be very popr!"


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled and said, "Little Wang, don''t be too anxious. Take a seat and let Teacher Zhang listen to another one."


    Wang Ge had to give Sister Zhang face, so he kept quiet and sat down to listen.


    Fang Weihong signaled to the staff member, then said to Zhang Ye, "The next melody wasposed by anotherposer. Its ancient feel is stronger and the melody is a little special."


    The next song yed.


    This time, a beautiful voice voice sang. The feel was quite suitable, but the melody did not sound good!


    After listening for a long while, Zhang Ye still did not have any interest, "This tune is not nice. It''s too obscure." He wasn''t a professional, so he could only say it based on his feelings.


    Zhang Yuanqiughed superficially, "Then let''s listen to the next one. It''s thest one?"


    "Yes, our teamposed three melodies. This is thest one." Fang Weihong said.


    Thestposer said, "Let me sing and y it myself. I wasn''t too satisfied with the recording Little Yang did because it was too rushed." So he went over and picked up a guitar and proceeded to sing, "The moon rounds the red mansion! Stoops to silk-padded doors! Shines upon the sleepless!" He had pushed the stanzas at the back forward as the first line, and had done it following that of rock.


    Once it was over, Fang Weihong looked to Zhang Ye for his opinions, "Teacher Zhang, what do you think?"


    Zhang Ye waved dismissively, "They are all not nice. I said it before, this song''s rights, I really do not want to sell it. Let''s forget it." It wasn''t that he did not give face to Zhang Yuanqi. But Zhang Ye already had other ns for this lyrics. If he sold off this copyright to them, the lyrics would be ruined. The end product would definitely not do well, too!

 Chapter 165: Zhang Ye sings “Wishing We Last Forever”!

    <h4>Chapter 165: Zhang Ye sings ��Wishing We Last Forever��! </h4>


    Chapter 165: Zhang Ye sings "Wishing We Last Forever"!


    Why did he not want to sell?


    Why was Zhang Ye so strongly against it?


    The reason was because "Shuidiao Getou - When will the moon be clear and bright" was a very mature song in Zhang Ye''s world. It was called "Wishing We Last Forever". The original singer was Teresa Teng. It was one the songs that shot her to fame and it was extremely popr everywhere. Theposer was Liang Hongzhi. Later on, the Heavenly Queen, Faye Wong, also covered it as well. If one had to determine who amongst Teresa Teng and Faye Wong sang it better, it was hard to decide. Amongst the older generation, Teresa Teng was more popr. But amongst the young generation, Faye Wong''s "Wishing We Last Forever" was more famous. Faye Wong''s voice was clearer and elegant, so it suited Su Shi''s poem very well.


    This song had been ingrained in Zhang Ye''s heart, and it was one of his most favorite songs. Hence, how could he let a bunch ofposers blindlypose for it?


    Listen to these three songs.


    One was too pop-like, one was too obscure, and one was too rock-like.


    What sort of crappy tunes were these? The song had been ruined by them!


    Of course, maybe it was because Zhang Ye was a bit more extreme. He was not from this world, so he naturally had special feelings for his own world. It was the same feeling as for certain locations. Many people would think that things from their hometown were much better, and they were the things that made them proud. This was the reason why Zhang Ye looked down on the level of music of this world. If one took an objective stance, the three tunes were not bad, especially the first tune, which wasposed by Wang Ge. It was even very catchy and it could be considered a pretty good tune.


    However, Zhang Ye felt that it was not enough. In fact, it was far from enough!


    For copyrights, Zhang Ye thought very highly of them. He relied on them mostly for a living. It was also the essence that allowed him to take root in this world. Every work''s copyright was meaningful to him, as they were too important. Zhang Ye sometimes also thought of not doing anything for a month, and just writing out all the lyrics from his world using the Memory Search Capsule. With the novels and movie scripts, would he be more famous faster if he threw all of them at this world?


    The answer was yes, but it could also be no. Yes, because a portion of his works would definitely receive the attention of others, causing his fame to increase greatly. As for no, it was like killing the golden goose. Even if he became famous for a short period of time, people were not dumb. If he threw all these works out in one go, they would also be suspicious. Also, there could be a chance that they would feel fatigue from an aesthetic point of view. If Zhang Ye created anything else in the future, people would treat it as if it were to be expected, and they would not ce much attention to them. From then on, he would only decline. And once all his original copyrights were used up, what was he to rely on, without any works he could write or produce?


    Hence, Zhang Ye treated every copyright very seriously. He wanted to do it slowly, so as to let every work from his world reach its fullest extent. It would also maximize his bid to be famous. So he could not bombard everything at one go because that was undesirable and unsustainable. He had to use every work wisely!


    Fang Weihong frowned, "Teacher Zhang, please consider them again. I personally think Wang Ge''s tune is good. Sister Zhang also thought so, too, when she heard it previously."


    Zhang Ye smiled bitterly, "It''s not that I''m not helping, it''s because it''s really not good."


    Feeling doubted, Wang Ge could not help but turn mad, "What part of it is not good?"


    "The melody is not good. It doesn''t match it well." Zhang Ye said whatever he felt. It was not the time and ce for him to mince his words.


    Wang Ge looked at him with a ckened face, "Teacher Zhang Ye, if we are talking about literary level, I''m inferior to you. Everyone in this room added up would be inferior to you. Everyone admits this, nor is there any reason to doubt you. You are an expert in literature. This we all agree on. But when talking about music, when we talk about music as an art, I believe anyone here knows it better than you and understands more than you. You can''t deny that, right?"


    When Zhang Ye heard this, he was amused. He did not mind saying that he didn''t know music himself, but he could not ept it when others said it to him. Who are you? Do I know you? "That might not necessarily be true."


    Wang Ge was stunned beforeughing, "Really? I really don''t believe that!"


    Zhang Yuanqi looked at him, "Little Wang, why are you talking to Teacher Zhang like that?"


    "Sister Zhang, I''m not convinced! I have been doing music for seven to eight years! People can doubt me in anything except my attainment and level in music!" Wang Ge had spent a lot of time on the lyrics, and he hadposed the tune for half a month before producing a satisfying piece of work. However, Zhang Ye''s simple word of it being not nice and a simple word of not selling his copyright made all his efforts over the past few days be in vain. It would be a wonder if he was in agreement with that!


    Zhang Yuanqi was a friendly Heavenly Queen in front of them, "Alright, Little Wang. Restrain that attitude of yours by a bit. This is Teacher Zhang''s work, so he has the right to decide who the lyrics belongs to."


    Wang Ge was still unconvinced, as he said, "But he�� "


    Fang Weihong turned angry, "Just because Sister Zhang is being nice, you are still continuing on? If you have anything to say, say it to me!"


    Wang Ge turned silent. They were not afraid of Sister Zhang, as they knew that the Heavenly Queen never stared angrily at people. She was especially nice to anyone, but the manager, Sister Fang, was not someone that was easy to speak to.


    Zhang Yuanqi patted Fang Weihong''s arm, "It''s fine. You don''t have to go to that point."


    After criticizing Wang Ge, Fang Weihong changed tunes and turned towards Zhang Ye, "If you think it''s unsatisfactory, you can get Little Wang or the other twoposers to change it. Wherever needs changes, you can just tell them. When you are satisfied, we can talk about the copyright transfer. So don''t be in a hurry to say no. We really like your poem, or we would not have formed a team to work on this matter for the past half month."


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips, "I have other uses for this poem, so�� "


    Seeing that the tunes were unable to persuade him, Fang Weihong appealed to his emotions, "You said that you like Sister Zhang''s music. Then you should know that those are things from a long time ago. In the past two years, Sister Zhang has not had any good musical productions. Even the sales barely make it, and anyone knows that it was forcefully pushed up because we were using her past fame. Only hardcore fans liked it, so it''s hard to push this any further. If this carries on, without any good musical productions, even those hardcore fans will eventually leave, too. Sister Zhang would then have to give up on music and only develop herself in the film industry."


    Zhang Ye was a bit embarrassed as he said, "I know that. I''m also aware of this from the news, but the truth of the matter is, I think these songs are very average."


    Another musician said, "The price is negotiable. Nowadays, an excellent work of a famousposer would cost from 50,000 to 100,000. Even the top lyrics would not exceed 150,000."


    "That''s true." Fang Weihong said, "We can give you 150,000 for the licensing fee. As long as you license the rights of the song to us, we will n on making it a single. The song will be recorded in a few days, and then it will be posted on the inte as a trial. It''s quite an anxious matter, so would you�� "


    Zhang Ye remained imprable, "It''s not about money. It''s the tune that''s bad."


    Wang Ge spoke again, "The tune is bad? Then why don''t you make a tune for us to open our eyes?"


    Fang Weihong narrowed her eyes and mmed her hand on the table heavily, "Wang Ge! Do you really want me to lose all decorum with you?"


    "Sister Fang, I just can''t stand him being like that! He keeps saying our tune is bad, but it''s clearly an excuse! I''m guessing some otherpany must have gotten to him first!" Wang Ge said.


    Fang Weihong looked at Zhang Ye, "Is that true, Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Yuanqi also nced at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye said, "When I was arrested, Sister Zhang gave a Like to my poem, and quite a number of Sister Zhang''s fans helped me. This resulted in me being able to be released so soon. Since Sister Zhang needs my help, I will definitely help if I can. However, this poem is different. No otherpany has contacted me for the rights. You are the first, but this poem is quite important to me. Hai, perhaps I''m not exining clearly?" Saying that, he looked at Wang Ge, "You said that anyone in here knows music more than me? And you want me to produce a tune to open your eyes? Sure. Then I''ll incur ridicule on myself today."


    Fang Weihong eximed, "You canpose?"


    A few of the staff members nearly fainted. Aren''t you just good at history or writing novels or poems? Composing? You can evenpose?


    Wang Ge found it both funny and annoying, "Sure. We are all ears!"


    You want to goad me? You sure are childish! This bro�� This bro loves to be goaded on!


    Zhang Ye was also slightly angry from the provocation. I don''t know music? Sure! I''ll open your eyes today! Actually, he wanted to tell Zhang Yuanqi that he had a better choice for the song, and this song was left for him to sing it himself. He was not purposely refusing to sell the rights. He did not want Sister Zhang to be misunderstand.


    Zhang Yuanqi said to him, "Teacher Zhang, if any member of my team was inappropriate with his words, I will get him to apologize to you. Forget about theposing. Little Wang is also�� "


    Zhang Ye tly said, "It''s okay. Give me the guitar!"


    A musician blinked and handed him a guitar. He was the person who had sung and yed the song himself.


    Zhang Ye mimicked him as he sat over there. Lifting the guitar and then adjusting his state for a while, he suddenly coughed. He then returned the guitar to the person.


    The musician eximed, "Why?"


    Zhang Ye said awkwardly, "I don''t know how to y the guitar."


    Upon hearing this, everyone in the room nearly fainted. If you don''t know how to y the guitar, why did you act as if you did!?


    Zhang Ye touched the microphone in front of him and tested the sound, "Now, I will sing a song, titled "Wishing We Last Forever". Sorry for my shorings."


    Wang Ge was sneering.


    A few musicians were also inattentively waiting to hear him sing.


    Other than Zhang Yuanqi being expressionless, everyone else had doubt written on their faces. They only knew that Zhang Ye was trying to be obstinate. No one believed that he couldpose a tune. Composing? It was a thing that only specialists in music could do! You don''t even know how to y the guitar, and you probably don''t even know the lines of a music sheet. As a person dealing with literature production, Three Kingdoms research, supernatural novels or children''s fairy tales, what sort of tune can you produce!?

 Chapter 166: The Heavenly Queen Behaves like a Scoundrel!

    <h4>Chapter 166: The Heavenly Queen Behaves like a Scoundrel! </h4>


    Chapter 166: The Heavenly Queen Behaves like a Scoundrel!


    Seven to eight pairs of eyes were focused on him.


    Zhang Ye sat calmly on the stage and he adjusted his mood while holding the microphone for a short moment. And then his voice came out of his throat. He chose to sing without anypanion track or live band supporting him. He could only use this method to sing. But thankfully, this song was also very nice, even when sung in a cappe format. The mood was there, so singing it without background music had a vor to it, too.


    "When will the moon be clear and bright?"


    "With a cup of wine in my hand, I ask the clear sky."


    "In the heavens on this night."


    "I wonder what season it would be."


    He was singing Faye Wong''s version.


    When the four lines came out, everyone was stunned!


    Zhang Ye''s singing was not good. He had never received any systematic training, nor was he good at singing. But he was a broadcasting major, so his voice was still quite solid. Also, with the tens of Fruits of Charm (Voice) helping him, it made his voice sound even more charming!


    "This song�� " Zhang Yuanqi instantaneously looked at Zhang Ye.


    Fang Weihong was also a bit excited hearing this, "How could this be!? This�� "


    A musician by the side said with a pleasant surprise, "To think that there can be such charm to it! The charm of this tune is too perfect! It''s filled with ancient feelings! And not one bit of the lyrics have been changed? Not a single word has been added? The tune of the first few lines was so nice as well? It had all the factors of what made something popr and there was nock of charm. Even the mood was there!"


    Only Wang Ge''s expression was bad. He did not say a word.


    Zhang Ye''s voice tended to be a little hoarse, and it wasn''t suited to sing this song. It didn''t have Faye Wong''s ethereal feeling. But since it was just a demo, as long as he didn''t go off tune, it would sound good. He continued singing, "I''d like to ride the wind to return home. Yet, I fear the crystal and jade mansions are much too high and cold for me. Dancing with my moonlit shadow, it does not seem like the human world. The moon rounds the red mansion, stoops to silk-padded doors, shines upon the sleepless. Bearing no grudge, why does the moon tend to be full when people are apart? People experience sorrow, joy, separation and reunion. The moon may be dim or bright, round or crescent shaped. This imperfection has been going on since the beginning of time. May we all be blessed with longevity�� " Zhang Ye sang thest part lightly with some sadness, "Though thousands of miles apart, we are still able to share the beauty of the moon together."


    He finished singing.


    He just needed to sing it once.


    After Zhang Ye put down the microphone, he looked at the people in front of him. They were all silent! If someone asked Zhang Ye at this moment what the best feeling was, Zhang Ye would definitely say that acting awesome was the best feeling! Look at everyone''s reaction! Look at everyone''s expression! These are expressions that made one delighted!


    A musician said in shock, "You really canpose?"


    See! You see! Someone asked such a good question! His reaction was perfect! He was a professional!


    Zhang Ye felt a bit proud, "It was passable. I don''t know. I was just blindly trying, and I definitely can''tpare to professionals like you."


    That person said, "When I first received this set of lyrics, I thought for a full day and felt that it was really difficult. The difficulty was in fitting the melody to the mood of the lyrics. In the end, I thought that it would not be possible to perfectly fuse them together, so I decided to modify the lyrics a little and settle for a different style. But your melody�� It fits the mood too perfectly! Don''t tell me that you don''t know music. In front of you, I do not even dare to call myself a professional anymore!" After listening to Zhang Ye''s demo, he was convinced! This song was too good!


    Another musicianmented, "Although the melodic contour doesn''t swing too much, with very few high pitch portions and pitch changes, the song''s beginning to end still felt like one whole. It drifted through like we were really going to heaven. These lyrics were very well written, this melody.. was even better!" When he thought about how he hadposed his melody, he could only smile wrily to himself. "Well, it looks like I shouldn''t disgrace myself any further with my melody."


    Everyone else looked at each other!


    No wonder Zhang Ye was so stubborn in not selling the license. He already hadposed a melody to it! And it was so beautiful!


    Fang Weihong stood up excitedly, "Teacher Zhang! We want this melody of yours! This song is a total fit for Sister Zhang! I dare to assure! As long as this single is released, it will definitely be famous all over the country!"


    Zhang Ye still maintained that attitude, "I want to leave this for myself to sing, I''m sorry."


    Fang Weihong felt like she had a bucket of water poured on her, "Teacher Zhang, the price is negotiable. Why don''t you give us a price? As long as you say it, we will definitely pay it!" This wasn''t something she would say lightly, but when she did, it meant that she really liked this production. She was willing to give up anything to buy it! Fang Weihong had really been touched by this song of Zhang Ye''s! And she also believed that if Zhang Yuanqi gets to sing this song, it would definitely solidify hereback in the music industry! A few hundred trashy songs won''t evenpare to this song!


    Zhang Ye still said, "It''s not a matter of money."


    This fellow was ambitious. He wasn''t going to be just satisfied with being on television and in the literary circle. He even wanted to go into music as a singer. The attention a singer got was much higher than a host!


    "Teacher Zhang�� " Fang Weihong was bing worried.


    Zhang Yuanqi suddenly said, "All of you, can you leave us? I want to speak to Teacher Zhang alone."


    Fang Weihong thought about it and signaled for everyone to go outside. She closed the door, leaving only Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Ye inside.


    Once everyone else was gone, the Heavenly Queen''s attitude changed.


    Zhang Yuanqi had crossed her legs and said, "Don''t say anymore; that song is mine. I will get thepany to transfer the money to you. Then that is settled!"


    Zhang Ye said, "What do you mean, ''it''s yours''!?"


    Zhang Yuanqi coldly said, "If I say it''s mine, it''s mine."


    "You�� You are being a thug! I want to leave this song for myself!" Zhang Ye argued.


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "This song doesn''t suit you at all. Firstly, your singing is no good. I can''t say it''s too poor, but it''s not good enough. You cannot bring across that ethereal feeling. Secondly, your melody definitely does not suit a man''s voice. Whether it''s the singing, the transition or the mood, all of this should be sung by a woman. If you sing it, it will utterly destroy the song. Don''t say anymore; this song is mine. In the future, if you are really going to enter the music industry and there''s a good song for a man, I will reserve it for you. We will definitely give you a good song!"


    Zhang Ye seethed, "Do I even need to join your team? I canpose songs for myself!"


    Zhang Yuanqi said without any exnation, "Then I will owe you one. If you have something you need help with, you can look for me. That''s settled then; sign the contract!''


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes, "You mean it''s settled just like that!?"


    He also had to admit that this song wouldn''t be sung well by him. It didn''t even suit his style. The original was sung by a woman, but Zhang Ye was just instinctively guarding his food. He still felt that such a good song should be left for himself. Even if it couldn''t be sung well, he still would sing it. Who cared if it was unsuitable!?


    But the Heavenly Queen did not even seem like she was going to discuss it further with him!


    Your sister!


    This is daylight robbery!


    But he could see that Zhang Yuanqi really liked this song. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have spoken for so long with Zhang Ye today. Usually, whenever they met at Zhang Ye''s apartment, the Heavenly Queen would hardly speak a word. She was not the type who liked talking too much.


    At this moment, Zhang Yuanqi took her cell phone out and made a call.


    Thereafter, the door opened and Manager Fang Weihong and a few staff members walked in, "What''s the matter, Sister Zhang?"


    Zhang Yuanqi expression changed instantly. She was smiling, "Teacher Zhang has agreed. Please inform the legal department to draft up a contract. This song''s lyrics and melody agreement is for 300,000. Please quickly transfer the amount to Teacher Zhang. Oh, yes. The copyright purchase is not a full buyout. A percentage of the song''s royalty fees will also go to Teacher Zhang."


    This was the highest price in the industry and only the Heavenly Queen and her team could and would pay it. But speaking truthfully, this song was definitely worth the price!


    Fang Weihong was very happy, "Alright, I''ll immediately get someone to do it! Thank you, Teacher Zhang!"


    When did I agree!?


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. But since the matter was done, he did not say anything. Forget it. Old Zhang''s music had indeed been quite bad for the past two years, so she was undergoing a lot of pressure. Anyway, this song did not suit him, and he still had many songs in his brain. Whatever. I''ll give it to her then.


    Zhang Ye finally signed the contract with a look of reluctance.


    After everything was settled, Fang Weihong once again looked up at Zhang Ye. It could be said that, at the beginning, this was just business. It was a meeting to get Zhang Ye to sell the copyright to them. But now, Fang Weihong had already taken Zhang Ye as a musician that they would be working with together in the future. They werecking a musician who could write good songs. But with Zhang Ye''s "Wishing We Last Forever", she could see some hope atst.


    "Alright, I''m leaving." Zhang Ye bade farewell.


    Fang Weihong shook his hands once more, "Teacher Zhang, thank you! In the future, if you have any good songs, please contact us first. I do not dare say it for sure, but in the industry, those who could afford such high prices like us do not number many. Sister Zhang also appreciates your talent a lot. If you have another good song, don''t forget about us."


    Zhang Ye said listlessly, "Okay, I''ll do my best."


    Fang Weihong smiled. "Alright, then I''ll get someone to send you back."


    "There''s no need. I''ll grab a taxi." Zhang Ye said.


    "That won''t do. The car has already been arranged. It''s waiting for you downstairs." Fang Weihong was still very polite as she said, "If you are free,e visit ourpany. There are nock of musicians. You cane at any time and chat with them. You are always wee. Right, have you stored my telephone number? It''s the number I used to call you."


    "I saved it." Zhang Ye may say yes, but he had no ns oning. Well done, for when this bro sings another song, your Heavenly Queen will just y the scoundrel and take my song away, then to whom shall I seek redress!? The songs in my brain are all ssics amongst ssics. Using any one of them means the loss of another one! They can''t be used so frivolously!


    ����


    After reaching home.


    Around night time, a person iming to be one of Zhang Yuanqi''s team found him. He sent a copy of "Wishing We Last Forever" that Zhang Yuanqi had finished recording to Zhang Ye. Upon hearing it, Zhang Ye turned speechless! Even if he was unconvinced, he had to be convinced, for she was such a professional! Zhang Yuanqi''s voice was very maic. There was a bit of hoarseness in it, but it did not have the feel of Teresa Teng or Faye Wong, and the way she sang it waspletely different!


    But��


    It was really very good!


    There was less of an ethereal elegance, but there was more of a sentimental feeling of the passage of time. It was absolute well sung!

 Chapter 167: “Wishing We Last Forever” Turns Viral!

    <h4>Chapter 167: ��Wishing We Last Forever�� Turns Viral! </h4>


    Chapter 167: "Wishing We Last Forever" Turns Viral!


    A few dayster.


    Zhang Ye made a call from his apartment.


    "Hello, mom. Didn''t I borrow 50,000 from you and dadst time? I have the money now and I will transfer another 100,000 to you as well. Please use it as you wish. If you want to buy clothes, buy clothes. If you want jewelry, get jewelry. Don''t try to save; if you don''t have enough, let me know again."


    "Don''t worry. Mom doesn''t know much, but spending money is my specialty!"


    "F**k, at least be more indirect about this."


    "Why do I need to be indirect with my own son? If I finish spending it all, I will just look for you. Oh, right. How did you get the money? Sold some copyright again? Or did you release another novel?"


    "Sold a song to a popr Heavenly Queen."


    "What? My son even knows how to write songs? And even sold it off to a Heavenly Queen?"


    "Yes, you know who I am. Let''s not talk about this, I need to go to work now. I''ve rested for quite a few days already."


    Zhang Ye had only just taught Wang Shuixin''s son a lesson a few days ago. To protect him, Hu Fei had given a few days off to let him stay home to wait until the matter had died down. But yesterday''s "Lecture Room" had already been broadcast up to thest recorded episode, so he had to go to the office to record a few more episodes.


    Thinking about it, "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" was almost done recording. Zhang Ye sometimes thought to himself, when the run of "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" has ended, should he leave the television station as well? He might. Afterall, he had offended Wang Shuixin and his son greatly. Wang Shuixin would definitely not let the matter rest.


    But from another point of view, Zhang Ye may not get sacked because the television station''s decisions did not lie entirely with Wang Shuixin alone. He was just a channel director and his son had, on multiple asions, harassed thedies in the television station. The first time, he got beaten up by Editor Wei. The second time, by Zhang Ye. This did not look good on Wang Shuixin. He would likely be questioned and affected greatly, too. It was his son, after all. He would be lucky if the television station did not discipline him as well.


    If he dared to openly fire Zhang Ye, then it would be too obvious that he was getting revenge for his son. That would incite the masses'' anger, so it wasn''t likely that he would dare to do it. Zhang Ye''s "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" was also the star segment of their local channel that broke 8% in ratings. Even if Wang Shuixin''s rtionship with the Leader was good, the television station''s Leader would still have to consider it very carefully.


    Anything was possible.


    Zhang Ye did not think too much; he wasn''t afraid of anyone. Wang Shuixin wanted to wear small-sized shoes? Then, he will pick up those shoes and throw it at his face �� This was Zhang Ye''s style!


    At the most, he would quit. If this ce could not keep a lord, there was definitely a ce that could!


    But then, what woulde after the springboard that is the television station? Zhang Ye still did not know.


    ����


    Morning.


    Beijing Television Station.


    When Zhang Ye arrived, there was a lot ofmotion and discussion among the staff immediately.


    "Hey, Zhang Ye is here."


    "It''s really him."


    "I thought that he had quit already."


    "He was standing up for someone. Why should he quit?"


    "But the person he offended was Director Wang. He will have a difficult time in the future. The management will deal with him, sooner orter. Sigh. Just look at Uncle Wei as an example."


    "That''s true. Uncle Wei was such a good man, but Wang Shuixin still did not let him off."


    "But Teacher Zhang Ye''s program is one the station''s top programs, I don''t think anyone dares to touch him."


    "That''s not necessarily true. I think that we should observe the situation before saying anything."


    At this moment, no one greeted Zhang Ye. Everyone became friendly towards him because the news of him saving his fan''s life. But now, after thetest incident, many people did not dare to go near him, afraid that they would get into trouble if they stayed too close to him. They knew that Wang Shuixin was the one calling the shots at the Arts Channel. And even at the station level, he had a lot of influence because he was close to the station''s Leader. Of course, staying away from Zhang Ye was just surface behaviour. Everyone knew that Zhang Ye had beaten up Wang Shuixin''s son and they felt good about it. They were having better and better impressions of Zhang Ye in their hearts.


    Zhang Ye was not bothered. He was used to being snubbed by others in the past. Thebel of a jinx was not for nothing. This was the norm to him, so he just walked on as usual.


    On the way, there were some discussions that caught the his attention. They did not see Zhang Ye, and they were just having a conversation.


    "Did you listen to any musicst night?"


    "I''ve not listened to any in the past month. There''s no good music recently."


    "You don''t know about it? Zhang Yuanqi has released a new song; it''s a single!"


    "Oh. I watch all of Sister Zhang''s movies; they''re ssics! But her songs�� I stopped listening to them three years ago. They were getting quite bad."


    "Haha. Then you should go and listen to the new song that was released online yesterday. It''s called ''Wishing We Last Forever''. It''s not just the normal kind of good we''re talking about!"


    "Are you sure?"


    "Who heard ''Wishing We Last Forever''? I listened to it, too! It''s great!"


    "Yeah, I randomly heard itst night. In the end, I liked it so much that I yed it over and over for two hours. I fell asleep while listening to it!"


    "Me, too. Sister Zhang is making aeback this time in the music industry with this song. Her poprity in music had dropped in the past. But this time, she''s definitely going to get all her poprity back!"


    "It''s really that good? Let me listen to it on my phone. I''ll search for it�� Oh, these song lyrics�� Why do they look so familiar? Like I''ve seen it somewhere�� Let me see who wrote the song lyrics and melody. Oh, that''s not right. The lyrics were written and the melodyposed by Zhang Ye? Who is that? Is there such a person in the industry?"


    "Zhang Ye? Ah! I remember! Holy sh*t! Aren''t these lyrics that our Zhang Ye wrote for ''Shuidiao Getou''!? If you don''t believe it, check it out! It''s exactly the same! The Heavenly Queen''s team bought the rights to his lyrics? That can''t be right. Then what about the melody!? Teacher Zhang Ye not only knows how to write lyrics, but he canpose melodies as well? How can he possibly know how topose melodies? And even such a wonderful melody�� "


    "Same names?"


    "The lyricist coincidentally has the same name as the melodyposer? How can it be so coincidental?"


    "If it was a case of same names, they would surely indicate that, wouldn''t they? But there''s no indication here!"


    "Holy sh*t, it was really made by Zhang Ye? He knows how to write novels, write poetry, can talk about history, write fairy tales, create advertisements and evenpose songs?"


    "What a godly person!"


    "Yes, this kind of talent should really be called a godly person!"


    ����


    At the office.


    Zhang Ye walked in smiling, "Morning, everyone. Long time, no see!"


    Xiao Lu jumped up as soon as she saw him, "Teacher Zhang! You''re finally here! We were having a discussion! Heavenly Queen Zhang''s ''Wishing We Last Forever'', was thatposed by you?"


    Hou Ge anxiously asked, "Is it, Teacher Zhang?"


    "The lyrics and melody are by you?" Dafei said unbelievingly.


    Zhang Ye walked to his office desk, "It wasposed by me. The song''s not too bad, eh?"


    "It''s really by you?" Xiao Lu was shocked, "It wasn''t ''not bad''! It was so great that it''s explosive! I''ve already downloaded it to my phone to listen to it! I listened to it the whole ofst night. This morning, I happened to see the lyricist and melodyposer and realised it was credited to Zhang Ye! Only then did I remember that I saw that winning ''Shuidiao Getou'' of yours at the Mid-Autumn Festival Poetry Meet! Then, I linked up two and two! I can''t believe this! How do you know how topose?"


    Zhang Ye brushed it off, "I was feeling inspired, so I wrote it for them. It was my lyrics, after all. My understanding of them was naturally deeper than theirs."


    At this moment, Hu Fei entered the office.


    Xiao Lu immediately said, "Brother Hu, did you know? Teacher Zhang wrote a song! It''s super nice!"


    Hu Fei did not keep up with the music industry, "There''s such a thing? Where is it? Let me have a listen!"


    "Let me get it for you." Xiao Lu took out her mobile phone, then clicked on the song to y it.


    Upon listening, Hu Fei was also extremely surprised, "Little Zhang, you really are blooming in all directions now!"


    Zhang Ye said, "No, I just blindlyposed it. They were asking me for help, and I didn''t want to reject them. My main responsibilities are still towards TV hosting."


    Hu Feiughed, "Hur hur. Don''t try that with me. The more famous you be, the better it is for our program ratings. I can''t be any happier." Looking at his watch, Hu Fei said, "Alright, we still have a lot of work to do today. Everyone, go get ready. In an hour, we will begin recording. If Teacher Zhang has no problems, we might record for the entire day. Be prepared, everyone."


    "Okay."


    "No problem, Brother Hu."


    "Leave it to us!"


    Everyone got busy.


    Since Zhang Ye did not require any preparation work, he looked through the work from the past few days that he wasn''t here for. Then, he went online to read news about "Wishing We Last Forever".


    "Heavenly Queen Zhang''s new single released! - Topped charts overnight!"


    "Only ten hours since its release, ''Wishing We Last Forever'' has received 1.3 million hits! "


    "After an absence of two years, Zhang Yuanqi''s new song, ''Wishing We Last Forever'', has let everyone know that she has returned!"


    The headlines were different, but the contents were all simr. Zhang Ye felt that a review by a blogger hit the sweet spot, "No one had expected anything from Zhang Yuanqi for her new single. Industry insiders have all agreed that the Heavenly Queen has been stagnating for two to three years, her fans ever-decreasing. But with the release of ''Wishing We Last Forever'' yesterday, everyone still gave it a try as usual.


    Why? Maybe there wasn''t a reason. Even though no one expected much, even though the Heavenly Queen''s works over the past two years have been disappointing, just because she is Zhang Yuanqi, just this name alone would have made everyone listen to her song. I''m one such person, too. But when I was about to prepare to write my criticisms of it, the song had immediately attracted me with the first two phrases. What came next was needless to say. I continuously listened to it on repeat ten times before I wrote this review. I don''t know how I should express my feelings now, but I would like to shout out what I feel inside: The Heavenly Queen who ruled the charts for eight months back then.. is finally back!"

 Chapter 168: Everyone Asks for a Song from Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 168: Everyone Asks for a Song from Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 168: Everyone Asks for a Song from Zhang Ye!


    Online.


    "Wishing We Last Forever" was unanimously held to great acim!


    Zhang Ye couldn''t help wonder how many clicks the song had garnered. On the publishing website, it had already broken two million ys. Zhang Ye was not very clear about this world''s music environment and background. He could only base it on his understanding of his previous world. Back in that world, when a song was released on Weibo or QQ, hitting two million ys within 14 hours was already a sign of doing very well!


    She had good singing technique.


    She was popr.


    Furthermore, it was a good song.


    It wasn''t at all strange that the song was performing so well now!


    Then, in the midst of all the praise for the song, Zhang Ye discovered a few articles about himself. Although there were only a few, he was satisfied nheless.


    Beijing City Entertainment News reported: As a media worker in Beijing, the name of Zhang Ye should be familiar to most. But when Zhang Ye''s name appeared on the credit list of the Heavenly Queen Zhang''s new song, everyone was surprised. We contacted Heavenly Queen Zhang''s production team to inquire and they confirmed this news. Yes, it''s the same Zhang Ye who wrote those poems and the one from "Lecture Room". The lyrics were originally Teacher Zhang Ye''s work from the Mid-Autumn Poetry Meet, "Shuidiao Getou", and it was adapted into this song. The songposer was also Teacher Zhang Ye himself. ording to insiders, the rights fee paid by Heavenly Queen Zhang''s team was one rarely seen in the industry. It could be said that even though the song had not been market-tested, their team already had high hopes for it. To pay such a price for an outsider of the music industry, the Heavenly Queen and her team really had the foresight.


    Huabei Music Magazine: From history lecturer to musician? This is not a joke, nor a prank, but something that is happening right before our eyes. This morning, when I came to the office, three colleagues and another one that I bumped into at the elevator were all humming along to "Wishing We Last Forever". At that point, I knew that the song would definitely be on fire. When I saw the number of ys, it was just as I had thought. At that moment, I saw the domination of Zhang Yuanqi in the music industry from some years ago. Compared to back then, Heavenly Queen Zhang''s voice has be stronger and richer. It has be less translucent with time, with a sedimentation of sadness. It was too beautiful. The Heavenly Queen from back then is now back again! Firstly, there is Zhang Yuanqi''s umtion of strength over the years. Floating about in the music arena has made her more mature. Secondly, I feel that it was down to the song. With Zhang Ye helming as theposer and writer, even an average singer would make it popr, not to mention the Heavenly Queen. This song itself could really be described as perfect!


    There were numerous reviews.


    "It''s really so good to listen to!"


    "It''s great! Sister Zhang has made a sessfuleback!"


    "I''ve been waiting for this moment for a long time! Yesterday, I listened to ''Wishing We Last Forever'' without expectations. When I was halfway through it, I nearly teared!"


    "Nearly teared? I cried for over half an hour!"


    "Zhang Yuanqi! I love you!"


    "Sister Zhang! You are the best! I knew it. I knew you wouldn''t quit singing!"


    "Those reality shows in the music arena, what are those!? Comparing who looks better, who has a better figure or body. Their vocals are too poor and the songs don''t have depth! Sister Zhang is finally back! She''ll show all of those youngsters! Show them what singing is all about! What music really is!"


    "Looking forward to Sister Zhang''s next song!"


    "Yeah, quickly release the next album!"


    "I can''t wait! I''m looking forward to it!"


    "Who is that Zhang Ye? Is he so great?"


    "I know him. I think the Heavenly Queen Liked one or two of his poems on Weibo."


    "These few years, so many musicians have made songs for the Heavenly Queen, but all of them failed to receive sess. But an outsider like Zhang Ye, who does not work in the music industry, could actually help Heavenly Queen Zhang reim her throne in the arena?"


    "I don''t know him, but I will pay attention to him in the future."


    After reading a little more, Zhang Ye went to his Tieba �� Zhang Ye''s Nest.


    What he never expected was that his Tieba page had received an "Exploding Flood". Alright, it was not the traditional idea of Exploding Flood, because the people who came to flood the Tieba page came without any ill intentions. On the contrary, these people were Zhang Yuanqi''s fans, and they came in good faith.


    "Zhang Ye, thank you!"


    "I''ve nothing to say! Except, ''thank you''! "


    "Teacher Zhang, I want to thank you on behalf of all the fans of Sister Zhang!"


    "We understand that music is not your main job, but if you have any good songs in future, could you please let our Heavenly Queen use them first? We are all Sister Zhang''s hardcore fans. Sister Zhang is a good person, always smiling and never saying bad things. But we fans know that Sister Zhang has kept a low profile in the music industry. Seeing her fighting on all these years, we all couldn''t do anything but watch on. Thank you for your ''Wishing We Last Forever''. We are so ted! Let''s see who still dares to gossip about Sister Zhang from now on!"


    "Beihe Province sends its thanks!"


    "Jiangnan Province sends its thanks!"


    Zhang Ye''s fans reacted more slowly. Because they had not paid attention to this matter, they were not fully in the know either. A few moderators suddenly realized that there was something abnormal with the recent posts. Seeing the invasion of other users, their first reaction was to @BigSaberBro and get ready a battle n. But when they realized the contents of the posts, they all could only look on in confusion.


    Thank Teacher Zhang?


    The Heavenly Queen''s fans?


    What was the situation? Why are they thanking Teacher Zhang?


    They only grasped the situation after some reading and momentarily felt shocked!


    Holy sh*t! Teacher Zhang Ye wrote a song? It was even a song for the Heavenly Queen? The song even became famous overnight? Is this a joke or what?


    Some of Zhang Ye''s fans had already listened to "Wishing We Last Forever"st night. They also knew that this was Zhang Yuanqi''s new single, but they did not pay attention to the lyricist andposer. Even if they did, they wouldn''t have linked that Zhang Ye to their idol. Only the few who especially liked "Shuidiao Getou" knew that the song''s lyrics were from that poem; the others were all in the dark!


    "Teacher Zhang has a new work?"


    "F**k, he wrote a song this time?"


    "Hahaha. I diedughing. Teacher Zhang is the most raffish radio host I know of. Working at the radio station for two months after graduation, look at his results now? From novels to fairy tales to poetry to couplets. He even dabbled in advertising after entering the television station! I have not seen him do any hosting jobs. He instead became the lecturer on the Three Kingdoms. Now, he has even branched out into music? What!? Teacher Zhang! Can we be more professional about things!? I''ve seen raffish people before, but I''ve never seen anyone as raffish as this!"


    "Godly evaluation by the poster upstairs!"


    "Ahaha! I have a cramp fromughing!"


    "When has Teacher Zhang ever done something the proper way? You guys think too much!"


    "But Teacher Zhang is still so awesome! This has not changed ever since the beginning! Whatever he does, he''s good at it! That''s my idol!"


    Then, Zhang Ye''s fans and Heavenly Queen Zhang''s fans interacted with each other.


    A moderator for Zhang Ye''s Tieba said, "Everyone, don''t thank him first. Last time, when Teacher Zhang had some problems, it was all because of Heavenly Queen Zhang''s Like that brought all of you here to help. We should be thanking you instead. I believe that it was also because of this that Teacher Zhang Ye wrote the song for her. It''s the same with our Leader, ZhangYeNumber1Fan. When Teacher Zhang had his troubles, she was always there for him. When she got hospitalized for her sickness, Teacher Zhang donated all his money without another word�� Our fan club members all know very well how to repay favors, so there''s really no need for thanks. You can see the motto of our Tieba �� If you do not leave me, I will always be at your side until the end of life. This is the code of conduct for our fan club!"


    A fan of Zhang Yuanqi replied, "That''s very interesting. Actually, I''m only a fan of Zhang Yuanqi. However, I have seen Zhang Ye''s ''Lecture Room'', and I like it very much, so I''ll join your fan club. Although I won''t be a hardcore fan, I will definitely not run away when something happens!"


    "I''ll join, too. The song written by Zhang Ye is so good!"


    "Wee, wee! Our fan club wees people from all ces!"


    ����


    Zhang Ye smiled. After browsing for a while, it was almost time to work. He switched theputer off. Although this rascal was reluctant to give Zhang Yuanqi that song, the effects seemed good. Firstly, he had earned money and he had resolved his problems. Secondly, it had increased his poprity and reputation. Thirdly, the Heavenly Queen now owed him a favor. Hai, actually, it was not much. That time, with the Heavenly Queen helping him, if one wanted to be technical, he was just returning the favor.


    "Teacher Zhang, let''s go?" Xiao Lu got up.


    Everyone went to the recording studio together. Zhang Ye took his cell phone out to switch it off. After all, there had to be total silence while recording. But at this moment, a call came in.


    It was an unknown number that he did not know.


    Zhang Ye picked it up, "Hello. Who''s this?"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, hello." It was a woman''s voice as she said, "I am from Chenhui Entertainment Company. We want to reserve a song from you. The price is negotiable. As long as the quality is as good as ''Wishing We Last Forever'', we will take as many as you can create. We guarantee you that we won''t give anything less than what Sister Zhang''spany gave."


    Zhang Ye tersely said, "Forget it. I don''t have ns to enter the music industry."


    "We are not in a hurry. You can contact us again when you have the inspiration to write one." the female voice said.


    "I temporarily do not have such ns. Sorry about that. I''m currently busy, so let''s leave it at that." Zhang Ye hung up.


    However, another phone call came in almost immediately after. There was no need to ask. His number must have been leaked. Almost everyone called him at the same time.


    "Is this Teacher Zhang?" It was a middle-aged man.


    "That''s me."


    "Hello, I''m Sun Xia''s agent. When Sister Xia heard your ''Wishing We Last Forever'', she especially liked it and especially told me to contact you to reserve a song of yours."


    Sun Xia?


    He did not know her. Without a doubt, she was probably someone quite famous in the music industry.


    Zhang Ye answered, "Sorry about that. I won''t be writing songs in the near future. My main career isn''t that after all."


    "Please consider it again. Our prices will definitely not be bad�� " the middle-aged man refused to give up.


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s not a matter of money. Thank you for appreciating my work. We can talk about it in the future. I still need to record a program now. I''m hanging up."


    The moment he hung up, the third phone call came!


    "Hello, is this the originalposer of ''Wishing We Last Forever'', Teacher Zhang? May I know if you have time? Can we meet to discuss? I want to reserve a song from you."


    ����


    He rejected one after another.


    Zhang Ye quickly switched off his phone, afraid that another call woulde in.


    Xiao Lu and Dafei saw all of this and they were extremely amused, "Teacher Zhang, you sure are in hot demand right now. Everyone is hoping to reserve a song from you."


    "Don''t mention it." Zhang Ye waved his hand. He really did not have any intention of selling songs. That would be killing the golden goose. All the works in his head were to be put to his own service, and not given to others.

 Chapter 169: Finishing the Recording of Every Episode of ‘Analysis of the Three Kingdoms’!

    <h4>Chapter 169: Finishing the Recording of Every Episode of ��Analysis of the Three Kingdoms��! </h4>


    Chapter 169: Finishing the Recording of Every Episode of ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms''!


    Recording studio.


    "Our viewing friends, how are you!?"


    "I am Zhang Ye."


    "Let us carry on talking about the Three Kingdoms for today''s ''Lecture Room''."


    ����


    The morning''s recording ended with the apuse from the audience.


    Hu Fei led his team to the cafeteria for a meal. Today, Hu Fei was treating. When they made payment, his meal card was swiped. He bought a variety of dishes, not just a simple mixed rice meal.


    Xiao Lu raised her head in an exaggerated fashion, "We''re doomed. This is the indicator for working overtime."


    Hou Ge agreed with a nod, "And from the looks of it, it''s not as simple as an hour or two."


    Hu Fei was amused, "Are you the only ones that are smart? That''s right; we need to work overtime today, so I want to reward all of you first. I''ll be settling your dinner, too. Everyone, let''s work hard. After busying ourselves today, we can rest for quite a number of days. Teacher Little Zhang said that there are another 11 episodes before we finish recording ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms ''. We finished recording three episodes in the morning, and by busying ourselves in the afternoon, and doing a few hours of overtime, we should be able to finish it today. Although there''s no rush to finish all of it today, the earlier we finish, the earlier we can start on other tasks."


    As Dafei ate, he said, "I''m fine with it. I just do offstage work. The main problem is with Teacher Zhang�� "


    "I asked Little Zhang already. He''s fine with it." Hu Fei looked at Zhang Ye, "Do you need me to give you an hour to take a nap in the afternoon? So you can keep thinking straight? After all, recording a program is quite physically tiring."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "There''s no need to. Back at the radio station, my highest record was recording 15 hours of programs. I''m not tired. It''s not a big deal."


    Xiao Lu gave a thumbs up, "Ironman Teacher Zhang!"


    Most of his colleagues knew that Teacher Zhang Ye''s off script skills, which were to the point of recording ten episodes without a single stutter or a mistake, were nothing that any of the hosts in the television station couldpare with. Even those star hosts from satellite channels who were more famous than Zhang Ye were impressed by him! No one knew how Teacher Zhang Ye''s brain worked. He did not mix up any information of history in his mind. Everything was said clearly without a missing word, and he never had a script!


    His colleagues all believed that he was probably a so-called genius or polymath. This was something that ordinary people like them could not fathom.


    As they ate, there was suddenly discussions in the cafeteria.


    Zhang Ye looked up and saw Wang Shuixin walk in. There were a few people with cameras behind him. From their clothing, they were most likely newspaper reporters.


    "Director Wang, can we take photographs freely?" a reporter asked.


    Wang Shuixin''s expression looked helpless, "Reporters, how big is this matter that you have to make a special focus of me? There''s no need, there''s really no need."


    The reporter said, "Yesterday, you helped a child who couldn''t afford to go to school. By supporting his education, this is a quality many of us need to learn. You are a Leader in the media circle, and by leading with example, we definitely need to write a special focus."


    Wang Shuixin sighed, "It''s too much of raising a big rumpus. Helping children is something expected of me, and it is something that I should do. What''s there to talk about?"


    A reporter said, "Don''t say that. If you say that, you make us ashamed. Few of us have such enlightened thoughts like yours."


    Wang Shuixin sighed, "Alright then. Help yourselves."


    "Take a shot. Capture a scene of Director Wang eating." a reporter instructed a person behind him.


    Wang Shuixin went to order his food. He went to a mixed rice stall, and asked for a bowl of rice and two dishes. He was very thrifty.


    When the few reporters saw this, their eyes lit up as they quickly recorded it down andmented, "Director Wang sure is hard-working, and he''s spartan as well. A Head of a channel eats so simply everyday? So that he can save extra money to support the education of children? Quick, take a few more pictures!"


    The snapping sounds of the cameras rang.


    When Zhang Ye and the other people from the Arts Channel saw this, they had deadpan expressions. No one reacted. Thrifty? Others might not know, but how could they not? Wang Shuixin almost never ate at the cafeteria. He always drove out to eat. If it wasn''t the restaurant across the road, it was an appointment with someone else. Even when he came to the cafeteria, he would eat something special and not some mixed rice. Anyway, it was something that they had never seen before! And two simple dishes? What the heck!


    Xiao Lu said hatefully, "Putting on a show!"


    Dafei said surprisingly, "Director Wang funds the education of children?"


    "The reporters must be invited by him." Hou Ge analyzed, "Xiao Lu is right. It''s definitely a show. It''s not nice using our own television station''s reporters, as it might appear as blowing one''s trumpet, so he found some people from newspapers around Beijing to make a special focus. Is there a need to fake it so much? His son is still in remand, right? He pretended as if nothing had happened, and he even put on a performance? He sure enjoys fame! What about Uncle Wei? Uncle Wei rummages through the garbage to sell bottles every day to sponsor so many children who couldn''t afford school. Has Uncle Wei ever mentioned it at all! If not for the parents of a child, who was sponsored by him,ing to the television station, no one would know. Look at him. He''s just sponsoring one child, and he''s yelling it to the world. And he invited so many reporters? He sure is afraid that others do not know of his deeds!"


    The few of them did not like Wang Shuixin, so naturally they gossiped about him.


    Hu Fei was still someone who had propriety, "Alright, just eat your food."


    Zhang Ye could also tell that Wang Shuixin was a person who treated his reputation very highly. He was always thinking of how to immortalize his name with endless means!


    Over there, the reporters began to interview some of the television station''s employees.


    "Hello. May I know what sort of person is Director Wang usually like?" a reporter asked.


    It was unknown if the person who was asked was targeted by the reporters or if he was a crony of Wang Shuixin. He answered, "Director Wang is usually especially nice to his subordinates. He''s very friendly, and he never gets angry. He is also thrifty. We often read Director Wang''s poetry works and we feel deeply moved and encouraged. Every poem of Director Wang empowers us. In my heart, Director Wang is one of the literary giants of today!"


    Literary giant?


    Even literary giant was used?


    Would you not blush with such an evaluation?


    Xiao Lu could not help but burst intoughter hearing this, "What sort of bragging is this? Director Wang may be a member of the National Writers'' Association, and he is somewhat popr in the country with his modern poems, but that has nothing to do with being a literary giant." Saying that, she nced at Zhang Ye who was silently eating. She said, "Our Teacher Zhang hasn''t even said a word, and he dares to call himself a literary giant? Ignoring anyone else, Teacher Zhang can easily surpass Wang Shuixin by several levels. Have they forgotten about ''This is also Everything''? Teacher Zhang hadpletely negated Director Wang''s "Everything", to the point of him losing the ability to speak!"


    Dafei covered his forehead, "I also can''t stand hearing this any longer. This seems like bullsh*t. Isn''t it too much?"


    Hu Fei reprimanded them, "Talk less and do more. Leaders will do what Leaders do. You can grumble in your hearts, just don''t say it out loud elsewhere."


    Xiao Lu eximed, "There are no outsiders here."


    Hu Fei said, "But the walls have ears. Be careful."


    Actually, Hu Fei could no longer stand what Wang Shuixin had been doing for the past few days. ncing at the reporters and that Wang Shuixin, who was eating a pathetic meal, Hu Fei got up and left before finishing his meal.


    Xiao Lu pursed her lips, "Look, even Brother Hu, who has such a good temper, can''t stand it."


    Dafei smacked his lips, "Director Wang is getting increasingly unpopr. If this carries on, who will look up to his leadership?"


    "So what if we don''t look up?" Hou Di whispered, "Wang Shuixin does a good job putting on a show, and his rtionship with the Leaders are good. That is enough. The noise within isn''t important, and I believe Wang Shuixin doesn''t even care. I heard that he recently wrote a poem again, and many people on the inte gave him praise. Also, with this matter of sponsoring a child''s education�� Hur, it will probably make him popr. How would normal people know what is going on!?"


    Xiao Lu looked sideways, "Teacher Zhang, you have to be careful. Once Wang Shuixin gets past this and improves his reputation, he will definitely fix you once the matter regarding his son fades away."


    Zhang Yeughed, "Eat your food."


    Noticing that Zhang Ye did not say any more, everyone did not mention it again.


    Fix me?


    Obstructing me?


    Ha! That should be something I say, right!?


    Everyone felt that Zhang Ye had to be careful, but Zhang Ye''s thoughts were not on this. He still remembered Wang Shuixin''s ugly face. After taking care of his son, Zhang Ye would not forget the grudge. He was still thinking of how to make trouble for Wang Shuixin! Deduct my bonus? Trying to buy my copyright when I needed it urgently? Zhang Ye would not take this lying down. Seek revenge on me? I''m the one looking for the opportunity to seek revenge!


    ����


    At night.


    The final episode of "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" was finished recording. Each remaining episode just needed to be aired.


    When Zhang Ye said his final thanks on the podium, he felt relieved, but his heart was empty. The program had ended, and his mission waspleted. He still felt somewhat reluctant.


    Many people in the audience rushed up to the stage.


    "Teacher Zhang, give me an autograph!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, can we take a picture together?"


    "Congrattions on sessfully finishing the recording of ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms ''. This program is too awesome!"


    Zhang Ye noticed that it waste, and he gave Hu Fei a shout out, to allow the other members of the staff to get off work. He then stayed behind to give autographs and take pictures with the fans who liked him.


    After stirring up so many storms in Beijing and producing so many works, Zhang Ye''s poprity was a force to be reckoned with. He was no longer the same Zhang Ye that would be ignored when thrown into a crowd! He had his own fans, and he had his own achievements and clout. Combined with his fearless personality, this allowed Zhang Ye to challenge Wang Shuixin!

 Chapter 170: Zhang Ye’s Rage!

    <h4>Chapter 170: Zhang Ye��s Rage! </h4>


    Chapter 170: Zhang Ye''s Rage!


    It was prettyte.


    The time on his cell phone indicated that it was 20 minutes past 9 P.M.


    After giving his fans autographs in the recording studio, a few staff members led the rest of the audience away. Zhang Ye let Hu Fei, Xiao Lu, Hou Ge andpany go home. He stayed behind to supervise the work, collected the tapes and cleared the stage. He then arranged the documents before preparing to leave work.


    Pressing the elevator button.


    Ding, the door opened.


    "Hey, Uncle Wei?" Zhang Ye saw the person in the elevator.


    Editor Wei was surprised, "Teacher Little Zhang, why haven''t you gotten off work at this time?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I worked overtime for recording. It has just finished. Why haven''t you left yet?"


    Editor Weiughed, "I apanied a few reporters from the newspapers to dinner." The reporters he mentioned were clearly the ones who hade in the afternoon to make a special focus on Wang Shuixin. After sending them off, some urgent matters cropped up in the unit. A few kids lost their scripts, so the Director punished us to work overtime. Seeing that the kids have something on, and it was gettingte, I got them to go home first. They actually can''t help much. It''s not as fast as me doing it alone. Hur Hur."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s almost 9:30."


    "I''m in no hurry. I''ll leave once I''m done." Editor Wei smiled.


    Zhang Ye volunteered to help, "You are already so old. You shouldn''t work so hard for youngsters. Besides, that Wang gets you to work overtime every day!? This is against the rules and againstborws. You can go through legal proceedings!" Wang Shuixin was being too excessive. Zhang Ye found it unbearable. "Besides, can your body take it? Let''s do this. Since I have nothing to do at home, why don''t I help you?"


    Editor Wei waved his hand, "I don''t need you. I can do it alone. In the future, it''s a world belonging to you youngsters. This kind of trivial thing should be done by me. There''s no need for all of you."


    Zhang Ye said with concern, "Then go home early."


    "Alright, I know." Just as Editor Wei was about to leave, he suddenly stopped in his steps and turned back, "Teacher Little Zhang, someday, perhaps I can request a piece of calligraphy from you? Any modern poem would do."


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "Don''t use the word request. If you want one, I can give you one tomorrow. However, my writing is just average, and it cannot be described as calligraphy."


    Editor Wei was overjoyed, "Then I''ll thank you first."


    "You are wee. It''s a small matter." Zhang Ye knew that Editor Wei especially liked his poems.


    ����


    Zhang Ye slept the moment he got home.


    The next morning, Zhang Ye never expected that he would wake up so early. Since he had finished recording the program yesterday, he was quite free for the next few days. He nned on resting a bit more before going to work in the afternoon.


    However, a phone call woke Zhang Ye up!


    It was Xiao Lu''s number. Zhang Ye groggily picked it up, "Hey, Xiao Lu, what''s the matter? If there''s nothing, we can talk in the afternoon. I''ll sleep a bit more."


    Xiao Lu''s voice was agitated and it sounded like she was sobbing, "Teacher Zhang! Something has happened!"


    Zhang Ye immediately felt awakened as he sat up in bed, "What has happened? Don''t be in a hurry. Speak slowly!"


    After hanging up the phone, Zhang Ye''s expression greatly changed. He did not even bother to brush his teeth. He put on his clothes and went downstairs to his car!


    ����


    Television station.


    The Arts Channel level.


    When Zhang Ye arrived, he heard sobbing in the corridor.


    "It''s all my fault! It''s all my fault!"


    "If only I had stayed behind to work overtime! This would not have happened to Uncle Wei!"


    "Even if it was an heart attack, as long as any one of us were here working overtime, we could have helped him. But now�� Why did I leave!? Why did I leave!?"


    A youth cried as he lifted his hand and pped himself forcefully. With two ps, the right side of his face swelled up. It was obvious how hard he had hit himself!


    "Little Jun, don''t be like that! Don''t!" A person next to him tugged at him.


    A girl also slumped to the ground, having lost her wits. She sobbed, "Uncle Wei was afraid we worked too hard! He insisted that we leave! All the work was left to him! We�� We really deserve to die! Why did we leave!? Why did we lose the scripts!?"


    "No one is ming you. Don''t me yourselves!"


    "It''s our fault!"


    "Even if you did not lose the scripts, Uncle Wei would definitely have to work overtime anyway!"


    This was the crux of the issue. Yes, admittedly, even if these youths did not make a mistake yesterday, with Wang Shuixin''s attitude towards Editor Wei, where he did not even treat him as a human, he would definitely not let Editor Wei sit idle. He would find a reason to make Editor Wei work overtime and intentionally torture him! So it did not have much to do with these youths. It could even be said that it was because of Wang Shuixin''s pressuring of Editor Wei to work that resulted in today''s oue!


    "Teacher Zhang!" Xiao Lu rushed over with her eyes red. Clearly, she had cried.


    Zhang Ye''s face was pale, too, "What happened!? Why is he suddenly gone!? Why did this just happen without a word!? We were even chatting yesterday! Uncle Wei even wanted a calligraphy piece from me!"


    When Xiao Lu heard this, she cried even harder.


    Dafei was rtively calm as he said while suppressing his anger, "Yesterday, Uncle Wei worked overtime again. Maybe he was too tired at night, and it might be due to having worked all night long frequently that he received a heart attack. At that time, no one from the Arts Channel was working. There was only Editor Wei himself. In the end�� In the end, when we got to work in the morning, we realized that the door to the office was not locked. Then. we saw Uncle Wei copsed in the hallway. When we touched him�� He�� He was already cold!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Where is he?"


    Hou Ge also came, "People from the hospital have taken him away!"


    Didn''t even get to see him for thest time? Zhang Ye''s emotions were in a mess. He felt a lump in his chest!


    Everyone was standing in the hallway. They were standing where Editor Wei had copsed. A good person had left this world. He was a person who was willing to pick up scraps to finance the education of children. He was a person who was willing to work a bit more and did overtime rather than letting youths or children suffer. He was gone. Everyone present was upset! Editor Wei had worked more than anyone else over the many years in the television station, but what he had earned was less than what anyone else had earned. Yet, he stayed at his post without a grudge or grumbling!


    Why?


    Why did good people always die young?


    At this moment, Wang Shuixin''s secretary came over and waved his hands, "People, disperse! Disperse! Go back to work first! Don''t dy your normal work!"


    Work?


    You want us to work at this very moment?


    Uncle Wei had just left. He was a colleague and a senior to us. The first words you said were not any condolences or words of concern, but for the purpose of getting us to return to work? Many people looked angrily at Wang Shuixin''s secretary. Has your conscience been eaten by dogs? However, no one dared to say a thing. They had to be afraid of the boss'' secretary. They did not dare to refute him!


    However, there was a person present who was an exception!


    Someone did not care about these things. That person was Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye was just having problems finding something to vent his anger on. He stared at Wang Shuixin''s secretary, "Work, your f**king grandpa! Get lost!"


    Wang Shuixin''s secretary was dumbfounded from being scolded at. He pointed towards Zhang Ye, "You are scolding me?"


    Zhang Ye took a step forward, "I''m f**king scolding you! I dare you to point at me again!"


    Xiao Lu quickly pulled at Zhang Ye, "Teacher Little Zhang!"


    "Alright! Alright!" Wang Shuixin''s secretary was enraged, but he still put his hand down. He no longer pointed at Zhang Ye''s nose. "Do you think that you can be this defiant just because your ratings are high? Do you even have any organizational discipline? Fine! Wait for the station''s disciplinary actions!" After saying that, he saw Zhang Ye take another step at him. Wang Shuixin''s secretary was scared out of his wits as he quickly left. He did not dare to speak in front of Zhang Ye again.


    There was no other way about it. He was the boss'' secretary. He was unafraid of anyone in the channel except two people. One of them was Wang Shuixin. Needless to say, Wang Shuixin was the Leader and his boss, so he naturally had to be afraid and in awe of him. However, the second person he was afraid of was Zhang Ye. He was a scoundrel who dared to even beat Wang Shuixin''s son! That was a hooligan who dared to even scold his Leaders and unit at the Silver Microphone Awards! At that Beijing Couplet Competition, Zhang Ye had even used a couplet to curse the people from the Writers'' Association! Even amongst all the wicked curses used on the inte, five of the top ten of them were created by Zhang Ye!


    This was a damn hooligan!


    There was no way to take the advantage when quarreling with him!


    Hence, Wang Shuixin''s secretary quickly left. He was really afraid that Zhang Ye would fight him. If he was really beaten up, how was he to show his face? Hmph! A wise man does not fight when the odds are against him! Wait and see!


    Hu Fei also came out of an office with a look of grief. He had also heard Zhang Ye''s cursing. However, this time, he unexpectedly did not reprimand Zhang Ye. He did not say a single word.


    The other people from the Arts Channel also felt discharged from their anger. Well scolded! It was scolding in such a gratifying manner! Indeed, Teacher Zhang Ye was needed at the critical moment! A bastard like that had to be cursed in this way!


    A female colleague also said with resentment, "None of them are good!"


    A youth gritted his teeth, "Uncle Wei is gone! He was pushed to his death by them! He had to work overtime 200 days out of 365 days! And no bonus was given! There were no sry increments! Is this something a human can do? Uncle Wei was ordered about by them to his death! He died due to fatigue!"


    "I''m thinking of quitting! I can''t stay in this crappy channel for another day! The Leaders do not treat us as humans! They only think of how to make themselves famous, so that they can appear reputable in the newspapers and on television! Uncle Wei was such a good man! Yet, he was�� "


    "I also don''t feel like working here anymore. I can''t stand it!"


    "Cut out your angry words. What is there for you to do with you quitting? You still need to endure! Hai!"


    "Endure? Put up with it? Uncle Wei had been enduring for a lifetime! He had been a willing ve! But in the end, what happened? What sort of oue did he end up with? The Leaders did not even show their faces! They even sent a secretary to get us to continue on with work! Can you endure that!? I can''t!"


    "But what can we do?"


    "He''s not around anymore. Anything we say is toote."


    Amongst everyone, there were some grudges between some people. There was some scheming, and there were people with good and bad rtionships. But with Editor Wei passing away, it caused many people to unite against amon enemy!


    Zhang Ye could no longer endure it any further. He had to expose Wang Shuixin''s ugly face and let everyone take a look at it! He had to let everyone in the world see it!

 Chapter 171: Receiving the Attention of Society!

    <h4>Chapter 171: Receiving the Attention of Society! </h4>


    Chapter 171: Receiving the Attention of Society!


    Afternoon.


    Everyone was immersed in grief.


    Not only in the Arts Channel, everyone else from the other departments was feeling the same. Editor Wei''s incident was known to all. Everyone in the station had been touched by Editor Wei''s grace. A few old colleagues who were oldrades with Editor Wei specially asked for the day off to help his family with the arrangements for his funeral. They were afraid that Editor Wei''s only daughter could not take the news, so they were naturally worried.


    Over here.


    "Lecture Room"''s team office.


    A youth that Zhang Ye did not know entered the office. The moment that he entered, he looked at Zhang Ye, then said not too politely to Hu Fei, "Producer Hu, the Station Leader is looking for you."


    Hu Fei raised his head and then followed him.


    Xiao Lu was a little shocked, "This person is not from our Arts Channel."


    "Station Leader? The television station''s Leader is looking for Brother Hu?" Dafei had an ominous feeling.


    Sure enough, after more than ten minutes, Hu Fei returned alone. He said to Zhang Ye, "The station said that you insulted and threatened a colleague, so they gave you a demerit point, deducted 3 months of your bonuses and suspended you for a week."


    Zhang Ye looked like he did not care about it.


    Hou Ge could not take it anymore, "Based on what! Based on what are they meting out punishment to Teacher Zhang for!"


    "It''s even instructed by the Station Leader?" Xiao Lu said angrily, "Why did it even get elevated to the top management?"


    Dafei said, "Needless to say, it''s definitely Wang Shuixin''s side who reported it!"


    Everyone knew what was going on. Zhang Ye had beaten up Wang Shuixin''s son and even caused him to be brought to the detention center. It was Wang Shuixin''s son who caused trouble first. And since the controversy had not blown over yet, Wang Shuixin could not deal with Zhang Ye at the moment. But today, Zhang Ye scolded his secretary. So Wang Shuixin definitely had a cause for action. However, since he did not want it to be a case of settling private scores after Editor Wei''s passing, he had let the Station Leader''s side handle the matter. It could be seen that their rtionship was very good.


    Zhang Ye got up, "Then I will go back first, Brother Hu."


    "It''s just a week. You will be back next week. It''s okay." Hu Feiforted him.


    Zhang Ye said a few words to his colleagues before packing his things up. He took a hard look at the area that Editor Wei had worked at before turning around to leave.


    In the car.


    Zhang Ye made a call to his ex-colleague at the radio station, Wang Xiaomei, "Hello, Teacher Xiaomei. Are you busy? Is it convenient to talk a little?"


    Wang Xiaomei replied ndly, "I just finished recording a program; it''s convenient."


    "I have a favor to ask of you. Do you know anyone from the news channel?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "I''m not familiar with them, but I know a few. What''s the matter?" Wang Xiaomei replied.


    Zhang Ye said, "I have some worthy news which I would like to make public. It''s about an old editor in our television station. His name was Wei Jianguo��.." Zhang Ye spent 5 minutes exining the situation from beginning to end to Wang Xiaomei, "See if this can make it as news for the radio station?"


    Wang Xiaomei thought about it, "If you are saying that the Arts Channel''s Leader abused his powers to get revenge and caused Editor Wei to work to death, then this definitely cannot be reported. After all, our radio station has merged with the Beijing Television Station already. The Leaders would never agree to this. But if we just report about Editor Wei''s incident, then that would work."


    Zhang Ye could only say, "Okay, then let''s just get that reported."


    "Okay, let me arrange it for you." Wang Xiaomei promised.


    "Thank you. I will buy you lunch next time." Zhang Ye hung up.


    Wang Xiaomei was very reliable. She was one of the pirs of the Beijing Radio Station. Naturally, her influence was very deep, too. At around 4 P.M., the news came out on "Live News Studio". The reporters there had definitely thoroughly investigated this incident.


    "Wei Jianguo �� An ordinary name, an ordinary person. But if you heard of his story, I believe no one would find him to be ordinary. Over 20 years, with his meager ie, by being frugal and picking up scraps in the streets on his rest days, this man had sponsored 159 children! Some were kids who had no education! Some were children who were sick! Some were abandoned orphans! A total of 159 of them! Of course, this was the situation we learned from Wei Jianguo''s family. As for the real figure, maybe only Uncle Wei himself would know. But we will never find out now. Last night, Uncle Wei had a heart attack due to fatigue and passed away!"


    "Now, let us listen to some interviews."


    The radio station had made this a topic of discussion. It wasn''t just simply reporting the news anymore.


    "Hello, I am the reporter for Radio News. Are you one of the kids who Uncle Wei has helped before? What kind of a person was Uncle Wei?"


    "Sob, sob, sob!"


    "Little girl, don''t be too sad. We are very sorry to hear about Uncle Wei, too."


    "Wei�� Father Wei was such a good person! Sob, sob! He was a great man! He treated us��. Sob, sob, sob��.. like his very own children��! When we first received help from Father Wei, we thought��.We thought that Father Wei was a big boss. We thought he was very rich��. But onlyter did we find out that Father Wei was just a normal sried worker��. His money came from his sry and picking up scraps! And�� And he gave it all to us! Once��. When I was sick, Father Wei somehow knew about it�� And when he came to the hospital to visit me, the doctor said that I needed to have a minor operation��sob, sob�� Father Wei handed over the money without a thought��sob, sob�� Later on, I found out that the money used for my operation was supposed to be for his own daughter''s university fees the next day!"


    The news reporter at the studio also sounded moved as silence took over temporarily.


    The child was crying, "Why!! Why! The textbooks and teachers always tell us to be good people! Good people should live to a ripe old age! But why has Father Wei gone so soon! Reporter Auntie! Sob, sob, sob��..They say that Father Wei had a heart attack because of fatigue! Did we cause Father Wei to die? Father Wei had done it all to help us��. To pick up bottles, to work overtime! Did we really cause the death of Father Wei?"


    The child''s question had left a deep impression in many of the listeners'' hearts!


    The reporter in charge of the interview did not know how to answer!


    Following that, the second person was interviewed, then the third and the fourth!


    "Big Sis, are you Father Wei''s neighbour? What impression do you have of him?"


    "Old Wei was a really good person! He would always help if the neighbors needed anything! He was especially endearing to everyone! Why did such a good person leave so early!"


    "Did you know about him sponsoring all those children?"


    "We didn''t. No one knew a thing. We only knew that Old Wei worked at the television station as an editor. We have never heard of him helping all those children! We only knew that his household''s living conditions weren''t too good! There was once when his daughter went to university, and he couldn''t even pay her school fees. It was onlyter when we learned that Old Wei had to beg the school Leaders before they finally allowed him some time to pay it off. Sigh! Old Wei was such a person! He did not like to say what he did! There was once when my son was alone at home running a high fever. He went to Old Wei''s house in a daze and Old Wei brought my son to the doctor. After that, he just told me it wasn''t a big deal. Onlyter on did my son tell me that the route to our house was too far. With traffic jams, the ambnce could not make it here and it was Old Wei who carried my son and ran for a kilometer to the hospital! But these were things that he never mentioned!"


    ����


    When the news was reported, it immediately attracted the attention of the whole society!


    Actually, it wasn''t only Beijing Radio Station who reported it. At the same time, a few other newspapers also reported it. Even the Beijing Times newspaper had printed Editor Wei''s picture at a good ce in its second edition! Needless to say, it must have been someone at the Beijing Television Station who leaked the news. It wasn''t only Zhang Ye who knew people. Everyone was in the media industry and had their ownworks of friends and ssmates! As this matter could actually attract many people who were paying attention to the news, Editor Wei''s story after his passing had been published throughout Beijing!


    A broadcast media and seven or eight newspapers were all reporting on the story!


    This incident had suddenly attracted so much attention that even people from other parts of the country were now concerned!


    This was especially so online, the ce where open discussions flourished. This incident had be a subject of hot discussion in just a short while!


    "A good person!"


    "How is there such a good person in this world?"


    "I''m touched! Compared with Father Wei, I am ashamed!"


    "Yes, those who are involved in charity, those who call themselves phnthropists, so many of them publicize their contributions after doing only one thing to show everyone what they did. They only want to gain praises about their noble acts. But are they really noble? In the past, I felt so. But now, I don''t think so anymore! After knowing of Father Wei''s story, I have a deeper understanding now. Kindnesses from deep within. It is a conscience of human nature. It doesn''t need to be known, nor publicized!"


    "The previous poster said it well!"


    "There was also news yesterday of their television station. The person who was quite famous that wrote ''Everything'', the poet called Wang Shuixin�� He''s also the person in charge of a channel. Didn''t he help some child to attend school? In the end, the papers were all writing about this and everyone on the praised him. I said this at that time, that a Leader at the station doing such things should be acknowledged. But now that I think of it,pared to Father Wei, it was nothing!"


    "Rest in peace!"


    "Father Wei, we will always remember you!"


    "Hey, I heard that Father Wei had offended someone and was ill-treated until he died!"


    "What? How could that be?"


    "I heard of it, too. I''m not sure if it''s true, but I heard that he offended someone in the station and was made to work overtime almost every day. It wasn''t that Father Wei volunteered to work overtime, because he did not get any overtime pay or bonuses. It was always deducted at the end for some reason!"


    "Is that a rumor?"


    "There''s such a matter? How can this be?


    "If it''s true, I''ll be damned! That is really too hateful!"


    "I can''t be sure either. Just take it with a pinch of salt."


    However, the thread on this discussion forum was soon deleted by someone.


    Zhang Ye was just browsing this post and clicked on the next page only to be informed that the thread did not exist anymore. He felt his heart sinking!


    What does this mean?


    It was obvious!


    This was the same situation as when Zhang Ye was arrested!


    In the end, Beijing Television Station could no longer not issue a statement. They then reported on BTV-News Channel about Editor Wei''s case, stating that they did not know about his deeds. They had only found out and were very proud of this colleague. This was some skillful bullsh*t! How could they not have known!


    Including them, although most of the the other media had already reported it, it was all limited to Editor Wei''s deeds. With regards to the other happenings and issues, there was not a mention of them. Nothing was leaked. Even the smaller newspapers did not say much since they did not want to offend a major broadcaster like Beijing Television Station. This was all because of Wang Shuixin''s influence. Otherwise, with Editor Wei''s news of him being "driven to death", many newspapers would grab at the chance to publish such a story! It didn''t matter if it was the truth or just grandstanding, this was still a topic of discussion! It couldn''t be that no one cared!


    The truth was rather obvious!


    Zhang Ye was in the media industry, too. If he did not understand, then he would have lived for nothing!


    This time, someone was manipting the discussion from behind the scenes. They only wanted the public to see the positive side of Editor Wei, rather than find out the truth behind his death!


    That Wang Shuixin!


    Is this all you''ve got?


    Zhang Ye suddenly had a face of determination! Alright, if no one wants to uncover the truth of this matter, if no one wants to report on it����


    Then I will!


    I will bet on my job as a host!


    I will bet on not working in this television station anymore!


    I will f**king drag you down, Wang Shuixin!


    If this was just using words, Zhang Ye did not have the ability to do so, nor did his words have the strength. Even if he publicly exposed Wang Shuixin, there was a possibility that no one would believe or even care about his words. After all, he wasn''t some big shot celebrity. But if words alone did not work, it did not mean that Zhang Ye had no other ways. He had a way that others would not even think about �� his poems!


    Zhang Ye''s words were limited in effect, but Zhang Ye''s poems were highly regarded. Just like when he was in the detention center, he got out precisely because of two poems!


    This was the charm of literature!


    Or it could be said that this was the charm of good literature!


    Some might think that if words don''t work, would poems be able to attract attention?


    For Zhang Ye''s situation, this was precisely the case. Citing an example, so many innocent students have died in history. Who would remember their names? Who would remember? Not many! But one of them, a female student called Liu Hezhen, was well-remembered by everyone in Zhang Ye''s world! Why? Because Lu Xun had written an article called "Remembering Miss Liu Hezhen"!


    Literature�� Only literature could have such power!


    Zhang Ye''s heart already had an idea and knew what to do!

 Chapter 172: Editor Wei’s Funeral Wake Begins!

    <h4>Chapter 172: Editor Wei��s Funeral Wake Begins! </h4>


    Chapter 172: Editor Wei''s Funeral Wake Begins!


    Today.


    Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery.


    Today was Comrade Wei Jianguo''s memorial service. It was also the day of his cremation. Perhaps the Heavens were also touched. The skies were filled with gloomy clouds and a light drizzle fell like the Heavens were weeping.


    Zhang Ye drove uphill and found a ce to park. He saw many people around him and thought that they were here for someone else''s memorial, that they were rtives and family of someone else. But when he heard them talk, he realized that more than half of these people were here for Editor Wei.


    Two people were talking.


    "Friend."


    "Yes? What''s the matter?"


    "Is Father Wei''s memorial service here?"


    "Yes. You need to go further uphill. You are Old Wei''s..?"


    "No one. I am just a member of society. I was touched by Father Wei''s deeds and would like to say ast goodbye to him. I would like to donate some money to his family as well. His daughter has to carry on living and all those children are still in need of help. I just want to do something for them."


    "Oh, then let me thank you on behalf of Old Wei''s daughter."


    "No need. He was too inspiring. I should thank Father Wei instead."


    Donation?


    To help Editor Wei''s family?


    Yet Zhang Ye knew that what they needed now was not money, but a fair judgment. This was more important than anything and Zhang Ye was here today to fight for Editor Wei''s justice!


    "Teacher Zhang!" someone shouted for him from the back.


    Zhang Ye turned around and saw Hou Ge and Hou Di with Xiao Lu and Dafei, "You guys are here, too?"


    "It''s Uncle Wei''s memorial service. How could we note?"


    Hou Ge was consoling her at the side, "Uncle Wei was such a good person. He would surely go to heaven. I hope he will be better when he is there."


    Xiao Lu sniffed, "That''s for sure, but��. But, I just can''t forgive this! Uncle Wei was driven to his death! Why was no one held responsible?"


    Hou Di suppressed his anger, "Wang Shuixin is the Leader. Who could do anything to him?"


    Dafei said, "These few days, I have been exposing Wang Shuixin''s deeds online, but the posts were always deleted. I''m so frustrated!"


    Hou Ge said, "They are sealing our mouths! Just like they sealed Teacher Zhang''s mouth in the previous incident!"


    At this moment, a lot of people carrying camera equipments came from behind. Some newspaper journalists carrying their cameras also hurried up the hill.


    Seeing them, Xiao Lu said, "I heard that our station''s news channel has a live broadcast of the memorial when it starts!"


    Hou Ge had a fright, "What are you intending to do?"


    Xiao Lu said hatefully, "When we exposed the news online, no one paid attention or thements got deleted. For the live broadcast, if we expose everything, they can''t delete it. Won''t the rest of society care then? To give Uncle Wei a final assurance? To pull down Wang Shuixin?"


    Dafei hurriedly said, "Don''t you mess around!"


    Hou Di said, "Right, that''s a live broadcast! Don''t you want to work in the television station anymore?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Xiao Lu, don''t even think about it. Don''t mess around." Actually, he had already decided. Dirty work? Unpleasant work? Leave it all to him, "Let''s go. We are going uphill!"


    On the hill.


    The media reporters and cameras were already in ce.


    "The setting has all been adjusted?"


    "There''s still a little more. I''m almost done."


    "Hurry! Today''s a live broadcast! Nothing can go wrong!"


    "I understand. It will be done immediately!"


    "Remember: don''t make any mistakes! It has to go smoothly!"


    The reporters were all busy. Some had already entered the memorial hall. It was a veryrge hall.


    Uncle Wei''s family had not been able to afford such a big memorial hall, or even hold a memorial at all. But because the incident had attracted so much attention in society, no one knew if someone had donated the funds or whether Babaoshan had even charged for the event. This was how they ended up with a big hall for the memorial event.


    Suddenly, a group of people came uphill!


    In droves, about 200 children entered. They were apanied by their parents, totaling to around 300 people. They were all dressed in ck!


    "It''s the children!"


    "The children who were helped by Uncle Wei?"


    "Quick, let''s get an interview. Bring the camera!"


    The reporters were all excited and quickly went over in groups of three or five.


    At the side, when the people who came to attend the memorial saw this, they were feeling shocked. This whole group of people, the children and their parents who were dressed in ck, had their lives touched by Editor Wei? Seeing such arge number of people, it didn''t seem like anyone had given the wake a miss! Maybe Editor Wei did not put this at heart or maybe he did not even know which child he had helped before. But�� All of the children had remembered him! The children would never forget him, for he had rescued them when they had nowhere else to turn to. Father Wei had reached out his old pair of hands to them in their time of need!


    It was almost time.


    The children and their parents did not give any interviews, but went straight into the memorial hall. Many of them were crying as they walked in. This made the mood even more solemn and sorrowful.


    "Let''s go inside." Hou Ge said.


    Dafei nodded, "Let''s go. Brother Hu and the colleagues from the television station are already inside."


    Xiao Lu also followed along, walking a few steps before turning her head around, "Teacher Zhang, aren''t you going in?"


    Zhang Ye stood at this spot, not moving, "You guys go on in first. I can''t stand the mood inside. I will have a smoke out here first. Don''t wait for me."


    Hou Ge sighed, "Alright then."


    After they left, Zhang Ye no longer kept away from the rain. He stood in the drizzle and lit up a cigarette. When the cigarette was extinguished by the rain, he would light another stick. He didn''t hold an umbre.


    The people arrived one by one.


    Atst, Zhang Ye saw Wang Shuixin and his secretary arriving from a distance not too far away. There were a few people beside him as well. Seeing how they looked, he guessed that they must be the television station''s Leaders!


    The television station''s Leader went in first.


    Wang Shuixin and his secretary stayed outside to have a smoke and did not notice Zhang Ye behind them not too far away.


    He heard Wang Shuixin saying, "My newlyposed poem, did you bring it to them?"


    "I have already brought it over there," the secretary said. "I passed it to the program teamst night, informing them that we will be using it at the next program. That program''s ratings are quite good, so there would surely be an effect. Your poem was too well written. Every one of them is a ssic."


    Wang Shuixin nodded, "Don''t bootlick. Hur hur. Let''s go."


    Extinguishing the cigarette butts, the two of them went inside to the memorial hall. They were smiling as they talked, giving no consideration to Editor Wei''s death. Not only that, they even looked like they were happy!


    Zhang Ye''s heart was now cold. Even at this time, you can stillugh? Still thinking about your reputation? Fine! I want to see how long your reputation canst!


    With a step, Zhang Ye started walking towards the memorial hall!


    His purpose today was to bring that guy down with him!

 Chapter 173: Editor Wei’s Daughter’s Poem!

    <h4>Chapter 173: Editor Wei��s Daughter��s Poem! </h4>


    Chapter 173: Editor Wei''s Daughter''s Poem!


    Memorial Hall.


    The funeral wake began.


    It was filled with repression and crying, especially from the children. The crying never stopped. It even made Xiao Lu and many other femalerades tear up again.


    "Father Wei!"


    "Why did you leave!?"


    "Father Wei, pleasee back!"


    "I said that I would repay you when I grew up! Why!? Sob, sob, sob! Why did you not give me a chance to repay you!?"


    "Father Wei!"


    "Don''t go!"


    The scene was a mess.


    Some gave flowers, some queued up to pay their respects, and some even cried out loud beside Editor Wei''s body and refused to leave.


    Seeing Editor Wei peacefully lying there, Zhang Ye also felt some mey with him. If he had helped Editor Wei with his tasks that night, if he had not gone home, maybe when Editor Wei suffered from his heart attack, he could have done something for him. He could have been saved, but��


    "The live broadcast is starting!"


    "Cameras! Find me an angle!"


    "Capture this scene. Leave the rest to the live broadcast studio''s host!"


    The television station and newspaper journalists all began busying themselves.


    ����


    At the same time.


    Beijing Television Station, BTV-News Channel.


    "Dear viewer friends, Comrade Wei Jianguo''s memorial service has begun. We can see the various station leaders, Editor Wei''s colleagues, the children who have been helped by Father Wei, their parents and various independentmunities who are here to remember Father Wei. From the crying and the heavy mood in the scene, we can already feel how well-respected and loved Father Wei was when he was alive!"


    The broadcast was now live.


    The live picture of the scene was on, while the audio was that of the studio''s host.


    Then, the host said, "We will pass the live audio feed over to the scene."


    ����


    Over here.


    Wang Shuixin asked, "The broadcast is now live?"


    "It''s live." The secretary had gone over to ask around. Even though they weren''t from the same channel, they were all colleagues from Beijing Television Station. When he returned, he said, "It won''t be fully broadcast live; only about ten minutes will be. But that''s already almost the whole event already. His family will make a speech, and then leader will make a speech. That will take up most of the time already." It wasn''t a national Leader''s funeral. Therefore, the service would not be that formal either. Although Wei Jianguo''s story was now very much on everyone''s mind, getting a live broadcast for ten minutes on the local Beijing Television Station channel was already something very privileged.


    A Leader of Beijing Television Station had gone over to the cameras to supervise their work. If it was pre-recorded, then that will be fine. But as with all live broadcasts, they had to make sure everything went well!


    Zhang Ye, who had just entered the hall, went over to Hu Fei and Xiao Lu.


    Hu Fei said in a hushed voice, "The live broadcast has started; don''t talk anymore."


    Hou Ge said softly, "We understand."


    A woman who had been standing beside Editor Wei''s body, and was around 20 something years old, walked forward. Because the hall was quiterge and it was a live broadcast, she was handed a microphone by a television station staff member. This was to ensure that the audio could be heard during the live broadcast.


    This was Editor Wei''s daughter. Her name was Wei Ying.


    Wei Ying held the microphone and stood forward, saying, "Thank you, everyone. Thank you for joining us at my father''s memorial service. In the beginning, I did not want to hold this memorial service because my dad did not like extravagant things. But, I still want to thank everyone for ensuring that my dad has a proper sending off with so many of you here." After speaking, she paused for a moment before saying, "Many of the reporters asked me before this if I was proud that I had a father like him. Many people would think I would be proud�� " Saying that, she gave a lightugh, "Actually, not at all!"


    "Uh."


    "What is she saying�� ?"


    "What does she want to say?"


    Everyone could not understand, so they whispered to each other.


    Wei Ying looked at them, "I have not felt a moment of pride. Ever since I was young, my father has never bought me new clothes; my mother would secretly buy them for me. When I started school, my father never showed up to any parent-teacher meeting sessions. He was always working. In his rest time, he would busy himself with picking up bottles to help other children. But me, I was not on the list of people that he would help. Even my first university tuition fees were not paid for by my father. He used it to help other children instead. I had to work part-time for three months, washing dishes and cleaning rooms to earn and repay the tuition fees!"


    No one said anything.


    Wei Ying was calm, "Why should I be proud? What''s there to be proud about? I knew my dad was a good person. I knew that his character was noble. But I never thought of him as a good father!"


    The children that Editor Wei had helped looked down silently. Some of them did not even dare to look Wei Ying in the eye. They had an indescribable feeling in their hearts.


    A parent said, "We''re sorry!"


    "Child, we are sorry!" another parent also began crying.


    For their children, Father Wei had neglected his own daughter. They could no longer face this young woman.


    Wei Ying said, "My words are not finished yet. Don''t apologize. I am not ming anyone." Carrying on, she looked over at the crowd and found Zhang Ye. She nodded slightly at him before saying, "My father liked Teacher Zhang Ye''s poems when he was alive. He liked them so much that he would read them a few times each day. I have seen them, too. One of the poems touched me a lot. This poem says what I have been unable to tell my father! And today, I need to tell him that!"


    What did she want to say?


    Toin?


    Or to question?


    Everyone listened quietly.


    Turning around, Wei Ying looked at her father''s corpse and, after her gaze lingered on it for a long while, a tear flowed down from the corner of her eyes. She began reciting, "See me, or not. There will I stay, no sorrow, nor joy. Miss me, or not. There will affectiony, no immersion, nor dispersion. Love me, or not. There will love remain, no more, nor less. Follow me, or not. In your hand is mine�� " Wei Ying sped her father''s cold hands tightly, "�� no discarding, nor departure!"


    At this moment, many people burst into tears!


    This included the people present, as well as the audience in front of their televisions!


    Everyone might not know what sort ofplicated feelings they were, nor could they experience it themselves. As they had never experienced it before, they only knew two things. Father Wei was a good person, and Father Wei''s daughter�� never hated him!


    Zhang Ye''s eyes welled up. This scene made him recall a scene in "If You Are the One 2". However, that was a movie and it was fiction. As for this scene, it was reality! It was happening before his very eyes!


    A father that was questionable in his parenting!


    And a�� very good daughter!

 Chapter 174: The Shocking Poem at the Funeral Wake!

    <h4>Chapter 174: The Shocking Poem at the Funeral Wake! </h4>


    Chapter 174: The Shocking Poem at the Funeral Wake!


    ����


    In front of the television.


    Most of the audience members were brought to tears when they heard this.


    People began posting messages online. Weibo had set up an official trending topic about it!


    "What a good daughter!"


    "Why do I want to cry so much!?"


    "Father Wei is so kind! He neglects his family for the greater good! But why do I feel that his daughter is the most amazing!? Maybe only a person like Father Wei can teach such a child!"


    "This poem is really touching!"


    "Teacher Zhang still has such a poem?"


    "Of course. How can he not have it? This was back when he was despised by many and when he was doubted on the inte. He posted this poem for his fans. Many people analyzed it back then. Teacher Zhang Ye''s ''See Me or Not'' expressed hispassion, as well as showing his concern and well-wishes to his fans from the bottom of his heart. It has nothing to do with romantic feelings. If it has to do with love, then it is something more rted to family love. Indeed, this poem has been used by Father Wei''s daughter here! It''s too appropriate!"


    "The emotions the two expressed may be different, but this poem is too good!"


    "That''s right. I didn''t have many feelings for it in the past. But now, listening to Father Wei''s daughter''s recital, I find it extremely rich! How can a poem be this beautiful!?"


    "Like father, like daughter. This father and daughter are too kind!"


    ����


    Wei Ying used Zhang Ye''s poem to express her feelings for her father. After the poem, the atmosphere also became its saddest!


    Editor Wei''s elder sister slumped on the ground, crying, "Brother! Don''t worry! Our family will take care of Little Ying! We will not let her suffer!"


    Editor Wei''s younger brother said with a ckened face, "Brother! I know you had been suppressed in the unit all these years! You did not receive any bonuses or overtime payments! You were even ordered around to do this and that! You were driven to your death! Rest in peace! I will definitely seek justice for you!"


    The words Editor Wei''s brother said immediately changed the atmosphere!


    The expressions on the faces of the television station''s Leaders, Wang Shuixin andpany, no longer looked good!


    As for the employees of the other television stations, they all knew that it was the truth. Momentarily, everyone looked in Wang Shuixin''s direction!


    ����


    The Beijing Television Station''s camera was quick to respond as they cut off the signal temporarily. But even though they were quick to react, the words had been broadcast!


    The host quickly changed the subject and evaded the topic.


    However, the audience members were no fools. They immediately felt that something was amiss!


    "What did he just say?"


    "Father Wei�� was driven to his death?"


    "He never received any bonuses? He did not even get any overtime payments? How''s that possible!?"


    "That''s right. Didn''t the news say that Father Wei always volunteered to work overtime to earn money to help the children? But�� didn''t he get any money working overtime?"


    "Are you sure!?"


    "Is that nonsense?"


    "I think it''s true. That is Father Wei''s rtive. He would not speak nonsense. How can they not know of what''s going on!? They definitely know more than us!"


    "So there''s something fishy about it!"


    "Holy sh*t! Who is it? Who drove Father Wei to his death!?"


    "Do you remember that, back then, there were people on the inte saying that there was something underlying this matter. They said that a Leader was abusing his power for a private reason, making Father Wei work overtime every day! This caused Father Wei''s heart to act up! He died out of fatigue! Not because of a disease! But in the end, that post was deleted very quickly!"


    "I remember!"


    "I remember it as well!"


    "That''s right, I just saw the first page and it was deleted!"


    "I recall it now! There must be some conspiracy! Father Wei''s death isn''t that simple!"


    "I''m enraged! I''m really angry! Someone can actually persecute such a good person?"


    "No way! I can''t bear this any further! We must seek justice for Father Wei! Who is the person that drove Father Wei to his death? I want to f**king kill him!"


    The crowd was in a frenzy!


    Many of the audience who were watched the live broadcast went to the Beijing Television Station''s official website''s message board to curse!


    ����


    At the funeral wake.


    Editor Wei''s brother was still cursing, "That bunch of bastards! I will find every one of you who caused my brother''s death!"


    Zhang Ye and many people had noticed that the lights to the cameras had gone off. Clearly, the live broadcast had been halted.


    Wei Ying said, "Uncle, it''s pointless. They are Leaders and officials. We can''t beat them!"


    Editor Wei''s sister also erupted at this moment, "We''ll fight even if we can''t! I don''t believe it! I don''t believe that this world is without reason! I don''t believe that no one will help us seek justice! My brother can''t die for nothing! He can''t die for nothing!"


    The scene went out of control once again!


    After quite a long disruption, the sequence of events carried on.


    Noticing that the scene had calmed down a bit, a staff member for the memorial service picked up a script and read from it, "Next, we invite Wei Jianguo''s Leader, Beijing Television Station''s Arts Channel''s Director Wang Shuixin, to give a eulogy!"


    Wang Shuixin?


    He was the one reading the eulogy?


    Hou Ge, Xiao Lu andpany were dumbfounded before their faces turned cold!


    Zhang Ye''s eyes also narrowed into a tiny gap. It was not surprising if one gave it some thought. Wang Shuixin was a person who liked to show off and build his reputation. He was probably dying to have a chance to show his face. Besides, he was Editor Wei''s direct superior, so it was normal for him to do it.


    However, those who knew the actual situation were provoked and furious! It was Wang Shuixin who drove Editor Wei to his death! Yet here he was giving the eulogy? Isn''t this disgusting? Won''t this prevent Editor Wei from resting in peace after his death? How can you do that!?


    Wang Shuixin didn''t think much of it. He picked up his script, which was already prepared. This sequence of events seemed like it was decided by the television station''s staff earlier on.


    Xiao Lu also scolded softly, "Old bastard!"


    Dafei was also furious, "He actually has the gall to go up?"


    "Don''t worry; he will definitely go to hell when he dies!" Hou Ge also cursed!


    Hu Fei did not even want to see any of this. At this moment, he felt that even if Wang Shuixin was a bastard, he would not have gone up to make the eulogy. Do you even have any respect for the dead? Do you even have anypassion to the family members of the deceased? Editor Wei is already dead! Yet, you are rubbing salt on their wounds? This was no longer the actions of a jerk! In Hu Fei''s opinion, he felt that Wang Shuixin had already lost his basic humanity!


    Was showing his face on television that important?


    Even after his death, you still insist on seeking revenge for your son? You still want to disgust Editor Wei?


    You never treated Editor Wei as human, so you didn''t care for the eulogy. Why didn''t you feel the need to decline?


    "What are you doing here!?" Wei Ying was the first person to re up!


    Editor Wei''s brother also clearly knew that it was Wang Shuixin who had driven his brother to his death. He pointed at his nose, "Get the hell out of here! Get lost!"


    A few members of the staff immediately came to persuade them.


    "Don''t be like that!"


    "The live broadcast is going to be resumed soon!"


    "Is there some misunderstanding? What are you doing?"


    "Calm down. Let''s finish the memorial service first!"


    However, Editor Wei''s family members refused to listen. They went up to push Wang Shuixin off.


    Wang Shuixin frowned. He then whispered a few words to the secretary beside him. Following that, a few staff members from the television station as well as Wang Shuixin''s cronies "persuaded" Wei Ying and Editor Wei''s family. They were pushed to a corner in the end!


    This was Editor Wei''s memorial service!


    Yet you kicked Editor Wei''s family to a corner!?


    When people saw this, they felt like their lungs were about to explode from anger!


    A Leader from the Beijing Television Station did not like seeing this. He knew that there was an incident with the live broadcast just now, and they could not allow such a simr scene from happening again!


    The live broadcast resumed!


    The scene was that of Wang Shuixin holding the microphone!


    "Hello, everyone. I am Wei Jianguo''s direct superior, Wang Shuixin." Wang Shuixin read the script with a heavy heart, "The death of Comrade Wei Jianguo hurts our hearts�� "


    Your heart hurts?


    Hurting, my ass!


    Please have a bit of conscience! You shouldn''t have gone up to speak!


    Hou Ge rolled up his sleeves about to rush up to beat him, but he was quickly held back by his younger brother.


    Xiao Lu looked around, "Where''s Teacher Zhang? Where did Teacher Zhang go?"


    "I can''t see him." Dafei said curiously, "He was just here a while ago."


    Not far away, Zhang Ye had squeezed towards Wei Ying andpany. He looked at Wei Ying and reached out, taking Wei Ying''s microphone away.


    Wei Ying was stunned as she looked deeply at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye also nced at her and smiled.


    It was as if Wei Ying figured out something as she gently nodded at him.


    A subordinate of the Leader noticed this and his expression changed, "Teacher Zhang, what are you doing!?"


    Zhang Ye ignored him and turned towards the stage where Wang Shuixin was!


    A few of the television station''s staff knew of Zhang Ye''s bad temper. They said in a panic, "Teacher Zhang, don''t mess things up! This is a live broadcast! If something happens, no one can bear the responsibility!" At the Silver Microphone Awards, Zhang Ye''s words had dumbfounded quite a number of his peers. It caused a bigmotion. But ultimately, the Silver Microphone Awards was not a public award ceremony. There was no recording of it. Also, at the Beijing Couplet Competition where Zhang Ye cursed, that was just a live broadcast on the inte. There was little impact!


    But today, it was a live broadcast!


    And it was a live broadcast on television!


    They did not expect Zhang Ye to grab the microphone. What was he going to do?


    The chaos here quickly caught the attention of many. Many people looked at Zhang Ye with surprised expressions. No one knew what he was going to do!


    "You�� "


    "Teacher Zhang�� "


    "You are�� "


    At this moment, no one doubted Zhang Ye''s mouth and pen. His mouth could curse a person to death, and his pen could ce a period on a person''s life. Everyone knew of Zhang Ye''s abilities!


    A person from the television station eximed in terror, "Hurry! Grab the microphone back!"


    Wang Shuixin did not notice the chaos. He was still reading from the script, and the cameras were pointed at him, "Wei Jianguo''s may have passed away, but�� "


    At this moment, Zhang Ye had switched the microphone on. He sneered coldly as he rudely interrupted Wang Shuixin''s eulogy, "When Uncle Wei was still alive, he asked me for a calligraphy piece. Back then, I said I would give it to him the next day, but the next day became forever. I owe Uncle Wei a poem. Today, I will pay off my debt!"


    Wang Shuixin said angrily, "I''m giving my eulogy. You can leave the matter�� "


    Zhang Ye looked at Wang Shuixin, "When some people live, they are already dead!"


    Wang Shuixin was dumbfounded. The remaining eulogy was held in his mouth!


    Zhang Ye ignored the surprising res of the people around him as he slowly walked towards Editor Wei as he softly said, "When some people die, they are still alive!"


    It was a poem!


    It was a modern poem!


    Just the first two lines made everyone draw a gasp!


    Wang Shuixin was furious. He never expected Zhang Ye to mess things up during a live recording. He was even pointing at him, saying that despite him being alive, he was actually dead?


    "Zhang Ye, you�� " Wang Shuixin shouted.


    Zhang Ye did not look at him as he coldly carried on, "Some people stand on the masses'' shoulders and say: ''I am mighty!''" Looking back at Editor Wei''s corpse, "Some people bend over and let others ride on their backs!"


    Everyone present turned silent!


    The audience members in front of the television sets were mesmerized by this!


    Zhang Ye knew that once he recited this poem, he would definitely not be able to remain at the television station. However, he was not afraid. He had never been afraid ever since he was young.


    He stared at Wang Shuixin and hissed, "Some people engrave their names on a rock to immortalize themselves. Some people want nothing more than to be wild grass that grows with the earth!"


    "For some people, their life makes other lives impossible!"


    "For some people, their life improves the lives of many others!"


    At this point, Zhang Ye''s tone suddenly turned angry, as his speed suddenly increased. He continuously shouted out the remaining words without a pause, "The one who rides on the people''s shoulders will eventually be brought down by the people! The one who lets the people ride on his back will forever be remembered by the people! The one who engraves his own name in rock will see their name rot faster than a corpse! Only in the ces where the wind reaches will green grass bloom! The one who lives to prevent others from living will have their end witnessed! The one who lives to help others live��"


    His speed suddenly slowed down as Zhang Ye looked towards Wang Shuixin as he pointed at Editor Wei''s corpse, and enunciated every word, "Will be held in high, high esteem by the people, forever!"

 Chapter 175: Wang Shuixin gets Beaten Up!

    <h4>Chapter 175: Wang Shuixin gets Beaten Up! </h4>


    Chapter 175: Wang Shuixin gets Beaten Up!


    "Did you switch off the cameras?"


    "I didn''t. I forgot to!"


    "Quickly switch it off! It''s a live broadcast!"


    "It''s toote! It has already been broadcast! Who knew that he would suddenly grab the microphone?"


    "Damn it! What is this Teacher Zhang Ye doing!? Why is it that, at every such asion, he doesn''t feel good if he doesn''t mess things up!"


    "What do I do now?"


    "What can we do after it has been broadcast? There''s nothing that we can do!"


    The Beijing Television Station crew that was in charge of the live broadcast was in chaos!


    However, others were silent, especially the television station''s staff who knew the truth. For example, Hu Fei, Xiao Lu, as well as the other colleagues of the Arts Channel. They were all staring at Zhang Ye in a dumbfounded fashion. There was nothing in their ears but the reverberation of the shocking poem!


    After Zhang Ye finished his poem, he paused for a few seconds before gently saying, "This poem is called ''Some People''. Today, I''m dedicating it to Uncle Wei. This is my eulogy!"


    Eulogy?


    This isn''t some f**king eulogy!?


    Wang Shuixin''s secretary nearly fainted from agitation. It was clearly a f**king piece of poetry that cursed at someone! Bullsh*t eulogy!


    Wang Shuixin also nearly blew a fuse. Before he could catch a breath, his body wavered after being cursed at by the poem. He nearly lost his footing on the stage!


    Zhang Ye!


    Are you trying to perish together with me!?


    Wang Shuixin''s face was pale. He didn''t think Zhang Ye had such courage. He thought that even if Zhang Ye waswless usually, he had to have concerns deep down in his heart. For example, about his job, his position as lecturer and host for the television station. But only at this moment did Wang Shuixin realize that he had thought wrongly of Zhang Ye. He had underestimated how great a hooligan Zhang Ye was. He had a temper that was worse than any hooligan! This job.. was not something Zhang Ye cared about!


    Hu Fei and Xiao Lu immediately knew of Zhang Ye''s resoluteness. They knew that Teacher Zhang Ye no longer nned on working at Beijing Television Station!


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "This Teacher Little Zhang!"


    Hu Fei let out a loud sigh. He was filled withplex emotions!


    Actually, when the first line of the poem was recited, a few of them wanted to stop Zhang Ye. But after some hesitation, none of them spoke a word. This was because Hu Fei, Xiao Lu andpany knew that this was the resoluteness of Teacher Zhang Ye and his own judgment. They could only respect his wishes!


    ����


    In front of the television.


    The live broadcast signal had been cut off.


    The host that was in the live broadcast studio was feeling faint, as he tried to remedy the situation, "''Some People'' is a very good poem. My colleague, Zhang Ye, has created another great work. Alright, the memorial service''s live broadcast wille to the end." Following that,mercials were broadcast.


    However, how could the audience just ignore it!?


    Who could be that silly? Everyone could tell what was going on!


    On Weibo, Zhang Ye''s "Some People" was immediately reproduced. There were all sorts of swearing below the post byizens!


    "There''s a conspiracy!"


    "F**k! Father Wei was really driven to his death!"


    "Is it that Wang Shuixin person?"


    "It''s him! Teacher Zhang Ye''s poem makes it very clear!"


    "Wang Shuixin, isn''t he the person that was reported in the newspaper as a sponsor of a child''s education? He seems to be a poet? I remember his "Everything" in a textbook when i was in school."


    "''Everything'' counts for ass! Did you not hear of Teacher Zhang''s ''This is also Everything''? It was to refute Wang Shuixin! He has produced another poem now!"


    "''Some People'' is really well written!"


    "That''s right. I got a f**king kick listening to it!"


    "When some people live, they are already dead. When some people die, they are still alive? ssic! Too ssic! Only a person with such a literary level like Teacher Zhang Ye can write such a thing!"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye! Curse that Wang Shuixin to death!"


    "Let Wang Shuixin step down! Pursue his legal responsibilities! Seek redress for Father Wei!"


    "Right, seek redress for Father Wei! Let this kind of person who stands on the masses'' shoulderse down! He even got newspapers to report on him sponsoring children? He just sponsored a single child and he announced it to the whole world!? This Wang guy wants to be immortalized? What a joke! People will pull you down! Teacher Zhang Ye''s poem is perfect for this! It''s a great way of contrasting Father Wei''s kindness and Wang Shuixin''s ugliness!"


    "There''s no need for people to pull him down. Just Zhang Ye''s ''Some People'' is enough topletely smear his reputation! In the future, when anyone mentions ''Some People'', it might be yearster when this enters our textbooks, since it will be a poem thatsts the ages. They will think of its origins, as well as think of two people, Father Wei and Wang Shuixin! That Wang guy even wants to be famous through the ages? It''s more like he will be infamous for ten thousand years!


    "People like Wang Shuixin should die a horrible death!"


    "That''s right! Teacher Zhang said it the best! People like him may be living, but he is in fact already dead!"


    With the great poem setting off the situation, Wang Shuixin had caused a public outcry. Everyone formed groups to attack him. The reason why people were enraged was partly because Wang Shuixin had really done such a terrible deed. But a greater reason was because of Zhang Ye''s "Some People". This great production had lit the mes of the public''s anger. Zhang Ye had previously used his world''s Nobelureate, Mo Yan''s words: The greatest function of Literature is perhaps itsck of function.


    "Some People" was written by a contemporary poet from his world, Zang Kejia. It was included in the textbooks perennially. It was an emotive poem written tomemorate Lu Xun''s 13th death anniversary. The poem was aparison between two people. It was expressing the highest respect to Mr Lu Xun. It expressed one''s anger by mercilessly exposing individuals who lord themselves over the people. The uniqueness of the poem came from its philosophical theme. People lived for the better good.


    Of course, this was Zang Kejia''s version, and it was the message he wanted to express.


    Zhang Ye''s poem today was not a eulogy. The main goal was not to praise and honor Editor Wei. Today, he recited "Some People" mainly to express his anger at people like Wang Shuixin. Yes, just like how most people present understood it. He was scolding someone! It was the same with "Dead Water"!


    ����


    Tieba.


    Zhang Ye''s Nest.


    "Hurry and watch the TV!"


    "It''s already over. I have already seen it!"


    "I also happened to tune into Beijing News Channel. I didn''t expect to see Teacher Zhang Ye astound the masses! It''s another divine production! It''s a divine production simr to "Dead Water", "My Confession" and "Prisoner''s Song"! It''s all used to scold someone! Hahaha! I got a kick out of that!"


    "Where, where? Give me a link!"


    "Wait a moment. It will definitely appear on the web soon!''


    "Right, there''s no way to hide this matter. I rmend that all of you to first go on Weibo. In a while, go watch the video. The matter has stirred up quite a storm!"


    Zhang Ye''s temper was no good and his personality matched it. He wasn''t the type that was especially endearing. Not to mention hecked the superficial skills like Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi, hence many people had their doubts about him. However, this Tieba page was Zhang Ye''s fan club. The people gathered here were those who liked Zhang Ye. They even liked it when Zhang Ye did some wicked things that could upset a grandma. They were people who were afraid that the world was too organized. Didn''t you see? The former life of Zhang Ye''s fan club was actually a troll army who cursed others in a war of words as they had nothing better to do! If the fan clubs of others were called orthodox armies, Zhang Ye''s fan club.. might more appropriately be called bandits.


    Upon noticing that Zhang Ye had stirred up a storm, none of them worried for Zhang Ye. In fact, they were crying with excitement!


    "Teacher Zhang Ye has gotten into trouble again!"


    "Haha! Delightful!"


    "I have been waiting for this day for too long!"


    "Teacher Zhang had just been released from the police station for only a few days! Why has he gotten himself into trouble just a few days of being released? And he even interrupted a live broadcast to scold his Leader? But�� I like it! Wahaha!"


    "It''s time for us to put in our efforts! Brothers, to arms!"


    "I heard of that Wang Shuixin. He was the father of the person Teacher Zhang Ye beat up previously! No wonder there was so much censoring regarding the discussion previously! It''s because of this Wang Shuixin! After messing with Teacher Zhang Ye, he drove a good person like Father Wei to his death? Bastard!"


    "Let''s go! Let''s destroy the television station''s official website!"


    "Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    "Big Saber Bro is here, too! Our strongestbat power has gathered! There''s enough people! To arms!"


    This time, Zhang Ye''s fan club was not fighting alone. Arge number of people from Beijing independently came charging at the Beijing Television Station''s discussion board to curse at Wang Shuixin!


    The post was deleted?


    One was deleted, but they posted a hundred!


    The matter had stirred up too great a storm this time. This was a bigger issue than when Zhang Ye was arrested. It was normal. That time, Zhang Ye''s matter had been revealed on the web, but this time, it was a live broadcast on television. It was BTV-News Channel. The entire city of Beijing could receive it. The number of people who paid attention to it was naturally tens of times greater!


    ����


    There was chaos online!


    There was chaos at the funeral wake, too!


    After the hundred or so children and their parents who had received help from Father Wei heard Zhang Ye''s poem, they made the connection with how a rtive of Father Wei had shouted that he was driven to his death. They were immediately enlightened. They did not know about the treatment Father Wei had received in the television station previously. As it was a live broadcast, they had not reacted in time when the staff had pushed Father Wei''s family to a corner!


    Now, these people immediately turned furious!


    Suddenly, the children and their parents rushed towards Wang Shuixin and surrounded him!


    That was a few hundred people. Wang Shuixin was scared silly, "What are you doing!? What do you want!?"


    "Return to us Father Wei!"


    "You bastard!"


    "Why did you kill Father Wei!"


    Zhang Ye was also on the stage and was not that far from Wang Shuixin. He naturally also squeezed into the crowd.


    Below, Wang Shuixin''s secretary as well as many of Wang Shuixin''s cronies were in a rush to squeeze forward. They were trying to save Director Wang, but there were too many people. They could not squeeze through. They could not even see Wang Shuixin''s figure through the dense crowd!


    "Leader!"


    "Director!"


    "Stop!"


    "Move away!"


    The secretary and the others shouted along the exterior perimeter!


    Zhang Ye was quite a vile person. Seeing that line of sight had been mostly obscured, this fellow squeezed towards Wang Shuixin as he shouted, "Ouch, hey! Don''t squeeze! All of you, don''t squeeze!"


    The children around him were surprised. They were more than willing to thank him for speaking up for Father Wei, so no one was pushing him. Who would dare to push you?


    Did someone bump into Teacher Zhang?


    Or did someone step on Teacher Zhang''s feet?


    The surrounding children and parents quickly took a step back. They were very respectful to a person who dared to speak up for Father Wei, and a Teacher who Father Wei liked a lot when he was still alive. However, what made them gasp was that even though no one was close to Zhang Ye, this asshole actually staggered forward, being "pushed" towards Wang Shuixin. Then, Zhang Ye did a move that dumbfounded them!


    Wang Shuixin was facing the children and their parents with a look of apprehension. He did not pay attention to anything else, "I''m telling you! Get away from me! Don''t you believe that I''ll report it to the police?"


    In the end, it was as if Zhang Ye lost his footing, and his body nted and, with a stumble, he stepped on Wang Shuixin''s feet!


    What sort of physique did Wang Shuixin have? He led a sedentary life in the office all day long!


    As for Zhang Ye, what physique did he have? He was a person who had eaten many Experience Books in Taekwondo!


    Wang Shuixin bellowed out a cry of pain and immediately fell to the ground!


    "Don''t push me!" Zhang Ye shouted loudly. Then, it seemed like he panicked to stabilize himself, as his shoe came trampling down on Wang Shuixin''s face!


    "Ah!" Wang Shuixin shouted out loudly!


    Zhang Ye''s feet slipped again, and once again "missed his footing" and stepped on Wang Shuixin''s belly!


    "Ah!" Wang Shuixin nearly spat out his gastric juices. He was in such great pain that his eyeballs rolled upward!


    Seeing this, a young boy immediately understood Teacher Zhang Ye''s intentions as he shouted, "Beat him up!" And he went up to kick Wang Shuixin!


    But the moment that he lifted his foot, Zhang Ye''s foot also quietly lifted up and diverted the strength from the boy''s foot. He then shook his head gently at him.


    Everyone understood upon seeing this!


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "You��"


    The children and parents were awed by this. Teacher Zhang Ye did not want them to make a move, for he was afraid that the police would give them trouble. To protect them, Teacher Zhang Ye wanted to do all the dirty work himself. If there was an investigation, it would only affect Zhang Ye himself! At this moment, these children and parents finally understood why Father Wei liked Teacher Zhang Ye''s works so much. It was because be it his works or personality, Teacher Zhang Ye was a person worthy of respect!


    ying dirty?


    Sneak attacks?


    This may seem like wicked in the eyes of others and should be something despised and looked down upon, but at this moment, for some reason, in the eyes of these children and parents, they felt that Teacher Zhang Ye.. was very great!


    People could still see, as there were gaps.


    From Hu Fei, Xiao Lu and Hou Ge''s position, they could clearly see how Zhang Ye was being "pushed" to the point of kicking Wang Shuixin!


    Xiao Lu nearly spat out blood!


    Hou Ge and Dafei rolled their eyes!


    This Teacher Zhang! Why are you so wicked!?


    With such bearings, how are you in any way like that of a great poet? In what way do you look like an esteemed lecturer of history?


    However, upon giving it some thought, they nearly burst out intoughter. Wang Shuixin was really someone who deserved a beating. Offending Teacher Zhang Ye could be considered bad luck umted from eight lives ago!


    "Brother Hu," Xiao Lu gave her Leader a worried nce.


    "Ah? What?" Hu Fei clearly saw Zhang Ye''s actions. Yet he turned his head with a questioning look, as if he did not know a thing.


    Xiao Lu eximed, "Eh, nothing, nothing."

 Chapter 176: The Police Station Does Not Dare Arrest Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 176: The Police Station Does Not Dare Arrest Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 176: The Police Station Does Not Dare Arrest Zhang Ye!


    Five minutester.


    The crowd dispersed from the memorial hall.


    Wang Shuixin was lying on the floor with bruises all over. His body and face had shoe marks all over. It could said that he looked miserable as heid there whining and groaning!


    "Director!"


    "Leader!"


    "Director Wang!"


    "Aiyo! How are you doing? How are you doing?"


    Wang Shuixin''s secretary and a few other staffs who were close to him rushed forward. Two of them helped him up while another checked through his injuries. Luckily, he had no fractures. But these injuries were enough to let Wang Shuixin suffer. As a television station Leader, when had he ever been beaten up like this before? Sitting in the office all day andcking exercise, he was naturally weaker than other people. He could not even stand up properly!


    The secretary looked around at the hundreds of children and parents, saying, "Who was it!? Who beat him up? Stand forward! You are all too much! Is there anyw?"


    The children kept quiet.


    Zhang Ye stood forwards, "Why are you f**king shouting at the children! You shout at me!"


    Seeing Zhang Ye, the furious secretary unconsciously took a step back. After today''s incident, many people, including him, had a new impression of Zhang Ye. They knew how bad his temper could get.


    Zhang Ye looked at him and said, "No one hit him. No one even touched him. Because so many people were gathered together just now, even I was pushed around quite a bit. I might have identally stepped on Director Wang a few times. But it was an ident, an ident I tell you. At most, it was a stampede incident."


    Wang Shuixin angrily roared and shouted at Zhang Ye, "He was the one who kicked me!"


    Zhang Ye innocently said, "Director Wang, you are a television station Leader. You should not tell lies. Where did I kick you? It was all an ident. And you even touched me, too!"


    "Right!"


    "I can be the witness!"


    "Me too! It was just an ident!"


    The few hundred children and their parents all stood forward as witnesses!


    Wang Shuixin was so angry that he was almost out of breath, "��.Call the police!"


    Hu Fei eyes turned cold. At this moment, he was utterly disappointed by that Leader, Wang Shuixin!


    A few of the television station''s Leaders all looked at each other. Some frowned. Some shook their head slightly. Finally, they decided to leave and did not stay any longer. This was someone''s funeral. This was Babaoshan Cemetary. It was a resting ce for the dead. No matter what the situation was, you could have talked about itter. At least let the family finish up the memorial service and cremate the body before taking any action. But because of your own selfish pursuits, you didn''t care for a thing at all?


    Actually, some of the station Leaders had a good impression of Wang Shuixin. He was very good at interpersonal rtionships, and his work aptitude was very strong; hence, when his son caused trouble, they closed an eye. However, when Zhang Ye''s poem was recited, a few station Leaders and deputies knew that Wang Shuixin.. probably was not someone that they could keep around. That "Some People" was too ruthless. They were all in the media and news industry, so they knew how big amotion that poem would cause!


    If it were any other person who cried for injustice and cursed Wang Shuixin, they would at most be thought of as a troublemaker making a scene. This would still be easy to exin. But Zhang Ye had been too wicked, using a poem that was so incessant. The mess that it had created was not easy to clear up at all!


    If they had wanted to protect Wang Shuixin at all costs, there was still a way. But when Wang Shuixin shouted out to report to the police, and the Station Leaders all knew what they had to do. This kind of person was not worth protecting anymore. Look at the crowd''s reaction. Look at the station colleagues'' reaction. Even those working under you at your channel were happy that you were beaten up. Your position as a Leader has surelye to an end now. If you want to me, me the poem "Some People". Sometimes, a poem, a simple literary work, could really make a person infamous! No one could save you now!


    As some people left, the memorial service continued.


    The Station Leaders had left and the cameras were taken away. The secretary held Wang Shuixin as they walked outside. Those irritants had all left the hall.


    Wei Ying looked at Zhang Ye and walked over to his side. She suddenly bowed deeply, "Teacher Zhang, thank you. With you helping my father to seek justice, with your "Some People", I believe that he can now rest in peace. If he knew that you dedicated such a poem of the ages to him, he would definitely be very happy!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Uncle Wei does not ce importance on such things."


    Wei Ying and the Wei family knew how great an importance this poem had. Wei Jianguo was a quiet person in life, and he had received unfair treatment at work. Although he had received quite a bit of attention with his passing, they knew that it was just momentary. In a few days or months, people might forget about him. But now, with Zhang Ye''s work, the situation was no longer the same. With such a great poem passed down, generation after generation of people will know and simrly remember the name, "Wei Jianguo". He was unknown in life, but he would be remembered in death. This was the greatest constion and remembrance for "Father Wei".


    A poem was worth a thousand pieces of gold!


    To try to value "Some People" was impossible. It could not be valued with money. Zhang Ye did not give this poem to anyone, but only to Wei Jianguo. Wei Ying, who was Wei Jianguo''s daughter, naturally felt grateful from her heart! And she also knew that for Zhang Ye to dedicate this poem on the live broadcast, he would have a price to pay! Zhang Ye was helping her father to seek redress, to let more people know about the issue. By doing so, he had also burned his bridges. He was going to lose his job; no leader could bear with having a time bomb in their organization! Zhang Ye had sacrificed everything, including his fame and his career, just to help her father!


    Was this not worth a "thank you"?


    Was this not worth a bow?


    Wei Ying could not even express the gratefulness she had. She could only express it through these actions to thank Zhang Ye.


    Eulogy��..


    Cremation��..


    cement of urn��..


    After all the procedures werepleted, everyone came outside.


    Zhang Ye was at the back of the group, consoling Wei Ying and apanying Editor Wei''s family from Babaoshan cemetery to the front entrance, getting ready to go down the hill.


    At this moment, a few uniformed policemen from the station arrived!


    "Who called the police?"


    "It''s us!"


    "Who did you say beat someone up? What''s the situation?"


    "It''s that man. Just now, at the memorial service, he hit someone and injured him!"


    Wang Shuixin''s secretary busily exined the situation to the police. He was extremely agitated!


    As a policeman was listening to him, a younger policeman felt that the scene looked a little familiar. This ce��.. Eh, wasn''t it broadcast on BTV-News Channel earlier! The person who was beaten up was giving a eulogy just now and the man whom the secretary was using, wasn''t it Zhang Ye? He was having his lunch break when he saw it all on TV, so he immediately grasped the situation!


    The old policeman checked on Wang Shuixin''s injuries and thought that they weren''t too serious. But he did seem to be breaking out in a cold sweat as he sat there. Thinking it might not be a light injury, "Why didn''t you call the ambnce?"


    "We didn''t want that person to run away!" Wang Shuixin''s secretary said, "After you arrest him, we will immediately go to the hospital!"


    A parent came forward to say, "Teacher Zhang did not hit anyone!"


    "Everyone was crowded together, so it might have been an idental bump! What do you mean by ''someone kicked you''?" a child said.


    Suddenly, the hundreds of children and their parents were noisily defending Zhang Ye, "Right! Who saw Teacher Zhang hitting you? Who saw it?"


    The secretary hissed, "I saw it!"


    "You saw a fart! So many of us didn''t see anything! You still want to make a false statement?" said a dozen of the parents who then crowded around them!


    The old policeman was startled. F**k, why are there so many people! A few hundred witnesses? And they were all testifying for that person? Eh, why was this person so familiar?


    "Inspector Feng." the young policeman whispered to him.


    The old policeman turned around, "Why is that person so familiar looking?"


    The young policeman did not know whether tough or to cry, "That is��.. Zhang Ye!"


    "The one who recently caused amotion at the police station?" the old policeman was stunned.


    Another policewoman who was with them wiped the sweat off her forehead, "That''s him, for sure. My dad and mom watch him on ''Lecture Room'' every day!"


    Wang Shuixin urged, "Hurry up and arrest him!"


    Wang Shuixin''s secretary was afraid that he would hit them again, "Comrade Police, what are you waiting for?"


    The old policeman initially wanted to arrest the suspect and bring him back to the station, but upon hearing that the person was Zhang Ye, he looked at Wang Shuixin andpany, "I don''t think your injuries are serious; it''s not a big deal. The injuries are superficial. You just need to apply some medicine. Since it''s not a serious matter, I suggest you sort it out among yourselves. Why did you even call 110?"


    Wang Shuixin was furious, "He hit me!"


    The old policeman puckered his lips, saying, "But a few hundred witnesses can vouch for him. Did you see wrongly? With so many witnesses, we can''t arrest him. This does notply with our procedures. Alright, you should quickly go to the hospital and get yourself looked at. As for these injuries, you didn''t need to call the police for that! It was crowded, so a stampede could happen easily." He then instructed his team, "Let''s go. Case dismissed!"


    Wang Shuixin was red with anger, "All of you��."


    The secretary also shouted, "Is there still anyw? Is there anyw?"


    The young policeman who knew about the incident muttered, "A good person like Father Wei has already been driven to death by you all! Is there anyw?"


    The police left after walking one round.


    Seeing that, Zhang Ye andpany walked past Wang Shuixin, who was sitting on the floor. They went their separate ways to their homes. The others, who had to go back to the office, also went back.


    Serves you right!


    Serves you right for getting beaten up!


    A few Arts Channel''s staff members thought that to themselves!


    Wang Shuixin was left there with nowhere to turn to for help. When had he ever received such treatment? Never before! He had obviously been beaten up! But no one cared? The police did not bother, too? There was a time when all of these things would happen to people that Wang Shuixin did not like. When Zhang Ye beat up his son, he would deal with Zhang Ye. When Editor Wei beat up his son, he would deal with Editor Wei. As long as anyone offended him, he would deal with them.


    Firstly, he knew people from the police departments. Secondly, he was a Leader in the media industry, so it was easy to manipte public opinion! But today, this was all happening to Wang Shuixin himself. Even though everyone knew that Zhang Ye had purposely beaten him up, he had still lost the trust of the public. No one would step forward to speak up for him anymore. He had been totally betrayed!


    Good!


    Wait and see, all of you!


    Wang Shuixin could only say that to himself. But he knew that those words were powerless now! The Station Leaders had already left. Wang Shuixin had a bad feeling from the Station Leaders'' looks! Don''t talk about dealing with Zhang Ye, he could barely protect himself now! Zhang Ye''s method of willing to perish together had now pushed Wang Shuixin to the road of no return!


    ����


    At the bottom of the hill.


    In the police car.


    The policewoman felt that something wasn''t right, "Inspector Feng, are we really not arresting him?"


    The young policeman grunted, "Who do we arrest? It''s already not bad that we didn''t arrest that Wang Shuixin. Father Wei was driven to his death by him. Did you not watch the television just now?"


    The policewoman hesitated, "But we have been summoned, so we should at least bring them back for investigation, right? After all, someone did make a police report, and he was also injured."


    The Leader, Inspector Feng, nced at her, "If you want to bring him away or arrest him, fine. You can arrest that Zhang Ye and bring him anywhere you like, as long as you don''t bring him to our police station!"


    The policewoman eximed, "Why is that so?"


    The young policeman said, "Don''t you know about that Zhang Ye?"


    "I know him. Isn''t he just a program''s host?" the policewoman said.


    The young policeman said in a speechless manner, "Then you are too behind the times. Just a while ago, a police station had arrested Zhang Ye. Later on, it was proven that he had been wronged. In the end, Zhang Ye recited a poem and wrote a poem in the police station and caused all sorts of turmoil for them. In the end, even the City Council''s disciplinary agency nearly investigated the station''s Superintendent. That Superintendent was nearly dismissed. I still remember a few lines of the poem. Something about a bloodied bay, something about a door opened to a dog. Each line was more ruthless than the other. You want to arrest Zhang Ye? Do you think we aren''t in a big enough mess!? If he were to write about how he doesn''t fear the bloodied bay or cruel torture in our station, can you even handle it?"


    The policewoman eximed, "I heard of that matter! Ah! It was all because of that average-looking person? No way. He looks pretty good!"


    Inspector Feng also puckered his lips, "Good looking, my ass! He''s just a hooligan! Anyone can arrest this kind of person, as long as they don''t bring him to our station! We can''t handle the suffering brought forth by him! One moment, it''s a revolutionary poem! The next moment, it''s living in the fire for eternity! Who can stand that!?"


    The young policeman added on, "Just now, on the live broadcast of Father Wei''s memorial service on television, didn''t you heard that ''Some People''? It cursed that Wang Shuixin, who was beaten up, to pieces! I think that Wang guy will never be able to liberate himself again. With this poem repressing him, he will be reviled by people all his life. Do you now know how powerful that Zhang Ye''s mouth is!? That person cane up with a poem on a whim! Every one of them are earth-shattering! It catches you off guard!"


    Inspector Feng said, "Anyway, anyone can care about it, just not us!"

 Chapter 177: The News’ Evaluation of Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 177: The News�� Evaluation of Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 177: The News'' Evaluation of Zhang Ye!


    At night, when BTV-News Channel was reyed, there was no footage or mention of Father Wei''s memorial event. Not a single word was mentioned of it. This was the expected reaction and also what the television station needed to do. Because they had to uphold the reputation of the station. Whether it be Wang Shuixin''s case or Zhang Ye causing trouble at the live broadcast, it was considered an internal issue, and such dirty linen should not be aired in public.


    But the newspapers did not hold back.


    This was even more so for the news online; they were all reporting on the matter.


    "Zhang Ye �� A rare urrence in the media industry who dares to speak out! "


    This was a free media blog-like news site. Typically, official media and newspapers would speak more officially, but free media blogs had no such concerns. The article was written in this manner: Many people do not have a high evaluation of Zhang Ye. Peers from his industry especially ostracize him, but that does not include me. My evaluation of Teacher Zhang Ye is very high. I think he is the most daring to speak out amongst all the Beijing broadcast hosts. He does not hide or withhold. He speaks out whatever he thinks of. When he sees injustice, he would care about it. It is simr to his work ethic. He does not consider the consequences or the impact that he would create. He would first do it before any discussion! In Zhang Ye''s "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms", he had said this of Cao Cao: He was a loveable arch-careerist. This is what I say of Teacher Zhang Ye: He is a lovable media hooligan!


    "Live Justice! "


    "Father Wei''s Death Mystery! "


    "Who Condoned a Leader like Wang Shuixin?"


    The report was written like this: When some people live, they are already dead! When some people die, they are still alive! I did not watch the live broadcast at first, but saw this poem on the first page of Weibo, in the 6th position. When I finished reading the first paragraph of this poem, I had goosebumps all over. My first thought at that moment was ''what kind of a talent could write such a wonderful verse''? Only after reading the whole poem did my minde up with a name �� Zhang Ye. And when I saw the author''s name at the end, it was really him! Iughed. Perhaps only Zhang Ye, who had written "Dead Water" and "Prisoner''s Song", could write such a poem! I don''t know if Beijing Writers'' Association are regretting their decisions now, and neither do I know if there is still anyone who would deny Zhang Ye''s literary standards!


    With just "Some People", it has ignited the anger of many people!


    A trend of "Justice for Father Wei" has been going around since this morning!


    "Hand over the murderer!"


    "Such a Leader has to step down!"


    "Wang Shuixin! Let him get lost!"


    "If such a person does not get punished, it will be an injustice!"


    "Revenge for Father Wei! Justice for Father Wei!"


    The angry crowd vented their anger everywhere. Some even attached a picture of Zhang Ye''s "Some People" in full!


    Suddenly, aw firm announced a piece of news: "Tonight, Father Wei''s daughter Wei Ying has hired ourw firm tounch legal proceedings against Wang Shuixin!"


    "Alright!"


    "Support!"


    "Sue him!"


    "Right, let him take legal responsibilities!"


    "Abusing a staff through work, withholding overtime pay and bonuses, causing death, it''s not enough even if Wang Shuixin goes to prison! He has topensate money, too!"


    ����


    In front of theputer.


    Zhang Ye, who had returned home, had also seen this. He knew that Wang Shuixin was finished. Compensation would happen for sure, and if the prosecutors investigated, a jail term was also likely. This grandson would surely no longer be allowed to work at the television station anymore. He would also be condemned for life. Who would dare take him?


    The incident was so big that even if he could find another job, he will surely be scolded to death by others. Zhang Ye was also well aware that he himself would no longer be able to work at the television station. The poem "Some People" that was recited live on television was a double-edged sword. It could harm others, but it would also harm him. But Zhang Ye was ready to face the consequences!


    Ring, ring, ring!


    The telephone kept ringing!


    Zhang Ye saw that the call was from his mother, so he answered, "Mom."


    "You rascal! I''ve been calling you for the entire afternoon. Why didn''t you answer!" his mother said angrily.


    Zhang Ye exined, "I had to attend Editor Wei''s funeral in the afternoon, so it was on silent."


    His mother said in an upset manner, "What''s the issue about the live broadcast? Did you scold your Leader again? Are you addicted to scolding your Leaders? Previously it happened, and now it happened again? Your dad said that you definitely would not be keeping your job after what you said. Is that true?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "I guess so."


    His mother said, "But you''ve only started working at the television station for how long? You just found a good job! And now you are going to be unemployed again? Can you let me worry less? Can you?"


    Zhang Ye puckered his lips, "You won''t understand. This was something that I had to do. If I don''t have a job, I can find another, but I won''t allow them to go scot-free. I can''t lose my integrity!"


    "Integrity, my ass! You are just faking it!" Mom scolded.


    Zhang Ye said, "Anyway, it has already happened, so don''t bother about it. Also, let Dad know that he doesn''t need to worry. Are you afraid that your son can''t find a job?"


    Mom grunted, "It will be odd if you can find one! Scolding a Leader once is fine, but you scolded a second time, and it was even done live!? In the future, who in the media industry will dare hire you? After hiring you, who knows if a kid like you would suddenly feel pissed and unhappy ande up with something. Who can handle that?"


    Zhang Ye puckered his mouth, "Then I''ll change industries. One can distinguish himself in any trade. There''s no ce I can''t be famous in."


    "Keep insisting on your banter. That bad temper of yours has been the same ever since you were young. I don''t want to talk to you. I''m hanging up!" It looks like Mom was really angry.


    After hanging up, Zhang Yeughed bitterly, but did not take it too seriously. He would never regret something that he had done. To be able to bring down Wang Shuixin and seek justice for Editor Wei, Zhang Ye felt that it was good enough for him. He wouldn''t say that this made his conscience clear, but at the very least it made him morefortable with himself! He was happy! He felt good! Wasn''t this enough? In life, only having a goal made it meaningful. In the process of reaching one''s goal, one needed to do it happily. Who cares about your bullsh*t regtions and your bullsh*t order of things! I will do what I want! Is there anything moreforting than that?


    Zhang Ye was very simplistic in his thoughts. He had his dreams and wished to be famous. However, this was because this dream would make Zhang Ye happy. That was why dreams were called dreams. It the dreams made him have to ingratiate himself, then it wouldn''t be happiness. That so-called dream would be a bizarre obsession. This was not what Zhang Ye liked. Upon thinking of this, Zhang Ye was surprised by his high morals. When did this bro be so excellent? See! See! This bro''s words are getting more and more philosophical!

 Chapter 178: Helping Zhang Ye Find a Job!

    <h4>Chapter 178: Helping Zhang Ye Find a Job! </h4>


    Chapter 178: Helping Zhang Ye Find a Job!


    The next day.


    Waking up, washing up, eating breakfast.


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath, then headed downstairs with his briefcase and drove to work. For today''s journey to the office, he experienced the mostplicated of feelings. This was because he knew that he was going to be fired for sure, but he did not prepare a resignation letter ahead of his dismissal. As it was different from his time at the radio station, where Deputy Station Head Jia was still in charge and making things difficult for him, Zhang Ye had already wanted to quit after he received the Silver Microphone Award. But this time, Wang Shuixin was also likely to step down. So Zhang Ye had no reason to quit. His conscience was clear.


    Fire me if you want to fire me!


    You all have guilt in your hearts anyway. It was because the television station did not handle Wang Shuixin earlier, condoning his behavior, that led to the situation now. It was not my fault!


    ����


    Television station.


    "Hey, look."


    "Zhang Ye is here."


    "Hai, what a pity."


    "That''s right. Ignoring his bad temper, he is quite a lovable person. He dares to think, do and be!"


    "Right. Just on Uncle Wei''s case, Zhang Ye has done extremely well. If he did not make such a ruthless move, Wang Shuixin would still be in power. With just this alone, no matter what anyone says, I will be the first to give him my praises! What''s regretful was that he had just wrapped up ''Lecture Room'', and now, he has to leave."


    "Where''s he going to?"


    "Who knows? But I don''t think he can stay in the media circles."


    "That''s right. Who would dare hire a person like him?"


    Along the way, Zhang Ye could hear people discussing about himself in low whispers. He had by now calmed his emotions and did not feel disturbed.


    Upstairs.


    Arts Channel office.


    Hu Fei and his colleagues were all there.


    Xiao Lu looked over to Zhang Ye, her expression conflicted, "Teacher Zhang, you, we��.." As she said that, her eyes looked sad. Having spent so much time together, they had all befortable with each other. Strictly speaking, Zhang Ye had created and nned the format of "Lecture Room". It could be said that the program fully belonged to him. For the program to achieve what it has achieved, it was all because of Zhang Ye. But now, the television station would no longer keep him, not even giving him a chance to stay. This was saddening.


    Hou Ge, Dafei and the others were also slightly agitated, "Teacher Little Zhang, everyone knows that you were not to me for this matter. You only did what you did because it was the only way to help Uncle Wei, but����"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Has the punishments been meted out?"


    Hu Fei sighed, "Yes. You have been fired."


    Zhang Ye had only joined the television station for a month. He was still in his probationary period, so it was not much trouble to dismiss him. It just needed to go through the procedures. Zhang Ye appeared indifferent, "Alright, I''ll go to HR to go through the procedures."


    Hu Fei said, "As for the Finance side, your sry and bonus for the month will be given to you. Usually for such cases, the bonuses would be withheld. But for some reason, the station still cares about you, so they did not make a fuss over it. I think they don''t feel good about it, so some of the management passed down instructions to Finance. I guess that you would be getting around 30,000 to 40,000."


    He definitely deserved his bonus in the first ce. Wang Shuixin had previously deducted his bonuses wrongfully. Even his sry was deserved; he had worked for it. Which is why Zhang Ye didn''t think the station cared for him. He knew that Hu Fei was trying to smooth things out for the station and did not want Zhang Ye to make an enemy out of Beijing Television Station. "I understand, Brother Hu." But he was more concerned about another matter, "What about Wang Shuixin?"


    With the mention of this, Xiao Lu broke out a smile, "Didn''t you see it when you entered the television station? An announcement has already been put up in the hall. Fired!"


    Zhang Ye finally felt a load on his mind was taken away, "Then that''s good."


    Hou Ge added, "What goes around,es around. I heard that the court has already summoned Wang Shuixin over; he is very likely to face criminal punishment. After all, Editor Wei''s incident has caused a stir throughout Beijing. The courts will definitely consider all of this when passing their judgement. His life is finished!"


    Hu Fei was still not out from the moodiness of the situation. Looking at Zhang Ye, he said, "He might be done for, but why did you have to bring yourself down, too? Was it worth it?"


    Was it worth it?


    It definitely wasn''t!


    But Zhang Ye had never been the type to put on a brave front to regretter. Hesitating about this, concerned about that, whether it was dangerous, would that be a problem? Bullsh*t! If he was like that, then he would never do anything! Zhang Ye''s style was always �� Scold first, talkter! Fight first, talkter! If there was a problem? When there''s a problem, then I will talk about it. I will think of ways to solve the problem!


    "Brother Hu, when I am gone, ''Lecture Room'' can continue to broadcast the next few episodes. If you need my written permission, just prepare something for me to sign." Even though he would no longer be around, Zhang Ye wanted "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" to go on. It had finished recording anyway, and he could do with whatever reputation the show could get for him. Hu Fei had been very good to him, too, so Zhang Ye would never be petty and make them stop airing the next few episodes of "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms". He was not unreasonable. To continue the broadcast, he believed that this was what the station and Hu Fei would have wanted.


    "Alright." Hu Fei nodded.


    After going to the HR department, he went to the Finance department.


    The procedures were easy to handle as there wasn''t a need for approval from the management. He needn''t wait long.


    Zhang Ye felt that he could finish the procedures by the end of the day, so he did not leave yet. He went back to his work area and logged onto the inte.


    ����


    On the web.


    The Beijing Television Station had posted on Weibo about dismissing Wang Shuixin and Zhang Ye.


    Alright!


    "That''s awesome! He should have been fired earlier on!"


    "But why did they also dismiss Zhang Ye?"


    "Hai, there''s no other way. The way he spoke on a live broadcast meant that he was bound to be punished."


    "But it was due to extenuating circumstances, and the facts have proven that Teacher Zhang Ye was right. He was seeking justice for Father Wei. He shouldn''t be fired, right?"


    "The rules are like that."


    "Bullsh*t rules! Those bunch of bastards! They are all in cahoots! When Wang Shuixin was abusing his power, did anyone in the television station do a thing? Eh? Teacher Zhang Ye was upholding justice, yet they fired him? Strictly speaking, it''s not a problem. But based on the situation, is this how it should be handled?"


    "It''s better not to work there. Teacher Zhang can spare himself the trouble!"


    "Right, Teacher Zhang is not to kind that will fit into a structure like that television station."


    Zhang Ye was satisfied to see what everyone had said. He now knew that many people were in solidarity with him, so what else could hein about? But just as Zhang Ye was continuing to browse, Xiao Lu suddenly shouted, "D*mn! Quickly look at the front page of Weibo, Teacher Little Zhang! Scroll down and take a look!"


    Dafei asked curiously, "What''s the matter?"


    "You will know it when you see it." Hou Ge obviously just saw it, too.


    Zhang Ye found the Weibo post and looking at the title, he was deeply moved. He even felt like he didn''t know whether tough or to cry.


    Title �� "Help Zhang Ye find a job!"


    It was a moderator from Zhang Ye''s fan club, "Comrades, to seek justice for Father Wei, Teacher Zhang Ye has lost his job. Beijing Television Station has already announced his dismissal. As Teacher Zhang Ye''s hardcore fan, I dere my anger and dissatisfaction. But this is not within my control, and the truth is that it has already happened. We can only look forward. I would like to suggest that all of usunch a campaign to help Teacher Zhang Ye find a job! We can''t let a good person go unrewarded!"


    "Support!"


    "Supporting 10,000 times!"


    "Well said. A good person will be rewarded!"


    "Count me in! After the memorial service''s live broadcast, I have been captivated by Teacher Zhang Ye''s character and charms! He''s so f**king cool! This is what a person in media should be like in my heart! A person who dares to speak out and do! That bunch of media who cover up for their Leaders all day! Compared to Teacher Zhang Ye, are you not ashamed? Everyone, let''s move! Help Teacher Zhang!"


    "In the past, it was always Teacher Zhang helping others. Today, it''s time for us to help him!"


    "Count me in. I see that Xishan television station is hiring. I will submit Teacher Zhang''s resume to them. Let''s post on Weibo!"


    "I''m going to Liaodong station!"


    "I''m going to Beihe province''s television stations!"


    "Fine, I''ll go to CCTV!"


    Instantly, numerousizens and Zhang Ye''s fans helped him apply for jobs. They would begin spamming the moment they saw any television media post a hiring notice on Weibo. Some of them had even dug up some Weibo pictures of advertisements from years ago and posted them!


    Xiao Lu eximed, "Well done! Let us help, too!"


    Dafei had already joined in this activity without saying a thing, "I have already posted on a few television stations for Teacher Zhang! The television station''s website has Teacher Zhang''s resume! Just copying and pasting would do!"


    Hou Ge blinked at Hu Fei, "Leader?"


    Hu Fei said with a stern face, "It''s work time. Are you not working?"


    Hou Ge eximed and did not dare to post anymore.


    But suddenly, Xiao Lu eximed to the point of bursting out, "Brother Hu, why did you post Teacher Zhang''s resume! You are too fast! I haven''t even copied the resume!"


    Hou Ge and Hou Di were also watching. It was really Brother Hu''s verified Weibo. They were immediately amused. Even their Leader had pulled up his sleeves and went to the forefront! Haha!


    Help Zhang Ye find a job?


    Man, why does it sound like "Helping Wang Feng hit the headlines"?


    Zhang Ye was at a loss of whether tough or cry, but he was mostly touched. Seeing theizens helping post his resume on Weibo, Zhang Ye was wondering how he deserved it. It was fine if it was just his fans, but most of them were not from his fan club, or even people who had even seen his works. Maybe there was only one way to answer it. If you treat people sincerely, others would also treat you sincerely.


    However, things did not go so smoothly.


    Many television stations did not reply. They pretended not to see the hundreds of posts that included Zhang Ye''s resume.


    Only Xishan province''s television station''s official Weibo page responded, "We have seen everyone''s posting of the resume. We extremely appreciate Teacher Zhang Ye''s excellent works and his abhorrence to evil; however, our station''s quota has been filled. There are temporarily no spots, so we are not hiring."


    They had just posted the hiring notice on Weibo yesterday!


    Besides, industry insiders knew that in the media circles, it was never filled. There was always a shortage of people. The only point was seeing if one had the ability.


    Did Zhang Ye have the ability?


    Of course he had it, but the problem was that he had too much ability!


    After creating such a major live broadcast incident, who would dare to hire Zhang Ye!?


    Trantors'' Note: From this week onwards, we will be removing the ''sponsored chapter limit''. We will release them as donationse in (maybe up to a 3-4 hour dy). Also, we are including the next chapter''s preview if you click to the next chapter. The chapter will be marked with the words Preview in bold at the top and bottom of the chapter. It''s up to you to choose to be partially spoiled ;)

 Chapter 179: Why care at all – be it winter, summer, spring or fall!

    <h4>Chapter 179: Why care at all �C be it winter, summer, spring or fall! </h4>


    Chapter 179: Why care at all - be it winter, summer, spring or fall!


    "Help Zhang Ye find a job".


    Some people sincerely wanted to help, while others were just joining in for the fun. Of course, there were also the troublemakers. Everyone showed their way of getting enjoyment.


    "I have an export business, requesting for Teacher Zhang Ye to join."


    "I am from a machine fabrication factory, requesting for Teacher Zhang to join."


    "I am from the textile factory''s sewing department, requesting for Teacher Zhang Ye to join."


    "I am from Da Hui Nightclub, offering a high sry for Teacher Zhang Ye to join us!"


    Not a single television station wanted Zhang Ye, yet a mix of all sorts ofpanies offered Zhang Ye an olive branch in response to the call of "Help Zhang Ye find a job".


    "Pfft!"


    "You guys stop messing around! Really, stop!"


    "Why would Teacher Zhang go to the nightclub for! So he can recite poems to attract customers?"


    "Textile factory''s sewing department? Do you all think that Teacher Zhang would have such a technical skill!"


    By afternoon, this Weibo had became a farce before discussions gradually ended. Those who had joined in for fun or to mess around might have felt bad about making fun of Zhang Ye. It was rted to Father Wei''s incident and Father Wei had only just been cremated, so they said no more after a fewments. Those who really wanted to help Zhang Ye were unable to help much. They had pretty much sent in Zhang Ye''s resume to all the television stations in the country, but only two replied. They had exined that while they acknowledge Zhang Ye''s character, they had to turn him down. The other television stations did not even reply at all.


    Even though Zhang Ye was only infamous in Beijing, as the trouble he had caused was only within the territory and many people from other ces did not even know about him, they were all still in the television circle. If they did not know about him, did that mean that they didn''t have friends who knew about him? With just a phone call, everything would be known!


    ����


    Inside the office.


    Xiao Lu strained her neck as she looked towards Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang, what are your future ns? Are you still nning on working in TV? Or are you returning to the radio stations?"


    Zhang Ye replied with a question, "Can I return to a radio station?"


    Xiao Lu replied, "Unanswerable."


    Zhang Ye asked another question, "Are there any television stations that dare to want me?"


    Xiao Lu coughed and said once again, "��Unanswerable."


    Hou Ge and Dafei were also feeling extremely helpless. They knew that this was not an "unanswerable" question. It was just a polite way of saying impossible.


    Zhang Ye threw his hands up, "That''s why. It''s not what I have nned for the future, but that I can''t make any ns at all. I may have something in mind, but that something does not have me in mind. I can only take it as ites. It has been a few months since I graduated. Although it hasn''t been that long, too many things have happened. You all know that." Seeing Xiao Lu and Dafei nodding and feeling the same, Zhang Ye said, "I''m really tired, so I could do with a short rest."


    Hu Fei looked at him, "Is there anything that I can help you with?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Thanks, Brother Hu. It''s fine. I will take it one step at a time." He knew that he had created too much trouble. Even though Hu Fei''swork was wide, there was nothing that he could do. The level of trouble that Zhang Ye had created was not something thatworks could help with!


    Hu Fei probably understood. He sighed and did not say another word.


    Outside the door, a person from HR arrived. As he came in, he politely greeted Hu Fei, then looked over at Zhang Ye and told him that the paperwork for his departure was done and needed his signature.


    Zhang Ye nodded and followed him.


    After 20 minutes, Zhang Ye came back. At this moment, he was no longer a part of Beijing Television Station. He packed his stuff into a box with a rxed mood. Then, he looked up and around the office where he had spent the past month battling for himself. He narrowed his eyes and carried his box and walked out of the office without any worries or regrets.


    When he was outside, the corridor was crowded with people! It was packed with dozens of people!


    Zhang Ye was shocked for a bit. When he had juste back, he was wondering where Hu Fei, Xiao Lu and the others had gone to since the office was empty. In the end, they were all at the corridor. Everyone stood there, it was not only limited to Hu Fei and his team colleagues. There were also the other program team staff members from the Arts Channel, some of whom he knew and some that he didn''t. All in all, everyone stood on both sides of the corridor.


    Zhang Yeughed, "I''m leaving. Everyone, take care."


    After a few seconds of silence, Hu Fei raised his hands and started pping!


    This was followed by Xiao Lu, then Dafei, Hou Ge and Hou Di. Following their lead, all the other colleagues started apuding thunderously for Zhang Ye!


    Bba Bba Bba!


    The apuse could be heard all over the television station''s building!


    "Teacher Zhang, take care!"


    "You are the best! We can''tpare to you!"


    "It''s all thanks to you stepping forward for Uncle Wei''s matter!"


    "Sorry for saying all those bad things about you!"


    "Take care. Although the television station has fired you, justice is still in everyone''s hearts!"


    "That''s right; justice is in everyone''s hearts! We all know about the matter, and we know about your sacrifice!"


    Zhang Ye''s actions on the matter of Uncle Wei had shocked everyone. No one had thought of Zhang Ye using such a method to perish together with Wang Shuixin. After the matter, although Zhang Ye had lost his job and had been cklisted by many media entities, these past colleagues of Uncle Wei all felt respect for Zhang Ye! He was willing to go so far for a person who he was not rted to by blood. At least, this was not something they could do!


    The apusested for a very long while!


    Zhang Ye also said to everyone, "Thank you. Thank you, everyone." With so many people sending him off, with some of them not having had any contact with him before, he was also very pleased.


    Hu Fei said, "Come back and visit us anytime."


    Hou Ge was so agitated that he went up and gave Zhang Ye a bear hug, "Teacher Zhang, although our time together was short, I still can''t bear for you to go. Let''s keep in contact. We can have drinks together next time!"


    Xiao Lu was even sadder as her tears kept rolling down her face.


    Dafei also gave Zhang Ye a bear hug, "If there''s any matter, tell me. My phone is switched on 24 hours a day."


    Zhang Ye gave his regards to them one by one, thanking them, "Even if I don''t work here anymore, that doesn''t mean that we''re not going to see each other anymore. When we have time, we can still go out for meals and drinks. Thank you for sending me off. You all should return back now. Don''t dy your work because of me. Otherwise, I will be even more guilty."


    Suddenly, the elevator door opened.


    A few people who did not seem to be from the television station squeezed out.


    "Is Zhang Ye here? Can we interview Teacher Zhang?"


    "Sorry for bothering you. I''m a reporter from the Beijing Times."


    "Teacher Zhang, I''m from Entertainment Daily. Apparently,izens are feeling sympathy over the things that had happened to you and have spontaneously posted your resume on Weibo to help you look for a job. However, no television media has epted you. May I know your thoughts on this? Are you giving up being a television host or lecturer in the future?"


    "Teacher Zhang, you are leaving today. Do you have any thoughts on Beijing Television Station''s decision? Can you tell us?"


    They were reporters!


    The five to six reporters barraged him with questions.


    A few of the television station staff frowned, "Who let you up here? Have you obtained the approval for an interview?" Although they were in the same line, it was still not the same. They were from different systems. Television programs and newspaper media were quite different.


    The reporters ignored them, "Teacher Zhang, do you have anyst words before leaving?"


    Another reporter took the opportunity to ask, "You have only entered the television station for a month before being fired. Do you really not have any thoughts?"


    Zhang Ye gave them a fleeting nce andughed. He then recited a poem that, as usual, didn''t exist in this world. It was written by Lu Xun of his world, and its title was "Self-mockery"!


    As he recited, he walked forward.


    "Before I had even dared to rise up, my head was already struck."


    "A worn-out hat to cover my face, I cross the busy marketce. In a leaky boat loaded with wine - ''mid torrent float as though supine."


    "Eyes askance, I cast a cold nce at the thousand pointing fingers. Head bowed, I dly agree, an ox for children, to be."


    "Inside a small house hidden away, I seek a unified life to obey��" Upon saying this, Zhang Ye had carried his things into the elevator. Before the elevator doors closed, the final verse of his poem was read out, "Of the outside world, why care at all - be it winter, summer, spring or fall!"


    The elevator went down!


    Zhang Ye was also gone!


    This poem was not as easily understandable as the modern poems that Zhang Ye had previously recited. Many people did not understand on the first listen, but this did not mean that the poem was obscure. After some thinking, everyone understood it!


    This poem was describing Zhang Ye''s feelings at the moment!


    Before I had even dared to rise up? Bad luck had risen up, so what good things could he wish for?


    My head was already struck? He lied in bed, not even daring to turn his body, but his head was still struck.


    Even on the streets, he had to cover his face with a worn-out hat, afraid of others seeing him, so as not to cause trouble for himself. He was like sitting in a leaky boat, going in circles in the middle of a river, with the risk of drowning. Against the denunciations, swearing and cursing of enemies, I choose to face them coldly. I''ll do as I wish. Against the masses, I don''t mind being an ox, letting them lead me in any way.


    Wasn''t this all describing Zhang Ye himself?


    Weren''t these things describing what had happened to Teacher Zhang Ye over the past few days?


    What a good ''cast a cold nce at the thousand pointing fingers''!


    What a good ''I dly agree, an ox for children, to be''!


    Many people questioned Zhang Ye''s bad temper, messing up a live broadcast, regardless of the consequences and him not considering the bigger picture. He also often stirred up trouble, but what was Teacher Zhang Ye''s attitude? Casting a cold nce at the thousand pointing fingers was such a perfect description! He was such a person! He did not care about the evaluation of others! For a terminally ill fan, for a deceased colleague that was in no way rted to him, he was willing to bow his head and be an ox to do anything!


    What sort of integrity was this?


    This poem had thoroughly demonstrated it!


    Especially with thest line before Zhang Ye stepped into the elevator. You scold me? Question me? Fire me? Great, inside a small house hidden away, I seek a unified life to obey! Why f**king care at all - be it winter, summer, spring or fall!


    "Good poem!"


    "This was clearly created on the spot, right?"


    "It definitely was, or it could not be so appropriate!"


    "Just a casual poem from Teacher Zhang''s mouth is so awesome?"


    The reporters'' eyes lit up and hurriedly recorded the poem. Their manuscript for the day was settled. And needless to say, this poem would definitely go viral. Actually, that was a load of rubbish. Be it modern or ancient poems, none of Zhang Ye''s poems had less than a million clicks on the inte! This was something that had been tested by the markets and by time!


    It was unexpected!


    It was really unexpected!


    Teacher Zhang Ye was really Teacher Zhang Ye. Even before he left, he would still shock the masses!

 Chapter 180: Another Item Added to The Game’s Merchant Shop!

    <h4>Chapter 180: Another Item Added to The Game��s Merchant Shop! </h4>


    Chapter 180: Another Item Added to The Game''s Merchant Shop!


    At night.


    Unsurprisingly, "Self-mockery" appeared in the newspapers.


    After seeing this, many people discussed it on the inte!


    "Why is it called ''Self-mockery''?"


    "The newspapers said that the name was obtained by asking Teacher Zhang on the phone."


    "I think that this name is most appropriate! The poem Zhang Yeposed while leaving the television station might be self-mocking, but in fact, it is mocking at others!"


    "That''s right. Teacher Zhang is disappointed in too many people!"


    "Inside a small house hidden away, I seek a unified life to obey? Of the outside world, why care at all - be it winter, summer, spring or fall? It''s awesome!"


    "Eyes askance, I cast a cold nce at the thousand pointing fingers is the most awesome line! That''s the crowning touch in this poem!"


    "Is Teacher Zhang not nning on staying in the television industry anymore? This poem seems like he''s a bit jaded. It can''t be that he doesn''t want to stay in the entertainment industry anymore, right? That would be such a shame!"


    "That''s not right. Teacher Zhang''s program was still being broadcast in the afternoon. Besides, there''s the next episode''s preview."


    "Let me add on to the above poster. Teacher Zhang has already left his job. However, ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms'' is pre-recorded. So this is all footage that was recorded in advance."


    "No matter where Teacher Zhang goes, I''ll support him!"


    "Me, too. Teacher Zhang, please don''t you not care about the winter, summer, spring or fall. We are still waiting for new works of yours. Poems would do, historical segments would do, and even songs would do. Even if you produce another public service advertisement, I will also support it when it is broadcasted. I''m a mindless fan of yours!"


    ����


    The second day.


    The sun had already risen, but it was still early.


    Di di di, di di di. The rm on Zhang Ye''s phone was still activated, so it woke him up from his dreams. Seeing the time, Zhang Ye drowsily got off the bed to use the bathroom. He also began brushing his teeth. The toothpaste was some unknown brand of this world, called "Clean & White Brand". Just from the name, it was probably some cheap stuff. He had bought it when it was sold at a discount in the supermarkets, but it wasn''t very good. It did not foam, and indeed you didn''t get good stuff for cheap.


    "Eh? What am I doing?"


    After rinsing his mouth, just as Zhang Ye was dressing up for work, he was momentarily shocked. He recalled that he had lost his job as he helplessly sat back on his bed.


    What should I do today?


    Since he had already woken up, he could no longer go back to sleep.


    Zhang Ye was a person who could not stay idle. Even though he encountered a variety of problems, his goal was to be famous and be a top star. Hence, he still gained happiness, despite being tired. However, without any work to do now, he found being free ufortable. No, I can''t sit idle at home. Opportunities are left for people with preparations. He needed to enrich himself and make himself stronger!


    He looked with determination at a few books ced by the window. Inside were some psychological books, magazines and a poetry book. How should he enrich himself? The answer was simple�� Of course, it was the Lottery! Moving his gaze away from the window, Zhang Ye opened up the interface of the game ring on his hand.


    A long string of numbers appeared for his overall Reputation points.


    "Ten, Hundred, Thousand��" Zhang Ye looked intently as he counted, before he swore, "F**k!"


    These days, Zhang Ye had stirred up too many things. He had written "Wishing We Last Forever" for the Heavenly Queen, and he had one ssic piece of poetry after another. Also, after the huge show of his awesomeness on Beijing News Channel and the Reputation points gained daily from "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms", Zhang Ye''s overall Reputation score was something that he could notprehend. There was a total of 12.2 million Reputation points!


    At the beginning, it was not bad if he gained a few hundred thousand back at the radio station.


    Later on at the television station, it was also quite difficult for him to earn a few million in a short period of time.


    But now, after just a few days, he had saved up more than ten million Reputation points!


    Zhang Ye''s temper that caused problems everyday had its advantages. Take a look. With so many Reputation points rued, if he didn''t cause trouble or release a poem or two to show his literary excellence, how could there be so many Reputation points!?


    Time for the lottery!


    Zhang Ye was now very rich. After spending 100,000 to begin a Lottery draw, the needle began to move. He did not even look before buying Additional Stakes!


    How much should he add?


    Let''s try with 20 to try my luck!


    Zhang Ye bought the Additional Stakes, and despite seeing two million Reputation points disappear instantly, he did not feel the pinch. His lit up a cigarette and calmly waited for the results of the Lottery!


    Bada!


    The needle stopped!


    When Zhang Ye saw this, it was not bad. It was in the Skills Category region. Hence, he immediately took out the 21 Treasure Chests (Small) from his inventory and opened them!


    [ Computer Programming Skills Experience Book] (21).


    Computer?


    Programming skills?


    Zhang Ye felt faint. Only then did he feel the pinch!


    Your sister! This bro had only taken the simplest basicputing course in university. ying with theputer or installing a program was easy. Anything moreplex and Zhang Ye would be perplexed. And this seemed to be enough. Why would I learn some freaking programming? I''m not nning on working in IT in the future. I''m going to be the Pirate�� to be a Superstar, so why would I want these skill books?


    I lost!


    I lost big!


    This was over twenty books!


    Zhang Ye gave a wry smile. However, he still flipped through the Experience Books. The books turned into a white beam and entered Zhang Ye''s head. What could he do other than using them? Since they had been obtained, there was no way of returning them.


    Seeing his remaining Reputation points, there was about 10.1 million left. This time, Zhang Ye was more alert and cautious. He did not dare to be too wasteful. This time it wasputer programming. If the next time it was something like physiology, he would be crying to his death. Hence, when Zhang Ye opened the Lottery, he did not buy any Additional Stakes, but first looked at the situation. Admittedly, the Skills Category was not bad. For example, the Taekwondo skill had helped Zhang Ye greatly at key moments. It had even saved his life. However, simrly, the Skills Category was too broad. There were bad skills, as well as good skills. For example, the calligraphy skills fromst time and the programming skills this time did not seem very useful. At least, he had not seen any effects from them yet.


    Round and round!


    One circle, two circles��


    Finally, when the needle was about to stop, Zhang Ye pressed the Additional Stakes button. However, he did not add. He was nning on letting the wheel stop so that he could think carefully. The needle was currently at thergest Consumption Category region. It was likely to carry on moving forward, but just ahead was the extremely small region, the Special Category.


    However, it was still quite far. It was unknown if it could reach there. If he really got the Special Category, then it would be like a windfall. He had drawn at the Lottery so many times over the past few months, but he had only obtained one Special Category Treasure Chest. The probability was too low.


    Should I buy Additional Stakes?


    He was in a dilemma!


    If he really got some dog sh*t luck and got the Special Category, then having Additional Stakes would be meaningless. This was because the prizes from the Treasure Chests that came out from Additional Stakes were the same. Hence, Additional Stakes only multiplied the number of Treasure Chests, but would not change the items inside the Treasure Chest. Since the Special Category Treasure Chest gave the right to buy something in the Merchant Shop, then there was no difference with one or a hundred of that, right? Getting a thousand of those would be a waste.


    Let''s bet on it!


    No Additional Stakes!


    Being unlucky in love, and frustrated at work, he definitely would have the luck today!


    Zhang Ye immediately began to pray, "God said let there be light and there was light��" He even began chanting the Bible. "Give me a Special Category!"


    After he canceled the Additional Stakes, the needle began to slowly move forward!


    One tick, a second tick! Just a bit more! It''s almost reaching! Go! Come on, go!


    At thest moment, the needle lost itsst bit of strength. The tip wavered for a bit, and "Bada", it moved one tick forward!


    It was at the boundary!


    It was the boundary between the Consumption Category and the Special Category!


    It was nearly on the line! He couldn''t tell with his naked eye which region it was closer to!


    However, no Treasure Chest appeared the next second. Instead, an instructive text appeared in the game interface:


    [ Special Category awarded: Adding the right to purchase item, "Taiji Fist Skill Experience Book". ]


    It was a Special Category!


    He really got a Special Category!


    Taiji Fist! The skill books for Taiji Fist!?


    Zhang Ye was extremely happy as he roared withughter. Then, he quickly opened the game Merchant Shop. He saw two icons. One was the [Memory Search Capsule] from before, and the other icon was a book with the Taiji pattern. It was the Merchant Shop item that he had just received. However, when Zhang Ye was trying to buy a book to try it out with excitement, he was dumbfounded when he saw the cost of the skill book!


    [ Taiji Fist Skill Experience Book ] : Requires 1 million Reputation points.


    It wasn''t 100,000? What the f**k! Why is this skill book a million apiece?


    Zhang Ye was originally fantasizing about how he could use his ten million points to buy a hundred Taiji skill books, but who knew it would be so expensive! After some thinking, he understood the reason. Each drawing at the Lottery cost 100,000, and it had a very minute probability of giving a rare skill book like the Taiji Fist. However, if the item turned into a Merchant Shop item, then it could no longer be priced at 100,000 anymore. It would return to its original price. After all, that side was a Lottery and was a test of one''s luck. There was no way to know what he would get, so it had to be cheaper. And those awesome skills or items like the Taiji Fist or Stats Fruits would no longer have a cheap price if he could buy them at any time. It was very fair. On further thought, if he had obtained the rights to buy the Taekwondo skill book, it was unlikely to be at the lowest 100,000 price. It was definitely going to be higher, but not as high as the Taiji Fist skill book.


    You get what you pay for.


    After Zhang Ye figured it out, he looked at the Taiji icon and hesitated for a long while. After that, he gritted his teeth and began buying, after failing to resist the temptation!


    1 book��..


    5 books����


    10 books��


    10 million Reputation points were expended!


    Zhang Ye had gone bankrupt, exchanging his Reputation for ten Taiji Experience Books!


    The items bought in the Merchant Shop did not have any Treasure Chests. It immediately entered his inventory. Zhang Ye took them out and "ate" one book after another.


    White light shed!


    White light shed again!


    The book with the Taiji pattern became blobs of light as they were sent into Zhang Ye''s mind!


    Zhang Ye could not help but move his arms and lift his leg. When he ate the Taekwondo skill books, he felt like some moves had been embedded into his head, but he did not feel the same with the ten Taiji Fist skill books. It was as if there wasn''t any change, and he could not even make a single move! What the heck? Could it be that he had "eaten" too few? Ten skill books were still not enough? Zhang Ye found it impossible. Ten books wasn''t a small number.


    Hai, forget it.


    Let''s research it in the future.


    Zhang Ye also did not expect to be invincible just by "eating" a few skillbooks that he had obtained from a Lottery. It was unrealistic. Items were just an aid. It helped him grow step by step. The key was to rely on his own hard work and efforts!


    Hard work!


    Going all out!


    Striving!


    Being able to bear hardships!


    This was the only secret to sess!


    Could one seed without any hard work? Wanting to stand above others without suffering, how could this be possible!?


    Let''s give an example:


    Why is Faye Wong a Heavenly Queen?


    How did Fan Bingbing be famous?


    How did Zhang Ziyi enter the international scene?


    That''s right! It''s all because they.. were beautiful!

 Chapter 181: Zhang Ye’s Taiji Fist!

    <h4>Chapter 181: Zhang Ye��s Taiji Fist! </h4>


    Chapter 181: Zhang Ye''s Taiji Fist!


    First day��


    Third day��


    Fifth day��


    After a week, "Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" came to an end.


    "With Analysis of the Three Kingdoms finished, what''s there to watch in the future?"


    "That''s right! Historical segments in the future will not be watchable."


    "It''s such a good program. What a pity. I still hope Teacher Zhang Ye will carry on lecturing. Even if it''s not the Three Kingdoms, something else would do, too."


    "Teacher Zhang already doesn''t care if it''s winter, summer, spring or fall. He has retired into the forest."


    "I don''t believe that one bit. I''m waiting for Teacher Zhang Ye toe out of the mountains!"


    "No television station wants Teacher Zhang, so how is he going to make a reappearance?"


    Online topics on Zhang Ye had been quiet for many days, but with "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" ending, there were discussions once again.


    ����


    In the afternoon, after thest episode was broadcast, ex-colleague Xiao Lu called, "Teacher Zhang, the program has ended. Brother Hu wanted me to let you know."


    Zhang Ye was bored at home, watching television, "How were the ratings?"


    "Thest few episodes maintained a very high standard. Even the ratings for Monday to Friday''s episodes were about 6.4%. During the weekend, it even reached as high as 8.97%. Although it was quite unfortunate that it did not break 9% in the end, historical and educative segments are not as popr, so it can''tpare with variety shows. So this rating is already quite heaven-defying. It''s the hottest new segment in our Beijing Television Station''s Arts Channel. It even ranks high amongst all the television station''s programs." Xiao Lu told Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Has the new season been fixed?"


    "It has been recorded." Upon saying this, Xiao Lu was a bit embarrassed. "With you gone, we had no choice but to invite a history professor. The next episode talks about an ancient poet. It will discuss about his life from the moment he was born until he died. I also heard him when recording the first episode. It was so-so."


    "So-so?" Zhang Ye had already treated "Lecture Room" as his own child. No matter what, even the name of the program was given by him, so he was very concerned.


    Xiao Lu said helplessly, "That''s right. It''s definitely iparable to you. I would only say it barely makes the cut." With a pause, she asked, "How about you? About work��."


    Zhang Yeughed, "I haven''t found any yet."


    Xiao Lu said angrily, "How can that be? Do they not have eyes?"


    "How can''t it be? Not a single person in rted industries have contacted me over the past week. I am also not worried. I can also take the time to take a break." After exchanging a few more words, Zhang Ye hung up.


    Not worried?


    That was definitely a lie!


    The moment "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" ended, it meant that he had no more opportunities to show his face. The increase in his game Reputation points would be minimal. And Zhang Ye, who only wanted to be a top star, knew that once his exposure was lowered, it would greatly affect his poprity. He would then gradually disappear from the public''s view. Don''t think too much about how theizens and fans shout Zhang Ye''s name daily. Things like supporting him for a lifetime? If Zhang Ye were to really stay quiet for a month or two, it was likely that most people would even forget his name. Celebrities did not rely on the heat of the moment, but a prolonged period of sustained exposure. This was the core essence needed in maintaining or increasing one''s poprity.


    He checked the official site of the Celebrity Rankings.


    Zhang Ye was still an E-list celebrity, but after the past few days of exposure, he had already reached the forefront of the E-list ranks, ranking fourth. A local TV variety program''s host was ranked ahead of him. His ratings were even higher than Zhang Ye''s. ced second was an actor. He had previously acted in a pretty popr TV series, and had quite a few works. He mainly acted as a supporting character, but that wasst year. This actor had actually dropped from being a D-list celebrity to an E-list celebrity, as he did not have any good works this year. The person ranked first amongst the E-list celebrities was a woman. She was a singer and considered a rookie. She had recently released an album with pretty good sales. She had also acted in a movie.


    If he overtook them, then Zhang Ye would enter the ranks of D-list celebrities. Although D- and E-list celebrities should not be demarcated like that, with the rankings just for reference, and aprehensive rating a person''s influence and poprity, everyone acknowledged it, be it official entities or civilians. So this was the most authoritative statistic. And from the scores, Zhang Ye would clearly not be able to overtake them. With "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" ended, Zhang Ye''s rating scores were already dropping. Although it was minimal, the trend was as such. It reflected Zhang Ye''s future decline in poprity and visibility.


    How could he not be worried?


    Zhang Ye had still not thought of the path he should walk on for the time being. He was only hoping to maintain his current poprity. And for that, he needed to do something.


    He had to mess things up!


    He definitely had to mess something up!


    This was Zhang Ye''s first reaction.


    ����


    While hungry, Zhang Ye looked at his Reputation points in his game ring. There was slightly more than two million Reputation points. Clearly, it was the umtion of this week''s "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms". Leaving a few hundred thousand as backup, Zhang Ye was still thinking about the Taiji Fist skill books. He ended up going to the Merchant Shop and bought another two Experience Books with two million Reputation points.


    Flipping it open!


    Eating it!


    The experience had been absorbed by him!


    However, it was the same this time, too. Zhang Ye still did not feel any changes. He tried his best to recall, but not a single Taiji Fist move appeared. All he had were moves and actions from Taekwondo, such as side kicks and cross kicks. There was no Taiji Fist. It made him depressed!


    With the experience eaten, there definitely were some effects.


    However, without any moves or styles, how was he to use it?


    After using his brain so much, Zhang Ye became more hungry. Having not eaten breakfast and lunch because he waszy to go downstairs, he was really feeling the pangs of hunger. It was also toote for Zhang Ye to buy Lamian two streets away. He could only use his usual tactic and walked out the door towards thendy''s house.


    Ding dong. He pressed the doorbell.


    It took a long while before the door opened, revealing Chenchen''s little head. She was small in size. Clearly, she had tiptoed to reach the door handle. After she opened the door, she was even panting.


    Zhang Ye said in a friendly manner, "Chenchen, where''s your aunt?"


    Chenchen said with a straight face, "My aunt isn''t home. She went out jogging." Saying that, she was nning on closing the door.


    Zhang Ye took the opportunity to step in, "It''s even better that she''s not around. I''m not looking for her." Upon entering the house, he did not stand on ceremony. He ran straight to the kitchen to churn through it. Finally, he found two tes of leftovers in the refrigerator. One of them was a te of braised beef, while the other was a te of fried celery. Without saying a word, he poked through the wrap with a toothpick to let it breathe. Then he threw it into the microwave and let it spin for two minutes. When it came out, it was steaming hot!


    Chenchen asked in surprise, "What are you doing?"


    Zhang Ye did not care about talking. As he drew in the fragrance, he sat at the dining table and found a pair of chopsticks to eat in a quick manner!


    The sound of keys rang.


    The door was opened from the outside.


    Rao Aimin was dressed in sportswear today. Her top was a striped white vest worn by hurdle athletes. Her pair of pants was a training pants and looked more baggy. However, at this moment, her body was wet from her sweat. Drops of sweat were dripping down her hair. This appearance made her look mature and attractive.


    Zhang Ye already knew Big Sis Rao was a martial arts practitioner, so maintaining her physical fitness and strength was key. So she had went out on a run in the afternoon.


    "Kid, why are you here?" Rao Aimin was covered in sweat, but she was not short of breath. Her breaths were still calm, and she did not look tired in any way.


    Chenchen covered her forehead like an adult, "The devil has entered the vige!"


    Rao Aimin was amused by her niece, "What has the devil swept?"


    "A te of beef, a te of fried parsley and a bowl of rice," Chenchen reported.


    Zhang Ye nearly spat out the food from his mouth when he heard her description, "Who''s the devil?" These two women, one''s tongue was sharper than the other!


    I graduated from a broadcasting major?


    It was more like the two of you were broadcasting majors!


    "You only know to scrounge for food all day and do not know how to find a job. Rotten kid, you have been idle at home for a week, right?" Rao Aimin nced at him, "Wash the dishes in a while!"


    Zhang Ye had already finished eating. There was nothing left from the two tes and bowl of rice. He rubbed his belly and burped. He could not help but sweep his gaze across thendy''s wet vest. Whether it was because she knew she would sweat or because it was ufortable, thendy had not worn a bra. From the clues, he could tell. However, despite not wearing any underwear, Rao Aimin''s breasts still appearedrge,


    Heavenly Queen Zhang''s wererge and ample.


    Rao Aimin''s wererge and straight.


    Both had their merits and their individual beauty.


    Zhang Ye acted dead after eating his fill, "I can''t wash the dishes. I''m too full. I can''t move."


    Upon hearing this, Rao Aimin, who was taking off her shoes, kicked up and the sneaker on her beautiful foot came shooting straight at Zhang Ye, "Hurry up and go!"


    Shua!


    The shoe flew across like lightning!


    Zhang Ye did not have any time to react, and upon seeing it flying towards him, without a thought, he subconsciously lifted his leg to block. But when he stretched out his leg, the movement in his leg changed. It was like a reflex action. When Zhang Ye''s leg lifted, the tip of his foot angled and managed to meet the flying shoe. Then, with his ankle trembling in a manner he could notprehend, he seemed to draw a circle in midair and reduced the force in Rao Aimin''s shoe. And with the bottom of Zhang Ye''s foot lifting up again, the shoe flew back along its original trajectory. Bada. Itnded exactly where Rao Aimin''s foot was!


    Rao Aimin eximed!


    Chenchen also looked at Zhang Ye in surprise!


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded. What had happened?


    This set of actions was like flowing water. Zhang Ye''s feet were as if they were dancing. A kick, a roll and a shot caused the shoe to return along its original trajectory!


    This was��Taiji?


    This bro really knows the Taiji Fist?


    Chenchen could not tell what move Zhang Ye had used. She only found it fascinating and beautiful!


    Thendy had not looked at him after kicking her shoe. She was busy changing into slippers, so she had not seen Zhang Ye''s motions, "Your Taekwondo level has increased?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and did not speak the truth, "Indeed. As a neighbor of Big Sis Rao, being influenced by a martial arts master all this time, there would definitely be some improvements."


    Rao Aimin smiled. "That''s something I like to hear."


    Chenchen exposed him, "Bootlicker. Aunt, he doesn''t want to wash the dishes."


    Zhang Ye, "��" This wicked child. How does she know what I''m thinking!?


    In the end, Zhang Ye had to reluctantly wash the dishes. Actually, he was just engaging in idle banter. After scrounging for food, it was only appropriate for him to wash the dishes. Hence, to allow him to scrounge for food and drink in the future, Zhang Ye still did the house chores.


    While he was hard at work in the kitchen, his heart was in turmoil. The Taiji Fist skill books were not ineffective. Look at those moves just now!


    Too cool!


    Too beautiful!


    Zhang Ye looked outside the kitchen. Seeing that Rao Aimin and Chenchen were not around, he picked up a bowl and yed with the bowl. He wanted to try it again. But this time, it was the same result as the numerous attempts he had before. There was no effect, and he nearly dropped the bowl! Could the Taiji Fist skill be too high level for him? Hence, he was unable to use the moves as he wished, like he did with Taekwondo? It could only be used on sudden inspiration? Damn, why does it sound like I''m Duan Yu from Jin Yong''s novel! Despite having the skill of the Six Meridian Divine Sword, he could not use it usually! Isn''t this a problem!?

 Chapter 182: Zhang Ye is Publishing Another Book!

    <h4>Chapter 182: Zhang Ye is Publishing Another Book! </h4>


    Chapter 182: Zhang Ye is Publishing Another Book!


    Around 2 P.M.


    Chenchen needed her afternoon nap, so Rao Aimin chased Zhang Ye out of the house.


    Having filled his stomach, he made a burp of satisfaction and headed for his apartment. When he had mostly digested his food, Zhang Ye got changed into his sports attire and a pair of sneakers, as he did not have running shoes. He had to make do with what he had and headed out for a run, just like Rao Aimin.


    1 round��


    3 rounds��


    He ran around the neighborhood to improve his fitness.


    Zhang Ye thought that his Taiji Fist could not be used effectively because his body could not keep up with the skill. Like Taekwondo, he had the experience and movements in his head, but he could not execute the moves to its full potential. Hecked strength, reaction speed and stamina. When he fought Wang Cen, his technical skill was slightly better, but yet he was at the disadvantage and on the losing end. In the end, he had to use the consumable item, Health Potion, that he had received from the Lottery to turn the tables around. Zhang Ye had learned his lesson.


    Just kung fu alone doesn''t cut it!


    His body had to match up, too!


    For instance, for Taiji Fist, even if he ate 1,000 Taiji experience books, as long as his physical strength remained the same, not even 10,000 experience books would enable him to do what Rao Aimin did �� slicing the steel scissors!


    He needed to train!


    This had to go through the process and he had to remain determined!


    In the future, he would have to run and do some pushups every day.


    After running for over an hour, Zhang Ye headed home, drenched in sweat. Just as he entered through the door, the phone in his pocket started ringing.


    "Hello, who is this?" Zhang Ye said, catching his breath.


    "Hello, Teacher Zhang. We are from the North Chinese Youth and Children''s Publishing House." It was a middle-aged man''s voice on the other side. It sounded rather hoarse.


    Zhang Ye stayed on the phone as he went into the toilet to grab a towel to wipe off his sweat, "Oh, I''m sorry, but my fairy tale stories copyrights have all been sold."


    The middle-aged man was a little stunned, but said cheerfully, "We are not calling regarding your fairy tales. We know that your fairy tales have already been published by the Beijing Education Publishing Firm. I''m looking for you to discuss about other publication opportunities. To my understanding, some of your written works and your modern poems have not been published yet, right? If the copyright is not in your hands, then we will forget about it. But I don''t see any publications in the market now."


    Zhang Ye kept silent for a bit and threw down his towel, "My poems?"


    "Yes. We want to do aption for you, a ''Zhang Ye''s Comption'', that has all your written works and poems, including your couplets." The middle-aged man said, "Let''s meet up for a chat? Or you can visit our publication house?"


    This interested Zhang Ye. He had been worried about being out of a job and not having enough exposure to maintain his poprity since the afternoon. But good news came knocking on his door. Zhang Ye had not thought of publishing aption of his works before. He knew that it was difficult. Which of the authors, who had ever released aption, was not well-known? Of course, some unknown authors had also releasedptions before. They either bought their way in or depended on theirwork, but the sales were too poor. They were better off not releasing it.


    Zhang Ye always believed that if he wanted to publish his poetryption, the biggest hurdle was that he started toote. It had only been a few months and his works only numbered in the dozens. What was the concept of having a dozen poems? Even if they increased the font and put a poem on each page, he would only have a dozen pages. Ignoring the publication of a book, even for a pamphlet, it was too thin! Zhang Ye also did not want to bring over all the ssic poems from his previous world in one shot. Whenever he used one, there was one less. He needed to keep them on the de, so he gave up on the idea of releasing a poetryption. He had not expected someone to approach him about this matter instead.


    "Alright, I will head on over."


    "You sound out of breath. Did you just get home?"


    "I was always home, hur hur, but I went for a run just now."


    "Why don''t I go over to your ce instead? You can choose where to meet. It''s up to you."


    "It''s fine. I would like to take a look at your publishing house, too. Send me your address, and I will drive over."


    After hanging up, he received a message with the address. Zhang Ye took a quick shower to wash off his sweat and then drove to the location.


    ����


    North Chinese Youth and Children''s Publishing House.


    The headquarters was in Beijing, but the ce was a bit out of the way, with it not being in the city''s center.


    On the way there, Zhang Ye went online on his phone to check out the publishing house. He found out that there were many youth and children''s publishing houses in the country, but none of them only published reading materials for youths or children. Some even did not publish such materials, but instead dealt with traditional novels or web novels. That had nothing to do with "youths" or "children" at all.


    In the lobby.


    Zhang Ye finally found the building and walked in.


    Just as he was walking to the front desk reception, Zhang Ye was immediately recognized by the youngdy seated there. She said to him, "Teacher Zhang Ye, you came? I''ll take you upstairs."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Thank you."


    "You''re wee," the youngdy said as she led him to the 3rd floor.


    Knocking on the door, she then opened it and walked in. "Editor-in-Chief Zhang, Teacher Zhang Ye is here."


    That person stood up to wee him, smiling with his outstretched hand, "How are you, Teacher Zhang? We are family; both of us are Zhangs. My name is Zhang Lu. I have heard of you for a long time now." From his voice, this was likely the middle aged-man who had spoken with him over the phone just now.


    Zhang Ye shook his hand, "It''s all infamy."


    Hearing his self-deprecating tone, Zhang Lu said, "That''s not true; you have helped Father Wei seek justice. Anyone who knows about it will give you the thumbs up. How could they fire you?" Zhang Luughed, "They let a treasure like you slip away. It''s soughable." This was rather true, and it was also Zhang Lu''s opinion. If Zhang Ye was from his publishing firm, even if he had created so much trouble, the firm would fight to keep him since Zhang Ye''s intentions were good in the first ce. They had already heard of the extremely good sales of "Ghost Blows Out the Light" and his other fairy tales. Who wouldn''t fight to keep such a cash cow?


    Of course, you cannotpare apples to oranges. After all, a publishing firm and a television station were very different. Profits were now the main concern for publishing firms, as political publications had decreased. For television stations, who earned money from ratings and advertising sponsorship, they were much focused on political implications, so their industries were different.


    There were about 3 to 4 other people in the room.


    Zhang Lu introduced them to Zhang Ye one by one. They were people of both sexes, all employees of the publishing firm.


    After the introductions, Zhang Ye sat down, "About theption, I don''t really understand or know why you would like to publish them. There will not be enough pages, right?"


    Zhang Lu smiled. "There will be enough. We will have illustrations as well."


    "Illustrations?" Zhang Ye said, "Would that help much?"


    "There will also be trantions and sentence analysis. A poem will take up to 3 to 4 pages; one page of illustration, another one to two pages of analysis. But of course, the analysis would not be written by us. We wouldn''t dare to because no one can im to understand all of your works. This would be better left to the author. The same would go for the couplets. Two to three couplets would appear on each page and we would be able toe up with aption without problems," said Zhang Lu.


    Zhang Ye pondered for a moment, "The exnation is not a problem, but.. isn''t the amount of content stillcking?" He felt that it was just to bolster the page count.


    A youth at the back said, "It''s not little at all. Even if we take one of your poems and make a book out of it, no one would dare to say a thing, let alone having so many of your works in the book. "The Song of the Stormy Petrel" and "Tribute to the White Por", with their words erged a little, will easily be able to take up 7 to 8 pages."


    F**k!


    How big would the words have to be then!


    But Zhang Ye himself wanted to publish a book, too. Firstly, there was his fame to consider. Secondly, it was to maintain his poprity. Thirdly, whether it be for money or Reputation points, he could also do with some extra money.


    Finally, it came to the point of them discussing about the price.


    They would buy all his copyright for 400,000 Yuan!


    This was already quite a high price. After all, a literaryption was not a novel. It was not as popr with the masses as entertainment material like novels. Only some cultural hipsters would buy it, hence the price naturally could notpare with "Ghost Blows Out the Light", and could only be about the same price as the children''s fairy tales. And if noparison was made with novels,pared to other pure literary works orptions of other authors, the price for Zhang Ye''sption was definitely much higher than theirs.


    There was no reason to wonder why!


    It was because every piece of Zhang Ye''s works were too popr!


    With the negotiations settled and the contract drawn up, Zhang Lu and Zhang Ye shook hands once again, "We had a good time working together. Thank you for trusting our publication house. Leave the publishing and promotional matters to us. With your reputation and fame in Beijing, the sales will definitely not be low." With a pause, he said, "About the analysis of the poems��"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll write it when I get home. I''ll pass it to you tomorrow."


    Zhang Lu extremely liked Zhang Ye''s straightforwardness and his high efficiency, as he said, "Alright, then I''ll count on your hard work. Actually doing so in a month would do. After all, analysis work is not something trivial. Oh, and there''s also something. We might need a preface or prologue, or some overall introduction to the poetryption."


    Zhang Ye blinked, "Preface?"


    Zhang Lu nodded, "Right. Write anything thates to your mind. It preferably resonates with the poetryption''s contents. If the first page began with the poetryption, it would feel like something iscking. What say you?"


    "Alright." Zhang Ye asked, "Do you have a pen?"


    Zhang Lu''s eyes lit up, "Are you writing it now? Good! Of course there is!"


    The people behind him all knew that it wasn''t easy for someone to witness Zhang Ye creating a work on the spot. They were very happy and excited, "Why don''t you use a brush? If that''s the case, we can directly use your words for the cover or preface. It will feel better than usingputer fonts."


    Zhang Lu agreed, "Right. What a good idea. I heard that Teacher Zhang''s words are pretty good."


    "Sure," Zhang Ye did not mind.


    A youth quickly prepared it. A minuteter, he came back with an ink stick and took the initiative to grind the ink for Zhang Ye.


    "I''ll take the pictures." A woman took out a camera and took a few pictures from the side and front. She included the Editor-in-Chief, Zhang Lu, too. In the future, they could also use it in promotional materials. Then the woman focused the camera and waited to take a picture of Teacher Zhang Ye writing.


    Preface?


    It had to match the content?


    His literaryption definitely needed his own thoughts and values.


    Thinking of the death written of in "My Confession" and "Prisoner''s Song", and then thinking of the existence in "A Generation" and "Tribute to the White Por"��


    Zhang Ye lifted his brush and wrote a preface on the calligraphy paper.


    "Let life be beautiful like summer flowers and death like autumn leaves �� Zhang Ye."

 Chapter 183: The Heavenly Queen is going to be Zhang Ye’s Wife?

    <h4>Chapter 183: The Heavenly Queen is going to be Zhang Ye��s Wife? </h4>


    Chapter 183: The Heavenly Queen is going to be Zhang Ye''s Wife?


    Zhang Lu was dumbfounded, "Let life be beautiful like summer flowers?"


    "Death like�� autumn leaves?" The young editor recited it in a daze.


    "The words are written so nicely! This poem is even better!" An old editor gave his kudos.


    "Teacher Zhang Ye is indeed talented! I believe it today!" the only woman there said.


    Zhang Ye put down the brush and smiled at the female editor, "Could it be that you didn''t believe it in the past?"


    The woman''s face turned red and she quickly waved her hands, "No, no such thing. I never saw it with my own eyes in the past, so I did not feel as strongly. Hai, I chose my words wrongly. Tonight, Editor-in-Chief Zhang will treat you to dinner. I will punish myself with a cup of alcohol as to atone for my sins."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "It''s fine. I''m not that particr. Hur hur, I was just joking."


    Zhang Lu was still looking at the words, "Was this really thought up on the spot by you? It''s absolutely impressive. Using this poem for the preface is extremely apt! The mood written in it is indescribable!"


    The people from the publishing house were giving their kudos. Some even apuded and were not stingy with their praises towards Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye hurriedly answered with a few modest words. This poem was just a simple sentence. In terms of word count, it was even shorter than "A Generation". However, the fewer the words, the more apparent his skill was. It was not easy to write it. A saying went that the philosophy at the highest level can be described with the simplest words. It was probably this principle. This poem actually had a great origin. It was a poem from his world''s famous Indian poet, Tagore, in "Stray Birds". The trantion was by Zheng Zhenduo. It was a very famous poem in Zhang Ye''s world. Actually, even "See Me or Not" and "This is also Everything" were not as famous as this poem. Be it the original version or the tranted version, just a short sentence had a strong mood leap out of the paper!


    Why did he use this as a prologue?


    Why did Zhang Ye use this sentence as a prologue?


    Firstly, Zhang Ye wanted it to resonate with the works in theption. The poetry he liked and the poems he used from his world were all more open and free. Be it being indifferent, or cursing, or moving, or taking death lightly, or a life full of vibrancy, this poem that came from "Stray Birds" was perfectly apt. It was as if it summarized all his works at once. Secondly, this poem also reflected Zhang Ye''s character and ideals. It could also be said to describe his wishes.


    Let life be beautiful like summer flowers and death like autumn leaves.


    This sentence might seem slightly artistic, but in simple words, and using the words great men used tomemorate Comrade Liu Hn, this poem could also be said to be��A great life! A glorious death! Actually, Zhang Ye also wanted this sentence of the greats as a prologue, but it was too blunt, nor was he that great and glorious to praise himself. Hence, his world''s famous poem from "Stray Birds" came out!


    ����


    Back home.


    Zhang Ye began doing thements and notes.


    This was indeed a heavy workload. If he had to make up something, it would not only take more than a day, even a month would not be enough. It would bound to be full of errors, too. Zhang Ye then took a look at his Game Reputation. Once it crept up slowly to 200,000 points, he bought 2 Memory Search Capsules from the Merchant Shop to look through the analysis and notes of those poems back in his world.


    After staying up the whole night and day, he finally finished and delivered them to the publishing house.


    ����


    Today.


    It was almost nighttime now. Autumn was almost over and the nights fell earlier.


    Zhang Ye looked on as the sun set. Hey in bed without moving. His arms were sore and his neck was aching. There was no part of him that was not tired. He had spent the past two days writing up hisments. Even though all the content was already in his head and with the Memory Search Capsules, he could retrieve all the information fully intact, it was still a lot of work. He also had to work on modifying the script andments untilte at night before everything waspleted. For the whole of today, Zhang Yezed in bed without moving. He even skipped running, which he had been doing daily for thest few days. He needed a break.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Zhang Lu from the publishing house called.


    Zhang Ye, who had been lying down all day, had some life injected into him. He reached out to answer the call, "Hello, Editor Zhang."


    "Teacher Zhang, you have worked hard." Zhang Lu was smiling widely on the other side, "I have read through thements and notesst night. Everything is good. We got the typesetting done today and the illustrations are also ready. I just got out from the printers. The first edition has already been printed. If nothing goes wrong, we will be using this edition for release. They will be released for sale in the next few days. But before that, I think you should have a look at it first. It''s yourption after all. Are you at home now? Is it convenient?"


    Zhang Ye politely said, "Why don''t I look for you instead?"


    "No need. I am around the area. Shall I go over to your ce?" asked Zhang Lu.


    "That''s fine, too." It did not matter to Zhang Ye. He wanted to to quickly see the finished product, too. Compared to "Ghost Blows Out the Light" and the fairy tales, thisption might not beparable to them in terms of sales; there was nothing to evenpete with. But "Zhang Ye''s Comption" had immeasurable value. But in terms of literature, in terms of it''s meaning, "Ghost Blows Out the Light" would not even stand a chance against this!


    What did theption represent?


    It represented fame! It represented reputation!


    It could be said that once theption was released, Zhang Ye would have made his mark in the literary world. No one could refute him as his ce had already been recognized by the market and audience. Whichever poet or author they might be, they all had to be tested by the market before they could im to be a writer. Otherwise, it would only be considered as self-praise. Literature was not only for other literary persons, but for the masses, too. Take for example Wang Shuixin. Although he was quite a bigwig in the country''s poetry circles, if he wanted to publish aption of his poetry, it was unlikely that any publishers would work with him because, if they did, they might not even make much profit. Even worse, the publishers might even take a big loss!


    It was time to get up.


    Zhang Ye showered before cleaning up his house.


    Ding dong, the bell sounded. He went to open the door, "Editor-in-Chief Zhang,e��." even before he couldplete the sentence, he was slightly shocked, "It''s you?"


    There was a strange person standing at the door.


    Wearing a hat, aviator shades and a face mask.


    If it were anyone else, they would have jumped in shock, thinking that this was some criminal. But Zhang Ye was familiar with this person. This sort of situation had already happened a few times, "Sister Zhang? Why are you here?"


    Zhang Yuanqi''s beautiful eyes hidden behind her sunsses looked at him, "You don''t wee me?"


    "Of course I wee you." Zhang Ye said listlessly, "Pleasee in."


    Zhang Yuanqi was dressed to the nines today. A bright red dress paired with red heels of at least 10 cm or more. She was even taller than Zhang Ye.


    Was she not afraid of the cold?


    Zhang Ye closed the door, "Where did you go to?"


    Zhang Yuanqi kicked off her heels while leaning against the door. She let out a breath and said tiredly, "Movie premiere."


    Kicking off her heels?


    Barefooted?


    What sort of image was she giving! What Heavenly Queen!


    "White Maiden 2? The premiere was today?" Zhang Ye knew about it as he had paid attention to her news.


    Zhang Yuanqi nodded, "I got a cab while everyone was still busy. Do you have water?"


    "Let me see." Zhang Ye looked a little, then threw an unopened bottle of water to her, "It''s thest bottle. Leave some for me. I''m thirsty, too." He was not so polite anymore since he was quite familiar with the Heavenly Queen already. "Oh, give me a call first in future if you areing. At least let me get prepared."


    Zhang Yuanqi looked at him, "My phone''s with my manager. Where can I put it in this dress of mine? Oh, you need to go downstairs. I have not paid for the cab yet."


    "Ah?"


    "I did not bring my purse."


    "��.You''re really great."


    Zhang Ye could only quickly make his way downstairs.


    The cab driver had been waiting for the longest time. Seeing Zhang Yeing to pay up, he said angrily, "You are keeping me from doing my job! Dare to take a cab when she didn''t even bring money! Is that your girlfriend? How could she��." At this moment, the cab driver was surprised, "Aiyo, aren''t you Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    Zhang Ye gave a wry smile, "That''s me."


    The cab driver stuffed the money back to him, "Then I don''t want it."


    Zhang Ye a little stunned said, "How is that? Take it, take it."


    The cab driver looked at him, "Who doesn''t know about you going broke to save a fan''s life? And after that, seeking justice for Father Wei and losing your job? If I were to take your money, I would be cursed to death by my other cab colleagues! Don''t want, don''t want! I''m leaving!"


    "Don''t! Hey! Driver!" Zhang Ye chased after him.


    The cab driver had sped away after making a turn.


    Zhang Ye felt a little warm inside and shouted out to the cab, "Then thank you!"


    The car windows rolled down and the driver put out his hands to give Zhang Ye a thumbs up. Then the cab disappeared into the distance.


    Back upstairs.


    The windows were open. Zhang Yuanqi probably heard everything.


    Zhang Yuanqi was sitting cross-legged on the chair, reading a book. She looked up and said, "You have some reputation, don''t you?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t kid me. If you removed your face mask, you would be free to walk all over the country. How could my little reputationpare to you?"


    Zhang Yuanqi muttered, "I will pay you back next time."


    "Forget it. I did not expect you to anyway. Just don''t steal my song next time."


    Just as they were chatting, the doorbell rang!


    Holy sh*t! This was going to be bad!


    Zhang Ye acknowledged the knocking, but suddenly realized something. He looked over to Zhang Yuanqi, "Uhm, so someone ising over from the publishing house. You��."


    Zhang Yuanqi frowned, "Why didn''t you say so earlier?"


    "You did not inform me earlier either!" Zhang Ye looked left and right to find a ce.


    Zhang Yuanqi reached for her sunsses and face mask.


    Zhang Ye did not know whether tough or to cry, "It''s already dark. Who wears this at home at this time? It''ll look odd!"


    An open apartment like this could not possibly hide anyone. Zhang Yuanqi simply slid into the chair with her back facing the door. She continued to read like nothing was wrong, "This will do!"


    The bell sounded again.


    Zhang Ye could not dy anymore. He was worried that if anyone saw the Heavenly Queen at his home, it would be a mess. Hesitating for a moment, he still opened the door, but stood at the entrance. It looked like he did not intend to ask them in, "Editor Zhang, yo. Editor Chen and Editor Sun are here, too?"


    Three people had came over; two men and a woman.


    Zhang Lu smiled. "We were just passing by after work. We came together in a car."


    The female editor standing behind had sharp eyes. She spotted the woman''s figure in the apartment, "Eh! That is��.."


    Zhang Ye paused for a moment. It''s done for. This time it''s bad! The Heavenly Queen had been recognized!


    The female editor theughed and said, "Is that Teacher Zhang Ye''s wife? Just from her back, I can tell that she is beautiful! Teacher Zhang is really blessed!"


    Chapter 183: The Heavenly Queen is going to be Zhang Ye''s Wife?

 Chapter 184: The Misunderstanding of the Publishing House’s Employees!

    <h4>Chapter 184: The Misunderstanding of the Publishing House��s Employees! </h4>


    Chapter 184: The Misunderstanding of the Publishing House''s Employees!


    My wife?


    I really do wish so.


    But I can''t afford to have such a ''wife''.


    Zhang Ye gave a perfunctory smile to the visitors standing outside, "Oh no, I''m not married yet. That''s a friend of mine. She came to visit and to borrow some books."


    The Heavenly Queen continued sitting with her back facing them. She did not make a sound.


    The female editor felt that it was a little strange. Even if they were just friends, how could she not stand up to wee them when there visitors were about to enter the house? She did not even turn her head? What kind of situation was this? Why was it so bizarre? The female editor courteously greeted the woman whose face could not be seen, "Hello, elder sister." She could see that she was older just by the way she dressed up and her hairstyle. And Zhang Ye''s reputation was not small either, so being his friend, calling her elder sister would not be wrong.


    The woman who was reading the books acknowledged softly and then continued doing her thing.


    The female editor awkwardly scratched her hair and said to Zhang Ye, "Uh, did we��.e at the wrong time?"


    Zhang Ye could only make up something saying, "No, she��.she just had an argument with me. Her mood''s not that good. Don''t mind her. I''m sorry about it."


    Argument?


    Weren''t you just friends? What argument?


    The female editor thought to herself that this must definitely be your girlfriend!


    Zhang Lu and the other editor also thought it was strange. They blinked and looked at Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang, we brought the books over. Where do you want to put it?"


    A thick pile of books in a box.


    Zhang Ye was surprised, "So many books? There must be 20 in there?"


    Zhang Luughed, "30 books, and they are all first prints. There''s no bulk print yet."


    The editor holding the box looked inside the apartment, "Where do you want to ce these? Look through them first. If they''re okay, then we will do the bulk printing."


    Zhang Ye immediately blocked the door, "There''s no need. I trust you all. There won''t be any problems."


    "It''s better to look at it first. If by any chance there''s a wrong word, it would affect the quality and sales." Zhang Lu suggested.


    The male editor had already entered the apartment, "I will put it here on the floor then. Hu, it''s rather heavy."


    Seeing the situation, Zhang Ye turned back to check on Zhang Yuanqi''s position frequently, "This��."


    But Zhang Lu and the female editor also followed in and even closed the door. Zhang Ye could not even make them leave now. There was no reason to!


    This was bad!


    The cat''s going to be out of the bag soon!


    "Let''s��. Where should we sit and discuss?" Zhang Lu asked.


    Zhang Ye wiped his sweat, "On the bed. Feel free to take a seat."


    The Heavenly Queen, who was reading, was facing the corner. If they sat on the bed, they would not be able to see her face. At most, they would be able to see her side partially.


    The female editor squatted down to open the box and took out a few books. She gave one to Zhang Ye first, "Take a look." and then turned around and politely said to the woman with an extremely beautiful back view, "Sis, for you��.."


    Before she could finish saying, the beautiful woman said coldly, "No need."


    The female editor choked and coughed, "Okay then." The two of them really argued? From the looks of it, it was a very big argument. She didn''t give any face at all?


    Zhang Ye suddenly felt a loss of face, too, "Hey you, she was passing you a book." He knew that was the Heavenly Queen''s attitude, but even so, even if you did not want to turn around, you can''t say that. Where would this bro put his face now! So Zhang Ye took the book from the female editor''s hands and walked over. He put it into Zhang Yuanqi''s hands, "Help me take a look, too, to see whether there are any typos."


    The Heavenly Queen did not reply.


    Zhang Ye tried to smooth things over, "Take a seat. I will get some tea for you."


    "There''s no need, Teacher Zhang. We won''t be staying long. Take a look at theption first. If it''s okay, then it''s set. We will not bother you two from resting." The male editor also smiled ambiguously.


    Our rest?


    Rest, my ass!


    Zhang Ye could not argue. He flipped open "Zhang Ye''s Comption". The cover was simple. It looked elegant in a conventional way. Upon opening it, Zhang Ye''s age and resume was written on the first page on the left. The first page on the right was the preface �� "Let life be beautiful like summer flowers and death like autumn leaves."


    Flipping to the next pages.


    A page of poetry, a page of illustration, followed by a page or two of notes.


    After reading it all, Zhang Ye nodded in satisfaction, "Okay, I''m done reading it. It''s all good."


    Usually when a book was published, the author would be the one begging the publishing house to quickly release the book. But for a person of Zhang Ye''s level, it had be the publishing house who had to beg him. Otherwise, for normal authors, which chief editor of a publishing house would bring his team to send the first print to the doorstep? There was no need to mention how widespread Zhang Ye''s poems were on the inte. Each one of them was a miracle. Any one of his works would easily gain at least a million clicks. On Weibo, it would have thousands of forwards and a few thousandments. In addition, Zhang Ye''s "Ghost Blows Out the Light" and his fairy tales had all umted several millions of Yuan in sales, so he was already a well-established author in this field. He had even been a radio host and television host before, so he already had a level of fame in Beijing. Although his number of fans was not extremely high, the number of hardcore fans was enough. If each bought a book, they would not have to incur any losses. So on the matter of publication, the publication house was very polite to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Lu stood up and smiled while shaking Zhang Ye''s hands, "Okay then. The first edition is settled. I will rush the printing press tomorrow."


    Zhang Ye said, "Let''s work together happily."


    "To good cooperation." Zhang Lu said.


    The female editor said, "Teacher Zhang, then we will be leaving now."


    "Let me see you out," Zhang Ye took a coat to wear.


    "There''s no need." said the male editor, "You must be tired from rushing out the notes these few days. You must not have slept much. Editor Zhang''s car is just downstairs. There''s no need toe out."


    The female editor giggled, "Right, you should keep sister-inwpany."


    Sister-inw?


    What sister-inw!


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted and said, "She''s really my friend, just ordinary friends. You''ve misunderstood."


    The female editor just smiled. The three of them then opened the door and left.


    Zhang Ye walked them to the corridor as a gesture.


    At this moment, Zhang Lu alsoughed. He patted Zhang Ye on the shoulder, "Alright, go in and coax your partner. Your partner must really have a temper, just like my wife. My wife is the same; she won''t care at all when she''s angry. Doesn''t even leave any face for me. Being experienced in this, let me give you a few pointers. You know women; they all need to be coaxed. Give in when you need to give in. When she is over it, you can go back to being the man."


    Zhang Ye, "��"


    He wanted to exin, but they had already taken the lift down.


    Turning around, he saw that Zhang Yuanqi was still in the same position, reading the book and not looking behind.


    Zhang Ye looked at her for a while, and then puckered his mouth. Hng, this Zhang Yuanqi has too many shorings.


    1st, she puts on a false front!


    2nd, her attitude was really poor!


    3rd, her survival skills were low!


    4th, she doesn''t take into consideration how others feel!


    And so on and so forth. It numbered so much that it was uncountable!


    As for her strong points, she had one �� She was pretty.


    And then, is there any need to go on? No, there''s nothing more to say. Then��.. All the shorings from before no longer mattered!

 Chapter 185

    <h4>Chapter 185 </h4>


    Chapter 185


    At home.


    The two of them said nothing.


    Zhang Ye bent down and picked the box of books up. He ced the books by the window and after throwing away the empty box, he looked at the floor. He then picked up the red stilettos that the Heavenly Queen had kicked away and walked a few steps to ce them by the door. He then threw a pair of slippers towards her.


    "Slippers!" Zhang Ye reminded her.


    "Oh�� " Zhang Yuanqi ced her feet down and wore them.


    Zhang Ye looked at her, "Have you eaten?"


    "Yes," Zhang Yuanqi answered half-heartedly.


    "Then carry on reading. I will make some food." said Zhang Ye.


    The Heavenly Queen did not turn her head, she continued to read the book. It was Zhang Ye''sption book.


    Zhang Ye was hungry. Zhang Lu andpany made him nervous. The Heavenly Queen had nearly been discovered, resulting in Zhang Ye''s heart being on tenterhooks. He turned on the stove and prepared a bowl of Guamian noodles, eggs and some green onions. He was sick of eating instant noodles. So he wanted to eat Guamian noodles to have a change of taste.


    He slurped it up.


    As he was eating, the Heavenly Queen suddenly closed the book, "Give me the book."


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye said with the noodles forming a beard on his chin, "Take it, I have plenty anyway."


    Zhang Yuanqi nced at him, "''Let life be beautiful like summer flowers and death like autumn leaves.'' Did you write that?"


    "Who else could it be?" Zhang Yeughed, "Why? It''s not bad, right?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said nonchntly, "One day when I publish a book, help me write a preface. That''s settled."


    "What do you mean, ''settled''!? That won''t do." Zhang Ye tutted, "My poems aren''t freely given. If you really like my poems, I can give you the book and give you my autograph."


    Zhang Yuanqi said without giving any face, "The autograph is unnecessary."


    Zhang Ye said angrily, "You won''t have any friends in the future by being like that!"


    After finishing the noodles and washing the dishes, Zhang Ye looked at his watch. It was gettingte.


    "Are you leaving today?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "Yes." Zhang Yuanqi also raised her wrist to check the time. She probably also found out that it waste. Looking sideways, her eyesnded on Zhang Ye''s wallet. Without any propriety, she picked up the wallet on the table and opened it. She then took 500 Yuan out of it.


    Zhang Ye said in rm, "What are you doing?"


    "I didn''t bring money. Lend me some," Zhang Yuanqi said coldly.


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "Forget it. I''ll send you back."


    Zhang Yuanqi acknowledged, "That would do."


    "Man, can you be more polite?" Zhang Ye was at a loss whether tough or to cry, "Where is your house? As long as it''s not too far. It''s nearly 9. If it''s the suburbs, I won''t be able toe back after going there."


    Zhang Yuanqi said coldly, "There''s a Jinyuan hotel at Ma Jia Bao. You can send me there."


    "Why are you going to a hotel?" Zhang Ye asked curiously.


    "Peace and quiet for two days. I''m evading a job," Zhang Yuanqi said.


    Zhang Ye only realized that the Heavenly Queen came to his house every time to rx. She was evading the bustle. At his ce, she did not need to care about her status as the Heavenly Queen. She could do or say anything she wanted. Today, the Heavenly Queen clearly had such intentions. But since it was alreadyte, she most likely did not want to stay in Zhang Ye''s house. It was unbing for a male and female to be alone together. The first time was only because she was drunk and had no clothes to wear.


    Hai, forget it. He would go all the way to help her. Whenever the Heavenly Queen was stressed with work, she would first think of Zhang Ye ande to him. Although Zhang Ye constantlyined, he was quite ttered deep down. The Heavenly Queen did not stand on ceremony with her nonchnt attitude. From a different angle, if the Heavenly Queen really disliked Zhang Ye as much as she said she did, why would shee to Zhang Ye''s house every time she wanted to rx? Why would she not find other friends? Hence, Zhang Ye believed that although he was not important in the Heavenly Queen''s heart, he was at least special. Besides, the Heavenly Queen trusted him greatly. Thinking of this, Zhang Ye wore a tender smile. Trusting me would be right. You have the foresight to know that this bro would not spout nonsense about you. The Heavenly Queen has a bad temper, so she had a way of evaluating people.


    The Heavenly Queen already wore her sunsses and face mask.


    Zhang Ye was also afraid that he would be recognized. He was after all somewhat famous in Beijing. Hence, he also wore a pair of sunsses and he avoided arousing suspicion by not walking together with the Heavenly Queen. He first went down to drive the car over. After he stopped the car at a secluded spot, Zhang Yuanqi also appeared downstairs a short whileter.


    "Over here." Zhang Ye rolled down his car windows and said softly.


    Zhang Yuanqi looked at his BMW X5. She did not sit in the passenger seat, she sat at the back. This made it difficult for people to see her. "Your car?"


    Zhang Ye tapped the steering wheel, "That''s right. Not bad, right!? You must think that this is a normal X5, right? Ha, then you would be wrong! This car of mine is�� "


    Zhang Yuanqi lowered her head and carried on reading Zhang Ye''sption.


    Zhang Ye wanted to brag but he ended up choking on his words. He could only depressingly drive off. He did not brag again. This Heavenly Queen did not like chatting!


    It was not far away.


    In front of them, the signboard of Jinyuan hotel appeared.


    Zhang Ye stopped by the road, "We are here. It looks like a 5-star hotel? Or is it 4-star? The 500 you took from me won''t be enough for you to stay there for two days, right?"


    Zhang Yuanqi did not even lift her head while reading the book, "Help me get a room. I don''t have a purse, nor do I have any identification. Even if I had it, I can''t use it." Indeed, that was the case. If the Heavenly Queen''s identification card was used at the hotel, a storm would brew. She could wear sunsses, but the picture on her identification card couldn''t. She was bound to be recognized. Typically, a celebrity at the level of the Heavenly Queen, even when they were out on business trips, would have their managers or assistants book a room for them using their own identification. If the fans knew, they would definitely be surrounded, and that would be trouble.


    "Alright." Zhang Ye smacked his lips. He alighted and walked into the hotel lobby, "Hi, I want to get a room."


    "Do you have a reservation?", the clerk at the front desk asked.


    "No," Zhang Ye shook his head.


    The clerk said, "Then I''m very sorry. All our rooms are full."


    Zhang Ye was surprised, "They are all full? A suite would do as well."


    "Not a single room is avable." The clerk exined, "It''s already 9, so unless someone checks out now, it is very unlikely."


    Zhang Ye could only exit the hotel and return to the car. "There aren''t any rooms left."


    Zhang Yuanqi frowned, "Keep looking. Other hotels will do."


    "Man, I''ve already be your assistant." Zhang Ye was feeling stifled as he drove around.


    After alighting the car and asking a rtively presentable hotel, there were still no rooms. Zhang Ye asked the clerk at the front desk if there were any ces he could get nearby. The clerk was pretty good and he secretly pointed across the road. When Zhang Ye looked over, it was a signboard of a motel!


    Who cares!


    Staying anywhere was the same!


    Zhang Ye did not tell Zhang Yuanqi. After driving across the road, he found that the motel was located in a small residential area. It was called Chengfeng Motel. It was very old and it looked very crappy from the exterior.


    Entering the motel.


    "Is there a room avable?" Zhang Ye asked.


    The clerk at the front desk checked theputer, "Let me see. Oh, there''s one. A room with a normal king sized bed."


    Zhang Ye nodded, "I''ll take it. Please give it to me." He then took his identification card out and proceeded with the formalities.


    The clerk probably did not know Zhang Ye. He had no reaction after seeing the identification card. The room was ready for him.


    Zhang Ye did not go up, he first returned to the car and drove towards the small residential area. He stopped at a corner and then indicated to Zhang Yuanqi, "Will this do? I''ve already gotten a room."


    Zhang Yuanqi said indifferently, "What do you think?"


    Zhang Ye coughed, "This ce is actually not bad. It''s not eye-catching, so there''s no worry that others will recognize you. Who would think that the Heavenly Queen would stay here? Right? It is a deception. Don''t you want two days of peace and quiet, so no one will disturb you? I think that this ce is perfectly suitable. It''s also cheap." Yes, the key reason was because it was cheap.


    The Heavenly Queen did not say a word. He couldn''t tell if she was satisfied or not.


    Zhang Ye ended up saying, "Let''s go. If it won''t do, I''ll reserve a better hotel for you and change it. There are definitely no rooms avable today. It''s sote."


    Zhang Yuanqi kept the book, "Go."


    "I''ll be going in first. You join me in 5 minutes. Room 318. Since you don''t have any identification, the front desk might check if we are together." Saying that, Zhang Ye first entered the motel.


    The room was not big and it was at most 18 square meters.


    Zhang Ye looked down from the window and he saw the Heavenly Queen walk towards the motel. This scene made Zhang Ye''s blood rush. It felt like he was engaging in an extramarital affair. Suddenly, Zhang Ye looked in the distance not far behind Zhang Yuanqi. Oh? Who are these two people? Why were they pointing at Zhang Yuanqi? They were a couple and they were probably here to get a room. However, they were currently looking at Zhang Yuanqi and were speaking in low voices.


    A whileter.


    Knock, knock.


    Zhang Ye quickly and quietly opened the door. Once the Heavenly Queen entered, he closed the door, afraid that people could see through the door''s peephole. "The room is a bit small, so make do with it."


    Zhang Yuanqi looked around. It was most likely that she had never lived in such a small motel before. However, she did not say a word and she drew the curtains.


    Zhang Ye did not have much thoughts back at home, but at a motel, Zhang Ye could not help but fantasize. He felt somewhat embarrassed, "Then I''ll be leaving first. Tomorrow, I''ll reserve a room at the Jingyuan hotel. It will probably be at noon. I''lle to pick you up in the afternoon. Right, you don''t have a cell phone. I''ll remember the extension to your room, so I can contact you." Zhang Ye then remembered the number and wore his sunsses and prepared to head downstairs.


    When had the Heavenly Queen not lived in a five-star hotel before?


    Yet he had gotten her a motel room? And it was the cheapest ce at 108 a day?


    Thinking of that, Zhang Ye was slightly amused. As he was on the stairs leading to the lobby, he heard a few people conversing.


    "Sorry, we don''t have any more rooms."


    "No, I''m a reporter. Is Zhang Yuanqi staying here?"


    "Ah? Which Zhang Yuanqi? The Heavenly Queen?"


    "Yes, someone said he saw her here!''


    "Well, I didn''t see her. Why would the Heavenly Queen live in our motel? Hur Hur, you are so humorous. Please leave. Hey, no pictures! Who let you take pictures?"


    "Take the pictures. This is big news!"


    Hearing this, he did not dare to take another step out. Oh no! The reporters are here!

 Chapter 186: Heavenly Queen Zhang Meets Mystery Man Late Into The Night!

    <h4>Chapter 186: Heavenly Queen Zhang Meets Mystery Man Late Into The Night! </h4>


    Chapter 186: Heavenly Queen Zhang Meets Mystery Man Late Into The Night!


    Room 318.


    Zhang Ye quickly darted back.


    Knock, knock, knock. He knocked on the door for a long time.


    The door opened and a warm rush of hot air surged out. Clearly, Zhang Yuanqi had turned on the heater in the room. She was wearing very little clothing.


    "What''s the matter?" The Heavenly Queen asked nonchntly.


    "Let me in first!" Zhang Ye squeezed into the room and closed the door. "There''s a problem!"


    Zhang Yuanqi was very calm because she was battle-hardened, "Speak slowly. What happened?"


    Zhang Ye pointed downstairs and said, "There are some reporters here. They''re blocking the motel entrance and asking if you are staying here. I did not dare show myself, but I think I heard two of them, they even kept on taking pictures. Eh, I''m puzzled, we just arrived, how did they even know? Aiyo, I remember now. When you wereing in, wasn''t there a couple who was walking behind you? I saw them pointing at you but I didn''t think much of it. I thought they were just talking about your rather gorgeous dress. This is not good!"


    Upon hearing that, Zhang Yuanqi switch off the lights and went to the window. She opened it a little to look downstairs.


    One car��


    Two cars..


    There were more and more peopleing!


    These people were clearly reporters. It was too obvious. Some of them were even carrying cameras.


    Some of them were just ordinary people, maybe they were Heavenly Queen Zhang''s fans. Many people had gathered around the motel by now and some people from the district also came over in their pyjamas.


    "Sister Zhang came here?"


    "I heard that too. It''s so exciting!"


    "Where is she? Where? Why don''t I see her?


    "So many reporters? Holy sh*t, is this going crazy?"


    "What''s crazy about it? This is Heavenly Queen Zhang. Every move of hers attracts the attention of others! If you want to talk about crazy, I''m the one going crazy. Does Sister Zhang have a boyfriend? Why would shee to a hotel? Your sister, which son of a bitch managed to woo Sister Zhang!? Don''t tell me! If you do, I''ll fight him to the death!"


    "My Sister Zhang! My goddess!


    I''m not leaving today, I want to see who it is!"


    "There''s only one entrance and exit for this motel. As long as we block it, we will know anyone who walks in or out!"


    One after another, people arrived. Soon, about a hundred people had gathered in the front yard of the motel. The numbers were continuing to increase with many people joining out of curiosity. Where did the news spread from!?


    In the room.


    Zhang Yuanqi closed the curtains. "Check the inte!"


    Zhang Ye immediately checked his phone''s browser. Without even needing to search thoroughly, he had found the news article. Clicking the link, a page appeared showing a picture of a woman''s back view. Red top, ck skirt, red stiletto heels. Above her head was the motel''s signboard. Although it was just the back view and the picture was fuzzy, it was ced beside another clearer picture. This was the picture of Zhang Yuanqi at the premiere of "White Maiden 2". She was dressed identically in both pictures and they were even captured on the same day!


    The headlines was even more exciting!


    "Heavenly Queen Zhang''s secret meeting with mysterious man!"


    "Zhang Yuanqi and mystery man checks into motel!"


    "Has Heavenly Queen''s rumored boyfriend appeared? Who could it be?"


    The headlines were getting more and more shocking, but the content wasrgely the same:


    As everyone knows, since Heavenly Queen Zhang started out as a child star, she has never been in a rtionship nor had there ever been any news of any rtionships. But today, a couple posted a picture on Weibo. The person in the picture is suspected to be Zhang Yuanqi. Afterparing the picture with our reporters'' photos, it is 90% confirmed that the person who went into the motel was Zhang Yuanqi. Earlier in the day, she had attended the premiere for "White Maiden 2". Their figure and clothes are exactly the same. The premiere of "White Maiden 2" ended a few hours earlier and Heavenly Queen Zhang disappeared without even changing. She mysteriously appearedter at a motel in Nancheng wearing the same outfit. The outfit does not have pockets so that would mean she does not have any money or identification on her. The couple who spotted her first said that the Heavenly Queen had taken the elevator up directly and she did not ask for a room at the reception counter. From this, we can deduce that Heavenly Queen Zhang is not staying there alone. Someone was waiting for her! Manager? Assistant? Or a female friend of the Heavenly Queen? That''s not likely, why would a meeting with a female friend not be at home? Or in a big hotel? But instead secretly going to a small district''s insignificant motel? There could only be one answer, the other party is a man! To keep the secret, they had to settle for such a ce! Who would have thought, the country''s famous S-List Heavenly Queen would settle for a motel? The most dangerous ce has be the safest ce! But unexpectedly, she was spotted by a pair of lovers who took her picture!


    After reading this, Zhang Ye nearly fainted. Is this group of reporters working as detectives? Aren''t they too good at analytical work!? This and that could be put together!


    Zhang Yuanqi had a deadpan look after reading the article.


    Zhang Ye knew that this matter had blown up, "Why don''t I leave quickly?"


    "How can you leave?" Zhang Yuanqi asked, "There''s only one doorway here. The motel staff might not recognize you, but do you think the reporters are stupid? You can just get by them with a pair of sunsses?"


    Zhang Ye also knew this was true. He was no longer an unknown person who could walk along the streets without being recognized. The reporters would definitely recognize him. If he went out now, his photos would be taken for sure. If he and Zhang Yuanqi had no dealings previously, they could let it slide. But Zhang Ye had written a song for the Heavenly Queen, so anyone would know that the two of them had met through work before. Two people who knew each other, two public figures, on the same day and checking into a motel at the same time. Even a fool would know that there was something to it, what more,those ultra sensitive reporters. Given the cause and effect of this matter, even Zhang Ye would not believe that he had nothing to do with Heavenly Queen Zhang!


    The inte was also putting two and two together, everyone was in disbelief!


    "Heavens!"


    "My Sister Zhang! No!"


    "Who dares to do this to my goddess? I''m furious!"


    "They are even doing this at a motel? Oh, my heart! It''s bleeding!"


    "Bastard! Let go of our goddess!"


    "You guys can''t say that, Sister Zhang is a normal woman as well. She needs to have rtionships, get married and have children too. You can''t take away Sister Zhang''s basic rights and freedom to love. I support Sister Zhang''s freedom to love. Eh, she''s been working too hard and getting too tired, Everyday is work, work and work, which of you has ever felt for her?"


    "That might be true, but�� my heart still feels terrible!"


    "I can''t ept it too! Who the hell could it be!? That bastard. How could he be so lucky to catch Sister Zhang''s eyes? No, I must go and take a look! Ma Jia Bao is not far from where I am!"


    "I''m also from Beijing! Let''s go together!"


    "We need to catch that man and kill him!"


    Of course, most of what they said were just in a joking manner. Anyhow, almost all of theizens hade to join in the fun and discussions. Some were supportive, saying that they were overreacting. Some objected, saying that they will skin the mysterious man alive to ease their hatred!


    This was getting big!


    Zhang Ye was dazed reading all of it!


    This bro had often gotten into trouble before and the inte would often break out in discussions about him. But a scandal with Zhang Yuanqi was on a different level. In the past, the discussions were kept within Beijing. As Zhang Yuanqi was popr throughout the country, this was what you would really call a discussion. Within only half an hour, it had be the headline on Weibo! On Tieba, discussion forums and other major portals, this scandal was all over the ce!


    Zhang Ye smiled bitterly and poked fun at himself, "Man, credits to you, I have now made the headlines."


    Zhang Yuanqi did not pay attention to him.


    What made Zhang Ye not know whether tough or cry the most was that his own fans on Tieba were also scolding him.


    "Bastard!"


    "Heavenly Queen Zhang is my most loved!"


    "It''s over, the flowers must be nted on cow dung!"


    "@ZhangYe, is Teacher Zhang Ye around? Come over and criticize this shameless act! Heavenly Queen Zhang belongs to everyone! Not to that bastard!"


    There were also many fans of Zhang Yuanqi within Zhang Ye''s fans.


    Zhang Ye thought �� Criticize your sister, shameless act your sister! Why did you @ me for!?


    His fans obviously did not know. The mysterious man with Heavenly Queen Zhang now, the one who was creating the scandal, was in fact, their Teacher Zhang Ye!


    A lot ofizens did not believe the news either!


    "Why would the Heavenly Queen go to a motel?"


    "It''s impossible, it might just be a coincidence that they were wearing the same outfit."


    "Right, I don''t believe it either. The Heavenly Queen would not get into a rtionship now. Even if she did, she would tell her fans. The Heavenly Queen never hides anything from us fans!"


    "Did they get it wrong?"


    "It might just be a gimmick. ''White Maiden 2'' has just started screening and the box office results aren''t out yet. Did someone release this news to bring up the box office sales? That ismon behavior!"


    Following that, Zhang Yuanqi''s management also released a statement!


    They were forced to do so, they had to immediately start their crisis PR. Thepany''s official Weibo and Zhang Yuanqi''s management Weibo announced at the same time, "On the current rumors, we would like to express our anger. The person in the photo is not Zhang Yuanqi. Please do not spread any more rumors. Sister Zhang is currently at home with a few of her friends celebrating the movie''s premiere. How could Sister Zhang appear at some motel?"


    In the next moment, Zhang Yuanqi''s Weibo also posted something!


    A selfie of Zhang Yuanqi wearing pajamas and standing on the balcony of her vi was posted, "Just finished doing my face mask. Friends, why are so many people @-ing me? What happened?"


    Following that, another person, who was considered an A-List celebrity, also posted something. It was Ning Lan, a singer that was considered quite close to Zhang Yuanqi, "I''m at Sister Zhang''s house, we just finished doing our face masks and we are getting ready for bed. Haha, when did we both teleport to a motel?"


    Zhang Ye, "�� "


    Zhang Yuanqi sat on the bed calmly.


    Zhang Ye was utterly impressed, "Yourpany and your friends�� are really�� " Your sister! That was f**king lying without even needing to coordinate! The Heavenly Queen was obviously by his side! And you all of you could say that she was at home without missing a beat? Even a selfie was posted? And even having another A-List celebrity say that they were together doing face masks? Zhang Ye finally understood. He also made a note to himself that he would no longer believe the words of these celebrities. They were full of nonsense!


    But manyizens believed it!


    "Sure enough!"


    "I told you all that it was a rumor!"


    "Haha, the Heavenly Queen does not have a partner!"


    But there were also the smarter ones amongst theseizens who did not believe it.


    "Selfie? Who knows who posted that and when it was taken? Why is the moon in the background so round? Friends from Beijing, can you go verify if the moon tonight is really so round? It''s not even the 15th or 16th* yet! This is why the selfie is doubtful!"


    "Good point!"


    "What you said is pretty true!"


    "It''s over, my heart is broken. My goddess Zhang has been taken!"


    For this picture, everyone started another round of heated discussions. The matter had once again been blown up even further!


    *This is going by the Lunar calendar where there is a full moon on the 15th of the month.

 Chapter 187: Curtains!

    <h4>Chapter 187: Curtains! </h4>


    Chapter 187: Curtains!


    At the motel.


    The front desk was clogged with people.


    The reporters had their cannons (cameras zooms) ready, with the cameras all set up at the entrance.


    "Please leave! Don''t stand around here!" the woman at the front desk said unhappily.


    A television station reporter said, "Can you let us see the guest list?"


    The front desk staff stared at him, "How is that possible, the guest names are all private!"


    Another reporter asked, "Then, did you see a woman go upstairs just now? Which room does she stay in?"


    The front desk staff shook her head, "I don''t know, noments. Are you reporters or policemen? Why are you asking so much? Leave quickly, all of you are affecting our work!" she was utterly annoyed. Zhang Yuanqi? Of course she knew who that was. Would such a famous Heavenly Queene to such a dpidated and far off motel that had such poor facilities? Wasn''t this an exaggeration!? Wouldn''t she know what a crappy ce this was? Only students who had no means woulde to this ce. Even those white-cored workers wouldn''t want toe here, the conditions were too bad! And you think a Heavenly Queen woulde? Why won''t the Heavenly Queen sleep at a train station instead!?


    At this moment, a bunch of people squeezed in from the outside.


    "Manager! You are finally here!" the front desk staff nearly cried.


    The manager was a middle-aged man, he asked with a straight face, "What happened? What do you all want?" He had found out about the situation over the phone earlier, "Don''t disturb us from our work! Or we will call the police!"


    After rambling for a long time, the reporters forcefully agreed to leave the motel. But they stayed around the area watching the motel''s entrance along with over a hundred Zhang Yuanqi fan.


    When they left, the female front desk staffined, "This bunch of people, really!"


    The manager also asked puzzledly, "Did the Heavenly Queen reallye to our ce?"


    The front desk staff shook her head, "How could that be? Anyway I didn''t see her. I don''t even know who started the rumor."


    The manager looked outside and pondered, "Let them wait. At least they are giving our motel some publicity, as long as they don''t make trouble."


    The front desk staff bitterly said, "But some of those reporters and fans have already gone upstairs. A dozen or so of them, I couldn''t stop them myself."


    ����


    3rd floor.


    Room 318


    Zhang Ye was sweating profusely as he saw wave after wave of trouble on the inte. Zhang Yuanqi grabbed his phone and logged on to an ount.


    There was a message.


    It was her manager, Fang Weihong, "Sister Zhang! My dear sister! Can you not cause trouble? Can you not do the disappearing act again? Did you see what''s happening online? There''s news of your scandal everywhere! Oh my grandaunt! Can you please spare us? Come back quickly! We are already in a big mess!"


    Zhang Yuanqi replied with a smiley face emoticon.


    Fang Weihong immediately replied, "You finally appeared! My god, how long do you intend to keep this going? Why did you even go to a motel? Who are you with!?"


    Zhang Yuanqi sent another smiley face.


    Fang Weihong epted that she could do nothing: Alright, I won''t ask about your private matters and I don''t want to know who you are with. Just tell me, when will you be back? We have already released a statement and also posted your selfie on Weibo to rify. And your friend also helped you to lie, but how long can the lie go on for? You have to show yourself quickly for the matter to calm over!


    Zhang Yuanqi typed: I can''t leave at the moment.


    Fang Weihong: You have been surrounded? Then think of a way fast, we can''t do much over here. Otherwise, if we go over, the scandal would be true. Forget it, don''t think about leaving for now, those reporters are all too bright, you can''t lie to them. Just wait a little and find a chance to leave!


    Zhang Yuanqi: I''m sorry, Hur Hur, I''ve given you trouble again.


    Fang Weihong: Sigh, this is part of our job, even if it''s trouble, we still have to do it. Actually, we are already considered lucky. If it were other celebrities, we would be dealing with scandals like this at least once every month. You are already very professional about your work, only having this happen once in over 20 years. But as your friend, let me remind you Sister Zhang, rumors are easy to handle. They are just groundless usations. It will cool down after some time!


    Zhang Yuanqi did not reply. She logged off the ount and returned the phone to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye coughed, "Ahem! Sister Zhang, why don''t I go out and take a look? We will slip away if there''s a chance, and then�� "


    "Shhh! Don''t speak!" Zhang Yuanqi looked at the door.


    Zhang Ye quickly shut his mouth as he heard some footsteps outside.


    ����


    "This is such a rundown ce."


    "Would the Heavenly Queen stay here?"


    "I don''t know either, but there''s a chance that it could be true!"


    "Yes, that would be some big news. Go, go, keep looking!"


    "I wonder which room it is? So many rooms here, we can''t possibly knock on every door to look for them right? Before we can even find them, the police would have us arrested!"


    "Then let''s wait a little, I don''t believe that they won''te out!"


    Redacted part of chapter from here on


    Their footsteps and the chatter slowly disappeared.


    Zhang Ye said nervously, "The entrance has been blocked, we won''t be able to go out."


    Zhang Yuanqi opened a gap in the curtains and looked outside. There had only been a few dozen people outside earlier, but now, the motel entrance and the area around it had around 200-300 people.


    "Did you park in a safe ce?" Zhang Yuanqi asked.


    Zhang Ye understood what she meant and answered, "It''s safe, it''s a car park and there are so many other cars. It should not attract suspicions."


    Zhang Yuanqi nodded and lowered her head as she took off her heels.


    Zhang Ye asked, "What are you doing?"


    "Shower." Zhang Yuanqi said ndly.


    Zhang Ye stupidly asked, "And then?"


    "Sleep�� " Zhang Yuanqi said calmly.


    Zhang Ye touched his face, "What about me? Should I find a chance to get out?"


    Zhang Yuanqi went into the bathroom without looking back, "There are reporters and my fans outside, are you able to get out?"


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye was stunned. "Then I will stay here too?" She did not answer him, but Zhang Ye thought to himself, this wasn''t the first time that they stayed in the same room anyway. But looking at the room''s facilities, it couldn''t be more dpidated. There was just arge bed and a table attached to the wall, the table was especially narrow too. Besides the bed, there was also a cab but other than that, there was nothing else, not even a chair.


    How was he to sleep?


    Sitting on the bedside cab to sleep?


    Bedside cab? So be it. It was all his fault in handling the matter poorly.


    Zhang Ye understood that if he had not chosen the motel, all of this would not have happened. He could have driven further to look for a five star hotel. Even if Zhang Yuanqi was recognized, it wouldn''t be a problem. Such celebrities often spend a huge chunk of their time in hotels anyway. But a single room at a motel that cost less than 200 was too attention seeking. This was obviously not for work, it looked like something that was meant to be secretive. And with the highly imaginative minds of the masses, they would definitely link this to something else. This led to the current situation they were in. So in the end, Zhang Ye had some responsibility in this whole matter. He did not take all of that into consideration before he booked the room. But from a different perspective, Zhang Yuanqi did not bring any money or identification and she even came to look for him thiste at night. Many of the big hotels wouldn''t have any rooms avable, so arge part of the responsibility was hers too.


    Splish.


    Ssh.


    As he was thinking, the sounds came from the bathroom.


    Zhang Ye, who was sitting on the bed, raised his head up and saw Zhang Yuanqi in the bathroom. There was no helping it, this was a motel room and the bathroom was separated by a ss door, there was nothing else blocking it.


    "Little Zhang."


    "Yeah, what''s the matter?"


    "Come here."


    Zhang Ye went into the bathroom.


    The Heavenly Queen was fumbling with the curtain in her hands, "How do I pull it down?"


    Zhang Ye went over to take a look, it was a drawstring type of curtain to block off the view from the bathroom and the room. But no matter how much he tried to get it to work, it didn''t work. In the end, even the ring broke. He was full of sweat by now, so he stepped on a chair and tinkered with it for a long time before saying, "Uh, this curtain is spoilt, you can''t pull it down anymore."


    It was a small motel, it was normal for the facilities to be lousy.


    Zhang Yuanqi looked at him, "Then tell me, how can I shower?"


    Zhang Ye coughed, "Why don''t you not shower?"


    "I''ve been busy the entire day. If I don''t shower, I can''t sleep," said Zhang Yuanqi.


    Zhang Ye did not dare to call the front desk staff. If they came up, everything would be exposed. There wouldn''t be any rooms avable to change anyway, the motel was fully booked. Zhang Ye looked around hoping for something when he spotted a long towel. He took it and stood on the chair and hung the towel. He squeezed it in and he managed to put up the towel in ce of the damaged curtain.


    Zhang Yuanqi said indifferently, "That doesn''t block well."


    "I know, but that''s all I can do." Zhang Ye blinked, "Don''t worry, I will face my back towards you. I won''t look, alright?"


    Zhang Yuanqi kept silent for a while, "You can go outside."


    Zhang Ye went out of the bathroom and closed the door. He went back to the bed not knowing if the Heavenly Queen would shower or not. He turned his head to take a look. The cursory nce did not matter, but Zhang Ye''s nose turned warm as blood rushed to it. That towel was obviously a little short and narrow. Hanging there, it covered only about half of the ss. Both ends of the ss could be seen through, the bottom of the ss also could be seen through for the length of an arm. He could clearly see Zhang Yuanqi''s legs in stockings. Her lower body could not be seen, but from that angle, he could see that she was bending her body a little.


    Bada, the skirt came off.


    A pair of hands was also exposed on the other side of the unblocked piece of ss. Following that, he could see her hands moving downwards to her legs as she took off her stockings.


    Seeing her fair legs, Zhang Ye was now in a daze. For the moment, he had forgotten about his promise. Words like I won''t look, that was all bullsh*t.


    Her skirt was hung up.


    The stockings were also sorted by a pair of hands and ced on a hanger.


    The skirt could not be seen anymore, but the stockings could be seen around the unblocked parts of the ss. They were on a hanger and they looked like they were ying on a swing.

 Chapter 188: In the Same Bed!

    <h4>Chapter 188: In the Same Bed! </h4>


    Chapter 188: In the Same Bed!


    This was too tempting!


    It''s killing me!


    Her legs were revealed!


    Zhang Ye was acting like he was sitting on a cushion of needles. He watched without wanting to blink his eyes. The tiny skirt and the stockings, and finally even her panties were taken off Queen. However, of all things, this item had to be blocked by the towel hanging on the ss. Zhang Ye only saw a glimpse and he barely saw its color. It was brown. He did not see the floral patterns as it had moved too quickly. However, it looked like a translucent style and material. As the bathroom''s lights were shining towards Zhang Ye, when the Heavenly Queen took her panties off, the light had shone through, revealing the panties. Hence, it could not be too thick. It could even be hollow.


    Behind the ss.


    Zhang Yuanqi was still moving and changing.


    This time she was most likely taking her top and bra off. However, the angle was hidden.


    Suddenly, hair appeared!


    Zhang Ye was actually constantly tensed and on high alert. The moment he saw a bit of hair appear, which was not that far from her head, he would quickly turn his head and pretend to be staring at the window curtains in a daze. Zhang Ye was afraid that Zhang Yuanqi was "spot-checking" him. This fellow had been training himself with running, and he had done an uncountable number of push-ups and sit-ups as he had nothing to do at home. Hence, his body had clearly improved, resulting in very fast reactions.


    Five seconds��


    Ten seconds��


    Hua Hua. The sound of water flowing sounded out.


    Only then would Zhang Ye dare to turn back again. The Heavenly Queen''s hair could no longer be seen. He could see the two beautiful legs situated behind the ss. The towel covering the ss only hid Zhang Yuanqi''s upper body, and as well as the middle portion of her body, but her thighs could not be covered. The towel was not long enough.


    There was no need to mention those legs!


    The Heavenly Queen was that slim. Her body was very bnced and it was a perfect S-shape.


    Zhang Ye stared unblinkingly. He could even see the sweat pores on the Heavenly Queen''s thighs. This scene no doubt engorged his blood vessels!


    After washing her hair, she began to use body wash.


    White foam rolled down her legs, past her knees, to her calves, ankles and finally into the drain. The scene was so beautiful that he didn''t dare to carry on looking!


    Forget it, I''ll carry on looking.


    Zhang Ye was feasting his eyes!


    ����


    After a while.


    The sound of the water stopped. The Heavenly Queen began using a second towel to dry herself.


    Zhang Ye no longer dared to take the risk. He had seen almost all there was to be seen. He quickly turned around and maintained the previous posture of looking at the curtains.


    After a while.


    Bada Bada. The sound of slippers stepping on water could be heard.


    "Are you done showering?" Zhang Ye said without turning back.


    "Yup." Zhang Yuanqi only said that.


    Only then did Zhang Ye turn around. He thought that the Heavenly Queen would not be wearing any clothes such as wearing the bathrobe over her underwear, but who knew that she waspletely dressed. Other than not wearing her stockings, she was no different from before she showered. She wore her red top and tiny ck skirt. However, after some thought, he understood. Wearing just a bathrobe would be too revealing, and as for things like bathrobes�� this crappy motel did not have such a provision!


    Zhang Ye stood up, "Please sleep. I''ll be showering now." He had not showered yesterday as he was too tired, so he had to shower today, or it would be too outrageous.


    Zhang Yuanqi ignored him, lifted her leg and went onto the bed.


    Zhang Ye kept feeling nervous. A small motel and them being alone in it kept giving him nefarious thoughts.


    After entering the bathroom, Zhang Ye was initially somewhat awkward. After taking off his clothes, he peeped past the towel that was being used as a temporary blockage. The Heavenly Queen''s back was facing him. She was reading Zhang Ye''s literaryption. Clearly, she was in no way interested in Zhang Ye''s shower. Zhang Ye was relieved. Indeed, he might have not been able to curb his desire to watch the Heavenly Queen showering, but with the roles switched, how could the Heavenly Queen want to peep!?


    Time to shower then.


    Zhang Ye became more rxed. He washed his hair and then, hethered on body shampoo.


    After showering, Zhang Ye realized that there was a problem. There were only two towels in the room. One was being hung on the ss, and the other one had been used by Zhang Yuanqi. After a long hesitation, Zhang Ye grabbed the towel that was thrown on the wash basin by the Heavenly Queen. He then dried himself.


    It was fragrant and it was moist.


    He could smell The Heavenly Queen''s mature fragrance.


    Zhang Ye was a bit in a fantasy as he wiped himself. Then, he wore his clothes but he did not put on a jacket. "There are no more towels. I used the one you used."


    Zhang Yuanqi remained silent as she carried on reading.


    Zhang Ye looked at his watch, "It''s past ten. Are you sleeping?"


    "Not tired," Zhang Yuanqi said nonchntly.


    "No problem. You sleep as and when you please. I''ll make do with the table." He knew that the Heavenly Queen might find it inconvenient, so he went to the table by the end of the bed. He had to have gentlemanly manners after all. Women first, right? Then, he tried to lie on the table. It wouldn''t do. The table creaked and nearly copsed. As it was a simple table connected to the wall, the supporting legs beneath him were not very strong, so it was unable to support Zhang Ye''s weight. Besides, the table was too narrow, and it had insufficient area for him to lie down. Zhang Ye could only sit on the table with his feet on the ground, as he leaned on the wall.


    Only then did Zhang Yuanqi look at him. With a raise of her hand, she switched off the lights.


    In the darkness, the Heavenly Queen seemed to throw the book and slip into the bed.


    Zhang Ye also closed his eyes in an attempt to sleep. Since it was definitely impossible for him to leave, he had to make do with spending the night here.


    ����


    After an unknown period of time.


    There were shouts that woke Zhang Ye up.


    "Zhang Yuanqi!"


    "Sister Zhang! I love you!"


    "Sister Zhang, don''t you fall in love!"


    "That asshole! Remove your stinky hands! Don''t touch my Sister Zhang!"


    So it was the Heavenly Queen''s fans. There were still people staying behind despite it being sote!


    But with Zhang Ye waking up, he lost his bnce and mmed to the ground. It was so painful that it took a while before he got over it, "Sh*t!"


    Zhang Yuanqi had also gotten up. However, she looked like she had not slept. Her eyes were still very awake. She ignored Zhang Ye and first went to the window and pulled the curtain slightly apart to peep downstairs. She then went over to Zhang Ye, "How are you?"


    Zhang Ye said in pain, "It''s okay. Sis, it was just a painful fall!" After he slowly got up, "How many people are there outside? Those shouts gave me a fright."


    Zhang Yuanqi said coldly, "There are still about thirty to forty people."


    When he saw what time it was, Zhang Ye turned speechless, "It''s already 1 in the morning!"


    The Heavenly Queen''s fans could be said to be fanatical. Zhang Ye was iparable.


    Seeing that Zhang Ye was fine, Zhang Yuanqi went back onto the bed. However, this time shey closer to the edge. Then she looked at him, "Sleep on the bed."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "That''s inappropriate, right?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said impolitely, "Up to you."


    "Hey, don''t. I''ll sleep, I''ll sleep." Zhang Ye was just being polite. It was too ufortable sleeping in a sitting position. His back was hurting and he had nearly fallen off. Since the Heavenly Queen had allowed him to sleep on the bed, why would Zhang Ye reject her? He was dying to sleep on the same bed with Zhang Yuanqi.


    With an excited mood, Zhang Ye dragged his slippers and moved over. After lifting the nket, he slipped under it.


    When the nket was lifted, a fragrant smell from the Heavenly Queen came surging towards him. There was only one nket on the bed, and there were no barriers underneath the nket.


    Zhang Yuanqi was lying t on the northern end of the bed.


    Zhang Ye was lying on the southern end. There was quite a distance separating the two of them, but it was not that great either. After all, the bed was only that big, there was no way for them to be spaced far apart.


    It was quiet in the night.


    No one shouted from downstairs anymore.


    Zhang Ye heard his heart beating. Putong Putong. It sounded even louder than the shouts from the fans. Then, the sounds of the Heavenly Queen''s rhythmic breathing could be heard.


    "Sister Zhang, have you fallen asleep?"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "You aren''t asleep? I can''t sleep too. I fell hard just now."


    "I can sleep."


    "Man, then wait and hear me out. The results of ''Wishing We Last Forever'' wasn''t too bad, right? This week, it has also been ranked first on several boards?"


    "What do you want to say?"


    "That song of mine was snatched by you. You said you owe me one. Then, help me look for a movie to act in. I do not need to be the main lead. I definitely won''t do being the main lead. Whatever side characters would be fine, as long as there are lines. Or if you are acting in any show, I''ll make a guest appearance. Anyway, it''s for me to gain some poprity. I don''t have any works these days, so my poprity has fallen."


    Zhang Ye''s thoughts were that the poetryption was not enough. He had to work harder and expose himself to the masses more. And the other main reason was that he still had not decided on what to do next.


    "Are you nning on going down the filming route in the future?"


    "Not really. I just want to be a temporary guest and give it a try."


    "Oh."


    "Can you?"


    "Wait for my news."


    "Alright, then I''ll thank you first."


    Although Zhang Yuanqi said wait for her news, Zhang Ye knew that her saying that meant there were no problems. Others might not have the power, but she did. Actually, Zhang Ye did not n on developing as an actor this year, nor did he n on singing, let alone directing. People who majored in acting might not turn out good, let alone Zhang Ye. He did not know a sh*t about acting. For singing, Zhang Ye did not have any singing ability either. Part of singing was learned while the other part was honed through practice, but he was far from passable. His singing wasn''t pleasurable to the ears. There was no need to talk about directing. Ignoring directing a movie, even if a camera was given to Zhang Ye now, he would have no idea how to use it. He did not know a thing!


    These jobs were things Zhang Ye had to do, but it was not the right time. It was because hecked the strength and ability. Unfortunately, despite Zhang Ye having extremely good broadcasting abilities, no television station dared to hire him. He was currently depressed and he had no future goals. Hence, he could only put up with second best, by first acting in a guest role. At least, he could ensure his poprity would not diminish. He needed to first maintain his poprity before deciding on the future.


    With proper matters discussed, the atmosphere in the room turned silent.


    This was the same bed he and the Heavenly Queen was sleeping in!


    After a while, Zhang Yuanqi might have fallen asleep. As she rolled over, she threw the nket away. She was wearing her clothes to sleep, so it was definitely hot.


    In the end, Zhang Ye''s eyes had a feast. His eyes had gotten used to the dark and he could see very clearly. With this roll of the Heavenly Queen, she was facing Zhang Ye, and she was much closer to him instantaneously. One of Zhang Yuanqi''s beautiful legs was bent in front of her. Her short ck skirt was not long to begin with, so with her legs bent, arge gap in her skirt opened up. Inside the ck skirt, a brown fabric appeared. She had exposed herself!


    Zhang Ye''s mind was perturbed as he focused his gaze into the ck skirt.


    Then, Zhang Yuanqi, who was sleeping, adjusted her body''s posture. At that moment, her red top was squeezed. The opening to her blouse revealed a deep cleavage. A crevice appeared near the buttons on her chest, revealing a bit of her brown bra.


    Momentarily, he recalled a phrase of Shakespeare''s.


    To touch?


    Or not to touch?


    That is the question!

 Chapter 189: Caught by a bunch of reporters?

    <h4>Chapter 189: Caught by a bunch of reporters? </h4>


    Chapter 189: Caught by a bunch of reporters?


    The next morning.


    Around 9 - 10 o''clock.


    Zhang Ye mockinglyughed, "You''re awake?"


    "Yes." the Heavenly Queen answered coldly.


    "You didn''t sleep well? I can see your dark eye circles." Zhang Ye said.


    "I will make do with it." the Heavenly Queenmanded, "Go see if there are still people downstairs."


    Zhang Ye got off the bed and he went over, pulling the curtain slightly apart. He said impatiently, "There are still several dozens of people. It looks like the reporters have changed shifts. Looks like we won''t be leaving today either?"


    "Let''s eat first," Zhang Yuanqi said.


    Zhang Ye was hungry too, "Order take away? Sure, let me see."


    He checked online and made a few calls. In the end, none of the eateries were willing to deliver take away as the area was too isted. Even fast food restaurants were not willing to deliver here. Out of desperation, Zhang Ye called the motel front desk, "Hello, what can we eat over here? Bread? Instant noodles? Biscuits? OK, please give me 2 sets of everything. I want a bottle of c and a bottle of mineral water too�� please deliver it to my room, thank you."


    The Heavenly Queen put on her sunsses, "Don''t let anyonee in."


    "I know." Zhang Ye put on his coat and walked to the door to wait.


    Momentarily, the cleaningdy came to deliver the food. When the door was opened, she handed the things over, "The money will be deducted from the deposit. Oh yes, are you checking out today?"


    Zhang Ye messed up his hair on purpose so that no one would recognize him. But it was obviously unnecessary, as even if his face was not covered, the cleaningdy would still not be able to recognize him. Zhang Ye thought for a while, then said, "I won''t be checking out today, I will stay another day."


    The cleaningdy said, "Then you need to go downstairs to hand over the money."


    Zhang Ye said quickly said, "I''m toozy to go down, I will hand the money to you."


    "Alright then." the cleaning took the money and counted it, "Do you need housekeeping?"


    "No need, no need." Zhang Ye did not dare to let anyone into the room, "Oh yes, why is the thermostat turned off? It''s pretty cold and rather gloomy. The temperature''s turning cold."


    The cleaningdy exined, "The thermostat is externally controlled. There''s only electricity after 9PM." It was obviously to save power and after exining, the cleaner went downstairs.


    Back in the room, Zhang Ye put the food onto the bed, "What do you want to eat?"


    Zhang Yuanqi took a look and pointed to the instant noodles. She did not even say a word.


    Zhang Ye nced at her, then went to boil some water. He prepared the instant noodles and ced them at the dressing table in front of the bed. He took some bread for himself and he had some hot water to go along with, "I think today won''t be the day too, we won''t be able to find a chance to slip away. If you have something on today, you can call your manager with my phone?"


    The Heavenly Queen was eating her instant noodles with a not too happy expression. She still ate it anyway, "Use your phone to call? And tell her that I am with you at the motel?"


    Zhang Ye realized that her manager had his number. A call would reveal everything. This was not something that they could let anyone know even if there was nothing between the two of them.


    ����


    After the meal.


    It was almost noon.


    The two of them were doing nothing, there was basically nothing to do at all.


    Zhang Ye switched the old CRT television on. There were only about 20 channels, but every channel was only showing static. The reception was probably terrible, so there was no way to watch anything. The Heavenly Queeny in bed under her nket. She had already read Zhang Ye''sption twice. There weren''t many words to begin with anyway, so she didn''t bother to read it again. Zhang Ye switched the television off. It was getting cold as it looked to be almost raining outside. He rubbed his hands together to keep warm. He did not wear much as he came out in a rushst night.


    "Phone." the Heavenly Queen said.


    "What''s the matter?" Zhang Ye blinked.


    Zhang Yuanqi did not exin, but repeated, "Phone."


    "Here." Zhang Ye uttered as he threw it to her.


    Zhang Yuanqi began dialing some numbers, after recalling for a long while, the call finally connected. The expression on her face changed to one of a smiling one, "Hello, is this Director Jiang?"


    It was a young man''''s voice on the other side, "Yo, it''s Sister Zhang?"


    "Great, you can still recognize my voice. Hur Hur!" Zhang Yuanqi said.


    Director Jiang said, "I listened to your songs growing up, how could I not know? Oh yes, there''s news of you being at a motel that''s spreading online now, is this true?"


    Zhang Yuanqiughed, "It''s just thepany doing some publicity. I''m at home but because too many people are calling me, I switched my phone off. I borrowed a friend''s phone to call you, there''s something I need your help with. The movie that you are directing, isn''t it almost done? I heard that there are a few scenes that you need to reshoot? Do you need an actor? I would like to rmend someone, Zhang Ye. I don''t know if you know him, but he has a little bit of fame in Beijing."


    "Zhang Ye? The one who wrote a song for you, that Zhang Ye?" Director Jiang remembered, "I know who he is, I have some some impression. I think he''s really good at writing poetry?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "Yes, you can give him a supporting role."


    Director Jiang hesitated and said, "I''m directing a wuxia movie, the roles�� "


    "I still owe him one for that song, I don''t care whether it''s wuxia or not. You need to help me repay him this favor, Hur Hur. That''s settled then?" Zhang Yuanqi saidughingly.


    Director Jiangughed bitterly, "Alright then, since Sister Zhang has spoken, we will have some discussions first. When the timees�� "


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "Don''t wait until the timees, I will ask him to report for filming tomorrow. That settles it, if you have another movie in the future, I will do a cameo role for you."


    "Haha, then that will be great. It''s done, settled!" Director Jiang did not have anyints with that.


    After hanging up, she threw the phone back to Zhang Ye who caught it. He immediately said, "Thanks, Sister Zhang." He had not expected it to be done so quickly.


    With the called ended, Zhang Yuanqi''s amicable expression had changed back to the usual cold-faced expression. She hugged her own shoulders before saying, "We need to find a way out by tonight. I have some activities in Hong Kong and Taiwan tomorrow, it''s an afternoon flight. I can''t cancel them!"


    Zhang Ye wondered, "How do we leave?"


    "You think of a way." after saying, Zhang Yuanqiid down and had her afternoon nap.


    Zhang Ye alsoy down to think, but as he cracked his brains, he fell asleep.


    ����


    At night.


    It was 1AM.


    Zhang Ye wore his clothes properly and Zhang Yuanqi also wore her heels. The 2 of them had something to eat before Zhang Ye pulled the curtains aside to take a look outside. There were much fewer people now. The fans were almost all gone since they did not have the time to keep waiting aimlessly. The others left were those reporters with nothing to do, either from the television station or the newspapers. They had shifts of two or three people waiting there without moving. Some were hidden from view, like in the car or the staircasendings. They were holding on to their cameras and waiting patiently for things to happen.


    Going out through the main entrance �� impossible.


    Zhang Ye breathed in deeply, "You wait for me here, I will go take a look."


    "What''s the n?" Zhang Yuanqi asked.


    "One step at a time." Zhang Ye already had a n, but he did not dare tell the Heavenly Queen. He was afraid that the Heavenly Queen would not take him seriously, so he went ahead to scout first.


    To be safe, Zhang Ye waited for the Heavenly Queen to not pay attention before he took out a "Save Crystal" from the inventory of his game ring. 2 Save Crystals and 1 Lucky Bread. This was all inside Zhang Ye''s inventory. He had gotten them some time ago through the Lottery. Zhang Ye knew the importance of the matter, so he didn''t dare be careless. He crushed the Save crystal with his hands.


    It took effect!


    [ Progress Saved! ] [ Save Record Retains 30 Minutes! ]


    Zhang Ye pulled the door open and walked out without making a sound. It was already midnight. There was no one in the corridor so Zhang Ye rxed his senses a little. He quickly walked towards the escape stairway as the elevator was definitely a no go. It was too enclosed and there were too many factors to consider. But just as he was approaching the escape stairway, the room beside it opened without a warning. The person who opened it was a middle-aged man holding a camera, there were still three or four youths in the room. They were obviously reporters!


    Zhang Ye kept walking, he was numb. So, they hadid an ambush.


    The middle-aged man hade out due to hearing a noise. He wanted to know who was passing by. These reporters had been waiting outside in the day, but at noon, many people had checked out. Naturally, they could get a room and gain entry into the building. He did not expect to see headline news the moment he opened the door. After a momentary shock, he found the person familiar. Then after some recollection, he got excited, "It''s Zhang Ye! Teacher Zhang, what are you doing here? Are you with the Heavenly Queen?"


    He chased after him.


    Zhang Ye kept going.


    The man was busily taking photos. Kacha, kacha!


    Upon hearing that, several other reporters who were in the room also realized that this was big news! The Heavenly Queen and Zhang Ye had worked together before, the two of them had now appeared at this motel? This was definitely unusual!


    They gave chase!


    Zhang Ye had already gone to the second floor through the escape stairway. On the second floor, there was another reporter. He was probably not part of the group from upstairs but hewas probably just having a smoke along the corridor. But Zhang Ye did not see him as he did not have a line of sight to the corridor. When he heard nomotion, he went outside into the corridor. In the end, he had direct eye contact with that reporter in the distance.


    "Ah! Zhang Ye!" said the thin reporter excitedly!


    Zhang Ye turned his head and continued walking down the stairs, but there were even more people on the first floor. Some were seated on the staircase reading newspapers, some were leaning against the wall and napping. This route had been sealed off. The elevator was probably the same too, there would probably be people keeping watch.


    The bunch of people also saw Zhang Ye now, many of them did not recognize him but there were some who did. Once they shouted his name, everyone''s eyes lighted up!


    Zhang Ye turned back to the second floor. The reporters from upstairs had now chased after him down the stairs while those from the first floor chased after him up the stairs. But Zhang Ye totally ignored them. No matter how they took his pictures and asked questions, Zhang Ye just continued walking coldly. He turned the corner at the second floor. Firstly, he wanted to know the locations of all the reporters. Secondly, he wanted to check the route.


    About 20 minutester.


    A bunch of the reporters had surrounded Zhang Ye by now. They were joined by the others from the yard, this included a number of Zhang Yuanqi''s fans. After a day and a night, many of her fans had already left. But there were still some hardcore fans who had nothing better to do who stayed on.


    "Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    "Why is it you!?"


    "Teacher Zhang, why are you here?"


    "What''s going on between you and Sister Zhang!?"


    "Where is the Heavenly Queen? Is she in your room? Can you please exin?"


    "What the f**k!? The Heavenly Queen came to the motel to meet you? This�� this�� when did the two of you start?"


    "Teacher Zhang, please answer us!"


    The shes kept going off. It was no different from a press conference!


    Everyone was either questioning or taking pictures. This was already a mess now, many of the people who had seen Zhang Ye appear were in disbelief!


    Zhang Ye and Zhang Yuanqi?


    How can it be!? That was such a terrible match!


    Zhang Ye knew that he couldn''t exin himself but he also knew that he did not need to exin. He gave a smile and looked around at all the reporters. He then said something very puzzling, "Even if I told you, all of you wouldn''t know anything the next moment."


    "Eh?"


    "What did that mean?"


    "Teacher Zhang, please answer straightforwardly!"


    "What are you and the Heavenly Queen doing here? There''s no such coincidences!"


    Zhang Ye was not nervous at all. He was extraordinarily calm. He did not bother himself with these people and he lowered his head to open the game screen up. When the virtual game screen came up, he lightly tapped onto a button �� Load file!


    [ Reading Save�� ] [ Reading Completed�� ]

 Chapter 190: Prophetic Escape!

    <h4>Chapter 190: Prophetic Escape! </h4>


    Chapter 190: Prophetic Escape!


    ����


    It turned fuzzy all around him!


    The chattering noise from the reporters had disappeared suddenly!


    ����


    Room 318


    When Zhang Ye came back to his senses, the dizziness had gone away. He looked left and right, and he found himself back in the familiar room. It was back to the point when he had saved!


    "Still not leaving?" Zhang Yuanqi said behind him.


    Zhang Ye looked behind and said, "Let''s go together."


    Zhang Yuanqi frowned, "Didn''t you say that you were going to scout ahead?"


    "No need for that, let''s go. The faster the better!" Zhang Ye had already scouted. But he did so at a time that the Heavenly Queen and anyone else would never know of.


    Zhang Yuanqi didn''t say a word but she followed along.


    "Your heels." Zhang Ye lowered his head to look at the pair of beautiful red stiletto heels, "You can''t wear them, it will be too loud. Hold it in your hands?"


    Zhang Yuanqi bent down and removed her high heels.


    "Don''t move after I have opened the door. Follow my gestures ordingly." saying that, Zhang Ye proceeded to open the door but he did not step out. He took a coin out of his pocket and flicked it outside with his finger. Ta, ta, the coinnded on the corridor''s carpet and made a sound. It sounded like footstep sounds.


    The Heavenly Queen was about to open her mouth to ask, not knowing what was going on.


    The next moment, a door beside the escape stairway mmed open �� It was the middle-aged reporter who had discovered Zhang Ye previously. He came outside and looked around but he saw no one. Wondering aloud, he could only go back inside and shut the door.


    The soundproofing was not too good as they heard the conversation in the room.


    "What''s the matter, Brother Shao?"


    "Nothing, I thought there was someone there."


    "It''s already the middle of the night. There''s definitely nothing to expect anymore."


    "Right, I think the Heavenly Queen isn''t here, the chances are too slim."


    "Even if there''s a low probability, we have to keep watch. What if we really discover them, wouldn''t that be big news?"


    Making use of the time they were chatting, Zhang Ye signaled to the Heavenly Queen to move out into the corridor. Zhang Ye gestured for her to keep her head low as there were peep holes on the doors. It was safer to stay low.


    1 step��..


    10 steps��..


    The two of them made it to the stairway and walked down quietly.


    The Heavenly Queen holding her shoes asked, "How did you know that there were reporters in that room?"


    Zhang Ye quickly gestured, "Shh!"


    Zhang Yuanqi had a doubtful expression but she remained quiet.


    Zhang Ye did not say a word. He just quietly stayed at the second floor''s stairway and waited. He did not show himself or intend to walk forward.


    After about a minute.


    There was a sudden sound on the second floor''s corridor. It was the sound of someone stepping on a cigarette butt to extinguish it. A cough from a youth could be heard. Bang, the sound of the door closing, then silence.


    Zhang Yuanqi looked at Zhang Ye in surprise. She did not understand how Zhang Ye knew that there was someone there.


    Zhang Ye of course did not answer. When he saw that the Heavenly Queen wanted to go down the stairs, he grabbed her arm and shook his head. That wasn''t the right ce to go, it was full of people. Zhang Ye led the way in front as they walked onto the second floor''s corridor. Zhang Yuanqi looked on but she could only follow along.


    On the left were the rooms, the elevator and the entrance area.


    But on the right? There was only one room. The sign on it said that it was a staff room, a ce for the staff. ced outside of it was a broom and some unwashed bed linen sheets.


    "Why are we here?" the Heavenly Queen whispered softly.


    Zhang Ye said, "Open the door."


    "How do I open it?" the Heavenly Queen asked.


    "Just follow my instructions." Zhang Ye said.


    Zhang Ye walked to the side window. The windows here were the old metal wire grille type. He easily removed a few strands of wire from of it. After fiddling with it a bit with some fast hand movements, he made the wire into the length he wanted and proceeded to slot it into the staff room''s lock. Zhang Ye had eaten several of the lockpicking skill experience books before. It had really be of good use, it was really a case of having more skills without additional burden. It was unexpected that he could use this skill in such a critical moment. The motel''s other rooms were all unlocked with swipe cards. They were more high tech, the locks were operated digitally too. With Zhang Ye''s lockpicking skills, he wouldn''t be able to open those kinds of locks. But for the workers'' rooms, they were had the traditional locksets. Maybe it was more convenient for the staff to use a traditional lock and key.


    Ka-cha.


    The door was unlocked without much effort.


    The room was dark and of course, he did not switch on the lights. Staying hidden was of utmost priority.


    Zhang Ye had considered theyout and he knew that there wasn''t anyone in this room. It was a storeroom. He led Zhang Yuanqi with familiarity inside, then, he closed the door gently.


    Zhang Yuanqi looked at him, "That was pretty nifty."


    Zhang Ye said nervously, "I''m not that good."


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "I don''t think that this is your first time doing such things."


    "Hur Hur, I''m a man of many talents, you know that." Zhang Ye changed the subject and walked to the bed and pulled the curtainsaside, "Let''s go."


    Zhang Yuanqi narrowed her eyes and asked, "How?"


    Only at this moment did Zhang Ye inform her of the n, "We will not go to the first floor. There are many reporters waiting by the stairway. The entrance is out of the question too. There will be people at the elevator too. If we want to leave this ce, we will have to jump out of the window. This is the second floor, it''s not that high up. We are at the staff room and this side of the windows goes out to the back of the motel. That side is blocked by a metal fence, so no reporter can get in. If we go out from here, it would be the safest option. Moreover, no one has thought of going to the back to keep watch, because no one would be expecting that the famous Heavenly Queen to escape from the windows. In their minds, this is something that would never happen."


    Zhang Yuanqi frowned, "Jump through the window?"


    Zhang Ye assured her, "Don''t worry, it won''t be dangerous. I will go down first and catch you. You can slowly climb down, I will take care of your safety."


    Zhang Yuanqi shook her head without saying anything.


    "Quickly, if we don''t leave now, there won''t be another chance. Who cares about face now!?" Zhang Ye encouraged her, "I will definitely catch you!"


    Zhang Yuanqi gave him a skeptical look.


    Actually, Zhang Ye did not have any confidence too. The Heavenly Queen was not plump, but neither was she very light. She was rather tall so her weight couldn''t be that light. Zhang Ye thought about his arm strength which was rather lousy. But in this situation, this was the only way.


    Zhang Ye tugged at the windows, and did not wait for the Heavenly Queen''s agreement. Jumping onto the window sill, he stood there. Looking at the ground that wasn''t that far off, he flipped around and squatted down. With his hands against the window sill, he lowered himself bit by bit, before letting his body extend fully. He then let go.


    Smash!


    Hended on the ground!


    Zhang Ye did not manage to bnce himself and fell down. His legs were hurting. He only managed to stand up after a long while, looking embarrassed with a red face.


    Seeing Zhang Ye in this pathetic state, Zhang Yuanqi froze at the side of the window. She could only muster a coldugh and muttered something along the lines of �� A guy like you already took so much effort just to jump down, what do you expect from a femalerade like me?


    Zhang Ye whispered and signaled, "Hurry! I will catch you!"


    The Heavenly Queen said, "Think of another way."


    Zhang Ye pondered a little. To ask a woman to jump like this was indeed asking too much of her. She did not have the strength nor courage to do it. She was the Heavenly Queen after all, not a brute like Zhang Ye who could take a fall. After some thinking, Zhang Ye had an idea. He looked at the staff room on the first floor and with a lift, he stood on the window of the first floor. The window was not locked, so it allowed Zhang Ye to grab onto it. Then he looked up and faced the Heavenly Queen, saying, "Sister Zhang, youe down bit by bit. I''ll hold you, so there certainly won''t be any problems."


    There was a few seconds of hesitation from the top.


    Finally, Zhang Yuanqi''s figure appeared. Clearly, she had made up her mind. Her hand stretched out from the second floor''s window and handed her pair of high heels to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye tiptoed and after trying very hard, he grabbed the high heels. He then lowered his head and kept them properly.


    Zhang Yuanqi was already on the window sill. Her motions were not as smooth as Zhang Ye, but as a woman, it was already pretty fast. Without any hesitation, Zhang Yuanqi did the same motions Zhang Ye did.


    ����


    Behind the motel was the perimeter of a small district. It was also an out-of-the-way garden, filled with grass.


    Zhang Ye did not need to pick the lock. A nce was enough to tell that the lock had rusted due to years of disuse. With a hard push, the rusty lock fell apart.


    "You go first. I''ll circle around the district and drive the car to pick you up."


    After saying that, he wore his sunsses. After he circled around and entered the small district, he noticed that there were still many people waiting by the motel''s entrance. They did not notice that someone hade in from behind. They clearly didn''t realize that the Heavenly Queen would escape from the windows. Besides, Zhang Ye had even used a "Save" item in order to prevent any mishaps. Carry on waiting, guys. Zhang Ye ignored them. He went to the parking lot to pick his car up and drove off. He did not attract the attention of others. Even if others saw his car, they would not have recognized him. After all, Zhang Ye was not as famous as Zhang Yuanqi. It was not at the level where he was ced under a microscope.


    ����


    Outside.


    It was already midnight, the roads were deserted.


    Zhang Ye drove over to the trees where Zhang Yuanqi was waiting. After pulling over, the Heavenly Queen quickly got into the car and closed the door.


    Whew!


    They were finally out!


    Zhang Ye breathed a sigh of relief, "Are you hurt?"


    "I''m okay."


    "Where are you going?"


    "Beicheng, just stop me at the Lishui Bridge. Someone wille and fetch me."


    Zhang Yuanqi was probably tired as she shut her eyes for a nap. The past two days had taken its toll on her and Zhang Ye.


    ����


    They reached the venue.


    The Heavenly Queen took Zhang Ye''s almost t phone and contacted her management through the inte. The car stopped and she got off. She sat on a bench at the roadside to wait.


    Zhang Ye did not leave. Instead, he parked at a distance and waited for her to leave safely. Otherwise, he wouldn''t be at ease.


    A few minutester, a luxury car that Zhang Ye had seen before but could not put a name to stopped in front of Zhang Yuanqi. The Heavenly Queen stood up and got into the car. Looking through the ss, there were two women in the car. Upon seeing the Heavenly Queen, they began their chattering, one looking like she was at a loss whether tough or cry, another looking like she was bearing a grudge. They looked super anxious. Whereas Zhang Yuanqi''s face was full of smiles, she spoke very calmly with them.


    He couldn''t hear them, so he did not know what they were talking about.


    But when Zhang Ye was preparing to drive off, he suddenly noticed that Zhang Yuanqi had raised her hand while in the luxury car''s back seat. She did not turn her head but it was obvious that her hands were waving. In the end, she put it down without attracting the attention of her assistants.


    Was she saying goodbye to me?


    Zhang Ye smiled. He felt that the rtionship between him and Zhang Yuanqi had be even moreplicated. It could be said that they had be closer, at least, they could now be considered friends.


    They were stuck together, in the same room, and slept on the same bed together. They escaped together and he gave her a shoulder ride. They even nearly created a scandal together.


    All these images floated in front of Zhang Ye. After the storm passed, a feeling of warmth took over. Especially thatst wave from Zhang Yuanqi. It was like a farewell gesture between two soldiers-in-arms who had battled for two days. It made Zhang Ye feel that the Heavenly Queen''s indifferent bad temper to be not as irritating as before.


    Good temper?


    Bad temper?


    A lot of people who hated Zhang Ye scolded him, saying that his temper was as bad as a hooligan''s. But those who really knew and understood Zhang Ye did not feel that his temper was bad at all.


    It was just a matter of perception.

 Chapter 191: Teacher Little Zhang joins the Film Crew!

    <h4>Chapter 191: Teacher Little Zhang joins the Film Crew! </h4>


    Chapter 191: Teacher Little Zhang joins the Film Crew!


    The next day.


    Morning.


    The wind was getting stronger as it blew across the windows and made ghostly howls.


    After waking up and showering, Zhang Ye received a message. It was sent from Zhang Yuanqi''s number. Without mentioning the subject, she only sent him an address. It was the address of the outskirts of Beijing where the movie studios were located. The message also included a telephone number as well as a time. There were two words beside the telephone number �� Assistant Director. As for the time, it was indicated as before 4 in the afternoon. The Heavenly Queen must have arranged it and meant for him to report there.


    It was still early, so Zhang Ye went online to research on the movie. Although the filming was not over yet nor was it about to be screened, some information were already avable before the premiere. The movie was called "The Great Pugilistic World". It was probably not a movie from Zhang Ye''s world, anyway he had never heard of this title before. The movie synopsis was about a youth in ancient times whose parents were killed. He dragged partners along with him, traversing Wudang and beating Shaolin to avenge them. It was the stereotypical revenge genre movie. Of course, that was how the online summary was written. As for the details, he was not sure either.


    Zhang Ye set off in the afternoon. He did not drive as he knew that he would be with the filming crew for the next few days. He did not know where they would be headed to anyway, driving would instead be inconvenient. He packed some clothes along and took a cab to a bus depot. From there, he took a long distance bus to the destination.


    ����


    In the suburbs.


    At a certain movie studio.


    It was a little deserted and cheap looking here. Zhang Ye looked around for a full day before he walked a distance and found the studio. This ce was usually open. It could be considered as a tourist destination for visitors. But most of the time, like today, the studios were shut off to the public. The outside was densely packed with cars. It was estimated that there were about two or three filming crews inside so it was not considered a small ce.


    He reached the gates.


    "Who are you?" a crew member looked at him.


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m here to take part in the shoot for ''The Great Pugilistic World''."


    The crew member waved his hand, "If you don''t have a pass, you aren''t allowed in. I''m sorry."


    Zhang Ye was annoyed, he could only make a call to the deputy director with the number in the message. He was probably busy as no one answered at first. It might have been put on silent mode. Zhang Ye smoked a cigarette before trying again 10 minutester. This time, the call was answered, "Hello, Assistant Director, I am Zhang Ye. Sister Zhang asked me to contact you."


    "Zhang Ye? Oh, I remember. Hello."


    "I''ve already reached the outside of the movie studios, but they won''t let me in. What do you say?"


    "Alright, wait there for a while. I''ve work to attend to so I can''t leave here. I will get someone to bring you in."


    After a short while, a 40 to 50-year-old man came outside. He had a simple face and looked very honest. But he had shifty eyes which made him look rather dishonest at the same time. It felt like they were eyes of a thief. Zhang Ye saw him and found him to be quite familiar looking. He had a rather good memory and somehow felt like he had seem him on TVst week at his parents'' house. He had a minor role on a TV serial. It was a city life drama. If he was not wrong, this man was acting as the main character''s good friend''s father. Zhang Ye did not understand this world''s dramas, he had only watched a few. But it was a coincidence that he had seen those few scenes before and the man was standing right in front of him. He was rather good and could act in a funny role.


    "Zhang Ye?" Yao Jiancai walked towards him.


    Zhang Ye reached out his hand, "That''s me, and you are?"


    Yao Jiancai smiled and shook his hands, "I am Yao Jiancai, you may call me Old Yao. The deputy director asked me toe fetch you."


    Yao Jiancai?


    Biting Building Materials? (literally tranted)


    Hearing this name, you would know immediately this person couldn''t be young.


    "Yo, that''s too much trouble for you." Zhang Ye smiled. "I''ve watched your shows before. Your acting was really good, you totally brought out the happiness with that role of a father."


    Maybe Yao Jiancai did not expect someone to know him as he had been acting for many years but remained obscure. He was forever a member of the supporting cast, so heughed and said, "Not too bad, not too bad." After that, he passed a staff card to him and they both strutted into the studio. Then, Yao Jiancai spoke with the air of a veteran to Zhang Ye, "Little Zhang ah, you are a newbie? I''ve been acting for so many years and I''ve never heard of you?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "You can say that."


    "Looking at you. You must''ve just graduated? From Beijing Film Academy? Majored in performing arts?" Yao Jiancai asked.


    Zhang Ye said briefly, "Beijing Broadcasting Institute"


    Only did Yao Jiancai made an oh sound, "Broadcasting, the Drama Film and Television faculty there isn''t too bad, but the best faculty there is still Radio Broadcast Studies faculty, yea��." After saying that, he lowered his voice and said, "I only heard about it today morning, the director had arranged a pretty good supporting role for you. There are a few fight scenes and several lines for you. Your surname is Zhang? Is that Producer Zhang your dad? Eh, can''t be. You don''t look alike. Oh, are you the Deputy Director''s rtive?" Old Yao looked like an honest man, but he spoke without any propriety and felt like an old cker.


    Zhang Ye said, "No, I don''t know anyone from the film crew."


    Yao Jiancai said wonderingly, "Then that''s weird. This movie can be considered quite a big production, they wouldn''t use a newbie in it. You are a lucky kid, getting this job just after graduation. Even a Beijing Film Academy Performing Arts major would usually need to go through six months or a year''s worth of hardship and they still might not even be able to get a role. Even if they did, they can only get a minor role, hur hur. You better grab hold of this opportunity. People like us who don''t have looks or outstanding features, if we want to survive in this industry, we have to take every chance. If you don''t know something, you can ask me."


    Old Yao was very sociable, he would say whatever he thought and didn''t take Zhang Ye to be an outsider. This made Zhang Ye smile wryly but he could tell thatrade Old Yao was very nice to him, "Thanks, Uncle Yao."


    "What Uncle Yao, call me Old Yao!"


    "OK, Old Yao, Hur Hur."


    "That''s how it should be, don''t be modest with me. Stay around me in the future, we will have good food and wine together!"


    After exchanging a few words, the old and the young duo were already putting arms to shoulders. Zhang Ye rather liked him, he realized that Old Yao was simr to him. His words did not carry too much meaning, so there was nothing to be on guard for.


    The movie studio was very big.


    How big was it? It was very big!


    A construction set from the 60s or 70s, a set from the Republic of China years, a town set of the ancient times. The sets ced side by side made one dizzy from seeing them.


    He reached where the filming crew of "The Great Pugilistic World" was.


    The camera seemed to have stopped rolling, a few actors who were wearing ancient costumes were seated by the corner, drinking water. Director Jiang was facing them and exining the scene and giving some pointers. Over the other side, was a crew in charge of setyout. There were many people, numbering around 30 to 40 people.


    "Assistant Director, I''ve brought the person here," Yao Jiancai said.


    The assistant director looked at Zhang Ye, then walked over to greet, "Teacher Zhang, you''re here? The script has been prepared, please take a look at your lines. I will get someone to do your makeup for you."


    Zhang Ye took the script, "Okay."


    The assistant director said worriedly, "There''s a fight scene, so there''s a possibility you might get hurt, you��?"


    "I will follow your arrangements, I''m okay with anything." Zhang Ye agreed without hesitation.


    Teacher Zhang?


    What Teacher?


    Yao Jiancai was stunned as he did not understand.


    At this moment, a crew staff''s eye lit up. He quickly took a book over, "Teacher Zhang, I''ve been waiting for you the whole day. I knew you wereing, so I had my book and pen ready. Can I have your autograph?" His ent was that of a Beijing local, so obviously, he knew who Zhang Ye was.


    "Sure." Zhang Ye did not say much and signed it for him.


    "Aiyo, isn''t this Teacher Little Zhang?" a girl who had a minor role as suggested by her costume, came running over, "You are here for the filming too? Why didn''t anyone tell me. My dad and mum are super fans of yours. I see them watching ''Lecture Room'' everyday when I go home. They even said that the new lecture can''t bepared to yours, so they don''t intend to watch it anymore. They keep bugging me to download your collection of ''Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms''."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Thanks to your dad and mum for their support."


    "Come, let''s have a photo together," said the girl.


    "Alright." Zhang Ye stood shoulder to shoulder with her.


    The girl took out her phone and snapped a picture before going back to memorize her script.


    Director Jiang also saw Zhang Ye but didn''t say much. He could be considered as a second tier director in the country and even that would make him more well known than Zhang Ye. He was only a minor character, so he didn''t need to be too bothered about him. He definitely needed to ede to Zhang Yuanqi''s request, but Zhang Ye was not that big a star for him prioritize him. Zhang Ye did have some fame in Beijing but not in other ces. For the movie that Director Jiang was directing, the main leads and supporting cast were all easily more well-known than Zhang Ye. They were at minimum B-List or C-List celebrities. This was why Director Jiang did not bother too much about Zhang Ye, he was just doing the Heavenly Queen a favor by arranging a role for him. That was all there was to it.


    And so, the others were confused.


    A change of profession often meant a different field of knowledge. They were not in the same profession as Zhang Ye from the beginning. With the fact that most of the film crew were not living in Beijing as they had to travel all around the country for filming, most of the people there did not know Zhang Ye or where he was from.


    Yao Jiancai was one of them, he was dazed.


    Wasn''t Little Zhang a newbie? Why did some people want his autograph and have photos together?


    Thinking of the time when he first joined the film crew, only a cleaning auntie liked his shows and had asked him for an autograph. He did not get such V.I.P. treatment!


    "Little Yan." Yao Jiancai strolled around to the girl''s side, "Who is this Zhang Ye?"


    The girl said doubtfully, "Uncle Yao, don''t you live in Beijing, how can you not know who he is?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "I''ve been away to the south for filming for the past few months. I don''t use the inte either, I don''t get things like new technology anyways because of my age."


    The girlughed, "If you want to know about Zhang Ye''s deeds, I don''t think I can finish telling you about them today. In any case, he is very famous in Beijing. He has written novels, done radio hosting, TV hosting, been a lecturer, produced a public service advertisement and can match couplets. Especially in the field of poetry and scolding people, Teacher Zhang Ye is unbeatable. After the live broadcast incident recently, Teacher Zhang Ye already has no opponents left!" It could be said that she was very familiar about Zhang Ye''s deeds, so she exined it briefly to Yao Jiancai.


    Scolding a colleague on Weibo!


    Scolding his unit at the Silver Microphone Awards!


    Scolding the Writers'' Association at the coupletpetition!


    Scolding a leader during a live broadcast on television!


    After hearing all of that, Yao Jiancai was immediately stunned to the heavens!


    F**k! This Teacher Little Zhang��.is such a talent!

 Chapter 192: Zhang Ye’s Real and Fake Kung Fu!

    <h4>Chapter 192: Zhang Ye��s Real and Fake Kung Fu! </h4>


    Chapter 192: Zhang Ye''s Real and Fake Kung Fu!


    The movie studio.


    At a tiny corner, on a row of benches.


    Zhang Ye was sitting there reading the script. It contained the lines for his role. It was simple, just a few lines. The difficulty was in the fight scenes. To Zhang Ye, who was filming for the first time, this was a challenge.


    But he believed that he could do it well. As Zhang Ye always said, confidence was very important. If you did not believe in yourself, then you will lose confidence and as a result, you will not be able to do it. Because you had already lost half the battle before you fought it. This was a very intriguing thing, if you had the confidence, then you would surely be able to do it! This was not bullshit, nor was it scaremongering. In the field of psychology, there had been studies on it. A plebeian could never be a rich handsome person? It was only fantasy? It was definitely not the case! So what if he was a plebeian? So what if a plebeian was weak and ugly? As long as one firmly believed in one''s sess, as long as one firmly believed that he could do it, then there would be a day that he would be��an extremely confident weak and ugly plebeian!


    "Little Zhang!" Yao Jiancai came over.


    Zhang Ye kept his script, "Hey, what''s the matter?"


    Yao Jiancai said in a speechless manner, "Didn''t you say you were a rookie?"


    "But I am a rookie," Zhang Ye said with his eyes blinking.


    Only then did Yao Jiancai realize that since Zhang Ye had never acted in movies, he was indeed aplete neer in the filming industry. "I only just got to know that you are pretty famous in Beijing."


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "It''s nothing. I can''tpare with you."


    This was not him being modest. If he were to reallypete with Yao Jiancai in fame, despite always being a supporting character, how many shows had Yao Jiancai acted in over all those years? He did have some fame in the country. Well, although it was not that much, he was much better than Zhang Ye who was only known in the Beijing circles. At least he was not as "limited".


    "Fine," Yao Jiancaiughed, "In Beijing, there are definitely more people who know you than me. Nice, you are promising. You can evenpose poems?"


    "Nothing serious, " Zhang Ye said.


    After hearing of Zhang Ye''s deeds, Yao Jiancai increasingly found that Zhang Ye''s attitude matched his appetite. He sat beside Zhang Ye and put his arms around his shoulder, "Quickly tell me the process of how you smacked the face of your television station''s Leader. Haha, it was to the point of every television station in the country not daring to hire you? Forcing you to act? Kid, you sure are impressive! You are so frisky! Not bad, not bad. You have a bit of my style like me back in the day!"


    "You also did something like that?"


    "No?"


    "Then what was that about your style?"


    "Hai, it was just an analogy."


    "��"


    The old and young duo had gotten close through their chatting. They even exchanged telephone numbers and were like old pals.


    Suddenly, a stout man in his thirties walked over. He was the film crew''s martial arts director. He looked very strong and it was clear at a nce that he practiced kung fu. "Which one of you is Zhang Ye?"


    "I am." Zhang Ye stood up with the script in hand.


    The martial arts director nced at him and said with a speechless manner, "You are acting as young hero Chen?"


    This was Zhang Ye''s role. He nodded, "That''s right."


    The martial arts director sized him up and then squeezed his arms. After some evaluation, he turned and left without saying a word. He went directly to the Assistant Director, "Assistant Director, are you sure you didn''t make a mistake? That Zhang Ye is acting as young hero Chen? He won''t do as young hero Chen. He''s small in size and his attacks would look weak like a girl''s. You can''t get a substitute for a supporting actor. And even if you looked for one, no one is suitable. How are we to film?"


    The Assistant Director looked at him and said, "If you think he won''t do, then train him well. Teach him the motions. The role has been decided, so there won''t be any changes. The rest is your job."


    The martial arts director said, "But I can''t make something out of nothing. Let''s not talk about his looks, just his physique is terrible. It will have an adverse effect on the filming."


    The two began to quarrel.


    Zhang Ye felt helpless. Man, he had been looked down upon on the first day of filming.


    Finally, the martial arts director came back without any sess. He looked at Zhang Ye and said with a sense of powerlessness, "Have you filmed a martial arts scene before?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head.


    The martial arts director asked, "Have you acted before?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head again.


    The martial arts director said, "Have you practiced dancing before?"


    Zhang Ye still shook his head.


    The martial arts director pped himself in the forehead. Man, he was useless on all fronts!


    This movie had quite arge investment and was considered a medium torge production, hence the requirements of the actors were very high. It was not like low-cost martial arts movies where a punch or kick would do. If they did so, people would dieughing at them. Hence, the actors they found had some foundation in martial arts or had acted in martial arts movies. Even the main lead could not be too shabby. He had to have the arms and the figure. Furthermore, a substitute could be used for the main lead, but how could one find a substitute for a supporting actor?


    The martial arts director had a headache.


    Yao Jiancai was the funny fellow in the film crew, so he could easily speak with anyone. "Thisd is my good friend, please take care of him."


    The martial arts director said, "Uncle Yao, young hero Chen has quite a few scenes in the movie. It''s at least a minute and half of screen time. There are quite a lot of advanced movements required, but he��"


    Zhang Ye summoned his courage and said, "Why don''t we try it out?"


    The martial arts director found a sword and passed it to him, "Wave the sword twice for me to see."


    Zhang Ye took it over and immediately felt high-spirited. With a flick of his wrist, he caused sword beams to flicker in the air��Alright, those were just adjectives with artistic embellishment. Actually he just waved the sword in the air. This was a real sword and due to the soft nature of a sword, this shake of the sword nearly stabbed Yao Jiancai.


    Yao Jiancai was so scared out of his wits that he retreated a few steps, "Take it easy, bro."


    The martial arts director then instructed Zhang Ye to do a few other actions. However, when Zhang Ye followed his instructions, it was still a mismatch. His person and the sword were not well-coordinated. There was no elegance, nor was there any forcefulness. It had the mood of an "old farmer crossing the river", and the old farmer was one that did not know how to swim.


    "Learn from me!"


    "Alright."


    "Follow my demonstration. This way. Your wrist has to be straight. Your lower body has to be stable. No swaying!"


    "This way? Will this do?"


    "Aiyah, what do you mean will this do!? Are you practicing aerobics?"


    After a long period of back and forth, the martial arts director could no longer endure it. He got another supporting actor. It was easy to tell that this person had probably practiced martial arts in the past. The martial arts director let the actor demonstrate to Zhang Ye as well as attempt a fighting scene. However, Zhang Ye, who was aplete rookie, was unable to match the actor. Either his lines did not match or his martial arts motions werecking. The actor was feeling quite vexed in the end.


    The acting elsewhere had finished filming. Quite a few people had noticed themotion here. Many people were amused by Zhang Ye''s "clumsy-handed" swordy.


    "Hur Hur.."


    "What is this?"


    "We can film this? Are we even filming a wuxia movie?"


    "His actions are quite strong. I couldn''t tell that he had so much strength? It looks like his kicks are quite forceful too, but..it''s just not pretty. It''s too ugly."


    "So what if he''s famous in Beijing. He''s not cut out for acting."


    "Don''t spout irresponsible words. Do you think Teacher Zhang is like the bunch of you who are veterans in this circle? Teacher Zhang is a learned man. To think you ridicule him? I''m telling you. Even if our entire filming crew''s literary ability isbined together, we are still inferior to Teacher Zhang!"


    "Every industry has its specialists."


    "We aren''t mocking him, but we are after all in acting, and notpeting in literature."


    With the filming done, they could switch locations. So the moment there was a break, more people gathered around. Some were here to join in the fun, while others were well-meaning and tried to give some advice.


    The actress who had taken a picture with Zhang Ye said, "Should we try changing a few actions? The ones before are indeed too difficult. Even professional martial arts actors would have difficulties doing them."


    The martial arts director sighed, "It''s already been decided. If we are changing it, we need to redo the choreography. There''s no time left. The Director has said that we are wrapping up in two days, so where do we have the time?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "When is Zhang Ye''s part?"


    The assistant director also looked over, "It will be tonight. We will be driving to a new location. It''s a monastery."


    "Tonight? Then he wouldn''t be able to make it in time even if he practices for a few days." Yao Jiancai began to worry for Zhang Ye.


    The person who was most angry was Zhang Ye himself. When had this fellow ever been so embarrassed. So many people were watching him? They were pointing at him? His face was slightly red. However, he did not believe his actions were in anyway not up to mark. In terms of swordy and kicking, he had done it properly, but these people did not agree to it. They believed Zhang Ye was not up to standard. Why? It was because this was filming for a movie. It was all about the effects and the beauty of fighting. It cared about style. The martial arts director and the other actors who practiced martial arts since they were young definitely had some foundation, but it was at most just a bit. Don''t look at their muscles, if they really began fighting, Zhang Ye believed he could beat all them himself without breaking a sweat. And this was if he was unable to use the Taiji Fist.


    This wasn''t an exaggeration.


    What did Zhang Ye know?


    Taekwondo and Taiji Fist!


    One was a foreign fighting style! Another was a traditional Chinese martial art!


    Be it the former ortter, these kung fu were ultimately used to suppress one''s enemy. Each punch and kick was the real deal and not just a pretty act. It was no joke. But what did they care about when filming a martial arts film? It was the coolness and stylishness. Every movement had to be be wide and open. If they could do it, they would somersault in the air dozens of times before sending a kick towards their enemy. This was what they felt was awesome!


    But from Zhang Ye''s point of view, that was being a retard!


    If you were to do all this cool stuff while somersaulting in midair, an enemy would have sent you flying with a kick. There were too many ws!


    However, this was the difference between industries. Zhang Ye did not look down on others because he knew some kung fu. He knew that in other people''s territory and domain, he had to listen to them. This martial arts director was a professional. This was not a problem of knowing kung fu. If a master who had practiced in Chinese martial arts came to direct, it would be unknown what the oue of the movie would be. The actions would probably be unsightly!


    Zhang Ye still maintained a heart of humility. He practiced and learned from the martial arts director. He tried to adapt as much as possible to this "martial arts act" that seemed retarded to him.

 Chapter 193: Fighting with Monks!

    <h4>Chapter 193: Fighting with Monks! </h4>


    Chapter 193: Fighting with Monks!


    In the outskirts.


    The setting sun was nearing the Western horizon.


    The film crew traveled long distance by car before they finally stopped at the foot of a mountain. About thirty people disembarked from a coach bus and three trucks that were filled with props.


    There was no official written name for this mountain. The locals only called it Little Qingshan as there was a Qingshan monastery on the top of the mountain. Beijing''sndscape was definitely iparable to locations that had beautiful naturalndscapes in the South. However, Little Qingshan was an exception. The scenery was pleasant and the monastery was very popr. Many people woulde here annually to burn incense and worship. Of course, there were even more filming crews like them who came to film.


    This was no ordinary ce.


    Little Qingshan was very famous. Qingshan Monastery was also very famous.


    If one wanted to ask which was the highest mountain here? Everyone would definitely point in one direction. Well, the Xiangshan mountain was a few kilometers away.


    If one asked which was the most popr monastery around here? The locals would definitely point in one direction. Well, the Xiangshan Zhao Monastery was a few kilometers away.


    If you asked what had the Little Qingshan had to do with Xiangshan?


    Or ask what Qingshan Monastery had to do with the Zhao Monastery?


    Well, actually these ces have no rtion at all. Let''s change topics!


    The main lead did note. He had no scenes to film today so he had gone back to rest. Director Jiang walked in front and spoke to a few important supporting actors about the scene. The Assistant Director was in charge of the prop cement. Stage management was the busiest in the filming crew. Not only did they need to busily prepare items, they had to pick up people, collect food boxes and take on the role of drivers. For such a change of filming locations that was not that far away, they still had to transport the items. Heaps of equipment were unloaded by a few stage management crew and employees. Then they transported it up the mountain. Ignoring the swords, sabers, and poles, even the few cameras were not easily transported.


    The stairs went up high. It looked like a hundred meters and it extended upwards in a winding fashion.


    "Little Zhang, hurry, give your old bro a hand!" After about a dozen steps, Yao Jiancai was already panting. Hisrge belly was trembling and it looked like he was having a hard time.


    Zhang Ye supported him, "Your physical fitness iscking."


    Yao Jiancai bragged, "Back in the day, your old bro was a representative for the school''s physical education sses. I''m not in a good state today. It has been a day of filming, if not, just climbing a few hundred meters would be like child''s y." After a few pants, he said, "Don''t you say me. Just from the few martial arts move you did, you aren''t any better than me!"


    Zhang Ye smiled without saying a word. Neither did he exin.


    Halfway up the mountain, Director Jiang waved his hand and shouted. "Stop. Let''s set up the cameras here. Props too!"


    Everyone began to busy themselves. There was a scene along the mountainside. Clearly, they were prepared to film here. This scene was precisely where Zhang Ye''s role of "Young hero Chen" would appear.


    The Assistant Director asked worriedly, "Teacher Zhang, will you manage?"


    How could Zhang Ye say no as he firmly said, "I''ve no problems. We can beginning filming anytime." He had not taken off his costume. He got a sword from the props and was prepared to act.


    The martial arts director was standing by the side, "What do you mean you have no problems. Just that move of yours isn''t up to standard. Hai, you should practice before the cameras begin rolling. When the cameras begin rolling, wasting a scene is wasting money. If the Director is unhappy, he will definitely swap you out." He was cold on the outside but warm on the inside. Although he kept saying how Zhang Ye wascking, he was still sparing no effort to help Zhang Ye do it well.


    Zhang Ye began practicing.


    "Teacher Zhang, all the best."


    "Right, practice more is all you need. It''s not difficult."


    A few people from Beijing, who knew Zhang Ye, cheered him on.


    In their hearts, Zhang Ye was a very mighty figure. In the literary field, he was an invincible person with no rivals in Beijing. Unfortunately, he was banned by the television stations, so he was unable to showcase his prowess. In the end, he had to film a movie, and it was a martial arts one. In their opinion, this was clearly something Zhang Ye wascking in. Although they could see that Zhang Ye was slowly progressing, his actions were still not beautiful. A few knew that this was hard on Teacher Zhang. He was a literary schr who did literature. It was a bit too much for him to brandish swords and swing staffs.


    However, there were people in the filming crew who looked down on Zhang Ye.


    "Don''t bite off more than you chew."


    "We will definitely be wasting some filmter. Sigh."


    "Isn''t this causing a problem? We are all waiting to knock off after work. If he dys it, who knows what time the filming will end today."


    "Forget it. Refrain from saying so much. It''s not easy."


    A short whileter, a few machinery were ready after a few adjustments.


    Director Jiang sat beside Machine #1, "Alright, let''s begin!"


    The viin character that was acting with Zhang Ye came over. He was carrying a sword and stood at his designated position.


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath and walked over too. He stood at the spot the martial arts director indicated to him. Everything was ready.


    With amand from Director Jiang, the cameras began rolling!


    "Young hero Chen?" The viin looked to be on guard.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said his lines, "My surname is Chen, but I don''t deserve the title young hero."


    After a few words were exchanged, the two began fighting. Zhang Ye''s role was that of a helper of the main lead. The fighting scene was directly recorded. There should have been some scenes of young hero Chen before this, but it was likely to be filmed in the future. Films were seldom recorded ording to the plot''s order.


    There was closebat!


    Saber beams and sword shadows!


    This scene originally would have Zhang Ye take his enemy''s life within ten moves.


    At the second move, Zhang Ye followed the established movement and blocked with his sword. Then he kicked out ording to the choreography created by the martial arts director. However, this kick of his was too urate. There was no other way about it as Zhang Ye knew kung fu. The skills he obtained from the books were too entrenched, so it was not that easy to deviate from it. His kick had aimed for the viin''s vital spot. This was a reflexive movement of Zhang Ye, and he knew things would be bad if he really made the kick. Hence, he quickly diverted it, and reduced his strength. But with the viin shing the sword over, he "shed" onto Zhang Ye''s shoulder!


    "Cut!" Director Jiang said angrily.


    The Assistant Director also said, "Why didn''t you follow the choreography?"


    The viin smacked his lips, "Teacher Zhang, your kick should have been lower, then will you be at an advantage with a lowered stance. How can you be shed by me?"


    Zhang Ye was thinking that if he had not lessened his strength, you would have been sent flying by this bro''s kick. How would you even sh me? That was nonsense! However, he did not say a word. As this was not a real fight and just filming a movie, it was indeed true that Zhang Ye was in the wrong.


    Following that, the cameras began rolling again.


    Once��


    Twice��


    Thrice��


    Zhang Ye followed the choreography this time. However, he kept feeling that the actions were too weird, nor could there be any strength in them. His limbs were all soft. He was unsatisfied with it. Naturally, Director Jiang would not agree to these takes!


    "What are you doing!" Director Jiang''s temper was quite bad. In an annoyed manner, he said, "Do you even know how to fight? You can''t even do this tiny bit of actions? Is this very difficult?"


    F**k!


    And you are actually yelling at me?


    Two knife-wielding burrs who were fighting me with their lives had been taken down by me! I can''t fight?


    Zhang Ye stared at him. Those who knew him knew that this fellow''s temper was much worse than Director Jiang''s. He refused to submit to anyone!


    The Assistant Director smoothed things over, "Teacher Zhang is an intellectual. He will definitely be slightlycking in fighting scenes."


    Having recalled that this person was rmended by Zhang Yuanqi, Director Jiang sighed, "Let''s do another take."


    However, many of the crew had their objections. Zhang Ye was too useless in their eyes. There were still several scenester on. They still needed to go up the mountain. How long would this filming take?


    At this moment, five people came down the mountain!


    "Who are you?"


    "Who allowed you to gather here?"


    "The monastery is a serene ce! Please leave immediately!"


    It was a few bald monks. They were dressed in robes and held poles in their hand. They did not look weing.


    They had already set up the lighting and it was easy to tell at a nce. The Assistant Director was stunned, "Little masters, we had informed your abbot a month ago that we would be filming this month. Our sponsorship fees and rted contracts have been drawn up. You just need to ask your abbot."


    Everyone no longer had time to show disdain at Zhang Ye''s uselessness. Instead, they looked at the few monks.


    A monk looked cold as he clenched his pole tightly, "Half a month ago, our abbot was changed! Now, unauthorized people are prohibited from entry!"


    Zhang Ye felt speechless hearing this.


    The abbot had changed? When did monasteries engage inpetition for higher positions?


    The Assistant Director said with a frown, "But we have already decided on it. This scene is very important. We can''t not have this scene. We will just film for a day and will be gone tomorrow."


    The young monk said fiercely, "Not even an hour! Leave immediately!"


    A few young monks surrounded them and blocked the path uphill.


    Yao Jiancai said, "Where is your abbot? Please call him here. We will discuss it with him."


    "The abbot is meditating! It''s inconvenient for him to receive others!" The young monk seemed imprable. His expression was also arrogant. He looked down on them, "I''m giving you ten seconds! Leave immediately!"


    Ten seconds?


    It wasn''t even enough to move their equipment!


    Director Jiang was also annoyed, "Bring us to your abbot!"


    The young monk stared at him, "Didn''t you hear what I said? The abbot is meditating! There is still six seconds remaining! Are you leaving? We can help you leave!"


    Monks were so fierce?


    What sort of monks were these!?


    The filming crew was extremely annoyed!


    "How can you be so fierce!? So what if we don''t leave!?"


    "What would you do? Will you use your poles to beat us?"


    "Having gone to so many monasteries, I have never seen such unreasonable monks! Come! Try and hit me! I want to see how you are helping us leave!"


    Ten seconds were up!


    The young monk did not say an additional word and mmed down with his pole. With a crashing sound, a bulb was shattered. Even the lighting frame crashed down and rolled down the mountain. It nearly even swept Zhang Ye off his feet, who had not provoked anyone!


    Zhang Ye''s gaze turned cold.


    The other filming crew members were also outraged, "What are you doing!"


    Another older monk in his twenties also brandished his pole and was about to smash the camera!


    At this moment, the martial arts director stood forward. With a sword from the props, he charged. Ding! He had shed with the pole, but before he could make his next move, the young monk had flicked his pole and hit the martial arts director''s stomach, sending him flying!


    "Ah!" The martial arts director rolled down the stairs!


    An actor and two stage management crew happened to be just below. They hurriedly caught him, stabilizing him. If he carried on rolling down, even if he did not die, he would be left half-dead. There were still tens of meters of stairs!

 Chapter 194: Zhang Ye’s Taiji Fist 1 vs 4!

    <h4>Chapter 194: Zhang Ye��s Taiji Fist 1 vs 4! </h4>


    Chapter 194: Zhang Ye''s Taiji Fist 1 vs 4!


    On Little Qingshan.


    The filming crew began cursing!


    "You dare hit someone?"


    "You smashed our things?"


    "Have you monks gone crazy?"


    "Call the police! Isn''t this a society that is ruled byw?"


    "You''re from the monastery, we respected you. We''ve already discussed it with you all earlier, but now you just want to take back your word like this? Even hitting our people?"


    "This is too unreasonable!"


    "All of you, what kind of people are you! And you call yourselves monks?"


    Aren''t monks supposed to bepassionate? Ah? What if our people fell off just now! He would had fallen to his death! You guys tried to push him to his death?"


    With themotion, many people had now gathered around!


    The few young monks looked at them without batting an eyelid, "We already told you to leave immediately! You guys did not listen! So don''t me us for for not being weing!


    Another young monk said, "We will say it once more! Are you leaving? Ah?" their faces were full of malice!


    A stuntman stepped forward, "So what if we don''t leave!"


    Before he could even finish the sentence, another young monk had already attacked. With a wave of his pole, it hit the stuntman on his face. Pu! The stuntman flew sideways horizontally. That showed how much strength was put into that hit!


    "Little Zhao!"


    "Holy fuck!"


    "This gang of bald donkeys!"


    That hit showed everyone the group of monks were not in the mood for discussion. They did not bother about what had been discussed nor did they have eyes for thew. If they wanted to beat you, they will beat you! It also made them understand that even though their group numbered around 30 people, they were totally outmatched by the group of monks. Initially, they felt that since most of them had some training before and with so many years of filming martial arts movies, they''d be able to deal with these few monks! But the facts had proven that their martial arts were all just fancy moves. The martial arts director could not even take two hits before being blown away. Those stuntmen with over 10 years of experience like Little Zhao were not even able to strike. Though the monks were a little underhanded by striking first without warning, even in a fair duel, the monks were still one better than the other! It was different from this bunch of actors with their fancy moves. The monks had real weapons on hand and had trained from young in the monastery!


    Fancy moves versus real skills!


    With just an exchange of blows, the oue had been decided!


    Director Jiang did not bother about the equipment. Instead he ran over to the fallen stuntman and asked, "Little Zhao, how are you? Are you alright?"


    Little Zhao bitterly spat out the blood in his mouth, "I''m fine!"


    The Assistant Director said in a panic, "Director Jiang, a wise man does not fight when the odds are against him, let''s��.."


    Director Jiang clenched his teeth and hesitated a moment. Just as he was about tomand everyone to head down the mountain, the monks did not even wait and tried to strike another camera with a pole!


    The girl who had asked for a photo with Zhang Ye was standing nearby. She suddenly threw herself in front of the camera, "If you want to hit, you have to hit me first!"


    "Little Yan!"


    "Sister Yan!"


    "Little Yan,e back here!"


    "Are you or the machine more important?"


    "Stop! You even want to hit a girl? Are you even human!?"


    The actress showed no fear and stared at the group of monks.


    The monk who was striking with the pole hesitated but said, "A monk does not differentiate between man and woman!" After saying that, his face turned malicious and he struck the pole down on the actress!


    "No!"


    "Sister Yan!"


    "Are you all f**king insane!"


    The film crew were all in shock as they cursed. They could pass on the stuntman Little Zhao, or even the martial arts director, they were trained with good builds and were men. But the actress was a fragile femalerade. If the pole struck her, she might even be paralyzed?


    Little Yan''s face turned green. But she stood her ground and did not step back. She was betting her life on this!


    The long pole whistled through the air!


    10 cm!


    5 cm!


    Just as the pole was about to hit Little Yan''s shoulder, as the the film crew were all shouting with rage, a figure appeared behind Little Yan''s back!


    It was Zhang Ye!


    Everyone was stunned!


    "Teacher Zhang?"


    "What are you doing over there!"


    "You don''t even know the basic moves for the scene, those monks are��.."


    At this moment, Zhang Ye made a move that left everyone dumbfounded!


    Zhang Ye had tried numerous times earlier during the duel with the viin during filming to use his Taiji Fist to let the filming effect be expressed more beautifully. But despite trying over and over, he could not achieve the desired effect. He had wanted to achieve those moves like in the movies, but he just couldn''t do it. But right now, upon seeing so many of the equipment being smashed and the actress, who had wanted a photo with him, facing a beating, Zhang Ye''s emotions were exploding. With a move of his arms and feet, he now knew that he could use Taiji!


    His hands had precisely grabbed hold of the pole as it came down and with a twist of his wrist, the pole had deviated from its trajectory and slid past Little Yan''s shoulder andnded with a loud m on the ground!


    The young monk was stunned.


    Before he coulde back to his senses, Zhang Ye''s wrist followed up with a movement, seemingly without much effort, as he borrowed the momentum he obtained when the pole rebound forcefully, hitting the chin of the monk with a loud bang! The young monk''s mouth was full of blood! His lower jaw had mmed into his upper jaw as four to five bloody teeth flew out from his mouth!


    "Pu!" The young monk was beaten into a daze!


    Zhang Ye did not let him off and used a single hand to lift and twist him around before winding up behind the young monk. Then, hended a heavy shot to the back of the young monk''s neck!


    The young monk crumbled to the ground. Having his upper body being hit by Zhang Ye caused him tond on his head on a step. Without a sound, he had passed out!


    "Wu Yan!"


    "Brother Wu Yan!"


    The few young monks all shouted that person''s name in horror!


    Little Yan was stunned. She looked at Zhang Ye with a dazed face and then looked at the young monk with a bloody mouth who was now lying dead on the ground.


    This��


    This��


    "Are you looking for death!" The monk who had earlier ambushed the stuntman with an attack rushed at Zhang Ye within a few steps. The other monks also rushed forward with killing intent, their eyes full of hatred!


    Looking for death?


    Is this what a monk should utter?


    When you wanted to kill us, we deserved it. But when we get one of your guys, then I have to die?


    Zhang Ye''s face turned cold. He had no intention of stepping back. Instead, he took a fewrge strides and headed forward, to wee them face on. This time, he was really offended! If he had depended on those few Taekwondo skills experience books, Zhang Ye felt that it would be a chore to face even just one of them. This bunch of monks knew kung fu that was neither deep nor at a superficial level. However, their punches and kicks were all real so Zhang Ye felt that his Taekwondo would not hold up. But now with the eruption of his Taiji Fist and the experience of fighting the monk earlier, Zhang Ye worries had all faded!


    One of them reached him first!


    A shadow of the pole came after!


    Zhang Ye used the same move, his hand grabbed hold of the pole but did not stop it. He again borrowed the momentum and with a flick of his wrists turned it downwards!


    That monk did not realize what had happened. He only felt his brute strength being negated fully at that moment and the pole that was no longer in his control came crashing onto the ground! He had earlier seen the other monk being beaten unconscious but could not put his head around it. He did not understand why his junior was not a match for this person in front of him. At this moment, he could finally see it, but it was already toote!


    Zhang Ye turned his palm and hit him on the chin!


    That monk had followed in the previous victim''s footsteps. He spat out blood and several of his teeth!


    Zhang Ye struck him on the back of his neck with his hand and this second monk too had now been knocked unconscious!


    The remaining two monks had now gone pale upon seeing this. They looked at each other and said, "Let''s attack together!"


    The shadow of the poles came down together to attack!


    Zhang Ye''s used the same move that allowed him greatness. With one hand, he held the pole on the left side. With his other hand, he held the pole on his right. And then seeing the monk on his left staggering, their movements messier than the two monks from earlier, he changed the direction and momentum of the pole''s movement. The monk tried to increase his attacking strength but without any control, the pole flew out from his hands. With that, his legs wobbled and he lost his bnce. This allowed Zhang Ye to give a kick, a Taekwondo kick to his face. It was not a kick as graceful as Taiji, but its strength was vicious! That monk copsed on his back and groaned as hey on the ground. Then he fainted. Following that, the monk on his right moved in. He thought he was smart and did not attack with the pole swinging down. He deviated from the previous few attacks and swung the pole at Zhang Ye sideways at his waist. But Zhang Ye managed to grab hold of the pole. With a step aside and a flick of his waist, the pole was now at Zhang Ye''s waist with hardly any force. The attack had been nullified by Zhang Ye''s unknown moves and he had even allowed Zhang Ye to move closer to him now. With the back of his palm, Zhang Ye hit him on the lower jaw and followed up with another to his back!


    Smash!


    "��..Ah!" That person was also knocked unconscious!


    In a space of just 10 seconds and several simple moves, four of the five monks were now lying unconscious on the floor!


    Seeing this, thest monk did not rush forward no matter how foolish he was. He knew that they had met a master today! A master of the masters! He looked at his fellow disciples and turned to run back up towards the mountain!


    "Senior brother!"


    "Master!"


    "This is not good!"


    The young monk shouted until his lungs almost burst!


    Zhang Ye looked at the actress, "Are you alright?"


    "Ah, no, no matter." Little Yan was stuttering in her shock!


    "How are the others?" Zhang Ye asked the martial arts director, "Are there any internal injuries?"


    But all of them didn''t say a word. They were in fact looking at Zhang Ye with shocked faces, as if they had witnessed an alien!


    Yao Jiancai was dumbfounded!


    Director Jiang was in a daze!


    The Assistant Director and other members of the film crew were all staring at him!


    To ferocious! This was too fucking ferocious!


    Who said that Teacher Zhang Ye was a learned man?


    Who said that Teacher Zhang was a weakling?


    Weakling your sister! The martial arts director and the stuntman, Little Zhao were all no match for those people! But look at what happened? That bunch of monks were no match for you? Each one unconscious with a hit, like they were dancing? Holy sh*t! What kind of ferocious battle points do you even have!

 Chapter 195: Zhang Ye Discusses Buddhist Verses with Monks!

    <h4>Chapter 195: Zhang Ye Discusses Buddhist Verses with Monks! </h4>


    Chapter 195: Zhang Ye Discusses Buddhist Verses with Monks!


    "Little Zhang, you are awesome! A fierce man!" Yao Jiancai said with a loudugh. He did not seemposed like how an old man in his forties or fifties should be. He wrapped his arm around Zhang Ye''s shoulders, "Those few moves of yours are coquettish!"


    The actress, who had been saved, came around and thanked him, "Teacher Zhang, thank you!"


    Zhang Ye waved his hands and also removed Old Yao''s arm from his shoulder.


    The martial arts director had gotten around. He was not seriously injured, but the expression he used while looking at Zhang Ye was only that of shock, "Little Zhang��Teacher, you.. I thought you don''t know kung fu? Aren''t you not able to do a few simple martial arts movements and even after practice, you still could not do it up to standard? How did you��"


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "Martial arts movements?"


    Those things were called bullsh*t martial arts movements!


    The viin actor who had acted opposite him also said, "That''s right. If you are so powerful, why couldn''t you do those simple actions? Could you been acting and using me for your amusement?" Only then did he realize that the person he had looked down upon and had wasted a lot of film footage was a hidden master! However, why couldn''t he tell despite sparring with him previously?


    Zhang Ye did not exin.


    The stuntman, who had been injured, had already stood up. Although Zhang Ye did not say a word, he could tell. "Can''t you tell? Teacher Zhang knows real kung fu. Our ''martial arts'' we use for filming movies is not called martial arts at all. It''s just showy. What Teacher Zhang was using was true Chinese martial arts. We let a Teacher, who has already imbued Chinese martial arts into his bones and body, to do our showy ''martial arts''? It would be a wonder if he could do it well! True Chinese martial arts focuses on training one''s body before practicing the art of restraining an enemy. It''s not the same as ours which is just to show the audience!"


    His master had also practiced in Chinese martial arts. He only began learning from his master after the age of 18, and had already missed the prime age for practicing martial arts. No matter what he practiced was just the tip of the iceberg. Hence, he could only be a stuntman. Although he could not traverse down the path of Chinese martial arts, he still knew quite a bit, so he could tell at a nce.


    "Chinese martial arts?"


    "Teacher Zhang really knows kung fu?"


    "And it''s true kung fu? This is the first time seeing it!"


    "It''s so cool! Teacher Zhang, teach me tomorrow!"


    Everyone gave him the thumbs up.


    After a daze, the martial arts director was no longer surprised. He had seen many Chinese martial arts experts before. For example, many action stars and martial arts director in the industry or even stuntmen had practiced Chinese martial arts. Some of them had great attainment. However, he never expected a weak, soft and non-muscr Teacher Zhang was a Chinese martial arts practitioner. And it could be seen that he was not a beginner. He destroyed each person upon each encounter with one punch each. He was definitely an expert who had trained for years!


    He was a frog in a well!


    He was really a frog in a well!


    The martial arts director and many of the people who had previously grumbled about Zhang Ye''s inability to do the actions turned red from embarrassment. They realized that it was not because Zhang Ye was unable to do well, but it was because they were making fools out of themselves. If one wanted to be precise, Teacher Zhang Ye was the person who really knew martial arts!


    The martial arts director cupped his fists, "Sorry about before."


    Zhang Ye shook his hands, "What''s there to be sorry about?"


    The Assistant Director said with lingering fear, "It''s all thanks to Little Zhang or we would suffer heavy losses. Xiaoyan was nearly beaten. That bunch of bald donkeys!"


    When the other people from the filming crew heard this, they also began cursing!


    "Pui!"


    "What sort of monks are they!"


    "We can''t just let this go!"


    Yao Jiancai was also very angry. He went forward and kicked a monk who had fainted from Zhang Ye''s beating. However, that kick made him move. It was as if he was regaining consciousness. Yao Jiancai hurriedly retreated in fear and stood behind Zhang Ye. He then began cursing the monk.


    "Director Jiang."


    "Director Jiang, what do we do?"


    Director Jiang looked at those who had fainted and asked Zhang Ye, "How are they? There''s no danger, right?"


    Zhang Ye said lightly, "There''s no danger. Just a few teeth lost or a dislocated jaw. As for other things, they are just superficial wounds. I didn''t injure them too badly."


    For the first time, Director Jiang looked at him with appreciation, "Then what do you think we should do now?"


    "Go up the mountain." Zhang Ye said matter-of-factly, "Let''s get them to answer for their actions! They can''t just beat our people up for nothing! They have to pay for our equipment!"


    Director Jiang, "��"


    The Assistant Director wiped his sweat and said, "They have already called for reinforcements. Who knows how many monks they have. What if there are more than ten, we��"


    Zhang Ye said coldly, "If onees, I''ll beat one up! If tenes, I''ll beat ten up!"


    The martial arts director gave his kudos, "Nice! Count me in!"


    "Me too! Let''s fight it out with them up the mountain!" An actor said excitedly.


    After seeing Zhang Ye''s kung fu, these people immediately felt embolden. They were no longer afraid of anything. With a masterful expert with them, who was afraid of who!?


    Of course, there were only a few who felt their blood surging. Arge number of them were at a loss whether tough or cry. Those who knew of Zhang Ye''s past deeds recalled of this person''s a*shole temper. Back then, they did not actually believe it and waved them off as rumors. After all, how much of an a*shole could a broadcasting host who dealt with literature be? However from what they saw today, it was indeed true. The rumors were not fake. This guy was a fearless person! What sort of ce was a monastery? That was a ce protected by numerous civilians! From the looks of it, you were going to thrash their monastery?


    "Don''t be rash!"


    "Calm down!"


    "Don''t fight when you are up the mountain. Speak nicely first!"


    "Right, those monks had been beaten by us, and it was not that trivial. We have obtained our revenge. I think we should report to the police and go down the mountain first."


    Everyone were in disagreement. There was no oue.


    But in a blink of an eye, Zhang Ye had already walked up the staircase. Zhang Ye didn''t care if they were going up. He could not take it lying down!


    "Heh!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Little Zhang, what are you doing!?"


    The moment Zhang Ye went up the mountain, the martial arts director, a few stuntmen and two actors followed. Yao Jiancai did not hide away and also rolled up his sleeves and followed behind while swearing.


    Director Jiang was already appeased. They had only beaten two people up, and the injuries were slight. The lighting equipment they smashed was not that expensive either. However, they had taken down four monks. Up to now, none of them had waken up. As the overall director, he still cared about the bigger picture. Although he felt hatred, he still got a few people to carry the monks up the mountain. He did not ignore and leave the monks behind.


    ����


    At the top of the mountain.


    What was supposed to be a dark monastery was lit up.


    They were not using ming torches or simr stuff. Monasteries hadmps. Every one of them used electricity these days.


    The moment the filming crew arrived, they encountered a group of about seven to eight monks. There weren''t many of them, but they were fully armed. Some of them held poles, while one of them looked like the monastery''s cook. It looked like he came out with argedle. They were all furious and stared deadly at Zhang Ye, however, none of them dared to take the step forward. The junior brother that came back had already informed them of the situation. From the description, they could not tell what kung fu the other party used. They could only be certain that it was a form of Chinese martial arts. They also guessed that ording to the description, the lot of them probably was not the person''s match. Hence, although they stood there shouting, none of them dared to be the first to rush forward!


    "Where are my junior brothers!?"


    "You dare to hit monks?"


    "This is pushing it too far!"


    "Where''s the abbot? Quickly get the abbot here!"


    A few of the filming crew members had brought the monks up the mountain. After receiving a nod from Director Jiang when they nced at him, they brought the monks over. One of the monks had already woken up, so he walked over himself.


    "Junior brother!"


    "Senior brother!"


    "What happened to you?"


    The bunch of monks hurried over to help and pinched their philtrums.


    Not a whileter, the monks, who had been beaten, regained consciousness. They barely stood up. They were not seriously injured, but their words sounded odd like there was air leakage. Their teeth had dropped off!


    "Amit��bha!" Suddenly, an old monk walked out of the courtyard. He first looked at his disciples'' wounds before he faced the filming crew.


    "Abbot!"


    "They beat us up!"


    A young monk who had regained consciousnessined despite being the first at fault.


    "Shut up!" The abbot roared, "Did you make the move first?"


    The monks were temporarily rendered speechless. The other monks also lowered their heads and did not speak.


    The abbot said with a sad heart, "Monks should be benevolent. By hurting others, this oue is a result of your own actions. Others are not to me!"


    Yao Jiancai grunted, "Looks like you have someone reasonable here. Then this would be easier to negotiate."


    Director Jiang said with some resentment, "Abbot, our film crew had previously contacted the previous abbot and had agreed to this filming. Now with you going back on your words and even beating up our people and smashing our equipment, I want to ask what''s the meaning of this? Thankfully we have an expert in our crew, or who knows if someone would be killed by the bunch of you today?"


    The abbot looked very calm and spoke calmly, "We do not wee filming crew in the future."


    Director Jiang said, "It''s fine if you don''t wee us, but why didn''t you say so earlier? Why was there a need to beat people up?"


    "I was meditating. I did not know anything that was happening outside. If I knew, I wouldn''t have allowed them to do so." The abbot ced his palms together and said, "Amit��bha, my few disciples have been taught a lesson by you, so Almsgiver, please leave. I won''t see you out."


    He was pushing the responsibility?


    He was using the fact that he was unaware as an answer?


    And he was not seeing them out? He was so impolite?


    They had previously thought they had met a reasonable person, but who knew he was also a recalcitrant monk!


    Zhang Ye walked up. This movement of his caused a few of the young monks to step back in horror.


    The abbot understood this at a nce. This person was definitely the Chinese martial arts expert who had beaten his disciples. "This Almsgiver, what''s the matter?" He was fearless. It was unknown if he had practiced kung fu before.


    Zhang Ye looked at him and said, "If this matter is not cleared up, we will not leave!"


    "If there''s any matter, do it another day. I haven''t finished my seated meditation." The abbot could not care any less about him as he turned around, bringing his disciples away.


    "Meditation? You are still meditating at this moment?" Zhang Ye was angered and as he saw the abbot''s distancing back figure, he immediately threw out a famous Buddhist verse from Master Huineng, in a face-smacking way, "When living, sit, don''t lie. When dead, lie down, don''t sit. How can a set of stinking bones, be used for training?"


    The abbot was stunned as he suddenly turned his head backwards!


    The young monks were also stunned as they looked with their mouths agape at Zhang Ye!

 Chapter 196: Zhang Ye’s one gatha after Another!

    <h4>Chapter 196: Zhang Ye��s one gatha after Another! </h4>


    Chapter 196: Zhang Ye''s one gatha after Another!


    Zen verse?


    This person even knew Zen verses?


    When living, sit, don''t lie. When dead, lie down, don''t sit.


    How can a set of stinking bones, be used for training?


    Those who did not know could not understand at all, but those who really knew could tell the profoundness of the Zen verse. Even Buddhist masters might not be able to freely say such verses!


    Zhang Ye''s Zen phrase meant: A pile of stinking bones will rot, but if it stubbornly insisted on doing the actions of meditation without understanding the verses, then they were demonstrating "When living, sit, don''t lie. When dead, lie down, don''t sit". By the time you had such thoughts, your senses and character would only be fake inside out. How was there any merit established? How was one to gain enlightenment? Or if it was put simply, Zhang Ye was telling them: Are you learning to meditate or learning to be a seated Buddha? If you were meditating, then that was not something you could do just sitting there. If they were learning to be a seated Buddha, Buddha was not a fixed state, so how was one to aplish it by sitting? To gain Buddhist enlightenment from meditation was not a feasible route!


    In Buddhism, there were gatha and Zen verses. They were given such names and not called poems. But to Zhang Ye, they were no different from poems!


    "You��" a young monk said in disbelief.


    Not only him, even the abbot could not ept that such a profound Zen verse came from the mouth of a "martial monger" who had beaten his four disciples!


    The abbot looked into Zhang Ye''s eyes, "Almsgiver, you know Zen verses?"


    Many people in the filming crew did not understand Zhang Ye''s gatha, but from the monks'' faces of shock, they knew Zhang Ye had said something awesome.


    Yao Jiancaiughed.


    The Deputy Directorughed.


    Many people in the filming crew were alsoughing.


    They knew that for acting, Zhang Ye was apleteyman. He was inferior to even a typical rookie, or they would not have wasted so much of the film footage without seeding in filming his motions. However, when it came to poems and literature, this Teacher Zhang Ye was an expert amongst experts. All the members of the filming crewbined together could not even amount to a finger of Zhang Ye. It could be said that this was his true trade! Everyoneughed knowing that these monks had encountered a hard problem! When some people live, they are already dead. When some people die, they are still alive. Some of them knew that Zhang Ye had previously used a short poem like this. This short line made it evident that Zhang Ye''s literary skill was not to be underestimated!


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I can''t say I know."


    "You don''t have to be humble. Just that gatha you said might not even be produced by an esteemed monk who has meditated for decades. Hur Hur. Since I happen to meet you, let us exchange our knowledge on verses?" His disciples had been beaten, so the abbot probably was suppressing his anger. Compete in martial arts? Since he couldn''t beat others, he changed topeting through words!


    Xiaoyan could not help butugh. Compare your literary attainment with Teacher Zhang? This was shooting themselves in the foot, and immediately cheered on Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang,pete with him!"


    "Right! Attack!"


    "Let them broaden their horizons!"


    "Haha, there are still people these days that want topete with Zhang Ye in literature?"


    "Eh, this is Zen studies, right?" Does Teacher Zhang know?"


    "Isn''t Zen studies also a form a literature? It''s not much different."


    Everyone started to shout, urging Zhang Ye to have a literary battle with the monk. Many of them were confident of Zhang Ye. Only a small number of them did not know Zhang Ye well, and were not as optimistic.


    An old monk sneered, "To have an exchange in verses with the abbot?"


    Another monk said, "If your senses are dirty, what verses are there to talk about?"


    "Ayman dares to have an exchange in verses with our abbot? He doesn''t know his strength." A young monk scoffed. Yes, he said that although he was previously shocked by Zhang Ye''s verse.


    This bunch of monks did not watch television, so they did not know anything about Zhang Ye.


    It was obvious that neither side was willing to step down. They could not fight, nor could they afford to fight, but they had to decide who was better. They had to vent this anger!


    Zhang Ye said nonchntly, "Alright, please go ahead."


    Taking advantage of the moment, Zhang Ye did a few actions with his hands and bought a Memory Search Capsule from the game ring''s Merchant Shop. After eating it, he very quickly remembered the gatha and Zen verses from his world. These text-based things were recalled quickly. With a blink of an eye, Zhang Ye was ready. People fought for their anger, while Buddha fought for incense. The past two days of umtion had slightly increased his Reputation, so it was still enough to buy a Memory Search Capsule. It was not for anything but to act almighty!


    He could see that a female stage management crew member had begun recording with a cellphone a long while ago!


    Look at how smart she was. Zhang Ye wanted to give her a Like. She had such great foresight!


    What were the conditions to reach the highest realm of acting almighty? Firstly, one needed an inhuman opponent. Secondly, one needed a bunch of fussing audience. Thirdly, one needed recording equipment, so as to broadcast Zhang Ye''s literary excellence to its fullest extent. It couldn''t be privately admired!


    These three conditions had been fulfilled!


    The abbot said softly, "The gatha said by Almsgiver previously meant that meditating was useless. On this point, I do not agree. I am not attempting to gain enlightenment from simply meditating. Meditating is just a method and a way of training one''s mind. Since you are a martial arts practitioner, you should know the importance of methods in martial studies. I''m dedicated to Buddhism, while you are dedicated to martial arts. They all have the same principles. Didn''t you use methods while being a bully to beat my disciples?"


    At this moment, when the highest authority, Director Jiang, heard this, the anger he had suppressed red up once again. He was so angry that he cried out!


    "What unreasonable words!"


    "Teacher Zhang was being a bully?"


    "Beat your disciples?"


    "Why didn''t you mention that your disciples were the first to attack!?"


    "This old bald donkey sure can beat about the bush!"


    The film crew began to shout in unison. They were very unhappy with the abbot''s words.


    Zhang Yeughed and looked at him, "Was I the one who injured your disciples?"


    "If it wasn''t you, then who was it?" The abbot answered. It seemed like he was relying back on Zen studies toe back at Zhang Ye. In this field, the abbot was a "specialized major".


    However, Zhang Ye did not give him a chance. He immediately took a Buddhist story from his world. He then pointed at a g at the corner of the monastery. The g was pping in the wind, "With the wind blowing, the g ps. Do you say the wind is moving or the g is moving?"


    A young monk was the first to answer, "Of course the wind is moving!"


    Zhang Ye shook his head.


    An old monk said, "The g is moving?"


    Zhang Ye carried on shaking his head.


    A monk said, "Then what is moving? The world is moving?"


    Zhang Ye looked up and said, "It''s your heart that is moving!"


    This Buddhist story was quite well known in Zhang Ye''s world. Things changed because of one''s will to change. This was not talking about the physical change in things, but the way things were approached. We would always first subjectively decide if a thing was good or bad. Zhang Ye was using this verse to tell this bunch of people. I was being a bully? I beat you up? That was just your own subjective opinion!


    Director Jiang apuded, "Well said!"


    The actress, Xiaoyanughed out loud, "Teacher Zhang is awesome!"


    The filming crew was also highly spirited as they pped and cheered Zhang Ye!


    The monks did not look good. With that verse said, it showed how petty they were.


    However, the abbot remained poised. He quietly said, "Buddha said, evil words that harm others would descend to Hell after death, what more those who beat others? I wonder if Almsgiver believes in Heaven and Hell."


    As a superstitious person, Zhang Ye answered without thinking, "I believe."


    The abbot said, "Then where is Heaven? And where is Hell?"


    Zhang Ye nced at him, "It''s in your heart and also everywhere."


    "Oh? In my heart? Why can''t I see that?" The abbot said peacefully.


    Zhang Ye chuckled, and immediately scolded him, "You old bald donkey!"


    An old monk immediately turned angry. A few younger monks also picked up their sticks, wanting to fight it out with Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye said without any hurry and pointed at them, "See, the gates of Hell has opened."


    When the few monks heard it, they immediately understood and quickly put down their sticks.


    Zhang Ye chuckled once again, "Look, the gates to Heaven has also opened."


    The monks looked at each other. So this was what it meant with Heaven and Hell being in the heart!


    The abbot asked, "Then what does it mean that Heaven and Hell is everywhere?"


    Zhang Ye answered him with his world''s gatha, "To see a world in a grain of sand. And a heaven in a wild flower. Hold infinity in the palm of your hand. And eternity in an hour."


    About ten monks were stunned hearing this.


    Yao Jiancai pped his thigh and apuded, "What finesse! Too much finesse!"


    "Teacher Zhang is so impressive! Hahaha! That was said so beautifully!" Someone in the filming crew sent his kudos.


    The abbot was also slightly lost in thought, "Since Almsgiver believes in Heaven and knows about Hell, then why did you have to do actions that harm others?" He kept insisting on this issue.


    Xiaoyan said angrily, "Do you have anything else?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "You can''t beat Little Zhang in Zen studies, so you begin clinging on this?"


    "Who was the one who harmed others? It was the bunch of you who harmed others first, alright!? F**k!" An actor cursed.


    The abbot ignored the surrounding people and only looked at Zhang Ye, "Indifferent towards karma, since you believe in Hell, aren''t you afraid of descending into Hell?"


    Zhang Ye was not pulled in by him, and did not ept his verse that was filled with hidden tricks. With augh, he said heroically, "If I don''t descend into Hell, who will?" This gatha could be said to be one of the most famous Buddhist verses in Zhang Ye''s world. It could be said to be peerless!


    The deputy director immediately shouted, "Awesome!"


    The other members of the filming crew also shouted excitedly, "What a good ''if I don''t descend into Hell, who will!?"


    However, this sentence did not only have the literal meaning they understood. In fact, they did not understand either, but the abbot understood. Another old monk also understood it. Momentarily, the two of them looked at Zhang Ye with their gazes changed!


    If I don''t descend into Hell, who will?


    These words were not that of anger but a Zen verse that was filled withpassion. By descending into Hell, without wishing for an end, experiencing extreme torture, to the point of leading a living death. At this moment, if I didn''t enter and save them, who would?


    The abbot said with his palms t against each other, "Amit��bha."


    An old monk behind also said with his palms t, "Amit��bha."


    The young monks were still unconvinced. They did not believe that their abbot''s Buddhist studies were iparable to ayman!


    At this moment, it was Zhang Ye''s turn to ask. He pointed at a stone tablet in the yard. There were words inscribed on it. It was a line that made him very interested as well as one that was very familiar. "When I came in, I saw this. I wonder from whom did this gathae from?"


    The abbot gave a nce, "It was written by me a few days ago."


    The carving looked new, so it was clear that it had been recently carved.


    The abbot chanted, "The body is a Bodhi tree, the mind is a mirror bright, never stop dusting and wiping, lest dust alight. This is my pursuit of the path of Buddha."


    The filming crew also looked over. They were momentarily awed and felt that the gatha was indeed very good. With his body like a Bodhi tree that let people of the past gain enlightenment, with a heart like a dustless and bright mirror, by constantly reflecting on oneself, it would not let dust settle on the mirror to mar one''s nature! Well written! This was really written by the abbot? The film crew also had a sudden change of attitude towards the abbot. They now understood why the Qingshan Monastery did not wee filming crews. Them harshly sending people down the mountain and not permitting them entry was because of this gatha of the new abbot. They did not want to tarnish their monastery, and was also the meaning of "never stop dusting and wiping, lest dust alight".


    Someone from the filming crew gave a slight nod.


    The abbot also looked towards Zhang Ye, waiting for his reaction.


    Who knew that Zhang Ye did not take it seriously andughed. What a coincidence that this world also had such a gatha. However, the difference was it did not have the second half of the gatha from Zhang Ye''s world.


    The abbot said, "Almsgiver, why do youugh?"


    A young monk said angrily, "What are youughing about?"


    "That''s right. If you have the ability, write one!" Another monk was also displeased.


    Zhang Ye found it both funny and annoying, "The reason why you don''t let us on the mountain, beat us up, and destroyed our equipment, was all because of this gatha?"


    The abbot looked at him, "Does Almsgiver think my gatha is inappropriate?"


    "It''s far from inappropriate." Zhang Ye said impolitely, "It''spletely misleading!"


    "What are you saying!" A young monk angrily picked up a pole. However, having just recalled the verse about Heaven and Hell that Zhang Ye just mentioned, he angrily put down his pole. Of course, he knew arge part of it had to do with him not being able to beat Zhang Ye even with a pole.


    "What do you mean misleading?" An old monk asked.


    Another young monk said exasperatedly, "Don''t speak blindly if you do not know!"


    The filming crew did not know why Zhang Ye despised this gatha so much. To them, the gatha was very well-written. There wasn''t a problem to it?


    However, Zhang Ye said, "I have a story here. Listen to it first. In the past, there were two reverend monks in debate. The first monk said, ''I have a mirror in my heart, that I polish everyday, so that it can be used as a reflection, so as to scrutinize myself.'' However, the second monk said, ''I have no mirror in my heart, what is there to polish?''"


    No mirror?


    What is there to polish?


    When everyone present heard this, they were stunned. Some seemed to be confused, but there were some who seemed to immediately understand a thing!


    Then Zhang Ye said, "Today, I''ll give you another gatha." Saying that, Zhang Ye looked towards each and everyone of those monks, "The body is a Bodhi tree? The mind is a mirror bright? Never stop dusting and wiping? Lest dust alight?" Zhang Ye''s eyes narrowed. He retorted every word of the abbot. Every word was a strike in the monks'' hearts. With every line, the expressions on the monks changed once!


    "By origin, there is no Bodhi tree!"


    "Nor is there a mirror bright!"


    "Originally there is not a single thing!"


    All the monks turned silent!


    Zhang Ye smiled and asked the monks, "Where does dust alight?"

 Chapter 197: Conferring Words!

    <h4>Chapter 197: Conferring Words! </h4>


    Chapter 197: Conferring Words!


    Zhang Ye finished speaking.


    There was silence immediately!


    What was a Bodhi tree? The Bodhi Tree was arge and very old Sacred Fig tree. The tree grows to a height of 15-25m and it''s trunk has a diameter of about 30-50 cm. It has arge and wide-spreading crown, with a bark that is light grey in colour. The simple, long-stalked leaves are heart-shaped and long tipped. The flowers are tiny and are found inside the small fleshy figs, which ripen to greenish-yellow, then purple. There are three kinds of flowers: male, female and sterile�� Of course, those were just filler words�� This was an official description of the nt.


    Cough Cough. Right, time to be serious.


    By origin, there is no Bodhi tree? Although the Bodhi tree existed in the world, the Bodhi tree referred to by Buddhists was not a nt. It was a symbol and memory. The Bodhi also represented the great wisdom of Buddhism. What tree was there? What mirror was there? Just as Zhang Ye had described the debate between the 2 monks, the constant reflection of oneself in the mirror, was just a will, a thought, so how was there a mirror?


    There was no Bodhi tree!


    Nor was there a mirror!


    Originally, there is not a single thing, so where does dust alight?


    Everyone including the abbot and the monks all searched for an answer within themselves. They used the gatha from Zhang Ye to question themselves �� Where does the dust alight? That''s right! Where does dust alight!


    The abbot was convinced as he held his palms together, "Amit��bha."


    Following that, the ten or so monks behind him also held their palms together, "Amit��bha."


    The film crew''s jaw had dropped when they heard the gatha by Zhang Ye. They did not understand Buddhism nor had they learned anything about Zen. Just as they had heard the talk about Zen between the abbot and Zhang Ye earlier, they were only listening for the sake of listening. They knew that Zhang Ye was very good at it, but they did not understand its meanings. But this gatha was different. Not only the monks, even those who were justymen on Buddhist teachings had heard and understood it clearly. At the beginning, they felt that the abbot''s gatha was already very good, but when Zhang Ye''s ''By origin, there is no Bodhi tree'' was said, everyone was stunned to the heavens. In that moment, they saw the gulf between the abbot''s gatha and Zhang Ye''s gatha!


    Everything does not stand up well withparisons!


    When the 2 gathas werepared, if we say that Teacher Zhang Ye was a reverend monk, then the abbot could be thought of as someone who had just entered the monastery or had even not yet be a monk!


    "Haha! Nice!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, you are so cool!"


    "What a good there is no Bodhi tree! What a nor is there a mirror!"


    "That''s right! There''s nothing at all! How can there be dust? Teacher Zhang''s gatha is peerless! Instead, it was the bunch of monks who were enlightened!"


    "That gatha was too awesome!"


    "Why do I feel like I''m witnessing a scene for the ages? ''Little Qingshan''s Zen Exchange''?"


    "In a few centuries, when the future generations mention this gatha by Teacher Zhang, will we also be included in that story?"


    "Definitely, ha, we have been touched by the greatness of this and it will be spoken of for a thousand years!"


    "Did you record it?"


    "It''s recorded."


    "I recorded too, Teacher Zhang was too awesome!"


    "Debating about Zen with a monk and winning!"


    What was face smacking?


    This was face smacking!


    What was pretending to be awesome?


    This was pretending to be awesome!


    Yao Jiancai finally smiled. He felt that Zhang Ye was more and more pleasing to the eye now. Old Yao thought that if he had this level of acting awesome like Zhang Ye, what would be of him? The women would be throwing themselves at him!


    Quite a few people in the film crew knew of Teacher Zhang Ye''s literary skills. Even though a majority of the crew did not know Zhang Ye before this, they had now found out about his capabilities from the others who knew of him from before. But what just happened made them understand that they had still underestimated his literary upbringing. Initially, they had urged Zhang Ye to have a literary duel with the abbot because they felt that Zhang Ye would not lose since this was his rice bowl. But since the duel was about Zen and gatha, which belonged to a different school of literature �� Gatha was a philosophical studypared to poetry �� they had not expected him to win so overwhelmingly! The abbot and the monks were all stunned in silence! They had been dumbfounded by the lecture of Teacher Zhang Ye!


    Especially thest bit about the Bodhi Tree!


    Gatha was just a form ofnguage used by monks. It wasn''t like a couplet where a 2nd verse would exist!


    But who would have thought that Zhang Ye could treat it like a couplet and match the 2nd verse to the gatha! Every word was profound! It had refuted the abbot''s gatha fully! And it had refuted it so well that no one could say anything! This gatha could not even bemented on, it was that high of a level! Even people who could not understand could see it clearly!


    The abbot looked deeply at Zhang Ye before regaining a peaceful look. He closed his eyes and muttered something before slowly opening his eyes again, "This old monk has been meditating for over 30 years. I''ve been dedicating myself to Buddha all these years and just a few days ago, I was enlightened and wrote that gatha. I thought that I had stepped closer to Buddha and that my spiritual practice had gone to another level." As he said this, he smiled bitterly, "Never did I expect that by meeting you, I would realize that I have not even stepped into the doorway of Zen, what a pity, what a pity."


    "Master."


    "Abbot!"


    A few young monks were still worried.


    The abbot waved his hands and said to Zhang Ye, "This Almsgiver might be a secr man, but he has great wisdom. He has wisdom that is even greater than us monks. Today, I have been beaten convincingly. If you have the heart to be a practitioner of Buddhism in future, your Dharma will definitely be higher than mine by a few hundred times."


    Hearing this, Zhang Ye immediately waved his hands, "Please don''t say that, I''m leading a good life, I''m not so silly. I will continue to be my secr self, being secr is better."


    The abbot said with regrets, "Such a pity, a pity."


    The abbot had admitted defeat and the monks who had been beaten up earlier had looks of resignation.


    Who was this person in front of them? He couldn''t be beaten in a fight! He couldn''t be out-talked with words! Does he even leave a route for retreat?


    Of course, they could not out-talk Zhang Ye. What he had said was a gatha by Abbot Hui Neng from his previous world. It was the widely known "tform Sutra". Furthermore, during the verse exchange, Zhang Ye had used his mouth to speak. Alright, that''s nonsense, but something isn''t. That is because Zhang Ye had previously eaten many Fruits of Charm (Voice). This was something that increased his voice''s charm. It naturally made his words have a indescribable profoundness. Hence, everyone was shocked. There was reason to it.


    Victory had been decided.


    The film crew had won. They had finally vented their anger.


    With this win, the victors were also more tolerant. Seeing the abbot admit defeat graciously, many people''s impression of him became better. Theyforted him a little.


    "Abbot, don''tpete with Teacher Zhang."


    "Right, Teacher Zhang Ye is a famous literary person in Beijing. Anything he writes bes a ssic. I believe you all don''t watch TV?"


    In the past, they only heard rumors. But today, they had witnessed Zhang Ye''sposing prowess. Their emotions were still running high because of hearing the gatha!


    In a moment.


    The abbot said to the few young monks, "Go and prepare a few rooms in the backyard and settle down all the Almsgivers."


    The few young monks went to do as instructed without a second word. They were already convinced by Zhang Ye. With just that line of ''there was no Bodhi tree'', he had won the respect of quite a few monks. Do not judge a book by its cover. Zhang Ye''s looks might be ordinary or even a little lousy. But to a Buddhist practitioner, the outlook did not matter. For Zhang Ye to be able to utter such an amazing gatha, it showed that he was much better than anyone of them in terms of enlightenment and wisdom. He should therefore be treated with the utmost respect. Ignoring any other thing, a knowledgeable person would be their teacher.


    Director Jiang was surprised and asked, "Abbot, didn''t you say that you won''t be receiving any film crews here anymore?"


    The abbot smiled. "After exchanging knowledge with Teacher Zhang Ye, I have gained a lot. In the past, I was too close minded. Hur Hur, originally there is not a single thing, so where does dust alight?"


    Today had been a long day. Director Jiang also had quite a number of shots that had not been filmed yet. The sky was already dark, so they had to do it tomorrow. Should they go back now ande again tomorrow? Wasn''t this a headache? So he did not reject the offer and ept the goodwill of the monastery. He prepared the crew to stay for the night.


    Zhang Ye had inadvertently nted the seeds of the willow nt. He had wanted to just vent his anger and then leave, but little did he expect that the monastery would change their attitude. They made him a guest and that made Zhang Ye a little embarrassed.


    ����


    In the backyard.


    There were over a dozen rooms. The ce was quiet and there were many nts and flowers in the courtyard.


    A young monk said, "Master, the rooms have been tidied up."


    "Well, Almsgivers. You may have your rest now." The abbot said to Director Jiang and everyone else.


    Director Jiang said, "Thank you. There were some misunderstandings earlier. Are those young monks injured badly?" Figuring that he only had only a few damaged pieces of equipment and 2 people with slight injuries, but the other party had 4 people who were injured rather badly, he realized that their side had not suffered as badly as the hosts. They lost physically and even lost in terms of the knowledge battle.


    The abbot said in a calm voice, "I have checked on them, they are alright. Almsgiver Zhang did not injure them badly. Actually, there''s no misunderstanding. It was my disciples who misunderstood my gatha and that created all the trouble. Amit��bha, please do not hold it against us. My disciples were too hotheaded. It was good that Almsgiver Zhang had taught them a lesson. To have been enlightened by him, it might even be a blessing for them."


    It was clearly them being beaten up.


    But now, it had be a form of enlightenment?


    The film crew all looked at Zhang Ye. They knew that Teacher Zhang''s bluff had exploded into something bigger. But this made them realize more clearly what Zhang Ye could do. In the whole of Beijing, no one would dare say he was better than Zhang Ye in terms of poetry and writings. This man was too talented!


    Director Jiang said to everyone, "Go and have a rest. Sleep early tonight, we still have to continue filming tomorrow."


    Everyone was dismissed. They were all very tired and they went to their own rooms to sleep.


    Zhang Ye wanted to leave but he was held back by the abbot, "Almsgiver Zhang, please stay."


    "Oh, is there anything?" Zhang Ye looked back and blinked.


    "This old monk has an unreasonable request." The abbot smiled ndly and pointed at the stone tablet at the front yard, "Can you confer a few words for us? I would like it to be your gatha from just now. This will guide our disciples in future."


    Zhang Ye coughed, "It''s not that suitable, is it?"


    "What''s wrong with it?" The abbot did not think much of it, "Please grant my request."


    The young monks also looked at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye thought about it for a while and eded. He took a pen and wrote it down.


    On the night itself, the abbot instructed for Zhang Ye''s words to be inscribed onto the stone tablet. He did not remove his earlier gatha, he left it there. This showed how big of a heart he had!


    The stone tablet was awe-inspiring, every word was cutting!


    The body is a Bodhi tree, the mind is a mirror bright, never stop dusting and wiping, lest dust alight.


    By origin, there is no Bodhi tree, nor is there a bright mirror. Originally, there is not a single thing, where does dust alight?


    In Zhang Ye''s world, Shenxiu and Six Patriarch Master Huineng''s exchange in the "tform Sutra" miraculously appeared in this world. However, the conversation between the two masters no longer existed in this world. The lead actors had changed to Zhang Ye and one of Qingshan monastery''s abbot!

 Chapter 198: You dare to believe Zhang Ye’s words?

    <h4>Chapter 198: You dare to believe Zhang Ye��s words? </h4>


    Chapter 198: You dare to believe Zhang Ye''s words?


    The next day.


    Early in the morning.


    There were nging noises outside.


    "Right, nice expression. Pass!"


    "Director, let''s do it again. I think my lips twitched so I''m not satisfied with it."


    "Actually it''s already very good. Alright then, let''s do it again. Everyone, pay attention. Action!"


    In a room in the backyard of the Qingshan Monastery, Zhang Ye was woken up near the fire pit.


    After putting on his clothes, Zhang Ye went out.


    As they were filming in the front yard, the cameras were already set up.


    "Hey, Teacher Zhang, you have woken up?" An actress named Xiaoyan greeted with a smile.


    "I just woke up. Why didn''t anyone call me? Everyone is already awake but there I was sleeping. It''s so inappropriate." Zhang Ye was feeling a bit embarrassed. He had actually went to bed at 1 A.M.st night. He was not cking but because the abbot was too wicked. He kept getting Zhang Ye to discuss Buddhist verses with him and Zhang Ye had no way of turning him down. Only after discussing all night with the old monk was he let back to his room. Hence, he woke up veryte.


    The Assistant Directorughed, "It''s alright. There are no scenes for you, so we filmed theter parts first."


    Although Zhang Ye had helped the film crew yesterday, but he did not put on airs. He immediately found a sword, "Alright, then I''ll take the opportunity to practice. We definitely must finish filming it today."


    "No, there''s no need." The Assistant Director stopped him.


    The martial arts director also came forward, "Director Jiang has already said. We will change your motions. Since we know you are a real martial arts practitioner, these movements do not suit you well, so we will make an exception for you. When the timees, you will just use new movements." This was equivalent to changing the script for Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Isn''t that a lot of trouble?"


    "Not a bit." The Assistant Director said, "Go have breakfast first."


    Zhang Ye saw a few food boxes still unopened. He walked over and ate it. It was all vegetarian. It did not even have any eggs and was probably in consideration of the monastery and they had gotten it delivered in the morning. As he ate, Zhang Ye looked at the filming not far away. It was Yao Jiancai''s scene, where he was acting as a Taoist priest. He was fighting with a few monks. One of the monks was an actor from the filming crew, while the remaining two were monks from the Qingshan Monastery. He had seen them yesterday. He did not expect the abbot to let the monks from the monastery aid in the acting scene. It seemed like the verse, "originally there is not a single thing, where does dust alight" had greatly moved him. He went from meditating to one who tried to gain insight into Buddhist studies.


    The stone tablet was erected in front of him.


    Quite a number of the crew were relishing about it. They were pointing and discussing it. Some even took pictures as a remembrance. Some of the new staff and actors that came today were confused. The others, who were here the previous night, pointed in the eating Zhang Ye''s direction. They retold the events happily.


    After the neers heard this, they were all extremely shocked.


    With the scene''s filming done, the scene was changed back to the mountain side fromst night.


    "Little Zhang, please prepare." Director Jiang said to Zhang Ye.


    "Alright," Zhang Ye responded and went to have an exchange with the martial arts director.


    Indeed, the actions this time were not so wide open and was very consistent with Zhang Ye''s actualbat motions. Quick, stable, ruthless and was less showy.


    After Zhang Ye practiced a few times, he said, "Got it."


    "Alright, we are about to begin." Director Jiang sat behind Camera #1.


    However, now with Zhang Ye acting smoothly, the actor opposite him was having troubles. He too had been acting in action films for many years and all the movements he knew were the showy ones. He had to react to how Zhang Ye fought, so he could not immediately match him. After more than 20 minutes was he barely able to keep up with Zhang Ye''s rhythm. Finally, Director Jiang raised his hand. This scene had passed!


    Zhang Ye was sweating. The next scene immediately followed. It was also thest time he was appearing as he would be killed by a viin.


    An hourter, Zhang Ye''s part waspleted.


    "Teacher Zhang, you''ve worked hard." A stage manager passed a towel to him.


    "Thanks." Zhang Ye took it and wiped his sweat before taking off his costume and changed into his clothes.


    Since he was done with the filming, Zhang Ye bade farewell to Director Jiang, Yao Jiancai andpany. As he was leaving, something worthy ofment happened. Knowing that Zhang Ye was leaving, Director Jiang did not say anything but tell him that they could work together if the chance arose. It was Yao Jiancai who was very warm with Zhang Ye. He sent him down the mountain with his arms around his shoulders. The two of them had be good friends despite their ages after a day of interaction. Both of their tempers matched each other. Finally it was Qingshan Monastery''s abbot. He was no longer meditating today and instead sent Zhang Ye all the way down Little Qingshan. They even discussed Zen studies along the way.


    ����


    At the same time.


    A video suddenly appeared online. It was unknown how it became viral as the click rate began to climb. It did not seem like it could stop!


    "When living, sit, don''t lie. When dead, lie down, don''t sit. How can a set of stinking bones, be used for training?"


    "You��"


    "Almsgiver, you know Zen verses?"


    "Let us exchange our knowledge on verses?"


    ����


    "With the wind blowing, the g ps. Do you say the wind is moving or the g is moving?"


    "Of course the wind is moving!"


    "The g is moving?"


    "Then what is moving? The world is moving?"


    "It''s your heart that is moving!"


    ����


    "To see a world in a grain of sand. And a heaven in a wild flower. Hold infinity in the palm of your hand. And eternity in an hour."


    ����


    "Aren''t you afraid of descending into Hell?"


    "If I don''t descend into Hell, who will?


    ����


    "By origin, there is no Bodhi tree!"


    "Nor is there a mirror bright!"


    "Originally there is not a single thing!"


    "Where does dust alight?"


    ����


    There were scenes that had clearly been edited out of the video. They were either unsightly scenes or scenes that had the filming crew cursing. However, there was not many overall changes. The matterst night was entirely recorded. It was easy to tell that it was someone from the film crew of "The Great Pugilistic World" who uploaded it. The video''s name was "Little Qingshan''s Zen Exchange".


    "Fierce!"


    "It''s so enjoyable!"


    "Propping! The video is too awesome! Is this real or not?"


    "How can ayman cause a monk to be dumbfounded?"


    "Hey, wait a moment. This person��Why does he look like Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    "What do you mean looks like. It''s none other than Zhang Ye. F**k, when did he join the filming crew of ''The Great Pugilistic World''? And he''s even filming a movie? He switched careers again?"


    "Hahaha, Teacher Zhang is still as gifted as ever! Too awesome!"


    "That bunch of monks sure were unlucky. You can cross Zen verses with anyone but Teacher Zhang. That fellow is well known to be a notorious sharp-tongued poet! Look at the gatha! The face smacking was too brutal! Especially thatst line, ''By origin, there is no Bodhi tree''. I got a kick hearing that. My hair even stood up!"


    "Man, Teacher Zhang even knows Buddhist and Zen studies?"


    "What doesn''t Zhang Ye know? The title Omnipotent Zhang isn''t given in vain!"


    "I think we should call Teacher Zhang, Bold Zhang. To beat monks in front of their monastery. First he beat them physically, then he smacked their faces. What boldness is this. Hur Hur. Others might not dare to, but Teacher Zhang has no such pressure. Teacher Zhang Ye''s boldness has always been off the charts!"


    "ssic! Zhang Ye''s gatha is so ssic!"


    "Why is this discussion so popr. Who is Zhang Ye?"


    "Previous poster, go search yourself. Can''t be bothered to exin. It''s clear you are not from Beijing. In Beijing, who doesn''t know Face-smacking Zhang!?"


    "Forever supporting Face-smacking Zhang!"


    "Forever supporting Bold Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang, I love you too much!"


    The video was pushed higher and higher. By the end of the day, it rmed many Buddhist researchers and esteemed monks.


    A Buddhist researcher rejected Zhang Ye''s gathapletely, "Ayman, a ignorantity dares to act atrociously in front of a clean monastery? And so many people are supporting him? What sort of state of mind is this? I have seen the gathas. It can''t be said to be bad, nor can it said to be wrong, but in Zen studies, how is there any right or wrong, good or bad? All of you have put Zhang Ye on too high a pedestal! I really don''t believe such an unsettled and short-tempered person can have such profound understanding in Buddhist studies. He''s just a demagogue!"


    "Previous poster, I bought a watchst year!"


    "We all can tell how awesome is it, but you can''t?"


    "Still a Buddhist studies researcher? What bullsh*t have you researched all this years!? We don''t know? I think you are the one who doesn''t know? If you know, give us a few gathas!"


    "Just because Teacher Zhang is not a monk, so whatever he said is wrong. If these gathas were said by some Buddhist master, would you be bullsh*tting here? You would definitely be praising it as ''good''. What crap. I''ve already seen through you bunch of ''experts''!"


    Many people began cursing. Every time Zhang Ye''s works were released, it would attract many criticisms from specialists or experts. It was unknown if they really were worth their salt or not. This sequence of events had already irritated everyone. The facts had proven that Zhang Ye''s works were very recognized and loved by the people.


    At this moment, a Master stood forward.


    This Master had quite a status in the field of Buddhism. He was not a so-called expert but a real esteemed monk.


    This esteemed monk replied on Weibo, "I am inferior to Almgsiver Zhang''s tremendous wisdom and virtue."


    "What?"


    "Even the Master says he''s inferior?"


    "Is Teacher Zhang really so awesome?"


    "The Master has already said so. He already said how wise and virtuous he is. I see how anyone dare doubts him!"


    "Zhang Ye is really defying the Heavens. I know this Master. Look at the Weibo verification. He is an esteemed reverend monk!"


    It was the information age, so even monks kept pace with modern times and were on the web. It was nothing strange. After the Master finished, there were immediately many Buddhist disciples who forwarded and Liked the post.


    Finally.


    A person posted ament as if at a loss whether tough or cry.


    "A few days ago, when Teacher Zhang was leaving the television station, didn''t he recite a poem while the reporters were interviewing him? Something about inside a small house hidden away, he seeks a unified life to obey, why care at all - be it winter, summer, spring or fall, that''s bullsh*t! What is he hiding away from!? It has just been a few days, and Teacher Zhang has stirred something up again? Why can''t I f**king see a tiny bit of why care it all - be it winter, summer, spring or fall?"


    "Hahaha, you dare to believe Teacher Zhang Ye''s words?"


    "Man, that''s true."

 Chapter 199: “Zhang Ye’s Compilation” Signing Event!

    <h4>Chapter 199: ��Zhang Ye��s Comption�� Signing Event! </h4>


    Chapter 199: "Zhang Ye''s Comption" Signing Event!


    Two dayster.


    Xidan, Beijing Book Building.


    In front of a long table, Zhang Ye was sitting there smiling with an autograph pen. He was surrounded by the staff of the publishing house as well as the Book Building''s employees. Some of them were selling the books while others were helping maintain order. The banner was very conspicuous. It was the grand opening of Zhang Ye''s new book, "Zhang Ye''s Comption" signing event. Of course, the adjective grand was just added on. There were not that many people, but there wasn''t that few either.


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Please sign this for me!"


    "Let''s take a picture together!"


    "Ah, I finally met him in person today!"


    "That''s right, he''s much more handsome than on TV!"


    "Teacher Zhang, I''m your hardcore fan!"


    "Don''t squeeze. I came first. I want the autograph first!"


    This event was organized jointly by his publishing house as well as the Book Building. This morning, anyone who bought "Zhang Ye''s Comption" could get his signature by queuing up. As a result, he became busy, "Thank you, thank you for everyone''s support." This was the first time he was having close up interactions with his fans. Zhang Ye was also feeling very excited. Once upon a time, he could only see someone''s signing event from far away. All he saw was other celebrities being surrounded by people. Now, Zhang Ye had also obtained this opportunity. He had finally reached the point of giving others his signature. He could not help but sigh for everything seemed like a dream.


    "Teacher Zhang, please sign on my clothes." A youth dressed like a shut-in looked he liked Zhang Ye a lot. Even his clothes were printed with Zhang Ye''s poem �� ''If you do not leave me, I will always be at your side until the end of life.'' This was the slogan of Zhang Ye''s fan club. It appeared like he was one of them.


    Zhang Ye did not hesitate. He was very grateful for the fans who had supported him all this time. He quickly changed to a watercolor pen and signed his name on the youth''s back.


    After him, there were even more fans who gave a wide variety of requests.


    Some wanted the autograph on their hands.


    Some wanted the autograph on their necks.


    Some even wanted Zhang Ye to sign on the clothes on their chest!


    It was a woman in her twenties with average looks but a particrly hot body. She probably came with friends. There were many girls around her giggling. The woman with a hot body blinked at Zhang Ye and then pointed at her chest.


    Zhang Ye nearly spurt out blood!


    Big! So big!


    The big breasted woman came over and pointed at her chest, "Teacher Zhang, please sign here."


    The staff of the publishing house were at a loss whether tough or to cry. However, they had organized many events like this, so they had encountered this several times. They were not surprised for there were all sorts of fans.


    Zhang Ye was decisive. He stood up with the watercolor pen in hand. But he was still embarrassed to really sign on her breast. He signed on her cor bone. He still took note of possible ramifications. After all, there were so many people watching. However, even though he did so, his hand still slipped. The female fan''s breast was too big, so it was hard to gauge the distance. After he finished writing the word "Ye", the final stroke went vertically down, but with Zhang Ye''s pen trembling, the vertical line flicked all the way to the fan''s huge breast. With that slip, the pen tip clearly had fallen into an area full of flesh.


    "Thank you." The female fan was very happy as she showed off her clothes to her girlfriends.


    ����


    Afternoon.


    The signing event had ended.


    Zhang Ye drove to his parent''s home. He felt like he was covered in sweat. The morning was like a war. It had tired him out. However, what was worth mentioning was that the sales of theption was not bad. It had lived up to the price of the publishing house buying off his royalties. And he had seen many of his passionate fans today. He could converse with them face to face instead of through the inte. It was a good feeling.


    At home.


    He first took a shower before he ate.


    Mom brought the dishes out, "Eat, eat. Look how my son is starving. Seriously, that publishing house�� You were busy all day, but they did not prepare a meal for you?"


    Zhang Ye grabbed a mantou and gnawed on it, "They were also busy. They probably could return only in the afternoon."


    "Look at your table manners." Momughed, "You are already a superstar and you can even hold a signing event. Pay attention to your image and have the bearing and demeanor of a celebrity, understand?"


    Dad also said, "What celebrity? Is there a need to act at home?"


    Mom rolled her eyes at him, "What do you know? Celebrities are all fake."


    Dad educated his son, "Don''t listen to her. Don''t let fame go to your head. You should be what you are. Don''t be cocky."


    "Dad, I understand." Zhang Ye naturally understood.


    Mom curled her lips and ignored her husband. She sat down and scooped food for her son, "Eat more."


    Knock, knock, knock. Someone was knocking on the door.


    "Who is it?" Mom went to open the door.


    It was their neighbor, Auntie Liu. She smiled. "My husband said he happened to see Little Yee home around the corner just now. Eh, Little Ye is eating?"


    Zhang Ye put down his chopsticks, "Auntie Liu!"


    "He just came back. He had a signing event in the morning." Mom said proudly.


    Auntie Liu chuckled, "I came here for this matter. All of you know my husband likes to write. He especially loves Little Ye''s poems. He is embarrassed toe over, so he got me to ask. Is there any more of the Comption?"


    "There are plenty." Mom spoke for her son.


    Auntie Liu said, "That''s great. By the way, Little Ye must sign it for me. This book needs to be properly kept."


    Zhang Ye of course did not disagree. He stopped eating, got a book of "Zhang Ye''s Comption" from his bag and signed on it. After sending Auntie Liu away, he returned to his meal.


    Mom was extremely pleased, "Look at my son. He doesn''t let me down!"


    Dad switched on the television, "That''s because I educated him well. If he had learned from you, who knows what would happen?"


    "Hey, enough of that. What did you teach him? Since he was young, wasn''t I the one getting him to study?" Mom cut him off and said to Zhang Ye, "Son, how many books do you have? Leave them for me and sign all of them. Neighbors would probablye these few days, so I definitely have to give them a few books. I also need to give some to my colleagues. Give me how many you have. Don''t hide them."


    "Got it." Zhang Ye was done eating.


    Today''s signing event had given Zhang Ye the sweet taste of being a celebrity. It made his decision on bing the number one celebrity of this world even more firm with the hot sales of "Zhang Ye''s Comption" and with the movie, "The Great Pugilistic World" done filming. They were in the midst of promotion with a few promotion picks with Zhang Ye dressed in ancient costumes at the corner of the poster. His name was also listed on the cast list. With the poprity of the video "Little Qingshan''s Zen Exchange", his exposure had once again increased these few days. The decrease in his poprity the past few days had finally stabilized.


    But it had only stabilized. It was not enough!


    Zhang Ye did not want to stay on the same spot. He needed to find a move that allowed his poprity to increase andst for a long while. He was frowning with urgency about this!

 Chapter 200: WebTV’s Invitation for Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 200: WebTV��s Invitation for Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 200: WebTV''s Invitation for Zhang Ye!


    Afternoon.


    It was a day off for his parents and they were having an afternoon nap.


    In the small bedroom, Zhang Ye was lying in his own room, staring nkly at the ceiling deep in thought. He felt that his career was now at a dead end. There was constant drama happening. After his departure from the television station, there had been no job offers that could further his career objectives. Having odd jobs and incidents here and there was not the solution, this kind of fame was not sustainable in the long run and he would spiral back down into being an unknown. This was not what Zhang Ye wanted to see happen. If he were to depend on such incidents to maintain his poprity, firstly, he would be too tired. Secondly, when would he ever breakthrough into the D-List rankings?


    The official website had now ced Zhang Ye as the top few in the E-List Celebrity Rankings. Even afterunching his book and filming a movie, it did not let him advance into the D-List. This showed how difficult it was. The celebrities who were ced above him were no pushovers too. They were also garnering more and more poprity every day. If he couldn''t even advance into the D-List, then there was no point mentioning how Zhang Ye wanted to head towards being an A-List celebrity or even international star �� This would be an unattainable dream.


    Keep thinking of it!


    He couldn''t keep being like this forever!


    But where could he go? Where could he go? Zhang Ye still had no direction!


    Singing? It still wasn''t the right time yet. His singing prowess was not yet good enough. To go the direction of being a singer at this point in time would be making a fool of himself. How about writing songs for others? That would be killing the goose thatid the golden eggs. Although it could help maintain his poprity for the time being, it was not a long term solution. Everyone will pay attention only to the singer, not theposer or lyricist. No matter how awesome you were, you couldn''t possibly be an A-List celebrity by writing songs only. You wouldn''t even make it into the C-List. Acting? With his acting skills, wasting all that film as a minor supporting role and spending a full day just to barely do a passable take, it was better not to think of doing it at the moment. Zhang Ye still needed life experience and work experience. He needed to slowly learn and understand all these life lessons. Be a director? Without an inkling fart of qualifications, who would dare let him direct? Besides, Zhang Ye didn''t even know how to direct. He did not even know how to operate a camera. Write novels? The novel industry also had its limits. Compared to a singer or an actor, it was a small market. Even if Zhang Ye tirelessly wrote a bestseller, a singer who had a lukewarm song would receive much more attention than him as a novel writer, unless he wrote one novel a day and a few hundred novels a year. But that would get him captured and used for scientific research. Television station? No one dared to employ him anymore, so it was a negative. His old job as a radio host? There was too little audience over there. Zhang Ye could not possibly live in the past. Even if he did well there, he might not get into the D-List rankings. The audience base was just not enough!


    That''s it!


    All his paths were blocked!


    Zhang Ye was almost crying. Was this his fate? Was there no other way he could move forward? God, don''t mess with me like this, really don''t do it like this!


    Maybe God heard his cries for help.


    Suddenly, he received an unexpected call.


    A week after Zhang Ye left his job, an unexpected party handed him an olive branch.


    It was the very sweet voice of a female on the other side. It was probably a woman whose age was not too young, "Hello, is this Zhang Ye''s number?"


    "It''s me." Zhang Ye said as heid in bed, "You are?"


    The womanughed, "It wasn''t that easy to find you. I had to get help from a few good friends before I managed to contact an old leader of yours who gave me your number. OK, let me introduce myself. My English name is Victoria and I''m the owner, investor and CEO of Weiwo Company. Ourpany''s main operation is in WebTV. I believe you might have heard of our website before, it''s one of the forerunners of this industry. As for me, I am probably much older than you, but you can call me Old Wei or Sister Wei, whichever is fine. It''s just a form of salutation. I''m alright with such things."


    Man, you can have such an English name?


    Zhang Ye was not really bothered by this, "I will call you President Wei, you were look for me for?"


    "I have many friends who are devout Buddhists and I myself am also very interested in Buddhist teachings. A few days ago, I was having a discussion with 2 friends over a meal about your gatha. When I heard it, I became very interested. Only then did I know that there was such a radio host in Beijing." The woman named victoria continued to speak, "I spent an entire night watching you on BTV-Arts Channel''s ''Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms'' and I thought that it was really good. The 1st episode had already captured my interest and then I also went to read your poems. I even listened to ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' from your time at the radio station. I understand that all of these are your original works? ''Lecture Room'' was a program that was mainly nned and produced by you?"


    Zhang Ye humbly said, "I guess so, but it was also a team effort."


    He had not expected that by his participation in a movie filming would lead to so many things. It had even attracted the attention of the CEO of apany. She even called him herself!


    Look at this!


    There were also benefits caused by all these incidents!


    Victoria said, "Our web portal has been doing WebTV for over a year now. When I saw your program for the first time, I knew that you were the host that our WebTV was looking for!"


    Zhang Ye felt overwhelmed and said, "You are praising me too much."


    "How about it?" Victoriaughed a little saying, "Are you interested ining to develop yourself in the WebTV industry? I heard that you have been cklisted by all the television stations and can''t return to that industry anymore. But our side here does not have so many rules like them, as long as you are willing toe, our unit will create a program for you. You are good at program nning, you can decide on a program for yourself. You can also choose what time you want it to be broadcasted at. I will let you rmend your own sry, all of these can be discussed!"


    Ah?


    Rmend my own sry?


    Decide on my own program?


    Choose a time that I want it to be broadcasted at?


    Zhang Ye thought to himself that with such good treatment, could there be a catch? So he replied, "President Wei, are you asking me to create another program like ''Lecture Room''?" Although Beijing Television Station had already fired him, he still had some old friends and an old leader there. Hu Fei had treated him quite well and he was the one who recruited him into the television station despite objections. Zhang Ye would never create a simr program topete with Hu Fei, Xiao Lu and the others.


    Victoria replied with an answer that made him feel assured, "You are thinking too much. I am not intending for you topete with your old employer. Besides, ''Lecture Room'' might be a good program, but its audience demographics is older. Even though some younger people watched it, most of those viewers were above the age of 25. If you put such a program on WebTV, it will never work. We have an audience that are in their teens to thirties. This group of people are the main force for WebTV."


    Zhang Ye nodded, "So it''s like this."


    "Mr Zhang, you can think it over first. But you should be able to feel my sincerity. I really would like you to join us and develop together with us. Oh right, maybe I need to tell you this first. Ourpany is based in Shanghai, so you might need to settle down here, We do not have a recording studio over in Beijing at the moment." Victoria said.


    "OK, I will give it some consideration."


    "Alright, then I hope to have good news from you, hur hur."


    "Thank you for the invitation, I will seriously consider it."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye''s phone rang again. This time, it was Hu Fei.


    "Little Zhang." Hu Fei asked, "Just now a friend of mine called to ask for your phone number, I think that a WebTVpany would like you to join them? Have you replied yet?"


    Zhang Ye said immediately, "Not yet, I was just about to ask you for your opinion. Is the WebTV industry any good?"


    "You are a media worker, but you don''t know about WebTV?" Hu Fei said annoyingly. But he still exined, "It''s actually just a broadcast that is done over the inte, but their programs are richer. There are variety programs, news programs and even kids'' programs�� "


    Over in Zhang Ye''s previous world, WebTV was still an industry in its infancy. It was not really WebTV per se, it was just an online portal to the television station''s programs. It was just putting the resources and programs of a television station onto the inte so that everyone could view it. But upon hearing Hu Fei''s exnation, Zhang Ye understood that this world''s WebTV was different. It was a lot more matured than his previous world''s. This was the true form of a WebTV station. It was simr to television in that they had a program list for the day, it was only delivered over the inte. Its programs were premiere broadcasts and they were not repeated broadcasts from television stations. The advertising model and operating structure were also very advanced and they were administered by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of The People''s Republic of China (SARFT).


    "Then, do you think I should go?" Zhang Ye asked for his views.


    Hu Fei said, "That will depend on yourself. Right now, no traditional television station would dare to recruit you. WebTV might be the only way for you. There are pros and cons to joining them. The pros are that the audience base is bigger as there are manyizens. For a really good program, a single episode can have a viewership of a few million. With that, it is already much higher than you being at our Arts Channel speaking about the Three Kingdoms. The cons are that there is too much content on the inte, unlike television which only has a few channels and people switch on their TVs just to watch television programs. The inte is different because people do not necessarily choose to watch WebTV when they are online. Some like to watch movies, some watch animations, some choose to read novels, some watch short clips. Therefore, a sessful WebTV program would need to stand out. They do not onlypete with other WebTV programs, they alsopete with other inte content. The pressure is huge so it is not easy to stand out."


    Zhang Ye had some thoughts.


    Hu Feiughed, "But who does not know about Little Zhang''s capabilities? Other people might not stand out in this vast ocean even if they had forever to do so, but you are different. I believe that you can do it!"


    "Thanks, Brother Hu."


    "Make your own decision."


    "Sure, I will think about it again."


    After the conversation ended, Zhang Ye was lying on his bed and massaging his temple. He had a headache. There were pros and cons, should he go or not?


    A dilemma!


    It was really hard to decide!


    A celebrity was not someone that people should be so envious of. On the surface, it looked really easy. But in reality, only they themselves knew how difficult it was. A wrong step would end careers. Every step could only be taken after careful consideration!


    How carefully do they have to consider? Just look at Zhang Ye and you would understand!


    Do you know why Zhang Ye always scratches his head?


    Do you know why Zhang Ye always has his hands on his head?


    Do you know why Zhang Ye always puts his hands through his hair at night unable to sleep?


    That''s right! It''s because he was gued by dandruff issues!

 Chapter 201: About to Leave Beijing!

    <h4>Chapter 201: About to Leave Beijing! </h4>


    Chapter 201: About to Leave Beijing!


    In the room.


    Zhang Ye did some research on Weiwo''s video website.


    The front page was very clean, beautiful and well organized. The website was simr to other traditional sites with animations, music and other things. But the one thing that was different was they had a schedule of Weiwo''s program listings ced in an eye catching area of the page. Zhang Ye clicked on it and he had a look. He browsed through the programs and felt that there wasn''t much difference to a traditional television station. They had singing programs, news programs and also some syndicated television serials. The difference was that the production value was cheaper. After all, the funding couldn''tpare to a television station, so a program''s equipment and setup were also sacrificed.


    "News Report" �� 110,000 views.


    "My Music Period Episode 124" �� 80,000 views.


    "Celebrity Interview Episode 69" �� 7,113,000 views.


    The views were pathetic and there were not many programs. Most of the programs had only around tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of views only. But there was also another extremity like Weiwo WebTV''s star program, ''Celebrity Interview''. Thetest episode had over 7 million views. Even for someone like Zhang Ye, whose poems had view rates of several million, was shocked. He understood that for his poems, the viewing rates were slightly boosted by the fact that anyone who came across it would register as a view. They might not have read it nor even liked it. But for a program like "Celebrity Interview" with so many episodes, these numbers were the real deal!


    Why was it so popr?


    Zhang Ye clicked on it to take a look. This was a program that was broadcasted weekly. It was always broadcasted on a weekend and every episode had guests who were usually foreigners.


    Doyle?


    Fries?


    David Charter?


    Zhang Ye did not know any of them, so he copied their names and did a search online. He was shocked by the search results, these people were all celebrities from America and Europe! From S-Listers to B-Listers. There were actors! There were singers! There were models! The least well-known ones were also neers who were in the top 5 of those American or European music charts! There were also a number of local celebrities. Like the one his mother liked a lot, a B-Listeredian. He was the guest for the previous episode!


    Holy sh*t!


    They could invite so many of these people?


    What kind of a social contacts and background did this online portal have!?


    But from another perspective, it could be seen how much development potential WebTV had. It was a new media that was independent of television stations!


    But even with many transformations, the core remained the same. Upon some research by Zhang Ye, he realized that his previous world also had something simr. Like those online drama serials or talent shows. Didn''t they also produce a new episode first on the web daily or weekly? The logic was the same. However, this world had consolidated it to form a series of television programs. And these programs were much more focused in breadth, forming a solid link between them.


    ����


    "Little Ye."


    "Yeah, I''m here."


    "Come out for dinner."


    "Oh, I''ll be right out."


    Zhang Ye switched off hisputer, went out to the living room and sat down.


    His mom had finished preparing dinner, "Go wash your hands before eating!"


    But Zhang Ye did not move, he remain seated on his chair, "Dad, mom, I have something to discuss with you. A CEO from a WebTV portal called me earlier to invite me to join them as a host. The remuneration is good, but I would have to work in Shanghai. So I might not be back here in the short term."


    His mother eximed, "You have a job now? That''s so good. Go on, go on. Everyone is worried about you. Your dad and I will not miss you."


    Zhang Ye, "�� "


    His father said, "Your career is more important. You can decide for yourself."


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure, if you have no objections, then I will go?"


    "Go on, go on. WebTV has been emerging in recent years. I heard that if you do well as a WebTV host, your fame will be even greater than a traditional television host." His mother did know a little.


    That was true. Didn''t Gao Xiaosong emerge this way too in his previous world?


    Zhang Ye was calm, "That''s if it works out. But the risks are high as well. WebTV is not a good tform to stand out on. Thepetition is too high and if my program does not do well, then my reputation would crumble. I can go, but I really need to think about what program I will do." It was easy to choose a program to do, shows like "Lecture Room" had been tried and tested back in his previous world. They were mature programs. But to make a program for age specific viewers of WebTV, Zhang Ye was undecided on what kind of a program to do. This decision was very vital.


    His mother gave him a pair of chopsticks, "Think slowly, my son will definitely not have a problem."


    After dinner, Zhang Ye called Victoria to inform her of his decision to join them.


    Shortly after hanging up, a male staff contacted him and told him that a ne ticket had been booked for tomorrow. He asked if the timing was a problem, if it was, he would do the necessary changes. Zhang Ye hesitated a little and decided that he will go tomorrow as he had been idling for too long already.


    His mother said surprised, "Leaving tomorrow already?"


    Zhang Ye nodded, "It seems like they are quite urgent about this. I suppose they need to get a program up quickly, so they want me to go over sooner to help out."


    "Then quickly get your luggage packed." his mother urged.


    Zhang Ye did not know tough or cry, "Mom, at least try to keep me here!"


    His mother exined logically, "As the mom of a celebrity, I have to be reasonable. Son, mom understands, go quickly and be an A-Lister so that I can go and show off to people!"


    His father said, "Come back when you have the time, it''s not far by ne or train."


    "Sure, if I am free, I wille home." Zhang Ye bade farewell to his parents and went downstairs.


    On the car, Zhang Ye thought for a moment before taking his phone out to send Zhang Yuanqi a message: I am going to develop my career in Shanghai for a while. I won''t be home for the short term.


    In the past, Zhang Yuanqi would never return Zhang Ye''s messages. But today, he was surprised to receive one. It was just a one worded reply �� OK.


    Zhang Ye was afraid that the Heavenly Queen woulde to his apartment, so he figured that it would be good to notify her. Putting his phone aside, he drove off straight for Jiaomen.


    ����


    In the district.


    The moon was out, the skies were misty.


    Back at his rented apartment, Zhang Ye''s began packing his luggage. He put his clothes and socks in. He finished packing and ended up with 2 big luggages. Seeing the clock on the wall, it was almost 9PM.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    A few calls were connected.


    The first call came from the eldest of his younger cousin sisters, "Brother, I heard that you are going to Shanghai? Have you packed? Do you need me to help you pack?"


    Zhang Ye was pleased and said, "No need, I have finished packing."


    The eldest young sister said caringly, "Then please have a safe trip, I will visit you if I have time!"


    The second call was from the youngest sister, "Brother, hehe, please leave without worries. (simr to what you would say to a dead person)"


    Zhang Ye was annoyed and said, "Why does it not sound like a good thing?"


    "Anyway when youe back, remember to bring me a present! When I''m on break, I can visit you. You must take care of my food and lodging," his younger cousin said in a spoiled manner.


    "OK, OK, OK. Tell your dad and mom as well."


    "My dad and mom already know, they wish you all the best in your career."


    After a few calls from his family, Zhang Ye said his goodbyes to them as well. After that, he turned and looked at thendy''s apartment a short distance away. He was going to leave soon, so he definitely had to inform thendy. If there was anything he missed, this was the ce he missed the most. After all, this was the first ce where he lived independently after graduation. His career also developed from here, so he had many emotions about this ce�� of course, the main reason was his feelings for Rao Aimin.


    The door was ajar.


    The elevator sounded and footsteps were clearly heard from the corridor.


    Zhang Ye turned around and saw thendy''s shadow passing his slightly opened door. He could not see her face but that exercise outfit was all too familiar. Moreover, the only person who would go out to train and exercise at this time was Rao Aimin. Zhang Ye put down his luggage, went out and closed the door before going after her.


    "Landy auntie." Zhang Ye said from behind her.


    Rao Aimin turned around and looked, "What do you want?"


    Zhang Ye felt emotionally hurt as he coughed, "There''s a little something."


    "If it''s not about borrowing money,e in." Rao Aimin opened the door with her keys and gave him a nce, "But if you are thinking of borrowing money, then go away as far as possible."


    "Aiya, what borrow money." Zhang Ye followed into the apartment, "Eh, where''s Chenchen?"


    Rao Aimin turned towards the bathroom and took a towel to wipe her sweat off, "Autumn tour, the school organized a trip to the suburbs, 2 days and 1 night. She will only be back tomorrow."


    There are just the two of us?


    A man and a woman, alone!


    Zhang Ye swallowed his saliva and took a peek at Rao Aimin''s healthy figure. That sports attire was too fitting to her body. It outlined the curves of her body clearly.


    Rao Aimin looked at him, "Spit out whatever you have to say, I still need to take a shower."


    Zhang Ye said, "I am leaving for Shanghai tomorrow. It might be for a month or two. In any case, I won''t be back in the short term. I found a new job over there as a WebTV host. Please leave this apartment as it is, I will continue paying the rent. I just wanted toe over to say goodbye to you and Chenchen."


    Rao Aimin said happily, "There are still television stations that want to hire you?"


    "It''s a WebTV station. Not the traditional type." Zhang Ye answered.


    "Oh, as long as it''s a job. OK, scram now." Rao Aimin''s tone was simr to his mother''s. It felt like they couldn''t wait for him to leave.


    Zhang Ye''s heart was shattered, "I can''t bear to part. Look at you, you have hurt me emotionally." Saying that, he began to y the hooligan and sat on her sofa. "I''m not leaving tonight. No way."


    Rao Aimin narrowed her eyes and said, "Hur hur, then shall I throw you out?"


    "Go ahead. I will be sleeping here in any case." Zhang Yey down with his feet up.


    But Rao Aimin really came towards him.


    Zhang Ye jumped up in shock and said, "Don''t you touch me, I''m warning you. My body is very weak. If you touch me, I will break. If you hit me, I will die!"


    This was hisst night in Beijing. He had hoped for something to happen between him and Rao Aimin, so he insisted on staying over.

 Chapter 202: Extreme Boldness!

    <h4>Chapter 202: Extreme Boldness! </h4>


    Chapter 202: Extreme Boldness!


    The crickets were chirping outside.


    From the apartment came a scream.


    This was a moonless night.


    "Aiyo! Let go, let go! It''s really painful!"


    "A rascal like you is getting bolder and bolder now?"


    "Not at all, no. I am leaving soon. Tonight is thest night, so I will definitely miss this ce. You rented me the ce when I graduated and even took care of my meals. The care you showed me fills my heart with gratitude. There is no way for me to return it. So I want to chat with you throughout the night. I have no idea when I''ll be back. Why do you twist my arm while we chat!?"


    "You just wanted to chat?"


    "Of course, just a chat."


    "Then say it now. Your Sister Rao is listening."


    "Let go of me first, how can I talk in this position!"


    Rao Aimin took off her knee from his body and her hands loosened its grip from his elbow.


    Zhang Ye actually wanted to try her hand, but he was unable to use his Taiji Fist. His Taekwondo skills were insufficient, so he ended up being restrained by thendy with his face to the sofa. His arm nearly broke. This Old Rao was ruthless!


    "Talk now." Rao Aimin stared at him.


    Zhang Ye nodded but he did not know what to say.


    Finally, Rao Aimin ignored him and headed to the second floor. She was probably going to take a shower.


    Zhang Ye looked at Rao Aimin who was climbing up the stairs. He blinked and said, "Then I will be staying for the night."


    Rao Aimin''s footsteps disappeared up the stairs and a bang sounded off upstairs. It sounded like the bathroom door.


    Zhang Ye felt he had a shot so his heart began to thump heavily. Thest time and the previous time before thest, he had sneakily attacked thendy while sleeping. He had seeded twice, but thendy did not mention the matter again. It was as if it had never happened. This made Zhang Ye''s boldness to do evil increase even more. It fanned his mes which resulted in him daring to insist on staying behind. It was probably because he had fully understood Rao Aimin''s character. Her mouth was venomous and her actions were ruthless, but her heart was soft. It seemed like she did not detest him in any way.


    It was the final night, so he had to grab the opportunity. At least, he had to take some advantage of her, or else, once he went to Shanghai, he would no longer be able to take any advantage temporarily.


    Zhang Ye had worked up a sweat while packing his luggage. So he got up and went to the first level''s bathroom. He took off his clothes in preparation to take a shower. When he threw his clothes, Zhang Ye noticed that Rao Aimin''s dirty clothes were piled up in the washing machine. Pantyhoses were lying at the top. There was a slight tear in the middle of the pantyhose. There were two panties beneath. They were white and nude in color. Further below was a long dress and a pair of sweatpants.


    Tempting!


    Zhang Ye took a couple of nces before he took a shower.


    Hua Hua Hua. He washed his hair,thered up body soap and washed himself clean.


    As a male, he naturally showered very quickly. After drying himself, Zhang Ye did not wear any outerwear. He just wore his autumn pants before opening the bathroom''s door. He looked up and gingerly went up the stairs. The second level''s lights had been switched off. However, the bathroom light was still lit. The fragrance of bathing foam could be smelled. There was also the sound of flowing water. Clearly, Rao Aimin was not done showering; however, she was probably almost done.


    Zhang Ye acted as if this was his own house. He impolitely pulled open the nket and slipped in. After all, he had slept in there several times.


    One minute��


    Five minutes��


    The sound of flowing water finally stopped.


    With a creak, the door opened. Rao Aimin walked out the bathroom.


    Zhang Ye quickly closed his eyes. He also did not know what to say, so he pretended to be asleep.


    The sounds of footsteps could be heard, and was probablying from the other side of the bed. "Creak". The sound of the wardrobe opening could be heard. Then it was the ruffling noises of clothes being rummaged through. Thendy was likely to be searching for something to wear. A few seconds after the wardrobe''s door was closed, a faint sound of something dropping on the bed could be heard. It was as if she had taken off a piece of clothing. From the weight and feel, it seemed like a bra dropping on the bed.


    Soon after, the bed creaked. Clearly, a person was sitting on it.


    Then, the nket on Zhang Ye moved as a fragrant body entered.


    He only heard thendy saying, "Didn''t you say you wanted to chat before you leave? Say it, what do you want to chat about?"


    "Well," Zhang Ye could no longer pretend to be sleeping. He turned around and faced Rao Aimin. He first looked at her body. She was dressed in a white bathrobe. Although the lights were off, he could still use the moonlight to see a deep ravine. One had to know that Rao Aimin was lying t. No matter how big a woman''s breasts were, they would "shrink" when lying t. The flesh would sink as if they were being "eaten" by the body unless one wore a support bra. However, it was clear that thendy was not wearing a bra underneath the bathroom. Even after lying down, the cleavage was still so deep. It could not be said that Rao Aimin''s breasts were much bigger than others, but it was definitely more tight and full than others. In Northern speak, it was particrly substantial.


    "Say it?" Rao Aimin yawned with her eyes closed, "If there''s nothing to say, then scram. I''m tired after a long day and I have to fetch Chenchen early in the morning tomorrow."


    Zhang Ye opened his mouth and asked, "Are you not married?"


    "You''ve stayed here for a few months already and you still don''t know if I''m married or not?" Rao Aimin replied.


    "You were not married before?"


    "Never have I been married before nor have I been divorced."


    "Why did you not find someone to spend your days with?"


    "I''ve already said it before, don''t poke your nose into my affairs. Take care of yourself and don''t ask me so much. Is your nickname ''100,000 Whys''?"


    "Man, isn''t that what chatting is all about?"


    Zhang Ye''s chats with Rao Aimin rarely went beyond three sentences on a topic. Either it was Zhang Ye who choked up, or it was Zhang Ye choking. There was no way to carry on chatting. Thendy''s mouth was born to rebut others. If she didn''t do it, her mouth wouldn''t feel right.


    After chatting a little, they went quiet again.


    "This trip to Shanghai, my future will be uncertain. But I have to go anyway, I need a ce where I can develop and train." Not hearing a response, Zhang Ye turned his head and said, "Landy auntie? Landy auntie?"


    Rao Aiminy t asleep.


    Zhang Ye blinked but did not act rashly.


    After about 10 minutes, when he was sure that Rao Aimin was deep asleep, Zhang Ye slowly nudged his way over and daringly stretched his hand over. The previous time, he had only went for thendy''s thighs and belly areas as he had not dared to go for other parts.


    Rao Aimin''s bathrobe had been twisted by the nket causing it to be ruffled. Zhang Ye touched her thigh and found it smooth. Without the bathrobe blocking him, he could directly touch her bare skin.


    Rao Aimin made a sound and moved her legs but still remained asleep.


    Zhang Ye looked at her with guilt, but felt it was safe, so he continued to touch her thighs all over.


    From the top to the bottom, from the bottom back to the top. Zhang Ye was mesmerized by the sensation of the touch. Suddenly, when he was nning on cing his fingers into the side of Rao Aimin''s panties, Rao Aimin was awakened.


    She opened her eyes, "Are you letting me sleep?"


    Zhang Ye was extremely embarrassed, "Cough, letting."


    "Sleep, you may not be tired, but I am." Rao Aimin pulled the nket and closed her eyes again.


    However, Zhang Ye did not remove his hand. After stopping for a few seconds, he gently pinched her buttocks. The tight flesh made him reluctant to move his hand away.


    Rao Aimin ignored him. Anyway, there was no movement.


    After satisfying his craving, Zhang Ye became even more dishonest. Today, without Chenchen at home, he became even more unbridled. He stuck close to Rao Aimin and squeezed her. Then he slowly pulled the nket that was covering her chest bit by bit, pulling it down to thendy''s waist.


    It reached the critical spot!


    Zhang Ye was a bit nervous, but also a bit excited!


    Touch! If he didn''t take grab the opportunity, then who knew when it woulde again!


    Zhang Ye emboldened himself and threw the value of his life out of his head. He would not regret even if he was thrown over the shoulder onto the wall. Then, he took a deep breath as he lifted his hand from her thigh. He brought it forward, and slowly, inch by inch, his hand approached thendy. With his four fingers contracted together, he carefully squeezed it into Rao Aimin''s bathrobe''s opening.


    Puff!


    The feeling of flesh!


    At that instant, Zhang Ye felt as if he was going to break through space. It felt great. He had finally attacked this region of thendy!


    But at the same time, Rao Aimin also moved!


    Zhang Ye felt a pain in his arm. His wrist joints had been pinched by Rao Aimin. His body was pulled forward and his head was pushed onto the bed, "Ah!


    "You started to be forceful when I ignored you!?" Rao Aimin looked at him.


    Zhang Ye was sweating from the pain. Sex and danger were just two sides of the same coin!


    Rao Aimin took a nce and released. "Now, you know pain?" Saying that, she pursed her lips as she looked at Zhang Ye pant and sweat. She helped him massage his bones. "Was it twisted?"


    "I don''t know. Painful!" Zhang Ye cried in pain.


    Rao Aimin touched his arm again and probably found the reason. "Don''t move." Just as she said that, she suddenly used her force, resulting in a sounding from Zhang Ye''s arm!


    "Aiyah!" Zhang Ye shouted.


    "Alright. It was just twisted." Rao Aimin said softly, "Sleep."


    Zhang Ye moved his arm again and it was really much better. He looked towards Rao Aimin and saw that Old Rao had once again gone back to sleep.


    Zhang Ye hated it. Why were you so ruthless? You really twisted my arm? He was already a wasted force. Since he had already been twisted once, twice would also be the same. Zhang Ye went all out, refusing to have his beliefs shaken. Once his hand wasn''t in pain anymore, he once again tucked his hand into Rao Aimin''s bathrobe''s opening.


    A simr scene!


    With a sneer, Rao Aimin grabbed Zhang Ye''s wrist again. However, it was unknown if she was afraid to dislocate or fracture his arm again, so she did not use any strength in the end.


    Zhang Ye tried pinching on her clothes.


    Rao Aimin''s hand was draped over his wrists. This time she did not move. After a while, she said, "��Just this once."


    "Hey!" Zhang Ye was feeling good.


    Rao Aimin gently removed her hand.


    With Zhang Ye receiving the imperial edict, he did not hesitate anymore, and rubbed inside her clothes!


    Soft!

 Chapter 203

    <h4>Chapter 203 </h4>


    Chapter 203


    Sunday.


    In thendy''s apartment.


    It was almost 10:30AM. Zhang Ye had just woken up. He looked to the other side of the bed but saw no signs of Rao Aimin. He was now alone. A white bathrobe and a pink union suit was left on the bed. They looked freshly washed and unworn. It was probably left on the bed when Rao Aimin woke up in the morning and tried it on before finding it unsuitable. It looked like she was in a rush since she did not even keep them back into the wardrobe.


    Where did she go?


    Sigh, what a pity! He did not witness thendy changing.


    Zhang Ye could imagine it, thendy standing by the bedside and taking off her bathrobe before putting her bra and clothes on. Unfortunately, Zhang Ye had been sound asleep at that moment. Otherwise, with Zhang Ye''s violent temper, he would risk his life to take a look!


    Zhang Ye rolled over and got up. He looked at his hands and lifted it to his nose to smell the sweet fragrance. Yes, there were still the remnants of the fragrance from Rao Aimin''s clothes fromst night. Mesmerizing scents diffusing everywhere, immersing into the heart, like a dream or fantasy. Everything in the universe crossed through his brain, the feeling that uprose from the soul��Forget it, I''ll stop being irritating. A bit hungry. Time to get off from the bed.


    He put on his clothes.


    He washed up and brushed his teeth.


    There was no one downstairs, he was all alone in the apartment.


    "Hmm? Where did thendy auntie go?" Zhang Ye mumbled to himself.


    At this moment, the door opened and Rao Aimin led Chenchen into the house holding her hands. Little Chenchen was carry a schoolbag, so Zhang Ye knew that thendy had gone to fetch her from the school. Chenchen had returned today from her autumn trip.


    Zhang Ye was in a good mood. He stretched his hands out and greeted, "Chenchen."


    Chenchen looked at him and waved back with a straight face like an adult, "Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye did not take it too heart. He looked over to Rao Aimin, "Landy auntie, is there anything to eat?"


    "Nothing, eat on the ne." Rao Aimin said.


    "My flight is in the afternoon, at most they''d serve dinner." Zhang Ye touched his belly, "I didn''t eat muchst night so I''m getting hungry."


    Chenchen raised her hands, "Reporting to Big Aunt, I am hungry too."


    Rao Aiminughingly scolded, "You two are so greedy! All you know is to eat!" She turned around into the kitchen, "Little Zhang, get Chenchen to wash her hands."


    "OK." Zhang Ye led Chenchen to the bathroom. Chenchen was short and could not reach the faucet so Zhang Ye had to carry her up.


    The little rascal even started to be demanding. If she stretched her hand forward, she could clearly wash it herself, but she chose not to move.


    Zhang Ye could only lift her with one hand, and used his other hand to turn on the tap. After he got her soap to wash her hand with, he said, "You sure have be an old master. How was the trip? Did you have fun?"


    Chenchen said, "Not bad."


    "What do you mean by not bad?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Chenchen pouted, "They were too childish. They got all overly excited when they saw a wild boar at the zoo, some of the girls even cried."


    Zhang Ye said, "A wild boar is scary, aren''t you afraid?"


    Chenchen said, "We were on a tour bus and there were protective grilles. The wild boars couldn''t get in. Besides, when I was 5 years old, my mum brought me hiking in the mountains. She carried me and used only 1 hand to kill a wild boar, so what''s there to be afraid of? When I was 6, my aunt brought me to the countryside to y. We were surrounded by 7 or 8 wolves but my aunt just stood there and stared back at them. The wolves did not dare to attack and ran off scared in the end!"


    Zhang Ye did not know whether tough or cry. He thought to himself that it was no wonder she did not get along well with her ssmates. What kind of people was she family to? Growing up in an environment like that, it was little wonder Little Chenchen grew up to be like this.


    At the dining table.


    The young and an old duo sat down as they started shouting towards the kitchen.


    "We''re hungry." Zhang Ye said with no energy.


    Chenchen also said, "Big Aunt, is it done yet?"


    "We will faint if we don''t get any food." Zhang Ye called out.


    Chenchen took her chopsticks and struck them on the bowl, "Rice, rice, rice!"


    These two were spurring each other on, wave after wave.


    The kitchen door opened as Rao Aimin walked out wearing an apron, saying, "Who''s rushing me? Settle down properly! You didn''t even help me, all you know is to eat! The nerve! Keep disturbing me and no one will get to eat!"


    As the host got annoyed, the both of them immediately shut their mouths.


    After about 10 minutes, the dishes were served and the rice was also ready.


    Zhang Ye ate with his chopsticks like a hungry tiger while Chenchen also tried to snatch from him. The young and the old duo shoved and swallowed their food without any table manners.


    Rao Aimin nced at Zhang Ye, "Chenchen is learning all the bad stuff from you!"


    Chenchen did not use to behave this way when eating. She was always calm in adylike way, taking a bite, slowly chewing her food. But with Zhang Ye leading the way, Chenchen also followed along. It was like they werepeting who could eat faster. It could be seen from this that even though Chenchen was matured for her age, she was still childlike in her behaviors.


    After the meal.


    Zhang Ye ate his fill. With one fed and warmed, one''s sexual desires arose. He happened to be sitting on the same side as Rao Aimin. Chenchen was sitting across them. As such, Zhang Ye secretly moved his hand over. Rao Aimin did not change her clothes aftering home. She had gone into the kitchen to cook immediately. She was now wearing an old-fashioned long skirt and top that suited her bearing very well. The long skirt reached to her calves. It was the kind that was a bit more flowery. Zhang Ye touched thendy''s thigh with the skirt separating his hand. Although Rao Aimin had said to him that he was only allowed once yesterday, Zhang Ye naturally didn''t treat her words seriously.


    Chenchen couldn''t see as she was holding her stomach burping.


    Rao Aimin''s eyebrows ticked, "Little Zhang, go wash the dishes."


    "In a while. I''ll wash it in a while. I''m too full and need to take a rest." Zhang Ye did not go and carried on touching her leg. The feeling wasn''t the same with direct contact with flesh but through a skirt. Besides, her skirt''s fabric was rough, and had the feeling of friction. She was definitely wearing pantyhose too. He looked down at Rao Aimin''s nude colored beautiful feet, indeed, there was a thinyer of nude colored stockings. Zhang Ye became excited as he boldly pulled up her skirt bit by bit, revealing more of her beautiful legs that were covered in stockings.


    Finally, the skirt reached her knees.


    Only then did Zhang Ye let go and touched the stockings directly. The feeling of exquisiteness which was both rough and smooth. There was even the faint softness and bounciness of her skin below it.


    Rao Aimin lowered her hand and threw his hand away.


    Zhang Ye was persistent and put his hand over once again and held on.


    Chenchen said, "Zhang Ye, help me do my homework in a while."


    "Do it yourself." Rao Aimin''s attention was diverted as she reprimanded Chenchen, "How can you get someone else to do your homework? Do you want to be useless in the future!?"


    Chenchen said in an unwilling manner, "Okay."


    "I can''t help you either. Your Uncle Zhang is leaving today, for Shanghai." Zhang Ye said.


    Chenchen said, "Oh? Why are you going?"


    Zhang Ye said, "For work. This bro needs to make money for a living. I''m not like you, happily going to school everyday, without a care or thought for the world." Zhang Ye took the opportunity to grope more of thendy''s thigh. And he even inserted his hand into her skirt. He had undying wicked intentions and wanted to carry on exploring deeper. "How about it? Hearing that your uncle is leaving, do you feel especially hatful to part with me? It''s alright. I expect myself to be back in a month or two."


    Chenchen stared at him. The corners of her lips pulled apart slightly, "Hur Hur."


    At this moment, Rao Aimin stood up. Hua. Nearly all the skirt that had been pulled up by Zhang Ye dropped down, returning to its original state. "Little Zhang, follow me. I still have some unopened daily necessities that I don''t use. I''ll give them to you. Take it with you."


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh, there''s no need. I''ve finished packing."


    "Come, I''ll give it to you." Rao Aimin smiled as she entered her bedroom.


    From her looks, Zhang Ye knew that it was definitely not something good. When had thendy ever been so considerate. She even prepared daily necessities for him? Impossible. She was definitely up to no good. She was preparing to finish this bro! Of course, Zhang Ye did not fall for it. With Chenchen beside him, it was definitely not convenient for thendy to beat him up. However, if he were to enter the bedroom, there would only be the two of them. Then how could Zhang Ye end up in a good state?


    "No, no. There''s really no need. It''s better if I go wash the dishes!" Zhang Ye felt guilty and quickly cleaned up the tes and chopsticks. He brought them to the kitchen and began washing.


    After he finished, Zhang Ye came out, "Landy auntie, Chenchen, I''m going. Time to go to the airport."


    Rao Aimin came over again, "Alright, I''ll send you."


    Zhang Ye hurriedly lifted his hand, "Stay please, stay. I wouldn''t dare to trouble you. There''s no need, no need at all. I can easily carry the two luggage bags myself. You can''t leave Chenchen alone at home. What if another few more burrse in again? So don''t you leave. I''m going!" He quickly went out the door, and then gave a final wave at them before quickly closing the door. Only then did Zhang Ye heave a sigh of relief.


    That was close!


    If he was to stay behind to be beaten up by thendy just before he left, then he would be dumb!


    Returning home, he gave ast look at the ce that he had been staying for the past few months. He gave a nostalgic smile and turned around. He then pulled the two luggage bags he had already finished packing downstairs. From the beautiful memories he forged fromst night until today in thendy''s house, Zhang Ye was feeling very good. He did not have any depressive feelings of leaving.


    "Eh? Isn''t this Teacher Zhang?" A female college student, who was a renter, hade out to throw the rubbish. She was stunned seeing Zhang Ye, "Those luggage bags are?"


    Her boyfriend also came out, "Teacher Zhang, are you going away for business or for pleasure?"


    The moment Zhang Ye became famous, all the renters of thendy''s properties knew that a celebrity was staying here. Zhang Ye also knew them. He always greeted them.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I''m going to Shanghai for work."


    "Ah? You won''t be staying in Beijing?" The female college student said in surprise.


    Zhang Ye said in a self-mocking manner, "No one here dares to hire me, so I can only change locations to further develop myself."


    The male college student harrumphed, "It is this bunch of television stations that have no foresight. Don''t worry Teacher Zhang. We will definitely support you. Everything will definitely go smoothly for you this time!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, then I''ll be counting on your blessings."


    Maybe because of the voices, a few residents also came out. There were people both young and old.


    Zhang Ye bade each and everyone of them farewell. This was a bunch of very cute neighbors. Many of them did not especially like Zhang Ye''s works, but every time they saw him, they would give him words of praise and encouragement. During the days when Zhang Ye was poor, without any food to eat, it was also this bunch of cute neighbors who sent him food. Zhang Ye could never forget that box of fragrant braised beef.

 Chapter 204

    <h4>Chapter 204 </h4>


    Chapter 204


    Afternoon.


    Airport.


    Just as he arrived at the hall, his phone rang.


    It was Yao Jiancai, "Hey Little Zhang, why didn''t you pick my call up all night?"


    "Hey Old Yao," Zhang Ye was very familiar with him, so he casually addressed him, "Did you call me yesterday? Hai, I left my phone at home and didn''t bring it with me.


    Yao Jiancai then said, "Where are you?"


    "At the airport, why?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "The movie has finished pre-production and there should be a celebration today and everyone is gathered for a feast. Now everyone is here except you. What are you doing at the airport? You have a job notice? Forget it. Let''s talk when you get here since it isn''t that far away. We are at Shun Yi." Yao Jiancai then said, "Be quick, everyone''s waiting for you. If not for you subduing those monks on that mountain, our movie would have continued filming until the next month and go to other provinces to get the scenes of other monasteries. The to and fro of taking a ne would have dyed us greatly. So we can''t have you not attending. The Deputy Director even asked about you."


    Zhang Ye said, "I think I shouldn''t go? I have a flight in the afternoon."


    "That''s in thete afternoon. It''s still early. Come here quickly. That''s all." Yao Jiancai hung up.


    D*mn, Zhang Ye''s expression looked mixed. He looked at his check-in time and there was plenty of time, so he grabbed a taxi to the address Old Yao sent him through a text message.


    ����


    "Here, cheers!"


    "Teacher Little Zhang, drink!"


    "Yes, I want to have one with Teacher Zhang!"


    "Zhang Ye, let us have one drink. I didn''t know you in the past, but I sure got to know you at that little mountain. You sure are powerful. Let''s drink, no wine must be left!"


    "Haha, let''s all toss a drink. Let''s celebrate thepletion of ''The Great Pugilistic World''!"


    "If the box office exceeds a hundred million, then we will have a formal celebration again. Everyone, cheers!"


    ����


    Afternoon.


    Just past 2pm.


    The airport was crowded as the crowds rushed around.


    After the social gathering, Zhang Ye was walking inside but he bumped into a man!


    "Aiyah!" Zhang Ye turned angry, "What are you doing! Why aren''t you watching where you go?"


    The man was dressed in branded clothes and looked like he was in a hurry to catch a ne, as he retorted impatiently, "You bumped into me! And you the first offender wants to make aint?"


    Zhang Ye stared, "Repeat once again who bumped into who?"


    At this moment, the man''s phone rang. He looked nervous and then whispered, "Hi��Hi, I''ll board the ne immediately��I got it, got it!"


    Zhang Ye still wanted to argue with him.


    But after the man hung up, he ignored him and immediately rushed towards the boarding gate.


    Zhang Ye cursed that he wascking in manners behind him before he lined up for his boarding pass. This fellow was now tipsy after all the drinking and his steps were shaky. He did not have a high alcohol tolerance and Yao Jiancai had kept filling him up with drinks, so drink after drink, Zhang Ye was now really drunk and reeked of alcohol. After Zhang Ye obtained his boarding pass at Air China, he went to the e-ticket service counter nearby.


    He ced his documents and said, "Give me my invoice."


    An airport staff looked at him and took his documents to begin working on it, "Please keep this well. This is your flight itinerary."


    Zhang Ye, who was wearing sunsses, said angrily, "Why do I want a flight itinerary? I want my invoice."


    The staff turned speechless, "This is the airport''s invoice, and can be used for reimbursement ims."


    Zhang Ye carried on with his ways, "There isn''t even a scratch-it part*. This invoice you gave me must be fake, right?"


    "What scratch-it?" The staff turned dumbfounded.


    Zhang Ye''s eyes swept across him, "There should be a thin p by the corner, so that when you open it, you will know how much money you win. If not, it will have words like "thank you for ying", don''t you even know this? Are you new here?"


    The staff''s eyes nearly went nk, "Bro! That is a restaurant receipt!" He even called him "Bro".


    "Right, if a restaurant even has it, why doesn''t such arge airport have one?" Zhang Ye said seriously.


    The staff was at a loss for words and he did not know whether tough or cry. Having worked in the airport for so many years, this was the first time he met such an argumentative passenger. Your sister! You still dare say I''m new here? Which airport have you seen print out a flight itinerary with a scratch-it!


    "Pfft!"


    "Scratch-it?"


    A few staff members near this counter nearly fainted upon hearing this!


    Although this was Zhang Ye''s first time flying, he would notck suchmon sense. The main reason was that he was drunk and saying alcohol-induced words.


    It was a domestic short haul flight so this small aircraft did not have first-ss, only business ss. When he saw the business ss people heading towards the gate to get their tickets checked, Zhang Ye also went forward but was stopped because he was not in business ss. In his daze, Zhang Ye somehow managed to board the ne and found his seat. His seat was by the window so he leaned onto the window and fell asleep while still muttering. It was clearly in economy ss, so he said stuff like, "Such a bigpany and yet they are so stingy to not buy a business ss ticket, so mean!"


    ����


    In the air.


    The passengers were riding through the clouds.


    After an unknown period of time passed, Zhang Ye groggily woke up. He found his surroundings unstable, as they were sloshing around. The ne had clearly lifted off early on.


    Someone pushed his head.


    So it was because he had been woken up by someone.


    "Hey, wake up." It was a girl''s soothing voice.


    After sleeping for approximately 1-2 hours, Zhang Ye suddenly felt awake from his stupor. The first thing he remembered was him quarreling with the staff in the airport''s hall about the scratch-it on his flight itinerary. Zhang Ye only felt embarrassment and only when he realized that he was still wearing sunsses did he heave a sigh of relief. Thankfully he was wearing sunsses, so that others couldn''t recognize him. If it was reported, how was he to carry on living. Hai, alcohol sure isn''t a good thing!


    Eh?


    Am I lying down? The seats in economy ss can also go all the way down?


    "Wake up!" The girl''s voice sounded angry as Zhang Ye''s head was being pushed again.


    "What are you doing?" Zhang Ye also turned angry. He was sleeping soundly, why the f**k would you push me? Did I provoke you? He opened his heavy eyelids and looked forward. This nce didn''t matter much, but it stunned Zhang Ye. His eyes erged as he stared. All his tipsiness was now gone, yet his brain seemed to still be drunk and a bit confused. He was wondering if he was still dreaming!


    "Still talking about doing what? You have been lying on my legs, so what do you think you are doing?" The girl''s angry voice came. It was very close to him as her breath surged towards Zhang Ye''s face.


    Zhang Ye''s face turned pale. It was as embarrassing as it could be. Only then did he know how serious the situation was. Your sister! This bro is already a star now and a famous host. I can''t lose my face. Zhang Ye''s brain was extremely fast so he thought up numerous ideas in a split second. He wanted to find a way to ay this embarrassing situation. He could not be used of being a gangster!


    y dumb?


    Acting cute?


    Pretend to be crazy?


    Pretend that he did not know anything?


    ording to that n, it could very well resolve the situation as long as Zhang Ye raised his head in his daze and said one sentence to that girl, "Daddy, do you know how to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star?".


    This sentence would definitely let Zhang Ye get out of this situation but he was too ashamed to say it.


    Zhang Ye did not say anything and quickly got off the girl''s body.


    The girl was wearing a pair of sunsses, so her expression could not be read. Besides wearing a short skirt inte autumn, she also wore a ck trench coat.


    "Sorry, sorry." Zhang Ye said in embarrassment.


    The girl waved her hand seeing that he apologized, "Forget it, forget it."


    Zhang Ye added on, "Uh, friend, how did I end up lying down?"


    The girl pushed her sunsses and said, "How do I know. When I came, I saw you sleeping while leaning on the window. I also slept but after sleeping for a while, there was one more person on my legs."


    Zhang Ye said, "I drank a bit too much before boarding. I''m really sorry."


    "It''s alright." The girl was rather reasonable, "When you are out, it''s inevitable. As long we empathize with one another."


    Only then did Zhang Ye look at her face. Although the sunsses blocked arge portion of her face, it could not block her beauty. She was definitely a beauty and was not just any ordinary beauty. This sort of beauty was rarely seen by Zhang Ye even in the entertainment circles. Only Rao Aimin and Zhang Yuanqi couldpare.


    Eh��why does she look so familiar.


    Zhang Ye stared at her without blinking, this person��


    "What''s the matter? What are you looking at me for?" The girl frowned.


    Zhang Ye suddenly expressed shock and pointed at her, "Hey! Dong Shanshan?"


    When the girl heard this, she was dumbfounded, "You can recognize me even like this? Have you seen my shows? It can''t be. My shows don''t even broadcast in the capital!"


    "What show? You even went on shows?" Zhang Ye took off his sunsses.


    When Dong Shanshan saw Zhang Ye, she also suddenlyughed and pointed at him, "Zhang Ye?"


    * In China, small businesses, especially eateries, would try to evade taxes by not providing official receipts, hence under-iming their revenue. Tobat this, the Chinese government includes scratch-its on receipts to encourage consumers to request a receipt from the business. You can read more about it here.

 Chapter 205: School Belle!

    <h4>Chapter 205: School Belle! </h4>


    Chapter 205: School Belle!


    Such a coincidence!


    It was really Dong Shanshan!


    He never expected to meet an old friend!


    Of course, that was in his previous world. Although the game ring changed the world, Zhang Ye managed to realize that his life history and his friends from his past did not change. This was why Dong Shanshan was able to recognize him. In this world, they were still ssmates for four years, and they were from the same major, so they took the same sses everyday, big or small.


    The school''s belle!


    She was absolutely their school''s belle!


    As someone who was borned after the 1980s, there was no suchbel of "school belles" back when he first entered middle school. People did not make such distinguishment, but by the time he entered university, the Inte created lists of school belles such as the school belle pageants, etc. This wave had infected his media college that even the males created a pageant. Dong Shanshan was chosen as one of the school belles. One had to know that their media college was a prestigious school, and with the broadcasting and acting majors, it was filled with beauties. Beauties and goddesses may be few in number in other colleges, but they weremon in their media college. To stand out amongst all those beauties indicated how good Dong Shanshan''s looks and body were. Even amongst all the mass numbers of school belles in their school, Dong Shanshan was chosen as number one by all the broadcasting male animals. As the media college''s most outstanding major was broadcast hosting and not acting, by being chosen as number one for the broadcasting hosting major made Dong Shanshan the best in the entire school. Besides the denial from the people in the acting majors, all other majors agreed through silence.


    As most people did not stay in school for their fourth year, Zhang Ye had almost not seen her for a year!


    "How could it be you?" Dong Shanshan gave a charming smile.


    "I was just about to ask that." Zhang Ye had not expected to see the school belle from back then. "You are also going to Shanghai? What a coincidence? And we are sitting together?"


    Dong Shanshanughed, "Not only sitting together, you even slept on my legs."


    Zhang Ye coughed and said, "My bad, my bad."


    Dong Shanshan sized him up and said, "Not bad, you are really doing well these days. You arepletely different from when you were in school. Look, even your eyes are emitting electricity. Your voice is also more maic thanpared to when we were in school. If not for being so close, I might not even recognize you."


    Of course Zhang Ye did not tell her that he had eaten Fruits of Charm, "You''ve watched my program?"


    "I''ve watched it." Dong Shanshan leaned slightly towards Zhang Ye and crossed her legs, "Actually before graduating in our fourth year, I had gone to the Xishan province. The provincial broadcasting corporation had roped me in early, so I did not return to the capital after that. I did not know much, but we had a female ssmate gatheringst month, and everyone was talking about you while we ate. They said that amongst our broadcasting batch of people, you were doing the best. I heard you are even heading up the 4th ranked celebrities list. I did not believe initially and checked when I got home. I also watched your program and those poems of yours." She stared at him, "Well done ssmate Zhang Ye. I never noticed that you were that talented back when we were in school?"


    Zhang Ye humbly said, "Just average."


    "You have really changed too much." Dong Shanshan sighed.


    "On the other hand, you have not changed. You still look as beautiful as ever," Zhang Yeplimented her.


    Dong Shanshan blinked her long eyshes, "What use is that? Let''s not talk about our own ss, but even in the entire school''s graduating ss, no one is doing better than you."


    Zhang Ye did not believe her and said, "It can''t be. What are you doing now?"


    "I was a host previously, doing a variety program in one of the broadcastingpanies in the Xishan province. It is only broadcast there, and cannot be received in Beijing." Dong Shanshan said.


    Zhang Ye had really not paid attention to this, "How were the ratings like?"


    "It was okay." Dong Shanshanughed, "About 9+%."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "That''s higher than me. And you said you aren''t doing as well as me?"


    Dong Shanshan rubbed her wavy hair and said, "It''s not the same. What does it mean to be in the capital? The quality ispletely different. BTV''s Arts Channel is much bigger than ours. Uh, but that was all in the past. After that variety show ended, I did not have any more programs. I wanted to go on a provincial satellite TVpany, but my leader did not approve it. I was unhappy about it so I quit. Now, I''m going to Shanghai to seek a living, and find some random ce."


    Zhang Ye asked, "You are going onto a Shanghai television station?"


    "Why are you so worried about me?" Dong Shanshan shed her big eyes.


    "We are old ssmates, so I''m just asking. Is this some trade secret?" Zhang Ye said.


    Dong Shanshan smiled charmingly, "Going there to film a movie or a TV series would be good too. If there''s anything that suits me, I''ll ept it as long as they give some money. I''m so poor that I can''t even eat." It was unclear if she was speaking the truth.


    Zhang Ye nodded, "With your image, being the main lead would not be a problem."


    Dong Shanshanughed, "I think so too. If they don''t give me the lead, I''ll make sure they will have iting!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Our rtionship isn''t too bad, but you are much better than me. You still have a choice, and you resigned by your own choice. I was fired. Now any television media that mentions me will have a headache. Who do you say I offended? Anyways, I can only find another path in Shanghai."


    Dong Shanshan joyfully said, "Who asked you to mess up the live recording. I watched the video of that live footage. You insisted on killing yourself, creating such a huge incident. Who can deal with you?"


    As they were old ssmates and in the same line, they had plenty of topics to talk about.


    Actually Zhang Ye did not know much about Dong Shanshan. In college, Dong Shanshan was the school belle and the top girl of the school. Everyone around her ced her on a pedestal. Zhang Ye wascking in looks and was inconspicuous in ss. In the four years, he only spoke a few words with Dong Shanshan.


    "How''s Liuzi?"


    "Man, I don''t know either."


    "You and those guys don''t keep in contact?"


    "Many people have changed phones and are busy with their own things so it''s hard to catch up with them. What about those female friends of yours?"


    "One of them is also in the broadcasting industry, doing radio. Another is an assistant in a television station, working hard to get experience. Probably next year, she will be given a program to try out. And there are a few who aren''t in this industry. Some of them went to other industries, and some went into banking. All those years of broadcasting studying wasted. As for our ss who are hosts that I know of, hehe, there''s probably only the two of us."


    "It is hard to get a job."


    "Right, thepetition in our line is too great."


    Suddenly, people around them recognized them after they had taken off their sunsses!


    An old man who was sitting in front turned around and immediately said, "Heh! Isn''t this Teacher Zhang Ye? Why are you sitting in economy ss?"


    "Zhang Ye? Where, where?"


    "Aiyah! It''s really Teacher Zhang!"


    "Zhang Ye, please give me your signature. My whole family likes you!"


    The surrounding men and women were extremely happy finding this out. They quickly brought books to get him to sign.


    Of course, Zhang Ye did not reject them. As he was signing, the people who were sitting diagonally across him were rmed! They seemed to also be from the Xishan province.


    "Dong Shanshan!"


    "Is what I''m seeing right?"


    "It''s Teacher Dong! It can''t be wrong!"


    "The goddess of the Xishan province public channel!"


    A few young and middle-aged men left their seats to obtain her signature.


    One could see the difference here. Those who liked Zhang Ye were mixed. There were men and women of all ages, even including children. After all, Zhang Ye had previously done fairy tales for children. But those who liked Dong Shanshan were only males. They were also very passionate. If not for the flight attendant advising everyone to return to their seats, these men would not have left. It was no wonder. ording to the ratings, Dong Shanshan''s poprity in the Xishan province was much higher than Zhang Ye''s poprity in Beijing. But in terms of overall poprity and reputation, Dong Shanshan was most likely far worse than Zhang Ye.


    Finally, Zhang Ye and Dong Shanshan looked at each other and wore their sunsses at the same time.


    "We are reaching soon. I''ll lie down for a while." Dong Shanshan tightened her ck trench coat. "Are you sleeping?"


    "You go ahead and sleep, I''ve slept my fill." Zhang Ye said in a gentlemanly manner. "If your legs are cold, you can use my coat to cover it?"


    "There''s no need. I''m not cold." Dong Shanshan smiled. After adjusting her body, she tilt her head and slept while resting to the side.


    Her hair came down like a waterfall.


    Her head was leaning towards Zhang Ye''s seat and some strands of hair fell on Zhang Ye''s shoulders. But clearly, Dong Shanshan did not care.


    Zhang Ye noticed that many of the passengers around him had went back to their seats and stopped focusing on them. As such, he nted his eyes to look at his old ssmate. It could be seen that Dong Shanshan would go on the path of sexiness in her job. This path had both its advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantage was that she would be easily criticized. The type of her fans would also be very uniform. At least most females would not fall for her. Her path was much narrower than Zhang Ye''s. It could not target men and women of all ages. But there were advantages going down the path of sexiness. It also meant her position was more firm. She could attract arge number of men. One could tell just by looking at those fans of hers. The people who liked Dong Shanshan would be more passionate. On this point, Zhang Ye''s fans were far inferior to hers.

 Chapter 206: Game Difficulty Adjustment!

    <h4>Chapter 206: Game Difficulty Adjustment! </h4>


    Chapter 206: Game Difficulty Adjustment!


    In the sky.


    The sky was blue and the clouds were so close that they could be touched just by stretching out one''s hand.


    With her body leaning to the side, Dong Shanshan had already fallen asleep.


    Zhang Ye looked out of the window with narrow eyes. He was feeling some sense of regret. He felt some longing for this city that he had lived for almost 20 years having left it. But so what if he felt some longing for it? The path of a celebrity was destined to be lonely. It was cold up at the top!


    The journey was more than halfway done.


    The stewardess pushed a cart of beverages over. s, that was all the treatment they received in economy ss.


    Zhang Ye did not let the stewardess bother Dong Shanshan. He knew that the school belle was tired. Hence, he requested for a ss of fruit juice to be ced on his tray table. He asked for a ss of Coca-C, and began gulping it down.


    So bored.


    What should I do?


    The road ahead in Shanghai would be fraught with difficulties. That ce was inferior to Beijing. Zhang Ye''s poprity there was low and even when he walked on the street without sunsses, there will probably be less than half a person who could recognize him amongst a thousand people. This was new ground. He had to begin all over again. Therefore, Zhang Ye definitely needed the help from the game ring. Only then could he absolutely shock everyone in his new position as a web host.


    Let''s y the lottery.


    He looked at his Reputation points. It was about 700,000 points.


    Zhang Ye sighed. This amount of Reputation was too pathetic. He could not even buy one Taiji fist skillbook. These were obtained from his "Zhang Ye''s Comption" book and movie''s publicity. Of course, it also came from the sales of his "Ghost Blows Out the Light" book and the "Lecture Room" videos on the web. Although it had been a while since these productions were made, they were still ssic. They kept providing him a stream of reputation. There were new people, who previously did not know him, getting to know him everyday. Uh, just that those numbers were decreasing by the day.


    The lottery interface appeared.


    He clicked to buy and did not look forward to it. It was after all just for fun. He did not mind choosing something he did not need. If he managed to draw a useful item or skill, he would have made it big.


    Ding!


    The lottery began!


    The needle quickly rotated!


    Zhang Ye stared at a fewrge regions on the wheel. Although he wished to obtain something from the special region, it was just a dream. He had gotten lucky previously by obtaining the right to buy the Taiji fist skill books; now, it was unlikely he would be that lucky.


    The needle stopped.


    It stopped on a consumable item region.


    Zhang Ye was neither sad nor happy. He reduced his range of motion to prevent others from noticing. He slowly took out the Treasure Chest (Small) from his inventory. He opened it!


    There was a small dice inside!


    It was six-sided, no different from an ordinary dice!


    [Difficulty Adjustment Die] : After it is thrown, it will randomly change the yer''s difficulty. The period of its effects are random.


    Zhang Ye was surprised. Difficulty adjustment? It was not something unfamiliar to people who yed games. For example in a single-yer game, upon entering the game, it would allow you to choose the difficulty. Such as "easy" difficulty, etc. This dice also had such an effect? But it was by random chance? If he were to really obtain a "very-easy" difficulty, and the periodsted a year, then wouldn''t his work for the next year be many times easier than normal? Difficulty can be reduced? Zhang Ye looked at the great school belle beside him. He was guessing that pushing her onto a bed would also not be a dream?


    This is a good thing!


    It is a heaven-defying divine item!


    Zhang Ye quickly took out the dice from the treasure chest. The treasure chest automatically disappeared after shimmering with light. Zhang Ye looked all over the dice. There were words on the six sides of the dice. They were, Decreasing Difficulty By 10x, Decreasing Difficulty By 5x, Decreasing Difficulty By 1x, Increasing Difficulty By 1x, Increasing Difficulty By 5x, Increasing Difficulty By 10x. The first one was naturally the difficulty of "very-easy" in those games. One could pick up money even with their eyes closed. As for thest difficulty, it was most likely the legendary "ludicrous difficult", where cmities befell one.


    Let''s risk it!


    Demacia! (Bravery here we go!)


    The chance of reducing the difficulty was equal to the chance of increasing the difficulty. They both had a 50% chance. Zhang Ye did not believe his luck was that bad. Hence, without much thought, he grabbed the dice and threw it up gently. The dice drew a beautiful arc in the air and it flew and flew. It finally stopped before it began to slowly drop down!


    Bada!


    The dice fell to the floor!


    It rolled around a few times on the ne before firmly staying put. Zhang Ye looked at it with excitement. On the "Difficulty Adjustment Die" wrote a few words.


    Increasing Difficulty By 10x!


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted as he almost vomited blood!


    What the f**k! Can we stop messing around!? Stop messing around!


    The game system indication appeared:


    [ Difficulty has been adjusted. 10x difficulty. Lasting for 52 minutes! ]


    The time had also randomly appeared to be more than 50 minutes? Zhang Ye was scared out of his wits. He felt that he was not just unlucky today. All the bad luck in his past eight lives had fallen unto him!


    Curse my hand!


    My hand is cursed!


    Why did I draw a prize just because I was too free!? What do I do now? Will this bro suddenly suffer a heart attack? Or would the luggage from the bins suddenly crash down, killing him?


    [Countdown Begins.]


    [00:51:59...]


    [00:51:58...]


    Zhang Ye immediately went on full alert. It was more than 50 minutes. This time was filled with danger. No, he could not drink water. Who knows if he would suddenly choke to death!


    But nothing seemed to happen after about 10 seconds.


    The ne was still floating in the sky. The passengers were doing their own things. Dong Shanshan was still sleeping. Everything was still normal.


    Zhang Ye blinked with suspicion. That''s not right. I didn''t feel any increase in difficulty, what more 10 times? I can''t even feel it doubling!


    Shh!


    Drank too much water!


    Drank too much alcohol also!


    Zhang Ye suddenly strongly felt the urge to use thevatory. It was not too far away from reaching his destination and would soonnd, but he could not endure any further. He unfastened his seatbelt and quickly moved towards thevatory.


    "Oh?" Dong Shanshan was awoken by him. Her eyes sleepily looked at him, "Going out?"


    Zhang Ye sped his legs and nodded, "Going to thevatory."


    Dong Shanshan yawned and adjusted her legs, allowing Zhang Ye to pass.


    By the aisle was an old granny. She slowly gave way to let Zhang Ye pass.


    "Thank you." After politely saying that, Zhang Ye rushed to thevatory. There were only a fewvatories on the ne.


    He headed backwards and thevatories there were upied. He waited for a while, and still no one came out. Again he walked to the front of the economy ss, but thevatory was also upied. His sped his legs as he breathed in deeply. After he waited for more than ten seconds without seeing the person exit, he could not help but knock on the door.


    "upied." A youth''s voice came out from inside.


    F**k! Was this the legendary "Ludicrous difficulty"?


    After the difficulty was increased ten times, it made him unable to find avatory, causing him to die from holding onto his pee? How could this f**king Difficulty Adjustment Die be so wicked!?


    Zhang Ye had no choice. He turned around and went straight for business ss.


    Between economy ss and business ss was a corridor that had seats specially for the stewardesses. A slightly plump stewardess was resting there and when she noticed Zhang Ye approaching, she rose up and said, "Sir, can I help you?"


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "I need to go there for a while."


    The fat stewardess said, "It''s business ss over there."


    "I know, but all thevatories here are full." Zhang Ye said.


    The stewardess stared nkly, "Going to thevatory? Just wait a while. It should be very fast."


    Zhang Ye turned angry, "It''s the same ne, why can''t I go there?" He really could not hold on anymore!


    The stewardess smiled. "I don''t mean that. Alright, go on ahead. Go straight ahead." Saying that, she pulled open the partitioning curtain to give him passage.


    Zhang Ye said in his mind that this was more like it.


    But upon pulling open the curtain, Zhang Ye and the fat stewardess were stunned!


    This small ne did not have first ss. Just past business ss was the cockpit. There was also a curtain that separated the cockpit door that could not be seen. Yet, he could hear the sound of the door opening. He did not know if the pilot or the co-pilot wasing out, nor did he know if that person was going to thevatory or to find someone. But Zhang Ye and the fat stewardess only saw a bearded middle-aged man charge forward from the aisle seat. He was in the first few rows and could reach the door in a few steps The bearded man pped open the curtain and faced the security officer standing there. Zhang Ye had previously met this person. He was the person he crashed into when he entered the airport. They had even scolded each other. Later the nervous middle-aged man left in a hurry after receiving a phone call! He held a knife in his hand. It was not made of steel but an improvised knife that had been reported on TV. It usually would look like a card, but after folding it a few times, it would be a sharp non-metallic knife. It was small, but it was very sharp!


    "What are you doing?" The security officer did not have time to react.


    "Out of my way!" The bearded man had good skills as if he was previously trained.


    The security officer cried out, "No good! Quickly close the cockpit doors! Don''t let him��"


    After exchanging two blows with the bearded man, the knife was stabbed right into the security officer''s stomach!


    The pilot who had juste out was greatly rmed. He quickly turned around, hoping to close the cockpit door, but the bearded man''s speed was extremely fast. He pulled out the knife and stabbed the pilot, then he quickly entered the cockpit and closed the cockpit door with a m. This series of actions was so fluid that it was clearly premeditated!


    The fat stewardess was dumbfounded as she looked back at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath through his dry throat and stared back at the fat stewardess with blinking eyes, "About that, I think I can endure a little longer."


    Fat stewardess, "��"

 Chapter 207

    <h4>Chapter 207 </h4>


    Chapter 207


    The crisis came too fast!


    It was so fast that no one had have time to react!


    "Ah!"


    "A killer!"


    "Someone is hijacking the ne!"


    The business ss passengers screamed!


    The flight attendants were all shocked. No one had expected this turn of events. A few beautiful stewardess turned pale as they rushed to check on the security officer and the pilot''s injuries. The security officer was fine. Although he had been stabbed in the stomach, he was still conscious. But the pilot was in a more dire state. He had been stabbed through the side and had copsed on the floor after passing out. The floor was covered in blood!


    "Brother Zhou, wake up!"


    "Old Liu! Hold on!"


    "Hold on! Hold on!"


    "Little Min! Quickly get a first aid kit! Hurry!"


    A thin stewardess cried from the stress as she covered her mouth!


    It was aplete mess. The cabin turned into chaos, as if a pot of porridge had been messed up!


    The passengers did not know what to do. They did not even have the ability to cry. It can''t be? They were actually experiencing a hijacking? This was too unlucky!


    Probably only Zhang Ye knew what was going on. Firstly, that bearded man had really been nning on hijacking the ne. Secondly, this situation was caused by the Difficulty Adjustment Die. It was 10x difficulty! This really is mother-f**king ten times difficulty! He now understood that the Difficulty Adjustment Die was not lying! To cause Zhang Ye to die from not being able to relieve himself of his pee was not considered 10x difficulty! It''s a hijack! This was sending them to their deaths!


    "What to do!?"


    "We''re finished, we''re finished! We are dead!"


    "*sob*, Mom, Mom, I''m scared!"


    Just as a few passengers were at a loss on what to do, a young man stood up. He was about 20 plus years old, and about the same age as Zhang Ye. His body did not seem very stout and was a little thin. His name was Yan Hui and he shouted, "Do not panic! Everyone stay calm! Bring the wounded to the back first! Are there any doctors or nurses amongst the passengers? Is there a doctor?"


    Someone responded after he shouted a few times.


    A middle-aged woman in her 40s gritted her teeth and came forward. She said nervously, "I''m a doctor, but I''m just a physician, I can''t do surgery."


    A boy beside her pulled on to the woman, "Mom! Don''t go!"


    The middle-aged woman looked at her son and touched his head, "Mom is a doctor. It is my duty to save lives. Hide behind and don''te over."


    "Mom!" Her son did not leave as he was extremely worried. Who knew if there were other aplices in the cabin!


    "Quickly go! Leave me alone!" The middle-aged woman turned serious. She was not pretty, but at this moment, the passengers found her most beautiful.


    Behind, a little old man walked over from economy ss. He looked frail and he wobbled with each step, "Little Juan, you have grown up."


    The woman turned around and was stunned, "Professor! Why are you on the ne too?"


    The little old man had already reached the wounded, "There''s no time for crap. You stop the bleeding, I''ll treat the wound!"


    The woman eximed, "It will be easy with you around!"


    The thin air stewardess cried, "I''ll leave it up to you! Please save them!"


    A few children and timid women were crying from the fright. A few men, under the cabin crew''s instructions managed to stabilize the situation as they carried the wounded to the back.


    The two doctors began their rescue!


    On another side, the sound of exchanging blows rang within the ne!


    The young man who stood up first grabbed an air stewardess, "Open the door!"


    Just as he said that, tworge men suddenly stood up from the front seats of business ss. One of the men''s face was very ck. He wore a hat which concealed his expressions. He held a simple knife like the bearded man from before. The other man had retrieved a metal stick. It was unknown if he had opened his luggage to retrieve it, but it was most likely hidden in his luggage!


    Aplices!


    There were a total of three hijackers!


    "Get lost!" The man on the left swung his steel stock and hit the neck of a passenger that was closest to him.


    The passenger shouted as he clutched his neck. After he fell to the ground, he quickly rushed to the back!


    "I warn all of you! None of you are toe over! If you want your lives, get the f**k away!" The other man threw his hat and revealed a fierce-looking face that had a scar across it.


    "Ah!"


    "Run!"


    "There are others!"


    The passengers screamed once again!


    With amotion, almost all the business ss passengers had run into economy ss. They wished to run to the tail of the ne, hoping to get as far away as possible.


    The situation was in chaos!


    People squeezed against each other, and there was even trampling of others!


    Business ss was almost empty. There was only one man left. It was that young man named Yan Hui.


    Yan Hui shouted towards the back with a solemn face, "What are you all running for! They have two people now! Behind me are the wounded, women, old people and children. With you running away! Who is to protect them? If you are a man, stand here! Don''t f**king be a p*ssy! We have so many people so why must we be afraid of them? A steel stick is a blunt weapon, there is nothing to worry about! The knife is an improvised one! It has limited destructive power! I will take on the one using the knife! I won''t be able to handle the other person! I need helpers!"


    No one came out.


    The fat stewardess yelled, "Is there anyone else!?"


    An olddy squeezed herself out from the crowd. She mmed her walking stick to the ground, "If there''s no one else, I will do it!"


    An old person!


    An old woman had stood forward!


    Many of the men turned red from embarrassment. They felt ashamed!


    "I''ll do it!"


    "I''ll help you!"


    "F**k! Count me in!"


    "Me too! F**k, let''s go all out!"


    "We don''t know what they are doing hijacking the ne! We can''t be sitting ducks! We need to recover the cockpit! If not, none of us will live!"


    "Right!"


    "Don''t be afraid of them!"


    At this moment, 8-9 men stood forward!


    This angered the two men. They sneered and with that, both sides started fighting as sounds of metal rang!


    Of course that did not include Zhang Ye. He was squeezing back at this moment, "Make way, let me pass first!"


    The fat stewardess who had been arguing with Zhang Ye before immediately showed scorn towards him upon seeing this. The other passengers also looked down on him.


    "Isn''t he Teacher Zhang?"


    "Right, the one on TV!"


    "Teacher Zhang, what are you running behind for!?"


    "They are already fighting. If you are a man, you should be helping!"


    "Forget it, who isn''t afraid of death. Every man for himself I guess."


    Those words fell on deaf ears nor did Zhang Ye notice the looks of contempt from the surrounding people. He only had one thought in mind-to the toilet!


    He was still holding on to his pee!


    He could not even stand straight, what the f**k could he help with!?


    Zhang Ye was of course anxious, so he had to first resolve his biological needs. He finally squeezed to thevatory''s door and when he tried opening it, it was locked!


    "Open the door!" Zhang Ye shouted!


    A soft female voice said, "You, who are you?"


    "I''m a passenger. Open the door!" Zhang Ye''s face had turned green from holding it in!


    The girl said with fear, "Not opening. Who knows if you are the criminal!"


    It seemed liked there were many people inside. He suddenly heard Dong Shanshan''s voice, "Open the door. This person is an old ssmate of mine. I know him."


    A few seconds passed.


    The door creaked open.


    There were 7 people hiding in the smallvatory. There were four women, two children and an old man. They were hiding in there, afraid of the criminal.


    Zhang Ye could not be bothered and rushed inside. "I need to use the toilet!"


    "Aiyah, don''t squeeze. It can''t take so many people!" A woman shouted.


    A little boy said with fright, "Quickly close the door, quickly close the door!"


    With an awkward position, the old man within thevatory closed the door.


    After squeezing through one person after another, Zhang Ye finally arrived at the toilet. Beside it was Dong Shanshan. This old ssmate of his sure was alert. By standing right inside, it was highly likely that she was the first person to hide in here at the first notice of danger.


    The smallvatory was stuffy.


    "Are you alright?" Zhang Ye asked with concern.


    Dong Shanshan said bitterly, "It''s alright. I didn''t expect to encounter such a thing."

 Chapter 208: Zhang Ye Appears

    <h4>Chapter 208: Zhang Ye Appears </h4>


    Chapter 208: Zhang Ye Appears


    In the ne.


    In thevatory.


    After relieving himself, Zhang Ye let out a long sigh. He straightened his back and felt alive, "Excuse me, let me go out."


    The young boy inside said, "Don''t open the door!"


    A weak girl also said, "Let''s just hide in here!"


    "Right, what if the criminalse over here and kill people!" Another girl said with her eyes filled with tears.


    Zhang Ye squeezed into the exterior, but could not get out. The exit had been choked by others. He couldn''t help but say, "What''s the use hiding here for. If the criminals want to kill people, do you think the other passengers will block them for you? They would have all run to the tail. Thisvatory is right in front of economy ss. With everyone gone, this area is left vacant. There''s only you left, and if the criminals were to block the door, there''s no room to escape! With just this small door, they can just kick it open. It will be as simple as catching a rat in a hole!"


    "Ah?"


    "That''s right!"


    "Damn, let''s all get out of here!"


    "That makes sense. It''s too dangerous here!"


    Now, everyone was in a state of panic. Every bush and tree looked like an enemy, so they acted on hearsay. With that, some people immediately opened the door and ran out.


    Zhang Ye also managed to squeeze out with this situation.


    Dong Shanshan saw this and rubbed the urine off her thigh and overturned her high heels to pour out the dirty water within. She used napkins to repeatedly wipe it before biting the bullet and wear the heels back on. Following that, she ran out into the cabin to see the situation outside.


    ����


    The struggling sounds had vanished!


    The passengers in the cabin were all silent!


    The two criminals were standing by the cockpit door sneering. There was no one in front of them anymore. There was some blood on the floor, but it wasn''t much. The 8-9 passengers who had rushed forward were all lying on the ground. Some had fainted and some were groaning. All of them were injured and had been lifted back by the other passengers. Yan Hui who had led the charge was most injured. He had a stab wound on his shoulder and a gash along his arm. Blood was flowing out from it as he pressed on his wound without retreating. He stared at the two hijackers!


    "Muay Thai expert?" Yan Hui red angrily.


    A criminal looked at him, "You must have practiced Karate? You are still too weak!"


    There was no suspense in the fights prior. The passengers had thought that with more people, they would be stronger. But they were all defeated. The two first used their weapons, then their fists and legs. It was clear that they were experts, Muay Thai experts!


    Muay Thai was a legendary fighting technique. It was well known for its strength and agility. The main methods were to use one''s fists, legs, knees and elbow to attack. Using the limbs to attack was extremely fluid and the abundance in energy created a fierce attacking power!


    Yan Hui may have practiced Karate but he was not their match!


    Another criminal shouted, "See that!? This is your fate! We have previously warned you, yet you don''t listen! Then don''t me us for beginning to kill!" They were quite pissed that there was some resistance in the situation before. To subdue the people, they had to first kill a few to scare the rest. He left his partner to guard the cockpit door and stepped forward, "Who shall I kill first!? Are you sending a person out or have I got to find one myself? Haha!" Heughed perversely!


    "How dare you!" Yan Hui responded angrily. He wanted to charge again, but he had too many injuries. With a misstep, he fell to the floor.


    "You can''t take it anymore! Don''t go!" The female physician held on to him.


    The medical professor said loudly, "Drag him to the back! Stop the bleeding first!"


    Two of the air stewardesses grabbed him by his sides to prevent him from seeking death. The passengers behind opened up a path to allow Yan Hui passage to treat his wounds.


    Now, there was no one standing out in front!


    The old people, women and children that were all squeezed in economy ss were exposed to the criminals!


    The criminal slowly rubbed the improvised knife in his hand as he walked over to the crowd!


    "Don''te over!"


    "Sob Sob Sob!"


    "We''re finished. We''re doomed!"


    "Save me! He''sing over!"


    The passengers rushed backwards in a frenzy. But there was limited space to the back. And with so many people, there was no room for retreating after ten meters!


    A young man from the cabin crew shouted, "I''ll go out!" He was also one of those who had charged forward just now and had been injured. As a cabin crew, he had the responsibility and the obligation to protect the safety of the passengers. As he said that, he pushed aside the thin air stewardess that was bandaging his wounds to go forward!


    The surgical professor shouted, "Sit down!"


    The thin stewardess worriedly said, "You are sending yourself to death if you go over! No!"


    The young crew member gritted his teeth, "But what do we do now!? No one is their match!"


    The oldest air stewardess gritted her teeth helplessly as she looked at the other passengers. She pleaded, "Is there anyone willing to help everyone! Is there anyone to save us all!"


    The thin stewardess cried, "Stop them!"


    A woman holding onto a child shivered as she said, "There are many old people and children here!"


    Many people were crying for help. They could do nothing seeing the criminal walk over with the knife in hand!


    "I beg you all! Someone save us!" The criminal was just meters away from them. That fat stewardess'' face was filled with desperation as she shouted onest time, "Are there any experts!?"


    Suddenly, a young man from the crowd said, "Who''s calling for me?"


    The fat stewardess was shocked as all the passengers looked at him with surprise, "It''s you?"


    This person was of course Zhang Ye. He was already squeezing forward. "Let me pass!"


    Dong Shanshan was shocked as she quickly grabbed on to him, "Zhang Ye! What got into you!? Being a hero at this time! Don''t go!"


    Zhang Ye said indifferently, "I''ll try."


    "Try your grandmother!" At this moment, the sexy school belle had lost her image!


    Zhang Ye knew she was worried for him, but he ignored her. The crowd in front of him had made way for him. Zhang Ye smiled and went on out.


    "Zhang Ye!" Dong Shanshan said worriedly!


    The fat stewardess said, "You, you, weren''t you the first person to run?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "What do you mean run. I was holding onto my pee. You need me to relieve myself first!"


    The fat stewardess and a few people who had despised Zhang Ye before then realized that this guy did not run into thevatory to hide because of fear!


    Yan Hui looked at him and was clutching his arm in pain, "I''ll leave it to you, brother!"


    Zhang Ye also had a good impression of him, "Thank you my friend for dragging it out for me. Now, leave it to me. Don''t worry."


    Yan Hui nodded slightly, "Be careful."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Those words should be said to those two criminals."


    Everyone looked at each other. People were thinking, who was this person, was he too confident?


    "It''s Teacher Zhang!"


    "Aiyah! "It''s Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "Which Zhang Ye?"


    "Who else can it be!? "The previous speaker and host of the "Lecture Room"!"


    "Host? Then isn''t he just good at talking!? How else��"


    The criminal was delighted at this. He looked at Zhang Ye who had stood forward, "Not bad, to think someone dares to step forward? Then sorry, you will be my first victim!"


    With one step, he was already in front of Zhang Ye!


    Dong Shanshan shouted, "ssmate Zhang! Knock it off!"


    Whoosh! The dagger came stabbing! Straight towards Zhang Ye''s stomach!


    Zhang Ye knew his most powerful skill was the Taiji Fist. He wanted to use it, but at this critical moment, that Taiji Fist that worked from time to time could not be used. He could only use the basic moves of Taekwondo to retreat. At the same time, he sent out a kick with little warning and unexpectedly kicked the wrist of one of the criminals!


    Whoosh!


    Ding Dang!


    The improvised knife was kicked to the ground!


    The criminal was shocked and turned angry. "Taekwondo?" He thought that Zhang Ye was a weakling and was not careful, resulting in him suffering a tiny loss!


    "Good!"


    "Beautiful!"


    "Teacher Zhang is awesome!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, you are so cool!"


    The passengers began cheering!


    The criminal''s face turned gloomy as he charged forward again without a knife. He began using his Muay Thai attacks. It was more threatening than the knife because Muay Thai was his trump card!


    Zhang Ye suddenly felt a change. Maybe it was because he had eaten too few Taiji Fist skillbooks, or because he did not have much physical training in it. He had remembered that hisndy had previously told him that Chinese martial arts was different from foreign martial arts. It went from inner to outer. One had to train one''s body and mind first. As for Zhang Ye, he had only eaten the skills and had not trained his inner body. This resulted in the weakness of having being able to use the Taiji Fist at times. However, his Taiji Fist would asionally suddenly appeared without warning, such as now. With almost a hundred passengers and cabin crew supporting him, he took a step forward to face the criminal, and this step was like that of a cat, it was the basic footwork of the Taiji Fist!


    He could use it!


    The criminal who was well-versed in Muay Thai clearly knew the Taekwondo forms. He punched at Zhang Ye''s vulnerable points and had prepared to attack his foot!


    But Zhang Ye suddenly changed his movements and with a block and stretch of his arms, his hand drew up a half circle along the criminal''s wrist. All the criminal''s strength had been dissipated away as his body angle twisted. The foot that was ready to attack no longer could attack as he had lost his bnce!


    Zhang Ye took this opportunity to use his feet to sweep the criminal off his feet and stomp on him!


    The criminals were greatly shocked. What the f**k! Weren''t you using Taekwondo just now!? Why did you switch moves? What the f**k is this kung fu? He hurriedly tumbled away to avoid Zhang Ye''s foot stomp, and looked back, "Hurry over here and help me! I can''t beat him!"


    The air stewardess and passengers were shocked!


    Can''t beat him? The criminal said he was not Zhang Ye''s match?


    Dong Shanshan also gave a what-the-f**k look, "When did this grandson be so powerful?"


    The criminals behind also noticed Zhang Ye''s strength. Their hearts sank because such an expert was not easily dealt with by just using a stick. They decided to throw the steel stick away and go into closebat with Zhang Ye!


    Smash!


    Smash!


    The three began fighting!


    Zhang Ye was going up against two alone!

 Chapter 209: Teacher Zhang Ye, I love you to death!

    <h4>Chapter 209: Teacher Zhang Ye, I love you to death! </h4>


    Chapter 209: Teacher Zhang Ye, I love you to death!


    Two people!


    Zhang Ye felt the pressure immediately!


    Previously on the small mountain, Zhang Ye had fought one against four. Those monks were quite skilled and and was trained in foundational skills since they were young. But it was different. Monks only trained in foundational skills and only used punches, kicks and staff attacks. They did not know many moves and were not considered martial artists. Besides, they were always chanting, so how could they have any battle experience? So back then, Zhang Ye could easily defeat the four of them, but today it was different. The two of them were clearly experts in Muay Thai. To dare to hijack a ne, they were likely battle-hardened people. Those monks who stayed indoors all day could notpare with them!


    A punch came flying over!


    Zhang Ye blocked!


    A kick came flying over!


    Zhang Ye dodged to the side!


    Quickly, the three of them had fought about eight or nine rounds!


    Zhang Ye could not do anything to them and could barely defend. He could not counter attack much. His Taiji Fist worked only at times. When it didn''t worked, Zhang Ye would use his Taekwondo to block the attacks, but as he had eaten too few Taekwondo skillbooks, he was clearly not the two people''s match. So he had to mainly rely on his Taiji Fist. It was his greatest trump card in martial arts, but it was f**king not usable ording to his wishes. If he met an average fighter, it was fine. But against a good fighter, all his weaknesses were exposed. This intermittent ability could cost him his life! Zhang Ye had decided that if he were tond on the ground alive, he would eat tens of Taiji Fist skillbook properly. If not, he might not be able to handle the dangerous situations he would face in the future!


    Zhang Ye could do nothing!


    But simrly, the criminals could do nothing to Zhang Ye!


    The two of them kept looking at each other in dismay. There was less than 100 people on this ne and they had nned it early on. They never expected that the ne really had hidden dragons and crouching tigers. This was really an expert! The two of them could not do anything to their opponent?


    It was unexpected!


    Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah!


    But it was after all two against one. Be it stamina or body count, they had the advantage. And in the narrow cabin space, this made it very inconvenient for Zhang Ye. The two criminals believed that they would hold the advantage in less than 20 rounds, and definitely taken him down!


    The situation became tense!


    "Zhang Ye go for it!"


    "Teacher Zhang! **** them!"


    "Teacher Zhang, kick his pants! Kick!"


    "Break his leg! Go for it! We are rooting for you!"


    The passengers began to cheer for Zhang Ye and screamed loudly!


    But only Zhang Ye himself knew that he was disadvantaged. He could not hold on any much longer and his stamina wascking. He could notpare to those who had trained since they were young. He waspletely a person who started midway. His physical fitness was his greatest w, let alone fighting against two people!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye could only use his trump card. He trapped them and yelled to the back, "My brothers and sisters! Everyone take something and f**k them!" You think two against one is a lot? We have a f**king hundred people here!" Zhang Ye was vicious as he said wickedly, "I''ll hold on to them! You guys take things and smash them! The harder you smash, the better! "F**k! I don''t believe we can''t kill them!"


    Yan Hui also saw the looming crisis, "Quick, let''s help Teacher Zhang!"


    The old granny who had stood forward passed her walking stick to her son, "Little Wei! Go on up for me! Band together!"


    The middle-aged man shivered upon receiving the walking stick but hardened his heart and practically charged forward with his eyes closed, "I''ll f**king go all out against you!"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Big Bro! Open your eyes bigger! F**k! Don''t hit the wrong person, you!"


    Another youth who did not dare step forward previously rushed out, "Whatever! Give me something! Are there any weapons!? I''m going all out too!"


    An air stewardess gave him a kettle.


    The youth took the kettle and ran over with a warcry!


    Many of the passengers began retrieving their suitcases. No matter whose it was, the luggage was rummaged and items were passed to the surrounding people. All of their minds were as one!


    "There''s a phone here! Give it to me!"


    "A phone is too small!"


    "It''s a ''Big Brother Big'' mobile phone. It''sparable to a brick!"


    "What the f**k, what year is it that someone still uses a ''Big Brother Big'' mobile phone? Great! Give it to me!"


    "Give me too. Is there any good thing to wield? Damn��Lady, why did you give me a box of sanitary pads!? Do you want me to stick it over their eyes to blind them or something?"


    On the other side.


    While in battle, Zhang Ye suddenly took a step and using the Taiji Fist''s basic steps, he circled around to the back of the two of them and moved to the cockpit door, revealing them to the passengers!


    "Charge!"


    "Smash them!"


    "F**k you bas**rds!"


    Kettle! Big Brother Big! Vanity mirror! Cosmetic bottle! And the sanitary towels, etc��All sorts of weird things were used to hit the two people!


    After one of the criminal''s neck was hit by the Big Brother Big, "Ouch!"


    Zhang Ye took advantage of the chaos to punch the man in the face. And with that, the man''s nose started spouting blood as he took two steps backward before falling to the ground. And at that moment, behind him was the middle-aged man who was holding on to the old granny''s walking stick. That middle-aged man was also fierce. He whacked at him without hesitation! His partner wanted to help but without paying attention, a kettle flew and hit him in the head. He stopped moving and stared at the youth who had thrown the kettle. After looking for two seconds, he fainted to the ground! The criminal that had been beaten by the stick was now alone. Zhang Ye rushed up with a sneak attack and stomped on his face!


    "Ah!" The criminal''s eyes rolled as he fainted.


    The two criminals were finally taken care of, but the excited crowd did not leave them alone. More people came forward as their courage increased. They brutally punched the two of them till they became conscious again, and then��they fainted again!


    "Zhang Ye wiped his sweat, "Stop it. Tie them up first!"


    "Right, let''s listen to Teacher Zhang. Listen to Teacher Zhang!" An elderly air stewardess said loudly.


    At the moment when everyone was facing great peril, Zhang Ye had stepped forward to block the two criminals and saved everyone. The words he said was definitely heeded by everyone.


    After everyone calmed down, people felt relieved. It was so dangerous. If not for Zhang Ye, the two of them would have gone on a killing spree, and they would��


    "Thank you Teacher Zhang!"


    "Are you really an expert?"


    "Teacher Zhang, you''re my idol!"


    "You were so cool just now! Wait till I��slim down, will you marry me?" A fat girl said fatuously.


    Even Dong Shanshan joined in. She gave a flirtatious look, touched her sexy lips and sent a flying kiss, "Teacher Zhang Ye, I also love you to death!"

 Chapter 210: You can’t open the lock? Let me do it!

    <h4>Chapter 210: You can��t open the lock? Let me do it! </h4>


    Chapter 210: You can''t open the lock? Let me do it!


    In the ne.


    The passengers managed to regain control of the cabin except the cockpit. They tied the two fainted criminals tightly and threw them into thevatory.


    ����


    In the back cabin.


    A few of the wounded were lying or sitting on the ground.


    Zhang Ye came over, "Doctor, I can''t take it anymore. My hand has broken!"


    Don''t think that this fellow was very brave and mighty just now. He was the most afraid of pain and death amongst everyone. After heaving a sigh of relief, Zhang Ye became weak. Firstly, he was tired after expending so much physical strength. Secondly, he had been hit by his opponents a few times. Thirdly, he had been hit by the passengers'' heavy items a few times. Look, even two of his fingers had bent. The back of his neck was bruised.


    The woman took his hand, "Let me see. Oh, it''s dislocated."


    "Your skills are too bad. Let me do it." The old surgical professor stood up and pressed on Zhang Ye''s fingers. With two cracking sounds, they were restored to their original positions, "It''s done."


    Zhang Ye was sweating profusely from the pain.


    Yan Hui who already had his wound bandaged smiled at him with a thumbs up, "Awesome!"


    Dong Shanshan also walked over in her high heels with concern, "ssmate Zhang, I never knew you had such skills? You weren''t that powerful back in school!"


    Zhang Ye bragged, "I was being low key in my college years."


    Dong Shanshan smirked, "To think you actually epted my praise. Fine, I''ll treat it as if you were being low key. You really saved all our lives this time. So awesome!"


    But at this moment, Zhang Ye began to worry, "It''s not over yet."


    Dong Shanshan also subconsciously looked towards the cockpit.


    Everyone knew that it was not over. There was still one criminal in the cockpit. No one knew how the other pilot was. They had heard the sounds of a scuffle but by the time they had taken care of the two criminals outside, the cockpit turned silent!


    Dong Shanshan sighed, "We''ll leave it in god''s hands."


    Zhang Ye was superstitious. He would sometimes throw a coin or a shoe to decide on matters, but he believed that "human efforts can achieve anything, so there was still hope!"


    ����


    In the frontal cabin.


    Everyone here were anxious!


    A male passenger that hade over said, "Let''s go in!"


    The fat air stewardess said, "We don''t have a key outside. There is only one key hanging inside the cockpit!"


    The cabin crew youth had recovered slightly and struggled over. He could tell that the situation was urgent. They definitely could not let the criminals take control of the cockpit or they would all be doomed. As such, he began kicking at the door, but the door remained motionless. It was useless!


    Other passengers came forward to help, "Let''s smash it open!"


    A fewrge burly passengers came over and took turns to smash the door!


    Smash! Smash! Smash! The cockpit door only had a bit of paint scraped off!


    The oldest air stewardess said worriedly, "It''s useless. It''s impossible without a key. We can''t open by hitting it. The door is made of severalyers of alloy metal!"


    The fat air stewardess said, "But we don''t have the key outside!"


    The youth from the cabin crew said decisively, "Let''s find some hand tools! And smash open the door! Once the criminals control the ne, all our lives will be in danger!"


    The thin air stewardess said pessimistically, "That person might already have taken control of the ne!"


    "We still need to go in. Are we just going to sit here waiting for our deaths?" The youth said.


    The passengers knew that they needed to be united. With their lives on the line, they could only rely on themselves. But the things that could be brought on a ne was limited. If there was an axe, there would be some hope. But now, with nothing, they could only use the most stupid way of using blunt objects to smash at the door!


    Once!


    Five times!


    Ten times!


    There was some effect this time. The first outeryer of the cockpit door had deformed. But it could be seen that only the exterior had been damaged!


    The door could not be smashed open!


    The old air stewardess made a suggestion, "Let''s try to contact the cockpit and see what the criminal wants!"


    The fat air stewardess quickly ran over to pick up themunicator but put it down shortly, "It doesn''t work. The cockpit''smunication equipment has been cut off from the cockpit!"


    The older air stewardess'' expression changed, "Was it done by the criminal?"


    The cabin crew youth also thought of a frightening reality, "Could the criminals have experience flying aircraft? Or else how would they know so much?"


    "Ah?"


    "Is that true?"


    "It can''t be? We are doomed!"


    They were struck out of the blue. This news was filled with despair!


    Although Zhang Ye was very far away, he could still hear the conversation. His face turned green upon hearing this. There was a co-pilot in the cockpit. If the criminal had forced the co-pilot to go ording to his wishes, there might be a chance for the co-pilot as the criminal would not dare to kill him as there would be no one to fly the ne. But if the criminal was able to fly the ne himself, then he had no qualms about anything. With no one else in the cockpit, they had no chance to resist. They could only wait to be ughtered.


    F**k your grandpa!


    They know Muay Thai and know how to fly a ne!


    How can terrorists be so talented these days!? Can you at least develop your morals?


    Bro, it can''t be that you are taking this ne and crashing into a building right?


    The people of this world had never experienced 9/11. That shocking world event did not happen in this world, but Zhang Ye had experienced it before. He knew the nefarious ways of those criminals, so he was the most worried! These bunch of grandsons would do anything!


    The air stewardess turned on her phone again and now was not the time to worry about signal interference. She made a call, hoping to get in contact with the ground but due to being high up in the air, or because their location was geographically remote, there was no signal. The other two air stewardesses tried with their phones but they too did not have any signal!


    The cabin crew youth reassured himself, "There must be another way. It''s not time for us to sit here and wait for our doom." He looked at the old air stewardess, "Is there any other method to open the door?"


    The old air stewardess stamped her feet anxiously, "There''s none. We can''t open the door without a key!"


    Despair!


    Hopelessness!


    The thin air stewardess fell to ground as she hugged her legs to cry. She had cried numerous times on this flight.


    The rest of the cabin crew and all the other passengers remained silent. The terrifying atmosphere began to spread in the ne!


    But the words the air stewardess said made Zhang Ye''s mind turn. Hey, wait a minute, open a door? Unlock? Heyah! Isn''t this a skill this bro has!?


    Zhang Ye immediately stood up after wringing his sleeves!


    "What are you doing?" Dong Shanshan tugged at him.


    The physician also said, "Don''t move. Your arm is still bleeding. Let me bandage it for you!"


    Zhang Ye ignored and strode to the front. "You can''t open the lock, right? Let me try!"


    The old air stewardess looked at Zhang Ye in surprise, "Teacher Zhang, so many people were not able to smash it open! How��How are you going to open it?"


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "Who said I was smashing it?"


    "How do you open the door without smashing?" The fat air stewardess remained stunned, "There isn''t a key here!"


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "Who says you need a key to open a door." With that, he had already reached the front of the cockpit door. He squatted down and looked at the lock. With a nce, he had an idea. He nodded to someone behind him, "Bring me a ballpoint pen. Not a fountain pain. A normal ballpoint pen!"


    The old air stewardess still did not understand, "What are you doing?"


    "Quickly give it to me!" Zhang Ye did not want to die young. He still had to contribute his works of art to the people of this world. "Also I need needles, mainly I need the needle head!"


    Everyone stared at him with one eye bigger than the other. But they still followed his instructions.


    The floor was littered with luggage and the items used to hit the criminals. With a search, there really was a ballpoint pen.


    The fat air stewardess gave the ballpoint pen to him and a needle head was found within a first-aid kit by the old air stewardess.


    No one had any expectations. Those who were in despair despaired. Those who were crying cried. No one took Zhang Ye''s "trying out" seriously.


    But Zhang Ye was very focused. With a twist of his fingers, the ballpoint pen was dismantled. He only took out the pen core and half-kneeled before the door and nced at it. This lock was not a normal household lock, but it was not much different. The basic principles were the same. And since this was an old aircraft model, the lock was of the old standards. Zhang Ye had eaten several lock-picking skillbooks which was sufficient to handle this lock. If it was a newer aircraft''s lock, he would be out of luck. Those locks would probably need an additional dozen or more lock-picking skillbooks to have any chance, as for this old lock��


    Zhang Ye ced the ballpoint pen into the keyhole and with the needle head in his left hand, he skillfully pinched one fifths of the needle head and knocked it on the wall. The needle head bent into a 90 degree angle. With the needle he stabbed it into the keyhole along the ballpoint pen. Closing his eyes, he felt around and pressed on the correct spot. Something inside the keyhole sounded out. Zhang Ye stopped moving the needle head and opened his eyes to quickly twist the ballpoint pen!


    "Oh, what to do."


    "There''s definitely no way of getting in. Let''s try to make contact with the ground."


    "The signal isn''t passing. Maybe the criminals have some jamming equipment? It can''t be!"


    A few of the cabin crew were still discussing ns when they heard a soft click. They froze and then turned their heads over.


    Zhang Ye rxed his eyebrows, "It''s done."


    Ka!


    Creak!


    The cockpit door opened a small gap!


    Under everyone''s gaping expressions, the door was opened by him!


    And it did not even take 10 seconds! Zhang Ye''s skillful actions was practically done without any pressure!


    For a moment, everyone was shocked!


    The fat air stewardess eximed, "What the!"


    "It''s open! The door has opened!" The thin air stewardess screamed!


    The cabin crew youth''s eyes turned round, "Your sister! It really opened?"


    The other passengers were also startled. They immediately erupted in a jubnt uproar. They had given up all hope, but they never expected there to be such a hidden professional amongst them!


    The old air stewardess pped her thigh, "Well done!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you are god! Awesome! You are so awesome!" All the passengers were excited!


    After tinkering with the door for 5-6 minutes to no avail, Teacher Zhang had opened it in seconds. It was clear that he was a professional!

 Chapter 211: Who Knows How to Fly a Plane?

    <h4>Chapter 211: Who Knows How to Fly a ne? </h4>


    Chapter 211: Who Knows How to Fly a ne?


    The lock was opened!


    There were cheers in the cabin!


    Seeing Teacher Zhang Ye, who was more talented than the terrorists, everyone gave their warmest admiration and respect!


    Zhang Ye could only bitterly smile. Back then when he had received the lock-picking skillbooks, he felt that it was a trash skill. It was wretched for it had no use. But he never expected that he had used this skill the most from just eating a few of lock-picking skillbooks. It had helped him several times. Such as back when thendy''s house had a thief, avoiding the reporters with Zhang Yuanqi, and this time. He could be a f**king lock specialist!


    But Zhang Ye was happy. Being praised and worshiped by others felt good, as he cupped his fists, "No big deal, no big deal. Everyone has been too��"


    Just as he said that, Dong Shanshan suddenly shouted from afar, "Look out!"


    "Watch your back!" A female passenger screamed.


    An improvised knife suddenly appeared from the gap in the door. Zhang Ye was nearly stabbed as he rolled on the ground, dodging the cmity!


    There was still another person!


    There was still another criminal in the cockpit!


    Only then did Zhang Ye remember. He stood up in a pathetic manner. It was indeed the bearded hijacker. He hade to block the door upon seeing the door open!


    In Zhang Ye''s world, after the year 2002, many airlines equipped their new aircrafts with inner locks to prevent hijacks. Only the pilots could open from inside, and this world was simr. However, an old aircraft did not have such a lock. If the criminal had locked from the inside, then even if Zhang Ye had a key outside, it would be impossible for him to open the cabin door. Not having the new locks installed helped Zhang Ye greatly. The bearded man could only leave the pilot''s seat to try to shut the door once again!


    But how would anyone let him do so?


    Especially with an expert like Zhang Ye around. This fellow was fearless and charged straight forward and sent punches and kicks. The criminal''s arm and head was hit by Zhang Ye!


    "Quicklye here and help! Hold open the door! Don''t let him close it! Pull the criminal out!" The fat air stewardess did not dare to go forward in fear of being injured. She could only shout from the back!


    Seeing Zhang Ye''s brave performance, and that the criminal was almost taken down, the male passengers did not hesitate. Five young adults piled on and pulled his hair and ripped his clothes. Combined with Zhang Ye''s movements, they managed to pull the criminal out! This criminal did not seem to know Muay Thai and only had basic martial arts foundation. He did not have the skills of the two people from before so he was quickly subdued!


    "Punch him!"


    "Bastard!"


    "Beat the f**ker!"


    The crowd gathered around him and punched him!


    Even old people and women sneaked in a few!


    Before the criminal could even fart, he had been beaten unconscious by the frenzied crowd!


    There were a few air stewardesses who did not participate in the fight. They rushed into the cockpit the moment the criminal was pulled out. They took the co-pilot out. "Get the doctor!"


    The old doctor from before came over, "Quick, carry him over."


    The co-pilot was seriously injured. He had many stab wounds all over his body, but thankfully he was still alive. He was still breathing in his unconsciousness. He was not dead!


    Many people heaved a sigh of relieve!


    "Great!"


    "We''ve finally solved it!"


    "We''ve survived! We are out of danger!"


    "Haha, unity is strength!"


    The passengers and the air crew felt like they had survived a disaster! But at the same moment of jubtion, everyone felt something amiss. It was as if they had forgotten something very important!


    Suddenly, someone said something that shocked everyone!


    The old air stewardess looked at everyone with a solemn expression, "Who, who knows how to fly a ne?"


    Holy shit!


    Fly a ne?


    Everyone was shocked. But at this moment, they thought of the key problem. Right! Your sister! The main and co-pilots are unconscious. What do we do with the ne?


    Next, the scene that agitated more happened!


    Everyone felt the ne begin to sink lower. The speed seemed to be extremely slow and the internal cabin began to tremble violently. Everyone began to look towards the cockpit. Some of the machinery might have been smashed when they pulled the criminal out. Now, the ne was out of control and was going to crash!


    The cabin crew youth eximed, "I''ll go turn on the auto-pilot!"


    The old air stewardess said, "Do you know how to?"


    "I''ve seen Brother Zhou do it once." The youth ran into the cockpit.


    A few air stewardesses rushed over to help. Zhang Ye and two passengers also went inside.


    But it seemed like Heaven wanted them dead. The moment they entered the cockpit, they gasped. It was obvious that there was a fierce scuffle in the cockpit. At least three dashboards in the ne had been destroyed. One of the button mechanisms had been ripped open and there were sparks in one of the lines. It was a mess!


    The cabin crew youth did not think further and immediately pressed a few buttons. He pulled something and realizing that it did not work, he panicked. Again, he repeated his actions before saying in a saddened way, "The auto-pilot is broken! It can''t be started!" Again he turned on thendmunication link, "Contacting control tower! Contacting control tower! This is China airlines CA1883! Please respond!" No sound came back. Themunication device had been broken!


    The ne was violently shaking!


    Many people lost their footing and fell to the ground!


    Zhang Ye''s shoulder mmed on the cockpit door. The pain made him clench his teeth!


    Dong Shanshan, who was wearing high heels, also fell down. After she climbed on to a seat, she did not dare wear her high-heels again.


    One could see through the cockpit window that the ne was dipping downwards at a 30 degree angle. The speed was very fast, and if this went on, they would crash into the sea!


    The fat air stewardess shouted, "Quick think of a way!"


    The cabin crew youth said, "I only know how to switch on the autopilot. Now with the autopilot functionality broken, it can only be operated manually. Besides the pilots, no one else knows how to!"


    The fat air stewardess fell to the ground, "It''s over!"


    A passenger screamed, "Can the two pilots wake up?"


    The doctor outside heard this, "Impossible. They have lost too much blood and need to be sent to the hospital immediately. They can''t even wake up let alone stand up!"


    The old air stewardess shouted, "Who here knows what to do now? Does any passenger know how to fly a ne? Is there anyone to save us all!"


    Zhang Ye said rapidly, "Now, the ne''s speed is too slow! So it cannot maintain its motion and crashing down!"


    The cabin crew youth and the few air stewardesses'' eyes lit up and said with anticipation, "You know nes too?" That''s right! Now, there wasn''t enough power! That was why the ne could not maintain going straight and was being pulled down by gravity!


    Everyone looked at Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye said very professionally, "Of course I know! Step on the gas! Change the gears! Move it to fifth gear to fly the ne!


    Ah?


    Change gears!?


    The cabin crew youth and the air stewardess nearly fell off the ne hearing this. Step on the gas? Move it to fifth gear? F**k your sister and your mom, you think you are driving a car!?

 Chapter 212: Teacher Zhang, you really know how to fly a plane!

    <h4>Chapter 212: Teacher Zhang, you really know how to fly a ne! </h4>


    Chapter 212: Teacher Zhang, you really know how to fly a ne!


    The ne''s altitude kept decreasing!


    Sirens began ringing in the cockpit!


    The cabin crew and a few enthusiastic passengers tried their best to control the ne, doing whatever they could. They tried pressing some buttons on the panel, but it resulted in the ne falling even faster. And an aircraft door nearly opened. Of course, it was sealed tight through a safety mechanism. Without releasing the safetytch, it was impossible to open. But it was still very dangerous. Laymen were reallyymen. It could not be done just through luck!


    The ne began to swing left and right.


    Zhang Ye could not help but return to the cabin with his face white.


    The passengers were aware of the situation. There were people writing their wills.


    "Mom, *sob* are we going to die?" A four year old girl asked.


    "We won''t. Someone will definitely save us!" The mother hugged her daughter.


    The little girl happily said, "Really? Ah, will Uncle Superman save us?" In this world, there was also Superman. But it was not the animated ones Zhang Ye had seen before. It had a new artistic image.


    The mother shed tears in silence. "Yes, there will be. Definitely. You are so cute, Uncle Superman will definitelye."


    "Great." The girl in pigtails turned to look at the other passengers, "Don''t be afraid. Uncle Superman will be here soon!"


    The woman and her child''s conversation made everyone sad. Seeing the child''s innocentughter, no one told her the truth, and only felt grief!


    ����


    Even Zhang Ye, who was a heartless man, felt struck by this conversation. He clenched his fist. It was not time to give up now. F**k it, there has to be way!


    Fly a ne?


    Pilot license?


    Zhang Ye suddenly thought of something that could give him a glimmer of hope. Because he still had a prize in his game inventory that he was not willing to use, the lucky bread! And he still had 600,000 Reputation points!


    Lottery!


    His survival rested on this gamble!


    There was still 20 minutes left till the 10x Game Difficulty ended. By the time the time was up, Zhang Ye and all the passengers would have died from the ne crash. At this moment, hoping for rescue or expecting others to rise to the asion was a joke. As such, Zhang Ye did not hesitate in opening his game ring and chose to buy a lottery chance. There was no need for hesitation as this was his only choice!


    The lottery interface opened!


    He staked all his Reputation points! He added five Additional Stakes!


    At the same moment, Zhang Ye took out the only thing left in his inventory, the Lucky Bread. He ate it down. Gulp!


    [ System Notice: Countdown Begins! ]


    [ Lucky Bread in Effect, Duration of five minutes! ]


    The ne was still falling. Zhang Ye screamed anxiously in his mind, "Hurry!" Hurry!


    The needle stopped in a skill area. Zhang Ye immediately took out the 6 Treasure Chests (Small) and opened them!


    The items came out!


    [ Commercial Airline Piloting Skillbook x 6 - Learns it the moment it is read. ]


    Upon seeing this, Zhang Ye could not help butugh out loud. Hahahaha. There really was always a way out. Thanks to the lucky bread, he had managed to draw 6mercial airline piloting skillbooks. Without anymore nonsense, Zhang Ye immediately flipped through the experience books!


    One book!


    Three books!


    Six books!


    They were all eaten in one breath!


    This experience book came at an opportune time! It really sent him whatever hecked!


    ����


    "Zhang Ye." Dong Shanshan smiled sadly as she walked over to her old ssmate while holding onto the seats, "Have you written you will? I haven''t thought of what to write."


    Zhang Ye said, "What will are you writing!?"


    Dong Shanshan''s eyes were without any glimmer, "Can''t you see it? In this situation, none of us will survive."


    Zhang Ye stared back at her, "If we were to survive? Let''s make a bet. I guarantee that we would be safe and sound!"


    Dong Shanshan found a seat and sat down. She was listless and said without much attention, "Alright, let''s make a bet. If we were tond safely, I will let you kiss me!"


    "Ah." Zhang Ye blinked, "Kiss where?"


    Pointing at her sexy red lips, Dong Shanshan said, "Is that enough?"


    "Enough, that is a deal!" Zhang Ye did not have much confidence, but with this bet, it could only help him encourage himself.


    Dong Shanshan ignored him after saying that. She took out her phone and began typing. It seemed like she was writing a will. This will was pretty much written for herself. If the ne really crashed, the phone would not be fine. Everyone''s actions now were as if they were pondering through their life in its entirety.


    ����


    Over here.


    The little girl was still anticipating, "Why isn''t Uncle Superman here yet?"


    Zhang Ye heard this and walked over while holding onto the seats. He touched the girl''s head, "Don''t worry darling. This brother is here to save you."


    The girl eximed happily, "Is brother Uncle Superman?"


    Zhang Ye said with a smile, "Of course I am."


    The girl said with suspicion, "Why didn''t you transform?"


    "Are you talking about my Superman costume?" Zhang Ye sighed, "I didn''t wash my underwear yesterday so I can''t wear it outside. Today Brother Superman is on in-clothes duty."


    The mother, "��"


    The little girl pped, "Brother Superman, quickly save us!"


    "Don''t worry. Leave it to me." Zhang Ye rushed straight at the cockpit.


    The girl innocently raised her arms to cheer, "Oh! We are saved!"


    The other passengers did not know what Zhang Ye was up to. They did not even look at him.


    ����


    "Mom, your son was unfilial. Sorry, I can''t take care of you!"


    "What are you saying. It''s Mom''s fault. If I did not pull you to Shanghai for a tour, we would not have encountered this. *sob* I''ve caused you harm!"


    "Mom, don''t say so. I don''t me you!"


    A mother-son pair''s words made many shed a tear!


    ����


    In front.


    The cockpit''smunication devices could only be connected to the cabin. They only heard the voice of the old air stewardess say, "Dear passengers, I apologize on behalf of all my crew. Sorry, it was our negligence that resulted in his hijacking. Now we can already see the sea below. We have done our best. The ne will crash into the sea in two minutes. Sorry."


    The cabin turned silent.


    After some unknown person began crying, and almost everyone began crying!


    After battling the criminals for so long, thinking that they were out of the trouble, who knew that this was the result awaiting them!


    Inside the cockpit, the cabin crew and the few passengers did not say a word!


    Zhang Ye came in and saw everyone looking like this. Without much, he angrily said, "Out of my way! Crash my ass! Let me do it!"


    The fat air stewardess wiped her tears, "Forget it."


    "Forget your sister! You may have lived enough, but I haven''t!" Zhang Ye cursed. He pulled the cabin crew youth away from the pilot''s seat and sat there himself. He pressed a button tomunicate with the cabin, letting everyone hear his voice, "Everyone, ignore what was just said! The ne has not crashed! Now, you are to find a seat with the fastest speed possible! All of you are to fasten your seat belts! Immediately! Now all the flying duties are taken over by me!"


    The cabin crew youth said sadly, "We have tried for a long time!"


    Zhang Ye said angrily, "All of you get out! Don''t mess it for me!"


    "Now, it has to be manually operated. Without a few years of professional and hands-on training, it is impossible��" The old air stewardess did not finish her words.


    Zhang Ye said to bolster his courage, "There is nothing I can''t do!" Could he really do it? How could he know! Now was the time to go all out!


    The sea surface outside the ss window was approaching. Flying seagulls could be seen. If those birds were to hit the aircraft engines, they would be dead. Flying in low altitudes was extremely dangerous. But, thankfully Zhang Ye still had the lucky bread effect still running. There was 1 minute left, so no flying bird was hit!


    The crash would happen in less than a minute!


    Zhang Ye tensed his body. He did not know which was more powerful, the lucky bread or the ''10x difficulty''. He did not think about it anymore. It was a realm he did not understand. What was most important was for him to pull up the ne with his abilities!


    A lot of the dials and buttons were broken!


    But there was some that were good!


    Zhang Ye reached out his index finger and immediately pressed a button on the panel. After that, he pressed another button no one knew. Following that, a hissing sound was heard. There seemed to have some changes in the internal parts of the ne, but yet it also seemed like nothing had happened. This information was obtained from the six experience skillbooks. His body also subconsciously made the moves. After doing so, Zhang Ye consciously thought and realized what the buttons did.


    The fat air stewardess panicked, "What are you randomly pressing?"


    The thin air stewardess panicked, "You, don''t press randomly!"


    Only the old air stewardess was experienced. She looked surprised as she eximed, "The cabin pressure has been relieved! It really has been relieved!"


    Of course the pressure had to be relieved. After the scuffle, the cockpit was beyond recognition. There were sparks in the circuitry and with the high speed descension, not releasing the pressure would cause an internal explosion. So to prevent this, Zhang Ye ignored the surprised looks of others, and pressed a few buttons no one knew. Finally he pressed something!


    The ne suddenly shook!


    Its speed suddenly elerated!


    This was the ne''s throttle. It was not pressed using one''s foot but by using one''s hand!


    This bunch of cabin crew had tried all day to find the power button to no avail, but Zhang Ye had found it immediately.


    The cabin crew were all holding their breaths as they watched with horror while Zhang Ye controlled the ne. They did not even breathe, This��This��


    800m!


    600m!


    400m!


    The ne was still moving downwards, but the propulsion power had reduced the declining speed. When the ne reached a dangerous altitude of 300m, where one could feel the sea waves by their hands, the ne suddenly reversed the trend and was pulled up by Zhang Ye!


    "Get it up for me!" Zhang Ye shouted!


    500m!


    1000m!


    1500m!


    Moved away from the dangerous zone!


    The ne flew back into the sky!


    At that moment, everyone in the cockpit nearly went mad. Cheers from a few air stewardesses erupted. All of them hugged each other excitedly. There were tears of joy!


    "We are flying up!"


    "God! Am I dreaming?"


    "We are fine! We are fine!"


    The cabin crew youth was too excited, "Teacher Zhang! You really are the best! You really are the best!"


    After that, a few air stewardesses looked at Zhang Ye in a different manner. What the heck! Did a spirit possess you!? You really can f**king fly a ne!?

 Chapter 213: Bro, how do I get to Hong Qiao airport?

    <h4>Chapter 213: Bro, how do I get to Hong Qiao airport? </h4>


    Chapter 213: Bro, how do I get to Hong Qiao airport?


    In the cabin.


    Zhang Ye''s voice was transmitted. "Please note that the ne is out of the danger zone. I repeat, the ne is out of the dangerous zone!


    "Ah?"


    "Look out the window!"


    "We can''t see the sea anymore!"


    "It has really flown up!"


    "This voice. It''s��it''s Teacher Zhang Ye flying the ne?"


    Dong Shanshan, who was using her phone to write her will, was dumbfounded upon hearing it!


    The passengers erupted as they whined and howled with excitement. They could only express their hearts of joy, "We are saved! We are saved! Teacher Zhang is too awesome!"


    He can write songs?


    He can write novels?


    He can be a radio host?


    He can producemercials?


    He can write poetry, Buddhist verses and couplets?


    He can write essays and create inte buzz phrases?


    He knows kung fu?


    He knows how to pick locks?


    Now he even knows how to f**king fly a ne?


    Hey! How multi-talented are you!?


    The four year old girl was most excited, "Wah, Mom! Mom! Brother Superman is too great! Brother Superman has saved us all!"


    ����


    In the cockpit.


    Zhang Ye heard themotion from outside and almost got carried away. As he flew the ne, he waved to the people behind me. He said heroically, "All of you can go out. Leave it to me in here!"


    The old air stewardess said worriedly, "Are you alright?"


    "What a joke, who am I!?" Zhang Ye began bragging.


    The cabin crew youth was alreadypletely impressed by Teacher Zhang Ye, so he said, "We can''t help much, so let''s not distract Zhang Ye''s flying. The more people there are, the more chaotic it bes!"


    "Right!"


    "Teacher Zhang, please!"


    After that, the people from inside came out and entered the cabin.


    Zhang Ye was the only person left in the cockpit as he began to hum a melody to soothe his tense emotions.


    ����


    Outside.


    A few air stewardesses had found a ce to sit down.


    The fat air stewardess said with a sigh, "This Teacher Zhang sure is great."


    The old air stewardess said with some doubt, "Does he really know how to fly a ne?"


    The old granny beside her suddenly said, "Oh I recalled something. Isn''t this young man the one who asked for an invoice in the airport halls? The staff gave him his itinerary and he still said the invoice was false because there was no scratch-it! It''s definitely him! He was wearing sunsses just now. I was lining up just behind him!"


    What?


    Scratch-it?


    The air stewardesses nearly nted their faces into the ground!


    After recalling Zhang Ye''s previous words of stepping on the gas and changing gears, they really began to feel that Teacher Zhang was not reliable. Fly a ne? He must have blindly pressed the power button just now! A few people looked at the cockpit with fright as their hearts began to beat furiously! What sort of person were they getting to fly the ne? A person who was flying for the first time! A person who wanted to have a scratch-it in his itinerary! A person who was talking about stepping on the gas and switching to gear five on a ne! This pureyman controlled all their lives?


    The old granny eximed and added on, "But that guy was drunk just now, and was saying alcohol-induced words, so maybe��he��"


    The cabin crew youth wiped his sweat, "I feel like I should go up ahead and take another look."


    "I think so too." The old air stewardess andpany rushed to the cockpit.


    ����


    The door opened.


    People entered.


    Zhang Ye turned back, "Why are all of you back in here?"


    The thin air stewardess said in a panic, "Teacher Zhang, don''t joke with us. Your hosting skills are admirable, and your literary skills is peerless, but this is a passenger ne. There are a 100 lives on this ne, are you sure you can handle it?"


    Zhang Ye said confidently, "Of course."


    The old air stewardess looked out the window, "Now where are we heading?"


    Zhang Ye said without hesitation, "How would I know. We''ll just keep driving."


    "Ah?" The cabin crew youth was dumbfounded, "just keep driving? You don''t even know where you are heading and you dared to ask us to leave? Holy shit! I''ve seen bold people, but they were never that bold!" Previously when they saw Zhang Ye heroically pull up the ne, everyone felt reassured. Seeing him confidently ask them to leave, they thought this fellow was confident. Thankfully they had asked again, or they would not have known how they died!


    "Isn''t this the instrument panel and the disy screen?" The fat air stewardess said naively, "The air routes are fixed, so just follow the line and we will reach the airport!"


    "Come, let everyone pitch in!" The old air stewardess said.


    Zhang Ye nced at them, "There''s no need for help. The critical thing is that two of the direction panels are broken. The same thing for the co-pilot''s side. It was all smashed during the scuffle!"


    The cabin crew youth pointed and said, "Aren''t there a few dials here?"


    Zhang Ye retorted and looked at him, "Do you know anything about them?"


    "��No." The cabin crew youth''s voice turned silent.


    Zhang Ye nodded, "So everything has to rely on me. None of you can help."


    "You know?" The cabin crew youth''s eyes beamed with hope.


    Zhang Ye said, "Of course. See that dial? Those numbers and the english alphabets beside it are��are��" After pausing for a while, he turned around to carry on controlling the ne, "Alright, actually I don''t know either!"


    Air stewardesses, "��"


    Cabin crew youth, "��"


    Zhang Ye had originally thought that by eating the passenger n experience books, he would be able to control the ne, but only now did he realize that he only knew tens of the hundreds of knobs and switches in the ne. A few of the disy panels that he knew were broken, and he did not know the rest. Only then did he realize howplex flying a ne was. With the knowledge from his six experience books, he could be said to be a novice who had just one step in the door. It was not enough. If not, why would pilots need to undergo years of training? Ah, he probably needed to eat tens of passenger ne skillbooks to catch up to professional pilots. The experience from six skillbooks was too little!


    But what could he do?


    He only had that little bit of experience, and could only use the existing conditions!


    The old air stewardess'' lips turned white, "Themunications equipment are broken, and the instruments are damaged. With no way to determine our location, how are we tond?"


    The fat air stewardess stayed calm and raised an idea, "Is there any open space nearby?"


    The cabin crew youth scratched his head, "We don''t even know where we are. There''s no navigation at all. And there''s nond. This flight path is either sea or city. You don''t expect us tond in the city, right? Not only will our ne crash, we would cause more casualties. We need to find an airport!"


    The fat air stewardess looked at her watch, "ording to the time, we shouldn''t be too far from Shanghai."


    Another air stewardess from behind the old air stewardess said, "Keep trying to make contact with the ground. If we are near a city, maybe the cell phone signal will be stronger."


    The air stewardess responded and tried to make a call again.


    The old air stewardess carried on, "Who has a way to determine the locations of airports? Should we fly at a low altitude to search for a path? Is there enough gas?"


    "There''s still enough gas, but not by much."


    "We can''t fly in low altitudes. Hitting a bunch of birds can cause the ne to crash!"


    "Is there an instruction manual? To see how thepass dial is used?"


    The situation was urgent as everyone rushed to give an opinion. But all their ideas were very rigid and traditional.


    Only Zhang Ye had an open mind. He noticed a shadow pass by him, and immediately bent his back, "Don''t say another word! Silence! I have a way!"


    "What way?" Everyone looked over. But after the "steeping on the gas and shifting gears" and the "itinerary scratch-if" incidents, the cabin crew still remained skeptical with Teacher Zhang Ye''s words!


    "Look!" Zhang Ye pointed to the front.


    "See what?" The few of them immediately looked up.


    The next second, the cabin crew saw a ne not far away. From the size, it was also a passenger ne. In the direction they were heading, they were on the same route as them. Shanghai was one of the top-ranked cities, so there were countless numbers of aircraft taking off andnding nearby. Because of the near-crash from before, their flight path had been messed up. So meeting another passenger ne was not rare!


    Zhang Ye seemed to have found his savior and immediately turned on the emergency contact frequency. He did not care if the pilot of the other ne could hear him. The words he immediately said made people nearly vomit blood. They heard Zhang Ye say in a especially easygoing and casual manner, "Hey, bro. Can I get some directions. How do I get to Hong Qiao airport?"


    That feeling was like asking some old man on the road casually, "Grandpa, how do I get to the train station? Head towards the east at the next junction? Thanks!"


    But the other passenger ne did not respond. They did not manage to make contact at all.


    The old air stewardess thought that if the pilot from that ne had heard those words, he would have vomited blood. Who the f**k has seen a ne ask another ne for directions!?

 Chapter 214: You China Airlines are too much a bully

    <h4>Chapter 214: You China Airlines are too much a bully </h4>


    Chapter 214: You China Airlines are too much a bully


    "Say something!"


    "Bro!"


    "Hey, the ne over there!"


    "Do you f**king know the way to Hong Qiao airport?"


    Zhang Ye was not resigned as he shouted a few times, however themunication did not work.


    With Teacher Zhang''s ''low-grade words'', the air stewardesses werepletely speechless. But they still agreed with Teacher Zhang''s words!


    The old air stewardess quickly gave her analysis, "If we did not go off-course when we were descending, then the nes from far away would be on the same flight path as us. They are most likely also heading towards Hong Qiao Airport! After all there aren''t many airports around here. Thergest one is also Hong Qiao Airport! Typically any aircraft that are around herend and take off from there!"


    Zhang Ye pped his armrest, "That''s right! I just need to keep up with them and for them to lead the way! Then we can find the airport. Even if it''s not Hong Qiao Airport, as long as we cannd, that''s all that matters!"


    The cabin crew began discussing and felt that this idea was feasible. They could not care any further, as they all agreed to this proposal.


    The fat air stewardess suddenly pointed ahead, "Aiyah, I can''t see that ne anymore!"


    The clouds were too dense, and it was all dark underneath as there was haze!


    This world''s haze was not lesser than Zhang Ye''s world. PM xx (particte matter) were all frightening.


    "Follow quickly!" The cabin crew youth was more anxious than Zhang Ye. He pointed in a direction, "That way, that way! Don''t let them get away!"


    There was only one person who could fly the ne. The old air stewardess looked at Zhang Ye and said, "Teacher Zhang, we are all depending on you!"


    "Don''t worry! They can''t run away!" Zhang Ye elerated the ne. Knowing that this was their lifeline, how could he let it go?


    The clouds were dense and visibility was low.


    If there was still radar, they could tell the location of the other passenger ne, but now with most of the disy equipment smashed, they could not be used. They could only use their naked eyes to lock on. The visual range in the cockpit was very limited, and due to the angles, it was not easy to see!


    "Where did it go?"


    "Where is it? Where?"


    "I see it! On the left!"


    "They are reducing their altitude!"


    "Teacher Zhang, quickly chase it On the left!"


    A few air stewardesses chattered immediately.


    Zhang Ye rolled up his sleeves and increased the driving force and chased, "Damn, to think you want to race cars with me? I won''t lose to you!"


    The cabin crew youth had nearly wanted to say countless times that this was not car driving but flying a ne, but he did not say a word.


    ����


    High altitude.


    The passenger ne not far away.


    This was a Hainan Airlines flight. It did not provoke anyone and was flying its course, but no one expected the radar to detect another China Airlines ne. It was approaching their ne so the pilot sped up to maintain a safe distance away from the China Airlines ne.


    The Hainan Airlines main pilot immediately transmitted, "This is Hainan Airlines 7781. Your route has deviated. I repeat, your route has deviated. Please immediately correct your route!"


    No response.


    The co-pilot said unhappily, "We can''t connect?"


    The pilot frowned, "What the heck is that flight doing?"


    The co-pilot guessed, "It must be manually operated and controlled by the co-pilot. There''s a 80% chance that he''s a pilot trainee. But even so, he shouldn''t be doing this."


    The pilot said, "It doesn''t seem like a pilot trainee. It can''t be that they don''t even turn on theirmunications, right?"


    As the two of them were guessing, the co-pilot suddenly screamed and even cursed, "F**k your sister! Quickly dodge! They elerated and chased after us!"


    The pilot was also shocked that he was covered in cold sweat. As he cursed, he adjusted his height, "Who the f**k is flying that ne! Do you want to die!?"


    Whew!


    The China Airlines ne exceeded the speed of the Hainan Airlines ne and rushed to its side and was almost flying parallel to it. The distance between the two nes was only 100m! What did it mean by 100m? If two people were standing on a street, 100m was quite a distance. They could only see each other vaguely. But in the air, these were two passenger nes. 100m was not called a distance. It had the feeling of being shoulder to shoulder. One could use the two nes'' windows to see the expressions of the other side!


    The China Airlines passengers were calm. After experiencing a hijack and having nearly crashed into the sea, all of them had made the necessary mental preparations. They had nearly died a few times, so this close distance flying was nothing more than just a fart. And they knew that the person flying their ne was once a television host, and he did literary works. F**k it, if that guy could fly a passenger ne, it was not bad. They were already lucky, so they did not have much expectations!


    But the Hainan Airlines passengers were not mentally prepared. Upon seeing this shocking scene, seeing the aircraft so near to them, the Hainan Airlines passengers nearly peed from the shock!


    "Ah!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "Quickly get away!"


    "A ne is colliding with us!"


    "We are about to hit, we are about to hit!"


    The Hainan Airlines ne was in a mess!


    The Hainan Airlines air stewardesses were all frightened as their faces turned pale. As they were trying to maintain order while suppressing their fear, they made sure everyone wore their seatbelts and would not leave their seats. After that, they rushed to the pilots and asked, "What''s the matter! There''s a f**king retard beside us!" The person who said this was a quiet air stewardess. She had even received best conduct meritorious awards previously but one could tell that she was filled with emotion with her swearing. Anyone would curse if they encountered this!


    The two pilots also wanted to know what was going on!


    The co-pilot said angrily, "Do they even know how to fly!?"


    The pilot did not hold a grudge, "Cut it out. Let''s dodge and slow down to let them pass. We got to cool down. Safetyes first!"


    But when the Hainan Airlines ne lowered their speed and opened up a safety distance, another scene that made them curse happened. Although the Hainan Airlines ne had lowered its speed, the China Airlines ne behind them did not relent and kept close to them. When the Hainan Airlines ne raised five degrees, they would also raise five degrees. When the Hainan Airlines ne rose in altitude, the China Airlines ne also rose in altitude. The feeling was that of a weasel chasing after a chicken after catching sight of it!


    No matter how cool headed the Hainan Airlines people were, they could not take it anymore!


    F**k! I know you China Airlines are the best amongst the domestic airlines! But you can''t f**king bully us like this!


    The pilots immediately reported this matter to the Hong Qiao Airportmand center on the ground, "Ground Control, Ground Control, this is Hainan Airlines 7781."


    "Roger, this is Ground Control. Please speak." A female voice came.


    The pilot was wishing he could smash something as he said, "There is a China Airlines ne that has deviated from its flight path. It has made provocative moves to us. It has been following our ne within the safety distance. Awaiting instructions from Ground Control!" He then described in detail without any swearing. But his tone expressed his crew''s anger!


    Ground Control said, "Which flight number is it?"


    The pilot said, "Itsbel says CA1883."


    After a pause in themunications with Ground Control, a middle-aged man''s rapid voice was heard, "7781, this is Ground Control. We lostmunications with the ne, CA1883 you mentioned 25 minutes ago. Thest transmission we received from that flight was muffled sounds and smashing sounds. Preliminary suspicion is that the flight has encountered some sudden damage to the flight controls. ording to your description, we believe that CA1883 has lost its ability to follow a flight path and we wish for you to lead the way!"


    The pilot was stunned. Some sudden event had happened? Was it a hijacking?


    "Repeat, please take responsibility to guide the ne. Please respond upon receiving this!" The middle-aged man said seriously.


    The pilot''s face turned serious, "Roger! We will lead the ne to the assigned location at Hong Qiao Airport! Please give us a new flight path!"


    "Roger. We will begin implementing total traffic control. All priority will be given to both your nes. Please maintain a safety distance and keep in constantmunication!" The middle-aged man said nervously.


    ����


    On the China Airlines ne.


    Seeing the Hainan Airlines ne not running away, Zhang Ye could not help but let out augh, "Competing your speed with me? Car racing with me? You guys are too inexperienced!"


    Cabin crew members, "����%&(&#@@!"


    It was clearly you trying to get them to lead the way, when did it be car racing!


    And��where the f**k did you get a car!

 Chapter 215: Everyone’s attention on the plane that lost communications!

    <h4>Chapter 215: Everyone��s attention on the ne that lostmunications! </h4>


    Chapter 215: Everyone''s attention on the ne that lostmunications!


    Hong Qiao Airport.


    Ground Control Command Center.


    A few of the airport''s leaders were sitting on pins and needles as they directed traffic control. A few of the leaders and administrators from China Airlines also rushed here upon realizing that they had lostmunication with one of their nes. They had just arrived. The atmosphere was deary and suppressed. The voices of the operators rang out from the small hall as two nes that were about tond were not permitted tond. They were redirected to an airspace in the South. Withplete control over the airspace by the airport, all nes were banned from taking off ornding. The runways had been opened up. Ambnces, fire engines and police had all taken up position!


    Something had happened!


    Something big had happened!


    Their airport had gone without any mishap for years. This was the first time they had experienced such a serious loss ofmunication. No one expected it to happen today and everyone''s faces were ugly!


    The airport head held his breath as he tensely said, "How is it?"


    An operator turned around and said, "We still can''t get in contact with CA1883!"


    Another operator said, "Hainan Airlines 7781 has entered Zone C. CA1883 is following closely behind. They are expected to arrive in Hong Qiao Airport airspace in about seven minutes!"


    The airport head ordered, "Do not interrupt anymunications. Make sure to be kept abreast of the situation!"


    It could be seen that everyone within themand center was nervous. It would be odd to not be nervous. This was a ne. Any inattentiveness would result in the ne crashing and the loss of lives!


    At this moment, the city''s Public Security Department officials had arrived. After some exchanges to understand the situation, one said, "The city mayor is on the way here! We are mainly heeding yourmand! If there''s any need for us, feel free to tell us!"


    Suddenly, an airport staff member''s phone rang. Everyone looked at him with a frown. The staff member wanted to cut off the call, as he did not dare pick up the call with so many leaders around. But upon seeing the number, he was shocked. He immediately picked it up, "Hello! Jun! What has happened to you? What is going on with you! Did something happen?"


    "Wang��Director Wang!" The female voice was intermittent as the signal was unstable, "Thank Hea��vens! We finally managed to get through! Get��through!"


    The staff immediately shouted to the rest, "It''s a flight attendant of CA1883!"


    "Aiyah!" A staff pped his leg.


    "We finally managed to get in touch!" Another airport official said.


    "Give me the phone!" The airport head charged forward and took the phone, "I''ll be the one in contact. What is the situation now?" Saying that, he pressed speaker mode button for everyone to listen.


    The air stewardess was full of words. Upon hearing a familiar voice, she was so excited as she said and cried, "We don''t know what happened in the beginning, a thin�� a person suddenly stabbed one of our flight attendants and then rushed into the cockpit. Later two of his aplices blocked the cabin. We had been hijacked midway through our flight. Thankfully there was an expert amongst our passengers, and through the hard work of the flight crew and the passengers, we managed to restrain the hijacking terrorists. We managed to regain control of the cockpit, but, but many of the instruments inside were destroyed. There was no way to determine our flight path, nor was there autopilot. The pilot and co-pilot were seriously injured and are unconscious. Now, we are following a Hainan Airlines ne, hoping to reach the airport!"


    It was really a hijacking!


    Everyone''s faces changed!


    The airport head quickly said, "You handled it very well! The Hainan Airlines flight will be responsible in guiding you. We have already implementedplete air traffic control. All favorable conditions are provided for yournding. The Hainan Airlines ne will bring you to the airport!" Upon saying this, he suddenly felt something amiss. With a blink and a moment of thought, his body trembled, and suddenly said, "Wait! Wait first! You said the pilot and co-pilot were seriously injured and unconscious? And there''s no autopilot? Then��Then who is flying the ne?"


    Right!


    Who is flying the ne?


    Themand center people suddenly thought of this problem and were greatly shocked!


    The air stewardess stuttered, "That��That��Currently, the person flying the ne is Beijing''s Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye? Who is he?" The airport head said with a pleasant surprise, "A teacher from a Flight College? Or is it some retired passenger ne pilot?"


    The air stewardess said, "No, Teacher Zhang Ye was��a television host."


    What?


    Host!?


    Themand center suddenly turned into an uproar!


    The airport head said angrily, "You let a television host fly a ne? What are you guys thinking!? This is a hundred lives!" If not for there being so many people, and with the public security administrators present, he would have jumped up and cursed. Is there a bun for your brain in your head? A bun!


    Upon hearing this, the air stewardess felt a sense of helplessness. Just the way Teacher Zhang Ye flew the ne and how he had the intention to "car race" the moment he hit the controls, did you think that they wanted to let Zhang Ye fly the ne!? The "car racing" scene with the Hainan Airlines ne had terrified many of them early on! But what could they do!?


    "We��" The air stewardess said.


    But all that was left was the sound of "Doo Doo"!


    "Hello? Hello?" The airport head said loudly.


    The line had been cut up. There was no signal although they tried calling again!


    The airport head was in a panic as he shouted, "Get an additional 5 ambnces and fire engines! Hurry! If the airport doesn''t have enough, transfer them from surrounding areas!"


    The China Airlines CEO was also in shock. A host, who was apleteyman was flying the ne? And the autopilot was broken? And it had to be manually operated? Their first reaction was "we''re doomed"! The chances of those people surviving was zero! This was a ne, not a motorbike! It was not something ayperson could handle!


    ����


    At the same time.


    On the China Airlines ne.


    The thin air stewardess rushed into the cockpit, "I''ve made contact with the ground!"


    The old air stewardess turned around, "Where''s the phone? Let me speak!"


    "The signal has been cut off. I have already reported our situation to the ground. The head has told us to follow the Hainan Airlines ne. The airport is inpletely control over air traffic. Everyone is waiting for us!" The thin air stewardess saw a glimmer of hope, but seeing the extremely unreliable Zhang Ye, who was sitting in the pilot seat, all the hope she had disappeared!


    The old air stewardess pointed out, "The Hainan Airlines ne is descending. Look, we can see the airport already!"


    Zhang Ye had already felt the difference between flying a ne and driving a car. It waspletely different. Your target was at most to travel the world with a car, but flying a ne gave Zhang Ye a feeling of "traversing the stars". It was a great feeling. He took a deep breath, "Return to your seats and fasten your seat belts. The descent would be filled with tremors. You guys can''t stand here!"


    The fat air stewardess'' eyes glistened with tears, "Can we really have a smoothnding?"


    The cabin crew youth''s eyes turned gloomy as he bit his lips, "The takeoff andnding of a ne is the most difficult part, especially with it being manually controlled. Even a co-pilot who has a year''s experience might not do well. It requires many years of theory learning and practical experience��" After experiencing so much danger, what was left was the most critical descent, but he still felt the chances of survival was slim.


    The old air stewardess looked at Zhang Ye and her gaze was filled with mixed emotions. "Our lives are in your hands. Young man, please!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll do my best."


    The old air stewardess hesitated, "If anything happens during the nending, this ce is the most dangerous spot. There is almost no chance of survival. Are you sure!?"


    The fat air stewardess echoed, "Right, if you don''t want to do so, we won''t say anything. Just telling us how tond would do. This was supposed to be the flight crew, our responsibility, and not a risk a passenger should undertake! If not��Should I do it!?"


    The cabin crew youth also said, "If it''s anyone, it has to be me!"


    Zhang Ye looked at them and said in an awe-inspiring but serious manner, "Don''t argue. How can my personal life bepared to everyone''s? Even though this spot is the most dangerous spot, I will risk my life tond it properly. To protect the lives of everyone, my personal life is not important!"


    The cabin crew youth was infected by this and clenched his fist, "What you said is great!"


    A few of the air stewardesses was impressed. Look at his morals! Look at his style!


    Previously, when they had transmitted to the cabin to calm everyone down, they forgot to switch off the transmission, so Zhang Ye''s words reached both economy and business ss!


    Upon hearing Zhang Ye''s words, the passengers were moved!


    "Teacher Zhang��" A girl''s eyes turned red!


    "Kid! No matter if wee out alive or dead, we can only thank you!" An auntie shouted.


    Another middle-aged woman also felt encouraged and shouted, "That''s right! He''s a celebrity and a host, yet he''s risking death by sitting in the most dangerous ce to fly the ne for us! What are we crying for? We must cheer up!"


    "Right! Don''t cry!"


    "Everyone, let''s pray together!"


    "We must trust in Teacher Zhang!"


    "That''s right! We will surelynd sessfully! For sure!"


    Everyone was inspired by Zhang Ye''s magnanimous spirit. All of them renewed themselves with a strong desire to live!


    The old air stewardess pinched Zhang Ye''s shoulders and said, "You be careful yourself. If we are to survive, all the air stewardesses in our airline will became your brainless fans! Even if you were to release a car racing program! We would support it too!"


    "��Why does it feel like you are scolding me?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Suddenly, someone came in from outside. It was Dong Shanshan, "Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye looked at her and smiled miserably, "Hurry back and sit well."


    Dong Shanshan hesitated before nodding slightly. "Be careful."


    "Got it." Zhang Ye nudged his palm forward.


    After that, all the cabin crew members returned to their cabin seats.


    The moment the door closed, Zhang Ye was left alone in the cockpit.


    Seeing that there was no one left, Zhang Ye began crying. Your sister, you guys really think I wished to stay here? If anyone of you f**king knew where the throttle was, I would not be f**king risking my life sitting here. I was left with no choice! If any of the two pilots could still move, I would be the one who would be running f**king faster than anyone of you! You think I really am a retard!?

 Chapter 216: The Hair-raising Landing!

    <h4>Chapter 216: The Hair-raising Landing! </h4>


    Chapter 216: The Hair-raising Landing!


    In the cockpit, the airport control tower could be seen in the distance!


    Many fire engines and ambnces were on standby below!


    It was obvious that everyone on the ground was paying attention to their ne!


    In the ne, the old air stewardess looked out the window and began pursing her lips as she muttered, "Just thest step. Just one more step. Come on!"


    The fat air stewardess had her eyes closed as she prayed and did not say a word.


    The thin air stewardess and a few other passengers had their heads lowered as they wrote their wills. They were prepared for the worst!


    The cabin crew youth who had been in fear all along no longer thought much. There was no meaning to it. The only person in the ne that could barely control the ne was Zhang Ye. He could only ce all his hopes on Zhang Ye. He only wished that the Teacher Zhang who was shouting, "Step on the gas, switching to gear five" previously would not use a method like "Step on the brakes, pulling the handbrake" tond the ne. If not, they would really f**king die on this runway!


    Compared to them, Zhang Ye was undergoing the greatest stress. He too was nervous. Don''t you see this fellow''s legs trembling? He had never encountered such a huge situation before. But now he was forced into this position with no turning back. He could only reduce the ne''s speed as he cheered on himself!


    How to cheer?


    How to gain courage?


    Singing! He began singing the song from his world, "Let''s meet at the next juncture"!


    Why did he sing this song? Nonsense! What else could muster courage better than Brother Chun''s song!?


    And Zhang Ye hoped that even if he were to sacrifice himself, he would have the opportunity to be resurrected in ce in the future!


    After taking a breath, Zhang Ye tried thending gear. Seeing thending gear symbol appear on his disy screen, he heaved a sigh of relief. Thankfully, this button was not broken. Thending gear could be deployed. The only thing left for him was to lower the speed and find the longest runway tond. The nes of this time all had a blind drop system. It just needed to synchronize with the system to work, but firstly Zhang Ye did not know this. Secondly, many of the apparatus were broken. There was no way of controlling it so he had to use his naked eye and intuition to recognize and judge. Thankfully, the automatic procedure these days were advanced. For example, an A320 could maintain a level angle automatically under normal circumstances. Even the rudder was done through sensors, and did not need to be controlled by the cockpit. As such, the difficulty was greatly reduced for Zhang Ye!


    Let''snd!


    F**k it, who cares!


    After circling twice in the air, Zhang Ye went all out. He switched on the cabin transmission, "Dear passengers, this will be thest transmission in this flight. Those who have not taken off your shoes, sses or any sharp objects, please do so as soon as possible. We will attemptnding in 30 seconds. Wish us luck!"


    Cease transmission!


    He had arrived above the airport!


    Zhang Ye superstitiously prayed to the heavens and with his eyes focused and without distraction, he lowered the ne''s nose in a determined manner!


    The ne''s angle clearly did not look good. In fact, it could be said to be eye-shocking!


    ����


    On the ground.


    Runway perimeter.


    A portion of the ground control people remained in the tower while the rest all rushed out. Seeing the China Airlines ne overhead, they felt their hearts in their mouths. The leaders stared with rounded eyes as their bodies tensed up. All the firemen were on standby!


    Below the control tower were about 20 beautiful air stewardesses.


    "Everybody hold hands!"


    "Right, let''s pray together!"


    "They will definitely be alright, *sob*, definitely!"


    "Jun, Sis Zhao, stay strong!"


    The air stewardesses held hands and prayed for their sisters in the ne. Many of the airport staff covered their eyes and did not dare look!


    It was descending!


    The ne wasing down!


    Could the nend at such an angle?


    A very experienced and retired pilot present screamed, "No good! This angle won''t work! The ne''s nose is too low! It will make contact with the ground!"


    A few pilots also eximed, "The speed is too fast! It should be slowed down more! Otherwise, the buffer distance is not enough!"


    "Ah!"


    "What do we do?"


    "We''re finished, we''re finished!"


    "Jun andpany are still on that ne!"


    Seeing the ne about to crash, everyone screamed!


    The passengers on the ne also saw the horror in the eyes of the ground crew. A few air stewardesses looked at each other with tears in their eyes. They understood that it was more ominous than propitious! It was not enough. They had worked hard so many times, why did they still have to die!? People were very sensitive the moment before they died. Many things shed past their minds as they felt how the Heavens were unfair! They were unwilling to submit to fate! They did not want to die!


    The fat air stewardess shouted!


    The old air stewardess covered her face and did not dare look!


    The little girl who called Zhang Ye "Brother Superman" was curled up and shivering in fear!


    About 200m off the ground, Zhang Ye felt that the angle of approach was not right. He did not intend for it to be so, but as he was descending, the ne had received great airflow resistance, so the fusge deviated from his expectations. Besides, Zhang Ye had no prior experience. The nose was too low, and if this carried on, he did not know if the nose or thending gear would firste into contact with the ground. Crisis was imminent!


    This was the end?


    Zhang Ye was flustered. He knew that it wouldn''t work if this carried on. There was not enough time left!


    180m!


    150m!


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye used all his strength to pull on the controls. Get it up for me! Up! Just a bit! Just a tiny bit would do!


    A thud!


    The ne hade into contact with the ground!


    This sound almost scared the wits out of Zhang Ye. The entire ne began to rumble without control as if it was to explode any second. Zhang Ye was so afraid that he closed his eyes. He waited for a second before he opened his eyes again. He realized that the cockpit was fine. The nose was fine too. He had pulled back the ne to a proper bnce during the most criticalnding process! This could really be described as a miracle. Only a person like Zhang Ye who was fearless and a pureyman could create this miracle. Because if an experienced pilot were to encounter this situation, they would choose to increase the throttle and attemptnding again at a better angle. But that method did not work in this situation as they were too low. The ne could not be pulled back up, and would end up not being able to stop after elerating!


    However. Zhang Ye managed it!


    It wasn''t because he was awesome, but because he was purely ayman and by not having fear from ignorance. As the saying goes, "Fools are bold"!


    But the greatest danger had not been eliminated!


    The ne was heading straight across the runway. Clearly, he did not control the descending speed well. It was too fast, and the point ofnding was not chosen properly. It was only midway of the runway, and the path was a bit nted. The ne had longed gone off the normal pathway and was sliding diagonally into an open space. Just ahead was a passenger ne parked there and a terminal! Zhang Ye immediately reduced his speed!


    Stop!


    Please stop!


    The ne''s body began to shake causing Zhang Ye to feel dizzy from the tremor!


    The passengers and flight crew were all screaming as they felt the moment of their death approaching!


    This time both felt very short and very long. As if a century had passed when suddenly it became silent!


    Zhang Ye, who had his eyes shut tightly, was the first to open his eyes. This was because he heard a system message:


    [ Countdown Complete. 10x Game Difficulty Adjustment has ended! ]


    ����


    In the cabin.


    It wasplete silence before a few voices erupted!


    "We aren''t dead? Is this heaven?" The fat air stewardess rubbed her eyes!


    "Look! Quickly, quickly look outside!" The thin air stewardess stuttered with excitement. She began screaming as if she was mad!


    The fat air stewardess looked up as Dong Shanshan and the other passengers looked out the window. Heavens! It was the ground! The fire engines and ambnces were approaching them! It was the faces of pleasantly surprised rescue and airport personnel! And there were the familiar faces of their colleagues!


    The ne hade to a stop!


    They hadnded in the airport!


    "Oh my god!"


    "Wended! Wended!"


    "Someone pinch me! Am I dreaming?"


    "We have came back to life! We are safe! Sob Sob Sob! We are safe!"


    At this moment, whatever said was nonsense!


    The cabin crew youth unfastened his seat belts with trembling hands. He nearly jumped out from his seat and threw up his hands into the air to yell for 10 seconds, "Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah!"


    With his lead, the passengers quickly unfastened their seat belts. As they cried, they screamed!


    The entire cabin was filled with screams and cheers! Everyone was dancing to express their joy! The entire ne was in a tumultuous uproar!

 Chapter 217: The Applause for Teacher Zhang!

    <h4>Chapter 217: The Apuse for Teacher Zhang! </h4>


    Chapter 217: The Apuse for Teacher Zhang!


    In the cockpit.


    Hearing the jubnt uproar from the passengers, Zhang Ye looked straight ahead in a daze and then to the side. He was covered in sweat after having survived a disaster!


    Seven meters!


    He was just short of another seven meters before he would have hit that parked passenger ne!


    This seven meters separated him from life and death. Zhang Ye once wondered if he had died himself, because from his angle, he could see if there were dead mosquitoes on the ne across him. It was that close. Zhang Ye had tried singing as ast resort hoping that the ne would stop before colliding. He never expected a miracle to happen. Zhang Ye''s "Let''s meet at the next juncture" was so powerful that it stopped the ne!


    It was a divine song!


    An absolute divine song!


    His entire body went limp on the pilot''s seat. He used hisst bit of strength to release the safety and opened the airne doors, facilitating the disembarkation of the passengers. Heid there motionless and rested his head. He didn''t even know what he was feeling. He was terribly frightened! He had nearly died without a proper resting ce! Amongst the thousands of phrases avable, Zhang Ye only wanted to say one thing, that was: Brother Chun''s song is so f**king useful. Don''t speak about flying a ne in the future, just having Brother Chun''s song will give me the courage to even f**king fly a carrier!


    In the back cabin.


    The airport staff in charge of the rescue quickly brought a dockdder over. They connected the cabin doors and the rescue team was the first to rush in!


    The old air stewardess interrupted the excited passengers and cabin crew, "We need to transport the wounded first."


    Right!


    There were three heavily injured people on board the ne!


    After sharing weal and woe, the passengers were extremely cohesive. No one said anything else, and helped the rescue team carry the wounded off the ne. There were even 5 burly passengers who pulled the 3 unconscious hijacking terrorists off the ne and passed them to the police.


    After doing this, everyone disembarked the ne ording to instructions.


    Seeing the blue sky and white clouds and the familiar ground, many of those who did not shed a tear in the ne nearly wept!


    It was great to be alive!


    There were a lot of people rushing over!


    "Jun!"


    "Sis Guo!"


    "You''ve scared us to death!"


    More than 10 friends and colleagues had been long awaiting for their arrival so they rushed forward!


    The fat and thin air stewardesses felt a lump in their throat as they hugged their sisters before they cried!


    Even the most calm andposed old air stewardess dropped a few tears from the excitement of seeing her familiar sisters!


    The airport''s leaders and China Airlines'' leaders walked over. Seeing the ne''s riskynding angle, and having heard all the experienced professional pilots'' analysis, they never expected the ne tond safe and sound. They were extremely excited and a middle-aged man came forward and said loudly, "Comrades! You did well! You did extremely well! Facing such an emergency and not lose your calm. Being able to suppress the pressure at the critical moment. Minimizing economic and human loss, our China Airlines are extremely proud of you heroes. Thank you for your hard work! Thank you for your hard work!"


    "Thank you leader!"


    "It was necessary!"


    "It was not hard work at all!"


    They really did not find it hard, because they had done nothing once the hijacking urred!


    The China Airlines'' leader smiled. "Don''t be modest. We will definitelypliment and award you when we return!"


    The old air stewardess immediately said, "Leader, we really did not do anything. This was mainly due to one of our passenger''s help." She looked at the ne''s hatch. That person had not disembarked. Truthfully, in response to this incident, they as cabin crew reallycked theposure and experience needed to deal with it. They had panicked themselves, and if not for Teacher Zhang Ye volunteering to risk his life, the oue would have been unimaginable!


    "Passenger? Which passenger?" A few leaders asked.


    "He is still on the ne." The old air stewardess said.


    "Let''s go, let''s talk only when we get back. There are still a lot of things to do here. The air traffic control needs to be halted too. We can''t stay on the runway." An airport administrator said.


    The leaders immediately led their staff to help and evacuate the passengers, allowing the heroic cabin crew''s air stewardesses to quickly rest. But the air stewardesses did not leave. The passengers also did not leave. They were all looking firmly at the ne hatch. All of them were waiting for one person.


    For some unknown reason, the entire scene fell into silence.


    ����


    In the cabin.


    Zhang Ye was thest person remaining on the ne. After he recovered from his nearly-copsed state, he unbuckled his seatbelt and his earpiece before pushing the door to the cockpit. He did not alight from the ne but the first thing he did was to sp his legs while he ran to thevatory to settle a problem. The huge ups and downs in the crisis had nearly made him pee himself. He had that feeling once again.


    Whew.


    His body was lightened.


    Only then did Zhang Ye begin walking to the hatch. But at the moment he stood there, he stopped. He was surprised to see the packed crowd below!


    "He''s out!"


    "It''s Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang ising down!"


    Everyone was looking at him. What was this?


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Suddenly, Dong Shanshan began pping!


    It was followed by a second person, a tenth person and the hundredth person!


    The other airport and China Airlines personnel stared with uprehending looks at Zhang Ye!


    The apuse was tumultuous. Everyone was pping for Zhang Ye. The hundred ps could even drown the noise of the airport. It was like an explosive scene in a live concert!


    "Great!"


    "You are too awesome!"


    "If not for you, we would not have survived!"


    "If you are buying a house in the future, look for me! I''ll give you a 20% discount!"


    "Teacher little Zhang, when you are free,e to Granny''s ce for a meal!"


    "Brother Superman, thank you!" The little girl with a childish tone.


    Zhang Ye felt ttered as he walked down, "You''re wee everybody. You''re wee. I didn''t do anything!"


    When he reached the ground, the fat air stewardess took the initiative to step forward, "You saved the lives of everyone on board, how can you say that you didn''t do anything? We really do not know how to thank you, yes." Saying that the fat air stewardess suddenly kissed Zhang Ye on the cheek, "You were too cool today!"


    Zhang Ye nearly choked.


    The thin air stewardess did not hold back and shyly kissed Zhang Ye on the other cheek.


    The old air stewardessughed and walked over, giving Zhang Ye a kiss on the forehead, "If this elder sister wasn''t married, I would have gone with you!"


    With a face full of lipstick marks, Zhang Ye felt his face go warm, "Ahem, about that��"


    "Woo!" Many people shouted again.


    Another round of apuse rang for Zhang Ye once again! This was what he deserved!


    Everyone was sincere in their gratitude. They all knew that without him, they would never have the chance to stand here. He was definitely their savior!


    The airport leaders and the surrounding staff looked at Zhang Ye with surprise. This was the person whonded the ne by himself, saving everyone''s lives? He was so young? The person who flew the n was really a radio host? Even when they saw him in person, they still could not believe it!


    ����


    On another runway!


    The Hainan Airlines ne that was responsible to lead the waynded. The moment the ne stopped, two pilots and a few air stewardesses rushed over angrily!


    The old air stewardess looked at them, "Oh? Brother Zhao? It was your ne?"


    Although they were not from the samepany, they often met, so everyone knew each other. The other Hainan Airlines pilots looked at the old air stewardess, "It was your ne?"


    The old air stewardessughed, "Yes, thank you to all of you."


    The co-pilot did not care and was in rage, "Do you only know to thank us? An emergency situation happened with your ne, so we wouldn''t say anything about it. It was inevitable, but we were f**king guiding you, and even gave you a signal, why did you stick so close to us! Do you know how dangerous that was? Numerous passengers on our ne cried due to the fright! Who was the one flying the ne!? Was it old Zhou? Get him out here! I definitely need to say something to him! This, this was absolutely bullying!"


    The fat air stewardess answered, "Brother Zhou is seriously injured and has been taken away by the ambnce!"


    The Hainan Airlines pilot was shocked, "Then was it flown by the co-pilot? But even a co-pilot wouldn''t have such poor techniques. How can you bite at our ne''s ass so closely! Do you think you guys were car racing!?"


    The fat air stewardess said, "The co-pilot is also seriously injured."


    "The person flying the ne��" The old air stewardess pointed in Zhang Ye''s direction, "was Teacher Zhang Ye, a famous radio host from Beijing."


    The Hainan Airlines pilot scoffed, "Come on, who are you bluffing. Are you pushing the me all onto ayperson? We don''t really want anything, but want to mention that this matter was too dangerous!"


    The thin air stewardess was at a loss on whether tough or cry, "But it really was Teacher Zhang flying the ne."


    Seeing all of them looking as if it was only right and proper, the Hainan Airlines pilot and flight attendants were dumbfounded, "Ah? Was it flown by autopilot?"


    The China Airlines cabin crew youth said, "It was manually operated!"


    The Hainan Airlines people looked at each other and went silent!


    F**k! Ayman can f**king fly the ne andnd? No wonder! No wonder when they were leading the way, they felt that the ne was chasing them without following any flying codes, and it felt like it was driven like a car!


    "What is the matter" The airport leader came over. He had only received a general overview of the situation and wascking in detailed information!


    The Public Security department people came. They needed to investigate it thoroughly.


    "I''ll give the details." As they walked towards the terminal, the old air stewardess narrated to the leaders and the Public Security officials, "After the hijacking, one of the criminals was in control of the cockpit and the other two criminals were blocking the door outside. They were Muay Thai experts. About ten strong passengers went up but were all defeated by them. The passengers were not their match at all. They even wanted to killter on��"


    The China Airlines leader gasped, "Then how did you��"


    The old air stewardess said appreciatively, "It was Teacher Zhang Ye who blocked them. Later the cockpit was locked, and it was Teacher Zhang Ye who used a tool to pry it open. Later he flew the ne andnded us!"


    Zhang Ye?


    Everything was done for Zhang Ye!


    He was that powerful? What the heck! How much stimnts were injected into you!?

 Chapter 218: The Kissing Bet with the School Belle!

    <h4>Chapter 218: The Kissing Bet with the School Belle! </h4>


    Chapter 218: The Kissing Bet with the School Belle!


    At night.


    At 7PM, Zhang Ye was finally leaving the airport.


    The moment he stepped out, a group of reporters, an estimated 40 to 50 of them and another 7 to 8 holding cameras, surrounded him. It was as if the whole of Shanghai''s newspaper agencies and television stations had gathered here. Zhang Ye was blinded by multiple bursts of camera shes. He could not see clearly what was in front of him as the reporters took photos and asked questions one after another!


    "Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "I''m from Shanghai Daily News!"


    "Please tell us about how you felt during the hijack!"


    "I''m from Shanghai Television Station, please ept our interview!"


    "We heard that you were the one whonded the aircraft at the airport, saving hundreds of lives. How did you do it?"


    "As a radio host, how did you learn to fly an aircraft? And it''s even amercial airliner? Did you receive some sort of special training before?"


    Zhang Ye had nothing to say.


    How could he exin? He couldn''t possibly tell them Shandong Lanxiang Vocational School?


    Zhang Ye said vaguely, "I do not know how to fly an aircraft. It was just coincidental meddling. The two pilots were injured badly and unconscious. The autopilot was also damaged. I was forced by the circumstances. Tond the ne hugely depended on luck!"


    "But you increased the throttle of the ne?"


    "����A wild guess."


    "You also put down thending gears?"


    "����A wild guess."


    "And you decreased the speed whilending too?"


    "����A wild guess."


    The reporters went: "%$$###@@#(%#@! ! !"


    Guess your sister! How could everything be a wild guess! How could such things even be blindly matched? The stewardesses and those who worked on the ne didn''t even know what the buttons were for or how to fly the ne, they were all blindly trying and failing. But yet, you, a host from Beijing, could make wild guesses and fly it sessfully? Just randomly switching on a button and you could decrease the speed? Just randomly pushing a button and thending gears came down? What the heck! Why don''t you say that those buttons were voice activated instead! We would be stupid to believe you!


    The reporters surrounded him and did not let him leave.


    But faced with such a situation, Zhang Ye did not panic like the other passengers who had been interviewed earlier. He had after all seen it all before in television work. Besides, he was also a hooligan who had made trouble during a live broadcast before, so how would he be overwhelmed by these reporters? No matter what they asked, Zhang Ye only said �� Wild guess, I had a lot of luck!


    You don''t believe?


    So be it!


    Even if you don''t believe, it was all still due to wild guesses!


    In the end, the reporters could do nothing about Zhang Ye. They were all in the media line so they understood that such a person were the hardest to deal with. They knew him like they knew themselves, they could not fool anyone!


    In front, a van stopped.


    The door opened and a driver said, "Teacher Zhang, please get in. I am with the airport crew. The leader would like us to send you to the hotel."


    "Zhang Ye answered, "I will go by myself, you don''t need to be troubled."


    The driver said, "How can we do that. The hotel has been booked and there will be a celebration party tonight. We would like to invite you as you are the star today, you can''t be absent."


    "Then��.alright." Zhang Ye went into the van.


    The van moved off. Zhang Ye saw 3 or 4 people inside around him. They looked familiar, probably the passengers from the ne. Dong Shanshan was there too.


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "Brother Zhang."


    The few passengers greeted him courteously.


    Dong Shanshan yed with her sexy curled up hair smiling, "Yo."


    To make up for the psychological stress of the passengers and also to thank them for sticking together and prevent a tragedy, the airline had booked a hotel and arranged for a majority of the passengers willing to join the celebrations. Only those who had urgent matters to attend did not participate.


    "ssmate Zhang." Dong Shanshan said with a sigh, "It''s been about 2 years since we met, but you really made me change my view of you. Just how talented are you?"


    Zhang Ye still answered the same, "I was just lucky today. I guessed my way through."


    A teen asked curiously, "You two know each other?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "We were in a same ss in college."


    "Oh, that''s how it is. I am a fan of Teacher Dong and a local bred Shanxi guy. Teacher Zhang, you were from Media College too? Hehe, looks like I should choose to apply to the Media College too when I take my college entrance exams. That''s a ce where I can make good of my life." He joked. The teen gave up his seat without being asked to, "Here, let me change seats. Teacher Dong, you sit with Teacher Zhang."


    "Alright, thank you." Dong Shanshan then sat over.


    When the school belle sat down, 2 slender legs were put in front of Zhang Ye''s eyes. They stuck beside his own leg as the space in the van was rather small and crowded.


    Zhang Ye subconsciously took a look at her legs.


    Dong Shanshan stared at him, whispering, "What are you looking at?"


    "I''m sorry." Zhang Ye said apologetically.


    "Why so serious?" Dong Shanshan smiled. "You saved my life, it''s no big deal if you took a look. It''s great to be alive."


    Zhang Ye suddenly remembered. He blinked and leaned over whispering, "Oh right, we made a bet when we were on the ne. You said that if everyone survived the hijack, you would��."


    Dong Shanshan looked at him, "Ah? Did I say anything?"


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted, "This sounds like the precursors of you trying to back out!"


    "Haha, I don''t really remember much." Dong Shanshan''s big eyes shyly avoided him.


    Zhang Ye was at a loss for words. He did not expect the school belle to have such an unreliable side to her, he was at a loss whether tough or cry. But the bet they made on the ne was something that Zhang Ye had suggested to boost his confidence and fighting motivation. He had no other thoughts about it, so he did not take it too seriously either.


    ����


    They reached the hotel.


    Once Zhang Ye got off the van, a number of stewardesses came rushing forward. There were plump stewardesses, slim stewardesses, old stewardesses and 7 to 8 stewardesses he did not know. They were all waiting here to begin the celebration party.


    "Teacher Zhang is here!"


    "Let me get your luggage for you!"


    "I''ll take it for you, I''ll take it for you!"


    "Give one to me, I''m stronger!"


    The few stewardesses were suddenly fighting to carry his luggage. In a moment, all of Zhang Ye''s luggage were taken away upstairs. They did not give Zhang Ye a chance to reject their help.


    Zhang Ye smiled bitterly, "Let me do it instead. I''m a man, how can I let our femalerades carry the heavy stuff."


    The stewardesses did not care butughed happily as they brought the luggage upstairs.


    Seeing that, Zhang Ye walked back to Dong Shanshan to help her with her luggage, "Give yours to me."


    Dong Shanshan did not reject her old ssmate but wiped off her sweat and passed it to him, "Then thanks a lot."


    The other passengers did not get the same treatment from the stewardesses but they did notin. They had expected this as Teacher Zhang had single-handedly saved all of them. It would be wrong if he was not treated like this. He was the biggest hero!


    ����


    12th floor.


    Their belongings were brought up here.


    The old stewardess turned around smiling, "Teacher Zhang, your luggage is in your room already. The dinner will be held at the big hall afterwards, so remember to join us." Actually, this was not exactly a celebration party but just an event to express their gratitude to the passengers. Since the pilots and one of their security air crew are still be in the hospital having an operation, the airport authorities felt it was not right to have a celebration right now as they are waiting for the employees to be out of danger.


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure."


    "Let''s go." the few stewardesses headed downstairs.


    Only Zhang Ye and Dong Shanshan were left behind now.


    Zhang Ye turned his head and asked, "Which room does your card go to?"


    Dong Shanshan looked at the room card the staff gave to her earlier and looked around, "Over there, the third room from yours. It''s quite near."


    "Let''s go, I will help bring these in for you." Zhang Ye pulled her luggage over.


    Dong Shanshan opened the door with the card. The first thing she did when she entered was to bend down and take off her high heels.


    "Where should I put them?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "Wherever." Dong Shanshan went to look for a pair of hotel slippers.


    Zhang Ye brought in a big and a small luggage and ced them by the side of the bedside drawers.


    This was a business ss room. It was neither small nor big. Dong Shanshan changed into her slippers and sat down on the bed, "What a scary day! I think I''ve never experienced anything more thrilling than this. We nearly did not survive." She looked towards Zhang Ye as she was speaking, "China Airlines would definitely give out rewards to those who contributed to the safe recovery of the ne, that would include you for sure. Don''t forget to give me a treat!"


    "Sure," Zhang Ye said easily, "Then I''m leaving?"


    He knew that Dong Shanshan needed a bath to clean up her legs and her shoes. He was well aware of that.


    Dong Shanshanughed, "Come over here, I''ve got something to tell you."


    Go over? Zhang Ye looked at her confused. He took two steps to the bedside and put his head towards her, "What''s the matter?"


    But before he could finish speaking!


    Dong Shanshan''s lips were already����


    Trantors'' Notes: There were scenes redacted after this that goes into detail about the kiss. However, our principle is to trante whatever is essible from the official Qidian raws and not use deleted text avable from pirated sources. Someone has trante it, and can be essed here if you really want to.


    Trantors'' Notes: Thanks to all sponsors for yesterday. With the sponsorship limit back, we are doing up to 14 chapters a week for now. Thanks again!

 Chapter 219: On Central TV News!

    <h4>Chapter 219: On Central TV News! </h4>


    Chapter 219: On Central TV News!


    Zhang Ye''s room was also business ss. But it had an extra word, business ss suite. It came with a kitchen attached to the living room. The bathroom and the bedroom were inside. This was one of the few rooms which were located at the furthest ends of the building. It was better than the other rooms. One look and he knew that he had received preferential treatment. Zhang Ye was not surprised. He went to take a shower beforeing out to switch on the TV.


    It was 7:20PM.


    At this time, almost all of the satellite channels were showing Central TV''s News Simulcast.


    When the TV screen came on, it was showing Shanghai satellite channel. Central TV''s news was being broadcasted. Zhang Ye had wanted to change the channel but decided to keep watching anyway.


    The hosts were a man and a woman, they were both old anchors.


    The male anchor reported: "A chemical factory incident left 2 dead and 8 injured."


    The female anchor reported: "The relevant authorities are already looking into the cause of this incident."


    "Next, we have a news sh." The male anchor was probably looking at the teleprompter. A news sh was verymon on many news channels, but on Central TV''s News Simulcast it was a rare urrence. Because it was a live broadcast with prescheduled news reports, time was very tight. News programs were very properly timed and scheduled as there were other programs after it, so even a second of dy was not tolerated. Unless it was something of importance, a news sh would never ur on the 7 PM news of Central TV.


    "At 4 PM today afternoon, flight CA1883 from Beijing to Shanghai was hijacked by three hijackers. The incident caused severe injuries to three people and slight injuries to eight. The three hijackers are already in police custody and the incident is currently under investigations."


    The female anchor reported: "ording to sources, when the hijackers seized control of the aircraft, the situation was already very dangerous. A broadcasting host stood forward and led the passengers to seize control back from the hijackers. It was again him who then piloted the ne when the pilot and co-pilot were critically injured. With no one to control the aircraft and heavy damages in the cockpit, he took the pilot''s seat without caring for his life and safelynded it at Shanghai Hong Qiao Airport. He saved almost 100 lives. As fellow hosts, we would like to just say �� Teacher Zhang Ye, good on you!"


    Central TV''s news program were now much more open. The hosts were no longer too rigid, sticking to the script. Some words could be spoken freely by the hosts.


    He was on the news?


    This bro has gotten onto Central TV news?


    After watching the broadcast of News Simulcast, Zhang Ye was still finding it unreal. He had fantasized multiple times of himself appearing on Central TV news before, like holding a concert tour around the world or a movie that he acted as a lead in breaking a few billion Yuan at the box office. But he never expected that he would appear on Central TV news in this way.


    What a great feeling!


    This was Central TV''s 7 PM news, News Simulcast!


    It was not necessary to speak of the ratings. This was an enforced broadcast on all local and satellite television. The number of people watching would definitely be a lot. It was not a number that an Arts Channel in Beijing couldpare to!


    He was once again famous!


    His fame would definitely go to the next level!


    Ring, ring, ring. The phone that Zhang Ye had thrown onto the bed when he first entered the room was ringing. He picked it up and saw on the disy the number of hisndy''s apartment.


    "Hello?" Zhang Ye answered.


    But it was Little Chenchen''s deep voice on the other side, "Zhang Ye, you are on the news."


    Zhang Yeughed, "I know, I saw it. How was it, Uncle is great right? Did your Big Aunt ask you to call me? Ask her to answer the phone."


    "Big Aunt��." Chenchen shouted.


    "Did it get through? Give it to me." Rao Aimin''s voice was getting nearer.


    Zhang Ye said, "Landy Auntie, I''m alright. Please don''t worry."


    Rao Aimin said, "When did you learn how to fly a ne?"


    "Hai, this bro was self-taught. I flew it blindly," Zhang Ye answeredughingly.


    "What kind of people were the hijackers?" Rao Aimin asked.


    Zhang Ye became a little more serious, "I don''t know, but I could tell from their ent that they were definitely Chinese citizens. But they fought with Muay Thai moves, they were rather good."


    "Are you hurt?" Rao Aimin asked.


    "Me? Hurt? You must be joking. With my kung fu, how can any Tom, Dick or Harry hurt me? I put them in their ce with just a few punches and kicks!" Zhang Ye boasted. Actually, it had been a really close call. He was unable to to match the two of them in the fight. If the passengers did not help him, then Zhang Ye might have died there. But of course he would not say the truth to Big Sis Rao, otherwise how could he show his heroics to her?


    After a short conversation, they hung up.


    Shortly after, he got a call from his home.


    "Son! What happened? Were you the person News Simulcast was reporting about? The name was Zhang Ye and a broadcast host flying from Beijing to Shanghai��.." His mother asked anxiously.


    Zhang Yeughed, "Mum, it''s me but I''m fine."


    "Do you want to scare me and your dad!" His mother said angrily.


    "I didn''t have a choice, I was unlucky to have met such an incident." Zhang Ye was not actually unlucky. Rather, the game difficulty had been adjusted by the dice roll.


    His mother said, "But that doesn''t mean you should fly the ne!"


    "If I didn''t, no one would be able to do it. Neither did any one else know how. I had to do it." Zhang Yeughed bitterly.


    His mother scolded, "Only you can? Had to do a fart! You were a broadcasting major! What do you know about flying a ne!"


    "Who do you think I am? There''s nothing your son doesn''t know and wasn''t this good luck? I am fine anyway, tell dad not to worry."


    "How can I not worry?"


    "That''s all for now, the airport and airline''s staff are asking me to go for dinner."


    He hung up as he did not want to hear his mother nagging at him. But the calls kepting. His old colleagues, old friends and rtives all called him, probably because they watched the news.


    ����


    "Aiyo, Little Ye. Are you alright?"


    "Big Uncle, I''m alright."


    ����


    "Teacher Zhang, why are you getting into trouble again?"


    "Xiao Lu, look at what you''re saying. What do you mean I''m creating trouble. It was the criminals who caused the trouble!"


    ����


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


    Zhang Ye exined until his mouth turned sore. After hanging up thest call, he took the mineral water on the table and drank it all in one gulp.


    Ding dong, the doorbell rang.


    Zhang Ye opened the door to see Dong Shanshan standing outside.


    Dong Shanshan had obviously showered and changed into a new dress. It was a one-piece dress, fully white matched with a white pair of stilettos. Her dress was the very low cut type and it felt like her big bosoms were going to pop out at any moment. She had a deep cleavage and her dress was pretty short as it hugged her butt tightly. It was as if she would almost have a wardrobe malfunction, but didn''t. It left him wanting!


    Dong Shanshan said, "Did you watch the news?"


    "Yes, I just watched it." Zhang Ye said.


    Dong Shanshan nced at him, "This time you will be promoted into the D-List celebrity rankings without a problem."


    Zhang Ye blinked, "That''s not possible, I think I am still a little short of that."


    Dong Shanshanughed, "With this incident, you won''t be short of that at all. If you don''t believe, go and check the Celebrity Rankings tonight or tomorrow morning. You''re good! We''ve just graduated a few months ago and you are already a D-List celebrity. You fame is shooting up like a rocket!"


    Zhang Ye waved it off, "Alright, even if you praise me so much, I still wouldn''t be able to afford a meal for you. I am worse off than you. You are pretty and have a good figure. Even if you don''t do hosting, you can go into movies or television serials without a hitch. You can easily be famous but not me. This bro''s looks doesn''t even qualify me to be a main lead, have you ever seen a lead without a pretty face? Even if they were ugly, they were ugly with the right features. So if I wanted to continue on in the entertainment industry, it would be harder to survive in it than you. Since I don''t have anything, I will need to slowly find a style of my own."


    Dong Shanshan nced at him, "You have talent."


    Zhang Ye thought for a while, "That''s true, I won''t deny that."


    Dong Shanshan managed augh, "You really are not humble at all."


    Her earlier makeup had been removed but she did another round of makeup to match her current dress. Her lipstick color was the glittering type and made her lips look tender and wet. It matched her short white one piece dress very well. It made Zhang Ye, who shared a kiss with her earlier on wanted to give her a yful bite on her lips again. The school belle''s charms did not fade since her school days, but instead it became more intense and more matured like her career and age. Her charm had totally gone through the roof, it felt like every part of her was more alluring than the other. Even the nail glitter was bursting with charm!


    "Let''s go." Dong Shanshan tilted her head towards the direction of the lift, "The event is going to start soon."


    "Sure." Zhang Ye walked into the lift with her saying, "Let''s exchange numbers and keep in contact."


    "Oh right, I don''t have your number yet." Dong Shanshan took out her cellphone and exchanged numbers with him. Just as they were done, her phone rang.


    Dong Shanshan was not bothered by Zhang Ye''s presence and answered it in the lift, "Hello��.yes, it''s me��.OK, I''ve already arrived in Shanghai��.yes, it was that flight�� I''m fine, why would I me you? You would not have known when you were booking the tickets��.Alright, I will go report tomorrow��Yes. We can discuss about the contract tomorrow��alright, I will hang up now."


    Zhang Ye asked, "You are going to the drama crew already?"


    Dong Shanshan smiled. "It''s a hosting job."


    "Zhang Ye was stunned, "Eh, you are a host too? Didn''t you say that you came to Shanghai to shoot a drama?"


    Dong Shanshan looked at him confused with her big and sexy eyes, "Did I say that?"


    "Yes, you did." Zhang Ye was now staring at her in disbelief, "You said it yourself on the ne?"


    "Really? Alright, hur hur, then I''m going to report to the drama crew, I made a mistake." Dong Shanshan changed her words once more.


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted, "Hey, hey, you just said you were going to be a host just three seconds ago. How could your job change twice. Do you even speak the truth from your mouth? We have been ssmates for so long, do you need to hide it from me?" Saying this, he remembered the kiss from earlier again. Just before the lift doors opened, he whispered, "And was that really your first kiss just now?"


    Dong Shanshan smiled with her eyes and put her face close to Zhang Ye''s ears, saying to him in a soft whisper, "Guess, but even if you guess correctly, you won''t get a prize."


    Her breath flowed into Zhang Ye''s ears silkily. It tickled him and as he looked over at her once more, Dong Shanshan had already started walking out of the lift.


    Zhang Ye could only follow as he shook his head in annoyance.


    This school belle, I really wonder which words of hers were truthful!


    During their university days, the reputation of Dong Shanshan, who was the school belle, was not too good. In ss or in the faculty or even in the university itself, those who liked her really liked her deeply. But those who hated her wanted to spit at her whenever they saw her. Back then, Zhang Ye could not understand why they had such criticisms of Dong Shanshan, but he probably could understand now. ssmate Dong''s mouth really ticked people off. Sometimes she was sincere and sometimes she was fake. After listening to her for a whole day, you would not know which of her words were true. So how could her reputation be good!?

 Chapter 220: Most Raffish Host in History!

    <h4>Chapter 220: Most Raffish Host in History! </h4>


    Chapter 220: Most Raffish Host in History!


    The dinner ended at 9PM.


    The guests included the leaders, stewardesses and the ne passengers.


    These days, it''s all about being thrifty, so the dinner was not as extravagant as expected. The alcohol was not expensive. They served a rather well known wine called "Shikumen", which was a type of rice wine. There was a simr brand of rice wine back in Zhang Ye''s previous world, he remembered that a ssmate from Shanghai had brought this for them to drink during their university days.


    "Here, let''s have a toast."


    "I represent China Airlines Headquarters and thank everyone."


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, drink up. You cannot refuse!"


    "Teacher Dong Shanshan, I''ve seen your programs on the inte. They are really good, cheers!"


    Zhang Ye could no longer take another drink. He already had a few rounds earlier in the afternoon before the flight with the crew members of "The Great Pugilistic World". But with the everyone being so passionate and the China Airlines leader and those passengers he saved toasting him, Zhang Ye could not refuse them.


    "I can''t hold my drink well." Zhang Ye said beforehand.


    "It''s alright." The China Airlines leader said, "Haha, we will not drink past the limits."


    And so Zhang Ye stood up and drank with them. Rice wine gets to your head very quickly, so he didn''t dare to drink too much.


    Dong Shanshan was also drawing a circle of admirers around her. When she sat at the table, a few of the beautiful air stewardesses immediately lost their luster. Beauties were always noticed no matter where. Dong Shanshan was naturally toasted several times. However, Dong Shanshan only had a cup before rejecting the rest. Her face was flushed as she held her forehead saying, "I can''t have anymore, I can''t withstand the alcohol. I really can''t drink anymore." as her body swayed.


    Someone toasted her again.


    Dong Shanshan refused to drink.


    After dinner, Zhang Ye helped Dong Shanshan out.


    Everyone was gone by now. They knew that Dong Shanshan and Zhang Ye were university ssmates, so they were not worried.


    Taking the lift up, Dong Shanshan kept swaying and holding her head. Zhang Ye dragged her towards her room.


    As Zhang Ye walked, he grumbled, "Can''t even have a peaceful dinner these days, everything must include drinking and drinking more, will they die if they don''t drink? This issue is really not something that our country should let others know!"


    They reached the room.


    "Can you go in by yourself? Can you walk?" Zhang Ye asked. It was already veryte and it wasn''t very convenient for him to go into a femalerade''s room. But Dong Shanshan kept leaning onto Zhang Ye. Her alluring perfume flowed towards him and as she got closer, the fragrance of her lipstick shot up Zhang Ye''s nose. She was very close. Dong Shanshan''s hair was all over Zhang Ye''s shoulder and neck, and now, Zhang Ye''s heart was fluttering. He somewhat wished that he could go with Dong Shanshan into her room since no one was watching.


    Seems like there was really no one in the corridor watching.


    Zhang Ye was fighting against his urges.


    Dong Shanshan suddenly straightened up and flipped open her purse for the key card. She swiped it cleanly and pushed the door open and ced the key card in the slot to turn the electricity on. She looked at Zhang Ye with her clear eyes and smiled. "Alright, here will do. Thank you. You should rest early too, we''re leaving tomorrow. Let''s have a meal together when you are free."


    Which part of her looked drunk?


    Zhang Ye eyes widen and was tongue tied, "F**k, you were just putting on an act just now?"


    "Who asked them to keep toasting me!? I can''t possibly drink that much." Dong Shanshan exined logically.


    Zhang Ye pped his thighs, "Sigh, if I knew you were putting on an act, I would have done the same! I had too much to drink in the afternoon, so I didn''t want to drink again at night."


    Dong Shanshan smiled. "It wouldn''t work. This is a special skill of women. Time to sleep."


    ''Boom!'' The door closed.


    ����


    Back at his own room.


    Zhang Ye was left with a deep impression again by the character of his old ssmate. He would never believe her words again in the future. Look at how correct Zhang Wuji''s mother''s saying was �� The more beautiful a woman, the harder she lies. This was indeed a wise saying.


    He couldn''t sleep.


    Let''s take a look online.


    Zhang Ye had brought his notebookputer along, but he did not use it. The suite had a tabletputer of a foreign brand which he used instead. He browsed through the Celebrity Rankings website first. This was the most authoritative reference for a celebrity''s influence and fame. It was also a reference for a celebrity''s endorsement or appearance fees


    When he saw it, Zhang Ye whistled!


    D-List Celebrity! He had really made it into the D-List rankings!


    Back when Zhang Ye lost his job, he had been hovering in the first few spots of the E-List rankings. He barely solidified his standings within the top five ces where he hovered for a bit, he was still far from first ce. This was not a position that he could assume in a short moment. Even if he did, to keep his cing would have taken Zhang Ye a great deal of effort by filming or publishing books. But now, just because he had gotten onto Central TV news and mentioned in name by the hosts, he had jumped out of the E-List and promoted into the D-List rankings. Although he was inst ce of the D-List, it was still amendable leap!


    Theizens had also noticed it.


    "Eh, why did Zhang Ye get into the D-List rankings?"


    "Surely not? Isn''t he jobless now? His poprity should have fallen quite a bit, how could it have risen? And it even rose by so much?"


    "It''s fake?"


    "F**k, it''s real! He really got into the D-List!"


    "Teacher Zhang has just debuted for a few month and he''s already a D-List celebrity?"


    "The few jokers upstairs, did you all just get online?"


    "Hey, why are you scolding us, did something happened? What is it that we do not know about?"


    "Didn''t you watch the news? A China Airlines ne had an incident, a hijacking."


    "I know, the papers reported it, what about it?"


    "Then you surely did not know that the mortal situation where there was no pilot, with an imminent crash and loss of life, it was Teacher Zhang Ye who took control of the ne and recovered it safely!"


    "Ah?"


    "What the heck!?"


    "Are you guys bullshitting?"


    "Bro, are you a scriptwriter?"


    "Go online to check if you don''t believe me! Only the few of you do not know!"


    As mentioned, the inte was littered with news of Zhang Ye. Many discussion forums and web portals had put this news on their front page. It was also heatedly discussed on Weibo and it received unprecedented attention. That Weibo post had already been bumped to the top page in 2nd position. The first post was about a male Korean celebrity, the number 1 Asian Heavenly King, who announced his wedding. This post was already firmly in first position since afternoon as numerous teenage girls posted congrattory messages or curses. It was a post that made many people who saw it speechless. But Zhang Ye was not surprised. Because in China, many people loved the Koreans more than their own countrymen. A hijacking incident that hasn''t happened in over 10 years was still iparable to a Korean celebrity''s wedding.


    Let''s not talk about this.


    In any case, Zhang Ye was once again the topic of discussion on the inte!


    "It''s Teacher Zhang again!"


    "Hello, Teacher Zhang. Goodbye, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Zhang Ye, do you need to be so savage!?"


    "He can even pilot a ne? Are you sure that you''re a broadcast host? Are you sure that you are the most talented broadcast major graduate in the nation?"


    "My adoration for you is like the never-ending continuous surge of water in a river!"


    "Teacher Zhang, do you know how to pilot an aircraft carrier? The country needs someone who is multi-talented like you!"


    "Fierce, Teacher Zhang heroics and disregard for his own life makes him a role model to me!"


    "Hahahaha, I ROFL-ed when I watched the news, it''s Teacher Zhang once again! What did I say again? Those who know Teacher Zhang would understand!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, you really can''t give it a rest just for a day!"


    "Right, I was wondering why wherever Teacher Zhang goes, trouble follows!"


    "Why did Teacher Zhang go to Shanghai? Does he have a new job now? The People of Beijing send their congrattions. Teacher Zhang is not causing cmities on his Beijing counterparts now. But as a young pioneer, I need to alert the people in the media and literary schrs in Shanghai, please take care of yourselves! Teacher Zhang Ye has gone to your ce!"


    "Pfft! Godly reply from the one upstairs!"


    "I''m dying fromughter! Hahaha!"


    "Shanghai counterparts! You better take care!"


    All of thesements were from old fans of Zhang Ye. They were saying some strange things that some people could not understand. There were some people who had heard of Zhang Ye''s name for the first time, like the citizens of Shanghai. They didn''t even know who he was.


    "Who is Zhang Ye?"


    "Why would you ask our media counterparts to take care?"


    "A host can fly a ne? So cool!"


    "Although I don''t know him, I will still give Zhang Ye a Like and pay attention to him from now on."


    "What an amazing person! Single handedly dealing with the criminals? Piloted the ne and turned the tide around? I need to do some research about him�� ''Lecture Room''? What kind of a program is this? I''ve never watched it before. I''ve read this person''s poems before! What the heck!? ''Flying bird and fish'' was written by him! I''ve only just realized it now!"


    Actually, many people were familiar with Zhang Ye''s works. But as most people did not have the habit of looking at the author''s name. Even if they saw it, they did not pay much attention to it. After all, he was still a rookie. In literature�� it usually took a long time to be well-known. In Zhang Ye''s previous world, this theory has been proven multiple times. Like Van Gogh or Hans Christian Andersen. Even for a great writer like Lu Xun or Nobel Prize winner, Mo Yan, their early works did not garner much attention. It required time to build up.


    A heated discussion exploded!


    This incident was pretty scary and bizarre after all!


    Naturally, Zhang Ye''s past was dug out by numerous people!


    Finally, ament by someone made Zhang Ye be at a loss whether tough or cry.


    That person posted on Weibo, "Are you all not familiar with Zhang Ye? Never mind. After my introduction, everyone will know. Regarding Teacher Zhang Ye, many of us Beijing fans know him as the Most Raffish Host in History''. When he first started out as a radio host, he was doing his job prim and properly, but then, he had to participate in some Mid-Autumn Festival Poetry Meet. He actually won first ce there. Later on at the Silver Microphone Awards, if you win an award, then do it properly. But Teacher Zhang Ye did not conform to standards and he created a hooha by using a poem to scold his leader and unit. Then after, he went on to work at the Beijing television station as a TV host. By right, he should have done his program properly, right? But no! Teacher Zhang created a public service advertisement and set off a new wave of creative advertising. Then, you would expect him to go back and do his job with TV programs properly right? You are wrong again! Teacher Zhang joined the Beijing Couplet Competition and took first ce there as well. Moreover, there was no 2nd or 3rd ce, not even a top 10 cing. Because all the questions had been answered fully by Zhang Ye alone. Then, when ''Lecture Room'' was broadcasted on television, you think Teacher Zhang Ye would settle down properly once and for all, right? You guys think too straight! He then went on to write a song for a Heavenly Queen. And after the song writing? You people are too naive! Teacher Zhang Ye went on to publish a book and film a movie�� And then today, we were still busy with bumping the Weibo ''Help Zhang Ye find a job!'' post to the top and thinking of ways to help him with his future. He sure was fine because he went to f**king fly a ne!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, my jaw is hurting from all thisughing!"


    All theizens had such a goodugh!


    The person who posted said, "So tell me, if he isn''t the most f**king raffish host in history, then who is?"


    "I Agree!"


    "100,000 likes!"


    "Haha, Teacher Zhang is really not f**king doing his job!"

 Chapter 221: The Airport Holds an Appreciation Ceremony!

    <h4>Chapter 221: The Airport Holds an Appreciation Ceremony! </h4>


    Chapter 221: The Airport Holds an Appreciation Ceremony!


    Dawn.


    7:15 A.M.


    Zhang Ye slowly got up from bed and washed his face. After he looked at his watch, he wore a small jacket and went to his old schoolmate''s door and knocked on it.


    Ding dong.


    No one opened it.


    The cleaningdy was pushing a cart loaded with linen sheets and walked past Zhang Ye, "Who are you looking for?"


    Zhang Ye turned around and gestured, pointing to the door, "Thedy in this room is not in?"


    "She left. She checked out around 6.30." The cleaningdy remembered clearly. She then left while pushing her cart.


    Zhang Ye was helpless. The school belle was sure in a hurry. Was she in a hurry to discuss the contract with thepany to be hired? She didn''t even let him know. Hence, Zhang Ye went alone to the restaurant downstairs. Using his room card as a pass, he found a te to begin his breakfast buffet.


    "Teacher Zhang, you are up?"


    "Let''s go. Let''s eat together."


    It was the fat and thin air stewardesses. They had already chosen their food. One of them had two pizza slices and fried potatoes, and the other was having tea egg and soy milk.


    The three sat at a table and had their meals.


    "You came to Shanghai for work?" The thin air stewardess asked.


    Zhang Ye nodded and did not lie, "That''s right. I think I''ll be living here for a while."


    The fat air stewardess chuckled, "You haven''t even begun working, and you are already famous in Shanghai. Previously, no one knew you, as you were a Beijing host after all. But now, there should be many people who know you. Your work will definitely be much smoother." Although they said that, they did not know Zhang Ye at all. They only heard a few Beijingers on the ne say that he was a famous local host. This was why they addressed him as ''Teacher Zhang''. After the celebration dinner party ended, they saw the news and they saw the manyments regarding Zhang Ye online. Only then did they understand. They believed that in Shanghai�� maybe all around the country, there were people paying attention to him.


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll be counting on your blessings and hope everything will go smoothly."


    This fellow was already ustomed to scolding wherever he went. He no longer cared if things went smoothly, as long as he could be famous.


    After the meal.


    Zhang Ye had already decided to leave, however, a few policemen came. They looked different from the Shanghai police he met yesterday at the airport. It could be some other police department. They could be from the public security department or the anti-terrorist department. Anyway, they were looking for every passenger who was on the ne and they began to understand the circumstances. Zhang Ye was naturally questioned. He had brawled and interacted with the hijackers after all. He definitely knew more than the others. Zhang Ye recorded a statement, and thissted all the way until noon.


    After having his meal, people from China Airlines came again.


    They drove Zhang Ye and the heroic ne crew to the airport. Apanying them were also a few of the heroic passengers. For example, there was the man, who knew Karate, named Yan Hui. He was not seriously injured, so he had been discharged from hospital and he could move freely.


    In a conference room at the airport.


    Several reporters had been waiting here for a long while.


    Seeing the China Airlines Leader holding stuff like Certificates of Honor, Zhang Ye understood that this was to reward and thank them. There was not much reward. It could not match to simr incidents in his previous world in terms of mary value, but it was also not much different. The elderly and thin air stewardesses and a few of the other cabin crew were gifted 200,000 Yuan each. A few passengers were gifted 100,000. Yan Hui was gifted 300,000. Zhang Ye was naturally gifted the most. The credit was mostly his, so not only was he awarded a million Yuan as a reward, he also received a Certificate of Honor from China Airlines. This honor was recorded in the China Airlines system. As long as Zhang Ye took any China Airlines flight, it would be free.


    There was no ending to the apuse.


    There were many China Airlines employees present.


    After the appreciation ceremony ended, Zhang Ye was surrounded by a lot of journalists. Some interviewed the other passengers, while others interviewed the cabin crew. However, there were even more journalists who were more interested in Zhang Ye. A former famous Beijing Arts Channel host together with the title of anti-hijacking hero added a mysterious halo to him.


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Please say a few words!"


    "Did you consider the danger back then?"


    "Why did you not hesitate toe forward under that kind of situation?"


    The journalists rattled off like a string of bombs.


    The elderly air stewardess smiled and helped Zhang Ye out, "Haven''t you seen Teacher Zhang''s past deeds? I also only knew about itst night on the web. Previously, when one of his fans contracted leukemia, Teacher Zhang Ye took out all his savings without a second word to the point of even borrowing money from his rtives and colleagues. He even sold the rights to his works cheaply. All this just to bankrupt himself to pay for his fan. Is there a need to ask a why for such a person of high morals?"


    Many of the journalists did not know of this matter. This included the people from China Airlines. When they heard this, they looked at Zhang Ye with greater respect.


    ����


    Afternoon.


    It was already past 4 P.M. by the time he returned to the hotel.


    After some thought, Zhang Ye decided not to leave today. After all, China Airlines had added another day of lodging for him. He might as well report to Weiwo tomorrow. There was no hurry.


    He checked on the web.


    His Tieba fan club numbers had soared once again!


    The number of followers on Weibo had reached a stunning 310,000 today!


    Everything was trending in a good direction. His current fame and achievements could be said to be the most glorious moments ever since he was born! However, this was not enough. Zhang Ye was far from satisfied with this little bit of achievement. He could do even better. He could climb even higher!


    Right, since he was going to his new unit tomorrow, Zhang Ye was having some thoughts. He should prepare some hidden cards for himself. Now, his game ring''s inventory only had a "Save" left. The other items had been used up by him sporadically. He needed to replenish it. It was what he relied on.


    Zhang Ye opened the game interface and looked at his overall Reputation points. Although he was already mentally prepared, he was still so shocked by the string of numbers that he whistled!


    11 million Reputation points!


    After counting the digits a few times, there was no mistake!


    Recalling back to when he was on the ne, he had spent all the Reputation points on the Lottery. There was nearly nothing left, but in just a day, a short day, it had suddenly increased by 11 million. Back then, he had tirelessly produced "Lecture Room". Such a popr program only gave him a few hundred thousand Reputation points an episode. There was no need to even mention the radio broadcast of "Ghost Blows Out the Light". One episode only had tens of thousands of Reputation points, but now��


    Just one day!


    It had not even reached a full day yet!


    Zhang Ye knew it clearly. This was the power of Central TV''s News Simulcast. Previously, when he appeared on television, it was just a local channel. The audience numbers were limited to the Beijing region. But this time, Central TV''s news had basically reached every district in the country. Even people overseas could see it. The coverage was too big, even if many people did not have the habit watching Central TV''s news, finding it too boring and meaningless. There were all sorts of news about the hijacking on the inte yesterday. It was bound to attract the attention of people. And from there, they would know of the name Zhang Ye. This time, not only did he get the attention of people from Beijing, he had received the attention of the entire country. This was why he had received so many Reputation points in a day. But after today, the Reputation points would also increasingly slow down. This was because those who wanted to know would have known, and those who didn''t care, still remained oblivious to it. However, even though the increase would slow down, it would still increase at a nontrivial rate.


    Zhang Ye was pretty happy. The Reputation points and items he had spent on the ne had given him great returns. He got it all back in one go, and it was tenfold or even a hundredfold!


    Time for the lottery!


    No, let''s buy some skills first!


    Zhang Ye''s expression changed as he opened the game interface''s Merchant Shop excitedly. He found the icon of the "Taiji Fist Skill Experience Book". After fighting the hijackers, it made Zhang Ye realize his weakness. The Taiji Fist was not omnipotent. He still did not have enough experience in the skill. If not for so many passengers helping him, he would have died. If he encountered people without kung fu or people with average kung fu, such as those young monks, Zhang Ye could easily fight them one against four or five. There was no stress fighting them and he would have absolute advantage over them. However, if he were to meet those with kung fu or people with fighting experience, he would find it tough fighting one on one, let alone one against two. His kung fu was stillcking, so he needed to eat more skill books!


    Zhang Ye had a character that easily got into trouble. He was the kind of person who never knew how topromise. Hence, he often encountered "special situations", so he was not stingy at increasing his own martial powers!


    Buy!


    He ate another ten books!


    With decisiveness, Zhang Ye spent 10 million Reputation points on buying ten Taiji Fist skill Experience Books, that cost a million apiece!


    Flipping it open��


    Flipping it open again��


    He had ''eaten'' Ten Experience Books!


    After supplementing hiscking kung fu, Zhang Ye once again opened the Lottery interface. Without a thought, he started drawing. He still had a million Reputation points. It was enough.


    For the first time, Zhang Ye bought an Additional Stake. He received two Consumption Category items:


    [Red String of Fate] x2


    Usage: By tying it on the ankle of the yer and designated person, the Red String of Fate would immediately be in effect. It would tie a thousand mile romance together.


    Duration: Decided ording to the actual rtionship between the two parties as well as the difficulty of the Marriage Affinity. Duration is not fixed and it can range from a second to a month.


    Zhang Ye found it vague and he did not understand it fully. Red String of Fate? Creating Marriage Affinity? Did this mean that whenever he fancied any girl, he could use the Red String of Fate to tie both his and that woman''s leg, and their Marriage Affinity would be linked together? It could cause reliance on each other under the romance effects, causing something to happen? But it was not permanent? If the Marriage Affinity was too difficult to form between the two, that was if things like their looks, family background and age were too different, the Red String of Fate could onlyst a very short time. It could barelyst a second? But if the gap was not too great, it could at mostst up to a month? He had never tried it before. This was how Zhang Ye understood it. He could only make a blind analysis from the introduction. He needed to find the actual circumstances out.


    However, it was definitely something good!


    This gizmo did not feel much different from the ''Cupid Sachet'' he had previously drawn. However, the actual effects were different. The ''Cupid Sachet'' would randomly cause luck with the opposite sex, and it could only be maintained for five minutes. It had no room for change, but the Red String of Fate allowed him to specify the particr person. It just meant that the duration was not fixed!

 Chapter 222: New House has been decided on

    <h4>Chapter 222: New House has been decided on </h4>


    Chapter 222: New House has been decided on


    Red String of Fate?


    Good stuff!


    Zhang Ye was one never to reject. After owning the game ring for such a long period of time, he knew that those special items that did not catch his eye would usuallye in handy. For example, that lock-picking skill. Back then, when he received it, he thought it was trash, but what was the oue? It saved his life! Hence, Zhang Ye was no longer picky. He wanted anything. Naturally, having more items in his inventory was better!


    Draw again!


    This time he bought another Additional Stake!


    The Consumption Category was the biggest region. The needle stopped andnded in this region. Immediately, two Treasure Chests (Small) appeared.


    Flipping open the Treasure Chest, out came a die like object.


    [Difficulty Adjustment Die] : After it is thrown, it will randomly change the yer''s difficulty. The period of its effects are random.


    Seeing this item he drew, Zhang Ye, who said he did not reject anything, could not help but curse f**k. Why is it this crappy thing again? He had even bought an Additional Stake to get two of these "Difficulty Adjustment Dice"? Can you stop fooling around? Big Bro! Go back wherever you came from! Zhang Ye really felt like throwing the two dice away. He wanted to throw it as far as he could, but when he recalled that they became effective the moment they were thrown, he abandoned that thought, and was at a loss whether tough or cry. For these items, Zhang Ye felt great psychological pressure. If it had not created that perverse difficulty, he would not have encountered the hijacking. If not for the Lucky Bread and the Commercial Airline Piloting Skillbook, he would not havee back alive!


    This die was a double-edged sword. It had equal advantages and disadvantages!


    Advantages were good, but once he obtained a disadvantage, there was a high chance of him dying!


    He was still lucky on the ne. The increase in difficulty by ten times onlysted for about 50 minutes. If it f**king gave me a year of ten times difficulty��Will I f**king be still alive?


    A car would smash into me when I''m out?


    Just going out for a walk would result in a dog biting me?


    When I walk downstairs, a flower pot wille crashing down at me?


    Just those thoughts made Zhang Ye feel a chill. Are you guys trying to kill this bro?


    Once bitten, twice shy. Zhang Ye no longer dared to repeat this again. Unless needed as ast resort, he would never use the die. Hence, he quickly and gently picked up the dice from the Treasure Chests and kept it in the inventory, afraid he would drop it, causing it to automatically change the difficulty.


    Forget it, let''s not draw anymore.


    His luck today wasn''t good.


    ����


    Past 6 P.M.


    He had been having good meals the past two days. The airport and the people from China Airlines kept hosting feasts for him. Anyways, Zhang Ye was not hungry. So he excused himself to not eat with them, saying he was busy. He secretly left the hotel and wore arge pair of dark sunsses to hide his face, afraid others would recognize him. Actually, this fellow had over-thought it. Although the hijacking incident had made Zhang Ye known around the country, only his fans in Beijing knew what he looked like. In Shanghai, they could not receive "Lecture Room", and there were only a few pictures of Zhang Ye on the web. Those who did not watch his programs wouldn''t even recognize him even if he walked past them. Few people in Shanghai could recognize him.


    On the streets, the lights were bright.


    Neon lights flicked in the distance. It was bustling with life.


    Zhang Ye indeed had something to do. He did not take the subway and hailed a taxi, and went towards the city center. He already had Weiwo Video Company''s address, as a middle-aged man had contacted him on the phone this afternoon. But of course, Zhang Ye did not n on going to the office now. It was alreadyte, and they were knocking off soon. He wanted to rent an apartment near to the office. After all, he had to live here for a few months, so he needed to settle his amodation.


    ����


    The Bund.


    The sound of water could be heard as the wind blew across the river.


    Men and women were leaning on the railings. They were either flirting or watching the scenery. The atmosphere was very leisurely. There were also yachts and boats cruising down the river. There were many banks and insurancepany advertisements pasted on the boats. It was a scene that affected the atmosphere, but it was overall quite a charming ce.


    There were quite a lot of people, but it was not chaotic. The scenery was very static.


    In Beijing, there was no way one could find such a ce.


    Zhang Ye had deliberately let the taxi driver drop him off here so that he could also take in the scenery. After about a long twenty minutes walk, he finally found a residential property intermediary by an alley. There were not many intermediarypanies here. It was not like the intermediary-filled Beijing. After taking a look, only this one in front of him was considered a biggerpany. Zhang Ye went in since their lights were still on.


    "Sir, how do you do." There was a young woman with average looks at the front desk. She was dressed in a shirt with a badge and trousers. However, she wore heavy make-up and looked quite bright.


    "Hello, have you knocked off?"


    "Not yet. We only close at 10."


    "I want to rent an apartment. It''s best if I can move in today or tomorrow."


    "Alright, let me check for you. Please take a seat. I will get you some water. What sort of apartment do you need? And roughly where? And at what price?"


    Zhang Ye took off his sunsses and sat in front of aputer with her. There were all sorts of information about apartments on the screen. As expected, the intermediary staff did not know him, "The price doesn''t really matter. The main thing is that it has to be near here. The apartment has to be a bit new and the renovations good. The size doesn''t matter. I will be living alone."


    The woman began to search for him. "This area is mostly a high-end residential district. If you are not price sensitive, there are many apartments avable for you. For example, this one. Two bedroom apartment. 90 square meters. They had renovationsst year. It is slightly far away. About two kilometers away. What say you?"


    Zhang Ye looked at the map and indeed it was a bit far. His ideal residence was somewhere near to Weiwopany, so that he could reach there in ten minutes by taxi. "Let''s try another one."


    After looking at a few, he was unsatisfied with all of them.


    Either the renovations did not match his taste or it was too far.


    Zhang Ye did not want to waste his money, "Is there a one bedroom? It''s just me alone."


    The woman shook her head, "It''s basically a high-end small district. The smallest apartments are two bedrooms. Why don''t you look at this one. The location is good, theyout is good. Two bedrooms. The renovations are not bad too. It will definitely meet your requirements. However, the apartment is a sublet. The previous renter signed a one year contract with the tenant, but he has already moved out. There''s about three to four months left on the contract."


    Three to four months?


    Hey, isn''t that just nice!?


    Zhang Ye was also very satisfied with the apartmentyout, "I also won''t be staying here for long. I think this will do. Three to four months isn''t a problem too. Then let''s look at the rooms?"


    "Alright, I''ll bring you there." The woman said happily.


    "Can I move in today?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "Yes, the person has already moved out. I can give him a call to ask him over. If it''s alright, we can even sign the contract today. There won''t be a problem at all." The woman answered.


    This was a high-end residential area.


    The room prices for The Bund were all ced there. Other than the old houses which were decades old, the surroundings were all high-end residential buildings. It was easy to see just from the decor and the greenery of the district. There were even artificialkes and rockery with fountains. Of course, the rent was expensive. This two bedroom apartment was around 90 square meters. The monthly rent was about 11,500 Yuan (US$1,700). The average price in The Bund was about 12,300 Yuan (US$1,850). It really wasn''t cheap.


    However, after looking at the apartment, Zhang Ye was quite tempted. He had just received a reward of a million Yuan (US$150,000) from China Airlines, so he was notcking in cash. After all, he was now a celebrity, he couldn''t live in somewhere too shabby, right? If he squeezed into a small rental house, others would even think he was not famous enough. So he had to use this bit of money. Even if he felt the pinch, and was f**king cheap, Zhang Ye had to be generous for once.


    Acting awesome was one of the requirements of being a celebrity!


    As a celebrity, if you didn''t act awesome, you wouldn''t even feel right greeting others outside!


    "It''s decided. This apartment would do. Please prepare the contract. I''ll go collect my luggage from the hotel." Zhang Ye very quickly finalized it before taking a taxi back to the hotel to pack his things.

 Chapter 223: This is the Legendary Zhang Ye?

    <h4>Chapter 223: This is the Legendary Zhang Ye? </h4>


    Chapter 223: This is the Legendary Zhang Ye?


    New house.


    New day.


    New environment.


    The sun shined its rays through the wide windows in the morning. The new house was very well lit; even with curtains closed, the room still did not appear dark. The ce was fully furnished. After signing the contractst night, Zhang Ye had moved in. After covering the mattress with a bed sheet and used a nket he bought, he slept till dawn.


    It was time to wake up.


    Zhang Ye enjoyed the sunlight with his eyes half-closed. He crawled up from his soft bed and brushed his teeth and woke up. After he came out of the bathroom in the living room, his cellphone rang.


    "Hello, Teacher Zhang."


    "Hello, may I know who is this?"


    "I''m from Weiwopany''s Human Resources department. Has the matters of the ne been settled?"


    "It has been settled. Sorry for dying for a day. Can I go over now?"


    "Alright. Let''s schedule a time. How about an hourter? I will wait in ourpany''s lobby for you."


    "Alright. I will be there punctually in an hour. Let''s talk when we meet."


    After straightening his hair with ab, Zhang Ye looked in the mirror with satisfaction. Then, he got his bag and left the house. He hailed a taxi and headed in thepany''s direction. It was very close by. It would take him 20 minutes to get there even if there was a jam.


    ����


    Weiwo Company.


    It was not on a main street but behind a shopping center.


    The building was not very tall. It was about four to five storeys tall, but it covered arge area.


    After alighting from the taxi, he saw thepany''s headquarters. Zhang Ye had a rough idea of thepany''s strength. It was not bad, but it definitely could notpete with the mega inte giantpanies. However, if it were to bepared with simr WebTV websites, it was definitely one of the best. It had strong financial backing.


    Lobby.


    Zhang Ye went in but did not see anyone. He then went to the front desk to inquire.


    However, someone in the lounge recognized him and stretched out his arm with a smile. He was a youth and was in his twenties. He was about the same age as Zhang Ye. He looked pretty average. "You must be Teacher Zhang, right? Hur Hur, we have previously talked on the phone. Hello and wee."


    Zhang Ye shook hands with him, "Nice to meet you."


    "Let''s go upstairs. I''ll bring you around first," the youth said.


    "Sure, sorry for the trouble," Zhang Ye followed him.


    On the way, the youth gave him a general introduction to the locations of the various departments in thepany, as well as their overall situation. Finally, he brought Zhang Ye to an office of a Leader.


    He knocked on the door.


    A woman''s voice from inside invited them in.


    After the youth entered, he introduced, "President Feng, this is Teacher Zhang Ye. I''ve brought him here." After that he turned towards Zhang Ye and said, "This is ourpany''s vice president. She is also Director-in-charge of our WebTV department."


    Feng Guiqin stretched out her hand, "I''ve been waiting for you for the past few days. Nice to meet you Little Zhang."


    Zhang Ye quickly went forward and shook her hands with both hands, "Nice to meet you President Feng. I''m new here and this is the first time I''m interacting with WebTV. Please take care of me in the future." He knew that this woman would be his direct superior. She was the head of the WebTV department, so she had the final say in everything.


    Feng Guiqin looked to be in her forties. She did not look very pretty, but she was very friendly. She looked like any ordinary mother in the neighborhood. "Little Sun, go to the Legal department and get Little Zhang''s contract."


    The youth epted the order and went out.


    Feng Guiqin gestured, "Take a seat."


    Zhang Ye did not stand on ceremony and after sitting down, he took out his resume. "This is my resume."


    Feng Guiqin smiled. "There''s no need. Since ourpany invited you here, we already know very well about your qualifications and achievements. This time, we have hired a few inte hosts as well as people in program nning. They were decided on personally by President Wei as well as thepany''s higher management. We have seen your programs too. I''m no stranger to your work. On the contrary, you do not know too much about ourpany. Then let me give you a brief introduction. Ourpany was in the earliest batch ofpanies that obtained the authorized certificate to be a WebTVpany. The WebTV industry has been developing at a rapid pace these few years. There have been many WebTV websites who have obtained the certificate too. There are even some television stations who have set up websites as well as cable TVpanies who are fighting for a slice of this pie. It is extremelypetitive, and it could be said to reaching some extreme limits��"


    Zhang Ye listened attentively.


    "WebTV begante so this industry is still very young; however, it still has a lot of room for development. Although it may seem like we are merging several disparate entertainment programs into one, it is actually not that simple. The independent and overall oue are different conceptually. In terms of resources, it is not as simple as one plus one equals two. Sometimes, it might even equal to three. And there are even the special grants and tax rebates given to us by the country��" Feng Guiqin was a very good speaker. From the important points to the general introduction, she introduced the WebTV industry in a very clear manner.


    Zhang Ye was still listening attentively. Of course, he was just trying to get some understanding over it. He was in no way responsible or qualified to care about the general trends and strategy. The industry wasplicated and highlypetitive, but Zhang Ye did not mind. His motivation was not the industry itself, nor did he really care if he could increase the overall click rate on thepany''s WebTV site. What he wanted to do was to do his segment well, and make it popr. Zhang Ye was not a person of this world. His thoughts were still lingering on the model of his world''s web entertainment. That was the territory he was familiar with. Although Feng Guiqin said that WebTV was different from independent videos, to Zhang Ye, they were actually the same.


    All he needed was a fixed time slot. Zhang Ye would do the program, publish it and attract an audience.


    It was not thatplicated and was actually very simple. Be it an inte video series or a television program broadcast, they shared the same basics.


    The contract arrived.


    "Take a look first." Feng Guiqin said.


    Zhang Ye flipped it and found no problems with it. It was a conventional contract.


    Feng Guiqin smiled and said, "Our sry is decided on by our employees. That is for the basic sry. As for bonuses and other benefits, they are standardized."


    Zhang Ye blinked, "Really? I decide on it?"


    Victoria had indeed mentioned this to him when she invited him on the phone.


    However, Zhang Ye knew that this wasn''t something that waspletely true. There had to be some restrictions. You couldn''t just say a monthly sry of 100,000 (US$15,000), right? It would be weird if they didn''t kick you out the windows, so Zhang Ye did not make unreasonable demands, "My ideal sry is approximately�� 20,000 (US$3,000) a month?"


    Feng Guiqin gave it a thought and nodded, "Sure."


    Zhang Ye was after all not very famous in the hosting industry. He was just a normal host of a star program of a local TV channel, so it was not right for him to ask for too much.


    With everything agreed upon, Zhang Ye began signing the contract.


    Feng Guiqin said, "Take these few days to familiarize yourself with the environment and to get to know your work. More preparation may quicken the speed in doing work. We only do the program after you are familiarized. Our WebTV segments are given rtively more freedom. You can n it yourself or also discuss it with the department''s professional program nners. Of course, even though there is freedom, your program will eventually be vetted by a few Leaders. Only when they approve it, will a time slot be allocated on WebTV. The quality must definitely pass."


    Zhang Ye was done signing, "Sure."


    "Alright, then let me wee you here." Feng Guiqin said, "You can begin today. You can directly report to the WebTV department." She made a call and got someone to bring Zhang Ye there.


    The person, who came, was Wang Xiong, a middle-aged man. He was one of the Deputy Directors of the WebTV department. He was also a Leader. He seemed to be very interested in Zhang Ye. The moment he came over, he sized him up. He must definitely have heard of the hijacking news, so he wanted to know what sort of person Zhang Ye was. However, be it his looks or build, Zhang Ye looked like any other ordinary person. Other than his eyes having some brilliance and his voice sounding somewhat maic and charming, he was too normal in every other aspect. It felt like anyone taken off the streets would be better than him.


    "Director Wang," Zhang Ye said politely.


    Wang Xiong patted him on the shoulder, "Alright, let''s go." The two of them went downstairs. He said, "The WebTV office is on one level itself. The recording studio is also at one level by itself. It is ourpany''s biggest department. All the program teams are rtively independent, but if there''s something, you can always look for the others. My office is also on the same level as yours."


    Around the corner at the staircase.


    Along the narrow corridor were transparent ss partitions. The office desks were crammed inside. Just a look revealed about 140-150 people in the department. The exterior was filled with customer service. More than ten operators were busy picking up phone calls. There were more than ten regions with a sign suspended from the ceiling. The program names were written on it. Clearly, it was the region for each program team. Other than the leadership''s office and meeting rooms, there was no sealed off area in this office. All the office desks were linked to one another. Everything could be seen at a nce.


    The environment was good!


    The scale was not much worse than a television station!


    Zhang Ye silently observed and followed Wang Xiong in.


    Bba Bba. Wang Xiong pped his hands, "Everyone, stop your work for half a minute. Let me introduce to you a new colleague." He held Zhang Ye''s shoulders, "Zhang Ye, former famous host of the Beijing Arts Channel. From today onwards, he will be a member of our WebTV department. Let''s give him a weing apuse?"


    Everyone gave a round of apuse, but it was not very loud.


    "Famous host?"


    "To dare call him famous? Is his ratings very high?"


    "Hey, why is the name Zhang Ye so familiar?"


    "Holy sh*t! I remember! Beijing Arts Channel host? Zhang Ye? Isn''t that the anti-hijacking hero on the news? The one who flew a ne!"


    "Ah? It''s really him?"


    "What the f**k! Why did hee to our ce?"


    "He doesn''t look like one. How can he be a host with such average looks?"


    A few people spoke. Everyone knew who this person was and a flurry of discussion erupted!


    These two days, they had heard this name more than once on the news and inte. In other units, people might not pay that much attention, but Zhang Ye was previously a television host. He was considered in the same line as them. For a counterpart of theirs to safely fly andnd arge passenger ne, this naturally attracted a lot of discussion. As such, they were very curious about Zhang Ye.


    However, many people were disappointed seeing him.


    Wang Xiong ignored it and pointed to a spot inside. "Little Zhang, your desk will be over there. There are many empty spots, so choose whichever you prefer."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye went over with his things.


    Wang Xiong did not speak much. After he asked an old employee about the situation with the programs today, he left the office and returned to his office.


    Everyone were still looking in Zhang Ye''s direction.


    The legendary Zhang Ye?


    The legendary man of God?


    He looked way too ordinary!

 Chapter 224: The School Belle is also in the Same Company?

    <h4>Chapter 224: The School Belle is also in the Same Company? </h4>


    Chapter 224: The School Belle is also in the Same Company?


    Doubts.


    Curiosity.


    Strangeness.


    nces from his colleagues bore down on him from all directions. They were staring at him. Some were even pointing at him while discussing him. Only a few people did not pay him any attention and were working with their heads down.


    If it were any other ordinary person, they would definitely not be able to handle the fact that so manyplex gazes were bearing down on him. At least, the person would feel unpleasant. It was as if that person was a Giant Panda that was being stared at and whispered about. Who could stand that? However, Zhang Ye happened to not be an ordinary person. This fellow was in no way stressed. Thinking back at Daming Lake*��Ai, that''s the wrong phrase. Thinking back at the radio station, he had been evaded by numerous colleagues like he was the gue. Thinking back to the television station, he was treated as the God of Death by many of his counterparts. He was used to it.


    Besides, this was different from the past.


    In the past, it was because he was notorious amongst his counterparts.


    But now, he was an anti-hijacking hero. He had saved more than a hundred people''s lives. What was there to be bothered about that? Watch and see if you like it.


    After putting down his things, Zhang Ye switched on thepanyputer and began to familiarize himself with the environment.


    It seemed like two people wanted toe over and chat with Zhang Ye, but just as their buttocks left the chair, they sat back down after some hesitation.


    The first person to interact with Zhang Ye was not from their department. He was an employee from the Human Resources department who came into the office from the outside. Zhang Ye had never seen this person before. He was not the youth that had received him at the lobby. He looked about 27 or 28. He was holding a document in his hand.


    "Who is Zhang Ye?" The man asked.


    A woman right in front pointed to the back and carried on busying herself.


    Zhang Ye heard it, "I am."


    The man walked up and handed a form over, "Fill this in. Things like cellphone number and address. It''s for our records, so as to facilitatemunication. As for insurance and other stuff, it''s a bit moreplicated, so it will be done next week."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye picked up a pen and began writing.


    The man did not leave and chatted with people not far away happily, "Ah Qian, Little Yu, you guys didn''t bully that beauty that came yesterday right?"


    Little Yu said, "Why would I?"


    Ah Qianughed, "We are more like dying to put her on a pedestal."


    The manughed, "Both of you aren''t married. You can chase after her."


    Ah Qian rolled his eyes, "Come on, she''s so pretty. I''m not good enough."


    The man chuckled, "If you don''t chase after her, other colleagues might make their moves. I have all the records of ourpany''s employees on my side. I can tell you in a definite manner that there is no otherdy more pretty than her in thepany. For such a beauty toe to the WebTV department is your blessing. It''s not like the girls at HR. They have straight faces all day. Hai, let''s not talk about it."


    Zhang Ye put down his pen and looked up, "Bro, I''m done."


    "Alright, let me take a look." The man scanned the form and frowned, "You need to fill in everything. Why is the column for your English name empty?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I don''t have an English name."


    "Write something if you don''t." The man said.


    Zhang Ye looked at him, "How do I write something I don''t have?"


    The man smacked his lips, "Can''t you juste up with one? Something like Peter or David."


    Zhang Ye remained calm, "I think it''s best we forget it. I really don''t want such a name, nor is it any important information. Filling up the rest would do."


    The man was somewhat irritated, "How can it not be important? Company regtion says that everyone has to write one."


    Generally, most foreignpanies had such a regtion, however, this wasn''t a foreignpany, right? You still want me toe up with an English name?


    Zhang Ye gave it some thought and took over the form. On the nk, he wrote, "ZHANGYE".


    The man stopped him, "What are you doing? Hanyu Pinyin (romanization) is not English. Can''t you juste up with one? Everyone does that? If you can''t think of one, I''ll think of one for you."


    Themotion here attracted the askance nces of quite a number of people.


    Zhang Ye could no longer stand for it. He mmed the form fiercely on the table and roared, "I said I don''t have an English name! Did you not hear that? If you wish to adore the foreigners, do it yourself! Don''t pull me along! I''m a perfectly good Chinese national! Why the f**k would Ie up with an English name!? Do you think I''m sick!? And you want to give me a name? Who the f**k are you!? I only have one name! It was given to me by my parents!"


    The man was dumbfounded!


    Everyone in the office was also dumbfounded!


    "You cursed at me?" The man''s face was already turning green!


    Zhang Ye looked at him and said, "There''s no end from you even though I ignored you! This is the first time I heard of someone forcing someone to change his name! I don''t have an English name! What can you do?"


    "You��You��" The man pointed at him as he trembled.


    As a person born and bred from Beijing, which was a city that had suffered the wars of the eight countries, Zhang Ye had also inherited a fine tradition of Beijingers �� ultra-nationalism. Actually, he was also not an irrational ultra-nationalist. He could ept parts of foreign culture as well as some of their ideologies. He also watched American dramas, anime and even liked to eat steak and pizza. But, he was never proud of this!


    Toe up with a foreign name?


    This had already crossed Zhang Ye''s bottom line!


    As a neer, who had not even joined thepany for an hour, Zhang Ye naturally did not want to create conflict with his colleagues. Although they were not from the same department, the repercussions were still not good. Hence, he was calm from the beginning and patiently exined to that person. He really did not want some strange foreign name. However, that person refused and even turned angry at Zhang Ye. How could a person like Zhang Ye endure this? Go f**k yourself!


    Wang Xiong came out of his office. Clearly, he had heard the ruckus, "What''s going on?"


    The man from Human Resources seemed to find sce, and angrily said, "Director Wang, that neer, Zhang Ye doesn''t want to write an English name. I got him to fill it out, and said it waspany regtion, but he still cursed me!"


    Wang Xiong said in a speechless manner, "Just over such a trivial thing?"


    The man said exasperatedly, "He even cursed me!"


    Zhang Ye leered at him, "I said I don''t have an English name, but you wanted to give me one. Who the hell are you!? Is it up to you to give me a name? Yes, I''m cursing you!"


    Wang Xiong straightened his face, "Little Zhang! What are you doing!?"


    The man pointed and said, "Director Wang, look, take a look!"


    Look? What am I looking at!? You even dare to point at me?


    Wang Xiong knew this person and knew that he was not someone good with words. Indeed, thepany did have a regtion about writing an English name. However, it was just an in passing. It was fine it it was not written. Besides, he had nced at the form. There was "ZHANGYE" written on it. It was also written in English characters. It was passable, so why was there a need toe to such an argument? You even wanted to give him a name? You were indeed asking for the scolding. How bad are you with words? Was it up to you toe up with names for others?


    Wang Xiong waved his hands, "Alright, I got it. Isn''t the form already filled up? There''s nothing nk. Just file it like that. Everything can be discussed, what''s the meaning of yelling here like that!?"


    "But he��" The man was indignant. He had also lost face.


    Wang Xiong said with a deep voice, "This is a work ce! What ruckus are you causing!?"


    The man knew that Deputy Director Wang was taking sides. He simmered in his anger but was helpless. He ended up taking Zhang Ye''s form and left in disgrace.


    The moment he left, Wang Xiong said to Zhang Ye, "Little Zhang, this is apany. It is verymon to have differences with colleagues on matters of work, but you shouldn''t have cursed."


    Zhang Ye''s attitude turned good, "Sorry Director Wang. I will take note."


    Wang Xiong did not me him, and with a terse remark, he left.


    Although the matter was settled, the minds of everyone in the office waspletely not at rest!


    Holy sh*t!


    You really cursed?


    What sort of temper do you have?


    No one in the WebTV department expected that under such circumstances, a neer like Zhang Ye would dare curse at someone from Human Resources in his face! Anyone with a bit of work experience would not have done such a thing, but Zhang Ye had still cursed. And look at what the aftermath was. He still calmly fiddled with theputer. That calmness and quietposure was as if nothing had happened! From this, everyone knew that this was definitely not the first time Zhang Ye had done it! Or he would not have been so carefree!


    F**k!


    What sort of colleague has joined us!?


    Previously, everyone was somewhat disappointed. They were wondering how such an ordinary young man could be so capable. They were wondering why he was given such great acim on television and on the inte. But from this, they finally understood. This was a f**king wolf in sheep''s clothing. He was definitely someone difficult to work with!


    Suddenly, a pleasant female voice could be heard.


    "What''s the situation? Why did I hear cursing voices just now? What happened?" A sexy woman came in while holding some documents. Be it her face or body, they were all amazing!


    "Teacher Dong, you are back?"


    "Hai, just now, someone from HR wanted a new colleague to write an English name, but was ended up being cursed at. Even Director Wang was activated because of it."


    A few people exined to her in an enthusiastic manner.


    The woman blinked, "Cursing can happen from such a matter?"


    Zhang Ye, who had his head down while fiddling with hisputer, suddenly found the voice familiar. It was too familiar. He looked up and could not help but be shocked, "Dong Shanshan?"


    The woman was also stunned, as she said to him, "Zhang Ye?"


    Zhang Ye was amused, "Hey, what are you doing here?"


    Dong Shanshan alsoughed, "I was about to ask you why��Oh I got it. Could it be that you came to Shanghai to work at Weiwopany?"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "You also came here to be a inte host?"


    Your sister, didn''t youe here to film a movie or television drama? No one can believe a word you say!


    However, many things could be understood at this very moment. Clearly, their meeting on the ne was not a coincidence. Weiwopany had not only invited Zhang Ye, they had also invited Dong Shanshan. It was even possible that Dong Shanshan had been invited before him, or the air tickets wouldn''t have been booked in such a rush, with Zhang Ye having to take the ne the next day. Clearly, Weiwo had booked both their tickets to make it the staff''s jobs easier. This resulted in them meeting on the ne.


    Everyone was stunned when they saw this. The two knew each other?


    Dong Shanshanughed pleasantly, "You were the one cursing just now, right?"


    Zhang Ye affirmed, "Yea, he kept forcing me toe up with an English name. It was already good that I didn''t beat him up."


    Upon recalling something, Dong Shanshan was tickled green. "Hur Hur, you are the same as when you were in college. You are still so ultra-nationalistic. Although it has been three to four years, but I still remember one of our English sses. The teacher got everyone in ss toe up with an English name, so as to address us with it. Everyone came up with one, except you. You even debated with the English teacher for half a ss on the matter on "Why should a Chinese nationale up with an English name". In the end, the English teacher even wrapped up ss out of anger! Hahaha, why are you still the same old you?"


    Zhang Ye said in a matter of fact manner, "It''s a matter of principle. There is no leeway."


    Their dialogue between the two of them enlightened everyone. They realized that Zhang Ye and Beauty Dong were college ssmates. They were both broadcasting major graduates of the Media College!


    Chapter 225: The School Belle is also in the Same Company?


    *This is a line from "My Fair Princess", about an Emperor''s illegitimate daughter, Xia Ziwei''s adventures. She was conceived by the Emperor during a trip at Daming Lake, so this line, was a reference asking if the Emperor still remembered her mother, and also a way to prove their blood rtionship.

 Chapter 225: Using the Red String of Fate!

    <h4>Chapter 225: Using the Red String of Fate! </h4>


    Chapter 225: Using the Red String of Fate!


    Everyone was listening in with curiosity. It was not surprising that the two of them were previously ssmates since they were both broadcasting professionals. Most of them were schoolmates at least, so knowing each other was normal. What they were more concerned about were Zhang Ye''s past deeds. Already angered a teacher in his freshman year? F**k, this person was different from the others. No wonder he had cursed the Human Resource staff away earlier. This was his temperament all along!


    Was it really okay like this?


    Such a person can be a broadcasting host?


    Everyone had their doubts of the newly arrived Teacher Zhang Ye''s temperament and nature. He was indeed a wonder of this industry!


    "Luckily I didn''t greet him just now."


    "Yea, this Teacher Zhang Ye does not seem easy to talk to."


    "Such a temper is really too much."


    "His program has not been set yet, so his program team probably has no one yet? Damn, please don''t transfer me over."


    They were whispering about how their first impressions of Zhang Ye could only be described as a "wonder". A few people, who had wanted to greet Zhang Ye, had now dismissed the idea.


    Dong Shanshan spoke with Zhang Ye for a while before walking over to the desk beside Zhang Ye. She put down her documents and pulled out the chair, pressed down her skirt and sat down. She was wearing a darker than royal blue mini skirt that felt quite matured. She had ck stockings and ck high heels of around 12cm high, paired with a ckdy''s suit and bundled hair. She was dressed with the looks of a professional. If it were other pretty women who dressed the same, they could only be described as pretty, matured and able. But on Dong Shanshan, there was an additional description of "sexy", because of her figure. She wore the suit very tightly, especially at the back of her hips and chest. As such, she was more enchanting than the others.


    "You''re seated here?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Dong Shanshanughed, "Yes, all the rookies sit around here."


    Zhang Ye looked at the adjacent table, "You reported for work after leaving the hotel yesterday?"


    Dong Shanshan nodded, "If I knew you were invited too, I would havee along with you. Things between us sure were good, we were chatting for so long on the ne yet none of us knew that we were going to report to the same unit."


    Zhang Ye was speechless, "Who asked that mouth of yours to always not speak the truth."


    Dong Shanshan gave him a nce, "You did not tell me you wereing to apply as a web host either."


    "You did not ask. Alright, I won''t keep you from your work." He could see that the school belle had some work to do, so he did not carry on chatting but busied himself.


    ����


    Afternoon.


    It was now lunchtime.


    Zhang Ye had been looking at theputer screen the whole morning and felt a little dizzy. He rubbed his eyes and then looked sideways at Dong Shanshan, wanting to ask her to lunch together at the canteen. But before he could open his mouth, a few guys had alreadye up to her.


    "Teacher Dong, let''s have lunch together?"


    "Do we have the honor of inviting Teacher Dong for lunch?"


    "Yea, we could also discuss about the program together."


    "The program nning for you is almost done, let''s chat while we eat?"


    About five to six guys hade up to her at once. They were tall, short, fat and thin, each one more enthusiastic than the other.


    Dong Shanshan smiled at them, "Discuss about the program? Hmm��Alright then, let''s go together." So she headed to the canteen together with the few of them.


    Zhang Ye thought to himself: Sure, this bro will have his own lunch.


    When he got up, he realised that he did not know the way to the canteen. He wanted to find a colleague to go together and also to have a chat with in order find out more about thepany and the people there. But when he tried looking for someone, everyone had already left. It was like they avoided Zhang Ye on purpose and it made him at a loss whether tough or cry. Your sister! From the television station to the WebTV station, is this bro so unpopr?


    Heading out to look for the canteen himself, Zhang Ye applied for a meal card and then queued for a simple meal of rice and fried vegetables which he took back to the office to eat.


    Just before 1 P.M.


    Dong Shanshan and the others had returned.


    "Teacher Dong, where did you stayst night?"


    "I found an express hotel nearby. I had previously believed that ourpany had staff quarters."


    "There isn''t any. We all have to get our own rental apartments. Yea, you are still unfamiliar with this ce, why don''t I bring you to a residential property intermediary after work tonight."


    "But won''t that trouble you, Ah Qian?"


    "That''s not troublesome, no trouble at all. It''s along the way."


    "Sure, then thank you."


    "You are too polite, it''s just simple help."


    With the appointment to go apartment hunting decided, Ah Qian became very excited.


    Little Yu who was seated beside him could only look on at him in envy. You were still saying that you weren''t good enough for her this morning. And now you are already going after her in the afternoon? Deceitful!


    Dong Shanshan mood was not affected as she went back to her work.


    Zhang Ye saw this, and could only feel the exasperation one could feel if theypeted against others. He could tell that there were at least ten people in the entire office who had their sights on Dong Shanshan. Some showed it on their faces, while others hid it in their hearts. They would nce at Dong Shanshan every now and then, but not make a move.


    "You seem really popr." Zhang Ye said in aughing voice that only the two of them could hear. There were only the two of them on this side of their work area, so as long as they spoke softly, no one else could hear them.


    Dong Shanshan nced, "Is that so?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged, "At least more popr than me."


    "Hur Hur Hur." Dong Shanshan was tickled, "Why did you curse at people when you just got the job? Composing poetry that scolds people and making trouble during a live broadcast. Everyone already knows that you are not easy to get along with, so who would bother to make conversation with you? At lunch just now, some of them asked me about you, do you know what''s their impression of you? They said that you are a ''wonder'' of the industry!"


    They are the wonders!


    Your whole damned family are wonders!


    Zhang Ye was speechless for a long while.


    With a sudden thought, Dong Shanshan asked, "Oh right, did you find an apartment yet? If not, why don''t we go together tonight? I don''t know about you, but I''m definitely going to stay here for the long term."


    Zhang Ye replied, "I''ve already found one yesterday and moved in."


    "So fast? Where is it at?" Dong Shanshan asked curiously.


    Zhang Yeughingly answered, "It''s near the Bund. I forgot which road, but it''s a normal two bedroom apartment."


    Dong Shanshan said, "The rental over there is so expensive, looks like you''ve got quite some money. Oh right, the China Airlines reward was already a million. Alright, tomorrow or the day after, I must have a treat from you."


    "No problem." Zhang Ye said without hesitating while waving his hands. But with this wave, he knocked a pen off from his desk. Itnded right beside Dong Shanshan''s leg.


    Dong Shanshan lowered her head to pick it up for him.


    But Zhang Ye said, "Let me do it, you are wearing a skirt. It''s not convenient."


    Dong Shanshan did not insist. They were already ssmates of four years. With the added incident on the ne and as old friends meeting again at work, their rtionship had already be a lot closer.


    Zhang Ye bent over his waist towards the school belle''s legs. With her legs that were covered by ck silk stockings getting closer and closer to his face, it was getting too tempting. Zhang Ye''s mind suddenly thought of something. He remembered the items that he drew from the Consumption Category earlier - Red String of Fate. The instructions were rather clear, but he wouldn''t know what the effect really was if he did not use it.


    Try?


    He had to try!


    Dong Shanshan did not pay attention to him as she was busy clearing the documents on her desk.


    Zhang Ye opened his game ring''s inventory and took out a Red String of Fate. As he was picking up the pen beside her leg, he took the Red String of Fate and rounded it around her ankle. Then, he pretended to not have picked up the pen the first time and with a quick flick of his finger, made the Red String of Fate into a knot. With a pull, the Red String of Fate was now tied to Dong Shanshan''s ankle.


    Zhang Ye could feel and see the Red String of Fate.


    However, Dong Shanshan could not see it nor feel it. She did look at him with her peripheral vision, maybe annoyed at why he was taking so long.


    Zhang Ye had by now already picked up the pen and got back up.


    Dong Shanshan returned her gaze back onto herputer, as she typed and did work.


    Zhang Ye heaved a sigh of relief that he wasn''t discovered. He crossed his right leg up as he looked down at it and proceeded to tie the Red String of Fate around his own ankle too. The material of the Red String of Fate was very special as it could extend at will. When it was tied onto Dong Shanshan''s ankle, it did not have much length, but as he pulled it, he discovered that it could be extended indefinitely and that was how he managed to tie it to his own ankle. The moment it was tied, Zhang Ye felt a numbness in his ankle. It felt like pins and needles though it disappeared very quickly. He looked to his side and saw Dong Shanshan''s brows flinching and then curiously bending down to scratch her ankle.


    "Red String of Fate is in effect!"


    "Marriage Affinity is now linked!"


    That''s it? What kind of effect will it have?


    Zhang Ye had familiarized himself with his work and had nothing else to do, so he started waiting to see the effect.


    Ten minutes passed.


    There was no changes of any sort.


    Zhang Ye looked over to Dong Shanshan frequently but did not see how their Marriage Affinity had been linked.


    At this moment, Dong Shanshan suddenly put down her mouse and stood up. She took her cellphone and a tissue pack with only two tissues in it, then walked out slowly. Judging by the direction, she was probably headed for the bathroom.


    After a long while, Dong Shanshan still had not returned.


    Zhang Ye looked at his watch hoping to leave work earlier. The Red String of Fate''s effect was likely to be slower, unlike the Cupid Sachet which was almost immediate. The effect experiment was probably not going to have any results today?


    As he was thinking, his cellphone vibrated!


    Zzi, zzi. It was a message from the school belle!


    Dong Shanshan: Zhang Ye, are you busy?


    Zhang Ye replied: No, what''s the matter?


    Trantor''s Notes: By the way, if you guys are offended by the "white overlords" trantion from the previous chapter, here''s some rification. The Chinese phrased used is ��������, which means


    be crazy about foreign things and obsequious to foreigners; be subservient to foreigners; have a servile attitude to foreign things; trumpet servility to things foreign; worship (things foreign) and fawn on [upon] foreigners


    The full sentence was: ��Ը������������Լ�ȥ


    An alternative trantion is: If you wish to adore the foreigners, do it yourself.


    As it is him cursing his colleague, the tone that I chose to trante was a little bit more harsh than the above dictionary meaning. I have since changed the trantion also.

 Chapter 226: Stuck in the Ladies’!

    <h4>Chapter 226: Stuck in the Ladies��! </h4>


    Chapter 226: Stuck in the Ladies''!


    The school belle had encountered a problem!


    She actually forgot to take her sanitary pad!


    Zhang Ye sat there like a wax figure. He struggled for a long time before replying: Wait a little longer, I''ll see if anyonees along. I will help you look for someone here.


    Dong Shanshan: OK.


    Zhang Ye looked all over the ce to ensure that no one was looking at him. Luckily, their desks were situated at a corner. Zhang Ye quietly shifted his body sideways and stretched his arm out into Dong Shanshan''s bag to take out a sanitary pad. He also took a new pack of tissues before cing her bag back in its original spot. Then, he quickly stuffed the sanitary pad into his pocket.


    Look for someone?


    But how should he put it?


    This issue was a little difficult to handle!


    Through some consideration, Zhang Ye believed that this matter was to be kept a secret from the other male colleagues. After all, it didn''t sound good. Dong Shanshan wanted her face after all. And if he be a loudmouth, it would cause adverse effects. Hence, he had to consider which of the female colleagues did not find Dong Shanshan a nuisance. She had to be tight-lipped too, and she would not go around spreading "Host Dong didn''t bring sanitary pads to the bathroom". With this in mind, Zhang Ye began to size up each and every female colleague.


    This woman? No, she looks a little mean. It''s not easy to speak to her.


    That woman? No too. Looks like a person who likes to gossip.


    But somehow, just as Zhang Ye could not decide who to ask for help from, Deputy Director Wang walked in with a few people, "All our femalerades, please put your work aside. Because there are too many people, tomorrow''s medical examination has been brought forward. The vehicle taking us there has already arrived, so please proceed downstairs."


    "It''s today?"


    "Yeah, but we''ve already had our lunch."


    The women muttered some words.


    Wang Xiong said, "It doesn''t matter if you''ve had lunch. It''s mainly listening and vision tests. Old Chen, please get thedies organized and let''s go."


    A middle aged woman stood up and signalled for everyone to head downstairs.


    In the space of a few minutes, all of the women had cleared the office.


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded. F**k, it can''t be so coincidental, right? The school belle was still waiting for help!


    Suddenly, he thought of something. Can this be the damn Red String of Fate taking effect? What was marriage affinity? Marriage Affinity basically meant that two people in the world who did not know each other could get to know each other by chance. Then, through a series of incidents, they would be attracted to each other. When people mention things like "the two of us are really fated", that is basically what they mean. So the Red String of Fate''s effect was like this as well? It creates some tiny incidents to make two people be closer, this was what''s called affinity? Otherwise, how could the incidents happening right now be exined? Your sister, at least leave a female colleague behind for me! There''s not even 1!


    Di Di.


    A message came in again.


    Dong Shanshan: There''s still no one.


    Zhang Ye: There''s really no one, even the office is empty. All the women have gone for their medical examination.


    Dong Shanshan: �� Then, I will thank you first? Please bring it over for me. There''s only me in the toilet, so you cane in without worries.


    Zhang Ye: Why can''t I leave it at the door for you?


    Dong Shanshan: It''s already dripping down my legs, I don''t even dare to pull my skirt down. How do you expect me to go out to take it myself?


    Dripping down her legs? This description left much to his imagination and Zhang Ye nearly had a nosebleed. He snorted a little before replying: Alright then.


    Dong Shanshan: Remember not to be seen by others. Thanks, I will buy you a meal sometime.


    Keeping his cellphone, Zhang Ye stood up to go to the toilet. He walked out and there was not a sight of a woman. The office staff was reduced by half and all the men were working. No one paid any attention to Zhang Ye.


    At the toilet entrance.


    Walk straight in, you''d see a mirror. Thedies'' was on the left while the gents'' on the right.


    Zhang Ye being careful, he went into the gents'' to take a look first. He was afraid that there was someone inside and if they saw himing out from thedies'', he would be totally embarrassed. Okay, there was no one inside, so he came out and then, he hesitantly took a few steps back and forth towards thedies''. He did not have the courage to go in, so he coughed loudly.


    Di Di.


    Message: Are you here? Was it you coughing?


    Zhang Ye replied: I''m here.


    Dong Shanshan: Come in. It''s the 3rd door from the inside.


    Zhang Ye clenched his jaws and looked back once more, making sure there was no one around before he stepping into thedies''. He quickly walked towards the rows of cubicles.


    The 3rd door?


    But there are 2 rows! Which 3rd door was it?


    "Where are you?" Zhang Ye whispered softly.


    "In here�� " Dong Shanshan''s voice came from behind one of the doors.


    "Oh,ing,ing." Zhang Ye quickly went over.


    With a creaking sound, the cubicle door opened slightly. Through the gap of the ajar door, Zhang Ye could see one of Dong Shanshan''s leg. The lower half of her leg was swathed in ck stocking. Her thigh was revealed, showing her milky white skin as the pantyhose was already half off, "Don''t look. Pass it to me."


    A hand reached out.


    Zhang Ye couldn''t help but look, otherwise how was he going to put the thing in her hand? Besides, he couldn''t see Dong Shanshan''s eyes between the door opening. That meant that she could not see his face either and wouldn''t know if he was looking or not. Zhang Ye didn''t hold back and looked inside a few times. The view was extremely tempting, but he could not see clearly nor was there much to see. A leg, a half hanging pantyhose and a high heel. That was it. Zhang Ye took the sanitary pad and pack of tissues out of his pocket and ced them on her outreached hand.


    "OK." Zhang Ye said.


    "Thanks." Dong Shanshan said.


    But at this moment, footsteps could be heard approaching from outside the door. It was the sound of high heels and the footsteps were hastilying towards thedies''!


    Zhang Ye had goosebumps all over his body. F**k, don''t give me this sh*t! What kind of trouble do you want to get me into!? His face went pale. If he was seen by someone, he wonders what kind of rumours would start flying. Teacher Zhang Ye sneaked into the female toilet? Teacher Dong and Teacher Zhang''s secret meeting in the female toilet? Zhang Ye knew his reputation had not been too good anyway, but never for such a wretched deed. And this time, it would even affect Dong Shanshan''s reputation!


    "Teacher Dong?"


    "Teacher Dong, are you in the toilet?"


    The woman called out twice, she almost came in by now!


    In the nick of time, the 3rd cubicle door opened and a hand reached out to pull Zhang Ye in!


    Zhang Ye stumbled not knowing what just happened and he ended up inside!


    With a bang, the cubicle door closed and was locked from the inside!


    Zhang Ye looked sideways and made eye contact with Dong Shanshan who was half sitting, half squatting. He took a deep breath as his faced turned red. Dong Shanshan was probably embarrassed too, but she did not blush. With a swipe of her hair, she used it to cover her face.


    Bathroom!


    It was the bathroom again!


    They were in the same situation as when they were on the ne. So it has happened again? What sort of Fengshui hotspot was a bathroom? Why do we always f**king end up in here!


    But regardless of the resentment, Zhang Ye still had a feast for his eyes. He did not need to stare at the school belle deliberately. She was right smack in his field of vision. The toilet bowl was sttered with red liquid, quite a lot in fact. The trash bin was also littered with blood stained tissues. Looking back at Dong Shanshan, because she was in a squatting position, her thighs and hips were together. It squeezed her perky posterior into a fuller shape. Arge white area was revealed. The dark blue short skirt was already lifted up to her waist. It did not have the ability to cover her. The ck stockings on her legs had also been pulled down her thighs. They were like a wall preventing Zhang Ye from seeing inside.


    The two of them were totally embarrassed.


    Dong Shanshan coughed continuously to clear her throat.


    Zhang Ye flurriedly reacted and turned his head to the side. It was not good to keep looking.


    "Teacher Dong, is that you?" The woman hade in.


    "It''s me. You are�� Zhang Han?" Dong Shanshan replied to the outside.


    The womanughed, "You can even recognise me this way? No wonder you are in the hosting line, your memory towards sound is too good. Oh right, you should hurry up. The medical examination has been brought forward, everyone''s queuing up to board the vehicle. There''s still a few people left so the leader asked me toe look for you."


    Dong Shanshan said, "I have an upset stomach, maybe you shouldn''t wait for me."


    "Don''t say that, we all have to do the medical examination somehow. If you don''t go today, you will still have to go another time. It will be more difficult to submit your ims if that happens. Don''t worry, it''s not actually that urgent. I will wait for you here." The woman stood outside waiting.


    Dong Shanshan immediately replied, "Don''t wait for me, you go ahead. I will be right with you."


    "It''s fine, we are all colleagues, it''s not a big deal." The woman said with a sense of loyalty.


    Zhang Ye was on the verge of cursing. He thought to himself; why she did not arrive earlier orter? Why now at this critical time!? If she was here a minute earlier, this bro would not have needed toe into thedies'' and could have just passed you the things! Thinking of this, Zhang Ye subconsciously turned around to give Dong Shanshan a signal. But he saw something he shouldn''t have seen, so he quickly turned around.


    Zhang Han started chatting with her, "Is that Teacher Zhang Ye your ssmate?"


    "Yes, we were in the same ss." Dong Shanshan replied.


    Zhang Han said, "Is he really that famous in Beijing? It don''t seem so. He doesn''t even have the looks of a host. It''s the first time I''ve seeing such a hooligan host."


    Holy sh*t!


    She''s now even thrashing my front yard!


    You are now even setting me up?


    Zhang Ye endured it. There was no other way except enduring it. They were under the same roof, and it was a roof that had quite a stench. The smell in the loo could not be said to be fragrant, but Dong Shanshan''s perfume was mixed in it.


    Dong Shanshan said to her in a squatting position, "Teacher Zhang Ye has a honest disposition. He dares to say anything on his mind. He also dares to do anything. He was the same back in school. He never schemed, so the people who liked him liked him a lot, while those who hated him would hate him so much that they would ground their teeth whenever they saw him."


    Zhang Ye looked up. So the school belle had such an evaluation of him? She sure knows me!


    "Is that so? I couldn''t tell." Zhang Han said and then pinched her nose. As the deed was a bit odd, she said, "I think I''ll wait for you by the bathroom''s entrance. Hurry up, would you?"


    "Almost done."


    "Alright."


    The sound of footsteps trailed away and stopped by the bathroom''s entrance.


    Without her gone, Zhang Ye did not dare to leave. He whispered, "What do we do?"


    "I''ll go out first. You can leave once we''re gone." Dong Shanshan whispered back. ''Si!'' The sound of something tearing could be heard. She must have taken out the sanitary pad. "Have some conscience. Don''t turn back."


    "Okay." Zhang Ye answered.


    There was non-stop soundsing from behind him.


    There was the sound of high heels moving around as well as the sounds of the sanitary pad rubbing across a surface.


    About half a minute passed and then Dong Shanshan said from behind, "I''m done."


    Zhang Ye turned back and saw Dong Shanshan adjusting her deep blue colored short skirt. With a press of the flush button, the water began gushing out.


    The atmosphere was extremely ambiguous.


    Zhang Ye looked at her and really wanted to hug her, but he didn''t dare to.


    Dong Shanshan stared at him with a charming look, "I''m leaving first. Be careful yourself."


    "Alright." Watching Dong Shanshan open the stall''s door, Zhang Ye took another deep breath. He was afraid that blood would gush out of his nose because he had seen too much today.


    ����


    "Sorry for the long wait, Zhang Han."


    "It''s alright. Let''s go Teacher Dong."


    "Alright. Eh, your clothes are quite pretty. Where did you buy them?"


    "Hur Hur, is it so? My boyfriend gave it to mest week."


    "You sure are blessed. I don''t even know if my other half has been born."


    ����


    The sounds of their conversation and footsteps faded away.


    Zhang Ye heaved a sigh of relief. Sticking his head out to look around, he quickly left thedies'', and returned to his desk to work.


    Red String of Fate!


    You nearly took away my life!

 Chapter 227: The Pioneer of Talk Shows in this World!

    <h4>Chapter 227: The Pioneer of Talk Shows in this World! </h4>


    Chapter 227: The Pioneer of Talk Shows in this World!


    Evening.


    Outside the hospital specified by the office.


    As time passed, male and female staff members of Weiwopany''s gradually left the hospital. Thirty minutes after the female staff had departed, the malerades were ushered onto a bus to be sent in for their medical checkup. Even Zhang Ye, who had only started work that day, was no exception. The medical examination for the femalerades was probably moreplex and had a couple additional tests, so everyone exited around the same time.


    Once outside, Zhang Ye ran into Dong Shanshan again. The Red String of Fate was still connected to their ankles; it had yet to break. However, when he recalled the incident in the restroom earlier that afternoon, Zhang Ye was too embarrassed to attempt to create conversation with her.


    "Teacher Dong." A colleague walked out of the hospital. It was Ah Qian, the colleague who didn''t sit too far from Zhang Ye.


    Dong Shanshan turned around with a smile, "Ah Qian."


    Ah Qian asked, "Have youpleted your medical checkup?"


    "Yes, I just finished." Dong Shanshan said.


    "Then let''s go. I will take you to search for an apartment." Ah Qian said.


    "Sure, then I''ll treat you to dinner." Dong Shanshan said.


    Ah Qian anxiously replied, "Ah, but you arrived just yesterday, it should be my treat instead. You can treat me next time. Hur hur."


    Dong Shanshan then walked off with Ah Qian, but the school belle saw Zhang Han as Ah Qian hailed a taxi. She immediately greeted her and the three of them burst into conversation. Probably by Dong Shanshan''s invitation, Zhang Han entered the taxi with them.


    Shortly after, the taxi disappeared around a corner.


    Seeing that none of his colleagues around him spoke to him, he too hailed a taxi and went home.


    ����


    Near the Bund.


    In an upscale district.


    As he walked past a fountain and some rock features, Zhang Ye was busy admiring the view. It felt as though the tiredness from his day had dissipated. Living in this sort of environment, Zhang Ye could only think that his status had changed to that of a high status hoolig �� high status person!


    At home.


    The temperature was a little chilly.


    There was no central heating in Shanghai, so you could only turn the air-conditioner on manually. Zhang Ye turned on the heater and went to shower. He then went to the master bedroom and sat at the writing desk and went online. This was his usual routine each day, to check the inte for news each day. Now that he was a WebTV host, he would have to pay even more attention to the current events.


    Weiwo Video.


    On the ''WebTV Videos'' page.


    There was a banner ad, which had Zhang Ye photo on it. The words �� "Congrattions Teacher Zhang Ye on joining WEBTV Channel" was emzoned on it. This ad was most likely put up just today. Yesterday''s was probably news of Dong Shanshan joining, probablysting just for the day. If it was the publicity about anyone else''s recruitment, it might not have attracted much attention. After all, those who became WebTV hosts were usually not very famous, as a television station would still be the choice destination for most hosts, but Zhang Ye was different; he had been on Central TV news two days ago. That publicity still had not died down yet; therefore, this small banner was noticed by many people!


    On discussion forums, Tieba and Weibo, every tform had people uploading the banner.


    "Thetest news has confirmed that Teacher Zhang Ye has gone to work at an online TV channel!" a Weibo ount named "20 Years of Professional Newsleaks" posted.


    "Wow, there''s finally some news of Teacher Zhang? Great, we can watch his programs again!"


    "I''ve been waiting for such a long time, too. Now, I''m really looking forward to seeing what type of program Teacher Zhang wille up with this time. Will it be another historical program? A copy of ''Lecture Room''?"


    "That can''t be; this is online TV we''re talking about."


    "Right. Historical programs are not suitable here."


    "I was guessing that Zhang Ye went to work for Shanghai Television Station. How did it be online television? Even though such kinds of fixed broadcast methods on such a medium is very popr these days, does it suit Zhang Ye? Anyway, I don''t expect much from him. He''s someone who spoke about history and it''s even serious history. If he were to be an online broadcaster, isn''t that forcing himself to death? It''s all about youngsters in this medium. Even if you can present history very well and in an intriguing way, the other programs are all still entertainment programs. How can you fight on even ground with them? Sure, even if you were to host an entertainment program, too, your field of expertise would have changed; that''s even worse!"


    "Right. I''m also a little worried."


    "Just what sort of program will hee up with?"


    "We will know in a few days."


    A lot of the fans began to worry, as they could see the difficulties that Zhang Ye would soon face.


    Of course, there were also those who discredited Zhang Ye.


    "Zhang Ye can''t make it anymore. His talent has run out and he won''t be able to produce any good programs anymore!"


    "Right. He was only okay speaking when he talked about the Three Kingdoms, but he can''t do well for other topics. Let''s wait for him to make a fool of himself. At present, Weiwo Video can be considered to be a big yer in this industry, why would they bring Zhang Ye in? This move was really too lousy! Zhang Ye doesn''t have the looks and he can only depend on that mouth of his; what use is that? With just his mouth, how could he be suitable for the WebTV environment? The other newly joined host though is rather nice. She looks good and she has a sexy figure. This is what I''d call a good move. Any program hosted by her would gain attention, but what does that Zhang Ye have?"


    "Why are you discrediting Teacher Zhang so badly?" a Zhang Ye fan asked.


    Another fan from his Tieba said, "Since when has Teacher Zhang Ye been logically understood! You are too naive. I very much look forward to Teacher Zhang''s new program, I''m pretty sure I won''t be disappointed!"


    Another female Tieba fan angrily said, "Can only depend on his mouth? Yes, Teacher Zhang Ye is not handsome, nor does he have a good body, but so what? Teacher Zhang Ye has depended on that mouth of his ever since his debut. In the past, it was like this. In the future, it will still be like this, too! All of you, just wait! Watch and see how Teacher Zhang Ye uses his mouth to be famous throughout the country! When that happens, which one of you will still dare let out a fart!"


    The person who discredited Zhang Ye earlier said, "There''s a brainless fan upstairs!"


    The girl replied, "Indeed, I am Teacher Zhang''s brainless fan! Bite me!"


    ����


    There were also some news reports of Zhang Ye''s career move. There was nock of local Shanghai news reporting on this.


    "Zhang Ye joins Weiwo Video. Will the ratings legend continue?" �� The report was written this way: In Beijing, Zhang Ye had created a listenership legend at the radio station. He had broken the midnight segment''s historical ratings and then he jumped ship to work at Beijing Television Station, where his new historical segment broke local television ratings for simr historical segments. The ratings far exceeded the other historical segments. It was worth noting that they were not even worthy ofpeting with his results, as the disparity of the gap was just too much. This time, him moving to Weiwo Video would likely see him take up a role as a WebTV host. I can''t help but ask�� Will his legend continue?


    Some felt it would.


    But a majority of people did not feel so.


    Several news posts were now intensely being discussed.


    ����


    After reading for over an hour, Zhang Ye lit a cigarette and started smoking. The fans'' expectations and encouragement put him under a lot of pressure. For those who doubted and denied him, Zhang Ye could actually understand why they would act that way. He was after all inexperienced and didn''t have outstanding results. "Late-night Ghost Stories" dazzled? "Lecture Room" was outstanding? It was not wrong, but whenpared to those famous veteran hosts, he was not even close. Those famous hosts, at the very least, had already done 6 to 7 programs and their ratings were all improvementspared to thest. They also broadcast on satellite TV and reached the whole country. Zhang Ye''s achievements could not evenpare. His previous two programs even had a great deal of limitations. Whether it was ghost stories or historical lectures, they basically did not have big audiences.


    What should he choose for his new program?


    This was a problem that constantly vexed Zhang Ye.


    The program had to meet the need of catering to the younger audience of WebTV, but also had to have substantial entertainment value. It had to cater to the masses even more. There had to be a guarantee that many episodes could be broadcast over a long period of time.


    No matter how he thought about it, the only program that seemed to meet these requirements was �� a Talk Show!


    This was an entertainment culture that came from foreign countries. Late night Talk Shows had more than six decades of history. Overseas, the format of Talk Shows typically had interviews and individual stand-upedy segments. It discussed politics or sex, so it was not appropriate for the People''s Republic of China. Hence, the Chinese Talk Shows in Zhang Ye''s world had their own vor. They formed a new format that matched the country''s conditions and ideology. However, the core was not much different from Western style Talk Shows.


    They were all Talk Shows.


    A host with just his mouth!


    However, Zhang Ye had never made the decision to do a Talk Show. It was not that hecked the ability, but he believed that he was not as good as the Talk Show masters of this world. If he used the segments from his world, many of them had to deal with real-life current events or movies or novels. For example, if he used "Whatever you believe or not, I trust in it", how many people here would understand it? He definitely needed to delete and revise portions of it as this world did not have such works or origin stories. The segment would naturally not be funny. so it was a bit more trouble to produce it. Besides, this world also had its jokes and segments. He believed that he was unable topete with those Talk Show hosts who had already honed their trade over time. After all, Zhang Ye was still unfamiliar with many things of this world.


    Let''s check it first.


    He first wanted to see the programs of the Talk Show masters of this world.


    Zhang Ye began searching the words "Talk Show" in Chinese with a learning attitude, and then�� then he was stunned. There was no such word in the search results! He refused to have his beliefs shaken and searched in English, only to find a trantion of the words. It was even tranted individually, "talk" and "show"!


    After more than ten minutes of searching, Zhang Ye was surprised to realize the reality. Be it foreign or domestic, this world didn''t f**king have a program that was simr to Talk Shows. There was no such term on the inte, nor did anyone know what Talk Shows were!


    Zhang Ye was overjoyed!


    Great! He had picked a bargain!


    Previously, he was afraid topete with the many masters of Talk Shows , but now, from the looks of it, there was no need to worry about this anymore. If he pioneered a new art form, then he would be China''s�� No�� The pioneer of Talk Shows in this world!


    It''s settled!


    This shall be it!


    *Talk Shows in the Chinese setting are somewhat simr to their foreign counterparts. One of the Talk Shows that will be mentioned in uing chapters can be watched here. It began airing in 2012. The earlier part of the series began with the host, Wang Zijian only doingedy monologues or stand-upedy throughout the whole show. It was onlyter did they begin inviting guests.

 Chapter 228: Living with the School belle!

    <h4>Chapter 228: Living with the School belle! </h4>


    Chapter 228: Living with the School belle!


    The program format was decided.


    Then what program should it be?


    A foreign one? One from domestic television? Or the ones on the inte?


    There were too many Talk Show programs in Zhang Ye''s world. A few years before the world was changed, this type of program was too popr. There were many choices, but from the poprity and particr content of the programs, there were very few choices. He was thinking of a broadcasting format that suited web video. Also considering that he would be the first person to suggest a Talk Show, he had to try his best to choose a traditional Talk Show format that suited the tastes of the locals. He could not choose those pseudo Talk Shows as the precedent. In that case, there was only one option that was the best.


    When he thought of this, Zhang Ye had already opened the interface to the game ring. Looking at his overall Reputation points, he was counting his blessings that after obtaining the "Difficulty Adjustment Dice", he stopped using his Reputation points. They could finally be put to use. He used the remaining Reputation points, as well as the Reputation points he gained from the past two days, to buy a total of ten "Memory Search Capsules". He wanted to remember more at one go!


    He threw the capsules into his mouth.


    He began searching his memory.


    Zhang Ye recalled the date and time when he watched those programs himself. His consciousness was naturally brought back to that period under the help of the capsule.


    One episode��


    Ten episodes��


    Twenty episodes��


    Why did he need to remember so many at a go?


    The reason was that many of the segments that were specific to his world could not be used. He could only use segments that were universal. Hence, he could not just follow the order from his world. He had to delete some and add some, so there was definitely no harm in recalling more episodes. When there wasn''t enough segments for one episode, the other segments could be used to supplement the gaps. As long as the connections were done properly, there would not be a jarring feeling.


    ����


    8:40.


    It was nearly 9.


    Zhang Ye also regained consciousness after he had finished using the Memory Search Capsules. With a probe of his mind, he could recall a total of more than twenty episodes. Not one word was missing, as they were clearly embedded in his mind. He could even recite it backwards ad verbatim.


    Growl.


    His stomach began to protest.


    Zhang Ye rubbed his belly and felt his hunger. He had not eaten ever since he returned home. He had even had his blood drawn at the hospital. And with the program decided on, his body and mind hadpletely rxed, hence his hunger was even more pronounced. There wasn''t much at home. Did he have to go out to eat something? Eh, wait a moment. What''s happening to the Red String of Fate? Zhang Ye had his head down while looking for shoes to go downstairs. However, he saw the Red String of Fate at his ankle slowly changing in direction. Previously, it was pointing West all along. Clearly, Dong Shanshan was looking for a rental apartment in that direction. But now, the Red String of Fate was pointing directly downwards. As the Red String of Fate could prate anything, he could see it embedded in the floor tiles of his house.


    It was pointing downwards?


    What was this supposed to mean?


    Soon, the Red String of Fate changed again. It started pointing a bit East and then slowly raised upwards. Shortly after that, the Red String of Fate turned parallel to the floor and pointed towards the door.


    Ding Dong.


    Ding Dong.


    The doorbell sounded.


    Zhang Ye went over and opened the door with his head filled with questions, "Ah, Dong Shanshan?"


    The school belle was standing outside the door with the clothes she was wearing during the day. However, she was holding onto two luggage bags that Zhang Ye had seen her use at the airport.


    Dong Shanshan flicked her hair charmingly, "Why? We haven''t seen each other for only two or three hours, right? Why are you staring so widely? Don''t you even recognize your old ssmate?"


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s not it; I''m wondering about the reason why you are here? You know my address?"


    Dong Shanshan winked, "Weren''t your address and telephone number recorded by thepany? My memory is pretty good, so before it was shelved away, I had scanned and remembered it." Saying that, she patted her luggage, "So? Are you letting your old ssmate stand at the door? You aren''t inviting me in?"


    "Please enter." Zhang Ye moved sideways to let her in.


    Dong Shanshan walked in and looked around, "Oh, your house is pretty big?"


    Zhang Ye helped her carry the luggage in, "It''s not bad. It''s just an ordinary two bedroom apartment."


    "It''s in such a good spot in downtown, and the apartment is pretty big. It must at least be more than 10,000 Yuan a month, right? Hur hur. You sure are rich." Dong Shanshan praised him.


    Zhang Ye was still puzzled, "Didn''t you go apartment searching?"


    "I didn''t find a good one." Dong Shanshan sighed and said, "Those that are near to thepany are too expensive, nor are there one bedroom apartments. The cheapest two bedroom is already around 8,000 to 9,000. Those that are 4,000-5,000 are co-rental with other people. I even went to look at apartments that were farther away. There were one bedroom apartments for 3,000-4,000, but they are too far away. There will be traffic jams justmuting to work. It would take more than an hour, and up to two hoursmuting to and fro. And in this line of work, it is inevitable to work overtime. If I get off workte in the night, how am I to go home? Without a car, it''s also unsafe. So it definitely wouldn''t do."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "To think you arecking in cash?"


    Dong Shanshan rolled her eyes at him, and pulled out a napkin to wipe her forehead of the fine fragrant sweat. She had been tired out dragging her luggage all the way here, "I''m reallycking in cash. The money I saved up working in the Xishan province has been given to my parents, so as to let them lead a better life. So I didn''t bring a lot of money for my trip to Shanghai. How can Ipare to a rich guy like you? You should know about my family conditions, right?"


    Zhang Ye had heard about it back in school. He knew that her family''s financial condition was average. She wasn''t much different from him. They were not from rich families, but their situations had not been as bad as going hungry, "Do you want to get some money from me to tide you over?"


    Dong Shanshan chuckled, "You know I never borrow money from others. I''ll spend how much I have. That has been my guiding principle. However��I really need help from you."


    "Say it, please." Zhang Ye immediately said.


    Dong Shanshan smiled slightly and pointed to her luggage, "Yesterday, I lived in a motel, but the motels around here are quite expensive. It''s more than 300 a night. When I went to work, I did not carry on my stay at the motel. My luggage was stored at the front desk. I wanted to stay another night after I finished looking at apartments, but there were no more rooms. They had all been taken. After looking around all day, I didn''t find any cheap hotels either. So, I came to disturb you." After saying all this, she stood up and sized up the luxuriously renovated apartment. "Actually, I wanted to disturb you for a night, but your house looks pretty good. The renovations and the floor area are excellent. Isn''t it a waste to live alone in a two bedroom apartment?"


    Zhang Ye was stunned, "Ah? Ah, yes, it''s quite a waste."


    Dong Shanshan sexily pursed her lips to reveal a smile, "Then let''s be housemates. You don''t mind your old ssmate staying here, right? Of course, I would not be staying here for free. How much is your rent? We can split the rent."


    Zhang Ye subconsciously said, "It''s 12,000 a month."


    "So expensive?" Dong Shanshan smacked her lips, "Let''s do it this way. I''ll pay 4,000, and then, you can throw your clothes at me; I''ll wash them for you."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "How can I agree to that? If you agree to stay, feel free to stay. It''s nothing. There''s no need for you to wash my clothes or pay."


    Dong Shanshan pouted, "Then I''m leaving?"


    "Heh, look at you. Do you need to go this far?" Zhang Ye said helplessly.


    Dong Shanshan insisted, "I know you mean well, but��"


    Zhang Ye was also insistent, "We have been old ssmates for so many years; why stand on ceremony with me? Anyway, I will definitely not want your money." Knowing that the school belle was a bit tight on money, he naturally wanted to help her. Besides, Zhang Ye was dying to live with Dong Shanshan together. He would be living with a beauty together!


    Dong Shanshan frowned, "You are so unthoughtful."


    "It''s you who are unthoughtful." Zhang Ye moved her luggage to the second bedroom, "Let''s go."


    "This definitely will not do."


    Zhang Ye smiled with his eyebrows ticking upwards, "Do you know how to cook?"


    Dong Shanshan was amused, "You are looking down on me? Then I must let you try it."


    "That''s good then. I''m starving now. I haven''t eaten yet." Zhang Ye somewhat agreed to her suggestion of doingundry and cooking. However, he naturally did not n on letting her do theundry.


    "Sure, what do you want to eat?"


    "Just something to fill the stomach. I''m not picky with food."


    "Then help me move my luggage. I''ll go downstairs to the supermarket to buy some food."


    ����


    9:30 A.M.


    Dong Shanshan did not change aftering back with food. She grabbed and wore an apron from her luggage bags. She rushed into the kitchen and closed the door. When she came out, there were already two dishes in her hands. One of them was fried chicken wings, sprinkled with some spices. The other te was oil-dipped shrimp. No water was used; it was stewed in oil. It was extremely fragrant and it looked very good.


    "Have a taste." Dong Shanshan said confidently.


    Zhang Ye was starving so he quickly picked up a pair of chopsticks and began eating, "Wow! Yes, yes, it''s delicious!"


    Ring, ring, ring. Dong Shanshan''s phone rang. She turned her head sideways to Zhang Ye, "Don''t talk." Then she picked it up with a smile, "Hello, Mom."


    On the other side, Mother Dong said, "Are you asleep yet?"


    Dong Shanshan said, "Not yet. How is dad?"


    "He will be discharged from hospital tomorrow. It''s just pneumonia, so it''s nothing much." Mother Dong said, "How''s your work over there? Did you find a ce to stay?"


    Dong Shanshan smiled. "I found it. It''s near the Bund and close to thepany."


    Mother Dong eximed, "The houses there are expensive. How can you be so wasteful?"


    Dong Shanshan pointed at the fried chicken wings, motioning for Zhang Ye to try that dish. She said into the phone, "No, I''m living at an old ssmate''s house. I don''t have to pay."


    Mother Dong said attentively, "A man or woman?"


    "Of course it''s a woman." Dong Shanshan could lie at a moment''s notice.


    Mother Dong acknowledged and said, "That''s good. Remember to thank her."


    Dong Shanshan leisurely said, "I''ve already thanked her. We are eating supper now. She has a morning shift tomorrow, so she has to sleep early today. So I won''t be talking anymore. Bye, Mom."


    Seeing her hang up the phone, Zhang Ye sweated. He was wondering why all the beauties he met had something with their words. The Heavenly Queen''s mouth was filled with daggers. She waspletely different to different people. Thendy''s mouth was venomous. She could be as damaging as she wanted with her words. As for the school belle''s mouth, nothing she spoke was the truth!

 Chapter 229: What is a Talk Show?

    <h4>Chapter 229: What is a Talk Show? </h4>


    Chapter 229: What is a Talk Show?


    Beep, beep, beep!


    The rm rang. The day had just begun.


    Zhang Ye kicked away his fluffy down nket and switched off the rm. He was still sleepy, so he rolled over and carried onzing in bed. He didn''t care if he waste for work.


    Shortly after, there was a knock on his bedroom''s door.


    "Zhang Ye."


    "��.Huh."


    "It''s time to wake up. Hurry and get up."


    "Got it. Let me sleep in a bit longer."


    The door was not locked, so Dong Shanshan walked right in. She was dressed in professional attire. Today, she dressed in the style of a white-cored officedy. Her thick lipstick and the makeup on her face made her look sexy, as well as entuated her curvaceous figure, regardless of the clothes that she wore.


    Dong Shanshan poked him, "Breakfast is ready."


    A fragrance wafted through the gap in the door. It smelled like porridge.


    Zhang Ye opened his eyes tiredly and sniffed, "It smells so delicious."


    "If you don''t wake up, I''m going to eat it all." Saying that, Dong Shanshan walked out the room and closed the door behind her.


    Zhang Ye stretched his back and quickly dressed himself and got out of bed. Thinking of Dong Shanshan waking him up�� This scene reminded him of a young wife waking her husband. It made Zhang Ye feel his heart itch. He decided not to set an rm in the future. He just needed to wait for the school belle to wake up him up daily.


    In the hallway, Dong Shanshan was preparing the utensils.


    "Good morning." Zhang Ye greeted her as he entered to the bathroom. He saw another cup beside his brushing mug. A purplish-red toothbrush was ced in it. Looking sideways, there were three new bath towels, as well as several facial skincare products. Zhang Ye did not know a thing about these. There was even a pink sanitary pad ced beside the toilet paper roll. They obviously all belonged to Dong Shanshan.


    We really are living together.


    The situation seemed pretty good. In the future, he could feast his eyes on a beauty walking around his home. Furthermore, the beauty was in charge of cooking. Was there anything more blissful than this new lifestyle?


    Living with the school belle?


    Just thinking about this made Zhang Ye feel incredulous!


    When he came out after washing up, Dong Shanshan had already begun eating without him.


    Zhang Ye pulled up a chair and sat down. He recalled something and went to his bedroom to grab it. He came out with a key in his hand. "This is the key to the house. It''s the spare one."


    "Alright." Dong Shanshan took it and put it away. "Hurry and eat."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye drank a mouthful of porridge. He repeatedly praised it.


    Dong Shanshan smiled very happily, "Do you need to act so dramatically? Although my food isn''t horrible, it also isn''t that good. I''m only good at making a few dishes."


    Zhang Ye encouraged her, "No way; it''s especially tasty."


    When Dong Shanshan had finished eating, she said, "I''ll go to work first. Let''s not go together."


    "I understand. Go ahead then." Zhang Ye said. They definitely could not let their colleagues know that there were living together. It would lead to negative effects and bad rumors.


    Before leaving, Dong Shanshan waved, "I''ll see you in the office shortly. Oh, yes. Just leave the dishes in the sink when you''re done. I''ll wash them when I return home tonight."


    The door closed and she was gone.


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye felt a tingle around his ankle. This feeling felt very familiar. It was the numb sensation he felt when the Red String of Fate was activated after he had first tied it. With him suddenly feeling the sensation, he could not help but lower his head and saw the transparent Red String of Fate tremble before snapping with a slight sound. The Red String of Fate disappeared into thin air and became red strands of light. In the blink of an eye, nothing was left other than the system message from the game ring:


    [ Red String of Fate No Longer In Effect]


    Great, it hadsted for about half a day.


    Zhang Ye was pretty pleased with an item like the Red String of Fate. Although his Marriage Affinity with Dong Shanshansted nearly a day, the time spent was like being on the edge of a de. Their Marriage Affinity had clearly been pulled together. The incident in the bathroom and the matter of staying in his house had all closed the distance between him and the school belle, both psychologically and physically. They were only separated by a hallway. Hence, the Red String of Fate''s effects were very clear. Zhang Ye believed that if he did not use the Red String of Fate to tie their Marriage Affinity together, Dong Shanshan would definitely not havee to his housest night, nor would she have chosen to stay here. She would probably have found an apartment to stay at since Shanghai was sorge. It was definitely possible to find something suitable and cheap with so many apartments avable. Even if she didn''t manage to find one on such short notice, the motel that Dong Shanshan used would not have been fully booked. This was probably all based on the effects of the Red String of Fate.


    Also, there was another point. Even though the Red String of Fate had broken and became ineffective, the "victory" it created did not lose effect. Dong Shanshan would definitely still live here!


    This is a good thing!


    There was another one left that could be used in the future!


    After he finished his meal, Zhang Ye closed the door and left for work.


    ����


    Weiwo Headquarters.


    WebTV department''s office.


    When Zhang Ye swiped his card, it was 8:55. He had barely made it to work on time. When he walked towards his desk, he heard people speaking to Dong Shanshan.


    Ah Qian said hospitably, "I''ll look for an apartment with you again tonight."


    "There''s no need. Hur hur. I already found a ce to stay. Thank you." Dong Shanshan pulled out some specialties from home and passed it to him, "This was brought from my home. Have some."


    Ah Qian felt ttered and said, "You didn''t have to."


    "You apanied me to house hunt all of yesterday, and even treated me to a meal. I''m the one who feels bad. Take it. It''s not that expensive either." Dong Shanshan pushed it to him.


    Ah Qian said happily, "Alright. By the way, where are you staying?"


    "Me?" Dong Shanshan began lying, "Seeing that the rent around here was so expensive and it''s inconvenient to stay so far from here, I went to live with a rtive."


    Little Yu, who was sitting nearby, joined in the conversation, "You have a rtive living near here?"


    Dong Shanshan nodded, "That''s right. A paternal elder cousin of mine. She has been in Shanghai for a few years now."


    The female colleague, Zhang Han, said, "Staying at a rtive''s ce is good. You can take care of one another. Renting a ce with someone is troublesome and also unsafe. Shanshan, maybe you can invite us to your ce as guests when your cousin isn''t home?" Yesterday, when she went to the bathroom to search for Dong Shanshan, she referred to her as Teacher Dong, but today her salutation had changed. Clearly, they were a lot closer now. Yesterday, it was Zhang Han who apanied her to go house hunting, too.


    A guest?


    Go home?


    Zhang Ye, who was about to sit down, slipped and nearly fell to the ground.


    Dong Shanshan smiled receptively, "Alright. We''ll find a day, but it definitely won''t be in the near future. My cousin seldom travels." This goalpost was moved far away.


    It was time to work.


    People began to busy themselves.


    Zhang Ye was already pretty familiar with work, and with no one giving him any tasks toplete, he could sit in front of theputer and do nothing. However, he was not sitting by idly. He could do something, even without having tasks assigned to him. Hence, he created a new document on theputer and began preparing his program proposal.


    What should he name it?


    What program name would be the most suitable?


    After tapping on the keyboard a few times in deep thought, Zhang Ye rejected a few talk show program shows from his world. Things like "Tonight 80''s Talkshow", "Weekly something Show" would not do. Zhang Ye was wondering if he should respect the orthodox talk show program names from the West, such as "Zhang Ye''s Show"? No, this was the world''s first talk show program, after all. If words were omitted, there would be more people who could not tell what it meant. It needed to be the full name!


    Let''s call it "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show"!


    Right. This was easy to tell at a nce!


    As Zhang Ye was a talk show fan of his world, he had watched it often. Along with him being a professional broadcasting major, he knew a lot about Talk Show programs. He spent about an hourpleting his proposal. It included the stageyout, live audience, equipment requirements, funding application, and various other aspects. He listed them all out in detail. He found it very well done.


    Elsewhere, Ah Qian had returned from outside. He was in charge of professional program nning in the WebTV department. Little Yu also had a simr job description. They were responsible for any proposals for, and the production of, new programs.


    Ah Qian first found Dong Shanshan, "Teacher Shanshan, I''ve showed your proposal that we discussed yesterday to the Director. He''s okay with it and asked us to begin preparing."


    Dong Shanshan blinked, "That proposal for ''Online Talents''?"


    "Yes, it''s that one. Didn''t we reject one of the other ideas we discussed?" Ah Qian said.


    Dong Shanshan smiled. "It''s good that it has been approved. These kinds of programs are pretty popr these days. We can also get some tailwind from it, too. However, the exact implementation still requires more consideration. Those talents aren''t easy to find, right?"


    Little Yu chuckled, "It''s easy to find them. We just need to cote them online. There can''t be too many people applying for it, and they don''t have to be talented in a certain aspect. Something humorous would do, too. For example, I know that someone who can consecutively fart more than ten times in a row can be considered talented. It can also attract a lot of attention. Anyway, our WebTV is given more free reign, and is more open to topics than television stations."


    Dong Shanshan nodded, "Alright, then I''ll begin the preparations."


    "Alright. Leave the nning and implementation to us. I have even thought of the team to help you out." Ah Qian said, acting very professional.


    "Then I''ll trouble all of you." Dong Shanshan smiled. "When the program is produced, I''ll treat everyone to a meal."


    Talent show?


    There was such a thing here already?


    Zhang Ye was no stranger to it. Although he had not seen such programs in this world, they were clearly more or less simr. His world also had such a program for a very long time. Zhang Ye was feeling a bit regretful. He was wondering if this world did not have all sorts of programs. If not, then after he finished his talk show, he could flex his muscles and use the programs from his world. But now, it seems like.. it had been just a dream. Some programs had already appeared in the entertainment environment of this world.


    It was impossible to not have anything. After all, their society was very simr, so there couldn''t be too great of a disparity. Zhang Ye did not have that many loopholes to fill. For there not to be a talk show in this society''s history was already extremely lucky for him. He did not think further and nned to research on it in the future. Furthermore, this world also had programs that did not exist in Zhang Ye''s world. Hence, both worlds had their own things which Zhang Ye needed to slowly explore.


    Let''s not think about it too much!


    First, he had to make the format of a talk show popr!


    Zhang Ye began typing and modified the proposal on hisputer.


    At this moment, Ah Qian hesitantly looked at Zhang Ye after he had finished speaking to Dong Shanshan. He finally walked over and smiled. "Teacher Zhang, hello. I''m a part of the second program nning team of our department. You can call me Ah Qian." Be it ie or their social status, program nning employees like Ah Qian and Little Yu were definitely lower than a host. The level of their jobs were iparable, so he had to speak politely to Zhang Ye.


    Of course, the other reason was that Zhang Ye looked to be someone with an "unpleasant" temper. Ah Qian was a bit fearful when speaking to Zhang Ye. He was afraid that he would end up being cursed at if he wasn''t careful with his words. He was in charge of nning and definitely could notpete with a host in a swear battle. A host was someone who made a living with their mouth!


    As for Zhang Ye? He was excited!


    There was finally someone amongst his colleagues who came to speak with him!


    Zhang Ye was nearly overflowing with tears. Over the past two days in the department, not a single colleague had spoken to him other than the school belle. It made this fellow feel like he was ying a single-yer game! Hence, from the looks of Zhang Ye, one could understand that people could temporarily not need others or need any exchange. However, people were, after all, social creatures; they would find it torturous if social activities and exchanges were cut off for a long time.


    Zhang Ye held his hand and said, "Hello, Ah Qian."


    Ah Qian nearly jumped up with fright. Man, you are way too enthusiastic. "Uh, hello, hello." Seeing this scene, his attitude towards Zhang Ye also changed. He was no longer that afraid. "Just now, when I went to Deputy Director Wang''s office to submit the application for Teacher Shanshan''s program, the Leader asked me if you had any thoughts on where to begin for your program, and I didn''t know how to answer. Later, the Leader told me to tell you to look for him at 11. He will return after a meeting."


    Zhang Ye looked at his watch, "It''s soon. Alright, I''ll be there in a moment."


    Ah Qian blinked his eyes, "You already have some ideas for your program? Actually, I wanted to discuss with you about the new program yesterday. However, I heard that the situation regarding you and Teacher Shanshan was different. The higher-ups delegated the program''s nning, production, and hosting to you?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged it, "Yes, that''s what the contract said."


    Ah Qian gave a wry smile, "This makes other so envious. Typically, a new web host would not be allowed to n his own program, even if he were quite popr. It is usually created through a discussion with everyone, or by selecting a suitable proposal from the nning archives for submission. For you to have such freedom, it is something that I''m hearing for the first time in thispany."


    After a pause, he said, "Actually, it''s not odd, too. I have specially watched your ''Lecture Room'', and it was really well done. It managed to consider both the historical knowledge and interesting aspects of it together. It also had great synergy. I heard that the program was nned by you? Also, back then, the creative advertisement for the conservation of electricity was also nned and produced by you? You are an expert in nning and much better than us. However, maybe the Leaders are not at ease to fully leave the nning to you, so I didn''t dare to venture too deep yesterday. In front of you, I don''t dare to act the expert." He euphemized his words and one could tell that he was trying to build a good rtionship with Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye remembered that the Human Resource person who had been cursed away by him knew Ah Qian andpany. He had even chatted with them. But from the looks of Ah Qian''s attitude, it was unlikely that they had very close ties. They could chat, but their rtionship wasn''t that great.


    Zhang Ye felt good being ttered, "Don''t say that. Being a broadcasting host is just my profession. As for nning, that''s just fun and games for me. I can''tpare to you in terms of experience."


    Both of them ttered each other.


    This was what chatting meant.


    When Little Yu noticed that Ah Qian had managed to look so friendly with the industry wonder, he also felt some pressure. He took the opportunity and also went over, "Teacher Zhang, I''ve long heard about your fame. Everyone calls me ''Little Yu'', or calls me by my English name, ''Ca��''" When he spoke up to here, he suddenly recalled that Zhang Ye was an ultra-nationalist, so he quickly ceased, "Just calling me Little Yu would do. I''m also part of the second program nning team."


    "Hello." Zhang Ye shook hands with him.


    The two of them were very young. The trio were simr in age.


    After a short while of chatting amongst the trio, Dong Shanshan joined in after finishing up her work. They beganughing amidst their chatting. The atmosphere was good.


    "Aiyah." Little Yu looked at the time, "It''s 11."


    Zhang Ye got up, "Then I''ll look for the Leader. By the way, how do I print something? I want to show Deputy Director Wang the n."


    Ah Qian eximed, "You have done it already?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, I just finished it."


    "Wow, so fast?" Ah Qian felt dizzy hearing that, but without any hesitation, he helped Zhang Ye print out a copy from theputer.


    Dong Shanshan and Little Yu also curiously came to take a nce.


    Other than the title, they did not see anything, for the other words were too small.


    Zhang Ye''s Talk Show? What was this? The trio was stunned and were slow to react. Talk what? What sort of program was this? A show and dance?


    ����


    The Deputy Director''s office.


    Zhang Ye knocked on the door, "Leader."


    "Come in." It appeared that Wang Xiong had just returned from his meeting. He was entrusting a task to an employee. When he saw Zhang Ye, he smiled. "Little Zhang, have a seat." After he was done giving instructions, the employee left and closed the door behind him. Wang Xiong then said, "I was looking for you about your new program. Although I know a good program requires a long period of nning and preparation, the number of clicks our WebTV has been receiving doesn''t look optimistic. It has been continuously declining over the past few months. We lost quite a lot of market share. You can feel it from looking at the views on our website. It is also the reason why we headhunted you and Dong Shanshan. We want to make two new programs topete with other WebTV sites, so it is quite urgent."


    Zhang Ye said confidently, "Leader, I understand. Hence, I have already taken the time to prepare a program n. Please take a look and give me you opinion." He took out a few pieces of A4 paper.


    Wang Xiong was very surprised, "Oh? You are already done? Good, very good." Previously, when he saw Zhang Ye''s posture, he thought that Zhang Ye wasn''t diligent at work and wanted to reprimand him. Who knew that he was so hardworking and had alreadye up with a n. Wang Xiong liked such employees. Compared to those employees who sucked up to their Leaders, the kind of people who were prepared for a rainy day before the Leader spoke was naturally well-liked.


    "Let me take a look." Wang Xiong took it over.


    Zhang Ye sat there, with an unflinching expression.


    After a few nces, Wang Xiong was dumbfounded.


    "Talk show?"


    "Yes."


    "What''s a talk show?"


    "It''s talk-show in English."


    "What is talk-show?"


    "It''s a talk show."


    Wang Xiong, "��"


    Your sister! Are you having tongue twisters with me?

 Chapter 230: No One is Optimistic!

    <h4>Chapter 230: No One is Optimistic! </h4>


    Chapter 230: No One is Optimistic!


    Wang Xiong finished reading the program''s proposal patiently.


    Zhang Ye, who was sitting opposite him, said, "A Talk-Show is a transliteration of talk show. As for why it''s called this, yeah, it''s just a name I came up with randomly. It mainly uses current affairs and is presented as a segment to the audience. For example, songs, movies, or a hot topic in society�� All these can be used as material and made into an interesting segment to tickle the audience''s funny bones. Yes, simply speaking, that''s how it is."


    Wang Xiong looked at him, as if to confirm that this was not a joke. After being sure that Zhang Ye was serious, he was speechless. "Isn''t that a lecture-type program then? At most, you''re adding properties of a news report and presenting it to the audience with some current affairs?"


    Zhang Ye waved his hands, knowing that he did not understand, "It''s not a lecture or a new program. Actually, this program''s core and selling point is about being funny. The main motive is to make everyone feel rxed. As for the usage of current affairs and news in the talk show, their authenticity is not really that important. Any rumors or online gossip can also be used. Whether it is spection or twisting of facts, it does not matter at all. What we care about is how funny it is."


    "Then it''s like a variety show? A few hosts will keep making funny pranks and tease the invited guests to achieve a funny effect?" Wang Xiong asked.


    Zhang Ye shook his head, "It''s not that either. It will be me alone hosting, different from the traditional variety shows that you are talking about. I don''t even need any invited guests, nor any outside help. Just give me a few dozen audience members and it will be good. There will not be any pranks or games, just people purely listening to me speak."


    "Just you alone speaking?"


    "Yes."


    "Listening to you tell jokes?"


    "Yes."


    "Then isn''t that just a mono crosstalk?"


    "It''s not that either. A mono crosstalk has a single theme. A talk show basically doesn''t need a theme. Even if there were a theme, it''s mainly just a directional theme. It''s not clear cut. It does not even need an opening or an ending; the segments can be presented as is. That''s very different from a mono crosstalk."


    Zhang Ye''s previous world had a very famous talk show host who once said that when he first did a talk show program, he did not give up on crosstalking. As his familiarity with talk show hosting deepened, he went back to doing crosstalks. It had be a mess during a performance. Only after he adjusted to doing both and changed some techniques was he able to do both talk shows and crosstalking. From this, it could be be said that these two performance arts had unique concepts that specifically catered to their own audiences.


    Wang Xiong said, "Maybe I am inexperienced, but I''ve never heard of such a program before. Are there simr programs in foreign countries?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Not yet."


    "Do you mean that this an original type of program created by you?" Wang Xiong said as he touched his forehead.


    Zhang Ye nodded, "Yes. I have the confidence that I can make this program good."


    Wang Xiong looked down at the program proposal again. After being silent for a long time, he said to him, "Little Zhang, it''s not that I don''t trust your standards, but this sort of program style is too different and new. Do you think the audience can ept it? In any case, after reading this proposal, I am unable to ept itpletely. Having a lot of joke segments together, could this support the program as a whole? It''s impossible. How can it be so simple! There were cases of such programs in the past which told short stories and jokes. But it has been tried and tested and these programs have too many limitations. They can not hold the audience; it just doesn''t have that sort of attraction. Telling jokes is still okay and telling them asionally like variety shows is rather good, but to tell them constantly with the whole episode spent telling jokes�� How do you expect the audience to watch that? Just half an episode would annoy them."


    Zhang Ye had a wry smile, "Leader, like I said, a talk show is not purely about telling jokes. It incorporates other artistic forms and artistic charms."


    "I can''t approve this program proposal." Wang Xiong rejected.


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "I''ve really been preparing this for a long time and I have the confidence and ability to make it��.."


    Wang Xiong interrupted him. He was very sure of his own judgment, and he said, "If it were such a kind of program, you might as well continue your historical lectures. Even though there will be some limitations due to the audience demographics, at least that won''t go wrong. This talk show that you are now talking about is really too obscure. It won''t be popr."


    Zhang Ye instead replied, "It will definitely be popr!"


    Wang Xiong looked at him, "Why don''t you change it to something else?"


    "I insist on this program." Zhang Ye was determined, "Maybe you don''t feel what I feel because you have never seen a talk show''s style and audience, therefore you cannot ept it. But that''s okay; I can try it for a few episodes. Let''s see how the program works out. If it really can''t be epted and the audience does not approve of it, you can axe the program."


    Wang Xiong frowned, "You are so confident?"


    "Yes," Zhang Ye replied calmly, "I''ve never felt this confident before!"


    Wang Xiong had seen many hosts or program producers having their proposals rejected before. The programs that they came up with were definitely what they liked best and felt would be popr. Every time Wang Xiong rejected them, they would most definitely argue with reasoning, their emotions in an upheaval. They would keep telling Wang Xiong why and what''s good about their program, speaking agitatedly and anxiously. That showed that they were in denial, but Zhang Ye''s reaction made Wang Xiong look at him another time. Because he was not agitated, but instead rather calm. He only simply told Wang Xiong �� His program would definitely make it.


    pping his palm on the proposal, Wang Xiong said softly, "What about this? You are not a rookie in terms of program and advertising nning, and you have produced some dazzling results. This was why thepany dared to let you develop your own program. If you are indignant about it, I can submit the proposal to the higher-ups. You can return and wait for the news."


    "Alright. Thank you, Director Wang." Zhang Ye did not say anything more before opening the door and leaving.


    The moment that he left, Wang Xiong brought the document to his superiors. The WebTV department''s core was its web programs. It was the most important aspect of their department, so for such a new program''s decision and approval, he and a few Leaders were personally responsible for it.


    ����


    Outside.


    Zhang Ye did not return to his office immediately and instead went to the bathroom. After rinsing his mouth and washing his face, he looked at his reflection in the mirror. His heart felt somewhat tangled in knots.


    What if they did not approve it?


    What if they believed that a talk show would not make it?


    Few people had the guts to do apletely new program as they would think that if such a program could be popr, why would other television stations not think of it? Their ideologies were very conservative, so they were instinctively reluctant about new things. The more they worked, the more conservative they became. However, in this world, only Zhang Ye himself knew that the artistic format known as talk shows would definitely be popr, and it would be so popr that it would sweep both foreign and domestic markets. Some people would not even be able to sleep if they did not watch a talk show on a weekend night!


    But how could he tell them that?


    How could he tell them that he was from another world, and in that world of his, talk shows were extremely popr? That this art form had already been affirmed by the market?


    Who would believe that!?


    And he could not say it either!


    Ten minutester, Zhang Ye returned to the office from the bathroom.


    Ah Qian came towards him and said, "Teacher Zhang, I was just looking for you. Just now the Director''s secretary told me to inform you that you should go up to her office. Maybe it''s about your program proposal."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye went over.


    Outside the door, he knocked.


    Feng Guiqin''s voice called out from inside, "Come in."


    Zhang Ye pushed the door open and saw five people on the guest sofa. They were huddled around a table, looking at Zhang Ye''s proposal. There was Feng Guiqin, the Head Director, Wang Xiong and some others that Zhang Ye did not know. They were likely Departmental Leaders.


    "Little Zhang, take a seat." Feng Guiqin pointed to a small couch by the side. She then whipped out the document, "Is this your new program?"


    Zhang Ye sat still, "Yes."


    Feng Guiqin observed the people by her sides, "What do you guys think?"


    A middle-aged man said, "Honestly, I''m quite disappointed. I can''t see any core selling points or attractive power for this so-called talk show. We paid a high sry to invite Zhang Ye here, mainly because of his program nning ability and eloquence. However, this proposal is too pointless. I don''t see a need to develop it."


    Wang Xiong instead helped speak up for Zhang Ye, "Old Gu, it''s not as bad as you said. It''s just not that spectacr."


    Old Gu said, "But it is too far from what I was anticipating. Look at ''Lecture Room''; that was one of the best history lecturing programs I have ever seen."


    Another male in his thirties nudged his sses and threw down the proposal in his hands, "The higher the expectations, the greater the disappointment. I am also not optimistic about this talk show. What''s the point of a program that just tells jokes? A few people might think that it''s not bad after a cursory scan, but it would not be able to maintain their attention for the long-term. It could end up with many of the audience members not even paying attention. Isn''t this just giarizing online jokes? What technical content would there be? The copyright itself is a problem. If someone manages to use us of giarism, and we go to court, what do we do about the negative influence?"


    Zhang Ye exined, "It''s not giarism. My segments are definitely new."


    Old Gu said, "How many new segments can you alonee up with? How many episodes can you do it for? Besides, let''s ignore the problem. Your program itself has a w."


    The male in his thirties said, "The crux of the issue is what is the key attraction of this program? There are no hunks, nor are you using babes. Just you alone telling jokes? Can''t the audience just go to aption of jokes on the inte? Why would they listen to your program? Am I right, Zhang Ye?"


    You even asked me ''am I right''?


    Right, your great grandpa!


    You guys just echo each other and disapprove of itpletely!


    Finally, the person said, "Are we right?"


    Zhang Ye was irritated. He said a phrase embedded deep in his memory. It was Director Feng Xiaogang''s words who used it against his Leaders who kept criticizing him when they came to check on a g''s programming. Zhang Ye said to the two, "The opinions of the Leaders, I definitely heard it and would definitely enforce it, but if you have to make me say that what you say is right, then that is impossible! You cannot deny the basic judgment I have as an artist!"


    Old Gu frowned, "You''re feeling resentful?"


    "Alright, cut it out." Feng Guiqin said, "Although I''m not optimistic about such a program without any precedent, it is because I am unable to tell if this program is good or bad. As it is a first, the entire world does not have any experience with such a program. In my opinion, we can let Little Zhang have a go at it. However, it is limited to one episode. Let''s record one episode before we discuss this any further. If the viewership count does not hit 500,000, then sorry, the program will definitely be axed."


    Old Gu said, "Director, there''s no need to try it, right?


    The male said, "Besides, it is a waste of resources. Setting up the stage and the advertisements all cost money."


    Feng Guiqin said, "That''s why we are only trying out one episode. We must give youngsters who dare to experiment a chance after all. Let''s settle on this. Little Zhang, we are awaiting your results?"


    Zhang Ye was quite touched. He never expected the boss to agree to it, "Don''t worry. I will not disappoint you!"


    Great!


    As long as he could produce the program, he would be able to open everyone''s eyes, letting them know what a talk show really was!

 Chapter 231: I am Zhang Ye, I speak for myself!

    <h4>Chapter 231: I am Zhang Ye, I speak for myself! </h4>


    Chapter 231: I am Zhang Ye, I speak for myself!


    Afternoon.


    At the unit''s canteen.


    During the meal, groups of two or three people from the WebTV department would eat together. During this lunch break, they would discuss Zhang Ye''s new program.


    "Hey, did you hear about it?"


    "About what?"


    "About Zhang Ye''s new program!"


    "Heh, I was just about to bring that up. I heard about it, too!"


    "What''s the situation? What''s up with the neer, Teacher Zhang?"


    "He submitted a new program proposal. All of you know that he''s different from a typical host. The Leader has already granted him the right to n his own program. But guess what program he came up with in the end? Don''t even try to guess, for you would never get it because it doesn''t exist in the country, no, the whole world.


    Zhang Ye came up with something called a ''talk show'', where he stands on stage and speaks to the audience. I was wondering, just anyone with some intelligence would know that such a program would not be interesting, right? Just like those interviewing programs, there would at least have to be a guest. It seems like he doesn''t even n on having guests and will be speaking by himself!"


    "Come on, stop bullsh*tting."


    "What do you mean, bullsh*tting? It''s true."


    "Zhang Ye was involved in the nning of ''Lecture Room'', right? That program was good in quality. How can an experienced nner make such a low-level mistake?"


    "You really don''t believe it?"


    "Old Zhang, I can bear witness. It''s true."


    "That''s right. Many people now know of this so-called ''talk show'', and what is unbelievable is that the Leader has approved it. It seems like they are letting Zhang Ye try out one episode. If the hits do not reach the required amount, it will be axed. I''m really wondering why the Leaders allowed him to create such a mess."


    "Just letting him try an episode already illustrates the Leaders'' attitude. They definitely aren''t optimistic about it, or they would at least let it broadcast for more than ten episodes. You can''t axe a program so quickly."


    "Hur hur. I really wonder what Zhang Ye is thinking."


    "He''s finished. Once the program is released, all the reputation that he had umted in the past will vanish."


    "That''s right. How is he going to maintain his viewership legend? After the program is broadcast, I even wonder if he can keep his job."


    "I could already tell that he was an imposter without any real abilities."


    There was no stop to these discussions. People used the term "talk show" as a topic of discussion during meals.


    ����


    Office area.


    Zhang Ye returned from lunch.


    Dong Shanshan was already seated at her desk. After seeing her old ssmate, she looked up and said, "You are really nning on doing that talk show?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, of course."


    Ah Qian came over out of concern. He said, as if he was at a loss whether tough or cry, "Teacher Zhang, what is that program of yours actually? It''s�� It''s too innovative, isn''t it?" He tried to be tactful with his words.


    Zhang Ye had already responded to this question too many times today. He did not exin and just smiled. "You will know when you see it."


    Dong Shanshan asked, "The program has been decided upon?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s decided. It will be recorded and broadcast next week. The site requirements and rted stuff have all been requested."


    Ah Qian and Little Yu looked at each other and did not speak another word. They too were not optimistic about Zhang Ye''s program. Talk show? What the heck was that!?


    Dong Shanshan nced at him, "Zhang Ye, look at the inte."


    "On the inte? What''s that supposed to mean?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "You''ll know once you get online." Dong Shanshan pointed to herputer screen.


    Zhang Ye sat at hisputer and moved the mouse. He understood the moment that he took a look. It seemed like there was a leak in the news. Several media entities had already reported on the matter on the inte.


    "Zhang Ye��A person whose fame got to his head! "


    "Weiwo''s bad move, Zhang Ye''s utterly terrible move! "


    "What a pity. I have always been optimistic about Zhang Ye; however, ording to insider sources, Zhang Ye''s new program is an original program��a talk show. As for what a talk show is, I''m not very sure. ording to the informant, Zhang Ye''s program is for him to tell jokes on stage alone, while the audience listens. I can''t help but ask, what''s wrong with Zhang Ye? Have his past aplishments gone to his head? Why would there be such a bizarre idea!? Would anyone watch such a program? It is actually being broadcast next week?"


    A few news articles had been published, and immediately the people who were keeping Zhang Ye on their radar erupted into an uproar!


    "It can''t be?"


    "It must be fake news, right?"


    "With so many people breaking the news, it has to be real."


    "F**k, history lecturing is fine, but why is Zhang Ye telling jokes?"


    "I can finally tell that Zhang Ye became famous all because of luck. He doesn''t know a thing. He''s finished. His reputation ispletely ruined."


    "He''s too young."


    "Not only is he young, he''s arrogant!"


    "The entire world doesn''t have such programs, but you have to do it? Isn''t this a joke? Only you are smart, while others are fools? Why didn''t others do such a program if it was so good?"


    They were full of criticism and doubts online!


    Even Zhang Ye''s fan club was the same!


    A neer who had just joined the fanclub said, "You guys have fun here. I''m leaving the fanclub. If I want to hear jokes, can''t I go to a joke website? Must I listen to you?"


    Another neer said, "If this is what Z is going to do, then I''m dropping out, too."


    "What jokes are there to say? And it''s a program done by himself? Is there such a need? Teacher Zhang, I still support you, but can you change programs!?" a fan said.


    A junior moderator said without much confidence, "Teacher Zhang definitely has something hidden up his sleeves."


    The person responded, "What something? This program ispletely meaningless. I don''t even want to watch it. Talk show? I''m speechless!"


    Everyone was full of doubts!


    There were others who had always been against Zhang Ye that did not sit idle. They took the opportunity to curse and it was the kind of curse that flooded the screen!


    ����


    Closing the webpage, Zhang Yeughed. Maybe he had not clearly demonstrated the true value of a talk show. Telling jokes? If it were that simple, talk shows would not have been so popr all over the world. How could it be so simple? However, Zhang Ye did not exin. It was toote to exin already. What he needed to do was produce good results to let everyone know the true charm of a talk show!


    Dong Shanshan looked sideways, "Feeling the pressure?"


    "Pressure?" Zhang Ye shrugged, "Not at all. They can keep cursing if they wish to. I don''t n on exining. We''ll exchange blows through my program."


    Dong Shanshan blinked, "You''re so confident?"


    Zhang Ye smiled without speaking a word. The answer was a resounding "yes"!


    Was "Lecture Room" good? Was the program excellent? When Central TV broadcast it throughout the country by satellite, the highest rating it got for an episode was 0.5% or so. As the coverage was wide, it was definitelypletely different from a provincial station''s 8-9% ratings. If one could get a national coverage with 0.5% ratings, then that was already an amazing rating. However,pared to the talk show programs of his world, "Lecture Room"''s ratings could notpare. Amongst the top two talk show programs in the country, the highest rated talk show''s average ratings was already more than twice "Lecture Room"''s highest rating. As for the second-ranked talk show program, "Lecture Room"''s highest rating could only barelypete with the program''s average ratings!


    The difference was this great!


    Since Lecture Room could be popr in this world, was there any reason talk shows would not be sessful? For this, Zhang Ye never had a doubt!


    Outside.


    A woman walked over, "Teacher Zhang Ye, Teacher Dong Shanshan. Your programs have been confirmed. The Leaders have instructed that the both of you should record a promotional clip thatsts about twenty seconds today. Follow me."


    Dong Shanshan said, "Alright."


    Ah Qian said, "I''ll go, too."


    Little Yu volunteered, "I''ll alsoe help."


    Zhang Ye followed, "Promotional clip? The program isn''t done yet. How are we to do a promotional clip?"


    "You might not understand," Little Yu exined, "Our WebTV''s promotional clips are mainly to introduce our main hosts. Then we will mention the program''s name. It''s to get people to know the main host and the time of the program''s broadcast. It''s not a detailed introduction to programs as on television stations. Typically, the promotional clip will be aired after one of our WebTV programs finishes its broadcast. ording to past practices, they will invite a few web hosts from our department to record the promotional clip together. Then they will broadcast it after their programs. It''s also a way of building up recognition. If one has good social ties, it''s even possible to invite every web host from ourpany. In this industry, we call this process endorsement."


    Zhang Ye was stunned, "One needs to have good social ties?"


    Little Yu smiled wryly, "That''s right. As it''s a free promotional clip, it''s basically a friendship endorsement. Hence, if someone has bad social abilities with others, there might be fewer people willing to help endorse their program."


    Zhang Ye knew that he was unpopr, so he did not have much hope for it.


    There were not many people who paid him a lot of attention in thepany. Now, there was unanimous criticism and doubts both online and internally in thepany. None of them were optimistic about his new program, so who would help endorse him?


    Two youths walked over. They were both very handsome.


    "Eh? Teacher Shanshan, what are you doing?" a youth asked with a smile.


    Dong Shanshan revealed a sexy smile and said, "Teacher Han, Teacher Gong, did you just came back from lunch? I''m going to record a promotional clip. It seems that I need to finish it by today."


    Teacher Gong was momentarily surprised before he smiled. "Heh, why didn''t you tell me earlier. It''s no problem. Since it''s not toote, I''ll help endorse you."


    Dong Shanshan said, "Will it be too much trouble?"


    Zhang Ye could tell at a nce that these two people were web hosts from thepany.


    Teacher Han waved his hand, "No trouble at all. It''s easy. We will definitely help you. Don''t worry about it. I''ll get a few other hosting friends. They will definitely support you!"


    Dong Shanshan said with appreciation, "Then I''ll thank you. I was just worrying about this matter."


    Teacher Gong alsoughed, "No worries. It''s rare for new hosts to join our department. And what more, a beautiful host. Everyone will definitely be d to endorse you."


    Beauties were popr.


    ����


    Basement 1.


    Recording Studio.


    In order to have better sound istion, the recording studios were built underground.


    The moment they entered Recording Studio 3, Zhang Ye realized the facilities here were no different from a television station''s. It was very luxurious, grand and professional. The was nock to the equipment.


    The middle-aged woman was likely in charge of promotional clips in the department. She invited everyone in and gave Dong Shanshan a script, "You''ll record first?"


    "Sure. I just need to read from this, right?" Dong Shanshan asked.


    The middle-aged womanughed, "Yes, just those promotional phrases."


    Teacher Gong and Teacher Han came in after a while. They might have made a few phone calls. After that, three or four web hosts came over in droves. There were three men and a woman. They were in the same office, but seated at different spots, so Zhang Ye had met them before. They were not unfamiliar.


    Dong Shanshan quickly thanked them.


    "You''re wee. It''s nothing."


    "Right, we must definitely help Teacher Dong."


    "We are all colleagues. It''s only right to help take care of each other. When I first came, everyone also helped me promote. We are a family after all."


    The three web hosts spoke very nicely.


    There were seven to eight other employees in the room. Some of them were handling the lighting, while others were fiddling with the cameras.


    Seeing that all the staff was here, the middle-aged woman said, "Let''s begin then."


    A woman went over to touch up Dong Shanshan''s makeup. Then the recording of her promotional clip began. After the lines were read and her program was introduced, the few web hosts went forward in an experienced manner. Some introduced Dong Shanshan, some praised her and some expressed appreciation for her program''s effects. Actually, the program had just been decided upon and had not been recorded, so how could the effects of the program be seen? However, it was just a promotional endorsement. Everything said had to be good.


    It was finally over after an hour.


    Dong Shanshan was covered in sweat as the lighting was very warm. "Thank you, everyone. Zhang Ye and I will treat your to dinner tonight. Everyone must show me face."


    Zhang Ye?


    You are treating us together with him?


    Then Dong Shanshan tried to take the opportunity, "Teacher Zhang Ye is a college ssmate of mine. We were in the same ss, so our rtionship is particrly good. Zhang Ye is also here to record a promotional clip. Can everyone endorse him, too?"


    Zhang Ye finally understood that the school belle knew that he wasn''t popr and would fail at inviting others to help him. She wanted to help him and this touched him.


    The others realized why Dong Shanshan had said she and Zhang Ye would treat them. However, they really did not want to help Zhang Ye. No, it should be said that they could not help! They had also heard about the matter regarding the talk show. If not for that matter, giving Dong Shanshan and Zhang Ye some face was no big deal. After all, they were colleagues in the same unit. What harm was there in helping him?


    However, the talk show had already been criticized to be a junk program by others. Now everyone in the unit, as well asizens, was cursing it. Who would dare to help endorse Zhang Ye at this moment? Praise him? Praise his program? Wasn''t this digging one''s own grave!? They were certainly afraid that they would end up being buried instead. Once "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" was aired, or there might be no need to wait for it to be aired, the condemnation would spread to them as well, so who would dare to endorse him!


    Teacher Gong said with some hesitation, "This�� I have some work to do. I''ve been here for an hour, so I need to go back. I''m still rushing a new episode today."


    "Me, too."


    "There''s no need for a treat. It''s nothing. I''m leaving first."


    "Teacher Zhang, sorry about that. I have some work to do."


    A few people politely turned down the request.


    The middle-aged woman who was in charge of this looked at them with worry, "Teachers, can''t you help a bit? How are we to record if there are no endorsements?"


    The few people remained speechless.


    Dong Shanshan helplessly nced at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye smiled at her and then said to the woman, "Big Sis, I don''t need others to endorse me." Then he strode up to the lights. He did not need makeup and immediately said, "Let''s begin recording."


    The woman was stunned, "You are recording it yourself?"


    Zhang Ye nodded, "That''s right. I don''t need any endorsing."


    At this moment, Wang Xiong came in from outside. Maybe he was here to inspect. When he heard Zhang Ye''s words, he pushed the door open with interest.


    "Leader."


    "Director Wang."


    "Director Wang."


    8-9 people greeted him.


    Wang Xiong smiled. "Busy yourselves. I''m just looking."


    The woman looked towards Zhang Ye and her questioning gaze was filled with wryness. Only when she confirmed it from Zhang Ye''s eyes did she say to the camera man, "Then let''s begin."


    Dong Shanshan was also worried.


    The other web hosts did not leave either. They wanted to see how he recorded a promotional clip that usually had others to endorse the program. Since he was so heavily criticized, and with no one endorsing or giving him publicity, how were you to do a program?


    Zhang Ye was not angry and in fact appeared very calm. His colleagues were shunning him? They felt that his program was so terrible that they did not want to involve themselves with it? Theizens were cursing him? They were saying how he was young, how he was ruined and how he knew nothing? They felt that he would end up in a terrible state due to the talk show? Against all the doubts and criticism, Zhang Ye had not responded to any of them. Clearly, not responding was not his style!


    "Three��two��one�� Action!" the woman said.


    As for the endorsement?


    Do I need your endorsements?


    Do I need you!?


    Zhang Ye scanned his hosting peers and then looked at the camera and narrowed his eyes and said softly, "You only smell my cologne, but don''t see my sweat. You have your rules, I have my choices. You deny my existence, I decide my future. You mock at me having nothing, I pity how you always keep yearning. You show contempt for my young age, I will prove whose era this is. Dreams are paths destined to be forged alone, filled with doubts and mockery, but so what? Even if I''m all ck and blue all over, I will also want to live beautifully!"


    Everyone was stunned!


    Dong Shanshan was stunned. Wang Xiong was stunned. That woman and the other web hosts felt a their goosebumps rise up when they heard his words!


    Zhang Ye adjusted his necktie.


    "I am Zhang Ye!"


    "I''ll speak for myself!"

 Chapter 232: “I’ll Speak for Myself” Released on the Web!

    <h4>Chapter 232: ��I��ll Speak for Myself�� Released on the Web! </h4>


    Chapter 232: "I''ll Speak for Myself" Released on the Web!


    In the Recording Studio.


    Zhang Ye had finished his introduction.


    The cameraman looked at the calm Zhang Ye through the camera lens, dazed. All he heard were echos that reverberated in his ears. He had even forgotten to stop the recording!


    "F**k!"


    "This��"


    "This endorsement��"


    One second, ten seconds!


    Suddenly, Wang Xiong from behind took the lead to p. Then, very quickly, there was more and more apuse, "Nice! Well said!"


    With the Leader pping, the rest snapped out of their daze. The middle-aged woman, who was in charge of this, began apuding. Dong Shanshan also began apuding. Even the filming crew also began apuding. The way they looked at Teacher Zhang Ye, who was being illuminated by the lighting, changed!


    What a great Zhang Ye!


    What a great "I''ll speak for myself"!


    Be it Wang Xiong or the other web hosts, they were sure that a neer like Zhang Ye, who had juste, did not know anything about endorsement promotion. He was pulled here and ced in the limelight immediately. He would never have expected that no one wanted to help endorse him. Hence, without a doubt, Zhang Ye''s passage just now was clearly improvised on the spot! This amount of eloquence shocked everyone there! They suddenly recalled thements made by people familiar with Zhang Ye on the web! He was not only a broadcasting host! He was also someone who did literature! This endorsement that caused the blood of people to boil..! Probably only Zhang Ye, amongst all the broadcasting hosts in the country, was able to say such a thing! Ignoring the hosts, even those literary professionals or those professional in nning would not be able toe up with that!


    Zhang Ye nodded at the people who apuded him, "Thank you."


    The middle-aged woman was full of admiration as she gave him a big thumbs up, "Teacher Zhang, I have filmed so many years of endorsement promotions, but the promotional passage you just said is the best I''ve ever heard! There have never been any that I''ve seen like it!" She was the one in charge of finalizing and producing the promotional passages. She also did not take into ount the opinions of the web hosts. She always believed that in this aspect, she and her team were the most professional producers. However, when she heard Zhang Ye''s "I''ll speak for myself", she waspletely convinced. He indeed lived up to his name. Zhang Ye was indeed as talented as the rumors said he was. Just that promotional passage alone was something that she would not be able to match her entire life!


    Compared to the promotions she did in the past?


    No way ofparing! That was the difference between heaven and earth!


    The middle-aged woman looked towards Wang Xiong, "Director Wang, then it''s decided?"


    "Wait," Wang Xiong surprisingly did not agree. "Put it on hold. Wait for me for a while." After saying that, he turned and left. It appeared that he went outside.


    Oh?


    Such a good promotional passage wasn''t good enough?


    Everyone had puzzled looks on their faces. Only about more ten minutester when Wang Xiong returned were they enlightened. It was because apanying him was the WebTV department''s head, Feng Guiqin!


    The moment Feng Guiqin came in, she said, "Where''s Little Zhang''s recording? Let me see."


    "Over here." The middle-aged woman quickly rewound the footage to show the Leader.


    Feng Guiqin and Wang Xiong went over and watched the entire footage.


    After it finished ying, Wang Xiong chuckled, "Director, it''s okay, right?"


    Feng Guiqin remained silent for a few seconds before revealing a satisfied smile. She looked amiably at Zhang Ye, "It is far more than okay? It''s extremely good!" Then she looked towards the middle-aged woman, "You must do this promotional clip of Zhang Ye''s well. It cannot be so simple. Some change of clothes and background is needed. Increasing the budget for it is fine. Anyway, you must ensure the quality. It''s best if it can be finished by today."


    The middle-aged woman was stunned, "You mean��"


    Feng Guiqin smiled. "We n on promoting Little Zhang''s ''I''ll speak for myself'' not only on our WebTV''s website, we also n to have it on other video website partners we have. It will be a form of advertising, so as to promote Zhang Ye''s new program. It is also a form of promoting our WebTV!"


    The other web hosts eximed upon hearing this.


    Ignoring the site-wide promotion, they were even nning on spending money to advertise for Zhang Ye on various sites on the inte?


    Weiwo Video was definitely not isted. It would frequently advertise elsewhere. Most of the video advertisements were usually about the entire website; seldom were they focused on an individual host. Furthermore, it was given to Zhang Ye? Wasn''t his program badly regarded by everyone? Even our staff and the Leaderscked the confidence? Why were such good resources given to Zhang Ye?


    However, upon careful thought, everyone figured it out. It was not that the Leaders suddenly had confidence in Zhang Ye''s baffling talk show, but it was because Zhang Ye was particrly topical. Be it the ne hijacking or the criticism he faced on the web this time, he was a person of controversy. Criticism also meant exposure. Be it good or bad, it could increase attention and attract people. Hence, the Leaders came up with this decision. Furthermore, Zhang Ye''s promotional passage, "I''ll speak for myself", was extremely hot-blooded. It was even a strong response to the people who criticized and doubted him. If it was advertised on several websites, the effects would likely be good. It was likely that many people, who were focusing on Zhang Ye and his "I''ll speak for myself", would end up focusing on their Weiwo WebTV. In that case, then the maximum value of this advertisements could be seen!


    It was a very good strategic move!


    Even if Zhang Ye''s Talk Show was aplete disaster, it was no problem at all. The focus was on them and the talk show would be axed. However, the other programs would benefit from it.


    The middle-aged woman immediately said, "I got it!"


    Feng Guiqin said, "Alright, work on it," before she left.


    Wang Xiong also exhorted a few words and chased after Feng Guiqin. He said with some regret, "Little Zhang''s talent is really not bad. It''s such a pity regarding that new program. Why did he want to make such a program?"


    Feng Guiqin smiled. "I''m actually somewhat looking forward to it now. I really want to see the oue of that talk show."


    Wang Xiong blinked, "You think that it will seed?"


    "I don''t think so." Feng Guiqin''s footsteps were slow as she looked sideways to Wang Xiong, "But I think Little Zhang is quite interesting. His character and style arepletely not a match for this industry, yet he can reach this stage today. His poprity is increasing by the day. Hur hur. This is a host with a lot of personal charm. So some of the things he does cannot be understood throughmon sense. At least, it cannot be understood by themon sense of our standards!"


    ����


    Zhang Ye spent the entire afternoon recording the promotional clip.


    This promotional passage was actually from Jumei''smercial from Zhang Ye''s world. Thest line, "I am Zhang Ye", was originally "I am Chen Ou", the founder of Jumei. Back then, thismercial had caused a sensation in the advertising world. It was even more sensational online. Numerous people forwarded and revised it, with various versions of "I am XX, I''ll speak for myself".


    The effect of the publicity was surprisingly an astounding sess. It could be said to be a miracle in the advertising industry and was extremely famous. With such a milestone in advertising, it was also the reason why Zhang Ye thought of the promotional passage of "I''ll speak for myself" when he heard no one was going to endorse for him. He never expected that thepany would sponsor such arge-scale promotion as a result of it. It was a pleasant surprise!


    Actually, Zhang Ye was nning to experiment with one episode of the talk show. Although he was confident, it was still a format that had never been seen in this world before. Hence, he did not know if the first episode''s artistic form of a talk show would be epted by everyone. However, with thepany fully supporting it throughrge-scale promotions, the first episode would definitely receive a lot of attention. It was basically giving Zhang Ye a form of insurance!


    It took nearly four hours before it was done.


    The director-in-charge was the middle-aged woman, but the promotional clip''s production was delegated to Zhang Ye. This was because everyone looked up to Zhang Ye''s ability in this field. So no one in the team treated him as an ordinary host, but treated him as an internal nner who was more experienced and capable than them. They sought his views regarding most of the shooting.


    Zhang Ye had seen the original Jumei''smercial, so he knew that the advertising used to promote a product was not suitable for this setting. However, he could receive pointers from that and with his own opinions, he could execute it. The quality of the clip was very high. After the final cut was vetted by Feng Guiqin, Wang Xiong and the other Leaders, they were all very satisfied. There was even a Leader who made the decision to begin promoting it widely from today!


    Why?


    This was because they wanted to borrow the momentum ofizens'' criticism of Zhang Ye!


    If the criticism turned cold, with people forgetting about this matter, releasing "I''ll speak for myself" would no longer have any meaning!


    ����


    Office area.


    It was almost time to knock off.


    Zhang Ye released his necktie as he walked in from outside. The moment he walked in, many envious and jealous gazes darted at him. Probably everyone knew that thepany was going to enter wide-scale promotions using Zhang Ye''s promotional clip. This was a treatment only the especially famous web hosts could receive. Zhang Ye was not a famous web host, so this naturally gave rise to a lot of criticism!


    "Is he the Leader''s rtive?"


    "I think so. Why is thepany supporting him this much?"


    "What do you mean, ''support''? If they really support him, would they only run his program for one episode? And they demand at least 500,000 hits for the first episode? There are less than seven programs in ourpany''s entire WebTV tform that can have an average hit of 500,000 in a single episode. It would be a wonder if he can achieve that. That talk show will definitely be axed."


    "Then why are they promoting it throughout the web?"


    A female host who had seen the entire recording process said, "Hai, you will understand when you see that promotional clip. If others can make a clip of that standard, thepany would definitely widely promote it, too!"


    "Ah?"


    "So awesome?"


    "What sort of clip is it? That can''t be necessary, right?"


    "It should be aired tonight. We''ll see. I really don''t believe it!"

 Chapter 233: Promotional Advertisement Published!

    <h4>Chapter 233: Promotional Advertisement Published! </h4>


    Chapter 233: Promotional Advertisement Published!


    After working hours.


    People packed up their things and left the office.


    Dong Shanshan picked up her bag and stood up. She smiled at Zhang Ye and whispered, "I''ll go buy some groceries first. You can workte, so that you can return to a ready meal. What do you want to eat?"


    The moment food was mentioned, Zhang Ye became hungry, "Aren''t you eating with the other hosts?"


    "They aren''t free today. We''ve decided on me treating them tomorrow." Dong Shanshan smiled.


    Zhang Ye gave it some thought and said, "Anything is fine. Just cook whatever you are good at��"


    Just as they were chatting, Ah Qian came over, "Teacher Shanshan, I drove today. Do you need a lift?"


    Dong Shanshan did not reject him and stopped talking about dinner with Zhang Ye, "Oh, then thanks a lot. You just need to send me to the supermarket''s entrance. I''m cooking for my maternal elder cousin today."


    Ah Qian eximed, "I thought you previously said she was your paternal elder cousin?"


    Dong Shanshan blinked her sexy eyshes, "Did I?"


    Ah Qian said in wonder, "Yeah, I was under the impression you said paternal elder cousin?"


    "You must have remembered wrong. Alright, let''s go." Dong Shanshan said.


    "Hai, I''ve recently been busy with work. My mind is in a mess." Ah Qian really believed that he had mixed up things in his memories. He didn''t say anything further and went downstairs with Dong Shanshan.


    Zhang Ye also wanted to go home, but the moment that he lifted his butt, the female host he had met today came over. Zhang Ye had an inkling that her name was Wang Bei. She was a young host that was about his age. She looked pretty good, but her figure was far worse than Dong Shanshan''s.


    "Teacher Zhang," Wang Bei smiled as she approached.


    "Teacher Wang, what''s the matter?" Zhang Ye looked at her.


    Previously, they had met when Wang Bei helped endorse Dong Shanshan in the recording studio. However, they had not spoken. This was the first time that they were having a direct exchange.


    Wang Bei invited him, "Are you free tonight? Let''s have a meal?"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Sorry about that. I already have an appointment."


    "It''s alright. We can have it another day, since there''s plenty of opportunity." After they exchanged a few words, she went to the point, "Teacher Zhang, your nning and artistic skills have broadened my horizons. I really admire you. Next time, when it''s my turn to promote thepany, can you write a promotional tagline for me?"


    Zhang Ye vaguely eximed, "Ah? Alright, alright. We''ll talk when the timees."


    Although Wang Bei noticed that he did not give her a direct promise, she was still very pleased. After all, when Dong Shanshan had sought their help to endorse Zhang Ye, she had hesitated and did not rise up to the request. Instead, her request was somewhat abrupt. However, she was a woman, so she had the qualification to be a bit more abrupt than males. They could slowly develop their rtionship as they got familiar over a few meals.


    There were many colleagues who had not left at this moment. After hearing what Teacher Wang Bei said, everyone looked at each other. Although Teacher Wang Bei wasn''t very old, she had been a web host for quite a few years. She actually sought a neer, Teacher Zhang Ye, for a promotional phrase?


    "It can''t be?"


    "Teacher Wang Bei looks up to him that much?"


    "Could Zhang Ye''s promotional phrase be so good?"


    "I''m getting more puzzled about this. No way, I must watch it tonight. It''s just a promotional phrase. I heard no one helped Zhang Ye in his endorsement. What can hee up with alone? How good can such a promotion be? Teacher Wang Bei is being way too dramatic, right?"


    "We''ll know tonight!"


    "Right, I sure want to see what it is!"


    ����


    At home.


    It was almost 7 P.M.


    It was not easy to get a taxi, so Zhang Ye took public transport home. Upon opening the door, the fragrance of a hot pot came surging at him. The smell resembled his world''s "Kawasaki hot sauce".


    "You are back?" Dong Shanshan had already changed into silk pajamas with long sleeves and pants. She was busying herself in the living room, peeling apart a cabbage.


    Zhang Ye rubbed his hands, "Yo, we are having hot pot?"


    "That''s right. It''s easy. Wash your hands." Dong Shanshan switched on the induction cooker.


    "Alright." Zhang Ye washed his hands and did not even bother changing his footwear and walked up to have a bite. He first scorched a piece of mutton and ced it in the seasoning sauce before putting it into his mouth. His face was full of pleasure. "Hu, nice. It''s been awhile since I''ve eaten Shabu-shabu!"


    Instead, Dong Shanshan asked him something else, "Hur hur. How did you think of the tagline today?"


    Zhang Ye waved it off, "It just popped up in my mind."


    "Back in college, you weren''t that good." Dong Shanshan''s nced at him charmingly. "That tagline made a woman like me feel my blood rush. You even received the sponsorship of thepany to have wide-scale promotions for it. It will at least be on seven or eight video websites. The starting point is already higher than mine!"


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s not that different. It''s about the same."


    Dong Shanshan ate a mouthful of Shabu-shabu, "What a pity. Your program is too dangerous."


    "You aren''t optimistic about it, too?" Zhang Ye did not turn upset butughed instead.


    Dong Shanshan said frankly, "I think it''s average. The selling point isn''t clear. There has been no precedent, so I can''t see what''s good about it, no matter what aspect it is. If we were just ordinary colleagues, I would definitely support and cheer you on, but we are old ssmates for so many years, so I will definitely suggest that you change programs. But with your personality, you will definitely not heed my advice. Pretend I didn''t say it."


    Zhang Yeughed, "I''ll not change it even if you killed me. I''m even hoping for the talk show format to go overseas." The overseas market for talk shows was even bigger than the domestic market. If after his program was released, foreign countries wanted to emted his program to produce a talk show, they would have to give Zhang Ye royalties. When that happened, he would be truly the founder of talk shows in this world, as well as a pioneer!


    How could he not want such a big slice of the pie? Was he an idiot!?


    Dong Shanshan curled her lips, "You are even talking about overseas? Keep bragging then."


    Zhang Ye smirked, "You don''t believe? Then let''s have a bet. What happens if my first episode exceeds 500,000 hits? If you lose, what do I get?"


    Dong Shanshan leered at him, "You won a bet against me once, and you still want to patronize my business? Hur hur. I won''t fall for it, unless your first episode exceeds a million hits."


    Zhang Ye said without hesitation, "Sure, let''s make it a million."


    Dong Shanshan gazed at him with her watery eyes, "If you can''t exceed it, what happens?"


    Zhang Ye blinked, "If I can''t exceed a million, the next time when you need a promotional phrase, I''ll write you one. I''ll ensure that it is of high quality."


    Dong Shanshan ran her fingers through her smooth, wavy hair, "Alright, then if you exceed it, eh�� I''ll give you another kiss. Is that fair?"


    "Sure. Let''s settle on it." Zhang Ye agreed to it.


    Dong Shanshanughed, "I didn''t notice it in the first ce. When were you so perverted?"


    Zhang Ye was speechless, "You were the one who suggested it! You were the first to say it on the ne, too!"


    Dong Shanshan was confused, "I was the one who first suggested it?"


    "Can that be false?" Zhang Ye said.


    "You must have remembered wrongly. Come, let''s tuck in!" Dong Shanshan began scooping the food.


    Zhang Ye, "��" Look at your mouth, lying every day with your eyes wide open. When this bro''s talk show seeds, see how I''ll kiss you so strongly. Right, this time, I must send my tongue in. Thest time, your kiss was too damn fast. This bro didn''t even have the time to react. This time I have the experience, alright!?


    After the meal.


    Dong Shanshan began clearing the dishes.


    Zhang Ye knew his ce and volunteered, "You''ve been busy all day. Let me do the washing."


    "We''ve agreed on this previously." Dong Shanshan was adamant on this matter. "I''ll buy the groceries, wash the dishes and do theundry. It''s in recement of the rent."


    Zhang Ye said, "Aiyah, it''s fine if I wash every now and then."


    "That won''t do. If not, I can''t stay here with my mind at ease." Dong Shanshan held the utensils and used her perky hips to push Zhang Ye away, "Leave me alone."


    When Dong Shanshan was wearing slippers, she was shorter than Zhang Ye by a tiny bit. When her hips mmed into Zhang Ye''s thigh, he felt a huge amount of squishy pressure pressing on him. It intoxicated Zhang Ye.


    "Alright then."


    "Go online and take a look. See if the promotions have been released."


    "Sure, but it shouldn''t be that fast, right?"


    Zhang Ye took out a notebookputer from his room. Flipping it open, he used an inte browser to check every video website. It still wasn''t up, so he constantly had to refresh it.


    After washing the dishes, Dong Shanshan dried her hands and walked over, "Is it out?"


    "Not yet." Zhang Ye said.


    With a nce, Dong Shanshan said, "It''s useless to refresh the main site. Open any random video. The first ten or so seconds are themercials. Let me do it." She took over the mouse and clicked on an updated anime''s video. Then she waited for themercial.


    The firstmercial was a shampoomercial.


    The second one was 15-second carmercial.


    When the first scene of the thirdmercial appeared, Zhang Ye suddenly said, "It''s this. Heh, it''s really out. Watch the effect!''


    Dong Shanshan was also pretty looking forward to it.


    ����


    At the same time.


    After many people, who had their attention on Zhang Ye, saw themercial that appeared on various video websites, they began to criticize!


    "What? He is even being promoted?"


    "Isn''t this Qi Yu Video? Why is there Zhang Ye''smercial here?"


    "Does he not feel enough shame already? This idiot! Thepany even dares to help promote him?"


    "That whatever talk show really makes people speechless. How much hatred does Weiwopany hate Zhang Ye for them to give him suchrge-scale promotions? Are they afraid people are not cursing him enough!?"


    "A youngster is indeed young!"


    "Zhang Ye, I think it''s best you keep to your poems. Don''t make programs. You aren''t cut out for it!"


    The criticism remained!


    Then, Zhang Ye appeared onscreen!


    There were many people in the background, as if they were pointing at Zhang Ye. They seemed to be cursing and swearing with their mouths. It looked like a replica of what was happening on the inte!


    A man''s voice, "Have you ever worked hard? All you have relied on is luck!"


    Another youth''s voice, "Rules are meant to be followed! They''re not meant to be broken!"


    Following that, a middle-aged woman''s voice, "You are nothing! You are nothing at all! Give up! You will never seed!"


    The focus changed as Zhang Ye appeared clearly in the foreground who was facing the dozens of people. He looked calmly at the crowd and softly said, "You only smelled my cologne, but didn''t see my sweat��" The scenes kept changing, to Zhang Ye working hard at work throughout the night, to a scene of him standing in the rain while looking towards the sky!


    "You have your rules, I have my choices!"


    "You deny my existence, I decide my future!"


    "You mock at me having nothing, I pity how you always keep yearning!"


    "You show contempt for my young age, I will prove whose era this is!"


    "Dreams are paths destined to be forged alone, filled with doubts and mockery, but so what?" Even if I''m all ck and blue all over, I will also want to live beautifully!"


    At this very moment, all the criticism stopped!


    Theizens watching themercial stared nkly at the on-screen Zhang Ye!


    ����


    Many colleagues of the Weiwo WebTV department were in front of theirputers. They all saw it the moment the promotional clip was released.


    "Hehe, it''s here!"


    "There was really no one who endorsed him?"


    "Just him alone? What a joke! Then��"


    Immediately, Zhang Ye''s advertisement appeared!


    He adjusted his necktie.


    "I am Zhang Ye!"


    "I''ll speak for myself!"


    When his colleagues at Weiwopany heard hisst line, they were allpletely dumbfounded. They felt like a mouthful of warm blood was about to spew out from their mouths as the blood shot straight to their heads!


    Once upon a time, they were young, too!


    Once upon a time, they were also hot-blooded!


    Dreams? They had mostly forgotten them, nor did they know when they had lost their drive to forge for their dreams. When Zhang Ye''s passage was spoken, everyone suddenly seemed to see themselves, their young selves!


    Endorsement?


    I''ll speak for myself?


    Many people subconsciously began clenching their fists!

 Chapter 234: National Buzz!

    <h4>Chapter 234: National Buzz! </h4>


    Chapter 234: National Buzz!


    The moment the promotional clip, "I''ll speak for myself", wasunched, the criticism and curses aimed at Zhang Ye momentarily stopped. Many people watched themercial in rm until the end, while many professionals watched it with a surprised gaze! Different from when Zhang Ye only had activities in Beijing, this time it was promoted on severalrge video websites. It could be essed across the whole world. Even Chinese overseas could see the promotional clip on a browser. The effects were naturally wider!


    In every video where themercial yed, there were numerousments!


    "It feels so good!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you are the best!"


    "Amercial actually makes me want to roar out!"


    "F**k, that''s too awesome. Who did themercial''s nning?"


    "I don''t know. Right, there''s a sole version of thismercial on Weiwo Video. Let me see��Ah, look at the end! Producer: Zhang Ye! nning: Zhang Ye! It was amercial made by Teacher Zhang himself!"


    "What are you saying? Where? Why can''t I see thismercial?"


    "Just go to any video website and click on any video. How can you not see it? There would at least be one by just opening two, right? The promotion is prettyrge-scale!"


    "Your sister, I''m f**king a member in a few video websites, and it was automatically logged in. It''s void ofmercials! Forget it, I''ll go to Weiwo Video and watch the sole version!"


    "This is Teacher Zhang Ye''s response! Hahahaha! The response was done too well! What a good ''even if I''m all blue and ck all over, I will also want to live beautifully''!"


    "I''ll speak for myself? How f**king domineering is this!?"


    "Teacher Zhang is impressive! He leaks out his dominance once again! There''s no way of looking at him straight!"


    "The facts have proven that anyone who cursed at Teacher Zhang in the past would be smacked in the face by Teacher Zhang one by one! I believe there will be no exceptions this time! Talk show? I''m looking forward to your new program!''


    "Just from thismercial, I will definitely support that talk show or whatever!"


    "Teacher Zhang is really a man of God. Back then when he produced and directed that electricity conservation public service advertisement, he had created a stir in Beijing and the advertising world. This time, he hase out with another one?"


    "It''s nice!"


    "Why do I feel like crying after hearing it?"


    "Me, too. I have no idea why tears are rolling down my cheeks!"


    "In the past, I''ve never watchedmercials, but thismercial tagline has moved me! I''ll give Teacher Zhang 10,000 Likes! You are the most special celebrity I''ve ever seen! You are different from all the other celebrities!"


    "That''s right, themercial is too hot-blooded. This is Teacher Zhang Ye! He is forever so different! He would never bow to anyone! He is forever so indomitable! If it were any other celebrity who was faced such doubts, they would definitely respond on Weibo or exin it to reporters as they try their best to reverse the situation, telling people that their program isn''t worthless and how good it is. However, Teacher Zhang Ye doesn''t do that. He doesn''t even make any response in a public setting, but does it through a f**kingmercial! This was a response? No, I don''t think so. Teacher Zhang Ye is not responding, but challenging others! ''So what if I''m doing such a program, if you aren''t happy, try biting me''. Haha. When I was watching themercial, this scene of Teacher Zhang Ye saying these words kept appearing in my brain a countless number of times! Such true disposition! How many people in the entertainment industry can be like Zhang Ye with his words and actions?"


    "Hehe, Zhang Ye has always had such a personality!"


    "It''s because of this that I like him! He dares to speak and act it out! He dares to curse and fight! So fun!"


    "That''s right. We don''t have the guts, nor the nerve. We can''t be like Teacher Zhang Ye, which is why we like him!"


    "Zhang Ye, I love you! I''ll forever support you! Ignore what others say! Do your program well! Let those people see whose era this is!"


    "I''ll speak for you!"


    "Zhang Ye, we''ll speak for you!"


    Many of Zhang Ye''s fans managed to turn the tide. Previously, they had been overwhelmed by the criticism, but now they shouted their battle cries like they were on stimnts!


    Those who specifically defamed Zhang Ye immediately shut up. Even if some of them carried on defaming him mindlessly, they were quickly drowned. Amidst this, a figure amongst those who returned the curses would always appear. A professional warrior for five decades, Big Saber Bro had arrived!


    "You retard! I was busy the past two days and couldn''te online! I''ve finally caught you! Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    This passage was sent out 37 times by Big Saber Bro!


    Anyone who criticized Zhang Ye was met with a copy-paste of the text by Big Saber Bro!


    Some people felt the pressure from the war and reported it to Weibo''s management. However, this only resulted in Weibo deleting or hiding the words Big Saber Bro used to curse. He was not banned or muted. On the other hand, those who criticized Zhang Ye ended up being banned for their harsh criticism!


    Big Saber Bro carried on duplicating the posts. He alone was like a ten thousand-man army as he cursed back at them!


    Zhang Ye''s fans weed it greatly!


    "Haha! Big Saber Bro is so fierce!"


    "Why is the gender listed on Big Saber Bro''s profile ''Female''?" Is this real or not?"


    "It has to be fake. When has there been such a fierce femalerade!?"


    "He wasn''t banned, despite so much cursing? It looks like Big Saber Bro has connections high above!"


    "Maybe it''s because it''s too chaotic, so the Weibo administrators can''t keep up with it?"


    The war of words reached a crescendo once again. However, this time, it was theplete victory of Zhang Ye''s supporters!


    As themotion carried on, finally a Weibo-verified professional posted a statement. His verified information wrote that he was Xuanyu Company''s famousmercial nner. He posted on Weibo, "I just saw the promotional clip, ''I''ll speak for myself''. I could not calm my mood for a very long time. Hence, I decided to write something. Thismercial goes against a lot ofmon sense and makes many professionalmercial errors. If I were to list them all and criticize them one by one, the ws many trash or poor qualitymercials had could be found in it. For example, making a lengthy presentation. It is taboo for amercial to do so. And thismercial is purely the kind that has a lengthy presentation. It is all talk from beginning to the end. And for example, the focus of amercial''s main purpose is to highlight the core thing that will be advertised. What are you advertising? What are you trying to tell everyone? From thismercial, clearly, the core thing being advertised is the program, a talk show program. However, ''I''ll speak for myself'' did not do so. It only wrote what time ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' would be aired at during the ending scene. It was shown for 1.5 seconds. Not a single word was said about it!"


    Weibo limited the number of words, so the post was cut off here.


    Many of Zhang Ye''s fans saw this and were about to reply when that person carried on his message.


    Themercial creative carried on, "For something full of ws andpletely baffling, with its poor manner of speech that any professional will find fault with, yet, in the end, themercial is so good! Without a doubt! This is the bestmercial clip I have seen this year!"


    "Haha!"


    "That was a godly reversal!"


    "I thought you wanted to criticize Teacher Zhang!"


    "Bro, I was just about to curse you. Thanks to theter Weibo post appearing before I posted mine. I nearly caused a misunderstanding!"


    The advertising creative posted, "Why would I criticize Zhang Ye? Teacher Zhang Ye is a genius�� No, maybe describing him as a prodigy is more urate! I never concerned myself with his other matters. I do not like to watch television or read poetry, but I have seen Zhang Ye''s public service advertisement. Back then, I was shocked just like today. Sometimes I wonder and am curious�� Why would a bunch of professional advertising creatives like us be inferior to ayman who is a broadcasting host? Later on, I came up with a conclusion. Some whizzes cannot be measured usingmon sense. Maybe it is because Zhang Ye is not in the advertising industry that allows him to see things more clearly. He is not limited by the existing lines of thought, which results in him being able to produce outstandingmercials one after another. For example, ''I''ll speak for myself'', if we don''t look at the product but just the advertisement''s proposal n, I believe that any professional will think lowly about such a bafflingmercial. It ispletely contrary to our textbooks and what our teachers teach; however, Zhang Ye managed to do it! He broke the conceptions and understanding many of us advertising creatives have towards advertisements! Maybe it is time for us to reflect on ourselves. Will amercial be good if we keep repeating what the textbooks teach us?"


    At this moment, Zhang Ye, who was at home, replied, "Bro, you''ve ttered me. I''m not as good as professionals like you. I was just haphazardly doing it based on feel."


    It was as if the advertising creative did not expect Zhang Ye to reply him as he hurriedly answered, "Is this really Teacher Zhang Ye? Hur hur. You are being too modest. You may not know. The public service advertisement of yours from back then has often been used for discussion and practice. It has been treated as teaching material in our advertising world. Also, thismercial of yours today will probably not need to wait till tomorrow; it will definitely be spread throughout the advertising circles by today. It will definitely be analyzed and studied by countless numbers of advertising creatives!"


    Below, several advertising creatives and administrator level staff of advertisingpanies responded. Some praised him, while others tried to recruit him into the advertising industry for development.


    Previously for the electricity conservation advertisement, there were already people throwing out an olive branch at him. However, Zhang Ye did not n on going. His dream was to be a superstar, and not in the advertising industry, so he rejected them nicely once again.


    There was buzz on the inte!


    A solomercial clip of "I''ll speak for myself" was posted on Weiwo Video. The hits also increased, surging upward at an incredible speed!


    100,000 hits!


    1,000,000 hits!


    2,000,000 hits!


    And this was just the statistics of the video alone. There were many others who watched themercial on other video websites. Those were not counted in this statistic!


    Even arge number of official programs of Weiwo WebTV would not get two million hits in a day, whatmore that this was just amercial clip! Who would have expected that amercial, a shortmercial clip which did not have any specific content of the program, had detonated the entire inte? It had attracted such a massive number of hits and a shocking amount of attention?


    "I am Zhang Ye!"


    "I''ll speak for myself!"


    That night, this phrase made many people in the country know of Zhang Ye''s name!

 Chapter 235: Zhang Ye’s Fashionable Body!

    <h4>Chapter 235: Zhang Ye��s Fashionable Body! </h4>


    Chapter 235: Zhang Ye''s Fashionable Body!


    That night.


    In the living room.


    Dong Shanshan looked away from theputer and smiled. "This time, you''re famous."


    "I won''t be that famous." Zhang Ye replied matter-of-factly, saying, "In the end, we still have to see how my program does."


    Dong Shanshan made a no with her finger. Her crystal nails were swaying left and right in front of him. The reflected light was shing into his eyes, "A yard is a yard. What I''m talking about is yourmercial. Hur hur. Will you believe it if I say that today''s ''I''ll speak for myself'' will bring you more fame than three or four episodes of ''Lecture Room''? Although ''Lecture Room'' was broadcast on TV and there are even video clips of it online, the people who watched it were mainly 80-90% residents around Beijing. Even if there were people from other regions who watched it online, the numbers are still in the minority. But this time, it''s different. Weiwo helped you to advertise this on other online television stations. If it were any other ordinary production, then it would surely not be able topare with advertising on regr televisionworks. Even a local television station has more reach than online television stations. But the problem now is that you are a hot topic for discussion; everyone is talking about you. Under such circumstances, advertising will get you noticed more than on traditional televisionworks. The advertised subject is even you. As of now, a number of people in the country who did not used to know you will already know your name!"


    Zhang Ye was very satisfied with the promotions. Other celebrities might not ce much importance on such things, but Zhang Ye was different. He did not have the good looks of other people, so he could only depend on other ways to make up for it. For example, this promotional advertisement. Zhang Ye did not want to give up on any chances at bing famous!


    Commercial?


    Even amercial was so well done by him!


    "Hey, it''s already 9?" Zhang Ye looked at his watch.


    Dong Shanshan patted her mouth as she yawned, "Alright, I''m sleeping first."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Go wash up first. After you are done, I will take a shower and then prepare to sleep. I need to wake up earlier tomorrow, to prepare for the new program."


    "Me, too. It''s time to busy myself tomorrow." Dong Shanshan did not close the door after walking into the bathroom. She stood there, brushing her teeth, when she suddenly recalled a matter. She said with her mouth full, "Oh, right." After spitting out the toothpaste and rinsing her mouth, she washed her face and removed her makeup, "My program''s name has been decided. It''s called ''Online Talents''. However, we haven''t thought of a slogan. Tomorrow, my program will be promoted within our website. Think of one for me?"


    After some thought, Zhang Ye said, "Why not ''believe in your dreams, believe in miracles''?"


    Dong Shanshan thought about it for a while, "Okay, this is good. Then it''s decided it will be that. Hur hur. Your brain is still better at this when your mouth is already not bad!"


    This promotional slogan was actually from Zhang Ye''s previous world''s "China''s Got Talent". He did not change a single word and gave it to Dong Shanshan directly.


    After showering, Dong Shanshan wrote down the promotional slogan that Zhang Ye gave to her and then went back into her room to sleep.


    Zhang Ye went to have a hot shower instead. When he came out, he took theptop back into his room andid downfortably in bed while he continued browsing on hisptop.


    "@ZhangYe."


    "Summoning Teacher Zhang!"


    "Has Teacher Zhang slept?"


    This was the headquarters of Zhang Ye''s Tieba group. The number of fans now was now more than ever. There were already 16,000+ fans in all. It was different from those millions or 10 millions that you see on Weibo; those were just follower numbers and were not as indicative as they looked. Here in Zhang Ye''s fan club, a majority of them were hardcore fans. Simply saying, they were the types who would do things for their idols, and were not those who looked on just for the entertainment. His fan club had a sense of cohesion. From the time when he was taken away by the police, he had experienced it already; everyone was very united!


    Zhang Ye could disregard replying to those undedicated fans on Weibo and just enjoy reading the posts. But in his own fan club, he definitely had to be more concerned.


    "I''m here. Almost about to sleep," Zhang Ye replied.


    A junior moderator said excitedly, "Haha, we have bombed Teacher Zhang out of hiding!"


    The next person to follow the thread had an avatar of a little girl hugging a doll. She shouted, "Wow, this is the first time seeing him live! I''m so excited! Teacher Zhang, I love you, I love you!"


    "Heavens, I''m actually so close to Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "There''s no more first! Touching Teacher Zhang through cyber space!"


    "Is Zhang Ye someone for you to touch? I was inspired by hismercial today!"


    The Tieba moderator said, "You guys are such spoilers. Maybe because you all have just joined, so you all don''t know. But Teacher Zhanges here very often, so you all will see him very often in the future. Let me say what I want to say first, Teacher Zhang. ''I''ll speak for myself'' is too great. Didn''t you used to always mocked your own works after you have released them? You didn''t have any works recently, so we couldn''t join in the fun. Our enthusiasm has taken a blow!"


    Thinking back, under Zhang Ye''s lead, his few poems had literally all been adapted by everyone. They had a lot of fun without getting tired of it for a long time, so now did they get addicted?


    Zhang Ye was amused, "Alright."


    "Is that true?"


    "Haha! Waiting!"


    "What''s self-mockery? What are you talking about?"


    "Upstairs must be new at a nce. Hehehe, Teacher Zhang''s self-mockery and everyone modifying his works is a traditional affair of our fan club. You can only see such things happening with Teacher Zhang!"


    "Amazing!"


    "Me, too. What is it?"


    "Watch and see!"


    Seeing his fans clustering around, Zhang Ye did not remain perfunctory. He directly posted a thread in Tieba, "You only see my weight, but didn''t see my efforts. You have your muscles, I have my belly. You mock at me having unfit and fat arms, I pity how youck the joy of dieting. You show contempt for my body, we will prove whose era this is. Dieting is a path destined to be painful, filled with rebounds and figures going bad, but so what? Even if I faint from hunger, I will also faint beautifully! I am a fatty, I''ll speak for myself!"


    Chen Ou''smercial?


    No! It should be called Zhang Ye''smercial now!


    After everyone saw Zhang Ye''s new version of "I''ll speak for myself", everyone burst outughing!


    "Pfft!"


    "I burst out!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you''re too funny!"


    "You have your muscles, I have my belly." Haha! Do you need to be so humourous! I''m dying fromughter! This is what all of you mean by self-mockery?"


    Suddenly, the fans continuously posted!


    "Let me try one��. You only see my grades, but didn''t see my hard work. You have your test papers, I have my answers. You mock at me for not have good grades����I am a student, I''ll speak for myself!"


    "Haha!"


    "Upstairs, you''re awesome!"


    "So well-written!"


    "Let me try too!"


    Everyone began posting modified versions and were very happy!


    Finally, someone reposted Zhang Ye''s fatty version onto Weibo. At once, over 10 thousands of people came to view it. From Weibo to Tieba, everyone started doing their adaptations. With Zhang Ye''s lead and the increasing momentum of adaptations, Zhang Ye and his advertising promotion had a further increase in poprity!


    "You guys are humorous!"


    "Teacher Zhang has self-mocked himself again? Then you must count me in!"


    "I am t-chested, I''ll speak for myself!"


    "I''m a bitter idiot, I''ll speak for myself!"


    Simr formats were now being posted all over the fan club Tieba. Some even visited in curiosity, but stayed on and joined his fan club!


    Everyone yed together!


    They all joined in the fun and pranking!


    Zhang Ye was very satisfied. Looking at his fans and some others who had scolded him before having fun together made Zhang Ye very happy. The entertainment industry might look very treacherous like deep waters to others. The people in it were unscrupulous and the inner workings wereplex. But in Zhang Ye''s eyes, the entertainment industry was in fact very simple. We entertain you, you entertain us; that was all there was to it.


    Hey, hey, hey!


    You see!


    Look how philosophical this bro is!

 Chapter 236: Program Title Introduction, “I’ll Feed a Bag of Salt to Myself”!

    <h4>Chapter 236: Program Title Introduction, ��I��ll Feed a Bag of Salt to Myself��! </h4>


    Chapter 236: Program Title Introduction, "I''ll Feed a Bag of Salt to Myself"!


    The next day at work.


    At the office, almost everyone hade to work already.


    "Hey, Zhang Ye''s here."


    "Did you all see it yesterday?"


    "Of course! It was really awesome like they said."


    "No wonder thepany spent so much money to advertise for him. Did you hear? Our web portal had an 8% increase in traffic yesterday night!"


    "Only now do I believe that he is really, really, capable!"


    "He''s so good at program nning, like with ''Lecture Room'' or those public service advertisements and even ''I''ll speak for myself''. But why is that new program that he is preparing so obscure? If you don''t seek death, you won''t die. Can''t he n up a proper program nicely? Why must he attempt this baffling talk show thing? Even if his promotion was so sessful, I am still not convinced of his new program."


    "Yeah. Sigh. Such a good promotion has gone to waste!"


    "In my opinion, they should have just done the promotion for other hosts instead!"


    "Sigh. Zhang Ye is here. Hush, let''s not talk about it anymore."


    ����


    Zhang Ye walked into the office.


    "Teacher Zhang, good morning." greeted Wang Bei who was seating in the center of the office.


    Ah Qian and Little Yu also said good morning to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye greeted back everyone. He then nodded to Dong Shanshan, who had left the apartment a little earlier than him, before taking his seat at his desk.


    Outside, Wang Xiong came inside to look for two people. After delegating some work to them and sharply criticizing a host who did poorly in recording yesterday, he finally came over to Zhang Ye''s side, "Little Zhang Ah."


    Zhang Ye stood up, "Leader."


    Wang Xiong patted him on the shoulders and said with a warm expression, "Well done! Yesterday''s advertisement had a really desirable effect. You should follow up on your program tightly; there aren''t many days left." Saying that, he handed him a list, "This is our staff listing. You will be in charge of assembling the program team. Choose your team so that we can start work the day after. You will need to prepare the stage, script and the program introduction amongst others. Pay close attention to it."


    Zhang Ye nodded, "I will."


    Wang Xiong walked off as Zhang Ye looked through the list.


    It was filled with the names of many members of the staff. They included details of their positions like copywriting, nning, directing, etc.


    Zhang Ye also saw Ah Qian and Little Yu''s name. He only knew the two of them, so he looked over to them, "I need to assemble a team for my program. You guys?"


    Ah Qian replied, "I''m already in Teacher Shanshan''s team."


    "Me, too. Sorry about that, Teacher Zhang." Little Yu said apologetically, "''Online Talents'' will be starting preparations today, so��.."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s okay. I will ask around."


    As he said that, he looked at a name and asked, "Is Xu Neng around?" This was a program director''s name.


    A youth heard his name and stood up to walk over, "That''s me."


    Zhang Ye said, "My program is starting preparations soon. If it''s convenient for you��."


    Xu Neng made a sound and said, "Teacher Zhang, sorry, but I have already been appointed as deputy director on two programs. The workload is very heavy. I can''t take on another role."


    "Well, that''s fine then." Zhang Ye looked at the name list again. This time, he found a 50-something-year-oldrade. He hoped an experiencedrade could lead the team.


    When he found him finally, the experienced producer did not seem interested. He replied to him without enthusiasm, saying, "I still have work on my hands. You should find someone else."


    After asking several people, all of them said that they were busy!


    Zhang Ye was initially patient, but in the end, he ended up bing frustrated!


    Busy? A good program did not require pushing for hires. Everyone would rush to join instead. Because when a program ended, their names would be credited. The experience and credentials gained could help bolster up their resumes when they wanted to job-hop to otherpanies. But right now, these people were all dodging him! It was simply because they were not confident of his talk show segment and did not want a share of it because of what could happen if it failed!


    Dong Shanshan suggested an idea to him, "You don''t need to ask them for their opinion. Just put down their names and give it to the Leader. They would have no choice then."


    Ah Qian also agreed, saying, "Correct. You are the program team''s highest decision maker."


    Dong Shanshan''s new program was headed by an Executive Producer who was in his forties. The members of the program team had been decided by that Head Producer. Dong Shanshan only gave suggestions, but she did not have the authority to decide on it. However, Zhang Ye was different. To headhunt him, who was both great as a host and a program nner, thepany had given him preferential treatment. For example, he had the freedom and absolute authority with regards to the program. This was not treatment any typical neer would receive. In WebTV, only the hosts who had been famous for a long period of time could be given the title of Executive Producer.


    However, Zhang Ye said, "There''s no need."


    "Then how are��" Little Yu asked.


    Zhang Ye finally put down his words, "If no one wants to, I will do it on my own!"


    Ah Qian said in shock, "On your own? How can the team''s work breakdown be��."


    Then, they could only stare in a dumbfounded manner as Zhang Ye filled in his name in all of the team list''s columns. Executive Producer - Zhang Ye. Director - Zhang Ye. Overall nner - Zhang Ye. Technical Advisor - Zhang Ye. Costume Design - Zhang Ye. Stage Setup - Zhang Ye. He wrote his name closely in all the columns, ignoring the dumbfounded stares of his colleagues. Zhang Ye then directly brought the list to Wang Xiong''s office and submitted it.


    Wang Xiong took a nce and nearly fainted, "Little Zhang, what do you mean by this? I know you are multi-talented, but do you need to go this far? Is this because they don''t want to join your program team?" Saying this, Wang Xiong''s face also scrunched up, "Don''t worry. Just fill in their names. I dare them not toe!"


    Zhang Ye heart warmed up as he said slowly, "Leader, a forcefully ripened fruit does not taste sweet. I will be fine alone. Just give me a few cameramen and lighting assistants and I will do the program well!"


    Wang Xiong said in worry, "Besides them, I will find a few more people for you."


    "It''s really alright, Leader. Thank you. My program will be handled better by myself. If there are too many people, it will be counter-productive instead," Zhang Ye insisted.


    Wang Xiong hesitated for a moment, then smiled bitterly, "Alright then. If you say so. Then it is set. The cameramen and other crew will be arranged for you. The other departments will also coordinate with you at your convenience. The costumes and program intro filming will be prioritized for you and Dong Shanshan''s programs!" After saying all that, he gave Zhang Ye a document, "Go to Studio 7. From today until the first day of your program''s recording, it will fully belong to your production team. No one will be sharing it with you, so as to let you get the ce up and running. If your program really gets the approval, only then will we arrange for the studio to be shared with others. The set''syout will be adapted to whatever program is being recorded. After all, our recording studios are not abundant, so it gets a little tense."


    Zhang Ye said, "I understand."


    "Give this document to Supervisor Wang. He will arrange the rest for you." Wang Xiong said.


    ����


    Before noon.


    Soon, all of the department''s staff heard of the shocking news. As many people did not wish to be in Zhang Ye''s production team, Zhang Ye filled in almost all of the team''s positions with his own name in a fit of anger. Eventually, even the Leader had approved of it. This made everyone at a loss of whether tough or to cry. They thought that with such a tantrum, if it were left to Wang Xiong to arrange, who would dare not turn up? They could not possibly turn it down either. A new program would definitely need a proper team. But who would have thought that Zhang Ye was so indifferent �� They don''t want toe? Then I don''t even f**king want them! With Zhang Ye''s move, it had left many in the office feeling awkward and feeling bad.


    Wang Bei was speechless, "Teacher Zhang, you can''t handle it all by yourself!"


    Ah Qian also said, "Yeah, you only have a pair of hands and legs. How can you handle so much work? This��. There''s even a lot of specialized positions in the team. You��"


    Zhang Ye knew they meant well, but he had already decided. Understaffed? Then he will just work overtime for a few more days. Specialized jobs? Well, he had spent some time working at the television station, so it wouldn''t be difficult for him. Zhang Ye felt that he could handle it well, "I will be fine by myself."


    Dong Shanshan looked at him, "You know how to pick the costumes?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "It will be a suit and tie for every episode. Every episode will have different colors."


    Little Yu was also sweating when he said, "How about the setyout?"


    Zhang Ye, "It''s in the proposal. I''ve already written out the setup I want."


    Dong Shanshan rolled her eyes, "You can''t possibly do the post-production, too, can you?"


    Zhang Ye said matter-of-factly, "My program will not require any post-production. As long as the audience shots and my shots are nned out properly, there won''t be any shots to edit."


    The surrounding colleagues had all heard this.


    Bullshit! You really know how to bullshit!


    Of course, they didn''t believe it. But those who had ever worked with Zhang Ye before, like Hu Fei, like Xiao Lu, Dafei and gang, would definitely know Zhang Ye''s ims were true. His recorded programs really did not need any post-production. All of the shots and sequences were all controlled by Zhang Ye''s pacing. Not even a second of additional footage would be recorded. It was because Zhang Ye''s broadcast program was already a finished product from his previous world. It had already been edited by the professionals from that world and all that was left was the essence. Zhang Ye had used the finished product, so, of course, there won''t be any mistakes!


    Everyone continued to advise him.


    But Zhang Ye was stubborn. He did not listen. Actually, in his heart, he just wanted to prove them wrong. Hur hur. You guys don''t have much hope for this bro? Sure, then I will show all of you! Even if this bro is alone, he will be able to make this program great! At that time, let''s see who still dares to talk trash!


    Before afternoon, Zhang Ye had found Supervisor Wang. He then went over to Studio 7, which temporarily belonged to him. The audience''s seats were all in ce. The lights were also already set up. All he needed to do was to decorate the stage a little and it will be ready for recording. Zhang Ye had decided by now that for the next few days, this would be his office.


    After lunch, Zhang Ye did not idle. All of the work to be done rested on him. He did not have any time to waste, so he began his first task, a task that was supposed to be handled by the Director or Deputy Director and the Marketing nner �� the making of the program''s title introduction.


    Zhang Ye found the middle-age woman who had previously handled his promotional advertisement. He had known by now that this woman was called ''Sister Four''. As her husband was also working in Weiwopany as the Deputy Supervisor of Logistics, his poprity was rather good. Everyone liked to call her husband as ''Brother Four'', so ''Sister Four'' naturally became her title, too.


    Staff room.


    Zhang Ye navigated left and right through the mess, "Sister Four? Is Sister Four here?"


    In the small office, Sister Four looked up with a pair of disposable chopsticks in her mouth, "Oh, it''s Teacher Little Zhang?" She was just having some soup dumplings.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I need to record a title introduction for my program."


    Sister Four acknowledged, "Sure. Give me a few seconds." She took her dumplings and stuffed them whole into her mouth. She probably got scalded by the hot soup since she gasped with her tongue out of her mouth. Then she stood up and called for a few people, "Li, Wang, time to work." They brought along their equipment and followed Zhang Ye.


    When they passed the costume department, Zhang Ye made a quick detour inside. He greeted the person in charge and choose a few suits of different colors quickly. He also took a few neckties and bowties of different colors. Then, he put them on a rolling clothes rack and rolled it out along towards Studio 7.


    Inside, the few of them were stunned.


    Sister Four asked, surprised, "Hey, why is there only you?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "It''s just me."


    "What about your production team? The Deputy Director? Who is in charge of the introduction title nning? Without it, how can we film?" Sister Four and her team were from the filming department; they did not need to do any nning.


    Zhang Ye replied, "The Overall Director and nner is me."


    After exining a little, Sister Four did not know whether tough or to cry, "You''re really fantastic. Your guys from the WebTV department are really great, too. They are too snobbish. Who says that your program won''t make the cut? They are even dodging their responsibilities out of fear? Little Zhang, Sister Four supports you. Make a program with an average rating of 500,000 views to show them. I will take care of the camera filming. Your program will broadcast on Monday? Filming will be done on Sunday? I will pick a few cameramen with the best skills and report to you on Sunday!"


    Zhang Ye was in a good mood, "Then I will say my thanks first?"


    "Don''t be so polite. Just tell us how you want to film the title introduction." Sister Four asked.


    Zhang Ye had already nned it, "We will just do a few simple shots. I will be changing my costume for every shot, then we will put them together in post-production."


    Sister Four asked, "What about the title words?"


    A cameraman interjected saying, "That ''I''ll speak for myself'' advertisement slogan was too good. If you don''t use it in the introduction title, won''t it be a pity?"


    "Yea, that slogan is too awesome!" another female cameraman said.


    Sister Four professionally gave a wave of her hands, "That''s not suitable. It''s too full of passion. I might not fully understand Teacher Little Zhang''s new program, something called a talk show. But the overall theme is one of humor and jokes, right? With such a formal introduction, it will sh with the theme. That''s a definite no-no."


    But Zhang Yeughed, "It won''t. Let''s use that then."


    Sister Four was stunned, "Don''t fool around, Teacher Little Zhang. That''s really not suitable!"


    "It will be okay. Listen to me and when we are done recording, you will all understand." Zhang Ye was confident, "Can all of you help me to set up the background? I will go get changed and then prepare a prop."


    Prop?


    There''s even a prop?


    Sister Four did not expect it to be promising, but she didn''t say anything. She called for everyone to start decorating the set.


    Zhang Ye went backstage to a room without anyone and got changed into his suit and tie. He looked much more spirited as he looked in the mirror, fully satisfied. Then, he looked everywhere for a "prop", found something, nodded and prepared to make his own prop.


    ����


    It was still lunch time.


    When Zhang Ye came outside, he saw that there were still many people outside.


    Dong Shanshan, Wang Bei, Ah Qian, Little Yu and a few familiar looking faces that he did not know too well. They probably wanted to take a look.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Zhang Ye, do you need any help?"


    "No, take a seat." Zhang Ye attended to them for a little while.


    They went over to the audience seats and sat there, waiting to see how Zhang Ye would handle everything by himself.


    At this moment, Wang Xiong and a Leader that Zhang Ye had never seen before arrived. They did not say anything, but went directly to the seats in front of the stage. It was obvious that Wang Xiong was worried about him. Being the Producer, Director, Costume nner and Set Layout nner made him worried that Zhang Ye would mess things up, so he came over to see if Zhang Ye could really handle it all. If there were any problems, he, as the Overall Leader, would have to answer for it, too.


    There were many people in the audience.


    The setyout was decorated simply.


    Sister Four shouted, "Okay, ready."


    Zhang Ye adjusted his suit and then walked to the background wall, "Then let''s begin."


    "Cameras ready, 3��.2��.1, action!" Sister Fourmanded.


    The recording indicator on the cameras lit up. Zhang Ye looked towards the camera with a straight face and said, "You only smell my cologne, but didn''t see my sweat. You have your rules, I have my choices. You deny my existence, I decide my future��.."


    Everyone off-stage was frowning.


    Eh?


    Isn''t this still the advertisement?


    Still using this as the title introduction?


    To be honest, the advertisement was really good. But isn''t your program meant to be humorous? Isn''t it a program where you say jokes? Using such an advertisement as the title introduction is too formal! It''s not suitable at all! As expected, Zhang Ye had his limitations just working alone. How could he handle so many jobs by himself?


    Wang Bei, Ah Qian and the others were all expressionless.


    Wang Xiong was already shaking his head in self me. Thepany''s Leader beside him also whispered to him several words. It looked like he was unsatisfied with the performance.


    Sister Four sighed, thinking to call for a cut, but she didn''t and continued the filming.


    Zhang Ye seemingly disregarded everyone''s expressions and became even more serious and formal. He poured his emotions in saying, "You mock at me having nothing, I pity how you always keep yearning. You show contempt for my young age, I will prove whose era this is. Dreams are paths destined to be forged alone, filled with doubts and mockery, but so what? Even if I''m all blue and ck all over, I will also want to live beautifully!"


    Up until here, Zhang Ye suddenly made a move that left everyone bewildered. He picked up a bag of his self-made prop. It was a bag used to hold condiments, the logo had been hidden by a sticker which wasbeled �� Salt.


    What?


    What did this mean?


    "I am Zhang Ye!"


    "I''ll feed a bag of salt to myself!"


    Only to see Zhang Ye tilting his head backwards and pouring the prop into his mouth. Then his facial expression became rich with emotions. He held his throat and coughed and spitted out a few times!


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    Everyone off stage suddenly burst intoughter!


    "I''ll speak for myself" (W�� w��i z��j�� d��i y��n) sounded the same as "I''ll feed a bag of salt to myself" (W�� w��i z��j�� d��i y��n)?


    What were you even thinking! What a godly twist! That was some f**king godly twist!


    Dong Shanshan was cramping up fromughing. She held her stomach as she kept onughing!


    The others like Wang Bei, Ah Qian and Sister Four were also unable to sit straight from all theughing! Zhang Ye''s serious expression had all led up to this twist! This contrast seriously made it so that everyone couldn''t help butugh!


    Zhang Ye put down the prop in his hand, "The cameras can stop rolling!"


    Sister Four finally stoppedughing and gave him a thumbs up in admiration, "This title introduction��.. is really paramount! Teacher Little Zhang, I am totally in awe of you!"


    The few cameramen were also left in awe. They all wondered how this guy''s brain worked! Able to write serious advertisement slogans! But when it came to the title introduction, the words were unchanged, but when repeated, it achieved two very different results! One was full of passion, the other was totally hrious! This��. So a title introduction could actually be presented this way! It''s too wonderful!


    Wang Xiong''s face broke into a smile.


    Meanwhile, the other Leader was a little dazed!


    He finally believed that Zhang Ye could really handle multiple roles by himself. This short segment was enabled through his directorial work and production, nning, costumes, prop, etc!


    When work resumed in the afternoon, the few "audiences" began leaving.


    When Dong Shanshan and Wang Bei left, they were stillughing and discussing about the title introduction.


    But Zhang Ye was still not satisfied, thinking it was a little monotonous. So he changed into a few more costumes and recorded a few more shots before calling it a day! To others, it was needless to say that for a program, especially a new program''s, its title introduction was especially important. Some people racked their brains over this and might film it over and over for a week or even a month. Because it would be aired constantly on every episode, from a certain perspective, it was even more important than the contents of the program. But Zhang Ye only needed an hour toplete the title introduction. Even with that, no one said that it wasn''t good!


    "I''ll feed a bag of salt to myself"!


    The title introduction has been decided!

 Chapter 237: Fusing all Talk Show programs!

    <h4>Chapter 237: Fusing all Talk Show programs! </h4>


    Chapter 237: Fusing all Talk Show programs!


    At night.


    After 10 P.M.


    Most of the office lights were already switched off.


    Only now did Zhang Ye emerge from the office of the film crew. The title introduction had finished filming in the afternoon, but the post-production was done only at night. A lot of it was not as ideal as he had expected. Seeing the finished product''s humor, he felt it was not as funny. So after some discussion, everyone stayed behind and worked overtime with him. For example, the punchline "I''ll speak for myself" was still better off using the original words'' subtitles. But it would only change when Zhang Ye really fed himself salt. The post-production took care of the subtitling effect where the original words shattered and were reced in the next second by the words "I''ll feed a bag of salt to myself". Many of his facial expressions were also carefully selected before they settled on the final version, which amplified its humor.


    Sister Four said tiredly, "Treat''s on you!"


    Zhang Ye did not refuse saying, "No problem. When the program is out, I will treat everyone to a meal. Thank you for your hard work today, everyone! Sister Four, go home early and rest up."


    Sister Four waved her hand, "You, too."


    "Teacher Zhang, see you tomorrow." The camera crew also said goodbye to him.


    They walked together toward the corridor where Zhang Ye sent them off before he headed back to Studio 7. He went straight to the makeup room and switched on the lights. He did not leave, but was making another round of serious considerations of the program''s setyout, making detailed changes to the decorations, colors, lighting effects, etc. In the past, the proposal stated it in a simpler form, with just a general description. Now that he had be the person in charge of the whole program, he would have to do everything step by step. This could be considered as an on-the-job training process to gain more experience and improve himself.


    After finishing the setyout n, Zhang Ye immediately gave a call to the setyout department''s staff. He added some requirements to the original n and told them how it should be decorated. Then he expressed his hope that they wouldplete the job by tomorrow.


    That person had probably already been asleep at home, "Sure, I understand."


    Zhang Ye could hear that he was distracted, so he said, "Bro, my program only has two or three days of preparation time left. Please do me a favor. I will give everyone a treat when the timees."


    That person did not say much, "Sure, Teacher Zhang. Please do not be worried. We will go over earlier tomorrow andplete the task by tomorrow night."


    "Then thank you." Zhang Ye hung up.


    After that, Zhang Ye went out from the makeup room to the recording studio to survey the ce. He made some gestures to confirm his thoughts before preparing to take a rest. Looking at his watch, good God, it was already after 11. There were probably no more public buses at this time and it was too far from the apartment to walk. So Zhang Ye looked over at the audience seats and decided to stay the night.


    Di, di.


    Dong Shanshan''s message: Are youing back?


    Zhang Ye immediately replied: It''s toote; I will sleep over at the office.


    Dong Shanshan: I had some food left for you. Alright then, rest early.


    Zhang Ye was extremely touched: Thank you, ssmate Dong. You sleep early, too.


    Dong Shanshan: OK, ssmate Zhang.


    Zhang Ye smiled a little and put his cellphone away. Hugging his own head, he stared up at the ceiling. He was overly tired, but he couldn''t sleep. It was such a busy day that there was nothing better to mention. However, the benefits he had reaped were tremendous. He understood the roles and functions of the team much more in-depth now, as his experience and knowledge of the television industry had taken another step in growth. It had been a good learning experience. If ever he had to make another new program, he was sure that he could do it easily.


    And with a talk show that he had shaped with his own mind and body, Zhang Ye believed that the result would be a lot better than him instructing other people to arrange and set up the show for him. After all, this was done ording to his own thoughts and considerations. There would be no chance of forgetting something or careless mistakes as he sought to reproduce his previous world''s matured form of talk shows. With this experience, he could see clearer than anyone and knew how best to execute the n. So tiring himself a little bit more was something that Zhang Ye would take on voluntarily. Such sacrifice would definitely bring rewards. Leaving it to others to do the work for him would have made him worried because these people didn''t even know what a talk show was. The people of this world had never even heard of it!


    New program��..


    Thinking of this, Zhang Ye fell silent once more.


    Would the people of this world be able to ept a form of entertainment arts like a talk show?


    The talk show would definitely be very popr. Zhang Ye never doubted this, nor questioned it. But in his previous world, a talk show''s poprity took time to build up. Whether it was the earliest foreign talk shows or China''s gradual importation of talk shows, the results were the same. The masses needed some time to slowly ept it. But today, Zhang Ye couldn''t wait for such a build up. The Leader had requested for the first trial episode to have a guaranteed 500,000 views!


    No way!


    He needed to ensure it!


    F**k! Then this bro will strengthen the content of the program!


    Zhang Ye sat up and decided to redo his ns for the program he had previously decided on. It was to greatly maximize the reach to his audience! It was not that hecked confidence, but he wanted to do the very best that he could. He wanted to be sure of the quality, as such an opportunity did note often. He had already been alienated by several provincial television stations, as well as city-level television stations. It was not easy for him to obtain the chance to work in the WebTV industry, so if there were any mistakes, he would no longer be able to work in this line anymore. He had to shock the people who looked down on him or those who were pessimistic about him!


    Looking at the game ring''s total Reputation points, "I''ll speak for myself" had given Zhang Ye a total of 1.2 million Reputation points. This was an unexpected joy, hence Zhang Ye did not hesitate to use the 1.2 million Reputation points to buy a total of 12 Memory Search Capsules!


    In the past, Zhang Ye had already decided on Wang Zijian''s "Tonight 80''s Talk Show", and had used the Memory Search Capsules to store many episodes in his brain. Why did he choose it? One of the reasons was because it was one of the most "talk show-like" programs, at least in terms of format. As the pioneer of talk shows, Zhang Ye naturally wanted to choose a rtively authentic talk show program. He could not choose a "talk show variant" program like "Bao Zou Big News Events" as the first one to put forth to the audience. If he did, it would suffer even greater limitations.


    Secondly, the joke segments used in "Tonight 80''s Talk Show" were rtively "independent". It was more "all-purpose", which usually described some rough social phenomenon, but the specifics were not mentioned. Even if he said it, no one would understand it. This was something that Zhang Ye valued the most. If he used something like Zhou Libo''s "Mr. Zhou Live Show", many of the matters discussed pinpointed to the time, ce and person, and was a result of a certain factual incident, then Zhang Ye would not be able to perform. After all, the things that happened in his world might not happen in this one. Even if they had, it was useless to talk about outdated stuff.


    As such, "Tonight 80''s Talk Show" was put forth as his agenda.


    But now, Zhang Ye had changed his mind again. He wanted to make the program even better. After all, "Tonight 80''s Talk Show" was also limited in its audience. The people who liked it, loved it. Those who did not like it would find it dispensable. There were certain joke segments that were indeed not as humorous. It could at most curve a person''s mouth. This was something that Zhang Ye needed to improve on.


    How was he to improve?


    Of course by taking the merits of the respective shows!


    Zhang Ye had a bold idea. In his world, due to a host''s style and the source of the joke segments, coupled with the involvement of copyright, many things were set in stone. There was no way to take merits from various sources, but Zhang Ye could. Zhang Ye had the opportunity to do so. If he took one of the many excellent talk show programs from his world to be its foundation, then blended all the ssic joke segments from other programs to form a program, what sort of result would he obtain by concentrating all the essence of talk show programs?


    Ha, just thinking of it made him excited!


    For example, in "Bao Zou Big News Events", much of the sharp ridicule and funny mockery were unrivaled amongst all the simr talk shows! And for example, "Mr. Zhou Live Show", it would asionally include some segments that had funny connotations. It was interesting, but not vulgar. It was thought-provoking and was also a major feature. It was something that no one could imitate! And then there was "Dapeng Talk Show". Although its results could notpared with the three aforementioned programs, it had a very unique style! Then there was the Beijing provincial station''s "Talk Show". It was considered one of the worst talk show programs, but there were also remarkable joke segments that could be used. This was all the wisdom of people crystallized into one. Besides, Zhang Ye did not need to worry about copyright problems. He could use all the joke segments. As for his hosting style, Zhang Ye still had not created a hosting persona for himself yet, so he did not need to worry about it. He could speak as he wished. He just needed the joke segments to be properly fused together without conflicts!


    What are you saying?


    Why isn''t one of the talk shows, "Good Show", mentioned?


    Stop joking! "Good Show" was like a man-sized child program!


    Anyway, the more Zhang Ye thought of it, the more excited he became. He could not longer suppress it. He impatiently ate the first Memory Search Capsule and began to recall the "Mr. Zhou Live Show" he had watched in college!


    Then it was "Bao Zou Big News Events"��


    Then "Dapeng Talk Show"��


    Every capsule onlysted five minutes, so very quickly, an hour had passed.


    He had finished the 12 capsules. Zhang Ye had only reinforced his memory of about 4-5% of all the outstanding talk show programs of his world. As there was too much information, and it was even video and audio information, it was a lot moreplicated than pure text. Hence, the consumption rate of the Memory Search Capsules was rtively higher. However, this was enough. Zhang Ye relied on these memories to mix and edit them together. It was enough to make eight or nine episodes. And after the program was broadcast, he would gain a constant amount of Reputation points, which would allow him to carry on buying Memory Search Capsules until "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" perfectly ended!


    It''s done!


    Time to arrange his memories!


    Zhang Ye did not need to use pen and paper. He only closed his eyes as the images from his memory search appeared one after the other. Even the number of times the talk show''s host blinked was remembered by him clearly. He then arranged all the segments in the talk show programs that he found suitable. Sorting, merging, denying it or not, then he repeated this job.


    "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show"!


    The first talk show program of this world!


    Zhang Ye wanted to draw on the strong points of some to make up for the weak points of others. He wanted to push this program that had his name on it to the extreme!

 Chapter 238: Talk Show’s Recording Begins!

    <h4>Chapter 238: Talk Show��s Recording Begins! </h4>


    Chapter 238: Talk Show''s Recording Begins!


    Two dayster.


    Sunday morning.


    Zhang Ye was not woken by an rm, but woke up naturally. Hefortably stretched his back and got up from bed. The door to Dong Shanshan''s room was open. She had been busying herself with her new program for the past few days. She must have went to work, but there was a slightly warm breakfast ced on the table.


    There was soybean milk.


    There was fried dough sticks.


    Clearly, they were specially brought back by Dong Shanshan for him.


    Zhang Ye felt warmth in his heart. After washing up and eating breakfast, he enjoyed a hot bath. Only aftering out did hey on a couch to watch the news on TV. Zhang Ye had been so busy for the past two days that he did not even know himself. Describing everything in disorder was not even enough. The props required his attention. The costumes needed to be reserved by him. The proposals needed to be written by him. He also had to take on the role of Director. The good thing was that he had managed to finish the final stages of the work required. Today was the first day''s recording of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show". Yesterday night, Zhang Ye hade home very early and slept soundly for once. There was no way around it. He needed to ensure that he was in a good mental state when he recorded. If he was sloppy, how was he to record the program?


    The morning news aired.


    "Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets have plunged once again!"


    "This month, there have already been three cases of peoplemitting suicide due to stock spection!"


    "From the analysis of industry experts, it is only a matter of time before the market index drops below 1,500 points."


    "The entire country hasunched a green campaign. No driving, only taking public transport, so as to emte foreign countries."


    "People in first-tier northern cities are experiencing an eleration in their pace of life. Many people cannot endure this pace and are choosing to leave the northern cities."


    Zhang Ye watched this without blinking. He paid great attention to this as he was looking for some news elements to decide on the joke segments he was to use today. After all, a talk show kept pace with the ongoings in society. He needed to resonate with actual events, so as to tickle the funny bones of people. Hence, Zhang Ye naturally could not just casually use the talk show joke segments from his world. He had to find simr events in this world. Well, if his unit''s Leaders knew that this fellow, Zhang Ye, had not determined his program''s content until the day of the f**king recording, they would probably sit on him and crush him to his death! However, this was Zhang Ye''s style. He had always done his work in such a manner. He had many things on his mind, but they could not be used haphazardly. It had to match the situation and time. It had to be just right in order to maximally expound his knowledge!


    The news ended. Zhang Ye had a rough n of the program''s content. He did not take notes and already knew how he was going to do the first episode.


    Checking on the web, the live tickets to "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" had already finished balloting. Other than the staff that were in the live audience, the rest were lucky members of the audience who were allocated tickets through an online application. The people just needed to provide identification on entry. It was very fair. It was also a way to interact with theizens. This way, it could increase the program''s cohesion and attractiveness.


    A total of 60 lucky winners were chosen.


    "Haha, I got it. I''m too lucky!"


    "What did you get? A lottery ticket?"


    "The live tickets to ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''!"


    "Heh, what''s there to celebrate about? It would be a wonder if that talk show thing is any good. I wouldn''t want to go even if you gave me the tickets. Am I to go there and sleep?"


    "Upstairs, I may admit that the ''I''ll speak for myself''mercial was done pretty well, and the buzz it stirred up was pretty big, but a new program still depends on its content. What''s the value to watching a program that just takes joke segments from the inte? Aren''t they taking the audience as fools!? Hur hur. It''s not that you are luckily getting the tickets, it''s because too few people applied. Whoever applied would get it!"


    "Don''t say it that way. I actually would love to go there and see how how terrible that talk show is, so that I can trample on it when I get back!"


    "Upstairs, you are hero. You are risking your life to scan forndmines!"


    "Haha. I''m also looking forward to Zhang Ye''s new program. I actually want to see how many people will curse at him. That Zhang Ye, he sure is one of a kind. He has pretty good qualifications, so why doesn''t he carry on lecturing on history? Why must he do some program that the world has never seen? He''s just seeking death! I actually liked Zhang Ye quite a bit in the past. But now, I have turned from fan to anti-fan. This program has disappointed me too greatly. In the future, my daily mission is to curse at Zhang Ye while eating and sleeping! Hell hath no fury like a lover scorned . Zhang Ye has really made a huge mistake this time!"


    "Hai, what a pity."


    "He is being irresponsible!"


    "Right, making a program just by using a few jokes on the inte? This is really treating the audience as fools! Only an idiot would watch that talk or whatever show!"


    With the buzz of "I''ll speak for myself" gone, many antis of Zhang Ye appeared once again. The criticism and doubts of his new program appeared once again!


    Zhang Ye was already used to it and did not mind.


    But suddenly, a verified ount on Weibo posted a message!


    It was Deputy Station Head Jia from Beijing Radio Station back when he worked there. He was a person who suppressed Zhang Ye in every possible way. The reason why Zhang Ye left the radio station was directly attributed to him, as they had tore all decorum. Deputy Station Head Jia said, "It looks like it was a very good decision for our radio station not to keep Zhang Ye back then. Some people be blindly arrogant after obtaining a bit of results, thinking that they are the smartest person in the world. They believe that they can kickstart a program that has never appeared in this world. I find it all very funny now. Weiwo is also quite arge WebTVpany in the industry. I really do not understand�� Why would you allow such a trash program to be broadcast? Do you not have the most basic level of judgment and appreciation towards the arts? Anyone who has eyes would know that that talk show will not seed!"


    Following that, Beijing Radio Station''s radio announcer, Jia Yan, added onto the thread. He was Deputy Station Head Jia''s rtive. "A program like this can be called a talk show? I think calling it joke show would be more appropriate. Is this a new program format? Although they have not released a lot of official information about the program, I can in no way see any new format that lies in it. Linking all the jokes together is considered skill? Even an elementary school student can do it!"


    Then, Beijing Radio Station''s child of the Station Leader''s friend, Zh��ng Y��, appeared. He was the person whose Silver Microphone Award was stolen by Zhang Ye due to the Lucky Bread. His tone was bad, too. "All smokes and tricks, ying to the gallery. To insist on being the number one in this world, I advise everyone not to watch ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''. This sort of program wastes both your time and energy. It''s not worth watching!"


    "Propping!"


    "Supporting Teacher Little Y��!"


    "Well said. This sort of program is trash!"


    Many Weibo fans of those people replied to the thread.


    Zhang Yeughed instead of turning mad. Seeing these familiar names, he would have forgotten them if they did not stand forward again. Zhang Ye had turned extremely popr after he job-hopped to the television station, and this bunch of people had remained silent. Now, with Zhang Ye job hopping again to make another new program, this bunch of people tried to kick him while he was down when the tide ofments were against his "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show"?


    It was just a few trivial people!


    Zhang Ye did not even bother replying to them. They were still the same words that he had said back when he left Beijing Radio Station. Don''t be ready to shout, just wait and see!


    Ring, ring, ring. A phone call came in.


    Zhang Ye was slightly surprised. The caller was Beijing Television Station''s Hu Fei, who was also his old Leader. "Hello, Brother Hu. Why did you call me?"


    Hu Fei asked, "Are you really nning on doing that talk show?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "That''s right. You don''t think much of it, too?"


    "Kid, you sure are too bold." Hu Fei did not say that he was pessimistic of it, but it was clear from his tone. He was just being euphemistic.


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "I''m not good at anything. I am just a bit more bold."


    Hu Fei was tickled by him, "All the best then. I''ll watch it on time tomorrow. Xiao Lu, Dafei andpany have been supporting you all along. Don''t let us down."


    Zhang Ye said indifferently, "I won''t."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye left upon looking at the time.


    ����


    9:30 A.M.


    Weiwopany''s Studio 7.


    In the makeup room backstage, Zhang Ye sat in front of the mirror, allowing a female makeup artist to apply his makeup. This was actually the first time that Zhang Ye was putting on makeup. In the past, he would at most have his hair styled. Back in the Radio Station, it was not required, as his face was not seen. When he was in the television station, Zhang Ye was lecturing on a historical program, and since he did not have a dark face, it did not matter. But this time, it was different. It was an entertainment program. There was a lot more to a host''s image. Since this was his first recording, he naturally needed to dress up.


    The female makeup artist asked, "How do you want it done?"


    Zhang Ye casually said, "Just make me into something like Takeshi Kaneshiro."


    "��Who is Takeshi Kaneshiro?" The makeup artist asked with bewilderment.


    "Uh, then do it such that I look like a Korean idol." Zhang Ye smiled after noticing that the makeup artist was at a loss of whether tough or to cry, "Just joking. Rx."


    She said, "Then I''ll do it simple?"


    "Alright, I''ll leave it to you." Zhang Ye trusted a professional''s perspective.


    As he was doing his makeup, a person rushed over, "Teacher Zhang, what color should your clothes be? Or should it be a western suit? Should I bring them all here?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Since it''s the first episode, get me something more bright-colored. Red or green would do, to make it seem more festive."


    "Alright, I''ll bring it over." The staff member hurried away.


    The voice of a Field Director that had been newly transferred over echoed in his headset. "All teams, we are 30 minutes away from the audience''s entry. Make haste!"


    Even if Zhang Ye was all-powerful, he was also unable to take on every role. For example, about seven makeup artists, a Field Director and misceneous staff were arranged by Director Wang over the past two days to take up their roles. The person with absolute authority over the program team was Zhang Ye. He was also the only person in the the senior and middle roles. He had seven people under him, but the gap between their responsibilities was very huge.


    "It''s done," the female make-up artist snapped her fingers.


    Zhang Ye looked into the mirror, but on first nce, he did not seem to have transformed. However, the transformation could be seen on camera due to the lighting. "Alright, I''m going!"

 Chapter 239: Talk Show’s Recording…Really Begins!

    <h4>Chapter 239: Talk Show��s Recording��Really Begins! </h4>


    Chapter 239: Talk Show''s Recording��Really Begins!


    9:30 A.M.


    The main stage of the recording studio.


    Zhang Ye started busying himself the moment that he came from backstage to coordinate all the tasks, "Do a lighting test again; make sure everything is working well. Stage Choreographer, please do a test for the sound again. Hey, hey, hey. This side of my ear piece seems like there''s a problem with the volume. Help me adjust it. Cameras, do a few seconds of trial recording. The three cameras must not have any problems. I usually follow my flow when ites to recording; the quality will be affected if I need to re-record it. Let''s aim for a single recording, okay?"


    "Teacher Zhang, the seats are not enough!"


    "Why did you only notice that now? How many are we short of?"


    "Because the internal tickets were a little over-subscribed, we are still short by ten seats!"


    "Go to logistics and get a few more. If the colors are different, ce them at the back row, so we don''t affect the picture quality. Everyone, check again for any problems. The audience will be arriving soon!"


    The show had not even started yet, but Zhang Ye''s voice was already hoarse!


    The other programs had teams that had their work divided up properly; every job had a specialist and leadermanding the role. But Zhang Ye''s team was different. The leadership role was all solely his, so anyone who had any problems woulde to him for answers. This caused him to be very busy as he had to give instructions out, one after another. Zhang Ye was preparing to use "Tonight 80''s Talkshow" as his talk show foundation. But because of budget and other constraints, he had to cancel the DJ segment and the celebrity guest interviews.


    Firstly, it was because he did not have the budget to invite some famous celebrity. Secondly, interviews and game segments had their supporters and detractors. Some liked it a lot, yet there were also many who disliked it a lot, so Zhang Ye decided against using those segments. Interviews, for what they''re worth, were usually tforms for a celebrity to do promotional activities only. Zhang Ye did not want his program to have a mixture of these useless segments, at least not initially. So he prepared a full half hour of solo talk show performance. This also saved a lot of effort on other things. Otherwise, he would be even more busy today!


    Outside, the doors opened.


    It was not the audience, but the Leaders and other colleagues who came in. They were all holding internal tickets to attend the recording.


    Zhang Ye saw them. Not only had Director Wang Xiong attended, even his Leader from the WebTV department, Feng Guiqin, also came. There were two otherpany Leaders and other seniors from his department. It wasn''t strange, as usually for a new program''s first recording, a group of leaders would attend to do their assessments. This was to ensure the program''s quality. In the group were also Ah Qian, Little Yu and Wang Bei. Dong Shanshan might have been too busy with her work to attend, but the other hosts from the department were also taking part in this recording, like Teacher Gong and Teacher Han. He did not know if they hade to see Zhang Ye make a joke of himself or something else.


    The Leaders had arrived, but Zhang Ye did not go to greet them because he did not have the time to deal with those things. He was already struggling to deal with his roles.


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Come over for a moment!"


    "This light''s damaged!"


    "The earpiece volume can''t be adjusted; will need to get it changed!"


    When they arrived in the studio, all they saw was an extremely busy Zhang Ye. Only then did they understand how it would look like if there was only one person handling all of the team''s work.


    They sat at the front row.


    Feng Guiqin frowned, "Is Little Zhang able to handle all of this by himself?"


    Wang Xiong turned his head to her, "It should be okay. He handled everything well the past few days. From the title introduction and props to the nning, all of these were done by him."


    Feng Guiqin nodded, "Have you seen the program''s content yet?"


    "Not yet. I did not receive anything, not even the program''s script. Seeing how busy Little Zhang was, I did not ask him for it." Wang Xiong threw up his hands.


    Onstage, Zhang Ye suddenly noticed the center of the stage. There was a rack in front of his position, so he pull it up and asked, "What''s this for?"


    That person blinked, "To hold the script."


    Zhang Ye immediately waved his hands, "Get rid of it!"


    "Ah? Remove it?" That person replied in ridicule, "How can we get rid of that?"


    When Sister Four who personally came over to help out heard themotion, she asked, "What''s the matter, Wang?"


    Wang said nervously, "Sister Four, Teacher Zhang said to remove to rack for the script. This��."


    Sister Four was also stunned. She looked at Zhang Ye and said, "If we take it away, where will you put the manuscript? Where will you ce the script at? Your program''s at least 30 minutes long. If you consider the parts that need to be edited out, then you need to record at least 40-50 minutes. That''s nearly an hour! How will you be able to record? Off script?"


    But no one expected Zhang Ye to reply matter-of-factly, "Of course, it will be off script. I am a host. Do you expect me to read off a script? What a disgrace! If I am going to be a host like that, you might as well find any random person toe do it!"


    Zhang Ye set very high standards for himself and his job. In his previous world, if a talk show artist were to host by reading from a script, then it would be too disgraceful. Even if they couldn''t remember their lines, they would use a teleprompter that was not filmed by the camera. Like when Zhou Libo first started doing talk shows, he had also used a rack to ce his script on. Every line he said, he would refer to it. Finally, only after he was criticized and mocked by people did he slowly go off script. But Zhang Ye did not need such a process.


    Sister Four and the staff around were in disbelief, "You can go totally off script?"


    "This is a basic quality as a host, right?" Zhang Ye did not make much of a fuss about it. In his world, there were many outrageous people like that.


    Sister Four said, "But you have to be prepared just in case."


    Another youth said, "Yeah, Teacher Zhang. If you really forget a line, at least there''s backup."


    Zhang Ye said without exining further, "There won''t be any in the case of me. Nor will I forget. If I say to remove it, then quickly remove it. We need to hurry!"


    Two misceneous staff could only obey and they removed the rack.


    Sister Four had a bad feeling about it, so she asked, "Comrade Little Zhang, don''t tell me that it is because you don''t have a script?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "I''ve never needed a script for my recordings, never ever."


    Sister Four, "��.."


    Staff, "��.."


    All of the Leaders and colleagues also heard this from below the stage!


    No script? Not even the content for the program was written? Everyone nearly fainted. D*mn! Just how confident are you! Do you need to be so rxed? Not even having a script prepared? Most of the masses were not optimistic about his new program to begin with, but with this, everyone would never believe that a program could be good if there wasn''t even a script! If it turned out to be a mess, the Leaders might not even approve the release of the first episode of the program!


    Teacher Han was speechless, "What the hell is he doing?"


    Wang Bei smiled. "This could precisely be the legend that says a skilled man is a daredevil?"


    "So what if his skills are good? He''d better not mess things up. If he does, let''s see how he clears the sh*t up!" Teacher Gong had lost thest shred of confidence that he had for Zhang Ye''s program.


    Even for people like them who had been in the business longer than Zhang Ye, they could not do without a script for a long program like this. It was not that they had never seen a person like that, but those were the craziest people of the hosting world. Only a few talented people were able to achieve that level of hosting. Of course, they didn''t believe that Zhang Ye could do it!

 Chapter 240: The Live Scene Filled with a Volley of Laughter!

    <h4>Chapter 240: The Live Scene Filled with a Volley of Laughter! </h4>


    Chapter 240: The Live Scene Filled with a Volley of Laughter!


    9:45.


    The exterior door to the recording studio finally opened.


    Here, the doors that led from the office corridors straight into the recording studio were called interior doors. This was the entrance for employees. The door that blocked the passageway that led from the hall to the recording studio was called an exterior door. The audience was led by the staff into Studio 7.


    "Wow!"


    "The decorations are pretty good!"


    "This stage is quite cool!"


    "Is that Zhang Ye?"


    "It''s him, it''s him! I''ve seen him in person!"


    The moment the crowd entered, a few girls began praising.


    The stage design was naturally Zhang Ye''s work. He had referenced the stages from his world''s "Tonight 80''s Talkshow" and "Mr. Zhou Live Show".


    The audience was seated, and the nearly hundred seats were quickly filled up.


    At this moment, from the employee passage, Dong Shanshan came in,te. When she entered, she nced at Zhang Ye and gave him a sexy smile of encouragement.


    "Shanshan, here." Zhang Han, who had a good rtionship with her, waved.


    Dong Shanshan sat in the second row. Zhang Han had already reserved a seat for her.


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath and said into the microphone, "All are stations ready?"


    "Lighting is good."


    "Cameras are okay!"


    "The audience is here. Close the doors!"


    Everyone responded as they were ready to go.


    Zhang Ye nodded, "Alright, then we''ll begin in a minute. Make your preparations!"


    Sister Four had recorded quite a few programs, so she was quite professional. She reminded Zhang Ye, "Teacher Little Zhang, let''s record the smiles and apuse of the audience first. Take the lead."


    However, Zhang Ye smiled. "There''s no need, Sister Four. That would be too fake."


    Sister Four eximed, "Fake? But, everyone does that."


    Zhang Ye was particrly concerned with professional conduct, "If everyone wants tough, they will naturallyugh. If they don''t want to, there''s no point in forcing it."


    Sister Four said helplessly, "Alright then. You are the person in charge. We''ll follow your lead."


    The time had already begun counting down. The audience was still chatting, seemingly listless. They were not that interested in the program.


    "What are you looking at?"


    "Hai, the stocks have fallen again!"


    "You are specting, too? Me, too. The crash during these past few days has been terrible. It''s green* all day! My heart has already turned cold watching it! How can it drop so much?"


    "Hey, isn''t this Old Zhang? You also got a ticket? What a coincidence. Did you drive here? Give me a liftter?"


    "I didn''t drive. Isn''t there some green campaign now? The news said that the foreigners don''t drive and only take public transport. I also want to emte it."


    "Are you sure?"


    "Damn, actually it was because there was a jam!"


    "Hahaha! That''s true. If you drove, you wouldn''t even be here by 11!"


    "Let''s keep it quiet; the program is beginning soon."


    "So what if it begins? I''m already regrettinging here. Didn''t you hear? This program has been cursed terribly on the inte. Everyone says it''s bad!"


    "Yeah, I don''t think it will work either."


    "I''ve heard so many jokes. What can be new!?"


    "That''s right. Will he be able to sprout flowers from his jokes? I really don''t believe he can!"


    "The chatter on the inte is right. What talk show? All I see is a joke show. What does it mean to talk? I really can''t tell!"


    The audience muttered. It was unknown what agenda some people had. The moment that they came, they leaned back in their seats and slept. They did not look like they had any expectations.


    Seeing the audience''s reaction, Zhang Yeughed without a word.


    Thepany''s Leaders and Dong Shanshan, Ah Qian and Little Yu were all somewhat worried. If a few people did not think highly of it, it was still fine, but for nearly all the audience to hardly look forward to it? This was abnormal. Did it indicate that the program itself had a major design w from the onset? They were sighing deeply in their hearts. The other rival web hosts did not care how bad Zhang Ye''s program was, but as Zhang Ye''s old ssmate, Dong Shanshan was naturally more worried and concerned than others.


    Three��


    Two��


    One��


    The countdown came to an end!


    The program officially started!


    Shua! The screen behind Zhang Ye started broadcasting a video clip!


    "You only smell my cologne, but didn''t see my sweat. You have your rules, I have my choices. You deny my existence, I decide my future��.."


    This had been seen a countless number of times by the audience. These days, anyone who watched a video would see themercial, "I''ll speak for myself" at the beginning. It gave a rush the first time one watched it, but anyone would turn numb towards it by the tenth view. Hence, when they saw this, those members of the audience who were already dozing off became even sleepier!


    But at the end, a reversal happened!


    "I am Zhang Ye, I''ll speak for myself!"


    Zhang Ye poured a bag of salt into his mouth. The caption was shattered and reced by��"I''ll feed a bag of salt to myself"!


    A girl burst out intoughter seeing this. A few members of the audience lit up too. This was quite a modest surprise for them. Some felt it was very funny, but there were people who didn''t find it especially funny. But it was humorous. It made people unable to help but curve their lips!


    A good clip!


    This clip was amazing!


    The next moment, those people who were dozing sat up with a start. This new program seemed to interest them a little!


    With the clip ending, the scene was cut to the studio.


    There was no one onstage. Zhang Ye had already gone backstage.


    Then a voice was heard. It was clearly Zhang Ye''s voice, "Alright, let us wee our famous host�� Zhang Ye!"


    "Hahaha!"


    "Pfft!"


    "Why is he weing himself!?"


    Many people were tickled. Even Wang Bei and Ah Qian began to crack up!


    The curtains were drawn apart. Zhang Ye walked forward from backstage and waved to everyone, "Hello, everyone. I am Zhang Ye. Thank you, thank you. This is live from ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''. Wee, everyone!" Then he added on, "Parentheses, there should be a thunderous round of apuse here!"


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    The audience humored him and began responding. "Yi" was a universalnguage. It was often heard from the audience in cross-talk.


    Wang Xiong lost hisposure andughed, "This Little Zhang!"


    The audience gave him face as they really apuded!


    Seeing the audience and the brilliant stage, Zhang Ye was feeling very excited. This was his new territory and his new program. He wanted to do it well, and he also had to do it well. Seeing the atmosphere liven up, Zhang Ye cut to the chase. He struck while the iron was still hot and began his monologue performance. He held a few cards in his hand. They were of all sized and this was a setting and joke segment from "Bao Zou Big News Events". Zhang Ye felt it was not bad, so he brought it here.


    "After I left the television station, many friends were worried about the future. They even ran a ''Help Zhang Ye find a job'' campaign. Thank you, everyone. Now, you can see that this is my new job and program. Just now, a few members of the stage staff passed me a few letters from my fans. I''ll read them out and let''s see what sort of sincere interest and concern my passionate fans have sent me!"


    Letters from fans?


    When did that happen? Who sent you letters? And even the concern from passionate fans? Wang Xiong and Zhang Ye''s colleagues were filled with wonder!


    Zhang Ye took out the first card and read it with his head lowered, "Let''s look at the first fan. The tenderness when you bend your head low. He said this, ''Zhang Ye! Your sister! Why haven''t you freakinge out with a new program!? Do you not freaking believe I will smash your ss, asshole!?" Zhang Ye stopped and threw the card away. He dryly smiled. "The concern and passion the fans have for me really touches me! Thank you, thank you!"


    Everyone burst out intoughter!


    Concern, your sister!


    He was clearly cursing you!


    Zhang Ye read the next one, "The second letter is a self-proimed die-hard fan. He said this, ''Zhang Ye! If you are not producing a new program this weekend, I''ll die!''". Zhang Ye wiped his sweat off his brow and then stared into the camera in a daze, "This letter was sent a month ago! We just received it yesterday. Then�� Sorry, my die-hard brother. After prolonged consideration, I really do not have the courage to get back to you."


    "Hahaha!"


    The audience erupted intoughter again!


    Dong Shanshan pped her thigh and was overjoyed!


    Zhang Ye carried on reading, "The third letter. Wow, this was sent by a female fan��" Zhang Ye then appeared to read excitedly with his head lowered, "I! Really! Want! To! Have! A! Baby! With! You! Zhang Ye!"


    The audience eximed!


    "Wow!"


    Saying that, Zhang Ye''s expression turned nk and then carried on reading with a weak tone, "��Please pass these words��to Teacher Dong Shanshan!"


    Audience: "Hahahaha!"


    The camera immediately focused on Dong Shanshan!


    Dong Shanshan was stunned and then burst intoughter. Why was I even included in this?


    Wang Bei, who was beside her, began to pping the armrest whileughing, "Aiyah! I''m so amused!"


    Zhang Ye looked with a speechless manner at the letter. He made a move. He began tearing the card in front of the camera with his teeth, ripping off the words "Please pass these words to Teacher Dong Shanshan" bit by bit. This was something that did not exist in "Bao Zou Big News Events". It was an improv that Zhang Ye added himself. He then gave a wretched smile and cleared his throat. He looked up again and read it again, "��I really want to have a baby with you! Zhang Ye!" Then he threw up his hands and sighed, "Hai, the fans nowadays are way too passionate! Too passionate!"


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    The audience burst intoughter!


    He was too shameless! Haha!


    Where''s your bottom line!? Exactly where is your bottom line!?


    Zhang Ye ignored the response of the audience and then carried on flipping to a new card in a calm manner, "Oh, there''s another fan who says this. Teacher Zhang Ye, I really like your hosting style. Well, can you help me pass this message to Teacher Dong Shanshan��" Upon reading this, Zhang Ye immediately tore up the card and threw it away, pretending like he had never read it before. "Hur hur hur hur. Alright, let''s cut all this useless stuff and focus on our main topic!"


    Dong Shanshan looked at Zhang Ye at a loss as whether tough or to cry.


    "Aiyah!"


    "I can''t take it anymore!"


    "Hrious!"


    "It''s so freaking hrious!"


    The audience reaction was intense!


    *In China, stocks prices are indicated by green and red, but the colors are inverted from the West. Red, which is an auspicious color in Chinese culture, represents the stock price rising. Green represents the stock price decreasing.

 Chapter 241: The First Episode of a Talk Show Comes to a Successful Ending!

    <h4>Chapter 241: The First Episode of a Talk Show Comes to a Sessful Ending! </h4>


    Chapter 241: The First Episode of a Talk Show Comes to a Sessful Ending!


    Live.


    The atmosphere had livened up!


    The guys who were dozing off seemed like they had been injected with stimnts. They were staring widely and were in high spirits!


    Wang Xiong''s mouth was already aching fromughing, "This Little Zhang!"


    Feng Guiqin looked at the talking Zhang Ye as she nodded slightly.


    "Let''s see how it goes." Anotherpany Leader was also very excited.


    The other colleagues had simr reactions. Just from the opening scene and the enlivened atmosphere, it had drawn the attention of everyone!


    It was even more so for the audience. It was obvious from the cheers and apuse!


    Zhang Ye pressed his hand down and said, "Alright, thank you, everyone." The apuse came to a stop. He then said seriously, "Everyone should know that for me to reach here step by step, I have my fans, I have my program and can be considered a sess." He adjusted his tie, "A person like me, a superstar like me��"


    The audience began to respond!


    "Yi!"


    "Oh!"


    "Haha!"


    Zhang Ye blinked with a questioning look at the audience, "��But this isn''t the punchline?"


    "Pfft!" The moment they heard this, the audience tumbled aroundughing!


    "Alright, it is." Zhang Ye touched his forehead, "Today, I have seeded. Whenever I think of the humiliation I suffered when I was a child, as that boy who would be bullied in school in the day, and at night.. rejected by girls." After saying this, Zhang Ye coughed and sobbed, "The people of that era who alienated me because of my excellence would probably never have expected that this day woulde." Zhang Ye looked towards the camera and pointed at it, saying seriously, "So today, I want to speak to the camera. All those watching this program, all those who previously bullied me, listen up! Your name will constantly appear in here as jokes!" Saying that, he fiercely pointed at the camera twice!


    "Hahaha!"


    Everyoneughed and pped.


    Of course, there were a few exceptions.


    It was now during the trading hours of the stock market, so clearly there were a few people looking down at their cellphones. They seemed to be watching their stocks and were looking worried.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Some people might not know me or are not familiar with me. Let me introduce myself. I''m Zhang Ye, a proper Beijinger. I''vee all this way to Shanghai for a few days now. I often miss my hometown. For example, I still have a few colleagues who are Shanghainese locals. Every time we are homesick, for example, when I miss Beijing, I will go get a roast duck for myself. For example, when two of my northeastern colleagues miss home, they would eat dumplings, so as to relieve their homesickness. I also have another colleague, who is also my college ssmate. Her name is Dong Shanshan."


    Dong Shanshan, "��"


    Here ites! Here ites again!


    The moment the audience heard Dong Shanshan''s name, they felt likeughing.


    Wang Bei, Zhang Han andpany also looked at Dong Shanshan, smiling. They used their legs to hit her.


    Zhang Ye said, "Dong Shanshan is from Inner Mongolia. Whenever she misses home, it''s a bit tricky��" He paused and suddenly made a reversal, "So whenever she''s yearning for Inner Mongolia in Shanghai, she would go to the stock exchange." Zhang Ye then waved his hand in an affectionate gesture, "Look at that endless expanse of green!"


    A few people, who were cursing in their hearts about why the stocks were plunging every day, looked up and burst out intoughter when they heard this.


    "Ahahahaha!"


    "AIyah, that''s too funny!"


    "Do you think that''s the grasnds!?"


    Even those who were not specting in stocks were tickled!


    Now the entire stock market was green*. Everything was plunging daily. This joke segment of Zhang Ye''s was able to match the current affairs, which made the effect even better!


    It was unknown what expression was on Dong Shanshan''s face. She was furious and tickled. The camera was focused on her once again, capturing every facial expression of hers.


    Wang Bei joked, "Shanshan, you must beat him upter!"


    Zhang Han was also feeling the strain fromughing, "Teacher Zhang Ye is too humorous! Aiyah, I can''tugh any further! My jaw is already stiff!"


    Zhang Ye''s joke segments came fast and furious. It was all very well-connected together. It did not seem stiff. "The stocks have been plunging all this while, but the prices of goods keep rising. The only thing that doesn''t increase is wages. Some people say that the pace of life in first-tier cities like Beijing and Shanghai is too fast. There''s such a statement, right?"


    This was him interacting with the audience. It was also a particr feature of talk shows.


    "That''s right."


    "Yes."


    "That''s correct."


    The audience responded.


    Zhang Ye looked at them, "You guys also agree to it?" No one understood what Zhang Ye was getting at. They blinked quietly at him. Following that, Zhang Ye said, "I don''t agree with it. Furthermore, I think this statement is extremely ridiculous and childish! The pace of life is too fast in first-tier cities like Beijing and Shanghai? The people who say these words definitely must not have lived in a first-tier city!" The moment he finished saying that, he suddenly gave a stifled expression and said loudly, "It''s fast? Let me ask you! Have you taken a car in Shanghai or Beijing? Eh? Have you downloaded videos at work? Eh? What do you mean, ''it''s fast''!?"


    The crowd was stunned before they erupted intoughter!


    Zhang Ye did not stop. He did not allow anyone a breather or a dull moment, "With cars mentioned, I recall some news today that I saw on Central TV''s morning news. Now, they are trying to go green when traveling. Did everyone see it?"


    "Saw it."


    "Right."


    "This news has been repeated for days."


    The audience echoed.


    Zhang Ye gave a look of resignation, "The news keeps saying that foreigners buy cars not to drive, but to put them at home. Foreigners only take public buses and trains to work!" Then he threw up his hands, "Alright, can I not believe it?"


    "Pfft!"


    "Yi!"


    "Hahaha!"


    Zhang Ye''s "Can I not believe it" poked straight into the ribs of many!


    The sarcasm was too intense. Are you sure you can say that?


    Zhang Ye said innocently, "I scrimped and saved, tightening my belt through great difficulty, before I could buy a car. Then the TV tells me to immediately rise up to the go green movement. Alright, I won''t drive. But on the second day.. parking fees went up once again! Thinking that it''s too expensive to park the car there, I really couldn''t let it just sit idle there. Hence, I began driving again. But on the third day.. gas prices increased! In the end, using my insignificant mathematical abilities, I really couldn''t decide if a car is cheaper parked there or driven!"


    The audience continuouslyughed. His words resonated with the people, so he was awarded with apuse!


    Zhang Ye sighed, "Beijing has a stadium. Do you guys know about it?"


    "I know!"


    "I''ve heard of it!"


    The audience responded.


    Zhang Ye said with a pained expression, "Actually, it''s a sports stadium. It frequently hosts baseball matches. I''m a baseball fan, but ever since gas prices rose to today''s prices, I no longer go to the stadium for matches. Well, it''s not because the parking fee is too expensive or that there aren''t any parking spaces. The reason is that the moment I drive there, there will be tens of thousands of people in the stadium shouting "Add oil! Add oil! Add oil!'' (An encouragement like good luck). Aiyah, hey! You guys may not feel how I feel!" He clutched his chest and held his breath. This joke segment once again tied in with current events. Furthermore, it was news that happened over the past two days!


    Wang Xiong gave his kudos!


    Even the boss, Feng Guiqin, could not help butugh with her mouth covered.


    Zhang Ye straightened his suit and said in a slightly breathless manner, "Making a living these days isn''t easy. There''s tragedy every day. Talking about baseball, let''s talk about ser. I saw a news article about sports betting yesterday. I heard that the ser industry is being investigated. Does everyone know about this matter?"


    "Yeah!"


    "I''ve heard of it!


    The audience nodded.


    Zhang Ye said, "These years, it''s nothing new for ser betting to be prohibited. There is already a trend of its growing proliferation. Not only do rich people bet on ser, even the ser yers begin betting." Saying that, he said in a low, mysterious tone, "I have insider news here. You can''t tell anyone else. Well, of course, when it''s broadcast, then I''m out of ideas."


    The crowdughed!


    Zhang Ye then said, "Apparently, there''s a ser team in the domestic league. You know how absurd it is? Out of the 11 people ying ser, four of them made bets. Nearly half of the members in a team were involved in gambling. They even bought the odds that their team would lose. Hehe, so what do you think this means? They are bound to lose. Four of their own members bet that they would lose! But the oue was.. that they didn''t lose!"


    "Huh?"


    "Eh?"


    Everyone looked curiously at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye smacked his mouth and said, "That''s because the other ser team.. had eight people betting that they would lose!"


    When the audience heard this, they roared withughter, "Hahahaha!"


    A few female members of the audience dabbed their eyes with paper napkins. They wereughed to tears!


    This was a joke segment from Zhou Libo''s "Mr. Zhou Live Show", but it was slightly modified. Zhang Ye concluded, "Hence, the current state of Chinese ser can be described as follows. The ser association cheats their club; that''s called management. The club cheats the yers; that''s called operation. The yers cheats in ser; that''s called character. When the ser association, club and yers cheat the ser fans, that''s called Chinese ser!"


    This sentence was very profound.


    After having their thoughts provoked, they understood and immediately pped, "Well said!"


    The apusested for quite a long time!


    Feng Guiqin''s eyes lit up!


    Wang Xiong and the Leader beside him, too!


    They originally believed that Zhang Ye was just using tweaked jokes, but they had never expected that just a taste of it made them realize how interesting it was!


    Zhang Ye estimated this episode''s word count��estimated the time to be almost up, so he said, "After finishing the recent news, let''s talk about weather. The weather is getting colder recently and the year end ising. The annual Spring Festival travel season ising soon. I believerades who have experienced it can deeply understand it. Last year, around the new year period, a huge homicide case happened in a province. The suspect was on the run. When the police were interviewed by reporters, they said surely that ''Our investigative department is sure that the suspect will not be able to escape our province.'' And indeed, a few dayster, the suspect was apprehended. A reporter asked him why he didn''t flee, despite so many days passing. The suspect could not help but swear, ''Do you think I don''t want to run!? I was freaking queuing up at the train station for three days without being able to buy a ticket''. So with this passage, I wish tomemorate the heroes who manage to grab train tickets during the Spring Festival travel season�� Of course, I do not need to grab tickets. I''m a person of stature, so I take nes!"


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    "Keep bragging!"


    The audienceughed loudly!


    Zhang Ye bowed slightly, "Alright, that will be all for today''s ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''. I am your host, Zhang Ye. I wish you all a great weekend!"


    *In China, stocks prices are indicated by green and red, but the colors are inverted from the West. Red, which is an auspicious color in Chinese culture, represents the stock price rising. Green represents the stock price decreasing.


    Trantor''s Note: As we just reverted back to the old site software, donation buttons aren''t up. If you absolutely want to donate to IRAS for more sponsored goodness, click here.

 Chapter 242: The Program that Shocks the World!

    <h4>Chapter 242: The Program that Shocks the World! </h4>


    Chapter 242: The Program that Shocks the World!


    Mod Watermark2.png


    The moment it was announced that the show had ended!


    There was silence throughout the venue, aplete silence!


    Zhang Ye felt deeply ashamed. He was thinking ''how bad could this bro''s new program be?'' It had already ended, so can''t you give me a response?


    However, two secondster, someone from the audience suddenly stood up from his seat in excitement as he used all his strength to p his hands!


    A second person!


    A tenth person!


    In a blink of an eye!


    The hundred-strong audience all stood up. Many of them did not seem like they were capable of using words to express their feelings and excitement that they felt deep in their hearts. They converted all their emotions into apuse for Zhang Ye. Some people''s palms had already gone red from pping, but they did not stop. They still steadfastly stood there pping, unable to suppress their emotions. No one left, nor nned to leave the venue. They stood in their spots apuding!


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "Thank you, everyone. Thank you. It''s over. I''ll let the staff lead everyone away." He then ttened his palms against each other to express his appreciation towards them.


    Bba Bba!


    Bba Bba Bba!


    The apuse was still not ending!


    People still did not want to leave. Some carried on pping, while others whistled. There were even people who were excitedly shouting Zhang Ye''s name, over and over again!


    Zhang Ye was very grateful and his heart was touched by this scene. He knew that the hard work that he had put in was not in vain! He knew the hard work he put in had paid off. The audience was a bunch of cute people. They were not like some Leaders. Sometimes, even if you sacrificed a lot, the Leaders would not remember you. They were also not like colleagues who weighed the advantages and disadvantages. They were also not like so-called experts who decided if you were good or bad on their own whims. The audience was a bunch of people who would respond with the corresponding amount of enthusiasm if you whole-heartedly gave them a piece of good work!


    A minute.


    The apuse was still thunderous!


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "Thank you. Please take leave. Please take leave!"


    The staff members were already there. They wanted to lead the audience away, but no one left. All of them were pping, giving him the most sincere apuse!


    "Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "I love you!"


    "You''re the best! It''s great!"


    "So this is what a talk show is!"


    "Perfect! This is a perfect program!"


    The crowd cheered!


    Zhang Ye had already given countless numbers of thanks on stage, "Thank you, thank you!"


    He could even see Feng Guiqin, Wang Xiong and the otherpany Leaders standing there, smiling. They were also constantly pping for Zhang Ye offstage!


    Dong Shanshan, Ah Qian, Little Yu, Wang Bei, Zhang Han and the other colleagues were doing to the same thing, too!


    Zhang Ye tried to persuade them to end their astounding apuse, but failed. He could only smile wryly to himself.


    The audience''s cheerssted ten minutes before they felt tiredness from pping. Finally, under the lead of the staff, they left Studio 7, one after another. But there were quite a significant number of people who rushed up onto the stage, asking for Zhang Ye''s autograph or a picture with him. Zhang Ye naturally did not reject their requests. He satisfied every request of theirs. If he didn''t do so, the audience might never even leave.


    This scene was something never seen before in Weiwo WebTV. They had been doing WebTV for several years and had recorded programs, big and small, that amounted to more than a hundred, but even so, they had never had such an enthusiastic audience after the recording of a program. This was certainly very rare!


    ����


    After the audience was sent away.


    Zhang Ye sat down on a chair he pulled over. Having spoken for half an hour without a break, he was alreadypletely exhausted. This program was not filled with normal, everyday speech. One wouldn''t even feel tired chatting normally with friends for two hours. But here, he was doing a program. He had to be careful with his words. His brain had to constantly arrange the words he was to deliver and the thoughts behind them. Besides, there was no one interrupting him midway. It was Zhang Ye speaking all alone from the beginning until the end. It was naturally draining for both his mind and body. Just looking at the present Zhang Ye was enough. He was sweating from his forehead and back. Of course, this was also rted to him being shined on by the countless number of lights for a long period of time.


    "Teacher Zhang," A female staff member hurriedly ran over with a bottle of mineral water. "Drink some water and take a rest. You''ve worked hard."


    "Thanks." Zhang Ye removed the cap and gulped down the whole bottle.


    However, that was not enough. Seeing this, a Field Director brought another bottle of water over.


    Zhang Ye finished half of the second bottle before letting out a long breath. He had somewhat recovered, but the moment he rxed, he realized that his voice had gone hoarse. He got up, saying, "Everyone, you worked hard, too."


    Sister Four came forward. Without a word, she punched Zhang Ye in the chest, "Well done! So this is your so-called talk show! Back then, I really believed that it was just jokes after jokes! So it wasn''t just purely jokes! It is linked to current affairs! And every joke segment of yours was f**king clever! I was wondering! How does your brain work?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "I didn''t say it was a joke anthology?"


    "But that was what everyone thought it was!" Sister Fourughed out.


    Feng Guiqin, Wang Xiong and another Leader were in whispers as they discussed some matters. When they finished, Wang Xiong came over with a smile, "Teacher Little Zhang."


    Previously, he would use "Little Zhang", but now the term "Teacher" was added.


    Zhang Ye hurried looked over, "Director Wang."


    Wang Xiong said, "We have just discussed. There''s no need to wait for Monday. We can have your program aired on Sunday at 8 P.M., which is tonight! This is the best time slot of our WebTV. It''s Director Feng''s decision. She is leaving this time slot for you, and the other programs will be rescheduled!"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Is this alright? I''m a neer, so��"


    Wang Xiong waved his hand, "Cut that out with me. Hur hur. Nothing is more suitable than your program to take over the primetime slot on the weekends! The Leaders have already decided. If you have any disagreements, keep them to yourself."


    How could Zhang Ye have any disagreements? He earnestly wished for it to be like this. Broadcasting on Sunday, and at primetime at 8. That was apletely different conceptpared with Monday. "Thank you, Leader."


    Feng Guiqin chuckled while looking at him, "There''s no need to thank us. This is all your hard work. Just a few days ago, when you submitted this program''s proposal, several people in upper management, including me, were pessimistic about your new program. What talk show? What the heck was a talk show? It was never heard of, so we naturally had a subjective bias. However, today, you have opened our eyes to what a talk show is. Honestly, I was pretty shocked while listening to your program. I believe everyone present was a bit shocked and surprised. Previously, you said that your program would not have any problems? The facts have proven that you were right. Do you remember the words you said to us back then?"


    Zhang Ye blushed with a smile, "It was nonsense. Nonsense."


    Feng Guiqin smiled. "No, that was not nonsense. You said that we cannot deny the basic judgment you had as an artist. Now, from the looks of it, it seems that was the case."


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "Not at all. I was just being quick to speak. My temper is a bit short, so�� Please don''t take my unsightly words to heart."


    Wang Xiong was feeling very good. He chuckled, "If just rebuking us can produce a good program like ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'', we would wish that there would be people rebuking us daily!"


    Feng Guiqin said, "We just had a round of discussion and are very optimistic about your new program. We don''t have to wait to see the hit rate for the first episode. If such a program doesn''t have 500,000 hits, then it would be a tremendous joke. The hit rate would definitely surpass 500,000. It''s just a matter of by how much. Right, prepare for the recording of the second episode. In the future, the Saturday and Sunday time slot at 8 P.M. will belong to your ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''. We have already reserved the best time slot and resources of our WebTV for you, so Little Zhang, don''t disappoint us!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Definitely."


    Weiwo WebTV was really having some trouble this year. They were facing setbacks at every turn. Several programs were unsustainable. Those programs that had good results in the past had turned into cliches and had lost arge number of their viewers. They were basically relying on a celebrity interview program to support their WebTV. The other programs, which had 600,000-700,000 hits, were already considered pretty good programs. The overall quality was getting worse. This was also the reason why Weiwo recruited web hosts to produce new programs. They wished to inject new blood into their WebTV. Dong Shanshan''s new program was eagerly anticipated by the Leaders, but they were not pleasantly surprised, as this sort of program wasmonce on television. As for Zhang Ye''s program, no one was optimistic about it. But after the recording today, "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" gave everyone a tremendous pleasant surprise and astonishment. The emotions felt were difficult to describe with words!


    This was a talk show?


    Just one person alone, using his normal mouth, was actually able to use his silver tongue to create a brand new program that the world had never seen!


    Domestically, be it talent shows, singingpetitions, or the other popr variety shows, they were all taking reference or were even to the point of giarizing from foreign television shows. Arge number of them even bought the program rights from overseas. There were too few that were domestically created, and those that stood out were even fewer! Creativity was something easily said, but not done, as the country had a mysterious department, known as the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of The People''s Republic of China (SARFT). Many program formats and variety show formats were kept on a tight leash. For example, excellent foreign programs would be restricted domestically. It would not pass the censors. As such, it would further influence the growth of creativity in the domestic programs. They could only keep taking the leftovers from foreign countries!


    But now!


    But today!


    "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" had been born!


    This was a new program format that had never appeared, domestically or abroad! Weiwopany''s Leaders even had a hunch that the talk show program established by Zhang Ye would not only create a national sensation, it could even create a global sensation!


    Talk show?


    What a good talk show!


    This was the program we needed!

 Chapter 243: The Airing of Talk Show!

    <h4>Chapter 243: The Airing of Talk Show! </h4>


    Chapter 243: The Airing of Talk Show!


    At the recording hall.


    With the program done, the Leaders left.


    Zhang Ye then said to the Directors and staff present, "All of you have busied yourself these past two days. Thank you for the hard work. I''ll be treating you lunch. Let''s have a meal together!"


    "Alright!"


    "We are going to have a big meal!"


    "Hur hur. Thank you, Teacher Zhang."


    "We must have a good meal!"


    The staff began echoing this. After recording this episode of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show", they were also extremely happy. Firstly, Zhang Ye had said it so humorously that they bent their backs fromughter. There were even a few camera men who nearly burst out intoughter while filming. They nearly affected the recording. Secondly, they felt that the program was too awesome. As part of the program team, their names would be added to the credits scene at the end. This was also a form of adding to their job experience. They could improve their reputation through such a good program, so it was extremely beneficial for them.


    The program team began to clean up the site.


    Zhang Ye got off the stage and went to a few colleagues who had not left. He smiled. "Thanks foring. How was the program? Does anyone have suggestions? I''ll maintain the good parts. As for the bad parts, I''ll slowly improve." Although the response from the audience was very good, he still wanted to consult his colleagues. After all, no matter how good a program was, it could not satisfy everyone, so there was always room for improvement.


    Wang Beiughed, "What do you mean ''how was it''? Don''t you know already?" She pointed at the corner of her eyes. There were marks of tears. "Look, I teared up from all theughter!"


    Ah Qian also said excitedly, "Teacher Zhang, you are too awesome! Really too awesome!"


    Little Yu nodded enthusiastically and agreed with Ah Qian''s words, "Truthfully, theedic programs that I understood in the past are just a few hosts inviting a few guests as they goof off and add some funny games into it to tickle the audience. If not, it will be two people having a crosstalk or a few people acting a skit. Usuallyedic television programs are limited to these. There was no other mode of humor. But, but, your Talk Show haspletely overturned the traditionaledic formats of the television industry!"


    A web host who Zhang Ye had previously met, but was unfamiliar or never spoken with, nodded. "Linking it to current affairs, mocking it and creating social satire was too wonderful!"


    But Dong Shanshan suddenly interrupted, "I think it''s terrible!"


    Zhang Ye blinked, "Which part wasn''t good? The program wasn''t nice?"


    Dong Shanshan used her charming eyes and nced at him, "You could have done the talk show yourself! Why did you bring me up? My image has been destroyed by you."


    Hearing Dong Shanshan''s words, everyone roared withughter!


    "Hahaha, when homesick, she goes to the stock exchange and looks at that endless expanse of green. That line was ssic! Divine reversal!" Sister Four came over after instructing everyone, in order to pack the filming equipment.


    After a few exchanges of words, everyone left. They busied themselves, for they still had their own work to do.


    However, Dong Shanshan slowed down and did not leave with the rest. She waited for Zhang Ye and left the recording hall together.


    In the elevator.


    Dong Shanshan said with a wide smile, "Thanks."


    "Thanks for what?" Zhang Ye was surprised.


    Dong Shanshanughed, "A few jokes mentioned me, and their effects were really good. The jokes will definitely have left asting impression on the audience. This is effectively advertising me. In a few days, when my program airs, it will certainly give me an advantage. The audience might want to see this person, ''Dong Shanshan'', who goes to the stock exchange when she is homesick. This time, I''ve surely rubbed off some of the glory from my old ssmate."


    Zhang Ye curled his lips, "You''re wee. In the future, your name will frequently appear in my program."


    "Don''t ruin my image!" Dong Shanshan rolled her eyes at him.


    "Haha. I can''t be sure about that," Zhang Yeughed.


    Actually, Zhang Ye had this goal in mind. If he needed people in his jokes, he could just use any name, but he chose Dong Shanshan, so as to create some momentum for his old ssmate and give her some fame. Since it was just a name, why not give it to her? For example, in Wang Zijian''s "Tonight 80''s Talkshow", there were many characters. Lai Bao, Jian Guo, Dan Dan. These people were not fictional characters, but the names of the people who wrote the jokes for the program. They no longer existed in this world, so Zhang Ye reserving one of those names for Dong Shanshan had no effect on him. Since he could help an old ssmate of his, why not?


    ����


    Office area.


    A few people had already returned.


    "Ah Qian."


    "You guys went to watch Zhang Ye''s program?"


    "What exactly is up with that talk show? How was the series of jokes stitched up together?"


    Although everyone was pessimistic about the talk show, they had never heard of such a program format, so they were still curious.


    Ah Qian gave a mysterious smile, "Everyone will know tonight. I can only say that the audience gave him a standing ovation and apuse for nearly ten minutes after the program ended!"


    Everyone was stunned.


    "Ah?"


    "Ten minutes?"


    "Can you not be so ridiculous?"


    "It can''t be? A joke program like this can have such a good reception?"


    "That''s right, I thought that if the audience didn''t curse, they would already be very cultured!"


    "Ah Qian, don''t joke around. How can such a program be met with such good reception? The people in the audience aren''t fools. How can you use a few jokes on the inte to deceive people? If television programs can be done in this way, there wouldn''t be so many hosts being eliminated annually! Can''t they just copy jokes from the inte?"


    None of them believed him, but they were even more curious!


    Seeing Zhang Ye return, none of them spoke further. It was not good to say those words in front of Zhang Ye.


    ����


    At noon, Zhang Ye treated people to lunch. He brought the program team to a pretty good restaurant. He gave them a good feast to reward them. Only after the program was recorded did Zhang Ye really gain the prestige and authority as the person with overall say in the program. People began to be increasingly convinced of him. There was no way about it; for Zhang Ye, who was a neer that had joined thepany for a few days, even if people said that they listened to him, they would not really respect him that much. But Zhang Ye used his program and ability to speak for himself. Now, the situation was different. The program team members all indicated that they wanted to do a good job together with Zhang Ye. They wanted to grow the talk show program and make it even better. Everyone was also very confident!


    After the meal.


    Returning to the unit.


    Zhang Ye''s state of mind wasn''t very good. The main reason was exhaustion. This was the first time he was doing a talk show. This waspletely different from "Lecture Room". "Lecture Room" was ready-made. Zhang Ye just needed to act ording to his memories. However, "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" was different. He needed to arrange and analyze what to say and when to say it and how to say it. Besides, it was not as fixed as a historical program. A talk show was a more flexible form of art. It was a test of a host''s ability. Even when replicating a joke, the technique was also very important. The rhythm, the tone and speed used when speaking the joke had to be grasped perfectly. It could not just be spoken without technique. It just like how when people chat, the same joke would have different effects depending on the person. It was the same principle. You had to build it up and time the punch line. This was all the basics.


    Hence, Zhang Ye was very tired. Of course, this was also due to him not being ustomed to it, as this was his first time doing it. A lot of his speaking habits and experiences were from "Ghost Blows Out the Light" and "Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms", which were slower in pace. He needed an adaptive learning process. Even though he was a broadcasting major, he did not really learn anything about talk shows in school. He had to blindly try to find his groove. After recording a few episodes, this situation was likely to ease up, as all he needed was to get ustomed to it.


    When Wang Xiong came back in the afternoon and saw Zhang Ye''s state, he said, "Little Zhang. Hur hur. Why don''t you go home and take a rest? Anyway, there''s nothing for you in the afternoon."


    "Leader, I''m fine." Zhang Ye insisted.


    Wang Xiong said in disagreement, "Go; I''ll give you half a day off. Grinding an axe will not hold up the work of cutting firewood. I''m still looking forward to you doing a good job for the second episode. Hurry up. Pack up and go home."


    Zhang Ye gave a wry smile, "I still need to inspect the post-editing."


    Wang Xiong chuckled, "I just came back from the filming crew. The video is pretty much done. A professional editor said that the things you recorded did not need a single cut from beginning to end. There was not a single extra scene!" The editor actually did not say something, but he sighed that working with a person like Teacher Zhang Ye will cause editors to lose their jobs. Zhang Ye''s every sentence and joke segment seemed like they were scenes that had post-editing!


    Previously, when Zhang Ye said that he did not need a teleprompter or a script, no one believed him.They thought he was bragging, but no one said a thing after the program finished recording; no one said a word. For more than 20 minutes, Zhang Ye did not make a single mistake with his words, let alone forgetting his lines! Previously, Zhang Ye said that his programs did not need cuts and assigned three cameras to film him, saying that it was enough. Hence, he had taken on the responsibility of the program team''s editor. No one believed it in the first ce. But now, no one could say a word!


    Whatever Zhang Ye said, he managed to do it!


    The only thing left for everyone was to wonder at his professional abilities!


    Upon hearing the Leader''s words, Zhang Ye could no longer refuse, "Then�� Alright. Thank you, Leader."


    In the end, he was still not assured. He exhorted a Director for his program, telling him to give him a call if anything cropped up. Then he went to the film crew to take onest look. After somemunication with the staff, he left for home with his bag.


    ����


    At home.


    Zhang Ye took a shower before crashing into bed.


    In a moment, snores could be heard in his room. This showed how tired this fellow was. Zhang Ye was a person who only snored when he was extremely tired or drunk.


    ����


    Three hours.


    Five hours.


    When he woke up, Zhang Ye yawned and stretched. He''d had enough rest. He was full of energy. Then he realized that the sky outside was already dark. When he grabbed his phone, good grief! It was already 7:55. It was nearly 8. Zhang Ye was thankful that he did not miss it. He immediately got up and brought his notebookputer over. After connecting to the Wi-Fi, he nned on first watching his program. After all, the live recording would appear different from the aired version, as the angles were different. Zhang Ye needed to see if his expressions were in any way out of ce. For example, how was he to express the jokes to their maximal effect. These were things that he needed to improve on in the future.


    It was 8!


    The program was starting soon!

 Chapter 244: So a Program Can be Done this Way!

    <h4>Chapter 244: So a Program Can be Done this Way! </h4>


    Chapter 244: So a Program Can be Done this Way!


    Home.


    The program''s title introduction appeared.


    Zhang Ye quickly used his cellphone to make a call.


    "Hello, Mom. Watch my program. It''s broadcasting online now!"


    "It''s been brought forward? I thought it would be broadcast tomorrow? I don''t know how to use theputer."


    "Hur hur. A cellphone would do, too. Just use your cellphone to search the WebTV for my name and you''ll see your son. Get Dad to watch, too."


    "Alright, I''ll try."


    ����


    "Hello, Sister."


    "Bro, what''s up?"


    "Go online and watch my program. Didn''t you tell me to inform you once the program is up?"


    "Yo? It was done so fast? I''ll immediately watch it. I''ll inform our family, too!"


    ����


    "Hello, Brother Hu. My program is up."


    "Now?"


    "Yes, it''s being broadcasted now."


    "That''s just nice. We haven''t gotten off work yet. I''ll watch it."


    "You haven''t gotten off work? Alright then, please inform Xiao Lu, Dafei, Hou Ge and Hou Di then. The main thing I want is to find faults with it. This is also my first time doing such a program, so I''m still in my exploratory phase. Many of my expressions and speaking speeds might not be right yet."


    "Hur hur. Alright, we''ll pick your faults."


    "Great. Please point out any faults of mine. But, the program itself definitely won''t have problems. Haha. I''m not bragging to you, Brother Hu. You''ll know when you watch it!"


    ����


    "Hello, Director Zhao. I''m Zhang Ye."


    ����


    About eight phone calls were made.


    Zhang Ye informed his parents and rtives, as well as all his old Leaders and colleagues. First, it was to notify them of his results and also because they had previously told him to inform them once the program was out. Secondly, he could also get a few extra hits. Although his friends and family would only add a dozen or so hits, even the smallest mosquito was meat, too. Zhang Ye was very much looking forward to the number of hits that his program would receive. To a WebTV program, the rate of flow and click rate were its vitals. It was an objective result for its performance. This amount of clicks would decide Zhang Ye''s poprity, fixing his sry, as well as decide the sponsorship endorsements for his program. Naturally, he paid a lot of attention to it!


    "I am Zhang Ye."


    "I''ll feed a bag of salt to myself!"


    Once the parodic clip ended, the scene was changed, turning to the live stage!


    "Alright, let us wee our famous host�� Zhang Ye!" Zhang Ye used his own voice to introduce himself without showing himself. In his speech, he self-addressed himself as a "famous host", which made the audience burst out intoughter. The camera also cut to the audience for a second and a half!


    Amidst theughter, Zhang Ye appeared!


    ����


    "Let''s look at the first fan''s letter. The tenderness when you bend your head low. He said this, ''Zhang Ye! Your sister! Why haven''t you freakinge out with a new program!? Do you not freaking believe I will smash your ss, asshole��The concern and passion the fans have for me touches me! Thank you, thank you!"


    "Pfft!"


    ����


    "The third letter. Wow, this is sent by a female fan��" Zhang Ye then appeared to read excitedly with his head lowered, "I! Really! Want! To! Have! A! Baby! With! You! Zhang Ye��Please pass these words��to Teacher Dong Shanshan!"


    "Aiyah!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    ����


    "Dong Shanshan is from Inner Mongolia. Whenever she misses home, it''s a bit tricky�� So whenever she''s yearning for Inner Mongolia in Shanghai, she would go to the stock exchange�� Look at that endless expanse of green!"


    "Aiyah, I can''t take it anymore!"


    "Pfft��hahahaha!"


    "Do you think that''s the grasnds?"


    ����


    Finally, amidst theughter and cheers, the first episode of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" ended. Zhang Ye bowed and the audience gave a standing ovation, reluctant to leave. This content was not cut, and instead deliberately added on. This was Zhang Ye''s instruction and idea. Before he left work, he hadmunicated this to a post-processing editor. The live audience''s reactions and emotions could also influence the audience watching the program elsewhere. It was like those domesticedy shows, where they y augh track in the background after a joke to lead the audience on. It was the same principle. There was a psychological exnation behind it, and it rted to the overall atmosphere. It was all very important.


    Finally, the production credits rolled.


    The audience pped for about nine minutes, which could not be all aired. So to prevent it from being too monotonous, the camera carried on filming the audience''s faces, while the captions rolled. They used the credits list to make it not as monotonous. About twenty secondster, the program finally ended!


    Zhang Ye was very satisfied after he watched it. He felt that he had done pretty well for his first talk show performance.


    ����


    On the other side.


    Beijing, at a restaurant''s table.


    Beijing Radio Station''s Jia Yan said, "I heard Zhang Ye''s program has been pushed forward to today?"


    "Who cares about him, " Zh��ng Y�� grunted, "He''s just a clown! He may be good at literature, but in entertainment programs? He''s nothing!"


    Deputy Station Head Jia, who was sitting at the seat of honor, shook his head slightly.


    Deputy Station Head Jia''s secretary said jokingly, "Why don''t we take a look? Let''s see how terrible his so-called talk show is?"


    A few people gave a questioning look towards Deputy Station Head Jia.


    And Deputy Station Head Jia nodded, "Let''s watch it. I''m also curious." He had just criticized Zhang Ye for not knowing anything on the inte and had said that Zhang Ye''s program was bound to fail, so Deputy Station Head Jia definitely wanted to watch the program, so that he could continue to attack Zhang Ye.


    Hence, one of them took out a tabletputer, while the others used their cellphones to y Zhang Ye''s program, wanting to see Zhang Ye make a fool of himself.


    Half an hour passed.


    The program ended!


    Then, no one at the table spoke again. They were instantly quiet!


    This program��


    Finally, a female radio employee could not hold back any further. Just thinking of the joke segments Zhang Ye said made her burst out intoughter. Immediately, she realized that it was inappropriate and tried to cover her mouth to suppress it!


    Jia Yan stared at her!


    Zh��ng Y�� put down his phone in silence!


    Deputy Station Head Jia''s face was as ugly as it could be!


    Deputy Station Head Jia''s secretary struggled to find faults and said, "So this talk show is actually just this. Is it funny? It''s not, right. I believe that the audience is likely to be internal staff or hired personnel. No matter what Zhang Ye says, all they do isugh and p."


    Everyone ignored him.


    Seeing this, the secretary cleared his throat and knew his words had no support. He lowered his head to eat his meal and stopped talking.


    However, Deputy Station Head Jia was no longer in the mood to eat. "Let''s go." Saying that, he got up and left.


    The group of people looked at each other and left. They knew that having used his professional status to criticize Zhang Ye, Deputy Station Head Jia was now feeling the pain of being smacked in the face! Trash program? Anyone who has eyes would know that that a talk show would not seed? Deputy Station Head Jia''s words appeared in everyone''s minds. Although they were not him, they could imagine and feel the psyche of Deputy Station Head Jia, as well as Jia Yan and Zh��ng Y�� who had joined in the fun. Their faces were probably feeling the sting as their faces turned swollen!


    Deputy Station Head Jia was rtively calm. He steadily left the table to head down the stairwell from the second floor. However, his footsteps betrayed him the very next moment. With his mind not there and thinking about something else, Deputy Station Head Jia missed his footing and twisted his body and rolled down two flight of stairs.


    "Ah!"


    "Station Head Jia!"


    "Station Head Jia!"


    "How are you? Are you fine? Are you fine?"


    Everyone behind him hurried over to get him up. Only then did they know that Deputy Station Head Jia had just appeared calm on the surface. He was fuming in his heart because of Zhang Ye!


    Deputy Station Head Jia clenched his ribs, perspiring from the pain. He could not help but swear, so as to vent his terrible mood!


    "Get up quickly!"


    "Get up and see if you are fine."


    Everyone surrounded Deputy Station Head Jia.


    Deputy Station Head Jia also managed to stand up with them helping him. But with a cry, he lowered his body as he clutched his ribs, while he breathed heavily. It looked like his ribs had fractured.


    The secretary hurriedly said, "Let''s bring him to the hospital immediately!"


    Jia Yan said quickly, "I''ll drive the car over!"


    Deputy Station Head Jia was feeling pain and embarrassment. His face turned green. He had shamed himself so much today!


    ����


    Simrly, in Beijing.


    Beijing Television Station''s Arts Channel office.


    After he finished watching "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show", Hu Fei was already at a loss of whether tough or to cry. He pped his thighs suddenly, "This Little Zhang! So a program can be done this way!" Hu Fei was a program nner. On Weibo, his verification said that he was a famous program nner. However, when he tried topare himself with Zhang Ye, he realized that he didn''t deserve the word "famous" in front of his so-called "Program nner" title.


    Xiao Lu was clutching her stomach as sheughed in stitches. The program had ended, but she still could not stop. She had been having a goodugh for almost a minute!


    Hou Ge, "Holy sh*t! Teacher Zhang is going to defy the heavens!"


    "Far more than that. This is creating a new entertainment program format domestically!" Hou Di said with eyes full of admiration.


    Dafeiughed, "If the station did not fire Teacher Zhang, this program could very well be ours. I wonder what feelings the Station Leaders and those people from the other provincial television stations, who do not like Teacher Zhang Ye, are having. Back then, when Teacher Zhang Ye was searching for a job everywhere, it could be imagined that if any provincial television station threw him an olive branch, even if it was not a satellite channel, and was just a provincial local station, he would have definitely epted it and went there. And in the end? Everyone ignored the golden mountain. All the television stations banned Teacher Zhang Ye, resulting in the WebTVpany getting a bargain. With "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" airing, I wonder how many television station Leaders are regretting until their intestines turn green!"


    Xiao Lu stoppedughing and said, "That''s right! I''m so happy for Teacher Zhang. Teacher Zhang has once again proved his strength and capabilities! Those who doubted him, their faces must be blue now!"


    Hu Fei was also feeling a sense of regret. If only he did notck the say and could not change the decision of the Beijing Television Station Leaders, he would have done all he could to prevent Zhang Ye from leaving. Now, Zhang Ye had produced such an amazing new program. It was like setting free a bird to fly up to the sky. Hu Fei realized that even if he thought of a way to convince the Station Leaders to let Zhang Yee back once again, Zhang Ye might not be willing to. s, what a pity!


    Now, their station was constantly hiring and headhunting. They were trying to bolster their hosting line to create new programs topete with other television stations. However, from Hu Fei''s opinion, even if their station headhunted 50 hosts�� They would be inferior to one Zhang Ye!

 Chapter 245: Zhang Ye—Please remember this name!

    <h4>Chapter 245: Zhang Ye��Please remember this name! </h4>


    Chapter 245: Zhang Ye��Please remember this name!


    At the other end.


    Shanghai, Weiwopany.


    A lot of people were working overtime today. When it was time, many of them quietly switched on theirputers and put aside their work to watch "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show". Initially, no one was interested in this program because they had already decided that the program was not a good one, so there was no point in watching it. What''s more, many experts and reviewers online had said that this sort of program that used jokes as a theme could never gain the approval of the audience. Many of them also subscribed to this opinion. But after the recording, Wang Bei, Ah Qian, Little Yu and the others all came back with a piece of news; the audience had pped for a full 10 minutes after the show. Seeing the smiles on their colleagues who went to the recording like they were really happy and left wanting for more, it became too intriguing!


    What had happened?


    No way! They needed to watch to find out!


    Then, at 8 PM sharp, they watched it!


    Following that, the whole WebTV department''s office was filled with continuousughter! A person, who was having a drink, even spat out water onto the monitor after hearing a joke segment by Zhang Ye!


    "Hahaha!"


    "Teacher Zhang is too funny!"


    "Aiyo, aiyo, I can''t take it anymore! Hahahaha!"


    Someone was literally hitting the table whileughing. It was as if they were chewing on Stride Gum; they just couldn''t stop!


    ����


    On Weibo.


    On Tieba.


    A usually calm 8 PM on the inte was now gusting with winds. The words "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" had taken over all the forums and Tiebas. There was no warning. It felt like just the moment before, there was calmness. Then suddenly, people started crazily posting on Weibo!


    "Holy sh*t!"


    "I''m shocked! Really shocked!"


    "It''s too fierce! Teacher Zhang was too cool today!"


    "Did all of you watch ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''? Hahaha! It''s too enjoyable!"


    "I watched it! My whole family watched it together! It''s really great! Please let me curse to express my feelings; Zhang Ye, you''re too f**king awesome!"


    "What a poker-facededian!"


    "Yes, yes, yes! Poker-facededian is a really apt description!"


    "Look at that endless expanse of green? Aiyo, that really made me cramp up withughter!"


    "The most ssic line is ''Foreigners only take public buses and trains to work. Can I not believe it?''! Aiyah! Zhang Ye really dares to say such things! This has discredited all the news agencies! And talked about the truthful feelings of everyone else! These days, the news reports are all trying to voice the government''s policies. Theye up with all sorts of baseless reports and make up facts. When they find an advantageous point, they gloss over it and report it as foreigners, who buy cars, do not drive them, just to make us go green! We understand the point of going green and also know the importance of it! But the news agencies and television stations should not treat us masses as fools! We are not dumb! Why don''t they just promote green travel as it is! Must youe up with such crooked ways! This really makes us disgusted! Hahahaha! Still, Teacher Zhang Ye is really f**king awesome! He''s singing the opposite tune to those television news agencies! Too well said! I still only have one thing to say. I will reiterate on my view from back then. In the entertainment industry now, the only one who dares to speak up is Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "Fuck, to say all that without holding back, won''t it be a problem?"


    "Yeah, it''s really a kick listening to that. But don''t get shut down by the authorities!"


    "It won''t happen. Teacher Zhang might sound like he''s talking too overly strong. But if you listen and understand what he said, everything he talked about did not cross the line. It''s all within the limits and falls under ridicule and satire. His control of it was also very well handled. Haha, this is also why I admire Teacher Zhang Ye. Just by that segment that discredits the news agencies, Teacher Zhang was cursing someone? There was no cursing; there wasn''t even a swear word! Was Teacher Zhang wrong to bring up this government policy? No, he did not mention it. He was just responding to the news reports of not driving, although we all know that this was him scolding the news agencies and cursing the rise in oil prices. But try if you want to, you won''t find any problems with Teacher Zhang Ye''s words!"


    "This episode of the program was really beautiful!"


    "Absolutely! I really love Zhang Ye!"


    "Yes, to me, Teacher Zhang Ye is a literary person who meddles with writing poems, writing lyrics, writing supernatural novels and as the host of a historical program. I would have expected him to be a very serious person. But after watching ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' today, I''ve been blinded by the enlightenment! Not only can he host serious historical programs, he can even do such a funny program! I was f**kingughing from the beginning until the end!"


    "Ditto!"


    "Ditto+10000!"


    "Haha. I alsoughed from the beginning until the end!"


    "Nearly 30 minutes ofughing. Not a single moment for the audience to rest. This program is too godly! Teacher Zhang Ye! You are my idol from now on! Every future episode of ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''! I will watch it once it is broadcasted! It''s too d*mn good!"


    There was a wave of praises and amazement online!


    There were still people scolding Zhang Ye in the morning. But at this moment, there was no sign of them. It''s like they had vanished into thin air!


    Zhang Ye''s fan club on Tieba.


    A few fans who had left the fan club earlier had silent rejoined.


    "Brothers, I had quit earlier, but now I am back. I��.I was really dumb. Really. I apologize for my stupid behavior. I did not think that the talk show would be any good at first, so I quit in resentment. But who would have expected the program to be so awesome! I was wrong! I really know that I was wrong! I swear! I will not doubt Teacher Zhang Ye''s abilities and skills in the future anymore!"


    "Me, too. I did not want to return in fear of embarrassment. But I really could not let it go. I feel love and hate towards Teacher Zhang Ye. I really like Zhang Ye''s poems, but I don''t know history. I did not like to watch ''Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms'', so I had been disappointed with Zhang Ye before. But after watching ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' today, I can only describe my feelings as frighteningly amazed! I won''t lie to you all! After the program ended, I was really staring at myputer in a daze for a few minutes! There''s actually such a damn good entertainment program that suits my taste in this world! Thank you, Teacher Zhang Ye! I won''t talk about my quitting of the fan club from before. In all tears, I hope the members would allow me to rejoin once more!"


    The two were really sincere.


    The other fans were also very magnanimous.


    "It''s alright."


    "Come back. The organization needs you."


    "Actually, we also doubted Teacher Zhang before. Sigh, but thinking about it now, we were really stupid. When has Teacher Zhang ever done a program that wasn''t a ssic? Which program did not create a ratings miracle. And to think that I thought that Teacher Zhang would not have made it this time! I have to reflect on it, too! I will support Zhang Ye multifold in the future!"


    "Haha. I had always believed in Teacher Zhang! I''ve ever said that Teacher Zhang would surely make it, that his new program would have no problems! All of you didn''t believe me!"


    "That''s right! Zhang Ye has never disappointed us fans before! Not in the past! Not in the future!"


    "What I would like to know now is, the people who had insulted Zhang Ye''s new talk show program�� I wonder how they are feeling now and what their expressions are!"


    "Ahahaha! I would like to know that, too!"


    "I bet those people are vomiting blood now!"


    "Hehe. It has been proven. Those who oppose Zhang Ye would always end up badly. With that temper of Teacher Zhang Ye, those who scolded him would definitely have their faces pped. This has always been his style and also the style that I like best about Teacher Zhang Ye! You doubt me? Then I will prove you wrong! You scold me once? Then I will definitely scold you back ten times! What fear? What concerns? Who cares who your mother is �� Teacher Zhang Ye. A brave warrior. I suggest everyone to support Zhang Ye in the future. It was not easy for the entertainment industry to produce a celebrity who dares to speak his mind. Let''s not let Teacher Zhang fall into obscurity! We need to push him up! Push him higher!"


    "Agree!"


    "Well said!"


    "Keep pushing!"


    "All of you say it too well. I also cannot hold back my curiosity. If Teacher Zhang Ye, a wonder of the entertainment industry, can be an S-list celebrity in the country, I wonder what kind of things will happen! Hahahaha! When I think of that, I get all excited, too!"


    "Upstairsment is a godlyment!"


    "Ah? Zhang Ye bing an S-list celebrity?"


    "Hahaha! That picture is too beautiful, I don''t dare to look!"


    "I''ll be d*mned. Listening to you all talk about this, I''m now looking forward to that day!"


    In the few days after the "I''ll speak for myself" promotions, the discussions about Zhang Ye became fewer and fewer. The poprity momentum was after all only for the moment. This kind of exposure could notst for long. But at this moment, discussions had exploded online. Zhang Ye and his program''s name was dominating discussions all over the country!


    Some industry insiders and Weibo verified users said their piece.


    A famous host from Jiangnan Province Television station posted on Weibo, "After watching ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' today, I was tickled fully. Although I am from Jiangnan Satellite Television station, I couldn''t resist promoting for this program. I was really left wanting for more!"


    A famous socialmentator gave a review on his own portal, "I did not used to follow Zhang Ye. But a few days ago, a promotional advertisement went viral online. There were many who scolded and cursed his program. This made me curious, and so I went to take a look. If I didn''t see it, it wouldn''t have mattered. But seeing it, saying that my eyes brightened up might still be unable to express my emotions. I feel that maybe I should use the words ''utterly shocked'' to describe it. Then, when the program ended and after the shock, some thankful feelings towards Zhang Ye started to form. I would like to thank him. Not to thank him for showing us such a good program, but to thank Zhang Ye for contributing such a great entertainment program to the country! Talk show�� This is the the first ever program of its kind in the world! This was a booster injection! This was our country''s first entertainment program to be put on the world stage in recent years! At this moment, I feel like I''ve gone back to the time when I was young. I can only feel full of passion! Our entertainment programs do not only depend on copying those from the international market! Our entertainment programs do not only depend on buying the rights from the international market! Today, we have Zhang Ye! We have our very own "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show"! Foreigners, you want to do a talk show program, too? Thinking of it? Really thinking of it? Are you all really thinking of it? Confirm that you are thinking of it? Thene and buy the rights from us!"


    This statement resonated amongst countless people, as well as stirred up their patriotic feelings!


    "Zhang Ye, the mighty!"


    "Haha! I''m feeling so passionate, too!"


    "Teacher Zhang has lifted the spirits of our countrymen!"


    That famousmentator posted once more, "Zhang Ye�� Everyone, please remember this name, ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show"! Everyone, please remember this program! Not only did he speak for himself today! He also spoke for our country''s variety and entertainment programs! Thank you! Thank you for contributing such a great television program!"


    Countless people followed the post!


    Countless people left theirments!


    A lot of industry insiders had fairly high appraisals about Zhang Ye''s new program!


    Seeing this, Zhang Ye hurriedly replied humbly to everyone. All of you are giving putting this bro on too high a pedestal! He really could not afford all these praises!

 Chapter 246: Zhang Ye’s Ratings Legend Continues!

    <h4>Chapter 246: Zhang Ye��s Ratings Legend Continues! </h4>


    Chapter 246: Zhang Ye''s Ratings Legend Continues!


    After reading all the reviews.


    He made a few calls.


    Zhang Ye''s few cousins, the television station''s old Leader, Hu Fei, the radio station''s old Leader Zhao Guozhou as well as his old colleagues such as Wang Xiaomei, Xiao Lu, Dafei andpany who Zhang Ye informed about the broadcast of his show all called back and proposed some small suggestions. For example: the way Zhang Ye stood, as this was not like "Lecture Room" where he stood straight, facing the camera. Furthermore, in "Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms", there was still a lecture podium for him. However, for the recording of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show", there were some side profile shots and shots from top down. Hence, the way he stood was very important. Where he ced his hand was also important. Zhang Ye readily took in their suggestions.


    Of course, most of the phone calls that came here were that of praise and congrattions.


    "Teacher Zhang, congrattions!"


    "What''s there to congratte me about?"


    "Your program has hit it big. Your future will be boundless!"


    "Hai, I still don''t know the results yet. I''ll need to see the hit rateter."


    "I guarantee you that it won''t be low. In the future, when you be famous, remember to take care of me. I''ll be prepared to pack and follow your tail. Hehe."


    "Sure, I would wish for that, but Brother Hu needs to let you go."


    Zhang Ye had a nice chat with his old colleague Xiao Lu from the television station before hanging up to take a look at the click numbers of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show". But due to some dy or technical problem, the numbers were not immediately refreshed. The number of clicks for the program was still zero, so he couldn''t tell.


    He was feeling anxious!


    Hurry up and refresh!


    Zhang Ye had done everything that he could. Now, all he waited for was the final oue. Could people ept such a talk show program that had never appeared before? On this matter, it would be a lie if Zhang Ye was not worried about it. Anything new would need a gradual process for people to get familiar with it. Like in his world, talk shows had been developed for decades in foreign markets before they were broadcast domestically, allowing the people to get familiarized with it. However, this world never had such a foundation, so even though he was confident, his heart was still ying with drums. The only good news was that the talk on the inte about "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" was very good!


    It was almost 9.


    Ding Dong. The doorbell suddenly rang.


    Zhang Ye said as he walked over, "Who is it?"


    "Me," It was Dong Shanshan''s sexy voice from outside.


    "Hmm? Don''t you have a key?" Zhang Ye opened the door for her. Only after seeing her did he understand. The school belle''s hands were full. There was arge stic bag in each hand. It was filled with vegetables and meat. "Hey, why did you buy so much?" He hurriedly stretched out his hands to help carry it for her.


    Dong Shanshan panted and then stretched her sore arm with a smile, "We''ve been busy these past few days. You worked overtime at work withouting home. I''ve also beening home prettyte sometimes. We haven''t eaten together in a while. With your program broadcasting today, we must have a good meal, so as to celebrate for you, as well as to celebrate my "Online Talents" early, hoping it will be smooth and have a soaring number of hits. You haven''t eaten yet, right?"


    "No, I just woke up." Zhang Ye felt a craving after seeing the groceries. "There''s even fish? Hey, I haven''t eaten that in a long while. Great, then I''ll give you a hand. It''s almost 9."


    Dong Shanshan said, "Alright, I''ll need your help today. Wash the vegetables."


    "Sure, leave it to me." Zhang Ye went to the sink to busy himself.


    Dong Shanshan smirked while entering the kitchen. She rolled up her sleeves to begin preparing the carp. As she removed the innards, she looked sideways and said, "I saw on my cellphone on the way back. Your program is receiving manymendations on the inte. I saw that there was even an industry insider who pushed you to the forefront of the country! But that is indeed true. Such a new program that has never appeared in the world, it really has risen to the asion for our country''s entertainment variety industry!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "No matter how much kudos I get, it''s just the minority. What I want to know is the number of clicks it gets. That is the actual reaction. After all, no matter how good a program is, it will definitely not receive the approval of everyone. They might not like it. Well, the click numbers haven''t appeared yet, as it just finished airing twenty minutes ago. I think that it will be out once we finish eating. Let''s hope it breaks a million."


    In his world, talk shows had a wider audience demographic than historical programs like "Lecture Room". However, it was not considered a program that was very well liked by the masses. One could tell from the ratings. It was still on a different levelpared to the top variety programs that quaked the entire country with 2-3% ratings. Hence, Zhang Ye did not have extremely high expectations. He would be content with breaking a million clicks for the first episode. Besides, if it passed a million, the bet he had before with Dong Shanshan woulde into effect. They had previously made a bet that if Zhang Ye''s program broke a million clicks, Dong Shanshan would lose a kiss to him.


    Fish stew.


    Stir-fried vegetables.


    After busying themselves all day, they finally could eat.


    "Here, try my cooking." Dong Shanshan said.


    "Sure, let me try. Oh, delicious!" Zhang Ye praised.


    Dong Shanshan said, "I seldom make fish, as I''m not very good at it. Make do with it."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s pretty good; just a bit sour. But I like to eat sour stuff. Here, here, here. You eat, too. You''ve been busy all day."


    Dong Shanshan was wearing a 7-8 cm high heel that was waterproof. She took off her apron and revealed a deep cleavage that was situated in between two snow-white lumps of meat. After returning home, Dong Shanshan had taken off her outerwear and had not switched to pajamas. She wore a pair of ck pants that clung tightly to her body as well as a red low-cut top. The neckline was very wide, so although her bra was barely hidden, it appeared that she would end up exposing herself at any moment. It seemed like if she used a bit more strength, her bra would be revealed, but yet he couldn''t see it. It was very tempting.


    Covetousness!


    A beauty to feast his eyes!


    Zhang Ye nced at her chest a few times before lowering his head to look her two legs that were clinging tightly to the ck pants. That butt of hers was so perky. He really wanted to pinch it. Without knowing it, he had finished a big bowl of rice already!


    Dong Shanshan flicked the hair off her shoulders and ate a mouthful of fish, "Oh, it''s still alright."


    Zhang Ye put down his bowl and began to eat the dishes.


    Dong Shanshan gave him a look, "Oh, you eat pretty fast?"


    "Yeah, I''m starving." Zhang Ye said apologetically.


    Dong Shanshan spoke as she munched on the fish and then stood up, "Give me the bowl. I''ll scoop you��Aiyah!" She had not changed shoes after returning home, so she was still in her high heels. So when she got up, she missed her footing. Gulu, the fish and a few bones in her mouth were subconsciously swallowed. Dong Shanshan''s face turned pale as she immediately covered her mouth, "Oh! Aiyah!"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "What, what?"


    "Bone��stuck!" Dong Shanshan inhaled.


    "Quick, drink some vinegar!" Zhang Ye rushed to the kitchen to get a bottle of vinegar for her. He was also very worried. Because as a broadcast host, he knew that the most important thing in their line of work was their throat. It was something that fed them, so they could not lose it.


    Dong Shanshan bit the bullet and drank a mouthful, "Doesn''t��work."


    Zhang Ye went over and said, "Open your mouth for me. Where is it stuck?"


    "A few��bones��inrynx!" Dong Shanshan opened her mouth for him to take a look.


    Carps were fish that had a lot more bones, and they were mostly "Y"-shaped bones. The moment one got stuck, it would be quite troublesome as it would betched on.


    Zhang Ye lowered his head as he looked into her throat. "Raise up your head a bit more. There''s light here. I can''t see with it dark here. Right, a bit more. Alright, I see it! There was already a bone that had gone right in, leaving a tiny bit outside! Thankfully, it has not entered your gullet. It''s at the mouth to your throat!"


    Dong Shanshan closed her eyes, trying to spit.


    "Don''t." Zhang Ye stopped her, "If you swallow and it enters your esophagus, it would be troublesome. You�� Eh, I''ll get you a pair of chopsticks."


    Dong Shanshan nodded and opened her mouth again.


    Zhang Ye sticked a pair of chopsticks into her mouth and tried to find the correct lighting before picking the first bone. However, as the chopstick were too big and inflexible, they could not pinch the bone, as they was too clumsy. The moment he touched it out of luck, it skidded past it!


    This touch caused it to stab the school belle, causing her to wail in pain.


    Zhang Ye did not dare to make any rash moves anymore, "Why don''t I use my fingers to pinch it out?"


    Dong Shanshan urged him, "Hurry�� It''s.. very.. painful!"


    Zhang Ye had washed his hands before eating, but no longer cared to wash them again. He bent his back and half-squatted to be on the same level as Dong Shanshan. His thumb and index fingers entered the school belle''s soft and seductive lips. He was naturally a lot more precise using his finger, so he managed to pinch the first bone immediately. Taking it out, his fingers were stained with Dong Shanshan''s saliva. He threw the bones on a piece of napkin before reaching into her mouth again.


    The second bone was harder to find, as he had to take a long time.


    Other than the saliva on his fingers, her tongue was pressing on his fingers. Her tongue was not very big, but it was quite thick. It was soft and hot.


    Being distracted, he could not help but nce down. From his position, he could already see the bra down Dong Shanshan''s neckline!


    It was dark blue!


    And there wasce, too!


    Maybe it was because she wore a bra that wasrger today, so it was unable topletely wrap around her flesh. The bra was slightly opening outwards. Naturally, Zhang Ye lucked out seeing the white scene inside it.


    Zhang Ye focused again as he began trying to get the bones out as he endured the temptation.


    The next moment, the bone was pinched. However, this time, it stabbed into Dong Shanshan''s throat making her smooth and small tongue to jerk upwards in a reflex motion. Zhang Ye felt his fingers being wrapped by her tongue. Even the tip of her tongue had licked his palm, as it was smeared with the school belle''s saliva.


    Zhang Ye ignored her retching, and pushed his hand in to barely grab the bone and pull it out in one fell swoop. "��It''s done!


    Dong Shanshan coughed a few times before swallowing her saliva, and then she exhaled.


    "Are there anymore bones?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "No, thanks." Dong Shanshan went into the bathroom. "I''ll rinse my mouth."


    Zhang Ye looked at his sticky fingers. There were still saliva on it that was rolling down. He quickly went into the kitchen to wash his hands.


    A minuteter, the both of them sat back down to carry on with their meal.


    Dong Shanshanughed, "Next time, you can''t talk while eating fish."


    "It was such a coincidence. Take off your shoes. The heels are too high," Zhang Ye suggested.


    "Indeed, I was so engrossed in cooking, as it waste, that I forgot about it." Dong Shanshan did not go to the door to take a pair of slippers. Instead, she bent down and took off her heels and ced them by the side. She stepped on the wooden floor with her bare feet. As she had just wiped the floor yesterday, it wasn''t dirty.


    Under her tight pants were ck colored stockings. With it exposed in front of Zhang Ye, he could see it just by looking down.


    So beautiful!


    Every part of her body was so tempting!


    Dong Shanshan noticed that he was looking at her leg. She could not help but lower her head, "Why? Did my stockings tear?"


    "No," Zhang Ye coughed, "The floor is cold. Don''t catch a cold."


    "It''s fine. Then turn on the heater." Dong Shanshan pressed a button to switch on the heater.


    ����


    After the meal.


    Dong Shanshan picked up the tes and left them in the kitchen, "I''ll wash the dishes. Go check if the numbers are out. Hur hur. I''m also pretty interested with how many people your program can attract."


    Zhang Ye took his notebookputer to the living room''s tea table. Leaning back on the couch, he clicked into the WebTV''s site and checked "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show". The moment that he saw the string of numbers, Zhang Ye was first momentarily stunned. Then he pushed his head closer, as he tried confirming what he had seen. There was no mistake. It was that number. It was written very clearly on it. There were no errors!


    Holy sh*t!


    So much?


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded!


    Dong Shanshan probed her head out while holding a dish scrubber, "Are the statistics out?"


    Zhang Ye nodded.


    "How much?" Dong Shanshan asked.


    Zhang Yeughed, "Guess, I''m sure you won''t get it."


    Dong Shanshan narrowed his eyes, "Over a million?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "More than that. Guess again."


    Dong Shanshan blinked, "Impossible? It has just been aired less than two hours ago. It couldn''t have hit 2 million? It can''t be that high, right? I''m not guessing. Tell me quickly. Stop keeping me in suspense!"


    Zhang Ye pointed to theputer screen and said a shocking sentence, "It is already 5.3 million!"


    Dong Shanshan eximed, "No way! Let me see! Let me see!" She did not even put down the bowl she was washing. It was still dripping with water. She rushed out from the kitchen with bowl in hand as she bent over to see theputer!


    5,307,200!


    Dong Shanshan could not help but let out a swear word, "Holy motherf**ker! Can you not be so ridiculous! It hasn''t even been two hours! Even if the increase in numbers would begin to slow down, it would not be a problem to hit 7 million hits by tomorrow! This is a new program, and it''s just the first episode. It has 7 million hits on the first day? Ever since WebTV''s inception, there has not been any person or new program that has broken 6 million in hits on the first day. The highest is a variety show from our Weiwo''spetitor. It hit 5.9 million hits on the first day! You took two hours to almost exceed it?"


    Zhang Ye touched his nose, "Actually, I didn''t think that it would be so much. I was thinking that a million would be not bad. Looks like everyone approves of my program."


    "Isn''t it far more than approval? This is heaven-defying!" Dong Shanshan shook her head and sighed, "Just this result of yours is definitely enough to cause a stir. Tomorrow�� No, just tonight, before 12, you will refresh the historical record for the pilot episode of WebTV. And I believe that in a few days and in a few episodes, your ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' will also refresh the historical record of having the highest average hits for a single episode! It looks like the evaluation on the inte isn''t wrong. You have really created history!"


    However, Zhang Ye was cautious, "There might not be so many clicks in the future. There could be so many today because of the good promotions. For example: the hijacking incident. I had appeared on Central TV''s news after all. And also with themercial, ''I''ll speak for myself'', it had also garnered some buzz. Everyone was curious about it, and since it was quite well-liked after the broadcast, it was in some sense free advertisement for me. Hence, many people clicked in to watch my program. There might be some who watched for a while and closed it after not liking it. So to maintain the level of the first episode''s clicks might not be that easy." He didn''t let himself get carried away by the results.


    Dong Shanshan smiled instead, "Hai, if my new program has a tenth of your clicks, I''ll already be overjoyed to death." Saying that, she went back to washing the dishes.


    Zhang Ye carried on refreshing the webpage as he watched the click numbers increase bit by bit.


    ����


    10 P.M.


    The school belle had washed the dishes and swept the floor. She even wiped the table.


    "Alright, we still need to work tomorrow. Get some rest." Dong Shanshan yawned and stretched. Just this stretching motion naturally revealed a charm andid-backness. It made Zhang Ye unwilling to look away, for it was too tempting.


    Zhang Ye recalled something. He did not say good night and instead said nkly, "ssmate Dong, didn''t we have a bet in the past?"


    Dong Shanshan looked at him in confusion, "Eh? What are you saying?"


    "We made a bet that if my program''s pilot episode broke a million, isn''t there something? Right?" Zhang Ye said.


    Dong Shanshan''s mouth of lies rpsed as she smiled. "Did I say that? Why don''t I remember? When was it?"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Hey, you can''t do that!"


    Dong Shanshan blinked, "Did we really make a bet?"


    "Of course it''s true. If you lost, you''ll give me a kiss. If I lose, I''ll give you a promotional clip." Zhang Ye threw up his hands helplessly, "Don''t you go back on your words."


    Dong Shanshan sighed, "Alright then. Then I''ll consider it as we made the bet."


    "What do you mean, ''consider''? We really made the bet!" Zhang Ye was speechless.


    Dong Shanshan headed to the bathroom, "I''ll brush my teeth first. You brush in a while, too."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye''s heart was thumping. He stopped looking at theputer and threw his notebook into his bedroom. To him, the attractiveness of the school belle was clearly far greater.


    A momentter, the school belle came out after washing up.


    Zhang Ye nced at her and also went into the bathroom as he brushed his teeth and washed his face.


    The moment he came out, Dong Shanshan was sitting on the sofa, watching the news on TV. It was a rey from earlier that day.


    Zhang Ye walked to her side and sat down. He wanted to speak, but stopped. He smiled as he felt slightly embarrassed to open his mouth. He also began watching News Simulcast.


    Dong Shanshan said, "Done brushing?"


    "Yes," Zhang Ye cleared his throat.


    "OK." Dong Shanshan did not say anything more.


    The atmosphere was vague and somewhat embarrassing.


    The school belle always looked graceful and she dressed very sexily. She appeared open, but in fact, as a ssmate of Dong Shanshan for so many years, her personality was actually the opposite from her outer appearance. In fact, she was more introverted. People tended to be contradictory after all.


    Dong Shanshan was still wearing her ck tight pants and a red, low-cut top while sitting on the sofa. She constantly switched her crossed leg. She did not seem natural.


    Zhang Ye was even more unnatural. Against his enemies, he was always as cold as the autumn wind. But against woman, he had little experience.


    In the end, the two of them watched TV from 10 to 10:30.


    30 minutester, the news ended. Only then did Dong Shanshan switch off the TV and look sideways at Zhang Ye and gave a smile, "Hurry, I''m sleepy."


    Zhang Ye tersely acknowledged.


    Dong Shanshan fidgeted a lot. One moment, she was stroking her hair, while the next moment, she was straightening her clothes. Finally, she leaned her body towards Zhang Ye. Her chin raised slightly up. Her eyes were closed, too. No, actually, they was just narrowed. One could see her eyes through a tiny gap.


    Zhang Ye hurriedly took a cup to drink a mouthful of tea, then he embolden himself and moved his body over. His head was approaching her.


    "Hold on." Dong Shanshan opened her eyes, "Hur hur. My throat is a bit dry. Let me drink a mouthful of water too." She hade homete, so she had not prepared tea. Dong Shanshan took Zhang Ye''s cup and ignored the saliva on the cup. She tossed it back and drank it. "Alright, it''s okay."


    A moment of silence.


    Zhang Ye once again moved his head over as his bit the lower lip of Dong Shanshan, as his saliva had a strange smell. This was the experience he gathered from his previous kiss with Dong Shanshan. Hence, he did not kiss her upper lips. The upper lips were close to the nose, and since Zhang Ye smoked and drank, he naturally wanted to leave a good impression on her. Hence, he only kissed her lower lips. The lips there were also thicker, so the feeling was better and felt great.


    The two lips locked.


    Both their heads were stuck together.


    Zhang Ye remembered the regret from the past, which was not sending his tongue in. Hence, the moment they locked lips, Zhang Ye was afraid Dong Shanshan would run away the moment they touched, so he immediately stuck his tongue into the school belle''s mouth. It immediately wrapped around the school belle''s tongue!


    Dong Shanshan clearly was caught off guard, "Oh!"


    Zhang Ye was very nervous and uneasy, but he was such a person. The moment he did it, then it didn''t matter. His courage grew, as he kissed her again and again. After his tongue had enough of it, Zhang Ye did not go overboard and removed it from her mouth.


    Dong Shanshan huffed and puffed as if she was simmering. She said in an exasperated tone, "Why did your tonguee in? There wasn''t this in the bet, right?"


    Zhang Ye acted dumb, "Didn''t you forget about the bet?"


    Dong Shanshan, "��"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "The agreements of the bet didn''t say that was prohibited. Next time we make a bet, we can make it more detailed."


    "Next time?" Dong Shanshan leered at him and smiled. "You sure have taken enough advantage. Enough, I''m sleeping. You rest early, too."


    Zhang Ye said kindly, "Good night, Shanshan."


    "Goodnight," Dong Shanshan returned to her room.


    Zhang Ye was left alone in the living room, recounting the sweet taste in his mouth!

 Chapter 247: A Program Staff Credit List that Shocks Everyone!

    <h4>Chapter 247: A Program Staff Credit List that Shocks Everyone! </h4>


    Chapter 247: A Program Staff Credit List that Shocks Everyone!


    He ended up sleepingte.


    As a result, he also woke upte the next morning.


    By the time that Zhang Ye got up from bed and looked at the time�� Good heavens, it''s already 10 A.M. He hurriedly dressed up. Last night while in bed, he was recounting the softness from Dong Shanshan''s mouth and her tiny tongue. As a result, he suffered from serious insomnia. In the end, Dong Shanshan woke up very early and left, as she had to busy herself with her own program. As she left early, she did not wake him up. Zhang Ye was already ustomed to using Dong Shanshan as an "rm" to wake him up, so he did not set an rm. Damn, so when he opened his eyes, it was already sote. He hurried, for he did not want to be toote.


    Sure enough, there was no one in the living room.


    However, there was fried rice with egg on the table. It was a leftover from yesterday. Zhang Ye could tell at a nce that this was an oue of Dong Shanshan''s cooking. He was momentarily in a dilemma as he changed his mind. He heated it up in the microwave before eating it. Hai, since he was alreadyte, he might as well finish eating first. He could not waste the food cooked by the school belle.


    Going out.


    He stood by the roadside to hail a taxi.


    Suddenly, a youth who walked past saw Zhang Ye and widened his eyes. He then shouted while pointing at him, "You��You��You are Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye was surprised and nodded at him with a smile.


    The youth was very excited, "Ai Ai Ai! It''s really you! I watched your ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' yesterday! It was really d*mn good!"


    Zhang Ye was very delighted, "Thank you for the support."


    With the youth''s shout, another girl also saw Zhang Ye. She screamed, "Zhang Ye! It''s the Zhang Ye from the talk show yesterday!" She turned around and shouted to a girl waiting in the distance for a car, "Meng Meng! Hurry over and take a look! I''ve seen a celebrity! It''s that poker-faceedian!"


    Another young girl ran over excitedly!


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Your program is so good!"


    "Please give me an autograph!"


    "Give me one, too! Ever since watching your program, I became a loyal fan of yours!"


    Zhang Ye was pretty happy about it. He gave each and every one of them an autograph. People in Shanghai could finally recognize him. In the past, when he had juste to Shanghai, he did not need to even wear sunsses. Although it had dyed him, it was alright. Fans were the ones sustaining him.


    Although there were many passersby who passed them with a curious nce, Zhang Ye already knew it was quite something. His fame was slowly increasing in the country. He was no longer only limited to Beijing. This was an upgrade and uplifting. Of course, he could notpare with those A-list or S-list celebrities who were known by everyone on the street. Zhang Ye was still very content and knew that this was the fame that "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" brought him. From this, he could tell how sessful the program fromst night was. In just a night, he could be recognized on the street, with them asking for autographs!


    After taking pictures with a few fans and satisfying them, Zhang Ye got a taxi. The first thing he did upon boarding the taxi was to wear the long-awaited sunsses.


    ����


    The unit.


    The moment he entered the hall, many people looked at Zhang Ye. These people were basically not from the WebTV department, but they all recognized him.


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "You''ve arrived? Good morning."


    A few people greeted him with a smile.


    Zhang Ye did not know them, but still responded, "Good morning."


    ����


    When Zhang Ye entered his office, the situation became even more intense. The moment his head popped in, the stares of everyone in the office darted towards him!


    Wang Xiong was there, too.


    Zhang Ye hurriedly went forward apologetically, "Leader, sorry about it. I restedtest night, so I couldn''t wake up in the morning. It won''t happen again."


    Wang Xiong patted his shoulders happily, "It''s alright. I know you have been working hard the past few days. Is your body okay? If you aren''t well-rested, I can give you another day off."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m fine. I''ve recovered."


    Wang Xiong chuckled, "Did you see your program''s numbers?"


    "I saw it," Zhang Ye added on, "Last night I saw 5 million."


    Wang Xiong chuckled, "Then you are outdated. Just now we were all talking about this matter. In the morning, at a higher management meeting, we were all discussing your new program!"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Why is thepany''s higher management meeting talking about me?"


    Wang Xiong pointed at him, "Do you know how many hits your program has received at this moment?" Saying that, he handed Zhang Ye a document, "These are the statistics that were just coted without any dy!"


    Zhang Ye took it over to give it a look.


    Wang Xiong directly said, "7.4 million!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned. He thought that it would only slowly increase above 7 million tonight, but who knew that it would reach it in the morning? He was indeed very surprised!


    Wang Xiong said, "Do you know what this number of hits of yours mean? It means that you have broken a record for the number of hits for a pilot episode in WebTV history! You have created a new legendary rating! I have some numbers here. It''s the number of hits for each pilot episode for all the new WebTV programs this month. You are first, and do you know how many second ce got? It''s just 1.3 million! Your program is six times more popr than them! It''spletely an overwhelming victory! There''s no question about it! And in the top ten for this month''s new program pilot episodes, the other nine programs added up still have less hits than your program! And your program is actually twice all the nine added up!"


    Zhang Ye said in a low-key manner, "Maybe I happened to chance upon a month without good new programs?"


    WebTV shook his head, saying, "It''s not that their programs aren''t good. Having a million hits in the pilot program is already a very impressive achievement. It''s because your program is too good!" Saying that, he turned and said to everyone else, "Everyone, stop your work for a moment. Everyone should know that our Weiwo WebTV hasn''t been doing very well this year. We were being suppressed by the other WebTV tforms. Be it in meetings or mobilization of staff, we always say that our goal is to exceed them so as to get back our position as industry leader. Today, ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' has created history! It has surpassed all other new programs! After a year,our WebTV has once again reached the top! Should we give Little Zhang a warm round of apuse?"


    "Yes!"


    "Teacher Zhang is impressive!"


    "It''s too fierce! 7 million hits!"


    "And it''s not even 24 hours yet! It will probably hit 8 million before tonight! It has refreshed the historical record by more than 2 million? F**k!"


    "It''s so dazzling that I''m turning blind!"


    "That''s right. When I saw the hit rate in the morning, I turned dumbfounded!"


    "This hit rate isn''t an ident. Yesterday, when I watched Teacher Zhang''s program, theughing me teared up so many tears! Seriously awesome!"


    "Our Weiwo WebTV has finally produced a signature program!"


    Bba Bba Bba Bba!


    Everyone apuded!


    Wang Xiong did simr. He was feeling extremely good, "Teacher Little Zhang, in the future, have more exchanges with everyone. Teach your experience to your colleagues!"


    Zhang Ye quickly motioned with his hands, "I''m a neer, too. I''m just trying to find my path. I can have some exchanges with everyone, but not anything like teaching them."


    The Leader left.


    Zhang Ye returned to his desk.


    Dong Shanshan was not around. She could be busy recording in the studio.


    Ah Qian and Little Yu came over immediately, "Teacher Zhang, congrattions."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s a team effort. It''s not just me."


    "You may not know. Hahaha. in the morning, aN ex-colleague of mine called me. He, too, is in this industry, but he is from another WebTVpany," Little Yu said, "The moment he got through, he asked me what''s the matter with Zhang Ye from yourpany! Where did such a mighty person appear from!" After a pause, he said joyfully, "ording to him, when the other WebTV departments saw your program''s click numbersst night, they were f**king aghast with shock!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "It''s not that exaggerated, right?"


    "It''s really that exaggerated!" Little Yu said amusingly, "It''s his exact words. It''s true!"


    At this moment, a few other colleagues took the initiative to walk over from a distance.


    "Teacher Zhang, let''s get to know each other. I''m Li Weipeng. I''m in charge of technology. In the future, look for me if you have any problems on those matters."


    "Teacher Zhang, I do documents. is your program teamcking in people?"


    "Teacher Little Zhang, nice to meet you. Can we have a meal whenever you are free? I want to consult you on advice about programs; please don''t be stingy with your experience."


    Zhang Ye hurriedly engaged with them and shook hands with them to get to know each other.


    Immediately, everyone seemed to forget they had been extremely pessimistic about the talk show. Zhang Ye had used his ability to prove that as long as he made a program, it would definitely be popr! "Late-night Ghost Stories", too! "Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms", too! "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show", too!


    ����


    At the same time.


    On the inte, news reports rted to this were released.


    Some were criticizing it, saying that Zhang Ye''s program had no bottom line and was doing it all forughs.


    Of course, most of them were filled with praise. For a program that was so innovative and ground-breaking to appear domestically, it was mostly affirmation from everyone!


    Naturally, the heaven-defying number of hits "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" garnered was also reported!


    Netizens expressed that they were blinded!


    "Is that real?"


    "It can get more than 7 million hits in less than a day?"


    "This is the precursor to f**king shooting out into outer space!"


    "Just this blinds you? All of you are too naive. It seems few of you noticed it! Haha. I suggest for you to go back and look through the staff credits at the end of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show". After seeing that will you really turn blind! Spoilers ahead, I''m already blind! I turned blind from dumbfoundedness!"


    "Ah?"


    "Staff credits?"


    "What do you mean? Let me take a look!"


    A few people went to watch it out of curiosity. It wasn''t a big deal seeing it, but just as the previous person said, they nearly cried out of fright!


    Executive Producer: Zhang Ye.


    Executive Director: Zhang Ye.


    Overall nner: Zhang Ye.


    Directing Team: Zhang Ye, Qi Xuan.


    Props: Zhang Ye.


    Costumes: Zhang Ye.


    Make-up: Liu Weihong.


    Post Production: Zhang Ye.


    Technical Producer: Zhang Ye.


    Scene Design: Zhang Ye.


    Filming: Wang Lei, Li Heni, Sun Bang.


    Nearly all the roles in the name list had Zhang Ye''s name!


    "Holy motherf**king hell!"


    "It''s all Zhang Ye?"


    "This is f**king him taking nine roles for himself!"


    "Teacher Zhang, can you not be so versatile!"


    This program''s staff credits really shocked a countless number of people!


    Not onlyizens expressed their incredulous opinions about it, even some professional insiders posted to express their astonished reactions!

 Chapter 248: Live broadcast? Nothing I’m afraid of!

    <h4>Chapter 248: Live broadcast? Nothing I��m afraid of! </h4>


    Chapter 248: Live broadcast? Nothing I''m afraid of!


    Four dayster.


    Friday, morning.


    On the inte, the awe and discussion of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" had started to die down. The topic was no longer so actively discussed anymore. It was normal that even the hottest topic did notst for long. There had been a stic surgery scandal of a Korean celebrity who had always imed to be "natural". Everyone had gone to discuss about this as the previous topic was left in the dust. Zhang Ye didn''t mind because he had earned enough reputation in this wave of discussions.


    His Weibo followers were nearing 900,000!


    His Tieba fan club''s hardcore fans had increased to 40,000!


    Even the celebrity rankings did not ce Zhang Ye at the bottom of the D-list celebrities anymore. He had been promoted to around 8th or 9th spot, although it was counted from the back. But the concept of D-list and E-list were totally different. This was a level where the celebrities were all truly professional; they had gone through fire of baptism to reach this level. There were no pushovers. So to be able to climb 8 or 9 positions was already going against the heavens. If "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" could continue to keep up its quality, then it''s very likely that his cing would only keep increasing.


    Taking a look at his total Reputation points, it was a total of 2.1 million!


    Zhang Ye knew that he had gotten so many Reputation points through just one episode of the program mainly because this world did not have an entertainment program such as his talk show. This led to the big effect of him gaining so many Reputation points. Based on his guess, he would not be able to get so many points anymore. Starting from the second episode, the reduction would be by at least half, so he would get around one million Reputation points per episode.


    But to get one million was already very high. When he was back at the Beijing Television Station, an episode of "Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" could at most get him a few hundred thousand Reputation points, so he was operating at several multiples of that now! Looking back, Zhang Ye knew that his choice to join the online television station was the right one!


    Still an hour before work.


    Dong Shanshan had already left home to busy herself with her new program.


    Zhang Ye had the habit of watching the news on TV after breakfast. He brought up the game ring''s interface at the same time to try his luck at the Lottery. There was nothing to do anyway, so he might as well try his luck. Then without looking at where the pointer wouldnd on, Zhang Ye used his Additional Stakes and added 10 stakes!


    He had spent a total of 1.1 million Reputation points!


    The pointer began to swing! It spun crazily fast! Then it started slowing down!


    Because the Difficulty Adjustment Die had left a deep psychological trauma to Zhang Ye, and the previous two lottery draws had gotten him Consumption Category items, he really did not want to get the Consumption Category items anymore. It would be best that he could draw a Special Category item. If that doesn''t work out, a Stats Category or Skills Category was fine, too.


    Spin on! Round and round!


    The pointer came to a stop!


    Zhang Ye took a look. It was still okay; it hadnded on the Skills Category!


    He took out the Treasure Chest (Small) from his inventory and opened the lid, full of expectations, hoping to see what woulde out from inside.


    [ Computer Programming Skills - Network Technology Experience Book ] (11)


    Zhang Ye''s eyes turned gloomy. He could not help but p himself on the forehead. What kind of lousy sh*t was this? His program was getting more and more popr. His fame was also increasing. But why was his luck bing worse by the day? Thinking of the previous time when he was still in Beijing�� Before he had gotten his Taiji Fist Skill, he had actually drawn a Computer Programming Skills Experience Book, for a total of 21 books! This time it''s back? A change of course? This time it''s Computer Programming Skills - Network Technologies Experience Book? Your sister! Was this a n for this bro to be a Computer Programming Teacher?! Why programming? Whywork technologies? What would I want them for? This bro here wants to be a famous celebrity, not be an IT worker!


    Forget it, what''s done is done. There''s no point in saying any more. I will eat it first. Who knows if this crappy thing mighte in handy in future? That was how Zhang Ye consoled himself.


    1 book��..


    10 books��


    11 books����


    Zhang Ye "ate" up all the skill experience.


    As for the remaining 1 million Reputation points, Zhang Ye did not n on carrying on ying the Lottery. Without any hesitation, he bought a total of 10 Memory Search Capsules. After eating them, he carried on extracting the memories of all the excellent talk shows from his world. There was no such thing as having too much of it. The previous time, he had only extracted a tiny amount, and if he wanted to carry on doing the talk show well, the knowledge and memories were extremely important. Without these things, it would be impossible for Zhang Ye to tell the joke segments with such confidence andposure. It was a fundamental need!


    8:40 A.M.


    All the reputation was spent. Zhang Ye took a cab to work.


    ����


    The unit.


    Today was a gloomy day, but it did not seem like it''d rain.


    The moment he entered the office, a staff member called him over to inform him that Director Feng want to see him.


    Zhang Ye put down his belongings and went upstairs to Director Feng''s office. He knocked on the door and went inside, "Director Feng, you were looking for me?"


    Wang Xiong was also in the room. Feng Guiqin was just speaking to him as she looked towards Zhang Ye. She smiled and waved him over, "Come, Little Zhang. Sit down first."


    "Okay." Zhang Ye sat down over there.


    Feng Guiqin looked at him and said, "Recently, your ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' has brought us many viewers and it has received much praise. But there has been much happening on the inte the past few days; discussions about your program has begun to die down. I''m worried that after the second episode''s broadcast tomorrow, the results would deteriorate further. Therefore, I would like to create some publicity to make your program the topic of discussion again."


    Zhang Ye wondered, "What kind of publicity?"


    Feng Guiqinughed, "This came to me on a whim, or maybe I should say it''s just my fantasy. I would still have to hear your opinion first."


    Zhang Ye ask puzzledly, "What kind of gimmick are we talking about?"


    Feng Guiqin said hesitantly, "I would like to do a live broadcast for one episode."


    "Live broadcast?" Zhang Ye was stunned, "A live inte broadcast?"


    Feng Guiqin nodded, "This has some difficulty, I understand. Even in traditional television stations, live broadcasts are a rarity. Except for some news and sports programs, the rest are mainly recorded broadcasts. Because factors and problems cannot be controlled fully for live broadcasts, even news programs will often have difficulties in preventing them even when they use scripts and teleprompters. So for online television stations, a live broadcast is even harder!


    This new industry has already been around for the past few years, but no one dares to do a live broadcast on WebTV. Such an event is probably already rejected by industry insiders as being too difficult. They would not want to risk it if anything were to go wrong. If problems ur during a live set and the host is unable to handle it, then it would be a live broadcast incident, so it would be better if they didn''t do a live broadcast at all. But having seen you live at your first episode''s recording, I have a feeling that you are able to do what others can''t!"


    Zhang Ye nodded. Director Feng''s words gave him a lot of pressure, but his emotions were stirred. This sort of trust was hard toe by.


    Wang Xiong asked, "Teacher Little Zhang, what do you think?"


    Feng Guiqinughed, "Director Wang is not too agreeable. He thinks the risk is too high. Rather than get the title of ''First to do a live broadcast on WebTV'', it would be better to do it slow and steadily. But I somehow feel that you can do it. Your program does not need any editing, and the rhythm from the beginning to the end was marvelously controlled. You even measured your words and did not cross the line. As for your adaptive ability, you were a graduate of a broadcast major and have done a number of programs before, so your experience is definitely not worse than anyone else."


    Zhang Ye was silent; he was considering.


    Feng Guiqin nced at him and said, "Of course, like I mentioned, it still depends on your opinion. Whether you dare to take this risk or not to be the first to do this. If you feel ufortable, then let''s forget it. We will resume our original n for recording."


    After more than 10 seconds, Zhang Ye raised his head and said, "Director Feng, I''ve meddled with live broadcast rted activities before, but this will be my first time doing a live broadcast. I will try. I have considered it for very long just now. I don''t think there will be a problem. I dare not say that there will be no problems, but at least the problems won''t be big!"


    Wang Xiong interrupted, "Teacher Little Zhang, you have to think carefully!"


    Feng Guiqin said, "Yes, you have to consider it very carefully."


    Zhang Yeughed, "I''ve already thought about it. Other online television stations might not dare to do it, but I am a little different. I was born with guts; I dare!"


    Feng Guiqin was very happy. She pped the table, "Good. Then we will do the live broadcast at 8 P.M. tomorrow. Little Zhang, go back and prepare yourself; it''s all on you now."


    "Okay." Zhang Ye nodded and said goodbye.


    ����


    Afternoon.


    Everyone in the office had also heard this piece of shocking news �� Saturday, 8 P.M.! "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" would be broadcast live!


    Wang Bei found Zhang Ye in no time and asked, "Zhang Ye, you want to do the live broadcast?"


    Zhang Ye tersely acknowledged.


    "Are you crazy?" Wang Bei made a fainting gesture, "This is not a news report program; you are doing a variety program. How are you going to make it a live broadcast?"


    You can''t avoid a live broadcast if you''re doing a news program. There were even scripts for those and all you needed to do was to read it ordingly. A sports match was more suited for a live broadcast because as long as the filming was done on time, it did not matter even if thementator gagged on his lines. Some variety shows, like singingpetitions, had live broadcasts for the finals, but since the contestants had already made it through to the finals, there would not be any major problems with their singing. But what sort of program was Zhang Ye hosting? It''s a talk show! It depended on nothing but Zhang Ye''s oratorical skills! He even insisted on not having a teleprompter. If he forgot his lines, then there would be no way to rescue the situation at all! It would all be ruined!


    Ah Qian came forward to ask, "Will you be using a teleprompter?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head, "No. There''s no need for that."


    Ah Qian and Little Yu, "����"


    An oldrade came over and said, "Little Zhang, you''re too rash. There''s a reason why all the online television stations do not do live broadcasts. It''s way too difficult!"


    Zhang Ye smiled a little, "I will give it a try."


    After a whole day of everyone trying to dissuade him, Zhang Ye still would not listen. He had already decided.


    Zhang Ye knew that Feng Guiqin wanted him to do a live broadcast because it would continue to help increase their online television station''s influence. At the same time, Zhang Ye also understood that if they managed to do it while others did not dare to, this would a huge advantage for them. It would definitely add more credentials to his program!


    Afraid?


    Scared?


    Zhang Ye did not have those emotions!


    There was a saying from his previous world. If a singer does not dare to sing live at a concert, then he was not considered to be a singer.


    Simrly, a host who did not dare do live broadcasts��.. No matter how famous they might be, they would never be considered as an outstanding host!


    If his goal was to just be a normal host and earn a living, then it wouldn''t matter. But no, he wanted to go further. This was why Zhang Ye wanted to risk it all and give it a try!


    Live broadcast?


    Don''t dare to?


    There''s not a f**king thing that I don''t dare to do!

 Chapter 249: A war of words begins again!

    <h4>Chapter 249: A war of words begins again! </h4>


    Chapter 249: A war of words begins again!


    Saturday.


    Early morning.


    The bedroom door opened.


    "Zhang Ye, wake up," said Dong Shanshan who was in her work clothes.


    Zhang Ye, who was hugging his nket, turned his head drowsily, "Shanshan, why?"


    Dong Shanshan said with a pretty smile, "What do you think? It''s already 8 A.M. Wake up quickly. I''m going to work first. Breakfast has been prepared for you."


    Zhang Ye shut his eyes again, "Okay."


    Dong Shanshan pped his thighs, "Wake up quickly."


    "I''m not going to work in the morning. I know, I will get up soon," Zhang Ye vaguely said.


    Dong Shanshan nced at him, "You were watching the newsst night to find inspiration? You really asked for it when you promised to do the live broadcast. You could have just kept doing what you did and it would have been good and would get better. But yet, you had to go along with the crazy idea of the Leaders. If a live broadcast was so good to handle, wouldn''t the other online television stations already have done it? I don''t care anymore; I''m off."


    "Byebye." Zhang Ye closed his eyes and waved.


    Five minutes after the school belle left, Zhang Ye finally got up unwillingly. Because of tonight''s live broadcast, the Leader gave him the morning off to prepare for the program. After having breakfast, Zhang Ye continued watching the news as he sorted out the lines for tonight''s show in his head. But what gave Zhang Ye a headache was that there was not much that was interesting in the news recently. Many of the current affairs and happenings had already been used for thest show and couldn''t be used again. This was also the reason why he stayed up sotest night; it was because he could not find a suitable topic and points to talk about!


    Give me a topic!


    Can''t there be something happening today?


    Otherwise, how would this bro do his talk show!


    ����


    Weiwo had already released the news and this news had already been spread all over the inte.


    "What?"


    "Zhang Ye is going to do a live broadcast?"


    "Is that fake news? Or has Teacher Zhang gone crazy?"


    "A program that depends on the host''s oratorical skills and topic for 30 minutes�� Can you even do a live broadcast for that? And it''s even a live broadcast over the inte? How much guts did you get from your mother!"


    "Haha. It''s gonna be a good night tonight!"


    "Looking forward to it. Zhang Ye is still the gutsy one! He even dares to do a live broadcast!"


    "I am very interested and looking forward to it, but are you all sure that there won''t be any problems doing a live broadcast? This isn''t a news report or a sports live broadcast. Isn''t it going to be too difficult?"


    "Yeah, I heard that Zhang Ye also doesn''t use a script!"


    "Right, Teacher Zhang Ye seems to go off-script for the entire show!"


    "What a professional! He even dares to go off-script for the whole episode and dares to do a live broadcast. This is what I call a real host!"


    "Weiwo WebTV is really brave. There''s no other online television station that dares to do a live broadcast. I definitely must watch tonight!"


    As Feng Guiqin predicted, this first-ever live broadcast for an online television station had attracted a lot of eyeballs. It had further propelled "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" to a new height. Although it was not as shocking as the first episode of the talk show, the discussions around it were not small either.


    An industry insidermented, "Zhang Ye is ying with fire. If the live broadcast fails or anything goes wrong, his poprity would definitely be affected. There''s already nock of people who curse at him online. This would cause a massive increase in those kinds of people. He could have just continued what he was doing, but yet he chose to take this risk. Why?"


    Another online television station''s CEO posted aughing emoticon on Weibo, "Whether it''s Weiwo Company or Zhang Ye, all of this is too radical."


    Following that, anotherpany''s long famous WebTV host analyzed, "Unless Zhang Ye prepares a script or uses a teleprompter this time, I do not think this live broadcast would work. A program like his depends too much on oratorical skills. No script? Fully going off-script? It''s not practical at all! For any hosts, they might not be able to do it well for a genre like a talk show even if they were reading it off a script, as the speed used in speaking can be too fast and too overloaded with information, so let''s not even talk about going off-script! If anything goes wrong during the recording, it can be re-recorded or edited out. But you can''t do that for a live broadcast!"


    Everyone was discussing the matter intensely. They were guessing if Zhang Ye would be using a script this time. Because during the first episode of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show", the scene of Zhang Ye hosting off-script left a deep impression on everyone. The audience might not pay much attention nor care about this detail, but how could industry insiders and other hosts ignore this? To a truly knowledgeable person, Zhang Ye''s strongest ability was not in his writing of scripts or joke segments, but his ability to go off-script! Many people could write joke segments, but to be able to go off-script for 30 minutes and ensure the smooth delivery of all theplicated joke segments, the ability needed was very demanding. In the hosting world, only a handful of people could do that!


    Arguments, discussions.


    Everyone was mainly exchanging views.


    But suddenly, an unfriendly voice appeared!


    A Weibo profile with a picture of a pretty boy with small eyesmented. Those who saw it were immediately stunned. Everyone knew him. This person was called Lee Parkwoo. He had over 4 million followers on Weibo and was from South Korea. He had filmed many dramas in Korea this year which had average ratings. But in China, many people had watched it online. He was even a singer before, an ex-member of a Korean group. Lee Parkwoo was very popr in China right now, with many teenage girls forming his fan base. Lee Parkwoo was not extremely popr in Korea, but he could still do well in China. So for the past year, he had been focusing and based his promotions in China, ready to take root over here. It was not known whether he knew Chinese or if he had a trantion assistant, but anyway, his post on Weibo was in Chinese!


    Lee Parkwoo: "I''ve been on quite a number of programs, but I''ve never seen anyone go off-script for a performance like this before. If theirpany said that he was hosting off-script, would you necessarily need to believe it? There has to be a teleprompter or he refers to the script with every segment before keeping it away. But through editing, it was shown like he did not refer to a script throughout. Realistically, this is falsifying the truth; they just made it seem like it was real!"


    "Wow!"


    "It''s Lee Parkwoo!"


    "Lee Parkwoo, I love you!"


    "What program are youmenting about?"


    "''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''? What rubbish program is that? I''ve never watched it!"


    "Support Lee Parkwoo. These domestic programs only know how to misrepresent and falsify! Our Lee Parkwoo is still the most charming! Never engaging in unscrupulous acts!"


    When Lee Parkwoo spoke, the replies were countless!


    But Zhang Ye''s peers were not impressed! Of these peers, some of them were Zhang Ye''s colleagues with apeting rtionship. Some of them did not like Zhang Ye much either. But they were all countrymen, while he was a Korean! You are leading a bunch of our crazy Chinese fans to insult our profession?


    A female WebTV host, who was ranked 4th in the industry, replied to Lee Parkwoo: "You speak like you understand our work. You might have been on many programs before, but it''s only as a guest. Have you even done hosting before? You don''t even know the basic editing process, so why are youmenting? The industry has already reached a consensus that the first episode of ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' was definitely done off-script. As for you saying that he refers to the script mid-way through and it was post-edited out? To say that means you are an amatuer! Do you think the live audience members are fools? If this was really the case, then the truth would never have been kept secret! And from the program''s effects, the cut scenes were definitely all continuous!"


    At the same time, other industry insiders also rebutted!


    Lee Parkwoo only responded with a word, "Childish."


    Even more unepting of the post were the domesticizens. This included Zhang Ye''s fans, but even more of them were nationalistic youths! Many of these youths did not even know who Zhang Ye was, but seeing a Korean celebrity who wasn''t even from the hosting industry criticizing their country''s program and host, they began scolding!


    "Why are you acting all high and mighty!?"


    "You don''t know a fart! Don''t show off to us!"


    "Go back to Korea!"


    "You''re even using our Teacher Zhang Ye of faking it? I think you the one who''s faking it instead! You are f**king fake from your face to your legs!"


    "Are you sure you were scolding Teacher Zhang Ye just now? I have a strong premonition that you guys are gonna be in for a bad time. Hahaha! Teacher Zhang is no pushover! You guys can offend anyone but him!"


    But the opposing camp also fought back. It wasn''t Lee Parkwoo; he did not even say a word. It was his brainless Chinese fans who came rushing forward for him!


    "Who are you scolding!"


    "Damn! You dare to scold our Lee Parkwoo? Are you looking for death!"


    "What Zhang Ye! What talk show! It''s all rubbish!"


    "If Lee Parkwoo says that Zhang Ye was faking it, then he must be faking it!"


    "Ask that whoever Zhang Ye to scram! Don''t deceive the audience anymore!"


    ����


    Coincidentally, Zhang Ye, who was just watching the news, had received a call from a leader who was informing him about some matters. After hanging up, he conveniently browsed through Weibo and saw this mess of infighting.


    Me?


    Faking it?


    Deceiving the audience?


    Zhang Yeughed. But he did not reply to anything. He only noted Lee Parkwoo''s name, which he went online to research on his news in Korea.


    "A person from Korea ims: Chinese characters and the printing press were invented by them!"


    "The Greats from the past have Korean origins? Koreaes up with audacious ims again! "


    "The officials of Korea have released a press statement. They will be applying for the World Cultural Heritage on traditional Chinese medicine. This author would like to ask�� What does traditional Chinese medicine have anything to do with you all?"


    News articles were found, which could have been published from long ago or from recent times.


    Zhang Ye realised that this world and his previous world were alike. The Koreans would make ims to certain achievements? It was exactly the same as his previous world? There was even a news article which made Zhang Ye very angry. It had existed in this world, too �� the Jiangling Dragon Boat Festival was dered by UNESCO as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage Property of Mankind" �� a simmering World Heritage nomination of the Sino-Korean Dragon Boat Festival ended in victory for Korea!


    Looking at these pieces of news��..


    Looking at the Weibo''s mentions regarding him, Lee Parkwoo''s brainless fans and some Korean undergraduates in China scolding him����


    Zhang Ye focused his mind. He still had not thought of what to talk about for this episode, but now he had found his topic. He speedily thought and nned his joke segments in his head and sorted out the order of presentation beforemitting it to memory. He double-checked everything, so that the episode''s presentation would not go wrong!


    Let''s talk about Korea this episode!


    It was impossible for such a wonderful country to not appear on a domestic talk show!


    Trantor''s Notes: Regarding the anti-Korean sentiment regarding the UNESCO cultural heritage in China, please refer to the Wikipedia page. About the Greats mentioned, it is due to reports that im that Confucius, Cao Cao, etc were Korean by certain academics or through incorrectlymunicated news. This naturally provoked a sense of national pride amongst the Chinese which they have always imed to be theirs. To put it into context, Koreanizens can be as equally hateful as Chineseizens when matters of national pride are at conflict such as the Paektu/Changbai mountains, with celebrities even embroiled in it, so neither side is really innocent in the cultural conflict. It is a matter that should be resolved through their own respective governments through diplomacy, so we, as outsiders will notment on who is in the right or wrong. You can get some understanding of this veryplicated conflict through this Quora post (South Korean point of view), and this one (Chinese point of view).

 Chapter 250: WebTV’s First Historical Live Broadcast!

    <h4>Chapter 250: WebTV��s First Historical Live Broadcast! </h4>


    Chapter 250: WebTV''s First Historical Live Broadcast!


    Evening.


    Nearly 7 P.M.


    Zhang Ye came to work under the light of the moon. ording to thepany, this was a ssic case of workingte. It was also something that the Leaders had specially approved. It wasn''t too different from a traditional television station. Usually, before a live broadcast, the hosts wouldn''t be kept too busy. They''d also usually do their preparations an hour or two before the show started, otherwise, if they were to work normal hours like everyone else, how would they be able to handle the live broadcasts at night? They wouldn''t be able to their energy levels up!


    The lift doors opened just as he entered the building.


    Zhang Ye quickened his footsteps so that he caught the lift just in time.


    There was a man inside the lift, someone that Zhang Ye knew. It was the person who he''d met on his first day after joining thepany��the one from Human Resources who''d made him fill in his form with an English name.


    His name was Yang Yang. He nced sideways at Zhang Ye with a sunken expression.


    Zhang Ye didn''t pay any attention to him, and pressed the button for his level, looking rxed.


    Yang Yang didn''t attempt to speak to him either. The two of them had already argued in the past, so of course they didn''t want to speak once again!


    The lift went to the basement first, where Zhang Ye walked out. He walked straight to Studio 7 for the recording. He entered by pushing the door. Damn, it had already transformed into a whirlwind of activity and staff.


    "Is the signal okay?"


    "It''s almost there."


    "I''ll adjust it a little more, then."


    "Lights, we need some more lights over here!"


    Over a dozen people were busy climbing around and carrying equipment.


    When Zhang Ye noticed the WebTV department''s second-inmand, Wang Xiong, he knew that thepany had ced a lot of emphasis on this live broadcast of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show". The department leaders were all handling this personally, causing Zhang Ye to subconsciously feel pressured.


    "Little Zhang, you''re here?" Wang Xiong said when he saw him.


    Zhang Ye went forward to greet him, "Director Wang."


    Wang Xiong looked at him,ughing, "You look pretty confident. How''re your preparations? Has the script and all of the joke segments to be used been decided already?"


    Zhang Ye nodded, "It''s been decided."


    Wang Xiong said with heartfelt emotions, "Your talk show''s program style is the first of its kind in the country, as well as in the world. There''s been no precedence nor experience with this sort of program. Although ourpany has many scriptwriters and editors, they can''t really write good material for joke segments like you can. It''s their first time handling something like this, so before they familiarize themselves with it, we''ll still depend on you to write it. When they know it better, in the future, it''ll be much easier. I''ll find a group of writers for you, in order to help with your background research and work, so that you won''t have to work so hard."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s alright, Director Wang. Writing these thingses quite naturally to me."


    Wang Xiong cautioned, "Director Feng asked me to remind you that the joke segments should all be original, just like in the first episode. If you''re out of any original joke segments, you can get some from online too. However, thepany will have to purchase the rights on your behalf. At least we''ll avoid any copyright issues then."


    "Don''t worry." Zhang Ye didn''t have any such worries. He said, "You won''t find any of the joke segments from my talk show online."


    Wang Xiong said at ease, "Haha, that''s good then. Come, you should get ready. Go do your makeup and get changed first. I''ve gathered the best from each department in order to help out the situation here today. This is a historical live broadcast in WebTV history, and also a first. It''s a real milestone for us, so we''ve gotten the backstage works all ready for you. You can rest assured, and just do your best up on stage. This live broadcast isn''t only watched by ourpany''s top management�� you should''ve seen the discussions online? There are many people in the same industry, and peers, who are watching us. We aren''t asking you for perfection, just for you to do the best that you can."


    Zhang Ye replied, "I won''t betray the leader''s trust."


    ����


    Backstage.


    In the aisle.


    Sister Four from the filming department was chatting with Dong Shanshan and Wang Bei. Ah Qian and Little Yu were present as well, but didn''t say anything.


    Zhang Ye was a little stunned, "Shanshan��teacher Shanshan, aren''t you busy with your program? What''re you doing here?"


    Dong Shanshan turned around and smiled at him, "My old ssmate''s doing a live broadcast today, therefore I definitely have toe and support him. No matter how busy I was, I''d still havee."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Interesting."


    Dong Shanshan added on, "The main reason is because I''m afraid that you''d use me as your topic again, so I''m here to watch you!"


    Everyoneughed.


    Zhang Ye looked over at Sister Four, "Sister Four, you''ve worked hard."


    Sister Four snapped her fingers, "It was nothing. The person one who''s going to have to work hard in a while will be you. If anything happens during the live broadcast, the responsibility is all on you��Pui, curse my mouth!" Then, without saying any more worrisome words, Sister Four said, "Oh right, how''d you offend that Lee Parkwoo from Korea?"


    Zhang Ye held his hands up in denial, "I don''t even know him, nor have I even heard of him before this."


    Wang Bei added her share of opinions, "That person is such a grandson. He had nothing better to do, so he wanted to create trouble for you? His sense of superiority is really there. A Korean thinking that he has fans from both countries, and that he can even forget his surname? I''ve already posted a reply on Weibo to scold him. That Lee Parkwoo really is unbearable to watch. He looks all high and mighty, and with just a few words, leads those brainless Chinese fans of his to do all the dirty work for him. He even looks like he''s enjoying the entire process, which makes him that much more hateful!"


    Little Yu echoed, "Yeah! He still said that Teacher Zhang was faking going off-script? Why doesn''t he just die? We all saw it clearly back then, even the audience saw it! Teacher Zhang never once referred to the script from beginning till the end. He didn''t have an earpiece prompter either. Lee Parkwoo is just tantly using him. I read on the inte that many Hallyu fans believed it, and are scolding both Teacher Zhang and ourpany for misrepresenting it to the audience. What do we even call this?"


    Zhang Ye smiled, but then sighed, "It''s just a small matter. If they wish to say so, then leave them be. I''ll go and get changed, and have my makeup done first."


    He left.


    Only Sister Four, Dong Shanshan, Wang Bei, and the others were left looking at each other.


    Eh. This wasn''t right. It definitely didn''t feel right. Everyone in thepany knew about Zhang Ye''s terrible temper. If someone casually said something that offended him, he might even desire to grab them by the cor and scold them. What''s more, that Korean celebrity had tantly used him like this. This wasn''t Teacher Zhang Ye''s style at all!


    Ah Qian wondered, "What''s with Teacher Zhang?"


    Sister Four was also bewildered, "Just a small matter? Shouldn''t this be a big matter? He''ll let it go, just like this?"


    It was still his old ssmate, Dong Shanshan, who knew him the best. She smiled diligently, saying, "This is the calm before the storm. Zhang Ye is simmering his feelings right now. I think in this episode of the program today, someone''s definitely going to get scolded. And I think he''s going to be scolded really, really badly!"


    ����


    Put on makeup.


    Get changed.


    The costumes were all handled and chosen by Zhang Ye himself. The makeup artist gave him some opinions, but he didn''t listen. He insisted on wearing a suit and tie. No one except Zhang Ye understood what a talk show was like. In his previous world, a suit and tie were the symbol of a talk show, therefore Zhang Ye didn''t want to change and lose that in this world. He picked a color that he felt matched, and went to the front.


    A field director along with several staff members were carrying a teleprompter.


    "What are you doing?" Zhang Ye went over and asked.


    The director said, "Oh, Director Wang said to prepare this for you."


    Zhang Ye said with a wave of his hand, "Take it away. I don''t need something like this."


    Sister Four, who was fiddling with the cameras, looked over, "Teacher Little Zhang. This is a live broadcast, so there''s a need to be prepared. You might not need it, but it''s always better to have it prepared in case you forget a line����"


    Zhang Ye was very stubborn. Smiling, he said, "Sister Four, there''s no ''in case''. I definitely won''t forget my lines. In fact, I don''t even have a script, so what''s the teleprompter going to show?"


    The director nervously said, "Ah? You don''t even have a script for a live broadcast?"


    "I''ve never used a script when I did a recording or broadcast." Zhang Ye had said this before, and he repeated it again today.


    The few of them didn''t dare to make a decision. One of them ran over to Wang Xiong in order to seek his advice.


    Wang Xiong frowned and looked back at Zhang Ye. Then he told the staff, "The production team is handled by Teacher Zhang Ye, just do whatever he says. There''s no need to ask me for advice!"


    The staff appeared to be choked, but didn''t dare to say anything further.


    Wang Xiong''s attitude towards Zhang Ye was to give him full support.


    ����


    20 minutes until the live broadcast.


    The audience had already entered the studio. Then, Feng Guiqin and a few of thepany''s leaders entered through a side door. They didn''t sit in the front row, instead sitting in one of the corners. The remainingpany staff also came along to watch, even though they didn''t have any tickets. He couldn''t neglect his fellow colleagues, so he arranged for them to stand to both sides near the stage. The cameras wouldn''t be able to capture them, as it was considered a section for the internal crew to watch over the set. Their fellow colleagues who''d wanted toe and watch had all arrived. Even that person, Yang Yang from Human Resources, who''d argued with Zhang Ye before, was here.


    Finally.


    The audience numbered around 70 to 80 people.


    Thepany''s staff members watching numbered around 40 to 50 people, almost equal in number to the live audience numbers.


    Dong Shanshan, Wang Bei, and the others had tickets for seats, so they sat in the middle and waited. Everyone was looking forward to the broadcast, but a lot of them were worried about it.


    Zhang Ye looked on as the time approached. He tested the mic on stage, "Hello, I hope everyone''s doing good. The live broadcast will be starting soon. The situation today will be a little different. Because the picture and sound will be broadcast real time over the inte, I hope that everyone can minimize their movement and volumes. Thank you."


    Sister Four''s camera crew gestured to him��there was still 10 minutes left.


    After the audience had been seated, they started discussions amongst themselves.


    "Did you see what happened online?"


    "Yeah, you''re talking about Lee Parkwoo, right?"


    "Yes, those bunch of Koreans are so wicked!"


    "Yeah, I already disliked them from before. They should''ve just quietly had their own developments to earn our money and gain our fans. But now they''re even scolding our hosts?"


    "Korea has always been like this!"


    "Right? They''re really strange people. Always iming that everything belongs to them!"


    "I came to the recording the previous time, and I know that Teacher Zhang didn''t use a script. Look, there''s no teleprompter today as well, right? This is a live broadcast, let''s see if that Korean still dares to shoot his mouth off this time!"


    "But what if a situation arises?"


    "Hai, indeed. There can be all sorts of incidents during a live broadcast. I hope Teacher Zhang can do well for our countryman, such that that Korean can''t mock us!"

 Chapter 251: Zhang Ye’s Continuous Saving off the Situation!

    <h4>Chapter 251: Zhang Ye��s Continuous Saving off the Situation! </h4>


    Chapter 251: Zhang Ye''s Continuous Saving off the Situation!


    As time passed, seconds became minutes!


    The live broadcast of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" was going to begin at any moment!


    At this very moment, the online viewers had already gathered anticipating the live broadcast on the homepage of Weiwo WebTV. After the incident regarding Lee Parkwoo''sments, the online viewers were divided into two camps. One of the camps supported Zhang Ye''s face pping. They hoped to see Zhang Ye go off-script for the entire live broadcast to show those Koreans what he was capable of! Didn''t you say that it couldn''t be done? Sure! Today we will show you that it can be done! Your Korean hosts aren''t able to do it, but our Chinese hosts definitely can! The other camp was specially here for the sole purpose of discrediting Zhang Ye. They were all Lee Parkwoo or Hallyu fans!


    Both sides were like fire and water!


    When they saw each other in thements section of the WebTV video, they immediately immediately engaged in a war of words!


    The firstment of the day came from an original hardcore fan of Zhang Ye''s. Even if you did not know his name, you''d immediately know who he was by what he said. "I''ve been waiting for this day for a long time! Come quickly, Koreans! I haven''t cursed in such a long while! Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    "Big Saber Bro is so fierce!"


    "I''m here too! I''m prepared for the cursing to begin!"


    "Where''s the Korean? Where are the Korean''s fans? Quicklye out!"


    Zhang Ye''s fans began to crazily call for blood. They could no longer wait!


    Some visitors and industry insiders were more level headed. They just wanted to see if Zhang Ye could sessfully do the first ever live broadcast for online television and see if he could really go off-script for the entire show, but Zhang Ye''s fans and some nationalistic youths, who did not even know Zhang Ye, were not so level headed. Some of them couldn''t even recognize who Zhang Ye was, but were just hardcore Korean haters. When they smelled blood over here, they came rushing over without a care, without bothering about who Zhang Ye was. To them it didn''t matter because whoever scolded Zhang Ye meant scolding them too!


    The troll army surged!


    It was a sea of ultra-nationalists!


    Of course, Lee Parkwoo''s fans showed no sign of weakness either. Their numbers were quiterge too and they were highly cohesive. They did not speak reason. To them, Lee Parkwoo''s words werew!


    "Tell Zhang Ye to scram!"


    "Zhang Ye, you stupid pig!"


    "You dare to challenge our Lee Parkwoo? Fine! Let''s see who has more fans!"


    "Still doing a live broadcast? You''re way too overconfident! What our Lee Parkwoo says is right. Zhang Ye is just a cheat! He can do pre-recorded shows, but he will definitely make a fool of himself during a live broadcast! Just wait and see!"


    "Hehe, everyone is waiting for Zhang Ye to make a fool of himself!"


    ����


    Beijing.


    At the same time.


    Zhang Ye''s mom and dad were in front of theputer, waiting for the live broadcast to begin.


    Zhang Ye''s three female cousins also joined in on the fun. The two elderly people did not know how to use theputer well, so the live broadcast page was loaded by these cousins.


    "Will my brother make it? Is he really going to do it off-script?"


    "I''m so nervous. Our brother''s memory has never been very good since he was young, right?"


    "These Hallyu fans are so irritating! Hmph! They dared to curse at my bro! I will never chase after Korean celebrities in the future! Don''t let me see them! I''ll curse them every time I see them!"


    "It''s beginning, it''s beginning!


    ����


    On the other side of Beijing.


    Rao Aimin was at home wrapping one dumpling after another.


    Chenchen was staring at theputer monitor before she suddenly shouted, "The opening is ying! Aunt,e over quickly!"


    Rao Aimin groaned, "What''s so good about that rascal?"


    "Aren''t you afraid that Zhang Ye will suffer? Many people are cursing him," Chenchen said.


    Rao Aimin could not help butugh, "That kid? Suffer? It would be weird if he suffers with that mouth of his!"


    ����


    Meanwhile��


    Hu Fei was also watching his television at home. He had already connected the WebTV''s signal to his smart TV, so he could watch it from his sofa.


    Xiao Lu, Dafei, Hou Ge, and Hou Di were also at home watching the live broadcast.


    Some industry outsiders, who knew about the matter, came to watch the fun and help Zhang Ye argue back at those brainless Hallyu fans. Even Zhang Ye''s former ex-leader and colleagues, like the radio station''s Zhao Guozhou, Wang Xiaomei, Xiaofang, Big Sis Zhou, Auntie Sun, Tian Bin & wife, etc, etc, etc all joined in after hearing about it. "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" became hotly discussed on the inte and involved arguments with Hallyu fans, so everyone became concerned about this issue. People like Xiao Lu and Xiaofang, who were both mild tempered, even put on a strong front and joined in the scolding!


    ����


    It was a mess outside the studio.


    In the studio, there was a solidarity feeling against amon enemy. The people who applied for tickets to the show were mainly fans of Zhang Ye. They all carried the same hatred towards Koreans!


    However, there was an exception in today''s group.


    A foreign ck man stood out from the crowd.


    "Counting down!"


    "Three��"


    "Two��"


    "One��"


    "The live broadcast begins!"


    After the opening clip finished airing, the music, live from the studio, began ying.


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath backstage as he gazed at the dark stage. He took a sip of tea to smoothen his vocals and passed the teacup to a staff member who stood to the side. His facial expression suddenly changed as he tookrge steps towards the stage. He continued to do his own self introduction, "Now, let us wee our famous host, famous poet, famous advertisement producer, famous program producer, famous writer, the country''s top Talk Show host, and the world''s top Talk Show host��.. Zhang Ye!" This long introduction was said all in one breath!


    He entered the stage in a grand manner.


    The audience wasughing, apuding, and even whistling!


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    "Get off the stage!"


    "Haha! Can you be any more shameless!?"


    If it were any other celebrity or public figure introducing themselves in such a manner, they would definitely be cussed out as there would be a lot of voices of dissatisfaction, but somehow, this sort of boastful self-introduction that came out of Zhang Ye''s mouth was epted as normal by everyone. They even thought it was very funny!


    The live broadcast had already begun!


    Suddenly, the ck guy sitting at the front suddenly took out a piece of paper from his pocket and unfolded it, lifting it high above his head. On it a few words were written�� Zhang Ye is a pig!


    There was an uproar from the audience!


    The faces on thepany''s Leaders and colleagues from the program team immediately changed!


    "Who''s that?"


    "Who let him in!?"


    "What is he doing!?"


    "This is a live broadcast program!"


    "Camera crew! Quickly move the cameras away! Stop showing the audience!"


    Sister Four hurriedlymanded the filming crew!


    But it was already toote as the cameras were focused on the audience as they pped andughed. Every viewer had seen it. It was not known if this ck man was a Hallyu fan or instigated by someone, but how dare hee to make trouble at the studio!


    Feng Guiqin''s expressions were ugly!


    Wang Xiong''s facial expression became gloomy. He nearly went forward to beat him up!


    But Zhang Ye was very calm; furthermore, he even smiled at that man. The shot had already been broadcasted out, so he did not deliberately avoid this matter. It would in fact appear abnormal. Instead, Zhang Ye said to him, "Yo, we have a ck friend here too? But you don''t look very good. You might not have many days left, so you should enjoy your life as much as possible."


    "Ha? Why?" The ck guy was still holding the banner high, but he obviously looked doubtful. Not only did he understand Zhang Ye''s words, but he also knew how to speak Mandarin Chinese, just not at a good standard.


    Why would I not have many days left?


    Zhang Ye pretended to look like an old seer as he counted with his fingers pinched, then he pointed at him, "Because your be seems very dark (means you are seriously ill or can potentially have bad things happen to you in physiognomy)!"


    The audience was stunned, then burst outughing!


    "Hahaha! be seems dark?"


    "That''s a sign of dying!"


    "He''s ck! How can his be not be dark, dude!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye is too damaging! But��I like it!"


    The ck man was at a loss upon seeing an unangry Zhang Ye who end up flipping the tables on him. He could only silently put the banner away and not say a word.


    An incident that would have caused much trouble was easily resolved by Zhang Ye with just a few words. He did not lose out on the argument, but instead schooled the opponent into submission!


    Wang Bei said happily, "Zhang Ye is indeed Zhang Ye!"


    Dong Shanshan smiled. "I told you, his mouth is really wicked."


    Ah Qian was in total admiration, "Teacher Zhang''s joke segment really keepsing without a pause! This was obviously unexpected, but Teacher Zhang''s easily handled it with a spontaneous joke! So impressive!" In the past, Ah Qian''s ambition was to be a host, not a producer. He also wished to stand on stage, for everyone to see. This thought did not die until today. When he saw how Zhang Ye performed on stage, Ah Qian extinguished all thoughts of himself bing a host. He no longer felt that he was just as good as other hosts. Now he understood the gulf between him and a real host!


    Feng Guiqin heaved a sigh of relief.


    Many other colleagues also heaved sighs of relief.


    But just as Zhang Ye was about start the show properly, another ident happened!


    Yang Yang, the guy from Human Resources, had been standing off to the side near the stage watching the recording. He was with many other colleagues standing there and jostling around in the crowd when he tried to take a tiny step back. In the end, he identally bumped into a lighting rack at the back and caused it to fall over. It smashed into the ground with a thunderous noise!


    Smash!


    Yang Yang was dumbfounded!


    Everyone around him looked at him in shock!


    Yang Yang swore, even if he had a score to settle with Zhang Ye and did not like him much, he still knew the importance of today''s asion and would never do it on purpose!


    The live audience did not see it happening, but they heard the deafening crash!


    Another wave of cmity before the previous wave had settled? Everyone''s face went pale, what the heck was happening? Why was there another interruption? This was a live broadcast! How would they clear this up now?!


    Wang Xiong angrily said, "What''s wrong with you!


    The production team was now totally humbled, it''s over! This time, it''s really a live broadcast incident!


    The audience had heard it clearly and there was clearly somemotion. As for the audience watching the live broadcast at home on theirputers, they were definitely discussing about it now!


    ����


    It exploded online!


    Those Hallyu fans were all in great spirit!


    "Hehehehe! What did I say!"


    "The mess has just begun! An incident has urred! Serves you right!"


    ����


    But just as many people on the sidelines were gloating about this, while many of the colleagues present were anxious, Zhang Ye remained calm. The next moment, he looked at the ceiling in horror and sped his hands together and bowed twice, "Sorry for disturbing you. We will leave once we finish recording. We will leave immediately!"


    The very next moment, the audience burst intoughter after being momentarily stunned!


    "Ahahahaha!"


    "Can you not be so funny!"


    "Teacher Zhang! Who are you talking to!?"


    "Aiyah, I can''t take it anymore!"


    "Are you speaking to the Spirit of the Studio!?"


    "Did we rm the old esteemed Spirit of the Studio? Hahahaha!"

 Chapter 252: Teacher Zhang begins Cursing!

    <h4>Chapter 252: Teacher Zhang begins Cursing! </h4>


    Chapter 252: Teacher Zhang begins Cursing!


    Zhang Ye finished "praying" to the ceiling.


    Withughter came apuse!


    This joke segment of Zhang Ye came too timely. He did it less than a second after the loud crash had happened. It was unlike the usual when a host would give some formal exnation when a live broadcast incident urred. It brought out his witty side by converting the incident into a joke segment. This tickled everyone. If it wasn''t for the fact that the live audience could see that there was a lighting rack thaty on the ground all smashed up, they might even have thought that this was a pre-nned situation for Zhang Ye to do the joke!


    What a clever move!


    It was as well done as how he handled the matter with the ck guy!


    ����


    On the web.


    Those who were waiting for Zhang Ye to make a fool of himself were stunned.


    "What the heck!"


    "He can even follow up on that?"


    "There''s such a way to save the situation?"


    Those Hallyu fans who had cursed Zhang Ye were at a loss of words.


    With their imposing momentum lowered, Zhang Ye''s fans and the ultra-nationalists struck while the iron was hot and began cursing!


    "Haha! A bunch of brainless idiots!"


    "Still want to see Teacher Zhang make a fool of himself? All of you are sure funny! You guys sure are humorous!"


    "What sort of person is Zhang Ye!? Zhang Ye has done so many programs! Does he not have the ability to adapt!? Or would the WebTV dare to let Teacher Zhang Ye do a live broadcast!?"


    "You are underestimating Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "Teacher Zhang is domineering! That was a perfect rescue of the situation!"


    "Aiyah, I can''t handle it anymore. Teacher Zhang''s ''We will leave once we finish recording'' has stabbed me in the ribs! Hahahaha! I only knew Zhang Ye as a personst week! But why am I so in love with him now? Now no matter what Zhang Ye says, I just want tough the moment he opens his mouth! Are you guys in the same situation as me?"


    "Me too. I feel likeughing the moment I see Zhang Ye!"


    Many people from other online television stations, who were watching the live broadcast online, gave him a thumbs up in their hearts upon seeing Zhang Ye''s performance!


    ����


    At the studio.


    Wang Xiong was simply astounded!


    Colleagues of Zhang Ye and the production team for "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show could not hold back their feelings and also apuded. Zhang Ye''s rescue of the situation had turned a broadcast incident into a joke segment. Even for them professionals or WebTV hosts, they felt that they could not do the same under such an environment and pressure!


    Feng Guiqin smiled with relief. She looked to Wang Xiong who was by her side, "I told you Little Zhang could do it!"


    Wang Xiong never agreed with doing the live broadcast before this, now he was finally assured, "This Teacher Little Zhang, his reaction is too quick! Haha!"


    An old man, who was apany leader, was standing beside them as he said in surprise, "When did our WebTV department recruit such a talent?"


    Feng Guiqin smiled. "We just recruited him a short while ago, you were away on a business trip at that time."


    The old man tapped his head continuously saying, "This recruitment was very well done. To have such a good reaction speed and resilience, he''s a really talented host. There''s not many of them in the country, even if there is, they are all working for those traditional television stations. Those people have very well drawn contracts to prevent headhunters from getting to them. How much did ourpany pay to recruit this Little Zhang? 500,000? 1,000,000?"


    Feng Guiqinughed, "Not a single cent, this Little Zhang was fired by Beijing Television Station. He was a free agent with no contractual obligations."


    The old man was very happy, "There''s even such a good deal? Is Beijing Television Station stupid? Such a good host and they were willing to release him?"


    "The internal happenings were moreplicated, I do not know the details very well myself," Feng Guiqin said, "But what I can say for sure is that we picked up a bargain." Actually before recruiting Zhang Ye, thepany''s management had already considered and analyzed the issue. They felt that Zhang Ye was a double-edged sword, he could hurt others and hurt them too. They were taking a bet on him. Looking back now, they felt that they had made the right bet!


    ����


    On-stage.


    A few close shaves had been handled well by Zhang Ye. He also had his back full of sweat over the incidents, but only he knew about it. He could react so quickly this time because back then on "Tonight 80''s Talkshow", a simr situation urred, though it was a backstage incident that happened. Even if Zhang Ye did not eat the Memory Search Capsule, he would definitely remember that episode, so he borrowed the host, Wang Zijian''s words!


    Whew.


    Finally, he could start the live broadcast.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Thank you very much for watching today''s ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''. I am your host, Zhang Ye. Many people must have heard about today''s program. Yes, this episode is a live broadcast. So despite being such an excellent host in this industry, I also can''t help but feel nervous!" As he said that, he adjusted his tie.


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    The audience began to boo!


    Zhang Ye pretended not to hear it and carried on speaking in his jolly manner, "After the first episode''s broadcast, the response from the audience was very good. The program''s clicks steadily climbed. There were people who praised my program and there were also people who cursed my program. Someone said, Zhang Ye you are lying. You are cheating us consumers. How can you go off-script for such a long program? Impossible, absolutely impossible!"


    Here ites!


    He went straight to the point!


    The eyes of the audience lit up. Everyone knew the person who doubted Zhang Ye. It was Lee Parkwoo and his brainless fans!


    Zhang Ye suddenly said to the camera, "What I want to say is that you guys guessed right!"


    "Ah?"


    "What did that mean?"


    "He really isn''t doing it off-script?"


    "That''s not right. I don''t see any teleprompter?"


    Zhang Ye said to the camera as he pointed to an empty space before him. He began gesturing a podium-like shape, "Those watching the inte live broadcast might not understand. Actually all the live audience present can see it clearly. In front of me, yes, which is this podium. On it are all the scripts for this episode. Someizens who are watching the live broadcast might ask. Aiyah, why can''t we see anything. Well, actually you can''t me yourself. It''s because our Weiwopany''s technology processing is too good. I have a friend��Her name is Dong Shanshan."


    Due to the first episode, everyone could not help butugh upon hearing Dong Shanshan''s name.


    Dong Shanshan gave a look of innocence, "��"


    Wang Bei roared withughter, "He''s talking about you again, Shanshan!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Those friends who watched the first episode should know. She''s my ssmate from college. Right, she''s the one who goes to the stock exchange when she misses home. Back in school, she was good in her studies, especially inputer technology. So forst episode, and this episode''s live broadcast, I had pleaded for Teacher Dong Shanshan to help me do someputer processing." He pointed towards the cameras and said, "The audience in front of your screens, the reason why you can''t see the podium in front of me is because Teacher Dong Shanshan has Photoshopped it away. Right, she has removed this table frame by frame!"


    Photoshopped?


    How do your Photoshop a live broadcast!


    Everyone could tell what he meant as they burst out withughter, "Hahaha!"


    Zhang Ye said to the audience, "All the audience present can see this podium, right?"


    "Right!"


    "That''s right! Haha!"


    "Pfft! There is a podium! We can bear witness!"


    The live audience also followed suit and made amotion, everyone was enjoying the joke!


    Dong Shanshan, Wang Bei, Ah Qian and the others were all amused. This was self-mocking sarcasm! This sort of joke segment was generally not very effective, but Zhang Ye employed it perfectly! Zhang Ye did not fight against those doubters but instead admitted it. But the irony was that the sarcasm worked better in retaliating to their doubts and even added a sense of joy! On the surface, Zhang Ye was self-mocking. Nonsensically exining that there was a podium in front, he wrapped his exnation up with sarcasm. This was in fact scolding those brainless fans, whom did not believe that he had gone off-script for the whole episode, and that they had nomon sense!


    ����


    Viewers on the inte were all tickled with joy!


    "Aiyo! Hahahaha!"


    "Well said, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye. If you say it like that, that Korean might even believe you''re for real. His intelligence is infinitely close to zero. Who knows he might even post something like ''See, what did I tell you, Zhang Ye does use a teleprompter'', hahaha!"


    "Right off the bat, he''s being sarcastic about Lee Parkwoo''s intelligence level! Teacher Zhang is indeed still that temperamental guy we know! From Beijing to Shanghai! But his temper remains the same!"


    "Mighty!"


    "Angrily praising Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "What did I say, what did I say! Lee Parkwoo scolded Zhang Ye? You really don''t know who he is! It''s been so many months already. Those cursing buzzwords trending on the inte, the top 5 curses still originates from Teacher Zhang Ye. No one has been able to surpass him! You still dare to scold him? You must be looking for death! With that mouth of his, even a living person can be said until he''s dead. And a dead person can be said until he lives again! Hahaha! Look, now you are being scolded already, right?"


    ����


    The live audience was also delighted!


    Although they thought that this was the end with Zhang Ye changing topics after retorting, they realized how naive they were the next moment!


    Zhang Ye stared into the camera and said, "So, that Korean friend who scolded me on Weibo, you are right. I''m really shocked. I never expected you to see through it. I was using such a method to cheat. Hai, I''m so embarrassed. I never expected there to be mountains beyond mountains, and heavens beyond heavens!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Lee Parkwoo is a dumbass!"


    A member of the audience shouted very loudly, so it could be heard!


    Zhang Ye quickly interrupted him, "Don''t scold people. Please don''t scold. Actually, we should talk things out nicely. This is a mistake brought about by culture and geographical distances, so it is understandable."


    The person was stunned, "Ah?"


    Ah Qian also blinked, "Why is Teacher Zhang speaking up for the Korean?"


    The other audience and theizens online looked at himpletely with clueless expressions. Impossible, this wasn''t Zhang Ye''s style!


    Zhang Ye surprised everyone by being so magnanimous. He said earnestly, "Actually I feel quite helpless seeing people scolding Teacher Lee Parkwoo. Everyone has their bright spots. Let me ask you. Have you heard him sing? Have you watched his television dramas? Do you know him as a person?"


    Everyone was momentarily speechless.


    If they were honest with themselves, many of them had actually never seen Lee Parkwoo''s shows. They had only cursed him because he had garnered too much hatred with his words.


    The youth who had just cursed even lowered his head. He was ashamed for his actions!


    Teacher Zhang Ye was the one who was gracious! Teacher Zhang was indeed magnanimous! He actually objectively spoke up for Lee Parkwoo!


    Then, they heard Zhang Ye speaking in a righteous, fair and objective manner, "So I always believe that only after you watch his television dramas, and walk into his world, will you be like me, in which you understand him as a person, you will definitely have the same thoughts as mine. That is, what the JB* is this!"


    The youth, who was repenting his actions, immediately turned stunned. Then with an ''Aiyo'', he held his belly as heughed loudly, "Hahahaha! Aiyah! I amughing so hard I have stitches!"


    The other audiences were stunned for a second!


    Then immediately with a gasp! The sound ofughter exploded!


    *In China, JB is short for ���� (j�� b��), or penis.

 Chapter 253: Zhang Ye’s Cursing Time!

    <h4>Chapter 253: Zhang Ye��s Cursing Time! </h4>


    Chapter 253: Zhang Ye''s Cursing Time!


    "That was a godly reversal!"


    "Ahahahaha!"


    "Someone help me up! I can''t get up! I''mughing too hard!"


    "Zhang Ye, you''re too naughty! So it was waiting right at the end!"


    "Aiyah, I can''t take it anymore! I can''t take it anymore! This joke segment is so freaking ssic!"


    "Where''s a pen? I must jot it down! Just learning a tiny bit from Teacher Zhang will make you invincible when cursing throughout the world!"


    The whole studio was enveloped inughter. This could be the loudest decibel reaction to a joke segment since the beginning of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show".


    Dong Shanshan wasughing with her face covered!


    Wang Beiughed until her high heels came off!


    Ah Qian and Little Yu hammered on their own thighs with joy!


    Sister Four and the other cameramen covered their mouths as theyughed. They were the closest to the audio receivers and didn''t want to affect the live broadcast. They held it in, but it was too difficult as tears rolled down their eyes. They nearly fainted fromughing too much and almost affected their recording work!


    What the JB* is this?


    We thought that after your exnation of Lee Parkwoo, we would realize that he''s a good person! In the end, Zhang Ye came up with such a line! Hahaha! What were you even thinking! This reversal transition was freaking unexpected! Teacher Zhang Ye! By doing this, you will make Lee Parkwoo cry! He''ll really cry!


    Some people found it irksome.


    The ck guy frowned, "Why are you cursing!?"


    Zhang Ye blinked his eyes, "Cursing? Who cursed? I said ''J��n B�� (coins)''. You don''t know what JB means? Oh, maybe as a foreigner, you don''t really understand Chinese that well. In our country, JB means J��n B��, or coins. JIN BI is the contraction of Hanyu Pinyin. What is J��n B��? It''s a very precious thing. It''s very valuable and morous. I was praising Teacher Lee Parkwoo''s mor. When did I swear?"


    ck guy, "��*%$##@@@!"


    The moment the audience heard it, they were overjoyed, "Hahaha!"


    Zhang Ye pointed to the other members of the audience, "If you don''t believe me, ask anyone in the audience. What does JB mean?"


    All the audience of the People''s Republic of China shouted in unison, "Of course it''s J��n B�� (coins)! Hahaha!"


    "See, I''m not wrong, right?" Zhang Ye shrugged his shoulders, "This program of ours is very high end, how can we allow such profanities to appear?"


    The ck guy was nearly about to cry. Your sister! Do you really think I don''t know Chinese!?


    The old man off-stage and thepany''s Leaders were all at a loss whether tough or cry as they looked towards Feng Guiqin, "This new program of yours has such a high yardstick!"


    Feng Guiqin had been tickled greatly for long time, she finally managed to catch her breath and said breathlessly, "It''s alright. WebTV does have a higher tolerance as long as it does not use prohibited words or cross the line too obviously."


    Wang Xiongughed, "I finally understand now. Teacher Little Zhang''s program today is too funny! It can''t be him scolding the Koreans for the entire episode, right?"


    Unfortunately, Wang Xiong had really guessed it!


    ����


    Theughter continued on for quite some time thatsted about 5 to 6 seconds. When it died down, Zhang Ye continued to say*, "Speaking of Koreans, I''ve actually always admired them a lot, do you know why? Because the cross-talkers in our country all have to memorize something from young �� The Imperial Feast List. Us broadcast majors were also required to memorize this while in school, to practice tongue twisters with it. There is a total of 108 dishes. As a Chinese national, I feel the pain of having to memorize all of it. It consists of the Manchu Han Imperial Feast dishes and I had to memorize it."


    The audience immediately pped!


    "Show us what you can do!"


    "Right, recite it!"


    Dong Shanshan was stunned. They had never memorized "The Imperial Feast List" before, but a professor had suggested that they practice it, though it was not required.


    The other colleagues were also unsure if Zhang Ye could do it.


    His world also had "The Imperial Feast List" cross-talk segment. Because it was too traditional, the history of Manchu Han Imperial Feast did not change. So in this world, it still existed. Zhang Ye had checked it out before the broadcast.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Alright then. Let me simply say a short tongue-twisting paragraph. Well, I''ll treat you��steamedmb, steamed bear''s paw, steamed deer''s tail, roast duck��" Zhang Ye was initially saying it very slowly, but as he spoke, his speed increased, with not a break in between, "Roast hen, roast green goose, stewed pig, stewed chicken, preserved ham, preserved egg, dried ham, sausage, assorted vegetables, smoked chicken with tripe, steamed pig with eight treasures, ducked brewed with glutinous rice, pot-braised pheasant, pot-braised quail, simmered chicken giblets in brine, simmered goose in brine��etc!" With this foundational skill showcased, it was not funny, but in fact, quite stunning. This tongue-twisting paragraph was already much better than many domestic cross-talk actors!


    "Alright!"


    "Well said!"


    Everyone apuded loudly!


    Wang Bei and the other hosts also apuded with praise. To be fair, just looking at the basics, they could notpare to Zhang Ye. No wonder his oratorical skills were so good. His foundation was already so solid. Just from this, it could be said that Zhang Ye did not save any effort when learning, he had taken it all in!


    But in truth, all of this was credited to the Memory Search Capsules. Zhang Ye had, in recent days, spent all of the Reputation he had acquired on Memory Search Capsules. His memory was full of information now and his basic knowledge was ever increasing. Saying that he could recite it in a cross-talk manner was an understatement. He could even read it backwards without any problem. This was because he was different from those who memorized it traditionally since he could retrieve everything directly from his memory.


    With a slight deviation, he had shown his skills in a simple way. Zhang Ye continued with his jokes, "Did you fall asleep while listening to that? I needed to memorize 108 dishes, so I particrly admire my Korean peers. If I were them, it would be so awesome. It would be so much more simpler." He cleared his throat and said, "I''ll treat you��Kimchi-seumida, Kimchi-seumida, Kimchi-seumida, Kimchi-seumida, Kimchi-seumida��as well as Kimchi-seumida*!"


    "Hahaha!"


    "Aiyah, that''s too funny!"


    "They only have Kimchi!"


    The audience burst out intoughter!


    Zhang Ye''s continued on, saying helplessly, "Butter on, I realized I was wrong. I personally know a Korean cross-talker and found out that their ''The Imperial Feast List'' was longer than ours. The types of dishes are much more rich in variety." Seeing that everyone was confused, Zhang Ye said, "First of all, their first 108 dishes are the same as ours!"


    Wang Bei, who was just taking a sip of water, had spit it all out!


    Ah Qian, who was sitting in front of Wang Bei was sprayed with water on his shoes, but he didn''t care. He was still thumping his thighs andughing!


    The Chinese characters were yours?


    The printing press was also yours?


    The Dragon Boat Festival also belonged to you?


    When Zhang Ye said that their 108 dishes were the same as theirs, it revealed just how despicable the Koreans were in the eyes of the Chinese!


    "After memorizing all of these, after the salted duck and chicken, they still needed to add on one more," Zhang Ye raised his hands and gestured, "From the Changbai mountains to the Bohai Bay that spans 3000 Li, stretching over 5000 years of history, the specialized traditional delicacy of the Republic of Korea �� Kimchi-seumida!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    Bba Bba Bba!


    Apuse rang out in the midst ofughter!


    After Zhang Ye finished one segment, the next one came, "Actually about the names for food, everywhere is different. For example, wanton. In the North, it''s called wanton, while in the Sichuan, it''s called ''dragon reading hands'', right?" Looking at the audience off-stage, "And in Korea, do you know what it''s called?"


    "In Korea?"


    "No idea."


    "What''s it called?"


    The audience asked curiously.


    Zhang Ye raised his hands and made the same exaggerated hand gesture as before, "From the Changbai mountains to the Bohai Bay that spans 3000 Li, stretching over 5000 years of history, the specialized traditional delicacy of the Republic of Korea��Wanton-seumida!"


    Just as Zhang Ye said "From the Changbai mountains", the audience already knew what he was going to say and began tough hysterically!


    "Aiyah!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Let me rest! I can''tugh any more!"


    The audience was in stitches. Those who were easy to humor were already clutching their bellies andughing!


    However, Zhang Ye did not n on giving the audience a chance to catch their breaths. As a few members of the audience were wiping their tears, the next joke segment came, "When talking about Korea''s delicacies, actually I need to improve everyone''s knowledge," said Zhang Ye as he noticed someone was about tough, "It''s not a joke. It''s really knowledge."


    The audience quietened down to listen.


    Some blinked while others were curious.


    Zhang Ye looked at everyone and said, "Truthfully, I cannot understand why Koreans like Kimchi so much. Although I like it too. Right? It has a crisp taste that''s sour, sweet, and spicy. Yes, and most importantly, it''s cheap. It''s just such a food, but they can never leave it out. No matter what they eat, they will eat it with Kimchi. So a word of advice to the people sitting in front of your screens and the audience present, if you don''t need to eat Kimchi, try not to eat it. As salted food is carcinogenic!"


    Carcinogenic?


    Indeed, this was backed by scientific facts!


    The audience believed that he was expanding their knowledge, so they listened attentively.


    However, Zhang Ye next said, "Well, this is also why when you watch Korean dramas, the moment the couple gets together��after some time, one of them will fall terminally ill!*"


    The moment he said that, the audience went into a daze beforeughing while clutching their stomachs!


    Zhang Ye then pointed to the camera as he stared, "You think it''s because the plot was cliche? No! It''s because of the Kimchi!"


    The moment thest phrase, "it''s because of the Kimchi" was said, the audience burst out intoughter!


    Many people wereughing and cheering at the same time! Apuse filled the entire recording studio!


    ����


    At this moment.


    Those watching the live broadcast on the inte were alsoughing!


    "Teacher Zhang Ye is too awesome!"


    "I always knew Teacher Zhang was awesome! I never expected him to be so awesome!"


    "Hahahaha! What a great feeling! What a good scolding! Today''s Zhang Ye seems to be imbued with the power of gods!"


    "So fun! Actually I came here just to scold those braindead fans, and didn''t know Zhang Ye as a person, but holy f**k! Today, I have realize my ignorance! When did our country have such a coquettish celebrity? And such a nice, relieving and humorous entertainment program? Zhang Ye! I will be your fan from now on!"


    "Aiyah, this is f**king hrious!"


    "Is this a concert to screw over Korea?"


    "He scolded the Koreans from beginning to end? It feels so good!"


    "I''ve never felt as good as I have today!"


    "Zhang Ye''s mouth is really f**king defying the heavens. Look and see. Previously, many Korean exchange students and those braindead fans were scolding, now they have all been sent packing by Teacher Zhang Ye''s scolding!"


    "How many things exist in Teacher Zhang''s head? Didn''t he just have conflict with Lee Parkwoo earlier today? Then, he had his live broadcast at night. There''s no way he coulde up with a script so quickly, and those ssic joke segments were followed one after another like they cost nothing! Teacher Zhang Ye''s literary talent is peerless!"


    Literary talent?


    Did he need any bullsh*t literary talent!?


    Joke segments that ridiculed Koreans? Zhang Ye could go on for three days and nights without any repetition!


    In Zhang Ye''s world, be it cross talk, or talk show programs, there were only four things to do.


    1. Ridicule Korea.


    2. Ridicule Japan.


    3. Ridicule America.


    4�� Carry on ridiculing Korea!


    *In China, JB is short for ���� (j�� b��), or penis.


    *The segment about the 108 dishes to Kimchi causing death in Korean dramas is taken ad verbatim from the


    24 Jun 2012 episode (from 02:56 to 06:10) of Wang Zijian''s "Tonight 80''s Talk Show".


    *Seumida (???) is an honorific way of ending Korean sentences, so it is often heard in Korean conversations.


    *A popr troupe in Korean drama is a sudden terminal illness contracted by one of the main leads. For othermon Korean drama troupes, check out this guide.

 Chapter 254: Scolding till the Skies Go Dark!

    <h4>Chapter 254: Scolding till the Skies Go Dark! </h4>


    Chapter 254: Scolding till the Skies Go Dark!


    The atmosphere in the studio was getting high!


    The viewers who were watching from home were all giving their kudos!


    Zhang Ye''s continual waves of joke segments had brought everyone''s mood to the peak. Whether they watched the broadcast live or watched the recording live, the audience was filled with joy and appeased. Except for a minority, most people in the country did not have good impressions or even bad impressions of the Koreans. Their nation was too loud. One moment, this was theirs. Another moment, that was theirs too. They had brought up so many issues, everyone already hated them to the bone. In the past, the domestic media only protested a little here and there. At most, the domestic variety programs poked a little fun at these matters and nothing more. It didn''t make much impact, until today. The situation hadpletely changed!


    This country now had a program called "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show"!


    This country now had a guy who dared to openly speak and his name was Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye, who was neither afraid of the heavens or the earth, had started scolding the Koreans from the beginning to almost the end of this episode!


    Di Di.


    Below the stage, Feng Guiqin had received a message from thepany''s technical department. She lowered her head to read and broke into a smile.


    "What''s the matter, Director Feng?" Wang Xiong asked.


    Feng Guiqin waved her cellphone, "The online viewer data has been calcted."


    The old man on the other side asked, "How many are there?"


    Feng Guiqin smiled. "There''s currently a total of 2.9 million people watching online and this figure is steadily increasing!"


    When the old man and Wang Xiong both heard this, as did some colleagues who were seated around them, everyone secretly took a deep, breath of cool air!


    Thinking back about the first episode of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show", it had only hit 2 million some time after the broadcast had ended, but for this live broadcast, just the online viewers right now numbered close to 3 million? Are you f**king headed for 10 million views for this episode? What would 10 million views mean? No one even dared to think about it! This new program by Teacher Zhang Ye wasn''t just the highest viewed program for its debut episode on WebTV, it was also the first live broadcasted program! With these 2 des, it was even going for the record of highest average views for a WebTV program episode?


    "How much more do we have left?" Feng Guiqin asked.


    Wang Xiong looked at his watch, "There''s still about 6-7 minutes left."


    Feng Guiqin nodded, "There shouldn''t be a problem crossing the 3 million viewer mark. After 24 hours, this episode should easily hit 10 million views!"


    ����


    On Weibo.


    The program had been broadcasted for over 20 minutes now. It was spreading like wildfire online. Perhaps some people who didn''t pay attention to or didn''t like entertainment programs would never actively try to understand, but being the provoker of this incident �� Lee Parkwoo could not possibly not know. Even if he didn''t pay attention, even if he did not know Chinese, his manager or trantor would definitely tell him!


    Then, Lee Parkwoo''s Weibo after being silent for a long time finally posted, "With regards to the abuse and personal attacks, it has caused me much emotional distress. I retain the right to take legal action!" Even a fool could see that this post was directed towards Zhang Ye.


    His brainless fans responded because of this!


    "Zhang Ye, go to hell!"


    "How dare you anger our Lee Parkwoo!"


    "Zhang Ye! You dumb pig! You will receive retribution!"


    "Right! Pursue legal responsibilities! Sue him in court!"


    "The words that Zhang Ye says is so irksome! It makes me want to grit my teeth with hate! How can he say that about our Lee Parkwoo!? What''s wrong with Korea? Korea is better than the People''s Republic of China in every way!"


    Another wave of people began to fight back.


    "A bunch of braindead fans!"


    "There''s no way ofmunicating with them!"


    "Korea is good? Then go to Korea! Hurry and get lost!"


    "Do you people even know who was the first one to instigate matters? It was the Lee Parkwoo you worship and respect! He was the first to nder Zhang Ye by saying that he could not possibly go off script for such a long time, that he was faking it and had a teleprompter, but what were the facts? As everyone has seen in this live broadcast of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show", the number of cameras were clear for all to see. There was no teleprompter, nor did Zhang Ye wear an earpiece. It was also impossible he had someone hold up a script for him. In the 20 minutes, he depended on his own strength and experience to go fully unscripted for the whole show! Yes, there might not be many hosts with such strengths, but Zhang Ye is one of them. Zhang Ye could do this! So what are you all bbering on for? Want to sue Zhang Ye? Don''t make meugh. If there''s any suing to be done, it should be Zhang Ye suing Lee Parkwoo for nder and personal attacks instead! It shouldn''t be Lee Parkwoo, the guilty party, doing the suing!"


    ����


    Center stage.


    Zhang Ye was enjoying everyone''s cheering and apuse.


    The audience was all looking forward to more with their eyes wide open. Although they knew the program was almost at an end, they still hoped that Zhang Ye would say a little more, scold a little more. They truly got a kick out of it just by watching !


    But it seemed like Zhang Ye did not have anymore to say, "With the newfound knowledge about Kimchi, let''s move on to other matters."


    The audience clearly looked disappointed. Talk about other things? Not talking about the Koreans anymore?


    In the end, Zhang Ye said, "Forget it, talking about other things is not as interesting. Let''s continue talking about Korea!"


    "Hahahaha!" The audience members whistled, "Yi! !"


    Sure enough, Zhang Ye did not disappoint. After so many cursing segments, he still did not hold back. This was the oue of offending Zhang Ye. This fellow was too vengeful and didn''t like to lose. You scold me once? Then I will scold you ten times!


    Only for Zhang Ye to continue hooting, "Recently, I was met with an incident. As all of you know, I am now famous. Many people are now paying attention to me." his eyes looking cocky.


    "Yi!"


    "Haha!"


    Zhang Ye spread opened his arms, "But two days ago, I heard news from Korea that said: ''Zhang Ye ah, you are also a Korean-seumida''. I was so shocked at that moment, did you know? That can''t be, me? Korean? With more than six degrees of separation, I''m a pure bred Beijing-er. Then they said, ''Zhang Ye, you really are a Korean-seumida.'' I asked why and they said ''Look online, didn''t many people call you a �� Poker Faced (����)* Comedian!''"


    The audience was confused for a moment, then they were struck by realization!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, damn it!"


    "Poker Faced Comedian? Isn''t that Korean Cold Noodles (����) Comedian if put together!?"


    ����


    Online, a lot of brainless fans began to flood with their posts!


    "Ban Zhang Ye!"


    "He''s too wicked!"


    "His mouth is full of nonsense!"


    "When did Korea offend you? Must you mock them so ruthlessly?"


    ����


    At this moment, the field director gestured to Zhang Ye that there were only 5 minutes remaining in this broadcast.


    Zhang Ye looked at the audience. He hadn''t bothered about the time because he had already taken into ount of his timing, "When this episode is over, mark my words, there will surely be waves of cursing at me from the Korean celebrities and fans. Hai, to be honest, it''s not very eptable of me to say all that. This time, I''ve offended too many people, but��.. I said what I said!" Zhang Ye looked into the camera and pointed and said, "If you aren''t happy, bite me!"


    "Hahaha!"


    "Strongly supporting!"


    "That''s right! Come bite us!"


    The audience once again burst outughing, grinning from ear to ear!


    Zhang Ye''s earlier expression was really asking for a beating. It did not have a hint of ss that a famous host or literary person should have, but the Zhang Ye of this moment was the cutest to many members of the audience. This was truly what you''d call gutsy talking! I''m scolding you! You aren''t convinced? Come bite me then!


    Thepany leaders and colleagues below the stage could not help butugh. They really couldn''t do anything about him!


    After trash talking the Koreans, Zhang Ye still cheerfully finished off, "Aiya, I''ve spoken too much already. Yea, actually it''s not good to keep saying things like this about Korea. It''s really not good. I want to thank the Republic of Korea here, not hypocritically or faking it. I really want to thank them for contributing once and again to China''s entertainment industry. It was you all that spared no effort to advance China''s Talk Show! To be honest, if there wasn''t such a wonderful country, my Talk Show program might have ended at 2 episodes. There was nothing else to talk about and when I was worried till my hair dropped, I came across the world map and saw the Republic of Korea. In a sh of genius, I felt��.the lowest estimates of episodes I could record would be around 180 episodes! I even had the feeling that as long as the Republic of Korea exists, China''s Talk Shows would definitely make rapid progress. We would never run out of joke segments to perform! So here, I will bow to the camera for you all. I represent China''s entertainment industry in expressing our gratitude towards you! You are the real unsung heroes!" saying that, Zhang Ye bowed deeply to the camera!


    The audience could no longer handle it. They wereughing like they had gone mad!


    "Aiyahahahahha!"


    "I can''t breathe!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s mouth is too damaging!"


    "After scolding them, he even thanked them? You sure are bad!"


    Today''s joke segments were a little messy. The joke segments came from many different Talk Shows. Some came from cross-talks, others came from the masses wisdom of the inte in his previous world and some were even original creations of Zhang Ye''s. He was, after all, a broadcast major, so how could he not have a few tricks up his sleeves?


    Time was almost up.


    Zhang Ye sped his hands together and interrupted theughter. He smiled and said, "Today''s program will end here. Finally, let''s summarize the topics of today. Koreans invented the printing press? Koreans invented Chinese characters? Koreans invented the Dragon Boat Festival? Some people might not be able to help but ask, then what did the Chinese invent?" Zhang Ye straightened his suit, saying, "Let me tell all of you, the Chinese invented the Koreans!**"


    There was not one vulgarity in this statement!


    But it was the most ruthless scolding he had said today!


    The moment the audience heard it, they felt an impulse surge through them as they stood up and apuded, "Nice! Well said! Hahaha!"


    "Invented Koreans?"


    "That''s right, they were originally ''invented'' by us!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s cursing without vulgarities sure has f**king lots of patterns!"


    "Aiyah, this is the first time I''m slightly pitying those bunch of Koreans! They encountered a damn hooligan like Teacher Zhang Ye! They can only end up being cursed!


    "Too awesome!"


    "Giving Zhang Ye 100,000 Likes!"


    "Teacher Zhang! You are our role model!"


    "I seem to have seen it! The Koreans that were watching our program are probably crying out of anger! Hahaha! I express my heartfelt condolences!"


    *Poker/Cold Faced (����) can also mean Cold Noodles. Face and noodles share the same Chinese character (��). There is a unique Korean dish, called naengmyeon (??), which means Cold Noodles in Korean.


    **This is implying that Koreans are descendants of the ancient Chinese race, but research suggests this is not true. They are more closer rted to Mongolians, Manchurians and the Japanese. They are gically distinct from Southern Chinese.

 Chapter 255: Great Victory!

    <h4>Chapter 255: Great Victory! </h4>


    Chapter 255: Great Victory!


    The live broadcast ended.


    Just like the previous episode, the audience gave a standing ovation, with no one leaving.


    Zhang Ye already knew how to handle the situation, so he walked off stage, "Thank you everyone, but the program has ended. If there''s still a chance to in the future, we would like to invite you again. It has been tough on you, our staff members still need to clean up the set for the next program''s recording. Please go home and rest. Those who are interested, you can follow me on Weibo or Tieba, and we can have some interaction online."


    A female member of the audience cheered, "Teacher Zhang, I love you!"


    A male member of the audience also shouted, "Haha, Teacher Zhang, I love you too!"


    Another girl added, "You did such a great job! You are No.1 in the entertainment industry! You are the most unique celebrity domestically and in the entire world! Any other celebrities can be reced, any celebrity, but it can''t do without you! Teacher Zhang Ye! No one can rece you! You spoke in such a godly fashion today!"


    "Zhang Ye! Great scolding today!" a middle aged man yelled out.


    Zhang Ye held his hands together and thanked them, "Thank you, thank you everyone."


    The audience started to leave the recording studio one by one. As usual, those that wanted autographs and photos were spared five minutes by Zhang Ye.


    When the audience had finally cleared out, their faces had expressions that seemed to say they wanted more. Although they did not know each other, their rtionships grew closer because of the program. They all left in groups of two or three,ughing and discussing the joke segments performed today!


    ����


    The doors closed.


    It was all their own people now.


    Only then did Zhang Ye copse into a seat in the audience stands. He leaned back and closed his eyes, motionless. Today''s episode was much more intense than the previous one. It sapped all of his physical and mental strength. Because it was a live broadcast, there was no time to rest and no second chances. Every joke segment was a one time deal and he had to ensure that they were delivered with the biggest impact. There was one or two joke segments that he did not deliver well enough to achieve the maximum effect, but overall it wasn''t too bad. It couldn''t be considered a w since they were still within his eptable standards. After all, a program could never be perfect, it was the same for anyone. At best, it would slowly evolve towards perfection and be done better.


    "Teacher Zhang, water!" A female staff member rushed over and hurriedly gave him a bottle of mineral water. She even unscrewed the cap for him, "Are you alright?"


    "I''m fine." Zhang Ye took it from her and drank.


    "Here''s a warm towel." Another intern came over. He was a college senior and had been assigned to Zhang Ye''s team the moment he entered thepany.


    "Thank you." Zhang Ye used it to wipe his sweat off his face.


    Feng Guiqin was seen walking to the side of the stage, as she said, "You guys, hold up."


    Severalpany employees had watched the free live broadcast and were about to leave. When they were stopped by the Leader, they all turned their heads.


    Feng Guiqin said with a deadpan expression, "Right at the beginning of the live broadcast, who knocked over themp?"


    No one spoke. This sort of matter would offend people, but still, a few people looked towards Yang Yang.


    Yang Yang knew he could not keep it under the wraps as he bit the bullet and stepped forward, "Director Feng, I identally bumped into it. I was really careless!"


    Feng Guiqin looked at him, "What''s your name?"


    "I��am Yang Yang." Yang Yang said with a despondent face.


    Feng Guiqin nodded, "Follow me."


    Yang Yang knew that the leader was going to criticize him. It wasn''t likely that he would be fired, but a deduction of his bonus or wages was guaranteed. He was depressed. This was such a mishap, butints beingints, Yang Yang knew that he was in fact very lucky today. When the lighting rack fell over and made that thunderous noise, it was already a broadcasting incident. If it were any other host, they would probably not have been able to handle it. So it was really lucky that Zhang Ye was the host. Not only did he smoothen over the incident, he even turned it into a joke segment. His wits stunned everyone. If not for Zhang Ye''s quick reaction, Yang Yang knew that he would definitely lose his job today!


    A few people had already left.


    Wang Xiong stayed behind for a moment and looked towards Zhang Ye, who was taking a break. He smiled. "Teacher Little Zhang, well done. I have nothing else to say about today''s episode." Saying that, he reached out his hand and gave him a big thumbs up. Zhang Ye was about to stand up, but Wang Xiong waved him back down, "You rest, I''ll be on my way. You should go home early and have a good rest. There''s still an episode to record tomorrow, but it won''t be a live broadcast. Let''s do the recording tomorrow afternoon.


    Zhang Ye obeyed the order.


    Wang Xiong also left.


    The upper management leaders departed. Some of his colleagues, who were there also left, but a few familiar people who were on good terms with Zhang Ye all went over to congratte him.


    Dong Shanshan imposed herself, "Why was I mentioned again this episode?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "No other way. Just mentioning your name tickles the audience."


    Dong Shanshan chuckled "Right, so this time I didn''t go to the stock exchange, but became aputer expert? What role do you want me to be in the next episode? Supergirl?"


    The colleaguesughed.


    Sister Four came over and pointed to her eyes, "Little Zhang, take a look."


    "What''s wrong, Sister Four? You cried? Your eyes are red." Zhang Ye acknowledged.


    Sister Four pped him on the shoulder, "I teared up from all theughter! Iughed till my tears kept flowing! This episode was too great! It was better than the previous episode!"


    "That''s right, that''s right!"


    "Indeed, I also think this episode will break records again!"


    "Right. I initially felt that the second episode would not be as well-received as the first. After all, a new program''s pilot episode usually debuts well and then slip in ratings, but within the first ten minutes of the live broadcast, I knew I was wrong! This episode definitely won''t lose out to the first!"


    "Haha, but the content was so brazen. Teacher Little Zhang, are you sure it won''t be a problem?"


    "I guess there will be many people scolding Teacher Zhang after today. Not to mention those professionals, I''m sure they will be part of the scolders! This is going to be tough!"


    "Hei, Teacher Zhang Ye is afraid of their scolding? You sure are funny!"


    ����


    That night.


    "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" had finished airing, and it caused a stir on the inte!


    A lot of people had watched the live broadcast online, while some people waited till after the show ended to watch it. An hour after the program ended, the discussions about this episode''s topic of Koreans had reached a high point!


    "F**k! I''ve opened my eyes today!"


    "What a great ''the Chinese invented the Koreans''! Wahahaha!"


    "Zhang Ye �� I didn''t know who you were at all, but this name is now etched in my memory forever!"


    "Hahaha! Lee Parkwoo''s Weibo is silent! He''s been cussed to great effect by Zhang Ye! He didn''t even dare to fart! Teacher Zhang Ye went full force today!"


    "Speaking of scolding, I don''t think that anyone canpare to Teacher Zhang Ye domestically! If he says ims to be second, then no one would dare im they are first! No matter if it''s locals or foreigners, whether they are celebrities ormoners. In the field of scolding and insulting, I''ve never witnessed anyone better at it than Teacher Zhang Ye! I bought a watchst year? A picture hung above the bed wards off pregnancy? All of these came from the great mind of Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    Another person posted in a discussion forum.


    "I will not concede to anyone in the future! Unless that person is Teacher Zhang Ye! He''s too damn good at it! He''s only a person, with a mouth, with a simple solo performance, but yet he yed with words to their maximum effect! His skills could already be considered as god level!"


    "Support Zhang Ye!"


    "It was time for someone to give the Koreans a scolding!"


    "Today, I got too excited! I''ve decided to join Zhang Ye''s fan club. This is the Tieba, right? From now on, any problem of Teacher Zhang Ye is a problem of mine! I will go to wherever he points!"


    "Ditto! Let''se together and scold the Koreans!"


    "Teacher Zhang is the light that guides us nationalistic youths! Count me in, I wanna join too. I''ve finally found a fucking organization that I can peacefully belong to! Hahahaha!"


    More and more people became interested in the topic!


    With Zhang Ye''s lead, a wave of Anti-Korean sentiment began rising online!


    The fanatic Korean fans also started to scold, but at this moment, after the broadcast of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" had ended, the pride of the nationalistic youths and Zhang Ye''s fans were at their best. They had the numbers, so why would they be afraid? A spit from each person and they would drown. In the end, the people who were scolding Zhang Ye barely made a ripple before they were fully suppressed!


    Time went by as the discussions went on.


    It was already near midnight.


    A lot of people were actually wondering, normally when a situation like this uerd, some professionals or schrs would usually jump in or some celebrities would stand up to say something? It was always the same thing they would say. Things like how everyone should not be too xenophobic, or how Korea is a nation with its own good points, or how nationalistic youths are undesirable, or how the rtionship between the two nations should not be severed, or how Korean products or societal views were more advanced than them as Chinese and should be learnt from, etc, etc, etc.


    But no one said a thing!


    Today, not a single person said a thing!


    There were many nationalistic youths and people who disliked the Koreans, but there were also many people who liked Korean culture. So how could it be that no professionals or celebrities stood up to denounce Zhang Ye?


    What was going on?


    It didn''t seem normal!


    Many of Zhang Ye''s hardcore fans did not go to sleep because they were waiting for this sort of person toe forward. They had already discussed that the moment these denouncers appeared and criticized Zhang Ye with the "moral cudgel" or say that he should have been more careful with his words or that he should not have scolded others on a program, they would all be scolded by his hardcore fans! Up to now, not a single person of significance came forward to say anything!


    In the end, the Big Saber Bro, who never spoke but only cared about online beef, posted something on Zhang Ye''s Tieba fanclub.


    Addressing everyone''s wondering and suspicions, Big Saber Bro said, "Don''t wait anymore. The people of authority will not be saying anything, at least not today. Maybe it''s not that they can''t, but probably more because they are afraid. All Lee Parkwoo did was question Teacher Zhang Ye on Weibo, but look what happened? In the end? Teacher Zhang Ye used a whole episode! A full 30 minutes to scold Lee Parkwoo and the Koreans! What sort of spirit and style is this? Those famous people aren''t stupid either. Right now, who doesn''t know that Teacher Zhang Ye is not one to be trifled with? Who doesn''t know that his temper can be a little bitchy! To step up now and scold Zhang Ye for being a nationalistic youth? To say that he does not hold his conduct up properly as a public figure? Hur Hur, then they would be the subject for tomorrow''s new episode of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show"! They definitely have to weigh the consequences! If they end up offending Teacher Zhang Ye, with him using a full episode of program to scold the Koreans today, they might even end up being scolded by him for a full episode! This is a program that belongs to Teacher Zhang Ye himself. It will be so if he says so, even if he scolded them, they won''t be able to argue back!"


    "Big Saber Bro''s godly analysis!"


    "That''s right! I understand now too!"


    "Hahaha! Teacher Zhang Ye is notorious once again!"


    "Aiyo, damn! In the past, when I was still idolizing Teacher Zhang Ye, he was still an uninfluential radio host. Who would have thought that he would be so great in just a matter of months?! If anyone thought of scolding Teacher Zhang Ye, they would still have to weigh the consequences! So impressive!"


    "That''s right, Teacher Zhang is really an awesome man!"


    "Jealousy, envy, why did my parents not give birth to me with a mouth like Teacher Zhang Ye''s!"


    "Right, right, Teacher Zhang really just uses that mouth of his and bulldozes his way forward! He''s such a legend!"


    "After today, there will surely be many more fans of Zhang Ye. At least I, as a nationalistic youth, love him to death! I have never idolized celebrities, so I''m wondering why I like Zhang Ye so much. I''ve finally understood that it''s because Teacher Little Zhang Ye is so different from other celebrities. He does not care for those disgusting self-interest, he does not care for those words and views of the so-called professionals or elders. He just keeps saying what he wants to say and believes, even though it might not be correct, even if the words he uses are not pretty, but each and every wordes from his sincerity. He does not act ssy or cover hismoner way of thinking. If it deserves to be scolded, he''ll scold. If it''s worthy to be angry over, then he will rage �� Isn''t this the profile of usmoners?"


    "The previous poster said it well!"


    "Correct, seeing Teacher Zhang Ye is like seeing myself!"


    "Correct, Teacher Zhang Ye represents the voice of usmoners!"


    "When you said that, it dawned on me. Usually when we watch TV at home, don''t we also scold this and that and get edgy when we see injustice? But when we are in public, we put on a face as if we were cultured people, not even daring to speak vulgarities. That''s not who we are�� Teacher Zhang Ye represents what we really are deep down! What we want to say, but do not dare to say or do not have the ability to say, Zhang Ye will say it for us! The things we want to do but do not dare to do or have the ability to do, Zhang Ye will do it for us! Even when he meets an obstacle or gets banned, has Teacher Zhang Ye ever changed? No! He''s still that hooligan that carries thatmendatory nature! Still the Zhang Ye who dares to beat up, to kill, to say, and to do! Yes, that is why we like him!"


    "This kind of celebrity is rare these days!"


    "It''s not rare, but this sort of celebrity who does not y his cards logically��.has never existed before he came along!"

 Chapter 256: A change in schedules for the Talk Show!

    <h4>Chapter 256: A change in schedules for the Talk Show! </h4>


    Chapter 256: A change in schedules for the Talk Show!


    Sunday.


    "Do we still have tickets?"


    "What tickets?"


    "Tickets to ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'', what else?"


    "Hur Hur, I still have an internal ticket here."


    "Aiyo, give it to me Old Xu. I will treat you to dinner!"


    "I can''t give this to you. I have a rtive who wants to watch Zhang Ye''s program no matter what. This ticket is for him, so you better continue asking around."


    "I did, but there''s no more!"


    "True, it''s really hard to get your hands on a ticket to Zhang Ye''s show now!"


    "Eh, that''s true. We don''t even have internal tickets. How can I answer to my friend now? She especially likes Teacher Zhang Ye. Once she remembered that I work here, she specially requested me to get tickets for her. Oh, forget it. If there''s really no choice, I will bring her in via the staff passage backstage."


    ����


    Afternoon.


    Zhang Ye had just finished his lunch in the canteen.


    The director from his program team found him, "Teacher Zhang, thetest figures are in. Our second episode of the Talk Show now stands at 9 million views. It''s estimated that after your afternoon recording, it would surely cross 10 million views.


    The first episode of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" had already broken the records for 1st day views of an online television station broadcast. It didn''t manage to cross the 10 million view record for a single episode, because the other online television stations also had their own programs, which had more views than Zhang Ye''s single episode views. The number of programs that had crossed 10 million views for a single episode could be counted with both hands. There were not many, so his record was already one to be proud of. Besides, "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" only had two episodes. It had just begun, so there was still plenty of time for it to break records in the future. As long as the program''s quality was maintained, then the chance of it happening was highly likely. It was all a matter of time.


    Zhang Ye was also very please, "Great, what time do we record this afternoon?"


    "It''s estimated to be at 1:30PM, but we will arrange it ording to your schedule." the director said.


    Zhang Ye nodded, "Then let''s do it at 1:30PM. We shouldn''t keep the audience waiting."


    The director acknowledged. As the program reviews became more and more positive, so did his mood, "Sure."


    ����


    It was time.


    The new episode''s recording was beginning.


    Being the program team in-charge, Zhang Ye did not try to skip on his duties. He did not rest, but instead came to the set early to give instructions. He told the staff, "Everyone might have to work a little bit harder today, I''m nning to record 2 more episodes today, a total of 3 episodes altogether. 1 episode is for the broadcast tonight, the other 2 in preparation for next Saturday and Sunday, so that we aren''t in a rut for timeter on. Let''s make use of today''s appointed time and record them too."


    "Alright."


    "We will follow whatever you say."


    "Then I will inform the audience!"


    Although this was what he said, Zhang Ye''s ns for recording another 2 episodes had another objective. When the recording ended, he would go and look for the leader to discuss about it.


    20 minutester, the audience entered the studio.


    The atmosphere at the studio today was a little different. When the audience came inside and saw Zhang Ye giving out instructions, they began calling out for him. Some of the girls were even shouting his name and some youths did not care about the staff, who were attempting to blockade them and went up to ask Zhang Ye for an autograph. They looked very excited.


    When the staff member was about to chide them, Zhang Ye stopped them from saying anything. Instead, he smiled and obliged by giving them the autographs, without putting on any airs.


    When the audience off stage saw this, another 6-7 people also rushed up.


    The staff gave wry smiles, but Zhang Ye didn''t say anything. Whoever came forward, he obliged by signing. He was not bothered by any dys to the recording, because in his heart, his fans and his audience always came first.


    After a long time, the recording started.


    Zhang Ye did his usual introduction as he heard the thunderous apuse outside. He smiled and greeted, "Hello everyone, and wee to today''s ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''. I am your host, Zhang Ye. Before the program begins, let me read a few more letters sent in by our audience." He took out a card and read from it, "Zhang Ye, I want to have your baby!" Zhang Ye was stunned, but without a pause, dismissively threw the card aside, "Huh!"


    Audience, "Yi!"


    Afterwards, Zhang Ye seemed to pause for a few seconds, thenughed heartily, "Aiya, are the audience members so passionate these days, am I really that hot? This program is watched by so many people?"


    The audience once again raptured, "Yi!!"


    Zhang Ye cockily said, "Actually, I''ve researched a little the past few days. I''ve walked among the grassroots and took the public transport with everyone else. The other day, I saw 2 pretty youngdies and went up to them to ask ''Hey, did you watch Zhang Ye''s Talk Show?'', but their faces turned contemptuous like they were thinking ''What the heck are you talking about? We don''t even know what that is'', ''We like watching Korean dramas, Oppa!" Zhang Ye sighed, "Alright, then I turned to the other side, where there were a few rather pretty female, white cored workers, ''Hey, do you all watch online television? Which host do you like most?'' They looked at me and then suddenly got excited and said, ''Of course it''s��.Dong Shanshan, Online Talents is such a good show! She''s very pretty too. She''s what we aim to be!" Zhang Ye was once again speechless, but continued on, "My heart was blowing a cold wind inside. So next, I went to a snack shop in Chengdu and there I saw it! A few big sized men were looking at their cellphones watching ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''. My spirit was jolted and I went up to them asking if they liked watching Talk Shows? One of them answered loudly ''But of course, Zhang Ye''s too funny! The program is too good! I''m a hardcore fan!"


    The audience did not understand what Zhang Ye''s long story was for and only listened.


    In the next moment, Zhang Ye''s burden was revealed. He said with a depressed face, clutching his forehead and giving a long sigh saying, "Hai, so��these are the kinds of people��.who want to have my babies!"


    Upon hearing this, the audience burst outughing, "Hahahahaha!"


    "Many people are envious of me, but there is no such need. Everyone''s life is filled with excitement. For example, before I became famous, my life was already extremely exciting. ording to my iplete statistics, I have umted 63 draws at the lottery, winning a total of 12,600,000 Renminbi (US$1,900,000), as well as winning 39 high-end phones, 9puters, 17 sedan cars, as well as 38 subpoenas, epted into college 27 times. In addition, my girlfriend had been kidnapped five times, my daughter had been sold three times, while my son had been caught by the police for adultery seven times. My life��is really a legend!"


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    After saying a segment from "Bao Zou Big News Events" and then another joke segment from his world''s inte, the atmosphere had been livened up!


    Zhang Ye carried on without pause!


    One episode��


    Two episodes��


    Three episodes finished recording!


    By the time he finished, it was almost four in the afternoon.


    The moment the audience dispersed, Zhang Ye left the recording studio and took an elevator upstairs. The moment he walked into the corridor, he encountered Dong Shanshan. He could not help but ask, "How''s your new program?"


    Dong Shanshan smiled. "Three million hits in one day."


    Zhang Ye was stunned, "Such good results? Well done."


    Dong Shanshan nced at him, "Cut it out, it''s just not bad. How can Ipare to a hot host like you with ten million hits an episode?"


    Zhang Ye gave a wry smile, "What do you mean I''m hot? I''m full of infamy. Don''t you see the loads of people scolding me on the inte?"


    Dong Shanshan said, "But there''s nock in peoplemending you either. Hur Hur, also their scolding itself is a topic. It allows exposure. No one scolds me even if I wished for it, so be content!"


    After their short conversation, they separated. He went to the office of the WebTV department''s head.


    He knocked on the door.


    A voice came from within, "Come in."


    Zhang Ye pushed the door open and entered, "Director Feng."


    "Little Zhang." Feng Guiqin smiled. "I was just about to go looking for you. I heard you recorded three episodes in one go today? You produced so many?"


    Zhang Ye had such a motive. Noticing that she mentioned it, he took the opportunity to say, "Those joke segments are basically in my head, so I can say them at any time. So I came today, hoping to request for my program to be aired every day of the week? If the timing doesn''t work out well, it will be fine with a poorer time slot from Monday to Friday. I just find two episodes a week to be too few. After all, the audience''s reception towards it isn''t bad."


    Feng Guiqin looked at him with surprise, "Broadcast it everyday?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "Yes, that''s my intention."


    "Then will your scripts be able to keep up?" Feng Guiqin said with worry, "It will naturally be best to broadcast it everyday, as it can pull in a bigger audience. However, the creative team only has you. Even if I''m not exaggerating, this program has you as the core, bones, blood, and flesh. It''s all you. You are the only one holding it up. If you fall sick for three to five days, no one can rece you in a Talk Show program. It all depends on you. If your creations can''t keep up, would the airing frequency cause a decrease in the quality of the program? If this bes the case, it would be better to just broadcast twice a week!"


    Zhang Ye affirmed, "That won''t happen, Leader. You can watch the three episodes I recorded today. Not a single episode has a problem with its quality. I would also not do a slipshod work just for quantity."


    Feng Guiqin did not make a decision right away, but made a phone call instead. She got someone to send her the programs Zhang Ye recorded that afternoon, and then watched them one by one.


    Zhang Ye sat on the sofa to wait. He too was not in a rush.


    The sounds of stiflingughter could be heard from Feng Guiqin every now and then. She was either covering her forehead or her mouth. She waspletely engrossed in the program.


    Around the knocking off time, Feng Guiqin finished watching the programs and said to Zhang Ye, "Alright, I''ve made my decision. From now onwards, the 8 PM time slot from Monday to Friday is yours. The creative talent and continuous flow of inspiration you have really makes me speechless!"


    "Thank you Leader," Zhang Ye said.


    Feng Guiqin pondered and said, "Your program is now a key highlight of ourpany. In the future, no other program will use Studio 7 for recording. I''ll leave it all to you. From now on, that will be the ce to do recordings or live broadcasts of ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''. As for the scheduling for Monday to Friday at 8, you don''t have to worry about it. I''ll negotiate and arrange it for you. All you need to focus on is making each episode the best it can be, and establish a first ss highlight for our WebTV station!"


    "Alright, I will!" Zhang Ye pledged with sincerity and seriousness.

 Chapter 257: Numerous Television Stations Head-hunt Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 257: Numerous Television Stations Head-hunt Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 257: Numerous Television Stations Head-hunt Zhang Ye!


    After work.


    Zhang Ye came out of the Leader''s office and went to his desk to grab his bag.


    Zhang Ye naturally had his reasons to initiate his request that would increase his own workload by two to three times. He was probably quite different from others. His goal was not to just get by, nor was it for the sry or bonuses. To put it simply, his goal was fame. Honestly speaking, if Zhang Ye did two, or even one Talk Show episode a week, he would be doing the same thing as the Talk Shows from his world that only did it once a week, right? By dragging out the broadcasting period and breadth, he would definitely gain more overall poprity. Over time, with new audiences joining in, there would be more and more people who would recognize him and like him. However, that was overall poprity, umted over a year or two. However, if he broadcasted it continuously, seven days a week, it may be tiring, but the poprity he would gain in the short term would definitely be more than a weekly broadcast. Hence, Zhang Ye did not hesitate to choose the former choice. He was not nning on working at an online television station for two to three years, as this world''s news was different from his world''s. It also limited Zhang Ye to many joke segments. He was destined not to be able to produce too many episodes, so he nned on using the simplest, most direct method to use this tform to quickly increase his renown!


    And the most important thing was that a daily broadcast would give a lot more Reputation points than a weekly broadcast. Zhang Ye also needed Reputation points to strengthen himself. For example, he had to recall the Talk Show programs from his world. His current progress was still very slow and minute. He needed more Reputation points to buy Memory Search Capsules, so as to build onto the content in his Talk Shows. This would create a virtuous cycle!


    There were still a number of people left in the office.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Why aren''t you leaving?"


    An intern from his program team said fretfully when he saw Zhang Yeing over, "Teacher Zhang, Quick! Take a look." He pointed to hisputer, "Someone is also doing a Talk Show program!"


    Zhang Ye was surprised and then said, "Oh, let me see."


    A woman from another program team said angrily, "It''s a WebTV programpetitor of ours called ''Chen Yan''s Humor Speak''. Although the program doesn''t have the words talk show in it, but just from the content, even a fool can tell. This is copying and giarising our program. Even the pictures of the stage posted look simr to ours. They are going too far. This is our copyright. How dare they use the fruits of our results? And they aren''t paying us any copyright royalties?"


    Zhang Ye said, "When is it broadcasting?"


    "It will be aired soon. Their WebTV station set up the new programst minute, but they are already beginningrge scale promotions." Said a female worker.


    Wang Xiong had also seemed to hear the news, as he strode into the office, "Little Zhang, you haven''t left? That''s perfect, stay here for a moment so we can observe this ''Chen Yan''s Humor Speak''."


    Zhang Ye knew that they definitely had to pay attention to theirpetitors'' programs. However, in truth, he was not too worried. If one had to describe what Zhang Ye''s emotions were at the moment, it would be the trademark phrase of Chenchen��Hur Hur. Then, he and a few others sat together and waited for the program to go air.


    Wang Xiong frowned, "Little Zhang''s Talk Show has gone viral. I heard quite recently that a number of WebTV stations, as well as television stations, are nning on beginning a Talk Show program. One of the provincial channels of Shanghai Television Station has approached us to talk about the copyright. However, these few WebTV stations aren''t that particr about things. See, they didn''t even inform us or ask about the copyright. They just copied our program''s format!"


    A staff said, "Are we going to take this to court?"


    Another female staff said, "Right, we must sue them!"


    Wang Xiong waved his hand, "Let''s monitor the situation. Awsuit isn''t simple and should be done only as ast resort."


    Zhang Ye was still unconcerned. He leaned against the window and smoked a cigarette. When he returned, the program had just begun airing. Just as he sat down, he saw a middle-aged man in his forties. He was Chen Yan and was also the host of "Chen Yan''s Humor Speak". As described by his colleagues, the moment the footage changed to the stage, Zhang Ye felt a sense of familiarity. This was exactly arranged ording to the stage setting of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show"!


    "Hello everyone. I''m your old friend, Chen Yan."


    "Let me tell everyone a story. In the past, there was a mountain, and on it, there was a monastery��"


    Ladida. "Chen Yan''s Humor Speak" was a twenty minute program so it quickly ended.


    Ah Qian had also joined in to watch midway, "As expected, they are imitating Teacher Zhang!"


    Little Yu grunted, "I''ve heard some of the joke segments before. It''s clear that it was taken from the inte. They sure are shameless. This Chen Yan may not have been very popr or very unpopr, but he is still an experienced web host. How can he do things like this? Does he not care for his reputation anymore?"


    A female staff said, "Teacher Zhang Ye, we must sue them."


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "There''s no need."


    The people surrounding him were stunned, "What? They are infringing your copyright!"


    Zhang Ye made his im, "With program quality like that, they won''tst more than two days."


    Wang Xiong had his views too. Initially, he was tensed up, thinking that with hispany''s exclusive program being giarised, it would negatively influence "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show", as a portion of audience would leave. However, after watching "Chen Yan''s Humor Speak", Wang Xiong was calmed, "Hur Hur, Little Zhang is right. There''s no need to bother about such programs. In a few days, no, maybe it won''t even have a second episode!"


    Indeed, a few minutester, the number of hits for the twenty-minute program appeared. There was a total of 35,000 hits. It could not be any lower!


    Ah Qian said in disbelief, "Aren''t Talk Shows extremely popr now? Why didn''t ''Chen Yan''s Humor Speak'' manage to jump on the bandwagon? So few hits? I still found a few joke segments in it passable."


    Zhang Yeughed as he exined, "Talk Shows are not just pure joke segments. You can''t just merge arge number of jokes together. The core of a Talk Show is to tie it in with current affairs. It''s to satirize as well as scoff. It is also an artistic form that makes one introspect. This ''Chen Yan''s Humor Speak'' has just taken a bunch of online jokes ad verbatim without any changes. There''s no technique involved in it. It would be a wonder if it''s results were any good!"


    This was the reason why Zhang Ye was not too worried from the beginning!


    Talk Show? The people of this world had only heard of the phrase "talk show" through Zhang Ye. However, they had only heard it. They still did notpletely understand the meaning behind Talk Shows. They did not even know the core value of a Talk Show, nor did they fully understand why "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" was so popr. It had only been a few days, and they expected to produce a celebrity that could match Zhang Ye''s perfect Talk Show? How could this be possible!? A Talk Show was not something anyone could produce! The host and creative team were extremely important! Chen Yan did not have Zhang Ye''s eloquence, nor did he have Zhang Ye''s knowledge. Hence, after chattering all day, not a single person was sold by his performance. It could also be said ording to Zhang Ye''s opinion, that the style of "Chen Yan''s Humor Speak" was not a traditional Talk Show at all!


    Everyone had experienced a false rm.


    After hearing Zhang Ye''s analysis, everyone understand why "Chen Yan''s Humor Speak" failed. As a result, they also further understood Teacher Zhang Ye''s ability and strengths. Maybe in this year, the only person who could perfectly produce a Talk Show, both domestically and internationally, was Zhang Ye alone! Not a second person could be found!


    ����


    After reaching home.


    Noticing that Dong Shanshan was not home, he guessed that she was busy with her program. Hence, he casually prepared a packet of instant noodles for himself. The Instant Noodles Hero had made hiseback.


    After his meal, Zhang Ye opened his game ring. He needed more ammunition for the recording of his daily episodes. Hence, he used all his Reputation points to buy Memory Search Capsules and ate them one after another. He carried on reinforcing the Talk Show programs and web joke segments from his world in his mind.


    After finishing this, the telephone suddenly rang.


    "Hello, may I know if this is Teacher Zhang Ye?" It was a male who sounded like he was in his early thirties.


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s me. Who is this?"


    The man immediately said, "I''m from Shanghai TV Entertainment Channel. I would like to inquire what format is the contract between you and Weiwopany? I wonder if it''s alright for you to reveal it? I don''t have any other intentions. I mainly want to know how many years your contract with Weiwopanysts as well as the breach of contract fees. Our side has seen your ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' and find it extremely refreshing and good. Hence, uh, we wish to invite you to Shanghai TV, and wonder if there would be such an opportunity."


    Shanghai Entertainment Channel?


    This was also a provincial station and was simr to Beijing''s Arts Channel.


    Zhang Ye said tactfully, "Sorry about it. The fees for breaching my contract might not be a small amount, so��"


    The person immediately said, "No worries, Teacher Zhang. If you are really willing toe, we will pay the fees. It will not be a problem as long as it''s below 3 million!"


    Zhang Ye clicked his tongue and said, "I think it''s best you forget it. I just started here and am still in the developing phase. We can work together if there''s an opportunity to do so in the future." He did not burn his bridges, but he had rejected the offer. This was because Zhang Ye knew that he was somewhat famous on the inte now. He had also developed himself, so if he were to job-hop at this moment, it would not be rational. Besides, Weiwopany was honestly not bad to Zhang Ye. The Leaders trusted him greatly, and was not like the radio or television station that repeatedly made things difficult for him. He was also leading afortable life here, so he naturally could not betray their trust.


    The person did not say a further word regarding the matter. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he hung up.


    Following that, another person called Zhang Ye''s cell phone. This was a phone call that greatly surprised Zhang Ye, as it was from the Beijing Television Station!


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, we have previously met during a meeting, but you might not have an impression of me. We never spoke, but I''m calling you regarding your Talk Show program. The dismissal decision previously made by the station was made without any other option. I know you can definitely understand why we had to make that decision. You have also worked with the Beijing Television Station for quite some time, so we have past rtionships with each other, having fought together before. Right, I''ll cut to the chase. The station has the intention to invite you back, and produce a Talk Show at the Beijing Television Station. What say you?"


    It had just been a few weeks since the Beijing Television Station had fired Zhang Ye. It had not been long, but they were already inviting him back? Zhang Ye actually did not have a grudge against the Beijing Television Station. He only had beef with Wang Shuixin, but the current situation made it impossible for Zhang Ye to return. At least not now. Was he one to be ordered toe and go as they wished? Who do you think this bro is!? What the heck!


    Zhang Ye said, "I temporarily do not have ns on job hopping."


    "Is that so? Actually you do not need to worry about the breach of contract fees. We can pay for it." The person was indignant as he added on.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s not a matter of the breach of contract fees."


    The person could only say, "Then��alright."


    It was unknown if they had discussed beforehand, for one television station after another called Zhang Ye. One of them was even a Deputy Station Head from a Dongshan province''s television station who personally invited Zhang Ye over. However, Zhang Ye naturally did not ept it and tactfully rejected the offers. Actually, this fellow''s attitude was still considered good. Thinking two weeks back, he had been applying to several television stations by calling them or submitting resumes. However, the entire television stationwork had banned him. No one wanted him. Even his fans had tried to help him find jobs by submitting his resume, but there was no response. Oh, and now that this bro''s program is hot, you are looking for me one after another? Interesting!


    Zhang Ye rejected all the olive branches!


    However, the people from the traditional and online television stations did not give up. As three episodes had already been broadcasted, and "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" had gone viral, and did not seem to decrease in its poprity over time. Instead, it grew more popr by the day, so even the dumbest of people would know the market value of a Talk Show program. Talk Shows were bound to take up a certain importance in entertainment programs, so which television station wouldg behind and miss a piece of the pie? The person most familiar with Talk Shows was Zhang Ye, but after failing to recruit him, these people did not give up. They believed that the most important aspect of a Talk Show was the joke segments. As long as they found the writing team behind Zhang Ye, then any host would be able toe up with the same effects.


    Jianguo?


    Dandan?


    Laibao?


    These three people had appeared in "Tonight 80''s Talkshow". Zhang Ye had introduced the three people in his third episode. Everyone believed that these three people were members of the creative team backstage. Hence, though they failed to target Zhang Ye, they shifted their target onto these three "people"!


    Phone call after phone call was made to Weiwopany.


    Every insider that they could contact was contacted.


    However, they never expected that the so-called writing team trio that appeared in the program were creators from "Tonight 80''s Talkshow" from Zhang Ye''s world. They did not exist in this world. Zhang Ye had only used their three names without changing them as amusement, as well as respect for the original work.


    Hence, those people from the television stations, who wanted to headhunt, received shocking news from their counterparts, insiders or friends. Every joke segment in "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" was produced by Teacher Zhang Ye alone. No one helped him, nor was there a so-called writing team!


    It was all him?


    It was all created by him?


    The people from the television station were all amazed!


    This way, all of them finally gave up on the idea!

 Chapter 258: Which is the best in excavating technology?

    <h4>Chapter 258: Which is the best in excavating technology? </h4>


    Chapter 258: Which is the best in excavating technology?


    The next day.


    Zhang Ye went to work.


    There was a recording that he had to get done in the morning. The audience had been informed and the tickets had already been distributed. However, just as many of the audience and staff members arrived on scene, they were informed that "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" had been changed to a daily broadcast. The amount of work gave the staff arge fright!


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "This, isn''t this schedule too tight?"


    "That''s right, can we even manage it?"


    "A broadcast a day means we have to produce more episodes prior to prevent any mishaps. In that case, wouldn''t there be a drop in quality? We aren''t the issue, but we are afraid that it will put too much of a strain on you."


    A person from the program team said.


    Zhang Yeughed, "Let''s give it a go. We already recorded an additional two episodes yesterday. Let''s try recording three episodes today, maybe even four if possible. Let''s get them out first." Then he said to the audience, "Hello everyone, I have a matter to trouble you with. We will probably record multiple episodes today. We will probably be recording until noon, so if anyone has something to attend to midway, it''s alright, you can quietly leave prematurely."


    "Go ahead and record!"


    "It''s best if we record ten episodes!"


    "Right, I''ll not leave even if we record into the night!"


    "Haha, we are dying to watch a few more episodes, so who would be willing to leave!?"


    The audience''s reaction was intense, relieving Zhang Ye and his program team.


    Then, after checking that the audience members did not have any recording devices, they began recording.


    After the introduction clip, Zhang Ye appeared in his usual fashion, "Hello, everyone and wee to today''s ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''. I am your host, Zhang Ye. Today, I have an exciting piece of news to tell everyone. Due to the feverish response and support we have received for the past few episode, from today onwards, my program will have a change in broadcasting time. It will be changed from airing at 8 on Saturdays and Sundays to an airing time at 8 every day from Monday to Sunday. Our program also has a sponsor now. This episode is sponsored by the ''Korean Aerospace Industries''��We want to go further, to see what else belongs to us!"


    Initially, the audience was listening attentively. Things such as the change in airing schedule and introducing a sponsor''s advertisement, but who knew that Zhang Ye had already thrown in a joke without any warning! Even many of the staff present were fooled by Zhang Ye. As he had been speaking very seriously at the beginning, they were still curious. What sponsor? They had never heard that their program had sponsors yet! No one expected Zhang Ye toe up with such a sudden reversal!


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "The Koreans are too ambitious!"


    Everyone, including the staff present, burst out withughter!


    Teacher Zhang Ye was too professional! Wasn''t Korea''s special episode done for the entire second episode? It returned again? This was f**king professionally ridiculing Korea for a hundred years! Just as Zhang Ye had saidst time, who was the one propping up China as well as the Talk Show industry? It was not the SARFT, nor was it the television station media, nor was it the professional industry experts, nor was it the citizens of China, but rather it was the silent hard work of the mighty South Korean citizens!


    Haha!


    There was something to look forward to with this episode again!


    Just from the opening statement, it meant that this episode would not be bad!


    ����


    All the way to noon.


    People dispersed from the recording studio.


    The final result was Zhang Ye recording five episodes in one shot. Including the additional two episodes he did yesterday, he now had arge enough "stockpile" for them to broadcast for a full week. This was also because Zhang Ye was getting more and more used to the performance style required for Talk Shows. Hence, his condition was getting better and better. It was not as mentally sapping anymore. If it were anything like the first and second episode, he would definitely faint on-stage after recording five episodes. Today, he was not as exhausted. When the members of the program team saw Teacher Zhang in great condition, they werepletely reassured.


    In the dressing room.


    Zhang Ye changed back into his work clothes and removed his makeup. He then switched on his cellphone and within a few minutes, a phone call came in.


    The number indicated��Director Jiang.


    The Executive Director of "The Great Pugilistic World"?


    Zhang Ye picked it up, "Hello, Director Jiang, how are you?"


    Director Jiang smiled. "Little Zhang, why did you switch off your phone?"


    "Hai, I was recording programs all morning and have just concluded for the day," Zhang Ye said, "Is there something you need?"


    Director Jiang said, "Tonight is the premiere of ''The Great Pugilistic World''. It will be held in Shanghai. If you have time, join us. After it, there will even be a celebratory feast. This time it will be the official celebratory feast."


    Zhang Ye did not hesitate, "Sure, I''ll definitely be there."


    Previously, if the filming crew needed to inform him of such matters or to aid in their promotions, it would be the Assistant Director contacting him. However, this time, Director Jiang personally made the call. Zhang Ye also understood that his poprity had increased, and that his status in the industry had naturally increased. The current him was no longer a minor side character who needed to use connections to be pulled into a film crew as a background character. The current Zhang Ye��eh��no longer needed to use connections to be pulled into a film crew as a side character! His societal status had clearly improved!


    ����


    Cafeteria.


    Zhang Ye happened to bump into Dong Shanshan who was also there to eat.


    He whispered, "I''ll need to go out at night. The movie, which I previously made a guest appearance in, is having its premiere today, so I''ll probably be homete. So don''t dy your dinner for me.


    Dong Shanshan whispered, "Got it."


    After a few whispers, the two returned to their normal voice and began chatting amidstughter.


    ����


    Evening.


    Zhang Ye reached the cinema theater and walked towards a specialized zone for staff only.


    A youth stopped him, "Who are you? Outsiders are forbidden!"


    A woman behind him turned around and immediately stared at the youth, "How can you not know Teacher Zhang Ye?!" With that, she smiled at Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang, please enter."


    The youth was stunned. He was Zhang Ye? The one that had recently be very popr on the inte?


    Zhang Ye entered a waiting zone and saw many familiar faces.


    "Aiyah, Little Zhang is here. Hahaha." Yao Jiancai spotted Zhang Ye at a nce and immediately came up to greet him, putting his arm around his shoulder, "You have really been making the scenes recently. I saw your ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''. Although the other episodes weren''t to my taste as my expectations for humor are a bit higher, that episode about Korea was so well done. I saw that episode a total of three times! So addicting!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you came?"


    "Little Zhang, sit over here."


    A few actors, who had previously filmed with him, greeted him.


    Sitting at the most important spots were the male and female leads, but Zhang Ye did not know them, nor was he familiar with them. As on the day he went to the Qingshan monastery for filming, there were no scenes for the male and female lead, so he had not seen them. Hence, after exchanging pleasantries with his old friends, he went to a corner with Yao Jiancai. The old and young duo began chatting. Their rtionship was the best, and their personalities matched, allowing them to be good friends despite the great difference in age.


    After Yao Jiancai joked a few times, he finally became serious, "Your Talk Show sure is new. I always felt crosstalk had its limitations. It had a limitation in broadcasting as well as regional andnguage barriers. However, this Talk Show of yours has perfectly surpassed the limitations that crosstalk always had. Furthermore, it is different from solo crosstalk. The style and content is packaged in a different way. Your talent in this sure isn''t trivial."


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "Old Yao, you really know?"


    Yao Jiancai said with a chuckle, "Of course, do you know what I did before movie filming? I did three years of crosstalk."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Professionally?"


    "Keke, self-learned, not professionally." Yao Jiancai then said with a bit of a sigh, "Back then, there was no food to eat, so I had to do anything to survive. So I was an understudy for three years. Back then, I was a utility man, so I had to do everything. So I can''t say which was my main job and which was my side job."


    Zhang Ye asked inquisitively, "Were you a main or side character?"


    Yao Jiancaiughed, "I can speak well enough while chatting with you, but I can''t do well in crosstalk. I don''t have a mouth that can reach the acme of perfection like yours, nor am I a graduated specialized major, so naturally I was a side character. Don''t look down on me though, for back in the day, I was quite a good side character!"


    "Alright, I''ll believe it."


    "But why do I feel like you are giving me a distrusting expression?"


    ����


    It was not even 7.


    The premiere ceremony began.


    The ceremony was a bit moreplicated. However, it was quite simple for Zhang Ye. He did not need to say a word, and just followed everyone down the aisle. He and Yao Jiancai were the same, they were both side characters. He was even inferior to Yao Jiancai''s character in terms of scime, so there was no need for him to say anything. That was the job of Director Jiang and the male and female leads. Even though Zhang Ye''s poprity was increasing by the day, he could notpare with the male and female leads at all. The lowest ones were, after all, B-list celebrities, so whatever they did was of greater importance than Zhang Ye. A celebrity appeared after umting all of one''s strengths. Zhang Ye may have quite a bit of pull on the inte and was quite a topical person, but be it his notability or experience and qualifications, he was far too inferior.


    After going through the motions.


    The movie finally rolled.


    Zhang Ye sat at the third row with Old Yao. They watched the movie silently. Zhang Ye found this movie not bad, but��it was just not bad. It would not be terrible at the box office sales, but neither would it be too good. As there were too manymon tropes with nothing new. Well, that was Zhang Ye''s own personal opinion. He did not know if audiences would ept the show or not. After all, there were many movies in his world that were heavily criticized but ended up having pretty good box office sales.


    "Hey, it''s your scene soon!" Old Yao, who was beside him, kicked his shoe.


    Zhang Ye stared at the screen, and indeed, the character he yed appeared. He did not have much of an image as a character, and was just a guest appearance, so he fought the moment he appeared!


    Many people in the theater did not have any reactions.


    However, there were clearly a few people who recognized this person to be the host of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show"!


    Immediately, what was originally a very serious scene with someone about to die suddenly had a few stifledughters. For some unknown reason, many people had a reflex action after watching "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show". The moment they saw Zhang Ye, they felt likeughing!


    "Hur Hur Hur."


    There were stifledughters, but it sounded out very clearly.


    Director Jiang, "��"


    The main leads, "��"


    The production team as well as the other cast members were at a loss of whether tough or cry.


    Your sister, we are having a serious ancient costume y wuxia film, not someedy!


    However, one could feel from this matter that Zhang Ye''s poprity and notability was rising by the day. Eventually, there would be a day where he could ride a rainbow and step onto the peak of this world, as he watched the vast and endlessnds, shouting to the whole world, "Which is the best in excavating technology? In China''s Shandong, find Lanxiang!*"


    *Lanxiang colloquially refers to Shandong Lanxiang Vocational School that offers courses in cooking, construction equipment operations (specialized in excavators), as well asputer skills (albeit possibly only basic ones). In 2009, the school was suspected to be a site where cyber attacks wereunched (Operation Aurora). As a result of this, the school received numerous calls a day to inquire about theirputer courses, and their website was a result of constant hacking on a daily basis. When the news that Lanxiang was involved in the attack of Google reached China, mostizens found it ridiculous and began mocking it. They named Lanxiang Vocational School as "Blueshit Institute of Technology", as Lan (��) literally means blue in Chinese, while Xiang (��) ismonly known as shit in inte speak. The phrase "Which is the best in excavating technology? In China''s Shandong, find Lanxiang" was used as amercial by Lanxiang (it''s hrious from the ostentatious disy of its capabilities), but is often edited to ridicule the situation such as if Lanxiang students are reported on the news for fighting, they would post, "Which is the best in fighting techniques? In China''s Shandong, find Lanxiang".

 Chapter 259

    <h4>Chapter 259 </h4>


    Chapter 259


    That night.


    After the celebratory feast.


    After filming was over in Beijing, they had drunk a lot. That was the internal celebration of the film crew, however this time it was different. It was official in nature with reporters and officials invited, so naturally they could not drink as much.


    On the taxi back home, Zhang Ye idly looked at his game interface and realized his Reputation points were rapidly increasing. The film premiere had just ended two hours ago, and ignoring the usual increase obtained from "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show", his Reputation points had increased by approximately 100,000. It was still not too bad, and was apparentlyrgely credited to his guest appearance in "The Great Pugilistic World". He would never find this sort of "side ie" too much.


    He reached his destination.


    "It''s here, right?"


    "Yes, how much is it?"


    "28."


    "Alright, here you are."


    Zhang Ye alighted from the taxi and a cold wind blew past him. He suddenly felt his stomach ache as he had drank liquor, as well as red wine. He had also eaten quite a bit of meat, and maybe he was suffering from indigestion. He took a deep breath as he grasped his stomach and tightened the coat on his body as he strode towards the elevator, before going upstairs.


    At his doorstep.


    Zhang Ye hurriedly pressed the doorbell.


    Ding Dong, Ding Dong. No one opened it.


    His stomachache increased in intensity. As he could no longer hold it in any further, he grabbed his keys out of his bag and opened the door. With a m of the door, he rushed towards the bathroom.


    Hua Hua, there was the sound of water.


    There was someone in the bathroom, as the frosted ss was covered with mist.


    Zhang Ye gave a wryugh and quickly took off his coat and threw his bag down. He knocked on the bathroom door, "Shanshan, Shanshan, are you in there?"


    "Ah?" The person inside probably didn''t catch it as it was drowned out by the sound of water . Suddenly, the sounding from the showerhead stopped. The voice of Dong Shanshan was heard through the door, "Zhang Ye?"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly acknowledged. "It''s me."


    "The premiere ended already? I''m showering. We''ll talk in a while." Dong Shanshan said.


    Zhang Ye said hastily, "ssmate Dong, can we discuss a matter. Can youe out first? The faster the better. Si, my stomach is hurting and I can''t hold it in any longer."


    "I''m still covered in soap. I just began showering."


    "I really cannot take it. I can''t hold it in."


    "Alright, then wait for me to rinse myself clean. Immediately."


    "How long would it take?"


    "Three minutes. Three minutes would do."


    "Aiyah, hey! I can''t even wait a minute!"


    "That bad? I can''t go out with the pile of foam on me, then��why don''t youe in. The door isn''t locked. Close your eyes. I don''t have any clothes on."


    "Is that appropriate?"


    "Then you can wait. I''ll make it quick."


    Zhang Ye wanted to wait, but after he paced in front of the bathroom door for five to six seconds, he realized that he could not wait. He had to go in, hence he gritted his teeth, "Then I''ming in." Then with a hand covering his eyes, he opened the bathroom door and walked in. A surge of steam brushed past his body. The bathroom of his newly rented apartment was very big. It had a bathtub, and with transparent ss separating the toilet from the bathing area. However, he had not bought a curtain. Probably the previous tenant did not prepare for this, so it could be seen clearly from the outside.


    Zhang Ye was covering his eyes, but even so, there were always gaps. When someone said not to look, there were times when one would end up focusing on it. Hence, through the gaps in his fingers, he saw something. The scene was a pair of long, sexy legs. There was foam covering it. The shower head was spraying water down at her smooth and tender thighs. The foam flowed down her beautiful legs bit by bit before entering the drainage. His nose also smelled the fragrant bath soap and shampoo. On the ne to Shanghai, Zhang Ye hadin on this pair of beautiful legs. Later on, at the Ladies'' in thepany, he had also seen the school belle''s stockings pulled down to her knees. So, he was very familiar with them. Her legs ounted for nearly half her height. They were too long!


    Zhang Ye''s heart thumped, but he could not care about this the next moment. He quickly opened the toilet seat and fiddled with his belt. Subconsciously, he wanted to turn to look to see if Dong Shanshan was looking at him, but recalling that the school belle was showering and naked, he pulled his head back at thest moment. Without caring for anything else, he undid his pants in an embarrassed manner before sitting on the toilet.


    Whew!


    Wow!


    Zhang Ye exhaled a long breath and carried on with his business.


    Hua Hua. The sound of water was to his side. As Dong Shanshan did not use the bathtub and was using the showerhead, she was standing at the outermost region. Just now, in his haste, he had noticed that Dong Shanshan''s left thigh was pressed against the ss, and had been pressed t on the clear ss.


    After solving his most urgent problem, Zhang Ye''s mind started to wander and could not resist from looking away at the scene to his right. However, he did not dare to take a look.


    "Drank a lot?" Dong Shanshan''s voice sounded out amidst the sound of water.


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Yeah, just an average amount. I didn''t really drink that much, but had mixed alcohol. I also ate both Western and Chinese food, as such I had a stomachache."


    A feminine voice came once again, "Alright. I just heard from a friend that watched the premiere that the movie was not bad. It definitely wouldn''t be a problem for the box office sales to hit tens of millions. It might even cross a hundred million (US$15 million). In the future you will enter the hundred million actors'' club. Hur Hur."


    Zhang Ye answered, "Cut it out. I was just a guest and minor character. No matter how good the movie''s results are, it has nothing to do with me, unless I''m the main lead."


    The two exchanged words and began chatting.


    Dong Shanshan was also still showering. She had said that she would be done in three minutes, but since Zhang Ye was there, it was impossible for her to leave. She could not change in front of him, hence she might as well continue showering at her own pace, and was in no rush.


    To avoid arousing suspicion, he purposely turned his head in the opposite position to not look in her direction. He actually was not done with his business, as his stomach was still in pain. However, this turn of his head instead made Zhang Ye see things he shouldn''t see. On the floor beside the bathroom door, there was a basket that clothes were ced in. Clearly, they were the clothes she had taken off before entering the shower. Zhang Ye could not see the clothes that were ced right at the bottom, but he could clearly see the items on top. As underwear was thest to be removed, it was what could be seen at the top. It was a yellowce bra. As the panties were on the other side the basket, it could not be seen clearly. However, noticing that the panties were hanging along the corner of the basket, it looked hollow. Then further back, there was a pair of ck yoga pants ced beside a white vest. The "scenery" was very good.


    Zhang Ye did not know if the school belle was watching him, so he did not dare take any more peeps. He quickly lowered his head towards his feet. Holding his hand, he held his fingers together.


    The sound of water stopped.


    A charming voice said, "Are you done?"


    "Soon, soon. Almost done." Zhang Ye replied.


    "Okay." The school belle probably was not done with her shower.


    When Zhang Ye entered, the lights above him were switched off. Probably to conserve electricity, the school belle had only switched on the lights in the bathing area. Hence, Dong Shanshan''s shadow was cast down onto the bathroom''s tiles. With Zhang Ye''s head lowered, he could see a slim shadow slightly wobbling. The shadow''s hand reached out and grasped a ck shadow. It looked like a towel. Then it slowly merged into the body''s shadow. Wiping up and down, left and right, every action and pose of hers was very enchanting and seductive.


    Sexy.


    This was a characteristic of Dong Shanshan. She was probably not doing so on purpose, but a simple move of hers exuded sexiness. She was a natural subus.


    Wiping her arm.


    Wiping her back.


    Wiping her thighs.


    Zhang Ye even saw the school belle shadow using the towel with one hand to dry her crotch. Her shadow''s legs were also sping therge ck shadowed towel in between them. She was very likely wiping herher regions.


    Zhang Ye''s nose nearly spurt out blood. Although the proportion of the shadow was not that great, the somewhat elongated shadow still allowed him to see clearly. He could tell what Dong Shanshan was doing behind the ss through the shadow. With his imagination, it made Zhang Ye fantasize.


    "Are you done?" The school belle asked.


    Zhang Ye said, "Done."


    The school belle said, "Then hurry, I''m waiting to put on my clothes. Hu, it''s a bit cold."


    "Alright, alright." Zhang Ye tore a piece of toilet paper and then added on, "Don''t you look."


    He was met with Dong Shanshan''sughter, "Hur Hur, don''t worry. I don''t have a hobby of seeing the asses of others. I have already turned my body, so hurry up."


    Zhang Ye wiped his ass and then pulled up his pants. Just as he was about to flush, he suddenly thought of Dong Shanshan not being able to see him with her back facing him. Then, she wouldn''t know if he nced at her. Zhang Ye had wicked intentions, and with a blink of his eyes, he gathered courage to turn his head suddenly to the shower ss. The school belle''s back was indeed facing him. She was holding a wet towel, and her entire back was exposed to Zhang Ye. That curvaceous contours made Zhang Ye feel his heart turn hot. This was the first time he was looking with his own eyes. He never expected Dong Shanshan''s ass to be so perky, as if there was something holding her ass up. It was hanging up high and looked beautiful! And from this angle, he could even see her long legs and her torso''s ratio. After all, it wasn''t obvious with clothes on. It was way too clear!


    Her legs were so long!


    Why did she have such long legs!?


    "Are you not done?" Dong Shanshan said from across the shower ss and he twisted his head back.


    Zhang Ye was sharp and fast as he pretended to be looking elsewhere. After tightening the belt on his pants, he flushed the toilet. Without looking back, he said, "I''m done. I''m going out now."


    "I prepared some tea for you. Add some hot water before drinking," a voice came from behind.


    "Alright, thanks!" He opened the door and left the bathroom before closing the door for her.


    Zhang Ye breathed hard and took a teacup from the tea table. He did not add hot water, and only drank a few mouthfuls of cold tea. The main reason was to calm and wake him up. The scene from before was too enticing. That slim and perfect pair of legs could no longer be removed from Zhang Ye''s mind. He believed that if he were to dream tonight, he would definitely end up eating Jinhua and Shineway*!


    *Jinhua and Shuanghui is a foodpany that is famous for its "hot legs" drumsticks.

 Chapter 260: Sneak attack on the school belle!

    <h4>Chapter 260: Sneak attack on the school belle! </h4>


    Chapter 260: Sneak attack on the school belle!


    Outside.


    In the living room.


    Zhang Ye had finally managed to put out the fire within him, but his stomach was still not feeling well so he shouted towards the bathroom, "I''m going to cook some noodles, do you want some?"


    "Your stomach still feels unwell?" the school belle replied from inside.


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "I want to eat something warm to see if it helps."


    The school belle answered, "You go ahead then, I won''t have any. I had ate dinner."


    Zhang Ye went into the kitchen and turned the fire on. He opened a pack of instant noodles and cooked it.


    The bathroom door opened and Dong Shanshan walked out. She was wearing what Zhang Ye had seen in the clothes basket earlier, a pair of ck yoga pants and a small sleeveless vest. Whether she changed her undergarments or not, Zhang Ye could not tell since he could not see it from the outside, except for her deep, bottomless cleavage.


    "Let me do it." Dong Shanshan said as she walked into the kitchen.


    Zhang Ye waved her off, smiling, "Don''t bother. I may not be able to cook other things, but there''s no one better at cooking instant noodles than me. My nickname is ''Mr Capable Instant Noodles''."


    Dong Shanshan covered her mouth and giggled, "Sure, I won''t bother to do it for you then."


    "Don''t bother about it, just do your own thing." Zhang Ye said.


    After five minutes, Zhang Ye''s noodles were done. He took it to the living room and set it down on the coffee table. There, he saw Dong Shanshan exiting from his room, with her hands carrying a pile of Zhang Ye''s clothes. There were pants, socks, and even the underwear that he had just taken off a while ago. Zhang Ye shouted, "Aiyo" as if he had been scalded by the hot soup. He put away his instant noodles and went to stop her, "What are you doing, what are you doing?!"


    Dong Shanshanughed diligently, "Washing clothes."


    "No need, I can do that myself." Zhang Ye said embarrassedly.


    But Dong Shanshan deflected him with an arch of her shoulder, "Go away, I need to wash my clothes too. I''m just doing this since it''s convenient. It doesn''t take much effort. I''m using the washing machine anyway."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s too troublesome, there''s no need to do it."


    "I''ve said it when I said I was going to move in, that I would handle the washing and buying of groceries. You are in charge of the rent, so our responsibilities are clear." Dong Shanshan proceeded to push him out of the bathroom. She switched on the washing machine and put the dirtyundry in, "Alright, you go and enjoy your meal."


    "Then��.then thank you��" Zhang Ye was helpless so he went back to eating his noodles. He looked into the bathroom to observe.


    As long as Zhang Ye''s pants'' and shirts'' color wouldn''t run, the school belle added them all into the washing machine. Then, Dong Shanshan went to her room and took out a few of her dirty clothes and put them inside as well. She poured some detergent into the machine and let it do the rest. What was left over wasundry whose color would run. Zhang Ye saw Dong Shanshan take two of his underwear, and put them into a basin. Then Dong Shanshan proceeded to put two of her own undergarments into the same basin. She did not mind Zhang Ye''s filth and actually put all of it into the same basin!


    Zhang Ye nearly spat out his noodles. This was what he was afraid of. How could he expect others to wash his underwear for him, that''s just too.., "Shanshan!"


    "Ah?"


    "Aren''t you washing those in the washing machine?"


    "Underwear and socks should be washed with soap, otherwise it won''t be clean."


    "Aiyo, that''s not necessary. You don''t need to be so detailed, just use the washing machine."


    "Just eat your noodles, I will take care of these."


    "It''s not that, but��.heh!"


    "Alright, I know what you mean. Hur Hur, do you think I don''t feel embarrassed that you are paying for the rent? This kind of housework doesn''t mean much in return. It''s just that we have both been busy these past few days and I didn''t find time to do the housework. Otherwise, all your clothes would already have been washed. I''m not busy today, so I should do some housekeeping. You might not care about cleanliness, but I can''t stand dirtiness. If you have anymore clothes to wash, bring them to meter."


    "There''s no need for that, right?"


    "Is there a problem?"


    "��No."


    "Then it''s settled, bring them to me."


    With the soap, Dong Shanshan squatted there and scrubbed Zhang Ye''s underwear. After it was done, she started cleaning her bras one by one. While she was squatting, the back of her yoga pants naturally dropped lower by a little. Because of her long legs and her short vest, her bright yellow panties was exposed. It was exactly the one that Zhang Ye had seen in the bathroom earlier. Dong Shanshan probably wore it today, so she did not change it after her bath too.


    After finishing up the noodles, Zhang Ye washed the dishes.


    While Dong Shanshan single handedly washed the clothes.


    With everything done, it was already past 11 at night. Dong Shanshan tossed thest piece ofundry into the dryer and washed her hands before sitting down on the couch and wiping off her sweat.


    Zhang Ye poured a cup of hot tea, "Here, have some. It''s been hard on you, old schoolmate."


    Dong Shanshan took it from him and blew at it, before taking a sip, "It''s nothing. In the future, just put your dirtyundry on top of the washing machine. I will wash them when I see it, so don''t leave them all lying around in your room."


    Zhang Yeughed, "Alright. You''re so virtuous, whoever marries you will be a lucky guy."


    Dong Shanshan sipped her tea and said, "I do wish to get married early, although I''m not that old, I''m not young anymore either, but people like us in this line, if we get married too early, it would affect our careers too much. Although we can be like many celebrities who marry into rich families and retire from entertainment, but that''s not what your old schoolmate wants. I really like this career and don''t want to lose it."


    Zhang Ye understood her train of thought very well, "It''s the same for me."


    Dong Shanshan threw up her hands saying, "In our line of work, getting married at 30 would also be considered early."


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "For you, that might be the case because you are pretty. Hur Hur, but for me it does not matter. I only have average looks, so getting married should not affect me."


    Dong Shanshan, with her curly hair, smiled. "You underestimate yourself too much. Just look at when you do recordings, there are so many youngdies who like you so much. You even have female fans as well, of course most of your fans are still male or middle-aged, that''s a fact."


    Zhang Ye, "��"


    He really couldn''t refute that.


    Dong Shanshan nced at him, "There''s still work tomorrow, aren''t you tired yet?"


    "Nope, I''ve had enough rest for the past two days." Zhang Ye looked at the time and nned to sleep after 12.


    "I''m not sleepy either. After doing chores, I feel more awake instead." Dong Shanshan pointed towards the TV, "Why don''t we find something to watch?"


    "Sure." Zhang Ye took the remote control to turn on the TV, "Switch off the lights?"


    "Turn them off. See what''s showing on the movie channel, we''ll watch it if it''s good." Dong Shanshan said.


    Zhang Ye turned on the TV and switched off the lights. He went back to the sofa and took his seat as they switched to the movie channel. It was showing a romantic movie, probably an old movie from a few years back. It was already halfway through the show with about 30 minutes left.


    "Do you want to watch this?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "Sure. Let''s watch this. There''s nothing else that''s good at this time anyways." Dong Shanshan removed her slippers and put her beautiful legs onto the sofa. She took a cushion and hugged it and leaned back to watch the movie.


    Zhang Ye also removed his slippers and sat cross-legged.


    The atmosphere was quite good, both in the movie and in the living room.


    Dong Shanshan was watching very seriously, at times amused by the plot,ughing charmingly.


    Zhang Ye quietly stole nces at her from the corner of his eye. From the time in school, Zhang Ye and his ssmates used to steal nces at Dong Shanshan all the time. As their seats were all different, some could see the side of her face, while some unlucky fellows would only see the back of her head, but to see her up close like today, this was something none of his ssmates had the chance to do. Thinking about it, Zhang Ye not only could look at her this way. He had already seen her all over, except for the breasts. Not only had he seen her, he had even kissed her before!


    If he encountered those old ssmates, Zhang Ye really could not help but say the phrase, "how life has its ups and downs". In the past, he was the most inconspicuous one as he did not have the looks, nor the capability, but with a few months of help from the game ring, Zhang Ye had matured step by step and climbed higher. Truthfully, it seemed like a dream. He still found his current life unbelievable.


    It was a moonless night.


    It was best type of night for doing the hanky-panky.


    The school belle was very beautiful under the faint lighting.


    Zhang Ye became sexually aroused once again. Was there a chance for him to kiss her again? In recent days, Dong Shanshan and him were getting closer and closer. Zhang Ye felt that they could get even closer, but was afraid that the school belle did not have the same feelings for him. He was afraid that she would reject him, so he was slightly hesitant.


    Under such circumstances tonight, Zhang Ye finally summoned up his courage.


    "Shanshan." Zhang Ye called out to her.


    "Hmm? What''s the matter?" Dong Shanshan was still enjoying the movie, so she did not turn her head.


    Zhang Ye coughed and then clenched his teeth as he moved to sit next to her. Their legs touched each other''s. At such a close distance, Zhang Ye put his hands around her waist as he lowered his head towards her.


    Dong Shanshan was stunned, subconsciously looking at her side.


    Zhang Ye did not even need to look as he nted his lips to her lips!


    "Oh!" Dong Shanshan was stunned again. Her eyes shed a sense of bitterughing or cryingughter with a little awkward embarrassment.


    Zhang Ye had kissed her.


    Dong Shanshan gently pushed him away, "What are you doing?"


    Seeing that she didn''t get angry as she didn''t push him away too hardly, his mind was set.


    Dong Shanshan turned her head to avoid, as she reluctantly kissed him, "Hmm��.almost��enough��hmm."


    Only then did Zhang Ye leave those charming lips of hers.


    Dong Shanshan took several breaths, touched the saliva on her lips and nced hard at him, "Sneak attacking now? Last time, I lost those bets to you so we kissed, but this time? What did we bet on this time? Why don''t I remember?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Does it always have to be after losing a bet?"


    Dong Shanshan looked at him, "That still does not call for a sneak attack like that. Hey, what''s your hand trying to reach for?!" saying that, she reached behind and grabbed Zhang Ye by the wrist.


    Zhang Ye did not listen, but continued to touch her waist two more times.


    Perky!


    There''s even some sticity!


    "Don''t mess around." Dong Shanshan said firmly, "Watch the movie!"

 Chapter 261

    <h4>Chapter 261 </h4>


    Chapter 261


    In the living room.


    It was alreadyte into the night.


    The moonlight was getting brighter as it shone in through the ceiling to floor windows.


    "I said, don''t touch!"


    "I''m not touching."


    "Then what is your hand doing?"


    "I''m just cing it there and not moving it."


    "Then there''s no need to ce it at my butt. Take it away."


    "Alright then, does that means I can put it on other ces?"


    "Did I say that? You can''t do that."


    The two of them bantered a little as Dong Shanshan pushed the responsibility onto him while Zhang Ye yed innocent.


    After a few moments of that, Zhang Ye finally removed his hand from the back of her yoga pants, but continued to sit next to her. He continued leaning on Dong Shanshan, shoulder to shoulder, asionally touching. They were still very close together and when the music in the movie stopped ying, he could hear her light breathing beside his ear. He could also smell Dong Shanshan''s shampoo and bathing foam.


    Ba da.


    A lock of hair came dropping down from her side.


    Dong Shanshan''s hair slid down smoothly andnded on Zhang Ye''s shoulders.


    Zhang Ye felt an itch on his neck and looked sideways to see the still wet hair draped over his shoulder. He swallowed his saliva, feeling enticed once more.


    The movie was still ying, the volume was also very loud.


    The male and female lead were now already on the train eloping off, the two of them looked at each other and smiled, holding each other''s hands. The scenery outside the train windows showing andscape in the far off distance.


    The mood was at its fullest.


    The music was rxing and the ambiguous atmosphere in the room was getting stronger.


    Zhang Ye straightened his neck as his hand dishonestly roamed over again and rested on Dong Shanshan''s thigh very naturally. Seeing that Dong Shanshan did not say anything, Zhang Ye''s hand continued further, moving to the school belle''s soft and tender hand. The touch was cold as ice, her skin clutched within her palms. It was very smooth and Zhang Ye couldn''t resist gripping tighter as his heart began to beat faster and faster.


    Dong Shanshan looked at him, "Are we watching the movie or what?"


    "I''m watching." Zhang Ye coughed.


    "Then watch it properly." Dong Shanshan said with a smile.


    Seeing her smile, Zhang Ye knew it was not a problem. His hand did not loosen its grip and he continue holding her hand.


    Dong Shanshan''s hand moved suddenly, but she did not take it away from his hand. Maybe it was not in afortable position, she had taken her hand off her leg and put it onto the leather couch instead.


    The two held hands, maintaining that position for a while.


    In this current situation, Zhang Ye''s heart had already melted. He felt extremely fortunate as if he had found his junior high school''s first love. He had also touched hisndy''s hands before, but this sort of hand holding would really be considered as Zhang Ye''s first. There was a difference in context. In kindergarten, the teachers used to make the children hold hands for activities like mass workouts or physical education sses, but those should not be considered as hand holding. This time, it surely had to be.


    The first time being in a rtionship is called one''s first love.


    The first time kissing will be called the first kiss.


    What was the first time holding hands called?


    First time holding? First hold? Eh, why does this sound disgusting (sounds like first diarrhea)!


    The movie was almost ending.


    Dong Shanshan said, "Have you not watched this before?"


    "Never." Zhang Ye was unfamiliar with the movies of this world.


    "Such a ssic old movie and you''ve never seen it before?" Dong Shanshan shook her head in disapproval.


    Zhang Ye felt it was quite good, so he asked curiously, "So what happens to the male and female leads in the end? They get together?"


    "Of course not." Dong Shanshan was giving a deadly spoiler, she turned her head to look at him and said, "After getting off the train, their parents gave chase to the station and brought many underlings to capture them. In the end, the leads dash across the road to escape, but get run over by a big truck!"


    Zhang Ye couldn''t ept such an ending and cursed, "Damn it. What the f**k!"


    How could such a weak movie be called a ssic?


    Could this world''s movies be going for such tastes?


    Dong Shanshan bent forward, still holding onto Zhang Ye''s hand to get her cup of water with the other hand. She gulped it down and then ced it back onto the coffee table.


    In the movie, the train had stopped.


    Zhang Ye was anxiously waiting, but when the movie ended and the credits rolled, he still did not see the ending that Dong Shanshan had told him!


    Run over your sister!


    Big truck your sister!


    I didn''t even see a trishaw!


    The two of them were still well and f**king alive!


    "Shanshan!" Zhang Ye gave her a stare, "You''re so wicked!"


    Dong Shanshan covered her mouth giggling, her natural charms were all showing, "You''d believe everything I say? I don''t give spoilers to anyone ever, this is basic courtesy. Spoilers are disgusting."


    Zhang Ye shamelessly said, "No way, you lied to your old ssmate and cheated my feelings again. You gotta make up for it, let me kiss you again." Making an innocent face, he went over to try to kiss her.


    "No." Dong Shanshan dodged.


    But what kind of skills did Zhang Ye have? Pulling her hand, Dong Shanshan''s body came back towards him., but possibly from having used too much force, or because the school belle was too slim, with this pull, he had pulled Dong Shanshan a little too hard. She fell onto Zhang Ye''s legs with an ''Aiyo''. Zhang Ye blinked and lowered his head to lock lips with her. As shey at a spot too low, Zhang Ye''s posture was also not easy. He had to press down with his back and neck. His body even began to tremble. However, this bit of difficulty could not prevent Zhang Ye. He was willing to stand upside down just to get a kiss!


    Smooth. Tender. Sweet.


    There''s even a hint of tea smell, the feeling was great.


    Dong Shanshan twisted around slightly, "Zhang��.Ye��.hmm��I''m��getting angry."


    Zhang Ye definitely was afraid that she would get angry for real. After a few kisses, he did not go any further and pulled away from her lips as a thread of saliva extended between the two of them.


    Ta.


    The thread of saliva broke off andnded Dong Shanshan''s lower chin.


    Dong Shanshan nced at him and reached for a napkin.


    "Let me get it for you." Zhang Ye did not let her get up, but got her a napkin.


    Dong Shanshan''s head was still resting on his leg as she took the napkin to wipe the saliva off her chin. Then she threw the napkin at the bin beside them and missed as the crushed napkin rolled around on the floor. Dong Shanshan''s pushed herself up with her hands from the couch, but Zhang Ye pressed her back down.


    "Are you going to make me sleep here?" Dong Shanshan gave him a look.


    Zhang Ye said, "If you want to sleep then go ahead. It would be my honor to be the school belle''s pillow."


    Laying down, Dong Shanshan could only nce up and look at Zhang Ye, smiling, "You''d like that. Stop messing, let me get up first. I don''t feel well lying down. The couch is too small."


    Zhang Ye was feeling gutsy, "If the couch is too small, then why don''t we go to my room?"


    Dong Shanshan rolled her eyes, "��Why don''t we go to my room instead?"


    "Your room is good too." Zhang Ye answered without hesitation as he spotted another opportunity. He immediately put one hand under her knees and another behind her neck, made a grunt and then stood up from the couch with much effort. Carrying Dong Shanshan, their weights added up as his bare feet pounded against the floor with a loud "dong"!


    Dong Shanshan face turned pale, "I''m falling, put me down!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Don''t worry, I won''t let you fall. Don''t you know my skills?" Then he put his feet onto the coffee table and used his big toe to press on the remote control and switched off the TV. At that moment, the room was totally dark. Zhang Ye made use of the moonlight and turned around, his heart full of anticipation as he walked towards Dong Shanshan''s room. He was actually quite nervous.


    Dong Shanshan looked at him, "Where are you going?"


    Zhang Ye carried her saying, "To your room, that''s what you said, isn''t it?."


    "��..Oh." Dong Shanshan did not say much, but only quietly acknowledged.


    Hearing that, Zhang Ye was even more excited now. His breathing rhythm increased as he took a few steps before reaching her room''s door. It was not closed, but slightly ajar. He turned sideways and went inside, then used his backside to close the door. The room was filled with the aroma of a woman and it came rushing into his nose.


    Dong Shanshan did not say a word.


    Then, Zhang Ye gently let her down onto the bed.


    They were both silent for a few seconds.


    Zhang Ye scratched his nose, not knowing what to say, "Is your dad''s illness getting better?"


    Dong Shanshan replied, "He stayed in the hospital and was on IV for 2 days. The other day when I called him, he was already discharged. It was acute pneumonia, nothing serious."


    "Tell me if you need any help."


    "Hur Hur, what can you help with?"


    "Your old ssmate here at least has some arm strength."


    Zhang Ye was embarrassed yet again, but did not bother too much about it. After getting up from the couch, he did not wear any slippers. He walked to the windows barefooted and drew the curtains, leaving just a little gap. Otherwise, he would not be able to see anything at all. Zhang Ye then got up onto Dong Shanshan''s bed from there. Since she did not say anything, he took off his socks and crawled fully into the bed.


    Dong Shanshan nced at him, "Are you for real?"


    "Ah." Zhang Ye tried to smile, "Yes."


    Dong Shanshan yed with her hair and asked doubtfully, "Really?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged tersely, pulling aside the nket and entered. His hands touched her under the nket as he hugged her from the front and kissed her.


    Dong Shanshan did not shirk away from him.


    Zhang Ye kissed her for a full minute, feeling really good.


    Finally, Zhang Ye straightened his back and took off his clothes. One by one, he hurriedly threw them onto the bed end.


    But Dong Shanshan quickly said, "Wait a moment, wait a moment. I''m not ready yet."


    "What do you need to get ready for?" Zhang Ye did not care. After he took off everything, he came up to her again. This time, he got on top of Dong Shanshan''s body, holding both of her long slim legs together with his hands.


    Dong Shanshan pped his hands off and pulled her legs out from between his hands, saying, "Not today."


    Zhang Ye asked speechlessly, "Why?"


    "I''m having my period these few days." Dong Shanshan said.


    "Ah? Such a coincidence?" Zhang Ye was almost in tears.


    Dong Shanshan smile, "So I won''t keep you around any longer, go to bed earlier."


    Zhang Ye was at a loss whether tough or cry, "Then when will be a good time?"


    "Not sure, 2 or 3 days more I guess." Dong Shanshan answered.


    Zhang Ye could only muster, "��..Alright then."


    Sigh, isn''t this asking for my life!


    2-3 days? Forget it! This bro will wait!

 Chapter 262: Talk Show Gets Taken Off Air?

    <h4>Chapter 262: Talk Show Gets Taken Off Air? </h4>


    Chapter 262: Talk Show Gets Taken Off Air?


    Morning.


    It was a brand new day.


    Zhang Ye got out of his bed. He did not do anythingst night, so he could not suppress the fire in his heart. He initially wanted to sleep in the school belle''s bedroom, so he had thickened his skin to chat with her in bed for a long period of time. However, he was still sent out of the room by Dong Shanshan.


    s, this was life.


    Loneliness was where the shoe pinched!


    Dong Shanshan had also woken up and was in the kitchen preparing breakfast.


    "Shanshan."


    "You are awake?"


    "Yea, what are we eating?"


    "Fried mantou and poached egg."


    "Nice, then I''ll go wash up."


    After finishing breakfast, Dong Shanshan picked up her bag, ready to leave. To avoid suspicion, she and Zhang Ye always left separately. Either she left first or he left first.


    Zhang Ye sent her to the doorstep.


    "I''m leaving." Dong Shanshan smiled.


    Zhang Ye acknowledged and blinked his eyes as he leaned over to kiss her.


    However, Dong Shanshan nimbly dodged and opened the door and stood outside the door. She waved her hand, smiling, "I''ll see you at work in a while."


    Zhang Ye gave a wry smile. Damn, he didn''t manage to get a kiss.


    I''ll endure a few more days. I''ll definitely take care of her in two days!


    ����


    Company.


    The moment Zhang Ye arrived, he was informed to go to Wang Xiong''s office.


    "Director Wang, " Zhang Ye said, "You were looking for me?"


    Wang Xiong invited him to take a seat and smiled. "The episode of ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' with the highest hits has officially broken 10 million views. Your fame has been increasing too. Now, there are two or three potential sponsors contacting us, hoping to get exclusive mentions on ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''. As for the details, thepany''s relevant staff is discussing with them. So I want to ask you, how many episodes can this show of yoursst?"


    Zhang Ye gave it a thought before saying, "At this speed of daily episodes, it might finish in less than two months. If it''s one or two episode a week, then it couldst for about half a year or more."


    Wang Xiong muttered to himself, "Two months? That''s about 60 episodes? Alright."


    Zhang Ye asked curiously, "Are the sponsorship fees very high?"


    "Hur Hur," WebTV said, "With your program''s hit rate, it won''t be low. Their bid is already the top price in the WebTV sponsorship fees, and from the looks of it, it can be further discussed."


    The amount of sponsorship was an embodiment of his personal worth, so Zhang Ye was naturally very concerned about it.


    Just as they were chatting, Wang Xiong''s office phone rang. He picked it up, "Hello��" Then after hearing a few words, Wang Xiong''s face changed, "I''ll be there immediately��Huh? Get Zhang Ye too? Alright, Director Feng, I got it." After hanging up, he said to Zhang Ye, "Let''s go. We need to go upstairs."


    Zhang Ye was stunned, "What''s going on?"


    Wang Xiong frowned, "People from the SARFT are here. Director Wang wants you there too, most likely due to your program. Let''s go first. As for the details, I don''t know either."


    Zhang Ye was perplexed. SARFT? My program?


    SARFT was a very famous department. It was not too much to say that it was the department that was in charge of the entertainment industry. For traditional and online television stations, the SARFT was in charge of auditing, punishment, and revocation of all their programs. Basically, they had all the power in their hands.


    ����


    Upstairs.


    Feng Guiqin''s office.


    When Wang Xiong and Zhang Ye entered, there were already about six people in the office. One of them was Feng Guiqin. One of them was also their Weiwopany''s Leader. As for the rest, Zhang Ye had never seen them before. Two of them were middle-aged, while the other two were young adults. There was a total of three men and one woman. The one leading the group was a middle-aged man with a rotund belly. It was unknown if it was a result of drinking, but it was obvious at a nce that he was a Leader.


    The pot bellied SARFT official sat on the sofa with a haughty posture. He said towards Feng Guiqin and anotherpany executive, "The directive has been passed, so implement it!"


    It could be seen that Feng Guiqin was suppressing her anger as she said, "But the ''Talk Show'' has only aired a few episodes. To stop it now would greatly influence our WebTV''s reputation. This program is now our signature program. The country has been trying to foster the WebTV industry, but this directive makes us��"


    Stop broadcasting?


    "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" was to be taken off air?


    Zhang Ye''s face turned gloomy. He never expected it!


    Wang Xiong probably did not expect it either. His face turned cold and immediately said to the pot belly official, "Leader, why are you stopping Little Zhang''s program?"


    Another middle-aged SARFT official nced at him, saying, "What do you think? Back then when you submitted this program for approval, we had approved it after review. We also gave your program a number. However, what did the document you submitted to us say? That it was an entertainment program with goals of being humorous, but we have already seen the first few episodes, that it is not just pureedy and entertainment. There were expletives used in the program and unhealthy joke segments. Especially with the second episode has even involved politics, creating gossip that we are ridiculing our neighbors! If you aren''t taken off air, who should? There has to be a bottom line in entertainment! You cannot do such a program as you have crossed the line!"


    Zhang Ye stepped forward, "What expletives were used?"


    One of the young SARFT officials looked at him, "What is JB?"


    "Is JB an expletive?" Zhang Ye responded, "Then would all English alphabets be expletives!?"


    "Little Zhang!" Feng Guiqin noticed that Zhang Ye was agitated and immediately warned him, "Hold your words. I''ll talk to youter." Then she said to the few SARFT officials, "Isn''t the audit over Talk Show too great? If the higher-ups find it inappropriate, we can still adjust it and we can also delete the joke segments from previous episodes that the SARFT finds inappropriate, but to take it directly off the air causes us too great of a loss!"


    Wang Xiong added on, "Besides, ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' does not in anyway address any political issues. It''s just things that the citizens joke about."


    The leading SARFT official said impatiently, "But the ridicule and satire created from your program has seriously affected social order!"


    Feng Guiqin narrowed her eyes, "This is too much an exaggeration, right?"


    Wang Xiong was also furious, "It''s just an entertainment program, yet you say it''s anti-societal?"


    The woman from SARFT cut them off, "Do you know how many people reported ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' on our official Shanghai SARFT website? There are hundreds of anonymous letters a day! If we carry on letting you broadcast, who knows what mess you will create in the future!"


    Feng Guiqin retorted, "Which program isn''t reported by people? Just because it''s reported means it has to be banned and taken off air? Then the whole country will not have any entertainment programs!"


    The leading SARFT official leered coldly at Feng Guiqin, "We came to announce the SARFT''s decision. From today onwards, ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' is to be taken off air. You just need to follow the directive. Whatever we should answer has been answered, nor do we have any need to exin anything to you. This is a directive set by our SARFT. Also, now is a crackdown period. For those programs that vited the rules, us from the Shanghai SARFT will be holding a small press conference before 8 PM today. We will announce the punishment dealt to ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' and those programs that recently are also in vition. You just need to show up!" Standing up, he said to the people beside him, "Let''s go."


    The people from the Shanghai SARFT strutted away.


    Wang Xiong hurriedly said, "Director Feng, this��"


    "I''ll make a call!" Feng Guiqin picked up her cellphone and dialed a number.


    Zhang Ye stood in a corner, silent. His face was so gloomy that it looked terrifying. I worked so hard and for so long, putting in so much effort, and you are halting my program just as it was created? And the reason behind it being halted was so baffling? It will affect societal order? Go f**k yourself!


    The joke segments and topics he mentioned were all from his world. For example, the content from the episode dedicated to South Korea came from "Tonight 80''s Talkshow". And back then, Wang Zijian had no problems saying it on TV. Nor were there any warnings or punishment, so why would it be prohibited here? Besides, as a traditional television program, "Tonight 80''s Talkshow" had no problems at all. For WebTV, which had rtively more leeway, it had problems? Furthermore, with "Bao Zou Big News Events", this online Talk Show was filled with expletives and curses, but they were alive and well. At least they were not audited and taken off air! Why couldn''t mine work?


    Could it be that this world''s SARFT gave greater scrutiny than his world''s? Almost nothing could be said? Impossible! If Zhang Ye had crossed the line, Feng Guiqin, Wang Xiong, and the Weiwopany Leaders would have informed him early on. Those could have been edited out in post-editing, but them as experienced professionals who were so familiar about the WebTV industry, did not say that there was any problem, so why did the SARFT find problems?


    Furthermore, it was not just halting a few episodes!


    It was suspending it for an indefinite period of time!


    Zhang Ye was perplexed what could have gone wrong.


    Feng Guiqin''s call connected, "Hello, Head Zheng, It''s me, old Feng."


    "Ah, Old Feng." A middle-aged man''s voice came from the phone as the volume was turned up high. Wang Xiong and Zhang Ye, who were standing by the side, could hear it clearly.


    From the conversation, the other party was probably a leader of the Shanghai SARFT.


    Feng Guiqin said, "One of our programs had been suspended. Did you know about it?"


    "Talk Show, right? I just got wind of it." Before waiting for Feng Guiqin to carry on, the middle-aged man said, "Old Feng, I knew you would look for me, but I really can''t help you this time. The person leading the team was Li Tao, right? This matter was audited by them. I can only disclose some insider information that we indeed decided to have a crackdown recently. Secondly, it''s not your Weiwopany''s problem, but because Zhang Ye provoked public outrage. In the past, he was banned by television stations, and now with his new program being so popr, many people from the television stations can''t stand it, so they would definitely do something. Thirdly, to my knowledge, Li Tao''s daughter''s idol is Lee Parkwoo. Maybe it''s due to his daughter that after his team''s audit on ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' came up with vitions, he directly reported it to the administration. Then it was sent to the SARFT''s headquarters, and now they have made the punishment of taking it off air. So whatever I say would be useless for you."

 Chapter 263: If the tiger doesn’t roar, do you think I’m an ill cat?

    <h4>Chapter 263: If the tiger doesn��t roar, do you think I��m an ill cat? </h4>


    Chapter 263: If the tiger doesn''t roar, do you think I''m an ill cat?


    Feng Guiqin hung up.


    Zhang Ye heard every word from the phone. He had provoked public outrage? Someone did not like him? This halt was targeted at him?


    Feng Guiqin waved her hand, "Go back first. I''ll think of some other method!"


    Wang Xiong was pessimistic, "The directive has been passed down. It''s already toote."


    "I''ll look for someone else." Feng Guiqin knew that there was not much hope, but she had to put in the effort. She could not take this lying down. It was not easy for Weiwo to produce such a good program, and it was not easy for China to produce such an excellent original program format. Before othersmented on it, they were already drowned by their own people? They were attacked for some baffling reasons, resulting in their best program being halted! No wonder China''s television program industry could not develop well! How was it to develop!? It was sabotaged from within! All because of personal selfish desires that ignored everything else! This was the entertainment industry of China! Feng Guiqin''s heart turned so cold that it could not go any lower!


    "Director Feng," Zhang Ye spoke.


    Feng Guiqin pushed her hand out, "Go back."


    Zhang Ye said with a gloomy face, "This matter is my fault. I have jeopardized ourpany!"


    "You heard it?" Feng Guiqin was stunned before saying, "It''s not because of you."


    Zhang Ye said, "Previously, many television stations contacted me, hoping to headhunt me to do Talk Shows for them, but I refused. I rejected all of them, and in this industry, I have previously offended a lot of people. Even I''m at a loss how many of them there are. They are deliberately targeting me!"


    Wang Xiong patted him, "It''s not because of you."


    Zhang Ye was very firm in his judgment.


    He managed to get caught in a crackdown?


    He managed to get used as an example?


    That was definitely not the reason. It was just used as an opportunistic reason. Just as the Head Zheng from the Shanghai SARFT told Director Feng on the phone, that pot bellied guy, named Li Tao was the instigator of this matter. There was a web of rtions behind the matter. For example, Li Tao''s daughter who idolized Lee Parkwoo, for example an old ssmate of Li Tao, or a friend of Li Tao from a certain television station. They could have contacted Li Tao to help in targeting Zhang Ye, or it could be Li Tao not liking Zhang Ye. To make a negative example out of someone, they needed someone to answer to their higher-ups. Hence, "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" had be their target. Regardless of the possibilities, Zhang Ye remembered Li Tao as a person. The reason why his program was banned was all because of this person!


    This is like sending me to the gallows!


    At the same moment Zhang Ye''s heart turned cold, another part of his heart was burning with anger!


    Feng Guiqin said, "Old Wang, about the sponsorship of Talk Show, hold it off for the moment. Forget it, tell them the truth. Everyone is well-informed. Since the Shanghai SARFT is holding a press conference tonight, there''s no way to keep it under wraps."


    Wang Xiong sighed, "I understand." A few million Yuan of sponsorship fees disappeared just like that. Not just Wang Xiong felt the pinch, the entirepany would definitely feel it!


    Theirpany''s most excellent program had not even fully matured in its poprity, but had been stabbed in the back by others. This was a severe blow to their online television station!


    ����


    Office area.


    Zhang Ye returned.


    "Has the sponsorship been decided?" Dong Shanshan looked up from her desk and she smiled. "I heard the bid for your Talk Show''s exclusive sponsorship is already higher than the other top WebTV programs. In the future, you will be a famous high sponsorship webhost."


    Ah Qian smiled. "Congrattions, Teacher Zhang."


    "Are you treating us tonight?" Little Yu also joked.


    Zhang Ye did not speak a word and returned to his seat.


    The surrounding colleagues were surprised when they saw this. What happened? Why was Teacher Zhang Ye acting in such a manner? He was still frowning despite the higher sponsorship rates?


    Then, a woman suddenly shouted!


    It was the web host named, Wang Bei. She eximed, "Hurry and look at Shanghai SARFT''s official website! This crackdown mentions seven programs to be halted! Including��''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''!"


    "What?"


    "It can''t be?"


    "Teacher Wang, did you see wrongly?"


    "Talk Show has been halted? Based on what grounds!?"


    The office seemed to explode as everyone gathered over!


    After verifying the notice of vition from the SARFT, everyone was stunned!


    There really was "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show"! It had really been halted! And it was in effect as of today! ording to the document''s usual practices, this was a indefinite halt! It could be said that even if it was edited, and they redid the programs from the past, there was no way for "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" to be aired ever again!


    Ah Qian stared, "How can this be!?"


    "It says here that Zhang Ye''s broadcasted unhealthy information and spread rumors that could potentially disrupt social order?" Little Yu was also extremely angered, "Bullsh*t!"


    An old colleague mmed his table, "This bunch of Shanghai SARFT! They are too bastardly!"


    "Many industry insiders have evaluated that a Talk Show program format can even go international and develop all over the world. In the end, we got axed by the SARFT?" Zhang Han, who had a good rtionship with Dong Shanshan, felt injustice for Zhang Ye. This matter was disgusting!


    Dong Shanshan hurriedly asked, "What other programs are halted? Are all the Talk Show programs also halted?" Now, other than "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show", there were already three other television programs on the market springing up to emte Zhang Ye''s talk show. Two of them were WebTV programs, and another was a provincial television station from Shanghai. Furthermore, none of them bought the copyright from Zhang Ye.


    Wang Bei sat before theputer and pointed to the screen with gritted teeth, "Look at the other programs yourself. Other than Zhang Ye''s, there''s not a single talk show on this list!"


    "Old Chen''s Argument".


    "Web Bikini Show".


    "Children''s Stories��The life of a Rabbit".


    Even a children''s story channel had been ced on the cklist. However, despite checking the list a few times, there was no other talk show program to be found. That meant that only Zhang Ye''s program had been halted. The other knockoff Talk Show programs that giarized Zhang Ye werepletely fine! One had to know that those pirated programs were identical to Zhang Ye''s! As they were still not familiar with a talk show''s core values, they were still unable to create independent works. They could only emte Zhang Ye''s style. When he cursed the Koreans, or the Japanese, or the Americans, they would do it in Zhang Ye''snguage mannerism, but now, they were stillpletely fine!


    Why?


    Why are they are only targeting Teacher Zhang Ye!?


    Many people, who had good rtions with Zhang Ye, could not find something to vent their anger!


    As Zhang Ye heard everyone speaking, his anger rose to his head! Li Tao! If you really don''t like me, then do it openly. Do it cleanly, but now? You turned a blind eye to those bad quality copies of my programs, but banned my original program? What did this mean? Are you legitimizing those knockoffs and giarized copies? Banning my program and then letting those Talk Show programs not pay me a single cent in copyright royalties? Are you trying to aid the bootleg programs? With "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" going down, if people wanted to watch Talk Show programs in the future, they could only go to other traditional or web television stations to watch?


    This was filled with tremendous amounts of interest!


    Zhang Ye could tell that this matter wasplex and felt nauseous just thinking about it. A lot of benefits and interests were involved in the halting of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show"!


    Indeed, a phone call was suddenly made to Zhang Ye.


    "Who''s this?" Zhang Ye picked it up.


    "Hello, Teacher Zhang. I''m from Shanghai Television Station. Previously, one of my colleagues contacted you. I wonder if you have any impression." It was a middle-aged woman''s voice, "We just received news that your program has been halted?"


    Zhang Ye said in a lukewarm manner, "Just cut to the chase."


    The woman said, "It''s this. We still have the same intentions. We wish for you toe to our television station and let you create a new Talk Show program."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve been cklisted by SARFT, so even with a name change, would they approve it?"


    The woman chuckled, "You can rest assured about this. We willmunicate with them to approve of your program. Since we are inviting you, we definitely have some confidence. As long as youe, your new program will be approved as early as next Sunday. You can carry on with your Talk Show, how about it?"


    Zhang Ye sneered, "Sorry, not interested!"


    The woman was dazed and was just about to carry on speaking,


    But Zhang Ye had already abruptly hung up. He did not even want to say another word to her! With this phone call, Zhang Ye already understood some things. He did not know if the Shanghai Television Station had yed a dishonorable role in this matter, but he was sure that it was a result of a television station or some other online television station. With Li Tao banning Zhang Ye''s program, only the Weiwopany and Zhang Ye suffered, as for the other entities, they only stood to gain.


    Another phone call.


    This person was someone from a television station that had previously called him.


    "Zhang Ye, are you interested in our television station? The contract''s perks are the same as thest time. With your program halted, Weiwo WebTV definitely cannot broadcast anymore. You might as welle here to develop yourself. You are free to make the decision." Zhang Ye remembered this person clearly. When he previously called him, he had been very courteous, using terms like "Teacher Zhang", but now, his attitude had changed. He had directly called Zhang Ye by name. His tone was also not as friendly, as if Zhang Ye had to plead with him.


    Back then, they were inviting him, so they were courteous. As such, Zhang Ye was naturally courteous too, although he was adamant about not joining them.


    But to not speak politely to me?


    Then why the f**k would I be courteous to you!?


    Zhang Ye immediately responded, "Get lost to as f**king far you as your learning goes!"


    "You��" The person was stunned from being cursed at. He was also extremely angry and was about to retort back.


    Toot, toot, toot. Zhang Ye had already hung up. He was now suspicious of multiple parties involved in this matter. They were all trying to obstruct him. After being low-key for half a month, Zhang Ye suddenly returned to his form back in Beijing. He had transformed back into a "fighter"!


    If the tiger doesn''t roar, do you f**king think I''m an ill cat?

 Chapter 264: The SARFT’s Press Conference!

    <h4>Chapter 264: The SARFT��s Press Conference! </h4>


    Chapter 264: The SARFT''s Press Conference!


    At the same moment.


    The news had spread online!


    "Look at the Shanghai SARFT''s penalty notice!"


    "Holy sh*t! Why is ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' halted?"


    "Broadcasting of unhealthy information? What did Zhang Ye say that was unhealthy? Those are just contemporary social issues! They were all just cases that have happened before! F**k! If News Simulcast could broadcast that, then why can''t Zhang Ye talk about it? He can''t even mention them?"


    "The SARFT is going more and more overboard!"


    "Do they even reason things out! I''ve been watching ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' everyday!"


    "He just poked fun at the Koreans a little! What do they mean by disrupting social order?"


    "Such ridiculous charges can be just brought up like that? There''s definitely a conspiracy!"


    "Everyone, look at the halted programs list, even a damn children''s story program is included! What year is this even? Are they nning a literary inquisition? I''m numb, I''m so angry that my lungs are going to explode! How can such a thing happen? How can this not be a deliberate act! I know the SARFT''s authority is wide and that the SARFT''s rights cover a lot, but taking Teacher Zhang Ye''s program to set an example to others? That''s too despicable! How can that program have problems! It just reflects all the societal issues and it even has a positive effect. Themoners all have expectations and desires because of this program, yet you all want to kill it off? Are you really part of China or theckeys of the Koreans! Lee Parkwoo publicly questioned our host, bringing fans to publicly scold our entertainment program colleague, yet you didn''t care. You didn''t even ask which program should Lee Parkwoo be allowed to appear on, yet when Teacher Zhang Ye rebuked with facts, you guys from the Shanghai SARFT turned nasty? And brought along the Koreans and their celebrities to kill off our country''s host? I would like to ask, are you all crazy? Are you still humans? Are you still people of China?"


    "I blew up too!"


    "F**king pushing it too far!"


    "With the halt of the program, Teacher Zhang Ye has suffered injustice!"


    "There''s injustice to all the programs on that list, didn''t you all realize? Those bootleg programs that copied ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' didn''t even purchase the copyrights and yet they present their shows in the exact the same format as Teacher Zhang Ye does. Some of the joke segments were even fully copied over, but yet they did not appear on this list. I knew something was wrong! The programs that ought to have been halted did not get halted! What''s the meaning of this?"


    "SARFT''s notoriety has been known for a long time, but this time it''s really too much. They should have halted those copycat Talk Shows as well!"


    "They are targeting Zhang Ye!"


    "Right, they''re deliberately repressing Teacher Zhang!"


    There were many nationalistic youths and fans of Zhang Ye who started their scolding online!


    Some people even took advantage of the situation. When the order from the Shanghai SARFT was released, a lot of baseless rumors began too. This included those industry insiders and professionals who wanted to scold Zhang Ye but didn''t dare to as his program was enjoying a very high poprity. Seeing that this was the end for Zhang Ye as his Talk Show was halted, they all jumped out to attack and me Zhang Ye!


    "Zhang Ye deserves it!"


    "Hahaha! What good news!"


    "Banning is very good! Who let him scold our Lee Parkwoo!"


    "Have you learned now? Some people cannot be scolded by people like you! What kind of fame do you have and what kind of fame does our Lee Parkwoo have? You shouldn''t overestimate yourself, now you know what trouble you''ve gotten into? It''s toote!"


    A Weibo verified expertmentator posted: Zhang Ye''s program really went too far. It crossed the line. It looks like he was just poking fun at the topics, but in truth, that was disrupting social order. What''s the point of scolding Korea? It''s just a few words, but the effects are grave! It might even get to the point that the rtionship between the two countries gets messed up. If this sort of program is not handled strictly, then what programs should be handled strictly!?"


    Someone rebuked. It was Zhang Ye''s old actor buddy, Yao Jiancai, "There''s the few bad quality Talk Shows that talked about things that crossed the line further than ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' and that didn''t disrupt any social order. Yet the original by Zhang Ye is not allowed? What kind of reasoning is that?"


    That expertmentator answered, "To handle such cases, the first to be mped down on would be the leader. We have to remove the biggest tumor. The SARFT handled this issue well and without any problems!"


    Yao Jiancai answered, "You''re distorting the whole concept! The original needs to be cautious and careful while the thieves can just be so arrogant? giarizing actually gets the stamp of approval from SARFT? What sort of logic is that!?"


    On Weibo, Hu Fei also made a post, "I''m wondering, why a rare, original format program in our country that''s doing so well, has such problems? Zhang Ye''s Talk Show is an online television program, but even if we air it as a traditional television program, it''s possible to make the cut. Zhang Ye is a very professional host who graduated with professional training. He has worked for so long too and has several highly rated programs to his name. Why would anyone doubt his professionalism such an experienced and talented host? All of the joke segments he said could be said in public! So you''re saying he''s spreading unhealthy information? All right! Which segments spread the unhealthy information? Could the expertmentator from before point it out to me? I would really like to hear your views!"


    Another expert jumped out. He obviously knew Hu Fei in person, but he posted, "Old Hu, Zhang Ye''s walking on a thin line. This kind of thing is like swimming alongside the regtions. Now that he had been used as a ssic example because of what he had said, Zhang Ye''s just paying the price."


    Then a few television station personnel also criticized Zhang Ye. They included a few online television station people, there was even thepany that giarized "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show". They had picked up on Zhang Ye''s show and copied it without paying a single cent. Seeing Zhang Ye having fallen, they stood up to scold him, the founder of Talk Shows. Their ugly faces and mouth was for all to see!


    "Zhang Ye is getting what he deserves!"


    "His program should have been halted long ago!"


    "In the future, everyone should watch our WebTV Talk Show instead! We can guarantee that we won''t spread rumors or negative news. We will fairly judge the problems in our society!"


    There were even some who took the opportunity to advertise.


    As the saying goes, a wall could be pushed down by many people, Zhang Ye had suddenly be the target for everyone!


    Some were scolding Zhang Ye and some were supportive of him. The inte broke out quickly into a fierce debate discussing whether ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' should be halted. Everyone had their own point of view on this matter. However, this was only the inte. They were only words and discourse. In actual fact, the meaning behind the halting of the program was known to industry insiders and themon people. There was definitely something fishy about it. As someone in the Shanghai SARFT had not done his job cleanly. They did not investigate the gerizers nor pursued the matter of giarism, yet they banned Zhang Ye. It was very obvious who they were targeting!


    Did they think everyone was dumb?


    How much smarter could anyone be than the others!


    To say that no one had gained incentives or no existence of a personal rivalry, even a dumbass would not believe!


    Especially those fans who liked Zhang Ye all this while knew it extremely well. Teacher Zhang Ye had a bad temper because he was frank with his words, causing him to offend many. Other than the television circles, in the broadcasting circles, or literary circles, Zhang Ye had already offended them. There were many who hated him to the bone, and since China was a society where interpersonal rtionships mattered a lot, a few phone calls and using one''s ties could cause Zhang Ye to have difficulty moving. Just like today''s matter, there were too many people trying to give Zhang Ye trouble. He had a full range of enemies, so it was impossible to know who set up the obstacle for him!


    ����


    Evening.


    Shanghai SARFT.


    At the press conference hall.


    The reporters had all arrived, but were made to wait outside. The staff did not allow them to go in as it wasn''t near the scheduled time yet. Only staff from SARFT and people whose programs were halted were allowed inside. This was a press conference, as well as a "reflection meeting" directed at the public. After SARFT sent the directive, all relevant personnels that had programs that breached protocol would have to be present at the press conference to express their heartfelt regrets. Usually, such press conferences were rare, but this was a crackdown period. So those who were banned were used by SARFT to serve as a warning to others as well as to emphasize their importance. They made every disobedient television station or rted entertainment industry know who was boss!


    Zhang Ye''s understanding of the SARFT was rather deep. In his previous world, there had been many simr cases before. For example, the movie "No Man''s Land". Was its director, Ning Hao, a big shot? Was he famous? He was the publicly acknowledged #1 director in that world, and the actors for this movie? Xu Jing, Huang Bo, all of them were A-list celebrities. They were even the kings of movies. With such a big name cast and the productionpany was also one with the mostwork of contacts, yet this film had been dragged on for a full few years before it finally screened. The losses were huge, but what was the cause of it all? It was simply because of a word from the SARFT. The film did not pass the checks, so just wait along. If the SARFT says you can''t screen it, then you can''t screen it!


    Was there any other way?


    There was no other way! The opponents were the SARFT!


    And in this world, Zhang Ye realized that the control of the SARFT towards the entertainment circles was even greater. Zhang Ye''s understanding from his world was that if a program had problems, all they had to do was submit a report, admitting their regtory negligence. If not, there would be a closed-door review by the SARFT. It was nothing like doing the reflectance in public! And even organizing such arge scale press conference? This was driving them into the depths of hell! They could halt a program as and when they wished, without providing a reason. They could just arrange for any charge against them and all one could do was obediently wait to be banned. They even wanted to make Zhang Ye confess his wrongdoings in front of cameras, without giving him a chance to fight back. What sort of authority was this!


    ����


    Outside the venue.


    Zhang Ye had arrived. Wang Xiong and another colleague had apanied him here.


    The reporters had all been waiting outside. When they saw Zhang Ye, they all rushed up with their long lenses and cameras!


    "Zhang Ye, what do you have to say?"


    "Your program has been halted and this attracted a lot of discussion it. What is your view on this matter?"


    This matter was not trivial. Shanghai Television Station and several Shanghai newspapers numbered about eighteen. There were about 20-30 reporters and cameramen!


    Zhang Ye looked at them.


    What do I have to say?


    I only wish to say this to Li Tao- If you don''t let me live life smoothly, then don''t f**king expect me to let you live your life smoothly! The price of making me, Zhang Ye, fall��.is very high!

 Chapter 265: During the Live Broadcast!

    <h4>Chapter 265: During the Live Broadcast! </h4>


    Chapter 265: During the Live Broadcast!


    At the venue.


    At the hall on the first floor.


    Wang Xiong, Zhang Ye, andpany dodged the hounding reporters. After shing their work passes to the SARFT staff, they were let inside. There were already a few television station staff members and hosts, who had their programs halted, in there. On the podium, Zhang Ye immediately noticed the pot bellied Li Tao and the few Shanghai SARFT officials who had shown up to pass down the directive at hispany.


    Li Tao was giving instructions.


    "Check the microphone."


    "Chief Li, it''s fine."


    "The press conference will be half an hour long and will be fully broadcasted live on a provincial Shanghai station. This is the closure to us making an example out of them. It is extremely important and no mistakes will be allowed. Or else, even if we did well at the beginning, problems at the end would definitely not allow us to pass!"


    "We understand."


    "Don''t worry Chief Li."


    After finishing speaking, Li Tao saw Zhang Ye andpany in the distance. He ignored them and found SARFT staff who was presiding over the press conference, "Little Zheng, when you are doing the moderating, when it''s Weiwo Video and Dongchu Video''s turn, you can allow the reporters to question them. As for the rest, there''s no need to after they do their reflections. It is also to save on time. We need to guarantee that it can be done in half an hour."


    The one called Little Zheng was stunned before saying, "Yes, Leader."


    Li Tao nodded and left satisfied.


    Little Zheng did not ask any superfluous questions, because he knew deep down. Dongchu Video? This was a new WebTVpany established just this year. Back then, it was said amongst the Administration that thispany "did not y the game", did not concern themselves with personal connections, nor did they send gifts to the SARFT, hence they were deliberately held in review for a few months by the Shanghai SARFT. Finally, the Dongchupany wrestled with them and passed the application material directly to headquarters before managing to pass the review. Little Zheng believed Chief Li was definitely trying to make it difficult for them. As for Weiwo Video? Little Zheng was not very sure of the situation, but he knew that they had definitely offended Chief Li Tao, or it was due to interests. It could be anything else too, but it was not something a person of his level could understand. He just needed to execute the Leader''s orders.


    ����


    Zhang Ye did not hear their conversation. He and a few hosts met each other and got to know one another. Maybe they had seen each other''s programs, but did not know each other, nor had they ever met face to face. Now, with them in the same boat, their rtionship naturally grew closer.


    "Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    "Teacher Zhou Hao."


    "Teacher Chen, you came too?"


    A few of them stood together to talk, but their tones were full of sighs.


    Host Zhou Hao whispered, "What do you make of it? We were doing our programs prim and proper and in ordance with the regtions, yet we were stopping just because they say so."


    Teacher Chen looked at him, "You must have offended someone, right?"


    Zhou Hao turned silent, "Hai, don''t mention it."


    Teacher Chen said agitatedly, "I''m the most wronged. My program is a f**king children''s online program, yet it got axed by them. Aren''t they forcing me to the gallows?"


    Another host said, "Wasn''t there some friction with the Shanghai SARFT back when your Dongchu Video submitted the WebTV application? They are probably using this opportunity to settle scores."


    None of them would dare say these words to others, but they were nowpatriots in the same war trench, so there was nothing to hide. Furthermore, even if they didn''t say it out aloud, everyone knew it in their hearts.


    Zhou Hao said angrily, "The programs that should be halted aren''t, but arge number of those that shouldn''t are halted. Teacher Zhang Ye, you must be feeling aggrieved too, right? I''ve seen your program before. It''s really good. However, there are arge number of programs giarizing you, yet what was the result? Those programs are all fine and dandy, but only yours has been taken off the air!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Why aren''t the other Talk Shows taken off air?"


    Teacher Chen sighed, "I''ve only heard rumors, so it might not be the truth. Apparently, the two online television stations that giarized your program have very good rtionships with the SARFT official, Li Tao, who is in charge of this crackdown. It seems they paved their connections well when they first applied to be online television stations. Also, recently, there is to be some adjustments to the Shanghai SARFT chiefs, and I heard that Li Tao is definitely going to be promoted. Hence, his power in Shanghai is growing. Whatever he says is thew. Ourpany had previously worked with a few other Shanghai SARFT Leaders, but it ended up useless. Well, these words should not be said to outsiders. Just us knowing is fine. Hai, anyway, it''s such a world!"


    There was another female host who said, "Have you all prepared the reflection piece?"


    "What''s there to prepare?" Teacher Chen said, "Just say a few lines would do. We are all in broadcasting, don''t we have that tiny bit of skill?"


    Zhou Hao said furiously, "I really don''t f**king wish to go up there!"


    "What can we do other than going up?" Teacher Chen said, "We have already spoken to Li Tao, so if you resist him, are you nning to carry on working in Shanghai in the future? As long as we are in this industry, we are under their control."


    Zhou Hao said, "But my program has no problems at all! It has been aired for half a year! Why didn''t they say it was inappropriate during the review? Why didn''t they tell us to change?"


    Teacher Chen looked at him, "Even a children''s program like mine was banned. The reason was spreading negative influences to youth. So go have fun at it."


    Through everyone''s exchange, Zhang Ye got a clearer picture of the situation. This crackdown was said to be making an example out of people, but it was actually Li Tao removing people he disfavored or those who did not benefit him! Whether their programs abided to the regtions or not was not Li Tao''s concern. He only focused on the benefit that was brought to him. Clearly, Zhang Ye and the hosts present were abandoned or used as pawns in Li Tao interests'' chessboard!


    Suddenly, the reporters surged in. They were allowed in!


    The SARFT had arranged everyone''s seats. Zhang Ye andpany sat in their respective seats.


    Five minutester.


    Little Zheng from SARFT sat at the podium and announced, "Next, the press conference will officiallymence. Let us invite Chief Li Tao to announce the oue of the recent investigations on programs that vited regtions."


    Li Tao strode up the stage high-spiritedly, "Hello dear reporters and friends."


    Then, he announced each program that had been halted. "Web Bikini Show", "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show"��


    The cameras were already rolling and the live broadcast had already begun. Many of the audience, who were paying attention to this massive crackdown on TV programs, were waiting in front of their TV sets. Those who could not receive the signal of the Shanghai''s small provincial station watched it online. The broadcast online was synchronized and at most had about 10 seconds of dy.


    Under the stage.


    Wang Xiong leaned his head, "Have you decided on what to say?"


    "Yes, I''ve already thought of it." Zhang Ye nodded while replying.


    Wang Xiong patted him, "It has been hard on you, but��there''s no other way."


    SARFT��In their eyes was a machete hanging above all their heads. With the directiveing to sh down on them, they did not dare disobey it.


    The announcement finished.


    Li Tao did not carry on staying on stage as he stepped off stage and sat in the first row, while hugging his shoulders to spectate.


    Little Zheng took over the microphone and began the next item on the itinerary, which was to let reporters question as well as the reflections of the relevant staff that had failed to meet regtions.


    The first person up was Teacher Zhou Hao and a middle-aged man. The person who spoke was the middle-aged man. He was the Executive Producer of the program that was halted, "As a public television media, we have the obligation to��." After saying a long piece, he finally ended, "Here, I want to represent my program team and my online television station to apologize to the public."


    Li Tao smiled and gave a satisfied nod of approval.


    The second person up was Teacher Chen and a few people from his program team.


    However, just as Teacher Chen was about to speak, Little Zheng, who was in charge of moderation, said to the reporters, "Everyone can feel free to ask questions."


    The reporters'' mouths were all rabid. The moment they heard this, they began bombarding!


    "Teacher Chen, why did you do such a children''s program that vites regtions!"


    "Children''s programs are extremely important in a child''s education. Spreading unhealthy information can cause great psychological impact to children, and might even cause mental scars to them. What do you have to say?"


    More than ten questions came!


    Teacher Chen''s face turned increasingly ugly and was nearly going mad from the questions. However, with his program colleagues reminding him, he still endured it, "I want to express my sincerest apologies. Sorry." Saying that, he gave a slight bow, but his eyes were filled with humiliation and anger! He only had a normal children''s program. Just because Little Rabbit''s elder sister had been eaten by a bear, they werebeled to be spreading unhealthy information? Teacher Chen had worked for decades and had never been so wronged before. Furthermore, he had to bow to everyone to admit his mistakes! He had to admit to mistakes that weren''t mistakes!


    Why?


    Just because he was up against the SARFT!


    Teacher Chen and the other broadcasting hosts did not dare to say or word, nor was it their ce to say anything. All they could do was follow what Li Tao had for them. There was no room for discussion. If they blurted something out, it might not be their program getting banned, but being banned in the entire Shanghai entertainment industry from then on. Even if you left Shanghai to work elsewhere to dodge Shanghai''s SARFT, as long as Li Tao sat on the seat of power, you would not have a pleasant life. The SARFT from other regions were in cahoots with each other. Did Li Taock this bit of connections?


    Next was the female host going up on stage. She did not look that much older than Zhang Ye. She was probably a recently graduated college graduate. After she apologized, aggrieved tears began falling when she saw the reporters taking her pictures and Li Tao''s smirk on the corners of his mouth!


    She cried!


    She could not handle it!


    Wang Xiong turned his head to avoid the scene. His fists were clenched. The other hosts who shared the same enemy gritted their teeth. This bunch of people from the SARFT were too much a bully!


    When the reporters saw the female host crying, they looked at each other momentarily. They wiped all sorts of expressions from their faces and sighed in their hearts. To speak the truth, all of them knew that that many of the programs these hosts did had no major problems. There were many other programs that had bigger problems in the Shanghai region, but they were fine, while these bunch of hosts were used to set an example!


    Was there any other way?


    This was the entertainment industry!

 Chapter 266: Zhang Ye’s “The Answer”!

    <h4>Chapter 266: Zhang Ye��s ��The Answer��! </h4>


    Chapter 266: Zhang Ye''s "The Answer"!


    At the press conference.


    The atmosphere had turned gloomy.


    A woman''s tears was extremely distressing. However, some people were an exception, for example Li Tao. When he saw the female host crying on stage to no end, he frowned coldly and waved towards Little Zheng and then at the female host.


    Little Zheng figured out what he meant, as he said to everyone, "It looks like she has already realized the seriousness of her actions. Let''s have the next person. Is Weiwo Video here?"


    The female host was "helped" down the stage by the SARFT staff.


    Wang Xiong was about to stand up.


    Zhang Ye held him down, "Me going alone will do."


    "How can you bear the responsibility alone?" Wang Xiong insisted.


    "One going is no different from two. It''s the same, so don''t argue with me." Zhang Ye forcefully pressed on Wang Xiong''s shoulder to prevent him from getting up.


    Wang Xiong hesitated, "��Alright."


    Only then did Zhang Ye stand up and adjusted his suit before striding up on stage.


    ����


    At the same time.


    Staff of Weiwopany were watching the live broadcast.


    "Hai, Teacher Zhang Ye is going on up!" Little Yu eximed.


    Dong Shanshan had a deadpan expression. Wang Bei, Ah Qian, and other colleagues, who had good rtions with Zhang Ye, all had bad expressions. They were all feeling angry for Zhang Ye! One shouldn''t kill after one has apologized! If Teacher Zhang Ye''s program had really vited the regtions, then so be it, but he didn''t! You were banning his program! And you even want him to follow your requirements to give an apology? This wasn''t just bullying! This was sending him to the gallows!


    "If it were me, I wouldn''t go!"


    "Not go? Does Teacher Zhang not want to carry on in this line of work?"


    "By taking humble pie and apologizing this time, he can at least carry on working in this industry. If he doesn''t even go on up at this point, then he can forget about working in this line."


    "The SARFT has always been that tough!"


    "Hai, Teacher Zhang has suffered greatly this time!"


    Only a few people in the office were smiling in their hearts and happy to watch the fuss. For example the web hosts, who had average rtionships with Zhang Ye. Previously, they were envious of a rookie like Zhang Ye having such good results. Now with his program halted, they were naturally gloating.


    ����


    Online.


    Zhang Ye''s fans had already exploded!


    "Bastard!"


    "SARFT is a bunch of grandsons!"


    "Did Teacher Zhang kill your father or your mother?"


    "Take a look! Even that female host from before cried! Are the Shanghai SARFT people sick? F**k!"


    Another bunch of people cursed again.


    "Haha, finally I can see Zhang Ye suffering!"


    "It''s best if he apologizes in a more contrite manner! Show your deep repentance for scolding my Lee Parkwoo!"


    "Zhang Ye, to think you have such a day. Back when you were cursing us Koreans, weren''t you having a great time doing so? Now do you know your faults? Serves you right!"


    Another Korean exchange student sounded out!


    "Let''s see you curse us Koreans! KeKeKe, you are dumbfounded already, right!?"


    "Your China''s SARFT is too good! In our country, as long as cursing China doesn''t go too far, they can be put on TV, and might even get the full support of the television station. Here, sure is good. Not only do you not support your own people, you even kill your own people? I like it! Haha! Well done! This person in charge is called Li Tao, right? I represent the people of Korea to give you a Like!"


    The moment a few exchange students said this, a new round of insults began!


    How could the Chinese nationalists stand for this? They surged forward with curses!


    However, the Korean exchange students'' words made these people feel gloomy. They could only admit that what they had said was the truth. Li Tao, as well as the people from SARFT, not only did not support their own country and even helped the Koreans ban an excellent program bred by their own country. It was really aggrieving those near to us and ddening the enemy! What was the Shanghai SARFT thinking!? What was that Deputy Chief, Li Tao, thinking!?


    ����


    At the studio.


    The first row off-stage was filled with the Leaders from the SARFT and civil servants.


    Li Tao looked up on stage at Zhang Ye with a smile. He was waiting for Zhang Ye''s reflection. He naturally had his considerations on this matter. As for what the oue was, as for if the program should or should not be halted, Li Tao did not care. If he felt it should be halted, it would be halted. There was no need with any more nonsense! You have your opinions? So what? Ever since the SARFT merged with the press and publication sector, then all the powers was theirs!


    Zhang Ye sat down.


    Little Zheng nced at him, and without waiting for Zhang Ye to speak, he interjected and said to the reporters, "You may begin asking your questions."


    Many people noticed that the other program teams, that had vited the regtions were not allowed to be questioned. However, the moment Teacher Chen and Teacher Zhang Ye went on stage, the SARFT staff would immediately allow the reporters to ask their questions. The targeting was too obvious!


    Wang Xiong''s face turned gloomy!


    Teacher Chen, Zhou Hao, and the other hosts were by the side wereforting the tearing female host. She might never have encountered that much injustice before as she was still crying.


    The reporters began questioning!


    "Zhang Ye, why did you use such gimmicks to attract an audience?"


    "Is your program''s continuous insult at Korea your personal intentions or thepany''s intentions?"


    "With your program halted due to viting regtions, if you were to start another talk show, how would you do it? Would you carry on making this same mistake?"


    "There are many people reporting your program now. There has been a lot of criticism on the inte. I want to know your thoughts on the matter."


    "Zhang Ye��"


    "Teacher Zhang��"


    "Why aren''t you speaking?"


    "Zhang Ye, please answer us!"


    The reporters asked one after another, but Zhang Ye did not say a single response!


    Li Tao coldly looked at Zhang Ye. Not speaking? Do you think it''s fine if you don''t speak?


    Little Zheng frowned at Zhang Ye and said to him, "Zhang Ye, please answer the reporters'' questions!"


    Everyone believed Zhang Ye would apologize and would then hurriedly get off stage after doing so because his opponent was the Shanghai SARFT! It was because they were an existence that no one in the entertainment industry dared to offend! In everyone''s impression, even the most irascible person in the industry was not dumb enough to fight the SARFT, but they were wrong. This world had to have that one exception!


    Others did not dare to do such a thing? Zhang Ye dared to do!


    Others don''t dare to speak? Zhang Ye dared to speak!


    Maybe everyone did not have such a concept or had long forgotten that Zhang Ye was not only a professional and dedicated host, he was also a person who dared to curse his unit at the Silver Microphone Awards and his Leader on a live television broadcast! There was no such word as "fear" in his dictionary!


    "Zhang Ye!" Little Zheng from the SARFT rebuked him, "Do you have anything to say?" Even an ordinary employee of the Shanghai SARFT dared to speak to Zhang Ye in such a manner. And based on what? It was because of the power that the SARFT possessed!


    Question me? Scold me? Entrap me? Wrong me?


    You still want me to apologize? You even want me to go ording to your wishes and scripts to answer?


    Zhang Ye smiled and he appeared extremely calm. He did not have an expression that was preparing to show his remorse. You want my answer? All right! I will give you SARFT "The Answer"! This was a live broadcast, right? Just to my liking. I''ve said it before. As long as you don''t let me livefortably, I will not let you livefortably too!


    Trying topare in ability to cause trouble?


    Ha! No one in the entertainment industry canpete with me!


    At most, I''ll just quit! At most, I won''t work in the entertainment industry, but you want me to swallow this today? You guys are too naive!


    I''m afraid of all of you?


    Go f**k yourself!


    The moment Zhang Ye grabbed the microphone, the reporters simmered in their words. Wang Xiong, Teacher Chen, Zhou Hao, andpany were all watching Zhang Ye. There were numerous people before the TV either supporting him or watching to see him being ridiculed. They wanted to see how Zhang Ye apologized.


    Li Tao chuckled. You couldn''t hold on anymore? Weren''t you remaining silent? In the end, you still have to apologize.


    Then, Zhang Ye spoke. However, the first words he said made everyone present or those in front of their screens dumbfounded!


    Zhang Ye indifferently nced at the SARFT staff and at Li Tao, "Debasement is the password of the base. Nobility the epitaph of the noble!"


    Ah!


    What?


    This was a poem? A modern poem?


    No one expected Zhang Ye to start with this! What did it mean? Debasement is the password of the base. Nobility the epitaph of the noble? The derision in those words were too intense! And anyone who knew a bit of literature knew that this poem was not simple from its opening lines!


    Li Tao''s expression changed!


    The staff of the SARFT were stunned by what Zhang Ye said! This was a live broadcast program!


    Zhang Ye ignored it and raised his head to look high up, "See how the gilded sky is covered, with the drifting twisted shadows of the dead. The Ice Age is over now. Why is there ice everywhere? The Cape of Good Hope has been discovered. Why do a thousand sails contest the Dead Sea?" A few questions were thrown off stage!


    The entire scene turned silent!


    Even the cameramen were dumbfounded. They did not know if they should cut off the live broadcast signal!


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I came into this world, bringing only paper, rope, a shadow. To proim before the judgment, the voice that has been judged." Upon saying this, Zhang Ye''s tone suddenly changed. He wiped away his smile and deepened his voice, "Let me tell you, world, I��do��not��believe! If a thousand challengers lie beneath your feet, count me as number one thousand and one!"


    "I don''t believe that the sky is blue!"


    "I don''t believe in thunder''s echoes!"


    "I don''t believe that dreams are false!"


    "I don''t believe that death has no revenge!"


    The moment these words were out, they reverberated in the entire hall!


    Zhang Ye smiled once again, "If the sea is destined to breach the dikes, let all the brackish water pour into my heart. If thend is destined to rise, let humanity choose a peak for existence again. A new conjunction and glimmering stars, adorn the unobstructed sky now; They are the pictographs from five thousand years." Zhang Ye raised his head once again, and looked towards the camera and pointed high up and said in a determined fashion, "They are the.. watchful eyes of future generations!"


    What people did, the Heavens were watching!


    History will give me my justice!


    This was Zhang Ye''s "The Answer"!


    It was Bei Dao''s work from Zhang Ye''s world!

 Chapter 267: That familiar Teacher Zhang is back again!

    <h4>Chapter 267: That familiar Teacher Zhang is back again! </h4>


    Chapter 267: That familiar Teacher Zhang is back again!


    The scene at the live broadcast turned silent!


    Zhang Ye had answered them!


    He used a method that was exclusive to Zhang Ye alone!


    He used an answering method that would astound everyone!


    After the poem finished, the reporters off-staged gasped. Some stared in disbelief at Zhang Ye, while others wiped the cold sweat from their foreheads. The first row of Shanghai SARFT staff nearly coughed out blood. They were nearly infuriated to death by Zhang Ye''s poem. Especially with Li Tao as the highest ranking official in charge of this press conference. Li Tao''s face had turned red with anger. Veins bulged from his neck and he looked like he was going to rush up on stage to gnaw Zhang Ye to death. He hated him to the bone!


    The others had not reacted in time yet!


    A few secondster, there was an uproar!


    "Holy sh*t!"


    "This poem��"


    "Zhang Ye has gone mad!"


    "How is he so daring!? Why is he so daring!?"


    "He''s cursing the SARFT? Does he n not to work anymore?"


    Many reporters stood up with a rush. They had previously been gathered here by the SARFT. The questions they asked mostly followed the core context of the SARFT''s press conference, but at this moment, their attitudes changed. What reced their expressions was that of great excitement and interest. The professional love of chaos as a reporter immediately surged up!


    What did being on stimnts look like?


    It was what they looked like now!


    Click! Click! Click! The reporters began to barrage Zhang Ye with camera shes. Some of them hurriedly used their memory to record down the stirring poem!


    It was big news!


    This time, the news was major!


    Comrade Zhang Ye! Why are you always��so cute!


    When the reporters came, they believed that they were here to go through the motions and report ording to the usual patterns. They never expected such a shocking scene!


    "Zhang Ye is infuriated!"


    "Zhang Ye is infuriated once again!"


    Some Shanghai reporters were no stranger to Zhang Ye. The airne hijacking was the first time Zhang Ye appeared in Shanghai, catching the attention of the people. Hence, many reporters had investigated Zhang Ye''s past. However, there were many reporters and SARFT staff who did not understand him.


    A young reporter said in surprise, "What does this mean?"


    Another female reporter said in a daze, "Why do you mean infuriated once again? Has he done something like this in the past?"


    "Far more than that." An old reporter chuckled, "It''s not only once. This Zhang Ye is extremely notorious in Beijing. Once, at an awards ceremony, he did not show his gratitude after receiving the award, and instead scolded his unit in public. Later on, when he went to a television station, he disrupted a live broadcast at a funeral wake. He cursed his superior in front of the cameras. What newspaper are you from? You haven''t even heard of this matter? Back then, this matter caused quite a hubbub. Later, that Wang Shuixin was arrested. When some people live, they are already dead. When some people die, they are still alive. Have you never heard this poem?"


    The young reporter said, "I''ve heard of it! That poem is so famous!"


    The old reporter said, "This poem was written by Zhang Ye. And he had written it out of inspiration on a live broadcast."


    A middle-aged female reporter, who had heard of Zhang Ye before, was recording down "The Answer" and speaking to them at the same time, "When the SARFT held a press conference, I already knew that the name list had Zhang Ye. Later on, someone told me in the afternoon that it was a live broadcast. Then, I was very surprised. I was wondering why the SARFT dared to let him go on live broadcast with his notoriety in Beijing. I was extremely curious and wondrous at how daring the SARFT staff were. I even thought that they hadmunicated with Zhang Ye to ensure that Zhang Ye behaved and did a honest apology, but who knew that it did not happen! Did they notmunicate at all?"


    The old reporter was also at a loss whether tough or cry, "Yeah. When I heard that it was a live broadcast, I was stunned. I have quite a number of friends in the Beijing television media circles. From what they say, Zhang Ye has long been banned from appearing on live broadcasts there. It''s no different than trying to shield themselves from thieves. The Shanghai SARFT didn''t know?"


    A few of the reporters spoke quite loudly.


    The first row of Shanghai SARFT staff heard it and turned back in surprise. What? Zhang Ye had previously done this before? And more than once? Holy sh*t! How didn''t we know about it!? Why didn''t anyone tell them? They were the Shanghai SARFT and their scope was only in Shanghai. There was not much interests that intersected with Beijing, and since they were not in the media industry, they could not follow up with so much provincial news every day. Hence, many of them really did not know of Zhang Ye''s notoriety. They subconsciously believed no one in the industry would dare openly challenge them!


    "Hurry and stop the broadcast!"


    "It''s already toote!"


    "Do we stop the live broadcast now?"


    "There''s no way to stop it. We can''t end it like that. The effects would be disastrous!"


    The SARFT staff were all panicking. They had never encountered such a matter! They had no experience in dealing with such matters! They were in a mess!


    "Chief Li!"


    "Chief Li, what do we do?"


    The SARFT staff looked towards the backbone of the administration, Li Tao.


    Li Tao ground his mrs so loudly that even the people beside him could hear it, "Carry on broadcasting! We can''t stop it now!"


    How could he end the broadcast with a poem that scolded their Shanghai SARFT and him? The negative impact would be even greater! Now, whether he liked it or not, he had to bite the bullet and allow the broadcast to carry on. He had to turn the situation around before the end of the live broadcast. He needed to save the reputation of the Shanghai SARFT!


    When Wang Xiong saw the chaos, sweat was dripping down his head. He nearly felt like fainting in his chair. He only had a thought �� "We''re doomed!"


    The eyes of the other program team staff and hosts, who had been punished, lit up. The female host, who had been crying because of the injustice, stopped crying. She clenched her fist tightly in excitement as she cheered on Zhang Ye in her eyes! The other people like Teacher Chen and Teacher Chou wished they could apud Zhang Ye! Well said! It was so well f**king said! Debasement is the password of the base! Nobility the epitaph of the noble! The first line of the poem was enough to prate straight into their hearts! The shock they experienced was indescribable!


    Zhang Ye was speaking up for them!


    Zhang Ye was shouting out the rage in their hearts for them!


    The female host and Teacher Chen did not possess the courage or guts that Zhang Ye had. They could not go up to say anything. All they could do was stand silently to support Zhang Ye with this gesture!


    ����


    Weiwo Company.


    It was unknown when Feng Guiqin had arrived at the WebTV department office. She was watching the live broadcast of the Shanghai provincial television station!


    Feng Guiqin seemed to be in a daze as she stood motionless.


    Dong Shanshan covered her eyes, and was at a loss as to what to say!


    Wang Bei was holding a bottle of mineral water, as if she was about to drink it, but now, the water in the bottle was sshing on the ground. She wasn''t even aware or conscious about it!


    Ah Qian said stunned, "I never knew��knew that Teacher Zhang was so fierce!"


    The entire WebTV department all knew Zhang Ye was quite a fierce person. From the first day he joined them, he had already cursed out a Human Resources staff member. Later on, while doing talk shows, he would curse anyone he wished on the program. Everyone knew this matter, but, but none of them believed that Teacher Zhang Ye could scold so god damn fiercely!


    Cursing the SARFT?


    Challenging the SARFT?


    And all during a live broadcast!?


    For example, the web hosts, Teacher Han and Teacher Gong never liked Zhang Ye. Seeing Zhang Ye on television, scolding the Shanghai SARFT without a fear through a shocking poem, they felt their wits escape them. This was a ruthless person! This sort of person was best not to offend in the future. If they could endure, then endure. They were afraid of his tough measures! As his opposites, they feared him!


    Little Yu wiped his sweat, "I heard Teacher Zhang was just like this back in Beijing!"


    Feng Guiqin, "I shouldn''t have let him go on a live broadcast! Great! Now, this matter is getting serious!"


    ����


    At the same time.


    There was a sensation on the inte!


    Zhang Ye''s "The Answer" blinded numerous pairs of eyes!


    "Hahahaha! Where are those brainless fans of the Koreans? Come on out!"


    "Who said Teacher Zhang would apologize? Who said it?"


    "That''s right! Just now, who was the one who wanted to watch Zhang Ye being ridiculed? You are too naive! Who is Teacher Zhang Ye!? He is the most outspoken person in the entertainment industry! He will apologize? Bull-f**king sh*t!:


    "I''m really silly. Seriously. I actually believed Zhang Ye would reflect on his actions! I should have guessed! With Zhang Ye''s terrible temper! How could he possible bow down?!"


    "Aiyah, I''m dying ofughter!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you cursed so nicely!"


    "I didn''tugh. My blood was boiling with excitement!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye did not disappoint us! Too awesome!"


    "What a good ''debasement is the password of the base''! Teacher Zhang Ye is still that Teacher Zhang Ye! You want Zhang Ye to admit his faults? You found the wrong person!"


    "Right! The SARFT must be dumbfounded now! They wanted to squeeze a soft persimmon, but haha, they ended up kicking a metal te!"


    "I''m really full of admiration towards Li Tao''s intelligence. Didn''t you check what sort of person Zhang Ye was for you to decided to ban his program? You even dared to let him go on a live broadcast? Aiyo, damn! I can only say Li Tao, you''ve won. You have the greatest guts! I still remember back when Teacher Zhang Ye left his job to go to Shanghai for work. We, as the troll army, had reminded you Shanghai counterparts! We already repeatedly reminded you to be careful! Teacher Zhang Ye has gone to your ce��This was the sentence we, the troll army, sent to the top 100 ces on the inte buzzwords ranking. There was also a trantion behind this sentence. It was the same meaning as the devil entering the vige! Why! Why didn''t you believe us!? Why didn''t you have the most basic vignce!? No one can save people of such low intelligence! Have you seen it now? Have you learned now?"


    "Zhang Ye the mighty!"


    "Forever supporting Teacher Zhang Ye! We have to expose the conspiracy!''


    "It''s been awhile since we''ve seen Teacher Zhang Ye''s anger and prowess. Today, we have seen it once again. I find it so warm and fuzzy. That familiar Teacher Zhang is back again!"

 Chapter 268: “The Last Speech” of Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 268: ��The Last Speech�� of Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 268: "The Last Speech" of Zhang Ye!


    "Support Zhang Ye!"


    "Standing in solidarity with Teacher Zhang!"


    "Everyone band together! We must support Zhang Ye!"


    "Right, strongly supporting Zhang Ye! Lift the ban on ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''!"


    "Return my Teacher Meimei! She cried while apologizing just now!"


    "Supporting the return of Teacher Chen''s children program! In the past, I couldn''t understand Zhang Ye, now I understand what he stands for. I''m supporting Teacher Zhang Ye at the same time. Well done!"


    "That''s right! Teacher Zhang, well done!"


    "Zhang Ye is sacrificing himself to die with the SARFT!"


    "Zhang Ye is a person of high morals! He demands justice, even if he dies!"


    In the past, whenever Zhang Ye caused trouble, there were many of his industry peers who wouldment on it. There would be both praises and curses. However, today, not a single person in the industry said a single word. It was as if everyone had agreed before hand to maintain silence. There was no other reason, other than the fact that this matter was extremely sensitive! No one dared to speak out when it was rted to SARFT! If it was not done well, they could end up being banned!


    However, a VIP ount on Weibo, with a million fans, made a statement. He was not a member of the entertainment industry, but someone who specifically released breaking news or did consumer advocacy. His Weibo name was "A Mouth". He had exposed many fake merchandises and was known in the industry as one who dared to speak voice his opinion. He said, "In the past people called me ''A Big Mouth'', saying that I dared to speak my mouth, but only I know that some words are not meant to be said by me. Today, while watching Shanghai SARFT''s news press conference live broadcast, I want to say��Teacher Zhang Ye, you''ve won. You dare to speak your mouth more than me!"


    "Who is Zhang Ye?"


    "Ah, Zhang Ye is in trouble again?"


    "What''s going on? Brother Big Mouth actually admitted that he''s inferior to someone? I must take a look!"


    The online world was ever so buzzing with excitement. People were more spontaneous online, and they seldom had scruples about speaking their mind. If they liked it, they liked it. If they hated it, they hated it. The reputation of the SARFT wasn''t good in the industry. They also suffered a bad reputation in the eyes of themon people. There had been countless times the SARFT banned celebrities that were well-liked. Hence, manymoners had emotions of conflict and resentment deep down!


    "The Answer" ignited the emotions of everyone who read it!


    "The Answer" pushed the Shanghai SARFT to the forefront!


    However, Bei Dao''s "The Answer" was a profound poem. Its meaning was not clear like the literal meaning of the words used. It was different from "My Confession" or "Prisoner''s Song", which could be understood at a nce. Many people could understand it, but there were also many who could not understand the meaning behind it. They only found the scolding very liberating!


    "What''s the meaning of this poem?"


    "Yes, looking for an expert''s interpretation and analysis!"


    Finally, someone from Zhang Ye''s fan club stepped forward to analyze it. He posted on Zhang Ye''s fan club''s Tieba, "Many people are saying they can''t understand Teacher Zhang''s new poem. Let me exin it simply to everyone. I''m limited and my literary standard is far from Teacher Zhang Ye''s, so I may not be able topletely interpret what Teacher Zhang wants to express. What I say can only be used as a reference for everyone. Let me first say that the line, ''debasement is the password of the base. Nobility the epitaph of the noble'' is the core premise of the entire poem! It is also the most powerful line! Teacher Zhang Ye is mocking the Shanghai SARFT as lowlife scum who use underhanded tactics to make their lives better, and even to the point of promotion and riches. For gentlemen like Teacher Zhang Ye and others, they have to carry the noble banner to their grave. The good are not rewarded!"


    "See how the gilded sky is covered, with the drifting twisted shadows of the dead? Those shadows are an analogy of those nobles! The Ice Age is over now. Why is there ice everywhere? The Cape of Good Hope has been discovered. Why do a thousand sails contest the Dead Sea? Were these two lines a question? No, I believe this is Teacher Zhang Ye''s interrogation! He was interrogating the SARFT, as well as everyone. Then the next few lines push the poem to its climax! Even if a thousand challengers lie beneath your feet, count me as number one thousand and one? Zhang Ye was saying no! And he was saying no to the entire world!"


    "I don''t believe the sky is blue!"


    "I don''t believe in thunder''s echoes!"


    "I don''t believe that dreams are false!"


    "I don''t believe that death has no revenge!"


    "This was the charm of literature! This was the literary prowess of a top poet! Some people might not understand the profound meaning behind the poem, but I believe when people hear those few words of ''I don''t believe'', your hearts were be filled with heated blood! Filled with anger! The climax wraps up here too. If it were me, I would have definitely chosen to cut the poem off here, as I would have thought that it was already sufficient. However, Zhang Ye did not do so. He actually became peaceful next. This is the difference between a great poet and a normal literature hobbyist. After I listened to the following lines several times, which I felt were originally not needed, I was suddenly stunned. I then began to realize the ending stanzas were the crowning touch of the poem. If there''s only the earlier portions, the poem would only be considered excellent, but with the final stanza, this poem has personally made me give it an additional ''great''bel! Let all the brackish water pour into my heart? What sort of feelings are these!? The star-filled sky and an unobstructed sky are the watchful eyes of future generations? What sort of faith is this!?"


    "I do not know what feelings Zhang Ye harbored while creating this poem at the moment, whether it be him carrying pangs of anger or him refusing to submit, I know, at least in my heart, this poem is Zhang Ye''s best work! Zhang Ye is China''s greatest poet! His ideals, rage, beliefs, resolve, and unyielding attitude are all so vividly reflected in his works! I cannotment on whether there are shorings in what Zhang Ye does as a person, nor do I have the qualifications to judge if Zhang Ye is a good man or a bad egg, but I can evaluate his works! In the literature development in China, no one can deny Zhang Ye''s outstanding contributions towards it!"


    This person was done speaking.


    This post had more than a thousand replies the next few moments!


    "So that''s how it is!"


    "I finally understand it!"


    "Teacher Zhang wrote it too well!"


    "F**k!This SARFT bunch of grandsons! I want to be like Teacher Zhang! I don''t believe that dreams are false! I don''t believe that death has no revenge!


    "The SARFT has really been cursed badly this time!"


    "However, hai, Teacher Zhang might really be in big trouble now."


    The moment this was said, many of Zhang Ye''s fans became silent.


    ����


    There were still brainless fans of the Koreans that carried on cursing Zhang Ye!


    "You just needed to apologize and admit that you shouldn''t havemented on our Lee Parkwoo. You even scolded the SARFT? You really don''t know how the word death is written! Who @ us just now? Alright, I admit that I never expected this oue. I never expected Zhang Ye to use such a method, but Zhang Ye is finished. He''s really finished. This is the oue. This is also something we would love to see. Hai, you can only me Zhang Ye for being so foolish!"


    "Zhang Ye is really dumb!"


    "This is him sending himself to his death!"


    "Hahaha, we have finally seeded at getting revenge for our Lee Parkwoo!"


    "The live broadcast is still carrying on. Let''s hurry and see how the SARFT punishes Zhang Ye! He disrupted a press conference. It definitely won''t be light! He can stop thinking about working in the entertainment industry in the future!"


    ����


    At the press conference, everyone began discussing.


    Many people were also concerned about the development in front of their television sets.


    Everyone knew that under the situation of the live broadcast carrying on meant that the SARFT would definitely not sit idle!


    Wang Xiong winked at Zhang Ye from off-stage, motioning for him to stop sitting there and to hurry up and get down!


    However, Zhang Ye seemed to not see it. After he finished reciting the poem, he still sat there motionless, as if he was waiting for the SARFT officials to say something. It seemed like he still had words to say.


    Li Tao fiercely said, "Microphone!"


    A SARFT official quickly brought one to him.


    Li Tao stared at Zhang Ye as he held the microphone saying, "Zhang Ye, from what you said just now, I understand it that you are disobeying instructions from higher authorities, while you persist on acting wilfully and arbitrarily as you wish, bent on repeating your mistakes to the end? About the investigation of your program, it was carried out by several departments. It was investigated very thoroughly. The relevant vitions and penalties have been made public. Anyone can look it up. You are not satisfied with the directives?"


    Another Shanghai SARFT minor official looked towards Wang Xiong, "Wang Xiong, he''s your own man! Take care of him yourself!"


    Li Tao began speaking again. At this point, he had already stood up and his face was fierce. It was as if he was gonna barrage and point out the many sins Zhang Ye hadmitted. He wanted to save the situation and not affect the SARFT''s reputation. If he did not speak after being scolded by Zhang Ye, then what would happen to their authority as the SARFT!?


    However, Zhang Ye did not give him a chance to speak. He too stood up and held the microphone and looked offstage with his eyes narrowed, "Today, I will make a speech, and it can also be "The Last Speech" of mine. We all know that, only a few days ago, the most despicable, the most shameless incident of history urred in Shanghai. Many of our programs were halted for no reason at all. What crime have wemitted to deserve such an ending in unconscionable hands!? I merely used a pen to write a few articles, used my mouth to speak out, and what I said and wrote was nothing more than what any Chinese citizen with a conscience would say!"


    Foreigners can scold us?


    Foreigners can obstruct us?


    We just made fun of them casually with a sentence, with not a single expletive, yet we are med by our own people and repressed for it? And instead want to kill us? What the f**k reasoning is that!?


    Everyone could read between the lines of what Zhang Ye said!


    The reporters also nodded slightly. Many people began to pick up their pens to record it down, recording "The Last Speech" of Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye stared at them, "We all have pens and mouths. If there is a reason for it, why not speak out!? Why must we be shut down and ban the programs we put our tears and blood into? Why is whatever you say the truth!? To not dare speak openly, but to hide in the shadows to do evil! Setting up tricks to harm us in devious ways! I do not know your intentions, or what your mental state is, or how your hearts grow! Do you think that banning programs and a few people would scare us off? I''m telling you, justice can never be massacred, because the truth will always exist!"


    Wang Xiong was stunned as a surge of warm blood rose up!


    A few hosts, who were in the same boat as Zhang Ye, stood up one by one. Everyone clenched their fists as their fists trembled!


    Zhang Ye said loudly, Maybe today, I would fall, but bright days areing for us. Look, the light is before us. Now is the darkest moment before dawn. We have the power to break through this darkness and attain the light! Theing of our light marks the final moment for you! Flip through the history books and take a look! You can take a look! Dark clouds will pass! The light wille!"


    Too ruthless!


    These words were precise in their ruthlessness!


    Li Tao and the SARFT staff panicked!


    "Quick stop the live broadcast!"


    "Holy sh*t! Don''t let him carry on!"


    "Your sister! I''ve seen what an asshole is like!"


    "Us shutting you down? It''s more like you f**king shutting us down!"


    "Who said we should carry on the live broadcast? What situation is there to f**king save now! Isn''t this Zhang Ye still the only one speaking!?"


    "Hurry and interrupt him!"


    "We can''t cut him off! He does a talk show! Who can beat him with words!"


    Li Tao suddenly stood up and shouted, "Zhang Ye! Do you know what you are saying? You can step down! To smear your superior departments! Misleading the people in a live broadcast! I now announce! From today, your broadcasting host qualifications shall be revoked!" He looked towards Wang Xiong angrily and said, "Yourpany has to execute the directive!"


    The SARFT staff on stage rushed over!


    One of them wanted to grab Zhang Ye''s microphone, while the other tried to pull Zhang Ye off stage!


    But just as they ran a few meters, Zhang Ye was still speaking, "Today for me to stand here to lecture on stage, I already have nothing to fear. I already have a sacrificial spirit! This morning, the moment I stepped out the door, I didn''t think of stepping back!*"


    F**k!


    That can''t be necessary, right?


    Do you think this is an execution ground!?


    The people from the SARFT who came to stop him sped up their pace!


    Li Tao also immediately gave the order to stop the live broadcast.


    However, at the moment the signal was to be disconnected, Zhang Ye said a sentence that previously shocked and infected his world. It was also the core of "The Last Speech". Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes and bolstered his chest and neck, as he said coldly word by word to the SARFT staff, "Look and see! Open your eyes wide and see! With one Zhang Ye sacrificed! Thousands and thousands of Zhang Ye will stand up!


    The moment this was said, the entire house was stunned!


    Li Tao stumbled and nearly fainted!


    The female host, who had cried, looked excited. She was no longer herself!


    Many reporters clenched their fists as they felt the blood boiling in their hearts!


    The other people from the SARFT nearly vomited blood! We cannot let him carry on! If this f**king goes on, it will be a further mess! Them as members of the Shanghai SARFT finally at this day and moment, learned of Zhang Ye''s mouth! It was f**king ruthless!


    With one Zhang Ye sacrificed!


    Thousands and thousands of Zhang Ye will stand up?


    Zhang Ye finished his speech and the live broadcast signal was cut off. However, there was not a single apuse for the speech right there and then! After Zhang Ye, who was ''invited'' down the stage by the SARFT officials, looked at the reporters'' stunned expressions and the gazes of his peers, who had been repressed, he knew and could even hear a heated apuse from deep within everyone''s hearts!


    This was a perfect speech!


    This was the extremely famous "The Last Speech" from his world. After some cuts and embellishment by Zhang Ye, it had been used in this world today!


    As a farewell to the entertainment industry, Zhang Ye no longer had any regrets!


    He had already told the world what sort of person he, Zhang Ye, was as a person!

 Chapter 269: Solidarity from Everywhere!

    <h4>Chapter 269: Solidarity from Everywhere! </h4>


    Chapter 269: Solidarity from Everywhere!


    The live broadcast halted!


    The image on the television was interrupted!


    After a few seconds of interrupted signal, an advertisement was yed at thest moment. From the looks of it, the Shanghai provincial channel waspletely caught off guard!


    What a great speech!


    What a great Zhang Ye!


    The people in charge of the live broadcast and cameramen were basically all employees of the television station. When Zhang Ye''s "The Answer" came out, they already knew that an incident had happened. The television station''s headquarters immediately ordered the site-in-charge and SARFT officials to discuss, but the SARFT officials decided to go ahead with the live broadcast. The officials of the television station knew that the SARFT wanted to salvage the situation, probably by revoking Zhang Ye''s status as a host and then reprimand him. It had suited the press conference''s theme of having a review anyway. They would then cut the live broadcast off and the whole n would have taken just a few minutes.


    But what they did not expect was that Zhang Ye did not even give the SARFT officials a chance to speak. From beginning till the end, the speaking authority was with him. No one could manage to cut in! The people from SARFT did not know why it turned out this way, but Shanghai Television Station knew. This was because of an extremely talented host''s basic qualities and charisma! Zhang Ye had all these abilities. As long as he stood there, as long as he had a mouth, he would be able to control the right to speak. In the world of broadcasting, this ability was called stage presence. In a Karaoke, this ability was called��Mic Hog!


    No one could cut in to say anything!


    No one could stop Zhang Ye!


    Of course, the most critical point was still "The Last Speech". This was such an earth shaking speech. Every sentence was like a knife, as if it could kill. Whoever heard this speech today was shocked by Zhang Ye''s imposition and words!


    ����


    Outside.


    Those who were watching the live broadcast of the press conference on television! Those who were watching the live broadcast of the press conference online! They were frozen at this moment!


    Justice can never be massacred, because the truth will always exist!


    When I stepped out of the door this morning, I was prepared never to step back in again!


    If I fall! Thousands and thousands like me will��..rise up!?


    Zhang Ye''s fearless, impassioned speechced with anger echoed in their ears. Some people did not even realize they had already dug into their chests with their nails, while others had their eyes turn red without knowing why!


    The inte was abuzz withmotion!


    As if a grenade had been thrown!


    "Zhang Ye! You''re the best!"


    "Teacher Zhang! Good one!"


    "I will support you for the rest of my life!"


    "Teacher Zhang! We stand together with you!"


    "F**k your grandpa Shanghai SARFT! I will fight it out with you!"


    "Count me in! I will go to SARFT''s website and scold them everyday from now on! Bullies! Such bullies! They can''t do things like that!"


    "I''m filled with anger! Why do good people not get what they deserve? Why do they have to oppress Teacher Zhang Ye? SARFT officials! I want to ask why! When a fan was diagnosed with terminal illness, who was the one who became broke to help his fan? I want to ask why! When our country was insulted and provoked, who was the one who withstood the pressure and fought back through his program! I want to ask why! When a ne was hijacked, who was the one who selflessly fought with the criminals,nded the ne, and saved hundreds of lives? Who? Tell us! Where were you all back then? What are you all doing now? Has your conscience been eaten by dogs?"


    "Why does ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' need to be halted?"


    "You''re even revoking Teacher Zhang Ye''s status as a host?"


    "Bastards! You guys are too harsh! Are you still humans!"


    "When has Teacher Zhang Ye ever offended you? Ah!"


    After Zhang Ye''s speech, many neutrals could no longer sit idle. Their anger had been lit as "The Last Speech" of Zhang Ye touched countless people!


    "Vindicate Teacher Zhang!"


    "How can anyone look on just like that? I can''t watch silently anymore!"


    "This might be thest time Teacher Zhang speaks, thest time being on stage. Shouldn''t we do something?"


    "I didn''t used to like Zhang Ye much. I didn''t like his temper, his character, nor his works, but today, his speech really grabbed my heart! Hit me right in the feels! When my girlfriend walked into the room just now, she asked me why I was crying. I touched my face and then realized that I was crying! Zhang Ye is right. He''s saying what any Chinese with a conscience would say! Based on what should he be targeted time after time? What did he say that was wrong? Whatws did he break? As long as it''s a word from the SARFT, everyone has to carry it out without anyints? Who do you think you are! The emperor!?"


    "SARFT, you are too arrogant!"


    "That''s right! You can remove Teacher Zhang Ye! You can also dismiss Teacher Zhang Ye''s host qualifications, but let me use Teacher Zhang''s words against you! The truth will always exist! Zhang Ye may have fallen, but thousands and thousands of Zhang Ye will stand up! Those thousands of people now��. includes me!"


    "F**k! Me too!"


    "F**k! Count me in too!"


    With this, countless people responded!


    Some people clicked ''Like'', some replied with ''Count me in''. In just a blink of the eye, this Weibo post had already gathered over 3000 replies!


    Soon, Zhang Ye''s speech from the live broadcast had been edited out and was making its rounds on Weibo.


    The masses were all gathered to this Weibo post and forwarding it. The number of people who supported Zhang Ye was now 3-4 times morepared to when Zhang Ye replied with "The Answer".


    Suddenly, something happened that no one had expected!


    Hunan Television Station''s official Weibo had liked Zhang Ye''s "The Last Speech". It was indicated clearly!


    "Hunan Television Station liked?"


    "Is this the official Weibo? F**k!"


    "Was it a mistake by a staff member?"


    "Doesn''t the official Weibo just announce official news? Isn''t it just an announcement tform? But to give Teacher Zhang''s scolding of the SARFT a Like?"


    "This is in support of Zhang Ye!"


    "Hunan Station, you are too supportive!"


    "We thank you on behalf of Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    Not long after, the Weiwo verified ount of WebTV host Dong Shanshan also gave Zhang Ye''s video a Like and forwarded it!


    Followed by a female host from Hunan Station!


    Then followed by a Deputy General Manager of the online television station of Teacher Chen!


    Finally, a total of more than a dozen hosts from the industry had Liked the video. Some of them were people whom Zhang Ye knew, like his friends and old colleagues, but it was mostly people he did not know in person! They did not say anything, but just used this way to show support for Zhang Ye! When these hosts did that, their fans also came along and followed the incident!


    Finally, a old host, who had since retired from the television industry, called Meng Yixu said something. He was considered a rather well-known person in the circle. Although not a top host, he had a lot of experience hosting many programs before, "Zhang Ye, I''ve paid attention to this young man''s program, but it was just some attention, but after his speech today, I feel that I have to say something. Whatever Little Zhang''s character is like, whatever temper he has, I won''tment, but his personality and qualities definitely have no problem! A person who can speak like that, how could he be a bad person? He''d rather sacrifice himself to demand an exnation! To seek justice for himself and the others! Just based on that alone, I am inferior to him. I also admire him! What I really want to know now is, who groomed a person like Zhang Ye? With that ''If I fall, thousands and thousand like me will stand up?'' I suddenly wish to meet Zhang Ye. I want to see what kind of a talent can give a speech that excites the people!"


    "Teacher Meng has appeared too!"


    "F**k! Teacher Meng is giving his support to Teacher Zhang Ye too!"


    "The masses have sharp eyes! SARFT is done for!"


    "SARFT''s authority is given to you by the masses! With the masses, having lost our trust, what are you? What are you? You all are damn fucking nothing!"


    Beijing Television Station''s Hu Fei also made a stand despite the risks, "I had thought that Zhang Ye could only recite poetry and write some novels and couplets, but who knew that he could give such an earth-shattering speech too! There are many famous speeches in the world, most of theming from times of conflicts. These years, there have been many speeches and many of those had beenmended as outstanding speeches, but to be known as a famous speech, to bebeled famous, there has never been any. Today, after listening to "The Last Speech" of Zhang Ye, I insist on saying that the world of famous speeches��.should include "The Last Speech"! It is that great! He is also that great!"


    Online, it was now in a mess!


    Some were scolding the SARFT, some openly supported Zhang Ye, some covertly supported him!


    To sum it up, Zhang Ye''s speech had put both himself and the SARFT on the cusps of the news!


    "The Last Speech". This was from Zhang Ye''s previous world and was thest work of Wen Yiduo. It was a speech that Mr Wen used to denounce political reactionaries. As to why it was called "The Last Speech", it was actually not named as such by Mr Wen himself. The people gave that title to it afterwards, because on the day of giving that speech, Mr Wen was assassinated by political secret agents! Zhang Ye''s previous work "Dead Water" at the the Silver Microphone Awards was also a work of Wen Yiduo!


    With such a background!


    By such a great literary person!


    Such an earth-shattering speech that had influenced Zhang Ye''s previous world!


    For Zhang Ye to use it to scold the SARFT, it was really overkill. It was as if he had bullied them, but it was the SARFT that had wanted him dead in the first ce! Zhang Ye naturally did not hold back! Even if it''s a case of using a cannon to kill a mosquito, so be it! It''s all of you who I want to kill!


    You aren''t convinced?


    Then bite me!

 Chapter 270: A Carefree Soul!

    <h4>Chapter 270: A Carefree Soul! </h4>


    Chapter 270: A Carefree Soul!


    SARFT.


    In the press conference hall.


    A few SARFT staff members found Li Tao chattering away.


    "Chief Li! It''s a total mess online!"


    "Right, right. Everyone is scolding us!"


    "That Zhang Ye is such a jerk! He''s trying to get us killed!"


    "What should we do now? It''s blown up so much that if higher management has any opinions on this, it would be bad!"


    "I understand now. Zhang Ye waspletely ready to abandon the entertainment industry when he came in here today. He''s nning to go down together! What the f**k! How can there be such a person in the entertainment circle? This is an act of hooliganism! Now everything has been broadcasted live and it was nothing but him scolding us! This incident has too much against us! Where did he get such courage? It won''t be easy for us to handle either!"


    The live broadcast was ruined!


    The incident had happened!


    The SARFT''s ns had all be disrupted by Zhang Ye alone!


    Just as Zhang Ye had thought to himself, he was such a person who might not excel at other things, but his skills in blindly causing chaos were godly. No one could do it better than him! The staff of SARFT had guessed right. Zhang Ye hade with the mindset of perishing together. You all want to get rid of me? Want to leave me for dead? You even want me to apologize and reflect on myself? Get the f**k off! If you want me to go down, it won''t be that easy! Even if I were to go down now, this man right here will take a piece of you down with me! Don''t expect either of us to sail off smoothly! No one will get anyfort!


    Some people were fearless like that. Those who were barefooted would not be afraid of those with shoes. but once you became famous and temptations increased, with credit to your name, then you would have much more to defend. You would be too careful with things and would no longer be as carefree as before!


    But Zhang Ye was an exception!


    Even if he had a little fame now, had more fans, and had a promising career to fight for, but when forced into a corner, he could still throw everything down just to fight for what he believed in! He had always been this carefree about things! This was why everyone called him a hooligan and people became more and more wary of him. No one knew when or where Zhang Ye would do something, like the SARFT scandal today. If it were any other person from the entertainment circle, they would not possibly do such a thing at such a ce, right?


    But Zhang Ye dared to!


    And that was what he did exactly!


    Li Tao looked at Zhang Ye, who was escorted off stage with hate in his eyes. The darkness was heavy in his eyes, as if he had a killing intent.


    But instead, Zhang Ye smiled while he looked back at him. He no longer had the same anger when he gave his speech, "Chief Li, if there''s nothing else, I''ll excuse myself."


    Li Tao pointed at him, "You''re done for!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "How am I done for? Are you thinking of getting me killed? Sure, I''ll wait. I will take on whatever you intend to hit me with!"


    Li Tao said, "Don''t even think of staying on in the entertainment circle anymore��.."


    Before he could finish, Zhang Ye interrupted, "That''s exactly what I had in mind, so what! Don''t threaten me with banning. It won''t work. I will just be an honestmoner in the future, but I don''t think you will have it good from now on either. Besides, even if I be amoner, isn''t Weibo still around? The discussions forums are still around? Tieba is still essible? I will just scold all of you everyday, then I would be stress free after that. I believe that many people like to see me scold you guys. I might even get famous that way." Zhang Ye grinned, "So I intend to make it my job to scold you all, a poem each day, just 5 minutes of mytime every day."


    The SARFT''s staff panicked!


    "Holy sh*t!"


    "Zhang Ye, you��."


    "How can you be like that!"


    "Do you have any sense of virtue!"


    "If you scold us, it can considered a crime!"


    Zhang Ye looked at him and waved, "Thanks for the reminder, you can rest assured that I won''t scold you with any profanities. Just like today."


    The people from SARFT nearly fainted!


    If it was said by anyone else, they wouldn''t have minded. It was just scolding anyway. It wasn''t as if they had never been scolded before. To them, it did not hurt or itch them in anyway, but this was Zhang Ye that they were talking about! Zhang Ye''s mouth was so wicked. They had just had a taste of it and if they were to be scolded everyday like they had been today, wouldn''t it be agonizing to death!? Zhang Ye''s poetry and speeches were at the level of them being hallmarks! Even if it were not a poem, a ssic sentence like "Debasement is the password of the base" would cause amotion online, but yet somehow, they could do nothing about it. The SARFT was the greatest authority in the entertainment circle. They had a sword that could silence anyone they raised it upon. However, a wonder like Zhang Ye had appeared today. He was obviously a carefree soul who did not care about consequences, unafraid of the SARFT''s authority. Even if the sword were to be swung, he would not blink. He might even stab back at the SARFT. In fact, it looked like he would be stabbing at them everyday from now on!


    Having encountered such a carefree soul, the people of SARFT were almost in tears. What could they do about him? They no longer had any ideas on how to handle Zhang Ye! His program had been halted, his host qualifications were revoked. He had also been banned from the entertainment circle, but��..Zhang Ye did not seem to care at all!


    If it''s halted, so be it!


    If it''s revoked, so be it!


    If I''m banned, so be it!


    As long as you don''t kill me! As long as this bro is still alive another day! As long as this bro still has a pen and his mouth, I will y with you all!


    Li Tao was extremely angry, "Zhang Ye, don''t force me!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Are you the ones forcing me or am I forcing you all? You''ve cut off my path and have pinned the falsified charges on me! To even force me to reflect on my actions. Oh, yet you don''t let others talk about you? When I said something, it became me forcing you all? You are even fighting back against me in the name of truth?" There wasn''t anyone around, so they were not worried about what they were saying. It was already down to this, who''s afraid of who!


    "Alright! You''re good!" Li Tao stared at him coldly.


    Zhang Ye shrugged, "I''m ttered, but I''m not as good as you all. You were all born into a higher ss than me while our lives are cheap!"


    A youth from the SARFT angrily said, "What the hell are you saying!"


    Another middle aged man from the SARFT said, "Who says we are of a higher ss? Don''tbel us anyhow!"


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "Alright then, you guys aren''t of a higher ss, you are all cheap and lowly."


    "How dare you scold us!" That person said furiously!


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands helpless again saying, "I did not scold anyone. When I praised you of being of higher ss, you didn''t ept it. I was just speaking ording to your wishes!"


    There were still a few reporters not too far away.


    The few from the SARFT also did not bother arguing with Zhang Ye anymore. They knew that if they kept on arguing with this professional Talk Show host, they couldn''t out-speak him, even with 10 mouths!


    "Let''s go!" Li Taomanded!


    The people from SARFT followed their Leader and left. They did not bother trying to reason with Zhang Ye anymore, but in actual fact��. it was because they couldn''t f**ing out argue him!

 Chapter 271: A man answers for what he does!

    <h4>Chapter 271: A man answers for what he does! </h4>


    Chapter 271: A man answers for what he does!


    The sky was not dark yet.


    The sunset had dyed the sky red.


    After Zhang Ye had scolded Li Tao and his SARFT subordinates, he didn''t stay for long. He slipped away and walked towards the outside. He did not actually have any prejudice against SARFT as he clearly knew that the person behind all this was actually Li Tao and some others with ulterior motives. Their target was clear to him.


    At the door.


    The other hosts were all waiting for him there.


    Teacher Zhou Hao nodded to him, "Teacher Zhang, it''s been hard on you!"


    "Teacher Zhang." Teacher Chen looked at him with heartbreak. He gave him a thumbs up, "You''re like this!"


    The female host, who had cried earlier, also looked deeply at Zhang Ye, "Thank you Teacher Zhang Ye. Thank you for standing up for us, for everyone!"


    Zhang Ye waved his hand, "I didn''t do this for everyone, I did this for myself. It does not have anything to do with anyone else." After saying that, Zhang Ye did not bother speaking to them anymore. He left them behind and walked away, he did not even wait for his leader, Wang Xiong to leave the ce together.


    The female host was stunned, "What does that mean?"


    Teacher Chen watched the back of Zhang Ye began to shrink in the distance. He couldn''t help but feel awed, sighing, he said, "Teacher Little Zhang does not want to implicate us. He wants to shoulder the responsibility for what he said out there. Since he has offended all the people that he could offended, he does not want to drag anyone else down with him. Besides, if this matter reaches the SARFT headquarters and they order an investigation, who knows if our programs will be restored again. Because there''s such a chance, Zhang Ye deliberately avoided us to draw a clear line. He wants to take the me and leave that possibility for us! Look, Teacher Zhang did not even wait for hispany''s leader and left. He does not want to implicate Weiwo Company either."


    So that''s how it is!


    So Zhang Ye had such thoughts!


    The female host was stunned, "If there''s a chance, if there''s really a chance that they could order an investigation, would Zhang Ye''s program also have a chance of being restored back to broadcast?"


    Teacher Chen said, "For us, it''s possible. but for him��the chances are close to zero."


    Zhou Hao also said, "As long as Li Tao is in charge, Teacher Zhang Ye will never be able to stand again. Although he targeted his speech directly at Li Tao, this was still a p to SARFT''s face. To mess up a live broadcast, would their top management have positive impressions of Zhang Ye? Anyone''s program could be restored, but not his."


    Another host eximed, "We have to ept benevolence!"


    "RIght." Teacher Chen said, "No matter what the oue is�� no matter whether our programs have a chance of reversal, we all owe Teacher Zhang Ye our gratitude."


    ����


    Outside.


    Zhang Ye exited the Shanghai SARFT building. His cellphone had already been set to vibrate earlier and had been vibrating in his pocket for a long time. He did not know how long it had been vibrating or how many calls he had received. When he took it out to check, there were over a dozen missed calls. There was a missed call from his parent''s home, so he called them back first.


    "Son!" the call had just connected, but his mother''s voice already rang out loud!


    Zhang Yeughingly put the phone far from his ear, "Mum, can you be less loud? My eardrums almost burst because of your shouting. Why are you looking for me?"


    His mother said angrily, "What else do you think?! You''ve only been to Shanghai for how many days! Your program has only aired a few episodes! Why did you cause such trouble again? If your eldest young sister and second sister did not call to inform me, I would not have known! Did you��. you really scolded the leader of the Shanghai SARFT? Do you not want to work anymore? The SARFT has merged with the news and publication board already. As long as it''s any job that you can do, it all has to do with SARFT! You rascal! You''re driving me to the grave! Even if you want to scold, do it quietly. Why did you scold him on a live broadcast!"


    He listened to his mother''s nagging criticism.


    Zhang Ye was not bothered by this, so he said, "Mum, I''ve already scolded anyway, so don''t bother yourself with this and tell Dad not to worry either. At most I will go overseas to develop my career. At most I won''t work in the entertainment industry anymore. I can go back to university and be a lecturer, teach students about history and literature. I won''t starve to death."


    His mother brushed him off, "How much glory can a teacher getpared to a celebrity?"


    On the other end, his father''s voice could be heard, "If there''s really no way out, let Little Yee back. Why should he suffer their wrath over there!"


    His mother passed the message, "Your dad wants you toe back."


    "I heard it." Zhang Yeughed, "Sure, let''s see how it goes in the next few days."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye saw that he had too many missed calls. They were all from his friends, but he did not really want to respond to them now. He knew they all meant well and were concerned for him, but he did not know what to say. He looked at the time and switched off his phone. Behind him, he could see the reporters were catching up to him, so he quickly hailed a cab and left the ce.


    "Where to?"


    "Please go to Weiwo Company."


    "OK."


    The cab driver drove off.


    ����


    The unit.


    At this moment, many people had already clocked out.


    But the WebTV department colleagues still stayed around. Because of the press conference, most of them stay behind to watch it. They were watching it until now.


    There was quite a bit ofmotion in the office.


    "There''s no reprieve for Teacher Zhang this time!"


    "Aiyo, how did it be like this!"


    "That Li Tao was biased in the first ce. Now with this incident, it would be a wonder if he let Teacher Zhang off. Teacher Zhang is too bold!"


    "He''s more than bold! He''s bolder than the skies!"


    Initially, they thought that poem, "The Answer", was already earth shattering, but who knew that an even more earth shattering one would appear. With such an awesome poem, it did not even signal the end. It was followed by an earth and sea shattering "The Last Speech", with wave after wave of ruthlessness! Each wave ''wavier'' than thest! During the live broadcast, the staff members of SARFT could be seen wearing ashen expressions. From that, it showed what the atmosphere of the location was like! It could be deduced how much hatred Li Tao and his staff had towards Zhang Ye! It was relentless!


    His colleagues were still shocked by Zhang Ye''s guts. They were still in awe of Zhang Ye''s literary prowess. In the past, they had only heard that Zhang Ye was a talented schr back in Beijing. He had written several great works and had even pped the faces of several elders in the literary and poetry stage. Even though they had not witnessed these events in person, they did read Zhang Ye''s works afterwards. They could never understand the atmosphere and mood of those events, but today, they had witnessed it first hand and seen the Zhang Ye''s talents. They could only be impressed!


    Zhang Han looked at Feng Guiqin, but did not dare to say a word. Then she asked, "Director Feng, will Teacher Zhang Ye still be able to host a program? Will his hosting qualifications be revoked? Does Li Tao have this authority?"


    Feng Guiqin slowly replied, "It not simply a matter of revoking his status anymore. With Little Zhang''s rage this time, he might not be able to re enter the entertainment circle anymore!"


    "How could that be?!"


    "Eh, that''s such a pity!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s talent is too outstanding!"


    "If Zhang Ye''s going to be given the cold shoulder, then��."


    Many people had turned quiet. Even if Feng Guiqin did not say it, they already knew it in their hearts.


    Suddenly, someone looked towards the door in shock.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Holy sh*t! You''re back?"


    Everyone else looked over as well and saw Zhang Ye appear outside the door, as he prepared to walk in with a very rxed deposition. Looking at his footsteps, his expression, it did not show a hint of someone who felt he had created big trouble. It was as if he had gone out for dinner and returning blissfully.


    Feng Guiqin shed a face of anger, "Little Zhang, get over here!"


    "Director Feng." Zhang Ye smiled and walked over, "I''m sorry, I have to bid farewell to the entertainment circle. Your kindness to me, I will definitely return in the future."


    Feng Guiqin said with a sunken expression, "You still know how to be sorry? How could you speak in such a manner! That was a live broadcast! Do you know how many people were watching?!"


    A WebTV mid management leader beside Feng Guiqin also said, "Little Zhang, you were too impulsive!"


    "I know, but if given another chance, I would still do the same thing. If I don''t scold them, I would never get over it!" Zhang Ye said unrepentantly, "Leader, I understand the consequences of the matter and I''m ready to bear it. I''vee here now��to hand in my resignation!"


    "What?"


    "Why resign?"


    "Even if you can''t be a host, you can still do other things!"


    "Yea, you''re so good at program production nning�� you don''t have to quit!"


    The colleagues from WebTV were all giving their two cents. In the past, everyone had some misunderstanding of Zhang Ye and felt that he was not easy to get along with. They assumed that his temper was not good either, but after watching today''s live broadcast, they no longer had any bias against Zhang Ye. A sincere person who dared to walk the talk, was easily trustworthy. You would never have to worry that a person like that would stab you in the back!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Thank you everyone, but I''ve already made my decision."


    Dong Shanshan nced at him, not saying a word.


    Feng Guiqin said tly, "I don''t ept!"


    "Even if you don''t ept, I still have to resign." Zhang Ye firmly took out a resignation letter, "I''ve written this while on my way here."


    Feng Guiqin seemed to have understood clearly, "You don''t wish to implicate thepany?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Nothing like that, I just don''t wish to work anymore. I also want to take a break for a while."


    However, Zhang Ye''s exnation was not believed by anyone. Anyone with brains knew that Zhang Ye''s sudden resignation was because he did not want to implicate thepany, the staffs, and the other programs after the live broadcast incident with Li Tao. So when he returned from the SARFT, he had immediately submitted his resignation, to draw a clear line between thepany and himself. He did not want thepany to bear the brunt of Li Tao''s suppression �� This was Zhang Ye. He could be an asshole and a hooligan, but when it was time to be responsible, he would take it all!


    Zhang Ye left the resignation letter on the table, "Whether or not you ept, I am leaving today. Thank you for always trusting me." Then he turned to his colleagues and said, "Thank you everyone for taking care of me all this time." Saying that as he waved to them, "I''m leaving, till we meet again!"

 Chapter 272: That “Sunflower in the Sun”!

    <h4>Chapter 272: That ��Sunflower in the Sun��! </h4>


    Chapter 272: That "Sunflower in the Sun"!


    At dusk.


    Zhang Ye turned to leave.


    "Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "Reconsider your decision!"


    "Yea, it might not be that serious!"


    "Right, it should not affect us. Since it''s such a big incident, the upper management might even call for an investigation. You still have a chance to continue hosting your program!"


    A few colleagues, who were on good terms with Zhang Ye, tried their best to keep him.


    Even Teacher Han, who wasn''t exactly on good terms with him said, "They''re right. There is still a chance, you should wait a for some tiem."


    After a few minutes,


    Zhang Ye still headed downstairs.


    The others were also about to go, so they left together.


    Downstairs, Wang Bei said, "Teacher Zhang, why don''t you give in and apologize to SARFT. At least cate the situation!"


    Little Yu said, "Correct, correct, correct, you''ve scolded them enough anyway. Your anger should have been cated. Let''s just lower our heads for the moment and offer them a symbolic gesture. They were wrong to halt your program in the first ce, so it''s not a logical decision. I don''t think Li Tao would want the matter to get out of hand and wouldn''t be too hard on it. Those officials have more rules to follow than us. If you offer to do self-reflection first, they might not even revoke your hosting qualifications."


    Zhang Han blinked a few times and pped, "That''s right. Li Tao surely would not want the issue to spread. It would not do them any good either. If you apologize, it would mean you are giving face to Li Tao and a tform for him to stand on. Although the issue would be difficult to exin, at least it won''t worsen!"


    Ah Qian also nodded, "That''s the only choice. Although it might not work, if Teacher Zhang wants to continue staying in the entertainment circle, that''s the only way out. Even if his hosting qualifications might not be restored, at least he can continue on in other fields in the entertainment industry. Like acting in a movie or writing a novel. It''s better than being banned from all fields!"


    "Zhang Ye."


    "What do you think, Teacher Zhang?"


    "Just act like you mean it!"


    Everyone was thinking of how to help Zhang Ye, but only Dong Shanshan, his old ssmate understood him best. She did not even offer any persuasion. Not a single word from beginning till now.


    Zhang Ye shook his head, "Thanks everyone, there''s really no need to."


    Wang Bei frowned, "Why not? You really do not want to stay on in the entertainment circle?"


    At this moment, everyone had arrived downstairs. They were heading out of the office building as they saw Wang Xiong rushing towards them.


    When he saw Zhang Ye, Wang Xiong pointed at him harshly, "You, you sure are indescribable!" then he walked quickly to Feng Guiqin and admitted his mistake, "Director Feng, I''ve failed to perform my duty this time. I did not watch over Little Zhang well enough. That''s why��.."


    "It''s not your fault." Feng Guiqin sighed.


    Wang Xiong quickly said, "There''s quite a lot of reporters outside looking for Zhang Ye. I''ve told security to block them off, but there''s too many of them, at least a few dozens!"


    It came to no surprise as Zhang Ye had grantly challenged Li Tao and the Shanghai SARFT. He even came up with such a poem and a speech. It would be a surprise if the reporters did note looking for him. This was big news in Shanghai with no precedence, so how could there not be an uproar!


    Their shouts arrived before their person!


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Zhang Ye! Please ept our interview!"


    "Why can''t we go inside, please open the doors!"


    "We will leave after we ask a few questions! Teacher Zhang!"


    The reporters had blocked off the main door. Some were carry video cameras, while others were holding recording pens.


    Wang Xiong immediately looked to Zhang Ye and said, "Little Zhang, it''s still not toote to save the situation. Just tell the reporters that you wish to apologize to SARFT and exin that you said things impulsively earlier or that you had a drink too many. Whatever reason is fine, I know you can''t take this lying down now. but this matter needs toe to an end, with a step backwards. Otherwise, don''t even think about staying in the entertainment circle and developing your career in the future. When that happens, you definitely be even more indignant!"


    "That''s right, Teacher Zhang!" Wang Bei kept up her persuasion, "Just take a step back and leave a chance for yourself. You can settle scores with Li Tao again in the future when there''s a chance!"


    "Director Wang and Teacher Wang are right!"


    "Even if you don''t think for yourself, think about your fans!"


    Everyone had good intentions. They did not want to watch Zhang Ye go down just like that. He had so much more talent to show for, but had lost the right to show it because of a moment''s anger. That would be such a pity!


    Whew!


    The main doors were being forced opened!


    A bunch of reporters had rushed in and the security couldn''t stop them!


    Wang Xiong quickly whispered, "Little Zhang, remember what we said. It''s all for your own good!"


    In a short ten seconds, the reporters had surrounded Zhang Ye, Feng Guiqin, Wang Xiong, and the others!


    A female reporter excitedly said, "Teacher Zhang Ye, I am a reporter from The Shanghai Daily. We would like to ask if you thought of the consequences when you said those words at the press conference earlier?"


    A middle aged reporter held up his pen recorder asking, "The SARFT has already revoked your qualifications as a host. You might not be able to do any programs in the future. Regarding this, what do you have to say? Do you regret what you said? After all, this willpletely cut off your career path!"


    A young reporter emerged from the group from the front and asked, "Teacher Zhang, we heard that you were famous for being very outspoken in Beijing. You don''t hold back. We have witnessed this today in Shanghai too. What do you have to say about yourself? Also, regarding this incident and the punishment meted out by SARFT, will you be releasing a statement of apology?"


    Wang Xiong, Wang Bei, Ah Qian, and the others all looked at Zhang Ye. Apologize! Just admit you were wrong for now! Even if it''s not a straight out apology, at least exin that you handled things wrongly during the live broadcast! Simr incidents had happened before in the entertainment industry. Like a certain actor who had sted his director, like a certain celebrity sting their management agency�� these incidents all ended with an apology. Sometimes, people say things in the heat of the moment, an apology will ensure survivability. There was nothing to be ashamed of!


    After the question was raised, everyone turned silent!


    The reporters were waiting for Zhang Ye to speak. Weiwo colleagues were also waiting for his answer.


    As the defendant, Zhang Ye was still carrying the same smile face from before. At this moment, he had no worries and was feeling rxed. Apologize? Let me admit that I was wrong?


    Alright then.


    Let me reiterate the type of person I am once more today.


    The setting sun was still up, as it shone down on thepany''s courtyard. At the side of the courtyard was a fenced area. nted in it were some flowers and nts with some tall growing sunflowers. Although the weather was turning cold and the sunflowers were beginning to wilt, it still stood tall in there. The colors were still very beautiful.


    Zhang Ye spoke. He did not answer anyone''s questions, but pointed to a corner, "Do you see it?"


    Oh?


    What do you see?


    The reporters and thepany colleagues were stunned as they all looked towards the corner.


    Zhang Ye walked towards the corner step by step, "Do you see that sunflower in the sun? You see, it didn''t bow its head. but turned its head back, as if to bite through, the rope around its neck, held by the sun''s hands." With a pause, he softly said, "Do you see it? Do you see that sunflower, raising its head, ring at the sun? Its head almost eclipses the sun. Yet even when there is no sun, its head still glows!" While he spoke, he had already walked to the garden.


    The sunflowers did not bow its heads?


    Even when there is no sun, its head still glows?


    The reporters were stunned. So were his colleagues!


    It was an obscure modern poetry! Zhang Ye had just opened his mouth and another poem was born! Holy shit! What kind of talent do you have?! How much do you have in your stomach!? Other authors and poets, even if they were famous depended on inspiration! Sometimes, they might not be inspired for several months at all, but you!? Youe up with one randomly! And another one again randomly! Just how many did youe up with in this past hour? And each and everyone of them did not have any ws! They were all ssics! This is too exaggerated!


    The poem was not done yet, it had not reached its high point, but the people who heard it already had their feelings evoked by the first few line. They were now staring at Zhang Ye without blinking!


    Zhang Ye stood in silence beside the sunflowers and looked back at them. Then he said to them.


    "Do you see that sunflower?"


    "You should get closer to it!"


    "Get close and you''ll find!"


    Zhang Ye put out his finger and pointed it at the bottom of the sunflower, then at his own feet.


    "The soil beneath its feet, each handful of soil!" His final words were said with a thick ent, "would.. ooze with blood!"


    The reporters understood everything and were stunned by Zhang Ye''s poem!


    Wang Xiong, Wang Bei, Ah Qian, and the others kept listening. They looked at each other and at this moment knew unanimously that there was no use in trying to persuade Zhang Ye anymore!


    "Sunflower in the Sun"! �� This was Zhang Ye''s attitude!


    He had expressed it very clearly!


    Then, Zhang Ye did not answer anymore questions from the reporters. He turned around and walked off.


    The reporters did not force it because this poem of Zhang Ye''s had already expressed many things. It was enough material for them to go back toplete their jobs. Besides, even if Zhang Ye were to answer any questions or say anything, it would certainly be nothingpared to a poem of his! Who didn''t know that Zhang Ye''s poems were worth a thousand gold! With this poem, the reporters'' eyes had all lit up! There was enough news material for tomorrow! They would use this poem!


    This work of course did not exist in this world. This was a famous workposed by the famous poet, Mang Ke from Zhang Ye''s previous world �� "Sunflower in the Sun". This poem was used originally to beat down on autocracy, to pursue freedom and realization of self-worth, advocating an independent personality, but Zhang Ye was expressing it with some differences. He was reiterating to everyone what sort of person he was and also to speak sarcastically about Li Tao and his staff!


    The sunflower is inseparable from the Sun!


    But even so, even if it twisted its head off or to drain its blood, when it needed to fight, it would stand tall and proud while ring straight at the Sun angrily!

 Chapter 273: One Scolding a Day!

    <h4>Chapter 273: One Scolding a Day! </h4>


    Chapter 273: One Scolding a Day!


    The next day.


    After waking up in the morning.


    It was almost winter. The sunrise was gettingter andter.


    Zhang Ye''s eyes swept across thete sunrise and yawned. He looked at his cellphone''s date, realizing it was closer and closer to the new year. He got out of bed and left his room to take a shower. When he got homest night, it was already veryte. He fell asleep almost immediately. This morning, he did not see any sign of Dong Shanshan, but the dining table already had his breakfast on it. This told him that his old ssmate had not forgotten about him, but only that she had left for work early.


    Showering.


    Eating breakfast.


    Zhang Ye touched his belly after feeling full. He did not need to go to work today, so he went back into his room and switched on hisptop to check the situation online.


    Weibo was still hotly discussing!


    "Let''s attack, bros!"


    "Right! Let''s go bombard the Shanghai SARFT''s website!"


    "We can''t let Teacher Zhang Ye fight this battle alone!"


    "Everyone step up! Let''s help Teacher Zhang!"


    "I''m here! Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    Zhang Ye''s "The Last Speech" had a great influence on everyone. Some familiar faces had appeared and there were also new faces who joined in the denouncement army. They were all here to support Zhang Ye. The people applying to join Zhang Ye''s Tieba also steadily increased. Zhang Ye was supposed to be bidding farewell to the entertainment circle and had almost no chance of making aeback. but after that press conference, in which he was banned and sentenced to "death" was over, his poprity increased instead. In fact, his fame was soaring!


    The fanclub member numbers had increased by 30%!


    Zhang Ye''s weibo followers also increased by a 100%!


    Several major discussion forums left a good spot for Zhang Ye on their news section. They made the press conference fromst night a highlight!


    Then, Zhang Ye''s "Sunflower in the Sun" that he had recited at the reportersst night also appeared on many Shanghai morning newspapers. The online press also began toment on it!


    "It''s another ssic modern poem!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye''s aplishments in poetry are really a wonder of the world!"


    "This was something said casually! And can you tell from it? The poem might seem to expound and describe Zhang Ye''s character, but in fact, it was still scolding the SARFT and Li Tao in the end. There was not a single phrase that was used to scold in the text, but it perfectly described Li Tao andpany as the Sun, but the more you f**king do it this way, the more powerful the cursing is that touches the heart! It was the same as "Dead Water", "The Answer", "Some People", and even "Self-mockery". In the area of sarcastic poems, Teacher Zhang Ye had long since reached to the acme of perfection! The sunflowers under the sunlight! This was in fact describing the entertainment industry under the SARFT, but the video of the situation has not been posted. Hurry and post it! Hurry and let us all see the actual scenes! Just from the text version of ''Sunflower in the Sun'' is not forceful enough! Teacher Zhang Ye''s modern poems are still the most shocking when seen live! Zhang Ye''s words, movements, expressions cannot be isted. They are aplete whole, and it the way Zhang Ye expresses his literature!"


    "Right!"


    "Pleading for the video!"


    "Not a single of Teacher Zhang''s works can be missed!"


    Maybe it was because they heard the pleas of the people, a Shanghai newspaper immediately posted a video of Zhang Ye reciting the poem under the setting sun fromst night on its official website. A staff of this newspaper agency had carried a camera back then, and had managed to record it perfectly.


    The video was revealed!


    "Do you see that sunflower?"


    "You should get closer to it!"


    "Get close and you''ll find!"


    "The soil beneath its feet, each handful of soil, would ooze with blood!"


    Zhang Ye''s figure stood under the setting sun, beside the almost withering sunflower was imprinted into the hearts of many!


    Zhang Ye''s fans were seething with excitement!


    "Wow!"


    "It''s too awesome!"


    "Indeed, this video gives you the feels!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, you are so f**king handsome! So handsome!"


    "Although Teacher Zhang has average looks, his courage and personal charm is nothing anyone canpare with. What Lee Parkwoo, he''s worth nothing. Handsome, my ass! Our Teacher Zhang is what''s truly handsome!"


    "How is Zhang Ye average-looking? He looks very handsome in my eyes! I even want to marry him!"


    "Brothers, what are we waiting for!? The war gong has sounded! Today we must let Li Tao and that bunch of people see! We would rather die than be marites! There''s not only Teacher Zhang Ye! There''s still us!"


    The moment "Sunflower in the Sun" appeared, it was as if it had given them additional ammo!


    Under the lead of Zhang Ye''s few hardcore fans, everyone charged towards the Shanghai SARFT official website. Some flooded the page, some cursed, and some went to speak reason with them. What touched ZhangYe greatly was that even ZhangYeNumber1Fan, Yang Lian, had appeared. Zhang Ye had been in contact with Yang Lian''s family in the past few days to ask about her condition. He knew that Yang Lian had just sessfullypleted the first operation, but she was still notpletely recovered. Due to cellphone signal interference, cellphones were prohibited in the wards. Maybe because she had remained in the hospital ward for such a long period of time, Yang Lian had somehow managed to find a cellphone to log into her ount, using her little amount of strength to cheer on Zhang Ye!


    "Aiyah!


    "Number1 is here!"


    "Are you feeling better!? Hurry and rest!"


    "Right, you aren''t allowed to use cellphones there. Leave this till after you have recovered!"


    Zhang Ye''s fanclub all knew the fan leader, Number1. They also knew of her story, so the moment they saw her appear, they hurriedly urged her to rest.


    However, Yang Lian wrote, "When I was at my most helpless and difficult times, it was Teacher Zhang Ye who helped me and saved my life. Now, when he is in trouble, I will naturallye!"


    "Alright!"


    "Number1 said it well!"


    "Everyone has a chance to fight alongside each other again!"


    "That''s right. I really missed those days! Troll army gather!"


    "Eh, where''s Big Saber Bro? I saw him just now, but why has he disappeared in the blink of an eye? It was not easy for everyone to gather, so we can''t becking Big Saber Bro!"


    "Don''t bother looking for him. While you guys were busy chatting, Big Saber Bro had already gone to flood the Shanghai SARFT website. He has already flooded it with more than 300 messages!"


    "Holy sh*t!"


    "Big Saber Bro is so f**king fast!"


    "Big Saber Bro is too empowering! He only acts and never talks!"


    "Onwards! Let''s go on up to! Let''s not let Big Saber Bro fight alone!"


    "I''m here too! F**k it, count me in!"


    "Eh, who''s that upstairs? I''ve never seen you in the fan club before?"


    "I''m just a passer-by, but this time, I really cannot stand it. I came specially to support Zhang Ye!"


    "I''m a passer-by too. A twenty year old experienced ultra-nationalist. Count me in for this battle! They are indeed going too far! They really think we are easily bullied!"


    "Count me in!"


    "Me too! Let''s go together!"


    "I am a fan of Teacher Chen''s children''s program! Let''s go!"


    "Teacher Zhou Hao''s fans are here to help! All for one, and one for all!"


    People from everywhere came here by word of mouth. Some were fans of the hosts who had their programs banned, while some of those that came to help were people who could not stand what had happened. Finally, there were also quite a number of trolls that came to join in the fun. Commoners tend to pity the weak, so with Zhang Ye banned, they ignored everything. Some didn''t even know of the background ongoings or what had really happened, but just with Zhang Ye''s shocking works with "The Answer", "The Last Speech", and "Sunflower in the Sun", they all rushed here to help without thinking!


    Zhang Ye was right!


    With one Zhang Ye sacrificed!


    Thousands and thousands of Zhang Ye will stand up!


    The Shanghai SARFT seldom had a lot traffic flow, and their servers had always been quite old. Their website staff only had average skills, and were not professional web administrators. The server could only sustain a limited load, hence in half an hour, the entire Shanghai SARFT official website was paralyzed. Many of those who knew of the ongoings behind the scenes were not aiming for the SARFT, but at Li Tao and his inspection team! Arge portion of flooding messages on the website were cursing at Li Tao! Every injustice had its perpetrator, every debt had its debtor! This mass halt of programs was too controversial. Those pirated programs that giarized and should be halted were not halted, but those which should not be halted, such as a childrens'' program and the original Talk Show program were halted! This was also because Li Tao had been too underhanded in his execution. He used the governmental policies of being able to suppress movie and television programs for his own interests! This caused the current controversy! Actually, if he had been a bit more restrained, by stopping a few programs that were obviously in vition of the regtions or giarized programs, it would not have led to such a situation!


    Despite the Shanghai SARFT being on the verge of copse due to the criticism directed at Li Tao, the SARFT did not put out an official word. They made no action!


    Manyizens had already guessed and had expected this. The higher management might not care about this matter, or they pretended not to see it. However, even if they were guesses, the people still could not ept it, so the curses grew in intensity! The emotions of the people also became angrier!


    The website was finally hacked!


    Many people began to curse Li Tao on Weibo!


    Numerous people emerged to @Li Tao on Weibo. His name began trending almost instantly!


    ����


    Morning.


    Shanghai SARFT. In an office.


    Li Tao was sitting in the room, smoking. A young civil servant rushed in to report to him!


    "Chief Li! Our official website has crashed from the traffic!" The youth wiped his sweat, "It has already hung! There''s no way for it to run normally!"


    Li Tao said angrily, "What?"


    The youth said, "It seems it''s all due to Zhang Ye''s fans and those trolls!'' With a pause, he said carefully, "And,st night, Zhang Ye seemed��seemed to haveposed another poem."


    Another poem?


    Li Tao quickly opened a webpage, and after seeing "Sunflower in the Sun", he mmed his table angrily. With a loud thud, "That damn hooligan!" Yesterday, Zhang Ye had said to his face, that his future job was to scold them, and it was a scolding a day. Back then, Li Tao believed Zhang Ye was just speaking on the spur of the moment and was nothing much. He never expected that in less than a f**king day, which was yesterday or the day itself, Zhang Ye had alreadye up with a new poem to curse them? F**k! Why did we offend such a hooligan!?


    A hooligan!


    A piece of sh*t!


    A piece of stinking gum!


    This was their impression of Zhang Ye in their hearts!


    Li Tao nearly died from infuriation. Against such a fellow, he really could not hide. Li Tao had seen many hooligans in his life, and he had taken care of several of them. Didn''t they be obedient under his department''s power? However, for an outrageous and shameless person like Zhang Ye, this was the first time he and his Shanghai SARFT had ever seen this type of situation! They were experienced in dealing with disobedient people. However, against Zhang Ye, who was fearless against anything, and was like a shameless stone in a rural toilet��smelly and impervious, they had no experience at all!

 Chapter 274: The Target of Scrutiny by the SARFT!

    <h4>Chapter 274: The Target of Scrutiny by the SARFT! </h4>


    Chapter 274: The Target of Scrutiny by the SARFT!


    In the day.


    The warm sunlight shone into the room.


    There were too many calls �� Zhang Ye switched off his cellphone.


    Online, information was a mess �� Zhang Ye disconnected from the inte as well.


    He went to the living room to get a sk of water, a tea cup, and some Pu''er tea leaves and went back into his room. He sat at the window under the sun and made some tea for himself. Shaking the tea cup and inhaling the fragrance, Zhang Ye sipped and tasted the tea. His eyes were focused on the view of the garden below.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s mind was at ease. He thought about his actions from the previous evening. It was true that he was impulsive, but he did not regret it.


    Exit from the entertainment circle from now on?


    Give up his dream of bing the top star of this world?


    Zhang Ye ced his cup of tea gently onto the window sill. He felt that he could not do that, but what should he do from here? What path should he take? He needed to think about it, maybe he should be a singer? He couldn''t get away from SARFT! Be an actor? He couldn''t get away from SARFT! Even if he were just writing novels, he would not be able to get away from what was called the News, Publication & Broadcast SARFT! Now that Zhang Ye had somehow walked into a corner, his chances of turning around was not big!


    What should he do?


    In the entertainment circle, no matter what he chose to do, everything seemed to involve the SARFT!


    And to be honest, Zhang Ye was reluctant to let go of his "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show". He really couldn''t bear leaving it. He had spent too much effort and time on this production. Just the amount of Reputation spent on buying Memory Search Capsules to sort out the segments for this program alone was worth too much! For this program, Zhang Ye didn''t get much sleep for the past few days. Sometimes, he would even work into the night and sleep at the recording studio. He would even eat there. With all that blood and sweat used to produce this program, it would now be halted after just a few episodes? No matter how Zhang Ye thought about it, he could not ept it. If it were possible, he would like to have continued his own Talk Show. He would need at least another month to finish recording the first season of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show". Otherwise, how was he to put it as his representative work to others? What was a representative work? Oh, it would be "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" that ran for 4 or 5 episodes? How could you call that representative work!? It would be like a 2 hour movie that you only filmed for 10 minutes. Who could acknowledge that to be a ssic?


    The cancetion of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" was too hurtful for Zhang Ye. This was the reason for his rage at the SARFT press conference!


    How could he revive the show?


    Was there any other way?


    Zhang Ye shook his head, he no longer carried much hope. He could only take it one step at a time, observe the situation, and wait for new developments. If there was no other way out, he could use his own money to rent a recording studio to continue recording his Talk Show and post it online under his own name. This might end up infringing Weiwo''s copyright and there was a possibility that the conditions and funds would be insufficient. This would affect the quality of the recorded program and there would also not be proper promotions leading to less visibility for the program. However, Zhang Ye was determined to finish his Talk Show. It needed a proper ending. All of these contributed to his achievements. Only if he really did not continue on in the entertainment industry, would Zhang Ye ever give up on these achievements and results. He had already gone past the point of no return.


    Noon.


    He began feeling hungry.


    Zhang Ye strolled over to the fridge and pulled open the door. There was still leftover food from yesterday, so he took it out and heated it in the microwave. He finished everything up.


    After eating, Zhang Ye washed the dishes and cleaned the table. Suddenly, he felt reallyfortable and rxed since putting aside all his work.


    His mood was also better.


    Zhang Ye switched on his cellphone and messaged Dong Shanshan: "Coming back tonight for dinner?"


    Di, di. She replied very quickly: "I will be, what do you want to eat?"


    Zhang Ye typed: "Don''t bother yourself with it today. I will get it settled. I will order some takeout in the afternoon. Shall we get some wine?"


    She replied: "Anything is fine."


    Zhang Ye: "Red or white?"


    She replied: "I''m fine with either. Thisdy will let the man decide."


    Zhang Ye smiled: "Alright then. I will wait for you tonight."


    He switched off the cellphone and put it away. Zhang Ye did not want to think about anything else, he just wanted to rx for the day. He did not go online and had broken off all connection to the rest of the world. Then, he walked over to the balcony where thendlord left a treadmill machine. Zhang Ye, who was in his pajamas, stepped up and starting running. All these days, he had been busy with his job, working continuous days and nights. His physical health had deteriorated and since he had finally managed to catch a break, he decided to start training again. Firstly, it was good for his health. Secondly, his Taekwondo and Taiji Fist techniques depended on his physical condition. If his strength and reaction were better, so would the power of those techniques.


    2PM in the afternoon. Zhang Ye finished running and was sweating profusely.


    3PM in the afternoon. After showering, Zhang Ye went out to the supermarket and bought 2 bottles of red wine. He did not have any wine sses at home, so he bought some of those too.


    After reaching home.


    He took the key and opened the door.


    When he pushed open the door, he was stunned for a moment, "Hey, you''re back? It''s only 3PM."


    Dong Shanshan was standing in the living room. It was obvious she had also just stepped in and put down her bag. She was now tying up her hair into a bundle. She looked back to him and smiled. "There''s no work in the afternoon, so I clocked out earlier."


    Zhang Ye brought the red wine in, "Why didn''t you inform me?"


    Dong Shanshan nced at him, "I wanted to, but you need to switch your phone on."


    "Sigh, I forgot." Zhang Ye smiled wryly, "Are you hungry yet? Shall I order the food now?"


    Dong Shanshanughed, "I''ve just had my lunch. Take your time. Yo, you bought wine? Why don''t we have some first? Give me the sses." Her high heels made tapping sounds as she walked into the kitchen to wash the sses.


    Zhang Ye did not wait to open the red wine and quickly filled the ss to the brim for the two of them.


    "Cheers." Dong Shanshan clinked her ss with his, and drank half in one mouthful.


    Zhang Ye also drank half like her and took a deep breath afterwards. He made her sit down.


    "Hu, home is still the warmest ce." Dong Shanshan reached out and unbuttoned her coat. She pushed her chest forward and took off the coat to hang at the side.


    When the coat was off, the school belle''s dress was revealed. She was wearing a qipao. It was a long white qipao with embroidered red flowers. It was the first time Zhang Ye had seen Dong Shanshan dressed like this, so he took a double take. She looked very sexy wearing the qipao. A qipao has always been a slim type of dress that exuded the contours of a person''s body. It had outlined very clearly the curvatures of Dong Shanshan''s body and the side split of it almost revealed the entirety of her thigh. From the side split down to her feet, she was wearing a skin colored stocking which extended downwards. Dong Shanshan''s legs, which was wrapped in those stockings, were wearing 4 inch white high heels! No wonder she was bundling up her hair. It was not because of convenience, but because she wanted to match this qipao. It brought out the ssical charm of her.


    Zhang Ye teasingly said, "You''re really not afraid of the cold."


    Walking back, Dong Shanshan sat on the couch again and crossed her legs. She smiled. "I was wearing a coat and there''s a heater at the office and at home. Why would it be cold?"


    Zhang Ye stared at her chest, which she was holding up with her posture, "But it''s not that warm either."


    Dong Shanshan said nonchntly, "We''re public figures, of course we can''t dress too casually. What if we get recognized on the streets and they want to take pictures with us? That would look too shabby." With a shrug, she said, "So my principle has always been to dress up well wherever I go."


    Zhang Ye blinked and said, "You''re a real professional." Saying that, he quietly reached for her hand to hold it.


    Dong Shanshanughed and quickly avoided his reach, "Why are you being so touchy again?"


    Zhang Ye gave a cry, "Your old ssmate has been banned and won''t be able to feed himself anymore in the future. As my old ssmate, don''t you think you need tofort me?"


    "Oh, how do Ifort you?" Dong Shanshan blinked a few times.


    Zhang Ye reached his hands out again, but this time he reached for the slit of Dong Shanshan''s qipao. "Like this."


    Dong Shanshan did not avoid him. Looking at him, she asked, "You will beforted like this?"


    "Yea, I''m easily satisfied." Zhang Ye freely bullshitted.


    Dong Shanshan held up her wine ss and had another drink with him. Then she said, "Alright, on ount of this old ssmate, who is in such a sorry state, I willfort you a little, but don''t touch anywhere out of this zone."


    "Sure." the two of them continued drinking.


    Zhang Ye chatted with her as he squeezed her thigh gently. The qipao was a smooth satin finish and he was touching her firm thigh through that material. It was further separated by anotheryer of stocking. This was something of another level. Zhang Ye had previously briefly touched her thigh before, but this time he was touching her in detail! It was a good sensation, but he was not satisfied and put his hand further down.


    One centimeter��


    Three centimeters��


    His hand had moved to her outer thigh.


    That was where the qipao slit was at. It was where the satin did not extend to and all that was before Zhang Ye''s vision was her thigh and the skin colored stocking.


    "How''s the situation at thepany?" Zhang Ye asked. His hand had slipped into the slit of the qipao. His fingers reached for the inside as he felt her up with just the stocking material between them.


    Dong Shanshan shook her wine ss, "How else would it be? Everyone''s just talking about you. You''ve be famous in the industry this time, even the SARFT headquarters knows your name."


    Zhang Ye''s fingers went deeper in, but as the qipao was very tight, there was little room for maneuvers. His fingers were not caught between her thigh and the qipao, but Zhang Ye was still lingering about that beautiful leg, he did not care that he might identally tear her qipao.


    "That''s all. This is not that zone anymore." Dong Shanshan said trying to stop him.


    Zhang Ye did not listen. "This area is also part of the zone you mentioned. I did not touch any where else." Then he changed the topic. "Oh right, how would the headquarters know me too?"


    Dong Shanshanughed uncontrobly, "You caused such argemotion, how could they not know about you? I got a call from an ex-colleague from Shanxi Television Station this morning. She mentioned about you to me. Maybe she has some insider news. I heard thatst night, your name has already been gged by the SARFT headquarters! You''ve be the focus on their cklist!" Maybe she was feeling embarrassed by all that touching by Zhang Ye, so she uncrossed her leg and sat up a little.

 Chapter 275: Another War of Words with ‘Working Together’!

    <h4>Chapter 275: Another War of Words with ��Working Together��! </h4>


    Chapter 275: Another War of Words with ''Working Together''!


    Afternoon.


    It was getting warmer in the house.


    Maybe the air conditioner settings were too high, or it could be a matter of passion.


    Zhang Ye''s neck was feeling sweaty, so he removed his thinly knitted topyer. He was still wearing a T-shirt underneath. Then, he continued to put his hand inside Dong Shanshan''s qipao thigh slit. Bit by bit, he pushed it further in. His left hand lifted the wine ss from the coffee table using its stem.


    "Here?"


    "Cheers."


    "Cheers."


    Cling, their sses touched and they had some red wine.


    Dong Shanshan leaned forward and flipped open theptop that Zhang Ye had put on the coffee table. She switched it on, "Can we surf the inte?"


    "Of course." Zhang Ye answered.


    "Eh, it''s disconnected?" Dong Shanshan asked.


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Log in again and it''ll be fine."


    Dong Shanshan smiled. "You''ve switched off your phone and even disconnected from the inte�� are you trying to iste yourself?"


    Zhang Ye sighed, saying, "There''s been too much happening and it''s too messy. Might as well not know. Out of sight, out of mind! Saves me the trouble of scolding people, I can''t suppress my anger after all."


    Dong Shanshan began to read the news.


    Zhang Ye did not bother about what she was doing. He was only focused on the school belle''s smooth long legs. His right hand had unconsciously made its way further in. When Dong Shanshan uncrossed her legs, the qipao was naturally tighter. Now that she had put down her legs and leaned forward to use theptop, the space had expanded by a lot more and it allowed Zhang Ye more space to move around too.


    Pinch!


    Fondle!


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes into a slit, feeling rxed. Listening to Dong Shanshan clicking on the mouse, his hand, that was touching that smooth skin of thigh, all his troubles from the past two days had now disappeared.


    Si!


    Suddenly, there was a nasty sound from the dress!


    Zhang Ye made an uh and coughed dryly. He looked towards the slit of her qipao. The dress was alright, but her stockings had been identally torn agape by Zhang Ye. He had been rather busy in recent days and had not bothered to cut his nails. With his long nails and the thin material of the stocking, any sudden force would have torn it.


    Dong Shanshan looked at him in a speechless manner, "You really don''t hold back, even with your old ssmate. That was really aggressive, I''d just changed to a new pair of stockings today."


    Zhang Ye said embarrassed, "A misunderstanding, misunderstanding."


    Dong Shanshan tucked her legs back in, "Alright, theforting is over."


    "Don''t, I''ll buy you a new one." Zhang Ye still did not retract his hands, and instead moved it further in. With a flick of his hand, he squeezed into the opening of the tear and slowly dug inside. This time, there was no longer the stockings putting up resistance, so he could touch her smooth long legs directly. Naturally, the tiny tear in the stocking slowly erged with Zhang Ye''s hand. Si. Su. The tear reached all the way to Dong Shanshan''s knees. The tear was also not very clean, as the nude-colored stockings dangled on Dong Shanshan''s outside thighs.


    She cringed, maybe because it was a little itchy.


    Zhang Ye pinched her naked thigh and felt the high body temperature of her legs. They were warmer than his palm. It was unknown if Zhang Ye had pinched too forcefully or if there was originally a reddish mark on the school belle''s thigh after she had been freed of the stocking''s restrain. It looked extremely enticing, like a ripe fruit that one could not help but wish to bite on it. It was extremely sexy.


    "We''re almost done here." She glimpsed at him and put her hands on her legs. With ayer of nude-colored stockings above Zhang Ye''s hand, she pressed down on his hand.


    Zhang Ye thickened his skin saying, "We have nothing else to do anyway."


    Sheughed in exasperation, "Are you treating this as entertainment?"


    "It feels too good, let me touch a little more." Zhang Ye was unwilling to stop.


    "Don''t push it." Dong Shanshan teasingly pped his dirty hands, "The hanky panky time stops now. Stop messing around. Let''s watch the news."


    She switched on the television.


    Zhang Ye was not interested, he raised his ss, "Here, let''s have another one."


    "Cheers." As Dong Shanshan switched channels, she casually drank with him.


    After Zhang Ye put down the ss, he looked around. He was still feeling horny, and finally, his gazended on Dong Shanshan''s thighs. He did not ask for her opinion, and took of his shoes and lifted his feet onto the sofa, as he lied down, his head rested on Dong Shanshan''s thighs. As her legs were full of sticity, the moment his headnded, it bounced up a little due to her thigh''s flesh, before falling back down into a stable state.


    "I feel a little giddy. Let me lie down to watch." Zhang Ye said by acting before obtaining approval.


    The face he saw while lying down looked at him and said helplessly, "Lie down then."


    With him drunk, while lying on a beauty''sp, Zhang Ye found it extremelyfortable. He was enjoying it like a lord. After adjusting his body, he even raised a leg and crossed it over the other on the sofa. All of his face pressed against the flesh on Dong Shanshan''s thighs. The qipao''s fabric was very thin and very smooth, so there was no need to mention howfortable lying on it was. There was also the fragrance of the school belle''s perfume. Today, she had put on a faint perfume, and the faintly discernible scent went well with the ssic qipao.


    "Eh?" She said.


    Zhang Ye asked, "What''s the matter?"


    She gestured with her chin towards the television, "Are you watching? I think it''s about you."


    "Let''s watch it. Who''s talking about me again?" Zhang Ye turned his head towards the television.


    The volume was very low. Dong Shanshan adjusted the volume with the remote control as the sound became louder bit by bit.


    This was a Shanghai provincial channel. Its signal covered the nearby regions. On the screen, there was a caption of "Television Station Deputy Director" under a middle-aged man being interviewed. He said , "This matter''s effect is quite terrible. As a member of this industry, I strongly condemn Zhang Ye''s hical behavior. If everyone disobeys the instructions from superiors, then won''t the entertainment industry be in chaos?"


    It seemed like a discussion program.


    Another guest added, "I agree with Director Qian''s view. A person like Zhang Ye should be forced out of the entertainment industry as soon as possible. I''ve seen his ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' before. It''s full of nonsense. It is indeed a very bad influence. The investigation team of the the Shanghai SARFT''s Chief Li did not make any mistakes. Such a program should be axed as soon as possible to prevent undue influence. Also, I want to urge those industry insiders andizens who joined in Zhang Ye''s revolt. Do you know what you are doing? Do you all still know how to tell right from wrong?"


    A few guests castigated Zhang Ye, and scolded him in all sorts of ways!


    Only one guest proposed a different view. The guest was a middle-aged woman. She had amon face, and looked like a mass media reporter. "Whether ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' vites regtions, I will first not talk about it. Actually, the reason why this matter caused such a huge controversy has to do with a few pirated WebTV programs that giarized ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' without being halted. They were not even punished. Everyone''s content was more or less the same. Some of the joke segments from a few talk show programs were even copied directly from Zhang Ye, but ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' was halted. Zhang Ye was used as a ssic example, and then forced to apologize and reflect, while those programs that giarized his program did not pay a single cent in copyright fees, and still remained fine. I believe this is the reason behind Zhang Ye''s rage. It is also the reason why some people in the industry are speaking for Zhang Ye, and also the reason why theizens are mad. All of this resulted in the Shanghai SARFT''s website''s denial of service."


    The middle-aged guest from before looked coldly at him, "Just because he was angry, he could speak gibberish on a live broadcast to incite the crowd? Because of anger, theizens can disrupt a website belonging to the nation?"


    The middle aged woman frowned, "You are taking my words out of context! My main point is��.Why weren''t those copy-cat programs not halted?"


    The youth guest said, "I heard that Chief Li''s team is currently investigating those programs, the problem at hand will be resolved very soon."


    The middle-aged woman shook her head, "Since a press conference was held, then it means this round of investigations hase to an end. Why didn''t they stop the pirated programs from the beginning? Instead they investigate after the press conference? And the investigation results have not been revealed and there are no updates on it."


    The middle-aged guest said coldly, "The officials definitely have their ns as to how to handle the issue!"


    The middle-aged woman looked at him and said, "Then I would like to ask, is a pirated and giarized program''s influence more dangerous, or an original program''s influence that someone produced with their heart and soul more dangerous?"


    The middle-aged manughed, "Do you still need to ask? Of course it''s the original program''s influence! Just like ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''. With that many views, its bad influence is the most widespread! That is why the investigations started with Zhang Ye first!"


    The middle-aged woman fell silent before she said, "I have nothing else to say. Some people''s views really make me speechless!"


    ����


    The program ended.


    Seeing Zhang Ye looking gloomy, Dong Shanshan switched off the television.


    Zhang Ye got up from herp. He coldly took a sip of red wine and then leaned forward to take control of the mouse. He started browsing the inte and Weibo.


    Dong Shanshanforted him, "Don''t worry about it. Some people just like to bootlick. There''s no point bearing a grudge against them."


    "That won''t do." Zhang Ye said, "It''s fine if I didn''t see it, but since I''ve seen it, then I shall not stand for it!"


    At this moment, the denouncing and condemnation at Zhang Ye was increasing. There were still many supporting him, but at the same time, there were also more people scolding him!


    "With Zhang Ye gone, the entertainment industry is clean and quiet!"


    "The Shanghai SARFT did the right thing. There was no problem in their decision!"


    "For such insubordination, a person like Zhang Ye should be punished severely!"


    Those who said this on Weibo were mostly industry insiders, or were famous figures or famous hosts. Arge number of them were not even known by Zhang Ye, nor did he have a grudge with them. However, it was as if those people had discussed it beforehand. They all began criticizing Zhang Ye at the same moment, as well as strongly advocated the Shanghai SARFT''s decision!


    This bro hasn''t even made any actions on one scolding a day!


    You ended up scolding me first? Fine! Let''s see who can out-scold who!


    Zhang Ye immediately logged into his Weibo. He began writing a poem on his Weibo, and pulled out the big guns tounch scoldings at arge number of people!


    "Junior officials to senior officials."


    "Submitting obsequiously to their will."


    "If this is done to kin!"


    "Won''t they be filial children!"


    "��''Working Together''. This poem is dedicated to those ''filial sons and dearest grandchildren'', as a way to express my highest adoration towards you. Zhang Ye."

 Chapter 276

    <h4>Chapter 276 </h4>


    Chapter 276


    The poem was posted!


    It was getting lively on Weibo again!


    "Quickly take a look! Zhang Ye has posted on Weibo!"


    "Let me take a look at what Teacher Zhang just posted!"


    "If this is done to kin, won''t they be filial children? Wahahaha!"


    "Thatst sentence is such a ssic! Godly scolding! It didn''t even have a single word of profanity in it! Aiyo, such a joy to read! It was even dedicated to those ''filial children''?"


    "Zhang Ye has fired his cannons again!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s scolding is too awesome!"


    "But of course, haha. Our Teacher Zhang is a scolding specialist. Those industry insiders wanted to use Teacher Zhang as a bridge to bootlick Li Tao? Wish to step on Teacher Zhang Ye to get to higher ces? I can''t help butugh at their low intelligence! Teacher Zhang Ye''s already so infamous. He has already scolded so many people till they had to beg for their lives and yet they dare to scold him? What''s wrong with their memory? Haha, now they have badly scolded by Teacher Zhang! Serves them right!"


    "Well scolded by Zhang Ye. This group ofckeys are f**king disgusting! Everyone knows clearly what the hell is going on! As long as they have eyes and a brain, everyone would know that there''s some conspiracy, let alone you industry insiders, but you all!? You all put the me and scolded Teacher Zhang for having no professional ethics? Then where are your professional ethics? You clearly know that it''s wrong, yet you help the party in doing wrong to create additional pressure for Zhang Ye! Compared to Teacher Zhang Ye, people like you do not deserve to be public figures! Misleading the public! Fanning the mes! Do you all really take themoners to be fools?! Filial children as a description for you guys is too suitable!"


    "Zhang Ye is on a roll these past few days!"


    "Hehe, do you think people on Li Tao''s side will regret?"


    "Do you still need to ask? Of course! Those people must be regretting until their intestines turned green!"


    "That''s right, haha. They thought they were pinching a soft persimmon, but little they did expect Teacher Zhang Ye to be such a thorn. His whole body is full of thorns!"


    "I''m impressed. Only Teacher Zhang Ye can rebuke this well!"


    "I''ve deduced that anyone who messes with Teacher Zhang will not live peacefully. Didn''t he create an earth-shattering mess the other time?!"


    "There''s no other way. Who asked Zhang Ye to be so daring to speak the truth, I like him so much!"


    "Heeheehee. Teacher Zhang is different from the others. Look at the other celebrities and public figures. They only know how to create news out of nothing by ''falling down'' or having ''wardrobe malfunctions'', but Teacher Zhang Ye has never resorted to any such stunts, even though he gets exposure from time to time. From his debut till now, I believe the number of people who follow him for his works does not surpass the people who follow him for his scoldings and finding trouble. Do you guys think that even if Zhang Ye were to be banned from the entertainment industry, could he depend on scolding others with his poems��.to miraculously be an A-list or B-list celebrity?"


    "Haha, that''s totally possible!"


    "In Teacher Zhang''s dictionary, nothing is impossible. Teacher Zhang has done so many amazing things that I won''t even be surprised anymore!"


    "Those who replied, don''t you think you guys are getting carried away? Teacher Zhang is still at a crossroad right now."


    "No choice, Teacher Zhang is exactly such a person who makes others happy. His works aren''t even my taste, but everytime I see him scolding or causing an incident, I cry with excitement!"


    Fans of Zhang Ye were all tickled funny!


    In contrast, those industry insiders, including the guests on Shanghai provincial channel earlier, who were showing their support for Li Tao and the SARFT''s decisions, now had their faces red with anger and embarrassment. They felt like they could strangle Zhang Ye now!


    Filial children?


    Filial children your sister!


    Zhang Ye, you''re too wicked! That mouth of yours is to fucking wicked!


    They immediatelyunched a counter-attack on Weibo, but before Zhang Ye could even bother himself with their replies, Zhang Ye''s fans had already drowned them out!


    "Yo, the filial children are getting anxious!"


    "Haha, the filial children can''t take it anymore!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, run away quickly. Don''t let those filial children bite you! We will sacrifice ourselves in your ce!"


    After scolding for a full day, the industry insiders also stopped. Because they realised that no matter how much they scolded Zhang Ye, whether it was a thousand or ten thousand scoldings, it would be in vain. It couldn''t evenpare to the ferocity of Zhang Ye''s "Working Together"!


    This was a poem used to scold those who adte and ttered others. It was a poem by Dong Yingju from his previous world. "Working Together" had been passed down from the ancient times to present days. It was very famous and Zhang Ye had used it today to insult the ''filial children'' who bootlicked Li Tao. It seemed to be very suitable for them!


    That bunch of people could not outscold him. They could only keep their anger inside as their rage slowly extinguished without a ce to vent!


    Counter-attack?


    How could they counter-attack!? What could they counter attack with!?


    Even if theybined their efforts, they could not match his literary talents!


    Zhang Ye''s poem was like a nuclear weapon. It could be described as extremely savage. Not only them, the Beijing Writer''s Association''s members also got a taste of his scolding! Zhang Ye ability in stirring up trouble and scolding of people was already very well known. It was extremely famous!


    Those industry insiders were now regretting quite a bit. They had initially felt that Zhang Ye was done for and that he would disappear from the entertainment circle. They felt that even if they were to offend him, there would be no problems. So instead, they sucked up to Li Tao and the Shanghai SARFT. They openly supported them so that they may get some beneficial decisions in the future, but seeing Zhang Ye jump out with a ferocious "Working Together", they suddenly felt that what they did caused more harm than good. Every poem of Zhang Ye''s was very ssic. This was already a fact well known to everyone. Like the previous time when Beijing Television imprisoned Station''s Wang Shuixin had "Some People" thrown his way at the memorial service. That poem had shocked the nation and disced a leader of a television station of his role. It was rumoured that he was. In the past, Wang Shuixin had some fame as a poet and was the person who wrote "Everything", which made its way into our educational material, but who was Zhang Ye? A man with no fame and authority. Just with a poem like "Some People", whenever it was mentioned, it made people hateful of Wang Shuixin. They would need to scold him a bit to ease their rage!


    What kind of viciousness was this?!


    This was the power of Zhang Ye''s works!


    "Working Together" might not be as good as "Some People", but it was also a powerful work. That bunch of industry insiders thought to themselves and hoped that they wouldn''t be rted names with "Working Together". To be mentioned in the same breath whenever this "Working Together" was brought up by people and the future generations? To be alluded with this poem? Holy sh*t! This sort of opportunity was not something they wanted!


    The scoldings faded.


    They did not make any posts on Weibo!


    Zhang Ye''s practical move had warned many others. Yes, this bro did offend people. I might not be able to continue on in the entertainment industry, but my conscience is clear. I did nothing wrong. The truth and facts are clear to everyone. I did not provoke any of you, so don''t provoke me. If anyone thinks that just because I have been banned and wanted to take the chance to bully me while I''m down? Consider yourselves to be blind! Even if I am going to be an ordinarymoner! Even if I don''t work in the entertainment circle anymore! I will scold you all like I scold my grandchildren. It''s that simple! If you think you can win against me in scolding! Then let''s have a practice match! If you think you have the ability! Then don''t waste time talking and do it instead!


    ����


    He closed hisptop.


    Zhang Ye snapped his fingers, "Alright, I''ve settled it."


    Dong Shanshan, "��..That''s how you settled it?"


    "Yea." Zhang Ye was feeling at ease and smiled. "Then how did you think I would settle it? I just want to scold them into submission. Different situations call for different actions, I don''t care who it is. Whoever it is,e get me!"


    Dong Shanshan curled her lips in helplessness, "You''re really not afraid of offending people."


    "I''m not in the entertainment industry anyway. I don''t have anything to consider. Even if it''s an A-list celebrity whoes to insult me, I will scold them without hesitation!" Without worries and without a job, Zhang Ye was feeling at ease all over again. He was a free soul, so who would scare him?


    Dong Shanshan opened theptop that Zhang Ye had just closed, "Let me read that poem." After reading it once over, she said, "In the past, I was a little skeptical. I thought that maybe your poems were pre-written, but today, I believe you. You reallyposed it on the spot?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "More or less."


    Dong Shanshan looked at him and toasted, "Sure, to this poem, cheers!"

 Chapter 277: Li Tao’s Reputation Destroyed!

    <h4>Chapter 277: Li Tao��s Reputation Destroyed! </h4>


    Chapter 277: Li Tao''s Reputation Destroyed!


    After dinner.


    The sun had set. The lights in the house were now on.


    Dong Shanshan gathered the dishes, "I''m going to wash the dishes."


    "Let me." Zhang Ye said, "It''s always you doing the washing."


    Dong Shanshan pped his hand away and smiled, "When I can afford to pay such expensive rent, you can be rest assured that I won''t be polite to you. You can do the dishes everyday then."


    Zhang Ye did not insist, "Alright then."


    Wearing a qipao and high heels, Dong Shanshan did not bother changing out of her getup. Hua, the running water could be heard.


    Zhang Ye said loudly, "Oh yes, how''s your program going?"


    "What do you mean how''s it going? It''s doing alright." a female voice drifted out from the kitchen.


    Zhang Ye said, "The second episode''s going to air tomorrow, right? Why did youe back so early today? Is the recording done? Or will you be doing the recording tomorrow? There won''t be enough time, right?"


    "It''s already recorded."


    "Then that''s OK."


    "Hur Hur, you should be more worried about your own job."


    "What''s there to worry about? I will rest for a few more days first."


    "You''ve lost your status as a host, but you can still take on a guest role."


    "Guest? In this situation, I''ve offended Li Tao and the Shanghai SARFT, who would still dare to invite me on as a guest."


    "Eh, that''s true."


    The two of them chatted sporadically.


    After a long while, Zhang Ye switched on his phone as he was afraid he would miss out on important matters. His phone had already been switched off for 2 days now, and when he switched it on, a phone call came in immediately.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    It was a call from his colleague host, Wang Bei. His rtionship with her wasn''t too bad, but Wang Bei and Dong Shanshan were much closer than he was to Wang Bei. He spoke in the direction of the kitchen, "I''m going to answer a call, so don''t speak." Saying that, he went into his room and closed the door before answering, "Hello, Teacher Wang." No one in thepany knew that he and Dong Shanshan were living together. Even now that he had resigned, he had to keep it a secret. He might not be working anymore, but Dong Shanshan still had to go to the office. If anyone found out, it would affect his old ssmate greatly.


    Wang Bei''s voice came on, "Teacher Zhang, you finally turned on your phone!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "I wanted some peace and rest, so I switched it off. I''m sorry, yea, how''s the office? Is there a reason why you are looking for me?"


    Wang Bei said, "I''m not looking for you. I''m actually looking for Shanshan. Her phone has been engaged all this time."


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye looked out towards his room door''s direction, "That can''t be?"


    Wang Bei said helplessly, "She hasn''t been taking any calls since she knocked off. I''m looking for her, but I can''t reach her. You''re Shanshan''s old ssmate, do you know where she went to?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I contacted her a while ago. Why don''t I get her to call you back? Is it urgent?"


    "Nothing urgent, but I want tofort her a little. To meet up for a drink, hai." Wang Bei sounded a little depressed.


    Zhang Ye did not understand, "Why do you need tofort her?"


    Wang Bei was shocked, "Didn''t you just contact her? You don''t know?"


    "I don''t know." Zhang Ye was stunned, "What should I know? What happened?"


    Wang Bei hesitated for a while and said, "It''s not convenient for me to say. If Shanshan wanted to tell you, she would have done so."


    Zhang Ye replied, "Teacher Wang, don''t leave me hanging like this. You''ve already said all these things, so finish it up? Quickly! What happened?"


    Wang Bei hesitated for a long while before saying "Alright then, let me tell you. Even if I don''t tell you, you will still find out. Shanshan''s ''Online Talents'' received a visit from Li Tao and his team. They were informed that the program has been indefinitely halted. The reason for the halt was because a performer in the first episode used his head to crush 20 bricks. Another performer could eat 250g of ss. Li Tao said that Shanshan''s program promoted negative influences and that if people copied what they saw, the consequences will be unimaginable. So they halted it based on this reason!"


    Zhang Ye''s rage, which had already been suppressed, suddenly rushed into his head, "What? Isn''t he f**king finding issues out of nothing?"


    Wang Bei said, "Everyone knows that Li Tao has something against us, but since the program halt instructions were already given, thepany couldn''t do anything about it. Shanshan''s program would definitely be halted. The SARFT''s penalty directive has already been issued, they even want to fine ourpany. Right now, everyone''s job in our WebTV department is at risk!"


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath, "It''s because of me right?"


    "You can''t put it that way." Wang Bei sighed.


    Zhang Ye angrily said, "Haven''t I already resigned? I did it so that no one would be affected like this. What does that Li Tao want? Does he still respect thew? Is he trying to pull the wool over the public eye!?"


    Wang Bei said, "You''re not to me. It''s Li Tao and his people, they''re bastards! Shanshan''s program has been stopped, but luckily her host status has not been revoked. She can still do another program in the future."


    Zhang Ye said, "A talent program that has so many views, how much pain and effort was put in for it! Too much was invested into the earlier episode! Being halted after finishing the first episode? F**k his grandfather!"


    "Cool down, don''t be impulsive." Wang Bei knew Zhang Ye''s temper. She appeased him, "If you try to take it up with Li Tao again or scold him. Their crackdown might be even harder. By then, Shanshan might not only get her programs halted, she might even lose her hosting qualification. I''ve heard that Li Tao would be promoted soon. He will hold a lot of power and authority, and his word will bew! The reason why Li Tao took action against Shanshan, was definitely because he knew that she was your ssmate. You''ve mentioned it multiple times on ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' before, so don''t be so impulsive!"


    They hung up.


    Zhang Ye threw his cellphone down onto the bed in frustration. He pulled a long face and walked out of his room. He saw Dong Shanshan''s cellphone was still on the TV console, so he picked it up to check. It was indeed on silent mode. He quickly went towards the kitchen to confront Dong Shanshan, who had just finished doing the dishes, "You still want to keep it from me?"


    Dong Shanshan looked at him, "What''s the matter?"


    "What do you think!?" said Zhang Ye angrily, "Didn''t I just ask how your program was doing! You told me it was doing alright and even said that you finished the recording!"


    Dong Shanshan smiled and shrugged, "Who told you? Ah Qian? Wang Bei?"


    Zhang Ye said, "The program has been halted and you still have the nerve to smile!"


    "What can I do besides smiling?" Dong Shanshan threw down her washcloth and walked out of the kitchen, "Should I torch Li Tao''s house with fire?"


    Zhang Ye looked at her and said, "You should''ve told me!"


    "What can you do if I told you?" Dong Shanshan replied.


    "I can think of a solution for you! You never tell me the truth!" Zhang Ye caught his breath, "Forget about this, your program was halted because of me. I thought that if I resigned, Li Tao and his people would not target you and the others. Who knew that he would be so ruthless?! Alright! He''s not ying by the rules and bullying people again and again! Then don''t me me for being unreasonable! Shanshan, I will definitely resolve this matter for you!"


    Dong Shanshan waved her hands, "Forget it. If you scold them again, even if you scold them to their deaths, it would not solve the matter. The penalty directive has already been issued, it won''t change anything."


    Zhang Ye closed his eyes, "This time��.I won''t be scolding anyone."


    Dong Shanshan was probably a little worried, so she said, "You better not try anything funny. It doesn''t matter, it has nothing to do with you. Even if the program''s gone, I can do another. Your old ssmate still has her looks and figure. How could a program of mine not end up popr? Hur Hur, so don''t worry anymore. Who knows? Maybe my next program will be better than ''Online Talents''. At that time, I might even need to thank Li Tao and gang."


    Zhang Ye knew that she was forcefully saying all this, "If you move on to your next program and Li Tao''s peoplee after you again?"


    Dong Shanshan lightlyughed, "Then I will do another program again."


    "You say it like it''s so easy!" Zhang Ye could see now that it wouldn''t help even if he were to scold Li Tao. Two days had passed since the incident, and yet, there was no action from the SARFT headquarters. It seemed like they had no intention of starting an investigation and Li Tao was still doing fine. Zhang Ye''s scolding might make them lose face and get angry, but it didn''t hurt them in any other way. As long as he was in charge, he could abuse his authority the same way he halted Dong Shanshan''s program with just a word. Zhang Ye''s poem did not make Li Tao take a step back, but instead made him go from bad to worse!


    That Li guy!


    You''re f**king courting death!


    Zhang Ye only said simply to Dong Shanshan, without saying anything else more "Call Wang Bei back. She''s been looking for you and feeling worried."


    "OK, I will go back to my room then." Dong Shanshan pressed her hand to her forehead, "I might have had too much too drink, I will rest early today. Should I wake you tomorrow?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve no work, don''t bother."


    "Hur Hur, I am also not working tomorrow. Then I won''t be waking up too early either." Dong Shanshan casually waved her hand and took her cellphone with her to her room.


    Zhang Ye also carried hisptop and returned to his room. He closed the door and sat heavily onto his bed. He narrowed his eyes and took a deep breath. His eyes became colder and colder with each moment!


    Before, Zhang Ye would take on Li Tao''s provocations by scolding him relentlessly. In this aspect, he was already holding back. Otherwise, it would not be simply a matter of words, but with this development now, it was no longer something that affected him. He had dragged his old ssmate, Dong Shanshan, into the matter with Li Tao''s ughtering of Dong Shanshan!


    You can keep torturing me!


    You can even stop my program!


    But now you even want to touch my friend? Go f**k yourself! Am I still leaving you guys with too much face!?


    Zhang Ye could bear anything targeted at him, but this! This matter left him with no room for tolerance! At this moment, Li Tao and his people had really driven Zhang Ye into a rage!


    It was in such a situation that Zhang Ye''s reaction was quicker. To keep scolding them would no longer mean anything. Right now, he had no other thoughts than to ruin Li Tao''s reputation and cause his downfall.


    How was he to do that?


    How could he bring down Li Tao?


    Zhang Ye suddenly remembered a skill experience book he had gotten in the lottery back then. He had already ''eaten'' and learned it, but had never had the chance to use them!


    21 books of [ Computer Programming Skills Experience Book ]!


    And another 11 books of [ Computer Programming Skills - Network Technology Experience Book ]!


    Zhang Ye eyebrow ticked slightly in anger. He had now conceived a wicked n. Back when he drew those books, he had bemoaned with regret thinking that they were useless, but just like the lockpicking skill, some things that might look useless at first usually turned out to be extremely useful at the right moment!

 Chapter 278: Hacker Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 278: Hacker Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 278: Hacker Zhang Ye!


    In the bedroom.


    It was 7PM, so the night was still young.


    Zhang Ye drew his curtains and ced theptop on the table. He tested the inte connection and mouse pointer then stretched his arms a little and prepared for action. Although he had ''eaten'' the two types ofputer programming skills experience books, he had never put them to practical use before. He did not know if he could do it, nor did he know whether the experience he gained was enough to let him do what he nned to do, or rather, how much he could execute the n with his experience. There was never enough of these experience books. It seemed like he could keep gaining more experience no matter how many he ''ate''. The more he ''ate'' the more experience he received. If he only ate a few, then he would certainly only know a trivial amount. The 11 [ Computer Programming Skills - Network Technology Experience Book ] could not be considered few, but to be on the safe side, Zhang Ye still needed to know how he''d do.


    Zhang Ye found a foreign website and with theputer knowledge from his world and the skills experience that he''d gained, he was soon doing his thing. He installed an add-on for his browser. This was something simr to his previous world''s Firefox browser''s add-on called Go2 proxy, but was named differently in this world. The browser was also a different one, but they were simr in most aspects. After installing the add-on and activating it �� after around 2 minutes, Zhang Ye had sessfully loaded that foreign website. This was actually one of the simplest forms of proxies.


    Hot pictures started loading up one by one!


    One by one, tempting videos of hot foreign women came into view!


    Zhang Ye looked hard at this outstanding foreign website that he had just loaded up with his outstanding skills! He couldn''t help but exim ''Godly!''. Although it wasn''t a difficult technique, Zhang Ye knew that he never had such skills in the past!


    After the warm up!


    His confidence was boosted!


    He started off by browsing some programming-based websites and researched on this world''s development ofputer programming, techniques, and software, etc. After spending the whole night, until midnight, when the public lights were turned off, Zhang Ye finally took a rest, rubbed his eyes, and took a deep breath. He found out that this world''sputer systems, hardware, and software had no big differences to those from his previous world. The principles of it were all the same, like the types of programmingnguage used and the concept of programming. The main differences were only the naming conventions. For example, those operating systems that were like Microsoft Windows, but were not called Microsoft Windows were also avable in this world. Even themands were the same. Afterparing for a long time, Zhang Ye had reached a preliminary conclusion. This world''s operating systems and hardware, etc were slightly less advanced than his previous world''s. It was behind by a few years, except for the technology in server firewall and antivirus softwares, which were somewhat more advanced. This was why amateur hackers like those from his previous world were not so apparent in this world. This world''swork security protocols were of a much higher standard. Any download of a firewall software would be able to block out 99% of non-professionals. Even professional hackers would have to put in some work, as there weren''t many people silly enough to not install a firewall or anti-virus software on theirputer. As such, there was no chance of any mass amateur hackers.


    This resulted in the current situation. There were only very few hackers in this world and they were not as rampantpared to Zhang Ye''s previous world, but conversely speaking, the hackers, who were more well known here, had more sophisticated skills and were at the top of the pyramid. They could do as they wished in the online world.


    These were the main differences between the two worlds.


    Operating systems, hardware, programmingnguages, and software architecture were also of simr origins. This was a good thing as it meant that Zhang Ye could conveniently use his past experience from his previous world. Even if there were slight differences, Zhang Ye also had the experience he gained from the skills experience books. The experience he gained was knowledge from this world and could be used here. From this point, there was nothing Zhang Ye needed to worry about. However, one thing that gave him a headache was the security ofworks here. Even before he could even satisfy himself with the thrill of hacking, he would already be stopped by the firewall?


    He still had to do it anyway!


    Li Tao wouldn''t be able to escape him!


    Zhang Ye had already set his mind to the task and did not hesitate. When he went to the bathroom outside, he saw no lights from the gap under Dong Shanshan''s room door. She must''ve fallen asleep, so he made his way back to the room silently!


    Let''s get started!


    By trying out a little hacking!


    This world''s hacking tools were also avable freely online, but most of them were not avable in it''s source code form, so they couldn''t be considered open-sourced. In Zhang Ye''s previous world, the hackers there were very particr about open-sourced. They felt that it was a general rule and honor to list them in open-sourced forms. This was where the notion of such matters differed between the two worlds.


    Zhang Ye began downloading a simple software �� This was a hackers knife, an essential tool to hacking. Without them, you couldn''t even find the IP address of someone, let alone attempt to gain ess.


    Command injecting plugin.


    Remote ess Trojans.


    Event logs clearing software.


    Etc, etc, etc. Zhang Ye downloaded a list of tools.


    Then, he started testing this world''s software and trojan horses, and as expected, they were the same as his previous world''s. It was just like any othermon hacking software. You are going to say that they were useless, right? That''s not really it. Such softwares were normal and could be used. but to say if they were effective? This sort of hacking software that could be freely downloaded off the inte was not so effective. They might not even break past a firewall, especially when this world''swork security was so tight. The chances of them being intercepted as malicious code was too high. The truly world ss hacking software was all written by the hackers themselves. These hackers wouldn''t even share them with their hacker friends, let alone put them up on the inte. Such softwares were considered their own trade secrets.


    Another reason whymon software and the world ss hacking software had such a gulf of a difference was mainly down to the system loopholes that these hackers knew of. Themon hacking software had already been researched thoroughly by others, such as the operating system developers orwork securitypanies. These system loopholes had been patched by these researchers. Unless you were using a pirated system that did not get updates, these genuine operating systems would get patched with every update. Then, the hacking software''s effectiveness would greatly decrease. It might not be totally ineffective, but its damage would be considerably reduced. However, a world ss hacking software was different. It could invade a system based on the creator''s own knowledge of loopholes and control of the operating system. Besides the creator, no one else would know of the loopholes. As such, the operating systems developer would not be able to patch these security loopholes. They would not be able to know how the hacker invaded either. Such confidentiality was the reason why world ss hacking software has such widespread damage and basically could not be stopped!


    But Zhang Ye read a thread that exined that there were only about ten world ss hacking softwares in this world. Of course, these softwares only appeared in this world slightly over ten times. And naturally, all of these have been patched after being discovered, so they were no longer as effective. Although it was certain that there were many other undiscovered hacking softwares, it could also be seen as the reason why such softwares were extremely rare. It wasparable to a top pugilist''s weapon. The world ss software or trojan horses �� were those divine weapons, precious and rare. To exploit a loophole that even the software developer did not know of was already extremely difficult and this world''s software developers were a lot more reliable than his previous world''s. Yes. Once a vulnerability was found, one still had to take into consideration the nature of the loophole to exploit it with either a software or trojan horse. This was prohibitively difficult to achieve.


    This was the reason why such software was so rare. Zhang Ye did not think too much about it. What he needed to do now was to get into the SARFT''swork and locate Li Tao''s workstation.

 Chapter 279: Support Genuine Products!

    <h4>Chapter 279: Support Genuine Products! </h4>


    Chapter 279: Support Genuine Products!


    Late at night.


    The district was without a sound.


    The only ce lit up was Zhang Ye''s room. This fellow didn''t rest at all. He was fighting at the frontlines against corruption by himself. He patiently attempted to hack into Shanghai SARFT''s website. However as time passed, Zhang Ye''s expression became more and more annoyed. This website''swork security was too well nned. The vulnerabilities had already been patched and no matter how Zhang Ye tried, he could not hack into it.


    For example, he wanted to use the SARFT''s website to propagate the trojan horse, and then use that to gain ess to find the location of Li Tao''sputer, but having tried twice, Zhang Ye gave up. He couldn''t even break through the server''s firewall and was stuck outside thework. It was difficult to go on as he couldn''t even get past the first obstacle, let alone install the trojan horse. It was bizarre to him, to the point of him giving up thinking about it.


    Next, Zhang Ye downloaded another hacking software to try and punch through the firewall into the web server. He did not expect to install the trojan propagator, but instead wanted to at least gain ess to the system administrator''s ount and password. This step proved to be the same as the first. The hacking software was too outdated and the firewall had records of it. When Zhang Ye tried to gain ess, the firewall immediately alerted the administrators and traced the unauthorized point of ess. It would have tracked for Zhang Ye''s IP address. He did not know whether it was the system administrators who did this manually, or whether it was an automated response by the firewall. In any case, Zhang Ye nearly shat his pants. Luckily for him, he had ''eaten'' 11 books of [ Computer Programming Skills - Network Technology Experience Book ] and he was rather skilled. His immediate action was to stop the counter attack and clean his traces. Then he quickly pulled the LAN cable out from hisptop before he could catch his breath.


    Your sister!


    Does this world need to be so safe!


    This bro can be considered a somewhat skilled hacker by now, but you''re just a damn provincial SARFT website, yet I can''t break your low level security?


    Why did he say that the website''s security was low?


    Zhang Ye''s fans had gone to the website and refreshed it for 30 minutes and caused a denial of service. It was only restored after more than 10 hours in the evening. The website''s standards were definitely not high. At most, it was considered as a basic security model. Even the website administration team''s standards were average at most. Yet Zhang Ye couldn''t break in. It showed that this world''s web security was already at the most forefront of times! Of course, part of the reason could be because of Zhang Ye''sptop settings. Hisptop specifications were very average. It could be used to y games at times, but if it were used for a software attack, then that might be over the limits. The configuration and inte speed was also not good enough. Looks like it was time to change hisptop, but that''s another story. He had to think of other ways to break in for now.


    Next, Zhang Ye connected back onto the inte. He had thought of a few more ways now. Back in his previous world, Zhang Ye had already been rather interested in hacking. He had ever read books and browsed the inte for information, but never took it up. Ahem, but still he was quite well versed in understanding of this topic.


    The 3rd tactic was for Zhang Ye to use a phishing email and attach a trojan horse with it before sending it out to the Shanghai SARFT''s provided email address. If the administrator clicked on the attachment and in a situation where theputer security was less tight, the trojan horse would definitely take effect and meet its objective, but regretfully, this phishing mail sent by Zhang Ye did not even reach the target''s mailbox. It was intercepted by the email server!


    Failure!


    Failure!


    And more failure!


    Numerous failed attempts had caused him to be disheartened. He also became more and more aware of this world''swork security. It was little wonder for this world to have so few hackers. Most would have given up by now. With suchworking security technologies, it''s your mum who''s not leaving rice for the hackers to eat. Not only did she not leave them any rice, there''s not even a scrap of other dishes left for them. All of you are too inhumane!


    The noob hacker was now raging!


    It was his first time hacking and he had failed!


    Zhang Ye thought that his n was perfect, but he did not expect that he couldn''t even make any progress in it. Breaking into the SARFT was not something he had on his mind anymore for now. Finding Li Tao''s office workstation and controlling it was also out of the question. The only choice he had now was �� To locate Li Tao''s homeputer, ess it remotely and take control. He was hoping that Li Tao''s home was using a pirated operating system that was not updated and patched, but a new problem arose. Regardless of the operating system he used, he did not even know Li Tao''s home address or IP address. He did not even know his ounts used formunicating. He had more questions than answers! Without any information, how was he to hack in? There were hundreds of millions ofputers in the whole country. Where would he start looking!?


    It was aimless.


    Zhang Ye did not hide his IP address this time. He visited Shanghai SARFT''s website normally and found the public information regarding Li Tao.


    His full name.


    Age.


    upation.


    Etc, etc, etc.


    Things like residential address were not written.


    Zhang Ye was indignant, so he checked the website for any records of posts that came from his ID. Opening one of Li Tao''s report uploads, he did not find any viable information. Hence, he continued looking at all the posts by Li Tao. Suddenly, a thread from the middle of this year had given Zhang Ye a pleasant surprise. This was back during the early stages of a crackdown. As at team leader of the Shanghai district, Li Tao had publicized the scope of the crackdown, leaving behind a hotline to tip him off. There was also a SARFT website tip-off email address, and finally a small line of text. Li Tao had actually left his personal email address there!


    He''d gotten his email address!


    Zhang Ye was immediately ted. He immediately downloaded a new trojan horse. This was a trojan horse that was embedded within a picture. It was very well concealed, so without thought, Zhang Ye used his skills and software to create a non-existent email address, to prevent him from being tracked. Then, he used this email to send Li Tao a pornographic photo, which was the trojan horse program. After dwelling on the matter, he titled the email containing the picture, "Shh, don''t tell anyone. I''m sending all of you a picture of a private voyeur shot of Heavenly Queen, Zhang Yuanqi. If you don''t take a look, you will be shamed to dare say you are a man! No need to thank me. Please call me Red Scarf!


    Tell me, how much of an asshole grandson is Zhang Ye?


    With this passage, no one would be able to resist opening it!


    The email was sent over very quickly. A personal email was different from the official email at SARFT. The protective measures were definitely not that strong. This time, it was sent out sessfully and did not get filtered out.


    After waiting for a moment, there was still no response from the other end. Zhang Ye knew that Li Tao was probably asleep already. He did not want to wait up stupidly, so he set an rm for an early time and fell asleep under his nkets.


    Hopefully this time, it''d work!


    Hopefully, Li Tao''s home used a pirated operating system and firewall. As long as hisputer had not been updated with thetest patches and virus detections, Zhang Ye had a good chance of taking control of hisputer!


    It was the first time in his life that Zhang Ye had so much love for pirated products. He was also looking forward to it!


    Of course, this was only with regards to pirated operating systems. After all, that was the intellectual property of foreignpanies, but for domestic products����


    Novels especially!!


    Especially novels!!!


    Zhang Ye had to read the genuine versions!!!!


    There''s a need to support the domestic literature industry!!!!

 Chapter 280: Finally found Li Tao’s skeletons!

    <h4>Chapter 280: Finally found Li Tao��s skeletons! </h4>


    Chapter 280: Finally found Li Tao''s skeletons!


    Saturday morning.


    The rm shrilled loudly. Ring Ring Ring.


    Zhang Ye opened his eyes and saw that the sky was still dark. He yawned and got out of bed to take a shower. His movements were light, as he noticed that Dong Shanshan''s room door was still closed. She was still asleep. When he came back to his room, Zhang Ye was refreshed after taking a cold shower. He sat in front of hisputer and waited. He waited for the other party''s email read receipt. If he downloaded and activated the trojan horse, Zhang Ye would receive a response on his trojan horse software from his side.


    Waiting.


    Waiting.


    Why was this grandson still not online?


    Has he even woken up yet or has he just not switched on hisputer?


    ����


    At the same time.


    In a residential district.


    After getting up, Li Tao had breakfast with his family.


    His wife asked, "Do you need to go to work today?"


    "It''s my rest day." Li Tao did not say much, just a sentence.


    His wife asked, "The trouble that Zhang Ye caused, is it giving you a lot of pressure? Will it affect you? Nothing will happen right?"


    Li Tao was eating a dumpling as heughed, "If I say it wouldn''t affect anything, I''d be lying, but don''t worry. He can''t cause much trouble for me, he''s no threat."


    His daughter looked up, "Dad, is Zhang Ye really done for?"


    "He''s done for." Li Tao patted his daughter''s head, "He has already provoked the masses, there''s many other who want him to go down. Even if I didn''t deal with him, he''d be dealt with sooner orter!"


    His daughter pped her hands in joy, "That''s great, that''s what happens when he scolds our Lee Parkwoo! Hngg. Oh yes, Dad. Can you get Lee Parkwoo''s autograph for me?"


    Li Tao dotingly said, "OK, OK, OK, when hees to Shanghai for any programs, I will give the television station a call for the favor. It''s just a small matter."


    His daughter excitedly said, "Dad, you''re the best!"


    Li Tao said, "Hur Hur, quickly eat."


    After breakfast, Li Tao''s wife went to work. His daughter went out with her ssmates. He was alone in the bedroom, so he turned on theputer to read some news and check his Weibo and email.


    Di.


    You have mail.


    Li Tao looked over at the notification and did a double take.


    Not a man if you don''t look? Voyeur shot? Zhang Yuanqi''s private photo?


    Damn, so erotic and so blood-stirring! This��I must see this!


    Without another word, Li Tao navigated his mouse and clicked on the email''s picture attachment. This world''swork security was very good. It had managed to limit arge number of hackers or those hobbyists with selfish motivations. To them this was a form of abuse, but as with all matters, there were always pros and cons. From a different perspective, there was a pro in this being that theizens'' awareness had greatly lowered. They were not as wary as people from Zhang Ye''s previous world. As such, Li Tao had totally no sense of wariness. All he wanted to do was to quickly view the picture, but when the picture finally loaded, Li Tao couldn''t help but curse, "F**k your grandma! Who is this foreigner?! Where is Zhang Yuanqi? Where is the very erotic shot? Isn''t this cheating! Do you still have a shred of humanity left!


    ����


    At the other end.


    Zhang Ye''s house.


    After drinking his tea and having a smoke, Zhang Ye suddenly saw that his trojan horse client software had responded. On the control interface, a client PC had appeared. He had only sent the trojan horse to Li Tao, so needless to say, this must be his PC!


    It''s done!


    He had finally seeded!


    This grandson was really using pirated software!


    Zhang Ye suddenly sat up straight. Nowadays, trojan horses were basically controlled with a C/S structure. This was what they were called back in Zhang Ye''s previous world. Over here, it was called B-IC structure. The meaning was the same and it was easy enough to understand. The trojan horse had been nted sessfully and had made its way past Li Tao''s firewall. Using a very old vulnerability in the system, it could be said that Zhang Ye now had total control over that PC. It had be a part of his bo �� simply to say, it meant he could control that PC freely now.


    Entering amand, Li Tao''s IP address was disyed on screen. It was a non-static IP and every time he logged onto the inte, it would be different. but with this trojan horse active in his system now, Zhang Ye did not need to worry about verifying his IP address each and every time anymore. Every time that PC connected to the inte, the trojan horse would send its IP address over to Zhang Ye''s trojan horse client. Unless the infected system had been patched or had its firewall upgraded, he would not be able to get out of Zhang Ye''s control.


    As for thenguage and style of entering of themand, there were norge differences between the two worlds. This was due to the fact that all programmingnguages were made in English. If this world''s English did not change, then programmingnguages would not differ by too much either. Zhang Ye entered a few moremands. His victim''s current web browsing details, theputer''s workgroup,puter name, ount name, and administrator passwords were all gathered by Zhang Ye and no one else knew a thing besides him.


    Zhang Ye was afraid that his victim would disconnect from the inte. If that happened, then no matter how skilled a hacker was, he wouldn''t be able to do anything. So he quickly executed his n �� To check all of theputer''s documents, including the hidden ones!


    C Drive �� Nothing.


    D Drive �� Nothing.


    E Drive �� Nothing.


    Li Tao''sputer was clean. Except for a few games and softwares, it had nothing else on it. Not even a movie file. Zhang Ye checked the web browser''s history and did manage to find traces of several unhealthy websites, but that was useless, it would barely get Li Tao into any trouble. Zhang Ye was not satisfied. He searched high and low, but could not find anything!


    This was impossible!


    Who would not have any shameful things in theirputers!


    Zhang Ye was left scratching his head. This n wasn''t fruitful either, but he still had something else up his sleeves. Since his victim''sputer was now under his control, then he could still gather more information!


    Like turning on the webcam!


    This was Zhang Ye''s next course of action, but before that, he had to adjust some settings. So he entered amand. These days, webcams would usuallye with LED lights. Some camera LED lights were used to brighten the subject and weremon in standalone webcams. The other type would be those webcams built intoputers which has a small pin-like light indicator. Even a fool would know that those wouldn''t brighten up any subjects with such a small pin-like light. This light was instead used as a signal to let the user know that their webcam was in use. So naturally, this setting would have to be switched off. Otherwise, it would give away everything. Some hacking softwares had a setting to switch off this light, but others didn''t. It required some effort to switch it off, but it was necessary to ensure stealth. Of course, the CPU resources usage would hike quite a bit after turning on the webcam, but that couldn''t be helped. This was a hardware issue, no one could do a thing about it.


    It was all set!


    The webcam was activated!


    Suddenly, arge face appeared in front of Zhang Ye. He focused and the smiled coldly. It was indeed that asking-for-a-beating face of Li Tao!


    Li Tao was staring at his screen. There was no transmission of sound from the other side.


    Zhang Ye took another action �� activating his victim''s PC microphone.


    Da, da, the sound of mouse clicks could be heard by Zhang Ye now. He could hear everything going on in the room of his victim. Everything was in Zhang Ye''s control!


    Subsequently, Zhang Ye didn''t care about the consequences as he began recording the video and audio �� This was a process that was happening on his ownptop. He recorded every move made by Li Tao. The objective was to find something that could bring him down. However, when he started the recording, Zhang Ye''sptop with normal specifications began to crawl. Even if he did not try to open any other application, his mouse pointer was already severelygging as it jumped across the screen. Zhang Ye smiled bitterly as he disabled some background tasks to ease the load on the CPU.


    After another long wait.


    About 10 minutester, Li Tao suddenly got up. He left the screen to where the camera could not see. Zhang Ye could hear from the audio feed that Li Tao went out into the living room. He did not disconnect from the inte since Zhang Ye was still connected to his PC.


    So he waited.


    Besides waiting, there was nothing else he could do.


    After another few minutes, Li Tao returned. He sat in front of theputer once again.


    Being a hacker carried its risks. This was the reason why Zhang Ye did not leave his seat. In the event someone started tracing the hack back to him, he could quickly erase his tracks.


    A cellphone''s ringtone started ying.


    Zhang Ye subconsciously nced over, it was not his own cellphone.


    Then he saw on screen that Li Tao had answered his phone. He was smoking a cigarette and talking, "Hello, Little Yong ah��.Yes��.Yes��.How are the investigations of those Talk Shows going��.I know there are vitions��but just symbolically take some actions against them and it will be fine, there''s no need to halt their broadcasts��.Right��Copyright? I know they giarized Zhang Ye''s program, but whether there''s an issue with the copyright, it does not concern us. It''s the job of the relevant copyright departments. Even if they bring it to court, it has nothing to do with us��..Right, right, just issue them warnings and that will be enough. We don''t need to met out overly harsh punishments on them, but don''t make it too light either. At least we have to show the public that we mean business. Do you even need me to teach you?"


    What?


    Talking about me now?


    Zhang Ye''s eyes lit up!


    Then continuing on, Li Tao said, "That girl from Weiwo Video��that Dong something girl. Her program''s been halted right? Good��who? Whoever calls in��.Yes�� I know, but it doesn''t matter who pleads for her. She''s Zhang Ye''s university ssmate, so we will ban the both of them��Right, to go against our team and cause us so much trouble, hur, did they even think they would live peacefully? No way! In the future, keep an eye on this Weiwo Videopany as well. If there''s any problem with any of their programs, report it to me��.Yes, we will use them as an example to others. Let''s see who still dares to rebel��.Hur Hur, you think I''m not aware that ''Online Talents'' doesn''t have any problems? Even if there are no problems, we will still take action against it! Who can do anything about it��. You understand?��..Alright, go and take care of it. You must repress all of those negative opinions! Whoever refuses to ept it, report them to me!"


    The call ended.


    Li Tao extinguished his cigarette and continued surfing the inte. He waspletely oblivious that every word he just said had been recorded by Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye was very excited, he pped his thighs loudly!


    It''s done! This was just what I wanted! With this, Li Tao still wants to flourish? He won''t flourish another day!


    After waiting for another 15 minutes, with nothing worthy to show for, Zhang Ye disconnected from thatputer. He switched off its camera and microphone and cleaned up the event logs on his victim''sputer. He eliminated all traces of the hack except for the trojan horse, which he couldn''t delete. There was no way to do it as it was a verymon type of trojan horse. There was no uninstall program for it, only the world ss trojan horses would have that, but it was harmless. Every hacker would leave some traces of softwares, emails, trojan horses, and such when they hacked into someone''s system. As long as the event logs were deleted, there wouldn''t be a problem. It would be untraceable from there.


    He closed the control program.


    Zhang Ye disconnected from the inte to be safe. Only then did he review the recorded footage and edited the most crucial part of it out.


    You wanted to take a bite at me and my old ssmate?


    Li Tao! You''re��.finished! Even if your father from Heavenes, he wouldn''t be able to save you!

 Chapter 281: Revealed at roughly 8:20!

    <h4>Chapter 281: Revealed at roughly 8:20! </h4>


    Chapter 281: Revealed at roughly 8:20!


    Morning.


    There was a knock from outside his bedroom door.


    Knock knock. "Old ssmate, it''s time to wake up."


    Zhang Ye hurriedly closed his notebookputer''s lid, "I''m already awake."


    The door opened. Dong Shanshan walked into the room, dressed in pajamas, "Yo, you''ve already woken up? I thought you would be sleeping till noon. Are you eating breakfast?"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "It''s almost 10. Let''s have lunch in a while."


    Dong Shanshan acknowledged, "Alright, then I''ll go do some groceries. The fridge is empty already."


    Zhang Ye did not stand on ceremony as he said, "Buy some pork belly for stewing. Let''s celebrate this afternoon."


    "Celebrate?" Dong Shanshan chuckled, "Are we celebrating the loss of our jobs?"


    Zhang Ye did not reply and vaguely brushed it away. He had to keep this matter absolutely confidential. After all, it was illegal to ess someone''sputer through the inte, so he could not let a second person know. What was most important to a hacker was not his skill or the strength of his digital attacks, but the ability to protect and conceal himself. This was the first rule of a professional hacker.


    His old ssmate went out.


    He flipped theputer lid and began working again. He immediately used false information and an IP address to register an ount on arge discussion forum. After pondering all day, he wrote a title, called "The evidence of conspiracy behind why Zhang Ye and Dong Shanshan were banned".


    This matter had already caused an uproar, and was the focus of many. Hence, despite not having any content in the thread, there were many people who followed it.


    "Conspiracy?"


    "Is this real or fake?"


    "Hai, who doesn''t know that there''s a conspiracy?"


    "Right, ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' clearly is in line with the requirements. I heard ''Online Talents'' was halted yesterday? It would be strange if there''s no conspiracy!"


    "OP is speaking nonsense. Appraisalpleted!"


    "Proof? Where do you get it from? What proof?"


    "Where''s the OP? Why did he disappear? Is he cheating us for clicks and replies?"


    "Hurry up and post it. Provide whatever evidence you have! We are all waiting for it!"


    Zhang Ye used the same method and registered several new ounts of Tieba and Weibo, as well as ces where manyizens gathered. There was no need to provide a real name to register, so by doing so, even if the website investigated him, they might just ban or delete his ount, but it was alright, Zhang Ye only needed the ount once. All the ounts he registered were of the same name, "Kevin Mitnick".


    This name was chosen firstly because no one in this world knew of him. This was because he was one of the highest profile and best hackers in Zhang Ye''s world. He wasbeled by the U.S. Department of Justice as the "most wantedputer criminals in U.S. history." Hence, it was obvious how awesome he was. Secondly, Zhang Ye also used this name to draw a clear line and distanced himself from this matter. If he chose an "ultra-nationalist" nickname, he might be suspected by others. After all, his intrusion this time was beneficial to himself and his colleagues. So it was inevitable that he would be suspected, hence, he decided to choose the name of the number 1 hacker, Kevin Mitnick of his world. Furthermore, it was in English, so as to avoid suspicion.


    Of course, Zhang Ye was just being alert. This was just a small intrusion, and would not concern the heavy-weight security department as it was not at a high enough level. Li Tao was just a small cadre, and he was not intruding into the nation''s Department of Defense. He was just being careful and deliberately turned attention away from himself. Anyone who had seen his program knew he was the ultra-nationalist amongst ultra-nationalists, so it was impossible for him to take on a foreign name.


    "SARFT Conspiracy Revtion"!


    "The Maniptor Behind the Scenes"!


    "Zhang Yuanqi''s Private Collection! Come gather around"!


    "Angled Scenes of Dong Shanshan! Internal Unedited Versions Leaked"!


    Zhang Ye was aplete asshole. If he went all out, without bragging, he could really cause the entire country to fall into chaos. One could tell just from this fellow''s topics. Just these topics would not only attract the citizens who were focused on the halted programs by the SARFT, even those unconcerned people would be f**king attracted in. Each title was more staggering than the other!


    But the ones above were nothing much.


    The most pornographic and most staggering title was posted by Zhang Ye using the ount, "Kevin", on the main battlefield, Weibo. Weibo was where the most number ofizens gathered, so Zhang Ye ced great importance on it. He decided to use a certain joke from his world.


    Many people nearly vomited blood seeing this Weibo post!


    Zhang Ye posted, "Why did a old granny in her nies die naked on the street? Why did hundreds of sows in the vige scream out at midnight? Why did a tiny store''s condoms get tampered with? Why would panties from female dormitories frequently get stolen? Who is the serial rapist of sows? Was it a human or ghost who knocked on an old nun''s door every night? What is the hidden meaning behind hundreds of young bitches dying? Is the distortion of human nature or moral decay behind all this? Please stay tuned tonight, where Kevin Mitnick will bring you thetest news��at roughly 8:20."


    "Pfft!"


    "OP is too funny!"


    "I''ve already seen this Kevin Mitnick posting more than ten posts. All major forums have been flooded by him, but this post is the most staggering!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyah, why is it so funny?"


    "Aren''t you trying to blow the whistle behind the conspiracy of the banned programs? Why is there a mention of an old granny in her nies dying naked on the street!? And why is there hundreds of sows in the vige screaming out at midnight!?"


    "There''s actually such a way to cheat for hits!"


    "That''s right. This promotion..is really inhumane!"


    "Your sister! I really thought you had Teacher Shanshan''s angled scenes! Angled scenes your sister! What''s that in-construction triangle picture up there!?"


    "This English abbreviated name, KM is too inhumane!"


    "Our pants are already off, but what are you letting us see!?"


    Numerous people were cheated in, and then numerous people began cursing, but it was because of this that more and more people came in. Immediately, these threads gained a lot of poprity. There were two threads that were deleted by the website due to the titles, but most of them were left alone.


    "Reveal at 8:20?"


    "Why is the time so precise?"


    "Hurry up and post it. What''s the conspiracy?"


    However, Zhang Ye refused to post it. He whetted everyone''s appetite. By doing so, he could maximize the attention ced on this matter. After all, Li Tao was not some celebrity, so just posting his video might not gather enough attention, and not enough to stir up a huge matter for Zhang Ye.


    ����


    Time slowly passed.


    Around 8 at night, Dong Shanshan went to the office to settle some matters, maybe something associated with a notice about her program being halted. Due to this, Zhang Ye was left home alone.


    He switched on hisputer and saw his posts and Weibo poprity greatly increasing. The main reason was Zhang Ye''s titles and content were written too well. Although manyizens knew that they were being deceived, they still clicked in and had a goodugh upon seeing the content, before leaving curses. If not, they would reply and mess around, just to soak in the lively atmosphere. Sows screaming out at midnight was seriouslycking in moral integrity!


    "Where is he?"


    "It''s almost time, right?"


    "That''s right, where''s the information about the conspiracy!?"


    On Zhang Ye''s side, he was uploading the video. After he finished uploading, he linked the video to the posts and on the Weibo he had posted before.


    It was 8:20 sharp.


    Li Tao''s video was released.


    "Hello, Little Yong ah��.Yes��.Yes��.How are the investigations of those Talk Shows going��.I know there are vitions��but just symbolically take some actions against them and it will be fine, there''s no need to halt their broadcasts��.Right��Copyright? I know they giarized Zhang Ye''s program, but whether there''s an issue with the copyright, it does not concern us. It''s the job of the relevant copyright departments. Even if they bring it to court, it has nothing to do with us��..Right, right, just issue them warnings and that will be enough. We don''t need to met out overly harsh punishments on them, but don''t make it too light either. At least we have to show the public that we mean business. Do you even need me to teach you? That girl from Weiwo Video��that Dong something girl. Her program''s been halted right? Good��who? Whoever calls in��.Yes�� I know, but it doesn''t matter who pleads for her. She''s Zhang Ye''s university ssmate, so we will ban the both of them��Right, to go against our team and cause us so much trouble, hur, did they even think they would live peacefully? No way! In the future, keep an eye on this Weiwo Videopany as well. If there''s any problem with any of their programs, report it to me��.Yes, we will use them as an example to others. Let''s see who still dares to rebel��.Hur Hur, you think I''m not aware that ''Online Talents'' doesn''t have any problems? Even if there are no problems, we will still take action against it! Who can do anything about it��. You understand?��..Alright, go and take care of it. You must repress all of those negative opinions! Whoever refuses to ept it, report them to me!"


    The sounds and scenes of Li Tao sneering streamed from the video!


    "Who is he?"


    "Isn''t this that team leader from the Shanghai SARFT live broadcast!?"


    "Yes, it''s him. He''s called Li Tao!"


    "Holy sh*t! There really was a conspiracy!"


    "So the reason why ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' and ''Online Talents'' was halted was because of Li Tao''s machinations. There is no problem with the programs! It''s all because of a personal grudge!"


    "F**k! It''s so sinister! Too sinister!"


    "F**k! I knew Teacher Zhang''s program had no problems!"


    "I can''t stand it! This footage is too overwhelming! If the video is real, then there is hope in saving Teacher Zhang and Teacher Dong''s programs!"


    "Waiting for SARFT headquarters to settle the matter!"


    "This sort of person has to be dismissed!"


    "What sort of god is that KM poster? Hacker? He can even get such a video?"


    The moment the footage finished ying, a new wave was set off into the inte that had been quelled!


    Many industry insiders, who had previously spoken up for the Shanghai SARFT and Li Tao, immediately turned silent. No one dared to say anything!


    The other counterparts, who were just watching the bustle, also did not make a sound. As the matter was too sensitive, no one dared to take sides before the matter came to a conclusion!

 Chapter 282: Offering a Limerick!

    <h4>Chapter 282: Offering a Limerick! </h4>


    Chapter 282: Offering a Limerick!


    At the same moment.


    Weiwo Company.


    The WebTV department was still filled with people who were working overtime. Dong Shanshan hade back to discuss how to handle the halted "Online Talents" and deal with it''s fallout.


    As everyone was busy discussing.


    Somewhere at the back office.


    A logistic staff member suddenly looked straight dumbfounded. Then he pointed at theputer screen and shouted out to everyone, "Everyone, quick, take a look! Quickly look at this video online!"


    "What?"


    "What video?"


    "We''re having a small meeting right now."


    "Yea, we''re already in this situation, what''s there still worth watching?"


    Everyone was speechless. Feng Guiqin and Wang Xiong also frowned.


    But that person was still extremely anxious. He kept saying, "Director Feng, Director Wang, something big just happened!"


    Only then did everyone get the graveness of the situation. Feng Guiqin walked over and said, "What''s the matter? What''s the video about?"


    "You''ll understand when you watch it." That person immediately reyed the video. Everyone else in the office also came over to watch as Li Tao''s words were delivered into everyone''s ears!


    "For crying out loud!" Feng Guiqin eximed after watching the video!


    Wang Xiong was also furious as he mmed on the table, "This bullying is outrageous! This is pushing it too far!"


    An old man in the office said, "I had thought the crackdown this time was just being stricter, but who knew there was such a conspiracy! They were intentionallying after us!"


    A young girl, who was working as an assistant, said angrily, "He said it clearly that our Talk Show and Talent Show had no problems, and even instructed his subordinates not to deal too harshly to those pirated programs! What the hell does that Li Tao want?! Does he still have regards for thew!"


    Dong Shanshan asked, "How reliable is the video?"


    A momentter, Sister Four, who had already knocked off and left the office building, was called back. She sat in front of theputer momentarily to investigate the video, then turned around and nodded to everyone, "Although I am not a professional, but I''ve spent more than 10 years shooting and making videos. This video is definitely real. The movement of the mouth and audio is synchronized perfectly. This was definitely not edited. A very skilled hacker probably hacked into Li Tao''s homeputer and recorded this video. Chief Li is��done for this time!"


    Feng Guiqin did not say a second word. She immediately grabbed her cellphone and made a call. She did not look for her friend, nor any contact. She called in directly to Shanghai SARFT''s mainline and questioned them furiously!


    ����


    On the other side.


    At a certain hotel in Shanghai.


    Li Tao had just finished his bath and wasfortably lying in the bed. He had a cigarette in his mouth as he quietly hummed a melody, probably a melody from his home city.


    A woman''s figure could be seen behind the frosted ss in the bathroom.


    "Are you done?" Li Tao urged on.


    "What are you in a rush for? Isn''t your wife at work?" The woman said.


    Li Tao flicked the ash off his cigarette, "She went in for overtime."


    The woman said, "I was wondering why you''d be so free today. Are you going back tonight?"


    Li Taoughed loudly, "I''m not going back. I said I was going in for overtime too. Anyway, I''d be going to the office from here tomorrow. It''s not too far away from here. My baby, I missed you so much!"


    "Naughty jerk," the woman scolded him with a smile.


    The cellphone suddenly rang!


    Li Tao frowned. He did not want to answer it at first, but seeing that the call was from a Leader at work, he reluctantly said to the person in the bathroom, "Don''t speak. I need to answer a call!"


    "It''s already thiste, who is it?" the womanined.


    "My leader, don''t speak anymore!" Li Tao then answered the call.


    On the other side was a middle-aged man who said in an angry voice, "Li Tao, I don''t care where you are at now! Come to the office in 10 minutes!"


    "Ah? Leader��."


    Du, du. The line was already cut!


    Li Tao was stunned, what''s going on? What had happened?


    The bathroom door opened and a woman wrapped in a towel came out, "What''s the matter?"


    Li Tao hesitated for a moment before putting on his clothes, "I''m going out for a while, something came up at the office." Then ignoring herints, he rushed back to the office in his car. As he had a guilty conscience, his heart was drumming all the way back to the office. He did not know why his leader was in such a rage.


    ����


    Shanghai SARFT unit.


    Today was a rest day and it was also past 8 in the evening. There weren''t many people around, except for two guards on duty outside. A few cars were parked in the yard outside. They were the cars of several Leaders of Shanghai SARFT and other team leaders. Li Tao was feeling curious. Why were so many Leaders back here tonight? Did something major happen?


    Upstairs, in a small conference room.


    Li Tao was thest to arrive. He pushed open the door and went inside. There were 7-8 other people and almost all of the Shanghai SARFT''s leaders were there. Noticing that everyone had arrived before him, Li Tao understood something. ording to his estimates, he had arrived at the office within five minutes after being instructed to do so, but the others had arrived even faster than him? Clearly, the Leader had informed them before himself!


    This turnout.


    Did something bad happen?


    Li Tao was getting ufortable and nervous, "Leader."


    At once, everyone looked over at Li Tao.


    Amongst them was a Leader of Li Tao and another of Li Tao''s same ranked colleague. They had good rtions with him and this made Li Tao nce at the two of them. He thought to himself that they were really too unworthy as friends. Something had happened and yet you guys didn''t give me a heads up first? At least let me be prepared! Even if you can''t call to notify me, at least drop me a message? However when Li Tao looked over, the two of them were sitting ufortably too. They did not even look at Li Tao in the eye. Li Tao had been working for so many years, he naturally knew that in official matters, there was no such thing as friendship, so he felt something was amiss!


    Sure enough, the middle aged man, who was the leader and also the head of the Shanghai SARFT, said something that left Li Tao dumbfounded, "Did you know that you were secretly filmed today!?"


    Many of those present looked at Li Tao as if they were looking at a corpse. They knew he was done for.


    The deputy head, a middle-aged woman smacked the table and said coldly, "It would have been easy to handle if this was an internal issue, but we can''t even suppress it anymore! It has been posted all over the inte! The whole world knows about it now!"


    This matter was, after all, a disreputable deed and harmed their reputation as the SARFT. If it was possible, they would have tried their best to prevent others from knowing about it. However, the person targeting Li Tao was too wicked. He did not even report it through the official channels nor did he even make a petition. He had directly posted on the inte, and before posting the video, he had even f**king worked up some momentum such as an old granny dying naked! What sows screaming out daily at midnight! Things like condoms from stores being ineffective! All of this had f**king nothing to do with the video content, but it was in this way that it attracted thousands of curious people''s attention! His tactic was ingenious!


    He had invaded Li Tao''sputer without any detection!


    He had even used such a brilliant promotional tactic to absorb the people''s attention!


    Against such an expert, anyone would have a headache just encountering him. Everyone present knew that Li Tao had met his match. With that person targeting him, no one could save him!


    Upon hearing his Leader''s words, Li Tao was stunned, "This.. No!"


    The big boss coldly said, "The video is already on the inte! What do you mean no!? Ah?"


    Secretly filmed?


    He had been a victim of voyeurism?


    Li Tao knew that it had to be true. With so many Leaders gathered here for a meeting, they clearly won''t be so free as to tease him. Li Tao''s face went pale as he stuttered, "Leader, I��am just��friends with that girl��We went to the hotel because��I needed to settle her housing. We did not do anything!"


    The moment he said that, all the Leaders present were immediately dumbfounded!


    Ah?


    Girl?


    There was even a f**king girl?


    Are you rearing someone outside your marriage!?


    A colleague, who did not have good rtions with Li Tao, lowered his head, trying to hide his expressions. In fact, he had nearly burst outughing!


    The number-two-in-charge was a woman, and she was nearly infuriated to death when he heard Li Tao''s words. "Chief Li! How many things are you hiding from us!? You are way too bold!"


    Li Tao waspletely stumped, "Ah?" It was not about this? Holy sh*t! Then why did you talk about being secretly filmed!?" He was mistaken!


    The big boss waved his hands, no longer willing to speak another word with Li Tao, "Enough, the reason why you came, is for us to notify you that you don''t have to return home in the next two days. The headquarters has sent an inspection team here! If you have anything to exin, say it to the people from headquarters tomorrow!"


    ����


    9 P.M.


    The activity surrounding the broadcasting halt exploded!


    Many people began to question the SARFT!


    At this moment, the SARFT posted an article. First, it thanked the supervision and reports from the people. Secondly, they strongly protested the method of invading a civil servant''s personalputer to obtain information. It did not indicate if it would pursue legal proceedings against this matter, but it posted arge heap of official-sounding terms. Finally, it announced that the headquarters were already aware of this matter and had begun investigations against Li Tao. The results of the investigation would be made known to the public as a way to answer the people. If it was proven that the halted programs were due to malfeasance, then they would provide an exnation to thepanies, television stations, as well as the program team employees who were affected.


    In general, this was what it said. The SARFT''s attitude was made known clearly. Their intervention was timely and the response they gave satisfied the public temporarily!


    "Li Tao is going down!"


    "Haha, I couldn''t stand him long ago!"


    "Halting so many programs that shouldn''t be halted, yet allowing so many programs that should be halted to carry on. He really thinks he is above thew! Now, he has received his punishment!"


    "The evil will be rewarded with evil!"


    "Thank you to God KM! Thank you for helping Zhang Ye, Dong Shanshan, as well as those Teachers who had their programs wrongly halted! You have removed an evil for the people!"


    "God KM is too powerful!"


    "Hereby honoring godly KM the title, ''Guard of the People''!"


    "Those programs that have been wronged have redressed the situation! I wonder when ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' will be restored! I really want to watch it!"


    "That''s right! It was so difficult for our country to produce such an awesome new program. We can''t just let it end like that!"


    "I also can''t wait to see ''Online Talents''! The guy who ate ssst episode was pretty awesome!"


    "Ai, with such a serious matter happening, why isn''t Teacher Zhang Ye out yet? I want to hear what Zhang Ye has to say! @ZhangYe!"


    ����


    At home.


    Zhang Ye was naturally paying full attention to this matter. He had also seen the notice put out by the SARFT.


    He chuckled and noticed someone @ him to say something, Zhang Ye did not stand on ceremony. Back at the Beijing coupletpetition, when the Beijing Writer''s Association provoked him and said things like they would not want a person like Zhang Ye, he had used a limerick from his world that was written by Guo Degang, "It''s not like I''lle". Guo Degang only had two famous limericks. This time, Zhang Ye was nning to use the second one!


    Zhang Ye posted arge red lettering on Weibo, with the character ''Happy''!


    Then he added the following words, "Gone in thete winter is like the sunset, three cups of wine poured to the sky. Where is the small-minded one? Believing that retribution in the human world works!"


    The moment theizens saw this, they were excited by it!


    "Haha! Teacher Zhang Ye has finally appeared!"


    "Yet another poem! Is this a limerick?"


    "Teacher Zhang is still that coquettish! As coquettish as ever!"


    "Where is the small-minded one? Believing that retribution in the human world works! Well said!"

 Chapter 283: “Zhang Ye’s Talk Show” Restored!

    <h4>Chapter 283: ��Zhang Ye��s Talk Show�� Restored! </h4>


    Chapter 283: "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" Restored!


    Home.


    It was veryte.


    A cellphone''s ringtone rang in a quiet bedroom.


    It was Dong Shanshan. "Hello, old ssmate. Let me tell you some good news."


    "Hur Hur, what''s the good news?" Zhang Ye feigned ignorance.


    Dong Shanshanughed, "A video was leaked on the inte, showing proof that Li Tao mped down on our programs on purpose. Now, the SARFT has begun investigations. Our programs might be restored soon."


    Zhang Ye said, "I already heard about it. It''s all over the inte now. Didn''t you see me post on Weibo?"


    Dong Shanshan might have been in front of aputer, "You posted on Weibo again? You set up your Weibo ount for months now, but never once have your words been good. Let me take a look��" After a pause, the sounds of a few mouse clicks could be heard through the phone''s receiver, "Heh, you sure are wicked. You even put up a red-lettered ''Happy'' character? Believing that retribution in the human world works? If Li Tao sees this, he will definitely die from exasperation. You should tone down that mouth of yours.


    Zhang Ye refused, "He stabbed us, and you still want me to show him face?"


    Dong Shanshanughed, "Yeah, looks like it''s all because of that live broadcast you messed up. A hacker named Kevin Mitnick could not sit idle and hacked into Li Tao''s homeputer and found evidence. Hur Hur, but he could be a fan of ours, or one of the other programs'' hosts that got halted. It''s also possible that this KM has a personal grudge with Li Tao. Anyway, regardless of what caused it, it''s all good for us. The Leaders have already said that once our programs are restored and your qualification as a broadcasting host is restored, they will do the rehiring procedures. You can then carry on hosting and producing ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''. The program will carry on, and business as usual."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Alright, help me thank the Leader."


    "Alright, that''s it from me. I''ve got a date with Wang Bei andpany to sing karaoke tonight. I probably won''t be back tonight. Are youing? It''s the KTV below our office." Dong Shanshan said.


    Zhang Ye answered, "No, you guys go ahead."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye washed up beforeying on his bed. He had been waiting for Li Tao to open the trojan horsest night and had woken up early. He did not rest well, and now with things settled, he definitely needed a good rest. No one knew that the hacker, Kevin Mitnick, that was being discussed by others, was in fact Zhang Ye. After fighting on the front lines all this time, he could finally sleep in peace.


    An uneventful night passed.


    ����


    The second day was still uneventful.


    ����


    The third day was still��Alright, this time there was something to talk about.


    This afternoon, Zhang Ye went to Weiwopany. Wang Xiong had given him a call, saying that the Shanghai SARFT was releasing the results of the investigations, so Zhang Ye went over. Zhang Ye naturally did so without any hesitation. Although he had quit, he had not cut rtions with Weiwopany. Besides, waiting on the inte for news was definitely not as fast as getting news directly from Weiwo. Zhang Ye was very concerned about the oue of the investigations.


    Everything was still the same at thepany.


    The familiar building, the familiar environment, and the familiar people.


    "Yo, isn''t this Teacher Zhang Ye?" In the elevator, a youth Zhang Ye did not know greeted him, "You came to thepany today?"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Yeah, I came to take a look."


    Another woman waved at him, "Teacher Little Zhang, good morning."


    "Good morning," Zhang Ye also greeted her back.


    The woman immediately said, "I watched the live broadcast video of you at the SARFT press conference the past two days. There''s really no limit to watching it. You cursed so well!"


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "Thank you."


    The woman said in amusement, "When will you have another speech like that?"


    "When the opportunity arises next time," Zhang Ye answered very openly.


    Ah?


    Next time?


    There''s a next time?


    The youth and another person from the Marketing department were at a loss whether tough or cry when they heard this. Come on! That speech of yours caused chaos in the industry and on the inte back then, yet, you are nning on doing it again!? Do you think there''s not enough chaos!? From just a casual chat with Zhang Ye, they could tell how fearless Teacher Zhang Ye''s temper was. Whoever got in his bad books could only me on their misfortune!


    WebTV department.


    In the office, his colleagues greeted him warmly.


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Yo, Little Zhang is back."


    "Haha, Zhang Ye, I saw that limerick you posted the day before yesterday. Awesome. The ancients talk aboutposing a poem in three steps, I think you don''t even need three. One step is enough for you topose a poem!"


    "Thatpanion picture of the ''Happy'' character was really nice."


    "He even targeted our Weiwo Video? That Li is asking to be cursed at!"


    "Let''s see how the matter is settled today. With people from headquarters investigating it, please don''t make it start off with a bang, but ending with a whimper, where no punishment is dealt to Li Tao."


    "It definitely won''t happen. It''s just a matter of how severe the punishment will be."


    "And the crux of the matter was if our few programs would be restored. That is crucial."


    As Zhang Ye greeted everyone, he began chatting with them, before slowly walking to his previous seat. He realized it was still empty. Clearly it had been left intact for Zhang Ye''s return.


    Dong Shanshan smiled with her eyes forming a line, "You''vee?"


    "Yup. When will the official statement be released?" Zhang Ye asked with concern.


    Dong Shanshan lifted her sleeve and looked at her watch, "They said it would be announced at 9:30. Just in a little bit." As she breathed out, she closed her eyes and knitted her eyebrows. She was also waiting. At this moment in time, it was unlikely that Dong Shanshan had the mood to work. Of course, after having her program halted, she did not have any work to do either.


    The appointed time was approaching.


    The entire office eagerly looked forward to the news.


    At the same time, it was likely that many industry insiders from conventional and online television stations were waiting for the oue of the investigations. After all, this matter was huge in their industry and was unprecedented, hence, everyone wanted to know what SARFT headquarters would choose to do. They were extremely concerned with how the SARFT would deal with Zhang Ye. Although Zhang Ye was the most wronged person in this entire process, with evidence proving that Li Tao had halted "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show", despite knowing that there were no problems, and ignoring the pirated Talk Show programs, putting Zhang Ye on the advantageous side of reason, his messing up the live broadcast at the SARFT press conference, and had even attacked and mocked the SARFT to the point of even cursing their actions made the matter a bit moreplicated.


    Suddenly, voices sounded in the office!


    "It''s out!"


    "Hey, it''s here!"


    "The punishment has been meted out. Hurry and take a look!"


    Wang Xiong had alsoe out from his office and into the general office area. He monitored the development of this matter with everyone else!


    Zhang Ye also switched on hisputer and saw the punishment notice posted by the SARFT: ''After aplete investigation, the SARFT Headquarters and the Shanghai SARFT had identified malfeasance in Li Tao''s actions. He had received bribes amounting to 250,000 Yuan (US$37,500), as well as had an extramarital affair!''


    Li Tao was doomed!


    And ording to the amount of bribery he received, he would face criminal prosecution!


    "F**k!"


    "The punishment is heavy enough?"


    "He deserves it!"


    "Man, he even had lifestyle problems?"


    "I wonder how the headquarters managed to discover that. They are too empowering!"


    With Li Tao taken down and facing jail time, this was a result Zhang Ye was very satisfied with. The colleagues in the office also apuded!


    At that moment, a second notice was posted by the SARFT.


    ''Regarding Dong Shanshan''s "Online Talents", Zhang Ye''s "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show", Teacher Chen''s children program, as well as the six other programs that were previously halted at the press conference, the SARFT approved them for rebroadcasting, effective immediately. There were still two other programs, which have been found to be truly problematic, and the original punishments still stand. They are not to be restored, such as "Web Bikini Show", because it had really broken the restrictions. After a round of investigations, the SARFT also added on a few other programs to the penalty list. Three of them had giarized "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" without paying any royalties and are now included on this list. Their broadcasts were halted, and the few conventional and online television stations are to be fined 200,000 to 1,000,000, as well as criticized!''


    There was great joy in reading the punishments that were to be doled out!


    Li Tao was taken down, and the programs were all restored. It was perfect!


    Of course, perfection was before thest notice was posted by the SARFT. In the end, the notice mentioned Zhang Ye. Regarding the host of Weiwo Online Television Station''s "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show", Zhang Ye, the original penalty of revoking his broadcasting host qualifications was changed to a fifteen day suspension!


    The public statements ended here!


    The colleagues in the office all looked at each other before they looked at Zhang Ye spontaneously!


    Zhang Ye nearly cursed. Damn it, revoking the penalty of my broadcasting host would do, why did you f**king temporarily suspend me for half a month?


    What did this mean?


    Are you trying to mp down on me? It definitely was!


    Zhang Ye knew, and his colleagues could also read the situation!


    Although Zhang Ye had caused problems because of Li Tao''s malfeasance, the SARFT did not ignore it. They still punished Zhang Ye. Although half a month wasn''t a very long time, it was not very short either. Although his program was restored, his hosting qualifications were suspended. "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" still could not be aired within the next 15 days. This was clearly the SARFT settling scores, and could also be thought of as a form of mping down or warning. It ounted to the public, but punished both sides. The only difference was Li Tao''s punishment was heavier, and Zhang Ye''s was lighter.


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "Uh, Teacher Zhang Ye."


    The people surrounding him did not know what to say.


    After a short moment of depression, he did not take it too hard, as he smiled to everyone, "It''s alright. I was already nning to say goodbye to the entertainment industry. Being able toe back is already good enough. It''s just half a month, right? I''ll wait for it."


    Wang Xiong alsoughed as he went over to pinch Zhang Ye''s shoulder, "Right, it''s just 15 days. Little Zhang, we can rehire you today. We will give you the title of a nner. Once your hosting qualifications are restored, we will immediately apply for the restoration of you being a host. As for ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'', you can carry on recording even though we can''t broadcast it!"


    Zhang Ye blinked, "Record even now?"


    "Since it can''t be aired, saving it first wouldn''t be a problem." Wang Xiong chuckled.


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Alright, then I''ll finish recording the Talk Show over the next few days. Once my status as host is restored, then I won''t need to be so busy. We can directly broadcast them!"

 Chapter 284: Top of the SARFT’s Blacklist—Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 284: Top of the SARFT��s cklist��Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 284: Top of the SARFT''s cklist��Zhang Ye!


    The next day.


    It was still four days till January 1st.


    Zhang Ye had contacted the original members of his program team, as well as allowed them to hand out tickets for a live audience. He had ns to record the rest of the episodes of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" before the new year arrived. A preliminary estimate was 55 episodes, before he could go back to Beijing to spend New Year''s with his parents.


    To film fifty episodes in about four days meant a lot of work each day!


    At his fastest speed, he had to record about 12 or 13 episodes a day. With every episode being half an hour long, it would take a minimum of six hours to record. This meant recording would begin in the morning and end in the afternoon.


    If it were any other host, they would not be able to handle such arge amount of stress from work. There was no need to even mentioning recording more than ten episodes a day, even recording two or three episodes in four consecutive days was something no one could handle. However, Zhang Ye had the perseverance to do so. He had done crazy things like this in the past. Be it "Ghost Blows Out the Light" at the radio station, or "Lecture Room" he recorded at Beijing Television Station, many staff members of his program teams would privately call Zhang Ye "Desperate Workaholic". This was because even them as people on the side could not survive the fatigue associated with working on scene, but Zhang Ye could do so day after day. He did not copse at all. This was also why Zhang Ye was epted by many members of staff. He always led by example. He worked more than others and rested less than others. With him holding the stage on the forefront, the members of the program team did not skive. People were, after all, judged by others. This was also the reason why the team led by Zhang Ye was always so efficient.


    As for the need for Talk Shows to stick to current affairs?


    Zhang Ye was not too worried. His Talk Show touched on current affairs, but he did not need to say those jokes only when something happened. For example, many of the jokes in "Tonight 80''s Talkshow" were universal. Ridiculing the Koreans, or trampling the Japanese, these jokes could survive the ages. Without any exaggeration, even if Zhang Ye used his talk show to scold the Koreans or Japanese, the jokes would still not be obsolete a hundred yearster!


    ����


    The recording studio.


    "Is every department ready?"


    "Teacher Zhang, we are done preparing."


    "When will the audience enter?"


    "In about half an hour. It has already been arranged."


    "Alright, I''ll go backstage to take a rest. Sorry for troubling you to keep an eye out."


    "Are we really recording 12 episodes today, Teacher Zhang? Man, alright. Go take a rest. We will be busying ourselves soon. There won''t be time, but you still have us!"


    The staff present were all busily working.


    After Zhang Ye went into the backstage dressing room, he began to buyrge quantities of "Memory Search Capsule" after closing the door. He closed his eyes and began to arrange and search through all the Talk Show programs in his mind. Zhang Ye had wildly spoken of recording more than ten episodes a day all based on the effects of the Memory Search Capsule. This allowed him to have a continuous stream of jokes in his head. The jokes chosen by Zhang Ye were all good and they had the best effects. He even abandoned certain jokes that only had passable effects, so as to make "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" a signature show, a program of the highest standards. As such, he naturally burned through a huge number of Memory Search Capsules. Thankfully, the previous few episodes of the talk show program had added a lot of Reputation points to his game ring. He had also received a lot from the live broadcast speech and poem, and finally, the exposure from "Sunflower in the Sun" and the limerick had earned him arge number of Reputation points. It was enough!


    Eat!


    Ten!


    Twenty!


    Thirty!


    Zhang Ye knew that he should not feel the pinch regarding the amount of Reputation points he just spent. He could earn the Reputation points again when they were depleted, but if he did not do the program well, there was no way of regretting it. Hence, Zhang Ye nned on spending all his Reputation points over the next few days, so as to make "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" perfect. Besides, there was no need to feel the pinch because even with the Reputation points depleted, when the talk show was restored, all the Reputation points he earned a day would be "pure ie". The more he spent now, the better the program would be. The Reputation points from each episode in half a month''s time would also naturally be greater in amount!


    ����


    Outside.


    The audience entered.


    "Great, I''ve waited a long time for this moment!"


    "We are really lucky. I heard the program hasn''t been restored for broadcasting."


    "That''s right. There''s still half a month left. It might be restored sometime before or after New Year''s. Since SARFT has not restored Teacher Zhang Ye''s hosting qualifications, all they can do now is pre-record."


    "The SARFT sure is something. What are they doing!?''"


    "There''s no way around it. Who asked Teacher Zhang to curse them during a live broadcast? He has now beenbeled as a destructor of live broadcasts having done it twice. He also had misdeeds back in Beijing. This time, he was only suspended for half a month, so it''s still not too bad. If not for Li Tao smacking himself against a gun by meeting a righteous hacker, Teacher Zhang Ye might not have been able to do any programs ever again. It''s already worth thanking the stars just for using here to watch the talk show live."


    "Yea, let''s be content."


    "Zhang Ye is here, Zhang Ye is here!"


    "Hahaha! I want tough just from seeing him!"


    "That''s right. I haven''t seen Teacher Zhang Ye in a long time! He''s so f**king warm!"


    The recording began. Zhang Ye made his debut on stage. However, the moment he stood onstage, the audience spontaneously stood up as they cheered on Zhang Ye''s name!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    The audience were very excited!


    Zhang Ye was also very touched as he chuckled, "Thank you for not forgetting me. Thank you. Everyone, please sit down. Some trifling matters have happened over the past few days, causing the halt of this program�� "


    "Yi!"


    The audience beganughing loudly. Trifling matters? When were any of the troubles you previously got yourself into f**king trifling!? When was it not earth-shaking!?


    Zhang Ye was already famous. Before he even said his jokes, the audience was alreadyughing loudly!


    ����


    On the first day, Zhang Ye recorded 12 episodes. The audience was changed twice. At the end, he felt like he was in good condition, so he ended up doing another two more episodes.


    On the second day, Wang Xiong came to persuade Zhang Ye as he was was in great trepidation seeing the scenes. This workload was too tiring, so he hoped that nothing bad woulde out of it. However, Zhang Ye rejected the good intentions of his Leader, and carried on insisting on recording the programs. In the end, he recorded 13 episodes in one go, from day to night.


    The third day was the same.


    The fourth day was as usual.


    Zhang Ye''s shocking performance was evident. It even caused a sensation throughout the entirepany. Even many industry insiders knew of this matter. Without exception, all of them had only two things to say about Zhang Ye''s actions �� madness and perverse! This was simply an impossible task. Even if you had the energy and physical strength to do it, how could your scripts keep up? What was most shocking was that Zhang Ye did not prepare any scripts from beginning to the end. He actually managed to finish all the episodes of the talk show in four days. The quality of each episode surpassed the previous one, and all of them were basically recorded in one pass. There was no precedent of a re-recording!


    What sort of concept was this?


    It was f**king ying with one''s life!


    However, Zhang Ye actually managed to do it!


    Many industry insiders heard of this matter and they refused to believe it. Hence, they came to Weiwopany to watch. Feng Guiqin specially approved it and gave them front row seats. As a result, a number of people showed up with faces full of disdain. They were prepared to pick at it, hoping to expose Zhang Ye for having a script, but after more than ten episodes were recorded, none of them made a sound after they left!


    ����


    Today.


    Zhang Ye finally finished recording thest episode of the Talk Show. At the end of the filming, the entire audience gave him a standing ovation and broke out into an enthusiastic round of apuse!


    The audience were dismissed.


    The program team gathered together.


    "Teacher Zhang, it''s been hard on you."


    "You''ve worked hard the past few days."


    "Zhang Ye, you are too fantastic!"


    "Haha, our team has created an industry miracle!"


    "That''s right, to finish recording fifty episodes in four days. No one would f**king believe it even if we mention it!"


    "Back then, I thought it was impossible, but who could have thought that we actually managed to do it! Teacher Zhang, how does your brain have so many joke segments? And they were all interconnected so nicely, and you did not even stutter once? If it were me, I would already be stuttering a single line without a script!"


    "Hehe, you want topare yourself with Teacher Zhang?"


    "Who is Teacher Zhang? He is a mighty person who cannot be measured usingmon sense!"


    With the program wrapped up, everyone was very happy.


    Zhang Ye also smiled, "It should be said that it has been hard on all of you. I made you apany me in this madness the past few days. So, tonight, I''ll be treating you all. Let''s go to the best restaurant in Shanghai! I''ll pick up the tab no matter how much you eat!"


    "Oh!"


    "Teacher Zhang is impressive!"


    Everyone cheered!


    The best restaurant? To have a single nice meal would be tens of thousands at least!


    Zhang Ye naturally did not care much about money. He was ambivalent towards money as his goal was always fame. He wanted to be the world''s top celebrity. That was what mattered most to him!


    Dong Shanshan came through a staff door, "What''s this about eating?"


    Following that, Wang Bei andpany entered, "Hehe, I think we heard it as well. Zhang Ye is treating, right? Are we included?"


    Zhang Han, who had good rtions with Dong Shanshan, said with a smile, "Am I allowed in?"


    Zhang Ye waved his hands, "All of you are included. Anyone here is included!" Saying that, he gave Feng Guiqin and Wang Xiong a call to invite them. On this matter, Director Feng had given Zhang Ye a good deal of support. She did not abandon him at the most critical point. With the program done recording, Zhang Ye naturally wanted to express his gratitude.


    ����


    At night.


    With everyone gathered together, they headed straight for the restaurant.


    On the way, everyone saw a cklist for next year posted by the SARFT on the inte!


    Simr to Zhang Ye''s world, every year, the SARFT headquarters would publish a "cklist". Of course, this was what everyone called it in private. It was not an official term. The goal and purpose of producing this list was to stress one''s specification and professional conduct. In other words, those people who entered the cklist, be it in their future programs, movies or television dramas, the production would be strictly reviewed as long as a person on the cklist was in it. This was a limitation as well as a warning!


    There were about eight people on the SARFT cklist!


    Two of them were actors who were caught for taking drugs this year. Three of them were two television drama actors and a scriptwriter who were caught engaging in prostitution. Another one was a director who had been involving in scamming. As for the other person, no one knew why as the inte did not report on his matters, but he wasst on the cklist.


    As for the number one person on the SARFT cklist, it surprised and shocked everyone when they saw it!


    First page��


    First row��


    First line��


    There was Zhang Ye''s name!


    Zhang Ye''s name began with Z, and ording to this ordering, his name should have been at the back, and even if it was ordered ording to strokes, Zhang Ye should not have been first! But he was surprised to find that he was first on SARFT''s cklist! At the same moment, numerous people were shocked seeing this, they also had the impulse tough!


    Take a look!


    All of you take a look!?


    Look at how powerful Zhang Ye''s mouth was!


    He neither cursed or did anything serious. All he did was say a few poems or speeches with his mouth, but what was the oue? He was ranked ahead of people who took drugs, engaged in prostitution or scammed! The attention and vignce that SARFT ced on him was higher than those f**king drug addicts! What did this mean? It meant that to the SARFT headquarters, the offensive power of Zhang Ye''s mouth was greater than that of all of those people!


    Hence, he was ranked number one on the cklist!


    Many people expressed their speechlessness in posts!


    "Did they get it wrong?"


    "Holy sh*t! Zhang Ye is ranked first this year?"


    "The number one person onst year''s SARFT cklist was a director who beat someone up to death in public! This year�� it''s Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    "Next year, Teacher Zhang Ye will definitely suffer! He is a target of specialized suppression! Any program or work of his will be strictly reviewed, with specifications higher than the average person!"


    "There''s no other way about it. Teacher Zhang Ye has caused too many problems!"


    "Even so, he shouldn''t be ranked first. There''s a celebrity with drug addiction behind Zhang Ye! No matter how I look at it, Teacher Zhang Ye should be ced behind him!"


    "That''s right, what great sin has Teacher Zhangmitted?"


    "What sort of standards are they using to form this ranking list?"


    "Is there a need to ask? Haha, the SARFT ranks it ording to the damage one can cause!"


    Manyizens and industry insiders finally gave a stunning analysis. Zhang Ye''s mouth was something even SARFT was f**king afraid of!

 Chapter 285: Peking University’s Invitation!

    <h4>Chapter 285: Peking University��s Invitation! </h4>


    Chapter 285: Peking University''s Invitation!


    That night, outside the airport.


    It was already 8:30.


    Zhang Ye got out of the taxi and while walking straight into the airport lobby, the cellphone in his hand rang.


    It was his mom. "Hello, son. Tomorrow is New Year''s day. Are youing home?"


    "I''ming back." Zhang Ye hupped from drinking as he chuckled, "I just finished treating people to a meal and I applied for half a month''s leave with my Leaders. I''ll be right back."


    Mom asked, "Why is it so noisy on your side?"


    "I''m already at the airport and I''m about to board." Zhang Ye had already booked his tickets.


    "Alright, then I''ll wait for you at home with your dad. We''ll leave you some supper." His mom hung up.


    The airport hall had a festive atmosphere. Many people were dressed in festive colors, either red or green. Many had smiles on their faces, as they had the anxious feelings of homesickness. By looking at their appearances, Zhang Ye guessed that they were a reflection of his current appearance. Having left home for nearly a month, this was the first time he had left Beijing for such an extended period of time. This New Years was a day that family gathered together, hence, Zhang Ye would rush home at all costs. It was also why he had been desperately finishing his self-assigned task of recording all of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show".


    A holiday that spanned more than ten days allowed him to stay with his parents at home. He could also consider what to do after the following half month. However, he needed to count on his broadcasting application to be approved. Review, approval and implementation would probably take a month or so before he could get it settled. Only then could "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" be restored. Hence, Zhang Ye first applied for half a month''s leave. If his approval application was dyed, then he could even spend the Lunar New Year in Beijing.


    After getting past security.


    His tickets were checked before boarding.


    Zhang Ye was in first ss, so he did not need to line up to board the ne. First ss tickets were expensive, and it was not Zhang Ye burning cash. It was because he had lifelong honors with China Airlines. He did not need to spend a single cent be it first ss or economy ss, and there were really no tickets for economy considering that it was New Years. Hence, it wasn''t due to Zhang Ye deliberately trying to take advantage of China Airlines.


    At the entrance to the cabin.


    Two air stewardesses were standing by the side. They were professionally smiling while weing the passengers.


    When Zhang Ye saw them, he was slightly stunned before he said in amusement, "Yo, what a coincidence."


    The fat air stewardess on the left and the thin air stewardess on the right also saw Zhang Ye. Although he was wearing sunsses, they could identify him immediately, having tethered on the verge of death together.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    The two people were pleasantly surprised.


    Zhang Ye walked over, "It''s almost New Year''s and you''re still working?"


    The fat air stewardess smiled, "That''s right. It''s our job. The holidays are peak season for air travel. We have to service our passengers."


    Zhang Ye gave them a thumbs up, "To sacrifice yourselves for the greater good. Well done."


    "Hurry up and go in. We''ll chat in a bit." The thin air stewardess said as she noticed that there were passengers behind him who wanted to board.


    "Alright," Zhang Ye headed towards first ss and found his seat. His hands were empty because he did not bring any hand luggage. He sat down straight away.


    In a while, the cabin doors were closed.


    A familiar voice could be heard throughout the cabin. Zhang Ye could tell that it was the old air stewardess. She told everyone to fasten their seat belts and switch their phones off.


    After a few more minutes, when the airne was in line to take off, the fat and thin air stewardesses moved around. The old air stewardess also came over to first ss with a smile.


    "Teacher Zhang," The old air stewardess waved at him.


    Zhang Ye also greeted them, "Hur Hur, it''s been a while. How has everyone been?"


    The fat air stewardess could not stop herughing, "All thanks to you, we are having a good life. Everyone was basically given a suite and our wages have risen."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "That''s nice. All of you are rich now."


    The old air stewardess nced at him, "I heard you aren''t doing good these days?"


    The thin air stewardess was also at a loss whether tough or cry, "That''s right. Why did you mess up a live broadcast? Just an hour ago, we were even discussing it. Why are you first on next year''s SARFT cklist? You are being specially targeted now, so how are you going to work next year?"


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands, "I guess, one step at a time."


    The old air stewardess smiled and poured a ss of fruit juice for him, "No matter what others say of you or how they criticize you, we will certainly support you."


    The fat air stewardess was more cheerful as she patted Zhang Ye''s shoulder, and she blinked, "Not only us, all the air stewardess are supporting you. After that incident, which air stewardess or attendant does not know you? They all consider you as their idol. You have many fans in the airline industry!"


    Zhang Ye sat up and said, "Am I that famous? So many beauties like me? Then I don''t need to worry about finding a wife in the future!"


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    A few of the air stewardesses began tough.


    From the "Yi" sound them made, it was obvious that they all watched "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show". Clearly, their support for Zhang Ye was not all talk.


    Many first ss passengers surrounding them looked on in a speechless manner. Zhang Ye was wearing sunsses, and even if he did not wear them, many people here would not recognize him. Most of the people who sat first ss were not busy with work. They paid little attention to the entertainment industry and they could probably only recognize the S-list celebrities. Hence, when they saw Zhang Ye board the ne with all the air stewardess in the cabin surrounding him while giggling, they were still wondering when did the airlinepany have such a f**king service. Weren''t they too intimate? Who was this person?


    Many people looked enviously at Zhang Ye who had fallen into the vige of warmth. They did not know that the trust and friendship between Zhang Ye and the air stewardesses was built on a foundation of that momentarily life and death situation.


    "Aiyah, it''s almost time to take off."


    "Teacher Zhang, we can''t chat any further."


    "If you have anything, call me. We have to busy ourselves."


    With the air stewardesses gone, the ne quickly reached tens of thousands of meters high.


    ����


    Zhang Ye looked at the night sky through the window with his hand on his chin. Then, he drank a mouthful of fruit juice to moisten his throat. Having drank a bit too much with everyone at the restaurant, he was beginning to feel tired, as he yawned. Suddenly, Zhang Ye looked sideways and he saw a pair of eyes staring at him. It seemed like this person had been looking at him from the very beginning. From the hair style and figure, it was clear she was a woman, and a woman with a voluptuous figure. However, maybe she was not ustomed to the air on the airne, she was wearing a face mask, so her face was obscured.


    She looked at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye also looked at her.


    Suddenly, the woman released her seat belt and stood up. After straightening her clothes, she walked towards Zhang Ye. She then loosened the white coat on her body before sitting beside Zhang Ye. This ne''s first ss cabin had two seats on each side. The seat to the left of Zhang Ye had been empty from the beginning. It was unknown if the passenger did not manage to catch the flight or if the ticket to the seat was not sold.


    Zhang Ye asked in wonder, "You are?"


    The woman''s voice was soft and elegant, "Are you Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    Zhang Ye was stunned, "That''s me. Why are you looking for me?"


    The woman smiled gracefully, "Just now the air stewardess called you Teacher Zhang, and I felt that you resembled him, but I did not dare confirm it. I never expected it to be really you. Well, let''s get to know one another. I''m Wu Zeqing, a Vice President of Peking University."


    "Hello, nice to meet you." Zhang Ye immediately shook her hand but then, he suddenly reacted, stunned by the woman''s introduction!


    What did she just say?


    Peking University''s Vice President?


    What the heck!? Is this real or not?


    What sort of school was Peking University? That was a prestigious school domestically and even internationally. ording to Zhang Ye''s knowledge, his world''s Peking University was an organization under the Education Ministry. Just from the administrative level, the rank of Vice President was already one of the national cadres. As for what it meant in this world''s Peking University, Zhang Ye did not know. However, it could not be much different. From the woman''s eyes and figure, she was like in her early to mid thirties? She was not even forty years of age, but she had already reached such an important position at a young age? She took the initiative to speak to him? This can''t be right?


    Maybe Wu Zeqing noticed the disbelief in Zhang Ye''s eyes as she gently removed her face mask. Maybe she was not used to the air in here, so she covered her nose with her index finger while smiling.


    She has an extremely beautiful face!


    It was a face filled with dignity!


    A woman that was graceful, elegant and warm had appeared in front of Zhang Ye. Even Zhang Ye, who had seen numerous beauties, could not help but feel shocked!


    F**k!


    She was so pretty even though she held a high post?


    Was she really a Vice President of Peking University? A heavyweight in the education sector?


    "President Wu, nice to meet you. Sorry for not recognizing you." Towards a person in education, Zhang Ye was extremely respectful, "Are you out on a business trip?"


    Wu Zeqing gave a shallow smile, which resembled a reserved smile that ancient women had, "That''s right. There was a school celebration in Shanghai. I attended it while representing Peking University. Are you on a business trip too?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "No, I''m returning home."


    "Oh, right. I recall, you are a Beijinger." This Peking University Vice President seemed to know Zhang Ye quite well, "I heard that you recently got into trouble?"


    Zhang Ye casually said, "Just some trifling matter. I just can''t work temporarily, maybe after the new year."


    The beautiful woman looked at him and said, "I have basically seen all the poems you wrote. Although many of your poems are not suitable for the situations or conditions for announcements, and have not been recognized by the official or literature circles, your literature skill has nearly been recognized in this circle. I told two famous authors and literature schrs about you. Both of them are full of praise for you, including me. Of course, I do not know about others."


    With a smile punctuating her sentence, the beautiful woman said, "Now, our country''s literature circle iscking a person who can wave the g. Personally, I feel that the people in the literature industry arecking the qualities required. If we talk about a thousand yearster, to pick someone in the country that can fly the literature banner, I believe that you will be one of the most likely candidates."


    This evaluation was too high!


    And it was an evaluation from Peking University''s Vice President!


    Zhang Ye was instantly ttered, "I don''t dare to ept that. Ick the qualifications and experience. All I do is just mess around."


    Wu Zeqing suggested, "Let''s exchange phone numbers?"


    "Sure, I could only wish to do so. If there are any matters on literature in the future, I will still want to consult you." Zhang Ye as a member of the younger generation still appeared very modest.


    Wu Zeqing smiled and waved her hand, "You can consult me on other matters, and I won''t brush you off. But if it''s a literary discussion, I do not dare to think highly of myself in front of you. At best, I am more experienced than you, which allows me tomunicate with you."


    Take a look at her!


    Look at how well she can chat!


    Zhang Ye was feeling extremely good, but he could not say it verbally. He only said, "You are being modest."


    They exchanged numbers. Since they could not switch their phones on in the ne, Zhang Ye wrote his on a piece of paper, while Wu Zeqing handed him a name card. The name card was handwritten. It did not have any details about Wu Zeqing''s post, only her name. There was a cellphone number beneath it. Zhang Ye guessed that this was most likely Wu Zeqing''s handwriting. It was very elegant and beautiful. It looked very polished and clearly, she was a calligraphy expert.


    The ne was quickly approaching the capital''s airport.


    The flight from Shanghai to Beijing was short as they were very close to one another.


    During this period, Wu Zeqing sat beside Zhang Ye and chatted with him. For some reason, Zhang Ye felt that she came to him for a reason.


    However, she didn''t say. As this was the case, it was inappropriate for Zhang Ye to ask.


    Only when they disembarked the ne and were about to go their separate ways did Wu Zeqing say something that caught Zhang Ye off guard.


    Wu Zeqing said, "Little Zhang, will you be staying in Beijing for half a month or more? If you have no other work or matters to tend to during this period, are you interested in teaching at Peking University?"


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded, "Teaching at Peking University?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled, "Yes."


    "Are you pulling my leg?" Zhang Ye was in disbelief.


    Wu Zeqing smiled slightly, "Would I pull your leg on such a matter? Now, in my capacity as Peking University''s Vice President, I''m formally inviting you."


    Zhang Ye gasped and said worriedly, "I know myself. I''m just a student, so what can I teach? I''m afraid that I''ll teach the wrong things to students, leading them astray."


    Wu Zeqing looked at him, "Before I boarded the ne, I was still thinking of something, nor did I have any candidates. However, after meeting you, it might be a matter of fate. After some thought, there really is no one more suitable than you in the literature arena. I''m not asking for you to teach anything else but your old trade. You can teach in the Chinesenguage department." With a pause, she carried on, "Thepensation might not be very high, and it can''tpare to the wages of your broadcasting host job. Since your main job is not this, we will not restrict you to other jobs on our side. When you need to host, you can go do your hosting. If you have the time and energy, you can use your spare time to teach at Peking University. You can be considered an adjunct lecturer. There have been simr cases of hiring hosts or famous authors to be university lecturers in recent years, so it''smon. The response from the students is also very good. I still have an assistant professor spot on my side. It''s not that I can''t give you the title, so if you are interested, you can give it a try. Then, we can talk based on your results. What say you?"


    Zhang Ye hesitated, "This�� "


    Wu Zeqing said, "You can think about it and reply me tomorrow. The school is on break for half a month. If you are ready, you can begin sses at anytime."


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath, "Alright, I''ll think about it when I get back home."


    "Alright, there will be a car picking me up outside. I''m leaving first." After the beautiful woman bade him farewell, she walked slowly away in her ts.


    He went to a taxi waiting area. The moment he entered the taxi, he rubbed his temples as he looked out of the window in excitement. He was both hesitant and excited! Why was he excited? Of course, it had to do with the prestige of Peking University. It was a institution of higher learning of the world. By inviting him to teach, it was a form of affirmation and trust towards Zhang Ye. It could also increase his poprity and qualifications. If he went out and said that he had an additional job of being a lecturer of Peking University, everyone in the industry would give him a second look. This sort of reputation and fame was not something money could buy. And it was something that no one could dispute it. And ording to the beautiful woman''s intention, if he did well, he could even be given the title of assistant professor?


    That was a professorship!


    A position that most Masters or PhD holders could not obtain!


    Zhang Ye was just a Bachelor''s graduate. Now, he had a chance to obtain the honor of being an Assistant Professor? It would be a lie if he was not excited!


    But at the same time, he was hesitant and worried!


    Peking University''s Chinese department was extremely famous even in a heavy weight institution like Peking University. It was also famous world wide. The Chinese department had the greatest breadth and depth in the entire country''s Chinese literature studies. Every development of history had attracted and produced many famous schrs. Some of them were masters and figures who led the literature world!


    But who was Zhang Ye?


    What sort of qualifications did he, Zhang Ye, have?


    Did he have the qualifications to teach these students who would have promising futures?


    Zhang Ye had even said some angry words to his mother a few days ago, saying that if he could not stay on in the entertainment industry, he would go to a university to be a lecturer. However, that was him just saying it in passing, he never believed that he had the qualifications. He also couldn''t believe that any university would want such a literary hooligan. And now, the one inviting him was not any other institution, it was the world famous Peking University! Zhang Ye knew how important this was. Hence, he was worried that he could not do a good job teaching. He feared that not only would he fail to get any des, but he would end up being cursed and criticized. He did not matter, but if he sullied Peking University''s reputation, and lead his students astray, it would be a serious matter. This pressure and responsibility was a bit too much for Zhang Ye, as it wasn''t something that only affected him.


    He was a carefree soul!


    He was free to fight everywhere!


    But if he implicated others, or led future famous literary schrs astray due to his bad teachings, Zhang Ye would not feel good about it! He was a jerk, and he was quite a hooligan at times, but the essence of his character was that of a considerate person!


    What should he do?


    Should he go?


    It had to be said that the temptation thrown at him by the Peking University was too great!


    On the way home, Zhang Ye kept mulling over the issue. He still did note to a conclusion even after having a headache. He was not an indecisive person, but neither was he someone who did not think. He liked to measure the pros and cons before deciding on a matter. However, once he decided on a matter, he would rush to the end regardless if the sky was falling!

 Chapter 286: Going to Peking University’s Chinese Department as a Lecturer!

    <h4>Chapter 286: Going to Peking University��s Chinese Department as a Lecturer! </h4>


    Chapter 286: Going to Peking University''s Chinese Department as a Lecturer!


    Beijing, at night.


    It was already past 11 P.M. by the time he reached Caishikou.


    The cold wind was blowing on the streets. The temperature here was colder than it was in the South.


    Zhang Ye found his way through the dark to his parent''s district. He looked up and saw their apartment lights were still on. His father and mother were obviously still up waiting for him to return. Zhang Ye suddenly had a feeling of homing. He stepped into the building and quickly climbed up the staircase. He was humming "Wishing We Last Forever" as he ran up.


    Dong, dong, dong.


    He knocked on the door and it opened up very quickly.


    "Dad, Mom" Zhang Ye smiled, "Happy New Year."


    Mom pulled him into the house, "Come in first, isn''t it cold outside?"


    Zhang Ye put down his bags and took off his coat, "It''s OK. It''s warm enough at home, has the central heating started already?"


    "Look at the date. The heating has been turned on since the 12th." Mom squinted at him, "Beijing is still better, right? There''s no central heating in Shanghai."


    Zhang Ye had deep feelings about this, "Yes, we can only use the air-conditioner over there. Switching it on room by room, I was really not used to it. It feels very different from the warmth of central heating. It just didn''t feel right. The air outside is so damp that I get goosebumps. Hai, don''t talk about it anymore." Having arrived home, Zhang Ye felt that everything was good and pleasing to him, "Also, unless the sun is shining directly, the clothes hung outside won''t get dry. Even if it gets dry, there''s a mildew smell that sticks to it. The air there is too damp, we''d have to use a clothes dryer to dry theundry. It''s really troublesome."


    Mom probably missed him a lot and said, "Then don''t go back."


    Zhang Ye smiled, "I have to return after the lunar new year attest. There''s still work waiting for me. This year, I''m definitely staying home for it. I managed to get many days off."


    His dad got up from the sofa, "Have you eaten?"


    "I had something on the flight back, but I''m still hungry." Zhang Ye said.


    Dad instructed, "Bring some warm water for our son and heat up the leftover food too."


    Mom made a sound and stared, "You''remanding me now? Why don''t you go instead."


    Dad looked up and said, "You heat up the leftovers. We are having a father and son talk about his work. What do you know?"


    "As if only you understand, hmph. Our son''s now a big star, a famous host. Do you still think he needs your advice?" Mom nagged as she went to heat up the food for him.


    After eating, his father and mother started asking him about his job.


    Zhang Ye did not wish to talk about his work, as he was afraid he would worry them. So he answered them superficially and changed the topic, "Where will we be going tomorrow for the New Year?"


    Mom scooped some dishes for him while saying, "We went to your paternal Grandma''s ce this afternoon. Only you were not there. Tomorrow we will be spending the day with your maternal grandparents, but they will being to our house instead. Don''tze in bed tomorrow. Wake up early and help me buy groceries and prepare food. When my familyes over, we''ll need to feed over a dozen mouths. That''s not simple work."


    Zhang Ye said shamelessly, "I won''t be able to wake up."


    Mom could not help but hit him on his head, "You''rezy!"


    Dad said, "Little Ye has been busily working outside for so long. Let him rest a little, it''s rare for him to get days off."


    "You make it sound so simple. Are you going to help me buy groceries and cook then? You wouldn''t even help!" Mom rolled her eyes, "Just my luck to have encountered you father and son duo!"


    After eating.


    Zhang Ye picked up the dishes to wash.


    "Little Ye, your dad and I will be turning in already." Mom yawned, "Huu, I still have to battle to fight tomorrow. It''s really not easy having a festive holiday get together."


    His dad also stretched himself and went to the bathroom for a shower.


    Then Zhang Ye suddenly remembered. Turning his head, "Dad, Mum, wait a while. I have something to discuss with you both in a bit."


    Dad asked curiously, "What''s the matter?"


    "If you have anything to say, spit it out. I''m tired." Mom said curling her lips.


    Zhang Ye continued washing the dishes and said, "Earlier on the ne, I met someone called Wu Zeqing. She said she was��.."


    Before he could finish, his mother and father interrupted him.


    "Wu Zeqing? The one from Peking University?" Mom said stunned.


    Dad obviously knew who she was, "That Vice President of Peking University?"


    Zhang Ye blinked, "You know?"


    Dad said, "I don''t know what she looks like, but I know she''s a woman and rather pretty. She''s one of the youngest presidents of an elite school. She did note through the education system so she can''t be considered as someone who is in the literary field. She came through as a civil servant instead and transferred from the Education Bureau to Peking University. Didn''t they mention her on the news before? Did you not see that? Although she came through the civil service system, her literary skills were rated very highly too. She has published arge number of works and the television even stated that she was a practiced calligrapher too? She''s a person who has a lot of prestige within the education world."


    Mom nodded and asked him, "You met her?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "More than met her, we chatted for a long time on the ne. After wended, she suddenly invited me to go teach at Peking University."


    Dad was stunned, "Ah?"


    Mom was also stunned, "Go teach at Peking University? Invited you to teach what?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "The Department of Chinese Language. I don''t know what I''ll be teaching though. It''ll definitely be either Chinese culture and poetry or Chinese history, stuff like that. I wouldn''t know how to teach other things anyway."


    Mom said excitedly, "Do they really mean it?"


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands, "Of course, they have already officially invited me."


    Dad was also very excited, "Why did Peking University find you?"


    "I heard that from President Wu that there was a vacancy at a relevant course in Peking University. Anyway, that''s what I think she meant, so I''ll be standing in for a while. It would only be as an adjunct professor though. I can choose when to conduct the sses ording to my schedule, so it wouldn''t affect my main job. Vice President Wu even promised me that if the response was good and the students were satisfied, they could even give me the title of Assistant Professor at Peking University. Of course, that would also mean that if I don''t do well, then I''d have to pack up and leave."


    Mom quickly asked, "Then how did you answer?"


    "I have not fully considered it yet, so I did not reply. President Wu asked me to give her an answer tomorrow. This is why I wanted to discuss it with you two before I decide." Zhang Ye said.


    Mom got anxious and mmed the table, "What are you even considering for! Quickly ept! If you don''t go, then don''t call me your mother anymore!"


    Zhang Ye, "��"


    Holy sh*t! That was uncalled for, Mom!


    Who knew Dad also stood on the same side as Mom this time, "Son, you need to listen to us this time. Go, you definitely need to go! Do you know what kind of ce Peking University is? It''s a world ss instituition! I know your goal is to be a famous celebrity, but this wouldn''t conflict with that, and instead will give you a special boost. No matter how sessful you are as a celebrity, or how popr you are, that''s all just on the surface. However, if you have the title of Peking University''s Assistant Professor, it is somethingpletely different. This is the highest affirmation of your ability in your studies. With this backing you, your poprity will enjoy a more solid foundation, and it can even be considered an official form of recognition. Didn''t many Writers'' Association people think lowly of the poems and prose you previously wrote? When you''re hosting, didn''t those people from the SARFT cause a lot of trouble for you? If you be an Assistant Professor, what more a Peking University Assistant Professor, then with such a solid backing, who would dare to find trouble with you in the future? Then when ites to your literary aplishments, no one would dare question you anymore."


    That was true.


    In the field of literary arts, it did not matter that it did not appeal to the masses. More of it depended on the recognition from industry insiders and qualifications.


    It was very philistine and illogical.


    But that was how it was. This was the situation in this country.


    Zhang Ye listened, but still had some worries, "What if I don''t do well?"


    Dad said, "If you don''t do well, then that''s that, but you can''t let go of this chance now." The reason he tried so hard to persuade his son to develop further in the educational field was because he ced a lot of importance on education. He was an older person and had a more traditional way of thinking. When he was young, there were no such things as celebrities. They were just called entertainers in the past and were not well respected. Although this had changed in modern times, to a person from his generation, there was more pride and glory at Peking University. It was even a glorious title of being an Assistant Professor. He did not object to his son''s goal of bing a celebrity but if he could achieve both statuses, wouldn''t it be even better?


    Mom saw that he was still hesitant, so she told him, "You were not even afraid to cause trouble during a live broadcast, daring to scold your leaders and the SARFT. Now it''s just being a lecturer and you''re scared?"


    Zhang Ye hesitated for a moment before finally nodding. He had decided, "Alright, I will listen to the both of you. I''m going! I don''t care whose mother it is!"


    What was there to worry about!?


    We''ll talk about it when the timees if I don''t do well!


    Besides, with so much knowledge from his previous world, how could he possibly mislead the future generation!


    Having decided that there and then, Zhang Ye was no longer confused and conflicted. Peking University lecturer, that was such an awesome halo! It could also be considered as a form of venture and challenge. Zhang Ye felt that he could do this. Besides, he had nothing much to do during these two weeks that he was back in Beijing. Since his goal was to be the most famous celebrity in the world and he had very little positive characteristics himself, he could do with more des. Zhang Ye could no longer dy a moment longer, only then would he have hope to create this miracle and fulfill his dream!


    "Then quickly inform Vice President Wu!" Mom was even more anxious than him. She urged him, "What if she has other choices as well, go inform her quick!"


    Zhang Ye looked at his watch, "It''s almost midnight, she might already be asleep?"


    His father advised, "Send her a message to give her well wishes for the new year. Then mention your decision. If she has already slept, she will still see your message tomorrow morning."


    Zhang Ye understood and epted their suggestions. It was not like he had any other choice. His parents were already staring at him. If he did not do what they said, they''d probably beat him to death!


    And so, he sent the message to Wu Zeqing.


    He wrote: President Wu, I wanted to wish you a Happy New Year. I hope I''m not disturbing your sleep with this message. Well, I will be epting your invitation. I am very honored to do my part for the education system.


    Soon after, the other party replied.


    Wu Zeqing: Thank you. Happy New Year to you too. It''s good that you have considered it. You cane to the Peking University on the 2nd of January at 9AM to look for me. I will arrange the curriculum n and teaching contract. Let''s discuss it in detail then.


    Zhang Ye replied: Sure, please rest early.


    Wu Zeqing said: Give my well-wishes to your parents as well.


    ����


    The exchange of messages ended.


    Zhang Ye showed his cellphone to his parents, "Look."


    Dad was overjoyed when he saw it, "Great! Great! Great!"


    Mom was also overjoyed and couldn''t keep her mouth closed, "Hahaha, my son really does not disappoint! He''s even going to teach at Peking University! He''s really doing me proud!"


    Zhang Ye was not as overjoyed as his parents were. He picked up his cellphone casually, rolled up his sleeves and continued washing the dishes, "The two of you should go rest, it''s gettingte."


    Mom suddenly shouted, "Put that down!"


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye looked over with his head tilted sideways and nearly lost his grip on the bowl in his hands, "What''s the matter? You gave me a scare. What do I put down?"


    Mom pushed him aside and broke into a big smile. She picked up the dishes and utensils, "Mom will do this, you go and rest."


    "Don''t. I''m already half done." Zhang Ye wanted to grab the dishes back, "You guys go rest."


    Mom did not allow that, "If I said I''ll do it, I''ll do it. Don''t argue with me. Haha, my son''s now a lecturer of Peking University. How can I make my son do the dishes!" as she washed the dishes, she hummed a Peking Opera song. Mumbling to herself, she said, "I can go boast to the neighbours again tomorrow! When my son had his hosting license revoked, that bunch of people talked behind my back about my son''s career ending? He was done for? Ha! I''ll show them who''s done for this time! My son will be a Peking University lecturer! Can they? Tomorrow, I will go and tell them why the flowers are so red!"

 Chapter 287: Joining 3rd Cousin’s New Year’s Party!

    <h4>Chapter 287: Joining 3rd Cousin��s New Year��s Party! </h4>


    Chapter 287: Joining 3rd Cousin''s New Year''s Party!


    The next day.


    1st January, New Year''s Day.


    On the morning of the new year, Zhang Ye spent it in his own bed.


    People seemed toe to his home, and not only in a single wave. The doorbell rung one after another. The sound of chatting entered his bedroom, as Zhang Ye woke up a few times in a daze. He flipped his body and covered himself in his nket before going back to sleep. After four days of talk show recording without rest, he was making up for that lost sleep today. Since the people who came to his ce were family, he was not that particr.


    "Sis, we are here."


    "Quick, have a sit."


    "First (paternal) Aunt, Happy New Year. Wishing you and uncle a prosperous new year and good health."


    "Hur Hur, our Mengmeng sure has a sweet mouth. There''s some fruits here. Have a bit."


    "Where''s my bro?"


    "Him? He''s still sleeping in the room."


    "Aiyah, my bro sure is azy cat. It''s already past 10!"


    His three maternal uncles'' family came one after another. The oldest younger cousin, Cao Dan, second oldest younger cousin, Cao Tong, and youngest cousin, Mengmeng. The moment these three girls gathered together, they began chattering.


    A few of the men smoked and drank tea.


    A few women busied themselves in the kitchen.


    First (maternal) aunt asked, "I heard Little Ye is on the SARFT''s cklist?"


    "That''s right," Second (maternal) aunt also said, "Is his work not going smoothly?"


    "I heard his program was halted some time ago? What is going on now?" His three maternal aunts washed vegetables as they asked Zhang Ye''s mother.


    Mom was washing the cutting board andughed, "You guys are already outdated. Little Ye''s program has been restored, it just needs half a month''s wait before it can be broadcasted again. Is his work not going smoothly? Hur Hur, let me tell you a secret. Don''t go about telling others. Peking University''s Vice President personally came looking for my son and repeatedly invited Little Ye to teach Peking University''s Chinese department. She said it had to be him, and no one else!"


    First aunt was stunned, "What? Which Peking University?"


    Momughed, "What other Peking University is there? It''s that college that ranks number one in the country!"


    The three aunts were stunned, "This is big news. Little Ye really has gotten ahead in life? To teach at Peking University? Why didn''t I see it on the newspapers?"


    Mom said, "It was decidedst night. Hai, my Little Ye actually didn''t n on going, but that President Wu kept inviting him and was extremely sincere. Finally, after being unable to further refuse it, the matter was fixed. So of course, there''s no news about it yet. I believe you will see it tomorrow."


    The adults and children outside also heard it. As his second maternal uncle had went to pick up Zhang Ye''s grandparents, he was not around. The other people were stunned upon hearing this news!


    Cao Mengmeng screamed, "Ah! My bro is so awesome?"


    Cao Dan covered her mouth in disbelief, "Teaching at Peking University?"


    Third Uncle immediately ran into the kitchen, "Sis, then congrattions. Our family has finally produced someone in academia. And he''s even a lecturer of a famous school!"


    First Uncle said to Zhang Ye''s father, "Brother-inw, congrattions."


    Dad shook his hands with a smile, "I still don''t know if that kid is up to the task."


    Mom was extremely proud of Zhang Ye, so she rolled her eyes at her husband upon hearing that, "If my son isn''t up to the task, then who is? Stop spewing such discouraging words!"


    Third Auntughed, "Right, with Little Ye''s literary standard, there definitely won''t be problems!"


    At this moment, someone came in from outside. It was Second Uncle bringing Zhang Ye''s grandparents in.


    The moment the olddy entered and heard their discussion, she could not help but ask, "What Peking University? What are you talking about?"


    Mom came out of the kitchen beaming, "Dad, Mom, your grandson is going to be a lecturer at Peking University''s Chinese department. He''s reporting for work tomorrow."


    Grandma said in surprise, "Are you all pulling my leg?"


    Third Aunt chuckled, "Mom, it''s true!"


    Grandma was immediately excited, "Little Ye is so capable?"


    "That is Peking University!" Grandpa was also startled.


    Third Aunt said, "The two of you don''t keep up with news, so you might not know that Little Ye already showed his ability. He goes on television and the newspapers almost daily!"


    Grandma''s wrinkles seemed to instantly open up, "Little Ye sure lives up to expectations!"


    ����


    In the room.


    Zhang Ye was still sleeping soundly.


    Suddenly, the door opened, and three petite figures entered.


    "Bro! Time to wake up! It''s time to eat!" Cao Mengmeng crashed onto his bed and yelled loudly.


    Zhang Ye was jolted away. He yawned, and seeing that it was his three younger cousins, he buried his head again and said half-heartedly, "Go go. Let me sleep a little longer."


    Cao Tong chuckled, "Bro, get up!"


    Eldest younger sister, Cao Dan said, "Let bro rest a bit more."


    "What''s there to rest for��" Cao Mengmeng refused and climbed into bed and sat on Zhang Ye''s leg, "Bro, you sure are awesome. You are even going to Peking University to teach!"


    Zhang Ye waved his hands listlessly, "Nothing much."


    Cao Tong also began to say in a spoiled manner, "Bro, buy us something nice to eat."


    "I''ll buy, I''ll buy." Zhang Ye said while closing his eyes. It was unknown if he was speaking in his sleep.


    Cao Mengmeng blinked her cute little eyes and said, "Then whatever we want, you must buy for us. I want a huge teddy bear, the kind that''s 1.8 meters tall!"


    Zhang Ye said sleepily, "I''ll buy them all. All of them."


    The few younger cousins cheered together, "Yo!"


    With the few rascals in his room, there was no hope for Zhang Ye to carry on sleeping. Finally he waspletely woken up by his few younger cousins. So he could only get out of bed in his pajamas.


    The moment he came out of his room, Zhang Ye began greeting, "Grandma, Grandpa, First Uncle, First Aunt, Second Aunt��"


    The moment Grandma saw her grandson, she held his hands warmly, "Did those girls wake you up?" Saying that, the old granny stared at them, "Naughty girls, your brother has been ving these past few days at work. Can''t he have a good sleep?"


    Cao Mengmeng stuck out her little tongue, "Grandma is ying favorites!"


    Grandma was tickled, "You little girl are asking to be spanked."


    Mom also patted her son, "Hurry up and brush your teeth. It''s time to eat."


    ����


    Ten minutester, the meal began.


    During the meal, Zhang Ye found himself able to reunite with his family, a rare event. He had not returned home in a while, so he poured a ss of beer and toasted his elders. They had a lot of fun eating together.


    His grandparents and rtives kept asking Zhang Ye about the entertainment industry.


    "Little Ye, that talent show''s host is really your ssmate?"


    "That''s right, college ssmates. We were in the same ss."


    "What are you teaching at Peking University?"


    "I''m not sure yet, but I will find out tomorrow."


    "Bro, is Hu Dongjian really gay?"


    "How would I know? He''s a host from Hong Kong. I''ve never met him before."


    "Bro, why are you so awesome? The talk show you do makes me die ofughter!"


    "That''s right, your bro is awesome, or else how can he be your bro!"


    After the meal, everyone sat on the sofa in the living room. They carried on chatting, and the topic of conversation revolved around Zhang Ye. Everyone was very interested in his job.


    Roughly 2 in the afternoon.


    His grandparents went into Zhang Ye''s parents'' room to take an afternoon nap.


    Zhang Ye covered his grandparents with a nket, and after a few exchange of words, he gently closed the door.


    The moment he left the room, he bumped into a Cao Mengmeng with shifty eyes. For some reason, this girl was blinking her eyes at Zhang Ye.


    "What''s up?" Zhang Ye was amused.


    Cao Mengmeng said softly, "Bro, I have a request."


    Zhang Ye did not mind, "What''s the matter?"


    Cao Mengmeng nced at the elders sitting in the living room and then jerked her chin towards the bedroom. "Go into the bedroom, anyway it''s an important matter."


    "Alright then." Zhang Ye and his third younger cousin went into the room.


    In the room, Cao Mengmeng sat on the bed.


    Zhang Ye lit a cigarette and smoked out the window, "What is it? Tell me."


    Cao Mengmeng said with a finicky manner, "Bro, tonight, my junior high school has a new year''s party in the auditorium. We can bring our guardians. Come with me." It wasmon for schools to have new year''s party. As it was impossible to have a Lunar New Year party due to the students on break,so the schools only had new year''s parties at best. Some schools had, while others didn''t. The date was not fixed. Many had their parties on December 31 also.


    Zhang Ye was stunned before smiling, "Why should I go? Aren''t your parents on break today. Why? They have something on tonight and can''t go?"


    Cao Mengmeng secretly said, "I didn''t tell them."


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye smiled bitterly.


    Cao Mengmeng pouted, "You may not know, but every time my parents see my teacher, all three of them seem to be on stimnts. They will begin speaking ill of me. After returning home, my parents will even beat me. It''s exasperating. So I''d rather go myself then bring them along."


    Zhang Ye threw his hands up and said, "It isn''t appropriate for me to go?"


    "You are my bro, is that not appropriate?" Cao Mengmeng said it while chuckling, "Also, it''s perfect for me to show you off to my friends! Last time, at a parents-teacher meeting, I heard a few parents talking about you in the corridor. Hehe, but none of them know that you are my bro!"


    Zhang Ye said exasperatedly, "Is that even meaningful?"


    "Extremely, extremely meaningful!" Cao Mengmeng affirmed, "And I''ll be performing tonight. I''ve already decided to recite your ''Flying bird and fish''!"


    "That is a love poem��" Zhang Ye said.


    "So what if it''s a love poem? A few of my ssmates are reciting poems too. Many people are reciting love poems and even those in the textbooks." Cao Mengmeng said indifferently.


    "What sort of poems are they reading?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Cao Mengmeng shook her head, "I don''t know. Everyone is keeping it a secret. Arge number of them are singing or dancing. Anyway I don''t care. Bro, you must help me out. If no guardianse with me, your little cousin is going to lose face. Also, you need to teach me how to recite ''Flying bird and fish'', like how to punctuate!"


    Zhang Ye said, "We shall see. Let me ask your parents first."


    "Bro, no can do, no can do!" Cao Mengmeng grabbed onto Zhang Ye''s arm and looked extremely pitiful.


    Zhang Ye finally was at a loss and said, "Alright, alright. I''ll go, alright? 7:30 right? I got it. I''ll look for you at school."


    Cao Mengmeng shouted excitedly, "Yea! Long live to my bro!"


    Zhang Ye began instructing her on how to recite "Flying bird and fish".

 Chapter 288: Zhang Ye can’t write Love Poems?

    <h4>Chapter 288: Zhang Ye can��t write Love Poems? </h4>


    Chapter 288: Zhang Ye can''t write Love Poems?


    Evening.


    His rtives had left.


    Only Zhang Ye''s family of three was left having dinner together. They ate simply with noodles in soybean paste, Zhajiangmian. This was also specially requested by Zhang Ye. In the South, he could not find anywhere to eat authentic Beijing Zhajiangmian. Especially the brine made by his mother was excellent. Zhang Ye never got sick of eating it when growing up.


    "How is it?" Mom asked with a smile.


    Zhang Ye sucked the noodles, "It still has the same taste. Delicious."


    Mom happily said, "That''s it. My cooking can''t go wrong. In the future, when you go back to Shanghai, I''ll prepare more Zhajiangmian for you, so that you can bring it there."


    As Zhang Ye ate, he asked, "What time is it?"


    "It''s 6:40. Why?" Dad looked at his watch.


    Zhang Ye quickly slurped thest two mouthfuls, "I need to head out. I have something to."


    "Come back early." His mother reminded him, "You need to report to work at Peking University tomorrow. Don''t affect official matters."


    "Alright, I got it. I''ll be back before ten." After filling his stomach, Zhang Ye went downstairs to drive.


    His X5 bulletproof car had been left in his parent''s district. As it had been there for a long period of time, his car was covered in dust. Zhang Ye did not have the time to wash his car, and as it did not matter, he drove to Cao Mengmeng''s school.


    ����


    Just past 7.


    At the entrance of Beijing 15th Junior High.


    The sky was a bit cloudy, then turned gloomy almost immediately. It did not seem to even have a transition.


    15th Junior High was located on the western side of Taoranting. Going by the road, Zi Xin Lu, it was rtively close to Caishikou. Actually, even without a car, he could have reached there in fifteen minutes by walking from his parents'' ce. The moment his car arrived, Zhang Ye saw many cars bunched outside the school entrance. He began to regret driving here. He knew many parents drove their children to the new year''s party, and from the ages of the children, there was not only junior high students, there were even high school students. This party was likely jointly held together. Since 15th Junior High was one of the city''s focuses, this party would usually be spruced up better than ordinary junior high school parties.


    There was a line of cars waiting for parking.


    Zhang Ye estimate that at this speed, he would take more than half an hour to enter the school. He had lived here for a long period of time, so with his expertise, he turned his steering wheel and headed 200 meters west. He stopped his car at a hotpot store. This store''s business was quite normal, so there were not many cars stopped here usually. The boss was a resident nearby and was easy to talk to. Usually, the boss would notin even if he parked a car here when there were not enough parking lots.


    Getting out of the car, Zhang Ye walked towards 15th Junior High.


    With the party beginning at 7:30, most of the people who were arriving were thest few.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    His phone began to ring.


    "Bro! Why aren''t you here yet!?" Cao Mengmeng huffed and puffed through the phone.


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "I''m here. I just walked through the gate. I''m west of the main entrance. I''ll wait for you under the school motto?"


    "You are here already? Nice, nice, nice! Wait for me!" She hung up.


    A short whileter, a petite figure rushed towards him, "Bro!" Then she looked at him speechlessly, "Why are you wearing sunsses?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m used to it. I''ll keep them on."


    Cao Mengmeng said in a depressed tone, "I still want to show off! If you wear sunsses, who can recognize you!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes, "Come on, your bro isn''t that famous. This face of mine is useless. Hurry up and go. It''s already not bad that I fulfilled my promise and came."


    Cao Mengmeng pulled him towards the auditorium, "Alright, whatever. Hurry. There''s almost no more seats left. Too many people came today since it''s a new year''s party jointly held by the junior high and high school. Although it''s free to participate and about half came, those who came brought their guardians too, so the auditorium doesn''t have enough space!"


    The moment they entered the auditorium, indeed, it was packed.


    The stuffy air that met them was quite unpleasant.


    "Aiyah, don''t push!"


    "Daughter, I''m here!"


    "Teacher Sun, long time no see!"


    "Third Year, ss One! Third Year, ss One parents, pleasee over here!"


    "High School Second Year, ss Five, gather! If your guardians aren''t here yet, quickly contact them!"


    "Students of ss Three, everyone listen to me. When the party begins, try not to make too much noise. Maintain silence since there will be a recording."


    The parents were all rushing to take their seats.


    The head teachers were also very busy.


    Inside, there were a few people who noticed Zhang Ye. Sometimes, a few people would give him a few stares before turning their gaze away. They seemed to find him familiar, but then did not think much of it. Zhang Ye was now considered quite a celebrity. His fame in Beijing was not bad, but he was after all not an extremely popr celebrity like Zhang Yuanqi. There was limited exposure for him, so there were still many people who could still recognize him despite him wearing sunsses. A key reason was the environment. If this was a television station entrance or some celebrity party, if everyone saw Zhang Ye wearing sunsses, they might be able to guess that it was him, as they already had the idea nted in their heads. However, this was an ordinary junior high school''s new year''s party. Everyone only felt Zhang Ye looked familiar, but they didn''t think too much about it.


    "Mengmeng!" A woman called out to her from somewhere.


    Mengmeng hurried waved, "Hehe, Teacher Leng (Cold), I''ming!"


    The average-looking woman in ck-framed spectacles was clearly Cao Mengmeng''s head teacher. She grumbled, "You are always the slowest. Where are your parents?"


    Cao Mengmeng pointed to Zhang Ye and added sound effects, "Dang Dang Dang Dang!"


    Teacher Leng nodded at him with a smile, "You are?"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Hello Teacher Leng, I''m Mengmeng''s brother. This girl must have troubled you."


    Teacher Leng shook his hands simply, "It''s alright. This child, Mengmeng is not that bad. She''s the jolliest person in the ss, just that she''s not that motivated in her studies. After this, we can have some one on one conversation. I''ve already told her parents a few times, but it wasn''t very effective. As her brother, you should be closer to the child. Your words might weigh more than her parents. She is especially bad in hernguage. I''m hernguage teacher and also head teacher. It''s almost time for the final exams. As her teacher, I''m worried for her. Her basic knowledge iscking and her essays aren''t good either. Right, also her math results, that is��" This head teacher was clearly quite a responsible teacher. Even on a day like new year''s, she still concerned herself with the child''s studies.


    Cao Mengmeng gave a face of helplessness and signaled to Zhang Ye with her eyes: See, what did I say? Isn''t my teacher on stimnts the moment she sees my guardian?


    Zhang Ye kept saying yes, "Alright, alright. I''ll go back and scold her."


    Teacher Leng acknowledged, "Then teach her well." She then noticed the time, before she hurriedly said, "Heh, I''ll stop at this. We need to take out seats."


    Cao Mengmeng cried out, "Why aren''t there any seats left?"


    Teacher Leng turned around and noticed the seats she reserved for her ss were gone. There were even a few parents of her ss'' students standing in the aisle. "Parents, sorry about that. Today, our school didn''t prepare the proper arrangements. There will be chairs prepared behind. Please make do and sit in the aisle. We are really sorry. Let us all make do with it."


    Teacher Leng herself could not get a soft seat. When she saw a more elderly parent, she gave up her seat. Then, she went to get chairs, and found people to move several chairs over. She sat with a few parents in the aisle. The other sses were in simr situations. Some sses did not fill up their seats, so the neighboring sses spilled over. Those that were full, could only sit in the aisle. However, their own head teachers did not sit in the aisle.


    Hence, Teacher Leng was quite a good head teacher.


    Zhang Ye did not hesitate. He indifferently sat on a small stool.


    Cao Mengmeng refused, "Bro, why don''t you take my seat. You are a big celeb��"


    "Enough, it''s no big deal." Zhang Ye interrupted her. "Take the time to prepare your recital. Isn''t it your turn in thetter half?"


    "Then..alright." Cao Mengmeng returned to her seat. She was surrounded by her ssmates.


    Beside her, a girl giggled, "Mengmeng, who''s that?"


    "My bro." Mengmeng said proudly and raised her neck, "He''s handsome right?"


    Another boy blinked, "Eh, why is your bro wearing sunsses? It''s so dark in the auditorium."


    Cao Mengmeng giggled, "My bro is a superstar, so of course he wears sunsses."


    "Superstar? That''s impossible, right?" A youth, who looked more mature, said.


    A girl, who did not have good rtions with Cao Mengmeng, harrumphed, "What star? Mengmeng is just bragging. I think your bro is just wearing sunsses to act big."


    Mengmeng tsked, "Lili, it''s not that I look down on you. If I told you who my bro is, you would definitely die from fright!"


    Lili pouted, "Keep bragging."


    Cao Mengmeng curled her lips, "I can''t be bothered about you."


    A boy hurriedly eased the situation, "Mengmeng, Lili, don''t fight. Every time you meet each other, you fight. Even if you are not tired, we would get tired from watching you two fight."


    Star?


    The other ssmates also did not think much about it.


    Teacher Leng heard their conversation and then looked sidewards at Zhang Ye, who was sitting behind. She did find him familiar, but he seemed to have amon face, so she did not pay much attention.


    "Little brother, you are?" A parent sitting next to him asked.


    Zhang Ye looked at the middle-aged man, "Oh, I''m Mengmeng''s brother."


    The parent smiled while nodding, "Nice to meet you. I''m Pengpeng''s father."


    "I''m Qiaomeng''s mother. Nice to meet you." Another middle-aged woman interjected.


    Zhang Ye had a casual chat with a few parents. He was quite unustomed to a "parents'' meeting". After all, they were in their thirties or forties, while he was still in his twenties.


    "Little brother, what do you do for a living?" The middle-aged man asked in interest.


    "Me?" Zhang Ye was stumped for an answer. If you said he was in literature, that wasn''t right. If you said he was a host, he was now temporarily suspended. Say that he''s in teaching? It was only to be reported tomorrow. So as he hesitated, the middle-aged woman beside had branched off the topic.


    The woman asked, "Big brother, what do you do?"


    The middle-aged manughed, "I''m a newspaper editor. I arrange literature pieces before publishing them. We have even published Teacher Leng''s essays before. Back then, I arranged that edition. I only found a few months ago that the pen name, Cold Moon is our Teacher Leng (Cold). What a coincidence."


    A man beside said, "Ah? Teacher Leng has even gone on the papers before?"


    The middle-aged man smiled, "That''s right. Teacher Leng is talented. Our editors were full of praise for that prose of hers. It was written very well."


    Teacher Leng gave a forced smile, "Brother Yang, don''t brag about me. I just got lucky. The bit of knowledge I have isn''t much talent."


    Brother Yangughed, "You are being modest. If youck talent, then who has?"


    Teacher Leng smiled gently, "Of course Teacher Zhang Ye. I''m a fan of his. His poems are well-written, his programs are also good. He never uses a script, nor does he need to think. He can write anything he picks up. Every word he spews from his mouth is a literary work that stuns the world. Teacher Zhang Ye is a real talent!"


    Brother Yang acknowledged, "That''s true. I''ve heard theption that Zhang Ye published has already sold more than 200,000 copies already. That isn''t some novel, but rather a literatureption. This level of sales is defying the heavens!"


    Teacher Leng said, "Out of those sales, I contributed three books. Teacher Zhang Ye''s poems are really too good. His essays and speeches are also world ss. There''s nothing to pick on!"


    The woman said, "I haven''t seen Zhang Ye''s works, by my younger sister loves him. She watches every episode of his ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' at least two or three times."


    Brother Yangmented, "Now, in the literary world, the most aggressive neer is Zhang Ye. However, if I really want topare, those masters with seniority are still better than Zhang Ye. In terms of literature, Zhang Ye''s works are probably inferior to those masters."


    Teacher Leng shook her head, "I don''t think so. I think Zhang Ye''s works are already on the same level as those masters. Neither of them is better than the other."


    Brother Yang looked at her, "Teacher Leng, I have a different view. If we are talking about derisive poems, then Zhang Ye can be said to be the most domineering in the country. He can indeedpare with those literary masters. "Dead Water", "The Answer", or even thatmenting "Prisoner''s Song" and "My Confession", "The Song of the Stormy Petrel" too. In this regime, Zhang Ye has reached the peak. I have to admit it, but in terms of love poems, Zhang Ye''s works are basically nk. That "See Me or Not" is not considered a love poem. If one really wanted to count, that "Flying bird and fish" would be one. Hence, in terms of diversity andprehensiveness, Zhang Ye is still inferior to those masters."


    The woman said, "I''ve heard of ''Flying bird and fish''. It was very good."


    Teacher Lengughed, "Just one ''Flying bird and fish'' is enough."


    Brother Yang said, "But seriously, ''Flying bird and fish'' is also ''The furthest distance in the world. At most, it''s just a yearning towards love, and not purely a love poem. At least that''s how I understand it. Hence, in the poetry system, where love is heavily weighted, Zhang Ye has yet to prove himself with his works. If he can produce another modern poem that shows the appreciation of love, then I will acknowledge him as a master."


    Teacher Leng did not want to argue with him, "He will."


    As they chatted, the topic hadnded on Zhang Ye.


    Sitting amongst them, Zhang Ye could not help but turn red from embarrassment. Listening to how others were praising him, with Mengmeng''s head teacher even iming to be a fan, Zhang Ye also smiled.


    See!


    Poprity!


    This is what poprity is,rades!

 Chapter 289: Third Cousin’s Poem Stolen!

    <h4>Chapter 289: Third Cousin��s Poem Stolen! </h4>


    Chapter 289: Third Cousin''s Poem Stolen!


    It was the half hour mark.


    15th Junior High''s New Year''s Party officially kicked off.


    The opening was a female host standing on stage. From the students shouting off stage, "Teacher Li, you are really beautiful", "Teacher Li, you''re too cool", it was obvious that the host was a guest appearance from the school''s teacher. There were no outsiders today, so most of the programs were performed by the students.


    The female host ignored the students howling and smiled, "Dear Leaders, guests, parents, and students, Happy New Year. Wee to the 15th Junior High''s New Year Talent Party. Next, let''s invite Principal Qian to make his opening statement." This was a standard opening.


    The host stepped down.


    The principal stepped onto the stage with a smile. He was an old man, and looked like he was in his sixties. His hair was all white. He picked up the microphone and smiled, "I actually told them to cancel this segment, but they still added it in. For me, I won''t be giving a long speech. Let''s enjoy the exciting performances put on by our students. I''m already eagerly anticipating it. This way, I request the parents to witness the children''s talented performance."


    His speech was short, winning the apuse of the students and parents.


    The parents were all waiting for their own child''s performance, so naturally they couldn''t be bothered to hear the school''s Leader''s speech.


    The moment the principal left the stage, the female host announced, "We officially begin the New Year''s Talent Party. The first program will be the second ss of the second year high school students bringing us an opening dance. Everyone, please wee them!"


    Bba Bba Bba!


    A round of apuse echoed!


    The parents of the students were on full focus!


    After a while, about fifteen boys and girls appeared. The background music was an American song with a fast tempo. These high school students danced to the music and from their actions, it was obvious that they had practiced for a while. Although they did not do so neatly, as amateurs, they were pretty good.


    Zhang Ye could not help but be amazed. The junior high schools these days were increasingly open. They were beginning to follow international standards, and were no longer as strict as before. For example, back in junior high, his New Year''s Party was just him singing a song with his ss, or ying some games. There wouldn''t be things like foreign songs and dances. Back then, they did not have any concept of this. Besides, their teachers would not approve of it. Back in his schooling days, there were three catchphrases to his school that never changed in his three years there. Anti-fire, anti-theft, anti-love. It was not like the atmosphere in the school now, where even love songs and poems could be performed in public? Ai, they sure had it good. Just thinking about it, Zhang Ye really suffered during his schooling days!


    The opening dance came to an end.


    There was apuse and constant kudos from the audience.


    "Alright!"


    "You danced so well!"


    "That''s my daughter. Did you see her?"


    "Haha, my son danced really well too!"


    The second program was a junior high student in her first year. She chose to sing a song which was Zhang Yuanqi''s song to fame. It was also her first song in the music industry, called "I don''t Believe".


    The female student began singing.


    "After all the work, all I could do was return in failure. After all the fighting, all I could do was tear while watching my dreams. After all the thinking, why is my life so lowly? After all thementing, why is my voice turning haggard!"


    "I don''t believe, that my life is worse than others!"


    "I don''t believe, that I have not one bit of talent!"


    "I don''t believe, that I''m destined to be a lowly person!"


    "I don''t believe, that my songs will be left unanswered forever!!!"


    Upon hearing this song, the atmosphere from the audience warmed up. Compared to the English song and foreign dance, the parents were more epting of such songs. Everyone knew who Heavenly Queen Zhang was. Everyone had basically heard her songs. Many parents and children began to hum along with the song.


    Even Zhang Ye got goosebumps listening to it. Although this was the earliest work of Zhang Yuanqi from many years ago, and was not as mature as the many works she currently had, the energy and expression in the song was very impressive. Zhang Ye had only spent a couple of months in this world. This was also not the first time he had heard this song. It was often used as background music on TV or variety shows or parties. He had heard it several times, and it was covered by many people. However, every time Zhang Ye heard it, he felt that the song was full of energy. It was an expression of a singer''s thoughts.


    There was a story behind it. When Zhang Yuanqi entered the music industry, she already was somewhat aplished on TV and other arenas. However, many people criticized her for entering the music industry, as her voice was not as clear and beautiful as the traditional singers of that period. Her voice was somewhat husky, so people were unepting of such a voice. They criticized Zhang Yuanqi for not being able to sing, and was not suited for singing. They urged her to go back to filming movies. However, with the advent of "I don''t Believe", which Zhang Yuanqi first sang on a variety show, the final line, "I don''t believe, that my songs will be left unanswered forever" stirred the audience. This was the opening song to Zhang Yuanqi''s dominance of the music industry. From then on, no one doubted Zhang Yuanqi''s ability to sing!


    A good song!


    A ssic piece of work!


    From a while ago, Zhang Ye did not dare underestimate this world''s literary level. For such a ssic song, if it was used in Zhang Ye''s world, he dared to guarantee that it would be extremely popr.


    After the song was done, the girl received a warm round of apuse!


    "Alright!"


    You sang well!"


    "Haha, it''s sung not worse than a Heavenly Queen!"


    Parents were more lenient towards children. Regardless if they sang well, everyone would support them. All of them gave their encouragement, making it very lively.


    The third program was also singing. It was a high school boy singing rock.


    The fourth program was choral music. They sang a traditional repertoire, "Ah, My Mothend". However, Zhang Ye had never heard of it because it had not existed in his world.


    The program carried on one after another.


    The New Year''s Party was almost half done.


    At this moment, the bickering rival of Cao Mengmeng, Lili was no longer in the student seats. She was up next, so she was waiting backstage.


    "It''s Lili''s turn."


    "She''s also reciting poetry?"


    "Seems so. No idea what''s she''s reciting."


    "Finally it''s a program from our ssmate!"


    Once the program ended, the female host announced, "The next program will be a poetry recital. The performer is Chen Lili. Everyone, please give her a weing apuse!"


    Amidst the apuse, Lili appeared on stage as she bowed slightly.


    Cao Mengmeng tsked and looked up the stage, "She better not make a mistake. She looks nervous."


    Lili was indeed nervous, but she still took out her manuscript. With a deep breath, she began reciting, however, the first line stunned Cao Mengmeng!


    "The furthest distance in the world is not the distance between opposite sides of the world. It is that you don''t know that I love you, when I stand in front of you. "The furthest distance in the world is not that you don''t know I love you when I stand in front of you. It is when I cannot say I love you, when I love you so madly." Lili recited.


    "She''s reciting it pretty well."


    "Flying bird and fish? I like that poem."


    A few of her ssmates began to chat.


    However, Cao Mengmeng cursed, "Then what am I to recite!?"


    "Ah? Mengmeng? What''s wrong?" A male ssmate asked with concern.


    Cao Mengmeng cried loudly, "I also prepared this poem! Lili has scooped it from me!"


    A party could not have two simr programs, especially poetry recital. Two people reading the same poem? That just wasn''t right.


    Teacher Leng and the surrounding parents also heard this.


    The middle-aged newspaper editor eximed, "Little friend, then hurry and change poems?"


    Teacher Leng also said, "Mengmeng, you were nning on this poem for your program too? Why didn''t you report it?"


    "Everyone did not report either. I only decided on the poem this afternoon." Cao Mengmeng was also worried, and was a bit freaked out.


    Teacher Leng suggested, "Then try changing another poem? Doesn''t Teacher Zhang Ye have several works?"


    Cao Mengmeng said, "But, but I didn''t prepare!"


    The middle-aged man said with a wry smile, "Zhang Ye''s other poems don''t suit her. ''Dead Water''? ''The Answer''? These are all used to deride others. Even ''See Me or Not'' is not suited for the asion. Besides, that daughter of Father Wei had previously recited it at his wake, so it''s not suitable for the party."


    Teacher Leng also realized that it was true, "There''s really nothing appropriate from Zhang Ye''s poems. Then��why don''t we forget it. I''ll inform backstage to cancel your program."


    Cao Mengmeng refused, "No way, no way, no way! I have to recite!"


    Zhang Ye also interjected, "Mengmeng was looking forward to her performance, so you can''t just cancel it, right?"


    Teacher Leng had a headache as she said, "But it''s already toote to change it now. Are there any suitable poems? Mengmeng wants to recite a love poem? Why not ''Spring Flowers''?"


    Lili stepped off stage amidst apuse after finishing her recital.


    However, the female host announced the next program, and it was a high school girl reciting, "Spring Flowers"!


    Great, it had also been grabbed away. These poems were too popr, so it was not surprising for there to be conflicts and repeats. Like those recitalpetitions, they were usually filled with those few ssic poems. However, this was not apetition, but a New Year''s Party. They definitely could not repeat a program!


    "Mengmeng, why don''t you recite, ''She is a Flower''?"


    "That is a boy''s love poem. How can I recite that?"


    "Must you recite a love poem? I think "''Our Mothend''s Land'' is not bad. It praises the mothend. It''s on the textbook too. Check it quickly and go on stage to recite it!"


    "This poem is way overused. It''s also outdated. I''m not reading it!"


    Her ssmates began to give Cao Mengmeng ideas, and shortly after, Chen Lili came back. Hearing that she had a conflict in programs with Cao Mengmeng, she was feeling happy.


    Lili smiled, "What a coincidence!"


    Cao Mengmeng gritted her teeth, "Why didn''t you tell me you were reciting ''Flying bird and fish''?"


    Lili harrumphed, "You didn''t tell me either, so why should I tell you? Anyway, I''ve already finished reciting it. I don''t mind you reciting it again, but the person who will feel the shame will be you! Hehe!"


    Lili''s mother was beside her as she knocked her daughter on the head, "How can you speak to your ssmate like that?" Saying that, she looked towards Zhang Ye who wasn''t far off, "Mengmeng''s guardian, sorry about that."


    Zhang Ye smiled, "It''s alright. It happens. No one would have thought this would happen."

 Chapter 290: “To The Oak” saves the day!

    <h4>Chapter 290: ��To The Oak�� saves the day! </h4>


    Chapter 290: "To The Oak" saves the day!


    At the party.


    Teacher Leng''s ss was all speaking in whispers.


    "It will be Mengmeng''s turn in three programs?"


    "This program is ending soon too. There''s not enough time."


    "Mengmeng, I think you can forget it. There will be a chance next time."


    "That''s right, you can''t read that ''The furthest distance in the world'' again, right?"


    "All of them are reciting poems now. All the famous love poems have been recited. There''s no other ssic works left."


    Cao Mengmeng was very popr in ss, especially with the boys. They all liked her, so they began toe up with ideas for her, but most of them rmended her from going onstage.


    Lili also said with a smile, "Don''t go, you will shame yourself."


    Teacher Leng looked at Mengmeng and said, "The more famous love poems have indeed been recited. As for other types of poems, the famous and ssic ones are gone too."


    Cao Mengmeng stomped her feet angrily, "I want to recite! I don''t care!"


    Zhang Ye knew this little rascal liked to show off. She had prepared a lot for this moment. Mengmeng''s temper was as stubborn as his, so it was impossible to not let her go onstage. Zhang Ye sighed and immediately checked on the inte for suitable love poems with his phone.


    In the end, Cao Mengmeng suddenly looked towards Zhang Ye and her eyes lit up. She squeezed her way towards him and pulled Zhang Ye away, "Bro, follow me!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned, "What?


    "Just follow me!" Cao Mengmeng pulled him out of the auditorium.


    There was a hall and lounge outside. A few parents were smoking here.


    Cao Mengmeng found a secluded spot and said to Zhang Ye with a helpless look, "Bro, your sister is in trouble. You can''t turn your back against me!"


    Zhang Ye waved his cellphone, "Am I not looking for a suitable love poem for you now?"


    Cao Mengmeng stared with her smiling eyes, "As a Peking University''s Chinese department lecturer, do you need to look for the poems of others? Just make one for me!"


    Zhang Ye almost fainted, "Do you think it''s that easy? Writing one whenever you want one?"


    "Isn''t every poem of yours written as you wished? Aren''t they created on the spot? I don''t care! You have to write me a love poem! It can''t be worse than ''Flying bird and fish''! I must surpass that darn Lili! Did you see the attitude she gave me? Did you see it? How infuriating!" Cao Mengmeng stamped her feet and kicked a sofa in the lounge. She looked very cute.


    Zhang Ye helplessly said, "Then what sort of poem do you want?"


    "Love, from a woman''s perspective!" Cao Mengmeng made her request.


    Zhang Ye touched his nose and said depressingly, "Even so, it''s toote. It''s almost your turn, right?"


    "It will be on time! If you can write it, I can read it!" Cao Mengmeng goaded him, "Bro, it can''t be that you can''t write it out? Could it be the media making you out to be that good was all a fluke?"


    Zhang Ye stared at her and was one who sumbed to goading, "I can''t write one? Don''t joke with me. What a joke. It''s just a woman''s perspective love poem. Just wait and see!" Saying that, Zhang Ye took out a pen from his jacket. It was a pen he brought along with him to give autographs. "Do you have paper?"


    There was a flyer on the table which was nk on the back.


    Cao Mengmeng did not care and took the flyer, "Here!"


    Zhang Ye sat on the sofa andid out the paper. After a thought, he already had an idea in mind. Let''s use this poem. Anyway, it was from a woman''s perspective and was a soft, beautiful love poem, it was not suited for Zhang Ye. Since it could not be used despite being in his head, it would be such a waste. Hence, he decided to use it to help save his third cousin''s face. Upon thinking of this, Zhang Ye no longer hesitated. He began scribbling with his pen. The paper was a real estate flyer, so it wasn''t of good quality. However, with Zhang Ye eating calligraphy skill Experience Books, his writing was quite nice. In two or three minutes, lines of poetry appeared on the piece of paper.


    He finished writing.


    Zhang Ye handed the script to her, "Look for words you don''t know. I''ll tell you how to read them. As to where to pause, I''ll recite it to you once."


    Cao Mengmeng nodded seriously, "Alright!"


    Five minutester.


    Zhang Ye returned to the auditorium and sat at his seat.


    Cao Mengmeng did not return and directly went backstage to wait for her turn. At this moment, the little girl''s face was full of joy and excitement. She did not know how good the poem was, as she could not appraise it with her literary and artistic standard as a junior high school student. However, Cao Mengmeng was filled with confidence. Why? There was no why, just because it was a poem written by her bro! It was created today on the spot! As for how awesome Zhang Ye''s poems were, Cao Mengmeng already knew from the inte. There were countless people who followed his tailwinds and there were even thousands of worshippers. She knew that even the worst modern poem her cousin wrote would receive 40,000-50,000 hits. Zhang Ye''s worst work was already much better than the best works of typical poets or literary schrs!


    Could this poem be bad?


    Of course not!


    Cao Mengmeng bounced around humming a melody. She was ready backstage. She did not know the meaning of the poem, but all she needed to do was read it ad verbatim!


    ����


    Inside the auditorium.


    In the audience seats.


    Zhang Ye returned and did not cause amotion.


    Only Teacher Leng looked over, "Where''s Mengmeng?"


    "She''s backstage." Zhang Ye said.


    The newspaper editor said at a loss, "Is she preparing to recite ''Flying bird and fish''? Hur Hur, that little girl sure is stubborn. Not bad."


    Zhang Ye gave a vague smile, "I don''t know either."


    Teacher Leng smacked her lips, "That Mengmeng sure is�� She never listens."


    Onstage, the ongoing poetry program had also ended. The performances were clustered together.


    The female host came on stage again as she smiled, "Next up, a poetry reciter. The performer is Cao Mengmeng. Everyone, please wee her."


    There was sparse apuse and not very warm. There was no other way since with seven or eight poetry recital lined back to back, and with popr and ssic poems that everyone had heard countless numbers of times, no matter how good the poem was, it was quite sickening. Hence, the enthusiasm from the teachers, parents, and students present were beginning to fade. Upon hearing the next program was a poetry recital, everyone was not that interested. Many people were even yawning.


    "Another poem?"


    "So boring."


    "This program''s arrangement is problematic."


    Many people began to whisper.


    Only Teacher Leng and her ss raised their spirits as they were concerned about the recital.


    "Ah, Mengmeng is up!"


    "She really went up?"


    "Why didn''t she cancel her section?"


    "Mengmeng sure is too much. She is too stubborn."


    "Are we listening to ''Flying bird and fish'' again? Give me a break!"


    Mengmeng''s ssmates were all at a loss about whether tough or cry. They were worried for Mengmeng.


    However, Lili was grinning as she said, "When everyone listens to it, let''s see whether Mengmeng''s or my recital of ''Flying bird and fish'' is better." With her reading first, she had all the advantage. Even if Mengmeng recited it very well, it was impossible for her topete with her. She might even be criticized. After all, she had followed in Lili''s wake, so Lili was wishing Cao Mengmeng would make a fool of herself on stage. She finally had a chance to see Cao Mengmeng shame herself!


    The female host retreated.


    Cao Mengmeng appeared from the side of the stage. With small steps, she walked up to the podium. As the previous person who did the poetry recital was a taller boy in high school, the microphone was adjusted a bit high. Cao Mengmeng had to struggle with her toes tipped to reach the microphone. She then adjusted it down.


    "Aiyah!" With her feet stumbling, she nearly fell.


    The female host rushed over to help with a smile when she saw this.


    Mengmeng''s actions were quite cute, amusing several parents in the audience.


    "That youngdy is so cute."


    "Hur Hur Hur Hur Hur."


    There wasughter, and most of it was kindly.


    Zhang Ye also smiled as he looked forward to see his third younger cousin on stage.


    Lili and the other ssmates stared at the podium. Teacher Leng was looking at Cao Mengmeng with worry. Mengmeng and Lili were both from her ss. If their poems shed, as head teacher, it would reflect badly on her. The school''s leadership would me for failing to coordinating it properly.


    The newspaper middle-aged parent eximed and said to Zhang Ye, "Your sister was just now very worried. Why does she look so confident now?"


    Teacher Leng took a look and noticed too, "Did she find a new poem to recite?"


    Another female parent said, "But all the famous love poems have already been recited today. What other work could she recite?"


    The microphone was readied as Cao Mengmeng stood there silently. She suddenly closed her eyes. This was a reciting technique taught to her by Zhang Ye. If one could not use one''s emotion to read the poem, then one should put one''s actions into the recital. This would at least make people feel like you were bringing your emotions out into it. It was considered a trick.


    One second��


    Three seconds��


    Five seconds��


    Cao Mengmeng did not say a word.


    "Ai, what''s going on?"


    "Why isn''t she reciting?"


    "Did she forget her lines?"


    The students and parents looked at each other in wonder.


    The principal of 15th Junior High also frowned. The female host was even more vexed. Just as she was about to remind Cao Mengmeng, and just as Teacher Leng and her ssmates were having their hearts in their mouth��


    Cao Mengmeng slowly opened her eyes.


    "If I love you��I''ll never be a clinging campsis flower.


    Resplendent in borrowed glory on your high boughs;


    If I love you��I''ll never mimic the silly infatuated bird.


    Repeating the same monotonous song for green shade;


    Or be like a spring. Offering coolfort all year long;


    Or a lofty peak.


    Enhancing your stature, your eminence.


    Even the sunlight, even spring rain, none of these suffice!


    I must be a kapok, the image of a tree standing together with you.


    Our roots closely intertwined beneath the earth, our leaves touching in the clouds.


    With every whiff of wind, we greet each other, but no one can understand our words. Y


    ou have your bronze limbs and iron trunk, like knives, swords and halberds;


    I''ll have my crimson flowers, like signs, heavy and deep, like heroic torches."


    Upon her reciting to here!


    The principal was stunned! He nearly shouted ''f**k''!


    Teacher Leng and the middle-aged newspaper editor were also dumbfounded!


    Then, more and more parents and 15th Junior High''s teachers began to stare stunned with their mouths agape. It was as if they had seen a ghost!


    Cao Mengmeng recited,


    "Together we''ll share, the cold tidal waves, storms, and thunderbolts."


    "Together we''ll share the light mist, the colored rainbows."


    "We shall always depend on each other."


    "Only this can be called great love, wherein lies the faith, true and deep!"


    "Love��"


    "I love not only your stateliness."


    "But also your firm stand."


    "The earth beneath you."

 Chapter 291: It’s Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 291: It��s Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 291: It''s Zhang Ye!


    On stage.


    Cao Mengmeng stopped. The poem had ended!


    But the echo, the melody. It was as if all of it still resonated in the hall.


    "Love��I love not only your stateliness, but also your firm stand, the earth beneath you."


    It was difficult to imagine that such a poem came out from the mouth of a girl this young in age. Even the recital technique alone was mature beyond her years! The students and parents off stage were all stunned in silence. Before, even when the singing and dancing performances were not good, everyone would apud to give their children encouragement, but when it came to Cao Mengmeng''s recital, not a p could be heard!


    Because the audience were all stunned into silence when they heard her poem!


    The Principal stood in silence, the female host also froze on stage!


    Everyone below stage were blown out of their minds!


    "Holy sh*t!"


    "What poem was that!?"


    "This poem''s too exquisite!"


    "Right, not only the words. It''s also the emotional details!"


    "How have I never heard of this poem before? What''s the name of this poem?"


    "I don''t know either. I''ve never heard of it, whose work is this?"


    A few teachers from the high school were wondering. They could not believe their ears. Why? How could they not know the name of such an exemry love poem that rippled through everyone''s hearts?


    The parents also started talking about it.


    "Who is that little girl?"


    "I think her name''s Mengmeng. She recited it so well."


    "Recited well, but what''s even better is the poem!"


    "Which master''s work is that? Why don''t I have any impression of it!?"


    The adults present had felt the deep love contained in the poem''s words. It was so beautiful that those who heard it felt like they had a beautiful image injected directly into their minds. They felt that they had been transported into the poem and that they were that tree themselves.


    Even those who were not adults, amongst the middle and high school students, a portion of them had stunned faces. It was obvious that they had been stunned by this beautiful love poem that they had never heard of before.


    "Wah! Mengmeng''s great!"


    "Mengmeng''s too awesome!"


    "This poem''s really beautiful! The love it describes gives everyone so much hope!"


    "Go to hell! This is what you call a love poem! It''s 18000 times more powerful than the modern poetry that we have in our textbooks!"


    Suddenly, someone took the lead!


    Bba Bba Bba Bba! A wave of apuse rang out!


    Some students, who did not understand, also pped along blindly, but many of the parents and teachers and also the school''s leaders had understood and felt the deep emotions of the poem. Some of the parents and teachers stood up as they continued pping, leaving the fiercest apuse for Cao Mengmeng!


    The apuse was too loud!


    The entire hall was enveloped in a deafening sound!


    This was the loudest apuse heard since the New Year party started!


    ����


    Over here.


    Teacher Leng and many of their ss'' students and parents were tongue-tied.


    The head teacher of the fifth ss in front of them suddenly stood up and looked around. He spotted Teacher Leng not far from him and immediately asked, "Teacher Leng, what poem is this?" He, too, was also anguage teacher and head teacher. He was not of the same year as Teacher Leng, so he felt ashamed that he had never heard of such a modern poem despite being anguage teacher. He was too unprofessional. How could he not know of such an awesome love poem?


    Hearing that, Teacher Leng said with wry smile, "I''m not sure either."


    "Ah?" The head teacher from ss 5 said, "Isn''t Mengmeng a student from your ss?"


    "Yes, but I��..don''t have any impression of this poem." Teacher Leng thought of a student''s parent who might know. She turned towards the newspaper editor, "Brother Yang, you''ve seen more literary works than we have, what is the origin of this poem?"


    But Brother Yang alsoughed in ridicule, then said gravely, "I can solemnly say that I''ve never heard this love poem before. If it appeared before, it can''t be that no one has heard of it. I suspect��..could it be that it is an originalposition?"


    Mengmeng''s ssmates were stunned!


    "Originalposition?"


    "It was written by Mengmeng herself?"


    "Knowing that there was a conflict in the line-up, she wrote it just then?"


    "Impossible! Mengmeng''s never passed hernguage ss more than a few times!"


    Teacher Leng was getting dizzy. How could a middle school student, who had seldom passed hernguage sses,e up with such a moving and impressive poem? She wouldn''t believe it even if it killed her!


    So what happened?


    What''s the situation that led to this?


    This included the Principal and a few school Leaders, who were perplexed. They stared towards the stage at Cao Mengmeng. They were filled with extreme interest!


    Could it really be that the child had written this on her own?


    If that was true, this group of teachers and principal would be overjoyed. This was a god-damn prodigy!


    Seeing Mengmeng''s poem getting all the attention, Lili''s expression became sullen. She opened her mouth several times to say something, but couldn''t muster a single sound. Even she had to admit that Cao Mengmeng''s poem was too touching. With the same stunned expression that the Principal had and the shocked gaze in Teacher Leng''s eyes, she knew that this poem must''ve been really good. It might even be a love poem on par with "Flying bird and fish"! Lili might have finished reciting "Flying bird and fish", and in terms of the poem, it was not much different from Cao Mengmeng''s. However, the crux of the issue was "Flying bird and fish" was too famous, resulting in sensory overload. There was nothing fresh and new about it, but the love poem recited by Cao Mengmeng was the first time anyone of them heard it! The difference was too great!


    The reactions from the audience was too good!


    Many parents, who were previously dozing off, were invigorated by this poem. No one expected to hear such a shocking love poem at an ordinary junior high school''s party in amon district. Everyone only had one thought in mind, they wanted to know where the poem came from!


    Only Zhang Ye was smiling without a word. Zhang Ye was in no way surprised from seeing everyone''s expression. This poem was the famous "To The Oak" from his world. It was one of the representative pieces of obscure poems. It was Shuting''s work. In his world''s literary arena, it had an important ce in history. Ignoring everything else, just from a pure literary standpoint, "To The Oak" even surpassed "Flying bird and fish". Hence, it would be surprising if it wasn''t good. Any work from Zhang Ye''s brain would be earth-shattering, whatmore this "To The Oak"!


    However, after some thought, Zhang Ye croaked withughter and turned embarrassed. He was after all someone with status, but here he was at a junior high school, and used a love poem out of the representative pieces of obscure poems, just to help his cousin not lose face and stand up for her. Zhang Ye was also blushing from shame!


    Cao Mengmeng was still standing on stage.


    "What''s the name of the poem?"


    "She isn''t done yet. Watch and see."


    "Right, she would end with the poem''s name and author, right?"


    Indeed, Cao Mengmeng gave a deep bow and then adjusted her microphone, saying in a soft and tender manner, "Thank you everyone. I''ve finished my recital. This poem''s name is ''To The Oak''. The author is��" Cao Mengmeng paused for a while, only when she saw everyone''s ears pricked up did she say, "The author is Zhang Ye."


    Saying that, she put down the microphone and stepped off the stage.


    She left behind gasps off stage!


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Which Zhang Ye?"


    "Who else can it be!? The one who does that talk show!"


    "Who is Zhang Ye? I''ve never heard of him."


    "You have never watched ''Lecture Room''? Its viewership in Beijing was so high!"


    Some people knew Zhang Ye, but there were also people who had never heard of him. Ignoring those who did not know him, anyone who knew Zhang Ye immediately took a gasp of cold air!


    "The author is actually Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    "It can''t be! I have seen all his poems before! There''s no such poem!"


    "Did you miss one?"


    "Impossible! How can I miss any? Zhang Ye''s published works definitely do not have this ''To The Oak''! I will swear on my personal honor!"


    "Did she say the author was Zhang Ye?"


    "Don''t tell me Zhang Ye specially wrote it for her? Holy sh*t! That''s impossible, right? Such an awesome poetry piece, and such a dignified poet like Zhang Ye specially wrote a poem for this youngdy in her teens? Yet no one has heard of it before? It can''t be that exaggerated, right? Unless they are rtives!"


    "That''s right. I''m also wondering. How can a junior high school student like her have Teacher Zhang Ye''s original poem? And one that has not been published yet? Zhang Ye''s poems are worth their weight in gold! It''s not written for anyone!"


    Teacher Leng was also muttering this question to herself, "If this poem was written by Teacher Zhang Ye, then it''s not surprising. A work at the level of masters can only be written by Zhang Ye or other few famous authors in the literary scene. However, how did Mengmeng get Teacher Zhang''s unpublished work? Did she get it by chance?"


    That Brother Yang was also experiencing an upheaval of emotions. He analyzed, "No, if Mengmeng had this poem to begin with, then she would definitely have recited it for her program, but she first chose ''Flying bird and fish'' for her program. Why would she have not used such a good piece of work? And had to use it only after experiencing a collision with someone else? This is illogical. Man, why do I feel this ''To The Oak'' was created on the spot?"


    The head teacher of the fifth ss was already beside him, "Created on the spot? Writing such a ssic poem in a few minutes? Who can do that?" The moment he finished his sentence, he remained stunned, "Eh, to be able toe up with it on the spot in such a short time frame, and yet at the level of a master. Amongst the people I know, only Teacher Zhang Ye matches that possibility, right? No one else except him can do it!"


    Teacher Leng carried on, "Unless Teacher Zhang Ye created here on the spot��" Upon saying this, Teacher Leng suddenly froze before turning her head suddenly, and stared at Mengmeng''s brother!


    Everyone around her was not dumb either. They also had simr reactions and stared at Mengmeng''s brother with looks of surprise and suspicion. That guy who wore sunsses despite being in such a dark auditorium!


    Brother Yang said with his mouth slightly agape, "You.. You are Zhang Ye!?"


    Teacher Leng also said in excitement, "Are you really Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    Zhang Ye noticed that he could not hide it any further. Helplessly and out of respect, he took off his sunsses.


    The moment he removed his sunsses, everyone saw Zhang Ye''s face!


    "Wow!"


    "It''s really Zhang Ye!"


    "Holy mother of god! It''s Zhang Ye!"


    Before the teachers and parents could say a word, Mengmeng''s ssmates already began shouting!

 Chapter 292: Focus of the Party!

    <h4>Chapter 292: Focus of the Party! </h4>


    Chapter 292: Focus of the Party!


    Around him, people''s blood boiled with excitement!


    "Where''s Zhang Ye?"


    "That''s the one!"


    "It''s really him!"


    "I was just saying that he looked familiar!"


    "Why is Zhang Ye here at our school?"


    "Ah, that''s the one that Mengmeng introduced. He is her brother?"


    "How could that be? Mengmeng''s brother is actually the famous Zhang Ye? Oh right, right! I think Mengmeng did mention that her brother is a big star! I thought she was joking! I was still wondering why her brother was wearing those shades in such a dark ce!"


    "Aiyo! I really like ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show''!"


    "Me too, me too, but my mum doesn''t allow me to watch. She said it would affect my studies. Hmmph. I''ve always secretly watched it under my nket. It''s really too funny!"


    "I''ve finally seen a star!"


    "I must get a signatureter!"


    Mengmeng''s ssmates were all chattering away together by now. Of course, there were many other students who did not know who Zhang Ye was. So they asked around.


    Teacher Leng and a few other form teachers, along with Brother Yang and the other parents, nearly vomited blood. Although they managed to guess who that person was, when he took off his shades and revealed that familiar face to them, they still looked like they were surprised! No one would have expected that Zhang Ye would attend their school''s New Year party! No one expected that Cao Mengmeng''s brother would be Zhang Ye �� He was the idol of Teacher Leng and the person that Brother Yang had just criticized as someone who did not know how to write love poems!


    When Teacher Leng saw her idol, who was also a guardian of her student, she became very excited. The other parents were also very happy to see a celebrity here.


    Only one person was left a little embarrassed!


    The person, who was most affected by Zhang Ye''s revtion, was Brother Yang!


    Just a while ago, Brother Yang had beenmenting on Zhang Ye''s works. ording to him as a professional editor of a publishing house, he had questioned Zhang Ye''s ability in writing love poems. Although he had notmented on it loudly, the person he was talking about was sitting right beside him. Only a deaf man would not hear it! In his conclusion, Brother Yang had surmised that Zhang Ye''s love poem writing skills were not good enough. Yet just a short whileter, Zhang Ye had spontaneouslyposed this "To The Oak" to rescue his sister''s recital performance. This was truly bashing this Old Comrade Yang''s face! His face had turned green at this moment!


    Brother Yang had an expression that oscited between crying andughing as he looked at Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang, so it is not that you don''t know how topose a love poem? You can even do it from the female''s point of view?"


    Zhang Ye waved it off, "Mengmeng made it sound better than it was. I was just blindlyposing. Blindlyposing."


    Teacher Leng interrupted, "How could that be blindlyposing? "To The Oak" and "Flying bird and fish" are really too close topare. They''re really works of ssic! The delicate tenacity and perseverance described in the poem, even though I''m a woman, I wouldn''t be able to write that. Your talent��.I really don''t know how to put it!"


    Brother Yang quickly added, "I apologize, Teacher Zhang. I said too much earlier. I even blindlymented that yourposing level was too low. Hai, please don''t judge me with that only!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "It''s fine. I heard what you said earlier. You weren''t wrong. I''m really not well versed in love poems and do not have much works to show for that."


    Brother Yang sighed, "To me now, it''s not that you aren''t well versed in love poems. It''s just that you do not wish topose any. If you really wanted to, how could a love poem hold you back at all? Didn''t this "To The Oak'' just prove that? In the world of poetry, amongst the poets, you''re definitely a master!"


    "Eh, I can''t ept that praise. I can''t be considered a master." Zhang Ye kept shaking his head. In public, some titles given to you by others should never be epted, even if they affirmed your status. This was a tradition of their countrymen and the basis of modesty and courtesy. Of course back at home with your parents, rtives, and close friends, you may boast all you want. You can say that you were a great poet living amongst mortals. You could even say you''re the great grand-aunt reborn and no one would say a word!


    The performance on stage continued.


    The female host announced the next performance.


    But Teacher Leng was already shaken up by the appearance of Zhang Ye and was no longer in any mood to continue watching.


    Shortly after, Cao Mengmeng skipped back to her seat with a copy of the original script to "To The Oak" in her hands. She had a face full of joy and satisfaction. She had all the glory.


    "Mengmeng!"


    "Your recital was so good!"


    "Why didn''t you tell us that your brother is Zhang Ye!"


    A few female ssmates, who were close with Mengmeng, asked.


    Cao Mengmeng smiled widely, "You wouldn''t have believed me even if I said it."


    Lili kept an aloof expression and pretended not to see or care about her.


    She did not say a word. Instead, Cao Mengmeng went over and said, "Lili, are you convinced now?"


    Lili pouted as she nced at her, "I''m convinced by your brother, but not you. Hmmph, everyone knows your brother is a literary person. He wrote poems that made even the Writers'' Association shut up. Your brother does this as a professional, if he gave a poem for you to recite, of course you''d get the glory. That''s already unfair bullying!"


    Cao Mengmengughed smugly.


    "Mengmeng, can you get a signature from your brother for me?"


    "Yea, Mengmeng. We will be counting on you."


    "I want it too! My dad really likes Zhang Ye. When I get your brother''s signature and show it off to him, even if I didn''t do well for my final exams, he wouldn''t punish me."


    Cao Mengmeng''s ssmates were giving a lot of attention to her as they gathered around her.


    Cao Mengmeng said high-spiritedly, with a wave of her hands, "Alright, I know what to do. Whoever wants a signature, get ready a book or paper ready for me. I will get it from my brother."


    "Here!"


    "Giving to you!"


    "And mine!"


    "I didn''t bring any paper, sign it on my textbook!"


    In the blink of an eye, Cao Mengmeng had collected a stack of books.


    Teacher Leng kept eyeing the original script in Cao Mengmeng''s hand every now and then. She finally clenched her teeth and asked Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang, is that the original script for ''To The Oak''?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "I guess it is."


    Teacher Leng coughed, "About that��.can you give that original script to me as a present?"


    Zhang Yeughed dryly, "It''s just a random pamphlet that I got and wrote behind on. It''s not really a script. If you really like it, I could write it properly for you?"


    "No need, no need." Teacher Leng immediately answered, "This will do." To her, only the first original copy of "To The Oak" would be most precious. If it were to be written again, even if it''s on better paper and properly written, it would not be as collectable as the first original copy.


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure then. Of course you may have it." As he said that, he signaled to Mengmeng toe over, "Mengmeng, give the script to your Teacher Leng."


    Cao Mengmeng walked over wondering, "Why?"


    Teacher Leng quickly reached out her hands and took the script. She was careful not to fold it as she carefully ced it between a notebook that she carried around. Then she put the notebook back into her bag before smiling and saying, "Teacher wants to keep it for memories." She then turned to the side and said to Zhang Ye, "Thank you, Teacher Zhang."


    Brother Yang, who was standing beside them, had wanted to have it too, but Teacher Leng made the move first. He could only smile bitterly and not say a thing, but to have witnessed such a great love poem at this ce today, Brother Yang already felt very satisfied. He knew that he had note in vain today and he could provide an article for a big piece of news tomorrow. He would have to get Teacher Leng to show him the original scriptter.


    After that, Cao Mengmeng poured all of the books in her arms onto Zhang Ye and said cheekily, "Brother, it''ll be hard on you. Please sign your autograph on my ssmates'' books."


    Teacher Leng asked, "So many? Just sign a few, don''t trouble Teacher Zhang."


    "It''s OK." Zhang Ye had always felt that if everyone gave him face, then he''d have to return the favour.


    As a result, he signed each and every book, there were more than thirty books.


    Teacher Leng blinked at him throughout waiting for Zhang Ye to finish signing on all of the books. Then she coughed and cleared her throat beforeing forward to ask, "Then, Teacher Zhang, may I also ask for your autograph?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Of course, you''re being too polite."


    Teacher Leng by now had lost all herposure as the form teacher of a ss. She excitedly rummaged through her bag and took out her notebook for Zhang Ye to sign on. It looked like she was truly Zhang Ye''s fan.


    After he had signed it, Zhang Ye said, "Mengmeng''s a naughty child. I hope you would help us take care of a her a little. If she causes any trouble in the future, you can look for me. I will scold her." Basically, he was asking Teacher Leng to give a little more attention in taking care of his cousin.


    ����


    Slightly before 9PM.


    The 15th Junior High''s New Year Party had dispersed. The programs had all ended.


    Zhang Ye said goodbye to a few parents and Teacher Leng. He was about to leave with Cao Mengmeng, but the school principal had found him, obviously knowing who he was by now.


    "Teacher Zhang." The principal smiled and put out his hand.


    "How are you, Principal?" Zhang Ye shook his hands.


    The principalmented, "I did not expect that you''d join us for the New Year''s Party. If I knew, I would have invited you on stage to perform. It''d have been much better."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s all about the children''s performances today, I wouldn''t want to crash the party."


    The principal said, "That ''To The Oak'' really opened my eyes today. With this poem of yours, our party today will be famous." He was in an extremely good mood. If it were any other C or D-list celebrities, the principal wouldn''t have cared, but it was Zhang Ye who joined them today, he even created a poem on the spot and had it recited in the school performance. This was a whole other levelpared to inviting a celebrity to perform as it might attract criticisms from others. After all, they were an educational institute, but Zhang Ye was not your typical celebrity, he was also an established and skilled literary person. This poem meant a lot to them at 15th Junior High. In the future when anyone mentioned "To The Oak", they''d surely link it to this night at 15th Junior High. This would make their school famous.


    The principal was very enthusiastic as he kept Zhang Ye for long time just to chat.


    A few other school leaders also joined in out of interest and had a chat with Zhang Ye.


    ����


    It was now past 9PM.


    Zhang Ye finally brought Cao Mengmeng out of the school and they walked to the hotpot store to get his car. He got onto his BMW X5 and drove Cao Mengmeng home.


    On the way, Cao Mengmeng danced happily in her seat, "Bro! You allowed me to stand with my head high! Hahaha! What a good day! I feel great! Did you see their faces? They were all stunned by your ''To The Oak''!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes at her, "Only this once. There won''t be another time. Your job now is to study hard. Don''t keep going for those useless des."


    Cao Mengmeng obviously did not listen and continued on talking about herself, "Bro, I really, really adore you so much! You''re my eternal idol from now on! When I grow up, I want to be just like you. I''ll be a great literary person! Fans will recognize me anywhere and ask me for autographs! Begging for my ink!"

 Chapter 293: Chinese department’s Leaders are Stumped!

    <h4>Chapter 293: Chinese department��s Leaders are Stumped! </h4>


    Chapter 293: Chinese department''s Leaders are Stumped!


    The next day.


    In the morning, in his bedroom.


    Dong dong, his mother was knocking on his door.


    "Little Ye, get up!"


    "OK mom."


    "Quickly, you have to report to Peking University today!"


    "I''m already up and putting on my clothes."


    "Your dad and I have to go to work now! Do well."


    Thump. The sound of the door closing sounded from outside. His dad and mom had left the house for work.


    Zhang Ye stretched himself and walked to the bathroom to wash up. He then changed into a casual suit, something that didn''t look too rigid on him. Soon after, he left the house too.


    ����


    Today was the 2nd of January.


    Some people were still enjoying their holidays while others had already started work and school.


    For example, students from Peking University, who were locals or had rtives here, were now going back to school after the New Year''s celebrations. The main entrance was filled with students and teachers walking in and out. Everyone here had a face and aura that wascking in other normal universities �� Confidence, maybe even that slightest bit of pride. It was not strange, since they were students of a prestigious institution in the country that was ranked first. The people here were the cream of the crop. They had the qualities to be proud of themselves. Zhang Ye himself could be considered as someone who graduated from a prestigious university. Beijing Broadcasting College �� now called the Media College was also considered one of the top institutions in the country, butpared to Peking University, it wouldn''t even be worth a mention. The two were on two totally different levels.


    In front of him was Peking University.


    Beside it was Tsinghua University.


    In the past, when Zhang Ye was still schooling, he would look up at these two universities whenever he walked past Zhongguancun Street, but now, he no longer had that awe and envy when he faced them. This was because the Zhang Ye now was no longer the same as before.


    As he did not have his breakfast, he was feeling a little hungry. Zhang Ye was looking out for a ce to eat when he was still in the car. The street opposite conveniently had a stall that served breakfast. He got off his car and walked over. In the stall, the tables were full. Zhang Ye could only choose to sit out in the open.


    The boss of the fried dough sticks stall shouted over, "What do you want to eat?"


    Zhang Ye did not hesitate, "Stir-fried liver and half a tray of buns, please."


    "OK, it''lle at once." The boss said.


    On the other side of the open air sitting area, there were around 7-8 university students. It was not known whether they were from Peking University or Tsinghua University, or from other universities nearby. This was a ce where all the famous institutions were located at.


    The fried liver arrived and Zhang Ye, who was still wearing his shades started eating. He did not use a spoon. It was an old Beijing tradition to eat by holding the bowl and then ''sucking'' in the stir-fried liver into the mouth. As to why there was such a tradition, Zhang Ye did not know. He had been eating it like this since young. It was a matter of being used to it, yes, even though this style of eating was loud and inelegant.


    The students seated over there were chatting.


    Yao Mi bit into her fried dough sticks and sat with her leg raised said, "We really chose the wrong elective ss this time. Don''t you think we''re really such fools. Why did we even choose ''Appreciation of the ssics'' elective?!"


    Li Ying was also depressed, "Yea, that''s right. Back then, the elective name made it sound like it was a really simple ss, at leastpared to the other electives. We had mostly read the Four ssics and some other ssic literary works. Even if we had not read them before, we''d have watched the dramas on TV. We would at least have some understanding of it, so we thought it would have been easier if we chose this elective, but goddamn it, who''d have thought that Professor Wang''s health could not keep up? This semester''s almost over and the other elective sses are already preparing for their exams. And us? This semester''s ''Appreciation of the ssics'' sses have not even had a few lectures. We did not learn anything or know what would be tested. How can we even pass like this? I think none of us should expect to get credit for this ss. If we don''t pass, we''d still have to choose another elective next year. We''ve wasted this semester for nothing!"


    Her brother, Li Li did not know tough or cry, "We can''t me Professor Wang. His diabetes condition worsened and I heard that he''s still in the hospital. It seems rather serious."


    Li Ying smacked his lips and said, "Then we should at least have gotten a substitute teacher!"


    Yao Mi blinked and said, "I did hear that the school was currently looking for someone, but there hasn''t been a suitable candidate so far."


    "There are so my famous teachers in the country, how could there be no suitable candidates?" Li Ying asked.


    Yao Mi replied, "I know there are a lot of people who''d want toe teach at Peking University, even if it''s just as a substitute teacher, the glory is still the same, but it seems like our Vice President Wu who''s taking charge of the Chinese department was not interested in them. She felt that they did not have the abilities, that''s why it''s been dragged out until now. It''s not wrong, famous ssics have already been taught over and over too many times. Even television dramas about them have been overproduced. The knowledge of those ssic are already quite well known to many people, so how could they be expected to be taught differently. It''s only our Professor Wang who managed it rather well, which is why finding someone to rece him would be difficult. Do you even know what kind of ce Peking University is? We''re the 1st ced educational institution in the country. A normal teacher would never be admitted casually. The school definitely demands for the best amongst the best, otherwise we wouldn''t be called Peking University."


    Li Ying stroked his unshaven mustache, "They demand for the best, but neglected us. At least arrange for a substitute teacher to guide us through the examinable materials!"


    Li Li said, "Who knows, they might even pass us without an exam."


    "Wishful thinking. Other schools might do that, but how could it happen in Peking University." Yao Mi sniffed, "Don''t think about such wonderful oues. Even if there are proper reasons, the school would never resort to such methods. At most, they would rx the grading requirements, but even so we''ve only had 2 lessons this whole semester. How can we pass like this? And the sses were even from a few months back. I can''t even remember the things that Professor Wang taught us anymore!"


    "Me too."


    "Hai, quickly get us another lecturer."


    After finishing this topic, they skipped to other topics in their conversation.


    Zhang Ye overheard everything as he was having his breakfast. These were Peking University students? "Appreciation of the ssics" ss? The lecturer was sick and in the hospital with diabetes? Not many lessons in the whole semester? Zhang Ye suddenly had a very good understanding of the situation. Now he understood why even though Wu Zeqing only had less than an hour of conversation with him after spotting him on the ne, she''d invited him to teach at Peking University. It turned out that it''s because of this tricky situation that had led her to invite him to save the situation!


    She really does trust this bro!


    Not bad, you''ve found the right guy after all!


    If it were about other things, he wouldn''t be so confident, but speaking about famous ssics, this was his strong point. The "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" that Zhang Ye had brought over from his world, didn''t it get rave reviews from everyone? When he thought of this, Zhang Ye was reassured after feeling jittery about his teaching skills. If President Wu had pulled him in to teach contemporary literature or simr sses, he would definitely not be confident. This was due to the fact that he hadn''t even read most contemporary literature, novels, or poetry that existed in this world. He might not even have heard of some of them before, so of course that would be quite difficult to teach, but for ssical literature, it was different. This world''s Four ssics still existed, other ssics like "ssic of Mountains and Seas", "Analects", or even foreign ssics like "The Holy Bible" all still existed. All of these works had affected and influenced the world too much. The game ring had been unable to change any of these background history, otherwise the cultural development or even the whole social structure of this would would be greatly affected. The world would no longer be what it was now.


    After identally finding out the situation from those Peking University students, Zhang Ye felt very happy and rxed. After he had his fill, he stood up and drove his car onto campus. He did not choose to walk as the schoolpounds covered a very wide area. Even a public bus would have to go around 5 stops before it couldplete a round of thepounds.


    On campus.


    Zhang Ye made a call to Wu Zeqing. Du, du, du. 3 rings and the call connected.


    "Hello, President Wu. I''ve arrived."


    "So early?"


    "Yes, I said I would be here early. Should I go around the school a little?"


    "We''re preparing to start our meeting here, but��why don''t you join us? It would be good. You cane directly to the Chinese department. It''s on the east side of the artificialke where the flower beds are. You should be able to find it, I will send someone to meet you there." Wu Zeqing''s voice was ever so demure.


    Zhang Ye liked listening to her speak, "OK, I will be right there."


    He arrived at the flower bed area. His car was not allowed in here, so he parked it nearby.


    ����


    Peking University.


    Chinese department, West Building 2, 6th floor.


    It was a small meeting room, with a conference table in the middle. Around it were about a dozen Chinese department leaders and professors. Othermon lecturers were not qualified to join this meeting.


    Wearing casual white pants and light yellow suit fordies, Wu Zeqing sat at the end of the table. She sat down with a smile as she hung up the phone. She then ced the cellphone on the table beside a fountain pen, which she aligned almost perfectly, "He''ll be arriving soon."


    A middle aged man said with satisfaction, "President Wu''swork is reallyrge. This hole in the wall has finally been patched up."


    Another old man said thankfully, "Finally someone hase. The students have be very unsettled over the past 2 months."


    A middle aged man, who was in a suit, said, "Yes. If there''s still no lecturer filling in, our ''Appreciation of the ssics'' elective would no longer be offered next semester."


    The three people who just spoke were:


    Chang Kaige �� Dean of the Chinese department.


    Yan Jiantao �� The oldest and most experienced professor in the Chinese department. He''s also a symbol of the Chinese department, as many students applied to the Chinese department just based on the name of Professor Yan.


    Zhen Shuquan �� The secretary of the Chinese department, the nominated head of the department, but had little real power. He was in charge of the administration of the department and his qualifications and prestige were not as high as Professor Yan.


    These three people were the main leaders of Peking University''s Chinese department.


    Wu Zeqing asked, "How is Professor Wang doing now?"


    Yan Jiantao sighed, "I went to visit him at the hospital yesterday. His health is recovering slowly, but he''s definitely still not fit for teaching. I had a chat with him and he told me that he ns on retiring."


    Wu Zeqing nodded, "It''s more important to recuperate. Professor Wang has been at the forefront of education for so many years, even at his age. It was already very hard on him. About this year''s opening of full Professor, I think we should give it to Professor Wang. I will report it to higher management and push for it to be approved within the month. Does anyone have any objections?"


    "No objections."


    "He deserves that."


    "Of course there''s no objection."


    All of the Chinese department''s representatives at the meeting nodded their heads.


    Whether it was Professor Wang''s qualifications, or from a special treatment point of view, no one could refute this decision. Besides, the matter had already been decided by President Wu. They couldn''t possibly refute that. Wu Zeqing was Peking University''s Vice President, who also oversaw the Chinese department and several other key departments. She was the leader of all those present at the meeting.


    Secretary Zhen Shuquan suddenly said, "President Wu, who is the professor that you invited to join us?"


    Chang Kaige said, "I heard that Professor Sun from Renmin University retired? His research in the field of ssical works is considered to be very good. Did President Wu invite Old Sun over?"


    Yan Jiantao was stunned for a moment, then shook his head, "Old Sun would nevere here. He spent his entire teaching career at Renmin University."


    Zhen Shuquan also frowned, "Professor Sun? It can''t be him, right?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled slightly and took a sip of tea, "I did not look for Professor Sun. I recognize his teaching qualifications, but I didn''t think he''d be suitable for an elective like ''Appreciation of the ssics''. His style is too rigid and wouldn''t be attractive to the students. As for Doctor Chen, who was rmended by Old Chang, after finding out more about him, I did not ask him to join us either. I''ve seen Professor Chen''s literature research papers and though I found them to be very outstanding, I do not think that he has the eloquence in speaking. He can write, but not speak, so he would not be able to take over the role from Professor Wang."


    Oh?


    Professor Sun was not suitable?


    And neither was Doctor Chen?


    Isn''t that setting too high a standard?


    Yan Jiantao asked, "Then who did you find?"


    Wu Zeqing casually looked at her watch, "When he arrives, you''ll know. I feel that this person is the most suitable candidate to teach such an elective ss. In my opinion, from his teaching style, his lecture style and his literary level in literature, no one domestically would be more suitable than him to teach a ss like ''Appreciation of the ssics''."


    Chang Kaige, Zhen Shuquan, and the others all looked at each other.


    The other Chinese department professors and lecturers all had their curiosity roused.


    No one more suitable than him? Isn''t President Wu''s assessment of him too high? Who could it be? Who was it? Which professor? Hai Gui? Or could it be someone from a famous school?


    Suddenly, there was knock from the door.


    Dong dong. A school administrative staff said from outside, "President Wu, he has arrived."


    "Come in." Wu Zeqing revealed an elegant smile.


    The door opened and the staff showed him the way in, "This way, please."


    The next moment, Zhang Ye walked into the meeting room, "President Wu."


    The moment they saw Zhang Ye, everyone except for Wu Zeqing looked dumbfounded! Who was this? Why was he so young? He looks like he''s just past twenty years of age?


    Among them, someone had recognized him!


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Isn''t this the lecturer from ''Lecture Room''?"


    Some did not know him well, as they were all in the academic field, but as Zhang Ye was quite well known in Beijing, they knew who he was the moment they heard his name!


    "That''s him?"


    "Isn''t he the one who did the Talk Show in Shanghai?"


    With Zhang Ye''s appearance, Chang Kaige, Zhen Shuquan, and the others nearly fainted. They couldn''t react at all!


    Wu Zeqing ignored the uproar and spoke calmly to Zhang Ye, "Teacher Little Zhang, why don''t you introduce yourself to everyone?"


    So Zhang Ye introduced himself to them. Actually, even if he did not do a self-introduction, everyone would still know him. After all, Zhang Ye was considered to be a celebrity unlike those professors here. His exposure rate was so high, that even the old Professor Yan Jiantao knew him. In fact, he knew him to be a literary hooligan. In the literary circle, Zhang Ye''s name was notorious!


    Subsequently, Wu Zeqing invited Zhang Ye to take a seat and then introduced him to everyone present.


    Those who attended the meeting kept staring at each other, some wiping off their sweat, some tapping on their heads, some speechlessly looking at the ceiling. Their expressions were all very strange!


    It was him!


    Why did President Wu invite such a hooligan to join their department!?

 Chapter 294: Officially Joining Peking University!

    <h4>Chapter 294: Officially Joining Peking University! </h4>


    Chapter 294: Officially Joining Peking University!


    Speechlessness!


    Other than speechlessness, there was only speechlessness!


    The meeting room''s atmosphere was a little awkward. Zhang Ye''s appearance had basically shocked them! This proposed candidate of President Wu''s was someone that they could never have guessed, even if they smashed their heads. Anyone else could have be the substitute lecturer for this elective, but why did it have to be Zhang Ye?! This person was someone whose fans spoke very well of, his poprity was also quite good, but that was only within a very specific group! In the industry, no matter if it was the broadcasting industry or the literary circle, Zhang Ye''s name downright stank!


    He had scolded his radio station colleague online!


    Scolded his unit at an awards ceremony!


    Scolded the Writers'' Association at apetition!


    Scolded his leader at a memorial service!


    Scolded the police in the police station!


    Scolded the SARFT during a live broadcast!


    No one could bear to look further down this list of incidents!


    Why would President Wu find someone like him, who was such a hooligan, toe teach at Peking University? To teach those obedient, quiet and well-mannered Peking University students who might not even know how to scold someone?


    F**k!


    Wasn''t this pushing the students into a fiery pit of suffering!?


    President Wu! How brave would you need to be to do what you did!?


    The old Professor Yan Jiantao''s expression sank as he voiced his displeasure, "President Wu. I strongly oppose the appointment of this person as a lecturer!"


    Zhang Ye looked at him, but did not say a thing.


    Wu Zeqing said amiably, "Professor Yan, why do you oppose?"


    "He''s not suitable!" Yan Jiantao looked at Zhang Ye and shook his head slightly.


    Wu Zeqing calmly said, "Everyone, feel free to discuss. Why is he not suitable? Teacher Little Zhang was someone that I spent a lot of effort to invite over, so should you all at least give me a good reason?"


    Yan Jiantao thought to himself that this was not something that even needed a reason. He said, "I am not mixing this with emotions or bias, but let me ask, Little Zhang, how old are you?"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "23."


    Yan Jiantao acknowledged, "What is your area of study?"


    Zhang Ye smiled again, "Media College, broadcasting major."


    "What are your qualifications?" Yan Jiantao said without holding back.


    Zhang Ye shrugged indifferently, "Bachelor''s degree."


    Yan Jiantao looked over to Wu Zeqing, "President Wu, aren''t these reasons more than enough? To let a 20 something year old broadcast major, with only a bachelor''s degree, teach ''Appreciation of the ssics'', this must be a joke! Even if this is just an elective ss, you cannot handle it this way!" His tone was a little strong. This was because he was very qualified and had a lot of authority in the educational world. Amongst those present, only Professor Yan would dare to speak to President Wu this way. The others would never dare to.


    Wu Zeqing looked over and said, "Why not? As a professional broadcasting host, his eloquence is his strength. As a university lecturer, the point is not how much he knows, but how he is able to express this knowledge, so as to allow his students to understand. I already mentioned, this is also the reason why I did not invite Doctor Chen. However, Teacher Little Zhang has that ability. Anyone who has seen Teacher Little Zhang''s programs knows he doesn''t even need a script."


    Yan Jiantao paused, "I have to admit that Zhang Ye is very eloquent. Even amongst hosts, he has one of the most exceptional mouths, much less educators like us. No one in the education system can have someone better than Zhang Ye." Topete with an excellent professional host in eloquence was likeparing an author with a singer in singing. There was nothing worthparing due to their professional backgrounds. "However, the problem is eloquence is not everything. Especially in the Chinese department, one''s knowledge needs to be umted and consolidated. It''s not that I look down on young people, nor because I''m biased against other professions, but those are the facts. Zhang Ye''s umtion and consolidation is not enough for him to take on the role as lecturer!"


    Dean Chang Kaige also said, "It''s not really appropriate."


    Another Chinese department''s associate professor added, "Yes, the students would never agree."


    Wu Zeqing still had an elegant expression as she said, "My opinion ispletely the opposite of yours. Why do I think Teacher Little Zhang''s literary foundation has umted to a peak?" Then she looked at everyone else, "If anyone questions Teacher Zhang''s literary level, you can have an exchange, for examplepete in poetry? Orpete in essays? Or novels?" Then she asked Zhang Ye, "How about it?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m fine with that."


    Wu Zeqing suggested, "Then why don''t you all have an exchange?"


    Chang Kaige, "����"


    Yan Jiantao, "����"


    The associate professor, "����"


    Everyone here were oldrades involved in academics, literature, and history, but when faced with President Wu''s request, no one dare to say more!


    Have an exchange with him?


    Exchange my ass!


    They were only involved in the research of literature and history, asionally writing papers, n some lessons, and teaching students, but when it came to writing poems and novels, of course they knew better than to shame themselves. How could theypare to Zhang Ye, whose novels sold in the millions! His poems were also popr throughout the country! Even some domestic famous writers had publicly said that they liked Zhang Ye''s works very much! What''s there then to even exchange?!


    No one dared topete with Zhang Ye in such things!


    Everyone knew that in this regard, they would definitely not be able to keep up with him!


    Yan Jiantao changed the subject, "I''m talking about consolidation, not one''s standard in poetry, but the exposure and absorption of literature and famous works��"


    Wu Zeqing interrupted, "Professor Yan, have you watched ''Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms''?"


    "Er��" Yan Jiantao choked once again and did not say a word for a long while.


    The others also looked at each other. Right, they had forgotten about this. "Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" was one of the representative works of Zhang Ye. Its ratings had been acknowledged by the market.


    Zhen Shuquan followed up, "I have also seen a few episodes of ''Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms''. The material discussed in it are not bad, but many of it is still disputable. They are hypotheses that most schrs have notpletely concluded orpletely verified by history. However, they were all mentioned in Zhang Ye''s program. From a certain point of view, yes, the program attracts themon people, because the angle of analysis is very novel, but to put it through the process of academic rigor, that would not do. As a variety historical program, it''s a good program, but to be used as an academic lecture, then there will be some disagreement."


    Yan Jiantao nodded his head solemnly, "A school is different from TV. TV is all about ratings, and will do something attention-grabbing. However, a school and a lecturer is all about rigor. We cannot teach students things that have not been agreed upon. This is leading them astray."


    Previously, Zhang Ye remained silent. However, at this point, he no longer pretended he did not hear those words. He smiled and said, "I can''t agree with what the two of you said. Firstly, I don''t think my ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms'' is in any waycking in rigor. If you think there''s something, you can raise it and we can discuss it. Secondly, I agree that academia has to be rigorous. However, rigor does not mean things that have not been confirmed cannot be taught. Aren''t those unsolved mathematical conjectures still being mentioned? No one has solved them. Is that considered not being academically rigorous? Thosews of physics were not given reasonable exnations and experimental proof a long time ago, but they objectively existed. Were those people who came up with thesews and hypotheses not being rigorous? I don''t think so. Academia is a process of analysis, assertions, and conclusions. I am a host. I know what should not be said either. I also know what should be said on TV and what should be said in ss. If something is not confirmed or still a spection, I will inform the students before hand, and would not impose my ideas on them."


    Zhang Ye said all these words in neither a haughty or humble manner. He was being logical and well-grounded.


    Wu Zeqing nodded her head gently while beside him, "Teacher Little Zhang has hosted so many excellent programs in the past. He has a sense of propriety, so it is probably unnecessary to be worried that he will lead the students astray."


    A young associate professor rolled his eyes in his heart. You know what should be said? Bullsh*t! If you really knew, you would not have topped the SARFT''s "cklist" this year!


    Another person raised an objection.


    "If we hire Zhang Ye, his ss schedule cannot be guaranteed, right?"


    "Little Zhang can guarantee it for these two weeks. You can just treat him as a substitute teacher."


    "What about next semester? If he busies himself with his hosting, our school��"


    "We can talk about it next semester. Let''s consider the students'' response first. If the students'' reaction to his teaching is not ideal, I will invite someone else."


    "President Wu, I still think it''s inappropriate. This semester only has a few days left. We will soon be having the examinations. Unless Zhang Ye arranges for ss everyday, with one lecture a day, or else��"


    "The reason why I found Teacher Zhang is because of this point. I also hope that he can teach a lesson a day. I heard that Teacher Little Zhang can go off-script and record more than ten episodes a day. I believe it would not be difficult for him to teach for more than ten consecutive days even without a lesson n?"


    This time, without Zhang Ye speaking, Wu Zeqing had rebutted them.


    The rest of the Chinese department were turning more and more speechless.


    Finally, Wu Zeqing said, "Alright, everyone let''s take a vote. Those who disagree with letting Zhang Ye teach, please raise your hands."


    Old Professor Yan Jiantao raised his hand.


    Chang Kaige and Zhen Shuquan looked at each other, but did not move.


    Amongst the rest, there were another three people from the Chinese department who raised their hands to be against it.


    Actually, the rest also disagreed with ayman like Zhang Ye. In academia, one''s pedigree was also very important. Furthermore, with Zhang Ye''s national notoriety, everyone did not like him. However, they did not raise their hands because there was no other way. President Wu had clearly intended on giving Zhang Ye the spot. Even if they raised their hands in objection, it would not do a thing. President Wu had the right to veto!


    Wu Zeqing smiled, "Alright, then it''s settled. Little Zhang, I''ll bring you around to help you familiarize yourself with the ssroom and students. We will see how you do from tomorrow onwards."


    Zhang Ye dered in a solemn manner, "I will not let you down."


    Yan Jiantao was still in disagreement, "President Wu, about this matter��"


    Wu Zeqing nced at him, "Then why don''t you take over ''Appreciation of the ssics''?"


    Yan Jiantao turned silent, "��I do not have much research in that field, and I don''t have the time."


    "Then hand it to Teacher Little Zhang. He is the most suitable candidate I can think of!" As she said that, Wu Zeqing did not lose her grace in any way, but her tone turned strong, "If you have any opinion, keep it to yourself. However, I hope that when Teacher Zhang starts work tomorrow, everyone will work with him. After all, Little Zhang is new here, so there are many things he will need your help with." After looking at her watch, Wu Zeqing''s expression turned mild as she smiled, "Alright, let''s end the meeting."


    No one said a thing as they got up and walked away.


    Wu Zeqing stretched out her hands at Zhang Ye, "Wee to Peking University."


    Zhang Ye shook President Wu''s hands in a serious fashion, "It''s my pleasure."

 Chapter 295: The Excited Peking University Students!

    <h4>Chapter 295: The Excited Peking University Students! </h4>


    Chapter 295: The Excited Peking University Students!


    Downstairs.


    Chinese department in the school campus.


    While Wu Zeqing and Zhang Ye were walking downstairs, they had already discussed hispensation and ss schedules. There was nothing to haggle over, since the process went very smoothly.


    "Little Zhang, have you decided on what you want to teach?"


    "Not yet, but I have a rough idea."


    "Oh, anyway the sybus is up to you. I trust you will do it well."


    "Definitely. I mainly want tomunicate with the studentster. I want to see what sort of lessons they would like to have. If I''m lecturing, I definitely want to find something that can incur their interests. If not, even if I were to lecture till the flowers bloom, and feel good about it myself, it would be meaningless. The main point is that the students must be interested in listening to me."


    "It''s good that you have such thoughts. Come, I''ll bring you to the ssroom."


    Next to the garden, they headed towards the ssrooms. On the way, Wu Zeqing even made a phone call to get things done.


    ����


    8 something.


    The P.A. system rang.


    On campus, in the field, along the corridors, an announcement red repeatedly.


    "Notice: ''Appreciation of the ssics'' elective ss students. Please gather at Building 2''s lecture theater. Kindly pass on the message!"


    As it was still the 2nd of January, there were no sses scheduled for the Year 2 and 3 students. Only a portion of the Year 1 students had sses. Some people were currently preparing for sses and some were resting in their dormitories, while there were also others who had not yet returned from their holidays. When the announce was made, many of those who heard it ignored it as it did not concern them. Only the handful of the Chinese department students who were registered for ''Appreciation of the ssics'' elective pricked their ears.


    Yao Mi had just finished breakfast and was at the field ying badminton with a few others.


    "Eh? The announcement is for us!" Li Ying said in surprise.


    Li Li was wondering, "What''s the matter? Go to the lecture theater?"


    Yao Mi smiled as she swung her badminton racket returning the ball, "Do you still need to ask? It''s definitely about the new teacher. We no longer need to be raised by a ''step-mother''."


    The few of them stopped ying and sat down to catch their breaths.


    Li Li said, "What kind of a teacher do you think it will be?"


    Yao Mi spected, "It must be an old Professor who has no hair. Otherwise, it might also be an olddy with a head full of white hair. The teachers from the Chinese department are all like that."


    Li Ying said happily, "They''ve finally managed to get that old person over."


    Yao Mi''s dorm mate beside her, a girl also said, "Yea, our chance of flunking this elective ss is now much lower. At least we will have a teacher who can let us know what we will be tested on."


    Around the campus, many others also heard the announcement.


    "They''re talking to us!"


    "A new teacher has arrived?"


    "The sses are starting so soon already?"


    "That won''t happen. Today''s probably just a meet up session to get to know each other. I guess the lessons will start tomorrow. Let''s go take a look."


    "It must be another old man, so it''s going to be dull."


    "We still have to go, he''ll be the one who decides our elective credit."


    ����


    On the west side of Building 2 on campus.


    At the lecture theater, students were making their way in.


    The lecture theater was notrge. It looked like it could amodate, at most, 150 people, but the number of students who had registered for the course only numbered around 120, including all students from every batch. Of course, if youpared it to other schools, 120 was a lot for an elective course, but at Peking University, this was not arge number. Since it was not a popr elective course, the people who registered for it were mainly those who wanted something simple, easy to get through, and score well.


    Other than those who had not returned to school, most of the students for this course had arrived. The front row of the lecture theater was a restricted zone, so no one sat there. Everyone had gathered towards the back of the lecture hall, chatting amongst themselves while waiting for their mysterious new teacher to appear.


    "Still not here?"


    "It''s not 9AM yet."


    "Wanna y a round of cards?"


    "Come on, we''ll get caught again by the new teacher."


    At the other side, Yao Mi took out her cellphone and browsed the web. She couldn''t help but say disappointedly, "Why has the broadcast not returned yet!? I''m getting impatient!"


    The girl asked, "What broadcast is returning?"


    Yao Mi replied, "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show."


    Li Ying said in an interested manner, "ssmate Little Mi, you watch Zhang Ye''s programs too?"


    "You are the Little Mi! Your whole damn family are Little Mis!" Yao Mi scolded. Then she replied, "Of course I watch them. I''ve watched the first few episodes over 3 or 4 times in a row. Zhang Ye is so funny!"


    A senior that they did not know that was also seated beside them added, "Yes, yes. That Zhang Ye''s mouth is damn wicked!"


    Yao Mi looked over, "Right? I''ve been refreshing so many times!"


    That senior said, "Me too, but I think we have to wait until the Lunar New Year is over. Didn''t you watch the news? The SARFT hasn''t reinstated Zhang Ye as a host. He can''t broadcast anything yet."


    Li Li said, "Yao Mi, didn''t you say that your dad knows Zhang Ye while we were eating diner the other day? I watch his Talk Show too, when will it be broadcasted again?"


    The senior''s eyes lit up, "Your dad knows Zhang Ye?"


    Yao Mi replied, "Of course, they have a good rtionship."


    "So who''s your dad?" Li Ying asked, "I still have no idea."


    Yao Mi smiled and said, "You wouldn''t know even if I told you all."


    Li Ying rolled his eyes, "Don''t tell us if you don''t wish to, butpared to the Talk Show, I prefer Zhang Ye''s ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms''. Did you all watch it too?"


    Li Li said, "Professor Wang had previously given us the assignment to watch it, everyone should have watched it."


    It might be hard to say for other courses, but in ''Appreciation of the ssics'' ss, no one had not heard of Zhang Ye. In fact, no one did not know about his works. Professor Wang had only managed to conduct two sses this semester and after the 2nd lecture, he had rmended 7 books and 2 television programs as course materials to everyone. One of these was Zhang Ye''s ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms''.


    An ancient ssic.


    It was basically just those few books, so of course the Three Kingdoms, being so important was one of them.


    When the subject of this came up, Yao Mi shook her head and said, "Look at ''Lecture Room'' now, what the heck is going on? When Zhang Ye created this program back then, he was in charge of the nning and hosting and look at how well he spoke. The ratings were through the roof, but look at what happened to ''Lecture Room'' now? The professionals and professors they invited, they aren''t even a tenth of what Zhang Ye was!"


    Li Ying concurred, "That''s true. Those professors make me speechless. They just hold a script and stand there, reciting whatever is on it, yet the audience still apuds? It''s obviously staged! When Zhang Ye used to lecture, when did he ever need a script? Did he lower his head once to read from a script? The difference is too obvious and the key point is that they all can''t speak as well as Zhang Ye. Making those long speeches and being uninteresting, such a good program has been destroyed by those so-called professionals and professors. The current ratings can''t evenpare to a quarter of Zhang Ye''s ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms''?"


    A junior seated at the back added, "Right, without Zhang Ye, BTV-Arts has be a failure."


    Yet another 3rd Year senior saidughingly, "Zhang Ye''s program makes the audience feel that it was cleverly nned when they watch it. The program had a lot of unique and creative points, but yet the core of the program is not those points, but Zhang Ye himself. This time Beijing Television Station''s killing of the donkey the moment it left the millstone backfired on them! Without Zhang Ye, ''Lecture Room'' is just a piece of dog shit. They thought with Zhang Ye''s paving of the road and setting up the tables for them, anyone else could achieve the same ratings? Now they should know what a joke they were! Without Zhang Ye, they are nothing! Talk Shows will be the same. So many copycats, but they will never be able to copy Zhang Ye''s style. The failure of ''Lecture Room'' was a strategic failure of Beijing Television Station. They basically did not understand that the irreceable factor of the program was not creativity, but rather Zhang Ye. And so it turned out that they removed the core of the program!"


    Yao Mi''s eyes lit up, "Senior, I totally agree with your words!"


    The senior said, "Right? If Zhang Ye was still at BTV-Arts Channel, I guess that ''Lecture Room'' would have totally suppressed all other programs."


    Another senior said, "I''m a little different as I''m not really too interested in Zhang Ye''s programs and just find them normal, but that temper of his, I like it too much. He''s so daring to scold!"


    Li Ying said with a tinge of fear, "Yea, he scolded the SARFT in the previous live broadcast and I was totally worried for him!"


    Li Li smiled bitterly saying, "Zhang Ye really dares to speak up."


    Yao Miughed heartily, "That''s Zhang Ye''s character, it really makes people like him!"


    Since they were just waiting, everyone chatted about the entertainment industry, each contributing their views.


    Gradually, some people noticed the time.


    "What time is it already?"


    "Why hasn''t the new teachere?"


    "Where''s the new teacher? I still have ss in a while."


    "Ah, they areing. Eh, look outside. Isn''t that person President Wu Zeqing? Why is President Wu here? Holy sh*t, it can''t be her being the substitute teacher, right?"


    Upon hearing this, everyone looked over.


    Wu Zeqing and a youth walked in one after another.


    "Are you serious?"


    "It''s impossible for President Wu to be a substitute. What sort of level is she at after all?"


    "Right, President Wu is also not a real academic. She was assigned to Peking University and once she gained experience, she might even be sent back to the Education Bureau as a district official. Hey, there''s someone behind President Wu. He''s wearing sunsses? Why does he look a bit familiar?"


    "Who is this person?"


    "Hey, he does look familiar now that you mention it!"


    "New teacher? He can''t be that young, right?"


    "Yeah, he''s too young! What''s going on?"


    Yao Mi and Li Ying, Li Li were also puzzled.


    The next second, Wu Zeqing was already in the ssroom. She looked at the students and said gently, "Sorry for the wait. Due to his health problems, Professor Wang will not be able to continue teaching the ''Appreciation of the ssics'' elective ss anymore. Due to this, the school has invited a new teacher for everyone. He is also a famous new teacher!"


    No one was surprised that Professor Wang was not teaching anymore.


    But, a new teacher? And a famous new teacher?


    Wu Zeqing''s words made all the students in the ssroom anticipate. In what sense was he famous? Authoritative in the field? A leading Professor in the field?


    The mystery was unveiled!


    Wu Zeqing turned her head sideways as a young man walked in. She introduced, "Please give him a warm round of apuse. This is your new teacher, Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye stood at the podium and slowly took off his sunsses, "Hello everyone."


    Instantly, the ssroom went silent, before shouts of disbelief roared out from students!


    "Ah!"


    "Holy sh*t!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s really motherf**king Zhang Ye!"


    "How''s that possible!? Am I seeing things?"


    "Zhang Ye is our new teacher?"


    Screams!


    Shock!


    Disbelief!


    All the Peking University students were worked up!

 Chapter 296: Peking University’s Students’ Questions!

    <h4>Chapter 296: Peking University��s Students�� Questions! </h4>


    Chapter 296: Peking University''s Students'' Questions!


    In the lecture theater, everyone''s blood was boiling with excitement!


    "How could it be Zhang Ye?!" a junior shouted.


    A senior had her mouth hanging in disbelief, "Oh my God! The school has really invited Zhang Ye?"


    Li Ying grabbed his forehead in his palms, "When did our Peking University be so open minded about things?"


    Li Li was both excited and shocked, "Inviting a singer to teach music at a university, inviting a movie star to be a teacher for performing arts, such cases have happened before many times. They were all invited because of their qualifications. Those were the ones who really had more experience in their field than any university professors, so it was eptable that they taught such courses. But! Inviting a broadcast major who works as a host to teach us the appreciation of famous ssical works? There''s no link at all! This is a first of its kind of case to happen in the country!"


    Yao Mi nearly jumped up, "Holy hell!"


    The other Peking University students were also staring with their eyes wide open!


    ����


    Outside.


    Screams could be heard along the corridor outside the lecture theater!


    The Chinese department Dean, Chang Kaige had arrived with a few other teachers from the department. Actually, he did not want toe as he was not interested in Zhang Ye, but President Wu had personally brought Zhang Ye to meet the students, so as the Dean, he had no choice but to be present as well. Besides, honestly speaking, "Appreciation of the ssics" was a big potential problem that needed someone urgently to fill in for Professor Wang. Otherwise, how would the students take the uing exams? Whether he would be up to the task or not, they needed someone to fill the hole first. Since President Wu had already decided on Zhang Ye, he of course, would go along with the decision!


    But he had never thought that Zhang Ye would be so popr.


    When we took on our first sses, why weren''t the students this excited!?


    Chang Kaige frowned as he looked towards the lecture theater in the distance. The other teachers, who had found out about Zhang Ye being the new teacher, also heard themotion and were at a loss whether tough or cry. Other than a middle-aged person, whose eyes showed some interest towards Zhang Ye, the others did not think well of him. They felt that the school was taking this matter too lightly in appointing that broadcasting host guy. How could someone who does entertainment programs deliver a good ss for such a subject?!


    Most of the teachers were very dismissive of Zhang Ye. This was the pride of an academic. They admitted that Zhang Ye had some literary qualities, but did not agree to his appointment into the academic industry.


    Contrary to their opinions, a majority of Peking University''s students were very weing of Zhang Ye.


    This was a difference of perspective and also a generation gap issue. Even though they were Peking University students, they were still young people. They could ept and even liked novelties. The teachers who taught them were all old men or old women. They had already gotten sick of it. This time, the teacher was someone who was only a few years older and a celebrity, most of the students weed this change. Their instincts were that this would be too much fun and too interesting! As to whether Teacher Zhang Ye could really teach this ss well? Whether he could really take over from Professor Wang? At least right now, they did not care!


    "President Wu."


    "President Wu."


    Chang Kaige had brought the other teachers inside.


    Wu Zeqing nodded her head, "You are all here? Oh? Hur Hur, Why is Professor Zheng here too? I heard you were busy with a publication of a paper?"


    The 40 something or 50 something year old Professor Zheng said with a smile, "I heard Zhang Ye was here. I got interested so I came to take a look. I''ve had some interaction with Little Zhang on Weibo before, he''s a rather interesting guy." He taught historical subjects in the Chinese department and was a professor of rather high prestige. His qualifications were only second to Yan Jiantao.


    The few teachers at the back looked at Professor Zheng and wondered why he would take time off toe see such an unreliable new teacher. They knew that the morning meeting was to decide on the appointment of the new teacher, but Professor Zheng had excused himself saying that he had to finish writing his paper and did not have time, but within just an hour, he had made his way here. From the looks of it, Professor Zheng knew Zhang Ye.


    In the lecture theater, the students were still amazed!


    Chang Kaige helped Zhang Ye to take control of the ss, "Everyone, quiet down. Listen to Zhang Ye��.Teacher Zhang Ye speak." Although he was not satisfied with Zhang Ye, he still deferred to Zhang Ye in front of the students.. At least he wouldn''t show his distrust of Zhang Ye to the students. Otherwise, Zhang Ye would never be able to start his teaching work at all.


    The Dean was rather authoritative as the students stopped their discussions and shouting. They sat there quietly.


    Zhang Ye looked to President Wu and Chang Kaige, "President Wu, Dean Chang?"


    Wu Zeqing waved as she smiled and led Chang Kaige, the other teachers and professors to the empty seats at the front row, "This is your ss and also the first time you are meeting your students. Don''t bother with us." They were here to wee their new colleague and to help the new teacher take control of his ss. Students nowadays were getting more and more rowdy. Even Peking University had students like that. People, who gained admission into Peking University, were considered clever, but the more clever a child was, the more rebellious they were. So to prevent a teacher from being overrun by such student bullying, President Wu had invited them over. In the past, just having Chang Kaige or a professor who was authoritative would do the trick, but as Zhang Ye''s situation was a little special, President Wu had alsoe down herself. This could be considered a special privilege that few had received.


    But it seemed like their worries had been in vain. The students seemed to wee Zhang Ye, even more weing than what they received in their time.


    Zhang Ye only said, "Alright."


    The Peking University students all looked at him without being distracted.


    Zhang Ye was not frightened by this and smiled saying, "Let me first introduce myself. Maybe some of you know me, some of you don''t. My name is Zhang Ye, I will be your lecturer from now on for ''Appreciation of the ssics''. Those who have watched my programs before should know that I am a straightforward person and don''t like to beat around the bush. So for my ss, I won''t have too many rules. Anyone can freely raise questions during ss and you can also look for me after ss if there''s anything you don''t understand. You can even be absent for ss and I will be fine with that��.but of course, any consequences will be borne by you!"


    "Pfft!"


    "Hur Hur Hur."


    Many of the students were tickled!


    Your sister! What do you mean it''s fine even if we don''te to ss!? Isn''t that not fine!?


    Dean Chang Kaige looked at Zhang Ye. This Zhang Ye really does know how to liven up a situation, but it wasn''t a surprise since he''s already a Talk Show host to begin with. His oratorical skills would definitely be much stronger than them, being traditional academic teachers and professors.


    Professor Zheng watched with great interest.


    A new teacher''s first interaction with students was a very important event. Not only would you have to convey your teaching style and specialty, you would also have to build a good rtionship with them. The first impressions would dictate whether a student would trust you or respect you as a new teacher. This was not down to how famous or well known you were, but how you impressed them with your knowledge and how you carried yourself. If you couldn''t impress them, then the students would not respect you. You would cast doubt in their hearts and definitely affect your teaching quality.


    It''s not easy to be a good university lecturer. This was not the same as being a good host. One focused on entertaining, the other focused on educating. In that, there''s already a huge difference. This was no longer junior or high school anymore. The students were not so easy to control. Do you think a student could be controlled if you just stared hard at them? This was a university, Peking University! It would be easy if a teacher could use staring alone to control the students. So, at this important first meeting, the teachers had wanted to know what Zhang Ye would do. Thinking back, there was a new teacher, who had just arrived at Peking University, and was nearly embarrassed by a student.


    Zhang Ye''s approach was very simple. He said to everyone, "I know some of you still have ssester, so for this interaction, I would like to do it in a Q & A style. It would be faster and would speed up our understanding of each other. Alright, there are 5 chances, anyone can ask any question. I will answer every one of them."


    "Really?"


    "Me, me!"


    "I have a question!"


    A lot of students had raised their hands!


    Yao Mi, Li Ying and Li Li all had their hands up!


    Everyone''s enthusiasm was evident. Any Q & A by a new teacher in the past was never met with such intensity. This was because the students were too curious about this legendary person and Zhang Ye was different from those professors or teachers, who were so rigid. This sort of novelty was something they were experiencing for the first time, so naturally they were also very enthusiastic.


    Yao Mi''s hands waved in a very big motion and she was nearly standing up by now.


    Zhang Ye also noticed this girl, not someone very pretty, with a very average face or even below average, but she had a very special feature that would make people remember her once they saw her. Her eyes and brows gave off an aura that looked very familiar to Zhang Ye, like she was an old friend of his. On top of that, he had seen her earlier today during breakfast and gotten most of his news from her conversation with her friends.


    "That student." Zhang Ye pointed towards Yao Mi, "The girl with the pigtails."


    Yao Mi suddenly smiled and stood up, saying, "Hello Teacher Zhang. My question is, do you have a girlfriend yet?"


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    A few people, who had watched Zhang Ye''s Talk Show before, were now raising amotion.


    Chang Kaige was silently shaking his head at the sort of question.


    Zhang Yeughed, "Then I shall answer you seriously, not at the moment."


    Yao Mi sat back down satisfied.


    "Next question, that student." Zhang Ye said to Li Ying, who was seated beside Yao Mi.


    Li Ying stood up, "Teacher Zhang Ye, may we know why you came to Peking University to teach?"


    Zhang Ye put on a serious face and answered, "Peking University is an educational institute that I have always admired. It''s also the best institution in our country, so toe here to teach has always been my wish and honor. Thanks to President Wu''s high appraisal of me, she has granted my wish to teach here��" Several teachers and professors lightly nodded but then Zhang Ye suddenly changed his tone, "Of course, what I just said was all fake." Seeing the students, teachers and professors all stunned, Zhang Ye said, "The truth is, my hosting qualifications have been revoked by the SARFT for about half a month and I have no job now!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, I can''t take it anymore!"


    "Teacher Zhang really dares to speak!"


    The students were stunned for a while before theirughters filled the lecture theater!


    After hearing his words, Wu Zeqing also could not help but break out into a little smile.


    Professor Zheng was tickled. This Teacher Little Zhang was really an interesting person!


    Chang Kaige and the department teachers were all pping their foreheads, silent and speechless. What did you mean by you came here to teach because you had no job! Can''t you just say something fitting for the situation?! Witnessing all of this, many of those present had a feeling that Zhang Ye was treating this ss as the scene of his Talk Show! Are you filming a program or are you teaching, but they also had to admit that under such an atmosphere, the students had been stirred up and the rtionship between the lecturer and them had be closer!

 Chapter 297: A Different Peking University Teacher!

    <h4>Chapter 297: A Different Peking University Teacher! </h4>


    Chapter 297: A Different Peking University Teacher!


    In ss.


    The students were in high spirits!


    "Me!"


    "I have a question!"


    "It''s my turn!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, here, here!"


    It was time for the third question, and there were only three questions left. The chance to ask was decreasing, so no one wanted to ask something trivial. This was Peking University, and they were students of Peking University. They had some pride in them, and did not want to be belittled by Zhang Ye. ording to their own practices, not the school''s, they had to slightly deliberately make things difficult for their teachers. They also wanted to see if this legendary new teacher really had the ability. They wanted to know if the inte and television had been exaggerated in boasting about his prowess.


    A few third-year students raised their hands high up!


    Zhang Ye scanned downwards and pointed at someone, "Let''s have this student."


    The Junior-year student, with a mustache on both sides of his mouth, chuckled while standing up.


    "Why did he call him?" Yao Mi pited, "If he dares to make things difficult for Teacher Zhang, I''ll not let him off! Teacher Zhang is my father''s good friend!"


    There were people engaging in whispers.


    "Hehe, Teacher Zhang will be put in a difficult spot."


    "Right, this senior''s questions aren''t easily answered."


    "Didn''t he infuriate the new teacherst time?"


    "Senior Zhou, others would be okay, but don''t make it difficult for Teacher Zhang. He is a nice person."


    There were students who liked Zhang Ye and were very supportive of him, but there were also some who were unconvinced. For example, Senior Zhou. Of course, he did not really n on doing anything, he just found it fun. Zhang Ye was now pretty famous, so if he could stumble Zhang Ye with a question, he would be famous too.


    Chang Kaige nced at the student. He also knew him. He was quite a troublemaker in the department. He had past records in the department, where he made things difficult for the teachers, and was not very obedient.


    Senior Zhou blinked, "Teacher Zhang, can I ask any question?"


    Zhang Ye nodded, "Yes, anything will do."


    Senior Zhou paused before saying, "Alright then. Hur Hur. My question is if your wife and your mother fell into a river at the same time, who would you save first?"


    The moment everyone heard this, they were speechless!


    What sort of crappy question was that!? There was no solution! And it was overused!


    Chang Kaige and a few teachers from the department frowned. Indeed, this trouble-making student was too disobedient. He was deliberately doing this!


    Then Senior Zhou said, "This isn''t just some random question, Teacher Zhang. Since you will be in charge of teaching us literature, and answering our doubts, then this question is also considered a literary challenge from a certain point of view. Can you give us an answer? Don''t answer with things like you don''t have a wife."


    Zhang Ye did not mind this sort of questions, and instead said, "I can answer this question, but you need to first answer my question before I can answer you."


    Senior Zhou said, "If I answer, you will give me an answer?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes."


    Senior Zhou did not hesitate, "Alright then, as long as it''s not that question, any would do."


    "Hur Hur, don''t worry, it''s definitely not the same question. My question is��" Zhang Ye looked at him and said, "Your wife is pregnant, but hasplications during childbirth, would you save your wife or the child?"


    Senior Zhou said it matter-of-factly, "Is there a need to ask? Of course I''ll save the adult!"


    Zhang Ye carried on, "Then at that moment, what if your mother jumps into the water, insisting that you save the child?"


    Upon hearing this question, Senior Zhou nearly vomited blood. Pfft! Go to hell!


    The surrounding students also burst out inughter upon hearing this!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyah, that''s a divine question!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s brain moves too fast!"


    "This question is ten thousand times harder than the question of your mother or wife jumping into the river!"


    "I have a feeling that this question will rece the question of mother and wife jumping into the river, and be a brand new divine question that gives men nightmares!"


    "Haha, I''ve remembered this question. I will ask my boyfriend this in the future!"


    Professor Zeng alsoughed.


    Amongst the few teachers, who had their reservations about Zhang Ye, two of them could not help butugh. This question had indeed amused them.


    Senior Zhou knew this was not a matter about answering the question. He had been ridiculed by Zhang Ye. He had wanted to bring Zhang Ye down a peg, but who knew that he ended up being teased. With a gloomy expression, his heart convinced, so he sat down ashamed. He finally understood that Zhang Ye was the real deal. For him as a student to try to beat a talk show host in eloquence was him being overconfident.


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Time for the fourth question?"


    Immediately, there were countless number of people who voluntarily raised up their hands.


    "You then, the one in yellow." Zhang Ye pointed to a person.


    This was a Junior-year female senior. She was good in her studies and was one of the top students, even in Peking University. She was well-liked by her teachers, and she was well known amongst the students. However, this bespectacled girl had a problem. She liked to dwell on a problem, and was a cultural hipster. She liked to ask teachers technical questions, stunning them without any forewarning, hence the teachers both loved and hated her.


    "It''s Senior Song."


    "Man, this question will probably be profound!"


    "That''s right, Senior Song has the nickname of "Half a Teacher" in Peking University."


    "This is the first time Teacher Zhang is meeting us. Please don''t ask too serious a question."


    The students were full of opinions.


    Chang Kaige looked at the girl and smiled faintly. He apparently recognized her, and liked her a lot. She was someone worthy of being nurtured in the department.


    Professor Zeng knew this person even more, because Senior Song was a student of his History department.


    Senior Song stood up and nudged her spectacle frames with a deadpan expression. The moment she spoke, she said bluntly, "Teacher Zhang Ye, forgive me for saying, but I have doubts about your literary attainments!"


    There was an uproar all around!


    "As expected of Senior Song!"


    "Holy sh*t, this is too direct!"


    "Is there a need to be so serious? Senior Song doesn''t have a sense of humor!"


    Zhang Ye found it quite interesting, "Oh? Go ahead and tell me, what causes these doubts of yours?"


    Senior Song nudged her spectacle frame again, "I will not talk about your other works, for I acknowledge them. However, although everyone says your ''This is also Everything'' has managed to repress Teacher Wang Shuixin''s ''Everything'', I do not actually agree. One is pessimistic, and one is optimistic. It is just a matter of different attitudes. No one is better than the other, but from your attitude and the discussions online, clearly, it is believed that your ''This is also Everything'' is much better than ''Everything'', belittling ''Everything'' too drastically. At least Teacher Wang Shuixin''s ''Everything'' has been put into textbooks before. Then does Teacher Zhang mean that you doubt the poems chosen by the educational textbooks'' appendix and the collective wisdom of seniors and professors in the educational world? Do you think the seniors of the education world have a problem in their vision?"


    This was a serious usation!


    Yao Mi eximed, "Senior Song is too damaging!"


    Li Li said in a flustered manner, "Does she have a grudge with Teacher Zhang?"


    "No, Senior Song has always been this type of person." Li Ying gave a wry smile.


    Wu Zeqing did not interrupt. She just sat there silently.


    Professor Zeng interjected, "Little Song, how can you say such things?"


    Chang Kaige also felt that this student was eager to learn, but was a bit too radical. She was not tactful and amodating. She even used a teacher? Hai, there was really nothing they could do about her.


    On the other hand, there were other students were were taking pleasure at his misfortune, and were waiting to see how Zhang Ye handled the matter.


    Senior Song was very respectful to Professor Zeng. After hearing him cut herself off, she sat down, "Then that''s all I have to say. Teacher Zhang, you can treat it as if I didn''t ask."


    Zhang Ye was not mad, but instead smiled, "This student, I do not know where you have seen me give such an opinion, saying that I belittled ''Everything''? That I doubt the educational world''s seniors? Challenging the academic experts who produce textbooks?"


    Everyone knew Teacher Zhang Ye was beginning to smoothen things out. He definitely could not assent to those usations, or he would offend too many people.


    "Right."


    "Teacher Zhang has never said such a thing."


    Yao Mi andpany began to speak out.


    But of all things, Zhang Ye''s next sentence dumbfounded everyone, "Did I say those words? I definitely have not! Of course, I have never said those words before. If there were such words, it was not said by me, but now, I want to iterate again, yes! I am belittling Wang Shuixin''s ''Everything''! I am indeed questioning those academic experts who decide on a textbook! Even if it was in an appendix, this poem is not qualified enough!"


    Everyone was stunned!


    Even Senior Song opened her mouth!


    No one expected Zhang Ye to say such a thing!


    Chang Kaige said in worry, "Teacher Little Zhang!"


    Wu Zeqing tugged at Dean Chang, "Let us listen on. Hur Hur, this is Teacher Zhang''s ss."


    A teacher from the department said, "But he��"


    Wu Zeqing interrupted, "In the field of poetry, Teacher Zhang Ye is a true expert. Others do not have the qualifications to say such anything, but Teacher Zhang Ye has."


    Seeing everyone in chaos, Zhang Ye was not surprised, "Why would I dare say such a thing? This is because Wang Shuixin''s ''Everything'' has a problem. There are structural and textual problems existing within it!"


    Senior Song stood up angrily again, "Regardless of his character, I love all of Teacher Wang Shuixin''s poems. I can''t pretend that I didn''t hear what you just said!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said at an appropriate speed, "Do you still remember his poem?"


    "Of course!" Senior Song began to recite it.


    "Everything is fated."


    "Everything is unreal."


    "Everything has no end."


    "Everything has no home to return."


    "Every happiness doesn''te with a smile."


    "Every suffering doesn''t have tears."


    "Every past is in the dreams."


    "Every faithes with longing."


    "Every burst is preceded by moments of silence."


    "Every death has a prolonged echo!"


    Zhang Ye shook his head. He really did not think highly of Wang Shuixin''s ''Everything'', nor did he find it very good. Truthfully, he didn''t even like his world''s ''Everything'' from Beidao. However, not liking it was subjective. "Everything" was one of Beidao''s representative works. There was naturally no bones to pick in terms of literary content. Despite it not being as famous as "This is also Everything", Beidao''s "Everything" was also a ssic masterpiece that had been immortalized!


    Notice, this is Beidao''s "Everything" and not that of Wang Shuixin''s!


    Zhang Ye held onto the podium and began reciting, "If it were me, I wouldpose it as��"


    Everyone focused their attentions. Teacher Zhang wasposing another poem again? And it was another on-the-spot piece of work? Everyone listened in earnestly! This was because Zhang Ye''s poems were too famous!


    Professor Zeng also pricked up his ears.


    Senior Song looked disapprovingly at him.


    Zhang Ye breathed out and then used a calm, yet somewhat dejected voice to recite:


    "All fates are destined."


    "All clouds are fleeting."


    "All beginnings are without endings."


    "All searches are brief."


    "Every happiness doesn''te with a smile."


    "Every suffering doesn''t have tears."


    "Allnguages are repetitive."


    "All rtionships are first encounters."


    "All love is within hearts."


    "All past is in the dreams."


    "All hope carries a note."


    "Every faithes with longing."


    "Every burst is preceded by moments of silence."


    "All death�� has a prolonged echo."


    The sentences were changed, a bit of wording had been changed, and there were a few more lines!


    After Zhang Ye finished reciting, the ssroom went silent!


    Wu Zeqing''s eyes lit up as she looked seriously at Zhang Ye.


    After Chang Kaige relished the moment, his expression turned into that of surprise!


    Even if the other Chinese department teachers taught History, they also had a certain level of understanding in literature. The moment they heard it, they were stunned as they looked at each other. President Wu had previously said that in the realm of poetry, Zhang Ye was a true expert. He really had the qualifications to say these words!


    The two versions of "Everything" could not bepared in any way!


    It was not each having its merits, but the difference between heaven and earth!


    There were a few Peking University students who did not understand. They were blinking. The two poems were about the same?


    But there were a few students who could tell the great difference. They all gasped. It sounded simr, but if one scrutinized it in detail, this gap was motherf**king huge!


    Zhang Ye smiled and asked Senior Song, "Student, now what do you think about my ''Everything'' against Wang Shuixin''s ''Everything''?"


    Senior Song was already stunned. After taking a few deep breaths, she gave a bow of admiration and respect, "I was being libelous just now. Teacher Zhang, I apologize. Your ''Everything'', whenpared to Teacher Wang Shuixin''s ''Everything''��the literary value is many times better, and��ispletely not on the same level!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Thank you for your evaluation."


    Senior Song said, "I should be the one thanking you. I was the one who has been ignorant all this time. Now do I really know��that there are people beyond people and heavens beyond heavens. I will learn dutifully from you!"


    Zhang Ye lowered his hand, "We were just exchanging views, please take a seat."


    Yao Mi was stunned. Holy sh*t, a rigid straight As student like Senior Song was won over by Teacher Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye did not feelcent after reciting his poem. On the contrary, he appeared very impersonal. It was as if he had done a trivial thing and did not treat it seriously, "Alright then, time for thest question."


    At this moment, nearly the entire ss raised their hands!


    "Me! Me! Me!''


    "Call me!"


    Zhang Ye causally picked a person, "This person."


    It was an underssman. He gave off an obedient vibe as he stood up excitedly, "Teacher Zhang, what I want to ask is��Uh, actually I do not know if I should ask this."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "You can ask anything. There are no taboo questions in my ss."


    The underssman grit his teeth and bolstered his courage to say, "Then, I have seen all your programs. We have also heard about you on the news, and I do not believe that I''m the only one who is curious about your legendary experiences. You have cursed your unit, been put in reprimand, derided the SARFT, and even saved a fan. Many people evaluate you in different ways, but I especially want to know, what''s your evaluation of yourself? What sort of person do you think you are?"


    This question was very standard, but was also very difficult to answer.


    Zhang Ye thought for a second before gentlyughing. Seeing how all the students were watching him with unblinking eyes, he could not help but use the words from his world''s ''In Memory of Norman Bethune'' on himself. It was shameless boasting, yet subtle in every way, "My evaluation of myself is �� ''a noble-minded person, a pure person, a man of moral integrity, and above vulgar interests. A man who is of value to the people.'' Just that."


    A pure person?


    Above vulgar interests?


    Chang Kaige pondered deeply over it. The other teachers from the department also nodded their heads secretly. These words were a bit too boastful when used to describe oneself, but it was well said!


    This Zhang Ye''s eloquence was excellent!


    Zhang Ye pped his hands, "Alright, that will be all for today. We shall meet again tomorrow. As for the specific sybus, I will let everyone know in our next ss. I hope that we will have a joyful time together."


    Immediately, roaring apuse sounded out!


    Some pped! Some whistled!


    The students were already greatly anticipating the lessons from this new teacher and were also extremely excited for what they would learn tomorrow!


    It was too interesting!


    This new teacher was a little different from all the other Peking University teachers!

 Chapter 298: The ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’ that No One Dares to Teach!

    <h4>Chapter 298: The ��Dream of the Red Chamber�� that No One Dares to Teach! </h4>


    Chapter 298: The ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' that No One Dares to Teach!


    After 9.


    ss had ended.


    Zhang Ye was just about to leave with President Wu, as well as the department Dean. However, the moment he got off his podium, he was surrounded by students!


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Can I get an autograph!?"


    "Please take a picture with me! I''m your fan!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, I have a question about literature that I need to consult you about. Do you have time after ss? Can I treat you to lunch?"


    "I also want to consult you!"


    "I also have a huge question about literature!"


    More than half of the students left as many of them had other sses. The remaining students were all very passionate. There were both male and female, but mostly women, who were surrounding Zhang Ye, asked him all sorts of questions. Zhang Ye did not reject them. Although he said stuff like never again, he still gave his students their requested autographs. He did not agree to the pictures with them, since this was a college campus. President Wu andpany still had not left, so it was not appropriate to take photos.


    Wu Zeqing took a step out the auditorium in her heels and gave a gentle smile, "Let us leave first. There''s no need to wait for Little Zhang."


    Chang Kaige gave a few nces back before helplessly shaking his head, "To think they even want autographs. These students are really pushing it, and that Teacher Little Zhang, hai."


    Professor Zengughed, "This shows how popr Teacher Zhang is, for him to mingle well with his students."


    Chang Kaige gave a wry smile. Only when President Wu was far away did he nce at Professor Zeng and said, "Old Zheng, why do I have a premonition chaos will happen?"


    Professor Zeng said, "Letting Zhang Ye teach is also an experimental attempt of the school."


    Another department''s teacher said, "It''s already in chaos. Just his first meeting with his students and not even an actual ss, Teacher Little Zhang has already questioned the academic world''s choice of textbooks? Who knows what earth-shattering words he will say tomorrow when he officially begins teaching. I''m also worried. With Zhang Ye here, it would be difficult for our Peking University Chinese department to be peaceful. Everyone in this industry knows how daring that mouth of his is!"


    They walked away while discussing.


    Over here.


    After attending to the passionate students, Zhang Ye found an excuse to leave, but before walking far from the auditorium, he found someone tailing him. Oh? Wasn''t this the girl who asked the first question? He had seen her earlier at the food stall in the morning.


    As he came to a halt, Zhang Ye smiled, "Is there something wrong?"


    Yao Mi came forward with a cheerful smile, "Uncle Zhang."


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted and said, "Why did I be an Uncle? If you want to call me, you can call me Brother Zhang. I''m not that much older than all of you, so I''m not that old."


    Yao Mi chuckled, "But our generational hierarchy exists. You and my Dad call each other brother, so I can''t just blindly call you Brother. I definitely have to call you Uncle."


    Zhang Ye happened to find this girl who had very distinct characteristics, but not considered pretty very familiar, "Your father is��?"


    Yao Mi casually said, "My Dad is Yao Jiancai."


    "Heyo!" It suddenly dawned on Zhang Ye, "No wonder your eyes reminded me of an old friend! So you are Old Yao''s child. He had previously mentioned you to me, but never said you were in Peking University. Nice, Old Yao sure concealed it well. I didn''t expect him to have such a clever daughter. What''s your name?"


    Yao Mi said, "I''m Yao Mi."


    Zhang Ye said, "What year are you in?"


    Yao Mi said, "I''m going into my second year this year."


    Zhang Ye said, "Not bad. Find me if there''s anything you need."


    Yao Mi said, "Hehe, then my credits will be depending on Uncle Zhang."


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "I am new here. I don''t know how the exams work yet, and it''s not my call to make. However, if you listen to my sses well, I can guarantee you will receive the credit you deserve."


    "That''s all that matters." Yao Mi said.


    As they conversed, Zhang Ye suddenly thought of something important, "Oh, just nice. I wanted to chat with our ss'' students. What did Professor Wang teach in ''Appreciation of the ssics''st time?"


    Yao Mi recalled seriously, "It''s just some famous works, such as Three Kingdoms, or Water Margin, or Journey to the West, and some other famous ssics. Most of them are Chinese. The appreciation of foreign ssics is another ss and taught by other teachers, but then, that was what Professor Wang lectured in the past few years. This year, Professor Wang only held two sses and talked a bit about the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin, and that was it."


    Zhang Ye got some understanding of the situation, "Then what do wish to hear?"


    Yao Mi chuckled, "Isn''t your forte the Three Kingdoms?"


    "Other than Three Kingdoms? You don''t have to care if it''s my forte. Just tell me what the mainstream opinion of what you guys and the other ssmates want to hear? Which famous ssic are you interested in?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "About that��" Yao Mi licked her lips, "The most interested ssic would definitely be ''Dream of the Red Chamber''."


    Zhang Ye was surprised, "Oh? Everyone has simr views on this?"


    Yao Mi said, "At least for me. I really like ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' too much. The romance in it is too beautiful. Besides, not many people lecture on ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. Even Professor Wang has never taught it. I heard from a few seniors who had taken this ss that over the many years of teaching ''Appreciation of the ssics'', Professor Wang has at best, only mentioned the aplishments of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. However, there was no detailed lecture about it. When someone asked a crucial problem about ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', Professor Wang would also shrug it off, like he did not wish to talk about this ssic."


    Zhang Ye blinked, "Is that so. Alright, I got it."


    "Are you really going to lecture on ''Dream of the Red Chamber''? That would be great!" Yao Mi was looking forward to it.


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Not necessarily. I need to go back and think, and also prepare for it. Alright, go prepare for your other ss. I''ll be leaving."


    Yao Mi waved her hand, "Go busy yourself. Bye, Uncle Zhang."


    ����


    Downstairs.


    Chinese department in the school campus.


    Zhang Ye was preparing to return home. Tomorrow was the first day of sses, but he had not decided on what to teach yet, so he naturally had to go home to prepare.


    In a small garden.


    A middle-aged man was smoking and called out to him when he noticed Zhang Ye, "Teacher Little Zhang"


    Zhang Ye looked curiously over. He found him familiar, and he looked like one of the teachers who had sat in his ss in the first row with President Wu. "Hey, how do you do?"


    "Do you want a stick?" Professor Zeng handed him a cigarette.


    Zhang Ye took it and lit it up himself, "I just got hired here, so��Who are you?"


    Professor Zeng chuckled, "My surname is Zheng. I teach History, so you can just call me Old Zheng."


    Zhang Ye smiled, "I wouldn''t dare call Old Zheng. How do you do, Professor Zeng? You came here to smoke because you don''t have sses?"


    "No, I was waiting for you." Professor Zeng smiled, "We have interacted before on Weibo. Have you forgotten?"


    Zhang Ye was momentarily stunned before he smacked himself in the forehead, "I recall. Heh! So it was you! Back then, when my ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms'' was doubted by many, I have to thank you for your support." To those people who had helped him before, Zhang Ye naturally had a great impression of them. This person was the Peking University history professor who had a Weibo verified ount. He had personally posted on Weibo to support Zhang Ye. He had validated that "Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" was factual. Due to Professor Zeng''s authority, many people were alleviated of their doubts. Zhang Ye had always wanted to thank him.


    Professor Zeng took in another mouthful of smoke and said, "Back then, I mentioned that your historical standard was more than enough toe teach in a university. Indeed, I was not the only one with such thoughts. President Wu also thinks highly of you."


    Zhang Ye said, "This is all thanks to all of you."


    Professor Zeng asked curiously, "I heard President Wu only found you a day or two ago. You will have to start teaching tomorrow, and have to lecture for ten consecutive days. Are you ready?"


    Zhang Ye leaned on a flower railing, "I have some general ideas. I was nning on going home to prepare. I might even need to run to the library. Time is quite tight."


    "What will you be teaching?" Professor Zeng asked.


    Zhang Ye said, "It will provisionally be ''Dream of the Red Chamber''."


    Upon hearing this, Professor Zeng was stunned, "You want to teach ''Dream of the Red Chamber''?"


    Zhang Ye asked in wonder, "I suppose so. The students seem rearing to hear about it. Besides, Professor Wang has never taught this in the past. So with me taking over Professor Wang''s ss, I n on teaching something new."


    Professor Zengughed, "You sure are bold."


    Zhang Ye was confused, "What do you mean bold? ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' cannot be taught?"


    It''s not a banned book now, right!? ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' cannot be taught? This isn''t f**king ''Golden Lotus''!


    Professor Zeng snubbed his cigarette and threw it into a trashcan and said, "Do you really not know, or are you just ying the fool, Teacher Little Zhang? It''s not that ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' cannot be taught, it''s just few dare to teach it as it''s too difficult. Do you think only Professor Wang did not teach it? Watch those shows on TV, how many experts dare to talk about ''Dream of the Red Chamber''? And for the other colleges, there is basically a uniform tone. ording to what I know, not a single college in the country has a lecturer who dares to go into specifics about ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' with the students. Everyone avoids it if they can. Even if they talk about it, it would be a very tiny portion. Certain details, or even the main plot, are brushed aside. No one dares to give a detailed analysis, so slowly, there are no experts or professors who dare to touch it."


    Ah?


    Why wouldn''t they dare to?


    What''s wrong with the book?


    Zhang Ye was really clueless. In his world, "Dream of the Red Chamber" was the best amongst the Four Great ssical Novels. There were countless people teaching it. The most famous was "Liu Xinwu Exposes the Secrets of Dream of Red Chamber". There was also another follow up with Liu Xinwu talking about "The True Ending of the novel ''Dream of the Red Chamber''" on "Lecture Room". It had caused quite a controversy back in his world. The ratings were also on par with "Yi Zhongtian''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms".


    Professor Zeng looked at him and said, "Teacher Little Zhang, don''t take the risk. I''m not doubting your literary standards, but there is no way to lecture ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' in detail. Once you talk about it in detail, there will be problems, giving rise to doubts. Well, I teach History. My research towards the ancient ssics aren''t that thorough, so there''s no way for me to know more than you. You will know once you go back and investigate the matter. My suggestion is that you carry on teaching about the Three Kingdoms. That is your forte, so it will be a waste to abandon it. I believe President Wu chose you to help save the situation was also because of your understanding of the Three Kingdoms and lecturing style."


    Zhang Ye waved his hand, "I''ve already talked about the Three Kingdoms back in Beijing Television Station. What I wanted to express was also veryplete. I don''t n on repeating myself."


    Professor Zeng said helplessly, "That opinion of yours isn''t right. The education of students is a repetitive process. I have taught for so many years and have nurtured so many new students, and every time, I have to repeat my previous lectures and theories. This is something that can test the limits of time. Teacher Little Zhang, you must listen to my advice. Even if you don''t n on teaching the Three Kingdoms, don''t touch the trap that is ''Dream of the Red Chamber''!"


    Zhang Ye was still puzzled!


    Is ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' so horrible?


    "Make sure you remember it. Alright, I have a paper I need to rush out. Bye." Professor Zeng rushed off.


    Zhang Ye''s curiosity was increasingly piqued. He really refused to have his beliefs shaken. He rushed home immediately so as to check what this world''s Redology was like!

 Chapter 299: This World’s Misconception of Dream of the Red Chamber!

    <h4>Chapter 299: This World��s Misconception of Dream of the Red Chamber! </h4>


    Chapter 299: This World''s Misconception of Dream of the Red Chamber!


    At home.


    It was 10 something in the morning.


    Zhang Ye was alone at home. His father and mother had already left for work.


    After Zhang Ye opened the door and went into his house, other than taking a sip of tea that was left on the table. He did not do anything else and just went straight to his room and switched on theputer. He searched the topic of "Dream of the Red Chamber" and found many results. There were also a lot of manuscripts and there was also the 120 circted chapters that had been coted and sorted out.


    It''s correct!


    This was the one!


    Zhang Ye couldn''t help but find the most published version of the novel that he found online. He then browsed through it generally from the front to the back to get the general idea. After over an hour, Zhang Ye had confirmed that this was the one. This was the same "Dream of the Red Chamber" novel that existed in his previous world as well. Even the words used did not differ too much. Although a lot of things had changed in this world, the Four Great ssical Novels were too influential and had stayed the same. Zhang Ye had verified this once again, there was definitely no problem!


    But then why?


    Why did Professor Zeng say such words?


    Zhang Ye continued researching the "Dream of the Red Chamber" rted lectures and found out that as Professor Zeng had said, there really weren''t many detailed lectures regarding this novel. There were some lectures avable, but they mainly touched on only the first 10 chapters of the novel and did a simple analysis before ending it on that note!


    That can''t be right?


    What were you all trying to prove!


    What about those Redologists? Those experts who specialized in studying "Dream of the Red Chamber"? Where did they disappear to! Did you guys all end up researching "Golden Lotus"?


    Zhang Ye couldn''t wrap his head around this fact!


    "Dream of the Red Chamber" being the greatest of the Four Great ssical Novels, how did it ever fall into the state it was in now?


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye saw a rted headline concerning "Dream of the Red Chamber". Then he was stunned for a few seconds and became confused. It wrote there��As the greatest of the Four Great ssical Novels, the influence and achievements of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" domestically����what came after no longer mattered. Zhang Ye was stunned at the first half of the headline. F**k your sister, when did Romance of the Three Kingdoms be the greatest of the Four Great ssical Novels? "Dream of the Red Chamber" was publicly acknowledged as the top in the literary field in his previous world. It was irrefutably the top, how could it be "Romance of the Three Kingdoms"!?


    No!


    Surely, there must be a story behind it!


    The cultural works between his previous world and this world were a little different, the appreciation levels were still simr. They couldn''t havee to such a low level conclusion. Even those schrs and researchers who had spent their lives understanding the Three Kingdoms would not dare to say that "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" was better than "Dream of the Red Chamber" in the field of literature!


    Where did it go wrong?


    What was the problem?


    To Zhang Ye, this was not a matter that could be med on supernatural events. He could note to an understanding even when he kept thinking with all his might. So he quickly went online to research more deeply, the deeper he went, the more he became speechless. He found out that "Dream of the Red Chamber" was not only not the top novel of the Four Great ssical Novels, it was in fact thest of the Four Great ssical Novels! Even "Water Margin" and "Journey to the West" were ahead of it!


    An authoritativement put it like that:


    "I''ve always felt that thest of the Four Great ssical Novels, ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' could have been written better. It even had the potential to be the greatest of them all, but what''s regrettable was that there are too many inconsistencies and illogicalities that none of us have been able to solve. Like the poem by Jia Baoyu that did not match his personality, the ''perfect ending'' that had a major w, etc, etc, etc. No one can understand whether this was Mr Cao Xueqin''s slip up during writing, or whether he wrote it like that on purpose. Maybe it was because Mr Cao Xueqin fell sick when he got older and could no longer pay attention to the details of his masterpiece, he continued making mistake after mistake, w after w. To a Redologist who really likes the ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' novel, this is truly regrettable!"


    A major w in its ending?


    What does the major w in the ending have to do with Cao Xueqin!


    The person who wrote thisment was a Tsinghua University literature professor. Having read it, Zhang Ye felt that there was something very wrong and he finally found out the key point to this. He guessed something horrible!


    It can''t be?


    It really can''t be like this, right?


    Zhang Ye hurriedly checked and got a confirmation. He wasn''t wrong! It was just as he had guessed! Online and in rted books, it was clearly written that everyone in this world understood that Cao Xueqin was the author of all the 120 circted chapters of "Dream of the Red Chamber"!


    F**k!


    What about Gao E?


    Was Gao E eaten up by you people!?


    Zhang Ye checked the name Gao E, and indeed there was this person. This piece of history had not been changed. However, in everyone''s mind, Gao E was only the person in charge of coting ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. As for the rest��there was nothing else about him. The ancient text of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', that had been passed down, was in no way moreplete than the ones in Zhang Ye''s world. The most famous Zhiyanzhai version had only been passed down with only a dozen chapters or so with somements. On this point, there was a snag in history! As to Gao E writing "Dream of the Red Chamber" to finish it up, there was indeed a lot of controversial debate back in Zhang Ye''s world. There were people who said that thest 40 chapters of "Dream of the Red Chamber" were not written by Gao E, but was Cao Xueqin''s original work. There were also theories that Gao E had written it with others, and Gao E was finally the person who arranged it. However, after many years of research and validation on his earth, there was pretty much no more controversy that Gao E was the one who finished up the novel. It was agreed byrge number of Redologists, as all sorts of historical evidence proved this point. However, in this world, in a world that had been changed by the game ring, the relevant historical proof had disappeared. Thest 40 chapters had be the original work of Cao Xueqin!


    What the heck!


    How could thest 40 chapters be written by Old Cao!?


    Zhang Ye''s eyes rolled backwards and had an expression of not knowing whether tough or cry. Only now did he understand why Professor Zeng advised him as he did. He finally understood why this world''s Redologists only privately studied about it instead of publicly lecturing about "Dream of the Red Chamber". You had all gotten it all wrong at the basics. If you start your run going sideways, what would there be left to research on? Of course there would be nothing to research on! The 120 circted chapters of "Dream of the Red Chamber" were never written by just one person, yet you still want to link them together? Isn''t this an international joke! "Dream of the Red Chamber" has too many problems? Of course! Isn''t that nonsense!? You guys f**king researched the 120 circted chapters of "Dream of the Red Chamber" in its entirety, it would be surprising if you didn''t have many problems!


    This world''s understanding of "Dream of the Red Chamber" waspletely wrong from the very beginning!


    Now, the only person on this who knew the truth, was probably Zhang Ye alone!


    "Dream of the Red Chamber"?


    No one dared to talk about it in detail?


    Ha! Others might not dare, but I dare!


    This bro will talk about it well!


    Zhang Ye was such a person. He was the type that would still head into the tiger infested mountains despite knowing so. The more difficult a problem, things that few people dared to do, the more excited this guy became!


    Trantors'' Notes: The uing mini-arc involves Dream of the Red Chamber, widely considered the best out of China''s Four Great ssical Novels. The details involved might be too abstruse as it talks about plot points, characters, etc. Honestly, we as the trantors have not read the masterpiece either, however, we have done extensive research to ensure the trantions work and can be understood by you. A lot of the text and names mentioned will be following the David Hawkes trantion. We had to physically go to a library to borrow the books to obtain the much-needed reference material. Despite you probably not knowing the material, I believe through the ReadNovelFull author''s exposition, you will also begin to slowly understand the story of Dream of the Red Chamber. We learned a lot while doing the trantions, and hope you would gain the same from it. Thank you.

 Chapter 300: Breaking! Zhang Ye is to become a Peking University lecturer?

    <h4>Chapter 300: Breaking! Zhang Ye is to be a Peking University lecturer? </h4>


    Chapter 300: Breaking! Zhang Ye is to be a Peking University lecturer?


    Afternoon.


    It was lunch time.


    After eating the leftovers fromst night''s dinner, Zhang Ye carried on working. He continuously worked hard at absorbing the misconceptions this world had of "Dream of the Red Chamber". He also checked the historical information and ancient texts rted to "Dream of the Red Chamber". He noticed that the historical information regarding "Dream of the Red Chamber" was notpletely lost on this. There were still somements and sporadic pieces of information. However, people of this world did not find them authoritative, nor could they be said to have fundamentally ignored them. By using the idea that Cao Xueqin wascking in focus and ability in his final years, they had missed the most critical pieces of information, resulting in such a situation.


    Thankfully this bro was here!


    Or else you guys would have been kept in the dark!


    Since Zhang Ye already knew that there were challenges awaiting him, that he needed even more information to support him. Furthermore, he needed information that this world possessed. As a result, the workload was a lot greater.


    Flipping.


    Checking.


    Until noon was when Zhang Ye began to feel that the information on the inte was not enough. He ended up driving out while wearing his sunsses to a fewrge libraries in Beijing. Some libraries were free to enter, while others needed him to apply for a library card. As such, Zhang Ye began to browse inside the respective libraries.


    On his side, he was extremely busy.


    However, the inte had exploded into a buzz!


    ����


    At the beginning, it was a video of Beijing''s 15th Junior High''s New Year''s Party being uploaded. There was a poem, "To The Oak", that blinded the eyes of numerousizens!


    "Who is this girl?"


    "Why haven''t I heard of this poem?"


    "It can''t be original work, right? Are junior high students so awesome these days?"


    When the girl finally mentioned the poem''s name and theposer''s name, it dawned on everyone, it was Zhang Ye''s new poem! It was published at such an asion!


    "Zhang Ye came out with a new poem!"


    "And it''s a rare love poem! ssic!"


    "That''s right, Teacher Zhang Ye''s poems are typically used to deride and curse at people. There are too few romantic ones. Only after listening to ''To The Oak'' did I know that Teacher Zhang has such profound skills in love poems too!"


    "Teacher Zhang really does not have any ws in the realm of poetry!"


    "I have to memorize this poem, so that I may confess to my male crush in the future!"


    Following that.


    A few Peking University students caused amotion on Weibo.


    A Peking University female student @ her boyfriend on Weibo, asking, "Ifplications arise during my childbirth, would you save me or the child?"


    The boyfriend smiled and wittily replied, "Of course I would save you, is there any need to ask!?"


    Immediately following that, the girl asked, "Then if your mother jumps into the river and asks you to save the child, what would you do?"


    Numerous characters appeared on her boyfriend''s Weibo as a result, "��.(&%$##[emailprotected]@(&! ! !"


    Many onlookers initially thought that they were just showing their affection towards each other. Some even replied in contempt, however after seeing thest question of the Peking University female student, everyone vomited a mouthful of blood. Manyizens, who were drinking water in front of theirputers, spat it out. Many peopleughed until their stomachs ached!


    "Aiyah!


    "Divine! This question is divine!"


    "Hahahaha! Peking University female students are fierce! This question is too ruthless!"


    This Weibo post was immediately forwarded by numerous people.


    The boyfriend was nearly crying as he posted, "Yan''er, who taught you that?"


    The Peking University female student answered proudly, "This is Zhang Ye''s joke!"


    The boyfriend asked, "Which Zhang Ye? I must kill him! That grandson is too evil!"


    "What are you saying!" The Peking University female student posted an angry, staring emoticon, "Zhang Ye is our new teacher!"


    This reply of hers was not given much attention to manyizens. After all, there were too many people named Zhang Ye. There were too many people with the same surname and name.


    But after a while, a few other Peking University students appeared and posted two poems on Weibo. One was Wang Shuixin''s "Everything" and the other one was also named "Everything", but credited to Zhang Ye. Upon seeing the two poems, many literature lovers were convinced!


    "Zhang Ye changed ''Everything''?"


    "It''s far from changed! It''s aplete transformation!"


    "Compared to Zhang Ye''s poem, Wang Shuixin''s poem is nothing!"


    "This is skill. In the past, it was impossible to tell with one, but now, with something topare to, the two simr poems have simr goals to express, but the literary content ispletely different. Can''t you see? It''s not chance that Teacher Zhang Ye''s poem are so popr, he really has the ability!"


    "A ''Some People'' had sent Wang Shuixin to jail. Now, with Teacher Zhang Ye changing ''Everything'' to smack his face, this was f**king mutting the corpse! Hahaha!"


    "If Comrade Wang found out about this in jail, he would definitely be tearing up!"


    "That''s right. His magnum opus is ''Everything'', but it has now be Teacher Zhang Ye''s work! Teacher Little Zhang Ye is too evil. He is really deserving of the title Face-smacking Prince!"


    A few literature schrs, who were more famous, immediately analyzed Zhang Ye''s "Everything". They then also did apleteparison with Wang Shuixin''s original, and after countless discussions and appraisals, they unanimously concluded that Zhang Ye''s literary attainment was higher than Wang Shuixin by several times! Actually, modifying a poem was much harder than writing a new poem. From this, everyone once again witnessed Zhang Ye''s literary standard. Without much to say, he utterly convinced everyone!


    Just as everyone was in pursuit of "Everything" (New)''s tail by joyfully and desperately forwarding it, a few people noticed something.


    "Eh, why is all of thising from Peking University?"


    "That''s right. The joke about saving the adult or the child was also from Peking University."


    "Posted by Peking University students? Teacher Zhang Ye went to Peking University? What''s he doing there? Is he studying? Postgraduate studies?"


    "Hey, that''s possible. Teacher Zhang only has a Bachelor''s. It wouldn''t be surprising if he does postgraduate studies, after all, he has been suspended."


    "Teacher Zhang is returning to his studies?"


    "This is big news!"


    However, the next piece of news stunned everyone!


    A Peking University student tsked, "What do you mean returning to his studies. Teacher Zhang Ye is our new teacher. He will be teaching us ''Appreciation of the ssics''!"


    And at the next moment, Peking University''s official Weibo and official website posted thetest news��Famous radio host, former Beijing Television Station Arts Channel program host, Weiwo WebTV host, famous poet, famous author, famous producer, famous program nner, famous advertisement nner, famous lyricalposer��Teacher Zhang Ye will be joining Peking University''s Chinese department. He will be teaching the elective ss, "Appreciation of the ssics"!


    After a long list of des, a shocking piece of news appeared!


    "Heavens!"


    "Oh my God!"


    "Zhang Ye is going to Peking University to teach?"


    "Peking University? Furthermore, the famous Chinese department?"


    "Holy mother of god! Zhang Ye is not there for postgraduate studies, but to teach!"


    "How can that be? Peking University actually invited Teacher Zhang Ye as a lecturer?"


    "Teacher Zhang is motherf**king defying the heavens! He even has the qualifications to teach at Peking University? Although it is only an elective ss, "Appreciation of the ssics" is also an important ss. Basically half the Peking University''s Chinese department students would choose this elective, right?


    "Is this news real?"


    "It is, it''s already out on the papers!"


    Even the afternoon Beijing papers were filled with news about Zhang Ye!


    "Zhang Ye enters Peking University to teach!"


    "Zhang Ye joins Peking University! Is it bliss or a tragedy?"


    "Zhang Ye has been confirmed to be taking on the role as Peking University''s ''Appreciation of the ssics'' lecturer!"


    "Zhang Ye''s self evaluation: A man above vulgar interests. A man who is of value to the people!"


    The moment the news was revealed, Zhang Ye''s fans cried out from excitement. They really felt Teacher Zhang Ye was too awesome. His hosting qualifications had just been suspended by SARFT, and had even entered this year''s SARFT "cklist" at the number one spot. In the end, he had been invited by Peking University as a lecturer, and was even in charge of an important subject. This was rectifying his reputation! It also showed how sought after Zhang Ye was!


    Oh!


    Your SARFT discriminates against Zhang Ye?


    You people from the entertainment industry do not need Zhang Ye?


    It''s alright! We from the education world need him! We from Peking University need him!


    With this recruitment from Peking University, it gave Zhang Ye another brilliant halo. Zhang Ye''s qualifications and aplishments that he achieved in the past might be at the ground level, but with the title of Peking University lecturer, his qualifications and prestige would soar high in a straight line. It would immediately be several levels higher!


    What sort of affirmation was better than that from the educational world?


    Furthermore, it was a world ss institution of learning like Peking University! It was a famous school, ranked first in the country!


    Later on, Zhang Ye''s first encounter and exchange with his students at Peking University was posted by a Peking University student!


    Zhang Ye''s jokes, humor, and literary standards were vividly expressed.


    Especially when everyone saw Zhang Ye''s final words that evaluated himself. It was even more shocking��"a noble-minded person, a pure person, a man of moral integrity, and above vulgar interests. A man who is of value to the people." When people recalled the various experiences of Zhang Ye, while linking it to this evaluation, wasn''t that the case!? Zhang Ye''s self-evaluation was in no way exaggerated!


    He was pure��he dared to speak and act!


    He was moral��he did not stand for seeing injustices happen!


    He was above vulgar interests��He always did things no one else could do!


    He was of value to the people��Be it the matter of Father Wei, or his fan contracting a terminal illness, or the hijacking, it was all Zhang Yeing forward to save the situation!


    This was the Zhang Ye in many people''s eyes. These words were described just right, and not too much or little!


    "Appreciation of the ssics?"


    "I''m looking forward to it! It has to be him teaching the Three Kingdoms, right?"


    "Definitely, Teacher Zhang Ye is most skilled in the Three Kingdoms!"


    "I haven''t gotten enough of ''Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms'' from back then. I must think of a way to get into Peking University tomorrow! I also want to listen in!"


    "Haha, Teacher Zhang Ye will really be a Teacher Zhang Ye in the future!"


    Immediately, before Zhang Ye even began teaching, just this piece of news made his poprity soar. Many of Zhang Ye''s fans expressed their overwhelming anticipation!

 Chapter 301: There’s no need to thank me, Just call me Red-scarf Scout!

    <h4>Chapter 301: There��s no need to thank me, Just call me Red-scarf Scout! </h4>


    Chapter 301: There''s no need to thank me, Just call me Red-scarf Scout!


    The other side.


    A disciplinary office somewhere at SARFT.


    Li Tao, who had been exposed for his wrongdoings, was currently being investigated by the disciplinarymission. He was restricted to this room and had been spending all day giving statements.


    Outside, a few disciplinarymission staffs were passing by.


    "Did you hear? About Zhang Ye."


    "Him? Didn''t he get cklisted?"


    "It''s not about that. It''s was news that was just released. Peking University has invited him to give lectures. It''s not a one-off lecture, but as a lecturer of Peking University teaching sses!"


    "What? How does he even qualify!"


    "Who knows what the Peking University people are thinking."


    "Such a hooligan like him and Peking University dares to take him in? They''re really good!"


    "Hur, recruiting a person like that, there''s definitely trouble brewing. Just wait and see."


    "Eh, but this Zhang Ye''s luck is really good. The headquarters'' intention was to knock him off his perch with the ban, but who knew this person did not even get affected and instead went to Peking University to teach? He''s doing even better than before? What the hell is this development?!"


    "You don''t say. This Zhang Ye really has 1 or 2 tricks up his sleeve. Otherwise an institution like Peking University, not just any person could freely enter."


    Li Tao, who was in the room, heard this and his expression changed. The person who had caused him to be in this state was Zhang Ye, but Zhang Ye had gone to teach at Peking University? Your grandmother! I''m in this state because of you! I even lost my job as an official, my wife is contemting divorce, and they are checking on my financial situation, I might even go to jail, but you f**king Zhang are doing just fine? After scolding the SARFT, not only did you not get into trouble, but you even went to the country''s number one institution to teach? This is unfair! So unfair! Li Tao wanted to thrash everything in the room. He was so angry that he nearly exploded!


    ����


    Beijing.


    Jishuitan Hospital.


    Beijing Radio Station''s Deputy Station Head Jia was lying down in his bed at the Orthopedic ward. He had fallen and broken some bones thest time he was out for a meal with colleagues when he heard some news regarding Zhang Ye. He had already been in the hospital for many days. At this moment, he had just switched on the TV and news regarding Zhang Ye was being reported. The news footage, which was being shown on a Beijing locality channel, was probably also being shown on a few other local channels.


    A 30 plus year old female news anchor reported, "Peking University has invited Zhang Ye to teach at their institution. The news has already been verified, and as a 23 year old lecturer, Zhang Ye has broken the record for being the youngest lecturer at Peking University. Even after taking private colleges into ount, Zhang Ye would still be considered the youngest lecturer. Our reporter was unable to get an interview with the Dean of the Chinese department, but was lucky enough to secure one with the Chinese department''s history professor, Professor Zeng. ording to him, this could be considered as an attempt by Peking University, a breaking of new ground. Peking University believes that Teacher Zhang Ye has the ability to take up and fulfill his duty!"


    There was only one history professor in the Chinese department and it was Professor Zeng. This was not the same as the history in the History department. It was also a field of study called "Historical Linguistic Studies". This subject was more inclined towards the Chinese department in terms of the subject matter, and as such fell under the jurisdiction of the Chinese department, but the achievements of the subject actually fell under history, and if we go further into the details, a part of it also fell under the Archaeological department. Professor Zeng was also a joint appointment under the History and Archaeological departments.


    An authoritative voice in the field!


    A professor of high prestige in Peking University!


    Professor Zeng had a high opinion of Zhang Ye in the media. After going on about it for a whole day, he still reiterated his admiration for Zhang Ye''s "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms". He had helped to bring down the opposition against Zhang Ye''s appointment. After all, Zhang Ye was really still too young and had a rather infamous reputation in the industry. As such, there were also many doubts about him.


    Deputy Station Head Jia watched the news in bed andy there stunned. He was shocked for a whole day, his expression showed disbelief!


    "Station Head Jia!"


    "Station Head Jia, we''vee to visit you."


    "Are you feeling better yet?"


    A few radio station staff members hade to visit. Zh��ng Y�� and Jia Yan were also here.


    However, despite them greeting him, Deputy Station Head Jia still did not say a word. Instead, he kept staring at the TV as his expression became darker and darker. Only then did they realize and then they turned their heads to see what was being reported. Then, they were also stunned!


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Peking University invited him to teach at their institution?"


    "What does that Zhang guy have that qualifies him for that?! It can''t be!"


    Zh��ng Y�� and Jia Yan were also bewildered and looked at each other. Zhang Ye had once said when he resigned and left Beijing Radio Station. He said that one day, they were going to regret it. Right now, whether it was Deputy Station Head Jia, or any top level management leader of Beijing Radio Station, they were already experiencing this regret. Zhang Ye was really too talented. Back then, by not treating Zhang Ye with any respect, they now realized that they were in the wrong. If they had treated him well at that time, Zhang Ye might not have left. Then Beijing Radio Station would have created multiple record breaking legendary programs by now, but it was now toote to talk about what ifs. Zhang Ye had already left and did well wherever he went, whether it was at a television station, online television station, or a university. However, their Beijing Radio Station was going from bad to worse by the day!


    Suddenly, a phone call came.


    "Station Head Jia, your cellphone��.." His secretary reminded him.


    Deputy Station Head Jia then came to his senses and checked his phone. He answered the call immediately. "Station Head."


    At the other end came the voice of Beijing Radio Station''s Station Head. "Old Jia, how are your injuries?"


    "I''m OK. I will be discharged in a few more days." Deputy Station Head Jia replied.


    The Station Head acknowledged. "Rest well and don''t be in a hurry to leave the hospital. I''ve already arranged for someone over here to cover your duties. As for your duties, we will talk about it after you get better."


    "Station Head! This��.." Deputy Station Head Jia was surprised for a moment.


    The Station Head said, "That''s it then." And then he hung up.


    Station Head Jia''s face turned white. He knew that he had been sidelined. Wait for him to get better before discussing? When he gets discharged, there would only be a side job for him to take over! He might even have to opt for early retirement! Deputy Station Head Jia understood it very well. The station has chosen to sacrifice him!


    In the ward, many of the visitors were feeling shocked. They had guessed from Deputy Station Head Jia''s expression that something bad had happened. Zhang Ye was now reaching to even greater heights, and the facts had proven that Zhang Ye was indeed a person with a lot of ability, and the chief offender was Deputy Station Head Jia. In the past, no one saying anything about it didn''t matter. After all Deputy Station Head Jia was from higher management, and Zhang Ye was just a tiny figure. Now, with Zhang Ye''s reputation increasing and his prestige growing, to the point of him entering one of the best schools in the academic world, and how people were using "Dead Water" Zhang Ye recited at the Silver Microphone Awards again and again to smack their faces with incessant questioning of their actions, to which even many people in the industry mocked the Beijing Radio Station forcking the foresight to chase away such a talent, the only way to rectify all these was to let Deputy Station Head Jia go towards the sidelines. This also demonstrated the Beijing Radio Station''s attitude. Someone had to be responsible for this matter!


    "Station Head Jia."


    "About this��."


    The people around him started feeling awkward. They couldn''t stay, but yet they couldn''t just go either.


    Deputy Station Head Jia seemed to instantly age by a few more years. Once upon a time, Zhang Ye was like a speck-like figure that did not matter. He believed he could summon and use him as and when he wished. He thought he could get rid of him at any moment, but the oue was that he had belittled him. He had been smacked in the face time and time again. Furthermore, all the methods and tricks Deputy Station Head Jia used had been useless against Zhang Ye. Now that speck-like figure had climbed up to today''s position, a spot even higher than him. The scores that Deputy Station Head Jia previously thought little of had finally caught up to him!


    "Get out!" Deputy Station Head Jia finally said.


    Jia Yan and Zh��ng Y�� looked at each other again. "Station Head Jia��.."


    "I need to rest!" Deputy Station Head Jia was getting angry. He had given the order for them to leave!


    Jia Yan was his rtive, so he naturally felt depressed. The others were all Deputy Station Head Jia''s subordinates, so realizing that he was doomed, they also did not n on staying. Some of them didn''t even bother with niceties and just left. Deputy Station Head Jia finally got a taste of the fickleness of human nature!


    ����


    Jiao Zi Hu Tong.


    Xuanwu District Library.


    It was only a few minutes drive away from Zhang Ye''s home at Caishikou.


    In this world, Xuanwu district still remained as Xuanwu district, but back in his previous world, Xuanwu district had alreadye under Xicheng district''s jurisdiction. There were not many people. As the library was not veryrge, and was a bit old, along with the fact that a library card was needed before they could browse, many people did not likeing here. However, because this library was older, there was a lot of information that other cescked. Zhang Ye had managed to find a lot of information regarding "Dream of the Red Chamber".


    As he was going through the information, a flood of calls beganing in!


    Yao Jiancai was the first, "Little Zhang, you''re going against the heavens, aren''t you!? Hahaha!"


    Zhang Yeughed and replied, "Old Yao, I have not asked you. Your daughter is also from Peking University?"


    "Yes, I didn''t tell you? Eh, how did you know then?" Yao Jiancai asked.


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve already met her, she''s one of my students. It''s Yao Mi, right? She looks just like you. She has recognizable features. I think her future might lie in being aedic talent, why is she studying Chinese?"


    Yao Jiancai said helplessly, "I, too, wanted her to join the acting department, but her looks did not qualify."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "They didn''t give you face?"


    "Enough of that. I''m just a C or D-list actor. I don''t have much say about this when ites to school. By the way, you must take care of my daughter." Yao Jiancai said.


    "Don''t worry. This doesn''t even need to be mentioned." Zhang Ye said.


    Following that, Hu Fei also called. "Little Zhang, you sure are capable. Peking University lecturer. I can''t even mention how envious I am of you. In the future, when my child does university applications, I''m going to look for your assistance."


    Zhang Ye said in an exasperatedly, "I don''t even know if I can keep this job. The contract isn''t even long term. I''m just considered a hired guest lecturer. If I don''t do well, they will definitely not want me next semester."


    Hu Feiughed. "Enough of that. With your ability at lecturing about the Three Kingdoms, could it not be good?"


    The call ended.


    The next phone call came. It was his old ssmate, Dong Shanshan. "Zhang Ye, congrattions. I saw the news!"


    "Thank you. Hur Hur. There''s nothing to congratte me about. I''m feeling the stress too." Zhang Ye said honestly.


    Suddenly, the voices of many people red through the phone.


    "Teacher Zhang, congrattions!"


    "You have made us web hosts proud!"


    "That''s right. Haha, I never expected that our web host would be able to enter Peking University as a lecturer. Teacher Little Zhang, do well. Maybe we will also gain some of that glow of yours!"


    "Right, I''m anticipating the continuation of your ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms''."


    Suddenly, the WebTV department''s Deputy Director Wang Xiong''s voice transmitted over. He had apparently taken the cellphone from Dong Shanshan. "Teacher Little Zhang, your teaching won''t affect your work here, right?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Leader, it won''t affect it at all. I''m just teaching for slightly more than ten days. Once the school goes on break, I''ll be heading back to Shanghai as well. If Peking University still wants me to teach next semester, it would also not affect my main job. I''ll have lectures whenever I''m free. I''ll have the freedom of choosing my own time since it''s just an elective ss."


    Wang Xiongughed. "That''s good. Do well! President Feng and thepany are very supportive of you. With your reputation growing, it will also benefit our program."


    "Thank you for your support." Zhang Ye said in a cating manner, "Actually I had just been confirmed to be teaching at Peking University. I was about to give you a call to inform you. The previous Professor Wang was hospitalized resulting in me filling in his spot. Hence, it was a bit of a rush, so I didn''t have the opportunity to report it to you."


    Wang Xiongforted him, "You don''t have to think too much. It''s no problem at all. This is a good thing. I''m not being courteous when I said that I support your decision. Thepany is really supporting you!"


    Following that.


    Zhang Ye''s former colleague from Beijing Radio Station, and also one of the pirs of the radio station, Wang Xiaomei called. She told him something. "Deputy Station Head Jia''s position has been changed by the Station Head."


    Zhang Ye was surprised, "Why?"


    Wang Xiaomei said, "Of course it''s because of you. They are settling old scores. Actually, the radio station''s head was also responsible for forcing you out, however there was a need for a scapegoat. Deputy Station Head Jia was the ''main contributor'' who forced you away, so it''s natural for him to be put aside. Who else would be able to stand that bunch of fans of yours who post "Dead Water" on our Beijing Radio Station''s official website every day or two ."


    When Zhang Ye heard this, he also gave a slight chuckle. Actually, if Teacher Xiaomei had not told him this, he had almost forgotten Deputy Station Head Jia existed. However, he was pleased to hear that such a person had finally received his retribution. "Thank you, Teacher Xiaomei. Is everyone still doing well? How''s Director Zhao? Xiaofang? How''s Big Sis Zhou and Auntie Sun?"


    Wang Xiaomei smiled and said, "Everyone is fine. Now that you are back in Beijing, let''s find an opportunity to catch up. Oh, I forgot you will be busy during this time. Let''s see when there is an opportunity. Congrattions. You are no ordinary person now. Looking at the introduction on Peking University''s official website, there are probably like seven or eight items in that list of des, right? Each one of them has the words famous something. This word famous isn''t added on to anybody!"


    Zhang Ye was amused as he said, "Teacher Xiaomei, there''s no need to tter me. How would I not know how much I''m worth? Let''s meet up when I''m free."


    Wang Xiaomei said, "Alright. Let''s have a gathering then."


    Zhang Ye said, "Very well, also pass my greetings to Director Zhao, Big Sis Zhou, and the others."


    Wang Xiaomei said, "Got it. I''ll pass it on. I''m looking forward to you lecturing on the ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms'' to the Peking University students. If there is a video posted online, I''ll definitely watch it."


    There were phone calls one after another.


    They were all from old friends and former colleagues. They all said they were anticipating his new ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms''!


    Three Kingdoms?


    Everyone thought it would be Three Kingdoms?


    Zhang Ye shrugged his shoulders. Even after hanging up the phone, he did not tell them that he wasn''t nning on doing "Romance of the Three Kingdoms". He already had a better topic to teach. Also as a cultural hipster who dabbled in literature, Zhang Ye naturally could not sit idle while the world misunderstood "Dream of the Red Chamber". Neither could he stand seeing them misunderstand Cao Xueqin. He had to publicly rectify it. As the only person on this who knew the truth about "Dream of the Red Chamber", Zhang Ye had a responsibility to tell the truth to everyone!


    It was like how Zhang Ye used the poems and songs from his world. He was not giarising. He did not only want to use it to be famous. He was not trying to use the wisdom of the giants without using his brain. That really wasn''t the case. In fact, Zhang Ye did not want the ssic works from his world to be buried. As a bridge that connected these two worlds, as an ambassador of these twos, Zhang Ye was shouldered with the mission to proliferate the arts!


    It was an important mission!


    Was it tiring? It really was!


    However, he was not afraid. He could bear all the hardships that came with this responsibility!


    Hai, it''s to serve the people after all. There''s no need to thank me, just call me Red-scarf Scout*!


    *It''s an online ng for being a person who does things without wanting recognition for it.

 Chapter 302: Blasted!

    <h4>Chapter 302: sted! </h4>


    Chapter 302: sted!


    It waste in the afternoon.


    "Mister."


    "Eh, what''s the matter?"


    "Please keep silent in the library."


    "Oh, I''m sorry."


    "Well, do not affect the others. Thank you for your cooperation."


    Xuanwu Library''s female staff member came by to remind Zhang Ye of the rules.


    Thus, Zhang Ye stopped taking any calls. He had already answered all of them anyway. His research was almost done, so he prepared to leave. He drove home with the remaining information in his head, which was from his previous world. On the road, Zhang Ye brought up the game ring''s interface and checked his total Reputation Points �� 1.7 million. It wasn''t bad, it was enough to for him to use it to organize his thoughts and knowledge of "Dream of the Red Chamber".


    Actually, Zhang Ye had almost spent all of his Reputation Points on the recording of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show", but with the publishing of "To The Oak" and his new "Everything", as well as the news of him joining Peking University, more people started to know about him. This had given him the opportunity to gain even more Reputation. This was probably how he had gotten his 1.7 million Reputation points.


    At home.


    His father and mother were still not back from work.


    Zhang Ye was getting a little tired as he leaned back on his couch. He took off his shoes and sat cross-legged on it while going online to take a look with his cellphone. He wanted to see the reactions to his joining of Peking University. A few hours ago, when the news first broke, many of Zhang Ye''s fans were very excited. There were congrattions, admiration, and many other passers-by who expressed their disbelief, but there weren''t many aggressivements, but now, a few hourster, thements online became more and more extreme. Quite a few domestic newspapers had strongly questioned Zhang Ye''s appointment!


    In the educational circle.


    In the literature circle.


    In the students'' parents circle.


    They all seemed to be on steroids!


    A certain Huaxi Daily, which had a sizable domestic cirction, had published the following headline "What''s up with Peking University?". The article reported: Zhang Ye''s appointment as a lecturer in Peking University has already stirred up strong opinions in society. As the number one institution in the country, as a global educational institution, we do not understand what''s up with Peking University. To employ a person of only 23 years of age, who has even been put on the SARFT cklist, who doesn''t meet any of the standards of a broadcast host. Why would they say that this is breaking new ground? A one time trial? It''s a good thing to have change and progress, but there are many ways to innovate. Yet Peking University had to choose the most shocking way to do this. By employing a person like Zhang Ye, who has a bad reputation in his industry, isn''t this being too irresponsible to the students of Peking University?


    This report was not published physically in Huaxi Daily''s print edition, but posted online. Even so, a newspaper like Huaxi Daily has arger influence than the smaller newspaper publishers. The publication of this online report was like adding oil to fire!


    Manyizens were shocked with amazement.


    "Yea, that''s too much!"


    "Zhang Ye can teach? Then even I can be a professor!"


    "Peking University''s ying with fire this time! If it goes on like this, I think they would soon be surpassed by Tsinghua University as the number one institution. What kind of nonsense is this!"


    "What kind of person is Zhang Ye like? Yes, his literary qualities aren''t bad, but too bad he is also a literary hooligan. To let him teach young people at Peking University? What would he teach? Teach them how to scold people?"


    "This is like sending a tiger into a sheep farm!"


    "The Peking University students are going to be led astray this time!"


    "What qualifications does Zhang Ye have? He''s not fit to be a lecturer!"


    "That''s right, there are many others who can teach ''Appreciation of the ssics''! Why does it have to be this Zhang Ye who can''t do sh*t! I guess Peking University''s the only institution who has the guts to do this! Are you all really not afraid that Zhang Ye would cause some big trouble? Did you not see what happened to Beijing Radio Station, the live broadcast incident at Beijing Television Station, the press conference at SARFT? Does that not show what kind of person Zhang Ye is? And yet Peking University dares to employ him?"


    Following that, the opposing voices could also be seen on Weibo.


    Some industry experts and professor also began to make their views known!


    An old professor from Tsinghua University, who was very well-respected in the academia world, posted on Weibo, sting him. "Peking University has been engaging in so-called innovative educative methods. There have been failures and sesses, so no one wouldment too much about it, but today''s matter is too drastic. In my forty years of teaching, the first ten years was me umting experiencing in a rural secondary school. The next five years, I attempted teaching at a provincial university. After all that time did I finally manage to cross into the gates of Tsinghua University to be a substitute teacher as lecturer. It was a gradual process. The teaching standards of a teacher is slowly umted, and not leapfrogged. I used fifteen years of experience to enter Tsinghua University, so I want to ask, what is Zhang Ye basing it on? Based on experience? He does not have any! Based on his educational background? He does not have any! Based on his resume? He also does not have any! He''s not even a person who came through the education system! Based on personal rtionships? Whether there''s such a thing or not, I don''t know!" This sentence was rather strong. Not only was it targeted at Zhang Ye, it was also directed at Peking University!


    With Tsinghua University''s old professor''s lead, many others could no longer hold it in!


    Renmin University''s Professor Ma Hengyuan appeared once again. He was the one who was originally set as "Lecture Room"''s first lecturer, butter ended with conflict with Zhang Ye, Hu Fei, and their team, resulting in Zhang Ye recing him. It could be said that Ma Hengyuan had a serious grudge with Zhang Ye. Besides, he was a professor in literature, so he had the right toment on this matter. "I can definitely say that by inviting Zhang Ye to teach appreciation, this is the biggest mistake Peking University has made in recent years. Zhang Ye may be able to write a poem or prose, but to evaluate the ssics, he doesn''t have enough qualifications!" He was disgruntled. Up to now, he did not believe Zhang Ye did a better job lecturing the Three Kingdoms than him.


    Some students also started making their views known.


    They were all students of either Ma Hengyuan or the Tsinghua University professor''s students!


    "Support Professor Ma!"


    "Zhang Ye is going to Peking University? He''s going to make a fool of himself!"


    "Zhang Ye''s a celebrity of the entertainment circle, what does he know?!"


    "He had already been warned by the SARFT and can no longer stay in the entertainment circle, so now hees to knock on the educational circle''s door? This is not only being irresponsible to us students! It is also insulting the all educators and their predecessors!"


    "I don''t think Zhang Ye will make good on this appointment. He can present his program well, but to teach others? He does not even qualify! When did it evere to his turn in this education world?"


    Not long after, people from the literary circle also appeared!


    Beijing Writer''s Association''s Vice President Meng Dongguomented. He a grudge with Zhang Ye, far greater than Professor Ma Hengyuan. It was not only a single conflict. Back at the Mid-Autumn Festival Poetry Meet and at the Couplet Competition, Zhang Ye had previously used Guo Degang''s limerick, "It''s not like I''lle" back at him when Meng Dongguo said the Beijing Writer''s Association would never want a person like Zhang Ye. Now with so many people questioning Zhang Ye''s teaching ability, he was no longer alone.


    Meng Dongguo posted, "A person who couldn''t even get into the Writers'' Association now wants to shamelessly teach ''Appreciation of the ssics''? ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms'' was just a variety program. It was only presented to the masses and only touches the surface of the topic. Basically in the literary circle, as long as anyone has done deep enough research, they would know that ''borrowing the east wind'' did not exist, that ''the empty fort strategy'' also did not exist. Did we even need Zhang Ye to tell us? With most people already knowing this, you now want to use this information to teach the gifted students of Peking University? Isn''t that child''s y? Everyone, get this clear. Zhang Ye''s ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms'' is about history, not literature. If you use ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms'' to point out the logic of ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms'', then would this still be called literature? Literature and history are two different fields. If you are in the field of literature, then naturally you would need to study this novel''s value and significance and not make a fuss about it. This is reallyughable, it''ll totally improperly belittle oneself!"


    Someone replied after that.


    "Right!"


    ""Analysis of the Three Kingdoms'' is based on history!"


    "Come to think of it, in so many episodes of ''Analysis of the Three Kingdoms'', Zhang Ye had never talked about the novel''s literary contributions and significance. It''s all him denying and bringing up what was real and what wasn''t!"


    "You hit the spot!"


    "I don''t expect much from Zhang Ye either!"


    Of course, there were also people in the industry who supported Zhang Ye. For example, a not very well-known author said, "Someone who can speak so thoroughly about the Three Kingdoms, why would he only critique the novel? Not exin its literary significance? Zhang Ye had already done a thorough study on the ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms'' from front to back and back to front. He could talk about it all the same. Doesn''t Zhang Ye already have a lot of works? Just citing the most recent ''To The Oak'' and the new ''Everything'', how can there still be people who doubt his literary level? I believe that a person who can produce so many outstanding poems would definitely be able to give a good talk about a famous ssic. In fact, I feel that Peking University has made a very correct choice by inviting Zhang Ye to join them!"


    But these words of support for Zhang Ye were quickly drowned out!


    More and more educators began to repeatedly denounce Zhang Ye as a ck sheep joining Peking University. They all expressed their outrage!


    Deputy Station Head Jia, who had already been relieved of his duties, also jumped out to say "If you want to teach others, first you need to know how to be upright. Zhang Ye is a typical person who does not know how to be a person, so how could he teach the students well? I will be the first to distrust him!" Seeing Zhang Ye besieged on all sides, Deputy Station Head Jia also took the chance to add fuel to fire!


    With so many famous predecessors and well-known people denouncing Zhang Ye, many parents of the Peking University students, who did not know better, also started to believe what was being said. After all,pared to those authoritative figures, Zhang Ye was only someone from the entertainment circle. The parents would, of course, choose to believe those teachers from the educational and literature world.


    "What the heck is Peking University trying to do?"


    "Don''t let that Zhang Ye contaminate the campus!"


    "My child is one of those who had chosen to take the ''Appreciation of the ssics'' elective! That Zhang Ye musn''t lead my child astray! I''ve watched an episode of his Talk Show before. He really has no bottom line!"


    The discussions were totally one-sided!


    Zhang Ye had once again be the topic of discussion!


    Many neutral observers were now speechless. At the beginning, didn''t everyone congratte and were looking forward to it? In the end, everyone started to denounce him? This Teacher Zhang Ye, you really attract too much hate. Just how many people have you offended in the past! Every time something happens to him, why does it always be a gunfight!?


    Honestly speaking, if it were somebody else, even if a host from the entertainment circle, who was even more unreliable than Zhang Ye, had been invited to Peking University to teach instead, they might not have caused such a controversy, but just because it was Zhang Ye who had been the one appointed to teach, there was no other way out. Who asked him to have offended so many people before? Whether it was in the entertainment circle, the literary circle, the education circle, or even a government unit, who had he not offended before!?


    If there was apetition for "China''s Best Tank*", Zhang Ye would definitely have been crowned the winner without a doubt. Even if he were to stand there and keep quiet, he''d steadily attract hatred!


    *Tank is a character role in gaming, mostly MMORPG''s. They are mainly intended to take damage by drawing "aggro" or "hatred" from enemies.

 Chapter 303: An extremely packed public class!

    <h4>Chapter 303: An extremely packed public ss! </h4>


    Chapter 303: An extremely packed public ss!


    The next day.


    Winter had arrived, so it was a little cold.


    It looked like the sun was still doing its job, so the skies were still clear.


    On this important day, Zhang Ye had gotten up very early. It was his first day as a teacher and also his first day conducting a lesson, so of course he had to make preparations. He showered and made himself up a little before selecting a few clothes. In the end, he chose a very basic suit of a neutral color. He did not wear something that would make him stand out too much. After all he was not recording a program, or appearing on TV, but rather giving lessons to his students instead. It was not wrong for a teacher to dress modestly, otherwise people might start saying things and that would affect his teaching quality.


    "Dad, how is this?" Zhang Ye asked his father.


    His father took a look, then nodded, "OK, this is fine."


    "What do you think, Mum?" Zhang Ye adjust his suit.


    His mother who was just preparing breakfast, nced over, "Good, my son will look good in whatever he wears."


    "Hur Hur, then this will be it." Zhang Ye sat down and began to eat, "Dad, Mum, I won''t wash the dishester. I need to go after I''m done here. The department just informed me that my ss will begin at 9:30AM. I will bete if I don''t leave on time, there''s always a traffic jam over at Zhongguancun."


    His mother threw another 2 dumplings into his bowl, "Alright, it''s not like I need you to wash the dishes anyway. Eat more, eat more. You''ve got to perform well today, so you can do your father and I proud!"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Sure."


    His father looked at him and asked, "Have you prepared your lesson already?"


    "It''s ready. I worked till the wee hoursst night." Zhang Ye answered.


    Although he did not sleep earlyst night, he was in good spirits as he still had enough sleep. He had alreadypleted all the things he needed to do. The game ring''s reputation points had all been spent on buying "Memory Search Capsules", which he used to retrieve knowledge of "Dream of the Red Chamber". Of course, the main resources he used were Wang Xinwu''s novel version and his ''Lecture Room'' episodes, in which he spoke about "Dream of the Red Chamber". Old Wang was an authority in the world of Redologists. Although there were many disputes about his views, his way of presenting could be said as a novelty as his perspectives were very unexpected. This was why when Zhang Ye listened to others speak at length about "Dream of the Red Chamber" in his previous world, he felt very uninterested or even sleepy, but when he heard Old Wang speak about it, he would listen to it with relish. As a host, Zhang Ye ced a lot of importance on the word "relish". As a teacher, Zhang Ye felt the same. He has always thought that education and entertainment were inseparable. Entertainment was used to better education, to spread education in a better way. To this idea, he was going to put it to the test today.


    ����


    Peking University.


    8:30AM.


    As he drove to the school and upon passing the school''s main entrance, Zhang Ye noticed many people at Peking University today. He did not know whether they were here to visit, but a lot of people were walking in. Zhang Ye was not bothered by this and he drove directly to the grounds of the Chinese department. He parked his car at the designated spot for teaching staff, even though he had not applied for a pass yet, but it should be fine since everyone was friends now, so he just found an empty lot and squeezed his BMW in.


    Upon getting off, he saw some familiar faces.


    The doors of low-end car brand, that was of this world''s, opened. He saw Professor Zeng and another Chinese department male teacher getting out of it. Maybe it was along the way, so they came to school together.


    "Little Zhang."


    "Teacher Little Zhang, you''vee?


    The two of them smiled and greet Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye also walked closer, "Professor Zeng, Teacher Yan."


    Professor Zeng asked with concern, "How are your preparations?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s OK, I''m ready for ss."


    Professor Zengughed heartily, "I''m rather looking forward to it. I don''t have a sster, so Teacher Yan and I will go over to listen in to your ss, are we weed?"


    "That is my honor." Zhang Ye smiled, "But don''t say that you will be there to listen, it''s making me nervous. If you join my ss, it will be to invigte my teaching methods. If I don''t do well in anyway, I hope you two can point it out to me."


    Professor Zeng pointed at him, "You''re being too modest. In this area, you are the real master. Old Yan and me are not qualified to find fault with you. And you? Nervous? You look quite rxed to me now."


    Teacher Yan also said joyfully, "Teacher Little Zhang, you have already been doing television for so long and even done a number of live broadcasts before. You didn''t even get nervous on those asions, so how could holding a ss be any pressure for you? Looking at you, I think you already have it all nned out. This is the look of confidence."


    They continued chatting as they made their way to the teacher''s office.


    There were a few offices. Zhang Ye and Professor Zeng were located in the same office area, but being a professor, he had his own independent room. Zhang Ye, being a new teacher, had his work desk in the cubicle area. The department had given him a table by the window. Of course, the office cubicles here were different from those in apany. Every teacher''s work desk was muchrger, up to 7 or 8 meters, and the partitioned areas were not too small. This was also due to the fact that there were not many lecturers in Peking University. Whoever could take a seat in here, even if they were just ordinary lecturers, whether or not they looked outstanding, were still the cr��me de cr��me of the educational world.


    "Good morning, teachers." Zhang Ye greeted.


    There were 8 or 9 teachers in this office area. When they heard him, they all looked over to him curiously.


    Professor Zeng helped to introduce Zhang Ye to everyone, "This is Teacher Zhang Ye. He will be joining us officially today at Peking University." Then he pointed out for Zhang Ye, "This is Teacher Sun, he teaches Modern Literature ss. This is Teacher Liu, he teaches ssical Literature. That is��.the soon-to-be Professor Wu, he teaches the Chinesenguage."


    "How are you, Teacher Sun?"


    "Hello, how are you."


    "Professor Wu, how are you? Please give me your guidance."


    "Wee."


    Zhang Ye said hello to everyone politely.


    The teachers from the Chinese department also returned his pleasantries.


    It could be seen that only a few people were interested in Zhang Ye. Most of them might not have known Zhang Ye well, so they just exchanged some words before going back to ignoring him. There were others who obviously did not think much of Zhang Ye. Their eyes shifted around with doubts and distrust and they did not make any attempt to speak with him. After the basic pleasantries, they busied themselves again. Someone even quietly shook their head while in their seat, but even though they had doubts about Zhang Ye''s teaching capabilities, due to the school''s recruitment, they did not say too much. After all, he was the appointed by President Wu to be a lecturer and Zhang Ye was already now a member of their staff. This fact was cast in stone now.


    After some time, the pleasantries were done. Zhang Ye went back to his desk to put down his belongings. He looked at his watch and stood up again, for he was prepared to begin ss.


    When he stepped out of the office area, he was met with the oldest Professor in the Chinese department �� Yan Jiantao.


    Zhang Ye quickly greeted, "Professor Yan, good morning."


    Yan Jiantao did not even look at Zhang Ye and just gave a cursory answer before walking away..


    Zhang Ye shrugged, but was not bothered by it. It''s not the first time he was being doubted and taken lightly, he had gotten used to it, so he did not put it to heart. As for the denouncement from theizens and newspapers, Zhang Ye had already seen them all yesterday. He felt the same way towards that. He had already been through so many storms, so he was bing more and more ambivalent to the nasty words of others about him. He was also toozy to bring it up to them, at least not now. All of this would be meaningless and he would use his actions to prove himself. Zhang Ye only cared about his lesson today, so that was what was most important to him.


    Along the way through the teacher''s building, many people cast weird nces at Zhang Ye. Their eyes exuded mixed feelings and they were looking at him in all sorts of ways. Some even felt like they were looking at him with contempt.


    Almost no one in society felt that Zhang Ye was a good appointment for Peking University.


    Even amongst Peking University''s professors, almost none of them thought Zhang Ye was any good. They even felt that Zhang Ye would probably onlyst 2 or 3 lectures before being asked to leave. The university would not let him finish the semester. This was because teaching depended on experience and skills, everyone felt that Zhang Ye, as an outsider, would not have these points. Some of them even believed that if an industry outsider was giving lectures, the students would not even be interested to listen!


    But yet, that was far from the truth!


    When Zhang Ye made his way to the lecture theater, he was stunned!


    When many of Peking University''s teachers and professors passed by the 9:30AM ss for "Appreciation of the ssics", they too were shocked!


    People!


    People everywhere!


    "Aiyo, don''t push!"


    "Let me in!"


    "Who are you all? What are you doing in our ss?"


    "F**k, I''m registered for this ss, but why can''t I even get a seat?"


    The tiny lecture theater was packed with people. The 200 seats were fully taken. Some people even brought their own chairs from their dormitories and sat along the aisle. The groups of people had even nearly taken up the space around the podium. This was not even the end! Because the lecture theater was situated on the 1st storey, the windows facing the sports field were also packed with people outside. Numerous Peking University students just made themselvesfortable outside the windows. There were also reporters in there carrying video cameras. A rough estimate would say that there were about 30-40 journalistic workers present. They were all from the various television stations and newspaper publishers. How they managed to get in, no one knew!


    A few hundred people!


    A full several hundred people had filled up the entire lecture theater and the corridor outside it!


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted. My elective ss only has slightly over a hundred people. Why the f**k are there so many here now? How am I supposed to conduct my lesson this way!


    "Quick, look!"


    "Zhang Ye ising!"


    "Teacher Zhang! Please ept our interview!"


    "Right now, everyone''s doubting your teaching level, what do you have to say about this?"


    "I''m the reporter for Beijing Daily newspaper, can you tell us��.."


    Zhang Ye put out his hand and blocked them, saying with a straight face, "Sorry, this is not a public lecture. I won''t take any forms of interview right now, please go back. Please don''t disturb the students or their chance to learn!"


    But the reporters did not listen, they just surrounded him.


    The department Dean, Chang Kaige, and Secretary Zhen Shuquan were also startled. They brought along a wave of teachers and rushed over. There was even a security team dispatched to maintain order. None of them had expected this. Zhang Ye had already been denounced so badly, being scolded like he was a piece of dog turd. Why were there still so many people here to join in the hustle and bustle!?


    "Reporters, please leave! This is a school!"


    "Pleasee after the ss to do the interview! Teacher Zhang Ye needs to start his lessons now!"


    "Dean Chang! Can we observe the lecture? Everyone in society is very concerned about Zhang Ye''s lecture this time. We would also like to do a first-hand report about it to give answers to the society!"


    "Let me say it again, please leave!"


    "And those students who are not enrolled in ''Appreciation of the ssics'' should leave as well! There aren''t enough seats for the ss! If you''re not in this ss, what are you doing here?!"


    Chang Kaige and Zhen Shuquan were furious!


    Not only did the number people not decrease, instead it increased. A number of Peking University students who heard also rushed over, as if they all wanted to listen to Zhang Ye''s lesson!


    Chang Kaige said dumbfounded, "Why are there so many people?"


    Zhen Shuquan said helplessly, "It looks like we''ve underestimated Teacher Little Zhang''s influence amongst the younger generation."


    Indeed, there were many people who doubted and scolded Zhang Ye, but there were also a lot of people who liked him, especially among the younger generation. Zhang Ye had a certain appeal to them!


    Yao Mi arrived!


    Her dormitory mates and ssmates also arrived!


    When they saw the scene, they all eximed together at once!


    Professor Zeng and a few Chinese department teachers had also arrived. They came hoping to join the ss and listen in, but seeing the situation here, they were all stunned. Don''t talk about listening in, it looked like they wouldn''t even make it into the ss with all these people!


    "Secretary Zhen, Dean Chang, what should we do?" Professor Zeng had been stepped on quite a few times and his face was green. It wasn''t easy just to squeeze in toe to the side of the department leader.


    Chang Kaige and the other also had no ideas. The ce was chaotic and they couldn''t maintain order, so they ended up calling the management for instructions.


    Two minutester.


    Chang Kaige called Zhang Ye over and brought him away from the people, "Teacher Little Zhang, there''s ast minute change. You can''t give your lecture here, so the management has specially arranged for you to use the auditorium. You will be giving a public lecture today. Would that be a problem?"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "No problem, it''s all the same."


    "Alright then. Go to the auditorium to prepare!" Chang Kaige instructed. Then he and Zhen Shuquan addressed the students and reporters, "Everyone, please quiet down, quiet down. There will be a change in the lesson to be a public lecture. Would the reporters please proceed to Auditorium 3. We will arrange for someone to receive you all. Students, please also proceed to the hall for seating. Don''t jam up this ce anymore. Please do not push and be careful, proceed to the next location in an orderly fashion!"


    With that, everyone rushed out of the doors and cleared the lecture theater!


    Many of the reporters were carrying their video cameras and running towards the auditorium!


    Many of the students also rushed out after hearing the change in lesson ns. They had to be there early to get their seats. Whoever went there first would get the better seats in front!


    Yao Mi was going crazy, "Why is it like this?!"


    Yao Mi''s dormitory mate pulled at her, "Let''s go, quick! If we get therete, there won''t be any seats left!"


    "This is really amazing!" The brothers Li Ying and Li Li ran along while being at a loss whether tough or cry, "We''re only trying to have our elective ss! Why does it feel like we''re at war?! Those who''re less fit might not even make it in? I have known Zhang Ye to be quite popr in Beijing, but this is still too exaggerated��..Aiyo! Who bumped into me!" Li Ying nearly fell t onto the floor as his shoes were trodden ck!


    This was the also what many of the Chinese department professors and lecturers wanted to say as well. It was just an elective ss, how on earth did it attract so many people? From the looks of it, it seemed like many more Peking University students were intending to skip their sses toe listen to Zhang Ye''s lecture? Not attending their own lessons? This made the Chinese department teachers a little angry!


    If they had a 100 students in their sses and 95 showed up, it would be considered a very good turn out since there were surely some who would bete or absent.


    But just look at Zhang Ye''s ss!


    An elective ss that initially had only a hundred over students was now attracting over 500 to 600 people?


    How can it be! There was a damn increase of 500% in attendance!!

 Chapter 304: Zhang Ye’s Dropping of Atomic Bombshells!

    <h4>Chapter 304: Zhang Ye��s Dropping of Atomic Bombshells! </h4>


    Chapter 304: Zhang Ye''s Dropping of Atomic Bombshells!


    Peking University.


    An auditorium on the west side of campus.


    The time was now 9:45AM.


    The ss "Appreciation of the ssics", which had been scheduled for 9:30AM, was now dyed by a quarter of an hour.


    This auditorium was usually only used for academic conferences orrge public lectures. As it was not prepared beforehand, there was still a banner that wrote "Academic Conference For Education" in bright red hanging above the auditorium''s stage. Peking University''s staff quickly removed the banner, but could not find time to put one up for Zhang Ye, leaving it empty.


    Everyone rushed in with one objective.


    There were students, Peking University teachers, and also reporters.


    "Friends of the press, please sit in this area. Kindly turn off your video cameras!"


    "Why? No filming? Then what kind of public lecture is this?"


    "I''ll repeat it once more. Please turn off you video cameras and camera shes. Today''s public lecture does not allow filming to take ce. Please cooperate, thank you."


    "Then can we do an interview after the lesson?"


    "Not today."


    "How can you all do this? We came all the way here and you don''t let us do interviews or filming?"


    "It''s the department that had given the green light, otherwise this wouldn''t even be a public lecture. So please try to understand, we have our rules as well. If you can''t cooperate, then please leave!"


    "Alright, we understand."


    Peking University was very firm on its stand on such matters. They did not amodate to any of their grumblings. The reporters knew what sort of ce this was too. They knew that they being allowed in was already a very good gesture by the university, so they also did not push it too far. Just the name of Peking University alone was enough to make people mind their behavior.


    The reporters took their seats.


    Professor Zeng and a few other Chinese department teachers were seated in the front row. Atst, the department dean and secretary also arrived and got seated.


    Professor Zeng smiled, "This is the first time an elective ss of our department has gotten so many of us gathered in full force."


    A Chinese department teacher shook his head and sighed, "I''m just afraid that when the timees, we will be embarrassed. The bigger the turnout, the harder it is to keep it under wraps. We still don''t know how the media would report it."


    Professor Zeng said, "Teacher Zhang has the ability. Such a situation shouldn''t happen."


    "Hopefully." The Chinese department teacher was still not optimistic about Zhang Ye''s lecture. He kept feeling like he was on tenterhooks.


    Suddenly, a figure appeared at the auditorium''s entrance. It was Wu Zeqing. When she saw the almost packed auditorium, she smiled a little before walking over.


    Chang Kaige stood up quickly, "President Wu."


    Zhen Shuquan also said, "What are you doing here?"


    "I heard that there were many reporters here, so I wanted to take a look at it myself." Wu Zeqing was wearing a long skirt today. She gracefully walked in her skirt and took a seat in the front row seat herself.


    After her, there were also a few other professors who came in, but they were not from the Chinese department, but instead other department professors and teachers. It was not known what reason they came for. Maybe it was curiosity, but they had turned up to listen to Zhang Ye''s first public lecture. The few of them observed the situation at the entrance and secretly felt shocked. They had just heard that Zhang Ye''s ss had a situation of overcrowding, so much so that even Zhang Ye could not get into the lecture hall. They had not believed it, but now seeing all of this before their eyes, they finally understood the news that they heard had not been exaggerated at all. In fact, it was understated. This medium-sized auditorium could hold about 1200 people, yet all the seats had nearly been taken up by the students alone!


    And people were still streaming in!


    There were still Peking University students who rushed over upon hearing the news!


    At this rate, nothing would stop the 1200 seats from filling up!


    The few professors from the other departments were feeling quite envious. An industry outsider, a host, crossing fields into Peking University to give a lecture in front of the professionals. And yet he could attract so many Peking University students that wanted to listen in? They had even skipped their own sses toe listen to Zhang Ye''s lecture? These well-known teachers and professors of the education world could no longer keep their faces.


    But the Peking University students were very excited.


    Yao Mi managed to get a good seat upfront. She had been extremely looking forward to this and said, "I wonder how Teacher Zhang would talk about the ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms'' today. Is there still more to talk about?"


    Li Ying said, "Would it really be the ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms''?"


    "It will be for sure. Zhang Ye''s not familiar with the others." Li Li said.


    Yao Mi did not take it well, "Come on, there''s nothing my Uncle Zhang doesn''t know! He can speak about anything without problems!"


    The straight A student, Senior Song, who was silently reading her book and sat just beside them suddenly said, "Among the famous ssics, as long as he doesn''t lecture about ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', with Teacher Zhang Ye''s literary background, he would surely be able to handle anything."


    Yao Mi did not understand, "Why can''t ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' be lectured?"


    Li Ying knew a bit more, "Hur Hur, it''s not that it is prohibited from being lectured, but it can''t be taught."


    The provocative Senior Zhou, who was sitting a row behind them, added, "Looks like Junior Yao has never studied ''Dream of the Red Chamber''? This is a novel that no one dares touch." Then he exined to Yao Mi and a few others who did not understand as well.


    After listening, Yao Mi understood it, "Damn it. Teacher Zhang had previously asked me what topic I thought we would like to listen to. So I told him that it would be ''Dream of the Red Chamber''!"


    Senior Zhou said with a gasp, "Surely not?"


    Senior Song nced at them, "Don''t worry. Teacher Zhang wouldn''t listen to you, he''s not that stupid."


    Yao Mi patted her chest and breathed a sigh of relief, "That''s good, that''s good."


    Many others in the auditorium were also wondering what topic Zhang Ye would be lecturing about.


    The reporters interacted amongst themselves.


    "Who knows what Zhang Ye would lecture about?"


    "We did not get any updates from Peking University, so I don''t know."


    "It''s a 99% chance that it would be the ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms''. If not, then ''Water Margin'' or ''Journey to the West''?"


    "It would not be the ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' anyway. Hur Hur."


    "Nonsense, who doesn''t know that?"


    From the start, everyone had already consciously left out "Dream of the Red Chamber". No one had a doubt about it, they took it for granted that this would be the case.


    Chang Kaige who was in the front row also asked, "What''s the topic that Teacher Zhang would be lecturing about? ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms'' or Water Margin?"


    The passing staff, who was being asked, was stunned, "Oh, I forgot to ask. Teacher Zhang Ye did not mention anything about it. He is still preparing backstage."


    Zhen Shuquan was at a loss for words. "We don''t even know what he will be lecturing on?"


    Professor Zeng smiled, "Don''t worry, it will be fine as long as it''s not ''Dream of the Red Chamber''."


    Suddenly, the Chinese department''s most distinguished professor, Professor Yan Jiantao said, "Dream of the Red Chamber? Little Zhang would have to dare to speak about it first. No one in the industry dares to touch on this topic."


    Chang Kaigeughed, "Little Zhang is not that muddle-headed."


    Zhen Shuquan did not think that Zhang Ye would speak about "Dream of the Red Chamber". This thought had not even passed him.


    A department teacher said, "Professor Yan is here too?"


    Yan Jiantao nodded lightly to President Wu and the Dean politely as they freed up a seat for him. He sat down preparing to listen to Zhang Ye''s lecture. Actually, he was not curious, but merely came to pick on him.


    No matter what everyone''s purpose of being here was for, this lecture was still highly anticipated!


    The teachers were concerned, the students were concerned, the reporters were concerned, the education world was concerned, and even society was concerned!


    Peking University''s staff members had set up the video cameras, a total of three to face the stage. They did not allow the reporters to do filming, but Peking University would need to do so to keep a record. This was a public lecture after all.


    ����


    10 A.M.


    The auditorium doors closed. No one was allowed in anymore.


    The 1200 seats had been filled uppletely and it was still not enough. About a dozen Peking University students, who barely arrived in time, had no seats. So they could only stand along the aisle as they did not want to leave. No one wanted to leave, even if they had to stand. Everyone''s eyes were fixed on to the stage.


    It was time.


    A female staff member tested the microphone and then announced, "Please wee Teacher Zhang Ye."


    The reporters did not react. The professors and teachers of Peking University also did not stir much. Instead, the Peking University students were the ones who cheered and apuded loudly. They were very passionate!


    Zhang Ye came out.


    The female staff member handed the microphone over to him and went off stage.


    He walked towards the podium and ced the microphone into the microphone holder. Then he observed the packed audience and smiled a little. He did not suffer from stage fright and spoke withposure, "Sorry for the dy. Because of a tiny situation, today''s lesson has been changed into a public lecture. As the first time speaking as a lecturer on stage, I am actually feeling very nervous."


    The students went, "Hahaha!"


    Zhang Ye said in confusion, "But this is not the joke?"


    The students went again, "HAHAHAHA!" Theyughed even louder this time.


    Zhang Ye was speechless. He was truly very speechless. "Alright then, you guys really have a lowughing point."


    This was a habitual reaction. Many in the audience had watched "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" before and were ustomed to funny thoughts whenever they saw Zhang Ye speaking.


    A proper ss had be a Talk Show. Zhang Ye hurriedly withheld himself. Today, he was not standing there as a host, but as a lecturer. "I previously told my students that my sses aren''t too particr. Anyone can ask me questions or talk about their own opinions and theories. The more debate there is, the better. Of course, that is limited to my students. As for others, regardless of reason, please do not interrupt my ss. Thank you for your cooperation. These are the ground rules I am setting for my lecture." These words were clearly meant for the reporters.


    "Then��." Zhang Ye looked over to the dozen odd Peking University students, who were still standing, "Can our reporterrades over there please let our students have their seats?"


    The reporters were stunned.


    "Ah?"


    "Give up our seats?"


    Holy sh*t! He''s chasing us off immediately after getting on stage!


    Zhang Ye said in a matter-of-fact manner, "There are not enough seats, but we can''t possibly ask our students, who are here to listen to the lecture, to remain standing, right? This is a school, so we have to put the students at the forefront. Thank you." You could offend anyone, but a reporter. These words were very popr within the entertainment industry, but Zhang Ye did not possess any such concept. He was now a teacher and the students were an utmost priority.


    Chang Kaige nodded slightly. The other Peking University professors thought the same.


    But some of the reporters did not move. They felt that Zhang Ye was being too hard on them.


    An old reporter looked over to the students at the side and stood up saying, "Child,e and seat here."


    "Teacher Zhang is correct,e on." A female reporter also stood up and gave her seat to the students.


    More than ten Peking University students felt warmth rush up into their hearts. After exchanging some pleasantries, they also sat down, while more than ten reporters stood by the aisles.


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Thanks. May I get the staff to move a few chairs for the reporters? Hur Hur. It''s best if everyone has a seat." After saying this, he noticed the atmosphere a little tense, hence Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "Actually, I was hinting that someone should bring me a chair. Alright, treat it as if I didn''t say anything. I guess that wouldn''t be allowed either."


    "Hur Hur Hur Hur��" Everyoneughed.


    How would it be allowed!? How many teachers have you seen sitting while lecturing!?


    Zhang Ye had a perfect grasp of humor. This was not a Talk Show, and neither was it a television program, so he naturally could not use humorous joke segments. However, being too serious was also not Zhang Ye''s style. Tobine education with entertainment, he had to lessen his humor, without emphasizing too deeply on it. It was all within a reasonable range.


    After all these arrangements were done, the auditorium turned quiet. Everyone was waiting to listen to the ss properly. The first question on their minds was of course the topic Zhang Ye was teaching.


    Was he going to rest on hisurels and teach the ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms''?


    Or was he going to attempt at ''Water Margin'' or ''Journey to the West''?


    Even President Wu Zeqing, who was sitting below, was very curious.


    Following that, Zhang Ye held the podium and looked at everywhere. "Alright then, today''s ss for ''Appreciation of the ssics'' shall officially begin. When we talk about the ssics, it is actually a very broad spectrum. However, I want to know what everyone''s first impression of this course is? Can someone tell me?"


    A few people raised their hands.


    Zhang Ye chose a person he knew.


    Senior Zhou stood up and said loudly. "In my impression, this course is all about ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms'',''Water Margin'' and ''Journey to the West''. It will allow us to have a deeper understanding of these ssic texts, allowing us to examine the wisdom of the ancients, so as to be able to apply what we learn."


    "Alright, please take a seat." Zhang Ye lowered his hand before carrying on. "Many people probably have simr thoughts. ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms'', Water Margin, ''Journey to the West''. These three famous works form the basis of the ''Appreciation of the ssics'' course. This is not limited to Peking University. Other institutions of higher learning are simr. With that, I believe some people must be curious. China clearly has four works in the Four Great ssical Novels. Why of all things is ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' not lectured on by people?"


    Ah? ''Dream of the Red Chamber''?


    How could that even be lectured on!?


    Of course no one touches it! Is there a need to ask!?


    Everyone was stunned and from their eyes, they had taken it for granted. They did not know why Zhang Ye had suddenly mentioned this!


    Yan Jiantao and Chang Kaige, Zhen Shuquan andpany were also rmed. They suddenly had a bad premonition. It can''t be?


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Many people know the reason. Everyone seems to think that ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' is a famous piece of work, but there are too many problems with it. There are numerous mysteries and defects that cannot be solved. There are even seriouspses of logic in it. Hence, be it the lecture-style programs on television, or in literature courses in university, people try to avoid ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' at all costs. It has even reached a point where not a single professor or lecturer will teach ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' in an appreciation ss. This is a taboo topic no one wants to talk to in literature! They try to avoid it out of fear!


    "Uh?"


    "What is that supposed to mean?"


    "What Zhang Ye is saying is��"


    Everyone was stunned for a while.


    Chang Kaige''s face sank. "What does Little Zhang want to do?!"


    Wu Zeqing''s eyebrows also jumped. However, she still hung that graceful expressions of hers as she remained silent.


    "Everyone previously thought that I would be teaching ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms'' again, however, I have already said all I wanted to say about it in ''Analysis of the ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms", so I don''t want to repeat myself." Zhang Ye grasped the microphone and said something shocking, "Some people must have already guessed. Yes, this semester''s ''Appreciation of the ssics'', I am purposely choosing to teach you the appreciation of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. I won''t be vaguely teaching you, but in detail. It will be so detailed that sybles and isted words will be talked about, so detailed that we would ruminate upon the wording. It is not to be at loggerheads or to quarrel, and especially not revolting against the education and literary world. I just want to let everyone know that it''s not that no one dares to teach ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. This massive masterpiece is not as simple as it seems. The currently 120 circted chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' has a huge shocking secret hidden within it!"

 Chapter 305: The Later Parts of ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’ were not written by Cao Xueqin?

    <h4>Chapter 305: The Later Parts of ��Dream of the Red Chamber�� were not written by Cao Xueqin? </h4>


    Chapter 305: The Later Parts of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' were not written by Cao Xueqin?


    The auditorium erupted into chaos!


    Many people began to discuss!


    A female reporter, who was sitting by the temporary chairs along the aisle, said in a shocked manner, "I thought Zhang Ye was going to lecture about the ''Romance of the Three Kingdoms''? I thought someone said that he would rather die than dare to lecture on ''Dream of the Red Chamber''? What''s going on? Is he really teaching it!? And to teach for a whole semester? Which means the sses for the next ten days and more from today will all be about ''Dream of the Red Chamber''? F**k! How can it be! If ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was so easily lectured, others would have long had such public lectures about it!"


    Another male reporter said, "And to lecture about it in detail? Ruminating on every syble and word?"


    An old reporter wiped his sweat. "There will be big news today!"


    "That''s right. This lecture of his will definitely be filled with all sorts of errors!" A young reporter, who had quite an appreciation and liking for Zhang Ye, said in a speechless manner.


    The other side.


    Professor Yan Jiantao said with a gloomy face, "President Wu!"


    Wu Zeqing pretended not to hear him as she lowered her head to y with her cellphone.


    Yan Jiantao said, "��Zhang Ye thinks too much of himself! No matter how you teach ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', it will be all wrong! The logical errors in it cannot be redeemed!"


    "Dean Chang, this!" Another teacher from the department said.


    Chang Kaige remained speechless with his breath held in for a long time!


    Zhen Shuquan was furious, "What is this Little Zhang doing!? If we knew he was going to lecture on ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', then we shouldn''t have made it a public lecture! Won''t this be too shameful!?"


    Professor Zeng was also dumbfounded. He never expected Zhang Ye to actually lecture on ''Dream of the Red Chamber''.


    A female teacher from the Chinese department sitting beside him nearly fainted, "This Zhang Ye really catches you off guard!"


    The Peking University students were also equally shocked!


    Yao Mi covered her face. "I bought a big golden watchst year! Senior Song! Didn''t you say Teacher Zhang wouldn''t be dumb enough to lecture on ''Dream of the Red Chamber''!?"


    Senior Song was also speechless. "Who knows what Teacher Zhang is teaching? Ignoring the Four Great ssical Novels, ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' is the hardest to digest amongst all the ancient ssical texts. Why must he��he start from ''Dream of the Red Chamber''? Even those Redology experts, who have studied it for decades, can''t exin it, so how can Teacher Zhang do so? And to talk about it in detail?" She was also stunned by Zhang Ye''s ambitious words. "And that ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' has a huge shocking secret?"


    Li Ying was trembling with excitement as he said, "I''d like to hear how Teacher Zhang shall teach it! I''m looking forward to it!"


    Li Li said, "That''s right. What huge secret is there? Why haven''t I heard of it before?"


    Senior Zhou wiped his sweat. "He sure is bold to say such things. Zhang Ye is doomed. If he teaches something wrongly, his glorious reputation will be ruined!"


    Yao Mi was almost about to cry, "That can''t be? It''s all my fault. Why did I mention ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' to Teacher Zhang!?"


    ����


    Upon seeing everyone''s expressions, Zhang Ye was not surprised. He said with a smile, "I believe almost everyone present has read ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', right? Has anyone not read it?"


    The moment he spoke, everyone turned quiet.


    There were seven or eight people who raised their hands.


    Zhang Ye acknowledged. "There should be a few whock the nerve to raise their hands. However, it seems arge majority of people here have read ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', or have at least seen the television dramas. They are all very familiar with this novel. So despite there being a lot of so-called logical errors or plot points that didn''t make sense, many people still like ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' greatly. Is this not the case?"


    The students below nodded their heads.


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "Then, we shall discuss ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' in detail from the beginning. I want to announce something, which is also that shocking secret within ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. Everyone believes that Cao Xueqin was not in a good condition to perfect this masterpiece due to a serious illness near the end of his life, resulting in many plotholes and ws? But, now I want to tell you something. Maybe many will find it uneptable, but I still have to say it. And I can very definitely tell you��" Zhang Ye wasn''t himself if he did not let them die from his shocking words. The next sentence of his was like an atomic bomb to them, sting everyone present into oblivion, "The truth is, for the 120 circted chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', thest 40 chapters were not written by Mr. Cao Xueqin at all!"


    The moment he said this, the entire lecture hall went silent!


    Including the Peking University workers, the more than one thousand strong crowd in the auditorium immediately became silent. Everyone stared with their eyes popping out. They were allpletely dumbfounded!


    One second��


    Two seconds��


    Three seconds��


    Finally, a female reporter, who looked shy, suddenly stood up, "F**k" A vulgarity came out of her mouth without any concealment!


    Then, there were shouts!


    "Holy motherf**king sh*t!


    "What did Zhang Ye just say?"


    "Who can repeat that to me once again? I think I didn''t hear it clearly!"


    "Theter parts of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' were not written by Cao Xueqin? Is he mad? This Teacher Zhang Ye wants to send the literary world into an upheaval! How does he dare to say that!?"


    "If it was not Cao Xueqin who wrote it, then who wrote it!?"


    "Can you not be so stimting?"


    "What makes you say that!?"


    "This is definitely Teacher Zhang''s style! He won''t settle for not scaring you to death!"


    "This is one of the Four Great ssical Novels! Is it really alright to just say that?"


    Chang Kaige, who was sitting right in front, smacked himself in the forehead, "We''re finished!"


    Zhen Shuquan also nearly vomited blood. Peking University''s fine reputation was ruined today!


    A shadow was cast above the eyes of Professor Zeng and the other Chinese department teachers. Many of them nearly fainted from shock after hearing Zhang Ye''s words. Teacher Zhang Ye! Stop messing around! Seriously, stop messing around!


    Professor Yan also nearly cursed. He nced at Wu Zeqing. "President Wu! We can''t leave it at that! If this carries on, there won''t be anything left of Peking University''s reputation!"


    Wu Zeqing was ying with her cellphone with her head down. She seemed to be deaf to his pleas.


    Yan Jiantao was overwhelmed with thoughts of how the fire was already reaching one''s eyebrows, but she was still pretending to ignore it!


    Yao Mi, "��"


    Senior Zhou, "����."


    Senior Song, "������������"


    All the Peking University students were stunned from shock!


    As the bombshell thrown by Zhang Ye was too earth-shattering, this was no longer a simple academic debate. This was also not any simple academic discussion. If what Zhang Ye said was true, not only was the f**king academic world exploding, even a portion of history had to be rewritten!


    How could this be true?


    How can that be? No one believed!


    A male reporter shouted, "Teacher Zhang Ye! Don''t spout nonsense!" He was an avid reader of "Dream of the Red Chamber", so he naturally could not ept Zhang Ye''s remarks.


    Zhang Ye looked at him. "I had previously said that only my students can speak at anytime or raise questions. I don''t want to repeat myself a second time! If you are going to affect the orderliness of my ss or interfere with my teaching, then please leave. I won''t see you out!"


    No matter what Zhang Ye said, this was his ss. A few Peking University security guards were already staring at the male reporter. The guy leered before angrily sitting down and no longer said a word.


    After throwing out such a shocking statement, Zhang Ye appeared very calm and casual. It was as if what he had done was no big deal. He then said into the microphone, "I know many people cannot ept it from an emotional point of view. That is not surprising, but what I say is the truth. And why do I dare to say that? It is because there is a lot of evidence supporting this, and can be easily inferred. This is the type of stuff we will be talking about this semester. Everyone canment and give your own opinion, but hear me out. We can discuss amongst ourselves before deciding whether what I said is right or wrong."


    Right or wrong?


    Of course it''s wrong!


    Isn''t that just nonsense!?


    Everyone had such thoughts. Even Yao Mi and a small number of students, who especially liked Zhang Ye, or were considered Zhang Ye''s diehard fans could not believe after hearing what he said. There was no way about it. This was a challenge to all their understanding of history and literature! In the textbooks over all the years, the 120 chapters of "Dream of the Red Chamber" was stated to be written by Cao Xueqin. It was already entrenched in everyone''s minds. Even if "Dream of the Red Chamber" was filled with errors, no one questioned that this book was written by someone else!


    Someone raised his hand. "Teacher!"


    Zhang Ye nced over. "Please speak."


    The person who stood up was a freshman. He gritted his teeth and said, "Ipletely disagree with what you said. This is impossible!"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "Why is it impossible?"


    The freshman was stunned, "There is no why�� it''s just impossible!"


    Zhang Ye lowered his hands. "Hur Hur, I research in academia. It is based on verification. It has to have historical evidence and logical proofs. Yet you insist that it is impossible without giving a proper reason. Then how are we to carry on this conversation? If we want to argue on this, I can also ask a question. Who can tell me which historical book in history, or any other literary information provides proof that "Dream of the Red Chamber" has a total of 120 chapters? And that all the 120 chapters were written by Mr Cao Xueqin? Is there?"


    "That��" The freshman was stumped.


    The others could not answer it immediately. Right, in terms of records and validation, there was really nothing about the 120 chapters, but��but��


    Many people felt suffocated. They all felt Zhang Ye was wrong, but had no way to retort!


    "This student, please take a seat. It is worthy of praise to dare to speak up." Zhang Ye smiled and did not criticize the student. He said, "My ss is as such. Everyone might need to be mentally prepared in the future. What I said will shake the foundations of your traditional knowledge. I do not request for you to ept my viewpoints immediately. What I want you to do is just to let go of your so-called logic and calcified understandings. Let go of those preconceptions and mental conflicts. Why don''t all of you try to imagine it. If thest 40 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' were not written by Cao Xueqin, then what would happen when we study ''Dream of the Red Chamber''? Could those ''logical errors'' or ''major ws'', that could not be exined, be understood?"


    What he said was very intriguing.


    Wu Zeqing even raised her eyes when she heard this, "Oh?"


    Professor Zeng was eximed. He suddenly put aside his mental conflicts and became interested. He wanted to hear what Zhang Ye had to say!


    Redology enthusiasts and experts had already studied "Dream of the Red Chamber" for numerous years. They had proposed numerous theories, but none of them made much progress. This resulted in few Redologists and Redology enthusiasts existing in present day!


    However, Zhang Ye''s earth-shattering theory had never been proposed before!

 Chapter 306: A Lecture that Subverts All Understanding!

    <h4>Chapter 306: A Lecture that Subverts All Understanding! </h4>


    Chapter 306: A Lecture that Subverts All Understanding!


    Outside the auditorium.


    The chaoticmotion from inside spread outside.


    A few Peking University teachers from the Mathematics department walked past.


    "Hmm? Why is it so chaotic inside?"


    "What happened? Isn''t this a public lecture?"


    "That host, Zhang Ye, is having a public lecture, right? Why is it so noisy? And there is even screaming?"


    "Man, is this a ss or the filming of a horror film? Must there be so much shouting? What''s the fuss all about. Isn''t it just a lecture?"


    The few of them left after passing the auditorium by.


    Many students, who were on the floor below, also heard themotion from the auditorium. They were also extremely curious. No one knew what was happening inside.


    Only those present in the public lecture knew that shocking view thrown out by Zhang Ye!


    He was bold!


    Simply bodacious!


    People who dared to propose such ideas were either geniuses or madmen!


    Standing behind the podium, Zhang Ye, who saw the shocked expressions on the students and reporters'' faces, subconsciously stood up straight. He felt extremely dignified and was also a bit honored. As Zhang Ye''s world had a person, whose name was Hu Shih. He was formerly Peking University''s President, and during the early years of the People''s Republic, Hu Shih and Yu Pingbo had suggested that thest 40 chapters of "Dream of the Red Chamber" mismatched the first 80 chapters in artistry and ideology. They had made a bold guess that thest 40 chapters were continued on by someone else, causing quite an uproar. Zhang Ye was actually replicating what Hu Shih and Yu Pingbo did back then. And fate had it that he was doing so at Peking University, who Hu Shih had been President of. At least the superstitious Zhang Ye believed in such matters, so he wanted to do a good job. He wanted to reveal the truth that everyone from his world knew to this world. This was a show of respect to Mr Cao Xueqin, as well as to the work, "Dream of the Red Chamber"!


    "Teacher Zhang!" Someone raised a hand.


    Upon looking over, it was straight As student Senior Song who was in Year 3.


    Zhang Ye said with a smile, "Please speak."


    Senior Song stood up. She also wanted to let go of her prejudices and calcified knowledge from before, but she could not do so. She really could not ept Zhang Ye''s conjecture. "ording to your inference, if thest 40 chapters were not written by Mr Cao Xueqin, then who wrote it? Who can pass off the spurious as genuine?"


    Everyone pricked up their ears to listen.


    Zhang Ye looked at her and answered, "Your question has two slight problems. Firstly, what I said just now was not a deduction, but a certain fact. As for why I say so, I will exin and analyze it one step at a timeter on." Regarding this matter, Zhang Ye was very certain and definite, hence he said it with conviction. There were still disputes as to who finished up the work, but thest 40 chapters were definitely not the work of Cao Xueqin. This was indisputable. "Secondly, I think the words passing off the spurious as genuine is inappropriate. Maybe some people feel that thest 40 chapters and the first 80 chapters match very well, and the plot has proper contrast, but I don''t think so. In fact, I find it incongruous. Of course, this will be slowly talked aboutter on as well. As for you asking who wrote thest 40 chapters, I can answer you right now."


    Senior Song asked, "Who?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. This time, he was not that certain, but said it with precise words, "I presume it is Gao E!"


    Who?


    Gao E?


    How could it be Gao E!?


    Many students gave him looks of suspicion. Clearly, they did not know this name, but many Peking University professors and students knew of this person!


    Senior Song was rendered even more speechless. "Gao E was the cotor and conserver of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. He made a great contribution by conserving and spreading ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. How can he be the author? This is a groundless statement! Besides, Gao E was not of the same era as Mr Cao Xueqin! How could the both of them create ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' together?" Through her exnation, many Peking University students who did not know now knew who Gao E was.


    The cotor became an author?


    Department Dean Chang Kaige wanted to turn away. What this Little Zhang was saying was bing more and more preposterous!


    Zhang Ye still had a calm expression. "I never said Gao E and Cao Xueqin had produced ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' together. In my opinion, due to various unknown reasons, the original chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' after Chapter 80 were lost. As a fan of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', Gao E continued the story with his own 40 chapters!"


    The reporters stared. The original manuscript was lost?


    Senior Song eximed, "That''s impossible!"


    Li Ying also stood up and said, "That is unfounded!"


    "That''s right Teacher Zhang." Senior Zhou also said, "Why do you say that?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "It''s not unfounded. There is actually a reason behind it. However, with everyone''s preconceptions, no one noticed it, so many things were missed before their very eyes. What I want to do now is help to open everyone''s eyes. I want to let everyone see what you should have seen and discovered."


    Saying that, Zhang Ye flipped open the lesson n in his hand and took out a piece of paper before walking to a projector. He projected the information to let everyone see it, "Here I have a poem. Of course, it was not written by me. It was written by an outstanding poet, schr, and artist in the Qing dynasty, Zhang Wentao. This poem is titled "Dedicated to Gao Lanshu, My Contemporary Examinee". Well, the content of the poem is not important and is just average in standard. It does not have much literary value either. However, the important part is the note following the poem, ''Chapters after the eightieth were all supplemented by Lanshu''."


    This world''s history and famous people were different from Zhang Ye''s world; however, important historical figures, especially figures and history rted to the Four Great ssical Novels, did not have many changes. If these were to change, then this world might no longer have the Four Great ssical Novels. There was only information and proof that was lost. For example, many of the information and poems to prove that "Dream of the Red Chamber" were notplete and werecking in this world. For example, "Folk Tunes From the Capital" was a crucial piece that Zhang Ye never managed to find. It might not have been discovered by others, or was hidden in some deste corner or time had destroyed this vestige. There was, after all, no way for wishing that this world''s historical evidence was exactly preserved the same way that it had been in Zhang Ye''s world. Zhang Ye had struggled so much just to find that tiny bit, so although it was somewhatcking, it had enough information to support his viewpoint.


    "Chapters after the eightieth were all supplemented by Lanshu?" Many people were surprised when they saw the poem''s note. They shook their heads, "What can this tell?"


    Zhang Ye pointed to the projected image, "This poem might not be famous, and might not even be found in today''s advanced search engines. It can only be found in libraries, but I want to remind everyone. Don''t look down on this tiny piece of information. In the research of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', this poem is extremely valuable. Who is Lanshu? He is Gao E, whose pen name is Lanshu. A Qing dynasty poet, Zhang Wentao, has already told us that the chapters after the eightieth chapter of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' were supplemented by Gao E!"


    Senior Song mulled over it before shaking her head, "This word ''supplement'' has a lot of meanings. Finding something that is lost can also be considered as a ''supplement''. If there are missing words or pages, filling in the nks can also be considered ''supplement''. This word ''supplement'' is simr to ''patching'' , so it can''t exin anything." As a straight A student, she was truly talented.


    Professor Zeng nodded upon hearing this.


    The other Peking University teachers and students simr agreed with Senior Song''s points.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I believe I''m not the first person to see this poem. I also believe that in ancient and modern times, there have been an extremely small number of people who have discovered this. However, everyone without exception would have the same views as Miss Song. They would conclude that Gao E had arranged and conserved ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', but have you thought of something? The word ''supplement'' has another meaning. That is to add to something in order toplete it!"


    Everyone, "��"


    Senior Song was also speechless, "About that��"


    Teacher Zhang was f**king bent on going down such a treacherous path. If he insisted on exining the word ''supplement'' that way, it was of course alright, but��


    Zhang Ye carried on, "And ording to my analysis, and ording to relevant information and records, if it was as everyone else said, Gao E was only doing a ''patching'' job. He is not the only one arranging ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', right? Then why would there be a note given to Gao E that attributes the role of all the supplementing to him? Why would the word ''all'' be used? Was everything arranged by him? No one else was involved? Let''s not talk about anyone else. I would like to ask what happened to Cheng Weiyuan? What happened to Cheng Weiyuan, who was with Gao E? Hur Hur, clearly this is illogical and does not match what we know. Hence, the meaning of ''supplement'' really means adding to something in order toplete it. It also means continuing the writing, and he alone wrote the rest!"


    This view and analysis method was groundbreaking!


    Professor Zeng took a deep breath!


    Yao Mi was shocked from hearing this!


    Senior Zhou disagreed and immediately put forward his doubts, "Teacher Zhang, even if your analysis is correct, who can prove that the Qing dynasty poet knows the truth? Even if we take ten thousand steps back, who knows if Zhang Wentao learned it from hearsay and thought that was how it was. Hence, without any validation, he added this note. That is all possible."


    "Right!"


    "He''s after all not some particrly important poet."


    "Right. I''ve never heard of Zhang Wentao. Is what he said reliable?"


    A few students argued.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "So you think Zhang Wentao was engaging in hearsay? Alright, then let me show you the next set of information." Saying that, he switched to another piece of A4 paper. "Everyone, take a look. This is a poem Zhang Wentao wrote as a eulogical tribute to his younger sister. There is a small note here: ''My sister married a Han military officer of Gao descent''. It means that his sister was married to a ''Han military officer'', whose surname was Gao when she was alive. Hence, if I boldly infer from this, Gao E is very likely to be Zhang Wentao''s brother-inw!"


    "Ah?"


    "Holy sh*t!"


    "It can''t be?"


    Everyone was amazed!


    Brother-inw? Your sister, that can even work?


    Zhang Ye carried on. "If that is truly the case, then how would Zhang Wentao not know about the aplishments of his own brother-inw? What hearsay was there? Hence, what he said was somewhat believable!" However, he did not close the case on the matter. "Of course, as there is limited information, you cannot put a nail in the coffin on whether Zhang Wentao and Gao E are rtives or not. To follow academic rigor, this is just an inference on my part. I am just giving everyone a new perspective." In his world, there were people who overthrew the argument ording to Zhang Wentao''s family history. Some people even spected if Zhang Wentao knew Gao E when he wrote "Dedicated to Gao Lanshu, My Contemporary Examinee". Everyone had their own justifications, and there was still a huge controversy.


    However, ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was always mysterious. This masterpiece had so many mysteries that even in Zhang Ye''s world, not every one of them had been unearthed!


    Having controversy was normal. It would be odd if there wasn''t!


    A lot of history could no longer be verified, unless there was new historical data or documents discovered. If not, many mysteries would be forever left unsolved, resulting in endless debate!


    The reason why Zhang Ye mentioned this was to tell everyone that his words were backed by information and documents. It also agreed with logical inference. He had not blindly spoken guesswork without any evidence.


    Over here.


    Chang Kaige, who wanted to leave because he could not stand anymore of it, sat back down!


    Many of the Peking University teachers, students and reporters, who had previously shrugged off Zhang Ye''s idea, all turned silent!


    Of course, they found it impossible to agree with Zhang Ye''s audacious conjecture, but after a round of demonstration by Zhang Ye, they realized they had no way to retort him. Just like Zhang Ye, they could not provide any evidence or documents to prove the problem about Gao E!

 Chapter 307: Speechlessness!

    <h4>Chapter 307: Speechlessness! </h4>


    Chapter 307: Speechlessness!


    A brief period of silence.


    "It''s still not right!"


    "This opinion does not hold water!"


    "Right, it definitely can''t be written by Gao E!"


    "Although there''s no proof, but, but is there even need for proof?"


    Many people who were not taking the "Appreciation of the ssics" elective ss began to stir. However, at this moment, everyone also felt that they did not waste this trip and it had been worthwhile. Because no matter what Zhang Ye''s perspective was, anyone easily knew that this public lecture would cause a stir in the education and literary world!


    The straight As student, Senior Song just remained standing at her seat. Even if she were to sit down, she would soon stand up again to raise her questions. It was too troublesome as she had too many doubts and questions about Zhang Ye''s perspective. She raised her hand again and asked her questions directly this time, "Sorry, Teacher Zhang. I still cannot ept your perspective. Your proof that thest 40 chapters were written by Gao E is still insufficient to exin the problem. There''s too little information and too much left to our own imaginations. Besides, Gao E was just an arranger and cotor of the manuscripts, he would not possess the literary skills to continue writing ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' to such a good extent."


    Zhang Ye wagged his finger saying, "Little Song, then you''d be wrong to think that."


    "Why?" Senior Song asked.


    All the other Peking University teachers looked towards Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye said confidently, "Gao E had the qualities and conditions to carry on writing ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. In that era, I believe that only Gao E was up to the mark! Hur Hur, everyone don''t look at me like that. You might not have much understanding of Gao E, and just believe him to be someone who just coted and arranged the work. However, you do not know his background. If everyone does not believe me, then fine. I had first started my argument from an angle using information. Next, I will use a psychological standpoint to talk about it. Well, actually it''s not very important. It''s fine if I don''t mention it, but do you want to listen to it?"


    "Yes!"


    "Of course!"


    "It''s a must!"


    Senior Song also nodded her head.


    Even if they did not agree, they still wanted to hear it.


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Alright, then I''ll speak briefly about it. Gao E had always been assigned the title of the publisher and cotor, but many people actually do not know that Gao E''s literary level was his most dazzling aplishments." He noticed Professor Zeng was nodding slightly his head as he said, "Looks like Professor Zeng is aware of this."


    Professor Zeng affirmed, "Teacher Zhang is right. Anyone with eyes would appreciate him. That was the evaluation of Gao E''s contemporaries."


    Zhang Ye smiled as he continued to exin, "This is how it was. Gao E was an extremely talented man. ''Often distressed by his frustrations, his talents exceeded everyone else'' could be used to describe Gao E''s life. Never short of experiencing ups and downs, this made his life very simr to Cao Xueqin''s. In his early years, he would be held back in the Imperial examinations while hister years were spent on a dull career that left him emotionally distressed. This put him very close to Cao Xueqin''s emotional experiences and allowed him toplete that captivating tragic ending of the novel. Additionally, we just need to look through the information and we''d know that Gao E was an honest man, often encouraging and advising his disciples about filial piety and striving for the Imperial examinations He was very skilled in writing eight-legged essays, was a creative thinker, and had great penmanship. In poetry, he would often describe the sentimental feelings of life as if it were embodied in a dream, adding a touch of Buddhism within. All of these can be experienced in the text contained in thest 40 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. So from the angle of sentimentalism, Gao E was the most suitable person in that era to continue writing the ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. He was also the only one that was capable of doing so!"


    With a moment''s pause, Zhang Ye continued on, "When I mentioned that Gao E''s continuation of the writings of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was mismatched with the earlier chapters, what I meant was the personal style of writing was different. I did not deny Gao E''s talent. On the contrary, I really respect him as he had given an ending to ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' and facilitated the spread of the novel. Gao E made a huge contribution!"


    F**k!


    Why does it sound more and more like this was the truth!


    A straight As student from the History department suddenly raised his hand to speak, "What you have just said, was built on the assumption that after the first 80 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', somebody had to continue to write it. I feel that it''s not the time now to argue whether it was Gao E or an unknown person who continued writing, but��what do you base it on when you say that only 80 chapters of the original manuscripts were written by Mr Cao Xueqin? Based on what are you saying that the 120 chapters consisted of someone else continuing the writings and were not the original works of Mr Cao Xueqin? Just based on a bet that a Qing dynasty''s poet work had mentioned the words of ''80 chapters''?"


    Zhang Ye lost it and saidughingly, "You''re getting pretty agitated."


    The history department student was at a loss whether tough or cry, "How can I not be agitated? What you have said undermines all our knowledge of the novel. Have our history sses all these years been wrong? Has such a stupid mistake beenmitted for all these years by our country''s education world? Not even getting the author of one of our Four Great ssical Novels correct?"


    This was also the main reason why everyone did not believe Zhang Ye!


    So many experts, so many enthusiasts, are you telling me that all of them had been wrong? That''s impossible!


    Even though the saying goes that the truth is often in the hands of only a few, but regarding this method, this wasn''t even fewer than a few! You''re the only one with such a perspective!


    One was the education world, and the other was the academic world. Both were the authorities amongst authorities!


    The other was Zhang Ye, the hooligan of the literary circle. The thorn in the broadcasting circle.


    Who do you think deserved to be trusted more? The answer was clear, there was not even a need to ask!


    "We might not have any proof to refute you with��."


    "Right, but neither can you refute our views!"


    Take for example, "Journey to the West". If you wanted to say that this novel was not written by Wu Chengen, but instead written by his twin brother, and that his twin brother also took up the name Wu Chengen since he was young enough to impersonate him and only his family knew that Wu Chengen was not Wu Chengen, but his brother instead, but no one else knew that this Wu Chengen was not that Wu Chengen, and took it that Wu Chengen was just Wu Chengen �� If you really wanted to insist, couldn''t it be said in that way too? If someone had made such a im and even if there was no proof, no one could refute it. Then would that mean that the author for "Journey to the West" would also have to be changed?


    If that was it, then the literary world would be in a mess!


    Instead, Zhang Ye said, "Who says that I do not have evidence to refute?"


    The third year student from the Chinese department, Senior Zhou said, "But the information you had earlier were��.."


    Zhang Ye said with a snigger, "That was just the opening to bring everyone up to speed and get them into the mood. Since I dared to make such a im, I would obviously have my own evidence and information to back myself up. So then, I would first like to ask everyone about something. Other than Gao E''s version, did the earliest manuscripts for ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', whichever version it might be, have records of the novel after the 80 chapters?"


    Everyone was dumbfounded.


    "Is there?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Oh, let me do a search!"


    The students had all taken out their cellphones to go online to check.


    Professor Zeng also frowned and closed his eyes, trying to remember.


    A department of the literary arts student suddenly eximed, "There is! There''s an ancient manuscript here that is 120 chapters!"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "This student, could you check once more to see which year that manuscript was printed in? I can tell you that this ancient manuscript was originally only 35 chapters and had been edited and added on after 1791, when it was republished. It had been edited to fit in Gao E''s intact edition." He had also done his homework.


    The liberal arts student checked and then did not speak anymore after that. It was true.


    Professor Zeng, Chang Kaige, and Zhen Shuquan all realized it too. It was strange, but there really wasn''t any!


    Zhang Ye said, "So the mostplete ancient manuscript that everyone has read before would be Gao E''sption, which was printed and published in the year 1791. And with that, I have a question. Why is it that before this version, all the ancient manuscripts that existed did not have any version that exceeded 80 chapters? If it were just one version, it might pass, but why were nearly all the versions like this?"


    Yao Mi spoke, "Because the ancient manuscripts were lost and damaged badly?"


    This world''s ancient manuscripts for "Dream of the Red Chamber" were really in tatters.


    But Zhang Ye said, "Isn''t that too much of a coincidence? Doesn''t anyone have a suspicion about this? Some manuscripts only had a little over a dozen chapters left. Some others had a little more and managed to have 40-50 chapters intact, but all of these manuscripts that were much older than Gao E''s version did not have any records of anything over 80 chapters. Then in 1791, a full version, that had 120 chapters, suddenly emerged. This does not make sense from a logical point of view, isn''t that a little too strange? If thest 40 chapters had been written by Cao Xueqin, then why didn''t anyone besides Cheng Weiyuan and Gao E manage to copy it out? And no one managed to buy any of it off the gray market? With so many chapters, even if not all the chapters were copied, at least a portion of it could have been copied, but why was it that before Cheng Weiyuan and Gao E, no one had managed to copy even one chapter of thest 40 chapters?"


    With this question asked, everyone was stumped!


    Even a few Peking University teachers, who had studied and researched about "Dream of the Red Chamber", momentarily choked!

 Chapter 308: One bombshell after another!

    <h4>Chapter 308: One bombshell after another! </h4>


    Chapter 308: One bombshell after another!


    Senior Song spoke, "It might be a coincidence, and not considered evidence."


    Zhang Ye shook his head, "Coincidence cannot exin it. The only exnation is that only 80 chapters of Cao Xueqin''s ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' were transmitted and seen by Gao E. He seriously studied it and then carried on writing the story. Gao E was very lucky. He saw a moreplete ancient version of the 80 chapters that none of us have ever seen. Of course, there are things that he modified and filled in the nks, but there were no major changes."


    Senior Song insisted, "Then why couldn''t it be Gao E obtained the 120 ancient chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' before arranging and publishing it?"


    Zhang Ye did not answer the question, but rather asked, "Has anyone heard of a person known as Zhiyanzhai (Red Inkstone)?"


    Senior Song shook her head.


    Many Peking University students also shook their heads.


    Only a History department junior said in a crisp voice, "I think there was an ancient text. I remember the name as ''Zhiyanzhai''s Second Annotations to The Story of the Stone''. However, this ancient book only had a few rounds of cirction only. It is extremely iplete. Thements in it are all baffling, so many expert schrs and Redologists do not count it as an ancient text. They find that itcks the authority, and might have been blindly written."


    The students checked on the inte, and indeed, there was such an ancient text.


    "Well said." Zhang Ye smiled. "Zhiyanzhai''s ancient book is not looked up to by people because of two reasons. First, it''s because it''s too iplete, and second, because it''s hard to understand. Hence, no one has seriously researched it. Even if one were to research it, it would be in passing, without paying close attention to it. Hur Hur, but I have something to tell everyone now. You can''t say he blindly wrote it just because you can''t understand it. This would be disrespectful to academia in itself. Actually, Zhiyanzhai''s ancient text is the only version of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' that has been spread down with the greatest authority!" In his previous world, Zhiyanzhai''s ancient text was passed down with the mostplete and detailed evaluations. He had seen the original version before!


    "How can it be!?" Senior Song refused to believe.


    Many Peking University students also shook their heads.


    Zhang Ye said with a mocking smile, "You say that Zhiyanzhai was just blindly writing? It is only because the people who researched Zhiyanzhai''s ancient book could not understand what he was saying. Others might not understand, but I do. I believe if everyone keeps thinking based on the establishment that ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' only has 80 chapters, you will also be able to understand it." He took out another piece of information. It was information readily avable in this world. Although Zhang Ye had seen the original versions of Zhiyanzhai''s ancient text, most of it had been lost in this world. He could not use that as proof, and could only use avable evidence.


    Everyone looked up.


    Zhang Ye pointed to the projector, "Zhiyanzhai had thisment, Jia Baoyuter ends up ''choking on sour porridge in the dead winter, sobbing in a winter night covered in rags''. I want to ask, in the first 80 chapters of the 120 circted chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', was there ever such an episode? No! Was there any such an episode in thest 40 chapters? Also no!" He then pointed, "Zhiyanzhai''sments also included the fact that Xiaohong ''had helped Baoyu'' in the ''The Temple of the Prison God'', but was there such an episode in thest 40 chapters? Also no! Even ''The Temple of the Prison God'' did not appear in thest forty chapters! In addition to this, Zhiyanzhai even mentioned in hisments a title of one of the chapters after the eightieth. It was called, Xue Baochai, borrowing phrases, admonished; Wang Xifeng, reckoning fate, made a heroic stand. Was there such a title in thest 30 chapters? Still no!"


    Senior Zhou said, "This evaluation itself is not authoritative."


    Zhang Ye retorted, "Then what is authoritative? An ancient piece of literary information is not considered authoritative, but a Redologist''s research ends up being authoritative? Is there any logic to that? When we study ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', we need to rely on existing information. Also, do you think an ancient person like Zhiyanzhai had nothing better to do? He wrote some brainless things just to mislead everyone?"


    "Uh, about that��" Senior Zhou was stumped.


    Senior Song argued, "Maybe Zhiyanzhai interacted with Cao Xueqin before and thought that Cao Xueqin would write it in this manner. A plot and title was revealed to him, and in our present daynguage is considered an outline, but it is very possible that Cao Xueqin did not write in ordance with his original intentions!"


    Zhang Ye looked towards her and said, "Don''t you feel that Zhiyanzhai''s tone in hisments were too affirmative? His tone was not talking a bit about Cao Xueqin''s ideas in some hearsay manner, but like he had read or known the story after the first 80 chapters! Zhiyanzhai was very sure! Hence, Zhiyanzhai''sments cannot be understood by people. This is because in this story, after the first 80 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', it was not the original intent or written by Cao Xueqin, but followed up by Gao E. Zhiyanzhai is a key person in the study of Redology. ''He'' might have been Cao Xueqin''s wife or Cao Xueqin''s father, or even Cao Xueqin''s close friend. We do not know the specific details, but we can be sure of one thing. This Zhiyanzhai was not a person who copied ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' after simply borrowing it! You can tell from thements! Zhiyanzhai was involved in the entire creation process of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''! He had read,municated, and discussed with Cao Xueqin before writing thosements!"


    Another bomb!


    It set off once again in the auditorium!


    Zhiyanzhai, who was never really paid attention to by Redologists, actually ended being said by Zhang Ye to be the most authoritative person who had participated in the creation of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''?


    You just won''t give up unless you say something astonishing!


    The Peking University students were once again pelted by bombshell shrapnel. They looked nkly at each other!


    A Peking University female student from the History department argued, "Even if what you said is reasonable, there is no historical records of a person like Zhiyanzhai. It is just a pen name. Hees from unknown origins. We don''t even know if he is male or female. Of course, we can''t believe his words. We cannot use it as evidence."


    Zhang Ye was amused, "I can''t ept what you just said. From thements, we can already tell that Zhiyanzhai and Cao Xueqin are extremely close. We just do not know the exact identity of Zhiyanzhai. He is not someone of unknown origins. If we consider Zhiyanzhai to be someone of unknown origins, then ording to what you said, then Cao Xueqin himself is also a person of unknown origins. In academia and Redology, no one actually knows if Cao Xueqin is Cao Yong''s son or Cao Fu''s son. Hence, identity cannot be used as rhetoric to deny evidence."


    Cao Xueqin''s identity was also unknown?


    The face of female student from the History department changed colors before she finally sat down crestfallen.


    "Furthermore, I believe many people have not discovered, and even numerous Redologists have not noticed this." Zhang Ye projected another piece of information, "As you can see, this is one of the ancient texts of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. It was copied by handwriting and has many more mistakes. The typesetting also seems problematic. Compared to many ancient texts, it is not worthy, but this ancient text contains a very important bit of information. Look at this. Do you see it? This line seems to be a mistake. There seems to be an additional few words. These words, if just read simply, would seem iprehensible, but what if you do this?" Zhang Ye took another document and ced over it.


    Everyone gasped.


    "It matched!"


    "Why is this line the same?"


    "This is Zhiyanzhai''sments?"


    "Holy sh*t! Why are Zhiyanzhai''sments in other ancient texts?"


    Professor Zeng andpany looked rmed. The strokes and writing was clearly different, and was written by two different people, but��they were exactly the same!


    Zhang Ye maintained his smile. This was a smile of self-confidence, because he knew he had control of every piece of information. The research of "Dream of the Red Chamber" had already reached a point where almost nothing coulde out of it. Many things were already fact. Zhang Ye was also a broadcasting host by training, so his eloquence was excellent, so everyone present or even everyone in the world could not win a Redology debate with him.


    He said, "Now, it''s very clear, right? The person who wrote this ancient text also referenced Zhiyanzhai''s version. Here, his mind might have wandered and ended up making a mistake while copying. He lifted it without any modifications of Zhiyanzhai''sments in a baffling manner. It has nothing to do with the following text. Many people have seen it and thought it was a typo or a mistake, so no one paid much attention to it. However, I have studied it, and everyone can see that this line was actually a sentence Zhiyanzhai injected into one of the chapter titles. And it was the original words!"


    Zhang Ye projected another piece of information, "If everyone still does not believe this ancient text, there''s also this paragraph. This is even Gao E''s version, and is also the 120 circted chapters."


    The information wrote:


    They continued on their way to Xi-chun''s apartment. Being younger and more immature than the other cousins, Xi-chun was much more frightened by this visitation and, at first, seemed to be quite bewildered by it. It took all of Xi-feng''s efforts to calm her down. Unfortunately, while they were searching in Picture''s trunk, they came across arge packet containing thirty or forty silver medallions. So instead of evidence of immoral conduct, one had found stolen goods. There was also a carved jade belt-buckle, a pair of men''s boots, and a pair of socks.


    Zhang Ye looked at the audience, "There''s this line ''so instead of evidence of immoral conduct, one had found stolen goods'' in there. If a meticulous person were to flip through the ancient text of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', he would realize there was no such line. Only Zhiyanzhai''s edition has it. This line is in no way Cao Xueqin''s original text. So instead of evidence of immoral conduct, one had found stolen goods��This is simply Zhiyanzhai''s ownment!" And coupled with the previous information, I want everyone to take a clear look, "Look, the originse from here! And clearly, Zhiyanzhai''s ancient text was many years before Gao E''s edition. Of course it couldn''t be Zhiyanzhai erroneously copying Gao E''s ancient text. That is illogical. Hence, this is how a mistaken portion from Zhiyanzhai entered Gao E''s version. This was because Gao E was using Zhiyanzhai''s ancient text as a temte!"


    "This��"


    "It''s really true!"


    "What does this say?"


    "Right, what does this represent?"


    A few students could not help but ask.


    Even Professor Zeng spoke up, "What is your opinion?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "For this situation, I believe or can even say that I''m certain that all the ancient texts of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' were actually copied from ''Zhiyanzhai''s Second Annotations to The Story of the Stone''. This includes Gao E''s version and all the derivative ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' versions. All this came from Zhiyanzhai''s evaluations! And as previously mentioned, the mostplete ancient text Gao E had which no one had seen before can, in fact, be concluded to be Zhiyanzhai''s version. It''s just that one of Zhiyanzhai''s versions was too iplete. It did not hold much meaning even when we discovered it. However, what Gao E obtained was Zhiyanzhai''s mostplete edition of the first 80 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''! So by inference, Zhiyanzhai''sments are too valuable, and can be considered very reliable. Hence, the Zhiyanzhaiments about things past chapter 80, that I previously mentioned, have been established. That is to say, thest 40 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was in no way written by Cao Xueqin!"


    "Are you serious?"


    "Holy sh*t!"


    The Peking University students rioted!


    Even Professor Zeng and a few teachers, who had a rtively deep understanding of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', clearly showed a look of shock! Through Zhang Ye''s evidence and information, along with his analysis and reasoning, it did sound possible!


    Wu Zeqing smiled. She no longer pretended to y with her cellphone!


    The Chinese department''s Chang Kaige and Zhen Shuquan were also visibly shaken!

 Chapter 309: This is the precursor of re-writing History!

    <h4>Chapter 309: This is the precursor of re-writing History! </h4>


    Chapter 309: This is the precursor of re-writing History!


    The auditorium hushed up!


    It was yet anotherment that challenged everyone''s knowledge!


    A lot of them were busy thinking and digesting this argument of Zhang Ye''s!


    Offstage in a corner, a Peking University Economics and Management department male teacher in his fifties couldn''t help but ask, "Where did this Zhang Yee from?"


    Beside him, a history department''s female teacher said, "You don''t know him?"


    The male teacher said, "I don''t really follow the news nor pay attention to the entertainment and literary circles."


    The female teacher said, "This Zhang Ye has a bit of a name in Beijing. His literary qualities are very high."


    The Economics and Management department male teacher said, "I can see that, that''s why I''m curious as to where this genius appeared out of. I like ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' very much too and have spent a portion of my time reading up about reviews and analysis of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', including some expert schrs and Redology talks, but to question who the author of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was, only Zhang Ye alone dares to offer this view. He''s really not simple." Watching Zhang Ye, who was in a rxed state on stage, he said, "Have you all realized? Up until now, he has not used a script. He''s only brought some information up on stage and the rest was done off-script. It seems like he has already fully digested the knowledge of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' right into his bones!"


    The female teacher did a slight kowtow saying, "This opinion is really a novel way of thinking. If Zhang Ye did not mention it, then no one might ever consider it or question who the author of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was." Blinking, she added on, "But even though his arguments make sense, I still have reservations on it."


    The male teacher acknowledged, "We will still need to continue listening on. Just this bit of evidence alone won''t do. To reverse the widely-epted view of the novel, he would have to offer solid proof that no one would be able doubt and use extensive literary evidence and multiple points of view to prove it. Otherwise, no one would ept it!"


    Behind them was a new trainee teacher who said, "I think that''s all to it. After all, the Redologists have already researched ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' for so many years without progress. All the literary evidence would have been looked through more than once already. Would evidence be so easy to find? The fact that Zhang Ye has managed to find these evidences to support his argument is already a miracle!"


    The reporters were also whispering among themselves.


    The Peking University students were all speaking in hushed tones.


    "That''s too godly!"


    "This perspective is too scary!"


    "If it''s real, then��.then the literary world will be a mess!"


    "This is the first time I''ve witnessed that a lecture on ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' could be given this way!"


    From before Zhang Ye arrived at Peking University. From the time when Zhang Ye was first announced to be joining Peking University''s Chinese department. Many people had doubted his standard and qualifications. The students might have been interested in Zhang Ye and were hoping for such an unique style of teacher, but that was mainly from the perspective of entertainment. If they were to seriously consider how good of a teacher Zhang Ye would be in ''Appreciation of the ssics''? Then I''m afraid that these Peking University students did not expect much either, not to mention the members of the education and literary world. Even Peking University''s Chinese department''s colleagues, the professors, and teachers kept a doubting and even distrustful attitude towards him. They were all very judgmental of Zhang Ye! And when Zhang Ye mentioned that he would be speaking about the "Dream of the Red Chamber" that no one else would dare to touch? It had caused another shocking reaction. Everyone''s distrust towards him had be stronger and stronger, like Professor Yan of the Chinese department, like Dean Chang Kaige, andpany. They all took Zhang Ye to be a maniac!


    But as the hour passed!


    At this moment right now!


    As the first lesson wasing to a close!


    Many people had now reversed their contempt and looked seriously at Zhang Ye as a person for the first time, to consider the ''inconceivable'' viewpoint! Whether or not Zhang Ye was correct, however much they did not want to believe his view, they could only put down their resistance and pride now and admit that Zhang Ye''s understanding and research of "Dream of the Red Chamber" had reached a pinnacle!


    Professor Zeng?


    Professor Yan?


    Teachers of the Chinese department?


    Even Professor Wang who had previously taught this ss?


    Without a doubt, they knew they could not stand up to Zhang Ye in the field of "Dream of the Red Chamber" research. In this field, Zhang Ye''s alternative way of handling the issues had left a majority of them convinced! Just the evidence that all of the manuscripts originated from Zhiyanzhai was enough to cause a stir in the world of Redology!


    This was a big discovery!


    This was a breakthrough for Redology research!


    Even that poem dedicated to Gao E by the Qing dynasty poet was valuable research information!


    Having listened to Zhang Ye''s lecture until now, many people were left feeling incredulous. Why? Why was it that such key information and documentation had not been discovered by anyone until this moment? Was it that it had been discovered before, but not taken to be important? Why did it have to be Zhang Ye alone who realized this point? This meant that he alone had f**king disproved the whole Redology world!


    ����


    More than ten seconds passed.


    People finally came out of their pondering states.


    Senior Song breathed in and raised her hand, "Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye kept the projector transparencies and smiled. "Little Song, go ahead."


    "Your discovery indeed seems very valuable, but��" Senior Song stubbornly insisted, "Even if many ancient texts of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' originated from Zhiyanzhai''s edition, if we want to force it, it still doesn''t answer the problem. We can''t use Zhiyanzhai''sments to say that thest 40 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' were not written by Cao Xueqin. Even if Zhiyanzhai was extremely close with Cao Xueqin, and might have participated in discussions and the creative process, I still have the same thing to say. It is possible that when Zhiyanzhai wrote thosements, ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was still notpleted yet. Later on, Cao Xueqin changed his mind and did not follow his original intentions. You previously refuted me saying that Zhiyanzhai''s tone was very affirmative, and said that he had seen the entire ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', that stillcks evidence."


    Professor Zeng nodded. Little Song''s sharp question was good. Academic research had to be as such. By continuously picking at ws in an argument, and continuously searching for problems, only then could you see things clearer.


    As Senior Song was saying, her thoughts became clearer, "So although many things make sense ording to Zhiyanzhai''s words from inference, and people of that era had never seen the entire ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', while Zhiyanzhai, who was very close with Cao Xueqin, only had a general idea and outline of the story, resulting in Zhiyanzhai having suchments. This also led to the ancient texts being passed down without theplete 120 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. They could not record it down because no one had seen the ending plot. After Cao Xueqin finished writing ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', the manuscript was for some reason sealed and saved, but was found many yearster by Gao E. Only then was it spread during that period! As for why Gao E referenced Zhiyanzhai''sments, and had erroneously included it in the circted version, this also indicates the level of Gao E''s academic rigor. When he ''supplemented'' ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', he studied Zhiyanzhai''sments, and maybe even theplete 120 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' that was passed down contained in Zhiyanzhai''sments. As a cotor, he ended up making a mistake, so the 120 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was still written by Cao Xueqin!"


    "That''s right!"


    "That was well said by that student."


    "Mighty Senior Song! Well said!"


    "If we depended on guessing like that, then everything would be able to make sense! Teacher Zhang Ye''s opinions can''t really hold water! That''s indeed our Straight A student, Senior Song!"


    The students of Peking University were suddenly enlightened!


    A few Peking University teachers also looked towards Senior Song and thought to themselves what a smart student she was!


    However, Zhang Ye did not mind, and instead smiled. He looked at Senior Song and said, "Then ording to what you say, people from that era have never seen theplete ''Dream of the Red Chamber''?"


    Senior Song affirmed, "It has to be so. ording to this inference, your opinion will be overturned. If theplete 120 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was first spread by Gao E, thements of Zhiyanzhai would not be able to hold."


    Zhang Ye smiled as he shook his head.


    "You don''t agree?" Senior Song leered at him.


    Zhang Ye said, "Hur Hur, actually I''m very happy. Why? Because when I first put out my views, everyone was thinking that I was making excuses. They thought that I was using some unreliable information with biased assumptions to make my arguments, but it seems that you all have realized that this situation is now switched?"


    Senior Song immediately blushed, "But I''m not forcing my argument and using biased assumptions. It might be a possibility, no, it has to be like that!"


    "Are you sure?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "I''m sure!" Senior Song insisted firmly.


    "Then you must put a question mark to the word sure. Actually, people from that era had read ''Dream of the Red Chamber''!" Zhang Ye had already finished all his preparations, so how could he be stumped by a student? He pulled out a document and projected it, "Everyone, please take a look at this."


    What is that?


    Poem? Another poem?


    Everyone stared at it with rapt attention!


    Do not ask about the marriage of the gold and jade, for it is like a spring dream when gathered, or smoke too soon departed.


    Its magical spirit lost, the stone returned to the foot of Greensickness Peak, where even its ability to speak was all in vain.


    Everyone looked at each other. What poem is this? Why haven''t we heard of it before?


    Zhang Ye said, "This document took me a long time to find in the internal system of Beijing Library. The person who wrote this poem is named Fucha Mingyi. Trusting my word, he was a small noble of the Qing dynasty, however, he was not very sessful. By his time, his family had declined. His poems were also not that great. It was lower in quality than your average poems. He was not famous. The poems he wrote were mostly for his own pleasure, or spread amongst his rtives and friends. The poem anthology''s name is ''Anthology of Green Smoke and Locked Windows''."


    Everyone was baffled. Who was this person?


    Some people searched on the inte, but found nothing.


    Zhang Ye scanned everyone''s expression and said, "From the looks of it, no one knows this person, but please remember Fucha Mingyi. When studying ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', this person ys an important role. If everyone looks at the poem projected on the screen, it''s clear that it is writing about ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. What''s the meaning of the poem? ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' has a story of a marriage of gold and jade. He was saying, don''t ask about it, it''s unbearable to recall it. Why? This was because Fucha Mingyi had seen both the marriage of gold and jade that ''was like a spring dream when gathered'', then he had also seen the part of how ''smoke too soon departed''. Fucha Mingyi had seen aplete version of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''!"


    Someone raised his doubts, "Is there such a person in history?"


    "That''s right, why hasn''t the Redology world verified this poem before? Is this really writing about ''Dream of the Red Chamber''? Then why has no one discovered it before?"


    "What''s so surprising for him to have read ''Dream of the Red Chamber''?"


    "Right, I have also seen the 120 chapters. It too has a beginning and an end!"


    Senior Song also raised many doubts, as people threw questions at Zhang Ye.


    In this world, Fucha Mingyi was someone no one paid attention to. As his poetry standard was mediocre, and was not considered famous, no one paid him attention. Besides, the "Anthology of Green Smoke and Locked Windows" was iplete. The original words "Mentioning Dream of the Red Chamber" no longer existed. Out of the twenty poems that wrote about ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', only three or four were left on this. Without a title, without any fame, and it being too obscure, it caused the Redologists of this world to not discover it. However, Zhang Ye, as a person who had crossed universes, knew the importance of this person and these poems. If no one else could discover this poem, then Zhang Ye, who knew the truth, could easily find it.


    It couldn''t be said that he was of a higher learning than this world''s Redologists. It could only be said that Zhang Ye had seen more than them and knew about things that they didn''t!


    Zhang Ye said, "I see that all of you have many questions. It''s alright. I will answer them one by one. First, let''s talk about when Fucha Mingyi wrote this poem. ording to my verification and research, Fucha Mingyi''s ''Anthology of Green Smoke and Locked Windows'' would list down his poems ording to its year." A piece of information was projected on the screen. "Take a look. This is all verified information. Everyone can see clearly that the poems at the end of ''Anthology of Green Smoke and Locked Windows'' werepleted in 1781. And the poem that was about ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' I showed everyone was before this. And that is to say, Fucha Mingyi had finished reading aplete ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' before the year 1781. However, when did Gao E''s 120 circted chapter version of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' appear? It was 1791!"


    Senior Song was stunned!


    Many other people were also stunned!


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "So the point Little Song inferred and guessed could not be established. Before Gao E, there was someone who had seen theplete ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. However, that was not the 120 circted chapters!"


    Senior Zhou supported Senior Song by saying, "Even if someone else had seen it, that''s not considered proof. This Fucha Mingyi might have seen it, but it might be some ancient manuscript that was not copied by others. So others had seen it, and thatplete version of the manuscript was obtained by Gao E. Only was it released by Gao E many yearster."


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Did you notice? The grounds on which you are arguing are narrowing, and are bing more and more subjective."


    Senior Zhou denied with his neck tensed. "But that''s the case."


    "Alright, then let me show everyone else a poem. It is also a poem written by Fucha Mingyi about ''Dream of the Red Chamber''." Zhang Ye said, "If the previous poem was iprehensible or you could not understand that it was about ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', then this poem will be irrefutable proof."


    The information was projected.


    How many Springs, indulging in gold and jade,st, the young scion of a noble house ends in emaciation.


    Where did the powdered rogue go, letting down Shi Jilun of yesteryear.


    Zhang Ye exined, "What does it mean? He says the Jia n lived a life of opulence, but it would notst many Springs. It meant such opulent lives could notst long, not more than a few Springs. Then we would immediately remember the first 80 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' that we have read. It clearly states that when the three springs have gone, the flowering time will end, spring griefs and autumn sorrows were by yourselves provoked. It says the life of luxury onlysts three years. Clearly, Fucha Minyi had seen such a prophecy in the first 80 chapters, but at the same time, he had also seen the novel''s main character, young scion of a noble house, Jia Baoyu. And what was the final impression? Emaciation! Which means reduced to skin and bones!"


    Many people were deep in thought.


    Professor Zeng and a few others were still constantly savoring that poem.


    Zhang Ye looked at everyone, "Then, I would like to ask, in the 120 circted chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', did Jia Baoyu ever end up in that state? Was he emaciated? Not at all! Hence, theplete version of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' Fucha Mingyi read ispletely different from the 120 circted chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' that you have all read! This is because thest 40 chapters everyone of you have read was continued by Gao E! It was not Cao Xueqin''s original work!"


    This proof was indeed rather important!


    A few Peking University professors looked at each other!


    "Old Li, what do you think?" A Chinese department teacher asked another History department teacher.


    The History department teacher pondered for a moment, "I will need to verify it first." As he said so, he picked up his cellphone and made a call to a few friends. "Hello, can you help me to check out some information? Regarding someone named Fucha Mingyi����" Zhang Ye''s shocking remarks no longer only affected the literary and education world. Even the history world could not escape its clutches.


    A 3rd Year History department senior said, "Are the words of this Fucha Mingyi reliable?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "I have some information here about Fucha Mingyi. Please take a look before you decide if he''s to be trusted or not." After he put up the information for everyone to see, he said, "The information shows that Fucha Mingyi was bornter than Cao Xueqin, but that they still belonged to the same time. They had a time where their lives crossed, meaning to say when Cao Xueqin was alive, Fucha Mingyi was also alive. The information also adds on to say that the both of them had lived in the grounds of the capital, in the same surburbs, so it was very likely that these 2 people had met each other before!"


    Senior Song no longer said anything.


    Many others were trying hard to digest all the evidence that Zhang Ye had presented!


    Zhang Ye said, "Everyone can think about it as you listen to me speak. The second half of the poem is also a very important piece of evidence. Where did the powdered rogue go? It talks about the young women in the book, who disappeared in the end. In the phrase, ''letting down Shi Jilun of yesteryear'', the ancients liked to use allegories. Shi Jilun was a person from the Western Jin dynasty. His name was Shi Chong, and he was a wealthy politician who led a licentious life. However, this person''s fate ended up very tragic. He lost a power struggle, and when his political rivals surrounded his manor, his concubine, named Lu Zhu, made her move. To express her resistance and loyalty to Shi Chong, she ran to the top of the mansion and jumped off, killing herself. This became a famous historical event, known as Lu Zhu''s Jumping. Shi Chong was actually a terrible person and was not worthy of being pitied. From our current day viewpoint, what Lu Zhu did was nothing to sing praises about, but it''s because of this, when Fucha Mingyi saw the ending of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', he felt mixed emotions. When the Jia n was annihted in the end, there was no character like Lu Zhu that appeared. None of those powdered young women stood forward to show any bit of resistance, so what Fucha Mingyi saw was a tragic ending. It was an ending with the Jia n leaving thendscape deste and bare. This was Cao Xueqin''s original intent and word of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''!"


    Everyone was once again riled up!


    No one could think clearly anymore and did not know how to rebut him.


    So Zhang Ye said, "So putting two and two together, the answer bes clear. If we had to force it by saying that Zhiyanzhai had only heard of Cao Xueqin''s outlines and ideas when ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' had not beenpleted in writing? And after that when it was finished, it was sealed away? And thus no ancient manuscripts covered the novel after the first 80 chapters? Then how do we exin the existence of these poems by Fucha Mingyi? Isn''t this already detailed enough? He had obviously read the ending of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' with his own eyes! And it was a different version to that of the 120 chapters that we have read today! And he even read it many years before Gao E! Against this backdrop, who could exin as to why such a strange situation came about?"


    Silence.


    "Anyone? If not, then I will exin! The current version''sst 40 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' were not written by Cao Xueqin!" Zhang Ye asserted once more!


    At this moment, that History department teacher''s friend had gotten back to him. He clearly had a friend who worked in a library. He had called them to check for him internally, so they managed to get the information very quickly!


    "Old Li?"


    "How was it?"


    "Does this person and those poems really exist?"


    When the History department teacher got off the call, he nodded solemnly at his colleagues saying, "Zhang Ye''s speaking the truth. At least all of that information can indeed be verified. Fucha Mingyi really wrote those poems. His life and background were also as Zhang Ye had put it." Then he proceeded to show them the cellphone with the information that his friend had sent to him, "And it''s not only these 2 poems, but there are others too. Although these poems did not mention explicitly ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', their phrasings and meanings were clearly referring to ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', but because this information was too obscure, if you did not pay close attention to it, you''d miss this information!"


    Professor Zeng, who was seated further away, shifted seats when he heard them. He also took a look at the information, "This��."


    The Peking University teachers nearby were convinced at once, not at Zhang Ye''s perspective, but at his ability to do research!


    Such obscure information!


    A person like that who wouldn''t raise an eyebrow of others!


    You could even find them? You were even able to discover such a source of information?


    From this alone, those Peking University teachers and professors thought that Zhang Ye was really crazy! They had already known this host named Zhang understood the Three Kingdoms rather well and could speak about it rather interestingly, but who would have ever thought that his research and study of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' would be so meticulous! It didn''t even matter if his research was correct or wrong. To them, Zhang Ye was already way ahead of all of the Redologists!


    Wu Zeqing smiled elegantly once more, "Looks like Teacher Little Zhang is able to carry out his responsibilities for this course?"


    The Chinese department''s Professor Yan Jiantao said with a heavy expression, "Many of these arguments and the evidence still needs to be verified." He still despised Zhang Ye, who came through the ranks of broadcasting rather than history or literature.


    But others did not feel the same.


    Anyone present could tell that if Zhang Ye could provide even stronger evidenceter, wouldn''t this be a precursor to rewriting History!?

 Chapter 310: The First lesson is over!

    <h4>Chapter 310: The First lesson is over! </h4>


    Chapter 310: The First lesson is over!


    Peking University.


    In the auditorium.


    Many of the reporters were trying their best to take photographs!


    Many of the Peking University students were hungry for more! Compared to those experts or teachers, the students were much more receptive to fresh perspectives or opinions that subverted their understanding. They could ept and understand much more easily, and thus a group of such students were already hooked by interest towards the research and logical reasonings of Zhang Ye''s argument. They all were thinking how Teacher Zhang Ye would continue on from here.


    "Teacher!"


    "Do you still have more evidence?"


    "Teacher Zhang, I have a question!"


    "Are you really able to exin all of the logical errors in ''Dream of the Red Chamber''?"


    The Peking University students said one after the other, all scrambling to get their questions answered!


    It was already 11:30AM.


    The school had initially nned for Zhang Ye to have one hour to give his lecture for "Appreciation of the ssics", but it had already exceeded the time slot by quite a bit.


    Zhang Ye looked at his watch and spoke into the microphone, "Sorry everyone, I cannot answer everyone''s questions during today''s lesson due to time constraints. Those students who are interested can look for me after ss to discuss. I also wee any students, who are not in my elective ss, toe and listen in on my second lesson. I wee anyone who seeks to learn more about literature and those who love ssical novels to join me as well. So then, we will be ending today''s lesson here. ss dismissed!" With that, Zhang Ye started packing his teaching materials from the projector and left the stage.


    There was no apuse.


    There was not a single apuse.


    Instead, it was reced by a surge of students rushing forward. The moment Zhang Ye got off the stage and was preparing to leave via the aisle, he was surrounded by arge group of Peking University students!


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "What will we be tested on for our elective ss?"


    "Will we be tested on ''Dream of the Red Chamber''? Can you give us a clue about what''s examinable!"


    "Teacher, I still don''t really understand your perspective, could we discuss it?"


    At this moment, the students of "Appreciation of the ssics" ss had already recognized Zhang Ye''s position as their lecturer. Zhang Ye had used his knowledge to shake up these students! If the students had only respected Zhang Ye because of his Talk Show, his poems, or just because he was such a straight talker, then now the students were convinced by his solid and impressive lecturing skills!


    Even if someone did not agree with Zhang Ye''s views or did not like his behavior, no one would be able to cast any more doubt that Zhang Ye did not know how to give lectures!


    Who said that as a host, Zhang Ye would not know how to teach students?


    Who said that an outsider of the education world would not know how to give a lecture?


    Theizens, industry insiders, and experts of the education world that had cast doubt on Zhang Ye before now seemed quiteughable!


    From the beginning, he threw out his argument and enticed the audience through his speech. The details were slowly revealed as he spent the entire lecture pushing out his logical reasoning in order of session. What''s more, Zhang Ye was doing all of it off-script in front of them and without even a backup script highlighting his lecture pointers. The lesson was even done in a Q&A format, taking questions and debating about them. No one would know when and what these students would ask, yet Zhang Ye had countered them with extremely well thought out answers. He even managed to pull them back to his original main argument and drive his point home! He had used the questions from the students to reinforce his views and created a more visual and impactful understanding of them. What was key, was that this lesson was very interesting and no one had fallen asleep from the beginning till end. Not a single person in the more than thousand strong audience lost focus. The entire lesson was all within Zhang Ye''s control. They were all led by the nose by Zhang Ye''s bombshell. As such, the students had a very memorable lesson and gained more knowledge as well!


    The education world experts still looked down on this host, Zhang Ye?! They were still biased against a person who was not from their industry? Bullsh*t! With the standard set by his performance today, even a professor with more than 10 years of experience��.would not do better than this, right? They couldn''t possibly deliver the lecture better than Teacher Zhang Ye right? Alright, even though there were professors in Peking University and Tsinghua University who had the same standard as Zhang Ye''s lecture delivery and could do it with such interest, logic, and impact, would they be able to do so for a whole hour? Surely they would not be able to do so without a script, but Zhang Ye could! From this alone, no one in the education world would dare say they could do better than Zhang Ye!


    This teacher was too interesting!


    This was why the students had all surrounded Zhang Ye!


    Of course, the group of reporters were even crazier than them!


    More than twenty reporters rushed forward and squeezed in trying their best to take some pictures while others held out their voice recorders!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Please ept our interview!"


    "I''m a reporter with the Beijing Times!"


    "Teacher Zhang, do you realize that your lecture today is going to cause a huge stir?"


    "This is only your first time giving a lesson as a lecture, but you''ve already thrown out such a shocking theory! How many people do you think will ept your views?"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Please tell us about your thoughts!"


    "What you said today was too shocking to the people! No! It''s too shocking to the world! Why did you not raise these views before? Did you just discover the shocking secret to ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' recently?"


    Zhang Ye raised his hand, "Please let me through. I will not be giving any interviews today. If there''s a need, you may contact the relevant agencies in Peking University and if they allow it, I will give an interview. Sorry, please excuse me." He was not here as a host, but as a teacher of Peking University. He would need to handle the issues of interviews carefully. The system and characteristics here were different from a television station, the school''s principles did not encourage a teacher to do informal interviews.


    The security team had alsoe to maintain order.


    After being tussled left and right, Zhang Ye was finally escorted out safely after 7-8 minutes. It was only giving a lecture, but it felt like he had gone to war. Zhang Ye was at a loss at whether tough or cry. He had intended to interact for a short while with President Wu and Dean Chang. The university and department leaders hade specially to listen in on his lecture, so it would have been rude if he just left without saying anything, but there was no other way now, as he could not find them anymore, even after looking left and right. He could only avoid the people and quickly walk back to his office.


    ����


    At the other end.


    The auditorium''s dedicated staff doorway.


    Wu Zeqing, Chang Kaige, andpany were walking out together with a camera crew member as well as the website administrator. They were discussing as they walked.


    "Did you get the whole lesson?" Wu Zeqing asked.


    The cameraman, who was in his forties, said, "Yes, I''ve recorded everything."


    The website administrator said respectfully, "President Wu, it is standard practice for all our past public lectures to be uploaded onto the Peking University website and also a publicity and showcase for us, but this time, Teacher Zhang Ye''s lecture on ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', should we��..not post it up?"


    Wu Zeqingughed gently, "Why not?"


    Secretary Zhen Shuquan said, "There is quite a bit of information overload for this lecture and much of Zhang Ye''s views have not been verified yet. If we post this, it will inevitably cause amotion? Right now, only a small group of students are slightly convinced by Zhang Ye. They still do not fully believe, let alone others. What more, those education and literary circle''s experts. They would surely make a fuss!"


    Chang Kaige sighed, "There''s already a big fuss going on now. Even if we do not post it, when those reporters get back, they will still publish it. We should take the initiative and post it first instead. At least, Zhang Ye''s views will be presented with details, rather than letting the reporters take his arguments out of context and have the possibility of an even greater negative reaction!"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Dean Chang is right. Just like Zhang Ye said himself, the more truth is debated, the less obscure it bes. Having some controversy is a good thing."


    Yan Jiantao raised his eyebrows in disagreement, "Will that really not be a problem? If it is not handled properly, our Peking University will be the target of criticism! After all, Zhang Ye is now a lecturer of Peking University. If his views are made known, then whatever trouble thates along with it will also have to be handled by Peking University? And furthermore Little Zhang''s point of view has not been perfected or borated in full. He''s still so young and wouldn''t be able to handle the pressure from outside. What if the lessons turn out to be a messter? Wouldn''t it be better if we dyed it for a few more days before posting? To see if Zhang Ye has anymore new evidence to show for?"


    Wu Zeqing said tly, "Hur Hur, there''s no need to wait a few days." To the website administrator, she said, "Clean up the recording and post it up."


    "Yes, President Wu." that person acknowledged.


    Then, Wu Zeqing said to Yan Jiantao, "Professor Yan, I know that you have always been very stringent towards academic issues, but issues rted to ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' are not something that we can be overly stringent with. There are already all sorts of unsolved mysteries to it and at this point of time, being stringent is no longer the single most important factor. A daring questioning and view of it would be the most important thing. I believe that Teacher Little Zhang also wishes to be doubted from the outside world and the world of Redology. Only if that happens would there be more analysis and more debates. With more opinions and views, we will be able to finally gain a clearer understanding and solve this mystery. This should be a good thing." She smiled as she was saying, "As to whether Teacher Little Zhang will be able to handle the pressure from outside, I don''t think that we should even be worried about it?"


    You could worry about anything, everything has a chance to go wrong, but when it came to resisting pressure, a person like Zhang Ye would definitely have no problems handling it!


    Professor Zeng was jubnt when he heard these words. "Professor Yan probably does not know the background of Teacher Little Zhang. Back then, during the hijacking of ne, Zhang Ye, who had never piloted a ne, stood forward at the most critical moment andnded it safely. He saved over a hundred lives. We can not use logic to deduce what this man is thinking."


    Chang Kaige, the other teachers and Peking University staff, who were present, had also heard a little about Zhang Ye''s miraculous stories. Their expressions broke out into wry smiles.


    Of course, everyone tacitly knew that there was no reason to worry about Zhang Ye about handling pressure! In two live broadcasts, he had scolded his leader once and criticized the SARFT in the other. With all that pressure from the second incident, Zhang Ye could still scold the SARFT with a poem a day in a carefree manner. It could be said that he was the type who fought even harder the more pressure there was. This was the sort of literary hooligan he was. If he couldn''t take the pressure, then no one in this world would be able to take it either!

 Chapter 311: Poked a Hornet’s Nest!

    <h4>Chapter 311: Poked a Ho��s Nest! </h4>


    Chapter 311: Poked a Ho''s Nest!


    It was lunch break.


    Peking University Chinese department.


    In a teachers'' office.


    Some lecturers brought lunchboxes in. Beside the water dispenser, there was a microwave oven, so a simple reheating would do. There were other lecturers who were heading to the canteen to get their meals.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye returned.


    A young female lecturer nced at him. "Teacher Zhang, you ss is over?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "I just finished."


    The female lecturer smiled and said, "How did your first ss feel?"


    Zhang Ye said with a heartyugh, "It was not bad. It was quite fun having so many people listen to my lecture."


    "Fun?" The female lecturer gave him a thumbs up and said with amusement, "With your hosting background, you must definitely have the proper nerves for it. You must also have seen all sorts of situations. Thinking back to my first ss, it was even some small, ordinary ss. There were only about thirty or forty people, but I was so nervous that I began stammering. I nearly screwed up the ss. By the way, I heard there were too many studentsing to listen to your ss? And there were even quite a few reporters, making you run a public lecture in the end?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged. "It was held at the auditorium."


    "You sure are popr. Normal teachers like us do not enjoy such treatment. Let''s not talk about having so many people attend the ss, it would be a something worth rejoicing if students don''t skip ss." The female lecturer said in a self-deprecating manner.


    The other Peking University teachers did not pay much attention to Zhang Ye. Some ate while others busied themselves with work. There were at most a few people who nced at Zhang Ye before lowering their heads again. Only this female lecturer, who was about the same age as Zhang Ye, chatted with him. One could see how unpopr Zhang Ye was.


    "Oh, what did you lecture today?" The female lecturer asked, "Three Kingdoms?"


    Zhang Ye sat back at his seat and said to the neighboring female lecturer, "No, I taught ''Dream of the Red Chamber''."


    "Ah, ''Dream of the''��What? You taught ''Dream of the Red Chamber''?" The female lecturer was stunned and felt her mind spinning.


    The other Chinese department teachers in the office also became speechless upon hearing that. They all looked towards Zhang Ye. All of them had sses in the morning, so they did not know what had happened in the auditorium.


    Teacher Wu, who was about to be an Associate Professor, said, "You can even teach ''Dream of the Red Chamber''? Little Zhang, this is a university, not a variety program. You have to be rigorous in academic stuff."


    Zhang Ye said casually, "I know."


    The female lecturer was at a loss for words, "You sure are bold."


    Professor Wu and the other teachers all shook their heads slightly.


    Zhang Ye kept his documents and was about to go downstairs to get food. However, he guessed that many reporters were gathered in the canteen or somewhere nearby to lunge at him. So he did not go there. Instead, he went to a small nearby grocery store to buy a hamburger. He heated it in a microwave oven before returning to the office to eat it.


    As he chewed on his hamburger, the other teachers were enjoying their meals.


    Just as people were having their lunch, Peking University''s official website posted a recording of Zhang Ye''s lecture. There was nearly no cuts, and the entire lesson was uploaded.


    Zhang Ye did not watch it, but was searching for information on the inte while eating. He was preparing for tomorrow''s lesson.


    The female lecturer sitting beside him was very curious. She wanted to know how Zhang Ye lectured on ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', so she loaded the video, since she had nothing to do.


    Following that, she constantly cried out.


    "F**k!"


    "Ah?"


    "Aiyah!"


    "This is��.."


    "Eh? What''s up with this information?"


    Su Na''s exmations made all the other teachers in the office speechless.


    "Teacher Su." A female teacher in her forties put down her teaching material, saying, "What are you watching? Why themotion? Hur Hur, my heart nearly jumped out because of you."


    Su Na was still in a state of shock. "I''m watching a recording of Teacher Little Zhang''s public lecture. Hurry up and watch it. It''s no trifling matter. No one has ever talked about ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' in this way!"


    "Little Zhang''s ss?"


    "Really?"


    "Alright, let me take a look."


    "I have read ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' several times. There are so many logical inconsistencies. There''s no way to teach this ss, right?"


    From the ruckus caused by Su Na, the curiosity of the other Peking University teachers were piqued. They all loaded the video up.


    The video was a bit long. Some people jumped to the main points, while others watched from start to finish. It would not have mattered if they didn''t watch, but everyone showed the same expressions as Su Na!


    "This��"


    "What is the situation?"


    "Holy sh*t! This ss is defying the heavens!"


    "How can ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' not be written by Cao Xueqin!?"


    "But what Teacher Little Zhang says make sense. The evidence provided is also very strong!" Su Na supported Zhang Ye.


    Professor Wu and another teacher shook their heads. "That doesn''t exin anything. It has not been verified, so how can you speak rubbish!"


    The female teacher in her forties said, "Little Zhang, your ss is going to cause chaos!"


    Zhang Ye lifted his shoulders and smiled. "It''s alright. I''m already mentally prepared."


    A debate wasunched in the office immediately regarding Zhang Ye''s public lecture. A teacher felt Zhang Ye''s evidence was very reasonable. Teacher Su Na had her reservations, while the other teachers were adamant. They felt Zhang Ye was being too irrational. How could you teach something that was not verified? If that were the case, couldn''t you have rested on yoururels and taught Three Kingdoms? It might not be interesting, but it would not have stirred such a controversy. This theory of yours is enough to f**king poke holes in the world of History and Literature!


    ����


    Indeed, the external world went into chaos!


    No, it would be more appropriate to say that the heavens were overturned!


    Once the Peking University''s official website posted the video, many people rushed to watch it..


    For example, Zhang Ye''s old friends and colleagues, or his hardcore fans, or those experts and professors from the academia world who doubted Zhang Ye''s lecturing ability. There were alsoizens who liked to join in a bustle. After all, the news of Zhang Ye joining Peking University was still hot. Many people knew about it. Although people did not care much about Zhang Ye''s sses, they also wanted to take a nce at it once the video was out.


    Yes, arge number of people only wanted to nce at it, but after this nce, none of them were able to close the video!


    His new friends were stunned!


    His old friends were also stunned!


    "Holy motherf**king sh*t!"


    "This is crazy!"


    "My titanium dog eyes are blinded!"


    "I feel like Earth can no longer stop Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "Dear, Dear, hurry up and watch this. Face-smacking Zhang has caused trouble again. This time he is not smacking his Leader or unit''s or relevant department''s face, but he''s smacking the entire world''s face!"


    "I''mpletely convinced by Teacher Zhang! He is too good at stirring up trouble!"


    ����


    Beijing Television Station.


    In a small office.


    Xiao Lu, Dafei, and the Hou twins finished watching Zhang Ye''s public lecture recording in shock. Then after staring all day nkly, they either smacked themselves in the forehead or fainted!


    Hou Di shouted "f**k" before saying, "I''ve finally realized that if Teacher Little Zhang does not cause amotion a day, he won''t be able to sleep well that night!"


    Xiao Lu said, "This time he''s doomed!"


    Hou Ge said, "That''s right. Zhang Ye is going to cause public outrage!"


    Xiao Lu said in a panic, "When he took up teaching duties at Peking University, many industry insiders were not optimistic about it. They were all scolding him. Now with this, wouldn''t Teacher Zhang Ye be the target of public censure!? Everyone''s firepower will be focused on him? No, I have to give him a call! He can''t say that or he won''t be able to carry on in the industry anymore. How many people is he offending!?"


    Dafei stopped her. "Don''t make the call. Don''t you already know Teacher Zhang''s temper? When has he been afraid of offending others? He would ignore it even if others criticize him. That temper of his probably is afraid that he offends too few. Teacher Zhang is the kind of person who gets more excited the more people he offends!"


    ����


    Beijing Radio Station.


    Wang Xiaomei had finished her workte at noon, and had just returned to the office to eat.


    The moment she stepped in, Big Sis Zhou and Auntie Sun shouted, "Xiaomei! Hurry up and watch this!"


    "Watch what?" Wang Xiaomei leaned over. And she saw Zhang Ye saying calmly in his public lecture, "thest 40 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was in no way written by Cao Xueqin!"


    Wang Xiaomei eximed and returned to her seat with a calm expression. She continued eating, but as she ate, she began to lose her appetite. She clutched her hair, at a loss whether tough or cry and muttered to herself, "This Zhang Ye!"


    ����


    Shanghai, Weiwopany.


    Zhang Ye''s colleagues were all dumbfounded!


    After watching the video, Zhang Han shouted three times, "Holy sh*t! Holy sh*t! Holy sh*t!"


    After Dong Shanshan finished watching, she did not say a word. After half a minute''s silence, she stood up and went to the recording studio to record her program. She was already at a loss as to what to say!


    ����


    A hospital in Beijing.


    Deputy Station Head Jia, who was in an orthopedic ward, was watching Zhang Ye''s video on his cellphone. He did not have the patience to finish watching it. He only watched the first ten minutes before stopping. He closed the video and took a deep breath, and suddenly erupted inughter. "This Zhang Ye has really sent himself to his death!"


    ����


    On the web.


    On the newspapers.


    All the relevant news reports came out one after another. It was all rushed out by the reporters who had personally attended the public lecture!


    "Zhang Ye has once againunched his missiles!"


    "Zhang Ye''s Peking University Public Lecture! Questioning ''Dream of the Red Chamber''s'' Author!"


    "A person challenging the entire Literature world��Peking University Lecturer Zhang Ye!"


    "Thest 40 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' were written by someone else?"


    When Zhang Ye kept a low profile, he did it very well, but whenever he rose up, it would always be stunning. For example, it could be said that he poked a ho''s nest today!


    The Literature industry was stunned!


    The Education industry was stunned!


    The History industry was also stunned!


    The people who held authority in these industries publicly criticized Zhang Ye. They also believed that Zhang Ye was not suitable as a lecturer, and guessed that there would be problems with his first lecture. Zhang Ye''s notoriety was already not something a few people knew. However, no matter how they thought of it, they never expected Zhang Ye to publicly challenge what the entire country, or even the entire world had considered conclusive!


    Numerous industry insiders appeared!


    Some were from the education industry, some from the literature industry. There were even people with authority in the field of history. As for those Redologists and Redology enthusiasts, who had disappeared for a long period of time, they also could not sit idle. They all appeared to point their spears at Zhang Ye!

 Chapter 312: Zhang Ye’s Response—Let the world laugh about me

    <h4>Chapter 312: Zhang Ye��s Response��Let the worldugh about me </h4>


    Chapter 312: Zhang Ye''s Response��Let the worldugh about me


    On Weibo.


    It immediately became a war zone!


    "Zhang Ye, can you not speak nonsense?"


    "Don''t insult my ''Dream of the Red Chamber''!"


    "How can the 120 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' be continued on by someone else?"


    "Zhang Ye, I can ignore what you had previously said. I can treat it as funny musings. I also acknowledge your literary standard, but don''t you mess with ''Dream of the Red Chamber''! This is a ssic in my heart. This is one of the Four Great ssical Novels of our country. How can you doubt it?"


    "Peking University is really blind to invite such a lecturer!"


    "I already said that Zhang Ye wouldn''t do. As a host, how is he to teach!?"


    "Let Zhang Ye get lost. Don''t lead our children astray! What is he teaching!?"


    The army that denounced Zhang Ye drummed up their war gongs. Many parents of Peking University students appeared and collectively protested on Weibo, requesting Peking University to fire Zhang Ye!


    However, there were people who supported Zhang Ye.


    "Have you seriously watched what Teacher Zhang Ye taught in his ss? Don''t just boo along with others, alright? Just a look at the news on the newspapers and you came here to scold? Just a scan of the opening parts of the video, and you came here to shout? I implore you to watch it carefully once more. See if what Teacher Zhang Ye said was reasonable for yourself! If you don''t think it''s right, you can step forward to scold him, but you don''t even know anything beforeing here to boo. What sort of people are you!?"


    "That''s right. I really suggest everyone to watches it carefully. What Teacher Zhang Ye says is reasonable. The evidence he produced was very strong!"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye!"


    "Unconditional support for Teacher Zhang!"


    "Although I don''t believe that thest 40 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was not written by Cao Xueqin, I still brainlessly support Zhang Ye! So what if I''m a braindead fan, are you biting me?"


    "Don''t scold anymore. Teacher Zhang really has the ability to teach. Are there any doubts after watching what he covered in the lecture? Literature has always been like that. It allows for controversy. You can''t just insist everyone thinks the same way that you do because you think it so, right? Just because they think differently from you, you begin to insult them? What sort of logic is that!? Don''t be fooled by those so-called experts!"


    "''Dream of the Red Chamber'' really has something fishy going behind the scenes?"


    "I don''t know. Compare to those so-called literary experts, I believe Teacher Zhang Ye more!"


    "I am a person who especially likes ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. I have read it four or five times. Although everyone is scolding Zhang Ye, I think what Teacher Zhang Ye says is not without reason. What if it''s true? What if ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was really continued on by someone else? Wouldn''t all the logical errors in the book be exined? The only thing I have on my mind is listening to Zhang Ye''s next lecture!"


    "Ditto!"


    "I want to listen to it too!"


    "Regardless if Teacher Zhang Ye''s opinion is right or wrong, this lecture is too interesting. Even those old professors can''t teach a ss of this standard! Everything is linked, and full of suspense. It''s really great. Watching Teacher Zhang Ye''s programs or listening to his lectures are sometimes a form of enjoyment!"


    "The country needs someone like Zhang Ye who dares to raise opposite viewpoints. This is a good thing. Besides, there is no problem with the evidence provided by Teacher Zhang. Not only are there no problems, but it is also an important discovery in Redology. It has allowed Redology research to take a big step forward! Just this discovery from Zhang Ye and the contributions of those documents should make him impervious to criticism. In my opinion, Teacher Zhang Ye is a real schr and Redologist. He knows his point of view will be attacked, but he still insisted on talking about. This is something worthy of our respect!"


    However, the people who supported Zhang Ye were just a small minority. Furthermore, there were people amongst this small minority who did not fully believe Zhang Ye''s point of view. They were all reserved in their beliefs. They were very interested in the evidence brought forward by Zhang Ye, but that was all. Hence, their voices were slowly bombarded by others!


    The people who opposed this viewpoint were all heavyweight opponents!


    Renmin University''s Professor Ma Hengyuan came out. "I already had a hunch that chaos would ensue before Zhang Ye took on his teaching responsibilities. I never expected to be right. Peking University, the best school in the country, a benchmark in the education sector, actually dared to take in ayman like Zhang Ye. What were you thinking? And indeed, the oue is out. Peking University will have to pay the price for this mistake. From the attitudes of the students and their parents, everyone has feelings of mistrust towards Peking University because of rat sh*t like Zhang Ye. If we let Zhang Ye carry on his nonsense, the consequences will be disastrous!" Back then for "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms", Zhang Ye had confronted Ma Hengyuan during the recording and smacked his face. Hence, Ma Hengyuan did not hold back this time by adding insult to injury. He was an old foe.


    Following that, another old foe appeared.


    Beijing Writer''s Association''s Vice President Meng Dongguo criticized, "I watched the entire public lecture. I am now very angry and consumed with rage. How dare Zhang Ye question the Four Great ssical Novels? The evidence you provide might seem reasonable and logical, but if you analyze is carefully, these evidence is not authoritative. It is all from people of no importance. Is this considered a contribution to literature? Even this can be considered as informational records?"


    Someone from the Beijing Writer''s Association also said, "Zhang Ye? What a joke. What a joke!"


    Yao Jiancai said on Weibo, "Hahaha, supporting Zhang Ye''s viewpoint!"


    The person Beijing Writer''s Association said with disdain, "As an actor in the entertainment industry, what do you know of literature?"


    "I do not know, but I know Zhang Ye knows." Yao Jiancai retorted, "As a small author with sales of ten thousand, you dare topete with Zhang Ye''s literacy? Nice, if you are indignant about it, why don''t youpete with him to let me see!? Don''t you also know a lot? Then show me how much you know!"


    That person immediately stopped speaking.


    Poems��


    Couplets��


    Zhang Ye was invincible in this area!


    Elder Qian, the judge who Zhang Ye got to know at the Beijing Couplet Competition, and also the country''s Writers'' Association veteran suddenly stood forward to support Zhang Ye. "The information Little Zhang provided is very important in the study of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. This is undeniable. All of you think it doesn''t make sense? You think the information isn''t reliable? I''m actually taking the opposite view from you. I am now beginning to doubt the author of thest 40 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. Little Zhang''s exnation ispletely sound and supported by evidence and logic. It can definitely stand. Those who criticize Zhang Ye, you can always take out your own evidence to refute him. If you can''t refute him, don''t shoot your mouth and incur the ridicule of others. Besides, I understand Little Zhang as a person. He would not say something without evidence. We have to carry on listening to what he has to sayter."


    However, the criticism remained unabated.


    "Get Zhang Ye to get lost!"


    "Don''t let him pollute the campus!"


    "What is Peking University doing, they are not looking into this matter?"


    Finally, Peking University''s official Weibo was forced to make a statement. It openly supported him by saying, "Peking University''s trust in Teacher Zhang Ye''s literary attainments have never wavered. It is impossible to eliminate controversy in academia. This is an important part of the process to advance academic research. We wee external bodies and industry insiders to scrutinize this process. We also wee academic experts and schrs to listen in. Teacher Zhang Ye''s second lesson of ''Appreciation of the ssics'' has been decided to be held tomorrow at noon. It will still be a public lecture. The venue will be Peking University''s Grand Auditorium that can hold 5000 people."


    Peking University''s attitude surprised many industry insiders. Some industry insiders, who had good rtions with Peking University, also stopped speaking. They never expected Peking University to support Zhang Ye that much. Peking University actually still tolerated him despite saying such "treason and heresy"?


    However, there were even more who remained unconvinced!


    A few publicly-recognized Redologists could not stand hearing this!


    "Alright, since you wee us. Then we will attend the lecture tomorrow. I want to broaden my horizons. I want to see how Zhang Ye will lecture!"


    "I''m going too!"


    "Young people these days really do not know the immensity of heaven and earth."


    "It''s pointless to keep talking here. Let''s meet tomorrow at Peking University. We will make Zhang Ye take back his words that insult Mr Cao Xueqin!"


    Many Redologists and industry insiders expressed their intentions to attend the lecture!


    It could be predicted that there would be a fierce struggle between two equally matched forces tomorrow at Peking University!


    ����


    However as one of the involved parties, Zhang Ye, who had caused such an uproar, did not appear online. He did not watch any news either. By the time he finished arranging his information, it was already past two in the afternoon. He was nning on returning home. His contract with Peking University was as an external hire, so he did not need to sit in the office all day. Once he finished his lecture and whatever business he needed to do, he held no other responsibilities. Even the ss time was up to him to choose. The ss at noon tomorrow was naturally suggested by Zhang Ye. The reason why he did not arrange for the ss to be in the morning was to leave some time for society and the industry to digest the content he lectured. This time, Zhang Ye was not trying to fight them, nor was he challenging those who doubted him. Zhang Ye really wanted to reveal the truth of "Dream of the Red Chamber". He did not want everyone to carry on being left in the dark. This was his responsibility, the responsibility of a person who had crossed universes. He had to contribute to this world after all. And he was also up to the task.


    "I''ll be leaving first." Zhang Ye got up.


    Su Na, who did not have a ss to teach in the afternoon, looked at him. "You are leaving, Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I need to go home to prepare for ss tomorrow. I''ll see you tomorrow."


    "I was nning on going downstairs to get a drink. Let us go together." Su Na apanied him out. "I also wanted to ask you some things regarding ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. There are still a few questions I haven''t figured out."


    However, just as they went downstairs, an unexpected scene happened!


    It was unknown when numerous journalists had arrived, nor was it known how long they had waited. The moment they saw Zhang Ye, they charged forward with their cameras and zoom lenses, surrounding him!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "I''m from Jinshi television station!"


    "I''m from Beihe province daily news! Please hold on!"


    Jinshi? Beihe province? Why did the media from those cese?


    It was not surprising. These member of the media were stationed in Beijing. As the video released this afternoon caused such a huge stir, everyone hade here without thinking. Back when Zhang Ye made his Talk Show, it had only attracted the attention of youngsters, but this time, it was the garnered the attention of the entire society. There was no other way about it as ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was too influential in China. Too many had seen this famous piece of work, and with Zhang Ye openly shelling "Dream of the Red Chamber", this not only caused unrest to the literary and historical world, but had also attracted eyes from the whole society!


    Su Na was also dumbfounded seeing this.


    In a blink of an eye, she and Zhang Ye were already surrounded by three or four rows of reporters!


    With themotion over here, many Peking University Chinese department students also came over to join in the bustle!


    Yao Mi, Li Ying, and Li Li, who had just finished sses, also ran over to take a look upon seeing this situation!


    Today''s Zhang Ye was no doubt the center of attention at the Peking University. The students were staring at him, his teacher colleagues were staring at him, as well as the entire society!


    Zhang Ye apologized, "Sorry, I''m not epting interviews!"


    "Please say a word or two!" A female Beijing Times reporter said loudly.


    Another reporter, who held a microphone, said, "We just received news that your public lecture tomorrow will be held in Peking University''srgest auditorium. This is now the focus of all attention, and there has been more than one academic or Redologist who has expressed intentions to cause trouble for you. What are your thoughts on this matter?"


    Another reporter stirred the pot, "Now that society is scolding you for leading people astray, saying that you don''t understand ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', and are speaking nonsense. Do you have anything to say?"


    "Teacher Zhang, we have been waiting for three hours. If you don''t say a word or two, we really can''t answer to our superiors!" A young female author tried soft methods after noticing that hard tactics had failed.


    The reporters refused to leave as they surrounded him.


    Professor Zeng was still having ss, but he could see Zhang Ye from the window. He only had a wry smile on his face.


    The other Chinese department teachers also nced down from the teacher''s office windows. They also wanted to hear what Zhang Ye had to say in response to the criticism. As Zhang Ye''s hot temper and hooligan nature of scolding people was known by everyone, they wanted to know what surprising words he had to say this time.


    There were more and more people gathered on the field!


    Dean Chang Kaige noticed that themotion here was too great. It was already affecting the lectures in many ssrooms. He could not help but turn gloomy. "Hurry up and disperse! Please disperse!" However, his words were useless.


    Su Na leaned her head to the side and whispered, "Say a few words? Or we won''t be able to leave."


    From the eyes of these reporters, one could tell they were willing to grab onto Zhang Ye''s legs, in order to not let him leave.


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Many parents of students are requesting that you be fired!"


    "I heard there are students who doubt the contents of your lecture!"


    "Now the entire education sector towards you is filled with veiled criticism. What are your thoughts on that?"


    The reporters were full of energy. Regardless if Zhang Ye answered, they just kept throwing questions at him.


    When he realized that he would not be able to leave if he did not say anything, Zhang Ye calmed his expression and said, "I don''t really think much of it, nor have any thoughts about it."


    The female reporter from Beijing Times said, "How can that be? Almost everyone is doubting you. If it were me, I would also be infuriated!"


    "I have nothing to be angry about." Zhang Ye looked at those reporters and calmly used a very famous Buddhist gatha from his world, as he said softly, "Let the world nder me, cheat me, humiliate me,ugh about me, treat me lightly, despise me, dislike me, and swindle me." With a slight pause, he then narrowed his eyes and said, "Only to endure it, let it be, let it have its way, avoid it, beat it, be reverent towards it, and not care for it�� Wait for a few years and then have a look at it again!''


    With the gatha out, the entire field tuned silent!


    Su Na suddenly stared at Zhang Ye''s face!


    Chang Kaige and the surrounding reporters were filled with looks of astonishment!


    The female reporter from Beijing Times, who was closest to Zhang Ye, gave a look of pleasant surprise. She hurriedly confirmed that the voice recorder had done its job in excitement. It was recorded! She had a feeling that these two lines would definitely be hot! She was not wrong. Zhang Ye was a person who gave polished impromptu speeches the moment he spoke! Every line and poem of his were poetic!


    "Is this a poem?"


    "No! It''s a Buddhist phrase!"


    "It''s a gatha! A Buddhist gatha!"


    The students on the field were also stirred up!


    Yao Mi shouted, "This saying is so f**king relieving!"


    "So empowering! Teacher Zhang Ye is indeed superior to others! He is a person with great spirit!" Li Ying eximed, "This is the style of a literary master!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Reporters, can I leave? I still need to go home to prepare for my ss."


    "Ah, alright. Thank you for this interview." A television station reporter said subconsciously.


    The other reporters did not want to let Zhang Ye go, but they had all been stunned by Zhang Ye''s gatha. In their daze, no one dared to stop him.


    Zhang Ye drove off.


    A group of people were left behind as they reminisced the two lines!

 Chapter 313: Losing all decorum with the Literary world!

    <h4>Chapter 313: Losing all decorum with the Literary world! </h4>


    Chapter 313: Losing all decorum with the Literary world!


    Afternoon.


    On the way home.


    There was a major intersection up ahead, and there, the traffic lightsted very long. As he waited, he hesitated while holding his cellphone before sending Zhang Yuanqi a short message.


    Zhang Ye: Sister Zhang, I''m back in Beijing.


    Slightly more than ten secondster, a response came back: You just arrived?


    Zhang Ye smiled and typed: I got back a while ago. You must not have been following the news.


    Zhang Yuanqi: I''m out of the country.


    Zhang Ye: Out of the country? Alright, when you return, we can have a meal together. We haven''t seen each other in such a long time. I expect myself to be in Beijing until the Lunar New Year.


    Zhang Yuanqi: We''ll see.


    Zhang Ye: Alright. Go busy yourself.


    Zhang Yuanqi: OK.


    With the traffic light turning green, Zhang Ye stepped on the elerator.


    However, he did not keep his cellphone. He gave Rao Aimin a call. After leaving Beijing for a month, he missed Rao Aimin somewhat.


    Du, du, du, the call connected.


    Zhang Ye said with a chuckle, "Hello, Landy auntie. It''s me."


    Rao Aimin''s familiar voice sounded, "Oh it''s you. I''m carrying groceries on the way up. My hands aren''t free, so quickly speak like you are letting out a fart." The sound of stic bags rubbing against each other could be heard.


    "You bought groceries?" Zhang Ye said, "Perfect. I''ll be there in a while. Set aside some food for me. I haven''t tasted your cooking in a while. I miss your food so much when I''m in Shanghai. Then, let me look at the time. Eh, 4 PM. I''ll be there at 4PM punctually. Alright?"


    Rao Aimin curled her lips. "Other than scrounging for food, what else can you do?"


    Zhang Ye ttered her, "It''s because your food is too delicious."


    "Alright, alright. Come on over. I won''t be going out then. Help me pick Chenchen up while you''re at it. She will be ending school in a while." Rao Aimin told him.


    Zhang Ye eximed, "I just finished sses, and had a tiring day."


    Rao Aimin gave a lightugh. "You want to eat without doing any work? Dream on. Do as I say and stop spouting nonsense with me."


    Zhang Ye began to negotiate. "Alright then. I''ll just pick her up, but I want Red Braised Pork tonight. I''m not doing anything if there''s no Red Braised Pork!"


    "Take it or leave it. Hurry!" She hung up.


    Just thinking of the food made Zhang Ye salivate. After sending Mom a short message informing her that he was not returning home, he drove over to Beijing No.2 Experimental Primary School.


    When his car arrived, school was not over yet. With nothing to do, Zhang Ye smoked in his car while waiting. After a while, there were more and more cars. The parents had arrived. Following that, the school gates opened, and the children beganing out. Zhang Ye threw the cigarette butt and alighted from the car, waiting by the entrance.


    "Eh, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Isn''t this Teacher Zhang?"


    "You came to fetch the child?"


    "Teacher Zhang, I heard you''ve be a Peking University lecturer?"


    Although Zhang Ye wore sunsses, he had previously brought Chenchen to a Parent-Teacher Meeting. A few parents of Chenchen''s ssmates recognized him. They greeted him. As they were all considered parents or guardians, they did not treat Zhang Ye as a celebrity, and began chatting with him casually.


    Zhang Ye also smiled and began to casually chat with them. "Hai, I was just fooling around. With my standards, Peking University will probably fire me before next semester. Hur Hur."


    A pretty figure suddenly appeared.


    Zhang Ye had sharp eyes and immediately waved his hand. "Chenchen, over here!"


    Chenchen turned her head to look in the direction of the voice. "Zhang Ye?"


    "Your aunt is at home cooking. She asked me toe pick you up." Zhang Ye stretched out his hand.


    Chenchen acknowledged before bidding farewell to two of her ssmates. She then walked slowly over to Zhang Ye. Seeing his stretched out hand, she curled her mouth and very reluctantly put her little hand into Zhang Ye''s. "Zhang Ye, can you not keep holding my hand? I really lose face from this."


    Zhang Ye smiled while rubbing her head, "Little thing. How old are you to know what face is?"


    Chenchen rolled her eyes and smirked. "��Hur Hur."


    "What kind of expression is that? Smile nicely." Zhang Ye brought her into the car before entering from the other side. Then, he buckled up Chenchen''s seatbelt before driving off.


    "Chenchen."


    "What?


    "Don''t you miss Uncle?"


    "Hur Hur.."


    "You miss me? Nice, I didn''t pamper you for nothing."


    "��"


    In the district.


    The duo held hands before riding an elevator upstairs.


    "Hold on." When he came by his rented apartment, Zhang Ye stopped and looked for his keys before opening the door. "It''s been awhile since I''ve stayed in here. I should open the door to air the room." However, when he opened the door, the moist air he expected wascking. The tables and chairs were all clean, with not a speck of dust. "Eh, what''s the matter?"


    Chenchen said while carrying her little schoolbag. "My aunt cleaned it."


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips. "Hehe, Landy auntie sure is nice. Just perfect!"


    Thendy''s door was open. The fragrance of the dishes that were being cooked emanated out. He heard Rao Aimin''s voice say, "Who''s speaking behind my back?"


    Zhang Ye brought Chenchen into her house. "Thank you Landy auntie. You even cleaned my house. Alright, I''ll wash the dishes after we finish dinner today. I need to reciprocate your kindness."


    The crackling of mes could be heard from the kitchen.


    Rao Aimin was serving the dishes in the living room. She heard him, but did not look at him. She said, "Kid, when have you ever taken the initiative to wash the dishes. I might as well depend on Chenchen rather than you." Saying that, she gestured with her chin to the bathroom. "Go, go wash your hands. It''s time to eat. Wash your hands clean with soap. Don''t mess around. Nowadays, there is so much bacteria and disease floating around. No one is to eat unless their hands are washed clean first." After saying this, she went into the kitchen to check on the fire of the braised pork.


    "Got it."


    "Got it."


    Zhang Ye and Chenchen said at the same moment.


    In the bathroom, Zhang Ye skillfully lifted Chenchen up. Chenchen lowered her body to turn on the tap to wash her hands with soap. After she was done washing, Zhang Ye put her down and began to wash his hands. After that, he got a dry towel and wiped his hand dry, while Chenchen used the lower end of the towel to wipe her hands. They had great synergy.


    After they came out, the duo sat by the dining table.


    Chenchen banged on the table. "I''m hungry!"


    Zhang Ye rubbed his stomach. "Hungry."


    Chenchen smacked her lips. "When can we eat?"


    "Why don''t we eat a bit first?" Zhang Ye urged.


    Rao Aimin finally carried out thest dish and said in an exasperated manner, "What torture! I worked so hard all afternoon to cook these dishes and have not even tasted them. As freeloaders, you even want to eat first? Go, do some work. Little Ye. You go scoop the rice. Three bowls. Chenchen, go get the chopsticks!"


    This scene had happened before. Zhang Ye liked this warm feeling. It felt like a family, and the bickering was also quite interesting.


    It was mealtime.


    Zhang Ye devoured the food.


    Every time he was around, Chenchen would also have a good appetite. It was as if she waspeting with Zhang Ye. She did not use chopsticks to eat the chicken wings, and instead used her hands to directly grab it.


    Rao Aimin leered at the two of them. "Chenchen, don''t use your hands. Use your chopsticks and eat properly. And you, how can you be a Peking University lecturer with such table manners? What are you teaching? Physical education!?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s delicious! Landy auntie, you saw me on the news?"


    "Who wouldn''t know themotion you''ve stirred up." Rao Aimin did not eat at a very fast speed but in fact, during every meal, she usually ate a bit more than what Zhang Ye and Chenchen atebined. There was no other way about it. As a martial arts practitioner, she was particr about nutrition and her food intake.


    Chenchen suddenly raised her head. "Zhang Ye, does ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' really only have 80 chapters?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "How do you know about this? You watched my lecture?"


    Chenchen said in an adultly manner, "I overheard the teachers at my school mention it in the afternoon. My form teacher is your fan. Others did not believe, but she said you must be right." With a shake of her head, the little rascal said with a sigh, "Hai, brainless fans sure are scary."


    Rao Aimin stared at her. "Stop speaking like an adult."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Help me thank your form teacher. The truth is usually in the hands of the minority. As to the matters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', I''ll exin it bit by bit in my future lectures. Chenchen, Landy auntie. When the timees, you must punctually watch Teacher Zhang Ye''s lecture. See Teacher Zhang''s prowess!" With him back home, he did not need to pretend to hold back. He was also not as particr with his wordspared to what he said in the office, school, or in public. Here, Zhang Ye waspletely rxed. It did not matter what he said. This was his true state of mind. Besides, thendy knew his true persona, so it was pointless to act in front of her.


    Rao Aimin said in amusement, "You still have the mood to brag? Haven''t you gone on the web? Kid, you''ve beenbeled as stinking dog sh*t. The entire literary world is denouncing you."


    Zhang Ye said magnanimously, "It''s alright. I won''t pick on them. Time will prove everything."


    Rao Aimin eximed and said sarcastically, "You sure are magnanimous."


    "Of course, this bro is now a teacher of the people. I''m a person with stature, so I can''t be bothered with arguing with the likes of them." Zhang Ye said with a person of exemry conduct.


    But after the meal.


    When Zhang Ye first went on the for the first time today and saw the assessment of the outside world, he could not help but jump up and curse. "F**k! I thought you guys were just fanning the mes! You bunch of grandsons really dared to scold me!? Meng Dongguo? Ma Hengyuan? And who were the rest? Redologists? Even vulgarities were used? I f**king ignored all of you, but you came challenging me!? Just because I''m f**king trying to be a person of exemry conduct, you really think I''m easily bullied!?"


    Initially, he did not read thements.


    But after reading them, Zhang Ye found it unbearable!


    The educational world was better and was of higher quality. They criticized Zhang Ye''s teaching from an objective point of view. The historical world was fine too. These academics were particr about evidence. With Zhang Ye listing the documents, some historians were even supportive of his view.


    Only the literary world!


    This bunch of people who loved to curse!


    With a few Redologists leading the way, and Meng Dongguo and the Beijing Writer''s Association aiding them, and Literature Professor Ma Hengyuan chiming in, a bunch of people were trying to grill Zhang Ye. It was as if they hated him to the bone. A literary author even swore at Zhang Ye directly!


    In just a short span of a few hours, Zhang Ye had experienced increasing amounts of attacks!


    It was as if anyone who dabbled in literature needed to curse at Zhang Ye or they would not be able to face others on the street!


    "An insult to the ssics! Death is not sufficient for such a crime!"


    "Zhang Ye is a ck sheep!"


    "Strongly suggesting the literary world to begin banning Zhang Ye!"


    "Right, this kind of demagogue is an insult to the literary world. As a Chinese national, he dares to touch the Four Great ssical Novels? What state of mind do you have!?"


    There were more and more people from the literary circles who were denouncing Zhang Ye!


    On the web, many people could not longer sit idle seeing Zhang Ye being condemned so badly.


    The Shanghai childrens'' program host, Teacher Chen posted on Weibo: "I''m curious, how did Teacher Little Zhang offend you? He just offered a different viewpoint and has sound reasonings behind it. Whether it''s true or false, Zhang Ye has provided the necessary evidence. What about all of you? A bunch of people who deal with literature aren''t even looking at the evidence, but shooting their mouths off? You just want Zhang Ye dead? And even asked what state of mind Zhang Ye has? I want to ask you what states of mind you people have!"


    Another Hong Kong station host spoke, "Hur Hur, since ancient times, cultured people tend to scorn each other. As a host, Zhang Ye has stole the thunder of the literary world ever since he debuted. Who wouldn''t envy him?"


    A middle-aged man, whose Weibo verification was that of National Taiwan Normal University lecturer, said, "Having an academic discussion is fine, but don''t resort to personal attacks. I do not know people like you who dabble in literature, but we research on History. The most important thing is the evidence and the documents. The rigor in academia is what supports an argument. I personally think Zhang Ye''s theory is very reasonable. I do not understand why the spears are pointing at him? And it is an attack with no reason?"


    People tended to sympathize with the weak.


    Manyizens also saw this and began to question their methods!


    "Take out your evidence before speaking!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye has cited relevant evidence. What about you?"


    "The literary circle sure is a mess."


    "Teacher Zhang Ye is too good at pulling aggro!"


    "That''s right. I have never seen the literary world hate a person that much. It''s almost unanimous. This must be because Zhang Ye had offended too many people in the past."


    "What sort of state of mind does the literary world have?"


    Finally, Zhang Ye logged onto Weibo in Rao Aimin''s house. He did not say any superfluous words and immediately began typing a limerick. This was a line in Guo Degang''s crosstalk, but had been slightly amended by Zhang Ye!


    Rao Aimin sat over. "Let me see what you wrote."


    Chenchen stood behind Zhang Ye with blinking eyes. "Zhang Ye, are you scolding people again?"


    "If I don''t scold them, they might really not know what their surname is!" Zhang Ye grunted, "Here, look at this bro''s limerick!"


    He typed extremely fast!


    Tap Tap Tap!


    Very quickly, Zhang Ye''s Weibo posted something!


    "''Eight Things to Look Forward To''."


    "The frosty Winter looks forward to Spring."


    "The dead of the night looks forward to the morning Sun;"


    "The beautiful looks forward to sugar daddies."


    "The leisurely mistress looks forward to hooligans;"


    "The schr studying at night looks forward to a female ghost."


    "A single old man looks forward to an aunt."


    "A person in acting looks forward to awards."


    "A person in literature looks forward to the death of his peers!"


    Rao Aimin: "����"


    Chenchen: "��������"


    In Zhang Ye''s world, Guo Degang had offended the entire crosstalk world, and had thrown out such a limerick! In this world, Zhang Ye, who was still mindful of influence and face, could no longer endure it. He finally lost all decorum with the entire literary world!


    Thinking of the past and thinking of now.


    When I wrote a poem, you said that poem was bad!


    When I talked about a matter, you said it was wrong!


    They werepletely concerning themselves with the individual and not the facts. Almost the entire literary world despised me?


    Go f**k yourself! This bro shall fight it out with all of you from today!

 Chapter 314: Curse Him Curse Him Curse Him Curse Him!

    <h4>Chapter 314: Curse Him Curse Him Curse Him Curse Him! </h4>


    Chapter 314: Curse Him Curse Him Curse Him Curse Him!


    Rao''s house.


    The two girls were stunned seeing what had happened.


    Rao Aimin said in an amused fashion, "Kid, you are stirring up trouble again?"


    "They were going to far. Hur. They really think that I''m afraid to mess with them?" Zhang Ye said in a gant manner, "I even dare to curse the SARFT, would I be afraid of offending them?"


    Chenchen said, "Zhang Ye, you are a Peking University lecturer."


    Zhang Ye tsked, "So what if I''m a Peking University teacher. Even a rabbit will bite when things turn nasty!"


    Rao Aimin chuckled and said, "But at least he didn''t have any vulgarities in it."


    Zhang Ye had already made his preparations as if he were staking everything on it when he decided to lecture on "Dream of the Red Chamber". He knew there would be a lot of objections, but he never expected it to be so huge. Furthermore, the objections did note from the education or history world. It still came from the literature circles that had a prolonged grudge with Zhang Ye. It was again them, still them, and always them. They did not even look for a reason to rebut Zhang Ye and did not provide any evidence or logic. They just used so-called morals or stood on ethical high grounds to attack Zhang Ye, while deliberately misinterpreting the context. How could he endure this?


    Indeed, Zhang Ye wanted to contribute to this world, but you can''t do this to this bro! You aren''t making me feel good? Then don''t think I''ll make you feel good!


    This time let us drop all decorum!


    Since all of you are so shameless, then I shall be also!


    Ha, anyway, this bro is already so notorious, and has always been shameless anyways!


    After being magnanimous for slightly more than an hour, Zhang Ye immediately returned back to his ruffian ways. In the end, it was this fellow''s natural behavior!


    ����


    On Weibo.


    Zhang Ye''s Weibo post did not immediately appear. There was a new regtion from the relevant authorities. As the limerick had words like "mistress" and "hooligans", this world''s Weibo and discussion forums would not censor the words, but would be sent to the backend for review by a specialized auditor. Now, with the new governmental policy, things were stricter. However, there was no need to wait too long. A public figure like Zhang Ye would naturally have priority in reviewing his Weibo posts. Although the Weibo post was not released, as there were no words temporarily, the update notification still existed.


    People noticed it.


    "Heyo, Zhang Ye posted on Weibo!"


    "Let me see, let me see. Eh? Why is it nk?"


    "Are there banned words? Hahaha! I''m slightly looking forward to it!"


    "It definitely has to be something important. Everyone, hurry and prop it up!"


    Immediately, a Weibo post from Zhang Ye, which had no words disyed, was forwarded more than 900 times in a short time span of five minutes by his fans and busybodies! There were already more than 2000ments!


    Upon seeing this number, many people were rmed.


    "Holy sh*t! A nk Weibo post is so fierce?"


    "Well it''s Teacher Zhang Ye''s Weibo after all!"


    "That''s right, Zhang Ye does not shoot his mouth off easily. Every time he speaks, it''s f**king earth-shattering. I wonder what he is going to say this time!"


    "Didn''t Zhang Ye recite a gatha in the afternoon to reporters? It was quite magnanimous."


    "I also saw that gatha. It was really ssic. It has already be my signature. I''m really convinced of Zhang Ye. Everything he says is ssic!"


    "I have no idea why that bunch of literary people looks down on Zhang Ye so much. What sort of qualifications do they have to do that to Teacher Zhang? If they have the ability,e out andpete with Teacher Zhang!"


    "That''s right, the literary world is going too far this time!


    "You can criticize Zhang Ye, but you can''t criticize everything about him!"


    "That''s right. Even though Zhang Ye has a bad temper, he has nevermitted a heinous crime!"


    Many people from the literary circles and Weibo certified VIPs also paid attention to the post. They did notment and were waiting to see what Zhang Ye had to say.


    At the sixth minute.


    Zhang Ye''s Weibo post finally appeared!


    Everyone felt it was quite ordinary when they saw the first two lines. They did not understand the meaning behind it. However, in the middle, when the words "looking forward to sugar daddies" or "looking forward to hooligans", many people were tickled. They could tell this was another limerick and carried on reading. Everyone already knew Zhang Ye''s limerick style. The front was usually not important, but the key was the veryst line. And indeed, when the final line reflected in their eyes,they were not disappointed!


    "A person in acting looks forward to awards."


    "A person in literature looks forward to.. the death of his peers!"


    When this line was seen, the nk Weibo post, which was already soaring in poprity, ushered in an explosion once more after a pause!


    1500 forwards!


    3000ments!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye''s limerick is still so f**king brilliant!"


    "A person in literature looks forward to the death of his peers? That''s so funny! I''m dying ofughter! This sarcasm is peerless!"


    "Iughed too. To think those bunch of people are from the literature world. Compared to Teacher Zhang Ye, their standards of scolding others are so low. Look at how Teacher Zhang Ye scolds others! Learn from him!"


    "As expected of Zhang Ye! Awesome!"


    "He can scold people with new tricks all the time! And it''s so artistic and characteristic! You can''t find another person like him in China!"


    Manyizens were rolling around withughter!


    Many public figures, who had grudges with the world of literature, chuckled and appeared to support Zhang Ye when they saw someone standing up front to challenge the entire world of literature. For example, there was an author who was marginalized by the literature world, forcing him to develop himself in Hong Kong and Taiwan. There was also another literary author who was unrecognized by the world of literature. It was as if they were injected with stimnts!


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, well done!"


    "The world of literature is fraught with problems these days. They are too conceited. It is time for someone to make a stand!"


    These side figures, who had been cast aside by the maind''s literary world, were not that famous. They alsocked the strength. Despite resisting when they were ostracized, they did not manage to seed, but today, Zhang Ye stood forward. What was Zhang Ye''s standing in the literary world? Although there were others who acknowledged him, the literary world never gave him a proper ce, but even so, the literary circles still had to admit Zhang Ye''s influence. Giving him the title of an uncrowned king was not too much. With a top celebrity like him standing forward to lose all decorum with the literary world, it was extremely meaningful! Because this was no other person! But Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye, whose poems could even shock ghosts and gods!


    Some people were joyous, while others were infuriated!


    When many people from the literary world saw Zhang Ye''s "Eight Things to Look Forward To" limerick, they were enraged by Zhang Ye''sst sentence!


    We look forward to the death of our peers?


    Your sister, Zhang!


    How could you speak in that manner!? Are you never willing to stand down!?


    These people began to attack Zhang Ye because of his poem. Things such as what sort of literary scum! What sort of breeder of chaos! How Zhang Ye doesn''t know anything about literature! They all appeared!


    However, Zhang Ye''s fans and many onlookers did not sit idle. With Zhang Ye leading the way, everyone''s forceful stance increased. Immediately, they "besieged" those people from the world of literature, who led the way in scolding Zhang Ye. What sort of standards did Zhang Ye''s fans have? They were all��They were all of extremely low moral standards! Don''t forget what Zhang Ye''s fanclub was in its former state. They were actually a bunch of ultra-nationalists who cursed people on Weibo all day. This troll army was like a group of bandits. They had no standards to mention of. The moment they went over, they just shot off their mouths. As the saying goes, what sort of general leads what sort of army. Fans of a darn hooligan like Zhang Ye were rarely gentlemen. They were all extremely fierce!


    The war of words could be described as utter chaos!


    People like Meng Dongguo and Ma Hengyuan, were no match for Zhang Ye''s troll army. Due to their identity, they could not use vulgarities. They began to lose their ground repeatedly as their Weibo private message inbox began overflowing from curses!


    Many neutral spectators did not show any sympathy for them. This was because back when Meng Dongguo, Ma Hengyuan, andpany scolded Zhang Ye, they did so without reason. They never mentioned any of the evidence Zhang Ye provided in ss. They just used other stuff to criticize him. They did not talk about things when Zhang Ye used facts to reason with them. Now, Zhang Ye''s fans also began to scold them without any reason. They deserved it. The bunch of people from the world of literature asked for it!


    After the war of words, the inte briefly calmed down.


    Someone suddenly pondered aloud, "Brothers. I remember there was an article on the evening newspapers. Teacher Zhang Ye recited a gatha, saying let the world nder him, cheat him, humiliate him, he would let them have their ways and avoid it?"


    "Hahaha, you really believed that?"


    "In the midst ofughing. OP, you are too naive!"


    "What sort of rotten temper does Zhang Ye have? Just one nce at that gatha, and you know he''s just doing so in pretense! If he could let them have their ways and avoid them for a few years? Then I won''t be eating mutton for the rest of my life!"


    "Balls to letting him avoid them! He will curse if he''s unhappy! This is Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    In the afternoon, numerous people had seen Zhang Ye''s gatha. Many people, who did not think nicely of Zhang Ye, immediately looked at him in a different light when they saw the gatha. A few of Zhang Ye''s old friends like Hu Fei, Zhao Guozhou, Wang Xiaomei, Xiao Lu, Hou Ge, and Hou Di all nodded their heads slightly. They felt that Zhang Ye had matured. He had matured after bing Peking University''s lecturer!


    What magnanimity!


    But now, everyone nearly vomited blood!


    Endure it, let it be, let it have its way, avoid it, beat it, be reverent towards it, and not care for it! Were all those words just a bluff? They were all nonsense!


    Those reporters who heard Zhang Ye''s gatha in the afternoon when they interviewed him were all stunned. They never expected that Zhang Ye was still such a hooligan after bing a honorable teacher of the people!


    ����


    Then.


    Zhang Ye posted another message on Weibo.


    "Let the world nder me, cheat me, humiliate me,ugh about me, belittle, despise me, dislike me and swindle me."


    "Only to..Curse him, curse him, curse him, curse him, curse him, curse him, curse him, curse him, curse him, curse him. Wait for a few days and then have a look at him again!"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. What do you mean endure it, let it be, let it have its way? That was the original words from his world, but this line represented Zhang Ye''s true thoughts!


    Weibo blew up again!


    "Teacher Zhang, can you not be so amusing!? Hahahaha!"


    "Teacher Zhang, the way you curse others is so cool!"


    "Hahaha, endure my ass. Teacher Zhang, nicely done. Keep your personal style. No matter how others evaluate him, I still like such a Zhang Ye!"

 Chapter 315: The Landlady Auntie on a Blind date?

    <h4>Chapter 315: The Landy Auntie on a Blind date? </h4>


    Chapter 315: The Landy Auntie on a Blind date?


    The sky was getting dark.


    It was around 6 PM.


    After having a kick from his scolding, Zhang Ye got off the inte in a content manner. He did not look at it anymore. Since he had lost all decorum with the world of literature, there was nothing better to be said. It was easy to tell who was the donkey or the horse by drawing it out to run. We shall have the real fight tomorrow at Peking University. This bro will let you know why the flowers are so red!


    Rao Aimin leered at him. "The number of people you have offended is really increasing."


    "Once you have too many lice, it doesn''t itch." Zhang Ye said in a ruffian-like manner, "There''s nothing to worry about when there are too many debts."


    Rao Aimin suddenly stretched out her hand. "Oh right. Kid, shouldn''t you be paying rent? You earned quite a bit of money in Shanghai. Pay up the entire year''s rent."


    Zhang Ye said nervously. "Don''t talk about money. It hurts my feelings."


    Rao Aimin looked at him with squinted eyes, "Talking about money hurts feelings, but not talking about money might harm you physically. Your Sister Rao has been practicing a mystical powered fist, and was worrying about not having someone to practice it on."


    Zhang Ye immediately said happily, "Fine, fine. It''s just rent. I''ll transfer it to you tomorrow." After the hijacking, Zhang Ye had eaten another ten books of Taiji Fist Skill Experience Books, but he knew himself. Even so, he was probably still no match for Rao Aimin. Chenchen had previously mentioned that when Rao Aimin brought her to the rural mountains, a few wolves ran helter-skelter after seeing thendy. Even f**king wild wolves avoided her, so even if there were a hundred Zhang Ye''s, they were still probably not her match in a direct head-on fight.


    "Are you still practicing your Taekwondo?" Rao Aimin asked.


    "Hai, it''s the same old." Zhang Ye said.


    Rao Aimin curled her lips, saying, "Lessen your practice on that. Foreign techniques are just for show. If you really want to strengthen your body, you might as well do some jogging. It''s more useful."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged and did not tell anyone that he knew Taiji Fist. "I''m exercising everyday now. Running, push-ups, etc. Right, when are you going to teach me the Eight Trigram Palms?" Back then, Rao Aimin had easily bent a pair of pure iron scissors with her bare hands had taken Zhang Ye aback too greatly. It was said to be called hidden force? As for the details, Zhang Ye was not very sure. He always wanted to learn it.


    Rao Aimin did not even look at him and poured some tea for herself. "Youck the talent and are too old. You won''t be able to learn it even if I teach you. Do your running instead."


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips. "How do you know I won''t be able to learn it without teaching me?"


    Chenchen interrupted. "Zhang Ye, I''ll teach you, but you need to do my homework for me."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Your Uncle Zhang is a famous writer. You want me to do your homework? I can''t afford to lose such face. Even if I do it for you, will your teacher even dare face it?"


    Chenchen noticed that he was boasting again, and let out augh. "Hur Hur."


    Ding Dong.


    The doorbell rang.


    "Who is it?" Rao Aimin shouted.


    It was a young man''s voice. "Senior Sister, it''s me!"


    Chenchen blinked her eyes. "It''s Little Lu (Xi��o L��zi)."


    Rao Aimin smacked Chenchen on the head. "She''s your aunt''s junior brother. You must call him Uncle Lu. Show some respect." As she said, she opened the door, "Little Donkey (Xi��o l��zi)."


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted. Why is your addressing even more derisive!?


    Two people were standing outside. One of them looked like he wasn''t even in his thirties. He was probably thendy''s junior brother. The other person looked like he was in his early thirties. He looked quite handsome.


    Lu Yuhu smiled and said, "Senior Sis, I came uninvited. Am I wee?"


    "You aren''t." Rao Aimin was not polite to anyone. After sizing him up, she said, "I haven''t seen you for a few months, and you''ve already fattened to be a pig."


    Lu Yuhu said embarrassingly, "No, I only gained about four or five pounds."


    Rao Aimin frowned. "Have you given up kung fu?"


    "No, I just haven''t been practicing that much recently." Lu Yuhu entered the house. "I''m now at the police academy, so I have more opportunities to practice with guns. After all, it''s a new era."


    Chenchen waved listlessly at him. "Little Lu."


    Lu Yuhu was not upset and was probably ustomed to it. "Haha, Chenchen, you''ve grown taller again. Not bad. Eh?" Looking at Zhang Ye, he asked, "This is?"


    Rao Aimin said, "My tenant."


    "He rents?" Lu Yuhu nodded.


    Zhang Ye also looked at him. He had never seen thendy have any friends, nor had he ever seen her interact with others, so he was quite curious. Since this person was thendy''s junior brother, then he too practiced the Eight Trigram Palms? And from their conversation, he was also a policeman?


    The two men entered the house.


    "Miss Rao. Nice to meet you." Chen Feng stretched out his hand to shake hers.


    Rao Aimin gave him a casual nce before ignoring him. "Find a seat."


    Chen Feng''s hand dangled in midair, and became a bit embarrassed. He then turned towards Chenchen, hoping to get out of the predicament. He said, "You must be Chenchen. Nice to meet you."


    Chenchen leered at him, "Who are you?"


    Zhang Ye pinched the little rascal''s head. "Speak properly."


    Chenchen pouted and said reluctantly to Chen Feng, "Nice to meet you too."


    When Lu Yuhu heard this, he stared at Zhang Ye in disbelief. Holy sh*t, who was this person? Little Chenchen actually listened to him? It can''t be! However, it was not time for him to bother about this. After easing the situation, Lu Yuhu said with a smile while putting his arm around Chen Feng''s shoulder. "Haha, don''t mind her. My Senior Sis has quite a temper. She''s cold on the outside, but hot on the inside. Let me tell you. My Senior Sis is such a homely person. You have not tasted her cooking, but it''s delicious." After saying that, he said to Rao Aimin, "Senior Sis, this is my good buddy, Chen Feng. He''s younger than you by a few years. However, it''s not much different. His family runs a business and he is not starting his own business and doing quite well. As for him as a person, he''s also quite handsome."


    Chenchen pouted her little mouth. "Hur Hur."


    When Zhang Ye heard this, he also realized what was going on. It was a blind date!


    Rao Aimin did not seem interested. "Hey, Little Donkey. Do you have nothing better to do? You dare toe care about your Senior Sister''s matters?"


    Lu Yuhu yed the fool. "What? Why don''t I understand what you are saying? Senior Sis, I only mentioned you to my buddy. He heard that you like ancient ssical culture and like to read things like ''ssic of Mountains and Seas'', making him wish to have a cultural exchange with you. He''s in the cultural business and also likes traditional culture. I think you have things inmon, so I brought my friend to get to know you. Nothing else."


    Rao Aimin leered at him and smiled. "I''ll leave some face for you in front of outsiders. We''ll talkter."


    Lu Yuhu cringed and began sweating. "Don''t. I can''t talk to you again. I was injured after myst mission. I haven''t even recovered yet."


    Rao Aimin said to Zhang Ye, "Little Zhang, bring Chenchen inside to do her homework."


    "Okay." Zhang Ye dragged Chenchen to a small room off to the side. He opened the door and entered. As he closed the door, he looked at Chen Feng. He did not feel good. He had been admiring thendy for so long, but this grandson dares toe for a blind date? It would be strange if Zhang Ye liked him. However, just thinking of the impatient attitude of thendy, Zhang Ye was relieved. He knew Rao Aimin was not interested.


    In the room.


    "Zhang Ye."


    "Ah?"


    "Help me do my homework."


    "Nope. Your aunt doesn''t allow me."


    "My aunt isn''t around."


    "I can''t do that even if she''s not around. Do it yourself!"


    Zhang Ye''s mind was not here as he pricked his ears to listen to what they were talking outside.


    ����


    Outside the room.


    After Chen Feng took his first look at Rao Aimin, his eyes had stared straight.


    With the heating turned on, the temperature was just right. Rao Aimin also did not wear too much, so she was wearing a long gray skirt that reached her ankles. Her top was a tight knitted sweater. The color looked quite old-fashioned and wasn''t very bright. However, there was no way to hide her extreme beauty. Chen Feng was very surprised. Such beauty was difficult to find even in the entertainment industry. Especially Lu Yuhu''s Senior Sister''s figure. With the knitted sweater by her waist, it was evident that there was not a bit of b on her tummy. Her arms were also not muscr like those who usually practiced martial arts. They were in fact very slender and slim. Well, she probably wasn''t up to mark in her kung fu.


    From Chen Feng''s point of view, Rao Aimin probably did not know much kung fu or how could she not have any muscles? He was pretty familiar with Lu Yuhu, but he did not learn too much about his Senior Sister from him. He only knew Lu Yuhu had a very beautiful Senior Sister, who practiced martial arts. She was in her thirties and unmarried. She did not work, but survived on the rent from quite a number of properties. That was the limit to his knowledge.


    Lu Yuhuughed and said, "I''ll go boil some water. Have a chat." He then went into the kitchen.


    Chen Feng repressed his restlessness and said to Rao Aimin, "It''s our first time meeting, so I''m sorry for my sudden intrusion. I brought some fruits and a toy for the child. I''m also not sure if she will like it."


    Rao Aimin directly said to him, "She doesn''t y with toys."


    Chen Feng acknowledged and quickly changed the subject. He too had heard from Lu Yuhu that Old Lu''s Senior Sister''s mouth was quite disparaging. He had finally gotten a taste of it. Your sister. How bad are you at chatting? Can''t you say something to go along, or else how are we to carry on chatting?


    But he did not know Rao Aimin was always like that.


    Noticing it didn''t work, Chen Feng immediately tried to show his good points. He was actually fond of Rao Aimin, and despite that mouth of hers being so venomous, he felt that it was very characteristic. "What books do you usually read? Just the ''ssic of Mountains and Seas''? Mypany deals with culture. so I have quite a collection of ancient books at home. If you are interested, I can bring them with me next time. If you want any other ancient books that I do not have, I can let my Dad know. He can help me find it since he has quite the influence in the cultural circles. It would be easy for him to find ancient books."


    "I don''t like the ancient books."


    "Do you have Weibo?"


    "No."


    "Shall we exchange chatting IDs?"


    "I don''t go online. Don''t have one."


    Lu Yuhu was done with the water and came out. He eased the situation. "My Senior Sis isn''t interested in technology. Her cellphone is also bought from a long time ago. She prefers the traditional arts. Right, Old Chen, didn''t you bring a couplet, hoping to find someone to match the second half? Get my Senior Sist to do it!"


    "Right." Chen Feng immediately got his bag and spread out the couplet he had written on the table. "Miss Rao. Please take a look. I haven''t been able to match the first half of this couplet in a while."


    For once, Rao Aimin lowered her head to take a few nces with interest.


    Lu Yuhu said with a smile, "It''s not bad right, Senior Sis? This couplet is very interesting. It was figured out by Old Chen himself. However, he does not have a second half. The couplet might look simple, and it''s possible to match it, but it''s not easy to match it nicely. Don''t you like studying such things? Give it a try."

 Chapter 316: Compete with Zhang Ye in couplets?

    <h4>Chapter 316: Compete with Zhang Ye in couplets? </h4>


    Chapter 316: Compete with Zhang Ye in couplets?


    In the room.


    Chenchen muttered.


    "What are you muttering about?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Chenchen looked towards the door as she mumbled in her mouth, "Someone more pretentious than you is out there."


    "You can hear them too?" Zhang Ye was not angry this time, instead he said happily, "This person is really a little pretentious. Talking about hispany, ancient books, and his dad and what nots. How''s that even interesting?"


    Chenchen said while doing her homework, "My aunt would not be interested in him."


    Zhang Ye coughed a little, "Little rascal, then do you think your aunt would be interested in me?"


    "You?" Chenchen looked at him for a while, "But you can''t beat my aunt in a duel."


    Zhang Ye shrugged, "Then if your Uncle Zhang can beat her in a fight one of these days?"


    Chenchen''s mouth twitched. "��Hur Hur. Let us talk when you actually beat her. Stop boasting. You never practiced martial arts. You can''t even beat Little Lu."


    Zhang Ye smiled, "That might not necessarily be true." He would definitely not be able to beat Rao Aimin, that was for sure, but her junior was obviously far morecking than her. Without trying, Zhang Ye also did not know what his kung fu levels were like, he totally had no concept of his strength.


    ����


    In the living room.


    Rao Aimin said, "The first half isn''t bad."


    Lu Yuhu urged, "Senior Sis, give it a try?"


    "I don''t know such things, I''ve never learned about them." Rao Aimin only cared about drinking her tea.


    Chen Feng''s smile appeared on his face, "That''s alright. I couldn''t match the second verse myself either. We should discuss it together, who knows when inspiration might strike while we are at it."


    Rao Aimin put down her teacup, "I''m not interested to discuss such things. It''s gettingte, Little Lu, Senior Sis won''t be sending you off."


    Lu Yuhumented. "Senior Sis, why are you so uninteresting? We''re already here, at least give us some face. Old Chen''s literary level is very high. You''d know it if you had a chat with him. Didn''t you use to say that you appreciated talented people? Old Chen is one of the best out there. It''s not that I am boasting for a buddy, but you won''t find a few who could match his literary level in Beijing. He has even published an essayption before."


    Chen Feng put on a false front of humility, "I''m not that great."


    Lu Yuhu said, "Come on, this is not the time to be modest. My Senior Sis has even said before that she only appreciates two types of people. The first would be anyone who could beat her in a duel, another type would be those who are talented."


    Chen Feng smiled a little, "I did do a few years of judo before."


    Rao Aiminughed, "Young man, are you meaning to spar with me now?"


    Young man? Chen Feng knew that she did not treat him as an equal, so he got a little angry. He really did mean it now, if you want to spar, then let''s spar. A guy like me can''t beat you? Even if you had practiced the Eight Trigram Palms before, this Senior Sis status was still just a status. You don''t even have muscles, of course I don''t fear you. He had learned judo since he was young, but took a break in the middle for some years. His skills were still there. He had gotten to know Lu Yuhu at a gym and would admit that he was probably not his match, in fact he would be far below his level, but Rao Aimin was just a woman, of course he did not think he wouldn''t win.


    But when Lu Yuhu heard their conversation, he nearly vomited blood. He saw that Rao Aimin had already stood up, so he quickly stopped her, "Senior Sis, cool down, cool down. Old Chen doesn''t mean it like that. Of course he''s not intending to spar with you. Quickly, sit down. You really make me panic when you are like this!"


    Chen Feng was stunned, "Old Lu."


    Lu Yuhu was at a loss whether tough or cry. He looked back to him, "Old Chen, just forget it. With those judo moves of yours, you still want to spar with my Senior Sis? You''re really great. Didn''t I tell you before? She is our generation''s Senior Sis of the Eight Trigram Palms. This is not a rank based on age, get it?"


    Not ranked by age?


    Then could it be ranked by skills?


    Chen Feng did not really believe this. How could this woman be even stronger than Lu Yuhu?


    Of course, Lu Yuhu also did not tell Chen Feng regarding some of Rao Aimin''s things. He could not say it either. The Chinese martial arts world was not something that Chen Feng could understand anyway. After all, he was not from this circle and would not know what the three words, Rao Aimin represented in the Chinese martial arts world.


    Rao Aimin sat back down.


    Lu Yuhu wiped his sweat. "Let''s not rough it out, we will get to know each other through culture, through culture."


    Rao Aimin rebuked, "I do appreciate people with talent, but he''s far from it. Do you think your Senior Sis has never seen the world? Am I so easy to fool!?"


    Chen Feng could not take it anymore, he was raging by now!


    Lu Yuhu immediately said, "If this brother of minecks the literary talent, then you won''t be able to find anyone in Beijing. Of course, I''m talking about the younger generation."


    Rao Aimin was getting frustrated, "So are you guys going to scram? Are you asking for a beating?"


    Lu Yuhu knew his Senior Sis'' temper, she had a sharp mouth but was very soft hearted. So he cheekily said, "Match the first verse and we will go. It''s about getting to know each other through culture, so you should try to match it."


    Rao Aimin nced at him at him, "Alright, you''re getting bold now, are you? Still trying to impose yourself here?"


    Lu Yuhu said, "I brought a buddy along thinking that we could have supper with you, but we''ve just been here for a few minutes, so how could you ask us to leave? I''ve haven''t tasted your famous Treme porridge in such a long time, I really want to have some and also bring some back too."


    "You said you wanted to discuss literature just now, right?" Rao Aimin sat with her legs crossed.


    "Yes, my buddy''s talent is not something you''d know nor understand. That''s why I suggested it this way, if you��." Lu Yuhu was still intending to boast for Chen Feng.


    Rao Aimin cut him off directly, "Little Zhang,e over!"


    The door opened. Zhang Ye had heard what they were talking about initially, but thenter on as he was chatting with Chenchen, he did not hear what came after, "Landlord auntie? What''s the matter?"


    Chenchen also followed along out to witness themotion.


    Rao Aimin sneered at Lu Yuhu, saying, "Kid, didn''t you say you want to eat supper? Sure, if your friend''s literary talent can match my tenant, I''ll feed you the Manchu Han Imperial Feast, let alone Treme porridge!"


    When Lu Yuhu heard this, he was pleasantly surprised, "Senior Sis, you said it yourself, don''t go back on your word!"


    "Yea, I said it!" Rao Aimin lightlyughed.


    Lu Yuhu smacked his thighs, "Haha, Old Chen, we''re gonna have a feast tonight! My Senior Sis is a great cook. Once you''ve tasted her cooking, you will remember it for the rest of your life!"


    Chen Feng was angered, but still put on a smile, "Sure, I would love to try out Miss Rao''s cooking to see if it''s really as good as Old Lu says."


    Rao Aimin sneered, "We''ll see about that. It''s still too early to say."


    Lu Yuhu and Chen Feng couldn''t help butugh. Compete with a random tenant of yours? What''s there to evenpete! Does he even know how a couplet looks like and how to match it correctly?


    Compete with Zhang Ye in literature?


    Compete with Zhang Ye in couplets?


    When Chenchen saw this, she let out a Hur Hur.


    Zhang Ye looked at the pretentious Chen Feng andpletelycked the interest. What''s there to evenpete, wouldn''t he just be bullying him? "Landlord Auntie, let''s forget it."


    Rao Aimin stared at him and switched her crossed legs, "Don''t talk nonsense!"


    Chenchen also stirred him up in an encouraging manner. "Zhang Ye, you can do it."


    What do you mean I can do it? Zhang Ye''s bitter smile remained. Compete with an amateur in literature? He couldn''t even get interested. "Alright, then I just need to match the correct couplet?"


    Lu Yuhu said with a smile, "Right,e on bro."


    Eh, Zhang Ye?


    This name sounded familiar.


    But Lu Yuhu and Chen Feng paid no attention and just looked on with smiles on their faces.


    Zhang Ye walked over to the table to take a look.


    1st Verse: Qi��n b��gu��, k��n b��gu��, b��b��li��sh��s�� gu��, gu�� gu�� qi��nk��n y�� d��ng


    (Divination lot, Qian. Divination lot, Kun, 8 by 8, a total of 64 divinations*. The rules of the Universe are set).


    Zhang Ye''s face showed no expression, as if he was indifferent about everything. He knew that Chen Feng was just trying to find a topic to chat about with Rao Aimin. This was probably Lu Yuhu''s idea, so they thought up of a Divination couplet as the first half of a verse. Zhang Ye did not even think before trying to pick up a brush, but realized that there was no brush.


    "Use mine." Chenchen passed him a pencil.


    Zhang Ye took it from her and then proceeded to write below the first half, "Lu��n ji�� sh��ng, f��ng ji�� sh��ng, ji��ji��b��sh��y�� sh��ng, sh��ng sh��ng lu��nf��ng he m��ng. (The 9 cries of the Luan (Simurgh**), the 9 cries of the Feng (Phoenix), 9 by 9, a total of 81 cries. The melody of man and woman''s union)." These couplets basically also existed in his previous world too.


    When the second half of the verse was matched,


    Lu Yuhu was stunned!


    Chen Feng was also stunned for a moment, "This��." He had earlier said that he had no matching second verse to his first verse, but how could that be? Of course he actually had a second verse, but it couldn''t be more matching than what was written by the young man before him. His opponent''s second verse was much better than his and it looked like he did not even needed to think toe up with such a verse!


    What was going on?


    What kind of a person was this tenant?


    Rao Aimin smiled, "Is the match eptable?"


    Lu Yuhu coughed, "Senior Sis, your tenant��.."


    Chen Feng did not concede and said to Zhang Ye, "Y��u x��h�� t�� x��h�� x�� h�� di��o x�� h�� x�� h�� x�� h�� (Touring the West Lake, holding a pewter sk, the pewter sk falls into the West Lake, a pity for the pewter sk)." This was not a couplet that he thought of, but one that he had asked from his teacher. These were the couplets that his teacher had not been able to match or match well. So he had brought them out now since he had been bragging so much earlier. He did not want to lose face in front of his friend and Rao Aimin.


    Zhang Ye said with annoyance, "Y��u x��sh��n n�� y��sh��n y��sh��n lu�� x��sh��n x�� sh��n y��sh��n (Touring the West Mountains, holding some clothes, the clothes fall off the mountains, a pity for the clothes)."


    Lu Yuhu eximed, "Great match!"


    Chen Feng''s expression changed. "K��ik��u bi��n xi��o, xi��o g�� xi��o j��n f��nsh�� f��zh��y��xi��o (Beginning withughter, pastughter, presentughter, everything can be faced with justughter)."


    Zhang Ye replied listlessly, "D�� d�� neng r��ng, r��ng ti��n r��ng de y�� j�� he su�� b��r��ng (Magnanimity can contain, contain the skies, contain the earth, so what can''t it contain)?"


    Chen Feng face darkened, "B��i she gu�� ji��ng, t��u d��ng y�� l��n h��ng r�� (A White Snake crosses the river, a red sun overhead)!"


    Zhang Ye yawned, "Q��ng l��ng gu�� b��, sh��n p�� w��n di��n j��n x��ng (An Azure Dragon hangs on the wall, multiple golden stars it wore)."


    Holy sh*t! That was a riddle type couplet! His first verse referred to an oilmp, yet his opponent also answered with a riddle type couplet verse �� A scale!


    By now, Chen Feng was dumbfounded!


    Lu Yuhu was also stunned!


    Zhang Ye was feeling sleepy and said, "Is that about it?"


    Yet Chen Feng was still unwilling to cede. He clenched his teeth and said, "K��n w�� f��i w��, w�� k��n w��, w�� y�� f��i w�� (I am not me when you look at me, when I look at myself, I am not myself either)!"


    Zhang Ye wasn''t too happy by now, didn''t you say we would be doing just one couplet? Is there an end to this? So he immediately answered back, "Zhu��ng shu�� xi��ng shu��, shu�� zhu��ng shu��, shu�� ji�� xi��ng shu�� (You look like who you impersonate, whoever impersonates whoever, whoever will be whoever)!"


    It might seem like this second verse was referring to acting, saying that acting makes you be another person.


    But when dissected further, why does it feel like this second verse was used to scold someone!


    Who''s acting now?!


    Chen Feng''s face almost turned green!


    But Rao Aimin was tickled, "What''s the matter? Do you still want topete?"


    Chen Feng did not say anything. Compete? Compete your sister! This person right here had matched them, and not only matched them with perfection, but he had also used it to sarcastically scold him! Even a fool could see that between the two of them, their literary skills belonged to two different realms!


    *Qian Kun refers to the Universe.


    **The "simurgh" a mythical bird with eagle-like features of Persian literary tradition, has been widely adopted by western sinologists to trante the analogous Chinese mythical bird, luan, following the lead of thete Edward Schafer. The luan should not be imagined, however as a raptor, since it lives solely on the fruit of the bamboo tree.

 Chapter 317: Senior Sis, You’re Hoodwinking Us Buddies!

    <h4>Chapter 317: Senior Sis, You��re Hoodwinking Us Buddies! </h4>


    Chapter 317: Senior Sis, You''re Hoodwinking Us Buddies!


    In the room.


    The atmosphere became awkward.


    Chen Feng had been raved by Lu Yuhu just a moment ago, and he had even epted the praises. In the end, a tenant that Rao Aimin casually grabbed had managed to match his couplets perfectly. Not only had he matched it, the second half of the couplet managed tompoon him on his pretense. His face had turned swollen from the smacking!


    You look like who you impersonate?


    Whoever impersonates whoever, whoever will be whoever?


    To be able to use couplets to scold people, what f**king realm have you already attained?


    Chenchen chuckled nefariously and said to Zhang Ye, "I already knew you could do it. I had my bets ced on you."


    "You yful nymph. Speak properly." Zhang Ye tugged at Chenchen''s head.


    Rao Aimin used the corners of her eyes to look at her junior brother and Chen Feng. "Why aren''t you speaking? Are you stillpeting? My tenant''s standard is not bad, right?"


    Lu Yuhu said in a depressed manner, "Senior Sis, what do you mean not bad? Who is this tenant of yours? Although I don''t know much about couplets, even I can tell who''s the better one!"


    "He?" Rao Aimin kept him in suspense.


    Chen Feng said helplessly, "To be able to utterly convince, this is?"


    "Ai, wait!" Lu Yuhu suddenly said, "To be able to use couplets to scold people, and is proficient in this arena. Holy shit, he can''t be Teacher Zhang Ye, right? Right! Chenchen called you Zhang Ye just now!"


    Zhang Ye smiled.


    Chen Feng was stunned. Zhang Ye? Which Zhang Ye?


    "It''s really you!" Lu Yuhu smacked his forehead and looked at Rao Aimin, at a loss whether tough or cry. "Senior Sis, you aren''t being nice. How is Zhang Ye your tenant? Why is he staying here? Aih, to think you let my buddypete with Teacher Zhang Ye in literary standards? Aren''t you bullying him!? I''ve seen the news the past two days. Teacher Zhang Ye joined Peking University and is teaching in the Chinese department! He is a professional lecturer of Literature. What''s there topete?! Senior Sis, you''re hoodwinking us buddies! Not cool! It''s really not cool!"


    Chenchen chuckled.


    Lu Yuhu stared. "Chenchen, you hoodwinked your Uncle Lu! You didn''t even let me know!"


    Rao Aimin threw her hands and said, "Kid, you were the one who said it yourself. We didn''t want topete. You were refusing to leave and insisting on being a busybody. Who have you to me?"


    Lu Yuhu: "��."


    Chen Feng also managed to find a way to escape the awkward situation. If he lost to anyone else, he would really have lost face. However, losing to a Peking University lecturer like Zhang Ye, then it wasn''t a surprise. It had to be so. There was no use in being indignant. After all, he was just an amateurish hobbyist, while the other person was a professional. With him specializing it in his profession, being defeated by him in this aspect was normal, as there was no way ofpeting. Even if his teacher came personally, he was also not likely to be Zhang Ye''s match, what more an amateur like him!


    Chen Feng magnanimously reached out his hand. "Teacher Zhang Ye, I''ve long heard great things about you. Thank you for the teachings from before."


    Zhang Ye looked over and also shook his hands. "Nice to meet you. Sorry about just now. It was nothing much, and you can''t say those were teachings." Since the other party''s attitude had changed, Zhang Ye did not mind. It was not a fight. "I didn''t want topete in couplets." And indeed, he had previously said that.


    Chen Fengughed. "You wanted to leave me face by not wanting to match the couplets. It was me being rude. However, it''s great that I could learn from you. These couplets of mine have stumped my teacher for a long while. If I return with the matches, he will definitely be very happy. If we ever publish it, we will definitely indicate that the second half came from you.


    Zhang Ye said nonchntly, "No big deal."


    It was still a bit awkward. Chen Feng pretended to look at his watch. "Aiyah, look at the time. Then we won''t intrude on you any further. Old Lu, let us leave."


    Lu Yuhu smacked his lips and said, "But I haven''t eaten the Treme porridge yet."


    What the heck are you eating? Chen Feng had already lost face and was unwilling to stay any longer. He could also tell that Rao Aimin was in no way interested in him. There was no meaning for him to stay any longer. Furthermore, Old Lu''s Senior Sister was indeed older than him by a few years, so their ages were not that appropriate for one another.


    Blind dates were all about merry meeting and merry parting. If it didn''t work, at least they could be friends.


    "Senior Sis, then we''ll be leaving. I''lle by again to scrounge for food." Lu Yuhu and Chen Feng bade farewell. No one held a grudge and could be said that the matters were smoothed over.


    ����


    With them gone, there was only the trio left in the house.


    Chenchen blinked her eyes. "Zhang Ye, you''re awesome."


    Zhang Ye said proudly, "Of course. Who do you think your Uncle Zhang is?"


    "So awesome." Chenchen ttered.


    Zhang Ye turned cocky. "That''s of course. Then, I really was bullying him. Couplets are a form of attainment in literature. If I im second, no one would dare to im they are first. Ai, why are you so unusual today? You are so full of praise for me? You have finally recognized your Uncle Zhang''s greatness?"


    "Yes, I got to know it." Chenchen then took out a book while saying, "Zhang Ye, help me do mynguage homework."


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted. "No wonder you were waiting here for me!"


    Rao Aimin tapped on her niece, "Do it yourself. Hurry."


    Chenchen curled her lip like an adult, before reluctantly returning to the small room.


    Zhang Ye and Rao Aimin were the only ones left in the living room.


    With one man and woman in one room, with no one around them, Zhang Ye''s heart began to thump loudly. His hand began to stretch out in a dishonest manner. He touched Rao Aimin''s waist and then immediately began moving his hands to her buttocks.


    All flesh!


    It was so bouncy!


    Rao Aiminughed. "Kid, you are getting bolder and bolder, right? I endured you once or twice, but you seem insatiable to do a third and fourth time. Do you need a beating?"


    Zhang Ye embolden himself and whispered, "I just missed you."


    "Scram. Take your stinking hands off." Rao Aimin leered at him.


    Zhang Ye put on a brave front and said, "Not taking it off!"


    "Are you taking it off?"


    "��.Not taking if off!"


    "Alright!"


    "Aiyo! Stop! Stop! Stop! Don''t you move! My arm is breaking!"


    "Hur Hur, are you taking it off?"


    "Off! Off! Off! Just talk, don''t get rough!"


    Zhang Ye''s shoulder was pinched by Rao Aimin at his acupuncture points. His entire shoulder and arm went limp. He was not left with any strength. He could no longer boast as it was so painful that he ground his teeth!


    Rao Aimin released his arm and nced at him sideways. She said softly, "Don''t you go groping on me in the future. If Chenchen sees it, I''ll destroy you!"


    Zhang Ye said without any sense of shame, "The child is doing her homework. She won''t see it."


    Rao Aimin ignored him and then slowly sat down on the sofa. Crossing her legs, she said, "Didn''t you say you would be washing the dishes today? After the meal, you went to have fun on the inte. The dishes are still sitting there waiting for you. Go, do some work."


    Zhang Ye said in confusion, "Did I say I would wash the dishes?"


    Rao Aimin looked at him with an unfriendly look, "Really?"


    "Alright, alright, alright. I said it." Zhang Ye could only go to the kitchen.


    Rao Aimin broke herposure and scolded him with augh, "Darn little bastard." Then she said loudly, "Don''t you do it improperly. Wash them clean. I will check in a while!"


    "Got it." Zhang Ye felt like he had been exploited to dobor. Hai, but he had taken advantage of her, and it was not that easy to take advantage of thendy.


    Washing the dishes.


    Washing the pot.


    Wiping the table, sweeping the floor.


    With this, slightly more than half an hour passed.


    "Little Zhang." Rao Aiminmanded, "Go make a kettle of hot water."


    Zhang Ye stared. "I''m at least a teacher of the people. Are you reallymanding me as you wish?"


    Rao Aimin stared at him. "Then who do you think cleaned your room in the month you were away? Ah? Who washed your bed sheets? Ah? Who ced cockroach insecticide on your ground? Who swept away the dead cockroaches? Hurry up and do the work. Cut the crap. Even a rabbit is more diligent than you!"


    Zhang Ye was stumped and did not say another word. Fine, work it is. His house had indeed been cleaned up by thendy nicely. He could not refute that.


    He finally finished busying himself.


    It was already past 8.


    Chenchen came out while rubbing her eyes. "Aunt, I''ve finished my homework. I''m sleepy."


    "Okay. Go to bed." Rao Aimin said.


    Zhang Ye also said, "I''m sleepy too."


    Rao Aimin acknowledged and said, "Scram then."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "I''ll stay here. I''ll tell bedtime stories to Chenchen. I recently created a few childrens'' fairytales. They are extremely interesting."


    Rao Aimin said with an ambiguous smile, "Do you want to leave yourself, or get thrown out by me?"


    Zhang Ye said to Chenchen, "Uncle will tell you a bedtime story, do you want to listen?"


    Chenchen gave a long yawn. "No, I''m tired. I''m sleeping now." Saying that, she clumsily climbed upstairs.


    A drop of sweat flowed down Zhang Ye''s head. This wicked child sure doesn''t give Brother Zhang any face. If you don''t listen to a story, how will this bro sneak into your aunt''s bed!?


    "Are you leaving or not?" Rao Aimin looked at him.


    Zhang Ye said in a thick-skinned manner. "Aiyah, I suddenly don''t feel tired. Let me stay here for a while."


    "You might not be tired, but I am!" Rao Aimin raised her chin and stood up with a leg supporting her. "Hurry and scram. Go teach your ss properly tomorrow and stop trying to stay here." With a pause, she smiled. "Kid, you''re sure without worry. I already saw that many industry insiders are going to Peking University to listen in on your public lecture? There will be people from the educational and literary world. Who knows what serious situations will arise tomorrow, yet you still have the mood to bber here with me? Think about how you are going to lecture your ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. If you don''t do a good job, your reputation will be bad. You won''t be able to run away from the title of leading people astray. Remember to save up some money. Don''t get fired from Peking University and not be able to pay the rent."


    Zhang Ye said leisurely, "Don''t you worry. Since I dared to lecture ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', I definitely have the confidence. I''m not worried about that, what I''m worried most is��where to stay tonight. I feel like my house has a dark and gloomy aura, and isn''t suitable for staying in. I''ve calcted that the ce with the best Fengshui is a maiste-style apartment��Ai! Ai! Ai! Don''t do it! Don''t do it! I''ll leave myself! Leaving myself!"


    Thud!


    The door closed!


    With a depressed face, Zhang Ye was sent out of thendy''s house. Hai! Life can be described by the phrase loneliness is where the shoe pinches!


    He could only honestly return to his house and prepare the information needed for tomorrow. Then heid out his bed before snuggling into it.


    Tomorrow was an important day. Zhang Ye was done preparing!

 Chapter 318: The Anticipation-Filled Day!

    <h4>Chapter 318: The Anticipation-Filled Day! </h4>


    Chapter 318: The Anticipation-Filled Day!


    The next day.


    Early in the morning, there was a cold breeze blowing outside the window.


    Dawn had note, and many people had just woken up. Some people were getting ready for work, some were preparing breakfast, while others were getting ready to send their children to school.


    At this moment, the morning newspaper, as well as some morning news programs of provincial television stations, informed the public that there would be a public lecture "Talking about Dream of the Red Chamber" at Peking University''s Grand Auditorium. The news even included video clips of Zhang Ye''s lecturing. For example, Zhang Ye''s final most crucial words, st 40 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' were not written by Cao Xueqin". It was once again reported by numerous media outlets. Although some television stations did not broadcast it, and some people did not pay much attention to it, this level of exposure with yesterday''s newspapers and the war of words on the inte, was sufficient to let anyone who was interested know.


    Zhang Ye was once again the focus of the news!


    "Peking University has expressed that it fully supports and encourages this major branching off from established academical knowledge. They have also said on their official Weibo that they support Teacher Zhang Ye fully!"


    "Whether Zhang Ye is saying the truth, there is no 100% affirmation from authoritative academics in the world of academia. Many academics and experts hold a negative view towards it. Hence, today''s second public lecture by Zhang Ye helped in Peking University auditorium is highly anticipated. We shall see what happens!"


    "If it is true, it will overturn history!"


    "Does Zhang Ye really have genuine talent? Or is he ying to the gallery?"


    "Breaking news. After yesterday''s report, Zhang Ye once again fired off a limerick on his Weibo. He ended with ''a person in literature looks forward to the death of his peers'',unching an attack on the entire world of literature. He has attracted public outrage. Under the lead of the Redology organizations, Beijing Writer''s Association, and other literary organizations, numerous expert schrs have publicly condemned Zhang Ye for his disrespectful and irresponsible behavior! A portion of Redology experts and literary organizations have expressed that they will personally attend the public lecture to cross swords with Zhang Ye. They will debunk his so-called truth behind ''Dream of the Red Chamber''!"


    "Now, let us recall the development of the events. The reason for this uproar from the historical and academic world is because of newly appointed Peking University lecturer, Zhang Ye. He threw a bombshell in his first ss, ''Appreciation of the ssics''��"


    The matter became more and more fervent. It had reached a climax today. Many people, who were traveling to work, were discussing this matter on the buses and subways.


    On a car driving along 15th Road.


    "Zhang Ye is a warrior!"


    "Haha, that''s right. He truly is a warrior. After fighting his unit, he fought his leader, and after fighting his leader, he fought with the SARFT. Now, he is going to war with the world of literature!"


    "But I''ve watched his lecture. It''s reallyplete with evidence."


    "I''m not sure about that. No one can say for sure."


    "Whether he''s right or wrong, we should know the oue today."


    "I heard quite a number of experts and professors will be going. Peking University will probably be quite lively!"


    Such discussions urred in various corners of Beijing. There were even such simr scenes happening in other provinces. Zhang Ye had not only be under public scrutiny, he had also attractedrge swaths of societal attention.


    ����


    At home.


    Zhang Ye himself was still sleeping soundly.


    The sky brightened up. The sky really brightened up. The sky��was extremely bright.


    Only then did Zhang Ye wake up. When he looked at his watch, well it was 11 AM. He had slept quite long, but he was filled with energy as a result. He was in good spirits. He first ordered in some food and then went to shower in the bathroom. After drying his hair, the pizza had arrived. He then began eating.


    With that, Zhang Ye took his documents and teaching materials before driving to Peking University.


    ����


    Afternoon.


    It was past 12.


    The sector around Peking University''s Chinese department was packed to the brim. There were numerous cars of reporters parked here. Cars with signboards that said they were visitors drove in.


    The auditorium that held the public lecture could amodate about 5000 to 6000 people. It was not in the Chinese department, but in a building not far off. There were many Peking University staff members guarding the entrance, so as to maintain order and to verify tickets for admission. Actually, there were no tickets. It was just a different format. Peking University students just needed to use their student pass to gain entry. They had to prove they were students of the school. The reporters needed their reporter passes. The number of reporters per newspaper and television station were limited. It could not exceed three people. As for some special ''guests'', such as people from the Writers'' Association or from Redology organizations, they would be specially led into the auditorium after submitting an approval application. Hence, those ''guests'', who swore to expose Zhang Ye, were still not seen yet.


    In front of the door, there was a crowd of Peking University students.


    "Don''t push me!"


    "I can''t move! Don''t push!"


    "Hey, who stepped on my foot!?"


    "People in front, hurry up! There won''t be seats in a while!"


    "Let me in! What the heck! Those who block me will die!"


    Many Peking University professors and teachers could notprehend watching this scene. They were already speechless. On a square in front of the auditorium''s doors, there were 2000-3000 students. Meanwhile, the numbers were constantly increasing. And this did not include those students who had been admitted after using their student passes! It was impossible to imagine that such a scene was a public lecture if they did not know ahead of time! If no one said a thing, people might even think an A or B list celebrity hade here for a concert!


    There were too many students!


    The whole scene looked a bit crazy!


    A few reporters did not immediately squeeze in. They only lined up outside. Since they had nothing to do, they began to interview and film on-site. They had obtained the authorization to interview in Peking University.


    A female host held a microphone and gestured to the camera in front of her. Three, two, one. She then said, "Dear viewers, I am now on Peking University''s campus. Behind me is the venue for the public lecture of the controversial ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. As everyone can see, the square is packed with people. Everyone is lining up to enter the auditorium. Now, let us interview a few students." Saying that, she turned around to look for someone. "This student, hello."


    Yao Mi turned her head. "Ah?"


    The female reporter said with a smile, "Let me interview you. Did you listen to thest public lecture?"


    "I did." Yao Mi giggled and said, "I''m enrolled in the ''Appreciation of the ssics'' elective."


    The female reporter said, "That''s great. What''s your assessment of your Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    Yao Mi chuckled, "Is there a need to ask? Zhang Ye is the most excellent and most outstanding and most humorous teacher in my heart. He is my idol. He is my spiritual guide. He has showed me the way. He has lit the way ahead for me. We adore him, adore him for his diligence. We like him. Liking his��"


    The female reporter nearly fainted from Yao Mi''s words. "Oh, oh, I got it!"


    Yao Mi began calling out, "Hey, hey, don''t go. I''m not done yet. I''m not finished yet!"


    The female reporter thanked the heavens that this was not a live broadcast. What were you even talking about. It was even a prose. Weredies from Peking University''s Chinese department so f**king eloquent?


    Li Li chortled.


    Yao Mi''s dormitory roommate was also amused.


    Li Ying said, "Little Mi, you chased her away from your chatter!"


    Yao Mi felt stifled. "Why did she leave? I still wanted to praise my Uncle Zhang a few more times." Her father was Zhang Ye''s good friend, so she naturally leaned towards Zhang Ye.


    On the other side.


    The female reporter interviewed others. "What do you think of Zhang Ye as a teacher?"


    "I don''t really think much of him. I''m not from the Chinese department." He was a Peking University student from the Math department.


    The female reporter blinked her eyes and said, "Zhang Ye publicly attacked the world of literaturest night on Weibo. Did you see his limerick? How do you evaluate it?"


    The Mathematics department bespectacled boy said, "I don''t have an evaluation for it."


    The female reporter eximed, "You don''t have any thoughts at all?"


    The bespectacled boy threw his hands up. "What''s there to think about? Doesn''t Teacher Zhang Ye scold others based on an arithmetic progression? Hasn''t it always been the case?"


    Female reporter: "��"


    At this moment, the female reporter and the cameraman saw a girl walk past them. She looked delicate and pretty, and wore spectacles and carried a book. She looked quite knowledgeable, so the female reporter went forward. "Student!" She had finally seen someone normal.


    "Hmm? Are you calling me?" Senior Song nudged her spectacles and looked over.


    The female reporter pushed the microphone over with a smile. "I''m interviewing you. Do you agree or disagree that the first 80 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was written by only Cao Xueqin?"


    Senior Song nudged her spectacles once again and said, "Firstly, what you said isn''t very rigorous. It should not be the first 80 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', as the first 80 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' are not consideredplete. There are still parts that are lost, so I can''t answer your question. You should say the first 80 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' on the whole before I can answer you. My view is that I do not agree nor do I reject it. This is because the evidence provided by Teacher Zhang Ye has given me quite a shock. I did not sleep at allst night. I flipped through a lot of documents, and was unable to find evidence that could refute what Teacher Zhang Ye had said. I realized I couldn''t refute his theory, hence, I tried to find traces of evidence of the 120 circted chapters to prove Teacher Zhang Ye''s point, but I also failed to prove anything. It might be because I''m limited in my knowledge. I encountered 13 problems as a result. First, which is the most serious logical problem. The poem by Jia Baoyu that has given all Redologists a headache. It cannot be exined in any other way. Furthermore, this poem appeared in the first 80 chapters on the whole. Teacher Zhang Ye will not be able to avoid that. I am very curious if Teacher Zhang will avoid this poem and sweep it under the rug. The second problem is the linking of thest 40 chapters. I do not find it problematic. If thest 40 chapters and the first 80 chapter on the whole were not written by the same person, then this��"


    As Peking University''s Chinese department straight As student, Senior Song was a very serious person. Words began to flow from her mouth as she spoke to the camera. There were a total of 13 problems, which Senior Song patiently described each and every one of them. She did not even stammer. It was as if she did not even need to breathe, as she said it with gusto.


    Oh my god!


    What sort of people are they!?


    A dark cloud already appeared on the cameraman''s forehead. As the female reporter looked at this gentle and quiet girl, she nearly cried out with tears at the sky, "Holy sh*t!"


    Can we have a nice chat?


    Can we speak Mandarin?


    Holy sh*t, is there anyone normal here!? Is there!?

 Chapter 319: The Second Public Lecture!

    <h4>Chapter 319: The Second Public Lecture! </h4>


    Chapter 319: The Second Public Lecture!


    Outside the Grand Auditorium.


    The square was lively.


    The female reporter and cameraman, who were from Jinshi locality television station, had their hands full, first was Yao Mi from the Chinese department, then the bespectacled male student from the Mathematics department andstly, with the straight A student, Senior Song. The Tianjin television station reporter could only feel one emotion right now, and it was that the people from Peking University were totally from a different world than them. She had only wanted to get a simple interview, why was it so difficult?!


    "The eleventh problem is��"


    "Student, student. That will do."


    "No, I''m not finished. The eleventh problem is an important character in the Jia residence��"


    Many Chinese department students knew Senior Song. Even people from other departments had heard of Senior Song, so when they saw the female reporter''s expression, they were all extremely amused!


    "Hrious!"


    "Haha, Senior Song is doing it again!"


    "The moment academic issues crop up, there''s no way to stop her!"


    "Those reporters are really unlucky. Of all the students here, they had to pick the Straight A Student Song! They even dared ask her about the academic issues of the lecture! This will probably take over an hour to talk about. Senior Song is not called Straight A Student Song for nothing!"


    There were all sorts of geniuses in Peking University, and it quite was obvious here today.


    Over there, Yao Mi made her dormitory mate help her to queue while she went over to the reporter and cameraman to speak well of Zhang Ye. Yet another reporter had their hands full with her, so they quickly escaped and hid from her!


    The Chinese department teachers had alsoe.


    As long as they had no afternoon lessons, they all made their way to the grand auditorium.


    Seeing the reporter''s sticky situation, seeing the crowds of people, Professor Zeng, who had a good rtionship with Zhang Ye, smiled and said, "This scene, I doubt even the auditorium that can hold 5000 people will have enough seats for everyone."


    Su Na was quite surprised. "So many students?"


    Department Dean Chang Kaige frowned. "How many people skipped sses for there to be so many here?"


    Zhen Shuquan quipped, "This time, higher management from the school wille to listen in. Let''s enter first. I think if we enterte, there won''t even be seats for us."


    Other than the Chinese department teachers, there were also teachers from the History department, as well as other departments here to join in the bustle. After they saw this, they were rendered speechless. Zhang Ye''s ss was just an elective. It only had about a hundred people enrolled in the ss, but in the end, the public lecture had such a huge turnout? 5000 people? What was this!? This had already broken the attendance record of Peking University''s public lectures! Such arge auditorium was only used for performances during conferences! The school had reserved this location for Zhang Ye to hold his public lecture because they had already expected the turnout to berger than usual, but they had not expected the seats to bepletely taken up. Judging by the situation now, not only would the seats be fully taken up, it would not even be enough to hold everyone! Behind them, they could even see students from their own departments who were supposed to have afternoon lessons, yet those students were here queuing up for a lesson that they weren''t even supposed to attend!


    It was a torture topare people!


    Trash thrown out uponparison!


    Zhang Ye''s appeal was something that really left these Peking University lecturers with nothing to say, but they also knew they could notpare to him. After all, Zhang Ye''s status was still a celebrity and the things he imed now were really too shocking. If they themselves dared to im something like "''Journey to the West'' was not written by Wu Chengen" at a ce like Peking University, they would also be able to gain attention from the whole of society, but what''s important was that they did not dare to make those ims!


    "Zhang Ye offended the literature world yesterday?"


    "Yes, he posted a limerick on Weibo yesterday that offended the entire world of literature!"


    "Why is he like that? His ims still can''t hold any water and he dares to offend people like that?"


    "Our Peking University is an institution of over a hundred years, he better not destroy our reputation. I hope that Zhang Ye can bring out some really solid proof today or else it will not end well."


    "Yea, when I was outside earlier, I saw Dean Liu hosting some experts from the literary world for lunch. I suppose they will be joining this public lectureter."


    "Zhang Ye has forced himself down a path of no return."


    "Hopefully, he can back his ims up properly. If he can''t do so, it would be too embarrassing, not only for himself, but for everyone of us at Peking University."


    The few teachers from the various departments had some worries and concerns.


    The Chinese department''s Secretary and Dean also had simr thoughts. This was no longer just Zhang Ye''s problem alone. It was now a problem of the Chinese department and even of Peking University. If anything went wrong, Chang Kaige and Zhen Shuquan would have their fair share of responsibility too. And this responsibility was too heavy to bear �� Changing the history of one of the Four Great ssical Novels and misleading the students, it was a responsibility that even they could not take on. If it were just brought up as a point in a normal lecture, it might be fine. It wouldn''t spread to the public. Even if it did, they could still control it, but now, it was like water that had been poured, they wouldn''t be able to contain it anymore. The entire society already knew of this. There were so many students and so many reporters present. And as if Zhang Ye still did not have his hands full, he even added fuel to fire and offended the entire literary world. The literary world was now taking it up with them and had sent a few dozen members over today. Together with the education and world history''s people, it could be said that Peking University was a gathering ce of the elite today. Whether they were here to pick a thorn or witness themotion, they were all here!


    This Zhang Ye!


    He really makes others worry!


    ����


    At the same time.


    As Zhang Ye''s car entered the gates of Peking University, a phone call came.


    "Son." It was Mom who called. "You''ve gotten into big trouble this time!"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Mom, rx. I have a sense of propriety."


    Mom said angrily, "Your Dad and I only knew you got into such big trouble after watching the morning news. Are you dying? Why can''t you rest a day!? You even dare to trample on the Four Great ssical Novels? Great, now see what''s happening? Everyone is scolding you. You really do not know when to stop!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I really know what I am doing. Alright Mum, tell Dad not to worry either. I am at Peking University now and have to prepare for my ss. Don''t say anymore."


    The call ended.


    Ring, ring, ring. It was Wu Zeqing''s number.


    Zhang Ye hurriedly slowed down his car to pick the call up. "President Wu."


    "Are you here yet?" Wu Zeqing''s gentle voice was very soothing to the ears.


    "I''m here. I just passed through the school gates." Zhang Ye said.


    Wu Zeqing acknowledged. "How are your preparations?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Pretty much done. It all depends on how I express myself when the timees. I did not prepare a script. I''m the kind of yer that does better on the field. Hur Hur."


    Wu Zeqing said, "Then I''m relieved."


    "You really trust me? You aren''t afraid I''ll screw up?" Zhang Ye asked out of curiosity.


    Wu Zeqing said calmly, "Since I invited you to join Peking University, then I naturally trust youpletely. No matter what others say, just follow your own thoughts and lecture on."


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Ye turned silent. "��Thank you."


    Wu Zeqing said, "Alright, that will be all. I''ll be going to the auditorium to listen to your ss. I''m honestly looking forward to what you will talk about today. Don''t disappoint everyone."


    "Rest assured." Zhang Ye hung up.


    With such trust from President Wu, Zhang Ye''s heart was filled with warmth. This was the sort of feeling that he had never experienced much before. During his time in the radio station, he was seen with contempt by the leaders. When he went to the television station, the leaders sought to suppress him. Even at the online television station, Zhang Ye''s unexpected moves and choices, like his Talk Show, were met with doubt from the leaders and others around him. He was stumbling his way through to get it implemented before the results managed to extend the broadcast run and made everyone recognize his work. Otherwise, the program would have been cut without a moment''s hesitation, but here at Peking University, the situation was slightly different. Zhang Ye had not expected to meet such a trusting leader like Wu Zeqing. Compared to casting doubt on one of the Four Great ssical Novels'' author, what sort of resistance did he get for proposing to do a Talk Show that had never existed before? What sort of pressure did he have to deal with for a radio station''s children''s'' story program? What problems did he encounter as a lecturer for "Lecture Room"? With such aparison, all of the issues he encountered seemed so small now, but yet with such an earth-shattering im that even seemed ''treacherous'', Wu Zeqing had actually been supportive of him!


    The entire society was scolding him!


    But Wu Zeqing''s support for him had never changed!


    Zhang Ye liked such trust. He was also grateful to such a trust. Since you trust me, then rest assured. This bro will definitely not disappoint you, nor will I cause you any trouble!


    After alighting from the car.


    Zhang Ye went straight to the back door of the Grand Auditorium. There was a passage for internal use. At this moment, his expression had also turned serious. He had wiped away his rxed expression.


    "Hey! Little Zhang." A familiar face appeared.


    Zhang Ye looked over and went over. "Brother Hu, you came too?"


    It was Beijing Television Station''s Hu Fei, Zhang Ye''s old leader, "Yes, I came over to support you. Coincidentally, I know a teacher here, so I''m entering through the back door. This public lecture''s seats are really not easy to get. I had to cash in a favor before I managed toe here. Looks like I owe someone a debt now."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "You should have informed me, I would have left a seat for you."


    Hu Fei smiled until his eyes were a slit. "I knew you had to prepare for your lessons, so I didn''t want to disturb you."


    "What preparations do I need? It''s only making copies of some information. Don''t you already know that? When have I ever needed a script? It''s all in my head already." Zhang Yeughed.


    "Teacher Zhang Ye." Another person came from behind again.


    Hu Fei said, "Alright, go busy yourself. I''ll be going in first. We can talkter."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye then turned around and looked. "Yo, Teacher Xiaomei. Director Zhao."


    It was Beijing Radio Station''s broadcasting host Wang Xiaomei and Zhang Ye''s former leader, Zhao Guozhou.


    Zhao Guozhou smiled and said, "Long time no see. Not bad. Themotions you stir up are getting bigger by the day. Thankfully, I know a Dean from the History department, if not I wouldn''t even be able toe listen to your lecture."


    Wang Xiaomei was the same as always. She did not like to speak unnecessarily.


    Zhang Ye smiled and exchanged a few words with them. It had indeed been a long time and it felt really good when he saw them again. Zhang Ye rather missed them and his old colleagues.


    After duo left, another person came.


    "Hey, Little Zhang." Someone called him.


    Zhang Ye looked over and his eyes lit up. "Elder Qian."


    Elder Qian was a veteran in the literary world. He was the head judge of the Beijing Couplet Competition in the past. He was an old acquaintance that had pretty good rtions with Zhang Ye. He had spoken up to support Zhang Ye on multiple asions.


    "Why have youe?" Zhang Ye was pretty happy.


    Elder Qian stroked his beard. "I came to listen to your lecture."


    Zhang Ye felt overwhelmed and said, "Don''t say it like that. I''m not that good."


    "Haha, if you aren''t good, then who is?" Elder Qian pointed out that there were still many people gradually entering the auditorium through the back door, "Those who are here today are all here to listen your lecture. With your talent and knowledge, you have long been qualified to give lectures to others. The evidence you submitted yesterday were critical and also very substantial. I''m actually very curious as well, so here I am. Yes, please do wellter. I''m here today as your student, I will listen well."


    Zhang Ye quickly gave a wave of his hand, "Don''t say that, you''re overpraising me."


    Elder Qian nced at him once again, "But I have yet to take it up to you, rascal. What''s with that limerick? You even scolded me along with them!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and apologized, "I''m sorry, I''m really sorry. I was just quick with my mouth, but that limerick was not meant for you. To me, you don''t belong to the literary world. You belong to the world of culture instead. The world of culture is on a level higher than the world of literature."


    Elder Qian said happily, "Don''t try that with me."


    Many others gradually entered the auditorium through the back door passage. When they saw Zhang Ye, no one bothered to greet him. Many of them greeted Elder Qian instead.


    Some leered at Zhang Ye.


    Some looked at him with slight annoyance.


    Some people did not say anything and just shook their heads.


    Clearly, they were likely those who "looked forward to the death of their peers", members of the literary world, but Zhang Ye did not see any of the key personnels, they had probably already entered the auditorium.


    "Hmph!"


    "So this is Zhang Ye?"


    "What arrogance!"


    "I want to see how he is going to lecture today!"


    Zhang Ye shrugged his shoulders and smiled at Elder Qian. "See that? Not many are here to listen to my lecture today. They are all here to watch me make a fool of myself."


    "That''s all because you always offend people." Elder Qianughed, for he was powerless. "Your shelling had scolded all of them."


    "But I didn''t scold them wrongly." Zhang Ye did not think of it this way. "Other than you and a small number of friends from the world of literature, how many people in the literary circles actually like me? Oh, just because I''m a broadcasting major, I can''t engage in literature? And I can''t do it better than them? Whenever I have a problem, they all besiege me together. Whenever Ie up with some poem or essay, they would say that it is not good. What sort of logic is this?! When I say that they ''looked forward to the death of a peer'', surely I am not wrongly using them, right?"


    Elder Qian said, "You have hit out at too many people in this manner. There are still many respected veterans in the literary world who did not criticize you."


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Other than you, I have note across many others. When something happens, when the society really needs them, all of them go into hiding. They keep quiet, but when all is peaceful, they jump out immediately. They keep to themselves in their nests and only know how to exclude themselves. They use seniority and ranks, waving the gs of morality and criticizing their own peers. Hur Hur, they can criticize others, but don''t criticize me. This bro doesn''t care for the glory or traditions of the literary world. If you criticize me, I will criticize back at you! Do you think they can out-criticize me or I can out-criticize them? I am a host that makes a living by using my mouth. They want topete with me in that? Even if I took a handicap of having half a lip, they still wouldn''t be able to out-scold me! They want to fight me in my upation? Are they trying to make meugh? I''ll surely fight it out with them!"


    "Look at that mouth of yours." Elder Qian shook his head and gave a wry smile. "If that mouth of yours were mounted on a spaceship, that spaceship might not even stop after flying out of the Milky Way!"


    Not far away, a few experts from the History circles entered. They happened to hear Zhang Ye''s words and nearly stumbled to the ground!


    There was only a phrase in their minds at that moment!


    Hooligans were not scary, only hooligans with culture!


    Knowing Teacher Zhang Ye was not as good as meeting him in person. He was more ruffian than the rumors made him out to be!

 Chapter 320: ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’ only has 108 s!

    <h4>Chapter 320: ��Dream of the Red Chamber�� only has 108 Chapters! </h4>


    Chapter 320: ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' only has 108 Chapters!


    It was almost 1PM.


    Inside the Grand Auditorium of Peking University.


    Zhang Ye had arrived, but stayed in the resting room backstage. He could hear the busy chatter in the auditorium and he understood that all of these people were here today because of him. They were all here to listen to his lecture. At that moment, Zhang Ye felt a rush of adrenaline in his heart. Just like he had mentioned earlier, he was not the type who loved to speak. It was this way at home, and had also been the same at school. He was a low profile type of person in ss and had generally never attracted much attention, but whenever there were activities, like a stage y, Zhang Ye''s spirit would perk up. He was the typical field yer. The more people there were, the bigger the asion, the more excited he would be with vigor!


    "How many more minutes?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "Teacher Zhang, there''s still 10 minutes." An auditorium staff member told him.


    "OK, the projector and the microphones are all properly set up?" Zhang Ye asked.


    The staff member said, "They''ve all been test already. Please do not worry. I guarantee that there won''t be any problems. We''ve already tested it a few times."


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Alright, thank you very much for everyone''s hard work."


    "Look at you being courteous, isn''t this our job?" The few staff members were very courteous and polite. They knew that the focus of society was all on Peking University today.


    ����


    At the venue.


    The cameras had all been set up. There were cameras that belonged to Peking University, and some that belonged to the reporters. They had gained prior approval from the university and were allowed to bring their video cameras to record, but if they wanted to post any parts of the public lecture, they would have to seek approval from Peking University. This was a prerequisite that they had agreed on.


    There were a total of 7-8 video cameras set up.


    The 5000-6000 seats were all filled, with none left empty. Many students did not manage to get in too.


    Wu Zeqing and a few other faces that Zhang Ye did not know were thest to arrive. When they arrived, the people who were seated in the front row greeted them.


    "President Wu."


    "Dean Wang is here too?"


    "President Chen, long time no see."


    This was Peking University''s group of leaders. A total of 4 people, each one of them held a very high rank. The highest ranked leader should be the same as Wu Zeqing. After chatting for a while, they all took their seats.


    Those who greeted them were naturally not ordinary people either.


    Those who sat in the front row were mostly senior figures and experts of the literature and history world.


    Take for example, Elder Qian. President Wu and Vice President Chen both knew him, but Vice President Chen probably knew him better, as the two of them had a long chat.


    Wu Zeqing was having a conversation with another woman instead.


    Yan Yuughed, "President Wu, your Peking University really has some talented people."


    "We''re doing OK i guess." Wu Zeqing replied softly, "We can''tpare to your Writers'' Association, I didn''t expect to see you here today, Vice-President Yan. I heard that you''ve been busy with your bookunch."


    Yan Yu, the National Writers'' Association''s Vice-President. An author, a schr, and a Redologist.


    Yan Yu''s lips curled, "I was busy with the bookunch, but I couldn''t help it. This book was written about the appreciation of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', but your Peking University''s Teacher Zhang has totally negated ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' with his new ims. I wouldn''t be able to publish this now, so I came over to ''learn''."


    Anyone could hear the sarcasm in Yan Yu''s answer.


    Wu Zeqing put on a demure smile, "Let''s not say that it''s learning, but instead having a discussion."


    At the other end, a slightly tanned-looking middle-aged man said, "We won''t be able to discuss with Zhang Ye. President Wu, I really respect you, but that Zhang Ye��.." He shook his head.


    Elder Qian interrupted saying, "Little Yang, why are you bringing your personal emotions into this? Hur Hur."


    The Redologist, Teacher Yang said, "Elder Qian, I''m not being emotional here. I''m just someone who ''looks forward to the death of a fellow peer'', so how could I be emotional?"


    Indeed, these people were here with unfriendly intentions.


    Their words all carried a sting.


    Professor Zeng tried to put in a good word, "Old Yang, Teacher Little Zhang''s mouth can be rather vicious, but in terms of literary skills, he is still a professional. If he has offended you in anyway, I want to apologize on his behalf to everyone." They were from the Chinese department of Peking University, while many of the guest were experts from the literary world. They basically knew each other, though not well. They had seen or heard of each other, and since this circle was not big, they knew of each other.


    Old Yang waved dismissively, "There''s no need for that."


    Meng Dongguo, the Vice-President of the Beijing Writer''s Association was also present. He looked at his watch and said, "He''s noting out yet?"


    Renmin University''s Ma Hengyuan was amongst them as well. Everyone had gathered here to talk badly about Zhang Ye, ready to see him make a joke of himself, so how could he not join in, "Time''s almost up, right?"


    Chang Kaige looked over to him, "Professor Ma cannot wait for it to begin?"


    Ma Hengyuan said impatiently, "I still have a ss in the afternoon. I will leave after listening for 30 minutes. This Little Zhang! Does he really have to start on time? So many seniors and industry experts all waiting for a junior like him?"


    This was precisely what looking for issues to pick on looked like.


    Many of Peking University''s lecturers nced at him, thinking to themselves that no one begged him toe anyway!


    Countdown of three minutes��.Countdown of two minutes��..


    During the final minute, Zhang Ye finally walked out from backstage and onto the main stage podium.


    The apuse was sparse and not very synchronized.


    Only Yao Mi and a few others, who really liked Zhang Ye, screamed and apuded. Although the apuse were limited, in the end, it still felt rather lively.


    "Teacher Zhang''s so awesome!" Yao Mi shouted!


    Yao Mi''s dormitory mate also began to stir up, "Teacher Zhang, I love you!"


    When those words rang out, the 5000 seater auditorium also burst out inughter.


    The Redologists and writers in the front row shook their heads lightly. This was an academic talk, not some celebrity idolizing event. How could a lesson begin like this��Whatever it was that Zhang Ye did, they would not be pleased with it. They were here today to deal a fatal blow should Zhang Ye''s lecture present any arguments with logical errors.


    The reporters were all putting up their utmost concentration.


    "He''s here, he''s here!"


    "Quick, turn on the video camera!"


    "Check the image! Don''t leave anything important out of the frame!


    The Peking University students also looked excitedly at the stage. Many of them were curious as to how Zhang Ye would present his lecture today, while some others did not care about this, but were instead here to see what kind of bombshell Teacher Zhang Ye would throw out this time!


    Hu Fei looked at the stage with a smile.


    Zhao Guozhou and Wang Xiaomei also exchanged whispers.


    ����


    On-stage.


    Zhang Ye stood still as he took control of the microphone and took a deep breath as he looked on at the thousands of people below the stage. He really enjoyed this feeling of being the center of attention, just as he liked the famous song ''I Don''t Believe'' by Zhang Yuanqi. This song essentially depicted him.


    I don''t believe, that my life is worse than others!


    I don''t believe, that I have no one bit of talent!


    I don''t believe, that I''m destined to be a lowly person!


    I don''t believe, that my songs will be left unanswered forever!


    Today, Zhang Ye''s cry had reached far and wide, and he had received everyone''s response. He had achieved what he had always been wishing for and looking forward to. He wanted his cry to reach further in the future. This was the path that he was determined to follow. He was extremely determined to stay on this path!


    "Hello, everyone." Zhang Ye wore a smile as he spoke into the microphone, "Today is a very special public lecture ss. We have many school leaders present, as well as many teachers and seniors from the literary and history worlds. There are even a number of reporterrades here. As a Peking University elective ss lecturer, I feel very ttered and surprised, but still, I wee everyone here. Because of some special circumstances, the school leaders requested that I change the style of my public lecture a bit. I have agreed to it, so I will distribute a few microphones out into the audience, some for my students, and some for the experts of the literary world. As the auditorium is quite big, I wouldn''t be able to hear your questions otherwise."


    A few Peking University staff members went to the floor and handed out the microphones.


    "Give one to me."


    "I want a microphone too."


    "Over here, bring one for me."


    Several of the literary world''s members all came forward trying to get a microphone, like Yan Yu, and Meng Dongguo. The rest of Zhang Ye''s ss students were all concentrated in the front of the middle section of seats. They were all seated together. Yao Mi and Senior Song were both holding microphones as well.


    Zhang Ye said, "Anyone can bring up any question during anytime in my ss today, not only my students, but please note not to disrupt the ss when you raise your question. It would be best not to interrupt me before I finish speaking about important things."


    "Don''t interrupt you?"


    "What do you mean by important things?"


    "Then how can you still call this raising a question at anytime?"


    A few literary world members coldly grunted at this. This remark was clearly made at them.


    Zhang Ye was also very direct, saying, "As for what is important or not �� I will be the one to decide."


    Heh!


    You good rascal!


    A number of the literary world members were extremely offended by this!


    Professor Zeng, Su Na, and a few other Chinese department teachers all smiled wryly. It seemed like Zhang Ye had shed with them head on!


    The students and a number of reporters were all excited by this remark. The ss had not even started, yet the smell of gunpowder was already extremely strong. There''s surely going to be a good show to be put onter!


    "Let''s start the lesson properly then." Zhang Ye looked at them and said, "If you don''t have any intention to ask any questions yet, then please turn off the microphone first. This is to prevent any distractions for others." Finally, Zhang Ye took another deep breath and started the ss, "In the previous lesson, we''ve mentioned a lot of things about ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. I''ve showed a number of documents as evidence to support my ims that thest 40 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' on the whole was not originally written by Mr Cao Xueqin. I''m sure people have verified this information when they got home yesterday. Little Song, have you done the necessary homework regarding this?"


    When Senior Song realized that Zhang Ye had called her out, she calmly stood up and switched the microphone on, "I''ve done so. The evidence that you presented does indeed exist, and��.I can''t argue with any of them for the time being."


    Zhang Ye looked at the others, "Students, who else would like to refute what I presented yesterday? If there''s no one, we can continue from there."


    The Peking University students did not speak.


    Even those from the literary word were a little hesitant before finally not saying a word.


    What Zhang Ye had presented as evidence to his ims yesterday were indeed quite substantial. In addition to this, they did not really have any other information that they could use to refute what he said. However, this did not mean that they epted the evidence. Those few poems were stillcking and were not authoritative enough.


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Since no one has any information to refute, then let us end the previous lesson at that for now. We will not mention it for the time being."


    Meng Dongguo was stunned.


    Ma Hengyuan also frowned.


    Not mention? This was something unexpected to those literary world members. Yan Yu, the Vice-President of the National Writers'' Association was also slightly surprised. To be fair, the evidence was good and had research value. They had expected that Zhang Ye would try to hammer his points home by repeating that information again and again. Since no one could refute them, nor did they have any materials to do so with, Zhang Ye could bite onto this and not let go. Who''d have thought that he would give up on this himself!


    What was he up to?


    Without these, could you still go on?


    Elder Qian lightly nodded his head. In terms of academics, Little Zhang was rigorous. He did not grab on to the past and instead borated from different angles. This was the attitude required for one to be an academic, and only through this could they convince everyone. Otherwise, with back and forth debate over the same thing, even if they thought it was quite logical, no one would be convinced by their views.


    But Chang Kaige and Zhen Shuquan were still a little worried. This Little Zhang better not y with fire!


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "I know that everyone is still doubtful of the information that I presented during the first lesson. Some of you might not even believe it, but did not say a thing as you cannot refute it. So why don''t we just skip all of this instead. In the previous lesson, I had brought up the points from the angle of historical literature to prove my ims. So then today, I will be chatting with everyone here on the text contained within the 120 circted chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. I will present to you a whole different way to backup my ims!"


    Everyone''s mind was engrossed by now.


    The venue had be very quiet all of a sudden.


    After a second, Zhang Ye opened his mouth, "Those who were listening intently enough might be wondering why I phrased my words that way. Yesterday and today''s wording, I keep saying chapters after the eightieth on the whole. If not, I would say thest 40 chapters of the 120 circted chapters, but if you recall, I never said anything about thest 40 chapters of Cao Xueqin''s ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' in any way. Some might be wondering, why don''t I say thest 40 chapters of Cao Xueqin''s ''Dream of the Red Chamber''?"


    Senior Song blinked.


    Senior Zhou also began recalling.


    It was really so! Teacher Zhang Ye really didn''t mention any of that!


    "Why is that so, Teacher Zhang?" Yao Mi switched on her microphone and asked.


    Zhang Ye replied lightly, "This is precisely the topic we will be talking about today. Why did I not mention that? Then I will tell everyone right now. Cao Xueqin''s full version of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was never 120 chapters!" Zhang Ye looked at everyone as he once again shocked the reporters, students, and literary world members at the beginning of his second lecture. "The real, original version of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was only supposed to be 108 chapters!"


    Ma Hengyuan sat there speechless!


    Meng Dongguo and the others from the literary world all smacked their heads!


    108 chapters? Zhang Ye ah! Are you intending to tear apart ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', one of the Four Great ssical Novels, from top to bottom and from the inside out?


    Holy sh*t!


    You are spouting more and more nonsense!


    The students also erupted into a flurry of discussion!

 Chapter 321: Unprecedented!

    <h4>Chapter 321: Unprecedented! </h4>


    Chapter 321: Unprecedented!


    "Ha? What?"


    "108 chapters?"


    "That''s impossible. I''m fainting!"


    "Teacher Zhang won''t stop till he scares you to death!"


    "Why does it have to be 108 chapters? Why is the number so precise?"


    There was quite a stir from the seats. From the Peking University students'' expression and speech, they showed their distrust. They could not believe nor ept it. After all, the 120 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was entrenched too deeply in their hearts. We could forget that you said that the chapters after chapter 80 of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' were written by someone else, but now, great. You even denied the number 120?


    The Redologist, Old Yang, immediately refuted, "Nonsense!"


    Teacher Yang''s voice was very loud. The venue quickly quieted down!


    The students all looked to see who had spoken. As the voice was output from speakers through the microphone, they could not tell the source of the voice. They could look around with their eyes. Finally, they found the person who spoke. Everyone looked towards the first row, where all the figures from the literary world were sitting.


    "Who''s that?"


    "There''s a recording. How can you shout like that?!"


    "That''s a Redologist, his surname is Yang. I''ve previously seen his lecture materials."


    "I also know this Teacher Yang. He has been studying ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' all his life. He''s pretty famous."


    The Peking University students all knew that the literary world was beginning to dismantle Zhang Ye.


    Meng Dongguo also spoke. He was one of the people who held a microphone. He looked at Zhang Ye and said in an impolite tone, "What makes you say that? To study Redology, one needs to talk about evidence. Even though you provided a Qing dynasty poet''s poem yesterday, with a note saying ''Chapters after the eightieth were all supplemented by Lanshu''. Ignoring the note, even if that were the case, it only mentioned ''after the eightieth". How did this number 108 appear? Is there information recording the chapter titles of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''?"


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "There are no records."


    The Writers'' Association''s Vice President Yan Yu said, "Then how do you know?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and was not bothered by their refutes and doubts. He said, "I previously mentioned that I would not be analyzing them from a historical standpoint with information today. I only want to use the original text to analyze and exin. Sometimes, the information can be a lie, or in various ways, indeterministic. However, we are studying the book, ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', so we need to study its contents. That cannot be a lie. It''s also the most irrefutable evidence. Why do I dare say that ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' has 108 chapters instead of 120? The proof is in the book!"


    He took out the information.


    This time, there was a Peking University staff member off stage who helped Zhang Ye sort the documents. ording to Zhang Ye''s request, he would project it on screen.


    Everyone frowned upon seeing it.


    "What is that?


    "Isn''t this the original text of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''?"


    "What''s there to see? I''ve seen it numerous times!"


    Zhang Ye leisurely pointed to the screen. "This is the most authoritative 120 circted chapter version of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' that one can buy on the market. I believe many amongst you have already read it. Some of you have read it more than once, and might have even read it eight or ten times. Some might have dissected it in various ways to research it. Then why would I take this out today? The reason is to help everyone recall something. This is because everyone has overlooked important information and missed the great secret hidden within ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. ording to my research, I can tell everyone that Cao Xueqin''s ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' has an internal textual structure. It is a book with a nine by twelve format!"


    "Nine by twelve?"


    "How can you tell?"


    "Why have I never discovered such a rule?"


    The students were surprised. The people from the literary world looked unconvinced.


    Even Redologists, like Yan Yu and Teacher Yang, had never researched or proved this rule. The people of this world didn''t even think of it. This was because they had always believed the 120 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' were all written by Cao Xueqin. Naturally, their thinking was restricted as a result. It was not that this world''s people were not as intelligent as those from Zhang Ye''s world, but rather it was due to certain objective factors.


    This conclusion was suggest by Mr Zhou Ruchang from Zhang Ye''s world. Liu Xinwu''s "The True Ending of the novel ''Dream of the Red Chamber''" also mentioned it.


    Zhang Ye said to the audience, "Cao Xueqin''s ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' is very strict. In general, every nine chapters is one unit. The book has a total of twelve, nine-chapter units. " With a slight pause, he continued, "I can tell many do not believe this. Then shall we discuss this in depth? Yes, let''s look at the first 80 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' that we all can read together. It can be clearly seen that the first chapter to the ninth chapter is a unit. And the ninth to the eighteenth chapter is another unit. Two times nine is eighteen. Let''s first look at the first unit. Does everyone remember what the eighteenth chapter is about? What is stated in the book? It writes about the Imperial Concubine''s paying a visit to her family!"


    The screen changed to Chapter 17 and 18 of "Dream of the Red Chamber".


    Most people had basically seen the original, so a scan of the screen made them easily recall. No one said anything, as they waited to hear Zhang Ye''s exnation.


    Zhang Ye carried on. "Redology research today has alreadye up with a conclusion. They have decided that the Jia family''s fate was a result of two very important woman. One is Qin Keqing, while the other is Jia Yuanchun. I agree with this conclusion and strongly agree with it. Then in the first eighteen chapters, it also shows how important these two women are to the Jia family. Qin Keqing died in the thirteenth chapter. Who is she? The results of Redology studies say that she is Prince Yizhong''s daughter. She was hidden in the Ningguo Mansion. Her true identity was not that of an abandoned infant that he had adopted from an orphanage. This alsoid the foreshadowing of the tragic ending. However, the Jia family carried on their ns concurrently and sent Jia Yuanchun into the Imperial Pce, obtaining the favor of the Emperor. She was conferred the title of highest-ranking imperial concubine and granted her the rights to pay a visit to her parents. Hence, in the eighteenth chapter, the Jia family reaches a state of ''oil scorched on a violent fire, or fresh flowers decorated with brocades''. Hence from Chapter 1 to Chapter 18, Cao Xueqin has presented to us with these important characters'' rtionships and an important part of the story! Then from Chapter 19, it begins to write about romantic amours, and writes about Jia Baoyu''s emotional life. Do you see that? The structural distinction is very clear!"


    One wouldn''t know without thinking, but the moment they thought about it, they were shocked!


    Senior Song was stunned. It seemed, it seemed like that was the case!


    The other Peking University students took it with a grain of salt, and waited for him to continue.


    Zhang Ye nced at the audience''s reaction and said, "Then, Three times nine is twenty-seven, and four times nine is thirty-six. The general plot here is where Cao Xueqin focuses on Jia Baoyu''s emotional life in Prospect Garden. As well as his love with Lin Daiyu and his delicate rtionship with Xue Baochai. When we reach the thirty-sixth chapter, Cao Xueqin ended all these emotions. Do you remember what he wrote?" He then pointed to the screen. "Learning hard facts at Pear-tree Court!"


    The first row finally produced the sounds of discussions.


    Yan Yu had a quiet exchange with Teacher Yang with his eyebrows frowned. Meng Dongguo and Ma Hengyuan were either pondering or discussing with their surrounding friends. They were all very quiet.


    Zhang Ye said, "As for the specific plot, I will not talk anymore about it. The general idea is that Jia Baoyu thinks that all the young girls should love or like him, but the performer did not act that way. Jia Baoyu had an important sublimation to his understanding of emotions. He knew he could not force things that did not belong to him, and that everything was fated. This is another way that Cao Xueqin uses to express his understanding of life through the novel. See, this is another division."


    The crowd did not respond.


    It was unknown if they were pondering or shocked.


    Zhang Yeughed. "Everyone should already have a feeling. You can carry on thinking. Ponder over it and listen on to my lecture. The next plot''s unit is Chapter 54. Five times nine is forty-five, and six times nine is fifty-four. Since I said ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' has 108 chapters. Then as the middle divisor at chapter 54, clearly it is an extremely important divisor. And indeed, that is the case. What was written here? It writes about the golden era of the Jia family. It reaches a position that could not be any higher. They celebrate New Year''s Eve and have a feast. They enjoyed all forms of splendor, and what happened after the opera? Just a shout of rewards, and they would take a basket to pour money for the performers. Their riches reach an extreme point. However, great pleasure brings about sadness. A cup will overflow when it''s full. By chapter 55, Cao Xueqin begins to write how the Jia family experiences internal and external difficulties. In the first 54 chapters, it writes about the Jia family''s flourishing growth. In thest 54 chapters, it begins to write about the decline of the Jia family, eventually leading to nothing. Hence, everyone can see that the division is very clear. Cao Xueqin''s textual structure is very strict!"


    Yan Yu turned silent. This��


    Teacher Yang also pondered with a gloomy expression.


    Senior Zhou raised his hands to ask, "Then why is it twelve?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Why nine times twelve. Why would this constant twelve be used? Actually, it is very obvious. You can understand just from reading the first five chapters. Jia Baoyu dreams of entering the Land of Illusion, where it is led by the Fairy of Disenchantment to the Board of Ill-fated lives. There he secretly read the records. In the records, it recorded the fate of the women in Jinling. Then how were these pages split? I would like to know how many people were there on that list?"


    Yao Cui immediately stood up. "There were twelve! Twelve Beauties of Jinling!"


    "Yes." Zhang Ye asked again, "Then what about the secondary records, and what was inside the secondary records?"


    Senior Zhou eximed, "It was also twelve."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then the Fairy of Disenchantment entertained Jia Baoyu and got the fairies to sing songs. How many songs were there?"


    Senior Song blinked her eyes and took over the microphone to answer, "It''s the twelve songs of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''!"


    "Yes, then about the performer I previously mentioned, how many of them were there?" Zhang Ye asked again. "Did anyone pay attention to them?"


    Many students could not answer for they could not remember. They did not read it in such detail.


    However, Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Twelve. They were collectively called the Twelve Performers of the Red Chamber."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Yes, see everyone. Cao Xueqin had been using the number twelve throughout the whole book. Together with how chapter 54 being such an important divisor, I believe it''s obvious now? Hence, I cannot ept the 120 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' currently circted. This is because Cao Xueqin''s original ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' only has 108 chapters! So, only the first 80 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' were written originally by Cao Xueqin. Thest 40 chapters were written by Gao E, or some anonymous writer. And that person continued it unreliably. This is because what follows the first 80 chapters is not supposed to be 40 chapters, but rather 28 chapters!"


    With this, those people from the world of literature could not sit still any further!


    You can say it this way?


    You can even exin it this way?


    It can be analyzed this way?


    Teacher Yang, who had been studying ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' all his life, was stunned upon hearing this!


    Zhang Ye''s analysis from this angle was unprecedented!

 Chapter 322: I can explain it all!

    <h4>Chapter 322: I can exin it all! </h4>


    Chapter 322: I can exin it all!


    "Reasonable!"


    "It really has such a structure!"


    "Nine by twelve?? Old Cao is too particr about it!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, well done! So mighty and domineering!"


    Yao Mi pped her hands, giving him her kudos. A small number of Peking University students also nodded their heads. The ss was too interesting! It was just the same as the first lesson. Just listening to Zhang Ye''s first few sentences made them yearn for more. All their attention was on Zhang Ye. This lecturing method of throwing a shocking statement at the beginning and then slowly exining it through logical arguments had been used by many lecturers before. However, there were few who could do it as well as Zhang Ye!


    The point of view was too refreshing!


    The angle was also very different from the norm!


    A few Redology experts looked at one another. They were unable to refute him, and were in a daze. They were here to dismantle him, but they ended up falling into Zhang Ye''s rhythm. Beforeing, they had indeed done a lot of preparatory work. They thought Zhang Ye would carry on providing evidence and talk from there and then slowly guide people with his "chicanery". Hence, a few Redologists and people from the world of literature had decided on how to refute him. They had even thought of how to force Zhang Ye into a dead end, causing himself to be trapped in a corner, with no way of justifying what he said. It could be said that these people, from the literary world that brought animosity with them, were prepared, but they were rendered speechless because Zhang Ye hadpletely ignored their discourse!


    Documentation as proof?


    In the end, this fellow didn''t talk about that!


    He started on another footing, and began talking about the structure of "Dream of the Red Chamber"!


    Meng Dongguo only wanted to curse out loudly: You aren''t f**king dealing out your cards in a routine fashion!


    This made the Redologists simmer their words that they could not vent. Regarding the structure, and the nine times twelve, they had never studied it before. The entire Redology world had never explored this piece of content, what was there for them to say? They were not prepared at all! They could only listen helplessly to Zhang Ye talk! They were originally nning to lead Zhang Ye into a trap so that he would fall into their hands, but who knew that they were the ones who got caught up in Zhang Ye''s rhythm!


    He was not simple!


    He really had skills!


    Yan Yu looked at Zhang Ye, and no longer held contempt towards him in her heart. She began considering Zhang Ye''s theory from an academic perspective for the first time.


    Elder Qian smiled and said to Yan Yu, "Little Zhang isn''t bad, is he?"


    Yan Yu remained silent for a moment beforementing, "Brilliant, but his views are too radical." In the end, she still did not believe Zhang Ye''s theory.


    Elder Qian said, "Let''s carry on listening then. Hur Hur."


    A Historian from another school said objectively, "What Teacher Little Zhang said really makes a lot of sense. One has to know that the cultural beliefs in historical heritage, the ancients valued tradition a lot. They paid attention to structure. Such as five-word poems, seven-word poems that required them to rhyme. This can all be seen."


    Professor Zeng also nodded slightly while stroking his beard. Teacher Little Zhang had really lived up to the expectations of Peking University!


    Wu Zeqing, at another side, still had that mild expression. She never gave a look of doubt from beginning to the end. It was as if she always believed Zhang Ye would be able to lecture well.


    The Chinese department''s Dean and Department Secretary were different. When they heard Zhang Ye boldly im that the number of chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was incorrect, they began to worry. They were worried he would shame the name of their Peking University''s Chinese department. There were so many expert schrs and insiders present who had been studying ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' for nearly all their lives. If they managed to refute him until he was speechless, then that would be a great spectacle. Hence these department leaders and teachers of Peking University were all worried. Only when they saw this scene, did they realize that not only was Zhang Ye not stumped, he had dumbfounded the literary experts and Redologists instead. As a result, they were relieved. They were also overjoyed!


    Nice job Little Zhang!


    Your speech has already knocked that bunch of Redologists unconscious?


    Zhang Ye carried on speaking. He exploited his victory in one fell swoop. "So ording to this structure, with nine times nine equals eighty-one, chapter 82 of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' should be another major divisor. It should be a turning point in the major plot." As he said this, he gestured to the staff member in charge of the projector. The projector immediately jumped to Chapter 81. "However, in the 120 circted chapter version of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', that isn''t the case. This is the reason why I have always been saying that Cao Xueqin''s original writing is limited to the first 80 chapters on the whole!"


    The text of chapter 81 appeared.


    When everyone saw this, they were curious.


    "It doesn''t feel wrong?"


    "That''s right. It looks like it was all written by one person."


    "I think so too. It''s quite smooth and very reasonable."


    "If it''s continued on and just imitated, it wouldn''t be imitated so well, right?"


    The Peking University students were all speaking in hushed tones.


    A few Redologists did not speak out so easily. They were put into a passive state by Zhang Ye''s opening. Now, they did not want to speak up on unfamiliar structural problems that they did not research on. They wanted to watch silently and see if Zhang Ye would make a mistake, so they could find an opportunity to refute him.


    However, Zhang Ye clearly did not n on giving them a chance. He looked down from the stage and said, "Everyone might not feel ufortable after reading chapter 81, but in my view, the person who carried on the story in chapter 81 has fallen short of Cao Xueqin''s original intent." He emphasized, "It''spletely unbearable!"


    Senior Zhou found it strange. "Is it that serious?"


    "Unbearable?" Senior Song also felt Teacher Zhang Ye''s words were too harsh. She found it quite matching.


    Zhang Ye said, "Because in chapter 81, the content began a fresh start. ording to the structure, chapter 82 should be a brand new unit, but here, we begin a new unit from chapter 81. It ignores the previous unit''s foreshadowing from chapter 72 to 80. This is quite a terrifying plot. And what''s written in there? Without borating, just think, was there any raid of Prospect Garden? Did Skybright die and was Fangguan chased out? Did You-shi say she was going upstairs, but someone below told her not to do so, because that was where they were helping the Zhen family hide their wealth!?"


    The students all nodded their heads. That all existed.


    "This unit''s plot is very terrifying." Zhang Ye then pointed to the screen and said, "But do you see what happened in chapter 81? It did not end the development of a unit. It starts all over again, and is called ''Four youngdies go fishing and divine the future''. They arepletelyidback. The beauties are in Prospect Garden fishing, as if nothing had happened." He thenughed. It was a helplessugh. "The matters of the raid were not written. The death was not mentioned. It was as if the tragic eventspletely disappeared. Not only was the plot not further developed, Jia Baoyu even became a good child. ''Baoyu received a homily and was re-enrolled in the Family School''. Well, although it wrote that Jia Baoyu was initially reluctant, and after the teachings of the private tutor, Jia Baoyu not only began to study the books of the Sages, he even began to learn eight-legged essays. Hur Hur, I want to ask you. Is this still the Jia Baoyu from the first 80 chapters?"


    Some students said, "People do change."


    "That''s right. This passage seems alright?" Senior Zhou said.


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "People do change, but the changes can''t be that drastic. Furthermore there was no foundations foreshadowing this. Jia Baoyu was a person very opposed to wealth gained through official means. That was expressly written! He was willing to break decorum with a young female who he had good ties with, just because of his values. He shed with Xue Baochai and Shi Xiangyun and this was all written clearly in the first 80 chapters. Jia Baoyu only respected Lin Daiyu, why? This was because Lin Daiyu never encouraged him to take the Imperial Examinations to make a name of himself ever since he was young. Because of this, he deeply respected Lin Daiyu. However, after chapter 80, Jia Baoyupletely changed. He diligently entered a private school and studied eight-legged essays. He went from never liking it to liking it somewhat. What''s even more odd is that Lin Daiyu also changed. What do you see Lin Daiyu say in the chapters after chapter 80? She was very supporting of him doing eight-legged essays!"


    The projected screen changed.


    Lin Daiyu''s original words appeared.


    She said the following eight-legged essay: "Remember thinking that some were quite well thought out and sensibly written. One of the two were even quite subtle and had a certain delicate charm. They were rather above my head at the time, but I still enjoyed reading them. It''s silly to run them all down. Anyway, I think if you want to get on in life, this is quite an admirable way of doing it."


    Zhang Ye shook his head and said, "Is this Lin Daiyu''s words? So it''s not really me having nothing better to do. Upon seeing this, I find it totally uneptable. This should not be Cao Xueqin''s text for chapter 81. Of course, after chapter 81, it bes even more ridiculous. Does everyone remember the part where Baoyu extols feudal virtues to Qiaojie. Does anyone have an impression? Isn''t it frightening? Qiaojie is his paternal cousin''s daughter. She was reading ''Lives of Noble Women Present and Past'' at that time. What sort of book was that? It is a book that is filled with dregs that extol feudal virtues. What about Jia Baoyu? Not only did he not object to her reading such a book, he even begin reviewing the content of the book as an elder to her. I''m not sure if you have an impression of a certain passage. It talks about ''Lady Cao Cutting Her Nose''. In the period of the Three Kingdoms, there was woman who was married to Cao, so she took on the surname of Cao. After her husband''s death, she wanted to maintain her chastity. That is good and all, but she went one step further. She wanted to express it. Hence, she cut her hair, bing ugly. As such, she would deter suitors. She said she was determined not to remarry. Was it enough to cut her hair? Nope! This woman was very strange. She even used a knife to cut off her own ears!"


    "Aiyah!"


    "Man!"


    "Is it that tragic?"


    The students present found it horrendous.


    "This gruesomeness should be frightening enough. So, this should be enough, right? Will you call it a day? No, she thinks it''s not enough. She was determined to demonstrate her chastity. She used a knife to cut her nose off." Zhang Ye said, "I see some people closing their eyes. Right, closing your eyes shut is right. If you want to imagine it, you need to close your eyes."


    Many Peking University studentsughed out. "Hur Hur Hur."


    Zhang Ye threw his hands up, "But this event was recorded down and was taken as a role model, and recorded in ''Lives of Noble Women Present and Past'', but what about Jia Baoyu? In the book, Jia Baoyu was very touched. In the book, Jia Baoyu was very touched. He even praised ''Lady Cao Cutting Her Nose'' in front of Qiaojie. I do not know what everyone feels when reading this, but it gives me the chills! Is this still the same Jia Baoyu that was written by Cao Xueqin? This is a far cry from Cao Xueqin''s writing of chapter 81!"


    No one refuted.


    The logical errors in here had been mentioned before by this world''s Redologists.


    Zhang Ye said indifferently, "In Redology research, people have questioned this part. This is also why ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' isn''t easily discussed. Due to all sorts of issues that cannot be avoided or exined, however��" Zhang Ye boasted, "I can exin it all!"


    Everyone burst into an uproar.


    You can exin it all?


    Weren''t those words too absolute in manner?


    You really can boast without shame!


    Those from the world of literature were at a loss as to what to say. Too arrogant!


    Zhang Ye said, "For example, the problem with Jia Baoyu I just mentioned. ording to my exnation, it makes sense, right? As after the first 80 chapters on the whole, be it the version currently sold on the market, or ancient manuscripts, they are no longer Cao Xueqin''s original intent. It was continued by someone else! Hence, Jia Baoyu presents two personalities before and after. This is no longer a surprise because it was written by two different authors!"


    Silence!


    Utter silence!


    ording to Zhang Ye''s line of thought, this logical problem could indeed be exined!


    Everyone was lost in thought, especially those from the world of literature. Their faces did not look good and were silent for the time being. The information Zhang Ye provided was too much! No one could digest it immediately!


    Trantors'' Notes: Both CKtalon and I are in South Korea now, and you might be wondering why we are in Korea. We are there to support a Kpop girl group, Crayon Pop! :P Every 500,000 views umted, we''ll release an additional chapter, which means from now till the end of October, it will be another period of free chapters beyond the 1 guaranteed a day. So help us F5 sect! Thanks!


    We are not sure how YouTube cotes their views, but you need to finish ''watching'' at least the whole video to count. Also, if you want to mute it, don''t use YouTube''s muting abilities. Do it from Windows or use the ability to mute the particr tab on your browser.

 Chapter 323: Answering Every Logical Error!

    <h4>Chapter 323: Answering Every Logical Error! </h4>


    Chapter 323: Answering Every Logical Error!


    It was a bit quiet.


    Many people were still digesting and trying to make sense of Zhang Ye''s words.


    Zhang Ye said, "Everyone, take a moment to ruminate over it. I''ll drink a mouthful of water. Hur Hur."


    Zhang Ye had brought a water sk here. After opening the thermo-sealing lid, there was Pu''er tea inside. He had brewed it in the teachers'' office beforeing. The water was still warm, and as the tea leaves entered his mouth, it was not that fragrant, but had a mellow taste. He liked the taste of ripe Pu''er. Not only did it warm the stomach during the Winter, it also helped him rx and organize his mental processes. Of course, Zhang Ye had been rxed since he stepped on stage. On-stage, in a venue with thousands of people, so many reporters and cameras, so many students, teachers and peers from the literary world that were here to discredit him, he was in no way stunned or nervous. That expression of leisure that he gave while drinking tea seemed like he was lying in bed at home. From the look of it, if a bed was ced on-stage, Zhang Ye would really dare to lie on it.


    Few could attain that level of serenity.


    If it were any other Peking University lecturer, or instead of lecturers but rather professors who give public lectures all year round, against such a big fuss, they would be a bit tensed or nervous.


    However, Zhang Ye wasn''t.


    This was the basic standards of a professional host.


    Most of this could be exined because of Zhang Ye''s personality. He was always a person with a heartless attitude. The Heavens did not give him good looks, nor a good body, but where there were losses, there were also gains. This level of calmness andck of stage fright was probably hispensation.


    After he finished drinking.


    The ss carried on.


    Zhang Ye held the microphone and asked, "Just now, I exined some structural problems of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' and its analysis. Students, do you have any other questions?"


    No one spoke.


    "Little Song?" Zhang Ye named.


    Senior Song stood up and said, "I still need to digest it for a little longer."


    Zhang Ye named a person who loved to speak, "Little Zhou?"


    Senior Zhou said with a wry smile, "I also need to carry on listening. I''ll temporarily refrain from speaking."


    With a smile, Zhang Ye said, "Alright then. Next, I''ll be talking about��"


    "Hold on." Redologist Teacher Yang from the first row finally spoke up. He had been holding it in from the beginning, so he could not remain silent any further. Because it would appear that they, as a bunch of seniors and experts, had been dumbfounded by a junior. They would be greatly ashamed if that was the case. Hence, even though Teacher Yang did not study the structural problems of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' in the past, he had to use his own methods to refute. By avoiding the structure, he switched to another method. He lifted the microphone to his mouth while sitting down. "I cannot readily subscribe to your so-called nine times twelve structure of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. The structural divisions you mentioned might be a coincidence, and might not be able to prove that the chapters after the eightieth were not written by Cao Xueqin. The Redology world has already decided that Mr Cao Xueqin made mistakes while writing his book due to his illness in old age or other simr reasons. This is also the reason behind Jia Baoyu''s change in personality."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "How the Redology world studied it and came to such a conclusion, I have no idea, nor do I agree. My point of view is actually opposite from all of you. Mr Cao Xueqin waspletely fine. The logical errors in the book were not a result of him being sick. The 108 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' also existed. Cao Xueqin had whole finished writing it on the whole. This can be seen from Fucha Mingyi''s poem I mentioned in ss yesterday."


    Teacher Yang was waiting for him to say that. With a chuckle, he retorted, "Alright then. Since you say so, then I want to ask this. You said that only the first 80 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' presently circted was written by Cao Xueqin, and Mr Cao did not make low-level mistakes because of physiological problems. Alright then, let''s follow this line of thought and only talk about the first 80 chapters. You previously mentioned that you could exin them all?"


    Zhang Ye said surely, "Of course."


    Another young Redologist said, "Are you sure?"


    "Hur Hur, I''m very sure. You can go ahead and ask." Zhang Ye did not mind as he said, "But I need to make it clear first that it''s the first 80 chapters on the whole, and not the first 80 chapters."


    Teacher Yang snorted and said, "Alright, then how do you exin the time of death of Lin Ruhai?"


    A young Redologist also added fuel to fire by saying, "I also want to ask. Qin Keqing died from an illness contradicting the Registers. How do you exin that?"


    Zhang Ye did not answer and instead said, "Are there anymore questions? I can talk about all of them together."


    Yan Yu, who held an esteemed status in the literary world, also spoke. "Grandmother Jia''s birthday problem, as well as the problem of Jia Baoyu''s age."


    A bunch of questions were thrown at him!


    These were all the problems that the Redology world could not exin to date!


    Fine, didn''t you boast saying you can exin everything? Then exin it to us!


    At this moment, the people from the literary worldunched their first attack on Zhang Ye. Initially, due to the structural problems, they could not find an opportunity to attack Zhang Ye, because Zhang Ye had caught them by surprise. He had exined the structural divisions perfectly, and could be said to be incisive. It had once again caused a major breakthrough in Redology. Hence, they could not find an excuse to attack him, but now, Zhang Ye was too overbearing. He dared to say that he could exin all logical problems. As such, the people from the literary world could now speak!


    There were about seven or eight questions, all with major logical errors. And it was those dead-end problems. There were no solutions after many years of study. They wanted to see what Zhang Ye had to say!


    The Peking University students also began to stir.


    "Things are going bad!"


    "That bunch of Redologists have attacked!"


    "Can Teacher Zhang exin it? That''s impossible!"


    "Only by going head-to-head would it be interesting!"


    "Will Teacher Zhang Ye make it?"


    Some students were very excited and waited to watch the bustle. Yao Mi and other students were all downcast. They looked at Zhang Ye with worried expressions. As for Senior Zhou, who always asked questions and tried to refute Zhang Ye, he also began to worry for Zhang Ye. Truthfully, Senior Zhou was still doubtful of Zhang Ye''s point, but ultimately, this was a matter of their ss. It was an exchange between teacher and students. It was a literary debate happening with Peking University, and that bunch of people from the literary world were outsiders. They were here to "cause trouble", so be it Senior Zhou or Zhang Ye, they were all from Peking University. As such, they had a feeling of uniting against a foreign attacker.


    Zhang Ye looked at them. "Is that all?"


    Professor Ma Hengyuan sneered, "First answer those questions."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright, then I''ll answer them. However, I''ll put aside Vice President Yan''s question for the moment. I''ll first answer the first few questions."


    Yan Yu nced at him.


    Teacher Yang said, "Alright, we''ll listen to what you have to say."


    No one believed that Zhang Ye could exin it!


    They did not know that Zhang Ye had long anticipated their questions. After all, research in Redology was limited in its ways. There were only a few logical errors, so they couldn''t ask anything new. It was easy to guess. "Everyone, please take a look at the screen. Take a look at the information I provided first." Zhang Ye and the Peking University staff had a short exchange before the other party immediately found the document, and projected it on screen.


    The second daughter?


    Jia Yingchun''s information?


    Zhang Ye scanned the crowd and said, "Jia Yingchun is very familiar to everyone. The problem with origins should also be known by everyone. However, I believe anyone who really studies ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' will discover that a few ancient manuscripts, that were passed down, described Jia Yingchun''s origins differently. The information I have here are the records of a few ancient manuscripts. Please take a look."


    She is the second daughter of Sir Jia She by his former wife.


    She is the second daughter of Sir Jia She by his wife.


    She is the second daughter of Sir Jia Zheng by his former wife.


    She is the second daughter of Sir Jia She by his concubine.


    She is the second daughter of Sir Jia She, adopted by Sir Jia Zheng as his own.


    A few Redologists frowned. Firstly, they did not understand why Zhang Ye provided this information. Secondly, this was another field they were not familiar with. They had indeed seen such things. This included Yan Yu, Teacher Yang, and even Ma Hengyuan knew of it, but as it was more abstruse, Jia Yingchun was considered a side character that was not very important. Hence, there was not much research on her from the world of Redology. Furthermore, as there were too many logical inconsistencies in ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', there were many errors that were avable for them to discover and research on, so why would they discuss the birth origins of a side character who did not matter? Why does this Zhang Ye keep producing things they were not familiar with?


    After finishing, Zhang Ye said, "The five ancient manuscripts describe it differently. We all know that every manuscript of the ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' has a validated source. Is this a mistake during the copying process? Clearly not. If the first four manuscripts were copied wrongly due to an error, then the fifth manuscript can''t be a result of erroneous copying, considering that it''s such a long line. That is impossible. The only exnation that results in this confusion is that Cao Xueqin was repeatedly under deliberation. He kept modifying it, because he had not decided on it nor finalized it. This resulted in severalpletely different manuscripts. I believe this is without a doubt unquestionable!"


    Professor Zeng nodded slightly.


    Teacher Yang and Ma Hengyuan remained expressionless as they sat there quietly.


    Zhang Ye said, "Then with this foundation and knowledge, the questions posed by everyone can be easily solved. Wasn''t Cao Xueqin writing improperly after he fell ill? But the so-called logical errors everyone mentioned are all at the beginning. Was he seriously ill right from the beginning? His brain was in a mess? Hence, this is actually because Cao Xueqin was not done with his editing. He had not fully finalized his manuscript. The problems with Lin Ruhai''s time of death, Qin Keqing''s death from illness and the fifth chapter''s Register, to put it bluntly, are just side issues. It is a result of tweaking the ending of individual characters, as well as some simple text changes!"


    Teacher Yang refuted, "Didn''t you say that the 108 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was done writing?"


    "It was finished, roughly." Zhang Ye said, "But finishing it doesn''t mean it was finalized. I believe any friend who has written a book will have some experience in this. There are quite a number of authors present, and I happen to be an author as well, so I know very well the things that go on behind the scenes. Let''s not even talk about authoring books. The students present probably have experienced it themselves. When you write your essays or theses, is it finalized once you finish writing?"


    The Peking University students all shook their heads.


    "No."


    "That''s right, it still needs editing."


    "Yes, we definitely need to read it a few times and modify things again."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Cao Xueqin was the same too."


    Teacher Yang sneered, "If you want to exin it this way, then the logical errors after chapter 80 can also be exined this way. How then are you proving that it was written by two different people?"


    Zhang Ye shook his hand and said, "That''s different. It''spletely different in concept. The logical errors after the eightieth is not something you can exin away by modifying a few words or paragraphs. That involves the entire book''syout. It involves an error with the core thinking process. We will find it very hard to believe that Cao Xueqin''s original intent of causing the Jia family to be ''left thendscape deste and bare''. Yet, he suddenly changed to allow the Jia family to be revived. Grandmother Jia was originally a loving grandmother, but the author suddenly changed her into a heartless family elder. Jia Baoyu was originally ''for uselessness the world''s prize he might bear; his gracelessness in history has no peer'', but the author suddenly made him want to bring glory to his ancestors. We find it even harder to believe that Cao Xueqin went from a person who had seen through the ephemeral nature of life, to suddenly a person who was passionate about fame and glory!"


    Zhang Ye''s mincing of words with the parallel sentences made those Redologists speechless!


    Zhang Ye said, "When people write their theses, they will go back and change some minor details. They can also change some text. They would adjust some typographical errors, but will you change the core idea of your theses and central point of view? Impossible! So using this to exin it away doesn''t make sense either!"


    He really managed to exin it!


    And his exnation was reasonable!


    Teacher Yang''s face was a bit sunken. Meng Dongguo''s eyes also turned cold. Once again, they never expected Zhang Ye to not talk using the book''s content once again when exining this unsolvable errors. He had changed perspectives once again, and had managed to exin it using the logical workflow of an author!


    What eloquence!


    What artiction!


    Yan Yu squinted his eyes. "Then how do you exin the problem with Grandmother Jia? I don''t understand why you would single out my question."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "If I were an ordinary reader, or an ordinary researcher, the problem with Grandmother Jia''s age could be exined this way. The author did not edit it in time, and everyone would definitely be able to ept this exnation. There would then be no need toe up with more superfluous exnations, but, I can''t do that. This is because my role now is that of a teacher. I have to be rigorous in academia. The reason why I singled out the problem with Grandmother Jia is because her situation is more special. It cannot be exined using the same generalizations as before. If I were to lecture in that manner, then that would be me being irresponsible to my students!"


    "Special?"


    "What''s special about it?"


    "It feels the same?"


    "That''s right. Grandmother Jia''s problem is just with her birthdate and age?"


    The Peking University students began talking about it.


    Zhang Ye began to speak in detail. "If no one mentioned it, I was not nning on talking about it, but since we are on the topic, I''ll briefly talk about it. About Grandmother Jia''s birthday problem, is it Chapter 71''s ''third day of the eighth month''? Or is it Chapter 62''s ''the fifteenth of the first month is Aunt Xing''s birthday and also Cousin Chai''s''? These two original texts are conflicting. However, ording to my research, ording to matching with Baochai''s birthday, I deduce that chapter 62''s ''the fifteenth of the first month'' is a birthday that will agree with the plot. The other reason is because of Grandmother Jia''s words in chapter 39. "Now, old kinswoman,'' said Grandmother Jia, ''and what would your age be?'' ''Seventy-five this year'', said Grannie Liu. Grandmother Jia turned round to the others present. ''That''s several years older than me. Fancy still being so fit and lively! Heaven only knows what I shall be like at that age!'' This also indicates that Grandmother Jia''s birthday does not exceed 74 years of age, but Chapter 71''s words were ''the third day of the eighth month was Grandmother Jia''s eightieth birthday''!"


    Everyone recalled it!


    Indeed, there were the exact words!


    Zhang Ye summed up his conclusions and said, "So I can be certain that the third day of the eighth month is fake. 80 years old? This age is a giant leap. No matter how you arrange it or fictionalize it, it is clearly not Grandmother Jia''s true birthday and age. Hence, the text in chapter 71��was post-edited. This is also why when everyone raised their questions, I had specially emphasized that I can only exin the logical errors of the first eighty chapters ''on the whole''. This is because the text and original manuscript of the first 80 chapters of Cao Xueqin were also lost or tampered with, or could also be erroneously copied. Grandmother Jia''s birthday problem is a result of that. This passage might have been lost along with the chapters after the eightieth. It might be Gao E or some other anonymous writer who continued the story, that took the liberty of modifying it! This resulted in such a major w. Hence, this w is different from the other ws. Naturally, I need to single it out!"


    It was reasonable!


    It was well exined!


    Zhang Ye once again stunned everyone!


    Those reporters could not understand a thing. Even if they had read ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', they still could not react to the various things Zhang Ye mentioned. They found it extremely profound and intricate. Them not understanding did not mean they could not observe others. When they saw the expressions of the literary schrs and Redologists in the first row, no matter how dumb they were, they could tell that Teacher Zhang Ye''s exnation and analysis was very convincing!


    "It''s reasonable!"


    "So it can be smoothly exined in this way!"


    "Could it be that the chapters after the eightieth was really authored by another person?"


    Yao Mi was very happy and began giggling. Her Uncle Zhang was too domineering!


    The hearts of the brothers, Li Ying and Li Li, who were sitting beside her, were racing. Teacher Zhang Ye''s viewpoint was impacting their existing understand in an increasing fashion!


    Wu Zeqing smiled without a word.


    Chang Kaige and Professor Zeng kept nodding their heads.


    The other Peking University lecturers and other external historical experts were deep in thought!


    Zhang Ye did not fail to answer any of the logical problems that had gued the Redology world all this while. He exined all of them in one go!


    The people from the world of literature just kept looking at one another.


    Yesterday, while watching the video lecture on Peking University''s official website, they didn''t feel much, but now, only at the venue, did they know that this person, Zhang Ye, was so good at exining. A few of them had indeed been stunned by the points raised and exnations given by Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye had opened up a new line of thought they had never thought of!


    Furthermore, what made these people from the literary world shocked was not Zhang Ye''s exnation from various levels of interpretation, but his deep understanding of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. He was more familiar with it than them, who had studied ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' for years to decades! Did he memorize the entire ''Dream of the Red Chamber''? Zhang Ye''s thorough analysis and quotations of the original text was said on the fly. He did not use an outline. What he said was all off-script! None of them had appeared on the screen or documentation! Such arge amount of evidence and information were all read out by Zhang Ye ad verbatim!


    Which chapter.


    Which line.


    The exact paragraph.


    He spoke it without thinking. He did not even stammer. This was such an exaggeration in their opinion! Ignoring those Redologists who came today, no one from the entire Redology world could achieve Zhang Ye''s standard! Regardless if Zhang Ye''s perspective was right or wrong, it was certain that he knew ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. Furthermore, he had probably researched more thoroughly than experts, like them, in many areas!


    With the facts before them, half of these people from the world of literature had even uglier faces!


    But after the embarrassment, Redologist, Teacher Yang was still confident. In his opinion, from the moment Zhang Ye said that he could "answer it all", Zhang Ye had pushed himself into a corner. This was because in Redology studies, there was a logical problem no one dared raise for it was unsolvable!


    Typographical errors?


    Unfinalized manuscript?


    No! That problem could not be exined in any way!

 Chapter 324: The Students Refuse to End Class!

    <h4>Chapter 324: The Students Refuse to End ss! </h4>


    Chapter 324: The Students Refuse to End ss!


    Zhang Ye drank a mouthful of tea because his throat had turned dry from all the speaking.


    "My exnations and analysis still isn''t enough to convince you, right?" cing down the thermos sk, Zhang Ye looked at everyone, and focused on the people from the literary world, who sat in the first row.


    A few Peking University students gave a faint acknowledgment.


    Ma Hengyuan got a microphone from someone beside him and said, "But that is just an analysis, and includes your own personal inference. It can be considered as an answer to the questions, but it is still insufficient to exin the problem. It has already been determined by academia and the historical world that ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' has 120 chapters. So how can it be overturned by a few words from you? In my opinion, I believe that the 120 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' areplete. Although there are some small ws of different varieties, it''s not major. The change in character, like Jia Baoyu and Grandmother Jia, after the eightieth chapter might have been intentionally done by Cao Xueqin. He wanted to convey some information or hints to the reader that we may not have discovered. At least, the endings of all the characters in ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' have a beginning and an end."


    "Does it really have a beginning and an end?" Upon hearing such chicanery in his refute, Zhang Yeughed. To use such rhetoric meant that Zhang Ye had already caused their heads to spin from his lecture.


    Ma Hengyuan said coldly, "Of course. Is there a problem with that?"


    Meng Dongguo also said, "The 120 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' isplete. There are ws, but what needs to be said has been said. What needs to be written has been written."


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "I can''t agree with that."


    Meng Dongguo eximed. "You have doubts on that?"


    These people shed with Zhang Ye once again!


    The Peking University students did not understand why Zhang Ye raised doubts with itspleteness. Did the 120 chapters of "Dream of the Red Chamber"ckpleteness?


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "This is actually something I wanted to talk aboutter on, but since it has been brought up, I can talk about it now. All of you think that the 120 circted chapters gives us aplete plot and character development, but I do not agree. The plot and characters were notplete, and this is also the reason why I doubt that the chapters after the eightieth were written by Mr Cao. I will not use the nine times twelve structure to analyze it, nor would I use historical information to prove my point. Let''s just look at the 120 chapters. I want to ask you, what happened to Drunken Diamond after the eightieth chapter?"


    Drunken Diamond?


    Who was this person?


    The Peking University students did not study this ssic too deeply, so they had forgotten.


    However, Redologist, Teacher Yang''s expression changed slightly. He nced at Ma Hengyuan and Meng Dongguo, but did not say a word.


    Yan Yu was also frowning in silence.


    Meng Dongguo was stunned. What Drunken Diamond? Was there such a person? His research on ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was shallow, and had never read it too deeply.


    Ma Hengyuan, who was a professor in Literature, knew this person. He paused before saying, "This person isn''t important, nor��"


    Zhang Ye interrupted him. "Not important? This person''s name has appeared once in a title during the first 80 chapters��This Drunken Diamond shows nobility of character when handling his money! Hur Hur, could Cao Xueqin let such an unimportant person appear in the chapter title? A person whose name previously appeared in a chapter title suddenly mysteriously disappeared?"


    Ma Hengyuan insisted, "This sort of side character does not need to be exined."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright then, what about Crimson? Where did Crimson go?"


    "Crimson? That��" Ma Hengyuan was stumped.


    Regarding Crimson, whose original name was Lin Yuhong, there were a lot more people who knew her.


    In the beginning, no one paid too much attention, but with Zhang Ye mentioning it, everyone begin to think. Right, what happened to Crimson?


    Zhang Ye said to everyone, "If you insist that Drunken Diamond is an unimportant side character, then I''m sure Crimson isn''t? Everyone can try recalling her. Crimson''s name had previously appeared in chapter titles, and she was an important character that not only appeared once in previous chapter titles. Chapter 24''s ''the Quiet-voiced Girl provides material for fantasy by losing her handkerchief'' and Chapter 26''s ''A conversation on Wasp Waist Bridge is a cover formunication of a different kind''. In Chapter 27, it was written that Crimson was eloquent and interesting in her speech, resulting in her being appreciated by Fengjie." Zhang Ye had prepared this in advance, and immediately got the staff member to take out the information and project it on the screen. He pointed at it, "It is clearly written in ck and white how important she was as a character. It can be seen from the first 80 chapters. Although Cao Xueqin did not use much to describe her, he mentioned this character more than once, but after the eightieth chapter, why did a character like Crimson disappear?"


    No one could answer!


    Zhang Ye continued to pursue this matter. "Can you still consider this aplete plot withplete characters? If the currently circted version''s chapters after the eightieth were written by Cao Xueqin. then no matter how muddleheaded Mr Cao was, no matter how sick he was, or how many slip up he had, he would not have forgotten an important character he previously established, right?"


    People kept questioning Zhang Ye, but Zhang Ye exined each and everyone of them!


    Now, it was time for Zhang Ye to pose his question, but none of them could exin it!


    Zhang Ye was not done. He took out another piece of information. "If people want to insist that Crimson was not an important character, or that Cao Xueqin had forgotten her, and forgotten to write a plot regarding Crimson at the end, then fine. Everyone, please take a look at Zhiyanzhai''sments. I have already mentioned Zhiyanzhai in my lecture yesterday. I also mentioned that the entire book did not mention ''The Temple of Prison God'', but I didn''t provide this information. Alright, now take a look. These are Zhiyanzhai''sments. It clearly states that Crimson would appear in ''The Temple of Prison God''ter on! She even saved Jia Baoyu! Even if the world of Redology does not recognize Zhiyanzhai''s ancient manuscript, you can never deny its existence forever. Was Zhiyanzhai shooting his mouth wantonly? Impossible! Even if he were spouting nonsense, he would not have spun a story and ce, that had never been mentioned before, in the past, right? Besides, if Zhiyanzhai can remember a person like Crimson, how could Cao Xueqin forget her? No matter how anyone exins, or tries to make itpatible, it does not make sense! Through a character like Crimson, it perfectly proves that my view is right! It is not Cao Xueqin who had forgotten an important character, but the continuer who had forgotten this character!"


    "Such an exnation��" Ma Hengyuan stopped his sentence midway. Finally, he remained silent with a gloomy face. He realized that he could not refute this statement!


    It was already unknown what the people from the literary world were feeling.


    Zhang Ye sure was impressive. He had really researched ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' right to the bone. Not a single problem could stump him. He actually managed to answer all of them. While answering with an exnation, he even used it to prove his point! Could it be that��what he said was the truth?


    It can''t be!


    This was too hard for them to swallow!


    This was a viewpoint that would subvert history!


    However, they did not know that Zhang Ye could naturally justify himself. This was nothing to him, for Zhang Ye was not fighting alone. He was fighting alongside all the literary schrs and Redologists from his world against them!


    Senior Song raised her hand up high. "Teacher Zhang."


    "Little Song, please speak." Zhang Ye answered.


    Senior Song stood up and said solemnly, "Can you give a few more examples that prove that the chapters after the eightieth were not written by the same person? Is there any more proof?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Of course there is, but��" Looking at his watch, he said, "The time for today''s ss is almost up. There''s only three minutes left."


    Senior Zhou hurriedly said, "Aiyah, just carry on talking!"


    Senior Song also immediately said, "If you end it here, many people will definitely not be able to sleep well tonight. Can you extend it a bit longer? Just extending another ten minutes would do!" She was thirsty for knowledge.


    "That''s right!"


    "Keep talking!"


    "Don''t end the ss! You are right in the middle!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you are too good at tantalizing us! You are inhumane!"


    "You have to carry on lecturing! Don''t end today''s ss yet! We can listen all the way till night time!"


    When the other Peking University students heard that ss was ending, they all suddenly started buzzing. The venue turned chaotic. Man, we just f**king got a kick listening to you, and you want to end ss already!?


    Zhang Ye was rendered speechless as he said, "But quite a number of you still have other lessons in the afternoon."


    "Not going!"


    "Right, we''re skipping sses!"


    "We just want to listen to you!"


    "I wouldn''t have the mood to listen to other sses anyway!"


    The Peking University students were all carefree. They shouted right in front of so many Peking University leaders and lecturers, who were seated at the front rows.


    Zhang Ye did not decide on it and looked towards Wu Zeqing. "President Wu?"


    Wu Zeqing turned and looked at the students before having a slight exchange with the Vice President beside her. Finally, she picked up the microphone and said, "You can extend it for another twenty minutes."


    Many reporters were at a loss whether tough or cry when they saw this scene. Back when they were in college, they only looked forward to ending ss early. When was there ever a dispute over not ending the ss? They disallowed the teacher from not speaking on? This was too much! However, they had to admit that Zhang Ye''s public lecture was indeed very exciting!


    Zhang Ye did not turn corny. "Alright, since everyone wants to listen, I''ll carry on for a bit longer. Hur Hur. Since you are not in a hurry to end ss, I''m won''t be either."


    Yao Mi giggled and said into the microphone, "As long as you aren''t tired."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "If you all aren''t tired, I''m definitely not tired. In the past when I recorded problems, the longest was from eight in the morning till nine at night. About six or seven batches or audiences were switched. I did not rest throughout those thirteen hours. After work, I went to eat a bowl of Lamian before going home. Hur Hur. I''m quite the workaholic. If you want to listen till tomorrow morning, I can also do that."


    "Hahaha!"


    "Teacher Zhang is too awesome!"


    "Don''t, we can''tst till tomorrow morning!"


    The students'' mental processes had been stretched. They had been led everywhere by Zhang Ye. It was fun and interesting, but a person''s attention span was limited. This was also why every ss had a fixed length of time, as it was founded on scientific principles. Since he was carrying on, he naturally had to adjust his methods. Zhang Ye mentioned something off-topic to make themugh, so as to wipe their weariness away. This also allowed the students to rx. This way, it allowed them to carry on listening more easily.


    The people from the literary world did not understand.


    However, those Peking University teachers, who engaged in education, knew Zhang Ye''s intentions. There was tension, and there was rxation. It was well-bnced. This neer, Teacher Zhang Ye really looked more and more like a teacher of the people. They affirmed Zhang Ye''s abilities and lessened their prejudices against Zhang Ye!

 Chapter 325: The Redologists Strike Back?

    <h4>Chapter 325: The Redologists Strike Back? </h4>


    Chapter 325: The Redologists Strike Back?


    The students were all nicely seated.


    A few students, who wanted to go use the bathroom, had rushed there and back.


    Teacher Yang and the few Redologists also did not want Zhang Ye to end his ss so early. They still had many important things to say. Hence, they were very pleased that there was an extension. They came with the goal of debunking Zhang Ye. How could they leave just like that? Their goal had not yet been met. If they were to return with their faces ashen, where were they to put their faces when the video was posted and the public lecture was reported on? When that happened, the citizens would think that this bunch of Redologists, who had studied all these years, were inferior to a junior. This was an oue Teacher Yang, Ma Hengyuan, andpany could not ept. Hence, no matter what, they had to win this round!


    How were they to win?


    They just needed toe up with a question that Zhang Ye was unable to answer!


    Teacher Yang already had an idea. He had an exchange with a few Redologists in whispers. A few of them smiled, but did not say a word. They were nning on using the killer move right at the end. They would throw it out at the end of the ss. If they asked it now, Zhang Ye definitely could not answer it, but he might be able to use his silver tongue to change the topic and begin a new round of analysis on another problem. With Zhang Ye''s eloquence as a professional host, he had such abilities. They had already had a taste of his eloquence prior. If that was the case, everyone''s attention would be diverted and affect the results. They wanted to deal Zhang Ye a sure-kill strike. They did not want to leave Zhang Ye a chance to fight back, or change topics. In their opinion, this was also the price Zhang Ye had to pay for deriding their literary world!


    A storm was brewing!


    The people from the literary world began to gather their strength for the final battle!


    Zhang Ye had also noticed the first row of Redologists whispering abnormally. However, he did not mind it at all. From the beginning, Zhang Ye had looked down on this world''s Redologists. After drinking a mouthful of Pu''er tea, he smiled faintly. "Alright then. Shall we carry on?"


    Silence resumed.


    A few thousand people maintained their silence in the venue.


    In the past, even if Peking University held a convocation ceremony or conference, it was impossible for there to beplete silence when President Wu went up to speak. They did not give her that much face, but when Zhang Ye, a new, ordinary teacher came to Peking University, he managed to do it. This showed that the students genuinely liked his ss.


    "Just now, my student Little Song asked me to put forth a few examples as evidence. I believe a lot of people have simr thoughts. All of you want to hear it and that is naturally not a problem." After an hour''s ss, a typical teacher would also begin to suffer from fatigue, and feel their energy decline, but Zhang Ye did not suffer from this. When he saw the yearning to learn attitude from his students'' eyes, he became even more energized. "In yesterday''s ss, I used historical information and documents to validate ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. In today''s ss, I did it based on the content. I talked about the divisions and the novel''s structure. The novel''s characters and their personalities prove my point. Using them to dissect the 120 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' is problematic. Then up to here, a student may ask, today you analyzed the characters from the structure, and I can believe it for the time being, but other than that, can you tell us more from the plot? In the plot after the first eighty chapters on the whole, are there things that do not match the first eighty chapters on the whole?" With a pause, he said, "Of course. They exist!"


    Senior Song had already taken out a notebook and pen. She looked unblinkingly at Zhang Ye. She was prepared to record it down. She no longer held a critical attitude, but began to have a learning attitude.


    The other students were simr.


    For example, Yao Mi, Li Li, and Li Ying were all taking notes.


    After all, it was almost exam time. It might end up that the content Teacher Zhang Ye had mentioned were examinable. This credit could not be lost.


    Zhang Ye showed the information. "There are many things to talk about regarding the plot. However, I do not want to talk about those logical problems that have been studied by Redologists. I do not want to repeat things that others have already talked about. I will talk about a major plot hole that no one has mentioned before."


    The people from the literary world rolled their eyes. Plot hole that no one mentioned before? How could it be possible? Do you think those of us in literature research are fools? We have been doing this for decades. How could it be that no one raised this problem or w before? Aren''t you being too bold?


    Yan Yu was rendered speechless by Zhang Ye''s defiant attitude. She could not help but ask, "What plot hole?"


    Teacher Yang and Ma Hengyuan were also angered. From the beginning, this Zhang looked down on their literary research!


    "Right, which paragraphs?"


    "Say it, we are all ears!"


    A woman and a youth spoke up. They were two of the few Redology researchers in the industry.


    Zhang Ye said calmly. "The plot regarding the Jia family''s conviction. The continuer''s writing isical and worthy of scorn!"


    Yan Yu said, "Don''t keep talking about the continuation. What''s ridiculous about this plot?"


    Teacher Yang also said, "Ignoring the problem of the characters'' personalities, what''s wrong with the plot?"


    A problem with the Jia family being convicted was indeed something never mentioned before in this world''s Redology research. This was because they did not find any problems with it!


    However Zhang Ye knew. Not only was there a problem in it, it was a major problem. "Everyone thinks this plot adheres to logic? What about the students?"


    The Peking University students also responded.


    "Uh, it''s alright?"


    "I don''t see any problems."


    "This is a major plot point. There''s nothing wrong with it?"


    Senior Song stood up and said, "ording to your argument and structural analysis, the first 80 chapters had hinted that the Jia family would decline. It was hinted that they would be raided. Isn''t this following a rational line of thought?"


    Zhang Ye lowered his hand to indicate for her to sit. He smiled and said, "It looks like no one has noticed this. Actually, what everybody thinks is a rational line of thought is just rational on the surface. Yes, I also admitted that the Jia family would decline. Mr Cao Xueqin had already foreshadowed this in the first eighty chapters on the whole. Cao Xueqin wrote that the Jia family would be raided, but the reason for being raided is definitely not the reason given after the eightieth chapter. The way the continuer wrote it is uneptable personally. It is ridiculous!" As he pointed to the screen, he said, "Take a look everyone. In the plot after chapter 80, it writes that Rong-guo mansion, as well as Ning-guo mansion, were raided. We can explore this and see if that was the case. Those who are familiar should have an impression. After chapter 80, when the Emperor ordered the raid, how many charges did Jia She receive? Two charges. One, he had entered into a conspiracy with provincial officials for nefarious purposes. About this, I have to say that the person who continued the story had quite the standard. He was able to carry on the foreshadowing written by Cao Xueqin in the first 80 chapters. Jia She''s second charge was abusing his own personal influence to bully a defenceless citizen. This was also written ording to the foreshadowing in the first 80 chapters. Although I''m not sure how Cao Xueqin would have written it, it would not have been written in this way. However, the continuer''s writing is still eptable to me."


    "If it''s eptable, why is there a problem?"


    "Can you stop saying continuer? It sounds so awkward!"


    A few Redologists suggested.


    Zhang Ye shrugged his shoulders. "Alright, I know many people still do not believe that the chapters after the eightieth are not the original work of Cao Xueqin. Then let''s not talk about the continuer. Let''s assume the 120 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' were written by Cao Xueqin, but there arises a problem. Later on, the reason why Ning-guo mansion and Jia Zheng were raided was only mentioned in passing. It was roughly ounted for, so almost no one noticed it, nor has anyone researched it. This is because everyone''s focus was on more ''important'' matters in this plot, but I want to tell everyone to not look elsewhere. Focus your attention on this. Here, I can prove that the plot was not written by Cao Xueqin!"


    The students were all listening.


    The people from the literary world all began to recall the content.


    Zhang Ye ignored them and carried on speaking, "Cousin Zhen''s first crime: forcefully took to his bed the fiancee of an innocent person and drove her to her death when she would not gratify his desires. It sounds serious, and is actually referring to Second Sister You''s death. If you think right away, you might not find it problematic, but if you read it carefully again, who forcefully took Second Sister You? It was not Cousin Zhen, but Jia Lian. And was Second Sister You kept in Ning-guo mansion? No, it was a ce called Little Flower Lane!"


    Ma Hengyuan leered at him. "Don''t you know that Second Sister You waster duped into Rong-guo mansion by Wang Xifeng?"


    Zhang Ye looked back at him. "You are right, but even if Cousin Zhen had some responsibility in this, he was at most regarded as an aplice. The main perpetrator was Jia Lian. This thing was all Jia Lian''s problem, right? Later on, Wang Xifeng even directed a scheme to let Second Sister You''s former fiance indict on this matter. It caused quite a stir, resulting in Second Sister You''s death. However, that is Wang Xifeng and Jia Lian''s crime. What has this got to do with Cousin Zhen? However, ''Cao Xueqin'', for some unknown reason, wrote that the first crime of Cousin Zhen was Second Sister You''s death!"


    Many people eximed.


    Teacher Yang also loosened his eyebrows.


    This problem had really not been mentioned in the Redology world. Zhang Ye was really the first!


    Zhang Ye ignored their reactions and carried on speaking, "Then the second charge is even more ridiculous. What is it? Buried secretly and the facts of her death were concealed from the authorities. This is talking about Third Sister You''s death. Following her suicide meant shemitted suicide and that was finally buried." Zhang Ye could not help butugh. "What sort of serious crime is this? Furthermore, Third Sister Youmitting suicide does not have much to do with Cousin Zhen. It was Jia Lian who paired Liu Xianglian and Third Sister You. The matching failed, causing Third Sister You tomit suicide. What did Cousin Zhen have to do with this?" Saying that, Zhang Ye pointed to the screen. "As for the third charge, it says for corrupting the sons of noble families, encouraging them to gamble. When I see this, I do not know what others may think, but I can''t bear reading it further."


    Meng Dongguo said coldly, "It was foreshadowed early on."


    Another youth who studied Redology said, "Right, and it was in your so-called first 80 chapters."


    "There was such a plot in front." Zhang Ye said, "In chapter 75, Cousin Zhen gathered a bunch of family members to gamble, but think about it, were they really gambling? Cousin Zhen had set up a shooting gallery below Celestial Fragrance Pavilion, allowing young men topete there. Gambling was just a guise. If one had to insist, Cousin Zhen''s crime is the shooting gallery. This is because it is a very dangerous behavior and signal, but for some reason, ''Cao Xueqin'' decided that the third charge would be Cousin Zhen''s gambling. Who can exin this to me?"


    "This��"


    "Was there such a passage?"


    "Yes, they were indeed practicing shooting."


    "I also recall it. This was written in an abstruse manner."


    Without Zhang Ye mentioning, many people had not recalled it. They had never thought about it. Now, with him mentioning it, many of those who had read "Dream of the Red Chamber" recalled it!


    It''s really true!


    There was a serious problem!


    Zhang Ye questioned, "If this was really Cao Xueqin''s original text, would Mr Cao make such a low-level error?"


    A Redologist in his thirties grunted. "This isn''t a crime, that isn''t a crime. This has nothing to do with him, then from what you say, the Jia family is innocent. Why would their family be raided?"


    Zhang Ye said, "The Jia family was naturally guilty."


    Meng Dongguo said, "Jia She and Cousin Zhen were originally��"


    Before he finished speaking, Zhang Ye had interrupted him. "No, actually Jia She and Cousin Zhen''s crime existed, but that was not the true reason behind why the Jia family was raided! My point has always been based on the first 80 chapters. In the first 80 chapters, this matter was clearly indicated!"


    Ma Hengyuan said to Zhang Ye as if he was not worth a single nce, "Then whose crime is it?"


    Zhang Ye calmly gave a name. It was a name that shocked everyone. "The real reason behind the Jia family being raided was Jia Zheng!"


    "Jia Zheng?"


    "Did you say the wrong name?"


    "It can''t be Jia Zheng!"


    "That''s right! Anyone can be guilty except Jia Zheng!"


    The Peking University students were the first to create an uproar. It was too surprising for Zhang Ye to give this name. They could ept whatever Teacher Zhang Ye had previously said as they found it very reasonable, but regarding Jia Zheng''s crime? None of them believed! How can that be?


    However, Zhang Ye ignored their discussion and said the next sentence. "Hur Hur. I can tell everyone that not only is Jia Zheng guilty, but it''s a heinous crime!"


    "Can it be that exaggerated?"


    "Heinous crime?"


    "He''s the only good person in the Jia family!"


    "That''s right, where did it say Jia Zheng was guilty?"


    The Redologists like Yan Yu and Teacher Yang all gave a look of shock!


    Elder Qian and Professor Zeng, who were originally very supportive of Zhang Ye, looked at each other. They could see the doubt in each other''s eyes. They did not know either!


    Zhang Ye was indifferent. He said, "Everyone might not believe it, but I will still say it. If this was Cao Xueqin''s original work�� if this was Cao Xueqin''s original 108 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', he would have written that the real reason why the Jia family was raided was because of Jia Zheng''s crime. Yes, to many people here, Jia Zheng was a very decent man. And when the Jia family was raided, Jia Zheng seemed the most innocent. The way you came to this conclusion was the same as what the continuer of the chapters after the eightieth thought too. Hence, using this line of thought, he wrote it into the image that everyone sees today. Even when the Jia family was raided, it did not raise any problems with Jia Zheng. There was no crime, and through his hard work, the Emperor even forgave him, allowing the resurgence of the Jia family. Hur Hur. On these matters, you already have preconceptions about this, hence, you are subconsciously disagreeing with what I''m saying. However, I still have to say it. This is a major error the continuer made. He did not understand the foreshadowing and line of thought Cao Xueqin had in the first 80 chapters. This is also the reason why everyone has been misled!"


    Senior Zhou could not stand for this anymore. He liked Jia Zheng the most in ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. "Teacher Zhang, where is the foreshadowing you mentioned?"


    Senior Song asked, "Was it written earlier that Jia Zheng hadmitted a crime?"


    Many students and people from the literary world could not ept it. In many people''s hearts, Jia Zheng was a person of utmost bearing. They liked him a lot too. Was Zhang Ye trying to subvert their understanding again? Wasn''t this subversion too much?


    Zhang Ye smiled as he looked at everyone. "It''s good that there is controversy. Everyone, listen to me first. See if what I say makes sense. Then, let us temporarily throw away the image of Jia Zheng in the chapters after the eightieth. Let''s look at the first 80 chapters written by Cao Xueqin and how he described Jia Zheng''s image. Where was the foreshadowing? In chapter 75, You-shi was angry and went to visit Lady Wang. At this moment, an old woman apanying her told her something shocking. ''Some people from the Zhen family have just arrived there, madam, with a lot of things. I think it''s something secret they''vee about. It probably wouldn''t be convenient for you to go there now."


    On the screen.


    The original text appeared.


    Everyone looked at it, and indeed, there was such a passage.


    "Who is the Zhen family? It''s a close family to the Jia family. What was the situation back then? The Zhen family was convicted and raided by the Emperor." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Then in the book, was You-shi very surprised when she heard this? No, she was not one bit surprised. You-shi said, ''Yes, I heard your master sayingst night'', and this master is Jia Zheng, ''that he had read in the Gazette that the Zhens had been attainted, and the family was being brought to the capital for questioning!''"


    Everyone present looked surprised.


    One wouldn''t know without thinking, but the moment they thought about it, they were shocked!


    Zhang Ye asked, "Jia Zheng helped the Zhen family hide their treasures. I want to ask you, is this a severe crime?"


    Senior Zhou ruminated for a while before saying in a convinced manner, "��Yes!"


    The people from the literary world remained silent for a long period. They had an impression of this plot, but that was all they had. As the book did not write it in detail, and was just described with a few words, it was too superficial, and as a result, many people had neglected it. Even if they didn''t neglect it, this plot just meant that Jia Zheng was a person who valued sentiment. They did not link it with how it would add on to the crimes the Jia family was convicted ofter after the eightieth chapter. Only when Zhang Ye pointed it out did these people think about it. Yes, it was truly the case!


    Was the crime severe?


    It was too severe!


    In the society of that era, that was a serious crime!


    Zhang Ye looked at the crowd, "This was written in the first eighty chapters by Cao Xueqin. They were the original words, so I would like to ask,ter when the Jia family was raided, what was the reason behind it?"


    Many people turned quiet. They were rendered speechless by Zhang Ye''s question!


    The Redologists realized that things were not going well. Zhang Ye''s momentum was rising. His point and theory was bing more and more valid. If they allowed him to carry on, even they would be convinced. Hence, Teacher Yang picked up a microphone and switched it on. He had to speak!

 Chapter 326: A Plot No One Dares to Touch in ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’!

    <h4>Chapter 326: A Plot No One Dares to Touch in ��Dream of the Red Chamber��! </h4>


    Chapter 326: A Plot No One Dares to Touch in ''Dream of the Red Chamber''!


    In the Grand Auditorium.


    The Peking University students all revealed expressions of admiration.


    Just as Zhang Ye''s theory was increasingly taking the upper hand, and just as he was about to end the second ss on a high note, a voice echoed.


    "Zhang Ye." It was the Redologist, Teacher Yang.


    Zhang Ye looked at him. "Teacher Yang, please speak."


    Zhang Ye did not know him, but this person had doubted him on Weibo. His tone was not very polite, and he had used his picture for his Weibo picture, so Zhang Ye recognized him at a nce. This person was very authoritative and influential in the world of Redology. It was the same with Yan Yu. Previously when he was questioned, he had used "Vice President Yan". The Vice President of the nation''s Writers'' Association was naturally famous. Zhang Ye had already adapted to this brand new but slightly different world. He was no longer as unfamiliar to this world''s celebrities. He was no longer like he had been in the past where he did not know anything. He was slowly learning and familiarizing himself with this Earth''s people and matters.


    Teacher Yang did not ask him directly, but deliberately paused for two seconds. Maybe it was to let the focus fall on him and for the cameras to train themselves on him.


    He was in frame!


    The Peking University students'' gaze were on him!


    Only then did Teacher Yang say slowly, "I have basically not talked from the beginning. I was listening to you speak and I have to admit that your analysis and understanding has reached a certain standard. However, I''m not sure if others have noticed it. You have been using counter examples. For example, how the Jia family was convicted of their crimes. You are using a method of denying the logical conflict that exists in the chapters after the eightieth and the first 80 chapters to prove your point. This is notprehensive and just single-faceted. Hur Hur. Let us use the simplest method. We can actually use this method to prove that your theory is unreliable."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Sure. Please do tell."


    Teacher Yang hissed in his heart. However, he said very casually, "You think you can exin everything? That''s a bold im! Let me tell you the secret and problem in ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' that no one can fully exin!"


    Zhang Ye only smiled and remained silent.


    A young Redologist said, "Teacher Yang, since Teacher Zhang Ye has the confidence and knowledge, then why don''t you ask him a logical problem in the first 80 chapters that cannot be exined?"


    Teacher Yang said, "Yes, I''ll ask that."


    These two sang to each other''s tunes and were quite harmonious.


    Zhang Ye smiled without a word. He gave a posture of listening devoutly and respectfully.


    Wu Zeqing turned her head to look at Teacher Yang before turning her head back.


    Chang Kaige and Zhen Shuquan were all worried for Zhang Ye. This bunch of people had studied "Dream of the Red Chamber" nearly all their lives. At the least, they had studied for five to six years. Their logical reasoning and analysis might not be better than yours, but they were still experts at picking errors!


    Little Zhang, can you do it well?


    Don''t stumble here!


    Everyone had different expressions. All of them were thinking differently!


    Teacher Yang spoke as he stared at Zhang Ye. "Since you said that only the first 80 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' were written by Cao Xueqin, and said that the problems in the first 80 chapters were minor errors that Mr Cao failed to modify in time, but a character''s personality exists through the entire text, so there cannot be any mistakes. You gave an example of how Grandmother Jia had a change in personality after chapter 80, and how Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu changed personalities after the eightieth chapter. This was all what you previously stated, right?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, of course."


    "Alright." Seeing that he had taken the bait, Teacher Yang crossed his legs and said, "Since you just mentioned the matter of Jia Zheng''s crime, then you must know that in this plot segment, there was another story. It''s the problem with Jia Baoyu''s poem. Why did you purposely avoid it?"


    Jia Baoyu''s poem?


    Everyone gasped!


    Holy sh*t! Can you not be so ruthless!? You actually asked this?


    Chang Kaige and the other lecturers of the Chinese department immediately turned blue in the face!


    Yan Yu did not expect Teacher Yang to directly ask this question. This was the truly fatal question!


    Senior Song was slightly stunned. Previously, when she met the Jinshi female reporter outside, she had said in her interview about her thoughts on this problem. She was wondering if Teacher Zhang Ye would avoid this logical error in today''s ss. Apparently, Zhang Ye did not mention this throughout the ss, so Senior Song did not n on asking. She was afraid that Teacher Zhang Ye would be shamed if he failed to answer it were she to ask, but who knew that someone else had asked the question!


    Teacher Yang looked rxed. "That is the question I wanted to ask. This is a major logical error. And this happened before chapter 80. What was written in chapter 78? Jia Zheng suddenly called his two sons and a grandson topose poetry before him. And what was the topic? He got them topose a poem to praise a woman, Fourth Sister Lin. She was also known as the Winsome Colonel. This was written clearly in the text. Jia Huanter wrote a poem. Jia Lan also wrote one. Jia Baoyu also did it. He wrote a long bad. He even went to great lengths to praise Winsome Colonel. During the process, some of Jia Zheng''s guests also apuded him. Finally, Jia Zheng also praised him. Now, herees the problem. What''s the matter with Fourth Sister Lin? The story was in Qing-zhou. There was a Prince Heng, who recruited arge number of beautiful women to train in military arts. The leader was Fourth Sister Lin. Later on, when a horde of bandits started to rebel, the city walls could not hold. Many people wanted to surrender to the rebels, but Fourth Sister Lin led the female army out, but died inbat. Hence, Fourth Sister Lin was a leader who suppressed the peasant uprising!"


    These was known by everyone. They listened quietly.


    Teacher Yang was afraid there were people who did not understand, so he said, "But what kind of artistic image does Jia Baoyu have? He was very against the feudal system of that era! He was anti-Manchu, but here, Jia Baoyu actually praised the leader who suppressed a peasant uprising? At this point, this character''s personality suddenly copsed. Zhang Ye, don''t you exin it away as Cao Xueqin not having edited this after he finished writing. That won''t do. Besides, didn''t you say that Jia Baoyu''s artistic image had been destroyed in the chapters after the eightieth? He changed personalities, but you have to know, that the change in the chapters after the eightieth were at least described. There was a private tutor teaching him, that led him to study eight-legged poems, but what about the first 80 chapters? There was no foreshadowing or exnation, right? Since you boasted that Cao Xueqin did not make a mistake because of his illness, then I would like to hear your exnation about Jia Baoyu''s poem!"


    "Right. Tell us!" The young Redologist said with a sneer.


    "That''s right Zhang Ye. There''s a problem here. How can you exin this?" Meng Dongguo said.


    A woman said, "If you can''t exin it, then your theory will be overturned. There''s no use mentioning anything else! Be it before or after chapter 80, there are ws. You can''t use that to prove anything!"


    Ma Hengyuan chuckled at the sight of this. "This problem is really unsolvable. Don''t you say that this is not Cao Xueqin''s original words, and that it was added on by someer. These poems have been validated. It was Cao Xueqin''s work. No one can imitate that. Hence, it can only be said to be Cao Xueqin''s error and failure!"


    The literary world''s members had hit back and out in full force now!


    Yao Mi said in a puzzled manner, "Is that such a difficult question?"


    Beside her, Senior Zhou smiled bitterly, "This is one of the most mysterious problems in ''Dream of the Red Chamber''! There might not even be an answer! The Redology world has been researching this for decades and no one has been able to solve it!"


    Yao Mi eximed, "Holy sh*t! Are these people so wicked?"


    Li Ying said in a speechless manner, "Right, they are trying to force Teacher Zhang onto a path of no return!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye''s words were too bold to begin with!" Li Li said worriedly, "This is not good! He has been forced into a corner by his own words and can''t exin it now!"


    At the other side, Zhang Ye''s ex-leader at the television station, Zhao Guozhou also broke into a frown, "Little Zhang has met a difficult problem this time. There''s no way to solve this problem." He also knew a little about ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', albeit not as deeply. He had read manymentaries before and knew that Teacher Yang''s question was very difficult to answer as it was the greatest w in ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. Even if Jia Baoyu characteristics did change greatlyter on, as did Grandmother Jia, all of these could still be swept under the rug without a lot of exnations. As for this poem by Jia Baoyu, it was impossible to sweep it under the rug. He could not even try to change the subject!


    Wang Xiaomei looked up to Zhang Ye on stage, "Director Zhao, I don''t think so!"


    "Hmm?" Zhao Guozhou nced at her, "What do you mean?"


    Wang Xiaomei keep a still face, "I feel that Zhang Ye already has it all nned out." As she said that, she pointed to the stage, "Have you noticed that he is still smiling?"


    Zhao Guozhou took a look, "He really is!"


    Seated at the back was Hu Fei, who also knew Zhang Ye very well. When he saw Zhang Ye smiling, he knew that the rascal already knew what to say, but as to how Zhang Ye would exin it, he really would not!


    Professor Zeng looked to the side, "Elder Qian, has this error been solved?"


    Elder Qian shook his head, "I don''t know about that. In the research of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', Little Zhang is far ahead of me. I definitely cannotpare to him, so let''s see how he answers it."


    One second��


    Three seconds��


    Five seconds��


    Zhang Ye was listening all this while, without saying a word.


    Teacher Yang mocked, "You can''t exin?"


    "Why aren''t you speaking?" The young Redologist said.


    Zhang Ye''s expression looked casual. "It''s not that I''m not speaking, but it''s because it''s too chaotic. There''s too much discussion, so even if I speak, no one would be able to hear me."


    With that, the audience immediately turned silent!


    No one discussed further. They were all listening to Zhang Ye''s voice.


    Only then did Zhang Ye smile while holding his microphone. "Regarding the problem with Jia Baoyu''s poem, it is a persistent problem in Redology. The reason why ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' is not easily talked about is because of this. Typically, when ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' is mentioned, 100% of people would skip this when they reach this point. They would pretend to miss this segment. No one dares to talk about this part. This taboo episode has stumped countless Redologists, but here, in this public lecture, I can tell everyone��" With a pause, he said, "I can talk about this part."


    Everyone was stunned!


    "You can talk about it?"


    "Teacher Zhang you really can?"


    "Impossible, there''s no way to exin it!"


    The Peking University students all had looks of disbelief.


    Only Senior Zhou and Senior Song were extremely interested. They were invigorated. He could really exin it? If he could really exin it, then the entire Redology world would be overturned!


    To Teacher Yang, it was not a matter of believing. He didn''t even bother listening!


    No one present believed Zhang Ye had the ability!


    Zhang Ye stood there, as calm as ever. He maintained his smiling face and said, "And even if no one asked, I was just about to talk about it. Why? This is because this episode of Jia Baoyu''s praising of the Winsome Colonel intertwines with the second charge against Jia Zheng that I did not finish talking about. Was hoarding the Zhen family''s illegal fortunes a big enough crime? No, not at all! The development of this episode is Jia Zheng''s biggest crime! This is the thing that I revealed through my words��Jia Zheng''s heinous crime!"

 Chapter 327: Applause. Everyone Stands Up!

    <h4>Chapter 327: Apuse. Everyone Stands Up! </h4>


    Chapter 327: Apuse. Everyone Stands Up!


    There was a flurry of discussion!


    "Heinous crime?"


    "Jia Zheng again?"


    "Why is Jia Zheng faulted?"


    "Where did it write about Jia Zheng''s crimes?"


    "Isn''t that nonsense? A bigger crime than hiding illegal fortunes?"


    "For such a good man of the Jia family, other than the previous crime, what did he do?"


    The people who had read ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' could not remain silent. They began discussing with the people sitting around them, exchanging their opinions and views. All of them were confused by Zhang Ye''s words.


    A Redologist said, "Zhang Ye, don''t change topics."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m not changing topics. I''m talking about the same matter."


    The same matter? Which eye of yours sees that it is the same matter? Teacher Yang nced at him, "Alright then. Exin to us Jia Baoyu''s poem first. A plot no one can exin can be exined by you? I''m all ears."


    Numerous pairs of eyes looked towards the podThere was a flurry of discussion!


    "Heinous crime?"


    "Jia Zheng again?"


    "Why is Jia Zheng faulted?"


    "Where did it write about Jia Zheng''s crimes?"


    "Isn''t that nonsense? A bigger crime than hiding illegal fortunes?"


    "For such a good man of the Jia family, other than the previous crime, what did he do?"


    The people who had read ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' could not remain silent. They began discussing with the people sitting around them, exchanging their opinions and views. All of them were confused by Zhang Ye''s words.


    A Redologist said, "Zhang Ye, don''t change topics."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m not changing topics. I''m talking about the same matter."


    The same matter? Which eye of yours sees that it is the same matter? Teacher Yang nced at him, "Alright then. Exin to us Jia Baoyu''s poem first. A plot no one can exin can be exined by you? I''m all ears."


    Numerous pairs of eyes looked towards the podium!


    There were now 5000-6000 people present, waiting for Zhang Ye''s answer!


    Zhang Ye also said very seriously, "Sure, but let me be clear first. What I''m going to say is my personal opinion. If you think it''s right, you can listen to it. If you think it''s wrong, and have other conclusions or your own analysis, it''s alright. We can discuss amongst ourselves. Then, let''s return the problem from before. Why did Jia Baoyu write such a poem? Teacher Yang has mentioned it already, but let me add on a bit more. It''s still in chapter 78. It was written in the beginning that Jia Baoyu had praised Winsome Colonel and hadposed a long poem. As for the second half, hements Skybright. He wrote ''The Spirit of the Hibiscus: An Elegy and Invocation''. In this poem, he pours out his feelings and his bitterness against the feudal system. Then is Jia Baoyu suffering from a split personality? This failure seems too serious. So what is going on?"


    That''s right!


    What''s going on?


    We are asking you!


    A few people from the literary world nearly died of infuriation from Zhang Ye''s "teasing" speech. Your sister, tell us! Stop teasing!


    Despite them impatiently waiting for Zhang Ye to suffer, Zhang Ye was in no hurry. He took another sip of his Pu''er tea and moistened his throat. He ced the thermos sk down before he said, "Alright, then let me tell you what is going on. Everyone says this is one of the failures of Cao Xueqin, and it''s a stain of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', but the reason why everyone thinks this way is because no one understands Cao Xueqin''s intentions. They did not see the hidden trick hidden in this passage. First, we need to solve a few problems. Number one, the Winsome Colonel Jia Baoyu praised, did she crack down on a peasant uprising? If that was the case, then there really is no way to excuse Jia Baoyu, but what if it isn''t?"


    Meng Dongguo stared. "Is there any doubt?"


    Ma Hengyuan also remembered clearly. "The book''s text clearly wrote they weretter-day descendants of the Yellow Turbans and Red Eyebrows!"


    "How can you say what if it isn''t? If not, then it''s clearly written in ck and white that the peasants were forming a rebel army!" A literary author who came to cause trouble said. He was a fat man.


    Zhang Ye looked at the fat man, "What was written in ck and white was not a peasant rebel army, but the Yellow Turbans and Red Eyebrows. This is very important. Do not confuse them. Do the Yellow Turbans and Red Eyebrows really represent rebels? Then let us take a closer look. We all know history. After the Qing dynasty came into power, they caused a huge massacre. They pushed forward a harsh ruling policy. Only after everything was in ce did they rx, allowing some concessions to the peasants. Hence in this dynasty, there was norge scale peasant uprising. You cannot make an analogy to the Yellow Turbans and Red Eyebrows as peasant rebel armies, which could bring down cities. So from a historical perspective, everyone''s understanding of the Yellow Turbans and Red Eyebrows is problematic!"


    Yan Yu was stunned.


    Teacher Yang also frowned.


    "The Yellow Turbans and Red Eyebrows in chapter 78 was not really talking about a rebel army formed from peasants, but just another name for invaders!" Zhang Ye exined.


    A woman said, "Isn''t this exnation too far-fetched?"


    A young Redologist said, "Besides, Jia Zheng was just casually telling a story, it might not necessarily be true!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "This friend, I do not know how deeply you have studied ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', but in my opinion, ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' is not a romantic story. It has political and social intricacies, etc. Do you think Cao Xueqin, for no good reason, made Jia Zhenge up with a baffling fictitious story about the Winsome Colonel to let the juniorse up with poems to praise her for no good reason?"


    The youth was stunned. His tongue was tied.


    Indeed, the text in ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was very precise, or it would not have been so difficult to study it!


    "Cao Xueqin''s every word suffuses his intentions. For example, the characters in the book all have their prototypes. The story in the book have their metaphors. This episode is the same. Let us take a look at it again." Zhang Ye''s gazended on the people from the literary world who sat along the first row. "The book says there was a member of the Imperial n called Prince Heng, who had gone out to be Military Governor of Qing-zhou. Take note, in the Qing dynasty, there was an interesting feature. After they decided the capital, the sons of the Emperor were not allowed to be considered kings of cities outside of the capital." Noticing everyone was stunned again, Zhang Ye said, "When the Princes were canonized, their residences had to be established in the capital. They were all before the Emperor''s eyes. So in the Qing dynasty, there were Princes, but never a Qing-zhou Prince Heng! Hence, the character and story offered by Jia Zheng was not in the Qing dynasty era!"


    A few teachers from the History department nodded.


    Professor Zeng, who was a Professor who studied both Chinese literature and history, also give a deep, approving acknowledgment.


    Zhang Ye deliberately paused for a moment. Seeing that everyone was still digesting this knowledge, he said, "Then what era was it, where an Emperor would send his sons to foreignnds to be a governor?" With another pause, he gave the answer. "In the Ming dynasty, that was exactly the case!"


    "Ah?"


    "Ming dynasty?"


    "Why is it the Ming dynasty?"


    "The other dynasties have simr situations, right? And it was verymon!"


    A few Peking University students said. Although they did not hold a microphone, their voices were quite audible. They all sat in the middle-front area.


    When Zhang Ye heard it, he said, "Some people must be wondering why I''m saying that the time period in the book is the Ming dynasty?" His words were filled with surprises. "That''s because in the Ming dynasty, there was a ce called Qing-zhou! In addition to this, in Ming dynasty history, there was such a Prince Heng!"


    Teacher Yang immediately said, "Impossible!"


    "How can that be? There''s no proof!" Ma Hengyuan said with a gloomy face.


    The other Redologists also stared. They all looked confused. No one understood.


    There had been no studies regarding this in the world of Redology, as of yet. They had not researched this, and there was no Prince Heng, right? If there was, wouldn''t it have long been discovered?


    There were quite a number of History professors and lecturers present. Quite a number of History department students hade too. However, although they studied this field, even those who did it on a daily basis would not be so free as to memorize all the Emperors in the Ming dynasty, much less those princes that were not as famous. It was impossible to verify them. Hence, many people began searching online for the information on their cellphones. Those from the literary world made phone calls to friends to verify the information. They wanted to disprove Zhang Ye and make him suffer a crushing defeat!


    In a while.


    Professor Zeng was the first toe to a conclusion. He frowned, "There was no such Prince Heng."


    A few other Peking University students managed toe to a conclusion from their searches. "Yes, this prince doesn''t exist. Teacher Zhang, you are wrong!"


    When Yao Mi heard this, her face turned pale. Holy sh*t that can''t be. Did Uncle Zhang make a mistake? Uncle Zhang could actually make a mistake in academic issues?


    Ma Hengyuan, Teacher Yang, andpany were already smiling.


    However, Zhang Ye also smiled. He chuckled without much worry. "Don''t be so hasty to deny it. I know. You must be checking the word ''Heng'', the character for ''eternity''."


    Ma Hengyuan rebuked, "If it''s not the ''Heng'' from ''eternity'', then what is it? Did you not see the original text?"


    Zhang Ye was not mad as he said, "It is because too many people focus on the original text, which results in missing out on things that should not be missed out on. Hence, no one managed to solve this matter. Maybe no one noticed this metaphor, because the ''Heng'' in Prince Heng of Ming Dynasty is the ''Heng'' from the word ''bnce''!"


    What?


    It was not the same ''Heng''?


    At this moment, a person from the Beijing Writer''s Association, who was making a phone call, put his cellphone down. He said in an awkward manner, "The Ming dynasty��does have a Prince Heng. And it''s the ''Heng'' from the word ''bnce''."


    Teacher Yang said, "That��"


    Meng Dongguo said in a speechless manner, "He really existed?"


    Only then did they realize that Zhang Ye had f**king prepared for this. This fellow had already known beforehand that they would ask him about the problem with Jia Baoyu''s poem!


    Zhang Ye said calmly, with confidence surging through it. "When writing chapter 78, Cao Xueqin used Jia Zheng as a mouthpiece, hinting at this Prince from the Ming dynasty. The pronunciation is the same, but the word changed from the ''Heng'' in ''bnce'' to the ''Heng'' in ''eternity''. It was a deliberate change in this word! This is verymon. These things could not be written tantly at the time. For example, the words Cao Xueqin used to make a metaphor about the political powers with words like the ''Moon Faction'' and the ''Sun Faction''?"


    Teacher Yang said, "What can this prove?"


    Ma Hengyuan said with a raised eyebrow, "Yes, it doesn''t exin anything. It can only be said that Cao Xueqin''s story has a source, and was not fictitiously spun."


    Zhang Ye asked with augh, "Does it really not exin anything?"


    The Peking University students were all confused from listening to this. This still could not exin the fact that Jia Baoyu praised a female colonel in a feudal era. Alright, you said the background has changed. It went from the Qing dynasty to the Ming dynasty. So what if it changed? So the Heng in Prince Heng had changed, but even if Prince Heng changed into the President of the United States, that still wouldn''t exin a thing!


    Some still had not figured it out, but there were, of course, smart people in the crowd!


    Professor Zeng suddenly froze. He froze without any warning!


    After some thought, Elder Qian suddenly gave a look of enlightenment. He could not help but p his thigh. "So that''s the reason! So that is the reason!"


    Zhang Ye looked over with surprise. "Hur Hur, looks like Professor Zeng and Elder Qian have figured it out."


    Figured it out?


    Figured what out!?


    What are you talking about!?


    The others were still baffled. What''s this charade?


    "If some one still doesn''t understand, then let me give you a hint." Zhang Ye said as he straightened his back while resting his hands on the podium. "In the Ming dynasty, there was a Qing-zhou. Many things happened at this ce. Did Prince Heng encounter an attack from attackers? I can tell you with certainty that he did. Then, who attacked him?"


    An external History professor was stunned!


    The Vice President of the Writers'' Association, Yan Yu lost her voice. "Attack of the Manchurian forces down South!" Saying that, she gasped. She had been stunned by her own words!


    Zhang Ye smiled. "That''s right! It was the attack of the Manchurian forces down South! The Manchurian army had invaded!"


    With that, the bunch of people from the literary world all understood. Their faces had looks of dumbfoundedness!


    Amongst them was a thin Redologist in his forties who had not spoken a word at all. When he heard Zhang Ye''s words, he could not help but stand up out of excitement!


    It was the Manchurian army!


    To think that it was the Manchurian army!


    Senior Song smacked her forehead hardly, "Why didn''t I think of it?!''


    Senior Zhou eximed, "F**k! So that''s how it is exined!"


    The Peking University students were all shocked by Zhang Ye''s analysis. They were so shocked that their jaws nearly fell off!


    Zhang Ye''s colleague, Su Na clenched her fist and shouted with excitement, "Nice!" This new Teacher Zhang really lived up to his reputation! He was too awesome!


    At this moment, no one believed that him saying that he was able to "exin all logical problems" was bragging!


    He really exined it all!


    The logical problems posed by everyone had all been exined by him!


    Zhang Ye''s next sentence struck a chord in everyone''s hearts. "Hence, sometimes, the truth is not as simple as it seems on the surface. Take a look, just the Yellow Turbans and Red Eyebrows in the book was nearly ignored by everyone, right? If we just analyzed Jia Baoyu''s poem, and used his personality to probe, we would never be able to solve this mystery in our entire lives. We would not be able to study ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' well. By helping you in this analysis, the result is obvious, right? The attackers referred to as Yellow Turbans and Red Eyebrows were actually the Manchurian army! Hence, what sort of figure was Fourth Sister Lin? What sort of figure did Jia Zheng want Jia Baoyu to praise? It was during the copse of the Ming dynasty, when Qing-zhou was in a time of distress. The male officials were advocating surrender, but she stepped forward, leading a female army against the Manchus. She was a heroine!"


    Everyone was already dumbfounded listening to this!


    Teacher Yang, Ma Hengyuan, andpany were already shocked beyond words!


    This��


    This��


    Zhang Ye spread out his palms. "Now the mystery has been unraveled. Everyone gives an ''oh'', and you all understand. The reason is that simple? Yes, the answer to riddles are usually that simple. Did Jia Baoyu''s artistic image copse? No, not at all. In chapter 78, Jia Baoyu''s long poem was in fact praising a heroine that resisted the Manchus! Jia Baoyu was anti-Qing to the bone! And what did Jia Zheng do? He was doing an extremely dangerous task. It was almost the crime of rebellion! This is also the second crime of Jia Zheng I mentioned. This is his biggest crime. This is the true reason why the Jia family was convicted! It had little to do with Jia She! This is also what Cao Xueqin foreshadowed and divulged in the first 80 chapters! He had nearly told us in a very clear manner!"


    With this exined, Zhang Ye followed up on the problems with the plot in the chapters after the eightieth, which he left midway. He moved his attention back to it, and summarized it together. He had used Jia Baoyu''s praising of the Winsome Colonel to prove his point, and had also ended this at the perfect point. He said. "This is also why I cannot ept the chapters after the eightieth. We can see that the reason for the Jia family''s conviction was all due to Jia Zheng! It was Ning-guo mansion! So the plot happening in the chapters after the eightieth in the 120 circted chapters cannot be written by Cao Xueqin! This is a fact that is without doubt, with no room for discussion! I have provided all the evidence today! I wonder if anyone still has any doubts?"


    "��"


    Silence!


    No one dared to answer him!


    Zhang Ye looked at the time. "There was an extension of twenty minutes. There''s only two minutes left. If you have no doubts, you can also ask any question."


    Still, no one responded!


    The bunch of people from the literary world were shriveled up!


    The students also did not make a sound!


    A drop of sweat rolled down Zhang Ye''s forehead. Come on guys, thest time after ss, there were numerous people surrounding me. Just now, there were people who insisted for the ss to continue. Why are you guys all silent when I request questions from you to alleviate any of your doubts? Alright, forget it. Zhang Ye began keeping his documents. "Then, let us end the ss. That is all."


    One page��


    Ten pages��


    Zhang Ye slowly arranged his documents. As he turned around, he was prepared to go off stage to go back home.


    But at the instant that he turned around, the sound of someone pping suddenly erupted from the silent audience. In a split second, a wave of apuse that was like a flood nearly blew off the roof of the Grand Auditorium of Peking University! That feeling was like a bomb had exploded!


    Bam!


    There was a huge round of apuse!


    One person��


    One hundred people��


    One thousand people��


    People sessively stood up. In the end, all the 5000-6000 Peking University students present had all stood up. Everyone was pping with all their might. No one left, but were just standing there giving a standing ovation to Zhang Ye!


    Wu Zeqing also stood up and pped along with them!


    Chang Kaige, Zhen Shuquan, Su Na, Professor Zeng, and other Peking University Chinese department teachers all stood up. They gave a thunderous apuse!


    Teacher Yang also sighed.


    Ma Hengyuan and Meng Dongguo remained in their seats without any grace. Many people from the literary world were the same. They pretended not to notice.


    However, the National Writers'' Association''s Vice President, Yan Yu, who could be said to be the leader of this bunch of people, slowly stood up. She looked towards Zhang Ye and gave him a gentle apuse.


    Meng Dongguo was astonished, "President Yan!"


    "This��" A few colleagues from the literary world looked at each other.


    The Vice President was also apuding? They could no longer put on airs. They hurriedly got up one by one.


    Beforeing, Yan Yu hade with bias. However, after the lesson, after listening to Zhang Ye''s fantastic and heart-stopping analysis and lecture of "Dream of the Red Chamber" from different angles, Yan Yu had nothing better to say. Truthfully, she was still unhappy about Zhang Ye''s attack on the literary world with his limerick. She also did not like Zhang Ye''s temper and character, but in academics, Yan Yu waspletely convinced by Zhang Ye''s talent and his research in ''Dream of the Red Chamber''! This was the reason why she stood up and why she gave her apuse. This apuse was not for Zhang Ye, but her heartfelt thanks to Zhang Ye''s contribution to academia!


    The reporters were all extremely excited. They began to take all sorts of pictures.


    Before the public lecture, who would have expected Zhang Ye''s second lecture to be so one-sided? The people from the literary world hade with a forceful stance, in a bid to dismantle him, but all of them had been dumbfounded by Zhang Ye alone?

 Chapter 328: The hope of Peking University’s Chinese department!

    <h4>Chapter 328: The hope of Peking University��s Chinese department! </h4>


    Chapter 328: The hope of Peking University''s Chinese department!


    Apuse!


    It was apuse throughout!


    "It''s really too damn awesome!"


    "Teacher Zhang! I love you!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s too good! He''s peerless!"


    "Well said! I''ve never been in such a wonderful lecture before!"


    "Teacher Zhang, will you still be the teacher for ''Appreciation of the ssics'' next semester?"


    "I''ve decided! I will be signing up for Teacher Zhang''s elective ss next semester!"


    The students were all giving their kudos. Su Na and a few other Peking University lecturers were giving the thumbs up to Zhang Ye from below the stage.


    The audience had given him a standing ovation and the scene looked phenomenal. For Zhang Ye, who had done so many programs up until now, it was also the first time that he had encountered such arge standing ovation.


    Zhang Ye was already leaving the stage after packing up his research papers and thermos sk, but he stopped and gave a wry smile. Then he put down his belongings and picked up the microphone, "Thank you everyone, ss has ended. Students, please go back, many of you still have sses in the afternoon."


    Bba Bba!


    The Peking University students did not want to leave, they continued apuding.


    Wu Zeqing, Chang Kaige, andpany were also doing the same. They smiled as they pped along with the students.


    No one left the venue. The members from the literary world naturally also stayed. It would be too obvious if they walked off now as the cameras were still recording, so they could only stay behind with everyone else.


    "Thank you, everyone, please take your leave." Zhang Ye sped his hands together gratefully.


    Still, no one left. In fact, the students pped even louder!


    Zhang Ye had nothing else he could do about it, so he said a few more words, "In the 2 sses of yesterday and today, we have spoken in general about how the first 80 chapters on the whole of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' were the original words of Mr Cao Xueqin. I believe my conclusion will be able to convince many people, and even if there are questions or doubts, no one can deny the possibility of what I said. You may use my point of view and direction to go carry out your research and analysis, and I hope that this will help the students and everyone else to understand ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' better, but what I want to express has already mostly been expressed in these 2 sses, so from here on I will not be repeating these points anymore. If wee across it, I might borate a little, but it would not be exined in as much detail as it was today. There is no need for purposely repeat it to insist that it is proven and I will be going forward onto other parts."


    "Going forward?"


    "What else is there left to talk about?"


    "Right, how will the ss be taught going forward?"


    "If we follow Teacher Zhang''s point of view that another author had continued writing on after the first 80 chapters, it would still be riddled with inconsistencies and ws. So what''s there to talk about?"


    "Yea, there''s nothing to speak about anymore."


    "We are still 7-8 lectures away from the exams?"


    The Peking University students began to feel confused and stopped apuding, especially the students from Zhang Ye''s elective ss. They were more concerned about how Teacher Zhang Ye would continue the ss from here on.


    The department dean, Chang Kaige, also thought about this problem. If there was a problem with the ss schedule, it would be a big problem!


    Zhang Ye smiled, "It seems like everyone still has some doubts. It is correct to feel doubtful, yes. So the questiones, for the repairing of excavators��.alright, that is not it. How then shall we continue our ss from here on?" He paused for a moment, and said, "Please stay tuned to my ss tomorrow to find out!"


    "F**k that!"


    "He''s leaving us with a cliffhanger again!"


    "Teacher Zhang is so wicked!"


    "Haha, but I''m really looking forward to it!"


    "I need to get here early tomorrow to reserve a seat! I have to get a front row seats!"


    Zhang Ye said, "ss dismissed! Everyone quickly go to your next ss!" Then he looked at the others, "Leaders, thank you for your hard work. Reporterrades, thank you for your hard work too."


    The students finally began to leave the venue.


    When Zhang Ye saw that the reporters were rushing forward for the kill, he quickly picked up his belongings and left from backstage.


    But who knew, most of the reporters were not sprinting towards Zhang Ye. About half of them rushed forward towards the literary world members and pointed theirrge zoom cameras at them as they surrounded them.


    That Jinshi female reporter shot a quick question out, "Teacher Yang, as one of the top Redology experts, what views do you have of the lecture by Teacher Zhang Ye today?"


    Teacher Yang''s face did not look too good, "Please make way.. noment."


    Another small Beijing newspaper''s reporter also went over, "Teacher Yang, the question that you asked and those other difficult problems that have gued the Redology world for a long time seemed to all have been answered by Teacher Zhang Ye. We saw that you and the other Redologists did not refute or speak anymore after that, is this because all of you agree with Teacher Zhang Ye''s point of view? Does this mean that the author of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' after the first 80 chapters was indeed someone else? And not written by Cao Xueqin?"


    Teacher Yang held on to his words for a moment, then said, "It''s not that I agree with Zhang Ye''s views, nor that he has exined it fully. His exnation and analysis was just from a different angle. As for the problem of the author of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', that would still remain an open question for now. It still needs everyone''s input after discussion and further research."


    A male reporter immediately followed up saying, "Then does that mean that the Redology world has now acknowledged that there is usibility to what Teacher Zhang has proposed? And that the possibility is very high?"


    Teacher Yang frowned, "I did not say that. I don''t represent the whole Redology world. Please, let me through. You can go interview someone else instead!"


    "Vice-President Yan, what do you think of this man, Teacher Zhang Ye?" Another few reporters had gone over to Yan Yu.


    Yan Yu did not dodge and answered, "I will notment on Teacher Little Zhang as a person, but his literary standard is something that I really admire."


    He has talent?


    But is not much of a person?


    The reporters all understood the meaning of what she said. They got excited and continued to hound Yan Yu, "Will the Writers'' Association consider letting Teacher Zhang join your ranks?"


    Yan Yu smirked and answered, "Elder Qian has rmended Zhang Ye before and the National Writers'' Association had previously sent Zhang Ye an invite too, but Teacher Little Zhang had posted a poem at that time�� "Facing The Sea With Spring Blossoms". This poem was very well written and was very artistic, but it basically carried a meaning of rejection. What you all need to know is that it is not us who do not want him, nor is it that the Writers'' Association is closed to epting a disputed character. We wee all kinds of talented people to join us, but Zhang Ye did not wish to join us. So it''s not like we can do anything about that. Maybe you should go ask him instead."


    A middle-aged reporter asked, "Vice-President Yan��."


    Yan Yu motioned with her hand, "Alright, that will be all for now. I still have something to attend to."


    When a number of literary world members saw that from the side, they followed Yan Yu and Teacher Yang together out of the venue. They did not wish to be interviewed in any way. It was already embarrassing enough today that a bunch of seniors were outspoken by a junior. Their faces at this moment were burning with embarrassment and if they could have a chance again, they would not havee here. They had literally gifted themselves forward to have their faces stepped on!


    Actually, many discerning people knew that what Zhang Ye had said today might not definitely be the correct, but it was only because he could exin it and arge part of his exnations were logical. Even when they felt that some of Zhang Ye''s views on certain details might not be the truth, they could not refute it for no other reason than simply because Zhang Ye could exin these logical inconsistencies. In the world of Redology, Zhang Ye was the only person who had given a reasonable analysis while no one else had. Because of this, they could not be sufficiently emboldened to speak up and thus became the victims of Zhang Ye''s killing spree!


    Numbed.


    How old was this Zhang even? How did he have such a deep understanding of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''? He alone could refute the entire Redology world? And he''s even more powerful than them?


    The literary world members had all walked away with ashened heads and mudcaked faces!


    Over there, department dean, Chang Kaige, was currently being interviewed by a reporter.


    Chang Kaige said to the reporter with a smile, "Regarding Teacher Zhang Ye, we have always had high hopes for him, nor have we ever for a moment doubted our own lecturers. Everyone can see now that with Teacher Zhang Ye''s literary foundation, he is more than qualified to be a lecturer of the Peking University''s Chinese department. That he cane to Peking University to teach, it is also good for us, as well as a lucky oue for the students who like ssical novels. As for the doubts of our student''s parents that you mentioned earlier, and the doubts of the education and literary world, I believe that after today, they will all dissipate. Even if some doubt still remains, our Chinese department will fully support Teacher Little Zhang. We have reason to believe that from today onwards, Teacher Little Zhang''s elective ss ''Appreciation of the ssics'' would be a feature ss of our Chinese department. It would be our Chinese department''s headline ss!"


    The department dean''s words resonated powerfully.


    Only the teachers from the Chinese department were smiling to themselves. It was obvious to them that, whether it was Secretary Zhen or Dean Chang, they had not taken to Zhang Ye with this attitude at the beginning. Had high hopes for him, my ass! Support him, my ass! If it were not for President Wu''s opposition and insistence on bringing Zhang Ye on board into the Chinese department, how would it be possible that these department leaders would ept Zhang Ye. Then when Zhang Ye dropped the bombshell during the 1st lecture, the department wanted to throw Zhang Ye out as if he was a hot potato in their hands. When Zhang Ye cast doubt on the writer of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', it had scared the wits out of these leaders, but now, Zhang Ye had managed to solidify his academic aplishments, making it impossible for those who opposed him to find a way through. It now felt like he was single-handedly going to change the history of Redology! Thus, the department''s change in attitude was no surprise. Zhang Ye was in the limelight and had gained face for the Chinese department. He even caused a sensation in society and the literary world. In the eyes of the department leaders, Zhang Ye had, in an instant, transformed from a stink bug into delicious hot cakes!


    ����


    The Chinese department.


    In the teacher''s office.


    Zhang Ye put down his research papers and turned to hisputer to organize some files for tomorrow''s ss. He then printed them out on the printer.


    Ga.


    Ga.


    Page after page of information slid out of the printer.


    At this time, the Chinese department teachers also returned to the office.


    A few other lecturers, who had just finished their lessons, heard about the news at the Grand Auditorium. They made their way back to the office and looked at Zhang Ye when they came in.


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Haha, Teacher Little Zhang!"


    "You''ve brought us face today!"


    "Well said!" Hur Hur, did you see that bunch of literary world members who were here to cause trouble? They all looked so crestfallen! My frustrations are all vented now!"


    "They even wanted toe to the Chinese department to find fault with us? Are they sick in the head or something!"


    "We are educators and it''s a basic to teach our lessons very rigorously. They are in a different line of work, yet they want topete with us on logic and rigor? That''s like unting one''s skills in front of a master! They should have expected it. If Teacher Little Zhang did not have conclusive evidence, he would not dare to im such things!"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Don''t. You''re praising me too much."


    Professor Wu looked at him, "It''s not that we''re over praising you. Just look at how the students apuded you at the end! Everyone recognizes you for what you are now."


    Another lecturer said, "That''s right. I''ve never seen students insisting on not ending a ss, and strongly requesting for the teacher to give additional time. Nor have I seen students unanimously giving a standing ovation for two full minutes after a ss. This also says a lot. Little Zhang, there''s no need to be so modest."


    Su Na chuckled as she gave him a thumbs up. "Nothing else to say. I''m convinced!"


    "I''m convinced too. I n on going back to read ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' once again. After listening to your lecture, only then did I realize that it contains such profound things!" A middle-aged female teacher said.


    Professor Zeng also came in at this moment. He roared withughter, "In a while, I still need to consult with Teacher Little Zhang on some things."


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "Please stop heaping praises on me. Hur Hur. I have only a studied a bit more on ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. In other fields, I still need to receive advice from all of you. In the future, I''ll definitely have a lot of academic problems I need to ask about, so please don''t think of me as irritating."


    "How can that be?"


    "Go ahead and ask, we can have a chance to study the problem together."


    "Right, in the future, we will be seeking advice from you regarding ancient literature. History department. Hur Hur, as for History and text, you can ask Professor Zeng. Professor Zeng is even better than those professors from the History department. As for foreign literature and history, look for me if you have any questions. I teach that."


    Everyone expressed their friendliness and kindliness.


    Some people even shook hands with him and introduced themselves. Before Zhang Ye came, many of them had not gotten the chance to introduce themselves.


    Before, other than Teacher Su Na and Professor Zeng, everyone else was a little biased against Zhang Ye. Even if they weren''t biased against him, they did not hold much hope for him, but after today''s ss, Zhang Ye was finally epted into the group of teachers and everyone was very enthusiastic towards him. It could be said that people of literature were scornful to each other, but it wasn''t so here. After all, Peking University''s Chinese department''s staff all came from different fields of studies. There were no crossovers in their work. In terms of ssical literature study, they were no match for Zhang Ye, but in other fields and subjects, Zhang Ye was no match for them either. So there was really nothing to be scornful of. It was more important to have mutual respect and recognition of each other as colleagues.


    It was different from the attitude that the department leaders had adopted towards Zhang Ye. The department leaders had a lot more to consider, possibly things other than academic factors �� like the Nationwide Tertiary Institution Rankings for the Chinese departments that had already started, but the results were still unknown. Based on the previous two years results, it did not seem optimistic for Peking University''s Chinese department and this was exactly what the department leaders were concerned about. Whereas for them as teachers of the Chinese department, a majority of them only recognized Zhang Ye because of his contributions to the study of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. These people, who were also in the field of literature, were utterly convinced by Zhang Ye''s knowledge and thus did not hold any more prejudices towards such an ''outsider'' host. To be able to enter their field, it was actually very simple. All you needed was to show that you were up to it.


    Zhang Ye started chatting with them.


    In this teacher''s office, any random pick would be a well-known and top person in their field. Zhang Ye took great care being around them.


    Suddenly, someone came in from outside.


    It was the Chinese department''s Dean, Chang Kaige.


    "Dean Chang."


    "Hur Hur, Dean."


    They greeted him.


    Chang Kaige nodded in acknowledgment, then looked over to Zhang Ye. He said happily, "Teacher Little Zhang, you haven''t gone home yet? Don''t leave yet then. The reporters are blocking the way downstairs. I''ve gotten five security guards to go handle them."


    Everyone''s attention turned towards themotioning from downstairs. It was no surprise as Zhang Ye was a celebrity, so such treatment was normal for him.


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Sure, I still need to prepare some information for tomorrow. I will leave once the reporters have left."


    Chang Kaige had clearlye to the teacher''s office to specially look for Zhang Ye. He did not summon Zhang Ye to his office, but rather personally personally came here. From this, it could be seen that Chang Kaige''s attitude had changed, "I have sought permission from President Wu earlier, as well as discussed with the various department leaders and we have decided that for next semester, ''Appreciation of the ssics'' elective ss should have you as the lecturer, are you alright with this arrangement?"


    Previously, the contract was a temporarily drawn up and had a lot of limitations to it. If Zhang Ye did not lecture well, or if the students'' response wasn''t good, Peking University could ask Zhang Ye to leave at anytime. They would simply not hire him and that was that. As a result, Peking University had a lot of internal disputes. After Zhang Ye gave his first lecture, a Peking University leader had suggested firing Zhang Ye, but after the second lecture, there was no longer such a pressure to do so. As an academic staff member, Zhang Ye''s performance was outstanding. Therefore, Chang Kaige had actively suggested that they continue employing Zhang Ye for the next semester. Even to the rest of the Peking University departments'' leaders and professors, Zhang Ye was really the most suitable person to take over the ''Appreciation of the ssics'' ss!


    Zhang Ye replied, "Of course I don''t have a problem with that. The only problem is time to do my primary job as a host. I might��.."


    Chang Kaige smiled cheerfully, "That''s alright. You can freely arrange the schedule of your lectures, as long as you set a time and do it, the Chinese department will give you the thumbs up."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Thanks a lot then, Dean Chang."


    Chang Kaige continued chatting with Zhang Ye for a short while more before leaving.


    At this moment, Chang Kaige, Zhen Shuquan, and the other leaders could only admire President Wu Zeqing''s talent for spotting new recruits. Even the most influential Professor Yan, who had not always liked Zhen Shuquan, no longer said anything about his employment.


    This was because Zhang Ye''s appearance had brought hope to many people in the Chinese department!


    Peking University was a top ranked institution domestically and the Chinese department had also dominated the rankings for the longest time, but three years ago, Peking University''s Chinese department had a setback. They were tied for first rank with Beijing Normal University''s Chinese department. Justst year, it got even worse. Peking University''s Chinese department was ranked second and was overtaken by Nanjing University''s Chinese department, which took first ce. Even Tsinghua University''s Chinese department, which was usually not even considered a top tiered institution in Chinese had risen to third ce and nearly overtook them.


    Peking University was shocked!


    The Chinese department''s leaders had a lot of pressure!


    This year, under Wu Zeqing''s leadership, Zhen Shuquan and Chang Kaige had used many methods to try to improve and change the education environment of the Chinese department.


    However, it was not very effective. If this situation carried on, the situation with the rankings would remain the same asst years. They might even be overtaken by Tsinghua University''s Chinese department, and this was an oue that Peking University Chinese department leaders and lecturers absolutely could not ept. How could the perennial top dog be suppressed by others? Who could stand for that?


    It was at this critical juncture that President Wu had invited Zhang Ye. Chang Kaige and many Peking University Chinese department teachers and professors finally had some hope!


    Could Zhang Ye''s arrival turn the situation around?


    Could the industry''s best program host use his poprity and knowledge to bring Peking University and their Chinese department a miracle?

 Chapter 329: How People Looked at Zhang Ye

    <h4>Chapter 329: How People Looked at Zhang Ye </h4>


    Chapter 329: How People Looked at Zhang Ye


    At night.


    It was already 8 by the time he arrived home.


    He had returned to Caishikou this time, to his parents'' ce.


    The moment he opened the door, he saw Mom applying a face mask in her pajamas. She looked creepy and nearly gave Zhang Ye a fright. Dad was watching TV in the living room.


    "Dad, Mom." Zhang Ye greeted.


    "Son, you''re back? Why are you sote today?" Mom kicked a pair of slippers towards him.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Hai, I went to eat dinner with some of my colleagues. Have both of you eaten?"


    Mom said, "We ate a long time ago. Son, how was your ss today? Was it ideal? Those people from the literary world didn''t cause you any trouble, right?"


    Zhang Ye changed his footwear. "Hur Hur, you didn''t watch the video of my open lecture?"


    Mom said, "I wouldn''t understand anyway. Your Dad watched it and said it was pretty good."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and put his bag down. He said, "Hey, what do you mean ''pretty good''? It''s far from pretty good. Didn''t you see those bunch of people dumbfounded by my lecture? Not a single one dared to show off in front of me. Didn''t you see the ending too? I was given a standing ovation thatsted for many minutes. I said ss was dismissed, but the students simply would not leave. Hai, I really envy those college students. If I had such an excellent, legendary, charming and humorous teacher back when I was in school, I would have died of joy."


    "ttery, like perfume, should be smelled, not swallowed!" Mom chuckled.


    Zhang Ye looked towards his father. "Dad, you watched my lecture today?"


    Dad acknowledged. "Don''t be arrogant. You are still far from it."


    At this point, Mom couldn''t stand hearing this. She stared at him, "What''s so bad about my son!?"


    Dad said in a speechless manner, "I''m saying he still has much to learn and a long way to go. He shouldn''t be arrogant just because he has a bit to show for. He should shuncency and impetuosity."


    "Learn my ass!" Mom was the ssic mother that protected her child. She could trample on her child, but could not stand silently while others spoke badly of her son. It was the same even for her husband. "My son is already a Peking University Chinese department lecturer. What''s there to learn? Others should learn from my son instead! Look at our neighbours and colleagues'' children. Which one of them is doing better than our Little Ye? And look at those grandsons from the literary world! They were still inciting others over the inte to scold Little Ye yesterday, but today? They''ve all returned back to their conscientious selves!"


    The old couple began squabbling.


    Zhang Ye couldn''t bear to watch and retreated to his room.


    He had been busy the whole afternoon. He switched hisputer on to check for updates and news on the inte. Regarding everyone''s attitudes, Zhang Ye was still very concerned.


    "A sensational public lecture!"


    "Zhang Ye �� A literary prodigy!"


    "The shocking secret of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''! Watch Peking University''s Lecturer, Zhang Ye expose the truth!"


    "Redology research''s major breakthrough! Logical errors that have gued Redology studies for decades have finally been answered for the first time! Zhang Ye �� The top Redology researcher!"


    "The history of one of the Four Great ssical Novels - ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' has it been rewritten?"


    "Zhang Ye''s public lecture reveals yet another shocking secret. Is this the truth or pure flubdub?"


    Peking University''s official website had already posted Zhang Ye''s public lecture online. In the afternoon, it had already made its rounds and caused sensational reactions!


    Theizens activelymented!


    "What did I say! Zhang Ye''s awesome!"


    "Godly! It was really exined by Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "I did not believe Zhang Ye when it first started. How could it be that Cao Xueqin only wrote the first 80 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', but when I finished listening to the 2nd lecture, I really began to doubt what I had known all my life!"


    "Yea, Teacher Zhang Ye might really be speaking the truth!"


    "I think so too. His exnations are too logical!"


    "That''s right. From historical documents to character analysis and even plot logic, it was all exined fully!"


    "No wonder no one dared to speak about ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' in the past. No wonder it was not easy to speak about ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. That is because after the first 80 chapters, it had been continued on by another writer. So how could it be exined properly at all?!"


    "If we follow Zhang Ye''s analysis, ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' should be the top among the Four Great ssical Novels, and notst!"


    "I feel that Zhang Ye''s arguments are still quite controversial. It has to be researched further."


    "I don''t know about ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. I have not even read it before, but seeing how Zhang Ye conducted his lecture left me with just one feeling. I believe that everyone had felt this too �� Zhang Ye''s too damn good!"


    "Haha, of course he''s good. That bunch of members from the literary world went to the lecture being all arrogant, but look how it ended for them? After the lecture, they all quietly ran off. They wanted to argue with Teacher Zhang Ye? Debate? They think too highly of themselves! When has Teacher Zhang ever lost an argument with others before? Never!"


    The public lecture footage had been posted on Peking University''s Weibo and forwarded around like the first lecture. This Weibo post even got pushed up as the trending hot topic of the day. Professor Zeng and the Peking University''s Chinese department teachers all forwarded it. Some fellow hosts also did the same. Some of these hosts were people that Zhang Ye did not even know or had ever heard of. All in all, there were quite a lot of people who had given Zhang Ye their Likes! A wonder of the broadcast hosting world had appeared to lecture and left the literary world''s Redologists hanging like outsiders of their own field. To many of Zhang Ye''s hosting peers, this was wonderful news. Some of them came to join the celebrations and gave their support. Zhang Ye had won glory for the broadcast hosting world and showcased the multiple talents that a broadcast host could have!


    Yesterday, many people had surrounded and scolded Zhang Ye!


    But today, the tides had turned. More than half of them had turned supportive!


    Zhang Ye himself knew that he could only achieve this because of the collective wisdom of his previous world. They had already long since known the issues of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. Then, there was also the matured Redology research that allowed him to hold out against ten thousand others with just him alone. Thest factor was very important, the Fruit of Charm (Voice) that he had eaten quite a number of had contributed the most. As long as he spoke, he would be able to use his verbal charm to convince others. All of these together allowed his lecture to go smoothly!


    Online, many Redology experts did not say a word. The literary world''s members also did not stir, as if they were all silent.


    Zhang Ye triumphed?


    The literary world had also recognized his point of view?


    Of course not. Zhang Ye was very clear about this. Those who had scolded or doubted him before, were only temporarily silenced. This was because they still had not discovered a way to refute Zhang Ye''s argument, so it was not the time to issue any statements. Zhang Ye believed that the world of Redology was in a mess at this very moment. He guessed that they would be gathered in groups to study Zhang Ye''s public lecture videos to see if they could find any problems within before they issued their counter arguments!


    ����


    Somewhere


    At a certain ce.


    "Brother Li, this video��.."


    "Don''t speak, let''s watch it again."


    "We''ve watched this three times already! That Zhang Ye''s exnations are too perfect!"


    "That''s impossible. In the area of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', no one has been able to research fully about it. Keep looking, there''s definitely some problem somewhere, his exnations might not fully make sense!"


    "Well, to be honest, I don''t have much confidence left in myself. After watching these public lecture videos, I am almost convinced by Zhang Ye''s exnations!"


    "Little Chen, don''tud his spirits!"


    "Alright, then let''s watch it once more."


    "Old Song and the others are also doing their research. We have to hold out! We can''t let ayperson like Zhang Ye smack our faces in our own field of study! If that happens, how can we raise our heads next time! Even if we have to quibble, we must find fault with Zhang Ye''s public lecture content! This is not only for our own honor, but the honor and dignity of the whole Redology world!


    ����


    At another location.


    "Watch it again!"


    "Brother Yu, we''ve already watched it five times!"


    "y it again, especially the part where Zhang Ye analyzes the structure of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''!"


    ����


    This sort of thing was happening everywhere.


    Even those literary world members, who had returned from Zhang Ye''s live public lecture at Peking University did not admit defeat. They were looking for a way to fight back, to find where Zhang Ye may have mentioned something paradoxical! However, as time passed and the hard work put in by the Redologists, there was nothing to show for it in the end! This was a result that many of them were unable to ept. Could it be that the Zhang guy was really that good? That he could single-handedly take on the entire Redology world?


    Impossible!


    There must be a w in his arguments somewhere!


    "Dream of the Red Chamber" could not possibly be continued by another writer!


    Sometimes, conventional wisdom would be amunity''s advantage, but it was meant that they were trapped in it and were unable to ept new ideas!


    ����


    As for Zhang Ye, of course he knew that he would be put under a microscope and studied from today onwards, but he was fine with that and did not mind. It was already an irond fact that the 120 chapter version of "Dream of the Red Chamber" was continued by a different writer. This was not up for dispute. Even if someone wanted to find issue with Zhang Ye on this, he could still continue to argue and prove his point. He was not afraid.


    As for other questions regarding ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', Zhang Ye''s lecture today may not necessarily be correct either. He knew clearly that even in his previous world, there were still many controversial points regarding this topic.


    Buting back to this, even if there were problems with what he said, it still went back to his previous world''s Redologists'' many years of research. So how could it be refuted after just one day here? Impossible! When they finally found a reason to refute him, Zhang Ye''s public lectures would have already beenpleted. His theory would have made its way into the minds of the people. By then, whether Zhang Ye wanted to continue the discussion with them or not would be irrelevant.


    Because Zhang Ye''s purpose this time was just to gain fame and poprity. Other than that, he also wanted to give this world''s Redologists a new research direction. In the midst of this huge discussion, they might even be able to solve what his previous world''s Redologists could not. And if they really managed to provide irond facts to refute Zhang Ye''s theory to finally give the topic a conclusion, which might in turn lead to the discovery of the original remaining manuscripts of Cao Xueqin, then Zhang Ye would be more than happy to ept it. Because he himself was also an avid reader of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', he also wanted to know the truth behind ''Dream of the Red Chamber''!


    Zhang Ye was not as noble as people thought.


    But neither was he as despicable as others felt.

 Chapter 330: The path of Peking University was the right one!

    <h4>Chapter 330: The path of Peking University was the right one! </h4>


    Chapter 330: The path of Peking University was the right one!


    It waste at night.


    These days, it started getting dark earlier, so it was actually only 9 PM.


    His father knocked on his door, "Little Ye, your Mom and I are going to bed."


    "OK, good night." Zhang Ye switched off hisputer and replied his father through the closed door.


    His father asked, "Do you want breakfast tomorrow morning? What time will you wake up at?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Yes. I have to teach a morning ss tomorrow, so I will definitely be up early. Wake me up around 7 or 8 AM. I want to have tofu pudding."


    "Alright. I will get your Mom to buy some tomorrow morning." Dad replied.


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye''s cell phone rang. It was an unknown number.


    Zhang Ye picked up, "Hello, who is this?"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, I''m a program producer from Beijing Television Station," said a man''s voice. He could not decipher his age from the way he sounded, but he thought he might be 30 something or even 40 something.


    Zhang Ye acknowledge him without changing his tone when he heard that he was from Beijing Television Station. He said in a smiling tone, "Hello, for what reason would you be looking for me for?"


    That person replied, "A program slot was recently freed up on Beijing Television Station and we will have a new program up around the end February, so there''s still one to two months of preparation time. We feel that Sinology has been a subject of interest recently, we would like to do a program simr to ''Lecture Room'', but it would not be aired on the Arts Channel to test the market. Rather, we intend for it to premiere on the Beijing Television channel (Satellite Channel) itself. As for the lecturer, we have not yet decided on who yet. After much discussion though, we feel that you are the most suitable. Teacher Zhang, you are an ex-employee of Beijing Television Station and we hope you understand that we were forced to do what we did the previous time��.."


    Zhang Ye interrupted him saying, "I understand all of that, don''t worry. I''m not that petty." Zhang Ye was very clear about this. What Beijing Radio Station did to suppress him was something that he would remember for life. He could never forget that, but regarding his sacking at Beijing Television Station, Zhang Ye did not actually care about it, because he had really disrupted a live broadcast. He had been prepared to get fired and understood that the station was just handling business as business. These two matters were clear to Zhang Ye. He wasn''t someone who did not speak reason, but��."But I''m not intending to do such programs for now."


    That person said, "You can speak about other things, that''s fine. Like ''Water Margin'' or ''Journey to the West'', all that is fine. Hmm, let''s put it this way, as long as you are the lecturer, we will agree to anything you want to speak about!" Putting it in this manner could be said to be the greatest acknowledgment to a host.


    Zhang Ye thought over it for a bit, but still declined, "My schedule for the next few months are full, so I might not be able to afford the time. Let''s talk about it in the future."


    That person did not force it, "Sure, then let''s keep in contact."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye was very clear. Beijing Television Station did not get Hu Fei to invite him, because it was clear that Hu Fei did not wish to be the bridge. Because of the incident of Zhang Ye''s sacking, Hu Fei did not feelfortable with it. This was why somebody else was given the task instead. Zhang Ye had not thought about his direction after this. After all, he was still a staff member of Weiwo Video and he did not n for future programs, nor did he give it any thought, so it would be better to decline Beijing Television Station for now and leave that option open for the future.


    At around 10 PM in the evening.


    Zhang Ye was about to go to bed when he received another call. It was Wang Xiaomei from the Beijing Radio Station. She was also helping someone to contact Zhang Ye. Jinshi Television Station was hoping to invite Zhang Ye over to do a discussion forum-like program and even promised to give in to all Zhang Ye''s demands should hee over. They would even pay for the breach of contract fee to Weiwo Video if he agreed to it!


    "I''ve done my part." Wang Xiaomei said.


    Zhang Ye replied, "Teacher Xiaomei, help me reject them."


    Wang Xiaomei asked, "You aren''t even considering their offer?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "It''s not that I''m not considering, but maybe at ater date."


    "Alright, I''ll help you pass the message. You can discuss with them in the future." Wang Xiaomei said.


    Zhang Yeughed, "Sure, don''t burn the bridges though. I still have to consider, but now is not the time. I''ve got a lot on my te to handle at the moment."


    ����


    He washed up and brushed his teeth.


    Zhang Yey in bed preparing to sleep, but couldn''t fall asleep.


    The things that happened in the past two days had caused his mind to be too active. He had also slept very well. As such, tonight he was tossing and turning in his bed, feeling wide awake.


    Picking up his phone, Zhang Ye couldn''t help but look through his fan club''s Tieba. He saw several congrattory messages from Big Saber Bro and a few other of his hardcore fans. Zhang Ye replied to them and then remembered something else, so he went over to take a look at the Celebrity Rankings of this world.


    It was as follows:


    Zhang Ye: D-List Celebrity.


    D-List Celebrity Ranking: 59.


    This time, he had managed to raise his ranking by several dozen spots. Thinking back to when there was no Talk Show, Zhang Ye had just been promoted to the D-List Rankings and hovered around thest spot, but as of today, after a few episodes of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" and two public lectures on ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', his ranking had already increased by quite a bit. Then checking on Peking University''s official website, he saw that the first lecture had already garnered 19 million views and the second lecture was already at 11 million views after being posted this afternoon. Good God! This was even more popr than his Talk Show performance, but it wasn''t all that surprising since his Talk Show''s target audience was the younger crowd, whereas his lectures about ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' could be enjoyed and watched by viewers of all age groups. As one of the Four Great ssical Novels, the attention it had was naturally also higher. Now that Zhang Ye''s ranking hovered around the middle of the D-List Celebrity Rankings, when his public lectures werepleted, and with the broadcast of his alreadypleted Talk Show, Zhang Ye felt that he might even get into the C-List rankings. Although it got harder as he went higher, it was not impossible.


    As for his Reputation points.


    Zhang Ye quickly brought up the interface of the game ring.


    His total Reputation points: 16.28 million. This figure was still quickly increasing, visible to the naked eye.


    When he saw this, Zhang Ye got off his bed. This time, it would be even harder for him to fall asleep. He lit up a cigarette and couldn''t help smiling to himself. He had not thought that it would umte to such a number. He had not checked it for the past few days at all. When he was doing his Talk Show, the Reputation points umted had all been spent on buying Memory Search Capsules. He did not have any points left after that, so the 16.28 million Reputation points now were all gained from his lectures of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' This was a surprise to him. When Zhang Ye first came on board as a lecturer in Peking University, he hadn''t thought that something like this would happen. It looked like his choice to speak about ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' this time had caused amotion bigger than he had bargained for. Of course, he also understood that this was just because the information from the first two lectures was too shocking to everyone. Later on in the next few lectures, everyone''s expectations would be higher and thus his Reputation points would not increase as quickly as they were now!


    But this was more than enough!


    He had gained fame and riches now. He felt that he had really made the right choice to develop himself at Peking University!


    Who said that being a lecturer would require him to leave the entertainment circle? This was never the case. Like in his previous world, Yi Zhongtian, Liu Xinwu, and Yu Dan, didn''t all of them gain fame by lecturing? Their names and reputation were more thanparable to any small time celebrity!


    This path was right!


    To other celebrities in the entertainment circle, this path would have definitely been a dead end because none of them had this sort of ability like Zhang Ye, who could cross over into the education world and still do what he wanted. To Zhang Ye, this was not a dead end, but a very suitable path that would aid his short term development!

 Chapter 331

    <h4>Chapter 331 </h4>


    Chapter 331


    Time to do the lottery.


    It had been a while since he hadst drawn from the lottery. He decided to try his luck.


    Zhang Ye leaned against the heater in the small room. He had moved a chair to sit next to it, as he rubbed his hands before opening the game interface. He spent 100,000 Reputation points to buy a chance at the lottery. He was not nning on buying Additional Stakes on his first draw. He was just trying his luck, so he wanted to see what would happen first.


    The lottery began. The needle began spinning!


    Consumption Category��


    Skills Category��


    Stats Category��


    Special Category��


    Slowly, the needle stopped at the Consumption Category!


    A Treasure Chest (Small) appeared. He ced it on the floor and opened the lid!


    [ Cupid Sachet ] : Effective once it is worn. Increases the yer''s luck with the opposite sex for five minutes!


    Upon seeing the item had had drawn, Zhang Ye let out a snicker. He had drawn this item before. He hade to know the Heavenly Queen through this item. If not for this item, Zhang Yuanqi would probably not have drunkenlye to his rented apartment in Jiaomen East and knocked on his door. He managed to obtain it again? Without needing to talk further, this was a good thing. Zhang Ye scanned at the remaining items in his Inventory.


    [ Save ] x 1


    [ Red String of Fate ] x 1


    [ Difficulty Adjustment Dice ] x 2


    There was only that much. It was quite empty.


    Taking out the sachet from the Treasure Chest, Zhang Ye thought about it and did not put it into his Inventory. He blinked his eyes and decided to use the sachet. Since he had nothing to do, he wanted to see what miraculous effect the sachet would create this time. Would it make another beauty appear again?


    Cupid Sachet''s in Effect!


    Countdown, 5:00...4:59...


    Zhang Ye could not help but be excited. He looked around and pricked up his ears to see if anything happened outside his door. Oh? There were no sounds? This time she isn''ting in from the main door? Would a babee in from the windows? Zhang Ye pulled the curtains to take a look. Still there was nothing. Could there be a living person underneath his bed? Zhang Ye squatted down and pulled the bedsheets apart. Still nothing. What''s going on? Where did my cupid luck go to? Uh, it can''t be that because there''s someone home, the Cupid Sachet became ineffective? If a beauty really came knocking on the door, Zhang Ye believed his parents would be the first to be at the door. Then what sort of cupid luck was that? He needed to be alone with a girl.


    Zhang Ye smacked his forehead, "Zou le!"


    This was a Beijing dialect. It meant being wrong.


    Just as Zhang Ye was thinking his Cupid Sachet had been wasted, his cellphone vibrated suddenly. Beep. Beep. It seemed like there was a notification sound. It was an unfamiliar sound to Zhang Ye. It was not a text message from his phone. Hence, he unlocked his phone after picking it from the bed. Oh, it was this world''s chatting app. It was simr to his world''s QQ or WeChat. Zhang Ye was ustomed to using it on a desktop, and seldom chatted from his cellphone, so he had never heard the notification sound before. He didn''t even use this ount more than a few times.


    Ever since he became a public figure, Zhang Ye had registered a lot of new ounts and obtained verified status on them. He used his actual name, as it was more convenient. And after all, he wasn''t that famous yet. If he used a nickname like "Little Face-smacking Expert" on Weibo or Tieba, most people wouldn''t get to know him, nor would they be able to recognize him. Hence, he decided it was better to use his real name. As for the ount logged into this cellphone, it was still Zhang Ye''s old ount. As after changing cellphones, he had never really used it, so his old ount had always been logged in. The Friends list was full of mostly random people and he did not even remember when he joined some of the group chats. Since he no longer used the chatting ount, most people on it did not know him.


    Who was that?


    People actually still look for me on this ount?


    This bro''s ount nickname was "I''m Your Daddy". Who was so bold as to chat with this bro? Ah, and it was a private chat?


    The avatar blinked and wobbled.


    Zhang Ye clicked on it out of curiosity.


    Pictures!


    Pictures!


    And more pictures!


    And they were all being downloaded. They had not been opened yet.


    Zhang Ye noticed that this person was not a Friend of his, but a member of the casual chatting group "Blossoms in Beijing". The chat window was a temporary chat amongst the group''s members. This person was probably a girl. Her name was "Water Lotus Moon".


    Water Lotus Moon?


    Sailor Moon''s (Water Ice Moon) sister?


    What pictures are you sending to me? And so many at one go?


    Zhang Ye counted. There were a total of 26 pictures. The pictures were quiterge and they were still being downloaded. His cellphone''s inte speed was quite poor. After about 8-9 seconds, the pictures appeared one by one. Zhang Ye originally thought it was would be simr to those emoticon packs in his world''s QQ that were being sent over. However, when the first picture appeared on his screen, Zhang Ye''s eyes nearly popped out. He was momentarily dumbfounded!


    They were all photographs!


    And sexy photographs of a real person!


    Pictures that could make one foam in the mouth. Zhang Ye was wondering what the situation was. Who was this person? Why did she send me these pictures? Good things should be shared!


    Perfect!


    Such generosity!


    Society is still filled with good people!


    Zhang Ye chuckled. Since he did not recognize this nickname, and his ount was effectively anonymous, he sent a message: "Friend, nice!"


    Water Lotus Moon quickly responded: "��"


    Zhang Ye typed: "Are there anymore? Keep theming."


    Water Lotus Moon said: "Who are you?"


    Zhang Ye said with a sweat drop flowing down his face: "You sent me pictures without knowing me, but it''s fine. We are all friends. Who is this woman? Her body is fabulous. Is there a photograph with her face?


    The other party was silent for several seconds before replying: "You are also from the ''Blossoms in Beijing'' chat group?"


    Zhang Ye wondered out loud: "That''s right. When you clicked on me to have a private chat, wasn''t it done through the group? Did you send a group message? Sending it to everyone in the group? You are too generous! These sorts of benefits should be shared with everyone! I''ll give you a Like! Now on the inte, everyone is separated by aputer. People have begun tock trust. It is helpless and tragic. Now, we need people like you to break down the walls between people, letting our hearts be enjoined together. Spread the Love!" Having not chatted in a while, Zhang Ye unknowingly began babbling on. He found it difficult to stop once he got into the mood.


    The other party did not reply.


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "Come on friend. Send me a few more. The people need you! If not, tell me where you found those pictures. I will download them myself!"


    This fellow never thought of any other possibilities.


    Then he saw Water Lotus Moon send a message. "Friend, this Big Sis sent them to the wrong person. A friend asked me to send a few scenery pictures of when I was on vacation. I chose the wrong picture folder and sent you all the pictures in it!"


    Ah?


    Holy sh*t!


    Those were all pictures of you?

 Chapter 332

    <h4>Chapter 332 </h4>


    Chapter 332


    In the cellphone chatting window.


    Zhang Ye asked: "Is this your photograph?"


    Beep. Beep. Water Lotus Moon''s message came in: "Please don''t spread it around."


    Upon receiving the answer, he wiped his forehead. "Man, are these really taken of yourself? Sorry, I didn''t know. I still thought you got someone''s photographs and posted it in the group chat. Don''t mind what I just said. Then, I didn''t deliberately look at your pictures. You sent me a bunch, so I subconsciously nced at it. Actually, I didn''t look at them very carefully. Really." Thinking about how he had talked about the walls between people and how love should be spread, Zhang Ye felt a bit embarrassed. To think the person in the picture was this Sailor Mo��Water Lotus Moon!


    Water Lotus Moon: "It''s fine. Since you have seen it, whatever. Just don''t spread it out."


    So generous? Zhang Ye blinked: "Big Sis, don''t you worry."


    Water Lotus Moon: "If you can delete the pictures I mistakenly sent you, that would be even better."


    Zhang Ye said without any hesitations: "Sure, hold on."


    If it was anyone else, they might not really delete it. After all, the other party would not know even if they didn''t. So although Zhang Ye''s personality was a bit of a troublemaker, what he said was reliable. After agreeing to do so, he immediately deleted all the pictures on his cellphone and took a screenshot before sending it to her. The screenshot showed that all the pictures of Water Lotus Moon had turned into crosses. There was no way to show them anymore.


    Zhang Ye said: "All the pictures and records have been deleted. As for the temporary saves, they have been cleared too. Don''t you worry. The spread of the pictures will stop at me." Saying that, to adequately assuage her, Zhang Ye took another screenshot of the information of his pictures folder. He did not like taking photographs, so there was not a single photograph in it. There were only a few default pictures that came with the phone. After providing a screenshot of the listing of the pictures directory to her, he took a screenshot of his most recent chatting history. The first person on the list was Water Lotus Moon, and the second chat history was three months ago. Zhang Ye was telling her that he did not save her pictures by sending her pictures to anyone. And since it all happened in a sh, only thirty seconds had passed since the pictures arrived, so Zhang Ye did not have the time to wire up his phone or other method to transfer it to hisputer or other devices. Hence, those screenshots proved his innocence.


    Water Lotus Moon sent a smiling emoticon. "Thanks, youngd."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "You are wee. I shouldn''t have seen it in the first ce."


    Water Lotus Moon: "You sure are polite. Hur Hur. It''s no big deal actually. For some reason, my mouse wobbled just now, so it''s all my fault. Since the photographs don''t include my face, it''s alright."


    Man, you should have told me earlier!


    If it''s alright, I wouldn''t have deleted them!


    Those alluring photographs��What a pity!


    However, from the chat message from Water Lotus Moon, Zhang Ye figured out something. The mouse cursor wobbled for some unknown reason? The person she wanted to chat with was incorrectly chosen? Even the photographs sent over were in such arge quantity? Clearly, that was not a coincidence! It was the Cupid Sachet''s effect! The Cupid Sachet was not being ineffective! It was just not cupid luck in real life this time! It had be an interaction on the inte through cupid luck! And from looking at Water Lotus Moon''s figure from the photographs, even if she was not a stunning beauty, she would definitely be not be bad looking. Uh, of course, things were not certainly through. There were people with stunning figures, but very unsightful faces.


    Di Di.


    Water Lotus Moon: "Are you schooling?"


    Zhang Ye: "No, I''ve been working for some time."


    Water Lotus Moon: "When did you join the group? I''ve never seen you."


    Zhang Ye: "Not sure either. A few months ago. I think someone invited me and I just joined. I''ve never spoken in the chat. What about you? You have always been in this group?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "I joined yesterday. I wanted to go on vacation over the Lunar New Year, so I searched for a group to join. I seldom go on the inte too."


    Zhang Ye: "There sure is a lot of people during the Lunar New Year."


    Water Lotus Moon: "Hur Hur. Nothing you can do about that. Everyone is on break during the Lunar New Year."


    Zhang Ye: "How old are you?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "In my thirties. What about you?"


    Zhang Ye: "Then I really need to call you Big Sis. I''m in my twenties."


    Maybe it was because of the photographs pulling their rtionship closer, the two carried on chatting.


    Zhang Ye thought that after seeing her naked photos, she would be embarrassed, but he had guessed wrongly. Water Lotus Moon did not seem to especially mind.


    Suddenly, Water Lotus Moon sent a smiling emoticon: "I recall that you said my figure is good?"


    Zhang Ye coughed and typed: "I think so."


    Water Lotus Moon: "Is that the truth or just some ttery?"


    Zhang Ye: "Of course it''s the truth. I didn''t even know that it was you in the photos. What''s there for me to tter? However, your photos really make it look like you are not in your thirties. I would have thought you were in your twenties."


    Water Lotus Moon: "Is it that exaggerated? Well, do you want to see more?"


    Upon seeing that, Zhang Ye sat up from his bed. He immediately typed: "Yes, is it alright?"


    Water Lotus Moon''s response speed was average. She did not type very fast: "If you want to take a look, it is okay. The pictures were not meant to be seen by people. However, you are Big Sis'' first audience member. Since you were so nice to delete the photos, and aren''t bad, I''ll send you a few more."


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said: "That''s my honor. I''m looking forward to it." Saying that, he sent a cute picture of a cat sitting on the ground, blinking with its watery eyes.


    There was no shame!


    If you didn''t know how to grab the opportunity with a golden mountain before you, that was what shame was!


    Water Lotus Moon" "Hur Hur, that picture of yours is quite funny."


    Following that, Zhang Ye''s chatting app began buzzing!


    Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep. There were five beeps, and five pictures were sent over! Now with fewer pictures, his inte speed managed to download them with ease. They were almost immediately downloaded!


    A new picture came in. It was a close up of her buttocks. In the high resolution photo, not only was there a close up of her buttocks, it was also naked. Unfortunately, it was not taken from the bottom, but from her back downwards. Many of the critical parts could not be seen. He could only seerge parts of supple flesh and a pretty angle. To take such a photo by herself, the angle''s position was really quite hard to grasp.


    The second picture was even more provocative. There was no clothes on her body. Water Lotus Moon was sitting on the ground across a mirror with her legs tightly crossed together, doing a very alluring pose. Her hand was hold onto her left breast. Her long hair sprawled down onto her shoulders and chest. On the top of the photograph, he could see the trace of her chin. Not much of it was revealed, so there was no way to see her face.


    The third picture: Water Lotus Moon was lying on a tform, that looked like a bay window. The sun''s rays were shining in from the outside, lighting up her naked body. If this picture was really taken by a bay window, then the curtains definitely could not be drawn. It was definitely in the day time. She sure was bold, unafraid that her neighbors would see her.


    The fourth picture: Lower body. She did not wear underwear, but wore a ck pair of stockings.


    Fifth picture: In the bathroom. She was lying in a bathtub filled with water. The water was probably moving, and her entuating figure line was being refracted by the water, but whatever that one wanted to be seen could be basically seen. That seductive pose was beyond words!


    He finished looking at all of them.


    Zhang Ye''s throat was a bit dry. "I''ve received them!"


    Water Lotus Moon: "Have you seen all of them?"


    Zhang Ye: "Yes, so beautiful. Your figure is too good!"


    Water Lotus Moon: "I''m just a bit fatter."


    Zhang Ye disagreed. "Not at all. That is just nice. Not one bit more or less. I especially like that little tummy of yours. Very beautiful and feels just right. It''s like a piece of art. Your body''s proportions are also extremely good. Well, the only problem is that the angle of the photograph isn''t perfect and a bit tilted." In the West, people were more open, so these sorts of photos weremonly seen. Zhang Ye also began to use an artistic point of view to chat with her.


    Water Lotus Moon: "You seem to know a bit?"


    Zhang Ye: "Not really. Just speaking randomly."


    Water Lotus Moon: "You are quite right. These sort of photos can only be taken by myself. I need to stretch out one hand, or ce it on a tripod, so there are limitations. The angle and lighting isn''t easy to grasp, so it''s not easy to take them. Hur Hur. I''m also not some professional photographer. Just doing it in an amateurish manner."


    Zhang Ye asked: "You like to take these kinds of��artistic photos?" After pondering for a while did hee up with such a euphemistic term.


    Water Lotus Moon: "Kinda. I take them every few days. I record the beautiful times before I grow old, if not there might not be a chance in the future."


    Zhang Ye said boldly: "Do you still have these kind of ''artistic photos''?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "Probably a few thousand."


    Zhang Ye''s nose nearly bled, "A few thousand?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "umted bit by bit through time. Year by year, it just passed without me knowing. Why? Hur Hur, you still want to take a look?"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said: "Yes! ! ! !" Four exmation marks were used to express his feelings!


    Asking for the pictures!


    Asking for the seeds, Big Sis!


    Suddenly, his game ring''s interface lit up!


    [ Countdown Complete. Cupid Sachet effects has ended! ]


    Following that, the cellphone kept buzzing. Water Lotus Moon sent a message: "Forget it. We''ll chat again. I''m going to sleep. You sleep early too. By the way, remember to delete the photos. Don''t spread them."


    Don''t sleep!


    Why would the Cupid Sachet lose effect at this moment!


    Sending pictures and chatting. The five minutes had passed too quickly!


    However, Zhang Ye could not say anything else but say: "Alright. Go take a rest. Bye bye."


    "Bye bye." After Water Lotus Moon said that, her avatar turned dim.


    Zhang Ye was hardly satisfied, nor could he fall asleep. Although he could think of was the supple flesh of Water Lotus Moon''s photographs. Hence, he clicked on Water Lotus Moon''s personal profile.


    Nickname: Water Lotus Moon.


    Age: Secret.


    Sex: Woman.


    Job: None.


    City: Beijing.


    Introduction: Seldom on the web. Don''t disturb.


    As for the other information, such as photos, there was none, if not private. This person''s information was too simple.

 Chapter 333: What to talk about for the third lecture?

    <h4>Chapter 333: What to talk about for the third lecture? </h4>


    Chapter 333: What to talk about for the third lecture?


    Dong dong.


    There was a knock on his door.


    "Son!"


    "Hmm? Yes!?"


    "It''s time to wake up. I got you tofu pudding."


    "Got it Mom. I''m getting up now."


    "Hurry. You have a ss this afternoon. Eat it while it''s still hot."


    Zhang Ye stretched hiszy ass. It was getting cold in the house and he did not feel like getting out of his nket. He wrapped it around himself and searched for the clothes that he was going to wear today, pulled them into his nket and got dressed piece by piece. Then he got off his bed to wash up and have his breakfast. He did not sleep wellst night. He had a dream in which Water Lotus Moon appeared. Her veryrge breasts, which he saw in her photos, were bouncing about in his dream had tormented him for the whole night. It was very alluring. This big sis'' photos were really too coquettish.


    After the meal.


    His parents went to work.


    Zhang Ye noticed the time. It was also time for him to leave.


    When he went downstairs, he took out his cell phone and took a look at the avatar of Water Lotus Moon. It was darkened, probably not because she was on invisible mode, but rather because she was not online. He gave up and took another nce at the photos that she sent to himter on. He clenched his teethed. Even though it was so pitiful, he still deleted them as promised. After all, Water Lotus Moon had specifically requested him to do so as this was a matter of her privacy. If she had trusted him so much, then he would respect her request. What if he had really identally lost his cellphone or they got leaked out. This was not an oue that Zhang Ye would want to witness.


    Even thoughwork security in this world was very strong, there was no guarantee that something like that wouldn''t happen. Thinking back of his previous world, didn''t those foreign celebrities cause an uproar andmotion when their cell phone photos were leaked out. No matter how secure it was, there were always some hackers who could outsmart the system.


    He gathered up his mind.


    Off to work.


    Zhang Ye drove to Peking University. On the way, Zhang Ye''s phone rang.


    Wu Zeqing had called. "Little Zhang,e to my office in a while."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright President Wu. I''ll be there in 20 minutes."


    Then he drove faster and arrived at the entrance of Peking University. He parked his car at the building behind the man-madeke and walked up the stairs inrge strides. This side of the building was newly constructed and not older than a few years. Compared to the Chinese department where Zhang Ye worked, this ce was much newer and the decorations were much more exquisite.


    When he went upstairs and turned around the corridor, he heard many voices chattering away.


    The Vice President''s office was open. There were about eight people inside.


    "President Wu, this has affected sses for our other departments."


    "President Wu, the Chinese department is Peking University''s symbol, we understand that. Now that Zhang Ye''s ss is doing well and has attracted a lot of good attention from the public, it has raised the name of our Chinese department and would help in this year''s department ranking selection, but you cannot let this affect the other departments. It''s not that we don''t care about the overall situation, but every time Zhang Ye holds a public lecture, our students y truant and skip sses to attend his lecture. They did not sign up for the ''Appreciation of the ssics'' elective, but still go to his lecture over their main sses. In the end, the ones to suffer will be the students themselves, it would still affect the reputation of our university!"


    "Our department''s teachers also have our views, President Wu. Don''t be biased, there are still other departments in Peking University."


    "You really cannot have any more public lectures."


    "Right, if that won''t do, holding it at night would be fine."


    When Zhang Ye heard this, he stood in the corridor and did not enter. He understood that these department leaders and lecturers had alle to President Wu to make their cases known. Zhang Ye''s contributions had fired up their Chinese department and given them something to cheer about, but the other departments were unable topete with his poprity. Students from their departments had all gone over to the Chinese department to listen in on his lectures and those department leaders and teachers were not happy about it.


    With a helplessugh, Zhang Ye walked in. "President Wu." After saying that, he nodded to the other teachers and professors. He did not know the people from the other departments well, so he could not name them. He could only give a simple greeting.


    Upon seeing the person in question arrive, Teacher Zhou said, "Teacher Zhang, you are here. Did you hear what we said? Don''t put it to heart. We aren''t targeting you. The reason is that too many students are ying truant." Saying that, he pointed to the documents on the table. "Take a look. When you hold a public lecture, the ss attendance in our departments dropped by 30%! This is the lowest in all these years!"


    "Same for the Mathematics department."


    "Same on our side."


    "The students don''t want toe to ss."


    The chattering increased. Some of their attitudes were alright, while some teachers and professors did not give a good attitude towards Zhang Ye. Their dissatisfaction was written on their faces.


    Zhang Ye felt sorry and had nothing to say. "About that��"


    Wu Zeqing knocked on the table and gently smiled. "Alright, I''ve heard what everyone has said. Go back now, I will handle this matter from here and will definitely give everyone a satisfactory answer."


    "Teacher Zhou said, "Alright, then we will be leaving."


    Since President Wu had already give her promise, there was nothing left for them to say. Wu Zeqing''s reputation and authority in Peking University was very high. Everyone knew they could trust her.


    The people left.


    The door was closed.


    Only Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing were left in the office.


    "Do you want tea or water?" Wu Zeqing stood up with a smile and got a paper cup.


    "No, no. You take a seat. I will get it myself." Zhang Ye took the paper cup not wanting to trouble President Wu. He went over to the water dispenser and poured himself a cup of hot water, sat down and drank.


    Wu Zeqing took a sip of her tea courteously, "Are you tired from these past 2 days?"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "No, this workload isn''t muchpared to being a host. It''s almost the semester break and there''s not many days left for lessons."


    Everytime he saw Wu Zeqing, she was always very gentle and beautiful!


    Her dressing was never outstanding, but it would slowly eat into you!


    Today, President Wu wore a traditional ssical long dress. It was white based with ck flowers on it. It belonged to a more Chinese style with the dress covering the full length of her legs. She was wearing in colored high heels with ethnic prints on it. It was also Chinese styled. She wore a knitted ck sweater without buttons for her top, but it did not reveal much of her chest area, so needless to say, there was no cleavage shown either. The top edge of the full length dress was very high, so anything that needed to be covered was covered. She dressed very conservatively, and very elegantly. If this were ancient times, she would definitely be a scion of arge noble family, and from her bearing, one would immediately know she was a beauty who was gifted in poetry, painting, chess, and music.


    It was really nice!


    She was so beautiful beyond words!


    As Zhang Ye drank the water, he kept ncing at her.


    Wu Zeqing ced the teacup down. "You might have heard from just now. Actually the teachers from the other departments are quite displeased. Let''s do it this way. Today''s public lecture will be changed into an ordinary ss. It will be held in a small lecture theater."


    Zhang Ye did not have any problems with that. "Alright. It''s your choice. I''m fine with anything."


    "There''s quite a number of people who will probably be here today, but just the reporters are a little troublesome to handle." After saying that, Wu Zeqing picked up her desk phone and made a call to delegate some instructions, "Hello, Little Liu, go arrange. Teacher Zhang Ye will not be holding a public lecture, but will be holding the ss in a lecture theater instead. Only the students enrolled in ''Appreciation of the ssics'' will be allowed to enter the ss. Let the reporters know early and that there will be no interviews allowed��yes, I know the reporters are already here. Communicate with them a little. At most, promise them an interview after the ss��right, do what you need to regarding the students. If it really does not work out, go and get their relevant department teachers to bring them away."


    After she hung up the phone.


    Zhang Ye was a bit embarrassed. "Sorry President Wu for causing you so much trouble, causing everyone to do all this extra work."


    "There''s nothing to be sorry about." Wu Zeqing smiled warmly. She did notugh very loudly, but always held back a little, "This shows that your teaching level is recognized by everyone. It''s a good thing. Looks like I did not recruit the wrong guy. I know that regarding this course, you''d be the best person to teach it."


    Zhang Ye said with gratitude, "Thank you for your trust."


    Wu Zeqing ran her fingers down the hair that hung down her left side. "In fact, from the beginning, I had never thought of you, but when I saw you on the flight returning to Beijing, I had a feeling that you would be very suitable. Not only did I believe that you''d lecture well, I also felt that you would open new doors for this elective ss and bring about change. Honestly, your performance really surprised me and everyone else. Do you know about the university rankings?"


    Zhang Ye was stunned momentarily, "Of course I know it. Isn''t the ranking done yearly?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "The ranking selection has already begun this year. The results should be released in a few more days. You have let many people in the Chinese department have hope, including me."


    Zhang Ye said in confusion, "That can''t be? Isn''t our Peking University Chinese department the best in its field? Although it can''t bepared to the Mathematics department or Sciences faculty''s dominance in the rankings, we would still be considered to be the top of our field, right?" Peking University''s Science faculty was peerless in the country. Even though the Chinese department was not of that level, they were still a representation of Peking University.


    Wu Zeqing said, "That''s old news."


    "Why so? It''s no longer good?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "We can''t say it''s not good. It''s just that we have been stagnant for too long and have not made further achievements while others like Nanjing University and Tsinghua University and even Beijing Normal University have been catching up to us. Two years ago andst year, they had even tied or surpassed our Chinese department''s ranking. Everyone says that our Peking University''s Chinese department is in its decline. Even within Peking University, there are many people saying so. When I was assigned to take charge of the Chinese department, I could feel the pressure over the past two years when I took over." Wu Zeqing looked at him, "This is also one of the reasons why I invited you to join us. I wanted to bring change to Peking University''s Chinese department. And you have done what all of us could never imagine. You were outstanding."


    Zhang Ye finally understood.


    Why did Chang Kaige and the others suddenly change their attitude towards him?


    They were hoping that Zhang Ye would bring them back to where the Chinese department belonged!


    Peking University''s Chinese department was still a top ranked department throughout the country, but to Peking University''s Chinese department, top ranked wasn''t enough. They had to be ahead of everyone else, because in the past years, they had always been the top dog in their field. Number 2 or 3 wasn''t too bad either? That might be true for other universities, but to Peking University, only number 1 would be good enough!


    Zhang Ye smiled bitterly, "With my little bit of ability, what can I do? I can only talk about some topics that I researched and analyzed before. It''s even too controversial. I don''t think that would be much help to the Chinese department?"


    Wu Zeqing grinned, "That''s not necessarily true. The university ranking process has always been a veryplex process consisting of many factors. This time, your ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' analysis might have already been put into consideration for the university rankings for our department. As usual, our department hasn''t had any new achievements this year and the previous professor for ''Appreciation of the ssics'' ss had also been forced to stop sses because of his illness. If it had continued on like this, then it would have been likely that our ranking would remain the same as the previous two years. First ce would have been out of reach, or we might even have been dropped to third ce. That is without question, but after you joined us, you revealed the secret of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. No matter how controversial that may be, you would have increased our scoring by quite a bit. This is because literature has always been controversial since ancient times. It''s not like Mathematics where 1 is always 1 and 2 will always be 2."


    Zhang Ye immediately felt the pressure. "President Wu, then what do you want me to do?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Just do your best and leave the rest to the heavens. As long as you continue to do well in your next few sses, it will be fine. Don''t do anything purposefully. Oh, right. I saw that you have already brought all the important points in your first two lectures, so what will you be talking about today? Dean Chang had looked for me this morning to discuss about it. He said that if he knew you were so quick to point out all the arguments and analysis, then he would have let you spread it out over more sses. That would have satisfied the ss hours too."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Don''t worry about that. I''ve already thought about what to say. This tempo is just right. I will do well in the remaining sses."


    Wu Zeqing nodded, "If you say so, then I am relieved. Alright, it''s almost time. Go and busy yourself with your work. Everyone''s looking forward to your performance."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m also a staff of Peking University''s Chinese department. Contributing to the department is my duty. I cannot and do not dare to guarantee that our Chinese department would rise in the rankings because of me, but I can promise that my ss will not cause any more problems!"


    What should he talk about in the third ss?


    Zhang Ye had already thought of it. He nned to follow through with his point of view and main argument with a refreshing method of presentation. He would talk about something that did not exist in this world, something that no one had ever heard of.

 Chapter 334: Breaking New Ground Again!

    <h4>Chapter 334: Breaking New Ground Again! </h4>


    Chapter 334: Breaking New Ground Again!


    Morning.


    Peking University.


    Chinese department, in the lecture theater.


    When Zhang Ye arrived, the venue was still chaotic. Many reporters were outside, trying to squeeze to get in, but were prohibited by security. A few Peking University students from other departments also wanted to attend the ss, but there were some teachers blocking the entrance, persuading them with earnest words, asking them to leave. However, these students did not leave.


    "Return to your sses!"


    "Teacher, I don''t have a ss today!"


    "Can''t we listen outside, through the windows?"


    "There are still seats in the ssroom. Teacher Kong, just let me inside!"


    "Everyone, hurry up and leave. There''s no room for negotiation today. President Wu has already announced it!"


    In the end, there were still arge bunch of students who refused to leave. They leaned on the windows, or stood by the doors. The teachers also did not leave, but they stopped trying to persuade them. As for the reporters, not a single one of them left. They moved to spots outside the windows, ignoring the security guards and began filming.


    When Zhang Ye walked into his ss, all his enrolled students were already present. He did not feel that there was any differences in a public lecture or a ss like that. Since the video lecture would be posted onler on, whoever wanted to watch it could watch it. A ss held in a small ssroom, on the other hand, was much quieter. There were no people with nefarious motives to cause trouble. He had more freedom to say what he wanted. "Everyone, quiet down. I''ll start taking attendance. Li Chengan."


    A boy raised his hand. "Here."


    Zhang Ye said, "Yao Mi."


    "Here!" Yao Mi giggled.


    "Li Li��" Zhang Ye checked on the attendance.


    "Here." Li Li raised his hand high up.


    There was a 100% attendance rate.


    Zhang Ye was pleased as he smiled. His students had given him face. "Alright, with everyone here, we can begin today''s ss."


    Be it the students seated in the ssroom, or those students leaning against the windows, they immediately pricked up their ears. The reporters were also invigorated as they prepared to hear Zhang Ye''s introduction. In thest two lessons, whatever needed to be said had been said. Teacher Zhang Ye also did not n on repeating the evidence that supported his point, hence, in that case, there was nothing left to talk about. How was he going to continue lecturing? This was what everyone was curious about!


    Chang Kaige also came.


    There was also department dean, Zhen Shuquan. They were both sitting in thest row of the ssroom.


    Today, quite a number of teachers from the Peking University Chinese department came. Su Na and Professor Zeng were some of the examples. They were all very concerned about Zhang Ye''s third ss. The oue for the entire country''s department rankings were about to be posted in theing days. They had not kept their hopes up originally, but Zhang Ye''s public lectures had given them hope once again. Hence, all the department leaders ced great importance on Zhang Ye''s ss.


    The reporters were in a simr position. With many people discussing the truth behind ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' and Zhang Ye''s shocking point of view, they naturally wanted to be first to hear the news.


    Zhang Ye leaned on the podium and smiled and said, "Everyone should have gone back and pondered over the things I mentioned in my previous two sses. Do you agree with it?"


    Yao Mi was the first to answer. "Yes! Definitely!"


    Senior Song also nodded her head. "There was indeed multiple problems in the chapters after the eightieth."


    Senior Zhou also agreed. "What you said made a lot of sense. It''s impossible to doubt it."


    Zhang Ye said, "It seems that a majority of my students express agreement. Then people might begin to doubt. Since the chapters after the eightieth of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' were not written by Mr Cao Xueqin, and the missing manuscripts cannot be found at this moment in time, then are we to just sit here and twiddle our fingers? Are we not going to do anything?" He paused and smiled and said, "That won''t be the case. There are still many things we can do. In today''s ss, I will talk about a new topic in the study of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' that I named myself." As he said that, he picked up a piece of chalk and wrote three words on the ckboard.


    Vestige Forensics!


    The students turned stunned!


    Chang Kaige and Professor Zeng looked at each other with questioning looks. What''s that?


    The reporters outside were excited. As expected, this Zhang Ye had new tricks up his sleeve every day. We knew he wouldn''t wish to stay mundane. He was about to reveal something new again!


    Senior Song raised her hand. "Teacher, what topic and field of study is this?"


    "Vestige Forensics?" Senior Zhou stared and said, "Why have I never heard of this before?"


    Zhang Ye lowered his hand to gesture for them to sit down. He said, "It seems everyone is unfamiliar with this topic. Actually, just a simple exnation and you will all understand. The Vestige Forensics of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' is established based on the foundations that the chapters after the eightieth were lost. In the academic field I have researched, forensics does not mean haphazard guesses. It is not fictitious guesses, but using the first 80 chapters on the whole, and the guidance of ancient manuscripts, as well as relevant historical information and records, to infer the original words and intentions of Cao Xueqin. This field of research and topic can help us find the original intended plot and developments of Cao Xueqin''s ''Dream of the Red Chamber''! It will allow us to know how Cao Xueqin''s 108 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' should have been written!"


    Senior Zhou said with a gasp, "Is, is that possible?"


    Li Ying also stared in a daze. "Yeah, is that possible?"


    Su Na and Professor Zeng gasped. Zhang Ye could restore ''Dream of the Red Chamber''?


    In this world, no one believed ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was continued by someone else, so of course, there was no research such as Vestige Forensics. However, in Zhang Ye''s world, Vestige Forensics of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was already very mature in development. Many Redologists were immersed in it, spending their entire lives in this field of research.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Many of you do not seem to believe me, but I can tell you that it is possible. In the following sses, I will be talking about this. Of course, it''s the same. This is my own personal analysis and research. If you feel there''s something problematic or disagreeable about it, we can discuss it during or after ss."


    Everyone''s appetite was whet!


    After Zhang Ye''s lecture, many people already believed that ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was continued. Didn''t you see those experts from the literary worldpletely at a loss for words? Hence, everyone was naturally wondering what the true plot in the chapters after the eightieth was. Zhang Ye had boasted saying that he could use Vestige Forensics to infer the true ending. Everyone did not believe him, but they were very curious and looked forward to it!


    "Teacher Zhang, hurry up and talk about it!"


    "That''s right, don''t keep us on our toes!"


    "If ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' can really be restored, that would truly be fascinating!"


    The students began to echo.


    However, Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Hur Hur, everyone finds it fascinating? Actually it''s nothing fascinating. Many of the plot''s development and the fates of the characters had been set in stone during the first 80 chapters. ording to my forensics, Cao Xueqin''s chapter 81 begins from chapter 73. It is the chapter that ends the 9th unit of the entire book. From chapter 82, a new plot unit will begin. I mentioned this before. Then, from chapter 73 onwards, it begins to wildly beat the gongs and drums about the internal conflicts going on in the Jia residence, the external conflicts, and when inteced together, exploded. This is an edifice that is already shaking. It was about to copse at any time. As Simple picked up a highly embarrassing object, she caused Prospect Garden to be raided. Raiding Prospect Garden was a matter pertaining only to Rong-guo mansion, but in the end, Lady Xing and a Wang Shang-bao''s wife went in, causing chaos to ensue. It waspletely without any proprietary. When the raid reached Tan-chun, how did Tan-chun act��?"


    "The most tragic was Skybright, who died. Skybright was the most important of the 12 Beauties of Jinling Register. In the first 80 chapters, Qin Keqing, who was in the "Register", died in chapter 13. When the story developed to this plot unit, there were people beginning to die. Hence, the tragic fate of the family unfolded, as the family slowly declined."


    "Then in chapters 78 to 80. The females in the family were on the brink of death. Yin-chun made a mistake by getting betrothed to Zhong-shan wolf, and wolves eat people. When Xue Pan married Xia Jin-gui, Caltrop was also nearing the end of her life. ording to Cao Xueqin''s n in writing this entire tragedy, once that happened, people from the Main Register had to die too. Qin Keqing died near the beginning, and now, it was time for Jia Yingchun to die. People from the Supplementary Register also needed to die. Hence, in Cao Xueqin''s chapter 81, it should follow the trajectory of chapter 73, ending in a tragedy. The deaths of people in the Supplementary Register should have carried on. Those from the main Register would also die. Those who were supposed to die should have been Jia Yinchun and Caltrop. Hence, ording to Cao Xueqin''s textual structure, I believe the 81st chapter of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' should have a chapter title like this, ''Zhong-shan Wolf swallows a beauty, A Termagant ends a soul''."


    Everyone believed that even if Zhang Ye was going to talk about it, he would not talk about it in deep detail, and just vaguely talk about it by brushing against the surface. No one expected that Zhang Ye''s so-called self-created Vestige Forensics had been studied to such great detail. The things he inferred were all very strict and precise. He even guessed from forensics the 81st chapter''s title. Just this alone stunned Chang Kaige and Professor Zeng!


    Zhang Ye lectured bit by bit.


    The crowd listened in shock. At times, they were gasping in shock, and sometimes engaging in deep thought throughout the lecture!


    One ss quickly finished. This time there was no extension. Zhang Ye followed his own pace and after finishing, he began keeping his documents. "Alright, that will be all for today. If there''s anything you do not understand, you can ask me after ss. ss dismissed."


    After attending this ss, the Chinese department''s leaders and a few professors no longer had any doubts. Though Zhang Ye did not talk about the problems about the author of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', it did not mean he had nothing else to talk about. Now, it was even better. He had put forth a new topical study in Redology and it was extremely interesting! In addition to this, everything adhered to the logical trajectory! Maybe Zhang Ye was not right, but you had to admit that this was breaking new ground in Redology research!


    Following Zhang Ye''s previous point of view, he had once again stepped to the forefront of Redology research. He was shattering everyone''s entrenched understanding bit by bit!

 Chapter 335: This Semester’s Last Class!

    <h4>Chapter 335: This Semester��s Last ss! </h4>


    Chapter 335: This Semester''s Last ss!


    One day.


    Three days.


    Five days.


    In a few days time, Zhang Ye held his lessons as usual. The students got more and more addicted listening to him. Zhang Ye also became more and more excited about lecturing. Every time, only after someone reminded him that he had exceeded the ss'' given time would he stop the ss.


    These few days, with strong urging from the students, Peking University had approved another of Zhang Ye''s lectures to be held as a public lecture. What was different this time was that it would be held at night instead to avoid affecting other sses. The grand auditorium could not always be reserved for Zhang Ye, there were still other teachers who used it as well as activities held in it. Zhang Ye couldn''t get reservation slots, so he just held the lectures at the 1200 seater auditorium. The night time public lectures were always full, even if you were early to ss, you might not be able to get a seat, let alone if you werete for ss.


    You might have heard of queuing up to buy groceries.


    You might have heard of queuing up to buy property.


    But you definitely have never heard of queuing up to attend sses!


    When other institutes of higher learning heard this, they were speechless. If anyone told them that this situation would happen for an elective ss, the people from Peking University would never believe it, ever, but all of this was now happening right before their eyes! Zhang Ye had done it, no one could be unconvinced by it!


    Today was Zhang Ye''sst lesson.


    In the auditorium, there were especially many people. A lot of the students were packed into the auditorium as even some seats were shared by two people.


    Of course, what was more worthy to note was the seats at the side of the auditorium. There were many unfamiliar older faces. There were men and women, of at least 30 years old. Before the ss started, Zhang Ye had heard Chang Kaige mention that some of these people were Redologists or from themunity. Some of them were also from other institutes of higher learning or the education system. They had all applied to attend thisst lecture beforehand. Some of them might have been hoping to find mistakes to pick on, while others were here with the hope of learning more.


    On stage.


    Zhang Ye spoke seriously, "The title of the 108th chapter might have been called ''The Divine Luminescent understands the meaning of letting go at a precipice, the stone returns, with a listing revealed''. Why do I say so? Because when the beggar couple encounters therge snowstorm at the end, there was no way for them to survive in the open. They might have gone into the wilderness and discovered a farmhouse. They wished the farmhouse would open the door to provide them with some warmth, and they eventually discovered that the master and mistress of the farmhouse were very kind to them��"


    The lectures of these past few days had already left everyone unable to speak.


    Senior Song, Senior Zhou, and some others who were usually very active no longer questioned anything.


    Outsiders who came to listen into the ss did not manage to interject a single word. Even those who came to cause trouble could not keep up with Zhang Ye''s pace. They werepletely brought into a new realm of knowledge that they did not understand �� Vestige Forensics. All they could do was listen to it in a daze!


    Beforehand, no one had expected Zhang Ye''s research to be so detailed.


    From the 81st to the 108th chapter, Zhang Ye had logically guessed the chapter titles of each of them. He presented to them what he thought would have been the original plot of the story in such detail that he even included all the plot foreshadowing from the first 80 chapters!


    It was too amazing!


    It was really too awesome!


    Just what sort of knowledge capacity did he have?


    Throughout the course of this lecture, it had left many people believing more and more that someone else had continued the writing after the first 80 chapters. They felt that Zhang Ye''s analysis of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was the original plot development of the novel instead! ording to the plot described by Zhang Ye, it was a more logical and suitable ending! Many of the logical errors that had left the Redology world frustrated were solved perfectly by the way Zhang Ye spoke about it!


    A Redologist even lowered his head to take notes. He listened with an open mind and did not dare to put on airs in front of Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye carried on speaking. "This character was also foreshadowed. He is one of the characters that would participate in the finale. They should be received by the Second Maid''s parents. It was toote to save Shi Xiangyun. She was already frozen to death at the Second Maid''s house. As it was Winter, even the ground was frozen, so they buried her with great efforts. That night, the farming couple let Baoyu enjoy a good rest, but Baoyu was filled with thoughts. Finally, he heard a summoning from the sky. It was a monk and a priest. The immortals from the heavenly realm summoned him. He realized he was just a Divine Luminescent Page-in-waiting that descended to the mortal world for a trip. He was to return to the heavenly realm. When he returned to the heavenly realm, he received his final enlightenment. He understood that heading to heaven by bing a monk was all superficial. The real point was to let go at a precipice and understand that all splendor and riches were ephemeral. And just knowing this bit was not enough, because the ancients had already figured this out a long time ago. In the midst of that fleeting cloud, a soul not corrupted by society''s bad politics, economics, or culture�� this waspassion for the weak. It was a relentless pursuit for beauty, and was the most valuable thing."


    Heavenly realm?


    Divine Luminescent Page-in-waiting?


    The crowd was surprised!


    Zhang Ye said, "He was a Divine Luminescent Page-in-waiting who returned to the heavenly realm. The enlightened Baoyu was the stone lying at the foot of Greensickness Peak. With the stone returning to the heavenly realm, it was filled with words. These words would be the 108 chapters of "The Story of the Stone", which is also known as ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. After the 108 chapters, there would be a "Love Ranking", which was a meaningful list for Baoyu, called the King of the Flowers. Then it would be a list of the 108 girls listed in groups. Each group had 12 people, creating a total of nine groups.


    At this point, Zhang Ye gave a light smile. "This, is my personal dissection of the content in thest 40 chapters of Cao Xueqin''s 108 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. I think this is the true storyline of Cao Xueqin''s ''Dream of the Red Chamber''!" Finishing the lecture with his usual high standards, Zhang Ye closed his lecture documents and exhaled. He smiled and said, "Alright, this semester''s sses will end here!"


    "It''s over?"


    "I haven''t heard enough!"


    "That''s right, it''s so exciting!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you sure are well-learned!"


    "Are you going to hold sses as usual next semester? Teacher, you won''t be leaving, right? I''m waiting to register for ''Appreciation of the ssics'' next semester!"


    Most elective sses were only held for one semester a year.


    Zhang Ye was very pleased upon hearing that. He said, "Thanks to the trust of the school''s leaders, I will carry on serving as lecturer of this elective ss next semester. This ss will be held as usual."


    Senior Zhou eximed, "You should continue writing ''Dream of the Red Chamber''!"


    Senior Song also immediately said, "Teacher Zhang, have you considered continuing ''Dream of the Red Chamber''? The plot you described is really much better than thest 40 chapters of the circted 120 chapters!"


    Yao Mi giggled and said, "That''s right Teacher Zhang. Write it, we all support you!"


    Zhang Ye knew what he was worth. He quickly shook his hands and said, "I won''t be able to write it. I don''t dare to spheme the ssics, and indeedck the ability. This is the truth. Hur Hur. I can only analyze and theorize. If you really wanted me to write, that would be a joke. I won''t be able to do a better job than the continuer who did thest 40 chapters. The text in it isn''t something anyone can emte. This is also why I''m very amazed at Gao E or the anonymous person. Maybe he did not write in ordance with Cao Xueqin''s original intentions, and there were problems with the plot and character. No one can deny his amazing aplishments in the field of literature and his writing. He also made great contributions by spreading ''Dream of the Red Chamber''."


    Everyone was still engaging in discussions.


    Zhang Ye lowered his hand, gesturing for them to quieten down. "With the course over, then I will need to talk about the elective ss'' exam. There are many characters in ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. Some characters are more familiar to others, and there are others who no one pays attention to. However, each character is important. So for the assessment, other than everyone''s attendance, everyone is to write an analysis of a ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' character. Just one will do. Note, do not just copy from the inte, but one which you analyze and understand yourself. It is assigned today, but as the ss'' schedule is tight, and it''s almost the holidays, the deadline is tomorrow at noon by thetest."


    "Ah?"


    "We are given half a day?"


    "The time is too tight for us to finish it."


    The students from Zhang Ye''s elective ssined.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Actually, the time isn''t tight. Students who diligently listened to all my sses will not find this difficult. I have basically expounded all the characters in the story. If everyone doesn''t like that, we can have an oral exam tomorrow?"


    "No, no, no!"


    "Not an oral exam!"


    "Man, I''ll do the assignment!"


    The students could only helplessly ept it. There was no other way. Oral exams were not easy. There was no way to copy or prepare either. They had to express themselves on the spot. The uncertainty was too great and the most crucially, who would dare have an oral exchange with Teacher Zhang Ye?! Who had not witnessed the eloquence of their new teacher? Even if Zhang Ye showed them mercy by not asking things that were too difficult, they would not be able to do well. Didn''t you see the leading experts and teachers from the literary world dumbfounded by Teacher Zhang Ye!? Having an oral exam with Teacher Zhang Ye was inly seeking death!


    Chang Kaige, who was sitting below, chuckled.


    Professor Zeng and Su Na were also smiling.


    Zhang Ye gave a terse acknowledgment. He was now the teacher, so he was free to set the exam content by the Chinese department. This was quite a nice feeling. "Then it''s decided. Everyone, go back and do the examination assignment. Tomorrow, hand it to ss monitor, Little Song. I will grade each and everyone of them. The credit grades will be released together with the other sses. Alright, ss dismissed. It''s been hard work for all of you this semester. I''m very honored to have been your lecturer, teaching you new knowledge. I''m limited in my knowledge and have quite a bad reputation. I would like to thank President Wu and the Chinese department''s leaders for their trust��"


    Zhang Ye was very happy in these days in Peking University. He enjoyed spending his days with the students in some inexplicable way and liked them a lot. Hence, Zhang Ye was also very touched during thisst ss of the semester. He could not help but say a few more words. He looked towards the students and said, "Thank you for supporting and affirming a new teacher like me. I have nothing to return to you, but if you do not mind, I will teach everything I know to everyone in the future!"


    A round of apuse echoed!


    The students all stood up!

 Chapter 336: The university rankings are out!

    <h4>Chapter 336: The university rankings are out! </h4>


    Chapter 336: The university rankings are out!


    At night.


    It was already past 8PM after ss.


    Walking out from the backdoor of the auditorium, Zhang Ye did not head back to the office, nor did he go home. Instead, he found a spot in the auditorium''s staff room and lit a cigarette. The school did not explicitly state that teachers were not allowed to smoke, but in front of the students at school, it would definitely not seem right to smoke. So every time Zhang Ye smoked in school, he had to do it sneakily. Sometimes, he would do so in the toilet, sometimes he and a colleague would go to a spot where there was no one else.


    He crossed his legs.


    And sat on a chair.


    Zhang Ye took out his cell phone and surfed the.


    Today''s public lecture video had been posted online very quickly. When he clicked on Peking University''s website, the video was already up. Other than the part where he spoke about the ss assignment, the whole lesson had been posted. It was probably uploaded after the ss had ended, so everyone could watch it quickly.


    As it had just been posted, there were noments below.


    Zhang Ye checked his Weibo and as he expected, there were people already doubting the content of his lecture. Regarding such doubts, Zhang Ye had already gotten used to it in the past few days.


    "Winsome Colonel''s issue was not exined correctly!"


    "Praising Fourth Sister Lin was simply a general praise to a virtue, how could it be corrted to the anti-Qing issue?"


    "And ording to research, because of Cao Xueqin''s family rtions, he could not possibly write anti-Qing topics!"


    "The exnation of the structure of 108 chapters is too far-fetched! The conclusion of this research can only be used as a reference and is not set in stone yet. For example, in the middle chapters, if we apply Zhang Ye''s rule of the unit structure, there isn''t any real distinction in there. You cannot simply use where there is an obvious distinction in the story and apply it to everything!"


    "Jia Zheng would never be anti-Qing. ording to Zhang Ye''s views, the ending plot would never have developed in that way!"


    "Everyone, don''t watch Peking University''s public ss videos. Don''t listen to Zhang Ye talking blindly. He''s talking rubbish!"


    After so many days, many of the Redologists and literary world members who were left speechless earlier started to fight back. Included in them were Ma Hengyuan, Meng Dongguo, and a few others. They had been staying up for many days to prepare for this battle. They all worked together to find all the problems and issues of Zhang Ye''s argument, and used it as a basis to continue disproving Zhang Ye''s lectures. At the beginning, they had all fallen into Zhang Ye''s rhythm. They could not make their way around something that they were unfamiliar with, but slowly they managed to find their way through. These people were not fools and had seen the many problems in Zhang Ye''s lecture. Now they were agitated and were charging straight for him with their spears!


    But somehow, many people from themunity sided with Zhang Ye!


    "Who says that it was just simply a general praise to virtue? How do you know that Cao Xueqin did not have any other intention?"


    "How can you apply Cao Xueqin''s family situation on the novel? You guys don''t even know who Old Cao''s sons were, so how can you be so sure? And Old Cao is an author, does he necessarily need to apply his family background into the novel? Isn''t this an international joke!?"


    "Even if Jia Zheng was not anti-Qing, how do you know that Jia Baoyu was not? So when he saw that Jia Zheng had suggested to praise the Winsome Colonel, he spared no effort in doing so? On the problems of this poem, Teacher Zhang basically exined it very clearly! What do you mean by utter rubbish?"


    Both sides countered each other''s arguments!


    There were still many points of contention!


    But there was one point that could not be disputed. It was the fact that Zhang Ye''s public lecture videos'' views never slowed down. Those Redologists had all urged people not to believe what Zhang Ye said, but everyone simply ignored them. There was no other way, everyone simply enjoyed what Zhang Ye had said!


    Finally, the whole Redology world was stifled until there wasn''t even a trace of temper left!


    What was worth mentioning was that within the Redology world, there was an increasingly different school of thought now. A minority of Redologists generally began agreeing with Zhang Ye''s ims and even went to the public lectures that Zhang Ye held. It went as far as them taking up and carrying on the study of Vestige Forensics that Zhang Ye had started. They had already begun to slowly research in this area of study!


    It was a mess!


    Because of Zhang Ye alone, because of those few lessons by Zhang Ye.


    The whole Redology world, literary world, and history world were now in a mess!


    Zhang Ye had not had much hope for everyone to agree with his ims. Everyone''s doubts and debates were the moving factor of Redology research and Zhang Ye''s objective had been met. Although in his previous world, the fact that someone else continued the writings after the first 80 chapters of ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was already recognized as a fact, in this world, there still wasn''t enough proof, so this was not something that could convince people in the short term. A longer time was needed for the verification process to take ce. It might take a few months, a few years, or even a few decades or centuries.


    Let''s not look at this anymore. Hur Hur. Let''s move on to something else.


    Zhang Ye had smoked half his cigarette and was still browsing through Weibo.


    Suddenly, an official Weibo ount had caught Zhang Ye''s attention �� "The new year''s university ranking areplete and will be announced shortly!"


    Below, many people beganmenting.


    "There''s no suspense again this year, right?"


    "Yea, every year is about the same."


    "No, this year''s Peking University''s Chinese department is somewhat of a suspense!"


    "Oh, that''s right. The industry insiders are all saying that Peking University''s Chinese department has declined and is going downhill. Didn''t an expert and industry insider predict a while ago that only Peking University''s Science faculty would be able to continue dominating it''s rank? Their Chinese department will have done well if they can retain 2nd ce this year. Nanjing University and Tsinghua University have been improving this year. Even Beijing Normal University has been catching up these past two years, but then, Peking University''s Chinese department has be one of the favorites after all themotion that Zhang Ye caused with his lectures on ''Dream of the Red Chamber''!"


    "I wonder if they will take into consideration Zhang Ye''s lectures. If they really take that into consideration, the result would not be that predictable anymore."


    "It''s going to suspenseful. Zhang Ye''s lessons have not yet been recognized by many in the industry yet. They are all iming that he has been uttering nonsense, so the evaluators might also consider that point."


    "They shouldn''t. In terms of academics, many things are controversial. They cannot just deduct points off because of this, right?"


    "It''s hard to say."


    "Right, let''s wait for the results."


    "Quickly, release them. Why is it taking so long?"


    "I can''t wait to see what our department''s ranking is!"


    "Long live Foreignnguage department! Hail to our Alma mater!"


    "Supporting Beijing Film Academy! Death to Central Academy of Drama and Shanghai Theater Academy!"


    "Support Nanjing University''s Chinese department! We must get number 1! Crush Peking University and Tsinghua University! Hoho!"


    The post attracted mainly university students who were either discussing or showing their support for their institutions.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s phone rang. It was a call from his colleague, Su Na, "Teacher Zhang,e over quickly. The university rankings are going to be released soon!"


    "Sure." Zhang Ye went back to the office.


    ����


    When he got back, Zhang Ye saw the other Chinese department''s lecturers and professors seated in there. The three offices'' teachers had all gathered together and the atmosphere felt tense and highly pressured. A few of the female teachers could not bear to watch.


    Su Na breathed deeply.


    Chang Kaige and Zhen Shuquan wore their most serious faces.


    The old Professor Yan Jiantao''s attention fell on the projection right in front of the office''s wall.


    This ranking was obviously something that all of the Chinese department''s teachers cared a lot about. It did not only affect their sries and bonuses, but also their reputation and pride!


    Suddenly, an intern teacher who was controlling theputer had a look of shock, "It''s out! The results are out!"


    Chang Kaige immediately asked, "What are they?"


    "Let me put up the result!" The intern teacher quickly controlled without looking at the other department''s rankings or overall rankings and only focused on the Chinese departments ranking.


    The projector shed!


    The national university rankings results were up!


    1: Peking University Chinese department.


    2: Nanjing University Chinese department.


    3: Beijing Normal University Chinese department.


    4: Fudan University Chinese department.


    5: Tsinghua University Chinese department.


    With the results shown, the whole office broke out in celebration!


    "Alright! Great! Awesome!" Chang Kaige continuously pped his thigh!


    "First! We are really first!" Professor Wu cheered!


    "What a fright! Hahaha!" Zhen Shuquan roared withughter.


    Su Na asked in a stunned manner, "I didn''t read that wrongly, right? Is it really us? It''s really us?"


    An elderly professor, who was about to retire, trembled and said in an excited manner, "It''s been two years! After two years! Our Peking University''s Chinese department has finally regained our face!"


    Zhang Ye was also very happy. He had a sense of belonging here. He also thought highly of the honor!


    Zhen Shuquan immediately gave a phone call to Wu Zeqing using his cellphone. "President Wu! Good news. The results are out. Our Chinese department is first in the country!"


    President Wuughed and said, "I saw it too."


    Zhen Shuquan said, "It''s all thanks to your leadership."


    President Wu smiled. "It''s all thanks to Teacher Little Zhang for us to be able to be first."


    "Yes, we know." Zhen Shuquan said, "But it''s also thanks to your great foresight in inviting Teacher Little Zhang here to teach."


    Yan Jiantao overheard Secretary Zhen''s words, but disagreed. He did not think that this was Zhang Ye''s credit. It was the collective hard work of all the teachers. Zhang Ye was just a neer, how much contribution would he have had? To him, this ranking probably did not take into consideration Zhang Ye''s lectures.


    But all of the other Chinese department''s lecturers knew. Zhang Ye contributions were great and if it were not for hisst ditch efforts, their Chinese department ranking might have turned out very differently!


    ����


    Within Peking University''s campus, the cheers came one after another!


    "Our Mathematics department is first again!"


    "F**k! Why is our Peking University''s Foreignnguage department''s ranking so low?"


    "Aiyo, f**k again! The Engineering departments have been dominated by Tsinghua University again!"


    On this night, almost of all the teachers from the institutes of higher learning were looking at the results of this assessment. Because the Chinese department was arge department, very popr, and of very high standing, many of them had ced their attention to it. When they saw it, it almost came as a surprise to them!


    Tsinghua University''s Chinese department, which had been tipped for a good cing, fell to 5th spot, revealing their inadequacies. Whereas, the favorite for this year, Nanjing University''s Chinese department was in second ce. The Chinese department top ranking went to Peking University''s Chinese department. Once again, this aged, older, big brother has gotten first ce again!


    A lot ofizens were not convinced. They were obviously students from the other institutions!


    "Unfair!"


    "What kind of assessment was this!"


    "Our Nanjing University in second ce?"


    "How can Peking University''s Chinese departmente in at first ce! There''s a conspiracy!"


    "Forget it, what conspiracy? It''s because Peking University has Zhang Ye with them!"


    "Oh, right! I forgot about Zhang Ye. No wonder they could get first against all odds. So it''s due to ''Dream of the Red Chamber''! What the heck! It''s still unfair. If Zhang Ye came to our Nanjing University instead, we would have gotten first too!"


    "That''s right! If Zhang Ye did not go to Peking University! They could not possibly win against our Nanjing University''s Chinese department!"


    "Justining won''t work. Did you guys at Nanjing University invite Zhang Ye? The truth is that Peking University took a risk and made the right bet. Anyone can talk on hindsight, but the truth will always be that he who dares, wins! That Peking University could rank first this year was well deserved, at least they dared to use Zhang Ye and dared to take that risk! This was something that no ordinary institution would dare to do!"


    "Oh, so Peking University''s Chinese department won on that boldness!"


    "President Wu, who went over from the Education Bureau, really has great foresight. She used her people too well! Amazing!"


    "Hur Hur Hur, in my opinion, Zhang Ye is still the greatest one. Just him alone overturned the adversity of Peking University!"


    Finally, a hardcore fan of Zhang Ye stood up and said domineeringly, "When Teacher Zhang Ye was at the radio station or television station, his new programs always broke history''s records. He always created new records and miracles! Now even when he goes to a university as a lecturer, he is still the same! Those who gain Zhang Ye, rule the world!"


    "What a big boast!"


    "Zhang Ye''s not that powerful."


    "Haha, the main thing is that Peking University''s Chinese department has very good foundations!"


    "Yes, I agree to that saying of the foundation of Peking University is very good. Of course, we cannot deny Teacher Zhang Ye''s contributions too. Actually, everyone''s standards are about the same, anyone could have gotten first, but with Zhang Ye adding on a little more firepower, the bnce was tipped in Peking University''s favor. To be fair, a person like Teacher Zhang Ye is really outstanding. He can write and he can scold. This time, his fame will rise again. A person like that will not starve no matter where you put him. I''m increasingly bullish about Teacher Zhang Ye''s future developments. Peking University having him as a lecturer is only going to make them even stronger!"


    There were many university students discussing about it and even a lot of university teachers and members of the education world. All of them had theirments about Zhang Ye and it wasrgely positive!

 Chapter 337: Lu Xun and Bingxin’s quotes were used!

    <h4>Chapter 337: Lu Xun and Bingxin��s quotes were used! </h4>


    Chapter 337: Lu Xun and Bingxin''s quotes were used!


    In the Chinese department office, the teachers were about to get off work.


    Many of them were still hesitant to leave, dragging it out past 8 at night. One reason was that many teachers wanted to listen to Zhang Ye''sst lecture. Zhang Ye''s lecturing of ''Dream of the Red Chamber had hooked the interest of many teachers and colleagues. They were quite addicted to listening to him. The second reason was that they knew the university department rankings were announced that night, hence they all stayed behind to wait for it. With surprisingly good results, it was also time for them to leave.


    "I''m leaving."


    "I''m going to Lishuiqiao. Anyone need a lift?"


    "You are returning to your mother''s ce? Then I''ll get a ride from you."


    A few Chinese department teachers paired up to leave as they walked out.


    Su Na walked up to Zhang Ye''s side as she smiled and said, "You were great."


    Zhang Ye shook his head with a smile, saying, "What do you mean by great? It was all thanks to everyone''s work. Mying here has allowed me to rub off some of the greatness of everyone else."


    A male lecturer said with augh, "Teacher Little Zhang, don''t be so modest."


    A female teacher said, "Your contributions are apparent in everyone''s eyes. It has been tough on you these past few days."


    Professor Zeng also patted Zhang Ye on the shoulder, saying, "If not for youing to take over the elective ss, the results would be difficult to tell. You have really made the Peking University''s Chinese department ted."


    Yan Jiantao could not bear listening to this any longer. "All of you should stop saying that. Us getting first ce again is through the collective efforts of everyone. It is also based on the foundations of our Chinese department. Everyone worked together to improve the quality of our sses and material''s depth, so it is only right for us to win first ce. How can it all be attributed to one person? How would the other teachers think of that?"


    Everyone did not have such thoughts. With Yan Jiantao saying that, it led to others thinking of other thoughts. Some nced at Zhang Ye while others looked indifferent.


    Su Na was pondering over his intents. However, Professor Yan was the most established professor in the department, so it was not appropriate for her to say anything.


    Professor Zeng looked at him with a frown, "Professor Yan, why do your words seem��"


    Chang Kaige tried to smooth things over. "Alright, everyone go home. It''s not early anymore. Hur Hur. Tomorrow there are still exams and various activities. Go home and take a rest."


    Zhen Shuquan interjected, "By the way, Little Zhang. President Wu called just now to ask you to go over."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, I''ll be there immediately."


    Yan Jiantao also did not say anymore. He grabbed his bag and left.


    Two lecturers and professors who were more familiar with him also left together.


    Zhang Ye scanned Yan Jiantao''s back and was not too happy. Whether this matter was because of his contributions or not, he had not tried to gain credit for it, nor would he or did he acknowledge it. This bro kept saying it was a collective effort and kept deflecting the honor, but what''s the meaning of this? That can''t do? You have to step on me with your statement? And your tone sounded provocative? You couldn''t standing seeing me, as a new lecturer, in the limelight, and even tried to convince the other colleagues to ostracize me? What sort of person are you!? You are a professor with great authority in the educational world?


    In the past when he came to Peking University, Zhang Ye did not mind too much since he had never been a lecturer, nor did he have the qualifications. Hence, it was no wonder he was doubted by everyone, but through his hard work, his ss had gone smoothly, and he had proven his teaching level using his results. Be it his students or his colleagues, they had all changed their attitudes and impression of him. They had acknowledged him, but then? Even so, Yan Jiantao, you still insist on finding fault with me? When I didn''t have results, you said as ayman, I was no good, but now with results, you keep using your qualifications to suppress me?


    Whatever I do isn''t right?


    Then what the heck do you want?


    You are a professor, with great qualifications, but just because of that, you can trample on anyone you dislike?


    A few teachers had really been stirred up. Maybe they were lecturers who were quite friendly with Professor Yan. After noticing that Yan Jiantao did not like Zhang Ye, they too also subconsciously changed their attitudes towards Zhang Ye. They did not show it on the surface, but their hearts might have distanced themselves from Zhang Ye. Professor Yan was amongst the most established professors in Peking University, and even one of the most authoritative figures in this field in the country. Not only Chang Kaige, even the Peking University leaders respected him. Compared to Yan Jiantao, Zhang Ye was really nothing.


    "Teacher Zhang." Su Na whispered, "Don''t mind him. Professor Yan likes to take advantage of his seniority. We are already used to it, so don''t take it to heart."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s fine." However, his heart wasn''t fine.


    Professor Zeng said, "Little Zhang, shall we go together?"


    "Next time, Professor Zeng. President Wu is looking for me." Zhang Ye said.


    "Oh right. I nearly forgot. Then I''ll be leaving." Professor Zeng left. Since there were so many people, it wasn''t the time for him to say anything to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye also went downstairs and headed towards President Wu''s office. On the way, he noticed Yan Jiantao hitching a ride with an old professor. A nice day and quite a happy matter had been ruined by Yan Jiantao. Zhang Ye was thinking: "I''ll forget it this time. Don''t you dare do it again. If you corner me, I don''t care who you are!"


    ����


    In another building.


    President Wu''s office.


    Knock. Knock. Zhang Ye knocked gently on the door. "President Wu."


    "Come on in. The door isn''t locked." The voice was quite faint and sounded like it came from far away.


    When he walked in through the door, he did not see anyone. The exterior office was empty. Then, he heard a voiceing from the interior office, "Over here."


    The office was a suite, as the treatment received by a Vice President was definitely better than others.


    Zhang Ye went inside. He was stunned for a moment when he saw Wu Zeqing in an elegant long dress. She was standing behind a long desk and held a brush, writing something. The Four Treasures of the Studyid on the desk. A trace scent of ink floated in the office mixed with the smell of a mature woman like Wu Zeqing, making it smell rather pleasant. This fellow was really weak-willed. Just a minute ago, he was still upset by Yan Jiantao''s treatment of him, but now, seeing a beautiful woman in front of him, his mood immediately turned better. The ancients said it well, a beautifuldy is desired by all gentlemen.


    She was dressed in in colors.


    With a dignified look.


    One with the brush, like the floating clouds and the flowing river.


    This image was so beautiful that it was indescribable!


    "This is?"


    "Wait a moment."


    "Hai."


    "It''s done."


    She had finished writing.


    Wu Zeqing set aside her brush and smiled, "You came at the right time. Help me take a look at which of these writings are better." There were three scrolls of writing by the side that she had taken out, "Tomorrow afternoon in the auditorium, we will be organizing a New Year G for all the primary and secondary schools in Peking University''s auditorium. The President hasn''t been well these days, so the job of writing something has fallen onto me. You are one of the few in the Chinese department who have more achievements and results in the field of literature, so I got you toe help me. One to take a look at the calligraphy, and second to help in the meaning. If you are up to it, we will decide on it."


    No wonder Zhang Ye''s use of the Peking University''s Grand Auditorium for his public lecture today had not been approved. He had heard of some event before the Lunar New Year, so this was it. For such a g, other than setting up the decorations, there were dress rehearsals, so clearly there was no time left for Zhang Ye''s ss to squeeze in.


    Zhang Ye was overwhelmed by this. "President Wu, the other teachers and professors are much better than me. My standards are limited, I don''t want to screw it up for you."


    Wu Zeqing smiled as she sat down. She said, "The other teachers might be more experienced than you in teaching, but when ites toposing poems or writing essays, how many are better than you? Professor Yan is no slouch in this area, and he has attained a very high level. However, Professor Yan is quite old, and since this is a g for primary and secondary school students, I think I trust you more on this. After all, you are still young too. Don''t decline it. Hur Hur, take a look at it."


    Zhang Ye did not dare to put on airs, "In front of you, I really don''t dare to say I know much. Then I''ll take a look." Following that he looked at the calligraphy.


    When he saw it, he was stunned!


    The words were written very gracefully!


    These were not just well-written words, but words produced through top calligraphy skills!


    Zhang Ye was a bit dumbfounded. He had never really seen Wu Zeqing''s calligraphy before. He had only heard it mentioned before. It was said that although Wu Zeqing was from the Education Bureau, and was considered a political administrator, and was not in academia or teaching, her cultural foundation was very high. Zhang Ye thought that others were just ttering her, or mere pleasantries, but only today did he realize that those statements were far from ttery. These calligraphy pieces could be said to be pieces of art!


    Zhang Ye had eaten a few calligraphy Experience Books. To the average person, his handwriting was not bad, but he knew that his skills were far from perfect. He could only be considered ayman. Zhang Ye did not dare tout that he knew calligraphy in front of the real experts, or he would incur ridicule on himself. Not only were President Wu''s words written skillfully, it had her own style and artistry. There was Songti fonts, Zhuanti fonts, or cursive script, but Wu Zeqing''s wasn''t any of those. The style of her words were somewhat like Xingshu, yet a bit different. Many of her strokes had an inkling of cursive writing, so clearly she had formed her own style. Only a true calligraphy master would dare to do it this way!


    Zhang Ye did not really know much about true calligraphy techniques. He only knew a bit from interest. As for how artistic Wu Zeqing''s calligraphy was, it was beyond Zhang Ye''s ability to deduce. It had exceeded his level of appreciation for calligraphy.


    As for the content, they were all things like "ssic inheritance" or "blooming youth". There was one that sounded like a word of caution. They were nothing surprising.


    He eximed, "Your calligraphy is really wless. No matter what is written, it can hold itself. I think all of these can be used. Any phrase would be no problem!"


    Wu Zeqing gave him a gentle look, "Any would do? Then that means none of them are suitable."


    Zhang Ye broke out in a sweat. How did you take it in that way? He said, "No, it''s really too good. It''s hard to pick!"


    Wu Zeqing said with a lightugh, "Let''s not talk about the calligraphy. I keep feeling like the content is a bit off. If it were you, what would you write?"


    Zhang Ye said modestly, "What I would have written definitely wouldn''t be better than yours."


    Wu Zeqing ignored his words, "Say a few, rting to youths."


    Seeing that he had no way out, Zhang Ye could only say, "Youth is to develop the habit, a time of hope and faith?" This was from his world''s Ruskin.


    Wu Zeqing smiled gently. "Are there anymore?"


    "This won''t do?" Zhang Ye said, "What you nt now, you will harvestter." This was from his world''s Og Mandino.


    "Are there anymore?" Wu Zeqing asked.


    Zhang Ye said again, "O young ones! For your future memories, deliberately sketch that picture of yours in the present?" This was a quote from Bingxin.


    "Anymore?" Wu Zeqing asked once again.


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Young people can be the first to turn China into a vocal China. Boldly speaking, courageously forging forward, forgetting all the stakeholders, pushing away the ancients, speaking truth from one''s heart?" These were the words of Lu Xun.


    Wu Zeqing: "��"


    Then Zhang Ye said, "This won''t do either?"


    Wu Zeqing leered at him, "You call this not knowing? Every sentence of yours is much better than the ones I had previously written. If you don''t know anything, then others are just illiterate. Hur Hur. Looks like I made the right choice asking you toe." After some thought, Wu Zeqing picked the words of Lu Xun. She did not dy, and had gained some inspiration. Dipping it in ink, President Wu began to write on the piece of paper!


    Half a minuteter.


    A piece of calligraphy waspleted!


    Wu Zeqing gave a slight smile and nodded.


    Zhang Ye stood off to the side and heaped praises. "Your words are really too beautiful."


    "I''ll use your sentences then. It''s settled." Wu Zeqing seemed very pleased as she ced the piece of calligraphy properly, waiting for it to dry.


    Zhang Ye blinked. "President Wu, the other pieces of calligraphy that you wrote are not going to be used? Then can I ask for one of them?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Sure, go ahead and choose."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye did not stand on ceremony and picked one up and rolled it for keeping.


    Firstly, Zhang Ye was really fond of her calligraphy. Secondly, with his leader producing so many works and had gone through all the trouble, wouldn''t he feel bad if he didn''t request one from his leader? Hence, from this, one could see that this fellow Zhang Ye was not someone who did not know interpersonal rtions. He mainly did so depending on the person.

 Chapter 338: Water Lotus Moon’s appearance once again!

    <h4>Chapter 338: Water Lotus Moon��s appearance once again! </h4>


    Chapter 338: Water Lotus Moon''s appearance once again!


    It was prettyte.


    Peking University was enveloped in darkness.


    It was quiet all around the campus. The teaching block was dark. The teacher''s office building''s lights were mostly out. Only student dormitories in the distance had a hint of light. Some students were busy preparing for their exams, some of them were busy writing essays, and some others were probably celebrating early for the uing winter holidays.


    Downstairs.


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Little Zhang, where do you live?"


    "My home?" Zhang Ye said, "I''m going back to Caishikou tonight, my parent''s ce."


    Wu Zeqing nodded, "Then it should be on the way. I stay at Taoran Pavilion. The school''s driver is on leave and my car''s not permitted to be used today. Could you give me a lift?"


    Zhang Ye happily said, "That would be my pleasure and honor. Where in Taoran Pavilion?"


    "East Gate." Wu Zeqing said before boarding Zhang Ye''s BMW.


    Zhang Ye boarded from the other side. As he closed the door and switched on the lights inside, he saw President Wu putting on her seatbelt. The seat belt tightened around her and pressed down across her chest, clearly separating her left and right breast. It presented a very clear scene. The right breast was big and disced a little. In addition, maybe her bra was a little soft today, probably without an underwire, thus the seatbelt had gotten lodged under the right bra cup. Under the vibrations of the car, that lump of flesh was jiggling along with Wu Zeqing''s body swaying. Even the seatbelt trembled along with it.


    They were too big!


    Her breasts were too ample!


    Seeing such a scene, Zhang Ye was momentarily unable to hold back.


    Wu Zeqing was probably aware of the difort, so she undid the seatbelt and then put on a blue woolen coat over before putting on her seatbelt again. That covered up everything.


    The car moved off and gradually made its way out of the campus.


    On the way, Zhang Ye tried to strike up a conversation, "Why don''t I drive faster? Your husband is probably at home waiting for you?"


    "It''s OK. This speed is fine. If you go too fast, it will be dangerous." Wu Zeqing quietly smiled. She took out a book from her bag and opened it, "No one''s waiting for me, I''m not married."


    Ah?


    Not married?


    How old are you already and you''re not married?


    Zhang Ye was surprised, but did not ask further. After all, their rtionship was not that close and she was his leader. There was no need to be so inquisitive.


    Wu Zeqing read her book leisurely, asionally breaking out into a smile, while at times reading it with a serious face.


    Zhang Ye didn''t want to disturb her, so he kept the lights on. He drove straight to their destination.


    During that time, Zhang Ye had thought of a few topics, but did not manage tomunicate much with Wu Zeqing. The two of them had quite an age difference after all and a generation gap. Other than school, Zhang Ye thought that he and President Wu did not have much inmon to talk about. In the end, he gave up and did not try to create conversation anymore. President Wu had a more magnanimous and gentle character, seeming to be a very ssical, traditional type of woman. She did not look like the type who enjoyed chatting.


    After about half an hour, they arrived.


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "President Wu, is it here?"


    Only then did Wu Zeqing close her book and raise her head, "Yes, just go a little bit farther down and stop by the roadside. Thanks, Little Zhang, I even made you my driver for the day."


    Zhang Ye smiled, "In the future if your driver is ever on leave again, feel free to give me a call. It''s OK for me, since it''s so near anyway. I just need to drive back for about 7-8 minutes and I will be home too."


    The car stopped.


    Wu Zeqing thanked him. "I''m going, drive carefully."


    "OK, take care." Zhang Ye did not leave, but stayed behind and watched her walk into an upscale residential area before driving off back in the opposite direction.


    ����


    At home.


    His parents were asleep.


    Zhang Ye did not dare make too much noise. He quietly went to wash up before going back to his room to change into his pajamas. He was totallyfortable now.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    His cellphone rang.


    The caller ID showed that it was from his third cousin, Cao Mengmeng.


    Zhang Ye picked up with a smile, "Hello, what''s the matter?"


    Cao Mengmeng said angrily, "Brother, why didn''t you pick up the phone an hour ago?"


    "An hour ago? Hai, it was because I had a meeting with the Vice President from school. My phone was switched to silent and I didn''t notice." Zhang Ye usually switched his cellphone to silent before a meeting or whenever he was meeting a leader, if he remembered, because it would be inconvenient to pick up the phone and also to show respect to his leaders, "Why were you looking for me?"


    "Hmmph." Cao Mengmeng was less angry now, "Tomorrow, my school will be attending the New Year G at Peking University. Come over and fetch me."


    Zhang Ye said, "Are you participating in the performance too?"


    Cao Mengmeng giggled, "I''m not performing, but our school does have something lined up. So I went over to our form teacher, Teacher Leng, and asked her to bring me along. So many teachers in our school know that you are my bro, so they specially gave me a ticket for a seat!"


    Zhang Ye was angered and tickled at the same moment. "Hey, you little girl. Don''t keep taking favors from others under my guise. If you areing, thene. Follow your school''s group ande. I have no time to go and fetch you. I have an exam tomorrow and I also have to grade the papers."


    Cao Mengmeng pouted, "You don''t care for your sister! I willin to First Aunt!"


    Zhang Ye happily replied, "You can tell anyone and it wouldn''t affect me. I will definitely be busy tomorrow afternoon. That''s all then. It''s already sote, so go to bed early."


    "OK. You petty man." Cao Mengmeng reluctantly hung up the call.


    Zhang Ye smiled a little inside. He browsed through his cellphone casually to see if there were any other missed calls before suddenly realizing that he was still logged into his chat app. With a shift in focus, Zhang Ye quickly opened the app and looked at his ''Friends List''. Oh right, he had not added her yet. So he went over into the "Blossoms in Beijing" group chat, searched through the members, and finally found "Water Lotus Moon"''s avatar.


    He clicked.


    Add Friend.


    Du du, a response came quickly.


    Zhang Ye had been used to his previous world''s QQ app tone �� the one that resembled a coughing sound. He was still not used to this world''s chatting app''s ''Du Du'' tone yet. The interface was unfamiliar to him as well and the design of it looked a bit offpared to what he was used to. Only after he clicked on the notification did he realize that his friend request was epted.


    Alright!


    She''s online!


    Zhang Ye sent a message over, "Big Sis, what are you doing?"


    The reply was a little slow. After about a minute, a message came in: "Taking a bath."


    Zhang Ye: "Bathing and still on your phone?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "In a bathtub, the phone won''t get wet."


    Zhang Ye: "Oic, are you going to rest soon?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "Yeah, and you?"


    Zhang Ye: "I''m already lying in bed, preparing to sleep, but I can''t sleep. I''ve been having insomniately. How are you? Are you tired after a day of work?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "Not bad. The photos I sent to you thest time, did you delete them after?"


    Zhang Ye: "The ones you sent at the end? It''s all been deleted. Hur hur, let me send you a screenshot."


    Water Lotus Moon sent a smiling emoticon over: "It''s alright, Big Sis trusts you." After this message was sent, another one came in two secondster, "Well, do you still want to see?"


    Zhang Ye nose turned hot as he aggressively typed in: "Definitely."


    Water Lotus Moon: "Then wait a bit. Let me take some."


    Zhang Ye cried out loud under his covers: "Are you taking them now?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "Yes, I''m on the phone now and the photos are on myputer. Big Sis is having a bath now, how else would I send them to you? Wait a bit."


    Zhang Ye was excited: "OK, I am waiting right here" followed by 3 exmation marks.


    1 minute.


    2 minutes��.


    Finally, the chat window made a sound and the first picture was being sent over.


    Zhang Ye pressed on the picture and had a look. He suddenly felt a rush of blood from his upper half to his low half. He first saw those beautiful breasts. Water Lotus Moon was not wearing any clothes at all, her navel was submerged under the water in the bath tub. It looked like she had been in the bath for some time as he could see some beads of sweat forming on her skin. The water was clear, with no shampoo or shower foam on top. All that was in the water was visible clearly. Water Lotus Moon ample and full legs were stacked on top of each other with her heels resting on the edge of the bathtub. Even her right foot''s big toe was pointed outwards. The photo''sposition was very well done.


    Zhang Ye replied: "Giving a Like for beauty."


    Water Lotus Moon: "Thank you."


    And then, the chat window rang again, it was yet another photo.


    In this photo, Water Lotus Moon''s body was already covered in quite a lot of shower foam. It was all white bubbles and one of her hands was covering her abdomen. Her legs were curved as she did a very special pose. Her other hand then held the camera and took the picture from top down. What a seductive pose!


    Zhang Ye immediately replied: "That''s so beautiful."


    Water Lotus Moon: "I''m more satisfied with these 2 photos only. The others didn''t turn out too well, so I won''t send them. Same rules, delete them after you''ve seen them. Alright, Big Sis is done with her bath. It''s time to sleep."


    Zhang Ye replied: "Good night."


    Water Lotus Moon: "Good night."


    Zhang Ye stared at the 2 photos for a long time before reluctantly deleting them. After a few days, he had once again seen Water Lotus Moon''s grace. Zhang Ye felt that it was totally worth losing a night''s sleep over.

 Chapter 339: What are you commanding me for!

    <h4>Chapter 339: What are youmanding me for! </h4>


    Chapter 339: What are youmanding me for!


    Friday.


    It was noon time.


    When he reached Peking University, Zhang Ye headed straight for the canteen in his car. There were many ces to eat on campus, but he did not go to those fanciful higher end eateries and instead came straight to the School 1''s canteen. It was cheap and the food tasted alright, though this ce was well known for it''s pork shank.


    There were many people inside.


    As it was right about lunchtime, the few windows all had long queues.


    "Look!"


    "It''s Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "Teacher Zhang, good afternoon!"


    "You are here to have lunch too? What are you doing here at School 1''s canteen?"


    "Right, hee hee, you are such a big shot. Why would you eat with poor students like us?"


    When he walked into the canteen, many students who knew him had greeted him. There was no teacher student ceremonies to observe and it felt very endearing. After all, Zhang Ye was not the traditional type of teacher. He was a host who had diversified into teaching. He could even be considered aedian of sorts due to his Talk Show, and so everyone''s perception of Zhang Ye was much more familiar, unlike the other teachers and professors who they would behave very well when they saw them. Zhang Ye didn''t have the air of a lecturer about him.


    Zhang Ye smiled, "How am I a big shot? The sry for this month has not be issued yet. If I don''t save a little, I might not even be able to pay my rent."


    "You still need to pay rent?"


    "Teacher Zhang is iming to be poor!"


    Quite a number of students nearby burst outughing.


    Zhang Ye then went to line up properly since there was no distinction between the student and teacher''s queue.


    When the student in front of Zhang Ye turned around, he received a shock, "Heavens, it''s Teacher Zhang. Go ahead first!" He gave way.


    Zhang Ye waved his hand and smiled, "I''m not going to add threes. Thanks."


    The words "add threes", which meant cutting in line, was Beijing ng.


    After more than ten minutes, it was finally his turn. Zhang Ye ate simply. He only wanted a tter of assorted dishes. "Sir, two bowls of rice, a portion of Kung Pao chicken, and a portion of fried eggnt."


    The attendant took a look. "Hey, it''s Teacher Zhang. Sure, I''ll give you a bit more."


    "Thank you very much." Zhang Ye did not stand on ceremony. He then carried the stainless steel tray to look for a spot to sit.


    The canteen was not small, but it could not hold that many people. There were already no empty tables. There wasn''t even a ce to sit. Many students were standing behind people who were about to finish eating.


    "Teacher Zhang! Here!"


    "No! Over here! Over here!"


    "I have a spot here!"


    "Teacher Zhang,e sit with us!"


    "Let us squeeze a bit! Make space for Teacher Zhang!"


    This all depended on each person''s poprity. Many Peking University students were trying to vie for him, as they wanted Zhang Ye to sit with them desperately. Zhang Ye was not the only teacher who came to School 1''s canteen. There were also quite a few teachers who liked the food or preferred the cheaper food here, but for them, after they got their food, no one would ever offer them a seat. Either they packed it away and went back to their office to eat, or they would wait around to see if their own ss'' students would offer them a seat as other ss or department students did not recognize them. What''s more, teachers and students were getting harder to distinguish! Some students had old faces, while some teachers looked rather young. It was no longer easy to recognize who was the teacher and who was the student, so how would you know when to offer a seat?


    But for Zhang Ye?


    Dozens of people were shouting for him!


    When those other teachers saw, they were rendered speechless, "������."


    Your mother! We are all Peking University teachers, why is there such a difference in treatment?


    Zhang Ye could only ept their hospitality as he could not refuse those few Year 2 girls'' pulling at him. So he joined them over at a table by the window as the seven or eight of them squeezed together to free up a spot for him. Zhang Ye definitely could not refuse now, so he sat down to eat.


    "Teacher Zhang, how old are you?"


    "What is your horoscope?"


    "Are you married, Teacher Zhang?"


    "Will youe over to our History department next year to teach a ss?"


    The few girls kept chattering away noisily, but it was rather interesting.


    Zhang Ye smiled as he chatted with them, leisurely eating. He liked to interact with the students, just like how he liked to interact with the audience while doing a program.


    After having his fill, Zhang Ye left the canteen. As the canteen was quite near the Chinese department, he did not drive back and instead just walked over. As a result, a bunch of students, around 18 of them, suddenly followed along and nked him as they started chatting.


    Around the Chinese department.


    Downstairs at the office building.


    Su Na had also just returned from her lunch. When she turned her head and saw Zhang Ye''s situation, she was amused. After Zhang Ye made it to the office building''s corridor alone, she said, "Teacher Zhang, you are really popr. You''ve only been here for a few days and you''re already mixing with the students. They aren''t even students from your ss. Seems like every student from every department in Peking University already knows you. Unlike me, I''ve been here for 2 years now and it seems like there are some students from my own ss that still do not know who I am."


    Zhang Yeughed, "Well, that''s because of my profession''s advantage. If you were a host and have done a few shows, everyone would know who you are too. Besides, Teacher Su, with your conditions, you would definitely do better as a host than me if you were to try."


    Su Na smiled, "I''m not as capable as you."


    They chatted andughed on their way back to the office. Someone was waiting for Zhang Ye.


    "Teacher Zhang." It was his "Appreciation of the ssics" ss representative, Senior Song. She was carrying a stack of assessment papers, "I''m here to submit the assignments."


    Zhang Ye nodded, "Thank you, has everyone submitted their work?"


    Senior Song put down the assessment papers, "It''s all here, not a single one is missing."


    "Sure, then go back and quickly prepare for your other exams." Zhang Ye said.


    When ss representative Song went off, Zhang Ye sat down and started grading the assignments one by one. To him, this was his first time doing something like this, so he took it very seriously.


    This one''s fine.


    That one''s good too.


    Hmm, this one is very well written.


    The Chinese department''s other teachers were also busily grading their papers or preparing for the exams. The semester end exams were all arranged within these few days and everyone was busy. Zhang Ye, inparison, was much more rxed as the others had bigger sses, while his ss was just an elective course with a slightly over a hundred students. The assignment was also rted to characters in ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', which Zhang Ye was extremely familiar with. Just by reading through their work, he could see if they had put in any effort to write it.


    From noon untilte afternoon.


    Zhang Ye spent three hours without rest and quickly finished grading all the assignments. A few of them were not too appropriate, so Zhang Ye had them marked down and he summoned for these students to see him.


    Yao Mi was one of them.


    When they entered the office, Yao Mi and the others were very nervous.


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "Are you looking for us?"


    "Did we fail our elective ss?"


    Zhang Ye put up his hand to stop them from saying more, "Come over, speak softly. Don''t disturb the other teachers." He then passed their assignments back to them, "They all have problems. Yao Mi, your choice of character was not good. You picked a servant who isn''t even a supporting character. This person was only described with a few lines in the entire novel and even I do not know this character well, nor will I be able to understand. Cao Xueqin only randomly wrote about this character to set off Baoyu and only appeared once. It''s even an appearance by narration, yet you have written it with such exaggeration. It''s as if this character is a main one with a mysterious feel? The role is too significant? It depended on him to save the world?"


    The few students all giggled.


    Su Na, who was seated nearby, alsoughed a little when she heard this.


    Yao Mi''s face was flushed with redness, "But, but I feel that he is very important. In ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', the characters are not just simply characters. They are all made of flesh and blood, but it''s just that no one had ever researched this person. So you cannot say that he''s not important or does not have a significant role. I really did some serious research on this."


    At this time, Chang Kaige and Yan Jiantao hade into the office. They were inspecting on the grading process.


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Then alright, exin to me about this person''s life. Of course, it was not mentioned in the novel, but you have to give me your analysis on it."


    Yao Mi immediately replied, "I feel that he is not just an ordinary person because when he first appeared, the chapter description was written in this way��." She exined further.


    After Zhang Ye heard everything, he unexpectedly nodded, "OK, you can go back. You passed."


    Yao Mi said in surprise, "Really?"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "You have your own views and analysis. That means you have researched and thought about it. Although the conclusion is debatable, it is not a bad thing. You may go."


    "Haha, thank you Teacher Zhang!" Yao Mi went off happily.


    Zhang Ye continued to ask the next student, "Zhao Long, what you wrote seemed to be what I said exactly in my ss. Regarding the character of Yinchun, what other views of your own do you have? Tell me about it."


    Zhao Long followed Yao Mi''s exnations method and talked about a whole lot of something.


    Zhang Ye nodded, "Yes, although you did not analyze from your own point of view too much and was less creative, from your exnation, I can hear that you have also researched on what I mentioned in ss. You''ve taken in everything that I''ve said and that''s an effort worthmending. You may go now, you passed."


    In a short while, all of them were passed and left.


    Zhang Ye had added on a question and answer exam outside of their written assessment.


    Finally, Zhang Ye noticed the inspecting Chang Kaige and his team, "Dean Chang, you''re here? The elective ss exams are done. The gradesbined with the attendance, the children from my ss have all passed."


    Yan Jiantao face darkened, "All passed?"


    Zhang Ye looked at him, "Yes."


    Yan Jiantao said, "Isn''t your exam too casual? Why is our Peking University such a famous institution for all these years? Because we are strict and rigorous in education! Those few students who were here earlier, did they fail their assessments? Oh, so you just asked a few questions and they passed? Your attitudecks seriousness!"


    With this argument happening, everyone looked over!


    Heh! You areing hard on me now eh? I''ve already let it slide thest time! Now you are trying to look for trouble with me for no reason again? Zhang Ye stared at him and mmed his hand on his students'' stack of assessments, "Professor Yan, this is my elective ss. How I grade them is up to me. I don''t need your instructions!" As he said so, he stood up, "I''m also a teacher of the Chinese department. You may doubt my character, but you cannot doubt my professionalism! Whether the students listened in my ss or whether they gained any knowledge from it, I''m clearer than anyone here! If the assessment doesn''t show it, I added on a verbal exam, is there a problem? Why don''t you grade the assessment instead!"


    Yan Jiantao was fired up, "Your ss and I grade the papers!?"


    Zhang Ye rebutted him, "Then what are youmanding me for!"


    Yan Jiantao was filled with rage and nearly blew up, "Me,manding? I am just telling you how to mark assessments as a teacher! And you actually yelled at me? Are you more experienced or am I more experienced? Zhang Ye! Try shouting at me again!"


    Zhang Ye said coldly, "If you are more experienced, why don''t you go and talk about ''Dream of the Red Chamber''! In this field, do you know more or do I know more? It''s my ss and I don''t have the authority to speak or decide?"


    "Shout at me again!" Yan Jiantao stared intently.


    Zhang Ye stepped forward, "Who''s the one shouting here!"


    Chang Kaige quickly shouted out, "Stop arguing! Step down!"


    A male teacher quickly pulled Yan Jiantao back, "Professor Yan, calm down, calm down!"


    Su Na also immediately grabbed Zhang Ye''s shoulder, "What are trying to do, Teacher Zhang! Don''t speak anymore, don''t speak anymore! Everyone was only doing it for the students!"


    Chang Kaige snapped, "What kind of image are we showing if the students see this! Old Yan, you are an oldrade and an experienced educator, what example are you demonstrating to everyone? And you, Little Zhang! Professor Yan is your senior and has a lot of experience, how can you speak to a senior in this way? Watch your attitude!"


    This was like giving 50 strokes of paddling to the both of them.


    When he heard the shouting, Secretary Zhen also came over, "What''s the matter?"


    Outside, the other Chinese department''s lecturers had also heard and came over to see themotion.


    When Secretary Zhen understood the situation, he was lost for words. He then waved everyone off at the door, "Disperse, go back to work!"


    Finally, Zhen Shuquan dragged the still-angry Professor Yan away. They probably went over to have a talk alone. Chang Kaige also summoned Zhang Ye to his office, to criticize him in private. Honestly speaking, the two of them were both at fault in this incident. It was not known why Professor Yan was so displeased with Zhang Ye, but it was OK if you just feel so in silence, but yet, Professor Yan had picked on Zhang Ye on several asions. Zhang Ye was the same. No matter what, this was Peking University where seniority mattered. It was still an educational institution. How could you speak to a senior in this manner? It might not be insubordination, but it''s still disrespectful. If everyone was like you, then wouldn''t Peking University be in a mess?


    But?


    One was an experienced educator, who was a senior in the Chinese department. His students were many and he had a lot of influence in the education world!


    The other one was the Chinese department''s most popr hero. He was President Wu''s hand-picked person and was also the most popr teacher in all of the higher learning institutions!


    How do you think this could be handled? Who do you think should be held responsible? However you handled this, there would be a problem! Chang Kaige and Zhen Shuquan were both very troubled by this. Old Yan was really too much, he was too focused on qualifications. What do you think you were doing trying to keep this up with a junior? It''s not like you don''t know what kind of person Teacher Little Zhang was. That guy is not a man to be trifled with! He might look like a harmless guy. Everyone''s good when everything is good, but when you provoke him, he wouldn''t care whether or not you''re his rtive! Wasn''t the Shanghai SARFT great? In the end? Didn''t they get insulted as grandchildren!


    What are you two trying to prove!


    If this gets out, no one will look good!


    But the truth was, in just a few minutes after Yan Jiantao and Zhang Ye''s quarrel, the whole of the Chinese department knew about it. Then in less than 15 minutes again, the whole of Peking University knew about it!

 Chapter 340: National Primary and Secondary School New Year Gala!

    <h4>Chapter 340: National Primary and Secondary School New Year G! </h4>


    Chapter 340: National Primary and Secondary School New Year G!


    Afternoon.


    Peking University''s campus was filled with the whispers of gossip.


    "Chinese department''s Professor Yan fought with Teacher Zhang!"


    "What? The Professor Yan who previously received a literature award? Which Teacher Zhang?"


    "What do you mean? The only person who dares challenge Professor Yan has to be Zhang Ye!"


    "Why did the two fight? Is this a session battle in the field of literature?"


    "Who knows? Anyway, the news came from the Chinese department, so it can''t be fake."


    "Hai, if the two of them start battling in literature, who do you think has the edge?"


    "I think it would be Professor Yan. He had received a literature award before and is a veteran in the educational world. How can he be worse than Teacher Zhang?"


    "I also have my bet ced on Professor Yan. Although he likes to take advantage of his seniority, and is a bit old-fashioned in his words, he has true ability after all."


    "I don''t think so. What sort of knowledge does Teacher Zhang have? If the two really battled it out, it''s not easy to say who would win. This would be interesting!"


    "Teacher Zhang is not someone to be thought of lightly."


    "I think Professor Yan is better!"


    The teachers from various faculties began to discuss in murmurs!


    Actually, Yan Jiantao and Zhang Ye just had a tiny verbal conflict, with neither party cursing. However, the more the news spread, the more ridiculous it became. Itter transformed into a sh between new and old figures in literature. Things like two tigers cannot share one mountain, or that there was bound to be a showdown. It was quite sinister sounding, so with a change of topics, it became a debate of who was better in the field of literature.


    By theke.


    In a small garden.


    A few students were discussing the matter!


    Li Li said with shifty eyes and whispered, "I heard that Professor Yan doesn''t like Teacher Zhang passing all of us on the exam and made things difficult. Professor Yan''s intent was that such an exam cannot allow everyone to pass, with the need of making an example of people to warn others, so as to express Peking University''s strictness and rigor. Through this, everyone would feel a sense of danger and put more effort into their studies. However, Teacher Zhang believes in encouraging the students. If an eye could be closed, he would close it, so he began arguing with Professor Yan for us!"


    Li Ying hurried said, "Little Mi, you got called over by Teacher Zhang because of the exam, right?"


    Yao Mi said with a puff, "That''s right. Uncle Zhang had given an additional verbal exam before passing us. This matter was clearly because of us. That Professor Yan is too infuriating! How can he do that!?"


    "That''s right." Yao Mi''s roommate added on, "Our Teacher Zhang sure is good. His teaching is good, his standards are high. There''s really nothing to fault him on when ites to his attitude towards his students. This is what a good teacher does. He''s not like that Professor Yan, who must make an example of others as a warning. Must he deliberately fail students? What kind of person is he!"


    Senior Song, who also walked past, was called over. At this moment, she said, "This matter is not something we as students shouldment about. However, Teacher Zhang is, after all the teacher of ''Appreciation of the ssics''. Teacher Zhang has full authority over it. Professor Yan isn''t teaching the ss, so for him to point fingers at how Teacher Zhang teaches his ss is a bit... Alright, we shouldn''t talk about this further. Today''s exams have ended, so let us return for tomorrow''s exams."


    Yao Mi said angrily, "What mood do I have to prepare for my exams? Do you think Teacher Zhang will be fired? After all Professor Yan is quite established in Peking University!"


    Senior Zhou seemed to have been chasing after Senior Song all this while, so he came with her. When he heard this, he smiled and said, "Fired? You must be underestimating Teacher Zhang. That definitely won''t happen."


    As Zhang Ye''s students, they were naturally aligned with Zhang Ye.


    ......


    Bathroom.


    Professor Zeng and Zhang Ye came here to smoke.


    "You and your bad temper. If you can let it pass, then let it pass. There were so many colleagues around. The effects won''t be good, right?" Professor Zeng blew out smoke through the window. "However Old Yan sure is too much. He has targeted you a few times now, so I can''t me you for losing control of your anger. If it were anyone else, they wouldn''t feel good either."


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands, "You also heard it. I did not challenge him for no reason. No one can endure this type of treatment. I didn''t offend anyone, and was just grading my papers, but here he came pointing fingers at me. You also saw it yesterday, right? That Yan stirred up the colleagues to ostracize me. Tell me, what did I do? I didn''t do a thing. I was properly having my sses, properly teaching my students. Was I at fault? And this was problematic? If this bro offended someone because I did not do something well, I would admit it and we can talk about it. But now? He just doesn''t like me and had nothing better to do, so he decided toe trample on me? He came trampling on me after I ignored him once? Ha!"


    Professor Zeng acknowledged. "You aren''t wrong on this matter."


    "That''s it, so don''t me me for breaking decorum!" Zhang Ye began tough. "I''m afraid of everything but a provocation. I can handle anything!"


    Professor Zeng persuaded him. "Don''t be so angry. Actually it''s not that big a deal. It''s nothing that vites your principles, so just let it pass."


    "No, to me, this is a matter of principle." Zhang Ye said, "My principle is don''t provoke me, and if you provoke me? Don''t dare think of having a good time!"


    "Alright, let''s not talk about this further." Professor Zeng looked at his watch and changed the subject. "Hur Hur, it''s already thiste. The auditorium is the venue of the National Primary and Secondary New Year''s G held in Peking University. You should know about that, right? Let us go take a look at the g. It can soothe your mind. Don''t keep thinking of this infuriating matter." Whether Zhang Ye agreed to or not, Professor Zeng pulled him out of the bathroom, and towards the auditorium.


    ......


    Outside the auditorium.


    Many primary and secondary school students were dressed in their school uniforms and lined up to enter the venue.


    There were schools from Beijing, as well as schools from other provinces. The square was filled with teachers and students. There were fewer primary school students. A majority of them were secondary school students. Some of the older children were dressed in a multitude of colors. They wore head essories and held H Hoops in hand. It was as if they were here to put on acrobatic performances.


    "This is Peking University?"


    "I must attend this school in the future!"


    "Me too. This is my goal!"


    "There will be college entrance examinations in a few more months. I need to work hard too. This ce sure is huge. It''s really worthy of being the number one institute of higher learning in the country. It really lives up to its reputation."


    "I really envy those elder brothers and sisters who study here."


    "Ah! Look, look!That''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Who is Zhang Ye?"


    "You are such a turtle! You don''t even know Zhang Ye?"


    "I know, Zhang Ye is that guy who does Talk Shows. He''s quite a famous host, and now, it seems he''s teaching in Peking University. He proposed many unprecedented and amazing points of view regarding ''Dream of the Red Chamber''. Ournguage teacher even mentioned Zhang Ye a few days ago during our lessons. He said Zhang Ye''s lectures on ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' were excellent!"


    A few students pointed at Zhang Ye, but they did not go over. They just looked at him from a distance.


    Professor Zeng patted Zhang Ye, "You are quite popr."


    Zhang Ye could not help butugh. "Don''t say that. My poprity is just notoriety. It''s well known in the industry."


    "Oh, you are aware of that?" Professor Zeng was also amused. "Then, why do you keep causing trouble? Everything would be fine if you take a step back. Try to have patience and endure it if possible."


    Zhang Ye smiled. It was unknown if it got to him.


    Suddenly, a girl''s voice sounded, "Bro!"


    Looking towards the origin of the sound, Zhang Ye saw his third cousin in the crowd. He waved his hand and saw Cao Mengmeng pull her form teacher, Teacher Leng, over.


    Zhang Ye said, "Teacher Leng."


    "Teacher Zhang, we meet again." Teacher Leng smiled and then looked at Professor Zeng. She hurriedly stretched out her hand, "You are Professor Zeng, right? I''ve seen your papers before."


    Professor Zeng shook hands with her. "Nice to meet you."


    Zhang Ye introduced, "This is my cousin, and this is her form teacher, Teacher Leng." Then patted Cao Mengmeng on the head, "Call him Grandpa Zeng."


    Cao Mengmeng said cutely, "Grandpa Zeng, how do you do?!"


    "Hi, hello." Professor Zeng beamed and said, "This youngdy is really beautiful."


    Zhang Ye trampled on her. "What do you mean beautiful? She''s just mischievous and causes trouble all the time."


    Cao Mengmeng stared. "Bro, why are you speaking bad about me. I will ignore you in the future. No, I''m mentally scarred now. You have topensate me. My cellphone needs an upgrade!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "You only know to rob me every day or two, and you still want to upgrade your cellphone? Your bro hasn''t even changed his own and he''s so poor now."


    From somewhere else, a few Peking University students walked over.


    Yao Mi waved. "Teacher Zhang."


    Senior Song and Senior Zhou also greeted them.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "You guys came too? Does our Peking University have a show to put on?"


    Senior Song said, "Nothing to do with us. We are just here as spectators. A few people from every ss are given this opportunity."


    Yao Mi hurried said, "Teacher Zhang, you and Professor Y..."


    "Teacher Zhang, go about your business. We will be entering first." Senior Zhou tugged at Yao Mi to prevent her from speaking blindly. The few of them began lining up to enter the venue with tickets in hand.


    "What are you doing!?" Yao Mi stared.


    Senior Zhou gave a wry smile. "There are so many people around. Don''t speak without thinking."


    However, even if it was not asked, many people had already heard about the conflict between Zhang Ye and Yan Jiantao that afternoon. A few teachers and students, who came to Peking University, also nced at Zhang Ye as they whispered amongst themselves.


    After sending his cousin off, Zhang Ye and Professor Zeng entered the Grand Auditorium. They were the hosts and the organizers, so the seats that were reserved for them were better. They were all seated the front row.


    President Wu was already there.


    There were a few people surrounding her that Zhang Ye had never seen before. They were likely the leaders of Peking University.


    With another nce, he saw Yan Jiantao sitting in the second row. He was chatting with an elderly professor from another department he was familiar with. With that, the few of them stared over at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye ignored Yan Jiantao and went to the third row with Professor Zeng.


    Su Na stroked her chin, "Professor Zeng and Teacher Zhang, you came too? I thought both of you would be busy. Sorry for not getting you when I came over."


    Professor Zeng said with a chuckle, "How can we not attend such a good g?"


    People began to enter in droves. The auditorium, that could hold a few thousand people, was quickly filled up. It was quite lively. There were arge number of reporters and cameras. Although it was not broadcasted on television, it would still be recorded and released on the inte.

 Chapter 341: Professor Yan’s Opening Address!

    <h4>Chapter 341: Professor Yan''s Opening Address! </h4>


    Chapter 341: Professor Yan''s Opening Address!


    The g was about to begin.


    The auditorium was extremely lively.


    "Mengmeng." A girl called out to her.


    "What?" Cao Mengmeng said with a giggle.


    The girl blinked and asked, "Is your bro having a show today?"


    Cao Mengmeng''s eyes twinkled. "I don''t think so?"


    "Most surely not." Teacher Leng, who was leading them, smiled and said, "Today it''s the Primary and Secondary School New Year G. The programs have long been rehearsed and fixed. There will be no other programs."


    Another middle school boy said, "What a pity. I wanted to listen to Mengmeng''s cousinpose another poem. The ''To The Oak'' Mengmeng recitedst time is really a ssic amongst ssic love poems. It''s almost the same as the great poet, Teacher Chen Tianmo''s ''Autumn Snow''. It was awesome."


    Cao Mengmeng said proudly. "Of course. Who do you think my bro is!?"


    "Aha? Your bro is Zhang Ye? The host from our Shanghai WebTV?" A Shanghainese female student said from the side.


    Cao Mengmeng was extremely pleased. Pointing towards the front, "That''s right. There, in the third row. That''s my bro!"


    ......


    In the front.


    A few people were preparing for their speeches. Today''s opening speech was done by an official from the Education Bureau, before a Peking University professor delivered his.


    "Where''s the President?"


    "The President isn''t feeling well."


    "Hmm? Then what about the closing speech today?"


    "Let me make another phone call. The President should be able toe."


    "Right, there''s still more than an hour. There should be time."


    Wu Zeqing and a few school leaders began talking.


    There was an empty seat in the first row. Peking University''s President was absent today as he suddenly did not feel well that morning and had gone to the hospital for an IV drip. After asking about the situation, it did not seem to be anything serious, so he could still rush to get here in time. The g was not as important as other gs. However, it was, after all, a national level g. They had to show their respect and how highly they thought of it. It was customary for the President to deliver the closing or opening speech.


    ......


    The curtains were drawn!


    The g officially began!


    Upon seeing this, the reporters began their video recordings. However, one could tell that the quality of their recordings from their positions would not be too good. The job of recording mainly rested on Peking University. There were four or five cameras either on tripods, or hanging in the air. It was very professional.


    On stage, two hosts walked out one after another.


    It was a man and woman duo. Zhang Ye did not know the man, but the woman looked familiar.


    "Dear leaders, guests, teachers, and students, good evening!"


    "Let me wee everybody to this year''s National Primary and Secondary School New Year G. Let us introduce our guests and school representatives."


    Fifteen Middle School...


    Shidafu Middle School...


    Yucai Middle School...


    Shanghai Primary School...


    Jinshi 2 Middle School...


    et cetera. There was a long list of names.


    Zhang Ye leaned his head over and asked, "Is this female host a teacher from our department?"


    Su Na smiled and said, "That''s right. Yan Jin from the Chinese department. She teaches Chinese and is in the second office across from ours. You should have seen her before. The guy is a staff of Peking University''s public rtions. His name is Zhao Xuan. They are a couple, and have also been the model couple of our Peking University for years. Back then, they graduated from Peking University, and began working in Peking University." With a pause, Su Na said, "The school actually wanted you to be the host."


    Zhang Ye shook his hands. "I have never hosted such a g before."


    Broadcasting hosts may all seem the same to others, but Zhang Ye, of course, knew that hosts were not that simple. There were many different kinds. For example, broadcasting announcers. These hosts basically read from a script, and there was little spontaneity involved. However, for a television host like Zhang Ye, there was a need to be more reactionary and spontaneous as there was more unpredictability in variety programs. As for a host for a g, the focus was on seriousness and stage control. This sort of g host needed to have a strong ability to control the atmosphere. They had to be able to let the audience apud,ugh, or remain silent when needed. There could not be any mistakes, nor could the host be the highlight of the show. If you made a very funny performance, causing the audience to keepughing, then how would the next performance be able to proceed? This was definitely inappropriate, hence this kind of host needed to be a very good facilitator. It was all not easy.


    Professor Zeng was clearly an unprofessional. "Aren''t you a host who majored in this? This is hard for you?"


    Zhang Ye said truthfully, "I might not do well as a g''s host. Firstly, I do not have experience, and secondly, I do a talk show, so people want tough once they see me. It would affect the control of the atmosphere. It wouldn''t be nice if the atmosphere turns chaotic."


    Su Na chuckled and said, "We didn''t know about these, but if you were to do it, I believe you would definitely do very well. After all, you are a professional."


    This was actually the truth. Even though Zhang Ye did not have experience being a g''s host, he still had the basic foundations as a professional. He would definitely be more professional than Yan Jin and Zhao Xuan on stage.


    "But you were busy with your sses a while ago." Su Na said, "Every one of them was a public lecture, so you were too busy, so the school did not dare to trouble you, afraid it would affect your teaching. If not, the job of host would definitely have been yours. There are few in Peking University that are more eloquent than you."


    Zhang Ye looked seriously at her and said, "Teacher Su, I''m mentioning this first. There''s no problem if you tter me for free, but can I not treat all of you to dinner tonight?"


    The surrounding teachers, who heard this, allughed.


    Su Na also burst out intoughter, "No way! I''ve ttered you all day! You have to treat!"


    "Everyone who hears it should get a piece of the pie." Professor Zeng also joined in the fun. "Count me in. I haven''t eaten seafood in a long time."


    A few Peking University teachers, who Zhang Ye did not know, also looked at him in a different light. He had just quarreled with Peking University''s senior authority, Professor Yan this afternoon, but here he was all smiles? He was so humorous? This calmness was not something any typical person could have. If it was an important figure like Professor Yan, if he was not frustrated to death, he would be worried to death. However, Zhang Ye''s attitude indicated that he did not seem to mind at all. Actually, they did not understand that Zhang Ye did not feel it after getting used to it. This fellow was already ustomed to offending people, and no longer treated it seriously.


    On-stage.


    The Education Bureau''s leader finished his opening speech.


    The female host, Yan Jin smiled and said, "Next, please wee Peking University''s Chinese department''s Professor Yan to deliver his speech."


    Yan Jiantao''s figure had not been in the second row for some time. It was unknown when he went backstage. At this moment, he walked out and took over the microphone from the host.


    People apuded.


    Zhang Ye''s eyes narrowed.


    Su Na looked at him. "It will be Professor Yan speaking on behalf of Peking University first."


    Yan Jiantao did not bring a script and clearly had done his homework in advance. He had already memorized the script. "Hello students. During today''s opening address, I want to talk about the topic of ''University is Useless'' that is expressed by society these days." He spoke in a stern manner, and sounded like he was giving a public lecture, and not a speech at a g. "I do not know what motives people have to make such a nonsensical statement, extolling how university is useless. Peking University is a top learning institute in the country and I have been working in education for 43 years. As someone with experience, I can tell everyone..."


    Many teachers began to nod as they listened.


    But inparison, almost all the students werecking in attention. They were nearly falling asleep.


    "The children present have yet to walk into society, nor have they contributed to society. You might not understand many things, nor is there a way for you to. University is actually a checkpoint that helps everyone step into society. This is actually a bridge that ensures that everyone bes a part of society. Knowledge is power. Knowledge is life. The answers you seek can slowly be discovered during your time in university. You can slowly discover yourselves and understand and be aware of yourselves. In my point of view, this is something essential. It is an essential process that can help everyone establish the correct values and outlook on life..." Professor Yan bbered on and on.


    The students became even more tired.


    "In present day society, we are the ones supporting it. We have tried all means to ''encourage education'', and are full of good intention, but some people are tired of hearing it, and might even ce barriers in front of their ears. However, as educators, we have constantly repeated again and again in order to ''encourage education''. Has everyone thought about the reason?" Yan Jiantao''s general meaning was that, as pirs of support for present-day society, they had only the best intentions for the students. They wanted them to study hard and improve themselves daily. Children did not know anything, and did not possess correct values, so they had to listen to them. They did not need to think. Only after they finished their education would these children be able to thank these educators for the life they were given.


    What stale talk!


    However, Professor Yan had just changed the perspective slightly. He followed a logical line of thought to make sure everyone understand this point. He wanted to let the students think of how educators were painstakingly encouraging them to study, because as their seniors, they had ''applied what they had learned''. Hence, they were strong advocates. If it was really useless, why would they keep pestering them by repeating the same old?


    Finally, Yan Jiantao said, "University isn''t useless, only ignorance is useless! Peking University will always open its arms to children who have a thirst for knowledge! We will forever wee you!"


    He finished his speech.


    There was a round of apuse and considered quite enthusiastic.


    After all, there were cameras, so the students gave face by apuding, but in fact, arge number of students had faces of disinterest.


    Only the secondary school leaders and teachers, as well as Peking University''s lecturers, held Professor Yan''s speech in high esteem. They felt Professor Yan had done a good job in his speech.


    "That was a good speech."


    "It looks like Professor Yan had done quite a lot of preparation."


    "That''s right. Encouraging people to study from a different perspective. It''s quite fresh."


    "Professor Yan has the heart. I hope the students will really take it to heart."


    "From this standards, we can see Professor Yan''s skill. This way of encouraging people to study is filled with positivity. Zhang Ye can never learn this."


    "That''s right. Zhang Ye''s literary skill is sarcasm. His poems and essays are indeed at a pinnacle, but when ites to education, to persuade people to do good, he''s far from it. It is iparable to Professor Yan. What a joke for people topare him to Professor Yan. They even analyzed to see who was better? Is there a need to analyze? Professor Yan''s experience numbers in the decades. How can a rising star like Zhang Yepete with Professor Yan?"


    "Zhang Ye iscking the requisite attainment."

 Chapter 342: Zhang Ye’s Closing Speech!

    <h4>Chapter 342: Zhang Ye''s Closing Speech! </h4>


    Chapter 342: Zhang Ye''s Closing Speech!


    On the podium.


    The first program of the g unfolded.


    It was a song and dance performance. The opening dance began with primary school students appearing in gorgeous attire. Following that, a bunch of middle and high school students slowly joined in the dance as the musical rhythm became more intense.


    Professor Yan got off the stage and returned to his seat.


    "Professor Yan."


    "Nicely said."


    "With experiencees wisdom."


    Yan Jiantao waved his hand and smiled, and said some modest words.


    The surrounding professors and colleagues continuously ttered him.


    The others, meanwhile raised the old topic, and talked about how Zhang Ye''s literature and education was iparable to Yan Jiantao. Compared to Professor Yan, who walked a orthodox and traditional educational path, Zhang Ye''s literary qualities were useless in this realm. Many Peking University teachers believed this was the gap from different levels, and also the difference in realms. Teacher Zhang''s works were more popr than Professor Yan''s works. He was popr too, but so what? In literature and education, it was not apetition for so-called poprity. It was not apetition of who stirred up more interest, but the meaning and significance behind it.


    Could Zhang Ye do it?


    He had not demonstrated skill in this before!


    The Peking University teachers were mostly concentrated in the right side towards the front. Some of talk ended up reaching Zhang Ye''s area. When the music from the stage stopped, Zhang Ye heard it.


    I''m inferior to Yan Jiantao? Zhang Yeughed without a word.


    Su Na also heard it and whispered, "Teacher Zhang, don''t take it to heart. They are just casually talking about it and joining in on the buzz. Don''t take offense."


    Zhang Ye shrugged his shoulders. "It''s alright."


    The students in the auditorium were nearly falling asleep!


    This is what an education standard was? This is what a literary standard was?


    Zhang Ye was at a loss of words. He admitted that literature was not something that depended on poprity, but it was not something that does not take into ount poprity, right? If people rejected watching or listening to it, then who was this literature for? What was the meaning behind literature? Narcissism? Everyone is drunk, while I''m the only one awake? Without any transmission ability, the so-called literature was not worth even a shit! Yan Jiantao''s speech was indeed very orthodox. The reasoning behind it was good, but to say that he did a good job? Zhang Ye did not agree!


    One program followed another.


    One performance followed another.


    Dances...


    Choral performances...


    Acrobatic performances...


    Crosstalk...


    Suddenly, just as the g was ending, a secondary school student walked up the stage. He surprised everyone with a talk show performance. Everyone found it quite novel.


    The students were very interested in new things.


    "Talk Show?"


    "Isn''t this Teacher Zhang''s creation?"


    "It''s not bad."


    "Is it? It''s a far cry from Zhang Ye''s."


    "Isn''t that nonsense? Zhang Ye is the creator of such a program format. Furthermore, he is a professional host. There''s no way topete. This person is already doing quite a good job."


    "Hai, listening to this makes me want to listen to Teacher Zhang do a Talk Show again. Isn''t he a Peking University teacher now? Will he do a segment for us today?"


    "No chance for that. Teacher Zhang isn''t a primary or secondary school student."


    A talk show program aroused the discussion amongst students of other provinces. Of course, there were arge number of people who had not heard of talk shows. There were even more people who did not know who Zhang Ye was. Hence, when they saw this program format, they thought it was a mono crosstalk. Only when the surrounding ssmates exined to them did they learn that this was a talk show style performance. No wonder it felt different from mono crosstalk. There was no main theme, and the style was very different.


    ......


    In the front row.


    A few people did not have the mind to listen to the talk show program onstage.


    A Peking University staff member ran over and crouched down, to avoid the cameras or affect others. He hurriedly said, "The President can''t make it!"


    A Vice President was stunned. "What happened?"


    Wu Zeqing also said, "Is the President still not feeling well?"


    "Yes, we just found out about it on the phone. The President is still hospitalized. He was supposed to be discharged just now, but now, it doesn''t seem to be the case." The staff said, "The hospital said the President has elevated blood pressure and needs to be put under supervision while on drip. So, he definitely won''t be able toe. The President got them to pass the message to get someone else to stand in for the closing speech."


    A Vice President, who had a white beard, said, "That is the only thing we can do now. President Wu, you are eloquent, why don''t you do it?" With that, the staff said, "What about the closing speech''s script?"


    The person was stunned. "Script? Oh, there''s no script."


    An old professor said, "Didn''t the office type out a script for the President?"


    "No." The staff said, "It was written by the President himself. I was in a hurry and forgot to ask the President where the script is."


    The old professor said, "Then hurry and get it!"


    Wu Zeqing said, "There''s no time. There are only three programs left!"


    The staff wiped his sweat as he said, "It will take an hour to make a round trip to the hospital. The President seldom uses aputer and hand writes his things. There''s no way of transferring it over. I''m not sure if the hospital has any fax machines either."


    The old Vice President looked at his watch. "It looks like the faxing wouldn''t make it in time either. President Wu?"


    Wu Zeqing shook her head elegantly as she said, "The closing speech isn''t just a simple word or two. It needs a topic and a summary statement. It also needs statements that fit the situation. It will need a lot of preparation time in advance to prepare the script. To speak without a script is unrealistic."


    "Then, I''ll do it?" The old Vice President gave it some thought and shook his head. "But I did not prepare a script either. I can''t just use the speech I used in the past. With the inte so well-developed, it would definitely be exposed by others. People will say our Peking University iscking in sincerity by doing it so haphazardly."


    Another school leader said, "But someone has to stand in. The closing speech is more important than the opening speech. This g has political significance. We can''t just end it without it, or all of us will look bad. It would be bad for our reputation too." He was also worried. Regardless of anything, someone had to go up, if not this would be a political problem. He looked at the people behind him. "Who will stand in?"


    Yan Jiantao looked and did not say a word.


    A few old professors looked at each other, but no one answered.


    At this critical juncture, no one spoke, nor were they able to talk. How were they to deliver a closing speech without any preparation? Of course, the speech could not be be easily given. What if they misspoke? If the closing speech was unideal, then they would have to bear responsibility!


    The old Vice President began naming people. "Old Yu, you do it!"


    Professor Yu immediately said, "Old Vice-President, I did not prepare either. I can''t just say some stuff in passing. It has to be something with substance. Who can do it without a script?"


    It would not have been a problem for them to talk about academic material, as they had done it thousands of times and had already burned it deep within the recesses of their minds. However, for a closing speech for primary and secondary school students, they had never done it before. The things from the past could not be used. They needed at least an hour to write something.


    Wu Zeqing said, "Old Yu, your writing is good. Can you write one now?"


    Professor Yu smacked his lips. "I''ll need at least half an hour."


    The old Vice President said, "There are only a few minutes left. There''s no time to write!"


    Professor Yu said, "Then I can''t do it. I don''t dare to think so highly of myself. I really can''t do it without a script."


    No script?


    Without a script?


    This sentence made the old Vice President exim. He looked at Wu Zeqing and said, "President Wu, isn''t there a host in the Chinese department you are in charge of? His name is Zhang Ye, right? I heard he never uses a script when hosting programs. When he lectured ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' in his elective ss, he never once prepared a script either, right?"


    Wu Zeqing nodded. "Teacher Little Zhang has always been lecturing off script."


    Another Vice President frowned and said, "Is that true? A new ss with so much information in his head, he can actually say it without any script or teaching material?"


    A lecturer said, "It''s indeed the case. I heard Zhang Ye''s ss before. Other than bringing the documents to show others, he really did not use a script. He does not even look at the information projected on the screen. He can go on like a reel! Also he has a lot of impromptu works. I heard that all his poems were created on the spot. They were never written in advance. Back then at the Shanghai SARFT press conference, Zhang Ye had given a speech on site. It was named ''The Last Speech''. It was quite popr on the inte. I watched the video once and he did a really good job. It was easy to tell at a nce that it was done in an impromptu manner."


    The old Vice President decided, "Then let Zhang Ye stand in. President Wu, what are your thoughts on this?"


    Wu Zeqing thought for a moment and smiled. "If Little Zhang does it, there will definitely not be a problem. Alright, we''ll get him." Hence she signal to a staff. "Go back to look for Little Zhang. Give him a heads up. Tell him to do the closing speech well. Then inform the hosts, and make sure that they know who to weeter."


    The person obeyed the order. "Alright!"


    Yan Jiantao frowned. Let Zhang Ye do the closing speech? He was an unorthodox literary person who only knew derision and cursing. What could he say!?


    ......


    In the third row.


    The Peking University staff crouched down and squeezed over. "Excuse me, excuse me." Very soon, he found Zhang Ye. "Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye asked in surprise, "You are looking for me?"


    The staff hurriedly said, "The President is having an infusion at the hospital and is unable to deliver the closing speech. There''s no script now, and no one to deliver it. President Wu andpany got me to get you to help save the situation!"


    Zhang Ye waved his hand, "I won''t do. I don''t have a script too."


    The man said, "But don''t you always deliver impromptu performances? President Wu said only you will be able to save the situation. The program is almost ending. There''s no time!"


    Zhang Ye did not want to go, as there wasn''t any benefit to doing something so problematic. "President Wu named me?"


    "That''s right. There are many Peking University teachers and professors here, but the only person who can do it off-script is you. Others don''t have that ability." The person was afraid Zhang Ye would not agree, so he began to tter him.


    After some hesitation, Zhang Ye said helplessly. "Alright then. I''ll give it a try. I don''t dare to say it will be done well. Well, what should be said?"


    The person said, "Anything will do. Hopefully something that can leave a deep impression. The leaders said the closing speech cannot be too weak. It''s best if it was a conclusive and relevant speech that rtes to a primary and secondary school''s g atmosphere."


    "Got it." Zhang Ye said.


    The person heaved a sigh of relief. "Then thank you very much. Sorry for troubling you."


    At this moment, the penultimate program just begun. The staff left with his back bent. He then ran over to the side of the stage with his back bent to the hosts and whispered a few words to them. The male and female hosts nodded and gave Zhang Ye''s direction a nce. They understood.

 Chapter 343: A Different Closing Speech!

    <h4>Chapter 343: A Different Closing Speech! </h4>


    Chapter 343: A Different Closing Speech!


    The performance was still going on.


    Zhang Ye began to vex.


    A male intern teacher eximed, "Closing statement?"


    Professor Zeng asked Zhang Ye, "Can you do it?"


    "I don''t know what to say." Zhang Ye was quite helpless. He really did not want to do it, but Vice President Wu Zeqing had given the order, so he could not shirk from his responsibility.


    Su Na said hurriedly, "If you can''t do it, don''t go. Without a script, how are you going to talk about it. There are so many cameras recording. If you don''t do well, the responsibility is on you. Teacher Zhang you must think carefully."


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands, "The few Presidents have already named me. I can''t not do it."


    Su Na said, "How many more programs are there?"


    "There should be one more. I saw the rehearsal." A Chinese department male intern teacher said.


    Professor Zeng suggested, "If you can''t do it, go with Professor Yan''s line of thought. The main thing is to teach the children. Since it is on a topic of primary and secondary school students, you can put them down or give them a berating. Teaching them would do too. It has to do with youths, and cannot be too general."


    Youths?


    Oh youths?


    Zhang Ye''s eyes suddenly lit up. Got it!


    Su Na said helplessly, "Why are youughing at such a time?"


    "Hur Hur. I just got an idea of what to say. I''m going." Zhang Ye got up and bent his back as he walked out the third row. He walked to the side of the stage and waited patiently. If it was not mentioned, he would not have thought about it, but with it mentioned, Zhang Ye had a sh of inspiration. He thought of a speech and then looked at Yan Jiantao again. He felt this was most suitable here. Yan, you want to find trouble with me, right? Sure, today I''ll teach you a lesson!


    "Eh?"


    "Is that Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    "Why is he going there?"


    "Is he going on stage? He also has a program? That''s impossible!"


    Yao Mi, Senior Zhou, and Senior Song were all stunned. They looked at Zhang Ye with a confused look. What was he standing there for? A few Peking University teachers also did not understand the situation when they saw this. They were all sitting in the back, so they did not hear what the leaders had been discussing in the first row.


    A few minutester.


    The final song and dance program ended.


    Everyone immediately gave a warm round of apuse!


    Following that, the two hosts, Yan Jin and Zhao Xuan stepped onto the stage.


    Zhao Xuan chuckled and said, "This brings us to the conclusion of the program for today''s National Primary and Secondary New Year G. Next, it will be the final segment of the g."


    Yan Jin followed up and said, "As the President of Peking University isn''t feeling well, he is unable to be present. The closing speech will be taken over by Peking University''s Chinese department lecturer and famous host, Teacher Zhang Ye. Now, please give a warm round of apuse to invite Teacher Zhang Ye on stage to give the closing statement!"


    Bba Bba Bba.


    The apuse was quite good!


    ......


    "Mengmeng! Mengmeng! It''s your bro!" A boy shouted.


    Cao Mengmeng also widened her eyes. "My bro is delivering the closing speech? That''s great!"


    Teacher Leng said worriedly, "It looks like Teacher Zhang was given the orderst minute. He was not given any time to prepare. This closing speech won''t be easy to deliver. If he doesn''t do it well, it can lead to trouble!"


    Cao Mengmeng tsked, "Impossible. Who is my bro? He will definitely do well! All the teachers in Peking University added up can''t even match my bro''s talent!"


    ......


    Yao Mi eximed, "Aiyah, so that''s the reason!"


    "The President can''te?" Senior Song frowned.


    Senior Zhou felt a bead of sweat drip down his forehead, "Can Teacher Zhang do it? He did not prepare anything. He even got into a conflict with Professor Yan this afternoon. Many people are paying attention to this matter. Professor Yan had adequate preparations and his opening speech from before was pretty good. How can Teacher Zhang surpass Professor Yan in an unprepared state? If he doesn''t do well, people will keep harping on this matter in the future, mentioning how he''s inferior to Professor Yan. Honestly, what is there topare between Teacher Zhang and Professor Yan? One is in the realm of poems and literature, while the other does education of literature. It doesn''t match!"


    Another Chinese department student said, "That''s right, in the field of poetry, ten Professor Yans would not be Teacher Zhang''s match, but in the literary insights in education, ten Teacher Zhangs might not be Professor Yan''s match. Furthermore, Teacher Zhang Ye did not prepare a script!"


    Yao Mi said worriedly, "Could he have received the President''s script?"


    Senior Song began to speak. "Definitely not. If there''s the President''s script, those Vice Presidents would have gone up to deliver the closing speech. Why would they need Teacher Zhang Ye to save the situation?"


    "That''s right. It''s reasonable, but what can we do now?" Yao Mi said.


    Senior Zhou was at a loss of whether tough or cry. "What can we do? All we can do it wait and see."


    Senior Song blinked and said, "Don''t look down on our Teacher Zhang. It''s not like we do not know his literary talent."


    Yao Mi said, "But this is a closing speech. Teacher Zhang has never done it before, and it has to be educational in nature. Teacher Zhang does not know this! His usual poems are all for cursing others or about emotions!"


    Senior Song looked at her and said, "Teacher Zhang Ye might not really be bad at it, right? We may believe he isn''t good at it only because we have never heard Teacher Zhang Ye give his thoughts on education publicly. It doesn''t mean Teacher Zhang doesn''t know. Well, let''s see."


    Yao Mi turned worried and sped her hands in prayer, "Hocus Pocus, Uncle Zhang please do f**king well!"


    Li Ying burst out inughter, "Little Mi, why does your prayer include a curse!?"


    ......


    "Professor Yan." An old lecturer chuckled.


    Yan Jiantao also shook his head. This Zhang Ye was being too presumptuous.


    Beside him, an old professor who had good rtions with him, added, "I heard this Little Zhang is very articte. I really don''t believe what I''ve heard. Today, I want to see if he really has the ability."


    "Why did they let Zhang Ye do it?"


    "The closing statement is such an important thing, it should be left to anyone but him!"


    "That''s right. Hecks the qualifications. We have been in education for decades!"


    "The school''s leaders sure trust him. Let''s see how he screws up!"


    "With Professor Yan''s highly educative speech at the beginning, what does he have to say? There''s no way to end it. He will appear too weak. The closing statement usually has to be better than the opening speech!"


    Many Peking University teachers began discussing!


    Especially some older professors and old veterans in education. They all did not think highly of Zhang Ye.


    A few Vice Presidents looked up at the stage in worry. They had only gotten Zhang Ye to save the situation as they were out of options.


    Only Wu Zeqing looked calm as usual. She looked at Zhang Ye at the podium and nodded at him.


    ......


    Whatever the people off-stage said was useless.


    Everyone''s moods and expressions were different.


    Zhang Ye walked to the stage and took over the microphone from Yan Jin. He smiled and then faced the thousands of students and teachers from the various provinces. "Hello everyone. Tonight''s g hase to an end. The performances were all very sessful. I saw everyone''s vitality and in my heart, that is what youths should be like!"


    What he said was very banal.


    Professor Yan and many teachers scoffed.


    When the students heard this opening statement, they also turned sleepy. Previously, that Professor Yan''s opening speech had ruined their mood, causing them to not enjoy the g. Now that it was the closing speech, another guy came to talk? Even though Zhang Ye was a celebrity, theycked the interest. Who didn''t know the importance of studying diligently? They were long tired of hearing their seniors drone on about this. They no longer wanted to hear anymore of it!


    "So meaningless!"


    "Can we leave now?"


    "That''s right. It''s time to leave, right?"


    Many children spoke in murmurs, but were stopped by the teachers beside them. Only then did they fall silent and endured in silence.


    Only the eyes of those reporters lit up. The cameramen, who wanted to switch off the cameras, did not need their colleagues to remind them. All of them became attentive!


    Why?


    There was no why!


    It was because this person was called Zhang Ye! Wherever he was, there would always be news!


    Sure enough, Zhang Ye''s next sentence caused the atmosphere to change without warning. This was because Zhang Ye had said a closing statement no one would have thought of.


    "Today, I will be representing the President to deliver the closing speech. I am very honored and the closing speech should be scripted and go ordance with routines and rules, but I won''t be doing it today. Well, of course, even if I wanted to just read ad verbatim, I can''t do it now without anything on hand." Noticing peopleugh, Zhang Ye carried on. He sounded very casual in his speech. Not having a script had its benefits. "Furthermore at today''s g''s opening, Professor Yan Jiantao''s speech gave me a thought. Professor Yan said the society today isprised of adults, and as youths, your duty is to study diligently. You should diligently follow the path that they think is right based on their experience, and eventually be them. Then, seed them many yearster! Youths should not have any doubts because they are people with experience. They know which paths are shortcuts and which paths are the important ones! You just need to do as they did!"


    That was what was said. Professor Yan''s general meaning was probably that. The final goal was just to ''encourage education'' from a different perspective.


    The old Vice President frowned. "What''s Little Zhang doing?"


    Yan Jiantao''s face turned ashen. What do you mean by this?


    Many people did not understand what Zhang Ye was saying. These words gave them a fright. After all, Zhang Ye had many notorious deeds in the past!


    In the next moment, Zhang Ye let everyone know that the Zhang Ye, who caused trouble everywhere he went, had never f**king changed. "I know there are many people who agree and admire Professor Yan''s perspective, but as far as I''m concerned, I am totally against it!"


    There was an uproar!


    "Holy sh*t!"


    "Zhang Ye has fired his cannons again!"


    "Is this because of the conflict with Professor Yan this afternoon?"


    "I knew it! I knew never to let Zhang Ye give the speech! He has no fear with that mouth of his! If a microphone is given to him, he will dare to even scold the entire world!"


    The Peking University teachers were all flustered. This was a g that was political in nature! No one could save the situation if something went wrong!


    However, many primary and secondary school students brightened up. This was really a different closing speech. They had never seen a closing speech reject the opening speech before!


    The rumors were true!


    This Zhang Ye was really different from others!

 Chapter 344: "Ode to Young China" stuns the Four Seas!

    <h4>Chapter 344: "Ode to Young China" stuns the Four Seas! </h4>


    Chapter 344: "Ode to Young China" stuns the Four Seas!


    The auditorium turned into chaos!


    The way Zhang Ye delivered his punches, in such an unpredictable way, rmed everyone!


    An old professor from the Mathematics department shouted, "Little Zhang! Get down!


    Yan Jiantao also said, "What nonsense. He just wants to mess things up!


    Another old lecturer in his sixties also said, "Young people these days behave like there are no rules! How can you say something like that in a closing speech!?"


    Wu Zeqing cut them off and said gently, "Listen to what Teacher Little Zhang has to say first. That was just the beginning. The closing speech''s significancees in the concluding sentences. It''s still okay."


    Then, Zhang Ye spoke again. "I see many people are giving me looks of puzzlement and shock. Maybe everyone feels what Professor Yan previously talked about ismon knowledge, and is already fact, so why would I say I oppose it? Because in my heart, there is the existence of a Young China!"


    Young China?


    What Young China?


    Everyone failed to understand him!


    Zhang Ye was too ruthless. He used the famous Liang Qichao''s "Ode to Young China" as his closing remark, or to put it precisely, a speech. This masterpiece had many years of history and was very old, but it was never behind the times. Using it now and today, "Ode to Young China" was still glorious in this present world!


    The only problem was that this speech had its "dangers".


    But so what? Zhang Ye smiled. He felt duty-bound to proceed without hesitation!


    "Is a country old or young?


    Let us talk about young and old.


    The old often reminisce about the past, while the young often anticipate the future.


    Thinking of the past leads to sentimentalism; thinking of the future leads to hope.


    Sentimentalism leads to conservativeness; Hope leads to progress.


    Conservativeness leads to eternal oldness; progress leads to daily freshness.


    Thinking of the past are people of derelict, only knowing the rules; Thinking of the future are people of inexperience, only they dare to break the rules."


    After he finished speaking, everyone was stunned!


    The words he said were not difficult to understand, but the words were notmon vernacr either!


    Su Na was a bit surprised. Many people found it amazing, not because of the meaning behind the words, but because they found it unbelievable that Zhang Ye coulde up with something like that without a script!


    No script?


    You really f**king came out with an impromptu speech!?


    How could that be? You cane up with such things on the spot?


    After they tried appreciating it, many people were infuriated!


    For example, an "old person" like Yan Jiantao. The old professors surrounding him were already fuming with anger!


    Who''s f**king conservative? Who''s f**king always reminiscing about the past? Who f**king doesn''t forge ahead without thinking? Zhang Ye, you are too much a grandson! You scold people even while giving a closing speech!?


    Zhang Ye spoke with fervor and assurance.


    "The old tend to worry, the young tend to enjoy pleasure.


    The more worry, the more discouragement; the more pleasure, the more confidence.


    The more discouragement, the more cowardice; the more confidence, the more heroism.


    The more cowardice, the more carelessness; the more heroism, the more adventure.


    The more carelessness, the more annihtion; the more adventure, the more creation.


    The old people easily tire of things, while the young often find pleasure in things.


    Tiredness results in people who think nothing is possible; Pleasure results in people who think everything is possible.


    If the old are like the setting sun, the young a rising sun.


    The old are like a lean ox, the young a tiger cub.


    The old are like a monk, the young a heroic knight.


    The old are like a dictionary, the young a y script.


    The old are like opium, the young, brandy.


    The old are like a falling meteorite, the young a coral ind in the ocean.


    The old are like a willow, the young the grass in spring.


    The old man is a dead sea that retains, the young the source of the Yangtze River.


    From this, we know that the aged and the young both have their own merits and uses."


    With that, Zhang Ye summarized.


    "If they cast away their prejudices and work together for the country, their services to the people shall be immense!"


    Old people are cowards?


    Old people hate the world?


    Old people did not dare take risks?


    Old people are like old oxen? They are like people taking in opium? They are like crashing celestial bodies?


    There were many old professors and lecturers from Peking University present. The moment they heard this, they were all ring with anger. No one liked hearing that!


    Yan Jiantao was erupting with anger. The other elderly people were still fine, as they knew Zhang Ye''s words were not directed at them, but these words were definitely scolding him, Yan Jiantao!


    Su Na eximed in a daze, "Teacher Zhang is mad! Why is he scolding people?"


    Professor Zeng excitedly pped his thigh, "He isn''t mad! He is also not scolding people!"


    "But, but...there are words of contempt!" Su Na could not understand.


    Professor Zeng chuckled and said, "If ''old people'' like us can''t even endure the words of contempt for the children, then we would truly be the type of people mentioned by Little Zhang! Nicely said, Little Zhang! This kid always broadens everyone''s horizons every time he speaks!"


    All the youths felt their blood boiling with excitement!


    Zhang Ye ignored all the angry stares of those old professors.


    "The cause of a geronto China of the present were the results of the Chinese old.


    The responsibility of a young China of the future lies with the Chinese youth.


    What can the old provide in ideas, not much time is left for them in this world, while our youths are the future that will create ties with the world.


    Like a renter where a ce of residence shifts tomorrow, I''ll be moving into this ce today.


    The renter, does not show care for the windows, the corridors aren''t swept, it is understandable, so what''s strange about it!


    As for the young, my future is vast, but my past, in retrospect, is far-reaching.


    If China is enved, enduring the cruel torture of the whip, only the youth will bear it.


    If we''re to dominate, being a leader of Earth, the glory of thismand, rests on our youths.


    What has this got to do with those decrepit on death''s door who have be neighbors with the deadly ghosts?


    If they remain indifferent, still alright it would be.


    If we remain indifferent, alright it would not be.


    If the entire country''s youth are filled with vigor, China would be a country of the future, having limitless possibilities.


    If the entire country''s youth are gentrified, China would return to bing a country of the past, sumbing soon to its end!"


    Up to here, there were more and more people looking at Zhang Ye with shock!


    Wu Zeqing gave a faint smile.


    The Old Vice President gasped!


    Another Vice President was also stunned for a moment and did not say a word. He looked deeply at Wu Zeqing. Where did this Old Wu get such a person!?


    A few elderly people were still reminiscing his words. The goal of Zhang Ye''s lecture was not to scold them. Although his words were somewhat disrespectful, if one thought it through, there was no such meaning. Zhang Ye was guiding and educating the "Young" present!


    Yan Jiantao could not ept it as he grit his teeth!


    Cao Mengmeng looked around in puzzlement. "What is my bro saying? Why can''t I understand a thing?"


    Teacher Leng passionately clenched her fists. "Your brother...is now doing an important speech that will subvert the current understanding of education! Students! Everyone, listen up! You must listen carefully and not miss a single word, or you will regret this for life! If you do not understand, no worries. You will slowly understand in the future! You just need to remember one point. The talent of one Teacher Zhang Ye surpasses a billion people!"


    Cao Mengmeng said happily, "Really?"


    Anguage ss representative sitting beside Cao Mengmeng understood the speech. "Mengmeng, your bro is really too good! He will be my idol from now on!"


    Another Shanghai secondary school teacher also hung a look of disbelief from his face. "This is what''s considered a truly great speech!" Following that, he looked at his students. "All of you listen to it carefully! Teacher Zhang Ye is risking condemnation, and is willing to sacrifice his own future...to teach you! You...must not betray Teacher Zhang Ye''s well intentions!" Upon saying this, the teacher''s hands began to tremble. He never expected Zhang Ye to do so much for the children. If he asked himself honestly, he would not have done so. He could not take such a risk to teach the children, nor did he have such literary talent!


    Many students solemnly nodded their heads. "Teacher, we understand!" From their teacher''s expression, they knew how important this was.


    Yao Mi was already dumbfounded!


    Senior Song gasped. "Teacher Zhang is..."


    Senior Zhou also stood up in impulse. "Stop talking! All of you stop talking! Listen to what Teacher Zhang still has to say!"


    Zhang Ye looked at the students in their seats. He was pleased. From the looks on their faces, he knew that his words had gotten to them. Those who could participate in the g were not mediocre. They were all the straight A students or top students of their schools. This bit of textual difficulty would not stump them.


    Very happy.


    Zhang Ye was very satisfied.


    Since you all understand, since you enjoy listening to it, then there''s nothing I cannot say. So what if I offend others? As long as you take in what you hear, as long as you gain something for it, then even I were to offend ten thousand people, a hundred thousand people, or even a million people, I will also not blink an eye!


    The world may criticize me, but I do so without regrets!


    "Today''s responsibility is not taken by others, but taken by young people." Zhang Ye breathed out and held onto the microphone while saying the famous words from ''Ode to Young China'' that everyone knew.


    "If the young people are wise, the country will be wise;


    if the young people are rich, the country will be rich;


    if the young people are strong, the country will be strong;


    if the young people are independent, the country will be independent;


    if the young people are free, the country will be free;


    if the young people make progress, the country will make progress;


    if the young people can get ahead of Europe, the country will get ahead of Europe;


    if the young people are on top of the world, the country will be on top of the world!"


    If the young people are strong, the country will be strong?


    If the young people are wise, the country will be wise?


    When he said this, there were already more and more middle school students and teachers standing up from their seats!


    Zhang Ye looked at everyone.


    "The nascent red light, shines the great light.


    An underground streaming river, a swift surging sea.


    Latent dragons leaping chasms, scaled ws flying.


    Tiger cubs roaring in the valleys, shocking all beasts.


    The eagle tests its wings, sucking up dust storms.


    The exquisite first bloom, propitious and majestic.


    The strike of the weapon, the beam shows its effects.


    Standing in the world, shouldering the sky.


    Backed by splendid history and culture.


    A promising, far-reaching future!"


    Upon saying this, Zhang Ye''s voice suddenly rose, as he pointed with great aplomb at the skies.


    "My beautiful young China that is as eternal as heaven!"


    Then, Zhang Ye pointed to the ground forcefully.


    "My magnificent Chinese youth who are as bountiful as thend!"


    At this instant, all the young students that hade to participate in the g, and even Peking University''s students, all could not help but stand up!

 Chapter 345: Face-smacking Zhang shows his powers yet again!

    <h4>Chapter 345: Face-smacking Zhang shows his powers yet again! </h4>


    Chapter 345: Face-smacking Zhang shows his powers yet again!


    Zhang Ye finished his speech!


    The whole auditorium was silent.


    Ka, shua, only the sound of the seats rocked back one by one, as person after person stood up within a short 3 seconds. Almost everyone stood up and no one spoke a word. All they did was stare at Zhang Ye, who stood on stage, in shock. Thousands of students, thousands of gazes. A sea of ck heads stood within the auditorium. The scene at this moment was very stunning!


    What a good ''My beautiful young China that is as eternal as heaven''!


    What a good ''My magnificent Chinese youth who are as bountiful as thend''!


    What sort of speech was this!?


    What sort of feelings were these!?


    Some students still might not understand some of the vernacrnguage used earlier, but thest few paragraphs were fully understood by them. Their blood surged and Zhang Ye closing speech had acted like an igniter that lit up every student''s hearts!


    Young China!


    This is our China!


    When some of the students heard thest bit, they couldn''t control themselves as their eyes turned red. It was excitement! It was touching! There was an impulse and their tears could no longer be held back and started streaming down!


    I''m crying?


    How can it be?


    Why am I crying?


    Some students reached for their eyes, not believing that they were tearing up. Since when had they not involuntarily felt sleepy whenever they listened to a teacher''s speech. The words would always go in through one ear and out the other. Although they would act like they were listening, in fact nothing was even processed, but now, today, Zhang Ye''s speech had managed to move them to tears. They did not know why, no one did, but many of them just couldn''t control themselves!


    A few secondary school teachers couldn''t help but tear up too. Today, they understood why whenever they went into a tirade of enlightening them with reason and touching their hearts, the students would oppose them. It would not get through to most of them. The teachers had discussed this in private before and even took courses at Beijing Normal University, going as far as organizing discussions regarding this issue. In the end, they could only conclude that the biggest problem was the rebellious nature of youngsters, a psychological issue that was natural and not something they could change. They could only wait it out for the kids to grow up and get past the rebellious stages of life before they would be able to understand the reasonings behind their pleas, before they would be able to understand their teachers'' hard work and care!


    But today, all of these teachers knew they were wrong. They were wrong as hell!


    It wasn''t that the students did not want to listen!


    They did not rebel because they had to listen to long exnations!


    It wasn''t the fault of the students, nor was it the issue of rebellious natures!


    It was because the root of the problem was in the things that the educator talked about!


    What they had tried to get across did not get into the minds of these children!


    This fact was not epted by many of them and it was very difficult to ept as well, but the truth was right before their eyes and they could say nothing about it!


    Zhang Ye did it!


    "Ode to Young China" had done it!


    Seeing all those passionate and enthusiastic children, everything had an answer!


    The youths had a rebellious nature?


    No!


    This was just an excuse they used!


    The children''s rebellious nature was really down to...... these educators, because none of them had the literary talents of Zhang Ye!


    Many of them thought to themselves, if only they had 10% of Zhang Ye''s level of teaching or 10% if his literary quality, their rtionship with their students would definitely not be as it was now. The students would definitely listen to their ss attentively!


    But there could only be one Zhang Ye!


    This sort of speech, this kind of essay, only a person like him could say something like that!


    Many of these secondary school teachers felt a sense of powerlessness, because what could they do even if they knew?


    None of them could emte Zhang Ye!


    No one couldpare to Teacher Zhang Ye''s literary talent!


    ......


    On stage.


    Zhang Ye nodded, "My closing speech is as such. This is what I wanted to say and is all that I will say. Thank you everyone." Then he looked over to the two hosts.


    Yan Jin did not walk over.


    Her husband, Zhao Xuan, did not move either.


    The couple could only stare at Zhang Ye in shock, dumbfounded by his speech.


    Then when they reacted, the g was already at an end. Yan Jin hesitated, but immediately gave a sign to Zhang Ye, making some motions and then pointing to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye understood that they wanted him to do the announcement, so he did not reject after hesitating for a short moment. He picked up the microphone and said, "Leaders, distinguished guests, students, and fellow teachers. Then let me announce, the 7th National Primary and Secondary School New Year G has sessfullye to an end!"


    Hua!


    The apuse instantly thundered out!


    "Teacher Zhang!" someone unknown shouted!


    Then, the audience gradually started chanting together!


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    The chants became more and more in order!


    Then it unified as one voice!


    A few thousand students had actually managed to shout "Teacher Zhang" in unison. There was a mixture of boys and girls voices!


    The scene was even more emotionally touching than earlier. If this was a concert, then it wouldn''t be that strange. It was normal for everyone to shout out a singer''s name, but this wasn''t the case here. This was a g event, an event that consisted of primary and secondary students in which Zhang Ye had done ast minute closing speech, yet he had received such a response from the children!


    Many of the Peking University teachers looked at each other!


    Cao Mengmeng was extremely pleased as she joined in the apuse too!


    Yao Mi raised her hands and shouted, "Teacher Zhang!


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    Senior Zhou was also very excited at this moment. He followed along with the students in shouting out Zhang Ye''s name!


    The scene was chaotic. The students were too passionate. The situation was a little hard to handle now and even those teachers, who were trying to lead their sses out of the auditorium, found it difficult to do so. Some of them tried to lead the students away, but they refused to leave. They kept on chanting!


    Regarding this speech, the children had different views about it than those teachers with an educational perspective. The children had their own perspectives too. How many years had it been, how many generations had passed, but the textbooks were always the same. Their teachers'' teaching methods were also the same, just like how Yan Jiantao had put it in his speech earlier. Everyone was at the top looking down to them. All the teachers and adults used the same attitudes and educational methods on them, thinking that they did not know a thing, that they were still only children. The adults only wanted them to listen to their words and follow in their footsteps. Generation after generation of brainwashing, generation after generation of instilling, to let the children believe in all these things, slowly grinding down their spirits, slowly pulling them into the values that an adult should have and then finally bing parents themselves and using the exact same methods to educate their own children!


    But Teacher Zhang was not the same!


    Zhang Ye did not look at them like children or people who didn''t know a thing!


    Zhang Ye had told them loudly today �� That China belongs to the youths!


    China belonged to them!


    They were not weak!


    They were the pirs of the country!


    To the children, this was not a talk. It was a bellow. It was a kind of trust that let them want to stand up and raise their heads. To let them present their proudest side to everyone. That sort of passion was something they could not describe with words!


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye had already walked off the stage and was returning to his seat.


    Su Na looked at him from afar and gave him a thumbs up high in the air to him!


    Professor Zeng and a lot of the Chinese department teachers also nodded to Zhang Ye. Most of them did not teach literature, but were also from the Chinese department. At least their literary levels were considered to be high. In the past, some of these Chinese department teachers had already admitted that Zhang Ye''s level was definitely higher than theirs, but even that had a limit. They probably felt that it was only higher than their own by a little, but when they heard Zhang Ye''s speech today, they finally realized how childish their thoughts were. It was evenughable. To be able to give such a speech, his literary level was definitely on a different scale than theirs. It was the type that had no way to bepared at all!


    The difference was too wide!


    There was no way to evenpare!


    As for Professor Yan?


    Zhang Ye and Yan Jiantao, who was better?


    After Zhang Ye came back, the teachers and students who were there and knew about the conflict between the two of them all secretly looked towards Professor Yan. They were very clear that there was no need forparison anymore!


    Who was better?


    Everyone knew the answer!


    Who said that Zhang Ye didn''t understand educational literature?


    If he didn''t know, then no one in this world knows!


    It wasn''t that Zhang Ye did not know about this field, but just that he did not show it!


    This "Ode to Young China" prose had literally shocked countless numbers of people!


    Speaking of its content, Yan Jiantao''s earlier speech of encouragement wasparatively lousier. It was basically a pile of dog sh*t!


    One would fear having something for reference. Now that they looked back on it, Professor Yan''s crappy speech was something that should not even have been presented!


    In terms of education, literature, and even the interest and thought provoking nature to the students, Zhang Ye''s speech had totally left Professor Yan''s speech in the dust!


    What''s more, Zhang Ye''s most fatal blow was his sarcastic scolding!


    In most cases, in an educational speech, there was definitely no way to have words that scolded anyone, but to everyone''s astonishment, Zhang Ye was indeed the country''s most sarcastic literary person!


    His style of scolding was already ingrained into his bones. He could ce his scolding anywhere in them!


    In the speech, there were countless parallelism usage of insulting words, which were directed at the ''old people'', Yan Jiantao!


    Vividly portraying Zhang Ye''s sarcasm to its best, it could even be ced within an educational speech to scold people!


    And it was even done so naturally. Scolding someone until they were rendered speechless, there had never been a case like this before!


    Furthermore?


    Yan Jiantao''s script for the speech had been prepared many days in advance!


    Zhang Ye had been summoned to save the situation at the veryst minute. It was an impromptu speech and it was even in vernacr form!


    The cadence of giving a speech was also not something that Yan Jiantao couldpete with him on. From this, it could be said that Zhang Ye was on apletely different level to Yan Jiantao!


    Oh?


    Where''s Old Yan?


    Everyone, looked for him. Professor Yan, who had still been around a while earlier, had now disappeared. He must have quietly left after suffering from such a great loss of face!


    In the afternoon, Professor Yan was still high and mighty, repressing down on others with his qualifications. Educating Zhang Ye, criticizing Zhang Ye, speaking to Zhang Ye like he didn''t know anything, but right now, Zhang Ye''s short speech had turned the tables around. He had scolded him and smacked his face!


    s, Professor Yan''s face had been thrown all the way to his grandmother''s house this time!

 Chapter 346: I didn’t scold the Old!

    <h4>Chapter 346: I didn''t scold the Old! </h4>


    Chapter 346: I didn''t scold the Old!


    After the g ended.


    Although it was a g, it was only 6 PM when it ended.


    "That was really enjoyable."


    "Right, it was worthing to this g."


    "It really wasn''t for nothinging all the way here to Beijing."


    "Although the programs average and always the same old, every g is about the same anyway. However, Teacher Zhang Ye''s closing speech really stirred you up!"


    "Just that closing speech alone made it worthwhileing!"


    "As expected for Teacher Zhang Ye to understand us. He''s so much better than the other teachers!"


    "When I return home, I''ll definitely work harder. This speech might have changed my life!"


    "Me too. I won''t need my teachers and parents to force me to study anymore!"


    Many of the students that came from the various provinces were greatly moved. They had gained a lot from this g, or to put it another way, this closing speech of Zhang Ye. This sort of encouraging form of education, this ssic speech of "Ode to Young China" was literally priceless. Anyone who listened to it live felt like they had received a windfall. Some of the secondary school teachers even made up their minds to analyze Zhang Ye''s speech thoroughly when they returned, and reproduce it for the students who were unable toe to the g!


    The people not from Peking University all left.


    A few Peking University leaders walked back slowly.


    An elderly Vice President, who was even older than the President, said, "President Wu, I never had the chance to ask you. Why did you decide on inviting a host to join us?"


    Wu Zeqing did not directly answer him. She smiled, "A host might not necessarily be a bad teacher."


    Another Vice President looked at her, "Old Wu, that might not be guaranteed. Your Chinese department''s Little Zhang has caused trouble once again. Who will clean up this mess? Let''s think about it first?"


    Wu Zeqing said indifferently, "But this closing speech doesn''t have any problems, right?"


    The elderly Vice President said, "From the child''s point of view, there''s no problem, but from other points of views, there are too many problems. It will be quite problematic. If need be, we might even need to consult the President. Well, it would be bad if this matter blows up. If society demands an answer from us, that would be very troublesome."


    Wu Zeqing said, "I have already informed the filming crew and the official website staff not to upload the closing speech. Only the g''s content will be uploaded."


    The elderly Vice President said, "That''s just a form of self-deception. There were so many reporters present, and there were cameras from every television stations. It can''t be covered up. It will all be up to Little Zhang''s luck on whether or not he can get through this. This matter isn''t serious, but neither is it trivial. The crux of the issue depends on the attitude of society. If he can''t get through this, the punishment dealt to Little Zhang would definitely not be lenient. He would also find it very difficult to find another job in academia."


    Another Vice President said, "It''s such a pity."


    The elder Vice President looked at Wu Zeqing, "By the way, Old Wu, Zhang Ye is now teaching ''Appreciation of the ssics'' in your Chinese department? I think he is actually quite suitable for teaching history too. How about it? Why not get your Chinese department to first fire him, as a form of punishment, and then let Little Zhange over to the History department to seek refuge?" The History department was under his charge.


    Wu Zeqing looked back and said in a lukewarm fashion, "Are you trying to wreck my department?"


    The elderly Vice President waved his hands with a smile. "No, I''m not. I''m just looking out for Little Zhang."


    Wu Zeqing curved her soft lips. "Aren''t you afraid Little Zhang will cause trouble in your History department?"


    "Not at all. A person with talent always has a bit of temper or is somewhat anti-social. As the saying goes, a person not envied by others is mediocre." The elderly Vice President said.


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "What a coincidence. I think so, too."


    The elderly Vice President threw up his hands, "Fine, pretend I never said a thing."


    After Zhang Ye''s closing speech, there were already more and more people who had their sights set on him. Even Vice Presidents from other departments wanted him for themselves!


    They did not care about his temper!


    They did not care about his character!


    Zhang Ye''s talent was the real deal!


    After the elderly Vice President heard "Ode to Young China", he suddenly had a fond heart towards such a talent!


    They had arrived at their office building, but the moment they entered, they saw more than a dozen people. Leading them was Yan Jiantao. He had left the auditorium early toe here. There were many elderly professors and lecturers behind him. Their stance was formidable and they looked unfriendly.


    "Old President!"


    "President Wu!"


    "Zhang Ye is being too much, right?"


    "This matter needs to be severely dealt with!"


    "How can he scold people? Does he have any virtuous shred of respect for elders? We have dedicated our entire lives to teaching education! He just negated everything we have done with a single speech? We became those who lead people astray and are nosy? We have be old debauchee that take opium?"


    The three Vice Presidents looked at each other. "Come on, let''s talk inside."


    ......


    The other side.


    Outside the Grand Auditorium.


    After Su Na picked up a phone call, her expression changed. She hurriedly ran towards Zhang Ye, interrupting his chat with Professor Zeng.


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Su? What''s seems to be the matter?"


    "I just heard that Professor Yan and a bunch of other faculty professors have gone toin to the Vice Presidents. They request for disciplinary action be dealt to you, removing you from the education system!"


    "Is that all? I got it."


    "What did you get? You can evenugh?"


    "Then what can I do? Their mouths belong to them, I can''t do anything about that."


    "You should be rushing over there and at least be able to exin yourself."


    "That''s right. Alright, I''ll go. Thanks Teacher Su. Professor Zeng, I''ll be leaving first. I won''t be able to treat you today, but maybe some other day."


    "Go on ahead!"


    "Why are you even talking about food? Go ahead!"


    ......


    Downstairs.


    Zhang Ye looked up before striding inside. Zhang Ye was in no way surprised about the elderly professors massints. He had anticipated it and was already mentally prepared. The moment he had gone on stage, Zhang Ye knew very clearly that including "Ode to Young China" in his closing speech had its dangers. This prose was heavily disputed even in his world. The prose had entered textbooks, but it was not in its entirety, only excerpts. The excerpts were only limited to thest two paragraphs said by Zhang Ye today. The textbook''s "Ode to Young China" did not have any phrases that scolded "the old" as they were deleted, leaving only thest few paragraphs. This was enough to illustrate how serious the problem was disputed.


    Come on.


    I''ll take on any move of yours!


    At the worst, I''ll just be dismissed. It''s not like it''ll the first time!


    Zhang Ye was quite a carefree soul. Since he hadpleted his lectures on ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', he did not mind too much, but honestly, this was not Zhang Ye''s true thoughts. He still cared about some things. Despite having only worked for slightly more than ten days, his feelings towards Peking University and the students were like that among family members. He felt like a fish in water, and especially liked the job as lecturer. He certainly would miss this job. If possible, he definitely wanted to carry on teaching at Peking University. Just leave like that? Zhang Ye would also feel indignant about it!


    President Wu trusted him so much!


    The students liked him so much!


    Zhang Ye definitely wanted to fight back for he did not wish to leave. Furthermore, he had told his students that he would carry on teaching them "Appreciation of the ssics" next year!


    "President Wu!"


    "Is there any need for consideration?"


    "Is he even in the right to scold us old people?"


    Before entering, one could already hear Yan Jiantao and another professor''s voice from outside!


    Zhang Ye stepped forward and knocked on the door. Knock, knock.


    "Come in." It was the elderly Vice President''s voice.


    Zhang Ye entered and pretended to be stunned. "There''s so many people?"


    President Wu waved her hand. "Come over here Little Zhang. You came just in time."


    Yan Jiantao looked coldly at Zhang Ye. "Zhang Ye, what''s the meaning behind your closing speech?"


    Zhang Ye blinked his eyes and said, "What do you mean by meaning?"


    "Don''t act the fool!" An elderly professor from the Philosophy department said, "You are a person with parents and seniors. Can your conscience feel alright after you scolded ''old people'' in such a way?"


    Zhang Ye said with an rmed look, "Ah? Who scolded old people? Tell me, I''ll fight that person for all of you!"


    A few elderly professors nearly fainted. They were thinking how great this darn kid was at acting. "You asked who scolded!? You were the one! Did you forget what you said?"


    Zhang Ye said with an exaggerated gasp, "When did I? Heh! Is it a misunderstanding? It has to be a misunderstanding! So you were talking about my speech from just now? Hey, I didn''t scold old people. Those words were just literary metaphors and analogies. The so-called ''old people'' in my speech was referring to a mental age. It''s a state of mind, an antiquated statement in general that does not refer to anyone in particr. It''s not talking about old people. Aiyah, so this was the problem? All of you have misunderstood me! All of you as professors are famous in the world of academia, and pirs of support of Peking University. You are not ''old people''. In my eyes, you are all vibrant youths! ''Ode to Young China'' is also referring to everyone!"


    Yan Jiantao: "����"


    The few old professors: "......"


    A female secretary in the office could not help but let out a stifledugh.


    Zhang Ye carried on with his nonsense. "The few of you have been in education for decades. Your understanding in literature can''t be bad. In literary and figurative writing, it is verymon to use metaphors. For example, ''the sun smiled warmly''. How can the sun smile? If it really cracks a smile, then there would be an explosion! Our Universe might be destroyed! It''s just an anthropomorphic metaphor! For me, I''m doing the exact opposite. When I used the words ''the old'', it is a metaphor for ''antiquated'', or else what should I say? Should I just use the word antiquated? That wouldn''t sound good, and it would not have any poetic feel. It would be too direct and impetuous. Professor Yan is also in literature, so he must understand this, right? In literature, you need to have a bit of pretense. Use some anthropomorphism and quasi-physical metaphors to make it sound more awesome. I really did not mean any harm!"


    Yan Jiantao said angrily, "You are speaking nonsense!"


    Zhang Ye said innocently, "I did not. That''s really what I meant. Could it be that you, Professor Yan thought yourself as ''the old''? That you are antiquated and aging?"


    Yan Jiantao said angrily, "I''m still young!"


    Zhang Ye pointed. "That''s it! Isn''t this how it should be? I also think of you as a young man, so how could I be scolding you!? This is all about someone who doesn''t know literary metaphors trying to malign me due to ulterior motives!" Turning his head to face Wu Zeqing andpany, he said, "Leaders, you must be fair to me!"


    When the few elderly professors heard this, they were all rendered speechless!


    This Zhang Ye was indeed eloquent! Even while defending himself, he did not forget to abuse others!


    He even talked about metaphors?


    Metaphors your sister!


    Even primary school students would be able to tell that you were scolding old people!

 Chapter 347: "How the Steel Was Tempered" excerpt!

    <h4>Chapter 347: "How the Steel Was Tempered" excerpt! </h4>


    Chapter 347: "How the Steel Was Tempered" excerpt!


    At night.


    Zhang Ye returned home.


    The moment he walked in, Mom gave him a displeased look. "You even have the nerve toe back? Other people had a g for primary and secondary school students which had nothing to do with you, but why must everything notck you? Do you feel ufortable being too free? You don''t feel good if you don''t stir up some trouble everyday? Son, I''m really impressed by you. Your mother''s heart isn''t good. Stop giving me surprises all the time. We are in an aging society, and there are so many old people in society, but you sure were good. You scolded all of them in one breath. You even included your father and I!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Who did you hear that from?"


    "Is there a need to hear? I saw it on the inte" Mom huffed and puffed.


    Zhang Ye eximed, "You sure are getting better at using your cellphone. You are moving well with the times."


    Mom said, "Don''t try changing the subject. Let your father scold you to see if you are deserving of it!"


    Dad looked at his son and ignored his wife. "Is it alright on the school''s side? Would it affect your career at Peking University?"


    "I don''t know. It''s hard to say." Zhang Ye took off his coat. "I''m now resigned to fate. I leave it to do as it pleases, for I''m not in the wrong. I did what I had to do as a teacher. For the children, sacrificing myself leads to the benefit of everyone."


    Mom stared at him. "You''re still in the mood to jest!"


    "Enough from you." Dad said to Mom, before saying to his son, "Little Ye, we know you are well aware of things. We don''t understand your job, nor do we bother about it. We know you can handle it well."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged. "Thanks Dad."


    Mom was speechless. "The two of you are of the same heart!"


    Dad said, "Stop nagging. Hurry up and prepare food for our son. Nagging all day won''t solve anything, right? Hurry, I''m hungry too."


    Mom snorted angrily before throwing her hands up and walking to the kitchen.


    Once Mom left, Dad nudged his chin towards the kitchen and whispered, "Ignore her. She''s suffering from menopause."


    Zhang Yeughed. Since dinner was not ready yet, it would take at least half an hour before he could eat. Hence, he returned to his room and closed the door. He switched on hisputer and checked the effects of his speech.


    The inte was also bustling.


    "Aiyah, hey! Aiyah, hey!"


    "Wife,e and take a look! Teacher Zhang is scolding people again again again again again again again again!"


    "Husband, I''ming! Teacher Zhang really scolded people again again again again again again again again?"


    "A few days ago, he dered war on the entire literary world. Great, it''s just been a few days and he has dered war again? This time it''s on the older age groups?"


    "Hahaha! What good news!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang is back in action! Everyone, be careful!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s scolding increases in scale every time!"


    "It''s not scolding. Didn''t you hear the original version of the closing speech? It''s mainly to teach the children!"


    "Right, how can you say he is scolding people? The ''old'' mentioned was just a metaphor. It''s just an analogy! This speech''s intention is to educate, and not derisive!"


    "That''s right, although Teacher Zhang is notorious, and has quite a bit of ''stains'' on record, this ''Ode to Young China'' is really not scolding!"


    "Did you hear the original speech?"


    "I only saw the textual version."


    "I suggest that everyone to listen to it. The power delivered through text is too weak. Itcks the punch. Zhang Ye''s passion when he made the speech, especially thosest few words, must be listened for it really f**king makes your blood boil! That literary talent is really defying of the heavens! I heard this finale''s closing speech was assigned to Teacher Zhang at thest minute, so that he could save the situation. He did not have any preparations beforehand, and expressed himself on the spot!"


    "Impossible!"


    "Are you sure?"


    "F**k! He could do it so well even while doing impromptu?"


    "It''s true. I heard about it too. When the Peking University''s President couldn''te at thest minute due to some sickness, there was only about ten minutes left to inform everyone else. No one wanted to do it since there was no script. So they thought of Teacher Zhang Ye, a person who never uses a script during his programs or sses, to let him do the speech. They really found the right person. Teacher Zhang really does not need scripts. Such arge prose with obscure meanings, yet is so orderly, poetic and logical. It was even educative and highly impactful. Zhang Ye is Zhang Ye! Awesome!"


    "That''s right, that''s so empowering!"


    "My magnificent Chinese youth!"


    "Today, I have once again witnessed the quality of Zhang Ye''s speeches!"


    "Teacher Zhang has always had such a level. I''m not surprised about this, but what I''m worrying now is about those sentences about old people. It might cause quite serious effects!"


    The official g''s video posted by Peking University did not have Zhang Ye''s closing speech, but the reporters present were not to be trifled with. The moment they returned, they uploaded the missing parts on their own television stations or official newspaper websites. Following that, it had gone viral once again over the inte!


    Just after ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was over!


    Alright, it was really one event seeding another!


    A bunch of people eximed over Zhang Ye''s speech. A bunch of people supported Zhang Ye''s speech, while another bunch of people appeared and started scolding Zhang Ye. They said things like how he was full of nonsense and how hecked respect for his elders. Anyways, regardless of what Zhang Ye did or say, it would cause quite a bigmotion. This fellow was naturally born with a "Hatred Halo". Ever since he entered Peking University, he had never been lying low. He was the most controversial teacher in academia. No one disagreed on this point. Wherever Zhang Ye was, there would definitely be controversy. Those who liked him loved him to death, and right to their bones. As for those who disliked him, they hated him to the death, all the way, deep into their flesh!


    On Weibo, discussion forums, or Tieba, there were constantly people questioning Zhang Ye, scolding his disrespect towards the elderly. Regardless of his intentions, saying such things was incorrect. There were even people asking him to scram from academia!


    ......


    These praises and scoldings were all seen by Zhang Ye. After being in the entertainment circle for some time, Zhang Ye no longer suffered from a pale face of anxiety towards all this. Regardless of the matter, he had already done and said it. There was no such thing as taking back the water that had been spilled, hence, Zhang Ye did not "repent" and instead began typing, posting the original text of "Ode to Young China" on his Weibo and Tieba. The textual version had been posted by others, but as many of the words were rather obscure, people did not have the ability to simplify or understand it too well. There were still many mistakes, so Zhang Ye typed out the official version of the text, so as to prevent the wrong version from leading people astray!


    The moment he posted his speech on Weibo and Tieba, his fame hit the roof!


    Weibo''s forwarding kept rising and in a blink of an eye, it increased by a few hundred, and after another, it was at a thousand!


    "Supporting Teacher Zhang!"


    "Unconditional support for Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang is the conscience of the industry!"


    "Who shouted to dismiss Zhang Ye? I''m the first to disagree!"


    "Swearing to support Teacher Zhang Ye! Supporting ''Ode to Young China''!"


    "If Teacher Zhang is fired because of this, I''ll drop out of school! I''ll never go to school in the future!"


    "Count me in! If a teacher like Zhang Ye is removed from the educational world, then the educational world has no one else! Teacher Zhang Ye is the only good teacher in my heart!"


    "Students! Everyone unite together!"


    "Right! Teacher Zhang has been spurned by others because of us! If we don''t step forward to speak for ourselves, then when do we speak!?"


    "We cannot let Teacher Zhang leave!"


    Seeing others denouncing Zhang Ye, a countless number of students rushed over, expressing their support. There were more and more people, such as Zhang Ye''s Tieba fan club. As the number of people posting increased sharply, just a refresh of the page would see dozens, if not a hundred new threads appear. In the end, there was nearly an "Exploding Flood". Zhang Ye''s Tieba fan club could not be opened for a whole two minutes, as people from everywhere surged over to express their support! Nearly all the students and youths stood behind Zhang Ye! Although it was an aging society, the power of the youth was always thergest and most craziest in any society!


    Replies reached 10,000...


    Replies reached 50,000...


    Weibo''s forwarding hit 8000!


    Weibo''s Likes reached 28,000!


    Zhang Ye once again stood on the precipice of the wave!


    Seeing countless numbers of children vocally supporting him, Zhang Ye felt different from the past. In the past, be it him scolding people or deriding people, it was all done on impulse. It was mainly for him to vent, but now, Zhang Ye was really without me or regret because this was not only venting for himself, but the speech was also for the millions of children. From ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', Zhang Ye felt that as someone who came from a different world. He had some responsibilities to shoulder. He could not always do everything for himself, so he had used the astounding "Ode to Young China" from his world today, so as to give this world''s "lethargic" youths a boost.


    There was not much he could do, so that was pretty much the only thing he could do.


    Thinking of the people of the past, and the greats that had sacrificed and dedicated their lives towards education from his world, Zhang Ye felt that the bit of trouble he got himself in was nothing. He had to persist on!


    "Zhang Ye is too great at causing trouble."


    "He must be regretting to death now."


    "Regardless if he is right or wrong, Zhang Ye really does not know the ways of the world. For some meaningless things, he goes all around offending people, ending up having enemies everywhere. At some point, he will have reached his end. Can''t he take things easy? In our country, people talk about not going too far."


    "That''s right. Look at him now. Just from this speech, his job at Peking University might even be lost."


    On Weibo, there were some people, who sat on the fence, discussing this matter.


    After many people saw this, they were also puzzled if Zhang Ye was feeling regret at this moment? Or was he furious? If he knew this would be the result, would he still have said that speech this afternoon?


    "@ZhangYe."


    "Is Teacher Zhang around?"


    "Why hasn''t Teacher Zhang spoken a word today?"


    Many people were worried about Zhang Ye. They either @ him or private messaged him.


    Zhang Ye saw this and closed his eyes to think. Then he immediately touched his keyboard, and typed out words that immediately tied up tongues and popped eyes, "Man''s dearest possession is life. It is given to him but once, and he must live it so as to feel no torturing regrets for wasted years, never know the burning shame of a mean and petty past; so live that, dying, he might say: all my life, all my strength were given to the finest cause in all the world����the fight for the Liberation of Education!"


    This was an excerpt from his world''s "How the Steel Was Tempered", but had been slightly altered!


    Zhang Ye used it to perfectly express his unwavering attitude!

 Chapter 348: Going on People’s Daily!

    <h4>Chapter 348: Going on People''s Daily! </h4>


    Chapter 348: Going on People''s Daily!


    Feel no torturing regrets for wasted years?


    Never know the burning shame of a mean and petty past?


    This was not a poem, nor was it prose. It was like amon sentence, but when Zhang Ye posted it on Weibo, many people, who were poking fun at orughing at Zhang Ye immediately stopped speaking, and became silent!


    What sort of person could write something like that?


    What sort of person would have such feelings?


    The moment many people saw this new Weibo post from Zhang Ye, they suddenly felt great amounts of respect for Zhang Ye. They did not know what to say, nor did they have anything to say!


    "Haha, well said!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s words are always so poetic!"


    "This is his literary talent! It''spletely peerless!"


    "Why is every word from Teacher Zhang Ye''s mouth so moving!?"


    "That''s right! There are certain truths that everyone knows, or that can be said, but when the same words aree from Teacher Zhang''s mouth, and still has the same meaning when ites out, but it feelspletely different! Isn''t he just saying ''I''m willing to devote my life to education'', but why does it feelpletely different when you hear it!? Just reading it gives me goose bumps! I have to save this passage! Too ssic!"


    "Already saved!"


    "I have a folder of Zhang Ye''s recordings on myputer. Haha, it''s devoted to recording Teacher Zhang Ye''s words. Every work of his is too great. Not only does it give you a rush, it is also thought provoking. I don''t know literature, nor do I know any great philosophical ideas, but I think this may be the most sublime literature!"


    "Forever supporting Teacher Zhang Ye! If you aren''t convinced, fight me! Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    "Big Saber Bro hase too!"


    "Teacher Zhang has already dered war! Let us blow the trumpets for war!"


    "Hahahaha, which eye of yours saw Teacher Zhang dering war?"


    "Isn''t he fighting for the liberation of education!? Since he''s fighting, if that''s not a deration of war, then what is!? Let''s go brothers! Teacher Zhang has summoned us!"


    Zhang Ye''s fan club immediately felt their morale surging. Some people were still messing around with jokes. It was quite a rxed atmosphere. Such an atmosphere could only be found in Zhang Ye''s fan club. If it was any other celebrity''s fans, they would be furious or worried if such a situation were to happen. They wouldn''t have been in the mood to jest, but Zhang Ye''s fans were different. These people had followed Zhang Ye from the beginning, and had gone through numerous storms! All of them were "battle-hardened", and no longer thought much of such "small matters". Everyone was ustomed to it! They felt that the matters of Teacher Zhang''s swearing at others daily with them joining...was the norm. If Zhang Ye stopped for one day, it would make these fans unable to get used to it!


    Flurry of discussion!


    Arguments!


    The excerpt, from "How the Steel Was Tempered", that was thrown out by Zhang Ye was also the most famous passage in the novel. It gave a boost to this matter!


    Yan Jiantao also had Weibo. He stood forward to refute!


    A few veterans of the education world and elderly professors, with more than a dozen people came forward to denounce him. They were probably egged on by Yan Jiantao!


    Zhang Ye smiled and looked past it. He did not take it to heart. The only thing that he noticed was Wu Zeqing''s Weibo ount had given him a Like. Wu Zeqing was famous in the education world, and was well known by the people. She was not a celebrity, and most people did not even know what she looked like. Although she had a verified ount , and it was just a Like, which got flooded away by others with no one paying attention to it, Zhang Ye''s sharp eyes noticed it. President Wu''s Like was not for the "Ode to Young China" Weibo post that he had posted earlier, but that passage from "How the Steel Was Tempered". Zhang Ye guessed the reason. The other post was a lot more sensitive towards the elderly, hence as Peking University''s Vice President, Wu Zeqing could not express her views. Hence, she supported Zhang Ye by Liking another Weibo post. She did not say anything, but her stance was clear!


    What should have been seen had been seen.


    What should have been said had been said.


    Alright, time to finish dinner and sleep. Tomorrow, there will probably be more denouncement!


    After finishing dinner, Zhang Ye washed up. He did not listen on to Mom''s nagging. He returned to his room and tucked himself into bed. Before 8, he was already fast asleep.


    ......


    The next day.


    In the morning, Zhang Ye got up to go to work.


    For this matter, he could not think of a way to resolve it. Although he had exined that he was not scolding old people, even this fellow would not believe his own excuses. Hai, if this was not properly dealt with, he might even be removed from the education system.


    What should he do?


    It really seems like he had to resign himself to fate!


    When he reached the office, Zhang Ye greeted everyone, "Good morning."


    "Good morning."


    "Teacher Little Zhang, you''vee?


    "Teacher Zhang, what you said on Weibo yesterday was really good!"


    Many people also looked towards him, while others consoled him.


    Suddenly, the phone rang and Zhang Ye saw an unrecognized number. "Hello?"


    "Hello, this must be Teacher Zhang Ye, right?" It was a middle-aged man''s voice. "I''m from Nanjing University. I know you are busy, so I''ll cut to the chase."


    Nanjing University?


    What are you looking for me for?


    Zhang Ye was stunned as he said, "Oh, please go ahead."


    The middle-aged man said, "We are thinking of inviting you to teach at Nanjing University''s Chinese department next semester. The course will be up to you to choose. You can continue teaching ancient ssics electives or a main course. That can all be discussed. Then, we can see how the situation is, and if we need to change it, we will do so. Right, the Chinese department is also intending on opening up a new elective in the second half semester..." The person said a lot.


    Zhang Ye was at a loss. He quickly avoided people and went to a window by the corridor outside the office. "Thank you, but I currently do not have such ns. I''m a Beijinger, so it''s more convenient for me to teach here."


    The middle-aged man said, "Now by ne, it''s not far. You just need two to three hours to travel through the entire country. Why don''t we do this? Every ss, your air tickets will be reimbursed by us. As long as youe, anything can be discussed. We can do so in detail face to face."


    Zhang Ye tactfully rejected. "We''ll talk about it in the future. Thank you for your trust, but I''m not ready for suchrge steps yet."


    After he hung up, another telephone call came in. It was a middle-aged woman. It was Beijing Normal University''s Chinese department Dean. Her goal was the same. She was trying to invite Zhang Ye to their school to teach. Thepensation was good, and everything could be negotiable.


    What''s going on?


    Two famous schools want to invite me over?


    Didn''t they realize that this bro has a "criminal record"? The dispute of him scolding the elderly hasn''t been resolved yet, right? If it was decided that Zhang Ye was to be disciplined, it might not just be as simple as leaving the Chinese department or Peking University, but rather it was highly likely that he would have to leave academia altogether. Even if they roped him in, he would not be allowed to teach either. Once the teacher qualification Peking University had applied for him out of exception had been canceled or suspended, then he would not be able to teach at all. It was the same as how the SARFT suspended his broadcasting host qualifications.


    What''s the situation?


    Zhang Ye was a bit confused.


    But when he returned to his office, Zhang Yepletely understood. He knew why Nanjing University and Beijing Normal University had invited him!


    Su Na came to work!


    Not only had shee, but she was holding a newspaper in her hands!


    The moment Su Na arrived, she shouted, "Where''s Teacher Zhang? Is Teacher Zhang not here yet? Aiyah, hey, take a look. Quick! This is a copy of today''s People''s Daily!"


    Professor Zeng asked in surprise, "What about People''s Daily?"


    Su Na said, "You''ll know once you see it! Third page!"


    "What''s the matter?" Zhang Ye happened to enter at that exact moment.


    "Teacher Zhang, quick take a look. You were really impressive this time!" Su Na eximed.


    With Su Na''s shout, the other teachers from the Chinese department gathered around. "Let me take a look. What''s this about?"


    When they flipped to the third page and saw it, everyone eximed or turned silent from shock. "Little Zhang! Your ''Ode to Young China'' made it onto People''s Daily!"


    Zhang Ye looked at it and was also stunned!


    Holy sh*t! He really was on it! This was the People''s Daily!


    The People''s Daily was no stranger to the people. It was the country''srgest newspaper. It was a mouthpiece of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. Nomoner bought it, as it was mostly political news. There was little to do with daily life and there was nothing much in it. It wasn''t very readable, but everyone had to recognize the status of this newspaper in the country. It was the head of the pack. Every relevant institution or state-owned enterprise would subscribe to it!


    This was a political newspaper!


    The things written in it even indicated the inclinations of the political powers!


    And at this moment, "Ode to Young China" had been published in People''s Daily! Thispletely stunned everyone! Although the newspaper did not publish the full text of Zhang Ye''s speech, and had only published thest few paragraphs, it was still a very fascinating thing!


    Su Naughed. "Teacher Zhang! You must really treat us now! You have to treat us today!"


    Professor Zeng also said excitedly, "There aren''t many teachers from our Peking University who have ever gotten onto People''s Daily despite its years of history! They can be counted with one''s hands! Little Zhang, you are really in the limelight this time!"


    Zhang Ye did not even expect this himself. His heart thumped heavily. Zhang Ye was quite ttered by the affirmation given to him by the People''s Daily.


    At this moment, Yan Jiantao also arrived at work. "Why is it so noisy?"


    Then he noticed the newspaper that everyone was passing around. When he took a nce, his expression changed to that of a frozen eggnt. He did not say a word. The moment he finished reading the article, he turned around and left.


    Everyone knew that Professor Yan would no longer gather people to denounce Zhang Ye. The criticism and invective towards Zhang Ye by oldrades on the inte would probably be put to an end today! Why? There was no need to ask why! The People''s Daily had already published "Ode to Young China"! This exined that the higher-ups had affirmed Zhang Ye''s speech! This was People''s Daily! This was a protective charm! Zhang Ye no longer needed to be afraid that people would use him of showing disrespect to the elderly! The publication in People''s Daily was all Zhang Ye needed!

 Chapter 349: Popularity Rises Again!

    <h4>Chapter 349: Poprity Rises Again! </h4>


    Chapter 349: Poprity Rises Again!


    On the web.


    At first, many people were still having a continuation of the topic fromst night. There were more and more people joining in the ranks of those who supported "Ode to Young China". There were also more and more people joining the ranks of people who denounced Zhang Ye. It reached quite a fervent state. Then, suddenly, in an instant, the entire situation flipped!


    "Ah Ah Ah!"


    "My eyes!"


    "Quick take a look at People''s Daily!"


    "What about People''s Daily? Why should we look at it?"


    "It''s just a political newspaper. Whichmoner would buy it!?"


    "Let me take a look. My organization is subscribed to it...Holy sh*t! My eyes are blind! What is this? The People''s Daily has published an excerpt of ''Ode to Young China''!"


    "Impossible!"


    "F**k! Is this real or not?"


    "I have attached a picture. Please take a look for yourselves. Why would I lie to all of you!"


    When a cellphone picture of today''s edition of People''s Daily''s third page was uploaded, everyone was stunned!


    "Breaking news!"


    "That''s too awesome!"


    "Teacher Zhang has gotten onto People''s Daily!"


    "I knew it. How can ''Ode to Young China'', something that can be immortalized, be condemned by people! This would definitely be passed down for centuries!"


    Immediately, many people cried out in disbelief!


    Elder Qian, Yao Jiancai, Zhao Guozhou, Hu Fei, Xiao Lu, Hou Ge, Hou Di, Wang Xiong, Dong Shanshan, Wang Xiaomei, etc. Zhang Ye''s old friends and colleagues all forwarded it on Weibo.


    Zhao Guozhou: "Congrattions."


    Yao Jiancai: "Well done bro! Haha!"


    Xiao Lu: "Teacher Zhang is so magnificent!"


    Elder Qian: "As long as it is gold, it will glitter!"


    Dong Shanshan: "Old ssmate, I''m happy for you."


    As for those people who had denounced Zhang Ye in outrage, they immediately became silent. Arge number of people shut their mouths and silently went offline. There were still people who gave a few indignant curses, but their voices decreased till theypletely disappeared! With People''s Daily giving Zhang Ye''s speech affirmation, it was meaningless for them to carry on denouncing it!


    ......


    Afternoon.


    Zhang Ye treated everyone to lunch.


    The dining hall was in Peking University''s campus. It may have been called a dining hall, but it was actually a restaurant. Zhang Ye had reserved an area earlier. He did not know how many people would turn up, nor was hecking in money, so he decided to reserve a room for twenty people. There were two tables, so it was surely enough.


    "Teacher Zhang, congrattions."


    "Thank you Teacher Xu."


    "Little Zhang, I heard you were published by People''s Daily?"


    "Yeah, I didn''t expect it either. Professor Li. Teacher Xu, you came at the right time. I was just about to invite you to lunch. I have already reserved some tables."


    "Is it appropriate?"


    "It''s my treat. Everyone is going."


    "Haha, alright then. I''ll scrounge a meal from you then."


    "It''s almost the lunar new year winter vacation. We should gather for a meal too."


    There were more and more peopleing. Most of them were teachers from the Chinese department. Zhen Shuquan had also invited the Dean and the Dean''s secretary, but Zhen Shuquan and Chang Kaige had both not arrived at work that day. They had gone to the hospital to visit the President. Another was out of town for a conference. They were not around, so there was no other way about it. As for Yan Jiantao and those elderly professors and lecturers that had good rtionships with Yan Jiantao, Zhang Ye did not bother inviting them. He knew they were definitely feeling a grudge, and would note, so Zhang Ye did not want to bring contempt on himself. Furthermore, he had won this time, and the people that should have been scolded had been scolded, and faces smacked. If he were to invite Yan Jiantao, it would make people think he was intoxicated by sess. It would not look good on him.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    A telephone call came.


    There was no one around him, so Zhang Ye picked it up. "Hello?"


    "Hello, Zhang Ye." It was a woman''s voice. "I''m from the People''s Daily. As the manuscript was rushed, we added your speech at thest minute, so I only had the time to inform you now."


    Zhang Ye hurried said, "It''s no problem whatsoever. In fact, I''m very honored to be able to be on People''s Daily. I want to thank all of you."


    The woman smiled and said, "It was rmended by your President Wu. After examining it, we found it pretty good. Hence, we decided to add it at 3 in the morning."


    "President Wu rmended it?" Zhang Ye was stunned.


    The woman said curiously, "That''s right. You didn''t know? Well, it''s nothing. I''m contacting you to know what method you would like for us to transfer the royalty fees to you. Do you want to do it by registered post, or through the bank?"


    Zhang Ye said, "There''s no need to. I''m already extremely honored. There''s no need for money."


    "Just give me your bank ount number. These are the rules, so we need to go through the process. The royalties aren''t that much either. It''s only around 23 bucks." The woman said.


    Zhang Ye could only say, "Alright, then I''ll text you my bank ount number."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye sent her a text message. Honestly, the royalty fees from People''s Daily was ridiculously low. This wasn''t the first time Zhang Ye had been published on a newspaper. For example, for the Beijing Times, although the royalty fees were not that much, it was at least in the hundreds every time. If there were a lot of words, it could even break a thousand. Zhang Ye had received quite a bit of royalties from those poems and proses, but this was the first time he had ever received a two-digit royalty fee.


    But then again, ever since Zhang Ye debuted, he had appeared on nearly all the newspapers over the entire country, or in different provinces, but he had never appeared on thergest People''s Daily. As this publication had a political leaning towards it and had no entertainment section, if it was just amon celebrity, like singers or actors, these important figures would have no chance to appear on such a newspaper. Zhang Yuanqi was the same too, but Zhang Ye had done it. To be able to go on People''s Daily was already extremely lucky, so royalties? That was nothing of importance. Even if there wasn''t a hundred million people who wanted to get on this newspaper, there were at least tens of millions. This was something you could not obtain with money. Ignoring the 23 bucks of royalties given to him, even if Zhang Ye had to pay a million, he would be willing to do so!


    It represented fame!


    It represented prestige!


    This was a shimmering qualification!


    Was Yan Jiantao awesome? Was he experienced? Was he reputable? But our oldrade Yan had never been on People''s Daily! Or he wouldn''t have gone back to his office after knowing about the news in the morning. He had not even stepped out of it since! This was because it represented something exceptional!


    "Teacher Zhang, are we leaving?"


    "Sure, Teacher Su. Let me make a call first."


    "Alright, everyone will be waiting for you downstairs."


    "Great. Go on down first. I''ll be right there."


    Su Na came looking for him, but Zhang Ye did not go with them. He made a phone call first. Ring Ring Ring. It connected. "Hello, President Wu. It''s me, Little Zhang."


    "Little Zhang." Wu Zeqing said.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ll be treating everyone to lunch at noon. So far, it is mainly teachers from the Chinese department, would you mind showing your face?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled lightly and said, "Go on ahead. I won''t be joining in on the fun."


    "Don''t say that. You are the star. If you don''te, I won''t be able to eat." Zhang Ye said, "I heard that my ''Ode to Young China'' was rmended to People''s Daily by you. For them to use my text was mostly because of your rmendation. I must thank you properly." If it were the other Vice Presidents of Peking University who had their training in education, they wouldck this ability, but Wu Zeqing was different. Zhang Ye knew she came with political training and was a political executive. Herwork was naturally wider than other Peking University Vice Presidents.


    Wu Zeqing''s voice was always that soft and gentle. "If you say it in that way, I''ll feel guilty. Hur Hur. You know better than anyone else what your speech represents. It''s your literary talent that allowed you to be rewarded with such honors. It has little to do with me. I only took on the role of rmending it. That was all."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve already reserved a ce. We are just waiting for you. I''m just not sure if you are in your office, if not, I would have invited you in person."


    "Don''t go. I''m not in the office. Well, alright then. Go on ahead first. Once I''m finished here, I''lle over." Wu Zeqing agreed.


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Alright. Then we will be waiting for you."


    ......


    Restaurant.


    On a balcony on the third floor.


    Next to Peking University was ake, so the scenery was exceptionally good.


    Just as everyone took their seats, the door opened. Wu Zeqing had arrived.


    "President Wu."


    "President Wu, you came."


    "Hurry and take the main seat."


    Finally, Wu Zeqing was invited to take the main seat. Zhang Ye was the star of the show today, so he was invited to sit beside President Wu. On the other side of Wu Zeqing sat Professor Zeng, who had the most established qualifications.


    Zhang Ye gave a toast. "President Wu, I''ll use tea on behalf of wine to toast you."


    They were all Peking University teachers, so they were certainly not allowed to drink alcohol during office hours, so they all drank tea and other beverages instead.


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Today, you are the star. I''m not going to steal your thunder."


    "You are my benefactor. If not for you inviting me to teach at Peking University, I would probably still be cooped up at home unable to find a job. It''s all thanks to you." Zhang Ye said with some self-mockery.


    Wu Zeqing clinked her cup with his and said gracefully. "With your literary talent, you don''t have to worry no matter where you go. And even if you didn''te, it would be hard to say if our Chinese department would have received the number one ranking in the country. Now that your speech has gone on People''s Daily, it is really me who should be thanking you foring to join us." After she drank some tea, she looked at him nicely. "So how about it Little Zhang? Are you interested in joining Peking University as a full time teacher next semester? ce your focus here, while you put a hold the entertainment industry."


    Don''t work in the entertainment industry?


    Teach in Peking University without anything else?


    Zhang Ye eximed. "About that..."


    Professor Zeng alsoughed and said, "That''s right. You are quite suitable for the education system. Although you have never taught before, your achievements in education in just these few days are known by all!"


    Su Na smiled and urged him. "The entertainment industry is too messy. The school is so nice. Didn''t you post on Weibo yesterday, saying all your life and all your strength would be given to the finest cause in the world����the fight for the Liberation of Education. It was said so well!"


    The other teachers also nodded their heads slightly. Zhang Ye''s words had really hit their hearts as educators!


    Ah?


    Did I say that before?


    Are those words of mine?


    Zhang Ye coughed. "About that, I can bnce it on two ends. I can both develop myself in the entertainment industry, but neither would I affect my teaching responsibilities." He quickly changed topics. "Here, this toast is on me. Thank you for taking care of me all this while!"


    "Come here."


    "Cheers."


    "Here we go."


    "Cheers."


    Although this semester hade to an end, and after things were settled, Zhang Ye still needed to return to his hosting job. He naturally could not focus on education as his heart was not fully there. His goal was a lot higher than what others thought. His umtion in Peking University over these past few days had been too smooth. He had obtained great poprity, as well as exposure. This was already enough for Zhang Ye. As for the next step, it was time for Zhang Ye to change his camping ground!

 Chapter 350: Almost a C-list Celebrity!

    <h4>Chapter 350: Almost a C-list Celebrity! </h4>


    Chapter 350: Almost a C-list Celebrity!


    Where should he go next?


    What program should he do next?


    If he produced a program, would the SARFT approve it?


    At the table, Zhang Ye''s mind began to wander as he quickly recovered. He did not want to think too much. It was almost the lunar new year. He decided to rx in Beijing and rest well. As for work, he decided to think about it after the lunar new year. Anyway, his poprity had increased once again. He was also not limited in his further development. He did not need to worry about not being able to find an opportunity to improve. For work, it had to be both tense but rxed. If he was in the limelight over a prolonged time, that was not necessarily good. People might get irritated if he always appeared in the news, so he could take this opportunity to rx. Ever since he came back from Shanghai, he had not rested very well. He had been busy at Peking University, so it was time for him to give himself a break.


    "Little Zhang, why aren''t you eating?"


    "Oh, I will. Dig in."


    "The day after tomorrow is basically school holidays. Does anyone have ns?"


    "I''m going to my hometown for the new year. I''ve already bought the tickets to fly out in three days."


    "This year''s lunar new year is rather early. I still need to invigte the make up exams, so I won''t be able to return home."


    "My family of three is nning to go traveling. We have decided to go on a trip to the South. Teacher Little Zhang, you are familiar with Shanghai, right?. If you are in Shanghai, we''ll look for you. You will treat us to some food, right?"


    "Haha, food and amodation will be provided. You are warmly weed."


    "What you said is all that matters. Hur Hur. We might not even go."


    Everyone ate and had a good time. Everyone was already considering the lunar new year break. As teachers, they had it better. The winter vacation was quite a long school holiday, so they could take a long break. Of course, as university teachers, they definitely were iparable to primary and secondary school teachers. They were not given as much freedom. For example, some professors still had to take care of their graduate students and attend meetings. Some had to write journal papers or write academic reports, etc. They all had many things to do. Amongst them, Zhang Ye was probably the most free. He did not have any other obligations that he had to meet, and waspletely rxed.


    Wu Zeqing was a woman of few words. She ate in an exquisite manner. She chewed her food slowly, and from inside out, could be described as a ssic gentle beauty.


    After Zhang Ye was done eating, his attention moved to President Wu''s body. Today, she was wearing a long qipao. It was a white, with green flowers. There were also some red petals on it. It was very light and soft, and was great at showing off her figure. It was also very attention grabbing. Near the top of the qipao, she wore a white knitted jacket with a button. Her entire person looked very dignified. It was different from Dong Shanshan, who previously wore a qipao. Dong Shanshan wore it sexily, but when worn by Wu Zeqing, it looked mild and ssic. She wore a pair of white high heels on her feet, making her exude a certain charm. The heels were not very high, and was only about 4 or 5 cm tall, but since Wu Zeqing''s body was very good, with long legs and not a short stature, even without 8-9cm heels, she was also able to look very exceptional!


    Beautiful!


    Great figure!


    Virtuous!


    And had a high position!


    She was perfect ssic beauty that you couldn''t find anywhere else!


    Zhang Ye noticed that many of the males at the table were acting simrly to himself. They were asionally ncing at President Wu. Even an oldrade like Professor Zeng was no exception. There was a glimmer of appreciation in Old Zeng''s eyes. Wu Zeqing was andmark of Peking University. Not only the people from Peking University knew, but even many people from other schools of higher learning in Beijing knew that Peking University had a Vice President whose beauty could topple cities!


    President Wu mentioned that she still hadn''t gotten married?


    If he were to marry her, wouldn''t he beughing to death, even in his sleep!?


    Zhang Ye began to daydream about it jealously. He did not know if he would be able to marry such a pretty woman. President Wu, you must hold out. Don''t let others snatch you away. Eh, right. It''s the lunar new year, and he had nothing to do. He had all the time to do other things. With a glint in his eyes, he suddenly remembered an item inside his game ring inventory �� Red String of Fate. In Shanghai, the reason why he could progress with such leaps and bounds with his old ssmate, Dong Shanshan, to the point of staying together was all because of the "Red String of Fate". He had experimented with this item before. Its function and effects were all rather obvious. The difference between the Red String of Fate and the Cupid Sachet was that the cupid luck was random. It was unpredictable, but the Red String of Fate allowed him to specify his target. It could tie that person''s Marriage Affinity with himself!


    He had drawn two of them back then.


    After using one, he still had one remaining.


    Time to use it. Zhang Ye was prepared on tying it around Wu Zeqing''s leg to give it a try, but herey the problem. How would he tie it? Wu Zeqing was sittingpletely fine there, yet he would have to lower his head to tie the Red String of Fate to her? In addition to this, there were so many people watching? He wouldn''t be able to tie it now. Furthermore, he would be pped to death by President Wu. He had to find some way to hide his actions and make it look natural. Immediately, he thought of how he gained the chance to tie the Red String of Fate to Dong Shanshanst time. His old ssmate had dropped something, and Zhang Ye had taken the opportunity to pick it up for her. Hence, he got the opportunity!


    That''s the only way!


    Let''s try it again!


    Zhang Ye did not feel his heart ache. To get closer to Goddess Wu, he even sacrificed his cellphone. He pretended to pick up his cellphone to take a look at it. After tapping on it a few times, he ced it back down on the table quietly. It was rather close to Wu Zeqing. Following that, Zhang Ye raised his cup and clinked it with the rest.


    "Here, let me toast everyone again."


    "Cheers."


    "Teacher Zhang, cheers."


    When he pulled back his hand, Zhang Ye ced his cup down and intentionally nudged his phone off the tabletop. Bada. His cellphone fell to the ground, causing even the battery cover to pop off.


    Su Na eximed, "Aiyah, your cellphone!"


    Professor Zeng said, "Hurry and take a look. Is it broken?"


    Wu Zeqing pulled her leg back and looked down, "Where did it drop?"


    "Carry on eating. Don''t worry." Zhang Ye pulled his chair back and squatted down. He pulled up the tablecloth and grabbed his cellphone. Then with another hand, he opened the game interface, and took out the only Red String of Fate from his inventory. He stretched out his hand, pretending to look for his battery and phone cover, but was actually secretly looping the Red String of Fate around Wu Zeqing''s calf. President Wu thought the battery cover was by her feet, so she moved her feet, and with this motion, it caused Zhang Ye''s wrist to touch President Wu''s ankle. Her smooth, nude-colored stockings rubbed against Zhang Ye''s skin, making his heart quiver uncontrobly.


    "Oh, did I kick you?" Wu Zeqing said.


    Zhang Ye took the opportunity to wrap the Red String of Fate around. "It doesn''t matter. Don''t worry about me."


    Immediately, he quickly tied a knot with his finders. Once he pulled the Red String of Fate''s other end, a dead knot immediately formed on Wu Zeqing''s ankles. Wu Zeqing did not have any reaction since the Red String of Fate did not have any physical attributes, and could only be seen and touched by Zhang Ye.


    After picking up his battery and back cover, Zhang Ye resurfaced to assemble it. It still looked fine at first, since it was not broken. There was only a small dent mark on the back of his phone, so it was fine.


    No one paid any attention as they carried on eating.


    Zhang Ye''s hand grabbed on to the other end of the Red String of Fate. When he found an opportunity, he crossed his leg and quickly formed a knot on his own leg while the others were paying attention to other topics.


    Zhang Ye felt his leg go numb!


    Wu Zeqing also suddenly looked downwards strangely!


    Red String of Fate in effect! Their Marriage Affinity had been temporarily linked together!


    Last time, when he experimented with Dong Shanshan, the Red String of Fate had onlysted for a few hours. This time, with Wu Zeqing, Zhang Ye could not be sure how long it wouldst. It depended on his luck, and there might be some other randomponents to it too.


    After lunch.


    Wu Zeqing had something to tend to, so she left with with her heels tapping.


    Su Na watched with envy. "President Wu is really pretty today."


    A Chinese department male teacher said, "That''s right. Why do you think President Wu hasn''t gotten married yet? Is it because her standards are too high? Ordinary people can''t catch her eye?"


    A intern teacher said, "Probably because no one dares to chase after President Wu. President Wu is way out of their league. Even an exceptional guy would be scared off."


    Teacher Wu, who was almost about to be promoted to Associate Professor, interjected, "Don''t talk about such things. If won''t be good if she hears you." It was taboo to talk about the leadership behind their backs. Only the younger teachers dared to gossip secretly. Those who were older did not dare to do so. Everyone knew that Wu Zeqing was not an ordinary Peking University Vice President. To be precise, she was an official. She had been stationed here, and might be transferred back to the Education Bureau some day or to another ministry. She waspletely different from them who had been cooped up in school for all their lives. She had her future nned out. Even many established Vice Presidents, who were much older than Wu Zeqing, did not dare to put on airs in front of her.


    "Right, let''s not talk about it."


    "I need to go home. I have something nned this afternoon."


    "I still need to finish up some work. It''s about time to post the final grades."


    After a short while, everyone went their own separate way. Some returned home, while others busied themselves with work.


    Zhang Ye returned to the Chinese department office. He did not have anything to do that afternoon, but did not leave. He was waiting to see the effects of the Red String of Fate.


    Five minutes...


    Ten minutes...


    As he waited, he could only browse the inte.


    Oh right, the celebrity rankings should have been updated. What was his current ranking?


    Zhang Ye immediately opened the official website that ranked celebrities. He did not search for his name, but instead directly opened the D-list celebrity rankings. And looked from the top to bottom. And after just a few names, Zhang Ye found himself. He was already ranked amongst the top D-list celebrities!


    Sixth ce!


    He had been pulled up to sixth ce!


    Just thinking of back when he went to Shanghai to produce a talk show, his ranking was barely thest amongst the D-list celebrities, but after a few episodes of the talk show, causing a controversy with the SARFT, followed by his lectures on ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', and today''s publication of "Ode to Young China" in People''s Daily, all this poprity and exposure allowed him to go fromst few of the D-list to the top few of the D-list celebrity list in less than two months. If he were to rise another 5 or 6 ranks, he would be a C-list celebrity! And there were still dozens of episode of his talk show that had not been aired yet. He believed that once "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" was fully released, he would definitely qualify to be promoted to a C-list celebrity!


    What was the concept of a C-list?


    It meant being considered a quite popr celebrity!


    Zhang Ye felt that his expedition in Peking University was absolutely the best decision. If he had gone elsewhere or walked another path, it would not have increased his poprity by so much!


    Zhang Ye nced at the Reputation points in his game ring. It made him even more excited. There was so much that he couldn''t look straight at it!


    Reputation points: 39 million!


    The total amount of Reputation points that he had earned before added together would probably be less than this!


    However, Zhang Ye did not n on using all his Reputation points. Since it was the lunar new year soon, and he wanted to take a break, there was nothing on hand for the time being. The items in his inventory were still enough for him, so he could not waste it wantonly. This was what fueled his fame. There was never enough no matter how much he saved. He nned on saving up more Reputation points, and using them when the opportunity arose. He wanted to be able to put the game ring to its maximum use, and not use it all now. When he encountered an emergency without any Reputation points, then he would be in big trouble!


    He felt really good!


    Zhang Ye enjoyed his cup of tea. As his poprity grew, his reputation also increased. He had taken another big step towards his goal!

 Chapter 351: Nearby Person—Water Lotus Moon!

    <h4>Chapter 351: Nearby Person��Water Lotus Moon! </h4>


    Chapter 351: Nearby Person��Water Lotus Moon!


    Afternoon.


    It was already 3PM.


    No matter how long he waited and waited, the Red String of Fate did not seem to have taken effect!


    Oh? It can''t be? Why was there no effect this time?


    Zhang Ye had waited for so long, that even the flowers had wilted. Don''t even talk about developing further with Wu Zeqing, he had not even been able to meet with President Wu. Thus, Zhang Ye did not stay any longer and just packed up. He said goodbye to his colleagues before joining a few other lecturers downstairs who were also heading home for the day.


    Who knew that when Zhang Ye reached the first floor, he immediately spotted Wu Zeqing who was not too far away. It was not that his eyes were sharp, but that Wu Zeqing was too eye-catching. Such a beauty would be the focus of attention wherever she went. You couldn''t help but see her even if you didn''t want to. There were five to six people walking alongside Wu Zeqing. It looked liked she had brought them along for official matters. From their conversation, it sounded like a small auditorium in the school needed some renovation work.


    "It''s not simple to modify the roof, right?"


    "It needs to be refurbished once over no matter what."


    "If the facility lighting needs to bepletely changed, then the overall work required would be rather intensive."


    Wu Zeqing and those workers walked past Zhang Ye. She did not even look at him.


    Zhang Ye stood still for a moment, thinking if there would be an unexpected situation. Like whether Wu Zeqing would suddenly call him over or she might suddenly say that she was knocking off and ask Zhang Ye to send her home. He was just looking forward to something happening that would let the two of them be closer,but Zhang Ye was disappointed once again. President Wu had already brought the group to the small auditorium. Nothing happened and Zhang Ye had wasted the entire day waiting.


    Whatever.


    It''s time to go home.


    Zhang Ye could only drive off in his car. This lousy Red String of Fate was not doing its job today. Could it be that the gulf between him and President Wu was toorge and their Marriage Affinity could not be connected together? That couldn''t be. Zhang Ye looked down and saw that the Red String of Fate was still tied to his ankle and had not broken yet. This showed that their fates were still connected somehow. Hai, as he pondered further, Zhang Ye also slowly realised that for two people to get together, would usually take long term battling together, getting to know each other, etc, etc, etc. It would be a long path to traverse and this was even with connected fates. Some people knew each other for over 10 years before finally getting together, so for him, these few hours was nothing to be too anxious about. Marriage Affinity and cupid''s luck were 2 very different things.


    ......


    At home.


    It was the weekend, so both of his parents were resting.


    Zhang Ye was opening the gates with his key when someone suddenly opened the door from inside. Zhang Ye had a big fright!


    It was his mother!


    Zhang Ye wiped the sweat from his head said, "It''s you! You gave me a scare!"


    "My son is back! Quick, quick! Come in,e in. Are you tired?" His mother pulled Zhang Ye into the house in a very warm and passionate manner.


    Zhang Ye changed into his slippers, "I''m not tired. The sses ended already and there wasn''t much to do at school today."


    Dad nodded, "Little Ye is back?"


    "Yes, Dad. What are you two doing? Why aren''t you watching TV?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Dad said, "We were just talking about you."


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh, what about me?"


    Mom broke out into a smile, "What do you think? You have done your Dad and I proud! You''ve secretly gone on the pages of People''s Daily! That''s really good! I''ve always said that my son''s a great person! I''ve said it before! You see! We''re talking about People''s Daily here! It''s not a paper that any Tom, Dick, or Harry could get onto! Even if you paid a lot of money, you wouldn''t be able to appear on it! It''s still my son who has such an ability! That "Ode to Young China" was so well written!"


    Dad said in a speechless manner, "You said that? What did you say? Did you say thatst night? You stopped our son and gave him such a scolding yesterday, saying that he did not respect his elders!"


    Mom rolled her eyes, "Did I say that?"


    Dad ignored her and just continued reading the paper, "You know it yourself, whether you said it or not."


    "Son, quickly have a drink." His mother did not bother to bring upst night''s events, "Hur Hur, Mom will prepare dinner tonight, tell me what you want to eat!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "I''m fine with anything." As he said that, his eyes swept over to a stack of newspapers on the coffee table. There were more than 10 copies sitting on it, "Oh, what''s that?"


    His father looked over and said, "Your mum bought all the People''s Daily newspaper she could find on the streets from more than 10 newspaper vendors. She was giving them out in the district until the security guards came over to stop her thinking that she was handing out advertisements. Your mum with her bad temper even got into an argument with them."


    Zhang Ye: "..."


    His mother said indignantly, "Who asked that guard not to know better? With my looks and bearing as a celebrity''s mother, would I need to give out advertisements? Wasn''t he asking to be scolded?! I was just chatting with our neighbours. Why was he so bothered? Of course I would give him a piece of my mind!"


    Dad said in an annoyed fashion, "A celebrity''s mother has such qualities? What would others think if they knew? Our son has done us proud, but you should also think of how you should do him proud."


    His mother said in a flustered tone, "Son, did Mom make you lose face? Tell us!"


    What could Zhang Ye say? He could only cough and say, "No."


    "See what our son says!" His mother stared at his father, "I''m shaming our son? You are the one who''s throwing away his face. Always wearing that sort of clothing and never changing your style. Little Ye is now doing well and earning big bucks. He''s given us enough and you don''t even want to buy new clothes? You are like a country bumpkin!"


    Dad stared back, "My shirts are all handmade. Look at the quality, it''s so good. They don''t need changing even after so many years too, how is it old fashioned?"


    Mom pouted, "Let your son decide, I can''t be bothered about you."


    The old couple began squabbling and Zhang Ye was at a loss of whether tough or cry. He did not want to get himself involved, so he slowly walked back into his room andy on his bed waiting for dinner.


    After dinner.


    His parents were back to how they were before. They started talking about his marriage.


    "Old Zhang, what kind of girl do you think we should look for our Little Ye?"


    "It''s up to him. As long as he likes her, I have no opinion."


    "What does a child like him know? We need to help him with such things. We definitely cannot get someone from the entertainment industry. They don''t have good reputations. I won''t agree to that. A teacher is not good either since they spend so many years teaching children already. They would be totally annoyed by them and when they have children themselves, so their tempers wouldn''t be good. No one from the finance industry either, they have nothing inmon to talk about with our son. The marriage will definitely go wrong if that''s the case. And....."


    His mother was talking non-stop by herself.


    Zhang Ye became a little dizzy from listening to all the chattering, "Dad, Mom, I''m going out for a while."


    Mom frowned, "It''s already sote, where are you going?"


    "I''m going out for a run, to get some exercise." Zhang Ye said, "I''m off now."


    Mom said, "Come back soon! Remember to wear your sunsses and a mask!"


    "I know." Zhang Ye prepared his get up, then left the house. He could not stand that mouth of his mother. What marriage? There''s not even a hint of a girlfriend!


    It was already evening. The sky had slowly darkened and the stars were twinkling.


    Zhang Ye walked along the road, enjoying a rare feeling of peace. He could even admire the moon.


    He had not exercised in a long time, so he decided to do some jogging. Exercising was not something to skimp on, just as what hisndy had said before. Martial arts was never going to be easy, one would need to be determined while training.


    He began running!


    Zhang Ye maintained a steady speed. His physical strength had been getting better and he had managed to run for over half an hour without resting. As he was running towards Xuanwumen, a vibration came from his pocket.


    Di di di.


    His cellphone rang.


    Zhang Ye could tell from the ringtone that it was from his chatting app. It was already thiste, so who could it be? He remembered that he had only logged into an old ount. Using his own name to chat would be too troublesome. Many people had somehow gotten his contact either by searching or some other way and were adding him every other day. They would message him in private. Zhang Ye was someone who was willing to chat with anyone who liked him, but there were too many chats to deal with. If he chatted with someone, then what about the others? It wouldn''t be good to snub anyone, so instead he decided that he would not login to that ount as often.


    He stopped. Catching his breath, he took out his cellphone and took a look.


    An avatar was blinking �� It was Water Lotus Moon!


    He saw her message: "Where are you at?"


    Zhang Ye perked up, "Where? I''m jogging outside."


    Water Lotus Moon sent another message that left Zhang Ye surprised, "You are in Xuanwumen?"


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye was dumbfounded. He looked around him and saw that there was no one around. There were only cars on the road that were passing by. He immediately replied, "How did you know? I just ran over here, did you see me? That can''t be. I did not send you any pictures before and you do not know me!"


    Water Lotus Moon sent another picture. It showed that the distance between them was approximately 200 meters.


    Zhang Ye eximed with some vulgarities. Many chatting apps in his previous world also had such functionalities, but they were usually not that urate. Sometimes it would disy the distance as a few dozen meters, but in reality, the distance was a few thousand meters. He was not too familiar with the chatting apps of this world, but it seemed like they were quite urate. If he knew, he would have turned off the location tracking functionality. This was giving away too much information of his location, "You are in Xuanwumen too?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "Yes."


    Zhang Ye: "It can''t be a coincidence?"


    Water Lotus Moon, "Looks like we have some fate. I sent the pictures wrongly to you before and just now, I was just fiddling with the people nearby function and somehow I found you."


    Zhang Ye looked around: "Yes, that''s must be fate. Where are you at?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "Your specific location?"


    Zhang Ye hesitated before replying: "I''m in the vicinity of Zhuangsheng Department Store."


    Water Lotus Moon replied: "I''m at the side of Liulichang, looks like it''s a little more than 200 metres."


    To the east of Xuanwumen, one street over was Liulichang just over 500 metres away.


    Zhang Ye replied, "What are you doing at Liulichang? At this time, the antique stores should already be closed?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "I''m buying some Xuan paper."


    Zhang Ye: "Are you involved in cultural work?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "This Big Sis works at a bank. I deal with purchasing. There will be an exhibition in the unit in a few more days and we will be using a lot of paper and ink. What about you, what do you do?"


    Zhang Ye blinked. He couldn''t possibly say that he was a celebrity. It was not something that could be said without thought. If he were to be recognized, it would be troublesome. So he replied: "Oh, I am in the finance industry. I invest in stocks and such. Yes, so have you finished buying what you needed? Are you going home now?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "I''m not in a rush, I''m admiring the moon."


    Zhang Ye: "What a coincidence, I was just jogging and appreciating the moon too."

 Chapter 352: The difficult questions from Water Lotus Moon!

    <h4>Chapter 352: The difficult questions from Water Lotus Moon! </h4>


    Chapter 352: The difficult questions from Water Lotus Moon!


    Under the moonlight.


    Xuanwumen, or more urately speaking, it was near the school yard entrance.


    Zhang Ye found a spot on the staircase in front of a bank. He did not carry a look that suited a teacher as he sat down heavily on the steps. He was already tired from his run and his momentum had all but stopped since he received the message through the chatting app. Without that momentum, he no longer had the strength to carry on running as he started panting heavily.


    He was tired.


    But his heart was alive because a beauty was chatting with him.


    Zhang Ye typed: "Today''s weather is really nice and the moon looks beautiful too."


    Water Lotus Moon replied quickly, "Yes, that''s why I was not in a rush to get home."


    Zhang Ye tested her by typing: "Do you stay nearby?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "Not around here. It''s rather far. Have you finished running?"


    Zhang Ye replied: "I''m tired from running, so I''ve stopped. There''s nothing to do at home anyway, so I found a ce to sit down to chat with you. It''s rare to share such fate. Amongst the sea of people on the inte, the two of us nearly bumped into each other." The first time, it was the Cupid Satchel''s effect, while this time, it was a coincidence. Zhang Ye did not expect Water Lotus Moon to be in Beijing. It was already thiste at night too and yet he had run to a ce near here. If this wasn''t coincidence, what could it be? Zhang Ye had been busy with work the past few days and did not have the time to exercise. Even the reason for him toe out today was because of his mother''s incessant nagging.


    Water Lotus Moon: "That''s true."


    Zhang Ye replied with some emotionally deep words, "We travelled a thousand miles and met due to fate."


    Water Lotus Moon: "Hur Hur, we still have not met."


    Zhang Ye definitely wished to meet Water Lotus Moon once. This Big Sis who worked at the bank had too alluring of a figure. Zhang Ye had been dreaming of Water Lotus Moon''s naked body every night for the past few days. He could not take his mind of her body. When he tried probing, she did not follow up on it, so Zhang Ye did not find it appropriate to carry on mentioning it. If he directly said to meet up out of the blue, he might end up putting her off. The crux of the issue was the timing wasn''t right. This was the inte after all. Everything was quite unreal. It was very difficult for people to trust each other with a screen separating them.


    Di Di. The message came.


    Water Lotus Moon: "Did you delete the pictures from before?"


    Zhang Ye immediately sent a screenshot. "My camera basically doesn''t have pictures. It''s empty. The internal memory is also cleared. Even my chat history is clean, so rest assured Big Sis. No one can force me to do things I don''t agree to, but anything that I agree to, I would definitely do. I have that level of integrity. If you don''t believe me, I can use my character to assure you that I have not stored a single one of your pictures, nor would it leak out from me."


    Water Lotus Moon: "Okay. If I didn''t believe you, Big Sis would not have sent you more pictures previously. Hur Hur. Just look at it as if they are artistic pictures."


    Zhang Ye said with pretense. "Definitely. Those are artistic pictures." After he sent the message, he found itcking and began ttering: "Your body is really a work of art from the heavens. It''s really too perfect." Be it in Zhang Ye''s previous world or in this new world, there were body art pictures. However, this fellow, Zhang Ye, was just saying empty words. How could he know anything about such artistry? He did not have any artistic foundations or understandings. All he looked at were the thighs and breasts. That was all this fellow was interested in.


    Water Lotus Moon: "How can these kinds of pictures be seen by others. It was only seen by you because I made a mistake. Hur Hur. There''s no need to even mention letting others take pictures of me."


    Zhang Ye gulped a mouthful of saliva. He knew it was inappropriate but could not help but ask: "Then, if you don''t mind, I am willing to bbor myself. Since I''m your only audience member, and have seen it before. *cough*, although I never studied photography, I still know how to take photos. It will at least be better than the angles of your self-photography." Hey, it was a pleasure to help others. As an excellent Young Pioneer member, he naturally would never reject doing such things, or else how could he be called a Red Scarved Scout?


    The other party immediately turned silent.


    Zhang Ye waited helplessly for her reply.


    After tens of seconds, the cellphone beeped. Water Lotus Moon: "Hur Hur, we only got to know each other for a few days, and furthermore, it was through the inte. That wouldn''t be appropriate, right?"


    Was this a rejection?


    However, Zhang Ye said, "But we are fated. There is a good saying..." Just as he was about to throw out the poem, he suddenly recalled that this poem did not exist in this world. He was currently a person "in finance", so how could he have such talent? It might even reveal his identity, hence he did not dare send a poem. "There is a good saying, it does not matter how long we know each other. We are soulmates and confidants. It all depends on feelings and not time. You might know someone for decades, but that does not make him a soulmate. Someone you met in one day might gain your trust, allowing to speak your woes and joys. For example, I''m a ssic weakling, and someone without any guts. You canpletely trust me." To meet Water Lotus Moon, Zhang Ye was willing to even say he was impotent, much less that he was a weakling.


    Water Lotus Moon: "You sure are humorous."


    Zhang Ye: "If it''s your camera, I won''t be able to keep the content either."


    After another pause, Water Lotus Moon sent: "Let me consider it."


    Upon realizing he had a chance, Zhang Ye''s eyes lit up. He began typing: "Didn''t you want to keep memories of your youth? Those pictures of yours are all self-taken, and the angles aren''t good. Some are too low, and others are too high. The main issue is that it''s too near. If another person took the pictures for you, the effects would definitely be especially good. Furthermore, we are so fated, so..."


    Water Lotus Moon cut him off: "Truthfully, I have always wanted to get someone to take the pictures for me, but for such explicit stuff... Hur Hur, it''s not easy to find such a person."


    Zhang Ye once again volunteered himself bravely, "We don''t know each other. We don''t even know each other''s work ce or address, so you can definitely feel assured with me."


    Water Lotus Moon: "If you really knew me, I wouldn''t have sent you my pictures. Alright, it''s not early. It''s time for me to return home."


    Zhang Ye said unwillingly: "Don''t."


    Water Lotus Moon: "We can talk about this in the future."


    Zhang Ye replied, knowing that the other party was still a little uncertain about him. "Why don''t we skip the talk about photography and just meet up first? Shall we meet over coffee or something?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "Our fate is still not fully there yet. Otherwise, we would have met already. Hur Hur."


    Zhang Ye replied nervously, "Isn''t this considered fate already?"


    Water Lotus Moon, "Sure then, you were mentioning earlier about soulmates? Then I have a few questions. They are very simple questions involving colors and numbers. If you can tell me what I am thinking about, then Big Sis will believe that you are my soulmate and meetup with you, how''s that?"


    Zhang Ye was a little stunned but replied, "Ah? Guess something like that?"


    Water Lotus Moon sent a smiling emoticon over, "Didn''t you say soulmates?"


    Damn, how can that even be guessed. Guessing a color might still be OK, but numbers? He did not know even know what the range of numbers might be, so how could he guess?


    "That....." Zhang Ye understood that the other party probably did not wish to meetup, so she had set it up with high levels of difficulty.


    Water Lotus Moon: "Hur Hur, we should not meet if we aren''t soulmates. Let''s talk about it again when our fate allows for it. Big Sis will be returning home now."


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye had a stroke of genius. Eureka!


    Wait a moment! Who said that he did not have a way?


    Zhang Ye suddenly came up with a wicked trick and had his heart set on answering. He happily agreed: "Sure! Let''s give it a try!"


    Looking down on me?


    This bro is not just anyone!

 Chapter 353: Meeting Water Lotus Moon!

    <h4>Chapter 353: Meeting Water Lotus Moon! </h4>


    Chapter 353: Meeting Water Lotus Moon!


    The wind was blowing.


    It was not strong, but still, it was a winter night. A light wind would also be cold.


    Zhang Ye''s body shivered. He did not wear much since he had juste out for a jog. He stood up from the staircase, and ran to around to the other side of the bank and found a ce to shelter himself from the wind. He squatted down facing a cafe and restaurant on the opposite side. Since he did not bring his wallet, he could not go in either, so he decided to settle for staying in that spot.


    Guess what she was thinking?


    This sort of question was simple, because there was no need for thinking or technicalities to consider. Yet it was also the most difficult as it was purely made for guessing only. Of course, this was the case for other people. They would probably not be able to guess unless they were really lucky, but for Zhang Ye, this was not something that he couldn''t do!


    Right now, Zhang Ye only had one thing to do. He opened the game ring''s virtual screen and reached into his inventory to take out a crystal. He crushed it.


    [Saving Game]


    [Game Saved]


    [Saved Game Validity: 30 minutes]


    This was hisst "Save Game Crystal" that Zhang Ye had. In order to meet Water Lotus Moon, he had to sacrifice it all. His heart ached the moment he crushed the crystal. This was because he knew how important it was. It could even be said that Zhang Ye could only sessfully be a host all thanks to the "saved game". Otherwise, he might still not have found a suitable job up to now, much less to have developed so sessfully in the entertainment industry. Yes, but then again, such items were drawn so that they could be used, right? He could not hoard it till the day he died just because it was valuable. That would be most unwise. Zhang Ye did not want to be a miser, besides he might still be able to get a valuable item like this in the next lottery draw. When it was time for it to be used, it should be used. This was a case of no pain, no gain!


    The other party now was a beautifuldy with a voluptuous figure. Even if she was not some peerless beauty, she shouldn''t be too bad looking. The manner in which she spoke was also very appropriate and this touched Zhang Ye. Of course he had to grab at this chance. If he missed it, he might no longer have another chance in the future.


    At this moment, he received Water Lotus Moon''s message: "Are you sure you want to try?"


    "Yes." Zhang Ye replied: "Please ask, what are the questions?"


    After a short while, Water Lotus Moon asked: "I am thinking of a color now, soulmate. Tell me what color am I thinking of?"


    Zhang Ye made a wild guess: "White!"


    This was because he had seen Water Lotus Moon''s white colored panties earlier, so the color just rolled off his mind.


    Water Lotus Moon sent a faint smiling emoticon: "Pity, you guessed wrong."


    Zhang Ye replied: "Next question."


    Water Lotus Moon: "I''ve thought of a number, it''s your turn."


    Zhang Ye asked: "How many digits?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "I can''t give you that hint. Otherwise, how is this a soulmate test?"


    Zhang Ye randomly said: "32!"


    Water Lotus Moon: "Hur Hur, such a pity, you are wrong again."


    Zhang Ye: "Then what number and color were you thinking of?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "If I said you were wrong, then you were definitely wrong. I have no reason to lie to you, no? Alright, since you don''t sound convinced, let me give you a few more questions. For these questions, you only have to guess one correctly as to what I am thinking of and I will admit that we are soulmates. How about that?"


    Zhang Ye did not give up of course, "Go ahead and ask."


    He did not know if Water Lotus Moon was just ying around with him, but was clearly intrigued, "What sort of books do you think Big Sis likes to read?"


    Zhang Ye blinked, "I guess that you like to read Chen Tianmo''s prose essays?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "What a pity again. Do I prefer raw Pu''er or ripe Pu''er?"


    This was a question of 2 choices and there was a 50% chance of getting it right. Zhang Ye was excited at this prospect as Water Lotus Moon had mentioned earlier that he only needed to get 1 question right before she agreed to meet up. After thinking it through, most people preferred ripe Pu''er. Could the answer be the opposite, but if it were so simple, why would Water Lotus Moon ask it? Unless the answer was really ripe Pu''er? He had to think using reverse-reverse psychology? Zhang Ye decided to answer: "You like ripe Pu''er!"


    Water Lotus Moon: "Wrong again. Alright, let''s not fool around anymore. Big Sis has to go now, let''s chat again when there''s a chance."


    Zhang Ye quickly replied, "Don''t go. You haven''t told me the answers yet! Big Sis? Big Sis?" He continuously sent out 3 to 4 messages but she did not reply.


    He had not expected this to happen!


    F**k! If there''s no answer, how am I supposed to do this!


    Zhang Ye was unwilling to ept defeat as he continued to send a few more messages, but even though the other party''s avatar was lit up, there was still no response. He did not know if it was because she did not reply on purpose or whether she was driving. Thinking of this, Zhang Ye decided to try his luck. He ran straight towards Liulichang at a very fast speed, simr to that of a short distance sprint!


    In about ten minutes, he arrived at Liulichang, but upon looking around, the streets were mostly deserted. Several shops that sold the Four Treasures of the Study were already closed for the day. Two of them were preparing to close their shops. There were no cars to be seen around the area. Clearly, Water Lotus Moon had already left. Regrets. He should not have fooled around on chat with Water Lotus Moon. He should have juste directly to take a look and it would have been the same, right. but then again, that might not have been okay. Liulichang was a huge area and was split into the east and west streets. Who would have known where Water Lotus Moon was buying Xuan paper and appreciating the moon from? Behind was a section of alleyways which would make it too difficult to look for someone. The problem was that he did not even know what Water Lotus Moon looked like. Would he have to search for her by staring at people''s chests? Figure it out by look at the size of their breasts? Zhang Ye did not have such a skill anyway!


    It was a wrong move!


    He really did not expect this!


    Zhang Ye did not have any other way out, so he walked home listlessly. He did not know how long he had walked for as he headed south past Hufang bridge, but at that very moment, his cellphone received a message!


    It was from Water Lotus Moon: "Big Sis has reached home, you rest early too."


    Zhang Ye''s wait was finally over. He quickly replied: "I''m not home yet, still outside. I''ve been trying to guess the answer to those questions, but still can''t figure it out! If you don''t tell me your answers, I won''t even have the mood to go home!"


    Water Lotus Moon: "It was just a joke, there''s no need for that."


    Zhang Ye: "There''s a need for it! I see everything as important! If I don''t get this clear, I wouldn''t be able to sleep!"


    Water Lotus Moon sent him a calm faced emoticon: "I don''t mind telling you. Big Sis thought of the color, purplish blue. The number I thought of was...."


    As she was telling him the answers, Zhang Ye kept looking at his watch nervously. When Water Lotus Moon finally said all the answers to her questions, Zhang Ye did not hesitate one moment longer and quickly pressed on an option on the virtual screen of his game ring!


    [Reading file]


    [Retrieving data]


    [Data retrieved!]


    ......


    His head was dizzy!


    His eyes went into a blur!


    Zhang Ye''s tiredness from running to Liulichang suddenly disappeared. What was left was just the little bit of tiredness from his earlier jogging. The lights and scene of Hufang bridge was also no longer in sight. The scene before him changed and Zhang Ye was back at the side of the dimly lit bank. A few people were walking past him.


    He''s back!


    The saved data had returned him to the time from 28 minutes earlier!


    What a close shave! Another 2 minutes, no, just another minute more and the save would have been wasted. The saved data could only be stored for 30 minutes at most! Whether it be 1 minute or 30 minutester, the saved data would be able to bring Zhang Ye back to the save point, but once it was past 30 minutes, the saved data would not exist. This was a matter of life or death!


    Looking at the time on his cellphone, it was exactly 28 minutes ago when he was on the chat app with Water Lotus Moon. Zhang Ye had just sent the message "Let''s give it a try".


    Di di!


    The alert sounded!


    "Are you sure you want to try?" Water Lotus Moon asked.


    It was the exact same words as before!


    Zhang Ye was afraid that he might change the oue, so he stuck to the same words as before, "Yes. Please ask, what are the questions?" He even knew that the reply from Water Lotus Moon woulde in 5 seconds.


    1 second.......


    3 seconds........


    5 seconds.........


    As expected, Water Lotus Moon''s reply came: "I am thinking of a color now, soulmate. Tell me what color am I thinking of?"


    Zhang Ye replied without hesitation: "Purplish blue."


    Water Lotus Moon immediately replied: "......."


    Zhang Ye smiled: "Did I guess correctly?"


    Water Lotus Moon seemingly pondered: "Your luck is pretty good."


    Only Zhang Ye knew that it was not due to some shitty luck. If it were red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple, it might have been luck, but thinking of the color purplish blue, cyan, or khaki, etc, even a deity would not be able to guess correctly. This was already not some primary color. It was a secondary color like sky blue, purplish blue, sea blue, etc, etc, etc. Just how many were there to choose from? Who would guess that!


    Only Zhang Ye could have used a different way to find out, but even if he knew the answer, he understood that Water Lotus Moon was not actually nning on meeting him. This was because if she did, she wouldn''t havee up with such questions that might seem simple to guess, but were in fact not down to luck. This was probably simr to the odds of striking lottery!


    Water Lotus Moon: "Let me ask another one."


    Zhang Ye: "Please."


    Water Lotus Moon: "I''ve thought of a number, make a guess?"


    Zhang Ye directly answered: "19!"


    Water Lotus Moon: ".............."


    Zhang Yeughed: "Did I get it again?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "What sort of books do you think Big Sis usually likes to read?"


    Zhang Ye answered without a thought: "Analects!"


    Water Lotus Moon: ".....You can even guess that?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and replied, "We''re soulmates after all. I only guessed because I like reading ''Analects'' too."


    Water Lotus Moon was stunned: "Alright then, I have 1st question. I like to drink tea, do you think Big Sis prefers raw Pu''er or ripe Pu''er?"


    This was the most tricky question!


    He had initially thought that this was a choice between 2 answers, but Water Lotus Moon had actually dug a hole for him to jump in!


    Zhang Ye smiled, "I feel that you like neither raw Pu''er or ripe Pu''er, but you actually prefer Tie Guanyin instead."


    When he finished answering this question, Water Lotus Moon did not reply.


    Zhang Ye blinked: "Big Sis?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "Yes."


    Zhang Ye coughed: "Did I get them all?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "Big Sis only started liking Tie Guanyin in the past few days. Even those who have known me for many years would not know this, I don''t understand how you guessed it."


    Zhang Ye reply: "I just blindly guessed."


    Water Lotus Moon: "I know that you guessed it blindly, otherwise how would you even know what number I was thinking of? Could you really be a Big Sis'' soulmate?


    Zhang Ye quickly replied: "You think too highly of me."


    Water Lotus Moon: "Big Sis has never believed in fate, but today I can''t say that anymore. Since I made the promise, I will do it. Let''s meet up today."

 Chapter 354: It’s you?

    <h4>Chapter 354: It''s you? </h4>


    Chapter 354: It''s you?


    Meet?


    It was really happening!


    It''s done!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye, who was taking shelter behind the bank building, was ovee with emotion. He had invested so heavily into this, if he did not manage to meetup, then he would have suffered heavy losses. It''s a good thing his hard work did was not for naught! He was extremely excited. If it were just a normal meetup, Zhang Ye would not be this worried, but as Water Lotus Moon did not have any intentions to meet up in the first ce and did not even give him a chance, Zhang Ye had thrown out all his tricks that he had by using "Save" to break through the impossible. He had resorted to a very practical method to create this chance. The fact that it worked had left him with utmost satisfaction.


    His legs felt numb? It seemed like it felt better now?


    Yes, maybe because the weather was a little too cold.


    Water Lotus Moon: "Are you there?"


    Zhang Ye finally reacted, "I''m here, I''m here!"


    Water Lotus Moon: "Hur Hur, so are we meeting or not?"


    Zhang Ye replied quickly: "Meeting, of course we are meeting. I was just taking shelter from the wind and did not have the time to reply. It''s rather cold outside and my legs became numb. Yea, why don''t I go back and get a change of clothes first?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "There''s no need to go through such trouble, right?"


    Zhang Ye: "I live nearby, it wouldn''t take more than 30 minutes. Besides, I did not bring my wallet out."


    He had wanted to go back home to change and get his wallet. It was always better to be prepared to leave a good impression on the other party.


    Water Lotus Moon: "There''s no need for that. It''s not early anymore, Big Sis is waiting to go home too."


    Zhang Ye replied: "Then alright, where shall we meet?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "There are a lot of alleys around here, so I''m not too familiar."


    Zhang Ye smiled, "It''s OK, I''m familiar with this area. Tell me where you are and I will go look for you."


    Water Lotus Moon: "I''m in the middle of East and West Liulichang, at Nanxinhua Street where there is a bridge. I''m waiting underneath the bridge here."


    Zhang Ye replied: "Where the old bridge of white marble was? OK, I know where that is. Wait for me, I''m running over there to look for you."


    Water Lotus Moon: "OK, no rush."


    Zhang Ye had already ran quite a distance, not including the amount before he reloaded the save data, but when he knew that he would be meeting the beauty with arge bosom from the photo, his spirits lifted and he felt full of strength again. He continued running past the eastern alleys towards Liulichang. To ensure he did not look too tired when he reached there, Zhang Ye maintained a slow jogging pace. The more he ran, the better he felt.


    He sent her a message while he was running: "How do I find you? What do you look like? Otherwise, I will go and ask if it is you whenever I see any prettydy?


    Water Lotus Moon: "Big Sis is not a prettydy."


    Not pretty?


    But she can''t look bad either!


    Zhang Ye was full of confidence, knowing that she was just being modest. So he replied: "So how do I look for you? Which road are you on? There should be a lot of people around, right? Do you have any special features? Otherwise, we could have a secret signal?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "Hur Hur, this is not some secret agent mission. There''s no need for that, I drove here. When you arrive, you should see a white BMW 7 series parked on the roadside of Luxi Pavillion. You can just get in the car directly."


    Zhang Ye was stunned, "BMW? 7 series? Didn''t you say that you work in the purchasing department of a bank?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "Even if that is so, can''t I buy a nice car?"


    Zhang Ye agreed. She might be the leader of the purchasing department of the bank. That position would have enabled her to earn loads. "Sure, then I will just get in directly."


    Water Lotus Moon: "OK, Big Sis will be waiting."


    Zhang Ye was running faster by now. He could no longer wait to meet this sultrydy. He had already been fantasizing about her for many days now!


    After about 10 minutes.


    Along the roadside of Liulichang.


    Zhang Ye had jogged over from West Liulichang. When he got here, he could immediately see the bridge of white marble. In Zhang Ye''s previous world, the white marble bridge had already been torn down some years ago to make way for a new steel bridge. It even had an elevator ess, but in this world, Liulichang was a little different. The white marble bridge was still there though the shape was slightly differently. Around it, the architecture and buildings also looked different. Like the famous "Yidege" was non-existant here. It was reced by a shop selling precious stone bracelets. The building itself looked different too.


    Where was the car?


    Where was it?


    Zhang Ye was dizzy from the running, his mask was restraining his breathing, so he decided to take if off since it was already dark and there weren''t many people around and no one should be able to recognize him.


    Hey!


    It''s there!


    The car was parked at the side of the road!


    Zhang Ye''s eyes shone with excitement when he saw the white BMW beside Luxi Pavillion. The car was parked directly below a streetmp and a figure could be seen in the car under the illumination. A long ck haired woman was seated in the driver''s seat. It looked like she was wearing a shirt with a white cor. The rest couldn''t be seen clearly from where he was. Zhang Ye quickly straightened his clothes and made himself look more presentable. Then he brushed his hair a little and walked over. Oh yea, he was a celebrity after all, what if the other person recognized him? Hai, if she does recognize him, so be it. It wouldn''t matter. So what if he was a celebrity, couldn''t he meet an online friend? To help someone in need of a photographer was a good thing, isn''t it?


    40 meters.....


    30 meters......


    20 meters.......


    He walked closer and saw everything much more clearer.


    Water Lotus Moon''s head was lowered like she was looking at something, either her cellphone or a book. From this, their age difference could be seen very clearly. Zhang Ye had gotten nervous and worried a lot from the thought of this meetup. His mind was always finding something to focus on, but Water Lotus Moon was not like him, she was after all an elder sister in her thirties. She was calm and collected, and was not even looking around in her car. She just sat there looking at something on herp, as if she did not think too much about this meetup.


    A white BMW, it was impressive!


    Zhang Ye sent a message hoping to get a confirmation, "I''m here."


    Then he only saw the woman in the car lowering her head once more and picking up a phone. Then, Zhang Ye got a reply: "OK, get on." The beauty inside did not even turn back or look around.


    Perhaps this was what you called self-restraint.


    Yes, this was also a kind of demeanor.


    Zhang Ye was even more attracted to her now. He took a deep breath and strode towards the car door. He pulled on the door handle and got on. Then he closed the door as he said, "Hi, I am.....Ah?" When he saw her, he was confused for a moment. The words that wereing out from his mouth got stuck!


    F**k!


    What was the situation?


    Zhang Ye was shockingly surprised until he was about to curse!


    The beauty also looked at him stunned, "It''s you?"


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded, "It''s...it''s you?"


    "Little Zhang?" The beauty called him by his surname.


    Zhang Ye was breaking out in a full sweat now, "President....Wu?"


    The person in the car was in fact Wu Zeqing, who was dressed in her qipao.


    Wu Zeqing looked at him in the eye, "You are ''I am your father''?"


    "And you are ''Water Lotus Moon''?" Zhang Ye felt as if he was going to faint the moment he finished saying those words. He nearly coughed out blood too. "Didn''t you say you were working as a purchaser in the bank?"


    Wu Zeqing retorted, "Didn''t you say that you were dealing with stocks and investments in the finance industry?"


    Zhang Ye nearly cried, "I, I was just bullsh*tting!"


    Wu Zeqing simply acknowledged and said gracefully, "I was also just saying for the sake of saying." Her expression did not change much, but at this moment she also took a deep breath. Clearly, she was not as calm as she looked on the surface!


    Two people bullsh*tting with each other!


    Neither had expected to bump into someone they knew!


    What''s more, they had only met each other in the day, they didn''t even have a change of clothes yet!


    And so, there was silence in the car. The atmosphere in the car had turned as awkward as it could get. It was so awkward that no words could describe it!


    Wu Zeqing!


    Water Lotus Moon was actually Wu Zeqing!


    Go to hell! How could there be such a coincidence!


    After chatting for so many days with this beauty and even seeing the naked photos of hers, it turned out to be his leader? It turned out to be the goddess that everyone was admiring? President Wu?


    Wait, a coincidence? Zhang Ye lowered his head to look at the Red String of Fate that was tied to his ankle. Then he looked to the other end of it that was still tied onto Wu Zeqing''s ankle. At this moment, he understood that this was no coincidence, but was an effect from tying the Red String of Fate around President Wu''s ankle that afternoon. It had brought together their fates in a short period of time. This Red String of Fate had created seemingly coincidental chances for the two to meet It was no wonder nothing had happened that afternoon. This was because everything was dyed to nighttime instead. Even an evening run would enable him to be found by Wu Zeqing? This was definitely the work of the Red String of Fate. This Red String of Fate had created Marriage Affinity for them! Zhang Ye was still wondering earlier why he had fate with Water Lotus Moon even though the Red String of Fate was tied to Wu Zeqing. That was because the two were actually the same person! The Cupid Sachet had attracted Wu Zeqing, while the Red String of Fate was tied to Wu Zeqing. These two incidents were actually linked!


    Everything had been exined!


    Zhang Ye finally understood everything!


    Wu Zeqing came to Liulichang to buy Xuan paper? She was a calligraphy lover after all and the Peking University auditorium was about to undergo renovations. She was probably going to write a piece for it as every Peking University auditorium had a calligraphy piece exhibited in them! Then Zhang Ye remembered about ten minutes ago, when Wu Zeqing was asking him her questions, his ankle felt a numbness. He initially thought that it was because of the cold, but then thinking about it again, it probably was because the Red String of Fate was about to break. This was simr to the feeling when the Red String of Fate between him and Dong Shanshan broke. It clearly showed that the distance between Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing was too far apart and their Marriage Affinity was barely there. Thus, even before their Marriage Affinity had started, before they even met, the Red String of Fate was already about to break. It was due to Zhang Ye''s use of "Save" that had turned everything around and allowed the Red String of Fate to strengthen between the two of them. Otherwise, it would have already broken off as the Marriage Affinity between them was too difficult! He and Wu Zeqing would not have met either!


    But at this moment, Zhang Ye was in no mood to be happy. Instead, he had horror written all over his face!


    It''s over!


    This time, it''s really over!


    He nearly wanted to act like he was crazy. He had wanted to express to Wu Zeqing that he actually did not know anything nor seen anything at all!

 Chapter 355: Too Awkward!

    <h4>Chapter 355: Too Awkward! </h4>


    Chapter 355: Too Awkward!


    Di di!


    The sound of a car honking sounded!


    There was arge public bus and a van behind. The van might have wanted to park and could not find a spot. The public bus was stuck there, sealing off the road. Since the van could not reverse nor move forward, it could only honk at the white BMW 7 Series in front of it. The public bus, that wanted to enter the bus stop and two sedan cars that were stuck, began honking. It was very noisy.


    "President Wu?" Zhang Ye coughed and said.


    Wu Zeqing stepped on the elerator and started driving the BMW.


    Once the van steered to the side, the traffic behind immediately became smooth.


    Wu Zeqing did not stop either. She just drove quietly, with her eyes looking forward.


    Zhang Ye naturally could not guess what she was thinking. He could only exin, "Let me tell you first that I really did not know it was you. If I knew that earlier, I would never have dared to look at your pictures. This was all a string of incidents piling onto each other. It was aplete coincidence."


    Wu Zeqing said gently, "I know."


    However, the more gentle she was and the more she spoke, Zhang Ye felt apprehensive!


    He quickly took out his cellphone. "I really did not keep any of the pictures you sent me. I wasn''t just being perfunctory. You can look at my cellphone if you wish. If there is really any picture in there, I''ll eat the cellphone. Besides, besides, about that. Cough Cough. My memory is bad, and is especially terrible. I will forget whatever I see after a few minutes. I really can''t remember anything now. My lips are sealed too. You should know that, right? So rest assured. I will never mention this to anyone."


    If she was someone he did not know, this would have been nothing of importance. Everyone was a willing party. You were willing to send it, while I was willing to look at it. It waspletely fine. However, it had to be the case of them knowing each other, and were even in a superior-subordinate rtionship, which made matters extremely serious. Zhang Ye rushed to exin himself!


    Wu Zeqing did not speak a word.


    Zhang Ye was feeling an upheaval of emotions!


    What was he to do!? This was bad!


    The car was still driving on, nor did he know where he was heading. Zhang Ye did not dare ask. He was no longer thinking of things like beautiful legs. He was only thinking of a way to get out of this situation. Lust was always apanied with violence. Those ancient sayings were so f**king well said. If not for him being bewitched by Water Lotus Moon''s beauty, how would he so foolishly wanted to meet her? This was just him causing trouble for himself!


    The car drove on in silence.


    Zhang Ye could not help but nce at Wu Zeqing''s body. She was wearing a white qipao, with green flowers and some red petals on it. He had seen her wearing it at Peking University in the afternoon, however, when he recalled the picture Wu Zeqing sent him, it was her taken upskirt in the car, so he could not tell what the skirt was like. Now when he thought about it, wasn''t that a qipao? Only a qipao''s opening could be pulled up so much. The beautiful legs under nude-colored stockings and the green panties made Zhang Ye''s nostrils turn warm. It was alright just looking at pictures, but now, he was looking at her in person. Furthermore, it was the gentle ssic beauty he knew in his heart. Just recalling those pictures from before, Zhang Ye really could not endure it any further. The visual and psychological impact was just too intense!


    Was it really Wu Zeqing?


    Zhang Ye still was in disbelief!


    Who was President Wu? She held a high post and was extremely beautiful with a great body. Her gentleness and gracefulness was known by everyone in Peking University. How could she have such hobbies? She had nothing better to do when alone at home that she stripped her clothes to take photos? She carried on sending him pictures after the first idental ones? Wanted him to evaluate it? Zhang Ye rubbed his eyes as he was speechless. My ssic goddess can''t be so sultry!


    You really can''t judge a book by its cover!


    Everyone had their different sides. When Zhang Ye thought of himself, wasn''t that the case too?


    However, the problem was, how was he to mediate this situation? Laugh and act the fool? That was already impossible! Could Old Wu want to silence him?


    Ten minutes passed.


    Zhang Ye was feeling extremely anxious.


    Suddenly, the car slowed down and turned at a corner, into a high-end residential area.


    Zhang Ye was stunned. He knew this ce! Thest time he sent Wu Zeqing home, he had sent her to this area. This was President Wu''s house? Why did she bring him to her house?


    The security guard let them through.


    The safety barrier was slowly raised.


    The car started moving again, and shortly after that, it stopped at the entrance of a vi. The garage door was opened and Wu Zeqing drove the car in. After she stopped, she alighted.


    Vi?


    Taoran Pavilion''s vi?


    In this world, the price per square feet in Beijing did not change. How was President Wu so rich?


    When Zhang Ye saw her alight, he could not say a word but alight along with her. After entering the vi, he entered arge living room. Zhang Ye was stunned by the opulence in front of him. It was not because the renovations were very well done, but the style was very ancient and ssic. She used rosewood furniture and sandalwood chairs. Those sure were expensive. The house was infused with the beauty of ancient times, but it was not old. There were plenty of modern elements inside too.


    The vi was two storeys tall. There was a garden outside, and it was not a terrace house, but one that stood alone. The garden and the vi were surrounded by a wall that wasn''t too high, but it prevented others from looking in. There were a few stone tables and benches in the small garden. It was unknown if it came with the house or bought during the renovations. There were also tea sets on them. There was a stone pavement and carpet grass, as well as all sorts of flowering nts and trees. The perimeter of the first floor was lined with transparent ss that allowed one to see the scenery outside. The garden was evenrger than the area the vi was built on.


    "Sit anywhere you want." Wu Zeqing said to him.


    Zhang Ye ttered her. "Your house is a high-end vi."


    Wu Zeqing said modestly, "It''s not bad. What type of tea do you want? Well, I only have Tie Guanyin and Longjing. I seldom have guests, so I''m not very prepared .


    Zhang Ye hurried said, "You are being too polite. I''m fine with in water."


    The heater in the house worked well. It was very warm, allowing Zhang Ye''s tense body to finally warm up.


    Wu Zeqing ced her outerwear on the sofa before entering the kitchen to boil some water. After a while, she took out an electric kettle. She then made a cup of Tie Guanyin for herself, before smiling and say, "Little Zhang, I''ve already taken out the tea leaves, so feel free to help yourself."


    "Alright, thank you." Zhang Ye poured a cup of in water for himself in a restrained manner. He then sat very politely on the sofa, like his body was mmed up. If it was normal day interactions, such as him sending Wu Zeqing home, Zhang Ye would definitely not behave like this. As that would be normal interactions, but the crux of the issue was that the current situation wasn''t normal. Worst of all, Zhang Ye had seen Wu Zeqing''s unmorous pictures, so how could he face her normally?


    Wu Zeqing held a teacup and then sat across Zhang Ye gracefully. "If you want to smoke, go ahead. I don''t have many restrictions in my house."


    "Is it appropriate?"


    "Go ahead, I''m not afraid of the smell of smoke."


    "Alright, then I''ll have one."


    Zhang Ye had been yearning for a smoke since a while ago. It was not because he was addicted to smoking, but because the situation was too awkward. He needed to have a smoke to calm himself down, and allow himself to think of what to do next.


    Ba da.


    After lighting the cigarette, he blew a mouthful of smoke.


    As he looked at the time, it was already 9:30. It was also not appropriate for him to bid his farewells. President Wu had just brought him home, so how could he leave after sitting there for a few minutes? There was no way to open his mouth!


    Silence him?


    Dicing him into pieces?


    Burying him in the garden?


    All Zhang Ye could think of were these possibilities. Suddenly, he thought of the possibility of poison in the water! This fellow''s mind was already in disarray. He treated everything as a threat! Now, he really wished Wu Zeqing wasn''t that gentle. He wished President Wu would mention the matter for them tomunicate about it. If that were the case, things would be fine. It was an ident to begin with, but of all things, Wu Zeqing did not mention it at all. She did not say a single word to him on the way home. This resulted in Zhang Ye being fidgety, like a de was hanging above his neck!


    Wu Zeqing sipped her tea. "You left work early today?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged. "I returned home in the afternoon, since I had nothing to do at school."


    "It''s almost the lunar new year, so do you have any ns on bringing your parents somewhere?" Wu Zeqing crossed the full legs beneath her qipao.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "No, there is just too many people during this time of year. It''s also the Spring Festival travel season, so I don''t want to suffer through that. There''s nowhere to go, as there''s people everywhere."


    Wu Zeqing smiled faintly as her hands slid across the tea cup''s rim. "That''s true. I also wanted to travel, but it has to be after the lunar new year. There''s too many people during this season, so it''s impossible to travel."


    Zhang Ye was done smoking as he snubbed the cigarette and pretended to look around the house.


    Wu Zeqing leered at him and said gently, "The lower level has been converted into a living room and kitchen. Do you want to take a look upstairs?"


    "Sure." Zhang Ye said subconsciously.


    "Let''s go. It''s rare for me to have a guest, so let me bring you around." Wu Zeqing put down her tea cup and got up and headed up the staircase. She then lightly stepped up the stairs.


    Zhang Ye followed her from behind.


    The area upstairs was not small either. There were quite a number of doors. It was unknown how many bedrooms there were.


    Zhang Ye began praising. "Your renovations are really nice. It''s so ssic. I believe the pces of ancient princesses are somewhat like this? Aiyah, right, I forgot to change shoes! Look at me being impetuous. I''ve dirtied your floors!" He quickly tip-toed.


    Wu Zeqing, who was wearing white high heels, said, "Don''t worry. I usually don''t take off my shoes, so you don''t have to feel so restrained."


    What was Old Wu thinking?


    Was she not nning on pursuing the manner?


    Or was she trying to let me lower my guard and kill me while I was unaware?


    Zhang Ye became more tense the more he thought about it. After viewing the house, he followed her downstairs.


    Suddenly, his leg went numb as the Red String of Fate wobbled and then broke off!


    The Red String of Fate had lost its effect!


    At the same moment, Wu Zeqing''s cellphone rang. "Hello...Alright, I got it...Okay. Send the Workers'' Union''s report temte to my e-mail...Right..." After hanging up, she said to Zhang Ye, "I have some work to do. Since your house is nearby, I won''t be keeping you."


    Zhang Ye felt saved. "Alright, alright, then I''ll be going home!"


    After Wu Zeqing acknowledged, she looked at him and said, "About the pictures, just you and I knowing it would be enough."


    She finally talked about it!


    This bro has been waiting for so long!


    Zhang Ye immediately guaranteed her. "Don''t you worry. I understand!"


    Wu Zeqing said with a slow and gentle manner, "Go back. Be careful on the way home. There is a stretch of road without streetmps in this district, so watch your step."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, then have an early rest. Goodnight."


    "Goodnight." Wu Zeqing sent him to the vi''s doorstep.

 Chapter 356: Looking for Zhang Ye to be a spokesperson?

    <h4>Chapter 356: Looking for Zhang Ye to be a spokesperson? </h4>


    Chapter 356: Looking for Zhang Ye to be a spokesperson?


    The next day.


    It was around 7 in the morning.


    Zhang Ye was awoken from his nightmare. Touching his back, he could feel it waspletely soaked from his cold sweat. Hai, it was all because ofst night''s incident that had given him a big scare. To be honest, it wasn''t so much being scared, but rather that he was totally embarrassed about the situation.


    The door opened.


    His mother walked in, "You''re up?"


    "Yea." Zhang Ye acknowledged.


    His mother said, "Thene quickly and have breakfast, you still have to get ready for work."


    Zhang Ye blinked a few times, "I don''t think I will be going to work today? After all, there''s no sses at the university anymore and it''s thest day before the winter break."


    His mother haughtily brushed him off, "That''s all the more reason you should step up. Why do you have to find an excuse on thest day? Quickly get up and have your breakfast. Don''t bezy like a pig. I have not questioned you why you came back sotest night. You jogged for 2 hours? Since when did you have so much stamina!"


    Zhang Ye quickly waved her off, "Don''t bring up yesterday''s issue. I get a headache whenever you mention it. I will just get up." He continued grumbling as he got up, "Hai, if I said I was going to have a jog at that time of the night, why didn''t you and dad stop me?"


    His mother was amused, "Rascal, you said that you wanted to go out for a breather, how dare you push the me on me and your dad now?"


    Zhang Ye wanted to cry, "You must definitely stop me next time if I mention I''m going out at night."


    After breakfast, Zhang Ye went off to work. Once bitten, twice shy. Truthfully speaking, he really did not want to go to the university today. He did not know what he would do if he bumped into Wu Zeqing. Although there was already a conclusion for the case of the photos from Wu Zeqing, Zhang Ye still did not feelfortable about it. Even if she had said so and assured him, things do not get brushed aside so easily. After all, those photos were not any normal photos.


    ......


    Peking University.


    Zhang Ye drove into the university.


    The security guard took a look, then smiled and greeted, "Teacher Zhang, good morning!"


    "Good morning." Zhang Ye said.


    There were so many teachers at Peking University and the security guard couldn''t possibly know all of them, but he knew Zhang Ye well. Not a single person from Peking University would not know Zhang Ye. He said, "There are some renovations going on at the Chinese department auditorium. There are construction materials all over the ce and the car park is closed off. I suggest you park your car outside."


    Zhang Ye looked at him, "OK, thanks for the heads up."


    He parked his car outside and walked towards the the main entrance.


    As he made his way over, a lot of people were looking at him. About 7 or 8 people surrounded him.


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Aiyo! We finally saw him in person!"


    "Are you here at Peking University to work? Let''s get an autograph quickly!"


    There were olddies and young children in the group. Men, women, seniors, and young people were all fans of his. Even as an A-list celebrity, it was rare to find someone who could attract such diverse fans. A typical celebrity would usually find themselves with a more specific demographic of fans. Like those singers from Korea, their fanbase were mainly targeted at teens below 20. Then the A-list domestic actors mainly attracted those in their 20s to 30s, while some of those veteran actors would have fans ranging across several age groups, but still generally around 30s to 40s. However, it was different for Zhang Ye. He had not limited himself on the topics that he could talk about. He had read children''s stories, created ''Lecture Room'', created a talk show, wrote a song, published a book, scolded people, and made trouble. These were the reasons why there was no particr age or gender of the people who liked him. His fans ranged from age 4 to 80, all pretty simr in numbers.


    To other people, this was Zhang Ye''s disadvantage because he did not have a proper focal point for fans, but Zhang Ye himself thought otherwise and felt that this was an advantage instead, since his goal was different from others. He wanted to be the top celebrity in the world. This was something that no one had managed to achieve yet and was obviously not something that someone with a focused age group fanbase would be able to do. There was no meaning to have a focused fanbase and they would never be able to reach the top that way. Even though Zhang Ye''s path would mean that he would move along slower than others and may be more difficult, each and every step he took was real advancement and was very steady and stable. His foundation was also very strong. This was the meaning of a beard wellthered is half shaved. Although his poprity was a little messy right now as he has been dabbling in all areas of work and had not reached an end point where he could fully maximize his poprity and fame, Zhang Ye was already extremely satisfied. The advantage of having such an all epassing fanbase would slowly show in the near future.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Please give me your autograph!"


    "Teacher Little Zhang, my kids especially love you."


    "Teacher Zhang, my dad is a fan of yours. He said that your lecture about ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' was really good. Can you take some pictures with me? My dad would be delighted."


    Everyone surrounded him and did not let him leave.


    Zhang Ye was in no rush, so he obliged to everyone''s request.


    There were still some passers-by who looked at the scene curiously. They clearly did not know who Zhang Ye was. In Beijing, Zhang Ye''s poprity was very high, but still he wasn''t so popr that everyone would instantly recognize him. His spread out development in different areas of work had caused him not to leave such a deep impression like those who constantly focused on one aspect of the audience. Among simr ranked celebrities, Zhang Ye definitely had the highest poprity and reputation. No one was better at this than him.


    It was time to go.


    After he finished giving out autographs, Zhang Ye slowly strolled into the university. Many of the students who saw him also greeted him warmly. Zhang Ye also returned their greetings with a "Good morning".


    It was the Chinese department right up front.


    Indeed, there were many big trucks going back and forth. They were all carrying construction materials.


    There were a bunch of people busily giving directions there. Zhang Ye had wanted to walk over directly, but with a sweep of his eyes, he subconsciously shivered a little �� He had spotted Wu Zeqing.


    The person that he wanted to avoid the most!


    How did he bump into her the moment he arrived at work?


    Zhang Ye suddenly felt that he was down on his luck today. He hurried to find another way around and pretended not to see her, trying to avoid her.


    Wu Zeqing was still dressed in a qipao today, though the color was different. She was dressed in a purplish-blue qipao, embroidered with a ck flower on the chest area. Other than that, there weren''t any other decorations. A purplish-blue dress was hard to carry, especially a qipao. A normal person would not be able to wear it well as it would make them look older than they were, but not on Wu Zeqing....all right, she looked a little older too, but that was what her age was anyway. She couldn''t possibly be all dolled up like young people. As the weather was cold, she also had a coat over it. In any case, she still looked beautiful however she dressed!


    Wu Zeqing was standing over there with a man who was simr in age to Zhang Ye, speaking to him.


    Wu Mo was speaking in a little spoilt manner with her, "Aunt."


    Wu Zeqing did not look at him, but continued supervising the construction work. She smiled and said, "Don''t say anymore, quickly go back to your office. I still have work to do."


    Wu Mo sighed, "Are you the only one busy while I am not? Do you think it is easy running apany? I still have over a hundred mouths to feed, so can''t you help me out this time? Otherwise, mypany will not be able to make it through New Year. Thepany''s sales are getting worse by the day and I''m dying of anxiousness."


    "Old Zhang, these materials cannot be exposed to the rain. Let your people bring them inside. Good job, go in and take a rest now" Wu Zeqing told the few men who were working. Then she turned around and said gently to her nephew, "Little Mo, when your family wanted you to study well back then before starting your career path or just for knowledge, you refused to listen. You tried entrepreneurship before you even earned your degree. Now you know it''s difficult? Did you think that apany would be so easy to run?"


    Wu Mo said, "I''ve borrowed quite a sum of money from my parents and might even lose more than that. How would I be able to face them in the future. You must really help me out this time."


    Wu Zeqing casually said, "I still have some money with me. It might not be able to cover what you''d owe, but at least it should help stabilize your business a little."


    Wu Mo refused, "I can''t take your money. Besides, it''s not enough and would not solve the root of the problem. What I need now are sales volume and results. It''s almost New Year''s and I have already taken a 15 secondmercial slot on Beijing Television Station''s satellite channel with all the money I have left. This is your nephew''sst shot, so why would you refuse my request? I am not asking for much. All I want is for you to mention to Teacher Zhang Ye that I''m requesting for him to be mypany''s product spokesperson and to n an advertisement campaign on it if he could. Of course, it would be good if he does not request for a high fee. *cough* *cough*."


    Eh?


    Why did they mention me?


    Zhang Ye had coincidentally overheard their conversation. He could no longer pretend he did not notice, spokesperson? Commercial? Wu Zeqing''s nephew?

 Chapter 357: Spokesperson for Brain Gold!

    <h4>Chapter 357: Spokesperson for Brain Gold! </h4>


    Chapter 357: Spokesperson for Brain Gold!


    Chinese department in the school campus.


    There were trucks going back and forth, carrying construction materials and making loud noises.


    Zhang Ye slowly walked up as he listened in on their conversation.


    Wu Zeqing ndly replied, "With so many celebrities in the entertainment circle to choose from, why did you have to find our school''s Little Zhang? Wouldn''t it be all the same if you just got someone else? Hur hur, since Little Zhang''s from Peking University and we are an educational institute, it would be fine if we were discussing educational work. Even if I am your aunt, I cannot give you a pass on this. If it gets out, it wouldn''t be good, would it? Look for someone regarding this, wouldn''t it be the same no matter who your spokesperson is?"


    Wu Mo had a rather handsome face. His face was a little small, but he still had nice features. He and Wu Zeqing shared certain simr features.


    Wu Mo quickly answered, "Of course it won''t be the same. How can anyone elsepare to Zhang Ye? I can''t possibly afford an A or B-list celebrity, their fees are too high. As for those C or D-listers, only Zhang Ye stands out amongst them. I value Teacher Zhang Ye''s fan base very much. His fanbase has people from all sorts of age groups, a few years old, teenagers, 20-somethings, 30-somethings, 40-somethings. Other products might not like it since they are only targeting a certain age group, but ourpany deals with health food, the wider the audience, the better."


    Wu Zeqing said, "Aren''t there other celebrities that fit your description too?"


    "There are." Wu Mo said, "But they can''t bepared to Zhang Ye. Among those who sing or act, there are a few who are suitable, but the management team in mypany hade to a conclusion after two days of discussion that Zhang Ye is still the most suitable. There''s no other reason than how authoritative Zhang Ye is. He has a good image too. What I mean is not the image that is his appearance, but the fact that he is a Peking University lecturer. Who doesn''t know about Peking University? It is a trusted name to everyone. As someone who is in the education industry, he is someone who would naturally be trusted. He''s very convincing as he is famous for speaking his mind. He had never done a sponsorship for someone before, so it has to be him!"


    Wu Zeqing looked at him, "What? You even want to use education to cheat people?"


    Wu Mo quickly exined, "Aunt, I''m not trying to cheat people here. Don''t you know me well enough? Our products are all certified by the authorities and are of industry standards. The quality is guaranteed. Can you just hook me up since Zhang Ye is not formally a teacher of Peking University, there shouldn''t be any restrictions to him endorsing us."


    Wu Zeqing smiled, "Why don''t you go find him yourself?"


    Wu Mo said helplessly, "Do you think I didn''t try? I had gotten the advertisingpany to contact Zhang Ye. They didn''t get to meet him and even didn''t manage to contact him. ording to my knowledge, a few otherpanies have also tried to get Zhang Ye to endorse them but all of them hit a roadblock. The WebTV station rejected all of them because Zhang Ye apparently did not want too much trouble and he does not have a manager. That is why he asked his unit to reject all approaches frompanies for endorsements. ording to them, Zhang Ye will not ept small and medium corporation''s endorsements, so there is no way to even negotiate."


    A drop of sweat dripped down Zhang Ye''s forehead. He had indeed said something like that.


    With his current poprity, he was in great demand. For example, Nanjing University wanted to invite him to take on teaching duties, while there were publishing houses who wanted to invite him to write a book for them. Quite a number of singers wanted to invite him to write songs for them, and many television stations wanted him to create programs for them. There were also manypanies who wished he would be their spokesperson. However, Zhang Ye was different from other celebrities. When he became a spokesperson, it was not because of money. To him, money was not something he needed in excess. What he valued the most was poprity and fame. If he became a spokesperson for a smallpany in a smallmercial, especially those that were counterfeit products, every appearance on television would drop his name. It was not up to the mark. So even though he would earn money and receive some exposure, the effects on his poprity would only be negative. People would look down on Zhang Ye every time they saw such amercial, so it was not worth it. Hence, he never eptedmercials from smallpanies. If he wanted to do one, he had to do a big one, one that showed his face. Even if there was no money to be made, he would do it.


    Such as an advertisement for Coca-C.


    Or a listedpany''smercial.


    However, conglomerates would not becking in money. They would hire A-list or even S-list superstars, or international superstars. They would naturally not invite Zhang Ye, hence, Zhang Ye had never set up "camp" in this arena, and never thought about being a spokesperson.


    Wu Mo carried on. "Aunt, can''t you just take pity on me? I really want to invite Teacher Zhang Ye. It was just a joke to ask you to help mypany hire him through the backdoor. As long as he epts themercial, we will not be stingy on the fees for his services. Actually, what we value the most is Zhang Ye''smercial nning ability. Back when he had nned twomercials, one was the electricity conversation Public Service advertisement, and the other was ''I''ll speak for myself'' as a program promotional clip. You should have seen both of them, right? They were all done by Zhang Ye himself. It was too awesome! We got themercialpany to customize a fewmercial proposals, but all of them were far from ideal. There was little creativity in them, so it would definitely not work. The airing of the fifteen secondmercial every day costs a lot, so it has to be used properly. Be it the spokesperson or themercial nning, I can only count on Teacher Zhang Ye. There are only a few days left before themercial needs to be aired. If this goes on any further, mypany will really go bankrupt!"


    Wu Zeqing calmly shook her hand. "It''s not appropriate for me to mention such matters, nor can I do so."


    Wu Mo said, "Teacher Zhang is from the Chinese department. If you can''t do it, who can?"


    "I think it''s better if you..." Upon saying this, Wu Zeqing looked sideways. "Little Zhang?"


    With Zhang Ye spotted, his pace returned to a normal speed, "President Wu, good morning."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Good morning."


    Wu Mo''s eyes widened as if he was a weasel seeing chickens. "Teacher Zhang! You are Teacher Zhang, right!? Aiyah, I nearly failed to recognize you. You are so much more handsome in person than on TV!" Disregarding everything, Wu Mo immediately began ttering. He rushed up to shake Zhang Ye''s hand, and as he forcefully shook it, he said, "Nice to meet you. I''ve heard so much about you. I''ve always been hoping to meet you, but it was a pity I never managed to meet up with you!"


    Zhang Ye pretended to not know anything. It wouldn''t be right if they knew he had been eavesdropping. "Oh? Is there something for me? And you are?"


    Wu Mo said, "I''m Wu Mo. I''m the CEO of a smallpany. This is my aunt." He pointed to Wu Zeqing, so as to strengthen their bonds.


    Zhang Ye shook hands with him. "So you are President Wu''s nephew? Nice to meet you."


    Wu Zeqing did not say anything, as if she pretended not to hear anything. This was already something, as she did not forbid her nephew from using her as a liason. Of course, there was no way to deny it as it was a fact.


    Wu Mo held onto Zhang Ye''s hand without letting it go. He then began to ramble on most of the things Zhang Ye had already heard once. He threw out a warm invitation and then said, "As long as you are willing, ourpany will be willing to pay you the price of a C-list celebrity. Themercial nning fees will be separately counted!"


    It seemed like a generous offer since Zhang Ye was offered the cost it took to hire a C-list celebrity despite being one of the top few D-list celebrities. In fact, that was not the case because Zhang Ye walked the untrodden path. Although the Celebrity Rankings had yet to push him into the cadres of C-list celebrities, the cohesiveness of his fans were even better than lowly-ranked C-list celebrities. Typical C-list celebrities hadrge number of fans, but the fanscked cohesion. To put it another way, these fans liked them, but did not like them to the bone. However, Zhang Ye was different. There were people who did not like him or people who did not like any literature, novels, or television programs existed. There were even people who did not know him. However, those who truly liked Zhang Ye liked him to their very bones. Some loved his poems deeply, and there were others who werepletely smitten by his talk show. This was his value, the core value that Zhang Ye had which was different from others! Hence, he was worth such spokesperson fees!


    Zhang Ye asked courteously, "May I know what the situation is of yourpany?"


    Wu Mo''s eyes flickered as he said, "We sell health supplements. The product''s name is ''Brain Gold'', made of DHA. It improves the brain''s functions, and is extremely good for the elderly. It promotes longevity and is anti-aging. It also slows down the effects of memory loss and diseases such as Alzheimer''s. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, widens blood vessels, and rejuvenates..."


    Got it!


    It was something that cured a hundred illnesses!


    And it''s called Brain Gold? Why did this name sound so familiar?


    Zhang Ye found the sales talk unreliable. "Friend, are your products certified?"


    Wu Mo apologized. "You can rest assured that they are definitely certified. I got carried away. There''s nothing I can''t tell you. The product is really good, but it''s not so miraculous. It can improve memory and promote good health. That is true. As for the rest...it''s just in principle or theory, and the actual effects might not be too apparent. For example, we add ginseng, and would naturally add the effects thates from ginseng. However, as the amount we add isn''t inrge, it is all just in principle.The medical effectiveness might not be that great, but in the realm of health supplements, it is definitely beneficial to the body without any adverse effects. I can guarantee this with my personal reputation. If not it would not have passed the certifications from relevant authorities, right?" That was the truth.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "That''s good then."


    Wu Mo observed Zhang Ye''s expression. "So, do you think we can discuss this matter in detail? It''s best if we can discuss it now as time is tight to produce themercial. There''s less than two days left."


    Zhang Ye confirmed once again. "Are you sure your health supplements are beneficial to the body?"


    Wu Mo immediately responded. "Definitely. Why don''t I give you a few boxes so that your parents can try it. Also, young people can drink it too! It''s beneficial to anyone who uses their brain. If you don''t believe, you can ask my aunt. I bought the authorization to sell the product at a high price a few years ago. Ourpany has all the relevant certification and documents. I''ll give it to my family monthly too. My parents drink it daily. If you don''t believe me, you can even visit ourpany at any time."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged. "I believe you. There''s no need to visit. I''ll agree to the endorsement."


    Wu Mo was stunned. He knew from a long time ago that Zhang Ye never wanted to be a spokesperson for a smallpany. Furthermore, they had not even discussed the exact fees for his services, but he had already decisively agreed to it?


    Wu Zeqing noticed this and interrupted. "Teacher Little Zhang, you must give this matter some thought. You don''t have to consider me."


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "It''s not because of you. I have never been a spokesperson for any product, and since this Brain Gold seems pretty good, I was tempted."


    Wu Mo was extremely excited. "That''s great! Then that''s too great!"


    Everyone could tell that Zhang Ye was clearly giving Wu Zeqing face!


    Brain Gold?


    What did theirpany have?


    Money? The money they gave was not the highest!


    Product? The product was also not the best!


    Thepany''s scale? Itpletelycked any scale!


    For what reason would Zhang Ye be theirpany''s spokesperson even though he had never conceded or lowered his standards? He did not even talk about price? It was of course due to Wu Zeqing!


    Wu Mo felt utterly relieved. He had finally solved the biggest problem he had. He was extremely confident with Zhang Ye. It was all thanks to his aunt. He was very grateful. Although his aunt said she would not help, they were, after all, rtives. So even if she did not say a word and stood by the side, that was an attitude that spoke volumes. She had her nephew''s interests at heart. However, upon further thought, Wu Mo felt that he had to thank Teacher Zhang Ye. If it was any other Peking University lecturer, it would not have mattered much, but who was Zhang Ye? Who didn''t know Zhang Ye''s position in Peking University? It was an extremely independent one. Furthermore, education was not Zhang Ye''s main job. It did not matter much with or without it. On the contrary, Peking University desperately needed him. Even Nanjing University''s Chinese department attempted to pull him in. Hence, Zhang Ye''s decision was clearly not because he was trying to suck up to Wu Zeqing, as he did not need anything from her. There was no need for him to do so!


    With Wu Mo being cognizant of this point, Wu Zeqing was naturally fully aware of this.

 Chapter 358: Signing the Endorsement Contract!

    <h4>Chapter 358: Signing the Endorsement Contract! </h4>


    Chapter 358: Signing the Endorsement Contract!


    The endorsement deal was settled.


    Wu Mo said happily, "Teacher Zhang, let me treat you to a meal."


    Zhang Ye pointed to his watch. "It''s still early in the morning, and I ate just before I arrived."


    "Then let us do it at noon. I''ll invite the people from themercialpany to join us, so that we can negotiate the contract. After that, we can discuss themercial''s nning, and then let them produce it ording to your intent." Wu Mo said.


    Zhang Ye blinked before suddenly making a request. "The contract can be signed any time. You can decide on the endorsement fees. As for other matters, I''m fine with anything. I only have one request, but if yourpany can''t agree to it, then I won''t be signing the contract. This is the only request I have for yourpany before being your spokesperson."


    Just one request?


    No problem! As long as it''s not about increasing the fees!


    Wu Mo joyfully smiled and said, "No problem! Go ahead and tell me!"


    Zhang Ye said, "The nning for themercial I''ll be endorsing must be decided by me alone."


    Wu Mo nearly failed to stifle hisugh. He was still wondering what the matter was. "Definitely. We invited you mainly because of yourmercial nning ability. If you didn''t suggest any ideas for us, themercial might not even be done in the next few days. Even though we have been racking our brains for many days, not a single suitable proposal has been produced. We will definitely have to listen to you. I can immediately agree on this. We were still afraid you did not want to participate in the nning."


    Zhang Ye looked at him and said, "This request has to be written in the contract."


    Wu Mo was stunned. "Oh? Write it in the contract? About that...typical contracts don''t include this, right?"


    Wu Zeqing was directing the construction workers by the side, but when she heard this, she turned around and nced at them.


    Zhang Ye said, "I know. It is also why this is a request of mine, and the sole one. Themercial nning must go through me during its entire process. Since you want to do a one-off payment for themercial, then let''s do it that way. It doesn''t matter how much you give. I do not have any problems regarding the price, however, themercialpany has to produce the content ording to my requests. To put it bluntly, regardless of themercial''s content, everything will be decided by me. This use has to be written into the contract. If yourpany does not agree to mymercial nning, I will pull out from the endorsement. You will have to pay me an amount no less than the endorsement fees and themercial fees for breaking the contract. Other than that, I have no other requests."


    Wu Mo was stunned. "About that..."


    Themercial was to be fully decided by Zhang Ye?


    Even thepany''s boss who paid for it had no right to veto?


    Zhang Ye said, "I know this might be a bit difficult on you, and there is no such precedent. However, I only have this tiny request, so if you are agreeable to it, we can sign the contract now."


    Wu Mo broke out in cold sweat as he wiped his forehead before saying, "Teacher Zhang, it''s not that I don''t trust you. Anyone in themercial world knows your ability inmercial nning. But as the saying goes... What was it? Right. Horses might lose their footing, while humans might lose their touch. Everyone is convinced with your ability, but to err is human, right? There is a need for the wisdom of the crowds and bystanders'' foresight. Furthermore, shouldn''t I check my ownpany''smercial? Shouldn''t me and the few major shareholders of thepany need to watch themercial first before deciding? If themercial really is...and I''m just saying in the unlikely event. In the unlikely event that it is inappropriate, then we have to find othermercial proposals. If it''s decided by you alone, isn''t that a bit... What say you?"


    Zhang Ye was insistent on this point, because he already had a general gist in his mind. Furthermore, he did not know how difficult it would be to execute it. Hence, he decided to y the viin first. It was best to agree on everything beforehand. Even though he was Wu Zeqing''s nephew, Zhang Ye would not abandon this principle. There was no need for Zhang Ye to take on this sort of endorsement, and if he were not Wu Zeqing''s rtive, Zhang Ye would havepletely ignored him. Taking on the endorsement was 80% due to President Wu. The other 20% was because thepany''s product garnered the interest of Zhang Ye. Zhang Ye believed he could make the health supplement, Brain Gold into something greater.


    Largepanies did not consider Zhang Ye. Was he a celebrity who wasn''t too famous or unknown?


    Good endorsements were not something a celebrity of Zhang Ye''s caliber could ce his hands on?


    Since he could not do those endorsements, how many years would he have to wait before he could take on thosemercials when he became a A-list celebrity? It was better to strive for it himself. If not, it would be a waste of his poprity. For his ambitious goals, Zhang Ye naturally did not want to squander every chance and resource. Hence, it was best to start off throughmercials. If themercial really seeded, the sales of thepany''s product would massively increase. From this, Zhang Ye would gain poprity. It was a good thing for him. Many people might even get to know him through the endorsement, and could increase Zhang Ye''s Reputation, allowing him to forge ahead steadily.


    Hence, there was such a request. If the other party could not ept it, Zhang Ye would not agree to the endorsement. He needed absolute control, because themercial...was a bit me".


    Zhang Ye said, "CEO Wu, I know what you are getting at. It''s not like I''ve never been in the advertising circles. I know all about it, so I can understand your reservations."


    Wu Mo said, "It''s great that you can understand. We..."


    Zhang Ye carried on speaking. "But I still have to insist on this request of mine."


    Wu Mo: "..."


    Zhang Ye said, "You can first consider it. If yourpany can agree to it, I''ll take on the job. If not, then please trouble someone else."


    Wu Mo was troubled. He never expected that Zhang Ye would have such a request for a simple endorsement. He knew Zhang Ye would not harm him, as there was this level of rtions from his aunt. Although Zhang Ye was not purposely harming him, who could guarantee that themercial he produced would be excellent? Zhang Ye would guarantee it himself? That would be useless. It had to be affirmed by the market! Hence, Wu Mo faced a dilemma!


    What was he to do?


    Should he agree to it?


    Eventually, Wu Mo''s eyebrows were already fully knitted together. "Teacher Zhang, I can''t make the decision on this matter. I will need to discuss it with the other shareholders."


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Alright."


    Wu Mo was in a rush to return. "Then wait for my phone call. I''ll be leaving first. Aunt, I''m leaving."


    Wu Zeqing gave a dull acknowledge. "Don''t speed."


    "Got it." Wu Mo''s mind was preupied and he quickly drove off.


    Zhang Ye looked at Wu Zeqing as he exined. "Sorry about that President Wu. I did that because..."


    Wu Zeqing gave him a gentle smile. "There''s no need to exin it to me. Let''s go to my office." After instructing the construction work''s supervisor, she left.


    Zhang Ye followed behind her. President Wu''s qipao was really very beautiful. He could not help but steal a few nces at it, as his eyesnded on Wu Zeqing''s perky butt. Just looking at her made his hands itch. He really wanted to give it a touch, and felt it would be worth it to be beaten up over it.


    ......


    In a building.


    Wu Zeqing''s office.


    "What tea would you like to drink?"


    "Anything would do. Let me do it."


    "Tie Guanyin it is. Just stay seated."


    President Wu boiled a kettle of tea before pouring it into two cups. She then pushed a small teacup to Zhang Ye.


    "Thank you." Zhang Ye said gratefully. Then he gave the teacup a whiff and said, "Nice tea!" Bullsh*t nice tea. This fellow didn''t even know the difference between Tie Guanyin and Longjing, so how could he tell what tea was good? However, since it was a chat, he had to say it that way.


    Wu Zeqing sat behind her office desk and took off her jacket. As she held the teacup, she took a sip in a very proper manner. She said with a smile, "A friend gave it to me. If you think it''s nice, take some when you leave."


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "There''s no need. It wouldn''t be appropriate."


    The slit in her qipao reached high up. The purplish-blue qipao reached up to her thighs, and through the slit, one could see her soft, white skin. Zhang Ye, who had eaten breakfast, turned hungry just watching this. The saying how beauty could be consumed was probably such a situation. If it was anyone else, a nce would be fine. However, the critical point was Zhang Ye was different. He had seen Wu Zeqing''s nude pictures. Which part of her body had he not seen before? Just seeing her thighs made his thoughts wander to her other parts, as he turned warm inside.


    He knew how full Wu Zeqing''s breasts were.


    He knew that Wu Zeqing had a mole on her inner thigh.


    However, they were all hidden underneath the qipao, not to be seen.


    Suddenly, Wu Zeqing spoke. "That nephew of mine has been spoiled since he was young. He has never suffered, so he doesn''t know hardship. Do you think it was incurring of ridicule?"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "Not at all. CEO Wu is much better than me. Not experiencing hardship doesn''t mean immaturity. Simrly, having experienced hardship doesn''t necessarily mean maturity. I am the best negative example."


    Wu Zeqingughed. "The both of you are iparable. That tiny bit of talent my nephew has is not even worth a thousandth of yours. If the opportunityes, please advise him."


    Advise him?


    Advise him on literature?


    That was clearly impossible. Zhang Ye understood Wu Zeqing''s intentions. She wanted him to help Wu Mo, and helping hispany tide over the crisis. He said, "Don''t worry. I will definitely help if I can do it. I will not spare any effort. That is the reason why I made that request and for it to be in the contract, because..."


    Wu Zeqing waved her hand and said gently, "You don''t have to exin it to me. I will not barge in on matters regarding business. I invited you here to talk about the sses for next semester."


    Zhang Ye said, "About that, I haven''t decided on what to lecture."


    The two of them chatted for more than ten minutes.


    Finally, Zhang Ye bade farewell and left. He took a pound of Tie Guanyin. He knew that Wu Zeqing had owed him one, and the matter regarding the photos hade to a close. It would probably not be pursued further.


    That was great!


    If not, he would feel jittery every day!


    On his way back to the Chinese department, Zhang Ye feltpletely rxed.


    At this moment, Wu Mo called. "Teacher Zhang."


    "Hi, CEO Wu, please speak." Zhang Ye did not know what his answer would be.


    After a pause, Wu Mo said, "The few of us shareholders have discussed ande to a decision. Let us sign the contract before noon. We will add a use to the contract as requested by you!"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Alright, thank you for CEO Wu''s trust."


    Wu Mo said, "I can''t not trust in all the talent you have!"

 Chapter 359: The Brain Platinum’s commercial copy has landed!

    <h4>Chapter 359: The Brain tinum''smercial copy hasnded! </h4>


    Chapter 359: The Brain tinum''smercial copy hasnded!


    Afternoon.


    After lunch, Zhang Ye and Wu Mo signed the contract.


    The contractual terms were all standard, and in addition, a term stating that Zhang Ye would have full rights to directing themercial was added. Zhang Ye checked that everything was in order. Thepany did not lowball the endorsement fee either. In fact, they had given quite a tidy sum.


    "Teacher Zhang, I''m d to be working together with you."


    "d to be working with you too."


    "Do you think we should head over to the advertisingpany?"


    "Sure, anytime."


    "OK, let''s head over now then. I''ve already made an appointment with them. The thing is that we only have a few more days before themercial is ted for broadcast. It would be best if we could get the draft out by today and then start on its production, otherwise it might be toote and fees paid to Beijing Television Station would not be refunded."


    "OK, I will do my best."


    "We are all depending on you."


    Then, a group of them all headed to the creative department of the advertisingpany.


    Wu Mo had actually agreed to the terms of the contract as he was left with no choice. The shareholders of thepany did not really support this decision either, but were out of choices too and had to agree. Themercial was due soon and thepany was on the verge of bankruptcy. If their products did not sell, they would be left with nothing but a huge debt. This was what everyone of them wanted to avoid at all costs and therefore, they agreed to bet on this.


    ......


    At the advertisingpany.


    Wu Mo began introducing everyone.


    Zhang Ye also greeted everyone from the advertisingpany.


    Many of them were quite friendly. When they saw Zhang Ye, their eyes glowed with admiration. It was clear that they had all heard of Zhang Ye''s advertising achievements.


    "Teacher Zhang, nice to meet you." said a middle-aged man.


    "Nice to meet you, Director Wang." Zhang Ye shook hands with him.


    "I am in charge of this project, why don''t we discuss it further inside?" Director Wang was a man in his forties who was a little plump and looked honest and good-natured. "We''ve all heard about your achievements in the advertising circle. When we first heard that you would being over to take charge of the nning this time, a lot of our staff wanted to join in to get some guidance from you."


    Zhang Ye quickly replied, "You speak too highly of me. You are the professionals and I''m just an amateur fooling around."


    A youth standing behind said, "Teacher Zhang, you''re too humble. All the advertisements you have nned turned out to be ssics. Even us professional use them as study material in our sses."


    Zhang Ye said, "Yourpany is one of the leading names in the advertising world in Beijing. I dare not ept such a title."


    Everyone did not say too much as it was only their first time meeting. It was just some random chatter andplimentary greetings to one another.


    Actually, the advertisingpany was not justplimenting Zhang Ye without any reason. If it were any other person who was taking over the production nning of themercial, they would definitely be unhappy about it. After all, they were the true professionals in this field, but Zhang Ye was different, he had experience and even a few des to back him up. He even created a new style of creative advertising. It was rumored at that time that the top 3 advertising firms had all headhunted Zhang Ye and this was why Zhang Ye''s abilities in this field was doubted by no one.


    A crowd of people streamed into the meeting room.


    After the doors closed, everyone settled down to discuss the agenda.


    Wu Mo was very focused as he had paid a lot of money for this. To the advertising firm, it was also a big project that they ced great importance on.


    Director Wang got the staff to give out copies of the project ns, "This is a copy of ns that we came up with earlier. As CEO Wu was not too satisfied, we did not use them."


    Wu Mo said to Zhang Ye, "Take a look?"


    "OK." Zhang Ye took a copy and nced at it for a while.


    It was not wed, but neither were there any highlights. It was quite normal.


    Wu Mo said, "We don''t ask for much in themercial nning. It can be any type ofmercial, as long as it can boost our sales. What we need now is sales figures, otherwise thepany will not be able to operate any further. We cannot afford our high overheads anymore." In front of them, Wu Mo did not have anything to hide anymore. There was no need to.


    Zhang Ye said, "Formercials, they are assessed by whether they can sell the products. This is the requirement and not something that you just talk about. If it were me, I would not agree to it either."


    Director Wang, "Oh? It seems like Teacher Zhang already has some ideas?"


    Wu Mo quickly interrupted, "Tell us what''s on your mind? What direction should we take for thismercial?"


    Everyone in the meeting room focused on Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye coughed a few times. Right now, he felt a little embarrassed and was not sure if this advertisement would work, but there was no turning back now so he proceeded to expand on his idea, saying, "I do have a n, shall we listen to it?"


    "Please."


    "I''m all ears."


    Everyone turned serious.


    A few creatives even took out pens and paper. Some even brought voice recorders, wishing to record everything Zhang Ye had to say, making it convenient for them to learn from in the future.


    Zhang Ye cleared his throat. "Thismercial is actually notplex. It is very simple, and generally it''s just one advertising catchphrase that will be sung."


    Sung?


    In the form of a song?


    That''s new! As expected of Teacher Zhang Ye!


    Just think about that "Shuidiao Getou" that was adapted to be "Wishing We Last Forever". It came from Zhang Ye and even the melody wasposed by him. He was deeply skilled in this!


    Everyone''s eyes became even brighter as they stared unblinkingly at Zhang Ye''s face.


    Then Zhang Ye began to sing. "I''ll just sing it simply for you to get a taste of it. Well, here goes." With a deep breath, and under the gazes of eyes filled with anticipation, Zhang Ye sang with a high note. "I will not ept any gifts this year! No gifts epted, no gifts epted! No gifts epted, no gifts epted! The only gift I will ept is Brain Gold! Brain! Gold!"


    Then, Zhang Ye noticed how everyone in the entire meeting room was dumbfounded. Each and everyone was stunned silent!


    Wu Mo stared and said, "Is that it?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged with a cough, "Yeah."


    Wu Mo nearly fainted on the table. "What sort ofmercial is that?"


    Director Wang''s eyebrows kept twitching as he forced augh and said, "Teacher Zhang, I know you do talk shows. Hur Hur, you sure are humorous. Let''s get serious. What''s the real advertising catchphrase?"


    Zhang Ye said with a sweat, "That was it."


    When Director Wang heard this, he nearly fell to ground!


    That was it?


    You f**king call this an advertisement?


    Everyone present nearly coughed out a mouthful of blood!


    Wu Mo was nearly crying his heart out. "Teacher Zhang, can we do it properly? This advertisement...is really too shameful! If this thing goes on TV, wouldn''t mypany be theughing stock of the entire industry? That can''t happen! Thismercial won''t be able to drive sales up!"


    Director Wang dabbed the sweat off his forehead, "About that, I also suggest changing it."


    Zhang Ye refused to agree. "CEO Wu, didn''t you forget the use on our contract? You have to listen to me on this matter. There will definitely not be any problems. I guarantee you that the sales will soar!"


    Wu Mo: "..."


    Director Wang: "..."


    Others: "..."


    Soar your sister!


    What the heck!


    Wu Mo immediately said, "No! Thismercial will definitely not do!"


    Zhang Ye leered at him and threw his hands up. "Then I can''t do anything about that. I won''t take on this endorsement. Yourpany can choose not to use the advertisement, but you will need to pay the penalty for breaking the contract." The contract was still held close to Zhang Ye''s chest and had not even cooled down. It was written in ck and white what breaking the contract cost!


    When Wu Mo heard this, his face turned green!


    Holy sh*t! Why do I feel like I was scammed by Zhang Ye!?


    Wu Mo''s tears were about to flood down his cheeks. "Teacher Zhang, you are harming me!"


    Zhang Ye said with a wry smile, "I''m not harming you. You know I wouldn''t too. How themercial turns out will be decided by the market. When themercial is broadcasted, you will know the situation. When that happens, everything will be decided, so now, the content of themercial has to follow my instructions. Furthermore, do you think I will stake my reputation on this? If the results of themercial are bad, it''s bad for me too."


    Wu Mo''s eyes were already red. "But thismercial...isn''t it too brainless?"


    Director Wang added on. "Not only is it brainless, there''s nothing that puts themercial in the spotlight. How can you call this amercial? It''s not as good as the few proposals we had before! And let me say something unpleasant, your proposal is so much worse than ours. It''s really amercial that can''t be aired. Not only Brain Goldpany, even we will beughing stocks!"


    Zhang Ye still insisted and said. "Just use it. You have to believe in me."


    Wu Mo grabbed Zhang Ye''s shoulders. "It''s not that I don''t believe you, but it''s too...too... Can we change it? Please don''t fool around Teacher Zhang, can we change themercial? I know you are aedian, so you must be pulling our legs, right?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged his shoulders. "I am serious."


    Wu Mo: "....$###%@@#@! ! !"


    Zhang Ye had expected this, so he had requested for that use to be added to the contract beforehand. "Anyway, that was my n. CEO Wu, please believe me. Just with Wu....Big Sis Wu''s level of rtion to you, I will not scam you. If you really think it won''t do, then I''ll give up the endorsement."


    You aren''t scamming me?


    You are f**king scamming me!


    Wu Mo felt he was a true retard, a pure retard. Why wasn''t he satisfied with the proposals from Director Wang''s advertising firm? Even the trash amongst those proposals were ten thousand times or even a hundred million times better than Zhang Ye''s! If he had known so, he would have directly used theirs! Would there be a need to agree to that contractual use of Zhang Ye''s? This was scamming him to dig a hole, pushing him in, and then burying him! Thepany was already in bad shape! Now it''s even better! Zhang Ye was making the matters worse!


    Using thismercial?


    Or pay the breach of contract fees that amounted to more than a million Yuan (~147,600USD)?


    Wu Mo wanted to pay the fees. He really wanted to, but thepany was already drained of all its liquidity. This was a desperate bet of thepany, so why would there be any additional money left!?


    Zhang Ye asked, "CEO Wu?"


    Director Wang also said, "CEO Wu, you must think carefully!"


    Wu Mo struggled for a long time and after more than ten minutes, he mmed the table with tears nearly streaming down his face. "I''ll use Zhang Ye''smercial! So what if I die! At most I''ll start from zero again!" At this moment, he no longer addressed him as Teacher Zhang, and used his full name.


    Zhang Ye did not mind and smiled.

 Chapter 360: A series of shocking promotional bursts!

    <h4>Chapter 360: A series of shocking promotional bursts! </h4>


    Chapter 360: A series of shocking promotional bursts!


    Afternoon.


    The production of themercial had begun.


    In the modern office space, Zhang Ye was the authoritative figure. He began instructing the advertising firm''s staff to follow his directions and the requirements needed for the content of themercial.


    Zhang Ye did not listen to anything that they tried to suggest as he took charge of everything down to the details that were seemingly unimportant to the others. Zhang Ye made sure that everything was done ording to his instructions. There was no other way. Zhang Ye was forced to do things his way as he knew of the miracle the Brain tinummercial had created in his world. In this world, only Zhang Ye knew about it. In order to recreate the miracle over here, he had to be on the safe side and did not intend to change the content of themercial at all. At least it could not stray too much from the original. Every step had to be done ordingly, in the way it had been done in his world, so that nothing unexpected could happen!


    "What? You are not going to sing the jingle?" Director Wang asked in a stupefied fashion.


    Zhang Ye said it in a matter of fact manner, "Of course I''m not going to sing it. Let the dubbing artist do it." He thought to himself that since it was such a retarded jingle, how could this bro go and sing it?! Do they think that I''m stupid?


    Director Wang asked surprised, "Then how is themercial going to be filmed?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Didn''t I already exin it to you? There will be 2 animated characters, an old man and olddy who will be dubbed as if they are singing. Their characters will be dancing around. The characters will look cartoonish and cute. Can your team do the designs ording to those requirements first? I will take a look at itter."


    Director Wang asked incredulously, "Then what will you be doing in themercial?"


    Zhang Ye pointed to himself, "Me? I will just make an appearance, holding the Brain ti.....Brain Gold product at the end of it. The focus of thismercial should not be on me."


    Today, Director Wang and the project team staff had their eyes opened for once. After so many years of experience in the advertising industry, it was their first time they had witnessed such a production. A bigpany had spent so much to employ you to endorse their product and you sure are good. All you do is appear in a perfunctory shot and that''s it? Isn''t that too easy an endorsement fee that you''re getting? And what''s with the Brain Goldpany, why did they even include a use like that in the contract!?


    Director Wang looked at Wu Mo, "CEO Wu, this...."


    Wu Mo looked like his confidence waspletely shattered and only simply waved his hand saying, "Just do as Zhang Ye says, don''t ask me anymore. I''m going outside for a smoke." He didn''t care anymore and felt like he was just throwing a tantrum. It seemed like he had boarded Zhang Ye''s pirate ship this time and was forced into a corner. He was not going to do anything about it anymore.


    Zhang Ye was not bothered by this and continued giving out instructions.


    "Is this image OK?"


    "No, they look too young."


    "How about this? The hair is now white."


    "I''m looking for a cartoonish character. This is not cute at all. They need to look cuter and look kind. In their kindness, they also need to look like they are full of vitality. Adjust their eyes to look bigger, yes, the body proportions should decrease a little more. Make the old man wear a suit and the olddy dressed in a bridal gown. Don''t make them too old either, they need to show a youthful vigor."


    "How about now?"


    "Good, that''s OK. That''s perfect!"


    Themercial''s proposal had been decided, so all that was left was the production. This was not something that Zhang Ye could participate in, as he did not have any animation skills.


    ......


    Outside.


    On a balcony at the end of the corridor.


    Wu Mo was smoking over there. There were already 7 to 8 cigarette butts lying on the ground.


    "CEO Wu." Zhang Ye smilingly said as he walked over. He took out a cigarette, "I''ll have one too."


    Wu Mo nced back at him, but didn''t say a word. He was ignoring Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye knew that he was angry at him since this afternoon. He lit his cigarette and walked over to the bench and took a seat. He offered a cigarette to him, "Having one?"


    Wu Mo grabbed a stick, "Teacher Zhang, my aunt mentioned you to me before. She said she really admires your literary skills and even said that you were a talent that no one else could ever rece in our nation. I''ve also seen your poems, listened to your speeches, and watched your advertisements. I believe in your abilities. You are also older than me by a year or two and so I address you as Brother Zhang, but you can''t go and take advantage of me like this. I''m just a small businessman and mypany is going to go bankrupt soon. I can''t go through this sort of setback now." Zhang Ye''s status as a famous host, writer, literary person, and Redologist was known by all. He was even a very popr person in the Chinese department of Peking University, so Wu Mo didn''t direct his anger at him.


    Zhang Ye did not know what to say either. After some thought, he asked Wu Mo, "CEO Wu, since you''ve watched my advertisements before, then tell me whether the saving electricity advertisement was influential or not?"


    Wu Mo said with a sigh, "Influential!"


    Zhang Ye asked again, "Then my ''I''ll speak for myself'' advertisement... was it hot or not?"


    Wu Mo was stunned but still said, "It was hot!"


    Zhang Ye said with a smile, "If I may say so, whether it''s in the field of broadcast, novels, TV hosting, poetry, literature, giving speeches, or even advertising, have I ever made a wrong move before?"


    Wu Mo was surprised for a moment, then pondered over what Zhang Ye said. He realized what Zhang Ye said was true. He had really never made a wrong move before. No matter what sort of work he did, it was all extremely popr. Even if others did not think he would seed, Zhang Ye would eventually prove them wrong!


    Since he was Wu Zeqing''s nephew and also quite a nice guy who ced great importance on amitment and also because he was young and not such a scrupulous businessman, Zhang Ye decided to say a few more words, "When I did my lecture on the Three Kingdoms, how many people doubted me? When I created my Talk Show, how many people called for my death? When I started lecturing on ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', how many people were ready to skin me alive? In the end, I have never disappointed those who have trusted in me. CEO Wu, if you believe me, then just leave the whole advertising project nning to me. I will bend over backwards just to ensure yourpany is profitable!"


    Wu Mo stamped out his cigarette, "I have no other choice!"


    Zhang Ye had also finished smoking, "Then why don''t we go inside? What sort of concept does the product, Brain Gold have? Exin to me in detail the science and technicalities behind the product."


    Wu Mo asked, "Why do you need to know about these things?"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Themercial we are doing, is actually the trump card, but having a trump card is not enough to create a miracle. We still need a supporting strategy."


    Wu Mo naturally had no objections, "Alright, let''s talk while we walk."


    Along the way, Wu Mo gave Zhang Ye a detailed exnation of the product.


    Zhang Ye discovered that this Brain Gold was actually the same as his previous world''s Brain tinum. The main ingredient was mtonin and only slightly differed on the additional ingredients.


    This was even better than expected!


    This campaign is almost a done deal!


    ......


    In the meeting room.


    Wu Mo called for a meeting with all involved personnel.


    But Zhang Ye closed his eyes instead and bought a Memory Search Capsule from the game ring''s system. After eating it, he went back to his world within his memory to remember all there was to know about the Brain tinum''s advertising campaign strategy. In his previous world, the biggest reason for Brain tinum''s sess was the televisionmercial. It was especially retarded, but in the face of all those who thought it was the most retardedmercial ever broadcasted, it had created a miracle that had left everyone in the industry dumbfounded. In fact, in the history of the People''s Republic of China, there had never been amercial that had created a miracle like this that had left the deepest impression on so many eyeballs. Zhang Ye was one of those who had personally experienced it.


    But the sess of Brain tinum was not down to just the credit of themercial. Zhang Ye had mentioned that it was only the trump card in creating this miracle, but it still needed some special conditions!


    One of these was the quality of the product. This was already a present condition.


    The second was an omnipresent marketing campaign.


    Thirdly, scientific editorials that did not have any traces of advertising to build up the campaign.


    Thest was the miraculous TVmercial that could brainwash people!


    "Teacher Zhang?"


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Aren''t we having a meeting?"


    "Why did he fall asleep?"


    Everyone was discussing while at a loss at whether tough or cry. This person was a legend of the advertising world? Bullsh*t! It''s really a case of meeting beats hearsay! To them, the legendary Zhang Ye was really too damn unprofessional!


    Finally, Zhang Ye opened his eyes. "Sorry, I was just thinking about something."


    Wu Mo was now resigned to his fate, "Tell us, what else do you need us to do?"


    Zhang Ye said, "CEO Wu, I would like to know how much of our marketing budget is left? What I mean is, are there any additional funds that could be used. What is the highest figure?"


    Wu Mo said helplessly, "Excluding your endorsement fee and advertising costs, we still have about one million."


    Zhang Ye found it quite small, "Could we increase that?"


    Wu Mo rolled his eyes, "We are an almost bankruptpany, how much more do you think I can use? We are already going for broke. We even took out a loan and put our bets on this."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "How about this, I won''t take my endorsement fee and advertisement nning fees for now. Yourpany can pay me in a few months time instead. A few yearster is fine too. We can add that use to the contract too. Payment can be made in installments within 5 years, I''m fine with that. Then we can add that sum to the marketing budget. Since we are betting big, we might as well bet as much as we can! Knock on wood because if thepany really closes down, then I won''t take a single cent in endorsement fees. This can be added into the contract too!"


    Director Wang was stunned!


    Wu Mo and the staff of Brain Goldpany were also stunned!


    "Brother Zhang...." Wu Mo said, "Are you serious?"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "I''m a man of my word. If I said it, then I definitely won''t go back on it. Even if you don''t put it in the contract, I will still do as I said."


    If it were others who said this, no one would have believed them.


    But since these words were uttered by Zhang Ye, no one doubted it!


    What sort of person was Zhang Ye? This was a man who became broke to help save the life of a fan that he barely knew! At that time, how much money did he spend to help with his fan''s treatment? It was much more than this endorsement fee! Zhang Ye did not care about money! That matter was just too beautiful. Even now, there were still many people and media relishing over this matter. This was also the only incident since his debut that Zhang Ye did not receive k for. Zhang Ye''s personality in other aspects may be considered terrible and he was infamous, but in terms of his character, no one had ever doubted him, nor could they doubt him. He had indeed done things in a fashion more beautiful than anyone else!


    No one had expected these words from Zhang Ye. This was clearly a suggestion that was not in line with the interests of Zhang Ye.


    Wu Mo eyes quivered for a moment. At this time, he finally believed that Teacher Zhang Ye was sincere in helping him. He had not been teasing him and was definitely not kidding everyone!


    Wu Mo was still a fair-minded person. In a certain sense, he was very simr to Zhang Ye. They acted ording to the maxim, ''However I get treated, I will treat others back the same''. "Teacher Zhang, that''s not necessary. We will pay you however much you deserve. Ourpany will still be able to cough up another 300 to 400 thousand. With 1.3 to 1.4 million, that should be enough."


    Zhang Ye shook his head, "It''s really not enough. CEO Wu. Listen to me, just include my endorsement fee into the marketing budget. Even with that, I still find itcking."


    A woman from Brain Goldpany asked in surprise, "What do you intend to do with that much money?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "We will carry outrge-scale advertising with it. We can''t afford another TVmercial spot for now, but in Tieba pages, forums, inte TV, newspapers, we can still do a lot of advertising. We need to maximize the exposure for the provincial level, prefecture level, county level, and even the special districts. I am nning arge scale and multi-pronged carpet bombing attack of advertisements on all fronts. We cannot afford to do that for the long term at the moment, but in the short term, it is still possible. We need to do it all in the golden period during these few days before Chinese New Year. The more advertisements, the better!"


    Director Wang was sweating, "Is that OK?"


    Zhang Ye answered him, "Even that is not enough."


    Wu Mo''s eyes ckened, "Not enough? We still need more money?"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Not anymore. After we do all of this, the rest of it is simple. The money we need is also significantly less. Not even 100k is needed -- We need to find a guerri team!"


    An advertising firm staff asked, "Why do we need them for?"


    Zhang Ye said, "To post on forums and Tieba. Yo help us rally up awareness of our product!"


    CEO Wang was almost speechless, "A guerri tactic is such a cheap technique. They can''t do it legitimately and there''s no meaning to it, right? It is already a thing of the past."


    Zhang Ye said confidently, "The guerri tactic is a thing of the past? That is because the correct method and strategy has never been used. This sort of promotion technique will never get outdated."


    Wu Mo said, "But if we resort to making advertisements in this manner, we would attract the ire of the masses. Everyone would be conflicted against us and the campaign would have a negative effect. The people these days are much more aware than in the past. They would easily be able to tell if it is an advertisement and won''t even click on it."


    Director Wang also said very professionally, "It''s like this. In the past, ourpany had employed such means, but we no longer do so. Because it really is a waste of time."


    Zhang Ye said joyfully, "When did I say we were going to advertise?"


    Many advertising people who were present were left wondering, "Not advertising? Then why are we spending so much money for?"


    Zhang Ye exined, "We are going to do a scientific editorial, going the deceptive path of a public service announcement. There will be no traces of advertising!"


    Wu Mo did not understand, "What do you mean?"


    Zhang Ye looked around, "Do you have a pen and paper?"


    "Yea, what kind of paper and pen?" an advertising firm member asked.


    Zhang Ye thought of showing everyone, so the words would have to be big. So he said, "Some Xuan paper and a calligraphy brush. A thin brush."


    "Then I will go get them." A youth said.


    In a short moment, the Four Treasures of the Study were prepared for Zhang Ye.


    They did not know what kind of editorial script Zhang Ye was talking about, so all of them gathered around to see.


    Zhang Ye did not eat the Memory Search Capsule for nothing earlier. He picked up the brush and immediately started writing. He would bring over all the scientific editorials for Brain tinum from his world into this one. With some slight modifications, he wrote:


    "A woman at forty, could be a blooming flower or a wilted flower".


    For a woman who is past 40: Her skin bes rougher and more wrinkly. Her body also bes more bloated and there would be constant hair loss. All kinds of blemishes would appear and cause her to be more self conscious about her appearance. Unable to face herself in the mirror and with impending menopause, arge change would happen psychologically and physiologically. Due to this, people say: A woman at forty, could be a blooming flower or a wilted flower. Modern science has discovered that all of these changes in the brain are dictated by - DHA (Brain Gold). The brain is structuredyer byyer, like an onion. The outermostyer is the cerebral cortex, while the innermost of the core isprised of DHA. The amount of DHA in the brain directly affects the aging of organs in a person''s body, and at the age of forty, the amount of DHA would be about 30% of the amount one has in childhood, resulting in most organs beginning to age. If a moderate amount of DHA is consumed every day, it can return one''s organs to their youthful state. Skin cells will begin massive production (in deep sleep). Dead cells will be removed, and loose skin will turn stic again. It will greatly dy the formation of wrinkles. The intestines would also return to a youthful state, effectively preventing toxins that are harmful to the skin from invading the body. It would eliminate colored spots, and even push back menopause.


    Etc, etc, etc.


    Zhang Ye finished writing.


    Wu Mo eximed, "Is this the scientific editorial public service announcement that you were talking about?"


    Director Wang was also staring dumbfounded. He suddenly eximed, "Great creativity! This is really great creativity! One will look at it and think it is scientific fact, but in reality this is really advertising! It may not be written clearly and obviously, but a seed would be buried. Once the Brain Gold advertisement is released, everyone would immediately recall the scientific editorials!"


    A few other advertising creatives also gave remarks of admiration. So an advertisement could be done this way too! It can even be so silent and not outstanding! It''s too sinister!


    Was it hical?


    It was indeed a little bit hical!


    But those present looked at Zhang Ye with admiration!


    However, Zhang Ye was not bothered by them. He just kept on writing the editorials with such speed onto the Xuan paper.


    "Can humans be immortal?"


    "2 Biological Bombs"


    "Americans can sleep soundly, while the Chinese work! "


    "A ''clock'' exists in the human body"


    "How astronauts sleep"


    "A human can survive only five days without sleep"


    "Not passing motion for a day = Smoking 3 packs of cigarettes"


    He began writing from 3PM in the afternoon and continued on until it was 7:30PM. For almost 5 hours straight, Zhang Ye did not say a word and just wrote. He did not stop to have a drink, a bite of food, or even a rest in this period of time. It felt like he did not even blink or put down his brush during these 5 hours.


    Everyone around him could only look on in awe!


    "Teacher Zhang?"


    "Uh, do you want to rest for a while?"


    "We still have time."


    "Teacher Zhang, why don''t you have something to eat first?"


    Zhang Ye''s memories were strengthened by the memory search capsule and he continued on writing. He did not reply to them and just concentrated on writing.


    Only after he finished hisst editorial, did he put down his brush. He suddenly felt a rush of tiredness and he heaved a sigh and rubbed his eyes before quickly sitting down.


    Wu Mo shouted, "Water! Water!"


    A person rushed to get it, "Coming,ing!"


    "Go and get takeout for Teacher Zhang!" Director Wang was also rather worried.


    Quite a few of them had taken their time earlier to go and have their dinner while Zhang Ye was busying himself with his writings.


    Many of the advertising creatives were curious about the writings that Zhang Ye had done. They browsed through a few pages of it and counted each one. All of them could only look on admirably at Zhang Ye. They finally understood why Teacher Zhang Ye was so famous. With this skill of his, who could everpete with him? He stood there motionlessly on the spot for five hours writing. He did not even have a draft, and yet there was not a single wrong word! The writing was fluent and every sentence was on point. It was so well written that it made the point directed at the sales crowd. Things like insomnia or aging for women were all presented in a way that maximized the use of scientific knowledge to back it up. If someone read this, they would be ''brainwashed'' by all the ''DHA (Brain Gold)'' words that were used!


    Every word was a ssic!


    Every sentence was shocking!


    The words were good, so the sentence''s were even better!


    He definitely deserved the title of a legend. He was just as good as they had heard he was! The creative writing was just too impressive!


    If it were any other advertiser, just picking out a random editorial from those that were written, would have required the brainstorming of a team for several days before they coulde up with a copy at such a standard, but look at Teacher Zhang Ye? Without rest, he had written seven to eight editorials in one fell swoop!


    One of him would be enough to match ten advertising teams!


    They all looked at each other, stunned by the capabilities of Zhang Ye!


    Director Wang, who had taken a look too, could only suck in a deep breath. He looked at Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang, if you would join our firm, we would definitely break out of Asia! Your writing talent is too amazing! Ourpany''s staff strength, even whenbined, would not match up to your ability!"


    Zhang Ye just smiled, "This is what I do professionally. Writing something like this is my forte. That is why I might be a little quicker than you all. Here, take a look everyone."


    They had all finished reading it already and they couldn''t stop praising it at all!


    It was so crafty! This advertisement was full of deception!


    There was not a single mention of eating "Brain Gold" anywhere, but yet every sentence was telling everyone that if there was ack of Brain Gold, they would not able to survive!


    Zhang Ye said, "With these, we need to send people to post them onto Tieba pages and forums to spread the word. Then through the guerri teams, we can make it go viral toplement the TVmercial. This would signal the beginning of the first step!"


    Wu Mo finally revealed a smile, "Brother Zhang Ye. Only now do I realize that giving you over a million in endorsement fee was well worth the money!" If it were anyone else, who would work as hard as Teacher Zhang Ye!? It was really worth every dor!


    Zhang Ye gulped down his water and finished the bottle. Then he said, "It was definitely worth it for you, but now I''m exhausted. Can I get a meal? I need some food desperately!"


    Although Wu Mo and Director Wang still did not think that the jingle "The only gift I will ept is Brain Gold" was good, they still recognized the guerri marketing tactics. There was also nothing to criticize about Zhang Ye''s editorials. Director Wang''s team looked like amateurs in front of Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye began eating, while stuffing food into his mouth.


    Spotting a chance, Wu Mo suggested, "This marketing technique is so good, we should really focus more on it. As for the TVmercial, shouldn''t we change it a little? Change it to a promotion style simr to propaganda? We could first talk about the harms before we promote our product. Although 15 seconds is not enough, by condensing it a little, there should not be any problems."


    Zhang Ye shook his head, and carried on with his dinner without a word.


    No one was clearer about it than Zhang Ye. If not for the TVmercial, all of this publicity would amount to nothing!


    Forum advertising?


    Spreading editorial messages?


    Guerri marketing online?


    Any of these could be canceled, but definitely not the retarded TVmercial!


    But this was not the time to exin, since none of them would get it anyway. This was why Zhang Ye did not bother to exin, as long as the whole process was done ording to his instructions, they could always thank himter!

 Chapter 361: Wu Zeqing’s Birthday!

    <h4>Chapter 361: Wu Zeqing''s Birthday! </h4>


    Chapter 361: Wu Zeqing''s Birthday!


    At night.


    He reached home after 8.


    Mom opened the door. "Why are you home sote?"


    "Someone invited me to be amercial spokesperson, so I was busy discussing." Zhang Ye said.


    Dad lowered the television''s volume. "Spokesperson? For whatmercial?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "It''s a health supplement. It''s called Brain Gold. You will know about it in two days when it goes on TV. It will definitely be broadcasted before Chinese New Year."


    Mom immediately became high-spirited. "How much are they paying?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Around a million. It''s a year''s worth of endorsement and advertising nning."


    Mom said in an overjoyed manner, "That''s not a small amount. They will give you a million a year if you just need toe up with an idea, shoot themercial, and ignore everything from then on? This amount of money sure is easily earned. It''s so much more than what you can earn working at the television station. You tire yourself endlessly for those television programs, but how much is your monthly sry and bonuses? It can''t evenpare with the ie you receive doing amercial in one day. What''s the point? I think you might as well just focus on endorsements. By being a spokesperson for a few products, wouldn''t the money juste rolling in? Hehe, that''s so lucrative!"


    Dad said in a speechless manner, "Why are you only concerned with money?"


    Zhang Ye alsoughed. "Mom, you don''t understand. You may think the endorsement fee for amercial is a lot, and seems rxing, but why would others pay so much money to be their product''s spokesperson? It is still the poprity I gained due to my novels, poems, television programs, etc. It''s because of my fame that others would even offer me so much money. If I did not produce programs or work, without the support of my poprity, who would want me to be a spokesperson?" He then used a different manner to exin. "Just like the Spring Festival G in a few days, everyone knows not a single cent is earned from it, and you might even up spending money because of it. One needs to pay for board and lodging, dying one''s working schedule, cancelingmercial performances, but even so, why do people try with all their might to appear on the Spring Festival G? It''s all due to poprity. No matter how rich a celebrity is, without poprity, they cannot even be considered a celebrity. Poprity is of the essence."


    Mom said in an enlightened manner. "That''s true."


    "Have you eaten, Son?" Dad asked.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I ate takeout, and I''m still quite full."


    Mom said unhappily, "Why did you eat take out? I''ll make something good for you!"


    "There''s no need, Mom. I''m already full. Let me take a warm bath. I''m a bit tired. By the way, someone gave me tea leaves. Try some of it with Dad. It should be pretty good tea." Zhang Ye returned to his room, taking off his coat and then wore his autumn wear to the bathroom. He then enjoyed a bath.


    ......


    In the bedroom.


    Heyfortably in bed.


    As Zhang Ye scratched his wet hair, he began to fiddle with his cellphone. After flipping through a few webpages of entertainment news. This year''s Spring Festival G''s lineup was mostly out. They were undergoing rehearsals now, and in the lineup, Zhang Ye saw Zhang Yuanqi''s name. The song''s name was "Wishing We Last Forever", which had its lyrics adapted from Zhang Ye''s "Shuidiao Getou". This song was not very appropriate for the Spring Festival G, but it was not too much a problem. As long as the words used were beautiful, everything would be alright. Furthermore, she was the Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi. She was a regr on the Spring Festival G.


    Spring Festival G.


    Hai, when would he have the opportunity to be on it?


    Let''s take it slow. He still was not popr enough, and it had to be slowly umted. There was no way to rush it. Next year, Zhang Ye could attempt, but now, he was stillcking in poprity. Furthermore, he wascking in productions that could possibly go on the Spring Festival G. Recite a poem at the Spring Festival G? Or give a talk show? Talk about ''Three Kingdoms'', ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', or some ghost story? It would not be a wonder if people cursed him to death. There was no such precedent. Hence, it looked like he needed to expand in several directions this year. Either he produced a work that could vie for a spot on the Spring Festival G next year, or he would have to take on the route of being a professional host, so as to be the Spring Festival G''s host? Thetter was a bit difficult.


    Let''s not think about it. We can talk about it in the future.


    Since a song with his lyrics and melody was going the Spring Festival G, it was also an honor. His poprity and game Reputation would also increase a bit as a result of this.


    Reputation?


    Right, let''s y the lottery!


    The total Reputation points was already at 40 million!


    A few days ago, Zhang Ye did not feel any need for it. He was also nning on leaving the Reputation points for his next step. Now, his Reputation was increasing by the day. Also, his inventory did not have many items, so it was time to substantiate it. Of course, he could not spend it all in one go. He still needed to leave it for future use. Well, let''s use 10 million and try our luck first. If he was lucky, he could carry on ying the lottery. In the past, 10 million Reputation points was an astronomical value to Zhang Ye, but now, this fellow was extremely wealthy. He no longer thought too much about it. As his fame grew, the amount of Reputation points also increased rapidly. He was now on a different ne. He could not be the same person from half a year ago, who felt distressed just spending 100,000 Reputation points for each draw at the lottery. That would be too much a loser!


    This bro has all the Reputation in the world now!


    As long as the items he drew were useful, he was not afraid of spending much!


    Without any hesitation, Zhang Ye tapped open the lottery interface and bought a chance at the lottery. The needle began spinning. He was definitely going to buy Additional Stakes, but he wanted to observe the situation. He nned on buying Additional Stakes for Consumption Category items. After all, his inventory was nearly empty. He had used the Red String of Fate and Save, and the remaining items in his inventory was the two Difficulty Adjustment Dice. Zhang Ye did not dare to use these items. He had been horrified by the hijackingst time. So naturally, he needed to replenish his inventory, such as Lucky Bread? Or a Save? Or Cupid Sachets? Anything would do! With ten million Reputation points, he could buy 99 Additional Stakes. If he exchanged for a hundred of the same item, especially if he was lucky enough to obtain the Lucky Bread that was never enough, Zhang Ye was willing to spend all the 40 million Reputation points just for it, let alone 10 million. This was because the item was too amazing!


    The needle started to slow down.


    Slowly, it was about to stop!


    With his keen eyes, Zhang Ye immediately tapped the Additional Stakes button. He made the wheel stop and then looked at the needle''s momentum. It was already in the Consumption Category region, and had just entered it. ording to the situation and the speed at which the needle slowed down, it was likely to stop in the Consumption Category. There was a very high chance.


    He got whatever he wanted!


    Was he able to get it all in one fell swoop?


    Zhang Ye was pretty happy and nned on buying Additional Stakes!


    How much should he add? A million or five million? Or should he add all the ten million? Thinking how he was like a nouveau riche now, he was notcking in that part. If he really struck the Lucky Bread or something even better, wouldn''t he receive a windfall? If he only bought a few Additional Stakes, that would be too regretful. With enough courage and increasing capital, he also began to gamble at arger scale. Hence, Zhang Ye directly tapped 99, throwing ten million Reputation points into it!


    The spin continued!


    The needle slowed down!


    A bit...A bit...Just a bit more...


    However, maybe it was due to not having yed the lottery for quite some time, Zhang Ye''s sense of the wheel and needle''s speed had deteriorated. He watched the needle move forward, and just as it was about to stop in the Consumption Category region, it suddenly moved forward a bit, entering the next region.


    Holy sh*t!


    It was a Skills Category region!


    Zhang Ye nearly cried out. His luck was too bad, wasn''t it? He did not get whatever he wanted!


    However, the Skills Category prize had previously given Zhang Ye some pretty good skills. Even the Computer or the Lock-Picking Skillbooks he received had been put to good use. As such, he was also not that depressed. Treasure Chests appeared, flooding the ground. There were a total of hundred golden Treasure Chests (Small). As there was not enough space in the room, the Treasure Chests stacked over each other, making it quite a spectacr sight. Zhang Ye reached out and opened the lid of one of the Treasure Chests.


    [ Calligraphy Skill Experience Book ] 100!


    Seeing the Calligraphy Skillbooksden chests, Zhang Ye was at a loss whether tough or cry. He had obtained these Skillbooks in the past. Be it his brush or pen writing, they were already more beautiful than in the past. And it only had that bit of use, and did not seem of much practical significance.


    Why did I get it again!?


    If it was Taiji Fist, how great would that have been!? If he had bought it, the Taiji Fist Skillbooks would cost a million Reputation points per book, but if it was obtained from the lottery, every book cost only 100,000. It was ten times cheaper! Skillbooks such as Taiji Fist were extremely valuable to Zhang Ye. If not, he would not have spent the ten million Reputation points to buy the Taiji Fist after earning it from the hijacking. This was a defensive skill. There was never too much of such a skill!


    Calligraphy!?


    Why did it have to be Calligraphy!?


    Zhang Ye felt it was not something very useful. However, he had already received it, and there was no way to return it. His Save had already been used up, so there was no way to regret it anymore. He could only flip through the Calligraphy Skill Experience Books, and "consume experience".


    1 book.....


    10 books...


    100 books...


    He had finished consuming them!


    All the information in the Calligraphy Skill Experience Books entered Zhang Ye''s brain!


    Since he had a bad beginning, and made poor judgment, forget it. No more drawing today. We''ll talk about it in a few days!


    Zhang Ye turned thirsty and drank some of the tea made from the tea leaves Wu Zeqing gave him. He narrowed his eyes in enjoyment. It was indeed good tea. Although he was not an expert at tea, he could tell the difference between this tea and the cheap tea he had bought in the past. The difference was too great. Only then did he return to his room, preparing to sleep. Others might not be able to sleep after drinking tea, but Zhang Ye was different. After drinking some hot tea, it might even help him sleep even more soundly.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    A phone call suddenly came in.


    It was from Wu Mo. Zhang Ye did not know what it was about.


    Zhang Ye picked it up. "Hello, CEO Wu?"


    "Have you slept yet, Teacher Zhang?" Wu Mo asked.


    "Not yet." Zhang Ye said.


    Wu Mo said, "It''s this. Tomorrow is my aunt''s birthday, so I decided to call you. My aunt asked me to invite you. It will be a party for industry insiders. There will be food and chatter amongst schrs. It''s at noon. I''ll send you the exact addresster."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "You aren''t going?"


    "Why would I go? All of you are people in literature or calligraphy. I don''t share amonnguage with you. I''ll only suffer by being there. Furthermore, I need to monitor the advertisements." Wu Mo said.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Then I''ll bring some gift?"


    Wu Mo gave it some thought before saying, "I don''t think there''s a need? My aunt isn''t a particr person. Just showing up would do. If you really need to, writing some calligraphy would also do. My aunt really likes things like calligraphy. Oh, those people from the calligraphy world also seem to draw stuff on the spot. It won''t be toote to think over it when you are there. Anyway, I don''t know the details. I have never joined in such meals with schrs, so I''ll leave it to you."


    He waspletely ignorant.


    Zhang Ye could only say, "Alright, I''ll definitely go."

 Chapter 362: The Calligraphy Association Anniversary Gathering!

    <h4>Chapter 362: The Calligraphy Association Anniversary Gathering! </h4>


    Chapter 362: The Calligraphy Association Anniversary Gathering!


    The next day.


    It was almost noon. The weather looked good.


    Zhang Ye had woken upte. After looking at his watch, he immediately got out of bed. He got dressed as he rubbed his eyes. He went to the bathroom outside to wash up as he called out, "Mom, do we have the Four Treasures of the Study at home?"


    His father had already left for work.


    His mother was scheduled for an afternoon shift today and was still around, "What do you think? You bought some before when you were in primary school, but we don''t have them anymore. Maybe it''s in a box somewhere? Even if you can find it, they won''t be usable anymore. What do you need it for? Isn''t the university on break? What are you hurrying around for? You still need to go to work?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Not for work, but it''s my leader''s birthday."


    His mother said, "Then why didn''t you get up earlier? Hurry up and go!"


    "I know. Can you help me get my bag, put my cellphone inside." Zhang Ye did not bother too much and quickly brushed his teeth. Then, he took the bag from his mother and rushed downstairs to his car.


    What about the birthday present?


    He did not even have a brush and ink and there was no time to get one now!


    Zhang Ye was a carefree person, since Wu Mo said it wasn''t necessary to get anything, he did not bother to. He decided to just go directly. If there was a need, he would buy a presentter on and give it to his leader.


    ......


    The sun was very strong.


    It added warmth to the winter weather.


    He drove a little faster than usual and reached a restaurant north of the city a few minutes before noon. He stood in front of the entrance of a two-story restaurant that had an ancient vibe to it. It also had arge yard towards the rear of the building. The restaurant wasn''t too small and was designed to have an ancient ssical look to it. There were rednterns hung at the entrance and it looked like the whole location had been reserved for the day. There were a lot of cars parked in front and more and more people were beginning to move inside. A lot of them were holding calligraphy scrolls or simr items in their hands as they walked in, leaving Zhang Ye a little confused. To him, Wu Zeqing looked like someone who wasn''t too ostentatious. If she was having a birthday celebration, it wouldn''t be possible that she invited so many people. Old Comrade Wu didn''t have such avish personality.


    After getting off, Zhang Ye straightened his clothes a little.


    "Eh? Isn''t that Teacher Zhang?" A woman called him out from behind.


    Zhang Ye turned around in surprise, "Yo, Teacher Su, you came too?"


    It was Zhang Ye''s colleague from Peking University, Su Na. She was wearing an overcoat which was rather thick, "Why are you here too? Oh, President Wu invited you too?"


    Zhang Ye vaguely acknowledged her. Actually, he was very clear that he would not have been invited to such an asion if not for the fact that he was endorsing her, Wu Zeqing''s, nephew''s product. Since he was doing his part for her nephew, she was obliged to give him face.


    Then so, why was Su Na here too?


    Even Professor Zeng was not invited, right?


    Zhang Ye wondered, "You are here because?"


    Su Na saidughingly, "I''m not important to enough to warrant an invitation from President Wu. I came with my father. He is already inside. He''s with the Calligraphy Association."


    Zhang Ye suddenly asked, "There are so many people here today?"


    "Yes, it''s about the same every year, butst year was even more vibrant than this year." Su Na said casually.


    Zhang Ye was left even more confused, "They are all here to celebrate President Wu''s birthday?"


    "Birthday? You don''t know?" Su Na said, "How would President Wu be sovish? Today''s the 31st anniversary of the Calligraphy Association. Every member would gather on this day to have an exchange of calligraphy and literature. This is the main event. As for birthdays, today is also coincidentally the birthdays of a senior of the calligraphy world and President Wu. So we celebrate them all together, but it''s not the main focus. It''s mainly still a gathering for those involved in calligraphy. Of course, if you want to give them presents, that''s fine too."


    Zhang Ye coughed, "Then, did you bring a present?"


    "I did not." Su Na chuckled, "But my dad wrote two scrolls, that''s good enough."


    "All of you are well prepared. I woke upte today, so I did not bring anything." Zhang Ye said depressingly. When the others presented their giftster and he came empty-handed, it would be embarrassing.


    Su Na blinked and said, "If you didn''t bring a present, it''s alright. A lot of people are not gifting anything either. If you really want to give something, you can always write a poem and gift it during the calligraphy event, right? How''s your calligraphy skill?


    Zhang Ye subconsciously replied, "My words can''t be shown."


    But he suddenly remembered that, hey, he had just gotten those calligraphy experience booksst night and eaten them all. He had eaten a total of 100 books. Even if he had not tested it out, based on previous experiences, his writing shouldn''t be shabby. A hundred books! He wouldn''t know how it would turn out. Who knows if it might even be better than Wu Zeqing''s calligraphy?


    Right!


    He could write it on the spot!


    He definitely had to give a present to President Wu!


    ......


    In the restaurant.


    At the back yard.


    This ce looked like an exhibition stand, exhibiting lots of famous people''s calligraphy and paintings. Some of them were even the writings of members from the calligraphy association, who were also the current generation of calligraphy masters.


    "This is a calligraphy piece of Sun Gu?"


    "It''s surely a copy, right? Hasn''t it been lost long ago?"


    "This is the real deal. I heard that it was in Master Zhou''s possession. Master Zhou spent a lot of money to get this piece. To be able to see it today is really our honor!"


    "This won''t do, I definitely need to get a picture of thister!"


    "Eh, isn''t that Teacher Cheng''s calligraphy? Seems like his cursive calligraphy has had a breakthrough in the past year!"


    "Haha, President Wu is also showing her calligraphy today. Little Wu''s words have always been so elegant. It''s beautiful no matter how you look at it. It''s very rare in the calligraphy world."


    No one went to the second floor, since the banquet had not started yet. Everyone was just hanging around in the backyard discussing the exhibited works today. Although it was not an official exhibition, the works that were disyed were even more rare and precious than those in official exhibitions. In an insiders'' exchange, no one hid anything from each other. The Calligraphy Association 31st anniversary gathering could also be seen as an exhibition of academic achievements.


    Wu Zeqing had already arrived and was chatting with a few friends.


    The other person who was celebrating a birthday today was Old Master Wei. He was around 80 years of age and was seated on a solid wood antique chair. A number of juniors went up to greet him.


    "Master Wei, how are you doing?"


    "I''m not as good anymore. Getting old. Hur Hur."


    "I can''t see that. The calligraphy that you put up on disy shows that you are still going strong!"


    The yard was scattered with people that numbered around 70 to 80. Those who were present today were the elites of the calligraphy and literature world and their families. All of them were important people and even the lowest of them were well established members of the calligraphy association. Of course, there weren''t that many people who turned up. After all, it wasn''t a decennial anniversary, so there were no guests from other fields present to congratte them. It was just a normal gathering using the anniversary as an excuse.


    At this moment, Su Na stepped in, "Dad!"


    Father Su looked to be in his fifties. His hair hadn''t grayed much, but his mustache had already turned white, "Why are you sote? Didn''t you leave early this morning?"


    Su Na chuckled, "I met a colleague at the front door and we chatted for a while."


    Thereafter, Zhang Ye followed in behind and entered the backyard, but as he was wearing shades and did not have much inmon with those from the calligraphy world, no one recognized him. In fact, some people did not even know him. At best, they would have heard of his name before!

 Chapter 363: Calligraphy contest?

    <h4>Chapter 363: Calligraphy contest? </h4>


    Chapter 363: Calligraphy contest?


    In the backyard, the smell of ink was in the air.


    The sweet smell of Xuan paper also lingered in the air.


    "Teacher Wang."


    "Yo, Mr Liu."


    "Master Chen is here too, where did youe from?"


    "I came over from Shanghai. It''s Old Master Wei''s birthday, so I can''t note."


    They were all people from the same circle, so they were familiar with each other. The old friends began chatting heartily, looking like they had not seen each other in a long time.


    In the corner, only Zhang Ye was standing there alone. Many people saw him, but did not know who he was. Because he looked rather young and was strangely wearing shades, no one bothered about him. As Su Na was ushered by her father to greet his friends, Wu Zeqing was still chatting with her friends, Zhang Ye found a chair and sat down. Since he had not had his breakfast, he tried out some of the refreshments on the table. It was actually quite tasty, so he poured himself a cup of hot tea and crossed his legs back rxingly. He started munching on some sunflower seeds, fully making himself feel at home.


    "Who is this person?"


    "Don''t seem to know him."


    "Whose family member is he? Is he that hungry?"


    "I think I saw hime in with Teacher Su''s daughter."


    "Old Su''s son-inw? No way, I am old friends with Old Su, so how can I not have seen this kid? Little Na Na isn''t married either. so it can''t be."


    A few people looked at Zhang Ye with askance.


    Zhang Ye felt like he was too mboyant, so with a cough, he stopped eating.


    It was unknown when Wu Zeqing walked over. Today, she was dressed in a beige qipai. The red flowers that adorned her dress were very eye-catching. She had been wearing a qipao with a sweater of coat draped over her. Her high heels were beige in color to match her qipao, making her look extremely alluring.


    "You were eating?" Wu Zeqing gave a faint smile.


    Zhang Ye beamed and stood up. "I didn''t eat this morning, so I was hungry."


    Wu Zeqing lowered her hands, "Just carry on eating. It''s alright."


    Zhang Ye said, "If I knew today was the Calligraphy Association''s anniversary, I wouldn''t havee. I''m not someone from this circle. I don''t really know much about calligraphy. If I knew this early, I would have given you a birthday present privately. Unfortunately, I didn''t have time this morning, so I didn''t bring anything."


    Wu Zeqing gently smiled. "There''s no need for presents. It''s alright if you do not know calligraphy. Inviting you here was to let you enter this circle. You are a person of literature, so knowing more people won''t hurt. Hur Hur. Alright, carry on eating. I''ll go greet a few old friends."


    "Sis Wu."


    "Teacher Wu."


    More people came from outside.


    Wu Zeqing walked over with a smile.


    After a short while, almost everyone had arrived.


    "Everyone, may I have your attention please. Hur Hur." At this moment, a very famous calligrapher spoke. He gathered the people over and said, "Today is the 31st anniversary of the Calligraphy Association. I would like to thank everyone for their participation and well-wishes. I''ve been writing all my life, so I''m not good with words, so I''ll keep it short. I think it''s best we go by the old rules. Let''s have a shortpetition to kick off auspiciously before having our meal. How about that?"


    "Alright!"


    "As you wish."


    "Haha, anotherpetition?"


    "Master Zhou, what''s the auspicious item about this year?"


    Everyone had expected this and asked with smiles.


    There was nock of this segment in every year''s Calligraphy Association gathering.


    The old calligrapher, Master Zhou, curved his mouth and waved to his two disciples by his side. He got them to open up a piece of calligraphy. "I''ll incur ridicule first. This is the calligraphy piece I wrotest year. Now it shall be used as an auspicious item. Same old rules, whoever wins gains this auspicious item!"


    Master Zhou''s work?


    This year''s item sure cost an arm and a leg!


    Everyone knew the most ordinary piece of calligraphy produced by Master Zhou could be auctioned off for tens of thousands. If it was a good piece of calligraphy, such as this long calligraphy piece, it could be auctioned off for at least a hundred thousand. There was no upper limit, for if someone really liked it, they would be willing to pay hundreds of thousands for it!


    "Nice work!"


    "Elder Zhou sure is generous!"


    "Then we won''t stand on ceremony!"


    Everyone were eager to try as they coveted it.


    Su Na left her father''s side and walked over to Zhang Ye.


    "Teacher Su." Zhang Ye was also surprised to see that calligraphy piece. "Who is that?"


    Su Na nearly fainted. "Ah? You don''t even know Master Zhou? He is one of the few remaining master calligraphers still alive. You really don''t care about anything outside of the entertainment industry, do you?"


    Zhang Ye praised, "This piece of work is too artistic!"


    Su Na said, "Of course. Just Master Zhou''s name would cause calligraphy lovers toe in droves. Even a draft would be worth a considerable amount."


    After eating a hundred Calligraphy Skillbooks, Zhang Ye''s appreciation and understanding of calligraphy had been greatly upgraded. He knew the piece of work in front of his eyes was no ordinary piece of work. It was much better than the words written by President Wu back then. It could even be said to be on different realms. President Wu''s standard may be high and was famous in the industry, but Wu Zeqing was, after all, not a professional in this. She just had calligraphy as her hobby, while her career for in the foreground. However, Master Zhou was different. He was a professional. He had spent all his life studying just calligraphy, so their standards were naturally different!


    Su Na leered at him, "You also like this piece of work?"


    "Yea." Zhang Ye only found the piece of work very good, but did not have other thoughts. His mind was not in the field of calligraphy. Without any exaggeration, this piece of art was inferior to Wu Zeqing''s naked ''artistic pictures'' to Zhang Ye. Those pictures were more real and empowering!


    What a bunch of losers!


    They really do not know art!


    Seeing the ugly expressions of these people desperately wanting a crappy piece of art, this fellow, Zhang Ye looked down on them. You guys aren''t even looking at Wu Zeqing''s beautiful full legs and her ample breasts that nearly tear her qipao apart. What kind of art are you looking even looking at? It''s no wonder people who made a living in art would die alone. Can you be a bit more promising? A mountain of gold is in front of you, yet you don''t know?


    Zhang Ye believed he was a person who truly knew art. Hence, he retracted his gaze from the calligraphy piece and moved it onto Wu Zeqing''s legs. He peeked at her white legs through the slit in the qipao.


    Su Na did not notice the direction in which Zhang Ye was looking, and said, "I really want this calligraphy piece."


    Zhang Ye asked nonchntly, "Are you participating in thepetition too?"


    "No way. My calligraphy is terrible. All I know is what I was forced to learn by my Dad when I was young. I stopped practicing since then. As for my Dad, he might have some hope." Su Na felt enthusiastic.


    Zhang Ye thought to himself. Man, not another one who doesn''t know true art...


    Many people present had eyes filled with insatiable thirst.


    Master Zhou immediately announced, "Alright, I shall be this year''s judge. Everyone should be okay with that, right? Hur Hur, then let this year''spetition exchange begin..."


    Suddenly, the birthday boy, Old Master Wei, who was sitting on an armchair, spoke. As he stroked his beard, he smiled and said, "Old Zhou, hold on a moment."


    Master Zhou smiled and said, "What''s the matter, Old Wei?"


    Master Wei joked, "You old fogey sure aren''t particr. Half a year ago, I saw this calligraphy piece at your home. Back then, I wanted it, and was even willing to exchange something for it, but you adamantly refused to give it to me. What''s the matter now? Now you are taking it out? You sure aren''t giving your old friend face. We have been friends for decades." After a pause, he carried on. "No way. This calligraphy piece has to be mine. Today is my birthday, so I''ll just take advantage of my seniority. I hope everyone will give this old man some face. Can this calligraphy piece be eded to me?"


    "Uh."


    "This..."


    "The birthday boy is biggest today."


    "Old Master Wei, don''t try robbing it from us juniors. Haha."


    The crowd said all sorts of things, nor was there any harsh tones in their words. It was just a form of entertainment. Although it was apetition, it was not meant to hurt feelings.


    Master Zhou was amused as he motioned his hand. "That won''t do Old Wei. We may be friends, but I have already announced my intentions. I can''t just rescind them, right? Since you want it, you can also participate in it. Furthermore, you are not the only one who is celebrating their birthday. Little Wu''s birthday is today too. If I give it to you, what about Little Wu?" After some thought, he said, "Let''s do it this way. I''ll give a suggestion. With the two birthday stars in consideration, thispetition should be split into two teams. Old Wei will lead one team, while Little Wu will lead another. Whichever team''sbined calligraphy prowess defeats the other, the auspicious gift will be their''s. It could be either Old Wei or Little Wu. I''ll just treat it as a birthday gift. What does everyone think about it?"


    Old Master Wei pointed at him, "You sure became craftier with age."


    Master Zhou was an old friend of his, so he spoke casually with him. "It has to be fair. If it''s just a individualpetition, with you having written calligraphy all your life, you will definitely win. There will be no suspense, nor will there be any meaning behind it. Apetition must have some suspense."


    Everyone thought over it, but did not have any opinions


    "I''m fine with anything."


    "Haha, this will be interesting."


    "Alright, we''ll follow Master Zhou''s arrangement!"


    "Old Master Wei, let me be added to your team."


    "Count me in too. Since Old Master Wei is insistent on winning, I must contribute a bit."


    Everyone coveted Master Zhou''s calligraphy piece, but they all knew themselves. Even quite a famous calligrapher like Su Na''s father knew he was no match for Master Wei. Since the birthday boy wanted it that much, they would not be able to get it, nor was there any chances for them. Of course, they would not be able to fight it out. He was celebrating his birthday, and was an old senior in the industry. Although Master Wei''s calligraphy skills were far inferior to Master Zhou, his seniority was an advantage that could suppress everyone else. So no one wanted topete with Master Wei, or they would appear too aloof. Hence, Master Zhou''s suggestion made everyone find it very interesting.


    The two birthday stars would lead teams in apetition?


    Wu Zeqing versus Master Wei? The winner gets the auspicious item?


    Immediately, quite a number of people stood behind Master Wei. Soon, there were dozens.


    Father Su alsoughed out loudly. "Then let me join in." Saying that, he entered Master Wei''s team.


    Wu Zeqing had no one on her side. However, she was not angry, and was her usual gentle self. She gave a slight smile and said, "All of you are bullying myck of qualifications."


    Master Wei joked, "Little Wu, I think you should just give up. After I receive Old Zhou''s piece, I''ll lend it to you for two days before you return it to me."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "That wouldn''t be good. Master Zhou''s calligraphy is rarely seen, especially such a long piece of calligraphy. I also truly want it. It happens that I''mcking such a piece of art at home."

 Chapter 364: One person is Enough!

    <h4>Chapter 364: One person is Enough! </h4>


    Chapter 364: One person is Enough!


    Amotion stirred in the backyard.


    Master Wei was bent on having it, while Wu Zeqing did not back down. Although some people were beginning to feel hungry, no one said anything about eating, as they knew something interesting was about to happen. Master Wei was a respectful person of distinction in the world of calligraphy. Although most of his contribution came from the development and expansion of the Calligraphy Association, which meant he was on the administration side, his calligraphy skills were still exceptional, and not poor in any way. Everyone knew Wu Zeqing was an amateur calligrapher. She was one of the most outstanding ones, and was not inferior to professionals. However, the chances for Master Wei''s victory was higher. However, it was not like Wu Zeqing did not have any chance. It depended on what experts were in her team.


    "Then, has everyone agreed?" Master Zhou smiled and asked.


    Master Wei said without any pressure, "I''m fine with it."


    Wu Zeqing smiled gracefully, "I''m fine with it too." Then she said to Master Wei, "Old Master Wei, don''t me me if I bully you as a junior."


    Master Wei did not remain perfunctory, "Of course not. As for me, I''m afraid you will me me for stealing a beloved item of yours after I win the auspicious item."


    Many people booed and hissed upon hearing this.


    Actually, all the harshness was just lip service. Everyone was just joining in on the fun. What status did Master Wei have? What status did Wu Zeqing have? How could they bear grudges? That would be too petty, so whatever said was just to make the atmosphere be more lively. If there was no sense ofpetition, the atmosphere would remain cold.


    A few family members went upstairs and did not enter the backyard. There were so many people in the backyard that there was no space, so the family members leaned against the windows to watch in interest.


    "Come on!"


    "They are going to begin!"


    "This will be fun!"


    Instantly, everyone''s gazes gathered at the backyard.


    The splitting of teams began. Everyone choose their own teams.


    Master Wei was authoritative in the world of calligraphy and had numerous disciples. He had a wide social circle, so people who had enjoyed his grace naturally chose Master Wei''s team. The other older calligraphers were also Master Wei''s friends, so there was no other need to mention them. Since Master Wei wanted a gift for his birthday, they would naturally help, so more and more people gathered on Master Wei''s side. In contrast, Wu Zeqing''s side was quite neglected. She ended up standing there alone without anyone behind her. No one had expected this situation to ur, but it was not a surprise after some careful thinking. Although it was apetition where friendship came first, everyone could tell Master Zhou truly wanted Master Zhou''s calligraphy piece. He was elderly and of high stature. He was also the birthday boy, so who wouldn''t give him face? Although Wu Zeqing held a high position, it was in the world of education. Wu Zeqing was not in the forefront in the field of calligraphy, so everyone knew who mattered the most. It was reasonable for them to stand on Master Wei''s side. This was the mischief caused by the People''s Republic''s traditional beliefs. They were in calligraphy and the arts, so what they researched was ssical culture, so such beliefs were entrenched.


    Wu Zeqing did not have any other expression on her face except a faint smile.


    A few female family members could not stand idly watching this.


    "Hey, what''s going on?"


    "Why is everyone helping Master Wei?"


    "Not even one went to President Wu''s team?"


    "What''s the matter? Isn''t this bullying a woman!?"


    "President Wu''s calligraphy skills are weaker to begin with. Now, with her alone, what''s the point ofpeting. You might as well just gift the auspicious gift to Master Wei."


    "If I knew calligraphy, I would definitely help President Wu!"


    "Man, this really isn''t appropriate. At least someone should help Big Sis Wu, right? If not, it wouldn''t look good. It''s just not right!"


    People below and above began to murmur.


    No one expected Wu Zeqing to definitely win. After all, there was a gap in ability between President Wu and Master Wei, but even if she lost, she shouldn''t lose too badly. It had not even begun, and everyone already subconsciously went to Master Wei''s team? How could Wu Zeqingpete alone?


    Su Na was also fuming. What''s the matter. She immediately stared at her father, "Dad!" She was a member of Peking University, so she naturally sided with Wu Zeqing.


    Father Su pretended not to see it and carried on chatting with a friend.


    Su Na turned anxious. Heh, with her bad temper, she immediately wanted to stand by President Wu side to show her stance. At least having a bit more strength would not make it look bad. However, after some thought, Su Na stamped her feet angrily and did not go over. There was no other reason. Her attainment in calligraphy was not deep enough. Besides, calligraphy was not justpeting in one''s writing. Calligraphy was closely intertwined with ancient ssic culture. They would definitely be drawing lots to get a question like they had in past years. They had to produce a piece of calligraphy ording to the topic. This tested their ancient literary knowledge. If onecked literary knowledge or calligraphy skills, it would just be a loss of face going up. Thinking of how she would not even be able to write anything when facing the question, she would end up screwing things up for Wu Zeqing, so she might as well stay off to the side!


    Master Zhou, who had suggested thispetition, wanted to have some novelty in thepetition and not like what it was in the past. However, he also never expected to see the current situation. He was momentarily speechless. He gave Wu Zeqing an apologetic nce and helped speak for her, "I say, everyone here is famous in the calligraphy world. Do you think such apetition would be interesting? Are you not going to show your faces even if you win?"


    The dozens of calligraphers behind Master Zhou also turned red with embarrassment. Indeed as Master Zhou said, they really did not dare show their faces. Dozens of teachers from the world of calligraphy were going to bully a lone woman, Wu Zeqing? It did not sound good if this was made known. Even if President Wu was not deeply involved in the calligraphy world, she was at least someone famous from the world of education. ording to a systematic rank and position of society, Master Zhou and Master Wei were inferior to Wu Zeqing.


    However, Master Wei ended up chuckling as he said, "Little Wu''s talent in calligraphy is one of the best I have ever seen. If a bunch of people joined her team, I might not even win. Now this is good. Little Wu, shall I ept the auspicious item? I think let''s notpete. Let''s go eat."


    Master Zhou rolled his eyes. "Old Wei, aren''t you embarrassed?"


    "Haha, since it''s apetition, what''s there to be embarrassed about?" Master Zhou did not mind and carried onughing while stroking his beard. As he looked as Master Zhou''s piece of work, his eyes seemed to treat it as his very own. As an elder, his skin was thicker, so he did not feel embarrassed at all.


    What are you guys doing?


    Zhang Ye, who was eating melon seeds on the side, could not sit idle any longer. He had heard all that had been previously said. However, he did not say a word. He had previously not nned on joining as he was not someone from this circle. He was also not interested in such stuff. You guys can turn rowdy having fun orpeting for the auspicious item, but what has that got to do with me? When he saw thepetition line up, Zhang Ye could not continue spectating. F**k, you bunch of calligraphers! Are bullying my Old Wu? How can you feel justified and assured? Do you even want any face!?


    President Wu doesn''t have anyone?


    Go f**k yourself! There''s this bro!


    Zhang Ye immediately stood up and walked leisurely to stand behind Wu Zeqing. While doing so, he held the melon seeds in his left hand, while he munched on them with his right hand. He then sat on the chair behind her and continued to munch on his melon seeds. He did not say a word, but his attitude was very clear.


    Wu Zeqing smiled as she looked at him, "Can you?"


    Zhang Ye said confidently, "Please take away the ''you''."


    "Hur Hur." Wu Zeqing smiled faintly and said, "Alright!" Saying that, she also sat down and drank a cup of tea.


    Su Na was bbergasted. Teacher Zhang was up? Didn''t he not know calligraphy? She had an impression of Zhang Ye''s calligraphy. In the Beijing Couplet Competition video, the calligraphy Zhang Ye wrote to match the couplets did not look ugly, but that was all to it. It could not be said to be artistic. It was not even considered calligraphy. Only average people would think his words were up to standard, so what could he do?


    Wu Zeqing finally had a teammate.


    Everyone looked curiously at this sunsses-wearing young man.


    "Who is he?"


    "What''s he doing there?"


    "Why is he joining in the bustle? Does he even know calligraphy?"


    "I''ve never seen him. The Calligraphy Association doesn''t have such a member, right?"


    "Definitely not. I''ve met all the members before. I know even those calligraphers who have a bit of fame. Not only that, there''s no calligrapher this young!"


    "But at least there''s someone."


    "That''s true. At least it wouldn''t cause anyone to lose face."


    Master Zhou looked at everyone and frowned. "No one else?"


    There were many calligraphers in the backyard that had just joined the trade. They may be called calligraphers, but that was just an official title. They were actually just apprentices. They were disciples or nephews of these famous masters. Compared to normal people, their calligraphy was an epitome that made people envious, butpared to true masters, it was not nothing. Hence, they themselves knew and did not n on joining thepetition. They stood on the sidelines to watch the bustle. Many of them were youths below the age of thirty. They were here hoping to learn through spectating.


    Master Zhou smacked his lips and felt sorry for Wu Zeqing. Hence, he asked, "If this goes on, there''s no way to hold apetition as it is not fair at all."


    The dozens of people in Master Wei''s team looked at each other.


    Someone stepped forward, "Why don''t I go over?"


    A man also said, "Hur Hur, then I''ll help Sis Wu."


    Master Zhou then give a satisfied nod. This was the bearing of people who dabbled in arts should have.


    However, no one expected Wu Zeqing to say with a gently smile, "Thank you for your kind thoughts, but since the teams have already been chosen, let''s begin."


    Ah?


    Wu Zeqing did not want the assistance of any others?


    Everyone was baffled. They did not know what Wu Zeqing meant.


    The birthday boy, Master Wei, also narrowed his eyes. "Little Wu, you only have one person on your team? We can''t have apetition like that. It will be a lot less exciting."


    Wu Zeqing tugged at the qipao on her leg, straightening a bit before saying calmly, "It''s alright, Master Wei." Saying that, Wu Zeqing sipped her tea and then ced the teacup down gently. "Just one person is enough!"

 Chapter 365: First question, a poem beginning with the word Ceng/Zeng*!

    <h4>Chapter 365: First question, a poem beginning with the word Ceng/Zeng*! </h4>


    Chapter 365: First question, a poem beginning with the word Ceng/Zeng*!


    Ah?


    Just one person was enough? That sounds too boastful!


    Why was President Wu so confident today?


    The crowd was amused. Many of the spectators became excited too!


    Master Wei nced at Wu Zeqing with a fleeting smile. "Looks like Little Wu''s calligraphy skills have improved recently? Then we really can''t underestimate you?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled without saying a word.


    Master Zhou, who had been rendered speechless for a long while, said, "Little Wu, are you sure you don''t need any others?"


    Wu Zeqing nodded her head slightly. "Hur Hur, there''s no need."


    Since it was put that way, Master Zhou could not do anything about it. He had been trying to help Wu Zeqing, so it would, at least, appear fair. This way, thepetition would also be more exciting. However, Wu Zeqing''s attitude made many extremely curious. Most people nearby did not understand either. Everyone understood Wu Zeqing''s skill, and knew she was not much weaker than most calligraphers present. As long as Wu Zeqing did not ck, in a decade or two, she would join the others as one of the top masters in calligrapher in the country. However, now wasn''t the time yet. Now, Wu Zeqing was facing dozens of calligraphers and a calligraphy master. Why did she think she could beat so many people alone? She was so confident?


    Just one person was enough?


    What do you mean enough!? Even adding another few dozen would not be enough! To think she said one person?


    Everyone thought when Wu Zeqing said "just one person is enough", she meant herself.


    Only Su Na understood that the "one person" mentioned by President Wu was not referring to herself, but referring to the only teammate behind her!


    Could Teacher Zhang be up to their standard?


    Although he previously said he could...


    But does he really know calligraphy? He said he could, and President Wu really believed him?


    Su Na clenched her fist and pumped it in the air. It was a stance to cheer on President Wu and Teacher Zhang. At this moment, she was not beside her father. They were bullying President Wu with numbers, and also women. Su Na''s position was firm. She shot her father a despising stare.


    Father Su coughed.


    The other calligraphers looked somewhat disconcerted.


    "It''s not like they will miss me. I''ll just stand off to the side to watch the bustle."


    "Me too. Old Yu, let''s drink some tea."


    "They won''t miss me with so many people already. Haha, I also do not want to bully Little Wu. It''s not nice bullying her with seniority already, but to bully her with numbers as well just isn''t right."


    "It''s just all for fun."


    "Come over, let''s take a rest."


    Immediately, a few people also decided to quit, knowing the situation. Even though President Wu did not need any teammates, they decided to stand aside to watch and not choose sides.


    However, the difference in numbers was still ratherrge.


    After ruminating for a moment, Master Zhou said, "I actually wanted both sides topete in twenty rounds, but since the numbers are a bit disparate, let''s decide the victor in three rounds?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Elder Zhou, do it however it should be. I won''t change the usual rules."


    Just three rounds were too few, and not much to see. After all, today was the Calligraphy Association''s anniversary party. If it wasn''t interesting, it would be quite disappointing. Master Zhou then said, "Since Little Wu said so, then alright. Let me decide it. Let''s divide it by two, and have ten rounds instead. The team with the most number of wins will be the victor, how about that?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "I''ll leave it up to Master Zhou."


    "Alright, then let''s begin. Hur Hur." Master Wei also said.


    Master Zhou cleared his throat and said loudly, "Maybe some people here are new, so let me reiterate on the rules. The topics will be drawn through a lottery process. Both teams will draw one each. After the topic is confirmed, thepetition will begin. Each round will have one question, and an answer has to be provided within ten minutes. It also has to fulfill the requirement of meeting the topic. If it is a long poem or essay, the amount of time needed to answer can be extended ordingly. Every question, in principle, should not exceed twenty minutes. As for the judgment, I will reserve the right. My reputation is still quite passable. Hur Hur. I believe everyone can rest assured about the fairness."


    "Elder Zhou, you must be joking."


    "That''s right, we are, of course, not worried!"


    "If you aren''t fair, then no one is fair!"


    Everyone joked a bit. Firstly, Master Zhou''s character and experience was known by all. Secondly, the auspicious item was provided by Master Zhou, so it was very natural for him to be the judge.


    "Then I''ll thank everyone for your love and trust." Master Zhou said with a smile. Then, he instructed his disciples to bring over two wooden boxes that had previously been prepared. Inside were many folded slips of paper. There was no way to see the words written on them from the outside. The scope of the question was probably written on them.


    Wu Zeqing and Zhang Ye sat next to each other.


    She tilted her head and said with a smile, "Ten rounds, we each take half?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged his shoulders. "I''m fine with anything."


    "Alright." Wu Zeqing gave a faint chuckle. "I really like that calligraphy piece by Master Zhou."


    Zhang Ye spat the melon seed''s shell out. "Anyway, I''m fighting alongside you today, so I will definitely win that calligraphy piece back for you. I happened to not have prepared a birthday gift for you, so I hope this will make do."


    Wu Zeqing looked at him. "It''s quite difficult."


    "I''ll give it a try." Zhang Ye was actually not very confident, but he did not lose to others in terms of his stance.


    Oh, so Master Wei''s birthday is a birthday, but my President Wu''s birthday isn''t? Bullsh*t, this bro refuses to have his beliefs shaken today!


    You can bully me!


    I won''t care if you bully others too!


    But you bunch of respectful calligraphers are bullying Old Wu? No way!


    In fact, the other party was not intending on bullying Wu Zeqing. What sort of leader was Wu Zeqing? They wouldn''t dare either. They were just giving Master Wei face. An old man''s birthday and a young person''s birthday was quite different in terms of importance. However, with Zhang Ye''s temperament, he was like a gunpowder keg. Just a spark would blow him up. He didn''t care for that. He had to win face for President Wu this time. ording to their rtionship, Zhang Ye felt obligated to help Old Wu.


    The lottery began.


    Master Zhou was sitting in the middle and shook a box in each hand. "Let''s do it?"


    Master Wei was sitting by his side and stretched his hand in to grab a slip. After flipping it open, there was a word "�� (Ceng/Zeng)" written on it.


    Wu Zeqing also gently got up and gracefully walked over. She then grabbed a paper slip from the second box. She then opened it for Master Zhou to see. On it was written two words,"first word".


    Master Zhou announced, "The first round''s topic is out. You have to use either the word ''Zeng'' or ''Ceng'' as the first word to write a piece of poetry."


    Their calligraphypetition might be apetition in calligraphy, but it was not as simple as it was. If it something stupid like "Ceng, the teacher is a good man", it wouldn''t be right. So needless to say, theirpetition''s topic was all about writing poems or melody poems. Even if it were not written ording to a certain story or ancient poems, it had to follow the tonal patterns of ancient poetry. Modern words or epigrams were prohibited. These were unspoken rules, or else, what was the point with those topical restrictions? It was all to add difficulty!


    "Ceng/Zeng?"


    "And it has to be the first word?"


    "The first question isn''t that difficult."


    "But it''s not easy either. Let''s see how each side answers it."


    The spectators began thinking and had an answer on their minds.


    Wu Zeqing came over and said to Zhang Ye. "There are quite a few poems that have Ceng/Zeng as their first word, but they aren''t famous. It''s just some trivial poems or phrases. This question isn''t easily answered. Calligraphy isn''t all about the strokes that make up a word. It also has feelings behind it. If the text isn''t well chosen, it would be useless no matter how well-written it is. Give me a moment to think about it."


    On Master Wei''s side, people were also thinking.


    Wu Zeqing was also repeatedly ruminating over an answer.


    Zhang Ye did not have any reactions. He carried on chewing his melon seedsfortably. He did not have the bearing of an artist. In fact, he looked like a person here to scrounge for food.


    The onlooking crowd was at a loss of whether tough or cry as they nced at President Wu''s only teammate. What sort of f**king teammate are you? Are you purely there to make up the numbers? You haven''t stopped munching on your seeds since you sat down. Have you never eaten in your entire life? At this exciting moment in thepetition, it was alright to forget that you were not helping Wu Zeqinge up with ideas. Your team was about to go up soon, could you at least have somepetitive spirit? Why do you only have melon seeds in your eyes!?


    Su Na was also breaking out in a sweat. Teacher Zhang was too rxed.


    Master Zhou smiled and said, "Countdown of five minutes begins."


    The tform, together with the ink and paper had already been prepared. It was ced in the middle of the two teams.


    On the other side, a middle-aged suddenly stood forward. He said with quite a bit of confidence, "Old Wei, why don''t I answer this question?"


    Master Wei looked at him, "Little Wang, you want to go up? Alright, I wish you sess!"


    Teacher Wang loosened his wrist. "There''s just a matter of course. Let me take down the first round."


    There were not many famous poems that met the requirements. The choice of the poem became a difficult problem. You had to at least know that you could recite the poem from memory. This was also a tough part of thepetition. They were not permitted to search online. If that were the case, thepetition would lose its meaning. Hence, most of the time, what was being used topete was not an individual''s skill in calligraphy, but many other things. Hence, having more people on the team became a natural advantage. This was because no one was adept at having such good memory at knowing all the famous and unknown poems. They had to draw on collective wisdom. Hence, Teacher Wang from Master Wei''s team came forward to answer. He happened to know an ancient poem that met the requirements. It did not have a title, but was a poem recorded in an ancient test. It did not have much mood to it, but it was not bad.


    He began writing:


    Ever once our soldiers secured our borders, the appointment of civil officials with poor foundations.


    If Wen Chang** knew of this, a disappointment it would be to him.


    As he put the brush down, Teacher Wang smiled and looked over at Wu Zeqing. "Teacher Wu, it''s your turn?"


    "Nicely written!"


    "The poem isn''t bad too."


    "Sis Wu is in trouble."


    "This poem is probably one of the most famous poems that meet the requirements. It is also rtively one of the most well known ones too. With Teacher Wang already writing it, what is there for Teacher Wu to write?"


    Everyone discussed in whispers, trying to avoid affecting thepetition with their voices.


    Master Zhou looked at his watch. "There''s only three minutes left."


    Wu Zeqing was having an exchange with Zhang Ye. "I know a poem, but it''scking in meaning. It is inferior to Teacher Wang''s. There''s also no background to support it, so we might not win if we use it."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Then let me do it?"


    Wu Zeqing nced at him. "You remember a better poem that begins with Ceng? I have never seen your calligraphy skills. Why don''t you tell me, and I''ll write it."


    Zhang Ye said, "I don''t remember. I don''t read ancient poetry too much. Since you said there''s no better poem beginning with Ceng, then there definitely isn''t anything better." Zhang Ye trusted Wu Zeqing''s judgment.


    Wu Zeqing said calmly, "Since there isn''t any, how are you to write?"


    Zhang Ye said in a matter-of-fact manner, "Of course I can write one myself."


    "Write one yourself?" Wu Zeqing chuckled. "Alright, then it''s all on you."


    *The word �� (Ceng) usually has the meaning of once upon a time, in the past. It can also be a surname, Zeng.


    **Wen Chang is known as the God of Culture and Literature Chinese mythology. Thank you to Loki for helping trante this poem.

 Chapter 366: "Missing You" — Part four of five!

    <h4>Chapter 366: "Missing You" �� Part four of five! </h4>


    Chapter 366: "Missing You" �� Part four of five!


    It was decided.


    Zhang Ye wouldpete in the first round.


    This fellow, Zhang Ye, finally stopped munching on his melon seeds. After he brushed off the seed husks that had fallen on his legs, he got up and walked over, standing before the tform. Zhang Ye had not seen many of this world''s poetry. He was pretty much totally void of any knowledge. However, he knew a ton of poetry from his world! Ceng/Zeng? There were not many poems that began with that, but there were a few that were more well-known. For example, there was something like �� I have had my best love before but I didn''t treasure her��*


    Alright then.


    It was a joke.


    On the other side, Teacher Wang basically felt that he had the first round in the bag. Master Wei''s teammates were also waiting for Wu Zeqing toe forward. They wanted to see how much Wu Zeqing''s calligraphy skills had improved, but what they ended up waiting was for Wu Zeqing''s only teammate, that youth in shades whom they did not know!


    What did this mean?


    Wu Zeqing was noting forward.


    The first question was left to the youth?


    Many people were stunned momentarily. They thought the youth in sunsses was just there to make up the numbers, so as to allow Wu Zeqing to have someone on her team. At least it would not look so bad on her part. With them having the preconception that he was not nning on participating in thepetition, this scene made them fail to react in time. He was reallying forward?


    Who are you?


    A nobody wanted topete with Teacher Wang in calligraphy?


    Teacher Wang found it amusing and a bit infuriating. He was thinking how this Little Wu looked down on him. She got someone perfunctory to y with me? Teacher Wang felt like he wouldn''t be able to bask in any glory even if he won against this youth, so he was not ted at all. He cast a nce at Zhang Ye, not even interested in asking his name.


    Go ahead and write!


    I want to see what you can write!


    A poem starting with Ceng? It would be pretty good if you could even recite one!


    Master Zhou reminded them. "There''s another 90 seconds left. Please hurry."


    Master Zhou''s seemed to lose a bit of interest. As for those people on Master Wei''s side, they also could not get excited. No one present thought anything of the youth in shades. They believed Wu Zeqing had given up on this question and was afraid to lose too badly, hence getting this youth toe forward. Since he was unknown, it wouldn''t be too shameful. Hence, this first round lost meaning to everyone!


    Zhang Ye held the brush and began to dip it in ink.


    Just this posture of him dipping his brush into the ink made many people find it extremely humorous. It was too unsightly. When they trained in calligraphy, the first thing they learned was the basic skill of grinding ink. There was an art to it, and the brush had to be held nicely so as to have the bearing of a person in the arts. However, Zhang Ye''s posture was clearly ayman amongymen. Even a rookie was better than him. Was this even called dipping ink? Why did he look like he was holding a toilet plunger?


    "Hur Hur Hur."


    "This person is really funny."


    "He really dared toe forward?"


    "What sort ofpetition is this? He really has the nerve."


    "Teacher Wang is an old member of the Calligraphy Association. His skills are far from average. He was also the first to write the most famous poem that begins with "Ceng". What can he even write?"


    Voices sounded out one after another.


    However, Wu Zeqing stared over unblinkingly.


    The moment Zhang Yended his brush, many people stopped talking. Some were startled, while some eximed, there were even more who were stunned!


    The first word was written!


    It was semi-cursive script!


    No, it wasn''t standard semi-cursive script!


    This was running-standard script? And it was different from the usual kind. This youth in shades seemed to have a special style. It varied very differently from others!


    Father Su''s eyes lit up. These words were far from average!


    When Master Zhou saw this, he could not help but let out a cry of "nicely written" in his heart!


    Even the family members of these calligraphers present, who wereymen, were stunned by this. No one expected him to write so nicely!


    The words were naturally special. Was the stance Zhang Ye used when dabbing the ink ugly? That was because he had just bought a "Memory Search Capsule" to eat. His mind wasn''t in reality, but immersed in the calligraphy sses he had in primary school. There were calligraphy books, standard ones and ones by famous calligraphers. After eating a hundred Calligraphy Skillbooks, Zhang Ye felt he could write anything. However, he could not make it aplete hodge-podge. He had to use a certain script or style. Zhang Ye''s calligraphy skills basically came from nothing except what he had gained from those Experience Books. He had no practice, so he had no thoughts of his own. Hence, he could only emte the calligraphy styles of others.


    Whose should he use?


    A name seemed to appear in Zhang Ye''s brain like a reflex. He believed that as long as calligraphy from his world was mentioned, everyone would think of that name!


    Wang Xizhi!


    Semi-cursive script, regr script, cursive script. He was an expert in all of them!


    He was a calligraphy sage! He was the greatest calligraphy master in all of history! He had no equal!


    If Zhang Ye wanted to emte, he had to emte someone more awesome. Wang Xizhi was at the pinnacle of calligraphy, so it was natural to choose his style. Cursive script was too difficult to emte, so it was rejected. Regr script was too slow and was behind the times. Hence, the answer was apparent. Zhang Ye used Wang Xizhi''s unique version of semi-cursive script, known as running-standard script. Perhaps he had not eaten enough Calligraphy Skill Experience Books, so although he had Wang Xizhi''s style from his world in his head, the moment he started writing, he realized that he could not create a perfect emtion of it. Especially, in the artistic concept within, he could only imitate 10-20% of it. It was way too difficult. However, just this tiny bit would do. That was a calligraphy sage. It was absolutely no problem stunning the people from this world. This world did not have someone on par with Wang Xizhi!


    Teacher Wang''s expression turned solemn.


    Su Na was also excitedly jumping to catch a glimpse. She never expected Teacher Zhang''s calligraphy to be so good. Was he just pretending back at the Beijing Couplet Competition!? He did not turn serious at all!


    It was too much of a surprise!


    Everyone was startled by Zhang Ye''s writing!


    Master Wei also stopped underestimating him and became serious!


    The first word was already determined, but the second word also came out.


    Teacher Wang was trying to weigh it on his mind, but he came to an unbelievable conclusion. This youth''s calligraphy skills were even better than his own. How was this possible?! But the truth was right in front of his eyes. He was rendered speechless. He thought a soft persimmon hade for him to easily crush, but who knew it was a hard one! And it was too hard! If he could write such calligraphy at such a young age, how good would he be in the future? And who was he? For a person with such calligraphy skill, he could not be some nobody. If he wanted to be famous, he could have be famous long ago, but why does nobody know him?


    Zhang Ye wrote it very quickly and had finished writing the fourth word, "vast".


    However, when the crowd ended their amazement over the youth''s calligraphy, their minds began to be filled with questions. Having? Crossed the? Vast? What sort of opening was this? Why had noone heard of it before?


    "Master Zhou?" A person could not help but ask.


    Another one whispered, "Elder Zhou, what poem is this?"


    Master Zhou was also curious. "I don''t know either. Maybe it''s a poem from some unknown poetry collection? Maybe it is unknown? Or maybe we have forgotten it? Let''s wait until he finishes writing it. Someone is bound to recognize it."


    Father Su looked at Master Wei, "Old Master Wei?"


    Master Wei shook his head. "I do not have any impressions of this poem either."


    After everyone conversed with each other, everyone agreed that no one had seen this poem before.


    Teacher Wang felt assured. Although it was apetition in calligraphy, the poem itself was extremely important. Calligraphy could never be appreciated in istion. It had to express the meaning in the text. He had used the rtively famous, "Untitled" poem and was likely invincible. Although he felt sorry for the youngd, he was bound to win this round.


    The other people had simr thoughts as they watched Zhang Ye writing silently.


    One word...


    Three words...


    Five words...


    Words began to appear on the Xuan paper!


    Wu Zeqing had already stood up and walked to stand behind Zhang Ye.


    As people watched his every stroke, slowly, more and more of their expressions changed. Some gasped while others were stunned with widened eyes!


    "What!?"


    "This poem..."


    "Silence. Don''t disturb him!"


    The poem was very short and there were not many words.


    When Zhang Ye finished writing thest word in a smooth manner, he released his pent up breath. He looked at his work with satisfaction and smiled. He then put the brush down and nodded at Master Zhou. "I''m done."


    Master Zhou was already staring at Zhang Ye''s face!


    The way Master Wei was looking at Zhang Ye was full of rm and doubt!


    After Teacher Wang finished reading the poem, his face first turned pale before he gave a wry smile.


    Many people could not see as they were quite far away. Some people hurriedly came over to take a nce, then they began looking at each other in pairs, seeing the shock in each other''s eyes!


    On the Xuan paper, this was written:


    Having crossed the vast oceans, I can no longer take a river seriously. If it''s not on Mount Wushan, it''s not a cloud.


    I don''t care to look back on my leisurely walks among the flowers and shrubs, half due to religious devotion, and half due to you.


    Su Na could not help but exim, "Nice poem! Nicely written!"


    With her spearheading it, the surrounding crowd also began to give their kudos. They all began to express their amazement!


    "These words sure have a profound meaning!"


    "That''s right. He is so skilled at such a young age?"


    "The calligraphy is good, but the poem is even better. Why have I never heard of such a poem with such poetic ir?"


    "I have never heard of it either. It looks like we are ill-informed."


    At this moment, Master Zhou spoke up and said to everyone, "It''s not that everyone is ill-informed or ignorant. This poem should have beenposed on the spot by this youngd, right?"


    A young calligrapher in his thirties eximed, "Composed on the spot?"


    Everyone was a bit dumbfounded. With the youngd remaining silent, it clearly meant tacit agreement. Everyone waspletely baffled as to how he had produced it on the spot!


    In just a few minutes?


    And there was a topic restriction, yet he could write poetry of this level?


    Numerous gazes focused on Zhang Ye''s face. Where did this aficionado jump out from!? In calligraphypetitions, many of the questions had limitations to them to increase the difficulty, preventing you from having simple stories or poems to write about, but good going! You sure were good! You decided not to use any of the poems and songs of the ancients, and created one yourself? And yet you could write a poem so elegant?


    Interesting!


    Today''spetition was too interesting!


    *This is a line fromedian king, Stephen Chow''s movie, A Chinese Odyssey 2


    Trantors'' Note: Just click it. ''Nuff said.

 Chapter 367: Two rounds down!

    <h4>Chapter 367: Two rounds down! </h4>


    Chapter 367: Two rounds down!


    In the back yard.


    The atmosphere was lit up!


    The shades-wearing youth''s poem had amazed everyone!


    Zhang Ye went back to sit down and had another sip of tea. Only he knew that this work was not any ordinary poem. This was the fourth of the "Missing You" five-part series. It was Yuan Zhen''s work. The first line of the poem was known by everyone in his world. Many artistic and video productions had used it before. The value and influence of this poem was obvious. It was one of the most precious poems in his world''s history.


    How could this not win?


    If it didn''t win, then Zhang Ye might as well kill himself!


    Master Zhou coughed aloud to motion for silence. Then he said, "The first match is over, yes, I will announce the winner now....."


    Teacher Wang said with a wry smile, "Elder Zhou, you don''t have to speak further. He beat me fair and square."


    Master Zhou smiled as he nodded. "Little Wang, your calligraphy is also very good. It has more depth thanst year. Let''s discuss more when you have the time."


    Teacher Wang cheered up, "I happen to have a lot of questions that I need your guidance on."


    He went back to the side of Master Wei''s team to the teasing of many of his team mates.


    "Old Wang, are you OK?"


    "Hur Hur, lost to a junior."


    The good natured ridiculing was because they were all rather good friends.


    Teacher Wang said helplessly, "I had no hope, the youngsters these days are really too good. The new generation has surpassed the older ones. Everyone should be a little more careful from here on."


    The first match ended.


    The next match was beginning.


    Zhang Ye and Teacher Wang''s calligraphy had been taken away for drying and the table had new Xuan paper scrollsid on it.


    Wu Zeqing was smiling and sat beside Zhang Ye, "Little Zhang, you''ve given me yet another surprise. Didn''t you say your calligraphy skill wascking? Then who wrote those words just now?"


    Zhang Ye said nervously, "I just blindly wrote it."


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Thepetition from now on won''t be easy."


    Zhang Ye answered, "It''ll be fine. I got lucky and won the first round. Let''s see how the rest goes. I still have you to back me up anyway." He even took the chance to curry favor with Wu Zeqing.


    Look buddy, this bro''s getting more street smart by the day!


    Seeing President Wu and the youth chatting happily, Master Wei''s team of dozens of calligraphers turned serious. They no longer took their opponents lightly and prepared to take him on instead. Actually, with their literary standards, at least 70-80% of them could spontaneouslypose ancient poems that met the requirements of a random draw. They would not be limited to works of the ancients, but creating something new had its risks. Firstly, it had to be relevant, secondly, if theycked the inspiration, it was difficult to produce something good. They had all witnessed the youth''s talents already. That poem was definitely a one-off inspirational piece and could not be repeated again. So they did not fear much as they had more people on their side! So many of them could notpete against just two people? Wouldn''t that be a joke!?


    Master Zhou smiled, "Let the second round begin. Draw your topics."


    This time, it was Wu Zeqing who picked a random topic. It was an empty slip, without any words on it. This probably meant there was no topic restriction for this round.


    Master Wei also chose one �� Courtyard Flowers*.


    Zhang Ye took a look, wondering why there would be such an erotic kind of topic?


    Master Zhou said, "The second round''s topic is limited to ''Courtyard Flowers''. You can begin."


    "Let me go up this round." Wu Zeqing smiled and went forward to pick up a brush to begin writing.


    The people on Master Wei''s side was slower by a tiny bit, but a man in his fifties quickly stood forward. "Leave this round to me."


    "Mr. Feng?"


    "You want to go up?"


    "You will absolutely not have a problem."


    "Mr. Feng will definitely clinch victory!"


    It was unknown why Mr. Feng was in such a rush. He hurriedly walked forward to write. He only hastily dabbed his brush into the ink. So although he stepped forward after Wu Zeqing, he had written it faster. It was cursive script!


    Su Na knew this person. "Eh? Isn''t Uncle Feng adept at regr script?"


    A person in the know beside her said, "Yes, but you will know why if you carry on watching."


    Wu Zeqing was using running-standard script, so she was slower!


    Only then did Zhang Ye realize that the two of them were writing the same thing!


    "Courtyard Flowers" or "A Song of Courtyard Flowers" was about an author''s disappointment at the rulers and his deep worries about the impending danger to the state. The poem was describing the process within the pce during the downfall of a dynasty. Zhang Ye''s world also had "A Song of Courtyard Flowers", but it did not receive rave reviews. It appeared like this world also had simr works. With a scan, Zhang Ye realized it was not very simr to his world''s "A Song of Courtyard Flowers". The phrases used were different, but the meaning was about the same. It was all about debauchery and extravagance!


    Suddenly, Mr Feng smiled and put down his brush. "Sorry about that Little Wu, I finished writing it first."


    Master Zhou nced at Mr Feng and then said, "ording to the rules, our calligraphypetition does not allow the use of simr works. Since Old Feng finished writing first, Little Wu, your calligraphy cannot be used."


    Heh!


    He was ying dirty!


    Why didn''t you say that Old Wu was the one who first began writing!


    Zhang Yeughed as a result of his rage. There were such rules? No wonder Mr Feng was in such a rush. He even used cursive script which was recognized as the fastest calligraphy script? He was nning on pushing Wu Zeqing into a ditch. The poems they wrote weren''t too short, and had spent three minutes writing it. If Wu Zeqing had to write another poem, she might not even make it in time. Heh, go f**k your sister!


    Wu Zeqing looked at Mr Feng and said with a smile, "Teacher Feng, you aren''t being very particr."


    Mr Feng chuckled. "I have no other way. In history, there is only that "Courtyard Flowers". If you were to write it, I wouldn''t have anything to write. It''s not me pushing you into a ditch, Little Wu. Haha, it''s a problem with the topic. This topic is too stringent, it clearly wanted to see who could finish writing first. If you wrote it faster than me, I would also have to admit defeat. Your running-standard script has a style of an expert. My cursive script might not be your match. I''ll probably need regr script to be able topete with you." With augh, Mr Feng shook his work and said, "Shall I recite it once? Actually it''s possible to sing it, but there''s no string apaniment, so it wouldn''t sound good." This poem was also a melody and was very famous.


    You even wanted to sing?


    Why are you so smug!?


    Zhang Ye ced his teacup down heavily!


    The judge, Master Zhou said, "There''s another 90 seconds. Little Wu, are you going to carry on writing?"


    Su Na was so vexed that she nearly spat a mouthful of blood. What the heck Uncle Feng!? She nned on pretending not to know who he was in the future. It was a disgrace to artists! Look at how well mannered President Wu was. She wasn''t even annoyed at this!


    Wu Zeqing ced her brush down. "I won''t be able to write one out in time. For this round, I can only..."


    Just as she was about to admit defeat, Zhang Ye pounced forward. Without a word, he picked up the brush and began writing on the Xuan paper with the brush!


    After a momentary start, Wu Zeqing smiled and moved aside.


    "There can be ast minute substitution?" Mr. Feng asked.


    Master Zhou answered, "It''s a teampetition, so that''s alright." He was a bit speechless towards Old Feng''s unbing bearing as an elder. It was just apetition, was there a need to do that?


    Mr Feng quipped, "Alright, I also want to see what this youngd can write about Courtyard Flowers. Maybe I''ll also broaden my horizons. Hur Hur Hur."


    Everyone did not know what Zhang Ye could write, furthermore, there was not much time left!


    However, Mr Feng''s yellow incisor teeth could no longer reveal a smile the next moment!


    Zhang Ye used half a minute to finish the poem. He knew running-standard script would not make it in time, so he used cursive script!


    Of course it was not any ordinary cursive script!


    He once again used Wang Xizhi''s cursive script!


    It was written simply, and the emtion was not perfect. Cursive script was, after all, too difficult for Zhang Ye, but even a barely satisfactory version of Wang Xizhi''s cursive script was already full of ir!


    The font was so illegible that it made people look in askance!


    Not many people could recognize such calligraphy. Only those who were adept at cursive script would be able to read it.


    Zhang Ye was also very understanding. Noticing how many people could not understand all the words, he began reciting after he finished writing. "Mist veils the cold stream, and moonlight the sand. As I moor in the shadow of a river-tavern. Where girls, with no thoughts of a perished kingdom..." Upon reciting to this point, Zhang Ye looked at Mr. Feng and smiled, "Gaily echo ''A Song of Courtyard Flowers''."


    Su Na nearly burst out inughter!


    Mr Feng''s face turned green. Heh! Why are you scolding me!?


    Numerous people around were startled upon hearing this. Was there such a poem? There was none in history! Holy sh*t, did you just create it on the spot again? In that remaining minute, not only did you finish the work, you even included ''Courtyard Flowers'' into the poem, and took the opportunity to scold!? Mr Feng had just finished writing "Courtyard Flowers'' and was excitedly about to engage in a song and dance, yet you attacked back in an instant? What did the girls represent? They were courtesans who sold their bodies! Courtesans, who sold their bodies, had no thoughts of a perished kingdom, and across the river, they sang ''A Song of Courtyard Flowers''!?


    His mouth was really toxic!


    Using calligraphy to curse? What sort of skill was that!?


    Master Zhou and Wu Zeqing were also amused. This poem was too interesting. From a literary point of view, this poem was one of the best amongst the top graded poems. It had a profound meaning behind it! The sarcasm was very intense!


    Master Wei: "..."


    Master Wei turned around. "Does anyone know this youngd?"


    Everyone shook their heads. "No, I''ve never seen him."


    A calligrapher said in amazement, "Where did this persone from? Even Old Wang and Old Feng are not his match? That''s not right. The winner has not been decided yet. We''ll see what Master Zhou has to say."


    Everyone was waiting for Master Zhou''s judgment.


    Master Zhou smiled and said, "Why is everyone looking at me?"


    A youth said, "We are waiting for your judgment."


    Master Zhou said without any hesitation, "Is there a need? Both of their skills in cursive script areparable. There are tiny problems. Old Feng and this youngd are probably not particrly good in cursive script. So I''ll not talk about it. Hur Hur. However, for the content, this youngd on Little Wu''s side is clearly superior. No, not only is it superior, it is of apletely different realm, so the victor is clear."


    In his heart, Mr. Feng was not unconvinced. Instead, he admired this youth in sunsses. He gave a thumbs up. "A young person''s abilities must be respected!"


    Zhang Ye pretended to be polite, "Thank you."


    Having won this round, Wu Zeqing''s side had already clinched two victories!


    In the beginning, everyone thought Wu Zeqing''s side having two people would result in utter defeat, but who knew the oue would be so surprising. Out came this devil incarnate. This unknown youth in sunsses had repeatedly defeated two calligraphers, Teacher Wang and Mr. Feng. There was no chance for Wu Zeqing to even participate!

 Chapter 368: Consecutively Winning Three Rounds!

    <h4>Chapter 368: Consecutively Winning Three Rounds! </h4>


    Chapter 368: Consecutively Winning Three Rounds!


    "A Mooring on the Qinhuai River".


    The author was Du Mu.


    This poem was the poet of his world, Du Mu''s recollections in ''A Mooring on the Qinhuai River''. The first half described the night view of the Qinhuai River. The second half expressed his regret, deriding those rulers who did not learn their lessons but indulged in debauchery. It expressed the author''s concern and deep affections for his country''s fate. If one wanted to count, this was also a very famous seven word poem in Zhang Ye''s world. Using it to win the second round of a calligraphypetition was quite overkill.


    As long as they won.


    Anyway, those poems were just left there in the dust.


    Zhang Ye returned to his seat to take a break. He drank a mouthful of water and found it quite boring. After writing twice, he felt like drinking some wine. His gaze then looked towards at a few bottles of white wine on the tea table. In ancient times, there was the notion ofposing poems while drinking wine. At the Calligraphy Association''s anniversary, there naturally could not be ack of these. Many calligraphers were chronic alcoholics. They couldn''t survive without alcohol. Zhang Ye did not stand on ceremony. He grabbed a bottle and poured a cup of wine for himself.


    "Drinking?" Wu Zeqing asked.


    Zhang Ye said, "Yea, drinking a bit."


    Wu Zeqing smiled, "I was lucky that you happened to have such a quick response just now."


    Zhang Ye whispered, "me it on them being so unparticr." As he said, he brought the cup of wine to his mouth. The burning vor entered his throat as it went from his throat to his stomach.


    Good wine!


    It was refreshing!


    He had a face of enjoyment.


    Everyone had their idiosyncrasies when producing calligraphy. For example, some would like to take a nap before writing. Some were ustomed to taking a bath and changing clothes before writing. Some liked to write deep into the night. They had their own idiosyncrasies and habits, there was not only one. Naturally, there were people who liked to write after drinking. These external items of habits before writing was mostly used to help the calligrapher enter their optimal state.


    Wu Zeqing drank her tea. "Drink less. Hur Hur. I''ll still be counting on you in a while."


    "Sure." Zhang Ye carried on drinking his wine. "I know my tolerance level, so don''t worry. I won''t drink too much."


    After two rounds, Master Zhou took into ount that Wu Zeqing''s team only had two people, so he decided to let them have a moment of rest. He was in no hurry to begin the second round.


    "Teacher." Master Zhou''s disciple looked at Zhang Ye with a look of wonder. He could not help but ask, "Which master''s rtive or disciple is he?"


    Master Zhou shook his head, "A master''s disciple? Just his ability inposing poems on the spot and his proficient knowledge in calligraphy is enough to call him a master already."


    The disciple said in a stunned manner, "You think so highly of him?"


    Master Zhouughed, losing some of hisposure. "It''s not me thinking highly of him. It''s just that youck the ability to evaluate him. It is a pity these two poems were produced in modern times. If they were produced in ancient times, and in the environment of those periods, with the support of some allusions and historical background, and written by some historical figure, I believe these two poems would definitely be immortalized. Such a pity. In present day''s literature, there is not much space for ancient poems, if not... Hur Hur."


    On the other team.


    Master Wei did not speak and rested with his eyes closed.


    The others began toe up with a strategy.


    "They won two rounds already. It''s not good, not good at all."


    "It''s Elder Wei''s birthday. The Old Master wants the calligraphy piece, so we have to win it for him."


    "The other side has an unfathomable figure. Does anyone have any strategies against him?"


    "Hur Hur. Is there a need for a strategy? The youngd just got lucky. How can so many of us lose to a young kid like him?"


    "Old Li, don''t be careless. Even Old Feng and Old Wang lost. It''s best not to underestimate him."


    "I wonder what the next topic would be. It seems this youth''s attainment in ancient poetry is very high. Only a person like Master Wei canpete evenly with him. However, he might not be good at writing melody poems. No matter how high his attainment is, he can''t be good at everything. He has to becking in something."


    Everyone discussed for a long while. If it was just apetition purely based on calligraphy, many of the calligraphers present were not afraid of the youth in shades. The youth''s words were very good, but it did not reach the peak of perfection. Compared to many calligraphers, he was stillcking. They had been writing all their lives, so they naturally would not lose in this aspect. However, the problem was his ancient poetry was written in such a superb manner and to the point. It also had the mood, so even though his calligraphy skills were not perfect, he had the advantage of the ancient poetry''s mood. They were vexed over this!


    A whileter.


    Master Zhou spoke, "Alright, let''s begin the third round."


    Master Wei picked �� Lychee.


    Wu Zeqing picked �� Seven-word quatrain.


    Everyone stared over. Another ancient poem? Seven words?


    Master Zhou announced, "The third round''s topic requires a seven-word quatrain. The poem must have the word ''lychee'' in it. Everyone can begin choosing their representative to give an answer. The time to prepare for andplete this round begins now!"


    The moment the voice dissipated, someone volunteered from Master Wei''s team. "Old Master Wei, let me do it this round. I''m beginning to itch after watching all day."


    "Alright." Master Wei chuckled.


    This was Chief Yang, who was in his forties. He was one of the administrators of the Calligraphy Association.


    Chief Yang immediately began writing the moment he arrived. It seemed like he was trying to seize the opportunity.


    A few calligraphers began tough. This match was finally in the bag. Chief Yang''s calligraphy skills might be not much different from the youth in shades. It was quiteparable, but this time the ancient poem was different. Lychee? Seven words? In thest dynasty, there was a very famous poem about lychee. It did not go into textbooks, but was something many people who studied literature knew! The opposing youth was adept at ancient poems, but no matter how good he was, he couldn''t match such a famous poem, right? As the previous topics were too broad, the two calligraphers failed to showcase their normal standards. They could not write a poem with the mood that they had wanted. Now, with a good topic, it was time for them to express themselves freely. Of course, they were filled with confidence!


    Wu Zeqing had already guessed what Chief Yang would write. "Who shall do it?"


    "...Let me do it." Zhang Ye had just drank some wine, so he felt like he was floating. He felt perfectly fine.


    "Alright." Wu Zeqing cautioned, "Remember not to write ''Praise''. He is definitely writing that. Even if you go forward, you won''t be able to write it faster than Chief Yang."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "What''s ''Praise''?"


    Wu Zeqing, "....Alright then, pretend I said nothing."


    When the surrounding people heard this, they nearly fainted. You have never heard of such a famous seven-word poem? To think you dabble in calligraphy? Those two poems from before must have been blindly written, right!?


    Some felt that the youth in shades was faking it. It was impossible that he did not know this poem. There were not many ancient poems that wrote about lychee throughout history. This was nothing like plums or orchids that people wrote all the time. Lychee was something quite unpopr. The poem, "Praise" was also not devoted to lychees. It was about something else, and even wrote about love.


    However, they did not know that this fellow, Zhang Ye really did not know anything about "Praise". The world had changed, and he had not undergone the education environment of this world. So naturally, he was unfamiliar with this famous poem.


    Chief Yang was done writing.


    Master Zhou looked over and nodded his head gently. It was written very well. Old Yang had done well today. Every stroke was just right. He had expressed the poem pretty well. Hur Hur, Old Wei''s side had finally been able to grab a round?


    Then, Zhang Ye began writing!


    Master Zhou looked over with great interest.


    However, the moment he began to write, the entire scene turned silent all of a sudden!


    "Eh?"


    "These words..."


    Zhang Ye had switched back to Wang Xizhi''s running-standard script. Previously, it was his first time writing, so he was a bit unfamiliar and unpracticed. The way he wrote was a bitcking, but this time, he could fully express the hundred Calligraphy Skillbook''s prowess. His calligraphy skills increased once again!


    From Changan the pce embroidered the scene, on the mountain top pce gates opened one by one.


    One horse rider kicking up red dust, the concubineughs, no one knew it was the lychee express arriving.


    It was Du Mu again!


    "Passing By Huaqing Pce"!


    As the judge, Master Zhou should not speak. However, after seeing Zhang Ye''s poem, he could not help it. "What a good ''one horse rider kicking up red dust, the concubineughs, no one knew it was the lychee express arriving''!"


    The others were also stunned!


    "What poem is this?"


    "Holy sh*t! Why have I not heard of it before?"


    "Another impromptu work? What the f**k is with his literary skill!?"


    "Who has won? And Is it just me, or has this youth''s words improved? Could it be that the running-standard script in his first poem was him not giving his all? He was just writing it in a perfunctory manner? Only now is he going all out?"


    "It definitely is!:


    "We were all wrong!"


    "He only became serious now?"


    Everyone was concerned about this round''s oue.


    Master Zhouughed and did not even look at Chief Yang''s words. Instead, he looked fondly at Zhang Ye''s "Passing by Huaqing Pce" without being able to help himself. Eventually he said loudly, "In terms of calligraphy skill, Old Yang lost by a tiny bit. And in the mood of the ancient poem with the calligraphy''s mood, Old Yang...still lost by a bit. I mightck the authority, and this might just be my personal opinion. I personally think ''Passing by Huaqing Pce'' is cut higher than ''Praise''! One horse rider kicking up red dust, the concubineughs, no one knew it was the lychee express arriving. That line alone is worthy of praise!"


    He had won again!


    He had won three consecutive rounds!


    Following that, a disciples of Chief Yang said in an unconvinced manner. "''Praise'' is a famous work, as for ''Passing by Huaqing Pce''? It''s just a casual creation."


    Master Zhou cut him off. "Maybe in a few decades or in a few centuries, ''Passing by Huaqing Pce'' might also be a famous piece of work. We cannot reject its literary value because of itsck of age. What do you think?"


    "Elder Zhou is right."


    "That''s right, thest line is really the crowning touch!"


    "No one knew it was the lychee express arriving? It''s indeed good!"


    The few people on Master Wei''s team who had tried toe up with ideas turned speechless. They thought that the topic being broader would cause the opposing youth to stumble, thinking that even if he woulde up with a impromptu piece of work, he would not be better than the ancient wisdoms passed down over hundreds and thousands of years. Who knew he really f**king came up with a seven-word ancient poem that could match the wisdom of the ancients on the spot! And he had even exceeded them!


    Many of the family members on the second floor of the restaurant were excited by themotion downstairs. One by one, they came downstairs to join in the bustle.


    More and more people were dying of curiosity!


    Who was this youth that came from nowhere!?


    Su Na was sincerely happy for Zhang Ye. She was also overjoyed. She cared not for the chaos in the world and cheered for Zhang Ye. Teacher Zhang was indeed Teacher Zhang! An amateur against dozens of calligraphers? He actually still had the upper hand! This result was something that bbergasted many!

 Chapter 369: Zhang Ye’s Great Capacity for Drinking and Poetry!

    <h4>Chapter 369: Zhang Ye��s Great Capacity for Drinking and Poetry! </h4>


    Chapter 369: Zhang Ye''s Great Capacity for Drinking and Poetry!


    A total of ten rounds.


    Winning six rounds meant overall victory.


    Quite a number of people on the team behind Master Wei could no longer sit still. This was no longer apetition where friendship came first, andpetition came second. If the other party was a master, it was still alright. They would not say anything about it as they wouldn''t feel ashamed of losing. However, with their opponent being some nobody, this made these calligraphers feel that they had lost face. It was too shameful.


    "Heh, I don''t believe it!


    "If it were ancient melody poems, I''ll go up myself!"


    "If it''s five word poems, leave it to me!"


    "Just a kid, yet he doesn''t give any face to us seniors!"


    "Haha, Old Yu and Old Lu, the both of you want to go up? Sure, then count me in too. No matter what, we need to get serious, or there''s no where to put our faces."


    "I really don''t believe he is so all-powerful."


    "At such a young age, how deep can his knowledge be!?"


    These calligraphers began to sharpen their weapons, ready for a fight.


    When Zhang Ye saw this, he sought Wu Zeqing''s view. "President Wu, should we lose a few rounds? Of course we will definitely have to win the rest, but in this process..." ording to Zhang Ye''s intent, he didn''t mind. This was after all Wu Zeqing''s birthday and it was her circle. Zhang Ye was afraid President Wu found it inappropriate, so he sought her opinion to see what her attitude was.


    Wu Zeqing retorted, "Why should we lose?"


    Zhang Ye said, "The other side are all seniors of the calligraphy world. I''m afraid you would..."


    Wu Zeqing gave a faint smile and said, "In art, there is no modesty. If you are reallycking in ability, which results in your loss, then that''s just too bad, but if you can win, why don''t you win?"


    Zhang Ye blinked his eyes as he said, "It''s fine even if we win?"


    "What problems would there be?" Wu Zeqing sipped her tea.


    Zhang Ye got an idea of her attitude. "Alright, I was just waiting for those words of yours!"


    Offend people? Since when was Zhang Ye afraid of that? This fellow had never concerned himself with this. He was afraid Wu Zeqing would eventually be put in a tough spot, however, President Wu''s words wiped all his concerns away. He finally understood why he liked Old Wu so much. Just like back when she invited him to teach, any typical President of an esteemed school of higher learning would never dare to take such risks. Furthermore, he had such a shocking theory about ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', yet Wu Zeqing did not even ask him about it before supporting him. She never doubted the person she chose. From a certain point of view, Wu Zeqing was even more bold than Zhang Ye. She was indeed very different from a typical woman!


    Win?


    That was of course not a problem!


    If you want to win, I''ll win it for you!


    "I''ll do the draw." Zhang Ye took the initiative and went over.


    The fourth round''s topic came out. An ancient melody poem, and thest word had to have the word ''liu'' (flow).


    This sort of topic was a little more difficult. If it was just the first word, it would have been easy. Just giving it some thought would allow people to recall one. After all, everyone read a poem from beginning to end. However, if it was thest word, even if it were a poem one knew inside out, not everyone would be able to remember it. They would have to go from the first word all the way down to thest word. This increased the difficulty due to the time constraints.


    "Finally the number of words are limited. I''ll do it!" Teacher Yu came forward.


    However, Zhang Ye had already picked up a brush and began writing.


    "Lady Yu, the Royal Beauty"


    Spring flowers and autumn moon, O when will all these end?


    How much of my past Iprehend?


    Last night, to my loft once more, the vernal east wind came;


    In moonlight, I could not bear to look back towards my homnd rid of my name.


    Jade steps and carved railings may still as ever be there,


    Though changed are the faces fair.


    O how great, how grave, I ask, can my woe and sorrow be?


    Just like the River''s swelling spring-tide waters rolling east to the sea.


    Zhang Ye put down his brush, having finished writing it. Then he looked at his opponent.


    Teacher Yu came over with a smile while brimming in confidence. He was in no hurry, and took a cursory nce at the melody poem that Zhang Ye had written. Then, his smile transformed into another expression. His face alternated between red and green. In the end, it changed into an action as he smacked himself in the forehead!


    F**k!


    You can even write melody poems?


    And this is another impromptu creation!?


    Teacher Yu wished he had not spoken just now. I''ll do it? Doing nothing but fart! After a few seconds of silence, he turned around at a loss of whether tough or cry before running back dejectedly towards Master Wei''s side.


    Master Zhou was amused. "Old Yu?"


    Teacher Yu waved his hand. "I''m not writing."


    "Then you have abstained?" Master Zhou asked.


    Teacher Yu felt that was nonsense. "It will be pointless to continue writing it, so forget it, I give up." This melody poem''s literary value was too shocking. His calligraphy was also written very beautifully. Teacher Yu believed that even though his calligraphy attainment was higher than his opponent''s, it was not much higher. However, no matter what he wrote, it would definitely not be better than his opponent''s "Lady Yu, the Royal Beauty". It would only incur ridicule on himself.


    The surrounding crowd was dumbfounded. Even Teacher Yu admitted defeat? He was a famous calligrapher who won first ce at this year''s calligraphypetition!


    Master Zhou said, "Then let''s begin the fifth round."


    The fifth rounds topic was reminiscing and remembrance.


    The topic was very broad, but the broader it was, the harder it became toe up with something appropriate.


    No one from the other side came forward, as if they were waiting to see what Zhang Ye had to write.


    Zhang Ye drank a mouthful of wine and without any further ado, he grabbed the brush and dipped it in ink without any thought.


    "The Lavishly Decorated Zither"


    Thevishly decorated zither, for no reason, has fifty strings; each string, each bridge, reminiscing a magnificent year.


    Master Zhuang lost himself in the morning dream of being a butterfly; Emperor Wang''s amorous spring heart was entrusted to the cuckoo.


    Deep under the vast azure sea, reflected the bright moonlight, pearls cry tears; In Indigo Mountain, bathed under the warm sunlight, jade releases smoke.


    This feeling might have be something to be rememberedter on; Merely, at that time I was already perplexed and lost.


    When he finally put down the brush, there were already people giving their kudos!


    Su Na eximed out and pped forcefully. "Nice! Nicely written!"


    This poem was liked by many of the women present. Their thoughts also seemed to float away a bit. "This feeling might be something to rememberter on; Merely, at that time I was... already perplexed and lost?"


    Many people were engrossed just by listening to it!


    No one from Master Wei''s side spoke a word!


    What is this guy doing? One poem after another, how are you f**king throwing out all these excellent poems worthy of being ssics out like they cost nothing? Can you at least write some poem that we are familiar with!?


    Who''s going forward?


    Who can take down this round?


    We can''t have no one taking up the challenge, or not only would we lose, we would lose our stance!


    They nudged one another and eventually, as there was really no one, someone from the team bit the bullet and came forward. He wrote a relevant poem, which was quite long. He took a long time to write the exaggerated tale filled with high-flown phraseology. A long poem allowed a time extension, so this person was probably trying to use his calligraphy skills to win this round.


    However, when he finished writing, Master Zhou still announced that Wu Zeqing''s team won. There was no other reason. No matter how high a calligraphy standard one had, it needed to be expressed through text. The poem the youth in shades wrote was enough to nket out anything else. It even increased his calligraphy by an entire realm!


    Another round was won again!


    Wu Zeqing decided not to even stand up. She just sat there, drinking her tea and watching the bustle.


    The surrounding people began to discuss in murmurs. Some women began pointing at Zhang Ye.


    "He''s so amazing!"


    "This youngd is godly!"


    "Why is he wearing sunsses? I can''t see his face!"


    "I sure didn''te to this anniversary for nothing. I managed to experience such fun!"


    Master Zhou announced, "The sixth round begins." After both sides drew their lots, he said, "The topic this round is Mourning Day, and it has to be used at least twice."


    Oh?


    Mourning Day?


    The topic was random. There really was no poem that began with Mourning Day.


    However, the people on Master Wei''s side were no ordinary people. Immediately, a young talent stepped forward. He stood in front of the table and with the brush in hand, began topose something on the spot. Do you think you are the only one who canpose?


    Zhang Ye was also writing.


    "Mourning Day"


    A drizzling rain falls like tears on the Mourning Day;


    The mourner''s heart is breaking on his way.


    Where can a wine house be found to drown his sadness?


    A cowherd points to Almond Flower Vige in the distance.


    Before he was done, he ended a paragraph, and added his name out of habit.


    When the youth from Master Wei''s team had written half of his poem, he curiously gave Zhang Ye''s side a nce. The moment he saw it, his eyes nearly popped out. With a few coughs, he lowered his head to look at the poem heposed. With a sigh, he ced the brush down, no longer wishing to carry on.


    "I admit defeat." The youth was convinced.


    Master Zhou asked, "Aren''t you going to finish it?"


    The youth said with a wry smile, "Forget it, I don''t want to incur ridicule on myself."


    Six rounds!


    Zhang Ye had won all of them!


    Master Zhou said with augh, "There are still four rounds remaining, yet the victor has already been decided, so should we carry on?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "I''m fine with anything."


    Master Wei did not speak, but quite a few people behind him said,


    "Yes!"


    "Why shouldn''t we?"


    "There are still four rounds."


    Although they had already lost, the result was no longer important at this moment. So what if Master Zhou''s calligraphy piece went to Wu Zeqing, what they needed to do was recover what was left of their face. At least, at the very least, they should win one round, right? We cannot let him wipe us outpletely! If it spread out, it would be a joke!


    Master Zhou smiled and said, "Alright, then let''s carry on."


    A young calligrapher said, "Master Zhou, I think thispetition isn''t fair. It''s a calligraphypetition, but why has it be a poetrypetition? We all know calligraphy cannot be void of expression and cannot do without text or poetry, but poetry is not everything in calligraphy. We have already witnessed the prowess of this friend''s ability in creating poetry. He is indeed better than us, but that doesn''t mean his calligraphy skills are better than ours, right?"


    Master Zhou opened up his arms. "But, those are thepetition''s rules. Every anniversary has always had these rules."


    Was it fair?


    It was indeed unfair!


    Master Zhou knew it, Master Wei knew it, and Wu Zeqing also knew it.


    In previous calligraphypetitions, everyone''s literary standards were about the same. They were neither too bad nor good. After all, calligraphers were not literary experts. Hence, this sort ofpetition was usually quite fair. Everyone was pretty much on the same level, but a godly person had appeared in this year''spetition. Not only were his calligraphy skills excellent, his literary foundation was universe startling. This made thepetition lose all suspense. Everyone knew that this youth in shades did not win due to his calligraphy but rather by his literary skills!


    Calligraphy skills? He could only be said to have a chance against some of the calligraphers present. There were many here who were better than him.


    But literary foundations? He alone was enough to steamroll dozens of calligraphers! Yes, steamroll. Steamrolling without any suspense!


    One person was enough?


    Now many people recalled through hindsight the meaning behind Wu Zeqing''s words in the beginning! President Wu was not saying that she alone was enough. She was saying the youth alone was enough! President Wu clearly knew this youth from before, and knew his ability. Hence, when she saw the youth join her team, she declined on having other teammates. She had rejected the request of those who wanted to join her team out of pity! This was because Wu Zeqing knew this youth alone was enough! And that was indeed what had happened! This youth had really won over dozens of calligraphy seniors!

 Chapter 370: The last match! Couplets duel!

    <h4>Chapter 370: Thest match! Couplets duel! </h4>


    Chapter 370: Thest match! Couplets duel!


    "Then what next?"


    "Isn''t it the same even if they continuepeting?"


    "Yea, there''s no meaning to it if they continue topete based on poetry."


    "Why not tweak the rules a little andpete based on some other standard?"


    "Master Zhou, let''s not keep doing poetry. The opponent''s advantage is too unfair. We are in the calligraphy field, so how could we possibly defeat someone in literature studies through poetry?"


    "Right, we should change the format."


    "As long as it isn''t poetry, anything else is fine."


    "Right, anything except poetry. He definitely won''t be able to do well in other topics."


    Everyone was convinced of the literary skills of the youth in shades. Since this was a calligraphypetition, they were unconvinced. Many of the calligraphers were embarrassed by this and were disputing the issue.


    Master Zhou smiled, "If you want to continuepeting, then please draw a lot from the box. There are still other topics in there besides poetry."


    "Alright."


    "Come on then."


    The tension against the youth was increasing.


    Master Zhou announced, "First, let''s take a two minutes break before we continue."


    Everyone had no objections and some went to get a drink while the others who were a little hungry went to grab some refreshments.


    Zhang Ye went to the toilet which was inside the restaurant premises. Inside the male toilet, another person followed him in. This person appeared to be Master Wei''s disciple and was also part of Master Wei''s team.


    "Wait a moment." Chen Mo called out to him.


    Zhang Ye turned around, "What''s the matter, my friend?"


    Chen Mo looked at him and said, "Aren''t you going a little too far today?"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "What do you mean by that? How did I go too far?"


    "It''s Master Wei''s birthday today. Why are you being such a wet nket? What''s the meaning of this? You are also someone from this circle, so don''t tell me you don''t intend to show some respect to the seniors?" Chen Mo did not hold back on his words and tone.


    Zhang Ye was stirred. "Sorry, but I''m not from the your circle. I respect my seniors, but my senior is not Master Wei. It is President Wu. My path is also not that of calligraphy, so don''t try that on me."


    You are even trying to use me now?


    Hur, who do you think you are!


    Chen Mo lectured him, "Never push things too far so that we can meet amiably in the future."


    Zhang Ye replied, "You are the ones who are bullying a woman like President Wu. Why didn''t you not push things too far earlier? And I''m not allowed to help her?"


    Chen Mo spoke in a well-grounded manner. "President Wu does not truly belong in the calligraphy world. Most of those present today are also on better terms with Master Wei. Since it''s his birthday, of course we''d naturally choose to stand by his side. How can you say that''s bullying? It''s only a friendlypetition to make the gathering more lively. No one would be concerned by that. I believe President Wu is not so petty too, but you, you have caused the event to be awkward!"


    Zhang Ye was tickled by his logic, so he said, "You are really amusing. A bunch of people bullying President Wu so as to win the auspicious item. You mentioned that this was just apetition, which is not meant to be taken too seriously. Yet, you don''t mention how your team has so many more people, saying it''s for fun only. Yet now when you have lost, you are iming that we should have left some face for your respected teacher, saying that we disrespected him. Why does it feel like you are right no matter what? As if your team deserves to win just because of the asion and that''s logical? So whatever we do is uneptable? Other than losing to you, we would be in the wrong regardless of what we do?"


    Chen Mo red with his eyes cold. "You are distorting my words!"


    "But that''s what you were driving at!" Zhang Ye said, "I''m sorry, but using seniority as a reason does not work on me! I was invited by President Wu and I''m here to wish her a happy birthday. However the others want to think of me, they can think what they want. It does not concern me. I know how to handle myself, so you can save your effort in telling me what I should or shouldn''t do." After saying that, he went to use the toilet and did not bother about him anymore.


    Chen Mo was angered! This person does not appreciate his advice! He turned around and left.


    Actually, winning or losing thispetition did not matter to Zhang Ye. He only cared about Wu Zeqing''s treatment. If they wanted to bully Old Wu and leave her embarrassed, then Zhang Ye would not sit back and do nothing. It was that simple. Since he had already helped President Wu by winning up to this point, Zhang Ye was already happy enough. Even if he were to lose thest match, he was fine with it. His thoughts were not in the calligraphy world, so winning or losing did not affect him in any way, but now, someone had actually tried toe up to him to sort him out. He even tried to lecture and threaten him? Then did Zhang Ye still need to hold back?


    He was infamous for being a hooligan!


    F**k! If you didn''t say anything, everything would have been fine. I didn''t necessarily have to win every round!


    Let me tell you, don''t even think of winning a single match now! Do you think I''m afraid of threats?


    ......


    In the backyard.


    The next match was about to begin.


    When it was time to pick topics, Chen Mo stepped forward, "Teacher, let me do it."


    Master Wei smiled and nodded. He kindly said, "Sure, Little Mo. I''ll leave it to you."


    Master Wei did not step forward this entire time. It was possible that he had never nned on taking part in thepetition himself. As a master of the calligraphy world, even if he won, it would not look good since it would be simr to bullying. If he lost, it would look even worse.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Who is that?"


    Wu Zeqing looked at the man in his thirties who was drawing the topic, "Master Wei''s disciple I guess. I don''t know him or his name. What''s the matter? Why are you so interested in him?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged and said, "Just now in the bathroom, he came to me and tried to give me a piece of his mind, telling me to respect his teacher and stuff like that. What he meant was that I was going too far."


    Wu Zeqing asked gently, "Are you going to concede this match then?"


    "Of course not!" Zhang Ye said, "I''m not a charity organization! The more he tries to use me, the more I want to win! Since we are winning, we should win to the end!"


    Chen Mo had picked his topic.


    He picked a topic that caused a minor uproar!


    Master Zhou was also a little stunned as he announced, "There''s no need to pick the 2nd part. The next topic is �� couplets. ording to the rules, both parties wille to a decision on who gets to give the couplet and who gets to match the couplet. If the couplet can be matched, the matcher will win. If the couplet can''t be matched, the giver will be the winner. Of course this is not an absolute, even if it could be matched, we will still be looking at the calligraphy writing. As to how the judging will be done, I will be the one deciding. As couplet matching is a little special, the time given will be 10 minutes. Alright then, will the 2petitors decide on the sequence now?"


    Couplets?


    It actually turned out to be couplets?


    Couplets and calligraphy were inextricably linked, but this kind of a topic was still a rarity. In past gatherings, there weren''t many people who had drawn this topic.


    "Haha, we got a good show to watch now!"


    "Atst we got an interesting topic!"


    "As long as it is not poetry, that youth doesn''t stand a chance!"


    "Little Mo''s luck is quite good. This match is definitely ours!"


    "Teacher Su, this is your field. No one is more suitable than you to represent us for this topic. Your aplishments in couplets can be considered to be in the top 10 of the country. Not many people would be able to match you."


    "Teacher Su, it''s yours."


    "We can''t keep letting Little Wu win, otherwise us old folks would have no face left! Ha!"


    Chen Mo also smiled a little. He nced at Zhang Ye and thought to himself that this guy still wanted to act tough with him? This time it''s not about poetry anymore, let''s see how badly you lose!


    Su Na''s father stepped up, "OK, let me do it!"


    Master Zhou also shook his head, he knew there would be no surprises. When Old Su showed his hand, not many people in the couplet field would be able to best him, except for those few monsters.


    But what left everyone feeling a little strange was how the youth standing opposite him hardly had any reaction at all. He was seated there in a calm manner, asionally taking a sip of wine.


    Master Weiughed, "Little Wu, will you be taking this round instead?"


    Wu Zeqing looked at the topic andughed, "I don''t think I''m needed here."


    Zhang Ye had stood up by now, "Uncle Su, who will give the couplet?"


    Father Su was very magnanimous. With a wave of his hand, he said, "Young man, you can set the question. Hur Hur."


    "Sure, then I won''t hold back." Zhang Ye walked up to the front.


    The person who had the most animated expression was Su Na. When she saw that the drawn topic was about couplets, she nearly fainted. Seeing how Master Wei''s team looked as if they already had it in the bag made Su Na at a loss whether tough or cry. Do you think you would win for sure? You guys don''t know fart!


    This was Zhang Ye we''re talking about!


    Poetry, song writing, couplets, essays, novels, and speeches, all of that was nothing to him!


    Especially regarding achievements in couplets, Teacher Zhang Ye was one of those monsters!


    Su Na could not help but remember the scene at the Beijing Couplet Competition. Everypetition would have a champion, but a champion and a CHAMPION were not the same. The level of measurement was different. Those other champions would usually fight head to head with otherpetitors until one was finally victorious, but what about Zhang Ye? Su Na had watched the Couplet Competition online back then. She had witness Zhang Ye stand up to more than fifty others and came out winningfortably, not even letting his opponents gain a single point. They had all been utterly defeated by Zhang Ye!


    What was the reason for that?


    The reason boiled down to their levels being too far apart!


    Su Na knew her father''s specialty was in couplets and was even considered a top couplet master, but even though she knew that her father mighte out tops against 10,000 others, he would not be able to outmatch Zhang Ye!


    "Dad!" Su Na quickly called him out.


    Father Su looked towards her, "Yes?"


    Su Na waved her hands quickly and winked her eyes, meaning to tell him not to take part.


    But Father Su did not understand and instead smiled and nodded his head. He thought his daughter was cheering him on.


    Chen Mo and those calligraphers were all looking on in a rxed mood. They wereughing and smiling as they looked over at Zhang Ye while waiting for him to give the couplet. They believed that no matter what verse he came up with, Teacher Su would be able to match it perfectly.


    Immediately, Zhang Ye began writing the couplet''s verse.


    There wasn''t a lot of characters and he wrote it very casually, as if he did not even think before he started writing. He gave off a feeling as though as he had already conceded defeated, yet it also felt like he did not take it too seriously.


    �� ��į�������ع� (j�� m�� h��n chu��ng k��ng sh��u gu��, in this lonely and tiny unit as a widow).


    Zhang Ye raised his head smiling, "I''ve finished writing."


    "OK, I will match it!" Father Su proimed confidently while walking over as the crowd cheered him on. He took a look at the first half of the verse.


    Then.


    Then Father Su plopped down and almost vomited blood!


    Damn you to your ninth great-grandmother! What the f**k was this verse?! Do you want to win so badly!?


    Zhang Ye was really being inconsiderate. This couplet verse was also a Millennial Impossibility in his previous world. The verse, which he used at the previous Beijing Couplet Competition ,''���������� (y��n su�� ch�� t��ng li��, willow pond locked in smoke)'' had some matches which could be considered close matches, even if they did not satisfy all the conditions to be considered perfect, but this ''��į�������ع� (j�� m�� h��n chu��ng k��ng sh��u gu��, in this lonely and tiny unit as a widow)'' had existed for hundreds of years without a second half evening close, it could be said that Father Su did not even stand a chance!


    A Millennial Impossibility!


    This verse could not possibly be matched by anyone!


    Even if future generations woulde up with something, it would still be a few hundred or several thousand yearster!

 Chapter 371: Old Wu’s Birthday Gift

    <h4>Chapter 371: Old Wu''s Birthday Gift </h4>


    Chapter 371: Old Wu''s Birthday Gift


    The atmosphere turned quiet.


    Everyone was looking at the couplet.


    Zhang Ye was afraid people in the distance could not see it, so he recited it once, "��į�������ع� (j�� m�� h��n chu��ng k��ng sh��u gu��, in this lonely and tiny unit as a widow)."


    Father Su was filled with despair! He had came forward full of confidence, thinking he was bound to win. Who knew the couplet awaiting him would forcefully smothered him. Master Zhou and a few truly knowledgeable people were also stunned the moment Zhang Ye put down his brush!


    This...


    This first half...


    Zhang Ye''s couplet''s first half had a very simple meaning and was even straightforward. It was how a lonely widow stayed alone. It was not like other couplets which were quite a mouthful or textually intricate. There was no need to even exin the couplet. Everyone could understand it, but this first half''s only trick was that one of its radicals were the same. On the surface, it looked like an ordinary miraculous couplet. There were plenty of such couplets in this world, so it was nothing surprising. Of course, this was ayman''s point of view. True experts, who had deeply researched couplets, would feel like vomiting blood the moment they saw it!


    How could it be matched?


    There was no way of matching it!


    However, there were a few calligraphers who did not realize this. They began suggesting ideas.


    "Teacher Su, why aren''t you writing anything?"


    "I think trying with ''disconste sorrow''...Eh, it won''t work."


    "Try using ''a beautiful fair''...Oh it won''t do too. The correspondence doesn''t match."


    The more they ruminated, the more of a headache they experienced. The more they thought, the more rmed they became. The first half of the couplet seemed like anyone could match it as long as enough time was given. However, the more they thought through it carefully and researched it thoroughly, they felt even more powerless. Their hearts slowly turned cold!


    It could not be matched!


    This couplet could not be matched!


    The collective wisdom of everyone failed to match the couplet!


    Master Zhou reminded everyone. "Since someone hase forward, for this round, there should not be any suggestions from the crowd, alright? Little Wu''s team only has two people and the numbers are quite few to begin with."


    However, Zhang Ye said, "Master Zhou, it''s fine. This couplet of mine has no time limit nor is it restricted to anyone. Even if someone can match it a few decadester, you can consider it as me losing this round."


    Master Zhou looked at him and gave a pleased smile and nod. "Alright, then let''s leave the oue of this round on hold. Who knows, this might be a story decadester. Haha."


    Zhang Ye suggested, "Then let''s end it here today."


    Master Zhou agreed and began to be fond of Zhang Ye. "Alright, the auspicious item now has an honor, so it''s of little significance to carry thepetition. It''s already past 1 PM, so let''s have our meal!"


    Not mentioning the winner or loser?


    Taking this round as a tie? Leaving it for the future?


    Everyone knew this youth in shades was leaving them face. ording to the rules of thepetition, he would definitely win. However, by him offering to put this on hold showed he had some bearing. It seemed like this youth had a sense of propriety. He did not incessantly chase after them to smack their faces.


    Zhang Ye hadpromised, but he actually did not n on doing so. Chen Mo''s words had provoked him. He had nned on wiping them out, but there was no other way. His opponent this round was Su Na''s father. Su Na was his colleague, and they always had a cordial rtionship. Zhang Ye could treat others however he wanted, but he naturally could not hunt down the father of his friend. Hence, he initiated this "peaceful draw". It was not because Zhang Ye had a sense of propriety. It was just wishful thinking of the others. It was just Zhang Ye giving Su Na and her father some face.


    Others did not know that Zhang Ye never backed down?


    But Su Na definitely knew. She was very familiar with Zhang Ye and knew of his temper. He was a person who didn''t care who he faced. Had he ever been afraid of anyone? How high a status did Professor Yan have? Zhang Ye scolded him the moment he was given the chance. Su Na knew Zhang Ye was not a person who would back down because of hierarchy. The reason why Teacher Zhang did not care about the oue was because of Su Na herself. Upon realizing this, Su Na felt warmth spread through her heart. He had disregarded so many calligraphers and artists to the point of not even bothering about them, much less currying favor. Yet, Zhang Ye had given Su Na, his friend, face. From Su Na''s point of view, such a friend was worth having. This was a true friend!


    Su Na looked over and winked.


    Zhang Ye nodded and exchanged looks with her.


    At this moment, Master Wei finallyughed. "A young person''s abilities must be respected!"


    Zhang Ye said a few humble words, but it was just a few. "All of you went easy on me. If everyone really got serious, I wouldn''t be your match."


    Wu Zeqing also smiled and said, "Master Wei, so I''ll be keeping this auspicious item?"


    Master Wei gave an expression as if he seemed unwilling to part with it. It was unknown if it was really what he was feeling. "Let me take another look at it. If I don''t look at it, I might never have another chance to do so."


    Master Wei''s disciple, Chen Mo had an ugly expression. So many of them failed to get an item his teacher wanted. It was too shameful!


    Master Zhou''s disciples had already brought out the the auspicious item out.


    Wu Zeqing said elegantly. "Why don''t I lend it to you for a period of time? You can return it to me when the timees."


    "Alright." Master Wei asked her, "How long are you going to lend it to me for?"


    Wu Zeqing gave a faint chuckle. "A hundred years."


    Master Wei nced at her and was humored. "Alright, it''s decided then!"


    Thest few lines were only between the two of them. Only Master Zhou and his two disciples who were holding up the calligraphy piece could hear it. Well, there was also Zhang Ye who had a keen ear. As for the rest, they did not hear it. They only heard that Wu Zeqing was lending it to Master Wei for a period of time for his enjoyment. He still had to return it when the time came.


    Lending it to him for a hundred years?


    Then that was something that did not need to be returned!


    Zhang Ye did not mind Wu Zeqing''s decision. He supported Old Wu in everything that she did.


    The two disciples were stunned and did not utter a word. Since Wu Zeqing had whispered, she naturally had a reason behind it. Saying that she was lending it instead of giving it to Master Wei was most likely to save Master Wei face. So, they did not make it known.


    Master Zhou was overjoyed with this oue. In a good mood, he instructed the staff to begin the banquet.


    Master Wei''s mood also turned good. "I think we should eat in the courtyard."


    "Sure." Master Zhou looked up. "Today''s weather is pretty good. It''s nice and warm."


    Another calligraphy master smiled and said, "Alright, then let''s set up tables in the backyard. If there''s not enough space, the rest can go eat inside the building."


    The tables were set up.


    The dishes were served.


    Wu Zeqing called Zhang Ye over. "Did you hear it?"


    "Ah? Hear what?" Zhang Ye pretended not to know.


    Wu Zeqing had only used a voice that only the two of them could hear. "I have given the auspicious item you won for me to Master Wei. Since it was won by you, I have to let you know."


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh, it''s fine. It''s up to you. After all, I won it for you."


    Wu Zeqing smiled faintly and said, "The reason why I didn''t want Master Zhou''s calligraphy piece is because I want you to write one for me. I did not want that gift, so you have to prepare a gift for me. I believe once the meal begins, everyone will begin giving their gifts. It wouldn''t look good if you are empty-handed, right? Hur Hur, I''m waiting for you to write a nice calligraphy piece for me."


    Zhang Ye felt a proud. What sort of person was Master Zhou? He was a calligraphy master. To think President Wu gave up on Master Zhou''s exquisite piece of calligraphy and thought nothing of it, but instead, she wanted one of Zhang Ye''s calligraphy pieces. How great of an honor was this? Zhang Ye felt ttered and honored at the same time.


    However, what should he write?


    There was nothing he could write!


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Why don''t I give you the ancient poems and couplets I wrote previously to you. You can treat them all as a birthday gift, alright?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "I already wanted those poems. Hur Hur, but I think it''s not enough. After all, those aren''t true ancient poetry. Theyck the support of allusions. Be it poems or melody poems, there is no historical background to them, so it iscking in the mood."


    Zhang Ye was unconvinced. "How can there not be any allusions supporting them?"


    Wu Zeqing chuckled, "Then let me ask you, in that melody poem, ''Lady Yu, the Royal Beauty'', why was she called a beauty? And which homnd was it? In ''Mourning Day'', what ce is the Almond Flower Vige the cowherd points to? Is there some story behind them? In ''Passing by Huaqing Pce'', what sort of ce is Huaqing Pce? In ''one horse rider kicking up red dust, the concubineughs'', who was the concubine? How do you know there was a concubine who ate lychee? Are there ancient records of such events in history? Is there such information in literature?"


    Zhang Ye tried exining, "About that..."


    Before he finished speaking, Wu Zeqingughed. "Anyway, you owe me a gift, and I''ll want it in a while."


    "Little Wu,e join us over here in the main seats." Master Zhou called over.


    Wu Zeqing went over leaving Zhang Ye smiling wryly. Old Wu was clearly trying to rob him. And she was nning on robbing him dry!


    Not only her, everyone else knew Zhang Ye''s poems were good. There was no faults that could be picked in terms of literature, but itcked the support of history and allusions. If it was written by an ancient, then there was no need to even think about it. The ancients were part of history to begin with. These poems were perfect, but Zhang Ye wasn''t an ancient. He was just a modern person who had absorbed modern day culture. This caused his poems to drop in value.


    Zhang Ye was still unconvinced!


    Who told you my poems do not have any allusions supporting them?


    Who told you I can''t exin them through historical information?


    Why was "Lady Yu, the Royal Beauty" called a beauty? Because, Lady Yu, she...forget it, let''s talk about the next one. Eh, what country was the homnd? The homnd was of course...Right, let''s talk about Almond Flower Vige. Where was Almond Flower Vige? Almond Flower Vige is actually...the...the ce beside...Sweet...Sweet Rice Vige...F**k! I just wanted to f**king write Almond Flower Vige! Why do all of you care!? Why care!?


    Zhang Ye became angry. He indeed could not exin the stories behind these ancient phrases. If he had to exin, he would have to extend it to the historical stories from his world.


    These poemscked some meaning?


    Then what gift can I give you?


    Few ancient poems rarely didn''t have a story behind them!


    Do I have to write a folk song poem? Many of these did not have any historical allegories, as they themselves were a form of allegory. They were adapted from folk tales. From Zhang Ye''s understanding, it was just an ancient story, telling some fictitious story, then there would be no need to have any historical stories to support it.


    Folk song poem.


    What should I write for Old Wu?

 Chapter 372: Master Wei’s Disciple’s Provocation!

    <h4>Chapter 372: Master Wei''s Disciple''s Provocation! </h4>


    Chapter 372: Master Wei''s Disciple''s Provocation!


    Everyone took their seats.


    Everyone looked for their own spots.


    Zhang Ye went to a small table in the back. "Teacher Su."


    "Nicely done Teacher Zhang. Your few poems were enough to stun everyone." Su Na said jovially. She was not a bigoted person. She usually did not have the bearing of a Peking University teacher, and would joke around if necessary. "I have something I want to ask of you."


    Zhang Ye sat down. "Go on."


    Su Na said, "Can you give me the upper half of your couplet?"


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands. "They have already been taken by President Wu. You can ask it from her."


    "So you are agreeable to it? If you agree to it, I''ll go over. Anyway President Wu likes poetry, and is probably not as interested in couplets, but my father likes it." Su Na said.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s for Uncle Su? Sure, no problem."


    Su Na said happily, "Then it''s settled. Thanks!"


    At this moment, Master Zhou looked around and his sightsnded on Zhang Ye. He waved at him and said, "Youngd. Haha,e over to the main table."


    Main table?


    Everyone was stunned!


    The main table was for masters. Typical calligraphers were not qualified to sit there!


    Master Wei also invited him. "That''s right. Young man,e over. You have the qualifications to sit with us."


    How could Zhang Ye go over? He immediately said, "Thank you, Masters. Thank you for thinking so highly of me, but I don''t dare to impose, so I really won''t be going over."


    Wu Zeqing said, "Since he wants to sit over there, let him be. Let''s eat."


    A calligrapher in his forties was curious as he asked, "Old Wu, where did you get to know this person? Why have I never heard of him before? Does anyone know him?"


    "No."


    "It''s also my first time seeing him."


    The others also nced at Zhang Ye.


    Wu Zeqing said with a faint smile, "I''m sure you all know him. As for who he is, let me keep you all in suspense for the moment. Isn''t everyone hungry? If not, I''ll be the first to dig in!"


    Ah?


    All of us know him? It can''t be!


    Master Zhou roared withughter. "Right, let''s eat first."


    Mr Feng, who had previously participated in thepetition, said, "Little Wu, don''t say anything else. Please give me that ''Lady Yu, the Royal Beauty'', if not, don''t think of getting a gift from me."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Teacher Feng, you are depriving me of a beloved item."


    Mr Feng snorted. "I lost to a junior and have lost all my face. How can I not get some benefits? So it''s settled, that piece of calligraphy is mine!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "I''ll think about it."


    Mr Feng stared. "What''s there to think about? You scammed all us old fogeys, and we haven''t even settled scores. If we knew your teammate was so good at poetry and his calligraphy being so good, why the heck would we even try topete with him!" They had really lost quite unjustly. They had lost based on literary skills.


    Wu Zeqing said helplessly. "Alright then. ''Lady Yu, the Royal Beauty'' is yours."


    Mr Feng drank a mouthful of wine happily. "That''s more like it."


    With that, Mr Wang also spoke, "''The Lavishly Decorated Zither'' is mine!"


    "I want that ''Mourning Day''. Haha, I like those ominous poems. Old Wu, you have to forgo your love. Later on, I''ll write a piece of calligraphy to exchange with you." Another calligrapher said.


    So in a short while, all of Zhang Ye''s poetry had been handed out, leaving not a single one with Wu Zeqing.


    It was verymon for calligraphers to exchange calligraphy pieces, not to mention that these were the original poems written by Zhang Ye for the first time. They had their value as collectables. Everyone knew this youth would one day amount to something. If he were to one day be a Master, these poetry''s value would increase tenfold, maybe even a hundredfold.


    When Chen Mo, who was sitting at the third table, heard the conversation at the main table and saw how Zhang Ye''s poetry was so popr, his frown tightened.


    A youth secretly said, "Wu Zeqing brought someone to mess things up!"


    Another youth added, "It''s too much. This is our teacher''s birthday. Not only did he win the auspicious item that our teacher wanted, he even smacked the faces of so many teachers. What is he doing?"


    The first youth said, "Senior brother, you must seek justice for our old master!"


    These were all Master Wei''s disciples.


    Chen Mo''s expression looked certain as he whispered, "Watch me!"


    ......


    The banquet began.


    The second segment also began.


    Someone came over, "Master Wei, let me offer you a toast."


    Another youth came over, "Big Sis Wu, happy birthday."


    A few people came over, and took out the birthday presents they prepared. Someone gave Master Wei an ink b, while someone gave Wu Zeqing a roll of painting he drew.


    One...


    Five...


    Ten...


    More and more came forward to give their birthday wishes.


    Master Wei and Wu Zeqing had a rewarding trip as they received many things.


    "Master Wei, this is a lowly work of mine. I wish you a long life."


    "Thank you, you were so thoughtful."


    Suddenly, Master Wei''s most valued disciple, Chen Mo, stood up. He walked towards the main table and said with augh, "Teacher, he who teaches me for one day is my father for life. Thank you for all the guidance and teachings you have given me over all these years. I know you are notcking in anything, and I can''t produce anything nice to give to you. The only thing I can give you is the calligraphy I have learned under your years of nurturing. Today, I wish to write something for you. I wish you would be able to appraise the results of my learning!"


    He was quite eloquent.


    Master Wei stroked his beard and nodded with a smile. "Great! This present suits my taste!"


    Master Zhou was also quite interested. He instructed people to set up ink and paper. The tform was in the middle, so everyone could see it. People, who were eating upstairs, could lean over the window to see it.


    "Little Mo is nning on writing calligraphy?"


    "Let''s take a look."


    "Little Mo is one of the most talented disciples of Master Wei."


    The surrounding people put down their chopsticks and began to watch the lively scene while smiling and chattering.


    Chen Mo held his brush and closed his eyes for a moment. Suddenly they opened his eyes andnded the brush on the Xuan paper. He was holding a small brush, so was it possible that he was writing a long poem?


    Zhang Ye also looked over.


    "Nicely written."


    "As expected of Master Wei''s disciple."


    "He''s not worse than that youth in shades from before!"


    The crowd gave their praises by the side. As for Master Wei''s other disciples, they also stood by the side cheering on their senior brother.


    However, when the first line was written, someone eximed and then felt his heart pounding. This...


    It was a folk song poem! This kind of poetry was rarely seen! And it was a folk song poem that no one had seen before. Clearly, it was a work created by Chen Mo himself. The creation of a folk song poem was much more difficult than ancient poems or melody poems. Firstly, it was rare, and secondly, it was difficult to grasp. It was too difficult to write one well as it required extremely deep ancient knowledge of literature! It was unknown how long Chen Mo had prepared for this, but this showcase made everyone astonished!


    Master Zhou congratted. "Old Wei, your mantle has an inheritor."


    Master Wei said with a smile, "Little Mo is still far from that."


    "Far from that? I think it''s not much further. He will definitely be better than you in the future. Haha." Master Zhou and Master Wei were old friends, so it was verymon to engage in banter.


    The poem was very long.


    A folk song poem was finished.


    However, when everyone read the poem''s content carefully, they were all stunned!


    Chen Mo''s folk song poem actually told a story. It mentioned an unsessful man in ancient times. He kept trying to pass the imperial examinations to gain fame, but his wife kept obstructing him, wanting him to go into business. The man refused, but his wife relied on her better family conditions, and began to preside all decisions of the household. In the end, the family business copsed, causing the two of them to sleep on the street. In the end, the man seeded in the examinations and became an official, while the wife be subservient towards him from then on, following his every word. Midway, the text even used words simr to ''only women and small-minded men are hard to deal with''.


    The story was average. It was written like standard feudal period texts. As for a moral, there was none. It seemed to be writing about Chen Mo himself. Men had to stick to their ideals and goals, never listening to women. However, this story would not be anything in any other asion, but in today''s asion, there was a problem, what more, a big problem! Not only was Master Wei celebrating his birthday today, but it was also Wu Zeqing''s birthday!


    What''s the meaning of this?


    Only women and small-minded men are hard to deal with?


    Women should not be in the limelight? They should stay at home and just focus on assisting the husband and bringing up the children?


    It was a story that said women should not do anything! And in the end, it even said that the wife down and out, while the husband was high and mighty? Who were you trying to repress!? What sort of status did President Wu have!? Only you dare to make such things up!


    Chen Mo put his brush down. "I''m done writing."


    The atmosphere seemed to momentarily freeze. No one present was an idiot!


    Master Wei''s face first turned sullen. "Insolence!"


    Master Zhou did not praise Chen Mo either. He frowned and nced at Wu Zeqing.


    Wu Zeqing hung a faint smile on her lips but did not say a word.


    Su Na could not stand for it. She stood up furious, "Chen! Who are you scolding!?"


    A calligrapher''s female family member said angrily too, "Who said women are inferior to men!? What sort of society is it!? To think you wrote such a feudal era ideology!"


    Another woman said, "What sort of folk song poem is this!? To write us women to bepletely good for nothings? What the heck do you mean, Little Mo! Do you look down on women?"


    Chen Mo smiled and said, "I don''t have those intentions. It''s just a folk song poem. Some of the words are just referenced, and not what I personally believe. I''m just emting the writing style of the ancients."


    A group of woman began chattering. They could not stand for this!


    Chen Mo ignored it. He knew he would definitely offend many people today, but he didn''t care. He only respected Master Wei. Wu Zeqing had thrown his teacher''s face, so as a disciple, he had to help win his teacher''s face back. He thought Master Wei was just maintaining his bearing just now by speaking, but did not mean that he was not angry. Hence, Chen Mo produced this text, hoping to win the face from before back. He would not let Wu Zeqing win thepetition, face, and auspicious gift and leave. He had to make her lose face!


    Competition?


    They were not Zhang Ye''s match!


    But now, it was not a literarypetition. Chen Mo was trying to settle scores!


    Zhang Ye looked at Chen Mo and the folk song poem. He was truly infuriated. When everyone helped the old master bully Wu Zeqing in numbers, Zhang Ye was not truly angered. He knew everyone did not have the true intentions of bullying her. However, the meaning behind what Chen Mo wrote was different! This was clearly trying to embarrass Wu Zeqing! This was clearly trying to take revenge!


    Bastard!


    You are courting death!

 Chapter 373: "Ode of Mulan" is Born!

    <h4>Chapter 373: "Ode of Mn" is Born! </h4>


    Chapter 373: "Ode of Mn" is Born!


    The mood of the annual gathering had soured.


    Everyone who was in attendance to the gathering could only look on at each other as they observed the situation in the back yard.


    As Chen Mo''s teacher, Master Wei could only step forward to Wu Zeqing saying, "President Wu, I''m sorry. My disciple does not know better. Don''t take what a junior does to heart."


    Wu Zeqing smiled, "It''s okay, Little Mo''s words are quite well written."


    Master Wei sighed, saying, "The words are good, but the attitude is far from good."


    Master Zhou said from the side, "He still needs to hone himself. It''s too early for him to stray from the cover of his master''s wing." Saying that, he shook his head.


    As for the calligraphers that had gathered around, there was nothing they could say either. Because as a disciple of Master Wei, it would not be good for them to lecture him. Using a folk song poem to insinuate that women should stay home and fulfill their homely duties? Chen Mo''s words were indeed well written and he was also an outstanding literary talent, but his character was less so. Did he care about President Wu''s status? She was a heroine amongst women and even these calligraphers did not dare to make a scene in front of her, so what''s with this junior that was Chen Mo? It was a good thing that President Wu did not hold him it against him. Such magnanimity would not havee from anyone else. Writing something like that would have already gotten him a stare and smack on the table. You''d have to know that in the field of culture and education, Wu Zeqing''s influence was muchrger than all of those present put together!


    They could only be considered as passers-by in these fields.


    Wu Zeqing was the only one who held true power!


    If he did not even recognize this, then his future achievements would definitely not be any good either. Everyone had their own judgments about Chen Mo. Sigh, young people always act impulsively and go astray. Sometimes, you''d have give them a chance to let the them grow up and learn from their own mistakes.


    Master Zhou looked at Chen Mo, "What are you waiting for? Apologize to President Wu."


    Chen Mo hesitated for a moment before looking to Wu Zeqing and saying, "President Wu, if I had offended you in any way, I apologize, but this folk song poem of mine really does not have any ulterior motives at all. I just wanted to show my teacher and let him assess the fruits of my learnings." He was still unwilling to admit his mistake.


    Everyone frowned.


    Old Master Wei eyes turned cold as well.


    Chen Mo was also a victim of his own pride. He had already gone so far, so all he could do was to just continue standing there and admitting that he was not in the wrong. He did not know that Wu Zeqing had already presented Master Zhou''s calligraphy piece to his teacher. All he wanted to do now was to get back at them for his teacher. He did not care about the consequences anymore. What''s done was done. The folk song poem had already been written and nothing could be done about it.


    Su Na said angrily, "He can''t tell chalk from cheese! To think you still are so adamant when President Wu did not take it to heart?!"


    Father Su reprimanded her a little, "Sit down. Why are you getting so agitated for?"


    Su Na said, "He has already denigrated women! Am I not allowed to say anything!"


    A female calligrapher snorted, "What day and age are we currently in and yet there''s still such discrimination?! Old Master Wei, today is the anniversary of our Calligraphy Association and also your birthday. We came here to congratte you, not to get angered like this. It''s already a new era of society and yet there are still such people with such old fashioned mindsets still around? If I didn''t see this for myself, I wouldn''t have believed it. What''s the matter with us women?"


    "Right!"


    "In what way are we good for nothing?"


    "The person who wrote such a folk song poem can''t possibly have good character!"


    "Still adamant? Don''t know how to repent? He dares to do it, but doesn''t dare to admit his mistakes!"


    "Master Wei. We respect you a lot, but this disciple of yours is...really not much!"


    A group of female family members and female calligraphers were still grumbling about Chen Mo. President Wu did not get offended by him because of her status, but for them, they did not have any reasons to hold back. They were all women and they would have already let him off easy if they spat on him. Chen Mo''s calligraphy writing was really infuriating!


    Teacher Wang said to his wife, "Old Qu, why are you causing amotion."


    The woman frowned, "What''s the matter? Can''t I speak my mind?!"


    Teacher Wang pursed his lips, "Just don''t say so much. Is there not enough rice to stop you from talking? Eat more then." He did not want the issue to keep going on as it was, after all, still Master Wei''s birthday. The more they spoke, the uglier it would be for Master Wei.


    Another calligrapher said to his daughter, "Xiaojiang, don''t say anymore. Just eat!"


    The girl, who was sitting at the same table as Su Na, mmed her chopsticks onto the table, "Do you think I can still eat! Dad, that Chen fe''s actions arepletely uncalled for! I was just quietly eating and did not offend anyone, yet he came out and insulted all women? If his calligraphy was about any other topic, it would be fine, but what did he do? He wrote the folk song poem in a way that says the men must be determined to follow their dreams and not listen those around them spouting rubbish. Yet most of the descriptions were talking about how women are wicked and like to cause trouble! He basically looks down on women from the bottom of his heart! If this poem were to be posted and spread around in public, how will others think of the Calligraphy Association? Hmmph, they would definitely think that this ce is ruled by old feudal lords!"


    Her father got angry, "What are you saying! Eat your meal!"


    Xiaojiang said, "If he doesn''t exin himself, I won''t eat!"


    The woman beside her hugged Xiaojiang and said, "Old Sun, don''t shout at your daughter. You allowed him to write something like that, yet you won''t let us say a word?"


    "Big Sis Yu, Little Mo doesn''t seem like he was intending to do that." The father smiled bitterly.


    Big Sis Yu said, "Still, he ought to apologize."


    All of the women present did not agree with his exnation. The men looked as though as they were all having a bad headache.


    "Senior Bro."


    "Senior Bro."


    "This..."


    Master Wei''s other disciples could only sit still.


    Chen Mo had no way back except to say, "Sisters and aunties, I really do not have any other meaning. I was just imitating the ancients in writing a folk song poem for my teacher''s birthday, so that I could show how much I have learned. I have beenposing this for the past month and wanted to give my teacher a surprise!"


    Still adamant?


    Still giving excuses!


    This time, even the men could no longer stand him!


    Suddenly, someone said something. Zhang Ye casually grabbed a mouthful of food and swallowed it down. He calmly nced at Chen Mo, "You had one month of research and all you came up with was this piece of rubbish? Looks to me like your studies did not take you far!"


    Chen Mo sneered, "Rubbish?"


    Zhang Ye''s mouth was extremely toxic. "Saying that it''s rubbish was only to leave face for Master Wei. If I were to speak freely, this folk song poem is absolute f**king trash. Do you even know what a folk song poem is? Do you know how to write a folk song poem? With this sort of standard for an essay, you still dare to call it a folk song poem? Don''t tease us anymore. In the future, should you have something else like this again, you should just leave it at home. Don''t bring it out and embarrass yourself. If someone who really understands poetry well sees this, wouldn''t it make themugh their heads off? Your words only so-so and just barely OK, but the literary standards are very poor. Let me tell you, a real folk song poem does not put too much focus on the passage format and is not so strict about tonal patterns, with a lot of freedom from rules, but it is not so simple as to be considered an unstructured passage that, when paired with music, will automatically qualify it to be a folk song poem. A poem such as the folk song poem does not fully depend on pairing it with music either. Our nation''s literature is so profound and deep and it is definitely not as simple as you think it is!"


    Su Na cheered, "Well said!"


    As for what was so good about it? Su Na did not know either!


    Those who were present felt the same. Speaking of it, they really did not understand much about the structure of a folk song poem either. There were no restrictions on the type of sentences used, no tonal pattern requirements either, yet the standard for the words used were very high. There could be storyline characters in it and even exchanges of sentences between the characters. It was very difficult to write �� Everyone''s concept of it was also as such. After all, they were all involved in calligraphy and not in folk song poems. They couldn''t possibly be so well-learned about a topic like this.


    A youth could no longer bear to listen any longer, "You''re saying my senior bro is writing rubbish?"


    "Is it my senior bro or you that doesn''t understand!" Another of Master Wei''s disciples rebutted.


    Zhang Ye was tickled, "I don''t understand?"


    When she heard this, Su Na also burst outughing!


    Seeing Zhang Ye using him, Chen Mo no longer kept silent. Those aunties and sisters who had been giving him a ticking off were all his elders and it wasn''t good for him to argue back, but who did Zhang Ye think he was? Chen Mo said directly, "Sure, you put it so well, then why don''t you show us what you''ve got? If what I wrote is not a folk song poem, then show us how it should be written!"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "It''s President Wu''s birthday today, so I will be happy to teach you something. I won''t ask for tuition fees either." After saying so, he turned around to Wu Zeqing and said, "President Wu, I did not prepare a present for you today. Coming here empty handed, I feel a little embarrassed, so let me write a little something for you as your birthday present."


    Wu Zeqingughed and said, "Sure."


    Master Zhou was a little stunned, "What will you write?"


    Zhang Ye replied rxingly, "After saying all that I did earlier, I will naturally be writing a folk song poem. I wanted to give the poems from earlier to President Wu, but she didn''t seem too satisfied with them, saying that those poems didn''t fit the asion. Alright then, this folk song poem should be suitable. I would also like to tell everyone a story."


    Wu Zeqing watched him with a soft gaze. "OK, I will be waiting to see your folk song poem. If it''s not up to my standards, I will not ept it." She said so jokingly, but there was not a single doubt in her eyes.


    A lot of people gasped. What the f**k, you really want to write a folk song poem? This was not a poem that could bepared to other 5 or 7 word poems. A folk song poem was usually used to tell a story. It needed character nning, a storyline, a main plot, andstly a conclusive question.It needed thoughtful literary nning and thergely depended on the phrasing of words. Everyone had witnessed Zhang Ye''s prowess inposing poems, but most poems only numbered a few dozen words. Each one was short and easy toe up with, but a folk song poem was entirely different. Without at least a month to think and prepare, how could hee up with a long poem that would consist of hundreds to thousands of words? It was not possible to write on the spot! Everyone knew that this sunsses youth obviously spoke without thinking. He could not have possiblyposed something like this, yet he imed that he would immediately start writing one right now? Composing on the spot?


    This was a folk song poem we''re talking about!


    How could something like that beposed spontaneously?


    Everyone had no concept of such a thing. It was nothing they had ever heard about before. Could someone even do that? That''s impossible!


    Yet Su Na felt confident as she cheered, "Go, Teacher Zhang! Show them what you can do! Those frogs in a well, how dare they debate with you on verse structures? It''sughable!" She really wanted tough out loud.


    Zhang Ye said, "Please help me prepare a longer piece of Xuan paper. The word count might be a little more than usual."


    "What size do you require?" Master Zhou asked.


    Zhang Ye not knowing it either, "Hmm, anything will do I guess."


    Master Zhou was a left a little speechless, but still said, "How many words will there be?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "I''m not too sure either. Let''s just write and see how it goes."


    Well, he wasposing it on the spot after all, so how could he possibly know how many words there would be? So, Master Zhou instructed his disciples to go prepare and soon after, everything was ready.


    Everyone stopped eating and went over to spectate.


    "Let''s go downstairs!"


    "There''s something exciting to watch again!"


    "Wait for me, I''ming too!"


    People who were upstairs came down, many of which were family members and members of the association.


    This time, it wasn''t a match, but somehow, it felt more exciting than one. Everyone''s soul was stirred. Su Na squeezed in front to find a spot near the happenings.


    Chen Mo was waiting to see Zhang Ye make a fool of himself. His few disciple brothers thought so too, thinking, how a person without any preparation even write a folk song poem? A few hundred to thousands of words that he hadn''t even nned for? Wasn''t this an immense joke!? And you even want to use it to tell a story? The ancient stories have already been written so much that people are sick of them!


    Master Zhou stood in the innermost row.


    Master Wei and Wu Zeqing were seated and watching.


    All eyes were focused on Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye dabbed the brush in ink and then looked up to find Chen Mo. "Watch carefully and see what a folk song poem really looks like!" Saying this, hended his brush and began describing it verbally.


    "In ancient times, there was a girl named Mn."


    Girl?


    Hua Mn?


    Didn''t ancient styles of writing always write about men? Why are you writing a woman as the protagonist?


    When Chen Mo and his fellow disciple brothers heard it, they sneered. Everyone else was dumbfounded. Their faces wore an expression of bewilderment and probably thought that Zhang Ye really was crazy. Not only did he want topose a folk song poem on the spot, he was even going to use a woman as the main character? A story about getting married and teaching their children how to farm? What was there to write about?


    "Tsiek tsiek and again tsiek tsiek,


    Mn weaves, facing the door. You don''t hear the shuttle''s sound,


    You only hear Daughter''s sighs."


    When the first line was written, Su Na knew what she had to do. She walked and stood behind Zhang Ye. As he wrote another line, Su Na read it aloud so that everyone in the outer rows, who could not see, could hear it.


    "Eh?"


    "It''s really about weaving and farming?"


    "What''s so interesting about the happenings of a household?"


    "Quiet, don''t disturb him. Let''s keep watching on."


    A few women and girls were discussing behind him.


    Without any thought, Zhang Ye wrote word after word in a very fast fashion. His flicks were firm, as if he did not even need to think or conceptualize.


    "They ask Daughter who''s in her heart,


    They ask Daughter who''s on her mind. No one is in Daughter''s heart. No one is on Daughter''s mind. Last night I saw the draft posters,


    The Khan is calling many troops,


    The army list is in twelve scrolls,


    On every scroll there''s Father''s name. Father has no grown-up son,


    Mn has no elder brother.


    I want to buy a saddle and horse,


    To serve in the army in Father''s ce."


    Chen Mo was stunned!


    What?


    Serve on her father''s behalf?


    Disguised as a man to serve in the army?


    Everyone suddenly became quiet. No one spoke anymore!


    Zhang Ye began to write even faster.


    "In the East Market, she buys a spirited horse,


    In the West Market, she buys a saddle,


    In the South Market, she buys a bridle,


    In the North Market, she buys a long whip. At dawn, she takes leave of Father and Mother,


    In the evening she camps on the Yellow River''s bank.


    She doesn''t hear the sound of Father and Mother calling,


    She only hears the Yellow River''s flowing water cry tsien tsien. At dawn, she takes leave of the Yellow River,


    In the evening she arrives at ck Mountain.


    She doesn''t hear the sound of Father and Mother calling,


    She only hears Mount Yen''s nomad horses cry tsiu tsiu."


    A slightly plump, middle-aged woman''s eyes turned red.


    A few other women, who had heard up to here, were also greatly touched!


    What a pitiful girl! What a filial daughter! What a brave woman!


    Upon reaching this point, Zhang Ye''s brush suddenly turned sharply. It was as if the characters in his folk song poem were about to jump out with the change of his strokes. The atmosphere heated up.


    "She goes ten thousand miles on the business of war,


    She crosses passes and mountains like flying. Northern gusts carry the rattle of army pots,


    Chilly light shines on iron armor. Generals die in a hundred battles,


    Stout soldiers return after ten years. On her return she sees the Son of Heaven,


    The Son of Heaven sits in the Splendid Hall. He gives out promotions in twelve ranks


    And prizes of a hundred thousand and more. The Khan asks her what she desires.


    "Mn has no use for a minister''s post.


    I wish to ride a swift mount


    To take me back to my home."


    All of them froze again!


    After so many people had died, Mn was so lucky to have survived?


    When the Khan wanted to reward her, she had rejected the chance to be a minister?


    Zhang Ye wrote:


    "When Father and Mother hear Daughter ising


    They go outside the wall to meet her, leaning on each other.


    When Elder Sister hears Younger Sister ising


    She fixes her rouge, facing the door.


    When Little Brother hears Elder Sister ising


    He whets the knife, quick quick, for pig and sheep."


    An image formed in everyone''s heads!


    It was a scene of an excited family in a jubnt mood! Their family member had escaped death and came home with military honors!


    When Su Na read this, her voice also began to choke up. It was as if the story had hit her soft spot and she could barely continue narrating!


    Zhang Ye took over Su Na''s job and began narrating as he wrote.


    "I open the door to my east chamber,


    I sit on my couch in the west room,


    I take off my wartime gown


    And put on my old-time clothes. Facing the window she fixes her cloudlike hair,


    Hanging up a mirror she dabs on yellow flower powder She goes out the door and sees herrades.


    Herrades are all amazed and perplexed.


    Traveling together for twelve years


    They didn''t know Mn... was a girl!"


    Xiaojiang felt her blood boil with passion!


    At the side, another woman started to tear up.


    The scene depicted in the folk song poem had caused many people to be unable to hold their emotions in anymore!


    Finally, Zhang Ye chuckled and as he wrote, he seemed to ask everyone:


    "The he-hare''s feet go hop and skip,


    The she-hare''s eyes are muddled and fuddled.


    Two hares running side by side close to the ground..."


    His final words were written more forcefully one after the other.


    "How can they tell if I am he or she!?"


    He finished writing!


    There was total silence!


    Zhang Ye held up "Ode of Mn" and left it to dry before putting down his brush!


    When Chen Mo finished reading, his face turned purple! His few disciple brothers were also left speechless!


    Master Wei''s hand mmed down on the chair he was sitting in as heughed heartily, "What a good ''How can they tell if I am he or she''! Great! Great! Great!"


    Master Zhou''s feeling at this moment could not be described with words either. He looked in shock at Zhang Ye, having been totally stunned by this great poem called "Ode of Mn"!


    That''s right!


    He had truly been stunned!


    Wu Zeqing eyes shed!


    The women present were all amazed!


    "Hua Mn? She is definitely a role-model to all women!"


    "Right! This is what a woman is! Who says a woman can''t be equal to a man?!"


    "Anything a man can do, anything a man can achieve, we women can do just as well!"


    The women were all visibly agitated. This "Ode of Mn" was so well written, that it had already made its way into their hearts!


    That''s right! You people always want to judge with bias. Unless you hold up a rabbit by its ears, you would not be able to tell if it was male or female. A male rabbit''s two legs would always move, while a female rabbit''s eyes were usually squinting. Only then could you differentiate, but when male and female rabbits ran alongside each other, who could tell the difference?! Everyone was the same!


    "Splendid!" Master Zhou started apuding!


    In that moment, the sound of ps resounded as apuses began one by one, "It''s too awesome! We''ve truly been enlightened today! Indeed, however strong you are, there is always someone stronger!"


    "Ode of Mn" was too excellent!


    It was so excellent that it reached the point of stunning amazement!


    The worse thing for anything wasparison. There were people, who had felt that Chen Mo was good, since he couldpose a folk song poem that almost had a thousand words, but now, this poem, which was written by the youth in shades, when ced beside Chen Mo''s piece, had made his look like crap! Chen Mo''s praising of men and their dreams had used women as a burden to contrast it. The work itself was a petty one and the thought behind it did not deserve to be brought up. Right now, it even looked like Chen Mo''s usage of words and phrases were like that of a child''s and should not be praised at all! Just look at how the folk song poem, that was given by the youth in shades for Wu Zeqing, was written? When he wrote about women, he did not belittle anyone. The man you wrote about wanted to be an official? Yet the woman that the other person wrote about just did not want to be one. She did not want merit or reward and just wanted to go home to her family! The man you wrote aboutined about things every time? Cursing women who are not good at this or that? While the other person''s female character risked the chance of being beheaded by serving in the army on her father''s behalf while disguised as a man! For her father and family, she fought with the enemy as a girl. In the midst of knives and swords, she wore her brains as armor to kill the enemy soldiers before returning home as a warrior after more than 10 years!


    10 years!


    A weak woman!


    She had done what a man might not have been able to achieve!


    Comparatively, the levels between Chen Mo and the youth in shades were clearly too far apart. The youth''s "Ode of Mn" was clearly written in opposition to Chen Mo''s work! Every sentence was a smack to the face! Every word refuted Chen Mo''s essay, repressing and smacking him hard!


    Chen Mo''s expression turned very ugly. He never expected Zhang Ye woul be able to write such a poem!


    Zhang Ye looked at Chen Mo and said impolitely, "I can tell you once again. What you wrote is nothing at all. It cannot be called a folk song poem, nor is there any literary or entertainment value." Saying that, he pointed at his own Xuan paper. "This, is a folk song poem. It is nowhere close to anything like yours."


    Chen Mo said coldly, "What qualifications do you have to evaluate my poem?"


    Suddenly, Master Zhou''s eyes flickered. After some thought, for some reason, heughed with enlightenment. "Little Chen, the person in front of you really has the qualifications to evaluate your poem. If he says your folk song poem is not orthodox, then it definitely is the case. If he doesn''t have the qualifications, then not many in this country have the qualifications. In the realm of literature, even all of us presentbined are not his match!" Then, he looked at Zhang Ye and chuckled. "Youngd, I know who you are already!"


    Chen Mo was stunned. What was Master Zhou saying?


    He had the qualifications? What qualifications did he have!?


    Furthermore, what was that about all of usbined would not be his match in literature? Impossible!


    "Ah?"


    "Who?"


    "Elder Zhou knows?"


    Everyone was curious. Who was this youth!?


    Master Wei and those calligraphers looked over. Some began ruminating!


    Master Zhou roared out withughter. "I should have guessed earlier. In this country, to be able to write an ancient poem in such manner, and also be proficient in couplet culture, to the point of not needing any thought or drafts to produce such an amazing piece like ''Ode of Mn'' on the spot! There is only one person in the country that can do it!"


    Finally, a few smarter people suddenly realized it!


    Few people in the country were both proficient in poetry and couplets. In addition to this, he was invited by President Wu? And he knew Su Na, a Peking University teacher?


    "Holy sh*t!"


    "I know who he is!"


    "Heavens! It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "You are Teacher Zhang Ye!!!"


    Everyone was stunned. This was something no one expected!

 Chapter 374: Fighting to get Zhang Ye’s works!

    <h4>Chapter 374: Fighting to get Zhang Ye''s works! </h4>


    Chapter 374: Fighting to get Zhang Ye''s works!


    Zhang Ye was finally recognized!


    It could be said that everyone did not have any such inkling on this matter in the beginning, but now, with Master Zhou mentioning it, they began realizing various things and observed the face of the youth in shades before ncing back at the name scribbled on the "Ode of Mn"!


    It''s him!


    It''s really Zhang Ye!


    Chen Mo had clearly heard of Zhang Ye''s name before. He froze on the spot and nearly vomited blood!


    His brother disciples, who had pitted with him against Zhang Ye, were all dumbfounded. Holy motherf**ker! How could it be him! Zhang Ye had appeared here?! Thinking of how they had challenged Zhang Ye to apetition earlier, their faces turned pale now. Compete with him? Compete my ass! F**k you! You were too well disguised! If we knew that you were Zhang Ye, we wouldn''t have even tried! Who would want topete in poetry with you?!


    Amazement was in the air!


    The chattering sound of discussion also started!


    "What the heck!"


    "So it was him!"


    "No wonder he''s so good! Why is he here?"


    "F**k, isn''t this bullying?! Compete with him in literary skills? Who can do better than him?!"


    "Yes, I was thinking why these calligraphy masters and calligraphers could not even outdo this youth! That''s because he''s Zhang Ye! I''ve read his poems and essays before. Every piece could be said to be earth-shattering. It''s also said that he doesn''t even write a draft, he alwaysposes them on the spot! Even if we don''t mention our Calligraphy Association, which does not purely research literature, even in the Couplet Association, there might not be any masters who can outdo him in terms of literary skills! Has anyone heard of the ''Ode to Young China'' prose from a few days ago? Even Peking University''s Professor Yan was out talked by him!"


    "If we knew it was him, we wouldn''t havepeted at all."


    "Who would have known? Who would have even know that Zhang Ye''s calligraphy skills would be so good as well?!"


    Everyone basically knew who Zhang Ye was. Even if they did not know what he looked like or had never watched him on his programs or the news before, they would have at least heard of his name. After all, the calligraphy and literature world only differed slightly and had much inmon. They knew more or less of the happenings in the literature world. As Zhang Ye''s poprity rose, even if they did not follow his news purposefully, they would have seen him on the news. Only a small portion of the family members had never heard of Zhang Ye''s name. They were already asking around to find out who he was and when they heard of his incidents and aplishments, they too were amazed. They looked at Zhang Ye as if he was some god!


    Father Su stared at his daughter, "Why didn''t you tell me earlier?! Isn''t that your colleague!"


    Su Na giggle happily, "You didn''t ask me. Oh right, Teacher Zhang said that he wanted to gift you the couplet that he wrote earlier. It was I who asked it for you!"


    Father Su said happily, "Is that true?"


    "Of course, I will go get it from President Wuter." Su Na replied.


    "Great!" Father Su did not me his daughter any further. That couplet verse writing was on his mind for a long time, but as he was not too familiar with President Wu, he found it difficult to ask for it during dinner.


    Mr Feng looked annoyed and stared at Wu Zeqing. He spoke without any regard for his status, "Little Wu, you are so wicked! You are really so wicked! You invited Zhang Ye over and didn''t even inform us. You totally cheated us old guys! Don''t you think you should have told us beforehand? If we knew it was him, who would have dared topete with him! He''s a professional literary person and could even be ranked amongst the top level masters in the field of literature. Topete with us calligraphers on poems, isn''t he embarrassed?! Are you even embarrassed! Hmph! If you have the capability, we shouldpete on the basics of calligraphy instead! We shouldpete on writing!"


    Wu Zeqing gently smooth her hair while smiling and said, "If it''s apetition on writing alone, then Little Zhang is definitely no match for all of you, but the rules of thispetition were not set by me."


    Teacher Wang rolled his eyes, "Then you have cheated us! By deliberately not telling us!"


    Wu Zeqingughed, "I didn''t/ I thought you all would recognize him."


    "Recognize? What do you mean recognize?" An old calligrapher, who had challenged Zhang Ye earlier, said, "He''s wearing such arge pair of sunss. Who would recognize him!"


    Another calligrapher said indignantly, "Little Wu, you''ve also got a dishonest side to you."


    Zhang Ye stood forward to say, "Dear seniors, I did not mean to hide it from you all. I am just used to wearing sunsses most of the time."


    Mr Feng said in a disagreeing manner, "In any case, you have offended us, so tell us how you''d settle this!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "How should I settle this?"


    Mr Feng nced at him. "Gift ''Ode of Mn'' to me."


    Zhang Ye said, "...but that''s my present for President Wu''s birthday."


    "I don''t care." Mr Feng said stubbornly, "In any case, I will be taking it with meter! No one can fight with me for it. Whoever wants to fight with me, I will not give them any face!"


    Everyone: "..."


    Master Zhou was also tickled. "Old Feng, look at yourself... you are a calligrapher."


    Mr Feng said in a matter-of-factly manner, "Having encountered good stuff like that, I don''t care about my demeanor anymore. Little Wu, the poem I asked from Little Zhang earlier, I will give it back to you. I want ''Ode of Mn'' instead!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "That''s not possible. This is Little Zhang''s present to me. It''s also the best and most favorite present I have received in many years. Teacher Feng, you can''t steal my most beloved item. You can have any calligraphy scroll you want, except this ''Ode of Mn''. It is my treasure!"


    Mr Feng did not give up. "Then lend it to me for a few days."


    Wu Zeqing shook her head, "Hur Hur, I''m not lending this one out."


    Mr Feng was so angry that his eyes were nearly popping out. "Why are you so stingy!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Other calligraphic works are OK, except for this one."


    The ink had dried and Wu Zeqing walked over gracefully. She looked over ''Ode of Mn'' one more time with an expression of ecstasy before getting someone to keep it away for her.


    Master Zhou came over to resolve things, "Haha,e on Old Feng. This is a gift from Little Zhang to Little Wu, and also a poem celebrating a woman''s achievements. What would you want it for?"


    Mr Feng said, "I wanted to give it to my wife. She would definitely love it to death!"


    Zhang Ye coughed, "Teacher Feng, why don''t I write another ''Ode of Mn'' for you?"


    Mr Feng, who seemed like he really liked the piece, said, "It''s the original that I want. A second copy does not have collection value!" Then, he went over to Wu Zeqing, "Little Wu, let''s discuss this. I have a lot of calligraphic scrolls at home, some of which are even ancient calligraphic scrolls. If any one of them catches your eye we can exchange?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled without saying a word.


    In the end, Mr Feng did not sessfully get that scroll that he had wanted. He was so angry that he lost his appetite.


    If any of those poems, which Zhang Ye had written earlier,cked the origins and backgrounds that many of them could not understand, the value would be considered average, but for "Ode of Mn", it was extremely valuable. As it was a folk song poem, a story, it did not require any origins or historical setting to prop it up. Even in Zhang Ye''s previous world, it was the same for "Ode of Mn". In his world, there may or may not have been a person called Hua Mn, but this incident of Hua Mn serving on behalf of her father definitely did not exist! A meritorious award from the Khan? It was all just folklore. They were just stories, so even when this passage was transferred into this world, it would still have the same effect. It did not matter that it did not have an origin to support it, because Zhang Ye was just talking about the fictitious story of Hua Mn. This sort of passage, whether it was just the story, the words, or the literary value, were all top of its ss. It would do well in whichever world it was presented to!


    When Zhang Ye was in secondary school, "Ode of Mn" was the first poem in thenguage textbook. Their teacher even wanted them to memorize the few hundred words, without missing a single word. They were left with no other choice or room for discussion. They would even be forced to stand in ss, copy passages, or other punishments. In the end, they would still have to memorize it all. Thus, it could be said that "Ode of Mn" had a very important ce in the literary and education timeline!


    Even when the world was changed?


    It couldn''t possibly do badly!


    Teacher Wang came looking for Zhang Ye as well. When he saw that Zhang Ye was going back to his table to continue eating, he dragged him over to the main table, "Little Zhang, sit here!"


    Mr Feng was still feeling a sense of pity, "Let''s have a drink, Little Zhang. I will make you knock out!"


    Zhang Ye knew that he wasn''t angry or being petty, "Don''t do that, I am not a good drinker. I really can''t drink."


    Teacher Wang narrowed his eyes and said, "Looks like Old Feng really likes that ''Ode of Mn'' very much. When I lost to you just now, I felt really embarrassed, but looking at it now, I feel that losing to you in literature is very normal. Here, let''s have a drink together too!"


    Losing to other juniors?


    They would definitely turn pale and be shocked!


    But Zhang Ye had established his fame and was also a professional literature practitioner. Losing to him wasn''t that big of a deal. The mood and feelings of these calligraphers who hadpeted with Zhang Ye earlier finally started to normalize.


    Zhang Ye said humbly, "I just got lucky. If it were a true match of calligraphy, I would definitely not be able to match up to all of you teachers."


    Master Zhou said, "You don''t need to be humble. Your calligraphic words have already reached a very high standard. Most calligraphers would not be your match. As long as you continue to practice and learn, you will definitely earn yourself a ce in the calligraphy world soon. Well I misspoke. What I meant to say was that you already have a ce in the calligraphy world. Haha."


    Zhang Ye said, "You''re generous with your praise."


    Master Wei also looked at him and said, "Do you have any ns to further develop yourself in calligraphy?"


    Zhang Ye blinked, "I''ve not thought about it before, but maybe if there is a chance in the future I would love to. By then, if I have anything I don''t understand, please give me your guidances."


    It was getting rowdy over here as they all crowded together to chat.


    Everyone else, who was present, including those who were having their lunch at their respective tables, were all discussing "Ode of Mn" and Zhang Ye''s name.


    Over there, Chen Mo had fallen back silently to his stool without saying a further word. He had wanted to embarrass Wu Zeqing to get back at her for his teacher, but little did he expect that things would turn out this way. Not only did he not make President Wu look bad, he had allowed Zhang Ye to use his work as a stepping stone to praise Wu Zeqing with a poem that sang praises about women to the extreme. Chen Mo had offended numerous people and hadn''t even won a thing. As for Zhang Ye? Not only did he win everyone over, he had even gained the respect of the women and the calligraphers!


    Why?


    Why?


    Chen Mo could not ept it!


    A few of his disciple brothers noticed and came to console him, "Senior Bro, there''s nothing we can do about this. Even our teacher is no match for Zhang Ye, not to mention you."


    Another of his Junior Bro sighed saying, "There''s nothing to me if we lose to him."


    Chen Mo sighed and believed it was true. That Zhang guy was basically a freak. He was so young, yet his literary skills were so amazing. If he had known it was Zhang Ye, he wouldn''t have gone to pick on him!

 Chapter 375: Wu Zeqing Sending Him Home!

    <h4>Chapter 375: Wu Zeqing Sending Him Home! </h4>


    Chapter 375: Wu Zeqing Sending Him Home!


    The gathering started once again.


    The dishes were served.


    Following the birth of "Ode of Mn", the earlier dispute was also settled. No one brought up those irrelevant sideshows. Everyone continued to eat and drink in the backyard, while those who hadn''t given their gifts continued doing so.


    "Master Wei, I wish you longevity and health."


    "Sister Wu, this is just a little token of mine."


    "Sister Wu, I''ve written a scroll of words, but it is iparable to the ''Ode of Mn'' which Teacher Zhang gave to you. But it is also my heartfelt token to you."


    "With ''Ode of Mn'' appearing, I feel quite embarrassed to give a present."


    "Hahaha, me too. It makes me feel like not taking the gift out."


    "Eh, my head is full of those words from that poem �� ''The he-hare''s feet go hop and skip, the she-hare''s eyes are muddled and fuddled; Two hares running side by side close to the ground. How can they tell if I am he or she?'' That was really great! In ancient times, there existed Hua Mn! In modern times, we have President Wu! I have a feeling that this ''Ode of Mn'' would be folklore within a few decades to a century. It will definitely be passed on into the ages and after a millennia, we would also be a part of the origin story of ''Ode of Mn''. When people talk about this folk song poem, they would inherently mention us too. In the past, it has always been us who have been researching the ancients'' origin stories, but who would have expected that we would be an example to future generations too!"


    "Teacher Zhang is a genius!"


    "Yea, there''s nothing more precious than that gift!"


    "What a great Hua Mn! What a great ''Ode of Mn''!"


    "If I couldpose such a great folk song poem, I would definitely seal my brush and stop writing!"


    Everyone continued eating or presenting their gifts while they immersed themselves in the emotions that "Ode of Mn" had brought to them.


    Master Zhou was a small but fast eater. After he finished and wiped his mouth, "I''m done, please excuse me." Then he looked over to Wu Zeqing, "Little Wu, why did you keep that folk song poem scroll away? Bring it out so that I can make a copy of it."


    Wu Zeqing smiled, "You want to write it out too?"


    Master Zhou nodded, "My hands are getting itchy. To have encountered such a great poem, to even have witnessed its birth before my very eyes, of course I would have to make a copy of it." Then he turned to Zhang Ye to ask, "Little Zhang, may I go through the words of ''Ode of Mn''? Don''t sue me for copyright infringement, OK? Hur Hur."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Sure, it would be my honor."


    After Master Zhou had his disciples to prepare the Four Treasures of the Study, he did not start writing. He first began by appreciating the piece for over ten minutes and then closed his eyes for a long time before he picked up his brush. He wanted to digest all of the content before he even dared to write!


    When Master Zhou''s version of "Ode of Mn" was done, everyone cheered!


    "Nicely written!"


    "Old Master Zhou''s skills are indeed extraordinary!"


    But Master Zhou was still unsatisfied, he waved his hands saying, "It is the content that is good, not my words. Besides, my calligraphy style does not suit the feel of this work. It is too strong and does notplement the meaning well. It doesn''t have Little Zhang''s carefree style of expression andcks some of the meaning."


    A lot of people had already gathered around after the meal to take pictures. Some of them were photographing Master Zhou''s "Ode of Mn", but even more of them were using their phones to take photographs of Zhang Ye''s "Ode of Mn". Indeed, Zhang Ye''s writing of "Ode of Mn", in terms of words, thickness of strokes, arrangement, and font were all slightly better than Master Zhou''s. Such a conclusion was no surprise since Zhang Ye was the original author anyway. Of course he would have understood the passage more clearly than Master Zhou!


    Some people had posted Zhang Ye''s words onto the inte. Including some of those poems and couplets from earlier. Such beautiful things had to be shared!


    ......


    Online.


    The Calligraphy Association''s anniversary gathering was suddenly in the spotlight!


    "Having crossed the vast oceans, I can no longer take a river seriously"


    "If it''s not on Mount Wushan, it''s not a cloud? What a great poem!"


    "Where girls, with no thoughts of a perished kingdom? A Song of Courtyard Flowers?"


    "Damn it! ��į�������ع� (j�� m�� h��n chu��ng k��ng sh��u gu��, in this lonely and tiny unit as a widow)? How can there be a second verse to this!"


    "Quick, everyone! Read this ''Ode of Mn''! It''s really too awesome! Who wrote it?"


    "I would like to know too! These other poems are eptable even if they were good, but ''Ode of Mn'' was really too shockingly good! These words, this literary style, such a story, who could have told it?"


    "Look at the signature on this picture!"


    "This....this looks like Zhang something?"


    "F**k! It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Ah! The signature is really Zhang Ye''s!"


    Thereafter, someone called Eastern Being on Weibo, supposedly a person who was at the Calligraphy Association gathering and also the original poster of the original articles rified below, "Today is the anniversary gathering of the Calligraphy Association. It is also Peking University''s Vice President Wu Zeqing''s birthday. Teacher Zhang Ye was invited to join in the asion and came up with these poems and couplet. Regarding the finale piece, which was ''Ode of Mn'', it was a gift from Teacher Little Zhang to President Wu for her birthday. When the poem was written, it felt to me as if there would no longer be any other folk song poems anymore. ''Ode of Mn'' is really the pinnacle of folk song poems!"


    The viewers all became excited.


    "Aha? It''s really written by Teacher Zhang?"


    "Fuck, when did Zhang Ye pick up calligraphy?"


    "Is there anything Teacher Zhang Ye does not know? How does he know everything?"


    "Hur Hur, this sort of poem, I guess only Zhang Ye could have written it. With this kind of literary depth and storytelling skillsbined, I''m afraid that in this world, only Zhang Ye has this sort of ability to write that! Not only is he a literary practitioner, he''s even a best-selling novelist!"


    "I don''t care who wrote it! ''Ode of Mn'' is just too good! It makes my blood boil with passion! Mn is truly a female warrior amongst female warriors! A role model!"


    "This is too awesome!"


    "Mn''s is too cool!"


    "Good words, great passage! Teacher Zhang has shown his prowess again!"


    "Who else is at the gathering right now? Quickly tell us everything in detail!"


    Someone really came forward to report what had happened at the gathering. It was ryed through this person how Zhang Ye battled over 10 calligraphers in apetition and how ''Ode of Mn'' wasposed on the spot!


    Everyone became excited when they heard this!


    A calligraphypetition?


    Perfect victory?


    Zhang Ye''s too awesome! The was the tempo of one man holding out against ten thousand!


    "Ode of Mn" had been forwarded by countless people and began appearing on other Tieba pages andrge discussion forums. It had won over numerous women!


    In the past, even though Zhang Ye was liked by people of all genders and ages, the people who liked him were mainly men. After all, the things that Zhang Ye wrote were usually violent things like hitting, killing, and scolding people. He spoke about things like the ''Three Kingdoms'' and ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', which were ancient ssic works which were studied more by men. Although many women liked to read ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' too, most of them just read it and didn''t stress about the details, but men liked to research such topics and as such, 70% of Zhang Ye''s fanbase was male, but when "Ode of Mn" was born, Zhang Ye suddenly had his "affinity with women" shoot right up. His female fanbase also multiplied exponentially!


    ......


    Over here.


    It was almost 3 in the afternoon.


    The gathering hade to an end. Everyone had had their fill of food and drinks.


    Su Na took the Millennial Impossibility couplet from President Wu and left satisfied with her father. The other guests also began to leave.


    Zhang Ye had been made to drink a lot with Mr Feng and a few other calligraphers and was now pretty drunk. He could barely stand straight as he walked over to Wu Zeqing to say goodbye, "President Wu." He huped as he said, "So then, I''ll be.....crazed, you be... what''s that thing, do you need me to send you back?"


    Wu Zeqing had a lot of presents piled up beside her.


    He only heard her say, "You''ve had so much to drink, how would you go back?"


    "I drove here, so I have to drive back." Zhang Ye spoke with a fat tongue, but his mind was actually clear, "It''ll be OK, don''t worry."


    Master Zhou heard him, "Yo, you shouldn''t do that. If you drank, then don''t drive. Let me arrange someone to send you home instead?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled, "Don''t bother Master Zhou. Since I did not drive here today and there are so many gifts, I could send Little Zhang back in his car. He doesn''t stay too far from me."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "It''s fine, President Wu."


    "Just listen to me." She said, "You''re already walking so wobbly, how could you drive a car?"


    A heavily drunk Mr Feng also said, "Right, let....hic.....let Little Wu send you. If there''s a....another chance... let''s have a drink together, just the two of us brothers....again!"


    Zhang Ye replied toughly, "No problem!"


    They had even be brothers now. Mr Feng was actually even older than Zhang Ye''s parents.


    In the end, a few people helped Wu Zeqing load up all her gifts into Zhang Ye''s BMW X5. They stacked them all in the back seat of the car and Wu Zeqing put Zhang Ye in the front passenger seat before grabbing the keys from his hand. She then said goodbye to Master Zhou and the others before driving off.


    "Sit still." Wu Zeqing reminded.


    "Yea." Zhang Ye rubbed his temple.


    She shook her head and smiled as she reached out to put the seat belt across Zhang Ye''s chest. "That''ll do."


    Ring, ring, ring.


    On the way back, Zhang Ye''s cellphone rang.


    It was his leader, Wang Xiong, from Weiwo WebTV.


    Zhang Ye answered, "Hello, Director.....Wang."


    Wang Xiong could hear what was happening, "Little Zhang, what''s the matter? You had a few drinks?"


    "I had some, but still...OK." Zhang Ye said, "Is there something you want to say?"


    Wang Xiong noticed that he was still clear-minded, and said, "It''s like this, we just received news that the SARFT''s revocation on your broadcast license has been lifted. We have also applied for your broadcast hosting qualifications to be reinstated. Zhang Ye''s Talk Show can start airing again. Since it''s almost Lunar New Year, you don''t need toe back to Shanghai as all the episodes have already been recorded and are ready for broadcast, but there''s something I need to let you know about." Saying that, his tone suddenly became more serious. "We''ve received some information which may or may not be reliable. There are rumors that the SARFT is preparing for another crackdown."


    Crackdown?


    Another crackdown?


    Zhang Ye begrudgingly said, "Didn''t they just finish a crackdown recently?"


    Wang Xiong said, "They are probably going to introduce some strict policies, which we are not clear about yet. Most of it is only hearsay, but to prevent any surprises, we had a discussion. We''ve decided to begin re-airing your Talk Show program from today and also to line up 4 to 5 episodes a day, not once a day as previously nned. On the surface, we are going to say that this is to make up for the stoppage of the broadcast and to prevent our loss in audience numbers. This will be the reason why we upload more content. Realistically speaking, we are trying to finish airing your talk show before the announcement of new policies because your program is actually treading on pretty thin ice with them. No one knows what policies are exactly right now, but rather than getting taken by surprise and having the possibility of your talk show being taken off air again, we will follow this new n. This is why I''ve called you to inform you."


    Zhang Ye said, "OK, I will leave it up to thepany."


    Wang Xiongughed, "Alright then, that''s all. You didn''t drive, did you? Don''t drive after drinking. Go back and home rest early. I''ll see you after the new year."


    "OK, have a happy new year."


    "OK, thank you. Send my regards to your parents."


    After saying a little more, they hung up.


    When he put his phone away, Zhang Ye''s head tilted to the side and he immediately fell asleep!

 Chapter 376: A Perfect Wife and Mother!

    <h4>Chapter 376: A Perfect Wife and Mother! </h4>


    Chapter 376: A Perfect Wife and Mother!


    He was dreaming.


    His cellphone suddenly rang.


    Zhang Ye woke up. In a state of confusion, he touched himself all over before he finally found his cellphone in his pocket. He yawned as he answered the call, "Hi, who is this?"


    "Who do you think it is?" It was his mother''s voice.


    He sleepily answered, "Mum, what''s the matter?"


    His mother asked, "Why aren''t you home yet? What time is it already?"


    Zhang Ye was a little stunned and repeated, "What time is it?"


    "Why don''t you check? It''s already past 7 at night. Your dad and I have been waiting for you to eat dinner. I called you earlier, but there was no answer. Where are you? Why were you sleeping? Didn''t you go to your leader''s birthday celebration?" His mother said angrily, "Are you stilling home for dinner?"


    He answered, "Not eating, don''t wait up for me."


    "Alright, don''te home toote then." His mother instructed.


    He said, "OK. By the way, the talk show has started re-broadcasting. The videos should already be online."


    His mother said, "I will tell your cousins about them. They''ve always been grumbling saying they were waiting to watch it again."


    When they hung up, Zhang Ye began to look at his surroundings. Damn, it was already dark outside!


    Where was he?


    Where did he end up?


    Zhang Ye had a small gap in his memory. He couldn''t react and felt that he had slept for a long time.


    The moonlight wasn''t too bright either and he couldn''t see around him clearly. All he knew was that he was on a bed, so he felt around to look for a bedsidemp.


    Ba da.


    The light switched on as it illuminated the surroundings.


    There was an aroma of flower petals in the room.


    All Zhang Ye could see was a gorgeous setting in what was a bedroom, but unlike a normal room, this ce was huge, about 30-40 square meters! It was a bedroom that wasrger than the ce that he rented in Jiaomen. There was a sofa, a work desk, and even a shag carpet on the floor. On the carpet, there was a tea table with tea making essories on it. It gave off a feeling of fusion of the luxurious east and west design, of which still mainly inclined towards the eastern style. It was so detailed, that there was even a Kongming Lamp and ink paintings hanging on the walls. It could be said that a lot of special attention had been paid to the interior of this house.


    It looked very familiar! Was this Wu Zeqing''s house?


    Zhang Ye pped himself on the head to wake himself up. He finally remembered that earlier in the afternoon, it was Wu Zeqing who sent him back home, but as he was so drunk and delirious that he couldn''t give his home address, so she drove back to her ce at Taoran Pavilion instead. After that, Zhang Ye went upstairs and climbed into a bed and had fallen asleep, until now.


    What had thise to!?


    That Old Feng kept forcing me to drink!


    Zhang Ye quickly got out of the bed as he realized that he did not have any shoes. There was only a pair of women''s cotton slippers that were ced neatly to the side. It was a new pair. Sigh, I''ll just wear them. Zhang Ye stepped into the slipper and carefully pushed opened the door. There was no one in the corridor of the second floor, but he could hear some noise from downstairs, even though it wasn''t too clear.


    Downstairs.


    The aroma of cooking drifted out.


    This was an open kitchen partitioned by a bar counter top. Wu Zeqing was busily preparing something inside. She had already changed out of her dress, which she had been wearing to the afternoon''s gathering and was now in a simple getup of a sporting wear. She wore an apron and was also wearing the same type of slippers as Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye said embarrassingly, "President Wu."


    She did not hear him as the cooker hood was very loud.


    Zhang Ye shouted once more, "President Wu!"


    Wu Zeqing, who was busy frying some vegetables, turned around to look. She smiled, "You''re awake?" Then she reached up and switched off the cooker hood, "Did you sleep well?"


    Zhang Ye smiled sheepishly. "I''ve caused you trouble. I was so drunk that I didn''t know my own bearings and even ended up staying over at your ce. My actions were too inappropriate."


    "You''re wee." Wu Zeqing continued cooking, "Take a seat and wait for a little. Dinner''s almost ready. If you still hadn''t woken up, I would have called you anyway."


    Zhang Ye pretended to rub his hands politely, "Is that alright?"


    She smiled, "Don''t worry about it. Hur Hur, take a seat."


    Zhang Ye then said, "Alright then. I''m really feeling the hunger since I didn''t have much in the afternoon. That Teacher Feng kept forcing me to drink." He rubbed his belly.


    A few minutester.


    The final dish was ready.


    Zhang Ye rushed over to help, "Let me bring it out."


    Wu Zeqing gently brushed his hand aside, "There''s no need for you to. You just have to wait to eat." Saying this, she brought the dish over to the dinner table and undid her apron, "There''s still soup and that''s it." She looked over at the cooker, "It still needs a little while more, so let''s start eating first. It will be done once by the time we finish eating." Northerners usually had their soup after eating, not before.


    3 dishes and some soup.


    Zhang Ye praised, "It''s such a spread. The servings are so much."


    Wu Zeqing sat down, "If you can''t finish, we can always put it in the fridge. I can finish it up tomorrow."


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "You eat leftovers?"


    "What''s wrong with eating leftovers?" Wu Zeqing said gracefully, "It''s not good to waste."


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Of course there won''t be anything wasted. If I can''t finish it, can I bring it home?" As he said that, he picked up the chopsticks to grab a piece of eggnt and put it into his mouth. He chewed a few times before iming, "Don''t worry, there definitely would not be any leftovers. I''ll finish it all!"


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Are you sure?"


    "It''s more than OK!" He said, "I didn''t expect you would be such a good cook."


    Wu Zeqingughed, "I''ve been living alone for so many years, so I get a lot of practice, but of course, I can''tpare to a professional."


    "No! You can definitely match them!" Zhang Ye began devouring his dinner.


    Wu Zeqing did not eat the same way as he did. She was much more gentle and mild.


    It wasn''t apple-polishing. Wu Zeqing''s culinary skills were really too good. Zhang Ye''s mother''s culinary skills weren''t too bad, but she was only good at one or two specialty dishes. Thendlord auntie''s cooking was the most authentic to him, and she was good at any dish that she made. However, Rao Aimin''s did not put much importance into the dishes'' outlook and was only very delicious. Wu Zeqing''s dishes'' were both good in their outlook and taste. This befitted her status as someone who dabbled in the arts. Comparatively, Zhang Ye preferred Wu Zeqing''s meal, as she would not allow him to even touch the tespared to attempting to even get a meal out of hisndy? He would have to be barked at to do all sorts of errands and to help her out. It was not rxing at all to get a meal from her.


    "The slippers are a little small?"


    "Oh, it''s fine."


    "I''ve put your shoes into the shoe cab. There are usually no guests at my house, so I did not prepare any slippers for men, which is why I got a pair of my slippers for you instead. They are brand new."


    "Aiyo, you could have just left my shoes there. It''s so troublesome to let you do all this...."


    "There aren''t many rules at my ce. Here, try some of this."


    "Oh, thank you."


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye looked up and caught a glimpse of a scroll of words. It was his "Ode of Mn", which had already been framed and was now hanging in the living room, "Eh, you''ve already put it up?"


    Wu Zeqing turned around to look at it, "Yes, I happened to have another piece which was simr in size to ''Ode of Mn''. Since I had nned on changing it for some time, I took that one out and switched it with this. This dinner was also meant to thank you for the gift. I really like it so much. Tonight, I will try to find a ce in the bedroom to see if I can hang it in there instead. If it looks good, I will leave it in the bedroom instead."


    Zhang Ye was delighted, "As long as you like it, then there''s no need to thank me. I don''t have other things to offer except this bit of capability."


    Wu Zeqingughed, "How is it just a bit of capability? What you have inside of you is not something that any ordinary person has. Even if we don''t mention other things, just your calligraphy basics are enough to qualify you to be a calligraphy teacher. I''ve written calligraphy for so many years and I don''t dare to say that I''m better than you in writing styles."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Don''t mind me, but I''ve seen your calligraphy before and your skills are many times better than mine. It''s just a coincidence that my writing style is a little more unique."


    He finished eating the dishes.


    Zhang Ye had really swept all the dishes clean.


    Wu Zeqing, looking rather satisfied, asked, "Can you still eat more?"


    "Yes, I can. I can eat whatever is given to me." Zhang Ye replied, "It was too delicious."


    "There''s still soup. Let me get a bowl for you." Wu Zeqing walked gracefully into the kitchen and used a spoon to taste test it. She nodded and then turned off the fire.


    Zhang Ye gulped down the soup, "Hu... this time, I''m really full!"


    Wu Zeqing blew at the soup and took small sips, as she asked, "What do you intend to do after the Lunar New Year? Do you intend to continue being a host? Go back to the entertainment industry? Have you considered doing other things?"


    Zhang Ye wiped his mouth and answered, "I think I can speak honestly with you. My goal is not truly the entertainment industry. Maybe you''d think I''m joking if I told you, but my dream is to be the most famous celebrity in the world. The path I have taken is probably not considered to be the typical route seen by those in the entertainment industry. Other people would write books after they became famous, while I wrote a novel to be famous. I''m always doing the opposite from others, if you noticed, but then again, with my kind of looks, I doubt I''d go far if I took the conventional route. Because of this, I could only find other ways to give myself a chance. If writing poems brings me fame, then fine, I will write more. If I can get exposure by teaching at Peking University, then I will teach to the best of my ability, as that is also for the sake of the students. I won''t mess up even if I had some ulterior motive in taking up the post. This is why I have be more enlightened about such things nowadays. I''m not limited to just the entertainment industry. A celebrity depends on fame. With fame, I can do well in whatever industry I want. Write a book? Write calligraphy? Write songs? I''d do all of it to help me advance into the world stage."


    Wu Zeqing did not say a word and just listened.


    Zhang Ye self-deprecatinglyughed, "Sigh, I have not even shared any of these heartfelt words with my parents. I understand that my goal is a little unrealistic...."


    Instead, Wu Zeqing questioned, "Why is it not realistic?"


    Zhang Ye was a little taken aback, "You think this is doable?"


    Wu Zeqing looked at him, "I think your thoughts on this is quite good. How many of our domestic celebrities, who took the normal route, have managed to step onto the world stage? There are so few of them who managed that. Even among this small number of people, when they got onto the world stage, they could only get supporting roles. They would never be able to match andpete with those European and American stars, because of the divide in culture and many other factors, if you chose to take the conventional route to reach the top, then maybe at most you would be able to reach the same level as them, but to be an international A-List celebrity? Or even be an international S-list celebrity? That will always be out of reach. Others might not approve of the path that you have chosen, but you are closer than any one of them in reaching the pinnacle of the international stage. Who said that only singing, dancing, and acting are the only ways you can be a celebrity? Who stated that if you don''t have good looks, you''d never be able to reach the international stage? Don''t bother with what others say. Don''t bother with how others see you. If you think it is the right path, then that''s all that matters."


    Zhang Ye''s heart skipped a beat, "Do you really think that way?"


    "Not only do I think that way, I even feel that....." Wu Zeqing paused for a moment, "That you can do it."


    Zhang Ye said solemnly, "President Wu, thank you. You are the first person to say this to me. I am confident again. Now, I feel that I...... I have a shot at it!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled, "Other celebrities may all be taking the same route. They either sing or act, but you are diversified and have so many paths that you can take. Novel writing, calligraphy writing,posing music and writing lyrics, well versed in history and literature, good at modern literature, great speech giving skills, excelling at hosting, and excellent advertising nning and production in the advertising field. Even in a movie that I recently caught, you appeared in it. That shows you can even act in pugilistic movies. I would ask you this, do you think you have more potential, or do those other stars have more potential? So what if you have dabbled in all sorts of roles?"


    Zhang Ye hit on the table, "It doesn''t matter if it''s a ck cat or a white cat! As long as it can catch mice, it is a good cat!" He even brought up a famous quote from a great man.


    "That''s a true point." Wu Zeqing evaluated further, "Your poprity may not rise as quickly as those singers or actors, but you have a better foundation than them. From here, your path is wider than theirs and your stage will also be bigger. You can do what they can do, but they won''t be able to do what you can do, which is why you shouldn''t feel less confident just because you are different from them. Creating history is not something for those who follow in the footsteps of others!"


    That was extremely well said!


    Just look at Old Wu! Such a great analysis!


    He had already decided earlier that he would go on this path no matter what, even if it was not going to be a smooth journey, but who cares! Why should he be worried or hesitate about things? He would just shut his eyes and walk all the way to the end! Who says that you must be a singer or actor to qualify to be on the world stage? I wouldn''t adhere to that thought no matter what! I will sing and dance and act and write novels and scold people andpose poems and give lectures! I will do anything that can be done! I will use all the fame I can get to boost myself up onto the international stage!


    Bite me!


    Can''t this bro be versatile in many fields!?!


    After reaffirming his beliefs and his path of development, Zhang Ye''s heart suddenly felt lighter. He was especially thankful towards Wu Zeqing. Old Wu was too understanding of him and ever since he had arrived at Peking University, she had never doubted him in anything, fully supporting him in all that he did. She was very trusting and this was something that Zhang Ye had never experienced. Those dreams and goals of his, if he had told anyone else, would be taken as unrealistic dreamer talk, but Wu Zeqing did not, she was really too special!


    She held an important position.


    Had good looks.


    A good figure too.


    Nice and considerate person.


    30 odd years old...Sigh, she''s actually not that old.


    Er, other than having a weird hobby like take nude selfies, she would be considered a perfect wife and mother amongst perfect wives and mothers!


    Zhang Ye had a bold thought for the first time. He thought to himself how good it would be if he could marry Wu Zeqing one day!

 Chapter 377: The continued rise of Zhang Ye’s Talk Show!

    <h4>Chapter 377: The continued rise of Zhang Ye''s Talk Show! </h4>


    Chapter 377: The continued rise of Zhang Ye''s Talk Show!


    After the meal.


    At Wu Zeqing''s home.


    "Let me wash the dishes!"


    "Put it down."


    "No, no. You''ve already prepared dinner, so you can leave the rest to me."


    "This is my house, I don''t need you to do such chores."


    "That''s not right, I won''t feel good like this."


    "Oh, you.... You''ve already given me a most precious birthday gift with ''Ode of Mn''. I intend to keep that with me for the rest of my life, so that I can pass it on to my children."


    "That''s not worth anything. If you want more, I can write more. Please just let me wash the dishes!"


    After fighting for an entire day, Wu Zeqing finally stopped talking and just looked subtly into Zhang Ye''s eyes. She did not say or do anything.


    Zhang Ye said, "Please let me do it. You are my leader, so how can I let you keep doing such chores. You''re making thing difficult for me, these bowls..... Alright, you do it then!" He had been fazed by Wu Zeqing''s stare.


    "That''s right." Wu Zeqing smiled as she took the bowl from him and started doing the dishes.


    He had left all the chores to Wu Zeqing as he could not find anyway to make her let him help out. He stood to the side and paced back and forth. The more he looked at Wu Zeqing, the more he liked her. She was an up anding civil official, yet did not carry any airs about it and was always mild mannered. This sort of woman couldn''t be found anywhere else, even if you looked. Sigh, but even if Zhang Ye wanted to marry her, he didn''t think he was qualified enough. He knew that she was out of his league and just based on her status, it seemed like he would never have any hope in this lifetime. He reckoned that Old Wu''s standard in looking for a partner was extremely high too, otherwise why would she still be single past 30?


    The dishes were done.


    It was 8PM now, not toote nor too early.


    Wu Zeqing nced at the time and said, "Come, let''s have some tea?"


    Zhang Ye cautiously answered, "Why don''t I go back instead? It''s starting to gette." He was afraid that it would be inconvenient since she was a woman after all. He certainly needed to hold back a little regarding these kinds of matters.


    "It''s only 8PM. It''s still early." Wu Zeqing invited him upstairs.


    Zhang Ye didn''t say anymore and went back upstairs into Wu Zeqing''s bedroom.


    This room looked evenrger, at least 40 plus square meters. It was not known if this was the standard for vis, or because Wu Zeqing had renovated it to be like this. The bedroom was also arranged in a very neat fashion. In the corner was arge waterbed, while over to one side was a row of wardrobes. It wasn''t known whether it was a full wardrobe or made up of one of those 3-tiered wardrobes ced together. There was also a big balcony outside, where some unknown things were ced. It was too dark to see. Over on the other side, there was a TV hung on the wall, which was veryrge. Howrge was it? It was just very veryrge. Zhang Ye had no concept of its exact size, so he could not put a number to it.


    Luxurious.


    Extravagant.


    Wow, how did she do it?


    Zhang Ye had earned quite a fair amount of money by working extremely hard, but even if the money was not spent on buying a car, he wouldn''t be able to afford a vi in Taoran Pavilion. At most, he''d be able to afford the renovations and decorations added on to it.


    "Take a seat. It''s already winter and the air''s much too humid downstairs. It will be morefortable upstairs since you aren''t wearing too much. The bedroom is smaller and there''s a heater too."


    "Oh."


    "What type of tea do you want to drink?"


    "I''ll drink whatever you drink."


    "Then let''s drink Tie Guanyin."


    Zhang Ye took off his slippers and sat cross-legged on the thick carpet.


    Wu Zeqing also sat down, but instead of a cross-legged posture, it was more closer to kneeling. Her legs was put close to each other, simr to a posture of a mermaid sitting down. She was very particr when it came to drinking tea. Every step in preparing the tea, from the washing of the tea leaves, pouring of the tea, and the serving of the tea to each of them was ording to a procedure. "Here, try some."


    After taking a sip, Zhang Ye said, "Good tea!"


    Since he didn''t know any better, he would just say that it was good and it would be fine.


    By now, Zhang Ye had already noticed Wu Zeqing''s legs. At home, she wore very ordinary looking track pants, which was gray in color, but even that couldn''t hide her alluring figure. That virtuous demeanor of a housewife, which made him veryfortable around her, could not be suppressed within. The gentle and warm seduction came from within her, even without that traditional getup of a qipao. Her charms of a ssical beauty were still very apparent. With every smile, that charm would exude a little. Somehow, it was just the type of feeling simr to how chocte would melt once you put it in your mouth, releasing the taste and aroma of the cocoa bit by bit.... It was just that sort of a feeling.


    Her feet were exposed and she was wearing a pair of flesh-colored pantyhose, but he was unsure if it was the long or short type.


    Zhang Ye had already taken several looks at the pair of beautiful legs, but still found it irresistible. He took another sip of tea and stole another nce, then felt that Wu Zeqing''s eyes had caught him looking. He did not know if she knew that he was looking, so he quickly found a topic to talk about, "Oh, President Wu. My ''Zhang Ye Talk Show'' is back on broadcast today. Can we watch it at our house here?" Beijingers had a more pleasant and courteous way of speaking. They usually referred it as ''our house'' rather than ''your house'', making it sound friendlier.


    Wu Zeqing put down her cup of tea, "Of course we can. Hur Hur, I''ve watched a few of your Talk Shows before, but not in great detail. Let''s use the TV to watch. I would like to watch it properly too." Then she stood up and brought over aptop and switched it on before connecting it to the TV, "Which website can we watch it on?"


    "Allow me." Zhang Ye said as he navigated to the website.


    He found the video very quickly and three new episodes of the Talk Show had already been posted online. They seemed to have been uploaded around 6PM.


    He clicked on it.


    The video started ying.


    A promotional footage appeared on the TV screen. It was that "I''ll feed a bag of salt to myself" introduction.


    Wu Zeqing and Zhang Ye both sat down again to watch the long awaited rebroadcast of the program while sipping their tea.


    Zhang Ye was feeling a sense of unease since it had already been some time since his Talk Show had been banned from broadcasting. He did not know if its poprity had declined. In any case, he wasn''t feeling too optimistic as he knew it would have definitely been somewhat affected. What''s more, to circumvent the possible policies by SARFT, hispany had to release a few episodes per day. This would not maximize the umtion of his reputation, but there was no other way to go about this. This was how the industry was like, and policies were unchangeable. He could only do his best within the restrictions. Besides, he might even get more reputation than before, since there was no simr talk shows in this world. Those copycat programs were only trying to make the numbers, but none of them had the proper form for a sessful talk show. Their hosts also did not have what it took to be a talk show host like Zhang Ye. As such, there was only one true talk show and essentially nopetitors, so even if the poprity of the show were to decline, it wouldn''t be by much.


    ......


    "Speaking of manners, this is a traditional virtue of our nation, but there was one day when I met someone while driving my car. That person left me very frustrated....So, you might not get a reply of ''It''s fine'' even if you said ''Sorry'', but if you say ''Damn you", then you would surely receive a reply of ''Damn you'' too!"


    Wu Zeqing was amused.


    Zhang Ye looked at her, feeling very proud.


    ......


    "Nowadays, some advertisements really leave people speechless, don''t they? I believe that most of us have heard of some advertisement lines like ''Don''t let your child lose before they even start in life''. Every time I hear these words, I only feel a sense of helplessness. How can a child lose before they even start? It''s impossible! There''s no logic to that. Just look at how a track event is organized. Everyone begins at the starting point, waiting for the starting pistol''s signal. If everyone is beginning the race at the same line, how could they lose before they even start? Don''t tell me the the pistol is not pointed upwards, but towards your head? Shooting you down? That is why you lost at the starting line?"


    ......


    An episode finished ying.


    Wu Zeqingughed out from time to time, seemingly enjoying the show.


    Zhang Ye blinked, "I''m just spouting rubbish, why don''t we stop watching?"


    "It''s rather interesting." Wu Zeqingughed, "Let''s continue watching the next episode. This satirical and entertaining style of current affairs is truly worthy of being an example to other variety shows."


    Upon receiving this acknowledgment, Zhang Ye suddenly became very excited. He immediately began ying the next few episode and watched it with Wu Zeqing. He even went online to check the feedback from theizens.


    On Weibo, there wasn''t much of a stir.


    But Weiwo WebTV''s online discussion board had blown up!


    "Wah! It''s being broadcasted again!"


    "Heavens! It''s finally back!"


    "I''ve been waiting for the stars and the moon! And finally managed to wait for Teacher Zhang''s return!"


    "It''s too exciting, I won''t say anything else. Let me finish watching another episode before I say anything else!"


    "Hahahaha! It''s too funny! Teacher Zhang Ye is still as humorous and funny as before!"


    "I was afraid that after the SARFT suspended Teacher Zhang''s license, he would have been too depressed and in turn, affect the quality of the show. Who knew that this wasn''t the case at all! It''s still the same as before!"


    "You thought too much! Teacher Zhang Ye is such a heartless and cold person! How could that have been a blow to him?"


    "Previous poster, you thought too much too. I heard that these few episodes had already been recorded over 2 weeks ago."


    "Aiya, it''s really too enjoyable to watch! It''s nice, it''s nice! I''ve been waiting half a month now! Atst, I have not been disappointed!"


    "Ah ah ah ah! Did you guys see the news update on the official website? For today''s broadcast, there will be a total of 5 episodes! And it seems like they will be doing the same for tomorrow and the day after too!"


    "Really? That''s great!"


    "There are so many episodes to look forward to now! Long live Teacher Zhang!"


    "My tears are flowing non-stop! Thank you God!"


    "A lecture on ''Dream of the Red Chamber'', theposing of ''Ode of Mn'', I do not understand all of the literary stuff and I''m not that cultured, but I totally love ''Zhang Ye Talk Show''!"


    "Teacher Zhang! You are the best!"


    "I''m a woman and I did not know about Zhang Ye before. Today, I read an amazing passage called ''Ode of Mn'' which nearly made me cry. I was so touched by it. This was how I got to know about Zhang Ye and I began to go through all his previous works like crazy. I read all of his poetry and modern poems before finding out about ''Zhang Ye Talk Show''. I think I have heard of it from several of my male colleagues who mentioned it by name, yet I did not bother and had not nned on watching it., but I did today and I can only say that I am impressed! It''s really too good! Thank you ''Ode of Mn'' for letting me find out about Zhang Ye! Thank you Teacher Zhang Ye for bringing such a good program to me! Your humor and talent are a treasure to this world!"


    "I also came here because of ''Ode of Mn''. I wanted to take a look at the talent who wrote such a good poem. In the end, I was just like you. Once I started watching ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'', I could not stop! It''s too good! Why didn''t I watch this earlier?! Zhang Ye is really amazing!"


    Zhang Ye checked the view counts of the episodes and found that it didn''t perform any poorer than before. In a matter of a few hours, it hadfortably reached 5 million views. The heaviness in his heart had dropped. It wasn''t bad at all! His poprity did not drop and it was the best oue that Zhang Ye could possibly think of!

 Chapter 378: Staying over at Sis Wu’s house!

    <h4>Chapter 378: Staying over at Sis Wu''s house! </h4>


    Chapter 378: Staying over at Sis Wu''s house!


    An episode finished ying.


    Another episode finished ying.


    More than an hour had already passed.


    "Little Zhang, this program of yours is rather good."


    "Thank you for President Wu''s praise. I''ll carry on working hard."


    "Stop calling me President Wu. This isn''t the school, and I''m not that much older than you. Call me Sis Wu. Since you lowered yourself to help my nephew with his endorsement, I won''t be able to treat you as an outsider."


    "Alright, Sis Wu."


    "Are there anymore? Let''s watch another episode."


    "Sure, there are still two more episodes."


    "Eh, what time is it? I haven''t looked at the time."


    "Oh, it''s almost ten."


    "Then let''s stop watching. Go home early and get some rest. Hur Hur, but before you leave, help me move some stuff things from downstairs. Move that ''Ode of Mn'' to my bedroom. It''s quite tough for me to carry alone as it''s quite heavy."


    "No problem, leave it to me!"


    "Then, thanks a lot."


    "Heh, why are you being so courteous to me. Don''t go downstairs, I''ll bring it up."


    Zhang Ye stood up and went out of the room with his slippers on. He walked downstairs. He was not very ustomed to sitting cross-legged. His legs had gone numb after more than an hour. As he walked down the stairs, he massaged his legs. Finally, he took the framed ''Ode of Mn'' down from the wall and brought it back up. In the room, Wu Zeqing was tiptoeing, removing a frame to create space on the wall.


    Hanging up the calligraphy piece.


    "Is this alright, Sis Wu?"


    "A little more to this side."


    "Left? Now?"


    "Alright, it''s very straight. It''s good now."


    With a nce, with the addition of this calligraphy piece in the room, the entire feeling felt upgraded. It was pretty good. The scale and feeling made it extremelyfortable.


    Wu Zeqing was very satisfied. "Alright, then I''ll leave it hanging here."


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s phone rang. It was Mom. He turned his head sidewards and said, "I need to answer my mother''s call." Then he pressed a button, "Hello, Mom."


    Mom angrily said, "Didn''t I tell you toe back early!?"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "I had something going on here. I''ll be back."


    "What time is it for you to have things going on!?" Mom gritted her teeth and said, "Your Dad and I have been waiting for you all night! After all this waiting, we can''t wait any longer. Are you going to let us sleep? If you aren''ting home, then don''te back. We are going to sleep and no one will open the door for you! Go wherever you want to go!"


    Zhang Ye said in exasperation, "Don''t! I didn''t bring my key!"


    Mom harrumphed, "Who told you not to bring it!?"


    "I didn''t grab the house key when I left this afternoon. I only took my car''s key." Zhang Ye said.


    Mom said very unhappily, "Your Dad and I can''t stay awake any longer. We still have work tomorrow!" Saying that, she hung up.


    Wu Zeqing asked with a smile, "What''s the matter?"


    Zhang Ye gave a wry smile, "I''ve angered my Mom. She''s unhappy that I''ming back sote. I also didn''t bring my house keys. Hai, if I were to go home and knock on the door, I''d get another round of scolding." If he had not lost his sense of time while watching the talk shows, he would have returned home earlier.


    Wu Zeqing crouched down to put away the tea utensils. As she picked them up and was about to wash them, she said, "If you are afraid of disturbing your parents'' sleep, you can stay here for the night. I have many rooms here anyway. You can sleep in that bedroom. It''s not inconvenient in any way."


    Zhang Ye''s eyelids twitched as he blinked his eyes, saying, "That''s not appropriate, right?"


    As there was a bathroom in the bedroom, Wu Zeqing washed the cups there. As the rush of water from the tap was heard, she said while washing the cups, "It''s alright. What''s the big deal?" Some errant drops of water sshed onto her tracksuit.


    Zhang Ye coughed and said, "That..."


    Wu Zeqing looked over nonchntly. "If you are staying, I also have new toothbrushes and towels for you. They are in the tiny drawer just below the sink. Take them yourself."


    Stay?


    Should he?


    He used 0.01 second to decide!


    Zhang Ye touched his nose and said, "Alright, then I''ll be intruding for the night. My parents have been suffering from insomnia, if I were to awake them, it would also affect their work tomorrow."


    "Then go ahead and take the towel and toothbrush."


    Zhang Ye walked over as Wu Zeqing''s body slightly shifted out of the way.


    Sis Wu''s feminine smell assaulted his olfactory senses. It was unknown if it was the smell of perfume or the lingering fragrance fromundry, but it was very mild and fragrant. Zhang Ye bent his back to search for it. He was nearly stuck to Wu Zeqing, who was washing the cups. Their clothes also came into contact.


    "Is it this drawer?"


    "The lower one. Yes."


    "Found it."


    Just as he took the things out, his arm jerked and identally touched Wu Zeqing''s body. His elbow pressed into Sis Wu''s meaty thigh. It was extremely soft, giving his heart trepidations.


    So ample!


    The touch felt great!


    "Sorry, sorry." Zhang Ye hurriedly apologized.


    Wu Zeqing smiled and turned off the water. She was done washing. "It''s alright."


    "Then...I''ll be going out." Zhang Ye got up.


    Wu Zeqing nodded. "OK. I''ll be sleeping after taking a shower. Good night."


    "Good night Sis Wu." Zhang Ye bade farewell and left the master bedroom.


    ......


    In one of the auxiliary bedrooms.


    He had returned to the room. Closing the door, he sat on the bed and touched his elbow that hade into contact with Wu Zeqing''s thigh. The soft feeling seemed to still linger there. As hey on the bed, he took out his cellphone to check the news. He looked at the evaluation the public had towards the re-airing of his talk show. After exchanging a few words with his fans, he sent a text message to Mom saying he would be staying at a friend''s ce. In the following half an hour, Zhang Ye had nothing to do. He had been sleeping from noon til evening, so he could not fall asleep either.


    He idled for a long period of time.


    Zhang Ye finally decided to take a bath.


    After taking off his clothes, he entered the bathroom. There was a bathtub here and it was pretty big. He turned on the water, nning to take a warm bath before going to bed.


    However, the water was cold.


    Why was the water cold?


    Zhang Ye did not know if the water heater was broken, or if he did not know how to use such an upscale product. After messing with it for some time, he still could not figure it out. This fellow was so cold that his teeth began chattering. As he breathed in the cold air, he had been wetted by the water. It was cold. He rummaged through the drawers and found a new bathrobe inside the bathroom. It was still sealed, but he tore it open and wore it before rushing out of his room. If it had been summertime, Zhang Ye could have made do with it. After all, it was someone else''s house. A cold shower was not something unbearable, but this was Beijing''s winter. It was not just any ordinary cold. His body was now damp with cold water, and he needed to warm his body quickly with hot water or he would definitely catch a cold.


    Was Old Wu sleeping?


    She shouldn''t be sleeping. In the past, when Zhang Ye chatted with Water Lotus Moon on the inte, they usually happenedte at night. President Wu probably did not sleep too early.


    Dong dong.


    He went to the master bedroom and knocked on the door.


    A female''s voice came from inside. "Little Zhang?"


    "Sis Wu, yeah, it''s me." Zhang Ye held onto his bathrobe and trembled.


    The woman''s fine voice said, "What''s the matter? Is something wrong?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I don''t know how to work your water heater in the auxiliary bathroom. It''s all cold water, and it''s really too cold. Could you tell me how to control the temperature?"


    "Is that so? Alright, let me take a look."


    Moments after she said that, the bedroom''s door opened.


    However, when Zhang Ye saw Wu Zeqing who walked out, he waspletely dumbfounded. This was because Old Wu was no longer wearing the tracksuit from before. Nor was she in pajamas or bathrobes after taking a bath. She was wearing a qipaote at night. It was pure ck in color. There were bright red flowers embroidered on it. They resembled peonies, and she wore a pair of flesh-colored stockings. Her footwear was ck heels that were about 8 or 9 centimeters high. Her hair had clearly been blown dry and had the faint fragrance of shampoo, but they were now bundled up behind her head. It made great contrast with the ck qipao. There was no need to mention about her entire look, it was absolutely stunning!


    What was this!?


    Was she going out sote at night?


    Zhang Ye''s head was befuddled with questions. "You are..."


    Then he suddenly thought of Wu Zeqing''s hobby and immediately understood. For her to wear this full getup, then Old Wu was probably taking selfies. No wonder!


    Wu Zeqing did not respond. "Let''s go."


    "Hai, sorry for troubling you." Zhang Ye did not carry on probing.


    After entering the auxiliary bedroom, Wu Zeqing went to the bathroom to turn on the water. As she tested it with her hand, she said, "Oh, it''s really cold."


    Her qipao was the short kind. The ends of her skirt did not even reach her knees. With her bending over, the fabric around her ample buttocks stretched upwards. It did not reveal anything, but it was pretty close. Two legs in flesh-colored stockings that stretched out entered Zhang Ye''s vision while he stood at the entrance to the bathroom. Wu Zeqing''s figure was very good to begin with. Her legs were long, and now with a pair of high heels, it made her even taller. She was even taller than Zhang Ye by a little bit. The proportion between her thighs and upper body was exaggerating as it was extremely attractive!


    Wu Zeqing turned around and fiddled with the water heater. In a while, she too seemed out of options. "Ever since I bought this vi, this bedroom has never been used. At best, a few of my family members have stayed here for a few days. The water heater hasn''t been used for a long while. It''s all individual water heaters, so it might be spoilt."


    Zhang Ye shrugged his shoulders. "Then forget it, I''ll not bathe."


    Wu Zeqing looked at him and smiled. "Enough of that. Look at how cold you are. You just touched cold water, so how can you not have a hot bath? The cold would get to your bones." Then, she walked out and patted Zhang Ye on the shoulder. "Let''s go. Go use my bathroom. It''s working there. As for the water heater here, I''ll get someone to fix it next time."


    Zhang Ye dryly smiled and said, "There''s really no need."


    "Heed my advice. Don''t catch a cold." Wu Zeqing brought him into the master bedroom and pointed to the bathroom. "I was just done bathing. The water hasn''t been emptied, so drain it before filling it again. Then, I''ll leave it to you."


    Zhang Ye could only say, "Alright, then enjoy your rest."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "There''s no work tomorrow, so I won''t be sleeping too early."


    "Alright, then I''ll take my bath first. It will be quick." Zhang Ye then entered the bathroom and closed the door. He saw a tub of hot water with rose petals scattered on the surface. The tub was still full and when he tested the water temperature with his hand, it was not very hot, but it was eptable. Wu Zeqing had apparently finished bathing at least ten minutes ago. There was still some shampoo and bath foam floating on the water surface. It was quite weird seeing this.

 Chapter 379: Taking photos for Old Wu!

    <h4>Chapter 379: Taking photos for Old Wu! </h4>


    Chapter 379: Taking photos for Old Wu!


    In the bathroom.


    A lingering fragrance attacked the nose.


    Should he change the water?


    Old Wu had already had her bath, change the water?


    Forget it, there''s no need to change it. This bro doesn''t mind even if you are dirty!


    Zhang Ye was eager to just quickly have his bath and get out. After all, he was in a woman''s bedroom having a bath, so it was still a little inappropriate. Besides, it was gettingte too? So, he didn''t change the water and just turned on the hot water, took off his bathrobe, and stepped into the bathtub. He submerged into the water fully. There was no shower head either, so he had to make do. Zhang Ye wet his hair before apply shampoo.


    His face was all wet.


    It was the same water that Sis Wu had dipped in earlier.


    Thinking of this, Zhang Ye''s heart was beating faster and faster.


    Outside, a woman''s voice could be heard, "Is the water alright? Is the heater spoilt too?"


    "No, no." Zhang Ye shouted out, "The water''s warm here, it''s not spoilt."


    "Alright then." The gentle voice said, "You did not bring the towel over just now, let me go get it for you. If you didn''t lock the door, I will open it and put it inside for you."


    Zhang Ye said, "The door''s unlocked, but then....."


    Sheughed and said, "It''s OK, Big Sis won''t peek. I''ming in then?"


    There was only a towel in here which Wu Zeqing had used earlier, nothing else.


    Zhang Ye considered for a moment before answering, "Alright, sorry for troubling you."


    The bathroom door creaked as it was being opened. Zhang Ye looked over to see Wu Zeqinge in halfway, facing sideways and not looking at him directly. She reached out to put the towel onto the clothes drawer beside the door before stepping back out and closing the door, "Alright, you can continue with your bath."


    Zhang Ye heaved a sigh of relief. Luckily for him, Old Wu did not see him using the water that she was using earlier. Otherwise, it would have been quite awkward and embarrassing. He then quickly sped up his bathing.


    He was done bathing within 10 minutes.


    He started to drain the water and dry his body.


    Atst, Zhang Ye walked outfortably from the bathroom saying, "I''m done with my bath, Sis Wu."


    When he stepped out from the shower, Zhang Ye was stunned by what he saw.


    Wu Zeqing smiled, "That quick?"


    "Ah, yea." Zhang Ye''s eyes shone.


    Because at this moment, Wu Zeqing was lying on her bed in her ck qipao and high heels and holding a DSLR camera in her hands. When she saw Zhang Ye, she did not look embarrassed whatsoever. She snapped two photos of her thighs and then re-tied her hair while saying, "Taking a picture before I sleep has be a habit of mine. I''m already at this age, so if I don''t keep some memories of myself when I''m still young, I will never get a chance to in the future. Do you usually do photography?"


    Zhang Ye coughed, "No, not really."


    "You are also in the artistic field and have a very wide range of interests like calligraphy, novels, literature, Hur Hur, but why aren''t you interested in photography?" She asked.


    Damn, I may be in the artistic field, but I''m not as artistic as you to be doing body photography! We are in two very different fields within art!


    Zhang Ye said, "I like photography too. If only I were as good looking as you, I would be taking pictures everyday as well, but my looks are really just too normal, so I don''t really take many photos."


    Wu Zeqing nced at him, "You aren''t bad, your body is quite proportionate too."


    Zhang Ye did not know whether tough or cry, "Don''t praise me, I know what I am worth."


    Wu Zeqing nodded and said, "I still want to take a few more photos, after that it''ll be time to sleep."


    Zhang Ye understood, "Alright, then you rest early. I''m going back to my room." When he was about to turn around to exit the room, he suddenly had a surge of courage that came from nowhere. Maybe it was because he had a pretty good time with Wu Zeqing and felt that their rtionship was no longer as simple as subordinate and superior. Furthermore, Zhang Ye had previously seen Wu Zeqing in those hot photos. He then asked, "The angles by doing it yourself are quite limited. I''ll snap some pictures for you?"


    After saying so, he immediately regretted!


    Holy sh*t! This bro''s really got balls!


    How could he say something like this so casually! Old Wu would probably send him running!


    Zhang Ye quickly gave an excuse, "Hai, I''m just spouting nonsense. Take it as I did not say anything, I did not say anything!"


    But Wu Zeqing''s reaction seemed indifferent. She looked at him and replied very calmly, "I''m actually fine with that, but don''t you need to sleep?"


    When Zhang Ye heard this, he got excited, "I''m not in a rush to sleep since I slept for 3-4 hours earlier in the afternoon. I''m not sleepy, so even if I go back to my room, I would not be able to fall asleep. I''d probably be reading the news on my cellphone."


    She asked, "How are your photography skills?"


    "It''s alright. I''m not too sure myself." Zhang Ye said honestly.


    She smiled, "I believe in your artistic style. Alright, I''ll be troubling you then?"


    Zhang Ye, having received the sacred approval, was now feeling over-excited. It was as though a pie had dropped from the sky for him. In the past, he had viewed Wu Zeqing''s photos before, but those were all taken by herself. He had not seen it ''live'' before, "Oh, I will try my best to capture you at your best."


    She stretched her hand out and handed him the camera, "Test it out first."


    Zhang Ye had really never used an SLR camera before, but it wasn''t difficult to pick up either. Of course, those high level techniques were not something that he could pick up just by fiddling with the camera, but simple picture taking wasn''t a problem. Besides, even if his technique wasn''t good, it would be still be better than Wu Zeqing taking photos of herself. At least when the job of posing and finding the correct angle, as well as pressing the shutter, was separated out, the effect would definitely be much better.


    Ka-cha.


    Ka-cha.


    After trying out by taking a few photos, Zhang Ye had gotten the hang of it.


    Wu Zeqing stood up to exin to him how to use the camera, "This main issue for this type of camera is the focus. As long as you adjust it properly, it will be good enough."


    Zhang Ye replied in all seriousness, "I understand."


    Wu Zeqing said, "Hur Hur, then are we ready?"


    "Yes." Zhang Ye made a sign with his hand.


    "OK, I''m ready too." Wu Zeqing sat down at the bed''s end.


    Zhang Ye asked for her opinion, "In this dress? I''ve already seen you take quite a few photos in it earlier."


    Wu Zeqing said, "This dress is fine, I''ve always gone with it by instinct. If you think another dress would suit me, then Big Sis can change into that. The dresses are all in that wardrobe."


    She can even change?


    There''s too many advantages in doing this!


    Zhang Ye asked again, "Not intending to photograph the face?"


    "No, not intending to." Wu Zeqing replied.


    Zhang Ye was blushing now, but he still asked, "To what scale are we talking about? How about the pose? I....Is it inconvenient if I take the pictures?"


    Wu Zeqing said in an easy-going tone, "Come on, don''t put too much pressure on yourself. You''ve already seen quite a number of Big Sis'' pictures, so there''s nothing inconvenient about it anymore. I believe in your artistic ir. Whichever pose you think is good, I will do it. Whichever dress you feel looks good, I will change into it. It''s fine, I just want it to be well-taken. We will do this ording to your artistic direction. I''ve always been the one fiddling with it myself in the past, so I''m a little biased towards my own style, but as they all say, an observer is always clearer about things, so Big Sis will trust you."


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath and said, "OK, then I will try my best."

 Chapter 380: Changing Costumes!

    <h4>Chapter 380: Changing Costumes! </h4>


    Chapter 380: Changing Costumes!


    Inside the room.


    There were two dim lights.


    There was also a couple, a man and woman.


    Zhang Ye was wearing a bathrobe. He had not even bothered to blow dry his hair. It was still dripping with water onto his shoulders. Holding a DSLR, he put on a pretense by gesturing a few times before aiming at Wu Zeqing''s legs.


    "I''m going to take the photo."


    "OK."


    "Don''t move."


    "Alright."


    Kacha. The photo was taken.


    Zhang Ye checked the photo before bringing it forward for Wu Zeqing to see. "Do you think this would do?"


    Wu Zeqing lowered her head and nced at it. With a smile, she said, "Yes, it''s pretty good. It''s much better than when I take them myself. The focus is sharper and the angle is good."


    It was unknown if Sis Wu was ttering him or if he truly had talent and skill in photography. Either way, Zhang Ye was brimming with confidence. "Alright, then I''ll carry on. As for how the next shot should be, let me think. Why don''t you change your posture? This way. Your legs are too beautiful, so let me do a special close up on them?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Up to you."


    "Then lean your leg over." Zhang Ye instructed.


    Wu Zeqing moved her flesh-colored stocking wearing thigh. "This way?"


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Yes, that''s too good. Perfect. I''ll be taking another photo."


    Kacha, another photo was taken. However, the angle was a bit off, hence he took two pictures consecutively. He focused on Wu Zeqing''s lower half of her body, from the ends of her qipao to the high heels. Her meaty flesh looked very alluring. Sis Wu''s posture was also very well posed and perfect. In the pictures that "Water Lotus Moon" had sent him in the past, some of them had her legs crossed or her hips perked upwards. Zhang Ye found them a bit wild as there were too many of such pictures on the inte. He had subconsciously been prejudiced by his first impressions. However, when he really saw the poses and expressions Wu Zeqing made when having photos taken of her, she did not give off any feelings of wildness, instead appeared as elegant and gentle as ever.


    Beautiful!


    She had the bearing of a perfect wife and mother!


    If she wore ancient costumes and entered an ancient era, she would definitely be a motherly model of the nation!


    A few minutester, more than ten photos were taken. There were a few which were deleted due to the effects of a poor angle, leaving behind five photos which looked pretty good on the whole.


    "Take a look." Zhang Ye handed the DSLR to her.


    After she looked at it, she said, "Oh, they are really not bad."


    With his warm up nearly done, Zhang Ye''s technique was getting more adept. In the first few pictures, he was still very careful and conventional. It was all themon poses everyone would have when taking pictures. There was nothing worthy of highlighting. Hence, Zhang Ye nned on changing a few angles. However, his heart was beating like a drum and found it awkward, but when he thought of how Sis Wu said everything was up to him to decide, Zhang Ye did not stand on ceremony.


    Gritting his teeth, he said, "Please sit on the rug."


    Wu Zeqing stood up from the bed''s end and walked over. "Sit like this?"


    "Just stretch out both your legs and sit down. I want a back shot of the rug. It will make it seem softer, since it matches very well with your qipao. The color will also appear to contrast more." Zhang Ye still had the basic ability to appreciate art. Even if he was faking it, this fellow''s mouth was able to bullsh*t all sorts of things. He was, after all, a broadcasting major and his main job was a host, so he had at least that amount of skill. Anyway, whatever pose Zhang Ye especially wanted to see, it would definitely be alright for Wu Zeqing to pose it. After all, the pictures he liked could not be too bad.


    Sis Wu followed his instructions. She bent her back and sat in the middle of the rug, with her legs stretched out straight.


    Kacha, Kacha. Zhang Ye began snapping pictures. He started off with a long distance shot before slowly approaching. "Can you change your leg''s pose slightly?"


    "Sure." Wu Zeqing leaned her body slightly and lifted her thighs.


    Zhang Ye swallowed his saliva and carried on snapping. "Sis Wu, can you cross one of your legs to your chest?"


    Wu Zeqing crossed her leg. The leg on the floor was still straight, but the other leg was crossed over by her chest. It was at an angle of 60 or 70 degrees.


    And with that, Wu Zeqing exposed herself!


    With her ck qipao being on the shorter side, such a pose and such an angle caused her buttocks to contract, so the thigh that was crossed created a big opening in her dress, revealing what was inside her inner thighs. Even the stocking''s lines could be seen clearly. Not only was it like a visible panty line, but the central line of he stockings. Protruding beneath the stockings was the color of flesh. It was not the color of skin, but the color of panties. It was apparently a deeper color than her skin.


    F**k!


    Can I take this?


    He wanted to ask first, but felt like he could not force himself to ask!


    Eventually, Zhang Ye bolstered his courage and ignored everything. I''ll snap it. He constantly pressed the shutter button. As he looked through the pictures, he deleted some. He rejected any of the bad ones, leaving only the ones he was satisfied with. After he was done taking them, he walked over with blinking eyes that hid mixed emotions in them. He bent down, "Do you think these will do?" He had to get her opinion after taking the pictures after all. She had exposed herself quite a bit, and it was at a critical spot.


    Wu Zeqing nced and nodded. "Very good. I have never taken a photo here before. These pictures of yours really have a nice mix of color."


    Zhang Ye heaved a sigh of relief. "Then I''ll take a few more. Can you please change the pose?"


    Wu Zeqing moved herself and straightened her body. She crossed one leg over the other. Her body was still t on the ground, but this caused the exposure at the end of her skirt to widen!


    Zhang Ye endured the feeling of having his nose bleed. He maintained thrposure of an artist. He dedicated his life to art, so what if he bled or sweated!? This bro will endure it! Bring it on! Now, his courage was bolstered. He did not walk far, but slowly crouched down. He took from the side and from the front many pictures of Wu Zeqing''s pose from many angles. Some of them were aimed at the opening in her dress, while others were shot from Wu Zeqing''s head downwards.


    Ba da.


    One of the high heels on her right foot fell off.


    Stockings were slippery to begin with, and Wu Zeqing was in a pose where her legs were crossed, so she could not wear her heels very well. After the heels fell, she sat up by supporting herself, thinking of picking it up. However, she failed to sit up immediately.


    Zhang Ye was by her legs taking photos. Upon noticing it, he conveniently picked up the ck high heel. The heel was very light and did not appear as heavy as it seemed. Clearing his throat, he aimed the mouth of the heel towards Wu Zeqing''s foot and then put the stilettos back onto her beautiful foot, covered in flesh-colored stockings.


    When Wu Zeqing saw this, she did not say a word andy back down.


    Her foot was very smooth, allowing it to slip in easily. As the heel was a bit narrow and Zhang Ye''s hand was a bitrge, a few fingers would dangle even while he held onto the heel. This caused his fingers to touch the side of her beautiful legs. Momentarily, his right hand''s middle and ring finger grazed past the stockings. It was extremely alluring!


    The foot was so pretty!


    It did not seem to have any pits or crevices that usually resulted in wearing high heels for extended periods of time. It was extremely soft, and the skin beneath the stockings were very supple and soft. Her foot was not considered small. It was probably size 37 or 38. For a woman, this size was already quiterge. Furthermore, Wu Zeqing was tall, so no matter how small her feet were, it could not be too small. Zhang Ye always believed that a woman with bigger feet would look even better in high heels, especially in tall stilettos. If one''s feet were too small, it could not carry off the look. It would appear as if one was "top-heavy".


    Ka. Ka. Ka.


    Another three shots were taken.


    Zhang Ye had really feasted his eyes. Then, he began suggesting. "Oh yeah, quite a number of pictures have been taken for this attire. Why don''t you change to another one?"


    Wu Zeqing acknowledged and said, "Sure, take a look at the wardrobe and see which is most suitable."


    Look?


    I''ll take a look!


    Zhang Ye was yearning to do so. Seeing Wu Zeqing stand up while using the rug as support, he walked to the wardrobe and opened the first door. There were five to six bags at the top, and shoes filled the bottom. From the brands, it was apparent Wu Zeqing was not the kind who chased after branded goods. There was not a single international brand. Most of them seemed to be domestic products and probably was not too expensive. There were not many either. To a woman, especially a woman in a high position like Wu Zeqing, five to six bags was considered too few. Even a normalmoner would not find seven or eight bags excessive. These bags were all very warm in both color and style. They matched Wu Zeqing''s temperament. It was the same with the footwear. However, the brands of the footwear was not easily recognizable. Zhang Ye did not know either, so he wasn''t too sure.


    Let me find one.


    This? This isn''t good.


    Hey, this pair of shoes aren''t bad. It''s creamy white and pointed, but the tip was slightly wide. It also revealed a bit more in the back. There was a little band with a buckle. It would make the feet look nicer.


    It''s decided. Let''s take a look at the clothes.


    Opening the second door, it was filled with clothes and skirts. There was winter and summer wear. Since it was for photography, winter wear was definitely out of the question. It had to be summer or spring costumes as the theme. Zhang Ye was very serious towards the "arts". After a long period of searching, he decided on an attire he liked.


    The top he chose for Wu Zeqing was a petite creamy white sweater. It did not have a cor, and the cleavage revealed was not too low or high. It was just nice and very mild. Furthermore, it was the exact same color as the creamy white heels. It would match well together. As for the skirt, Zhang Ye helped her choose a flowery long skirt. The dress reached to a spot slightly above her ankles. From Zhang Ye''s point of view, the dress was designed to reach one''s ankles, but Wu Zeqing had long legs, so it ended up being 6 or 7 centimeters shorter. However, it was just right. If the skirt was too long, then the high heels would not reveal its beauty. Leaving a bit of her feet also made her look taller.


    "I''m done choosing. Would this do?" Zhang Ye brought the clothes over.


    After seeing it, Wu Zeqing smiled. "You sure have taste. This attire is not bad. Alright, we''ll use this. Is there anything else? Should I change my hair?"


    Zhang Ye pondered for a moment. "This attire is a bit more mild in disposition. Personally, I don''t think you need to raise your hair that high. Of course, it is up to you."


    Wu Zeqing said in an easy-going fashion, "I''ll heed your advice."


    Zhang Ye added, "Oh, there''s no need to take off the stockings."


    "Alright." She said.


    Zhang Ye then rubbed his hands. "Then...go ahead and change. I''ll go out for a while. I''ll be just outside, so just give a shout when you are done."


    Wu Zeqing nodded and picked up the clothes, sitting on the bed. As she bent her back and lowered her head, she took off the high heels on her feet. She was beginning to change.


    Zhang Ye hurriedly went out and closed the door behind him.

 Chapter 381

    <h4>Chapter 381 </h4>


    Chapter 381


    A whileter.


    "Little Zhang."


    "I''m here."


    "You cane in now."


    "Alright."


    Pushing the door open, Zhang Ye walked back into the room. When he saw her, his eyes suddenly lit up.


    Wu Zeqing had changed her attire, and her hair had been redone. Her entire style was as gentle and kind as could be. The attire he had chosen was well fitting!


    He began snapping photos!


    Zhang Ye was yearning to do so greatly. As he held the camera, he pressed on the shutter button quickly. Sometimes he would squat down, sometimes he would go behind Sis Wu, taking shots from every possible angle.


    Lying down.


    Sitting down.


    In a prone position.


    Zhang Ye suddenly asked, "Can you kneel on the bed?"


    When Wu Zeqing heard this, she did not object. She made a pose, "Like this?"


    "Yes, yes." Zhang Ye''s throat was already dry as he said, "First face me. Hand on the bed, prone on the bed while kneeling. Yes, look over here."


    Wu Zeqing followed his instructions, and faced Zhang Ye in a half prone half kneeling position.


    Zhang Ye found the scene absolutely breathtaking and immediately clicked the shutter button five times.


    Although Wu Zeqing''s neckline wasn''t too low the sweater was a bit loose. In her current position, the neckline opened downwards, causing her cleavage to be exposed. Traces of a flesh-colored bra could be seen, however, Zhang Ye had intended for this angle and image, so he did not miss such opportunities. After adjusting his angle slightly, he took a few more shots. He then asked audaciously, "Turn around. Right, turn your back towards me."


    "OK." Wu Zeqing crawled on the bed a few times and beforepleting a 180 degree rotation.


    This entire process was recorded down by Zhang Ye with the DSLR. When Sis Wu''s back was fully facing him, her fleshy buttocks faced Zhang Ye. The skirt was not very loose, and was a bit tight, which resulted in her buttocks pulling the skirt tight. Wu Zeqing was one of the more ample beauties that Zhang Ye had seen, but she was not fat at all. Her hips and buttocks were wider andrger than Rao Aimin, Zhang Yuanqi, or Dong Shanshan and was probably 3-4 centimeters wider at her hips. If described by the ancients, she was perfect for childbirth.


    Kacha!


    Her buttocks were captured!


    Then Zhang Ye walked forward and knelt beside the side of the bed. He then pressed on the shutter button quickly while very close to Wu Zeqing''s buttocks. He could even smell the scent of Old Wu''s wardrobe that the skirt emitted.


    He really wanted to touch it!


    Despite being in such close proximity, Zhang Ye did not have the guts!


    Wu Zeqing had seemed to hand him the task of snapping pictures, and did not question him at all.


    "Sis Wu."


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Can I get on the bed?"


    "Of course."


    Zhang Ye purposely took many pictures of her buttocks, before taking off his slippers to step on the bed. He stood near where Old Wu''s pillow was and squated down. He then took photos of Wu Zeqing''s cleavage from the front. President Wu really seemed like a professional amongst professional models. She did not move at all. She did not even blink. She was very professional.


    "It''s done."


    "OK."


    "Let''s change the pose. Please sit down. Can you pull up your skirt? Reveal a bit of your thigh, then touch it with your hand."


    "This way?"


    "Yes, a bit more."


    The dress moved up bit by bit, reaching a spot somewhat above her knee. Then, Wu Zeqing ced her right hand on her thigh, which was covered by her flesh-colored pantyhose.


    Zhang Ye said, "Your leg should look a bit more natural. Bend it a little."


    Wu Zeqing bent her leg, and of course exposed herself once again.


    Zhang Ye had intended for this. He got off the bed and half-kneeled. He began snapping and finally, he was mostly done with this set of clothes. All the angles possible had been done. Was this enough? Were they each to return to their own rooms? Please don''t stop here! Zhang Ye was already addicted and had not seen enough. Besides, only twenty minutes had passed. The pictures that were not bad only numbered in the twenties. There were still too few.


    Could the scale increase?


    If he erged the scale, would Old Wu lose her temper?


    Zhang Ye struggled with his thoughts for a long while, standing there motionless.


    Wu Zeqing was still maintaining her pose and suddenly looked at him. She smiled and said, "Is it done?"


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "This attire is mostly done. Well, can you... take off your top?" The moment he said this, he felt his heart rapidly beating. He was afraid that Old Wu would kick him out the window.


    But who would have thought that Wu Zeqing would nod slightly after a moment of pondering. "Alright."


    Then, Zhang Ye breathed in deeply as he focused. Sis Wu really sat up and began grabbing her sweater. She took off the sweater from bottom to top right in front of Zhang Ye. She then left the top at the edge of the bed. Her hair was slightly tousled when she took off her top, so she reached up tob it again.


    Her shoulders were revealed!


    Her bra was exposed!


    There was no way to hide her stomach!


    And the most critical point was that Wu Zeqing was pushing her chest out andbing her hair with her hands up!


    Zhang Ye''s eyes turned red. He did not blink. Old Wu''s breasts were toorge. Magnificent peaks were not enough to describe their size. Previously, there was the neckline blocking her cleavage, so it wasn''t very obvious, but now, without anything to cover it, that bottomless cleavage nearly frightened Zhang Ye out of his mind. It wasn''t as if he hadn''t seen the pictures that Wu Zeqing had sent him on the inte. However, those were just pictures. They were 2D, but what was in front of his eyes now was true "3D imagery". That solid feeling was indescribably magnificent!


    Very big!


    Very ample!


    The bra looked like it was about to burst!


    There was no need to wait for her to finishbing her hair. Snap! This angle was too perfect!


    Zhang Ye did not miss out on this opportunity. He began snapping. When Old Wu was donebing her hair, he went behind her and took a few more pictures from that angle. He then took another photo of Old Wu''s head from behind. She had said not to take pictures of her face, but the back did not matter. There was quite a bit of artistry when it came to rear views!


    It was a feast for his eyes!


    Riches had befallen him!


    Zhang Ye was excited and could not stop!


    "Can you hold on to something with your hand?"


    "Hold onto what?"


    "Cough, your breast. Single hand."


    "This way?"


    "Yes, yes. Great. Can you stroke your hair with your other hand?"


    "It''s meaningless since there''s no face, right?"


    "It won''t snap that action, but if you stretch out your hand backwards, it would straighten your body, making the feeling better."


    "Alright."


    Ka. Ka. Ka. Zhang Ye took more than twenty pictures here. He was very satisfied with every one of them. As he sniffed, he was afraid that blood would flow out his nose. As he focused his sights, he took another step further. "Sis Wu, about this..." After hesitating for a long while, he finally blurted it out. "Can you take off your bra?"


    Wu Zeqing pulled down the hair along her sideburns and pushed it over her ear. "...OK."


    Ah?


    Really!?


    Zhang Ye stared with his eyes widened.


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Is this done?"


    "Yes, it''s done." Zhang Ye said eagerly.


    Wu Zeqing acknowledged, and with a smile, she reached back. After a few seconds of tinkering, the bra on her chest loosened, causing her breasts to sink. However, they did not sink too much. It was unexpected that with her size, her breasts didn''t sag at such an age.


    "Should I take off the bra?" She asked.


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "Not yet. It''s pretty good with it loose. Let me take a few shots like this." The feeling of it half masking her breasts was very good, so Zhang Ye did not let this opportunity pass and began snapping picture after picture.


    Not longter.


    Zhang Ye coughed and said, "You can take it off now."


    Wu Zeqingfortably took away her bra and folded it and ced it off to the side. From this action, it could be seen that she was very meticulous and fond of cleanliness and tidiness.


    However, Zhang Ye wouldn''t care about this at all. His eyeballs were locked onto Sis Wu''s breasts. It wouldn''t be an exaggeration that they were nearly popping out!


    What size was this!?


    Without a bra, it was the most obvious.


    Zhang Yuanqi, Rao Aimin, and Dong Shanshan all had big enough breasts, but they were no matchpared to Wu Zeqing''s size. This was a stunning level! And what made Zhang Ye most excited was that Wu Zeqing did not find it inappropriate! Shefortably let him see without a word. How much trust was that!?


    "Why?" She asked.


    "Ah, nothing, nothing." Zhang Ye hurriedlyposed himself.


    "Are you snapping it like that?" She asked.


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, this way. Your body should lean a little bit more. Alright, very good!"


    "Hur Hur, it''s a bit cold in winter. Can we be a little quicker?" Wu Zeqing said.


    Zhang Ye immediately nodded. "Alright, it''s almost done. Endure a little longer. Yes, the same posture as before. Hold up your chest from the bottom."


    "This way?"


    "No, left hand holding onto your right side."


    "How about now?"


    "Yes, perfect!"


    Zhang Ye first took a wide-angle shot and then took off his shoes to get on the bed again. As he bent his back while kneeling on the bed. As he approached, he gave a few close up shots. He was barely an arm''s length away from Wu Zeqing. He could even see her sweat pores clearly. However, at this moment, only a retard would look at sweat pores! Even a f**king retard knew what to focus on!


    It was both big and fair!


    Her breasts were perfect!


    "You can let go." Zhang Ye instructed.


    Releasing it, the breast slumped down before bouncing back up!


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath again. He constantly pressed the shutter button, taking pictures of her body!


    After about half a minute, Wu Zeqing shuddered, her shoulders shaking slightly.


    Zhang Ye knew that she was cold and stopped taking pictures. "Alright, quickly wear your clothes. It''s done."


    Wu Zeqing grabbed the sweater by her side. She stretched her hands, and without any concealment, she put it over her head. However, she did not wear her flesh-colored bra, and just wore the sweater over. If she wore it this way, her breast would not have a perky shape under the clothes, but would have a different vor to it. It was nice too!


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "It''s been tough on you Little Zhang."


    Zhang Ye reflexively answered, "Not at all. It''s just a service for the people!"


    Wu Zeqing was amused and got off the bed. She then gestured to Zhang Ye to sit on the sofa in the room. "Here, let me see how the pictures came out. I haven''t seen any of the ones we took towards the end."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye sat beside her and handed the DSLR over. "Some aren''t that good, and I n on deleting them. However, most of them came out quite well. Choose a few for safekeeping. Most of them are pretty simr. You can choose the best ones from them, while the rest can be deleted."


    Wu Zeqing casually pulled a nket to cover the dress on her thigh. Then flipping through it, she said, "Oh, oh, this is not bad. I''ll keep this one. This one can be deleted. This one has a bit of reflection. Oh, this is also very good. Indeed, letting someone else snap the pictures is different. The angles are much better than taking them by myself."

 Chapter 384: The Brain Gold Advertisement that Gets Cursed Badly!

    <h4>Chapter 384: The Brain Gold Advertisement that Gets Cursed Badly! </h4>


    Chapter 384: The Brain Gold Advertisement that Gets Cursed Badly!


    The next day.


    9 in the morning.


    Zhang Ye''s ringtone sounded out, waking him up from under the nkets. He had slepttest night and hadn''t gotten enough sleep.


    When the first call came in, Zhang Ye turned around, ignoring it.


    Only when the second second call came did Zhang Ye stretch out his hand to pick it up impatiently.


    "Hello, who is this?"


    "Teacher Zhang, its me."


    "Who?"


    "I''m Wu Mo."


    "Oh, CEO Wu, hello."


    "Are you still resting at home? Sorry for disturbing you."


    "It''s fine. Tell me if there''s anything."


    "The advertisement on Beijing Television Station will y today. The first wave will begin at 11. Then it will also appear in the afternoon and at night. Ourpany scrimped up some more cash, nning to bet it all on this. We even paid for the advertisement to be shown on other provincial television stations. They will all go up today. As for the inte promotions, it began the day before yesterday. Other than ack of funds preventing us from reaching intensive pration, everything else is ording to your marketing idea."


    "Alright."


    "However, that ''scientific editorial'' that goes out twice a day did not seem to have any obvious effects. Our Brain Gold sales did not have any significant increases."


    "Don''t worry. Wait for the broadcast of the advertisement."


    "Teacher Zhang, are you sure there won''t be any problems? All my wealth is on the line. If this really fails, I will really have to go home and be a garbage collector."


    "Don''t worry. It won''t happen."


    "Then...Alright. Rest well."


    After throwing his phone to the side, Zhang Ye yawned and pped his face. Only then did he be a bit more awake. He also did not n on sleeping any longer since this was not his house. He definitely had to be a bit more restricted in President Wu''s house. Hence, he pulled the nket away and got out of bed, and went to bathroom to wash up. As there was no hot water, the moment his face was drenched with cold water, he was immediately much more awake. Zhang Ye was not unustomed to this. As the saying went, it was best to use cold water to wash one''s face in a winter morning.


    Downstairs.


    Wu Zeqing was already up.


    "Sis Wu, you are already awake?" Zhang Ye went to the first floor of the vi.


    She was sitting on the sofa watching television. She looked over upon hearing him speak. "Hur Hur, I just woke up too. My nephew gave me a call, mentioning the advertisement."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "He gave me a call too, saying that it would air at 11."


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Are you hungry?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m fine, I''ll eat at home, so there''s no need to trouble you."


    She said, "Aren''t your parents at work today? There will be nothing for you to eat at home either, so make do with what I have here. Well, let''s eat early and treat it as lunch."


    Zhang Ye did not refuse, "Then I''ll not stand on ceremony. Your cooking skills are right up my alley. Just thinking about your cooking makes me salivate. I''ll eat another meal of yours."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "That''s all that matters if you like it. If you aren''t satisfied with anything, you can give me suggestions so that I can improve. You sometimes don''t mean what you say."


    Zhang Ye said exasperatedly, "No, it''s really delicious. I''m not trying to curry favor with you."


    Wu Zeqing chuckled. "Alright. Take a seat. I''ll prepare lunch. If you want some tea, pour it yourself. If you want to watch TV, go ahead and change the channel. Make yourself at home."


    Zhang Ye wanted to help out, but was rejected by Wu Zeqing. She was adamant about not letting him do anything. Zhang Ye could only sit on the sofa watching TV. From time to time, he would nce at the beautiful figure busying herself in the open kitchen. Wu Zeqing was wearing a white sweater. It had a wide and plump style and was not furry. It had a lot of leeway. Her pants were an ordinary whitish-gray pair of cks. She was very suitable for such pale, light colored clothes, as it made her have an endearing temperament. She looked very gentle with her flowing hair. Hey, let''s stop talking about it!


    Washing the vegetables.


    Cutting the vegetables.


    This scene was like a piece of art.


    Be it her work or cooking, Wu Zeqing did thinks very calmly. She was the kind that did things neither too fast nor too slow. She was never flustered and did things prim and proper.


    She was done cooking.


    The two of them began eating.


    "Oh! Delicious!"


    "The fire was a bit too big for the potatoes. It wasn''t done well."


    "Not at all, this level of heat is perfect. It wouldn''t be nice if it''s too crumbly."


    The television was always on Beijing Television Station. Suddenly, a familiar jingle was heard.


    Zhang Ye''s ears perked up when he heard it. He cleared his throat and put down his chopsticks, immediately looking at the TV screen. "Sis Wu, it has begun. This is themercial."


    Wu Zeqing also turned her head to look at it.


    Themercial was aired right after a Beijing Television Station entertainment program which had pretty good ratings. The time slot was also not bad. Immediately, there were two characters Zhang Ye was familiar with on the screen. One was an old man, and another an old woman. This was designed by a professional ording to Zhang Ye''s requirements. It was nearly produced in the exact same fashion as his world''s "Brain tinum" televisionmercial.


    The moment they appeared, the two old animated characters began dancing.


    "I will not ept any gifts this year!"


    No gifts epted, no gifts epted! No gifts epted, no gifts epted!"


    "The only gift I will ept is Brain Gold! Brain...Gold!"


    The final scene was Zhang Ye holding Brain Gold''smercial logo. It was about a second long. Zhang Ye''s picture was fleeting because in the next moment, themercial ended.


    Wu Zeqing did not speak a word.


    Zhang Ye coughed and said, "Was that OK?"


    She asked, "You only have that one shot?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "The main focus wasn''t supposed to be me."


    Wu Zeqingughed, saying, "I won''t evaluate themercial. I don''t have much prior knowledge on this subject. You are the professional in this area. You have done a fewmercials, and all of them have been sessful. You naturally have much more say and authority than others. Since you nned on doing it this way, you definitely have your reasons. Here, let''s carry on eating."


    Upon hearing what she said, Zhang Ye started to feel the pressure. "Actually, I only am 90% confident. There is always a 10% chance of uncertainty. You can never be sure of some things."


    Wu Zeqingforted him. "I''ve seen a poem before, called ''In Future We Trust''. I heard it even saved a life. That poem was written by you, right? I think it was very good. Believe in yourself. You have the strength and the ability. What should be done has been done. Doubt and fear do not help you in any way. Even if Little Mo''spany goes bankrupt, it is also due to his mismanagement as hecks talent in business. It had nothing to do with you."


    It may be the case, but if it was any otherpany, Zhang Ye would have just been their spokesperson and not worry about anything else, but this time, it was different. It was Wu Zeqing''s nephew''spany, so Zhang Ye was naturally very concerned about it. He would not fool or joke around with such matters.


    Let''s hope so!


    Let''s hope the trajectory would be the same as his worlds!


    After the meal, Zhang Ye insisted on washing the dishes, but was still pushed away by Wu Zeqing once more. Helplessly, he could only symbolically wipe the table and had nothing left to do. After bidding farewell, he drove home himself.


    ......


    At home.


    His parents were not around, as they were at work.


    Zhang Ye did not sit idle. The moment he returned home, he switched on hisputer to check the situation with the promotional strategy that he had designed. He was too busy to keep up with it over the past few days as he was busy. He did not worry too much about it, but after snapping pictures for Wu Zeqingst night and seeing so many pictures he should not have seen, upgrading their level of intimacy, Zhang Ye became more concerned. He did not dare to be sloppy about it. He read all the editorials and the inte publicity. Indeed, they were executed ording to his instructions. However, his world''s "Brain tinum" went through a gradual process. It had undergone a long period of umtion. However, Brain Gold did not have as much time to set up the process. They could only bombard with greater intensity, adhering to the core ideas. It was as intensive as themercial could be. It managed to be just in time for the Chinese New Year season. Tomorrow was Chinese New Year''s Eve, so it was at an opportune time! Sess all depended on this moment!


    Pit-a-pat. Zhang Ye began typing and ording to the ''specimen'' of his previous world, he typed out a few editorials and sent it to the advertisingpany, letting them implement it as soon as possible!


    By chance, Zhang Ye clicked on Weibo and caught a glimpse of thements regarding Brain Gold. Without counting, ten out of the tenments were all cursing!


    "Pfft! What is this!"


    "I feel like my eyes have been blinded!"


    "What sort of retarded advertisement was that!?"


    "Brain Gold? I think you are Brainless Gold!"


    "F**k! Why is Teacher Zhang''s figure shown right at the end of such a crappy advertisement? It can''t be! This does not conform to Teacher Zhang''s overall image!"


    "I''m wondering why too. Why did Teacher Zhang endorse such a health supplementpany? It''s such a knock off! It''s too shitty! Teacher Zhang did not look at the advertising content when he took on the endorsement?"


    "Was Teacher Zhang scammed?"


    "I think so. The advertisingpany probably fooled Zhang Ye!"


    "Even video websites have this Brain Goldmercial! It''s a trap! I''ve nearly been brainwashed! How can there be such a rubbishmercial?!"


    Suddenly, someone revealed insider news: "Zhang Ye was not scammed. I know someone from this advertisingpany. ording to reliable news, thismercial and the series of promotions were all nned by Zhang Ye alone. They were only executing it to his standard. This endorsement was not a result of forcing Zhang Ye!"


    "Ah?"


    "That''s not true, right?"


    "It''s true. I actually heard that too!"


    "Impossible. Everyone knows Teacher Zhang''smercial nning skills. Be it the electricity conservation or ''I''ll speak for myself'', they were all topmercials in the industry. They would likely be ced into education textbooks in the future. With Zhang Ye''s ability, how could he possibly havee up with this crap?"


    "Can this even called amercial? I''m almost crying from watching it!"


    "Exhorting the television station and websites to stop broadcasting thismercial! My ears!"


    "I will not ept any gifts this year, the only gift I will ept is Brain Gold! I can f**king sing it already! I''m shocked that such a brainlessmercial is so catchy!"


    "What has Teacher Zhang done!?"


    "Zhang Ye hase up with another a mind-blowing move!"


    "Haha, I''m delighted to see this. I''m waiting to see a fool made of someone!"


    "Does Zhang Ye think he is too popr? He''s trying to disperse some of it?"


    "No matter how high the endorsement fee given to Zhang Ye was, such a crappymercial should not be epted. This is killing the golden goose! It will decrease his poprity! Is Zhang Ye dumb?"


    "Thismercial was produced by Zhang Ye. Who knows what he''s thinking?!"


    On the entire inte, be it Weibo, Tieba, or discussion forums, discussion about the product "Brain Gold" appeared beginning in the morning. And no one praised it. Yes, not a single one. Everyone was cursing at it. In the history of advertising, this could also be considered a miracle!

 Chapter 385: Completely Sold Out in the Supermarkets!

    <h4>Chapter 385: Completely Sold Out in the Supermarkets! </h4>


    Chapter 385


    Afternoon.


    Zhang Ye and Wu Mo had an exchange over the phone.


    Over the phone, Wu Mo sounded like he was about to cry. "Brother Zhang, you are my true bro. Didn''t you say that thismercial would be fine? Why is all of society cursing at it!? Just visiting any website or opening Weibo, there are onlyments cursing ourpany''s product. Our Brain Gold ispletely infamous! The editorials actually had some effect, but now, our fame and reputation ispletely ruined!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Rest assured CEO Wu."


    "Can I really?" Wu Mo asked anxiously, "How do we carry on promoting now? There''s no way of promoting it in any other way. There''s also no more time left. We can''t reverse this terrible situation! You might not know. Even other health supplementpanies, who are also trying to advertise during the festive period, are allughing at us!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Look at the sales."


    "It''s already been cursed so badly. If the sales are good, I''ll cut my head off!" Wu Mo asserted.


    Zhang Ye was at a loss of whether tough or cry as he said, "CEO Wu, it''s Chinese New Year. You shouldn''t say such words. Actually, I wasn''t too sure thismercial would work previously, but now, seeing so many people curse at it, I''m already 99% certain that everything will be fine. We are not afraid of being cursed. The more curses, the better!"


    Wu Mo said, "Ah? Why so?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I have a suggestion now. That is to continue producing the product. Produce as much as you can. Replenish the stockpiles, or you will miss out on a huge opportunity."


    "Replenish some more? We already have a lot in stock." Wu Mo said.


    Zhang Ye said firmly, "Believe me. This is all temporary. I dare assure you that from today onwards, Brain Gold''s sales will absolutely have nopetition!"


    Outside.


    The sound of keys jingled. It must be his parents returning home.


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "I still have something on, so that will be all CEO Wu." Hanging up, he went out the bedroom and saw his parents enter the house. "You''re back so early?"


    Dad took off his shoes. "It''s the eve of Chinese New Year tomorrow, so we were able to get off work early today."


    Mom did not look pleasant. "Why didn''t youe home yesterday?"


    "Hai, I drank too much and ended up sleeping at a friend''s ce." Zhang Ye brushed it off with a vague statement.


    The television was still on. At this moment, Brain Gold''smercial aired once again. The sound attracted his parents'' attention as they turned to give it a look.


    Mom said in a speechless manner, "What sort of retardedmercial is that!?"


    Dad also said, "The quality of advertisements these days are getting lower and lower! Anything can be aired by television stations these days. Aren''t they afraid of ridicule?"


    Zhang Ye: "..."


    Finally, the scene cut to Zhang Ye holding up Brain Gold''s logo.


    Mom was momentarily stunned. "Son! Why did you appear in themercial!?"


    Zhang Ye said with a wry smile, "Didn''t I tell the both of youst time? I am endorsing a health supplementpany. It''s this Brain Gold."


    Mom was dumbfounded as she said, "You nned thismercial?"


    "Yes, it was nned by me." Zhang Ye said.


    Mom could not stand for this. She immediately beganshing out at her son. This time, Dad stood on Mom''s side. They began nagging, saying things like how he as a host. Ayman should not domercials or things like how producing such a crappymercial was scamming the health supplementpany. Mom was very greedy, but was also a honest person. For her son to take so much in endorsement fees from them to produce such amercial, it was not worth the price of over a million. Mom also felt bad about it. There was no need to mention Dad. Dad was a person who had worked hard for all his life. He was never covetous of small gains. He did not take a single cent from his office, so he could not ept this!


    Dad reprimanded him. "You are causing them harm!"


    Mom said with worry, "If theirpany goes bankrupt, they will definitely sue you."


    Zhang Ye could not exin it to them. "Aiyah, Dad, Mom. You are overthinking it. Don''t worry with how I do things. I have an idea. Right, tomorrow is the eve of Chinese New Year, I''ll go out and buy some things. I need to bring it to both granny''s ce. I''ll be heading out." He took the opportunity to escape.


    ......


    Supermarket.


    There was arge store downstairs.


    Zhang Ye wore shades and a face mask and pushed a cart in the shopping district. He began to pick things out to buy, such as fruits, cigarettes, and wine. He got a bit of everything. These things were all essential.


    Suddenly, he saw Brain Gold''s shelf!


    There were seven or eight youths standing there, looking through it.


    "This is the Brain Gold from themercial, right? The packaging isn''t too bad."


    "I also saw themercial. Many people on the inte were discussing this health product. It''s pretty hot right now. I''ll buy two boxes for my parents."


    "Is this thing really effective?"


    "It should be. I saw some reports on the inte saying that there''s something very important for the brain. It needs supplements for it. It has something to do with memory loss while aging."


    "Oh, then I should buy two boxes too."


    "Why is it so expensive?"


    "Good things are naturally expensive. It''s only once a year anyway. We''ll buy it."


    "Forget it. I''ll grit my teeth and buy it. You''re right. It''s just once a year. It wouldn''t cause too much pain for my wallet. It''s for the elders anyway."


    A few people walked past and more than ten boxes of Brain Gold were removed from the shelf.


    Not far away, a few people inquired with the supermarket staff.


    "Big Sis, is there Brain Gold?"


    "Yes, it''s over there."


    "Thanks!"


    "This Brain Gold is selling out pretty quickly. It''s almost sold out in a single afternoon. You should buy it early. I think we''ll be out of stock by night fall. It''s the Chinese New Year after all, so gifting these types of things to your elders are the best. It''s something worthy enough and has health effects."


    "Alright, then I need to rush to get a few boxes!"


    "If I get more, can I get a discount? My Mom heard from a neighbor that she saw some article on the inte. She specified to not give anything this year but Brain Gold."


    "Oh, it currently isn''t being discounted."


    "Alright then. I still need to buy them, even if there are no discounts. Hai, the elders have already spoken."


    As Zhang Ye pushed his cart past it, he noticed that the number of Brain Gold boxes left on the shelf numbered less than twenty. The other 90% of the space was empty, apparently bought out by others. He was not surprised. He smiled and carried on moving forward to buy his things. The health supplement industry was very intense. It was more obvious during festive seasons. What was typically most important about health supplements? Firstly, the effects. Since it had received the nation''s approval, it must have some effect. Furthermore, these sort of things were not regrly bought. Commoners could not afford to eat this every day, so they were not very familiar with the effects, so what did they rely on? And what did they make their choice based on? Zhang Ye''smercial gave an answer!


    From promotions!


    From nning!


    The health supplement''smercial was different from the typical daily supplementmercial at its very core!


    Everyone was cursing at it? Zhang Ye was not afraid of that at all. It was better with more of such criticisms. This was an embodiment of poprity. He was afraid that when themercial dropped, it would not result in even the tiny ripple. That would really be hurting! Zhang Ye was in the entertainment industry, so he knew this rationale. Wasn''t poprity that resulted from being cursed at still poprity? It was too! Just like his world''s Brain tinummercial, wasn''t thatmercial also cursed at, but in the end, what happened? Brain tinum''s sales surged! And Brain tinumpany did not change theirmercial after all these years! It was always that "I will not ept any gifts this year"! Just this line alone made everyone think that this brainlessmercial would go down the dark path of death!


    But why did they dare to carry doing so? It was all from their great market sales!


    Although people were cursing at it, everyone still bought the products after cursing!


    Deciding if something had truly worked was proven by market and sales, and not the voices of people. If they listened to the so-called voices of everyone, the Brain tinum from Zhang Ye''s world would probably not have hit such arge scale.


    This matter seemed somewhat contradictory, and was quite strange, but that was what happened. What people said didn''t reflect what they did. As people cursed at Brain Gold''smercial, it did not prevent them from buying a few boxes for their parents and elders.


    When it came tomercials, it was a profound art. Zhang Ye was not a professional in advertising, and for the core concepts, he was actually only able to ambiguously understand it. He only understood what contributed to the current situation. Firstly, brainwashing. Secondly, using the festive season card. Thirdly, using the parents and elders card. In a single day, themercial was already so hot. Its visibility was also increasing. What was the most important when giving gifts during the holidays? It was all about giving something substantial, something healthy. The most important thing was giving face. If you gave a health supplement no one knew about, it would seem weak. With Brain Gold suddenly appearing, it immediately took over all the chances for the health supplement market to promote their brand. Its sales naturally increased as a result! There were even children who did not know what to gift for the holidays. After seeing themercial, they were given an inclination and subtle hint that if a gift were to be given, it should be Brain Gold! They did not need to wrack their brains over it, allowing them to choose their gift immediately!


    Zhang Ye deliberately waited for a while. Twenty minutester, he walked past the shelf again, and the Brain Gold here was already emptied out! There was not a single box left. It was all sold out!


    Then, he saw a few supermarket staff rush over, moving boxes over. They then ces boxes of Brain Gold onto the shelf. Apparently, they had just received the goods. Wu Mo''spany definitely made a return!


    "It sold so fast?"


    "I''ll have a box too!"


    "It actually doesn''t look bad. I''ll buy some for my Dad!"


    Many people saw how well the sales were and also bought it!


    ......


    The other supermarkets, other exclusive retailers of Brain Gold, online shops, and in various provinces and regions, such a miraculous scene was constantly repeated!


    "It''s sold out?"


    "I just saw themercial and came. Why is it out of stock already?"


    "I even told my family I''ll buy them gifts."


    "Everyone, please wait a moment. Brain Gold is currently in short supply. We have contacted the supplier and the goods will be delivered soon. Please wait another ten minutes!"


    ......


    In Zhang Ye''s world, someone had once mentioned that for Brain tinum to have today''s scale, creating a legend of the present, it was all a result of that brainlessmercial!


    In the past, Zhang Ye felt it was a bit too exaggerated.


    But now, it did not seem exaggerated in any way!


    Chapter 385: Completely Sold Out in the Supermarkets!

 Chapter 387: Receiving an A-list Celebrity’s Endorsement Fee!

    <h4>Chapter 387: Receiving an A-list Celebrity''s Endorsement Fee! </h4>


    Chapter 387: Receiving an A-list Celebrity''s Endorsement Fee!


    It''s over!


    Things were going bad!


    Mom''s nerves tensed up.


    Dad also could not sit idly. He rushed out and said, "Why did you bring so much? Take it back. We don''tck this type of stuff at home."


    Wu Mo hurriedly said, "Uncle, this is just a token of my appreciation."


    "Come in first. Come in first." Mom realized that there was no way to dodge the problem at hand. Hence, she brought him in and closed the door. Such ugly matters was not something they wanted their neighbors to hear. Old people wanted to save their face.


    Zhang Ye asked in wonder. "CEO Wu, how do you know my address?"


    Wu Mo said, "When I called your phone, it was switched off, so I asked my aunt, getting her to find your address through the Peking University registry."


    Dad and Mom perked up their ears. See, take a look! He chased you to our house!


    Zhang Ye eximed. "You must be busy now, why would youe all the way here?"


    Wu Mo excitedly grabbed Zhang Ye''s hands. As he held it, he shook it forcefully, "No matter how busy I was, I had toe! I''m here to...ask for your forgiveness!"


    Ah?


    Forgiveness?


    Wasn''t he here to demand an answer for the wrongs that had been done against him?


    At this moment, Mom and Dad were dumbfounded!


    "Don''t say that. Don''t say that." Zhang Ye was spooked as he shook his hands hurriedly.


    Wu Mo refused to let his hand go and continued shaking, saying, "I was really dumb. Truly, from your fame in the advertising industry, and all the results in the past, I should never have doubted you. I even angrily called you on the phone the past few days. I even said some words out of anger today. Don''t bother with the likes of me, Teacher Zhang. I''m younger than you and just started this venture. I didn''t know anything, so please don''t bear a grudge for the things I wrongfully said to you."


    "It''s not that serious." Zhang Ye said, "CEO Wu. You are too courteous. It''s expected that you are worried about yourpany''s product. Furthermore, I wasn''t that confident in it either."


    Wu Mo eximed, "No one would have expected such a miracle!"


    Mom was stunned. "What are you talking about? What''s going on? Isn''t that crappymercial not okay?"


    Wu Mo immediately said, "Auntie, with Brother Zhang doing it personally, how can it be not okay?! Thatmercial is not some crappymercial! It''s a history creatingmercial! Do you know? From this afternoon, a few hours after the first airing of the advertisement, ourpany has constantly received phone calls from all over the country. They were about rushing us for goods. In the past, some of the supermarkets which could not sell the Brain Gold products had nned on returning it, but decided against it. Not only are they not returning it, they are bulk purchasing it. Our Brain Gold product has been selling like hotcakes since this afternoon!"


    Mom said with trepidation, "Such a thing really happened? That crappy advertisement was okay? What taste do people have these days? Ah, I''m not criticizing you, Little Wu."


    "It''s fine, Auntie." Wu Moughed and said, "This time, it was all thanks to my Brother Zhang! If not for him, ourpany would definitely have gone bankrupt! Now, it is back from the dead! And not only is it revived, if this carries on, the sales in the future might be impossible to imagine!"


    Zhang Ye said politely, "It''s due to yourpany''s products being excellent in quality."


    Wu Mo disagreed. "It''s not about quality and function. It''s useless even if the product is useful. It''s all about promotional campaigns! It''s too heaven-defying!" Upon saying this, Wu Mo took out from his bag and flipped it open. Heid out a contract on the table and found a contract they had signed before. He then tore it apart in front of Zhang Ye and his parents. "Brother Zhang, tear the copy of the contract you have."


    Mom said in fright, "What''s this about?"


    Zhang Ye did not understand either. "CEO Wu, what''s the meaning of this?"


    Wu Mo said, "The endorsement fee we agreed on from before was too low. It''s so low that I can''t face you if i give it. We need to sign a new contract. I''ll give you three million for a year''s worth of endorsement and advertising fees!"


    Three million?


    This was clearly no longer the endorsement feemanded by a C or D-list celebrity! This price was not at the S-list level yet, but was definitely at the price of an ordinary A-list celebrity!


    Zhang Ye upheld his principles. "No way. We''ve already agreed on it."


    Dad supported him. "Yes, we can''t change things that have already been settled. This is hones..."


    Mom silently kicked her husband''s leg and leered at him, prohibiting from saying another word.


    But Wu Mo said, "You need to sign this new contract, otherwise I won''t be able to answer to my aunt. The endorsement fee that I had agreed on earlier was not a lot to start with, and I understand that you agreed to do this for me only because of my aunt. Now that thepany is experiencing a turnaround, you are a main contributor of it all, and so I definitely have topensate you the deserved amount. Ignoring anything else, just the fact that you were willing to use your endorsement fee to invest into the marketing budget alone with the option of paying you back in installments, anyone could see that you had the interests of ourpany at heart. This is why I have to handle this properly, because other people who do business talk contracts and money, but I''m not the same. I talk rtionships." Handing him the contract. "The new contract has already been drawn up, so take a look. You have to sign it today no matter what. The endorsement fee of 3 million is written and will be paid out within a month!"


    Zhang Ye did not look at the contract. He handed it back and said, "I can''t sign it. Let''s do it as we agreed before. My dad is right, this is the most basic trust in an agreement."


    His father nodded.


    His mother winked at him and said, "Son, look. Little Wu''s exnation is quite...."


    "Mum." Zhang Ye smiled bitterly. Just a while ago, his mother was still under the impression that he had caused theirpany to lose money and had scolded him, but now, when she knew that theirpany was making a big profit, she was bing greedy.


    Wu Mo simply said, "If you don''t sign this, I won''t be leaving today." Then he sat down.


    Zhang Ye was almost speechless, "We''re about to have dinner. CEO Wu, why don''t you have some too, we can talk while we eat."


    "Heh, I really haven''t had anything to eat yet. This is auntie''s cooking, right? It looks really delicious. It looks like I am in for a treat today." Wu Mo did not stand on ceremony and just sat down to eat.


    Mom beamed, "Little Wu''s mouth is so sweet. Here, have more."


    Wu Mo said while he ate, "Brother Zhang, the contract I have is not for nothing too. I''ve added a condition behind regarding future endorsement and advertisement production, such as the change ofmercial in theter half of the year? And things like next year''s renewal of contract? Unless there''s some mitigating circumstances, we have to renew the contract with you. Of course, this is not included in the 3 million endorsement fee for this year. If there is a need to change themercial and your endorsement for next year, we will discuss your fees again when the timees. It might not be 3 million if you be an A-List celebrity by next year. If it''s still 3 million next year, even I wouldn''t dare to give that to you no matter how thick my skin is. We will definitely need to discuss the terms again when we renegotiate the endorsement contract."


    HIs mother answered like she understood, "That is good, that is good."


    His father hit the table and said, "What''s so good? Just eat. Let our son decide his business matters on his own."


    Zhang Ye was very practical too. If it were anyone else, he wouldn''t say too much, but since Wu Mo was Wu Zeqing''s nephew, Zhang Ye did not hide anything, "CEO Wu. President Wu has always treated me very well and I feel indebted to her. If there''s anyone I wanted to cheat, it would not be you. We can talk about this openly. Thismercial does not need to be updated or changed, even after one year or five years, you can continue using the samemercial. It will not go out of style, so don''t worry. Of course I can''t guarantee that you can use it forever, but in the next five years at least, there shouldn''t be any problems, so there''s also no need for me to give you a new advertising proposal."


    Wu Mo considered for a while, "Use it indefinitely?"


    "Yes, keep using it. As long as the sales do not drop significantly, keep using it until it is no longer profitable." Zhang Ye''s advertising experience was actuallycking, but his advantage was the experience and knowledge from his previous world. In this, no one could possibly understand better than he could.


    Wu Mo nodded, "OK, I will do as you say!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Then there''s no need to mention the contract anymore."


    "No. If this is the case, then that is all the more reason we need to re-sign this contract. For you to tell me all that honestly, it means that you trust me and don''t take me for an outsider!" Wu Moughed and said, "Besides, yourmercial can be used forever, so how can we just pay you for one year''s worth. You are gonna get me med by everyone. If there are any marketing strategies that we need to tweak, I will still need to seek your advice."


    Zhang Ye felt that it was not a big deal, so he said, "I will advise you without a fee."


    "That''s not right. If you say that, I wouldn''t dare to trouble you in the future." Wu turned serious and gave a smack on the contract, "You treat me as a friend and bore the brunt of the pressure and scolding for mypany. I cannot stand here and do nothing. You can do whatever you want to do, but if you don''t sign this contract, you are only making things difficult for me. Even if you don''t sign, I will still transfer 3 million as the endorsement fee payment. If it doesn''t go through with thepany, I will pay you with my own money!"


    Zhang Ye: "..."


    His mother prodded him, "Go on and get it signed. In the future, you can suggest more ideas to Little Wu, so that he can expand his business even more."


    Wu Mo said, "Auntie is right. This is what I wanted to hear. Everyone in ourpany is depending on Brother Zhang for more ideas for our marketing!"


    Since he was like this, Zhang Ye could not say anything else, "Alright then, but the fees don''t need to be paid out so soon. As themercial has just started airing, it is still not enough. It needs to gather momentum so it would be best if you could pump more money into that area first. continue to air it on regional channels, CCTV, and so on." Not wanting to earn the money for nothing, Zhang Ye continued giving suggestions, "Nothing is considered too much in this area."


    Wu Mo asked, "Even air themercial on CCTV? Isn''t that going to cost a lot?"


    "If you can''t bear to do that, you won''t reach your objective." Zhang Ye looked at him, "If you don''t want to make Brain Gold the best selling nationwide health product of the year, you can ignore what I just said."


    Wu Mo was trembling by now, "Ah? Best selling?"


    Wu Mo was still overjoyed from the fact that Brain Gold hade back from the dead, but.....


    Bing the best seller?


    Holy sh*t!


    What about that.... there''s even a chance for it to be a best seller?


    They''d only been selling health products for how long now, maybe a year or two? How were they going topete with those health supplementpanies that had been on the market for more than 10 years? How could theypete with those big corporations withrge sums of investment money? Wu Mo had never thought of surpassing those big brands, but, but, those were just his own thoughts, but now, Zhang Ye was telling him that he could make it a best seller?


    Mom said to her son, "Don''t blindly brag like this to him!"


    Dad also felt that his son was talking big now. Because even now, he did not understand how that "crappymercial" could increase sales!


    Zhang Ye smiled bitterly, "Anyway, if you trust me on this, just do it ording to my marketing campaign."


    "Of course I will believe you!" Wu Mo clenched his teeth, "OK, I will go back and have a meeting with the shareholders. I will discuss with them about this ande up with a new n!"


    Zhang Ye''s father tried to caution him, "Be careful, be careful about it!"


    Wu Moughed, "Uncle, if Brother Zhang says so, then there''s no way it can go wrong."


    Zhang Ye knew that even now, Wu Mo still had doubts. He did not believe that Brain Gold would really be a bestseller in the country, but Zhang Ye knew. At least the Brain tinum in his world sessfully been the best seller for 7-8 consecutive years. Whether this history would repeat itself in this world, Zhang Ye did not know, but based on his past experiences, the chances of it happening was very high!


    Zhang Ye signed the contract.


    Wu Mo also signed it.


    The new contract was sealed!


    His mother was beaming with joy, staring at the figure amounting to three million Yuan, smiling non-stop. She took some food and put it onto Wu Mo''s bowl for him to eat.


    After two random bites, Wu Mo suddenly said, "It''s so delicious, thank you Auntie. I''m full now. The contract has been settled, so I won''t intrude on you all any longer. I still need to rush back to the office."


    Zhang Ye''s mother said, "Stay a little longer."


    "I really can''t, Auntie." Wu Mo wiped his mouth and stood up, "There''s still a lot of work to be done back at thepany. Now that the sales have soared so much, I still have to head over to the production factory to supervise. There''s also the sales statisticsption that I need to do. The follow up promotions also needs to be nned out. The festive season is an important time for health products, so I really need to grasp this opportunity in the next few days. There''s simply no time at all. If there''s a chance in the future, I wille again to pay you and uncle a visit."


    She said, "Alright then,e often whenever you have time."


    Wu Mo said with a smile, "Sure, I''m sorry about today. I turned up without first informing your family. I had thought that Brother Zhang was angry with me because his cellphone was off. I felt guilty about it, so I hurried over to see if I could make it up to him. Lucky for me, Brother Zhang has arge heart and did not take it badly."


    Zhang Ye was tickled, "You were thinking too much."


    His mother also smiled and said, "I was the one who asked him to switch off his cellphone. He was busier than the president today, receiving calls all day. I couldn''t take it anymore, so I made him switch it off. There were so many people cursing at him online, so I thought that it would be better for him not to be bothered by others. This son of mine is not so petty. There''s nothing to fault with when ites to his friends. And this is rted to work, so how can he have any misgivings with you?"


    When he heard her say that, Wu Mo quickly assured, "Uncle, Auntie, Brother Zhang, don''t worry. When the sales figures are out, I will redress Brother Zhang''s reputation. Those that scolded Brother Zhang online are just doing it for the fun. They do not understand the reality and the exact situation. This sort of godlymercial should be listed in the annals and be used as teaching material. It''s just that they do not understand it!"


    Zhang Ye happily said, "Go back and busy yourself, CEO Wu. There''s still a lot to be done. I don''t think you will be able to enjoy this Chinese New Year."


    Wu Moughed heartily, "Even if I can''t spend this Chinese New Year properly, as long as the sales can be maintained, I wouldn''t mind even if I have to work for the whole year without rest!"


    Wu Mo used to be one of those who had criticized themercial before, as he did not understand the value that a crappymercial like that had. Until today, until this moment, did he finally see and clearly understand the value of this advertisement proposal that Zhang Ye had given to him!

 Chapter 388: An Advertising Proposal that Created History!

    <h4>Chapter 388: An Advertising Proposal that Created History! </h4>


    Chapter 388: An Advertising Proposal that Created History!


    At home.


    After sending away his guest, Zhang Ye closed the door and returned to his seat


    Mom said with a beaming smile, "Son,e and drink something."


    Zhang Ye said, "Mom, didn''t I say, you don''t have to worry about matters that deal with my work."


    "I wasn''t worried." Mom gave some tea to her son and then pointed to her husband. "It''s all because of your father''s worrying. I say, what does an old man like you know? Just worrying over nothing!"


    Dad nearly coughed out a mouthful of blood. "When did it be my fault?"


    "Are you saying that it was me?" Mom was denying any rtion with him. "I have always believed in my son. How bad can themercials he produce be? Take a look. He is apany''s chief executive. Such stature, yet he personally came to give us his new year''s greetings. He even brought so much stuff, and even asked for our son''s forgiveness! He even took the initiative to ask for a change in contract, adding more to the endorsement fee. Actually, when I saw themercial this afternoon, I already found it extraordinary!"


    Dad ignored her and carried on reading his newspapers. "Alright, say whatever you want to say."


    Zhang Ye was also amused. "Mom, don''t keep angering Dad."


    "Alright, I''m ignoring him." Mom pulled Zhang Ye over to the sofa. "How do you n on spending that three million yuan? Do you think it''s time for me to learn how to drive now?"


    Dad interjected, "It''s already tiring for you to go downstairs. What driving are you even talking about?"


    Mom stared at him. "So what if I drive? It''s none of your business!"


    "Little Ye, don''t listen to your mother. You can buy a car for anyone but her." Dad said, "You might not know, but when you were young, I had a quarrel with your Mom. In the end, your Mom really rode a trishaw all the way to the Beihe province! She disappeared for a day, nearly making me call the police. And it was one of those old-school, crappy trishaws. She dared to even cross provinces, if you give her a vehicle with four wheels, she will probably cross the ocean!"


    Mom was slightly annoyed, "Why are you bringing up something from so many years ago!"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "Mom, so you actually have a criminal record?"


    "What do you know?" Mom tsked. "Back then, your Dad made me so angry, that I grabbed you and got on a trishaw. I didn''t care about anything and just kept cycling in one direction. Finally when I was mollified, and looked up, I nearly had a fright. Arge signboard wrote �� Beihe Province Wees You! I didn''t expect to ride so far, so I hurriedly cycled back with you. When I reached home, my legs nearly broke!"


    Dad added on. "You also caused the child to catch a cold."


    "Isn''t that your fault?" Mom rolled her eyes at him.


    The old coupled bickered again.


    Zhang Ye was amused and continued listening.


    Over here, the family was "enjoying abundance of happiness", but on the inte, the storm regarding "Zhang Ye''s Brainless Commercial" was not over. It was still in the heat of the moment.


    ......


    On Weibo.


    "Again?"


    "The TV is airing that Brainless Gold again!"


    "God damn it! Teacher Zhang, please spare me! How many times has thismercial been aired today?"


    "In the past, I always wished to watch Teacher Zhang''s video lectures when he was a part of Peking University. Just seeing him made me happy. I was full of anticipation. Now, seeing Teacher Zhang in thismercial, I can''t look at it anymore!"


    "Themercial is too idiotic!"


    "That''s right, I''ve never seen one so idiotic before!"


    "Brain Gold''spany sure is bold. They even dared to use such amercial given by Teacher Zhang?"


    There weremoners scolding, and there were members of the advertising industry who stood forward, questioning the "low-quality" and "low-morals" of themercial. There were even advertising industry insiders who said such amercial could not even be called amercial. It was too trashy and did notply with advertising standards and requirements.


    Thest line was written by the industry insider as follows: "Even an idiot would not buy a product promoted by such a trashymercial!"


    "That''s right."


    "Only idiots would buy this!"


    Many people echoed.


    Then, a piece of news came out!


    Following that, everyone was stunned!


    This was published by an online news agency. They had done preliminary market statistics and had interviewed members from Brain Goldpany''s headquarters in Beijing. "The moment we entered Brain Goldpany''s office, our reporters were stunned by the scene before their very eyes. There were more than a dozen phones on the tables constantly ringing. The employees were all busy picking up calls for additional orders. They were all too busy. Even thepany''s leaders had to help pick up phone calls to deal with the logistics. We interviewed thepany''s chief executive, Wu Mo. CEO Wu brought our reporters to hispany, and took out a report of today''s sales and pre ordering records. Just today, in less than a day''s of sales, Brain Gold has already reached the Brain Gold sales volume for an entire quarter fromst year! The exact figures have not been produced by Brain Goldpany, but ording to Wu Mo and relevant personnel, Brain Gold''s sales volume has increased by at least a hundred times! When the actual statistics are produced, this number might be evenrger than expected!"


    "Heavens!"


    "A hundred times!?"


    "This news must be fooling us, right!?"


    Everyone shouted out, expressing their disbelief. They just couldn''t believe it!


    The news article also wrote: "Later on, when the reporters asked CEO Wu what the reason for the sudden rise of Brain Gold. As a rtively new product, being able to get such an overwhelming advantage during the Chinese New Year, a period when the health supplements market is at its most intense, the only reason given by CEO Wu was a few words. He said ''due to advertising promotions''. As the reporters pursued the matter, CEO Wu did not reveal the exact advertising strategy, but did thank Teacher Zhang Ye. Themercial nning was supervised and implemented by Zhang Ye alone from beginning to end. CEO Wu told our reporters that other than the excellent quality of the product, choosing Teacher Zhang Ye as the spokesperson for their product, as well as delegating the responsibility of developing the advertising strategy, was the best choice theirpany had ever made!"


    Upon seeing this news, everyone could not ept it!


    "It can''t be!"


    "Is everyone mad?"


    "People actually believe thismercial?"


    The industry insider who had just bombarded Brain Gold''smercial also jumped out, publicly questioning the veracity of Brain Gold''s sales volume. He believed it was faked!


    Following that, another piece of news came out!


    Beijing Times'' official Weibo: "Today, our reporters visited various supermarkets in Beijing to survey the sales situation regarding health products during the festive holidays. The results of our survey exceeded our reporters'' expectations. The shelves of major brands were deste and cold. Rows of products were neatly ced on their shelves, as if untouched. However, on Brain Gold''s counter and shelf, when reporters visited, there were five supermarkets whose shelves of Brain Gold had beenpletely emptied. There were four other supermarkets who had only eight boxes of Brain Gold left on their shelves. When the reporters queried the salesperson, the person''s answer was that this was the second batch of goods to sell out that day. They had received a new batch of goods from Brain Goldpany at thest minute, but also nearly sold out by night time. Many people, who came to the supermarket, would rush straight for Brain Gold''s shelves. They were all meant for gifting their rtives and seniors. Tomorrow was the eve of Chinese New Year, and the salesperson told our reporter that the demand for Brain Gold tomorrow might be even higher. ording to the sales situation, the momentum of this growth might continue past the Chinese New Year!"


    Another news media: "Brain Gold! A marketing miracle is born!"


    The fourth media agency: "From today onwards, Brain Gold will have a spot in the intensepetition amongst health products. Our reporters interviewed a fewpanies that also sell health products, and their market analysts told our reporters that they found the oue incredulous. They even added that Brain Gold''s miraculous sales had to have a master advertising nner behind the scenes. However, he expressed that he was not familiar with the advertisingpany Brain Goldpany hired. He believed that only a top advertisingpany would have such an ability, and being able to grasp the situation regarding the health product market so urately. When our reporter mentioned that the advertising strategy was suggested by Zhang Ye, he turned silent momentarily before saying ''no wonder, so it was him''. Finally, he even expressed that when Zhang Ye''s contract with Brain Gold expires next year, they had the intention to negotiate with Zhang Ye to work with him as well."


    Zhang Ye''s contract did not limit him to other endorsements. He could actually endorse products like shampoo and beverages. He was only restricted from endorsing health products. This was something that was definitely in the contract.


    One agency''s news was fake?


    But it couldn''t be false when so many official media agencies were reporting it!


    ''God, please tell me this isn''t true!"


    "Hahahaha! Teacher Zhang is too hrious! He has once again seeded in wiping everyone out!"


    "The two words Zhang Ye means miracles! Why do I love Teacher Zhang Ye so much?! Just seeing him speak and him doing things make me overjoyed!"


    "Thismercial is really godly!"


    "So the brainlessmercial that everyone is scolding is so awesome?"


    "Some people are having their faces smacked! Face-smacking Zhang is in action again!"


    "I''m dying ofughter! Teacher Zhang Ye is too good at stirring up trouble!"


    "It can''t be refuted that Zhang Ye is too formidable! Just a simple idea for amercial saved apany!"


    "The dust has finally settled! Finally we can seek redress for Teacher Zhang Ye''s name? Brainlessmercial? How can amercial that can increase apany''s sales by a hundred times be called a brainlessmercial!? Then whatmercial isn''t brainless? What a joke for some so-called industry insiders saying bold words that this is some trashymercial! Amercial isn''t filming a movie. So what if it looks pretty? So what if the melody is nice? The goal of amercial''s airing is to make people buy their products! Teacher Zhang Ye has given everyone in the advertising world a lesson! Today! He has once again created advertising sales history!


    The so-called advertising world industry insider also became silent. He did not have the courage to appear again. It was unknown if he went offline or was silently watching behind hisputer screen.


    Following that, it was unknown who leaked the news, revealing the endorsement fee Brain Goldpany paid to Zhang Ye. It nearly blinded many!


    Zhang Ye''s endorsement fee for Brain Gold products was three million a year!


    As a D-list celebrity that was about to reach C-list, the endorsement fees he received was heaven defying. This was the f**king endorsement fees given to A-list celebrities! !


    "Wow!"


    "I''m shocked!"


    "Why is it so high?"


    "This is fake too, right? A D-list celebrity getting paid as much in endorsement fees as an A-list superstar?"


    "It''s ridiculous, right? Is this news reliable?"


    "It''s reliable. I heard it from a fan. Three million, and it''s just for a year!"


    "Wow!"


    Many people were gasped in shock!


    Even Zhang Ye''s friends Liked it on Weibo.


    Yao Jiancai: "Haha, congrattions to my old bro Zhang for rising to A-list!"


    Su Na: "D-list getting the endorsement price of an A-lister. Teacher Zhang Ye is number one in the industry! Citizen of Peking University sending her congrattions!"


    Those who did not understand the situation also watched the bustle. Those who actually understood knew very clearly that the endorsement fee was not just purely an endorsement fee. It should have included the advertising strategy fees. Brain Goldpany had deliberately wrote it into his endorsement fee so as to boost his poprity. Actually, with Zhang Ye''s poprity, giving him 800,000 a year for being a product''s spokesperson wasn''t considered low either. The remaining so-called endorsement fee was probably the cost of Zhang Ye''smercial! Hence, it was not true that Zhang Ye''s endorsement fee was on par with an A-list celebrity''s. It was due to Zhang Ye''s brain and abilities that allowed him to exceed the levels!


    Was three million expensive?


    It seemed expensive, but with careful thought, it wasn''t at all!


    That was sales that was a hundred times higher than before! If they knew Zhang Ye''smercial would be so formidable, thoserger health product advertisingpanies would probably be willing to pay five million!


    The inte stirred. There were people still scolding, while others began to watch the advertisement with an objective eye. There were many who praised Zhang Ye to the skies too!


    Things like "those who gain Zhang Ye, can rule the world!"


    Things like "Once Zhang Ye makes his move, everything belongs to me!"


    Even if many people did not like Brain Gold''smercial and still felt it was trash, but when Zhang Ye was mentioned, they could only respond with "awesome". Regardless of anything, his results and the oue was right before their very eyes. Sales was the thing that spoke actual volumes. Everything else was meaningless!


    ......


    That night.


    Many advertisingpanies worked overtime. It was very rare for advertising business, or even simr circles, to work overnight on the eve of Chinese New Year. This was because they were not that busy during the festive holidays. Whatever nning that had to be done would have been cleared. The only reason for working overtime tonight was because of thatmercial!


    At a particrpany.


    In a particr office.


    A department chief was ying Brain Gold''smercial on a screen. There were about eight advertising creatives and staff watching it helplessly. This was already the tenth time they had watched it in a row!


    "Let''s talk. What''s so good about thismercial?"


    "Leader, this..."


    "Speak, don''t daze."


    "We really can''t tell. It just really doesn''t seem good at all."


    "Not good? If it''s not good, how can it create such legendary sales of a hundred times more!? Everyone will work overtime today. We have to fully digest thismercial. The higher-ups have already expressed that we have to research it, research it, and research it some more! We have to understand the core of themercial! Everyone has to learn! After grasping it, ourpany will attempt to create a simrmercial after the New Year!"


    "I can see the brainwashing effects. The tune is also catchy. It also subtly hints at giving gifts to your parents, but...themercials of other health products are also simr. Why is it that only Brain Gold''smercial caught on? Could the secret be in the tune? Or is it because of the animated Grandpa and Grandma?"


    Why did it catch on!?


    This sort of crappymercial shouldn''t have done anything!


    Everyone researched it all day without figuring out why!


    ......


    At the same time.


    Other advertisingpanies were having simr scenes y out!


    "Everyone, analyze it!"


    "Where is the crux of themercial? It''s so strange!"


    "This doesn''t fulfil logic. At the advertising school I studied in, there was no mention of such things. Thismercial is dealing cards in an unexpected way. There was no precedent in the past!"


    "Who has ssmates or friends who work in thepany that did the advertisement for Brain Gold? Give them a call and ask them. Get something out of them!"


    "I have a friend there. He was one of the ones doing Brain Gold''s advertisement. He was in charge of producing the animated characters, but when I asked him, he too said he did not know the core or strategy regarding this advertising promotion. He was even more unsure of where the miracle in the televisionmercial was. He said that it wasn''t only him. Everyone in hispany was just copying vishly. However whatever Zhang Ye said to set up, they would execute and do it. The design of the characters, the tune were all nned by Zhang Ye. The rest was unknown. Zhang Ye also did not tell them!"


    Everyone had a sh of opinions.


    The chief was eventually infuriated as he mmed the table. "Such arge bunch of professional advertising school industry elites, and yet you are inferior to ayman who hosts for a living? People willugh their heads of if this gets out! Carry on watching! Carry on analyzing! Thismercial must have some key concept and idea! I don''t believe Zhang Ye is really all-capable! He knows how to advertise, but we, as professional advertisers, don''t? If any advertisingpany manages to hire Zhang Ye, what do we have left topete against them with? Ah?"


    That''s right, how are we topete?


    Zhang Ye''s ability was too perverse!


    Just an idioticmercial had been made into a miracle by Zhang Ye. Many people in the advertising industry were probably as dumbfounded as they were!


    A female advertising producer meekly said, "Chief Chen, we can try to poach Teacher Zhang Ye. We can bring him on as a consultant."


    Chief Chen was stunned and then pped his thigh. "That''s right! Why didn''t I think of that?!"


    Unfortunately, they were not the only one who thought of this idea. Many advertisingpanies were analyzing the stunning case study of Brain Gold, but were left fruitless. Such amercial was impossible to imitate, hence, some people thought of getting Zhang Ye. They began to act using their own connections.


    In the end, just as Zhang Ye crawled into bed, preparing to sleepte at night, his cellphone began to ring.


    Chief Sun was very polite, "Hello, Teacher Zhang Ye, I hope I didn''t disturb your sleep? Hur Hur, let me first give my new year well-wishes to your parents. I''m Old Sun from Dahe Advertising Company. We wish to invite you to be ourpany''s consultant. Don''t worry, we will not tie you down in the office. We will just ask you for ideas when needed, letting you analyze our advertising proposals. Also, there will be some lectures. The sry is negotiable."


    Zhang Ye did not think too highly of himself. "Chief Sun, I''m am but a host."


    Chief Sun smiled wryly. "You may be a host, but you have continuously created many legends in the advertising world! Others may treat you as ayman, but we won''t. You are more professional than any professional in the advertising world! Do you want to consider joining ourpany? A annual sry of 1.5 million!"


    Zhang Ye politely rejected, "Thank you for thinking so highly for me. If there is any opportunity for me to be a spokesperson in the future, I will contact you then. As for other things, let''s put it aside. Sorry about that."


    There were a total of four calls, all from advertisingpanies.


    Zhang Ye rejected each one of them, and did it in a friendly manner without thinking highly of himself. Their invitation was a form of recognition and trust in his ability, so Zhang Ye had to give them face.

 Chapter 389: A situation at the Spring Festival Gala!

    <h4>Chapter 389: A situation at the Spring Festival G! </h4>


    Chapter 389: A situation at the Spring Festival G!


    Peng!


    Smash!


    This was the sound of the New Year. When he awoke the next morning, on New Year''s Eve, there were already people setting off firecrackers. The p-p sounds had awoken numerous people. Zhang Ye had also been woken up by these sounds. Hai, what inconsiderate neighbors. The neighbors downstairs had set off a string of firecrackers that faced his bedroom, and there was even the sound of double bang firecrackers in the distance that could be heard! That sure was loud! Eh, but it was Chinese New Year after all. It was a time of family reunion and joy, so it wasn''t good to tell off anyone.


    Taking a look.


    It was only 5AM and the sky was still dark.


    Mom, who had also been awakened by the sounds, said, "Which family set that off?"


    "It''s better to be up early. A new year, a new outlook." Dad was also up.


    Zhang Ye heard his parents talking in the living room. He could only smile bitterly, saying, "The issue is that it''s not even New Year today! There''s no need to have such a differing outlook yet, as it''s still only New Year''s eve. I''m going to sleep in a while longer. I received so many callsst night and ended up sleepingte. I''m so tired."


    His mother said, "Sleep then. Later today, we''ll be going to your paternal grandma''s ce to have lunch. Then in the afternoon, we will go to your maternal grandma''s house. Whether we will stay overnight will depend when we get there. Anyway, don''t n on returning home before midnight. We have to wait at your maternal grandma''s ce at least until the clock strikes midnight, so sleep as much as you can so that you will be able to stay awake tonight."


    There were a lot of tasks nned for today.


    "OK." Zhang Yey down once more.


    His father had gone downstairs to buy breakfast while his mother switched on the TV.


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye, who was wrapped inside his nket to hide from the sounds of the firecrackers, heard his mother shout for him in shock, "Son! Son,e and take a look!"


    Zhang Ye came out from under the nket, "Mom, I''m still sleeping!"


    Her roaring voice came once again from outside his room, "Come over, quick!"


    "What''s there to see?" Zhang Ye could only put his winter clothes on and get out of the bed. He went out to the living room to see what was on TV and then froze.


    He did not see the first part of the news and only watched from the middle, "...first round, there was no sign of this, but during the second round of rehearsals for the Spring Festival G, our reporter has already received confirmation the relevant authorities. The second round of rehearsals has added a segment involving popr Korean pop singer, Lee Anson, who will perform ''LOVE-ONE''. Lee Anson has had great sess in China this year with his concerts and his poprity has soared. His poprity is second to none as he has won numerous fans in the country. The production team expressed that Lee Anson''s appearance for this year''s g was only arrangedst minute. Then, with the addition of a new performance, they had to take into consideration the overall time allocated. Naturally, there would be a reduction or cutting of other performers'' time and thetest news our reporter received is that the list of performers for tonight will have two artists cut from it. One of them is veteran singer, female soprano, Zhang Xia, who would have performed ''Ethnic Ties'', and the other one being Heavenly Queen, Zhang Yuanqi, who was ted to perform ''Wishing We Last Forever''. This news has also been confirmed by the production team!"


    What?


    Old Zhang''s program has been removed?


    Old Zhang won''t be able to make it onto the Spring Festival G this year?


    Zhang Ye found it unbelievable. The name list for the performances had already been set, how could they just remove someone just like that? And it was even a celebrity at the level of a Heavenly Queen, Zhang Yuanqi?


    His mother cursed angrily, "Is this a joke!?"


    His father, who had just returned from buying breakfast, happened to push open the door at this moment. "What are you shouting for?"


    "Our son''s song has been removed from the Spring Festival G!" His mother was furious, "I''ve already told all our rtives and friends about it and also informed the neighbors a few days ago. I reminded them that our son''s song would be on the Spring Festival G and told them to watch it. How can they remove it just like that!"


    His father said in an understanding manner, "The Spring Festival G has very strongpetition, so they must have had no choice."


    His mother said, "Even if there''s strongpetition, they shouldn''t sacrifice my son''s work. What''s so good about that Korean singer? I''ve never even heard of him before! How can hepare to Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi! Zhang Xia is such an experienced artiste, that we grew up listening to her. Zhang Yuanqi might not be young anymore, but she''s not old either. She''s already such a familiar face at the g, why aren''t they letting them perform?"


    Zhang Ye was earnestly watching TV when he said, "Mom, keep listening."


    His father also sat down to watch.


    The television report continued, "Ever since the Spring Festival G first began, Teacher Zhang Xia has taken part in 13 gs, while Zhang Yuanqi has taken part in 6 of them. It can be said that they are old friends of the g. For this year, Executive Director Peng Yiyu invited the Korean celebrity, Lee Anson, to perform, removing both g veterans, Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi from the list. From this, we can deduce that Director Peng Yiyu has ns to change the outlook of tonight''s g."


    Change? My ass!


    Our country''s Spring Festival G, it''s our country''s Spring Festival G! Why would they invite a Korean to take part! And because of his participation, our own countrymen''s programs were withdrawn?


    Does that make sense?


    Your brains must be clogged with water!


    All of a sudden, Zhang Ye did not feel sleepy anymore. He was furious now!


    ......


    On the inte, the discussions were getting heated. Some people had heard the rumorsst night and were already discussing it online. As there was no way to verify the rumor''s authenticity, they were not sure about it, but now that the news had confirmed the rumors of Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi not taking part in this year''s g, the discussions exploded over in Weibo, Tieba, forums, and even the video website''sment sections!


    "Great, Lee Anson will be here!"


    "Lee Anson, my male God!"


    "I wasn''t nning on watching the Spring Festival G tonight, but now I will definitely watch it! Lee Anson, I love you!"


    "Lee Anson, all of us are rooting for you! Ah! It too exciting! What a surprise!"


    Some were praising.


    Some were also scolding!


    "Peng Yiyu, you idiot!"


    "Peng Yiyu shouldn''t have been given the helm for this year''s Spring Festival G! He''s such a troublemaker!"


    "Sister Zhang''s program is canceled? The production team should go eat shit?"


    "Grandma Zhang Xia is already past 60 years old! Yet she''s still fighting on the front lines of the performing arts! How can the production team do something like this? Do they even have a heart? If you didn''t want Grandma Zhang Xia to appear on the Spring Festival G, you could have said so earlier! Why did they change the list after it was already released to the public? That''s so disgusting! How do you people do things! My parents have always been fans of Grandma Zhang Xia! They grew up listening to her songs!"


    "Grandma Zhang and Sister Zhang are both veterans of the Spring Festival G. Now that you have different ns, you just remove them from the lineup? That''s too disappointing!"


    There was a lot of criticism, and a lot of people had given up on watching the G!


    At this moment, the g''s production team''s Vice-Director posted on Weibo to rify, "After the second round of rehearsals, there had been some changes to the program list. It was after much consideration that we decided to try something new for this year''s Spring Festival G to create a livelier g full of energy. We also respect and admire Madam Zhang Xia and I personally like her songs very much too, but because of her age, we do not wish to subject her to round after round of rehearsals, as that is very draining on her body. Regarding Teacher Zhang Yuanqi, I especially like her movies and songs too, but after the second round of rehearsals, the production team brought up that "Wishing We Last Forever" sounded more like a Mid-Autumn Festival song, we felt that it might not be so suitable for the Spring Festival G. We are very sorry to make this very difficult decision, but if Teacher Zhang Yuanqi has a more suitable song for tonight''s event, we would still be open to reconsideration."


    There were countless of people below leavingments ridiculing them!


    "Bullshit!"


    "Afraid that Grandma Zhang would suffer? Why didn''t you say that at the very beginning? You only came up with some rubbish excuse after they went through two rehearsals?"


    "You want to host a dynamic and strong Spring Festival G?"


    "So what you mean is that Teacher Zhang Xia and Sister Zhang are old!?"


    "Teacher Zhang Xia and Teacher Zhang are not strong and lively? What the heck!"


    "Yea, Grandma Zhang might be over 60 years old, but her vocals are stronger and better than a young singer! She''s not old at all!"


    Suddenly, Zhang Xia''s official Weibo posted a reply below saying, "My health and body are still good and my spirits are high. I can stand the rehearsals because this is what I love to do. No matter how many rehearsals we have to go through, as long as everyone still wants me, I will do this until I''m 70, 80, or even 90, but of course if the Spring Festival G feels that I am getting old and should make way for the young ones, I will do so, as it is my duty as a senior. Thank you to all the friends who support Little Zhang and I."


    When this Weibo was posted, everyone did not know what to think anymore!


    "Grandma Zhang! You are always, always the best!"


    ''You and Sister Zhang are the best singers in the country!"


    "Why does my heart feel so much pain!"


    "This production team is full of beasts!"


    Everyone had different feelings and their own views and judgment on this matter. What the Deputy Director said was politically correct, but everyone knew that it was just an excuse. The song was inappropriate? Afraid that Grandma Zhang would not be able to take the toll of rehearsals? These were all excuses! The Spring Festival G''s real intention was to change everything to a brand new outlook for this year! Zhang Xia was too old, while even though Zhang Yuanqi''s age wasn''t that advanced, she had started out as a child star. She had appeared on the Spring Festival G many times, one of the most among the Heavenly Queens and Kings, so she was also considered an ''old'' person on the g. This g was being led by Director Peng, and since he wanted to revolutionize the outlook of it by making changes, the easiest way to do it was to get rid of the ''old''.


    Why did they choose Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi?


    Because the two of them did not have many new works and their fame was going downhill!


    Grandma Zhang Xia only had old songs to perform at every Spring Festival G, while Zhang Yuanqi, even though no other actress couldpare with her in the field of acting and she could be called the top actress of the movie industry, when it came to the field of music, she had had a hard time in recent years. There were even rumors that she wanted to give up her music career to focus on movies, but as everyone knew, not only did she not give up on music, she even did extremely well with a song that was written andposed by the controversial host, Zhang Ye. The song was released as a single called "Wishing We Last Forever" and became very popr. It had revived the Heavenly Queen''s music career single handedly, but it seemed like that wasn''t enough for Director Peng. To him, maybe in terms of music, Zhang Yuanqi was already a thing of the past. She was past her shelf life and it was now the world for fresh new faces. He felt that it was time for Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi to retire.


    But the production team did not think about how their changes to make the Spring Festival G a livelier event would have such a great effect on Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi. Their inconsistent treatment towards them caused people to feel disgust!


    Heavenly Queen Zhang had made a goodeback with "Wishing We Last Forever" and was slowlying back to the origins of her musical roots from all those years, but now, they want to remove her just because they found her to be ''old''? How would that look to her fans? Those who did not know better would think that Zhang Yuanqi was really a thing of the past. It was even more difficult for Zhang Xia. An olddy would be no match for the younger ones. They could still do movies, but could she? The young ones could domercials, could she? The young ones could release albums, could she? She couldn''t do any of that anymore. The only ce which she could shine was on stage at the Spring Festival G! Without this stage, the olddy''s performing chances would literally be zero. She might not want fame or money, but she would be missing out on the stage that she had loved all her life. The only thing she looked like she could do now was to retire back to her hometown, but did the production team consider that?


    Maybe they did consider it, but they still did it anyway.


    This was also the reason why Zhang Ye and many others were so angry!


    "Let''s not watch this year''s Spring Festival G!"


    "Zhang Yuanqi will not be appearing! There''s no reason to watch it!"


    "My parents just told me they won''t be watching it either!"


    A lot of dissonant voices started speaking up.


    "If you don''t want to watch, then don''t watch!"


    "Heehee, who cares whether you all watch or not!"


    "As long as there''s Lee Anson! Lee Anson is so good looking!"


    "Inviting Lee Anson while getting rid of an olddy and an auntie, Director Peng a smart choice!"


    Some people picked on issues and others fought back!


    A lot of them started scolding back at them, some of which included fans of Zhang Ye. He was also known in his circle of fans as �� Professional Korean Insulter! Whether it was on the inte, in his own words, or on television programs, Zhang Ye had shown his firm stance on this. For example, in "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show", he had even spent a full 30 minutes of an episode scolding Koreans. In other episodes, he would also asionally scold them. If you were to identify someone who was the most consistent in scolding Koreans, Zhang Ye would definitely be No. 1! Being Zhang Ye''s fan, firstly, they liked Zhang Ye because of his values and national pride. Secondly, fans would also be imperceptibly influenced by the celebrities that they followed!


    So if there was a need to say who had the angrier set of fans, Zhang Ye''s fandom would definitely im top spot, as there were many people simr to Zhang Ye within his fans!


    "Brainless fans of the Koreans, get lost!"


    "Who dares to say that they are an olddy and auntie?"


    "I won''t stand for this! How can anyone be as brainless as this?"


    "Is this our country''s Spring G Festival or Korea''s Spring G Festival? How can you say such things about your own countrymen? Is Lee Anson your dad or your mom?"


    The war of words was never-ending!


    The online discussions had be a free-for-all!


    Many of the bigger stars in the country also stepped out to have their say. Of course they were standing on the side of Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi. Zhang Xia was an elder of the singing world and had a goodwork of friends. Zhang Yuanqi was also well known for her good rtions with others and also was a big shot in the entertainment industry who has helped many of her juniors!


    Some stars even openly questioned the directing team.


    Others were more tactful and did not burn any bridges. All they did was show their support, but did not implicate themselves in the argument.


    Zhang Ye did not say anything. He did not make anyments, nor did he post on Weibo. When he finished reading the news online with his parents, he switched his phone off.


    Comment?


    Scold?


    It no longer had any effect!


    Zhang Ye had his own ns, since this was an oue that he could not ept!

 Chapter 390: New Song? I’ll Write it For You!

    <h4>Chapter 390: New Song? I''ll Write it For You! </h4>


    Chapter 390: New Song? I''ll Write it For You!


    Home.


    The three of them were eating breakfast together.


    Breakfast wasn''t particrly delicious. As it was Beijing, all the store owners who usually sold breakfast had gone back to their hometowns for the holidays. There was only a small store run by locals across the street that had still been open. There was really nothing much topliment on the taste, but they would have to make do with it.


    Mom grumbled, "Too much, just too much!"


    Dad also understood the situation. "Every new chief brings in his aides. Now that the Spring Festival G has changed Executive Directors, the nning will definitely be different, nor would be it be the same, or else would it be able to highlight himself?"


    Mom asked, "Little Ye, Zhang Yuanqi''s past songs aren''t suitable for the Spring Festival G?"


    Zhang Ye was eating fried dough sticks. "She has song. She''s been on so many Spring Festival G over the years, so she must have sung a suitable song before."


    Mom spoke like ayman, "Then she should just sing that!"


    Zhang Ye shook his head silently. Do you think "Unforgettable Night" can be sung for her entire life? Typical songs cannot be repeated all the time!"


    Dad sighed and said, "Zhang Xia also only has oldies, nothing new, so there''s nothing appropriate for her. If they really had any good, new songs that match the mood, the Spring Festival G''s production team wouldn''t dare to remove their program slots. After all, their qualifications are known by everyone."


    Mom said, "Don''t they all have professional teams? Get those people to write a song! They should be able toe up with something nice."


    "What time is it already? It''s almost time for the final rehearsal. It will be the official live broadcast tonight. How can a song be written in this short amount of time now? No matter how awesome a musicposer is, he won''t be able to write one so quick. Composing a song isn''t as simple as going out on the street and buying cabbages like they are worth nothing." Dad waved his chopsticks. "Don''t worry about it. Just eat. It was also fated that Little Ye''s song can''t be on the Spring Festival G. There will be other chances in the future."


    Mom continued grumbling about the bunch of directors. Zhang Ye''s temper was probably inherited from his Mom, as they could not put up with anything.


    They had finished eating breakfast.


    Zhang Ye put his chopsticks down before straightening his clothes. "Dad, Mom, I''ll be out for a while." Saying that, he went back to his room to grab his wallet and cellphone, before putting on a coat.


    Dad frowned, "What are you doing?"


    "It''s only 6." Mom looked at her watch. "We still need to go to your paternal grandma''ster."


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "I have something to do. I''ll try to rush back before noon."


    Mom''s face scrunched up. "No, nothing is more important than spending the new year together! Don''t you go running anywhere!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Mom, I really need to go out for a little. If I''m not back by noon, don''t wait for me. Eat your meals and help me apologize to my aunts."


    "You darn brat don''t listen to me..." Mom carried on.


    Dad looked at his son''s expression and held his wife back. "...Let him go."


    Mom turned nasty. "What''s he going for? No matter what happens, he still needs to pass the new year!"


    Dad said calmly, "Our son is all grown up. He knows how to handle things." After saying that, he said to his son, "Go on. Don''t worry about family matters. Your mother and I will help you make things better."


    "Thanks Dad." Zhang Ye nodded and left.


    ......


    Downstairs.


    He drove his BMW and left the district.


    On the way, Zhang Ye gave Zhang Yuanqi a call. "We''re sorry, but the number you are trying to reach is currently unavable." Despite making a few calls, it did not connect.


    Out of options, Zhang Yuanqi gave Zhang Yuanqi''s manager, Fang Weihong, a ring.


    Du Du.


    It was connected after two rings.


    "Sister Fang, it''s me." Zhang Ye said.


    "Little Zhang, is there something you need me for?" Fang Weihong''s side sounded chaotic. There was a lot of noise, so she was definitely outside.


    Zhang Ye slowed his car and stopped by the roadside. "I just called Sister Zhang, but could not get through. Are you able to contact her? I''m looking for her."


    Fang Weihong said, "Sister Zhang is at CCTV Broadcasting Studio 1. She went over this morning. The reception there might not be good, so you can''t connect. I haven''t called her. If you can''t get to her on the phone, I probably won''t be able to reach her either. Why? Is something wrong?"


    Zhang Ye was stunned, "At the broadcasting studio? Wasn''t she removed from the show?"


    Fang Weihong said, "She''s been removed, but still she must still put up a fight. This is the Spring Festival G, the biggest stage in the entire country. This g is very important for Sister Zhang''s music career. We can''t just let it go. Little Zhang, I''m busy over here and it''s quite chaotic. Let''s talk again tomorrow, alright?"


    "Alright, go mind your matters." Zhang Ye hung up.


    Broadcasting Studio 1? This wasn''t good. He could contact her!


    Zhang Ye drove his car towards CCTV and carried on calling Zhang Yuanqi on the phone to no avail.


    ......


    Around 7 in the morning.


    The sky was still dark, but it was nearly dawn.


    Zhang Ye reached CCTV and saw peopleing in and out of the entrance. It was quite lively, with some people carrying h hoops, while others were disembarking from cars, wearing all sorts of colorful outfits. They produced their work passes, or event passes and entered. There were many fans outside watching, screaming constantly.


    "Chen Yi! Chen Yi!"


    "Aiyah! Fifth Brother is here!"


    I saw Xiaohua! Xiaohua, Xiaohua, I''m here! Please look at me!"


    Very soon, the screams of the fans blocking the entrance were drowned out by firecrackers.


    While sitting in his car, watching this scene, he knew it was impossible to enter without a pass. It didn''t matter if he was a star. Everyone here was a big shot. Zhang Ye''s face was worthless here.


    What should he do?


    How was he to meet Sister Zhang?


    He suddenly thought of someone and as his eyes twinkled, he picked up his cellphone to call him��Tian Bin. He was Zhang Ye''s former colleague from Beijing Radio Station. They had previously conflicted and nearly fought with each other. Eventually, both of them had quit and reunited after burying the hatchet. Tian Bin was now working at Central Radio Station. It was under Central TV, so he wanted to ask if Tian Bin had any idea on how to get him in.


    The phone connected.


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "Old Tian, what are you doing?"


    Tian Bin smiled and said, "I''m working overtime of course."


    "Why do you need to work overtime over the new year?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "You went to an online television station and even started lecturing at a university, doing advertisements, so of course you''re free during the new year, huh? I''m different. We get more busy the closer it gets to the new year. It''s not like you don''t know." Tian Bin wondered out loud, "It''s not any time close for you to be sending new year greetings yet, so why did you call me?"


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "I have something to ask of you."


    "Go ahead." Tian Bin said.


    Zhang Ye said, "I want to enter Central TV''s Broadcasting Studio 1. You are a part of Central TV''s system, is there a way you can help me get in? It''s quite an important matter. As for what it is, I can''t tell you for the time being."


    Tian Bin was stunned. "It''s the Spring Festival G tonight. It''ll be almost impossible to get in."


    "I know, that''s why I''m troubling you." Zhang Ye was out of options. "Other than you working at Central Radio Station, I don''t know anyone else."


    Tian Bin paused. "Where are you?"


    "At the entrance of Central TV. The main entrance, on the road to the west." Zhang Ye said.


    "Alright, wait for me then." Saying that, Tian Bin hung up.


    Zhang Ye was still pondering, but a few minutester, through his windscreen, he saw Tian Bin''s figure appear in the distance. After searching, he ran straight towards Zhang Ye before opening the door and getting in.


    "Why were you inside?" Zhang Ye knew Central Radio Station was not here.


    Tian Bin chuckled and said, "The Spring Festival G only happens once a year. Our radio station pulled all the young men over. I was one of them, so I''m here to help out temporarily."


    Zhang Ye said, "Hey, that''s nice!"


    Tian Bin looked at him and said, "Since you don''t want to talk about it, I won''t ask about it." Saying that, he removed the pass that dangled from his neck. On it was his name and picture. "This is my work pass. Don''t walk through the main door. It''s all my colleagues there and they know you and me. They will definitely not let you in. I''m not some bigshot that they will let you in either. Every year''s Spring Festival G is extremely strict. Even for me, if I didn''t bring my pass, they would not let me in. Go in through a side door. You might be able to sneak in as its specially for staff. The people checking are hired security personnel, so they aren''t as strict. They are also unfamiliar with most people. When you produce the pass, try covering part of the photo and it should be enough. Our facial structures are quite simr."


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "If you give this to me, how are you going to get in?"


    "I''ll apply for time off. I can also go home and spend the new year''s with my wife. It will be a load off my chest." Tian Bin smiled. "But don''t get caught by them. I might not be able to keep my job if you do."


    Zhang Ye took his work pass and felt his heart warm. "Thank you Old Tian!" He did not expect that Tian Bin would risk so much to hand his work pass to him. This would result in at least a disciplinary vition!


    Tian Bin patted him on the back. "You don''t have to stand on ceremony with me. Back when we fought with each other so badly in the office, it was mostly my fault. I tried to use my qualifications, thinking too highly of myself. When I left my post, none of my friends contacted me. Not a single person reached out a helping hand. I never expected, and I really didn''t imagine back then that you woulde to help me out. You gave me the authorization rights to ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'', allowing me make aeback, so, there''s no point for so many words between the two of us. A friend in need is a friend indeed. Even if I, Tian Bin, be awesome, bing an international superstar, I would not acknowledge any of those so-called friends and bros. I would only acknowledge you as my true friend!"


    Tian Bin said this from the bottom of heart.


    Zhang Ye did not turn corny. "Alright, then I''ll be making my move."


    The two of them got out of the car. Zhang Ye followed Tian Bin''s directions and walked over briskly. As he walked, he wore his shades, avoiding the entrance filled with fans. He found the side entrance reserved for staff only. It was probably a passage recently opened just for the asion.


    The door wasn''t very big. There were people lining up to enter. Everyone wore a white color pass around their necks. They were all identical to Tian Bin''s.


    A few security guards were standing by the door. They checked the documents and did a body inspection, using an item to sweep their bodies.


    It reached Zhang Ye''s turn.


    "Documents." The security guard said with an expressionless face.


    Zhang Ye held up the pass that sat on his chest and his fingers covered half the photo. It was notpletely covered, or it would appear suspicious.


    The person did not look at it carefully.


    After the security check, Zhang Ye left his lighter outside, and followed the people in front of him to enter Central TV''spound, heading straight to Broadcasting Studio 1.


    Old Zhang!


    Wait for this bro!


    "Wishing We Last Forever" is for the Mid-autumn festival?


    All you need is a new song, right!? I''ll f**king write one for you!

 Chapter 391: The Song has been Written!

    <h4>Chapter 391: The Song has been Written! </h4>


    Chapter 391: The Song has been Written!


    The sky slowly lit up.


    Central TV''s Broadcasting Studio 1 was in turmoil.


    "Where are the costumes? Hurry!"


    "Leader Sun, the props are broken, what do we do?"


    "It''s fine. Get Little Chen to get them. There are spares over there!"


    "Everyone quickly change into your costumes and get your makeup done. The final rehearsal has already begun. We are the eighth program. Once you''re ready, go backstage, it will be our turn soon!"


    "Aiyo, don''t push!"


    "Where''s the makeup artist?"


    "It''s the final stage. We have to do it well or our program might get axed!"


    "That''s right. My hands are shaking. Even big stars like Grandma Zhang and Auntie Zhang can have their programs cut at thest minute. People like us without any fame will not..."


    "Shh, quiet down. Don''t speak about it anymore."


    "Director Peng is trying to pave the way for future stars."


    The lobby was a mess. There was the sound of guitars strumming, people singing, and there were even people dancing. There were way too many people in here, which was unable to amodate so many people to individually practice. Hence, people could only find a spot to practice a few times before going up on stage. One could see the nervousness and excitement on everyone''s face.


    Going on the Spring Festival G!


    This was such a hallowed event!


    Basically almost 90% of them were going on the Spring Festival G for the first time. They naturally would not look as calm as those familiar faces to the Spring Festival G. In fact, even those celebrities, who had appeared on the Spring Festival G more than once, were also possibly nervous, as the pressure was intense! Furthermore, with Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Xia creating a precedent, programs decided on the program list might eventually not go on the show. Only at the final moment of the live broadcast would they know if their programs would be allowed to be performed. Thepetition was brutal!


    Lobby...


    Corridor...


    Resting area...


    There were many big stars here, so no one cared about Zhang Ye. Many of them did not know him.


    Zhang Ye randomly looked around, unsure of where he was. Hence, he pulled a child walking by, "Friend, please wait for a moment."


    The young girl was only ten years old. When she saw him, she suddenly shouted out in pleasant surprise, "I know you! You''re Teacher Zhang Ye!" She was carrying some metal loops. It seemed like she was going to perform acrobatics.


    Zhang Ye cheerfully said, "Yes, it''s me. I have a question for you. Do you happen to know where Zhang Yuanqi is? Have you seen her since you came?"


    The little girl was very honest. "I know. Auntie Zhang and Grandma Zhang are in the resting room. They are just around the corner. Turn right farther up. In the room on the left right at the end of the hall. I just came from there. The door is open, so I saw them." It wasn''t a big ce, so it was quite easy to find someone.


    "Thank you, youngdy."


    "You''re wee."


    Zhang Ye began his search.


    ......


    In a resting room.


    It could also be considered a makeup or changing room. As there were mirrors on the side of the wall, and heaps of clothes and props on the floor. It was a multi-purpose room.


    Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Xia were sitting beside each other chatting.


    Zhang Yuanqiughed cheerfully. "It''s quiet over here."


    "Hur Hur, we are ''aged elderly'' who have fallen from poprity. It''s nice for some peace and quiet too." Zhang Xia was a very healthy and high-spirited old granny. All her short hair was white, but had been rebonded. Her eyes were very bright too. "But if they say I''m old, as a granny, I admit it, but to go so far as to say Little Zhang is ''old'', it is me implicating you. How can someone in her thirties be considered old? Besides, you still look like you''re in your twenties."


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "You can''t be considered old either. How many elderly grannies can sing ''Song of the People'' without being out of breath? We have been ''made'' old by others." She looked at her watch. "The final rehearsal is about to begin, and will have nothing to do with us. Are you going to leave?"


    Zhang Xia smiled and looked around and took a while before she spoke, "I have beening to this ce for so many years. I haven''t been home for many new year''s eves. I''ve always been here. To me, Central TV Broadcasting Studio 1 is the ce I will always spend my new year''s eve, and so today shall be the same. Even if I can''t get on the program, I will still spend my new year''s eve here."


    Zhang Yuanqi patted Zhang Xia''s hand, "Then allow me to apany you."


    Zhang Ye happened to hear Zhang Xia''s words just as he reached the door. At that instance, his heart was struck and twitched slightly!


    What sort of old person was she?


    What sort of emotions did she have?


    This was an old granny that had merged the Spring Festival G into her bones!


    "You don''t have to stay with me."


    "It''s fine, I don''t have any other things on today."


    "Isn''t your team trying topose a new song for you? You still have a chance of going on stage."


    "Hur Hur, it''s just burning the midnight oil. They won''t finish in time. If the directing team told me earlier that the song wasn''t suitable, I would have found someone to write me a new song, but now, it''s toote no matter what."


    "It''s too early to give up. There''s still hope. Your standing in the entertainment industry is much higher than mine. There are so many musicians writing lyrics orposing melodies. You just need to ask one of them."


    "I''ve already asked them. Nothing is appropriate. Even if there were appropriate ones, they were not that shockingly nice. It has to at least match ''Wishing We Last Forever'' before I could even sing it. If there''s no nice song or lyrics, what''s the point of me going on the Spring Festival G? We are in the arts, so we can''t just fool the audience, right?"


    "Who wrote ''Wishing We Last Forever''?"


    "Zhang Ye."


    "He doesn''t have any simr songs?"


    "Writing a song is slow and tedious work. It needs inspiration. If the directing team had informed me a day earlier, I would have asked Zhang Ye, but I was informed toote. Little Zhang most likely doesn''t have any suitable songs."


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye marched into the resting room. "Who said I didn''t!?"


    This voice of his gave the two of them a fright as they looked over.


    Zhang Xia did not know him. "You are?"


    "Little Zhang?" Zhang Yuanqi smiled and said, "You really cannot be talked about."


    Zhang Xia could tell from her words. "This is that Zhang Ye?"


    "Grandma Zhang, hello." Zhang Ye nodded at the elder. "Let me wish you a happy chinese new year."


    Zhang Xia said kindly, "You too. You were the one who wrote that song for Little Zhang, right? I don''t know much about the entertainment industry, so I don''t really know you. Please don''t mind."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "If you knew me, it would have been my honor. It''s fine. I''m just a small celebrity and I''m not that famous." Compared to the two in front of him, he was indeed a small celebrity.


    Zhang Xia asked, "What did you say when you entered?"


    Zhang Yuanqi also looked at him. "You have a good song?"


    Zhang Ye said confidently, "Of course."


    "Do you have a sample? Let me listen to it?" Zhang Yuanqi said.


    "That I don''t have." Zhang Ye said.


    "You don''t even have the score or lyrics?" Zhang Yuanqi asked.


    Zhang Ye said, "I saw the news at 5 or 6 this morning and got wind of it then, so I didn''t have much time to prepare. I also tried contacting you on the phone, but failed. I borrowed a friend''s staff pass to sneak in. I know you are in need of a song to go on stage. Why are you looking for others? I, myself, would do. It''s impossible for you to get other musicians to create a song that will be well-received across the entire country at the veryst minute, but you know I can do it!"


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled and said, "Thest time I tried buying the rights to your lyrics, you refused all day, so I was too embarrassed to request another song from you."


    Keep acting!


    Carry on acting!


    Have you ever been embarrassed?


    Zhang Ye said, "This time it''s different. I''ve always believed that art does not care about age. Of course, I''m not saying that the two of you are old. What the Spring Festival G''s directing team has done has infuriated me. My parents are also very angry, so when I encounter such matters, I think I should do something about it. Hur Hur. A person like me doesn''t have much ability, but I''m still not bad at writing poems or songs. I won''t dare to say what I write is the best in the country, but I dare to say that no one can write faster than me! Tell me what type of song you would like, and I''ll write you that song!"


    Zhang Xia was at a loss of whether tough or cry, "You''ll write anything we want?"


    Zhang Ye said with affirmation, "Yes."


    Zhang Xia then said, "Lyrics along with the melody?"


    "Yes." Zhang Ye replied as if it was a matter of fact..


    "Interesting." Zhang Xia was filled with doubts, but very interested. In her decades of experience, for someone to dare brag so much, they were either a madman or a genius!


    Zhang Yuanqi shook her head. "Well, I don''t know what song I want either. Without a sample, I can''t judge if it''s a suitable piece of work."


    "Then, let me take the liberty of thinking of a song for you." Zhang Ye said.


    "Alright." Zhang Yuanqi waited.


    Upon seeing this, Zhang Xia got up and said, "I''ll go to thedies. You two carry on chatting."


    Zhang Yuanqi held the old granny. "You don''t have to hide, it''s fine."


    The old grannyughed and said, "I really need to go to thedies."


    Zhang Yuanqi did not speak further. Zhang Xia went out and closed the door behind her.


    The moment the door closed, Zhang Yuanqi returned to the appearance Zhang Ye was familiar with. It was as if she had changed her face. Her expression lost all color. If anyone saw this scene, they would be stunned till they peed their pants. However, Zhang Ye did not react as he waspletely used to it now.


    Zhang Yuanqi asked indifferently, "Are you confident?"


    "It won''t be inferior to ''Wishing We Last Forever''." Zhang Ye said.


    Zhang Yuanqi acknowledged and coldly said, "Regardless of what song is it, I owe you one."


    Zhang Ye knew that for him to rush here because of her news, ignoring everything at home to the point of sneaking into Central TV to help Zhang Yuanqi write a song, Zhang Yuanqi was actually appreciative of it, despite not showing it on her face.


    "Let me write the lyrics first for you to look at."


    "OK."


    Zhang Ye found a pen and paper and began writing.


    After finishing, he cleared his throat and began singing.


    One minute...


    Three minutes...


    After hearing it, Zhang Yuanqi remained silent.


    Zhang Ye blinked at her. "How is it, Sister Zhang?"


    Zhang Yuanqi stared at him. "How do you do it?"


    "Just like that." Zhang Ye said evasively.


    After saying this, Zhang Xia entered after pushing the door open. "What''s the matter? You haven''t begun writing the lyrics? It''s fine. Take your time."


    "It''s already written." Zhang Yuanqi''s expression changed suddenly, as she smiled and said, "Not only are the lyrics written, even the melody has been produced." Saying that, she showed the lyrics to Zhang Xia.


    Zhang Xia took it from her and said, "You heard it? How was it?"


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled lightly. "I''ve never doubted Little Zhang''s literary skill. I''m always assured with his lyrics. I always felt that the melody of ''Wishing We Last Forever'' was a fluke, and that he happened to chance upon it, but today I finally came to a realization that it was not a fluke. Little Zhang is one of the top musicians in this country!"


    Zhang Xia said stunned, "You seldom give such high praises to someone. Is it that good?"


    "Take a look at the lyrics, and I''ll sing it to you once." Zhang Yuanqi could sing a song after listening to it just once.


    The moment she opened her mouth, Zhang Ye was convinced. That voice of hers, that music literacy of hers, if this song was not sung by Zhang Yuanqi, it would be a sin against the heavens. Although there were some parts where Zhang Yuanqi went a little off-tune, she had only heard it once after all. Although there was no band or apaniment, Zhang Ye still felt this ssic music piece, even when sung by her, gave him goose bumps! The song''s melody had been on Zhang Ye''s mind on the way here. He could not get it out of his head. He wanted to let Zhang Yuanqi try it out, but he never expected that it would be so beautiful!


    Who said Old Zhang could no longer carry on down her musical path?


    This talent, this voice, this singing experience...all of this made her an integral person in the musical world! It was only bad luck that she did not have any good songs these past few years!


    Zhang Yuanqi finished singing it.


    After hearing it, Zhang Xia gasped. She immediately stared at Zhang Ye''s eyes. "You really wrote that song in the past few minutes?"


    Zhang Ye nodded.


    Zhang Xia repressed the shock in her heart and regted her breathing rhythm. "Little Zhang, if not because I know so much about the music circles, having some interactions with all the rookies and seniors in it, I would have believed that you are the best musician in the entire country just based on that single song!" Then she said to Zhang Yuanqi, "Hurry and make the background music and get some apaniment. You can definitely mount the stage of the Spring Festival G. If this song can''t get you on it, then the Spring Festival G would have really lost all of its value. Yuanqi, and Little Zhang, I really like this song to the bone. After the Spring Festival G is over, let''s find an opportunity to talk about it. I want to make a cover too. We can talk about the rights and cooperation details then."


    Zhang Yuanqi suddenly said, "I have a suggestion. How about, the two of us sing it together!"


    Zhang Xia waved her hand, tly saying, "That won''t do. This is Little Zhang''s song for you. Besides, you are a Heavenly Queen, so there''s no reason for you to sing a duet when you can sing it solo."


    Zhang Ye spoke up first. "You decide, I''m fine with anything." Then after a short pause, he said, "Grandma Zhang, I actually think this song is better if the two of you sung it together."


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled and said, "Then it''s decided."


    Zhang Xia was still hesitating. "That''s not appropriate, right?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said calmly, "The directing team, the media, and many people are saying that we are old and have lost our poprity. I don''t know what you think of it, but I don''t like hearing that. Let the two of us let them see that we are not old. We can still sing. After another ten years, after another twenty years, we will still stand on that stage...still beautiful women as ever! We will still be the brightest and most dazzling flowers of the g!"


    Zhang Xia smiled, so much to the point that she did not resemble an elderly person. "...Alright! Let the two of us fight shoulder to shoulder! Let''s show them what we''ve got!"


    Zhang Yuanqi immediately took out her cellphone to make a call. When she discovered it had no reception, she quickly walked out the room to call her team. "Hello, Old Wang, I have a song here. I''ll need some background music for it, and some apaniment. Prepare on your side. I''ll be there immediately. Get everyone together and prepare to work overtime. I''ll treat everyone to dinner. Hur Hur." Then, she left Central TV alone to busy herself with the track''s music!

 Chapter 392: Going Onstage!

    <h4>Chapter 392: Going Onstage! </h4>


    Chapter 392: Going Onstage!


    8 AM.


    In the dressing room.


    Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Xia had left, and so Zhang Ye had nothing to do also. He walked out and circled around the lobby. He could not return home as he still needed to supervise after thepanion track was produced. The Heavenly Queen had specially exhorted him before leaving. Hai, so what if I don''t leave. I''ll help you to the very end.


    "Who is this?"


    "Why is he so free?"


    "Eh, he looks familiar. Isn''t, isn''t he Zhang Ye?"


    "Zhang Ye? I don''t know him."


    "He''s a host. He''s quite popr these days."


    "Hey, it''s really Zhang Ye. Why is he here? Does he have a program?"


    "Let''s just worry about ourselves first. It will be our program''s turn soon. Stay sharp and don''t make any mistakes."


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye saw a person. He looked like he was in his twenties too. He was very young and had small eyes. He was very handsome. Zhang Ye recognized him at a nce that he was the Korean idol singer, Lee Anson. He was being interviewed by a reporter. He said a bunch of Korean that Zhang Ye did not understand. This man was one of the reasons why Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi could not appear at the Spring Festival G, hence, Zhang Ye took a few more looks at him. He already didn''t like him. He had a small nose and small eyes. Where did so many brainless fans, who liked him,e from? Actually no matter what Lee Anson looked like, Zhang Ye would still view him with animosity. Why? There was no need to ask why! The title of Professional Korean Insulter wasn''t something he got for nothing!


    Pa.


    Someone tapped him on the shoulder.


    Zhang Ye turned around. "Hello?"


    It was a female reporter. As they were not allowed to film or do audio recordings, she was holding a pen and a notebook. "Oh, it''s really Teacher Zhang. Why are you here? You aren''t appearing on the program. Oh, I understand. The ''Wishing We Last Forever'' youposed for Zhang Yuanqi was removed from the show, so you are here to make another song for Teacher Zhang Yuanqi? Are there any results yet? Will Teacher Zhang Yuanqi be able to appear onstage at tonight''s Spring Festival G?"


    Zhang Ye was tight-lipped. "Sorry, I don''t know either."


    "Just give me a hint, Teacher Zhang." The female reporter insisted.


    "I really do not know anything." Zhang Ye said a few words before leaving.


    The female reporter could do nothing about it. After some thought, she wrote a title in her notebook. "''Wishing We Last Forever''''s songwriter Zhang Ye mysteriously appears at Central TV''s Broadcasting Studio 1. Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi might have a new production".


    ......


    After 9.


    He received Zhang Yuanqi''s call, but the person who spoke was Zhang Xia instead. Clearly, the two of them were together right now. Two legends from the music industry were working together to create a song which they would sing as a duet together. Just the thought of that was very exciting.


    Zhang Xia said, "Zhang''er, I will be getting Yuanqi to send a part of the apaniment to you. My team and Yuanqi''s team rushed to create this, so please give us your opinion."


    Zhang Ye replied, "OK."


    After he received the apaniment, he listened to it in seriousness.


    Finally, Zhang Yemented, "I think it sounds a bit too t, there''s not enough instrumentals? A little too simple."


    Zhang Xia considered for a moment, "Do you mean it should have more depth? That''s not impossible, but the time we have...." At this time, someone beside said a few words before Zhang Xia continued to say, "Alright, we will keep working to improve it and try to perfect it. Zhang''er, do you have any other suggestions? It was written by you after all, so you should have the final word."


    Zhang Ye did not know much about the technicalities of music production, but even so, what he had in his head was the original piece from his world. The apaniment music was also a mature piece already. With the song having been covered by so many people before, it could be said that it had been slowly polished to its essence. He said to them, "The beginning few seconds when the melody starts, could you add some percussion to it? I don''t really know what type of drums or whatever, but it''s the kind where there''s a very light hitting sound, then after that, when it moves into the main melody, you can change the part after that to be yed on a piano......"


    With that, 20 minutes had passed.


    ......


    Before noon.


    The Spring Festival G was holding its final rehearsal.


    The participating actors and staff were all having their lunch or taking a break. They were all waiting for the final decision. Right until the end, no one would know if there would be any changes to the performance list. They could be taken out of the n at any time and there were precedents of this happening before.


    Soon, Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi came rushing back.


    "Little Zhang."


    "You two are back?"


    "Come on, we''ve already contacted the production team."


    "I''m going too?"


    "You''re theposer, so of course you must go."


    The few of them went upstairs as Zhang Ye followed along behind.


    ......


    In arge conference room.


    The Spring Festival G''s Director Peng Yiyu was seated at the end while the rest were either standing or sitting down. They were all busy chattering and discussing about the various programs and timing issues.


    Zhang Ye andpany arrived. Peng Yiyu asked, "Auntie Zhang Ye is here? Please wait a moment."


    An assistant director said, "As long as every program segment does not overrun by more than 3 seconds, there shouldn''t be a problem."


    Peng Yiyu said, "There are no problems on time."


    "Right, as long as there are no unforeseen circumstances, we can guarantee it." said a female assistant.


    Peng Yiyu was an ordinary looking middle-aged man. He was wearing old fashioned looking clothes, though not as old fashioned as Zhang Ye''s father. If he were to walk around the streets, those who did not know him would have never thought that he was the director for this year''s Spring Festival G. He was also one of the more famous directors of the G.


    "So the existing program ns are just about set and there won''t be any need for changes." Peng Yiyu said.


    When Zhang Yuanqi heard this, she smiled and said, "Director Peng, you have forgotten about us again?"


    Peng Yiyu looked over and smiled back, "How could I forget? Did your team create a new song? Alright then, let''s have a listen to it." Whether it be his fame or qualifications, Peng Yiyu could notpare to these two people in front of him. One was a well known Heavenly Queen, the other was a veteran of the singing world. No matter how pretentious Peng Yiyu was, he could not ignore the two of them. At least on the surface, he was still very polite. He said, "Will Miss Zhang be singing first or Auntie Zhang?"


    Zhang Xia smiled. "The two of us will be singing one song."


    At this moment, the people from the directing team were stunned. "One song? The two of you are singing a duet?"


    Zhang Yuanqi chuckled and said, "Director Peng said that this G has to be lively and we have to pave the way for young people, and so in consideration of that, Auntie Zhang and I have decided to sing a song together. It also can squeeze some time for the youths, giving them an opportunity to express themselves."


    Peng Yiyu''s eyes twitched. "Hur Hur, alright, I''ll listen to the work first."


    The Deputy Director, who had previously posted on Weibo, looked at them. He was thinking that if the two of them didn''t go onstage, then wouldn''t there be more time squeezed out for others!? We said your song wasn''t suitable and that your bodies could not keep up were just perfunctory words, and you really believed it? You really produced a new song? The Deputy Director was shaking his head. How good could a song produced at thest minute be? Coming over was still meaningless for the two of you will definitely not have a chance to participate in this performance!


    The other members of the directing team knew very well in their hearts. This Spring Festival G was in preparation of a drastic reform. Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Xia''s music was already out-dated!


    Forget it.


    Let''s listen to it first.


    Zhang Yuanqi did not stand on ceremony and smiled to a staff, saying, "y the apaniment." She then passed it to him. It was obvious that she was a great star in the entertainment industry.


    The staff did not grumble and immediately did it right away.


    Finally, Zhang Yuanqi said to him, "Thank you youngd. You sure are quick on your feet. Come to mypany one day to work." It was not considered poaching in front of others as the Spring Festival G''s directing team was only a temporary unit. They were all from different departments andpanies, each from their own units.


    When the staff member heard this, he was excited. "Thank you Sister Zhang. If you think so highly of me, I''ll definitely work for you in the future."


    The directing team had not been dissolved yet. What''s the meaning of this? The Deputy Director was a bit speechless, but he did not speak a word. He did not want to offend Zhang Yuanqi either. Heavenly Queen Zhang had very good connections in the entertainment industry.


    As the music yed, everyone''s feelings started to well up.


    Zhang Yuanqi looked to Zhang Xia, "Auntie Zhang, let''s just keep it simple?"


    "There''s no mic and no sound system. We have no choice but to keep it simple." Zhang Xiaughed. Then she pulled at Zhang Yuanqi and the both of them sat down gracefully.


    The production team sat as they listened to the duo sing while sitting.


    If it were any other celebrities, how would they dare to do it like this in front of Director Peng, but these two were Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi. Even if they were to lie down and sing, everyone would have to listen with respect.


    "It''s done." Zhang Yuanqi said.


    That staff immediately yed the apaniment.


    Seeing this, Zhang Ye also did not stand on ceremony. He found a ce to sit himself down as well. Although he did not have a simr status to these twodies, being unafraid to offend others was his special trait. Since Old Zhang had already sat down, then he would definitely sit down too. Who cared what the production team thought of him? Zhang Ye never felt the need to lower himself in front of others. And so, what Zhang Ye did also attracted the attention of a few of the assistant directors. They were all frowning.


    Where did this persone from?


    When everyone was distracted, Zhang Yuanqi suddenly began to sing.


    At that moment, the production team members all had their attention pulled back to her voice. Slowly, everyone''s eyes shone with amazement. They were all looking at each other in disbelief!


    This...


    This song......


    Peng Yiyu''s eyes changed too!


    Zhang Yuanqi had just finished her part, and Zhang Xia continued on!


    Finally, the twodies used their pitch perfect vocals to end the song!


    At this moment, the assistant director wanted to curse. Sing it simply? How was this considered singing it simply? This was even without any sound processing and ack of atmosphere, and they could sing it to this level? What if the effects and sound system were added? Then wouldn''t it be heaven-defying? What''s more, that song.....had stirred their souls despite having heard it for the first time! That sort of unhurrying pace, that confidence. It sounded like it was a fine rain, yet it also sounded like a sharp knife. It had left all sorts of marks on their hearts!


    A female assistant almost went crazy from listening to it!


    The others in the production team could not say another word either!


    Zhang Xia said, "We are limited by the conditions here, so we couldn''t perform our best. Please make do with it. Director Peng, is this song alright?"


    Peng Yiyu immediately asked, "Was thisposed by your team just now?"


    Zhang Xia gave a smile and said, "My team is not that talented. This was done by Yuanqi''s team. No, we can''t even say it that way, because it was Yuanqi''s friend who helped topose this at thest minute." As she said this, she pointed to Zhang Ye, who was seated behind them, "I think you may have heard the name Zhang Ye before?"


    Zhang Ye?


    Zhang Yeposed it?


    Some had heard of him before and some had not.


    Peng Yiyu said, "No wonder, so it''s by theposer and writer of ''Wishing We Last Forever". I''ve also heard that the lyrics and melody for that song, which swept the country, was alsoposed on the spot."


    Zhang Yuanqi asked, "What''s the decision of this evaluation?"


    Peng Yiyu stayed silent for a moment, then said, "The song is good, but I still feel the same way. I feel that it does not suit the mood of the Spring Festival G."


    Zhang Xia looked at him, "Then ording to Director Peng, what song do you feel suits this g? Do you need us topose a ''Spring Festival G'', ''Song of Spring Festival G'', ''Spring Festival G is Great'', or maybe even ''The Spring Festival G of Director Peng Yiyu is the Greatest''? Maybe only a title like one of those would suit the mood?


    The elderly could really be quite sarcastic!


    With that jab from her, Zhang Ye was overjoyed just hearing it!


    Peng Yiyu smiled bitterly, "Auntie Zhang, I know that you are unhappy, but don''t scold me like that, I do not mean it that way. I just wanted to confirm the program schedule. Thest rehearsal is already over and it won''t be easy to adjust anymore."


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled, "Auntie Zhang and I have also taken part in two rehearsals before, so we do not need much preparation and can just go on stage directly. That is not a problem. If we may be a little boastful, the two of us together have been on so many Spring Festival Gs, more so than any of the participants tonight, so Director Peng should trust our experience and capabilities. At least when ites to me and Auntie Zhang, we won''t have any hups."


    Zhang Xia said, "We only need two minutes."


    The assistant director stood beside Peng Yiyu. He said, "The timing won''t be OK. If we squeeze in another performance, the whole schedule would be a mess. The both of you are also top artistes and started since young. Surely you''d know how difficult it is when you''re young and new. It is now the world of the youngsters. In the future, it will also be their time. I believe you would want to be an example to them? Pave a way for young people?"


    Not even two minutes?


    Go f**k yourself!


    Zhang Ye got more and more irritated listening to this. They were not finished as he suddenly spoke out, "It''s no problem to pave the way for young people. I believe it is to pave the way for our juniors, Grandma Zhang and Sister Zhang would not say a word, but may I ask what country''s New Year it is? Why must we pave the way for a Korean? Just because of a foreigner, you have pushed our own country''s people to the back of your minds? Does that make sense!? I''ve seen the program list. The directing team has given Lee Anson three minutes for his song, but for our own people, to two veterans who have contributed so much to the Spring Festival G, not even two minutes can be given? I don''t know what others think when they hear this, but I feel terrible. I speak very frankly and say whatever''s on my mind. Youths are important, but what''s the use if you are only young? Without the older generation''s inheritance, without the beliefs and traditional heritage of the older generation, where would the youth go? How should youths proceed?"


    The female assistant was the person who rtively understood Zhang Ye the most amongst the people present. She had heard Zhang Ye''s speech, "Ode to Young China", but upon hearing what Zhang Ye said today, she nearly fainted! Your sister! What you said at Peking University was not like that! Didn''t you say the old were like crashing celestial bodies? Didn''t you say the old took opium? Go to hell! Why did you change what you said today!? The female assistant had long heard of Zhang Ye''s foul temper and mood. And indeed after seeing him today, the rumors were indeed true!


    Peng Yiyu was very unhappy. Did you have the right to speak here?


    Zhang Xia asked, "Little Peng, so what is the oue of your decision? Please tell us directly. We will ept whatever your decision is, so don''t be too pressured. If everyone needs us, then we will sing. If they don''t need us and the Spring Festival G doen''t need us either, then Yuanqi and I will leave. We won''t say a word anymore."


    Don''t be pressured?


    Peng Yiyu felt even more stressed now!


    If it were Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi''s previous two songs, he could deal with it in his own way and there wouldn''t be a problem, but right now, they had brought out an outstanding song that had left Peng Yiyu with a very difficult decision. He was already ready to go ahead without Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi''s participation, but had not expected things to turn out this way. What the f**k is up with this Zhang Ye? Coming up with such a good song in such a short time?


    The assistant director said nervously, "Director Peng?"


    The conference room was so quiet that even a cough would echo.


    One of female assistant directors suddenly said, "If this song does not make it onto this year''s Spring Festival G, I think it would be a great pity. I would really like to see two of them appear on stage for a duet!"


    Peng Yiyu stared at the female assistant director.


    She did not notice him, but looked at Zhang Yuanqi and smiled. The two of them definitely knew each other.


    At this moment, another staff member from the production team spoke. He looked to be the oldest among them. The old man said, "The Spring Festival G is not watched only by youngsters, and we still have to consider the middle-aged and elderly''s thoughts. For the Korean celebrity, Lee Anson, we could shorten his performance time by a bit to around 2 minutes and that would be enough. With the remaining 1 minute, we can manage the other programs and put them back to back to squeeze out the remaining time so that Old Zhang and Little Zhang can use it to perform."


    There was an internal schism production team as well!


    After all, this was not a team that would work together for long. Even if Peng Yiyu was the overall director, he could not convince everyone of his decisions. What''s more, it was a decision regarding Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Xia. They were very popr, had great social connections, and could sing. Their only shoring was that they did not have many new songs, which had already been made up for now. The new song was even very outstanding, so there was no reason to not let them sing. The excuses of the songs not being suitable, or that those were old songs already did not work. If they insisted on not letting them make an appearance, then it would surely offend many people. During this event, the two of them would have to listen to the production team''s instructions, but the event would only be for today. When it was over, don''t they still need to work? Unless they chose to leave the industry? They would definitely have to give face to the two of them!


    After discussing for a long time.


    Finally, Peng Yiyu could no longer not consider Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi''s influence as well as the internal differences his team had. He said, "Go back first, we will discuss the timing allocations and see if I can make some time for your program. Once it''s confirmed, I will contact you again."


    Since it was said in such a manner, it meant it was very likely a certainty.


    ......


    Outside.


    Zhang Xia sighed , "Actually, Little Peng''s not having it easy either." The olddy was still understanding of the situation.


    Zhang Yuanqimented, "He''s just being too eager. What Uncle Chu said earlier was right. The Spring Festival G is not only a g for young people. Older audiences and performers should not be forgotten. If that really happened, then it would definitely be a tragedy for the g. It is precisely people our age who have the most feelings for the g."


    Zhang Xiaughed, "Let''s see. If the people are not satisfied with my performance this year, I will admit that I''m too old for this and consider my retirement."

 Chapter 393: The never waning "Woman Flower"!

    <h4>Chapter 393: The never waning "Woman Flower"! </h4>


    Chapter 393: The never waning "Woman Flower"!


    Afternoon.


    Lunch boxes were being given out.


    Other than some people with special circumstances, even an A-list celebrity would not go back. They would have to collect their lunch box and make do with it.


    Zhang Ye was also eating alone. Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi had gone off somewhere, likely to practice for tonight''s song. After all, it was their first time hearing it today. If they wanted to sing it well, especially as a duet, it wouldn''t be easy for them. They would need a lot of practice. When Zhang Ye gave this song to them, he had already heard it more than a hundred times, but as he was not a music professional, he could not possibly dare to give them guidance by his standards. They were professional singers, so they definitely knew better than him. It was better for him to just sit around and have his lunch.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    His father was calling.


    "Where are you?"


    "Dad, I''m outside."


    "Are youing back for lunch?"


    "Oh, maybe not. There are some matters over here. Are you at aunt''s ce? Please apologize to everyone on my behalf. I might not be able to go to maternal grandma''s ce either."


    "Something important?"


    "Yes, it''s important."


    "Alright then, I won''t say anymore. Go and do what you need to."


    In the afternoon, Zhang Ye received quite a few calls from Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Xia''s teams. They discussed with him regarding the musicalposition. Earlier, they had only let the g directing team listen to the draft version, which still had its ws, so they had to discuss further with him. Zhang Ye found a quiet corner and spent the entire afternoon on the phone to help them sort out this matter. When Zhang Xia called him, he would go and listen to Zhang Yuanqi and her singing practice. He was no professional, but at least he had the standard of this song in mind from his previous world, which he used as the marker to point out the problems with their version. With that, he had corrected some of their problems which had arisen from their unfamiliarity with the song.


    An hour.


    Three hours.


    Five hours.


    It was already 7:40 PM in the evening.


    After finally busying himself with them, Zhang Ye was exhausted. He did not have a good night''s sleepst night, and had, at most, four hours of rest, so he really could no longer stay awake. The Spring Festival G was about to begin and everyone was busying themselves for the moment they appeared on stage. Zhang Ye spotted an opportunity, looked for an empty room and found the makeup room that Zhang Yuanqi had been in earlier that day. It was a mess inside as random makeup and essoriesy strewn on the floor as well as some unused costumes, but since there was no one around, Zhang Ye switched off the lights and went to a corner where there was a sofa. There were a few partitioned spaces, which were covered by curtains, probably a space for changing. He pulled a curtain to cover himself and sat on the sofa. Ah, it was ratherfortable. Zhang Ye did not care about anything anymore since he had already done all that he could. He justy down and fell asleep, not even moving an inch.


    ......


    The sounds of firecrackers thundered!


    There was jubtion everywhere!


    The annual Spring Festival G had begun!


    The first program was the opening dance, a performance that mainly junior and middle school students participated in. Although they were young, their movements suggested that they were very well trained. The dance was beautiful and the music was very vibrant. From this opening performance, it could be seen that this year''s Spring Festival G was indeed putting its focus on the younger generation. Those old songs or old recital performances of yesteryear, which had been rejected by the younger generation, could possibly even be canceled and reced with the ever enjoyablenguage performances or popr song and dance routines. It was going the way of popr demands, as traditional programs were bing too old fashioned. Those programs did not make money and also could not attract viewers. Another way to call the lively and energetic Spring Festival G was to call it the business opportunities Spring Festival G!


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    Cao Mengmeng was anxiously sitting on the sofa saying, "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    Zhang Ye''s mother was nagging and saying, "There''s nothing good to watch on this year''s Spring Festival G!"


    Second Uncle said depressingly, "They''d already nned for Little Ye''s song to be performed, but why did they have to go and cancel it!"


    Third Auntie said, "That bunch of directing team people don''t have any foresight. All they want is to attract viewers and find a chance to make money by suggesting a Spring Festival G for the young. They have already forgotten about us elderly!"


    Maternal Grandma said, "Change the channel. If Little Ye''s song isn''t going to be performed, then I don''t want to watch it! Zhang Xia and Sun Ying''s not ted to perform this year too, so what''s the point of watching it?"


    Maternal Grandpa said, "I heard this year only has one Peking Opera performance lined up. It''s evenbined with other types of opera as a single performance. What''s that called?"


    Cao Tong said, "Hehe, those are called mashups."


    "What sort of thing is that?!" Maternal Grandpa said, "A tradition passed down from our ancestors has been messed up by them!"


    Cao Mengmeng clung onto the remote control saying, "You can''t change channels. I still want to watch my Lee Anson perform."


    The eldest, Cao Dan looked at her, "Didn''t you say that you wouldn''t chase after Korean stars anymore? Our brother is an ultra-nationalistic. It''s not like you don''t know that. If he knows that you are still chasing after them, he will definitely give you a beating."


    Cao Mengmeng cheekily said, "I''m not chasing after him. I only have one idol and that''s our brother. About Lee Anson, I''m just a casual listener, hehe."


    Cao Dan prodded at her sister''s head, "You!"


    Maternal grandma said, "Is Little Ye really noting back for the new year?"


    Zhang Ye''s mother said angrily, "I don''t even know what he''s busy with! Don''t care about him!"


    Zhang Ye was the most doted on by his maternal grandma. She said, "Little Zhang has his own career. He''s famous, that''s why he''s busy. We need to understand that."


    The Spring Festival G continued on.


    The second program was a group singing event.


    Followed by the third, a magic show. This was something that rarely urred in previous gs. The magician was a 19 year old rookie who hade from Hong Kong. If it were based on seniority, he definitely could notpare to other 30 or 40 year old magicians. Yet he somehow managed to get invited to perform.


    "The magic tricks are just normal."


    "Yea, it''s not interesting."


    "It''s alright, I think it''s fine."


    "It''s far from the standard of the old timers. They really aren''t letting the veterans perform this year? I do support their efforts in creating a lively and energetic g promoting the young ones, but they still need to ensure the quality of the event! If they aren''t good enough, why should they be allowed to perform on stage? They had to cut off the older people''s programs, even if their skills are better? That''s so unfair. Besides, a forty-year-old magician can''t even be considered old."


    "I wonder how they even think!"


    "This is a decision for the future, to groom new talents."


    "But they can''t just abandon the older generation like that!"


    "But they really are getting old and will only go downhill from where they are. The young ones, however, have a lot more chances, so they will definitely keep improving."


    Discussions like the one happening in Zhang Ye''s maternal family right now was also happening in other families all over the country. Some objected, some understood, and some supported. Everyone had their own views on the issue.


    Finally, thenguage performances started.


    First off was a cross-talk, followed by a skit.


    Cao Mengmeng was falling asleep, "What is this rubbish! The cross-talk and skits in recent years are getting from bad to worse! It''s not even as funny as our brother''s talk show!"


    Cao Tong however was enjoying the show. She said, "Your standard of humor is too high. I find it to be quite alright."


    Cao Dan gave an objective point of view saying, "It''s just because you are easy to humor. Language performances have really suffered a drop in quality. There aren''t any good works, even though some are quite OK, but they are unable to stand out and are not as funny as those performances from 10 years ago. Didn''t you read those negativements online in recent years?"


    First Aunt said, "It''s really falling in standards, year after year."


    First Uncle said, "Easy for you to say, but cross-talk and skits are the hardest to perform. They epass art and humor, as well as needing the audience''s affirmation. To produce a good skit or crosstalk is really difficult."


    ......


    At the scene of the g.


    The location was fully packed.


    Officials, workers, white cors, students, family, etc. There were all sorts of people in attendance. If there was something inmon about them, it was that they had ''connections''. Everyone who attended had depended on their connections to theirpany or friends to secure tickets. It was not so easy to get it. Even Zhang Ye needed Tian Bin''s pass just to sneak in.


    "Splendid!"


    "It''s so great!"


    "It''s not interesting this year."


    Some people were giving their kudos, while others had no expression or were dozing off.


    Master Zhou and Master Wei from the calligraphy world did not spend the new year at home with their families too, and instead came to the g. Master Zhou brought his wife and daughter along. Master Wei brought his grandson and granddaughter. They were all seated in the 5th row at the left.


    Mrs Zhou said, "Since Big Sis Zhang is not going to make an appearance, we havee in vain."


    She had been a friend of Zhang Xia for more than a decade.


    Master Zhou, who also knew Zhang Xia, said, "You know the health condition of Big Sis Zhang too. She recently had an operation for cerebral thrombosisst year. At her age, she should think of retiring and enjoying herself."


    Mrs Zhou shook her head, "Singing and the stage is Big Sis Zhang''s life, so she would never want to leave it, not in her life. If they really force her to retire, she would definitely be unhappy. When people are unhappy, their health will only end up suffering."


    Master Wei said, "I heard that Zhang Xia has heart problems and high blood pressure? When people get old, their problems also increase. If I weren''t concerned with my children and grandchildren''s futures, I would have sealed my brush long ago. At our age, especially at Big Sis Zhang''s age, which is probably a few years older than me, we need to admit that age is catching up. Performing on stage all the time, that''s something for the young ones to do. As we grow older, we need to wrap up at some point."


    Master Wei''s grandchildren were not listening to their conversation.


    Suddenly, the MCs on stage announced something.


    After the announcement, Master Wei''s granddaughter screamed, "Lee Anson''sing up next! My idol!"


    Master Wei asked, "I thought your idol was grandpa?"


    "Of course you are." His granddaughter smiled and said, "But Lee Anson''s my second idol. I like him so much, he''s too handsome!" If she didn''t know that Lee Anson was ted to appear in the g, she would not have attended the g. In fact, she had to beg her grandpa to bring her along today.


    Master Wei''s grandson was also paying full attention, "Don''t talk anymore. Watch the performance, watch it!"


    At this moment, the music started ying and Lee Anson appeared on stage singing. He was not singing in Korean, but Chinese! His hit song had been tranted into a Chinese version!


    Countless screams rang throughout!


    "Ah!"


    "It''s in Chinese!"


    "He''s too good-looking!"


    "I love you, Lee Anson!"


    It was the same on scene and on TV!


    Countless young fans were excitedly chanting Lee Anson''s name. The atmosphere was so passionatepared to the earlier performances!


    Lee Anson had a slight smirk as he sang on stage, "Love....is the only.......Love....can''t avoid heartbreaks...." He probably did not know how to speak Chinese and maybe just had some basic lessons. Some of his pronunciation and artiction of words were too stiff, but it still won the cheers of those who were watching him!


    The song had ended!


    The apuse from young people was thundering!


    Lee Anson smiled as he bowed and left the stage.


    Master Zhou looked to his left and right and saw the excitement of the young generation. He helplesslymented, "Old Wei, did you understand the song?"


    Master Weiughed, "Not at all."


    Master Wei''s granddaughter said, "It was such a good song!"


    Mrs Zhou touched the child''s head, "You youngsters feel that it''s good, but we are old and unable to keep up with the times."


    Master Zhou sighed, "Hai, we are really bing old-fashioned. This world belongs to the young ones already. Hur Hur, we should just step aside."


    At the g, many other members of the older generation had simr thoughts.


    Suddenly, the stage lighting and background changed. A light melody drifted throughout the ce as it signaled the start of the next performance. It was supposed to be a simple transition, but when everyone saw who appeared on stage, those who were attending the live event, and those who were watching TV, were all stunned!


    "Grandma Zhang?"


    "Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi!"


    "Holy sh*t! Didn''t their performance get canceled?"


    "What''s going on? They have a performance? And it''s the two of them together? Are they going to do a duet? A vocalist and a popr singer? There shouldn''t be anymon songs for them!"


    "Why didn''t the directing team inform anyone?"


    "The program list was changed at thest minute?"


    ......


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    "Ah!" Cao Mengmeng shouted.


    "Little Meng, what are you shouting for?" Maternal grandma had a slight shock.


    "Quick, take a look! Hurry!" Cao Mengmeng hurriedly shouted to Zhang Ye''s parents.


    Zhang Ye''s mother said, "I''m making dumplings, I don''t want to watch."


    Cao Dan, who looked up to nce at the TV also shouted, "Zhang Yuanqi''s on! And so is Grandma Zhang Xia!"


    Zhang Ye''s mother eximed, then threw the half made dumpling out of her hands and ran out of the kitchen, "That''s impossible! Didn''t their programs get cut by the directing team!?"


    Everyone in the house was now staring at the TV.


    ......


    At another house.


    "Mom! Don''t prepare dinner first!"


    "What do you want me to do if I don''t prepare dinner? That damned Spring Festival G is not worth watching."


    "Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi are appearing together to do a duet!"


    "What? Let me take a look!"


    ......


    A certain phone call.


    "Hello, Sis."


    "Bro, why did you call me again? Didn''t you just called to send me new year greetings?"


    "Are you watching the Spring Festival G?"


    "I''m not watching it this year, Zhang Yuanqi''s not on it."


    "Then go and watch it now, quick! Zhang Yuanqi has made an appearance! There''s a new song!"


    "Impossible!"


    "It''s true! She''s appearing together with Zhang Xia! It''s an unfamiliar tune. Definitely not ''Wishing We Last Forever'' or any of Zhang Yuanqi''s old songs!"


    "There''s a new song? What the heck! Then I''m gonna hang up now! I''m going to take a look!"


    ......


    Throughout the country, scenes like this kept ying out.


    It was the opposite of what happened a little bit earlier. This time, many of the older generation''s attention perked up.


    As for the younger ones, all of them had an expression of disinterest, like nothing much was happening.


    "Why is it Zhang Xia again!"


    "It''s always her every year!"


    "Zhang Yuanqi too. Shees for this every year, isn''t it annoying!?"


    "Sister Zhang''s movies are great and her old songs are nice as well, but in recent years, her songs are terrible. They are all out of date!"


    "Looks like this will be boring."


    "No need to watch this, it''s definitely going to be a recycled performance!"


    Mrs. Zhou''s eyes shone brightly, "Big Sis Zhang''s really appearing up there!"


    Master Zhou smiled bitterly, "What for? This year''s g is focusing on energy and youth. If it were me, I would not have gone on stage. That''s unnecessary."


    Master Wei''s granddaughter said, "Yes, Grandma Zhang Xia is already so old. Even Auntie Zhang Yuanqi is not young anymore. She can''t be more popr than my Lee Anson, so why bother toe at all. I''m talking about it in terms of music, but for movies, Zhang Yuanqi''s definitely still at the top."


    Master Wei''s grandson also said, "Sister Zhang shouldn''te here to sing. She should just concentrate on acting in movies. Her songs are no longer suitable for this era."


    Master Wei frowned,"That Korean kid was introduced on stage by the MCs. but why aren''t they announcing Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi? They are just going to move directly into the singing?"


    His granddaughter pursed her lips and said, "It shows that the directing team does not ce importance on them."


    The older people looked at the two women onstage, listening to the lukewarm atmosphere from the audience. They had the sudden feeling that maybe it was true that the time for the younger generation hade. Zhang Xia was old, Zhang Yuanqi was getting old. The stage for music....probably did not need them anymore. Maybe they shouldn''t have gone on stage this time and just retired at their peaks, so what if they kept working hard to stay on it?


    The only thing that felt strange to them was the clothes that Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi wore. They were dressed in extremely bright colored evening gowns. There was red, green, yellow, purple, and blue. The colors were very ring and they even had a red rose in their hair to go along with. This sort of getup was very gorgeous, a style that Zhang Yuanqi had never done before, nor had Zhang Xia!


    What''s going on?


    What were the two of them going to do?


    Peng Yiyu and the directing team were looking at the screen backstage!


    Millions of people around the country were also staring in doubt at the two of them on their television screens!


    At the next moment, Zhang Yuanqi raised her microphone and took a light breath and smiled.


    "I have a flower."


    "It grows within my heart."


    "A bud waiting to bloom.....for the longest time."


    Every moment, waiting for a sincere person toe to me in my sleep."


    A song titled "Woman Flower" by Anita Mui was portrayed with vividness by Zhang Yuanqi. Her voice was not youthful, nor was it lively and there wasn''t even a hint of rity and lingering in her voice. Zhang Yuanqi''s voice was the type that sounded a little husky, but it was exactly this type of voice that suited the song. Only a woman''s voice at this age could transmit the feelings and mood of "Woman Flower"! This wasn''t a song written for young women! This was a song that belonged to them!


    When everyone heard that part of the song, they were all stunned!


    Flower?


    A bud waiting to bloom?


    In the context of movies, TV, or literature, these lyrics were often used as a symbol of young women, but today, Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Xia had gone to use these words to sing about flowers. They even came onto the stage dressed in a flowery theme. They had portrayed themselves as flowers!


    Blooming?


    That was the rights of the young people!


    Only the young should bloom!


    But at your age, how do you qualify? Why?


    Zhang Yuanqi was holding onto Zhang Xia''s hands, smiling at her as if the whole world was invisible:


    "Woman Flower, swaying in the red dust."


    "Woman Flower, wavering softly in the wind."


    "Only hoping for a pair of gentle hands."


    "To sooth the solitude in my heart."


    A middle-aged woman seated in the front row suddenly held her daughter''s hands, as tears rolled down her cheeks without her even knowing why!


    "Mom, why are you crying?" The little girl asked.


    The woman was smiling and crying at the same time, "You''re still young, but when you grow up, you''d understand."


    Mrs. Zhou stood up, her eyes had turned red, but she kept an unblinking stare at the two women on stage!


    Zhang Yuanqi''s voice seemed to have carved each and every word into the hearts of all the matured women. Her voice was a like a pair of hands, holding them by the shoulders!


    Master Wei also had a look of being touched, "This song...."


    The melody changed.


    Zhang Yuanqi lowered her microphone as Zhang Xia raised hers.


    Grandma Zhang Xia held Zhang Yuanqi''s hand and smiled at the audience. Even though her hair was grayed and her skin was wrinkly, her smile was ageless!


    It was like a flower!


    Like it had suddenly bloomed!


    "I have a flower."


    "The flower scent from the branches."


    "But who would devote himself to tracing the scent back?"


    "A flower blooms not for long, treasure what you can have while you have it."


    "Women are like flowers, flowers are like dreams."


    When most of the women heard this, their faces were already covered with tears!


    But Grandma Zhang Xia still smiled vibrantly:


    "Woman Flower, swaying in the red dust."


    "Woman Flower, wavering softly in the wind."


    "Only hoping for a pair of gentle hands."


    "To sooth the solitude in my heart."


    Mrs. Zhou was also crying now. For this stage! For this Spring Festival G! For the audience! They had given so much of their time! They had given so much of their youth and time to the stage!


    Who said that they were old!


    Who dared to say they were old!?


    They could still sing! They could still sing for the rest of their lives! !


    Even if 10 years had passed! Even if 50 years had gone by! They would still be the most brilliant and bright woman flowers on stage!


    They would never be old!


    We would never be old! !


    At this moment, even the men had faces of shock. Sometimes, men understood women more than women understood themselves. Everyone''s heart seemed to have been struck by something at that moment!


    A middle-aged man in thest row looked at his wife and reached out his hand to hold hers tightly. With a grip that felt like he did not want to ever let go, he said, "Yan''er, I''m sorry aboutst time. I called you old and haggard, I....." his voice choked, "You''ve done so much for the children, for me, and for our family!"


    His wife smiled happily, "I''m willing to do all of that no matter what."


    The middle-aged man''s grip tightened, "To me, you''re forever an ever blooming flower!"


    "The duet!"


    Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Xia held their hands and walked forward. As they walked, the two did a little dance to the music. It couldn''t be considered dancing per se, but were light movements that seemed to emanate from their mood. With some nifty hand movements their fingers sometimes touching the flower on their heads!


    "Woman Flower, swaying in the red dust."


    "Woman Flower, wavering softly in the wind."


    "If you''d ever smelled the flowers."


    "Don''t ask me who this flower is blooming for."


    "Having loved, you''d know what it''s worth. Only when you are drunk, would you understand the strength of wine. Flowers bloom and wither all for naught."


    Fate does not wait, it''s like the spring breeze thates and go, women are like flowers, flowers are like dreams."


    Their voices harmonized. This made many in the audience stand up. The feeling that jolted their souls was very difficult to describe. All they knew was this:


    This is a woman!


    This is what a woman is!


    A woman is like a flower! It would never wither!

 Chapter 394: Who could have written this song?

    <h4>Chapter 394: Who could have written this song? </h4>


    Chapter 394: Who could have written this song?


    The music was fading out!


    The song was ending!


    It was as if the apaniment was set to the lowest volume to allow the two women''s voices to resonate even more clearly. It was an enchanting scene!


    Zhang Xia smiled vibrantly, "I have a flower, it grows within my heart."


    Zhang Yuanqi grasped Grandma Zhang''s shoulders, "No one understands true love. The weeds of thend, are growing throughout the hills....."


    Up until here, the two women, who were no longer considered young, looked straight into each other''s eyes. They did not speak, but slowly revealed their smiles and sang thest bit of the song. It was very gentle and light, "A woman alone.....by herself.....has the most heartache."


    On this stage meant for the young ones!


    In this world of the younger generation!


    The two women, who had been doubted by so many and had beingbeled as things of the past by countless media outlets, at a time when their chances to appear in the g seemed to be non-existent, had appeared on stage together. They had fought against all odds and sang with the youthfulness in their hearts. They showed their vibrancy in what might be theirst time on this stage!


    Narcissism?


    No! They were not narcissists!


    All the older people in the audience at this point in time were apuding with all their might for the two great women on stage!


    "Great!"


    "Who says that both of you are getting old!"


    "Grandma Zhang, you are beautiful tonight!"


    "No one wants to appreciates the both of you? We will appreciate you!!"


    On stage were a middle-aged woman and an olddy, but to everyone right now, they were younger than the young! You''ve both given so much to the audience and lost so much! Even if time has crept up onto your faces! The both of you are still the most beautiful ''Women Flower'' in the world!


    Tears......


    Excitement.....


    Sadness.....


    Moving.....


    The audience all had different expressions as they were touched by this "Woman Flower" song. They were also moved by these 2 women who had dedicated their entire lives to the stage!


    Back in his previous world, "Woman Flower" was the most ssic work of Anita Mui. A songposed by Chen Yaochuan and written by Li Anxiu, paired with the husky and deep voice of Anita Mui. It was arguably one of the most godly works to have existed, but today, Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Xia''s version had a different kind of effect. Though itcked Anita''s sense of resentment, it added a sense of confidence and calm. Those who did not know, might never be able to appreciate the depth of this song. "Woman Flower" had no parts that required soprano singing, no increase in pace of tempo, no fancy changing of pitches and just yed out with a steady and t melody. If judged by the young, this song would have been considered as a failure, but those who had truly aged with time and experience, especially women, were the only ones who could understand the message within this song!


    It''s speaks for the life of a woman!


    It describes the loneliness beneath the beauty!


    It was the destion behind the bustle and the final bloom within that destion!


    "They....they really haven''t had it easy all their lives." Master Zhou was full of emotion.


    Mrs. Zhou said while wiping her tears, "Big Sis Zhang has sung for over 30 years and spent her life on stage. Zhang Yuanqi debuted since she was just a few years old and also spent over 30 years of her life performing. No one knows how hard they have worked and no one knows how much they have given. When the Spring Festival G needed them, they were here, dedicating their lives. Now that the Spring Festival G doesn''t need them anymore, what would they do? Where can they go?"


    Master Zhou held his wife''s hands, "The Spring Festival G still needs them!"


    Master Wei silently looked at the stage, "Yes, the singing world still needs them!"


    To many of those in the audience, Lee Anson''s "LOVE-ONE" was quite a good performance and entertaining as a popr act, but it wasn''t art. Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Xia''s "Woman Flower" was what they would call real art!


    ......


    Backstage.


    A 40 year old female technical staff had lost herposure. When she heard the song, it had reminded her of her life. When she was born, going to school, starting work, getting married, giving birth, going through her divorce, all sorts of emotions came rushing in. This song had overwhelmed her!


    Why?


    Why did they stop such good singers from appearing on stage?


    The female staff from the production simply stared at the screen and said, "When I heard them sing it earlier, I thought it was quite good, but I never expected it to sound so amazing when they sang it live! It''s really too amazing! I almost cried when I heard them sing! It isn''t easy being a woman."


    The oldest man in the production team smiled and said, "Zhang Xia is still as good as before! Who says that only the young singers are popr? ''Woman Flower''? These two women has shown us a lot today!"


    They had all heard the song earlier and knew that it was a good song, but never did they expect this song to be able to move so many people. It seemed like it was true when Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi mentioned that they did not sing it well that afternoon. Only on stage during the live performance, did they sing it with all their heart and soul!


    Perfect!


    The interpretation of the song was too perfect!


    What a great pairing of two music veterans!


    Even Director Peng Yiyu, who had been insistent on the Spring Festival G not needing Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi anymore could not help but be moved by the song. He thought over it for a moment and then quietly took out his phone to send a message to his wife, "It''s been hard on you all these years."


    His wife replied very quickly, "Ah? What does this mean?"


    Peng Yiyu said, "Nothing, I just wanted to thank you."


    His wife replied, "Hur Hur, why are you being so mushy? Go work, you are still busy. I''ve wrapped dumplings. Let''s eat themter when you are back from work."


    Peng Yiyu replied, "Don''t wait up for me, I don''t know what time I will be back."


    His wife said, "I will wait up no matter howte. There''s no need to reply, focus on your work."


    ......


    At the studio.


    "There have been songs about women that I felt were quite good before, but whenpared to ''Woman Flower'', why do those songs feel like they''re not that good anymore?"


    "That''s right. Those songs that sing praises of women only cover the issue superficially and are too dignified in a sense, but this ''Woman Flower'' really touches on what being a woman is really about! The song writer must understand women really well to their bones. It''s really too understanding of us women! The song is so well written. Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi sang it so well too!"


    "It''s a perfect work of art!"


    "Those two women are really as good as ever!"


    The young people did not understand any of this.


    "What song was that, it''s terrible!"


    "Yea, it''s so lousypared to Lee Anson''s song!"


    "Only the melody was not bad. Everything else was not so good."


    But there were also other younger people who liked the song, "What do you know? If this song was not good, then there aren''t any good songs anymore! Don''t tell me you all didn''t understand Grandma Zhang and Auntie Yuanqi''s message from the song at all?"


    A girl said, "Right, it''s really so nice to listen to!"


    A guy, whose eyes were full of admiration, said, "Grandma Zhang and Sister Zhang are too beautiful! That aura, that charm, they really didn''t feel old at all! I will fight it out with whoever dares to say otherwise!"


    Although this song was about women who were older, the message it sent was not necessarily only applicable to those with age. It also channeled a special kind of energy in the younger ones!


    Then, whether it was the audience or people in front of their TVs, a lot of them suddenly had a question! Which master could have written such a good song that so urately depicted women? Didn''t they say that Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi''s songs were canceled? Why did they suddenly appear again to sing this song? If it was alreadyposed beforehand, then it wouldn''t be possible that their performances would have been canceled. Why wasn''t this song brought out earlier to prevent that? The people who watched the g included children, teens, and old people. There were men....and naturally women too. This was a fitting song singing about women, so why did they not bring it out earlier and instead only bring it out after thest rehearsal had ended?


    Could it be that the song wasposed spontaneously at thest minute?


    It can''t be? How could such an amazing song be so "casually" written andposed at a moment''s notice?


    The next program had started by now. It was a show of four songs being continuously performed one after the other. The performing artist was a more popr male singer in recent times, but at this moment, most of the audience had their minds on something else. There were limits to how much emotion a human mind could take. As "Woman Flower" was performed right before the current segment, everyone was too emotionally invested into that and had not recovered from the greatness of it!


    There was still a voting round toe!


    Every year, during the Spring Festival G, there would be a vote!


    ording to previous years programs, anguage based performance would usually be voted to be the top one. Whether it was cross-talking or skits, they were usually the most popr amongst the audience whether they were young or old. In the merry mood of the Spring Festival, everyone would enjoy light hearted and fun programs like these, which was whynguage based performances usually had an advantage over others!


    But this year....


    A lot of middle-aged people had gone online to cast their votes!


    Every year, they would always cast their votes tonguage type performances, but this year, they wanted to vote for "Woman Flower" instead!


    Everyone knew that the total votes at the end for a song performance would never outnumber votes for thenguage performances. Even if this year''snguage performances were not good, and no matter how good the performance of "Woman Flower" was, it would never happen, but they still chose to vote for "Woman Flower" simply because they had been touched by those two great women! Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Xia had gone against all odds and made it happen, telling the world of their persistence and dedication! And so, they, as the audience, also had a sudden urge to tell everyone else, to tell the whole nation, to tell the whole world, that they were not old at all! Everyone of them were blooming flowers! Even at the end of their lives, they could still contribute that power of theirs to the world!


    30 years old, so what?


    50 years old, so what?


    70 years old, so what?


    90 years old, so what?


    Even if no one would understand, even if only we felt that we were still worthy of praise, even if everyone thinks that we are a thing of the past, so what?!


    We will speak for ourselves!!

 Chapter 395: Friend of Women!

    <h4>Chapter 395: Friend of Women! </h4>


    Chapter 395: Friend of Women!


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    The performance for "Woman Flower" came to an end.


    There was no one left making dumplings in the kitchen. Everyone in the house was on the couch staring at the television in front of them. Especially all the women in the house were too moved by this song!


    Second Aunt also cried. "It was sung so well!"


    Third Aunt patted her on the back. "That''s right. Who would have thought that even at that age, Zhang Xia can still dress so beautifully in that flower dress. It didn''t look out of ce either. It was very pretty. Zhang Yuanqi too. I think Zhang Yuanqi today was much more beautiful than any of her previous outfits!"


    First Uncle interjected, "Is this song good?"


    First Aunt leered at him. "This is a song for us women. What would you know!?"


    Cao Mengmeng said, "Yes, this is a song for us women! It''s really nice!"


    Everyoneughed. "You are a little girl at best, what woman? Hur Hur Hur."


    Cao Mengmeng did not like hearing that. "Hey, music knows no boundaries, nor does it discriminate against gender or age. Why can''t I find it nice? All of you are discriminating!"


    Suddenly, Cao Dan looked at her cellphone in shock. "Oh hey, hurry and take a look. News appeared on the inte. This "Woman Flower" was written by our bro!"


    Cao Tong eximed, "What?"


    Cao Mengmeng rushed over, "Give it to me!"


    Cao Dan excitedly passed her cellphone to her. "Take a look!


    This was news revealed by Zhang Yuanqi''spany.


    "Woman Flower".


    Lyrics: Zhang Ye.


    Composer: Zhang Ye.


    Arranger: Zhang Ye, Zhang Xia, Zhang Yuanqi, Wang Zhengyi, Sun Chengzhi.


    Cao Mengmeng eximed, "Holy sh*t, even the arranger has my bro''s name? And his name is ced in front of everyone else''s? My bro is too awesome! This is really a song written by my bro!"


    Zhang Ye''s mom became excited. "Give it to me! Show it to me!"


    Cao Mengmeng handed the cellphone to her. "Aunt, someone from our family has really gone on the Spring Festival G! It''s so empowering! No, no! I must call my ssmates! Hahahaha!" She immediately took her cellphone to the balcony and began bragging to her ssmates and friends. She was showing off happily!


    Zhang Ye''s Mom''s nce made her momentarily high-spirited. With a beaming smile, three shouts of "Great" sounded out, and then hurriedly went to a corner to make phone calls. It was all to her old neighbors or colleagues.


    "Hey, Old Zhang!"


    "Hey Old Cao."


    "Wishing you a happy new year."


    "Thank you, thank you. Here''s me wishing you a happy new year too."


    "Are you watching the Spring Festival G?"


    "I''m watching. I just finished listening to the ''Woman Flower''."


    "You heard it? What''s your thoughts about it?"


    "Of course it''s good. Our entire family is talking about it. This song is absolutely wonderful!"


    "Hahaha, let me tell you that this song''sposer and arranger was all written by my son! Didn''t I tell all of you that my son''s work would be on the Spring Festival G this year? It was originally going to be ''Wishing We Last Forever'', but they changed it with something even better. It''s this ''Woman Flower''!"


    "Ah? It''s really written by Little Ye?"


    "How could that be fake!? It''s written by my son!"


    "Hey! Old Cao, your house has produced a genius!"


    It was immediately followed up by a second call.


    "Hello, Big Sis Sun, here''s wishing you a happy new year."


    "Hey, Little Cao, thank you. You have happy new year as well."


    "You heard the ''Woman Flower'' on the Spring Festival G just now, right? It''s written by my son! And it was specially written by my son for me! Wasn''t it nice?"


    ......


    A few phone callster.


    Zhang Ye''s Dad nced at her. "Was there a need to brag so much?"


    Mom rolled her eyes. "Who was bragging!? Isn''t that song my son''s work!?"


    "It is written by Little Ye, but who said it was written for you." Dad was quite speechless.


    Mom could not stand it and disliked what she had heard. "Hey, if that wasn''t written for me, then who was it for?" She then looked at her other rtives and said, "Tell me, am I right!? Look at the lyrics, that melody. It can''t be any clearer. This was a song my son created for me!"


    Dad was at a loss whether tough or cry. "Why can''t I see that?"


    Maternal grandma smiled and said, "Since she said it that way, then it has to be it."


    "Mom." Mom stared. "What do you mean then it has to be it. It''s true in the first ce!"


    Dad did not want to argue with her. "Alright, alright, alright. It is."


    Mom was overjoyed. "I was wondering what our son was doing this new year''s eve, so he was outposing a song. He has really given our family face!"


    ......


    On the web.


    Elsewhere.


    "Woman Flower" caused quite a buzz!


    "It''s really a nice song!"


    "It does not have any high pitch or pitch changes, or colorful, eye-catching things in it, but every word was so moving! Isn''t the highest art of singing this?"


    "I''m not afraid to be ridiculed by all of you. I cried listening to the song just now."


    "I didn''t go so far as to cry, but I was also touched!"


    "Me too. These two music veterans have really made a leap and reached a level of sublimation. I also liked their songs in the past, but just like how young people evaluated these songs, the songs are all too old. It''s too outdated. It''s fine listening to them once or twice, but it can be inevitably tiring hearing it too many times. There''s nothing new, but today''s ''Woman Flower'' has really made a qualitative leap! I can''t not be in admiration!"


    "Who said it''s the world of young people now? After listening to ''Woman Flower'', I only have a feeling. That wine gets better with age!"


    "This is a ssic piece!"


    "That''s right! "It will definitely be a golden oldie that will leave a good name forever!"


    Following that, the songwriter''s identity was revealed. When many people first saw his name, they were stunned, and then began to feel that it was very normal!


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Holy sh*t! It''s really him!"


    "I knew it. I was just asking who could write such lyrics! There aren''t many you can find in the music circles. Zhang Ye is one of them, and it''s really written by him!"


    "This production of his sure is big!"


    "Zhang Ye is too heaven-defying! He''s truly talented!"


    "But he''s a young person and a man at that. How does he understand women so well?"


    "Haha, sometimes men are able to understand a woman better than other women!"


    "That''s true. With Teacher Zhang Ye''s talent, you can no longer look at him withmon sense. Just like his talent in poetry. If it were anyone else, it''s not something they can produce at that age. However, this ismon sense when ites to Zhang Ye. Don''t putmon sense over his neck!"


    "Actually, after I heard ''Woman Flower'', I chuckled. I had something in my mind saying what if this song was written by Zhang Ye? As the directing team had just rejected Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Xia from going on stage. The media and many members of the public also say that they are old and outdated. Eventually, it was followed up immediately by that ''I have a flower, it grows within my heart'', telling everyone that they were not old. This is face-smacking! Those who understand Zhang Ye''s personality should know that these lyrics are too reminiscent of that fellow Zhang Ye! There''s no one else other than him! I never expected it to be true! When my wife was watching TV, she was also amused. Her eyes were very sharp and immediately said that this song was not only sung for women. Not only was it sung for the audience, it was also sung to those who doubted them!"


    "What literary skills!"


    "Zhang Ye''s ability to create music might not be weaker than his ability at writing poetry. The poprity of ''Wishing We Last Forever'' now doesn''t look like a coincidence. Zhang Ye has the ability. In the future, more and more people will ask for songs written by him. However, I heard that he doesn''t easily write songs for people. It seems even when Zhang Yuanqi tried buying the rights to ''Shuidiao Getou'' back then, they had gone through quite a lot of trouble. They only managed to get it after using both hard and soft tactics. Furthermore, it was Zhang Yuanqi whoposed the melody!"


    "I also heard of it. After that song, many people came asking for Zhang Ye to write their songs, however, they were all nicely rejected by Zhang Ye. Hai, only the Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi and an old veteran like Zhang Xia have the standing to get one from him. As for others...nothing. After today''s resounding oue, Zhang Ye will be at the top of the musician circles. Just these two songs of his are no less than a top musician''s work! In fact, it might even be slightly better in certain aspects!"


    "Zhang Ye is too awesome!"


    "I''m wondering. How can this Teacher Zhang Ye be so versatile? He can write novels and poems. He''s good at making programs too. He is also good at speeches, proficient at literature, and the ssics. Also, wasn''t that Brain Gold advertisement in recent times also a work of his? Now, there''s an additional trait of writing lyrics andposing melodies! How can one person be so talented? Which rock did this man jump out of!?"


    "This is what ''however strong you are, there is always someone stronger'' means!"


    "Haha, I''m really anticipating his next piece of work!"


    "''Ode of Mn'' was wonderful! ''Woman Flower'' is a ssic! I suddenly feel like I''m obsessed with Teacher Zhang Ye! He is a spokesman for us women! He knows us women too well!"


    "That''s right! He''s a spokesman for women!"


    Zhang Ye had experienced ups and down, and was quite legendary. Hence, he always had many nicknames and titles.


    Jinx!


    Literary hooligan!


    Anti-hijacking hero!


    Professional Korean Insulter!


    Today, under everyone''s discussion, Zhang Ye had gained another title of "Friend of Women"!

 Chapter 396: A Stunning Scene in the Dressing Room!!

    <h4>Chapter 396: A Stunning Scene in the Dressing Room!! </h4>


    Chapter 396: A Stunning Scene in the Dressing Room!!


    10,000 votes...


    20,000 votes...


    "Woman Flower"''s votes for best program rapidly increased!


    Although it could not catch up to a skit, ''Are You Coming'', nor could itpare to a cross-talk program ranked at the top, it was all a result of song-rted programs being limited by the Spring Festival G. However,pared to other song-rted programs, it was leading by arge margin. Just a few minutes ago, it had even caught up to "LOVE-ONE" sang by Lee Anson, who was extremely popr in the country. "Woman Flower" even momentarily surpassed it!


    "It''s been surpassed!"


    "Haha! Nice!"


    "The Korean''s song has been taken down!"


    "Can this song still continue rising?"


    "No chance of that. It''s allnguage-rted programs on top!"


    "It''s already not bad reaching this spot. Hur Hur. ''Woman Flower'' is now ranked number one for song-rted programs at the Spring Festival G. Awesome! I heard that the G''s live version will be released tomorrow. I also saw Zhang Yuanqi''s manager, Fang Weihong''s post on Weibo that Sister Zhang will be releasing a solo version of ''Woman Flower'' the day after tomorrow. Grandma Zhang will probably do the same and release a solo version as well. I heard they are just talking to Zhang Ye about the copyright now!"


    "If a single is out, I''ll definitely buy it!"


    "Forget about buying the CD. That''s outdated, but I will spend money to buy a high quality version of ''Woman Flower''. It''s really nice!"


    The song was very well-liked!


    Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Xia''s performance was also very well-received!


    Even Zhang Ye, theposer, got some visibility as a result of the massive audience watching the Spring Festival G and the massive poprity of Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Xia. Of course, he was only aposer, so the amount of attention given to him could notpare to the performer as few people paid any attention to this, but then again, the viewership of the Spring Festival G waspletely heaven-defying, with about 20% of the nation watching this channel in front of their televisions. These numbers were massive. Even if one out of a thousand people paid attention to theposer Zhang Ye after listening to the earth-shaking "Woman Flower", that was still a lot of poprity!


    This was precisely the difference Zhang Ye had in his developmentpared to other mainstream celebrities. He was different from others. He did things here and there. Writing novels and poems. A song here, a program there. A lecture at times, and even did an advertisement. He used all of this to umte his poprity bit by bit. Others could be immediately popr after filming a movie, but their poprity would decline after that for extended periods of time. Their poprity would rise again once they were filmed in another movie or television drama. Most people were like that, but Zhang Ye wasn''t. Ever since he debuted, his poprity had never declined nor had it remained stagnant. His poprity did not increase as fast as them, but it was increasing on a daily basis! How did he do it? It was all based on this sort of umtion! No matter how small a mosquito was, it was also flesh. Zhang Ye would never miss an opportunity that could increase his poprity!


    ......


    It was almost 11.


    Central TV Broadcasting Studio 1.


    In a particr dressing room, Zhang Ye was still sleeping soundly. He was sleeping ever since the G began until now. He waspletely unaware of what was happening outside or the stirring buzz. He didn''t even know about themotions in the room. He had slept tootest night and had woken way to early this morning. It caused him to sleep like a dead pig.


    Ga!


    It was a ear-piercing screech of a chair being pulled out!


    Zhang Ye''s eyelids twitched as he leaned sideways in a half-awaken state. Other sounds entered his ear. Outside the curtain that hid the sofa he was on, there were people talking.


    There were a lot of sounds.


    There were a lot of women''s voices.


    There were all sorts of tinkling sounds with things being moved as well as some rustling.


    "Grandma Zhang Xia, you look so beautiful today." The voice sounded very young, but he did not know her.


    "Really? Thank you." It was Zhang Xia''s voice..


    "I can''t call you Granny next time and should call you Big Sis. That big red flower on your head really suits you. It makes you look even younger than me!" It was still that person''s voice.


    Zhang Xia''sughter transmitted over. "Hur Hur, Yuanqi and I acted young today!"


    Another woman''s voice: "I once dreamed of being a singer. When I was young, my parents always listened to your songs, giving me that dream. However, you can''t always get what you want, right? I actually did not have this talent. Finally, after graduating from Central Conservatory of Music, I switched careers and became a dancer."


    A delicate voice said, "Eh, Xiaojing, you were from a music conservatory? I''ve only just realized now."


    "Indeed I am. I am an authentic graduate from a music conservatory. Furthermore, I majored in singing. Sister Zhang, when I was schooling, I heard that you came to our school''s auditorium as a guest to teach music. I''m not sure if you remember. After the ss, all of us surrounded you asking for your autograph. You spent about half an hour to give each and every one of us an autograph. You did not reject anyone and did not put on celebrity airs."


    "I have some impression of that. Were you there?" It was Zhang Yuanqi''s voice. It was maic and very characteristic.


    "That''s right. You gave me your autograph, and I still have it hanging in my closet."


    Zhang Yuanqi: "I saw your dance performance just now. It was really very good, and was extremely high in artistic quality. Thankfully you switched careers, reducing the number of detours."


    "Right, now that I think about it, I''m still good at dancing. I heard you learned dancing in the past too and are great at it. If there''s a chance in the future, can I consult you?"


    Zhang Yuanqi: "Hur Hur, you would put me to shame. You are a professional dancer, so how can I evenpare to you? We can have some exchanges, and in this circle, I have quite some face. If you need to do anymercial performances or other performances, you can look for me. I''ll help get you in touch with the right people."


    The girl''s voice sounded excited. "Really, Sister Zhang?"


    Another woman''s voice said, "Since Sister Zhang has agreed to help you, then it can''t be fake. Sister Zhang, do you still remember me?"


    Zhang Yuanqi: "Of course. I heard many people calling you Little Zhang Yuanqi. I don''t like that title of yours. You''ll definitely be better than me in the future. Your singing voice is very unique."


    The woman said, "Don''t, your assessment is too high! Although it was a five person choral, it was all down to luck for me to go up on stage. How can Ipare with you? I haven''t even thanked you for the other time. Back then, I didn''t know you and encountered a managementpany that wanted to ban me, preventing me from releasing albums. I really was out of choices then. Later on, an industry friend suggested me to look for you. At that gathering, I mustered my courage to tell you about it. In the end, it was settled the second day. Iter heard that you gave my managementpany''s higher-ups a call after the meal, settling it for me."


    Zhang Yuanqi: "It was nothing."


    The woman said, "It might be nothing to you, but it was everything to me. I was not famous at all when I released albums in the past. I never expected you to really care so much as to help me."


    The women chatted.


    There were quite a few exchanges, and seemed like there were about eight or nine people.


    Zhang Ye became more and more awake. He rubbed his eyes and yawned. He sat up from the sofa. What was the situation? The Spring Festival G was over? How was he to go back? Old Zhang had also gotten off stage? The performance was over? How was the performance? Was the response from the audience okay? Zhang Ye did not know a thing. He looked at his watch and oh boy, it was almost 11! In about an hour, the clock would strike midnight. He really could sleep, missing his own song''s performance!


    He had enough sleep already!


    It was time to wake up!


    He stretched his back and stood up.


    The women outside were stillughing and chatting.


    "The two of you singing ''Woman Flower'' was really too impressive!"


    "That''s right, Xiaoyu. I also think it was the best singing program tonight!"


    "In the future, no one will dare say that Sister Zhang or Grandma Zhang are old. That will just be them smacking themselves in the face! Did you see the reaction from the audience? I saw from backstage. Many elderly women were crying. Those young people were also staring wide-eyed. They werepletely engrossed in it! This is the charm of a good song!"


    Eh?


    "Woman Flower" was very sessful?


    Zhang Ye nodded his head slightly. Although it was expected, he was also pleasantly surprised. Who said his efforts were for naught? He did not spend time with his family to pass the new year, but had been working hard here writing lyrics and melody, with all the apaniments. His efforts had paid off. The approval of the audience was the best evaluation!


    His poprity could increase once again!


    "Sister Zhang, I also wish to do a cover of ''Woman Flower''. I''m not sure if I will have a chance in the future. Of course, it has to be next year, or the year after because Grandma Zhang and your performance have reached the peak of perfection. The both of you used different styles to perform ''Woman Flower'' to its peak. I don''t dare to cover it so soon after the two of you sung it. That would be embarrassing. I''ll have to wait a year or two first. When that happens, you''ll need to give me the authorization rights. I''ll buy it."


    Zhang Yuanqi said with aughing tone, "I can''t decide on that. The rights are with Zhang Ye. Auntie Zhang and my single release of ''Woman Flower'' would also need brand new discussions with Zhang Ye regarding the contract."


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "I know him. I heard he''s a particrly awesome person!"


    "I''ve also heard of his name. In our circle, many people talk about him. I heard Zhang Ye is quite a character, but his temper isn''t good."


    Holy sh*t!


    Whose temper wasn''t good!?


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted. Is this bro''s reputation in the entertainment industry in such a state?


    Behind the curtain, it was Zhang Xia who spoke up for him. "Then that must be hearsay. I''ve seen Little Zhang. He''s a very mild-mannered person and was especially polite to everyone. He was also very particr in what he says or does. He''s also very loyal. There''s really nothing you can fault him with his dealings with friends. He''s a very goodd. If not for him rushing here from afar, Yuanqi and I would have had no hope going on stage, whatmore future Spring Festival Gs."


    A girl asked, "Oh, is Brother Zhang easy to talk to? I heard many people had asked for songs from him, but he ignored them. Only Sister Yuanqi has the standing enough to get two ssics, ''Wishing We Last Forever'' and ''Woman Flower''. We probably don''t have any hope just to get one song."


    It was Zhang Yuanqi''sughter. "It''s not easy for me to get a song from Little Zhang either. Do you know that ''Wishing We Last Forever'' was me imposing my seniority on him before I managed to grab it? If not, he would not have given it to me."


    "Hur Hur, then there''s no hope for us."


    "If there''s a chance, you can try and ask. Teacher Zhang Ye''s songs are really great!"


    Industry outsiders or the audience might not pay too much attention to theposer or lyric writer. They only cared who sang the song, but industry insiders, and people who really did music or sung acted differently. After listening to an excellent piece of work, their first reaction was obviously the audience''s reaction. They would then want to know who wrote the song. Firstly, it was out of curiosity, and secondly, if they wished to work with theposer in the future, so they naturally had to know the other person''s name. Or else, if they were to meet, and did not know anything about theposer or lyric writer, then who would write a song for you!? Hence, the moment "Woman Flower" was sung, Zhang Ye''s visibility in the circlepletely opened up!


    Those who could create one good work might have been lucky.


    However, to continuously produce two songs that reached the peak of perfection, it was definitely not as simple as luck. This fellow had true ability!


    Well, that''s more like it.


    Keep chatting, I''ll carry on listening.


    Zhang Ye did not find it appropriate toe out at this moment. He sat down on the sofa with satisfaction, listening to them talk about him. They were still on the topic of him, so if he suddenly appeared out of the blue, it would be quite awkward, and so he had to wait a little. He would pretend that he had just woken up and not heard a thing.


    Just as Zhang Ye was prepared to hear them praise him further, these people ended their chatter and the topic moved back to the Spring Festival G''s programs.


    "The skit wasn''t nice."


    "It was alright. It wasn''t as good as I expected."


    "That''s right. Language-rted programs are getting worse. There''s ack of creativity."


    "That''s right. They all follow the same pattern and is quite uninteresting. It''s getting worse throughout the years.


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Ye felt helpless. All of you are so bad at chatting. Keep talking about how this bro is so awesome and mighty. Why was that all?


    Time to go!


    Let''s go out!


    Zhang Ye knew everyone was resting in the dressing room, and hade here because it was too chaotic backstage. They were probably waiting for the clock to strike midnight for the new year. Since he had nothing better to do, he might as well go out and chat with everyone. At least, he could get to know some new friends. Of course, that was the scene in his fantasy.


    Get to know friends?


    Chat with everyone?


    None of that scene happened!


    After he pulled open about half the curtain, there was a curtain in front that was opened. However, as it was along a corner, those women were all gathered in front of the makeup artist. Hence, from Zhang Ye''s angle, he could not see anyone, and could only hear their voices. In Zhang Ye''s imagination, Zhang Yuanqi and those nobodies or lesser-known celebrities were sitting on chairs, munching on melon seeds while chatting. Hence, Zhang Ye could walk out with a chuckle, but when this fellow walked towards the outer curtain, and saw the dressing room...


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded!


    He waspletely shocked that he nearly peed his pants!

 Chapter 397: The Heavenly Queen Rescues the Situation!

    <h4>Chapter 397: The Heavenly Queen Rescues the Situation! </h4>


    Chapter 397: The Heavenly Queen Rescues the Situation!


    In the dressing room.


    Behind the curtain in a corner.


    Zhang Ye''s back waspletely drenched in cold sweat. His sweat instantly seeped out of his pores. His autumn underclothing was a third drenched. Guess how frightened this fellow was! His hair nearly stood up. He was still hoping to chat with some of the women and get to meet some new friends. From their chat, he really thought they were just having idle chatter, as the topic was all about the Spring Festival G. No one mentioned anythign about taking off or wearing their clothes!


    He was doomed!


    Why were all of them changing their clothes!


    The performances were all over, and all the women were in a dressing room alone, changing into their own clothes before waiting for the clock to strike midnight and then go home? Why didn''t all of you tell me earlier!? If I knew all of you were changing, no matter who retarded this bro was, I wouldn''t havee out. I would have pretended I was dead asleep, or even dead till all of you left. Now it''s toote. Zhang Ye had been seen by Zhang Yuanqi!


    Don''t scream!


    Old Zhang, don''t you scream!


    If you scream, this bro will be having his funeral wake tomorrow!


    However, well, this scene was really quite "beautiful". Although he only took a quick nce that was less than two seconds, whatever could be seen had all be seen by Zhang Ye. Furthermore, it was everyone. It caused his nostrils to turn hot. Zhang Ye could not help but pinch his nose as he had a feast for his eyes! The women he saw were not just any ordinary women, but celebrities. Whether they were background dancers or back up vocalists, they were still celebrities despite not being famous. Most of their bodies and faces were excellent. It was a scene that could make him spurt blood!


    "Sister Zhang."


    "Eh?"


    "Why aren''t you taking off your clothes?"


    "Hur Hur, I''m trying."


    "Is it difficult? Let me help you."


    "Xiaojing, right? There''s no need to trouble you. If your Sister Zhang can''t even take off her own clothes, then it means that I''m so old that I''m not too far off from saying goodbye to the stage."


    "Hehe, don''t you say the word ''old''. If you are old, then what are we? You look younger than any of us."


    People spoke from outside again.


    Old Zhang did not mention what had happened!


    Zhang Ye heaved a big sigh of relief. He was so d that Old Zhang was so loyal! You really are something! You really are something! Hence, he carefullyy back down on the sofa. Actually this sitting took him about ten seconds. As the sofa was made of leather, it would issue creaking noises. Zhang Ye naturally did not want people outside to discover his presence, so he sat down very slowly so as to minimize the sounds to prevent discovery.


    Suddenly, something happened again!


    The sounds of footsteps approached. "I remember there''s a sofa over here?"


    Another woman said, "I think so. Behind the curtains."


    The womanughed. "There aren''t enough chairs here. If I don''t sit, I can''t take off these pants. Teachers, why don''t you go first? I''ll wait for a while?"


    A woman''s voice that sounded in her forties said, "Hur Hur. Go ahead, I''m almost done."


    "Alright, then I''ll be going ahead." The sound of footsteps sounded even closer to Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye''s eyeballs stared widely. Holy shit, don''t! What are youing here for!? There''s someone here! Zhang Ye was already at a loss what to do!


    Shit!


    He was about to be discovered!


    Suddenly, Zhang Yuanqi''s voice rang. "Xiaozhao, hold on for a moment."


    "Hmm? Sister Zhang?" The woman said uncertainly.


    And Zhang Yuanqi was heard saying, "You are so young and learn dancing, is there really a need for you to sit down to take off your pants?"


    The woman said, "Hai, it''s because I''ve practiced dancing all year round, so my waist is full of injuries. I usually have to take care and protect it."


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "Then let me give you a hand."


    The woman hurriedly said, "I shouldn''t trouble you. There''s no need. I remember there''s a sofa over there. I was doing my make up here before I went on stage. I''ll be fine alone."


    One step!


    Two steps!


    Three steps!


    The wind that apanied the person''s motions had blown the tiny curtain in front of Zhang Ye''s eyes. Furthermore, the curtain was not fully drawn. There was a tiny portion exposed right in front. If the woman took another two steps, Zhang Ye''s position would have been exposed. This bit of space was not enough for him to hide! What should he do? There was nowhere to hide! Zhang Ye was extremely anxious. This wasn''t a big deal, but it wouldn''t do his reputation any good. If he was charged with the crime of sneaking into a women''s dressing room to peep at the Spring Festival G, Zhang Ye might as well find a piece of tofu to m himself to death with. He could not lose his reputation! He was too much too. Why did he run into a dressing room to sleep. If he knew that this dressing room was also a ce where everyone changed their clothes, Zhang Ye would never have rested here. It was over!


    "Hey, Xiaozhao." It was Zhang Yuanqi stopped her again.


    "Sister Zhang?" The person said.


    Zhang Yuanqi: "Why don''t you wait first?"


    Woman: "Oh? Is something the matter with you?"


    Zhang Yuanqi: "For me, I want to change my clothes. Hur Hur, but my gown seems to be stuck. It''s not easy to get out of it. I want to try sitting down since I''ve already taken off half of it."


    The woman said, "Sure, sure. You go ahead and change first. I''m in no hurry."


    "Alright, thanks." Zhang Yuanqi said.


    "You are too courteous. There''s no need to thank me." The woman said.


    Then, the sounds of high heels approached him. Tuk. Tuk. Tuk.


    As Zhang Ye focused with shock, Zhang Yuanqi was already standing in front of the curtain. Her eyes met Zhang Ye''s once again. Zhang Yuanqi was holding up her evening gown, with many things blocking her chest. However, her shoulders and white back werepletely empty. The Heavenly Queen did not say a word or have any special expressions. She stepped into the dressing room and then pulled with her backhand.


    Hua.


    The curtain was closed fully!


    Zhang Ye knew he was finally saved. He looked at Zhang Yuanqi with gratitude. Then he revealed a wry smile, and made a gesture of him sleeping.


    Zhang Yuanqi did not understand him. "Oh?"


    Zhang Ye then leaned over silently and whispered with the quietest voice possible, "Sorry Sister Zhang, it wasn''t on purpose. Just now, when all of you of left, I was sleeping here. When I woke up, I heard all of you chatting and thought all of you were just chatting, so I foolishly went out!"


    Zhang Yuanqi acknowledged indifferently.


    Zhang Ye repeated again, "I really didn''t mean to."


    Zhang Yuanqi said in a deadpan manner, "That might not be the case."


    "F**k!" Upon feeling like his volume was a bit too loud, Zhang Ye quickly locked his lips and said with a whisper. "What do you mean that might not be a case. It was really an ident. Don''t you know what sort of character I have? I really have to thank you for rescuing me from this situation. Can you get them to hurry up and leave in a while? So that I can sneak out? If not, I''ll not be able to get out, and will be exposed sooner orter!" Zhang Ye pleaded.


    Zhang Yuanqi looked at him. "Let me consider it."


    Zhang Ye was at a loss whether tough or cry. "What do you mean you need to consider it? Don''t pull my leg. Lives are at stake!"


    Zhang Yuanqi threw a bag on the sofa nonchntly. "Next time, write another song for me."


    "Didn''t I write one for you today?" Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner. "By helping me this time, you can consider it as paying me back for this song. Alright? We can talk about next time in the future."


    "What about the rights to my single?"


    "I''ll give it to you. You have all the rights, but you must give me some money. As for how much, we can discusster."


    "...Alright."


    "Then it''s settled! Deal!"


    "OK."


    Zhang Ye was in a rush to leave now.


    The woman outside suddenly said, "Sister Zhang, are you done changing? If you aren''t able to to do it, let me try? Evening gowns are always like that. They are too tight and at times hard to take off."


    Zhang Yuanqi stretched her head sideways and said, "I''m fine."


    The woman said, "Alright, then carry on changing. If you have troubles, give me a call."


    "Thanks Xiaozhao." Zhang Yuanqi said.


    This changing room was only about 2.5 meters wide. Although it was not considered small, there was a tiny sofa ced in here. Hence, the space was reduced by half, making it pretty confined. Zhang Ye sat on the sofa, while Zhang Yuanqi stood in front. The two of them were nearly stuck to each other. If they wanted to maintain a distance, Zhang Yuanqi would be squeezed out of the curtain. Old Zhang''s perfume fragrance was also very prominent.


    Take off her clothes?


    Right, Old Zhang still hasn''t taken off her clothes!


    Upon thinking of this, Zhang Ye looked at her helplessly.


    "What are you looking at me for?" Zhang Yuanqi said with a frown.


    Zhang Ye knew she had a bad temper and hurriedly said, "Nothing." Then he diverted his eyes to one corner and looked at the wall to his left. Then he found it quite unnatural and a bit awkward. In the end, he took out his cellphone to y with it, pretending to surf the and read thements of "Woman Flower".


    Outside, the women were still chatting.


    "Today that Lee Anson was just lip-syncing right?"


    "Really? I didn''t listen to it carefully."


    "It was lip-syncing. You could tell during the rehearsals."


    "Oh, I saw it too. However, he did it quite well. He did not make his voice too clear, so many of the audience members couldn''t tell. It''s also verymon to lip-sync at such a stage. It''s to prevent any errors from affecting the stage effect. There are very few people like Sister Zhang or Grandma Zhang that dare to sing live."


    In the changing room.


    Zhang Yuanqi alsoughed and responded. "It''s not that there are a few people. There are quite a few. However, there are some people who rehearse so much to the point where they be so tired and sleep for three hours. Some got sick while some got tired out. Some of their voices might not be in top condition, and there will be others who lip-sync. It''s understandable."


    "That''s right."


    "It''s actually not easy."


    At this moment, Zhang Yuanqi turned towards the curtain and faced her back to Zhang Yuanqi. Then she slowly tried pulling off her evening gown again, bit by bit.


    Zhang Ye was actually in no mood to use his cellphone. This fellow was known to be the kind of person who could not walk after seeing women. How much nerves did he have to be able to carry on surfing the inte with the Heavenly Queen''s beauty and figure beside him? Impossible! Zhang Ye began to secretly look down and peeped at Zhang Yuanqi''s back. She could not see him, so Zhang Ye did not pretend to look at Weibo any longer. With his head lowered his eyes maintained a focused look!


    The back was extremely white.


    As he had previously seen Zhang Yuanqi wearing nipple stickers, she definitely was not wearing a bra underneath. Hence, her back waspletely empty. However, there was a bra mark left behind on the Heavenly Queen''s skin.

 Chapter 398: The Heavenly Queen’s Clothes!

    <h4>Chapter 398: The Heavenly Queen''s Clothes! </h4>


    Chapter 398: The Heavenly Queen''s Clothes!


    She was still taking them off!


    The evening gown had gone down one centimeter!


    The evening gown had gone down another centimeter!


    The Heavenly Queen''s fancy evening gown began to fall off as her entire back was revealed. That arc and waist was beyond words. Zhang Yuanqi did not have a figure as tight as Rao Aimin, nor did she have the long legs that Dong Shanshan had, nor did she have Wu Zeqing''s full bosom. However, Zhang Yuanqi''s figure was the most standard and perfect. It matched the beauty standards of the masses. She was taller than Rao Aimin and her breasts were bigger than Dong Shanshan. Her skin was tighter and more stic than Wu Zeqing. From top to bottom, her figure''s ratio was gold!


    "What are you doing in a while?"


    "Me? I need to go home. My kid is waiting for me."


    "You are going back so early? There''s still a celebration after this."


    "I can''t. My kid can''t sleep without me. He''s just three years old."


    "Sis Yuanqi are you going to join in on the celebration?"


    "If you are going, let''s go together. Actually, they probably have already begun eating. They have set up a few tables, ced at the studio hall. There''s food and wine."


    There was some misceneous chatting outside, and whenever Zhang Yuanqi was mentioned, she would respond. She did not stop her hands from moving. Suddenly, a ck article of clothing appeared on her waist!


    Panties?


    ck?


    Zhang Ye''s eyes began twitching seeing this. Suddenly, he felt that Zhang Yuanqi''s neck was moving. It was unknown if she was turning back or it was just an ordinary movement. However, Zhang Ye did not dare risk it. He hurriedly lowered his head and looked to the side, pretending to look at Weibo on his phone.


    He could not see a thing.


    He could only hear the rustling of clothes being taken off.


    After another ten seconds, Zhang Ye felt it was safe once again and lowered the cellphone in his hand. He made an angle and quickly used the reflection to see Zhang Yuanqi, who was less than half a meter away from him. Her head was still facing the opposite direction. Feeling emboldened, Zhang Ye looked up again to peep.


    Just this peep made Zhang Ye''s eyes stare immediately. This was because two beautiful buttocks were gently jiggling inches away from him. Clearly, it was a result of her evening gown scraping against her legs that caused this motion. Zhang Ye could see the fleshy ass tremble thrice, and what made him awestruck was that the two buttocks was notpletely engulfed by her panties. They were both revealed without any hindrance!


    It was a thong!


    It was a ck colored thong!


    Zhang Ye did not expect to see such a stimting scene. After some thought, he understood too. This evening gown was too tight-fighting and was a bit long and thin. If she wore ordinary panties, it would result in a visible panty line, hence Zhang Yuanqi wore such an underwear that could cause him to spurt blood. This scene really made Zhang Ye''s eyes unable to move away!


    Slowly, Old Zhang''s bent down. The evening gown was now down to her legs. Pulling out her legs, she waspletely undressed. And she threw it backwards.


    "Ai!" Zhang Ye jumped in fright. The clothes happened tond on his head. It was still quite warm.


    Zhang Yuanqi looked back and whispered. "Put it on the sofa."


    Zhang Ye pretended to cover his eyes. "Alright, alright." He then hung the clothes on the sofa behind him.


    Zhang Yuanqi did not ask if he had seen anything. After saying that sentence, she ignored him. Then she carried on rummaging through the bag that she had brought in. There were clothes inside.


    Zhang Ye knew her face would look over, so he did not dare peep. He covered his eyes and lowered his head, appearing like a gentleman. However, the gap in his fingers was notpletely tight. There were some gaps. It wasn''t Zhang Ye doing it on purpose, but he happened to chance upon a white pair of hands taking out an item from therge purse on the left. There were stockings and a ck dress. There was also a pair of stilettos. Finally, a bra was taken out. It was ck in color and was made of very little material. Clearly it was part of a set with the ck thong!


    The beautiful bare legs turned around, which probably meant Old Zhang turning back.


    Zhang Ye waited for a while and tried taking a peep. Zhang Yuanqi''s back was facing him and putting on her bra. Bada. She had hooked it on. Then she raised her thigh adjusted a stocking with her hands. She was supporting herself on one foot. Then, she put on the stocking on her beautiful leg and put it on very quickly. However, pulling up the stocking wasparatively difficult and troublesome. After all, she did not have any ce to sit, so it was quite inconvenient.


    Zhang Ye covered his eyes and subconsciously whispered. "Sit over here and put them on."


    "Why?" Zhang Yuanqi asked.


    Zhang Ye said, "It will be more convenient wearing it here."


    Zhang Yuanqi''s voice''s came from above him, "How do you know I''m wearing stockings?"


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye was dumbfounded and immediately made up a story. "No, I just heard the sounds. I was thinking how it isn''t easy for you to wear clothes while standing up. I''ll stand up and you sit, alright?"


    "Oh."


    "Then I''ll..."


    "There''s no need."


    "Then, alright."


    What a close shave!


    He did not know if he had been caught or not!


    With the clothes taken off, the fragrance from Zhang Yuanqi''s body intensified. Wisp after wisp, it lingered around Zhang Ye''s face. This time, it was not the perfume from her clothes since she had taken them off. Now, it was mostly her body''s fragrance. It was very mild, but especially gripping.


    She took a long while to wear the stockings.


    The changing room was small to begin with. With Old Zhang bending her back and lifting her hips, Zhang Ye could discover it at a nce. Those two butt cheeks were about thirty centimeters away from him. If Zhang Ye lowered his head and moved forward just a bit, his head would touch them. He sat down while the Heavenly Queen was "hovering". Zhang Ye''s head was almost level with her buttocks as Old Zhang was very tall.


    It''s killing me!


    This is making this bro not be able to sleep!


    However, after seeing such an alluring scene, Zhang Ye felt that it would be worth it even if he could not sleep for three days and nights. This kind of "special seat" treatment was not something just anyone received!


    Suddenly, Zhang Yuanqi''s legs twisted as she eximed. She did not stand firmly and just as she was wearing her second stocking, she lost her footing. As her leg was still partway into the stocking, so there was no way for her to find her bnce. She then fell towards the side, and not towards Zhang Ye. It was the wall and if she hit it, it would definitely be quite serious!


    Zhang Ye was, after all, a person who eaten quite a few "Taiji Chinese martial arts" skillbooks, and was considered half a "martial arts pugilist". He was quite agile and responded quickly. He leaned forward immediately and pulled her over. Well, he did not manage to catch her, but managed to cover where she was falling towards!


    Smash!


    Zhang Yuanqi''s back hit the wall!


    As Zhang Ye''s hands were protecting her, Old Zhang did not m into it too heavily. However, Zhang Ye also ended up moving in one direction towards the sofa. Pong. There was a loud thud from the sofa.


    The people outside heard it.


    "Eh?"


    "Sister Zhang?"


    "What''s wrong?"


    The sounds of two people''s footsteps could be hearding over quickly!


    Zhang Yuanqi immediately raised her head and said to the people outside the curtain. "It''s alright. I didn''t stand nicely and bumped it. Hur Hur, it''s been awhile since Ist practiced dancing. My skills seem to be deteriorating."


    A girl said, "Did you fall and injure yourself?"


    "I''m fine, Xiaozhao. Why don''t you find a stool to change your pants. I might take quite a while here. Sorry about that." Zhang Yuanqi said.


    The girl said, "Look at what you are saying. It''s alright. I just used Grandma Zhang''s chair and have already finished changing. We''re all waiting for you. Aren''t we going to join in the celebration supper?"


    Zhang Ye''s heart rate was probably at 150 by now. After all this twists and turns, Zhang Yuanqi was already leaning on the sofa''s armrest. Zhang Ye had his hands around her back and his other hand was touching the bottom of Zhang Yuanqi''s thigh. This was a movement and action he did without thinking while protecting her. Zhang Ye did not do it on purpose. He was also touching where Old Zhang had not covered with stockings. Let''s put it this way, Zhang Ye''s right hand''s top few fingers hade into contact with the stocking''s rustling feeling, while the middle of his palm was the other end of the stocking that was still scrunched up. Finally, the lower end of his palm was on Zhang Yuanqi''s thigh flesh. It was extremely warm to the touch. Her skin''s temperature instantly reached Zhang Ye''s palm!


    It was soft!


    Zhang Ye did not dare to move, afraid people outside would discover him!


    Zhang Yuanqi did not move and said, "Go ahead first. I''lle out there once I''m done."


    The girl outside said, "That won''t do. We aren''t in a hurry either. We will wait for you."


    "I''m not done changing, and I still need to remove my make up. It''s quite troublesome. Auntie Zhang, go ahead and have the meal with everyone first. It''s not right for all of you to have to wait for me." Zhang Yuanqi said.


    Grandma Zhang from outsideughed in a kindly manner, "Alright, then take your time. We won''t be waiting for you. Let''s go and eat something first. All of us have been busy all night and are probably hungry. Are you all dressed?"


    "I''m done."


    "Me too."


    "Alright then, Sister Zhang, we will wait for you over there."


    Zhang Yuanqi lifted her head. "Alright, see you in a biit."


    Sounds of footsteps walking out came out in droves.


    Only then did Zhang Yuanqi supported herself on the sofa. She was wearing only a bra and a thong, as well as half a nude-colored stocking, before she slowly stood up.


    Zhang Ye said with a pounding heart, "Are you alright?"


    Zhang Yuanqi waved her hand while Zhang Ye looked at her. She then looked back at Zhang Ye and coldly said, "Why don''t you keep looking at me?"


    "No, no, no." Zhang Ye suddenly realized and quickly turned his head away. "I was afraid you were injured. Put on your clothes. I definitely won''t look. I''m not that sort of person!" This fellow probably didn''t even believe the words he said himself! He covered his eyes again and then suddenly smelled the fragrance intensify. He then recalled that his hands had caught Zhang Yuanqi. His hands were naturally filled with Old Zhang''s feminine scent!


    It was so fragrant!


    The temperature of her legs seemed to still linger on!


    This was the first time Zhang Ye hade into such close contact with Zhang Yuanqi. Actually that''s not right, he hade into contact with her at the motel while escapingst time. Well, anyways, it felt good!


    This time, he really did not look. Zhang Ye only heard the sounds from his ears.


    She seemed to be done wearing her stockings.


    Her ck dress was probably also done.


    Then he heard Zhang Yuanqi say, "I''m done."


    Zhang Ye opened his eyes and lifted his head. He finally saw Zhang Yuanqi stepping into two brand new stilettos with her beautiful feet. With some adjustment, she put them on.


    This outfits was not as bright as the colorful evening gown from before, but it was very eye-catching too. Old Zhang actually looked good in anything with her beauty and bearing!

 Chapter 399: New Year’s Goal!

    <h4>Chapter 399: New Year''s Goal! </h4>


    Chapter 399: New Year''s Goal!


    Inside the changing room.


    It was past 11 PM.


    The two of them were still speaking in whispers. As no one knew if everyone outside hadpletely gone, or if someone else hade in.


    "Hold on." Old Zhang said nonchntly.


    "OK." Zhang Ye responded.


    Zhang Yuanqi pulled the curtain and went out to take a look. A few secondster, she walked back in. "Alright, you cane out."


    Being able to see the light of day again, Zhang Ye heaved a sigh of relief. "It''s all thanks to you today. If not for you rescuing me, I would not been able toe out and would have been scratched to death."


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "About the single, I''ll get someone to talk to you about it tomorrow."


    Zhang Ye happily said, "There''s no need to talk about it. Give me any price you think is right. Then send me the contract. I''ll sign it and send it back to you. You can mail it to me once you sign it too." He still wanted to spend the rest of the new year''s with his parents, so he did not want to go out to discuss matters as it was troublesome.


    "Alright." After saying that, Zhang Yuanqi opened the door and looked out. "There''s no one, so I''m leaving to you to your own devices."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright. Go for your celebration supper. Oh right, here''s me wishing you a happy new year."


    "Happy new year to you too." Zhang Yuanqi did not speak further as she walked away in her heels.


    Zhang Ye watched her leave. Upon hearing some footsteps, Zhang Ye hurriedly pretended he was walking past and walked over.


    "Ha, Zhang Ye?"


    "It''s really Teacher Zhang!"


    Three Central TV staff came. One of them did not know Zhang Ye, but the other two recognized him at a nce!


    Zhang Yeughed, "Well-wishes for the new year."


    "Have a good year too." A male employee said, "''Woman Flower'' was too good!"


    Another female employee also said excitedly. "That''s right. This is the most touching song I heard this year! Teacher Zhang, I wish you good health. I hope you would continue bringing us even more excellent works in theing year. I''m already looking forward to it. You might not know, but many of our female colleagues cried backstage when listening to your song!"


    Zhang Ye said humbly, "It was Sister Zhang and Grandma Zhang who sang it well."


    A few people exchanged a few words with Zhang Ye before they left to busy themselves with their own matters.


    Suddenly, his cellphone rang.


    The number was from his maternal grandma''s house.


    Zhang Ye hurriedly picked it up. "Hello?"


    "Son!" It was Mom''s voice. "Are you still busy?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m done, but I won''t be able to make it in time, so I probably won''t be able to pass the new year with the family. Tell my grandma and granddad."


    "It''s fine. Mom just wants to ask you something." Mom asked urgently. "The ''Woman Flower'' you wrote, who is it for?"


    Zhang Ye said oddly, "It''s for Sister Zhang and Zhang Xia?"


    Mom did not like hearing that. "I''m not asking who you gave it to sing."


    Dad''s voice came from the phone. "You Mom is asking you if the creative inspiration of this song was because of her. Did you write it for her."


    Ah?


    What?


    Zhang Ye was at a loss whether tough or cry when he heard this, but he immediately said, "Yes, yes. Of course it''s for Mom. All the creative inspiration came from Mom."


    Momughed joyfully. "Haha, alright son. That''s all."


    Before the phone hung up, Zhang Ye heard his Mom say to his family on the other side, "Heard that!? What did I say? What did I say?"


    Zhang Ye: "..."


    Mom was such a person. She loved to brag and act awesome!


    Hai, let her brag then. Anyway it did not matter who it was written for. Zhang Ye would not lose a piece of flesh as a result. It was the new year, so he had to make Mom happy.


    ......


    Outside.


    In the lobby.


    Many celebrities, who had finished their performances, were gathered here. They were watching arge screen which showed the live broadcast. It was very clear and was even better than watching television at home. There were not many big stars here. They probably had gone to the celebratory supper together with Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Xia. The ones left behind were mostly extras for the Spring Festival G or less famous people.


    Zhang Ye naturally could not go for the celebratory supper. He had snuck into Central TV''s Broadcasting Studio 1 after all. Hence, he found a spot to sit down to watch the Spring Festival G.


    There was someone sitting beside him.


    "Hello?" It was a middle-aged woman.


    Zhang Ye looked over and found her familiar. "Hello."


    The woman was in her forties or fifties and was a bit plump. She was not very good looking, but had quite an interesting look. She had very kindly looks. "If I''m not mistaken, you are Zhang Ye, right?"


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s me, you are...Oh I know! You are Teacher Ci Xiufang!"


    Ci Xiufang.


    A skit actress.


    She was considered a "old y veteran" in the world of skits. She was not a regr on the Spring Festival G, but often appeared onrge scale gs like the Mid Autumn Festival or Lantern Festival. She was mostly the sidekick in skits and yed the main character from time to time. She was the type that was simr to Yao Jiancai. She had a familiar face that many people would recognize if they saw her, however their poprity was average, never too hot or cold.


    This knowledge and information instantly appeared in Zhang Ye''s head. Ever since he knew his weaknesses, he had already forcefully tried to be more familiar with this Earth''s celebrities and culture. From the looks of it, he had done his homework pretty well. He had really managed to recognize her.


    Ci Xiufang smiled and said, "It''s so nice for you to be able to say my name."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s not something hard to do. I''ve watched your skits often. They are yed so well. Some details like expressions and actions might not be noticed by others, and look normal, but the skill included in that can''t be something mastered in a year or two. It''s at least skills that takes a decade or two!"


    Ci Xiufang waved her hands, saying, "I''m not as good as you, to be so talented at such a young age. The ''Woman Flower'' from just now, I was listening to it and was truly touched to the heart. Later on, I heard from a young person beside me that you had written the lyrics andposed the melody. What a coincidence for me that, just as I was hoping to meet you, you came sitting beside me. I''ve seen your talk show programs too. As it''s more geared towards the young, there are certain things that I can''t ept, but there are many things that are admirable. I was quite amused watching it too, and there was quite a lot worthy of learning. Talking about this, you do talk shows, while I do skits. We are bothedians, so we are in the same line. This is our first time meeting, and you can say we have gotten to know each other."


    She reached out her hand.


    Zhang Ye also shook her hand. "To be honest, my talk show pretty much has entertainment as its core and are iparable to your skits. Your acting is what''s called true art." That was the truth.


    After some mutualpliments, the two also had a good chat. Ignore the fact that Ci Xiufang was fat and did not look pretty. She had relied on herself from her thirties to create a path ofedy for herself through her struggles. She did not rely on her looks or other things. All she relied on was her own resilience and pursuit towards the arts. Zhang Ye was always very respectful towards this kind of "silent and unknown" artists. Besides, he knew very well the feeling of bringingughter to the audience every year without them knowing her face or her name. This sort of feeling was something celebrities like Lee Anson would never understand or experience. Artists like them, who did not have good looks, usually had to walk a path much harder than others by tens or hundreds of times in the entertainment industry!


    With this, slightly more than half an hour passed.


    They were bothedians, so there was a lot inmon.


    Looking up, it was almost midnight.


    Ci Xiufang pointed to the screen. "It''s almost time to do the countdown."


    Zhang Ye stood up. "I''ve benefited greatly from the chat I had with you. Some day, if I visit you and consult you, don''t you not wee me."


    Ci Xiufang squeezed out a smile. "You are too polite. You also have your own routines and system. The entertainment of talk shows is something never seen before in the entire world. You were the founder. In this area, you are already a system''s founding master. There''s no need for you to consult me, nor do I have anything I could possibly teach you. Though our styles are different, who knows if there might be an opportunity for us to work together."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "That would be nice. If I have the honor to work with a veteran artist like you, it will definitely help me out a lot." Of course, that was just perfunctory as they were not in the same field, so there wasn''t a lot of chances for them to work together.


    Ci Xiufang suddenly said, "In a few days, there is a National Crosstalk and Skit Competition. They have invited me to be a judge. I don''t know if I have the time and have not agreed to it. Did they invite you?"


    Zhang Ye waved his hands, "Crosstalk and Skit Competition? Hur Hur, I didn''t hear of it. Inviting you as a judge is very normal. I''m just a host andck the qualifications."


    Ci Xiufang said, "The Crosstalk and Skit Competition these past few years have been quite sessful. I watch it every year and also learned a lot of things from rookies or established crosstalk and skit actors. If you have the time, I suggest you to take a look. It''s never a bad thing."


    Zhang Ye said humbly, "Alright, I''ll definitely watch it this year then." Zhang Ye''s world also had simr crosstalk and skitpetitions, however they were not as sessful. Every year, it was met with a lukewarm response. From what Ci Xiufang said, this world''s nationalpetition was a few levels higher, and the scale waspletely different.


    Suddenly, everyone began shouting.


    "Six!"


    "Five!"


    "Four!"


    "Three!"


    "Two!"


    "One!"


    "Oh! It''s the new year!"


    "Happy new year!"


    It was midnight, and fireworks could be heard outside. They exploded all at once!


    The new year had just begun and Zhang Ye was infected by the mood and felt excited. He was lucky this year. Many positive things had happened. He had also be famous. Ignoring the vicissitudes in his career, it had developed quite smoothly. Besides a few hours before the new year, he had ended the year nicely and perfectly with "Woman Flower". He was very satisfied with his own results and how he was increasingly nearing his dreams.


    The year had passed, let''s wish that next year would be even better!


    Goal? Let''s set one up! This year, I''ll try to increase my poprity and visibility to the level of a B-list! This world''s B-list celebrity was practically a figure everyone knew!

 Chapter 400: Something Has Happened Again!

    <h4>Chapter 400: Something Has Happened Again! </h4>


    Chapter 400: Something Has Happened Again!


    Midnight passed.


    Everyone was jubnt over the arrival of a new year!


    On the screen, the Spring Festival G had also reached its climax. The programs after that were no longer something worth watching. Many people would leave and were preparing to disperse. Even a portion the audience in front of the televisions were likely go to sleep. There would be a portion of people eating dumplings and having idle chatter with family, so even though there were still programster in the night for the Spring Festival G, the true Spring Festival G was only the first four hours before midnight!


    Mission aplished!


    This bro could also leave now that everything was settled!


    In the crowd, Zhang Ye found Ci Xiufang.


    "Auntie Ci, I''ll be leaving." Zhang Ye bade her farewell.


    Ci Xiufang revealed a smile with her plump face. "Go ahead. Please send my new year regards to your parents too. I''m waiting for a friend and will be going home soon."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright then. Thank you."


    Ci Xiufang said, "If there''s a chance, let''s have an exchange."


    "Sure, I have your number anyway." Zhang Ye walked out the lobby.


    ......


    Outside.


    The Broadcasting Studio''s special tunnel.


    When Zhang Ye reached the exit, there were many celebrities and staff members walking out from there. There were women he had seen previously seen in the dressing room. The person with red underwear was also in the crowd. All of them were walking very slowly. There was no other reason than because this was the exit. There were many fans gathered outside the door "blocking stars". Zhang Ye felt quite helpless over these people who did not spend time with their families at home and instead came here to join in on the buzz. In his case, no matter how much of a star-chaser he was, he would never have done that. Furthermore, there were manypany cars and managers waiting to receive these celebrities. It caused this special green colored tunnel to be especially congested.


    "Wow!"


    "Mengmeng!"


    "Sister Qi! Sister Qi!"


    "Lord Twelfth hase out too! Ah! He''s so handsome!"


    The fans were shouting the names of their favorite celebrities. Zhang Ye had never heard of people like Lord Twelfth. It was probably some ptial-rted character role''s name in some movie or television drama.


    The fans were squeezing inwards!


    More than twenty security personnel pulled out a cordoning tape to block the crowd from advancing.


    "Don''t push!"


    "Step back a bit!"


    "This is a restricted area!"


    The security personnel were turning hoarse from shouting.


    Zhang Ye noticed he would not be able to exit any time soon, so he decided to light a cigarette on the side. He wanted to wait for the people to clear out first. After all, his family had already already celebrated the arrival of the new year, so he was no longer in a rush to go home.


    As the celebrities walked out the passage that was beside a wall, they were met with fans shouting their names one after another. It was like walking down the red carpet.


    These celebrities, who had finished their performances just a while ago, were also very responsive. They would wave to everyone and say some words in response. One female celebrity even threw a flying kiss to the crowd. A few men who were big fans became so excited that forgot who they were. To be able to go on the Spring Festival G gave them a boost in poprity. Furthermore, since it was the new year, one of the most traditional and bustling festivals in China, the celebrities present were all feeling very good. Some of the celebrities, who usually did not take interviews, would stop putting on airs and interact with their fans.


    Heavenly King Sun was the first to get into hispany''s car under the shouts of his fans before leaving.


    Then a very popr crosstalk actor also boarded his manager''s car under everyone''sughter and jokes before slowly driving out of Central TV.


    Suddenly, a cacophony of ear-piercing screams sounded without warning!


    "Ah!"


    "Wow!"


    "Heavens!"


    The sound was extremely loud, and were basically only women. The voices of women were so much sharper. It was not like the low pitches of men. This "cacophony" was simply astounding!


    Many celebrities and staff looked backwards!


    Zhang Ye was also given a shock. He did not hold the cigarette firmly and dropped it on his arm. He hurriedly flicked his hand and thankfully did not burn his clothes. It only left a trace of ash on it, which could be removed with a pat. Zhang Ye grumbled while stamping out the cigarette butt on the floor. He was very angry! What was all thatmotion for!? All of you nearly scared this bro out of his wits! Can you at least give some warning before screaming so loudly? He also looked backwards curiously. He did not know who had so much charisma and poprity. Could it be Old Zhanging out? If he did some calctions, Zhang Yuanqi''s celebratory supper had probably ended.


    But this nce of his made Zhang Ye''s angere from only one single source!


    Lee Anson!


    Lee Anson had actuallye out!


    And he was putting on quite a bit of airs. He had two bodyguards beside him who looked like Koreans. Bodyguards were not allowed into Broadcasting Studio 1. Didn''t you see Zhang Yuanqi andpany not even have her manager with her? Maybe Lee Anson''s bodyguards, who were tworge, ck suit-dressed Koreans, were waiting outside, and received news in advance and came to receive him. The moment Lee Anson walked out the exit, they came to both his sides. They looked at everyone else with vignt eyes. Hence, Lee Anson was escorted out!


    Zhang Ye despised him, and it was greatly at that!


    What sort of pretense was this!? You even brought bodyguards? I don''t even have bodyguards. Without even needing to mention bodyguards, I don''t even have a f**king manager! What type of act are you trying to pull off!?


    Actually by now, Zhang Ye had a good understanding of Lee Anson. He knew he was recently very popr in China. He was the kind of person that became popr overnight. In terms of foundation, he was probably worse than Zhang Ye. And ording to what he knew, Lee Anson was only popr in China. In Korea, Lee Anson was not even somebody in his country''s entertainment circles. He wasn''t even considered a B-list celebrity. The only reason was that he had a song and a Korean drama he acted in, which was received with lukewarm response in Korea, suited the girls in China better!


    Lee Anson''s shoulder brushed past Zhang Ye. And for some reason, he gave Zhang Ye a nce.


    Zhang Ye noticed it, but ignored him and did not look at him again. He lit another cigarette stick. He knew why this person looked at him. One, it was just an idental nce without any intent. Second, Lee Anson might know that he hadposed a song for Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Xia at thest moment, allowing "Woman Flower" to go on the Spring Festival G, and shortening the time allocated for his song from three minutes to two minutes. It was just a minute and did not seem like much, but don''t forget that this was a miraculous stage. This was the annual Spring Festival G''s stage. One minute? One minute was as precious as gold! How many celebrities would fight it out just to get on that stage, yet they didn''t even get the opportunity to appear on it for half a second. One minute was too precious! As such, it was unlikely Lee Anson did not have any feelings about this. However, how could Zhang Ye care about him?


    He might not care, but the fans cared!


    "Anson-oppa!"


    "You sang too perfectly today!"


    "The Spring Festival G directing teams are too idiotic! You should have had so much more time for your program today! Yet they cut off one minute for that bad song, ''Woman Flower''? What bullies!"


    "Right, Lee Anson, ignore them. There''s us supporting you!"


    "In our hearts, you are better than any of the celebrities at this year''s Spring Festival G!"


    "I love you! Marry me! Give me a signature Anson-oppa!"


    "I want one too, I want it too! I''ve already waited two hours for you!"


    "I also sneaked out of my home toe see you! I''ve finally seen Lee Anson! He''s so handsome!"


    Mania!


    Only this word could be used to describe the situation!


    Zhang Ye was wondering how lip-syncing could be considered perfect? Have you seen the world before, or is the Spring Festival G''s directing team idiots? Or was "Woman Flower" a bad song? All of you sure are funny! Forget it, everyone has their own standards. It was impossible for a person or a piece of work to be liked by everybody. Zhang Ye did not say a word. It was their freedom to chase after stars. Everyone had the right to choose who they liked.


    However, what made Zhang Ye and many people surprised was that Lee Anson seemed to transform into another person. He was so warm and approachable on stage, and the way he smiled at the audience was so kindly. Now that the program was over and he was leaving, Lee Anson''s face waspletely cold. That cold was not like the coldness from Zhang Yuanqi. Old Zhang was cold in private, but that was mostly a result of her personality. She was such a person and had such a temper. However, even though Zhang Yuanqi was cold, she never put on airs. As long as friends looked for her, or even those juniors from the entertainment circles, she did not even know, she would still not put on any airs. Zhang Yuanqi would still help them and was particrly loyal. Hence, Old Zhang''s coldness was just a personality trait, and not her nature. However, Lee Anson''s gaze waspletely different. The way he looked at fans were as if he did not take them seriously.


    "? ? ." Lee Anson said something in Korean.


    The fans actually did not know what he said, but cried out in excitement.


    "Lee Anson said something to me!"


    "Go and die! He was speaking to me!"


    Immediately, two girls around the age of seventeen rushed past the cordon tape towards Lee Anson. When the people behind saw someone take the lead, they also rushed forward!


    Lee Anson frowned.


    His two bodyguards immediately protected him from the front and rebuked the fans. They spoke Korean, but it was likely to get them to make way!


    "Please give me an autograph!"


    "We really waited very long!"


    "Anson-oppa! Please!"


    There was a fifteen-year-old girl whose lips had turned white because of the winter weather. Clearly, she had stood outside in the cold for more than two hours. Her body was mped together with her head lowered. Yet, she stretched out her trembling hand, with a small beloved book over. She looked excitedly at Lee Anson.


    "Make way!"


    "Go away!"


    "Do not cause disorder!"


    The security personnel hired by Central TV rushed out to maintain order!


    However the group of people that crowded around were all young girls. They could not be too rough either, so the situation reached a stalemate.


    At this moment, everyone thought Lee Anson would give the fans some autographs for a photo op. It was impossible to sign fifty, but five would definitely not be a problem. That was also a way to ount to his fans. However, no one expected that there was no response for a long time. Pushing carried on for quite a while!


    Suddenly, a scream came from the crowd!


    "Someone''s pushing!"


    "Someone has fallen!"


    "The guards are beating people! Beating people!"


    With a rush, the crowd moved back. A fifteen year old girl, who had nearly frozen, had fallen to the ground!


    Trantor''s Note: Some of the Korean characters that appeared in this chapter and subsequent chapters are just Hangul consonants, and are not supposed to mean anything. They were originally "*#%&@*($&@)" in the raws. If you know what those Korean consonants might represent, just treat it as an inside joke amongst us ;)

 Chapter 401: Zhang Ye’s One Kick!

    <h4>Chapter 401: Zhang Ye''s One Kick! </h4>


    Chapter 401: Zhang Ye''s One Kick!


    It happened too suddenly!


    No one had expected this scene!


    Lee Anson was stunned. Lee Anson''s bodyguards were also stunned. The panicking and dispersing fans were also stunned. Even Zhang Ye, the surrounding celebrities, and staff, who had juste out of Central TV Broadcasting Studio 1, as well as people from artiste managementpanies waiting outside were stunned. It happened too quickly and no one had clearly seen what had happened!


    A weak little girl was already down on the ground. Even though it was the new year, she was still wearing her school uniform. She seemed to have been knocked down and was injured. The little girly on the ground, holding onto her arm. She endured the pain and seemed to be desperately enduring it. Tears even seemed to be welling up in her eyes before they started to drip down involuntarily. The ground was also very cold and she was not wear much. She had also been waiting outside for Lee Anson for hours. Now with her trembling, it became very obvious to the naked eye that she was shivering.


    "What''s the matter?"


    "What happened?"


    "Why did she fall?"


    "Youngdy, are you okay?"


    "Aiyah, someone help her up first!"


    The surrounding people began discussing without understanding the situation.


    However, when Lee Anson looked at the girl, he remained unperturbed. He stood at his original spot without moving.


    The two bodyguards were initially stunned for a few seconds, but then stopped looking at the girl. Their hands were still around Lee Anson and their eyes were only for their employer.


    A woman in her thirties, who had performed in an acrobatic show during the Spring Festival G, was nearest to her. She rushed over and held the girl''s hands. "Child, are you alright?"


    The young girl shook her head with all her might, but her tears carried on dripping.


    The woman felt her heart ache and hugged the child''s head. "Poor child, this child is freezing. It''s alright. Auntie is here."


    Behind, Ci Xiufang and her friend also came out. She had also probably seen the situation and rushed over with another middle-aged woman who was around her age. They squatted down and looked around to see where the girl was injured.


    "Where does it hurt?" Ci Xiufang asked quickly.


    The girl said, "It''s not pain. Thank you Auntie."


    The woman, who did acrobatics, was not very happy. She did not understand the situation, but knew who had caused this. She immediately stared at Lee Anson and her two bodyguards. "What''s wrong with you!?"


    The trio ignored her and did not say a word.


    The acrobatics performer was further infuriated. "Let''s not talk about the reason why. She''s just a student and a young girl. She fell in front of you, yet the three of you didn''t even help her up?"


    Lee Anson leered at her, "&%��##@@#."


    The two bodyguards remained expressionless and were unperturbed from the beginning to end.


    No one understood the Korean words Lee Anson said.


    Ci Xiufang could not stand for it. "Just because you don''t know Chinese, can you just ignore someone when you see them fall?"


    A B-list male singer behind also said, "That youngdy is your fan! And you can really just stand there?"


    At this moment, one of the girls, who had surged forward, pointed to the fat bodyguard, "It''s him! He was the one who pushed us! "I saw him!"


    "I saw it too!"


    "That''s right!"


    "It''s them!"


    "How can they do that!?"


    "We just wanted an autograph! Yet you pushed someone?"


    "What''s the big deal!? Why are you putting on such airs!? I won''t care about you in the future! I will not listen to your music or watch your dramas anymore!"


    "No matter how famous you are, can youpare to Zhang Yuanqi? Back then when Sister Zhang finished her concert, she was stopped by thousands of people at the backdoor. Everyone wanted her autograph, but Sister Zhang did not say a word and took out a pen to sign for us. She spent a full two hours just to give us autographs! She finished signing at one in the morning! Later on when everyone saw how tough it was on Sister Zhang that she could no longer hold her pens did people choose to leave on their own. What did Sister Zhang do? What did you do!? I must have been blind back then! Why did I like you?! You are too disappointing! How can you do that!?"


    "That''s right, this girl was here when I came. She was shivering in the cold wind. I wanted to lend her a coat, but she was embarrassed to ept it. She waited for three hours! All for one autograph. Can''t you even satisfy her tiny wish? Is this request too much? Is it insurmountable?"


    Many people outside began to criticize!


    There were a few of Lee Anson''s fans who had rushed forward at the beginning. They were alsopletely disappointed. They felt their hearts turn cold upon seeing this scene. They began to openly denounce Lee Anson and his bodyguards! Although from those people''s ounts, it was the bodyguards of Lee Anson who did not handle things properly and had knocked someone down, but who was their boss? It is you, your bodyguards. Your men made a mistake, causing such a situation, yet you remained motionless. You did not even help her up, nor did you say a few words offort. Even if you had your reasons, or had something urgent, maybe a schedule you had to rush to after this, or you were in a rush to go home to take a rest, there was no reason that could be used as an excuse for your actions. This matter was all your, Lee Anson''s, responsibility!


    "Apologize!"


    "Right! You have to apologize!"


    "Lee Anson! Hurry up and apologize!"


    Many of Lee Anson''s fans felt very embarrassed. They did not know on which side of the fence to stand on. It was obvious that they still liked Lee Anson and still possessed some fantasies.


    However the fans, who were outside waiting for celebrities, and those who didn''t like Lee Anson to begin with were not friendly. They all began shouting!


    "Apologize!"


    "Apologize!"


    "Apologize!"


    Without knowing when it happened, everyone began shouting in unison!


    Many people were feeling impulsive and infuriated. Not everyone liked Lee Anson, and not everyone had good feelings for Korea. There were already seven or eight people who had crossed the cordon tape!


    When the security personnel hired by Central TV saw this, they were afraid the situation would spiral out of control, so they rushed forward to stop them. Each of them grabbed one, hoping to hold down thosemoners who had barged in!


    "Get out!"


    "Don''t do that!"


    "This is a restricted area!"


    The security personnel only had those three lines. They had to ensure the safety of the celebrities!


    However, the more this happened, the more the crowd could not hide their emotions!


    "You want us out?"


    "He already beat our people!"


    "Is this Korea or China?"


    "Let go of me! Let me in! Which country are you from!?"


    Many people were shouting at the security personnel, but they remained steadfast in their responsibility. They forcefully pushed them out without saying a word!


    Ci Xiufang shouted, "Stop!"


    An old man, who had drawn sand art at the Spring Festival G also said, "What are you doing!?"


    The security personnel of Central TV ignored him and did what was within the scope of their job, and so no matter who was at fault, they did not need to care. They were people who had been trained and were very professional. To them, this was all a job. Being sentimental? They did not consider it!


    Lee Anson was still standing motionless.


    He did not move while his two bodyguards did not say a word!


    On the other side, Ci Xiufang and the acrobatic woman helped the girl stand up.


    Ci Xiufang''s friend took off her coat and put it on the girl. "Wear Auntie''s clothes. Say something. Where does it hurt? Did you get injured from being knocked down?"


    The girl shook her head with all her might. "It''s okay, it''s okay. Thank you Auntie."


    Ci Xiufang was exasperated with her reaction and said, "If you are okay, why do you keep clutching your arm? Let me take a look!" Saying that, she pulled up the girl''s sleeves and ignored her resistance and rolled up her sleeve. The girl''s arm waspletely bruised and had suffered from abrasions!


    She did not have a bad fall, but that was ording to the standards of an adult. This girl was clearly underage. How could a young child like her still endure the pain as if it was nothing when she had suffered such injuries? This made everyone''s heart twitch. They knew she was a sensible person and did not want to bother others. Simrly, this made everyone even more infuriated with Lee Anson and his two bodyguards. What was he doing!?


    Was there such a celebrity like you?


    How can you treat fans like that?


    "Apologize!"


    "Apologize!"


    "Apologize!"


    Themoners outside shouted even louder!


    Lee Anson''s bodyguards might know Chinese, so when the thin bodyguard saw the crowd, he whispered a few words into Lee Anson''s ear. Lee Anson''s expression turned ugly and said something to the thin bodyguard.


    Finally, Lee Anson actually turned around and walked towards the end of the passage. The car here to pick him up was there!


    "I said stop!"


    "Apologize!"


    "What sort of person are you!"


    The crowd pointed at Lee Anson and rebuked him!


    However, Lee Anson acted as if no one else was present and continued walking.


    His two bodyguards stood on his left and right as they left.


    As this happened, all the domestic celebrities saw this. They did not know how to handle it. No one went to stop him. None of the Central TV''s security personnel cared about Lee Anson. Not only that, they even stopped thosemoners who were trying to barge in! The scene was aplete mess. Many people were shouting and cursing. There were also voices from the security personnel trying to stop them and even people who helped speak for Lee Anson!


    "It was all an ident just now!"


    "Anson-oppa would not treat fans like that!"


    "It must be thenguage barrier for Anson-oppa. I know Korean, let me say something."


    Then that person shouted in Korean, hoping that Lee Anson would apologize to the thin and frail girl to settle the matter!


    Despite Lee Anson and his bodyguards clearly hearing it, they did not even turn their heads back!


    The woman, who spoke Korean, turned pale. "How can this be!? Anson-oppa! Anson-oppa!"


    The final oue was Lee Anson had knocked down a fan, and swaggered away with his bodyguards. No one could stop them!


    Themoners slowly ceased in their shouting and angrily held up their fists. They were also just very normalmoners. They could curse a bit, but they would not dare to barge in to stop him. Lee Anson was a very popr star in this country. As for celebrities, who came out of the Spring Festival G, none of them went to stop him. They could only stand there rebuking him because they too did not know how to stop him!


    Lee Anson walked away!


    The security personnel ignored the matter!


    To them, this matter was nothing!


    The injured girl, who had been pushed to the ground, bit her dehydrated lips while looking unblinkingly at the distancing Lee Anson. After a moment of enduring, she suddenly burst out crying. Previously when she was injured and had a bad fall, the girl had endured it without whimpering despite her falling tears. She even kept insisting that she was fine, but now, at this moment, first cries of the frail girl nearly tore apart many people''s hearts!


    However, something no one expected happened!


    Lee Anson did not leave. To be precise, he did not seed in leaving!


    There was a security booth in front that only allowed one person to pass. Just as the bodyguards were waiting behind and Lee Anson quickly walked through the security booth, there was already a person waiting there. This person looked ordinary and had very average looks. He did not dress very formally and seemed to have thrown his clothes on before leaving the house. He was such an unremarkable person, but under everyone''s shocking daze, he stretched out his leg and kicked Lee Anson in the stomach forcefully with his shoe''s sole!


    Peng!


    Just one simple kick!


    A kick as fast as lightning!


    He had sent Lee Anson flying!


    Lee Anson''s body was flying through the air and flew a distance of two full meters away!


    It was Zhang Ye!


    The person, who blocked Lee Anson''s path, was Zhang Ye!


    There was silence throughout the scene for everyone was dumbfounded!


    Zhang Ye faced Lee Anson, who was still flying through the air, and those two bodyguards, who looked extremely furious, and said, "If there''s no apology, none of you are going to f**king leave!"

 Chapter 402: Another Person Is Sent Flying!

    <h4>Chapter 402: Another Person Is Sent Flying! </h4>


    Chapter 402: Another Person Is Sent Flying!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Beating people!"


    "Ah!"


    "Lee Anson got sent flying!"


    "Who is this person? Who is this person?"


    "He''s so fierce! There''s absolutely no way of looking at him straight!"


    "He really flew up! Holy sh*t! How much strength was in that f**king kick!?"


    It was a scene no one could react to. This scene, that was engraved in everyone''s minds, was not something that could have happened. However, everyone watched in shock as this scene happened for real. It had happened before their very eyes!


    Lee Anson flew out of the security booth!


    Lee Anson mmed into the ground and cried out!


    It''s true! Everything was f**king true!


    It was no longer sufficient to describe their expressions as jaw-dropping. The celebrities were all stunned. Lee Anson''s fans also became silent. Everyone stared wide-eyed in amazement at the person in the security booth. They did not understand where such a daring person came from!


    He really dared to beat him up!?


    You really dared to make a move?


    Who is this person? That is Lee Anson! A famous bigshot star!


    How could this be possible!? How did such a foolish, rash person appear in the Central TV''spound? Furthermore, he was in the special passage in the security zone meant only for celebrities?


    It was already past midnight and the sky was very dark. The lighting wasn''t good, so many people could not see his face clearly. Only when that person took a few steps out of the security booth did everyone see the man''s face!


    Someone screamed!


    "This is....."


    "F**k! Isn''t that Zhang Ye!?"


    "It''s really Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    Many people did not know him, but some managed to recognize him. Zhang Ye was especially well-known in Beijing. Even if quite a number of people could not call out his name, they would make the connection with a particr work and "legendary story" of his after seeing his face!


    "Did you see wrongly?"


    "Not at all! It''s him!"


    "Yes, yes! My parents watch his programs daily! It can''t be wrong!"


    With the flurry of discussion, the crowd seemed to explode as voices roared in unceasing fashion!


    Those who truly understood Zhang Ye or knew what he had done were immediately enlightened, as well as being at a loss whether tough or cry. It was no wonder. It was Zhang Ye. Teacher Zhang was a well-known hooligan in the entertainment circles. His name had been ce on the watch list by the SARFT, and was ced number one of this year''s SARFT cklist! He had beaten his leaders, scolded his unit, conflicted with the SARFT, turned nasty with a professor, and had gone to war with the literary world! Teacher Zhang''s experiences and legends were not something that could let them look at him straight. He was a hooligan from top to bottom. It was rumored that some people would hide from him when they saw him!


    Beating up someone?


    Beating up a celebrity?


    Others might not do it, but when it came to Teacher Zhang, he would really do it. Just on this matter, only Teacher Zhang Ye was capable of such hooligan acts!


    A messy situation happened!


    This would be interesting!


    Many people eximed in disbelief. Many people were stunned on the spot, unsure of what to say. There were many who were extremely excited, as if they were on stimnts!


    Those who were excited were not just excited because of seeing the bustle, but it was an excitement that came out of their nursed grievances and fury. Many of them were suppressing their pangs of fire, but had to watch helplessly as Lee Anson and his two bodyguards walked away. They could not do a thing, but now, someone had stood up for them. And he was not some ordinarymoner, but a celebrity who had fame and prestige!


    It allowed them to vent their anger!


    That kick had relieved them of their anger!


    "Nice kick!" Someone shouted loudly!


    Eventually, numerous people looked towards the person who spoke. That person gulped and shrunk his neck back. He produced a loud cough and just as he was about to say something, others responded immediately!


    "Yes, nicely done!"


    "This kind of person is better off being beaten to death!"


    "To think he''s a star!? How can he have such an attitude towards his fans? What sort of character is this!?"


    "Teacher Zhang! You did it too beautifully!"


    Shouts of support and cheers resounded in the Central TV''spound!


    Of course, there were also discordant voices. It was the hardcore fans of Lee Anson, or it was better to call them brainless fans.


    A fat girl angrily said, "Who allowed you to beat him!?"


    "Anson-oppa! Are you alright? Are you alright?" Someone said.


    A middle-aged man standing beside him could not bear to see this anymore. "Youngdies, he treats you fans so badly, how can you keep supporting him? What''s the point!?"


    The fat girl red angrily. "I like Lee Anson, what has that got to do with you!?"


    A boy said to her, "One of your own was pushed to the ground. You neither helped, nor cared. Yet when the person that caused all this fell, you are more worried for him than worrying for your own parents? What state of mind do you have!? How dare you shout at us!? How can you shout!? Didn''t your parents educate you? You can''t even tell right from wrong!"


    The hardcore fans that resolutely stood on Lee Anson''s side decreased. However, there were still a few. Both sides began to curse each other!


    Ci Xiufang shouted loudly, "Little Zhang!"


    An acrobatic star Zhang Ye did not know signaled to him with his eyes!


    Zhang Ye''s kick had frightened all these domestic celebrities. They were all amazed at how brave Zhang Ye was. It was not that they had not seen people being beaten, but for a celebrity to beat up another celebrity, and at the Spring Festival G in the Central TV''spound, and furthermore in front of so manymoners and celebrities, this shocking scene was enough to stun thempletely despite them having seen all sorts of things and traveled the world!


    There was all sorts of voices!


    Everyone reacted differently!


    However, Zhang Ye ignored all of that. He turned a deaf ear to his surroundings and took step after step as he walked towards Lee Anson, saying, "I shall repeat myself once more! Listen to me carefully! If you do not apologize! No one is going to leave here today!" Then he used his body to block the security booth''s entrance, sealing it. "If you don''t believe me, you can try! Where do you think you are? Others don''t care? Fine, they might not care, but I care!"


    This was obviously aimed at the Central TV''s security personnel!


    Another security guard saw that a fight had urred here and was also dumbfounded. He subconsciously charged at Zhang Ye and blocked in front of Lee Anson. It was unknown if he was being professional or for any other reason. He shouted at Zhang Ye, "What are you doing!? Don''t do it!"


    Following that, people saw another kick and another flying figure!


    Zhang Ye had kicked the hip of the security guard and he too flew up like Lee Anson. As the spot he was kicked in had a different center of gravity, he even flipped in the air!


    "Ah!" That security guard got thrown out!


    Instantly, the scene turned silent!


    He pointed at the security guard''s nose and said, "You ignored it when amoner was beaten! When themoners want to seek justice, you stopped them! Now that a so-called star from Korea is in trouble, you are more worried than his Dad or Mom! Are you f**king sick!? Was your brain kissed by a donkey!?"

 Chapter 403: Beating up Three People Consecutively!

    <h4>Chapter 403: Beating up Three People Consecutively! </h4>


    Chapter 403: Beating up Three People Consecutively!


    Two kicks!


    Two people consecutively beaten!


    The scene turned chaotic. There were more and more people gathering around. Many of them were celebrities who came out of Broadcasting Studio 1, after hearing the news, to watch. When they saw the scene, they screamed "holy shit" in their minds. What''s going on? Isn''t this too much!? The live broadcast of the Spring Festival G was not over yet. The clock had just struck midnight for the new year, and there''s a fight outside? This... The celebrities had their reputations to maintain. It was unknown if there were reporters, so they were very particr with what they said. They did not express any thoughts nor spoke a word!


    However, themoners outside did not have to be concerned about this!


    "Alright!"


    "Kick him!"


    "This bunch of security guards are too wicked!"


    "Well kicked!"


    "Lee Anson can push others, but we can''t go in? They can beat people, but we can''t beat them? Your logic is so wed! "F**k! Could it be that all you Central TV''s security personnel are here to service Lee Anson alone? Is he your Dad!?"


    "Scum!"


    Towards the security personnel''s unfair attitude, many people began to swear!


    Lee Anson was still on the ground clutching his stomach. The two bodyguards were staring deadly at Zhang Ye. One of them helped Lee Anson up and checked his condition.


    Lee Anson: "??..???!"


    The thin bodyguard: "???!"


    It was unknown what they said. It was all Korean.


    However, it was probably easy to guess. Lee Anson was cursing!


    "Who are you scolding!?" Amoner angrily shouted.


    "Say it once more for me!" Anothermoner pointed at Lee Anson.


    With Zhang Ye taking the lead and standing forward, the surrounding crowd were emboldened!


    The Central TV bodyguard, who had been sent flying, felt better after a while. He also barely stood up after feeling a moment of pain. He looked at Zhang Ye with rage and said, "You are beating people?"


    Zhang Ye said confidently, "So what if I do!?"


    A young security guard behind saw that his colleague had been kicked. He turned nasty and was about to rush over to help.


    However, his arm was caught by an old security guard, preventing him from going forward. "Are you dumb? Don''t you see who that is!?"


    "Who is he?" A young security guard was in a daze.


    The old security guard whispered. "He''s Zhang Ye. Didn''t we see his news two months ago? That time was his first time on a ne, and under the situation of the aircraft cockpit being destroyed by hijackers without any autopilot, he manually flew the ne back and safelynded it!"


    The young security guard: "..."


    Another security guard beside him said, "It''s him?"


    The old security guard looked at the young security guard that was beaten and said, "That Xiaochen deserves it. Our job is to maintain order and not let unauthorized people cause trouble inside. The troubles between stars is their matter and not something we should care about, but that Xiaochen went to poke his nose into the matter. He really has water flooding his brains!"


    "But..." Someone who had good rtions with Xiaochen said.


    A security guard exined, "Xiaochen likes Korean stars."


    "Ignore him. Pretend we didn''t see it." The old security guard said.


    In a few seconds, the security personnel were held back by Zhang Ye''s forceful stance. After a round of discussion, they changed tunes. They closed one eye, pretending to not see anything. That security guard, Xiaochen, who had been beaten turned back. No one stood in solidarity with him, so he could only run back dejectedly and did not poke his nose in the matter anymore. There were many reasons why these security personnel changed their attitudes. However, anyone wise could tell that it was mainly because Teacher Zhang Ye was too fierce. He did not care who it was. He beat up anyone he saw and waspletely unreasonable! To get them to go forward to deal with the matter? How were they to deal with it!? What happens if they got beaten by Teacher Zhang Ye? They might as well not seek trouble for themselves!


    The scene was back at its beginning.


    Only Zhang Ye was facing Lee Anson and his two bodyguards!


    The frail girl, who was trembling till her lips turned blue, was still crying. The acrobatic woman and Ci Xiufang were coaxing her and blocking her from the cold wind by the side. The child''s situation made many people''s hearts ache. With some time, Ci Xiufang took a nce at Zhang Ye, who was standing by the security booth. It was unknown if she should cry orugh. She had chatted with Zhang Ye for quite a long while in the lobby and they got along well. What seemed like a gentle young man to her was very polite in his speech. He was also very respectful. He was also a person of the arts and literature, and a teacher at Peking University. Ci Xiufang''s impression of Zhang Ye was very good, but no matter how much she imagined, she never expected that she would see such a tough Zhang Ye outside a few minutester. A teacher of the people? This did not match the image of a teacher of the people at all!


    Lee Anson''s bodyguards were humiliated and furious. They hade to China only for a few days. They had been alongside Lee Anson all this time. Be it gs, concerts,mercial performances, endorsements, they were always met with courtesy no matter where they went. Everyone was so polite, but where did such a person appear from? In such a situation, in front of so many people, he actually dared to kick Lee Anson?


    They were furious!


    But they found it more unbelievable!


    Suddenly, Lee Anson who stood up bellowed, "???!"


    When the fat bodyguard heard this, he nodded and rushed over and kicked at Zhang Ye! He was very big in size and was quite fat. His body weight was also obvious!


    Ci Xiufang eximed loudly, "Little Zhang!"


    Amoner shouted, "Teacher Zhang, be careful!"


    "Aiyo! He''s gone over!" Many of themoners were standing on Zhang Ye''s side!


    There were a group of people who were shouting at Central TV''s security personnel, "You ignored it when those foreigners were beating people! Yet you care when Teacher Zhang stands up for us! Now when they are going to beat Teacher Zhang, you ignore? Hurry up and stop him! Which country are you from? Do you have any humanity in you?"


    The security guard, Xiaochen, who had been beaten up, yearned for Zhang Ye to be beaten up. Why would he provide assistance!?


    The other security guards looked at each other. Without their leader here, they decided not to move. They decided to wait for their leader toe back before they did anything. The task assigned to them back then was to prevent unauthorized people from entering and to maintain order. Other things were not within the scope of their job description!


    The Central TV''s security personnel''s actions ignited the mes of anger within themoners. Although they knew they had their reasons and duties, their attitudes werepletely uneptable. Zhang Ye had beaten someone up to force him to be ountable. Not only did you not verbally stop him, you even came to stop him physically. You even jumped in front of Lee Anson, protecting him. Now that it came to Zhang Ye, none of you moved? No matter how the security personnel exined, such as Zhang Ye was the first to make the move, and how it had nothing to do with them, their duties, or things like if they were to pull away the cordon tape, the barging of people would cause the scene to be more chaotic, none of them mattered. They made themoners feel that what Lee Anson and his bodyguards did was alright, but other than Lee Anson, no one could do a thing!


    "Stop!"


    "Be careful!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    Many people had their hearts in their mouth!


    However, there were even some of Lee Anson''s hardcore fans who added fuel to the fire!


    "Punch him!"


    "Go for it!"


    "Let Zhang Ye have a taste of his medicine!"


    "Serves him right! Who let him beat Anson-oppa!"


    These fans actually began cheering on Lee Anson''s bodyguard!


    Everyone thought Zhang Ye would be beaten. After all their figures were so disparate. Their heights were also different. One was a professional bodyguard, so the situation was obvious!


    Then when they looked at Zhang Ye, they realized that he was without reaction. He calmly looked at the flying kick of the fat bodyguard. He did not even put much thought into it, and even at this point, Zhang Ye was still not looking straight at him. He leisurely took one step to the side and raised his arm nonchntly, blocking the flying kick. His wrist made a very elegant angle!


    The fat bodyguard felt all the strength he sent out dissipate and he nearly lost his bnce. Hended in rm and tried to maintain his bnce before punching forward with a roar!


    Zhang Ye easily stretched out his hand and received the punch. With a twist of his wrist, he dispersed all his strength once again!


    It was Taiji Fist!


    Today, Zhang Ye was furious, and because of this, the Taiji Fist that worked at times could be used today the moment he made his move!


    The fat bodyguard stared. He had used all his strength twice, but none of his strength was usable. Just a twist of that man''s wrist, and all his energy seemed to dissipate into the ocean. Not a single wave was stirred. The fat bodyguard gulped in his heart. Oh shit! No matter how dumb he was, he knew he had met an expert today. Although he did not know how good his opponent was, he was sure that he could not beat him!


    The fat bodyguard did not dare to move!


    The onlookers could not understand.


    Lee Anson also did not understand. "??!"


    The fat bodyguard knew Lee Anson was pressing him to make his move faster, but...


    The thin bodyguard behind had also been trained and could tell the disparity in strength. He rushed up to help!


    But at this moment, a pair of hands appeared behind him to hold him down!


    The thin bodyguard was stunned and looked back. It was a stout man a head taller than him who spoke Chinese, "What are you doing?" He tried twisting his shoulders, but could not move one bit. The stout man''s strength was much greater than his!


    The stout man smiled and said, "I''m here to mediate."


    Everyone saw that not far behind the stout man stood Zhang Yuanqi. The Heavenly Queen had arrived. This person was...Zhang Yuanqi''s bodyguard!


    "The Heavenly Queen is here!"


    "It''s the Heavenly Queen''s bodyguard!"


    "Hahaha! Sister Zhang is mighty!"


    The thin bodyguard struggled to get rid of him to help, but could not escape from Zhang Yuanqi''s bodyguard''s hold. He was held on the spot!


    He was here to mediate?


    He was clearly here to help Zhang Ye!


    Lee Anson''s face turned ck!


    When the fat bodyguard saw that the thin bodyguard could note over to help, his heart turned cold!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s third kick of the day came. Without being alert, a solid thud made him the third person to be sent flying by Zhang Ye!


    The two people before him were not considered fat, so it wasn''t a big deal if they flew. However, this fat bodyguard was at least 160 kg, yet he had also been sent flying!


    "Ah!"


    "Heavens!"


    "He really flew up!"


    The audience finally understood. They originally thought that Zhang Ye''s small and weak body would ensure he would be badly beaten by the fat bodyguard, but no one expected that Zhang Ye was more powerful than him!


    "Awesome!"


    "Beat them!"


    "You are acting wildly here?"


    "Teacher Zhang has good kicking skills!"


    With an uproar, the crowd repeatedly cheered!


    Actually the reason why Zhang Ye could so easily deal with the fat bodyguard was mainly because Lee Anson only had average poprity in Korea. He did not have the ability or foundation. So the bodyguards he hired were not too professional. It was all just for show. It was not like S-list celebrities who selected their bodyguards very carefully. Furthermore, the bodyguards hired by Lee Anson were mainly for theirnguage ability. Since his main development was in Korea,munication was very important. His bodyguards also took on the responsibility of trantion, hence, they were much weaker in their main jobs as bodyguards. When something unexpected happened, this fat and thin duo could not handle it!


    Furthermore, when Zhang Ye was in Shanghai, he had obtained a lot of Reputation points from the hijacking. He had spent all of it to buy Taiji Fist Skill Experience Books and ate ten books. His level in Chinese martial arts was increased by quite a bit. Although he definitely was no match for "freaks" like Rao Aimin, beating a bodyguard was extremely easy. There was no pressure at all!


    Zhang Ye walked over. "You were the one who pushed that girl over, right?"


    The fat bodyguard wanted to get up from the ground and was about to speak...


    However, Zhang Ye kicked him right in the face. With a dull thud, the fat bodyguard was kicked unconscious. Hey there motionless!


    It was not a question!


    It was Zhang Ye muttering to himself!


    The frail fifteen-year-old girl was no longer crying. She was staring unblinkingly at Zhang Ye and the fat bodyguard on the ground. Zhang Ye was seeking revenge for her!


    Zhang Yuanqi''s bodyguard saw a few moves of Zhang Ye. His eyes lit up and had a general idea. He knew he was being superfluous. Only then did he release Lee Anson''s thin bodyguard''s shoulders and walked back to Zhang Yuanqi''s side. He was no longer involving himself.


    Zhang Yuanqi asked, "Why?"


    The stout man exined, "Sister Zhang, don''t worry. Teacher Zhang Ye is well trained. No matter how many of those half-past-six bodyguards there are, they will not be his match."


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled and said, "Is he that powerful?"


    The stout man said without a thought, "Yes."


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "Thenpared to you?"


    "Me?" The stout man pondered for a second and shook his head. "I don''t know. We''ve never sparred, so I won''t be able to tell. Anyway, I would definitely not dare to fight him."


    "Why?" Zhang Yuanqi asked.


    The stout man said helplessly. "I practice in strength boxing styles, while he likely practices in authentic inner strength boxing styles. It''s not the same, so it would be difficult to fight him."


    The thin bodyguard did not dare go forward.


    Lee Anson was also dumbfounded. He gasped seeing the bodyguard who had been knocked unconscious!


    Zhang Ye held up a finger and said to Lee Anson, "I''ll repeat myself once more. Apologize!"


    The thin bodyguard tranted it to Lee Anson.


    This time themoners cheering supported echoed!


    "Apologize!"


    "Apologize!"


    "Apologize!"


    Lee Anson''s face turned ashen. He looked at Zhang Ye and the frenzied crowd. He was so angry that he nearly crushed through his mrs!


    Trantor''s Note: As previously mentioned, some of the Korean characters that appeared in this chapter and subsequent chapters are just Hangul consonants, and are not supposed to mean anything. They were originally "*#%&@*($&@)" in the raws. If you know what those Korean consonants might represent, just treat it as an inside joke amongst us ;)

 Chapter 404: Today, it will be useless no matter who comes!

    <h4>Chapter 404: Today, it will be useless no matter whoes! </h4>


    Chapter 404: Today, it will be useless no matter whoes!


    Outside, the cold wind was howling.


    The situation was at a standstill.


    "What''s the matter?"


    "What happened?"


    "What''s going on?"


    "Stop, all of you stop!"


    Suddenly, a group of people came out the exit.


    They all wore suits and some of them even had badges. It looked like they were Central TV''s staff, possibly some were also from management.


    A middle-aged man walking in front of them wore a dark expression as he looked at the people lying on the ground. He called out for a colleague who had been standing outside witnessing the whole fracas. The youth who hurried over ryed the incident to them, asionally pointing in either Lee Anson or Zhang Ye''s direction, talking and waving vividly.


    After they had an idea of the incident, the staff from Central TV was also in a fix.


    A minor person-in-charge went to Lee Anson and asked, "Are you alright?"


    One of his fellow colleagues went to check out the fat bodyguard who stirred after being pinched in the philtrum. He touched his face and realized Zhang Ye''s shoe print was still imprinted on his face.


    The Central TV staff let out a sigh, relieved that the bodyguard was not hurt too badly.


    When Lee Anson saw the Central TV staff arriving, he flew into a rage. He pointed at them and said, "? ??! ? ???? ???! ??? ?? ??!"


    The thin bodyguard tranted, "Lee Anson is asking what''s with this guy! Why did he hit others without reason! Is this still a ce withws?"


    Zhang Ye was amused. "I did it with no reason?"


    Themoners by the side were all using angrily!


    "Bullshit!"


    "It was you who made the first move!"


    "If not for you knocking that young girl down, why would Teacher Zhang have a reason to beat you!?"


    "You didn''t apologize or help her up even after pushing her down! Is there any reason? F**k!"


    "Apologize! Don''t even think of leaving without apologizing!"


    "A Korean wants to behave atrociously in our territory?"


    "Pui! What f**king bullshit is this!?"


    The Central TV supervisor was also troubled. He went over to try to smooth things out between Lee Anson and Zhang Ye by saying, "Both of you are public figures and it''s the new year now. Why don''t we just drop the matter and forget that it ever happened. We''ll all go back home and not hold things up here anymore."


    Zhang Ye said carefreely, "It''s fine. I have lots of time and have nothing better to do at home."


    You''re fine?


    We aren''t fine!


    The person-in-charge said, "Teacher Zhang, you have already done what you did and even hit one of our guys too. No matter what, you shouldn''t have hit anyone. What if this gets out, then no one would look good. Give me some face today and forget about it. Even if Lee Anson was in the wrong, you aren''t that innocent either, right?"


    Zhang Ye gave a wave of his hands and said, "I won''t be giving anyone any face today!"


    An old man with the Central TV stepped up from behind and said, "Teacher Little Zhang, you are a teacher after all. How can you be like this? Take a step back and everyone can get on with it."


    Whether it was the other celebrities ormoners, many of them still did not understand Zhang Ye well. Maybe they knew him a little, but that was not enough. Hearing the old man speak, many of them were surprised!


    Teacher?


    This fellow was a teacher of the people?


    Everyone felt a little light headed upon hearing this. They had never seen this sort of teacher who went around hitting people, but they were full of admiration for Zhang Ye''s actions as they were also infuriated by Lee Anson''s actions! Because of their status and various reasons, they were unable to go forward and help. Only Zhang Ye had stepped up to take action. He did not care for the consequences of his actions, nor had any regards for his status as a teacher, literary person, host, etc. All he wanted to do was to seek justice for the little girl who had been hurt. Just based on this, many people felt they were inferior to Zhang Ye. They knew that they couldn''t possibly have done what Zhang Ye did!


    Ci Xiufang said from the distance, "Little Zhang, forget it!"


    An old folk music performer said, "Yes, if it goes on like this, you''d get in trouble. I think I saw someone making a police report just now."


    Clearly, it must have been a brainless fan of Lee Anson.


    But Zhang Ye appeared unmoved, standing still at the security checkpoint!


    "Teacher Zhang!" The person-in-charge looked unhappy, "What is it that you want? This is enough. The g will be dispersing soon and the leaders will being out as well! There are also reporters! You..."


    Zhang Ye said without acknowledging anyone. "It''s useless no matter whoes today!"


    "You..." The person-in-charge took a step over.


    However, he was held back by another man from Central TV. He pulled him back a meter or two and whispered to him, "Supervisor Liu, don''t. He doesn''t care who you are and will beat up whoever tries to stop him. Our security team did the same as you and......was sent flying."


    The person-in-charge: "..."


    Faced with such a person who didn''t care for the consequences, anyone would be frustrated!


    He couldn''t be reasoned with and wouldn''t give in to statuses nor could they match him in a fight!


    A woman from Central TV suggested, "Why don''t we get a dozen security team members to ''send'' Zhang Ye off? We need to get Lee Anson out of here before the matter gets bigger. Otherwise, we won''t be able to wrap things up here and judging from themoners'' anger, it might even start a riot!"


    But the person-in-charge rejected this, whispering in a low voice, "Then that would be a topic of discussion in the media. Lee Anson was in the wrong and if we were to help him to subdue Zhang Ye and aid him to leave this ce, do you know how themoners would react to that? They would definitely think that Central TV worships foreigners since we helped a Korean celebrity bully themoners of China!"


    "Then what should we do?"


    "The Spring Festival G is almost over!"


    "This is too nerve-wracking. Why did this mess have to happen during the festive season? It has always been fine in the past!"


    "This Zhang Ye is really as his reputation makes him out to be. He''s such a bast**rd. Why didn''t he consider the consequences beforehand? Isn''t he afraid? Does our Central TV not even have the face to curb all this?"


    "Ha, don''t even mention us. Don''t you know? This man even dared to scold the SARFT, so what else does he not dare to do?"


    "Actually, he did well to beat that guy up. Lee Anson''s too snobbish!"


    "I''m also frustrated with Lee Anson. He puts on an act in front of the cameras."


    "That''s enough. Don''t say such idle nonsense. Keep it down."


    The Central TV staff whispered amongst themselves.


    At this moment, more people had gathered around. There were hundreds of people surrounding them. Some were standing up on stone benches and staircase railings trying to catch a glimpse of the action!


    Five minutes!


    Ten minutes!


    During this period of time, a lot of people hade forward to try to hush down the incident.


    Ci Xiufang was also afraid that Zhang Ye would be made responsible for the whole incident. Whatever reasons it might be, beating anyone up was against thew.


    But after a long confrontation, Zhang Ye still did not leave. He stood at the security checkpoint and even lit a cigarette. He stood there like he was one against many, not listening to what anyone had to say!


    Lee Anson''s eyes was full of rage. He didn''t wear much except for his suit. The winter in Beijing was many degrees celsius below 0 at night. Lee Anson was frozen inside out when he suddenly said something in a low voice, "??? ? ??? ???!"


    The thin bodyguard looked over, but did not trante.


    Zhang Ye asked, "What did he say!?"


    The thin bodyguard did not respond.


    Everyone knew it was not something good!


    Suddenly, a girl shouted out from within the crowd. She had initially been a fan of Lee Anson and had snuck out together with the girl who had been pushed. They had just wanted to get autographs from Lee Anson and were your typical Hallyu fans, but after the incident, this girl had already been "converted'' by Zhang Ye. She suddenly felt that she was so stupid to have spent an entire day in the cold waiting for Lee Anson. Was she sick? What was that all for!? She suddenly found Zhang Ye very handsome. It wasn''t his looks, but him sending someone flying with his kick. That braveness and toughness made her heart melt!


    That young girl then shouted loudly, "Brother Zhang Ye! I know Korean! Lee Anson is calling us pigs! A backward nation! Trash!"


    The thin bodyguard was stunned. F**k, when did Lee Anson say those words? What Lee Anson grumbled just now when tranted was "what sort of crappy day is it today". When did he curse you as pigs or trash? Backward nation? Lee Anson only said a few words. How could there be so much information in them! What are you doing!? You f**king call that knowing Korean? You don''t know sh*t!


    Lee Anson also saw how the crowd turned into a frenzy almost instantly. The anger in everyone''s eyes was more intense than before. He still did not know what had happened.


    What happened?


    What had happened?


    The thin bodyguard hurriedly tranted what the young girl said to Lee Anson!


    When Lee Anson heard this, he nearly coughed blood. It''s not like this youngdy! Was your Korean taught to you by the Japanese!?


    F**k!


    You''re f**king scamming me!


    The thin bodyguard was just about to exin. "It''s not like that! He said..."


    The surrounding people no longer wanted to listen to his crap!


    "What the heck!"


    "I can''t endure it any further!"


    "He''s pushing it too far!"


    "Let''s barge in!"


    "I must beat him up today!"


    By the time the Central TV security team could react, more than a dozen youths, who were agitated by those words, hade rushing into the cordoned off area. A few responsible security guards had caught one of them. but when they saw an old guard giving them a wink, they understood and pretended to trip while letting the person escape from them. In the end, they didn''t manage to hold back anyone and just shouted out "this is a restricted area"! Of course, it was just shouting. Then, they symbolically made a few grabbing actions, but took no substantial actions! They were also Chinese nationals and had a sense of national pride. Hearing the alleged words of Lee Anson, they too were suppressing anger in their hearts!


    But the Central TV person-in-charge anxiously called out, "What is this?! Stop them! Stop these people!" If anything were to happen, they would have to shoulder the me!


    Only then did a few more security guards try a half-hearted attempt at controlling and pulling the intruders back!


    But as too many people had entered the area, about 20-30 of them had already gathered around Lee Anson, the thin bodyguard, as well as the fat bodyguard, who had lost hisbat strength and had just managed to stand up. They were immediately being beaten up. They hit their faces, kicked them, and a big sis, whose actions made people speechless, even scratched at them!


    "Bast**d, I will beat you to death!"


    "Beat them up!"


    "Stop! All of you, stop!"


    "Beat him!"


    "Everyone stay calm!"


    The scene turned chaotic as it was filled with all sorts of voices!


    Zhang Ye was actually the first person who wanted to beat him up, but when he saw so manymoners surrounding Lee Anson andpany, he decided not to join in. After all, he couldn''t even squeeze in!


    The thin bodyguard was clutching his head, almost about to cry. "Stop beating us! Stop beating us! We didn''t say those words! The trantion was wrong! She tranted it wrongly!"


    Lee Anson''s face was all blue and back!


    Outside.


    The little girl who did the trantion was also dumbfounded.


    A boy, who apanied her, stared at her stunned. "Xiaowen, you know Korean? Why didn''t I know?"


    The girl wiped the sweat from her forehead and forcefully snorted. "There are many things about me that you do not know. Why do I need to tell you!?"


    "But when did you learn it?" The boy was curious.


    The girl said, "I learned it from Korean dramas, can''t I?"


    The boy pursued the matter. "I never realized. Then say something to me."


    The girl scrunched up her neck and said, "Like oppa, like seumida. Korean is very easy!"


    The boy asked, "Is there anymore?"


    "No." The girl lost all her confidence.


    The boy shouted, "Go to hell! You just know the word ''oppa'' and you dare say you know Korean? How dare you trante for all of them? You sure are bold!"


    The girl faltered and said, "Anyway, anyway, he definitely didn''t say anything good. He must have been cursing. I could tell from his expression!"


    However, this side episode was not noticed by anyone. They were already busy beating up Lee Anson!

 Chapter 405: Because "I love this land"!

    <h4>Chapter 405: Because "I love thisnd"! </h4>


    Chapter 405: Because "I love thisnd"!


    It was a mess!


    A fight had broken out at the scene!


    More than twenty youths and a few older guys and girls had surrounded Lee Anson and his two bodyguards to beat them up. The Central TV staff and security team were desperately trying to break it up while other celebrities and artistes were also persuading the attackers not to do it. Some hardcore fans of Lee Anson had rushed forward to try to protect Lee Anson as well. As they were all young girls, the others did not dare toy a finger on them and only avoided hitting them. Someone was hindered by one of Lee Anson''s brain-dead fans and couldn''t do anything, so after a while, he could only give up.


    "He''s trying to escape!"


    "Beat up Lee Anson!"


    "Stop right there!"


    "Anson-oppa!"


    "Ah! Who''s scratching at me!"


    "They''ve insulted us as a backward nation! Why are you still on his side?"


    "We like Anson-oppa, so!? He can insult us as much he likes and we''ll still like him!"


    That scene was indescribably messy. A hundred people had set themselves on them and no one wanted out!


    At this moment, some noise could be hearding from two directions. It was the sound of chatting andughter. A crowd came out from the special tunnel exit and at the other side, a number of audiences and reporters had also begun exiting the g venue. The incident over here had gone on for too long as the Spring Festival G had alsoe to an end!


    A slightly more well known male host was walking out andughing with a few friends. He was attending as a guest tonight and was enjoying thepany of his friends, "I still preferred Sister Zhang and Auntie Zhang''s ''Woman Flower''. That song is simply too....." Suddenly, he turned his head and saw the fight, causing him to stand and stare with his mouth opened!


    "What''s the matter?"


    "What is this?"


    "Aiyo, there''s a fight going on!"


    "It''s the new year, what is this!"


    All of those who had exited the g venue were stunned by this, with no exception. No one could possibly have expected it since they were still in a celebratory mood inside while all of this violence was happening outside!


    "Quickly go and take a look at what''s happening!"


    "Call for help! Call for someone to help first!"


    The Central TV supervisor, who was trying to control the incident earlier, turned pale. He had wanted to resolve it before it became a big issue, but who would have known that the g had already ended. Everyone began streaming out of the venue. The people who came out were no ordinary people either. They included the organization''s leaders, some influential public figures, and their families, all people of importance. He couldn''t keep it under wraps anymore even if he wanted to! It was impossible!


    Sure enough, quite a number of Central TV''s leaders had stepped out at this time. They had been busy with the g''s broadcast earlier and no one dared to disturb them. As their phones were switched off, they only learned of the news now. All of them rushed over anxiously only to be angered by what they saw!


    "Stop!"


    "What''s going on!"


    "Quickly, pull them apart!"


    "Stop fighting! I am the Deputy Station Head of Central TV! Come to me if there''s an issue!"


    However, no one was listening to him. No matter how much they shouted for them to stop from the outside, or if they were the Deputy Station Head or the security guards, none of them were able to get those who had surrounded Lee Anson to list or do as they were told!


    When Zhang Ye saw this, he too was worried that they would hurt Lee Anson badly. It was fine if they just gave him a punch or two. In the event that they injured him heavily, that would be bad. He squeezed himself over into the crowd and said, "Everyone, stop fighting. That''s enough!" It seemed like there was no need for Lee Anson to apologize anymore. His face was bruised all over, so he probably couldn''t say sorry even if he wanted to. The two bodyguards were the same and had their faces all messed up, but their injuries did not seem too bad and just looked mostly to be superficial wounds. At most, they would have suffered a dislocation. Themoners did not go for heavy blows, nor did they use any weapons. They used nothing more than just their fists and legs to vent their frustrations.


    No one''s words made a difference.


    Only when Zhang Ye said something did everyone stop fighting.


    "Stop!"


    "No more fighting!"


    "Listen to Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "Yea, listen to Teacher Zhang!"


    Themoners dispersed backwards. A big sister, who still looked angry even spat at them as she apanied the rest to finally move back 10 meters.


    The Central TV leader stood there stunned. He shouted for so long and no one bothered about him, but when this person shouted?


    The other celebrities and audiences who had just made their way out and saw this could neither make heads or tails of what just happened either. Why did this young man''s words seem so effective? He was simply being obeyed by everyone! Teacher Zhang Ye? Who was that? Damn! Could it be that rumored Zhang Ye? The numero uno of the SARFT''s cklist?


    Heh!


    It''s really him!


    Someone recognized him!


    Actually, the reason why themoners had listened to Zhang Ye and no one else, was simply because Zhang Ye was the leader of thismotion. The weak little girl, who had been bullied earlier, had no one to stand up for her until Zhang Ye stood up to demand for an apology on her behalf. He even did so without caring for his loss of reputation by blocking the exit. Just based on this action, everyone was convinced to follow him!


    Over on the side, the person-in-charge, who was first at the scene, went over to exin to the Central TV leaders. he spoke objectively and ryed the incident to them from the beginning. Around them, many people heard his exnation and finally understood what was going on!


    There were huge crowds of people, formingyer afteryer.


    Many of those who had exited the venue joined in to see what was going on, but a portion of those also had to rush off to other schedules.


    Suddenly, the sound of police sirens rang out!


    Two police vehicles had arrived and came in directly to the grounds of Central TV!


    Yang Jie got out of the car and brought a few policemen along with him. When he had received the call regarding the fight, he was at home preparing to pass the new year with his family. The person reporting the incident did not make it clear over the phone, but mentioned that someone was about to be beaten to death at the Broadcasting Studio 1 of Central TV. Yang Jie was confused by the mention of the Central TV Broadcasting Studio 1! Wasn''t that the Spring Festival G''s venue? How would something like that happen over there, but after receiving several more calls, he understood that something must have happened and so activated several policemen to rush over here with him. When he saw the situation before them, 3 men were lying on the ground all bruised up. It was really a fight!


    Two big sized men wore stifled expressions.


    While Lee Anson was covering his face with his hands, with a rage-filled expression!


    Eh, wait!


    Isn''t this person Lee Anson?


    Didn''t he just perform on the live broadcast of the Spring Festival G?


    Yang Jie was dumbfounded. He had watched the Spring Festival G too and his daughter really liked this singer. She had been talking about him over and over while watching the g!


    "Superintendent Yang!"


    "Yo, Director Sun, what''s the matter?"


    "Let me tell you....."


    The two of them had known each other for a long time.


    After a few minutes, when Yang Jie and the other policemen were aware of the situation, all of them looked in unison towards Zhang Ye. The name of Zhang Ye was already notorious within the police system in Beijing. Previously, when he had beaten the son of the Beijing Television Station''s leader, he was detained at the police station. He had created a big mess while he was there and in the end, they had bow to public pressure and released him. This was how Yang Jie and the other policemen knew about Zhang Ye. Their first reaction was that this would be a headache to handle!


    When Lee Anson saw the police, he shouted loudly at them, "������##@@!"


    The thin bodyguard helped him up and trante his words. It was nothing more than words of protest andints. The bodyguard was also enraged, as they had been to China many times in the past, but they had never encountered something like this before. Getting beaten up? To others, it might be nothing, but to a trending celebrity who was enjoy his moment of fame? This was a big issue! It might even affect the career development of Lee Anson in China!


    Kaka!


    Kacha!


    Many people had begun taking photographs!


    Lee Anson roared, "?!"


    The bodyguard stood in front of him to block the photographing crowd!


    Right now, the situation was clear to Yang Jie and he had his own judgment of what happened. He walked over to Zhang Ye and asked, "Did you beat them up?"


    Zhang Ye graciously acknowledged this fact, "Yes."


    Yang Jie said helplessly, "Then I need you toe with us."


    Ci Xiufang rushed forward at this moment, "It''s the new year, can''t you do anything about it?"


    Yang Jie saw her and realized that he knew her, but only from television. In those skits, he would always see her, but he couldn''t remember her name. He said, "We are just doing our job. It''s the new year and I''m sure nobody wanted this to happen, but we still need to address and solve the issue at hand here."


    Nearby, somemoners tried to put in a word for Zhang Ye.


    "Why are you arresting him?"


    "It''s that Lee Anson and his bodyguards who started it!"


    "Yea, if you want to arrest anyone, then arrest the three of them!"


    "Teacher Zhang was just being a good Samaritan and was seeking justice! What reason do you have to take him away?!"


    A policeman standing at the back said, "He still shouldn''t have kicked others like this."


    Yang Jie stopped that policemen from saying anymore. He told everyone, "We are not arresting anyone. We are just asking him toe with us to assist in the investigation. Zhang Ye has toe with us, and so does Lee Anson. Please everyone, let us through!"


    Central TV''s leaders discussed for a while, also deciding not to step forward. They did not say anything else, but just allowed the police to handle the matters.


    Zhang Ye was feeling great. He did not resist and even sauntered along with the policemen to the police vehicle.


    Meanwhile, Lee Anson looked very unhappy and kept nagging at the police and pointing at Zhang Ye. He clearly did not want to waste his time by going to the police station.


    The thin bodyguard tranted everything that he said.


    Yang Jie also kept exining to Lee Anson.


    By now, everything seemed to have ended, but the fallout of the incident was definitely going to be explosive. There was no need to ask as such a big incident had happened, the newspapers and inte would definitely have it as a headline!


    The onlookers did not disperse. Even the celebrities, Central TV staff, and audiences all stayed to discuss about this matter.


    "Eh, what was the point?"


    "That Zhang Ye is really amazing."


    "No wonder he was ranked top of the SARFT''s cklist. He''s really different!"


    "I find him to have a rather true disposition. I previously heard that he went broke just to save the life life of a fan to the point that he needed to sell his car to save them. His character is rather good."


    "Even so, he doesn''t have a sense of propriety. What kind of asion is today? Where are we at now? This is the Spring Festival G''s venue. He shouldn''t have caused such a mess!"


    "The way he handles issues is indeed problematic. No matter what, he shouldn''t have fought. The other party is even a celebrity, a Korean celebrity! If it gets serious, it will affect foreign rtions too."


    They beganmenting all about Zhang Ye!


    Lee Anson''s hardcore fans were also wiping their tears as they cursed Zhang Ye. They were all heartbroken that Lee Anson had been beaten so badly!


    "Zhang Ye! I''m at odds with you!"


    "How dare you hit our Anson-oppa! Who do you think you are!"


    "You still dare to say that you are seeking justice for us? That girl, who was knocked down by Anson-oppa, that''s her blessing! We also wish we could be knocked down by him! What has it got to do with you? Why should you bother about it!"


    "A dog trying to catch rats, what a nosy parker!"


    "Anson-oppa! Wuwuwu, are you alright?"


    "You won''t get disfigured, will you?"


    "Anson-oppa! We have to sue him! We can''t let the matter rest just like this!"


    "Zhang Ye! You''re a jerk!"


    Even at this time, there were still so many of Lee Anson''s hardcore fans standing up for him. A bunch of girls kept making noises and the venue was filled with their scoldings or crying voices. One fat girl even squeezed her way towards Lee Anson to hand a band aid to him, offering it to him politely with both hands outstretched.


    Lee Anson took the band aid and said, "#@#��."


    The fat girl nearly fainted from the excitement. She eximed happily, "Anson-oppa spoke to me! He spoke to me!" In actual fact, she did not understand a word that he said at all.


    When Zhang Ye saw this, he felt hurt.


    Suddenly, more than 20 reporters squeezed their way through, some were even carrying video cameras. Some were from other broadcasting stations and were also reporters from Central TV. Since it happened so close to where they worked, they had rushed over to take a look. It was the day of the Spring Festival G broadcast and there was nock of television station staff or reporters on site. They were initially not here to cover the societal news or entertainment news, but were here just for the Spring Festival G, but who''d have expected that there would be such an incident. As news workers, they couldn''t miss out on reporting on something like that!


    About eight reporters had gone over to Lee Anson.


    About five reporters were interviewing some celebrities or audiences who had witnessed the incident.


    Around ten reporters had surrounded the police vehicle to ask Zhang Ye questions!


    "Teacher Zhang, what are you doing here?"


    "Did you hit Lee Anson?"


    "Why did you kick him?"


    "A girl was pushed and Lee Anson just walked away, but no one stopped him. Why did you stop him?"


    "Do you think that your actions are justifiable?"


    "I can see that a lot of people are cursing you right now. What do you think of that?"


    "Teacher Zhang, don''t stay quiet. Please answer us, why did you hit others? What is your purpose and motive for hitting them? Do you not understand that this does not look good on you? Your reputation will be at stake and you could get implicated. You might even be detained at the police station. I don''t understand. Why did you do it?"


    The reporters asked without a pause!


    But this was exactly what was on everyone''s minds too. Yes, why!? What were you thinking?


    Zhang Ye looked at Lee Anson who was about to get into the car with the policemen. He looked at those other celebrities and people who were pointing fingers at him. Then he listened to the cursing of those young girls......


    Why?


    Why?


    Zhang Ye had a calm expression. He turned his head towards those cameras pointed at him and reporters and suddenly said, "If I were a bird."


    Everyone paused! If? He was a bird? What did that even mean? What are you talking about? They managed to react after a momentary pause. It was a modern poem. Zhang Ye did not just use in words to answer them. He was using a poem to speak! What did he want to say? What was he trying to express? At this time, everyone became silent. This was becayse everyone knew that Zhang Ye was most famous, not for his TV programs and not for his songwriting talents, but for his poems! Even those hardcore fans of Lee Anson had stopped scolding to listen to what he had to say!


    Zhang Yuanqi looked over!


    Ci Xiufang was slightly stunned, but also looked over to Zhang Ye!


    Central TV''s Deputy Station Head and many other celebrities, as well as Yang Jie and his police team, were the same. They all subconsciously gave Zhang Ye a look!


    Zhang Ye''s expression was calm. It was in like water, but his voice was full of emotion. It was as if his voice was suppressing an unlimited amount of anger, about to explode, but had no power to do so!


    "If I were a bird."


    "I should sing with my hoarse voice."


    "Of thisnd buffeted by storms."


    "Of this river turbulent with our grief."


    "Of these angry winds ceaselessly blowing."


    "And of the dawn, infinitely gentle over the woods."


    Closing his eyes, Zhang Ye held up his fists but his eyes still so calm:


    "��Then I died!"


    "And even my feathers would rot in the soil."


    "Why are my eyes always brimming with tears?"


    "Because I love thisnd so.....deeply!"


    This was from Zhang Ye''s previous world. It was Ai Qing''s famous "I love thisnd" that was featured innguage textbooks. Today, on this asion, during this new year''s night, Zhang Ye presented it to everyone who was here!


    After that, Zhang Ye looked at those who were Chinese nationals, but spent their efforts so crazily adoring a Korean celebrity who did not care for them, to the point of feeling disdain towards them. Zhang Ye opened the door and did not look back at them anymore as he got into the vehicle. He did not know what he was feeling at this moment. Was it disappointment? Sadness? Anger? Or peace? Perhaps, only "I love thisnd" could portray what he was truly feeling now!


    Ci Xiufang took a deep breath. She was in disbelief. She could not imagine a poem like that coulde from the mouth of a young person who had never been through war torn times!


    The Central TV Deputy Station Head was also frozen on the spot!


    Many older people, who were at the venue, were all moved!


    The reporters did not say anything and no one continued to chase after Zhang Ye with questions!


    Those surrounding celebrities and audiences also stopped criticizing andmenting about Zhang Ye!


    After this poem, it felt like the thousands of people had all be silent. It had left all of them speechless, not knowing how to continue on from there. All they could do was stand there as they saw Yang Jie and the policemen drive Zhang Ye and Lee Anson away. The poem still reverberated in their heads as they were ovee with a slew of emotions . All that they wanted to say could not be said as the words were stuck in their throats!


    Why did Zhang Ye hit others?


    Why did Zhang Ye step forward and resort to violence to stop Lee Anson even if he knew that it would bring him a great deal of trouble?


    Was he stupid? He wasn''t stupid!


    Was he dumb? He wasn''t dumb!


    Even when he knew of the consequences, he still did it! Without the slightest hesitation!


    Before this, many were wondering why, but perhaps there was no reason at all! Because deep down to the bone....Zhang Ye loved thisnd!

 Chapter 406: Shouldering all Responsibility!

    <h4>Chapter 406: Shouldering all Responsibility! </h4>


    Chapter 406: Shouldering all Responsibility!


    Late at night.


    A nationwide outcry!


    Each year at this time, whether it was on TV or in other forms of media, the topic of discussion would usually revolve around the Spring Festival G. They would either be discussing a certain celebrity or program, but this year was different. On the first day of the new year, the topic of discussion was not about the Spring Festival G, but about the fight after the g. It had shocked the entire nation!


    ......


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    "What the hell! Something bad has happened!"


    "What''s the matter, Mengmeng? Why are you shouting?"


    "Our brother....he beat someone again!"


    "Don''t fool around. Why are you spouting nonsense on the first day of the new year."


    "I''m not spouting nonsense. Come and watch the news! Hurry!"


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Ye''s parents rushed over to see. His maternal grandparents and other rtives also put down whatever they were doing and came over. They were stunned by what they saw!


    His mother immediately cursed, "That damned child! Why can''t he sit still!"


    His father remained silent as worry showed all over his face.


    ......


    Jiaomen


    Rao Aimin''s house.


    "Aunt." Chenchen called out to Rao Aimin, who was cooking dumplings in the kitchen, with a deadpan face. She pointed to the TV and said, "Zhang Ye is on the news again."


    Rao Aimin took a look, "Heh, this kid''s zodiac sign must be a gunpowder keg. He explodes so easily!"


    ......


    At a house somewhere.


    Inside a certain bedroom.


    Dong dong dong. The sound of the door being knocked on furiously came from outside.


    Wu Zeqing was already tucked in bed, getting ready to sleep. She called out, "Who is it?"


    "Aunt, it''s me!" Wu Mo replied from outside the bedroom, "Are you asleep yet? Watch the news, quickly! Zhang Ye''s in trouble!" He had actually fallen asleep as well. His parents and family were all watching TV downstairs when they saw the celebrity spokesman for Wu Mo''smercial appear on the news, so they immediately woke him up.


    ......


    Somewhere


    An old man said, "Shanshan, isn''t that your old ssmate? That guy who does the talk show?"


    Dong Shanshan came out of the room in her pajamas and said, "Zhang Ye? What''s up about him?"


    "He''s on TV. It seems like he''s beaten someone up!" The old man said.


    ......


    The news spread like wildfire!


    Lee Anson had been beaten up! Zhang Ye''s on the headlines!


    As it was a period that was rather special, there wasn''t much news to begin with. When this piece of news broke, it only took 30 minutes for it to take the top spot on Weibo. The number of people who were discussing and forwarding the post was difficult to measure, as it kept increasing every second!


    "I''m shocked!"


    "Zhang Ye''s creating trouble again!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you''re really f**king can''t stay idle for one day!"


    "Hahaha, this is making me excited! Teacher Zhang was indeed worthy of being the leader of Professional Korean Insulters! Only he''d dare to do something like this!"


    "Deserved beating, good beating, such a beating to make Lee Anson wail in agony!"


    "What''s so good about that? This will lead to adverse effects, what is Zhang Ye even thinking? Eh, but it''s also because that Lee Anson was so stuck up. He''s really deserving of hate! If only he had treated our Chinese fans with more respect, giving them a few autographs and helping the girl up after she fell, then things wouldn''t have turned out this way. Even if Zhang Ye''s temperament was bad, those who know him would vouch for him to be reasonable. Lee Anson was mainly to me for this incident with only some responsibility to Zhang Ye."


    "Zhang Ye doesn''t need to be responsible! That Lee Anson is earning our Chinese people''s money and enjoying the adoration of our Chinese fans, yet he doesn''t even treat them as people? F**k! That''s so maddening! I''m just angry that I wasn''t at the venue! Otherwise, I would have given him the ultimate beating!"


    "Zhang Ye''s impressive!"


    "That''s a good one! I''m starting to like Zhang Ye more and more!"


    "Me too. Teacher Zhang Ye is so different from other celebrities!"


    "That poem was so well written! ''I love thisnd''? We love thisnd too!"


    "That''s right, Zhang Ye''s really the type of person I like, but this time, the trouble he has caused is not small. If the other party were to take legal action, he''d definitely be detained?"


    "Is it that serious? It was Lee Anson who was at fault in the first ce!"


    "If it''s really in ordance with thew, then Teacher Zhang Ye would be the one at fault. It could even be argued that Zhang Ye was responsible for the whole incident, as he was the one who made the first move!"


    "Support Zhang Ye!"


    "Support Zhang Ye+1!"


    "Get out of our country, Lee Anson!"


    As each media outlet reported the incident in detail. Every citizen who knew about it also expressed their own views on it. Most of them fully supported Zhang Ye and thought that his actions were appropriate. A small minority of them felt that it was uncalled for and also expressed their feelings about it. Yet another minority group, the group of Lee Anson''s hardcore fans, who were made aware of the incident, strongly denounced Zhang Ye on the inte. They called for action to be taken against Zhang Ye, so as to be fair to Lee Anson. They threatened the police department to punish Zhang Ye heavily, otherwise they would take the matter up with them!


    ......


    Police station.


    It was just around the area at Bayi Lake. Driving there only took a few minutes.


    This police station was muchrger than the one that Zhang Ye had been inst time. After entering the building and making seven or eight rounds while walking, he was led to a room.


    The young policeman asked, "Teacher Zhang, water for you?"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Do you have warm water?"


    "Yes, let me get some for you." The young policeman said politely.


    After a while, he brought the water to Zhang Ye who took it from him, "Thank you."


    Seeing no one around, the young policeman secretly gave him a thumbs up and said, "What I''m going to say does not represent any official stance, but personally, I find you to be really great. I''ve been unable to stand those Koreans for a long time now. On your "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show", as long as it''s a segment insulting Koreans, I''d watch it!"


    Suddenly, someone arrived outside.


    The young policeman quickly stopped saying what he was about to tell Zhang Ye and said, "Superintendent Yang."


    Yang Jie nodded. He came in with two old policemen and sat down in the interrogator''s seat. He faced Zhang Ye and said "Teacher Zhang, we invited you back here today as we had no choice. We''re all Chinese citizens, so I won''t hide what I want to tell you. We are angered by this incident as well, and we know that Lee Anson''s attitude was very bad, but since you beat him up, we can only deal with this officially. Please understand our situation."


    Zhang Ye smiled, "I understand that."


    Yang Jie said, "Let''s record your statement, please cooperate with us."


    "No problem." Zhang Ye said nicely and cooperated.


    This surprised Yang Jie and the policemen. Rumors had it that Zhang Ye was a hooligan and wouldn''t take both soft and hard approaches. His temper was bad and he liked to create trouble. He wouldn''t give face to anyone. What they had heard from their colleagues at the other police station was already bad enough, but it seemed like the situation was not the same. This person wasn''t as bad as the legends told. Even if he did hit a person first, to them policemen at this station, it was the rage of a nationalistic youth. It wasn''t the same as hooliganism.


    "Full name."


    "Zhang Ye."


    "Age?"


    "24."


    The proceedings began.


    Yang Jie had not really wanted to handle this case. If it were any other person, he would have closed one eye on the matter and let it slide since such incidents did not cause a big deal in society, but this case involved a Korean, and he was even a celebrity. Even the used was also a celebrity and while they were heading back to the police station, the news had already been reported online and on TV. It had caused a sensation! As such, it was a prickly case to handle for Yang Jie, since this fight involved two public figures. Everyone from their police station knew this would be a headache to handle!


    At this moment, an old policeman walked in from outside. He looked around the room, then lowered his head and whispered into Yang Jie''s ear, "Zhang.....leader at work.....made a call.........Peking University Vice-Pre......Wu Ze........"


    Zhang Ye''s ears were sharp, so he overheard a little of it.


    Wu Zeqing called the station?


    Yang Jie did not dare to dy, so he went outside immediately.


    After five minutes, Yang Jie returned to the room. He looked like he had a headache and was in a dilemma. Wu Zeqing probably had given him some pressure.


    At this moment, Yang Jie''s cellphone rang.


    Yang Jie became serious as he answered the call, "Director Zhou....yes....yes, he''s with us here.... I understand....I will handle it carefully.....yes..." He spoke as he walked out of the room, "....I''ve seen the news......yea......I know it would affect this case....don''t worry...." In the next 30 minutes, Yang Jie received a lot of calls, either from his leaders who wanted to know the situation, or from those who wanted to plead for Zhang Ye.


    After a while, the calls finally came to a stop.


    Yang Jie sat down once again. He was more prepared now, "Teacher Zhang, although this incident was started by you, we understand that Lee Anson''s bodyguard was in the wrong first. He had pushed someone down and you were unhappy about that so you stepped forward to help. That is understandable. Our people have taken Lee Anson and his people to the hospital for a checkup. Their injuries seem to be mainly on other parts of their bodies instead of their stomachs, so that would mean that your kick to him did not cause them any damage. Now, we need to understand from you during the time he was beaten up, how many people were there?"


    Zhang Ye looked at him, "What do you mean?"


    Yang Jie euphemistically said, "I can tell you very assuredly that Lee Anson''s injuries are not heavy, but they are not light either. He has no thoughts of settling the matter privately, so now we need to find the people who inflicted these injuries on him. Because Central TV''s venue is where the beating took ce, there was no CCTV. We can only rely on eyewitnesses and investigations to find the people who took part in the beating. When we can get them, your charge will be reduced as well."


    The few policemen looked at Superintendent Yang. They understood that he was trying to help Zhang Ye by finding the people involved and taking responsibility.


    "Teacher Zhang?" Yang Jie blinked.


    Zhang Ye suddenly smiled, "Superintendent Yang, I appreciate your kindness, but you don''t need to look any further. Lee Anson was beaten up by me alone. It has nothing to do with anyone else."


    Yang Jie said, "But the people who joined in on the beati....."


    "No one else took part." Zhang Ye answered, "Just me!"


    Yang Jie and the policemen were stunned when they heard that, "Just you? What do you mean, Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye was very epting of the situation. What happened had already happened. He was the one who led the beating, he was the one who started the conflict, so he might as well shoulder it all on himself. A heavy debt did not burden one any further. They could handle it however it should be handled. It was the new year and since he was already being detained by the police, why would he implicate others as well? There was no need for that. It wasn''t something that Zhang Ye could do either, so he replied, "I was the one who injured Lee Anson. His shoulder was dislocated by me, the bodyguard''s faces were bruised by me. Their legs were broken by me too. No one else was involved!"


    Yang Jie stared with his mouth wide open, "But there were so many people who surrounded and beat them. A lot of witnesses saw that!"


    Zhang Ye said, "They merely surrounded them, but they did not move a finger. I was the one who did all the beating. Do what you need to do. I''m already here anyway. I have no ns to go back either, so whether it''s detaining me in a dark room or whatever, I will do as you say."


    Their injuries weren''t heavy, at most it would be a detainment!


    10 days? 15 days? Zhang Ye was already mentally prepared for it. He was rather easy-going with it all!


    Thest time he was detained, he had been maligned. It was Wang Shuixin''s son who had beaten someone first, Zhang Ye had only hit back due to self-defense, yet he was arrested. Of course he wasn''t happy about that and thus caused the mess he did, but this time, Zhang Ye understood that his behavior was wrong and so he did not argue. In any case, he had already beaten Lee Anson and his two bodyguards. He had already helped the little girl and everything else wasn''t important to him. This was Zhang Ye''s logic, a sense of logic different from others!


    The young policeman was astonished, "You can''t speak nonsense like that , Teacher Zhang!"


    The old policeman was also visibly touched. He said, "We all know that you did not beat him up after that kick!"


    Zhang Ye kept silent.


    Yang Jie took a deep breath and asked, "Are you sure?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m very sure. I will take full responsibility. This has nothing to do with any others. It''s the new year, let''s not create trouble for them. It''s not easy for anyone here either, so after you are done handling my case, you should all go back home for the new year too." Then he reached his hand out, "Has the statement has been written ording to what I''ve said? If it''s done, allow me to sign it."


    But Yang Jie did not give it to him. He looked at him and said, "Teacher Zhang, what you are doing ispletely unnecessary. Shouldering all the responsibility is very disadvantageous to you!" He tried to persuade him patiently, "Actually, even if we found the othermoners involved in the beating, it wouldn''t be too big of an issue. They would just need topensate him or at worst, be detained for a few days. I can guarantee you that, so please don''t be like that. Besides, thew requires evidence, even if you im to be responsible, it won''t work."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Did you see it yourself?"


    "....No." Yang Jie answered.


    Zhang Ye asked again, "Was there any video footage of the incident?"


    Yang Jie sighed, "No."


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands, "Then it was all done by me. Superintendent Yang, let''s not argue anymore. I understand your kind intentions, but I was the one who picked the fight this time. I will take responsibility for my actions, don''t drag themoners into this. We will all feel bad about it, don''t you think?"


    Yang Jie was silent.


    The young policeman said, "Superintendent Yang!"


    Yang Jie clenched his teeth, "Just write it ording to Teacher Zhang''s confession!"


    "We can''t write it that way!" The young policeman said, "We all know what really happened there! If Teacher Zhang were to bear all the responsibility on himself, that would amount to more than just a detainment!"


    Zhang Ye calmly said, "I surrendered myself voluntarily, so you have to write it ording to my words."


    Finally, the statement was written ording to Zhang Ye''s confession!


    Zhang Ye did not read it and just signed it.


    The old policeman looked at Zhang Ye, suddenly feeling a great sense of respect for him! The few other policemen present felt the same. They finally understood why so many people liked Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye had a certain kind of charm which allowed people to respect him. This respect was very infectious as well!

 Chapter 407: We can do it too!

    <h4>Chapter 407: We can do it too! </h4>


    Chapter 407: We can do it too!


    At night.


    3AM.


    In the police station, Zhang Ye had been brought into a small room. He was not handcuffed or restrained. The policemen only closed the door before they left. In the room, there were three chairs and a rather worn down wooden table. The surface of the table was peeling too. This was the legendary dark room. It was already Zhang Ye''s second time in one, but it felt different from the first time. The police station staff had treated him rather well since it was only him in there. If he wasn''t a public figure, it would be normal for there to be four or five people locked up in the room with him.


    His cellphone was no longer with him.


    Neither was his wallet.


    Zhang Ye grabbed a chair and sat down andy his head on the peeling table. He started nodding off as he thought about his parents, not knowing if they would be too worried. This was something that Zhang Ye felt very guilty about as he did not allow his family to pass the new year in peace. As a son, he was not filial in this sense. However, Zhang Ye did not regret his actions. He knew that for some matters, someone would need to step up to do something about it. Since he was up for it, Zhang Ye had not held back. He loved thisnd, he loved this ethnicity, and for all of these, Zhang Ye was willing to do anything. Even if it meant sacrificing something, he would still be a nationalist through and through. He was one in the past, he was one now, and he would be one in the future!


    He had fallen asleep.


    Whatever was happening outside the dark room, he was clueless about it all!


    ......


    On the web.


    A lot of people had starting to take notice the developments of this incident!


    Zhang Ye''s friends and rtives, his fans and the supporters of this incident, Lee Anson''s brainless fans, all of them paid full attention to this news!


    Suddenly, someone called 100010001 revealed some news. This was a newly registered nickname, created specially to leak news anonymously, "Thetest news is that Teacher Zhang Ye has taken all responsibility for the incident. He admitted that he made the first move and was the one who did all the beating when the crowd surrounded the Koreans. He said that no one else was involved and signed off on that recorded statement. He might also have to face criminal charges for this. Don''t ask me for more details, as that is all that I know. I only made this statement on Weibo because I want to let those people who are still scolding Teacher Zhang Ye know what sort of man he is. He is an artist who has a strong sense of responsibility, emotions and patriotic spirit! Before you all curse at Teacher Zhang Ye, could all of you touch your hearts and think about it? Do you all really know what Lee Anson is like? Or do you all really know what Teacher Zhang Ye is like? Do you understand why he did what he did? If you read "I love thisnd" once more and tried to understand it, I''m sure that many of you would get it! Very few people are admirable to me, but now, Zhang Ye is one of them. Those who doubt him, those who curse at him, let me tell you right now that Teacher Zhang Ye is not who you think he is. He is a teacher worthy of everyone''s respect!"


    When this was posted onto Weibo, many of Lee Anson''s fans did not think too much about it. Instead, many of them had a tone of schadenfreude!


    "Serves him right!"


    "Only a death sentence would suffice!"


    "If he wishes to take all responsibility, let him!"


    "Sentence him!"


    But for a lot of other people, it caused their hearts to wince!


    "What?"


    "Is that true?"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye wants to take all the me himself?"


    "He was not involved in the brawl at the end! I was there at that time! I saw it all! Zhang Ye was not in the crowd that surrounded those Koreans! He was standing far away!"


    "I apologize, I would like to take back what I said about my doubts towards Zhang Ye''s actions. This person, Zhang Ye, might do things that are maddening at times. He has a bad temper and doesn''t have regard for consequences, but yet he is someone who is difficult to hate. He''s a jerk, but somehow is a jerk that makes people respect him. A person who can still think for others on a day like the first day of the new year, who''d rather stay a few more days in incarceration than implicating others. Who could hate him? Who could resist supporting him? Who is qualified to doubt him?"


    "How can we let Teacher Zhang take all the responsibility!"


    "What the heck is Zhang Ye trying to do!"


    "If you take all the responsibility, what would happen to you?"


    "Teacher Zhang, why are you being like this! Are you mad!"


    "F**k! Teacher Zhang, you''re looking down on us! We took part in the beating too! I will take responsibility for my own actions! It''s just a matter of being detained! You didn''t even bat an eyelid to that, so why would I! It''s no big deal! I will go and turn myself in tomorrow! At most, I''d spend my new year in detainment!"


    "We cannot allow Teacher Zhang to bear this alone! There were more than 20 people at that time, so who else hit Lee Anson? I am one, so let''se forward!"


    "Yes, we aren''t afraid of the consequences!"


    "In the past, Teacher Zhang became bankrupt and even borrowed money from others to allow his fan to be treated. Now, he''s trying to take all the me for so many people who are unrted to him. I don''t know how you all feel about this, but I feel bad. Surrender? Count me in!"


    "Me too!"


    "F**k! I''m going as well!"


    "Who''s afraid of who!"


    "That''s right! We can''t let anyone look down on us!"


    "Now that something has happened, no one wants toe forward to ept their responsibility? They even let Teacher Zhang Ye take the me for everyone else? Isn''t that so shameful!? We mustn''t let foreigners think that we are like this and allow them to look down on us! If you did it, then you better step up to admit it! Help Teacher Zhang!"


    "Count me in!"


    "Don''t let Teacher Zhang face this alone!"


    "Well said! Let Zhang Ye know that we are still here!"


    "Let everyone know that! Know that our country consists of more than just one person like Zhang Ye! There''s still us!"


    When this news was revealed, a lot of people''s passionate blood boiled! if this was any other time, they would not have such courage, but as Zhang Ye''s series of actions today were so infectious, his stopping of Lee Anson from leaving, his "I love thisnd" poem, to his refusal to rat out the others who had been involved, but instead took all responsibility for the incident. All of these had stirred the masses fighting spirit, which could no longer be held down!


    "If I were a bird."


    "I should sing with my hoarse voice."


    "Of thisnd buffeted by storms."


    "Of this river turbulent with our grief."


    "Of these angry winds ceaselessly blowing."


    "And of the dawn, infinitely gentle over the woods."


    "��Then I died!"


    "And even my feathers would rot in the soil."


    "Why are my eyes always brimming with tears?"


    "Because I love thisnd so deeply!"


    Rereading this poem again, the masses had yet another different feeling. Just what sort of person and talent would be able to write a poem with such kind of national sentiments? Just what sort of a person could have such passion and beliefs who would rather die than let his homnd rot? At this moment, they finally understood Zhang Ye''s thoughts and feelings! If one did not ce themunity higher than themselves, if one did not love hismunity and nation so deeply in his bones, such a person would never be able topose a poem like this! The beauty of poetryy in this kind of a moment. The moment when the string in everyone''s heart was plucked with such vigor! When ourmunity is in danger, or when our people are being bullied and insulted, why should we depend on others to fight for us? Are we going toin that we have no one to look up to? Comin about each other''s inactions and not self-reflect on our own inactions instead?


    If Zhang Ye can do it!


    Why can''t we do the same?


    We can also step forward and take the me!


    We can also be like Teacher Zhang putting himself up so selflessly!

 Chapter 408: An extremely packed police station!

    <h4>Chapter 408: An extremely packed police station! </h4>


    Chapter 408: An extremely packed police station!


    It was the first day of the new year.


    The sound of firecrackers had awoken quite a lot of people this morning.


    With his head moving, Zhang Ye got up from the table. While yawning and rubbing his stiff face, he looked outside, but could not see anything. The tiny window revealed a little of the morning sun, and the sound of firecrackers could be heard through it. He could hear the sounds of festivity outside, but he could not embrace the new year mood inside the detainment cell. The room was too silent. He got up and stretched his limbs. He was thirsty and also hungry.


    "Where is everyone?"


    "Anyone there?"


    "Hey bros, give me something to eat?"


    "If there''s no breakfast, at least give me some warm water?"


    Zhang Ye shouted outside, but no one bothered with him. He felt helpless, but did notin. He sat down once again. Since he was under the roof of others, he had to make do.


    It was a bit noisy outside.


    It wasn''t the sound of firecrackers, but voices. He did not know what was going on.


    ......


    Police station.


    On the first floor of arge lobby.


    The policeman on duty looked at therge crowds squeezing in from outside the door and were quite stunned. They even felt a shiver for they had really been frightened out of their wits. Holy sh*t, why were so many people here? What are they all here for? There were times of trouble recently, don''t tell me they were here to chop people to death? No, that''s not right. This was Beijing. It was one of the mostwful and orderly ces in the country. How could these people be so bold?


    Eh?


    There are even children?


    Wait a moment, why are there old grannies and grandpas?


    An old policeman from the side also turned frightened. He got a policeman to watch over the situation as he rushed back to make a phone call. "Hello, Superintendent Yang, hurry over quickly!"


    Yang Jie was still sleeping in the dormitories of the police station. "What''s wrong? Isn''t it early!? I was busyte into the nightst night. I''ll be going inter in the day."


    The old policeman hurriedly said, "Many people are here at the station. The entrance ispletely blocked. Little Wang and I can''t handle it at all! I think it''s best youe over quickly. If not, get Old Wu and Old Zhao too?" Under normal circumstances, the police station enjoyed peace and quiet during the new year. There were not many matters or cases, so only two or three people were left manning the station. The rest would be on break as they took shifts.


    However, today''s situation was a bit different!


    Yang Jie was stunned, How many people came?"


    The old policeman said, "There''s about three hundred. And that''s the number that squeezed in. It seems like there''s more outside. As for how many in total, I can''t even count, there''s too many!"


    Yang Jie turned nervous. "What''s going on?"


    "I don''t know. I got Little Wang to watch the ce outside!" The old policeman said.


    Yang Jie hurriedly said, "I''ll be there in three minutes! The both of you must hold on until then!"


    "Alright, alright, alright." After hanging up the phone, the old policeman bolstered up his courage to walk back out.


    The dormitory was probably quite close to the police station, so in about three minutes, Yang Jie had grabbed a few policemen and rushed to the police station. These people were on break, but due to extenuating circumstances, Yang Jie got all of them activated. A few Deputy Superintendents were also informed, so they would be here soon.


    "What''s the matter?" Yang Jie wanted to be fierce, so as to control the crowd that were here to cause a mess. However, when he saw about 500-600 people packed around the police station, hecked the confidence. Holy sh*t, what were they here for!? Yang Jie subconsciously ced his hand behind him and touched the gun by his waist and felt a bit more reassured. However, he and the other policemen also knew that if these people wanted to do something, then just their few guns would be meaningless. Hence, someone had already informed other branches and the special forces for backup support.


    The police station was facing a monstrosity, so they had to be on full alert!


    Yang Jie bit the bullet before walking forward and said, "I''m this police station''s Superintendent Yang Jie. If you have anything, you can tell me? It''s the new year, so everyone, please don''t be rash. If there''s anything, we will try to solve it. You must trust your government, the police, and thew!" He said in an earnest manner.


    No one spoke.


    The old policeman said with a trembling voice, "All...All of you, is there something?"


    A youth stepped forward, "I''m here to surrender!"


    The policemen that numbered about eight were stunned, "Surrender? Surrender for what?"


    The youth stretched his hands out in front of him, "Hurry up and cuff me! The matter with Lee Anson being beaten at midnight, it wasn''t done by Teacher Zhang Ye, it was done by me!"


    "And me too!"


    "Me too!"


    "I was involved!"


    "I was also involved!"


    "Cuff me!"


    Immediately, more than a hundred voices cried out. It was tumultuous and thundering. Their voices echoed throughout the entire police station, even drowning out the sounds of the firecrackers outside!


    Yang Jie was dumbfounded!


    The policemen were also stunned with widened eyes!


    "All...All of you are here to surrender?" Yang Jie felt faint. The thing that happened at night only involved about a dozen or two people in the brawl. How could there be so many people? Impossible! If there were really hundreds of people beating Lee Anson, would Lee Anson be slightly injured? He would have been beaten to a f**king pulp!


    A man fiercely mmed the police station''s reception counter. "Hurry and take my statement! Lee Anson was beaten by me! Let Teacher Zhang out!"


    "I''m here to surrender too. He was beaten by me!" A woman also stepped forward!


    A young policeman wiped the sweat from his forehead, "Superintendent Yang! What should we do about this!"


    Yang Jie also did not expect this to happen. Anyone with a clear mind knew it was impossible so many people were involved in the brawl. However, with so many of them surrendering themselves, they could not do anything about it. They had to go in ordance with procedure and take statements. They had to do them one at a time!


    The police station''s policemen was immediately thrown into chaos. They were here to surrender, and the policemen could not chase them out. They could only get them to line up. It turned out that these people were very well-mannered and did not cause much trouble. They lined up to have their statements taken. It was rather orderly, causing the policemen to freeze!?


    What should they do?


    Hai, I guess let''s take the statements!


    ......


    "Full name."


    "Sun Jian."


    "Gender?"


    "Male."


    "Age."


    "Nine years old!"


    The policeman looked at the primary school student still wearing a tiny yellow hat and with a face of being at a loss of whether tough or cry, he said, "Little friend, this is a police station. It''s not somewhere you should be. Be obedient and quickly go home."


    The primary school student refused to listen. "Lee Anson was beaten by me!"


    The policeman exhorted, "Hurry up and go home. If not, I''ll tell your Mommy and Daddy?"


    The primary school student said, "He was still beaten by me! Let Uncle Zhang Ye out!"


    The policeman immediately felt his head swell.


    ......


    "Full name."


    "Qin Zhunwen!"


    "Uh, age?"


    "Ny-one years old!"


    On another side, a policeman was nearly in tears. He looked at the old man sitting across the table that needed two of his family members to support him in his crutches. He immediately poured some tea to serve him. Seeing how the elder did not sit very stably, he was a bit afraid. He gave up his seat to the elder, afraid that something would happen to him while here. He did not even dare raise his voice. "Old grandpa, you...you are already this old, can we not do this? Please don''t. Hurry and leave."


    The elder in his nies stared at him with his red beard while mming his crutch onto the ground, causing the ground to reverberate. "Why should I leave!? That guy was beaten by me!"


    Yang Jie came in and when he saw the scene, he nearly vomited blood. You beat him? Just those bones of yours at your age can''t allow you to even stand firmly! How were you beating others? Forget beating him up, just someone touching you will cause your bones to fracture! What the hell do you mean you beat him!?


    "Old grandpa." Yang Jie walked over respectfully. He could not be disrespectful after all. At that age, that person was even older than his grandfather. "We have the most basic level of judgment. With your body, how are you able to beat others?" Then he looked at the two family members who were holding him by the arm, "The both of you, please bring this elder home. It''s messy here with so many people here. If anything happens, it will be troublesome."


    The two family members also felt helpless. "Don''t tell us. We couldn''t do a thing either. The elder insisted oning, and no one could stop him. He refused to listen."


    The old man stood up unsteadily, "What''s wrong with my body? You don''t believe? Do you want me to show you some moves?"


    Yang Jie hurriedly said, "No, no. I believe, I believe. Hey, hurry and take down the elder''s statement!"


    Only then did the elder feel appeased. He sat down with a snort, "Just write it this way. That little bastard Lee Anson was beaten by my crutch! Why did I beat him? Because I didn''t like the way he looked!"


    ......


    "Name?"


    "Li Dong!"


    "How did you beat him?"


    "Just like that!"


    "Can you be more specific?"


    "I first punched him in the face, then I kicked him in the stomach. Lee Anson wanted to dodge, so how could I give him the chance. With me being sharp-sighted, I punched in the direction of his retreat. Then guess what happened? Haha, he never managed to escape from these hands! I sent him flying with a p!"


    The old policeman rubbed his temples and looked at the middle-aged man sitting across him with a cane and sunsses. "Can you take off your sunsses?"


    The middle-aged man took off his sunsses. "Why?"


    His eyes were white and were closed at times, while opened at other times.


    Old policeman: "...Are..are you blind?"


    The middle-aged man raged. "Why? Do you look down on the blind?"


    The old policeman was nearly about to cry. "I didn''t mean that. How did you beat him when you can''t see? And...how were you ''sharp-sighted''?"


    The middle-aged man held his neck and said, "Can''t I tell by using echolocation? Can''t I!?"


    Old policeman: "..."


    ......


    The entire morning!


    Their police station was inplete chaos. There were only about 500-600 people in the beginning, and by the end, there were more than a thousand people, all here to surrender! Some of them were quite normal. Some of them looked like they had really participated in the midnight brawl. There were others, who came to surrender, which made the policemen faint! Such as the elder in his nies, a nine-year old child, an old granny in her eighties. There were people who were blind orme. The team structure was soplicated, that there was no room forplication. There were people of all ages and professions. There were those who were obviously were not involved at a nce!


    It was too chaotic!


    There was no f**king way to handle this case!


    The police station''s policemen suffered in silence and did not even want to mention it. At the same time, they werepletely in awe with Zhang Ye. They were impressed at his charisma. The thousand people who came today were all here for Zhang Ye. In other words, they were people who were moved and encouraged by Zhang Ye. They were all a bunch of good and lovelymoners!


    This Zhang Ye was very popr!


    However, the policemen were not surprised. This was because many of the things he had done was indeed worthy for everyone to give him a big thumbs up. He had done things beautifully, so it was no wonder that so many people were rushing here to take the me for Zhang Ye!


    Was this scene funny?


    It was very funny!


    But for some reason, these few policemen were touched!

 Chapter 409: How did I, Zhang Ye, deserve this?

    <h4>Chapter 409: How did I, Zhang Ye, deserve this? </h4>


    Chapter 409: How did I, Zhang Ye, deserve this?


    Before noon.


    In the dark room in the police station.


    Creak. The door opened from the outside. Someone had finally brought food and water in.


    Zhang Ye was surprised to see that it was the police station''s Superintendent Yang Jie who brought in the tray. He crossed his legs and rubbed his belly,ining, "Superintendent Yang, it''s fine if it was 6 or 7 o'' clock. I didn''t even get breakfast. Maybe you don''t have that prepared, but could you at least give me some water to drink? Listen, my throat is already hoarse. I shouted all day, and yet no one came. Why is there not a single person?"


    Yang Jie ced the meal tray down and hurriedly sat down when he saw a chair. He took two breaths, as if he had just run a mile. He looked very tired. "Teacher Zhang, sorry about that. We really were too busy. Our entire police station, except for two people who went back to the countryside, came back to work overtime. None of us were upstairs and were downstairs in the reception center. We were not trying to snub you. None of us have eaten a single bite either."


    Zhang Ye wondered out aloud. "It''s the first day of the new year. Why are you so busy?"


    "We shouldn''t be." Yang Jie said, "But didn''t we catch something busy?"


    Zhang Ye was famished so he quickly picked up the chopsticks and began eating. As he ate, he asked, "What happened? When I woke up, it sounded quite messy outside. It seems like there''s a lot of people?


    Yang Jie added on in a haunted manner, "A thousand people came."


    "Eh?"


    "And that''s just a lower estimate. There''s still a lot of people outside."


    "What''s the matter?"


    "They are all here for you."


    "For me?"


    "Finish your meal first. Once you are done, I''ll tell you the details."


    "Don''t. Tell me first, or I won''t have the appetite."


    Zhang Ye immediately ced his chopsticks down when he heard this. He really did not understand what had happened.


    Yang Jie looked at him and could only say, "This morning, our police station nearly exploded from being so packed. There were a few hundred people in the beginning, butter on, there were more and more people. They were all here to surrender. They all said they were the ones who beat Lee Anson and his two bodyguards. They said it wasn''t done by you. Hai, what can we do? We could only go ording to procedure and take their statements. We thought we could just do it to appease them, but now, there''s too many people. If this carries on, we won''t be able to finish taking their statements till the eighth day of the new year. We also exhorted them to go back, but none of them listened. Our pleas were to no avail. There were even grandpas and grandmas in their eighties and nies. We arepletely out of options. Another branch has sent more men to support us, but everyone is here to surrender and not to cause trouble. They are all very orderly, so we have no means of chasing them away, so now, we are stuck."


    Zhang Ye remained silent for a while, "How could this happen?"


    Yang Jie was at a loss whether tough or cry and said, "Someone revealed the news that you were shouldering all the me for themoners on the inte. Manymoners were touched by you and rushed over to help."


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips. What was this for? He had shouldered the responsibility. It was because he was the first one to make the move, and he had led the movement. He was the principal criminal, and since there was no way to escape the charges, he might as well take on all of it. It did not matter if he had one more or less. He decided to forgo his new year to not trouble themoners, but how could there be more people? More than a thousand people came to confess?


    Yang Jie looked at him and said, "Teacher Zhang, our words are useless. The branch leaders have also exhorted them to no avail too. Now, the only option is for you to appear. You have to help us."


    Zhang Ye stood up without a thought. "There''s no need to speak further. I''ll go out with you."


    "Then thank you very much. By the way, you should eat first." Yang Jie said.


    Zhang Ye waved his hand, "I''ve lost my appetite. Let''s deal with proper matters first. Let''s go."


    Yang Jie was stunned for a moment before leading Zhang Ye out. This was the first time their police station was letting a detained person out to plead with people. It was not in line with the rules, but special circumstances required special treatment. The matter had blown up, so without Zhang Ye, this matter would not be settled.


    ......


    Outside.


    On the first level of the reception hall.


    "Eh!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye hase out!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "How are you?"


    Upon seeing Zhang Ye appear on the staircase, everyone showed their concern!


    Zhang Ye originally had a lot to say and had prepared his words on the way down. However, all of his words became stuck in his throat when he saw the hundreds of people in the lobby and the hundreds of people standing outside. Seeing the people of all ages and genders, with smiles hanging on their faces, Zhang Ye suddenly felt like he could not say a word. His heart seemed to be engulfed in mes. It was not burning, but because of the warmth he felt!


    The ny-one-year-old grandpa walked over under his grandson and granddaughter-inw''s support. As he wobbled, he held on to his crutches and said to Zhang Ye, "Little Zhang, you are good, but neither are we bad!. Look at all these people here today..." He pointed to everyone. "No one organized it. Everyone came of their own ord spontaneously. Some are from Beijing, some are from Jinshi. Some of them even took the first flight out of Shanghai to rush here. It was you who united all of us together!"


    Another youth said excitedly, "We aren''t doing this for anything else, we just want to let everyone know we f**king love thisnd too!"


    A girl said, "Teacher Zhang, you are too much! How can you gobble up such matters that are full of ''glory''! We want to get some of that ''glow'' too!"


    A middle-aged man said, "Yes! Everyone will shoulder it together!"


    A granny said, "Isn''t it just beating a Korean!? What''s the big deal!? I don''t believe the detention facility is able to hold so many people! I don''t believe there is no justice!" An old granny looked at an old policeman beside her and pointed to Zhang Ye. "Take a look! You see! Little Zhang is such a nice person! That little Lee bastard dared pushed a youngdy from our country down and did not indicate a thing. There was no apology, there was no helping her up, and now that Lee guy is the victim? And even dares to say that he wants to sue this and that? His behavior itself is a crime! I want to ask you! If your child was pushed down by others, and that person turns around and walks off without an apology! Would you go forward and seek an exnation? Would you watch helplessly? Ah? So now, why have you arrested Teacher Little Zhang!? Can you still tell what is right and wrong!?"


    The old policeman could only smile wryly. "Old granny, calm down, calm down."


    The old granny said angrily, "How can I be calm!? Let me tell you! If you want to arrest him, then arrest me as well! I beat that Lee guy too!"


    "And me too!"


    "Right! Me too!"


    "If you want to arrest, then arrest us all!"


    "We came here today, not nning to leave!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you aren''t the only person who loves thisnd! Let''s shoulder it together!"


    The inside of the police station rang with the shouts of the masses. It was so loud that people across the street could hear it. Some people came to watch the bustle and finally understood what was going on. A few youths had drunk a bit too much in the afternoon, so when they heard this, they could not help but enter with their necks high up!


    "I''m surrendering!"


    "I''m surrendering too!"


    "F**k! This is too infuriating! Count me in too!"


    "Hurry up and arrest me! Who knows if I''ll be able to share a cell with Teacher Zhang and hear a live version of his talk show! I don''t want to listen to anything else but joke segments that scold foreigners!"


    There was no decrease in numbers, but rather an increase instead. The police station was already packed to the brim, with no one able to enter from the outside. The crowd from the entrance and beyond were all excited!


    Yang Jie and the police station''s policemen suffered an even greater headache. What were they to do now!?


    Actually, there were many reporters who were mixed into the crowd. They also never expected to see this scene. They looked at each other in shock, and felt their blood rise up. They were used to being reporters, and were in contact with all sort of negative societal news on a daily basis. Either it was how rtives fought amongst themselves for inheritances, or how old people were not helped up after falling. There was also sorts of scams, cheating, and extortion. Today, for them to see such a beautiful side of humans, these reporters experienced mixed emotions!


    Zhang Ye quickly stepped forward. He was already extremely touched as he hurriedly helped the old man in his nies. "Old grandpa, quickly go back. Go back please. What did I, Zhang Ye, do to deserve this. How can I make someone with such an old age like you run around for me..."


    The old grandpa held onto his crutches and said, "You are virtuous and capable. People like you are getting fewer in number these days!"


    Zhang Ye exhorted him all day to no avail. He then turned towards the old granny, "Granny, it''s cold here. Please go home quickly. You are making me feel bad!"


    The old granny patted him on the shoulder, "I''m fine. I''m still healthy." As she said, she pointed towards a bag in the corner. "I even brought my nkets and bedding here. I''m nning to spend the night here at the police station!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t do that. I will punished for that."


    The old granny said, "It has nothing to do with you. I just can''t stand it!"


    "Teacher Zhang." A youth said, "Don''t speak further. We will not leave Let''s have our statements recorded first. It''s up to them to lock us up or not!"


    "Yes, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Don''t worry."


    "Right, we are fine!"


    Zhang Ye constantly said, "Thank you, thank you everyone. Please go back. Please leave!"


    Suddenly, two people appeared at the door!


    One of them was Yang Lian, who was also ZhangYeNumber1Fan. She had just finished her operation, and was a lot better. However, she was still in her recovery period. She was pushed in by her mother on a wheelchair, but the moment she entered, her first words were "I''m here to surrender!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "What are you doing here?"


    Her mother said, "Little Lian knew you were in trouble and insisted oning!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Aiyah, then shouldn''t you stop her? Why did you send her here!? The air outside is so bad and filled with germs. Hurry up and send her back to the hospital!"


    Yang Lian said firmly, "I was struck with a terminal disease. It was you who became penniless and borrowed money to treat my sickness. You put in all your effort when I was in trouble. Now that you are in trouble, I cannot lie in my sickbed!"


    The second person, who came in, was Wei Ying, the daughter of his former colleague at Beijing Television Station, "Father Wei". "I''m here to surrender too. Teacher Zhang, count me in on this too!"


    Zhang Ye said angrily, "Wei Ying, what are you doing!?''


    Wei Ying said nonchntly, "My father''s justice was upheld by you at the loss of your job and you being thrown into the police station. I''m not as skillful as you, nor do I have your powerful abilities, but sparing this bit of effort is something I can do too!"


    Zhang Ye loudly said, "All of you are speaking nonsense! Hurry up and go home!"


    Yang Lian did not move. Wei Ying also refused to leave. They were bent on staying here!


    Zhang Ye''s nose felt a bit sour. He shouted a few more times, but no one present left. Upon seeing these people, Zhang Ye was truly felt grateful!


    In what way did he deserve this?


    In what way did he really deserve this?

 Chapter 410: Out!

    <h4>Chapter 410: Out! </h4>


    Chapter 410: Out!


    Afternoon.


    The news was exposed on the inte!


    A piece of news was released: This morning, numerous citizens went to Bayi Lake Police Station, where Zhang Ye was incarcerated, to surrender themselves. Everyone imed to have been involved in the beating of Lee Anson and his two bodyguards. All of them expressed that they had been involved in assaulting Lee Anson. ording to our reporter present, there were more than a thousand people who came. Amongst them, there was daughter of "Father Wei", who we all know well. She came to the police station to surrender herself. There was also Zhang Ye''s fan, who had once been of great societal concern due to her terminal illness. She had just finished her operation and was still in rehabilitation. She got her mother to push her in a wheelchair over. The scene was extremely chaotic, but the scene also touched our reporter, who was present! We could not help but think and reflect. Who was at fault in this matter? Lee Anson caused a fan to be injured, but did not apologize or did any actions that indicated any apology. Is hepletely not at fault? Zhang Ye had acted for righteousness, and blocked the way to seek an exnation for the fan. Even if he had fought, is he supposed to shoulder all the responsibility?


    "A thousand people?"


    "Indeed, there were a thousand people."


    "I happened to walk past Bayi Lake and saw it. There were really tons of people. The police station waspletely blocked and there was no way to walk through. They were all there to surrender themselves!"


    "Zhang Ye sure is popr. So many people helped him take the rap?"


    "It''s not that he is popr, but because Teacher Zhang did this too beautifully!"


    "Everyone''s great! F**k! I feel like going too! Who has some means to get me a train ticket to Beijing? I can''t buy tickets during the Spring Festival travel season!"


    "I''m going too!"


    "I n on driving to Beijing tomorrow!"


    "Society is still filled with good people!"


    "Zhang Ye was indeed in the wrong, but it was understandable why he did so, right? Everything needs to consider the circumstances. Lee Anson caused the matter to escte so badly, yet they aren''t allowed to beat him? If Teacher Zhang Ye was really detained, then isn''t that too cold of an act? In the future, who would dare to be a good Samaritan? In the future, who would rush up to help if injustice happens? Humanity is drained off bit by bit in such a manner! Society will end up colder and colder!"


    "Support Zhang Ye!"


    "To therades who surrendered yourselves! I thank you on behalf of everyone!"


    "Lee Anson has really lost his humanity! He handled this matter too f**king badly! See how Teacher Zhang Ye handles matters? How can there be anyparison!?"


    "Everyone says Zhang Ye is a hooligan, but I don''t understand nor would Iment. However, on this matter, I have to give Zhang Ye a Like! Well done!"


    "Hooligan? Don''t listen to the media or people from the literary world speak nonsense! If Zhang Ye really was a hooligan, how could so many citizens step forward spontaneously to create a petition for him when he''s in trouble? How can there be so manymoners willing to be detained just to help bear the brunt of the charges Zhang Ye has received? Lee Anson is the real hooligan! I don''t want to see that grandson ever again on our People''s Republic of China''s screens! Get the f**k out!"


    Another round of heated debates broke out!


    Many well-known public personnels also debated it on Weibo. They discussed this matter from multiple angles. Some supported Zhang Ye, while there were others who rejected his actions.


    ......


    It was past 12.


    The scene at the police station was still going on!


    Zhang Ye became worried that the elderly would no longer be able to hold on. Some were hungry, while others were tired. "Everyone, listen to me! If all of you think highly of me, Zhang Ye, then give me face and go back first today. I can handle such matters here myself. Besides, it''s not a big deal. There are many grandpas and grandmas here. If any of you get ill from this, it will be a big deal! It wouldn''t pass on my conscience! Everyone, please go back! Really, please go back!"


    "I''m not leaving!"


    "I''m not leaving either!"


    "Teacher Zhang, don''t speak another word!"


    Everyone was insistent and did not move at all!


    Zhang Ye looked at Yang Jie, "Superintendent Yang!"


    Yang Jie was out of options too. The other policemen were the same. Actually, when they saw this, they were already leaning towards Zhang Ye''s side. They also found Lee Anson extremely abominating. To be worried by so many citizens, Zhang Ye was really popr amongst themon popce, and what was the thing Lee Anson did? You were wrong in the beginning, yet you did not remediate the situation. You deserved to get beaten up. Now, just by moving your mouth, you caused Zhang Ye and so many citizens, as well as all the policemen in their police station, to suffer? Based on what!? This matter was really f**king vexing!


    Suddenly, a voice came from outside.


    "Make way!"


    "Please make way!"


    "Sorry, we need to go in."


    Three people came in from outside. The person leading them was very young. Zhang Ye looked over and was surprised to see someone he knew. He remembered his name to be Lu Yuhu, Rao Aimin''s junior brother. Thest time, Lu Yuhu had been nosy and brought a friend to hisndy''s ce to matchmake them. Zhang Ye had evenpeted with the other guy over couplets.


    Why was he here?


    Oh, right. This person was a policeman, right?


    Lu Yuhu was dressed in his police uniform. "Who''s Yang Jie?"


    Yang Jie and the other policemen looked suspiciously at his police uniform. "I am, who are you?"


    Zhang Ye looked at Lu Yuhu.


    Lu Yuhu also gave him a nce, but did not say a word. He took out identification for Yang Jie to see.


    After taking a nce, Yang Jie was quite dumbfounded. "Someone from the Ministry of Public Security?"


    A youth, who had followed behind Lu Yuhu, said, "We are here to escort someone. We wish your police station will cooperate with us."


    Arade from the Ministry of Public Security came to their small police station to escort someone? Was it that exaggerated? Yang Jie asked, "Of course. Who are you escorting?"


    Lu Yuhu said nonchntly, "Zhang Ye."


    Yang Jie was stunned. "Zhang Ye?"


    When the other citizens heard this, they all turned silent and paid attention.


    Lu Yuhu did not speak further. He took out something and handed it to him. "These are the procedural documents."


    Yang Jie took it over and nced at it with a few policemen. There was no problem and everything looked proper. Hence, without any questions, he immediately said, "Alright, we will cooperate fully!"


    Lu Yuhu said, "Thanks. We''ll be bringing him away."


    "Oh, sure." Yang Jie was the police station''s Superintendent, so he had the authority to make the exchange. After both sides signed their names, the procedure waspleted. Yang Jie then got a policeman to take Zhang Ye''s cell phone and wallet to hand to Lu Yuhu andpany.


    Zhang Ye was baffled. What was going on?


    Lu Yuhu said in a businesslike manner, "Teacher Zhang Ye, please follow us."


    The citizens were still unsure of the situation, but they all subconsciously opened up a path.


    Zhang Ye followed them out and after exiting the police station''s entrance, he entered Lu Yuhu''s police car. Then Lu Yuhu looked sideways with a smile. "Teacher Zhang, we meet again. We''ll be sending you home first." Then he handed the cellphone and wallet back to him.


    Zhang Ye blinked. "I can go back just like this?"


    Lu Yuhu said, "It''s fine on this side. We have already gone through the proper procedures. We have engaged you to assist our Public Security Ministry. That''s all written in the documents. However, there was a pretext, that we used a loophole to avoid punishment. From this moment onwards, you can go home if you wish and can go anywhere you want. My capacity is limited, so I can only help you this much. Hur Hur, don''t you go bash whoever you see in the future. That would be against thew."


    A policeman, sitting in the auxiliary seat, turned around and said, "But that bashing sure was relieving! I saw it on the news too! It felt great!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "You didn''t vite anyws, right? I hope I didn''t trouble you?"


    Lu Yuhu smiled and said, "I''m fine. It''s no big deal. I still have some say in the ministry. They wouldn''t care even if I did things through the back door. Furthermore, we did everything in ordance with the rules. There won''t be any fault with it, so don''t worry."


    Zhang Ye said, "Thank you."


    Lu Yuhu said helplessly, "Don''t thank me. If you want to thank someone, thank my Senior Sis. The moment you got into trouble, Senior Sis called me, asking me to get you out. How could I dare not agree? It''s not like you don''t know that temper of hers. If I don''t do what she wants, she would really beat me. Let''s not even mention how I am injured due to a previous mission, even at my prime, ten of me was no match for her, so there was no other way. I didn''t get to sleep over the new year''s and rushed back to the office to handle the procedural work. Oh, furthermore, this matter isn''t considered serious and the general sentiment is leaning towards you, so it was easy for me too. If it were any moreplicated, I wouldn''t be able to help either."


    "Thanks a lot." Zhang Ye said, "Let me treat you to a meal."


    Lu Yuhu waved his hand. "There''s no need. Let me send you back. We are still waiting to go home to spend the new year."


    A policeman, who was driving,ughed and said, "A meal isn''t necessary, but when you alight from the car, could you give me your autograph, Teacher Zhang? My partner heard that ''Woman Flower'' fromst night and was full of praises for you. She loves that song too much. She said how it sang the life of a woman perfectly. Hai, I don''t know much about music, but she particrly liked it."


    Zhang Ye said in an amused manner, "That''s no problem. Help me thank your wife. When Zhang Yuanqi releases the ''Woman Flower'' single, I''ll send one to your wife."


    The policeman said, "That''d be great!"


    Zhang Ye sped his hands and said, "Thank you for all the hard work today. To busy all of you over the new year''s, next time. Next time, I will definitely treat all of you as a thank you."


    Lu Yuhu said, "You are wee. It was simple."


    Then in the car, Zhang Ye searched through his phone book and found Yang Lian''s number. He called her. "Hello, Yang Lian, I''m Zhang Ye."


    Yang Lian sounded very anxious. "Teacher Zhang? How are you? Where are you now?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m fine. I''m already on my way home. Help me tell everyone to not let the citizens take the fall for me over there. It''s all settled. Everyone should return home and have a good new year''s. For those who had previously recorded their statements, tell them to withdraw them too."


    "Are you really fine?"


    "Yes, I''m almost home."


    "That''s great. Alright, I''ll tell everyone."


    ......


    On the other side.


    Yang Lian immediately told the news to everyone.


    When the grandpas and grandmas heard this, they felt assured and left the police station.


    The police station''s Superintendent Yang Jie also understood. He pretended not to know a thing and secretly got rid of all the recorded confessions and surrender materials. They were not recorded on file, so what happened this morning was as if it had not happened. With that, the matter came to an end.


    As for Lee Anson?


    Who cared what he wanted to do!? If he wants to sue, go ahead!


    This grandson must have been too ustomed with the "democratic Korea" and became arrogant?


    Then have a taste ofmunistic maniption!

 Chapter 411: A C-list Celebrity Ranking Obtained From Fighting!

    <h4>Chapter 411: A C-list Celebrity Ranking Obtained From Fighting! </h4>


    Chapter 411: A C-list Celebrity Ranking Obtained From Fighting!


    Afternoon.


    Caishikou.


    "Teacher Zhang, we are here."


    "There''s no need to say thank you."


    "There''s no need to be so polite. Happy new year."


    "All of you too. Here''s me wishing you happy new year."


    "Alright, then we will be dropping you off here. We''ll be leaving."


    Lu Yuhu andpany drove off in their police car. Zhang Ye turned around and saw his bustlingmunity, as well as debris of firecrackers on the ground. He walked over with mixed emotions!


    Smash!


    Smash!


    They were still setting off firecrackers!


    Big rednterns were hanging from every unit''s doors. Zhang Ye was in a better mood now and started humming "Woman Flower".


    A middle-aged woman, who was with her child setting off some firecrackers, suddenly turned her head when she saw Zhang Ye. She immediately yelled, "Aiyo! Little Ye is back!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and greeted, "Auntie Qu."


    Another old man also shouted, "It really is Little Ye!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Uncle Liu, I wish you a happy new year. Are you in good health?"


    The old man said, "I''m in great health, but I have been worried about you, afraid that you would be in trouble. Quick, go back home! Your parents are still worrying!"


    "Sure, thanks for your concern." Zhang Ye immediately went upstairs after he finished talking to his neighbors. He took his keys out and unlocked the door.


    The door opened.


    He immediately saw a woman in her fifties sitting in the living room.


    Zhang Donghua was surprised, "Little Ye! Why are you are back?"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Aunt."


    A woman aged 25-26 also came running out into the living room. Her looks were average, simr in stature to Zhang Donghua with a height of around 1.68 meters tall.


    Zhang Shuang was also surprised, "Little Ye! Everyone was just talking about you! Aiyo, you really had us worried bad!"


    Zhang Ye greeted, "Sis."


    Zhang Shuang turned around and went back to the room shouting, "Uncle, Aunt! Come and see who''s back!"


    Before they coulde out, Zhang Ye had already gone into the room. He was all smiles when he saw his parents, "Dad, Mom, I''m back. I''m sorry I made the both of you worry."


    His father said, "They released you?"


    "Yes, I just got back from the station." Zhang Ye said.


    His father said worriedly, "Will you be OK?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Don''t worry, it''s all been settled. A friend helped to ''fish'' me out. Hai, it wasn''t a big deal to start with anyway!"


    His father heaved a sigh of relief, "Then that''s good! That''s good!"


    Zhang Donghua gently said, "Our Little Ye hasdy luck shining down on him. I said that he would definitely be alright!"


    "Mom." Zhang Ye looked towards his mother.


    She ignored him, looking at the side as she discreetly wiped her tears away.


    Zhang Ye quickly rushed over to kneel down beside her, "What''s the matter Mom? I''ve settled it already. Look at you, look at you. What are you crying for?"


    His mother pped her son''s head and said as she cried, "You damned child! Do you want to worry me to death!? What if you get put away for 3 or 5 years! Who can your Dad and I rely on!?"


    Zhang Shuangughed, "Quick, coax my aunt. Aunt has already cried a few times since morning. She kept talking about you, afraid that you would be sentenced to imprisonment."


    Zhang Ye did not know whether tough or cry, "What sentencing would I get? I only beat a guy up and it wasn''t even that bad. How big of an issue is this? Look at you!"


    His mother hit him angrily once again, "You still dare tough! You still dare tough!! Your Dad and I could not even sleep all night long!"


    Zhang Ye did not dodge and just endured her hits. It wasn''t painful anyway. He said, "OK OK, I know I''m in the wrong, Mom. I''m really sorry, don''t be so angry anymore. I won''t do it again."


    His mother wiped her tears and said, "You already said that when you were released from the police stationst time too! In the end? You still did whatever you wanted to do! Only you can do it? Only you are so special? No one did a thing in that situation, but you still went over to kick him? Only you have a temper!?"


    Zhang Ye did not argue back and said, "I''m wrong, I''m wrong."


    "You just won''t allow me to not worry!" His mother was still angry.


    His father interrupted, "OK, OK, our child has just been released after a long night at the station."


    His aunt asked, "Have you eaten?"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "No, I''m really quite hungry right now."


    "Hur Hur, I''ll cook some noodles for you." His aunt went to the kitchen.


    But his mother stood up and stopped her. She dried her tears and said, "Sis, let me do it instead. He only likes Zhajiang noodles, so I''ll fry some of the sauce."


    Zhang Ye put on a face of ttery and said, "My Mom really loves me."


    His mother rolled her eyes and said, "I will take care of you after your aunt leaves!"


    Ring, ring, ring. The telephone rang.


    His father checked the caller ID and said to Zhang Ye, "It''s from your maternal grandma''s house."


    "Let me answer it." Zhang Ye quickly picked up the phone, "Hello."


    His maternal grandma said in surprise over the phone, "Eh? It''s Little Ye?"


    Zhang Yeughed heartily, "Maternal grandma, I just got home and was about to give you and my uncles a call....right, I''m fine now..... Don''t you worry too much, watch your health...."


    He made a few calls in a row to his rtives to inform them that he had been released.


    Suddenly, his cellphone rang too. A few of his friends were calling him as well.


    ......


    This was Wu Zeqing''s call


    "Hello, President Wu."


    "You are back home?"


    "Yes, thanks to you."


    "I didn''t help much."


    "I heard from the police station and know you made some phone calls to give them pressure. Thank you. In a while, I''ll definitely to visit you to give you my new year greetings."


    "There''s no need. Spend time with your family."


    ......


    It was Zhang Yuanqi.


    "It''s me."


    "Sister Zhang, I know it''s you."


    "How was it?"


    "I''m already out. A friend helped me do something. I''m alright now."


    "Hanging up."


    "Uh, alright. Oh yeah, happy new year."


    "OK."


    ......


    It was Dong Shanshan.


    "Old ssmate, I heard you were released?"


    "Yeah, I just got out. Shanshan, you went back home?"


    "Yeah, I went back to spend the new year. You sure are awesome. There''s news of you everyday over the new year. Even my small town''s small newspaper has a report of you brawling."


    "Eh, why am I so famous?"


    "You are overthinking it. I guess they must not have much material for the publication, so they added it. Hur Hur."


    ......


    Finally, there were also calls from Yao Jiancai, Zhao Guozhou, Wang Xiaomei, Ci Xiufang, Wang Xiong, Tian Bin, etc, etc, etc. They were all friends who had called out of concern and Zhang Ye exined the situation and chatted for a while before thanking each and every one of them.


    "Old Tian, your work pass is still with me. Allow me return it to you in a while." Zhang Ye said.


    Tian Bin said, "That''s fine. It''s just a temporary pass anyway. The g is already over so it''s useless now. You can keep it as a memento."


    Zhang Ye said, "OK, sure. Thanks. So it''s goodbye for now then?"


    Tian Bin said, "Quickly go and have your lunch. Oh right, remember to take a look at the Celebrity Rankings index."


    "Hmm? What do you mean?" Zhang Ye asked curiously.


    "Just take a look and you''ll know what I mean. I was looking at it a short while ago." Tian Binughed and hung up.


    His mother had already finished cooking the Zhajiang noodles. She came out of the kitchen and said, "Don''t answer the phone anymore. Eat first, otherwise the noodles will clump together!"


    "Thanks mom." Zhang Ye immediately picked up his chopsticks and had a few mouthfuls. He ate without caring for his image as he was so hungry. At the same time, he browsed the inte on his cellphone, looking at the Celebrity Rankings index. When he found his name, he was overjoyed!


    C-list!


    How long had it been? He had finally broken into the C-list!


    Although he was inst ce, this still meant that he was now a real celebrity!


    Zhang Ye immediately showed his cellphone screen to his family.


    When Zhang Shuang saw it, she excitedly said, "You did it, Little Ye! You''ve done our family proud! You are now a real and famous celebrity! That Chen Qiqi that I idolized back then was still a C-lister now! And that really famous author, Tree Leaf, whose books have sold a few hundred thousand copies and had directed a blockbuster movie? He''s still only a D-lister!"


    Zhang Ye shrugged, "Well, I did it the unorthodox way. I took part in everything, tried out everything, so my reputation is a little more than theirs." He knew himself well.


    Zhang Shuang was tickled by his ''unorthodox'' remark, but thinking about it, she knew it was true.


    Zhang Donghua also smiled, "Bro and sis, congrattions."


    His mother turned quite snobbish, "Only a C-lister, still far from others."


    Zhang Donghua said, "He''s far off from those A and B-listers, but Little Ye has only debuted for how long now? It''s only been six months and he has climbed from the bottom to be a C-lister. Who else is capable of something like this?"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly finished his Zhajiang noodles. He was in such a good mood!


    In his previous world, celebrities and artistes were also ranked in different rankings, but the rankings were less detailed and there wasn''t a central authority on such rankings. For example, there could be B-list directors, C-list hosts, A-list singers, S-list actors, and even A or B-list authors, etc., but it was different in this world. This ranking index calcted up all the reputation and fame attributed data sets to rank these celebrities with proper assessments, which made it more credible. A C-list celebrity in this world could be said to be already known by most people, either knowing this person''s name or their works. In this world, where there was so much information avable, being able to achieve a C-list ranking was already considerably difficult. Yet Zhang Ye had done it today and in only half a year''s time!


    C-list!


    This was the great divide that was extremely difficult to cross!


    If one couldn''t get into the C-list, one would forever be considered as a wanderer in the entertainment circle. Only if they could get into the C-list rankings would they be considered a true celebrity!


    Zhang Ye had originally calcted that he would have had a chance to get into the C-list after the full broadcasting of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" had ended, but now his talk show had only been broadcasting for a few days and he had already achieved his target. He knew that this was because of the Spring Festival G''s song, "Woman Flower". What was an even more contributing factor was his kick that sent Lee Anson flying. This incident had attracted all the attention from society. In just a night''s time, Zhang Ye''s fame had increased by leaps and bounds, propelling him from the D-list to the C-List. His ranking at that time was still very far behind the leaders in the D-list. Zhang Ye did not imagine that his kick would have brought him such great poprity!


    He had literally beaten his way into the C-list!


    Some people got famous by singing, some by acting in movies, others by writing novels. They made their ways slowly up the popritydder, but no one had ever done it the way Zhang Ye did! By beating and scolding others to be popr! Zhang Ye''s name seemed destined to enter the annals of entertainment!


    The entertainment circle''s wonder!


    Such an evaluation was too appropriate for him!


    This way of increasing his fame had f**king no precedence to it!

 Chapter 412: Zhang Ye is Injured!

    <h4>Chapter 412: Zhang Ye is Injured! </h4>


    Chapter 412: Zhang Ye is Injured!


    Afternoon.


    Home.


    After having his meal, Zhang Ye said, "Dad, Mom, Aunt, Sis, I''ll be leaving first. I have something important to do this afternoon, so I might not be back tonight."


    Mom grumbled, "Where are you going?"


    Aunt said, "It''s the new year, spend time at home."


    "You just came back, and you''re leaving already?" Zhang Shuang also said.


    Zhang Ye said, "For me to be able toe out of this fine, it was all due to a friend, who pulled quite a few strings. No matter what, I have to go thank that person. That person went through all the trouble, so if I don''t thank that person face to face, that wouldn''t be nice, right? It would becking in sincerity over the phone, so I''ll just step out. I might be back in the afternoon or evening. I''m not very sure either."


    Dad nodded and said, "That''s true. Thank that person nicely. By the way, there''s quite a lot of hampers at home, take some over. Don''t buy them outside."


    Upon hearing this, Mom did not say anything else. "Drive slowly."


    "My car is still at Central TV. I''ll get a friend to drive it back for meter. I''ll take a taxi." Zhang Ye began choosing and took a few hampers downstairs.


    ......


    On the web.


    There was leaked information everywhere.


    "Haha,test news,test news. Teacher Zhang Ye has been released from the police station. It is said that he has returned home safely. He''s fine!"


    "Is that true?"


    "It''s true. The citizens who went to surrender themselves at the police station have dispersed too."


    "Teacher Zhang has a strongwork of people!"


    "That''s true. At Teacher Zhang''s celebrity level, how can he not have connections? At least he has more social connections than Lee Anson. As the saying goes, a foreign monk might not be good at chanting!"


    "It''s great that he''s been released. The entertainment industry definitely cannotck a shit stick that''s as hard and smelly as Teacher Zhang Ye! Or else, wouldn''t everything be meaningless?"


    "This matter was well done!"


    "Zhang Ye should not have been arrested to begin with!"


    "Lee Anson''s face has probably turned green!"


    "I also have new that half an hour ago, Teacher Zhang had broken through into the ranking of a C-list celebrity! He got his C-list ranking from scolding and fighting!"


    "Haha! Awesome!"


    "Zhang Ye the mighty!"


    "The good will always be rewarded."


    "Our whole family supports Zhang Ye! We like such celebrities with personality!"


    "Well said. Some celebrities are too different off screen. They are too fake! Only Teacher Zhang Ye is so much fun! He suits my appetite too well!"


    "Congrattions Teacher Zhang!"


    "Patriots send their congrattions!"


    "Zhang Ye really deserves to be promoted to C-list!"


    "Who said only singers or movie actors can be stars? Other people can too. In my opinion, celebrities are a form of expression and also a form ofmunication. They are a medium to transmit one''s beliefs. Look at Teacher Zhang Ye, he relied on feelings and beliefs to infect everyone. On this point, no one in the entertainment industry does it better than Zhang Ye!"


    Suddenly, Lee Anson''s Weibo posted a message. He did not know Chinese, so it was definitely tranted or written by his manager. On Weibo, Lee Anson expressed his strong protest against Bayi Lake Police Station''s release of Zhang Ye. He expressed that he would not let it go, and did not rule out the use of thew. He even ridiculed how there was something shady in this matter, appealing to his fans and supporters to denounce a deplorable artist!


    Many people started cursing.


    "You still have the face to say that?"


    "It was you who didn''t cherish your fans! You didn''t help a girl up after you caused her to fall. You are so arrogant that even your mother can''t recognize you. Now, you want your fans to denounce others for you?"


    "I''ve seen shameless people, but I''ve never seen such a shameless person before!"


    "A f**king retard! Verificationpleted!"


    "Actually, I have never liked Zhang Ye. His character doesn''t suit me, but after seeing this grandson''s, Lee Anson''s, Weibo post, I suddenly realized how great Zhang Ye is! Humans are most afraid of being served as a foil to something! They are most afraid of beingpared! On this matter, I give my unconditional support to Zhang Ye!"


    Lee Anson was immediately cursed to shit.


    However, there were others who supported Lee Anson.


    "Anson-oppa! Are your injuries okay?"


    "We will not let Zhang Ye off!"


    "A person like Zhang Ye must be hacked to death!"


    "Anson-oppa, ignore what they say. We all stand by your side! We will be with you! We will endure all sorts of storms together!"


    "I found an address! I think it''s Zhang Ye''s house!"


    "Let''s go! Let''s seek justice for Anson-oppa! We can''t just let this go!"


    ......


    Jiaomen


    Outside the small district.


    Zhang Ye sat in a taxi that slowly and leisurely drove into the district. He realized that there were many people in the district today. Many underaged youths were here, but he did not pay attention to them. He wore his face mask and sunsses, and after paying for the taxi, he alighted, nning to head to his rental apartment.


    Suddenly, someone shouted loudly!


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s him!"


    "He''s here!"


    "It''s really his house!"


    Zhang Ye was startled. Only then did he realize these kids were not from his district. As he nced, he saw many reporters stream out from a small park nearby, or from hidden corners in the buildings. Some were holding cameras, while others were holding voice recording devices. They all surrounded him!


    What was this about?


    Was his address revealed?


    Actually, Zhang Ye was not surprised. Many neighbors and residents here knew that he rented an apartment here, so the news would eventually spread out.


    A female reporter raised her microphone and said, "Zhang Ye, some people said you pulled strings from under the table, and used your connections to illegally leave the police station. On this point, do you have anything to say about it? As for your actions in beating someone, what..."


    The other reporters were also about to begin their interviews.


    Suddenly, an ident happened!


    It was unknown which youth did it, as a rock suddenly flew over. It was clearly aimed at Zhang Ye, but as the distance was quiterge, the throw was nted a bit, and headed towards the female reporter questioning Zhang Ye. It was heading straight towards her head!


    The female reporter was stunned!


    The cameraman and many reporters did not have time to react!


    "Careful!"


    "There''s a rock!"


    "Dodge!"


    Only Zhang Ye was fast enough. After all, he knew some kung fu. He immediately stood in front of the female reporter and stretched out his hand to block. However, he was stillcking, and had not achieved mastery like Rao Aimin. Before he raised his arms, the rock had already struck him in his head!


    Smash!


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath as his body wobbled. Blood immediately flowed out of the gash on his forehead!


    The female reporter, who had been saved, turned pale. "Teacher Zhang! Teacher Zhang, are you alright!?"


    Zhang Ye could not stand steadily. He felt dizzy and his legs felt like they were floating!


    When a cameraman and two male reporters saw this, they rushed forward without a word to help Zhang Ye. They did not care about the interview or recording, and immediately shouted, "What are you all doing!? Are you trying to murder someone!?"


    The boys and girls that numbered about twenty did not appear apologetic. Instead, they appeared to feel discharged of their anger. They said without a care, "Who let him hit Anson-oppa! He deserves it!" These children''s ages averaged about fifteen. The youngest was about 12 or 13, while the elder ones were about 17 or 18.


    Drip. Drip.


    Drip. Drip.


    Half of Zhang Ye''s face had turned red. Blood had drenched Zhang Ye''s clothes red.


    The female reporter immediately cried, "Teacher Zhang! Teacher Zhang!"


    At the next moment, people threw things over again. Eggs, apples and all sorts of things came flying over!


    Zhang Ye was surrounded by reporters. The job and mission of these reporters were to interview, so anything else had nothing to do with them. On the contrary, they wished for people to get in trouble, for only then would there be news. Only then would there be a topic of conversation, but at this very moment, many male reporters and cameraman looked at each other and rushed up to block Zhang Ye. The eggs, apples and tomatoes smashed into them!


    They were reporters, but they were people too. They had feelings and a conscience. Zhang Ye had protected the female reporter at the split second without any consideration, enduring that rock. The key of the moment was that female reporter was asking very biting questions, and did not say anything nice to Zhang Ye. Yet, Zhang Ye saved her without a second thought. This was a natural kindness that was embodied in his reflexive actions. This scene had moved the reporters too much!


    So they also stood in front of Zhang Ye!


    "Stop!"


    "Stop throwing!"


    "Little bastards!"


    The few reporters were infuriated!


    However, the people on the other side began throwing with more vigor. "Get lost! It''s none of your business!"


    The things thrown out did notck in some more dangerous items. For example, an apple. It was quite heavy, so it would still hurt when someone got hit by it!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye had got a hold of himself and regained a bit of consciousness. He forcefully endured the fainting spell and pulled the two reporters away and walked forward himself.


    The female reporter eximed, "What are you doing!?"


    "Teacher Zhang, get behind me. This bunch of kids are crazy!" The female reporter''s male colleague said.


    However, Zhang Ye refused to heed their advice. He stopped the approaching reporters and exposed himself to the children. He then took step after step forward.


    "Smash him!"


    "Kill him!"


    "Seek revenge for Anson-oppa!"


    The children threw things at him crazily. Some of them finished throwing their items and went to the flowers to grab muddy stones and threw those at Zhang Ye too!


    Zhang Ye was hit by an apple, while a stone grazed past his neck. Eggs also smashed into him, dirtying his clothes immediately!


    The reporters were extremely anxious, afraid his life was at risk!


    However, Zhang Ye did not blink once and walked step after step in front of them.


    A few of the younger children finally became afraid. "Be careful! He''s going to beat us!"


    A girl shivered and said, "He''s very powerful. Even Anson-oppa''s bodyguards were no match for him!"


    However, to everyone''s surprise, Zhang Ye did not do a thing. He stood in front of them, with face full of blood, just looking at them.


    One second...


    Two seconds...


    Three seconds...


    The children felt their hair standing seeing this and even felt scared.


    "Let, let us go."


    "Yea!"


    "He''s very scary."


    "So much blood. I, I..."


    "Stop talking, hurry up and run!"


    This children all ran away in a moment.


    The female reporter rushed over, "Let me call the police, and get them to send an ambnce."


    "There''s no need." Zhang Ye forced a smile. "I''m fine. There''s no need to call the police."


    Many reporters were stunned, "Don''t call the police? Why?"


    Zhang Ye said lightly, "They are just children."

 Chapter 413: Zhang Ye’s "Personally Inscribed on a Small Picture"

    <h4>Chapter 413: Zhang Ye''s "Personally Inscribed on a Small Picture" </h4>


    Chapter 413: Zhang Ye''s "Personally Inscribed on a Small Picture"


    Upstairs.


    At his doorstep.


    "Go slowly, Teacher Zhang." The female reporter helped him.


    "I''m fine." Zhang Ye said as he wobbled with each step.


    A male reporter said in horror, "What do you mean you''re fine!? Look at your blood!"


    A cameraman said loudly, "Why even go upstairs? I say he should go to the hospital immediately!"


    "Teacher Zhang would rather die than go. He refuses to listen." The female reporter said anxiously. "I''ve really witnessed that legendary stubborn temper of yours!"


    Zhang Ye forced augh. "I know myself. It''s fine. Go back. Thanks, you even sent me up. Go back and busy yourselves."


    The female reporter said with her heart aching, "Why do you even thank me? I should be the one thanking you. If not for you blocking it for me, the person quibbling would be me. You have really made me...The first sentence in my interview with you was so unfriendly, and was a bit biting, yet you...Hai, I really do not know how to thank you!" This was her first time interviewing Zhang Ye. She had also seen the reveal of his address on the inte and rushed here. She did not know Zhang Ye, and was here just to get some information for her news article. Just thinking about what happened, she felt indescribably bad. If not for her, Zhang Ye would definitely not have been severely injured!


    Zhang Ye did not mind and said, "They were here for me. That stone was also thrown at me, and so it has nothing to do with you, so there''s no need to stand on ceremony."


    The female reporter said worriedly, "Are you fine alone?"


    Zhang Ye was already much better. "I''ll be fine."


    "Then, then..." The female reporter did not feel assured.


    Zhang Ye urged, "Hurry up and go back. Hur Hur, don''t let this news story be stolen by other reporting agencies or television stations. You''ll not even have a ce to cry if that happens." He even joked.


    In the end, the few reporters and cameramen walked away as they turned back with every step.


    Zhang Ye entered his house and saw a clean room. Clearly, thendy had cleaned his ce again. He took of his shoes and closed the door behind him. As he endured the pain, he took two deep breaths while leaning on the door. It was painful. He barely made it to the bathroom to look at himself in the mirror. The gash on his head was quiterge, but as he had been training his body recently in Beijing and had kung fu. The blood had already stopped flowing and had clotted. Hence, he took a deep breath and did not look for help. He took off all his dirty clothes, and he did not have gauze at home. Hence, he could only make do with sters. He stuck about five on his head and stuck one on his neck. He did not dare take a bath, so he only dampened a towel in warm water to wipe away the remnants of the smelly eggs. There were a few leaves on his shoulder that he removed too.


    Why didn''t he beat them?


    Why didn''t he make a move?


    Zhang Ye could kick Lee Anson without any fear, but against underaged youths from China, for children who had not fully developed their values and thoughts, he could in no way fight back. Zhang Ye himself could not do such a thing. He was not angry either, just feeling pain in his heart or a form of sorrow. He suddenly felt for the first time that he should be a teacher, and teach lessons and educate children. He did not wish such situations to ur again. He only wished the children of today would have basic respect and awe of their mothend and ties amongstmon people.


    After a long while.


    Zhang Ye finally walked out of the bathroom. Slowly, he walked over andy down on his bed. He took out his cellphone and saw that the news was already on the web.


    ......


    "Zhang Ye Injured"!


    "Lee Anson''s Fans surrounds Zhang Ye''s Residential District"!


    "Zhang Ye protects female reporter, incurring head injuries, incessant blood flowing"!


    A video clip was even published. It was a live video thatsted 1 minute 20 seconds. As the scene was messy, the video was not very clear and the camera kept shaking. They only filmed Zhang Ye''s back and flying eggs and apples, as well as the children''s cursing! From the video, it could be seen that Zhang Ye did not say a single word. He did not eveny a finger on them. Even when he stood in front of the children, he freely allowed them to attack him without blinking. No one knew what was on Zhang Ye''s mind!


    After seeing this video, many people turned silent!


    "Why are children like this these days?"


    "For a Korean star, is it worth it?"


    "Is Zhang Ye alright? He looks pretty badly injured!"


    "Why do I feel so much pain in my heart!? If I were Zhang Ye, I would definitely have beaten up that bunch of bastards! Zhang Ye can fight Lee Anson and two bodyguards alone! How can he not be able to finish these kids?"


    "This is too infuriating!"


    "That bunch of little assholes!"


    "It was all instigated by that grandson Lee Anson!"


    "That''s right! It was Lee Anson who posted on Weibo to ask his fans to denounce Zhang Ye! This is too despicable! He''s at home watching this bustle, and a simple Weibo post from him lets our Chinese people kill each other?"


    "F**k you Lee Anson!"


    "My rage has hit the top! This is so f**king infuriating!"


    "That thing, Lee Anson! There are people who would fight for him? Are your brains stuffed with shit!? Open your eyes and see!"


    "This bunch of braindead fans!"


    "It''s really chilling to the heart!"


    "Why did Zhang Ye make a move against Lee Anson? Why did he block his path? Wasn''t it all for you? Teacher Zhang was full of good intentions, but all of you? Was your conscience eaten up by dogs? You even hurt Teacher Zhang!? Aren''t you afraid of being struck by lightning!?"


    This video gave many people a great shock!


    Not only did it result in societal rage, even the hardcore fans of Lee Anson felt a stir in their hearts!


    On Weibo, a fan whose signature included "Lee Anson''s Army" spoke.


    Xiaoxiao: "Why did this happen? It''s too frightening."


    AnsonOppa''sLittleCottonPad: "Hai, no matter what, this should not have been done. Are these people from our "Lee Anson Army''? Why do I suddenly find it...a bit terrifying."


    LittleQQQBV: "Who told Zhang Ye to beat Anson-oppa! He deserves it!"


    Xiaoxiao, "But we were a bit too much doing that."


    IHaveALeatherBelt: "The Army has always refused to believe that Anson-oppa remained indifferent after pushing down a fan. Actually from a friend present at the scene, Anson-oppa was indeed like that. He didn''t care about the fan who stood outside in the cold winter for three or four hours. His bodyguard knocked someone down, but he did not express a thing. He just turned around and left. Only for that reason did Zhang Ye block his path, causing the brawl. Although I can''t fully believe this to be fact, ...I already n on leaving the fandom. A few of my friends have already quit. They all say that Anson-oppa doesn''t even think anything of us!"


    LittleQQQBV: "Don''t listen to their nonsense!"


    LiZiLi: "Right, those must be rumors. It must be Zhang Ye trying to use this to get famous, and used Anson-oppa for hype! His means are too despicable! He deserves to be beaten to death!"


    Xiaoxiao: "Our Army is really changing. I''m quitting too. Actually, after seeing all the societal discussion today, I am beginning to feel that Anson-oppa doesn''t deserve us liking him so much. On the contrary, don''t you think Zhang Ye is quite manly? To seek justice for us, he did not mind being locked up in a police station. When our Army''s fans went to ''denounce'' him, he did not fight back, scold, or say a word. I feel quite bad watching that video. I do not know what meaning to continue staying in this Army. I''ll need to cool down for a period."


    AnsonOppa''sLittleCottonPad: "Ha, a veteran like Xiaoxiao has quit, so I might as well quit. After watching the video, I suddenly feel like I have matured a lot. I now actually want to know if Zhang Ye is fine or if his injuries are severe. In the past, I scolded him too and cursed him, but if something really happens to him, I''ll feel bad. I believe many people would find it difficult to bear it on their conscience."


    In Lee Anson''s internal fan club, there were finally differences and contradictions. Some were still firm supporters, but there were also many people who quit the fandom. The description of many people was actually a veryrge number. It was sorge, that even Lee Anson''s manager turned blue seeing this!


    "That''s right!"


    "This sort of person is not worthy of being liked!"


    "Our China has so many other stars, can''t we like them?"


    "Nothing is better than to correct one''s mistakes!"


    Manyizens who saw this scene felt gratified. They suddenly felt like they could understand these "braindead fans" they previously could not understand. These youths might have been mesmerized by things that matched their thoughts or fantasies from a certain period or stage in the lives, resulting in them unable to extricate themselves. It was not that they did not know right from wrong. They did notck a conscience!


    "So what''s the situation with Zhang Ye?"


    "Did he go to the hospital?"


    "Teacher Zhang is really worrying me!"


    "Who has the means of contacting Peking University or Weiwo WebTV station. Ask about Zhang Ye''s injuries! I saw him being smashed quite badly!"


    "Is Zhang Ye a real fool or not? Why did he walk forward at such a moment. Was he trying to be a live target?"


    "If it were me, I would have bashed them no matter who they were!"


    "Teacher Zhang, say something! Everyone is worried for you!"


    "If I were Zhang Ye, I would have long run when I saw them throw things. Who would stand foolishly in front of them!? Isn''t that dumb!?"


    "They don''t even know how nice you were being to them!"


    "Why didn''t you dodge, Teacher Zhang?"


    Many people did not understand the reason!


    But at this moment, Zhang Ye suddenly posted on Weibo!


    It was a poem! After seeing the poem, it made them reflect deeply!


    Zhang Ye endured a headache and typed word after word on his phone.


    The poem was:


    "My hallowed heart fails to escape the sacred arrow''s aim."


    "A rock-like storm is darkening my nativend."


    "A message via cool stars, the grass roots don''t understand."


    "I sacrifice my blood in the... Yellow Emperor''s name."


    This was a short poem from his world''s Lu Xun, "Personally Inscribed on a Small Picture"*.


    Zhang Ye''s response, Zhang Ye''s feelings were all in the poem!


    My mind has no wish to avoid the arrows of my mothend. I love the still unawakened home, can no one understand it even if thismitment is handed to the stars in the sky? What should I do? What should I have done? I do not know! I can only devote my warm blood to my mothend!


    Why did Zhang Ye not dodge?


    Why did Zhang Ye not fight back?


    Why did Zhang Ye not retreat despite his bleeding head?


    A single line, "I sacrifice my blood in the Yellow Emperor''s name", allowed everyone, who saw and understood this poem, to be shocked!


    *This poem can be tranted in many ways, and an English treatment of analyzing this poem can be read here (from pg. 110).

 Chapter 414: I sacrifice my blood in the Yellow Emperor’s name!

    <h4>Chapter 414: I sacrifice my blood in the Yellow Emperor''s name! </h4>


    Chapter 414: I sacrifice my blood in the Yellow Emperor''s name!


    This poem originally did not have a title. This poem''s title was added by an old friend of Lu Xun, Xu Shoushang, in his "Nostalgia". The first line spoke of the intensity of the love he had for his country. In the next line, it described the reason why he loved it so much. The third line summarized the first two lines and did a transition, expressing the worry over how his "ownpatriots had not yet awakened". The concluding line was an outpouring of hismitments; it was a motto he would set out to live up to throughout his entire life, to the point of giving his life for his country.


    Zhang Ye also wanted to express the same thing. His country was being "vited", yet hispatriots had not awoken. He did not know what to do, and could only dedicate his life to the mothend!


    The moment this poem was released, it infected numerous people!


    This was Zhang Ye. You could question his talk show program, saying it wasn''t funny. You could refute his analysis of "Dream of the Red Chamber", saying that itcked logic. You could criticize him for his bad temper that made him unlikable. You could scold that he did not know literature or art, but you could never question the love for Zhang Ye towards his people and country. This was something no one was qualified to question. An "I love thisnd" and the "I sacrifice my blood in the Yellow Emperor''s name" were already enough to fully expressed what sort of person Zhang Ye was!


    He was a citizen of the People''s Republic of China.


    A Chinese national who loved his mothend, his family, and his fellow Chinese!


    "I sacrifice my blood in the Yellow Emperor''s name?"


    "A man!"


    "This is what a f**king true man is!"


    "Who said Zhang Yecks the image of a teacher by beating people? Who said a teacher must hold a book in hand to teach lessons? No matter how others evaluate Zhang Ye, in my heart, Zhang Ye is a good teacher!"


    "Those brainless fans, take a look! Those so-called foreign stars, they all say they like you on their lips, thanking you, saying they love you, but what do they eventually want? To be frank, they are just bewitching you! They need the poprity and attention you give them, so as to rise up in their status. They don''t think anything of you, and do not care if you are dead or alive! Look at Teacher Zhang Ye''s poem. Who was the one who truly cares about you to the bone? I think there''s no need to express it with words. As a teacher, Zhang Ye is really full of good intentions. Yet, you take weapons and stones to attack Teacher Zhang instead? I do not know what''s wrong with you, but touch your own conscience and think, ''What am I doing this for!''"


    "Wake up! Don''t let Teacher Zhang''s efforts be in vain! Don''t let Teacher Zhang and everyone turn cold in the heart!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you have already done enough. You have done your best. Ignore them. Let them think through it. You must ensure you get well soon. Without you in the entertainment industry, it won''t be as interesting. We are still waiting for you to contribute more excellent works!"


    "Wishing Teacher Zhang a speedy recovery!"


    "This poem is too great! I''ve learned something!"


    "Teacher Zhang is a true man of steel and blood!


    On Weibo, many, who did not understand Zhang Ye''s actions, immediately stood on Zhang Ye''s side, helping wave his g!


    What was worth mentioning that with "Personally Inscribed on a Small Picture" posted, many verified teachers from various schools and or teacher organizations stepped forward. They began reposting Zhang Ye''s Weibo post!


    Peking University''s Vice President Wu Zeqing reposted it.


    Peking University''s Professor Zeng, Su Na and other colleagues all reposted it.


    Other higher institutes of learning, primary, and secondary schools from various districts and provinces also reposted it!


    Facing negative foreign cultural invasion, against adverse teaching from deplorable foreign artists, and against those under-aged children who were easily fascinated, China''s teacher organizations reacted collectively under this poem with Zhang Ye leading the call!


    Team Leader of Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal University''s Chinese Department: "I sacrifice my blood in the Yellow Emperor''s name!"


    Education Dean of No. 15 Middle School: I sacrifice my blood in the Yellow Emperor''s name!"


    Shanghai''s No. 3 History teacher: "I sacrifice my blood in the Yellow Emperor''s name!"


    Adjunct Math Lecturer of Nankai University: "I sacrifice my blood in the Yellow Emperor''s name!"


    A certain substitute teacher in Beihe province: "I sacrifice my blood in the... Yellow Emperor''s name!"


    Zhang Ye''s poem, Zhang Ye''s words and Zhang Ye''s actions might not seem much to people. Some citizens might have watched it out of amusement, but numerous teachers were touched. On this matter, they knew what was on Zhang Ye''s mind the most. They also understood the anger and frustration Zhang Ye was feeling the most! Hence, they also issued out their cries! Numerous people responded on Weibo! They wanted to tell everyone that it wasn''t only Teacher Zhang Ye who was like that! All of us teachers, all of us educators, have also dedicated our lives for the mothend, for education, and for our children!


    At this moment, a person spoke. He was a famous person in the world of education. Almost everyone in society knew who he was. He was a very ordinary teacher, and was a substitute teacher in a vige town, but two years ago, during an earthquake, he risked his life, despite already being safe, to save 18 students from a ssroom. He carried each and everyone of them out of the ssroom. Finally, all the students were saved, but at the final moment when the ssroom copsed, he forever lost his legs. His name was Song Min.


    Song Min said, "Some of you might not understand what Teacher Zhang Ye did, but I understand, and we can all understand. In other people''s eyes, those children are just children, but in the eyes of a teacher, they are our future, and also our hope. Towards Teacher Zhang Ye, I have always liked him. However, I previously liked his poems and television programs. I did not understand him very well, but after seeing his poem today, I think I''ve finally understood him. Maybe people might say he likes scolding people and does not have the temperament of a teacher. Others might say he is always fighting, andcks the bearing of a teacher, but no matter how everyone views him, I stubbornly insist that Zhang Ye is a good teacher. He is an excellent, outstanding, and perfect teacher of the people! I only have one thing to say here: Teacher Zhang Ye, you''ve worked hard."


    Immediately, there was a lot of discussion replying to this post!


    "Teacher Song has appeared too?"


    "Teacher Song, how are you?"


    "You are right. I also think Teacher Zhang Ye handled this matter with the perfect demeanor that a teacher should have. Teacher Zhang''s blood will not flow in vain. There will be people who will wake up!"


    "To foreign culture or foreign stars, it is not that we can''t ept it. We also do not disagree with it. They have things we deserve to learn, which we will learn from them, but towards those foreign artists, who do not have the most basic morality or respect, I only have this to say to you: Get out of China!"


    The crowd was in a frenzy!


    When the teacher organization stood behind Zhang Ye, the sounds of the fans that continuously supported Lee Anson decreased!

 Chapter 415: Recuperating!

    <h4>Chapter 415: Recuperating! </h4>


    Chapter 415: Recuperating!


    Afternoon.


    Past 2pm.


    In the small 30 square meter studio, Zhang Ye had gone off the inte, but was immediately met with telephone calls. They came one after another. It was just like when he was released from the police station at noon. The friends he knew all called to ask about him with concern. Some sent text messages, while others gave him a call.


    Su Na''s short message: Are you severely injured?


    Zhang Ye replied: I''m fine. Thanks.


    Yao Jiancai''s call. "Old bro, are you dead?"


    "Still holding on. Hur Hur." Zhang Ye smiled and said.


    Yao Jiancai praised him, "Nicely done. You are a true man of steel and blood. I am out of town filming a show and will be back in Beijing in a few days. I''ll visit you then."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s alright. Go ahead and busy yourself, Old Yao."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Recover well. We must meet up when I''m back."


    Many phone calls came while Zhang Ye exined to his friends one after another. He tried to assuage them, but his head was actually quite dizzy. He had lost quite a bit of blood, and would need some time to recuperate. Who wasn''t made of flesh? However, Zhang Ye was the kind of person who never wanted people to worry about him. If there was anything he could solve himself, he would solve it himself. He would not worry others, for he would feel bad too. Hence, no matter what he encountered, he would say he was fine. Besides, even if told others that he was doing badly and that he was dizzy and feeling numb in the legs, others would still not be able to help him. People were always busy during the new year. Zhang''er was afraid of pain too. Don''t look at how he usually appeared very daring, with him daring to say or do anything? In fact, if this fellow saw a doctor in a hospital, his legs would go limp. He would not go to a hospital for a transfusion or jab unless necessary. Hence, he had to endure it.


    Suddenly, a knock came from outside his door.


    No, to be urate it was tapped on by someone once.


    Zhang Ye hung up and looked out, "Who is it? The door isn''t locked."


    With a creak, a beautiful petite figure pushed open the door with all her might and appeared through the crack in the door. She looked with a deadpan expression at Zhang Ye, "Zhang Ye, you are home."


    Zhang Ye seemed to see a beloved rtive. "Aiyah, it''s Chenchen. Why are you here?"


    Chenchen said nonchntly, "My Aunt saw the news and told me to see if you were home."


    Zhang Ye immediately covered his head, "You came just in time! Hurry, hurry up and call the Landy Auntie! This bro can''t take it anymore! I''m dying! Get the Landy Auntie to save me!"


    Chenchen acknowledged and gave a condition. "Then you need to do my Winter homework for me."


    Zhang Ye stared at her, "You wicked child. Hurry up and call her for Uncle Zhang!"


    "Then you agreed." Chenchen turned and walked away.


    Zhang Ye did not know if he should be annoyed orugh. Suddenly, a call came. This time, it was different. It was a phone call from his parents'' ce. After hesitating for quite a while, he decided to pick it up.


    "Son!" Mom said in an anxious voice. "You were injured? Were you really injured?"


    Zhang Ye, who had been wailing a moment ago, immediately felt highly-spirited. "Hey, Mom. Who did you hear from that I was injured." Not far from him, the door opened. Rao Aimin''s figure walked in, with Chenchen following behind her. She was carrying a first-aid kit. Zhang Ye did not speak to Rao Aimin and first tried to reassure his parents. He said, "I''m fine. I''mpletely alright!"


    Mom refused to believe. "But it''s written on the news!"


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips, "Aiyah, don''t listen to those media or people on the inte speak nonsense. It''s all fake!"


    Maybe it was hands-free on that side, as his Aunt''s voice also sounded. "This can be faked?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, it''s all fake. At best, it''s just exaggerated. It''s the media. They all like to do that. If not, how do you attract everyone''s attention and eyeballs? Hey, listen to me, do I sound injured? I''m now nning on going out for a run to train my body. Actually, it was just a few children throwing a few eggs and cabbage leaves. What harm can that cause. Your son isn''t made of paper. Didn''t you know my nickname is ''man of steel and blood''!? Don''t worry, don''t worry. I''mpletely fine!"


    After a while, Zhang Ye hung up while wiping his sweat. He had finally managed to hoodwink them.


    Following that, Zhang Ye saw thendy''s figure and nearly had tears stream down his face, "My beloved rtive! My beloved rtive! You came! Quick save me! My head is aching! I''m dying!"


    Chenchen: "............"


    Rao Aimin looked at him with askance, "Aren''t you a man of steel and blood?"


    Zhang Ye cried out miserable, "What do you mean steel and blood!? This tiny body of mine will shatter at a touch! It''s not like you don''t know!"


    Rao Aimin sat on the bed. "Then what did I just see on the inte? Weren''t you righteously shouting that you would ''sacrifice your blood in the Yellow Emperor''s name''?"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "I was just acting awesome! What about seeing the Yellow Emperor? This bro nearly saw the King of Hell! Try letting a rock smash you in the head! I don''t believe you will be fine!"


    Chenchen interrupted, "My aunt''s chin can crush bricks to smithereens, so what if she got smashed by a rock?"


    Oh, right!


    I forgot Rao Aimin was a "martial arts expert"!


    F**k! Then there''s no f**king way to converse!


    Rao Aimin''s nasty tongue never changed. "If you aren''t that tough, then don''t fake it. Just that body constitution of yours, and you want to smash your face to act like you are a big guy? You even dare to stand there and let them hit you? Are you trying to touch all of China!? What I will sacrifice my blood in the Yellow Emperor''s name? It sounds pretty nice, but I just threw you down from the bed gently and you were already wailing like a ughtered pig. What''s the point of acting awesome?"


    Zhang Ye whined without speaking, revealing a look as if he were dying soon. His face looked weak and if someone didn''t know, they would think he was about to die that very second. Previously in the district, in front of the crowd, reporters, as well as on the inte and to his friends and family after returning home, Zhang Ye had been forcefully holding on. He looked pretty awesome. No matter who asked him, he said he was fine. Now, without any outsiders, and seeing that it was Rao Aimin, who knew traditional Chinese medicine, Zhang Ye immediately revealed his actual state. He could no longer act awesome anymore.


    "Where does it hurt?"


    "It hurts everywhere!"


    "Hands off. Let me take a look."


    "Lighter Landy Auntie!"


    "Cut your nonsense!"


    "Ah! Lighter!"


    "Don''t move!"


    "I can''t take it, I can''t take it! It''s too painful!"


    Rao Aimin had a nasty tongue but a soft heart. Her words were always very mean, but whenever Zhang Ye got into trouble, Rao Aimin never ignored him.


    Checking his injuries, Rao Aimin had a general idea. "Let''s go. To the hospital."


    The moment Zhang Ye heard this, he immediately grabbed onto the bedpost, "No! I''ll never go! Unless I''m dead!"


    Rao Aimin stared at him, "Go to the hospital and get the doctors to sterilize it and give you a tetanus jab. Then it will recover quickly. I don''t have the tools suitable for the job."


    Zhang Ye tly said, "I''d rather die than go!"


    Despite spending all day to persuade him, Zhang Ye refused to listen.


    Out of desperation, Rao Aimin could only say, "Chenchen, medical kit."


    Little Chenchen slowly opened the medical kit.


    Rao Aimin took out a cotton swab and began applying medicine to Zhang Ye''s forehead. "This medicine of mine can only sterilize it and do some simple treatment. It cannot guarantee that it will be very effective."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s fine, as long as it''s effective."


    Rao Aimin seethed, "You don''t let me rest well on the first day of the Chinese New Year. Let me tell you that this is thest time. Next time, if you get injured, don''te looking for me. I don''t have the time for you!" Turning towards Rao Chenchen. "Chenchen, go take your afternoon nap. You still have to do your Winter homework at night."


    Chenchen said, "I''m not tired."


    Rao Aimin looked at her, "Then don''t tell me you are tired and want to sleep like the past few nights. If you don''t finish the first ten pages of your mathematics homework, you are not going to sleep!"


    Chenchen seethed and acknowledged. The two women had nearly the same expression, as if they came from the same mould. "Got it." Then she turned to return home.


    Zhang Ye was still grunting. "Painful!"


    Rao Aimin said in a lukewarm manner, "Endure it!"


    After his forehead was done, Rao Aimin helped dab the wound on his neck.


    As such, Zhang Ye grit his teeth. The spirit and stance he previously had on the inte was gone. People were, after all, sometimes strong, but there were also times when they were weak.


    "Big Sis Rao."


    "What!?"


    "I want to eat your Red Braised Pork tonight."


    Rao Aimin fumed so much that it became amusement. "I worked so hard to apply medicine for you, and you even put out conditions? Cut the crap!? There''s only a bit of leftovers. It''s up to you to eat them!"


    "What are the leftovers?"


    "Only dumplings."


    "What''s the filling inside?"


    "Chive eggs!"


    "Why is it vegetarian? Is there no meat? This bro is a patient now, and a great hero who was injured for national causes. Can''t I get a bit of meat to eat?"


    "Kid, you are trying to be forceful, aren''t you?"


    "Alright then, I''ll make do."


    "Open your mouth. Drink the medicine."


    "What medicine?"


    "Anti-inmmatory medicine."


    "I can''t drink it if it''s too bitter."


    "If you keep up your nonsense, you will be left on the bed with nobody caring about you. Open your mouth, drink the medicine and water!"


    Rao Aimin was already holding the water and medicine. She helped him sit up.


    "...Orh." Zhang Ye obediently drank the medicine.


    After the initial pain, Zhang Ye felt he was getting better. With someone taking care of him, he felt better. Towards thendy''s wicked mouth, Zhang Ye always kept it at arm''s length. However, be it what Rao Aimin did or her taking care of him, Zhang Ye was especially assured with it. He knew she was a specially virtuous woman in everything. Now, he did not need to worry or consider about himself. Hey down and someone would wipe medicine on him, give him tea, as well as food. That feeling was indescribably good, and with that, weariness crept up to him.

 Chapter 416

    <h4>Chapter 416 </h4>


    Chapter 416


    Skin to skin contact.


    The warmth from his ears.


    His face was feeling the softness.


    That was how Zhang Ye was lying on Rao Aimin''sp. Disregarding Rao Aimin''s nagging, he shamelessly refused to move.


    Ah!


    Such sticity!


    Her thighs were so full of flesh!


    Rao Aimin''s long legs were really not your everyday kind of legs. They were ssy legs, full of purity, legs with morals, a pair of legs that was absent of vileness. They were a pair of legs that were beneficial to the people!


    As a man, Zhang Ye was somewhat ashamed. Rao Aimin, a woman in her thirties, was in much better physical shape than he was. If she had flexed her muscles, she would definitely have a much leaner appearance than Zhang Ye. Maybe it was because of her training since she was young, while Zhang Ye had used the game ring to attain his martial arts. Furthermore, he had not eaten many skill books, so there was definitely no way for him topare with her.


    Humans were usually like this. When you had something, you don''t treasure it as much. The things that you don''t have, are especially desirable and wanted.


    For example, thendlord auntie''s pair of legs. He did not have those.


    And hisndlord auntie''s breasts, he did not have those either.


    Well, actually he did have breasts, but they were man breasts and weren''t thatrge.


    Zhang Yeid down there and asionally slightly opened his eyes to look up. He was greeted by the glorious view of two raised parts of the body at a close up. He took a deep breath and could even smell the fabric around her breasts. Rao Aimin was wearing a gray cotton sweater today coupled with a white pair of training pants. Her legs were exposed and she was wearing a pair of ts. It wasn''t a very fashionable look, but matched well with thendlord auntie''s traditional image. Zhang Ye had known her for so long, but had never seen her wear high heels before. It was always ts, possibly because that was a martial artist''s stubbornness, but conversely, it could also be said that it was a presentation of confidence.


    "Get lost."


    "Let me lie down for a while."


    "Do you really think I don''t dare to finish you?"


    "Then go ahead. I''m already so heavily injured that I''m already on death''s door. It wouldn''t matter if I get hurt more. This will not burden me further."


    "..."


    As he said so, Zhang Ye turned around sideways to face Rao Aimin''s stomach. His nose was touching her belly and his forehead buried in it. There was really no hint of any excess fat, much tter than Zhang Ye''s own belly. Then he took a deep breath through his nose and mouth, taking in the smell of maturity, a smell of light fragrance. It was probably the smell of her clothes, but whether it was the smell of the outer clothes or the under clothes, Zhang Ye did not know. After all, Zhang Ye''s nose and face were close to Rao Aimin''s white training pants and the underwear inside.


    How refreshing!


    This kind of life, was toofortable!


    With this, Zhang Ye''s hands became increasingly unbridled. He naturally reached over and wrapped his hand around Rao Aimin''s hips.


    Rao Aimin seemed like she was about to say something.


    Zhang Ye''s head was pulled away towards his back, but he did not care. He stuck his head forward again and pressed his nose into her belly once more. Rao Aimin really knew how to live. Although she had so many properties, like the dual-purpose houses in this building, she rarely bought anything too expensive. She would basically only buy things that were at market value or below for cheap. Like when it came toundry detergent, the smell was not especially fragrant, but as it mixed with her own body fragrance, the smell had be much nicer. Zhang Ye had very sensitive olfactory senses. When he smelled something naturally good, his whole body would be veryfortable.


    It was so fragrant!


    Another deep breath!


    Rao Aimin seemed like she was about to say something again.


    Zhang Ye could no longer hear it as he fell soundly asleep.


    ......


    Evening.


    Past 7PM.


    Zhang Ye awoke and the first thing he saw was himself lying down on his own pillow. Rao Aimin was no longer around and he pouted with a sense of loss. Next, he felt the coldness, extreme coldness, running through his body deep inside his bones. He quickly pulled a nket over himself, but did not feel much better. At this moment, he finally felt that there was a wet towel covering his forehead. He did not know where it came from.


    What''s going on?


    Was he having a fever?


    Zhang Ye felt helpless. He was feeling dizzy and knew that the injury he had suffered was not light. It was probably because of that which led to him getting a fever.


    "Where is everyone?"


    "Big Sis Rao?"


    "Chenchen?"


    "I''m hungry!"


    "Someone! I''m dying over here!"


    He shouted continuously for a few times and wanted to get out his bed, but as he was feeling faint, he knew it would be better to stay in bed. He felt his body feeling shaky, as though the world was spinning around him, like in an earthquake. Zhang Ye had to grab onto his bed frame before he had could drop his worries!


    The door opened.


    Rao Aimin brought a bowl that was steaming hot into the room, "What are you hurrying me for, stop shouting."


    Zhang Ye weakly said, "I''m hungry. What''s that?"


    "Gruel." Rao Aimin said.


    Zhang Ye said unhappily, "There''s still no meat? I want to eat braised pork."


    Rao Aimin sat on the bed, "You should be d you have something to eat! Stop being picky! You can only have gruel in your current condition. And you still want braised pork? We''ll see how it goes after your fever subsides!" As she said so, she showed a face of displeasure, "Sit up, eat!"


    Zhang Ye hummed, "I''m not doing that. I want meat!"


    Rao Aimin threatened, "Then I will bring you to the hospital!"


    When he heard that, Zhang Ye immediately sat up, "Actually, something light would be better." He reached out to take the bowl of gruel, but felt his hands shaking. He could not possibly hold the bowl.


    Rao Aimin''s narrowed her eyebrows. "Fine! Open you mouth."


    Zhang Ye eagerly opened his mouth.


    Rao Aimin took a spoonful of gruel and blew on it for a while before putting it to the side of Zhang Ye''s mouth. Her actions did not look too caring, but the gruel did not spill and the temperature was just right. Zhang Ye took a mouthful of the gruel that was given to him.


    Zhang Ye swallowed it and sincerely expressed, "Big Sis Rao, thank you."


    Rao Aimin ignored him and said stiffly, "Open your mouth."


    "Ah." Zhang Ye opened his mouth and had another spoonful of gruel.


    After he had finished eating, Rao Aimin said, "Do you still want some more?"


    Zhang Ye still had a big appetite despite being sick, "Yes, another bowl please. Oh by the way, do you have spiced beef or something like that? Can you put some in there as well?"


    Rao Aimin ignored him and went back to her house to get another bowl of gruel before feeding him again.


    After 10 minute, Zhang Ye burped and then said, "Where''s Chenchen? Has she eaten?"


    "She''s doing her homework. You should be concerned about yourself instead!" Rao Aimin put the bowl down and took a napkin to wipe Zhang Ye''s mouth. She frowned as she threw the napkin away, "I''ve not done anything else the whole of today. After taking care of the young one, I have to take care of the not so young one. Do the both of you really take me for a nanny?"


    Zhang Ye said weakly, "If you fall sick in the future, I will take care of you this way as well."


    Rao Aimin smiled coldly, "I''ve not fallen sick in the past 10 years. Why would I need a rascal like you for? Quickly get better yourself. Once you are better, get lost."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged her.


    "Drink the medicine." Rao Aimin passed him some antipyretic and a ss of warm water.


    Zhang Ye obediently sat up and took the medicine. It was something called Riling Granules, which Zhang Ye had never heard of before in his previous world. It should be the name of the medicine in this word and had a sweet taste. The effects were probably simr to that of aspirin.


    After taking the medicine, Zhang Ye was feeling sleepy again perhaps due to the medication, "Landy Auntie, I want to sleep again, can I lie on yourp?"


    Rao Aimin stared at him, "Are you done?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Otherwise, I would not be able to fall asleep."


    Rao Aimin stared at him but still stretched her legs out for him.


    "Thanks." Zhang Yey down quickly without another word. His hands naturally wrapped around her and hugged her by the waist.


    Comfortable!


    This position was too enjoyable!


    He was now wishing that he would be sick for another 3 or 5 days. When you were sick, you were the boss!


    He had this thought running through his mind for the next few hours. When Zhang Ye fell asleep and woke up again, it was already night time. There was a glow from the dark clock on the table and it was showing 12:05AM!


    It waste at night.


    Only starlight illuminated the room.


    Zhang Ye''s face was still lying on that ssy pair of legs, full of purity, legs with morals, a pair of legs that was absent of vileness. Zhang Ye had expected Rao Aimin to have gone back to her house to sleep, but who''d have known!


    Rao Aimin was leaning against the bed frame with her eyes closed. She was motionless.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye suddenly felt that he had to get up immediately. He did not want thendy to suffer with him and cause her anymore trouble.


    "Big Sis Rao." Zhang Ye said softly.


    "Yes?" Rao Aimin woke up, "What?"


    Zhang Ye apologetically said, "You should go back to your house. Chenchen still needs to be taken care of."


    Rao Aimin said, "I just checked your temperature at 11:30PM. You are running a fever of 39 degrees. I will go once it subsides, otherwise we might really have to bring you to the hospital!"


    Zhang Ye shivered and said, "Don''t. I don''t want to go there. No two ways about it!"


    Rao Aimin said impatiently, "Then you better cover up with the nket and sweat it out. If your fever doesn''t subside and I''m not here, who would take care of you?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Big Sis Rao is still the best."


    "Don''t tter me." Rao Aimin said, "When you get better, I still have lots of chores at home waiting for you. You can slowly pay me back."


    Zhang Ye did not know whether tough or cry, "I feel that my temperature''s rising again! I didn''t hear anything that you just said. I feel so dizzy now, so then, I will continue sleeping."

 Chapter 417: This world’s missing Taiji Fist!

    <h4>Chapter 417: This world''s missing Taiji Fist! </h4>


    Chapter 417: This world''s missing Taiji Fist!


    Late at night.


    Unknown time.


    Zhang Ye woke up once more. This time he woke up from his sweating. Sweat was dripping down from his forehead to his nose and it made him feel itchy. He slowly opened his eyes as he wiped off the beads of sweat. After sweating so much, Zhang Ye was feeling much better now. He did not feel as dizzy anymore and the cold in his body was gone. From his experience, the fever had almost subsided. At least it would no longer be a 39 degree fever anymore.


    "Awake again?" Rao Aimin, who was leaning on the bed frame, said.


    Zhang Ye was still lying on herp. As he was sweating so much as he slept, thendy auntie''s training pants were drenched, especially at the crotch and thigh areas. It was a little strange to see that. He said, "Yea. I''m awake and feel better already."


    "Raise your arms." Rao Aimin said.


    Zhang Ye asked, "What for?"


    "I asked you to raise them, so just do it." Rao Aimin was holding a thermometer in her hands as she waited for Zhang Ye to raise his arms. Then she stuck it into his armpits when he did, "Look at you. You look so weak and frail. Don''t fight with others in the future. Do you really think you have learnt martial arts?"


    Zhang Ye snorted, "I really did learn some."


    Rao Aimin contemptibly said, "With just those few taekwondo moves, you might be able to beat those useless bodyguards of Lee Anson, but if you really meet a proper martial artist, then you would be beaten hands down!"


    Zhang Ye boastfully said, "Who says that I only know Taekwondo? You''re not the only person who has learned martial arts before. If I only had those few moves of Taekwondo, I wouldn''t be able to beat Lee Anson''s bodyguards. It''s just some martial arts, this bro has learned it before too!"


    Rao Aimin was tickled, "And what did you learn?"


    Zhang Ye answered as though he was telling the truth, "Taiji Fist!"


    Rao Aimin was stunned for a little, "Yo? You know about Taiji Fist?"


    "What''s there not to know?" Zhang Ye was intrigued by the way Rao Aimin replied to him.


    Rao Aimin looked at him and said, "Everyone knows that Taiji is an ancient school of thought. The are many ancient books that have records about it. In the system of Change, there is the Great Ultimate. It generates the Two Modes (Yin and Yang). The Two Modes generate the Four Forms (major and minor Yin and Yang). The Four Forms generate the Eight Trigrams. It''s rtionship runs deep with our Eight Trigrams learnings, but Taiji Fist is something that I have only heard of. This school of martial arts has very little rtion to Taiji. The people who know about it could be said to be rarer than rare."


    Zhang Ye said with a nk stare, "Landy Auntie. I am not well learned, but don''t try to fool ayman like me. Taiji Fist, what''s there not to know about?"


    Rao Aimin said, "Did your fever cause you to be befuddled?"


    "What am I befuddled about?" Zhang Ye said as a matter of factly, "In this age and time, who doesn''t know a few moves of Taiji Fist?"


    Zhang Ye''s mindset was still stuck in his previous world. In that world, what was Taiji Fist? Men and women, old and young, from a few years old to a hundred years old, it was known by all. Not only was it known, they could even practice a few moves of it. Look at all those gardens in themunities, which one of them did not have someone practicing Taiji? Even if you were to pick out anyone in the streets, whether they really knew it or not, they could still make a few movements of Taiji Fist. Amon martial arts like this, yet Rao Aimin was telling him that not many people knew about it?


    Rao Aimin was also feeling rather speechless, "You know some moves?"


    "Of course I do." Zhang Ye blurted.


    Rao Aiminughed, "Alright, you don''t need to show it to me, but tell me what Taiji Fist is?"


    Zhang Ye began saying, "Taiji Fist is a traditional school of thought in Taoism of the People''s Republic of China with its core being Taiji. The theory of Yin and Yang can be used for health, longevity, mental freshness, and used to counter various skills as a whole. Itbines the transformations of the five elements from Taiji philosophy, traditional Chinese medicine''s meridian studies, and ancient circtory and breathing techniques into one that is both gentle, slow, light both internally and externally. It''s a traditional fist style that incorporates the concept of hard and soft."


    After hearing that, Rao Aimin did not show any expressions and said, "Will you die if you don''t bullshit? You make it sound as if it were real!"


    Zhang Ye could not take that lying down and answered back, "What am I bullshitting about?"


    Rao Aimin told him, "Taiji Fist has already been a lost art for a few hundred years ago. Where could you possibly have learned it from?"


    With that, it was now Zhang Ye''s turn to be stunned, "Ah? Lost? It can''t be!"


    Rao Aimin nced at him, "I have been training with my elders since I was 6 years old. At 10, I officially began my training in the Eight Trigram Palms. When I was training, you weren''t even born yet, so what do you know? Trying to fool me with your nonsense. If you want to listen, I will tell you instead. A few hundred years ago, there was a legend that Taiji Fist had created a stir in the martial arts world. This school of martial arts had appeared with no one knowing where it had originated from. A master in martial arts had used Taiji Fist to defeat the Eight Trigrams, XingYi and 18 other schools of martial arts, but after the wars, it disappeared without a trace. Taiji Fist was lost in such manner from the world. After those times, no disciple or master of Taiji Fist has appeared in our world since."


    Zhang Ye finally understood the history of Taiji Fist in this world. It was totally different from what had happened in his world. The originator of this martial arts school might even be different.


    Rao Aimin continued, "As for the reasons behind it, there are lots of diverse opinions. One says that the master behind it had followed the ancient teachings of Taiji to create the moves. After his death, he had no sessor, and therefore Taiji Fist was lost. Another said that Taiji Fist was just a legend as there have been no records of it found in any writings. It only existed through word of mouth, therefore it was not proven to exist and could have been fabricated because of some historical reasons. Of course on the second opinion, I still have my reservations. I''ve only heard about it from my teacher and my teacher had heard it from his teacher, but they imed that Taiji Fist did exist before and was a very legendary form of martial arts. The only problem is that those who have seen it with their own eyes have already been dead for hundreds of years. As for how strong Taiji Fist was and what kind of moves it consisted of, no one has an answer. What''s left behind is only fragments of a legend. That is all that I know, but there might be others who know more about it."


    Zhang Ye had some thoughts.


    Taiji Fist was a lost martial arts? Then how did the old people of this world keep their bodies healthy!?


    Thinking about it more, Zhang Ye realized that he was the only person who knew Taiji Fist in this world! No wonder. No wonder the previous few times that Zhang Ye had used it had always left others wondering what kind of martial arts it was. At the monastery, Zhang Ye used Taiji Fist to fight with those monks. Logically speaking, those monks were also martial arts practitioners. Whether they used their own martial arts or another schools martial arts, they should have a lot of knowledge about most kinds. Yet they were shocked by Zhang Ye''s kungfu. None of them could identify the martial arts Zhang Ye used by name. Also during the hijacking incident, Zhang Ye had used Taiji Fist against the terrorist who was a Muay Thai expert. Neither the terrorist nor the other passengers had identified the kungfu that he used then either. At that time, Zhang Ye did not notice this. Thinking back, he realized the reason for all of that!


    It wasn''t because they were ignorant!


    It was because no one had ever seen Taiji Fist in action before!


    Even Rao Aimin, who was the eldest disciple of the Eight Trigram Palms, had only heard of the legend of Taiji Fist!


    Rao Aimin told him, "So that''s why if you want to bullshit in the future, you should just say that you know Wing Chun and I might believe you, but telling me you know Taiji Fist? Hur, why don''t you im that you know the Eighteen Devils Subduing Palms!"


    That mouth of her was so vile!


    Zhang Ye, "..."


    Five minutes had passed.


    His temperature had dropped to 38.3 degrees.


    It was still in the range of a fever, but it was getting much better.


    Rao Aimin was very caring and thoughtful. Although she always had a look of reluctance, asionally criticizing Zhang Ye, her actions made him feel very well taken care of. She took a ss of warm water for him to drink.


    After he finished drinking,


    Rao Aimin would pour another ss for him.


    Zhang Ye shook his head, "I''m not having anymore."


    ".....Drink it!" Rao Aimin ordered him.


    Zhang Ye could only reluctantly drink it all up before giving a burp. His mind had already wandered off, thinking about the issue of Taiji Fist.


    Me, bullshit?


    But I''m really not bullshitting!


    I''ve really f**king seen Taiji Fist and I even know how to use it!


    Zhang Ye could even speak incessantly about the various styles like Chen, Yang, W��, W��, Sun, He, etc, etc, etc. Each style of Taiji Fist had some differences, but all of it originated from "Taiji Yin Yang". He could even tell Rao Aimin about how Taiji Fist consisted of the basics: parry, retraction, press, side push, pluck, divide, elbow, shoulder, forward, backward, left, right, and bnce, but he could not say all of that. Even if he did, no one would believe it, as no one in this world had even seen it before. So why would he be the one to know about it?


    "Still thinking? Go to sleep quickly!" Rao Aimin was never polite with Zhang Ye. She always sounded as though she wasmanding him around. Alright, actually she did this to everyone too. Zhang Ye was already used to it.


    Zhang Ye tersely acknowledged.


    Rao Aimin said, "If you really want to learn martial arts, tell me what you want to learn. Even though I do not have good rtions with other martial arts practitioners, nor do I have many friends in there as most of them prefer not to see me, Hur Hur, but my reputation still carries some weight. If you wish to learn something, I can rmend you. There''s no need to pay school fees. You can just follow them and practice together, but I still maintain my stance that at your age, you''re past the age of learning martial arts. I started at just a few years old to learn the basics. Even if most people do not start as early as me, they also begin learning in their teens. You''re already over 20 now. Even if you wanted to learn butchering, they might say that you''re too old for it. You should just stick to physical strengthening, that''s about all you can do. And you even wanted to learn it to fight with other people? Then you might as well just continue learning Taekwondo, Muay Thai, or Karate. Those are simpler and much easier to pick up."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Then in martial arts, which school is the strongest?"


    Rao Aimin looked at him a few times and said, "To even ask a question like that shows me how much of an amateur you are. How can martial arts be gauged as strong or weak? The only thing that can be gauged in this way are people. Even if a lot of people might look down on certain martial arts, if the person practicing it has a high standard and is well learnt, they can still be called masters."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What about you? What''s your level?"


    Rao Aimin said dully, "Me? I don''t have any level, what kind of times are we in now? In this age of modern weapons like missiles and machine guns, even if you are great in some martial art, if a bulletes your way you''ll be dead meat!" She didn''t sound like she was willing to reveal anything further, "Stop talking rubbish and go to sleep!"

 Chapter 418: The privileges of being sick!

    <h4>Chapter 418: The privileges of being sick! </h4>


    Chapter 418: The privileges of being sick!


    Middle of the night.


    Rao Aimin had just finished her conversation with Zhang Ye on the topic of martial arts. She covered him back up with a nket, so that he could have a good rest. Suddenly, Chenchen entered the house through the unlocked door.


    "Aunt."


    "What?"


    "I have to pee."


    "Didn''t I already teach you how to climb onto the toilet?"


    "I couldn''t reach it and I really have to pee."


    Chenchen was in a half asleep state, and stood there in her pajamas.


    Zhang Ye heard her and joined in saying, "I have to pee too."


    With a look of unwillingness, Rao Aimin picked Chenchen up. She kicked open Zhang Ye''s bathroom door and ce Chenchen on the toilet. She nagged, "When the big one is done, the little onees, when the little one is done, the big onees back. Can''t you both just let me take a break?"


    Chenchen was done.


    Rao Aimin held Chenchen''s chin and said, "Go back and sleep."


    "Orh." said Chenchen, who was still half-asleep. She was still whining as she walked back.


    Zhang Ye urged, "Landlord auntie, help me get my coat. I need to use the bathroom too."


    Rao Aimin opened his clothes cab with an annoyed look before randomly picking out a coat and throwing it onto the the bed. She was probably tired too, as she took off her slippers after sitting on the bed. Her legs went on the bed as well as she snugged herself inside the warm nket. She did not lie down, but just leaned against the bed''s headboard. She basically sat there with her arms crossed and shut her eyes for a nap.


    Zhang Ye, who was in his long johns, put on the coat and went to the toilet. Although he was still a little dizzy, he was already feeling much better than he had been before. When he came back to bed, he crawled into the nket and leaned his back against the wall.


    "I''ll be sleeping for a while." Rao Aimin said.


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure, you should rest a little."


    "Call me if there''s anything. Don''t bother me if there''s nothing." Rao Aimin said without opening her eyes.


    Zhang Ye probably had already slept too much today and was not feeling too sleepy anymore. After tossing and turning for a while, he opened his eyes. Using the moonlight, he nced at Rao Aimin beside him. Her resting face was very beautiful, both her side profile and her frontal profile. The side of her face looked very slim and cut. Her chin was also a bit sharp. Zhang Ye did not care if she was asleep or not. With a shift of his body, he moved over. Heid on Big Sis Rao''s legs as if he was no outsider. Rao Aimin had tucked both her legs under the nket, but she was still sitting in a leaning position, so there was an angle. It was also a perfect ce for Zhang Ye toy on. His head was just above the nket, and the side of his head was on Rao Aimin''s stomach.


    In a weak state, people did not consider many things. Their thoughts also became simpler, as such, he also became bolder. Zhang Ye could not sit still after lying down honestly for five minutes. As he closed his eyes, his hands reached towards Rao Aimin''s legs. With a tiny pinch, he immersed himself in the stic fleshy thighs underneath her yoga pants. After adjusting his head''s position, Zhang Ye freely touched Rao Aimin''s stomach with his hands, pulling open her gray sweater, snuggling his hands in.


    Oh, there were still long johns underneath.


    As the lighting wasn''t good, he could not tell what color it was.


    Zhang Ye decided that he might as well pull the long johns away. With that, he stuck his palm on to Big Sis Rao''s tummy. Her skin was thin, and as he stroked it, it was rather smooth.


    Rao Aimin did not move.


    Zhang Ye had not taken advantage of Bis Sis Rao in a while. He could not see her after going to Shanghai, and when he was back in Beijing, he could only engage in short conversation. There was so much to talk about, yet he didn''t have the opportunity. Now, with an opportunity in hand, Zhang Ye''s principles of the "need to seed at every crime he did", he naturally had to get something. Zhang Ye had done such things before too, but all he got in then end was a quite terrible state. If it wasn''t a shoulder flip from thendy, it was twisting his arm till it nearly dislocated. However, he was now a patient, and a patient had patient privileges.


    His hand sneaked in.


    Bit by bit, his hand moved higher.


    Belly, navel. Zhang Ye used the sensory signals from his palm to find various locations.


    Suddenly, his fingernails and fingers touched a piece of fabric. It was very soft, and clearly it was her bra. There couldn''t be anything else at this spot. Without any hesitation, Zhang Ye moved his fingers and slowly slid them in. Finally, he inserted his whole hand in, as it was enveloped by the bra. His palm immediately felt flesh. His fingertips were filled with the stic fullness of flesh, so much so to the point of his fingers nearly being squeezed out. As for the back of his hand, it was tightly cupped by the bra. Thankfully Rao Aimin''s bra today did not have a wire, or his hand would not have been able to squeeze in.


    It felt great!


    He had seeded!


    Zhang Ye was satisfied. With the advantage taken, he suddenly felt his entire being feel much better. His fever seemed to subside even more. It might not even be 38 degrees Celsius anymore. As his palm felt the warmth from Rao Aimin''s flesh, which was cooler than him by just a bit, so it was not very obvious. It meant that their body temperatures were quite simr.


    Fascinating.


    Taking advantage of her could heal him?


    "What are you doing?" A woman''s voice came from above him.


    Zhang Ye coughed and said, "Nothing, I''m just finding a position to sleep in."


    In the darkness, the female voice said, "Kid, is this your sleeping position? Didn''t I say not to bother me if there''s nothing!? Are you not going to let me rest?"


    Zhang Ye said with an embarrassed face, "Sure. Go ahead and sleep."


    The female voice said, "Cut the crap. Take your hand out."


    "No." Zhang Ye shamelessly said. "If I don''t grab something, I can''t sleep well."


    The female voice sneered. "Do you want me to make a move?"


    Zhang Yey there like a hooligan. "Make your move. I''m already at death''s door anyways. I''m dizzy and everything in front of me is a blur. A touch would shatter me. If you aren''t afraid I''ll faint, then make your move." As he said, he cried out painfully, "Aiyah, my head is hurting again. I can''t take it anymore, I''m dying!"


    Pa.


    Zhang Ye''s head was struck by a person!


    "Little bastard, you dare to y games with me!?" The female voice said.


    Zhang Ye said speechlessly, "You really hit me?" Actually, it did not hurt one bit, but this fellow said with exaggeration, "I''m finished. My hand has lost its sense of touch. My consciousness is turning blur. My body..."


    "Enough of that. Hurry up and go back to sleep." After the female voice said that, there was silence.


    Zhang Ye peeped at Rao Aimin from the narrow slit in his eyes, and realized she had gone back to sleep with her eyes closed. She also did not fuss with the hand that was in her bra. Zhang Ye had a general idea and slowly took out his hand from her left bra cup, but did not fully remove it, but instead switched to the other side. He then squeezed it into the right bra cup. Immediately, his palm, fingers and even fingernails experienced softness!


    It was as if he was lying on a cotton field.


    It was as if he was in the ocean.


    Zhang Ye felt extremelyfortable. With a move of his legs, he scissored Rao Aimin''s legs in between his own. And at this moment, sleepiness crept up to him.

 Chapter 421: Release of the single!

    <h4>Chapter 421: Release of the single! </h4>


    Chapter 421: Release of the single!


    On the same day.


    The second night of the new year.


    Zhang Ye had finally managed to taste Rao Aimin''s Red Braised Pork at her house. It was really tasty and he couldn''t stop eating. His mouth didn''t even have a chance to stay closed as he devoured it all like a wolf, regardless of having just recovered from an illness, like he had not eaten for several days. Zhang Ye had always looked forward to thendy''s cooking. Ever since he went to Shanghai to work, he had not tasted her cooking. He would often salivate at the thought of her dishes. This, together with having drawn a really good item in the lottery this afternoon, led to him being in an extremely good mood, which, in turn, increased his appetite significantly.


    "It''s too delicious! This food is all for this bro! I''m reserving this dish and leaving the rest of the dishes for you two. No one is gonna touch my Red Braised Pork!" Zhang Ye pulled the te over to his side of the table.


    "That''s mine." Chenchen snatched it back.


    Zhang Ye held onto the te, "Don''t fight with me over this."


    "It''s you who is fighting with me for it." Chenchen said solemnly.


    Zhang Ye stared at her, "Hey, how can you snatch this food from a sick man?!"


    Chenchen contemptuously said, "And you aren''t giving in to a child, you are nothing like the adult you should be."


    Zhang Ye said, "You, a child? You are more of an adult than an actual adult!"


    "....Hur Hur." Chenchen gave her trademark sneer again.


    Rao Aimin was annoyed and rebuked, "I''m watching TV, can the both of you rascals keep it down!"


    Zhang Ye continued to eat, Chenchen continued to fight to have the dishes she wanted, while Rao Aimin was busy scolding the two of them. The three of them merrily had their meal as they bickered around. It was the new year after all.


    After eating, Zhang Ye took out hisptop to watch "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show". A new episode had been released, as four other episodes were released together with it. His fame and poprity, as well as his game ring''s reputation points had been steadily increasing with each passing day, but with this scheduled run of releases, thest episode would likely be in just a few more days. Hai, such arge stockpile of episodes were put online in such a short amount time, Zhang Ye wondered what kind of strict policy the SARFT was going to be announcing. He did not even know how he would go about his job from now on and could only take it one step at a time. He needed to get as many reputation points as possible before deciding his next move. Otherwise, should the SARFT policies really be detrimental to his talk show and, forcing him to be unable to broadcast any of his shows, it would definitely be a huge loss.


    "What?" Rao Aimin frowned.


    Zhang Ye pped his hands together to signal that he was about to announce something. He said, "Comrades, please be quiet. The renowned variety show that has gathered poprity throughout the nation, A new episode of ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' is to be broadcasted now. Please enjoying viewing it in silence." Zhang Ye did not help to wash the bowls, and justy down on the sofa like it was his own home.


    Rao Aimin nced at him, "The bowls?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll do that in a while. Let''s watch first."


    Rao Aimin had spent an entire day and night taking care of him. Now that he had recovered, it was time for him to pay up. However, Zhang Ye would dy it if he could dy.


    Chenchen said, "Zhang Ye, you''re sozy."


    Zhang Ye stared at her, "The one who is least qualified to say that would be you!"


    The new episode started ying. Zhang Ye appeared on screen as he spoke confidently.


    The joke segments came one after another as Zhang Ye watched andughed out loud. He was even impressed by his own program. What a good show!


    But when he looked to the young and old duo beside him.


    Rao Aimin watched for a while and yawned.


    Chenchen also followed her aunt''s expression with a deadpan look and yawned.


    From beginning till the end, the two of them had notughed once. Zhang Ye was speechless. He admitted that the style of talk show was satirical and not simply making jokes just to getughs. If it had to be funny, it couldn''t be done in ways simr to crosstalks or skits. A talk show had its own unique charm that couldbine a society''s current affairs with humor with satire. In this world, only Zhang Ye could do it in this way. No one else had been able to recreate this style and soul. How could such an outstanding program make the two of you so sleepy! Do you even need to yawn!


    He groaned a little, but did not take it up with them. Forget it, any form of art would never be able to force everyone to ept or like it. It wasn''t his talk show that was not good, but that these two had such an elevated sense of humor. A high end talk show like this was not something that was suitable for a martial arts family like that, who''d spend all day training and fighting.


    Chenchen banged on the table, "Change the channel. Change the channel. Change the channel."


    Rao Aimin also said, "You, this rascal, go and wash the bowls. Don''t try to escape!"


    Zhang Ye could only sumb to them. He switched off theputer and turned the TV back to a random news channel before angrily going off to scrub the bowls.


    They don''t know what true art is!!


    You both really don''t understand art!


    Halfway through the washing, his cellphone rang in his pocket.


    Zhang Ye answered the unknown number saying, "Who is this?"


    It was a girl''s voice on the other end, "Is this Teacher Zhang Ye? I am a staff of Zhang Yuanqi''s team. Sister Zhang wanted me to notify you that the single "Woman Flower" would be released tonight around 7:30 PM. She also hoped that you could help promote it a little by posting about it on Weibo."


    "I will do that." Zhang Ye said.


    The girl said, "Thank you then. I won''t disturb you any longer. Happy new year."


    "Happy new year to you too." Zhang Ye hung up and finished washing the bowls before going back outside.


    The two of them were still watching the news. Zhang Ye turned hisputer on again and logged onto Weibo. He forwarded Zhang Yuanqi''s new Weibo post about the release of her new single. He was also full of anticipation regarding this release of "Woman Flower". On the night of the Spring Festival G, as "Woman Flower" was performed with a time limit, it had cut to fit their stage time, not the original full length song. This time, it was also Zhang Yuanqi''s solo take on the song, and the apaniment was also redone. Therefore, he was not worried that people who had heard it during the Spring Festival G would not listen to it. Whether this single would shoot up the charts mattered to Zhang Ye too, as his reputation was closely rted to the oue of the single''s release. The talk show was about to finish broadcasting, and the students at Peking University were on winter break. His sources of reputation were drying up. It wasn''t easy breaking into the C-list, so he didn''t want to fall back down. To Zhang Ye, every reputation point and chance to gain publicity mattered deeply.


    "What are you doing making so much noise over there." Rao Aimin nced over.


    "There was something I needed to do. What''s the matter?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Chenchen pointed at the television, "Watch, it''s Lee Anson."


    "Eh?" Zhang Ye looked to the TV screen and was slightly stunned, "Lee Anson''s concert has been moved to an earlier date? It will begin tonight?"


    Rao Aimin looked at her watch, "It''s already begun."


    The news had reported that, due to the adverse effects of Lee Anson pushing down a fan during the new year''s, it had caused his poprity to drastically decrease in China. Refunds for his concerts had reached an unprecedented 35%. The originally scheduled solo concert in Suzhou on the 6th had been bumped forward to the 2nd, and ording to the observations of the reporters who were at the Suzhou concert venue, Lee Anson''s solo concert was only about 45% filled. This meant that other than those who got refunds, there were many members of the audience who did not seek a refund nor turn up. Some organizations andpanies who receivedplimentary tickets also did not appear at the concert venue.


    Zhang Ye knew that Lee Anson''s marketing team was making public rtions maneuvers to save the situation. If they let this situation carry on, the number of refunds might continue increasing. Hence, they needed to immediatelye up with a response and disy, and they did so by bumping the concert''s date forward. If he did not guess wrongly, Lee Anson probably had to go onstage with injuries. Even if his wounds had healed, he would have to go up with some bandages. This would garner sympathy, and was also a form of saving face. Lee Anson andpany were probably trying their very best to prevent the loss of fans. After all, China was their "main battleground".


    Was it effective?


    Zhang Ye shook his head in silence.


    What that darn grandson did didn''t matter. It was more important to pay attention to Old Zhang''s single release.


    At 7:30 PM, Zhang Yuanqi''s new single was released on the dot. The was no exclusive release this time. On Weibo, a few music tforms, and even the sales of the single CD, were all opened. Online shops also removed the pre-order of this single, as there were more than enough physical copies.


    "Landy Auntie."


    "What?"


    "The single for ''Woman Flower'' has been released. Could you and Chenchen give it some likes and y it?"


    "Zhang Yuanqi''s solo?"


    "Yes."


    "That song isn''t too bad."


    This was a song written for women. Big Sis Rao also looked like she liked it very much. Although she uttered the words ''not bad'', in actuality, that was just how she was. She hardly ever said that something was ''good'', so ament saying that it was "not bad" actually meant that she approved of it.


    Rao Aimin yed "Woman Flower" and listened.


    When Chenchen heard it, she seemed uninterested and just sat there, continuing to eat sunflower seeds.


    Zhang Ye looked at Rao Aimin as he listened to the melody. He suddenly said, "Big Sis Rao, I have not mentioned it to you yet, but regarding the incident this time, thank you. You looked out for me, and even got someone to get me out of the police station, so let me know if there''s anything I can do for you in the future to repay you. I won''t talk about impossibles, such as getting you the stars and moon, but as long as it''s something I can do, I will certainly try my best.


    Rao Aimin nced at him and said without holding back, "Chenchen and myundry have begun to pile up, go wash them for meter."


    Zhang Ye coughed, ".....About that, why don''t we talk about getting the stars and the moon instead!"


    "Woman Flower", when sung by Zhang Yuanqi, really sounded too beautiful. One could tell from listening that Zhang Yuanqi had let herself go for the song. It sounded very different from the version performed at the Spring Festival G. As Zhang Xia had been a soprano singer all her life, Zhang Yuanqi had wanted to match Grandma Zhang Xia by singing a pitch higher in their duet. Although it sounded good,pared to the original, it lost a little vor. Itcked the sorrowfulness and the feeling of the passage of time. However, when it came to her own solo version, Zhang Yuanqi did not go for that same high pitched delivery while singing, but instead went lower in pitch. Zhang Ye knew that this was the exact pitch that Anita Mui had sung for her original version. If Zhang Yuanqi did not sing it this way, Zhang Ye would probably not have bothered thinking and analyzing all of it. Looking at it now, Old Zhang''s music and artistic levels were really of very high standards. As one of the greats of the movie industry, she had not disappointed. Even more, she fully deserved the tag of once beingbeled the Queen of Music of yesteryear. Her ability was there for all to see.


    If Zhang Ye had to give his review on this single?


    He could only sum it up in a single word �� Perfect!


    Grandma Zhang Xia would also be releasing her version of "Woman Flower" in a few days? However, it looked as if the pressure on her would be immense. With such a big mountain called Old Zhang in front of her, it would not be easy to create an even better cover of the song.


    Rao Aimin listened to the song again.


    Zhang Ye also followed suit and yed it another time.


    However you listened to it, it was sung so perfectly!

 Chapter 422: The power of the Lucky Halo!

    <h4>Chapter 422: The power of the Lucky Halo! </h4>


    Chapter 422: The power of the Lucky Halo!


    The song was great!


    The singing was also really good!


    But what surprised Zhang Ye the most, was that after the release of the single, the results had not turned out as he imagined. Compared to the release of "Wishing We Last Forever", itcked quite a bit. With Zhang Yuanqi''s poprity and appeal, as long as the song was good, it would be normal for the song to climb to the top 10 of the maind''s music charts, or even the aggregated national music charts throughout the entire country, and half an hour after the single was released, "Woman Flower" had indeed entered the top ten of the national charts. The real-time pre-order sales of the CD had reached 18,000. It it were any ordinary singer, such results would be to die for, but for Zhang Yuanqi, this was just above average. It was okay, but nothing truly outstanding. After all, Zhang Yuanqi was no ordinary singer. Many years ago, she had once reached the peak of the music industry as a Heavenly Queen.


    Number of ys: 1.3 million.


    CD pre-order sales: 18,000.


    Weibo trending position: #5.


    It was ranked 5th on the maind''s music charts.


    On national music charts (including Hong Kong & Taiwan), it was in 9th ce.


    Although the results were still improving and various figures from other aspects were also increasing, the increment had not been as quick as it ought to have been. There was quite a bit of resistance.


    Zhang Ye knew that this was mainly because of the Spring Festival G''s effect. The premiere of the song "Woman Flower" was during the Spring Festival G. It had a favorable effect as the viewership ratings for the g were astronomical. It had helped to spread the song too quickly and had a profound effect. For Zhang Ye to be a C-list celebrity this quickly was also due to the credit of the g, but there was a saying in stock markets. After a burst of momentum, all that would be left over would be nothing. "Woman Flower"''s energy might have finished its spurt on the night of the g. After being on a stage with such publicity, it was bound to becking in subsequent momentum. This caused Zhang Yuanqi''s new single to enter an awkward state.


    What was he to do?


    This was a difficult situation.


    Zhang Ye had hoped that he would be able to gain anotherrge chunk of reputation points through the release of this single. He did not expect that it would turn out this way. The difference between his initial expectations and the current situation was huge. It seemed like it was too difficult to grasp what the market was thinking. No one could have predicted this.


    Rao Aimin looked at the rankings and said, "What a pity."


    Zhang Ye said, "Yea, a lot of people already heard "Woman Flower" during the Spring Festival G. Even though Sister Zhang released this new single, some of them wouldn''t be tempted to give it another listen. If they yed it, they would know that this version is very different from the one they heard at the g. The singing style, music style, and feeling it conveys arepletely different. Hai, I feel that it still boils down to the marketing publicity.... but then again, I can''t say that. The main reason is that there''s no more talking point to market it with."


    It can''t be ignored that Lee Anson''s emergency publicity stunt to rescue his image had been carried out quite well. An injured person performing had attracted all sorts of headlines. Together with the incident two days ago, even though it put him in a negative light, it still put him in the spotlight and gave him the attention. A lot of people, who liked Lee Anson very much and those who hated him greatly, were having heated discussions about him on a Weibo post. Thus, any thoughts on Old Zhang''s new song were therefore diverted.


    No way!


    He needed to do something!


    Firstly, it was for the sake of the new song that heposed and wrote. Secondly, he didn''t want that grandson of a Lee Anson toe back from the dead. If a person like him were to bounce back, how many more of his countrymen would be cheated of their money! Oh right, didn''t he just gained the right to use the "Lucky Halo" item? Why don''t we give it a try and see what sort of oue this luck would bring?!


    Thinking of this, Zhang Ye opened up the game ring''s interface to ess the merchant shop when Rao Aimin was not paying attention to him. He took a deep breath and then quickly activated the "Lucky Halo"!


    [Item Activated].


    [Lucky Halo is in effect].


    A halo, that was not unlike that of an angel''s, suddenly appeared over Zhang Ye''s head. It emitted a bright glow, but this glow was not visible to others in the house. Both Rao Aimin and Chenchen could not see it.


    A second passed by -- 10,000 reputation points deducted.


    Another second passed -- another 10,000 reputation points deducted.


    This was too costly. Zhang Ye''s heart was bleeding and he felt his heart wincing, but he still did not turn it off. Because just a few seconds of luck right now would not produce any oues. Luck was a cumtive process, so how could he depend on just one second worth of luck. Its effect might take ce at an unknown time and at an unknown ce, and this was not something within Zhang Ye''s control. Because no one could control the oue, it was better to leave it on for a while longer!


    ......


    At the same time.


    Suzhou, at a certain ce, at a certain venue.


    The concert was in full swing. The audience turnout below stage might have been less than half, but those that were present were the most hardcore of fans. The atmosphere was very passionate and countless of them waved their light sticks in the air to cheer for Lee Anson. Some of the girls even cried as they saw Lee Anson in bandages and using a crutch to support himself. Their hearts almost broke as they shouted and screamed at the top of their lungs!


    Actually, as long as it was anyone who was present at the Spring Festival G, they would know that Lee Anson was not so seriously injured. At most, his face had been a little bruised. There was no need for him to be bandaged up like a dumpling. He was obviously putting on an act, to show how pitiful he looked.


    He had just finished performing his tenth song.


    "Anson-oppa! You''re the best!"


    "We will support you forever!"


    "Anson-oppa! I love you!"


    "You need to hold on, Anson-oppa!"


    "Don''t sing anymore! Sob, sob, sob! Hurry and recuperate!"


    "Yea, Anson-oppa! We are heartbroken just seeing you like this!"


    But Lee Anson stood on in the middle of the stage, looking like he was enduring his injuries and smiling in pain. He said in Mandarin, "Thank you everyone."


    When he said that, it attracted a wave of cheers.


    Following that, Lee Anson said, "?, ?? ???...''?''!"


    A trantor backstage said, "The next song is ''YOU''!"


    After tranting this, the trantor put down her microphone, as there was nothing more for her to say.


    The backstage technical staff members got busy. They each had their own roles to fulfill, either tuning, equipment handling, lighting, or stage arrangement.


    "Don''t push!"


    "Let me through!"


    "Are the lights ready?"


    "Why are they not moving? Oh, there it goes!"


    "y the music!"


    A backstage staff member was busy handling his job. For some reason, the machine he was using to y the music on had suddenly failed. It seemed like it had hung.


    "Quickly!"


    "It''s beginning soon, y the music!"


    That staff worker was panicking as he tried to get the machine to work. He kept tapping on the machine hoping to get it to work but to no avail. He resorted to switching the output from theputer instead and hurriedly chose the music to y!


    This time, it worked!


    The music started!


    But what made the backstage staff all freeze was that the music ying was not for "YOU". Instead, it sounded like a familiar melody, but not something anyone of them could recall where they had heard it before!


    The audience was stunned!


    Lee Anson also froze. F**k, what song was this?


    However, some in the audience managed to remember what song it was. Their faces lit up with excitement!


    This song wasn''t an instrumental piece, and in fact had lyrics. The first verse immediately rang out throughout the venue!


    "I have a flower."


    "It grows within my heart."


    "A bud waiting to bloom.....for the longest time."


    It''s "Woman Flower"!


    It was Zhang Yuanqi''s new cover of "Woman Flower"!


    Lee Anson was dumbfounded. The backstage staff were also dumbfounded. Your sister! How did it be this song!? Who''s controlling it?


    "The machine is faulty!"


    "Theputer has hung!"


    "Damn! What''s wrong with all the equipment? Stop it immediately! Quickly, stop it!"


    "It can''t be stopped. Theputer has crashed!"


    7-8 of them came together and got busy, standing around the faulty machine andputer to investigate. This venue had been around for more than a decade now, and the equipment was getting old and regrly had problems, but a problem as big as this had never happened before. Even if it had yed the wrong song, it should not have been a big problem, but the issue here was why of all songs, it had to be "Woman Flower". This was the song that was written andposed by Zhang Ye, who had beaten Lee Anson up!


    "It still can''t be stopped!"


    "Oh God, why did the machine have to break down at this time!"


    "Stop it, quick! We can''t have this ying anymore, turn off the power source!"


    An audience member below the stage suddenly burst intoughter and because of him, a few others, who did not really like Lee Anson, also began tough. Lee Anson, who had recently been beaten by Zhang Ye, had his solo concert interrupted by Zhang Ye''s song! This was too much! Lee Anson could not be rid of Zhang Ye''s presence! This was probably the most embarrassing thing in the world right now! Lee Anson''s face became green!


    He could no longer perform anymore!


    Lee Anson turned around and walked off stage, heading directly backstage!


    Meanwhile, the melodious song was still being yed.


    "I have a flower."


    "It grows within my heart."


    Suddenly, all the lights at the venue went off. The power source had been cut as per the backstage staff''s control!


    But one secondter, all of the power returned. This concert venue actually had a backup power source and had automatically restarted!


    "No one understands true love."


    "The weeds of thend, are growing throughout the hills."


    "Narcissism is but the most heart aching."


    Off stage, everyone was going crazy!


    Lee Anson and his team went crazy as well!


    Everyone listened to Zhang Yuanqi''s new version of the song. Some of them had heard this song before during the Spring Festival G, while others had changed channels that night when they saw Zhang Xia and Zhang Yuanqi appear on stage and had not heard this song before. Now that this song was ying and they were all left with no choice but to listen, many of them were stunned. They suddenly realized how moving this song was and how it touched their hearts! Some were hearing it for the second time now and began to realize how charming the song was. Some art could only be appreciated with a second look.


    No one understands true love? Countless of people were already saying that Zhang Yuanqi could not make it anymore and was fading as a singer, but who could have known about Zhang Yuanqi''s passion for music?


    The weeds of thend, are growing throughout the hills? This phrase could even be taken as a sarcastic remark to Lee Anson!


    Narcissism was but the most heart breaking...... no one understood her and imed that she was getting old. Could this Heavenly Queen, who had once been so revered, be the only one who could appreciate herself?


    Once!


    Twice!


    "Woman Flower" was being sted out at the concert venue!


    Finally, after about 10 seconds into the third y did the song finally stop!


    ......


    On the other side.


    Jiaomen, Rao Aimin''s house.


    Zhang Ye deactivated the "Lucky Halo" as his reputation points no longer decreased. It had stopped at around 30 million. This activation of the "Lucky Halo" hadsted for 13 minutes. At the beginning, he had 35.5 million reputation points. His reputation had also increased a lot after the release of today''s episodes of "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show". If he were to calcte, his usage of the "Lucky Halo" had cost him a total of 8 million reputation points!


    8 million!


    This halo was damn freaking expensive!


    In the future, unless it was ast resort, he really could not use it again!

 Chapter 424: How People Thought of Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 424: How People Thought of Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 424: How People Thought of Zhang Ye!


    The next day.


    It was third day of the new year.


    "''Woman Flower'' Long-Distance Face Smacking"!


    "A divine coincidence"!


    "Lee Anson��Just that willful"!


    "PR Crisis failed. Lee Anson silently returns on an overnight flight"!


    Before the firecrackers outside went off, and while the sky was still dark, various newspaper stands in Beijing began selling newspapers that included news about yesterday''s event. Some newspapers even made it a featured story. It also mentioned the matter about the Spring Festival G, and narrated the whole story from the beginning.


    Zhang Ye had woken up early in the morning. After peeling off his gauze, he found that the wound was fine. He did not put on a new piece of bandage, and just wiped some medicine on it ording to thendy''s instructions. Then he washed up. Without eating breakfast, he went out the door directly. He had not taken back his BMW X5, so he went out of his district the roadside to wait for a taxi. It was the new year, so there weren''t many cars. All the taxis were upied and there were few empty ones. As he stood there, he walked over to a newspaper stand, and looked at today''s news.


    There were a few people there.


    "How much is the paper?"


    "One buck."


    "Give me one."


    "Haha, that grandson, Lee Anson sure is unlucky!"


    "I can''t help but feel faint for him to be unlucky to such an extent!"


    "What are you all of you talking about?"


    "Bro, you still don''t know? Here, take a look at the newspaper."


    A few men and women, who had to work overtime during the new year, began chatting at the bus stop where the newspaper stand was.


    "Aiyah! I slept earlyst night. I didn''t know something so fun had happened! Hahahaha! Face-smacking Zhang really haunts him! This Lee Anson is also too much. You can offend anyone, but why did you choose to offend Zhang Ye. That fellow is notorious in the industry to scold and beat anyone. Didn''t he see how the SARFT turned anxious because of him? Didn''t he see how the literary world had been thoroughly offended? How many people in the country have been hit by that fellow, Zhang Ye''s scoldings? It''s probably uncountable. There''s no one amongst celebrities who can cause more trouble than Zhang''er. Take a look! It''s your turn! For ''Woman Flower'' to travel long distances just to smack him in the face, and that final divine additional stab in the end! Even if you are a f**king god of the heavens, you would also be vomiting blood!"


    "Teacher Zhang is definitely the best at doing such things!"


    "Ai, I''m in stitches fromughing. Teacher Zhang Ye is really wicked. That Lee Anson is already so unlucky, yet you even gave him that final stab. He''s too cruel! I can no longer bear to look at him straight! Hai, now withrade Lee Anson returning to his country fuming, we have nothing amusing left to watch!"


    "Zhang Ye really managed all of this perfectly! In the past, this type of wretched thing has happened before. Just that stampede caused by a Korean star in the past, up til now, they haven''t even apologized. There was such a furor back then, but nothing came of it. It was all forgotten and treated like nothing. That star is stillpletely fine. It''s really infuriating. It''s not like this is the first or second time that this sort of thing has happened. Every time, it''s usmoners who have to suffer in silence, but take a look at this! Something simr happened this time, but the difference was that Lee Anson encountered Zhang Ye, a person who never allows himself to suffer! In the end? It ended uppletely different! Haha, that Zhang Ye has cleaned Lee Anson up! That grandson doesn''t even have a temper anymore! His poprity is gone, his fame is gone. He can only return to his country with his face ashen! We have won aplete victory!"


    "That''s right. Only Zhang Ye is that great."


    "That''s true. Zhang Ye''s infamy isn''t blown out of proportion. He is a thorn acknowledged by everyone in the industry. He''s powerful against both foreign and domestic!"


    "I feel like I''m beginning to like Zhang Ye even more. Firstly, we are all Beijingers. Back then, I saw a video of Zhang Ye scolding people with Beijing ng, that really suited me. Secondly, those so-called celebrities these days, they are powerful internally. They keep fighting domestically, but once they are set against foreigners, they all be silent when justice needs to be sought against foreigners. They all hum and haw like retards! Look at Teacher Zhang! That''s truly an awesome person! He is an expert at scolding his peers! And against foreigners, he is even more professional! Our country''s entertainment circle really needs more fierce people like Teacher Zhang, whose ''literary talent can suppress the world, and martial arts can mount the cosmos''!"


    "Lady, I agree with your views. Zhang Ye is indeed not bad. He doesn''t put us Beijingers to shame, nor does he shame China. This battle was really well fought!"


    "That''s right. He''s winning glory for our nation!"


    "In the future, if we see any foreign stars bullying our citizens, I don''t have to look for some mysterious relevant department or famous celebrity that can''t do shit. If there''s a problem, I''ll just @Zhang Ye on Weibo. As long as Teacher Zhang is willing to help us, those bunch of foreigners will get theireuppance! I''ll take them as theye. I''ll make all of them scram! Teacher Zhang can get rid of these kinds of people without any pressure! Especially when ites to certain celebrities thatck morals from Korea, Zhang Ye is definitely not a bad choice. The title of Professional Korean Insulter isn''t something he got for nothing! The title of face-smacking Zhang is also not for nothing!"


    "Pfft, I''m greatly amused by what you said!"


    "I heard Zhang Ye lives in a small district behind us."


    "Really? This can''t be?


    "It''s true. I heard that too."


    "Right, two days ago, Zhang Ye got injured. It happened in this neighborhood."


    "God, Teacher Zhang Ye actually lives so close to me? I was wondering why whenever I see my unit''s leader''s face, I feel like punching him in the face! So I inherited some of Teacher Zhang Ye''s ''immortal aura''!"


    "..."


    Everyone spoke very happily.


    A youth, whose bus came, looked at his watch and realized how it was still early and decided against boarding the bus. He carried on chatting with the people waiting for their buses. Although everyone met each other for the first time, the topic was just right for them, so they didn''t care about anything else. Beijingers tended to be good at chatting.


    Actually, when Zhang Ye, who was looking at the newspapers, heard this bunch of people talking, he did not dare to go over. He silently slipped away. When he heard how these people were evaluating him, Zhang Ye was also at a loss of whether tough or cry. There were some things they said that he could barely ept, such as having literary talent that can suppress the world, and martial arts that can mount the cosmos? Well, this evaluation was rather objective and fair. He could barely ept it, but there were other points that made him unsure whether he shouldugh or cry. Who was notorious? What infamy? What did they mean by few in the industry have not been scolded by him yet? Was this bro such a jerk?


    Was he?


    Alright, it seemed to be quite true. Let''s change topics.


    For him to wake up this early in the morning, Zhang Ye actually had something to do. The reason was becausetest night, Rao Aimin''s junior brother, Lu Yuhu had given him a call.


    The conversation of the call was as such:


    "Hello, Zhang Ye, have you slept yet?"


    "Ah, you are?"


    "I''m Lu Yuhu. I have something I need to tell you. When I fished you out, I thought it wouldn''t be a big deal, but I might have missed out certain factors. If it were any ordinary person, it would be alright, but you are a celebrity. It has also caused some influence on society and is heatedly discussed. There are also people questioning the police system''s handling of your matters. The higher-ups all know of it, and have asked about it. What I mean is that if you have time tomorrow, can you report to the Ministry of Public Security? The extraction document I wrote about is for you to aid a department. The boss of that department is my friend, and we have pretty good rtions, so I wrote his unit and stamped it from his side, allowing me to get the extraction process done. We all know it''s nothing real, and you going there was just for show. Of course, I heard from my Senior Sis that you were injured. If you haven''t recovered from your injuries yet, then we can forget it. It''s actually nothing too important. I can still handle that bit of pressure. I''m just worried the friend of mine that helped me in this matter might not be able to handle it."


    "Oh, so that''s the case. My wounds are fine now. Alright, then I''lle by tomorrow. If there''s any help needed, I''ll help. I can''t cause you any more trouble."


    "Alright, thanks a lot."


    "Look at you, it should be me who should be thanking you."


    "I''ll text you the address. You can go anytime you want, since it''s just for show. The department''s full name is Public Police Information and Inte Safety Monitoring Bureau. It''smonly known as the Inte Surveince Bureau, in charge of web security. You''ll know when you get there. I''ll tell my friend ahead of time. You just need to be in the office to drink some tea and surf the inte. There''s nothing else needed of you. At most, we will get you to help with some documents, but we won''t get you to do it personally. You''ll be there for two or three days at most, then it will be fine. You can then do whatever you want."


    "Alright, I understand."


    "Great. If there''s anything, feel free to find me."


    With that, Zhang Ye had to "head for work" early in the morning. Firstly, he had no work to do at home. With "Woman Flower" receiving great sessst night, it was something that he need not worry about. Whatever he needed to do had now been done. There was nothing else for him to do. Besides, he was still injured, so he couldn''t go home. He was worried that his parents and family members would get worried. Hence, he had found an excuse to tell his parents that he could not go home because he was busy. Since he had nothing to do at home, he did not mind "going to work". Secondly, Zhang Ye did not want Lu Yuhu to find it difficult to answer to his friend. He had given face to Rao Aimin, and helped fish him out through underhanded means. With this tiny bit of a problem, if he did not go, wouldn''t that case the person who helped him, risk and pressure? Killing the donkey the moment it left the millstone? That would be too unbing. This was not something Zhang Ye could do. Since he could go, he would naturally take the trip. It was also no big deal.


    The taxi came.


    An empty car drove over.


    Zhang Ye immediately waved his hand. The car stopped as he pulled open the door to board it.

 Chapter 425: An eccentric short haired beauty!

    <h4>Chapter 425: An entric short haired beauty! </h4>


    Chapter 425: An entric short haired beauty!


    It was around 8 in the morning.


    Somewhere, at the front gates of apound.


    Zhang Ye alighted from the taxi as soon as he arrived. He saw the national emblem emzoned on the building and nced at the two guards, who were armed with guns, protecting the front gate. He did not enter, but instead went across the road and found a food stall to have his breakfast. He ordered a bowl of stir-fried liver and half a tray of buns, finished them all up, and burped with satisfaction. Only after he had cleaned his mouth and put on his sunsses and a face mask did he make his way over.


    "Who are you looking for?" The guard asked him warily.


    The other guard said, "Please show your ID."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m looking for the Director of Inte Surveince Bureau''s First Department, Dong Zhiqiang. My surname is Zhang."


    A person in the control room heard that and picked up the phone to check, "Hello, Director Dong. A youth by the surname of Zhang is here and he says he is looking for you...yes, he''s out here right now...OK....OK, I understand." With that, he looked at the guards outside and nodded.


    The guard stood aside, "Block B, third floor."


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Thank you."


    This was not the headquarters of the Ministry of Public Security, but rather seemed to be a branch of it, but from the looks of thepound, it definitely did not only house the Inte Surveince Bureau. There were definitely other branches and units under the Ministry of Public Security located in thispound as well. Zhang Ye did not know the details and he wasn''t too concerned either. He was only here to report as part of a procedure for a few days only, so there wasn''t much point in knowing too much.


    Block B.


    He found the ce after about five minutes of searching. Then, he took the lift to the third floor.


    Ding, the lift stopped and he stepped out. The Inte Surveince Bureau sign was clearly disyed on the wall just outside the lift.


    "Teacher Zhang Ye I presume?" Off to the side, a middle-aged man, who looked to be a little younger than 40 years old, stepped out of his office. He was a little plump and was wearing an ISB uniform. He looked rather cheerful.


    Out of respect, Zhang Ye took his sunss and face mask off, "Yes, that would be me. You are?"


    The middle-aged man said, "I''m Dong Zhiqiang."


    Zhang Ye reached out his hands, "Director Dong, nice to meet you. Thank you for your help just two days ago."


    "It was a simple matter. Don''t worry about it." Dong Zhiqiangughed heartily, "Although it was that rascal Lu Yuhu who asked me to help, but when we found out about your actions to stand up for themoners at that night''s g, all of us at the office could only be filled with admiration and respect. It was a simple thing, and I''m d I could be of help."


    Zhang Ye smiled, "I still need to thank you anyway. If not for your assistance, I would probably still be in the police station''s holding cell right now. After all, I''m at fault in this incident as well."


    Dong Zhiqiang put his arms over his shoulders, "Come, let me show you around the department. Yuhu must have told you already? This is just a small procedure. To the public, we will inform them that you were asked to help with cleaning up the mess rting to the entertainment business. For example, cases of fans of idols hacking into each others''puters and nting viruses or trojans. These sort of incidents are happening more and moremonly in the past year. As an entertainment business worker and being close to people from the literature and education fields, you have a lot of contacts and know more about such things. That is why we invited you to help with the investigations."


    Zhang Ye did not object, "Sure, let me know if you need my help on anything."


    Dong Zhiqiangughed, "It''s fine. You can just have a drink, surf the inte, or y some games. There is no problem with that. You don''t really have to do anything. Just youing over has already made it easier for us to answer to the upper echelons."


    As they walked, Dong Zhiqiang introduced him to the ongoings of the Inte Surveince Bureau. The corridor walls were stered with many awards, like team awards, individual merits, medals, etc, etc, etc. Old Dong''s mood was rather good as he even boasted to Zhang Ye, "All of these awards were won by my people. The Inte Surveince Bureau is different from the other departments as we do not rest even during festive seasons. Hai, actually that''s just how the public security system works. Look at this, this was an award that one of my men received from staying up for two days and one night just to crack an inte crime. There''s also this one here, which we won about five months ago. Another one of my men had identally traced the IP of an offshore hacker who was wanted. It was even reported in the newspapers that Interpol and the local authorities had cooperated to nab that hacker. This won for us a third tier contribution to the case."


    Hearing him talk, Zhang Ye asionally nodded and entertained him by saying, "Your department must be full of elites."


    "That''s true." Dong Zhiqiang was getting morecent as he carried on, "In a ce like the Inte Surveince Bureau, our people are really the most elite. Their technical skill is good and they listen to orders, as well as, being able to face many hardships. Under mymand, their working rtionship is very harmonious and it''s like we''re one big family, so youing here today...."


    They reached the office.


    Before they could go inside and as Old Dong was still boasting, Zhang Ye had already spotted a few people arguing inside. Three cyber-policemen had surrounded a cyber-policewoman.


    "Officer Fan! Why are you ying that music while we''re all trying to work!"


    "I''m bored from being too free. Is that wrong?"


    "You are free, but we still have to work!"


    "What has it got to do with me whether or not you have work to do?"


    "Hey, why are you always like that! Officer Fan! Do you still have any discipline? The leader just stepped out and you''re being like this?"


    "Even if Old Dong is back, I will y the music if I want to. Do I even need to report to you all? Haven''t you all heard ''Woman Flower''? What a great song."


    "That attitude of yours....."


    "Hur Hur, what about my attitude?"


    The three of them had started arguing with the cyber-policewoman, and it was getting loud!


    Zhang Ye was feeling a little awkward as Dong Zhiqiang had just finished talking about how proud he was about his team. Was this what you would call elite? This was what you meant by being able to take hardship and listened to orders? This was called a harmonious working rtionship? Cough, cough. Old Dong was truly just boasting, and now, even Zhang Ye felt a little embarrassed for him.


    Dong Zhiqiang face turned red as he couldn''t carry bear with it anymore. He angrily opened the door and went it, "What''s this! What are you all arguing about! Comrade Yingyun! What trouble did you cause again now!? Do you even have any respect for me anymore? Do you still have any respect for this organization? Let me remind you! You are someone who has made mistakes before!"


    At this moment, the cyber-policewoman turned her head.


    When Zhang Ye saw her face from the front, he was amazed. What the f**k, there''s even such a beautiful policewoman hidden in the Public Security system? This person was really beautiful! She looked to be around 30 years old with a slim figure. She was quite thin and had short hair. Even for any woman who were considered pretty, most would not look good with short hair, or dare to cut their hair short, but this woman was different. Her short hair made her look especially capable. It also matched her demeanor well. What a perfect short haired beauty! Even ifpared to many of those female celebrities that Zhang Ye had seen before, she would not lose out. She was even better than many of them! The feeling that she gave to Zhang Ye was that of a very capable and strong woman!


    Fan Yingyun did not take it lying down, "Then fire me! I was just thinking of going back home to ''deeply reflect'' upon myself. Do you all think that I wish toe to work?"


    Meng Yi pointed at her, "How dare you speak to the leader in this manner!"


    Fan Yingyun threw up her hands, "This is how I always talk!"


    Zhang Ye noticed that there was another olderrade and a male and female youth in the office. They were just doing their own things at their workstations and were not looking over at the argument. It was as if they had no interest in what was being argued about. With that, Zhang Ye understood that this was probably not the first time that such events had happened. It was not that they were not curious, but rather that they had gotten used to such happenings!


    Arguing everyday with her colleagues?


    Scolding the leader everyday?


    What the f**k, what sort of woman was she! She''s even fiercer than me?


    Zhang Ye was enjoying what he was witnessing. He realized that this woman''s character was quite simr to his own. She had a sense of fearlessness and her temper was even worse than Zhang Ye''s!


    The few of them shouted for a little while before they finally got tired.


    Dong Zhiqiang waved them off and went back to look for Zhang Ye. He said to him, "Teacher Zhang, I''m sorry that you had to witness that. Don''t bother about her. Come, take a seat here. You can sit anywhere you want over here."


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Aiyo, Teacher Zhang. Why are you here?"


    Only then did everyone realize that there was one more person in their office. A few of the cyber-police''s eyes lit up. Fan Yingyun''s nced over too and was stunned.


    Zhang Ye greeted everyone simply, "Hi everyone!"


    Dong Zhiqiang began introducing everyone, "I don''t think Zhang Ye needs any introduction, right? All of you should already know him. Teacher Zhang''s here to assist us regarding some cases. Yes, that''s all that you all need to know." Then he started introducing his team to Zhang Ye, "This is Meng Yi. He''s in charge of web data analysis. This is Fang Xiaoshui. She''s responsible for onlinework defense." After introducing everyone, when it came around to the spiky short haired policewoman, Dong Zhiqiang pursed his lips and casually said, "She is Fan Yingyun. She used to be a teacher at the People''s Public Security University of China, but now....she''s been transferred to our department."


    Teacher?


    This sort of temper and she was a teacher?


    And she was even a teacher at the People''s Public Security University of China?


    Zhang Ye was very curious about this Fan Yingyun. He looked at her a few more times and felt that her position and rank in this department was a special circumstance. She was quite different from the others as even when she was yelled at by Dong Zhiqiang and a few of her colleagues, it seemed like they couldn''t do anything about her. If it were anyone else, who would dare stand out of the crowd so much? Dared to speak to the leader in this manner? Even if they were not fired, they would have been transferred elsewhere!


    "Teacher Zhang." A youth came up to him.


    Fang Xiaoshui also said, "Teacher Zhang Ye, nice to meet you. I''ve always liked your shows."


    The people from the Inte Surveince Bureau were all very friendly. A few of them hade to make conversation with Zhang Ye.


    At this moment, Dong Zhiqiang received a call. It seemed like something hade up and he left some instructions for them before leaving.


    Once the leader left, everyone spoke in an even livelier manner. The Inte Surveince Bureau''s work was usually rigid and boring. For a celebrity to suddenly visit them, they were, of course, very interested.


    Zhang Ye was actively chatting with them, not neglecting anyone.


    Suddenly, the shadow of the short haired beauty had squeezed through the crowd. Fan Yingyun was holding a cup of warm water and walked up to him in her heels, "Teacher Zhang, have some water. It''s hot, be careful."


    When those words came out of her mouth, all of her surrounding colleagues had faces of shock!


    Even the oldrade and a few other cyber-police, who had not been too interested earlier, suddenly looked over. They all looked dumbfounded!


    What does this mean?


    Was that Officer Fan talking?


    Serving water and even telling him to be careful not to get scalded?


    F**k! They had all known each other for some time now. Counting each and everyone of them, none of them had ever seen Fan Yingyun behave this way! Aren''t you the type to show an attitude to whoever you met? Aren''t you always scolding anyone you see? Are you only treating us that way? But you''re so nice to Teacher Zhang Ye??

 Chapter 426: Officer Fan!

    <h4>Chapter 426: Officer Fan! </h4>


    Chapter 426 - Officer Fan!


    Warm water?


    For me?


    From the scene he had witnessed earlier, Zhang Ye roughly understood what kind of person this short haired beauty was. He knew that she had a bad temper. This ''bad'' temper was different from Rao Aimin''s ''bad''. Rao Aimin''s bad temper was only from her mouth, and she was really a soft hearted person. She was caring even though her mouth was savage. Every tenant that stayed in the building had been recipients of the scoldings that came out of Rao Aimin''s mouth, but they had all also received her kindness and concern even more so. This short haired beauty, however, was different. It was obvious just by seeing that her ''badness'' was ingrained in her bones and not only limited to the words that came from her mouth. Thus, when Zhang Ye saw her actions, he was also stunned for a moment. He didn''t think that this person was the type to automatically offer a drink to others!


    Zhang Ye received it with both hands. "Thank you very much, thank you very much."


    Fan Yingyun looked at him and smiled, "You sure are courteous. It''s fine."


    Meng Yi said exasperatedly, "Did the Sun rise from the West today?"


    Fang Xiaoshui also looked doubtfully at Fan Yingyun. What was Old Fan up to today?


    Then, Fan Yingyun said with a smile, "Teacher Zhang, I''m a hardcore fan amongst hardcore fans of yours. Ever since your first poem, I''ve been following you. I have nothing else to say, but it''s really right up my alley. In a while, you must give me an autograph, so that I canmemorate it."


    Zhang Ye was honored. "Yeah, no problem."


    Fan?


    You''re actually Zhang Ye''s fan?


    Only then did everyone in the office understand. However, they couldn''t ept it. In their opinion, a hooligan like Officer Fan would not have an idol or religious beliefs. Eh, wait, that wasn''t right. Someone suddenly thought of it and was momentarily at a loss at whether tough or cry. I nearly forgot. This freaking Teacher Zhang Ye''s temper is about the same as Officer Fan! Officer Fan was a verbal hooligan, but she didn''t fight, but Zhang Ye? He beat his leader, he beat his leader''s son, and had even beaten foreigners. The two of them were pretty much two bits of the same rat excrement in a pot. There was no need to call the kettle ck as they were pretty much the same! This was the so-called smelly fish searches for rotten shrimp! No wonder the both of them were so alike!


    "Your talk show is almost over?"


    "That''s right, in just a few more days."


    "Theter episodes were not as nice as the first few episodes. There were fewer episodes with people-scolding."


    "Hur Hur, you can''t do it at toorge of a scale. I was targeted in the first few episodes."


    "You should still scold. You must stick to your style."


    Zhang Ye and Fan Yingyun began chatting and hit it off pretty well.


    As Meng Yi, Fang Xiaoshui, andpany watched this scene, they shuddered. They had odd expressions on their faces. When two assholes meet, there was such harmony?


    The back door opened.


    The Director, Dong Zhiqiang was back again. "Quiet down. The leader is here to inspect your work."


    There were three middle-aged men beside him. From the epaulets on their shoulders, they were likely the leaders of the Inte Surveince Bureau. They were at least higher ranked than Dong Zhiqiang.


    Vice Chief Zhao of the Bureau smiled and said, "It''s not an inspection. We are just here to take a look." He then immediately looked at Zhang Ye and nodded at him slightly. "Teacher Little Zhang, wee. Are you used to the environment yet?"


    Zhang Ye said, "There''s nothing to not get used to. If there''s any way I can assist, please speak."


    Vice Chief Zhao said, "Director Dong''s department is on a mission that is rted to something rted to the entertainment industry, so they will need your guidance."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "No problem at all."


    After a few simple exchange of words, Vice Chief Zhao looked at Fan Yingyun andughed. Then he said to Dong Zhiqiang, "Old Dong, is Teacher Fan doing fine here?"


    Dong Zhiqiang wiped his nose. "Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?"


    Another leader, who stood behind them, was amused upon hearing this. "When would Chief Zhao want to hear a lie?"


    Dong Zhiqiang said, "Then I''ll speak the truth. It''s not fine at all. Officer Fan''s work attitude is severelycking. Not only is she not hardworking, she has bad rtionships with her co-workers. Furthermore...Ai, anyway I still have the same thing to say. I wish the leader would rece her with a self-motivated subordinate. We are an elite department in the Inte Surveince Bureau, but now..."


    Vice Chief Zhaoughed as he patted Dong Zhiqiang''s shoulder, saying, "Old Dong, then I need to have a good chat with you. This matter was brought up by you more than oncest year. We have also answered that it is impossible. Every person has their own faults and weaknesses. You are the boss here in the First Department. As the leader, you need to help her adjust to it and lead them. You can''t just transfer her away and push the responsibility onto others."


    The leader behind quipped, "Old Dong, let me tell you that Teacher Fan was a professional teacher for nearly a decade at People''s Public Security University of China. She''s an elite amongst elite. Many people are yearning for her, but we refused. Later on, we arranged for Teacher Fan to be here by your side, so this is also us trusting you!"


    Dong Zhiqiang said with a wry smile, "But we are a real crime fighting department. We are fighting on the front lines of cyber crime, and not engaging in education theory. I feel that with Officer Fan''s professional skills, she should be transferred to public promotion or information. If that won''t do, she should be sent back to People''s Public Security University of China."


    Fan Yingyun snapped her fingers. "That''s a good suggestion."


    The leader shook his head forcefully.


    Vice Chief Zhao also could not help butugh and pointed towards Dong Zhiqiang, saying, "The higher ups were nice to you and are taking care of your department. Yet, you can''t appreciate it!"


    Dong Zhiqiang and the other colleagues were stunned. "What''s the meaning of this?"


    Vice Chief Zhao shook his head and said, "Your current missions does not allow Teacher Fan''s professional value to shine. In the future, you will understand!"


    Fan Yingyun said with a self-deprecating chuckle, "I don''t have any value. Old Zhao, I''m so tired of staying here. When can you transfer me back to the university? Let me carry on being a teacher. If not, you can always send me home. What''s the point of me idling here? I might as well find my own path."


    Old Zhao?


    She dared to call him that?


    Zhang Ye was blinking his eyes.


    Dong Zhiqiang and the others were not surprised. They knew that Officer Fan and Vice Chief Zhao were old acquaintances.


    Vice Chief Zhao said, "I can''t make the decision even if you wanted to leave. You need the Chief to sign off on it."


    Vice Chief Zhao did not fight with her over it. He too knew of Fan Yingyun''s bad temper. They had known each other for about five or six years. His son had studied in People''s Public Security University of China and had attended Fan Yingyun''s ss. His son did not live up to his expectations and often caused trouble at school. Back then, Fan Yingyun did not care what rank or status Old Zhao enjoyed. She would often summon Old Zhao to the school to reprimand his son. Yes, it was a true reprimand. She even pointed at Vice Chief Zhao''s nose and said how he spoiled him. Even the notice of expulsion was pped in the face of Vice Chief Zhao by Fan Yingyun. Old Zhao still remembered what she had said to him clearly. I don''t care how big of an official you are! If your son can''t listen to lectures obediently, then get lost as far as he can go!


    Back then, Fan Yingyun was such a person.


    Many yearster, she was still the same old. She had not changed one bit!


    ......


    The Leader left.


    Dong Zhiqiang helplessly went back to his office.


    No one believed that Officer Fan had the so-called professional skill mentioned by their leader. A teacher of the People''s Public Security University of China could only teach ording to teaching material. In terms of basic knowledge, they were definitely inferior to her, but how could a teacher, who taught all her life, have any hands-on experience? In the First Department of the Inte Surveince Bureau, they were always on the front lines of the war against cyber crime. They did not need theories or a teacher, but actualbat experience! Hence, in their opinion, for Fan Yingyun to remain here, it was all due to her powerful connections. After all, she had been teaching in People''s Public Security University of China for years. She had plenty of students in high ces . Didn''t you see how Vice Chief Zhao''s son was her student? Was this connection powerful enough?


    Sigh.


    What the hell was this?


    It was working hours, so no one came to chat with Zhang Ye. They had quite a lot of work to do and began busying themselves.


    Zhang Ye then pretended to click the mouse.


    Only Fan Yingyun sat there without pretending at all. She crossed her legs and poured herself a cup of coffee. As she drank, she yed games on the inte.


    That''s what you calledid back!


    Fang Xiaoshui frowned and looked at her before handing her a document. "Officer Fan, do some statistics on this data, and filter out any suspicious points. Please create a table and go to the inte library. I''ll be needing it before noon. We don''t have enough manpower and can''t finish it."


    Fan Yingyun leered at the document before returning to her game, "I don''t know how to do that."


    Meng Yi couldn''t watch this any further. "As a teacher of the People''s Public Security University of China, how can you not know how to do this?"


    Fan Yingyun gave them a gaze of looking at ignorant people. "Haven''t you been to school? This is aggregating information and logical analysis of suspicious values. There are many fields in inte technology. I didn''t teach this subject."


    Meng Yi said, "Then what did you teach?"


    Fan Yingyun sneered, "Why do I need to tell you? At such a young age, you don''t even call ''Sis Fan''. All day you just go ''Officer Fan, Officer Fan. Do you know anything about seniority?''" Saying that, she reached her hand and pointed at the epaulet on her shoulder. "Even if I were demoted by a rank, my rank would still be higher than yours! Go to a corner and stop annoying me!"


    Meng Yi rolled his eyes.


    Fang Xiaoshui pulled Meng Yi while feeling infuriated. "Ignore her. Let us do it ourselves."


    The two of them returned in low spirits, having lost all their mood.


    An old cyber-policeman beside them shook his head. He was wondering why the two of them had gone to annoy her. Wasn''t that just causing yourself harm? It''s not like they had not experienced Officer Fan''s bad temper before. Actually, he too had suffered under Fan Yingyun before. Just thinking of the moment Fan Yingyun first came a few months ago, the old cyber-policeman found her pretty, but did not work all day. Hence, he tried to earnestly educate her. He just said "Little Fan", before being at a loss as to how to carry on. This was because Fan Yingyun immediately responded with "Hawker (homonym)? Why don''t you call me urban management?" She nearly caused him to choke to death!


    Hence, Officer Fan became the title they used to call her with. Those, who were younger than Fan Yingyun, were unwilling to call her Sis Fan. Those who were older than Fan Yingyun, were afraid of her retort if they called her "Little Fan". Hence, from then on, everyone addressed her only as Officer Fan.


    Anyways, this fellow was a person who caused everyone, from lowly officers to leaders, a headache in the entire Inte Surveince Bureau! And no one could do anything about her!


    Of course, an exception came today.


    Fan Yingyun only treated Zhang Ye exceptionally well.

 Chapter 428: Sino-Korean cyber warfare!

    <h4>Chapter 428: Sino-Korean cyber warfare! </h4>


    Chapter 428: Sino-Korean cyber warfare!


    Afternoon.


    Somewhere in the Inte Surveince Bureau.


    It was business as usual. Zhang Ye was reading the news online as Fan Yingyun yed games and checked Weibo. The other bureau staff were busy with their own work.


    Oh?


    Those people were making noise again?


    Zhang Ye suddenly noticed a news report regarding Lee Anson''s agency holding a media conference back in Korea. It appeared to have happened this morning, and the report Zhang Ye was reading had already been tranted. In summary, it covered the unfair treatment Lee Anson had received during his time in China. After being beaten up at the Spring Festival G, the used, Zhang Ye, was not charged under thew and had been released on the day itself. During his concert, the organizers had caused serious repercussions to him when their equipment malfunctioned. They even requested him to cough uppensation for some items that were damaged. Of course, all these incidents were picked on basis of their positive effects for Lee Anson. As for the negative news, like the female fan who had been pushed over, and other details, Lee Anson''s agency made no mention of them at all.


    In the screenshot, there were alsoments from the Korean citizens. It was followed up with some trantions.


    "Too despicable!"


    "This bunch of Chinese are all scums!"


    "Anson-oppa! We will do something about it for you!"


    "Seriously protesting!"


    "We demand an exnation!"


    The Korean people seemed to be very angered. Even if Lee Anson was not that popr in his own country, he still had some poprity. Besides, who didn''t have nationalistic thoughts? They would definitely defend their own kind. Thus, when Lee Anson''s agency issued this statement, the people were stirred. Hispany, team, the Korean citizens, and even their media outlets were all demanding for an exnation from the Chinese side!


    But the Chinese people were even angrier than them!


    "The Korean media wants to meddle in this as well?"


    "F**k! They don''t know shit!"


    "Just whose fault was this to begin with? Why didn''t you bring that up? Lee Anson and his team are a bunch of idiots? Reporting out of context?"


    Zhang Ye browsed the inte and realized that a lot of of Koreans had flooded onto Weibo and variousrge Chinese forums. There were exchange students who scolded in Chinese and others who scolded in Korean!


    "??!"


    "???! "??!"


    "Apologize to Lee Anson!"


    He could not understand a lot of the gibberish posted, but he knew they couldn''t be anything good!


    Zhang Ye was not too concerned either. He just browsed casually and that was it.


    In the beginning, the matter wasn''t too much of an issue. It was just attracting people to join in a war of words. These kinds of incidents weremon urrences in the entertainment industry and many people did not take it too seriously too, but as time went by, the incident took a serious turn. It wasn''t known if it was due to the media exposure or other factors, but several celebrities, especially the famous ones from Lee Anson''s managementpany stepped forward to issue their statements, expressing their anger at the happenings to Lee Anson during his time in China! This time, it had stirred the ho''s nest. These celebrities had fans that numbered in millions. With their lead, the fans also found out about the incident and were getting more and more angry! Suddenly, the unfair treatment of Korean celebrities in China spread further and further and even became headlines!


    Fang Xiaoshui frowned, "There''s abnormal activity over here."


    Meng Yi said, "I saw it too. A bunch of Korean IP addresses are being registered on our servers."


    "It''s not just a bunch." A young cyber-policeman said warily, "The traffic is above usual limits by around 80 to 90 thousand. What is going on? Should we inform management?"


    Meng Yi said, "It''s not a DDOS attack, so it shouldn''t be a problem, but let''s inform Director Dong first. With so many external IPs essing, there''s definitely something going on."


    The Inte Surveince Bureau work was veryplex as they epassed a lot of responsibilities. They had to check sensitive information, filterwork traffic, oversee the security of thework, and were responsible forwork defense. There were many other departments as well, but as the First Department, they were responsible for more severe cases. You couldpare them to serious crimes team of Inte Surveince and had to crack cases like online scams, arresting of hackers, investigating viruses, and their authors. This was all part of their job. That was why abnormal traffic activity had nothing much to do with them, so they did not worry too much about it.


    ......


    Korea.


    On a window of an obscure intemunication software. A column of names were listed on the lower right corner. The list of names increased with time. 10, 20, 50.


    "Is everyone here?" A person named JIN sent a message in Korean.


    Ying: "A few are not here yet."


    JIN: "We''re not waiting anymore. Let''s do it with all that are here."


    59-V: "With such a turn out, it''s more than enough to deal with them."


    A lot of the other participants wereughing, "With God JIN leading us, do you think we won''t be able to destroy China? We''d definitely catch them unprepared! China does have arge poption, but theirputer and inte technical skills are not even in the top 5 of the world!"


    JIN: "Don''t underestimate the enemy. Don''t forget thatst year, an American securitypany''sputers were all left handicapped by an incident. I heard that it was the work of a Chinese hacker. That securitypany is so well known and had the best defense systems that would prove even difficult for me. Thepany even had a lot of skilled software engineers under them, yet they were attacked without even knowing. In the end, when they investigated, all they could find was an IP address that belonged to China. Nothing else was known. I will still say the same, don''t underestimate the enemy. Skilled hackers are everywhere."


    Ying: "Meeting a pro? That''s sounds good to me."


    59-V: "Yea, at most we''ll fight it out!"


    If it was anyone who was from this industry or knew about it saw the chat, they would definitely draw a deep breath. Because this turn out was really quite a scary one!


    JIN �� A top hacker from Korea. Ranked 5th in his country. No one knew his identity, but when one of his hacker friends was caught, the only thing revealed about JIN was that he was a man.


    Ying �� Hacker ranked 16th in Korea. The authorities suspected that he was involved in an online financial rted crime and have been pursuing him.


    59-V �� There was no ranking avable for this person on the Korean Hackers'' list. He was a security consultant with an anti-virus softwarepany. Even if he was a security consultant, that did not mean he couldn''t be a hacker. In this field, "defense" was considerably harder than "attack". Since he was a well known person in this field, his hacking skills wouldn''t be too shabby either. Of course, this wasn''t necessarily true since there were also some experts who specialized only in "defense". For unknown reasons, he had also joined in today''s matter.


    The remaining names were also quite familiar to all.


    Some were new hackers who had just surfaced, while some were well-knownwork experts and programmers. Some had also taken up new identities online. As for who they might really be, no one knew for sure either.


    After a moment of silence.


    JIN: "I''ve already sent out the bait. Everyone get ready. Today''s mission is very simple. We will be demanding an exnation from the Chinese for the treatment of Lee Anson. Of course, our demands are done differently from others, so look for your own targets, carry out your own battles, conquer their systems, and make them admit defeat!"


    59-V: "Remember to protect yourselves. Don''t let your IP be found by using more ''zombies''!"


    "Received!"


    "Understood!"


    "I can''t wait anymore!"


    "Haha, watch me destroy this bunch of useless Chinese!"


    The Korean hackers had already sharpened their tools, ready to attack China!


    There were also some top hackers and security experts in Korea, or outside Korea who had received news of this attack. All of them were now focused on this matter between Korea and China.


    A big battle was about to be triggered!

 Chapter 429: Display of Officer Fan’s Awesome Prowess!

    <h4>Chapter 429: Disy of Officer Fan''s Awesome Prowess! </h4>


    Chapter 429: Disy of Officer Fan''s Awesome Prowess!


    Afternoon.


    Past 2PM.


    It was a time when people easily doze off. After having their fill and working for half a day, the colleagues at the Inte Surveince Bureau were yawning. Then, they forcefully carried on working. Some made a cup of coffee or tea, while others cked off and browse the inte to chat to refresh themselves.


    "So tired."


    "Me too. I slept verytest night."


    "Sigh, to work overtime over the new year. I wonder which year I''ll be able to take a break."


    "Look at all the other public servants, they are all enjoying themselves."


    Some of them grumbled, but did whatever work had to be done.


    Only Fan Yingyun was an exception. She too appeared tired. After a few yawns, she slowly clicked on the mouse a few times, seemingly closing her game. She then lifted her butt and walked to a sofa in the corner of the office. She sat down, leaned to a side, and with that prepared for an afternoon nap. She ignored the odd gazes from her colleagues and even got a little nket to cover her legs from the side. She then began to sleep soundly. From how prepared she did it, the nket must have been prepared beforehand. This was definitely not the first time. She was clearly a maverick.


    Fang Xiaoshui seethed.


    Meng Yi also looked unhappily at Fan Yingyun.


    "As always, Officer Fan is so free." Meng Yi said in a sour tone.


    "We cannotpare to her." Fang Xiaoshui also envied Fan Yingyun. To be able to y games and sleep whenever she wanted. What sort of good life was she leading?


    A youth said, "The leader has favorites, so what can you do?"


    "Keep it down. If you let her hear it, an argument will definitely happen again. Counting each and everyone of us in this office, together with those who didn''t work overtime, who can beat her in a verbal match?" The old cyber-policeman said.


    "I keep thinking that Officer Fan didn''t teach inte technology sses in university in the past. Don''t you see how she doesn''t know a thing? I think she taughtnguage sses. That mouth of hers probably can be matched only by Teacher Zhang Ye. Ah, cough, cough. Teacher Zhang, I didn''t mean anything by that. I wasn''t talking bad about you." Fang Xiaoshui said without thinking as she rattled on. Upon realizing that Zhang Ye was beside her, she hurriedly apologized.


    Zhang Ye shook his hand with a smile, indicating that it was fine.


    Suddenly, Meng Yi let out a cry. "Central TV''s official website has been hacked?"


    "Ah? That can''t be?" Fang Xiaoshui hurried over to theputer and hit a few keystrokes rapidly.


    A few cyber-policemen beside them also began working diligently. "In the corporate cooperationst month, didn''t the fourth department secure seven loopholes in Central TV and other official websites? They even oversaw the change of new servers. There shouldn''t be any problems. Typical hackers shouldn''t be able to enter it!"


    Fang Xiaoshui was momentarily stunned. "It really has been hacked!"


    At this moment, Central TV''s official website could not be opened anymore. The moment they entered, there was a picture. There were many Chinese words pasted on it, but they were not fluent. One could tell at a nce that they were machine tranted!


    Pig!


    Go to hell!


    Hahaha!


    The screen were full of these!


    Everyone''s faces changed. "Hackers!"


    Fang Xiaoshui was in charge of inte security. "How do we handle this?"


    The old policeman said, "This isn''t the responsibility of our department. Let''s watch and see first?"


    Their department was in charge of serious crimes. This sort of inte surveince was the responsibility of other departments, so without the leader''s instructions, they could not handle it.


    Zhang Ye also noticed it. He immediately opened Central TV''s website and his face sunk. Without question, those that would target Central TV''s website at this time had to be Korean. The news regarding Lee Anson had probably caused quite a stir in Korea, and now, from the looks of it, even hackers had made their move?


    This was clearly revenge!


    This revenge was targeted at China!


    Fan Yingyun was still sleeping. Even while asleep, she appeared like she was in a terrible mood, so no one dared to wake her up, nor did anyone do so. This person couldn''t even produce a table of values, so how could they expect her to do anything?


    "Has it been restored?"


    "Not yet."


    "How long has it been? Has Central TV not responded?"


    "That''s right. What happened to the technicians? Did they all go home for the new year?"


    "It was a warning from the information department. The fourth department definitely knows about it. Why hasn''t anything happening yet? Have we regained root ess and restored the websites?"


    The door opened!


    Dong Zhiqiang pushed through the door forcefully. "Everyone stop whatever you''re doing. Prepare to work since something has just happened!" He looked extremely tensed!


    Fang Xiaoshui, "About Central TV''s website?"


    Dong Zhiqiang hurriedly said, "Yes, prepare the division ofbor and prepare to go to battle!"


    Meng Yi wondered out aloud, "Isn''t that under the jurisdiction of the state-owned website''s security of the fourth department? Why are we being assigned this task?"


    Dong Zhiqiang took a deep breath and said through gritted teeth. "In the past five minutes, Central TV, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Energy, the Education Bureau, and Civil Affairs, and even our Ministry of Public Security have all been hacked! The information department is now in a mess. There''s no time to even send out warnings, and they are all in chaos! Everyone in the fourth department has been wiped out! All of their personalputers have been invaded by trojan horses! It was not nted ahead of time, but when they were vying for root ess with them, their IPs were exposed. As such, all the machines in the fourth department are down! Thankfully, a few offices here have independent inte ess, or we too would have been taken down!"


    "What?"


    "Our website has been hacked too?"


    "That can''t be! Who has that much skill?"


    Everyone checked in disbelief, and indeed, even their Public Security website was filled with abusive curses. The other party was too insolent!


    Dong Zhiqiang eximed, "What are youzing around for!? Begin working! The hackers we are facing this time is a team! And their skill is very high! It''s different from the past! Make sure you are alert! The leaders above us are already raging! Whatever it takes, we must regain control of the major and sensitive websites!"


    "Yes!"


    "Yes!"


    "Understood!"


    Everyone in the First Department began working!


    Dong Zhiqiang also noticed the sleeping Fan Yingyun, but ignored her. He then began to takemand. Fang Xiaoshui was an expert in terms of security, so Dong Zhiqiang stood behind her. "Are you confident?"


    Fang Xiaoshui said, "Just a bunch of dogs and cats."


    Dong Zhiqiang patted her shoulder. "Alright, as long as you are confident." He also felt confident. His subordinates were elites in inte surveince.


    Fang Xiaoshui began her attack and rapidly tapped on her keyboard. She charged straight into the Public Security''s official informative website. "There are two bugs." After looking at the event logs and the present situation, Fang Xiaoshui had an idea. She had already begun facing off the enemy!


    A girl, who was in charge of policing the inte, came forward to learn from her. Her domain expertise was in other aspects ofwork security, and not invasion and defense, so she couldn''t help.


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Ye also stood beside Dong Zhiqiang and watched Fang Xiaoshui''s screen.


    Keying inmands?


    Were they trying to wrestle for control?


    Retrieve the administrator''s password?


    In the past, Zhang Ye would clearly not understand any of this, but now, after he ate 11 Network Technology Experience Book, he could tell at a nce what Fang Xiaoshui was doing. He could also subconsciously understand Fang Xiaoshui''s intentions. The reason was simple. Previously, Zhang Ye had drawn 200 books of Computer Programming Skills Experience Book. He did not know how high his standard was, as he had not had any hands-on practice, but based on feelings, he believed that his skills were much higher than Fang Xiaoshui''s. As for how much so, he had no idea.


    No good!


    The other side was very formidable!


    Oh, there was no chance of winning a fight two against one!


    The next moment, Fang Xiaoshui shouted with a tightened expression, "Zhang Er! Help me!"


    A junior cyber-policeman was stunned as he quickly disconnected from this targeted website and went over to help. He said nervously, "Sister Fang, is the other party that formidable?"


    Fang Xiaoshui said with a ck face, "They are all experts! Both of them! It''s a trap! They are deliberately luring us over! The two of them set an ambush for us!"


    Meng Yi shouted from his side, "I just took down a website and am restoring it!" But just as he spoke, he said in shock, "Oh no! I lost admin rights again!"


    Another cyber-policeman shouted, "F**k! What sort of people are they!? They are so ruthless! Myputer has BSOD-ed*! It won''t even move" He hurriedly switched to aputer beside him and turned it on.


    Dong Zhiqiang''s face was turning ugly!


    Their First Department had been exchanging fire for about twenty minutes, but they only managed to regain control of three websites. They did not manage to trace the hackers. Whenever the other party saw the situation turn bad, they would escape, leaving no traces behind. As for the other seven websites that were under their control, they were surprised that they could not wrestle them back. They were clearly elites in the Inte Surveince Bureau, and this was their homeground, yet they were only handed poor results!


    Complete defeat!


    It was undoubtedly a terrible defeat!


    Dong Zhiqiang burst into a fit of rage, "What are you doing!? You can''t even settle this?"


    Fang Xiaoshui said with a grievance, "Director Dong, they have too many people on their side. For us, we have to face two or three per person, and at times five. Sometimes, we can win back admin rights, but they will asionally wheel around and hit back. Furthermore, they are very skilled!"


    Meng Yi also exined, "They have dozens on their side! The battle lines are constantly changing. Attacking is simpler than defense. If they change the battleground, we aren''t able to react in time. We can only chase after their tails. We have too few people too, so we definitely are on the passive side. This bunch of people have many experts too!"


    Dong Zhiqiang shouted, "Don''t give me excuses. The higher-ups do not want to hear this! What I want are results!" Saying that, he began making phone calls. He summoned everyone from the First Department back, halting all their holidays!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye spoke, "Everyone, why don''t I..."


    Before he could finish speaking, Fan Yingyun woke up from the sofa. "What''s the matter, why is it so noisy?" After a yawn, she loosened her neck and sat up from the sofa.


    Fang Xiaoshui said grudgingly, "You sure slept soundly! More than ten official state-owned websites are now controlled by a bunch of Korean IPs! So many people are working hard for so long, yet we haven''t been able to wrestle control back! Forget it, it''s useless telling you so much. You can''t even prepare a job report!"


    The others ignored Fan Yingyun.


    They could only wait for the rest of their colleagues from the First Department, or gather the remaining technical colleagues from other departments in the Inte Surveince Bureau, so as to attempt at chasing the hackers away.


    Upon hearing this, Fan Yingyun surprisingly did not scold Fang Xiaoshui. Instead, she briskly walked over to herputer and sat down. After a few nces at her screen, the side of her eyes twitched. Without a word, she opened her purse and took out a USB drive and inserted it into herputer. With a few clicks of her mouse, she seemed to open up some software or program. She then said, "Don''t mess things up for me. All ounts on the website, get away from me!"


    Meng Yi said, "We mess things up?"


    A female cyber-policewoman said, "You are the one who shouldn''t be messing things up for us!"


    "What are you doing?" Fang Xiaoshui said, "If we were to disconnect, who will catch them? If they escape, then there will be other websites that will suffer!" With her being distracted, she could no longer defend her side. Fang Xiaoshui hurriedly went back to being engaged with three hackers.


    Dong Zhiqiang also looked towards Fan Yingyun. "You finally want to join in?" The moment he said those words, Old Dong found it humorous. Having joined his unit for a few months, they had never seen Officer Fan work once. She could not do a thing, nor did she know her thing. What was the situation now? This was arge scale IP attack from overseas never seen in years. You wouldn''t be able to handle it. "At this time, don''t mess things for us!"


    Fan Yingyun did not even look at them. As she operated the keyboard, she said, "Let me repeat myself. All those IPs, who have entered the intruded websites, stay away from me! I won''t care if you''re friendly or not!"


    Then everyone was stunned, including Zhang Ye!


    It was not because of Officer Fan''s words, but because of her actions. The speed at which she typed on the keyboard was faster than anyone present! And it was not just a bit faster! They could see Fan Yingyun''s hands ''flying'' over the keyboard. As for what she was inputting, no one could tell!


    Fang Xiaoshui said, "This..."


    Zhang Ye also narrowed his eyes.


    Fan Yingyun did not have the time to care about them. Without blinking her eyes, she began to constantly drum outmands, with a very cold face.


    Following that, people kept hearing Fan Yingyun mutter to herself.


    "Central TV, OK."


    "Public Security, OK."


    "Civil Affairs, OK."


    "SARFT, OK."


    Meng Yi couldn''t understand. "What do you mean OK?"


    Then a female cyber-policewoman shouted, "Ah! My ount in the Football Association was kicked out by someone! I was trying to gain root ess, why did another onee? Root ess is now being controlled by a person called FAN!"


    Before she could finish her sentence, she heard Fan Yingyun said, "Football Association, OK."


    The female cyber-policewoman said in shock, "What? It, it was you?"


    Fan Yingyun said calmly as she kept issuing outmands, "I told all of you to get lost. You didn''t listen to me, so who is to me? How would I know if you''re friend or foe?"


    The others were also dumbfounded. "It was really you?"


    Dong Zhiqiang was stunned. He immediately checked the websites that Fan Yingyun marked OK. The moment he saw it, he was dumbfounded. Central TV, Civil Affairs, SARFT, which were websites the bunch of them failed to regain control of, had all been restored!


    "Holy shit!" Many people shouted!


    Meng Yi hurriedly ran behind Fan Yingyun and looked at herputer. He realized Fan Yingyun was issuingmands at a typing speed so fast that he could not even see them clearly. asionally, he could see some of themands that she issued, but most of the time, he couldn''t understand them. OC? Whatmand was this? Packet attack? Or was it a data bait?


    Fang Xiaoshui andpany also slowly gathered around!


    "I can''t see it clearly!"


    "What is this? Is this seizing control?"


    "No, this shouldn''t be. This is...tracking? What the heck! Why are three terminal windows open? And what was thatstmand? Why haven''t I ever heard of it?"


    "What are you doing? Why are you entering from port 15? Ah? Ah! So there''s a hole in this port!? This loophole has never been published!"


    Everyone was surprised!


    Fan Yingyun said with a frown, "Stop hanging around me like houseflies!"


    The moment they heard this, they subconsciously dispersed. Even the leader, Dong Zhiqiang, left.


    Only Zhang Ye stood behind Fan Yingyun with amazement and interest. Fan Yingyun would asionally take a nce behind, but did not say a word. She continued her operation.


    This was Zhang Ye''s privilege. Officer Fan was rtively polite only to Zhang Ye.


    ......


    On the other side.


    In a particr chatting tool in Korea.


    "No good! I can''t get it back!"


    "I''ve been kicked out too!"


    "I can''t enter! The hole from before has been plugged!"


    "Who the f**k is it?"


    "No good, we might have been traced! I''m leaving first!"


    The avatars of the people, who organized the attack of Chinese websites, began to dim. One of them was called "Yin". Some of them would say bye before disconnecting, but "Yin" did not even say a word and went offline!


    59-V: "What happened to Yin?"


    JIN: "He cut the inte himself."


    When many of them heard it, they drew a gasp!


    Cutting the inte meant cutting one''s ownwork cable. This action might seem normal to people and appeared nothing special, but to a hacker, this was the final form of defense against a hacker. It was only a desperatest resort when there was no other option. Simrly, it was a form of humiliation, a form of surrendering!


    59-V: "Ying got taken out?"


    JIN did not answer.


    He was the leader for this operation. Many of them were calling out to him.


    "What do we do?"


    "God JIN?"


    "Where''s Lord God JIN?"


    "How do we attack now? We have lost root ess!"


    "Who is that FAN person!? I''ve never heard of him. There was such an expert in China? Could it be any of the top ten ranked hackers in China that appeared in another persona?"


    "JIN? JIN?"


    After a few more minutes, JIN spoke. "Disperse first! Everyone disperse! I just shed with that person! That person is not someone any of you can handle! 59-V! Come over and meet him!"


    59-V: "Alright!"


    When the others saw this, they also obediently retreated!


    It needed two of Korea''s top hackers, 59-V and JIN, to face with that person? And it was unknown who would win? These words gave many of them shivers!


    FAN?


    FAN?


    Who the hell is this?


    ......


    The leaders came.


    It was the bunch of people who hade to inspect that morning.


    One of them was about to speak, but Vice Chief Zhao stopped him, hushing him with a hand gesture.


    In the beginning, Fan Yingyun was only operating theputer with a single hand, and did not slow down that much. Surprisingly, her other hand raised as she took out a pen and began scribbling on a piece of paper. As she operated theputer, she wrote. Finally, her hand left the keyboard and tore off the piece of paper and threw it behind. "The main websites that have been invaded are cleared. Check the IPs of these hackers. One of them is inside China, in a university campus. I won''t be surprised if it''s a young exchange student from Korea. Also there are these Korean IPs. As for the rest, I didn''t manage to find them. The two bastards keep circling around me, and one of them is called JIN. He is quite skilled. He came back after I kicked him out. Later on, I temporarily fixed the vulnerability loophole he used, preventing him from entering. He finally escaped, and the rest have also dispersed."


    After everyone heard this, they stared at her with ambiguous expressions!


    Dong Zhiqiang asked, "Are you sure that these are their actual IPs? These hackers are all very crafty. It wouldn''t be surprising for them to use other zombie IPs as bait."


    Vice Chief Zhao did not have such doubts, and in fact, did not seem surprised. He said, "How many hackers were there this time?"


    Fan Yingyun said, "A few dozen I guess. They were all nobodies. Only three of them had skills that barely made it. I managed to catch one of them. It''s all written, take a look yourself."


    Barely make it?


    This was called barely making it?


    Fang Xiaoshui and Meng Yi felt faint. They had spent all their efforts but failed to chase them all away. Instead, one of them got hit by a virus. Two of them even lost to the other party in a direct sh. Could it be that in your eyes, most hackers were nothing?


    Fang Xiaoshui was confirming off to the side and finally confirmed whatever Fan Yingyun had said. They had regained control of all the websites. The websites had been restored, and those invaders had all disappeared. There was no trace of further attacks. This made her rmed. She did not know how Officer Fan managed to do what so many cyber-police could not do alone! She could sh with dozens and still have more to spare?


    One of them was named JIN?


    Wasn''t that one of the top ten hackers in Korea?


    Dong Zhiqiang and the other colleagues of the First Department were stunned. They looked at Fan Yingyun''s face with amazement. It was as if this was the first time they had seen her!


    Meng Yi waspletely convinced and said to Fan Yingyun, "Officer Fan..Teacher Fan, Sis Fan, what did you teach at People''s Public Security University of Chinast time?" He had changed his form of address. In the past, he had always stuck with Officer Fan.


    Fan Yingyun said without even looking at them, "Vulnerability rules, system invasion, logical operations, trojan horses and virus theory, assemblynguage, programming design, and methods courses. Many of them."


    Holy sh*t!


    What sort of sses were these?


    That sounded awesome! And many of those sses were things they had never heard of before!


    A cyber-policewoman was stunned. "Other than learning assemblynguage and programming design, why have I never learned any of these other courses? Network technology in college teaches this?"


    A leader behind Vice Chief Zhao quickly interrupted. "No, Teacher Fan only teaches programmingnguage sses in university. Don''t listen to her bber."


    Fan Yingyun could not help butugh as she said, "Teachers nowadays can choose what they teach. Students nowadays also have the choice of what sses they want to attend, so whatever you learn is shit. Things that really involve various technical levels, such as this kind of hiding one''s traces, is not something you can learn! I only teach programmingnguages, but what I think I can teach, I''ll teach them to my students bit by bit, then..."


    Fang Xiaoshui asked, "Then?"


    Everyone listened intently.


    Fan Yingyun pointed to her feet, "Then I was fired. Now, I''m just cruising along here with all you bunch of smatterers with barely passable technical knowhow in this crappy unit!"


    They were elites of the Inte Surveince Bureau!


    But they were scolded as smatterers?


    The junior leader said, "Yingyun!"


    Fan Yingyun said, "Isn''t it true? I am a person who speaks my mind. If you don''t like hearing that, hurry up and fire me!"


    Vice Chief Zhao chuckled and said, "You are a professional the Chief and I went through great lengths and abused connections just to get you here. How can we let you off like that? Take a look. You have managed to flex your muscles this time. Your value is not limited to a tform of teaching and education. It can still be reflected elsewhere. Our Inte Surveince Bureau is especially suited for you to y to your strengths?"


    Fan Yingyun sneered, "What strengths do I have? I don''t have a single strength."


    Vice Chief Zhao was neither angry nor irritated as he said, "That''s precisely your strength. As you do notck in any skills, and your basic knowledge is much more solid than anyone inwork technology, and more epassing. Other security experts or hackers all have their strengths, and would be persistent in their research in their domain of expertise. No one is all-rounded. For example, today''s JIN may be a top hacker, but from the information we have, he never dabbles in virus-like programs, and is weak at security defenses. As for website invasion techniques, there''s no need to talk about it. He''s good at port sniffing, email, as well as writing phishing scripts for invasion. Otherwork technology personnel are the same. Only you are that exception. What they know, you know too. What they do not know, you still know. If this domain is split into majors and minors, then you are definitely a major''s professional teacher. In terms of fundamental knowledge, no one can beat you!"


    Fan Yingyun waved her hand. "Old Zhao, stop ttering me. There are so many teachers inwork technology in college. I think you should hire someone better."


    Vice Chief Zhao said, "They are only good at one or two professional sses, and mostly follow teaching material. Their hands-on capacity might notpare to a self-taught hacker. They can''tpare with you. Teacher Fan, help us for another few years. Althoughwork security is pretty good these days, it can''t prevent some hackers who want to cause trouble. If we meet anotherrge scale invasion or hacker experts, our Inte Surveince Bureau would be many in number thatck experience. There''s no way to improve themselves. As a teacher, as their senior, sister, you should lead them. Leading them for a few years would do. If a few years pass, and you still do not want to deal with inte surveince, then go ahead and tell me. I''ll definitely let you go. Also, the Chief and I can personally write a rmendation for you to return to People''s Public Security University of China!"


    Fan Yingyun leered at him. "You said it yourself."


    "Hur Hur, I''ve said it and everyone here is a witness." Vice Chief Zhao guaranteed and then looked to Dong Zhiqiang. "Director Dong, do you understand what I meant this morning? We, higher-ups are taking good care of your First Department. If it were a useless idler, would we have sent her here? Teacher Fan seldom works because the work you do is not in her domain of expertise. If you still have problems with that, I can transfer Teacher Fan away. I believe Old Yan and Old Xu from the second and fourth department would definitely scramble to get their hands on her."


    Dong Zhiqiang turned anxious. "Don''t do that Leader, I don''t have any problems! Officer Fan has to stay with us in the First Department! I''ll fight anyone who tries to grab her from me!" He had a huge turn in attitude!


    Editor note: To those who don''t know what BSOD stands for, it mean Blue Screen of Death, which means a critical process has shut down. A critical process is something that aputer needs to run, such as System32 DLL files, boot files, etc.

 Chapter 434: Famous virus — Panda Burning Incense!

    <h4>Chapter 434: Famous virus �� Panda Burning Incense! </h4>


    Chapter 434: Famous virus �� Panda Burning Incense!


    The war stopped!


    More than 200 hackers from the Korean team temporarily retreated. With them retreating, the invaded websites were restored by the Inte Surveince Bureau one by one!


    The Chinese citizen spectators cheered.


    "Alright!"


    "We sent them running!"


    "Haha, the Koreans can''t handle it!"


    "It''s not that they can''t handle it, but it''s because their backyard is on fire!"


    "Ah? What happened?"


    "Let me send you a picture. This is a screenshot of the Korean government''s official website. A godly person from our country has made a move! It set their nest on fire!"


    "So fierce?"


    "Holy sh*t, awesome!"


    "Anyone who offends China will be destroyed no matter the distance? What the f**k! This sentence is so empowering! It boils my blood just hearing it!"


    "Powerhouse! Finally, a powerhouse has appeared!"


    "Domineering! Such aggression!"


    "Don''t people inputer technology only dabble in mathematical calctions and stuff? Aren''t they allputer nerds? This godly person ''2'' is not only skilled inputer technology, he even has such good literary talent? This is not something any ordinary person can say! His literary talent blows out the sky!"


    This line was from Zhang Ye''s world. The original text was ''whoever offends the mighty Han nation, however distant, shall be destroyed''. It was during the era of Emperor Wudi, when Minister Chen Tang said it. It waster changed by others to ''whoever offends the mighty nation of China, however distant, shall be destroyed''.


    It was a famous sentence from millennia ago!


    It was naturally domineering!


    ......


    Inte Surveince Bureau.


    The people in First Department finally managed to catch their breaths.


    "Alright." Fang Xiaoshui mmed on her desk,pletely tired out. "I''m done on my side."


    "I''m done here too. The final website that was invaded has been cleaned. They have all been restored." Meng Yi''s arms had gone numb, so he hurriedly stand up to loosen his wrists.


    Dong Zhiqiang was gulping down water before he said, "Don''t let your guard down. The enemy has temporarily retreated. Which one of you knows this ''2''?"


    Zhang Er shook his head, "Never heard of him."


    A cyber-policewoman said, "I just checked. There''s no hacker with this name. We can''t confirm if he really is of Chinese nationality."


    Fan Yingyun scorned, "Is there even a need to confirm? Didn''t you see the Chinese?"


    The cyber-policewoman said, "The Chinese does not mean he''s from China. Many exchange students can trante or learn Chinese."


    Fan Yingyun pointed to those words. "Whoever offends the mighty nation of China, however distant, shall be destroyed. For someone to write such text, do you think it can be a foreigner or exchange student? Don''t even talk about exchange students, even Chinesenguage professors in China might not be able to produce such a powerful line of literature."


    The cyber-policewoman acknowledged it as she thought about it.


    If it was not someone from China, if it wasn''t someone who had grown up in China, receiving systematic education and the influences of traditional culture, it was impossible to produce such an outstanding sentence!


    Fang Xiaoshui said thankfully, "All thanks to his help, those bunch of people would never have left."


    As the leader, Dong Zhiqiang had to remind them. "Little Fang, pay attention to your standing. For that person to intrude the Korean government''s website, that in itself is illegal."


    However, none of them bothered about what their leader said. If not for "2"''s appearance, they would not have been able to hold on any longer. They could tell that this hacker, "2" was definitely a patriot who loved his country and fellow men. No one from the Inte Surveince Bureau had any ill feelings towards him, and instead had good feelings for him, and were interested in him. Basically, all good hackers usually only immersed themselves inputers, hardware, and other stuff. They were mostly ''illiterate''. Some of them had poornguage ability, while others had poor social skills. There were others who never passed theirnguage lessons since they were young. Now that a cultured hacker suddenly appeared, it made all of them astonished. They were naturally curious about his identity. Could it be one of the known hackers appearing under a different persona? Or was this a hidden master amongst themon folk that appeared for the first time?


    Dong Zhiqiang asked, "How are the Koreans reacting?"


    Fang Xiaoshui took a nce. "Nothing on their side."


    "It''s not that there''s nothing." Fan Yingyun smiled and said, "The Korean government''s security experts andwork employees must have started working on it immediately, but from the looks of it, they haven''t been able to regain admin ess. They are being held back by ''2''. This ''2'' might sound stupid, but he has a skill or two."


    Meng Yi said, "The other side already has begun taking action, but it''s already been five minutes right? Yet they can''t take it down? The Korean government has so many experts!"


    Zhang Er said excitedly, "It''s definitely because ''2''''s techniques are better!"


    Fang Xiaoshui eximed, "Expert!"


    They found it quite relieving. They had finally gotten some face back!


    However, everyone had a question. This person''s so-called destruction however distant, what did he mean by "destroy"? Was it just taking over the Korean government''s website? This was at most just a tiny retaliation and warning, right? The other party had invaded so many Chinese websites and had even stolen the ounts of many celebrities in the entertainment industry, causing all sorts of trouble. Even the whole Korean society had added on with their invective words. This tiny bit of intrusion wasn''t considered "destroy"-ing them. It wasn''t powerful enough? This also meant that this person had other things nned. What was it?


    The mood became tense.


    It felt like the calm before the storm.


    Dong Zhiqiang said to Fang Xiaoshui, "What do you think he will do?"


    "Maybe he might attack their websites like our opponents, but it can''t be. He''s just one person. The efficiency would be too low and wouldn''t be a trouble. Eh, I can''t figure it out." Fang Xiaoshui said with a wry smile, "That hacker, that was hidden amongst the people, must have different ways of thinkingpared to normal people."


    Fan Yingyun looked at her, "Who are you scolding?"


    Fang Xiaoshui hurriedly said, "I wasn''t talking about you, Sister Fan."


    Fan Yingyun said, "Everyone has the same thoughts. Youck the expertise, and can''t stand at the requisite high, so you naturally can''t see what they see. That''s why you think they cannot be understood!"


    Dong Zhiqiang said, "Forget it. Let the Koreans handle their own matters. It has nothing to do with us anymore. Our mission is to watch our homnd. Now that we have an opportunity to take a break, everyone take turns sleeping. Preserve yourbat strength and be ready to battle at any time!"


    Fan Yingyun stretched her back. "I was just waiting for you to say that. I''m sleeping!" As shey on the couch, she covered herself with a nket and reserved her spot.


    However, no one else slept.


    Dong Zhiqiang wondered out aloud, "Aren''t you sleeping?"


    Fang Xiaoshui said, "Let me see the situation first."


    Meng Yi stared at theputer, "I also want to see how ''2'' will attack. Besides, I wonder what standard he has. I also want to observe the situation."


    The prickly Fan Yingyun did not forget to stab other despite already heading to sleep. "Despite your poor standards, you sure worry a lot!"


    Meng Yi: "..."


    ......


    On the other side.


    JIN andpany were conversing.


    "Still haven''t regained ess?"


    "What is this bunch of people doing? Their skills are so bad?"


    "Our government''s website hasn''t been under our control for more than ten minutes. The other side only has one person, yet so many security experts can''t fix it? What are you doing?"


    "Maybe the other person is too formidable."


    "Enough. We don''t have to care about the website. We can''t go in either as it''s full of cyber-police. It''s not convenient for us to appear. Now, we need to watch that ''2'' rascal. We need to find out who he is and what he wants to do, then reveal him!"


    "Alright!"


    "He can''t run!"


    "Let me set a trap to wait for him!"


    "As long as hees back from the government website and does something, I''ll definitely catch traces of him!"


    ......


    At home.


    There was all sorts of tapping sounds of a keyboard typing in his house.


    Zhang Ye was battling against three Korean personnel. Their skills were very good, but as Zhang Ye had the advantage of having administrative rights, and had the firewall blocking in his favor, he could battle with them with ease. After another while, he felt it was almost time. He also couldn''t be bothered to spend time with them. He still had other things to do. Hence, without a word, he typed out a bunch ofmands for a data attack. After that, he cleaned his traces and disconnected. He cleared traces of his infiltration from the zombie machine, disconnected, and returned to his ownputer.


    Not a whileter, the Korean government''s website was restored.


    There were curses from all around Korea!


    "Arrest him! We must arrest him!"


    "This ''2'' is toowless!"


    "What are the cyber-police doing? Catch him! This is an insult to us!


    "Those bunch of bastards! Kill them all!"


    "Where is our hacker army? Attack them! Let those Chinese stars make some statements, calling us ''Daddy''. I get a kick hearing it!"


    "Destroy that bunch of jumping clowns in China!"


    Finally, the biggest discussion forum in Seoul created a poll. "Do you support Korean hackers to use illegal means to invade China''s inte! "


    0.6% did not support it.


    0.4% abstained from voting.


    99% of the people showed their support!


    "I want to join in the battle too!"


    "Count me in!"


    "I''ll f**k them to death!"


    "They defaced our government''s website! Then, we will deface a hundred, or a thousand of their websites! It they don''t squeak the words ''Daddy'' from our beating, we will not retreat!"


    Zhang Ye sneered. Seeing the Chinese trantions of the Korean citizens, he was thinking how those words should be said by him to them!


    A bunch of jumping clowns!


    This time, this bro will beat till you cry mercy!


    Zhang Ye was naturally that ''2''. The name did not sound good, but he had no intention of scolding himself. He was not saying he was very 2 (doing things dumbly and unbing of their status), but meant something else. If the number 2 was gestured using one''s hand, it was raising one''s index and middle finger, which was also the sign for victory. It also meant a cheer "Yea", cheering for victory. Yea and Ye sounded the same, so he came up with the name "2". This kind of hidden meaning was naturally something no one would think of. At least they would not associate it with him. Zhang Ye had done this to protect himself.


    Whoever offended the mighty nation of China, however distant, shall be destroyed!


    Many people were watching this battle either openly or covertly. They were guessing what technique he would use to carry out his ultimatum, andunch his retaliation!


    People thought he would continue intruding websites?


    People thought he would steal the ounts of celebrities and curse?


    Actually, their thoughts were overly simple. If it were such meaningless actions, why would Zhang Ye go all the way to the Korean government''s website and intrude them and wait ten minutes with those words? He wanted to let this news spread. He wanted to stir the pot, telling the Koreans not to mess with him, and I wouldn''t be bothered with you, but if you dare to mess with me or my country, then wash your necks and prepare for an execution!


    However distant, shall be destroyed!


    I''ll do it as I say it!


    Zhang Ye had already decided on the method he would use to retaliate. He needed to hurt his opponents and teach all of them a lesson!


    What methods?


    The answer was already very clear!


    A virus!


    On this, there were not many hackers, nor were there many viruses. Viruses were different from trojan horses. Viruses caused greater damage, and was created with the purpose of destroyingputers. Hence, for this, anti-viruspanies had invested a lot into this. In a year, viruses that could exceed infecting more than a thousandputers would never exceed three!


    For example, those people from Korea had alsounched viruses in China today. However, they only managed to infect a few dozen machines. Most of them wereputers from Hope Primary School. Theseputers were scrapped by nice people in society orpanies, so they were older. Theycked firewalls, which resulted in them being getting infected. If it were a typical family''sputer, a simple instation of an anti-virus software would prevent them from being infected by these types of viruses. Every anti-virus software had a library that was updated in real time. As long as the virus library had records of the virus, there was no way they could infect them under normal circumstances.


    Then why did he choose to use a virus for his attack?


    Wasn''t it meaningless? Infecting a fewputers without anti-virus programs did not have a great effect, right?


    In fact, that wasn''t the case. Zhang Ye had always had knowledge no one from this earth had. Songs? Movies? Poems? Essays?


    Other than those, it also contained knowledge on viruses!


    And the numerous virus source codes from his world!


    On this earth, there was no way to see the source code on the inte. Some trojan horse and virus programs, ormonly-used software did not provide the source code. At best, they gave you a way to download it, and might even charge a fee. It was fairly strict all across the world, but the earth where Zhang Ye came from? Trojan horse source code? Virus source code? Just a simple search on a search engine with his eyes close would find the source code of any virus he wished! Many hackers open-sourced it! Not only that, even the source code of different operating systems were open-sourced. This world was different, and the international rtions were different. The people''s awareness and beliefs were different. The rules and regtions fromws were different.


    This world did not have the idea of open-sourcing viruses?


    This world''s old viruses were immediately killed?


    It''s fine, I don''t need to use yours. This bro has his own source code, and everyone of them has never appeared here before, yet they were extremely notorious viruses in his world!


    Tell me, which one?


    Well, since it is to promote the Chinese spirit, it might as well be the "Panda Burning Incense"!


    Let you Koreans have a taste of this virus that got cursed so badly by his world''s people! I want to see if your anti-virus and firewall software are better, or my "new virus" is better!

 Chapter 435: Creation of the Virus Completed!

    <h4>Chapter 435: Creation of the Virus Completed! </h4>


    Chapter 435: Creation of the Virus Completed!


    It was decided on a virus!


    He did what he had set out to do!


    Zhang Ye opened the interface of his game ring and adeptly opened the Merchant Shop. As he touched the virtual screen, a Memory Search Capsule was bought by him. 100,000 Reputation points was nothing. Eh, the remaining Reputation points did not look right? Not only did it not decrease, it had even increased by so much? From the previous draw at the lottery, he only had 30 million Reputation points left, but at this moment, even after buying the Memory Search Capsule, he still had 31 million Reputation points. He understand after some thought. This was the Reputation umted from his persona as hacker "2". It seemed like even if people did not know who he was, the reverence to what he did and the visibility produced from his actions would also be added to his game ring. Ha, that''s good. He could get a bunch of Reputation points in this way!


    He ate the capsule.


    Instantly, Zhang Ye''s thoughts entered his subconscious'' memories.


    ......


    It was a winter day many years ago. Zhang Ye, who was still in high school, went with two other ssmates to a ssmate''s house to y games on a weekend.


    "Where are the games?"


    "All gone."


    "Ah? What happened?"


    "Myputer was hit with a virusst night. Panda Burning Incense!"


    "Holy sh*t, isn''t that the old virus fromst year? I heard it infected millions ofputers. Everyone on the inte felt insecure. Why did you get it a yearter?"


    "It was a mutated version of the Panda Burning Incense virus. F**k, so I checked what''s up with the virus on the inte. It''s so infuriating. Eh, is this the virus'' source code?"


    "Why are there so many files in the source code?"


    "One is the original source code, while the rest are mutated versions."


    "Let me see what''s up with the original source code."


    "Take a look. Hur, it''s not like you''d understand anyways."


    "Although I don''t understand, I think it''s pretty awesome."


    Back then, Zhang Ye did not speak while standing beside them. He just took a cursory nce at theputer with them. The functions andmands shed past his eyes line by line.


    ......


    Reality.


    At home.


    Zhang Ye regained consciousness. The usage time of the Memory Capsule ended. He opened his eyes and chuckled. The source code of Panda Burning Incense was deeply embedded in his mind.


    It was time to get to work!


    He did not use his newly bought notebookputer, but instead used a rtively poor configured notebookputer. Thisputer would be his testbed. In the event of a mistake, he might end up getting infected himself, then he would be a retard. So, he had to make some early precautions. Actually creating a dual boot system would allow him to create a ''test'' zone, but he didn''t have the time to set one up. Besides, if the Panda Burning Incense virus was quite malignant. Although the virus program itself wasn''t thatplex, it was very destructive. He had to be careful. It was safer to have dual systems across twoputers. Furthermore, Zhang Ye cut off the inte to his mainputer to avoid any idents.


    Programming!


    procedureInfectFiles;


    var


    DriverListstring;


    i, LenInteger;


    begin


    if (GetACP = 932) then


    IsJap = True;


    Etc.


    ......


    Zhang Ye followed the source code from his memory and typed it out ad verbatim before doing some adjustments and changes. Why did he need to change it? This was because this world had many operating systems. The implementation environment was different from his world. For example, Windows 7 or 8 did not exist, nor did Windows 95 or XP. It was apletely new operating system name. And through Zhang Ye''s analysis, it was likely simr to Windows XP or a lower version. It was somewhat backwards, so when he typed up the virus, he definitely needed to make changes for it to work. As for the source code''s destructive methods, it was not changed. That was the core and was what Zhang Ye wanted. Inputting themand to implement it was the same between both words. As programmingnguages were simr, it had saved him a lot of trouble.


    The interface changed.


    The instructions were adjusted.


    He added a few words to the Panda Burning Incense picture he produced.


    The code was very long. If it were written on a piece of paper, it would still take several pages. This was also why it was not easy to produce a virus. In this era, where source code was not released, finding one for reference was very difficult. Hence, the top virus creators in this world had a long and hardened road. This was because if any of themands had a logical error ormand conflict, such as the most crucial infinite loop logic were vited, then it would render the viruspletely useless. It would not be able to show its effects, and be a virus without any offensive power. This was the difficulty in producing one. As a virus, you could have ws, such as invasive ws, ws in evading anti-virus software, transmission ws, all of them did not matter too much, but you definitely could not have amand error in invasive source code. If that happened, the virus could not even be called a virus!


    Perfection!


    Further perfection!


    Zhang Ye continuously checked it a few times, afraid of any errors.


    As for programming, why was he so skilled and adept at it?


    Back then, he had received Network Technology Experience Books, Zhang Ye had also drawn 21 Computer Programming Skills Experience Books. Hence, he already had the basic foundational knowledge and technical knowhow on the modifications. If not, just with those 200+ books of Network Technology Experience Books, it would be impossible for him toplete the modification process. Programming was a very independent domain of expertise. The 21 Computer Programming Skillbooks were not good enough to allow Zhang Ye create any software, virus, or trojan horses himself, but if he needed to modifymands of the original virus source code, then that was within the scope of his abilities!


    Whatever he had drawn before was all used today!


    It was quite a joke back then when Zhang Ye grumbled over the programming skills andwork technology books, thinking they were useless. Now, it was time for him to show his prowess!


    Panda Burning Incense was a "worm-like virus". It was created by a Li Jun in China''s Hubei, Wuhan, Xinzhou district on October 16, 2006. It had the ability to spread the infection. In January 2007, it wrecked havoc on the inte, infecting millions of personalputers. There were also numerous corporateputers that were infected. Back in that era, whenever "Panda Burning Incense" was mentioned,izens would falter. Zhang Ye did not get hit by it, but many of his ssmates, friends, neighbors, and even school''sputers had been infected by "Panda Burning Incense". It was the most famous, widespread, and vicious virus in his world''s China. It was even famous overseas!


    Back then, many people cursed the virus creator for tarnishing the national treasure, pandas!


    Zhang Ye naturally did not want to repeat the same mistakes. The virus he produced was not to bring against his own people, but against the enemy!


    To win glory for the country?


    He did not think so either!


    A virus was still a virus. It was nothing good. If he had not been forced to, Zhang Ye would not have produced such a malignant thing like the "Panda Burning Incense". However, he was out of options. He could not stand how the Koreans were being so arrogant. The citizens of China could not take this any further. Furthermore, from the attitudes of the Korean hackers towards the citizens, the Korean government had turned a blind eye towards it. It ignored how the hackers were invading China, and had already caused serious consequences to China''s financial security and societal stability. Someone had to step forward at this point in time!


    No one came forward?


    No one led the way?


    Fine! Then I will! I''ll shoulder the responsibility! I''ll bear all future repercussions alone!


    There was no way of taking this lying down! Revenge had to be taken! That bunch of people''s face must be trampled underfoot! Let them have a taste of fear! Never to act arrogant again!


    Time passed.


    23:18 - Panda Burning Incense''s source code modificationpleted.


    23:22 - Panda Burning Incense virus failed in a test. Logical error.


    23:29 - Final modification. Panda Burning Incense''s source codepleted.


    23:32 - Test sessful.


    23:34 - Production of Panda Burning Incense seeded.


    Zhang Ye clicked on his mouse and carefully moved the virus onto a nk USB drive. Then he plucked it out hisputer and ced it on his desk!


    It was finally done!


    That notorious Panda Burning Incense from his world had been copied over by Zhang Yergely intact memory into this world. It had appeared in this world for the first time!

 Chapter 436: Attack of the Virus!

    <h4>Chapter 436: Attack of the Virus! </h4>


    Chapter 436: Attack of the Virus!


    Waiting!


    Everyone, who paid attention to this matter, was waiting!


    TOM (UK): "Where did he go?"


    YOYOT (USA): "He seems to have disappeared."


    Cepera (Russia): "That ''2'' hasn''t appeared after he disconnected from the Korean government''s website. What is he doing? He had issued a grandiloquent ultimatum, but he doesn''t n on acting on it? Or could he has already been discovered by the Koreans? His address has been found?"


    Fujiwara (Japan): "I''m still waiting for a good show, why isn''t there anything?"


    Cepera (Russia): "It can''t be a bluff, right?"


    YOYOT (USA): "A hacker of this level, I doubt it?"


    TOM (UK): "If he doesn''t appear, then it will render me speechless."


    These top hackers all had their own circles. Other than this tiny circle, there were many world-ss hackers gathered to discuss this matter. A hacker war at national-scale was one not seen in a decade, so all the experts could not ignore it!


    This was a world that ran deep!


    Top experts could fall here, and there were many new hackers in this world that could be famous overnight!


    Now, an expert, who had never been heard before, had emerged in this world. For example the newly joined "Jen" from Korea, and the "FAN" from China. Now, there was the addition of "2".


    Most people were curious how "2" would proceed with his attack, and how he would retaliate. The reason why they were all so interested was because they found the situation quite surreal. After all, "2" was just one person. It was obvious that he was not from the Inte Surveince Bureau, a public servant, or a programmer of a securitypany. What could he do alone? Even if he truly had three heads and six arms, his retaliation wouldn''t be overly painful. It was unlikely to cause any serious loss or effects in Korea. After all, Korea had many experts too, or at least more than China by a small number. Furthermore, "2" was not on home ground, which only meant he needed to face the Korean government''s cyber-police, army, securitypanies, and other organizations. The bunch of Korean hackers were also back. They had set up a trap for "2", waiting for him to appear again. Every power in Korea had made preparations to encircle "2", so how was "2" tounch his attack? Not fighting on one''s home ground made it too passive! Many were not optimistic about his actions. They felt the words "however distant, shall be destroyed" were overly pompous. If he did not do anything in the end, it would make a mockery of himself and lower the morale of China!


    JIN (Korea): "He''s noting?"


    59-V (Korea): "We''ve already waited nearly an hour!"


    Jen (Korea): "Is he afraid of us? He doesn''t dare toe out?"


    59-V (Korea): "Probably. We have so many people waiting for him. He''s certainly not stupid and probably knows he''s unlikely to seed. JIN, what do we do now? You are the leader of this operation. You decide."


    JIN (Korea): "Let''s wait a little while longer. I keep having an ominous feeling."


    Jen (Korea): "Aren''t you over thinking it?"


    JIN (Korea): "I hope so too as well. It''s too quiet, so quiet that it feels abnormal."


    Inte Surveince Bureau.


    First Department.


    Dong Zhiqiang asked, "Has that person made a move yet?"


    "Not yet." Meng Yi answered him, "We''ve been waiting for so long."


    Dong Zhiqiang acknowledged. "I really wonder what that person is nning on doing. However, it has nothing to do with us. Just pay attention to our own matters and don''t get too distracted."


    Meng Yi said, "Got it."


    Zhang Er said, "Yes, boss."


    Fang Xiaoshui was woken up by their voices and got up from the desk and took a few nces.


    Where was ''2''?


    Who was this hacker?


    It couldn''t be just that simple show of force and then nothing, right?


    Chinese citizens:


    "God, appear!"


    "Where did God ''2'' go to?"


    "I stayed upte to wait. Why isn''t anything happening?"


    "Don''t rush him. He might be nning something big."


    "Right, definitely."


    "He''s been brewing this pot for more than an hour."


    "Why is the thunder so loud, but the rain so little!? God ''2'' isn''t empowering enough!"


    Amongst the Chinese hackers, only "2" had stood against the enemy. He was the first to carry the g and also the only one. Hence, everyone''s focus was on this mysterious hacker. They were guessing, discussing, grumbling, andining impatiently. All sorts of emotions were flying about.


    What was Zhang Ye doing?


    He was doing something shady of course!


    Hackers and celebrities were two different concepts. What was a celebrity''s work ethic? That was to shout once or twice even if there was nothing going on. If possible, they yearned to let everyone in the world know they were going to the bathroom, but hackers? Especially hackers who created viruses? This was something that had to be hidden and not revealed. If you were doing something and shouted out, then sure, next day, someone would be at your doorstep "checking on you"!


    He had to keep a low-profile!


    Good cards had to be revealed at the end!


    Zhang Ye was concentrating in front of hisputer. He was already in control of ten Korean individual''sputers. How did he find them? He found those people cursing against the Chinese on discussion boards. Some of them were invaded through their user ounts, while others were invaded through their e-mail inboxes. The tenputers were under Zhang Ye''splete control. He called theseputers the virus culture chamber, and they would be the first batch ofputers to be infected. Furthermore, he needed them to spread it. Of course, before that, Zhang Ye had to give it a little test.


    nting Panda Burning Incense!


    Firstputer: The virus ran automatically, it was already infected!


    Secondputer: The virus met a firewall, but bypassed it, already infected.


    Thirdputer: The virus was gged by a foreign anti-virus software named CA as an unknown program. The user was alerted. Zhang Ye, who had already controlled the other person''sputer could see the user''s every operation. The Korean user immediately clicked to kill the virus, but failed to remove it, then he chose quarantine. Panda Burning Incense''s operations were immediately sandboxed, but before the quarantine, the program had already used the system''s autoy functions to initialize. The user did not think anything of it and thought it had been settled. He went back to ying his game and ignored it. In fact, thisputer had already been infected with the virus.


    Fourthputer: Already infected.


    Fifthputer: Failure to infect. It might be due to the person''sputer having certain programs or software that conflicted, so the Panda Burning Incense failed to run.


    Sixthputer: Already infected.


    Seventhputer: Failure to infect. The other party was not using a mainstream operating system. The program was invalidated.


    Eighthputer: Already infected.


    Ninthputer: The virus remained dormant, yet to infect.


    Tenthputer: Already infected and had already begun sending e-mails in the background to transmit the virus.


    Zhang Ye was relieved. Amongst the tenputers, seven of them were infected and already spreading the virus. One of them was unknown, and the other two had failed to infect. This ratio for infection was already quite terrifying. Other than the conflict with certain programs and how the Panda Burning Incense was targeted at mainstream operating systems, this already proved that mostputers could not be able to withstand the intrusion from this virus. Zhang Ye was still worried that this world''s virus libraries had simr virus "removal patches", but in fact there weren''t any. This world''s firewalls and anti-virus software could not block Panda Burning Incense!


    All of you are finished!


    It''s time to settle scores!


    Zhang Ye immediately infiltrated a Korean discussion forum and website, which was full of invectives against China, as well as Lee Anson''s managementpany''s website and began hisrge scale invasion!


    Kill!


    Kill!


    Kill!


    ......


    Jen (Korea): "Let''s begin our attack!"


    59-V (Korea): "It''s not our style to keep waiting. That ''2'' probably won''t appear. Let''s continue attacking China? I''m already tired. I''ve been looking at forums all day."


    JIN (Korea) remained silent for a while, "Alright then. Same old. Everyone fights their own battles, don''t stay in one spot too long. We must make sure to finish them off in one sitting and make them cry for mercy! In the future, China''s Inte Surveince Bureau, hackers, and security experts will hide they see our Korean hackers! Everyone lead your teams and attack!"


    Jen (Korea): "Haha, I''ll go meet that FAN."


    JIN (Korea): "Careful."


    Arge bunch of Korean hackers came attacking once again!


    China''s Inte Surveince Bureau set off an rm!


    Meng Yi''s expression changed. "Oh no! Here theye again!"


    Dong Zhiqiang shouted backward, "Officer Fan! It''s all on you!"


    Fan Yingyun yawned as she woke up. She walked over and sat down. "That bunch of grandsons, will they even let me sleep!?"


    Fang Xiaoshui and the rest from the Inte Surveince Bureau were also nervous. They prepared to face the iing wave, but none of them felt confident. They did not know if they could hold on this time!


    The citizens watching on the web also shouted.


    "Shit!"


    "That bunch of bastards are back at it again!"


    "They are not done with it! F**k!"


    "They are really not going to give up!"


    "Alright! Then we will not give up either! F**k!"


    However at this moment, a scene that no one expected happened. 59-V, one of the leading hackers, suddenly disconnected before the sh!


    Following that, it was another Korean hacker!


    And immediately after, there was a third and then fifth one!


    59-V cursed, "F**king hell! Who gave me a virus!"


    A female Korean hacker said, "I''m infected too! The machine can''t run any other programs!"


    Another person said, "Son of a bitch! What''s the matter with this virus!? When did I get infected? I just took a look at my inbox! 59, the mail was sent by you!"


    59-V: "Impossible! How could I send you an e-mail at a time like this?"


    JIN angrily said, "What the heck are you doing? Didn''t you all activate your protection?"


    59-V: "I did. The firewall didn''t detect a thing!"


    JIN: "Retreat! Everyone retreat! Check yourputers! Don''t ept any strange mail!"


    Jen: "Holy sh*t! Who did this?"


    59-V: "Fuck! Myputer is finished! I won''t be able to say a single word in a while! It was all done by that ''2''!"


    JIN said, "How do you know it was done by him?"


    Nonsense!


    Who else could it be but that grandson!?


    Theputers of these ten or so hackers all had a logo of a panda holding three burning joss sticks as the EXE''s icon. On the joss stick, there was a small line written above them!


    Whoever offends the mighty nation of China, however distant, shall be destroyed!

 Chapter 437: Red Alert at the Global Malware Protection Center!

    <h4>Chapter 437: Red Alert at the Global Malware Protection Center! </h4>


    Chapter 437: Red Alert at the Global Malware Protection Center!


    The Korean hackers erupted into chaos!


    Another person shouted, "I''m infected too!"


    JIN angrily said, "Why did you open your inbox for nothing!?"


    That person said, "I didn''t open my mail. I downloaded a Chinese trantion software from a website. I used it to create a defacing picture to post, and then..."


    Then, the person''s name dimmed!


    "It can spread through documents too?"


    59-V''s avatar on themunication software also dimmed. The final words he said was "F**k! I''ll be going off for a while. I''ll try to crack the virus! Seek revenge for me!"


    As a hacker!


    As a top security expert!


    59-V''sputer actually got infected? This was no doubt a great humiliation!


    However, JIN andpany did not make any move. Revenge? They still were unsure of the situation. How could they possible to seek revenge!? The virus came around too oddly. How did the anti-virus software or firewalls not detect and quarantine it? One had to know, as hackers, the anti-virus software they used was definitely not bad. Some of them even personally modified it themselves. They even had homebrewed tools that typical users would not have ess to. This was to prevent trojan horses or intrusions by others. Yet, against that panda, they were useless?


    Jen issued an alert, "Why is 59-V still sending e-mails? His inbox is constantly sending emails out to everyone! Didn''t he disconnect?"


    JIN gasped, "The virus might be able to auto-reconnect!"


    Jen: "What? Other than pulling hiswork cable, that ''panda'' will keep reconnecting to the inte to spread the virus? It can even destroy EXE''s and files. It''s a worm virus!"


    A hacker, who luckily had not gotten infected, said, "Anti-virus software is useless against it?"


    JIN said, "The virus library does not have any records or documents about this virus!"


    Bastard!


    It was a new virus!


    That ''2'' actually produced a new, homemade virus!


    At this moment, the Korean hackers had drumming heart beats!


    ......


    In Korea.


    At a certain office building, an office was still lit.


    Han Juyu was a website editor. He had been on a discussion forum live streaming the situation regarding the Sino-Korean hacker war. He had always been anti-Chinese, so when he saw how the Korean hackers were pressing forward while the Chinese were retreating in defeat, Han Juyu felt extremely excited. He chuckled as he published a piece of live news on hisputer. The tone he used sounded like he was really enjoying watching fellow Koreans beating a downtrodden enemy. Many radical people liked his form of reporting. After he finished writing and editing, he was prepared to upload a picture of the battle situation. The pictures were screenshots of Chinese websites after they had been invaded by Koreans, filled with profanities.


    Ding Dong.


    "Hmm? Mail?" Han Juyu clicked open his inbox to take a look. Inside was a mail from his website''s boss. The mail had no title, and he couldn''t tell what it was. Typically, when he encountered such mail, Han Juyu would not open it, but today, he immediately opened it!


    Why?


    For someone to ask this question, his EQ would definitely lower than 5!


    That was because it was his f**king boss'' e-mail! Even if the title was "Darn ****", he would also look at it!


    After he clicked it, Han Juyu was surprised to realize that the content of the mail was a bunch of garbage. He did not know what it was and ignored it. He carried on uploading his report and picture.


    Suddenly, a panda jumped out!


    Shua!


    Shua!


    All the icons of his executable files changed into a panda holding three burning joss sticks!


    Han Juyu shouted with profanity and tried to click the icons, but he could not do a thing. He immediately realized hisputer had been infected. He hurriedly cut off his inte, hoping he could prevent the document from being uploaded, but just as he cut his inte, it immediately made an automatic connection!


    Uploadplete!


    It was posted on his website!


    Then in Han Juyu''s raging surprise, hisputer began to reboot. And after it was done rebooting, before he could do a thing, it rebooted once again!


    It''s over!


    Theputer was down!


    He immediately realized one thing. It was ''2''! It was done by that ''2''!


    ......


    At an inte cafe in Korea.


    A few hundred machines were whirling away.


    Some of them were ying games, others were chatting or watching videos, and there were some watching the Sino-Korean hacker war. They were discussing it on a forum!


    Suddenly!


    "Ah!"


    "Myputer has BSOD-ed!"


    "What''s going on? Myputer rebooted!"


    "Administrator! Administrator! Quick take a look for me! What happened to the machine?"


    "Why is there a panda?"


    "Crap! This machine is down! I was almost done fighting the BOSS. All my day''s efforts have been in vain! This is infuriating! I''m going crazy!"


    "It''s a virus!"


    "This...This is Chinese! Wasn''t this sentence the one that appeared on the government''s website earlier? It''s that hacker from China, ''2, who wrote it!"


    "What does it mean?"


    "I heard the trantion was ''whoever offends the mighty nation of China, however distant, shall be destroyed''!"


    "Holy sh*t! This is revenge from a Chinese hacker!"


    "Crap, this virus is too powerful! The anti-virus software can''t kill it!"


    "I just received a phone call. My ssmate''sputer also got hit with the virus too. He was just looking at a picture of the battle situation of the Sino-Korean hacker war on a discussion board, but the moment he downloaded it, hisputer waspletely unusable! He is trying to use recovery to restore the system, but even the recovery system''s files were destroyed. There''s no way to restore it!"


    "Then what can we do?"


    "What sort of virus is this!?"


    "It''s too wicked! This virus is too powerful!"


    "I told you not to let your friends download stuff from message boards! The board definitely has an editor or administrator who was infected!"


    The entire inte cafe''sputers were infected!


    This situation yed all throughout Korea!


    Grief, anger, and curses constantly appeared. At the office, and at home. Computer afterputer were infected by the Panda Burning Incense virus!


    A hundred!


    A thousand!


    Ten thousand!


    This number constantly increased!


    All of Korea was enveloped by the shadow of the panda. There was an emanating panicked atmosphere!


    ......


    At the same time.


    On the other side.


    The scene on the Chinese side was very different. They were still stagnant on another scene. They did not know what was happening on the other side.


    "Come on!"


    "All the way!"


    "Hold on!"


    "Either you die, or I die!"


    Another website was infected as the Inte Surveince Bureau was prepared to defend to thest!


    The Chinese citizens, who were paying attention to this matter, were also cheering them on!


    All of China''s front line programmers from securitypanies and the Inte Surveince Bureau were prepared to fight it out. They were ready to charge, and even if they could not hold out, they had to!


    But then, all of them were dumbfounded!


    "Holy sh*t!" Zhang Er shouted.


    Fang Xiaoshui said dumbfoundedly, "Eh, where are they?"


    Meng Yi was befuddled. "Where did they all go?"


    Dong Zhiqiang was also curious. "They all left? Not a single one remained?"


    Those websites, that had been invaded, did not need to go through them. The staff of those websites could restore them themselves. The people from the websites were also confused with the current situation.


    What happened to the attack?


    What happened to the fight to the death?


    Arge bunch of Korean hackers hadunched their second attack with powerful momentum, but in just half a minute, they had all disappeared? What were you guys doing?


    "That''s not right. Everyone, be careful!" Dong Zhiqiang''s expression turned solemn as his face turned ugly. He said with a stern look as he analyzed. "Nice strategy! What good tricks! These bunch of Korean hackers are too crafty! I never expected them to use the strategy of ''a trapped enemy allows rxation''. They know we arecking in number, and do not have enough manpower. Once the battle begins, we would definitely have to send out our entire force, so they decided to employ guerri tactics. They first pretended that they are initiating arge-scale attack and invaded our websites. Then, they would retreat en-masse and recharge and brew their strength. While we are anxiously waiting for their arrival, they are resting. When we cannot hold on the tension anymore, they will bounce back and kill us all!"


    When Zhang Er heard this, he could not help but say, "So that''s the reason!"


    Dong Zhiqiang said with an ashen face, "Their attacks are rtively freer. They have nock in numbers, and hold the advantage. Now, they are even using such diversionary tactics to trap us while they remain rxed. I can tell that their leader is a very meticulous and strategic hacker. Everyone, stay alert. This leader ispletely different from the previously encountered hackers who only know how to charge straight on. This person is very scary!"


    Fang Xiaoshui said nervously, "The leader is JIN, right?"


    Dong Zhiqiang waved his hand. "Little Fang, you are still young. From that move, I can already guess that JIN was formerly the leader. He was also the instigator of this operation, but from JIN''s particrs, he is not a strategic hacker. Besides, the actions he is now employing ispletely different from the past, so the answer is very clear. There must be someone else behind him. It must be a hacker even more dangerous than JIN, who has taken over the operation. He must be giving them pointers. Their leader has changed!"


    Meng Yi gasped, "As expected of Director Dong! To be able to analyze so much from this tiny move. How could I not have thought of it?!"


    Dong Zhiqiang smiled and said, "You sure are still young. I''ve been inwork criminal investigation for more than ten years. What sort of hackers and Interpol criminals have I not encountered?"


    Fan Yingyun leered at them, but did not say a word. Shey back down on the sofa and went back to sleep.


    The other colleagues in First Department were not that rxed. "A hacker more dangerous than JIN? Could it be any of the top three hackers in Korea?"


    Dong Zhiqiang nodded and said, "Definitely. Hurry, Little Fang. Check those people''s information. Make copies of them and give them to everyone one. It will definitely be of useter. Then, everyone should rest for now. ording to my years of experience, this bunch of hackers will definitely not attack anytime soon. They are waiting to the point when we can''t hold out any further before theyunch their next attack. Hur Hur, did they think we would fall for their trick? They are looking down our Inte Surveince Bureau''s First Department!"


    Fang Xiaoshui said with admiration, "As expected of Director Dong, to be able to see through the enemy''s scheme. If not, we would really have been foolishly waiting for nothing."


    Meng Yi said with some fear, "Yea, we nearly fell for the enemy''s trick."


    Dong Zhiqiang took the opportunity to educate them. "This is experience and wisdom. Our enemies are of all shapes and sizes. Fighting against them is not based just one brute force. You have to use your brain. All of you have much to learn."


    Everyone nodded.


    With experiencees wisdom!


    Director Dong was indeed better!


    Following that, the Korean government, the Korean Malware Protection Center, and five anti-viruspanies issued an emergency joint red alert on a virus! Yes, it was not an amber alert, but the highest grade red alert. The paragraph was "Panda Burning Incense" virus has spread throughout Korea and has infected an unquantifiable number of machines. It is in the form of worm virus and is extremely infectious, extremely dangerous, and extremely devastating. The Malware Protection Center temporarily has no prevention or warning measures. Relevant departments andpanies are urgently researching how to crack the virus. We urge people not to open any dangerous mail without thought. Do not download any dangerous files!


    A few minutester, the Global Malware Protection Center also issued the same red alert!


    The moment the news was released, it caused a global uproar!


    Korea was shocked!


    Russia was shocked!


    America was shocked!


    The world was shocked!


    A virus red alert, that was something that had not been seen for many years across the world, had just appeared? In the past, if a new virus could infect a thousand machines, that was already considered quite a serious virus, and those only got an amber alert. They were then quickly eliminated. Two years ago, there was a virus that infected thousands of corporate machines in France, and it only received an amber alert, but today? Meticulous people noticed that when the Korean and Global Malware Protection Center''s issued statement describing the virus, they used the words "extremely" thrice! This was a description that had never appeared in recent years!


    Extremely infectious!


    Extremely dangerous!


    Extremely devastating!


    Furthermore, the number of infectedputers was...unable to be quantified?


    Was this truly something unquantifiable, or was it that there were too many that they could not quantify the number!?


    ......


    Somewhere in the Inte Surveince Bureau.


    Everyone looked at the red alert virus that went around the world. The office turned silent.


    Fan Yingyun woke up upon hearing this. "Let me take a look."


    Fang Xiaoshui gasped, "It''s ''2''!"


    A young cyber-policeman eximed, "That ''2'' has made his move!"


    Meng Yi said in disbelief, "To think it''s a virus! He actually created a new virus to retaliate! I, I thought he would only attack a few websites!"


    What spirit!


    What a strong virus!


    What a fierce hacker!


    F**k! This was what a f**king awesome godly person was!


    Pandas were China''s national treasure, and that line of ''whoever offends the mighty nation of China, however distant, shall be destroyed'' were ''2''''s original words. Hence, there was no doubt that this virus was produced by ''2''!


    Fang Xiaoshui tapped on herputer when she suddenly shouted, "I just got news that more than ten Korean hackers were infected with the virus. They...might not even be able to attack anymore!"


    The moment she said that, all the cyber-police in the office looked towards Dong Zhiqiang.


    No matter how thick Dong Zhiqiang''s skin was, he could not help but turn red. He was so embarrassed that he wished he could kill himself by smashing his head in. This time, he had lost so much face!


    A diversion?


    A trapped enemy allows rxation?


    The leader had changed?


    Poised?


    As Dong Zhiqiang thought about his analysis from before, he felt the urge to vomit blood, so you f**didn''t have any f**king schemes at all! So you f**king didn''t have any ns! It was because they were all hit with a virus that they were unable tounch any further attacks!


    Dong Zhiqiang coughed and forcefully said, "About this. With my years of experience, I had actually anticipated that. As inte surveince workers..." He hurriedly tried to tide the situation over.


    Fang Xiaoshui listened intently.


    Meng Yi''s mouth twitched, but he was nodding his head.


    "Yes."


    "Yes."


    "Leader, you are right."


    Everyone said in unison.


    Eventually, Dong Zhiqiang could tell and angrily cursed with a wave of his hand, "All of you stop acting! If you want tough, thenugh!"


    Fang Xiaoshui nearly sprayed the water out of her mouth as tears nearly fell from her eyes from herughing!


    Meng Yi and Zhang Er were also bending over their desksughing, "Hahahaha!"


    Dong Zhiqiang felt depressed. F**k, I''ve worked inwork criminal investigation for more than ten years, yet I screwed up big this time!

 Chapter 438: I don’t care!

    <h4>Chapter 438: I don''t care! </h4>


    Chapter 438: I don''t care!


    First Department.


    "Hahaha!"


    "Aiyo, I can''t take it anymore!"


    "Enough, that''s enough!" Dong Zhiqiang stared.


    Everyone wasughing, except Fan Yingyun, who did not move. She was sitting in front of herputer with a deadpan expression, tapping on her keyboard. It was unknown what she was doing.


    "Officer Fan, what are you doing?" Dong Zhiqiang looked over curiously.


    Upon hearing this, Fang Xiaoshui also looked at her, "Sister Fan?"


    Meng Yi was closest to Fan Yingyun, and when he looked back, he saw her screen. There was a picture panda burning incense that immediately entered his eyes. Meng Yi was momentarily shocked, "Holy sh*t! Panda Burning Incense! Sis Fan! What are you doing? Is yourputer infected?"


    "Ah?"


    "What?"


    Upon hearing this, everyone crowded around her!


    Fan Yingyun did not think too much about it. "What are you shouting for? Don''t make a big hooha. If you keep doing that, you''ll give me a fright. It''s just a virus. I purposely went to a Korean message board to find the ''Panda Burning Incense'' and sandboxed it. I want to see its destructive power."


    Dong Zhiqiang hurriedly said, "Don''t y with fire!"


    Zhang Er was also extremely nervous. "That''s right. This virus has already been issued a red alert by the Global Malware Protection Center. It''s an extremely dangerous virus. If you aren''t careful, the entire Inte Surveince Bureau might be infected. Since it has mostly infected Korea, it also has nothing to do with our Inte Surveince Bureau. It''s best to avoid it as best as we can. You sure are good. Why did you deliberately bring it here? Don''t you infect China''sputers!"


    Fan Yingyun was a daredevil as she leered at them. "Do you think I''m like all of you? Since I dared to download the virus, I definitely have my means of controlling it, so what if it''s a red alert? It still boils down that it''s just a worm virus. There is definitely a way to eliminate and control it. Let me study it first. If the virus really spreads to China''s borders, then we wouldn''t be blind. We would be prepared and have the tools required to kill it."


    Dong Zhiqiang said with a frown, "You should leave that to the relevant departments. There are ces in charge of this. If we can''t, there''s still anti-viruspanies. Isn''t it too risky to do it in our Inte Surveince Bureau?"


    At this moment, someone came in!


    They were the leaders of the Inte Surveince Bureau!


    Dong Zhiqiang was stunned. "Chief Zhao!"


    Vice Chief Zhao nodded and then stood behind Fan Yingyun with the other leaders. "Teacher Fan, do you know anything about the virus?"


    Fan Yingyun did not even turn around. "I''m studying it now."


    When Vice Chief Zhao saw Fan Yingyun''s desktop screen, he too had a fright. "Take it easy. This virus is extremely infectious. I just received news from Korea that a rough estimate of the number of PC users that have been infected by the Panda Burning Incense has already reached 30,000!"


    Ah?


    30,000!


    Everyone in the First Department stared widely at each other!


    Another leader asked, "Officer Fan, you are a professional in this. In terms of programming, you are also an expert. Have you discovered anything?"


    Fan Yingyun smiled and said, "I only gave it a general perusal. It''s not surprising that this virus can infect so many machines so quickly. The creator of the virus is a genius and also has some good ideas. This variant of the Panda Burning Incense virus nearly pushes the danger and uniqueness of a worm virus to its limits. The infected user will constantly reconnect to the inte and spread the virus through e-mails. If an editor on a discussion board is infected, this Panda Burning Incense would also automatically be included in the document. Those who download it will also be infected, and the infected machine will BSOD, hang, or get caught in an infinite reboot loop. There would be no way to reinstall the system, etc."


    Vice Chief Zhao said with a heavy face, "Then I''ll inform the Malware Protection Center. We need to publish a warning too. This virus is too dangerous!"


    However, Fan Yingyun said, "There''s no need."


    Vice Chief Zhao asked, "Why?"


    Everyone else was listening.


    Fan Yingyun pointed at her screen and said, "When I downloaded the Panda Burning Incense virus, I made a sample and tested it on another system. However, what surprised me was that the destructive power was not asrge as I imagined. At leastpared to the situation of the infectedputers in Korea, it''s nothing like that. In the beginning, I thought it was just a coincidence. Maybe myputer was an outlier, but I do not think so. When the creator of the virus, ''2'' created it, the source code must have included a program that targeted Koreannguage operating systems. As for English or Chinese operating systems, although they will be attacked due to the core logic of the virus,pared to a Korean operating system, the infected status would be much less severe."


    Fang Xiaoshui eximed, "When ''2'' designed the source code, he only targeted Korean operating systems?"


    Fan Yingyun said, "I still need to conduct further tests. I still need to study it a bit more, but I don''t believe I''m far from the truth. That''s what my experience tells me."


    Vice Chief Zhao blinked. "Is your analysis reliable?"


    Fan Yingyun tsked at him. "My analysis is definitely more reliable than any of yours. I''m a teacher in professional programming. I''ve been teaching this for more than ten years, so don''t question my professionalism!"


    Vice Chief Zhao was not angry and after hearing her exnation, he had a general idea. "Are there any ways to solve it? I''m saying, if the virus really invades China en masse, even if it is not as destructive as it was in Korea, it would still be dangerous. Do we have anything against it?"


    Fan Yingyun looked at him, "You should ask that question to people from the Malware Protection Center or relevant departments from anti-viruspanies. They all have the proper equipment and manpower. I have nothing on my hands, so all I can do is study it on the surface. Expecting me toe up with a solution with this crappyputer would take me years."


    Another leader said, "Officer Fan, everyone knows of your skill level. You are much better than security experts and programmers. It''s just that the resulting repercussions of this virus is too much. Besides, that ''2'' is a Chinese hacker. The higher-ups have paid attention to this matter and even made a call to the Chief, so this mission is closely rted to the Inte Surveince Bureau. If you have any means, you have to tell us."


    Dong Zhiqiang said, "Officer Fan?"


    Fang Xiaoshui also said with a learning attitude, "Sister Fan, how should we handle such a virus?"


    After leering at them, Fan Yingyun said, "To produce a tool to kill it or a patch for the virus, I cannot do one now. This requires too much equipment and a lot of manpower. It might even need a patch from the operating system''spany, but just to deal with this virus, there are many ways."


    Saying that, she began doing something.


    She checked the Administrator group member''s password. It was empty. She right clicked on My Computer and chose the manage option. She checked the local users and groups. On the right window, she chose a user with administrative rights and right clicked, setting a password, and set a new one. It was abination of letters and numbers. She then clicked Start, Run, and ''gpedit'', MSC, and opened the Group Policy Editor before navigating through Computer Configuration, Administrative Temtes, System, and in the right pane, chose to switch off Auto-y. The default setting was ''Not Configured''. In the radio box, she choose ''Enabled'' and then confirmed her selection and closed. Finally, at Start, she typed gpupdate, and after confirming, the policy was established. She had switched off Auto-y.


    "Done." A few simple operations and with a word of Fan Yingyun, she used this new environment and a third operating system to transfer the Panda Burning Incense virus.


    The virus entered.


    However, it did not do a thing!


    Everyone was stunned. "It''s that simple?"


    Fan Yingyun said, "Aputer virus isn''t AIDS. Don''t think of it to be so terrible. Since it''s a worm virus, then it must have certain worm virus rules governing it. By finding the infection matter, and anyone with someputing experience will be able to easily defend against it. Don''t think of how fast the virus spreads. The virus'' source code can''t have been tooplex. The password might be a bit moreplex, and to switch off Auto-y, then as long as you aren''t retarded enough to click on the virus, it shouldn''t work."


    Even if everyone present was not an expert, they were all professionals, so they understood immediately!


    "I''ll set it up!" Everyone followed Fan Yingyun''s instructions.


    Vice Chief Zhao immediatelyughed and said, "Great, with this, our Inte Surveince Bureauputers will at least be that much safer. Teacher Fan indeed has the ideas!"


    Fan Yingyun said, "However, this is just a stop-gap measure. Topletely rid this virus, there still needs to be a further step of reverse engineering the program and finding a way to eliminate it."


    Vice Chief Zhao said, "Then I''ll be relying on you."


    Dong Zhiqiang immediately said, "Officer Fan, if there is anything you need, equipment, manpower, we can give it all to you."


    Another leader said, "That''s right. We will give you anything you need."


    Although cracking a virus was in no way the Inte Surveince Bureau''s responsibility, it was still rted to them. If they were the first to crack this virus and produce a tool to eliminate it, then their Inte Surveince Bureau would surely be famous!


    However, no one expected Fan Yingyun to retort, "If you want to do it, do it yourself. I need to go home and sleep!"


    Vice Chief Zhao said in dismay, "Why?"


    Fan Yingyun never minced her words and said directly, "I don''t like the look of those Koreans. You want me to go through all the trouble to create an elimination tool for them overnight? To save them? You think I''m f**king sick!?" Saying that, Fan Yingyun picked up her coat and walked out the office under the stares of everyone. She went home!


    Dong Zhiqiang: "..."


    Vice Chief Zhao: "..."


    Fang Xiaoshui and Meng Yi had simr thoughts. Those Korean hackers had been very provocative, cursing and invading them. They suffered all day, and now that they deservingly upset a godly person from China, they only had themselves to me. There was no reason for them, the Inte Surveince Bureau, to go through so much effort just to help them create a virus elimination tool! Oh, so when you were fighting us, you were all arrogant. Now you got screwed by our godly person, we still have to help you wipe your asses? Based on what!? How can there be such a good thing!?


    You''ve made trouble for yourselves?


    Then clear up after yourselves!


    On this matter, other than the Inte Surveince Bureau''s leaders, the other colleagues stood on the same side as Fan Yingyun!

 Chapter 439: The virus rages on!

    <h4>Chapter 439: The virus rages on! </h4>


    Chapter 439: The virus rages on!


    Korea.


    The spread of the virus intensified!


    Panda Burning Incense had already made its way around all of Korea. Personalputers, enterpriseputers, governmentputers, none of them were able to escape as the virus continuously emanated!


    On the Korean inte, no one was paying anymore attention to the hacker war or Lee Anson. There were only voices of condemnation!


    "I''ve been infected too!"


    "This is so depressing! I have to reinstall everything again! It''s all gone!"


    "F**k me! I reinstalled my system just 10 minutes ago, but I got infected by Panda Burning Incense when I went online again! What the hell is with this virus!"


    "Those Chinese hackers are such bastards!"


    "This is pushing it too far!"


    "This is infuriating! My poorputer!"


    "How many people have been infected so far?"


    "There are no reports from the government, but I heard that there''s already tens of thousands!"


    "Oh my god! Just what kind of virus is this!? The author of it is too wicked!"


    "My fiveputers at home, mine, my sister''s, my brother''s, my wife''s, my parents, all of them have been infected by Panda Burning Incense!"


    "Hit back at them!"


    "Where the hell are our hackers? Hit back at them!"


    "Don''t bother calling them out anymore. I''ve just received some news that they were infected as well. They''re probably too busy trying to save their own systems to even think of retaliation!"


    "JIN and his team got infected too?"


    "But they''re world ss hackers!"


    "Holy sh*t! What kind of a person did we offend this time!?"


    ......


    At home.


    Zhang Ye was still awake. He looked at the results of his battle and was rather surprised by it. The speed at which the virus spread was faster than he had expected. It seemed like the virus had raged with more damage than it had in his previous world, possibly because this world''swork security was too well made and the anti-virus softwares were too powerful, leading users to have a false sense of security. This was probably what contributed the most to the fast spreading of Panda Burning Incense!


    But was that all?


    Was he going to just wash his hands clean of this matter now?


    Of course not. This was only just the beginning. A grandson like Zhang Ye would have a lot more tricks up his sleeves, like this one.....


    He entered a few keystrokes quickly and thenunched a Korean trantion software.


    It''s done!


    Brought to a sessfulpletion!


    Let''s start another wave!


    ......


    The most affected victim was Lee Anson''s agency and his circle of friends. This was the focus spot of Panda Burning Incense. Other than Lee Anson''sputer being taken over by the "Panda", the 125 otherputers in his managementpany had been infected as well. His friends'' personalputers and some entertainmentpanies, which had dealings with him, were also infected!


    A lot of them gave a call to Lee Anson.


    "Lee Anson, what kind of contract document did you send to me! Why was it infected with a virus! Theputers at my office have all been infected as well! What the heck are you doing?"


    "Director Park, myputer was infected as well. I, I really didn''t know how."


    "This matter all started because of you! Those hackers from China came for you! You better watch your back this time! Don''t send me any emails ever again!"


    "I''m sorry, Director Park. I''m really sorry."


    "I''m hanging up!"


    Lee Anson was also very furious as he had a lot of important documents and data on hisputer. He immediately formatted his hard drive and reinstalled the operating system. Theputer was restored very quickly and he searched for his files. Hu, luckily they were still there. He then went online to continue his half finished work, carefully checking each time he clicked on a link or before opening his mail. He felt very tense.


    Eh?


    This was?


    Lee Anson suddenly discovered on a forum that someone had announced a "Panda Burning Incense" removal tool. Other than him, many other Koreans saw it as well!


    "Great!"


    "Our efficiency is really good!"


    "Awesome!"


    "We came up with a removal tool so quickly! It even does preventions for future infections?"


    "Hahaha, there''s nothing to be afraid of anymore!"


    Lee Anson and countless other Korean citizens rushed to download it. They were very excited as they finally found a solution to their problem!


    Then, just as Lee Anson executed the removal tool, he saw a familiar image of a panda again. It appeared on hisputer desktop!


    "F**k me!" Lee Anson nearly cried!


    He had been infected again!


    This removal tool was really a virus!


    Those who had download this removal tool had all been tricked!


    ......


    Somewhere in the Inte Surveince Bureau.


    Meng Yi cried out, "Hey, a removal tool for the Panda Burning Incense virus has been released!"


    "So fast?" Fang Xiaoshui asked in surprise, "Looks like there are a lot of experts over there too."


    Seeing that the leader was not around, Zhang Er muttered, "What a pity. If it was released at ater time, they would have had more systems infected. That would have taught them a lesson!"


    A cyber-policewoman sighed, "It''s too bad. It seems that their lives are blessed."


    Fang Xiaoshui said, "Let''s download it too. It might be useful at ater time."


    But after Fang Xiaoshui downloaded the Korean titled removal tool, she was suddenly startled, "This, this isn''t a removal tool! It''s that damned Panda Burning Incense virus!"


    The other cyber-policewoman nearly spat out her drink when she heard that!


    After Fang Xiaoshui said that, she was at a loss of whether tough or cry too!


    Meng Yi and the other dozen other cyber-police: ".........."


    Needless to ask, this was definitely another ruse of "2"!


    That grandson! This hacker was such a grandson! First, he infected arge number of Korean systems with the Panda Burning Incense worm. When the spread was significant enough, he released a fake removal tool that infected anotherrge number of systems! Just how brutal could you be! Just how much do you hate Koreans!


    When Dong Zhiqiang returned from his meeting to witness this scene, he even felt a little happy. He did not know what to say anymore!


    Such an insidious strategy!


    A hooligan''s trick!


    Did all of thise from a top-ss hacker?


    Dong Zhiqiang and the others were all smiling wryly. Even they had to admit that this strategy was full of deception! Even Dong Zhiqiang and his team, who had so many years of experience doing inte surveince and facing off with hackers and viruses, when met with such a strategy, even they might have fallen for it if they weren''t careful enough, let alone those Koreans citizens! This "2" was too immoral!


    Over at the Korean side, this removal tool had indeed infected anotherrge wave of people. Some people, who were initially quite vignt and did not download any software or open any email attachments had scrambled to download the removal tool when they saw it!


    From there, they were all infected as well!


    After about 10 minutes, the Koreans issued another red alert through the Korean Malware Protection Center. It reminded citizens not to fall for the so-called Panda Burning Incense removal tool, as it was also a virus! On top of that, the relevant Korean departments had applied to the Global Malware Protection Center and several other international securitypanies to ask for assistance. It was said that the virus was being studied at the moment toe up with a solution!


    ......


    At another location.


    YOYOT (USA): "Did you all see that?"


    TOM (UK): "Yes, I never expected ''2'' to attack with a virus. This is one of the most difficult means and hard to implement, but not only did he manage toe up with a new type of virus, he even managed to spread it with so much destruction. I got my hands on the virus to study it just now. The code is notplex, but it''s really destructive. This time, the Koreans are going to get a huge headache!"


    Cepera (Russia): "A red alert for virus hasn''t appeared in how long?"


    Fujiwara (Japan): "Those Korean hackers messed with the wrong guy!"


    Cepera (Russia): "They only have themselves to me. Earlier, the Korean hackers already had an advantage. They should have stopped there after winning, but they got greedy and wanted to do more. Look at them now, they offended ''2''. This unknown expert from China is obviously not someone they can deal with! There''s a saying in China, "There are always people who are better than you". This saying seems very appropriate in this situation now. ''2'' is a really dangerous person! To create a virus and release it in this way is definitely too scary!"


    YOYOT (USA): "I just tested the Panda Burning Incense virus. It''s indeed quite a handful. Anti-virus software or firewalls can''t withstand it at all! This virus variant is like a nude woman, and I discovered that it seems this virus'' programming only targets Koreannguage operating systems, and is less destructive towards any other operating systems. It seems ''2'' held back this time. If ''2'' were to go all out in spreading the virus, doing freely as he pleased, I wonder what the inte would be like if that were to happen. We might even sumb to it. JIN is doomed. It looks like he messed with someone he shouldn''t have!"


    Who was ''2''?


    Where did this godly person jump out from?


    These words appeared in the minds of the hackers and programmers all over the world who were watching the situation. China was truly filled with hidden masters!


    ......


    On China''s side.


    Many people were staying up all night to keep tabs on the situation!


    When they saw the Koreans issue the red alert, and how the Panda Burning Incense had wrecked havoc in Korea, these citizens, who were waiting in front of theirputers, felt uplifted. They began crying out with joy!


    "Awesome!"


    "This is blood boiling!"


    "We''ve finally sought revenge!"


    "Great!"


    "It feels so good!"


    "God ''2'' is too awesome!"


    "Our national treasures, pandas, have rushed out of the country!"


    "Whoever offends the mighty nation of China, however distant, shall be destroyed! Every time I see this godly person''s words, I feel excited!"


    "Who the f**k said our China''sworking skills are bad? See! Come round and take a look! Our China also has top world-ss hackers!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "The Koreans sure got unlucky this time!


    "We let you remain arrogant! We let you show off!"


    "I don''t think this is good, right? Aputer virus is against thew after all!"


    "The person above me, are you sick? Those hackers from Korea illegally essed our websites, and that''s not against thew? So they are right? When our gods are angered and step forward to fight back, it now bes our own fault? I support god ''2'' unconditionally! It''s so empowering!"


    "Me too!"


    "Same here, supporting unconditionally!"


    "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth!"


    "Right, so they are allowed to initiate it, but we are not allowed to follow up?"


    "Delightful! That bunch of retards! This time, they got themselves into big trouble!"


    A Panda Burning Incense was enough to wreck havoc throughout the world. Everyone in Korea was looking out for themselves. The entire world was staring at them. They were on high alert, worried their own countries would be affected. This was a cyber-disaster. It was the most devastating and serious inte virus in Korean history!


    Firewalls could not intercept it!


    Anti-virus software could do nothing against it!


    Security experts were helpless against it!


    China and their national treasure, pandas, outrageously appeared onputer afterputer in Korea. They were not here for invasion, nor was it an act of aggression. It seemed like their appearance was to tell Korea and the entire world one thing. "Whoever offends the mighty nation of China, however distant, shall be destroyed!"


    50,000!


    100,000!


    200,000!


    Panda Burning Incense swept throughout Korea!

 Chapter 440: The world’s top 10 viruses!

    <h4>Chapter 440: The world''s top 10 viruses! </h4>


    Chapter 440: The world''s top 10 viruses!


    The next day.


    Morning.


    It was the 4th day of the new year.


    After a tiresome night, Zhang Ye crawled out of his bed and took a peek through the gap in his curtains. He realized that it was already bright outside. It was not natural brightness of the sun, but rather a kind of reflective type that didn''t seem natural. It was around 7AM and was not a time when the sun would be shining in. He unwillingly threw aside his nket and stretched himself before walking towards the curtains and drawing them open to take a look outside.


    Oh!


    It was snowing!


    The snow was reflecting the sunlight. No wonder it looked different from usual daylight!


    He looked at his watch. It was almost time to leave for the Inte Surveince Bureau. After he washed up, he wanted to go over to thendy''s house to scrounge for breakfast, but after knocking on the door for a long time, no one answered. There was probably no one at home. Zhang Ye put on his coat, got into his recently returned BMW X5 bulletproof car, and drove straight to the Inte Surveince Bureau''spound. The sound made by the wheels cruising over the thickyer of snow on the ground sounded calmingly soothing.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    His mother called.


    She said, "Son, are youing back tomorrow?"


    Zhang Ye said, "No, mom. I still have some work to do today."


    His mother said, "It''s already the 5th day tomorrow. Come home and have some dumplings."


    Zhang Ye said, "I really can''t. Maybe on the 15th. I should be home on the 15th. A friend of mine help me get out from detainment, remember? It''s because I''ve been requested to assist at the Inte Surveince Bureau that I managed to get out. I have to be present here so that they can answer to their superiors."


    His mother wondered, "Inte Surveince Bureau? I was just watching the news with your dad. We heard that some sort ofputer virus was spreading throughout Korea. It sounded like it was pretty formidable since Central TV warned the viewers to be careful in case the virus infects our country as well."


    Zhang Yeughed, "Even Central TV reported about it?"


    "Yes. It was reported during the morning news. I just saw it." His mother told him, "You be careful too, don''t get infected by that virus, or it will hold up your work."


    Zhang Ye thought to himself it would be funny if he got infected by it. After all, he was the one who created it!


    When he reached the officepound, he parked the car by the roadside and went to buy some newspapers. The television and online media gave a lot of coverage to this ''Panda Burning Incense'' virus. Zhang Ye had not expected it to get so much attention. Because this world was too safe fromputer viruses, it was a rare urrence and even if it did happen, it would usually be prevented from doing any damage by firewalls and anti-virus softwares. This ''Panda Burning Incense'' was widely reported due to its widespread destruction. In the history ofputers in this world, aputer virus of this scale did not happen very often, thus it could easily be ranked amongst the top 10 viruses to ever exist!


    "Panda Burning Incense and its creator, ''2''"!


    "National treasure''s image tarnished"!


    "Korea faces disastrousputer virus"!


    "Latest estimate of Koreanputers to be infected by the virus: 500,000"!


    "The disastrous fallout from a hackers'' war"!


    "Panda Burning Incense creator ''2'' wanted by the Korean government"!


    "Latest update from Korea: Research into the Panda Burning Incense virus has made a major breakthrough"!


    ......


    Inte Surveince Bureau.


    At the office of the First Department.


    There weren''t many people around today. Fan Yingyun wasn''t here. Instead, a few unfamiliar faces were around. They were likely to be from the First Department as well and were probably recalled toe back to workst night.


    Fang Xiaoshui looked up, "Teacher Zhang is here."


    Zhang Ye greeted, "Good morning."


    Meng Yi suddenly said, "Teacher Zhang, you left too earlyst night, so you might not have heard about it, but there was some troublest night. Let me tell you a little bit about it." He delightfully ryed to him what had happened from the time of the fresh wave of attacks from the Korean hackers to how the Panda Burning Incense virus ravaged through Korea.


    Zhang Ye pretended not to know a thing and even acted surprised to hear everything.


    A cyber-policewoman said, "After this incident, I don''t suppose that those Korean hackers will ever dare to offend China again."


    "That''s not necessarily true." An old cyber-policeman said, "That bunch of people can do anything and it would not surprise me. They are probably even thinking about taking revenge as we speak."


    Fang Xiaoshui rolled her eyes, "It was them who started this whole incident in the first ce, and now they want revenge?"


    Meng Yi shook his head, "When have that bunch of Koreans ever been reasonable? Don''t you already know that from past incidents. Other than political issues, just look at the cases of those Korean celebrities who have caused so many disputes on ournd, things like diva behavior, stampede incidents, and scolding our citizens. When have any of them ever been resolved before? There was only one time it was resolved." He looked over to Zhang Ye, "It was the time when Teacher Zhang Ye intervened, but the other matters were just left hanging and there was no apology at all, so how could you expect them to speak reason?"


    A person that Zhang Ye had never seen before said, "It still boils down to the person. There are many reasonable people in Korea too, but most of their citizens have primarily misguided stereotypes of ethnicities."


    Meng Yi said, "There''s no need to make excuses for them. It is as I have seen. Even if I want to believe that there are nice people there too, I''ve never seen any before!"


    Fang Xiaoshui did not join in on their conversation, but instead walked over to Zhang Ye''s side, "Sister Fan created a fix to prevent infection from the Panda Burning Incense virusst night. Yourputer hasn''t been patched yet, so let me help you with it."


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure, thanks a lot!"


    Zhang Ye was not surprised as this virus was not really thatplex. A highly skilled person, like Fan Yingyun, being able toe up with a fix almost immediately was not really that surprising either.


    After patching, Fang Xiaoshui looked at theptop on Zhang Ye''s table and said, "Oh, theptop you have there is one of the higher end models."


    Zhang Yeughed, "I just use it to y games."


    Fang Xiaoshui said, "Here, let me help you patch that too, so that you won''t get infected with the virus."


    "It''s alright." Zhang Ye declined, "Thisptop doesn''t have inte ess, so it won''t get infected."


    Fang Xiaoshui said, "This virus is really destructive. Even if you aren''t connected to the inte, you might identally get it. You''re not a professional like us who deal with these on a daily basis. Since you aren''t too familiar with the inte and viruses, you might identally activate the virus. If that happens, it would be a great loss of thatptop. It''s better to be safe than sorry, don''t you think?"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "It''s really fine. Thanks anyway. I only y single yer games on this. It''s fine even if I get infected, there''s no important data on theputer anyway."


    Fang Xiaoshui said, "Then it''s OK since you don''t have anything important on it."


    Of course Zhang Ye wouldn''t let anyone handle thisptop of his.


    Shortly after, people starteding into the office for work. Fan Yingyun also shuffled in slowly to the office when she saw Zhang Ye and greeted him, "Teacher Zhang, good morning."


    Zhang Ye waved back, "Morning, Officer Fan."


    Fan Yingyun did not bother with the others and sat down.


    The other colleagues were not offended by Officer Fan''s attitude towards them, but instead came up to her to say good morning. Fang Xiaoshui even came up to Fan Yingyun to ask her for advice regarding theputer virus.


    "Sister Fan, take a look at this code....."


    "I''m not free."


    "Erm, help me take a look at it, please?"


    ......


    Korea.


    Malware Protection Center.


    In an office of a certain corporation.


    A programmer suddenly stood up and shouted, "It''s cracked! I''ve found the way to kill the virus!"


    "Great!"


    "It''s finally been cracked!"


    "I haven''t slept for over 12 hours now!"


    "Quick, quick, release the news and get in contact with the anti-viruspanies to update the virus database!"


    It was a scene of tion!


    After 7-8 hours of overnight work under the lead of the Korean Malware Protection Center, along with the assistance of several other anti-viruspanies and several nationalputer virus organizations, the Panda Burning Incense virus had finally been cracked! The organization officially announced this news to let everyone know that any infected systems no longer needed to be reformatted to be rid of the virus. It could easily be removed as long as the virus definitions had been updated, or with a specific patching tool. It would even prevent the system from being infected again!


    Several nations had coborated on this!


    So, of course, a solution was developed so quickly!


    ......


    YOYOT (USA): "It''s been fixed?"


    TOM (UK): "I heard so. That was pretty quick."


    Fujiwara (Japan): "In addition to all of those activated programmers in Korea, JIN, 59-V, and a few other top hackers helped too. That''s why it was developed so quickly. The virus code was not thatplex to begin with, so it wasn''t impossible to break the code."


    47 (USA): "We can enjoy the show again."


    TOM (UK): "What show? You think that JIN and the others won''t take this lying down? They will go back to take revenge? It can''t be? They should know that they are no match for ''2''. At least in terms of creating a virus, ''2'' is much stronger than them. Will JIN and 59-V still take that risk? They can''t possibly not understand that? This ''2'' was already quite merciful since he held back regarding this matter. If they really anger ''2'' and he retaliates with yet another virus, it would be a disaster. We might even suffer coteral damage should that virus spread globally!"


    Cepera (Russia): "The Koreans will not admit defeat easily, I feel like they won''t give up so easily either. The other top hackers in Korea might even decide to join in to smoke this ''2'' out so that their anger could be appeased."


    ......


    On the other side.


    59-V: "My system has been patched! F**k! My system is finally back up and running again! That ''2''! I''m not going to forgive him! The virus code was actually so simple!"


    Jen: "JIN, we need to get our revenge!"


    JIN: "What do the others feel?"


    A number of Korean hackers agreed!


    "Revenge!"


    "We need to take revenge!"


    "Never going to take this lying down!"


    "The Panda Burning Incense virus has been resolved with a removal and patching tool, why should we be scared of him now? Let''s continue attacking! Kill them all!"


    "F**k, we need to make them know what happens when they offend us!"


    "Who could ever take this lying down!"


    After a moment, JIN announced: "Alright then. Since everyone seems to agree to it, we will attack once again. Everyone, make your preparations, especially with the Panda Burning Incense removal tool and patch. That is a must. In case we encounter it again, we at least need to be prepared. If you are intending to use a trojan or virus for your attack and need to turn off your firewall and anti-virus softwares temporarily, you can PM me. I will let you know how to change your settings to prevent the Panda Burning Incense from infecting you while your firewall is down. The virus is really not thatplicated since it only needs some settings to be changed to prevent Auto-y. That is the basic prevention method. Unless you execute the program yourself, you''d be fine otherwise."


    "Help me with that."


    "Me too, God JIN please advise me."


    "Let''s poise ourselves for attack. The next wave is about to begin!"


    "Fuck! Let''s hit them with a heavy blow this time! They need to have a taste of their own medicine!"


    "I won''t rest until I get them all, those bunch of Chinese!"


    "Right, I won''t rest until our goals has been met!"


    A hundred over Korean hackers were about to attack as others continued to join. Some were newbies, but there were also seasoned experts. Some were even programmers from the anti-viruspanies who anonymously joined under their own persona. After a national ''cmity'', they were all hungry for revenge.


    Other than them, many Korean citizens felt the same way!


    A lot ofmoners and even some Korean corporations had expressed their attitudes towards this!


    "The virus has been killed!"


    "That ''2'' won''t be able to be cocky anymore!"


    "Without this killer tool, what can the Chinese do! Let''s kill them! Dear gods, we are all depending on you! You must seek revenge for us Koreans!"


    "Don''t let us bleed for nothing!"


    "Haha, I expected it to be some scary virus, but it turned out to be so weak! Just a few hours and a fix has already been developed? That''s all they can do!"


    "Here''s urging everyone to boycott Chinese products!"


    "Right, don''t buy Chinese products. If we see any Chinese, we should curse them!"


    "Let''s get back at them! Get them!"


    "Do they think we''ll be afraid just like that? They''re underestimating us! It''s just a simple virus! Let''s see how long you can stay arrogant? Everyone, go! Those who can attack, attack! Those who cannot, stay behind and keep scolding them! There are trantion software avable online and there''s no need to worry about the Panda Burning Incense anymore either!"


    Meanwhile, Lee Anson''s official ount also posted something. He strongly condemned the virus attack and called on everyone to denounce the Chinese! Yes, he did not ask them to denounce ''2'' or anyone else. He wrote it out in ck and white to denounce the Chinese! After the crisis that was the Panda Burning Incense, Lee Anson had jumped out again with his manager and agency!


    Even the Korean media was in on it as they reported on the Chinese threat to the inte and tried to create a wave of dissent!


    The public opinion was lopsided as the wrath of the Panda Burning Incense did not stay long in their memories. They did not reflect upon the causes that led to it but instead made them even more arrogant!


    ......


    Denounce us?


    They attacked our websites first and after we fought back, they still insisted they weren''t in the wrong? Even calling for a public denouncement of the Chinese?


    You can attack us?


    But we aren''t allowed to fight back?


    Don''t allow us to resist?


    What sort of logic was this!? Are all the rules and logic set by you all? Scram back to where you came from!


    Zhang Ye gave a cold smile after he saw all of this. If only you had learned your lesson and stopped to reflect on your actions. I already stopped and was prepared to let it go, but you all still want to jump on it? Even saying all sorts of nonsense to push your point across? And even publicizing a call to invade ourworks? Even the Korean media and government did not mention the details of this matter either through deliberation or out of negligence, as if they were silently allowing it? Not caring about it at all? You are the officials and represent your country. If your country''s hackers activated a hundred members to attack us, not only are you not checking on it, you even close an eye towards it too?


    Zhang Ye was very disappointed in these people. He was disappointed from top to bottom about this nation of people. He had initially used the virus in hopes of teaching them a lesson and to make them understand that the Chinese weren''t weak or wrong. It was considered a warning to them, but who''d have expected that not only did they not learn their lesson, they became even more defiant!


    Then sorry!


    Don''t me me for being ruthless!


    Did you all really think that the Panda Burning Incense was so easy to kill? Did you all think that the virus I released was so simple? Hur Hur, then all of you are too simple minded! If there was anyone present from Zhang Ye''s previous world, they would definitelyugh out loud if they saw what was happening now. Because this was THAT Panda Burning Incense! This was the virus that had infected millions ofputers in his previous world! Yes, it was true that the original source code for Panda Burning Incense was notplex. It could even be said to be really simple, but the scary part of the Panda Burning Incense was basically not because of it''s original source code!


    Fine!


    Not happy, right?


    Thene at us! This time, I will make you all pay!

 Chapter 441: The inexorable panda!

    <h4>Chapter 441: The inexorable panda! </h4>


    Chapter 441: The inexorable panda!


    "No good!"


    "They''re back again!"


    "Damn! Still not done?"


    "They still dare to attack?"


    "Everyone, be careful!"


    "A social forum has been attacked and brought down! Yet anotherrge quantity of words scolding China appeared. Based on the text, it was definitely tranted by some software. It''s those Korean hackers again!"


    A few shouts had broken the peace at the Inte Surveince Bureau!


    Everyone in the First Department telt the tension, cursing under their breaths, as they took positions in front of theirputers, rushing to defend from the attacks.


    Fang Xiaoshui said angrily, "Are theypeting with us on energy levels? Are they not done yet?"


    Meng Yi was also very angry, "The point is, why is the Korean government not doing anything about this at all? Such arge scale invasion of ourworks has already been going on for two days and they didn''t even question what''s going on? They don''t care? Isn''t that the same as condoning the hackers actions?! They just silently approve their hackers attacks on us? That kind of attitude is much too terrible! What kind of people are they? Those leads from the IP addresses that Sister Fan found and submitted to the Korean authorities have all gone unanswered? No one has been caught? Or is it because they don''t n on arresting them at all? This is so infuriating!"


    A young cyber-policeman said, "Maybe they have already arrested them in secret, but just that we are too low ranked to know of this information, but to be honest, their government''s attitude of turning a blind eye towards this matter is really too much!"


    A cyber-policewoman said with a tone of sarcasm, "Didn''t you all see it? Even the Korean media is scolding us on their papers saying that our hackers have caused them a major economic loss and social disruption, but when their country''s hackers illegally infiltrated ourworks and caused us trouble, even going as far as stealing ounts to post insulting words, aren''t they causing social disruption to us too? The Korean media didn''t even mention a single word about it! I''m reallypletely floored by these Koreans! They truly deserve to get scolded by Teacher Zhang Ye! I''m going to rewatch "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" after this case is over. Those Korean insulting segments really are the best! They are a bunch of bastards!"


    When they spoke about Zhang Ye, a few of them looked over to him.


    "Eh? Teacher Zhang? What are you doing?" Fang Xiaoshui looked at him strangely.


    Zhang Ye was typing furiously on his keyboard when he heard him name being called, "I''m writing a document for work."


    Fang Xiaoshui quickly said, "Oh, oh, then I won''t disturb you."


    Fan Yingyun said coldly, "Stop that idle chatter! This bunch of grandsons are already at our doorstep. Quickly go get them, I''ve already caught one. Old Dong, this is one of their IPs!" She wrote it down and passed it to Dong Zhiqiang. In this group of people, Fan Yingyun''s workrate was the fastest and most effective.


    Dong Zhiqiang said excitedly, "Well done! Everyone, raise your spirits. Let''s get through this and after we''re done, I''ll treat everyone!"


    Everyone in the office knew that Zhang Ye was here only for a few days and was here just for show. He probably wouldn''t be here anymore after tomorrow and since they had their hands full now, they did not pay much attention to Zhang Ye anymore. Zhang Ye''s back was facing a window. If anyone walked up behind him, they would definitely discover that he had a window on his screen in which he was enteringplex shellmands and procedural calls. They were soplex that even Fang Xiaoshui might not understand them!


    objMail Send


    Next


    SetobjMapi=Nothing


    SetobjOA=Nothing


    -


    for i=0 to Count


    do


    LoopFiles(Path+SubDir+Strings,Mask);


    FreeAndNil(SubDir);


    end;


    Alright!


    Inputplete!


    Zhang Ye smiled deep down inside, but did not show it on his face. He nced at the busily working staff of the Inte Surveince Bureau and pretended to be busy with his own work as well. Meanwhile, he had connected to the Inte Surveince Bureau''swork and had once again gotten into the Koreanworks. Quietly, he began his "proper" business.


    ......


    JIN: "Be careful, everyone. Remember to cover your tracks to protect yourself. The virus from ''2'' has already been cracked, but there''s still ''FAN''. That''s also another powerful person! You must take note not to get caught!"


    Jen: "Understood!"


    Hyo: "Without the Panda Burning Incense virus, they have nothing that can scare us!"


    59-V still bore a grudge from being infected by the virus. He said, "A virus like that Panda Burning Incense was neverplicated to begin with. It''s just that since the anti-virus database did not have records of such a virus, that ''2'' was able to exploit a loophole, but now, he''s......."


    Up until here, 59-V suddenly disconnected!


    JIN: "59? 59?"


    Jen: "Where''s 59? What''s the matter?"


    JIN: "I don''t know. He''s still online, but why is there no movement from him?"


    Then, 59-V appeared again and the first words he said had left everyone with their mouths agape! They heard him cursing out, "FUCK ME! I''ve been infected again! This ''2'' is seriously a grandson all the way to the end of the earth! There''s no hacker that is as bastardly as him! He even posted a thread on a Korean forum titled ''Song Jimi''s nudes for download''. I just downloaded it and myputer immediately went dead! It''s the Panda Burning Incense! It''s the same virus!"


    Song Jimi �� A famous female Korean celebrity.


    "Ah?"


    "Impossible!"


    JIN also doubtfully said: "You didn''t install the kill tool?"


    59-V said: "I did, but my Auto-y settings were not changed! This is damned to a million fucks! I''m done here! Myputer is going to auto restart soon! I don''t understand what''s going on now! What''s with the kill tool? Didn''t the virus definitions get updated too? Why did I....."


    His avatar dimmed out!


    59-V''s words were cut off there!


    Following that, another 5 hackers got infected!


    "Ah! I''ve been infected too!"


    "The virus is back!"


    "It''s really Panda Burning Incense! It''s still alive!"


    JIN felt his heart turn cold, "Stop the attack! Withdraw! Everyone withdraw! Hurry!"


    Jen was also shocked: "Didn''t the virus already die?"


    Hyo: "Why did this happen? Wasn''t the virus cracked already?"


    JIN snapped out from his daze: "It''s a variant of the Panda Burning Incense! That ''2'' has struck again! He actually had a backup n! We really underestimated our enemy!"


    Variant?


    Virus variant?


    Many of the Korean hackers drew a cold breath!


    JIN said: "Stop! Withdraw now! Everyone, change your settings and disable Auto-y now! This variant of the Panda Burning Incense probably had its source code changed. We have to wait for the Malware Protection Center to crack this one! Before that, don''t act rashly! No one knows how much damage it will cause after it mutates!"


    A bunch of Korean hackers had gone for the kill in high spirits, but had once again mmed into a stone wall. It had only been a few minutes, and they were all sent packing!


    It''s that nasty panda again!


    It''s that inexorable panda again!

 Chapter 442: Panda Burning Incense’s multiple variants!

    <h4>Chapter 442: Panda Burning Incense''s multiple variants! </h4>


    Chapter 442: Panda Burning Incense''s multiple variants!


    At the same time.


    "Song Jimi''s uncensored nudes"?


    "Picture of Chen Quan''s fatal ident"?


    "Lee Anson''s bare face before stic surgery"?


    "Lee Parkwoo and Lee Anson''ste night gay meetup �� high-res photos free for download"?


    One by one, titles describing horrendous events began appearing all over Korean forums and websites. Some of these were even posted on websites while others were spread via email. Once the downloaded images appeared, it caused a frenzy in Korea. The moment many Koreans saw these titles, they all gasped, and clicked on them trembling with excitement. They couldn''t wait for those pictures to be downloaded!


    "That''s fascinating!"


    "There''s such a thing?"


    "Quick, download it before it gets taken down!"


    "I''m downloading it right now!"


    "Such welfare! I''m blessed!"


    "Hehehehe. how can I miss out on such good stuff!"


    ......


    In China.


    Somewhere in the Inte Surveince Bureau.


    Fang Xiaoshui wondered, "Heh, what happened this time, why did they leave again?"


    Meng Yi also realized, "They have withdrawn, what''s going on? Something happened again?"


    The hacked websites were once again restored. This was an identical situation like previously. They disappeared after a short invasion!


    Zhang Er asked, "Director Dong?"


    Dong Zhiqiang had a sunken expression and was just about to make a serious statement, but the moment he thought of the exnation he gave yesterday, leaving him totally embarrassed, he just coughed and did not say anything further.


    Suddenly, a cyber-policewoman said, "Ah, Chen Quan died in an ident? How can it be? I was just watching the news about him yesterday?"


    Another young cyber-police then shouted, "Damn, Lee Anson and Lee Parkwoo were secretly photographed in a gay encounter? Those two had something with each other? That''s impossible!"


    Fang Xiaoshui also saw, "Lee Anson had stic surgery before? This is the first time I''ve heard about this."


    An old cyber-police drew in a deep breath through his nose and said excitedly, "Song Jimi''s.. uncensored nudes?"


    As they had been preparing for battle with the Korean hackers, they had their Korean trantion softwares opened up. Seeing such post titles left them shocked. So much shit had happened in the course of one night? They needed to see this for themselves!


    No one moved.


    Some did not speak, but secretly downloaded the attachments.


    Then, someone was heard cursing, "F**k! It''s the Panda Burning Incense!"


    Someone else also cried, "Holy shit! Everyone, be careful of downloading those titled attachments! It''s a virus! Myputer''s infected! Sis Fan! Sis Fan! We need help!"


    Fan Yingyun nced at them, "Download the kill tool!"


    A youth said, "I''ve download it already, but it was useless. It can''t kill it! The anti-virus was updated too, but there was no warning at all!"


    Fang Xiaoshui was stunned, "Then it can''t be the Panda Burning Incense. The virus definitions were already updated."


    That youth was on the verge of tears, "Look here, it really is the Panda Burning Incense. It''s exactly the same. All of the .exe files transformed into panda icons. What''s going on?"


    Dong Zhiqiang went over, "Let me see!"


    Fan Yingyun also went over, "Huh?"


    The cyber-policeman, whoseputer was infected, was at a loss at whether tough or cry, "This ''2'' has no bearings of a world ss hacker! He''s basically scamming people! How can he use this sort of method to disguise the virus? He''s has no humanity left in him!"


    Fan Yingyun disconnected his LAN cable to prevent the virus from spreading within theirwork before she took over hisputer to take a look. Thereafter, she made some changes to the system and made a frown.


    Dong Zhiqiang quickly asked, "How did this happen?"


    Fan Yingyun''s frown turned into a smile, "This time, those Koreans are in for another headache. This is indeed the Panda Burning Incense from yesterday, but it''s a variant. A variant might ur sometimes on its own due to many possible factors or it could be modified consciously by the virus author. It looks like this ''2'' had it prepared. In the field of creatingputer viruses, he is already at the peak of perfection!"


    Fang Xiaoshui wondered, "''2'' knew that those Korean hackers would attack again, so he hit them with the virus again?"


    Fan Yingyunughed, "I like this person! Right up my alley!"


    Meng Yi asked the leader, "Director Dong, so what do we do now?"


    Dong Zhiqiang thought about it before saying, "Go busy yourselves with your own work, but stay alert. Other matters are not in our jurisdiction, as long as we continue to defend ourworks from attacks." Saying that, he also felt quite happy, "To be able toe up with trickery like this to spread a virus, we can see how difficult this ''2'' can be."


    Fang Xiaoshui also said in a gloating manner, "''2'' has the techniques of a world ss hacker and he is a world ss virus programmer, is talented, and even knows strategy well. No matter where you put them, this kind of a hacker is the most dangerous. Even those top anti-viruspanies do not dare to provoke such people. If they do, it would only mean a lifetime of trouble for them. This time, those Koreans are really down on their luck!"


    Dong Zhiqiang symbolically cautioned, "Watch what you say, Little Fang. Remember which side you are on."


    "Yes, sir." Fang Xiaoshui smiled cheekily.


    Zhang Ye, who was behind them, was listening to everything that they were saying. He did not react or interrupt and just smiled as he continued busying himself with his ''work''. He furiously tapped away at his keyboard doing something unknown.


    ......


    Korea.


    The Malware Protection Center issued a red alert for the third time! A new variant of the Panda Burning Incense had started spreading and could not be stopped by the kill tool! Even the updated virus definitions could not prevent an infection as the Korean Malware Protection Center scrambled to issue the warning to remind Korean citizens not to open any suspicious email attachments or download any files from unknown sources! They also announced the file name that the virus used!


    But that warning hade toote!


    Countless people had already been tricked!


    On the Korean inte, thousands and thousands of people posted in anger!


    "It''s that panda again!"


    "Crap! My newputer''s infected again!"


    "Why can''t it be killed?"


    "What is the Malware Protection Center doing?"


    "Didn''t they already find the prevention method and make a kill tool for it? Why is it not working? The virus definitions were only updated a short while ago, but the virus was able to infect our systems again?"


    "The virus definitions are working fine, but that was only against the first version of Panda Burning Incense. The new variants need to be cracked again, so please wait for a while everyone. We need to trust our programmers. With experience from the previous strain, they should be able toe up with a kill tool very quickly. Even if it''s a variant, it''s still that same Panda Burning Incense. There should definitely be somemon source code that they share. That would help to make the research into cracking it much easier! I do not believe that we can''t eradicate this virus once and for all. Be patient and wait for a bit, our people will surely solve this!"


    "This is so terrible!"


    "It''s too wicked, I thought that Song Jimi''s nude photos had really been leaked!"


    "How can that hacker ''2'' from China even be considered world ss! That bastard is just a hooligan! Does he even have the dignity and ethics of a top ss hacker? Big liar!"


    "Myputer is dead! One year''s worth of work went down the drain!"


    "We need to fight China till the very end! F**k! I''m not finished with them!"


    "Right, we need to duke it out with them all the way!"


    "When the variant''s kill tool is out, I will go and scold them until they die!"


    Less than an hour after having just resolved the catastrophic risk of Panda Burning Incense, the Panda had once again swept through Korea. This was something that no one expected!


    ......


    Korea.


    Malware Protection Center.


    In a certain research department.


    A person scolded, "The new variant''s source code has actually changed since the original? To crack this new variant now would require us to start from scratch!"


    Another person said, "We have only just found a way to crack it and updated the virus database, but he already created a new one? How can he be so fast, did he n this in advance? Was it aimed at us? This is obviously provocation! Everyone, research the new variant with utmost urgency! We need to crack it within two hours! Then we have to update the virus database as soon as possible, otherwise it will be increasingly difficult to control the number of infected systems!"


    A middle aged person said, "It''s already out of control. I have news here that says the number of infected systems has already reached to 800,000!"


    A woman said, "The numbers are snowballing!"


    The person-in-charge said, "Stop talking and concentrate. We need to crack it fast! The deadline has already been set by management! We only have two hours! Hurry!"


    800,000!


    900,000!


    1 million!


    The number of infected systems increased exponentially!


    The reason for thisrge number of infections was partially due to the release of the kill tool by the Korean authorities. Everyone had lowered their guard after they knew that the virus had been cracked. They thought that even if they got infected, it wouldn''t matter since there was a kill tool avable now. Perhaps because of this attitude, it allowed the Panda Burning Incense virus to take off and spread even faster than expected. This spread was very rming and could no longer be controlled!


    The number of infected systems were currently held back and not announced by the Korean authorities. They knew that if this number was announced, it would cause too much confusion and sensationalism, but this expedient measure could not be held back for long and the only way now was to quickly create a countermeasure for this virus, so that everything else could be brought under control. They needed to stop the spread!


    However, after another ten minutes, the Korean Malware Protection Center and anti-viruspanies were plunged into yet another crisis!


    It was not that the Panda Burning Incense variant couldn''t be cracked since they already had the experience from the original virus. Even though the source code was different, there were still simrities. They only needed a little more time before they could crack it and develop a kill tool. What really surprised them was �� The second new variant of the Panda Burning Incense had appeared!


    The difference between the second new variant and the previous variant was that the second variant was much more terrifying! This second variant, after being tested by the Malware Protection Center was shown to be able to prevent anti-virus softwares from updating their virus definitions. It could even block most anti-virus softwares and disable certain functionalities of the firewall!


    Following that!


    A third variant appeared ��This time, it was a Panda Burning Incense that could corrupt document files. It was another new feature that made it not only target .exe files!


    Five minutester, the 4th variant had made its way around Korea!

 Chapter 443: Extermination!

    <h4>Chapter 443: Extermination! </h4>


    Chapter 443: Extermination!


    At the Korean Malware Protection Center, many programmers andputer virus experts witnessed the spread of all these new variants of the Panda Burning Incense. Their hearts turned cold and they felt totally helpless at this point. They finally understood what kind of a god their country had offended. They finally understood just what kind of virus the Panda Burning Incense had turned out to be!


    The original source code was simple?


    It''s concept was notplex?


    This virus was no big threat?


    Looking back now, they felt that those words of theirs were a joke. Those words had turned into the hands of ''2'' which smacked them in their faces, hard!


    The terrifying thing about the Panda Burning Incense was not its sudden appearance or theck of preparedness by the anti-viruspanies, but its variants!


    "Heavens!"


    "Four variants!"


    "What do we do?"


    "Quickly crack them! Hurry!"


    "There are four variants, how can we crack them? We don''t have enough manpower!"


    "We used a whole night to crack the original version of Panda Burning Incense, but now there are four variants. This....."


    "Damn that ''2''!"


    "Crap! This time, we''re done for!"


    "We can''t stop the spread of this virus!"


    "Quickly send out an alert!"


    "That ''2'' is really going all out to get us!"


    The Korean Malware Protection Center issued four red alerts as the rm rang out one after another to warn the public. It felt very pathetic!


    When the Korean citizens heard that the Panda Burning Incense virus was wreaking havoc again, they immediately thought about the kill tool that the Malware Protection Center had spent an entire night developing. It was useless now? Four different variants appeared at once? The citizens were thrown into a panic as theypletely turned pale!


    "Ah!"


    "My anti-virus has been disabled!"


    "My firewall is useless! It''s been deactivated by the Panda Burning Incense!"


    Sounds of wailing could be heard all throughout Korea. These sounds signaled that the panda has once again struck!


    1.2 million!


    1.3 million!


    The number of infected systems continued to rise!


    At this moment, the Korean inte was in a frenzy!


    The Americans fell silent!


    The Russians fell silent!


    The whole world fell silent!


    At this point, manyworking andputer experts expressed concern regarding the situation. Seeing how new variants of Panda Burning Incense constantly appeared left and right caused everyone to be speechless!


    YOYOT (USA): "Never forget this ''2''. This person is crazy! Even if you are a genius inputer viruses, do not ever mess with him unless it''s ast resort!"


    47 (USA): "Mess with him? I know it now that towards such a god, I will never mess with him. That person''s too merciless! He has ruthless skills, but his personality is even more ruthless!"


    TOM (UK): "What the f**k! Quickly go and see, there''s another new variant. That''s already the fifth one! Although the one''s source code looks simr to the second one, it''s still a new variant!"


    Fujiwara (Japan): "He still has more variants??"


    Cepera (Russia): "I really cannot imagine how many variants this Panda Burning Incense virus has! Is that ''2'' really going to go all out? The way he''s going, is he really intending to destroy all theputers in Korea?"


    47 (USA): "God damn it! The sixth and seventh variants have appeared as well!"


    TOM (UK): "That''s crazy! ''2'' really wants to make Korea beg for mercy in a single breath!"


    YOYOT (USA): "Korea''s done for. There are too many variants to the point that even if all the countries'' Malware Protection Centers and anti-viruspanies work together to crack them, they would not be able to keep up with the variant viruses that ''2'' is releasing. Korea has met a catastrophe!"


    Fujiwara (Japan): "Crazy! This is really the craziest of crazies! I don''t wish to meet someone like that ever, it''s a nightmare!"


    TOM (UK): "Yea, no one would be able to bear such a massive bombardment of variant viruses. Those Koreans were really too cocky this time. If only they had admitted defeat during the first attack by the Panda Burning Incense or just kept quiet and faded away, then this might not have happened! Those Koreans were too full of themselves! And now they''re paying for it!"


    Who could ''2'' be?


    At this time, the whole world was asking the same question!


    ......


    JIN: "Get ''2''! Expose his identity! Do whatever it takes! "


    Jen: "We can''t get him. He hasn''t even shown himself!"


    Hyo: "The eighth variant has appeared! It''s over! This time it''s really over!"


    A hacker said: "Go take a look at the inte, quick! This eighth variant will redirect your browser to a webpage, it''s a homepage!"


    Everyone could see it!


    Computers that were infected by the eighth variant would attempt to redirect to a specific website on their browsers every ten seconds. The webpage disyed some Korean and Chinese characters:


    [We will not attack!


    Unless we are attacked!


    If we are attacked, we will certainly counterattack!]


    JIN cursed: "The variants are actually all different! This bastard, just how many cards does he have left! He''s still hiding so many of them?"


    Jen: "How can one persone up with so many variants of a virus? Even for an extremely skilled programmer or highly experienced virus coder, they couldn''t possibly get so many out in such a short amount of time, right?"


    Many of the Korean hackers had fallen silent by now!


    It was scary!


    This was such a scary hacker!


    A really scary family of viruses!


    59-V appeared online again, possibly after restoring hisputer, "JIN! The Malware Protection Center said that to crack these eight virus variants, it will probably take them one or even two days time! What should we do?"


    Hyo: "Son of a bitch! This time we''ve lost miserably!"


    A Korean hacker said: "If we knew that there was such a dangerous hacker in China, we would not have attacked them. Now......."


    It was toote to say anything!


    Right now, Korea was faced with the most destructivework infiltration and infection in its entire history. Looking at the situation, it seemed like they had beenpletely annihted!


    JIN: "Stop. As long as we have some programmers, we can help to crack the virus variants! Let''s not waste any time in creating a kill tool! That ''2'' is a human being too, so he can''t possibly have three heads and six arms! The worm virus'' eight variants all use different source codes, so it''s already its limit. As long as we can crack them all, ''2'' will lose all his trump cards! We can still gain back what we lost and more! We can still win!"


    Jen: "Let me help!"


    Hyo: "I''m already beginning to study the variants!"


    ......


    Somewhere in the Inte Surveince Bureau.


    Fang Xiaoshui eximed, "That''s already the eighth variant!"


    Meng Yi also said incredulously, "Do you think that ''2'' has more variants up his sleeve?"


    "Eight should be the limit already, right?" Zhang Er said excitedly as this virus attack had widened his horizons. It was too exciting!


    Fang Xiaoshui sighed "I must have been really ignorant in the past. Only now do I know that we have such an awesome hacker in China!"


    Eight?


    That''s really a lot!


    Those who were tech savvy all felt the same.


    Only Fan Yingyun squinted her eyes, deep in thought and said, "That''s not necessarily true."


    Dong Zhiqiang was stunned, "You''re saying that ''2'' has even more variant viruses up his sleeve? Eight variants, wasn''t that enough to turn Korea upside down? Isn''t that enough?"


    Fan Yingyun smiled, "Somehow, I feel like this is just the beginning."


    Fang Xiaoshui shook her head, "Korea has over a millionputers infected already. How could this just be the beginning? He couldn''t possibly go that far. Besides, the variants are already veryplicated, each of them...."


    Before she couldplete her sentence!


    A ninth variant had appeared!


    Then followed by the tenth!


    Eleventh!


    Twelfth!


    Thirteenth!


    Twentieth!


    Seeing those rampaging variants, the Koreans were scared silly. The Malware Protection Center''s programmers put down their mice,pletely demoralized. They stared nkly at theirputer screens and could no longer find the motivation to work any longer!


    What was there to do?


    What could they do?


    Even if they tried to crack the viruses now, it was of no use anymore!


    Too many variants had appeared! The speed at which variants were appearing was too fast!


    But this was still not the end. Just like Fan Yingyun had predicted, it had only just begun!


    The thirtieth variant!


    The fortieth variant!


    The fiftieth variant!


    The Korean Malware Protection Center was now as silent as the grave!


    The whole Korean inte was totally immobilized!


    Theirst bit of hope had now been totally crushed! Crack the virus? Make a kill tool? No one mentioned this anymore! Their manpower and technical resources could not support the need to crack the virus in a short amount of time. To be able to crack all fifty variants? They might need up to a week''s time! It might even be longer than that! And they would have to work tirelessly without rest!


    But what they did not expect was that this was still truly not the end yet!


    The 51st variant appeared!


    The 60th!


    The 70th!


    Up until the 90th variant!


    At this moment!


    Korea was silent!


    The world also became silent!


    Everyone was just staring at their screens in which the Panda Burning Incense kept appearing over and over again, their brains were numb and they did not feel a single feeling!


    �� Korea was finished!


    When the 90+th of the Panda Burning Incense virus appeared, those who had concerned themselves with this matter realized the truth. More and more people turned silent!


    On the Korean inte, there was no one left to scold the people of China!


    It was not that they didn''t hate them, nor that their hearts had made peace with the matter. It was because the Panda Burning Incense and all of its variants had literally left everyone unable to connect to the inte anymore!


    Dead systems!


    BSODs!


    Auto restarts!


    Paralyzed systems!


    Korea had fallen!


    Under the rampage of over 90 variants, Korea''s number of infected systems had exploded!


    3 million!


    5 million!


    10 million!


    The numbers was already uncountable!


    Zhang Ye did not rest the whole day as he had been typing until his fingers were sore. He had really given his all this time and did not hold back. He had transferred about a hundred of those variants, which had rampaged across his world, and brought them all into this world!

 Chapter 444: We do not accept your surrender!

    <h4>Chapter 444: We do not ept your surrender! </h4>


    Chapter 444: We do not ept your surrender!


    Afternoon.


    Work had ended at the Inte Surveince Bureau.


    "It''s time to call it a day. Everyone has worked hard for the past two days. Go home and rest well now." Dong Zhiqiang came into the office to announced an early release for today. Then, he went to look for Zhang Ye andughed as he said, "Teacher Zhang, you may go back too. You don''t need to report here anymore starting tomorrow. The matter you are assisting us with has already been approved and with the Panda Burning Incense incident, the top management won''t be asking about you anymore."


    The reason he was here was only symbolic and right now, he hadpleted what he was needed here for.


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Sure, let me treat everyone to dinner."


    Dong Zhiqiang did not ept and said, "How is that alright?"


    Zhang Ye stood up and said, "Although it''s not even been two days, I feel that I''ve been very wee here. Now that I''m leaving, I definitely need to buy everyone dinner."


    Fang Xiaoshui, who was already very hungry, said, "Ah ha, if Teacher Zhang says so, then I won''t refuse."


    Meng Yi also chirped, "Teacher Zhang is rich, we don''t need to help him save."


    "Right, choose anywhere you''d like." Zhang Ye gave a wave of his hands, full of generosity.


    Dong Zhiqiang did not refuse or say much. He instructed two people to stay stay on duty as the rest marched out of their office with Fan Yingyun following behind too.


    The snow had not stopped, but had lightened.


    As tiny snowkes drifted down, some falling onto their faces. It was a soothing feeling.


    Fang Xiaoshui was still in her police uniform. It was not known what the rules were for the Inte Surveince Bureau, but Meng Yi and Zhang Er were also in their uniforms, while the rest were in casual clothes. Amongst all of them, Fan Yingyun was the most striking and stood out from the rest. A short haired beauty in a police uniform. As they walked through the street, she attracted a number of gazes from passers-by, with a very high head-turning rate. Several students who were on the streets trying to light some firecrackers stopped when they saw Fan Yingyun, as they all looked over at her.


    Fan Yingyun just looked straight ahead as she stepped on the soft snow covered streets in her leather boots. It made a crunching sound with each step she took.


    "We''ve finally finished our work." Zhang Er said.


    Meng Yi said, "Today''s such a day of relief."


    An old cyber-police said, "Yea, those Koreans have finally been dealt with."


    Fang Xiaoshui said as she walked, "This incident blew up. I wonder how much they''ll lose economically, hundreds of millions in US dors at least, I would assume?"


    "Hundreds of millions? That might not be right." Dong Zhiqiang was also more rxed and less uptight since he was out of uniform. He casually mentioned, "An estimate of a few billion is already on the low side, do you know what age this is? It is the age of the modern inte. Who doesn''t use aputer? Whichpany doesn''t needputers? If it were personal losses, it might still be OK. At most you''d lose some data and have some dys. but to those corporations and the government, this virus infection would be considered a disaster for them. If they carry on allowing the Panda Burning Incense to wreak havoc like this, if the Korean authorities do not quickly resolve this issue, the Korean economy might even be set back by several months! Just think about that, how could it be just losses in the hundreds of millions?"


    Fan Yingyun interrupted, "Are there any leads on that ''2''?"


    Dong Zhiqiang shook his head, "No, there''s no sign of him at all. We only know that he is a Chinese citizen and has pretty good literary skills. As for his gender.....that''s also unclear. He was very covert in what he did and his technical skills are very high too. There was not a lead that we could follow. The leaders have already had a meeting and I understand that they have discussed about ''2'' already. I''m guessing that ''2'' will be our mission for the next few days and our objective is to find him. Even if he did not cause our nation much damage, he did cause quite massive hysteria around the world. He targeted the Korean inte and destroyed it, causing great economic losses. That in itself is already considered an act of terrorism. A dangerous person like that who can easily destroy 20-30% ofputers in a country, not only is he Chinese, but he might also be living within China? Who''s not to be fearful of him! That''s ''2'' is a ticking time bomb!"


    Zhang Ye looked at the snow, not saying a word at all.


    The Inte Surveince Bureau people were discussing, even the passers-by were doing the same.


    A couple, who was walking towards them, just discussed this matter too.


    "I heard that slightly less than half of all theputers in Korea have been infected by a virus!"


    "How can that be? That''s too many."


    "It''s true. Didn''t you watch the news? It''s already been reported."


    "Ah? That serious?"


    "Seems like it. There aren''t even manyputers that can even use the inte in Korea right now. I spoke on the phone with one of my friends who is studying in Korea and he''s telling me that Korea is in a state of chaos right now. There are so many people who can''t get online, from inte cafes, shops, education sectors, and many corporations have all stopped work. They have all been affected by the Panda Burning Incense virus. The author of that virus appears to be a Chinese citizen."


    "What a fierce person!"


    "Haha, that''s great! That bunch of Koreans should have already been taught a lesson long ago! They attacked our websites without any good reason? And even stole and took over our celebrity ounts? Let''s see if they still dare toe now! Having been taught such a bloody lesson, I think they would want to take a detour the next time they see us! The Sino-Korean hacker war seems to be a joke now. A war, my ass! We just had one hacker represent our country and it was enough to wipe all of them out! It wasn''t even a battle! It was a massacre!"


    "My hero."


    "My hero too! When I have the chance, I want to brush up on myputer skills too. If I can have just 0.1% of the skills of ''2'', I would be happy enough, and if there''s another hacking battle in the future, I want to take part too! Glory for our country!"


    This was how a majority of people felt.


    By now, all of society was discussing the Panda Burning Incense virus.


    "We''re here." Dong Zhiqiang pointed to the front.


    Zhang Ye saw the ce and smiled, "You''re helping me to save money, aren''t you?"


    Dong Zhiqiang chuckled, "As long as it''s delicious, the price doesn''t matter. We usuallye here to eat anyway and it''s quite good. The taste is just right."


    The restaurant wasn''t big, about a 100 meters square. It was a Shabu-shabu house.


    When everyone saw the ce, they felt the hungering on. After entering, they immediately ordered some dishes without holding back.


    "I want a te of mutton!"


    "Give us five tes, there are so many of us."


    "I want two tes of fatty beef and a te of prawns!"


    "I want tofu. Oh right, it''s a cold day today. Teacher Zhang, you want some Erguotou?"


    Meng Yi had just finished asking when Fan Yingyun interrupted, "Teacher Zhang drove here today, why would you ask him if he wanted Erguotou? You have such low awareness."


    Meng Yi, ".....Hai, I forgot."


    Zhang Yeughed, "It''s alright, I''ll have some."


    Fan Yingyun waved her hands, "Forget that. You should just have warm water." As she said so, she stared at the male waiter, who was stealing glimpses of her, "What are you looking at me for, pour us some water."


    The waiter was startled, thinking that this beauty was really too fierce. He hurriedly said, "Ah, OK, OK." and reactively poured the water for Fan Yingyun.


    But Fan Yingyun pointed, "Pour it for Teacher Zhang first."


    "Uh, OK." the waiter obeyed her.


    "Hey, thanks." Zhang Ye held his cup up as he said to the waiter and also, Fan Yingyun.


    Everyone from the Inte Surveince Bureau''s First Department who looked at how thoughtful Fan Yingyun was towards Zhang Ye felt rather ufortable at her new found politeness. You''re so good to Teacher Zhang, but so terrible to everyone else. Isn''t this some sort of discrimination!? But thinking about it, Teacher Zhang Ye was definitely more talented and on a different level with themputer "brutes", so they didn''t feel too bad anyway.


    The dishes were served.


    Everyone started eating.


    There was a news broadcast on television which was fixed overhead.


    "ording to reports, the Panda Burning Incense virus infection is spreading further in Korea and has affected more and more users. We interviewed a member of the China Malware Protection Center and understand that this is a worm virus, but not the usual ones that we have encountered in the past. It is a very destructive virus and spreads very quickly. What''s even more rming is that this worm virus has as many as 100 variants now. It can be considered as the most destructive worm in the history of worm viruses. Just based on the number of systems it has infected already puts it in unprecedented territory!"


    Panda Burning Incense!


    Panda Burning Incense!


    The entire world was frowning because of it!


    The media, the news, online, all of them were reporting about it!


    Halfway through the meal, Dong Zhiqiang''s cellphone rang. From his expression when he answered the call, it was probably a leader from the Inte Surveince Bureau or Public Security Department calling "Yes, yes...I understand. I will return immediately!" He hung up and stuffed a few more pieces of mutton into his mouth, "We have to go! We can''t go home as we just received new orders. The Panda Burning Incense has appeared in a northeastern province and there''s a small scale invasion of the systems there. Upper management has issued an emergency notice for us at the Inte Surveince Bureau to go back to help control the situation. We cannot have a repeat of what happened in Korea happening here!"


    Zhang Er said, "It''s only a few hundredputers, isn''t that making a mountain out of a molehill?"


    Dong Zhiqiang looked at him, "This is the Panda Burning Incense virus we''re talking about. If it spreads, are you intending to watch our nation be the next Korea?"


    When they all heard these words, all of them panicked!


    That''s right!


    Even if ''2'' had configured the virus to only attack Koreannguage based systems, it was still the Panda Burning Incense virus they were talking about. A worm virus that had crippled the Korean inte!


    "Teacher Zhang, you should be going home already."


    "We have to rush back now."


    "Let''s meet again if you have time."


    Everyone said goodbye to Zhang Ye.


    Fan Yingyun also showed a face of unwillingness to leave.


    Of course, Zhang Ye did not need to follow along. He wasn''t an employee of the Inte Surveince Bureau anyway. Seeing them leave, he helplessly shook his head and looked at the dishes on the table. Well, he could only help himself to all of them then.


    ......


    The other side.


    An anonymous person suddenly joined the temporarily chat that JIN had set up. Without anyone''s invite, he had made his way into the secure chatroom.


    Anonymous User: "Little JIN, do you know who I am?"


    JIN was stunned, but replied soon after: "Yes."


    Anonymous User: "Sort out the mess that you created. Talk to ''2'' to see if there''s a way to settle all of this without affecting everyone."


    JIN: "How should Imunicate with him?"


    Anonymous User: "Apologize or whatever, I don''t care. You better settle this soon. The country''s losses and effects on society have already surpassed your imagination!"


    Jen: "Apologize? That''s impossible"


    JIN: "Jen, don''t interrupt. That''s a senior."


    The anonymous user ignored Jen. He said: "Don''t feel bad. If you lost, you lost. Just work harder on your technical knowledge in the future. There''s always a chance to win again. This is a good chance for you to reflect on what''s holding you down. This person ''2'' is currently being investigated by the government as well. The warrant for his arrest is currently only active in Korea, but in a few more days, he should be wanted all over the world by authorities. As long as he reveals his tracks from now on, they will definitely be able to get him. The mess he created is too big and everyone in the world is paying attention to what he does. He won''t be able to escape. What you need to do right now is to appease him first so that this incident cane to a halt and the virus to be cleaned out. There''s still a lot of time for you to do something about it in the future!"


    JIN: "I understand."


    ......


    That night.


    When Zhang Ye got home, he took a bath to release all of the stress built up from his day at ''work''. After inputting so many lines of code, his hands did not feel like they belonged to him anymore. Although the virus did not need to be programmed from scratch and was only modified from the original source that he had retrieved with his Memory Search Capsules. He had bought several memory search capsules to retrieve his memories of the code for the Panda Burning Incense back in his world to see how the attacking codes were written. All of this had taken a toll on him.


    Suddenly, something happened online!


    When Zhang Ye switched hisputer to check, he realized that the webpage that the eighth variant redirected users to had been hacked.


    Before, the webpage had the words "We will not attack! Unless we are attacked!". But now, another line of words had been added to the bottom of it.


    It was JIN''s message!


    A lot of people saw it as well!


    YOYOT (USA): "JIN has appeared!"


    TOM (UK): "Haha, let me take a look too."


    Fujiwara (Japan): "Why did he appear to speak?"


    47 (USA): "He was probably forced to. I suppose someone pressured him into doing so since the Koreans have been hit badly by this Panda Burning Incense!"


    Over at the China''s Inte Surveince Bureau.


    Fang Xiaoshui, who was currently solving the issue from the virus infection, suddenly said, "Hey, everyone take a look. The Korean hacker has appeared! It''s the leader of that hacker team, JIN!"


    Meng Yi said, "What?"


    Dong Zhiqiang also went over, "Show me!"


    Everyone went over and surrounded Fang Xiaoshui. Only Fan Yingyun did not move.


    Zhang Er asked curiously, "Officer Fan, why aren''t you seeing this?"


    Fan Yingyun smiled coldly, "JIN? He''s just a small fry, what''s there to see about him. I''m only interested in ''2'', everything else doesn''t interest me."


    Zhang Er felt deted. Alright then, we will take a look for ourselves.


    At this moment, all of the world''s hackers andputer programmers had their eyes fixed on that webpage!


    JIN had written the message in English: I am Jin. This incident was started by me. I was the one responsible for leading an attack on China''s websites. If I offended anyone in any way, I apologize. ''2'', you are a world ss hacker and I believe that you have the magnanimosity to forgive. I alone am responsible for this, you cane for me, but please don''t implicate everyone else. If there''s a chance, could you please give us the kill tool for the viruses?


    The world waited.


    They waited for ''2'' to reply.


    After some time, there was still no news. JIN once again left a message on the webpage: I repeat. I would like to apologize on behalf of myself and my team!"


    Over in China, there was a cheering throughout the country!


    Netizen were sharing screenshots and links, while updating on thetest developments live!


    "Hahaha!"


    "They''ve apologized!"


    "These people are finally admitting defeat!"


    "They''re inferior to our hackers! They only have themselves to me!"


    Did they forget what they did earlier? Now they want to apologize?!"


    Hacker wars were generally very simple. There were no guns or smoke and everything happened quickly. Many of these things urred in a split second and no one would really know who won or who lost. Perhaps only the participants themselves would know, but apologizing? One of Korea''s top ten hackers had made a public apology? This was a rarely seen event. In previous encounters, even if a hacker lost, that was it. What could anyone do about it? Even if they didn''t apologize or admit defeat, their opponents couldn''t possibly travel through the cables and appear out of theirputers to bite them, right? As a result, from this event today, it could be seen just how big of a mess the Panda Burning Incense had caused in Korea! It had even forced JIN to step forward!


    However, this news wasn''t really trending on Weibo. There was not many posts about this event. It wasn''t known whether it was because not many people were concerned about it or because of the country''s censorship. Among the top ten news articles, only the second spot was a report regarding the Panda Burning Incense. The other spots were all reporting on current affairs, entertainment or music, etc.


    But...


    Ci Xiufang had forwarded it!


    Yao Jiancai also forwarded it!


    Grandma Zhang also liked the post!


    These were the victims of the hackers in the past few days. Their ounts had been hacked into and stolen, so when JIN issued an apology, it was very meaningful for them!


    On the Korean side.


    Some people, who could still ess the inte and dared to do so, also saw JIN''s apology. They all felt infuriated and felt a sense of embarrassment!


    An utter defeat!


    With no chance of hitting back!


    This was their first attempt at crossing swords and they had already lost so terribly!


    Just as everyone was waiting for ''2'' to reply, a new message appeared on the webpage. It was from ''2''!


    I don''t ept any form of apology!


    �� 2.


    When JIN and the other Korean hackers saw this, they nearly vomited blood. F**k, we''ve already apologized and lost face, but you still won''t ept it?


    Of course Zhang Ye did not ept it. In fact, he had already held back earlier on and was hoping to give them a chance, but when they developed that kill tool and thought that they had the virus under control, they immediately came back to attack again. From this alone, it could be seen just what kind of people they were. To Zhang Ye, these people had already lost their chance to negotiate. There was nothing left to say!


    This was a war!


    We do not ept your apologies!


    We do not ept your surrender!

 Chapter 445: The aftermath of the virus, a suffering of heavy losses!

    <h4>Chapter 445: The aftermath of the virus, a suffering of heavy losses! </h4>


    Chapter 445: The aftermath of the virus, a suffering of heavy losses!


    The Panda Burning Incense disaster was still spreading throughout Korea!


    Seoul had fallen!


    Busan had fallen!


    Incheon had fallen!


    Gyeongju had fallen!


    No ce in the country was safe. As long as it was on the Korean map, all of them had been hit hard. The incident had be so big that it was way out of control. The Korean Malware Protection Center''s red alert buzzer no longer rang. This was because the thirteenputers in the Malware Protection Center''smand center had all already been infected by the 71st variant of Panda Burning Incense! Faced with a national crisis, the Korean authorities were eventually helpless in the face of the virus. They requested for emergency help from the world as they urged several major powers to crack the Panda Burning Incense. They were really getting anxious!


    The world wasn''t at peace either.


    The Panda Burning Incense virus had also paid a visit to Russia, USA, China, and several other countries as well, but as only a minority number ofputers were infected, it didn''t cause much panic and was resolved very quickly.


    This was a war!


    It was a war between the world and the Panda Burning Incense!


    On the 5th day of the new year, at 4:05AM Beijing Time, the Americans finally made their move!


    An American virus researchpany set up an action task force regarding the Panda Burning Incense virus and were the first to crack the 4th, 5th, 17th, 25th, 26th, and 78th variants of the virus. They had created six kill tools and an update to patch the system from being infected was published by an anti-viruspany. The resources were shared to their Korean counterparts as well.


    These six variants actually sharedmon code. Simply speaking, even though they used different offensive and defensive techniques, they were still simr in nature. The Americans discovered this after cracking one of the variants and followed up very quickly by using the kill tools and patches for other rted variants!


    The spread was finally put under some control with America''s support. Although this was still far from effective, as not even 10% of the variants had been cracked, it was at least a form of encouragement and gave the Korean government and its people confidence and hope!


    On the sixth day of the new year, the Koreans themselves cracked four virus variants.


    Sixth day, afternoon. The Russian Malware Protection Center announced seven patches to the Panda Burning Incense virus as they carried out their ''humanitarian assistance'' towards Korea.


    Sixth day, evening. Japan cracked three more variants of the virus.


    Sixth day, night. Japan announced that another variant had been cracked.


    Seventh day, past midnight. The Americans issued over 20 patches for the Panda Burning Incense variants that had not been cracked yet.


    Seventh day, morning. The world''srgest operating system maker issued a system update to patch the vulnerabilities that Panda Burning Incense had used to spread. It was the most thorough patch issued so far.


    Seventh day, afternoon. North Korea also announced that it had cracked 75 variants of the Panda Burning Incense virus and......and that was that. Even the countries who had the best rtionship with them did not believe this.


    India and the Philippines also joined in. It seemed like Korea''s standing in the world wasn''t too bad after all. This world''s countries werergely the same as before, but the diplomatic rtions had subtle differences. The world had changed, and so its history was also a little different. In this respect, diplomatic rtions were also definitely affected. Some of the countries that Zhang Ye remembered having good rtions seemed alright in this world. Of course, that might also just be on the surface.


    Virus quarantining!


    Cracking!


    Patching!


    The whole world was hunting down the Panda Burning Incense all at once!


    Everyone believed that this virus would bepletely cracked soon. Even Zhang Ye felt so too an unbreakable code didn''t exist. The fact that the Panda Burning Incense had managed to spread on such arge scale had already exceeded Zhang Ye''s estimates. In his previous world, the Panda Burning Incense virus did not have such capability and only affected a few million systems and only a few provinces had been affected within China. Zhang Ye thought that the reason this virus had spread so quickly and widely here was due to the spread of the variants. Back in his world, the Panda Burning Incense variants were released over a longer period of time as virus authors and hackers slowly improved the code to do specific tasks, but since Zhang Ye had all these codes avable to him, he had dumped them out very quickly within several hours. This was the real reason behind the disastrous destruction of the Korean inte!


    But then again, it was because of this reason that set off a panic in the world. This led to the cooperation between each country''s Malware Protection Center, as well as expert hackers, in dealing with the virus. As they said, what came quickly will go quickly too. There were always pros and cons anyway. As Zhang Ye''s objective had been met with the Panda Burning Incense virus achieving more than what it set out to do, it was time for it to ''retire''. Zhang Ye was overall very satisfied with his performance. At least he did not let down the original "Panda Burning Incense"!


    Time passed by bit by bit.


    Finally, it was already the morning of the eighth day of the new year. The Global Malware Protection Center announced that all the variants of Panda Burning Incense had already been cracked with a single kill tool created and put up for download. It was a free download for everyone to use, so that the Panda Burning Incense virus would no longer wreak havoc in this world!


    This news came at the right time, but at the same time, a little toote.


    The infected systems began to be restored one by one!


    Countless Korean citizens cheered as they broke down in tears!


    Five days! It hadsted a full five days! It had been a dark five days!


    "Why did it only just arrive!"


    "We''ve been waiting for too long now! It has finally all been cracked!"


    "Victory!"


    "We''re victorious!"


    "We''ve defeated the Panda!"


    "That damned panda! We only scolded China a little and hacked into a few websites, but that didn''t cause you any big losses. Do you all have to do this? Ah? This was so uncalled for! Aren''t you pushing us to our deaths!?"


    "Oh my god, I can finallye online. I''ve never thought that being able to connect to the inte was such an important and touching activity. Thank you to the world''sputer organizations!"


    "That damned panda! I don''t wish to ever see a panda in my life ever again! My heart will tremble at the sight of one!"


    "Don''t bring up the word ''panda'' anymore. I can''t stand hearing that word anymore. Forget it, we have emerged victorious anyway."


    Victorious?


    The Korean government fell silent!


    The Korean Malware Protection Center also fell silent!


    Faced with this Panda Burning Incense virus, they never had the chance to strike back. Their losses were huge and it even caused a huge step back in their economy. If this was what they called a victory, then that must be the world''s greatest joke. The other party''s hacker had just thrown out a kind of virus, and had wiped out the entire nation. They had to gather the entire world''s resources just to eliminate the virus. Was there any victory that cost that much?


    This was no victory at all!


    It was clear to anyone that this was an utter defeat!


    On this day, it would go down in history as Korea''s most damagingwork invasion of a virus. The relevant agencies and departments all called it the "five days of darkness".


    The virus was under control.


    Work to clean up the mess continued.


    Any virus remnants were purged and economic losses were calcted. Although a solution had been found, the damage to the economy and the shaken confidence of the Korean people had already been done. It wasn''t something that could be swept under the rug in a day or two. Even now, the Korean Malware Protection Center did not lift the red alert on the Panda Burning Incense. They were afraid, afraid that new variants of the virus would appear again!


    "Still can''t find ''2''?"


    "Get him arrested quickly!"


    "That ''2'' is too dangerous!"


    "What''s the government doing! Don''t they even have any experts? Catch him! Investigate him! And dig him out of his hiding hole! What are they waiting for?"


    "We need to have our revenge!"


    "What revenge! Haven''t you all learned the lesson?"


    "Yea, I think it''s better not to mess with that guy ever again. He''s such a bastard! If we step on his tail again and he reacts by doing this again, who would be able to take it?!"


    The Korean public''sments varied with all sorts of opinions!


    Unknown to them, everything that they mentioned was already being undertaken by all the countries. But where did they start looking? Where could they check? They wanted to arrest ''2'' as well, but there was no trace of him at all! Although they knew that he was a Chinese citizen, who didn''t know how many people there were in China!? With a poption base sorge, this lead was as good as useless!


    After a few hours.


    In the aftermath, as the remnants of the Panda Burning Incense was being cleared out, the Korean government could no longer hide it. They had to announce to the public about the statistics of the economic losses suffered by the country due the the Panda Burning Incense virus and its variants!


    Seeing the breakdown of infected systems!


    Looking at the list of economic losses!


    In this second, the world felt something!


    It was possible that some people had already done some estimates, but many others still did not understand how much damage was caused by this virus. They only felt that if there was a kill tool avable now, everything would be fine. There was no bigger picture to them and thus, they could not appreciate the seriousness of the incident, but with the figures announced, everyone was stunned!


    This...was this our losses?


    How could this be possible!? Those figures are too scary!


    Before of the appearance of the Panda Burning Incense, no one could imagine that aputer virus that was only a few hundred kilobytes in size could cause such great damage to a technologically advanced country!


    To put it in context, a terrorist attack took ce in this world sometimest year, killing many people and caused a setback to the economy as well, but with the figures presented now, the economic losses created by the Panda Burning Incense virus was significantly muchrger!


    Was this even just aputer virus?


    This had to be a f**king nuclear weapon instead!!


    A simpleputer virus had actually caused so much havoc in a big country of this world. At this moment, the world had the Panda Burning Incense virus burned into their memories. The world would also remember that a dangerous person like ''2'' existed!

 Chapter 446: The world’s most dangerous computer viruses rankings!

    <h4>Chapter 446: The world''s most dangerousputer viruses rankings! </h4>


    Chapter 446: The world''s most dangerousputer viruses rankings!


    On the 8th day of the new year.


    At home.


    7 PM in the evening.


    The snow that had just fallen a couple of days ago hadn''t melted yet. There wasn''t any more snow on the ground, but on the roofs, drains, and bushes, a lot of snow remained.


    Behind him, the television kept ying news about the Panda Burning Incense virus.


    Outside his window, the newspaper vendors on the streets were constantly selling copies of the evening news. There were headlines everywhere regarding the Panda Burning Incense virus no matter where you looked.


    "Who could the hacker ''2'' be?"


    "The Panda Burning Incense disaster has finally been ovee, Korea suffers heavy losses!"


    "The day when the world''s inte died!"


    "Whoever offends the mighty nation of China, however distant, shall be destroyed?"


    "How should we view patriotism?"


    Despite being the person in question, the world didn''t seem to have anything to do with him. Right now, Zhang Ye was lying down at home beside the window, admiring the snow, the moon, and the beauty of this world. Sigh, the virus seemed to have caused quite a lot of trouble. It did help to vent his frustration and take revenge and it gave him a satisfying feeling, but Korea having suffered such heavy economic losses would cause it to affect the world economy too. This was a chain effect, so had he done the right thing?


    Zhang Ye suddenly became very philosophical. In that moment he felt very depressed.


    My personal whims, should I have dragged the whole world into it?


    How should I have treated this matter?


    Who am I?


    Where did Ie from?


    Where will I be going?


    What is the meaning of life?


    Will anyone be able to unravel the secrets of the universe?


    Zhang Ye sighed as he couldn''te to a conclusion. Then, his cellphone rang in his pocket. He pulled it out and took a look. It was his Weiwo WebTV''s leader �� Wang Xiong.


    The phone call connected.


    Wang Xiongughed. "Teacher Zhang, what are you doing now?"


    Zhang Ye said sorrowfully, "I''m thinking about the mysteries of the universe."


    When Wang Xiong heard this, he nearly choked, "Don''t ponder about the universe and world peace for now. That can wait. Let me tell you this first, ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' has just finished broadcasting the final episode and has officially ended. Many of the audience members leftments to congratte you about it. Go online to mingle and interact with them when you can."


    Zhang Ye''s depression immediately disappeared as he asked, "All done? So fast?"


    Wang Xiong said, "It''s not like you did not know about the new policies that the SARFT is implementing in the next few days. We uploaded 4-5 episodes a day, so of course it ended very quickly. I already informed you, didn''t I?"


    "Alright then." Zhang Ye said happily, "The reception isn''t too bad I hope?"


    Wang Xiongughed heartily, "It''s more than not bad, it''s really good, in fact. Your talk show program has been extremely popr since the beginning and there''s also a lot of praise for it. Now that the series has ended, even I can''t bear to see it end. Hur Hur, thanks to you, our WebTV station has gained such a great program. Up til now, a variety program like the talk show is still an exclusive genre only to ourpany. Those, which tried to copy your talk show, are basically not even talk shows at all. They can''t grasp the essence of it at all. In this entire world, only you can do it. I heard that the Americans have their attention on this and are studying how it is presented. I suppose they will being up with something simr as well, but it''s not set in stone yet. If they intend to purchase copyrights, I will contact you. You can speak to them yourself since the copyrights belong to you. We''ve already discussed this in your contract, so we won''t meddle in your affairs."


    After he hung up, Weiwo WebTV''s leader, Feng Guiqin also called. She congratted Zhang Ye on thepletion of the broadcast for his talk show and also chatted with him about the next project, but as Zhang Ye had not thought of it yet, he casually mentioned something before hanging up.


    Oh, what was I thinking about before the calls?


    Never mind, I can''t remember anymore, and so Zhang Ye went about doing what he needed to do. He went online to interact with his fans and viewers, thanking them for their support and also gave a conclusion to his "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show".


    After all this was done, he browsed Tieba.


    "Sharing a link with all of you!"


    "What is it?"


    "You''ll know when you see it! It''s awesome!"


    "Holy sh*t! This is the list of rankings of the world''s most dangerousputer viruses!"


    "Are you sure?"


    "It was recently updated by the authorities, so how can it be fake?"


    "I know this website. All of you might not know it since it doesn''t usually concern you all, but the list of rankings of hackers is a very authoritative one. It''s aption of numbersputed by the USA, the United Kingdom, Russian, as well as many other countries'' relevant organizations. As long as you''re tech savvy and trained in this field, many programmers dream of being able to appear on this ranking!"


    Rankings?


    There''s such a thing?


    Zhang Ye was suddenly interested to know more, so he went to take a look.


    Numerous others, who were like him, all rushed to take a look. Including all of the world''s hackers, programmers, and normal citizens, thistest update of the rankings had attracted attention from all over the world. There needed to be something to bring down the curtains of this virus infection incident!


    JIN (Korea) was looking at it.


    YOYOT (USA) was looking at it.


    Fujiwara (Japan) was looking at it.


    Fang Xiaoshui (China) was looking at it.


    Almost everyone that worked in simr fields would not miss this!


    It was like a music awards show or a film awards ceremony. This was the recognition of hackers for their technical skills and ''contributions''!


    List of rankings of the world''s most dangerousputer viruses:


    #1: Storm Virus.


    #2: Panda Burning Incense Virus.


    #3: 77 Virus.


    Everyone knew about the Storm virus as it was this world''s first virus after the development of the modern inte. As technology had not matured back then, or was rather iplete, the resulting damage was extremely heavy. On top of that, since it was the first official virus to bebeled to have spread at arge stage, its name held significance to everyone. This was why for the past few decades, it had always remained in 1st ce!


    Next, the 77 virus, which had infected a few millionputers 8 years ago by infiltrating the systems of 13rge international banks and caused data corruption resulting in mary losses. Those who were slightly older would remember it. This virus had always been ranked 2nd, but now it had been reced by the Panda Burning Incense virus!


    The Koreans were mad!


    But the citizens from other countries were not surprised.


    Only citizens from China were rejoicing when they found out about this news!


    "The people of Hunan send their congrattions!"


    "Residents from the Hebei province send their congrattions!"


    "There''s finally a Chinese representative in the world''s top 10 of most dangerousputer viruses! The previous most destructive virus that was made in China was ranked 21st. It was even created more than a decade ago by an old hacker from China. It has finally been surpassed today!"


    "In 2nd spot! Awesome!"


    "Ourputer viruses has finally gone global!"


    "Hahaha, why do I feel that this glory is a little psychopathic! This isn''t something we should be proud of, right?"


    "Hehe, I''ll take pride in it anyway! At least on this list of dangerousputer viruses, all of them were used to steal data and information or bring harm to their own countries, but Panda Burning Incense was different. ''2'' did not use it for personal gain, nor was it used against any of our own people. He used it fully to smack the Koreans under forced circumstances to retaliate against the enemies, so what''s there to not be proud of? This is our glory! God ''2'' must be a patriot! The 2nd ce ranking of the Panda Burning Incense is an honor for China!"


    "That''s true!"


    "Well said!"

 Chapter 447: World Hacker Rankings!

    <h4>Chapter 447: World Hacker Rankings! </h4>


    Chapter 447: World Hacker Rankings!


    The virus rankings were updated.


    Every country''s reaction was different.


    Panda Burning Incense had managed to get ranked in second ce amongst the notorious ranking of dangerous viruses, yet it was congratted and cheered on by the people of China. This made Zhang Ye at a loss of whether tough or cry. However, after thinking about it, wasn''t he such a person? He was also an ordinary citizen of China. He did not have such broad horizons, nor was he that refined. He, too, was a Chinese national who loved to see the world burn, and enjoyed watching the bustle, cursing, swearing, and even if provocated, would even beat others. A satisfied bnce of gratitude and revenge was a portrayal of them as a people. What about world peace or morality or the meaning of life? He didn''t think much about that at all. If he was angry, he would hit back. Who cares about your meaning of life!?


    Americans:


    "This virus was very formidable."


    "Yes, 77 Virus has been dethroned."


    British:


    "The hacker ranking hasn''t been updated yet?"


    "Let''s wait a little while longer."


    "Right, they always update the dangerous virus and trojan horses first. Next should be the world''s hacker rankings."


    Russians:


    "''2'' should be listed on there."


    "There''s no need for you to say that. I heard that China has another formidable expert. I heard he is a programmer from the Inte Surveince Bureau. I wonder if he will get ranked."


    Chinese citizens:


    "JIN will be taken down."


    "A new generation recing the old."


    "Hurry up and update!"


    "That''s right. I''m anticipating the gods of China to be ranked!"


    A typical ranking would be updated in one go after any major international inte security issue or hacker invasion in a hacker war. After the updating of the virus rankings, the hacker rankings and other misceneous things would be next. However, what made the world surprised was that although the virus ranking had been updated, but the hacker ranking had not been updated after a long time. It was still the old rankings from the previous month.


    Many people left theirments below.


    "What happened?"


    "Where is the staff?"


    "Update please, we are all waiting."


    "They must be sleeping."


    "It''s already midnight over here."


    "Haha, I just woke up this morning. There''s no rush. I can wait."


    Due to the different time zones and differentnguages, most peoplemunicated in English. There were also many people using Russian, Korean, Chinese, Spanish, and Portuguese. There were people from all over the world watching.


    Zhang Ye was also looking at the website.


    About half an hourter.


    Someone refreshed the page and immediately shouted, "It''s been updated!"


    Numerous people hurried over to take a look. It wouldn''t have mattered much if they just took a look, but many people were left stunned. Some of the rankings had been guessed, but there were some that far exceeded their expectations!


    This was aprehensive list of hacker rankings. Inside, there were internationally dangerous hackers, as well as programmers from securitypanies and anti-viruspanies!


    Korean hacker, JIN''s ranking had dropped. He had previously been ranked 45th on the world hacker ranking, but now he had been dropped to 59th. Simrly, the Korean 59-V, who had just resigned from a securitypany, also dropped in ranking. He went from 89th to below 100th. He did not even appear on the first page. Out of all the Koreans, only "Jen" rose in rankings. The reason why he rose was because as a rookie, he did not have any ranking prior to this. Although the Koreans had suffered a miserable defeat, Jen''s programming skills were evident. Hence, this new rookie had left his mark on the world stage of hackers. Jen''s ranking was 65, just lower than JIN by a few ces. There was a feeling of how each new generation excelledpared to thest one.


    What was most worthy of concern was ced on China!


    The first shock to the world was FAN''s ranking!


    The performance of FAN, from the Chinese Inte Surveince Bureau, had indeed given the hackers, who watched the war, a fright. On the inte battleground, this was a person who fought through all odds. She was good at both offensive and defensive measures, lures, data, ports, loopholes. She was a very well-rounded hacker. In the battle, FAN had faced three top Korean hackers, JIN, Jen, and 59-V alone without any pressure, and even managed to send them packing. Eventually they could only use an encirclement strategy and not sh with FAN directly. Besides, FAN had even managed to pursue one of Korea''s top hacker, "Ying". From her technical skill, it could be seen that she was on apletely different level. She was overwhelmingly better than them!


    Everyone knew this!


    Everyone understood all of this!


    However, the ranking of FAN was too f**king high in everyone else''s eyes!


    World hacker ranking: FAN �� 10th ce!


    No one knew how a rookie like FAN, a rookie, who had never appeared on the world stage, could enter the top ten!


    Was it a mistake?


    This ranking must be wrong, right?


    YOYOT (USA): "How could this be?"


    Fujiwara (Japan): "What''s up with this ranking?"


    47 (USA): "It can''t be a mistake. This is a hacker''s heaven. The people making the evaluations are the most professional amongst professionals in the world. Could there be any trick to it?"


    Cepera (Russia): "FAN''s ranking is so much higher than ours?"


    TOM (UK): "It''s normal for it to be higher than yours. You are old, and your technological skills have been regressing. However, how can FAN be higher ranking than YOYOT? To enter the top ten?"


    On the other side.


    JIN said, "This ranking is so unconvincing!"


    Jen: "I know FAN is formidable and definitely is more skilled than me, but anyone with eyes wouldn''t admit that she can enter the top ten, right? Her true strength can''t even be seen, but whatever that was presented would at best, put her somewhere in the forties."


    Everyone was surprised in different ways!


    The officials soon published an exnation. Actually, it was not an exnation. It was like everyone else. They had added a piece of information to FAN''s personal profile. Some of the people ranked on the world hacker rankings had moreplete information. For example, some orthodox anti-virus programmers. They were all working, or they were employees of government-rted inte departments. Their personal information was already known and something simple would be written. Things that intruded on personal privacy, or things the person in question did not wish to reveal would not be revealed on the website. There would only be a knownbel added. These were "White Hats". As for other hackers, most of them had iplete information. Some of them had nearly zero personal information.


    FAN''s official profile was written in a long paragraph in English:


    FAN.


    Sex: Unknown.


    Age: Unknown.


    Nationality: China.


    First appearance in the Sino-Korean Hacker War. Works for China''s Inte Surveince Bureau. However, after repeated analysis and experiments of professionals, we have unanimouslye to a conclusion that FAN''s operating methods, technological skill, and technological trajectory, as well as some relevant evidence that temporarily will not be disclosed, FAN has a 90% chance of being responsible for the paralysis of all theputers in CPAA Inte Security Companyst year. That matter has beenbeled as ''Supernatural hacking incident''!


    That was all the information there was.


    When everyone saw this, they were dumbfounded!


    JIN gasped: "FAN is the one who invaded the top American securitypanyst year?"


    Jen: "..."


    Hyo: "Holy sh*t! So it''s him!"


    59-V: "F**k! I was wondering why I sumbed to him! So it was that monster fromst year! No wonder his skills are so impressive!"


    On the other side.


    YOYOT (USA) was enlightened. "No wonder!"


    47 (USA) felt a yearning. "Finally found him! That matter caused such amotion. I was nearly affected by it! So the culprit is here, and even went to work for the Inte Surveince Bureau?"


    Cepera (Russia): "Then there''s no surprise regarding this ranking. Let''s not even talk about an hour. Even if you give me a year''s time, I wouldn''t be able to paralyze all theputers that belong to hackers, programmers, and security experts in a top American securitypany without any detection!"


    So for the "Supernatural hacking incident''" back then, many programmers and experts of the world came to a conclusion that not more than ten hackers in this world could do it!


    For FAN to be ranked tenth, that was very normal!


    The citizens of China went hysterical!


    "Wow!"


    "Tenth ce!"


    "Heavens, the Inte Surveince Bureau has someone that awesome!"


    "Last year''s incident? What happenedst year? To even call it a supernatural incident?"


    "I don''t know about it. I just know that it definitely has to be very awesome! What is the concept of being the tenth best hacker in the world? When has a hacker from China ever received such a high ranking!?"


    "Hahaha, our country is full of such fierce people!"


    "Right, who said China''s programming skills are weak? We are staying on the down low!"


    After Zhang Ye saw this, he blinked his eyes. Oh no, was Fan Yingyun''s identity revealed? People had guessed her identity? However, now that she was working for the Inte Surveince Bureau, she should be fine, right?


    ......


    Inte Surveince Bureau, First Department.


    There were many people working overtime in the office.


    Fang Xiaoshui pointed at herputer, stunned. "Sis Fan, you''ve been exposed!"


    Meng Yi said with a serious face, "What are we to do now?"


    "Things aren''t good. Sis Fan, take a look! Stop ying games!" Zhang Er looked at the gaming Fan Yingyun. He was thinking how this was the perfect situation of how he was more worried than the person in question.


    But who knew that Fan Yingyun ended saying nonchntly, "Shut up. It''s so trivial, so what if they found out. I''ve never tried to concealed it anyways!"


    When her colleagues heard this, they smiled wryly. They were just reminded that back when Officer Fan was teaching in the People''s Public Security University of China, she had used her theputer in her office to intrude into the American securitypany. She did not even delete any traces or modify any records. She had gone in openly and left openly. When it was time for ss, she went to teach. She did not conceal herself at all!


    That''s right!


    She didn''t even hide!


    She was never afraid of being caught to begin with!


    Typical thoughts of Meng Yi andpany was to do such stuff sneakily. They had to hide for that was an average person''s thought process, but today, they finally realized that an expert amongst experts like Officer Fan had a thought process unlike ordinary people, and with that bad temper of hers, she was not the kind of person who would hide. Looking at her, back then, she couldn''t even be bothered to clear the records from herputer. Man, such a arrogant and defiant hacker was really seldom seen. She was a wonder of the hacker world!

 Chapter 448: Wanted Globally!

    <h4>Chapter 448: Wanted Globally! </h4>


    Chapter 448: Wanted Globally!


    Outside.


    Dong Zhiqiang entered.


    "Leader." Fang Xiaoshui immediately reported, "Sis Fan seems to have been exposed. She has been found out by the experts on the other side. For this matter, will..."


    Fan Yingyun did not leave her name back then. A year had passed since the matter, yet those people managed to go connect FAN andst year''s supernatural hacking incident together through observation and data analysis. It might seem almost magical, but it was not magical in any way. Every hacker had their own operating method and technological techniques. For example, the before and after of an intrusion, the speed at whichmands were issued and the time in between them or things like a familiar tool or software. These were the "trademarks" and "names" of a hacker. Be it FAN or that Supernatural hacker, they were just aliases. A hacker''s true alias was actually his skill. Just like a singer, everyone had different voices. There were differences and even if they changed their stage name, they were still the same person.


    Hence, despite the cing of the name, having appeared on the world stage twice, with so many expert hackers in the world, it was not surprising for them to have realized Fan Yingyun''s identity.


    Dong Zhiqiang also appeared calm. With a wave of his arms, he said, "It''s fine. Go busy yourselves." After saying that, he walked towards Fan Yingyun and said to her, "The American securitypany has issued a denouncement and demand forpensation. The higher-ups have handled the matter for you. Relevant personnel will negotiate with them. In the future, even if this matter were to be revealed, you don''t have to worry."


    From ck hat to white hat.


    That was probably what it meant.


    Fan Yingyun carried on gaming and acknowledged tersely. She didn''t even look worried. She didn''t care about this at all, and focused on her game.


    ......


    The inte continued discussing!


    "God FAN is an almighty god!"


    "Seeing a world-ss top ten hacker enter our country''s Inte Surveince Bureau''s mysterious cyber-police, I have an inexplicable sense of excitement. In future hacker wars, China finally has someone to take the lead."


    "That person is a civil servant, can he even participate?"


    "I''m talking about an orthodox hacker war. It is considered an exchange between technological skills. As long as it''s legal, FAN can participate in it, and lead our country''s hackers. Of course, he can''t do it representing the Inte Surveince Bureau. FAN can only use his personal capacity to raise the g. When that happens, it will be like a pir of support. If not, even if our country''s hackers are technologically proficient and experts exist, they would fail to unite. They would do things themselves. Look at the Sino-Korean war, none of our hacker experts stepped forward. It was just a pile of loose sand. Now that FAN has appeared, and with that incident fromst year, he will definitely stand out. No one can lead the team better than him."


    "Hey, hey. Did you all forgot about ''2''?"


    "I didn''t forget about ''2'', but think about it. With that god''s formidable and bold style, which of you would dare let him take the lead? How much audacity would you have to have!?"


    "Man, that''s true."


    "This god is too dangerous!"


    "That''s right, once god ''2'' makes his move, that would be the f**king end of the world!"


    "However, I still like ''2''. Look at those tricks god ''2'' employed. What Song Jimi''s uncensored nudes, or pictures of Chen Quan''s fatal ident, or Lee Anson''s pre-surgery bare face pictures. Back when I saw it, I nearly pissed myself fromughing. Those Koreans actually fell for it and swarmed towards it to download it. Hahahaha, god ''2'' is too wretched! Right up my alley!"


    "That''s right, that''s right. I almost forgot to take a look. What''s ''2''''s ranking?"


    On the World hacker ranking, other than "FAN" in the top ten, "2"''s name was also there!


    Third.


    "2".


    Age: Unknown.


    Sex: Unknown.


    Country: China (Unconfirmed).


    Summary: Panda Burning Incense''s creator and distributor.


    Information about "2" is extremely scarce. Even the nationality being China was written by the officials has not yet been confirmed. It was equivalent to him beingpletely unknown, but despite this hacker beingpletely unknown, a rookie that appeared for the first time on the world stage, he had squeezed past thousands of hacker experts and clinched third ce!


    It was not any ordinary third ce!


    It was third in the world!


    "Awesome!"


    "Haha, top three!"


    "Raising the magnificence of China!"


    "A single move and he entered top three?"


    The Chinese citizens, who were paying attention to this matter, erupted fervently!


    When Zhang Ye saw his own ranking, he did not have much thought about. He only smiled. Third in the world? Ha, was this bro so powerful?


    Then, he couldn''tugh any longer!


    Suddenly, hacker heaven''s official website included a string of red English text behind #3 hacker in the world, "2"!


    [ Reward: US$ 50,000,000! ]


    This was clearly not a statistics produced by the hackers heaven website, but a notice for arrest from a relevant international organization!


    The only country that could afford that much seemed to be only one��America had made its move!


    It was nothing new when it came to bounty rewards for hackers. It wasmonly seen. For example, the hackers on the world hacker ranking, the bounty on JIN''s head was US$ 100,000. as he hadmitted multiple inte crimes. After FAN caused a world shocking incidentst year, her bounty was US$ 500,000. Now that she was not a "ck hat", the bounty might even be removed. There were also famous hackers with misdeeds and their bounties were not low. Even the lowest one seen was US$ 10,000. As for those higher ones, it was possible to be hundreds of thousands to millions!


    The world number one hacker, "Leon", was the only person in the world who managed to steal 200 million British pounds from the Swiss Bank using the inte. Although many forces around the world spent great effort over a span of two years, they eventually managed to take back 190 million British pounds, that case had shocked the world. At that point, every bank in the world felt anxious for their own safety, but even so, "Leon"''s arrest warrant was only 20 million American dors!


    And "2"?


    50 million?


    And this was in f**king American dors!?


    This was an astronomical number. It caused another sensation around the world!


    A Chinese hacker: "Is this madness? To pay that much?"


    Another Chinese hacker: "It seems Korea is bent on capturing ''2''. They want to wipe this disgrace away and also rid themselves of any further repercussions."


    A Chinese programmer: "Without any news, who can capture him?"


    "That''s why the reward is so high. There would definitely be bounty hunters after such high rewards."


    "For China to produce a hacker with such a high reward for his arrest, I''m really unsure if I should feel honored or give a wry smile."


    A Russian security expert: "Korea has truly felt pain this time."


    A British programmer: "That reward is too high. Only 20 million dors was offered for the serious crime that ''Leon''mitted. It''s not even half of ''2''''s, and if you do some calctions, amongst the top 100 hackers in the world, if you were to add up all the rewards for them, it''s still less than ''2''!"


    A Japanese hacker: "Holy sh*t! That''s true. The bounty on ''2''''s head nearly matches all the rewards offered for hacker suspects around the world!"


    A Korean programmer said, "Compared to our country''s losses, that reward is nothing! If revenge is not sought! We will not give up to our death!"


    A Chinese hacker harrumphed: "me yourselves on being inferior to others. You already lost, yet you don''t admit your faults?"


    That Korean programmer was angered. "What did you say?"


    A Chinese anti-viruspany''s security expert said: "Why? Do you want to fight it out?"


    ......


    There was a sensation everywhere!


    Numerous people were shocked!


    This reward far exceeded everyone''s understanding. For such a huge reward, that was almost equivalent to that offered for a terrorist! A hacker could be worth this much? Just thinking of the previous terrorist attack in Russia, 17 people were killed and more than 200 had been injured. A building was blown up, and the leader of the terrorist organization had only a bounty of 60 million American dors!


    "2" was almost on par with him?


    The bounty on his head was almost the same as a head of a terrorist organization?


    Everyone could not help but shout out in shock. How much economical damage did the Panda Burning Incense cause Korea? Could the figures and data regarding the losses previously announced by Korea be just the tip of the iceberg? Not everything had been released? Or else why were they so hellbent on arresting him?


    A Russian expert said, "The Koreans and United States are making a fuss over a molehill. They haveplicated the problem. Actually this virus infection sounded an rm for the world. In the future, anti-viruspanies and operating systems would release precautionary measures against such viruses. There is no way to avoid some losses. Besides, ''2'' did not have have his eyes on any economic gain on this matter, so there is no way of understanding that 50 million bounty."


    However, a Korean expert refuted. "This bounty is nothingpared to the economic damage and effects on society ''2'' dealt to our country, and it can be seen that ''2'' is filled with animosity for Korea. Sino-Korean rtions are a bit more delicate, so if this ''bomb'' is ignored, it might cause another round of destruction to our country. Having five days of darkness once is more than enough. None of you experienced those five days yourselves, so you have no way of understanding how Korea spent those five days! I support my country in offering 50 million American dors for ''2''''s arrest! Even if it were 100 million American dors,pared to the danger that ''2'' poses, I think it''s not much, let alone 50 million!"


    An American expert also expressed, "From a certain angle, ''2'' is much more dangerous than ''Leon''. ''Leon'' had economical interests and did things low-key. He never revealed himself. However, ''2'' did not have economical interests. From Panda Burning Incense and usage and procedure of having so many variants, this virus could definitely control a user''sputer on arge-scale basis. He could have used the ''transfer flow'' and obtained great economical gains, but ''2'' did not do so. What he valued was destruction. Such a person is undoubtedly more dangerous. Evaluating him as the greatest terrorist in the field ofputers wouldn''t be too much. Hence, this person has to be arrested, or else he will be a disaster and nightmare for the entire world. Several experts and I believe this deeply!"


    There were people for it.


    There were also people against it.


    Anyway, there were all sorts of thoughts on it!


    Therge reward internationally also caused a huge uproar around the world. Even if the discussion of whether such arge reward was necessary was ignored. The entire world understood the danger that "2" posed. There was no doubt about that. Now, the dispute was about how dangerous "2" was. If every country were to strengthen their anti-virus tools, would "2" be able to stir up another storm. Would these precautionary measures be able to prevent "2" from attacking with his virus?

 Chapter 449: Aunt’s Family has a Problem

    <h4>Chapter 449: Aunt''s Family has a Problem </h4>


    Chapter 449: Aunt''s Family has a Problem


    A few dayster.


    The new year festival finally came to a conclusion. The sound of firecrackers could no longer be heard on the streets.


    As for the discussion about the Panda Burning Incense both domestically and internationally, be it the media or themon people, it gradually began to calm down. No matter how hot a topic was, it would eventually cool down. Everyone still had to work, and return to their normal daily lives. Zhang Ye was one of these people. The injuries on his face and neck had already recovered. The scabs had fallen off, and could not be seen on the surface. Hence, he returned to his parents'' home.


    Caishikou.


    By the time he arrived home, it was already 6:30 AM.


    Using his key to open the door, he pushed the door open. His parents were already up. Dad was washing his face in the bathroom, while Mom was preparing breakfast. There was a pot of congee boiling on the stove.


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Dad, Mom, did you just wake up?"


    Mom looked at him and stared. "You actually know how toe back home?"


    "Hey, didn''t I say that I had to do some things these past few days?" Zhang Ye hurriedly gave a cating smile, and went to the kitchen to help. "Just ignore it. Let me do it. You''re cooking three eggs, right?"


    Mom held in her anger and said, "No matter what you have to do, you shoulde home to pass the new year. Count how many days you spent here since the new year? Not a single day! First you were busy with the Spring Festival G. On new year''s eve, you weren''t at home, and even went to the police station! I only caught a nce of you after you came out, then you left. On the 5th, you didn''t evene back to eat dumplings. Kid, are you crazy?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Aiyah, what can I be crazy over? I really had urgent matters and couldn''t take time off."


    Dad walked out the bathroom after washing up. He said to his wife, "Enough. You always have so much to say. Hurry and wash up."


    Mom indignantly reprimanded her son a few more times before putting the things in her hands down before going to wash up.


    The moment she left, Dad leered at his son. "Have you recovered from your injuries?"


    "Oh, what?" Zhang Ye quickly feigned ignorance. "I''m not injured."


    Dad lifted his chin. "That cock and bull story of yours can only fool your Mother. It was all over the news."


    Zhang Ye made a cating smile once more. "You knew about it all along?"


    Dad did not speak further. "Enough. As long as you''ve recovered. A true man shouldn''t care so much about such tiny injuries. You did well. You did not throw our face as party members."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "That''s true. They were just a bunch of children. I couldn''t dodge, nor could I retaliate, so that was all I could do. As expected of an old party member like Dad to be so perceptive. The reason why I didn''t dare to tell the two of you about my injuries was because I''m afraid Mom will bear a grudge, and even seek them out for revenge."


    Dad said, "Yea, she is a reflection of governmental policies, so she won''t understand any of this. Not telling her was the right thing to do, or we would hear no end from her."


    The father and son duo spoke in whispers.


    After Mom was done washing up. "What were you two talking about?"


    Zhang Ye immediately turned his head over. "Nothing much. The congee is done. Let me scoop it for you."


    "I want a big bowl and give me some salted vegetables!" Mom sat downfortably and beganmanding. "Don''t let the fire for the eggs be too weak or they won''t cook properly."


    Zhang Ye responded, "Alright."


    Dad secretly pursed his lips at his son.


    Zhang Ye chuckled.


    During the meal, Dad asked, "Will you be alone at home in the day? Or are you going out?"


    Zhang Ye spoke as he ate, "You are going to work with Mom, right? No problem. I''ll be home then. If there''s nothing, I won''t be going out. I''ve nothing on my hands to do these two days."


    Mom asked, "When are you returning to Shanghai? Are you doing a new program?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "The talk show just finished, so no matter what, I''ll take a few more days of break. I only came home after all these days, so I won''t be going anywhere for the next few days and I''ll just stay at home."


    Mom pursed her lips, "Enough of that. Every time you say that, something unexpected happens. Right, your Aunt called yesterday and asked about you. She asked what you were doing. I didn''t know and didn''t say much to her. I think your Aunt needs you for something."


    Zhang Ye blinked, "What?"


    Mom said, "How would I know?"


    Dad said, "Give your Aunt a call in a bit."


    "Alright, I got it." Zhang Ye carried on eating. "In a while, you can go to work directly. I''ll do the dishes. Hur Hur. Mom, how is that?"


    Mom tsk''ed, "I''ll make do with that."


    After a while, the old couple left for work.


    Zhang Ye began to wash the dishes along at home. After he was done, he sat on the couch in the living room and lit up a cigarette... Oh right, now the SARFT doesn''t allow smoking. This paragraph will deleted!


    As he watched TV, his cellphone rang.


    From the disy, it was his Aunt''s home number.


    Only then did Zhang Ye recall the matter. He did not expect his Aunt to call him already. He then pressed the answer key. "Hello, Aunt. I just heard from my parents that you were looking for me for something. I was just about to call you back."


    Zhang Donghua said: "You are home?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yea, I just returned home this morning."


    Zhang Donghua asked with concern, "How are you? Are you busy with work recently?"


    "Hai, I don''t have any work anymore. I''m currently resting." Zhang Ye said.


    Zhang Donghua responded, "Oh. Hur Hur. That''s nice."


    Zhang Ye blinked his eyes. "Is there something you need me for?"


    Zhang Donghua then said, "Actually it''s nothing serious. Well, erh.. it''s this. I''ll let your elder sister talk to you about it. She has something for you..."


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure."


    He could hear Zhang Donghua call her daughter over the phone, "Little Shuang, it''s your brother''s call...Little Shuang. Hey, you finally came over...Hurry..."


    A very soft female voice said from the other side, "You do the talking, Mom."


    Zhang Donghua said in a speechless manner, "This child."


    Zhang Ye made a wry smile. "Aunt, tell me then. I''m still so confused about what''s going on. We are family, so what can''t you tell me about?"


    Zhang Donghua said, "I''m not very sure about the matter too. It''s your elder sister''s blogshop. She''s not working now, right? She and her friend formed a partnership to set up a blogshop and were designing clothes themselves, or find others to design. It''s considered their own brand, then they would get a factory to produce the clothes and sell them on the web, but now, the business isn''t doing too well, and nothing spectacr has happened. They have been losing money all this time."


    Zhang Ye did not know of this matter. "My Sis opened a Taobao?"


    When Zhang Donghua heard this, she was confused. "What''s Taobao?"


    "Cough Cough. Nothing, my bad." Zhang Ye smacked himself on the lips and just realized that this world no longer had Alibaba. "Tell me, what do you need me for?"


    Zhang Donghua said, "Your Sis is a bit thin-skinned. She long wanted to get your help, but kept feeling that it wasn''t appropriate. Now she has no job and ie..."


    Zhang Ye was at a loss whether tough or cry. "Aunt, Aiyah, just tell me. I''m getting dizzy hearing all this."


    Zhang Donghua coughed, "Your Sis, she wants to...get you to be a model. They sell male clothing, but do not know anything about celebrity endorsement, or if there are any restrictions from yourpany. If it''s too much trouble or vites yourpany''s contract, then forget it. It''s alright."


    Model?


    Just this?


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Is my Sis also at home?"


    Zhang Donghua said, "She''s here."


    "Then I''lle over now. It''s not easy to talk about such things over the phone." Zhang Ye really could not stand his Aunt''s beating around the bush. It was too confusing.


    "Now? Aren''t you busy?" Zhang Donghua said, "I heard from my siblings, that you have really been busy recently over some random stuff. You haven''t been home the past few days and even went to the Inte Surveince Bureau."


    Zhang Ye said with a frivolous smiles. "Not busy at all. Even if I were busy, it can''t be more important than something my Aunt and Sis need me for. I''ll be over shortly."


    Zhang Donghua said with augh, "Our Little Ye is so obedient. Aunt will wait here for you. Don''t worry about lunch. I''ll settle it for you."

 Chapter 450: The despised comrade Little Zhang!

    <h4>Chapter 450: The despisedrade Little Zhang! </h4>


    Chapter 450: The despisedrade Little Zhang!


    His Aunt''s house.


    An alleyway on Nanheng Street.


    It wasn''t a big house, only around 60 square meters. It had been segregated into two zones, the inner zone, where Zhang Donghua and Zhang Shuang slept, and the outer zone was the living room. However, since Zhang Shuang started her blogshopst year, the living room had been converted into a ''warehouse'' and was full of boxes, big and small. There wasn''t even enough room to walk around in the mess.


    In the house.


    Zhang Donghua put down the phone and said, "Little Ye''sing over in a short while."


    Zhang Shuang walked over cautiously, "You told him?"


    "I briefly told him about it." Zhang Donghuained, "Seriously, this is your own matter and you made me do it for you."


    Zhang Shuang bitterly replied, "I just feel bad asking. For Little Ye to get to where he is now, our family didn''t even help at all. I''ve not done much for him as an elder sister either. Now that my brother''s doing well through his own hard work, how can I approach him and ask for help�� he''s a big star now, a C-list celebrity. Do you even know how what that means? Even just stepping out and taking public transport, there would be people talking about him. If I buy a random newspaper, there might even be news or pictures of him. He might not be a big shot yet, but he''s definitely not small either. For me to�� it just doesn''t feel right for me to ask him for help. You know very well that I don''t like asking people for help, but this time I really have no choice left. If the stock in the living room don''t get cleared soon, I will have no more cash left."


    Zhang Donghua was also badly troubled by the stock in the living room. She said, "When ites to trading, the most unwanted problem is the stock not moving. It might still be alright if you had a job, at least that would guarantee you have some cash flow, but since you are not working a day job anymore, just that amount of unmoving stock is enough to kill you. I''ve taken care of Little Ye since young. He''s filial and ces importance on rtionship. If he is able to help, he will definitely help."


    Zhang Shuang said, "I know that, but I''m worried that he might be bound by some contract restrictions. A celebrity cannot simply do whatever endorsement they want."


    Zhang Donghua did not understand such things, "Ask him yourself when he gets here."


    The sound of footsteps could be heard at the front yard. A woman''s voice called out "Shuang!"


    Zhang Shuang, "........."


    The voice shouted out again, "Shuang!"


    And then, a woman, who wasn''t very tall and looked to be around 26-27 walked into the house. She did not knock and just pushed the door open. It could be seen that she was very familiar with the people living here.


    Zhang Shuang made an annoyed expression and said, "Liu Qian, how many times have I told you. Can you not call me by just my name alone? At least call out my full name. If you keep randomly calling out "Shuang", what would others think if they saw and heard you? It sounds so weird." (''Shuang'' means to feel good.)


    Liu Qian smiled happily, "Well, that''s what your name is."


    Zhang Donghua smiled, "Qianqian, you''re here?"


    "Auntie, I''m here to visit you. How are you doing?" Liu Qian asked.


    "Rather good. How are your parents?" Zhang Donghua asked.


    Liu Qian said cheerfully, "They are doing even better than I am. They just went to Taoran Pavilion this morning to dance. I couldn''t even stop them."


    Zhang Donghua took a cloth bag and said, "Great. Well, I''ll leave you and Little Shuang to yourselves. I need to get some groceries. Stay for lunch, alright?"


    Liu Qian unreservedly said, "Of course I will stay. You can''t chase me away even if you wanted to. There''s food, so how could I not stay?"


    Zhang Shuang quipped, "You sure are not leaving empty handed."


    When Zhang Donghua left, she shut the door behind her. Liu Qian and Zhang Shuang both sat down.


    Liu Qian nced over to the pile of clothes in the living room and asked, "Those still can''t be sold?"


    Zhang Shuang said with sadness, "There were only two orders yesterday and none for the day before that. On your side, there''s no need to make any more orders from the factory for now. We can''t even sell what we have now."


    "You don''t need to tell me that." Liu Qian said depressingly, "Business has been too poor this year. Althoughst year wasn''t that smooth either, at least we could earn enough to feed ourselves. We even quit our jobs in hopes that our blogshop would take off, but now look at us. We''ve pushed ourselves into the corner. How much money do you have left?"


    Zhang Shuang threw up her hands, "Just some tens of thousands in savings."


    Liu Qian sighed, "This sis is the same as you. We''re both poor! Our brand can''t go on like this any longer! We need to find a way out. Yesterday, you called me toe over today saying that you thought of a way we could use to get more business? What''s the idea about? Quick tell me. I''m suffocating from the pressure."


    Zhang Shuang equivocated, "I''m not sure if it will work or not."


    Liu Qian said, "Then at least tell me what the idea is."


    "I''m thinking...of finding a model to help us..." Zhang Shuang did not finish her sentence.


    Liu Qian was already shaking her head. "It wasn''t like we didn''t hire a model in the past either. All of them were so expensive, but after the shoot, not many clothes were sold either. It''s not a problem about the model."


    Zhang Shuang coughed and said, "What I''m talking about is not any ordinary model.


    Liu Qian nced at her and said in amusement, "You even say not an ordinary model? Are you nning on inviting a celebrity to endorse our brand?"


    Zhang Shuang said, "...Yea."


    Liu Qian stretched out her hand to touch her forehead. "Here, let Sis see how high your fever is."


    "Stop fooling around." Zhang Shuang swatted her good friend''s hand away in a speechless manner.


    Liu Qian said, "You''re the one fooling around. We only have tens of thousands leftbined. What celebrity can we afford to hire? We don''t even have any money to do any big promotions on a website. Those celebrities are money diggers. Let''s not even talk about C or D-list celebrities, even an ordinary E-list celebrity with a few more fans would cost hundreds of thousands just to endorse our product and be a model. And that''s an optimistic and conservative estimate of the costs. If you really want a C or D-list celebrity, how can you get one without a couple million or so? Besides, we aren''t big brands like other people. We don''t domercials on TV and are just a small blogshop. Even if you can cough up the million we need to invite them, those bunch of celebrities might not even give us a nce. Besides, if I had a couple million, why would I open a blogshop. I''ll just open a real store, right? Lady, I think you have gone silly from your fever."


    Zhang Shuang said, "Aiyah, it''s not what you are thinking."


    "Then what do you mean?" Liu Qian asked.


    Zhang Shuang hesitated all day before saying, "About that, actually my younger brother is in the entertainment industry. Hai, but he''s technically not considered a person of the entertainment industry either. Anyway, he''s quite popr. I think think if he can help us, our blogshop might be..."


    "Your brother? You still have a brother? How did I not know after knowing you for so many years?" Liu Qian asked.


    Zhang Shuang said, "He''s not my real brother. It''s my mother''s younger brother''s son. You don''te to my family gatherings often, so of course you''ve never seen him."


    Liu Qian looked at her. "Is your brother handsome?"


    Zhang Shuang stuttered, "Average I guess. I can''t consider him handsome."


    Liu Qian rolled her eyes. "Then how popr can he be? At most he is a rookie who just signed a contract with a managementpany, right? Maybe only a few people would know him. Using him as a model would be useless too."


    Zhang Shuang did not like hearing that. "Hey, what do you mean it would be useless. If my brother..."


    As she was saying this, a sound of footsteps approaching could be heard. Then, the door was pushed open. Zhang Ye said, "Aunt. Eh? Where''s she?"


    Zhang Shuang''s eyes lit up and walked out of the room. "Little Ye."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Sis, you''re home?"


    "Yea, you came here so quickly?"


    "Of course, we don''t stay that far from each other."


    "My Mom went to go get some groceries." Saying that, Zhang Shuang turned her head and did some introductions. "This is my college ssmate, and also my best friend, Liu Qian."


    Zhang Ye took off his sunsses and stretched out his hand. "Nice to meet you."


    Liu Qian sized him up a few times before shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you too."


    Zhang Shuang said to her, "This is my younger brother."


    Liu Qian said with augh, "I can tell. Both your noses are quite simr. It''s almost like both of you were carved from the same mold." It appeared like she did not know Zhang Ye, since she had no reaction at all.


    Zhang Ye was not surprised. There were still many people who did not know who he was. He had also not reached the point where everyone knew him either. He looked at Zhang Shuang. "Sis, if you have anything in the future, you can just call me directly. It''s not like you don''t have my cellphone number."


    Zhang Shuang said, "I was afraid that you''d be busy."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "For you, as a brother, I''ll make time no matter how busy I am. Right, my Aunt said your blogshop wascking a model?"


    Zhang Shuang was just about to speak.


    Liu Qian secretly nudged her.


    "What do you want?" Zhang Shuang stared at her and then said, "Right, my shop''s business is terrible. The winter wear we produced this year isn''t selling at all. They are all outside, and if I can''t sell them, so there''s no way to even produce spring wear for this year, and so I wanted to ask if it''s alright with you."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "That''s no big deal. How can you say things about whether I''m okay with it. I''ll do whatever you need me to do. Do you want to do the shoot now or when?"


    "Today works for you?"


    "Any day would do."


    "Alright, then let''s do it today!"


    Zhang Shuang was extremely happy hearing Zhang Ye''s reply, but then she suddenly thought of a matter. "There will be no conflicts with any of your contracts, right?"


    Zhang Ye waved his hands. "It''s alright."


    Zhang Shuang said, "I don''t want to give you trouble. I heard that you celebrities can''t do endorsements easily. I don''t know much about the contracts in the entertainment industry either."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I don''t know either, but it should be fine. Even if there''s a problem, I don''t really care. It''s not like I''ve never made mistakes. Will they eat me up because of it? Taking a few pictures for my elder sister is perfectly justified!" His currentpany was Weiwo WebTV, but he really did not know about contracts in the entertainment industry. He didn''t care either for he had his own principles.


    Zhang Shuang also realized that. Her younger brother was notorious in the entertainment industry and was basically known by all. People did not dare to offend him easily. "That''s great then! Thank you Little Ye!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Sis, you don''t have to stand on ceremony with me. If you have anything, just ask me and I''m capable of doing it, I''ll get it done. If I''m incapable of doing it, I''ll get someone to do it for you!"


    Zhang Shuang was a bit touched and acknowledged.


    Zhang Ye never denied his rtives!


    Although after he grew up, other than the holidays, he seldom met his Aunt and Sis, he had lived in his Aunt''s ce for a few winters when he had still been young. As his parents were too busy with work to care for him, he would scrounge for food and drinks at his Aunt''s house during the winter. He would only be brought home in the evening, so it could be said that he grew up together with Zhang Shuang, so their rtionship was pretty good.


    Zhang Shuang looked at the time. "Let''s go to a hotel. I''ll make the reservation. There''s no way we can take the pictures at home anyway. It''s more convenient at a hotel. Is that alright, Little Ye?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I came here to help, so I''ll do whatever you need me to do."


    Zhang Shuang couldn''t help but think to herself how nice it was to have a younger brother. "Alright then, take a seat first and have a drink. I''ll give the hotel a call." Saying that, she went out.


    When Liu Qian saw this, she also hurried outside. She stopped Zhang Shuang who was out in the courtyard making a call. She said with a face that looked like she was at a loss of whether tough or cry, "What are you doing? You''re really getting your brother to be a model?"


    "Didn''t we already talk about it?" Zhang Shuang said.


    Liu Qian rolled her eyes at her. "It''s not that I''m putting you down. Your brother''s looks of course can''t be said to be ugly, but he''s not considered handsome either. And that figure...There''s no figure at all. He doesn''t look like a model at all. He''s even worse than the previous two models we used. What''s the point of taking pictures of him? Let''s not talk about raising sales, I''ll be overjoyed if the sales don''t decrease!"


    Zhang Shuang was amused. "Hey, don''t tell me you don''t know my brother?"


    "It''s the first time seeing him. Why would I know him?" Liu Qian couldn''t understand her words.


    Zhang Shuang did not say anything else. "Anyway, just listen to me. Once the pictures are uploaded, you will know. You really do not know a thing."


    Liu Qian asked, "What do I know?"


    Zhang Shuang leered at her. "Do you know how manypanies asked my brother to be their spokesperson? Do you know how much endorsement fees my brother gets a year?"


    Liu Qian asked, "How much?"


    Zhang Shuang said, "The amount of endorsement fee he gets a year is at least a few million. Manypanies offered a couple million for my brother to be their spokesperson, but I heard he rejected all of them."


    Liu Qian chuckled. "Keep bragging. Just keep bragging!"


    Zhang Shuang was rendered speechless. "You''re the one who is ignorant and doesn''t watch the news or keep up with the entertainment industry. Forget it, I''ll not tell you anymore. Hur Hur. I''ll make the reservation at the hotel."


    Liu Qian chased after her. "Hey, don''t go. Tell me clearly, what''s the meaning of this? Do you really want to get your brother to be the model? That figure of his..I think my Dad would be more suitable!"

 Chapter 451: Septwolves’ Advertisement Tagline!

    <h4>Chapter 451: Septwolves'' Advertisement Tagline! </h4>


    Chapter 451: Septwolves'' Advertisement Tagline!


    Morning.


    The three of them arrived at the hotel. It was the Hotel Equatorial along Liangguan Avenue. It was a five-star hotel, but it was not considered one of the high end five-star hotels, but it wasn''t low end either.


    Liu Qian tutted, "You got such a nice ce?"


    Zhang Shuang did not feel the pinch and said, "I heard from my friend that the suites here are more spacious. The interior room decoration is also quite good. There''s also a panoramic view too and the lighting is quite good."


    Liu Qian felt the pinch even more. "Panoramic? A suite?"


    Zhang Shuang said firmly, "This time, it''s a desperate bet!"


    "How much is a single room? 1500? 2000?" When Liu Qian saw Zhang Shuang nod her head and say something along the lines of about there, she whispered, "You are really going all out. Our blogshop''s business can''t even earn 2000 a month. You sure are good, for you to just spend all of it on reserving a hotel room? It''s not even business hours for the hotel til afternoon. Our reservation at best allows us to stay till the afternoon. That''s too wasteful."


    However, Zhang Shuang insisted, "My brother is willing to be our model, so of course we need a good ce for the photo shoot, or else it will lookpletely off. We can''t be as pedestrian as we were with the previous models. If we''re doing a photo shoot, it must be done well. Enough Qianqian, let''s go in!"


    She entered the reserved room.


    Liu Qian reluctantly got a hotel staff to help them move the suitcases. There were a total of three suitcases filled with men''s clothing.


    Zhang Ye followed behind them, carrying the camera equipment they rented.


    ......


    Upstairs.


    In the panoramic suite.


    Liu Qian instructed the hotel staff to ce the suitcases on the ground and then took out a hundred bucks as tips for them. It could be seen that her heart was bleeding. There was no other way. Since business was bad, and there was no other source of ie, she and Zhang Shuang were each poorer than the other. They were reluctant to part with even a hundred bucks!


    "Shuang."


    "What?"


    "Will this really work?"


    "Really."


    "Are you sure?"


    "You''ve already asked me twice. I''m very sure!"


    Liu Qian sighed and began opening the suitcases. Zhang Shuang was also off to the side helping out . They started taking out the clothes and matching them. The clothes'' sizing were of course all Zhang Ye''s measurements. Beforeing, they had already picked the clothes out, which had mostly been done before Liu Qian had gone to acquire the camera equipment.


    "Is the lighting okay?"


    "Let me try a shot."


    "How is it?"


    "Good, there shouldn''t be a problem."


    Zhang Ye did not interfere. He just stood in front of the panoramic ss and looked at the view. His mission today was to cooperate. He would do whatever his sister instructed.


    Zhang Shuang called out to him, "Little Ye, we are done. Change into a suit first."


    Zhang Ye turned around and gave a look. "Hur, it looks like there will be quite a bit of work. So many clothes?"


    "Just endure the hard work, Sis will thank you properly next time." Zhang Shuang said with a smile.


    Zhang Ye took the clothes and went to the bathroom. He had experience wearing clothes. Back when he was producing talk shows, he followed his world''s "Tonight 80''s Talkshow" clothing style. Every episode, he would wear a leisure suit, so he was already very skilled and used to it.


    Blue suit, ck shirt, ck trousers.


    Zhang Ye seemed topletely transform after he came out of the bathroom. Compared to the clothes he randomly picked out from before, Zhang Ye''s bearing seemed to rise a few hundred times. There was even a glint in his eyes that seemed deep and unfathomable. His smile seemed to have a vague sinister look to it, like the ocean, like the sky, like the universe...


    Alright, let''s cut the bragging.


    Actually, he didn''t change for shit.


    Liu Qian said listlessly. "Standing there will do."


    Zhang Ye moved, "Here?"


    Liu Qian said, "Further to the side. Alright, don''t move." The moment she be shooting, she was quite professional. "You can smile a bit...Right..Your posture is a bit monotonous, try changing to another pose...Good!"


    One set of clothing...


    Two sets of clothing...


    Twenty sets of clothing...


    Zhang Ye constantly changed into sets of different clothes and photos were taken one after another.


    Two years ago, Liu Qian had previously done some photography work, and worked for apany, she would help out whenever any blogshop owners needed models or photographers. Thepany would bring the equipment too, and it was because they had quite a bit of interaction in this field did she and Zhang Shuang decide to open a blogshop. Speaking of which, the number of models Liu Qian had photographed numbered at least eighty, if not a hundred, but truthfully speaking, she had never seen a model as average looking as Zhang Shuang''s brother. Height? He wasn''t considered tall. Looks? He wasn''t considered handsome. Bearing? He did not have any impressive bearing either. His eyes seemed somewhat attractive, and well, his voice was very pleasing to the ears too, but what was the point of that? Photographs did not include sound, so up to now, she did not know why her best friend ced all her hopes on her brother!


    A celebrity?


    And his endorsements cost millions?


    Who were you bluffing! Have you seen such an ordinary looking celebrity before?


    Probably not.


    "Alright, it''s all done." Liu Qian kept the camera.


    Zhang Shuang, who was sitting at a desk, had already switched on a notebookputer she brought. "Give it to me. I''ll arrange them." She began choosing photos. The good ones were kept and the bad ones were deleted. This job was done quickly. The pictures were grouped up and categorized. "OK, let''s upload it."


    Liu Qian eximed, "Upload right now?"


    Zhang Shuang said with excitement, "Of course. It''s a race against time!"


    Liu Qian said, "What''s the rush? Our business has been bad for months, and won''t miss this short period of time. Let''s go back to your ce for lunch. Auntie is still waiting for us."


    Zhang Shuang looked at her watch. "It''s not even 12 yet. Let''s upload it first. We''ll leave after we uploading it." Saying that, she began to operate the tform''s backend and uploaded picture after picture.


    Zhang Ye went over to take a look, "Sis, is it done?"


    Zhang Shuang acknowledged and then frowned. "No, it seems like something is still missing."


    Liu Qian was sitting on the couch and said without interest, "What''s missing?"


    Zhang Shuang suddenly rapped the table, "Right! We''re short of an advertisement tagline." The moment she said that, Zhang Shuang''s big eyesnded on Zhang Ye. "Bro, help me to the end."


    Zhang Ye said exasperatedly. "You want me to do one for you now?"


    However, Zhang Shuang said, "With your literary talent, should that even be a problem?"


    Liu Qian eximed, "Let your brother make a advertisement tagline? Wasn''t our old advertisement tagline pretty good? Simple Men''s Clothing��Astralwolves'' brand."


    Zhang Shuang rolled her eyes. "That was too simple. Now with a true expert here, don''t even talk about how we just randomly came up with a tagline from a brain fart. It''s embarrassing!"


    "Expert?" Liu Qian looked at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Shuang said anxiously, "Bro, Sis is relying on you."


    Zhang Ye could only say, "What''s your brand called?"


    Liu Qian said, "Astralwolves'' brand."


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh, so do you want the tagline to be long or short? How many words?"


    Liu Qian turned gleeful. You sure won''t reject any request? Did that mean you could write out anything long, short, fat or thin? You sure sound boastful.


    Zhang Shuang gave it a moment of thought, "I want something long, that I can put on our homepage. Others only have a tagline that''s a sentence or two. It looks too simple and doesn''t look domineering enough. It won''t attract anyone."


    Liu Qian said, "Blogshops have short taglines because short advertisements are more suitable for the way sales are done. Secondly, everyone is a small business, and can''tpare with those big brands. Everyone wants to write a long advertisement, but theyck the literary talent!"


    Zhang Shuang blinked her eyes. "Then I''ll want a short one too."


    "One long and one short?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Zhang Shuang nodded and said, "Right!"


    Zhang Ye naturally did not say another word. If others asked him for an advertisement tagline, he would definitely talk about the price first before discussing about other things. If he was not satisfied, he would not give it to them, but since it was his own sister, Zhang Ye definitely would not disagree. "Alright, note it down." Without a thought, he already had an advertisement tagline.


    Liu Qian was surprised. That can''t be? He already has one?


    Zhang Shuang was fully engrossed as she prepared to note it down on herputer.


    They only heard Zhang Ye said, "Men have more than one dimension��Astralwolves'' brand."


    Upon ruminating over the words, Zhang Shuang said, "This phrase is full of vor!"


    Liu Qian didn''t think much of it. "So simple? It''s about the same as the previous advertisement tagline we came up with."


    Then, Zhang Ye began to recite the longer advertisement tagline. Actually, it was an extension of the previous tagline. The long and short versions were actually one and the same.


    "Men."


    "A simple word."


    "Yet carries rich implications."


    "They seek closeness yet distant thoughts."


    "Willing to forge ahead."


    "Visions of the future through wisdom."


    "They are restrained yet still soar."


    "Calmly facing the challenge."


    "Struggling for their dreams."


    "They are fashionable yet ssic."


    "Never perturbed by new trends."


    "Yet extend popr tastes to eternity."


    "They are hardened yet tender, knowing how to fight for what they want, and know the true pleasures of life. We believe that there are multiple dimensions to men, allowing them to perfectly express the versatility of a man''s every role. Using their mortal bodies to create extraordinary achievements."


    "That is Men!"


    "Men with more than one dimension!"


    "True Men that are worthy of our salute!"


    Zhang Ye was done.


    Liu Qian was already speechless as she looked at Zhang Ye in shock.


    Although Zhang Shuang knew of her brother''s literary talent, but to hear her brother nonchntly produce such a ssic and long advertisement tag made her fail to hide her excitement!


    "Alright! Too good!" Zhang Shuang stood up. "Let''s not even talk about our blogshop, with this advertisement, even amongst all the shops on the online sales tform, it is definitely the best. This phrase alone is not a problem for a TV advertisement. It''s so high-end!"


    It wasn''t a problem for a TV advertisement?


    This was actually a TV advertisement.


    Zhang Ye smiled and did not say a word. This advertisement was actually his world''s "Septwolves" men clothing''s advertisement. When Zhang Ye watched television, he had heard it numerous times. He always found it quite good, and decided to use it for his sister. Good stuff shouldn''t be shared with outsiders after all.


    By the side, Liu Qian already looked at Zhang Ye in a different light. This brother of Zhang Shuang had thrown out such an advertisement tag without a single thought. It had truly stunned Liu Qian. How f**king talented are you in literature to be able to throw out such an excellent advertisement without any thought? Holy sh*t, what does this dude do? An advertising professional?

 Chapter 452: What does your brother do!?

    <h4>Chapter 452: What does your brother do!? </h4>


    Chapter 452: What does your brother do!?


    Adjusting theyout.


    Setting the advertisement passage.


    Changing the background, photo gallery, and attachments.


    Zhang Shuang finished very quickly. After letting go of her mouse, she pped her hands with a great sense of aplishment. "Done, everything is done. I''ve already submitted the revisions."


    Liu Qian also looked over with interest. "With that advertising passage, it feelspletely different. It gives off a very high-end look."


    Zhang Shuang smiled and said, "Of course, who do you think my brother is?"


    Liu Qian looked sideways and patted Zhang Ye on the shoulder like an elder sister. "Nice going, youngd. I didn''t know you were quite skilled. Did you study advertising?"


    Zhang Ye, "..."


    Zhang Shuang said exasperatedly, "What advertising? My brother studied broadcast hosting."


    Liu Qian sized up Zhang Ye in surprise, "Broadcast hosting? That can''t be!?"


    Zhang Shuang said to Zhang Ye, "Little Ye, ignore her. She''s an ignorant person and knows nothing. Let''s go. Everything here has been done. Let''s pack up the equipment and leave. My Mom should almost be done with cooking and is probably waiting for us."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye helped to pack up.


    Zhang Shuang was preparing to switch theputer off and packed it.


    However, just before theputer was switched off, there were notification beeps. It was a special tool from the blogshop tform thatmunicated with their clients, taking orders and questions and notifying them.


    This sound was no doubt very familiar to Zhang Shuang and Liu Qian!


    "There''s an order!" Zhang Shuang said happily.


    Liu Qian eximed, "Holy sh*t, so fast?"


    Zhang Shuang sat down and saw that they had stock for the order and immediately epted it. Then she contacted the express deliverypany and prepared to go home to deliver the goods.


    But before ten seconds had even passed.


    Beep! Beep! Another order!


    Liu Qian said in surprise, "Another one, another one! Shuang, ept it quickly!"


    "I know." Zhang Shuang clicked it open. "This person made an order for three sets!"


    Liu Qian said joyfully, "A big client. Hurry, hurry, hurry! We have to ship it out today!"


    The clothes their store sold wasn''t that expensive, but neither was it too cheap as the quality was pretty good. There was also the cost for design and manufacturing. A typical set would be sold for about 200-300 yuan (US$ 28-43). So three or four orders could be considered quite arge order for a small and uing blogshop like theirs!


    Third order!


    Fourth order!


    Fifth order!


    In a blink of an eye, their blogshop had gotten five customers!


    At this moment, Zhang Shuang''s mother urged them to return with a phone call. Zhang Shuang could only close her notebook and return home first.


    ......


    His Aunt''s house.


    Along the path inside the courtyard.


    Liu Qian was still quite amazed. "That''s something new. Could it be us getting lucky today? Five orders in a few minutes? If every day went like this, wouldn''t we be rich? Hahahaha. It looks like that advertising passage of your brother''s had a little effect!"


    Zhang Shuang smiled and said, "A little effect?"


    Pushing open the door, the three of them entered the house.


    "Auntie, we are back." Liu Qian said with a gleeful smile.


    Aunt smiled and said, "I heard you talking while you were in the courtyard. Qianqian''s voice is so loud. Right, what advertising passage were you talking about?"


    Liu Qian eximed, "Zhang Shuang got her brother to help us write an advertising passage, a long one at that. And in the end, it was really useful. We got a few orders right after we updated the page."


    Upon hearing this, instead of being happy, Aunt looked angrily at Zhang Shuang and reprimanded her with a ckened face, "Didn''t you just wanted your brother to help take a few photos? You sure didn''t stand on ceremony and even got Little Ye to write you an advertising passage? This kid, I think you''re asking for a beating! Do you think your brother''s advertisement passages are worth nothing and can be obtained anytime you want? You sure are fantastic!"


    Zhang Shuang said with a dejected face, "Mom, I was also..."


    Aunt tutted, "What are you talking about!?"


    Liu Qian gave Zhang Shuang''s mother a confused look and said, "Auntie, it''s not that serious. It''s only an advertisement. In a while, Zhang Shuang and I will treat Little Ye a few meals."


    Only?


    A few meals?


    Aunt was at a loss of whether tough or cry. "This isn''t a simple matter of a few meals!"


    Liu Qian did not know the value of the advertisement written by Zhang Ye was, but how could Zhang Donghua not know. Every word was worth its weight in gold? That was a joke! Little Ye''s words, if sold cheaply as junk, was far from being worth its weight in gold! Every word of Little Ye was worth its weight in thousands of gold! It might even be worth tens of thousands of gold per word! She had already felt bad asking Little Ye to be a model for her daughter''s blogshop. Now, he had even given her an advertising passage? Zhang Donghua felt it was not right. Taking photos was not something very problematic. He just needed to be there and would likely not cause any losses to Little Ye. However, an advertising passage was something that depended on creativity. Every usage depleted one''s creative stores. It was a form of wealth. Now, with Little Ye''s worth, and his reputation and status in the advertising world, everyone knew his advertising passages cost astronomical amounts. It was equivalent to Little Ye "spending money" to help them. Zhang Donghua found it very inappropriate.


    Zhang Shuang remained silent.


    Zhang Donghua was still reprimanding her daughter, "You, you really..."


    Zhang Ye hurriedly interjected and said with a smile, "Aunt, don''t keep scolding my Sis. I was in the mood to write. And it was just some crappy advertisement. It''s nothing."


    Zhang Donghua said in a speechless manner, "Your advertisements can be crappy?"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "It''s because you all think too highly of me. Don''t listen to others. What I write is not worth anything. Even if I want to give it out, it wouldn''t be epted. Now, I made my Sis suffer from it."


    Zhang Donghua leered at him, "Keep spouting your nonsense."


    Zhang Shuang took the opportunity to say in a charming manner, "Mom, I''m hungry."


    "If not for your brother protecting you, I would have finished you already!" Zhang Donghua stared at her daughter. After ying host to Liu Qian and Zhang Ye, she went to cook.


    The moment her mother left, Zhang Shuang put her arm over Zhang Ye''s shoulders. "My brother is the best."


    Liu Qian felt like the mother and daughter duo were overreacting a bit. It was just an advertising paragraph. Was there a need to make such a big fuss over it? Did they need to do that? She couldn''t understand, and then urged Zhang Shuang. "Shuang, look at the backend."


    Zhang Shuang also recalled it. "Oh right! I almost forgot!"


    Liu Qian asked, "Do you have aputer at home? I''ll help too."


    "Yes, it''s in the desk drawer. Take it yourself." Zhang Shuang had already opened the backend to the blogshop.


    However, the moment she opened the backend, she heard a string of notification sounds. Beep Beep Beep! Beep Beep Beep! Beep Beep Beep! There were dozens!


    Notification: A person has made an order!


    Ten orders!


    Twenty orders!


    Fifty orders!


    Zhang Shuang was already dumbstruck. "This!"


    Liu Qian had also switched on theputer and entered the backend with her administrative ount. The moment she saw it, she was dumbfounded too. "Holy sh*t! We only took half an hour toe back from the hotel! 67 orders? Did the system make a mistake? How can there be so many!? Ever since our blogshop opened, even the best month''s overall sales failed to reach 67 orders! Are these buyers mad?"


    Zhang Shuang hurriedly said, "Deal with the orders first. ept them all!"


    Liu Qian said with high-spirits, "Got it!"


    The two of them busied themselves till they became dizzy, but their faces were full of joy and excitement. It had been a year. They couldn''t get this busy even if they had wanted to in the past. No one patronized their blogshop. Now, with business was inexplicably booming, it made them feel like they saw the end of the road!


    Persistence!


    Persistence was important!


    Liu Qian summarized her own sessful experience and immediately came to this conclusion. As long as she persisted, gold would eventually shimmer one day. The Heavens would not turn a blind eye towards their hard work and sacrifices. Then, Liu Qian scanned thement section on her blogshop and was left dumbfounded!


    What the heck!


    So it wasn''t any bullshit persistence!


    It was not nonsense like ''gold would eventually shimmer''!


    There was a hugemotion in thement section!


    "Eh, isn''t this Zhang Ye?"


    "It''s him!"


    "Teacher Zhang is endorsing a new product?"


    "This blogshop sure is awesome. They actually managed to get Teacher Zhang Ye to endorse them?"


    "Astralwolves brand? Why have I never heard of it? Never mind, it looks pretty good. I happen to be short of a leisure suit. I''ll buy one!"


    "Hahaha, I also bought two sets. I get happy just seeing Teacher Zhang Ye. Is the shop''s owner around? Please get Teacher Zhang to produce a new program. The talk show just ended, and Teacher Zhang hasn''t produced new work for quite some time already. A novel would do too. Music would do too. Poems would do too. At least relieve us of our itch!"


    "The products that Zhang Ye endorses generally can''t go wrong."


    "That advertisement phrase sure is domineering! It has feeling! Who wrote it?"


    "Who else could it be? Only Zhang Ye can write such an advertisement phrase. Others can''t produce something like that!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye was both a model and helped them to write advertisement phrases? Can this still be considered a blogshop? They must be close connections! Typical second tier clothing brands don''t even have this sort ability!"


    "Wow, Teacher Zhang looks so handsome in a suit!"


    "I also love Teacher Zhang. I bought one for my boyfriend. Since I can''t get Teacher Zhang Ye to be my boyfriend, I''ll let my boyfriend wear the same thing as Teacher Zhang!"


    "Upstairs, your boyfriend will cry."


    "Replying upstairs, ever since Teacher Zhang sent Lee Anson flying with a kick, my boyfriend also became a brainless fan of Zhang Ye!"


    "Eh, what happened here? Why is there such a buzz suddenly? The discussion section has reached the main page. Why are there so many messages? What''s the situation. Is there some discount or promotion...Holy motherf**ker! Isn''t that Zhang Ye!? Ah ha, Teacher Zhang Ye became a model? What blogshop is this? How is it so awesome?"


    Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye!


    People were all shouting Zhang Ye''s name!


    Liu Qian was dumbfounded seeing this. At this moment, she vaguely understood the reason behind her blogshop suddenly having such an explosion in sales. She stared at Zhang Ye behind her in astonishment, "You are really a star?"


    Zhang Ye did not know what to do or know how to answer her.


    Zhang Shuang leered at her best friend and spoke for Zhang Ye. "Didn''t I tell you earlier? My brother is a big star and is very popr!"


    Liu Qian said with ignorance, "What sort of celebrity is he? What does he do? Does he have so many fans? Is he a singer?"


    Zhang Shuang gave it some thought before saying, "My brother does many things. He is a famous musicposer, famous author, literature schr, calligrapher, famous television host, famous radio host, famous advertisement nner, Peking University''s famous lecturer. Well, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. I can''t remember all of the titles."


    Liu Qian said in astonishment, "Stop fooling around. Be serious!"


    Zhang Shuang rolled her eyes at her, "I''m being serious with you!"


    Liu Qian: "[emailprotected]*&$*)(*$)(@!"

 Chapter 453: A Stunning tiny Blogshop!

    <h4>Chapter 453: A Stunning tiny Blogshop! </h4>


    Chapter 453: A Stunning tiny Blogshop!


    One order!


    Another order!


    The blogshop''s sales soared, and could be said to be a stunning sight!


    After hearing Zhang Shuang''s words and listening to Zhang Ye''s various des, almost all of them had the word famous appended to it? Liu Qian stood there stunned, without any reaction. She felt like she was still in a dream, and was still somewhat in disbelief. How could a person have so much to offer?


    Suddenly, the phone rang.


    Liu Qian took a look and noticed that it was a good friend of hers who grew up together with her. She worked at an advertisingpany and they had pretty good rtions.


    "Hello, Qianqian!" The girl''s voice was very shrill and surprised.


    "Little Min, I''m busy, let''s talk another time." Liu Qian wanted to hang up and finish the workload on her hands, "I''m hanging up first!"


    "Wait!" Little Min shouted, "If you dare hang up, I''ll tear you apart next time I see you! You sure are good Liu Qian. You are unfathomable. I didn''t know you could achieved such great achievements no matter how I guessed? Tell me the truth! How did you hire a godly person like Teacher Zhang Ye to be your model? Go to hell! This is you about to charge out of earth into the universe! I had nothing to do today. I was thinking of browsing your blogshop at work to give you some business. I know your business hasn''t been good all along, and wanted to help a friend out, but I never expected that I was shocked the moment I entered it. The advertising phrase and the interface has changed. Even the model has changed!"


    Upon hearing this, Liu Qian, who was nning on hanging up, changed her mind. She hurriedly said to Zhang Shuang, "I have something. I need to finish this call." She then briskly walked out into the courtyard and said to Little Min on the phone. "Min, who is this Zhang Ye?"


    Little Min eximed, "You''re asking me?"


    Liu Qian said, "Who else can I ask if not you. Hurry up and tell me!"


    Little Min burst out intoughter and said, "You don''t know who you hired? You''re amusing me! You don''t even know who Zhang Ye is? Don''t you watch the news?"


    Liu Qian said anxiously, "With my business doing so poorly, how would I find the time to watch the news? Hurry up and tell me. Cut the crap. My brain is all confused!"


    "Then tell me how you hired him!" Little Min asked curiously.


    "He was hired by my partner. That guy is her brother." Liu Qian said.


    "No wonder. So it''s because of rtives." Little Min was enlightened before saying, "You sure got some dogshit luck. This is a freebie that dropped down from the heavens! Right, who wrote that advertising passage?"


    Liu Qian said honestly, "It was also that Little Ye."


    Little Min gasped, "Did you spend any money?"


    Liu Qian said, "It''s my partner''s brother. What do we need to spend money for?"


    Little Min said with envy, "Hai, you''ve really lucked out this time. You lucked out big! This is Zhang Ye! This is Zhang Ye''s advertisement passage! How much money is that!?"


    Liu Qian asked in a silly manner, "How much is it worth?"


    "I think I better not tell you or you would die from shock!" Little Min shook her head and sighed.


    Liu Qian became even more curious. She cursed, "Slut, stop teasing me! Hurry up and tell me! How much is that advertisement passage worth. Is it that awesome?"


    Little Min also cursed back with augh. "You are such a bumpkin! A hick! You don''t even recognize a gold mountain even when it''s before your very eyes! You want to know how awesome is it? This is Zhang Ye. Just his name alone, if he were to use his feet to write an advertisement phrase or n, it would be worth more than a million with our eyes close! You really didn''t know a thing? Go check on the web and you will know who he is. Have you seen themercial for Brain Gold?"


    Liu Qian was stunned. "Brain Gold? I saw bits of it and didn''t pay much attention. I heard thatmercial was pretty hot and the entire country was discussing it. What about it?"


    Little Min directly told her, "That was amercial that Zhang Ye endorsed. The nning and the advertising catchphrase were all written by him. Back then, he was a D-list celebrity, and you know how much he received for the endorsement? I heard from my friend that he received 3 million in endorsement fees. That''s the price of an A-list celebrity! For a D-list celebrity to get the endorsement fee of an A-list celebrity, he is the only one in the entire entertainment industry who has ever done this before. Do you know why? It''s not because his poprity has caught up to an A-list celebrity, but because of his advertisement catchphrases! Now the sales of Brain Gold can''t even be quantified. During the new year, it was sold crazily. Why is a small health supplementpany, that was on the brink of bankruptcy, now the country''s number one health product seller with Brain Gold? It''s all because of themercial Zhang Ye nned! Number one in the country! Fromst ce to first! All because of what? Just because of Zhang Ye''smercial! Hur Hur, now, tell me how much you think Zhang Ye''smercial passage is worth?"


    Liu Qian was stunned. "Ah? Is this true or not?"


    Little Min said, "I''m a professional in an advertisingpany. Why would I lie to you? Also back then, Beijing Television Station had a public service advertisement on conserving electricity, it was also nned by Zhang Ye. He opened up a new method of creative advertising amongst public service advertisements. Back then, the public service advertisement''s viewership was higher than the two variety shows that were before and after it! Yes, you didn''t hear wrongly. Themercial really got higher viewership ratings than the program! This person, Zhang Ye, I don''t pay much attention to in the entertainment industry, but in the advertising circles, he is legendary. Even big shots know him! Ourpany''s boss even sent him an e-mail to invite Teacher Zhang Ye to join us, nning on giving a high sry to get him to nmercials for us, yet Zhang Ye did not agree!"


    Liu Qian was already trembling and the phone was shaking in her hand. "Then, then...the advertisement passage he made, like the one he made for us today, how...how much would it be?"


    Little Min paused for a while before saying, "As for how much exactly, it would be hard for me to tell you. If Zhang Ye were to sell this advertisement passage, and not counting the endorsement or advertisement nning, just the advertisement passage could be bought by others if he demanded 800,000 or 1,000,000!"


    1 million!


    1 million!


    Liu Qian''s heart was already in her throat!


    Little Min added another stab at her, "So that advertisement passage is more expensive than ten blogshops at your scalebined. You, go and smile happily! You actually managed to encounter such good luck! There are countless numbers ofpanies hoping Zhang Ye would write one for them! Hai, as expected the fools are blessed. You really lucked out!"


    Liu Qian said in a daze, "I''m hanging up."


    Little Min said, "Don''t. Introduce Teacher Little Zhang Ye to me! If he has any good advertisement nning or passage, ourpany will definitely buy it!"


    Liu Qian said, "Cut it out, it''s not like it''s my say!"


    Little Min went for second best, "Then at least get me an autograph! He is a god in our advertising world!"


    After hanging up, Liu Qian hurriedly checked Zhang Ye''s details on the inte. And indeed, just as Zhang Shuang and Little Min told her, Zhang Ye''s deeds and resume all appeared. After seeing all of this, Liu Qian was nearly brimming with tears. Your sister, the dude she despised earlier was actually really a f**king superstar!

 Chapter 454: My goal is the Sea of Stars!

    <h4>Chapter 454: My goal is the Sea of Stars! </h4>


    Chapter 454: My goal is the Sea of Stars!


    Afternoon.


    It was lunch time at his Aunt''s ce.


    Piping hot dishes were brought over by Zhang Donghua into the living room. "Get ready to eat. Hur Hur."


    Zhang Ye went over to help. "Aunt, let me help you. Is there anymore things to bring from the kitchen?"


    "All the dishes have been served. Take a seat, I''ll go scoop the rice." After Zhang Donghua finished saying that, she looked at Zhang Shuang, who had been busying herself with herputer, urging, "What are you doing?


    "Hurry up and have lunch. Move the table to the side a bit with your brother, so that there will be more space, or else we won''t be able to seat four people."


    The room was small, and there was a bed there, so it was quite cramped.


    Zhang Shuang did not even turn her head. "Give me a bit Mom, I''m busy!"


    Zhang Donghua grumbled, "What can you be busy with over? Finish your meal first!"


    Zhang Shuang said, "Aiyah, now there''s so many people submitting orders and asking about the clothing measurements and stuff like that. That silly girl, Qianqian went out to make a phone call. Now, I''m extremely busy."


    Zhang Donghua asked casually, "How many orders are there?"


    Zhang Shuang looked at the screen and said, "There are already 180 orders!


    "If this carries on, all the stock we have at home won''t be enough. I still need to send more orders to the factory so that they can produce more quickly. Aiyah, I can''t talk. Just give me another two more minutes. I''ll definitely be done in two minutes!"


    Almost 200 orders?


    Zhang Donghua was quite shocked upon hearing this. Her daughter''s blogshop had been open for a year, and had not umted 200 sets of clothing sold in its entire year of business. Little Ye had just helped them model how long ago?


    An hour?


    One and a half hours?


    This was too fast!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Let my Sis busy herself. I''ll move the table. Where should I move it to?"


    "Hey! Put it down!" Zhang Donghua tugged at him, refusing his offer. "You just need to sit down and eat. Your Sis will do it in a little bit!"


    Zhang Ye refused. "Why are you standing on ceremony with me? You think I can''t move this tiny table?" Saying that, he pulled at it, and the table moved over. The dishes and chopsticks ced on the table did not move at all. There was not even a single tremble. This fellow knew kung fu after all.


    Zhang Donghua was quite astonished seeing this. "Little Ye, you sure are quite handy?"


    "Heh. Just average I guess." Zhang Ye bragged a bit.


    At this moment, Liu Qian came back inside. She entered the room after pushing the door open.


    Zhang Donghua immediately greeted her with a smile. "Hurry, Qianqian, it''s time to eat."


    A few minutester.


    The four people gathered around the dining table to eat.


    Zhang Ye wolfed down the food. After taking photos and changing clothes all day, he was quite drained and was very hungry. "Eh, EH, delicious. This fish-vored pork is very fragrant!"


    Zhang Donghua smiled and gave him more. "If it''s delicious, then eat some more."


    Zhang Ye found the words familiar and subconsciously nodded, "Yea, I can''t stop at all!"


    Liu Qian did not eat and instead kept staring at Zhang Ye''s face. It was the kind of stare that did not even blink.


    Zhang Ye got a little creeped out by this. "Uh, what''s the matter?"


    "Qianqian, hurry up and eat. Eat while it''s still hot. It''ll turn cold if you don''t." Zhang Donghua served Liu Qian with her chopsticks and happily said, "You''ll have more strength if you eat more. From today onwards, I guess you and Little Shuang will be very busy. Just now, Little Shuang said that you already have nearly 200 orders!"


    Zhang Shuang was also eating very delightfully and was in a great mood. "This is the effect of a celebrity! In the past I kept hearing this phrase and didn''t think too much of it. I believed good wine needs no bush, but now I finally understand the power of celebrities!"


    "As expected of my brother''s awesome skills!" She then raised her tea cup. "There''s no wine at home, and even if there is I don''t drink. Bro, Sis will toast you with this tea on behalf of wine. Thanks!"


    Zhang Ye clinked with her. His cup was only filled with water. "It''s your product that is good. Your brand positioning and fashion design are quite outstanding, so don''t think that it was because of me. I just took a few photos."


    Zhang Shuang said, "There was also the advertisement passage."


    Zhang Donghua said, "Just now I caught a nce at the advertisement passage. It was really very well written. Such a good advertisement should be left for yourself. Giving it to your sister is such a waste."


    Liu Qian also sighed, "We shouldn''t have posted that advertisement!"


    Zhang Donghua looked at her daughter and said, "That''s right. It was you. You even went and used it without any thought. Now everything sure is fine and dandy. There''s no way to take it down since it''s already been revealed!"


    Zhang Shuang stuck out her tongue.


    Liu Qian sighed again. "That''s right!"


    Zhang Donghua and Liu Qian were actually thinking about two different matters. Liu Qian was thinking of how the advertisement should not be posted. If it was left to her, she would have sold it to an advertisingpany. A million! It was a million bucks! When the time came, she and Zhang Shuang could get 500,000 each. Wouldn''t that be great!?


    Of course, that was just wishful thinking. Their careers were now dependent on their blogshop and their fashion brand. If they wanted to have a future, naturally this situation was the best. If not it was essentially killing the goose thatid golden eggs!


    After taking her friend''s call, Liu Qian now understood how much she and Zhang Shuang owed Zhang Ye!


    She also knew what Zhang Ye''s position in the entertainment industry and the advertising world was!


    C-list celebrity!


    The youngest Peking University lecturer!


    Famous television and radio program host!


    And a poet, novelist, and literature schr!


    Why would such a godly person so famous in his field be sitting with them, sharing a meal?


    Zhang Shuang kept saying her brother was a big star, and this Sis thought that was just full of hot air?


    Holy sh*t!


    Now, she''s made a spectacle of herself!


    Liu Qian stared angrily at Zhang Shuang, and was thinking how bad she was. She had such an awesome brother, but had never mentioned it. She didn''t even leak it out. She had hidden it so much!


    After eating.


    Zhang Shuang and Liu Qian hurriedly sat in front of theputer to busy themselves.


    Liu Qian suddenly pointed at the screen. "Hey, our blogshop is now on Weibo news! Hurry up and take a look!"


    This was a news article rmended by Weibo. There were five news articles. The news article of theirs did not take up much space and was quite inconspicuous, but neither was it the smallest. The position was still alright.


    The title was "Zhang Ye''s New Advertisement".


    The advertisement''s original text and a link to Zhang Shuang''s Astralwolves brand blogshop were both included.


    "After reading this advertisement passage, I had mixed feelings. Maybe only those men, who had experienced some setback or experienced some battering by the wind and rain, would like the advertisement. Men''s troubles, weakness, persistence, and stubbornness were all written in this advertisement passage. For the advertisement passage to be used for men''s clothing brand makes it extremely suitable. Here, I can''t help but be amazed at Teacher Zhang Ye''s advertising brain and literary talent. In here, the line I like the most is ''That is Men! Men with more than one dimension''!"


    "Zhang Ye is probably talking about himself. He was previously a radio station jockey and had been a television host. He has taught in a university and loves writing poems, scolding his leaders, and beating other celebrities. To be able to write an advertisement passage that showcases men, it definitely can''t be separated from his own experience. Men with more than one dimension��Is there any other man who has more dimensions than Zhang Ye?"


    Many people saw the rmended news article.


    "Ah ha, Teacher Zhang has a new poem?"


    "It''s not a poem. It''s an advertisement passage."


    "Zhang Ye''s advertisement passage is as awesome as his poems!"


    "That''s right. The one that left the deepest impression on me was ''I''ll speak for myself''. It was really so well written!


    And this ''Men with more than one dimension''. It too is quite lovely!"


    "I still like that Brain Gold advertisement. That was Teacher Zhang Ye''s f**ckin pinnacle piece of work! It''s an epic legend of the advertising world!"


    "Pfft, the person upstairs sure has different tastes!"


    "Brain Gold is too brainwashing. At least this advertisement is more normal!"


    "I also like this men''s fashion advertisement passage. It''s empowering!"


    "Why are Teacher Zhang Ye''s works always so awesome!"


    ......


    Zhang Shuang eximed, "Traffic is soaring again!"


    Liu Qian roared withugher. "Weibo is helping us to advertise! And we didn''t even need to pay any advertisement or promotion fees!


    "Shuang!"


    "Ah? What?" Zhang Shuang asked.


    Liu Qian said exasperatedly, "I didn''t call you. I was saying it felt great!"


    Zhang Donghua was behind them cleaning the table. With her daughter''s business improving by leaps and bounds, as her mother, she was naturally happy for her. She did not need to worry about her daughter''s work in the future. With Little Ye sacrificing his ideas, paving the way for his sister, her business would definitely not be bad.


    To develop into a national or international brand would definitely be impossible. That needed capital injection and a lot of management. However, to be a blogshop with good sales and a good reputation amongst small brand blogshops, it would definitely not be a problem. At least, she didn''t need to fret about basic necessities.


    Zhang Shuang said with a delightful smile, "I managed to rub off a bit of my brother''s halo."


    Zhang Ye said with a teasing smile, "I''m the one who rubbed off my Sis'' halo. This is the first time since I was born that I was asked to be a fashion model. This experience was quite thrilling. In the future, I can add model to my list of des and carry on developing with multi-faceted pathways. If there''s any more of such good deals, Sis, you must remember to give me a call." He said this because he was afraid his Aunt and Sis would be overly courteous towards him. Actually to Zhang Ye, this was nothing. It was not like hecked time. Besides, if he could help a rtive out, why not?


    As for other celebrities, time was money.


    Moonlighting.


    Commercial performances.


    And even as escorts.


    For example, they may go to a particrpany''s ribbon-cutting ceremony. Half an hour or an hour, with the snap of the scissors and at most eating a meal, they could receive hundreds of thousands of dors, and so with this conversion rate, that was the case indeed.


    However, Zhang Ye was different. He did not moonlight, nor did he domercial performances. He did not have any schedules that required the entire day. As this fellow didn''t even have a managementpany or manager, he was truly a free celebrity in the industry that stood out. He was not restricted in any way. He knew very clearly that all the moonlighting, with little true value, was using one''s poprity to earn money. However, it did not increase one''s poprity at all, and if done too often, it would even hurt it. That was something Zhang Ye refused to do. Hence, he had lots of free time. Don''t you see this fellow staying at home going in circles all day?


    Zhang Ye only had poprity in his eyes. His dream was not to earn thousands or millions!


    His ambition was bigger than this. His goals were evenrger, and targeted a greater horizon!


    Hence, what he was seeing was different from other celebrities. What he saw was not money, but the entire country, the world, the universe, the Sea of the Stars*!


    Trantor''s Note: Sea of the Stars is a reference to the Japanese anime, "Legend of the Gctic Heroes".

 Chapter 455: Babysitter Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 455: Babysitter Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 455: Babysitter Zhang Ye!


    Afternoon.


    At the courtyard door.


    Aunt and Sis insisted on walking with him out of the courtyard.


    "Little Ye, drive carefully."


    "Yea, got it Aunt."


    "Thanks, Little Ye."


    "Sis, there''s no need to say so much. Go back in."


    "Okay. Come whenever you have time. There will be someone home all the time anyway."


    Not long after he got into his car and drove out of his aunt''s alley, his cellphone, that he had thrown onto the passenger seat, rang. His eyes were sharp and he saw Rao Aimin''s name appear on the caller ID. He reached out to grab the phone and turned the hands-free mode on through the dashboard.


    "Landy auntie." He held onto his steering wheel as he continued driving.


    In a polite manner that Rao Aimin had never done before, she asked, "Where are you??"


    "I went to my Sis'' ce and just left. Why? Is there something?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Rao Aimin said, "Come over to my ce and look after the kid today. I need to settle some issues outside. I''m not sure what time I''ll be back. I will be waiting here!"


    Zhang Yeined, "If you are going out, just go. Chenchen doesn''t need anyone to take care of her. She''s so smart and resourceful. It''s already good enough that she doesn''t go around bullying people."


    "Hey, what''s with those words. Cut the nonsense and hurry over!"


    "I have to go home tonight. I was not home for the new year and my parents are already nagging. If I keep staying out, my mum is going to kill me for sure."


    "If you don''t head over here, I will take your life."


    "Damn, alright, alright. I wille over right now."


    "OK, when you get here, bring a bottle of soy sauce on the way. There''s no more left in the house. I''m hanging up now."


    "You really take me to be a nanny now? Looking after the kid and buying soy sauce?! This bro''s not a small fry anymore, how can you treat a famous person like this?"


    He did not hear any response from the other end.


    Du du du, the call had already disconnected.


    Zhang Ye was helpless. Forget it, this bro''s mood isn''t too bad right now. I will be generous and not take this up with a woman like you. He continued his drive towards Jiaomen!


    ......


    He arrived.


    He got out of the car to buy what he needed to.


    At the shop in the neighborhood. Ever since Zhang Ye''s address had been exposed and with the attack some days ago, everyone who were from around here knew that Zhang Ye also stayed here.


    "Yo, Teacher Zhang!" The grocery store''s big sis'' eyes brightened up.


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Give me a bottle of soy sauce please."


    The big sis asked, "Dark or light? What brand?"


    Zhang Ye wasn''t too sure himself, "Anything is fine. It doesn''t matter."


    The big sis smiled, "Then I will give you the in one."


    "Sure, how much is it?" Zhang Ye reached for his wallet.


    "Ah, there''s no need for that." The big sis waved him off.


    Zhang Ye said, "How can I?"


    The big sisughed out, "Just you choosing toe to shop is our shop''s fortune, so how can I ept payment? If you want to buy other things in the future, just give us a call. I will get my son to deliver it to your ce."


    Now, that''s what you called poprity!


    Look at this bro''s poprity!


    Zhang Ye felt good, but due to his principles of not taking advantage ofmoners marily, he still paid up. With the item in hand, he brought it upstairs.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Mom gave him a call.


    "Son, I heard you helped your Sis?" Mom''s tone sounded good.


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Yea, it''s just a small favor. Did Aunt call you to inform you?"


    His mother happily said, "Yes, your Aunt kept praising you and even said that your Sis'' blogshop is gaining poprity. In just an hour, she has already earned quite arge sum. Well done, Son. I''ve just gotten off the phone with Dad and he says you did well. You Aunt''s family hasn''t been doing too well since your uncle passed away. We couldn''t do much to help them back then either, so now that you''ve done well in life, you should take care of them some more. Your Aunt has always taken good care of you when you were young during the seasonal school breaks."


    Zhang Ye said, "I know."


    His mother said, "Alright then."


    "Uh, Mom. I don''t know if I can make it home tonight. Myndy has something to attend to and requested me to take care of her child. It''s that big sis who helped me to get released from the police station the other time." Zhang Ye said.


    His mother was in a good mood, so she happily responded, "Then you must help her with her request. Alright, I understand. I won''t leave any food for you tonight."


    "OK."


    After hanging up, he went upstairs in the lift.


    Dong dong. Zhang Ye knocked on the door, "Landy auntie!"


    After a long while, footsteps sounded as someone walked towards the door. After some struggle with the door handle, the door finally opened, revealing a deadpan looking Chenchen.


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


    Chenchen pouted, "Zhang Ye, why are you sote? My aunt left already."


    "Do you think I can fly? I had to drive over." Zhang Ye came inside and closed the door. He did not change into slippers and just ced the soy sauce on the kitchen counter, "It''s just the two of us, so you can go watch TV." He yawned. In the room, it was rather warm. Feeling sleepy, he said, "Your uncle Zhang will be taking a nap."


    Chenchen ignored him, sat on the sofa, and began watching cartoons. "OK."


    Zhang Ye reminded her, "Remember to do your homework."


    Chenchen sat crossed legged on the sofa, pretending not to hear him.


    Zhang Ye proceeded upstairs, familiar with theyout of the house, into Rao Aimin''s bedroom. He saw her bed was still in a mess, the quilt not folded, and the sheets crumpled. Rao Aimin must have taken a nap after lunch when she was called away, therefore not having time to make the bed.


    Taking off his shoes.


    Taking off his clothes.


    He climbed into the bed. The bed was already cold, but Rao Aimin''s fragrance still lingered. Zhang Ye knew the smell well as he closed his eyes and fell asleep soon after.


    An hour passed.


    Two hours passed.


    After an unknown period of time, he was shaken awake.


    "Zhang Ye, Zhang Ye." Chenchen pushed his arm.


    Zhang Ye opened his eyes, still in a drowsy state, "Ah?"


    Chenchen said with a sullen face. "I''m hungry."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged her before rolling over to continue sleeping.


    Chenchen carried on tugging at his shoulder. "Zhang Ye, Zhang Ye, Zhang Ye, I''m hungry."


    Zhang Ye waved his hands at her, "Don''t mess around, let me sleep a little while longer. You go and..." When he had spoken up to this point, he drifted back to sleep and was snoring loudly.


    "Zhang Ye."


    "Zhang Ye."


    Chenchen kept calling out to him.


    However, Zhang Ye was sleeping like a dead log. When it came to winter, he didn''t want to get up the moment he began sleeping.


    After some time again, Zhang Ye slowly opened his eyes again. When he got up, he felt his stomach grumbling with hunger.


    What was this smell?


    It was the fragrant smell of cooking!


    Zhang Ye thought that thendy had returned. He looked at his watch and it was already past 6PM. He quickly got dressed and went downstairs.


    The nging sounds of cooking sounded out from the kitchen.


    Zhang Ye did not go in to help out, but just sat down on the sofa outside waiting for dinner to be ready.


    But when the sound of cooking slowly died down and the kitchen door opened, Zhang Ye was stunned. Because there were no signs of thendy in the kitchen at all. Only a young kid aged 8, and a small stool at the kitchen stove could be seen. Beside it was a chopping board and there were knives and tes as well!


    It was actually Chenchen who had prepared dinner!


    Zhang Ye nearly cussed. What a genius child!


    Chenchen also saw Zhang Ye who was lying down in the sofa, with a sullen expression. She did not continue looking at him and just put the dishes on the dining table before going back into the kitchen and stepping onto the stool to get another dish. She brought it out andy it on the table again and for the 3rd time, went back into the kitchen. She squatted down to scoop herself a bowl of rice and then grabbed a pair of chopsticks before finally going back to the living room to the dining table. She sat there eating, not caring about Zhang Ye, as if she was angry at him.


    Zhang Ye blinked. He went to scoop himself a bowl of rice shamelessly and took the utensils before sitting down next to her, "Hey, kid. When did you learn to cook?"


    Chenchen said nothing.


    Zhang Ye coughed, "Did you learn from your aunt?"


    Chenchen didn''t even look at him.


    Zhang Ye couldn''t be bothered, so he began eating as he was really hungry. He took some cabbage and tasted it. Wow, it was pretty good, "Good cooking, Chenchen. Your culinary skills are very good, let me try some of those spicy chicken cubes too!" When he tasted them, he thought it was rather good too. Of course, the taste couldn''t bepared to thendy''s cooking, but for a child of 8 years old, it was really, really good.


    He ate as he continued praising her.


    A momentter, Chenchen finally said, "Zhang Ye, why are you sozy?"


    Zhang Ye had an embarrassed smile on his face as he said, "Well, about that. I was tired today, so I didn''t get up, but even if I got up, I don''t know how to cook, but lucky for us, we have you here! You''ve made me change my impression of you. You are the future little god of chefs, really amazing!"


    A typical kid would have lost their bearings with such praises.


    But Chenchen was different from other kids. She only pouted and said, "Childish!"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Don''t be angry, don''t be angry. Look at you, how can you be so petty? Actually, Uncle was just pretending to sleep so that I can ess your survival skills. Look at these two dishes, these are the results of my test. This is the hidden potentials humans that have. You might not understand uncle''s efforts now, but when you grow up, you''ll understand."


    The corner of Chenchen''s lips stretched out into a smile. "....Hur Hur."


    Zhang Ye knew that this kid was more street smart than an adult and that he couldn''t fool her, so he said, "Uncle will wash the dishester, so you can just watch TV."


    Chenchen added, "And do my homework for me."


    Zhang Ye looked at her, "But you can''t let your aunt find out."


    "Deal." Chenchen held up her little hand in a cute manner, but still maintained her deadpan expression.


    Zhang''er also stretched his hand out and pped the little hand. With that p of palms, the division of tasks was decided. Chenchen did the cooking while Zhang Ye did the homework.


    The atmosphere became harmonious once again.


    After the meal, Zhang Ye began to do Chenchen''s homework after having washed the dishes.


    In the little study room.


    "I will write it out on a paper for you to copy onto your workbook. Let me get this clear first, I will only donguage portions for you. Otherwise, if you finish too quickly, your aunt will know and she will definitely beat me up." Zhang Ye said.


    Chenchen said, "You will write in my workbook."


    Zhang Ye said, "Our handwriting is different and others will know it."


    Chenchen leered at him. "My Aunt saw your ''Ode of Mn'' on the inte and said you are a calligraphy expert. Can''t you imitate the handwriting of others?"


    This wicked child!


    Zhang Ye was wondering howzy she was. She was sozy that she didn''t even want to copy something over? Hai, forget it. He couldn''t bite the hand that fed him. "Alright, I got it." He was naturally able to imitate handwriting.

 Chapter 456: A terrifying amount of Reputation Points!

    <h4>Chapter 456: A terrifying amount of Reputation Points! </h4>


    Chapter 456: A terrifying amount of Reputation Points!


    At night.


    Zhang Ye was in the study room, humming away as he worked on a second grader''s homework. The subject wasn''t difficult, but as he had to imitate Chenchen''s handwriting, Zhang Ye''s speed naturally slowed down. After he finished it, he took a look at his watch. It was already 8:30PM.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    It was yet another call. This time, it was from Yao Jiancai.


    It sounded very noisy over there, like some music was ying in the background. It was probably either a bar or the karaoke.


    "Little Zhang, it''s me." Yao Jiancai said.


    Zhang Ye said, "What''s the matter, Old Yao?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "I am at Karaoke. Do you wanna join us?"


    Zhang Ye asked, "You finished your filming?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Yea, I just got back to Beijing and went for an outdoor shoot. It didn''t take too long."


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh, Hur Hur. I can''t join you though. I am helping a friend take care of her kid, so I can''t get away for now."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Then there''s no other way to go about this. Oh, did you hear about the new policies that the SARFT will be passing tomorrow? I wonder what it''s about, do you?"


    Zhang Ye said, "If even you don''t know, how could I possibly know?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Doesn''t anyone from your circle of friends know?"


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "....You think that I have friends?"


    Yao Jiancai heard that andughed loudly, "Hahaha, that''s true. You have offended too many people. Only I seem to be close to you. Your poprity is really terrible to a certain extent."


    "What do you mean my poprity is terrible? That''s me keeping a low profile." Zhang Ye did not like what he had heard.


    "You can say anything you want." Yao Jiancai said, "Alright now, I''ll begin my singing and drinking now. I wanted to have a get together, but since you have no time, we can meet in a couple of days somewhere. It''s been too long."


    "Sure." Zhang Ye hung up.


    In the entertainment business, other people made friends with certain interests in mind. Those celebrities, who were always together having fun or drinking and eating together, those buddies or BFFs, who took photographs together daily, were basically doing all of that to advance their careers, but Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai didn''t have this sort of things going on between them. Zhang Ye was a broadcast host who dabbled in literature and asionally music, while Yao Jiancai was an actor with his main line in drama acting. The two of them might both be in the entertainment business, one being a C-lister while the other a D-lister, but their paths almost never coincided. It was only that one time when Zhang Ye made a cameo appearance in the movie that he had worked with Yao Jiancai and that was where he had gotten to know him.


    Excluding Dong Shanshan and Zhang Yuanqi, Zhang Ye''s closest friend would be Old Yao. Do you think they had never encountered any obstacles together? No! Do you think that they ever helped each other in any way? No! How many times would you say they had a meal together? Also none! But these two clicked well from the moment they had met each other. Their temperaments matched well even if their ages differed by arge gap. This friendship duo could be even considered as a ''wonder'' in an industry as diverse as this!


    After closing the workbook, his mind wandered to the announcement of the policies that would be made tomorrow. What sort of policies would be introduced? As long as it''s not something that would drag this bro down, it would be OK, but Zhang Ye somehow had a feeling of uneasiness. This was because Weiwo WebTV had rushed to finish broadcasting his "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" to avoid it not being affected by the policy changes and Zhang Ye felt that they would not have done so if they did not receive some sort of insider news. It must have been because the changes were significantly important to have warranted such actions!


    Sigh, he could only wait.


    It was useless to think too much. At most, he woulde up with something more orthodox next time and not choose something as satirical as a talk show.


    The study rooms door suddenly opened.


    Chenchen said, "Zhang Ye, I''m sleepy."


    Zhang Ye stood up, "Then go to bed."


    "Bring me to wash my face." Chenchen said.


    Zhang Ye sighed, then looked at the time. Thendy was probably not going to make it back tonight, so he had to do as Chenchen asked. He brought Chenchen to the bathroom, then squatted down and lifted her up to the sink. The little one took her toothbrush and toothpaste and washed up before sleeping. After she was done, Zhang Ye put her down and gave her a face towel.


    "I''m going to bed now."


    "OK, good night."


    Chenchen slowly walked up the stairs.


    Zhang Ye was a little worried, so he went up to take a look. He tucked her in properly before switching off the lights and went back downstairs. He was not feeling sleepy yet, so he prepared to do something proper.


    As if it were a stone, the new policies from the SARFT weighed down on his shoulders and he was unable to shake the feeling. Zhang Ye had already nned for the worst and as such, he needed to expand his abilities. If the SARFT really nned on enveloping control over the entertainment business, then Zhang Ye would surely be affected. He could not stand around and do nothing, so he had to n things in advance to have some hidden cards up his sleeve just in case.


    What hidden cards?


    Of course it had to be the game ring!


    Ever since thest few lottery draws, he realized that the Skills Category experience books had help him a lot. For example, the lockpicking skill, theputer programming, andwork technology skills. All of these didn''t seem like they could enable him to do anything and he had felt they were unideal as prizes, but at critical moments, these skills had alle in handy and even allowed him to showcase how great he was!


    Skills were strength!


    Skills were life!


    So, Zhang Ye nned to gain a few more skills tonight. Yes, he did not want the Stats Category or Consumption Category treasure chests. He only wanted Skills Category experience books. Even if they might not seem useful now, he could leave it forter and there would be a more suitable time to apply it. It could even help him in his work or daily life. From a more pessimistic point of view, even if the skills turned out to be useless, he would be okay with it since it was just a loss of some reputation points and he knew he could ept it.


    Why?


    Why did he be so generous?


    It was because he had been paying attention to his game ring''s reputation points for the past few days. His total reputation points had already reached a terrifying figure!


    Over 110 million points!


    Every time he looked at this number, he became ted!


    How did all these reputation pointse about? A portion of it was leftover from Zhang Ye''s previous lottery draw, about 30 million of it. All of that was umted, while a small portion after that came from ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' and his other works like, ''The Song of the Stormy Petrel'' and ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''. All of these still contributed to his gain of reputation points as there would always be people who did not know or hear of Zhang Ye before and just found out about him. They would then go and search for his other works once they knew a little about him and that was why a single person contributed more than a single reputation point to him. All of this added up to quite a good amount!


    Of course, the main reason why his reputation points went past a hundred million was still mainly due to the Panda Burning Incense!


    For him to have amassed such arge amount of points, it was all due to very special circumstances. There had been circumstances that allowed him to be even more popr before, but those times, he had only gained the in Beijing or a few other provinces. This was not enough to put him on the entire stage of Asia, let alone the world stage, but as the author behind the "Panda Burning Incense" virus, "2", even if most people did not follow the news and were not interested inputer viruses or hackers, there were still be people who felt that hackers were powerful people and knew how fearful they could be. For example, the programmers and hackers who were from Korea, China, and other countries, all of them had contributed thatrge amount of reputation points to Zhang Ye!

 Chapter 457: Leveling up in Taiji Fist again!

    <h4>Chapter 457: Leveling up in Taiji Fist again! </h4>


    Chapter 457: Leveling up in Taiji Fist again!


    As Zhang Ye was alone downstairs, he rearranged all the furniture in the living room to the side, leaving an open space for himself. He grabbed a chair to sit down and opened up the game ring''s interface. He was ready to spend all his reputation today to replenish himself. 110 million reputation points! If he had to use them all, so what? He knew that he would continue gaining more reputation points from now on as he would continue to have works constantlye out. This was the reason why he turned spendthrift and didn''t intend to leave any points for unexpected circumstances!


    He would spend it all!


    Then earn more after spending everything!


    Zhang Ye had already set his goal for this year to rise to the B-list from the C-list. With this goal in mind, he definitely needed the energy and momentum to break through, so he bet everything he had on it now!


    Lottery draw?


    That willeter.


    Zhang Ye did not bring up the lottery draw interface, but instead went into the merchant shop to take a look at the items. His eyesnded on the "Taiji Fist Skills Experience Book". Actually, Zhang Ye had already bought a over a dozen of these experience books before and spent quite a lot of reputation points on it. Even if his skills could notpare to Rao Aimin now, nor could it bepared to most people who practiced Chinese martial arts seriously, he could be considered to be quite skilled at it already. At least if he were to match up with those who were quite skilled in Taekwondo or Thai boxing, he would be able to handle them without too much of an issue. Of course, even in Taekwondo and other simr martial arts, there were also highly skilled people that Zhang Ye had never met nor exchanged fists with, so it could not bepared in this way. But now, Zhang Ye felt a sense of danger. He felt that the dozen or so books of Taiji Fist were not enough.


    Why?


    Because he was a globally wanted man!


    Even the reward itself was sky-high!


    Even though Zhang Ye felt that no one would find him or even find out his true identity, he still had to be careful. Besides, this skill that he was learning was a lost martial art in this world for the past few hundreds of years and had its kinks. Sometimes, it would work and sometimes it wouldn''t. In the few encounters that Zhang Ye had encountered danger, his control of Taiji Fist was not that good. He could only use whatever he could summon to face the enemy. Lucky for him, he could manage to settle the situation with Taiji whenever his rage exploded, but he couldn''t always count on his luck every time, right? If he really met with a mental block in this skill, wouldn''t he be blindsided?! So, this lifesaving skill had a renewed sense of importance to Zhang Ye! He wanted to raise his Taiji Fist skill!


    A million per book was really quite expensive!


    But after hesitating for a long time, he still decided to buy it. No matter how much it cost, he decided that he must not feel the pinch. With a hardened heart, he had to do it!


    Buy!


    His hand furiously tapped away as he bought Taiji Fist Skill Experience Books!


    1 book.....


    10 books...


    50 books.....


    He bought a total of over 80 books before he stopped. If he finished ''eating'' all of these books, his cumtive total of Taiji Fist skill consumed would number exactly 100 books!


    His total reputation points plummeted quickly!


    After buying so many, he had only 30 million reputation points left!


    Zhang Ye held back the pain from his excessive buying and ced his hands in his inventory. From there, he took out the Taiji Fist Skill Experience Books one by one and ''ate'' them. At the moment each experience book was absorbed, it turned into a dazzling sparkle before being absorbed into Zhang Ye''s head. It enforced his knowledge of skill, even without the need for practice. Zhang Ye could only feel that with each book ''eaten'', he would gain a deeper and deeper understanding of Taiji Fist. Some Taiji Fist moves also filled up and appeared in his mind!


    Wardoff (Used to mitigate or rebound the opponent back in the direction it came from).


    Rollback (Leads the opponent farther than intended to go in the direction he was attacking).


    Press (Deflects opponent by striking his footwork).


    Push (Attacking at right angles to the opponent''s motion).


    Pluck (Catch the opponent just as he is starting forward, or as a grip).


    Rend (Unbncing the opponent diagonally to his rear).


    Elbow (Using the elbow tip to strike).


    Bump (Using the shoulder''s strength to strike).


    In the past, with theck of experience, Zhang Ye could only follow his feelings to vaguelye up with the move to use against his opponents, but now, these moves had fully formed an image in his mind. Zhang Ye''s forehead was filled with beads of sweat as enormous amounts of knowledge flooded into his brain. He was ''eating'' the skill experience book too quickly!


    More than 80 books had been ''eaten'' in a matter of seconds!


    Zhang Ye opened his eyes and wiped the sweat off his forehead. His clothes were also drenched. Taiji Fist was indeed a profound skill with deep reaching knowledge. By now, he had already finished learning 100 Skill experience books worth of knowledge, but it seemed that the more he learned, the more he felt that he wascking. He knew that this was only the tip of the iceberg and there was still a long road ahead. In the past, he thought that he was already invincible when he had only learned a dozen Taiji Fist skill experience books. That all felt like a joke to him now, but now, he knew it was almost enough. With a hundred books of experience to back him up, Zhang Ye''s martial arts level had buoyed up significantly. It was so amazing that he even felt that he wasn''t human anymore. It was as if he could fly arge distance with a simple kick of his leg!


    Zhang Ye revealed the smile of a carefree hero as he fumbled through the cabs looking for something. He finally found a pair of scissors in Rao Aimin''s house as he attempted to emte thendy''s move. With his right hand raised, with theposure of a martial arts master, his hands swiftly came crashing down on the pair of scissors!


    Smash!


    A dull thud!


    An incredible scene appeared! It was an amazing scene!


    Zhang Ye''s hand.....swelled at a speed that was visible to the naked eye! With a loud piercing cry that rang across the whole level, he cursed, "F**k your sister!!"


    The scissors, however, appeared to be undamaged.


    Zhang Ye was nearly crying in pain as he grasped his right hand while whining in agony. At this moment, he finally understood why some television programs usually had a warning rolling across the screen, warning people "not to try this at home". Some of these professional moves were really not meant for the average person! What he did earlier made him understand that he and thendy still had arge.......hmm, had a slight difference in skill level. Zhang Ye was still not good enough and he didn''t intend to attempt again anytime soon. Only after rubbing his hand for what seemed to be all day, did he slowly begin to feel better.


    Although the scissors did not bend, it did not mean that Zhang Ye''s 100 books of Taiji Fist experience were useless. It was really because the pair of scissors was too strong and too cunning!


    Right now, Zhang Ye''s Taiji Fist had already improved tremendously to a level that even he could not grasp. Although he had not "crossed swords" with another Chinese martial arts expert yet, Zhang Ye felt that he would not be considered one of the weakest in the martial arts world!


    In the past, he was just a wanderer fleeting around the doors to the world of martial arts.


    But now, he had probably already stepped through that door!


    On top of that, Zhang Ye also analyzed that there were differences between the experience books for different skills. There was a difference in the effects that each book would bring to the user. For example, just 2-3 experience books for the lockpicking skill had enabled him to be quite good at it. If he ''ate'' a few more of those, he''d probably be able to pick even a digital lock, but for a skill like calligraphy, just a few skill experience books would not have too much of an effect. At the very most, that amount would only allow him to have slightly better handwriting. Only after he had ''eaten'' a hundred books could he be considered as not too bad in the calligraphy world and would not even be considered to be near the top. When it came to the Taiji Fist skill, it was even more exaggerated. A hundred skill experience books and all he could say was that he had probably just stepped into the world of Chinese martial arts. From this alone, it could be seen that every skill''s experience books had different thresholds in which it would allow the user to step up further in the field!

 Chapter 461: Notions of the People!

    <h4>Chapter 461: Notions of the People! </h4>


    Chapter 461: Notions of the People!


    Afternoon.


    Phone call after phone call came in.


    The SARFT''s decree #43 had rippled further than anyone had thought. This decree had to be executed within the day and there was no grace period given. This gigantic bombshell hadnded too quickly and too harshly!


    Ring, ring, ring.


    It was from the CEO of Brain Gold''spany, Wu Mo.


    "Hello, Brother Zhang, It''s me, Wu Mo." Wu Mo sounded a little off.


    Zhang Ye wasn''t really focused, "CEO Wu."


    Wu Mo noticed his tone and said, "I heard about your matter. I don''t know what to say. You''ve been dragged into the trouble caused by others. This shouldn''t really affect you, but.... hai..."


    Zhang Ye said, "Will it affect your business?"


    Wu Mo pondered before saying, "It shouldn''t have a big effect, but the authorities called earlier and the television station also sent us a letter saying that ourpany''smercial would need to be re-approved. They have stopped airing it for the moment as....... they want us to delete your part in it. Otherwise, it would definitely not pass the censors. I heard that they are being very strict about this. My aunt also knows some of their people there, but after asking around, she said that nothing could be done about it. There''s basically no leeway at all, so we can only take down themercial for now."


    Zhang Ye said apologetically, "I''m sorry about that, CEO Wu. This time, I''ve dragged you down as well. Don''t worry about it, just cut my part out of themercial and continue to use the original footage sans my part. It doesn''t really matter if I''m in it or not. Thismercial''s core was never me anyway." The original Brain tinum advertisement in his previous world did not have a spokesperson endorsement in it anyway, so it didn''t matter if it were cut there as well.


    Wu Mo said, "You don''t have to apologize. Sure then, I will just follow what you said and handle it that way for now. When everything dies down....we''ll talk again."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve caused a great loss to yourpany, so just send me a bill afterwards. We''ll go ording to the contract and I willpensate you no matter how much it is. After all, this issue was caused by myself and no one else."


    Wu Mo hurriedly said, "Brother Zhang, what you''ve said makes no sense. The contract is just a contract, that is but something that''s dead. Do you think our friendship can''tpare to that piece of paper? Whatpensation are you even talking about? Please do not bring this up anymore in the future. Ever since your campaign for us wasunched, our Brain Gold''s sales have soared like a rocket. Just based on the sales during this new year''s period has already surpassed the sales of ourpany for the past two years multiple times. Right now, we''re basically sitting on top of every other health product and are the leaders in this industry. For ourpany to have such a day, for me to be standing where I am now, it''s all because of thismercial of yours. Otherwise, ourpany would have already been bankrupt instead of it being where it is now! So why do you need to mentionpensation? You''re ridiculing me this way. Please don''t bring this up anymore. Ourpany didn''t even suffer a loss!"


    When Zhang Ye heard that, he did not insist anymore and said gratefully, "Thank you, CEO Wu."


    Wu Mo said, "I know that you''re having troubles at work now and I can''t help you with that, but if you need my help in any other way, just say the word. If I can do it, I will definitely help you. Our contract will still go on as per normal until your ban gets lifted next year. We can continue working together and maybe even extend your endorsement of our products." After say all that he needed to convey, Wu Mo hung up.


    Wait for the ban to be lifted?


    Both of them knew that wasn''t likely to happen!


    Regardless, he was still very grateful to Wu Mo for saying those words cause him to feel warmth in his heart. Whether it was in his previous world or this world, he had seen too many cases of celebrities andpanies falling out because of endorsement contracts. How they were forced into a settlement by thepanies would make one cringe, but Wu Mo did not do this. Not only did he refuse to talk aboutpensation, he even expressed that he would like to continue working with Zhang Ye. Zhang Ye could only ept his kindness as Wu Mo did not need to do this for him, but did so anyway.


    Following that, he received another call.


    It was Weiwo WebTV''s Director Feng Guiqin. Usually, anymunication between thepany and Zhang Ye would be handled by Director Wang Xiong as he was also Zhang Ye''s direct supervisor, but this time, it was Feng Guiqin who made the call, so Zhang Ye probably understood the meaning of it.


    "Director Feng." Zhang Ye picked up the call.


    Feng Guiqin stayed silent for a moment, not speaking at all.


    Zhang Yeughed, "Director Feng, just say it directly to me. I''ll be fine."


    Only then did Feng Guiqin said, "The episodes of ''Zhang Ye''s Talk Show'' have all been taken down. Luckily, we finished broadcasting it a few days ago and the WebTV station did not suffer any losses, but regarding your next program, I guess there''s no way we can have it anymore. You''ve already seen the SARFT''s decree, right?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, I know about it."


    Feng Guiqin said, "The decree has already been passed and the relevant departments have already issued an order to us. They''re asking us to take down your programs and to stop all broadcasts of your current programs. We even wanted to enter productions for a new program, but it will have to be forgone now. You''re our station''s hero and the reason for our increase in market share is all because of your talk show. If you are willing to stay on in thepany, we can arrange for you to help out with program nning and we will still give you the same sry. To be honest, with this decree passed, it doesn''t seem like you''ll ever have a chance to host again."


    Now that it had happened, there was no reason to avoid it. Zhang Ye was starting to feel much calmer now. Heughed a little and said, "Director Feng, thank you for your kindness, but I have no interest in nning a program for others. Besides, if the SARFT were to pick on me again, the program might even suffer because of me. I don''t wish to create more trouble for thepany, so I will take the initiative to submit my resignation."


    Feng Guiqin felt it was a pity that it had toe to this, so she tried to persuade him, "There''s no need for you to resign. Why don''t we just freeze your duties for now and leave it untilter to decide. We will still be paying your sry during this time."


    Zhang Ye felt that he could not take advantage of the situation. He did not need the money anyway, "Director Feng, let''s just decide it my way. I will submit the resignation letter to you as soon as I can. Help me to process it and I will sign off on it."


    Feng Guiqin took a deep breath and sighed, "This is really an unexpected cmity. Honestly speaking, the wholepany is feeling bad for your unfair treatment!"


    "There''s no way around this, it has caught up to me."


    "For a person of your capability and talent, sigh!"


    "Thank you for taking care of me all this while, Director Feng."


    "That''s what we should say to you instead, Little Zhang. Take care."


    Thereafter, a person from Beijing Television Station, that Zhang Ye did not know, called. He told Zhang Ye about his "Zhang Ye''s Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" and some of his fairytale stories on Beijing Radio Station, which had been scheduled for a rebroadcast would all be suspended immediately. He did not say much as he was no longer a staff of the Beijing Television Station. He did not have a contract with them, so they were only informing him out of courtesy.


    After hanging up these calls, Zhang Ye''s mood became a little heavy. He was a broadcasting major graduate. Even though he dabbled in poetry and also became a teacher, he had always been a host first. This time, he had lost his job as a host and his programs had all been suspended as well. This made him feel like a part of him had died. He felt empty. From the beginning, throughout all this time, his dream was only to be a famous person. He wanted to be in the spotlight and stand on the world''s greatest stage. Therefore, he ced a lot of importance in fame and reputation. That was the reason why he kept climbing with all he got to where he was, but now, when it came to him losing all of that, Zhang Ye suddenly felt that he had not only been trying to gain fame and reputation all this while. He was surprised to even admit that he might have really liked what he did. Even if he ended up with no results to show for or unable to gain fame, he would have wanted to continue on doing what he did!


    To stand on stage!


    To live on stage!


    To die on stage!


    But now, this little request of his had be a dream once more. Right now, he would not even have a chance to stand on stage anymore!


    His heart was dead cold �� that was what he was feeling now.


    Then, another three work rted phone calls came in. Zhang Ye was already in no mood to answer.


    The first call was from the Peking University''s website webmaster. He called to inform Zhang Ye that his public lectures on ''Dream of the Red Chamber'' had already been taken down under the orders of management.


    Zhang Ye did not feel anything, but asked, "What about next month when school reopens? Do I continue to give my lectures? Am I still going to serve as a Chinese department''s teacher?"


    The webmaster vaguely answered, "Oh, I don''t know about that. I''m only in charge of the website. You could ask Dean Chang of the Chinese department."


    Zhang Ye nodded, but did not bother asking Chang Kaige. He did not even make a call to Wu Zeqing, who had a good rtionship with him. Because he did not want to bother others about whether they would continue to use his services. He''d just go with whatever happened. In his current situation, Zhang Ye was ready to ept any oue!


    The next call was from the Beijing Education Publishing Firm. They had worked with Zhang Ye on "Ghost Blows Out the Light" before as well as his other fairy tales.


    The person said, "Is that Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s me."


    That person was a youth. He said, "Hello. I am from the Beijing Education Publishing Firm''s legal department. Regarding your ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'', ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'', and ''The Wizard of Oz'', they have all been taken down by the major bookstores and returned to our publishing firm. ording to your agreement with our firm, you have breached some of the terms of the contract. As this was due to your misdemeanors, you have caused great financial loss to ourpany. Now, the firm is about to terminate this contract and we will be requestingpensation. I''m calling to inform you of this first. As for further details, ourwyers will contact you again."


    Zhang Ye''s eyes narrowed, "How muchpensation is yourpany seeking?"


    The youth replied calmly, "ording to your simplified Chinese edition''s buyout price and the breach of contractual terms, we are seeking apensation of 3.5 million. I''m not in charge of the issue here, so ourwyers would be handling it instead. If the matter can''t be resolved, then we will appeal to have this resolved through civil action."


    But Zhang Ye was even calmer than he was, "Don''t activate yourwyers. There''s won''t be a need for civil action either. 3.5 million, right? OK, send me the contract. I will transfer the money to you immediately."

 Chapter 462: Only so much!

    <h4>Chapter 462: Only so much! </h4>


    Chapter 462: Only so much!


    What?


    It was settled?


    Thepensation was agreed upon? And he would immediately send the money?


    Upon hearing Zhang Ye say that, the youth from the publishing firm was momentarily stunned. "Ah? Oh, alright."


    He really had not expected Zhang Ye to agree to pay thepensation so easily. He didn''t even bargain at all. It was something beyond his imagination. He had handled so many copyright disputes andwsuits while working in the publishing firm, and he never encountered such an easy case like today. He had even spoken with a tough voice when he made the phone call, and even made it clear that things weren''t looking good. He had even mentioned things likewyers and suing him in court. He was guessing that Zhang Ye would not give anypensation, and wanted to take a forceful stance from the beginning, but who knew the oue would be as such. The youth could not help but shudder!


    Could this be some scam?


    Could it be a perfunctory act?


    The youth immediately reported it to his publishing firm''s leader.


    Zhang Kui, the Editor-in-Chief of Beijing Education Publishing Firm, was personally responsible for this matter himself. When he heard the youth say so, he felt disbelief. "Zhang Ye really said that?"


    The youth gave a wry smile. "Yes, those were his original words."


    Zhang Kui frowned. "He did not even bargain at all?"


    The youth acknowledged. "He asked how much it was and immediately agreed to it. He didn''t even hesitate for a second."


    "Alright, then go make up the contract. List the line stating the breach of contract and then send it to Zhang Ye." Zhang Kui was not sure of it too, and was full of doubt.


    There was a female assistant editor in the room. "Our publishing firm has offended Zhang Ye this time. Actually, we did not lose money from ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' and those fairy tales, and in fact, made a lot for our publishing firm. Although all of Zhang Ye''s books are to be taken off the shelves, and there will be losses from future sales while the printed books can''t be dealt with, but those books like ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' were soldst year. The market is pretty much saturated, and even if we kept selling it, we would only earn a little bit. It won''t hurt us at all."


    Another person-in-charge of the publishing firm said, "Even if it wouldn''t hurt us, it is still considered a loss. It is all the public''s money, and with the contract, there has to be someone answering to it."


    The female assistant editor said, "I thought Zhang Ye would not agree to it, so we had proposed a high amount ofpensation, so as to give room for it to be bargained in court. If we werepensated for a million eventually, it would be pretty good, but what was Zhang Ye thinking? He immediately agreed to it? In this way, it made it seem like our publishing firm is the wicked one."


    She was more sensitive, and did not feel good about this. Back when Zhang Ye chose their publishing firm, the buyout price was only 6 million. Excluding tax, it was only about 5 million. And now, Zhang Ye had topensate them 3.5 million? After this exchange, it was equivalent to Zhang Ye''s novel and those fairy tales being given to their publishing firm nearly for free. The sales of "Ghost Blows Out the Light" had rapidly hit a million and then two million. There were numerous peers in the industry who envied them. Those publishing firms failed to obtain Zhang Ye''s rights even if they wanted it. As they were the first to contact Zhang Ye, they had been working together all along. Zhang Ye also trusted them greatly.


    But now, with the current situation, she felt quite helpless about the publishing firm''s decision. She felt that they were stabbing Teacher Zhang Ye in the back in his most difficult times. It was adding injury to insult!


    As Editor-in-Chief, Zhang Kui did not feel too good either, but after some thought, he stopped worrying over it. If it were any other authors, they would definitely not offend them in such a manner. A publishing firm depended on authors to survive, especially those authors who produced best sellers. They werepeted for by publishing firms, but Zhang Ye was different. With the SARFT''s #43 decree out, everyone knew Zhang Ye waspletely finished. His books could no longer be published. Even changing his pen name would be useless. No matter how good his works were, it would be useless. With the ban in ce, the news and publication board had merged with the SARFT a long time ago. Although there were some divisions internally after the two boards merged, they were still considered a team. With the highest authorities in the publishing industry announcing it, as subordinates, they had to act upon it. Hence, it resulted in thispensation incident.


    However, 3.5 million was indeed a bit too much.


    But after an hour, after the contract was done, Zhang Ye''s 3.5 millionpensation for the breach of contract was punctually transferred into the publishing firm''s ount.


    The female editor turned silent.


    Zhang Kui and the other person-in-charge of the publishing firm also did not feel good for some reason. 3.5 million could do a lot for the publishing firm. It could buy the rights to many books, yet for some reason, they could not smile.


    ......


    A simr scene happened at another publishing firm.


    This was the headquarters of North Chinese Youth and Children Publishing House. Back then, Zhang Ye had published a literatureption with them, titled "Zhang Ye''s Comption". The price wasn''t that much, but neither was it low. At this moment, theption was naturally also ordered to be pulled from shelves. Variousrge bookstores were taking them off the shelves and asking for a refund. Only a few smaller bookstores did not receive notice of the policy. There were dys, but it was expected that by that afternoon or the following day, they would take "Zhang Ye''s Comption" off the shelves as well.


    The person who called Zhang Ye was not the leaders that he had met back when he went to the publishing firm. It was an editor that he had never met before. Those, who had seen Zhang Ye, were probably too embarrassed to tell him.


    The male editor told Zhang Ye of this matter and hesitated all day. Just like Beijing Education Publishing Firm, he also broached the topic ofpensation for the breach of contract.


    Zhang Ye said, "How much?"


    The male editor stammered, "About that..."


    "It''s alright. Tell me." Zhang Ye said.


    The male editor said, "Actually, we were out of options. It''s public money, so we have to answer to the public. If the higher-ups were to pursue this matter, someone has to be responsible for it. Then, Teacher Zhang, I do feel a bit embarrassed raising this issue. About that, thepensation is about 70,000. Actually, it is also notpensation for the breach of contract. It''s just the money for the books that were returned. It''s not the sales price, but the cost price of the books. The leaders have said that if you aren''t agreeable to it, thepensation can be forgone. It''s not that much money, and isn''t a big deal. We are just going by business, and will make up the numbers on our ounts. It shouldn''t be a problem. Uh, anyway, that what the leaders intend. I''m just a messenger."


    Compared to the Beijing Education Publishing Firm, the North Chinese Youth and Children Publishing House did not go too far. They did not push the matter to the point of no return.


    Zhang Ye did not say a word. "Alright, I''ll send you the money immediately."


    The male editor hurriedly said, "Thank you Teacher Zhang. The words that I''ll be saying does not represent our publishing firm. It''s just me saying to you personally. I have always been your fan and especially liked your novels and poems. This matter is way too f**ked up. Anyway, I support you! I believe this will not be the end of you!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Thank you, friend."


    When the male editor heard this, he recalled how the staff were throwing down copies of "Zhang Ye''s Comption" at a huge bookstore. It made his heart suddenly turned sour. That was the literatureption that he liked the most. He would bring it around every day and give it a read. "Teacher Zhang Ye, it should be us thanking you. Thank for giving us such ssic and great pieces of work!"


    After that, in the movie, "The Great Pugilistic World" Zhang Ye previously acted in, a corresponding personnel gave Zhang Ye a call telling him that although the movie had ended its run in the theaters, if it was ever aired on television, the scenes rted to a side character like Zhang Ye would be appropriately deleted, and wanted Zhang Ye to be mentally prepared for it. Zhang Ye was naturally mentally prepared for it, and just told them he understood.


    His programs were deleted!


    His novels were taken off the shelves!


    His scenes in the movie were cut!


    His advertisements were edited!


    His video lectures were removed!


    All of Zhang Ye''s works failed to escape the cmity!


    Using the phrase "being on the breadline" was undoubtedly very appropriate for describing Zhang Ye''s current situation!


    The more he was pushed into a corner, the more Zhang Ye''s character turned abnormal. He chuckled as the anger in his heart turned in depression, and from depression into calmness, and then calmness into rxation!


    Delete them all!


    Take them all off the shelves!


    The most difficult despair was only so much!

 Chapter 465: About to Drop out of the C-list Celebrity Rankings?

    <h4>Chapter 465: About to Drop out of the C-list Celebrity Rankings? </h4>


    Chapter 465: About to Drop out of the C-list Celebrity Rankings?


    All his works were pulled from the shelves!


    There were more people adding insult to injury!


    All of this was a fatal blow towards Zhang Ye''s poprity and fame. From today onwards, his poprity would constantly fall. Of course, poprity and fame was not something visible, and seeing the buzz was inurate. However, this world''s official rankings of the entertainment industry could create a proper numerical assessment. Although thetest ranking would be produced only at midnight, if one clicked on a second page, one could see the real-time situation of a celebrity''s assessment, whether it was increasing or decreasing, or how much it increased or dropped. One could evenpare two celebrities, so the fluctuations of one''s fame would be known at a nce!


    Many people discovered the effects that SARFT''s decree #43 had on these celebrities with misdeeds. It was almost immediate with no dy at all!


    "Look at the Celebrity Rankings!"


    "Holy sh*t. All of them dropped?"


    "Li Qiang''s poprity score dropped by 50,000?"


    "Chen Hong also won''t make it! From noon, it has been dropping in a straight line. It''s nearly a 90 degree angle drop!"


    "The worst one is Zhang Ye!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "You''ll understand once you see it. He''s about to fall from the C-list ranking!"


    "Ah? Why is it so fast?"


    "How can it not be fast? All of his works are gone!"


    "There''s no need to ask. At midnight, when this ranking is updated, Zhang Ye would definitely fall back to a D-list celebrity. It was not easy for him to climb up to C-list, but now he has been reverted back to his original state!"


    Zhang Ye had just been promoted to a C-list ranking a few days ago. Over the past few days, he had not done anything big, nor produced any new works, and so in the past, he was thest person on the C-list Celebrity Rankings. Every level had a limited number allowed. This meant that as long as your poprity dropped below the person previously behind you, then your ranking would fall and you would be reced by that person. If thest person on the C-list was exceeded by the first person on the D-list, then at midnight, when the rankings refreshed, the two would swap ces!


    This situation was currently the case. Some people linked Zhang Ye and the celebrity that was about to catch up. There was a detailedparison of statistics on the second page. That person''s poprity ranking had probably exceeded Zhang Ye''s. That meant that once midnight struck, Zhang Ye would fall back to the D-list rankings!


    "Who ising up?"


    "Tang Dazhang, a crosstalk actor."


    "Him? His crosstalk have always been bad. Anyways, I just don''t like it. It''s not funny at all, but he keeps going on gs and programs. Right, at this year''s Spring Festival G, what sort of crap was that crosstalk he and his partner performed? I nearly fell asleep hearing it."


    "I think it was alright."


    "It was just average. His crosstalk aren''t good or bad, but he is an old artist of the crosstalk world. He has worked in crosstalk for decades. Even if his performance is a bit weak, his foundation and fame is all there. Well, don''t you see the annual National Crosstalk and Skit Competition about to begin? Tang Dazhang is one of the main judges. Central TV is promoting it so much these days, and Teacher Tang appears on TV often as a result. With this exposure, his ranking will naturally increase. This crosstalk and skitpetition is an important program. Last year''s viewership ratings reached a record high, and it was pretty well-liked. There was an analysis that this year''s viewership ratings might create another record. There are numerous people looking forward to it, so Teacher Tang''s poprity also increased as a result."


    "He''s far inferior to Zhang Ye!"


    "@TangDazhang."


    "That''s right, Zhang Ye''s talk show is much more humorous than his!"


    "Stop arguing. They each have their advantages. Talk shows and crosstalk aren''t even the same art form, so there''s no way topare."


    "Why do I feel my heart tearing from seeing this?"


    "If this did not happen, Zhang Ye''s poprity would definitely not drop!"


    "How can Tang Dazhangpare with Zhang Ye!"


    Suddenly, someone no one expected appeared on Weibo. He appeared because of a @. He was the crosstalk performer artist, Tang Dazhang himself, who was on the crest of poprity. He added on amidst the discussion amongst the people on Weibo with a satirical tone, "There is no way topare me with Zhang Ye. Central TV''s First Department''s News Simulcast gave him free promotion, and his name appeared on mass media and newspapers, as well as provincial television stations. To speak the truth, I don''t have that ability. As for talk shows, I don''t consider that as art. It is what the industry has decided on too. It''s just jokes put together and a bit more vulgar. At best, it makes peopleugh, but after that, there''s no sublimation at all. Hur Hur, I suggest everyone listen to crosstalks more. I''ll also do some advertising about the new National Crosstalk and Skit Competition that is about to begin airing in a few days."


    The first half referred to the cklist, and midway, he was already naming names as well as questioning and attacking Zhang Ye. Clearly, Tang Dazhang did not like hearing how many people felt Zhang Ye''s talk show was more humorous than his, Tang Dazhang''s, crosstalk!


    However, maybe it was because Tang Dazhang felt the words he said were a bitcking, or if it was because he was speaking in an official capacity, he deleted the Weibo post a few minutester.


    However, there were a few sharp-sighted people who had taken screenshots!


    "F**k!"


    "Are you done yet?"


    "You got a kick out of attacking Teacher Zhang Ye? One after another! And then one more after another! Are you guys f**king doing a ry race!? All of you came to stab Zhang Ye?"


    "Is Teacher Tang sick? Zhang Ye did not say a word from beginning to end. Only a fewizens made a few blindments and it was like his tail was stepped on? Teacher Zhang did not even provoke you, and has no feud with you. What are you doing? Does everyone treat Zhang Ye as some soft persimmon?"


    "Isn''t that the case? Teacher Zhang has been banned. Now, any f**king person would dare toment on Zhang Ye. I''m chuckling here. I want to ask, if this decree #43 was not released, would any one of you dare say that about Zhang Ye? I really don''t believe!"


    "I don''t believe it too. They definitely wouldn''t f**king dare to. Who doesn''t know that mouth of Teacher Zhang? Anyone who scolds him will be cursed back the next second!"


    "Enough, Zhang Ye''s fans you can stop being so arrogant. Zhang Ye is finished, yet you refuse to give up hope? With Teacher Tang''s prestige and age, so what if he said a few words. He is a veteran of the literary world. Even if he admonishes Zhang Ye, Zhang Ye will still have to obediently listen."


    "Now that Zhang Ye can''t even save himself, how can he dare to scold anyone!"


    "Congrattions Teacher Tang!"


    "Congrattions to Teacher Tang for rising to C-list. For a crosstalk actor to reach this stage can''t be said to be unprecedented, but it''s very rare!"


    "Congrats!"


    This sudden event also caused quite a stir, but eventually did not result in anything. Instead, Tang Dazhang''s fans and some peers from the crosstalk kept sending their congrattions. As a crosstalk or skit actor had a disadvantage, as they were naturally not as popr as singers or movie actors, and so for a crosstalk actor to be promoted to the C-list rankings was extremely difficult. Tang Dazhang''s Weibo was filled with congrattoryments. It was as if Tang Dazhang were celebrating his sixtieth birthday.


    Tang Dazhang appeared once again and said mischievously, "Hur Hur. Thank you to all my friends. Tomorrow, I, Old Tang, will be treating. I''ll treat you to: steamedmb, steamed bear''s paw, steamed deer''s tail, roast duck..." He posted the entire list of the Manchu Han Imperial Feast dishes. From his tone, it could be seen that Tang Dazhang was feeling very good.


    These aspects of people was a bit ugly.


    ......


    At home.


    Zhang Ye was browsing through thements on the inte, as well as Weibo. He had no expression on his face, and did not say a word ever since the decree had been released. It was as if it had nothing to do with him. He turned a blind eye towards the attacks and criticisms of Deputy Station Head Jia, Meng Dongguo, Tang Dazhang, andpany.


    Ring Ring Ring, a phone call came in.


    It was skit actress, Ci Xiufang. She had previously given Zhang Ye a call once, so it was unknown what it was this time.


    "Auntie Ci." Zhang Ye picked it up.


    Ci Xiufang immediately asked, "You offended Tang Dazhang before?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I have never heard of his name before. I don''t even know him."


    Ci Xiufang said, "To think you can stillugh. Did you see it on the web? Now everyone on Weibo is cursing at you. It seems you don''t have anyck of enemies."


    "Did you call me to ridicule me?"


    "Switch on the TV."


    "Eh?"


    "Beijing News Channel."


    Zhang Ye did as he was told and switched channels.


    Immediately, a person appeared on screen. It was the movie star Li Qiang, who had appeared on the cklist. He was sitting behind a long table, and on his left was his manager, and on his right were people from his managementpany. There were microphones on the table, and below the stage was a dense number of reporters.


    It as a mini press conference!


    Li Qiang said with a solemn face, "A few years ago, I made a mistake that I have regretted all my life. I have apologized in the past, but this time, I want to apologize once more. I have let my fans down, who have liked me and supported me all this time. I let my family and friends down, and have also let down thepanies that have worked with me, causing them huge losses. A few years ago, I abandoned drugs. Today, a few yearster, it is still the same. I will not repeat my mistakes, nor will I allow myself to let down the trust of everybody. Please believe me, and I wish everyone would give me another chance!"


    As he spoke, he stood up and bowed.


    Li Qiang''s manager also bowed towards the cameras.


    On the phone, Ci Xiufang said, "Saw that?"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Is this some emergency PR? Is it even of any use?"


    "Nah, even if the people give him chance, even if the media gives him chance, the higher ups would not, however, it''s better than doing nothing." Ci Xiufang suggested, "I think you should do something like that too. You don''t have to set up a press conference. You can reveal your stance on the inte. The policy this time is unprecedented in its harshness, but it was not like it has never happened before. There might still be a chance."


    "Thanks Auntie Ci."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye shook his head. Other people had not experienced this governmental policy, but he had seen it before in his world. Apology? Taking on a stance? Admitting one''s mistake? Lower one''s self? If this policy was not released, those were still useful. It was a standard method celebrities used in the event of a public rtions crisis. It wasmon to hold a press conference to apologize, but with decree #43 implemented, all of that was useless!


    Besides, why should he apologize? Why should he lower himself? Zhang Ye knew of his misdeeds. He shouldn''t have beaten someone up. He was at fault in the first ce, but he did not believe he should apologize to themoners or media!


    He did not let down themoners!


    He did not let down his fans!


    Nor did he let down his country!

 Chapter 466: No matter where the winds blow!

    <h4>Chapter 466: No matter where the winds blow! </h4>


    Chapter 466: No matter where the winds blow!


    Past ten in the evening.


    It was destined for the inte to be in a buzz more than usual today. Most people would be asleep by this time, but now, there were a countless number of people staying in front of theirputer screens, with no intention to sleep.


    Li Qiang had held a press conference to apologize!


    Chen Hong also subsequently apologized while being interviewed by authors. "Sorry, I am deeply sorry for my past actions. I realize how my mistakes back then will be hard to be pardoned. I have let down many people who trusted in me, and also caused irreparable damage to the many of the fans who like me. I also want to thank those who showed concern for me. Thank you to all of you. I will not go down. I will use action to make up for the mistakes that I made in the past, bit by bit. I do not expect everyone to give me another chance, I just want everyone to ept my apology!"


    There was Sun Ganyi and Zhao Wei.


    The people from the first batch in the cklist all subsequently apologized through the media or the inte. Although they knew it wasn''t realistic, they still hoped the higher powers would show them mercy. Even if no mercy was shown, they also wished the ban would be cleared earlier. Who knew that in a year or a few years, they would be left with a chance to rise again. Hence, everyone''s public apology was very sincere. A banned female celebrity, who had previously taken drugs, even teared up in front of the cameras!


    "They have all apologized?"


    "These people sure are unlucky."


    "Hai, I think all of them should be given a chance. To die from this whack of the stick sure is a pity. There are celebrities I like on that list!"


    "Who told them to make those mistakes? One should be prepared to bear the consequences for making such mistakes!"


    "Haha, this bunch of people deserved it. I didn''t like them for a long while now. Ban them all. When will the second name list appear? I already can''t wait!"


    "Why do that if you had known it woulde to this!"


    "You guys can keep saying that, but don''t include Teacher Zhang Ye in this. Teacher Zhang did not take drugs or hire prostitutes!"


    "But he isn''t a good person either. Beating people is the same too. There is no fault to banning him. Who asked him to offend people everywhere!?"


    At this moment, SARFT''s officially verified Weibo ount sent out the apology letters or videos of those banned stars. Other than those celebrities who had been arrested or were still serving a sentence, all of them had apologized.


    Eh!


    Wait, there was one person missing!


    That Korean celebrity, Lee Parkwoo posted on Weibo: "Does Zhang Ye not n on apologizing?" Very clearly, his eyes were fixated on Zhang Ye. The people, who paid the most attention to you, was never your friend, but your enemy!


    Everyone realized this as a result!


    "Zhang Ye hasn''t said a word?"


    "I wonder what Zhang Ye will do this time."


    "What else can he do? He can only apologize and show a sorrowful stance. Only then would there be a shred of a chance. Besides, it''s just saying ''I''m sorry''. Is that very difficult? Can''t he lose that bit of face? Didn''t all those twenty-odd celebrities publicly apologize?"


    "That''s right, evening up with a haphazard and insincere statement would be enough. If not, once they have a fault to pick on, there will be no end to this matter. There will definitely be more people attacking him. His days will definitely be worse. However, Zhang Ye should be able to understand this. I guess he will be doing so soon."


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s fans all remained silent. Everyone felt terrible, and could even be described as angry and humiliated!


    There was no activity from them, but it did not mean Zhang Ye''s opponents remained idle.


    Deputy Station Head Jia posted on Weibo: "It is not that humans can''t make mistake. One must have the courage to admit one''s mistakes after making a mistake. If Zhang Ye really ns on hiding like a tortoise and not make a statement, that would truly be a great disappointment!" He was extremely vile, and his words were provocative. He was also leading the public''s opinion.


    Meng Dongguo said, "Where''s Zhang Ye? Everyone has revealed their intentions, why is he the only one that remains silent? Why is he the exception? Does he not n on answering this matter at all?"


    Crosstalk artist, Tang Dazhang also appeared. "Hur Hur, just now when I casuallymented with a Weibo post, I was cursed quite badly. Now, it seems all of them have turned silent." He insisted on how he did not say anything of importance, but there was nothingcking in what he said. Clearly, he too was waiting to see Zhang Ye make a fool of himself.


    "@ZhangYe!"


    "Come on out!"


    "Haha, Zhang Ye is finished!"


    "We have sought revenge for Anson-oppa. I feel good,l!"


    "Hurry up and say something Teacher Zhang Ye. If you don''t appear, I''m going to bed!"


    "I have never liked Zhang Ye. At such a young age without any qualifications, yet he dared to challenge the industry veterans. Based on what? Now he has turned silent!"


    "In the future, the entertainment industry will no longer have this person known as Zhang Ye!"


    "This ban is great!"


    "This time it''s a Category Ten typhoon. Finally, all those celebrities with misdeeds have been blown away!"


    "It''s far more than a Category Ten typhoon. I think to these banned artist, it''s a hurricane!"


    With these enemies of Zhang Ye leading the way, or people like Tang Dazhang, who had no grudge with Zhang Ye but still denounced Zhang Ye for unknown reasons, their fans surged over, and continued adding injury to insult. Not only did they scold Zhang Ye, they even scolded the rest of the banned celebrities. It was as if they did not want them to be able to rise again for the rest of their lives. It was unknown why this bunch of people hated them to the bone!


    On the other side.


    Zhang Ye also saw all thesements on Weibo. For some unknown reason, his calm face broke into a smile. This bro ignored you, but you thought I was afraid of you?


    You want to me to show my intentions?


    Sure, then I''ll say a few words!


    Zhang Ye immediately searched through image galleries on a search engine and found an ink painting. With a nod, he uploaded it straight to Weibo!


    ......


    "Quick, look!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye''s Weibo!"


    "Haha, I''ve finally waited for it!"


    "Zhang Ye has spoken. Everyone go take a look!"


    "It''s finally his turn to apologize!"


    A few people shouted, causing everyone to know nearly immediately. With the atmosphere at the moment, many people on the inte were paying close attention to Zhang Ye''s Weibo. They would refresh it every few seconds, now that the thing they had been eagerly looking forward to had arrived. All of them rushed to see what Zhang Ye posted.


    Deputy Station Head Jia clicked on it.


    Lee Anson and Lee Parkwoo also came.


    Tang Dazhang stared at theputer while sucking on a smoke pipe.


    Ci Xiufang learned about it over the phone and immediately went to herputer to open Zhang Ye''s Weibo, so as to take a curious look.


    Nearly all of Zhang Ye''s friends and enemies had yet to sleep. Now, they were all in front of theputer looking at his Weibo. Even some officials hade.


    But this look made everyone puzzled.


    What is this?


    An ink painting? Bamboo?


    No one understood what this was. As the ink painting in the image was arge ragged rock, with a bamboo growing alongside the rock. There was nothing else!


    ......


    Beijing Radio Station.


    Wang Xiaomei, Big Sis Zhou, and Auntie Sun were working over time.


    Big Sis Zhou shouted, "Look, Little Zhang posted on Weibo!"


    "Eh? What''s the meaning of this painting? Teacher Xiaomei, what is Little Zhang trying to say?" Zhang Ye''s former colleague, Auntie Sun, who had good rtions with him, asked.


    Wang Xiaomei stared at it all day before saying, "...I don''t understand."


    ......


    At a particr house.


    Zhang Ye''s colleague, Su Na at Peking University''s Chinese department shouted, "Dad! Dad! Come over here quickly! Hurry!"


    Father Su, who Zhang Ye met back during the Calligraphy Association''s anniversary, came over impatiently from the living room to his daughter''s room. "What''s the matter?"


    Su Na pointed at theputer. "What''s the profound meaning behind this painting?"


    "Oh, let me take a look." After focusing on it for a while, Father Su also shook his head in confusion. "I don''t know."


    Su Na said, "As a person in the arts, how can you not know?"


    Father Su said, "This is Zhang Ye''s Weibo, right? In terms of literary and artistic standards, this kid is much better than me. How will I be able to guess what he wants to say?"


    ......


    This scene happened at various ces.


    Be it Zhang Ye''s fans, friends or enemies, they were all confused!


    "What is this?"


    "Is this an apology?"


    "Who can understand this?"


    "I think it''s an apology. However, Zhang Ye can''t tear down his face and is embarrassed to apologize, so he used this picture? Bamboo, rock, bamboo, rock..."


    A few minutester, Zhang Ye''s Weibo released another update!


    Below the picture, Zhang Ye had added a poem!


    The moment this poem came out, everyone immediately understood the meaning of this ink painting. All of them were astonished!


    Tang Dazhang stared with his eyes widened!


    Deputy Station Head Jia was stunned!


    Those higher officials were infuriated!


    Ci Xiufang, who had just given Zhang Ye a call to remind him to present the proper intentions, was bbergasted by Zhang Ye''s actions. That darn kid! To think I said all those things to him for nothing!


    Dong Shanshan, who was far away in Shanghai, saw it on her phone while in bed. She immediately sat up and smacked her forehead. She nearly fainted!


    Zhang Yuanqi, who was in Australia, saw her manager, Fang Weihong looking stunned. She could not help but ask, as Fang Weihong immediately walked over with the cell phone in hand, and let her see Zhang Ye''s Weibo post with a wry smile. Zhang Yuanqi took a nce and gave a terse acknowledgment. She did not say another word and carried on filming her MV.


    Fan Yingyun, from the Inte Surveince Bureau also saw this nearly instantly. With a snap of her fingers, she could not help but roar out with incessantughter!


    Peking University Vice President Wu Zeqing, who was resting at home, could only shake her head and smile kindly after seeing this poem.


    Everyone had different reactions, but basically everyone was stunned. Just thinking of the person who said that "the Category Ten typhoon had finally blown Zhang Ye away", or the one who shouted, "Waiting for Zhang Ye to express his intentions", just thinking of the countless number of people who attacked and denounced Zhang Ye, as well as decree #43, and then looking at this poem, everyone felt their hearts tremble. They all knew Zhang Ye was expressing his voice using that poem!


    It was not anger...


    It was not depression...


    It was a voice thatughed at all the heroes of the world!


    "Bamboos on the Rocks"


    Cling to the green mountain, never give up,


    The bamboos take their roots in the cracks of the rocks.


    Though they suffer, they are still strong,


    Hold unyielding, no matter where the winds blow!


    Under the watchful eyes of many, with him entangled in trouble, no one expected that not only did Zhang Ye have no intention to apologize, he even f**king cursed others again!


    No matter where the winds blow!?

 Chapter 468: Another masterpiece of Li Bai!

    <h4>Chapter 468: Another masterpiece of Li Bai! </h4>


    Chapter 468: Another masterpiece of Li Bai!


    The next day.


    Around 5 in the morning. The sky had not lit up yet.


    Zhang Ye could not fall asleep, and after washing up, he went downstairs. He wore a scarf and sunsses and went for a morning jog around his neighborhood. He ran one big circle around his neighborhood as vapor emitted from his mouth till he could no longer run. He had not exercised in a while, so he couldn''t handle the sudden run. The breakfast stall on the opposite side of the road had already opened, so he went there to have breakfast. He also took the opportunity to buy a copy of the morning newspapers at a newspaper stand beside it.


    "What do you want to eat?"


    "Bean curd and two fried dough sticks."


    "Alright, it will be here shortly."


    "Thanks a lot."


    Zhang Ye pulled out a chair and sat by the roadside. He rubbed his cold, numb hands and began to look through the newspapers. He was stunned after seeing a piece of news on the frontpage of the entertainment section.


    Yao Jiancai''s attempted prostitution?


    Holy sh*t, could it be that Old Yao was detained by the police!?


    Zhang Ye was quite lost. No wonder he could not reach Old Yao by phone. No wonder SARFT''s decree #43 had his name on it too. So that was the reason, but what was this charge of attempted prostitution? The news said that in a police "raid" the day before yesterday at a particr nightclub, amongst the 40 prostitutes, pimps and clients included Yao Jiancai. However, after reading the article all day, Zhang Ye could not find any real evidence to pin on Yao Jiancai. It appeared as if the police had found a female masseuse giving Yao Jiancai a massage in a room, and after investigations, the masseuse was a prostitute, hence the crime of attempted prostitution was pped on Yao Jiancai. Of course, this was not written clearly on the newspaper, but Zhang Ye was no fool. He could tell from what he read.


    KTV?


    Nightclub?


    That day, Old Yao had given him a phonecall, inviting him to sing karaoke with him. As Zhang Ye had to stay at home to take care of Chenchen for Rao Aimin, he had not gone. Could it be that it happened then?


    Zhang Ye knew Old Yao as a person very well. Well, Yao Jiancai might not be some proper person, and also had themon problem of male lust, and would not shift his eyes away from youngdies, but he was a familiar celebrity that had appeared in many television dramas. Many people knew him, so even if he really wanted to hire a prostitute, he probably did not have the guts to do so. He was most likely just unlucky this time. It was as if his pants were stained brown, so even if it wasn''t shit, people would think it was shit! Old Yao sure was unlucky. The newspaper said that he was detained for investigation, and with decree #43 issued, Yao Jiancai was used as an example.


    Someone gave him a call.


    Zhang Ye put down his newspapers. "Hello?"


    It was Xiao Lu''s cheeky voice. "Teacher Zhang, it''s me. You sure are awesome. I only saw the Celebrity Rankings this morning when I came into the office and we were all discussing this matter!"


    "Let me speak a word too." Over there, Hou Ge grabbed the phone over. "Teacher Zhang, everyone is missing you. Are you alright?"


    Dafei''s voice was there too. "That poem, ''Bamboos on the Rocks'' was too well written! Teacher Zhang''s literary skill remains the same!"


    Hearing the voices of his former colleagues at the Beijing Television Station''s Arts Channel, he smiled. "Thanks a lot. I''m fine and am pretty good. I just had a jog and am outside eating breakfast. After I''m done with my meal, so I''ll be returning home to have some sleep."


    Xiao Lu took the phone over again. "You sure are enjoying your life."


    Zhang''er said, "Of course. I have no work to do, and only have time left. Let''s meet one day and have a meal together. It''s been awhile since we all gathered."


    Xiao Lu said, "Sure."


    Hou Di added on, saying, "Teacher Zhang, all the best. Hold on and don''t drop down the rankings! We are waiting for you to create a miracle!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I was lucky yesterday. The people gave me face and circted my ''Bamboos on the Rocks''. That caused me to enjoy an increase in poprity. I might not be so lucky today. What is my ranking now? Have I dropped back down to the D-list?"


    Xiao Lu said, "Wait a moment, let me see!"


    The sounds of theputer keyboard cking could be heard.


    Dafei took over the phone. "It''s still not midnight yet, so the rankings haven''t be updated. Your ranking is still where it was when it was updated yesterday. Second from thest amongst the C-listers. However, on the detailed page, the numbers have been dropping after midnight. It seemed like it shot up a bit before midnight and then started decreasing. Now you arest on the C-listers. Below you is still that Tang Dazhang, but he''s still quite a distance away from you."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye finished his breakfast and paid up. He then went home to take a nap.


    He had nothing to do after all. He slept after waking up and woke up after sleeping. He then looked at his watch before going back to sleep.


    He slept all the way to night time until Zhang Ye could no longer sleep any further. Sleeping too much gave him a headache. After washing his face with cold water, he was momentarily more awake. He sat in front of theputer and switched on the television to watch the news and surf the inte.


    The promotions for the National Crosstalk and Skit Competition were currently in full swing. One could basically see on television, newspapers, the inte news about thispetition and its advertisements. Tang Dazhang''s face constantly appeared on various media and television. He was probably not the most famous person amongst the judges, as the remaining judges enjoyed a greater esteem than him. For example, there was the oldest veteran artist in the crosstalk world, and a crosstalk artist who had participated in twelve Chinese New Year Gs. Of course, like previous years, the judges definitely had a movie star or singer. It was just not yet announced, and was left as a mystery to whet the appetite of others. In general, this year''s Crosstalk and Skit Competition had quite an impressive jury lineup. Just this gold standard of judges was enough to receive the attention of countless number ofmoners!


    ......


    On the web.


    With the buzz fromst night over, those people, that had been smacked in the face at midnight by Zhang Ye, did not relent. Especially Tang Dazhang''s fans and his friends from the crosstalk world. It was as if they could not take thisying down. They had embarrassed themselves greatly yesterday.


    A theater''s crosstalk actor quipped on Weibo: "@TangDazhang, Old Tang, you will definitely be treating us tomorrow, right? Haha."


    Tang Dazhang''s disciple, a young crosstalk actor said, "Congrattions Master."


    A critic said: "It had profound implications with Teacher Tang Dazhang rising up to the rankings of a C-list celebrity. It is another breakthrough and development for the crosstalk world . It proves that crosstalk has gone from a subculture to something mainstream. It is liked by more and more people!"


    There were numerous congrattions.


    "Congrattions Teacher Tang. Congrattions to the art of crosstalk!"


    "Teacher Tang is creating a brilliant history."


    "Back then, crosstalk master, Master Liu failed to reached this level of poprity. For crosstalk topare with movies or music, it is naturally disadvantaged. It sure wasn''t easy for Teacher Tang Dazhang toe this far. Congrats!"


    "There will definitely not be a problem today. He will definitely enter the C-list rankings!"


    "That''s right. The figures on the detailed page shows that Teacher Tang has exceeded Zhang Ye, and has even exceeded him greatly. Today, those fans of Zhang Ye can''t remain arrogant anymore! Those who have been banned should know their ce. What''s the point of popping out all the time? No matter how much you pop out, you can''t escape the result of a sharp drop in poprity!"


    The rankings had not changed as it was not time for it to be updated. However, from the figures, one could tell that Tang Dazhang had once again exceeded Zhang Ye, pushing Zhang Ye back down to the ranks of the D-listers. The reason why Tang Dazhang''s numbers could rise so quickly was mainly because there were advertisements airing on television as well as news portal websites. This exposure constantly made Tang Dazhang rise in poprity. As for Zhang Ye, as he was banned, his poprity was decreasing. One was positive, while the other was negative, so there was naturally a clear difference.


    The gap was widening!


    It was getting more distant!


    Zhang Ye had been overtaken by Tang Dazhang!


    The second person on the D-list rankings was a singer who was quite popr. He was also about to chase up to Zhang Ye''s ranking, and the difference wasn''t that great!


    Zhang Ye''s fans were silent. They had cheeredst night. That sure was a joyful event, as they kept stabbing and smacking the faces of others. Today, none of them said a word, as they still did not know the situation. Actually they knew very well that after Teacher Zhang Ye was banned, his ranking would fall sooner orter.


    Seeing how they remained silent, the enemies became more aggressive in their attacks!


    "Haha, why aren''t they speaking?"


    "Weren''t all of you feeling powerful yesterday? Weren''t you all very arrogant?"


    "Zhang Ye is already doomed. Yet, you still can''t ept the reality? Do you still not understand the situation? I''m really worried for your intellect!"


    "The powers have already announced it. The decree has been passed, yet Zhang Ye still insists on going down his own path. To think he said how he would remain unyielding no matter where the winds blow from? Wasn''t this a clear challenge? Then do you think you will enjoy anything?"


    "Zhang Ye really doesn''t understand the way the world works. When leaders indicate their stance, you have to listen. When the leaders say you are not right, you have to bow your head. What''s so hard about that?"


    "To survive in the entertainment industry, you have to understand that you have to bow at times, if not, how are you to survive? How can Zhang Ye not even know this?"


    "It''s make or break, so ignore him."


    Actually all along, many people who knew of Zhang Ye''s temper found it strange. They wondered why Zhang Ye never amodated the situations he was ced in. Such a person clearly looked out of ce in the entertainment industry!


    At almost 11PM.


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye''s Weibo had an update!


    Zhang Ye posted on Weibo: "I had a dream yesterday."


    "Ah!"


    "He has appeared!"


    "Zhang Ye hase!"


    "Hurry over! See what he has to say!?"


    "Am I dreaming? What does this mean?"


    Following that, a dream poem appeared!


    Poem: "Ocean travelers talk of Yingzhou, yet its mist and waves are hazy - belief in it is hard to find; The people of Yue speak of Tianmu; its red clouds in bright light or darkness might be seen. Tianmu pierces the sky and stretches to the horizon, its power surpasses the Five Peaks and eclipses Chicheng Mountain...."


    Dreamed of Mount Tianmu?


    This was a poem about traveling immortals?


    It was actually in a folk song poem format!


    Poem: "On a thousand precipices and in ten thousand valleys, the path is not clear; infatuated by flowers, one leans on a rock; suddenly it is dark. Bears roar and dragons hum, rumbling over precipices and springs; trembling, the deep forests; frightened, theyered summits. Clouds, ckest ck, are going to rain; from water most cid, mist rises. Thunder and lightning; hills and mountain ranges are shattered; the stone doors of paradise open with a crash; the dark blue sky is vast and mighty, one cannot see its end; the sun and moon shine brilliantly on gold and silver terraces. A rainbow for clothes, wind for a horse, the Cloud Immortalse down one after another. A tiger strikes the harp, a phoenix rides a chariot; the immortals line up like hemp."


    The immortal paradise was vividly described!


    Imagery began to open up in front of everyone!


    Then the poem had a twist, "Suddenly one''s spirit palpitates and one''s soul shakes; startled one wakes and takes a deep breath. There is only the pillow and mat when I am awake; gone are the mist and red clouds from before."


    Theizens marveled!


    After waking up from a dream, so it was all a dream!


    Poem: "All earthly pleasures are like this; since ancient times, the myriad things all like water flowing east. One leaves you, sirs - when will one return?"


    Was this farewell?


    Zhang Ye was bidding farewell with his past?


    Then, it was thest two lines of the poem that caused numerous people to have their expressions change!


    The final stanza was a nonchnt attitude, "For now, put me amongst white deer in green valleys; one must ride to visit famous mountains. Why should I lower my face and bow for the influential and the rich, and take away my...joyous smile!?"

 Chapter 469: "If by life you were deceived"

    <h4>Chapter 469: "If by life you were deceived" </h4>


    Chapter 469: "If by life you were deceived"


    "A Departing Song of Traveling to Tianmu in a Dream"!


    This was a traveling immortal poem that was written by Zhang Ye''s previous world''s Li Bai. He did not write out the poem in its entirety, as it involved some things that did not exist in this world, so Zhang Ye only used the main portions of it. Inparison to Zhang Ye''s previous poems, this one was a much more obscure type of poem. If one did not have a strong literary upbringing or had no experience with poems, it would be rather difficult to understand!


    When the poem was posted!


    Many of those who read it could not understand it''s true meaning!


    A lot of them were trying to take it in one word at a time!


    Only some of the more well learned schrs in the literary arts, who had understood this poem at a nce, were stunned by Zhang Ye''s poetry once more!


    You really can write all these poems in an impromptu fashion!


    And even as an impromptuposition, it still carried so much in strength of character?


    It was even an ancient poem?


    And not only that, it was in a more rare form of traveling immortal poems?


    Are you on f**king steroids?


    This poem immediately sparked some reactions from people!


    A verified CEO of a certain tradingpanymented: "What a great ''traveling immortal'' poem!"


    A newly debuted female author''s verified Weibo also posted: "What a great ''take away my joyous smile''!"


    "I''ve finally witnessed Zhang Ye''s literary talents today. I''m ashamed!"


    "What does it actually mean?"


    "Is this poem really that awesome?"


    "Who can exin it to us? I really don''t understand!"


    "Begging for an exnation! I really want to know what it means now!


    "I regret not studying harder in mynguage courses!"


    "I can''t even understand my idol''s poem!"


    "I can understand thest sentence though!"


    "Haha, I can understand that line too!"


    "How domineering it is!"


    "It''s not only domineering!"


    "That is also Teacher Zhang Ye''s pride and strength of character!"


    Then, an expert started to exin the full context of the poem with some hints andments, which were listed out one by one to allow everyone to gain a better understanding!


    "Heavens!"


    "This poem is too good!"


    "Awesome!"


    "That''s the Zhang Ye I like!"


    "He dares to say, to do, to scold, and to beat!"


    "I only found out about Zhang Ye when I saw the list of banned artistes earlier. I never noticed his works in the past, but seeing this poem of his now, I find him to be very good and likeable. Hehe, is the fanclub still recruiting?


    "Count me in!"


    "I love such kinds of troublemaker celebrities!"


    Those who had been insulting Zhang Ye suddenly did not look too good. No one expected after yesterday''seback, Zhang Ye coulde up with yet another poem!


    What did thest sentence say!


    Why should I lower my face and bow for the influential and the rich?


    And take away my joyous smile?


    With the exnation now posted, even the people who did not like Zhang Ye could not help but bow down to Zhang Ye. What the fuck!


    Did you really dare to say all of that!?


    Did you feel that the trouble you attracted was not enough?


    The feelings expressed in this poem were really too proud!


    You want me to lower my face?


    You want me to do what is required of me?


    You want me to bow and bend my principles?


    I''m sorry!


    That''s impossible!


    Why?


    Because I am just not willing to do so!


    ......


    At home.


    After he had posted the message, Zhang Ye read through it once more and nodded contentedly. He was very satisfied with this poem, but was he afraid of the trouble it might bring?


    Of course not! Zhang Ye was already in big enough trouble at this point and he had already been banned. That was the worst it could get, so what was there to be afraid of?


    So what he was really afraid of was not that the trouble he stirred up would be big, but rather that it would not be big enough!


    If you don''t want me to have it easy?


    Sure, I won''t make it easy for anyone else either!


    I might not be able to do other things.


    If you want me to do it correctly, I might not be good at that.


    But when ites to making trouble?


    No one would dare make the im that they are number 1 if I were to say that I was number 2!


    Zhang Ye''s temper was rising, but it was not temper that originated from anger, but that of a strong desire and adrenaline!


    This temper would not be able to contain itself once it overflowed!


    ......


    On the web.


    In an online chatroom.


    As though they hade to an agreement, everyone who read Zhang Ye''s poem changed their personal signatures to "Why should I lower my face and bow for the influential and the rich, and take away my joyous smile"!


    The poem was going viral!


    It was forwarded countless of times!


    Even if the major media outlet had restricted the content of Zhang Ye''s reports, there was still a limit to the censorship that they could implement due to the ban. They couldn''t possibly ban Zhang Ye''s Weibo too, as he had not been guilty of any crime. The ban was in terms of the media only, and not on Zhang Ye''s rights as a citizen. Only a judicial organization could do that, not anyone else!


    Even if they were held at knifepoint, this poem would still make its rounds on Weibo without regard for the ban. As a result, countless people saw it, which also led to countlessmentaries about it!


    Smash!


    Smash!


    When the clock struck midnight, everyone went to check the celebrity ranking page to see thetest update!


    Tang Dazhang was still a D-lister!


    Zhang Ye was third fromst ce in the C-list!


    Seeing that, theizens shouted in disbelief!


    "It has risen again!"


    "Zhang Ye''s ranking has gone up again!"


    "What the heck! This world can no longer stop Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "Hahahaha! @TangDazhang! @TangDazhangsFans! I''m dying ofughter!"


    "At this moment, I feel embarrassed for Teacher Tang and his fans!


    They''ve already been embarrassed oncest night and it had to happen again tonight! They''ve been face pped by Zhang Ye again!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, please have mercy on Teacher Tang Dazhang. It wasn''t easy for him to climb to such a ranking and he has been trying to surpass you by criticizing you, so it really wasn''t easy for him."


    "Pfft!"


    "Haha, please have mercy on Teacher Tang."


    "Old Tang''s fans'' faces have probably turned green by now!"


    "Teacher Zhang is going against the heavens!"


    "He''s riding against the waves of destruction! And stepping up towards the heavens against all odds!"


    "Has Teacher Zhang really been banned? Because with him going up in the rankings each day, I don''t see how he''s banned at all!"


    On this day, Tang Dazhang and his fans had been kept silent once again.


    Even as the other banned artists had dropped in poprity and fame, with some suffering significant drops, Zhang Ye still managed to outshine them and rose in the rankings!


    ......


    The next day.


    From morning till night, Zhang Ye''s ranking was sliding down again. One poem was clearly less effective than a program or a song, as it wasn''t something that people would keep watching or listening to. That was the reason why his ranking rose and dropped very quickly. With the national crosstalk and skitpetition promotion and reports, Tang Dazhang was rising in rank once again.


    "Surely this would be it?"


    "Damn, if he doesn''t surpass Zhang Ye and get into the C-list, I will go crazy!"


    "No, tonight''s definitely gonna be the night."


    "Zhang Ye can''t go against the trend all the time, because that''s how trends work!"


    Many of those who opposed Zhang Ye were still making their calls.


    But this time, many of Zhang Ye''s enemies had learned to be smarter. They did not make any calls, but instead decided to wait for the oue to be set before speaking!


    Finally at 11.30PM, Zhang Ye''s Weibo was updated with a post again!


    "If by life you were deceived"


    If by life you were deceived.


    Don''t feel dismal, don''t get mad!


    Be at ease and don''t feel sad:


    The days of joy will soon arrive.


    The heart can''t wait for this to pass;


    The present is depressing here:


    All is fleeting rather fast;


    That which passes will be dear.


    Tang Dazhang: "..."


    Deputy Station Head Jia: "..."


    Tang Dazhang''s fans: "..."


    Zhang Ye''s fans: "..."


    At midnight, the Celebrity Rankings were updated again as usual!


    Zhang Ye was still firmly on the C-list celebrity ranking, while Tang Dazhang still failed to rise!


    When countless number of people saw this result, there was a moment of silence before they could not help but burst out, "Holy sh*t!!!"


    "Zhang Ye is too fierce!"


    "Each poem is more awesome than the other!"


    "Teacher Zhang sure is calm and can be so optimistic. Yes, everything will one day pass."


    "Previous poster, hahahaha, I dare to bet that your guess is wrong! It''s not that Zhang Ye is optimistic. This is just him making trouble and nitpicking on issues! This poem was not about himself but a gift to Tang Dazhang! When Tang Dazhang had initially celebrated his possible rise in the celebrity rankings, he was foiled by Zhang Ye. The second time he did it, it was foiled by Zhang Ye again. Now this is the third time already! Tang Dazhang''s people have been pped again! This is why Zhang Ye was telling them.....If by life you were deceived. Don''t feel dismal, don''t get mad! Be at ease and don''t feel sad! The days of joy will soon arrive!"


    "Ah! That''s true!"


    "How amusing! Teacher Zhang is too sarcastic!"


    "Hahaha, it really is a poem dedicated to Tang Dazhang!"


    "I was wondering why this poem didn''t carry the spirit of Zhang Ye! Your sister, that''s because it was used to make fun of Tang Dazhang! Old Tang''s probably feeling dead in his heart now! But why did he choose to offend Zhang Ye in the first ce? Who in the entertainment industry does not know of that temper of his!"


    "It''s time for Tang Dazhang to be unlucky. He only has himself to me. We can understand those who have grudges with Zhang Ye would try to get at him, but for you who has never ever crossed paths with Zhang Ye before? You were asking for it. When you saw that Zhang Ye had been banned, you chose to step on him from where you were! Stepping! And stepping! Look who''s the one being stepped on now!


    We don''t even need to mention how famous Zhang Ye''s poems are? Everyone in the industry, even those from the education world, would admit that Zhang Ye''s poems are all ssics. A poem like this would definitely be passed down for the ages and when our future generations mention this ''If by life you were deceived'', then Tang Dazhang would be mentioned as part of its origin story. He''s going to be mocked for a long time toe now! A simple hit back at you would only have caused you temporary pain, but this was not a simple hit back. This pain wouldst you for many generations, even after you have passed!"


    "Tang Dazhang should have learned his lesson this time. To let Zhang Ye insult him to this state, it would surely cause him traumatic pain! Teacher Zhang Ye is also telling everyone that even if he were to be banned, his venomous mouth and pen still exist. Don''t think that just because he''s been banned, that Teacher Zhang is a good target for bullying! It''s not necessarily him who would end up being bullied!"


    "So hrious!"


    "I need to take a screenshot for remembrance! Hahaha!"


    "I can feel the pain on Old Tang''s face!"


    "Comrade Old Tang, keep believing. Don''t feel dismal, don''t get mad! Be at ease and don''t feel sad. The days of joy will soon arrive!"


    Tang Dazhang''s fans were all infuriated and they started scolding Zhang Ye, but faced with the experienced troll army of Zhang Ye whose morales were boosted by histest post, they were clearly no match. When they had just begun to scold, they were pushed back and flooded by the troll army, who had learned the colorful scolding style from Zhang Ye himself!

 Chapter 473: Zhang Ye’s Big Move!

    <h4>Chapter 473: Zhang Ye''s Big Move! </h4>


    Chapter 473: Zhang Ye''s Big Move!


    Department 11 at Central TV.


    Internal meeting at thepetition''s program team.


    There were about nine people seated at the meeting table.


    The head said, "There are no problems with the recording hall, right?"


    "It''s all ready." A woman said.


    "What about thepetition''s divisions?" The first person asked again.


    A middle-aged man, third one from the left, said, "We have already contacted people from the notary office. They will be here tomorrow to randomly assign the divisions."


    Suddenly, a youth paused and said, "Director, now there is one problem. Two banned celebrities listed on decree #43 have registered for thepetition. We had no way to deal with it temporarily, so had to do it through the normal processes."


    The head said, "Oh, I heard about that. It''s alright. Since thispetition doesn''t limit the participants, then things can go ording to procedure. However, during the editing, you must monitor it. No matter how well they perform, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalk program is not to be aired, nor should it be uploaded. The higher-ups have already issued the decree. Those banned celebrities'' programs can''t even be aired on the inte, so make sure to pay careful attention to it."


    "Understood."


    "Got it."


    Towards Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s participation, Central TV''s Department 11 were extremely speechless about it. They knew the two of them were here to mess things up, but after a long discussion, they could not deprive them of their right to participate. As they had no reason to do so, they could only prevent the banned duo from appearing in broadcasts, but could not interfere with their personal freedom. Besides, this was not an ordinary entertainment program, but the National Crosstalk and Skit Competition. It was an authoritativepetition jointly organized by the Crosstalk Association and six other departments. If they wanted to refuse Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai the right to participate, it wasn''t like they could not do it. However, if they were to do so, thepetition would lose a lot of its impartiality and open style. They might even lose their reputation. They could prevent anyone they did not want to participate from participating? A champion was decided internally? Silencing the dissidents? If this kind of rumors spread amongst the people, it wouldn''t be nice. It would be a bad influence on their program, so after a discussion between the program team and the organizingmittee, they finally decided to let Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai participate. It was not worth harming their reputation just for two people who were likely not to be promoted to the elimination rounds.


    As for promoting?


    That was a joke!


    Without any broadcast, their participating work wouldn''t be shown with them, so how could they be promoted? Besides, if the two of them were to produce a program or act in a show, they could still believe it, but crosstalk? What crosstalk can they do!? Crosstalk was anguage art form. Without decades of foundational skills, there was no way they could pass!


    ......


    On the same day.


    News broke out on the inte.


    Once the news came out, it immediately attracted the attention of numerous people, stunning them!


    "Ah? Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai are going topete in the crosstalkpetition?"


    "What the f**k! Did I see wrongly?"


    "It''s just a rumor, right? News from the grapevine cannot be believed. It''s impossible!"


    "It should be true. I think it was leaked from Central TV''s Department 11."


    "Aren''t they banned?"


    "That''s right, how can they participate?"


    "I don''t know either. What''s going on?"


    "Banning refers to limiting the avenues for broadcasting and not limiting their personal freedom or civil rights. It''s like a taking an exam to be a civil servant, you might previously havemitted crimes, and even if you passed the exam, they would not hire you, but that does not mean that you are barred from registering for the exam. You can still take the exam. Haha, I''m sure this idea was from Teacher Zhang Ye. He found a loophole and ns to mess up the crosstalk and skitpetition, causing them some trouble, but to truly hope that Teacher Zhang Ye can get any good cing, then that will be hoping for too much. How can Zhang Ye know anything about crosstalk?"


    "Then wouldn''t it be meaningless to join? Would they be aired?"


    "Definitely not."


    "How Teacher Zhang does things is always so surprising! Hahaha!"


    "Screwing things up for others would be good, after all, Teacher Zhang Ye has nothing better to do at home. He came out to ''have a ride''! Pfft! Aical feeling just hit me!"


    "I also feel likeughing. Zhang Ye is nning on teaming up with Yao Jiancai to do crosstalk? I can''t imagine that scene! Somehow I am looking forward to it!"


    "I really want to go and see it in person. I want to see how badly Teacher Zhang does!"


    "I guess Zhang Ye didn''t even make any preparations for his crosstalk program. He''s there just to mess things up. Just being there would achieve his goals. So whatever he says doesn''t matter!"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye!"


    "Supporting Old Yao!"


    "Haha! These two brothers in trouble sure are great at stirring up sh*t!"


    "They have already received aplete ban, yet they still dare to participate in a televisionpetition?"


    ......


    Zhang Ye''s home.


    The moment he returned home in the afternoon, his phone kept ringing.


    It was first skit actress, Ci Xiufang. The first thing she said, "You are participating in the crosstalkpetition? You sure are fantastic. Is there any meaning to it?"


    Zhang Ye held his cellphone whileughing and said, "I''m just showing my presence."


    Ci Xiufang said, "Do you really know or do you really not know? Do you think just because they allowed you to register, it means you can participate in thepetition? That means you can be aired? That means you can be promoted? You are making it out to be too simple. I guarantee you that once you finish the preliminaries, you won''t be able to stir up a tiny wave. It will be a waste of effort."


    "I know."


    "Yet you are still going to do it??"


    "Aiyah, Auntie Ci, I naturally have my own considerations."


    After hanging up on Teacher Ci, a few friends gave him a call.


    Tian Bin: "What''s up with you?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Hur Hur, just that."


    "Are you really participating?" Tian Bin asked in a speechless manner.


    Zhang Ye responded, "Of course."


    Tian Bin said, "Alright then. I won''t say anything more."


    Beside him, Yao Jiancai was also picking up phone call after phone call. It was all from his friends, asking him about the news of him registering for thepetition.


    Yao Jiancai kept picking up phone calls.


    Zhang Ye suggested, "We still have quite a few things to do. Why don''t we switch off our phones?"


    Yao Jiancai nodded and switched off his cellphone. Then he blinked at Zhang Ye. "Little Zhang, the few phone calls from before have jolted me awake. Before registering, this old bro was confused by you, I nearly lost my bearings. Now that I think about it, it''s not right. You said that even if we can''t be aired during the preliminaries, but the elimination rounds and finals are television live broadcasts, so Central TV''s Department 11 has no way of preventing us from going on a live broadcast, but that''s not right. If our works can''t be f**king seen during the preliminaries, with them all banned, how the hell are we to enter the elimination rounds?"


    Zhang Ye vaguely said, "We''ll talk about that when the timees."


    Yao Jiancai nearly fainted. "When the timees?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s not like we have anything else we can do. Let''s do the crosstalk well. As for the rest, let''s leave it to fate. Alright Old Yao, let''s match our lines."


    Yao Jiancai said, "I just realized I got scammed onto your pirate ship and can''t jump ship. Alright then, I''m going for broke this time, and I''ll do it to the very end! Let''s do it!"


    Actually, everything others said to him was understood by Zhang Ye. However, there were certain things he could not exin to everyone. He naturally knew that his work with Old Yao would not be aired. Thispetition was also filled with arduous paths with no way out, but Zhang Ye had his own ideas. It was just that he could not tell anyone else. What he wanted to do now was to participate in the preliminaries with Old Yao, and do the crosstalk to its best for the preliminaries!


    The rest shall be left to fate!


    Whether this could actually be aplished or not actually needed just a bit of luck!

 Chapter 474: Lowering Difficulty by Five Times!

    <h4>Chapter 474: Lowering Difficulty by Five Times! </h4>


    Chapter 474: Lowering Difficulty by Five Times!


    On the day of thepetition.


    Afternoon, at Central TV''s Department 11''s recording venue.


    At the ground floor of the high-rise building, there was a filming spot. Cameras were hooked up, and there was even a camera drone buzzing midair. Underneath arge billboard screaming "National Crosstalk and Skit Competition", regions were divided with thousands of people lining up to enter the venue.


    "Don''t push."


    "One by one!"


    "Everyone line up with your preliminarypetition admission pass!"


    "Please produce your identification cards as well. Thank you for cooperating!"


    This was a much anticipated day. Today was the day where the crosstalkpetition unveiled its curtains before the skitpetition. Numerous members of the media from the television stations, newspapers, and inte news portals were scrambling to report on thepetition.


    Members of Central TV''s Department 11 had long forgotten about breakfast. The moment they arrived, they were busying themselves with all sorts of jobs. Every year, the crosstalk and skitpetition would draw upon all their manpower. After all, this was the hottest program with the best ratings in the country. Not only domestically, even quite a number of overseas Chinese citizens looked forward to the beginning of thepetition. The powers had already their issued the order that thepetition was only to seed and there was to be no failures. Hence, everyone from Central TV''s Department 11 paid a great deal of attention to this. When it came to a program that everyone knew about, it was very difficult to make it better than thest. However, they had to ensure that it was not worse than the previous year''s. This was a matter they worked very hard on every year!


    Outside.


    A host from Central TV''s Department 11 was interviewing contestants for the crosstalkpetition. A few cameraman were also following closely behind.


    "Nice to meet you Teacher Peng, long time no see." the female host said with a smile.


    The man, who was in his forties, looked over. "Hello, it''s you this time?"


    The female host said, "The off-site hosting is still me. It was quite a pityst year. You had to quitst year during the finals due to medical reason. With youing again this year, you must have a different feeling, right?"


    Teacher Peng said with a sigh, "That''s right. There are more and more contestants, so the pressure is quite great. Don''t you see, my partner is so scared that he has gone to the bathroom."


    "Hur Hur, you sure are humorous." The female host said.


    Then, they continued to interview several people. They were the popr contestants for this year''s crosstalkpetition. There were professional crosstalk actors who were already somewhat famous in the industry, as well as contestants fromst year who had pretty good results the previous year. There were also people from the general public and some popr "non-mainstream" crosstalk actors on the inte.


    It was a gathering of elites!


    This year''spetition was bound to be an intense battle!


    In the chaotic admission line, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai had arrived on scene.


    Yao Jiancai was still on the phone. "Dear, don''t be so angry...I swear to the Heavens that I didn''t do anything. Really.. If you don''t believe, ask Little Zhang. He can testify for me...Aiyah, we are already at thepetition''s venue. I won''t be able to use the phone once I enter... At least tell me something. I can''t stay at Little Zhang''s ce forever. It''s inappropriate...Can Ie home today?"


    Once the duo came over, the Central TV staff all stared at them. However, after a few nces, everyone returned to whatever they were busying themselves with. The female host hesitated for a few moments and did not interview them. In fact, she truly wished she could interview a legendary figure like Zhang Ye. Besides, Zhang Ye was partnering with the drama actor, Yao Jiancai for their "song and dance". This teambination was too strange and made many people curious. However, they knew very well about the governmental policies. Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai were banned, so even if they had seen them, they had to pretend as if they had never seen them.


    "Eh?"


    "That''s Zhang Ye?"


    "Isn''t that Yao Jiancai?"


    "The two of them really came?"


    "Man, I thought those were just rumors on the inte!"


    "Just mind yourselves. They have nothing to do with us. Even if they participate, their program will not be aired. Even if it''s aired, do you think their crosstalk will be any good?"


    "Uh, that''s true. We began learning crosstalk at a young age. You can''t even get good at it without ten years of practice."


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s arrival attracted the attention of many contestants. After all, in terms of fame, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai were much more famous than these crosstalk actors. However, it was useless. Fame here wasn''t useful. Besides they were banned, and this was a crosstalkpetition. If this were a calligraphypetition, hostingpetition, or poempetition, they would admit defeat without a second word if Zhang Ye came. However, a crosstalkpetition did not depend on one''s literary talent or hosting abilities. With decree #43 looming in the background, the contestants did not think much of this duo as rivals!


    This pair were gods of gue?


    Let''s avoid them as much as possible!


    People from Central TV, as well as the contestants, turned a blind eye towards Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai. The two of them were currently on the cusp of a wave, so no one dared to incur trouble for themselves!


    "Old Yao, hurry." Zhang Ye rushed him.


    Yao Jiancai hung up the phone call with his wife. He rushed over to line up. "Old bro, you need to put in a good word for me when I go home tonight. My wife is still mad."


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands. "Will I make a difference?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "At least my wife will let me in the door. If you don''t go, she wouldn''t even open the door for me. Heh, it''s not like you don''t know my wife''s temper."


    People entered one by one, and soon, it was their turn. Everyone else had tensed looks, while others were practicing their lines, as they prepared for the preliminaries. However, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai were rather special. Neither one of them looked nervous. As they chatted, they walked into the building and found a sofa to sit down on before carrying on with their chat. This was all about one''s foundation. One of them was a C-lister and the other was a D-lister. They had encountered all sorts of situations, and had gone through all sorts of storms in the entertainment industry. What had they not seen? Naturally, they were much more calm andposed than other contestants. Even if they were worried deep down inside, it would not show on their faces.


    Everyone came in.


    The staff were also in position.


    Following that, someone brought all the participants through the corridors to an outdoor courtyard.


    The crosstalkpetition''s host immediately went on stage. A temporary hosting podium had been set up in the middle of the courtyard, and there was a wall of screens behind. The details inscribed in the decorations were quite intricate, and seemed ready for a magnificent show. Just from looking at the stage alone, one could tell that they had spent a great deal of money. One had to know that this was just the opening stage for the preliminaries. The host was a very popr celebrity host. However, he was not from Department 11, but was a host from Central TV''s Department 3. It was for some unknown reason why he was transferred over for thispetition.


    "Wang Ge''er!"


    "Haha, Wang Ge''er!"


    Some of the amateur participants started shouting when they saw a star. Wang Ge''er was his official stage name, so anyone who liked him called him by that name.


    The cameras began rolling.


    Two cameras were aimed at the hosting podium, while two cameras were aimed at the contestants.


    Wang Ge''er chuckled and said, "Wee everybody, be they new or old friends. The annual National Crosstalk and Skit Competition''s crosstalkpetition will once again begin. This year, I am honored to stand here as the host of the preliminaries..." After a bout of his chattering, it came to the important point. "Let me introduce the procedure. The first part will be the divisions. We have invited notaries so as to ensure that this part is held fair and square. After the division, it will be the preliminaries within each division..."


    Actually, instead of calling it a preliminary round, it was, in fact, more of an audition. It was quite simr to those singingpetitions. As there were too many contestants, there was no way all of them could go on television. Hence, there was an inte choice audition. By using one''s fame and true strength, the contestants would be promoted so as to formally enter the crosstalkpetition. To put it simply, the preliminaries were just a way to create a buzz, so that the audience all over the country would get to know the contestants.


    The drawing of lots began.


    Thousands of contestants watched intently!


    These people were basically in pairs. Of course, there were groups with a handful of partners. There were even some groups with more than ten partners. There were probably a thousand groups total!


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai remained rather low key and stood right at the back of the crowd. This was because they knew that even if they walked to the front, the cameras would not focus on them.


    "How long will the drawing of lots take?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Yao Jiancai said, "It will take at least half an hour. Picking lots would be fast, but the main thing is announcing the divisions. With over a thousand teams, how fast can it be? Just reading the names will take all day."


    Zhang Ye was still not particrly familiar with thepetition. "Will they finish recording today?"


    Yao Jiancai patted him on the shoulder and said, "What are you thinking? The first round of preliminaries would take a few days of recording. Even if all the recording studios opened up, it wouldn''t be done in a day. It''s best if we can finish recording today, so that we don''t have to keeping for the next few days. It''s like this with all talent shows. The contestants will have to endure the suffering."


    On the other side, the first pair in division A was chosen. The staff announced the names and sent the two of them to recording studio #3 to prepare for thepetition.


    Seeing how things were, Zhang Ye said to Old Yao, "I''ll go to the bathroom."


    Yao Jiancai said casually. "Go ahead. I''ll stay here and watch."


    Zhang Ye then went back into the building and followed the corridors and managed to find a bathroom. Everyone was outside, so it was rather quiet in here. He was alone, so he went into a stall and locked the door from inside. He took a deep breath...Well, it was a bit smelly. He hurriedly put on a face mask, and then closed his eyes to calm his mind. He did not say a word, nor was he here to use the bathroom. He just stood there strangely.


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye''s hand moved as he opened the game ring''s interface on his pinky. He grabbed out two items from his inventory. It was two dice!


    [ Difficulty Adjustment Dice ] .


    These were items that Zhang Ye had drawn a long time ago. He did not dare to use them all this time, or it should be said he did not n on using them at all. Even at this moment, he was using both his hands to hold the dice carefully, afraid he would drop them. He was nervous and alert. The main reason was because this fellow had lost his wits ever since the hijacking incident. Back then, a tiny die had nearly brought his ne crashing into a building. Once bitten, twice shy. Zhang Ye hadter on managed to draw two of these dice and ced them in his inventory, without touching them at all. This time, Zhang Ye took them out and hesitated slightly. He then kept one of the dice and left one dice in his hand


    It was time for it to do its job!


    He was already at a desperate juncture. The only way to have a fighting chance was to risk it all. As for what would happen if an ident happened? He could not care about it anymore!


    Yes, Zhang Ye was nning on adjusting the difficulty. Now with him being banned, he waspletely out of options. The difficulty was too great. If he did not adjust the difficulty, he wouldn''t know what to do either. However, he was not going leave itpletely to fate. If he were to receive another crazily abnormal difficulty, wouldn''t he be killing himself right here and now? The reason why Zhang Ye dared to make this bet was because of another reason. This was because he had managed to buy the rights to a certain Merchant Shop item!


    Lucky Halo!


    At the moment he obtained the right, Zhang Ye had nned on using the Difficulty Adjustment Die. However, he did not get the opportunity to do so, or was forced to do it. Now, he had to use the Lucky Halo to roll the die. He believed that under the auspices of luck, even if he did not get the simplest difficulty from the die, it would at least note out with some crazy abnormal difficulty, right? As for his Reputation points, thest lucky draw had nearly emptied out all his Reputation points. However, the revealing of three poems had increased his Reputation points by quite a bit. It was enough for him to switch on the Lucky Halo for about a minute or two!


    Alright, here we go!


    Whether it worked was up to it!


    Zhang Ye''s face was one of his "going for broke" expressions. With gritted teeth, he stretched his hand out to tap on the "Lucky Halo" in the Merchant Shop. Click. Activate!


    Shua!


    A white halo appeared above Zhang Ye''s head, just like an angelic halo. Then shimmering light ripples appeared, sending out tiny waves midair. Ripple after ripple, they moved outwards. The game ring''s indication also appeared!


    [ Lucky Halo is in effect ]


    10,000!


    10,000!


    10,000!


    His Reputation points were decreasing by 10,000 every second!


    Zhang Ye felt the pinch as he saw this. The Lucky Halo was great in every sense of the word, but it was just too expensive. Furthermore, it was charged by the second. He was now in trouble, and he could not waste his Reputation points so casually. Hence, he immediately grabbed the dice and closing his eyes, he threw it upwards!


    The dice flew up!


    Phew, and secondster it fell down!


    When the die fell to the ground, Zhang Ye felt his heart stall. He stared intently at it, watching it bounce and roll on the ground! The die''s six faces wrote a corresponding difficulty: Decreasing Difficulty By 10x, Decreasing Difficulty By 5x, Decreasing Difficulty By 1x, Increasing Difficulty By 1x, Increasing Difficulty By 5x, Increasing Difficulty By 10x. These difficulties kept appearing in front of Zhang Ye''s eyes as the die rolled.


    "Stop, stop!"


    "Aiyah!


    "Move over there, hurry!"


    "Heh!"


    In the bathroom, Zhang Ye began yelling to himself.


    Finally after some time, the die lost its energy and with a snap, it stopped. Finally, the text on the top face entered Zhang Ye''s eyes!


    Upon seeing this, a loud guffaw nearly erupted from his throat. "Hahahahahaha!"


    The difficulty was lowered by five times!


    He had really managed to roll it!


    However, Zhang Ye did not switch off his Lucky Halo, as he still had to wait. He needed to wait for the die''s duration. Back on the ne, the die''s increasing of ten times difficulty hadsted an hour. The duration of the Difficulty Adjustment Die was also random, and did not seem like it had a limit. Hence, even though he felt the pinch with the Lucky Halo draining his Reputation points every second, Zhang Ye had to endure it. It wasn''t the end yet!


    Finally, the oue was out!


    The die transformed into a sh of light. With a flicker, it was as if the entire world was illuminated. And then with another sh, it disappeared into thin air.


    [ Difficulty has been adjusted ]


    [ Lowering Five Times Difficulty ]


    [ Lasting for: 6 days 1 hour 17 minutes. ]


    [ Countdown begins. 6 days 1 hour 16:59... ]


    What?


    Six days?


    More than six days!?


    When Zhang Ye saw this, he was astonished. He could not believe his eyes before he quickly switching off his "Lucky Halo", before gasping...a stench, as he was still in the bathroom. He could not help but roar as if a pie had dropped from the sky! Thest time when he rolled the die on the ne, it was just an hour! This time he managed to get a duration of more than six days? And it was with a lowered difficulty of five times? Heaven will always leave a door open! The Lucky Halo was too awesome!


    Of course, he still shuddered thinking of the possibilities. Back on the ne while going to Shanghai, it was thankful that the 10x difficulty onlysted for nearly an hour. If it f**kingsted for a few days, even if Zhang Ye managed to survive the cmity in the ne, he would probably not survive after hended. He would probably die a few hundred times over!


    Thankfully he had the Lucky Halo!


    Thankfully, the three poems from a few days ago had left him enough Reputation points to activate the Lucky Halo for a minute or two!


    Hahaha!


    It was time to recover from this!


    Although Zhang Ye did not know what lowering the difficulty by five times would do, ording to the analysis and deduction of the crazy ten times difficulty increase, it definitely wouldn''t have weak effects! That was to say, from today onwards, for the next six days, Zhang Ye was nearly an invincible existence!


    From yesterday to today, numerous good friends and rtives kept giving him calls. They did not know why Zhang Ye wanted to participate in the national crosstalkpetition. They felt it was meaningless for him to participate in it. Yes, Zhang Ye naturally knew all of this, that even if he registered, even if Central TV''s Department 11 allowed them to participate, it was all meaningless. This wasn''t a way out. With the ban in ce, Zhang Ye had no way out!


    Then why did hee?


    Why did he do so even though he knew it was pointless?


    Now the answer was out. Since there was no way out, then Zhang Ye would do things ording to his own methods. He would not sit still and wait for death!


    There was no way out?


    Then I''ll force my way out!


    The National Crosstalk and Skit Competition, which was the talk of the town, was the way out that he had found. He needed to do so before the buzz from the ban dissipated. He wanted to stand on this stage, in front of every citizen, telling those who disliked him, questioned him, cursed him, or hated him, that no matter how much you hated me till you grind your teeth, no matter how tight the ban is, this bro will stand on stage!


    What can you do to me!?


    Walking out the bathroom, Zhang Ye was in a great mood. Just thinking of the uing crosstalkpetition, he could not help but recite a poem:


    "Bright moonlight before my bed."


    A employee, who walked past was stunned. Taking a look, it was Zhang Ye!


    "I suppose it is frost on the ground."


    Another Central TV''s female employee also looked over upon hearing this. Ah, Zhang Ye was reciting a poem?


    "I raise my head to view the bright moon."


    Another person who heard it was immediately full of anticipation. What a good poem! A good poem!


    "I am face-smacking Zhang!"


    When thest line came out, the few employees from the Central TV nearly fainted on the spot!

 Chapter 475: Huge Blunder!

    <h4>Chapter 475: Huge Blunder! </h4>


    Chapter 475: Huge Blunder!


    At the lot picking venue for the preliminaries.


    Division A and B were done.


    Zhang Ye walked back. "Old Yao."


    Yao Jiancai was staring at the stage. "It''s not our turn yet."


    "It''s fine. Let''s just continue waiting." Zhang Ye was, at this moment,pletely relieved. He did not even consider how to solve the series of problems that would await him. He was leaving it all in God''s hands.


    Di Di. He received a text message on his cellphone.


    Zhang Ye took a look at his cellphone. He won a prize? Telephone bill? He locked his phone after curling his mouth. He was used to receiving such fraudulent text messages. However, when he thought of something, Zhang Ye was momentarily stunned. He took out his phone again and opened the text message. Eh, wasn''t this the mobile service provider''s customer service number? He decided to follow the instructions in the text message and replied to it as an attempt. Di Di. He received a short message. Top up sessful!


    Checking his phone bill, he had a hundred yuan (US$14.50) in credit!


    Zhang Ye was overjoyed. Although it wasn''t a lot of money, it was an indication for Zhang Ye. This world, which now had its difficulty reduced by five times, had already begun to take effect!


    On the other side.


    The results were still being announced:


    "Wang Kesong, Zheng Jia. Division C, #6."


    "Zhang Xiao, Liu Yuan. Division C, #7."


    The contestants were in murmurs.


    "The members of Division A are all very skilled."


    "Division C isn''t bad either. Zhang Xiao and Liu Yuan are from Tang Dazhang''s Crosstalk Society. It seems that they are disciples of Teacher Tang Dazhang. They are one of the hottest favorites for this year''s championship."


    "That Wang Kesong, wasn''t he in the top thirteen inst year''s crosstalkpetition?"


    "Those who get sent to Division C sure are unlucky. It has the feeling of a death division!"


    Suddenly, host, Wang Ge''er announced. "Zhang Ye, Yao Jiancai. Division C, #8." After finishing saying that, he looked down the stage and did a sweep without finding them, before returning to announce the results.


    "Division C?"


    "The gods of gue are in Division C also?"


    When Zhang Ye heard the people in front of them discussing them, he looked sideways at Old Yao, "What does #8 mean?"


    Yao Jiancai smiled and said, "It means we are eighth in the preliminary round''s Division C. We will definitely be able to do the recording today. Looking at the time, it will probably be our turn by noon."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then let''s find a ce to take a break."


    "Sure". The duo walked away while Old Yao was still humming a Beijing opera. He looked rxed. As he walked, he said to Zhang Ye, "I heard that there were quite a few tough cookies in Division C. There were also two of Tang Dazhang''s disciples. They will appear just before us. This time, it will be interesting."


    Zhang Ye said with amusement, "You seem pretty confident?"


    Yao Jiancai chuckled. "It''s not that I''m confident, it''s just that I haven''t got any hopes up. If our work isn''t aired after we are done, I''ll just treat it as a game."


    ......


    On the web.


    Central TV''s Department 11''s crosstalkpetition''s official video website.


    Division A''s first work and Division''s B first work were released. The moment the two videos were released, it immediately attracted numerous people.


    "Hahaha!"


    "Who are these thin guys?"


    "This crosstalk was not bad. It was pretty good!"


    "That''s right. It looks like there really is something to look forward to in this year''spetition


    In terms of quality, these works in the preliminaries definitely couldn''t bepared with the crosstalk performances at the Spring Festival G. The reason why many people cursed the crosstalk performances of the Spring Festival G was because they had different expectations. For the Spring Festival G, many people had feelings for it, and had higher expectations as well. Just falling short of these expectations was uneptable, so they would find the crosstalk performances bad. However, in this crosstalkpetition, they were contestants from all walks of life. There were farmers, construction workers, and even CEOs ofpanies. They were all amateurs, so even if professional crosstalk actors participated, they were not too famous. People were naturally more tolerant towards them.


    Voting!


    Division A #1''s contestant pair temporary took the lead. Their votes constantly increased, and in the blink of an eye, they had amassed 700 votes. Note: Every IP can register three votes per day.


    In thements section.


    "Ah, some clips have been released for the Divisions!"


    "I saw Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai!"


    "Division C? Eh, they are just after Tang Dazhang''s two disciples?"


    "What a small world between enemies! I''m looking forward to Teacher Zhang''s work."


    However, there were even more criticisms below.


    "What is a host, who doesn''t know anything, joining in the fun for!"


    "Zhang Ye is treating this crosstalkpetition as a game. What crosstalk does he know? That talk show is just some tawdry entertainment program. Although it''s also for humor, it''spletely different from crosstalk. Crosstalk is a form of art!"


    "The buzz from Decree #43 has not stopped. Is what Zhang Ye doing fine? The powers that he is clearly repressing are criminal celebrities and vulgar, base and philistine entertainment. Zhang Ye is every single one of them, yet he still dares to appear? This is a ssic case of refusing to repent untilplete failure. It''s fine if he''s here. Let those crosstalk seniors teach him what crosstalk really is. Take a look at what true art is. That talk show of yours is considered nothing!"


    "Zhang Ye is a piece of rat shit in the entertainment industry. He goofs around too much!"


    "Let''s see how he shames himself!"


    "The difference between their jobs are like the gaps between mountains!"


    Not a whileter, the official website released a questionnaire. It was about "Who is the favorite for winning the championship". The result also came out very quickly.


    First ce was an already famous crosstalk actor. He had an orthodox heritage, and had good foundations in his humor and knowledge. He had few ws.


    Second was a pair of young crosstalk actors. They were rookies, but had recently participated in Liaodong television station''s Spring Festival G and had performed a crosstalk. They were well received and sought after on the inte. There were even a few crosstalk artists who spoke highly of them.


    Tang Dazhang''s two disciples were ranked tenth.


    As for Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai? The ranking naturally did not have them. The organizers did not even list their names as options.


    This was a ban!


    It was a ban from head to toe!


    You can contest, you can register, you can even go through the normal procedures of thepetition, but if you want to show your face, not a single shot would be given to you. It was equivalent to how the crosstalkpetition was internally happening, but externally, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai did not exist in this crosstalkpetition at all!


    That was the situation!


    No one believed Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai would be able to set off any waves in this crosstalkpetition. The only meaning for theming here was to cause trouble. It was meaningless for everything else. Unless Central TV really aired your work, which you could even figure out with a fart, that it was impossible. Did you think Central TV was retarded?


    The crosstalkpetition''s auditions raged on!


    Five teams...


    Ten teams...


    There were more and more contestants who finished their performance in thepetition!


    Some of them came out with faces of excitement, while others came out with helpless looking faces. Clearly, they had not performed well.


    Before noon, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai arrived at Division C''s recording venue. Under the instructions of the staff, they went backstage, as it was their turn soon.


    ......


    At the same time.


    In a leader''s office in the skyscraper.


    The Director of Central TV''s Department 11, Chen Huo, made a phone call and called his secretary into his office. "How''s thepetition going? No incidents, right?"


    The young secretary said, "Director Chen, everything is normal."


    Chen Huo nodded with a smile. "That''s good. It''s been hard on all of you over the past few days. We have to do well for thispetition. Oh right, during the recording, remember to control the phones and recording equipment of the audience members. Previously, I mentioned that the audience''s cellphones are to be locked in a cab upon entering to prevent affecting the contestant''s performances. Also, it is prohibited that these people record anything with their cellphones. You must ensure that this doesn''t happen. In a while, inform the program team about this."


    The young secretary jotted it down on a notebook. "Got it."


    With a thought, Chen Huo added on, "Also, there are two banned celebrities participating in thepetition. All of you need to know not to manage this improperly. Mind the ban, do not record anything. Do you understand?"


    The young secretary was stunned. "Even our cameras are not to record?"


    Chen Huo said, "Yes, there''s no need to even switch them on. It''s to prevent the video from getting leaked out. Pretend as if there''s no one with the decree in mind. Don''t ask why, just get the people below to do it!"


    The young secretary immediately said, "Got it!"


    The station was still very cautious and did things very carefully.


    This order was also considered normal, and there was no problem. However, this simple order caused a great blunder!


    ......


    The secretary returned to his desk.


    The secretary used his cellphone to call the person-in-charge of the crosstalkpetition''s program team. For some reason, maybe there was too much equipment, or because there was signal interference, his mobile signal was very terrible. He did not manage to get through on his first attempt, and only seeded the second time.


    The person-in-charge was instructing the staff and when he saw the iing call, he went into the lounge, with no one around, to pick up the call. "Hello, Secretary An. Hur Hur, are there any instructions?"


    The young secretary smiled and said, "I don''t have any instructions, but Director Chen has given orders. Director Chen said..petition...audience''s cellphones..controlled..."


    The person-in-charge hurriedly said, "Secretary An, the signal isn''t very good. I can''t hear you clearly."


    The young secretary had no choice but to repeat that he had said once again. "This matter is very important. Listen carefully. Director Chen said that for the contestants, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai, all of you need to know is not to manage this improperly. Mind the ban, do not have any recordings! Cough!" Up to this point he coughed as he stammered slightly, before he carried on saying, "Did you clearly get that about the recording? Pretend as if there''s no one with the decree in mind. Don''t ask why. Just get everyone to do it! These are the words of Director Chen himself."


    Unfortunately, the signal was just too bad!


    Along with the young secretary having a foreign ent, the intonation was slightly out of ce!


    The young secretary had repeated in ordance to what the leader said, but on the person-in-charge''s side, what he heard in bits and pieces waspletely different!


    What he roughly heard was, "This matter is very important. Listen carefully. Director Chen said...*static*...for the contestants...Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai...*static*...all of you need...not...mind the ban...do...recordings clearly...Pretend there''s no...decree...don''t ask why. Just get everyone to do it!"


    When the person-in-charge heard this, he waspletely dumbfounded!


    Do not mind the ban?


    Do the recordings!? Holy sh*t, and it has to be done clearly?


    Pretend there''s no decree? What decree? Decree #43!?


    The person-in-charge was scared silly. With his hands trembling, he croaked, "Secretary An, are you sure we have to do that?"


    The young secretary was wondering what the fuss was all about. "Of course, just do as I said. It''s ordered by Director Chen, so you have to do it well!"


    The person-in-charge stared and said, "Are you sure?"


    The secretary felt a bit irritated. Was there any need to affirm such a trivial thing? However, thinking of how they were not switching on the cameras for the contestants, he said patiently, "Although it''s a bit against the rules, Director Chen has already instructed it, so let''s just do as he says."


    However, what the person-in-charge understood waspletely different!


    This wasn''t just "a bit" against the rules? This was f**king challenging the authorities! This was trying to tear apart decree #43! Could there be some internal leadership fight within SARFT? Right, there was news a while ago that SARFT''s Vice Director had been transferred away. Could this have anything to do with that?


    Yes!


    This was f**king a fight between gods!


    No wonder they wanted to challenge it!


    The person-in-charge did not dare to probe any further. After hanging up, he thought about it for a long time and knew the importance of this matter. Director Chen had given this daunting task to him. This was the leader''s trust in him. He had to keep it a secret! He definitely could not let down the leader''s trust in him!


    He had to do it, do it well, and do it perfectly!


    ***Trantor notes below***


    There might be some of you wondering about the concept of crosstalk. Because it''s mainly a chinese based folk art andedy, it''s really difficult to exin how it works.


    There has been some foreign speakers though who got into it, here''s a video interview with one of them: Julien Gaudfroy,dies & gentlemen!


    https://youtu.be/kL-MriW6Bjw

 Chapter 476: Got onto a live broadcast?

    <h4>Chapter 476: Got onto a live broadcast? </h4>


    Chapter 476: Got onto a live broadcast?


    A whileter.


    The person-in-charge had hurriedly gathered several trusted members of his team and mysteriously ushered them into a small office. After shutting the door, he ryed the ''intentions'' of the Director to them �� "Need not mind the ban, pretend there''s no decree!"


    His subordinates reacted in surprise when they heard that!


    "Ah?"


    "This..."


    "But why?"


    "Didn''t they get banned from broadcasts?"


    The person-in-charge waved his hands and said, "Who are we to question the Director''s intentions? We only need to carry it out ording to his wishes!"


    Did a power struggle happen within the management? The policy to ban the artists was not agreed upon unanimously? There were internal rifts? The members of the program team were stunned and looked at each other at the same time. They remembered that the SARFT''s Deputy Chief had recently been transferred out suddenly, so did it mean that the power struggle was getting more intense? As Central TV, which was directly under the SARFT, their Station Head was also a member of the SARFT''s higher echelons, so did that mean their boss was also involved? Did he intend to take the rank of Deputy Chief of the SARFT? Otherwise, why would there be such a request from the top?


    Yes! That must be it!


    This was really calling for a change in the status quo!


    Everyone of them were rmed as their imaginations ran wild.


    A youth blinked and said, "Then how should we do this? Do we record Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''spetition and upload it? Or should we use our channel''s website to do a live inte broadcast?"


    Another middle-aged man said nervously, "Live inte broadcast? There''s a limited quota of people that we can do that for. It''s usually reserved for the preliminaries of those hot favorites. As we can only broadcast one team at a time, we might not have the resources to do that. Besides, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai are amateurs who don''t seem like they can actually perform crosstalk. Their performance, no matter how I see it, won''t be good, so if we were to do a live broadcast....."


    The person-in-charge gave a wave of his hand and interrupted. He thought through it calmly before clenching his teeth and saying, "We will assign a live broadcast slot for them. The words that Secretary An passed to me directly from the Director was to let us do the recording and to do it clearly. What did he mean by recording clearly? He must have meant for us to reserve the resources for this!"


    A person said, "Alright then."


    The youth hurriedly got up and said, "Then I will quickly go and make the arrangements. It''s almost time for those two to begin!"


    The person-in-charge said, "Go quickly then. Remember to keep this matter to ourselves. Don''t spread the word in case itplicates things. Even if something were to happen and the sky were to fall, we still have a higher up to take responsibility."


    The few of them all acknowledged this, "Yes, leader."


    ......


    On the other side.


    Division C''s contest recording studio, in a waiting room backstage.


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai had already changed into their crosstalk attire. Both of them were dressed in ck. As they all say, clothes make the man. Proving this right, the two of them really looked as though they were crosstalk actors. Zhang Ye''s clothes were borrowed for him by Yao Jiancai and just barely fit.


    In the waiting room were a few other contestants as well.


    The makeup artist was touching up their makeup to look better on camera.


    A staff from the production team began briefing them on things to look out for, "When you get on stage and after the signal light turns on, it means that the recording has begun. Pay attention to your own expressions and movements as your recorded footage will be uploaded to the website after that. Also, please take note of the field director''s hand signals. If there are any issue during the recording, the field director will inform you." The staff said a lot of things in a long winded briefing before finally looking at the few contestants. When his eyes swept over to Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai, he said, "Did you get all of that?"


    Zhang Ye asked, "You''re asking me?"


    Only then did that person recognize Zhang Ye. He coughed and said, "Man, so it''s Teacher Zhang Ye. No, I was just asking them. You know more about recordings than I do." Although Zhang Ye had been banned, no one dared to be arrogant in front of Zhang Ye. A starving camel was still bigger than a horse, much less this man of God. His poprity was increasing by the day even after he had been banned. The only person in the entire entertainment industry who could do that was Zhang Ye. Tang Dazhang and the other celebrities and experts could dare to doubt Zhang Ye, but as underlings, they could not.


    When the door opened, a person came in and said loudly, "Next team, get ready!"


    Yao Jiancai got up and stretched a little, "It''s our turn, right?"


    The staff nodded, "Yes, it''s time for #8."


    Zhang Ye gurgled on some water to moisten his throat before doing his usual vocal warm up, "AH-WU-LU-AH!"


    Yao Jiancai also did his vocal warmups professionally.


    Subsequently, the two of them followed the staff out of the backstage seating area.


    Yao Jiancai said, "Since we won''t get broadcasted anyway, why don''t the two of us bros just loosen up a little more. I''ve not done crosstalk in such a long while now, so I must really enjoy it today!"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Sure, but don''t you get nervous."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Can this old bro even get nervous? I''m just afraid that you''ll make a mistake. Even though the both of us have done some practice, I''ve not heard you do aplete one. Don''t worry about your old bro''s strength. Even if you were to spontaneouslye up with something out of the script, I''d be able to hold it down. I''ve got many years of experience to back me up."


    Zhang Ye was tickled, "Don''t boast now and screw up when the timees, I might really have some unscripted lines to say. You should know me well enough that I have always done things on the spot."


    Yao Jiancaiughed loudly, "Come on then, who''s afraid of who!"


    The two of them only had less than a day''s worth of practice, so they obviously were not able to polish the details of their performance from beginning till the end. As they were in a rush for time, Zhang Ye could only practice a few joke segments together with Old Yao and coordinating their timings on when to use a certain expression or a line. Any other thing was left to their improvisation onstage. Lucky for them, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai both had a very good understanding of each other, as though they were long lost friends from back in the day. With this understanding, some of Zhang Ye''s far-fetched ideas could still be followed up by Yao Jiancai. This made Zhang Ye very delighted as it wasn''t easy finding another actor who could match oneself.


    There wasughtering from the set.


    Tang Dazhang''s two disciples were currently performing their crosstalk segments.


    Zhang Xiao: "So what this segment teaches us is that we must all get as far away from the World Cup as possible!"


    Liu Yuan: "Yes, we need to get far away from it, but we need to get even farther away from you."


    Zhang Xiao: "Why do you need to get far away from me?"


    Liu Yuan: "Because you''ve been talking bad about my dad!"


    "Hur Hur Hur Hur."


    "Haha."


    The audience was very ttering as they reacted positively.


    Zhang Ye was getting goosebumps, "What''s so funny about that?"


    Yao Jiancai threw up his hands and shrugged, "How would I know? I didn''t hear it from the beginning, but I''ve heard them perform before and they are not too bad."


    Zhang Ye scoffed. Not bad? This can be considered not bad? When he decided to take part in the crosstalkpetition yesterday, he did some research about the good performances in crosstalk of this world. He found out that it was simr to the mainstream crosstalk performance of his previous world, basically the g type of crosstalk. It had a little bit ofughing points, had different levels to it and had structure, but did not go out of line. It did not seem to be that popr and was not as funny as Zhang Ye thought it would be. To him, it probably matched the crosstalks of the early 2000s in his world, but what was different was that those years were when the crosstalks of his previous world was at a low and on a downturn. In this world, however, it wasn''t so. The art of crosstalk was still very popr and weed by the masses.


    As a result, Zhang Ye had been wondering since yesterday about the current world. He considered bringing some non-mainstream crosstalk works over here, but wondered if the audience would ept it. Zhang Ye always felt that any kind of art form had its own developmental path. Starting from creation, dissemination, rapid development, bottleneck,mercialization, breaking past the bottleneck, and continued development. That was the general path it would move in, but not necessarily in that same order. It was the same for crosstalk, but the only problem now was that the current situation in the crosstalk of this world was not suffering from a bottleneck of development and downturn. If he brought about the change tomercialization of the industry too early, then would the audience approve of it?


    It was worth a try!


    Zhang Ye didn''t use any of the moremon and politically correct g style crosstalks even when he had a lot of them in his head. It just wasn''t his style. He was ready to make a name for himself in this world by going down a different path from the others. He did not wish to do things that others could do. Instead, he only did the things that others didn''t or couldn''t do. If he did not even have such courage to attempt something new, he would not have the fame he was enjoying right now. For him to have reached where he currently was, it was all because he did things that no one else could attempt to do!


    I can do what all of you can do!


    But what I can do is not doable by any of you!


    That is why he already had a clear answer in his mind. Zhang Ye was going for the challenge of introducing a new style of crosstalk!


    Bba Bba Bba Bba!


    The audience''s apuse rang out. It wasn''t too enthusiastic, nor too cold, so it would mean that the performance was quite alright.


    The judges''ments could be heard.


    The set was a ce which could amodate a few hundred people. It wasrger than the recording studio which Zhang Ye used for his talk show. The ce was filled with audience members and, in the front row, was a row of tables where the three judges sat at.


    An old crosstalk actor, who was one of the judges for this round ofpetition, said, "It was quite well spoken and the content is considered to be new. The structure was also clear. Hur Hur. that''s all I have to say since I can''t pick out any issues with it. I''ll be looking forward to your second round of performances then."


    A woman who was a g director said, "Hur Hur, I want to add on something. This performance''s ending was a little soft, so I don''t think it was wrapped up too well. I get a feeling that the overall performance was not well supported by the ending."


    The contestant, Zhang Xiao said, "Your criticism is right, we will improve on that."


    Thest judge, a man said, "But your overall performance was still quite good. If I were to give points for it, I would award the two of you 80 points."


    Zhang Xiao and Liu Yuan both bowed, "Thank you, judges."


    The female judge nudged her sses up, "Alright then, you can go backstage and have a rest. Let''s have the next group." As she said that, she picked up her list and read it, "Let me see which group is next....Eh?"


    Zhang Ye?


    Yao Jiancai?


    The three judges looked at one another.


    At this moment, a staff member went over to the cameraman and said a few words to him. He alsomunicated a little with the other technical staffs.


    The cameraman and technical staffs were all stunned!


    That person was still whispering quickly about something, as though he was giving the technical team some task.


    All of this went unnoticed by the other contestants and judges.

 Chapter 477: The madness of Central TV!

    <h4>Chapter 477: The madness of Central TV! </h4>


    Chapter 477: The madness of Central TV!


    Noon.


    The National Crosstalk Competition was in the midst of being held.


    The official website began posting each preliminary round''s footage onto its page. Netizens were already beginning to vote for their favorite crosstalk actors and works. The show had only just begun, but there were already a few bouts ofpetition. Some supported one team, while others supported another. The corresponding votes grew as a war of words ensued.


    "Teacher Sun is still the best!"


    "Get lost! When Teacher Chen was performing crosstalk, Old Sun wasn''t even born yet!"


    "Supporting Zhang Xiao and Liu Yuan! Did everyone watch the live broadcast? Their performance was really too enjoyable to listen to!"


    "Oh, right. Are Zhang Xiao and Liu Yuan in Division C? I remember when the group draw was announced, the team after them were Yao Jiancai and Zhang Ye!"


    "Oh, that''s right."


    "Yes, I remembered it too!"


    "Those two gods of gue are next?"


    "But even if it''s their turn, we won''t be able to see them."


    "What a pity, I really hoped to see Zhang Ye do crosstalks. Although I know that he definitely does not know how to do it and won''t be as good as those professionals, I still wanted to see it."


    "You''re thinking too much. Anyone''s performance can be aired but not theirs. Do you think Central TV is stupid?"


    Tang Dazhang''s two disciples'' performance had been live streamed online on the official website''s preliminarypetition page. Because of the audience''s vote for their favorites to win, they were in 10th ce and were considered one of the hot favorites. As such, the production team also had paid more attention to them and thus allocated live streaming resources to Zhang Xiao and Liu Yuan. The live broadcast spot on thepetition web page was one of the best promotional spots one could get. It had even better reach than banner style advertisements, as a lot of people would take a look at it. Naturally, some people also connected this to the next group performance, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai. Although Central TV had been doing their best to suppress and ban them from receiving any coverage, that didn''t mean that the viewers did not pay any attention to them.


    "Hey, it''s such a pity for Zhang Ye."


    "Yea, I like him quite a bit. Why did he have to get banned?"


    "Old Yao isn''t bad either. Attempt at soliciting prostitutes? What kind of misdeed is that! There wasn''t any proof or exnation and they''ve already treated him as guilty? He''s just unlucky as hell."


    "There''s no other way. Decree #43 has already been passed and won''t be retracted."


    The live broadcast footage went off for a few seconds.


    "It''s time for the next live broadcast."


    "It should be division A''s turn right?"


    "Oh, it hase back on. Why is it still showing division C though?"


    "It can''t be? Did they forget to change it?"


    "Look, the judges are still the same three people."


    Suddenly, an image that left everyone shocked appeared. A staff member could be heard announcing, "Please wee the next contestants, Zhang Ye, Yao Jiancai!"


    What?


    Wee who?


    And then, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai, who were wearing their crosstalk attires, walked onstage.


    At this moment, the whole world fell silent. The image on screen seemed like it froze!


    Countless peoples'' mouths were left hanging in shock as they could only stare at the live broadcast of the crosstalkpetition. They were all dumbfounded and could only say, "What the f**k! What the hell is happening?"


    ......


    At Zhang Ye''s parents ce.


    It was winter vacation now and Zhang Ye''s cousins hade over here early in the morning after hearing of his participation in the crosstalkpetition.


    His third sister pointed at theputer screen and said, "This is funny, this is really funny!"


    The eldest sister pouted, "Those two are disciples of Tang Dazhang. They can''t be good people."


    "Ah? The one that scolded our brother?" The third sister''s tone suddenly changed, "What kind of lousy crosstalk is this! It''s not funny at all!"


    The second sister, "........"


    Zhang Ye''s mother said, "Don''t bother watching this anymore, Little Ye''s not going to be on it anyway."


    The third sister said moodily, "These people are really too much. Why did they go and ban my brother for?! Our brother didn''t post a poemst night, so his ranking is going to drop soon."


    The eldest sister said sighed, "Our brother''s done for today. He won''t be keeping his spot on the C-list anymore."


    His mother turned around and went into the kitchen, "I''m going to cook."


    Suddenly, the third sister eximed, "Damn! Look at this, quick!"


    The eldest sister said, "Look at what?"


    The third sister jumped up in excitement, "Our brother! It''s our brother!"


    The eldest sister took a look and was shocked to see, "It''s really our brother! And it''s even a live broadcast!"


    Zhang Ye''s mother looked back at them and said, "Alright, don''t tease me so much. You make it sound as if it''s really happening. What do you all want to have for lunch? I will prepare it for you."


    The eldest sister hurriedly said, "Why do you still want to prepare lunch now? Come and see, quickly! Our brother''s really on live broadcast!"


    His mother was stunned and she quickly came over to their side and looked at theputer. She was also dumbfounded by what she saw and said, "That''s impossible!"


    ......


    Yao Jiancai''s house.


    Yao Mi shouted, "Mom! Mom!"


    "What are you rushing me for? What''s the matter?"


    "It''s Dad and Teacher Zhang! They are on a live broadcast!"


    "What!?"


    ......


    At a certain shopping mall.


    Ci Xiufang was shopping with her children when she heard a young couple, who were seated down beside them using theirputer and mumbling about something. Subconsciously, she looked over as well.


    "What! That is....."


    ......


    At the *Party''s school.


    Peking University Vice President, Wu Zeqing, who was currently undergoing training, was in her dormitory during lunch break and reading news online. She suddenly noticed a promotional banner of the crosstalkpetition and clicked on it. She casually browsed through the website and took a look at the live broadcast on the main page. When she saw it, her eyes twitched a little and she broke into a light smile.


    "Little Zhang?"


    ......


    Beijing Radio Station.


    Big Sis Zhou shouted out loudly, "They must be crazy! Central TV has gone mad!"


    Auntie Sun came over and asked, "What''s the matter, Old Zhou? Why did you shout out so loudly for?"


    Big Sis Zhou smacked her own thigh and said, "Quickly, have a look at this! Central TV''s Department 11 is actually allowing Little Zhang appear on a video! It''s even a live broadcast! This is almost defying the heavens! This is almost heaven defying!"


    Zhang Ye''s ex-assistant, Xiaofang, rushed over when she heard themotion, "Is that for real? How could Central TV possibly do that unless they are crazy!"


    As a result, everyone crowded around them to take a look!


    F**k!


    Central TV really was mad!


    ......


    Zhang Ye''s friends were all amazingly stunned!


    Zhang Ye''s enemies were all dumbfounded!


    Deputy Station Head Jia, who was watching the live broadcast at home, nearly vomited blood!


    All those who had doubted and scolded Zhang Ye nearly fainted!


    It exploded all over on the inte! Everyone stared at the live broadcast footage in disbelief, their minds unable toprehend what was going on!


    "It''s really Zhang Ye!"


    "Didn''t he get banned? Oh my God!"


    "Teacher Zhang is too godly! Even after being banned and heavily blocked by the authorities, not only did his poprity increase, he even made it onto a live broadcast? This is too damn face smacking!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang was born to smack faces in the first ce! Ah hahahaha!"


    "What is Central TV''s Department 11 doing?"


    "Damn, this is unbelievable!"


    "Live broadcasting banned artists who don''t even know how to do crosstalks? What are they thinking?! Did the signal get tapped on wrongly?"


    "It can''t be wrong! This has already been on for such a long time."


    "What the heck! Does Zhang Ye know dark magic!?"


    "Yea, how could the most unbelievable and amazing things keep happening to him?"


    "Hahaha, I''m looking forward to his crosstalk!"


    "I''m only worried that he doesn''t know how to do it. Crosstalks and talk shows are two very different things. Furthermore, crosstalk requires years and years of practice to perfect. What would a broadcasting major like him know about the art of crosstalk? And they even gave him a live broadcast? With this live broadcast, they''re just going to embarrass themselves!"


    There were those who supported.


    And those that doubted.


    But there were even more of those who only came for the fun of this unexpected live broadcast. Countless people had begun toe check out this live broadcast. When it came to such things, the worry was never about how controversial it may be. The worry would always be that the controversy was not big enough!


    Some of the fellow crosstalkers and Zhang Ye''s friends and rtives all opened up their browsers to watch the live broadcast upon hearing the news. They all wanted to see exactly how an outsider like Zhang Ye would deliver his crosstalk performance. As for why they could appear on a live broadcast, whether it was an unintended mistake or a deliberate one? No one cared about this anymore!


    ***Trantor notes***


    Party''s school here refers to themunist party''s school of further training for government officials/civil servants.

 Chapter 478: A crosstalk performance 7-8 years ahead of its time!

    <h4>Chapter 478: A crosstalk performance 7-8 years ahead of its time! </h4>


    Chapter 478: A crosstalk performance 7-8 years ahead of its time!


    The live broadcast started!


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai were performing on stage!


    Inparison to the chaos going on outside the crosstalk world, the broadcast hall was extremely calm and unperturbed. Apart from the judges exchanging nces and the dazed looks on the faces of the audience, there was no other activity. Aside from a small number of staff members responsible for the live broadcast, no one else knew that the cameras in the broadcast hall were live. All the phones had already been turned off or been held for safekeeping in specific locations. While recording, the entrances were all locked. Therefore, no one received the news. Not only them, even Zhang Ye himself did not know what the current situation was like.


    Bba Bba Bba.


    "It''s Teacher Zhang!"


    "Haha, Yao Jiancai!"


    "What a moment! We are actually breathing the same air as them!"


    "We''ve got something to watch for now."


    "But Teacher Zhang''s crosstalk? I dare not see what''s going to happen next!"


    "Zhang Ye''s not here to perform crosstalk anyway. He''s just here to mess things up. Don''t tell me you even have any expectations of him going up against professional crosstalk actors?"


    "That''s true."


    "I guess it would be simr to his talk show style."


    "Although that is not really crosstalk, the talk show is rather good too. I quite like it."


    The audience were very amodating as they pped along with the staff who led the apuse. The apuse even sounded very weing and was obviously more supportive than the other contestants. That was unavoidable as the two''s poprity was still very apparent.


    The lights filled the studio and helped them stand out nicely on camera.


    The other contestants, who were doing a live studio recording for the first time, were all ufortable after getting on stage and would feel nervous. Sometimes when the lighting was poorly ced, you wouldn''t even be able to tell what was on the stage in front of you, as the lights would blind you. But Zhang Ye stood on stage and really enjoyed the moment. He was too familiar with all of this. After a long while of not recording a program, he even felt a hint of reminiscence and wanted to to shout out "I, Hu Hanson, am back again"!


    Yao Jiancai was also not unfamiliar with all these either. He was already a veteran of the entertainment business for more than 10 years, so like Zhang Ye, he was also someone who had been through all of this before.


    Calmness.


    Just their bodynguage alone made them stand above the other contestants.


    The female judge held up her microphone and smiled, "Nice to meet you, teachers."


    Yao Jiancai also smiled and said, "Ah, please don''t address us so."


    The female judge said in a friendly way, "Usually when the contestantse on stage, we would ask them for their introductions first, but that won''t be necessary for the two of you. I do believe that most of our audience members know the two of you, but even so, they probably did not know that the both of you know how to do crosstalk too."


    Another judge, who was a professional crosstalk actor said, "Let me interrupt for a moment. I do not know about Zhang Ye, but Teacher Yao Jiancai used to be a professional crosstalk actor like us in the past."


    The female judge said in surprise, "Oh? There was such a thing?"


    Yao Jiancai self-deprecatingly said, "That was more than 10 years ago. I wouldn''t even dare to bring it up nowadays."


    The third middle-aged judge sitting at the far right seemed to not even have had the interest to listen to this, remarking, "Just let them start. Let''s first listen to their performance." It was useless chatting so much. Even if Yao Jiancai was a professional who had studied crosstalk, Zhang Ye had never studied anything. He was just an amateur. Even if he carried on in this conversation, it would have the same effect as ying a zither to a cow. Moreover, this person was a celebrity who had been subjected to aplete ban. For him toe over was intentionally looking for trouble. No one believed that they could really perform a proper crosstalk. Would they imitate a talk show? Or mimic a traditional crosstalk sketch? In any case, he waspletely disinterested.


    The first judge said, "Okay, begin."


    Contrary to what one might expect, the female judge revealed an expression of extreme interest.


    It was worth mentioning that Zhang Ye caught the sight of someone seated in a corner of the audience. It was Tang Dazhang. This was the first time that Zhang Ye had seen this person. However, since he had seen that person''s picture and video before, Zhang Ye was able to recognize him immediately. Tang Dazhang was not only the judge of the first round of the preliminarypetition, but he was likely here for the performances of his disciples. One could clearly tell that he originally intended to leave and had already stood on his feet, but when he caught sight of Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai, Tang Dazhang sat down once again. On his face was a shallow smile, as if he were waiting to watch Zhang Ye make a fool of himself.


    Beside Tang Dazhang were several other crosstalk performers.


    One of them said, "Allowing Zhang Ye toe pollute the crosstalk stage."


    Another elderlyrade also shook his head and said, "Oh, this current crosstalkpetition ... There are more and more amateurs, some of whom dare toepete even though they don''t even know what crosstalk is. I really can''t continue listening to this. Look, at those people from the third group in Division A and group two from Division C? Ay! This Zhang Ye won''t be any better."


    Tang Dazhang smiled and said, "In a moment, when he''s finished performing, the judges will tell him what crosstalk really is. Does he really think that he can employ the talk show style to masquerade as crosstalk? What a joke."


    The several crosstalk performers once again began to nitpick at Zhang Ye.


    The performance was about to begin and the hall immediately became quiet. All the spectators looked towards the stage.


    At this moment, outside of the hall, all of those paying attention to the crosstalkpetition online were all staring intently without blinking at the live broadcast - a total of tens of thousands of eyes!


    ......


    Zhang Ye''s home.


    On the phone, Mom said, "Old man,e back quickly!"


    On the other end, Dad replied, "I''m grocery shopping right now, I''ll be back shortly."


    "Forget about getting groceries and hurry up! Our son is going to be broadcast live! He''s just about to start his crosstalk performance! Hurry, hurry, hurry!" Mom was extremely emotional. She had originally thought that her son would have to say farewell to the entertainment world for good. She couldn''t believe that he was already back before the public''s eyes, especially in such argepetition with top nationwide ratings.


    To the side, second sister asked, "Can my brother actually perform crosstalk?"


    Mom eximed, "How would I know? I''ve never heard him perform it before."


    Third sister harrumphed and said, "What doesn''t brother know how to do? For him to dare to gopete, then he must be able to."


    Big sister worriedly replied, "I hope that is true."


    ......


    Yao Jiancai''s house.


    Yao Mi was running around in circles in front of theputer. "Is my dad capable? Oh, don''t lose face! Although he was formerly a professional supportingedian, he never became sessful. Now that so many years have passed, he surely has already lost all of his fundamentals. In addition, my unrivalled Teacher Zhang, when did he learn how to do crosstalk? Did he learn from my dad? Isn''t that screwing with him?"


    Fan Yi frowned and said, "What''s the point of watching? Turn it off."


    Yao Mi childishly replied, "Mom, are you still angry with Dad? Didn''t the public security bureau already investigate everything? Surely, you know what kind of person dad is. He may have evil intentions, but he doesn''t have the courage to do anything. How is he able to escape from that grasp of yours? Even if you gave him ten galls, he wouldn''t dare to mess around outside."


    "Watch by yourself." However, Fan Yi did not leave. Instead, she sat down beside Yao Mi, ''reading.'' Her eyes would stealthily look at the video of the live broadcast from time to time. Clearly, she was paying considerable attention.


    ......


    Somewhere in the Inte Surveince Bureau. During the lunch break, Fan Yingyun, Fang Xiaoshui, and Meng Yi had all tuned in on the live broadcast.


    Beijing Television Station. Hu Fei, the Hou brothers, Xiao Lu, and Big Fei were all watched the live broadcast as they ate.


    Shanghai, Weiwo Company''s WebTV department. Dong Shanshan and Zhang Ye''s former colleagues were all waiting to watch the performance.


    Etc, etc, etc.


    That this was broadcast live was really too unexpected, so much so that many of those who didn''t pay attention to Zhang Ye or Yao Jiancai were this time drawn over, watching this inconceivable live broadcast.


    ......


    The broadcast hall.


    The field director made several gestures, indicating that it was okay to start.


    Zhang Ye, on stage, saw this and smiled slightly. He nced at the expression on the faces of the judges and some of the audience members. He knew that it was likely that everyone here did not think he was capable of performing crosstalk. That''s fine. Then in today''s first round preliminarypetition, this brother would first simply disy what is called new trade crosstalk, to disy what had been polished and developed to the pinnacle by the people of his world. More than seven to eight years ahead of this world''s crosstalk format.


    As he smoothed his sleeves, Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Hello everyone."


    Yao Jiancai joined in, "Hey, nice to meet all of you."


    Zhang Ye said, "This stage will be the both of us giving you a crosstalk performance."


    Yao Jiancai smiled. "Yes, it''s our turn."


    When the audience and those on the inte watching the live broadcast saw this, they felt a bit speechless. In crosstalk, at least 90% of them began with these boring opening lines. This was way too stale, wasn''t it? Besides, it was too insipid. Heh, looks like this Zhang Ye really didn''t know anything about the art form that was crosstalk. He was too casual.


    However, the moment this thought arose, the first strike came at them unexpectedly!


    Zhang Ye respectfully pointed to his side. "Firstly, let me do the introductions. This is my partner, and also a distinguished elder that I respect the most, Biting Materials, Teacher Biting (homophone)!"


    Immediately a great number of the audience burst intoughter.


    Yao Jiancai eximed, "Biting Materials? I really am not picky with food!"


    The audienceughed again. "Hahaha!"


    Zhang Ye said in astonishment, "Then what should it be?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Nice! Don''t tell me that you don''t even know my name?"


    Laughter rang out from the audience again.


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "It''s just a joke, Yao Jiancai, Teacher Yao."


    Yao Jiancai said, "That''s right."


    Zhang Ye said, "Teacher Yao is great at crosstalk. Maybe many of you do not know that more than a decade ago, Teacher Yao was considered a professional crosstalk actor in an orthodox artistic group."


    Yao Jiancai said to the audience, "That is true. There''s no need to talk about things from so long ago."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Today for me to darepete in thispetition, it''s because Teacher Yao brought me here. Everyone should know that I am friends with Teacher Yao despite our age gap."


    Yao Jiancai said, "That''s right, we are old friends."


    Zhang Ye pointed at him and said, "As the saying goes, it''s hard to find a cock!"


    The female judge, who sat in the middle, nearly burst outughing as the live audience also roared withughter!


    Yao Jiancai hurriedly stopped him. "Hold up, hold up! When did I be another species? It''s confidant!"


    "Right, confidant!" Zhang Ye said, "I have a very good rtionship with Teacher Yao. How good is it? His friends are my friends, his brothers are my brothers, his parents are my parents..."


    "Yes, we have a great friendship." Yao Jiancai said.


    Zhang Ye carried on, "His daughter is my daughter, his wife is my wife!"


    Yao Jiancai immediately pushed him, "Go to the corner! Stop taking advantage of me!"


    The audience erupted intoughter!


    Tang Dazhang frowned.


    The crosstalk actors beside him also could not help but let out a whimper upon hearing this.


    The other two male judges also looked at each other in astonishment. They could see within each other eyes. A revised talk show? Clearly not! This was obviously a proper crosstalk, but in terms of rhythm and burden techniques, it was also not a traditional mainstream crosstalk format!

 Chapter 479: I am a Scholar!

    <h4>Chapter 479: I am a Schr! </h4>


    Chapter 479: I am a Schr!


    With a short opening and a few short passages, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s performance shocked everyone, catching them all unprepared. It was easy to exin Yao Jiancai, since he was once a professional crosstalk performer.


    But for Zhang Ye?


    He was a genuineyman!


    The art of crosstalk had a low barrier to enter. As long as you had a mouth, you could perform it. However, to enter into this field was extremely difficult. It could absolutely not be performed well without several years to over a dozen years of practice and training. Although Zhang Ye had hosted a talk show, the basic form of a talk show was merely to set a topic, and then chat and joke about it. All kinds of joke segments could be thrown in, and could even involve guests and images, not needing to follow continuity or logic. As long as all the sketches revolved and were put together around the central topic, everything would be fine. However, this wasn''t the case with crosstalk. The difficulty of crosstalk was exactly this. There were only two individuals and two fleshly throats. You could only usenguage topletely disy characters, scenes, and circumstances. It was not something that could be casually assembled using random bits of funny joke segments.


    Okay!


    Hey!


    Ai!


    Sigh!


    Just the using these few words properly required several years of training.


    The art of crosstalk was somethingpletely different from other domains!


    And yet what Zhang Ye disyed was an unexpected serious and professional leadingic crosstalk performer. How could this not cause everyone to be taken aback?


    When he did learn this?


    He really f**king knew how to perform crosstalk too??


    Many people that had previously believed that Zhang Ye was an amateur who came to cause trouble, but now, everyone''s concerns were left in their throats, choked up. Zhang Ye had used actual action to p their faces!


    "Old Tang? This..." Tang Dazhang''s junior brother asked.


    Tang Dazhang''s face was expressionless, "It has only just begun. A crosstalk work is taken as a whole. An opening doesn''t say much. Let''s continue watching. There will definitely be mistakes."


    His junior brother agreed, "That''s true. The subject of the work hasn''t even been revealed yet."


    ......


    On-stage.


    Zhang Ye could not hear their soft discussions.


    Yao Jiancai said, "Don''t keep talking about me. Since you are done introducing me, it''s about time you introduce yourself."


    Zhang Ye in a showy manner, "Do I need introducing? I am not like you crosstalk actors. Look at my character." He patted himself on his chest. "Look at my temperament, I.." He then suddenly stretched out his hand and indecently lifted his pants with an exaggerated motion. "I''m a writer! Can''t you tell?"


    "Hahaha!"


    There was a female spectator whoughed heartily, pping a hand against herp, "Oh my!"


    Yao Jiancai remained silent as he stared at him, "I really can''t tell. Does a writer behave in such a manner? Why did you lift your pants? Moreover, this appetion isn''t self-acknowledged!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and replied, "Teacher Yao is once again criticizing me and pointing out my mistakes. Eh, my interactions with Teacher Yao...He is my teacher. Under normal circumstances, if there''s anything I don''t understand, I am willing to ask Teacher Yao for guidance."


    Yao Jiancai replied, "You''re ttering me."


    Zhang Ye: "You probably don''t know, but Teacher Yao is particrly fashionable. He understands more about high-tech things than I do. For example, at present, Weibo is extremely popr."


    Yao Jiancai said to the audience, "That''s right, I began to use it rather early on."


    Zhang Ye: "A few years earlier, when Weibo just came out, we didn''t know what it was and whether it would be useful. However, Teacher Yao used concrete actions to tell us that Weibo is really useful. Just that time, after Teacher Yao finished filming, while he was resting with his production crew at the back, he whipped out his phone to look through Weibo happily. He ced the cigarette that he was smoking on the table. When he turned back to look at it after awhile, he realized that the cigarette was gone. He didn''t know who took it."


    Yao Jiancai nodded while smiling, "My friends from the production crew tend to crack jokes with me."


    Zhang Ye said, "Teacher Yao wasn''t anxious or mad. Actually, he knew who took it. Everyone was just joking around. Thus, Teacher Yao sent a message on Weibo��Just because I don''t say it doesn''t mean I don''t know."


    Yao Jiancai replied, "Hehe, I was just messing with him."


    Zhang Ye said with a twist, "After ten minutes, his wife sent a short message��Sorry."


    When the punchline was delivered, the entire crowd erupted intoughter!


    "Aiyah!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "I''m sorry? Pu!"


    "Aiyo. I am getting cramps fromughing!"


    Yao Jiancai rolled his eyes, "Wasn''t that great, that one Weibo message of mine cracked such a big case! Is Weibo useful only for this?"


    Zhang Ye continued in a dead panner manner. "This is the importance of Weibo. A few years back, there was something very popr as well. What do we do if we want to read what Teacher Yao wrote? We go on Teacher Yao''s prostitution. (piao ke)"


    "Hey, wait a moment!" Yao Jiancai eximed, "It''s called a blog (bo ke)!"


    Zhang Ye replies: "Yes, blog. On there, a lot of people... ordered (clicked on) him."


    Yao Jiancai curled his lips and said, "Then you can tell them that I won''t being out for them."


    In the midst of theughter of the crowd, Zhang Ye blinked. "Then how are you going to make a living?"


    Yao Jiancai stared at him, "I was making a living out of this?"


    Zhang Ye responded, "What is that? Ordering you (dian ni)."


    Yao Jiancai bbergasted, "What do you mean ordering me! It is called click views (dian ji)!"


    "Oh!" Zhang Ye eximed in realization and said, "This is the first time I know that ordering you (dian ni)�� means ordering chicken (dian ji, prostitution)?"


    After hearing this, the audience was momentarily stunned before bursting intoughter!


    Yao Jiancai was enraged. "How can your mind be so twisted! It''s the click rate (J�� l��)!"


    Zhang Ye: "You even turned green (l��)?"*


    Some audience couldn''t take theughter anymore. "Hahahaha!"


    Yao Jian Cai said, "Hey! No one thinks that way!"


    Zhang Ye responded, "That''s what I meant. Anyway, Teacher Yao is much more fashionable than the rest of us. He also gets along better than us. A few years back, when I was still in school and struggling for money, Teacher Yao was already the spokesperson for apany, serving as the poop (dabian) for their product!"


    The audience burst intoughter again!


    Yao Jiancai hurriedly corrected him. "What poop (dabian)?! It is spokesperson (dashi)!"


    "Oh��" Zhang Ye said in confusion. "What is the difference? Was what I said wrong? Poop (dabian)? Shit (dashi)? Are you talking about its texture in the mouth or sensation of touching?


    Yao Jiancai howled, "Why are you so disgusting?! Do you have to talk like that?!"


    Zhang Ye shrugged and said, "Alright, let''s just put it that way. Anyway, Teacher Yao is really incredible. He shot amercial, a drama, and even starred in a movie."


    Yao Jiancai nodded his head. "Indeed, I was featured in a few."


    Zhang Ye grabbed his forefinger and said, "Teacher Yao''s first movie, that movie was called�� called�� right, it was called ''The Widow''!"


    Yao Jiancai asked in confusion: "The widow? I yed the widow?"


    Zhang Ye: "No, you are the husband of the widow."


    Yao Jiancai: "I''m dead?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "This movie illustrated how a widow, after the death of her husband, strived hard in life and how she pushed forward. It was a very inspirational movie!"


    Yao Jiancai stared at Zhang Ye with widened eyes. "I am not in the movie!?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "You are. Without you, how would she able to be a widow? You were in the very first scene of the movie, at the graveyard." He illustrated with his fingers. "On top the tomb, your photo was ced there."


    Yao Jiancai, "........."


    The audienceughed without any restraint!


    Zhang Ye looked at the crowd, "That was Teacher Yao''s first movie. Un, he was even more incredible in the second movie. Teacher Yao was the male lead!"


    Yao Jiancai delightfully replied, "Male lead?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Yes, this movie was called ''Millstone''. It depicted how the protagonist pulled a millstone to explore the world!"


    Yao Jiancai asked in a dumbfounded manner, "Pulling a millstone? I was ying a donkey?! Then, what kind of world was I exploring!? Wouldn''t I just be turning in circles!"**


    The audience burst intoughter, "Aiyohahaha!"


    Zhang Ye said, "The movie which Teacher Yao became famous for was actually the third one, ''Zhang Ergou Bes Brutal and Kills His Father in a Most Urgent Tragic Tale''!"


    Yao Jiancai replied, "Woah, that name is really long."


    Zhang Ye: "They needed two cinema screens in order to disy this title horizontally. Zhang Ergou was a bad child. After killing his father, he chopped him up and incinerated him in mes. Afterwards, when the police investigated the case, Teacher Yao''s first appearance was when the coffin was opened."


    Yao Jiancai questioned, "So I am still ying as a dead person? Furthermore, in many pieces this time?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "It''s still okay. Your next of kin was still able to recognize you by your legs."


    The female judge covered her face as she giggled non-stop.


    The male judge couldn''t resist shing a smile. However, he retracted his smile quickly.


    Zhang Ye: "The fourth movie was a huge production. There was a thriller horror movie over at Hong Kong named ''Dumpling'' and they invited Teacher Yao to make an appearance."


    Yao Jiancai remarked happily, "Finally, a big production."


    Zhang Ye illustrated wildly with his hands as he said, "This movie depicted how a murderer made dumplings out of the people he killed. Teacher Yao was ying the role of the ''filling''."


    Yao Jiancai replied, "Alright! Looks like even my legs were ground down this time!"


    Zhang Ye gave him a thumbs up, "Incredible."


    Yao Jiancai said, "What''s so incredible about that? I became only minced meat!"


    Some of faces of the audience were tired fromughing as their cheeks began to hurt!


    Zhang Ye: "We should learn from you and respect you. You are our role model. Just like how the saying goes, there is a mountain beyond a mountain, a brothel beyond a building!"


    Yao Jiancai stopped him, "That''s not it! That''s incorrect! You keep saying the wrong words. It is ''there is a mountain beyond a mountain, a building beyond a building''!


    Zhang Ye stared at him. "Brothel beyond a building?"


    Yao Jiancai answered, "Why do you keep talking about brothels! Do you often go there? It is building beyond a building."


    Zhang Ye nodded his head. "There is a mountain beyond a mountain, a building beyond a building. A capable person has someone screwing him from behind!"***


    Screwing (neng)��This was a ng in Beijing, as well as a phrase from the northern regions with the same meaning as ''doing''.


    Yao Jiancai interrupted, "Capable person (you neng ren)!"


    "Screw (neng)!" Zhang Ye followed suit.


    The hands of the cameraman responsible for the filming shook as he tried to suppress hisughter!


    Yao Jiancai shouted, "Who are you screwing (neng)! It is capable person (neng ren)! With this kind of standard, you still dare to im that you are an academic? What kind of academic are you? Do you research such stuff everyday?"


    Zhang Ye: "I also research other things as well, such as the art of crosstalking."


    Yao Jiancai nodded in approval: "It is good to research that."


    Zhang Ye said, "Crosstalking is a simple form of art, as well as a profound one. It is simple because anyone can do it as long as they have a mouth. However, it isn''t easy to do it well. For example, the addition of some cushioning words and empty words can change the tone. There are many things that one has to take note of, as well as many things to research about. Let me give you an example, ''You came, huh? Hurry up ok, uh'' sit down, ah'' drink some water, o'' goodbye. With a cushioning word, it gives the speech an amiable tone, otherwise, it would sound out of ce." He suddenly shouted hoarsely: "You came! Sit down! Drink water! Goodbye!"


    Yao Jiancai eximed in shock, "You will scare the person to death!"


    Zhang Ye carried on. "For example, there are some females who like to put the empty words in front. When they meet an acquaintance outside, they would greet them, ''Yo, auntie, what are you doing ah''. It won''t do if the empty word is ced at the back."


    Yao Jiancai suggested,: "You give it a try?"


    Zhang Ye imitated the speech of a woman: "Auntie, what are you doing�� Ahyo!!!" Thest syble sounded like it was roared out.


    Yao Jiancai rolled his eyes. "Lad, did someone step on your foot?"


    Zhang Ye pointed to the floor and said, "The auntie fell into the drain."


    "Hahaha!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    The entire room was filled withughter!


    Judges, audience, and even the program staff and cameramen of the show were amused. Some of the youngdies among the audience even had tears flowing out from their eyes from all theughter!


    Tang Dazhang''s face darkened!


    The three fellow brothers beside him didn''t say anything. That was because they were at a loss for words!


    This work had already surpassed everyone''s expectations!


    *Reference to ��ñ, (green hat) means being made a cuckoo of


    **Donkeys were used to pull mills in the past. When you pull the mill, you are turning it in circles.


    *** He means to say a capable person has a capable person behind his back. Capable person (nengren). He changes it into (ren neng) �� person screwing, or person behind his back screwing.

 Chapter 480: Embodiment of Guo Degang!

    <h4>Chapter 480: Embodiment of Guo Degang! </h4>


    Chapter 480: Embodiment of Guo Degang!


    On the official website.


    The discussion board beneath the live inte live broadcast page was stirring!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Holy sh*t! It''s so dazzling that bing blind!"


    "Who the f**k said Teacher Zhang Ye can''t do crosstalk?"


    "I can''t take it anymore. Hahahaha! I''m already having stitches fromughing! It''s too funny! Teacher Zhang is too hrious!


    "Teacher Yao Jiancai is also great!"


    "This young and old pairing is godly!"


    "The two of them have so much chemistry! The burdense one after another!"


    "And did any of you notice? Zhang Ye''s crosstalk is different from traditional crosstalk!"


    "That''s right. He does not give you a break at all. It''s full of burdens from beginning to end. A second onees just as the first ends. This skill is so f**king awesome! Previously, I was still of the idea that Teacher Zhang Ye did not know crosstalk, and did not look forward to it. Now, Teacher Zhang has once again opened our eyes! An awesome person is awesome no matter what! It seems like there''s nothing Zhang Ye doesn''t know how to do! To think he can do anything!"


    "So interesting!"


    "I love Teacher Zhang too much!"


    "Just now, I found the other works in this crosstalkpetition not bad, but after f**king hearing Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s, I realized that bunch of crosstalk was just dogshit!"


    "That''s right!"


    "Ditto+1!"


    "Enough from me, I''ll keep watching. This live broadcast was probably a mistake. When they realize it, we won''t be able to watch it anymore."


    "It''s fine, I already recorded it."


    "Me too. Such a ssic work has to be left as a momento."


    ......


    At this moment.


    Central TV''s Department 11 was already in chaos.


    Phone calls from Central TV Headquarter''s leaders came one after another. Phone calls from other rted departments also came in!


    Only then did Department 11''s Director Chen Huo realize that something had gone wrong. After hanging up, he immediately felt pangs of fury. He ordered Secretary An and the person-in-charge, as well as eight others, that had to do with the crosstalkpetition, to see him!


    "What are you all doing!?" Chen Huo said furiously.


    The person-in-charge wiped his sweat and said, "Director Chen, I...I was just following your instructions."''


    Chen Huo mmed the table, "Bullshit! The two of them are on the ban list in ck and white! Not only did you not act in ordance with the ban, you even gave them a live broadcast? Do you want to f**king die!?" He really felt exasperated from his anger that his words were full of vulgarities.


    The person-in-charge eximed, "It was Secretary An who told me..."


    Secretary An turned nasty. "What did I tell you? I said that you have to manage the two of them well!"


    The person-in-charge stared and said, "Didn''t you say they need not be managed?"


    Secretary An nearly fainted. "I even said to mind the ban!"


    The person-in-charge said, "Didn''t you say we need not mind the ban?"


    Secretary An said as if he wanted to vomit blood, "What sort of ears do you have? I even said do not have recordings, and asked if you clearly got that."


    The person-in-charge said, "I heard you say to do recordings, and even to do the recordings cleary..."


    When Chen Huo and the relevant staff heard this, they nearly vomited blood. Holy sh*t, what the f**k was all this!? Are you f**king spies sent by the enemy!?


    No matter how foolish the person-in-charge was, he finally realized it was all a blunder. Your sister! So it had nothing to do with the transfer of the SARFT''s Deputy Chief that sparked off a political war. He hurriedly tried to exin. "Our cellphone reception today in the station wasn''t good. It was quite intermittent, and the sound wasn''t too clear, so I misunderstood your intentions...Aiyah, Hey! Then I''ll get them to cut the live broadcast signal right away! I''ll do it right away!"


    Chen Huo roared, "Go and do it now!"


    The person-in-charge ran out in a rush to make a phone call. Du Du Du. No one in the office in charge of the live broadcast picked up. As such, he ran upstairs personally and pushed opened door to the office in charge of the live broadcast signal. "Where is everyone? Why didn''t you pick up the phone? Hurry and cut the inte live broadcast!"


    A female employee said at a loss whether tough or cry, "There''s no way to cut it. Just about half a minute ago, a few people in charge of the live broadcast got food poisoning after eating the lunch boxes. While they were rushing to the bathroom, they identally bumped into the door and closed it. Now there''s no one in there, and the keys are in the control room!"


    Indeed, many male employees were tinkering in front of the door. There was no way to open it!


    The person-in-charge said anxiously, "What about the spare key?"


    The female employee said, "It''s in the annex building. Someone is already on the way to get it."


    The person-in-charge shouted, "Why are there even more troubles the more anxious I get!"


    He could not wait any longer. He rushed to the recording venue. He decided to cut the signal directly there, but he too knew that it was likely to be toote. The crosstalk performance was almost done! Heavens, are you kidding me!? And that Zhang Ye! A problem with the cellphone reception? Every word was heard wrongly by him? After realizing the live broadcasting error, the staff had food poisoning? And even identally locked the door? The spare key had not been retrieved yet? This whole series of messy events was too much of a coincidence!


    Zhang Ye!


    This person was really too damn sinister!


    ......


    At the live broadcast venue.


    Waves ofughter surged like tidal waves, and they happened wave after wave!


    Zhang Ye stood onstage in a high-spirited manner, and was even coughing in a humorous manner. "When ites to the art form, crosstalk, there''s so much to talk about. Now, crosstalk is quite well developed. Look, you can even have such arge scalepetition at Central TV. It receives the concern and love all over the country. Compared to the past, crosstalk was faced with all kinds of difficulties at every turn. Back then, crosstalk actors were street performers. It was hard work and wasn''t easy."


    Yao Jiancai sighed and said, "That was the case."


    Zhang Ye says: "As the saying goes, even if the gale were to die down, all would still be gone when the rain falls."*


    Yao Jiancai replied, "You''re right."


    Zhang Ye says, "Initially, we wanted to do it properly. However, when it was time to pay, with a breeze of the wind, everyone disappeared. Fine, I worked in vain that day. The same goes for rain as well. The moment it rains, no one would be outside to listen to crosstalk performances. Thus, crosstalk is different from other industries, such as the bricyer. Bricyers are overjoyed whenever it rains.


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Why would they be happy?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Drinking his beer at home, he listens to the wind blow outside... Kacha! His mood immediately lifts. When the rain stops, he would have a job to do. He shouts for his son..." He casually pointed to the side. "Go, buy me 100g of beer."


    Yao Jiancai pushed him, "Why are you pointing at me!"


    Zhang Ye blinked. "I was just using you as an example."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Even so, I won''t allow it. Point towards that side."


    The audienceughed heartily!


    Zhang Ye continued on. "Huaaaa... Kacha, go, get me another 100g."


    Yao Jiancai asked, "You drank 200g like that?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Huaaaaa... Kacha, get me another 100g."


    Yao Jiancai asked, "You are still drinking?"


    Zhang Ye responded, "Huaaa... Kacha! Un, I can''t drink anymore this time round."


    Yao Jiancai was curious. "Why aren''t you drinking this time round?"


    Zhang Ye flicked his hand. "My house copsed."


    Yao Jiancai replied, "Hey, it seems that too heavy a rain isn''t good either."


    This punchline sent another wave ofughter through the hundreds of members in the audience!


    However, there was a rule limiting every contesting group''s performance time. It was okay if one''s performance ended earlier, but it could not exceed 10 minutes. Only in the semifinals and finals would the time limit be raised to 15 minutes or 20 minutes. They didn''t give that much time in the preliminary rounds. After all, there were too many people in thepetition and only 10 groups could take turns to do the recording. It would be considered fast for them if they could finish the recording tomorrow. If they were to be any slower, they might only finish on the day after the next. Thus, it was about time for the conclusion of Zhang Ye''s performance.


    There was no one to inform them offstage, but Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai were well-aware of it. Especially for Zhang Ye, as a professional host, when the program dictated how many minutes he was given, he was able to calcte the remaining time left within a margin of error of three seconds without even looking at a watch.


    Another minute left.


    It was time to put the finishing touches.


    Zhang Ye gave Yao Jiancai a wink, and no longer added anything more.


    Yao Jiancai got the message. "Since you said you are a schr, that means you can write poems?"


    When the audience heard this, they all responded!


    "Haha!"


    "Give us one!"


    "Give us a poem!"


    Everyone knew of Zhang Ye''s famous ability of writing poems.


    However, Zhang Ye pushed Yao Jiancai. "Are you trying to harm me?"


    Yao Jiancai smiled and said, "How am I harming you?"


    Zhang Ye said, "My poems have already caused so much trouble, and you still want me to write one!?"


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    The audience kicked up a row.


    Having scolded the radio station, disparaging his leaders, belittling SARFT, Zhang Ye''s poems had indeed caused quite a stir in the past, and had sparked off numerous controversies.


    Yao Jiancai bemused, "Then give us two couplets."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What should I write?"


    Yao Jiancai gave it a thought, "Write one for the officials."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Do you really think there''s not enough trouble?!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "What''s the big deal? We have freedom of speech."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then I''ll write one for the officials of the old society."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Why must it be the old society? Do it for both the new and old society together."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright then, since you dare to die, I''ll dare to bury you."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Hey, what are you saying?"


    Zhang Ye pondered for a moment before saying, "Let me write aparison between old and new officials. Well, the first half is: Brown rice, pumpkin soup, single wife, a bunch of kids."


    Yao Jiancai looked at him. "Then what about the second half? "


    Zhang Ye: "White rice, turtle soup, ten kids, a bunch of wives!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Ah, then theteralparison?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Attainted sooner orter!"


    Yao Jiancai agreed, "Heh, yes, they should be attainted."


    Hearing those words, the audience offstage pped their hands!


    Yao Jiancai smiled. "This couplet is really interesting. Un, how about you write another one, how about one for me and my wife?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Sure."


    Yao Jiancai was extremely happy. "So, what is the upper half of the couplet?"


    Zhang Ye pondered for a moment. "The sword of a hero doesn''t age!"


    Yao Jiancai asked, "What about the lower half? Where is my wife?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "...The madam''s sultry never wanes!"


    Pfft!


    The audience erupted intoughter. "Hahahaha!"


    Yao Jiancai was speechless. "Comparing the bothterally?"


    Zhang Ye casually said, "Adulterous..."


    Before he could even say ''couple'', Yao Jiancai smacked him and said, "Damn you!"


    The crosstalk ended!


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai smiled and stood straight before bowing to the audience. Then, deafening apuse filled the entire recording studio!


    Bba Bba Bba Bba!


    All of the audience members gave them a standing ovation!


    "Alright!"


    "Well said!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Too awesome!"


    "Divine piece of work!"


    "Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye!"


    Even the female judge stood up from the judges'' table, giving her apuse to Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai. Then, she raised her hand and gave them a big thumbs up!


    *The saying originates from the street vendors and stalls. Even if the storm isn''t as bad, they still are unable to do business when it is raining. i.e. The situation may not be as bad, but actually it doesn''t make a difference.

 Chapter 481: The first preliminary round has ended!

    <h4>Chapter 481: The first preliminary round has ended! </h4>


    Chapter 481: The first preliminary round has ended!


    The apusested for more than ten seconds!


    Everyone was still pping like there was no way to stop!


    This scene, where the audience gave such a passionate response, surprised Yao Jiancai. He found it unexpected. Were they f**king giving this apuse to us?


    Previously, when he matched lines with Zhang Ye, they had only picked a few lines to practice. The both of them did not have the time to do any systematic practice. Actually, Yao Jiancai did not have a good idea of "I am a Schr". Some of the joke segments were added on by Zhang Ye in an impromptu fashion. The work was produced by Zhang Ye from beginning to end. Yao Jiancai was just going along with it. He felt that the crosstalk wouldn''t be bad, and that the jokes were fresh, but he never expected the response from the audience to be this passionate!


    "Alright!"


    "The both of you are the absolute best!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Yao!"


    What a great feeling!


    So exhrating!


    Yao Jiancai felt excited too. In the past, he never had this sort of excitement when he did crosstalk. As he was in an artistic group in the past, he would follow the group to do shows for elderly folks. If not, it would be a performances in the rural viges or at some random school. They were all small stages and the performance fees were not a lot. There were no tickets either and he just received a fixed sry. His performance at crosstalk with his previous partner was average too, so naturally he did not enjoy much poprity. The audience''s reaction wasn''t good either, which made him lose his confidence. Hence, he had abandoned crosstalk, and embarked down the path of acting. This had always been a regret in his heart.


    But today, Yao Jiancai had once again found the excitement and confidence he once felt when he stood on stage for the first time, doing his first crosstalk performance more than a decade ago!


    F**k, so I can actually do so well!


    So there were so many people who liked listening to my crosstalk!


    Yao Jiancai found it difficult to find himself as he sped his hands and said, "Thank you, thank you everyone."


    Zhang Ye also smiled and thanked the audience. He was pleased with the audience''s reaction. It also indicated that he had made the correct bet. It showed that the crosstalk works that led years ahead of this world would still work even in this world! This was one of the most mature works of Guo Degang in a small theater, "Schr". The main subject was this, but Zhang Ye had added a few things in, and changed bits of it. For example, the joke about "Biting Materials" came from Zhang Ye''s own wisdom.


    "I can''t wait to ask this question." The female judge did not sit down and instead, stayed standing as she picked up her microphone.


    The moment she spoke, the apuse from the audience began to slowly die down.


    The female judge said, "I want to know who produced this work?"


    Yao Jiancai chuckled. "Do you think I have that sort of literary talent?"


    The female judge looked at Zhang Ye, "It was all created by Teacher Little Zhang?"


    Yao Jiancai patted Zhang Ye on the shoulder. "Idea, theme, packaging, and pacing were all done by my old brother here in a single night."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s mainly thanks to Teacher Yao being able to carry me well."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Haha, it is also partly that."


    Zhang Ye said, "We have an agreement that it''s 30% of the main character, and 70% the fall-guy."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Indeed, there is."


    Zhang Ye said, "To do good crosstalk, the main character and fall-guy have to have conflict, socking anything would not work."


    Yao Jiancai said, "That''s right."


    Zhang Ye said, "There are four things to do in crosstalk, lie, cheat, steal, and fool."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Hey, why did you change it? It''s speak, learn, amuse and sing."


    Zhang Ye said, "Right, firstly, the thing about ''speak'' isn''t simple."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Tell me about it?"


    The audience were stunned for a moment before theyughed again. Thepetition was over! The judge just asked you a question, but why did the both of you begin another round of crosstalk!?


    The female judge was extremely delighted. "Well done, I can''t even cut in. Teachers, let me interject. This year''s crosstalkpetition has twice the number of recording venues asst year''s, so the second preliminary will begin tomorrow at its earliest. Will we be able to hear from you tomorrow?"


    Zhang Ye said yes with a smile.


    He and Old Yao were just ying a joke.


    The female judge looked at them and said, "It should be an evaluation period after this, but I really have no idea how toment on your work. Teacher Qu, do you have anyments?"


    The third judge sitting beside her shook his hand. "You do it."


    The female judge looked at Teacher Qu and said, "I''m not a professional crosstalk actress, but as a g''s director, I frequentlye into contact with crosstalk works. I''ve heard at least a hundred, if not two hundred crosstalk performances. I can''t say much about the technical angle of your works, but from a personal point of view, this is the best crosstalk performance that I have ever heard since I was born! There is no match!"


    This evaluation was too high!


    The audience gave their apuse once again!


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai said, "Thank you Teacher."


    For some reason, the head judge did not give anyments. The other two professional crosstalk actors also remained silent and did notment. They did notment on the work from any professional point of view, allowing the female judge to do so for them. This was unprecedented.


    It was the same offstage too.


    Tang Dazhang remained silent.


    Tang Dazhang''s fellow seniors and juniors all turned silent!


    One could tell that these crosstalk actors all had ugly expressions. Who knew that not only Zhang Ye could do crosstalk, he could even do it so superbly and in such a wonderful manner? Although they neverughed from beginning to end, they knew in their hearts that the burdens Zhang Ye threw out were stunning. Many of them had been in crosstalk for decades, but only today did they learn that crosstalk could be done in such a f**king manner!?


    In fact, many people from crosstalk knew, and hadmunicated this in private that the crosstalk world had reached a bottleneck. They were walking in ce for many years, and although the symptoms weren''t obvious, it was already a declining trend. However, Zhang Ye''s "I am a Schr" had given all these crosstalk actors a taste of a new "post-modern" vor!


    Post-modern did not mean that it had transcended reality, but instead meant that it had exceeded the standards of this era. It was leading this era''s standards!


    Everything was linked!


    One burden after another!


    It was different from their traditional methods of delivery. It had attained maximum entertainment formercial viability. It had pushed the highlight of crosstalk, humor, to the forefront. From the reactions of the audience, regardless if Tang Dazhang andpany liked it or disliked it, the audience liked it. This was the greatest award that a crosstalk performance could receive. This could be also said that it had broken through the bottleneck for the future crosstalk industry, known asmercial crosstalk!


    What was a bit ironic was that thismercial "post-modern" crosstalk work was thrown out by a television host who had never learned crosstalk? Ayman had taught so many crosstalk seniors a lesson? This was something they could not ept. Furthermore, the usage of a few terms and packaging in the work felt tawdry, and felt disdain for it!


    However, Zhang Ye didn''t care what they thought or how they evaluated it. In fact, Zhang Ye had never thought highly of a person like Tang Dazhang.


    The performance was over.


    The next group of contestants went onstage.


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai bade farewell to the audience. As they disembarked the stage with arms over each other''s shoulders, they walked out of the recording studio.


    "Old Yao, your reaction was pretty quick." Zhang Ye said with a smile.


    Yao Jiancai chuckled. "Although a few lines were improvised on the spot by you, I am a professional after all, so I could match you well." Saying that, heughed again. "Hey, but whenparing the two of us, it is as if you are the professional crosstalk actor. I''m even wondering how you got all the basics down so well? How is that mouth of yours made?!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Don''t forget I earn a living using this mouth! I never practiced crosstalk in the past, but this mouth of mine is my forte after all. I don''t dare to speak about other things, but when ites to scolding and trampling on others, I have never lost!"


    "I can tell." Yao Jiancai said, "Your wickedness is all over your mouth. Well done, after you trampled on me, you even trampled my wife! Don''t you run. We agreed previously that you have to go home with me this afternoon. You need to talk to her!"


    Zhang Ye said in exasperation, "Don''t. I''m not going."


    Yao Jiancai grabbed onto him without letting him go. "Haha, that won''t do."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m afraid she will beat me up."


    As the two of them chatted, there were a few anxious shouts in front of them.


    "Has it been halted?"


    "It''s already halted!"


    "Aiyah, but it''s already toote!"


    "Do you know what happened? Something big has happened!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "The two banned celebrities were broadcasted live on the inte by the station! I heard our head of this segment misheard the instructions of the higher-ups and made a mistake!"


    "Ah? Wouldn''t that be big trouble?"


    "That''s right. The station leaders are infuriated!"


    "I believe he will be held ountable eventually. After all, Decree #43 has just been announced, yet our Department 11 immediately went against it? Man, this is going to be a huge mess!"


    "That Teacher Zhang fellow is still a god of gue! He leaves destruction in his wake everywhere he goes!"


    "But you don''t say. Zhang Ye''s character might be a bit wicked, and his temper is a bit like a hooligan, but did you hear his ''I am a Schr''? It was truly awesome!"


    "Really?"


    "Go watch it. He''spletely on a different level than those other contestants. I was listening outside and wasughing in stitches!"


    Everyone in the program team were discussing it!


    When Yao Jiancai heard this, he was stunned. "What? It was broadcasted live? Holy sh*t! Is this reality or fantasy? A mistake? Could there be such a coincidence? Hahahaha! Old bro, God is helping us!"


    God?


    That esteemed person isn''t so free!


    Zhang Ye was amused upon hearing this. Maybe amongst everyone who knew of this matter, he was the only one who knew the true reason. This was f**king all due to the five times difficulty reduction from the dice! He was initially worried how to let everyone see this work of his, but now, Zhang Ye waspletely relieved!

 Chapter 482: First!

    <h4>Chapter 482: First! </h4>


    Chapter 482: First!


    The live broadcast ended.


    There were only positivements from theizens!


    "That''s freaking ssic!"


    "The sword of a hero doesn''t age, the madam''s beauty never wanes? Ah hahahaha!"


    "That brain of Teacher Zhang Ye is really too quick witted. He''s worthy of beingbeled as a treasure of humanity. I didn''t expect that 10 short minutes of crosstalking could be done in such an extraordinary way?"


    "That was too fun!"


    "I got goosebumps listening to that! That was very satisfying!"


    "But that was bordering on the line of controversy, haha!"


    "It''s eptable since the preliminaries are only broadcasted over the inte, so the censors would have less stringent standards for it. If it were broadcasted live on TV, then Zhang Ye would have to modify quite a few of his joke segments. They would definitely not have allowed him to say that."


    "I believe you shouldn''t even think about a live broadcast on TV. Take a look at the official website. The live broadcast has been halted. ''I am a Schr'' was there a moment ago, but now it has been deleted!"


    "What? Deleted?"


    "Then why did they air it live?"


    "I heard that it was aired erroneously due to some unexpectedplications withmunication!"


    "Which means the ban on Teacher Zhang and Teacher Yao remains indefinitely?"


    "Damn it! I was happy for nothing. I thought Central TV ignored the ban! So it was just a mistake?"


    All traces of ''I am a Schr'' had disappeared from thepetition''s official website. Manyizens, who had not watched the live broadcast, had rushed in to take a look at the crosstalk deemed as a ssic by so many. They immediately began to rouse as some even began cursing!


    "Why is it gone?"


    "We haven''t watched it yet!"


    Numerous people began lodgingints with the official website. However, Central TV''s Department 11 remained indifferent to them. They werepletely ignored.


    However, just as everyone was feeling a great sense of regret, a small video website posted a video of ''I am a Schr''. It was obvious that it had been recorded straight from the live stream, as it was identical. Furthermore, it was also a high resolution version. Following that, numerous video websites and discussion forms also posted Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalk performance. Of course, they were not posted by the websites, but were uploaded byizens.


    Everyone was amused!


    "It is so timely!"


    "Nice, I can watch it again!"


    "Haha, empowering!"


    "F**k! I finally got to see it! No wonder so many people gave their kudos! This crosstalk is absolutely wonderful!"


    At this moment, a heritage of intangible culture, that was passed down from China''s Song dynasty, revealed its power once more��Piracy!


    A few videos of ''I am a Schr'' were taken down from several video websites. It was unknown if it was the website''s doing or because they had received orders from higher management. Clicking on the video would return a "Video does not exist" error, but immediately following that, there would be more pirated copies appearing on other video websites. Deleting one, sprouted two. Deleting two would sprout ten. There was no way ofpletely deleting them all. Even on mainstream video websites, the views on ''I am a Schr'' had risen so much that it was in the trending rankings. In a short moment, it had reached the top 20!


    Simrly, the votes for Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai were rising!


    The National Crosstalk Competition had been going strong for about six or seven hours now. Thepetition was intense. A few excellent crosstalk works were very well-liked, and their fans rushed to vote for them. They wished that the excellent crosstalk actors would be pushed to the top. Before the end of the voting, the first to third ce votes were enjoying a stable position. The third ranked group was a ck horse. No one had heard of these two new crosstalk actors in the past. Second ce was a somewhat famous pair of crosstalk actors. The person who currently in first ce was the crosstalk actor who had to pull outst year''spetition due to healthplications. Although he had yet to perform, the amount of poprity he enjoyed was just too high, so he had already received arge number of votes. Some people evaluated that, if not for his pulling out due to health reasons,st year''s champion would definitely have been him. Hence, this Teacher Peng was temporarily in first ce with 8300 votes.


    As for Tang Dazhang''s two disciples in Division C, they were ranked fifth. They were, however, ranked first within Division C.


    Of course, these numbers were from ten minutes ago, before Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai had gone onstage. Now, the rankings of the preliminaries had undergone a groundbreaking change!


    And it was one that made everyone burst out withughter!


    Why? That was because in the voting options for thepetition, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s names were not written at all! It was as if these two banned contestants were not participating in thepetition. The listings of the contestants from Division C were on the second page, and they were densely packed with text, but on the eighth line, Division C, Team #8 was empty. There was no name on it, but there was a voting radio button on the right, simr to every other contestants.


    There was no name, but they could still receive votes!


    Anyone who paid a bit of attention could guess who the nk name belonged to!


    Hence, during the live broadcast, the voting numbers began changing!


    A 100 votes!


    A 1000 votes!


    2000 votes!


    When the live broadcast ended, when ''I am a Schr'' began to go viral on the inte, the values had paused slightly before instantly exploding!


    10,000!


    50,000!


    100,000!


    Finally, under everyone''s unbelieving gaze, in just half an hour, Teacher Peng, who was previously first with over 9000 votes, was now second! And first ce belonged to the two crosstalk actors with nk names. Yes! The names were nk! And the votes amounted to 110,000! It was more than ten times higher than Teacher Peng, who was now in second ce! There were even people who did some calctions, and realized that the total votes received by these two nk crosstalk actors was...more than the votes received by the first fifty contestants in the crosstalkpetitionbined!


    "Holy f**k!"


    "That''s too fierce!"


    "This is crazy!"


    "My eyes!"


    It was a total wipe out!


    It was an inhuman gap!


    At this moment, Central TV''s Department 11 was stunned. The audience, that was paying careful attention to thepetition, was stunned. Those crosstalkpetition contestants were also stunned!


    Many people had yet to understand what was happening!


    A Division J contestant eximed, "What''s this? Why are there so many votes? And there''s no name? Did the system make a mistake? "


    A Division G contestant even lodged aint. "What''s up with first ce? There''s a problem! Someone must be faking votes!"


    Someone from Division I shouted, "It''s a conspiracy!"


    To increase so crazily to 110,000 votes in half an hour? Are we seeing a freaking ghost? That''s impossible! In the preliminaries from previous years, the first ce, after three rounds of preliminaries, would only have votes that numbered in the tens of thousands, but now? This was just the first day of the preliminaries! How could there be such a heaven-defying vote counts?


    This was aplete wipe out!


    Then what the hell are we here for? Just do it yourself. All of us can pack up and go home! The difference was too great!


    However, many of the audience, who were in the know, were amused seeing these people lodgingints and shouting about conspiracy theories. They began replying below in volumes as if they had agreed on it earlier.


    "Hur Hur, person below, maintain formation."


    "Hur Hur, person below, maintain formation."


    "Hur Hur.."


    A whole series of Hur Hur''s appeared with more than a hundred replies!


    Finally, a ''kind person'' exined to them. "As to what happened, go take a look at ''I am a Schr'', and you''ll know. Oh right, it''s not on the official website. You can only watch a pirated copy on another video website. Well, as for it being a conspiracy, all of you can probably guess correctly. There is indeed a conspiracy, but it is one of banning. Take a look at the votes for the two ''nameless people''. They actually received that many votes while under aplete ban. If they were not banned, the official website would have written their names. If their videos could be put up, I believe the number of votes they receive would be even higher!"


    Number one on the rankings was just too eye-catching!


    110,000 votes was too eye-catching!


    Even though there was no name, with Central TV''s Department 11 concealing it somewhat, how could anyone who had voted for "Nameless" not know who they really were? Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai had really conquered all the members of the audience with their crosstalk performance. This was why they received such an overwhelming number of votes! It was because after watching ''I am a Schr'', the audience found it hard to swallow any other crosstalk performance, even if they had liked them in the past! It was like the difference between a scud missile and a nuclear bomb! They were both bombs, but there was a qualitative difference! Thetter led the former by leaps and bounds in terms of technology! Zhang Ye''s crosstalk was simr!


    "First ce!"


    "Everyone is truly supportive!"


    "Hahaha, there are so many people supporting Teacher Yao and Teacher Zhang?"


    "That''s because everyone''s aesthetic standards are about the same. This first ce is truly well deserved. There is no other way besides it. There is no room for doubt either!"


    "I think some people''s faces are already swollen!"


    "Those people who shouted daily, saying how Zhang Ye was doomed. Come on out and shout for me again! Despite being banned, Teacher Zhang Ye has been able to turn the tides and appear back in the eyes of our nation. He aplished whatever needed to be done. What sort of heaven defying act is this!? So what if he''s banned? Teacher Zhang''s poprity still grows! He can still carry on dazzling in the entertainment industry!"


    "Well said!"


    "Zhang Ye won''t go down!"


    "Teacher Zhang did not do anything wrong to begin with! Him being banned was unjustified! Now, all is fine. I''m really happy for Teacher Zhang Ye! Finally, he can vent the pent up anger in him!"


    "Old Yao also suffered from injustice."


    "Haha, I''m giving a Like to both Teachers!"


    "Hold unyielding! No matter where the winds blow from! Just thinking of Teacher Zhang''s line in that poem, it''s uplifting! Teacher Zhang has not disappointed us! Well done!"


    "The two of them were still tough despite knowing they were in a powerless situation. Even though they knew it was hard to go against the tides, they still shouted on stage, shouting their voice out for everyone to hear. Don''t you think it''s admirable? No matter how the outside world evaluates Zhang Ye, in my heart, Zhang Ye is a heroic warrior!"


    "Heroes never fall!"


    "Teacher Zhang, hold on!"


    The tenacious "fight" Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai had performed touched many people. People began leaving messages and cheering for them!


    ......


    In the overall rankings of the preliminaries, the votes for the nameless team kept soaring!


    Even on the Celebrity Rankings, the situation where Tang Dazhang, who was nearly about to surpass Zhang Ye, was reversed. With this explosive increase, from the numbers in the detailed page, Zhang Ye''s rankings shot up in a straight line by three or four rankings. He was no longer the third from the bottom amongst C-list celebrities. As for Tang Dazhang, he was still hovering amidst the D-list celebrities. Every time he was about to catch up to Zhang Ye, no matter what, he would fail to do so. Now, with ''I am a Schr'' released, Tang Dazhang''s hope for climbing into the C-list rankings was slim. As for thinking about surpassing Zhang Ye, it was probably much more realistic for him to surpass the lowest person on the C-list celebrities. After Zhang Ye''s crosstalk performance, the distance between him and Tang Dazhang increased even more!

 Chapter 483: This is what a man of God is!

    <h4>Chapter 483: This is what a man of God is! </h4>


    Chapter 483: This is what a man of God is!


    Afternoon.


    A little past 2.


    This was probably the warmest point of the day. While under the winter sun, Zhang Ye''s BMW X5 slowly drove into an upscale residential district with Yao Jiancai.


    "There, I''ve brought you here." Zhang Ye stopped the car.


    Yao Jiancai tugged at him. "Cut the crap. Go up with me."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "You are insisting on pulling me to be your shield?"


    Yao Jiancaiughed and said, "If you don''te, my wife probably won''t even open the door for me. Hurry, how can you not help your brother out?"


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "I''m mainly afraid of her beating me to death."


    After a long period of heckling, Zhang Ye finally went up together with Yao Jiancai.


    Upstairs.


    Yao Jiancai rubbed his hands together before pressing the doorbell nervously and gently.


    A momentter, footstep could be heard approaching the door. It was the pitter-patter of slippers. Then, the door''s peephole went dark. Clearly, someone was leaning over to look out at them.


    Yao Jiancai hurriedly said, "Dear, it''s me."


    There was no movement inside. The peephole brightened once more. It was as if the person had walked away.


    Yao Jiancai anxiously knocked on the door. "Dear, open the door. Let me in first. We can talk. Daughter? Where''s my daughter? Open the door for Dad!"


    With the door in between them, they could hear a vague conversation between women, but they could not make out what was being said.


    Yao Jiancai could not do a thing. He could only move back and stretch out his hand to gesture towards Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye had no choice but to walk forward and knock on the door. "Sister, it''s me, Zhang Ye. I happened to drop by with Old Yao to say hello to you. I brought you some fruits too."


    With that, Zhang Ye received a treatmentpletely different from Yao Jiancai. In less than two seconds, the door was unlocked, revealing a middle-aged woman''s face. She was slightly plump, and had a couple look with Yao Jiancai. She hurriedly opened the gate and said with a warm smile. "It''s Teacher Zhang! Come on in."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Nice to meet you Sister. I was in such a rush that I didn''t buy anything much except this bit of fruit, as well as some of the Brain Gold that I''m endorsing." Wu Mo had given Zhang Ye many boxes of Brain Gold. He kept it in his car, and could use it at any time. Since Brain Gold was meant to be given as a gift, it was very apt.


    Fan Yi eximed, "You are too kind. You don''t have to bring anything when youe here. You are our Mi Mi''s teacher. I was wondering when to pay you a visit, but it ended up with youing first."


    Yao Mi also jumped out of the room with bright eyes. "Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye greeted her.


    Fan Yi sat Zhang Ye down. "Teacher Zhang, how''s our Mi Mi''s studies? Is she especially naughty in school?"


    "Not at all. Yao Mi is serious and hardworking. She is also very motivated and often asks if she''s unsure of something. It''s a good thing that she likes to get to the bottom of things." Zhang Ye said politely.


    Fan Yi poured a cup of water for him, and then made some tea. She said with a chuckle, "This child isn''t very obedient, so please give more attention to her at school. If she''s naughty, feel free to punish her. You don''t have to give us face."


    Yao Mi couldn''t stand for this as she said, "Mom, I''m already a college student! How can you talk like I''m still a young child. Furthermore, I''m so obedient at school. I''ve never yed truant when ites to Teacher Zhang''s ss."


    Fan Yi said, "So that means you y truant for other sses?"


    The three of them began chatting.


    Yao Jiancai was left hanging in the corner. He coughed again and again, but other than Zhang Ye ncing at him, the mother-daughter duo ignored him.


    Zhang Ye could tell that they needed a way to ease into the situation. Fan Yi probably already knew that Old Yao had been a victim in all of this, so he said, "Sister, for the matter previously, I can vouch for Old Yao that there was truly nothing going on. Give me some face and don''t fault him."


    Yao Jiancai said at the appropriate time, "Yes, yes. There truly was nothing. I can swear to the heavens!"


    Fan Yi looked at Old Yao and tsked. She then turned her head back at Zhang Ye and changed into a kindly expression, saying, "Teacher Zhang, it is because you came and I gave you face. If not, I would not have let him enter. I don''t believe a single word of his, while your words...I believe them."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Yes, yes. A teacher of the people doesn''t tell lies!"


    Fan Yi ignored him and said, "Has he been staying at your ce for the past two days? Sorry for causing you trouble."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You are wee. It''s fine."


    At this point, Fan Yi leered at Old Yao. "Sit. What are you standing there for?"


    Yao Jiancai eximed and immediately leaned towards the sofa in high spirits. He then poured a cup of tea for himself while smiling. He knew he was going to be fine.


    Yao Mi was never angry, but had been going along with her mother''s song and dance. Seeing her mother turn soft, she went out to cross her arm around one of Yao Jiancai''s arm with a grin. "Dad, I watched the inte live broadcast. Your crosstalk performance with Teacher Zhang today was wonderful! It was so humorous!"


    Yao Jiancai began bragging, "Of course. Who do you think your Dad is? A professional crosstalk actor, and having debuted for so many years. Although I haven''t performed for some time, all my basic foundations are still there!"


    Fan Yi deted him by saying, "What are you bragging about? It was all Teacher Zhang carrying you."


    Yao Jiancai smiled and said, "That''s true. My old brother''s creative genius was absolutely wonderful. There was not a single fault to pick for the dozen or so burden jokes in the crosstalk performance from start to finish!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Sis, I came here to offer my humble apology. That joke was a joke and nothing more, so I hope you won''t mind it."


    Fan Yi said with augh, "Do you think I''m so petty? Don''t forget Old Yao was previously in the crosstalk line. As a family member of a crosstalk artist, if I couldn''t take such a small joke, then what else can I do? Besides, that ''the madam''s beauty never wanes'' sentence really amused me greatly."


    Yao Mi yelped, "I wasughing in stitches when I heard it! Hahaha!"


    Yao Jiancai raised his chin. "Little Zhang, isn''t my wife magnanimous?"


    Zhang Ye gave a big thumbs up, "Magnanimous!"


    Fan Yi stared at Old Yao and said, "Stop trying to tter me. When Teacher Zhang is gone, I''ll have it out with you."


    "Old bro, then you are prohibited from leaving today," Yao Jiancai said with augh, "Stay for dinner. Taste my wife''s cooking. She previously nagged me to invite you over for a meal, but you were busy, and I was busy, so we never had the time. Now that the both of us are free, and have no work to do, you must eat this meal. Let''s have a good drink together. Giving you a treat sure isn''t easy."


    Fan Yi invited him. "Yes, I''ll go buy groceries in a while."


    Zhang Ye did not stand on ceremony. "Alright, then I''ll be in for a treat today."


    Following that, the four of them began to talk andugh together.


    It was obvious that Fan Yi thought highly of Zhang Ye. Firstly, he was a Peking University lecturer, and could take care of Yao Mi in school in certain ways. Secondly, Zhang Ye and Old Yao''s crosstalk performance had awed her greatly. Their working rtionship would tighten as a result. Thirdly, Yao Jiancai had many disreputable friends, but none of them were his true friends. Zhang Ye was a true friend, so Fan Yi naturally treated Zhang Ye as a VIP. A short whileter, she had finished grocery shopping and preparing dinner. There were about nine dishes and was quite a sumptuous meal.


    On the other side.


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai also became busy as they began receiving quite a few phone calls.


    ......


    Mom''s phone call.


    "Son."


    "Mom, did you see my crosstalk?"


    "Of course! You Dad even smacked his thighs and cheered! Your sisters were at our ce this afternoon too. They praised you to the moon. Nice going! You weren''t an embarrassment to me!"


    "Of course, how could I be an embarrassment?"


    "What are you going to do for the next preliminary round?"


    "I haven''t thought of anything yet. I''ll think about it in a while."


    ......


    Former leader, Hu Fei''s phone call.


    "Haha, Little Zhang."


    "Boss."


    "I just learned that you can do crosstalk!"


    "Hey, it was all nonsense."


    "If that was nonsense, then few people in this world can do it well. Back then, I thought you were ayman. Who knew that you are really more professional than those professional crosstalk actors!"


    ......


    Big Saber Bro, Fan Yingyun''s phone call.


    "Teacher Zhang, nice luck. Central TV actually gave you a live broadcast?"


    "That''s right. I was just lucky."


    "This seems like the precursor of you causing a stir in the crosstalk world! I support you! Fight it out with them! Myrge saber can no longer endure the thirst!"


    "Man."


    ......


    Many friends came calling.


    There were well-wishes, congrattions, and some were that of shock. Some of them craved to see the world burn. Everyone said something different, but all of them basically supported Zhang Ye. They also gave a very high evaluation of Zhang Ye''s performance. They were once again convinced by Zhang Ye''s capabilities!


    A few days ago, when the ban was issued, everyone believed that there would be no way for Zhang Ye to rise up again, that he would no longer be able to continue staying in the entertainment industry. They believed that he would only be able to switch careers to do something else, but who knew, that in just a few days, Zhang Ye managed to open up a path in the crosstalk world that no one expected despite an all-out ban ced on him. It was too shocking!


    His poprity was increasing by the day!


    Was this even a ban? Why was he gaining momentum!?


    Many people could not help butugh. What was a man of God? Maybe this was what it meant to be a man of God! The type of person that could never be understood or sized up usingmon sense!


    ***Trantor notes


    Hi dear reader, please support IRAS by submitting a vote for us (or your other favorite novel) at Gravity Tales Vote Page.


    Much appreciated and happy reading :)

 Chapter 484: Second Work is Decided!

    <h4>Chapter 484: Second Work is Decided! </h4>


    Chapter 484: Second Work is Decided!


    That night.


    ''I am a Schr'' wentpletely viral!


    The votes for the two "Nameless People" continued to soar!


    130,000...


    150,000...


    200,000...


    It had long since broken the historical records for the National Crosstalk and Skit Competition''s preliminaries. Furthermore, it broke the record every second, creating new history. If one did not have an intuitive concept of the number of votes, then a simple tabtion of the votes would be enough to exin it. ording to the numbers, from the beginning of thepetition in the morning to this point in time, more than a thousand contestants had received a total of 286,000 votes. That was to say, theizens had nearly voted 300,000 times in total, and the crosstalk team, "Nameless People" had obtained more than half of the votes!


    One vs more than a thousand!


    200,000 vs 86,000!


    This was absolute victory through an overwhelming number of votes!


    This was a disparity so dazzling, that no one could look at it straight. Nearly everymoner praised it. They had never experienced apletely new form ofmercial crosstalk. The reviews were very good!


    However, in contrast with the delight of themoners, some others had extremely pr reactions!


    The media remained silent. Not many media outlets published anyments on this. The title "I am a Schr" was not even mentioned, let alone the names, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai. It was as if they lived in a different dimension from everyone else. A few media outlets even scrambled to report about a few crosstalk artists who did pretty well in the preliminaries, such as Tang Dazhang''s two disciples. Two newspapers even praised them to the heavens, saying that they had inherited Tang Dazhang''s mantle, and that their performance in the preliminaries was extremely outstanding. There was also the person ranked second in the preliminaries, which the media reported as a branch of a tree that thrived and outshone others!


    After seeing this, manyizensughed in ridicule!


    "What a joke!"


    "Are we living in the same world?"


    "If Tang Dazhang''s disciples are considered extremely outstanding, then what would you consider Teacher Zhang and Teacher Yao? Wouldn''t they be stunning the entire universe!?"


    "It''s too fake!"


    "What sort of news is this?"


    "Even if the criminalized artists have been banned, shouldn''t news be about seeking out the truth?"


    "Is it right for these newspapers to report it in such a way? Aren''t they trying to mislead the public!?"


    "Since they have to write it this way, let''s just wait and see. Anyway, any wise person knows what is going on. They really think themoners are stupid!"


    "The media is such a bully!"


    "Do you even believe the sinister reports that you put out yourself?"


    If Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s work had not been aired live, or if they did not caused such a stir, everyone would probably have been fooled by the media''s coverage. However, anyone who paid any attention to this year''s National Crosstalk Competition would know about the underlying conspiracy! This was no longer something that could be covered up. Everyone knew what was going on, so the more the media covered it up, the more themoners felt disgusted!


    Then, on Weibo, a self-titled "Critic" stepped forward.


    This person was an inte celebrity. His true name was unknown and no one knew what his job was. He was quite loud mouthed and often attacked celebrities and famous people on the inte. After a series of scoldings, the number of Weibo fans he reached was more than 200,000. He would often give his take on anything that recently happen.


    His nickname was Alexander. "After watching the ''I am a Schr'' crosstalk, I really do not understand what sort of madness Central TV''s Department 11 fell into. They even dared to stream such a worthless crosstalk live? There was an internal mistake? I think the relevant personnel should resign. To not do their jobs while receiving their wages, what are you doing? This crosstalk has really amused me because it was so bad. Crosstalk is an art, so why did it be so morally degrading when it was produced by the two of them? Is this still considered crosstalk!? Are you just going to focus on humor? I can''t even see the most basic artistic ir of a crosstalk in their work? Showing this work is embarrassing! And there were so many joke segments that were jarring to the ear. This was only an inte live stream, so the boundaries could be pushed a bit further, but no matter how much you push, you can''t destroy crosstalk in such a manner. For the both of them, I only have a simple evaluation �� vulgar, base, and philistine!"


    Then another famous critic spoke out on Weibo. "Decree #43 was just issued. The document explicitly states that ying to the gallery through indulging in vulgar jokes or works with the ''three vulgarities'' (sex-obsessed, mindless, and tasteless culture), including crosstalk are not allowed. Now, decree #43 has yet to even lose its warmth, yet Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai have alreadymitted an offense despite the headwind? Aren''t they a bit too arrogant? I don''t even want to evaluate this ''I am a Schr'' piece of work. It''spletely vulgar inside and out. It is impossible for it to enter the sacred halls of elegance. I suggest that the Central TV''s Department 11 and the National Crosstalk and Skit Competition''s organizers disqualify Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai!"


    Following that, Tang Dazhang from the crosstalkpetition issued a statement. He even named names on Weibo: "I am very disappointed and distressed that a work that insults the art of crosstalk can be so well received. Whether ''I am a Schr'' is funny or not, I would notment on it, but the art known as crosstalk doesn''t have humor at its core. Since my trade is considered an art, then it has its mission and values. It shouldn''t be something that denigrates things left behind by our ancestors. No matter what crosstalk work it is, it has to have the most basic depth and scope. If it''s full of vulgar joke segments, that isn''t crosstalk. We from the crosstalk world will never acknowledge this as a form of crosstalk!"


    Subsequently, another famous critic from China appeared. "Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalk had greatmercial value to it. When I watched it, there was indeed a few things worthy of ruminating over, but it was just a few things. If crosstalk wants to break its current limitations and bottleneck, it has to rely on the most core artistic values. By losing that, then that''s attending to trifles to the neglect of essentials. Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai have crossed industries and have gone astray and have gone down the wrong path. It is a great pity. If a crosstalk master were willing to guide them, these two people might have a chance on returning to the orthodox path. It would prevent them from going too far astray. I suggest that Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai watch Teacher Tang Dazhang''s crosstalk works. That is true crosstalk art, and so, it''s best you learn more from your seniors. Don''t make your work be filled with the Three Vulgarities!"


    The moment this bunch of people appeared, many official institutions stood forward too!


    For example, Beijing Writer''s Association''s Vice President Meng Dongguo, or the leader of the Folk Art Association, or a few crosstalk artists from crosstalk organizations. There were even many contestants, who were participating in this year''s crosstalkpetition. They shouted on the inte, publicly denouncing Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai!


    "Extremely vulgar!"


    "Is this still considered crosstalk!?


    "How can such vulgar crosstalk receive so many votes? It is definitely fake votes. Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai have many fans to begin with since they are entertainers. It is normal for their fans to fake votes for them. Compared to them, how are we crosstalk contestants topete evenly with them? They didn''t win using their work, but their massive fanbase. They did not win fair and square! I suggest that their votes and qualifications be removed!"


    "Right, letting Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai participate in thepetition is already unfair to us crosstalk actors. He is a C-list celebrity, so how many fans does he have!?"


    "Supporting Teacher Tang!"


    "The critics said it so well!"


    "That''s right. They voiced out what I wanted to say. Everyone should collectively resist such crosstalk that are filled with the Three Vulgarities! I was wondering why there are people that like such vulgar crosstalks? Do you even have a tiny bit of appreciation for art? Can''t you tell what''s elegance and vulgar?"


    "I don''t understand either. What''s up with the audience these days? There were so many outstanding crosstalk artistic works they did not like, yet they ended up liking such a vulgar crosstalk performance? Hai, now crosstalk is really getting tough. We''ve studied and practiced so hard, performing in earnest, yet we failed to get a tiny bit of recognition. Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai just came up with some crappy performance and they received the praises of numerous people? Can''t the audience appreciate things at all now? I''m actually quite depressed. I''m mourning over our crosstalk, as well as our generation. Hai!"


    "Boycott Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai!"


    "Right, boycott vulgarity!"


    "They only focus on humor! This kind of crosstalk can''t even be considered crosstalk!"


    Numerous people from the literary world, the crosstalk world, celebrities, and relevant artists came out to denounce Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai!


    The normal popce were all apuding it, but the official organizations and relevant artists were cursing at Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai incessantly. This contrast was too great. They were both watching the same piece of work, yet it produced twopletely different voices. When neutral people saw this, they could not understand the situation. They had seen controversies, but they had never seen such a huge controversy before!


    ......


    9+PM.


    Jiaomen, Zhang Ye''s house.


    After Zhang Ye had dinner at Old Yao''s house, he returned home with Yao Jiancai. They had to rushed their preparations for tomorrow''s second preliminary round.


    Instead, just after returning home, they saw the scene on the inte. A bunch of people from the literary world, critics, and inte celebrities were discussing them and full of condemnation. It was as if Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai had a blood feud with them! All of them hated them to the bone!


    Yao Jiancai cursed, "A bunch of mad dogs!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "They even said the audience doesn''t know what crosstalk is? Your performance isn''t well received and you me the audience? Beijing has a saying, it says don''t me the toilet when you can''t shit. I think it''s pretty appropriate to giving them that. Oh, that Tang Dazhang also stepped forward? I ignored him, but he still doesn''t know his bounds? Hees time and time again to trample on me? Alright, I''ve remembered you. And those few people. Inte celebrities? Critics? Alright?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Ignore them. Let''s just focus on doing a good job!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Old Yao, I''ve already decided on what to we will do tomorrow."


    Yao Jiancai was stunned. "Hur, you said you haven''t thought of it when I asked you on the way back. You already have an idea so quickly?"


    Yes, after seeing their criticisms, a piece of work shed in Zhang Ye''s mind. He made the decision immediately. They had taken the initiative to give him the materials for the work! These people had tried to ride over him a few times. If he didn''t take a bite out from them, that clearly wasn''t Zhang Ye''s style!


    ***Trantor notes:


    This actually happened in real life to popr crosstalk actor, Guo Degang. You can read a treatise on this matter here.


    Also.


    Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page.


    Lunar New Year is almost here!!! :)))

 Chapter 485: I will reject the Three Vulgarities!

    <h4>Chapter 485: I will reject the Three Vulgarities! </h4>


    Chapter 485: I will reject the Three Vulgarities!


    The second day.


    Around noon.


    Central TV''s Department 11''s program team began contacting every contestant to inform them that the preliminary round had beenpleted. They asked them to gather for the recording of the next round ofpetition rules by 2PM.


    This year''s rules andpetition progress were slightly different from the previous years. The pace of this year''spetition was much faster than before, with the preliminary rounds, which had taken 3-4 days before, now shortened to only one and a half days. This was because Central TV had approved the usage of many more recording studios, so even with over a thousand groups of contestants and 10 minutes per performance, the recording progress moved very quickly.


    At the venue.


    The contestants were all gathered before 2PM.


    In front of them was arge screen where the votes for each contestant pair were shily updated in real time. It still wasn''t time for the polling to be closed yet, so the numbers were still constantly changing.


    "Aiya, I''m dropping off!"


    "Damn, I can''t make it into the top 500 either."


    "I heard that thepetition has started eliminating contestants from the preliminary rounds and only 500 teams will be able to advance to the second round. Then from there, only 100 teams will make it through to the 3rd round."


    "I''m currently in 488th ce. This is cutting it too close."


    "Old Zhang, you did well this time! At 231st ce, you will definitely advance to the second round."


    "Teacher Wang, congrattions on being ced so high!"


    "Oh, my ranking is too low. I guess I can onlye back and try again next year."


    In their discussions, many of them naturally talked about the team that was in the lead far above. Everyone knew who the ''nameless'' team was!


    Suddenly, 2 people walked into the venue.


    "Ah, here theye!"


    "Be quiet. Stop talking about them already."


    "It''s Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai. The leading team has arrived."


    When Zhang Ye and Old Yao came into the studio, the crowd toned down their discussions about the 2 of them. Many of them looked over at them and some even pointed at them as they talked about them in hushed whispers.


    Amongst these people, there were those who had denounced Zhang Ye on Weibo the previous night. They scolded Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai, calling them tasteless, but now that the two of them were standing before them, no one dared to mention it anymore. They couldn''t say anything as Zhang Ye''s reputation was so terrible. Wasn''t Lee Anson famous as well? Still, Zhang Ye had him beaten him like it was nothing! Let alone small timers like them, which was why, even if many of them had something against him, they wouldn''t dare sh directly with Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye was famous for his bad reputation and violence!


    At this moment, the hosts went onstage.


    When it was time, the 1st round of voting came to an end!


    The cameras were now switched on and recording as the event was broadcasted live all over the inte. An event like the announcement of rankings would definitely be allocated a live broadcast slot since it would definitely attract good viewership and high ratings.


    The host, Wang Ge''er, smiled and said, "My dear friends of the audience and contestants, I hope you''re all doing well. The technical team has already closed the first round of polling. Only the top 500 teams will advance to the next round." With that, the host began to announce the results of who had qualified. Some people were beaming, while others fell into lonely silence.


    This announcement program progressed very slowly for about an hour.


    In between, the host also invited several popr crosstalk actors to give speeches on stage and asked some of the eliminated contestants to give their reflection speeches. It was a program designed to invoke people''s innermost feelings.


    The live broadcast ended.


    The second round ofpetition was about to begin.


    A dozen or so staff members, who were in charge of the teams, brought theirptops over looking for qualifying teams. They recorded the titles of their performances for the next round and informed them of their estimated timing for their team''s performance. Those who were queued further back and not scheduled for recording today were allowed to go home. Their performances would be recorded on the following day instead.


    In front.


    Division C''s staff team walked over to Tang Dazhang''s two disciples, "Hello."


    Zhang Xiao smiled, "Hello."


    The staff member said, "What is the title of your performance?"


    Liu Yuan said in a clear voice, "''The Current State of Crosstalk''."


    The staff member recorded it down, "Your recording time is scheduled for around 4PM. That will being up pretty soon, so please begin preparing for it." After that, he took a look at hisptop and his eye twitched a little. He looked left and right to see where the next group -- Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai were standing before going up to them as well.


    Zhang Xiao and Liu Yuan did not move, but looked over at them.


    The staff asked, "What about your performance title?"


    Zhang Ye calmly replied, "''I Will Reject the Three Vulgarities''."


    What?


    You want to reject the Three Vulgarities?


    What sort of performance was that!


    The staff member panicked for a moment and then looked at them in surprise. He thought that it was a joke, but Yao Jiancai repeated it once more upon seeing that the staff member had not written it down. Only then did he realize that this was a serious reply. What was the meaning of this? After theizens had called them tasteless and said that they did not understand the art of crosstalk, were they thinking of turning over a new leaf today? Were they nning on doing a performance closer to the epted mainstream crosstalks? They took the initiative to be a team that advocated positive performances? Or were they nning to use crosstalk to do some self-criticism? Reflect upon their own selves? The two of you were such spineless people?!


    Zhang Xiao and Liu Yuan also looked at each other, at a loss of words when they heard the title. Were those two going to perform as the prodigal son who returns home, but the two of you had already angered so many people! Even if you wanted to salvage your reputation now, it was toote!


    They finally sumbed to the pressure?


    Ah, it''s toote anyway!


    Around them, other people. who overheard it, also had a glimmer of doubt in their eyes.


    But Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai did not say anything else. The two of them had already gone to prepare at the recording studio''s waiting room. They were evenughingly practicing with each other as they made their way over.


    After an hour.


    The studio''s staff came to get them.


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai both went along with them into the recording studio to have their makeup touched up and for a change of clothes.


    Yao Jiancai looked at Zhang Ye and said, "Bro, are you really nning on saying that?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "What do you think?"


    Yao Jiancai was at a loss of whether tough or cry, "Isn''t it too face smacking?"


    "If it wasn''t face smacking, I wouldn''t have chosen this performance." Zhang Ye said frankly.


    Yao Jiancai sighed in acknowledgement, "I''ve finally understood that, with my involvement with you in crosstalk, I shouldn''t expect my future to be stable anymore. Right now, the way we''re going would make us everyone''s enemy."


    Zhang Ye did not seem to mind. Instead, he even felt it was the norm. He said, "Since my debut, this has been happening every step of the way. I''m already used to it."


    "This old bro is not used to it though!" Yao Jiancai nearly fainted.


    After a few minutes, the both of them had gone backstage to do some preparations. They could hear Zhang Xiao and Liu Yuan, who were on stage performing their joke segments and the particr one they were doing right now was.....


    Zhang Xiao, ".....It''s getting more and more low ss."


    Liu Yuan, "Yes."


    Zhang Xiao, "The crosstalk circle these days are in such a mess. It even attracted some people who do talk shows toe and earn their keep here. Some professional crosstalkers have also stooped to an all time low!"


    That was obviously targeted at Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai!


    When they finished the segment, the viewers and audience did not react. There was no cheers at all!


    But at the studio, there was quite a bit ofughter from the crosstalk actors who hade to watch and from the crosstalk judges. It felt as if they had just heard an extremely funny joke segment and were especially tickled. There were even some who pped!


    The audience was leftpletely speechless and could only stare at each other. What was so funny about that? Did all of you people be crazy? F**k, your sense of humor was too low!


    Zhang Ye looked at Old Yao, "So are we gonna say that or not?"


    Yao Jiancai cursed out loudly, "F**k! We must definitely say it! We have to say this ''I will reject the Three Vulgarities''"!


    ***Trantor notes:


    Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page.


    Happy holidays to those who are having it!!

 Chapter 486: Arrival of the Jinx!

    <h4>Chapter 486: Arrival of the Jinx! </h4>


    Chapter 486: Arrival of the Jinx!


    Central TV.


    In a particr break room.


    "Hey, Old Tang, you were smoking in here?" A crosstalk actor in his forties walked in. As he spoke, he lit a cigarette for himself.


    Tang Dazhangughed and said, "Smoking is prohibited outside, so I had to sneak in here to have a smoke or two."


    The person said, "You aren''t going to watch your disciples'' performance?"


    Tang Dazhang said, "I''ve already vetted them once, so they should do just fine."


    "Next round will be Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s performance. I just asked the staff, and guess what they''re performing? Haha, I''m certain you won''t be able to guess it." The crosstalk actor roared withughter. "The work that the two of them are performing is called ''I will reject the Three Vulgarities''. They must be in fear after all of the controversy. Now, the crosstalk world, the Folk Art world, and even the Writers'' Association are denouncing them, so Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai can no longer take it. They want to turn over a new leaf!"


    Tang Dazhang asked, "Is it true?"


    "Definitely. The name has already been submitted." He had also taken interest. "Let''s go. It''s going to begin soon. After our smoke, we should gather some people to watch them perform."


    Tang Dazhang said, "They must have enjoyed themselves too much by going overboard, incurring the wrath of the masses. So what if themoners like his crosstalking style? If our industry doesn''t recognize it, then it''spletely useless!" Saying that, he felt a great sense of anticipation, so he stubbed his cigarette butt and said, "Let''s go and take a look."


    That person said, "There''s no way our industry will acknowledge that kind of crosstalk which is full of the Three Vulgarities!"


    ......


    Upstairs.


    Live broadcast control room.


    The person-in-charge of the crosstalk and skitpetition decided to hold the ground and monitor things personally this time. He was afraid that another ident or mistake simr to yesterday''s would happen.


    "Is everything fine?"


    "Definitely."


    "Oh, after this live broadcast is halted, cut off Division C''s signal, and air Division F''s performance."


    This was overall control, which controlled many of the live broadcast signals across many of Central TV''s channel websites. Amongst them were Central TV''s Department 11''s crosstalkpetition''s official website. The live broadcast signal was currently provided to Tang Dazhang''s disciples'' ''The current state of Crosstalk''. Zhang Xiao and Liu Yuan were mocking Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai in it, and their program was about toe to an end.


    Suddenly, an overhead light shed!


    The equipment experienced an outage for a moment!


    "What happened?"


    "There was a ckout for a second?"


    "Why is there another problem!?"


    "The signal has been cut!"


    "It''s alright. The machines have backup power, so just reconnecting them would do!"


    The control room began to busy themselves. Many employees were hurriedly adjusting the equipment and reconnecting the signals. They were not only in charge of Department 11''s crosstalkpetition, but they were also responsible for the entire Central TV''s channels and signals. If something happened here, the other Central TV channels would also be affected, so they naturally had to fix things as soon as possible!


    30 seconds ....


    One minute...


    Finally, the signal was re-established!


    The person-in-charge hurriedly said, "Our Department 11''spetition website, switch it to broadcast Division F."


    The technician said, "Hold on. We''ll do it one by one."


    The person-in-charge said unhappily, "Ours is a live broadcast, so do ours first!"


    After hearing his tone, that person was a bit irritated. After smacking his lips, he still gave priority to Department 11''s signal. "F...F...Alright, I connected it."


    The person-in-charge heaved a sigh of relief and nodded. Only then did he walk away rxed. He went to the recording studio to monitor the filming as he could not stay here to stare at things all day.


    As for the other people left in the control room, they were in a hurry to adjust the other signals!


    ......


    On the web.


    Numerous gazes were gathered on the crosstalkpetition!


    "Hey, who are these two?"


    "Zhang Xiao and Liu Yuan. Tang Dazhang''s disciples."


    "They can do crosstalk all they want, but why must these two grandsons ridicule Teacher Zhang and Teacher Yao? Are they sick?"


    "Their master and the entire artistic world is denouncing Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai. As his disciples, they naturally have to support him. This is an all-round attack!"


    "Ha, those two sure have guts!"


    "Ridicule Zhang Ye? Have they never heard of Zhang Ye''s infamy?"


    "That Tang Dazhang and his bunch of critics, or those from the artistic world or crosstalk associations sure are f**ked up. Zhang Ye has never offended them before, right? There was never any conflict with them from the beginning, yet they sure are good. It''s as if Zhang Ye has killed their entire family? They insist on biting Zhang Ye for no reason without letting go? They want to send him to his death? What sort of f**king people are these so-called artists and artistic associations!? What''s wrong with Zhang Ye?"


    "Those bunch of people keep having the arts hang off their mouths. What is art? Whatmoners like is called art! A ''I am a Schr'' is well-liked by all themoners. All of us are indulging in it, and Teacher Zhang Ye has entertained the masses. Then I think his work is art, but I wonder, why has the standard measurement of artistry be the exclusive right for a particr group of people? Some people keep insisting that this isn''t art, that this isn''t crosstalk, then that''s all there is to it? Themoners or the audience''s take doesn''t matter? F**k, then what value is there for the existence of art!? You might as well say and do whatever you want!"


    "Nicely said. Those bunch of people have overstepped their boundaries. I also admit that not everyone will like Zhang Ye''s works. No single form of art can aplish that. But now, Zhang Ye''s work has been highly acimed by nearly 90% of the people. They like it greatly, but only you so-called professionals are angrily stamping your feet and roaring. This scene sure is a wonder. Yesterday, I helped speak up for Zhang Ye, and in the end, a crosstalk senior came on Weibo to scold me, saying I was just a child and do not know anything about art. He told me to study a few more years. At that moment, I felt like ten thousand strings of "f**k you" overwhelming me. What sort of person was this? Must crosstalk be educative to be considered crosstalk? Is it that we asmoners do not even have the right to like something? We can''t even have the right to our own aesthetic preferences? We can only like those works highlighted by so-called experts? And I can''t not like it?"


    "That''s right!"


    "Those bunch of people must be mad!"


    "They are really sick! It''s just a few crosstalk actors and critics, but they think of themselves as gods? They even want to summon the wind and rain so as to rule the world!"


    "Unconditional support for Zhang Ye!"


    "Endure it, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Right, we all like you! Don''t listen to that bunch of people spouting nonsense!"


    "Teacher Yao, Teacher Zhang, we will go through thick and thin with you!"


    "Zhang Ye, I really didn''t like you in the past. You went around scolding people and even scolded my idol. Of course, I have cursed you in all sorts of ces, but for this matter, I''ll support you! Fight it out with them!"


    Currently it was the most difficult period for Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai. Being banned was a humbling experience to begin with, and with them being out of options, they had attempted to find a new path by participating in the crosstalkpetition. Now, having produced a piece of work, they had been condemned by so-called professionals. Everyone seemed insistent on their deaths. For this, themoners could no longer watch this without doing a thing. On this matter, a majority ofmoners stood on Zhang Ye''s side, including those who had previously warred with Zhang Ye''s fans. It also included people who did not like him in the past, but they now came to support him.


    In such times, the charm of art was this. An excellent piece of work could make a person like another person,pleting changing his views. Of course, it might also be that those people believed that despite Zhang Ye being despicable and immoral,pared to those professionals who wanted to destroy him, Zhang Ye was considered a rtively kind person. At least, he had fought formoners more than once. This fellow''s personality was a bit bad, and did things or cursed people that rendered others speechless, but his moral standing and character were wless! As for those so-called professionals? What did they do? What have they done for themoners? They only knew how to reject others and use their mouths. Whenmoners leftments, they would be scolded by them. They were told off ascking the morality their ancestors had, that they did not know art or were were just inly ignorant? F**k! Based on what!? Do we owe you!?


    "I wonder what Zhang Ye and his bro will talk about this time."


    "We won''t be able to see it."


    "I''m waiting to see if there will be a pirated version."


    "Forget it. During the recording, it seems cellphones are confiscated."


    "Will there be a live broadcast?"


    "You sure hope too much. Yesterday''s live broadcast was a mistake by the staff. It''s impossible for it to happen again today."


    "Ah, why did the signal cut off?"


    "Tang Dazhang''s disciples are done?"


    "They weren''t done. It''s not cut off. Eh, Central TV''s other websites also seem to be experiencing problems. Department 1''s website can''t be opened. Same for Department 5."


    "The signal has been restored. They are now airing Division F''s crosstalk!"


    "Indeed. They really want to ban Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai!"


    At the same time, Zhang Ye''s friends and rtives, as well as numerous people were staring at the live broadcast signal. Maybe they were hoping for a miracle to happen, but they were finally disappointed. Yesterday''s miracle did not repeat itself.


    "Sigh."


    "Let''s disperse."


    "Without Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai, there''s no point watching."


    But at this moment, a sharp-eyedizen suddenly shouted on a message board, "Holy sh*t! Quick look at Department 11''s official website! Not the crosstalkpetition''s official website! Go one level up, on Department 11''s main official website!"


    "Why?"


    "Go see for yourself!"


    "Let me see."


    As people saw him screaming, they clicked over in wonder. And with that, everyone''s expressions became the same as what they had yesterday. All of them stared with widened eyes!


    Live broadcast!


    It was Division C''s live broadcast signal!


    Many people found it unbelievable. The crosstalkpetition''s live stream videos and advertisements were on a subdomain of Department 11. There was a live broadcast page on Department 11''s official website, but that was for the entire station, and was linked to the television broadcast. It meant that in the semi-finals, only during the live broadcast on television would Department 11''s official website air the crosstalkpetition live. At other times, what aired on this page was synchronized with what was aired on television. For the crosstalkpetition''s preliminaries, the battleground was still on the inte. It had yet to reach television. At this time, Department 11 was airing crosstalk and skits from past year''s Spring Festival Gs, but now, during that one minute of technical difficulties, what appeared was the live signal from Division C''s crosstalkpetition!


    "Heavens!"


    "Am I seeing wrongly?"


    "Haha, Yao Jiancai and Zhang Ye are going onstage!"


    "Awesome. To think that there''s a live broadcast signal here. Did they make a mistake?"


    "Hush, everyone spread it amongst yourselves and don''t publicize it or lodge anyints. Hehe. Let''s finish watching the performance first. I was looking forward to this so much!"


    "Right, I''ll tell others!"


    "A miracle has happened once again!"


    ......


    Control room.


    Everyone was done busying themselves as they heaved a sigh of relief.


    As there were too many things to operate and there were too many things to restore, everyone was in disarray, so there were a few mistakes. They also did not discover it, as they were only hoping to restore the signal as soon as possible.


    "That was tiring."


    "Finally it''s done."


    "Why are there so many problems these two days?"


    "Who knows. Our shift is ending. Let''s prepare to go home."


    ......


    Central TV did not realize this at all.


    Manyizens had discovered this secret early on, and spread by word of mouth, telling their friends and family. Immediately, there were more and more people watching!


    "Ah!"


    "It''s really a live broadcast!"


    "Holy sh*t, I even thought Old Han was bluffing me!"


    "Heavens, how small is the probability of this happening?"


    The signal was messed up!


    The signal was messed up again!


    After yesterday, everyone already felt that Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai had gotten some dogshit luck, and was too heaven-defying. They had managed to enjoy an event with such low probability, but after seeing this scene again today, no one could say a thing anymore. This was no longer about low probabilities!


    Jinx!


    That Zhang Ye was indeed a jinx!


    How can such unbelievable and amazing things happen on this fellow!? And how f**king unlucky is Central TV''s Department 11? Why did they encounter this time and time again!?


    ***Trantor notes:


    Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page.


    Goooo Team Zhang Ye!

 Chapter 487: Disparaging Begins!

    <h4>Chapter 487: Disparaging Begins! </h4>


    Chapter 487: Disparaging Begins!


    At the venue.


    In the recording studio.


    No one knew what had happened. After Zhang Xiao and Liu Yuan''s crosstalk ended, there wasn''t much apuse from the audience.


    This was because they did not find Tang Dazhang''s disciples'' crosstalk funny at all. Maybe it was because their standards had been raised after watching Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s performance yesterday. It was also possible that Zhang Xiao and Liu Yuan''s performance today was indeed bad. There wasn''t muchughter from beginning to end. Furthermore, when the two of them were ridiculing Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai, it was extremely jarring to the audience''s ears. In their opinion, Zhang Ye''s crosstalk was excellent. In some aspects, it had already reached the crest of perfection, exceeding all the crosstalk works that currently existed, but the duo was ridiculing how Zhang Ye engaged in the Three Vulgarities? You ridiculed how they couldn''t do crosstalk? What sort of qualifications do you have? Take a look at what crap you are performing!


    The audience did not like it.


    Bba Bba Bba. There was still apuse though.


    Why? This was because Tang Dazhang and a group of crosstalk actors and other judges for the preliminaries had entered in droves and sat down. They did not get to listen to it from the beginning, but managed to hear thest segment that the duo did. They found it especially good and pped while smiling and nodding their heads!


    A crosstalk seniormented, "This is what art looks like."


    Another Folk Art Association cadre said, "Yes, Zhang Xiao and Liu Yuan are not bad."


    "Old Tang took into two good disciples. It makes me green with envy." Another industry peer praised.


    Tang Dazhang said modestly, "The two are still young and aren''t up to the mark yet."


    The judges below the stage were no longer the same three people as there had been a change. The three were all seniors of the crosstalk world. All of them were in their forties or fifties. After listening to the performance, they gave high praises to Zhang Xiao and Liu Yuan''s crosstalk performance. "It was very artistic and,pared to the previous work, it is one step higher. The final drive at the topic was very forceful and well done. It also analyzed the current situation of crosstalk very clearly."


    Another old judge nodded his head while stroking his beard and said, "Very profound. Not bad."


    Audience: "..."


    Do you have eyes? This crappy crosstalk wasn''t humorous at all. It nearly bored us to sleep, and you f**king said it was not bad? It was art with profoundness? Are we even in the same world? Are we even listening to the same crosstalk performance?!


    Zhang Xiao smiled and said, "Thank you to the judges for your affirmation."


    Liu Yuan said, "We will continue working hard."


    The third judge hesitated and said something fair. "There were a few burdens that were not stirring enough and were rtively weak."


    Tang Dazhang frowned and gave that judge a cold nce. It was unknown what he was thinking about.


    In a blink of an eye, the two of them disembarked from the stage. While they passed by Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai, Tang Dazhang''s two disciples leered at them with a taunting look.


    The announcer said, "Next up. Zhang Ye, Yao Jiancai. They will be performing ''I will reject the Three Vulgarities''. May we invite the two contestants on stage."


    What?


    Reject the Three Vulgarities?


    The audience burst intoughter. Compared to the other crosstalk actors, the audience here clearly understood Zhang Ye better. I will reject the Three Vulgarities? They knew that it was possible if it came out from the mouths of others, but if it was said by this fellow, Zhang Ye? Definitely and absolutely impossible! He wanted to reject the Three Vulgarities? Then a female ass can climb up trees! For some reason, the audience immediately felt an overwhelming sense of anticipation as their appetites were whet!


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai stepped onstage.


    The first judge leered at them. "You can begin."


    The judge was not interested in speaking to them. On the web, their Folk Arts world had lost all decorum with Zhang Ye. They had boycotted and denounced him. They believed that if they kept this going, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai would very likely be disqualified from thepetition shortly after. When that happened, so what if their performances were good? So what if you had more votes? You still couldn''t enter the semi-finals!


    However, Zhang Ye did not take them seriously at all. Without even looking at them, he chuckled and began. "Hello everybody."


    Yao Jiancai smiled. "Hello everyone."


    Zhang Ye: "This round, it''s our turn."


    Yao Jiancai: "Yes."


    Zhang Ye stretched out his four fingers. "Crosstalk is an art, and it focuses on four subjects."


    Yao Jiancai smiled and said, "Yes."


    Zhang Ye said, "Drag, Shoes, Then, Sing."


    This kind of burden situations was already considered trite in the crosstalk world, however, the contents of the burden had never been said before in this world, hence the audience burst intoughter upon hearing this!


    Audience: "Hahaha!"


    Yao Jiancai stared and said, "It''s Talk, Learn, Humor, Sing!"


    Zhang Ye blinked. "You changed it?"


    "You''re the one who changed it!" Yao Jiancai said in a speechless manner, "You even said drag shoes then sing? Won''t you suffocate the audience with the smell!?"


    Audience: "Pfft hahahahaha!"


    When the judges and the twenty crosstalk and Folk Art world people present heard this, their expressions turned ugly. Didn''t you f**king say that you want to reject the Three Vulgarities, but what you are saying is still the Three Vulgarities! There''s no intention of you sincerely wanting to turn over a new leaf! This work of yours is nonsense once again?


    Zhang Ye sighed. "I don''t know much about it anyway."


    Yao Jiancai: "If you don''t know anything, then don''t spout rubbish. Don''t incur ridicule upon yourself."


    Zhang Ye looked at Old Yao and said, "Crosstalk is good. One look at Teacher Yao, and it''s obvious that you are a professional crosstalk actor, right?"


    Yao Jiancai chuckled and said, "I don''t dare to say so, but I did learn it for a few years."


    Zhang Ye said with curiosity, "I heard that it hasn''t been very peaceful recently the crosstalk world recently. It seems there''s a lot of angst and fighting in it. Is that true?"


    An uproar from the audience!


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    "Hahaha!"


    The audienceughed. All of them knew Zhang Ye was asking the obvious. It was more than angst and fighting. Those bunch of people are boycotting you! They are against your Three Vulgarities!


    Yao Jiancai coughed and said, "It''s indeed true."


    Zhang Ye: "I heard that everyone wants to reject the Three Vulgarities?"


    The audience hissed again. "Hahaha!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "I''m not really sure about that?"


    Zhang Ye stared and said, "What? You don''t even know about rejecting the Three Vulgarities? Hey, you are being abandoned by the era of the horse wagons!"


    Yao Jiancai eximed, "Horse wagons? Yes, this era sure is going too slow!"


    Zhang Ye: "You don''t even know about the Three Vulgarities?"


    Yao Jiancai: "I heard something about it. Why don''t you introduce them?"


    Zhang Ye immediately spread out his fingers. "What do the Three Vulgarities mean?"


    Yao Jiancai: "Which are the three?"


    Zhang Ye counted one by one. "Vulgar...Vulgar...Vulgar!"


    Yao Jiancai eximed, "Why is it all vulgar!? What about base and philistine?"


    Zhang Ye turned his head to look and pointed at Tang Dazhang''s disciples, who had just walked offstage. "Didn''t two of them go offstage just now?"


    When Zhang Xiao heard this, he nearly nted his face into the floor backstage!


    When Liu Yuan heard this, he nearly vomited blood. Zhang Ye! Your grandmother!


    You are the one who is base!


    You are the one who is philistine!


    Tang Dazhang''s face sank. The surrounding crosstalk actors were also enraged!


    However, in contrast to their expressions, be it the live audience or the audience watching the livestream online, they burst out intoughter after a second of pause!


    "Pfft!"


    "I knew it! I knew it!"


    "Hahaha! Zhang Ye''s mouth is too disparaging!"


    "Aiyah, I''m dying ofughter! Tang Dazhang''s disciples just ridiculed Zhang Ye in their performance, and now, they have been struck back by Teacher Zhang! And they were only being sarcastic and did not even name names, but Teacher Zhang is calling them out directly! He named names to disparage them!"


    "This will be good!"


    "I knew Teacher Zhang would not be willing to let the matter go!"


    "Haha, that''s right! With so many people questioning and boycotting Zhang Ye collectively, if Teacher Zhang didn''t strike back, then it clearly isn''t his style!"


    "The articte Face-smacking Zhang!"


    "Compared to Teacher Zhang''s disparaging, they are stillcking much!"


    ***Trantor notes:


    Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page.

 Chapter 488: This is what Crosstalk is about!

    <h4>Chapter 488: This is what Crosstalk is about! </h4>


    Chapter 488: This is what Crosstalk is about!


    He began disparaging the moment he went up!


    He began scolding the moment he appeared!


    And there was not a bit of foreshadowing. Zhang Ye''s hooligan nature of bringing injustice upon himself was perfectly revealed with great gusto.


    Be it at the venue or outside, the audience members were excited. They stared with their eyes widened as if they were on stimnts. Just this opening scene was already shocking enough. They had a feeling that, with Zhang Ye''s rotten temper, what he was about to say would be even more face smacking.


    Those at home, watching Department 11''s live broadcast on the inte, immediately informed their friends and family. More and more people gathered to watch the inte live stream and were extremely excited!


    "Quick, take a look!"


    "Old Chang,e online, quick!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang has returned!"


    "Central TV''s Department 11''s official website is streaming it live! Quickly watch!"


    "Yesterday, they collectively boycotted them, but now Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai are striking back!"


    "Ah ha. Tang Dazhang''s two disciples who led the front to disparage Zhang Ye are now covered in blood at the scene!"


    "They were scolded!"


    "I have a hunch that this ''I will reject the Three Vulgarities'' will definitely be a work of God!"


    ......


    On-stage.


    After revealing a burden, Zhang Ye looked at Yao Jiancai and said, "I really like this industry of yours. Do it well and serve the people. Bringughter to the masses."


    Yao Jiancai nodded. "That is as it should be."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Why do so many people like crosstalk?"


    "Why?" Yao Jiancai asked.


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s because crosstalk is an art from the people."


    Yao Jiancai: "That''s true."


    Zhang Ye said, "It praises themoners."


    Yao Jiancai: "Yes."


    Zhang Ye blinked and said, "So I really wish for you to engage in gang fights."


    The audienceughed!


    Yao Jiancai eximed, "Gang fights? Why would we engage in gang fights?"


    Zhang Ye corrected him. "No, no. My meaning is that if you want one person to praise, then the group of crosstalk performers will praise collectively!"


    Yao Jiancai chuckled, "Praise collectively? Why is it so weird?"


    This burden joke had once again pulled the crosstalk performers in. The audience were delighted to see this as theyughed or hissed with "Pfft" sounds!


    Zhang Ye said, "Anyway, I like crosstalk."


    Yao Jiancai: "If you like it, that''s good."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''sborious poems and songs."


    Yao Jiancai asked curiously, "Why did it be poems and songs?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged. "I usually like writing poems."


    Yao Jiancai asked with interest, "Do you have any works?"


    "Not mature works." Zhang Ye said humbly.


    Yao Jiancai: "Hur Hur, you can say some of it. We can listen to it."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, then I''ll hope everyone can correct me."


    Yao Jiancai nodded. "Then let''s enjoy it."


    Clearing his throat, Zhang Ye pondered for a little while before empathetically reciting, "The skies of Xuanwu district are clear. Tongzhou District''s people like it." He mustered up his hands and said emotionally, "Shouting out loud while looking at Fengtai in the distance...." His pitch went a little higher this time, "I love you.... Haidian!"


    Xuanwu, Tongzhou, Fengtai, Haidian. These were the names of several counties in Beijing. When this poem was recited by Zhang Ye, the audience all broke out inughter!


    "Hahaha!"


    "Aiyah!


    "Why did you shout out about Haidian when you were looking at Fengtai!"


    Yao Jiancai was also at a loss for words. He could only muster, "What kind of poem is that?!"


    Zhang Ye said, "You didn''t understand the deep meaning behind it?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "No, I didn''t. What deep meaning was there?"


    Zhang Ye said in a serious tone, "Although this poem does not sound like it, its meaning is actually very deep. It shows the close working rtionships of the Beijing people and the friendship and solidarity between the counties!"


    The audience was alreadyughing out loudly!


    Yao Jiancai shook his head, "I didn''t get that type of meaning from hearing it."


    Zhang Ye said earnestly, "To wee the National Sports Meet."


    Yao Jiancai: "I don''t see that either."


    Zhang Ye: "To aplish the four modernizations, to contribute to the sess of the China-Africa Forum, this reflects themoners contributions to all of those!"


    Yao Jiancai said exasperatedly, "Where in that poem was there such a meaning?!"


    Everyone in the audience were cramping up withughter. There was really no rtion to the National Sports Meet or even the China-Africa Forum!


    The Folk Arts world was just talking about how your crosstalk was vulgar and superficial, yet this is what you came up with?


    Hahahaha!


    Everyone could hear that Zhang Ye was being sarcastic towards that bunch of people!


    Zhang Ye stared at Yao Jiancai and said, "If I say there is, then there is! That if it is as such, then it will be that!"


    Yao Jiancai couldn''t be bothered by him, "Sure, sure, sure. Then I will just let it be so."


    Zhang Ye said, "Remember, as an actor, you need to serve the people."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Of course I know that."


    Zhang Ye: "You have to be elegant!"


    Yao Jiancai: "Elegant?"


    Zhang Ye spoke in a lofty manner, "We definitely cannot engage in the Three Vulgarities. We need to have good taste. We need to go one level up with a ''stool''!" Saying that, he tip-toed!


    Yao Jiancai hurriedly tugged at him. "You might fall,e down quickly. That''s apletely different level!"


    The audience burst intoughter!


    Zhang Ye shook his head in a serious manner. "We can''t fall for that again. We can only fall for it once, so we have to raise our level on a ''stool''!"


    Yao Jiancai was once again almost at a loss for words, "Raise our level on a ''stool''. If it has to be a ''stool'', then let it be a ''stool''!"


    Zhang Ye looked at him, "You''re getting chatty, aren''t ya?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "You''re the one who is being chatty!"


    A few of the audience members wereughing from beginning till the end until their mouths had gone numb!


    Zhang Ye patted Yao Jiancai on his shoulder and told him in earnest, "Remember, what is the use of crosstalk?"


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Please tell me?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Crosstalk....is meant to educate people!"


    When the audience heard this, they immediately went ''Yi''!


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    There was booing throughout the audience!


    Zhang Ye pointed out to the audience in confusion, "Eh? They are calling out for you?"


    Yao Jiancai said merrily, "That''s to stop you from talking any further."


    Zhang Ye said in profoundness, "That''s what I feel though. Crosstalk was meant to educate people! You''re not an actor!"


    Yao Jiancai: "Then what am I?"


    Zhang Ye said, "You''re a teacher!"


    Yao Jiancai: "Oh?"


    Zhang Ye continued on, "You''re ''an'' professor!"


    Yao Jiancai nearly fainted, "An professor? You don''t use ''an'' with professor!"


    The audience were stillughing!


    He''s scolding again!


    He''s started his scolding again!


    Zhang Ye was patting on him on the shoulders as he said, "Your job is to educate people, so you need to pay detailed attention to make sure that your work is of good taste. You also need to note what the people can learn from your work today. That''s what your job is all about. You do not need to consider whether or not it will bring joy to others!"


    Yao Jiancai: "Ah?"


    Zhang Ye grunted, "They deserve it! Whether or not it will bring joy!"


    At this point, the audience was pping their thighs inughter!


    Yao Jiancai: "Ah?"


    Zhang Ye: "Your job is just to educate others, so why do you care if they enjoy it or not! What''s so bad about losing hundreds of millions of viewers? Your position will still be very stable!"


    Yao Jiancai: "I don''t even know where I''m standing now, so don''t talk to me about stability?"


    Zhang Ye instructed, "You must be elegant no matter what! Do you know what elegance is?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Tell me?"


    Zhang Ye said, "An elegant person is one who goes against the people! Whether or not they listen. If they don''t listen, so be it! They will get their just deserts! And die off!"


    A few people in the audience could no longer take it. They were already tearing up from theughter. They knew Zhang Ye''s mouth was wicked, but they had not expected his sarcasm to be done in such a different way!


    He was just doing a nket bombing of sarcasm on those people!


    Those who had criticized Zhang Ye for his crosstalk, saying that he had no depth or artistic points, were all being scolded at now!


    Zhang Ye wasn''t done yet as he said to Old Yao, "Remember, you''re a teacher. As long as your works can cause a person to cry in agony, you''d have made it!"


    The crosstalk judges'' faces also turned dark!


    Yao Jiancai: "Ah?"


    Zhang Ye then said, "An outstanding crosstalk actor must surely reject the Three Vulgarities!"


    Yao Jiancai made a sound, "Is that so?"


    Zhang Ye said, "They must definitely reject the Three Vulgarities! That must be etched into the minds."


    Yao Jiancai said modestly, "Good, good, good."


    Zhang Ye said, " Surely(shitty), people make progress with modesty. If shitty people can improve! Then sure, you, as someone made of flesh and meat, can too!"


    With the audienceughing, Yao Jiancai touched his forehead and said, "You''re being too dirty again! You must be the embodiment of the Three Vulgarities."


    When Zhang Ye heard that, his eyes stared so harshly at him, "Do you think that I won''t kill you?"


    Yao Jiancai: "Heh!"


    Zhang Ye puffed up his cheeks and rolled up his sleeves, "You''ve never been beaten up by a hooligan before, have you? A flower pot smashed upon your head resulting in a bloody stter, even leaving your eyeballs in need of stitches! The Three Vulgarities are my means of insulting others. You can''t say that about me, get it?"


    Yao Jiancaiughed, "I can''t say that about you?"


    Zhang Ye dismissively said, "You dare say that I am an embodiment of the Three Vulgarities? Just someone like you would be shot immediately if you took a step forward. If you take a step backwards, you might be released onpassionate grounds!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Alright then, is there even anything good about me then?"


    Zhang Ye said, "For just being caught like this is enough to execute you with gunfire for five minutes straight!"


    Pfft!


    Shot immediately?


    Released onpassionate grounds?


    Execution by gunfire for 5 minutes straight?


    Aiyo, how did you evene up with such a segment!


    The audience was once again tickled by the hidden meanings contained within the segments. They couldn''t stopughing as they had never heard such a novel joke segment before!


    There was even wisdom and sarcasm contained in every part!


    Zhang Ye sounded like he was talking about Yao Jiancai, but it was obvious that this scolding was meant for other people!


    Zhang Ye pulled himself together before saying as he gestured, "From the moon looking down upon the earth, you''d first see the Great Wall, then followed by the bunch of us who are rejecting the Three Vulgarities!"


    Yao Jiancai said in surprise, "Heh, did these bunch of people really make such a big deal out of this?"


    Zhang Ye straightened his cor, "That''s for sure." then he looked down at the bunch of crosstalk actors, "There are many present here today with us who are rejecting the Three Vulgarities just like we are!" He waved at them.


    The audience roared withughter!


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    "Hahaha!"


    Below the stage, a crosstalk actor seated with Tang Dazhang could no longer sit around. He stood up with a darkened expression and turn around to leave. He wasn''t going to listen to this anymore!


    Zhang Ye saw him and said, "Why is one of our people leaving?"


    Yao Jiancaiughed, "He might be getting excited by all this talk and needs to go to the restroom."


    "Oh, I see." Zhang Ye waved at him and said, "I wish you sess!"


    When the crosstalk actor who had almost reached the door heard this, his legs fumbled and he nearly fell t on his face. Zhang Ye, you b**stard!


    You''re being too sarcastic!


    Why would you wish someone sess if they were going to the toilet?


    Am I a simpleton?


    At this moment, the audience burst out intoughter once more. The loudest one since the performance had begun!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Absolutely!


    That''s was a really good one!"


    "It''s still the most fun to listen to Zhang Ye scold others!"


    "Yea, those bunch of people were doing veiled satire, boycotted, denounced, and even anonymously criticized, but look at Teacher Zhang, he''s directly scolding them! And it was even in front of a national audience! Just this spirit alone is enough to one up those despicable people who had sour grapes!"


    "One even ran away!"


    "Aiyo, this is really tickling me so much!"


    This scolding really relieved the anger!


    It even felt good!


    Everyone feltfortable and felt great. This was what crosstalk was f**king about!


    ***Trantor notes:


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    Seems like we''re losing steam bad in the votes, we need you!!

 Chapter 489: Judges chased off by scoldings!

    <h4>Chapter 489: Judges chased off by scoldings! </h4>


    Chapter 489: Judges chased off by scoldings!


    The audience was spoiled by the humor!


    The crosstalk actors, who were standing with Tang Dazhang, were getting angrier and angrier. The guy surnamed Zhang trulycked eight generations of virtue! The person who had tried to leave was not only a crosstalk actor, he was also an administrator in the Folk Art Association. He even dared to criticize a teacher like that? He must really be mad! Actually, they wanted to follow him when he had left, as they did not want to listen to anymore of this, but because of Zhang Ye''s "I wish you sess", a few of those crosstalk actors and members of the Folk Arts Association, who was about to stand up and leave, sat back down almost immediately!


    Why?


    They were afraid that Zhang Ye would put his focus onto them!


    They looked at each other and could see the hostility in each other''s eyes!


    But Zhang Ye''s crosstalk performance was still not done. He stood on stage without any pressure since what he talked about was still within the limits of an online broadcast. He did not seem to care. Even if it did cross the line, he was not bothered by it. Zhang Ye was not the type to hold back due to considerations. He was the sort who lived for the moment!


    He said to Old Yao, "If you don''t reject the Three Vulgarities and join our team, then you are definitely not a good actor. And so, we will not acknowledge that you can do crosstalk!"


    "Wu!"


    "Yi!"


    The audience understood the meaning of what was being said!


    Yao Jiancaiughed, "Oh, really?"


    Zhang Ye looked at him with the intention to teach and guide him, "In the dead of the night, you have a cigarette in your left hand, a bottle of beer in your right hand, and a piece of chicken hanging from your mouth. After taking two puffs from the cigarette, gulping down a mouthful of beer, and ravishly eating some food, ask yourself if you have rejected the Three Vulgarities!"


    The audience was stunned and then broke out inughter!


    Yao Jiancai made a couple of gestures with his hands and said, "Heh! I don''t know about rejecting the Three Vulgarities, but those three activities are enough to keep me busy! Look at me smoking while I enjoy my food!"


    The audience roared withughter once again!


    Zhang Ye sighed and said, "Sometimes, while walking on the streets, I often think. Why do the people of this world refuse to realize the errors of their ways? Why do they not understand? Why can''t all of them be teachers or educators��" Reaching his hand out, he grabbed a white cloth on the stage and blew his nose and threw the cloth on the ground and exhaled before sighing, "Only then would the world be so perfect!"


    Yao Jiancai rolled his eyes, "Is that how an educator behaves?!"


    "Haha!"


    "Hur hur hur hur!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Teacher Yao, I do not understand why there is a higher grade, even though all of us are just crosstalk performers?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "That''s because the others say it better."


    Zhang Ye said, "Look at those ''mainstream'' crosstalk actors, look at how well their crosstalks are!" Hey emphasis on the word ''mainstream''.


    The expressions of the crosstalk actors offstage changed!


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Which one?"


    Zhang Ye said, "There''s an outstanding crosstalk actor, I wonder if you know him?"


    Yao Jiancai asked curiously, "Who is it? Give us his name."


    The audience blinked in anticipation.


    Zhang Ye said, "Tang Dade, do you all know him?"


    Yao Jiancai looked stunned, "Tang Dade?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, that one who does crosstalks really well."


    Yao Jiancai touched his nose, "......that name sounds really familiar to me somehow..."


    At this moment, many of the audience reacted, first with a stunned expression, followed byughing and pping!


    Pfft!


    Tang Dade?


    Tang Dazhang?


    Tang Dazhang''s expression sunk!


    The expressions of the crosstalk actors around him also had a drastic change!


    Zhang Ye said, "You don''t know him? He''s the one who is always wearing those long robes, with his hairbed back, big eyes, andrge stature? Around 1.8 meters tall. That one!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "He''s that tall?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yea, after cremation, he''d fill up at least a box and a half!"


    Cremation? I''ll cremate your sister! Tang Dazhang nearly vomited blood when he heard that!


    The audience members were all pping in joy andughing themselves into stitches. That mouth of Teacher Zhang was really so sarcastic all the way to your grandmother''s house!


    Yao Jiancai said, "Hai, who even asked about the cremated remains!"


    Zhang Ye held out his hand with his thumb up, saying, "That guy''s crosstalk prowess is really the best out there!"


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Really?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Did you hear about his new crosstalk performance yet? The crosstalk''s title is called ''A New Countryside''."


    Yao Jiancai asked puzzledly, "Was there such a crosstalk?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It was good, it was really good. It was really passionate, fervent, and a pee-jerker!"


    A woman, who had just taken a sip of water was not prepared for this and spat out the water all over the floor!


    Yao Jiancai nearly fainted, "Pee? How did you even end up talking about peeing?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Do you know how many people were cured of their prostate problems when they heard that crosstalk?!"


    A few male audiences were pounding their thighs as theyughed extremely hard at this!


    Then, Yao Jiancai said, "Heh, it was so miraculous? What did that work talk about?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I especially liked ''A New Countryside'' since it was so good. If it were up for auction, I guess it would go for around a few hundred thousand."


    Yao Jiancai looked even more curious, "Yo, is it really that good, then you should tell us more about it?"


    Zhang Ye looked at everyone and said, "The great crosstalk work, ''A New Countryside'' says: Good day to allrades and good day to our friends from all the different jobs and industries. Please support our ''A New Countryside''. We need to follow the words of our leaders, to sleep early and wake early, to not spit on the ground, so that we may build our countryside well." With that, Zhang Ye looked intoxicated and full of admiration.


    But Yao Jiancai was confused, "Is that it?"


    Then, he saw Zhang Ye smacking his thigh as he squatted down and said with his tone changed, "It''s really too good! I''mughing so much I can''t control myself anymore!"


    The audience was alsoughing out loud!


    Yao Jiancai said, "What about it makes youugh uncontrobly?"


    Zhang Ye was still squatting down and smacking his thigh!


    "Hey, hey!" Yao Jiancai went to pull him up, "Get up, get up, what the heck is going on? Have you ever heard of such serious crosstalk? Why about it has made youugh so uncontrobly?"


    Seeing the state that Zhang Ye was in, the audience''sughter did not stop either!


    Tang Dazhang rage was rising in his eyes and he turned to leave as well!


    When the audience saw that another person had been chased away by the scolding, theyughed even harder!


    Zhang Ye finally stood up after a long time, "What a great crosstalk."


    Yao Jiancai rolled his eyes, "How is that even crosstalk?"


    Zhang Ye gave a thumbs up, "A truly good crosstalk would move one deeply! This is what you must learn from. You need to learn from him and change your attitude. Don''t be like some crosstalker who does not love himself on or off stage and finally even (Di��o''er L��ng D��ng R�� Y��) half-heartedly went into prison!"


    "Ah?" Yao Jiancai quickly corrected him, "That''s called (L��ng D��ng R�� Y��) chained up and put into prison."


    Zhang''er said, "That crosstalk actor''s stage name is called Diao''er."


    Only then did Yao Jiancai made a chuckle and said, "What sort of name is that! How can he be named as such?"


    Zhang Ye said, "People like us who reject the Three Vulgarities all have stage names like these."


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Why? Why don''t they use their real names instead?"


    Zhang Ye nced at him, "Nonsense, if you use your real names, you might get beaten up!"


    The audience cramped up withughter again!


    Yao Jiancai said, "So, people like you are afraid of being beaten up?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m not afraid, but those of us who have been studying methods to reject the Three Vulgarities are!"


    "Yo, you even have a team?" Yao Jiancai asked.


    Zhang Ye said, "Yea, I do. Our team is full of talents who are either crosstalk actors, folk arts world actors, reviewers or critics."


    Reviewers? Critics? The audience''s first thought was on Alexander and the few others who were denouncing Zhang Ye onlinest night! Their attention was jolted and they listened carefully!


    Yao Jiancai blinked and said, "Can you introduce to us then? What their stage names are?"


    Zhang Ye unreservedly said, "For example, one of our famous cultural reviewers is called ''Who''s the dumbest''."


    Yao Jiancai chuckled, "That person is so modest."


    the Zhang Ye continued introducing the others, "And then there''s our famous critic called.... ''I''m the dumbest''."


    Yao Jiancai said again, "That one is even more modest!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Then there''s one of our Folk Arts expert."


    "What''s he called?" Yao Jiancai asked curiously.


    Zhang Ye said, "He''s called ''Dont''."


    The audience and the judges did not understand what he meant.


    Dont?


    What''s the punchline here?


    Yao Jiancai also asked, "What kind of name is that? Is he a foreigner?"


    Zhang Ye waved his hands in denial, "No, he''s Chinese, a minority ethnicity. That is his name, but his surname is ''Buttin''."


    Yao Jiancai asked suspiciously, "Buttin?"


    Zhang Ye affirmatively nodded, "Dont Buttin."


    When this joke was revealed, everyone erupted intoughter!


    "Aiyo!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Don''t butt in?"


    "This is really scolding! It''s so good!"


    "Haha, I can''t take this anymore!"


    "Those people were butting in for no reason!"


    Zhang Ye cracked his fingers and said, "Just the few of us, Who''s the dumbest, I''m the dumbest and Dont Buttin were discussing everyday about their research on how to reject the Three Vulgarities. Our goal is to make it so that when we look back at earth from the moon, we wouldn''t even be able to spot the Great Wall. The first thing that must be seen is us, this bunch of rejectors of the Three Vulgarities!"


    Yao Jiancai raised his head and chuckled again, "Do you all think that there''s already ack ofmotion?"


    The few technical staff members who had been holding back theirughter all this time could no longer hold back. The camera assistant and producers were allughing out straight into their hands that they used to cover their faces with!


    Then, a few more folk arts world members, including those crosstalk actors all stood up and walked out of the studio in rage. There were more than a dozen of them streaming out of the studio!


    What was even more shocking was that among the three crosstalkpetition judges, two of them had also left in anger. They did not want to see this anymore, so they left thest judge there speechless at the performance.


    "What?"


    "Even the judges got chased away?"


    "Pfft! Why did the judges leave! This has never happened before in the history of the crosstalkpetition! Aiyo, this is turning out to be such a joke! Teacher Zhang is such a wonder! He can even chase the judges away with his scolding!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Can he not be that funny!"


    Before this, the folk arts world members had depended on their statuses and majority in numbers to continuouslysh out at Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai. They made use of the masses'' voice to apply pressure on them. But now, at this moment, Zhang Ye had given them a taste of their own medicine. He had used the same tactic back on them! Including those online denouncers which included celebrities, critics and reviewers, Zhang Ye had carpet-scolded them all in this crosstalk! He had scolded with a prating coldness!


    They were an army with a few hundred to a few thousand mouths!


    But Zhang Ye only had one mouth, yet he was able to hit and push them back!


    The masses'' voice had now be a singr voice. When Zhang Ye opened his mouth, he could push back their thousands of mouths, he could even melt gold with just his mouth alone!


    Just what sort of power was this!


    What sort of savageness was this!!


    Trantor Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. Seems like we''re losing steam bad in the votes, we need you!! The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter! In another 20 minutes, the window for voting will be reset, so please remember to vote before (if you have not done it) and after! Thank you!

 Chapter 490: The Kings without a crown!

    <h4>Chapter 490: The Kings without a crown! </h4>


    Chapter 490: The Kings without a crown!


    The performance was over.


    They had finished their crosstalk performance.


    At the scene, a tidal wave like apuse rang out. Many members of the audience were still pping as theyughed. Even though the crosstalk performance was over, they were still roaring withughter, immersed in the godlike joke segments of Zhang Ye.


    With inte technology being so advanced and the overload of information, there wasn''t much that themoners had not seen before. Clips of people being scolded or scolding people were all toomon, but to be able to scold at such a level, to use sarcasm in such a yful way, and even bringing humorous punchlines across, this was something that they had witnessed for the first time in their lives. All of this was embedded deeply into their minds!


    "Alright!"


    "Hahaha!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you''re really great!"


    "Teacher Yao is great too, he''s supporting really well!"


    "Aiyo, I''ve shedded more than a pound of water from just my tears alone today!"


    The live studio audience were very ttering with their thunderous apuse. It was even more passionate and louder than yesterday''s "I am a Schr"!


    The preliminary round was a stage for Zhang Ye to show his style of crosstalking. In today''s second round of performances, Zhang Ye had finally let loose by continuing the never before seen style of crosstalk by not only developing it, but actually bringing it to it''s peak of development. He injected sarcasm, no, perhaps it was better to say that every of his sentences were made to be sarcastic from the beginning till the end. When the audience saw this performance, they were all excited by it and were making a scene in the recording studio with their whistling!


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Thank you everyone."


    Yao Jiancai also said, "Thank you."


    Zhang Ye had a good time scolding, while Old Yao was also very satisfied with what he said. The two of them were in high spirits.


    Working together this time was really a sublimation of their artistic talents. In the past, a person from Zhang Ye''s previous world had said -- The main and side character both try to seek out a good partner, but that is even more difficult than choosing the correct daughter-inw. Zhang Ye fully agreed with this. Just like today''s joke segments, only Old Yao couldtch onto them as well as he did. If he were to have any other partner, even if Zhang Ye were to break down the script and reproduce it word for word, it would still be unlikely that they could hold the exchange so well. This not only required good basics and professionalism, but it also required mutual understanding, especially knowing each other''s characters well. Besides, what kind of crosstalk would ever stickpletely to script?


    It would not be possible for the main and side characters to follow the script to a cue and while making subtle changes that required spontaneous wit. A little slip of the mouth would bring about changes in the script, making it hard to follow exactly the way it was nned.


    This was why Zhang Ye felt that he was very lucky that Old Yao was the one beside him. It allowed him to talk freely and with ease, making it possible to do justice to the original work of "I will reject the Three Vulgarities" by Guo Degang!


    The apuse stopped.


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai both looked towards the judges panel.


    There was only one judge left sitting there, the one who evaluated Tang Dazhang''s disciples'' crosstalk performance to becking. It felt as though he wasn''t that hostile towards Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai.


    But he was also rather speechless now. Witnessing such an amazing performance by the two of them, he no longer knew how to evaluate their work, "Hmm, you guys...."


    The audience were anticipating hisments.


    Finally, with a slight hesitation, he said, "Let''s move on to the next group." He chose not to say too much even if he was amazed by Zhang Ye''s talent. After all, he was still a part of the crosstalk world. With the crosstalk and folk art world bothbeling Zhang Ye as a heretic, it would be wiser not to say anything at all.


    Zhang Ye smiled and prepared to go off the stage with Old Yao.


    As they turned around to walk off, the audience stood up and gave another round of thunderous apuse. It felt like they were cheering them on with their pping!


    "Go, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Yao, you go too!"


    "We will support the two of you!"


    "Yea, if the crosstalk world does not recognize you both? There''s still us around!"


    "Who dares to say that the two of you were vulgar? Your crosstalk performance was truly an art form! Without some sarcasm or or an affable speaking tone, how could you call it art?"


    "Haha! Let those mainstream crosstalk actors go be educators! We will listen to crosstalks by the both of you in the future!"


    "If this is what being vulgar is, I''ll choose to be vulgar!"


    None of the judges affirmed their performance, with two of them leaving the studio in a rage, but at this moment, on almost all of the audience''s minds, Yao Jiancai and Zhang Ye were the kings without crowns!


    ......


    At the same moment.


    Those who were watching online exploded with excitement as well!


    "Oh my God! Is Zhang Ye on steroids today!?"


    "Hahahaha! Every time that Zhang Ye stands on a stage, his king''s aura will always show! Competing on sarcasm or face smacking, who could match up to him?"


    "He''s the ultimate best!"


    "The incident that made meugh the most was when the judges were chased away by his scolding. Aiyo, I just keptughing till my sides were in pain whenever I think of this! Hahahahaha!"


    "The famous Alexander and the few other reviewers have all been scolded badly!"


    "The one who got the worst was Tang Dazhang and those people from the folk arts world!"


    "Dont Buttin! Aiyo, how did Teacher Zhang think of that! It''s so sarcastic! It''s too wicked! Didn''t he smack the entire Folk Arts world and Crosstalk world with that?!"


    "But they were really butting in! Zhang Ye did not offend or step on anyone''s tail and even kept rather quiet after being banned by the SARFT, but those people still chose to stir up issues with him. Then, when Zhang Ye came to do crosstalk, he did not do anything to the folk arts world or the crosstalk world, but they still chose find fault with him, calling on the whole country to suppress him along with them! They even wanted to pressure Central TV into disqualifying Zhang Ye''s participation rights? What dog shit was that! Why did they butt in for!"


    "Zhang Ye''s really outstanding!"


    "Teacher Zhang been really outstanding in the entertainment industry without match!"


    "Eh, the live broadcast has been cut off!"


    "Hehe, Central TV Department 11 has finally realized their mistake!"


    ......


    At the same time.


    A control room in Central TV.


    Seven or eight leaders and staff of Department 11 had rushed over and some were even leaders of Central TV. Of course, there were also those who were involved as the organizers of the crosstalkpetition!


    "Are you all looking to be fired?"


    "Ah?"


    "Leader, we...we really did not know!"


    "A total of 10 minutes had been broadcasted and none of you realized it?"


    "There was a power failure in between and an interruption of the signal happened. After getting it back up, we might have made some mistake while readjusting the equipment."


    "It was like this yesterday!"


    "And it''s still the same today?"


    "It''s a little too coincidental and we......"


    In there, only the Central TV''s leader''s voice could be heard giving the staff a great scolding. Even Department 11 could not escape this great scolding!


    The first time, it was a mistake!


    But this was already the second time!


    And there was still a mistake?


    Two continuous days of mistakes?


    And it even happened again with the same two banned celebrities?


    What''s the meaning of all these!


    What the heck was going on!


    The SARFT had just transferred one of the their deputy chiefs out and an iing leader from the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China was appointed. This would be the big boss that would be overseeing the entertainment industry as his role and responsibility. Even as a deputy chief, he would outrank their Central TV''s party member leader by a head. With all these movements, the Central TV team still dared to go against the flow?


    They even dared to broadcast banned artists'' programs?


    And it was even a live broadcast?


    Wasn''t that going against the authorities!


    That SARFT Deputy Chief was about to step into his new role. A newly appointed official works hard to show his efficiency, so weren''t they clearly lining themselves up before a ''firing squad''!?


    Within the station, the management was so angered by this that they gave these people a great scolding!


    Finally, the leader put down his stand saying that "this mishap must never happen again". He turned and went back to his office to make some calls to the authorities to exin that all of these were down to control mistakes and were not intentional.


    In any case, this issue was a big mess!


    Just one person, a minor artist like Zhang Ye, had managed to cause such a ruckus within these affected departments. The waters were getting murkier by the second!


    Over at the control room.


    Those who stayed behind all had the urge to curse and swear!


    "That hooligan!"


    "What the heck is he trying to stir up?"


    "What a god of gue!"


    "I''ve never seen someone so jinxed!"


    "If we knew earlier, no matter how big of a controversy it would cause, we would definitely not have epted Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s applications!"


    ......


    Outside.


    After Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai came out from the recording studio, it was still unbeknownst to them what had happened. They were still discussing the details and mistakes of their earlier performance and summing up their experiences to each other so that they could learn from it for theter stages of thepetition.


    As they were talking, Yao Jiancai turned on his cellphone. Since their part wasplete for today, he was turning it on when a call from his home arrived. From this call, he found out about what had just happened!


    Yao Jiancai said in a damning tone, "Old Bro!"


    Zhang Ye, who was also turning on his cellphone as well turned around, "Ah?"


    "It was broadcasted live again! Central TV has made a mistake again! This time it was not broadcasted live on thepetition home page but on Department 11''s office homepage! There were even more audiences because of that! The tform was even bigger!"


    Yao Jiancai was at a loss at whether tough or cry as even he wondered if Central TV''s Department 11 had stepped on dog shit this year?


    How did they end up being so unlucky!


    How could they have continuously, on two asions, made a mistake in live broadcasting their performances? Even if one were to think with their ass, they would know the implications from this would not be small. This was just too face smacking!


    While they had been banned by the authorities, it felt like they did not suffer any loss from it and instead could still gloriously walk on stage and show their lively faces to theizens of the whole country. It was as if no ban had been ced at all. Not only that, it did not even seem like it affected them, as their poprity kept increasing!


    This was no longer just face smacking, this was basically face bashing!


    Bashing once wasn''t enough as they continued to bash them a second time!


    But Zhang Ye was not surprised by this. He just acknowledged it and acted surprised since he had expected something simr to happen. These six days worth of lowered difficulty was no joke and it would probably make Zhang Ye invincible!


    He felt unstoppable!


    Di di, his cellphone sounded.


    A message was received.


    He took a look and saw that he had won a prize again. Looks like his phone bill for the month was going to be free of charge this time!


    Trantor Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. Seems like we''re losing steam bad in the votes, we need you!! The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 491: Whatever goes!

    <h4>Chapter 491: Whatever goes! </h4>


    Chapter 491: Whatever goes!


    Central TV.


    Along the corridor.


    "What shall we eat tonight?" Zhang Ye asked rather happily.


    Yao Jiancaiughed, "You still care about eating? Why do I feel that we are going to be in some sort of trouble? Two days of being broadcasted live. The two of us are going to end up poking a hole in the sky."


    Zhang Ye said, "What has that got to do with us?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Even if it was Central TV''s mistake, the ones who gained the most from this was us. We were the ones who were shown on broadcast, so how could the authorities ignore that? Not only Central TV Department 11 would be in trouble, I think even the two of us would be implicated."


    But Zhang Ye, being a carefree soul, said, "So what? We''ve already been banned anyway, what more could happen to us? Will they tie us up? Will they stuff our mouths and make us shut up?"


    Yao Jiancai smiled at this, "That''s rather true too."


    "We will still say whatever we have to say and not care about anyone!" Zhang Ye said.


    At this time, a person walked up to them. He looked familiar, probably a member of thepetition program team.


    The youth took a look at them before saying, "Teacher Yao, Teacher Zhang. I''m from the program team. Can I have a minute of your time? Let''s chat somewhere else?"


    They proceeded to an office.


    Zhang Ye said, "What''s the matter?"


    The youth did not beat around the bush, "There were some instructions from the station just now. We also had some discussions among the program team. It is our wish that your crosstalk be cleaner and less vulgar."


    Zhang Yeughed, "Is the station criticizing me now?"


    The youth said, "We wouldn''t dare."


    Yao Jiancai shot a nce at him before saying, "This is a crosstalkpetition and what we performed was within the eptable limits. How did it be unclean to you all? Where are the unclean parts?"


    The youth said, "There are profanities and innuendos!"


    "Which were the profanities?" Zhang Ye asked.


    The youth said, "Don''t butt in."


    Zhang Yeughed sarcastically, "What I said was Dont Buttin. How is that a profanity? Point it out for me. I would like to know too!"


    The youth frown, "We both know what you meant."


    Zhang Ye waved his hand, "Don''t say that, I really don''t know!"


    The youth clenched his teeth, "What about badmouthing Teacher Tang Dazhang? Teacher Tang came to us after the recording with a lot of the other crosstalk artists."


    "They''reining?" Yao Jiancai rolled his eyes.


    Zhang Ye lighted a cigarette, "Yo, heh, I''ve heard of people picking up money, but never heard of them picking up a scolding. I was talking about Tang Dade, yet someone wants the scolding to be about him. If he chose to be scolded, why do I have to be med? If by your saying, then Tang Dazhang''s disciples who scolded me by using my name should be spoken to as well? Or maybe you mean to say that they can scold me or whatever, but me and Old Yao here can''t even say a thing? We even have to be warned? What sort of crosstalkpetition is this! Was it specially organized for Tang Dazhang? Then you should have told everyone earlier! You should have written a notice telling everyone that only Tang Dazhang''s disciples are allowed to take part in thispetition. If that were the case, we would not have registered at all!"


    The youth was piqued, "How can you say that? Regarding your crosstalk, everyone else discussed about it and the organizers also studied what you said. Nothing of it represents what crosstalk should be."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Then tell me what is the art of crosstalk about?"


    The youth said, "At the very least, it cannot be so vulgar. This sort of crosstalk performance is not suitable for the stage and would negatively affect the audience. Crosstalk is a form of culture, a ssy and elegant culture!"


    Zhang Yeughed. He patted the youth''s shoulder and said, "Alright, don''t talk nonsense with me anymore. I have no time for that. I know how to do crosstalk better than you, so why would I listen to your exnations?"


    "You....", The youth had not expected this sort of behavior from Zhang Ye.


    Yao Jiancai also couldn''t be bothered, "Let''s go, old bro."


    Zhang Ye stood up, "Let''s go. Shall we have dinner at my parents'' ce tonight?"


    "Sure." Yao Jiancai agreed happily, "I''ve never been to your ce before, so it''s about time I visited."


    The two of them joked as they stepped out of the office. They did not bother about the program team''s youth staff at this point in time anymore.


    The youth looked at their backs and was angered. He had no choice, as he was also timid in the presence of Zhang Ye. He was someone who had scolded the SARFT, beaten up a leader, fought off hijackers, and evennded a hijacked ne. That was the sort of person he was, so it would be best not to offend him. In any case, he had already passed on the message that the station wanted him to pass on. However they nned to do their next performance would be up to them since they couldn''t me it on him for not warning them beforehand!


    Well then, it was time to go back to report this to the leader.


    The youth tried to pull the door to leave the office, but with a twist of the door knob, it broke off from the door, "Ah?" He immediately knocked on the door saying, "Open the door! Please help me to open the door! If you can''t get it opened, help get someone here to help!"


    Outside.


    The duo heard the knocking and plea.


    Yao Jiancaiughed and said, "What do you think?"


    "He''s trapped inside?" Zhang Ye was also cheered by this.


    Peng peng peng, "If anyone is outside, please help me open the door!"


    Zhang Ye nearly wanted to do so, but thinking about how coincidental this was, he remember that it was probably the Difficulty Adjustment Die doing its work. Since Zhang Ye did not feel much for these bunch of people, maybe it was the Die giving it to them?


    Sure enough, it seemed that within these 6 days, no matter who came at him would be killed off immediately!


    He smiled and said, "Let''s go."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Go?"


    "Don''t bother about him, let him knock all he wants." Zhang Ye said.


    The youth heard them from behind the door!


    He nearly vomited blood!


    He still had some urgent matters to attend toter! He had to go supervise a program!


    He immediately took out his cellphone and tried to make a call to a colleague to ask for help, but as he took out the phone, he dropped it and the cellphone was smashed to pieces when it hit the ground!


    The youth was dumbfounded for a moment. What the f**k!


    Did his luck have to be this bad?!


    What was going on in the station these past two days!


    Was there a ghost?


    The two of them who were outside nearly went crazy fromughter.


    Yao Jiancai said, "I''ve heard of your temper before, but I''ve never witnessed it first hand. This time, however, I''ve finally seen this side to you. Now I understand why you offend so many people with the things that you do. People with a bad temper, heh, this old bro has seen it a few times before, but never have I seen someone as quick tempered as you."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve already suppressed myself. That bunch of people deserved a scolding. That Tang guy incited a group of people to step on me and go against me. As a judge of thepetition, he''s abusing his powers to backstab me. Now he''s even trying to make us lose our qualifications to take part in it? His disciples criticized us on their program, but I have never seen a program team deal with such bullshit like that? Central TV has not even issued a statement? Tang Dazhang is also a part of the program team. Isn''t that the same as the magistrates being free to burn down houses, while themon people are forbidden to light theirmps? Only they can step on others, but others may not step on them? F**k their grandpas!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "You rascal. You never allow yourself to be on the losing end! Hehe, but your old bro likes it this way. Since the fuss has already been kicked up, let''s just go all the way!"


    As they were prepared to walk on, another person was headed towards them again. It was an old man.


    Seeing that person, Yao Jiancai immediately recognized him. It was a veteran artist of the crosstalk performance world.


    Trantor Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. Seems like we''re losing steam bad in the votes, we need you!! The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 492: Voices of everyone!

    <h4>Chapter 492: Voices of everyone! </h4>


    Chapter 492: Voices of everyone!


    They looked at each other.


    Bumping into and also knowing one another, it would be awkward to not say anything at all.


    Yao Jiancai greeted, "Master Xu."


    Xu Wenxiang looked at him, "Oh, Little Yao."


    "You still remember me?" Yao Jiancai asked, "How''s your health beentely?"


    Xu Wenxiang nodded, "It''s just as it is. I can''tpare to young people like you."


    Yao Jiancaiughed, "I''ve already past forty, how can I still be considered young?"


    Xu Wenxiang spoke with hidden meanings, "From your crosstalk performance. I wouldn''t have guessed your age. The work was like that of a child''s, speaking however you wanted. That doesn''t reflect well on your teacher, don''t you think?"


    Yao Jiancai did not answer that as this old man was fellow disciples with histe teacher. They had both learned under an old master in crosstalks before, so it wasn''t appropriate for him to say too much. He could only change the topic as he turned to Zhang Ye to introduce him, "Old bro, let me him introduce to you. This is Master Xu Wenxiang, the Mount Tai and the Big Dipper of the crosstalk world."


    Zhang Ye replied without pressure, "How are you doing, Master?"


    "This is......" Yao Jiancai was about to introduce Zhang Ye.


    But Xu Wenxiang gave a wave of his hands and spoke directly, "You don''t need to introduce us, I know him. The two of you have really caused a ruckus this time. It''s time to take a step back."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "We, a ruckus?"


    You must be kidding!


    You people are causing a ruckus even more than us!


    Xu Wenxiang looked at him, "Crosstalk isn''t as you said it is. What you''re doing will not glorify crosstalk, but destroy it. Crosstalk is a heritage that must be carried forward one generation after another. If crosstalk is as you said it is, then what difference does it have from a punk on the streets? For crosstalk to get to where it is today hasn''t been easy. After passing it down for so many generations, it has to be conserved and have some meaning to it."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Little Zhang and I are both doing this very seriously. We feel that crosstalk has many ways to it and doesn''t only have to have an educational aspect to it....."


    "Do you know better or do I?" Xu Wenxiang interrupted.


    Yao Jiancai was beginning to dislike what he heard. Heh.


    Xu Wenxiang nced at them as an artist and said, "Stop speaking with less tawdriness and add more content that would let others reflect on after listening. You should put more positive energy into in it rather than scolding this or that. What''s the use of that? Even if you scold, you won''t be able to scold the folk arts world. Every job has its rules, so since you''re in the folk arts circle now, you''d have to follow the rules here. You can''t just go about doing anything you wanted."


    Zhang Ye started to speak up, "I can''t pretend I never heard what you just said."


    "Little Zhang." Yao Jiancai made a pass at him to signal to him to stop.


    But Zhang Ye did not listen and instead spoke to Xu Wenxiang as an equal, "We''re just two small time actors who like to do crosstalk, talking about topics that we like and doing the things we feel are right. That has nothing to do with the folk arts world at all, so whether the people up there recognize us as crosstalk actors or not, it does not matter to us. We do not need their recognition. I know very well whether or not I know how to do crosstalk, and so does the audience. We do not need others to waste their energy to validate us. Master Xu, I respect you as an elder, as a veteran of crosstalking, and your contributions to the crosstalk world, but the issue here is that all of you should not have stepped on me first. Why is it that anyone that sees me must step on me once or twice? They just gather everyone together to scold me for no reason? I won''t take that lying down! If they want to step on me, then I will step back on them! If they scold me? Then I will scold them back as well! I don''t give a damn about anything! This is my temper!"


    "OK, you''re great!" Xu Wenxiang was clearly irritated by this, "Who is your teacher?"


    Was this an interrogation?


    He was going to use seniority to pressure me?


    Zhang Ye smiled, "I don''t have a teacher. I''m a self taught master myself. Master Xu, don''t try to scare me. My guts are really small."


    Xu Wenxiang saw that he was not giving him any face at all and was even getting disrespectful, so his anger also rose. He took a breather and nodded, "OK, since you''ve said that, the two of you may do whatever you want. Don''t look down on the crosstalk world. If they want to fix the two of you, they''d find a way for sure."


    Zhang Ye said, "Yo, then I would like to find out for myself what they can do."


    Xu Wenxiang made a gesture with his hand and turned to leave, "There will be a conference for the crosstalk world members tonight in which they would discuss this matter." As he said that, he disappeared into the walkway. Then, a loud ''pu tong'' was heard followed by Xu Wenxiang furiously scolding, "Who threw that banana peel!"


    Yao Jiancai, "........."


    Zhang Ye knew that it was the Difficulty Adjustment Die helping him out once again.


    "There''s going to be a conference for the crosstalk world members again?" Yao Jiancai said, "And it''s to discuss about how to handle us?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Surely they did not have to go that far for us? Are the two of us really so influential?"


    Yao Jiancai replied, "That may be somewhat true. The two of us have really caused a big ruckus today and offended a majority of them."


    On their way out, they heard many people exchanging whispers. They overheard some of them and through it, they found out that the crosstalk conference was organized some time ago and would be attended, not only by the heavyweights of the crosstalk world, but also some of the rookies who were participating in the crosstalkpetition were invited, except for Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai. Clearly, even if the conference was not about denouncing them, they would still allocate a fair amount of time to discuss about how to ''kill'' Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai.


    Regarding this, Zhang Ye onlyughed it off.


    As for Yao Jiancai, he also took it as it was. There was no other choice since he had already boarded Zhang Ye''s pirate ship. Having already reached this stage, there was no point in holding back!


    Just scold on!


    Let''s see who can scold better!


    ......


    That night.


    At Zhang Ye''s parents ce.


    The door opened to reveal Zhang Ye''s mom smiling, "You''re back, son?


    Yo, isn''t that Teacher Yao? Little Ye, why didn''t you inform us beforehand that you were bringing a guest home!"


    "He''s not an outsider anyway." Zhang Ye said.


    Yao Jiancai greeted, "Big Sis."


    His mother said, "Come in quickly."


    HIs father also came out when he heard themotion, "This is....Teacher Yao?"


    "Big Bro and Big Sis, please don''t address me as Teacher. You can just call me Old Yao or something." Yao Jiancai had brought some gifts along and ced them on the table.


    "You''re so courteous to have bought something." His mother was very happy as she said to Yao Jiancai, "Little Ye''s father and I both always watch the dramas that you act in. You''re really good in them. When we found out that you and Little Ye knew each other since some time ago, we''ve always told him to invite you over for a meal, but this rascal kept ignoring us."


    Yao Jiancaiughed and said, "I''ve been wanting to visit you all for some time now. I''ve always been curious who brought up such a talented person like my old bro."


    His mother grinned from ear to ear, obviously liking what she had heard, "We didn''t do much. We''ve always just let him be since he was young. I guess it''s just Little Ye having that talent all along."


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Zhang Ye''s cellphone rang. It was from his eldest young sister.


    "Brother, where are you at? I''m with Tongtong and Mengmeng outside now, why don''t you give us a treat?" Cao Dan said, "It''s been some time since we saw you."


    Zhang Yeughed, "I''m at my parents'' ce. Do you all want toe over?"


    "Ah? Sure, we''ll go over!" said Cao Dan.


    After a while, the 3 sisters arrived at the house in excitement.


    "Bro!"


    "Idol! You''re truly our idol!" The second sister shouted as she came into the house.


    The third sister also said loudly, "Bro, you were really too suave on today''s live broadcast! Hahaha! It was scolded in such a gratifying manner! That ''I will reject the Three Vulgarities'' is just godly!"


    The eldest sisterughed, "The key moments were when two of the judges were chased off by your scolding. I think only our brother has such an ability! You have such a glib tongue!"


    Zhang Yeughed along, "I guess it was OK."


    The third sister suddenly noticed someone seated on the sofa and shouted, "Aiya, Old Yao!"


    Zhang Ye''s mother pped her on her head and said, "Is Old Yao a name for you to call?"


    "Hehe, that''s what everyone calls him these days. It''s more endearing anyway." The 3 sisters gathered around Yao Jiancai and started asking him about all sorts of questions.


    The house had gotten quite lively.


    When dinner started, the three sisters did not stop their chattering.


    Zhang Ye''s father asked, "Little Ye, will you two be alright after scolding them so harshly?"


    Zhang Ye proudly said, "How big of a matter can it be? If they can scold me, then can''t I scold them back? Those bunch of grandsons are exactly who I am scolding!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Right!"


    At this moment, the third sister, who was browsing the news on her cellphone eximed, "Ah, the crosstalk world is having a conference? Look at this, look at this, they''re saying that it''s a discussion about the state of mess that the crosstalk world is in right now and how the art of crosstalk should be developing instead. They are also talking about how to resist those vulgar performance works and actors. Damn, aren''t they basically referring to our brother! Did they even have to organize such arge conference of a few hundred people just toe up with a n to take care of my brother? What the heck are they nning!"


    Zhang Yeughed it off, "Just let them do what they want."


    The eldest sister said, "This is exactly a case of sessful people having their haters. Those bunch of people have been performing crosstalk for so many years and even some of the older ones have been doing for several decades now, but they could only go so far in it and the audiences aren''t that impressed at all, but when my brother, who has had no experience in crosstalk showed what he was capable of and attracted so much interest with his works, they became unhappy and jealous. Ah, really, those bunch of people really do not have the bearings of an artist at all!"


    Following that, at 7:30PM.


    The SARFT''s official Weibo posted: "Control against the rise of vulgar culture. All television stations, sectors, and institutions have been cooperating closely to control the rise of vulgar works, but in recent times, some of these vulgar works have surfaced again. The control against such works of vulgar, base, and philistine tendencies must be tightened as to ensure that the positive energy of works cane through sessfully......" It was an essay littered with hundreds of words in it.


    The second sister''s face changed, "They''re targeting our brother again?"


    Yao Jiancai had not expected the SARFT to reiterate the message with a post, "That is a warning for us."


    Of course, it was not purely targeted at Zhang Ye. He did not have that much of an influence tomand such attention. It was more likely due to the many new works that had overstepped the line and maybe also some of the other not so mainstream groups of crosstalk actors that made the authorities issue this warning.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    An unfamiliar number appeared on Zhang Ye''s caller ID.


    The other party introduced himself as the person-in-charge of the National Crosstalk and Skitpetition. He said in a direct manner to Zhang Ye, "If your performance work tomorrow still involves any vulgar segments or satire, thepetition will disqualify your team. There is no room for discussion on this!"


    Trantor Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 496: Wave after wave of destruction!

    <h4>Chapter 496: Wave after wave of destruction! </h4>


    Chapter 496: Wave after wave of destruction!


    The mood of the audience in the studio was hitting a fever pitch!


    On the inte, the viewers were also getting excited!


    The audience were liking what they saw and couldn''t help but apud. They felt that Zhang Ye was really spot on with his scolding. Those who knew Zhang Ye well knew that his path to where he was now hadn''t been easy. He had been detained in a police station before and had also been banned by the Beijing Television Station, in Shanghai, and by the SARFT. Up till here, Zhang Ye was left with no choice but to partake in the crosstalkpetition. He did not even offend anyone, yet a bunch of crosstalk actors were calling for his boycott and to get him banned. Were they not forcing him into a corner? If this happened to anyone other than him, they would probably not stand for it too, so of course he had to scold them back. He needed to turn everything upside down like a caught fish would attempt to break the it was caught in!


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands in resignation and said, "And so, whenever I see anyone scolding me or some expert trying to educate me, I will basically just ignore them. With all of this said, I have gained such prating insight that I can even use it to see past the mosaics in a censored, R-rated video!"


    The audience roared together, "Yi!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Wow, so you''ve watched a lot of those videos?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and looked at him, "I will return them to you soon."


    "Ah?" Yao Jiancai stared at him and said, "I lent them to you?"


    The audienceughed, "Hahahahaha!"


    Below the stage, Tian Bin was also thoroughly enjoying himself andughing till he cramped up!


    Only a few male and female youths, whose hair were dyed with bright colors, did notugh. They were trying to create trouble from where they were seated, not far from the stage.


    A red-haired youth shouted, "Get down from the stage!"


    Another youth with green hair shouted, "What the heck are you saying!"


    "What kind of lousy crosstalk is this!" said the group of 6-7 people. They were all shouting and there was even someone who was clearly a Chinese citizen yelling something in Korean. He even put on a smug look after doing so as he knew only that group could understand while everyone else did not get it. He seemed to feel a sense of superiority in doing so.


    The noise kepting from the group of people and it was very high pitched and disturbing to the others. Many of the audience members looked at them unhappily, thinking who the heck they were and who invited them? Looking at their dressing, it definitely had to be Lee Anson or some Korean celebrity''s fans. The audience knew that not only the crosstalk world''s members were scolding Zhang Ye on the inte. The ones who were the most aggressive in scolding were the Koreans and their fans. All of these people hated Zhang Ye to the bone.


    In front, Tang Dazhang, Xu Wenxiang, and some other crosstalk actors all turned around to check out who those people were. If they tried this during another group''s crosstalk performance, they would definitely be unhappy. After all, someone was performing, the least you could do is give some respect, but as the current performer was Zhang Ye, these crosstalk actors felt rather good when they saw that some people were making trouble for him. It did not feel like they were being disrespectful at all.


    On the stage.


    Yao Jiancai heard themotion and his eyebrows twitched.


    Everyone became quiet for a moment as the atmosphere in the studio changed.


    Zhang Ye looked at those people below the stage and smiled at them. He did not seem like he was affected at all and even spontaneously added a joke, "We will still need to get back to the topic on elegance versus vulgarity."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Yes."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "What do some people think being elegant is about?"


    Yao Jiancai was a little stumped, thinking why he did not follow the script? Still, he reacted very quickly and asked, "What is it about?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "Being crazy about foreign things and obsequious to the foreigners!"


    "Huh?" said Yao Jiancai.


    Zhang Ye said sarcastically, "To act like foreigners, saying that foreign products are all good and elegant, there are those who adore the Koreans or Japanese, hur hur. To be honest, in the past those countries were all tribute nations to our country. Year after year, they would send tributes and pay homage to us. When their royal families had a child, they would send them here to be political hostages, but now, our people are putting them on a pedestal and worshiping their people?"


    Tian Bin was pping hard from where he was seated!


    Yao Jiancai bitterly smiled, "There''s a rise in such behavior, yes."


    Zhang Ye said, "Sometimes, I can''t stand to see such behavior. Those children are all learning from these people and styling their hair in such atrocious ways. Like puffy updo''s, pixie cuts, or bob cuts. Then they dye streaks of red and white and red and white, making it look like kimchi!"


    Yao Jiancaiughed and said, "Hai, they do that so that they can show that they''re true Hallyu fans."


    Many of the members of the audience wereughing hard at this!


    Those Hallyu youths all stared up on stage. He was precisely describing the look of their hairstyles! After Zhang Ye was done scolding the crosstalk world, he came to scold them!


    Zhang Ye kept on looking at them, "Their pants have leg openings bigger than the waist opening. They wear size 41 shoes even though their feet are only size 36. When they blink with those extendedshes, pa, even their hats would fall off!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Heh, the hat is too light."


    The audience was enjoying it too much. They looked over to those Hallyu fans who were trying to make trouble, wondering if they still dared to mess with Zhang Ye. Don''t you know that fe is the leader amongst Professional Korean Insulters!? Trying to provoke him? Aren''t you guys asking for it! However, many of the audience members and viewers were very interested in seeing how Zhang Ye would continue from there. Because in his "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show", a lot of them had already seen how Zhang Ye scolded Korea in a talk show format, but since crosstalk and talk shows were different forms of art, the way of scolding would surely be different. Since they''ve never heard it before, they became really curious!


    Indeed, Zhang Ye fulfilled everyone''s wishes as he said, "I heard that there are many talented people in Korea."


    Yao Jiancai said, "There are definitely quite a few."


    Zhang Ye eyes brightened as he said, "I heard that all of the world''s talented people are Koreans. People like Buddha and Confucius are their people. I even heard that Teacher Yao belongs to their country."


    Yao Jiancai quickly gave a wave of his hand, "I''m definitely not."


    Zhang Ye nced at him, "It would be good if you were. Since they do not know how good we are, if we were to send a few of our crosstalkers over to them, they would certainly cause the country to perish!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Oh boy, can a crosstalker really cause that much damage?"


    When this joke came out, the audience immediately went into a crazedughter. This was so good! This was too damn f**king interesting! It seemed like Zhang Ye did not need to use a talk show style of scolding to insult the Koreans. He could do it in a crosstalk style as well! Not only that, he even managed to scold the crosstalk world together at the same time!


    A few crosstalk actors hit their seat arms in anger!


    Those Hallyu fans'' faces also turned red in anger!


    Zhang Ye was not done speaking, "I heard that Korea recently created a rocket which would carry some scientists and bring them all the way to the Sun."


    Yao Jiancai stopped him, "Eh, wait a moment. To the Sun?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes."


    Yao Jiancai said nervously, "But the Sun is so hot! It''s a ball of mes!"


    Zhang Ye blinked and said, "The Koreans said that they would go at night."


    All of the audienceughed loudly!


    Yao Jiancai said speechlessly, "I''ve never heard of such careless people. Does it seem right that they should go there at night?"


    Zhang Ye continued to say, "Whatever. We''d never understand the people from that ce anyway, so let''s just agree on the fact that they''re just a small nation."


    Yao Jiancai nodded, "Yea, they''re not big."


    Zhang Ye said, "They can''tpare to us. Just look at our weather reports, those take 15 minutes just to finish reporting."


    Yao Jiancai nodded, "That''s because we have a lot of different areas to report on."


    Zhang Ye said, "The Korean weather report only consists of one sentence."


    Yao Jiancai did not seem to understand, so he asked, "What do you mean?"


    Zhang Ye pointed to the sky and said, ".....The whole country will experience rainfall!"


    Yao Jiancai eximed, "Just a single rain cloud can cover the entire country? That''s really too small!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Whole country will experience rainfall? Pu!"


    "Aiyo, I can''t take this anymore!"


    "Hahaha! Teacher Zhang Ye still has it in him! Hisbat power against the Koreans is rocketing off the charts! Look at Teacher Zhang Ye''s eyes. Whenever he speaks about this, his eyes are always gleaming! He''s really making meugh too hard!"


    "Godly! He''s divine! A god of scolding!"


    "Tell me, how did Teacher Zhang Ye''s brain develop in such a freaking way!"


    "Is that a spontaneous act? I''m sure the script didn''t have that. Didn''t you see Yao Jiancai hesitate for a moment and nearly couldn''t connect? This was a special joke segment meant for those Hallyu fans, a spontaneous joke segment? How awesome! Zhang Ye is truly Zhang Ye! He can do everything so effortlessly!"


    "Look at those Hallyu fans! Their faces have all turned green from the scolding!"


    Wave after wave!


    The scoldings came at them wave after wave!


    He killed them over and over again!


    It was as though this question was posed to everyone: Who still wants a piece of Zhang Ye??


    Those Hallyu fans could only stare in anger at Zhang Ye on the stage, but they could not muster up another word. They stopped their trouble making as they knew that even if all of thembined their scolding prowesses, they would still be outmatched by that single person on stage!


    After theughter died down, the audience became quiet.


    Zhang Ye blinked and said, "I think we deviated a little. So right, where were we?"


    Yao Jiancai said in frustration, "I don''t know either. You totally went off script!"


    The audienceughed again. Sure enough, as they had thought, this had been a spontaneous joke segment that was added in. Zhang Ye had confused even himself with it and couldn''t get back on point!


    Tang Dazhang and the other crosstalk world members were all waiting for him to fumble, but just one sentence from Zhang Ye was enough to disappoint them!


    Zhang Ye retraced his words and muttered, "Whole country experience rainfall...experience rainfall....so! So, what really is elegance?"


    Yao Jiancai acted as though he was about to fall backward, "Heh, is that how you retrace your words!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I had to go back to topic somehow."


    "That is too great a transition." Yao Jiancai pped his forehead!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Ahahahaha!"


    As there was an incident of several Hallyu fans trying to create trouble, Zhang Ye had gone off tangent and inserted a joke segment to deal with them. Naturally, that caused the topic to go farther and farther away and should amount to a w in the crosstalk, but with Zhang Ye''s wit, he had turned this w and mistake into another joke segment. This caused the audience tough out loud at their words. To Zhang Ye, it seemed as though crosstalk was as simple as a normal conversation. This was the first time the audience had heard crosstalk presented in such a manner!


    Yao Jiancai was also very impressed. To partner with Zhang Ye in crosstalking, he felt very at ease, like a fish in water. He was rxed and only needed to support him with very little effort. All he needed to do was follow and the rest would be handled by Zhang Ye. Like the incident that had just happened, Yao Jiancai knew that if it were his old crosstalk partner, they would definitely have been blindsided. The audience would surely spot the mistakes. Rather than mentioning about inserting a new joke segment, he was pretty sure they wouldn''t even be able to follow through with the original script, but when all of these problems were handled by Zhang Ye, they did not even seem like problems at all! With a little bit of wrangling and chatting, any w could transform into a joke segment. It made the incident look like it was prenned to tickle the audience! Zhang Ye''s basics in crosstalk had even embarrassed a professional crosstalk actor like Yao Jiancai.


    A question also arose in the back of the audience''s minds!


    Zhang Ye was an amateur?


    This was Zhang Ye''s first time taking part in crosstalk? He had never learned this before?


    Trantor Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 497: I don’t know speed recital?

    <h4>Chapter 497: I don''t know speed recital? </h4>


    Chapter 497: I don''t know speed recital?


    The studio''s atmosphere was getting hyped up.


    On stage, the crosstalk performance was still ongoing.


    Zhang Ye looked at the audience and said, "There are people who doubt us and criticize us, both of which we can understand why. Any form of art style will find it impossible to appeal to everyone. Some of those who say that they like Zhang Ye''s crosstalk, those people aren''t wrong. While others who say that they dislike Zhang Ye''s crosstalk, they aren''t wrong either, but if the second group of people continues to insist that they are more elegant than the first type, then they are making a big mistake!"


    Bba Bba Bba!


    "Great!"


    "Well said!"


    The audience pped loudly.


    Zhang Ye added on, "That is also the reason why they are always considered ''2nd''-rate."


    "Hahaha!" the audienceughed.


    Zhang Ye said, "Art is not something that can be ssified as high ss or low ss."


    Yao Jiancai nodded in agreement, "You''re right."


    Zhang Ye said, "Elegance might exist, or not, but vulgarity is something none of us can escape from."


    "Can you exin?" Yao Jiancai asked.


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s easy to understand. For example, oil paintings, operas, or ballet... would you die if you don''t view or watch those? You wouldn''t die. Life would still carry on as usual, but to leave behind vulgarity, you would surely die. A garlic is vulgar? I don''t believe that you can stir fry eggnt without adding garlic! Or are you going to use coffee in its ce?"


    Yao Jiancaiughed, "Have you ever heard of using coffee to stir fry vegetables?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Shit, pee, farts are vulgar? If you are so capable, then don''t ever go to the toilet in your lifetime!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Heh, then surely they would die from constipation!"


    Everyone roared withughter!


    Zhang Ye tilted his head a little, "Isn''t that true?"


    Yao Jiancai nodded, "That is the truth."


    Zhang Ye continued on with more momentum as the audience''s mood heightened. He was letting loose his inhibitions as he said, "Some people scold me saying that I do not understand what crosstalk is about and use me of insulting this art form. Teacher Yao and I are different, he can be considered as a professional crosstalk actor and learned about it since he was young. I did not. Those who know me will know that I am in the profession of broadcast hosting. That is what I did for a living, so if wepare me to all those otherpetitors in thispetition, then I am really considered as ayman, but even for ayman, if you use me of not knowing what crosstalk is, then that is uneptable. If you say that about me, I will definitely bring it up to you!"


    Layman?


    But ayman who understands crosstalk?


    Yao Jiancai asked puzzledly, "What do you mean?"


    Zhang Ye looked at everyone and said, "I don''t know what and where those people who are scolding me areing from, but what exactly would you call understanding crosstalk? How would you know whether or not someone understands what crosstalk is really about?"


    From the area where the hundred teams were seated, someone suddenly shouted, "Speed recital!"


    At this moment, no one in the audience made a sound. Instead, it was all the otherpetitors who started to make a scene.


    "Show us one!"


    "Yea, do a speed recital for us!"


    "That is one of the basics of crosstalk!"


    "Since Teacher Zhang ims to know what crosstalk is about, you should show us what you can do!"


    The crosstalkpetitors who suggested that, were all harboring their own motives. What was a speed recital? It simply meant reciting a string ofplex words and vocabry inserted into a storyline in a continuous breath. In traditional crosstalk, they were often used as joke segments. This was no longer a question of it being a difficult task, as speed recitals were usually practiced and honed from a young age. Those who started learning crosstalk at an older age might not even be able to do it with several years of practice. Even for those who began from a young age and trained under a master, many of them might still find it difficult to do well. It takes a lot of concentration and they would easilymit mistakes or be slow in their recitation! That is the reason why speed recitals were considered to be difficult even for professional crosstalk actors, not to mention ayman.


    The audience naturally knew this as well.


    "Speed recital?"


    "Damn, this bunch of people are messing around again!"


    "Teacher Zhang, don''t bother about them!"


    This bunch ofpetitors who couldn''t match Zhang Ye''s abilities in crosstalking were riding on the wave of disgruntlement of the crosstalk world in calling for Zhang Ye''s disqualification from thepetition. This had already pretty much disappointed the audience, but at the studio, the same people were once again trying to cause Zhang Ye''s downfall. Many of the audience members were getting angry and felt that those people were really ungrateful. Their abilities were not as good as Zhang Ye''s and now they were trying to create trouble for him!?


    Yao Jiancai pretended not to hear it. Speed recital? Even he could not do it. Perhaps if he tried, he could speed recite a small portion. As a supporting actor, he did not learn much about speed recitals. Rather than trying to help Zhang Ye out, he decided it would be better to just ignore their mor.


    But Zhang Ye did not ignore them, "Speed recital?"


    "That''s right!"


    "Right!"


    "If you are capable, show us one!"


    The otherpetitors did not know that they were in a live broadcast at the moment. Thinking that the cameras were not switched to recording mode, they did not hold back at all. Earlier, they were bearing the brunt of Zhang Ye''s scolding and keeping silent, but now was the time for them to gain back some face! We can''t outscold you? Fine, then let''s decide it with a sh of abilities. A crosstalk actor''s basic skills were honed over a decade or two. They wouldn''t believe that Zhang Ye would be able to do a good speed recital, as even among rookies like themselves, only a handful could do it well!


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Oh, so in your eyes, a person who can do speed recitals is someone who understands crosstalk?"


    Yao Jiancai made a pass at him.


    But Zhang Ye acted like he did not notice it, "Sure then, since there are so many people here today, I believe everyone is also anticipating something? Then, I will do one for all of you here. Is everyone willing to listen or are you all willing to listen?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "There''s only a choice of willing to listen?"


    Tang Dazhang was stunned for a bit.


    The other crosstalk actors were also slightly befuddled.


    What did he mean by that? That Zhang guy was really going to do it? Does he even know how?!


    When the audience realized what was going on, they were momentarily shocked. What? Does Teacher Zhang really f**king know how to do a speed recital? It can''t be! They were beginning to have some expectations now!


    Zhang Ye smiled, "What does everyone want to hear?"


    A female audience shouted, "''The Imperial Feast List''!"


    This speed recital had been performed by Zhang Ye before on his talk show, albeit it being a shorter version. He had simply recited the names of a few dishes back then and those who had seen that episode of the talk show probably thought that Zhang Ye only knew the beginning portion of it. When he heard the request, Zhang Ye smiled and began reciting:


    "I''ll treat you to steamedmb, steamed bear''s paw, steamed deer''s tail, roast duck, roast hen, roast green goose, stewed pig, stewed chicken, preserved ham, preserved egg, dried ham, sausage, assorted vegetables, smoked chicken with tripe, steamed pig with eight treasures, ducked brewed with glutinous rice, pot-braised pheasant, pot-braised quail, simmered chicken giblets in brine, simmered goose in brine, simmered prawns, braised shrimps, soy shelled shrimps, pheasant, dried hare meat, chives dumplings, whitebait, steamed wood frog, braised duck kidney, braised duck slices, cold dish with duck slices, stir-fried cattle aorta, braised white eel, braised finless eel, dace with ck bean, pan-braised dace, stewed soft-shelled turtle, pan-braised Cyprinidae, stir-fried carp, soft-fried pork tenderloin, soft-fried chicken, assorted intestine in intestine, crisp rolls with pepper, quick-fried mushroom, quick-fried fish paste, quick-fried fish slices, quick-fried fish maw, Sauteed meat slices in vinegar sauce, braised white mushroom, braised three delicacies, stir-fried whitebait, braised sea eel, stir-fried white prawn, fried ms, stir-fried fish-like dough, stir-fried bamboo shoot, hibiscus jelly, stir-fried liver, southern stir-fried liver, stir-fried bamboo shoot with sirloin...."


    When thisrge amount of dish names were recited, their fellowpetitors were stunned!


    Tang Dazhang, Xu Wenxiang, and the other crosstalk artists also looked at one another in surprise!


    No one could have expected Zhang Ye to start without even thinking. He did not even bat an eyelid as the words rolled off his tongue without needing to stop for a breath. Whenpared to a professional crosstalk actor''s speed recital, Zhang Ye had even done it faster and smoother than them!


    The speed of his recital was like a speeding vehicle!


    Zhang Ye continued, "......Red meatballs, white meatballs, quick-fried meatballs, deep-fried meatballs, three delicacies meatballs, four happiness meatballs, Southern style meatballs onion meatballs, Su style meatballs, bean curd meatballs, stewed red meat, stewed white meat, pork stew, fatty pork, roast pork, pork in sauce, pork wrapped in lotus leaf, first ss meat, cherry meat, Maya meat, Yuanbao meat, Fulu meat, red pork elbow, white pork elbow, crystal pork elbow, honey pork elbow, pork elbow stew, pulled pork elbow, steamed mutton, roasted mutton, five-spiced mutton, mutton in sauce, assorted boiled meat, assorted stirred-fried meat, braised assorted meat, simmered duck innards, three delicacies shark''s fin, chestnut chicken, steamed live carp, salted duck meat, spring chicken!"


    He had finished reciting!


    Not a single dish name was missed out on!


    The audience were still checking if he had gotten them all and were stunned to realize that he did not miss a single one!


    Even his partner, Yao Jiancai could only look at him while looking a little confused. He did not know that Zhang Ye even had such talents. F**k, he could even do speed recitals? Not only could he do it, he even did it better than most professionals? That''s impossible! When did this kid learn how to do this!


    Actually, Zhang Ye did not need to learn it. With the memory search capsule, he had already memorized all the joke segments and speed recitals that he knew of. Being a broadcast host, being able to do this was second nature to Zhang Ye. Even after he had finished reciting, he did not need to catch his breath and still looked rather rxed.


    Some crosstalkpetitors, who still couldn''t believe what they heard, challengingly shouted, "The Geographical Map!"


    Zhang Ye began immediately at the next moment, ""Rushing to the Northern Pass, walking to Hebei Main Street, Red Bridge, Yang Vige, Cai Vige, Hexiwu, Anping, Harbor Quay, Zhangjia Turn, through Tongzhou Bali Bridge, into Beijing Chaoyangmenm, out at Beijing Deshengmen. Into the Qinghe, Shahe, Changping County, Nankou, Green Dragon Bridge, Kang Vige, Huai, Shacheng, Baoan, Lower Gardens, Xin Vige, Xuanhuafu, Shalingzi, Yulin, Zhangjiakou, Chaigou Fort, Xiwan, Tian Town, Yanggao County, Jule Fort, Zhou Vige, Datong, Gushan, Hongci Fort, Feng Town, Suji, Jining, Sanfenkou, Shibatai, Zuozi, Camp Sandao, Camp Qixia, Taoboqi...."


    The audience was stunned once again!


    But Zhang Ye was still not done, continuing like a speeding bullet this time, without losing his breath, "....walking into Qinhuangdao, Beidai River, Changli County, reaching Luanzhou, Guye, Kaiping to Tangshan. Lutai, Hangu, Tanggu, Xinhe 50th Street, Dongxin Vige, Junliang City, Xinhe, Zhanggui Vige, Second Cultural Pce, Qian Vige, Dajiagu, Trolleybus Factory, Dawang Vige. Past Liberation Bridge, Binjiang Way, Heping Road, Nanshi and finally reaching the Great Wall Movie Theatre!"


    At this moment, a lot of the audience members stood up!


    "Great!"


    "Damn f**king great!"


    "That was too awesome, Teacher Zhang!"


    "You recited it too beautifully!"


    The apuse began to thunder throughout the studio into a deafening roar!


    Trantor Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 498: Champions!

    <h4>Chapter 498: Champions! </h4>


    Chapter 498: Champions!


    Not only was the live audience stunned from listening, those who were watching the live stream were also at a loss for words!


    "Damn that!"


    "This..."


    "Teacher Zhang is really going against the heavens!"


    "Hahahaha! Such domination!"


    The moment was shown in its full glory online, even causing the live stream''sment section to blow up withments!


    Previously, Zhang Ye had shown his talents by cracking creative jokes and setting up jokes forter reveals. With his extraordinary wit, he had managed to perform his crosstalk in a wless manner and tickled all of the members of the audience, but today, Zhang Ye once again caused everyone to be shocked. No one had expected that he would know how to do speed recitals and it even seemed like he could recite anything that anyone wanted him to. He was so familiar with these speed recital passages that every word just rolled off his tongue. He had an amazing foundation that left everyone dumbfounded. Who imed that Zhang Ye only knew how to perform crosstalk with those vulgar jokes of his!? He knew how to do traditional joke segments too! And he even did them so much better than a professional crosstalk artist!


    Tang Dazhang: "..."


    Xu Wenxiang''s expression also turned dark as he remained silent.


    Over in the participants seating area, everyone was just staring with their eyes wide open. They could not make a sound at all. Those who had caused the mostmotion earlier had now been pped hard on their faces!


    The audience were still pping.


    They only came back to their senses when Zhang Ye said, "Whether it''s speed recital or traditional joke segments, it isn''t that I don''t know how to do them, but because I am not a professional crosstalk performer. However, I dare to make the im that I can understand more about crosstalk than most crosstalk actors. Let me put this straight now, as long as you can point out a speed recital passage that you want me to perform, I will not step down from the challenge! Anyone of you can randomly pick out something and if I get a single word wrong, then I will leave the crosstalk arena voluntarily. This is what I dare to promise!"


    Yao Jiancai stood at the side apuding as heughed.


    The audience were also fully impressed!


    "Dominating!"


    "What a fierce person!"


    "Teacher Zhang is so good!"


    "Aiya! I love you, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Hahaha! That''s the spirit! Who still dares to say that you do not know crosstalk! Even they can''t recite those speed recitals that you just did!"


    There was nothing else left for all these crosstalk actors and rookiepetitors to say anymore. Since Zhang Ye dared to im so, they were sure he had the ability to do it. He had already shown them what he was truly capable of! At this moment, the dominating spirit exuding from Zhang Ye had fully suppressed these people!


    Zhang Ye looked down from the stage and said, "If someone knows how to speed recite, then that means they''re crosstalk actors? If they know how to use an elegant joke segment, that means they''re crosstalk masters? If they can use a crosstalk performance to educate, that means they''re crosstalk artists? I disagree and I am sure the that our audience members do not agree either! Using such sayings to differentiate between the upper and lower ss is utterly savage!"


    Yao Jiancai smiled, "Yes, it can''t be differentiated in this manner."


    Zhang Ye was getting angrier with each word, "A crosstalk performance is required to be educative? What do you want to propagandize with crosstalk? That is definitely the biggest mistake! What were the origins of crosstalk hundreds of years ago about? How did crosstalk start? Those actors were just fighting to earn a living, to feed their families. It was an art form that was meant for everyone! It was that simple, but why did it have to be an elegant art form as decided by you all? Why did it be an art form that had to be educative as decided by you all? Aren''t you people forgetting your roots! Aren''t you forgetting your ancestors?!" After a round of scolding, he came back around to scold the crosstalk world!


    The audience apuded thunderously!


    Everyone knew that this particr crosstalk performance was alreadying to an end. They also knew that this would be Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''sst time standing on stage to perform crosstalk. From here on, it wasn''t likely that they would be able to witness their performances ever again. Suddenly, when the audience heard the words that resonated with them, they started standing up from their seats!


    Zhang Ye said, "Especially now when our times are changing and society is progressing, there are people whock money, a car, a house, moral values, all sorts of things. For me to be able to stand here today, I can''t do much about those issues, but I can guarantee all of you that after you listen to my crosstalk, you will forget all these troubles. You will go home happy and cheerful, so what can be more important than that? That is the meaning of crosstalk! I am doing all of this to build a righteous and harmonious society!"


    The audience''s thunderous apuse filled the studio once again!


    "Great!"


    "Well said!"


    Yao Jiancaiughed heartily and nodded.


    Zhang Ye looked at the audience and stated loudly, "Whoever said so! That crosstalk needs to educate people? Whoever said so! That crosstalks need to have a moral lesson? After listening to this crosstalk, you need to feel like you have learned something? After listening to that crosstalk, you would want to go out afterwards to donate blood, money, or even your kidney? That is impossible! Are we in the act of crosstalking or are we the Red Cross? Are we artists or are we educators? Aren''t some authorities asking too much from crosstalk!? Aren''t some crosstalk actors thinking too highly of themselves?! Does calling it an art form mean that it has to be educational to others?"


    The number of audience members who stood up gradually increased!


    300!


    500!


    1000!!!


    Zhang Ye was talking louder and louder, "Is J��ng Y��n D�� G�� (story-telling in Beijing dialect with drum apaniment) considered an art form? Then let me ask you this. After you have heard a performance of that, what did you learn!?"


    Drums?


    What can you learn from that!


    The audience was cheering and pping madly!


    Zhang Ye said loudly again, "Is a symphony an art form? Then let me ask you this. After you have heard a performance, what did you learn!? After you finish listening to a symphonic orchestra perform, what did you learn!?"


    Another 500 members of the audience stood up in apuse!


    Zhang Ye cheekily asked, "Are circus acts also an art form? Then et me ask again! When you watch a bear perform tricks! What did you learn!?"


    The audience''s apuses came wave after wave and were drowning out all other noise in the venue!


    Zhang Ye said, "When 15 circus acts ride on a motorbike together! Did you also get educated by something like that? That they were in vition of traffic rules?! Educate my ass!"


    Yao Jiancaiughed, "There''s really some truth in that."


    The audience wereughing loudly and apuding. At this moment, it felt like the whole auditorium of people had their blooding pumping in excitement, including those on the second floor!


    Zhang Ye took a white towel from the table and wiped the sweat from his forehead. Then, he threw it down back on the table roughly, "And so I wonder why other forms of art are fine doing what they were meant to do, but us crosstalkers somehow have to fulfill being elegant and educative at the same time! Based on what! We''re just two small time crosstalk actors who have nevermitted any grave crimes. We just want to bring joy to our audience, so why is that so difficult to do? Why do the others hate us so much? Why do they insist on poking a hole in the sky? What is going on!?"


    He breathed a sigh.


    Zhang Ye pointed to the top of his head and said loudly, "I do not believe that a sky so vast will not be able to tolerate our crosstalk!" Then, he pointed to his feet and said, "I do not believe that the wide ground beneath our feet cannot amodate the two of us!" This was not Guo Degang''s words, but words from Zhang Ye himself. This was what he had always wanted to say!


    Yao Jiancai pped, "Well said!"


    Off the stage, the time for the performance was already over. Some stage workers had alreadye onto the stage to clear it to allow for the next group toe on.


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai did not say anything. They bowed deeply to the audience and turned around to leave the stage.


    At this moment, the audience suddenly broke out into loud chants. Almost the entire audience, thousands of them, were shouting their names and sounding indignant!


    "Teacher Yao!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    Following that, someone took the lead with the chants and shouted a single word. It was a word that expressed what they felt Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai deserved!


    "Champions!"


    "Champions!"


    "Champions!"


    "Champions!"


    With Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s performancepleted, they knew that the two of them would surely be disqualified from thepetition, but they also knew that only the two of them deserved to be the champions!


    No one else deserved it!

 Chapter 503: I want the sky to not cover my eyes!

    <h4>Chapter 503: I want the sky to not cover my eyes! </h4>


    Chapter 503: "I want for the sky to not cover my eyes!"


    Online.


    By now, people who followed Zhang Ye had discovered the groundbreaking news!


    "Let me go take a look!"


    "I''m really looking forward to this!"


    "Did he reallye up with a new piece of work? What kind of novel is it?"


    "I think it''s an adaptation of Journey to the West? Why isn''t there a synopsis avable?"


    "There''s only one chapter? I don''t care anymore! A novel by Zhang Ye surely can''t go wrong, I will read it even if there''s only one chapter! Since ''Ghost Blows Out the Light'' was released, I''ve hardlye across any novels that could be considered remotely good! I''ve been waiting for so long for Zhang Ye''s new novel and it''s finally here! It seems to me that Teacher Zhang Ye has no intentions of just disappearing like this! He has not given up! Can''t get published? Then he will write and post it online. Surely they can''t ban him if it''s posted online? Giving support to Teacher Zhang!"


    "I''m here to support too!"


    "''Wang Wu'' from Zhang Ye''s fan club has arrived!"


    "''Big Dumb Pot'' from Zhang Ye''s fan club reporting in!"


    ""Big Biscuit'' from Zhang Ye''s fan club has arrived. ''If you do not leave me, I will always be at your side until the end of life!'' -- This was the motto of Zhang Ye''s fan club on the Tieba forums.


    "Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    "Haha, Big Saber Bro always has such a domineering entrance! It''s just a novel, so surely you don''t need to sharpen your saber for that?"


    President Wu was right. There was definitely still some disadvantage in publishing it online. There was no way to publish and market it to attract more readers, but those who really liked Zhang Ye were still around. They had not given up on him and came rushing over almost immediately when the blog post was published.


    Many people had already started reading!


    Some of Zhang Ye''s friends had also noticed that his blog had a newly published post and curiously went to check it out.


    Like Zhang Ye''s eldest younger sister.


    Like Peking University''s Teacher Su Na.


    Like Yao Jiancai and his daughter, Yao Mi.


    Everyone knew that Zhang Ye had talent. When his new novel was released, it was only natural that people would be enticed to check it out. Even some media agency staff and publishing agencies subconsciously checked out Zhang Ye''s blog to read this novel. The media would not report on this, nor would the publishers publish this novel, but it did not mean that they were not curious about it. They all wanted to find out for themselves what Zhang Ye''s new novel was about. Was it about the supernatural? Or was it other genres?


    A thousand, five thousand, ten thousand.


    The click rate did not rise too quickly, but it wasn''t slow either.


    Soon, everyone had gone to the the blog to read the novel. Some people were faster at reading, while others took their time to read. But without exception, after reading a little, everyone was a little stunned because this novel felt strangely familiar to them. It was familiar because it used "Journey to the West" as a backdrop with the same characters in it, but it was also unfamiliar to them since the characters had very different back stories and styles to them. Theirnguage styles also left many people wondering how the characters were really like. Almost the entire chapter was presented in a dialogue progression way to the readers!


    It was very strange!


    No one had ever read such a genre of novel before!


    What was Zhang Ye writing about? What was he trying to present? At this point in time, many readers were still unclear of what this would all lead to. There had only been one chapter released so far and it was a little confusing.


    Somements were left on the post.


    "Who can understand this?"


    "I don''t understand it. What is it about?"


    "It''s feels just so-so. A little obscure and doesn''t feel like it will be as good as ''Ghost Blows Out the Light''."


    "Yea, it doesn''t feel like it''s storytelling. It''s not even at the standard of ''Journey to the West''."


    "I find it OK. I will continue to read it since I feel this is written quite stylishly."


    "The words andnguage are really good, but the story is still a little confusing."


    "This is only the first chapter, so I think it will be amazing! Hahaha, I like this ''Legend of Wukong''! The characters in the novel seem really interesting!"


    "Yes, it''s really interesting!"


    There were both good reviews and bad reviews.


    Because there were no promotions or media reports, the poprity was just so-so. The number of peoplementing were mainly Zhang Ye''s hardcore fans.


    Soon after, Zhang Ye posted the second chapter!


    ......


    Chapter 2:


    Monk Tang and his 2 other disciples were eating some fruits in front of the fire.


    Sun Wukong emerged and walked over slowly from the woods.


    Monk Tang raised his head up and said, "Hey, you''vee over? Please take a seat."


    Sun Wukong did not say a word and just sat down, staring at the fire.


    "Hey, what''s the matter with you today, Monkey?" Pigsy asked, "You look as though you''ve been beaten silly by someone. Hahaha--Ha--"


    ......


    "Another chapter''s been posted!"


    "There''s a new chapter!"


    "Why didn''t he just post them together?"


    "Teacher Zhang really knows how to make people wait! He''s just posted another chapter just now!"


    "Could it be that Zhang Ye is posting as soon as hepletes writing each chapter?"


    "Ah? Then that would mean Teacher Zhang is writing all of these so quickly? Using such dialogue and words! Doesn''t he need time to think through and conceptualize? F**k, this might be true. Didn''t Zhang Ye use to write poems or essays without needing to n or think first? They were allposed spontaneously. Let''s not even mention the other amazing things. Just this alone would mean that Zhang Ye''s really crazy good!"


    "Let me read it first!"


    "I''m already finished reading it."


    "Ah, it''s beginning to get interesting!"


    "Yea, I can feel that it will be getting better and better as well! Looks like it will be a great novel!"


    And then, the third chapter was posted, followed by the fourth chapter and then the fifth chapter.


    After another two to three hours had passed, more and more people found out about Zhang Ye''s new novel. They all began to gather at his blog to take a look. Although his poprity did not increase as much as his previous works, it was still slowly increasing and increasing. It kept increasing! A lot of people starting reading the novel seriously, even though the beginning seemed a little obscure in the story''s development, but when they got to the newer chapters, their hearts would be heavy. They couldn''t take their eyes off and had a strong desire to finish reading in one breath!


    "Quickly post the next chapter!"


    "Supporting Teacher Zhang!"


    "This novel is too damn amazing!"


    "I might not understand it, but I can feel that this novel can only get better and better!"


    Within this short duration, some people even went back to the first chapter to re-read, while some even reread several times. They carefully savored the feeling of re-reading and became more fascinating with each read!


    Big Saber Bro shouted: "The sixth chapter is about to be posted!"


    Big Saber Bro was the current leader of the fan club. With her lead, everyone kicked themselves into gear and contributed towards generating more buzz.


    "The sixth chapter!"


    "Come on, post it!"


    "It''s at the cliffhanger! Why did it end!?"


    Finally, at 10:30PM, the sixth chapter was published!


    With the new update, many readers couldn''t be bothered to postments and rushed to start reading the sixth chapter. It was getting more and more addictive!


    But there were still some people who still couldn''t understand the story.


    TheWindIsHere: "Is it really that good?"


    TheresAGhostBehindMyBack05: "I can only understand a little, but those deities seem to be quite evil. They just seem to be causing all sorts of trouble. I wonder what Zhang Ye is trying to say through this. I have to read further to find out."


    Suddenly, a reader was stunned!


    And then followed by the second person, the tenth person, the hundredth person.


    ......


    At the end of the chapter.


    "Xuanzang (Monk Tang''s name), you''re an intelligent person. Stay by my side from now on to practice Buddhism. I will teach you all of my knowledge from my life of learning."


    "Actually...I feel that it would be better if I stayed in the deacon like I did in the past. I can do some gardening when I''m free or watch the sky too. I don''t think that I can memorize all those Buddhist scriptures."


    "If you don''t learn with dedication, how can you gain my mantle?"


    "But you were not willing to teach to me the things that I wanted to learn."


    "What did you wish to learn?"


    ......


    When they read up to the final lines of the sixth chapter, everyone''s faces turned to dismay. Some people had goose bumps, while others experienced pupil dtion in their eyes. There were also those that who eximed loudly in front of theirputers, or those whose hands were trembling from the excitement!


    At this moment, they could only rte all of this to Zhang Ye. They remembered Zhang Ye being banned by Decree #43 and the past few days where he had been boycotted and denounced by the organizers of the crosstalkpetition, as well as the members of the crosstalk and folk art worlds. They thought of Zhang Ye, who would rather be brought to the detention center for seeking justice for themoner by beating up Lee Anson. They remembered that even when he was misunderstood by the world, he still had no regrets nor thought that he had done anything wrong!


    What was Zhang Ye trying to express?


    What message was "Legend of Wukong" trying to send?


    At this moment, everyone''s hearts were set aflutter by the text of the novel!


    What was it that he wanted to learn?


    "I want for the sky to not cover my eyes!"


    "I want for thisnd to not bury my heart!"


    "I want for all sentient beings to be able to understand my intentions!"


    "I want for all those Buddhas to disappear from my life!!"

 Chapter 505: Zhang Ye’s wondrous way of cooking up publicity!

    <h4>Chapter 505: Zhang Ye''s wondrous way of cooking up publicity! </h4>


    Chapter 505: Zhang Ye''s wondrous way of cooking up publicity!


    There was nothing going on outside the study room.


    What was Old Wu doing now?


    Zhang Ye decided to go online to check out the reviews for his novel. Somemented that it wasn''t good, while others said it was just so-so, but most other reviews said that it was good and it seemed like the novel was also quite well received. The main reason for the negative reviews was that most of the readers could not understand it and thus did not want to continue reading on. Those that liked it could not wait for the next chapter to be released and evenbeled it as a work of God!


    The click rates for a single chapter was around 600,000. The click counter on the blog was a little inurate as the 600,000 didn''t mean all 600,000 people had read it. It included repeated clicks and also those who clicked on it by ident. This result might seem like it was quite good for most other people, as it showed that a lot of people read it, but for a literary figure of high standing like Zhang Ye, this results was not considered good. It was at most an OK turnout. In the past, whenever he posted a poem, any poem, it would receive a few million views at the very least. The poem post would be forwarded countless times too, but this time, the reaction to the novel was rather t. It did not cause any sensationalism and only a portion of his hardcore fans called it good. Many others probably did not know that he had published a new novel at all.


    This was a consequence of being banned!


    Zhang Ye had already anticipated this earlier!


    What should he do? He had to think of an idea. Such an excellent piece of work must not be ruined by his hands. It''s fine even if he couldn''t publish the novel or earn any money from it, but the amount of people who should read it mustn''t be just a small handful like this. Since he had already published it online for free, he must surely try to gain as much reputation from it as possible. In this period of being banned, any reputation earned would surely be considered as very precious. He should definitely maximize his returns from it!


    In the discussion area.


    "I''m extremely disappointed!"


    "What an insult to ''Journey to the West''!"


    "I''ve read a few chapters already, but I have no idea what it''s talking about!"


    A fewments caught Zhang Ye''s attention. Those were thements from several people from the literary world who had irreconcble differences with him, people like Big Thunder and the Beijing Writer''s Association''s Vice-President Meng Dongguo. Zhang Ye had gone from the crosstalk circle and jumped back into the literary world. Because of that, this bunch of people surfaced again!


    When Zhang Ye saw theirments, he did not get angry. Instead, his eyes lit up as he thought of an idea!


    These people could be considered his ''old friends''. Zhang Ye had battled with the literary world for so long that he had lost count of how many times they had battled. In the past, when this bunch of people appeared, they were always finding fault with him and attacking him, stepping on him only to be pped back hard on their mouths by Zhang Ye, but Zhang Ye was not preparing to do so today, instead he had decided that he would make the first move!


    He tapped on Meng Dongguo''s Weibo and discovered that he had published a novel justst month. It was a fictional book called ''Wind in the Paddy Fields''. The sales seemed to have done quite well.


    "It''s quite vorful to read."


    "Teacher Meng''s new book is really a good read!"


    "Looking forward to Teacher Meng''s new novel!"


    Zhang Ye had not read this novel before and did not n to, but he directly posted on Weibo, "@MengDongguo, ''Wind in the Paddy Fields''? Why don''t you call it ''Oil in the Gutter'' instead! What lousy novel is this!"


    "Ah!"


    "Zhang Ye posted on Weibo!"


    "What? Oil in the Gutter?"


    "Zhang Ye is attacking Meng Dongguo''s new novel?"


    Zhang Ye''s fans were shocked for a moment.


    Meng Dongguo and his fans would not have any of this. They angrily called out, rolled up their sleeves, and went straight for Zhang Ye''s Weibo!


    "Zhang Ye! Who are you to question Teacher Meng!"


    "Have you even read ''Wind in the Paddy Fields''?!"


    "Are you even qualified to criticize it!"


    "Do you think that your novel is any good!"


    "This is so numbing! You''re the one who is gutter oil!"


    Very quickly, Zhang Ye and Meng Dongguo''s fans were crossing swords as well!


    ......


    However.


    The used, Zhang Ye did not stay around. He went over to Big Thunder''s Weibo and found out that he had posted a poem a while ago named ''Are you doing well?''. And so, he posted hisment: "@BigThunder! What lousy poem is this!"


    If it were anyone else who posted this, Big Thunder and his fans would not be angered. There were many people who liked to criticize others and not everyone could be forced to like something, but the person who was criticizing it was Zhang Ye, a celebrity. Thus, his fans immediately reacted!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "You are going too far!"


    "Why are you scolding others out of the blue!"


    Yet another wave of fans of Big Thunder were stirred!


    ......


    Next, Zhang Ye went to famed fairy tale author, Little Red Mushroom''s Weibo. He saw that she had just released a fairy tale collection of stories earlier today and there were posts that were promoting it. Zhang Ye posted hisment: "What lousy book is this!"


    Little Red Mushroom was stupefied. She had been promoting her new collection of stories online when she saw Zhang Ye''sment. Her first reaction was something along the lines of ''Damn it, Zhang Ye! I didn''t step on your tail recently! It was all in the past, but now that you have nothing to do, you came to scold my new collection of fairy tales?'' This was bullying!


    Little Red Mushroom checked his Weibo and found out that he had written a new novel. After reading it a little, she angrily posted: "That ''Legend of Wukong'' of yours is the ridiculous one! And you even dare toe to my Weibo to scold my new book? You''re a public figure, so you should watch your words. Everyone can see what you''ve written! Don''t make yourself appear so tasteless!"


    Then, Zhang Ye replied with another, "What lousy book is this!"


    Little Red Mushroom was so angered by this. He''s such a big bully! What a big bully! She immediately gathered her fan club''s members and went to Zhang Ye''s Weibo for a scolding battle with them!


    ......


    Then, Zhang Ye hade to crosstalk actor Tang Dazhang''s Weibo and found a post that he linked to a previous crosstalk performance of his. He left ament saying: "What lousy crosstalk is this!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "That Zhang Ye is here!"


    "Damn! ****!"


    "The crosstalkpetition was cancelled because of him! I''m so angry! And he still dares toe here to cause trouble now!?"


    Tang Dazhang only found out about this when he got a call from a friend. He woke up in anger and switched on hisputer to post a reply to Zhang Ye on Weibo!


    ......


    After a minute.


    Zhang Ye had arrived at Lee Anson''s verified Weibo ount. Seeing how he had cowardly been hiding back in Korea to prepare his new album,Zhang Ye posted: "What lousy song is this!"


    Lee Anson''s fans would have none of this nonsense!


    "F**k! Zhang Ye is here!"


    "Lousy song?"


    "Your sister! Anson-oppa''s new song hasn''t even been released yet! How would you know if it is lousy or not!"


    "He''s definitely picking a fight! Sisters! We must not let this slide!"


    "Let''s go! We''ll go to his Weibo to scold him!"


    ......


    Zhang Ye was looking for trouble everywhere.


    The funniest incident was with Lee Parkwoo, who had an altercation with Zhang Ye before on Weibo. Seeing that he had been promoting his new movie, Zhang Ye gave a shoutout over there as well. As he had been scolding the crosstalk actors earlier, like Tang Dazhang, his disciples, and Xu Wenxiang as well as the other crosstalk artists who had abused and scolded him before, when it came to Lee Parkwoo''s time to be scolded, Zhang Ye sent the wrong message.


    Zhang Ye: "What lousy crosstalk is this!"


    A lot of Zhang Ye''s and Lee Parkwoo''s fans were stunned.


    Zhang Ye panicked little, but did not feel embarrassed. He immediately changed his scolding and said, "What lousy movie is this!"


    At this moment, many of Zhang Ye''s fans burst intoughter, "Pfft!! Teacher Zhang Ye had been copy pasting all his scoldings! He even sent it wrongly! Are those the only scolding words that will be used?"


    Of course Lee Parkwoo''s fans did not agree with the scolding. Zhang Ye was a famous person. He was even a famous person amongst famous people. If any other person scolded Lee Parkwoo, they wouldn''t have been stirred at all since, if they were bothered, it would mean they acknowledged that person. But for Zhang Ye to be scolding, they couldn''t take it sitting down. If they didn''t say a word, wouldn''t that mean that they were afraid of him? Yes! Zhang Ye, you''re great at scolding people, have wit, and can scold others in all kinds of ways, but you can''t bully us! When did we do anything to deserve your scolding? Parkwoo-oppa only said some words about you some time ago, but that was because of an incident. But now? Your scolding came out of the blue! Did youe here just to scold!


    "This is so maddening!"


    "How dare you scold Parkwoo-oppa?"


    "You''ve already been banned yet you still try to cause trouble!"


    "Sisters! Let''s get him! Scold him!"


    ......


    In a short 10 minutes or so.


    Zhang Ye had scolded many of the crosstalk world and literary world members. He even scolded some of the celebrities who had altercations with him before. He scolded them using "What lousy ''XX'' is this!" on their Weibos!


    After that, Zhang Ye continued checking Weibo and found a few people that he had forgotten about. They were his old enemies that he had forgotten about and he did not let go of this chance to make up scoldings!


    Zhang Ye: "@RenminUniversityProfessorMaHengyuan What lousy ss is this!"


    Zhang Ye: "@BeijingRadioStationDeputyStationHeadJia What lousy shirt is this!"


    Deputy Station Head Jia, who had already left his post, had recently posted a photo of himself wearing a suit and this had led to Zhang Ye nonsensically scolding him!


    Ma Hengyuan was so angry that his moustache was disced a little!


    Deputy Station Head Jia also nearly vomited blood!


    Many of these people had already found out the hard way about Zhang Ye''s vicious mouth and had not dared to provoke him anymore, but who would have expected him toe provoke them instead!


    Suddenly, Weibo was full of activity!


    Online, a mess ensued!


    Hundreds of celebrities, along their fans came to find the person responsible! Some of them publicly scolded Zhang Ye, while others privately messaged him. There were also those who posted a lot of messages to harass and cause inconvenience for him. The scolding battle did not only happen on Weibo, but also on Zhang Ye''s fan club in Tieba. It was flooded by countless angry celebrities who hade to return the favor!


    The wrath of the celebrities!


    The wrath of their fans!


    Thousands and thousands of people had joined in to denounce Zhang Ye and he suddenly became the public enemy. Everyone was shouting to beat him up or to kill him!


    "Zhang Ye,e out!"


    "You''re too wicked!"


    "What gives you the right to scold our Anson-oppa?"


    "How dare you scold Professor Ma? You''re all teachers, so how can you act this way! Where is your bearing as a teacher!"


    "I''m so mad!"


    "This Zhang Ye is truly hateful! Hecks virtues!"


    "This thing is really good at offending others! We need to get him off Weibo today!"


    "Who''d even want to read that lousy ''Legend of Wukong'' of yours! Who would read it!"


    The sacking force kept increasing as many people only saw Zhang Ye''stest updates that contained the phrases "What lousy book is this", "What lousy movie is this", "What lousy crosstalk is this", etc, etc, etc. Many of these posts were repeated but posted to different people. It seemed like he was doing a carpet bombing on Weibo!


    But no one had expected the reason why Zhang Ye was doing this!


    Zhang Ye''s fans and friends who saw him jumping up and about, causing trouble everywhere were at a loss of whether tough or cry!


    The smarter ones could see that Zhang Ye was just trying to hype up his new novel release and trying to pull in as much attention as he could!


    But many people were only witnessing such a f**king wondrous way of publicity for the first time in their lives. This was an act thatcked all virtue!!


    Trantor Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 506: The year’s greatest scolding war!

    <h4>Chapter 506: The year''s greatest scolding war! </h4>


    Chapter 506: The year''s greatest scolding war!


    ......


    "Hello, Master Xu, are you online?"


    "I''m about to sleep. It''s already thiste at night, what''s the matter?"


    "Go and take a look quickly. Zhang Ye''s gone mad. He''s looking for trouble everywhere!"


    "What matter of his would concern me?"


    "He...he scolded you as well!"


    "What!?"


    ......


    "Hello, Teacher Chen!"


    "Who is this?"


    "I am Little Wang from the publishing firm."


    "Oh, oh, I know who you are."


    "Your new book has been scolded by Zhang Ye on Weibo!"


    "Ah? You son-of-a-gun Zhang! How dare you try to bully me!"


    ......


    The disturbance wasrge!


    He had caused too much ire!


    In thete hours of the night, countless celebrities who were turning in or had already gone to sleep were awoken by Zhang Ye''s attacks. Manyizens also did not bother with sleeping anymore as the fans of those celebrities were making a fuss, as though they were on steroids! They rushed forward to curse at Zhang Ye, while those who were unaffected joined the war as bystanders, as it wasn''t too much trouble since all they wanted was to observe what would ensue! Some of them even tried to muddy the waters and gave Zhang Ye''s posts Likes!


    "Zhang Ye! Come out!"


    "Where is he? Is he running away after scolding others?"


    "This idiot is such a coward! How maddening! I''ve never been angered so much by a celebrity! Just how many Teachers have you scolded in such a short span of time? Let''s see how you are going to end up today!"


    "Haha, Teacher Zhang is being so cute today!"


    "Supporting Teacher Zhang Ye! I wonder what you all will do!"


    "Right! Supporting Zhang Ye! In the past, it was always Teacher Zhang who released a work before getting harassed by those bunch of people who seemed to have something against him. They would scold and doubt him before denouncing him. Not once, not twice, not even thrice, but now the tables seemed to have turned. Damn, based on what reason does it always have to be Teacher Zhang getting scolded by you guys? This time, it''s our turn to challenge you all! It would be impolite to not reciprocate! Is there a rule saying that only you people can scold Teacher Zhang and he isn''t allowed to do the same to you all!?"


    "Right, well said! Like that Meng Dongguo, Deputy Station Head Jia, Tang Dazhang, Lee Anson, and those other literary and crosstalk world people who jumped at everything Teacher Zhang did and endlessly repeated it! Now it''s our turn!"


    "Everyone, let''s do this! Support Zhang Ye!"


    "Brothers, let''s attack! Let''s scold that wretched Zhang Ye!"


    Theizens sparred and fought with their words and the mess that followed was better left unsaid!


    Actually, Zhang Ye''s cellphone would have been exploding with calls if it were not for the fact that he had been expecting it to happen and turned it off before he started scolding people on Weibo. He was enjoying the peace and quiet right now as he watched these people, whom he was scolding, react to him. Zhang Ye suddenly felt very satisfied. Just like how his fan had described, he had always been reactive in the past and fought back with his face-smacking after being scolded, it has always been this way, but now that he had been banned and had gained almost no attention for his new novel''s release, Zhang Ye even felt a little bit lonely. So this time, he decided that he would actively seek the wrath of his ''old friends''!


    Many of the celebrities who were scolded, issued statements to ost Zhang Ye!


    A lot of critics and other people published their thoughts through various channels to strongly denounce Zhang Ye''s act of aggression in scolding so many people through Weibo!


    The battle was increasingly getting out of hand and more and more people were gathered to witness this unprecedented Weibo war! The number of times Zhang Ye''s Weibo post andments were forwarded was exploding and headed straight for the top on Weibo''s ranking page. Other forums and Tiebas were also full of criticism for Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye''s blog was naturally one of the battlegrounds in this war! It was at this time that the click rate for "Legend of Wukong" began rising at an unbelievable speed. It rose so quickly that it would shock you just to see it! Every time the page was refreshed, the click rate for those six chapters would rise by arge number again!


    1 million!


    1.5 million!


    2.3 million!


    That rate of increase blinded the eyes of many observers!


    "Ah, this novel''s really good!"


    "I identally clicked on it and read it but it''s quite good!"


    "I came to watch the scolding war wondering what was going on, but ended up seeing ''Legend of Wukong'' and reading it. I couldn''t even stop once I started! What a great ''I want for the sky to not cover my eyes''! Aside from Zhang Ye''s character, which I do not want toment on, his literary level really leaves people speechless! It can only be described as amazing!"


    "Good read!"


    "Stop scolding people and quickly update the novel instead!"


    "Zhang Ye, stop scolding people. Come back and publish your next chapter! I want to read on to find out!"


    Most of these people did not know about Zhang Ye''s new novel until the scolding incident happened and caught their attention. The poprity of the novel suddenly surged!


    3 million!


    3.5 million!


    It was still rising!


    This scene had left many people dumbfounded. The novel had only just been published earlier that night and wasn''t evenpleted. There were only six chapters and only how many hours had passed since then? The number of times it was read shocked many of them. Then some of them analyzed the numbers and felt that if Zhang Ye had not been banned previously, he would still have been unable to get so many views in such a short period of time, but now that he was banned, how the heck did he get this many views!? There were no reports of it on the news, no media promotions, and no direct promotions and it still managed to reach such heaven defying readership??


    Quite a number of people from the other side of the war finally understood.


    "Everyone, stop scolding already!"


    "Don''t go on to Zhang Ye''s Weibo or blog!"


    "Damn! Zhang Ye''s making use of us to hype up his new novel! We''ve been tricked!"


    "We must all ignore Zhang Ye! We are helping to raise his poprity right now!"


    Suddenly, a lot of these detractors reacted and responded to the call and Zhang Ye''s blog became quiet for a few seconds.


    But the next moment, Zhang Ye had appeared again on the literary and crosstalk world members'' Weibo and blog and repeated his previous scoldings!


    Zhang Ye: "@MengDongguo What lousy book is this! What lousy book is this! What lousy book is this!"


    Zhang Ye: "@TangDazhang What lousy crosstalk is this! What lousy crosstalk is this! What lousy crosstalk is this!"


    It was still the same words, only repeated several times in each post. It had appeared on Meng Dongguo and the other people''s Weibo!


    These celebrities, who had been scolded, nearly vomited blood!


    Holy sh*t!


    Zhang Ye! I will fight it out with you!


    Even though they knew that Zhang Ye was doing this on purpose, they still did not take it lying down. This was really too maddening! Ignore him? Don''t respond to his provocations and leave him frustrated? But they couldn''t! Zhang Ye was jumping around scolding them, if they chose not to respond, they would be overwhelmed by his aggression! They would be scolded to death by him! Then thoseizens who did not know of Zhang Ye''s intentions would think that they were afraid of Zhang Ye! Fight back! They had to fight back!


    Right then, another wave of scolding battle began again!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "You bastard!"


    "How can you be so wicked!"


    "This bastard is really annoying and making me clench my teeth!"


    The fans of these celebrities could actually be considered as Zhang Ye''s ''old friends'' as well. Back when Zhang Ye had shed with their idols, these fans often came along to join in the ensuing arguments as well. They already got to know each other rather well by now since it wasn''t their first time crossing swords. The only difference was that all of the different celebrities fans were now attacking Zhang Ye together at once!


    It was a grand scene!


    An overwhelming amount ofizens had now gathered at Zhang Ye''s Weibo and Tieba and used it as the battlegrounds to begin the great war!


    Zhang Ye''s fans were also very supportive and they went for the Weibo ounts of Meng Dongguo, Tang Dazhang and the others and posted the samements as Zhang Ye!


    "What lousy book is this!"


    "What lousy song is this!"


    "What lousy crosstalk is this!"


    The battle was fierce as the two forces shed. Sometimes, it was even hard to tell who was on whose side!


    The observers and neutral parties still numbered the most as they watched on during this earth shattering scolding war. With every scoldingment posted, they were overjoyed! If it were other celebrities who attacked others like this without reason, most people would definitely feel ufortable about it. But it was Zhang Ye who was doing the scolding now and he even recycled the scolding phrases on all of his victims. Somehow, everyone did not have negative feelings about this but were instead tickled by what they were seeing! Zhang Ye has never been known to be a serious celebrity. He had hosted a talk show before and even performed crosstalk in the past few days. As he was a very funny crosstalk actor, everyone would change their mental image of him whenever they see him talking. They would not take the things he said as too serious!


    "How funny!"


    "Zhang Ye''s really cute!"


    "Hahaha, Teacher Zhang is such a tease!"


    "Using such a way to gain poprity, I''ve never even heard that there was such a way to do this! Hahahaha!"


    Some of Zhang Ye''s friends also posted on Weibo.


    Su Na: : "Pfft, Teacher Zhang. Don''t make trouble anymore!"


    Dong Shanshan: "@ZhangYe Old ssmate, it''s time for your medication."


    Grandma Zhang Xia: "........"


    Zhang Yuanqi''s agent Fang Weihong: "Just passing by, it wouldn''t affect me to just watch."


    It was needless to say how busy the Heavenly Queen''s manager was. The duties of the manager were probably more packed than the artist that she managed. But now, even the top manager Fang Weihong had appeared on Weibo, so that must say how much of a sensation this big epassing scolding war had caused. Not only did it interest theizens, even many of those industry insiders'' attentions were captured! But thinking it through, whether it was Lee Anson, Lee Parkwoo, Tang Dazhang, Xu Wenxiang or any of the others, which one of them were not well known? Which one of them did not have arge number of fans defending them? When the old and new hatredbined together from Zhang Ye''s scolding, it was as good as poking the ho''s nest!


    Suddenly, a small situation happened.


    On Central TV''s sports channel, a live European football match was currently being broadcasted. When the pre-match was just beginning and the footballers were doing their warm-ups, countless football fans were watching the game. In the broadcast studio, the host was discussing aboutizenments with the in-studio pundits andmentators about which team had more support. But an unexpected situation urred, possibly due to an operation error backstage. The website that was being shown on the live broadcast had disyed Zhang Ye''s blog instead and "Legend of Wukong" was shown on screen. It was showing thements section where the scolding battle was urring and the feedsted for about 6-7 seconds!


    "Uh, our apologies to everyone."


    "We had some technical difficulties just now."


    The host and guests quickly switched topics and moved on.


    But with that slight distraction, countless of others had taken note of "Legend of Wukong"!


    "Shown the wrong feed?"


    "Pfft! Central TV! It''s Central TV again!"


    "What kind of a rtionship does Central TV have with Teacher Zhang! They''re taking such good care of Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye only knew about this incident when he saw a screenshot of it posted by aizen. He knew clearly that this was surely the effect of the 5 times reduced difficulty!


    It was all thanks to the Difficulty Adjustment Die!


    Whatever help he needed, it woulde. It repeatedlymitted meritorious deeds for him!


    Trantor Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 507

    <h4>Chapter 507 </h4>


    Chapter 507


    In the study room.


    It was almost midnight.


    Unlike the chaotic scene online, it was very quiet and peaceful in the room. Zhang Ye was smoking a cigarette while drinking his coffee, rxingly copying and pasting the scolding text with his mouse and keyboard. He continued in his search for more targets. As long as it was someone who had ever stepped on him when he was down, he would target them and not leave a single one untouched.


    A momentter.


    Sorry, your posting rights have been revoked.


    Sorry, your posting rights have been revoked.


    Finally, Zhang Ye tried another two more times without sess. When he checked out why this was happening, he found out that he had been reported by a total of 13,000 users. In a short 30 minutes, he had actually been reported by more than 10,000 people. He probably broke the record for receiving the most amount ofints since theunch of Weibo. In the past, even for those extremely hated inte stars, celebrities, or businessmen, no one had ever concurrently received so manyints against them before. The year''s firstrge scale scolding war had precisely led to such a record being broken. It was undoubtedly a rare moment!


    "Are you crazy!"


    "Did you have your medication?"


    "How much did you eat?"


    "How much did you have?"


    "I will eat however much you have!"


    "I have enough for however much you can eat!"


    The scolding battle was still ongoing as theizens came up with all sorts of ways to scold! Especially for Zhang Ye''s fans, they''ve had much training, having been through so many battles with Zhang Ye in the past. With his influence, their scoldings were fanciful and not ambiguous at all. This left many people bursting withughter!


    "Aiyo, this is too funny!"


    "This scolding battle is so enjoyable to watch!"


    "Hahaha, Zhang Ye has already be public enemy #1. He creates trouble whenever he appears and it''s no exception this time!"


    "This hyping up is too powerful!"


    "This way of getting attention is really not something that just anyone cane up with. Even if they could, it would take more than an extraordinary person to carry it out! Only a wonder of the entertainment industry like Teacher Zhang Ye has the guts to do something like this. He even executed the whole n perfectly! Pfft. I''ve just about fainted fromughing too much in front of myputer!"


    "Honestly speaking, I am liking Zhang Ye more and more. Other people usually hype up their promotions discreetly by having rumors of rtionships or iming to have certain incidents happening to them. When they are called out for trying to do promotions with such news, they just deny it and appear to be righteous, but look at Teacher Zhang Ye! He''s just doing all of it openly! He''s basically telling everyone straight up: I am promoting my novel! I am creating all this trouble to do my promotions! Haha, he''s totally different from your everyday celebrity! This is the first time I''ve witnessed hyping up a release in such an honest way! And those artists who have a grudge with Teacher Zhang can only take it quietly! It''s really an extraordinary task that could be aplished by an extraordinary person! In the 50 years of entertainment business, only Zhang Ye could have carried out an act thatcks as much virtue as this!"


    "Zhang Ye has a very special kind of charm that just attracts you to him. That is what I like most about him�� He is never pretentious! He''s just says everything as it is!"


    Everyone was going to sleep soon and so the scolding battle was alsoing to a close. Many of theizens were already posting their conclusions of the incident today. What was unexpected was that many of them actually had very positive opinions of Zhang Ye''s troublemaking this time. This nearly made the celebrities who were scolded and their fans faint!


    Zhang Ye was once again the talk of the town!


    And the new novel "Legend of Wukong" had also gone viral!


    ......


    Past midnight.


    As the people online starting to thin out, the scolding war also died together with it. Theizens who had to sleep had gone to sleep. This kind of meaningless war would usuallye and go very quickly. The victors and losers were generally undecided and all that mattered was the process of scolding. It was just a way to get a kick from it and then....there''s no and then.


    A voice called out to him from outside the room.


    "Little Zhang."


    "Oh, Sis Wu."


    "Are you busy? Come here for a while."


    "OK, OK."


    Zhang Ye did not bother about the scolding war anymore. He turned off hisputer and looked at his watch only to realize that it was quitete already. He quickly opened the door and went outside, but did not find anyone in the corridor. He walked out a few steps to a room where the door was open. He could see the Wu Zeqing inside and she was justying her bed out with a nket.


    When she saw him, Wu Zeqing patted on the bed sheets and said, "I''veid out the bed for you. It''s already thiste, so you don''t have to go back tonight. You can just stay over."


    Zhang Ye hypocritically said, "Come on, I think it''s better for me to just head back."


    She pointed at her watch and said, "It''s ratherte now and it''s not safe to drive back at this time."


    "Then...alright. I guess I will have to bother you again. Zhang Ye was of course more than hoping that this would happen. His intentions were to stay over anyway. Thest time he stayed over in this house was due to him having drunk too much at the calligraphy association''s anniversary celebrations.


    Wu Zeqing pointed to the bathroom, "The toothbrush and towel in there were the ones you used previously. I''ve not touched them. Oh yes, what would you like for breakfast tomorrow?"


    "It''s OK, please don''t trouble yourself with that. Just busy yourself with what you need to." Zhang Ye waved his hand.


    She smiled and said, "Big Sis is having a break from work these few days, so there''s nothing to keep me busy with. I will just fix something up for breakfast then. Are you sleepy yet? If you are, you should just go to bed earlier."


    Zhang Ye blinked, "I''m not feeling sleepy yet."


    "You''re still not tired at thiste hour?" Wu Zeqing asked.


    He smiled and said, "I''ve been sleeping quitete these past few days and don''t go to bed before 1 or 2AM."


    Trantor Notes:


    - This chapter is a redacted chapter due to *wink wink*


    - The chapter''s title is ''Photographing Again'', but due to an anti-pornographicw established around 2014 by SARFT, all authors had to redact sexually explicit material or face having their entire novels banned. Our stance as trantors is to trante whatever is on the official site, Qidian, even if the old redacted material can be found on pirated sources.


    - Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 508: Confessing to Old Wu!

    <h4>Chapter 508: Confessing to Old Wu! </h4>


    Chapter 508: Confessing to Old Wu!


    When he opened his eyes, it was already morning.


    The sky was still dark outside, as it was just past six in the morning.


    Outside the window, he could see a few old men and women doing their morning exercises. Other than them, there wasn''t anyone else. This was an upscale estate, and there were not that many residents.


    Zhang Ye crawled out of the guest bed in Old Wu''s house. He yawned and stretched since he was unable to go back to sleep. He still felt a little ufortable spending the night at someone else''s ce since he wasn''t used to the bed and couldn''t getfortable.


    He went to the bathroom to do his business and then washed up. When he left his room, he moved around with light footsteps and took a look around. There wasn''t anything going on upstairs or downstairs. Old Wu was clearly still in bed and if he judged by the standard seven or eight hours of sleep, Sis Wu would probably only be up around 8AM. Zhang Ye quietly made some tea on the first floor and brought it back into the room. He wasn''t going back to sleep anymore, so he turned on theputer on the table.


    He continued with his novel.


    ......


    "Legend of Wukong".


    Chapter 7:


    Tang Xuanzang went back to the small room.


    The fish was still swimming in the tank.


    "Why is the ground so wet? You must have been naughty again!" Xuanzang smiled and said to Little White Dragon.


    Little White Dragon swung her tail about and smiled. She found out that she was even willing to be a fish if it meant that she could stay by his side.


    ......


    When he was writing this novel yesterday, Zhang Ye had some hope of things turning out better. He had earlier felt that his future was uncertain as everything he did was only bogged down by the ban. He was also no longer a small time celebrity, but a well known celebrity who was now ranked in the middle of the C-list rankings. A star of his caliber would require a lot of fame and poprity just to maintain this level, because hispetitors in the rankings were not dead people. It wasn''t only his poprity which would grow, but all of the others would grow as well. They were all running the rat race together and that was the reason why Zhang Ye couldn''t just stay where he was. The rankings would change and he might drop greatly in ranking if he did not do something. Zhang Ye was now trying to think of a way to maintain his spot and was given a glimmer of hope by the novel ''Legend of Wukong''. He did not ask for it to be able to push him further up the rankings, but just to allow him to maintain his visibility and reputation so that his ranking would not drop.


    From what he could see right now, his goals had already been reached. In fact, it even exceeded his expectations. The epic scolding warst night helped push "Legend of Wukong" into a prominent view and popr position. If he needed toe up with a reason for writing this novel yesterday, it was because of Wu Zeqing, but today, he, Zhang Ye, was writing this for himself.


    Tap Tap Tap!


    The clicking sound of the keyboard kept sounding out wave after wave.


    His writing form was just normal since he had only just woken up. This chapter was written at a slower pace than yesterday, but he still managed to stumble through andplete the chapter. Zhang Ye checked for any typos before publishing it on his blog immediately.


    Someizens, who were up early, were already waiting.


    "Ah!


    It''s released, it''s released!"


    "I''ve refreshed so many times!"


    "It''s finally here!"


    "Haha, the wait is killing me!"


    "I better read it first!"


    "I''ve just finished reading it!"


    "It was great!"


    "Really good!"


    "Is there anymore, Teacher Zhang!?"


    "Please release it all at once!"


    "I''m so anxious to find out what''s going to happen next!"


    The scolding war had already died down and thement section on Zhang Ye''s blog was in a mess. It could still be seen how fierce the battle had been the night before with some people still randomly continuing to scold, but since it was just scattered scoldings, it could be said that the scolding war had already ended.


    The only people left were the ones who were standing by at his blog waiting for the updates to "Legend of Wukong".


    Some even said, "Damn, I won''t even bother celebrating Valentine''s Day today. I will just wait at home for your updates!"


    Oh?


    Valentine''s Day?


    When he saw thatment, Zhang Ye was a little stunned. He took out his cellphone and checked the calendar to confirm. Well, isn''t this so. Lunar New Year had just passed and it was already February 14th today. Spring was alreadying.


    But after knowing, he did not have much of a reaction anymore and just continued to power through writing the eighth chapter. To a very nationalistic youth amongst nationalistic youths, Zhang Ye wouldn''t possibly want to celebrate this foreign festival. It would have been better to just celebrate their own traditional Chinese Valentine''s Day.


    A thousand characters.


    2000 characters.


    The eighth chapter was alsopleted. Zhang Ye had found his form and momentum by now, so the speed of his typing gradually increased. After he published it, he was preparing to get some rest, as his wrist was getting a little achy. Having typed out so many charactersst night, he did not feel the effects immediately after, but when he woke up from his sleep, he did not feel too well in his head and hands. Together with helping Wu Zeqing take so many pictures of herself, coupled with those postures and angles, as well as pressing the shutter so many times, all of these were enough to cause him to feel tired.


    He opened the windows and took a deep breath.


    It was already past 7AM now. The sky was gradually bing brighter, but the sun was still not up yet. Thend was recovering and the little trees were sprouting buds. It was a vibrant and lively scene from the window.


    There was a sound outside the door along the corridor.


    It was the voice of a woman, "Little Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye turned back to face the door and said, "Sis Wu, I''m in here." He closed the windows and quickly went over to open the door, but when he was just a meter away from the door, the door had already opened.


    Wu Zeqing appeared in front of him. He could see that Wu Zeqing had only just woken up as her hair was still a little messy.


    Zhang Ye smiled, "You''re awake?"


    "I just opened my eyes a while ago. I said I wanted to prepare breakfast for you, but then I couldn''t find you in the bedroom. Hur hur, why did youe to the study?" She asked.


    Zhang Ye said, "I just finished writing two more chapters of the novel."


    Wu Zeqing said, "You are working on it so early in the morning?"


    Zhang Ye nodded, "I woke up early today and couldn''t go back to sleep."


    "Alright then. You can continue to write while I prepare breakfast. You must be hungry?" Wu Zeqingughed a little, "It will take about 10 minutes and breakfast will be served."


    "I won''t be writing anymore for now. Let''s go downstairs together." Zhang Ye followed behind her and out of the study room.


    When he passed by the room that he had slept in, Zhang Ye was stunned, "Aiyo, why did you fix the bed for me? Sigh, I forgot to make my own bed after waking up." The nkets and pillows were all stacked nicely on the bed, and even the coffee cup and ashtray, that he had been usingst night, were taken away and cleaned up by Old Wu. Zhang Ye felt quite embarrassed about it as he was already troubling someone by staying over, and now Old Wu even had to clean up after him!


    Wu Zeqing ignored him and just walked down the stairs.


    Zhang Ye looked at her from behind and was feeling her gentleness and warmth. He mustered up a few words and the courage to say it, but always faltered just before the words coulde out from his mouth. Instead, his face turned red from this. Just because he dared to scold at anyone didn''t mean that he could say what he wanted to say to a woman, especially when it was such a beautiful woman. He tended to speak more formally with her.


    He had a lot of words that he had wanted to sayst night when he had been photographing Old Wu, but now, he could not even open his mouth.


    There weren''t too many days left of the reduced difficulty period. Only three days of the total duration of slightly more than six days were left now, and he had to make use of this time to confess to Old Wu. Otherwise, there wouldn''t be a chance in the future!


    How big of a gulf was between the two of them?


    It wouldn''t be too exaggerated to say that a day and a continent separated the two of them!


    Old Wu was sessful in her career and already at a high ce at 30 something, but him?


    He may look like he was doing well on the outside, but actually his career had only just started.


    Old Wu was blessed with good looks and was beautiful from head to toe and from inside out, but him?


    He was just ordinary, and you couldn''t even consider him to be a little bit handsome.


    Old Wu''s personality was good as well. She knew how to take care of others, respect others, and was basically very considerate in all aspects, but him?


    He would create trouble everyday, offending people everywhere. He could not cook or take care of people and waszy.


    Sigh, let''s just stop here. The more reasons he brought up, the more likely he would burst into tears!


    "Shall I make some eggs?"


    "Anything is fine."


    "OK, I will heat up some milk too."


    Downstairs, Wu Zeqing was beginning to busy herself with chores.


    Zhang Ye could not help in anyway, so he just stood by her side and looked on. He had been thinking over and over again on how to confess. Should he do it gracefully?


    Boldly?


    Frankly?


    A cellphone rang.


    It was Old Wu''s cellphone.


    She checked the CallerID and smiled as she picked up, "Director Wang."


    Zhang Ye leaned in closer and managed to overhear a bit of the conversation. It was a man, who sounded like he was in his thirties, not too young or old, "President Wu, I heard that you were promoted?"


    She answered, "It''s just ateral promotion."


    The other party said, "Where will you be headed?"


    She replied, "To the South, I guess. It still hasn''t been confirmed yet."


    The other party paused for a moment before saying, "It''s Valentine''s Day today, are you free? Let me give you a treat."


    Zhang Ye''s ears perked up up immediately. Damn you, who the hell does this Wang guy think he is?


    How dare you try to cut this bro''s corner?!


    But he heard Wu Zeqingughing and reply, "Next time, I have something going on today."


    That person said, "You have a date?"


    She replied, "Hur hur, it''s not really a date, but I won''t be able to go for sure. We can always have the farewell dinner another day. It would be the same anyway. We can also call a few of our old friends along for the gathering before I leave."


    That person could only reply, "Alright then."


    After hanging up, the doorbell rang.


    A man''s voice shouted out from the outside, "Courier."


    Wu Zeqing went to open the door.


    When the courier saw Wu Zeqing, he gave a look of amazement and was stunned for a moment. Then he said, "Are you Madam Wu? I have a parcel for you, please sign here."


    "Oh, thank you." Wu Zeqing signed off on the acknowledgment slip and opened up the parcel. It was a big box of choctes from abroad in the shape of hearts. One could tell that it was expensive just from the look of it alone.


    When the courier left, someone from the florist arrived with two big bouquets of flowers. One of it was red, while the other one was blue in color. The florist delivery person asked Wu Zeqing to sign for the delivery.


    Wu Zeqing''s expression did not change and she asked, "They''re both for me?"


    The female florist delivery person replied, "Yes, they''re both for you. We received these two orders yesterday and only noticed it today when we were preparing to send out the flowers. The addresses were the same, so we brought them over together. Ahemm, this one is is from Mr. Zhang and this one is from Mr. Liu. Can you sign both acknowledgment slips?"


    It wasn''t really that coincidental, since the florist was one of the bigger shops in the vicinity of Taoran Pavilion. It was also more popr and so the two orders were made at this shop via a website.


    The florist delivery person was still wondering earlier about this. It was a rare urrence even to them, but when she saw Wu Zeqing, she seemed to have realized that it wasn''t that much of a surprise at all. For such a beautiful woman, if she wasn''t married yet, it wouldn''t even be surprising if she received more than a dozen flowers, let alone just two bouquets.


    After Wu Zeqing signed it, she said, "Thank you."


    Zhang Ye, who had been observing this from the side, was now feeling hatred for those gift senders. He had wanted to scold all of them harshly! This was really pushing it too far!


    You people have pushed it too far!


    The confession has to be today!


    It had to be!!


    If he didn''t, then Old Wu might be snatched away by someone else instead!


    Trantor Notes: Like Zhang Ye pushing through the chapters, I''ve been tranting these chapters with much vigor. My wrists are hurting these days, I better get them rested for a short while.


    Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 509: "I’m willing to become the stone bridge for 500 years"!

    <h4>Chapter 509: "I''m willing to be the stone bridge for 500 years"! </h4>


    Chapter 509: "I''m willing to be the stone bridge for 500 years"!


    In the vi.


    Wu Zeqing put the flowers on a table.


    Zhang Ye went up to it, "Let me help you with these, where do you want me to ce them?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "It''s fine. Let''s have our breakfast first. If there''s no ce to put them, then just leave them there or put it out in the garden."


    Zhang Ye blinked, "You are so popr."


    "They are just gifts from some friends and ex-colleagues." She answered.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Oh, they are all wooing you?"


    Wu Zeqing brought the milk over and calmly responded, "I don''t know about that."


    Come on, even a fool could see that! How could you not?


    When Zhang Ye heard this, he started to talk badly about them and said, "Say, don''t you think a foreign festival like that really spoils the atmosphere here? What so good about celebrating a day like Valentine''s Day anyway?"


    "Just sit down and eat." Wu Zeqing smiled, "Big Sis doesn''t celebrate Western festivals like this either."


    Zhang Ye lightly pped his hand on the table, "Right? Things like choctes and flowers are totally undesirable gifts. We should firmly reject such practices. Just look at Thanksgiving Dayst year, where so many of our Chinese nationals were fussing over celebrating it. Even some public figures went about posting on Weibo about what they were thankful for. What are they even thinking!? How did the American festival of Thanksgivinge about? It was because they wanted to thank the Indians for helping them before and so this day was designated as Thanksgiving day. Who is our country giving thanks to then?! It is totally mindless to celebrate it!"


    Wu Zeqing was alreadyughing, "You seem pretty agitated."


    "It''s not that I want to step on them, it''s really not like that, Sis Wu." Zhang Ye was in fact bashing them using this opportunity, "Such undesirable practices are really making me unable to just look on anymore!"


    Wu Zeqing nodded her head slight, "They shouldn''t be promoted."


    During the duration of breakfast, Zhang Ye kept talking about and putting down these people with everything he got. He was not done until he had buried these people deep into the mud!


    After breakfast, yet another courier had arrived to send a package.


    After signing for it, Wu Zeqing took it out and saw that it was a calligraphic scroll with a poem written in it.


    You are the beautiful Chang''er of the mortal world.


    Are the song and dance a reflection of your heart?


    The wind I ride on while you steer our direction.


    Most beautiful of all is not how the clouds float past.


    Love so deep, you won''t need much of those.


    Zhang Ye knew at a nce what it was, "An acrostic poem?"


    The characters in front formed the sentence - You are the most loved? Bah! How disgustingly vulgar! This was simply too disgustingly vulgar! Zhang Ye was already despising the senderpletely and forming opinions of that person!


    Wu Zeqing could onlyugh lightly and shake her head. She did not say anything else, but just kept the calligraphic scroll aside.


    Zhang Ye continued his bashing, "Is that from someone in the Calligraphy Association? The words are just alright, but the standard of this poem is.....very normal. It''s just a matter of putting it together properly and that doesn''t require much skill."


    Di Di. Wu Zeqing''s cellphone received a message and she picked it up to take a look.


    Zhang Ye stole a nce, but did not manage to see clearly. Based on theyout of the words, it was probably yet another poem. It seemed like everyone knew that Wu Zeqing liked calligraphy and poems a lot and they were aiming to please her on this Valentine''s Day, hoping to win her over!


    Old Wu passed the phone over and asked, "What does this poem mean? I don''t understand it."


    "Oh, let me help you with it." Since this was Zhang Ye''s rice bowl, he did not say another word but took the phone and read from it. He said, "It''s another acrostic poem, but this one is a little deeper."


    Wu Zeqing said, "Acrostic?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and read:


    "A bit of mncholy over long days and short nights, from high few evere ��The moon."


    "One person to cruise the green ins, ten soldiers with their feet growing clothes��Represents."


    "The swan spreads its wings, gone is its flight, meaningless to enjoy wine with a whitedle��My"


    "Nothing with a hook and three dots of rain��heart."


    Using the Chinese characters and the clues in the text, they formed �� the moon represents my heart.


    Such poems with hidden words or meanings were not a serious kind of literature. Sometimes to make it work, it would have to be forced. The sentences would then be wed and it was understandable that Old Wu did not catch the meaning of it. This sort of poems was verymon in Zhang Ye''s previous world, so he knew the meanings behind them almost immediately after reading it.


    Wu Zeqingughed, "You seem to be quite well versed in this field?"


    Zhang Ye sighed, "Well, I dare not im that I am well versed in such things. These kinds of poems are just simple tricks and can''t be considered a skill. I''ve never really learned in depth about them, but I think that I do know it better than them." He had again stepped on Old Wu''s pursuers. Even this bro has not dared to make his move yet, but all of you are already confessing one by one?


    Shameless!


    Do you all still have a shred of humanity left in you!?


    Zhang Ye was very angry and worried. Seeing Old Wu''s calm demeanor, she probably had to sign for these things every year. There were probably more than 10 people trying to woo her at any given time, and that was already a conservative estimate. Old Wu was already in her thirties and was not married and had no children yet. From this reasoning, her family was probably already urging her to do so? Old Wu might also be a little worried because of this? A situation like this made it even more critical! If she were to loosen up a little, she might just end up with someone else after hearing their sweet words and promises. Then Zhang Ye would definitely end up heartbroken and crying. This was the main reason why he was also feeling very worried!


    Old Wu went to get a vase.


    Zhang Ye followed along and helped her arrange the flowers. He tested her by asking, "Sis Wu, there are so many people wooing you, but it seems like none of them have caught your eye?"


    Wu Zeqing replied, "They are not wooing me. They''re all just friends and teasing me for fun."


    "You...don''t you n to have a family?" Zhang Ye ventured a little more and asked.


    Wu Zeqing looked at him, "Why are you asking about this?"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Sigh, I''m just curious. Just curious."


    She replied anyway, "Of course I would like to have a family, but I have not met the right person yet. Hur hur. Why? Do you have someone in mind to introduce to me?"


    "Ahem, no." Zhang Ye replied.


    She said, "Alright, the flowers have been arranged properly."


    Zhang Ye said, ".....Hmm."


    She had already walked in front of him, "Let''s go. Let''s go upstairs to take a look at your newly published chapter. I''m looking forward to read it."


    "Sure." Zhang Ye followed along, "If you still want to read more after you finish this chapter, I will continue to write. I can try to rush out six more chapters today."


    Upstairs.


    Old Wu''s room.


    Wu Zeqing switched on herputer and sat down. Sheunched the browser while Zhang Ye pulled a chair over and sat down. His heart was very unsettled right now.


    Old Wu logged onto Weibo first and said, "There''s so much activity on here today."


    Zhang Ye had a look and felt the same. The inte today was filled with proposals between couples and confessions from secret admirers. There were even some celebrities who were showing their love and affections to others. There was surely a lot of gossip about them while at least two public figures had already been photographed with another mysterious man or woman out on a Valentine''s Day date. Wu Zeqing''s Weibo was also having quite amotion. As Old Wu was not considered a public figure, she did not have many fans paying attention to her. It was inconspicuous, but Zhang Ye was following her. When he saw many people doing acrostic poems on her Weibo, he was infuriated!


    A Weibo verified ount of a certain Higher Mathematics teacher from Peking University, Han Henian also posted on her Weibo with a message. He had also dedicated a poem to @WuZeqing .


    Leaning on a window I long for a beauty.


    Blissful rain and overflowing wine string bead curtains.


    Merry dances wave to the elegant figure.


    Your smile appears like a flower fairy.


    From the top parts of the Chinese characters, it meant �� I like you.


    Regarding these messages, themonizens were not too interested in them, but Wu Zeqing''s friends and students of Peking University were. They had all gathered at her Weibo page to see what was going on.


    A female student eximed, "Wow! Teacher Han has confessed!"


    A Physics department Associate Professor also teasingly gave his blessings, "Wishing Little Han gets to win the maiden''s hand. Work hard for it!"


    Zhang Ye''s colleague, Chinese department''s Su Na also joined in the fun, "Hehe, Teacher Han''s courage is admirable. Here''s a Like for you. I heard that President Wu will be posted to another ce soon, so you had better work hard to win her over!"


    The students of Peking University were also shouting all sorts of replies.


    "Ah, President Wu is mine!"


    "Pfft, previous poster must be crazy. Your balls must be really big!"


    "Wuwu, I like President Wu as well. When I graduate and find a job, and if President Wu is still unmarried at that time, I will definitely woo her. Even if I know that President Wu will not have eyes for me, I will still go for it!"


    "Cries! President Wu is my goddess!"


    "I''ve also been secretly in love with President Wu for the past three years!"


    "President Wu, I love you too!"


    "Forget it you guys. At our age, it is definitely not possible."


    "Yea. Honestly speaking, Teacher Han Henian, who teaches higher Mathematics is more suitable for her. At least they are simr in terms of age and Teacher Han is rather suave looking as well."


    "I never expected a Math teacher like Teacher Han to have such good literary talent! It''s an acrostic poem!"


    "Get together!"


    "Get together!"


    "Get together!"


    Some male students cried out in jealousy, while others were shouting their blessings and wishes for the 2.


    "President Wu is too popr!"


    "Yes, just look at how many people are confessing to her!"


    Another Weibo verified member of the National Writers'' Association, a middle-aged man, had also ''transmitted'' his love for Wu Zeqing. That person who was considered to be rather well known and worked in literature research probably knew Wu Zeqing in person as well since they might have crossed paths in their work before. He was a divorcee and had a child from his previous marriage.


    He posted a poem to Wu Zeqing:


    The trees open their eyes.


    A kid naps under his roof.


    Lacking in conscience.


    Sunset with remnant rabbits by the side.


    It was acrostic also. The few words represented �� regret that we didn''t meet sooner.


    This middle-aged man from the Writers'' Association was still holding back and being a little more subtle than the others. He was already at an age where he wouldn''t feelfortable with expressing those mushy love confessions in public. This was evident in his poem too as it was just a simple hint that still managed to express his admiration of her.


    When this poem was published, some other admirers were probably getting anxious by the slew of confessions to Wu Zeqing. They knew they could not longer just sit back, so all of them also joined in to make their confessions. Because Old Wu was also part of these circles, having worked in publicity, education, Peking University''s Chinese department, and was also a member of the Calligraphy Association, the people she knew and mingled with were also part of these circles. These people might not be good at most other things, buting up with a simple poem was definitely not one of them.


    There was poetry everywhere!


    A thread of feelings lead to a head of white.


    Daily longing expels grief.


    Don''t me me for my seeds of infatuation.


    Seeing you often in my dreams.


    If we were fated.


    The distance that keeps us apart is just a thread.


    The cherry blossoms bloom in March.


    Fruits after autumn is most sweet.


    The same old acrostic poems��one day apart seems like three years.


    One after the other, wave after wave. There were too many people who were confessing to Wu Zeqing. It felt like they were kicking up a riot, each trying to outdo the other to see who could win the dame''s heart.


    "What''s going on here today?"


    "Wow, they are all here trying to woo President Wu?"


    "I wonder who President Wu will choose!"


    "Looking forward to it."


    "I''m getting interested in this too."


    "Sis Wu, pick one of them. Hehe, you aren''t young anymore."


    The going-ons were sustaining the attention of the students and Old Wu''s friends.


    ......


    At home.


    Wu Zeqing only smiled and shook her head.


    Zhang Ye was looking at her Weibo all this while beside her. He was somewhat angry and frustrated and finally couldn''t hold it in anymore, "Sis Wu."


    "Yes?" She tilted her head sidewards.


    Zhang Ye muttered some words, "So then, let''s, you....."


    Wu Zeqing gently said, "Just say what you want to say. What''s the matter?"


    Zhang Ye clenched his teeth, thinking that if he didn''t say anything now, then he would probably not have another chance in this lifetime to say it. By the power of the five times difficulty reduction Die! Bestow unto me the courage to do this! Zhang Ye took a deep breath and did not beat around the bush any longer. He looked at Wu Zeqing in the eye and said, "Don''t bother with them! Why don''t you be my girlfriend instead!"


    What the heck!


    He finally said it!


    When the words slipped out of his mouth, Zhang Ye no longer felt nervous. He wore a serious expression on his face.


    But Wu Zeqing onlyughed it off, "You are just like them, teasing me."


    Zhang Ye said seriously with a blushed face, "Hey, what do you mean teasing? I am being very serious, Sis Wu."


    Wu Zeqing smiled, "I don''t see it."


    Zhang Ye let himself loose, "Just tell me if you want to or don''t want to. "


    "You like me?" She looked into Zhang Ye''s eyes.


    Zhang Ye said without hesitation, "Yes."


    Wu Zeqing calmly said, "Big Sis will be leaving for her new post soon. This time, it will be to the South and the workload will surely be heavier. I probably won''t be able toe even once a year."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "I don''t care if we can see each other or not. Besides that, I could go over to look for you too. A flight there wouldn''t take long at all. Moreover, even if you don''te back for a year or five years, I will still wait for you. Distance is not a problem. Sis Wu, I am being quite serious here."


    She asked, "What do you like about me?"


    Zhang Ye said, "There''s no reason why, I just do."


    She asked again, "....How much do you like me?"


    Just thinking about Wu Zeqing''s gentleness and caring side, thinking about how she treated him with so much respect and gave him unconditional support, he wouldn''t be able to find a girlfriend like this even in eight lifetimes. So why did he like her that much, was that even a question? When the images of those pursuers of Old Wuposing poems to confess floated across his mind, Zhang Ye''s expression began to calm down slowly.


    Like?


    How much do I like you?


    Zhang Ye looked at her and lightly recited a Zen verse that did not exist in this world:


    "I''m willing to be the stone bridge."


    "Enduring 500 years of the ruthless wind."


    "500 years of the burning sun."


    "500 years of the freezing rain."


    "Just... to catch a glimpse of you passing by."


    How much do I like you? I guess it is as much as that!


    When this famous "Verse of the Stone Bridge" was spoken, Wu Zeqing''s eyes immediately changed. She was stunned!


    500 years in the ruthless wind?


    500 years under the burning sun?


    500 years of being....beaten by the rain?


    Compared to those acrostic poems that Old Wu''s pursuers had used to confess with, Zhang Ye''s "Verse of the Stone Bridge" was on a much higher level than theirs. It was already in a different ss. Not only was the content and literary standard on a different level, even its meaning and power were iparable!


    There were no sweet words in it!


    There were no promises either!


    But the emotions in the Zen verse were much more meaningful and amazing than anything those confessions could express with words! 500 years of suffering, just to catch a glimpse of you passing by?


    Wu Zeqing closed her eyes and opened them again, asking, "Are you serious?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve never been more serious than I am today!"


    After a few seconds of silence, Wu Zeqing simply said, "OK."


    "OK?" Zhang Ye was stunned, "What do you mean?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled at him, "Weren''t you asking Big Sis to be your girlfriend? So I said OK."


    Trantor Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 510: Holding hands!

    <h4>Chapter 510: Holding hands! </h4>


    Chapter 510: Holding hands!


    What?


    That''s it?


    Old Wu had agreed?


    Zhang Ye spirit was a little shaken, as he did not believe what he had just heard. Even though he had already confessed with the knowledge that this was in a five times reduced difficulty environment, which would otherwise prove impossible in normal circumstances, he still did not harbor much hope that he would seed here. After all, in terms of their characters, age, or work, they were basically from two different worlds. To be in a rtionship together? It was probably because there was nothing much inmon between them, that Zhang Ye had blurted out that "Verse of the Stone Bridge".


    This verse stemmed from a story.


    Or rather, a story from Zhang Ye''s original world.


    Anan - one of the ten principal disciples of the Buddha. His full name was Ananda. The name had the meaning of to like, to celebrate, and being untainted. He was Buddha''s younger cousin and became a principal disciple of Buddha after bing a monk for more than 20 years. He had good memory and could remember much of Buddha''s teachings and was named the Prime in conduct to Buddha. Ananda was blessed with naturally good looks, a face that glowed like the moon, eyes that were like the lotus flowers, and body as clean as a bright mirror. Even after entering monkhood, he could not resist the temptation of women.


    One day.


    Ananda said to Buddha: "I fell for a girl."


    Buddha asked Ananda: "How much do you like this girl?"


    Ananda replied: "I would be willing to reincarnate into a bridge of stone, taking in 500 years of the cold wind, 500 years of the zing sun and 500 years in the beating rain, only with the wish that she would walk once over the bridge."


    How much did he like her?


    But exchanging a lifetime for love at first sight?


    Willing to wait, but not asking for any returns?


    Understanding all of this and yet he was still willing to endure all that suffering just for a moment of meeting.


    Ananda, just how much do you like that girl to give up everything and choose the path of torturous love?


    This was the full text of the origin story. In his previous world, there was a very well known movie which had also used these lines. When Zhang Ye heard Wu Zeqing ask how much he liked her, he reflexively answered with this Zen verse. What mattered was that he had also felt this way in his heart as well. He had really liked this gentle and beautifuldy and thus rushed to confess to her. He really had not expected that Wu Zeqing would agree?


    This was unbelievable!


    Other than disbelief, he felt more disbelief!


    Zhang Ye was so happy that a smile bloomed on his face, "Are you sure, Sis Wu?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Hur Hur, didn''t I already say it?"


    "Don''t fool me, alright? I will take this to be your serious answer." Zhang Ye was getting excited as his heart beat faster and louder, feeling worried at the same time and asking to make sure again. He could not help it at all. This surprise hade too suddenly, so sudden that Zhang Ye felt that it was unreal.


    She just said, "Really."


    Zhang Ye smacked his thighs and shouted, "OK!"


    Wu Zeqing turned back around and held the mouse in her hand, "Let me read the new chapter of ''Legend of Wukong'' first." and she continued on with her reading.


    Zhang Ye stayed by her side, but did not bother her anymore. He thought to himself if this was the result of the five times reduced difficulty, or the power of "Verse of the Stone Bridge"? If Wu Zeqing did not say why she agreed, then Zhang Ye wouldn''t know exactly why she agreed to it either, but it was likely that both had contributed to the reason behind her decision!


    Great!


    This bro has been alive for over 20 years and has finally found a girlfriend!


    And it''s even such an earth-shattering woman? If this were to get out, it would surely scare a whole lot of people!


    5 minutes.


    10 minutes.


    After a long while, Zhang Ye''s excitement still had not died down. His heart was still beating crazily fast. Watching Wu Zeqing from the side, he felt that he liked her even more as he looked on! He was more and more attracted to her with each look as his hand unconsciously picked up the box of branded choctes that Old Wu''s pursuer had sent her. Without even asking for Old Wu''s permission, he unwrapped the packaging and began eating some. If he had to say something, it was that the choctes tasted quite good.


    When Old Wu heard the rustling sound, she looked over and said, "Why are you eating choctes so early in the morning? It''s too heaty, so don''t eat so much. It''s not good for your body."


    Zhang Ye raised his hand and asked, "You want a bite?"


    She did not take it, but said, "It''s too sweet."


    "It''s not that I want to eat it." Zhang Ye picked up another piece and threw it into his mouth, finishing up the whole box in just a short time, "Since you''re my girlfriend now, this box of choctes from my rival has be my trophy."


    She smiled and said, "If you want to eat it, then just take it."


    Zhang Ye asked, "You''ve finished reading?"


    "Yes. I''ve finished reading." She said.


    "How was it?" Zhang Ye was anticipating her answer.


    She nodded her head, "It''s very good. Big Sis used to have the urge to write a novel herself too, but after reading yours, I found out that I don''t have the talent to do so."


    But Zhang Ye did not feel so, "You''re being to modest. With you literary knowledge, you are more than qualified to write one."


    "Don''t keep using such polite forms with me anymore." She suddenly said.


    Zhang Ye nodded, "OK, I will just address you more simply in the future." Then with a slight hesitation and a lightugh, he said, "So... so what should I call you from now on?"


    Sheughed, "Anything is fine."


    Zhang Ye blinked, "Isn''t it weird if I were to keep calling you Sis Wu?"


    Sheughed lightly, "What do you want to call me then?"


    "Why don''t I call you Old Wu? That''s more endearing." Zhang Ye said.


    Wu Zeqing noticed his cor looked crooked so she reached out to adjust it for him. She then pulled away a strand of messy hair from his sideburns. These actions were very natural, and nothing felt wrong about it. "Anything. If you want to call me Old Wu, then let it be Old Wu. Hur Hur, go ahead."


    Zhang Ye did not move and just sat there allowing Wu Zeqing to adjust his shirt and hair. He closed his eyes, visibly enjoying the care and gentleness of Old Wu.


    "Old Wu."


    "Eh?"


    "Shall we both go out for a walk?"


    "Where do you want to go to?"


    "To the park or hiking, anywhere is good. Weren''t you intending to go traveling during the New Year? We can just move about in Beijing and treat it as a holiday. It''s Valentine''s Day today, so we shouldn''t just stay at home."


    "Didn''t you say that you don''t celebrate foreign festivals?"


    "Eh? Did I?"


    ".......I think so."


    "Ahem, then don''t treat it as Valentine''s Day, but we should still go out and enjoy ourselves."


    "Alright."


    "Great, let''s go!"


    "Let me get a change of clothes."


    "I''ll have a shower then."


    They simply went ahead with their ns after just briefly discussing it.


    ......


    On the car.


    The two of them had already left the city and headed straight for the suburbs.


    In the car, Wu Zeqing found a pair of sunsses and put it on. Zhang Ye did the same, but also added a face mask to keep his privacy. After all, the two of their statuses weren''t exactly ordinary. One was a government official, while the other was a celebrity. They had to take precautions since it wasn''t possible for them to just go out openly without causing a stir. They would just be looking for trouble if they did that. Beside, if someone saw them, they would not be able to enjoy themselves quietly as well.


    It was Old Wu who drove Zhang Ye''s X5 because they had considered the road conditions might not be too ideal out in the suburbs. This car was much more adaptable to the conditions out here.


    Zhang Ye was in the co-passenger seat and kept ncing over to Wu Zeqing. He felt as though he was living in a dream today and everything felt rather unreal at the moment.


    He had actually won over Old Wu!


    Just how many blessings from his past lives had he rued to even have managed this feat!


    People are always unable to stay satisfied, so naturally when Zhang Ye remembered that he wouldn''t be able to see her anymore in a few more days, he asked her, "Old Wu, do you really have to go?"


    She softly chuckled a little, "I have to wait for the notice first."


    Zhang Ye pouted, "Why don''t you not leave for the South? Peking University is such a nice ce, you should just continue working here."


    "It''s an organizational requirement and not something that I can just reject or request." She slowed down the car as they were approaching a traffic stop, "Actually, Big Sis does not want to leave either since I have already gotten used to the capital."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then why don''t you just suggest that to the organization? It wasn''t easy for us to get together and now you have to leave after not even a few days of being together with me?"


    Wu Zeqing reached out her hand and lightly ced it on Zhang Ye''s thigh, "The posting has not been issued yet and nothing is certain for now. Let''s not talk about this for now and just enjoy ourselves while we are here."


    Zhang Ye sighed a little and nced at her hand which was on his thigh. He coughed and quickly reached his hand over and ced it over the back of her hand.


    Wu Zeqing continued to drive and did not really react to it.


    Zhang Ye understood and moved his hand to hold her hand tightly.


    Old Wu did not look at him and just continued watching the road with her eyes.


    But Zhang Ye could feel that the hand in his grasp also tightened it''s grasp on his hand as well. The skin was very soft and the bone structure very refined.


    Howfortable.


    With his heart in swing, he could only feel blessed!


    Trantor Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 511: Love Token

    <h4>Chapter 511: Love Token </h4>


    Chapter 511: Love Token


    Morning.


    8:30AM.


    At the main entrance of Summer Pce park.


    Today''s weather was extremely good with the sun reflecting off the water and streaming through the leaves of trees. The signs of Spring could be seen even though Spring had not yet arrived. There were many visitors outside the park as a lot of local and foreign visitors had gathered at the main entrance area. They were either buying food, waiting for people, or queuing up to buy tickets.


    "Who needs a tour guide?"


    "Mineral water, two dors for 1 bottle."


    "You need tickets? You can get it for a third cheaper here than the ticketing office."


    There were many ck market tour guides and ticket scalpers who made the main entrance area even more lively.


    After parking the car, Wu Zeqing and Zhang Ye walked over to the main entrance. Old Wu''s nude colored heels clicking as she walked and her stunning long qipao attracted countless eyes. Many of the visitors turned their heads swiftly, even some of the foreigners had to look several times and were attracted by her beauty. ssic beauty, gentle, and dignified looks ��This was an ideal traditional beauty in China. Whether it had been in ancient times or modern times, Old Wu was the top in good looks and was the type that all men would wish to marry. Everywhere she went, she would grab the attention of others and leave them amazed.


    "F**k!"


    "What a beauty!"


    "She''s so god-damn beautiful!"


    "This person might as well have just walked out of a masterpiece painting!"


    "What a pity, she''s wearing sunsses and we can''t see her eyes."


    Some of the park visitors were pointing and softly discussing about her.


    But the sunss wearing Wu Zeqing did not have any reaction at all. She took her coat from Zhang Ye''s arms and put it on as they walked side by side.


    Zhang Ye was feeling show-offy!


    Beautiful, right?


    She is this bro''s girlfriend!


    "Old Wu, wait for me here. I''ll go get the tickets." Zhang Ye said.


    Wu Zeqing held him back at his shoulders and said, "Let Big Sis go."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Why are you still being so polite with me? Aren''t we already boyfriend and girlfriend?"


    Hearing that, Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "OK then."


    After Zhang Ye bought the tickets, he and Old Wu both entered the park. The park was buzzing with a lot of visitors a today and since it was so crowded, no one really noticed the two of them.


    Zhang Ye said, "Ever since I started working, I''ve been busy as hell and have not managed toe to Summer Pce anymore. Thest time I was here was with my hostel mates during the second year of university."


    Wu Zeqing said as she gazed gently at Kunming Lake, "I''ve not been here in years either. Come to think of it, I mostly visited this ce as a kid, so all of this seems pretty nostalgic to me now."


    The two of them walked on.


    As it was the winter break, there were still many university students who had not started their school year yet. Around them were a lot of young university couples holding hands and strolling around theke. They were the envy of those around them.


    Zhang Ye stole a nce at Old Wu as his hand slowly moved over. When they were in the car earlier, he had gone with the flow and held Old Wu''s hands when she ced it on his thigh, but now while walking around and with so many people around them, even if Zhang Ye wanted to hold her hands, he felt rather embarrassed to do it.


    The back of their hands knocked onto each other.


    Once.


    Twice.


    Zhang Ye still did not hold her hand after a prolonged internal struggle.


    But when Wu Zeqing turned her head to face him, she broke out a smile from the corner of her mouth and gracefully moved her hand over and grabbed Zhang Ye''s hand.


    The palm of his hand was warmed by Old Wu''s soft and jade-like hand.


    Zhang Ye heart was calmed by this action and felt that this was what one would call paradise.


    The two of them strolled around Kunming Lake hand in hand, asionally chatting and sometimes enjoying the view.


    Not long after, when they almost reached the stone gate, Wu Zeqing stopped walking and rested on the the white marble stone wall. She looked out over the vast surface of theke and took in the view.


    Zhang Ye said, "Shall I take a photo?"


    "Sure." Wu Zeqing took out the DSLR from her bag. She had prepared all the necessary equipment since they wereing out today.


    Zhang Ye immediately helped to take some pictures of her and even took them from several angles. He had wanted to take a picture together with her, but felt that it wasn''t time yet. There were too many people around right now. If he were to take off his face mask and sunsses, there would surely be some people who would recognize him. If that were to happen, then they had better forget about having anymore fun today.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Are we in a rtionship for real?"


    Wu Zeqing acknowledge with a soft affirming voice.


    Zhang Ye blinked, "You better not regret your decision and go back on your word, Old Wu."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and asked, "Why would I? Didn''t I already agree? What''s the matter now? Are Big Sis'' words being taken so lightly now?"


    "That''s good enough." Zhang Ye was more at ease now, "It''s just that I feel that this feels too unreal and thought that you might just be ying with me, so now if were to do some things that lovers do to each other, you mustn''t be angry with me, alright?"


    Wu Zeqing''s back was facing him and her long flowing hair brushed against his face as she said, "Hur hur, what do you want to do?"


    Zhang Ye coughed, "Nothing much, I''m just saying, I''m just saying."


    Old Wu lightly pped the back of his hands 3 times. She told him, "Big Sis wants to give you a gift."


    "What is it?" Zhang Ye asked, releasing her hand and took a step aside.


    Wu Zeqing did not answer, but turned aside to remove from her left wrist with her right hand a string of Hetian Jade beads. It did not look like it was any ordinary Hetian Jade and more like Yangzhi White Jade. It had a warm look and was matched with some leather.


    Zhang Ye was stunned, "What''s this?"


    Wu Zeqing held his hand up and put it on for him, "It''s a gift for you."


    "No, no." Zhang Ye tried to push it away, "This stuff is really expensive. Such arge string of jade beads would surely cost a few hundred thousand? Or is over a million?" He wasn''t too sure either of the market price of Yangzhi White Jade in this world, but he knew that it was definitely very expensive. So how could he dare to ept this gift?!


    Old Wu said, "If I want you to have it, then just ept it. This was given to me by my parents. I''ve already worn it for more than 10 years, but today, I wish to give it to you." After she helped him to put it on, she nodded and said, "It looks good, keep it on you."


    Worn it for over 10 years?


    When he heard that, Zhang Ye said, "Then all the more reason that I cannot ept it!"


    Wu Zeqing looked at him and said, "We are already in a rtionship now and Big Sis just wants to give you a little something. Why is that a problem? Hur hur. If you see a nice art craftter on, you can get it for me and return the favor."


    Zhang Ye sighed, "An art craft wouldn''t cost more than several tens of dors. How can I use that to return the favor?" He was a little stunned, but asked, "Old Wu, is this considered as a love token?"


    Wu Zeqing said modestly, "If you think it is, then it is."


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Ye no longer rejected the gift, "Alright, then I will ept it!"


    That Old Wu would give him such an expensive gift, Zhang Ye was actually very happy. It wasn''t a matter of how much it cost, but rather that it seemed like he mattered more to Old Wu than he thought. Moreover, it seemed certain that Old Wu was not joking about them being in a rtionship too.


    The bigger issue here was pressure. In the past, Zhang Ye had already earned quite a bit of money and it was easier to return a proper gift favor, but now, this wasn''t the case. Just a few days ago, he had agreed to pay thepensation to the publishing firm out of anger and had depleted all of his savings. Even if he did notck the money to have dinner or such, he still could not afford to get a gift that was good enough.


    Buy a simr bracelet?


    Or buy a high enddies watch?


    But he didn''t have much money! This was also one of the reason why Zhang Ye did not want to ept the gift just now. It was because he felt that he couldn''t return a proper gift favor. Even though Old Wu had mentioned that he could just get her some art craft or trinkets, Zhang Ye knew he wouldn''t want to do it this way. He wanted face and wouldn''t allow himself to do any lesser and all of these reasons entangled him.


    What should he get for Old Wu?


    How would he even afford to get her a proper gift?


    Trantor Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter! Don''t forget to vote, we look to be losing some pace already!

 Chapter 512: The International Math Olympiad!

    <h4>Chapter 512: The International Math Olympiad! </h4>


    Chapter 512: The International Math Olympiad!


    Next to theke.


    The Sun''s rays were trickling down and created a picturesque look.


    Looking at Wu Zeqing''s graceful face from the side, Zhang Ye''s heart was moved. He couldn''t hold back and took a photo of her side profile. The more he looked at her her, the more he fell in love and became infatuated with her.


    She turned around, "Let''s go."


    Zhang Ye said, "OK."


    "There are some arts and crafts items there, let''s go take a look." When she went past Zhang Ye, she held his hand very naturally by taking him at his arm.


    Zhang Ye''s heart was beating fast as he said, "No, let''s not see those."


    She smiled, "What''s the matter?"


    "That''s not befitting of you. I need to consider carefully what I want to gift you." Zhang Ye pulled her along away from there.


    Wu Zeqing was just about to say something when the cellphone in her bag rang. She took it out from the bag to check who was calling before answering: "Hello."


    It was a woman''s voice on the other side, sounding like a 30 something year old, cheerfully saying: "Old Wu, it''s Valentine''s Day again, who are you spending it with?"


    Zhang Ye''s ears had pricked up immediately thinking it was a love rival, but when he heard a woman''s voice on the other side, he was relieved and walked on indifferently with Old Wu.


    Wu Zeqing spoke as she walked: "Hur hur, I''m out with a friend."


    The woman''s voice: "With a friend? Who?"


    Wu Zeqing looked at Zhang Ye and said: "Even if I said, you wouldn''t know who."


    The woman voice was getting very curious: "Heh, we''ve been friends since we were young. Quickly tell me, who managed to win you over?"


    Wu Zeqing elegantly replied: "Make a guess?"


    "What? So you''ve really been won over by someone?" The woman''s sounded a little shocked.


    Wu Zeqing shook her head, "Are you even an educator? Why are you using words like that?"


    The woman sounded anxiously curious: "Don''t try that nonsense with me. Quickly tell me who it is? I''m too curious right now which god had managed to win over our Comrade Old Wu. No way! You have to let me meet him. I have to see who that person is who has so much charms that he could even break into the heart of a leftover woman who has not been in a rtionship in so many years? What''s he called? How old is he? What does he do? Does he have 3 heads and 6 arms?"


    Wu Zeqingughed heartily: "You always have so much to say. Alright, I''ve to hang up already."


    "Don''t hang up on me! If you do, then our friendship ends here!" That woman voice asked again: "So who is it? It sounds quite noisy over there, are you at a restaurant for a meal?"


    Wu Zeqing answer: "I''m at the park."


    "Park? Which one?" The woman sounded stunned.


    Wu Zeqing said: "Summer Pce Park."


    The woman was stunned again and broke out intoughter: "Ha, Summer Pce Park? What a coincidence! I''m at Summer Pce Park too!"


    Wu Zeqingughed: "Stop ying around."


    "Heh, why would I lie to you for? I''m really at Summer Pce Park." The woman said in a speechless manner: "Don''t you know? It''s the International Math Olympiad today and students from all over the world are here to attend, The organizers are Beijing City and the venue is Summer Pce Park. Didn''t you realize that there are a lot of foreigners in Summer Pce Park today? I''m the deputy leader for China''s team this year and brought the students over at 7AM this morning."


    International Math Olympiad?


    Zhang Ye was slightly taken aback. He seemed to have the impression that there was news of Beijing holding thepetition, but hadn''t expect it to be held at Summer Pce Park? And it was even today? On the foreign festival of Valentine''s Day? Was this a hint from the Mathematics world that if you have dedicated yourself to Mathematics, then you would no longer have the need to celebrate Valentine''s Day and was fated to live a lonely life?


    Wu Zeqing said in surprise: "Is that true?"


    The woman said: "Yes, it''s true. Where are you at? Come look for me."


    Wu Zeqing: "I''m at the stone gate area."


    "Come with that guy over to my side. There''s a directional signage and the banner for thepetition. If you just keep walking straight from where you are, you''ll be able to find me. See you in a bit!" the woman''s voicemanded.


    "Hur hur, I didn''t say that I would be going over." Old Wu said.


    "Juste over quickly, that''s settled then." Du du du, the call was cut off.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Your friend is here too?"


    "You heard? Your ears are pretty good?" Wu Zeqing said, "It''s a childhood friend of mine. Her name is Xin Ya and she''s one of the top mathematicians in our country."


    Zhang Ye said, "Mathematician? She doesn''t sound like one." His impression of a mathematician has always been one that was a little more rigid and boring.


    Wu Zeqing exin, "Her character''s not so rigid, but her level of professionalism cannot be doubted. In the world of Mathematics, she is quite well known."


    Zhang Ye said, "Let''s go look for her then?"


    "If you''re OK with that, then we could meet her?" Wu Zeqing asked him respectfully.


    At such times, Zhang Ye definitely would not refuse the meeting. This was Old Wu''s childhood friend they were talking about. It might even be a test from Old Wu since he would have to pass the test of the childhood friend. An organism like a childhood friend was an especially scary thing. They might not be able to help with putting things together, but to destroy something. They were more than enough to have a say in a rtionship. Because of this, he felt that he needed to handle this properly or else if that person were to form a bad impression of him, then it could possibly affect the rtionship between Old Wu and him. The two of them had just gotten together a few hours ago, so it would definitely be trouble that a biological being such as the ''childhood friend'' could bring.


    "Let''s go meet her." Zhang Ye said as though as he was going to meet an important opponent.


    Wu Zeqing held him by the arm again and said, "OK, then let''s go."


    Zhang Ye was enjoying every moment of Old Wu holding his arm and it made him feel extremely satisfied. This was especially true when he noticed the park visitors around them looking over at them and he would feel extremely good about it in his heart. Subconsciously, as he walked along, his posture also straightened as he gathered up his confidence. Suddenly, his left arm identally knocked into a very soft area of Wu Zeqing''s body. It was as though his arm had sank in slowly and then quickly rebounded from it after. After a few steps, it happened again. It wasn''t deliberate, but it was unavoidable if their arms were crossed.


    It was very soft!


    They were scarily big!


    Old Wu didn''t seem to have noticed or maybe she did not mind as she kept just quiet.


    But Zhang Ye''s heart was pounding. As he walked along, his footsteps also became a little unnatural as all of his focus was on his arm. As Old Wu''s breast size was toorge, she did not usually wear a bra that had underwires in it. It might not be able to hold them, or it could be too ufortable due to squeezing too much into a confined area. The type of bra she''d wear were usually the wireless type. If it were the underwire type of bra she was wearing, Zhang Ye might not have felt much even if his arms were to identally brush against them, but since she was not, Zhang Ye was able to get the most out of it. This was really too alluring!


    "Ahem, Old Wu. What should I sayter?" Zhang Yemunicated with her before meeting her friend.


    Wu Zeqing asked, "What do you mean what should you say?"


    "About us, should we tell the others about it?" Zhang Ye asked.


    She said gently, "If you wish to say it, then say it. If not, then don''t say it."


    Zhang Ye said, "OK, I know what to do."


    After walking quite a distance, they turned onto a path leading uphill. As expected, there were many foreign visitors on this side of the park. They were probably here to view the Math Olympiad as well. There was even a banner and slogans at the foot of the hill written with phrases like ''Wee all the participants from every country'' and some English signages to inform the visitors of certain rules. The first rule was clearly saying ''No disrupting thepetition with unnecessary noise''. It looked like they were getting nearer to thepetition venue by now and they could feel the tension of thepetition in the air.


    Trantor Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter! Don''t forget to vote, we look to be losing some pace already!

 Chapter 513: You must have calculated that with a calculator?

    <h4>Chapter 513: You must have calcted that with a calctor? </h4>


    Chapter 513: You must have calcted that with a calctor?


    On a tform on the hill.


    The pine trees leafing out in green were showered with the rays of the gradually rising sun.


    Upon reaching the grounds where the annual International Math Olympiad was held, the venue this year took up arge area of the park. In the inner area, where thepetition was being held, there were barricade tapes put upbeled with the word ''restricted''. The park visitors, who were on the outside, could not see how the contestants were doing inside as they were blockaded far away from the inner area, but it wasn''t quiet on the outside either. Being a globalpetition and with the Chinese as the hot favorites this year, there was naturally a lot of emphasis, otherwise they would not have picked Summer Pce Park as the grounds forpetition. There were many local and foreign park visitors, as well as the rtives, friends and teachers of thepetitors present at the venue. There were also quite a number of media staff present today. There were also many math rted games and activities being held around thepetition area.


    Topic boards were ced along in front of the greenery, some hanging from the pine trees and and some from the artificial rockery. Many of the more difficult questions would award a prize if it were solved and were mainly meant for the visitors to take part in.


    Like Sudoku.


    Like Nine Squares.


    Like Speed Calctions, etc, etc, etc.


    Upon noticing that there were reporters around, Zhang Ye and Old Wu, who had just reached the hillside, naturally parted their arms. It was definitely better to keep a low profile.


    A female park visitor said, "Oh, it''s so lively here today?"


    "Mom, I want to y some math games too!" A little kid said.


    An old man, who came to watch thepetition, said, "The Americans were the champion for the previous term, right? I wonder how our Chinese kids will do this time around."


    A youth said, "The championship will definitely be ours this year!"


    A lot of foreign visitors were discussing fervently as well, but he could not understand what they were talking about.


    As it was too crowded over there, Zhang Ye and Old Wu did not head into that area. They just stood around the perimeter where the pine trees and bamboo forest crossed paths. Wu Zeqing then sent a message to Xin Ya.


    Not long after, Wu Zeqing said, "She''sing."


    Zhang Ye looked around and asked, "Which one?"


    Wu Zeqing stuck out her chin towards a general direction, "That one wearing ck framed sses."


    Just as she finished speaking, Xin Ya, who had just managed to squeeze past the crowd, spotted her too. She was smiling as she waved, "Old Wu."


    She wasn''t tall and her looks were pretty normal. Her hair was a little sparse, perhaps as a result a clever mind. In any case, she could not be considered as pretty though her demeanor was quite good. Her eyes were also glittering with a sense of wisdom and she didn''t seem like the kind of mathematician that Zhang Ye imagined she would be.


    Wu Zeqing had already started talking to her even though she was still quite a distance away. "Why have you not gone in yet?"


    "The leader is with them right now and there''s also Little Han from your Peking University''s Mathematics department. I had toe out because the air is too suffocating in there." Xin Yaughed heartily.


    Wu Zeqing said, "Little Han?"


    "I''m talking about Han Henian, the one that sent you the love confession on Weibo this morning." Xin Ya said, "He''s one of teachers selected for the Chinese team this time and is here as an observer."


    Old Wu was previously a vice president of Peking University while Han Henian was a teacher in the Mathematics department. Although he had shown some good results over the past few years and was a rising star in the Mathematics world, he did not have much inmon with Old Wu. They were also not quite on the same level, so Wu Zeqing did not seem too familiar with him. Even if they met in the past, they still did not know each other, but Zhang Ye had already burned this name into his mind. He would definitely not forget each and every love rival''s name. He even tried to use an acrostic poem to woo my Old Wu? Pfft, how immoral! Zhang Ye was naturally full of malice towards these love rivals. He was totally biased against this person and not the issue!


    After squeezing through the crowds, they finally managed to get closer to each other.


    Xin Ya stopped in her step, as her extremely curious vision set itself onto Zhang Ye''s figure, "Oh, aren''t you a little too overdressed? I can''t even see your face."


    "Professor Xin, hello." Zhang Ye''s eyelids jumped a little with his hand stretched out.


    "Why, hello to you too. You''re kinda young?" Xin Ya shook hands with him before turning sideways and sniggered, "Come clean, what''s up with the 2 of you? When did it start?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled, "Make a guess yourself."


    "How old is he even?" Xin Ya asked curiously.


    Wu Zeqing replied, "Twenty something."


    Xin Ya said, "That young? Sis Wu, are you robbing the cradle?"


    Wu Zeqingughed, "You''ve always been this way. Nothing good everes out of your mouth."


    Xin Ya went on, "I''m really curious about how you''ve suddenly brought one of these out of nowhere after being single for so many years. I thought you''d just grow old and die alone, so I''m still getting used to this. He won''t even show his face, at least let me see what he looks like." As she said that, she took another nce at Zhang Ye''s face.


    "There''s too many people around and even reporters. It''s not convenient." Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "When there''s no one around, then he''ll show you."


    Xin Ya wondered, "So what if there''s a lot of people around? It''s not as if you''re some big time celebrity. Who would care about you? As if a single middle-aged woman like you would be afraid of some scandal?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes thinking, who was she to make such ament? Middle aged woman?


    Wu Zeqing shook her head andughed, "You''re only about a year younger than me, how could you say that about me? Hur hur, your mouth has always been harsh since we were young." She looked back to Zhang Ye and said, "You two should have a face-off one of these days since the both of you can speak so well." And she turned back to face Xin Ya, "But I doubt that mouth of yours would be able to fend off Little Zhang."


    Zhang Ye did not say anything and kept quiet.


    But Xin Ya was amused, "What do you mean by that? Someone dares to challenge me to an argument? I might be in the field of Mathematics, but I''ve never ever lost an argument before. Looking at your friend, he seems rather introverted. I can''t see how he can argue with me." She was rather headstrong too and did not seem convinced by Wu Zeqing''s ims.


    Zhang Yeughed a little and threw his hands back, "Old Wu''s praising me too much."


    When ites to arguing? How could Zhang Ye possibly lose to her? Because that mouth of his was what earned him his keep! He was an expert and a professional at such things. If this had been in the past, in any other situation and against anyone other than her, Zhang Ye would surely have started a dispute with them, but today, he was being very humble and low key.


    Zhang Ye was being extremely gentlemanly today, acting with grace and self-restraint. He knew very well that since he was young, he had never behaved as decently as he was now. Right now, he was left with no choice as Old Wu was standing beside him. Even if he wanted to, Zhang Ye just couldn''t be his usual cocky self because he had wanted to put up his best behavior for her. For him to have so much self control, he felt that this must have been the power of true love. He had never met anyone like this since he was born, and was even disobedient to his parents, but Old Wu was able to make him want to put on his best behavior. It was just like when Sun Wukong met Buddha, or when ayman met an expert. Old Wu was like a gentle sea which Zhang Ye had fallen into and no matter how hard he swam, he just could not get out of it.


    Xin Ya asked, "What do you do?"


    Wu Zeqing answered on his behalf, "A teacher at my school."


    "Oh, from Peking University too?" Xin Ya was getting even more curious, "Which major?"


    It was Zhang Ye who answered this time, "I teach in the Chinese department."


    Xin Yaughed, "Our professions are natural jinxes to each other."


    The Mathematics and Chinese departments, were indeed like the Southern Sky and Northern Sea. They were worlds apart.


    After exchanging a few lines, Xin Ya suddenly discovered something and stared curiously at the Yangzhi White Jade bracelet on Zhang Ye''s wrist, "Huh? Old Wu, my Sis Wu, you''ve even given away that bracelet that your dad left for you more than 10 years ago? Aiyo, you''re really serious about it this time, aren''t you?"


    Wu Zeqing said annoyingly, "Don''t say it out so loudly, you''re being an announcer now?"


    "That''s because I''m so surprised, that''s why." Xin Ya said sourly, "When I told you that I liked that bracelet while we were still at university, you did not give it to me no matter how much I begged. When I asked you to lend it to me for a couple of days, you even kept nagging at me to take good care of it, but look at where it is now, you''ve given it away just like that?"


    Wu Zeqing hugged her coat tighter andughed a little, "It''s just a simple essory, but don''t you go around telling anyone about it. Keep it a secret, alright?"


    "Alright, alright. Do you think I''m stupid?" Xin Ya continued to ask, "So what did he give you as a token of his love? Quickly show it to me."


    Wu Zeqing was about to say something.


    But Zhang Ye knew that Old Wu would try to speak up for him and exin the situation. He did not feel that this was necessary and thus honestly, while embarrassingly, said, "I''ve not had the chance to gift her something yet. I''m still thinking about it, do you have any suggestions?"


    Xin Yaughed and said, "Sis Wu likes things like jade or simr stuff like it. All women like stuff like that."


    Wu Zeqingughed while shaking her head, "I don''t like things like that anymore."


    Xin Ya nced at her with despise, "Don''t act like you don''t."


    Zhang Ye could understand that Old Wu must''ve have known that he did not have any money left and so denied that suggestion on purpose. She was probably afraid of causing him to feel too much pressure, otherwise why would she have suggested that she just wanted a little craft art as a gift when he asked her? Old Wu was an especially caring woman deep down and this was exactly the reason why Zhang Ye liked her so much. A famous calligraphy or a painting piece? Indeed, Old Wu liked those things very much, but those were not suitable as love tokens. Xin Ya''s suggestion had given Zhang Ye an idea. Jade? Hmm, jade? Or diamonds maybe? Yes, he definitely had to get something along these lines for Old Wu. She had already given him her treasured Yangzhi White Jade bracelet, so if Zhang Ye did not give her something important to match the favor, it would not feel right!


    The three of them started chatting.


    At first, Zhang Ye and Xin Ya were still a little unfamiliar with each other, so they did not talk much. But very quickly, they opened up and then after that, there were others who joined them as well.


    A woman walked up to them, "Hey, aren''t you President Wu?"


    Wu Zeqing took off her sunsses, "Director Chen?"


    Xin Ya clearly knew her as well, "Director Chen is here too?"


    "Professor Xin, aren''t you the deputy leader for your team? What are you doing out here?" said someone from the Mathematics Association who had just walked over, "Isn''t thepetition almost done?"


    Xin Ya looked at her watch, "It should be done anytime soon."


    That middle-aged man from the Mathematics Association said, "President Wu is here to support our participants today too?"


    Wu Zeqingughed, "I was just here by coincidence."


    A thirty-something year old mathematician, wearing sunsses, sporting a crew-cut and rigid looking man followed along behind. He did not even look at a beauty like Wu Zeqing and started speaking to Xin Ya, "Professor Xin, I was helping a group of students with a question about function simplification which I would like to discuss about with you. I''d like to seek your adviceter."


    Xin Ya smiled and said, "Sure, let''s do that once thepetition is over."


    As they chatted, the group formed into a circle and they continued to chat away.


    In this group were some of the elites of the mathematics and education world. Wu Zeqing probably did not know most of them, but it was clear that most of them knew who Wu Zeqing was. Amon person might not know this famous person of the education world, the Vice President of the top educational institution of the country, but those who belonged to this circle definitely knew of her identity.


    Suddenly, a few people from the media took notice of Wu Zeqing, who had taken off her sunsses. As the Vice President of Peking University, her status at this sort of internationalpetition was definitely one of the highest. Naturally, an interview with her would be a worthy one, therefore a few of those reporters from the television station and newspapers came over to this side as well.


    "President Wu."


    "I am with Jinshi Newspaper."


    "I am from the Beijing Times, will you ept our interview?"


    Being amongst a group of people chatting about Higher Mathematics and with the reporters interrupting as well, Zhang Ye felt a little out of ce. He did not have much that he could chat about with them, nor was he interested, so he walked away quietly and just went wandering elsewhere.


    Wu Zeqing, who was being interviewed noticed Zhang Ye, but continued to diplomatically chat with the reporters, "Regarding these eager young mathematicians, we must....."


    A mathematician, who had noticed Zhang Ye standing beside Wu Zeqing earlier asked Xin Ya, "Whose student was that?"


    Xin Ya didn''t say much, but answered, "He''s a teacher too. We just met and were chatting."


    That person curiously said, "I''ve not seen him around before?"


    "He''s a teacher from the Chinese department." Xin Ya added.


    That person said, "Oh, I was wondering why I didn''t know him."


    Thereafter, no one paid any more attention to Zhang Ye or thought that he hade together to Summer Pce Park with Wu Zeqing.


    ......


    About 50 meters away.


    Zhang Ye had strolled to the quiz booth area where he observed some of the park visitors gathering around, trying to solve some math problems. Suddenly, he felt that it looked quite fun as well.


    "Ah, I got it right."


    "Little kid, you''re smart."


    "Is there a present?"


    "Yes, here''s a teddy bear for you."


    Beside each quiz board stood a male or female youth. They were likely university students majoring in higher mathematics and were serving as volunteers for this event.


    Zhang Ye had a look at each of the quiz boards as he walked on. Finally, he spotted a question that was more difficult and had a cellphone as the prize for giving the correct answer. The cellphone brand was unheard of by Zhang Ye, but looked to be one of the better brands in this world. Zhang Ye had been considering upgrading his cellphone for sometime now, but did not as he was cash strapped in recent times. He decided to give the question a shot and walked up towards the quiz board.


    Behind him, Xin Ya was approaching, "Hur hur, what''s your honorable name?"


    Zhang Ye turned around and said, "Lose the honorific, my name is Zhang Ye."


    Xin Ya noticed the quiz board that Zhang Ye had been looking at just now, "What''s the matter? You interested in math too?"


    "So-so, I guess." Zhang Ye replied.


    Xin Ya said, "This question is not simple at all."


    It was a mental rapid calction problem. 43821 multiplied by 81257.


    To a normal person, this problem might seem very difficult and they would probably need a calctor to get the answer, but to a mathematics expert, it could be considered easy. There was still a way to break it down into an easily calcble way using a form, but for a five figure and difficult to break down number to be multiplied quickly and mentally, even a skilled mathematician would need some time to solve it. They might even have to resort to using pen and paper.


    The objective of this question was mental calction with a time limit of 30 seconds.


    Zhang Ye stood in front of the quiz board and looked at it for a few seconds. Then he asked the female university student volunteer standing beside it, "Do you have a marker pen?"


    "Here." The volunteer handed him a marker pen.


    Zhang Ye raised his hand up and wrote, "3560762997."


    The volunteer was stunned.


    Behind him, Xin Ya was also slightly taken aback.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Is this correct?"


    "Oh, yes it is correct." The volunteered nodded.


    Zhang Ye coughed and put his hand out, "Then does that cellphone belong to me now?"


    The volunteer shook her head, "No, it doesn''t count if you used a calctor. You have to solve it using mental calction."


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted, "But that''s what I did."


    The volunteer shook her head, unconvinced, "You only looked it at for a few seconds. Unless you''re a top mathematician or a mental calction expert, you would not be able to answer this so easily. You must''ve calcted it using the calctor on your cellphone when you were standing at a distance just now. Then you memorized the answer and walked over to ''attempt'' the question. This will not count at all."


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted again, "But I really calcted it mentally over here."


    Seeing this, Xin Ya was tickled. If she were to try to answer this question unprepared, she would not be able to do it faster than Zhang Ye. In fact, she would take a much longer time than he did. After all, her main major was not in the field of mental calction. This was the reason why she knew that Zhang Ye had depended on the calctor application in his cellphone to solve it from afar beforeing over. She attempted to resolve the situation by saying, "Alright, Teacher Zhang, you''re a teacher of the Chinese department, a teacher of the citizens, stop teasing the young girl already."


    Your sister!


    Who or why am I even teasing anyone for! I am being serious here! Damn, this bro wasn''t even given the chance to exin!


    Meanwhile, Wu Zeqing, who was done with the interview, hade over as well.


    Some other Mathematics world''s professors and teachers also came over when they saw the situation going on here.


    "What''s the matter?" someone from the Mathematics Association asked.


    "Oh, someone managed to answer this question? I was just thinking of giving it a try myself." A young mathematician asked curiously, "So who answered it? How long did it take?"


    The volunteer pointed to Zhang Ye and cried out, "This gentleman only used a couple of seconds to answer, so I did not give out the prize as I believe that he had used a calctor to get the answer." There were a total three cellphones to be given out to the first three people who could answer it. It was just those few sets, so of course she had to be fair and scrutinize each winner''s im to it.


    The group of mathematicians looked at Zhang Ye.


    That young mathematician said, "Oh, a few seconds? I couldn''t even solve this in a few seconds since this kind ofrger number is harder to analyze and breakdown, there''s considerably many more calctions needed."


    These quiz questions were actually conceived by the organizers from the Mathematics world. The level of difficulty for every question was known to them and the prizes allocated were also based on the difficulty of the questions asked. The mathematics experts present all knew that this particr question was not one that could be solved in a matter of a few seconds.


    Around them, many park visitors heard themotion and had squeezed together at the scene, looking at Comrade Little Zhang with contempt.


    How shameful!


    Such a disgrace to our citizens!


    This was an internationalpetition and there were so many mathematicians from all over the world present today, yet this person dared to try to im a prize by using a calctor to solve a quiz question? Just how shameless can he get?!


    A mother covered her child''s eyes and said, "Don''t look and don''t learn from such a person in the future."


    The little girl nodded earnestly and said, "I understand, Mom."


    Zhang Ye, "..."


    Xin Yaughed diligently and helped Zhang Ye rescue the situation. After all, he was her childhood friend''s alleged boyfriend. She said, "Teacher Zhang was just joking around, right?"


    Zhang Ye, "............."


    Zhang Ye was at a loss of whether tough or cry. I''m joking? Your sister, I''m joking!


    Of course, Zhang Ye had calcted this question himself. He had factorized it several times, obtaining two equations. He had then mentally derived a few summation series before finally solving the question. Back then, this fellow had eaten more than a hundred books of Higher Mathematics Skill Experience Books. Now, he had used his ''new'' abilities to answer this question, but because he had solved it too quickly, he was used to be bragging by this bunch of people?


    Me, cheat? Your sister!


    There goes my new cellphone!!


    Trantor Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter! Don''t forget to vote, we look to be losing some pace already!

 Chapter 514: Zhang Ye’s nationalistic youth spirit!

    <h4>Chapter 514: Zhang Ye''s nationalistic youth spirit! </h4>


    Chapter 514: Zhang Ye''s nationalistic youth spirit!


    In the forested area.


    On a tform.


    "I even heard that he was a teacher?"


    "It seems like he is a teacher from Peking University? The quality of teachers these days!"


    "Peking University? What a disgrace!"


    "Luckily the foreigners did not understand what we were talking about."


    "Dad, that person was totally shameless. Even I feel embarrassed for him."


    "If using a calctor was allowed, I could do it too!"


    "Ignore him. Oh, looks like thepetition is ending soon."


    Whether it was people from the mathematics world or the park visitors, all of them were pointing at Zhang Ye and talking about him. They only stopped when they saw that thepetition was about to end before heading over to thepetition area to find out about the results. They were all looking forward to thepetition results and ranking of their country''s participants as it was a matter of national honor.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye, having failed to win the cellphone prize and had even gotten into a big mess with everyone staring at him with contempt, was feeling terrible. He was almost on the verge of vomiting blood as he stared at the volunteer in anger.


    When the volunteer noticed, she stuck out her tongue and made a face at him, as if to show him that she was not afraid of him. She was still convinced that Zhang Ye had cheated using a calctor.


    When Zhang Ye saw this, he was even more annoyed. He nearly wanted to jump on her and bite her, thinking why he even deserved this in the first ce. Forget it, this bro has gotten himself a new girlfriend today and was in a good mood, so he did not take it up with her. He had to admit that Wu Zeqing held a really important ce in his heart. When Old Wu came over to see what was happening, she did not say anything and that was all that Zhang Ye needed to keep himself well behaved. All she had to do was to stand there and Zhang Ye would not dare to create a scene.


    After the incident had passed, the surrounding crowd did not hang around anymore.


    But when Xin Ya walked past Wu Zeqing, she said in a whisper, "Sis Wu, why do I feel that this friend of yours is a little unreliable?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled but did not speak. She was not bothered by thements, but went over to Zhang Ye''s side and said, "You''re even getting yourself involved in Math now? Aren''t you a liberal arts practitioner?"


    "I....sigh, let''s not bring it up anymore." Zhang Ye rolled his eyes.


    A crowd had gathered outside thepetition area as the participants started streaming out from thepetition grounds.


    The demurely dressed Wu Zeqing looked over and said, "Let''s go take a look over there."


    Zhang Ye did not move and said, "You go ahead, Old Wu. There''s too many people there and I prefer this quiet ce. It''s just as well since I want to look for a toilet to have a smoke at."


    Wu Zeqing gently reminded him, "Smoking is not allowed in this ce, so bear with it."


    Zhang Ye helplessly replied, "Alright then, I''ll listen to you."


    Wu Zeqing smiled a little and said, "I''ll head over there then. For such an international event, since I''m here, it''d be inappropriate for me not to go. Stroll around by yourself for now, I will look for youter."


    "Alright, go do what you need to." Zhang Ye said.


    When Old Wu left, Zhang Ye found a spot at a big rock disy at the perimeter grounds. The area was littered with soft drink can tabs and burger wrappers, which Zhang Ye picked up and threw away before sitting down. He observed the crowd at thepetition area and picked out Old Wu''s figure, looking at her from behind in appreciation. He did not blink and no matter how he looked at her, he felt that he couldn''t find anything that he disliked about her. This was not a sight that he would ever get tired of. Even though the pain of the loss of the cellphone prize was still embedded in his heart, it was really insignificantpared to the feelings he had for Old Wu!


    ......


    A little before 10AM.


    At thepetition area below the gently sloping hill, youths from all over the world were gathered outside at the yard area. Most of them were teenagers around 15 years of age, while some of them didn''t even look like they were 10. They were all geniuses in mathematics from all over the world. Each nation''s team leaders and teachers also walked out with different expressions. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet! There were people of all kinds of colors!


    A few young participants of China''s team appeared looking rather down. Amongst them was a girl who looked to be oldest, with her eyes red and tearful.


    When the park visitors saw this, their hearts sank.


    "Did we lose?"


    "What ce did we get?"


    "Little girl, don''t cry anymore. You all were great!"


    "Yea, you all did well. Quickly wipe your tears, Auntie can''t bear to see you in such a state!"


    This was their home ground and most of the park visitors were Chinese citizens as well. When they saw the team in such a dejected manner, they started shouting their encouragements to the children!


    A Chinese middle-aged mathematician walked into the yard area with a heavy expression and asked, "What cing did you get?"


    That girl''s name was Huang Lingling and she was the eldest on the Chinese team at 17 years old. As the leader of the children, she wiped off her tears and answered with her teeth clenched, "3rd ce. I...I made a mistake."


    Behind her, a 12 year old member of the team pulled at Huang Lingling. He was Huang Leilei, Huang Lingling''s brother. He said, "Sis, it''s not your fault. Don''t cry anymore."


    "That''s right."


    "Leader, it''s not your fault."


    The other team members were also offering their constions.


    Teacher Wang Yiming, who was the team leader, and Peking University Mathematics department''s Han Henian, who was here as observer, were with them too.


    Wang Yiming was a forty something year old middle-aged man. He was a soft-spoken person and did not say much.


    But Han Henian''s expression was extremely bad. When they came out, he immediately said with a straight face to Huang Lingling, "You even practiced a simr question to the one that was given to you just now, why did you still get it wrong?"


    The other Chinese mathematicians were also full of sighs.


    Huang Lingling was still wiping the tears off of her face.


    Her younger teammates did not know how to react and were ming themselves for breaking their teachers'' trust, as well as the expectations of the whole nation. Their mood right now was at rock bottom. At their peak, the Chinese team had gotten first ce in the International Math Olympiad for three years running, but due to a small mistakest year, they had lost their hold on the championship. This year, not only were they unable to gain back first ce, but they couldn''t even defend their second ce position.


    The deputy leader of the team, Xin Ya also joined the group. She did not look like she was in a great mood either. Having worked so hard in the past year, from the team selection, training, and preparing for thepetition, their results had dropped even further than before. This made her disappointed and she said, "We''lle back again next year!"


    Huang Lingling said tearfully, "Teacher, I''m sorry."


    The rankings for this year''spetition were announced.


    In first ce, the United States.


    In second ce, United Kingdom.


    In third ce, China.


    Seeing this, many of the visitors who hade to Summer Pce Park did not have the mood to watch on anymore. They were all preparing to leave, but an announcement mentioned the next round of events for the International Math Olympiad would be starting soon. When they heard this, they stopped in their tracks.


    It wasn''t over yet?


    There were still furtherpetitions?


    It seemed like this International Math Olympiad was really not ending here and, ording to previous years practice, an event would be held after the youthpetition. The student participants, teacher leaders, and even the general public were allowed to take part to foster friendly international rtionships among mathematicians of all countries and to create an opportunity for the exchange of information. They might not be able tomunicate through their spokennguages, but Mathematics was theirmon ground and their medium ofmunication.


    In this event, each participating country would set a topic and put up an equivalent prize to it. It was simr to the outdoor activities that were catered to the park visitors earlier that morning. If anyone could answer the topic satisfactorily to the requirements of the topic setter, they would earn the right to take home the prize.


    The prizes were generally items that were representative of the countries. For example, China''s prizes would usually be a national level paintings or the four treasures of the study, items that were either antiques or masterpieces. Some of the western countries had also put up a masterpiece oil painting in the past, but no one had been able to win it as the questions were too difficult to solve, though not unsolvable. Even if there were so many mathematics experts present, there were always some topics that were very tough and would take more than one to two days toplete. This was also one of the reason why some of the prizes were such treasures. There were also examples of some countries that put up money as the prize, handing out several tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands worth of schrships. All of this depended on how difficult the topics were. Of course, there were also countries who were here to make friends and exchange knowledge with the others. Like United Kingdom for example, they were always gentlemanly in their behavior and put up a good prize every year for their topics which were rtively easy inparison.


    In short, each country had their own style.


    The event this year was also another chance for the different countries to measure up each other''s abilities and face off again onpetitive terms. If they did not ce too much importance on it, the participants would just chat and exchange their learnings with each other, contributing to a harmonious feel. Some countries who did not enjoy such good rtions would prefer to fight it out and have a victor dered. These were the types of incidents that would attract the attention of the most people every year after the mainpetition was over, as there would surely be some countries whose mathematicians would battle it out with the other countries resulting in furious battle situations. But of course, such incidents were usually not reported by the media. The newspapers and television news agencies tended to not report such happenings.


    The event began.


    The official time the event ended was at: 5PM.


    ��Almost a whole day was allocated to this event and only at the end of it would the International Math Olympiad be consideredplete.


    If there was apetition, then there was always a resulting victor and loser. Many of the Chinese park visitors were still hoping for a chance at revenge, so they stayed behind to watch the going-ons.


    "What are the prizes this time?"


    "I don''t know, but I''m really looking forward to it."


    "Let''s win the prize that the Americans put up for their topic!"


    "Right, we have to show them what we''re capable of! They''ve caused our children to be in tears!"


    "The children might have lost their round, but the adults will surely win, won''t they?"


    Even though the Chinese Mathematics world has not contributed much with any breakthroughs to the Mathematics world, everyone knew very well that the Chinese were smart and had very high standards in Mathematics. Like Xin Ya, Wang Yiming, and the other mathematicians present, all of them were considered as tops in their field of mathematics. This was also the reason why everyone was paying a lot of attention to the second round ofpetitions.


    One of them was Zhang Ye, who was seated at the outermost area away from the crowds. He was not interested in thepetition itself, but rather on those kids who were China''s representatives at the International Math Olympiad. Hearing the chattering from the park visitors, he had realized just how much time and effort these kids had put in, even dying their studies and wasting away their youth just to be here for a chance at glory. Now that he saw how the student leader, Huang Lingling was crying with her team mates and the adults not caring about their feelings, he felt very ufortable. This bunch of mathematicians, including Old Wu''s childhood friend, Xin Ya were really too much. The children had already given it their best, so what if they lost? Was it so difficult to give some constion to encourage them? Why were all of them putting on dark expressions at the children? If Old Wu were not here and if not for her sake, this bro here would have already gone ahead to give all of you a scolding! What the heck was this!


    And that bunch of foreigners too!


    Fuck, how dare they bully our kids?


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s nationalistic youth spirit was burning strong. His focus swept towards the group of people in thepetition grounds. Everything just seemed wrong and unpleasing to his eye right now!

 Chapter 515: One of the world’s Top 10 Mathematical Conjectures!

    <h4>Chapter 515: One of the world''s Top 10 Mathematical Conjectures! </h4>


    Chapter 515: One of the world''s Top 10 Mathematical Conjectures!


    The countries taking part in this event went to their allocated spots in the yard. Every country had ced writing boards at their exhibit booths with trantions and a disy area to showcase the contributions of their nations to the Mathematics world. The prize and topic for this round ofpetition were disyed as well.


    "Go for it!"


    "Beat them!"


    "Don''t lose this time!"


    "Children, don''t cry anymore. Let your teachers get back at them for you!"


    The Chinese park visitors were cheering them on and some of the foreign park visitors were also cheering their own country''s teams on. It was a lively scene.


    The prizes were announced.


    The United Kingdom''s team had revealed a schrship check at their disy booth worth 50,000 pounds, a very generous amount. Next, one of their team staff members revealed the topic which most of the visitors could not understand, but the other countries'' teams of mathematicians or the participants of the Math Olympiad could understand what they saw. It was the same as previous years, where the United Kingdom team did not propose an extremely difficult topic, but it wasn''t easy either, and themon conclusion that everyone reached was that it could be solved.


    The disy booth for the Chinese team was hosted by the team leader, Wang Yiming and deputy leader, Xin Ya. Han Henian and some other seniors of the Mathematics world were around as well. As they were the hosts of this year''s event, their disy booth was also allocated arger area. Many people hade and several authority figures of the Mathematics world were also present. Some of them were standing around in the Chinese team''s disy booth, while others went around to other countries'' disy booths to check out their topics.


    The prize put up for the Chinese team''s question was an ink painting, likely drawn by a famous Qing dynasty painter. The painting was of an eagle, looking very ferocious and lifelike, and drawn with vigorous but finely detailed brush strokes. The possible value of this painting was not low, probably around the range of several millions. As for the topic, this year, the Chinese team had proposed one of greater difficulty than they had in previous years. If it were too easy, there would surely be a loss of face if someone were to answer it too quickly. A mathematics expert from China had suggested this new topic with regards to geometric drawings. After discussing with people like Xin Ya and Han Henian, they decided that it would be used as their topic for this event. They had even spent quite a bit of effort on it.


    The Japanese team.....


    The Korean team....


    The prizes and topics were disyed out one by one.


    "Wah."


    "The Koreans have put up a rather good prize."


    "Yea, it''s quite valuable."


    "Germany has a good one too."


    "Japan''s prize is a little miserly, it looks pretty worthless."


    Even if they did not understand the topics, the park visitors would still understand the value of the prizes. They were standing around pointing and makingments of each nation''s prize. They were on higher ground than where the event was being held and could not enter the event area, as there were barricade tapes put up. Only some of the rted organizers and media personnel were allowed in, but from where they were, they could still view the whole event very clearly.


    Wu Zeqing was in the event area too and was chatting with several other leaders of other higher institutes of learning.


    Han Henian just noticed Wu Zeqing''s presence and was stunned for a little while before greeting her, "President Wu, what would you be doing here today?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and replied, "I was just coincidentally at this ce."


    Nanjing University Mathematics department''s dean stroked his beard andughed, "Teacher Han, you''re really brave. I heard that you confessed to President Wu on Weibo?"


    Around him, a few other mathematicians alsoughed along in a kind manner. Han Henian might be a rookie in the mathematics world, but his background was very good. He had a lot of potential and many of the mathematics world''s elders had high hopes for him.


    When they brought up this subject, Han Henian felt a little embarrassed and coughed awkwardly.


    That dean said, "Our President Wu is not someone you can just woo so simply. You''ve got to buck up. If you really manage to win her over, then you''d make all of us in the Mathematicsmunity very proud."


    Han Henianughed dryly, "Sure, I will try my best." As he said so, he noticed Wu Zeqing''s expression. She was looking especially beautiful today in her dignified qipao dress.


    Wu Zeqing still maintaining her gentle smile said, "It''s better to stay focused on the event activities for now, it''s starting already, isn''t it?"


    Everyone could sense that Wu Zeqing did not want to be involved in this sort of gossip and so made no mention of it anymore. Not all jokes should cracked blindly in this way.


    With the mention of the event, those mathematicians'' expressions became serious, "Little Han, are you going to attempt any of the topics?"


    Han Henian nodded, "I''ll go ahead then. If I can''t do it, there''s still Professor Xin and Professor Wang."


    A senior mathematician said, "You''ve got to crack the Americans'' topic. We''re the organizers this time, but our kids could only ced third. So all of you have got to work hard to gain back our honor." With a pause, he continued, "The Americans were too atrociousst year and purposely set an unsolved Math Problem*. Hopefully, they won''t repeat such behavior again this year."


    Han Henian replied, "I understand."


    At this moment, the Americans were thest to reveal their prize.


    When everyone saw it, they were stunned.


    A few blond haired American mathematicians took out a small box, ced it on the disy stand and opened the cover. In it was a green jade thumb ring that had engravings on it. Looking at the oxidation on it, it was definitely an old antique, an old jade ring of at least a few hundred years old. Because the quality of the jade was not too good, it was probably from the Qing Dynasty where these stone deficiencies were generally more epted and not like the standards of modern days, where people always asked for crystal clear types or solid green jade, but in terms of value, this would not lose out to the higher grade jade stones, as it was considered as an antique!


    There were experts in the crowd.


    "A jade thumb ring?"


    "That engraving! It should be a pce treasure!"


    "Was this smuggled out from the pce in the past?"


    "It has to be, that oxidation shows that it''s at least a few hundred years old!"


    Much of the history in this world had not changed. The days of the Siege of the International Legations also existed in this world, so it was highly possible that this jade thumb ring was seized from the houses in the capital or the royal family and smuggled out of the country. It was not known how the ring got into the hands of these American mathematicians, or why they put it up as a prize for their topic. Generally speaking, this event was also used as a tform to promote the culture of the countries. The teams would usually bring out something that was representative of their country''s culture as the prize, but no one would have expected the American team to use an item that was looted from the Chinese for the prize at a event that was held in China. What''s more, it was an event held at Summer Pce Park! This was the kind of situation which should only exist in a person''s imagination!


    A lot of the park visitors could not ept this!


    "Holy sh*t!"


    "The Americans are doing this on purpose!"


    "This is so numbing! They''re climbing on top of our heads!"


    The park visitors from other countries and their mathematicians could not understand what was going on and were left confused and blinking.


    Xin Ya had an adrenaline rush from this provocation, "These bunch of Americans, they''re good yea?!"


    The soft spoken team leader Wang Yiming said with a sunken expression, "Are they provoking us?"


    A senior from the mathematics world said in anger, "This is so maddening! We have to solve the Americans topic for sure this time! That item belongs to us and we have to get it back!"


    Han Henian face darkened, "Don''t worry!"


    At this point, the Chinese mathematicians'' morale was extremely high!


    The Chinese media reporters also pointed their equipment over at the jade thumb ring, snapping away as their faces showed dark expressions.


    Wu Zeqing also saw that jade thumb ring, but it was unknown what she was thinking at this time.


    Zhang Ye was also provoked by this action of the Americans. Anger turned toughter, and then he noticed Old Wu''s eyes and had a sudden thought.


    Jade thumb ring?


    Old Wu seems to like it very much?


    Zhang Ye touched the love token given to him by Old Wu on his wrist and gave it some though.


    Over there, under the watchful eyes of many people, the Americans finally revealed their topic for this year. When it was revealed, curses and swears were heard!


    "They''re doing this on purpose!"


    "It''s that topic again?"


    "Are they finished with it yet? This is the exact same topic asst year!"


    "The same topic asst year?"


    The Chinese mathematicians were all looking downcast now and the other countries'' mathematicians were frowning or shaking their heads. The Americans were too disrespectful!


    The park visitors could not understand why there were such huge reactions at first until the student volunteers, who were now stationed around the barricades exined it to them.


    This was Dale''s Conjecture!


    It was one of the unsolved Math Problems* of the world!


    It was an unsolvable topic that had troubled the Mathematics world for several decades now!


    This Problem was first suggested by the Americans several decades earlier and countless mathematicians had worked on it tirelessly for so many years without evering close to solving it. At first, it was a Problem that wasn''t significant to the Mathematics world, but it slowly gained the attention of everyone. More and more people of the world now knew about this Math Problem. Even if those park visitors could not understand from looking at the proposed topic, when they heard the words "Dale''s Conjecture'', they seemed like they were suddenly enlightened. This was why it was considered to be one of the ''Top 10 Mathematical Theorems'' to exist in the modern age and no one has managed to solve it yet!


    The Americans brought out this topic?


    They did itst year and they''re doing it again this year?


    They had no intention to foster good rtions at all! The American Mathematics world had sent a team who did not seem to ce any importance on this event and were simply doing this perfunctorily. They were just lifting their country''s previous thought up theorem and using it here as a topic without any effort. They were probably just intending to finish up the event and get back home to their country, doing all of this without respect for the other countries'' mathematicians. They were too arrogant!


    Xin Ya said in annoyance, "If everyone were to use these sort of problems for their topics, what''s the point in have this event at all?!"


    A park visitor angrily shouted, "Solve it! Show those Americans what we''re capable of!"


    "Right, solve it! Those Americans have gone too far!" An old man also joined in the shouting.


    But when they heard that, the Chinese mathematicians were at a loss whether tough or cry. Solve Dale''s Conjecture? If we could f**king solve it! We wouldn''t be standing here! We would have already won an international prize for Mathematics! Would we still need to wait for an opportunity like this event today? This was a Math Problem that baffled the World of Mathematics!


    The Americans were unsportsmanlike!


    Wang Yiming and Xin Ya knew this and knew that they would be unable to get the jade thumb ring back, but they could not say so. After all, Dale''s Conjecture was indeed proposed by an American and for them to use it at this event, it was impossible to scrutinize!


    A United Kingdom mathematician shook his head, "The Americans are too unsporting."


    A French mathematician said, "To use such a question is really meaningless."


    Everyone knew that this was unsolvable and thus shifted their attention over to the other countries'' topics.


    Except for one person, and that was Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye stared hard at the so-called "Dale''s Conjecture" for a long time. He had not heard of this "Dale''s Conjecture" over in this world, but what startled him was the content of this theorem. Hmm, why did it look so familiar?

 Chapter 516: Fermat’s Last Theorem!

    <h4>Chapter 516: Fermat''s Last Theorem! </h4>


    Chapter 516: Fermat''s Last Theorem!


    It was really too familiar!


    And it became more and more familiar!


    Disregarding the noisy crowd and discussions, Zhang Ye moved further away to a ce where there was no one. He sat down and quietly opened up the game interface. Then, in the game''s merchant shop, he bought a Memory Search Capsule and swallowed it on the spot. His vision blurred and hended in his sea of memories.


    ......


    Back in his previous world.


    He was back to his high school days.


    Back then, every Friday afternoon was an allocated school break, but if there was a need, the Education Bureau would set this school break to be an interest based ss in thetter half of the year. Every student would have to register their interests for different topics and Zhang Ye had at that time tried to register himself for art sses since it took the least effort on the student''s part, but as every student thought the same way, the ss was already fully registered, so he had no choice but to choose another. The sses conducted were not covered in the basic lesson ns, but was instead used to expand their knowledge.


    "This was Fermat''s Conjecture, one of top 3 Mathematical Conjectures of the world. It''s history dates back several hundred years and was finally proven in 1995, meaning to say that it is no longer known as a conjecture now, but as Fermat''s Last Theorem."


    "Teacher, can you exin it to us in detail?"


    "Hur hur, I do have some detailed information here. Let me put it up on the projector for everyone to take a look. Even if I were to exin it, none of you would be able to understand it. Yes, even I do not have the knowledge to understand it. The proof to this theorem is an extremelyplicated process and my capabilities are limited."


    "Wah."


    "It''s even in Chinese and English?"


    "How deep, this is too amazing!"


    "Eh? You understood it?"


    "Uh, no. I totally didn''t get it!"


    ......


    He was back to the current world, slowly opening his eyes again.


    Zhang Ye was still puzzled before searching his memory, but now everything was as clear as could be. He had wondered why it was so familiar at first, this Dale''s Conjecture, IBM conjecture, or whatever conjecture it was called! It was simply just a change of names! Because the first person to have proposed this conjecture was named Dale, that was the reason for it being called Dale''s Conjecture, but it was obvious now that the name of the conjecture had nothing to do with the contents of it, as this Dale''s Conjecture was essentially the same as his previous world''s Fermat''s Conjecture!


    This was it!


    The conjecture''s contents were still the same!


    The only difference was that this conjecture had not yet been solved by the mathematicians of this world. It had only been proposed several decades earlier, while in Zhang Ye''s world, this Math Problem had already been solved. Fermat''s Conjecture together with Four Color Conjecture and Goldbach''s Conjecture were known as the Mathematics world''s Three Great Conjectures!


    Zhang Ye nced over to where the American mathematicians were.


    One of the mathematicians, named Louis, was getting some shut-eye.


    Another young mathematician called David had gone over to the French booth and was chatting with a female French mathematician. He looked like he was trying to pick up girls.


    As for the United State''s youth participants, who had been ranked first in thepetition earlier, their faces were full of pride and they were smiling brightly.


    Zhang Ye smiled coldly.


    Dale''s Conjecture? It''s no big deal!


    He picked up his cellphone and found Old Wu''s contact. He sent a message to her: "Old Wu."


    Old Wu, who was standing very far and had her back facing him, looked like she was still looking at the jade thumb ring. She had not reacted to his message probably because of the crowd and noise around her.


    Zhang Ye made a call over to her and hung up after a few rings.


    He could see that Wu Zeqing finally noticed her cellphone ringing and picked it up.


    After a short moment, a reply from her came: "Yes?"


    Zhang Ye replied: "You like that jade thumb ring?"


    Wu Zeqing: "Hur hur. It''s not bad I guess?"


    Zhang Ye: "Then that means you really like it, right?"


    Wu Zeqing: "They wouldn''t possibly sell it. And even if they did, Big Sis wouldn''t afford it either. That''s probably an antique from the Pce, so it''s definitely a very valuable item.


    Zhang Ye looked up at the prize, then replied: "Alright!"


    Wu Zeqing: "?"


    Old Wu clearly did not understand what he meant.


    Zhang Ye stopped replying, kept his cellphone, and headed towards the crowd.


    ......


    With the event area.


    As the leader, Wang Yiming had gone over the the American''s booth with Xin Ya and Han Henian following behind. They lodged a stern protest against the American mathematicians in English.


    Wang Yiming said, "Why did you use a treasure from our nation as the prize for this event?"


    The leader of their team, Louis looked at him. They seemed to know each other and were definitely no strangers, "Wang, this belongs to us."


    Wang Yiming said, "Can I assume that this is provocation on your part?"


    "No, no, no." Louis said, "This item was given to us in a will by one of our Mathematics Association''s teachers. When he passed awayst year, he had some of his personal items donated to the Association and dictated that it be used for the promotion and research of mathematics. I don''t know the history and origins of this item, but right now, it does not belong to you. It''s ownership belongs to us and we have the right to use it as we please. There is no other meaning to it, so please don''t misunderstand."


    Xin Ya said, "But you''ve already caused the misunderstanding!"


    David, who was flirting earlier, hade back around, "What''s the matter?"


    Wang Yiming pointed at the topic board, "Change your topic and let us have a fair fight."


    "No." Louis wagged his finger, "This will be our topic, Wang. We''ve been studying and researching Dale''s Conjecture and want to use this Math Problem to foster further learning between other countries. Is that a problem? There''s nothing unfair about it. Besides, thepetition has already ended and our team won the championship. That is the results of thepetition and there''s nothing else to have a fair fight about."


    David threw up his hands and smiled, saying, "What a pity."


    Thepetition had already ended and there was no chance of gaining back their pride in the after-event. The Americans had even put up a prize that was taken from their country long ago. The Chinese mathematicians were all furious!


    Many of the park visitors had also heard about it, especially the younger ones whose English were pretty good.


    "Your sister!"


    "How arrogant!"


    "What the heck are they showing it off for?!"


    "Pfft!"


    A lot of the park visitors around the perimeter of the area had started cursing and scolding.


    When that youth named David saw this, he gave a handsome smiled and waved at them, not understanding what they were saying. He even gave a flying kiss to one of the tall female park visitors. He seemed like frivolous man, but at the same time was full of confidence.


    The crowd got even more furious when they saw this!


    At a corner.


    The youth participants of China had gathered together.


    "Sis, don''t cry anymore." Huang Leilei felt very sad seeing his sister like this. He kept tugging at his sister''s arm beside her.


    "Leader."


    "Leader, we don''t me you."


    The other children were consoling her as well. Huang Lingling had taken very good care of them for the past half year like an elder sister should, and everyone of them liked her very much. They did not want to see her in this manner.


    But Huang Lingling was a very stubborn girl. She was the team leader for this year''s International Math Olympiad and was chosen from a few million students from thousands of schools all over the nation to represent the country. She did not only represent herself or her school, but represented the entire country in taking part in thispetition. As the team leader, she hadmitted several key errors which left her with deep regrets. She even felt that if she had not taken part in thepetition and was instead reced with someone else, their results would have had been better. She felt that this was all her fault and she had let her teachers and professors down. Seeing how their teachers and professor ignored them after they lost the championship, she felt even worse knowing that they had been utterly disappointed in them.


    me me!


    Just me me!


    Huang Lingling just bit her lip and did not say anything else. Suddenly, she raised her head and looked towards the American team''s topic board, the look in her eyes became very firm and she suddenly got up to walk towards it.


    Huang Leilei was stunned, "Sis, what are you trying to do?"


    The other young participants also rushed over to her, "Leader?"


    Very quickly, other people around them also noticed Huang Lingling''s odd behavior. They looked over at her, confused as they did not know what she was going to do.


    Louis looked strangely at the little girl, "Eh?"


    In the next second, Huang Lingling had taken out the marker she used during thepetition, clenched her teeth, and stood in front of the American team''s topic board. Looking at that world renowned Math Problem written on it. She stubbornly held up the marker, ready to try to solve the question on the nk writing board beside it. She wrote a form on it and clenched her teeth again, then clumsily wiped it away with her hand and rewriting another one on it. She wrote and stopped and wrote and stopped and it looked like it was a mess. With her level, she would, of course, not be able to solve such a kind of difficult topic. Even if it were not her, her teachers, or her teachers'' teachers would not be able to solve it!


    The crowd finally understood that this young girl wanted to solve Dale''s Conjecture to make up for her earlier mistakes. Was it for honor? Or was it for pride?


    At this moment, many of those park visitors were moved!


    Including Zhang Ye who was making his way over, he stopped in his footsteps and looked hard at that stubborn girl.


    The mathematicians participants from the other countries were all looking over at her by now. Some of them stared nkly, while others kept silent. Some of the others were smiling mockingly.


    David from the American team shook his head and said something that no one understood. In any case, it did not seem polite.


    An American participant nced at Huang Lingling and asked, "What does she think she is doing?"


    "I don''t know." said another participant. She sounded sarcastically, "A topic that has yet to be solved by so many mathematicians in the world and she thinks she can do it?"


    "What a clown!" An American youth said.


    The children from the American team were allughing at her.


    A youth representative from the United Kingdom team went over and said to her kindly, "Don''t write anymore. You won''t be able to solve it. The mistake you made earlier in thepetition was just a careless one, you''ll definitely do better the next time."


    A French girl also said, "Yes, you did great."


    But Huang Lingling did not appear to have heard anything. She just carried on doing some calctions, writing and erasing and writing again.


    Wu Zeqing sighed.


    The park visitors around could no longer bear seeing this.


    "Good child, don''t write anymore!"


    "Thepetition was lost, but we don''t me you. It is not your fault!"


    "Child, all of you are the pride of the country, so don''t me yourself anymore. It''s going to be alright, it''s really going to be alright!"


    When she heard all these supportive words, Huang Lingling''s eyes turned red again. Her tears were flowing down her cheeks into her mouth, but she did not wipe them off her face. She just continued trying her best and continued with her calctions in front of the topic board.


    Huang Leilei clenched his fist and walked up too, "Sis, let me help you!"


    "And me!" another one of the Chinese team''s youth participant grabbed a marker as well.


    "Leader, there''s still us! Let''s all do this together!" The youth participants of the Chinese team were all standing beside Huang Lingling. Some of them were only about 10 years old and not even 1.4m tall. They all held markers in their hands and even had to tiptoe to reach the writing boards.


    In front of this great and famous math problem, all of them looked very minute.

 Chapter 517: Declaring war on the Mathematics world with "On Horses"!

    <h4>Chapter 517: Dering war on the Mathematics world with "On Horses"! </h4>


    Chapter 517: Dering war on the Mathematics world with "On Horses"!


    Everyone had different expressions.


    Everyone in the crowd was feeling different emotions.


    A question board and several forlorn looking children, the scene was very solemn.


    Xin Ya looked at them and finally said something, "Lingling, Leilei, all of youe here."


    Huang Lingling turned around and said to Xin Ya, "Professor Xin, I, I still want to give it a try!"


    A Nanjing University professor standing at the back said in a harsh tone, "All of youe back here right now. This is not something someone of your level can even attempt. It involves all sorts of higher math learning and knowledge which none of you have even learned before!"


    Huang Lingling lowered her head and continued on.


    Huang Leilei said, "Teacher, please let my sister try." He understood that his sister was ming herself. Having made those mistakes, she was just trying to make up for it.


    Wang Yiming sighed and said, "Don''t try it anymore."


    Han Henian also looked at Huang Lingling and the others. Seeing how their team, the organizer for this year''s event, had be the butt of jokes of the other countries, especially to the Americans, his temper red. They had already lost thepetition earlier, and now their young participants went a step further to get ridiculed? They were putting up an embarrassing spectacle in front of others. Han Henian let out an angry grunt, "What the heck are you trying for?! Don''t you think it''s already embarrassing enough? Come back here, all of you! You couldn''t even solve a simple question in thepetition just now, what makes you think you can solve a math conjecture? If you have such time, you should go back and drill yourself with more basic mathematics practice!"


    Huang Lingling stopped writing. She could no longer go on further.


    Her team members also lowered their heads, not daring to speak.


    Wu Zeqing''s eyes looked towards Han Henian.


    Beside her, an authoritative professor of the mathematics world was shaking his head and sighing, "The children in the past few years are increasinglycking in talent. There are too few good saplings around anymore!"


    Huang Lingling covered her mouth and sniffed, "I''m sorry, it is all my fault."


    The old professor said, "We don''t me you. When ites to talent, no one can always get it right. Some kids were born to do maths and would understand if when we just prod them a little, while some other kids have a limit to what they can understand, even after we have taught them everything. If you''ve hit this limit, then there''s no way you can improve any further. Talents are born, not bred, there''s nothing more we could ask of you and you have already tried your best."


    Hearing the old professor tell her that she did not have the talent for mathematics, Huang Lingling lowered her head even more. She clenched her hands tightly, feeling more guilty with each word from him.


    A female mathematician said, "I guess we''ll have to find a new batch of children for next year''spetition?"


    The old professor nodded, "Yes, look carefully this time in the schools. We''ll need to use all avable resources, otherwise, we won''t be able to get any good saplings."


    Another middle-aged professor added, "We must not lose in the next International Math Olympiad again. I will get my people to search for better talents when we get back."


    Han Henian said, "It will be difficult."


    Xin Ya looked at the children and said, "We have to do it even if it is difficult. As long as we have good and talented saplings, I will fight hard to bring them here." The failures in sessivepetitions had also left her burnt out and moody. These children had been chosen from many others and weren''t exactly untalented, butpared to the young participants from other countries, they were stillcking. The results of thepetition spoke for themselves.


    Han Henian pouted sulkily.


    The old professor said with some regrets, "A thousand li horse is hard to find."


    Although they did not speak very loudly, many people could still hear their conversation.


    Huang Lingling secretly wiped her tears.


    The other children in the team also looked very down, so they were really not the best there was, they weren''t geniuses and were stillcking inparison to many others!


    Many of the park visitors who heard this felt that their words were too harsh!


    Ha!


    A thousand li horse is hard to find?


    Zhang Ye looked at Huang Lingling, Huang Leilei, and the other children. He thought of the situation earlier when his rapid calction of the quiz was mistaken to be cheating by this bunch of mathematicians who imed that he had used a calctor. They keep iming that good saplings can''t be found anymore?


    Howughable!


    Zhang Ye was tickled, he was really tickled. All of a sudden, he emerged from the crowd and eximed, "If you don''t have the abilities to teach the children well! Don''t keep making excuses!"


    With that, everyone looked over to him, stunned!


    Who was this? What did he mean? Why did he start scolding others the moment he appeared!


    Xin Ya frowned and looked at Wu Zeqing. Wasn''t he Old Wu''s scandalous boyfriend? Why was he saying such things? What was he trying to achieve with that?


    Huang Lingling also looked up in surprise.


    That old professor and Han Henian, along with the other mathematicians, also looked over to the person who said that. Some of them recognized him as the Peking University teacher who cheated using a calctor.


    Han Henian said angrily, "What are you trying to say!"


    Seeing someone trying to create trouble, the old professor said, "Get rid of him!"


    A few security staff member in charge of maintaining order heard this and went over to the troublemaker.


    But at this moment, Wu Zeqing spoke. She smiled and said, "I want to see who dares to do that."


    The old professor''s expression changed, "President Wu!"


    The security team was also taken aback and stopped in their tracks.


    When the Chinese mathematicians heard President Wu''s words, they were all stunned. They could not understand why President Wu said that. Even if Zhang Ye was a Peking University teacher, he shouldn''t cause trouble like this, especially in the presence of the media!


    Xin Ya was left speechless. She did not care for Old Wu''s sake anymore and said, "This teacher, who are you referring to that did not teach their students well?"


    Zhang Ye stared at her and said, "I''m talking about you all. How dare you even im that the children were being disgraceful? I think the ones who are disgraceful are you bunch!"


    Old Wu''s childhood friend?


    Get lost! Today, I won''t care who you might be!


    A young mathematician said, "A person who even needs to resort to cheating with a calctor, who are you to say that we are disgraceful? What''s wrong with you?"


    Zhang Yeughed and questioned him back, "How did you know if I cheated or not?"


    The young mathematician said, "You''re a teacher from the Chinese department. How would you know rapid calction?"


    Zhang Yeughed again, "Who says that a Chinese teacher cannot know how to do rapid calctions? That I do not know mathematics? The way you people look at others and issues are not based on facts, but your own skewed bias? With this kind of attitude, how can you call yourselves teachers? You won''t be able to teach good students with such an attitude! And you all still want to seek out your thousand li horse? What the heck! In this world, there was Bo Le before there were thousand-li horses! Thousand-li horses aremon, but a Bo Le is rare. Even though there are thousand-li horses that are exceptional, they are disgraced under the hands of ves, they die side-by-side in their stables, without ever bing ''thousand-li'' horses!" He recited without holding back!


    What was that?


    A ssical Chinese essay?


    When those words were said, everyone froze!


    The old professor, Han Henian and the others were angered by his words. ves?


    The park visitors liked what they heard. After seeing how these professors criticized the children with every sentence they spoke, their patience had worn thin. Suddenly, they felt what this young man wearing the face mask and sunsses said made perfect sense. The only thing that left them wondering was the familiarity of this scene? This voice, where did they hear it from?


    Zhang Ye looked at those teachers and professors from the mathematical world and said coldly, "A thousand-li horse, can eat a dan of grain in one sitting. The feeder feeds not knowing its thousand-li potential. Even if it could gallop a thousand li, without food, without strength, its potential will never be reached."


    If you can''t teach!


    If you can''t groom!


    Why would a horse be able to run fast?


    With that, Zhang Ye coldlyughed in an incessant manner. His voice became louder with each question to them, "The driver drives not ording to its proper method! The feeder does not feed enough for it to reach its full potential! You hear it neigh, but do not understand its meaning! Instead, you raise the whip and proim! There are no thousand-li horses under our heavens!"


    At this moment, everyone kept quiet!


    "Sigh!" Zhang Ye mockinglyughed, "Are there really no thousand-li horses?" He looked at the old professor, Xin Ya, and the others, "Actually, they just don''t know one when they see it!!"


    Unable to find a thousand-li horse under the heavens?


    My ass, you can''t!


    It''s just because all of you do not know where to look!


    With the famous essay in his previous world''s textbooks, "On Horses", Zhang Ye had scolded all of these professors from the Mathematics world!


    Suddenly, the park visitors regained their senses and cheered loudly!


    "Peking University? Teacher?"


    "Chinese department?"


    "This ssical essay? This background......"


    A Peking University Chinese department''s teacher who could scold and invoke such anger, p faces with words alone, could easily recite a ssical essay that no one has ever heard of but still give goosebumps to those who heard it...... Even if you searched through the entire world, there would only be one person who could do it. Other than him, there was no one else!


    A young park visitor said in surprise, "Ah! It''s Zhang Ye!"


    Seeing that he had been recognized, Zhang Ye did not bother hiding his face anymore. He took off his face mask and sunsses to reveal an expression of indifference.


    "Damn!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Heavens! It''s really Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    The crowd erupted bolstered by the essay of "On Horses". Some people were even crying out in excitement!


    "Well scolded!"


    "These professors do not know what''s good for them!"


    "They lost thepetition because they don''t have the capabilities, yet they want to push all the me onto the children? Their excuse is that the children do not have talent and the potential? Why don''t you all just die?! The children are already under so much pressure. Look at that little girl crying and all you people can do is to keepining about this and that!"


    "Right! Support Zhang Ye!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye''s mouth might be a little vulgar and likes scolding others, but his words truly make perfect sense! Compared to you educators who im that you''re doing everything for the country and citizens, to me, Teacher Zhang Ye is much more an educator than you all will ever be! This is the first time I''m hearing this essay about Bo Le and the thousand-li horses! It''s really too amazing!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye''s talents are really heaven defying!"


    "Don''t cry anymore, children. It''s not because all of you are untalented. You''re all good children, all good!"


    "Right, don''t cry anymore. Let Zhang Ye handle this for you. That guy''s nickname as the "Professional face-smacking Zhang" is not for nothing! A normal person would not be able to out argue him!"


    "Who''d have thought that I could bump into Zhang Ye here at Summer Pce Park today! I''m so excited! Teacher Zhang Ye has always been my idol! I actually have the luck to witness the birth of my idol''s new work!"


    "Support Zhang Ye! The thousand-li horse essay was well said too! It has taught me something!"


    The reporters present were also jolted by this incident. All of them rushed forward to snap pictures of Zhang Ye like they were on steroids. Having just finished his battle with the crosstalk world, was Zhang Ye announcing the Mathematics world as his next target!?


    Pfft!


    A few reporters who had already dealt with Zhang Ye on previous asions could no longer hide their joy!


    Zhang Ye was really Zhang Ye!


    He could not stay still for a day without creating some trouble!

 Chapter 518: Never afraid of a big mess!

    <h4>Chapter 518: Never afraid of a big mess! </h4>


    Chapter 518: Never afraid of a big mess!


    On the Inte.


    It had been a rather harmonious day so far. Confessions were happening all over Weibo. In Tieba, there were mostly threads rting to Valentine''s Day being posted. The general mood of the forums were reflective of the loving mood everywhere else. Perhaps because of the past few days of incidents resulting in messy topics, war of words and fighting, the general mood on today''s inte environment was rather peaceful. Theizens were also getting along very well.


    But this peace had onlysted for a short while.


    At some time past 10AM, someone broke the news on Weibo.


    "Extra, extra! Live from the venue! Zhang Ye made a surprise appearance at the International Math Olympiad held at Summer Pce Park! The Mathematics world has been scolded! And the current situation is in chaos! It''s difficult to know what''s going on anymore over here!"


    "Ha?"


    "I''m gonna faint!"


    "Are you serious?"


    "What? Teacher Zhang is up to something again?"


    "What the f**k! I thought that Zhang Ye was writing ''Legend of Wukong'' back at home and I was still waiting for the next chapter. Why did he run off to pick a fight with the Mathematics world now?"


    "Pfft, I almost peed fromughing!"


    "Do a live broadcast from there! What''s going on right now?"


    A few users immediately uploaded some pictures of the situation, as it was too difficult to describe the ongoing situation with text. Then, a park visitor, who had a rather good standard of Chinese reposted Zhang Ye''s essay. Perhaps someone had noted it down when Zhang Ye was reciting, or it could be because of the simplicity of the essay, the text for "On Horses" had now appeared for the first time online.


    In this world, Bo Le and the concept of thousand-li horses existed as well, but that was it and it was fated that Han Yu''s "On Horses" did not exist. Therefore, this ssic essay that was full of wisdom, philosophy, and reasoning had almost immediately caused a huge reaction online!


    Many of those who read it felt that it was a stunning piece!


    "Great essay!"


    "What a ssic!"


    "Every word was well-written! How awesome!"


    "Pfft! Teacher Zhang Ye''s literary talent is always for situations that don''t seem appropriate! If his talents were used in proper channels, then he would surely be a big contribution to our country, but this astonishing literary talent of Teacher Zhang has been used for scolding people instead! Hahaha! It''s only been a few days ago since he started battling it out with the crosstalk world. Having wrapped that up, he''s now marching towards the Mathematics world as well?"


    "Ever since Zhang Ye debuted, he has always made us at a loss of whether tough or cry. Battling against the radio broadcast world, the television station, against the Shanghai SARFT, then the literature world followed by the crosstalk world and now? It''s the Mathematics world''s turn! Teacher Zhang, can I beg you to just give it a rest for a day? Just one day will do, then you can update ''Legend of Wukong'' before you head back out to start more trouble! A bunch of us are waiting for the finale of your novel, but look at you! You''d rather go to battle it out at the Peak of Albatron than concentrate on proper work!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s troublemaking is much more interesting than reading a novel! Supporting Teacher Zhang. ''On Horses'' is a really beautiful piece! That bunch of mathematicians really went too far by bullying those kids that way!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye is such a nosy person!"


    "Yes, I agree, but Teacher Zhang being nosy is exactly what I like about him!"


    "Sigh, are there really no thousand-li horses? Actually, they just don''t know one when they see it! �� This is a really good line! Every word of it touches my innermost feelings! Teacher Zhang''s great! The youth participants were great too!"


    The topic started getting attention and was actively being discussed!


    Someone even started a poll asking if Bo Le was more important or if the thousand-li horses were more important.


    ......


    Summer Pce Park.


    In the yard at the event venue.


    Under the lead of Zhang Ye''s essay, all of the surrounding park visitors were booing at Chinese mathematicians, making them look bad!


    Zhang Ye!


    Why was that grandson doing here!


    Those foreigners did not know who Zhang Ye was, since his fame was still not widespread enough. Whether it was the mathematicians or participants from the United Kingdom or French teams, everyone was suspiciously looking the youth standing there as their team trantors exined the situation to them, but within the Chinese mathematicians, except for those who had dedicated all their time to maths and ignoring all other news and happenings of the real world, most of them knew who Zhang Ye was. Just themercial for "Brain Gold" made most of them aware of who he was as it was the first thing they thought of when Zhang Ye''s name was mentioned. Themercial''s jingle was already causing a headache in their minds at the moment! They had all heard of Zhang Ye''s reputation before! Sometimes, their circle of friends from the education world would even discuss about this person during their meals!


    �� A wonder of the entertainment circle!


    �� A thorn in the education world!


    �� A hooligan of the literary world!


    This person''s reputation was so foul that one could even smell it from their grandma''s house! He had offended too many people and many organizations had been scolded by him too. He was the type of person that would use violence to solve everything!


    As they''ve never seen him before, they did not realize how he was really like. These mathematicians had been apprehensive about believing the rumors they had heard and had thought that those who spoke badly of Zhang Ye were just exaggerating. They would have thought that no matter how low a person''s emotional quotient was, they couldn''t possibly go around looking for trouble and scolding people. Why would anyone want to do something like that? However, now that they had witnessed Zhang Ye''s antics first hand today, all of the mathematicians and old professors nearly vomited blood! The rumors weren''t true? Bullsh*t! It was totally true! Not only was it not exaggerated, they felt that those rumors had in fact been too mild! Too, too mild!!


    A thorn?


    He was basically a porcupine! And he had pricked everyone who was from the mathematics world!


    Xin Ya immediately turned to look at Wu Zeqing. She was staring and clenching her teeth. Old Wu, your little boyfriend''s really too wicked, you had better make him stand back!


    But Wu Zeqing acted like she did not see anything and just sat down leisurely.


    Zhang Ye had made his way into the yard area by now as he continued walking towards the children.


    With that deration of "I want to see who dares to do that" by President Wu earlier, the security team did not do anything to hold him back. The main reason was because they did not dare to. After the incident at the Spring Festival where Zhang Yeid his hands on Lee Anson''s bodyguards, these security staff knew that if they were to get on the wrong side of this hooligan, he would definitely resort to violence! From this, it could be seen that Zhang Ye''s fame was growing more and more by the day. In the past, no one could recognize him, even if he was walking on the streets, but now just his name alone was enough to get the attention of most people!


    Huang Lingling looked at Zhang Ye and suddenly felt very excited.


    "Sis! It''s Teacher Zhang Ye!" Her brother, Huang Leilei said, almost jumping up in excitement, "That Zhang Ye who wrote ''Ode to Young China''!"


    A teenager beside him said unbelievably, "Teacher Zhang Ye....is speaking up for us?"


    Another teenager looked at Huang Lingling, "Leader, isn''t Teacher Zhang your idol?!"


    Huang Lingling started noticing Zhang Ye when he gave the "Ode to Young China" speech. She could still remember that night when she heard the sentence "My beautiful young China that is as eternal as heaven! My magnificent Chinese youth who are as bountiful as thend!", that left her so excited that she was unable to sleep. She had immediately started looking for Zhang Ye''s previous works that very night and found his talk show program as well. Even his recent three crosstalk performances, Huang Lingling had repeatedly viewed them over and over again. Although a lot of people were scolding Zhang Ye and his crosstalk performances for being vulgar, Huang Lingling still liked them very much.


    In this past half a year of focused math training, she had suffered a lot and felt very tired. Whenever there was time when she rested, Huang Lingling would watch Zhang Ye''s works on her cellphone. Her parents had found out about this twice, while her teacher found out once, all of which had earned her a terrible scolding. Since young, she had always been very obedient, except for this, which she knew she was wilful about. She promised them that she would not watch his works anymore, but when she went to bed at night, she would continue to watch discreetly on her cellphone under her nkets. She even followed the news about Zhang Ye. When she knew that Teacher Zhang Ye had done something great, she would be cheered up. When he was scolded by everyone, she would be sad. All of her friends and ssmates knew about this, that she was a hardcore fan of Zhang Ye. Huang Lingling had not expected that Zhang Ye would appear in person before her today!


    As his figure slowly came nearer.


    Before she knew it, Zhang Ye was already standing in front of her. He took out a napkin from his pocket and knelt down, reaching his hand out to wipe the tears off the corners of her eyes.


    Huang Lingling suddenly felt at a loss of what to do, "Teacher...Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Don''t cry anymore. It''s just a small matter."


    "Thank you." Huang Lingling took the napkin and wiped off her tears herself, "I''ve always liked you a lot. All of your works, I''ve seen all of them." She was stuttering with her words.


    Zhang Ye looked very happy, "Is that true?"


    Huang Leilei quickly said, "It''s true, my sis likes you the most."


    Huang Lingling furiously nodded her head!


    She''s a fan of this bro? What good taste! Zhang Yeughed happily, "Since I''m here now, there''s nothing to be afraid of." He turned around and nced at the mathematicians, "Ignore them. How dare they say that you all are ungifted? They want a thousand-li horse? Sure, let them touch their hearts and ask themselves first! Whether they can be a Bo Le!"


    Zhang Ye has always been this way. He just said what he thought and scolded if he felt like scolding. It did not matter to him that there were many people around nor did the presence of the media affect what he wanted to say. He followed this principle in the things that he said or did. This was the reason why so many people hated him, but Zhang Ye just continued doing things the way he saw fit.


    Han Henianined angrily, "You better watch your words!"


    The old professor, who was the most senior figure in the mathematics world present, said with a dark expression, "How does the way we educate our student have anything to do with you? What are you creating trouble here for?! Creating such a stir, don''t you feel ashamed!" First, it was the children who attempted in vain to solve the math problem. And now, it was Zhang Ye stepping up and creating trouble. Today''s International Math Olympiad was already in a big mess, by the time the media received news of this and published it, their faces as the organizers this year would probably be all lost!


    Zhang Ye did not say a word yet, but the park visitors could no longer hold themselves back!


    "Pfft!"


    "He''s just unting his seniority!"


    "How do you expect to educate the kids if this is how you all are! You''re just destroying their futures!"


    "A child needs encouragement and affirmation! Is that how you all teach others?"


    "You''re the ones creating trouble! A disgrace to our country!"


    If Zhang Ye had not stepped forward with the essay "On Horses", these park visitors would not have likely said much. After all, the situation did not seem right for them to speak up or criticize anyone. At most, they would have felt rather ufortable with how things were but as Zhang Ye had stepped up and the park visitors followed his lead, all of them joined in to speak up for the children. What happened next was just a natural progression of chatter and protests. It seemed like Zhang Ye''s influence in Beijing was really not too bad at all!


    Those professors and teachers were being scolded terribly.


    Zhang Ye did not bother about them and just looked towards the children, "Let me teach you a life lesson. If someone tries to bully you, take a step back."


    Huang Lingling listened seriously.


    The park visitors also quieten down and started listening.


    Zhang Ye continued, "If some tries to bully you again, then you should take another step back."


    Huang Leilei and the other kids all nodded at the same time.


    Xin Ya, Han Henian and the others looked at them unkindly.


    Zhang Ye continued saying, "If that someone still tries to bully you, you take another step back again." Then with a pause, he said, "But when you realize that you''ve stepped back too many times and the wall is right behind you now, and they still want to bully you, what do you next?"


    A teenager raised his hand sillily, "What should we do?"


    "Beat them up of course!" Zhang Ye suddenly came up with an unexpected answer!


    Huang Lingling, "........"


    Xin Ya, "............"


    Han Henian, "........."


    Many of the park visitors were totally amused by this!


    In the field of educators, only Zhang Ye dared to speak in such a manner. This person was never afraid of big issues, he was only afraid that the issues were not big enough!

 Chapter 519: Zhang Ye Solving a Mathematical Conjecture!

    <h4>Chapter 519: Zhang Ye Solving a Mathematical Conjecture! </h4>


    Chapter 519: Zhang Ye Solving a Mathematical Conjecture!


    The park visitors were all discussing and chattering.


    "What a ssic!"


    "It''s going to be another famous quote!"


    "Hahahaha! Those words have really turned the situation around!"


    "Ah, is that really how they educate the kids?"


    Some park visitors hurriedly transmitted the happenings to a live stream online to share with everyone. Some others held up their phones to record the ongoings before uploading them.


    These videos attracted more and moreizens to join in and watch excitedly. They were all standing by at theirputers, requesting for thetest updates to be uploaded. It was as if they were watching a football match, chewing on sunflower seeds and drinking tea,menting on orughing every now and then. They only wished that this matter would blow up even further!


    The words that he had said just now were from his previous world, from a crosstalk performance by Guo Degang and Zhang Ye had presented it to this world on this very day!


    Around them at the other countries'' disy booths, the trantors had exined to their mathematicians and young participants about what Zhang Ye had said. When they finally understood what was going on, many of them startedughing.


    A young participant from the United Kingdom wasughed so hard that all of his teeth could be seen.


    On the Korean''s side, they did notugh as they knew who Zhang Ye was. They knew he was famous for his insults of Korea and thus were biased against him.


    The Americans did notugh either.


    The mathematician, David, raised his eyes and just looked on at how they were making a fool of themselves.


    Meanwhile, the American team leader Louis did not even seem interested. Everything here today could only be proven by capability. The strength of the Chinese on the international stage of mathematics was not exactlyrge and their contributions were generally scattered around too much. They had norge contribution to im for, nor were they able to make any impact atpetitions such as today''s. In the past, the Chinese had really high standards, especially showing it at thispetition in the previous years. They had many championships to their name, but now it seemed like that standard had dropped drastically. They only managed to achieve third ce this time and had been sliding down the ranks with each passing year. Naturally, the elite and authority figures within the American team looked down on the standard of the Chinese and there was also no Chinese mathematician who had made any major contributions to the Mathematics world!


    Seeing her professors'' expression change so many times today, Huang Lingling quickly said to Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang, it''s not like this. The teachers are very good to us, I, I....."


    Huang Leilei and the other teenagers were also getting nervous. Although they were young, it did not mean that they were stupid. They did not dare to follow up with Zhang Ye''s words.


    Xin Ya was speechless. When she met Zhang Ye for the first time just now, Wu Zeqing had already mentioned that she would not be able to out argue him. Xin Ya still refused to acknowledge that when it had been said, but now that she knew that this person was Zhang Ye and after hearing what he said, Xin Ya knew that she was not his match. This was Peking University Chinese department''s lecturer, a famous literary genius in the country, how could they, as mathematicians, even think of out arguing him! Bickering? That Zhang guy did it as a profession! Even when those other literary world professionals had conflict with Zhang Ye, all of them couldn''t match up to Zhang Ye in scolding! This person was well known to have won all of his scolding battles throughout the country!


    The conflict was getting moreplicated now!


    The professors from the Chinese mathematics world were all raging by now, barely able to hold in their anger anymore!


    Xin Ya felt that this could not go on anymore as it would do nobody any good. They will only be theughing stock to the Americans. Seeing how Louis and David were looking at them, Xin Ya knew what they were thinking. So, she made a pass to to Wu Zeqing as she knew clearly that the only person who would be able to control Zhang Ye was her. She needed Sis Wu''s help to control the situation, to make her boyfriend shut up.


    Privately, Zhang Ye was her boyfriend.


    Publicly, Zhang Ye was a teacher at Peking University.


    Now that Zhang Ye had created such a mess, private or publicly, Wu Zeqing had to be responsible for it. Moreover, within this group of people now, only Wu Zeqing had the level and rank to do anything about it.


    However, Wu Zeqing was still ignoring her and remained unmoved, looking very calm as though it wasn''t a big deal. She did not seem like she had any intention of stopping Zhang Ye at all.


    Xin Ya was already clenching her teeth in frustration and getting quite angry!


    This Old Wu!


    She''s totally given up loyalty now that she''s in love!


    With a boyfriend now, she has totally abandoned a childhood friend like me!


    Over there, Dean Wang said to Zhang Ye, "That''s enough. This is the International Math Olympiad, not your house. Don''t affect other people just because you want to say something!"


    Han Henian said loudly to Huang Lingling and the other kids, "What are you all still standing there for,e back here."


    The young mathematician from before was also very hating of Zhang Ye now, seeing how Zhang Ye had spared no effort to scold them. He sarcastically said, "This is not a ce that you should appear at. For someone who cheated with a calctor while attempting to solve a quiz that was meant for the park visitors, you don''t deserve to say a thing!"


    At this moment, Xin Ya interjected, "Alright now, knock it off, everyone!"


    The young mathematician quickly said, "Professor Xin, we have to put him in his ce. We''ve been working so hard in our mathematics career and also put in so much effort to groom these children, but what has he done? All he knows is to make sarcasticments here! I can''t let it slide just like this! I can be criticized by anyone else, but not this teacher who even resorted to cheating to win a cellphone! I''m having none of this!"


    When Xin Ya heard this, she frowned and said, "He was just joking around earlier." Although Zhang Ye did not hold back on her just now and they had only known each other for half a day, he was still her childhood friend''s boyfriend. Xin Ya still took into consideration about Wu Zeqing''s feelings and tried to put up a good word for him. Besides, with so many foreign mathematicians, park visitors and the media around, it would be bad to let everyone know that a teacher from the top rated Peking University had resorted to cheating for a prize! That wouldn''t look good on all the parties involved and would only serve to make the current situation worse. Xin Ya might have been angry, but she was still thinking logically.


    Han Henian said to Huang Lingling, "Come back now, what are you standing there in a daze for?"


    Huang Lingling hesitated a little and looked at the topic board of the American team. She bit her lips and said, "Teacher, I, I....."


    Xin Ya said in a consoling manner, "Don''t me yourself anymore. It''s not your fault. This isn''t a topic that you would be able to solve and it''s not only you. This is a topic that no one in the world is able to solve at the moment. Come back over here, we don''t me any of you. What''s lost is already lost and we need to learn from this experience. We cane back again next year." Zhang Ye''s words might have been very harsh, but when Xin Ya thought about it, she realized that what he said had in fact made a lot of sense.


    Huang Lingling lowered her head and said, "I''m sorry, I wasn''t good enough."


    Huang Leilei and the others also followed her lead and were ready to go back to their teachers side.


    However, at this moment, Zhang Ye opened his mouth and said, "Pick yourself up from where you fell, why wait until next year?"


    When Xin Ya heard this, she wanted to pounce on and bite him! Zhang Ye!! You believe that I won''t kill you!!? She was rendered so speechless by Zhang Ye that she nearly vomited blood. She could not understand what Old Wu saw in him and why she would find someone like him to be her boyfriend! Weren''t you scolding us just now? Scolding us for mistreating the children and pushing the responsibility of losing onto them? Alright, you made sense in saying that, but am I not consoling and encouraging the children now? So? Why are you against that now? Why are you asking them to regain their honor now? You can''t even wait for next year? What the heck were you trying to do?


    Many of those present at the venue could not understand what was going on.


    Both Huang Lingling and Huang Leilei raised their heads to look at Zhang Ye and wondered what he was trying to say.


    Zhang Ye had a quick look at Dale''s Conjecture on the topic board and smiled to himself, then turned around to Huang Lingling and said, "What''s your name?"


    "Huang Lingling." She answered quickly.


    Zhang Ye pointed at the topic board and asked her, "Do you wish to solve that and regain your honor?"


    Huang Lingling was stunned. She nervously grasped her shoulders and said, "Of course... I would like to... but... but...."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye put his hand out, "Can you lend me your marker?"


    Huang Lingling immediately handed her marker pen over and asked, "Teacher Zhang, what are you going to do? What do you need my marker pen for?"


    Zhang Ye did not answer her and just said, "Help Big Bro with a little something, will you?"


    "Of course I will!" Huang Lingling agreed without even thinking.


    Zhang Ye held the empty board beside the topic board which was reserved for anyone who wanted to to attempt it. It was simr to the whiteboards in school and was supported by a frame with caster wheels, "Help me to get a few more of these whiteboards."


    Huang Lingling asked, "How many do you need?"


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes before replying, ".....About fifty of them."


    Huang Lingling was a little taken aback, "Ah?"


    Huang Leilei was also stunned, "Fifty of those whiteboards?"


    "What are you trying to do?" Xin Ya had a bad feeling about it. She felt that he would be doing something really crazy is this time!


    Zhang Ye looked at her and simply said, "I''ll do what needs to be done."


    Huang Lingling bit her lips nervously, "Alright, I will get them for you." As soon as she said that, she ran off over to the United Kingdom team and spoke in jittery English to their young participants. Finally, with a "thanks!" in English, she managed to get several whiteboards from them and went back to Zhang Ye.


    When Huang Leilei and the other Chinese team youths saw this, they followed suit.


    The park visitors were getting more and more curious as to what was happening.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Why does Zhang Ye need so many whiteboards for?"


    The number of whiteboards being pushed over made a lot of noise with the caster wheels rolling over the uneven ground.


    The members of the media did not know what was going on, all they did was continue to take as many photographs as they could!


    The Chinese mathematicians, including Wang Yiming and Han Henian, also looked over!


    The mathematicians from the United Kingdom and French teams slowly gathered around as well!


    Louis and David from the American team raised their heads, frowning and staring at Zhang Ye!


    Do you know how much you can write on a whiteboard? These were simr to the whiteboards they had in schools, but asking for fifty of them? Disregarding anything else, just this scene''s magnificence was already too great. Almost all of the whiteboards made avable for this event alone had been pushed over and a sea of white enveloped Zhang Ye!


    Huang Lingling was panting after pushing thest one over, "Teacher Zhang, I''ve gathered all of them for you!"


    Huang Leilei and the other children were also wiping sweat off their foreheads.


    "Thank you." Zhang Ye patted her on the head, "What you''ve lost earlier, I will help you gain it back. Come, grab a chair and sit beside me. Let Big Bro show you how to teach the foreigners a lesson."


    "Ah?"


    "This is....."


    "Could it be....."


    Then, under the eye-popping gaze of the park visitors, foreigners and those Chinese mathematicians, he untwisted the cap off the marker pen and pulled a whiteboard over, and even rxingly yawned, and then without a thought he put the tip of the marker pen onto the surface of the whiteboard and began writing!


    Only at this time did everyone finally understand!


    F**k!


    This bast**d intended to attempt to solve this problem?!


    He was going to demonstrate proof of a conjecture that no one else in this world was able to??

 Chapter 520: A shocking hypothesis!

    <h4>Chapter 520: A shocking hypothesis! </h4>


    Chapter 520: A shocking hypothesis!


    On Weibo.


    The live updates of pictures andmentary posts from Summer Pce Park suddenly stopped at this moment and it stayed quiet for a few seconds. Then, a Weibo video streamed live from the venue by aizen suddenly exploded with views!


    "F**k that shit!"


    "Teacher Zhang must be going crazy!"


    "Heavens! Teacher Zhang is going to attempt to do math?"


    Manyizens were posting on the live video''sment section with unintelligiblements.


    As most of them were not at the event, they did not understand the exact situation and quickly asked for updates.


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Quick, someone exin what''s going on!"


    "I''m so anxious right now, what is Zhang Ye up to this time?"


    Many of Zhang Ye''s old friends also found out about the live stream and tuned in as well.


    Yao Jiancai posted ament: "I''mte? Is something big happening again?"


    Peking University Chinese department''s Su Na: "What do you mean by attempting a math problem?"


    Following that, a newly registered Weibo ount named "Zhang Ye''s Mother" also posted, but as the person did not seem to be too well versed with technology, a string of random characters appeared: "#53$." The owner of the ount was, as it imed, Zhang Ye''s mother. She had also kept pace with technology and learned about getting online with Weibo, joining in to get thetest updates about her son.


    Pa! A photo of the venue and happenings was posted. Zhang Ye was sitting in front of a whiteboard with his left hand ced in his pocket and his right hand holding a marker pen. He was writing some numbers and forms on the whiteboard, which was not understood by themonyman. Beside him were some Americans whose faces were in a shock and another whiteboard that was filled with writings. The Chinese mathematicians, like Han Henian, also appeared near the boundary of the photo and like the Americans, his face was full of shock too!


    What was the atmosphere at the scene like?


    The photo had depicted it clearly!


    Theizens could even feel the excitement and shock like they were there as their hearts started pounding heavily!


    "Say something!"


    "What on earth is going on?"


    "What is Zhang Ye doing?"


    "What kind of math question is that? And why are the mathematicians all looking with faces like that? Why are their eyes like that? What are they looking at?"


    "People who are at the scene! Please do a live stream!"


    Before anyone who was present at the event itself could reply, aizen suddenly eximed and asked, "That whiteboard at the side, could it be Dale''s Conjecture? I can''t be wrong! It definitely has to be! The Americans must have once used Dale''s Conjecture as the topic for this year''s International Math Olympiad''s after-event once again!"


    "What''s Dale''s Conjecture?"


    "Is it a very difficult problem? It sounds a little familiar."


    "What do you mean ''sounds a little familiar''? This is an unprovable conjecture in the world of Mathematics! It''s one of the top 10 math problems in the world!"


    The reputation and name of Dale''s Conjecture should have been known by many, even outside of the Mathematics world.


    Then, someone who was present at the event rified with a post: "Yes, Teacher Zhang is going to.....attempt to solve the problem! He wants to regain the reputation for the Chinese on behalf of the children!"


    "Ah?"


    "Attempting to solve?"


    "Solve Dale''s Conjecture?"


    "Holy sh*t!"


    Theizens expressed their disbelief one by one!


    ......


    At the venue.


    The crowds were also reacting in the exact same way as theizens did!


    Han Henian nearly fainted. Did Zhang Ye skip breakfast this morning and arrive here with a rusty brain?


    The most experienced mathematician, the old professor was shaking his head so much that he was already feeling dizzy. This Zhang Ye was too overconfident! He would disgrace himself in front of all these people!


    The children had already disgraced us!


    And now, you would also do the same?


    Could you even begin to understand or not? Don''t you know what Dale''s Conjecture stood for? Don''t you understand what Dale''s Conjecture meant to the mathematics world? It was a wall! it was a barrier and it had not been crossed by anyone in thest few decades! Did you think it was just simple arithmetic like one plus one? Did you think this was a head of cabbage? A cabbage that could be plucked if you just used your hands? For anyone to even dare attempt to solve Dale''s Conjecture or had an idea on how to do it, there were only a handful of them. These people were the mathematicians at the pinnacle of the mathematics world and only they would dare to approach it in this manner. For others like the Chinese mathematics professors or teachers, they did not even dare to dream about solving Dale''s Conjecture! That''s because they knew where they stood and they knew their own abilities very well!


    But you''re now attempting to solve it?


    How big are those balls of yours!


    You''re really a fearless one!


    Although Xin Ya had an inkling of Zhang Ye stirring up something big, she had not expect it to be what was unfolding before her eyes now. She was so speechless that she couldn''t even form an opinion on it. The only thing that she wanted to do now was to turn to her childhood friend to advise her to break up with this person immediately! This person was too damn undependable! Just in one day, in the past hour, how much trouble has this boyfriend of yours stirred up? From cheating to win a cellphone, to scolding the mathematics world, and now he''s even shamelessly attempting to solve a conjecture that has the whole mathematics world stifled?


    Just what kind of level of difficulty was Dale''s Conjecture perceived to be?


    If you asked any industry insider to choose their top ten most difficult math problems, then Dale''s Conjecture would definitely be on the list and it would definitely be in the top half of it! And no one would object to that! This was a publicly acknowledge constant in the mathematics world -- also known as Dale''s Conjecture!


    And you?


    Which rock did you spring out from?


    You''re just a celebrity from the entertainment circle, a learner of literature, a teacher who teaches in the Chinese department. From head to toe, all you reek of is the liberal arts, so why the heck were you trying to step into the field of mathematics? And you''re even headed straight at Dale''s Conjecture?


    There was a collective silence in the Chinese mathematics world: ".........."


    After understanding from their trantors, those foreigner mathematicians also looked dumbfoundedly over at the Chinese youth holding the marker, standing in front of a whiteboard. They could not understand why all of the Chinese people had such silly bravados. First, it was the children, now, it was followed by an adult?


    The park visitors observing were already in a chatter of discussion.


    "Does Teacher Zhang know Mathematics?"


    "What can he possibly know!?"


    "Didn''t someone just say that Teacher Zhang used a calctor just to do a five-figure multiplication problem? How would he know anything then!"


    "There''s nothing to critique about Teacher Zhang''s literary talents. He has to be the top in that field within the entire country. Everyone would be convinced by that argument, but Math.....F**k! I don''t even know what to say anymore! This has to be the most courageous disy of guts ever!"


    Everyone was too shocked by this silly bravery of Zhang Ye to notice what he was writing on the whiteboard. They were all constrained by their bias and had already pre-judged that he wasn''t the real deal. How could a celebrity solve a mathematical conjecture? Wouldn''t it be an international joke if he did?!


    Louis had a look of contempt on his face.


    The American mathematician, David, alsoughed mockingly, "If Dale''s Conjecture could be so easily proven, then Dale''s Conjecture wouldn''t be known as Dale''s Conjecture in the first ce!"


    Although he spoke in English and Zhang Ye''s standard of English wasn''t too good, at the very least, he had a passable level of understanding since he was a proper graduate after all.


    Huang Lingling could feel the gaze of everyone on them and was already struggling with the attention now. She wasn''t afraid that she would be a disgrace, but that her idol, Teacher Zhang would lose face because of her. Because of this, she said to him, "Teacher Zhang, why don''t we, why don''t we forget this? This conjecture must be really difficult, so let''s....."


    Zhang Ye paused his writing momentarily and smiled at her. Then he said in a kindly to her, "Remember my words about not caring about those who doubt you. When you be sessful, they will be the clowns. All you need to do is to do your best and that will be enough. How else do you think Big Bro managed to survive in the entertainment circle until now? If I were to react to everything that they pick on about me, then would I still have time to do my work?"


    Huang Lingling affirmatively nodded, "I''ll remember that for sure."


    "Do you understand what this is?" Zhang Ye pointed at his writings on the whiteboard.


    Huang Lingling looked hard at them and shook her head in confusion, "I understood a bit of those calctions but....."


    At least she could understand some of the calctions, but Huang Leilei and the other children standing beside couldn''t understand any of it.


    Zhang Ye did not care about anyone else except for these children right now. He raised the marker once more and continued to write on, then smiled and said, "It''s alright if you don''t understand it now, all of you are talented enough and will be able to understand it in the future." After saying that, he asionally pointed out to some of the writings to guide them along, "Do you understand what this conjecture is about?"


    Dale''s Conjecture was also Fermat''s Last Theorem from Zhang Ye''s previous world.


    It stated that no three positive integers a, b, and c can satisfy the equation a^n + b^n = c^n for any integer value of n greater than 2.


    Huang Lingling, Huang Leilei, and the other children nodded lightly, "We understand that. We''ve heard that many of the great mathematicians from other countries have proven it for many iterations of N; like when N=3 or N=4, all of which were validated."


    But Zhang Ye said as heughed, "Then remember what I say now. These mathematicians who have contributed that much to Dale''s Conjecture are not really that great, nor are their contributions."


    Huang Lingling could only react with an "Ah?"


    Her brother was also sweating by now, "What?"


    Xin Ya, "..........($#!"


    When the mathematicians and participants around them heard Zhang Ye''s snidements, all of them became so angry that they had to clench their teeth in order to control their temper!


    After hearing the trantors'' exnation of what he said, Louis said coldly, "What are you saying?" As a few of the N=? proofs were researched andpleted by the American mathematicians over a long period of time with a huge amount of resources and effort poured in. He was angered by the fact that a young Chinese person had simply brushed it off as a small contributions.


    All of the mathematicians were unable to ept what Zhang Ye had stated!


    Han Henian shouted, "You''re just a Chinese teacher, what would you know!"


    Xin Ya sighed and said, "I have to remind you, Teacher Zhang. Let''s not bber nonsense around here, alright?"


    These words of his were really too offensive as every top talent of the global mathematics world had been trying hard to advance the studies of Dale''s Conjecture, but a simple brush off from Zhang Ye totally rendered their studies as fruitless!?


    Zhang Ye continued not to be bothered by anyone and just guided the children along on his whiteboard, "The solution to most mathematical conjectures usually start off with weakening the conjecture. If you can weaken the conjecture and prove it, then you can advance a little closer towards the original conjecture. This is the process of solving most conjectures, but what many of these mathematicians do not know is that this method does not suit the solving of Dale''s Conjecture. Whether it''s N=2, N=3, N=<10, N=<100 or N=<1000, this method of proving would look like it is advancing the study closer to the solution, but in fact, none of them have much meaning at all. Even if they could advance this weakening method a long way ahead, with it, they still wouldn''t be able to prove Dale''s Conjecture. These people have all been walking down the wrong path the entire time!"


    Trantor Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter! Don''t forget to vote, we look to be losing some pace already!

 Chapter 521: Zhang Ye the Mathematician!

    <h4>Chapter 521: Zhang Ye the Mathematician! </h4>


    Chapter 521: Zhang Ye the Mathematician!


    Walking the wrong path?


    The world''s mathematicians have all been going down the wrong path?


    Huang Lingling secretly bit her tongue thinking that Teacher Zhang was really reckless and brave to say something like this!


    All of the other mathematicians had already wanted to beat him up, especially the American team and its youth participants. They had never before seen someone as conceited as this!


    Louis couldn''t stand to hear anymore of this and said something in English.


    The American team trantor then exined in Chinese, "Teacher Louis says that he would like to hear how you propose this be solved! If the whole world has been wrong, then do you have the correct way to prove it? We are all ears if you have one!" After tranting, even the trantor was shaking her head andughing.


    But Zhang Ye immediately responded with two things, "Elliptic curves and modr forms."


    Louis, who was ready to rebuke him, was suddenly shocked by what he heard. His eyebrows raised up as he speedily processed what he just heard and said, "Modr forms?"


    Xin Ya was also taken aback.


    The park visitors looked doubtfully at each other, not really understanding what was going on.


    Although they could not understand what was being said, the other mathematicians could understand. They had really not taken into consideration the possibility of Zhang Ye''s thoughts applying to Dale''s Conjecture all these years. Or perhaps someone did, but did not make any breakthrough and so nothing came of it. It was totally not the mainstream school of thought in regards to solving this conjecture. Some of these mathematicians were not even familiar with the modrity theorem as the number of mathematicians who specialized in it were rarer than rare!


    What did he mean?


    Does he know about the modrity theorem?


    Xin Ya was in disbelief, but also for the first time, was surprised by Zhang Ye''s ims that their analytical process was wrong and his usage of these mathematical terms. These terms were not things that a Chinese department teacher should be able to say and this made her heart beat an extra few times. What the f**k, does this Zhang guy really know math?


    Han Henian frowned even more and wondered if this was a bluff?


    The others also felt that Zhang Ye was just boasting and had probably over-boasted this time, but his shocking ims had also invoked everyone''s curiosity and they had now turned their eyes onto the writings on the whiteboard.


    Zhang Ye did not bother responding to them and just continued writing on.


    ......


    (n+1)3-3n=n3+3n2+1


    (n+1)3-3n2=n3+3n+1


    (n+1)3-n3=3n2+3n+1


    ......


    n3+3n2+1��(n+1)3


    n3+3n+1��(n+1)3


    3n2+3n+1��(n+1)3


    ......


    n=1,2,3,4,5


    n3+3n2+1=5��1


    n3+3n+1=5��1


    3n2+3n+1=7��1


    ......


    The scope of the writings on the first whiteboard covered all sorts of random topics.


    Louis had a look at it and shook his head.


    Xin Ya also blinked a few times, wondering why Zhang Ye had jumped from one topic to another so drastically? Why did he go straight to the calctions at the back? Where were the calctions in front? Where were the other calctional rules?


    Zhang Ye quickly filled the first whiteboard with his writings and then pushed it away. He pulled a new whiteboard over and continued writing without pausing to think at all!


    This second whiteboard was different from the first one. It was as though it was a totally separate topic from the first. Zhang Ye had began producing other theorems and even wrote a corory! Many of the mathematicians were marveled by the theorem''s constitution, but yet they could not understand what Zhang Ye was doing!


    Han Henian said in a stunned manner, "What is this?"


    A old Chinese professor said, "Why is he solving the functional equation for?"


    A female mathematician from the United Kingdom praised, "The Chinese really have such a concealed talents. Even amongst the park visitors, there''s such a great master in mathematics hidden!"


    Another French mathematician asked doubtfully, "But what has all of these got to do with Dale''s Conjecture? It totally unrted, so why is he writing all these reasonings for?"


    Before anyone knew it, the number of mathematicians gathered around Zhang Ye was increasing. No one bothered going to another country''s disy booth to check out their problems anymore. All the focus was on the American team''s disy booth as they discussed in whispers with each other and asionally took out pens to verify the equations.


    Wu Zeqing was smiling.


    The park visitors were fully concentrating on the ongoings.


    Up until now, although theyman did not understand what Zhang Ye was writing and even though the mathematicians knew that he was solving some equations and stating corories for reasons unknown to them, none of them could deny that this Peking University Chinese department''s teacher really f**king understood Mathematics well!


    The Chinese mathematicians were an embarrassed lot!


    Especially that young mathematicians that had shouted at and used Zhang Ye of cheating. His face was burning as though he had been pped in the face until it was swollen. When he remembered that Zhang Ye had questioned him back about how he thought that he was cheating, the young mathematician froze and just felt like he should leave the venue immediately!


    Because this person really did not cheat!


    He had really calcted that five-figured multiplication mentally!


    Why were they so sure this time? It was needless to say! Why would a person who could just raise his hand and start stating corories that no one had even attempted before resort to cheating on a mere multiplication problem?! Even a fool would know that it was impossible! That person could not have resorted to such a low move! Nor would he even need to! Even if the calction for a five-figured multiplication wasplex, it wouldn''t pose a problem to a mathematician of this level!


    Along the peripheral of the crowd of the park visitors, the female volunteer, who was in-charge of that five-figured multiplication quiz station, was also staring in disbelief. What was Zhang Ye calcting right now? She could not understand it at all, but observing the gazes of all the other mathematicians, she understood that she had wrongly used Zhang Ye just now! Even used him of cheating? And using a calctor at that? Thinking about it, the female volunteer face turned green with shame. She could only lower her head in a bitter smile, knowing how disgraceful she must''ve been!


    Zhang Ye was being disgraceful?


    From the looks of it, it was them who were disgraceful!


    The park visitors were discussing amongst themselves.


    "What is he writing over there?"


    "I don''t know."


    "It all looks very amazing!"


    "Damn, Teacher Zhang is actually such a scary person!"


    Huang Lingling was feeling terribly excited as she clenched her fists, not even daring to breathe as she stood beside Zhang Ye, afraid that any sound she made might affect Zhang Ye.


    Huang Leilei was so shocked that he couldn''t move. Teacher Zhang was really amazing!


    The second whiteboard was filled up as well.


    Twenty minutester, the third whiteboard was filled with writing as well.


    Then after another ten minutes, the fourth whiteboard was filled with theorems.


    Zhang Ye had sensationalized his attempt and even managed to make himself look very suave while doing it. Not only was he suave, even his writing was suave. His calligraphy standard was already great to begin with, so the Chinese characters he wrote in the forms and calctions were very beautiful and artistic. The numbers and alphabets looked good as well. When everyone saw this, they felt like Zhang Ye was painting an artwork, his wrists twisting and turning as they left a stream of writing behind. The words even looked like they were alive and dancing!


    The fifth whiteboard....


    The sixth whiteboard.....


    The seventh whiteboard.....


    As time passed, the confusion in the eyes of many of the mathematicians deepened. They still could not understand what Zhang Ye was doing. Didn''t he say that he wanted to use modr forms? Where the heck were the modr forms then? Why have they still not appeared?! Furthermore, none of these proofs that you wrote had anything to do with Dale''s Conjecture! All 7 whiteboards had corories stated on them, but how did they matter in regards to this topic?!


    Xin Ya had already walked up to Wu Zeqing''s side and whispered to her, "Sis Wu, what is he......"


    Wu Zeqing did not wait for her to finish and just shook her headughing, "I don''t know either."


    "His mathematics standard is at such a high level, how could you not know?!" Xin Ya felt cheated. She drew a deep breath and said, "You see those forms he is working on right now? Even if I had a day''s time, I would not be able to solve them, but look at him! It''s only been about an hour? There aren''t many people in this world that can do something like that!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled, "I really didn''t know that he knows things like this."


    Wang Yiming suddenly asked, "Do you all think.....that he could really be able to prove Dale''s Conjecture?


    "Surely not." Han Henian was also discussing the matter with them, "Those forms have no basis in the conjecture. Even though I''d have admit that his calction methods are very high level or even world ss, I do not believe that they have anything to do with Dale''s Conjecture. We did not even see the modr theorem that he talked about at the beginning!"


    This was also on the minds on all the mathematicians present at the event. What were you doing? Were you really intending to prove the conjecture, or were you just using the chance to show off your math skills!


    The shock at the beginning was slowly turning back to calm.


    The mathematicians from the American team were allughing in disappointment. They felt that even though this person seemed to be very skilled in math, his bragging had done him in. All those functions and rted calctions would not be able to prove Dale''s Conjecture. From the beginning, it was a giant waste of time!


    An old Korean mathematician said, "He''s out of steam."


    "Yes, it''s too messy." A Japanese mathematician in his thirties said.


    Another Japanese mathematician said, "He''s probably already confused by his own writings by now, what is he doing?"


    "How can a single person handle such a great deal of calction by himself. At the very least, he would need a team of mathematicians working tirelessly with him together. Having reached this part of the calctions, it would seem like it has already gotten too messy." said a German mathematician while shaking his head.


    ......


    Messy?


    Hur Hur.


    When Zhang Ye heard that, he just smiled and continued to write on. With a hand in his pocket, he acted as though as he was busily calcting forms that they could not understand. Each and everyone of his forms werebeled with the marks (1), (2), (3) and that made everything look even messier, but Zhang Ye had his own ideas and continued to put on a serious face as he wrote on. Dale''s Conjecture? This was in fact Fermat''s Last Theorem! Regarding any other matter, Zhang Ye might not dare to im so, but when it came to Fermat''s Last Theorem, Zhang Ye knew that he was the only person who understood it the most in this world!


    Suddenly, when he was writing on the ninth whiteboard, Zhang Ye took a deep breath and loosen his wrist with a few shakes. Then, he raised the marker once more and drew a diagram which immediately started a heated debate behind him.


    "Hey!" Xin Ya focused onto the newly drawn diagram.


    Wang Yiming said, "The elliptic curve has appeared!"


    Han Henian asked, "Professor Wang, how is he going to calcte this?"


    Wang Yiming shook his head as he looked on, "Hmm? Why is he going about it in this way? If it''s done this way, the logic would be wed. Without a relevant form, this elliptic curve should not be valid!"


    A female mathematician from the United Kingdom couldn''t bear to watch any further, "NO! That can''t be established!"


    Louis and David from the American team looked on disapprovingly, knowing that this Chinese youth had hit a wall and would be unable to write on any further!


    Huang Lingling was getting anxious, as she could sense from the expressions of all the mathematicians present that something bad had happened. She said nervously, "Teacher....Teacher Zhang...."


    Everyone knew that Zhang Ye had already tried his best and would no longer be able to carry on from here!


    Zhang Ye also stopped writing at this moment and then walked confidently for more than 10 meters to the second whiteboard where he made a mark tobel it. Then he went back to thetest whiteboard where he drew the elliptic curve diagram on and also made a mark on it with ''(1)''. Next, he took the second whiteboard, that no one thought there was a use for and was filled with formsbeled as (1). With a few additional writings now and someplexputation, an impossible question earlier had now been established!


    Countless of people were shocked by this scene unfolding before them!


    Xin Ya was so taken aback that she said in a dumbfounded manner, "What?"


    Then Zhang Ye wrote a few more statements that required establishment, which hebeled again and then pulled over the third whiteboard, which the establishment was already written on. Hebeled it as (2) and then turned his attention to the fourth, fifth and sixth whiteboards where two algorithmic conclusions and form conclusions werebeled as (3) and (4). He pulled those whiteboards over and added it to the rest to unify the whole function!


    The conclusion had been reached!


    The verification was alsopleted. Passed!


    Wang Yiming was stunned, but managed to exim, "It''s established!"


    Han Henian was in a state of confusion and said, "What the f**k! It could even be done this way?!"


    Louis and David also stood up in shock!


    The faces of the three French mathematicians had a great change, "This...."


    The female United Kingdom mathematician eyes nearly popped out of its sockets, "OH! MY! GOD!!!!"


    One by one, all of the mathematicians present slowly understood what it was all about. They could only draw cold gasps as they were utterly shocked by this Chinese youth''s reasoning! He had really walked down a path that no one else had tried before. And this was using a very peculiar, but clever way to derive the conclusion with! Everyone knew very clearly now that the solution to Dale''s Conjecture had advanced by a huge step now!


    Not a small step!


    But a big, big step!


    It was a qualitative leap of advancement!


    Trantor Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter! Don''t forget to vote, we look to be losing some pace already!

 Chapter 522: All the mathematicians were constantly feeling stunned!

    <h4>Chapter 522: All the mathematicians were constantly feeling stunned! </h4>


    Chapter 522: All the mathematicians were constantly feeling stunned!


    At the venue.


    Voices of exmation were heard one after another!


    The people who were attending this event today were the top mathematicians of their countries and some were even established and famous veteran mathematicians of the global mathematics world. Having just witnessed this young Chinese mathematician advancing the study of Dale''s Conjecture that had stumped the world for several decades sent their hearts fluttering. Several old foreign mathematicians in their 60s-70s, who were following closely Zhang Ye''s calctions had cheered like children at every key validation and deductions!


    "A quintic function?"


    "N value stacking?"


    "That''s such an important step! This step is way too important!"


    "So that''s why he wrote down the derivative form earlier! It was meant for this step!"


    "This is the thought process of a genius!"


    "This key step in the calction is really too beautiful!"


    "Art, this is truly an unrivaled mathematical art form!"


    It was as though the the eight-power allied forces had invaded the city again. At the venue, everyone from different countries were speaking in theirnguages over one another! Zhang Ye''s highly artistic writings and that unimaginable math projection had won over a lot of the foreigners of the mathematics world!


    Of course, the Chinese mathematicians were feeling the same as well.


    Those Chinese mathematicians, who had earlier been opposing Zhang Ye and even had harsh words for him, were in a little bit of a predicament now.


    The young mathematician kept quiet.


    Han Henian also did not utter another word.


    Wang Yiming and Xin Ya looked at each other, knowing that this incident today was going to make the news for sure!


    Over there, an old professor wanted to speak, but seemed to hold back as he looked on at Zhang Ye. He had a perplexed expression on his face as he hesitated a little before finally calling out to Wang Yiming saying, "Quick, contact Elder Rong and Professor Qu!" Then he seemingly said to himself or possibly to anyone around him, "Which of our people are experts at elliptic curve and modr forms? Is it Tsinghua University''s Little Sun? No, no, he''s stillcking. Who else is there? Aiya, who else is there?" This matter was a very big deal and it was also too astonishing. Not only him, even all the other mathematicians were in a state of confusion right now.


    A middle-aged professor with a thin face reminded everyone, "Fellow Wan of the Chinese Academy of Sciences might be....."


    "Right! Fellow Wan is the authority figure in this regard! Quickly find him!" The old professor smacked his forehead when he thought of this and added, "Invite all the experts from the rted fields of study!"


    Wang Yiming immediately acknowledged, "Understood!"


    Xin Ya also went to make some calls to gather more resources to handle this matter.


    ......


    "Hello, Professor Qu!"


    "Oh, it''s Little Wang? I''ve something to attend to over here, let''s talk again another time."


    "Professor Qu, don''t hang up on me first. Could you make a trip to Summer Pce Park?"


    "I''m in theb now and can''t get away at the moment, but why Summer Pce Park? Are you talking about the International Math Olympiad? What''s so urgent that you need me there for? Let''s talk again tonight."


    "This can''t wait for tonight. The American team has brought out Dale''s Conjecture as their question again this year and someone is currently attempting to solve it. A portion of it has already been proven and advanced the study of Dale''s Conjecture by a huge step. We need your help to verify if everything is valid!"


    "What did you say?!"


    "It''s true, we''re also contacting Fellow Wan and Elder Rong as we speak."


    "Who is attempting to solve it? Which country''s mathematician?"


    "It''s....It''s our country!"


    "Hahahaha! Fine! Fine! Fine! I''ll be right there!"


    "We''ll count on you then!"


    ......


    "Hello."


    "Hello, who are you looking for?"


    "Is Elder Rong there? This is Xin Ya."


    "Oh, so it''s Professor Xin. My grandpa is having a meeting with a friend right now. Do you want to leave a message? I''ll pass the message for you? Or I could get grandpa to call you backter?"


    "The matter is very urgent and requires his immediate attention. Could you let Elder Rong know that someone at the International Math Olympiad is currently solving Dale''s Conjecture and we believe he is 20% done!"


    "Ah? Dale''s Conjecture?"


    "Yes, we would like to invite Elder Rong toe help to verify as this requires a huge amount of validation work."


    "Wait a moment, Professor Xin. I will immediately inform grandpa!"


    After a few minutes.


    "Hello, Little Xin."


    "Elder Rong, I''m sorry to interrupt your meeting!"


    "It''s fine. I''ve heard about it from my grandson. I just want to ask one question right now. The person who is attempting to solve Dale''s Conjecture... from which country does that persone from? Is it a foreigner or one of our own?"


    "He''s one of us!"


    "Alright! That''s great! Just wait for me then! Hahahaha!"


    "With youing to join us, we''ll be much better!"


    ......


    One call.


    Five calls.


    Ten calls.


    The Chinese team was suddenly dealing with a lot of calls, some iing and some outgoing. Not only did they contact the authority figures and experts, they even contacted several mathematics organizations requesting for professional support from them. Although some of them could understand Zhang Ye''s calctions and projections, and even felt that it was possible to work out as written, but math was, after all, based on rigorous verification and had no room for errors. They definitely needed support to be able to test this proof and so teamwork was the most important thing now.


    Besides, mathematics also branched out to many fields of study.


    There were people who researched linear algebra, some who focused on functions with no closed forms, etc. Although at their level, every mathematician still knew a bit beyond their main research field. They were even proficient in other topics, however, there was a very great difference between being proficient and being authoritative. Very few people were all-rounded in the world of mathematics. There was always an inclination. For example, many singers would professionally sing love songs. If you were to ask them to sing rock, they could sing it, and would definitely be better than non-professional singers. However, they were not professional rock singers, so their abilities would definitely be slightly discounted. This was the same rationale in the mathematics field. Naturally, when handling the calctions for an important question like Dale''s Conjecture, they would have to get help from proper authority figures from the respective fields.


    The foreign mathematicians were reacting the same way too. Many of them made calls back home and contacted their friends or fellow mathematicians. Some of them were just informing them of the happenings over here while others, who could not understand some of the equations, had called home to discuss with them.


    "$%^&"


    "^&*)(*&^%..$!"


    It was a mixture of many foreignnguages as the atmosphere seemed to be that of a United Nations Conference!


    Finally, even Louis from the American team, who had been staring at the whiteboards for more than 10 minutes, had to draw a deep breath before taking out his cellphone to make a call. He had reached out to an old friend back in the United States, "Smith, it''s me. You have to be prepared for what I''m going to tell you. Dale''s Conjecture........might have an important breakthrough today!"


    He did not use confirmed terms because the verification of the proof had not even begun yet, and so whether or not this breakthrough could stand up to scrutiny was still left to be seen, but in any case, from his experience and deductions, he thought that the proof offered was probably 80-90% correct, but who knew if there might be any surprises?


    He still found it quite unbelievable. As a mathematician, he knew clearly that there wasn''t any theorem that would forever remain a mystery. A serious conjecture would eventually be rigorously validated. The theorem would either be proven true or false, be it just a matter of time or that the person that could crack it had yet to appear, but now, such a young man from China had made such a major breakthrough with Dale''s Conjecture was something he found hard to ept. A number of people in America had been specially studying the conjecture, and he believed that America was far ahead of other countries when it came to the research of Dale''s Conjecture. The conjecture itself was proposed by an American, but now, the truth before his eyes mmed his sense of superiority with a stick.


    ......


    The development of the situation was really quick.


    From ridicule andughter at the start, it had be a sense of shock and amazement. In just a short hour, how did Zhang Ye''s whiteboards stir up such a great reaction? This was because of the fact that Zhang Ye had not taken the path that past mathematicians of this world had gone down in regards to solving Dale''s Conjecture. He opened up another way and suggested his own direction of reasoning to simplify Dale''s Conjecture into another kind of theorem!


    The conjecture went like this:


    If p was a finite value, while E was an elliptic curve in Q (all rational numbers), reducing the coefficients modulo p, except for a finite number of primes p, there would N_p elements in the finite field extensions of F_p. Np = p - a_p This was an important invariant of the elliptic curve, E. Every modr form would produce a sequence. A subsequence and each modrity form that formed a simr sequence was a modr form.


    Looking at it, it was hard to tell if this had anything to do with Dale''s Conjecture, but in fact, after Zhang Ye wrote out his analysis and used it in his calctions, everyone was stunned by its discovery. A special case of this conjecture was �� the situation with semistable elliptic curves was directly rted to Dale''s Conjecture. Correspondingly, any solution to Dale''s equation could be used to generate a semistable elliptic curve that was not modr, and so it could be said that as long as this was proven, as long as the special case of this conjecture that Zhang Ye had suggested could be proven, then Dale''s Conjecture proof would be at least 80-90% established!


    Even if it wasn''t fully proven, just with what Zhang Ye had proposed and the ideas that he had provided were enough to stir up the mathematicalmunity; hence, all the mathematicians were extremely shocked.


    This was the crowning touch!


    It could be said that it was a divine crowning touch!


    And this touch was drawn by Zhang Ye. To prove Dale''s Conjecture, he had opened a brand new door for the entire world. This contribution was humongous!


    However, Zhang Ye did not seem to be satisfied with this.


    Shua, shua, shua. Zhang Ye waspletely unaffected by others talking on their phones or eximing. He wheeled over a brand new whiteboard and continued writing.


    A young French contestant gaped and said, "He''s still writing?"


    A young British female contestant said, "It can still be calcted further?"


    On the American side, a youth eximed, "Does...Does he not need to think? Why doesn''t he stop at all? He...he is calcting too quickly!"


    There was no pause at all!


    No signs of him even thinking!


    Zhang Ye was just moving his pen quickly. After he simplified Dale''s Conjecture, he was still constantly attacking the problem, constantly approaching the proof for Dale''s Conjecture!


    "Eh, this form!"


    All the mathematicians were stunned!


    "Ah, this is..."


    All the mathematicians were stunned once again!


    "The third modr form?"


    All the mathematicians were stunned a third time!


    "He mentally calcted an equation at the eleventh order?"


    All the mathematicians...were constantly feeling stunned!


    Looking at the Chinese youth''s back, all the mathematicians present had a stunned idea rise up in their hearts��Holy shit, surely this person isn''t solving Dale''s Conjecture in one fell swoop?

 Chapter 523: An Omni-directional shockwave!

    <h4>Chapter 523: An Omni-directional shockwave! </h4>


    Chapter 523: An Omni-directional shockwave!


    Noon.


    The ninth whiteboard....


    The tenth whiteboard.....


    Fourteen whiteboards had already been filled to the brim.


    The reporters were making urgent phone calls back to their headquarters.


    "Quick! Something has happened!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "I can''t exin, just get more manpower over here and bring along the equipment too. Remember to reserve the afternoon newspaper headlines for me as well!"


    "Ah? Headlines?"


    "Right!"


    "But the headline has already been nned and confirmed this morning. It''s been reserved for Jiaqi''s extramarital affair news, are you sure you have a bigger and more important headline than that?"


    "Yes, I''m very sure! Jiaqi''s extramarital affair is nothingpared to this! Even if it''s a headline about hermitting suicide, I would have to ask for it to be pushed back! An explosive event has just happened over at my side! It involves the honor of our country!"


    "Alright then, I understand! We will transfer some manpower over to your site now!"


    "Hurry up, I will update you when you''re all on the way here!"


    In front.


    Zhang Ye was still busy writing calctions for the proof.


    Behind him, mathematicians from the different countries had gathered and were following suit in writing and doing the calctions. They were all busy verifying the forms and calctions on the board and some people gave up after a short time, while others who were determined not to give up, threw in the towel one by one after a while!


    Why?


    Because they could not keep the pace at which everything was being written!


    They totally could not catch up at all!


    A female mathematician from the United Kingdom and two other male French mathematicians were the leading experts in one of the equations proposed by Zhang Ye. The three of them gathered together and followed Zhang Ye''s pace to verify the equation, but they found out that even though they did not need to think much while calcting it, nor needed to do it in the sequence that Zhang Ye was going through, they still could not keep up. While verifying this equation for a few minutes, Zhang Ye had already moved on to the third equation''s calction and onto the next whiteboard!


    This guy was a beast!


    Did you eat a rocket or something!?


    The mathematicians were once again aghast by what they saw. Just as the foreign youth participants had said, this speed of calction was far too crazy. You don''t even need to draft your calctions? You are even doing such arge equation mentally? It doesn''t even seem like there''s any hesitation on your part? So many of us mathematicians are doing the calctions alongside with you, yet none of us can keep up? You''ve already calcted the rest of the equations when we had just finished the first one? We are even slower than you who has to calcte, think, and cote the results??


    Some of them had already given up.


    A minority of them were still following the derivatives slowly. If they could not follow Zhang Ye''s speed, then they could just continue validating the earlier equations slowly.


    Time was ticking away.


    A lot of the park visitors had found spots to sit down at and were getting lunch and drinks.


    The reporters were also taking turns to take a rest, while the camera operators from the television stations were continuing to record the event. They were eating and drinking so that they could continue covering the event with energy.


    Zhang Ye was feeling tired as well, since he wasn''t made of steel. With his stomach growling, he continued writing while putting a hand over his belly.


    Huang Lingling who had been observing Zhang Ye beside him all this while asked with concern, "Teacher Zhang, are you getting hungry?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Yes, a little."


    Huang Lingling immediately said, "Then you should go get something to eat."


    The crowd was a little surprised. Hungry? Oh yes, he has already been writing for almost the entire morning now!


    "Eat something?" Zhang Ye pouted and then looked behind him. Wow, when had such a big crowd gathered behind!


    Xin Ya took the initiative and came over when she heard, "I''ve got some bread here. Make do with it for now." Then she took out a piece bread from her bag and gave it to Zhang Ye. At this key point in time, the Chinese mathematicians and her were all wishing for Zhang Ye not to stop his work. Sometimes, mathematics was a subject that required a moment of brilliance and inspiration and if his thoughts were toe to a sudden stop while having lunch, it would be a terrible thing to happen. Although Xin Ya had been criticized by Zhang Ye earlier, when it came to a matter of national honor and glory in the mathematics world, she was still pretty much level headed not to allow her personal feelings get in the way. Without a doubt, they were all fully supportive of Zhang Ye''s attempt to solve this problem!


    Zhang Ye looked at the bread offered to him and replied repulsively, "I don''t like ketchup vored bread."


    Xin Ya nearly had to be held back fromying her fists on him, "....."


    Zhang Ye blinked and asked, "Do you have chocte vored ones?"


    Xin Ya was already getting impatient about the possibility of the conjecture being solved. At this time, how could you still be so choosy?


    Zhang Ye coughed and said, "I''ll be alright with melon vor bread too."


    The young mathematician who had shed with Zhang Ye earlier hesitated for a moment before helplessly taking out a box of vani and chocte cakes. As most people knew that the event today would take almost a day and food wasn''t easily avable in Summer Pce Park, some of them had prepared their own food. He held the box of cakes out to Zhang Ye and said, "Would these mini chocte cakes be alright?"


    Zhang Ye again asked in an unsatisfied manner, "That''s kinda little."


    A dark expression appeared on the young mathematician''s face, "........"


    "I''ll make do and eat it." Zhang Ye took the cakes out of the box and gobbled down the contents into his stomach in just a few mouthfuls. With his eyes still focused on the young mathematician''s bag, he seemed to be aiming for the carton of milk in his bag. He did not open his mouth or say a word, but just intensely looking at the milk carton.


    The young mathematician once again experienced the unlikeable side of Zhang Ye''s character and reluctantly took out the milk to pass to him. He was actually feeling very hungry and thirsty right now as well.


    Zhang Ye didn''t even appear to stand on ceremony, as he grabbed it over and drank directly from it, "Thank you, my friends."


    The young mathematician thought to himself just whose friend does he think he is!?


    As he ate and drank, some of the mathematicians were also feeling hungry and they began to have their food as well.


    Then, the old professor who had a sh of words with Zhang Ye earlier, unwrapped a rice dumpling stuffed with red dates and was about to eat it when Zhang Ye''s focus shifted over to it. He continued drinking the milk and looking at the dumpling, but not saying a word.


    The old professor nearly fainted from frustration. How dare youy eyes on my rice dumpling!


    Zhang Ye continued looking.


    Zhang Ye was the focus of everyone right now and when everyone saw him looking at something, whether it was the park visitors or the mathematician''s in the yard, along with the reporters, everyone''s focus turned to the old professor and the rice dumpling in his hand. The atmosphere of the entire ce was at its most awkward!


    The old professor almost vomited blood as a few hundred pairs of eyes were all focused on his rice dumpling. It was made even more awkward by the silence as no one made a sound. Such an awkward situation was indescribable and only those present would understand just how weird it was! The old professor was left with no choice as he took out two dumplings and passed them to his disciple beside him, "Give...give these to Teacher Zhang." Although he was a little angry, but considering the overall situation and Zhang Ye''s frightening math abilities, the old professor even could not help but address him as Teacher Zhang when referring to him.


    Zhang Ye waved his hand and said, "Thanks!"


    Xin Ya nced sideways at him and said, "If there''s anything you need, just ask. We''ll help you get it done."


    Zhang Ye nodded and then looked over at Wu Zeqing, "It seems like President Wu hasn''t had anything to eat yet either. Well, so do you still have any rice dumplings?"


    "Pfft!" Many park visitors nearly spat out their food!


    Care about yourself first before you bother yourself with others!


    The old professor nearly fainted from this. You''re really thicked skinned, aren''t you? You even want to use my rice dumpling to gain President Wu''s favor?


    When the other Chinese mathematicians heard this, they became extremely speechless. They were all thinking that at this critical juncture, you should just quickly continue working on the problem. Why would you still think about currying favor with your Peking University leader!


    Wu Zeqing smiled.


    Xin Ya stared at Zhang Ye, "I''ll get something to eat for President Wu."


    Zhang Ye wanted to remind her that Old Wu preferred food that was lighter in taste, but felt a little embarrassed with all these people around. He just lowered his head to continue eating the two rice dumplings and drinking the milk. Finally, as he was finishing up, he felt very ufortable. It wasn''t because he hadn''t had milk before, but it was still the first time he had so many people staring at him while drinking milk.


    Forget it.


    This bro should just continue to solve the problem.


    Zhang Ye had had his fill and quickly moved back to trying to solve the problem. He had already used up seventeen whiteboards up until now.


    ......


    Another forty minutes passed.


    Suddenly, one of the mathematicians cellphone rang. After answering it, he immediately turned to the person beside him and said, "Elder Rong and Professor Qu have arrived."


    Everyone was getting excited!


    Wang Yiming suddenly said, "Come, let''s go and receive them."


    Xin Ya also followed along, "I''m going too."


    A bunch of them went over to receive Elder Rong and Professor Qu. These two people were the top mathematicians in the country and were also highly revered veterans in the global mathematics world. Elder Rong had received three international math awards before and even though they weren''t top level awards, they weren''t low either. Domestically, the number of awards he had received were countless and hard to keep track of. The Americans had invited him over to their shores in the past, but had been rejected by him. He had dedicated all of his life to the advancement of mathematics in China. As for Professor Qu, he was also a giant in the global mathematics world. He had contributedrgely to the scientific research of the country and justst year, won the top honors in the domestic scientificmunity awards. From this alone, his status was evident to everyone else.


    In the presence of the two of them, the Chinese mathematicians present, whether they were students or seniors, would definitely have to go receive them.


    Not far away, Elder Rong and Professor Qu could be seen walking towards the venue. They seemed to be very excited by what brought them here!


    It wasn''t only the two of them who hade. The group with them consisted of two Tsinghua University professors, a deputy director of a certain research facility, and a handful of retired academics. All of them were big names of themunity and everyone of them had gathered here after receiving the news over the phone. All of them had expressions of disbelief and surprise as they walked over. If it were another country''s mathematician who had made the big advancement in the solving of Dale''s Conjecture, they would definitely be impressed and admire the person''s contributions, but probably not be too excited, but from the updates, they had gathered that this person who was attempting to solve it was a Chinese mathematician and so their mood was certainly different!


    Well done!


    This will be such a source of pride for them!


    Elder Rong was an old man of about 70-80 years of age. He had a very healthy body and could climb the stairs without using a walking stick or anyone assisting him. He even looked to be in better shape than the average young person these days. His short white hair made him appear to be in good spirits and when he saw Wang Yiming and the others from afar, he even called out without losing his breath, "Haha, Little Wang!"


    Wang Yiming walked a little faster, "Elder Rong."


    Elder Rong kept praising, "You''re great, you''re really great. Dale''s Conjecture has been unsolvable for so many decades now and you''ve finally managed to get a crack at it?"


    Wang Yiming was a little taken aback, "Me?"


    Elder Rong was stunned, "It''s not you?"


    They did not really know the details of the ongoings yet and had been discussing the matter on their way over here. Everyone of them seemed to have thought it was one of the teachers leading the team for the International Math Olympiad.


    Wang Yiming smiled bitterly, "It''s not me."


    Professor Qu was a little young, at around sixty years of age. When he heard that, he looked at Xin Ya, "Xin Ya? Could it be you, girl?"


    Everyone''s focus immediately shifted onto Xin Ya.


    Xin Ya nervously said, "It''s not me, I don''t have that kind of ability."


    Behind them, a deputy director of a research facility asked curiously, "Then who is it? Professor Zhou? Or could it be Professor Wu? I don''t remember the two of them to be specializing in mathematical theories?"


    Professor Qu asked, "So which one of our country''s mathematician is it?"


    This was the question on everyone''s minds. Which one of their colleagues was so great?


    Han Henian stood there and did not say a word as he was still still a junior.


    Wang Yiming did not know how to exin it, "I, sigh, everyone...you''ll know when you see."


    Elder Rong said curiously, "Heh, look at all of you beating around the bush. Can''t you just tell say the name? I don''t dare to im this for othermunities, but in the world of mathematics and those mathematicians who have made even a slight name for themselves, who do I not know?"


    Xin Ya helplessly smiled, "You wouldn''t this person for sure."


    "I wouldn''t know?" Elder Rong said disbelievingly.


    Before they knew it, they had already reached the yard area.


    The group of mathematicians that had just arrived were immediately attracted by therge crowd present. They could not see the person whom they wanted to see, as the crowd was blocking their view, but they could see more than a dozen whiteboards that wereid beside them. When they noticed the equations written on it, their eyes lit up like a cat seeing a mouse. All of them stood still and looked at the whiteboards with full concentration!


    Suddenly, Elder Rong eximed, "Wonderful! It''s too wonderful!"


    Professor Qu took a quick look and understood the author''s idea to solve the problem, then suddenly apuded and eximed, "What a great use of the modrity theorem! For someone to be able to simplify it to such terms, he must be a great genius! If this special case of the modr theorem could be proven, then Dale''s Conjecture would have been solved by a great bit! I was still wondering why you all were so anxious to bring us down over here! So there really was someone who had advanced Dale''s Conjecture to such a level??"


    An old professor from Tsinghua Universityughed heartily, "Our country is going to be famous in the global mathematics world this time! Just this simplification method alone would have been worth all the effort!"


    Elder Rong hastily made his way into the middle asking, "Who could it be? If it''s not any of you here? When did such a high level mathematician appear in our Chinese mathematics world?"


    The others followed along, eager to see the person at the center of all these equations.


    They got nearer and nearer!


    Squeezing past the crowd and finally reaching!


    When they saw the side of his face, a lot of them became confused.


    Professor Qu was taken aback, "He''s so young?"


    Elder Rong couldn''t react in time either as he thought that the person would be about as old as himself and did not expect it to be a youngd instead. Mathematics was different from other fields of studies, as it involved a huge amount of knowledge and involved a lot different topics. This would require a person to continuously learn and absorb new knowledge before they could reach such a pinnacle. Amon twenty something year old should not be able to do something like this even if he were a genius as the learning period was too short and amount of knowledge that could be gained would not be enough. That would have severely limited the possibility of such a great achievement. In the mathematics world, it ismon to call a mathematician below the age of 40 as young mathematicians and that was internationally epted by all.


    So when they saw that this person was only around 20, they couldn''t help but be surprised!


    Then, someone said,


    "Hey, doesn''t that person look a little familiar?"


    "Why does he look a little like some celebrity?"


    "Right, isn''t he from that Brain Goldmercial? What was his name?"


    "Is it Zhang Ye?"


    "Right, he does look a little like Zhang Ye."


    "Not bad at all, this young man is really good. He''s only twenty? What a great future he''ll have! Which mathematical organization is he from? Or is he still attending university?" Elder Rong asked impatiently, wanting to know everything about this talented young man!


    "Come to think of it, that person is beginning to resemble Zhang Ye the more I look at him." Professor Qu said smiling. He was not that old fashioned to not watch television or the news at all.


    Amongst the newly arrived group of mathematicians, everyone was discussing fervently.


    Wang Yiming coughed and scratched his nose awkwardly, then told them, "It''s not that he looks like Zhang Ye but that he is Zhang Ye!"


    When he said this, the surrounding air seemed to have froze and everyone was silent for a moment!


    "Ah?"


    "What did you say?"


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Are you saying that those equations and calctions were written and done by a celebrity from the entertainment circle?!"


    Wang Yiming nodded.


    Xin Ya alsoughed derisively at this.


    Professor Qu and the others, "......%^&*()&^%^&(#((#[emailprotected]@@! ! ! !"

 Chapter 524: The proof, completed!

    <h4>Chapter 524: The proof,pleted! </h4>


    Chapter 524: The proof,pleted!


    More and more people had been alerted about this matter by now.


    The venue was already getting overcrowded with people asrge numbers of mathematicians, park visitors, and media reporters descended upon the site. Wave after wave, people arrived in droves.


    "Where is he?"


    "How''s the attempt going?"


    "Which mathematics master of our country is it?"


    "What the f**k! How could it be him?"


    "Right, oh my god, how could it be him!"


    Every batch of people who did not know about the news and saw the young figure of a person in front of all those whiteboards had the same reaction. Other than disbelief, it was still disbelief. Some mathematicians, who were always holed up by themselves and knew nothing but equations all day long might not be familiar with Zhang Ye, but how could those reporters who were always up to date with thetest news not know about Zhang Ye infamous name? Right now, they did not care about anything else, they were not bothered by why Zhang Ye would know such high mathematics. All they knew was that the solving of Dale''s Conjecture was the most important!


    They had already advanced a huge step now!


    Could there be another big breakthrough today?


    At this time, thest key figure had reached the venue. It was Fellow Wan from the Chinese Academy of Sciences!


    "Elder Wan."


    "Fellow Wan."


    "Teacher, you''ve arrived!"


    The Chinese mathematicians had suddenly gathered together.


    Fellow Wan did not care about the who the person attempting to solve the problem was at this moment. He went straight for the point of his visit and began discussing with Elder Rong, Professor Qu and the others in front of the whiteboards, pointing and speaking as mathematicians from each specialization suggested their own analysis on the solving of the problem.


    "Are you sure?" Elder Rong asked.


    Fellow Wan replied very excitedly, "I''m very sure!"


    Professor Qu turned to his side and asked, "Professor Yan, how about the part that you''re concerned about?"


    The professor also said excitedly, "I''ve been analyzing this for a very long time now and there''s definitely a possibility of it logically speaking. His direction of argument is definitely correct!"


    Elder Rong cried out loudly, "Great!"


    After having much discussion among the experts, everyone finally seemed convinced. Zhang Ye had not only taken a huge step forward in regards to Dale''s Conjecture, he had even managed to prove all of his research was feasible. Although he might not be able to finally solve the conjecture, but at least the direction of study was possible. This meant that this crazily young mathematician was running at full speed towards solving Dale''s Conjecture and with each step that he took, he was changing the history of Dale''s Conjecture. He had set the wheels in motion regarding this conjecture and that was something to cheer for the people!


    Elder Rong sighed and said, "To think that I was able to live to see this day of Dale''s Conjecture being solved. I have no regrets anymore."


    Wang Yiming quickly said, "Elder Rong, you''re still young."


    Professor Quughed, "If this young man is really able to solve the conjecture and make it into a theorem, it would be the best. Then there would be even less regrets."


    "It''s easier said than done." a professor said.


    Fellow Wan who overheard this said, "If it were to be fully proven, then the global mathematics world should have a feast to celebrate this. By that time, our country''s mathematics world would be famous." At this time, Fellow Wan suddenly took notice of that person and asked, "Where did you all find such a young mathematician from? Whose student is he? Why do I find him to be so unfamiliar. I don''t think that I''ve ever seen him before?"


    Elder Wanughed out loud, "Of course you''d find him unfamiliar. That kid has never been one of us mathematicians. Old Wan, I bet that you would never guess what this person does for a living! Hahaha! When the group of us arrived earlier just now, we were stunned to see him too!"


    ......


    Time was passing by very quickly.


    Yes, but it was going very slowly too.


    Among those who could understand what Zhang Ye was writing, some were already in a daze. It was like they were under a spell, uttering to themselves as they stared at the whiteboards. Time passed very quickly for these people as they had already lost sense of time. In fact, since Zhang Ye began his work on solving the conjecture, 5 hours had already passed.


    The 28th whiteboard......


    The 29th whiteboard......


    In the blink of an eye, the 30th whiteboard had also been filled to the brim with writings of equations!


    Zhang Ye''s method of reasoning was also getting clearer and clearer, presented detailedly in front of all the mathematicians and cameras.


    He continued attacking by simplifying the conjecture, suggesting a another proposition: Assuming ''Dale''s Conjecture'' was invalid, and there exists a group of non zero integers A, B, C, such that A^n+B^n=C^n. Then using the group to construct elliptic curve of the form, y2=x(x+A^n)(x-B^n), it is impossible for it to be a modr curve. If he could provide proof of these 2 propositions, then he would be able to show that Dale''s Conjecture could not be established by proof by contradiction and in turn prove Dale''s Conjecture.


    The proving was progressing rapidly!


    The direction of approach was getting stronger!


    The Chinese mathematicians could no longer bear it and kept cheering!


    "Great!"


    "This step was solved with such great excitement!"


    "It''s another milestone! He''s reached another important point in his calctions!"


    "This person is really good!"


    At this point in time, even those foreign mathematicians were starting to believe that this young Chinese mathematician could really solve Dale''s Conjecture. Just the idea alone made everyone''s heart beat faster. In such a setting and with such a person, it was turning out to be a really unbelievable situation!


    Fellow Wan couldn''t sit around any longer, "Let''s go, we should not be idling around. Let''s start by verifying the equations."


    "There isn''t enough time, there''s such arge amount of calctions to be done...." said a professor.


    Elder Rong said, "We don''t need to calcte everything. Just do a simple check so that we know everything looks to be in order. If there isn''t a big problem in there, it should be fine. The details can be worked out at ater time!"


    The manpower was avable and everything was in ce. Arge number of Chinese mathematicians immediately initiated the process and started verifying each of Zhang Ye''s whiteboards. Withputing equipments avable to them and so many authoritative experts around, the workload that needed to be done could be considered as light.


    Seeing the situation, a few foreign mathematicians also volunteered to join the Chinese in the verification process and work with them in light of such a grand moment in the history of mathematics!


    They advanced very quickly!


    Elder Rong said, "Equation (1) verification,plete!"


    A young mathematician said, "Function C''s equation is correct!"


    One of Fellow Wan''s disciples was furiously writing and calcting an equation in his notebook. Without even raising his head, he said, "The logical operation''s calction is reversible, it is valid!"


    Xin Ya also joined in, "Passed!"


    Han Henian was doing his part with the calctor!


    "Valid!"


    "Valid!"


    The voices rang out one by one.


    With every call, everyone became even more excited. When ites to mathematics, there were some calctions which could be valid, but not necessarily correct. This was also the reason why many conjectures which had been proven still required arge effort and even longer time to be verified. As there might be some hidden mistakes or error which might invalidate a certain equation, the arguments and calctions following it would definitely be invalidated as well. Even if thetter part of the proof were to look perfect, it wouldn''t mean a thing if the beginning part of it was wrong. In mathematics, what was important was uracy and rigorosity. Not a single mistake would be tolerated. This was also the reason why a lot of people were afraid that Zhang Ye had a vulnerability in his proof, as that would invalidate everything he had done so far.


    The Chinese were naturally worried about this, worried that Zhang Ye would fail!


    Among some of the foreign mathematicians, like Louis and David from the United States, they would probably prefer to see this oue, hoping that this person would make a mistake.


    But what was astonishing was that this person attempting to solve the conjecture had a brain like a most intricateputer that could handle the calctions in the most precise and urate manner!


    With arger team of people, the group was speedily catching up to Zhang Ye''s progress and calctions.


    Suddenly, when another one of the whiteboards was filled, Zhang Ye stopped writing. He looked at the remaining 11 whiteboards and did not move.


    "Eh?"


    "He''s stopped writing?"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Could it be he has no idea on how to go on anymore?"


    "This is where it stops?"


    Elder Rong, Fellow Wan, Professor Qu and the others'' had a change in their expressions. They seemed like they had a tinge of regret, but they also understood that matters like this could not be forced. What was this conjecture to begin with? It was the great Dale''s Conjecture! For this youth to even get to this step was already enough to cause a stir in the mathematics world. They couldn''t ask for more than this.


    Xin Ya had gotten a little anxious and asked, "Teacher Zhang?"


    A female mathematician from the United Kingdom looked admirably and surprisingly at Zhang Ye. She got the trantor to help her say to him, "You''ve already done something that no one else thought possible!"


    Some mathematicians were sighing, thinking that this conjecture was really more difficult to prove than they had expected.


    There were also some reporters who were busy trying to capture thest shots of this event, knowing that all the excitement was probablying to an end now.


    But at this moment, Zhang Ye said something that left everyone dumbfounded. He patted Huang Lingling on her shoulder and said, "Which one of the remaining whiteboards do you like?"


    Huang Lingling just blinked in surprised, "Eh?"


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Help Big Bro to choose one."


    "Oh, that...that one then." Huang Lingling did not understand his request, but just pointed out to the second whiteboard at the other side anyway.


    Zhang Ye nodded and then walked over to bring the whiteboard back.


    Her brother, Huang Leilei subconsciously asked, "What about the other whiteboards?"


    Zhang Ye was just starting to write on the nk whiteboard as he uttered, "The others? All of them can be taken away!"


    Han Henian asked, "Take them away?"


    Wang Yiming was startled, "What do you mean?"


    Xin Ya also hurriedly asked, "Teacher Zhang, do you mean...."


    The rest of the sentence was meaningless as everyone had already understood. Then, it set off an uproar as the regretful atmosphere earlier once again reignited with a cheer of hope!


    Professor Qu was surprised, "It''s not because he couldn''t calcte any further, but because he had already finished his calctions!?"


    At this key moment, Fellow Wan was no longer able to suppress himself as he raised his shaking hands, "It''s down to thest board?"


    Elder Rong took a deep breath, "He''s really gone and done it?"


    After themotion died down, everyone was suddenly quiet again. It was as though everyone present had be frozen. Only the sound of the marker screeching as it left its ink on the whiteboard could be heard!


    One minute!


    Five minutes!


    Ten minutes!


    Under the close attention of everyone, Zhang Ye''s hand seemed like it was dancing across the whiteboard. A sudden flick of his wrist and an elegant stop. Thereafter, with a few more strokes, he finished writing all that was needed.


    And with this, Dale''s Theorem was born!


    Q.E.D.*.


    -- by Zhang Ye.


    In this exact second, everyone at the event venue broke into a frenzied excitement!!


    *QED: Q.E.D. (also written QED) is an initialism of the Latin phrase quod erat demonstrandum, meaning "what was to be demonstrated", or, less formally, "thus it has been demonstrated". The phrase is traditionally ced in its abbreviated form at the end of a mathematical proof or philosophical argument when the original proposition has been exactly restated as the conclusion of the demonstration.


    Trantor Notes:


    Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter! Don''t forget to vote, we look to be losing some pace already!


    Thanks to CKtalon for his work on Dale''s conjecture!

 Chapter 525: A global mathematical conjecture has been proven!

    <h4>Chapter 525: A global mathematical conjecture has been proven! </h4>


    Chapter 525: A global mathematical conjecture has been proven!


    "Heavens!"


    "Has it really been fully solved?"


    "This is crazy, what the f**k!"


    "Why do I feel like crying!?"


    "Teacher Zhang is too damn awesome!"


    "He actually managed to prove it?!"


    Cries, shouts, and screams continuously sounding out!


    The people were totally excited by the events. After waiting and standing for so long, they had finally witnessed the moment of a miracle. Other than the excitement in their hearts, they were feeling a mix of emotions. They were not able to understand those math equations, not a word of it, but that didn''t mean that they didn''t understand just how important this math problem was to the world! The Chinese reporters felt the same. They could no longer control themselves as they recorded this historic moment while excitedly calling out and praising the effort. This was a national honor and a problem that was solved by their fellow countrymen! In the future, who would dare to look down on the standards of the Chinese in the global mathematics world?


    Louis suddenly interrupted, "Wait a moment!"


    David also added, "It might not be validated at the end!"


    Only then did the fervent celebrations calm down.


    In the crowd of park visitors, a woman had heard from a university student who tranted their words. She gave a sharp stare at those two Americans and said, "My ass! Everything''s written out clearly and concisely already, what''s there to prevent it from being validated?"


    A male park visitor said, "Right, it will definitely be alright!"


    A female park visitor said, "Yes, Teacher Zhang would never be wrong!"


    As a citizen of China, they had strong faith and trust in their fellow countrymen to have solved the conjecture.


    But as a mathematician of China, they need to uphold the strictness of validation as it was respect towards math and their passion towards science.


    Elder Rong instructed, "Make good use of this time to do the verifications!"


    Professor Qu also worked his hands tirelessly, rapidly calcting, "Everyone, let''s do this! It''s already thest bit! We need to validate it with everything we''ve got!"


    Fellow Wan was already feeling short of breath and did not bother to say anything else. He stepped forward to do the verification himself!


    When Zhang Ye had finished writing, he just sat at the side looking very tired. Working continuously for the past few hours had left him fatigued and his hands numbed. His feet were also aching badly.


    A disciple of a certain mathematician had brought over a stool for him.


    Another intern from a math research facility also brought over a bottle of mineral water for him.


    Their faces were all in awe and worship, "Teacher Zhang, for you."


    "Thank you." Zhang Ye said feeling like he had be an important person.


    On the other side, the verification was beginning.


    Louis joined in.


    David as well!


    The foreign mathematicians joined in as well!


    By the time they were verifying the final parts of the proof, they had gathered all of the mathematicians present andputing resources to verify thest few steps proposed by Zhang Ye!


    The atmosphere and everyone''s feelings were too tense!


    It was as if everyone''s breathing had stopped!


    Among the thousand over pairs of watchful eyes, the park visitors did not make a single sound. They could almost hear each other''s heartbeats, pu tong, pu tong, pu tong!


    Even the reporters did not dare to take any photos, afraid that the sounds of the camera shutters would affect them!


    They were just a step away!


    Just thatst step!


    The people''s hearts were already in their mouths as the tense mood weighed down on everyone!


    Elder Rong asked, "Modrity calction?"


    Han Henian immediately answered, "The first equation has been verified and it''s valid!"


    Wang Yiming took a little longer to finish calcting before saying, "The third equation is valid as well!"


    "The coordinate functions are also valid!" Xin Ya called out.


    "The operations are valid!" Professor Qu''s disciple also called out.


    "The forms....are all valid!" Professor Wang from Tsinghua University said.


    "The perfect power equations are valid!" A mathematics researcher from a research facility said.


    "The N-value statistics do not have any errors!" Professor Qu said with a trembling voice.


    One after another, every mathematician from the various countries called out a positive answer for their validations of the proof details. They were getting closer and closer to the final step!


    Each time it was called out positively, it tugged on the heartstrings of everyone!


    "Valid!"


    "Passed!"


    "No errors!"


    "Valid!"


    "Valid!"


    ".......Valid!"


    When a mathematics professor announced the final verification, all of the other mathematicians stopped their calctions at the same time and raised their heads in unison!


    Fellow Wan''s jaw was still trembling before he paused for a moment, and then quivered with excitement in a low voice saying, "Dale''s Conjecture.....has been proven!"


    It wasn''t loud!


    But it was full of conviction. The crowd exploded like a roar of thunder in reaction to this announcement!


    An old Tsinghua University professor was already in tears, "It''s been cracked! Cracked!"


    The two young mathematician standing beside each other turned and embraced, celebrating with loud yells!


    A Chinese mathematics researcher threw up a stack of documents into the air like a madman and shouted, "Our country has solved Dale''s Conjecture! My God!"


    Wang Yiming murmured, "This is truly unbelievable! Unbelievable!"


    Xin Ya turned around and looked at her colleagues, "Are we....are we dreaming?"


    "It''s not a dream!" A female mathematician said with her eyes red, "It''s true! This is all true!"


    Those who were not from China would not understand these people''s feelings right now. Their emotions and pride right now were indescribable!


    Suddenly, the female mathematician from the United Kingdom starting pping! Bba Bba Bba!


    Behind her, a group of Italian mathematicians looked over to the Chinese youth and also started pping enthusiastically!


    The apuse was getting louder!


    A few secondster, the venue was fill with thunderous apuse and cheering!


    Louis, David and the others from the American team did not say anything. They just looked at each other and began to apud Zhang Ye sincerely as well. Although they were a little unepting and did not really like him, they were still very impressed and respecting of Zhang Ye''s exquisite foundation in mathematics, as well as his genius reasoning ability. This person was worthy of their apuse and worthy of the global mathematics world''s apuse too!


    "Too awesome!"


    "He''s a genius of the mathematics world!"


    "A talent not found in a hundred years! Totally unheard of!"


    "It''s been really eye-opening today!"


    Zhang Ye was feeling a little embarrassed by now. He coughed and stood up, waving his hands and saying, "You''re all too generous with your praises, too generous. I''ve shown my ipetency and you''ve all been too epting of it."


    The female volunteer who had used Zhang Ye of cheating with a calctor earlier also squeezed to the front to Zhang Ye and apologized with a blushing face, "Teacher Zhang, I''m very sorry. Before this....I did not recognize Mount Tai even when you were standing right before me. I thought that you had used a calctor to solve the problem, but I was the frog in the well instead!"


    Zhang Ye patted her on the shoulder and said, "It''s alright, you are willing to admit your mistakes, you''re a goodrade."


    Xin Yaughed and said, "I would have to apologize too. When you did the five-figured multiplication, I was not expecting you to know mental calctions. Although that speech "On Horses" was quite difficult to swallow for me, I do admit that a lot of us are not Bo Le, otherwise how would we even not know when a thousand-li horse stands before us?"


    A mathematician, who had been very sarcastic towards Zhang Ye at the beginning also apologized, "I''m sorry about before. I judged you before I got to know you."


    Zhang Yeughed and gave a wave of his hands, "It''s fine."


    They had even mistaken a person who could solve a global math problem by himself to be a cheater who needed to use a calctor to solve a five-figured multiplication sum? From the looks of it now, that must have been the world''s greatest joke! When they thought about it, they couldn''t help but feel embarrassed, but they also knew that they couldn''t be med regarding this matter. Who would have even expected that a Chinese department teacher would have such hidden and deep mathematical skills?


    The park visitors were also celebrating in joy!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    All of them were cheering Zhang Ye''s name!


    The reporters were also very excited!


    Teacher Zhang had won glory for the country today!


    Zhang Ye''s image to many of these people had changed by now. In the past, there were a lot of reporters who had been left speechless by Zhang Ye and carried biased opinions about him, but in this second, at this very moment, they all looked at Zhang Ye and thought that this wretched character.....seemed rather cute after all!


    To other people, what kind of person was Zhang Ye?


    Perhaps you could say that amongst 100 people, there would be 100 different opinions!


    Wicked?


    A wonder?


    Hated?


    A rule breaker?


    He was an extremely controversial celebrity!


    But no matter how many people grinded their teeth when they thought about him, no matter how many had suffered headaches because of him, all of them would have to admit that he was f**king talented. What others could not achieve, he could f**king achieve. A mathematical conjecture that could not be solved by anyone else? He f**king solved it!


    This was a historical moment!


    A Chinese mathematician had flipped to a new page in the history books of the global mathematics world!


    Outside the crowd of people, a group of foreign media reporters had finally arrived. Some were foreign correspondents station in Beijing, while there were also others who happened to be in Beijing to cover some events in Beijing like the Foreign Trade conference. All of them were now flocking to the venue when they found out what had happened!


    "Where is he?"


    "Who was the one who solved Dale''s Conjecture?"


    "Oh God, did someone really solve it?"


    The foreign media reporters, who had not been updated of thetest news, were all taken by surprise. Many of them had expressions of disbelief and then a look of shock after they had received confirmation of the news! They looked towards the Chinese youth in the middle of the crowd and were getting extremely curious about him!


    A Japanese reporter asked a fellow reporter from China, "What does that person do?"


    The Chinese female reporter smiled proudly and told him, "He''s a famous program host from China."


    Every foreign reporter was asking the same question, but every Chinese reporter gave different answers.


    A young reporter said, "He''s a teacher from Peking University''s Chinese department."


    "Who is he? A famous author, of course." A female reporter answered casually.


    "Him? He''s a famous poet from China!" A Beihe province television station reporter answered.


    "He''s a musician, have you heard of ''Woman Flower''? That wasposed and written by him!" A middle-aged female reporter from a newspaper said.


    "Oh? You''re asking about Zhang Ye? He''s a crosstalk performer!" A male reporter, who was a fan of crosstalk mentioned.


    Pfft!


    This was the sound of people vomiting blood!


    All of these foreign media reporters were dumbfounded listening to the different introductions of that person. All they could feel right now was one emotion!


    F**k!


    These Chinese colleagues of ours are too god damn dishonest!


    They''re all liars! A naked lie!! We''re all fellow journalists, so how could you lie to us in such a tant manner!


    But when they came to know about the truth behind all of these ''lies'', the foreign reporters finally understood that the person was really not a professional mathematician, nor did his profession have anything to do with mathematics. The Chinese reporters did not lie at all and they were even all speaking the truth!


    Host?


    Poet?


    Author?


    Crosstalk performer?


    Chinese department teacher?


    At this, all of the foreign reporters were stunned!!


    They only had one thought �� Just how f**king talented could this person be!

 Chapter 526: I find that thumb ring to be quite attractive!

    <h4>Chapter 526: I find that thumb ring to be quite attractive! </h4>


    Chapter 526: I find that thumb ring to be quite attractive!


    The scene was bursting with excitement!


    A person who didn''t know what was going on might even assume that China''s football team had won the World Cup if they saw the situation here.


    "Awesome!"


    "Zhang Ye, you''re too smart!"


    "Teacher Zhang, I love you!"


    "Zhang Ye, I love you too!"


    Some of the younger park visitors were cheering loudly.


    The mathematicians were also tickled by what they heard.


    All the local and foreign reporters had already rushed up with their recording devices and cameras, sticking their equipment forward and began asking questions.


    The yard area was notrge and was soon overcrowded with people. Seeing this, Fellow Wan quickly said, "Wait a moment. Please don''t squeeze into this area everyone. Let us have some time, don''t squeeze anymore. Please back up a little."


    A number of mathematicians had gone to protect whiteboards amidst this as they all carefully ensured that no one could squeeze over and identally damage them. They were also afraid that they would identally smudge the writings on the whiteboards while protecting them as they knew very well that these writings on all of these boards were worth an immeasurable amount!


    Professor Qu found Zhang Ye, "You are Little Zhang, right?"


    "That''s me." Zhang Ye did not know who he was.


    Xin Ya introduced them, "This is Professor Qu, one of the recipients of the highest awards duringst year''s nationwide scientificmunity awards. He is also a person of distinction in the mathematics world."


    When Zhang Ye heard this, he suddenly realized, OH....he still did not know who he was!


    Professor Qu said, "We would like to seek your permission first about those 39 whiteboards that you have written on. Would it be alright for us to keep and manage them for now? We will bring it back to the relevant mathematical organizations to do further validations. In the future, these whiteboards will be our country and our mathematics world''s most important and precious items. It would even be an important artifact of the global mathematics world''s history and might possibly be put up for exhibition. If it is well kept, there wouldn''t even be any problem keeping it in its original form for several decades toe. As this work waspleted by you, we would definitely need your permission to release it to us."


    Left as a legacy forever?


    Important artifact of mathematics?


    Hah! This would be a rather good source of reputation as well, and it even seemed like it would not run out anytime soon!


    Zhang Ye was naturally happy to agree, "Sure, just do what you want with it. I have no use for them anymore anyway." Immediately after he said that, a few foreigners had squeezed to stand in front of him.


    The first one was the female mathematician from the United Kingdom, "Hi."


    "Hi." Zhang Ye replied her.


    The female mathematician shook his hand in the courtesy of Chinese traditions, then smiled and said, "My name is Jennifer and I am very happy to know you, Zhang of China."


    Zhang Ye could understand English and so, corrected her, "It''s Zhang Ye."


    The woman followed his pronunciation and said, "....Zhang....Ye (Grandpa)?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Don''t stand on such ceremony with me, you''re older than me." Of course he said that in Chinese.


    The United Kingdom''s team trantor was left speechless at this and decided not to trante it to the female mathematician. There was also no proper way to exin this to her and the English would probably not understand it anyways.


    A middle-aged German mathematician also came to greet him.


    Then followed by the French, Japanese and many other mathematicians from different countries.


    "Hello, how are you."


    "I am Kato."


    "I am Pierre. You are wee to visit France anytime."


    "You''re wee to visit Germany for an exchange. We will definitely receive you with our highest form of wee if you do."


    Zhang Ye did not put on any airs and also shook their hands one by one, getting to know each and everyone of them. Because of the avability of trantors, their exchanges were rather smooth as well.


    The Chinese mathematicians did not join in on the exchange. There was no need to do so in this setting and there were still many opportunities to get to know Zhang Ye better in the future. A mathematical conjecture had been proven today and would need a rigorous validation process. Only a simple verifications had been done on the spot and the actual process would require more than just a few people. This was also the reason why they still had many chances to contact Zhang Ye from now on. After all, being fellow countrymen, they wouldn''t be afraid of him running away.


    At the other side.


    Fellow Wan was already surrounded by a group of reporters.


    "Fellow Wan!"


    "I''m with Xinhua News Agency!"


    "Now that Dale''s Conjecture has been proven, what are you views about it?"


    Fellow Wanughed loudly and high-spiritedly. "I did not expect to see this day while I was still alive. This is a matter that makes one very excited and is also an unbelievable one." He put his hand to his chest and added jokingly, "My heart''s still racing and I believe that it''s the same for a lot of us here as well. It''s such an honor to have witnessed this today and the pride I have due to the fact that the person who solved this conjecture is a fellow Chinese countryman and is only at 20 something years of age!" Then he looked at Elder Rong.


    Elder Rong continued on from his words and said to the reporters, "When we get back, we will set up a special working group to do detailed checks on Teacher Zhang Ye''s proof. We will also invite mathematicians from our local organizations, as well as foreign mathematicians, to partake in the validation to speed it up so that we can have a conclusion as soon as possible. This will all be made known to you immediately when it ispleted."


    In the past, whenever a mathematical conjecture had been proposed and proven, the Chinese mathematics world had always only had the responsibility of sending some of their own mathematicians to fly overseas to take part in the proof''s validation process, but this time, Zhang Ye had gained this honor for them and they had be the main leads of this matter!


    The other mathematicians also epted interviews.


    Wang Yiming said, "I''m still shaking with excitement!"


    Xin Ya said, "Don''t ask me, hur hur. I have yet toe back to my senses. It all feels like a dream."


    At this moment, the area in front of Zhang Ye had also cleared up. Noticing this, those reporters, who had not managed to squeeze over there earlier ran over as quick as lightning and surrounded Zhang Ye once more. Some of the reporters, who were still in the middle of interviewing some mathematicians, suddenly stopped, carried their equipment, and ran over to Zhang Ye as well!


    "That is why mathematics...." Han Henian was just been riding the high of the event and had epted an interview when in the blink of an eye, realized his interviewer had abandoned him. He nearly flipped, feeling extremely embarrassed. These reporters were really discriminatory as hell!!


    But there was no other way it could have developed. Zhang Ye was the person in the limelight today after all!


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    The group of reporters had totally surrounded Zhang Ye and camera shes were going off continuously. There were also about 20 microphones being pushed towards him and a young female reporter even had to squat behind Zhang Ye, her face almost touching his backside. She even pushed a microphone up through Zhang Ye''s armpit in a very awkward manner and rested it on his chest. The reporters were all showing their individual skills and adaptability, contorting themselves to get what they needed. It was really a stunning sight!


    Zhang Ye jumped up in shock at this. What a crazy day! What the heck was going on? Having been famous for some time now, he had never experienced being surrounded by so many reporters. There were even foreign reporters here this time!


    A female reporter, who did not managed to squeeze into the crowd shouted from outside, "Teacher Zhang, may we know where you got your mathematics talent from?"


    A young male reporter standing in the crowd asked, "Dale''s Conjecture had beenbeled as a ''did the egge first or the chicken?'' type of question before, citing it as impossible to solve. How did you do it?"


    All the mathematicians and park visitors kept quiet when they heard this and looked over at Zhang Ye. They were all too curious about him and wanted to know how he''d answered this question.


    The crowd was anticipating his reply.


    Zhang Ye cleared his throat and answered, "As long as there''s doubt, then it can be solved. Even the question of whether the egg or the chicken came first is solvable."


    The reporters were all a little stunned, "You can exin it?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Of course."


    A female reporter asked, "So which came first? The chicken or the egg?"


    "Of course it was the chicken that came first." Zhang Ye answered without a moment''s hesitation.


    A middle-aged reporter was not convinced and questioned Zhang Ye again, "Then how did the first chickene about?"


    Zhang Ye still answered without hesitation, "They had to make ends meet."


    When everyone heard that, they were unable to process what he meant, but after a moment, they realized what Zhang Ye had just said, countless of Chinese reporters nearly fainted!


    A male park visitor, who was just having a sip of water, spat out everything when he heard!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Make ends meet?"


    "Just what kind of chicken* are you talking about!"


    "Pfft! Zhang Ye''s mouth was really wicked!"


    "Zhang Ye''s truly a crosstalk actor! Even performing crosstalk during an interview!"


    Many people had been tickled by this and burst outughing, especially the Chinese mathematicians. Professor Qu, Wang Yiming, and the others were alsoughing so hard that their eyes rolled backwards! The foreign reporters were still around, so you should really watch what you said. It''s a good thing these foreigners didn''t understand!


    Zhang Ye added, "Alright then, let''s be serious now."


    The reporters nearly cried. Your sister! But we''ve been serious this entire time!


    Then, another reporter asked, "Why did you decide to solve Dale''s Conjecture?"


    A young female reporter asked, "Yes, why did you choose this setting and at this time to solve this math problem?"


    An older reporter guessed, "Were you trying to prove the ability of the Chinese mathematicians, to let the children know that our country''s mathematics world is also world ss and therefore chose the International Math Olympiad as the background toplete such an amazing proof of work? To cheer on the children?"


    "Was it because our ranking for this year''spetition was not too ideal, therefore you chose to step forward and solve this question?"


    Different guesses were being raised as the reporters waited for his answer.


    For the children?


    For dignity?


    For the good of the mathematics world?


    For our country''s honor?


    Zhang Ye gave a slightly embarrassed look, pointed over to the American team''s disy booth and said, "You''re all thinking too much. It''s actually because.....I find that jade thumb ring quite attractive."


    The reporters nearly spat blood from their mouths, "Ah??"


    Xin Ya stared hard at him before quickly chiding him, "Teacher Zhang!"


    Professor Qu also quickly added, "Forget thatst part, everyone. Please don''t record that down."


    Many of the Chinese mathematicians made passes at Zhang Ye, letting him know that he shouldn''t say such things. If he were to do that, then it would just show how low ss the Chinese mathematics world was!


    Zhang Ye quickly change his tone and smiled to the camera, saying, "I was just joking. I didn''t really noticed the jade thumb ring. I don''t even know what color it was. Hur hur, so why would I want that for?"


    Fellow Wan heaved a sigh of relief thinking that he was lucky to have corrected his words.


    Xin Ya nodded lightly as she had a fright from Zhang Ye''s reaction.


    The foreign reporters had also finally realized that he had been joking all this time. They had not expected this mathematician to have so much humor unlike those traditional mathematicians who appeared so rigid and boring.


    Zhang Ye threw out his chest and spoke in an upright manner, "You''ve all guessed correctly. The reason I attempted to solve the conjecture this time was because of the children and also for the sake of our country''s education system. As everyone knows, I''m a teacher of the people myself, and if I can do something, I will definitely do my best to contribute to the cause of education."


    The reporters all nodded diligently thinking that this was too well said.


    "Secondly, this is also for the pride of the country...." As he was saying this, Zhang Ye suddenly noticed the American team dismantling their disy booth and getting ready to leave. He urgently shouted out to them, "Hey, don''t go! My jade thumb ring!"


    The Chinese reporters, "......."


    The Chinese mathematicians, "........."


    A group of foreign reporters, "..................."


    What the heck!


    So you were really aiming for the jade thumb ring after all!!


    The park visitors were alreadyughing out loud at this, "HAHAHAHA!"


    Trantor Notes:


    Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter! Don''t forget to vote, we look to be losing some pace already!


    *Chickens are also used as a reference to prostitutes in the Chinesenguage


    A running joke in almost every Chinese speaking country when ites to chicken speciality restaurants, see if you can get it?


    http://img.ziines/ziines-user-upload/upload/2016/10/03/30292_20161003135636_57f1f314d7009.jpg

 Chapter 527: Chinese is what I’m good at!

    <h4>Chapter 527: Chinese is what I''m good at! </h4>


    Chapter 527: Chinese is what I''m good at!


    After just two minutes, the interview was terminated.


    They had no choice but to end it, as Fellow Wan brought a group of people with him to separate Zhang Ye from the reporters and forcefully ended the interview. They did not dare to allow Zhang Ye to bber on with his nonsense anymore. Mathematics had always been an abstruse and out of reach subject tomoners who could only look up to it in awe. Dale''s Conjecture had also been one of the world''s top math problems and was always afforded a great deal of respect, but after just answering a few questions from the media, these Chinese mathematicians felt that their status as a higher authority had suddenly been degraded. It wasn''t even just normal degradation but unadulterated degradation!


    He solved the conjecture just to win the prize?


    How can you still show your face after saying that! It was too harsh on the ears!


    Even if that''s what you were thinking, you still.... you still shouldn''t have said it!


    Zhang Ye was not a member of the mathematics world in the first ce. He was a celebrity from the entertainment circle and had his own style and spirit. There was nothing that he did not dare to say, but these mathematicians couldn''t understand Zhang Ye''s humor and entertaining side, therefore they quickly had to pull him aside to stop him from further damaging the image of the Chinese mathematicians. If it were his reputation alone that was at stake, then so be it. His reputation was already terrible to begin with anyway. Yes, it was already bad since a long time ago, but today he was representing the Chinese mathematics world and they were not willing to tarnish their reputations because of him.


    Seeing Zhang Ye being forcefully pulled away by the crowd of mathematicians, the park visitors allughed hysterically!


    "Ahhahahaha!"


    "Zhang Ye is such a trouble maker!"


    "Pfft! Wherever Teacher Zhang appears, trouble will surely follow!"


    "And of course, not to mention, fun! That is the reason why I like Zhang Ye! He''s too entertaining! This is what a real star is! Not only does he entertain himself, but he also entertains the people around him too!"


    "This trip to Summer Pce Park today was really fulfilling!"


    "Yea, it was really worth the effort toe all the way out here!"


    "First, he came up with the stunning ''On Horses'', then had a scolding battle with the Chinese mathematicians, and then to top it all off, he solved a world math problem! Wherever Teacher Zhang appears, there''s always something astonishing that happens!"


    Everyone was enjoying the discussion.


    Zhang Ye, who had been pulled aside, was also feeling annoyed. If they didn''t want him to say anymore, then so be it. He was not interested in doing so anyway since he was really only interested in the old jade thumb ring. He immediately went off in the direction of the American team, afraid that they would take it away with them when they left, "Hi, can I collect my jade thumb ring? The rules earlier stated that whoever could answer another country''s question would be able to im the prize, is that correct?"


    David said, "About that......"


    Louis hesitated as well.


    This jade thumb ring was donated by an already deceased teacher of theirs to the American mathematics world and belonged to the Mathematics Association. It was also one of the few precious items that the association possessed. The only reason they dared to use it as a prize was because they hadn''t expected anyone to actually solve their question. It was just put up as a token for the event, but who would have thought that there would be such a godly person in attendance? Not only did he not abide by the rules after appearing, he even solved Dale''s Conjecture, astonishing everyone in the process!


    Give?


    Or not to give?


    Zhang Ye looked at them without speaking. He was ready to fall out with them and spoke in Chinese, "So what will it be? Are you intending to go back on your words?"


    The American trantor tranted his message to them.


    Louis was a little stunned, but still finally managed to say something with the help of the trantor. "Actually, whether Dale''s Conjecture has really been proven or not still needs some time to be validated. We can''t be sure about this yet and definitely need to do a more in-depth study on the the details, but.... as the main pointers have more or less been verified already, we are willing to break our rules and award the prize to you."


    Atst, David, the American mathematician, carefully took out a box containing the jade thumb ring from the disy booth. His lips twitched as he handed it over to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye took it from him and smiled, "Thank you very much then." He looked at David and gave him a pat on his shoulder, "Don''t feel too bad. This belongs to our country anyways. We even had to trouble you to bring it back here for us from such a long distance away. Yes, so now the item is back where it belongs." His words carried the intention of picking on them.


    The American trantor pretended not to hear him and did not trante it for David and the others. He was afraid that they would quarrel again if he did. Besides, it could be seen from the events that even if Louis and David were to work together, they would still be unable to beat this Chinese youth. This person''s mouth was really too good at speaking.


    With the jade thumb ring in his possession now, Zhang Ye felt extremely satisfied. He showed an expression of attraction as he opened the box to see a really attractive looking object. It was no wonder Old Wu kept staring at it for such a long amount of time. When he touched it, he could feel the coldness and polished smoothness of it. The colors were very soothing and it was reallyfortable to the touch.


    His job was done, so now it was time to retreat!


    Zhang Ye looked all around for the figure of Old Wu, but was still unable to find her after some time. He seemed to understand what Old Wu was thinking and took out his cell phone to check. He saw an unread text notification from her.


    Wu Zeqing: "See you outside."


    Zhang Ye replied: "On my way."


    Wu Zeqing: "No need to rush. You should do some PR first."


    Zhang Ye replied: "It''s fine. Just wait for me at the carpark."


    He kept his cell phone and put his sunss and face mask on. He was looking for a chance to slip away since he hade out here today with the intention of going on a date with Wu Zeqing. To him, that was the main event.


    But with this move, everyone''s focus quickly shifted back to Zhang Ye again.


    "Little Zhang, what are you doing?" Elder Rong was a little taken aback.


    Zhang Ye said his farewell to them, "I have to leave first. There are still some matters that I must attend to."


    Fellow Wan immediately came over and said, "We will still need your cooperation in the verification work afterwards. Since there''s still a lot to do, it''s better if you coulde with us and be around."


    Zhang Ye gave a wave of his hand, "Don''t mind me. All of you are top and famous seniors in the mathematics world. I''m just here to have fun and don''t really have the necessary skills. Anyway, since the proof has already been written on the whiteboards, please help yourselves to it. Verify whatever you want and I won''t bother to stop you. Just do as you all see fit."


    Wang Yiming: "....."


    The mathematicians were all exasperated. Aren''t you being a little too casual here!?


    If it were any other mathematician, just having a chance to mingle and exchange knowledge with the top mathematicians in the country while validating a proof would be an opportunity they would surely jump at, but Zhang Ye did not. If there was reputation to be earned or if it united his fans through the solving of this math problem, he would definitely not turn down the opportunity, but since the proof had already been proposed, Zhang Ye did not want to do anymore validation with regards to it. This kind of work should be left to the professionals as it did not concern him anymore.


    Seeing that Zhang Ye wasn''t too interested in joining in, Professor Qu also shook his head helplessly, "Forget it. Go if you want to, but please stay contactable at all times as we would still have to look for you if there are any problems." Since all the information was already avable to them, it did not really matter if Zhang Ye was there in person.


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright."


    Suddenly, Huang Lingling squeezed over to him and said, "Teacher Zhang."


    Her brother, Huang Leilei, and the other youth participants all came up to him, "Congrattions! You''re really smart." At the beginning, when Zhang Ye had borrowed Huang Lingling''s marker pen and imed that he would teach these foreigners a lesson, they were at a loss at how they should react. They did not believe that Zhang Ye would be able to do it, but now that they witnessed such a miracle, they were all feeling extremely pumped up!


    Zhang Ye smiled and patted the children on their heads, "Big Bro has to go now. You are all the little geniuses of our country, so work hard and don''t let your families down."


    Huang Leilei suddenly said, "When I grow up, I want to be like you. Solving the math problems of the world so that my parents can be happy and I can gain honor for our country!"


    "Great, you''re ambitious." Zhang Ye gave him a thumbs up as encouragement.


    Huang Lingling hesitated for a long time before opening her mouth to speak, "Teacher Zhang, when I am able to attend Peking University, could you teach me mathematics? I would like to learn from you."


    Zhang Ye smiled widely and said, "You''ve yed a part in the proving Dale''s Conjecture this time. I used your marker pen and thest whiteboard was chosen by you as well. Looks like I managed to rub off some of your glory. Alright, if you can make it to Peking University while I am still there, I will teach you for sure, whether it be mathematics or Chinese."


    Huang Lingling had a sh in her eyes, "Chinese?"


    Zhang Ye nodded, "Hur hur, actually the Chinese department isn''t bad either. Especially when it''s Peking University''s Chinese department. It is the top faculty among all of the top institutes of higher learning in the country. Compared to the Mathematics department, it is much better, so are you interested in the arts? Chinese is what I am good at, so if you wish to learn, I can...."


    Wang Yiming coughed loudly!


    All the other mathematicians were also in a state of speechlessness. This was the venue where the International Math Olympiad was being held at and where many of the members of the mathematics world had gathered today. How dare you try to use such underhanded means to take one of ours to your side? Convince our children to learn Chinese instead? Do you even know how to behave! How can there be anyone like you!?


    And what do you mean by Chinese is what you''re good at?


    To them, this deration sounded very strange!


    You managed to solve a math conjecture, that no one else in the world was capable of, so effortlessly, but in the blink of an eye, you''re iming that you''re just an amateur in mathematics? That Chinese was what you really excelled at? If you''re a f**king amateur, then what the heck are the bunch of us researchers who have dedicated their whole lives to mathematics!


    Shouldn''t we just go off somewhere and die?!


    "Alright, I''m off." Zhang Ye took his leave.


    Huang Lingling and the others looked at him with admiration and said, "Teacher Zhang, goodbye!"


    "Goodbye." Zhang Ye waved back at her.


    The other Chinese mathematicians, foreign experts, and reporters looked on as Zhang Ye left. Some of them had very doubtful looks on their faces as they wondered. What an unfathomable person, just where did he get all that talent from?

 Chapter 528: A token of love!

    <h4>Chapter 528: A token of love! </h4>


    Chapter 528: A token of love!


    Outside Summer Pce Park.


    The car had already been driven quite far away.


    In the car, Zhang Ye was driving while Wu Zeqing was seated beside him making a call.


    Xin Ya''s voice from the phone could be heard in the quietness of the car. "Sis Wu, you''re really bad to me. We''ve been friends for over 30 years now and you''ve hidden away such a preeminent mathematician boyfriend on the side away from me? You didn''t even give a little hint and hid him so well. What''s the meaning of that? Are you afraid that someone would steal him away from you? Is that even necessary!?"


    Wu Zeqingughed and said, "Didn''t I tell you already that I did not know about Little Zhang''s math knowledge? If I knew about it, I would have already told you so that you two could have a good chat."


    Xin Ya said, "I don''t believe you."


    Wu Zeqing said, "There''s nothing I can do about it if you don''t believe me, hur hur."


    "Where are you now? Why is it so quiet?" Xin Ya asked.


    "I''m in the car with Little Zhang. We''re going back since it''s so crowded over there," Wu Zeqing answered.


    The voice from the other side didn''t sound too friendly, saying, "Is Zhang Ye beside you? There were too many people and media reporters around just now, so I did not say anything. Someday, I will settle the score with him! How dare he scold our mathematics world in front of so many people! He even dragged me in to argue with him. Old Wu, you saw what happened, right? Tell me, how should we settle it then? Your little boyfriend there totally showed me no respect back there."


    Zhang Ye looked over.


    Wu Zeqing gestured to him to keep his eyes on the road and then spoke gently into the phone, "He wasn''t wrong to say what he said. All of you were really too harsh on the children."


    Xin Ya nearly died from anger. "So you prefer to protect your little boyfriend, right?"


    "I''m just stating things as they are." Wu Zeqingughed.


    Xin Ya said, "Alright, dates before mates, I get it. I''m not gonna talk any further for now. There''s too much work to handle here. I''ll deal with you again soon."


    "Alright then, bye." Wu Zeqing hung up and then looked over at Zhang Ye and said softly, "Xin Ya says she will settle things with you soon."


    Zhang Yeughed. "Yes, I heard that."


    Wu Zeqing casually asked, "How did youe to learn such advanced math?"


    "Sigh, I just learned it like that. Was it alright, Old Wu? Did I look really cool when I solved the problem? Extra handsome?" Zhang Ye boasted.


    Wu Zeqing replied warmly, "Hur hur, kind of."


    Hearing a positivement from his beloved, Zhang Ye felt very satisfied. "Great, that''s good enough. Old Wu, where should we head to now? We were supposed toe out and have a good time before you headed to the south for your job posting, but we ended up not doing that and got caught up in the events at Summer Pce Park instead. We didn''t even get a proper meal together."


    "Where do you wish to go to?" Wu Zeqing asked him.


    "I don''t know either. I will follow along with your decision," Zhang Ye said.


    She thought about it for a moment before suggesting, "Big Sis knows a rather good hot spring resort. I was there for a work holiday once and I find it to be a nice ce."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Lead on."


    She said, "It''s not far from here."


    ......


    Afternoon.


    The suburbs. At a certain hot spring resort.


    Despite it being Valentine''s Day, there weren''t many guests at the resort. It may have been because the resort was targeted at higher spending consumers. This could be seen just from the cars parked outside. Few of them cost less than 500,000 RMB.


    Zhang Ye stayed in the car while Wu Zeqing went inside to check-in. He had initially nned to show off a little, but thinking about how he was really poor right now and this ce looked really expensive, he wasn''t even sure if his debit card would be able to pay for it. So rather than disgrace himself, he decided to just stay behind.


    Di di. He received a text.


    Wu Zeqing: "Come into the inner building. Floor 5, room 566.


    There were three or four buildings in here and a small garden with a ratherrge area for the hot springs. There was even a ski resort being built but it probably wouldn''t be operating anytime soon. As Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing''s status were a little special, they did not choose to use themon hot springs. They could only wear sunsses and face masks to hide their identity, but had anyone ever dressed up that way at a hot spring? That would be such a curious sight, so Zhang Ye definitely chose to avoid it. Luckily, ording to Old Wu, this resort also had private suites furnished with a hot spring spa on the room''s balcony. In that way, they would be able to enjoy their privacy.


    At the inner building.


    He took the elevator to the fifth floor.


    He looked for the suite along the corridor, and when he found it, the door was slightly ajar. Zhang Ye went inside and the first thing he saw was arge living room area. There was even a family theater,plete with aputer and an open kitchen that was partitioned from the living room by a transparent ss pane. On the other side of the kitchen were two doors to the bedrooms. It was a veryrge suite.


    Wu Zeqing was just hanging up her coat. It wasfortably warm in the room and the temperature felt just right for her in her long qipao. Then she turned around and asked, "There are two rooms here. Which do you prefer?"


    Zhang Ye offered to let her choose first.


    She casually pointed to one of them and said, "Big Sis will take this room then. You must be hungry, right?"


    "Yes, I''m starving already." Zhang Ye rubbed his belly. "After standing for almost an entire day, I''m feeling really hungry and tired now." His arms were aching badly after having written with his hands raised high for more than five hours straight.


    She smiled and said, "Let''s order some food and get them to send it up. Big Sis didn''t have much to eat in the afternoon too."


    "Sure, you decide what to eat. I need to go into the room for a short rest." Zhang Ye put down his bag and went into the other room. When he saw the room, his eyes brightened.


    A connected balcony was essible via the bedroom and it was equipped with a hot tub. But rather than calling it a balcony, it seemed more like a garden. Its area was evenrger than the room itself and it had clear ss separating it from the outside, making it feel really spacious. The ss looked like it was one of those one-way mirrors which let people inside see out, but those outside could not see in, so there was no worry of being watched. In the middle was arge bathtub that could probably hold five or six people easily. Several kinds of flowers were scattered around the bathtub, some yellow, some green, and the whole setup looked full of life.


    It was very beautiful!


    It would definitely be veryfortable to soak in this bath!


    Zhang Yey down on the bed to rest and was already looking forward to sharing the bath with Old Wu. These kinds of days were the best!


    "The food will be here soon," Wu Zeqing said as she came into the bedroom.


    Zhang Ye did not turn towards her as he was too tired. "Alright."


    But a few secondster, a pair of soft hands rested on his shoulders and started massaging them. "You''re really tired, aren''t you? Let me massage it a little for you."


    Zhang Ye quickly turned around to turn down her offer. "That won''t do, that won''t do. You''ve been standing the whole day too, so you really don''t need to do this for me. I will be fine after lying down for a while."


    Her hands continued massaging him. "Where do you ache?"


    Zhang Ye immediately shrugged his shoulders a little. "Alright then, over here."


    She smiled and said, "I thought you''d still refuse me for a little longer."


    Zhang Ye coughed and said, "Isn''t that enough?"


    She asked, "Over here?"


    Zhang Ye said, "A little further down, yes. Yes, that''s it."


    She smiled and acknowledged in a soft voice as her hands carefully and gently massaged his shoulders.


    "Thanks, Old Wu." Zhang Ye still felt a little awkward. After all, they had only confirmed their rtionship a few hours earlier and he was still getting used to it.


    She asked, "Do you feel better?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and tteringly replied, "Much better. If it were someone else massaging me, it wouldn''t be of any use. But because it''s you, I feel better immediately. I could go out now and run ten kilometers without breaking a sweat."


    Sheughed. "Big Sis even has such capabilities?"


    "Of course," Zhang Ye said. "It was that good a massage."


    "Alright, then I will do it for a little while more. Don''t move," She said.


    Earlier, Wu Zeqing had been standing, but now she was already half sitting on the bed as Zhang Ye took up most of the space. She half sat on the right side of Zhang Ye, her buttocks closely in contact with Zhang Ye''s waist. He had already taken off his coat and could feel them directly on his waist. Gradually, he also began to feel the warmth of Old Wu''s body heat.


    Zhang Ye slowly turned his head and stole a nce at that spot. He saw the lower half of Old Wu in her qipao looking attractively stunning. Her legs were beautiful as well, and she had one leg still in her high heels, while the other was hanging from her foot which was already halfway up on the bed. Because of the posture, each time she pressed on Zhang Ye''s back with her hands, her high heel would sway about loosely from her foot and the friction of it rubbing against her flesh-colored stockings would make a rustling sound.


    Ding dong.


    The doorbell rang. It was the resort''s room service delivering the food up.


    Zhang Ye felt a light pat on his back. "OK, it''s time to eat."


    "Oh." Zhang Ye sat up and stretched his waist, feeling much better. He could smell a hint of fragrance on himself, possibly Old Wu''s mature scent which he found very attractive.


    In the living room.


    While Old Wu went to get the food, Zhang Ye quickly opened his bag and took out a box with embroidered, ssical flower patterns on it and then hid it well on himself. When the food was allid out and the wine was poured, Zhang Ye finally sat down.


    Wu Zeqing said, "Don''t drink so much."


    "You want a ss too?" Zhang Ye blinked.


    She smiled and said, "Big Sis doesn''t drink."


    Zhang Ye raised his ss. "It''s OK, you can have tea instead. Cheers."


    She picked up the tea cup and touched it to Zhang Ye''s ss. "Celebrating your achievement and taking honors for the country by solving Dale''s Conjecture."


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t say that. Ahem��. We should be celebrating...our rtionship."


    "That too." She took a sip of tea.


    Zhang Ye finished his wine in a gulp and then said, "Old Wu, you''ve given to me a bracelet, so I would like to give you something too." Saying that, he took the box and ced it in front of her.


    Wu Zeqing opened it up and a deep-green jade thumb ring was revealed. Its shine was very beautiful and it glistened brightly in the light. "Hur hur, you seriously asked them for it?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Of course I did, it was the promised prize after all. Why don''t you try it on?"


    She took it out from the box and wore it on her thumb. "Are you really giving this to me?"


    "Of course. You''ve already given me your token of love, so I have to show you mine too." Zhang Yeughed. "When we were at Summer Pce Park, you seemed to pay a lot of attention to it, so I knew you must have definitely liked it a lot. That was the reason why I solved the problem, otherwise I wouldn''t even have tried to solve Dale''s Conjecture since it was soplex."


    When Wu Zeqing heard this, she nodded and epted it without much response. She put it back into the box and said, "Alright then, Big Sis will ept it. I really do like this thumb ring very much."


    Zhang Ye was also very happy and boasted, "It''s good that you like it. As long as it''s something that you like, even if it''s a satellite in orbit, I will go get it and give it to you."


    Sheughed lightly and said, "Why would I need a satellite? Let''s eat, or else the food will turn cold."

 Chapter 529

    <h4>Chapter 529 </h4>


    Chapter 529


    Although it was meant to be dinner, by the time they finished eating, it was onlyte afternoon.


    Zhang Ye finished up thest of his Erguotou and then put down his chopsticks. He was already full. Seeing Old Wu picking up a napkin to wipe her mouth, Zhang Ye stood up and was about to help her with clearing the table when she stopped him. It was just as before. She still did not let Zhang Ye do the chores. She cleared the chopsticks and bowls in a graceful manner and opened the room''s door to ce it outside for the waiter to clear it.


    "Have some tea."


    "Ai."


    "Be careful, it''s hot. Do you want any fruits?"


    "��Yes."


    "Apple or orange?"


    "Orange."


    "Alright, Big Sis will peel it for you."


    "How about I do it?"


    "Don''t even try. I''ll do it."


    Zhang Ye sat down and did not move. Old Wu had already taken care of him extremely well, particrly knowing how to show her love. In the past, Zhang Ye had always been polite with Old Wu, thinking that he should at least help out a little. But each time he tried, it had alwayse to nothing. Now, he no longer tried to do so and just enjoyed her care. He couldn''t even begin to describe how blessed he felt.


    This was the first time he realized and felt that Old Wu being older than him wasn''t actually a bad thing at all. Although he wasn''t sure how old exactly Wu Zeqing was, and he dared not ask either, but it was definitely in the 30s. He had not bothered to check what her age was, but it was likely at least ten years older than his. In the past, Zhang Ye felt that this gap was a little toorge, and in his current rtionship with her, this was probably the only thing that wasn''t perfect. If he had to pick a problem between them, it would be their age difference. But now, he had slowlye to realize that this was actually an advantage of hers as it was exactly because of her age that she was so good at caring for others. She was gentle, mature, understanding, knew how to cook and did not need Zhang Ye to worry about her. This was great. And she was the ideal, perfect woman in the eyes of many guys. So what if she was older? It''s not like she looked old anyway.


    After a few moments of quietness.


    Zhang Ye was eating the orange while Wu Zeqing was using theputer. She looked like she was sending some emails and settling some work-rted activities but was done with it very quickly.


    "Old Wu." Zhang Ye looked over and suggested, "Do you want to get into the hot tub?"


    Wu Zeqing rubbed her shoulder, then smiled and said, "Yes, I''m aching all over so I will need to soak in the hot tub for a little longer. You didn''t bring your swimwear, I bet?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Yeah, I didn''t bring it."


    "I''ll ask if they have any." She picked up the phone on the study table and made a call to reception. "Hello, do you have any swimwear for sale? �� Yes, a male and a female set...the style does not matter...yes? Oh, knocked off already? �� Alright then, I understand."


    She put down the phone and said, "The staff member in charge of the swimwear sales has already knocked off. I guess there''s no other way then. Why don''t you get into the hot tub first and I''ll go after you."


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "Why don''t you go first? I''m in no rush."


    "Aren''t you tired after such a long day? Go soak in the hot tub to improve your blood cirction," she said.


    Zhang Ye had wanted to suggest that the two of them go together. It didn''t matter even if they were naked inside. Why the need for swimwear? But after thinking about it for a while, he decided not to and said, "It''s alright. I want to watch the news first. Say no more Old Wu, you can go first." After saying that, he switched on the TV and starting watching the news.


    She nodded. "OK then."


    Zhang Ye said, "Soak for a while. Don''t rush."


    She smiled and pointed to the bedroom. "The hot spring bathtub is joined to your bedroom. Big Sis will use the room first. I''ll call you after I''m done."


    "Sure," replied Zhang Ye.


    Old Wu went inside and closed the door. Then came the sound of watering out of the faucet. Old Wu was definitely letting out hot water. The public baths might or might not be supplied with water from the hot springs, but these private baths were definitely just using hot tap water. At most, they would supply some sea salt or rose bath milk that they could add themselves. The hot spring was just a concept for these private baths.


    Zhang Ye did not have any interest for what was on TV, so he switched it off. His ears perked up trying to listen to the soundsing from inside the bedroom. Sigh, at first, he was still hoping for a chance to have a dip together with Old Wu, but it looked like that was no longer on the books.


    Five minutes passed.


    Suddenly, a woman''s voice called out to him from inside, "Little Zhang."


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye turned around to face the bedroom door. "I''m here."


    The voice was not loud since there was a door between them, "Do Big Sis a favor. My towel dropped onto the floor and got dirtied. Same thing happened to my bathrobe too. Could you help me to check if they have extras outside?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "Sure, I''ll look around."


    The woman''s voice said, "Thank you."


    He immediately went to the bathroom to check and got a new set from the shelves before going back out to the front of the bedroom door. He knocked on it and said, "I''ve gotten a new set already, how...how do I give it to you?"


    The woman''s voice said, "The door''s unlocked. You cane in and ce them on the bed. Big Sis will take them by herselfter."


    "Alright then." Zhang Ye swallowed his saliva and then pushed open the door. He went into the bedroom. Once he entered, he wildly turning his head to look at the balcony. The hot spring bathtub was very big and Old Wu was inside soaking in the hot water. From Zhang Ye''s angle, he could see the back of Old Wu with her hair tied up and pinned into a bun behind her head. Her shoulders could be slightly seen with condensed water beads on it. It was an incredibly moving sight.


    He quickly looked away and ced the towel and bathrobe on the bed.


    After setting them down, Zhang Ye saw something that tickled his fancy again. It was Old Wu''s clothes that she had left on the bed. On the floor were a pair of neatly ced high heels aligned to a pair of flesh-colored stockings on the bed. There was a long qipao beside them. From this alone, it showed Old Wu''s personality. Even the clothes she had taken off were ced neatly in order. The kind of people who would do something like this were usually more serious and virtuous.


    "I''ve ced it here."


    "Alright."


    "Enjoy your bath."


    After closing the door, Zhang Ye exited and sat down.


    But before he could warm his seat, Old Wu called out to him again. "Little Zhang."


    "Ai." Zhang Ye stood up again and asked, "What''s the matter?"


    The woman''s voice said, "Can you do me another favor? There are two bottles of bathing foam here and there should still be a bottle of shampoo but I don''t see any around here."


    Zhang Ye said, "There''s one in the bathroom. Let me get it for you."


    The woman''s voice acknowledged him and said, "Sorry for troubling you."


    "Don''t worry about it." Zhang Ye went to get the shampoo which was in a small bottle, and then came back to the bedroom door. He turned the doorknob and opened it a little and said, "I''ming in then, Old Wu."


    "OK," the woman''s voice said.


    Zhang Ye ced the shampoo on the bed. "I''ve ced it together with the bathrobe."


    Old Wu turned around and said, "Alright."


    Zhang Ye and her exchanged nces at that moment and he coughed lightly before going back out and closing the door. What a pity! All he saw was her neckline and nothing else! Sigh, she was right there but he couldn''t do anything about it. Zhang Ye had a fire raging his heart, so he took out a cigarette, nning to smoke one.


    Before he could find the lighter, the bedroom door opened.


    Old Wu was wrapped in a towel, dripping wet. In her hand was the small shampoo bottle.


    Zhang Ye looked at her until his pupils dted. Even though the important areas were covered up, the towel was still not enough to hide Old Wu''s voluptuous body. It only served to make his imagination run wild, especially her chest which seemed to be bursting at the seams of the towel. She was really well-endowed!


    "Why aren''t you bathing?" Zhang Ye asked.


    The barefooted Wu Zeqing could only smile helplessly. She handed over the bottle in her hands to Zhang Ye. "I couldn''t get it open. The cap is too tight. You have more strength than me, so help Big Sis to open it."


    "OK, let me do it." Zhang Ye twisted the cap but it didn''t budge. "Ah, it really is tight." Then he tried again with more strength, and this time, it opened. "Done."


    She took it from him and smiled. "Big Sis''s bath time has really kept you busy."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s nothing. This is a chance for me to do something for you. If there''s anything else, just ask."


    She looked at Zhang Ye and then suddenly suggested, "Let''s bathe together instead."


    Zhang Ye was a little stunned. "Is that alright?"


    "It''s fine. There''ll be no trouble if I need something or another. Hur hur, get undressed and get in. If you want to cover up with a towel, just do it. It''s up to you." Old Wu was very open about it.


    Would Zhang Ye even have second thoughts? He nodded vigorously. "OK, I''ming in then."


    Wu Zeqing had already turned around to go back in. When she left, Zhang Ye immediately took off his clothes and went into the bathroom to look for a clean towel to cover himself up. He wrapped it around his waist and grabbed his clothes and willingly went into the bedroom. He threw his clothes beside Old Wu''s stockings and closed the door. He coughed a few times and looked over to the balcony, pondered for a moment, and clenched his teeth before walking over to the balcony.


    His heart was racing!


    Old Wu actually agreed to let him bathe with her?


    Suddenly, something clicked and Zhang Ye wondered. The towel fell onto the floor? Old Wu was such a tidy person. How could she have made that mistake? The resort did not prepare the shampoo for the tub? Wasn''t that too careless? And why was the cap of the shampoo bottle so hard to get open? That even he had to use so much strength to open it? Even when all that was put together, it might still seem coincidental. But Zhang Ye remembered that there were still a few days of his five times reduced difficulty left. Was this the difficulty adjustment die''s power again? Did it cause all of this to happen?


    It definitely did!


    Besides, there was no other possibility!


    If it weren''t for the reduced difficulty, in the situation when there was no swimwear avable, Old Wu would definitely have chosen to bathe on her own. Although in the past, Zhang Ye had seen Old Wu''s provocative photos and even taken nude photos for Old Wu, those were still considered as photography-rted activities and were a form of art. Bathing together was a different matter altogether and had nothing to do with art at all. If those incidents did not happen, Old Wu would definitely have finished bathing by herself. But because of these minor incidents, she had to get Zhang Ye''s help. Old Wu probably could not bear to trouble him any further. This, in turn, gave Zhang Ye such a chance!


    It was a divine item!


    It truly was a divine item!


    Zhang Ye nced at Old Wu lying down in the tub with a towel wrapped around her. He lifted his feet and plunked down into the water, right across from her. He slowly sat down in the tub, the hot water enveloping his entire body.

 Chapter 530: People across the country were stunned!

    <h4>Chapter 530: People across the country were stunned! </h4>


    Chapter 530: People across the country were stunned!


    On the balcony.


    It was 5 PM in the afternoon.


    The air in the suburbs was much better than the city''s. The sunset was clear and had brightened up the sky with it''s fiery presence. asionally, birds would fly past the front window. They could be clearly seen with their pointed beaks, but it was not known what species they were. As the window was a panoramic floor-to-ceiling window, the view from the balcony was extremely scenic. The faraway western mountains, the bird''s eye view of the resort at the bottom were all clearly seen from here. They enjoyed the view as they soaked in the hot tub, within the privacy of the one-way window.


    In the tub, the two of them were seated opposite one another.


    "Is the water temperature good for you?" Old Wu asked casually.


    Zhang Ye felt a little awkward but answered anyway with a slight cough, "Ye��Yes, it''s just right."


    Sheughed and said, "Big Sis has already been soaking in this water for a while just now. If you mind, we can release the water and refill it again easily."


    Zhang Ye waved his hand and said, "It''s fine as long as you don''t mind me being dirty. Why would I mind you?"


    She did not bring it up anymore and continued, "So how is it? This ce isn''t bad, right?"


    "It''s really quite good," Zhang Ye said. "The view is great, the facilities are good, but most importantly, the person I am with is the best. Old Wu, we wille again next time?"


    She sshed some water on her arm and wiped it down. "When Big Sis is not so busy, we can see."


    ......


    ......


    Old Wu was pushing the water towards herself, "Did you watch the news just now?"


    "I watched it a little," Zhang Ye said.


    She asked, "Were there any reports of you solving Dale''s Conjecture?"


    Zhang Yeughingly said, "I did not notice, but didn''t the SARFT already ban me from appearing on any forms of media?"


    She exined, "That has nothing to do with this. Big Sis used to be engaged in such work as well and knows a bit. The authorities will only mp down on news concerning yourself and any rtedmercial activities that you partake in. This time, you''ve solved a great problem such as Dale''s Conjecture and it does not fall under any jurisdiction or guideline. Even if they wanted to fully stop any news of it, they couldn''t. Don''t worry. Such big news will surely be reported for sure. In any case, you''ve won great honors for our country and made significant contributions and breakthroughs for the educational field. They might even redact your name from decree #43 in some time. All of this can be possible, so wait patiently. I think you should be able to get past this setback."


    "That would be nice, but how long would I have to wait? If it''s going to take several months, then I would still be unable to do any programs for now."


    She smiled and said, "That might not be the case. Just wait and see how it goes. Big Sis can also help you by checking with my friends for some updates. But as for how long until the ban gets lifted, I can''t give you an estimate since I do not work at the SARFT."


    ......


    ......


    But unknown to him, at this moment, people on Weibo, Tieba, forums, television, and all over the country were surprised by news that no one could have seening!


    Trantor''s Note:


    This chapter was redacted, so we''ll just release it together with today''s chapter.


    If you want to see the original version that I tranted, please check it out over here.

 Chapter 531: People across the country were stunned again!

    <h4>Chapter 531: People across the country were stunned again! </h4>


    Chapter 531: People across the country were stunned again!


    The news first originated on Weibo.


    A verified user from a certain intepany with the Weibo handle @IAmZhangTao posted: "You all would never believe what I just saw! Holy sh*t! One of the math problems which had troubled the Mathematics world for several decades now, Dale''s Conjecture, has been solved! It was solved by Zhang Ye! It''s not someone else with the same surname and given name, yes! It''s that Zhang Ye that many of you know about! The whole ce is in chaos now! It was too awesome!"


    Following that, a few others also posted onto Weibo.


    @BrotherFengIsInvincible: "What the f**k! It really has been proven!"


    @AhMianAhYu09: "Teacher Zhang Ye is too awesome!"


    SUHDKF: "It''s Dale''s Conjecture that we''re talking about! I''m going to faint right here in Summer Pce! If I didn''t witness this myself, I would not have believed it! In the past, I heard that this Zhang Ye person was really smart, but I could never have expected him to be this f**king smart! Is this person even human? How does he even know math!"


    When the news spread, a lot of people thought they were just spreading fake news.


    "Get over it."


    "Haha, don''te up with such ridiculous nonsense."


    "You all should just go and write some novels instead. How could you alle up with such crazy news and speak as though it really happened."


    "Hur hur, ever since Zhang Ye started scolding people everywhere, he has been marked by many of them. Now, he''s getting marked so bad that a celebrity like him who dabbles in liberal arts is even being called out as someone who solved Dale''s Conjecture? Why don''t you say that he has built a spaceship instead!"


    "Such utter rubbish! Even a fool wouldn''t believe it!"


    "Even if you all want to spread rumors, at least put some effort into the technical details. Although I did read news of Zhang Ye being at Summer Pce and even reciting an essay called ''On Horses'' or something to scold those Chinese mathematicians. Oh, just because Zhang Ye was present at the International Math Olympiad, you all can im that he solved a math conjecture? Hur hur, I can only say that you guys are too naive!"


    Manyizens beganughing at these ims.


    The few posters of those ims were also enraged by this!


    "It''s true!"


    "F**k, why does no one believe!"


    "Your sister! Why would I lie about this! I''ve got photo proof!"


    "I''ve even got video proof! Let me post it!"


    Suddenly, when some pictures and videos of Zhang Ye writing equations on whiteboards were uploaded, including the shocked faces of many local and foreign mathematicians, it fueled the unfounded rumors that no one had paid any attention to a new high!


    "What?"


    "Ah!"


    "Are you sure?"


    "F**k! I''m uncultured and have never been to school. Don''t lie to me!"


    As more and more people concerned themselves with this news, many of them still had deep reservations about the veracity of this news. They still did not believe it until some news media websites and evening newspapers published reports regarding the matter. Only then did they finally know��.


    Dale''s Conjecture had really been solved!


    It was even f**king Zhang Ye who had solved it!!


    ......


    Beijing Television Station.


    At Zhang Ye''s old unit, the Arts Channel''s office.


    "Brother Hu! Brother Hu!" Dafei came running towards him with a newspaper in hand.


    Hu Fei looked over and said, "What''s the matter? What happened?"


    Xiao Lu and Hou Ge were also in the office. They looked over not knowing what was going on and why someone was shouting so loudly in the office. Was it an earthquake or a flood?


    Dafei, looking aghast, opened up the day''s Beijing Evening Newspaper and pointed to the headlines. "Look at this! Teacher Zhang has stirred up something big again!"


    "What big matter?"


    "Who did Teacher Zhang offend this time?"


    They made their way over while asking all kinds of questions. When they saw it, Xiao Lu nearly choked on her on breathing while Hu Fei and the others could only stand there staring with their eyes bulging!


    "What?"


    "Mathematical conjecture?!"


    ......


    Peking University.


    School was reopening soon, and the young teachers of Peking University were having a gathering. Teachers from all the different departments were all attending this gathering. They had assembled at a restaurant to have a meal together and were seated, chatting and waiting for their food to be served. A television which was switched on and tuned to the news channel but with it''s volume turned down hardly received any attention from them.


    "Teacher Su, will Zhang Ye still be teaching at the Chinese Department next semester?" a thirty-something-year-old male teacher asked curiously.


    "Why won''t he be teaching?" Su Na asked.


    Another female teacher asked, "Isn''t he a banned artist now? The SARFT had already banned him, surely that would affect his teaching appointment as well, right?"


    Su Na wasn''t too sure either, so she said, "The SARFT is the SARFT. Peking University is Peking University. There''s no rtion between these two institutions so it shouldn''t affect Teacher Zhang''s teaching appointment. Peking University couldn''t possibly stop Teacher Zhang''s lessons just because of something like that, right? Besides, if it were done that way, the students would surely have none of it." As she was saying that, Su Na took a sip of water and noticed something. She said loudly, "Turn the volume of the TV up!"


    "Ah?"


    "What''s the matter?"


    A few people were startled by this.


    Su Na said impatiently, "Turn the volume of the TV up!"


    A male teacher who was currently wooing Su Na and seated closest to the TV immediately raised his hand to turn up the volume. When he heard the sounding from Central TV''s news, he was shocked!


    "��At the International Math Olympiad held at the Summer Pce. ording to sources, Zhang Ye has already made an initial proof for Dale''s Conjecture. Fellow Wan from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has also formed a team to verify the details and sent out invitations to the top mathematicians around the world, inviting them to send their representatives to our shores."


    The room suddenly turned quiet!


    Then, people started eximing one after another!


    "Ah?"


    "What the heck!"


    "What?"


    There were even some Peking University teachers who were dumbfoundedly sitting down not knowing exactly what was happening. They could not understand how a celebrity from the entertainment circle who taught elective sses at Peking University''s Chinese Department could possibly have anything to do with one of the most difficult math problems that this world had ever seen!


    ......


    There was also a meal gathering for members of the crosstalk world today.


    It was organized by Tang Dazhang, and many neers and old veterans had been invited. As he was considered one of the top people in the crosstalk world right now, many of those invited had alsoe for the gathering.


    They were all enjoying the food and drinks.


    "Come."


    "Have another."


    "How''s that Zhang Ye person doing now?"


    "Him? He''s probably just sitting around at home. He created such a mess in the crosstalk world and even scolded and messed with so many people online. I guess his reputation is in tatters now. He won''t be able to stir up any attention in the future anymore."


    "Hur hur, he deserves it."


    "That Zhang Ye is really despicable. Because of him, a proper crosstalkpetition had to be stopped even before Old Tang could appear on the live broadcast as a judge! Just��what the heck!"


    "Alright, let''s stop mentioning that now."


    "Right. Let''s not bring it up again. Have a drink. Let''s eat."


    Tang Dazhang did not say anything and it was obvious he did not want to talk about it ever again.


    Dong dong. Someone knocked on the room''s door and came in. A young crosstalk actor had arrivedte and was holding a newspaper in his hand. "Sorry about that. I was caught in a jam."


    An old crosstalk actor nced at him and said, "Little Sun, it''s not that I want to pick on you, but how many times have you been caught in a jam already?" Looking at his hand, he said, "You even have the time to buy newspapers?"


    The young crosstalk actor clearly looked embarrassed, saying, "This newspaper��sigh. I saw it on the way here and the headlines were really too shocking, so I just bought it."


    The old crosstalk actorughed and said, "Let me take a look then. What headline could it be that it is more important than our gathering?" As he said that, he took and unfurled the newspaper on the table.


    The headlines stood out.


    ��"Zhang Ye Solved a Global Mathematical Conjecture"!


    The old crosstalk actor was stunned on the spot!


    Tang Dazhang and the people around were also shocked!


    A mathematical conjecture? He could even solve a mathematical conjecture? Holy sh*t! This person is really too flexible with what he can do! He had just created a mess over in the crosstalk world. Tang Dazhang andpany had thought that that would be thest they heard from him as he would definitely be totally banned without a chance left for him toe back. But it had only been a day since then! Just in the blink of the eye! And this grandson had already gone over to the mathematics world and gained such attention!?


    He even made it onto the news?


    And a headline at that?


    ......


    The same scenes were ying out throughout the country!


    Especially over at Zhang Ye''s parents ce. It was even more lively!


    His mother had gone onto Weibo for a short while in the afternoon to check out her son''s activities. By afternoon, she was already taking a nap with her husband to replenish their sleep on their day off.


    They were awokenter by someone pressing their doorbell.


    "Who is it?" his mother got up and asked.


    His father was also awoken by this and said, "Is it Little Ye? Did hee back already?"


    His mother left the bed and changed clothes. Still yawning, she said, "I''ll go take a look."


    Ding dong, ding dong. The doorbell was still echoing, each time sounding more urgent than thest.


    His mother nagged as she went to answer the door, "What are you rushing for?! Wait a moment, I''ming." Then she opened the door and said, "Who is it?"


    Outside the door, more than a dozen people had gathered. They were all reporters and had somehow gotten Zhang Ye''s parents address and made their way here!


    "Auntie!"


    "Hello Auntie!"


    "Is this Teacher Zhang Ye''s house?"


    His mother got a fright as more than a dozen men and women holding some items stood at her door. She did not have a close look at them and thought it was a robbery, so she hurriedly went back into the house and shouted, "Old Zhang!"


    His father also thought that their house had been broken into and headed straight for the kitchen to get the cleaver!


    The first person toe in hurriedly exined, "Uncle, Auntie, we are from Beijing Television Station. We''re ex-colleagues of Zhang Ye. I even met him once before in a meeting!"


    "I''m from Huadong Daily News!"


    "We''re from Weekly News Net!"


    "Auntie, will you ept an interview from us?"


    His mother and father could finally see clearly that the items they had in their hands were just recording pens and video cameras. They heaved sighs of relief but wondered what was going on. "What interview? Hasn''t my son already been listed as a banned artist? They''ve already banned him!"


    A female reporter quickly spoke, "Don''t you know about it?"


    His mother blinked and said, "Know about what?"


    A middle-aged male reporter said excitedly, "Teacher Zhang Ye solved a global mathematical conjecture two hours ago. We even reported it on Central TV Department 1''s News Simulcast!"


    His father who was confused by this asked, "What conjecture? What are you talking about?"


    That reporter said, "A global mathematical conjecture!"


    His mother also did not understand this, "Say that again?"


    "It''s a ma��the...ma��ti��cal�� con��jec��ture." That person repeated it syble by syble. "It''s call Dale''s Conjecture and when it has been fully validated, it will be renamed to Dale''s Theorem!"


    His father was so shocked that he could not react. A father knows best, and knowing his son''s character, even if others did not know, how could the two of them not know? He continuously waved his hands and said, "Did you all get it wrong? My son majored in the liberal arts. Since junior high, he had never passed in mathematics. Even if you gave him an addition-subtraction-multiplication math question, he wouldn''t be able to solve it, let alone a global mathematical conjecture!"


    "But he really did solve it!"


    "Why would we lie to you!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye really managed to do something that no other mathematician from anywhere in the world could manage to achieve in several decades! He really won honor for our country!"


    "Right! If you don''t believe it, switch on the TV or check the news online. The whole country is heatedly discussing this topic right now, yet you im that Teacher Zhang Ye had never done well in math when he was still in school? Could you let us know in detail about this matter? We are extremely interested to know more and would line up several weeks of airtime for this special report!"


    "Zhang Ye was not good at math when young?"


    "Does he really not have any talent in math?"


    "Then how did he manage to solve a global mathematical conjecture?"


    The reporters were clearly intrigued by this deration from his parents and were already starting to recording the interview either with their recording pens or the video cameras.


    The neighbors around were also attracted by the goings-on over here and had alle out of their houses to gather outside Zhang Ye''s parents'' house. What happened? Did Old Zhang''s son get into some sort of big trouble again?


    His father just stated matter-of-factly, "I''m wondering about this myself. That''s why I''m asking if you all got it wrong."


    But his mother quickly stopped him and cleared her throat. "Let me do it instead."


    "Yes, you exin it to the reporters," said his father who was still scratching his head. "Hasn''t our son always performed poorly in math in school?"


    His mother nodded and looked at the reporters, then at the neighbors who had gathered around, and finally said, "Little Ye''s math results had always been bad in school."


    His father said, "See, you all must have gotten it wrong."


    In the end, his mother added a twist by saying, "But why was his result bad? Hur hur, that was because��he was keeping a low profile!"


    His father was confused by this exnation.


    But his mother kept making up stuff and even boasted, "Ever since he was young, I''ve always taught my son to keep a low profile and not appear too smart as it would attract unwanted attention. As my son is a very filial boy, he always listened to my teachings. This was the reason why he didn''t do well in exams, sometimes even failing on purpose. He was afraid that if his math talent was discovered, he would no longer be able to live in peace and get along well with his ssmates. He just wanted to live like a normal person. Actually, Little Ye''s math talent already started showing when he was just a few months old. He takes after me in regards to this and I feel that it''s because he inherited my brains that he was able to solve that Dal��Dal something conjecture. Everything that is happening now, I''m not really surprised by it. If I didn''t tell my son to keep a low profile, he would probably have solved that Dal something conjecture during his secondary school days!"


    Dad: "..."


    The neighbors: ".........."


    Many of the neighbors had watched Zhang Ye grow up. They all knew very well the children of the neighborhood and had never known Old Zhang''s son to have such talents. They were all very amazed at what was happening now.


    The reporters were also skeptical of this and were at a loss of whether tough or cry. They were all dumbfounded by Zhang Ye''s mother''s exnation!


    Trantor''s Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter! Don''t forget to vote, we look to be losing some pace already!

 Chapter 532: People across the country continued to be stunned!

    <h4>Chapter 532: People across the country continued to be stunned! </h4>


    Chapter 532: People across the country continued to be stunned!


    At the resort.


    Zhang Ye received a call from his mother.


    "Mum," Zhang Ye said.


    His mother spoke loudly: "Why did you take so long to answer? What are you doing?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''m taking a bath. Did you watch the news? Were there reports of me on the newspapers and TV? What did they say about me? Was it good or bad?"


    His motherughed and said: "Who would still dare to speak badly about my son now? It''s all praise, but let''s not talk about the news. A group of reporters came to our house to interview your dad and me, and even interviewed some of our neighbours." His mother was clearly enjoying her 15 minutes of fame. "Wait a minute. I''ll let your dad speak to you."


    The person''s voice on the other end changed. "Little Ye, tell me honestly. Your math results have never been that good. How did you suddenly solve that whatever conjecture it''s called?"


    Zhang Ye responded in a bragging manner yet also not forget to tter his father by saying, "Who am I? I am your son! That talent was inherited from you and mom. As for how I got the enlightenment, I can''t exin it, but it was just a moment of brilliance."


    His father was almost rendered speechless but managed to say: "But both your mom and I do not have any talent in math at all! So what on earth did you inherit exactly?"


    On the other end, his mother said: "Alright, alright, why do you care about talent or no talent? Our son has solved a global mathematics conjecture and brought glory to our country and our people. That is the result, and as the hero''s parents, you should be letting our rtives know about this good news instead!"


    After he had finished with his parents call, his cell phone rang again.


    Zhang Ye looked at Old Wu, showing her his phone. "See, I told you? They''re calling again."


    Old Wu smiled and said, "Answer it."


    Zhang Ye answered, "Old Yao, I knew you''d call."


    Yao Jiancai''s voice came through and sounded a little startled: "Bro, are you crazy or what! You''ve just lowered the curtains on the crosstalk world and now you''re creating a storm in the Mathematics world already?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Sigh, it just happened."


    "So that Dale''s Conjecture was really solved by you?" Yao Jiancai asked doubtfully.


    "How could it be fake? This bro just tried it out and who''d have expected this conjecture to be so easy anyway?" Zhang Ye was in a good mood as he was touching Old Wu''s leg while boasting to Old Yao.


    ......


    The third call came from Peking University Chinese Department''s teacher Su Na.


    "What is your brain made of, Teacher Zhang?"


    "Hur hur, Teacher Su. My brain is of course made of human tissue."


    "We young teachers from Peking University were having a meal together when we saw the news on TV. You''ve really surprised us all. When we found out about the news, all of us were dumbfounded!"


    "Thank you everyone for your concern."


    "It seems like you are preparing to leave the Chinese Department next semester to go teach at the Mathematics Department! You didn''t even mention anything about it, but your math knowledge is too damn good!"


    ......


    The fourth call came from thendy auntie''s house.


    When Zhang Ye saw the caller ID, he swallowed his saliva loudly and nced over at the direction of Wu Zeqing. He did not know if he should answer it as they were too close to each other but he was afraid that Old Wu would hear the conversation.


    Old Wu smiled and said, "It''s from a woman?"


    Zhang Ye coughed and said, "No."


    Old Wu looked at him as she continued to wash herself. "It''s alright, answer it."


    Zhang Ye smiled but had a guilty conscience. He couldn''t show it, so he quickly answered as though it was nothing and said, "Hello?"


    It wasn''t Rao Aimin.


    Chenchen voice sounded: "Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye felt relieved. "Oh, it''s you, Chenchen."


    Chenchen''s signature unfeeling voice said, "I watched the news together with my Aunt. From now on, you will do my math homework for me."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and said, "You want me to do your second grade math assignments for you? Do you know the status of your Uncle Zhang now? I''m an internationally recognized mathematician! Aren''t you making little use of great talent then?"


    Chenchen let out a coldugh. "Hur hur."


    Then the line got cut off.


    Zhang Ye could not helpughing and saying, "What a wretched kid."


    Following that, a wave of calls came in from his friends and rtives. He answered them all and after nearly 20 minutes, decided to silence his phone and put it aside.


    As expected, it was a national sensation!


    The websites of major newspapers in the country, Youth Daily, Huabei Daily, Beijing Times, even People''s Daily had all posted news about Zhang Ye and most of them had reserved their headlines in regards to his news. Videos taken the park visitors in the afternoon that were posted onto Weibo, Tieba, forums, and some streaming websites, and had all reached the top-ranked list. This news had also already gone viral more than 30 minutes ago and risen all the way to the top post on Weibo!


    The excitement!


    The craze!


    Those two words were more than suitable to describe the current situation in the country!


    Even the foreign media had given this a great deal of coverage!


    For example, a math magazine in the United States!


    A few mainstream media outlets in the United Kingdom!


    The news channels in Korea!


    Manyizens had screen-grabbed the videos of news reports from the different countries in differentnguages and posted them online. Some of them even came with trantions. Although Zhang Ye''s name did not cause that much of a sensation on the international level as every country only reported the news with regards to Dale''s Conjecture, there was still a simple introduction of Zhang Ye''s name and his nationality. For Zhang Ye, this was a key step that had never happened to him before. Before he had risen to the top domestically, he had already gained some fame on the international scene. This suited his goal of be an international superstar really well! A math superstar was still a superstar! They were the same and people would start paying attention to him and know about him. This had always been Zhang Ye''s goal all along, so he didn''t care what industry it was as he knew that his path towards superstardom was destined to be different from the others!


    When Zhang Ye heard the good news, he said, "What a bustle of activity!"


    A description like bustle was really not enough to describe the situation. It should be called a great reception instead!


    Countless people on the inte were screaming!


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, well done!"


    "That was too f**king awesome!"


    "You added a lot of pride and mor to our country''s mathematicsmunity on the global scene!"


    "Hahahaha! I heard that Teacher Zhang Ye had pped a few more faces again when he was there! This really makes me happy! Teacher Zhang Ye seems to have worked hard all his life on one of two things��either pping faces or getting ready to p faces!"


    "Pfft! Laughing out loud!"


    "Solved Dale''s Conjecture? That is basically the real thing when ites to such knowledge! Although Zhang Ye''s words might be a bitcking at times, always offending and scolding people, but this guy''s knowledge is real! Unlike other people who only know how to speak about boycotting this or that and not taking any action!"


    "You can say that I''ve been totally surprised today! When I bought the newspaper while on my way home today, what I read left me unable to find my way home! What a shock! It''s unbelievable!"


    "Everyone''s feeling the same, hahahaha. Teacher Zhang Ye has really caused an uproar this time! I love him too much! Do you all know what I like best about Zhang Ye? What I like most about him is��you''ll never know what that person wille up with the next time!"


    "Mathematical conjecture��it has totally nothing to do with Zhang Ye at all, right?"


    "I was shocked too. All I can say is��a wonder, he''s really such a wonder. Being able to mess around in the entertainment circle until such a level, I am totally bewildered! He''s totally going off the beaten path!"


    "After creating a new style of crosstalk, Teacher Zhang Ye is now carrying the banner of the Chinese Mathematics world! When I imagine such a scene, I find it full ofic relief!"


    "Teacher Zhang has even snuck into the Mathematics world! To the friends in the Mathematics world, please be careful! Zhang Ye''s fan club is currently sending out a red alert to the whole Mathematics world! It''s every man for himself from here!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Did Zhang Ye really solve Dale''s Conjecture? What''s wrong with the world? Is it April Fool''s day today?! How could something so bizarre happen! How dramatic even! Teacher Zhang Ye, knock it off. Please, knock it off for real. Continue writing your Legend of Wukong novel and don''t keep us waiting around any longer. Why did you even go to the Mathematics world? Damn! Come back and write your novel quickly! Mass updates! And I will let you live!"


    The people were abuzz with discussions about him.


    Old Wu was browsing through thements and Weibo.


    When she saw a post by a fan of Zhang Ye on Weibo, she showed it to Zhang Ye and the both of them were tickled by it!


    It was written as such:


    ZhangYeNumber20Fan: "In the past, I thought that Zhang Ye was a radio broadcast host, butter on I found out that I was wrong. He''s actually a poet. Then when I had epted his status as a poet, I found out that I was wrong again. He turned out to be an author. When I epted his status as an author, I realized that I was wrong again. He was actually a television host. Then when I had epted his status as a television host, I found out I was wrong again. He was really a musician. When I epted him as a musician, I got it wrong again. He had now be an advertiser, so I epted his new status as an advertiser. But who knew, it turned out to be wrong again, he was now a calligrapher. When I epted him as a calligrapher, I was once again wrong. He had now be a crosstalk actor. When I once, once, once, once more epted this new status of him being a crosstalk actor, I realized that I was f**king wrong again. He was really a mathematician! Fact!"


    The post got reposted countless times!


    "Hahaha!"


    "Aiyo, this really hits the sweet spot of what I also think!"


    "Pfft! Teacher Zhang is such a tease!"


    "I''ve never seen such a jack-of-all-trades celebrity before! Teacher Zhang, can you not be so multi-talented? I''ve be so numb from all of these! A mathematician? If you are a mathematician, so be it. Whatever surprises Zhang Ye still has in store, I''ll be damned if I''m even surprised by them anymore!"


    Trantor''s Notes:


    Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter! Don''t forget to vote, we look to be losing some pace already!


    This chapter was redacted by the original author on Qidian.

 Chapter 533: People across the country…are alright now!

    <h4>Chapter 533: People across the country��are alright now! </h4>


    Chapter 533: People across the country��are alright now!


    The sun was almost setting.


    The two of them had already been soaking in the bath for an hour now.


    Wu Zeqing put her cell phone on a rack beside the bath where it would not get wet,ughing gently and saying, "The way your fans talk is really quite funny. It''s just like your style."


    Zhang Yeughed, having had his hands on Old Wu''s thigh from before she browsed the news until now, slowly moving them upwards. He said, "That''s only natural. Since my debut, these friends have been following me all around in my scolding battles. Honestly speaking, sometimes I am really grateful to them because if it weren''t for them apanying and supporting me, I might not have been able to endure through this arduous path. I wonder where I would be now if not for them. To me, I no longer see them as just fans, and I''m not lying because this is what I really feel. It''s like they''re all my friends, asionally having some amusing exchange of words. Our rtionship is really quite good."


    Old Wu said, "That''s good. It looks like your reputation will grow again after this."


    Zhang Ye also thought so. He said, "Hopefully. I''m still far from bing a B-lister."


    "It''s not far anymore." She smiled and said, "In the whole of the entertainment circle, there are many who can sing, act, or host, or know martial arts, but to be able to solve a global mathematical conjecture��.Only you, Little Zhang, could do it. Hur hur, other people''s celebrity path can be replicated or mimicked, but your path to fame can only be walked by you alone. That is also the reason why so many fans love you. You are unique."


    "Heh, I love to hear this," Zhang Ye said, as his hand under the water had already moved up further on Old Wu''s right thigh. It was even meatier and had a better feel as his hand was kept busy.


    Sheughed. "I think we''re about done here?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "I''m already sweating all over."


    After soaking in the bath for a long time, they were feeling a little tired.


    "Yes." She stretched her arms a little. "Big Sis has also had enough of soaking now. Don''t massage me already. You''ve been doing it for quite a while now. My legs feel much better now, thank you."


    "Why are you so polite?" Zhang Ye slowly and reluctantly took away his hand from her thigh.


    She asked, "Do you want to shower first or should I go first?"


    Zhang Ye rubbed his nose with the back of his hand and said, "About that��why don''t you go first."


    She nodded. "Alright then."


    Ah?


    You are really going ahead to shower?


    Zhang Ye had subconsciously thought that, as he was a little embarrassed to shower in front of Old Wu. In order to shower and wash off the foam bubbles from the hot spring bath, they had to get out and head to the shower area. It would be strange if he just got out of the bath and wiped himself dry with a towel. Zhang Ye did not expect Old Wu to be so open and agree so readily. From this alone, their difference in age and maturity was immediately clear and evident. With regards to these situations, it seemed that she had thicker skin than him.


    As he was fantasizing, the sunset was already casting shadows onto the balcony through the full length windows. Old Wu had her back facing Zhang Ye as she stood up gracefully from the bath. She swung her hair back and turned on the shower located two meters away from him. The water came gushing out and sshed all over Old Wu''s shapely body.


    Zhang Ye sat there appreciating the sight, not even blinking. The flowers in his heart were blossoming at the sight of this.


    In front of him, Old Wu''s back was still covered with foam bubbles and as the showered sprayed, it slowly revealed her fair and smooth skin. The foam bubbles on her neck also flowed down her back with the shower down towards her waist and gluteal cleft. From there, it split into two streams and continued down her fleshy thighs, dripping and sshing into the shower area.


    This scene was truly too touching!


    It was too enticing!


    Zhang Ye sniffed and could feel the heat with each breath he took.


    Even after a few minutes of this scene, Zhang Ye felt like it had only been a few seconds. At the next moment, Old Wu had already elegantly stepped out of the bath and into the area outside. She bent over slightly to pick up a clean towel and dried her hair in front of Zhang Ye. Then, she wrapped the towel around her body and stepped into a pair of slippers.


    She looked over and said, "You should have a shower too. Don''t soak in the bath for too long."


    Zhang Ye said, "Yeah, I will be out in a bit."


    He saw her walking into the bedroom which Zhang Ye had chosen and stopping in front of the bed. She bent over to retrieve her clothings��the flesh-colored stockings, her bra, panties, and qipao��, hung them over her left arm, and then knelt down to hook her high heels up with two fingers. Old Wu''s figure was very voluptuous, not plump where she should be slim, but plump and full of flesh where she ought to be, like her chest and hips. When she knelt down, the towel looked like it was about to split apart. From the back, with her slim waist contrasting her wide hips, it emphasized her curves with maturity and gentleness at the same time.


    The door closed and she was no longer in sight.


    The fragrance still lingered and the bath was still filled with the foam bubbles that had been washed off of Old Wu''s body.


    Zhang Ye finally stood up and headed towards the shower to wash himself clean. After that, he wiped himself dry with a towel, wrapped it around his waist, and went back inside to change into proper clothing.


    When he exited the bedroom, the fragrant smell of tea attacked his nostrils.


    Wu Zeqing, who was in her qipao again, waved him over. "Come here, I made tea, some, have some."


    "It''s fine, I don''t need it." Zhang Ye went over and sat down on the oddly-sized sofa.


    But Old Wu had already brought it over. "You''ve got to have it no matter what. After sweating so much, you need to hydrate yourself." She pushed the cup of tea into his hands. "Slowly drink it. It''s hot."


    "OK, I will listen to you." Zhang Ye could only force himself to take a few sips.


    Across from him, Old Wu was holding something in her hands. "Apply some moisturizer."


    Zhang Ye waved his hands. "I''m a man. I don''t need this. I''ve never applied something like that before."


    Old Wu gave a demure smile and said, "You''ve just finished a bath so now''s the best time for your skin to absorb nutrients. You''re still young and have good skin naturally, so you don''t know about such things. When you''re older, even if you try your best to maintain your good skin, it will be toote. Listen to Big Sis and put some on. It''s just going to be on your face."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s really not necessary."


    "It''s just normal skin care products, hur hur. You''re a celebrity. Surely you ought to pay attention to such details. It''s dry in the winter. The skin on your face will crack easily." Old Wu was already seated down beside him as she used her hand to push his hair back before squeezing some moisturizing cream onto his forehead, cheeks, and chin. Then, she spread it uniformly on his face with her hands in a very caring manner.


    "Umm, let me do it."


    "Don''t move."


    "��OK."


    "Done. Feels better, right?"


    "Uh-huh, it feels fine."


    "In the future, always remember to apply some moisturizer after you''ve washed your face. It''s good for your skin. If you don''t have any at home, get some from Big Sis. I have a lot."


    "Alright."

 Chapter 534

    <h4>Chapter 534 </h4>


    Chapter 534


    Not longter.


    It was gradually getting darker outside.


    It was a little stuffy in the room so Zhang Ye suggested that they go downstairs to hang out for a little while. It was well-lit downstairs, and he was also feeling a little hungry by now. Wu Zeqing did not say anything. She just put on a coat and they left their suite to go downstairs together. Zhang Ye was wearing arge pair of sunsses. He looked to his side, then grabbed Old Wu by her hand and held it tightly as they headed to the area behind the resort.


    The aroma of grilled fish could be smelled from where they were.


    The charcoal stoves glowed with a bright orange fire as many guests, mostly couples, were gathered here. There was a Valentine''s Day promotion going on, and as long as they were guests of the resort, they could try the specialty dish of grilled fish for free. There were not many types of fishes avable, but they were expensive due to its freshness. It seemed that there was a fish pond around here and the fish were freshly caught for grilling.


    Zhang Ye swallowed his saliva and said, "How about we get a couple?"


    "Big Sis might not be able to finish one by herself," Old Wuughed and said.


    "That''s OK. If you can''t finish it, I''ll finish it for you." Zhang Ye went ahead holding the key card to their suite and showing it to the staff there before collecting two tes of freshly grilled fish.


    One for him and one for Old Wu. They headed for a less crowded seating area, finding a dimly lit corner so that they could have some privacy from the others.


    Not far from there, a conversation could be heard.


    It seemed like it came from the table of a big family group.


    The son said, "Did you all hear about Zhang Ye''s incident?"


    The mother said, "Yes, your dad and I just watched the news in our room."


    "That Zhang Ye is really quite capable," the father said. "He even solved a global mathematics conjecture? He''s definitely going to be famous this time!"


    The daughter-inw said, "I''ve only gotten to know about this Zhang Ye from the news today. Before this, I had not even heard of him. I didn''t expect there to be such a smart person in our country!"


    The son said, "That''s because you''ve only been interested in following those western celebrities and always think that they''re superior to our country''s celebrities. You don''t even know Zhang Ye? I''ve known about him for a long time. See it now? Our country also has such great people, andpared to those foreign stars, he is so much more awesome. Even if I let you pick from among the whole world''s stars, could you find one that could solve Dale''s Conjecture? Haha, he''s really gone and won pride for our country!"


    Farther away, a young couple was seemingly discussing this matter as well.


    Zhang Ye smiled a little. Hearing all these people who knew of him, he was definitely happy. At the same time, he was also enjoying his food as a whole fish had already been eaten. "Huuu, it''s quite hot, but so nice!"


    But Old Wu was slowing down as she ate. "Its taste is alright."


    "What''s wrong? Can''t finish it?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Old Wu smiled and said, "I can''t eat any more. I''m not feeling too hungry."


    Zhang Ye took her te. "It''s OK if you can''t finish this. Don''t force yourself. Let me eat it instead." He did not mind Old Wu''s saliva. After he took the te, he directly bit into the fish.


    Old Wu patted him lightly on his thigh while seated beside him. Her hand just naturally rested on his thigh after that.


    A short whileter, a performer started singing followed by a lucky draw event held by the resort. But Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing were not too interested in the events and simply proceeded back upstairs to their suite after finishing their meal.


    As it was quite cold outside, they had put on warmer clothes to go downstairs. After they returned to their suite, Wu Zeqing went back to her bedroom and changed. When she came out, she had changed out of her qipao into a light flesh-colored bathrobe, tightened around the waist with its attached belt. Her hair was done up in a bun and it made her look even gentler. When Zhang Ye saw this, he also decided to get changed into the resort-supplied bathrobe like Old Wu.


    It was still early.


    Looking at his watch, it wasn''t even 8 PM yet.


    "Are you sleepy?" Zhang Ye asked her.


    "It''s still early. I''m not tired yet," she replied.


    Zhang Ye looked around the room and asked, "Then what should we do? Watch TV? Go online?"


    Old Wu smiled and said, "If you''re still up for it, you should continue your novel."


    "I could do that. But if I were to write, then what would you do?" The two of them had nned toe out to enjoy themselves today. Surely he could not leave Old Wu by herself?


    She said, "You write. I''ll look on from the side."


    Zhang Ye''s eyes brightened. "Alright then. Let''s check out the resort''sputer." He walked over, switched it on, and tried it out. It wasn''t bad. It was quite fast and came with a new keyboard which felt fine as well. He pulled out the chair and then cocked his head at her. "OK. Then I''ll start writing?"


    Old Wu also took a chair and pulled it to his side. She raised a leg from under the bathrobe and crossed it over her other leg, revealing a fair bit of her smooth legs. "Come on, Big Sis is waiting to see you work." After saying that, she asked, "Will Big Sis affect your writing by sitting here?"


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "Of course not."


    "Hur hur, then that''s good." Old Wu nodded her head.


    With a beauty by his side, Zhang Ye''s spirits were raised. He felt like he was on steroids the moment he touched the keyboard. He created a new document and immediately began typing.


    ......


    Chapter nine.


    In the beginning.


    500 years ago.


    "Did you know? The sky is but a desert," said Zixia. "It might be made up of exquisite and beautiful things, but the moment it became a part of the celestial heavens, its soul was taken. Did you know?"


    No one answered her, because there was no one beside her.


    ......


    His condition today was really good.


    The main reason being because Wu Zeqing was at his side. Knowing that everything he wrote was so anticipated by Old Wu, Zhang Ye felt a sense of tension and did not wish for her to wait too long to see the developments. This was the reason for his speedy typing, as his fingers tapped away on the keyboard as though they were alive. He felt as though he were possessed by the Holy Spirit as hepleted the chapter within 15 minutes. Never before had he done a chapter so quickly!


    When he finished typing, Old Wu had also finished reading.


    "How is it?" He asked.


    "Great." Old Wu enjoyed what she had just read.


    Zhang Ye was very satisfied as well and proceeded to post the chapter on his blog. He did not wait for anyments and continued to write on after closing the browser so that he would not be distracted.


    ......


    Chapter ten.


    "What thing rules over all under the heavens?" Monk Tang asked.


    "Monkey!" said Sun Wukong.


    "No! It''s pig!" Pigsy yelled out.


    "You''re both wrong. It is I," Monk Tang said. "When Buddha was born, with one finger pointing to the heavens and another pointing to thend, he dered so."


    ......


    Chapter 11.


    Chapter 12.


    Chapter 13.


    Without rest, he wrote five or six chapters straight.


    After finishing, Zhang Ye did some stretches to loosen his muscles and was about to continue writing. Suddenly, he heard a soft, quiet breathing sound beside him. He looked up and saw that Wu Zeqing had already fallen asleep, still sitting in the position with her legs crossed and one hand supporting her head. Looking at his watch, it was already past 10 PM. Only then did he realized that he had been writing for more than two hours, so he decided to stop and just look at Old Wu sleeping, unsure if he should wake her up.


    ����������


    Trantor''s Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter! Don''t forget to vote, we look to be losing some pace already!


    The rest of the chapter has been redacted.

 Chapter 535: Unbanned?

    <h4>Chapter 535: Unbanned? </h4>


    Chapter 535: Unbanned?


    The next day.


    The sun had risen.


    Outside.


    Entertainment star Zhang Ye''s preliminary proving of a global mathematical conjecture was still being actively discussed. Following the Central TV Department 1''s News Simulcast and several major evening newspapers'' report on the matter, the major morning newspapers, online media, and even People''s Daily were also reporting on the news. This was already Zhang Ye''s second time appearing on People''s Daily newspaper. Even though it wasn''t on the headlines, it still featured prominently on the second page.


    The news had shocked everyone!


    It was as though the news had been given a pair of wings and made its rounds across the country!


    Some news had more of asting effect than others. For example, when Zhang Ye went around scolding and picking on people a few days ago, he had created a big stir. But after less than half a day, it had died down and no one discussed it any further. Then, there was the time when Zhang Ye posted his poems. Those had also caused quite amotion and heated discussions followed, but after a day or two, it too had died down. It did not continue on for long. But this time, it was different. This time, Dale''s Conjecture was a different matterpared to previous times because this was really so sensational that it was unbelievable. It also involved national pride which pushed it further up the list of trending topics. From yesterday afternoon, since it got published in the newspapers until now, it had not cooled down at all and was even bing more and more heatedly discussed among the people. The number of people who had been shocked by this news was also increasing, and if the trend continued, it looked like the news would still be the subject on everyone''s lips for at least three or four more days!


    The follow-up reports were also constantly being published.


    Fellow Wan from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and several domestic mathematicians had already formed a validation team, ready to start the final checks on Zhang Ye''s proof of Dale''s Conjecture. On the global stage, several famous mathematicians had departed in the middle of the night or the morning and were scheduled to arrive in China shortly to take part in the verification process.


    Shanghai, in some coffee house.


    "Did you hear? Zhang Ye has solved Dale''s Conjecture."


    "Ah? Which Zhang Ye?"


    "Don''t you know? Aren''t you too behind the times!"


    "I was sick yesterday, so I didn''t watch the news. What''s going on?"


    "It''s the Zhang Ye who used to host a talk show in Shanghai on the online television station, that one!"


    ����


    Some gym in Chengdu.


    "Old Cheng, you''re here this early?"


    "Yes, I came for a jog."


    "Did you watch the news? Regarding Zhang Ye."


    "Look at you. How would I not know of such a big news? I''ve heard about it too many times just from watching the news. Each time they report about it again, I can feel my blood pumping faster and faster. Our country really has talented people! Hur hur, although I don''t know who Zhang Ye is, but I think I''ve seen him on amercial before. I''ve got to find out more about him when I get back!"


    ����


    In Beijing, at a breakfast stall in an alleyway.


    "Brother Wang, you''re going to work? Why are you so early today?"


    "Haha, didn''t Dale''s Conjecture get proven already? A professor from Math department at the university had been sent to help out with the verification checks, and as the professor''s assistant, I''ll probably have to work overtime in the next few days. I might get so busy that I won''t be able toe back at night and have to stay at work."


    "Aiyo, that''s so hard on you."


    "In the past, working overtime would always leave me exhausted and bitter. But this time, I''m really in high spirits. I won''t mind even if I have to work overtime everyday. Did you hear about it? Those foreign schrs have always looked down on our country''s standards for mathematics, but now, they are all willingly flying over. Some even came with their students! Do you know why? They are here intending to see if we made a mistake because a global mathematical conjecture that no one had been able to prove for decades finally has proof to it. And it was even proposed by a Chinese person! If they cannot find any mistakes, then they will be here to learn from it, to understand how Dale''s Conjecture can actually be proven."


    "That Zhang Ye! He''s really great!"


    "That''s right. Do you know where he is from?"


    "Where?"


    "You don''t know? He''s a Beijinger! A born and bred Beijinger!


    "Oh! Is that right?"


    "Hur hur, how can this be faked?!"


    ����


    The topic was actively discussed all around the country.


    Following the discussions, following Zhang Ye bing the center of attraction, all the past incidents regarding this "Math Hero" were also uncovered. What got the most attention from people was of course in regards to the recent SARFT''s Decree #43 listing of banned artists!


    There was a bigmotion on the inte.


    "I really don''t understand what the authorities were thinking!"


    "A math hero like him, why would they even ban him?"


    "Let''s see how they will deal with this matter! I''m guessing the SARFT''s panicking now! Ban? People''s Daily and News Simulcast have already aired footage of Zhang Ye''s news! They won''t be able to suppress Zhang Ye after what he has done this time! I suggest they lift the ban on Teacher Zhang immediately!"


    "Yes, the banned artist list should not have included Zhang Ye in the first ce. When he beat someone up that time, he had done so to stand up for someone else. Using that as an excuse to ban Zhang Ye was really forcing it. Now that Teacher Zhang has brought so much honor and glory to our country and might even win an international math award, if he were to stay banned, then that''d really be unforgivable!"


    "It''s a little difficult to handle. Mathematics is an academic field while the SARFT oversees the publishing and entertainment fields. There''s nothing inmon in the first ce, so even if they do not lift Zhang Ye''s ban, no one can do anything about it."


    "Although there''s no rtion, they are both governmental bodies. There should be some way to talk this out. Zhang Ye''s has gained much credit, so they really shouldn''t treat him this way. Whether it''s the Chinese Academy of Sciences or the science and mathematics worlds, I think they would send a representative tomunicate with the SARFT."


    "That''s right."


    "I also hope that the ban will be lifted. I love Zhang Ye too much!"


    "What an awesome person. Hahaha, I am also a big fan of Zhang Ye now! So cool!"


    "Quickly let Teacher Zhang return! The entertainment circle cannot do without him! The entertainment circle without Teacher Zhang Ye should not be called the entertainment circle anymore! It will only be good with him around!"


    "Pfft! Looking forward to the return of the hero!"


    "Unban!"


    "Unban!"


    "Unban!"


    Theizens were making an issue of this and were all wishing for the same thing!


    ......


    Morning.


    At the SARFT.


    In a certain department''s meeting room.


    "Sir, the iing deputy chief ising here today?"


    "Yes, he should be here by the afternoon."


    "Regarding the banned artist list, shouldn''t we handle it first? Or should we wait until the deputy chief is here before we report it to him? This matter has blown up too much. The Letters and Comints Department received more than a hundred letters protesting Zhang Ye''s inclusion in the banned artists list. It''s been a sea of scoldingments and doubts against us online as well. I heard that some leaders from other offices even called to check on this matter?"


    "They have called us. Our department is responsible for this matter. Zhang Ye surprisingly proved Dale''s Conjecture, considered to be one of the most difficult mathematical conjectures in this world, and has garnered a lot of support through this. I''d already anticipated this oue yesterday. Let''s discuss. How should we handle this matter?"


    "Unban?"


    "Are we really going to just unban him like that?"


    "That won''t do. The decree had only been passed a few days ago. If we were to unban him and take his name off, then our department''s reputation��"


    "The new deputy chief was assigned here from the CCPPD. He''s always been aligned to the party''s ideology and I''ve heard that he doesn''t have a good temper. His work style is also very tough, so if we were to lift the ban on Zhang Ye without any conditions, then wouldn''t that mean that we have admitted our loss to Zhang Ye? When Zhang Ye wrote several of those poems and essay to scold at us, like ''Hold unyielding, no matter where the winds blow''? ''Why should I lower my face and bow for the influential and the rich, and take away my joyous smile''? I remember each and every word clearly. If we were to lift his ban, then when the new deputy chief takes over officially, wouldn''t he be angered? Already losing ourposure before we could stamp our authority? The authorities couldn''t even handle a banned artist? We have to lift the ban after banning him? If we put it bluntly, doesn''t that just mean we were pping their own faces? If the new deputy chief is angered, then who could deal with him when the responsibility is pinned on our department!?"


    "What can we do then?"


    "Yes, Zhang Ye has already made such a huge contribution that even People''s Daily reported on him. If we ignore this, the people would definitely not take it lying down. Then the management would surely��"


    "I have an idea."


    "Oh? Xiao Li, do tell."


    "We cannot put the ball in the deputy chief''s court. We have to handle this matter ording to the new deputy chief''s principals. So we can only do this, which is to use a roundabout way to lift the ban on Zhang Ye. There has to be conditions attached to this lifting��"


    They were all trying toe up with n!


    Trantor''s Notes:


    Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter! Don''t forget to vote, we look to be losing some pace already!


    A part of the chapter has been redacted.

 Chapter 536: Never, ever compromise!

    <h4>Chapter 536: Never, everpromise! </h4>


    Chapter 536: Never, everpromise!


    Around 9 PM.


    Zhang Ye was writing something when the screen of his cell phone on the table lit up. As he had received too many calls from peoplest night, he had already switched it to silent mode. Zhang Ye nced over without thinking of picking it up, but when he saw Yao Jiancai''s name on the caller ID, he reached for the phone.


    "Old Yao?" he said after epting the call.


    On the other side, Yao Jiancai said, "Get online."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Go online for what? What''s the matter?"


    "You''ll know when you see it." Yao Jiancai sounded very calm and rxed. "There''s an addendum to Decree #43 that SARFT previously announced. They posted some additional info."


    Zhang Ye asked with interest, "What does it say?"


    "Take a look at it yourself," Yao Jiancai answered merrily. "All thanks to you, half of this batch of banned artists have some hope of getting their ban lifted."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What about you?"


    Yao Jiancai answered, "I''m no longer on the list."


    "Yo, that''s great then, congrattions." Zhang Ye quipped, "Your ''prostitution''bel can finally be put to rest. When will you be treating me to a meal?"


    "After you settle your own issues."


    "Sure, I''ll go take a look now."


    "When you have your ban lifted, we need to have a good drink together."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye went onto Weibo and directly searched for the SARFT''s verified ount. Indeed, a post titled "In regards to Decree #43''s addendum rification" was posted earlier and the updated banned artists list did not have Yao Jiancai''s name on it. Another six names were also deleted, like the movie star who held a press conference apologizing for his actions and another singer who expressed regret for her past actions during an interview. Scanning through the list, Zhang Ye could still see his own name on it.


    The lifting of the ban was beginning?


    Base on what reasons do they lift the ban for?


    It was only normal that Old Yao would be unbanned as his incident was just a case of misunderstanding. Because of the media reporting on unfounded truths, Old Yao was banned. But after rification statements from the police that the case has been resolved with no charges pressed, Yao Jiancai would naturally be the first person to be unbanned when the ban list was refreshed, that was without a doubt. But how about the others? Why did they get unbanned? These artists'' misdeeds were already set in stone, no?


    Reading further, Zhang Ye finally understood.


    Actually, this rification was to announce the conditions to get unbanned. The artists who hadmitted misdeeds more than 3 years ago and had shown improvements in their behaviors without any further misdeeds or those who hadmitted minor misdeeds within 3 years but had apologized could all send in their applications to the SARFT for them to consider and approve before releasing the decision to the public!


    The application form for the revocation of ban was also leaked.


    Name: XX.


    Gender: XX.


    Age: XX.


    Representative Agency: XX.


    There was even nksbeled "Previous Misdeeds" and "Self Reflection Statement" at the bottom of the page before an acknowledgment by signature and effective date ended the application form.


    Other than Yao Jiancai, the names of those artists who had been removed hadmitted their misdeeds more than 3 years ago and were apologetic about their actions, hence the automatic exclusion of their names by the SARFT. Except for one artist who hadmitted his misdeed of soliciting prostitutes within the past year, considerations were made due to the fact that he was unmarried and the crime wasn''t too serious, on top of which he had also expressed his regret in the events and so was given the chance to improve on his behavior. This was an example of the rifications to Decree #43 regarding those who hadmitted minor misdeeds within the past 3 years and were given the pass to have their ban revoked.


    This was what the rification generally meant and after Zhang Ye had finished reading through the article, he had also fully understood it''s meaning. No wonder Old Yao mentioned that it was due to him that he was able to get his ban lifted. But the timing of this rification was still quite ambiguous as ording the the current batch of banned artists, slightly less than half of them were covered by the conditions that would allow them to be unbanned, including Zhang Ye himself, involved in the minor crime of assault. Or it could be perceived as these conditions were actually made directly as a result of Zhang Ye''s crimes, which he felt was the true reason behind it!


    Why?


    Because of the artists who had been unbanned of course!


    This addendum rification had only obviously been issued a short while ago and the application had also just been leaked. The few banned artists who had their bans revoked could not have possibly filled in the form and submitted it beforehand. Yao Jiancai had also not made any mention of this application in the phone call and if he did fill it in and submit it, he would have made any mention of it. From this, it could be said that the other banned artists were in the same situation, so why didn''t they need to submit an application before getting their bans revoked while Zhang Ye''s name was still on the ban list? Was it because Zhang Ye had not made any apology since the incident? It did not seem like it. If a public apology could rece an application form, then why did this addendum have to state the procedures of filling up the application form so clearly? They even explicitly stated that this would be a required step in the procedures? Yet, in the revocation of the bans on the other previously banned artists, this was obviously not the case. Old Yao and the others did not fill in any application forms and were quickly taken off the ban list!


    Wasn''t it illogical?


    This showed that there was something fishy about it!


    It was as though this document was screaming out to Zhang Ye for him to fill it in. It was definitely directed at him and the other names on the list seemed irrelevant.


    Zhang Ye knew the reason for this. Why did it seem like it was targeted only at him? Logically speaking, on the list of banned artists, Zhang Ye was not the one with the most fans. There were others who had a few million fans, so Zhang Ye was not the most famous name on it as there were others who were previously B-list movie stars. Neither was his misdeed the most serious since there were drug abusers on it as well, so he should not have been so targeted if everything was considered. But it seemed it was happening because of one specific reason. The reason was that Zhang Ye was much better than any of these other artists at one, and only one thing��This wretch could really cause trouble!


    That Bamboos on the Rocks!


    That Li Bai poem!


    Going to Central TV to cause trouble with his crosstalk performances and the incidents regarding the promotions of Legend of Wukong!


    After he had been banned, Zhang Ye''s protest had never stopped. Time after time, he took the bull by the horns and created a stir that got bigger and bigger each time. He was the proverbial thorn in the side as each and every move he made had a big detrimental effect to the authorities. This was exactly the reason why he was targeted and the hidden agenda of this addendum rification!


    They want to revoke the ban on Zhang Ye!


    They want to pardon him for his offenses!


    But before that, Zhang Ye had topromise and fill up the application form to submit to the SARFT for approval. They wanted him to guarantee his behavior and admit to his offenses. As of yesterday, Zhang Ye had solved a global mathematical conjecture and his presence could no longer be suppressed, neither was it suitable to do so any longer. But to lift his ban directly would mean that the reputation of the SARFT was at stake! They needed a proper excuse to do so and to protect their reputation so that people would not gossip. This was why they hade up with a reason like this to lift the bans!


    ......


    This addendum rification had also caused a big reaction online!


    "Wow!"


    "Teacher Yao has had his ban lifted?"


    "That''s great. Looks like Teacher Zhang Ye will be unbanned soon as well!"


    "Haha, this is so exciting. The SARFT has finally loosened their grip on this. I thought that Teacher Zhang would have been banned for life. From the looks of it now, we are not far from the day Teacher Zhang returns to the entertainment circle. All he has to do is submit the application? That''s so simple. Teacher Zhang, quickly submit the form. Your misdeed was just a minor one. You merely beat someone up and that incident was already a thing of the past. The honor you have brought to our country''s mathematics world cannot be argued with, so just quicklyplete the form! The authorities will surely agree to lift the ban on you!"


    "Hooray! We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!"


    Many of Zhang Ye''s fans were cheering at this because their Teacher Zhang was finally going to be able to return through sheer perseverance after so long. How could they not be excited by this?


    But there were also those who understood the situation.


    "You''re all looking at this too simply!"


    "There are some problems with this rification. Why did they release this information at this time? It''s too coincidental. Clearly, they are targeting this at Zhang Ye. They knew that they could no longer suppress him but still want to keep their reputation, so they made such a move to force Zhang Ye topromise."


    "I see it that way as well. But no matter what, his career shoulde first so he should just submit the form as a procedure. It shouldn''t be a big deal."


    "But Zhang Ye has never expressed that he was not wrong in the incident involving Lee Anson. If you want him to submit the application and admit that he was wrong before, it seems unlikely that he will do so. Zhang Ye''s temper is well-known to all, so it might not happen as we want it to."


    "That can''t be? Teacher Zhang couldn''t possibly be so rigid?"


    "Yeah, it''s just an application form and can''t be considered as a self-review statement. Can''t he just pretend to be sincere?"


    At this time, a D-list celebrity that was also on the list of banned artists named Wu Shaoan posted on Weibo. He attached a picture of his application form and added the following: "The application has been sent. I recognize the seriousness of my misdeed and I promise to nevermit them again. I hereby ask for a chance and the authorities to lift the ban on me."


    Theizensmented.


    "Ah?"


    "He''s already submitted it so quickly?"


    "He acted so quickly."


    A few minutester, another banned artist also sent in his application. He did not post the application details but simply said so on Weibo.


    The third��


    The fifth��


    The seventh��


    All of these banned artists had been suppressed for so many days and could no longer bear the consequences. When they saw hopes of being unbanned, they grabbed at it. Even those celebrities who had considered retiring and moving into business reversed their decisions when they saw this rification. They printed out the application and immediately filled it in before submitting it to the SARFT in hopes that they would be approved.


    Eight people!


    Ten people!


    The number of applicants increased gradually.


    The SARFT also posted a statement: "After receiving the applications, the relevant departments will handle them immediately. Principle decisions will be made in noter than seven working days."


    Some of the artists who knew that they had no hopes of having their bans lifted also sent out the application form hoping for a miracle to happen. Even if they knew that it would not happen, they knew that they had to express the right attitude as they might have a chance should there be another round of applications. This was to leave a positive image on the authorities.


    But only one person did not do anything!


    Zhang Ye still did not show any signs of any actions!


    "Where''s Teacher Zhang?"


    "F**k, did Zhang Ye not see this?"


    "It can''t be! This is such big news, how could he not know!"


    "Zhang Ye,e out of wherever you are quickly!"


    "@ZhangYe don''t mess around any longer, quickly write your application!"


    "Yea, Teacher Zhang, don''t be so unrelenting. It would do anyone any good. Get past this setback first and return to the entertainment circle first before you think of anything else!"


    "Yea, don''t try to fight them like this! It''s more important to get your ban lifted!"


    The SARFT was paying a lot of attention to this matter. So were the media and countless other people!


    The news in the past two days had fully been focused on Zhang Ye. He was the talk of the town and any topics regarding him were highly publicized. So when this addendum rification was published, some media outlets started hyping it up. All theycked now was the main character showing himself as everyone waited for Zhang Ye toe forward with his application!


    At 10:05 PM, Zhang Ye''s Weibo finally saw some action!


    "It''s here!"


    "Ah!"


    "Zhang Ye has appeared!"


    "Take a look, quickly! Is it an application form?"


    Countless people swarmed to his Weibo page!


    Then, all of the media outlets andizens saw a sentence that left them in shock. It was a sentence that they had never seen before but was very well known in his previous world.


    On Zhang Ye''s Weibo, this was written:


    "Fighting the Heavens."


    "Fighting the Earth."


    "Fighting men."


    "What joy!"


    Trantor Notes:


    Poem titled Self-motivation: Struggle (�^�Y����) written by Mao Zedong at the age of 24 in 1917. The poem waster distorted to read as if Mao Zedong said "Fighting the Heavens, what joy! Fighting the Earth, what joy! Fighting men, what joy!"


    Indeed, in the original poem, the verses read as "Fighting with Heaven, oh the joy! Fighting with the Earth, oh the joy! Fighting with men, oh the joy!" However, the original verses have been distorted as "Fighting the Heavens," "Fighting the Earth," and "Fighting men." Hence, Mao Zedong was depicted as one who inclined to fight against everyone, and this ideology had been made the guiding principle for ss struggle.


    Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter! Don''t forget to vote, we look to be losing some pace already!

 Chapter 537: Zhang Ye’s The Road Not Taken!

    <h4>Chapter 537: Zhang Ye''s The Road Not Taken! </h4>


    Chapter 537: Zhang Ye''s The Road Not Taken!


    This poem had left everyone dumbfounded!


    What did he mean by "fighting the Heavens, Earth, and men"?


    What did he mean by "what joy"?


    Did it mean that Zhang Ye did not care about the addendum? He was not even intending to submit his application to have his ban lifted? He would not admit that he was wrong to hold Lee Anson responsible for his actions? He would notpromise just because they offered him amnesty? He was seriously thinking of continuing the damn fight?


    Theizens were shocked!


    "Goddammit!"


    "What the hell are you trying to do, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Aiyo, why are you still picking a fight. There was a good chance of getting your ban lifted but now that has turned to dust again. Teacher Zhang, could you justpromise a little?"


    "Compromise my ass! I support Zhang Ye''s decision!"


    "Yes, I will support Teacher Zhang Ye''s decision no matter what!"


    "Zhang Ye should never have been listed on the banned artist list in the first ce. Now that he has gotten credit for such a big achievement, how dare you request that Teacher Zhangpromise to your agenda before lifting his ban? Based on what!? Based on what does Teacher Zhang Ye have to bow his head to you! Based on what reasons that could excuse the authorities from apologizing and epting that they were wrong in the first ce? Yet you want Teacher Zhang Ye to take a step back and let you have it easy? F**k! Then who will let Teacher Zhang have it easy!"


    "Hehe, seeing that from Zhang Ye really lifted my spirits. I can totally imagine it since it''s his style!"


    "Hahaha, I''m so happy to see those words of his. The other artists could only think of apologizing and admitting to their misdeeds after they had been banned, but look at Zhang Ye! Not only will he not admit it, he is even looking for a fight while doing so. What did he say in the end? ''What joy!'' Pfft! You''re even able to treat this like a game! I really have nothing to criticize when ites to his attitude, it''s just so refreshing!"


    "F**k, is that really a good idea?"


    "What''s bad about it! Just fight it out with them!"


    "Hai, Teacher Zhang really gives me a headache. He always has me worried!"


    "Hur hur, if he could let others not worry about him, then he wouldn''t be called Zhang Ye. Many of us like him exactly because of this temper of his!"


    "It''s done for. This time, he''s flipped the table on them and there''s no longer any chance of getting his ban lifted!"


    ����


    SARFT.


    At a certain department.


    "That Zhang Ye!"


    "Supervisor, he''s such a hooligan!"


    "We''ve already offered him an olive branch, yet he is refusing to reach his hand out? What sort of person is he!"


    "What should we do now? If he won''t ept this approach, then how are we going to get him unbanned?"


    "Then we should just leave him be! The new Deputy Chief Wang will be arriving soon. We have already done all that we could, so we should just wait for Chief Wang''s instructions from here on!"


    "I suppose that''s the only way now."


    "When the new deputy chief arrives, that Zhang Ye will only have further sufferings."


    "A newly appointed official will surely flex his muscles a little. Zhang Ye is already on the collision course since even though we stretched out our hands to reach out to him, he refused to grab on! I guess there''s no other way then! It wouldn''t help even if any of us calls Zhang Ye to rify this about matter. We have our excuse regarding this matter since we''ve already tried to resolve it with him. As long as he submits the application form, his ban would be lifted. But since he does not want to do it, then we won''t be held responsible for his own decisions!"


    ����


    When Zhang Ye posted the update, there were great effects everywhere.


    Some of the media outlets had already nned to do a coverage on Zhang Ye''s news about his mathematical conjecture proof and his past incidents, etc. Some of them even nned to release the news over several issues as they believed that he was about the have his ban lifted by the SARFT. As media workers, they had a keener sense to such news. But little did they know that although they had guessed that the SARFT would offer him an olive branch, they could not guess Zhang Ye''s reaction to it! Zhang Ye had actually refused topromise to the conditions stated by the SARFT and this had affected the ns of the media outlets greatly!


    What should they do?


    Should they report about the news or not?


    If they were to continue reporting on Zhang Ye''s news, then how much coverage should they give to it? What sort of way should the news be expressed in? All of these factors were highly debatable!


    In the past, media reports were under the jurisdiction of the General Administration of Press and Publication until it had merged with the SARFT. They could not ignore the regtions put in ce by their overseeing authority. Since the rtion between the SARFT and Zhang Ye was now at its lowest, the media had to take this into consideration when it came to deciding which reports they should publicize and which not to. For the case of the mathematical conjecture, since it was such a high profile incident and news media all over the world was reporting on it, they could not possibly not mention a word in their publications as well. They would not be able to exin that!


    All in all, they could onlye to one conclusion.


    The conclusion was that Zhang Ye was really a troublesome person!


    ����


    At the resort.


    In the suite.


    Zhang Ye was not affected by the on-goings of the outside world. After he posted on Weibo, he went back to concentrating on his novel writing. Beside him, his cellphone which was switched back to alert mode suddenly rang again. Ring ring ring, ring ring ring. He got a call from someone!


    It was Yao Jiancai!


    "Old Bro! What the heck are you doing!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I didn''t do anything."


    Yao Jiancai snappily said, "It was almost certain that the ban on you would be lifted, so why�� Aiya, it''s just an application form. Why don''t I just write it on your behalf? I can even forge your handwriting."


    "It''s fine, Old Yao."


    "Can''t you just listen to me, your bro for once?"


    "It''s not that I don''t want to." Zhang Ye said seriously, "But sometimes, if you bow your head once to them, you will find it hard to be able to raise it again. You know what kind of person I am, the word promise'' doesn''t exist in my dictionary!"


    "You! I''ve really given up on you!"


    "Just stay out of this, Old Yao. You''ve already been unbanned, so do your job well and buy me dinner sometime. As for me, I will surely continued this with them!" Zhang Ye said optimistically.


    "Alright, alright." Yao Jiancai sounded helpless as he hung up the call.


    Following that, a text arrived on his cell phone as well.


    It was a message from the songstress, Grandma Zhang Xia: "I''ve seen the news report and saw you Weibo post as well. The application form is not an apology letter. It''s not as serious as you think."


    Zhang Ye replied: "Grandma Zhang, I know."


    Grandma Zhang Xia: "Then submit the application."


    Zhang Ye replied: "I really can''t do it."


    Grandma Zhang Xia: "Alright then. Since you''ve already decided, I won''t say another word."


    Zhang Ye: "Thank you for you concern."


    Thereafter, a call from Zhang Yuanqi''s manager arrived as well.


    The first thing Fang Weihong said when the call connected was "Why?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "No reason."


    Fang Weihong said pitifully, "You have so much talent in writing lyrics andposing music and Sister Zhang has always wanted to work long term with you. If you are still on the banned artist list,we can''t use your songs even if we wanted to. It would surely be held back if we tried to publish it, so speaking selfishly, I really want you to have your ban lifted. Think about your career and your future, there is really no need to do this, no?"


    Zhang Yeughed without saying a word.


    Fang Weihong could only shake her head and said, "Forget it, I won''t say any more."


    Many of his friends had either made calls or sent him messages, mainly asking him "why?".


    Zhang Ye could not continue writing because he had to reply to them, so he casually switched on the TV and channel surfed a little before finally stopping at Beijing Television Station''s satellite channel, BTV-1. On it was shown Talking Point which was a live broadcasted program that was presided by a host who also acted as amentator, discussing the talking points of thetest news with a few other newsmentators. Zhang Ye had watched this program before but never paid much attention to it, but today, he did so because they were discussing none other than him.


    The headline for this episode was about the matter of the mathematical conjecture. It gradually shifted its focus to the banned Zhang Ye and histest Weibo post. Behind them on arge screen, manyments from theizens could be clearly seen. All of thesements expressed puzzlement at Zhang Ye''s decision!


    A malementator said, "I find it very strange too."


    A femalementator added, "I am curious as I''ve been following many of the incidents regarding Teacher Zhang and it seems to me that many of his major decisions are made differently from other people."


    The host said, "We have managed to get Teacher Zhang Ye''s contact number here."


    Zhang Ye''s contact number was very difficult to get ahold of as most people did not know it and couldn''t even contact him even if they wanted to. As Zhang Ye did not take part in anymercial events, he had never left a contact number publicly to anyone. But since Beijing Television Station was Zhang Ye''s previous employer, it would be impossible that they would not be able to get hold of his contact number as this information was kept on his file. Besides, they could also have easily obtained it by making a visit to Zhang Ye''s ex-colleagues to find out about it.


    The second malementator said, "Oh, really? We can contact Zhang Ye directly?"


    The host nodded. "We do not know if the call will connect though." Then he spoke into his headset, "Could we trouble our director to help us link up with Teacher Zhang Ye via a call?"


    Zhang Ye who was watching this had a bit ofugh when he heard that.


    Then, he saw his cell phone screening lighting up in front of him and an unknown number appeared on the caller ID. Zhang Ye looked at it and finally decided to answer it.


    Coincidentally at this moment, the bedroom door opened.


    Wu Zeqing, dressed in a bathrobe, walked out holding her phone in her hand with its screen still lit up. She probably had already seen Zhang Ye''s Weibo and knew that he had given up the best shot he had at getting unbanned.


    Zhang Ye put a finger to his lips to let her know to be quiet.


    Wu Zeqing nodded and went to get a drink for herself.


    On the television, the host suddenly said, "It connected."


    Zhang Ye heard this voice twice, once on his phone and a momentter, on television. Even though this was a live broadcast, there was still ag time of about a little more than a second.


    ......


    On the inte.


    Someone eximed!


    "Damn! Quickly, tune in to BTV-1!"


    "What''s the matter, what''s the matter?"


    "Talking Point is on and they''ve made contact with Zhang Ye! It''s a live broadcast! Everyone, quickly go watch it! Don''t miss it! The hosts seem like they will be asking questions about Teacher Zhang''s refusal to the SARFT''s proposal!"


    "Really? I''ming!"


    "Quickly inform the others! They need to watch this!"


    Zhang Ye''s fans and many otherizens turned on their televisions and tuned in to the program.


    ����


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    "Dad!"


    "What?"


    "Come quickly! The television program is interviewing Teacher Zhang!"


    "Oh? I''ming, I''ming!"


    ����


    Hong Kong.


    In a waiting room at the backstage of a television station.


    Fang Weihong who was watching television made a curious sound, "Zhang Ye?" Then, she turned around and shouted, "Sister Zhang, do you want to see this? They''re interviewing Little Zhang over the phone."


    "Really?"


    ����


    The number of people who were paying attention to this program had increased crazily!


    After all, this was the hottest topic currently and the live broadcast program was even able to contact the involved party, so naturally everyone was extremely curious about what Zhang Ye would say during the interview.


    On television.


    The host had not expected that they would really be able to get in contact with the man of the moment and so had his spirits raised by this. "Hello, how are you? Is this Teacher Zhang Ye? I am the host of Talking Point, Zhao Zhao."


    Zhang Ye replied in a calm voice, "Hello."


    The host verified again, "Is this really Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    Zhang Yeughed and replied, "I don''t dare to be called a teacher, but my name is indeed Zhang Ye."


    The host immediately continued, "I''m here with a few of our guestmentators at the live studio venue and we''re discussing the matter regarding your application to have your ban lifted. We''ve also seen many of ourizen friends''ments, including the few of us as well, who have been left puzzled by your decision not to submit it. If you''re still on the banned list, then wouldn''t it be really difficult for you from here on out? Can you tell us why you made such a decision? Why you arrived at such an unfathomable decision?"


    Wu Zeqing leaned against the wall, drinking her tea and watching the program on television.


    Zhang Ye was also facing the television screen. Holding his phone still to his ear, he thought for a moment. He did not know how to answer them, nor did he know how to answer it properly.


    Why?


    Why?


    This question was really not easily answerable.


    Finally, Zhang Ye closed his eyes and said very calmly:


    "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, / And sorry I could not travel both"


    When they heard this, on the television screen, the host could clearly be seen looking a little stunned. The three guestmentators beside him were also a little taken aback as they looked at each other. Including those seated in front of their television sets, everyone was experiencing a simr reactions!


    Two roads?


    One was the path ofpromise so that he could return to the entertainment circle? The other path was to notpromise and leave his future hanging?


    Meanwhile on the broadcast, Zhang Ye''s voice continued on:


    "And be one traveler, long I stood


    And looked down one as far as I could


    To where it bent in the undergrowth;


    Then took the other, as just as fair,


    And having perhaps the better im,


    Because it was grassy and wanted wear;


    Though as for that the passing there


    Had worn them really about the same,


    And both that morning equallyy


    In leaves no step had trodden ck.


    Oh, I kept the first for another day!


    Yet knowing how way leads on to way,


    I doubted if I should evere back.


    I shall be telling this with a sigh


    Somewhere ages and ages hence:


    Two roads diverged in a wood, and I��


    I took the one less traveled by,


    And that has made all the difference."


    This poem of course did not exist in this world and was only known to those in Zhang Ye''s previous world. It was a work by the American poet, Robert Frost��The Road Not Taken.


    With regards to the host''s question as well as theizens'' and his friends question to him, Zhang Ye did not know how to tell them in his own words as to why he did what he did. He had no way to put it into words! This was why he chose to use a poem instead. He felt that this poem was the only one that could express what he was feeling at this moment!


    In the paths that appear at different points of life, there can only be one decision. So Zhang Ye had chosen a path that was less traveled. Perhaps no one else had ever walked down this road and it could be full of difficulties and setbacks. But he would not regret it and he would never turn back! Because this was the path he chose!


    What he needed to do was to keep going on and on.


    On this path, there should not be any questions or reasons!


    He did not want to know how incredibly beautiful and scenic the other path that he did not take would have been!


    ED Note: The "road less traveled" is something the narrator of the poem tells himself tofort himself "ages and ages hence ter]", as the two roads are "equallyy / In leaves no step had trodden ck" and "worn �� really about the same", not a road that is really less traveled, as is themon misconception.


    Trantor''s Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter! Don''t forget to vote, we look to be losing some pace already!

 Chapter 538: Zhang Ye’s retort!

    <h4>Chapter 538: Zhang Ye''s retort! </h4>


    Chapter 538: Zhang Ye''s retort!


    On television.


    The studio went silent for a second.


    Then, the host quickly reacted by asking, "The name of this poem is....?"


    Zhang Yeughed a little and answered, "It''s called The Road Not Taken."


    The host praised, "Teacher Zhang can reallye up with impromptu gems like that. Everyone could not understand your decision before, but after hearing your poem, I believe it is enough to make them understand."


    The female guestmentator was so moved by the poem that she looked very emotional and had an expression of sadness as she said, "Teacher Zhang, in the past, after I''ve heard your poems and speeches or read your essays, my blood would always be surging with adrenaline. It''s really rare to hear such a style of poem like today''s."


    The male guestmentator said, "Yes, we don''t usually get that from you."


    The other middle-agedmentator added, "I''m still getting used to it."


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, even I myself need to get used to this."


    Having unexpectedly contacted Zhang Ye, interviewed him, and even received one of his newlyposed works on the live broadcast of Talking Point, the host was already very satisfied. In his ear piece, the director''s voice sounded and he stopped probing with further questions to Zhang Ye. He simply said a few words of thanks to Zhang Ye and hung up the call. Since Zhang Ye had refused topromise and had already chosen his path, with the SARFT as their overseeing authority, it wouldn''t do any good if they got too cushy with Zhang Ye. They did not continue to give him any more coverage and stopped right there and then.


    ����


    Talking Point was an above-average viewership rated program and was broadcasted live throughout the entire country via BTV-1''s satellite channel. Today''s broadcast was shown on many television screens in countless of homes.


    Those who watched the live broadcast also heard this poem.


    On the television station''s forums and Weibo, the discussion about this topic started to heat up!


    "Good poem!"


    "What a great ''I took the one less traveled by''!"


    "This is truly the depth of a master!"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye has really livened up literature!"


    "Some literary people might not even be able topose a poem with such an artistic mood in their whole lives, but when Teacher Zhang does it, he does it with little to no effort. It''s just like cabbage being sold at the market. Whoever wants some will get however much they want!"


    "The meaning behind this poem simply means to say that he is taking the path less trodden on! Since Teacher Zhang Ye debuted, every step that he took, his personality, his temperament, all of these could be interpreted from his poems!"


    "Support Zhang Ye!"


    "Right, no matter which path you choose to walk on, we will walk along with you!"


    "Hah! F**k them! Have any of us from Zhang Ye''s fan club ever been afraid of anyone before!"


    "Who''s afraid of who! Come on! If you all don''t intend to lift the ban, then don''t! In the short life of a man, what''s most important is that we live to the fullest! Even if Teacher Zhang Ye is unable to return to the entertainment circle, we will still wait!"


    "Agreed! We will wait until we die!"


    "+1!"


    "Stubbornly waiting until Teacher Zhang, the King returns!"


    Of course, there were also a lot of people who disagreed with his decision.


    "What a thorn!"


    "Zhang Ye''s definitely finished this time!"


    "Yes. With him proving Dale''s Conjecture, he should already be enjoying the fame and limelight. But he ended up not grabbing his chance to get his ban lifted and pushed his luck instead? You might be unstoppable right now with all the headlines focused on you solving the mathematical conjecture, but surely you can''t expect to ride this wave all your life, right? It will surely die down after some time, then what will you do? Do you really not intend to return to the entertainment business anymore? If you n to do so, then at least show the right attitude? Even if you keep pressing it, will you be able to outdo the authorities? If they do not lift your ban, then what can you do?"


    ����


    At the SARFT.


    "Supervisor, Manager Chen!"


    "What are you running for?"


    "The management wants me to inform you all that the newly appointed Deputy Chief Wang is headed here to inspect our department!"


    "Ah? He''s here so early? Didn''t they say that it would be in the afternoon?"


    "It''s the weing banquet that would be held in the afternoon, but Deputy Chief Wang has already arrived in the morning. He has already reported officially to take over his duties. He intends to go around to understand more about the departments that he would be overseeing and is already on his way right now. He will be here very soon!"


    "Alright, we understand!"


    "Clean up the area a little!"


    "Supervisor, should we report about Zhang Ye''s incident?"


    "If he asks, then we will report it. We won''t be able to hide it anyway!"


    ����


    Soon after.


    The SARFT issued another statement.


    To begin, they issued the statement announcing the change of appointments, with Wang Changlei as the new Deputy Chief of the SARFT.


    Then, very quickly, the next statement was issued as well. It''s unknown under whose order this came from, nor whether if it was due to the live broadcast earlier on BTV-1 or because of the strong support for Zhang Ye on the inte, but the department responsible for implementing the measures of not airing any broadcasts involving banned artists was the one who issued this statement. First, it gave its approval to the banned artists who had submitted their applications online and processed it with quick efficiency. A total of 4 artists had their bans lifted with immediate effect. Next, it repeated and emphasized about the controls on banned artists and how all media outlets are to strictly enforce it without any letup!


    Judging from the contents, it seemed like this statement was issued specifically with Beijing Television station''s BTV-1 in mind.


    The statement also mentioned that any banned artists who did notpromise or had intentions to revolt would be punished even more harshly, as if they were referring directly to Zhang Ye.


    "It''s beginning!"


    "The battle is starting again! "


    "The battle has be even more exciting now! It doesn''t look like the end is in sight!"


    Many of thoseizens who were joining in to see the action were cheering on the excitement.


    At this moment, the battle of the suppression of banned artists had begun again. It was building up to a climax and it seemed like Zhang Ye''s future was looking dim.


    ����


    At the resort.


    The air was clean and not as stuffy as the outside.


    "Not a bad poem," Wu Zeqing said as she walked to the sofa and took a seat. She elegantly put down her tea cup and continued, "You''re going up against them again?"


    Zhang Ye coughed. "You saw it on Weibo?"


    Wu Zeqing nodded. "I saw it."


    Zhang Ye wanted to exin to her why he did that, but before he could say anything, Wu Zeqing had already moved on to another topic, not bothered by the issue at hand.


    She smiled and said, "How much have you written for your novel already?"


    "Oh, I''ve almost finished it," Zhang Ye said.


    "You didn''t getzy, right? Let me check it." She sat down beside him.


    Zhang Ye opened up the document for her with a smile. "I started writing since this morning. Other than updating Weibo and answering a few calls, I did nothing else. Why don''t you take a look at it first?"


    She said, "Big Sis will read it on the phone. You continue writing."


    Zhang Ye was a little taken aback. "Write it right now?"


    She asked, "Why can''t you write it now?"


    "....Alright." Zhang Ye nodded.


    Whenever Zhang Ye was involved in some trouble, his friends or rtives would alwayse and ask him about it. They always wanted to know what was going on before criticizing him a little. This had always been the case and everyone was the same, except for Wu Zeqing. She was clearly not the same as them as she did not ask anything regarding Zhang Ye''s refusal to submit an application to get his ban lifted. Instead, she chose to supervise him as he wrote the novel and encourage him. This saved a lot of exining on Zhang Ye''s part, and with that, it alsoforted him greatly.


    With Old Wu, he never had to speak unnecessarily. No matter what he did, as long as he felt it was right, as long as he determinedly stuck with it, Old Wu would surely give her full understanding and support.


    Write on!


    Zhang Ye began to type away noisily!


    Beside him, Old Wu, who had finished reading histest post, stood up and went to use the suite''s phone to make a call to the reception desk. She got them to send some food up, not cooked but raw food. This was also a service that the resort provided and Old Wu began cooking in the kitchen. Her well-honed culinary skills of washing then cutting the ingredients was done slowly and calmly. This was the charm of a mature woman.


    One chapter!


    One chapter!


    One more chapter!


    At 12:35 PM, Zhang Ye finally snapped his fingers andughed out loudly as he posted thest chapter of the main story. Other than the spin-off, this novel had beenpleted!


    Old Wu, who was preparing the soup, raised her head up when she heard this. "You''re done with it?"


    Zhang Ye stretched his body and said, "I''ve finished it! It''spleted!"


    "Are you hungry?"


    "I''m very hungry!"


    "Hur hur, alright, wait a little while more."


    "Thanks for the trouble, Old Wu."


    "It''s no trouble."


    Old Wu lit the stove and started frying some vegetables.


    Zhang Ye rested on his chair rxingly clicking on the mouse as he browsed through thements online.


    ......


    On the blog''sment section.


    "Wau!"


    "Legend of Wukong ispleted!"


    "Old Zhang''s really impressive today! I''ve already finished reading!"


    "With so much happening in these past two days, it seems like Teacher Zhang was not affected by it and wrote his novel at such a fast speed. Just by this, I have to give Teacher Zhang my Like!"


    "Teacher Zhang has such high productivity! Look at the other authors who take a few months at least to finish a book of a few hundred thousand words, some take longer and stretch it to a year or even a few years! But see how good Teacher Zhang is,ing up with such an elite piece of work in just a matter of days? And it is of such a high standard too?"


    "I''m really very impressed with Zhang Ye. No matter how bad his temper is, he is still doing something with his pen, his mouth, his hands and can deliver elite pieces of work after work to the people. His poems can stir the people, giving them strength. His essays can move the people, making them think. His crosstalk and talk show performances can make everyoneugh and lift their moods, his novels can bring happiness and sadness to everyone, letting them forget their troubles. Regarding Zhang Ye, while many people have mixed feelings about him, it cannot be denied that he has always been serious about his work. But what about the others? Like people from certain authorities? What are you all doing? All you know is how to talk about how this is not allowed or that is not allowed, talking about how Teacher Zhang Ye should be banned because he is not correct about something. But I would like to throw the question back to you all. What are you all correct about? Eh? What do you all do everyday from morning until night? Eh?"


    Then, someone began topile a list of quotes from Legend of Wukong!


    Quote 1: "I want for the sky to not cover my eyes! / I want for thisnd to not bury my heart! / I want for all living beings to understand me! / I want for all those Buddhas to vanish from my life!"


    Countless people started replying to this.


    "This one''s good!"


    "This phrase is great!"


    "This is the most ssic one! I love it!"


    "Zhang Ye''s temper could be seen clearly from this. He is exactly the type of person who would dare y a different tune to the heavens and earth! He was using his novel to let the people know about his intentions!"


    Quote 2: "Even if the Heavens oppress me, splitting the skies, crumbling the earth beneath my feet, I was born free, so who dares im dominance over me!"


    "That was a great one too!"


    "I loved that phrase!"


    "Awesome!"


    Quote 3: "If the gods aren''t greedy, why do they not tolerate a little criticism? If the gods aren''t evil, why do they put the fates of so many within their grasp?"


    "There''s so many hidden meanings in these quotes!"


    "I''ve read this phrase a few times over! Zhang Ye''s meaning was clear for all to see!"


    "It''s only Zhang Ye who dares to do something like that. Most people wouldn''t dare write something like this at all!"


    "These words are Zhang Ye''s questions! Right, if you all had no greed, why would you not be able ept a little criticism? You just assume that it is disrespect? You take it as insubordination? If you were not evil, why do you always force people to obey your orders unconditionally? They can''t even air any grievances?"


    "Well scolded!"


    "This is really satisfying! That''s exactly what I''m furious about!"


    "I can finally see it, that this Legend of Wukong has been Teacher Zhang Ye''s roar of anger from the beginning till the end! This is his retort! Zhang Ye finished his novel right after the SARFT had just released their statement and made their stand. He is announcing his intention of warring against them!"


    "Although it''s not evenly matched, I will still support Zhang Ye with all I''ve got!"


    "Right! I support Face-smacking Zhang!"


    "Everyone, use your actions to support Teacher Zhang! Using a quote from Legend of Wukong: ''I might be a pig, but. I. will. not. let. you. freely. ughter. me''!"


    "Well said!"


    "We won''t let you ughter us!"


    With the statement issued by the SARFT, Zhang Ye had immediately begun his retort!


    The battle had be even more exciting now!


    The situation was headed for a deadlock!


    Trantor''s Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 539: The Difficulty Adjustment Die’s ultimate power!

    <h4>Chapter 539: The Difficulty Adjustment Die''s ultimate power! </h4>


    Chapter 539: The Difficulty Adjustment Die''s ultimate power!


    In the afternoon.


    They had eaten and drunk their fill.


    Old Wu was leaning back on the sofa with her phone in her hand, reading thest chapter of Legend of Wukong.


    Zhang Ye was holding a toothpick in his hand picking his teeth in a rxed manner. With one hand satisfactorily on his belly, he mumbled, "I''m so full, the food was so delicious. Huu, I''m sweating just from eating." Looking to the sofa, he said, "Old Wu, you''re about to go to the south for your new appointment. When I can''t get to eat your home cooked dishes in the future, I''ll surely die. Why don''t you stay? Otherwise, I will really die."


    He was bringing up the same topic again.


    Although he knew that the appointment could not be changed, Zhang Ye was still unwilling to let Wu Zeqing go. He wished that she would stay on in Beijing and get posted to some other appointment even if she did not stay in Peking University. That would be the best since he could still meet her. But thinking about it, he also had his aspirations and Old Wu would definitely have hers as well. She had goals that she worked for to get ahead in her job. It wasn''t easy working for the government, and even though Zhang Ye had never been an official or a civil servant before, he clearly understood this. For Old Wu to obtain her achievements up till now, it must not have been easy. This transfer should be rather important for her as even if it was ateral promotion, it was still necessary to prepare her for her next upward promotion. She couldn''t miss this chance.


    When he thought of all these, Zhang Ye changed his tone. "Forget it, treat it as I did not say that."


    She continued reading the novel, calmly replying, "If you really want to, you can fly over ande visit Big Sis."


    Zhang Ye forced a smile and said, "Sure."


    "Besides, it''s still not confirmed yet. Didn''t I mention to you that, as long as the appointment has not been given and if there are somest minute changes, I might still not be going?" she said.


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Won''t be going? How big are the chances?"


    She did not raise her head up and just said, "0.1%."


    "That''s as good as going for sure. A 0.1% chance is no different from a 0% chance," Zhang Ye said, knowing that he should not talk about this anymore. They were going to be separated soon and only had these few extra days together. At such times, he should only talk about happy things.


    Suddenly, she put down her phone and said, "I''ve finished reading."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Not too bad?"


    "Yes, the literary standard is still as outstanding as ever. It''s like you can write anything quite well," Old Wu praised him and then looked at him. "You''re worthy of being my little boyfriend."


    Zhang Ye was a little speechless and said in annoyance, "What do you mean, ''little boyfriend''? Just boyfriend will do."


    She nodded. "Alright, boyfriend."


    Zhang Ye was very proud of this. He went over to the sofa and sat down, holding Old Wu''s hand.


    Old Wu naturally held his hand as well. "After Big Sis leaves, I won''t be able to look after you everyday. Honestly speaking, I am a little worried about you."


    Zhang Ye sighed. "It''s not worth it."


    "When I''m around, I can help you whenever needed. I can supervise wherever you need my supervision." Sheughed. "When I''m gone, you just might get into some big trouble again."


    Zhang Ye said, "You don''t wish to go?"


    Old Wu replied, "Yes, I don''t really want to go to the south. Hur hur, but that can''t be helped. If the organization has already decided, then I can only follow it. So when I''m not around for the next few years, you have to take care of yourself. If there''s anything that you want advice on, you can always call me. Even though I''m older than you, I can''t im that I am smarter or more cultured than you. But at the very least, Big Sis has more experience with many things, so giving you some advice will definitely not be a problem."


    "Alright, I understand."


    "How do you intend to deal with the trouble with the SARFT?"


    "I don''t know, I will just take it a step at a time. That has always been how I dealt with things since the beginning anyway."


    "Since you''ve already chosen a different path from the others, be determined. Don''t be bothered by what others say of you and remember that I will always be supporting you."


    "Thanks, Old Wu."


    Old Wu''s words left Zhang Ye feeling great and took away all his stress. With such a woman by his side, Zhang Ye felt that even if the whole world were scolding him, he would be alright with it!


    Later in the afternoon.


    The two of them didn''t go anywhere and just stayed in the room to chat.


    Perhaps it was because he knew that they wouldn''t have much time left together, Zhang Ye spoke about a lot of things. He chatted with Old Wu about the news, about celebrities, and even gossiped.


    He was unwilling to see her go!


    They sat together intimately and affectionately!


    But life is always full of surprises!


    The way some things developed would always be unexpected to everyone. Zhang Ye wouldn''t have believed it if you told him that the uing developments would be so dramatic! Even for someone like him who had witnessed all sorts of unbelievable situations, he was dumbfounded for a while!


    At 1:15 PM.


    Wu Zeqing''s cell phone rang. She took a call from a department of the organization.


    "Hello, President Wu."


    "Secretary Chen."


    "There''s something I should let you know in advance. Regarding your appointment changes this time, I''m afraid that some problems have cropped up. The personnel over at the south did not handle the paperwork properly and there are no more open positions left. You might have to wait a little longer while I try tomunicate and sort it out with the organization. Wait for my call. I will try to arrange something as soon as I can."


    "Alright, sorry to trouble you, Secretary Chen."


    "Don''t say that. I had given you the guarantee for this job previously but somehow it did not work out. I should be the one apologizing, so anyway, just wait for my news."


    After hanging up, Old Wu said to Zhang Ye, "It seems like your wishes hade true, heh heh. The 0.1% chance really did happen."


    Zhang Ye was a little confused and asked, "What''s the matter?"


    She said, "There are some problems with the new appointment and they told me to wait for further news."


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "Wow, really?"


    "Let''s go." Old Wu stood up. "Big Sis needs to start contacting some people to find out more about this. I''ll have quite a bit to do. Why don''t you send me back home?"


    "OK, this is more important." Zhang Ye quickly packed up and checked out of the resort with Old Wu.


    Zhang Ye was actually feeling a little suspicious and wondered if it could be due to the five times reduced difficulty effect. Up until now, the Difficulty Adjustment Die''s effect was still going on as there was a total of a little more than six days. Right now, there were a little less than two days left to go!


    Old Wu might be able to stay after all?


    That would be great!


    Zhang Ye did not think much and could only be happy about it. But the developments of this event would once again leave him dumbfounded over and over again. It was seriously too shocking!


    ����


    That night.


    An incident urred at the SARFT!


    The newly appointed deputy chief, Comrade Wang Changlei, had a weing banquet thrown for him after the issuance of the statements to warn Zhang Ye and the television stations. But as a result of overdrinking at the banquet, he suffered a stroke and had to be rushed to the hospital. In the evening, the medical report indicated that he would be unfit for his duties at the SARFT, and as such, had to step down from his post. It seemed that the procedures for his resignation were already being processed, and ording to the online news outlets, the organization had also epted Comrade Wang''s resignation.


    Theizens were very surprised at this oue!


    Many people also began ridiculing such an incident!


    "Another incident at a weing banquet! Isn''t this already the second time it had happened?"


    "They were even drinking while on the job?"


    "What the heck were they doing?"


    "F**k, something has already happened so soon after he had taken over?"


    "Are they going to change to a new deputy chief again? Who would it be?"


    There were not many people who were too concerned about this news as it wasn''t something that affected them. But people from the entertainment circle all paid close attention to this as any movement in the upper management of the SARFT would affect the celebrities and entertainmentpanies very directly. It''s like how a ser yer and the ser team are affected by the ser associations as those were the authorities who had control over their livelihoods. An appointment like the deputy chief would surely attract the attention of countless entertainment circle members as even any changes in middle management would already be something that affected them. Including the bosses of the entertainmentpanies, the cadres of the television station, and those A- and B-list celebrities, all of them would surely have to pay attention to such matters!


    A new leader of the overseeing authority, and you don''t even know the name of the person? Then do you think you can survive in this field? Definitely not!


    And so, everyone from the entertainment circle had their full attention on this matter!


    ����


    The next day.


    A new appointment had been issued.


    Comrade He Yi from the State Council Information Office would be taking over the duties from Comrade Wang Changlei.


    A sense of surprise rippled through the entertainment circle.


    "Deputy Chief Wang is really stepping down?"


    "They''ve already chosen a new guy to take over the appointment?"


    "So it really turned out to be Director He. I''d guessed so. Only Director He has the necessary experience and qualifications since he has been in the field of news and publicity for so many years. After the incident involving Deputy Chief Wang, the whole branch must be in a mess. Director He is the only one who can take hold of and control the situation."


    Very quickly, a lot of people started reacting to the news.


    Some staff from the entertainmentpanies immediately rushed to handle the public rtions. Several bigwigs from the entertainment circle who had links to the SARFT''s upper management also contacted Director He or his rtives directly to congratte him, trying to make a good impression and improve their rtions. Such ground work needed to be done early.


    But ten hourster, on the evening of the day of his appointment, before Comrade He Yi had even received his appointment letter from the SARFT, a case that the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection had been investigating had a major breakthrough and important evidence was uncovered. As the top party members ced significant attention on this case, themission sent out their operatives overnight to quickly gather the evidence to press charges against the involved personnel.


    Late in the middle of the night, there were rumors of Comrade He Yi being taken away from his home.


    In the morning, this rumor was verified by the relevant authority and the case was exposed, involving more than a dozen people of which Comrade He Yi was amongst.


    The case caused a sensation!


    The entertainment circle was once again shocked!


    "What?"


    "Damn!"


    "How could something like that happen again?"


    "How could the past two days be full of happenings like that? How absurd can it get?"


    "The SARFT had just dered war on Teacher Zhang Ye and their internal department has already been thrown into chaos?"


    "Teacher Zhang really deserves the title of jinx!"


    This time, not only people from the entertainment circle had their attentions on this matter, even themoners could not help but turn their attention to this in shock!


    "They''re changing people again?"


    "��"


    "Is there even anyone left to change with?"


    "There shouldn''t be many who are qualified enough,have done work in the publicity department, and can handle the mess right now, right?"


    "Who will they switch to this time?"


    "My guess is that they will promote from within the SARFT itself?"


    "That can''t be. Their department heads and leaders are stillcking in qualifications by far too much. If they were to be promoted to the deputy chief''s position, that would be too forced. Although it is called a deputy chief position, the SARFT is a leading role in the ministry and its deputy chief ranking is of vice-ministerial level! If they were to promote from within, that would not adhere to the policies! How can that be right?"


    Those who knew how the system worked were all discussing privately. It was not safe to talk about a leading role in a government ministry on the inte. Those who did so were probably just talking nonsense or bragging about their knowledge.


    Time slowly ticked away.


    The tension and pressing urgency was spreading!


    The whole entertainment circle was now concerned about who this third appointee would be and how that person would affect the future of the entertainment circle.


    ����


    The sun rose.


    The morning sun did not arrive untilte morning.


    Just when the five times difficulty reduction period was in itsst minute of effect, the appointment statement was finally released to all in the entertainment industry!


    "It''s out!"


    "Quick, take a look!"


    "Who could it be?"


    Statement issued in regards to change of appointments:


    Comrade He Yi has been stripped of all duties and dishonorably discharged from the party.


    Peking University''s Vice-President Comrade Wu Zeqing will be appointed to the role of Deputy


    Chief of the SARFT in effect immediately!


    When this news was released, the whole entertainment circle flew into an uproar!


    Three seconds����


    Two seconds����


    One second����


    [Ding!]


    [Countdownplete!]


    [Difficulty Adjustment Die��Five times reduced difficulty effectpleted!]


    Trantor''s Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 540: Return of the.....Jinx!

    <h4>Chapter 540: Return of the.....Jinx! </h4>


    Chapter 540: Return of the.....Jinx!


    On this day.


    On the weekend.


    The flowers were blooming for spring''s arrival.


    Zhang Ye had gone back to his parents'' housest night. His parents were having a rest day today and his father was in the living room preparing meat fillings while his mother was making dumpling skins for the fillings.


    Zhang Ye came out of his bedroom. "Dad, Mom."


    His father looked over to him and said, "You''re up?"


    "Yeah, what''s for lunch?" Zhang Ye nced at them.


    His mother turned around and smiled. "Dumplings with pork and leek filling."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Heh, dumplings are great, I will definitely eat more then."


    "All you know is to eat. Why don''t you help us a little instead?" His mother stared at him. "Go and get me some flour. I don''t have enough for the dumpling skins here."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Yes, Ma''am! Edict received!"


    The television was switched on and the news was being reported. On screen, a familiar figure appeared. It was Wu Zeqing in her new office being interviewed by the media. As Old Wu was now heading a department that dealt with important and sensitive issues, along with the recent problems that hit the SARFT in the past two days, the media immediately arranged to interview her. Her first day on the job was yesterday. They asked about some of the more pressing issues that the people had, and also asked about the direction of future policies that the SARFT would adopt from now on. For example, the current censorship rules for some television dramas or film productions and whether there would be any changes to them. Wu Zeqing spoke diplomatically and answered all the questions.


    This was the interview from yesterday and it was just being rebroadcasted today.


    His father who also watched it yesterday asked him out of concern, "President Wu has really been acknowledged this time. Did she get promoted by a rank?"


    Zhang Ye nodded, "She''s now a leading ministry''s deputy chief."


    His father also knew a little about politics and government, mainly from listening to others. "I heard that by qualification this appointment should not have been assigned to President Wu. After all, her age is still not there yet and having such a young deputy chief when there aren''t even a few of them around in the whole country, not to mention that she''s also a woman? That''s even rarer than rare. Looks like your President Wu really has good fortune. This is a promotion by three ranks to a high-ranking official now."


    Good fortune?


    Maybe everyone would think so, but only Zhang Ye alone knew this fortune was not god sent but was a result of his use of the difficulty adjustment die. Of course he could not tell this to anyone and even if he did, no one would believe him as even he himself was still a little dazed by all this. The difficulty adjustment die had given him great help this time as its effects had been huge. At the start, it was just winning a lucky draw on his cell phone, then came being broadcasted live for his performance, not once, not twice, but thrice! Following that, his sess at wooing Old Wu was a testament of just how great the effect of the die was. Everything went smooth sailing for him and when it had done more than what Zhang Ye could have expected from it, something even more surprising happened. Not only did it help the southbound Wu Zeqing stay behind, it even helped her gain a big promotion to the post of deputy chief of the SARFT. This was as good as meat pies falling from the sky!


    It was simply unbelievable!


    His mother turned to him and asked, "High ranking or not, I just want to know if she can lift the ban on my son. Son, how is your rtionship with President Wu back at the university?"


    How could it not be good?


    We''re talking about this bro''s girlfriend here!


    But Zhang Ye did not spill the beans as he has not yet thought of a way to break this news to his parents. After all, Old Wu was much older than him and he was a little embarrassed to say it at the moment. "It''s not bad."


    "Is that bad or not then?" his mother asked insistently.


    His father said, "When Little Ye went to Peking University, it was because President Wu invited him to go. Even if their rtionship was just so-so, at least they know each other. They still have some fate between them and Preside��I should be calling her Chief Wu instead now. To her, it''s as simple as lifting her fingers. If she can help it, she would definitely help, right?"


    His mother immediately said, "Son, then why don''t you quickly make a call to Chief Wu and bring something over for her. Ask her how things are and see if you can quickly resolve the issue. Otherwise, if you continue being in a deadlock with the SARFT, when will you ever be able to head back into the entertainment business? With that terrible temper of yours, it wouldn''t be strange even if they never lift the ban off you."


    Zhang Ye casually said, "Don''t bother yourselves with this matter, I know what to do."


    His cell phone began to ring.


    Looking at the caller ID, he saw that it was a call from Old Wu!


    "I have to take a call," Zhang Ye said before quickly going back into his room and closing the door behind him. He went over to the window and answered, "Hello, Old Wu."


    The gentle voice of a woman sounded on the other side, "You home?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, at my parents'' house."


    "You couldn''t get through to Big Sis''s phone yesterday, right?"


    "Yea, I tried calling for a whole day, but it was always busy. Later at night, I was afraid that you might be too tired, so I didn''t call."


    "The appointment arrived yesterday for Big Sis to take over with immediate effect, so I was a little caught up as many of my old colleagues and friends all called to congratte me. I had so many calls to answer and my meal appointments are lined up fully as well. And there''s also some people from the entertainmentpanies who came to see me, but I did not bother with them and just let my secretary handle it. My cell phone has been ringing nonstop the whole day too. After I took over here officially, I had to handle some work, attend meetings, stabilize the morale of the ministry, and thus, I didn''t contact you because of all that."


    "I have to congratte you too."


    "This promotion came as a surprise to me too, I would never have expected it."


    "It has to be my credit this time."


    "Why''s it yours?"


    "Because I kept nagging for you to stay behind in Beijing and look what happened? The heavens responded, right?"


    "Hur hur, alright, it''s because of you."


    Suddenly, a young man''s voice could be heard on the other side. He sounded very respectful as he said, "Chief Wu, the meeting documents for this morning, you��"


    "Let''s stop talking here, I have matters to attend to," Old Wu said.


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Sure, go busy yourself then. I''ll hang up now."


    An official taking up a new post, and such an important post at that, would of course be busy with a lot of work. Zhang Ye understood this well and hung up. He hummed a melody as he walked out of his room and went back to helping his parents with preparing the dumplings.


    ����


    Afternoon.


    An update from the Weibo ount of the SARFT.


    "They''ve issued another statement!"


    "Aiyo, quick, take a look!"


    Everyone rushed over with their full attention on this announcement as this was the first move that the new chief made after the incidents of the past few days. With this reason behind, it was no wonder that everyone focused on this.


    The Weibo update was posted!


    A message was also posted up on the SARFT''s official website at the same time.


    The published banned artists list was updated and no other additional documents or statements were made. It was simply just an update of the list. The policies did not change and the strict rules still applied as usual. But on this list right now, many of those artists previously on it were no longer there.


    For example, a male celebrity who was previously involved in tax evasion.


    For example, another female singer who had taken drugs two years ago.


    And for example��Zhang Ye!


    It did not mention anything about an application form and the banned artist list had automatically deleted the names of those artists with minor misdeeds!


    Countless ofizens eximed!


    Countless of industry insiders screamed!


    "What situation is this?"


    "I didn''t see it wrongly, did I? Zhang Ye''s ban has been lifted?"


    "I can ept this for the other artists who were unbanned. Their cases happened so long ago in the past and the storm had already subsided for them, so lifting their bans were natural. But what about Zhang Ye? It''s only been a few days since he posted those poems deploring the SARFT? Just what is going on? Why did they let him off? I can''t understand why this is happening!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Great!"


    "Isn''t the newly appointed chief previously the vice president of Peking University? Teacher Zhang is also a teacher of Peking University, so with that kind of a rtionship between them, what is difficult to understand about it?"


    "Oh, that''s right! What you said is true!"


    "When Zhang Ye went to teach at Peking University, I heard that he did so because Chief Wu invited him to. Now that Teacher Zhang has solved a global mathematical conjecture, he has also earned honors for Peking University. Since Chief Wu has worked at Peking University for so many years, of course there are some sentiments for the institution. Even if she doesn''t have a lot of dealings with Zhang Ye, she would definitely still be a little biased towards Teacher Zhang. After all, they were both involved in educational work and so it isn''t really that difficult to see what''s going on here!"


    "Tossing flowers to celebrate!"


    "How exciting! How exciting!"


    "How could there be such a plot twist? Pu!"


    "Haha, those who were waiting to witness Teacher Zhang''s downfall are probably fuming mad now!"


    "Aiya, How can Teacher Zhang''s luck be so good! How did it even end up like this?"


    On this day, the tremors spread throughout the whole entertainment circle!


    With his ban lifted, Zhang Ye was back!


    That fearsome jinx�� was back again!!


    Trantor''s Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 541: Settling scores!

    <h4>Chapter 541: Settling scores! </h4>


    Chapter 541: Settling scores!


    At home.


    At the dining table, the family of three enjoyed their dumplings.


    After the announcement of the news of the SARFT''s new list of banned artists, Zhang Ye was informed of it by his eldest younger sister who called him. It was only after her call that he found out about the big news and he hurriedly rushed onto the inte to verify it. When he saw it, he suddenly burst outughing.


    His mother asked, "Why did your sister call you for?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "The SARFT has lifted my ban."


    "When did this happen?" His mother put down her chopsticks when she heard this.


    "Just a while ago. The list no longer has my name on it." Zhang Ye was feeling in such a great mood that he stuffed two dumplings into his mouth at the same time with his chopsticks.


    His father also stopped eating and said, "Does that mean that from today on, no one will be able to stop you from appearing on television, doing your own programs or publishing books?"


    His mother said, "Of course, if he is no longer banned, who would care about those! This is great, it''s already been so many days, but my son is finally free now. Little Ye, was it Chief Wu who helped you?"


    "It has to be," Zhang Ye said.


    His mother rapped the surface of the table forcefully with her hand. "I really like that Chief Wu! Invite her over for dinner some time. I will cook to thank her myself."


    His father interrupted and said, "Forget it. Do you even know how high Chief Wu''s rank is? Why would shee here for dinner? Do you think shecks any dinner invitations?"


    "That''s true, I don''t think we can get her here with an invite either," his mother said.


    His father looked at him. "Remember to send your thanks to Chief Wu."


    Zhang Ye sighed. "I know, the two of you don''t need to worry about that."


    ����


    Later in the afternoon.


    Having just had his ban lifted, he received a phone call almost immediately.


    It was not a number he was familiar with, and the voice on the other side was a woman.


    "Hello, may I know if this is Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    "That''s me, who is this?" Zhang Ye headed back to his room to take the call.


    "Teacher Zhang, how are you? My name is Li Mei and I''m with Eastern Publishing Firm." She sounded a little cautious over the phone, like a young and inexperienced worker.


    Zhang Ye felt a realization as he said, "Publishing firm? Oh, what''s the matter?"


    Li Mei paused for a short moment before saying softly, "It''s like this. I would first like to ask you if the copyright to Legend of Wukong still belongs to you? Our firm has just had a meeting and we agreed that we would really like to take up your novel as our new project, but we don''t know if we can have the honor of working with you on it. Yes, you might not have heard of our publishing firm, so I would like you to lend me your ear on this matter. We might not be very well known in our industry or operate on asrge a scale as Beijing Education Publishing Firm, but our funding and marketing budgets are definitely not inferior to any of those big time publishers. If you are willing to let us buy your copyrights to Legend of Wukong, then we will assure you that we will definitely devote our utmost to funding and promoting the novel."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "The copyright has not been sold yet, but I would like to hold on to it for now. There''s no rush."


    "Teacher Zhang." Li Mei sounded a little anxious now. "If you''re free, perhaps we could meet in person and have a chat? I know you''re busy, so anytime is fine. I can follow your schedule."


    Zhang Ye rejected by saying, "We''ll see how it goes."


    When the call ended, someone from Huanan Publishing Firm called as well.


    It was a man. "Teacher Zhang, we''ve read yourtest novel and we like it very much. Could we discuss the rights of the simplified Chinese version of Legend of Wukong?"


    Zhang Ye still said, "I won''t be talking about this today, we''ll see how it goes."


    That man immediately responded by saying, "You can state the price you want for it and I will report it to my management. If they are okay with it, then we can sign the contract. We will start on the promotions immediately to push for this novel''s sales . Since the whole country is currently talking about you and you''re the hottest topic right now, we would like to make use of this to our advantage in promoting Legend of Wukong. The sales figures will definitely be better than usual, but if we drag this on for too long, then wouldn''t it be a pity? If you''re okay, why don''t we meet in person instead?"


    Zhang Ye did not t out refuse him. "Let me think about it."


    That man said, "Alright then, if you have the intention of selling the copyright, you must remember to contact us. We might not be the top publishers in our industry, but we''re definitely a professional team and an old name in the industry."


    Four or five calls came in sessively and they were all from different publishers.


    Zhang Ye just responded diplomatically to them and hung up.


    Then, there were also other publishers who probably did not have a way to contact Zhang Ye directly and had to send him private messages over Weibo, using Tieba, and other methods tomunicate with him. They all expressed their interest in obtaining the publishing rights for Legend of Wukong. Some of them even offered to buy out the returned copyrights for Ghost Blows Out the Light and Zhang Ye''s Comption for republishment. They also stated their offers to him, with some ranging high and others lower.


    But Zhang Ye did not reply, not because he did not want to sell the rights. He did not have much money right now and needed it for his living expenses, but after the previous incidents with the old publishers for his works, Zhang Ye had lost confidence in publishing firms. He thought that he had a rather good rtionship with them before things turned sour. When he got banned by the SARFT, they all came to him asking forpensation, stepping on him while he was down. Although Zhang Ye could understand their circumstances as the SARFT was their overseeing authority, Zhang Ye still felt ufortable about how it happened, especially Beijing Education Publishing Firm. He burned this into his mind knowing that even though they were also in a difficult situation and were just following orders, thepensation of a few million was still too much to ask for! Hur, they had really burned the bridges back then!


    And just as he was speaking of the devil.


    At a little past 2 PM, a call from the editor-in-chief of Beijing Education Publishing Firm, Zhang Kui, arrived. When the call was answered, he immediately identified himself.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Why would you be looking for me?"


    Zhang Kui was the person who had initiated thepensation for breach of contract. He had burned the bridge back then mainly because the ban by the SARFT had led them to believe that Zhang Ye would have no more future in the entertainment business and would not be able to make aeback for sure. As a result, his firm had decided to make Zhang Ye liable for most of thepensation terms to offset any losses as they had already printed many copies of Ghost Blows Out the Light when it was forced to be taken off the rack. But it turned out, rather than a loss, their publishing firm had actually even made a tidy sum on the novel as Ghost Blows Out the Light was very popr. When they asked for thepensation amount, they were actually squeezing as much out of Zhang Ye as they could.


    But who could have expected the matter to develop beyond everyone''s expectations? Not only did Zhang Ye not disappear from the public''s eye after his ban, he even rose in poprity and was active every day up until just two hours ago, when the SARFT finally removed his name from the ban list. This was clearly not something that Zhang Kui could have considered, and if he had done so, he would not have taken such extreme measures back then!


    Zhang Kui had thought through several approaches before the call and said with augh in his words, "Teacher Zhang, we probably had some misunderstandings before this. Actually, when we asked for thepensation previously, it was just so that we could answer to our management. You probably understand that we cannot make the decision on a lot of matters just by ourselves. With such strict ban in ce, no one in the industry dared to be slow in implementing the measures to enforce upon the banned artists. Hur hur, but now that everything has turned out well for everyone I would like to congratte you, Teacher Zhang, on your return to the entertainment business. We already expected such an oue as we know that, with your talents and capabilities, you woulde back sooner rather thanter. And so, we can now continue working together again."


    Zhang Ye curled up a corner of his mouth. "Continue working together?"


    "Yes." Zhang Kui continued speaking in his own world of thoughts, "The 3.5 millionpensation previously was just a matter of procedure, but since you''ve already been unbanned now, we would of course return the fee to you. The firm will re-sign the copyrights to Ghost Blows Out the Light back from you together with your new novel, Legend of Wukong. We will continue working together to promote the new novel well to push it to greater sales and, of course, I will be personally overseeing all of that myself."


    Zhang Ye understood clearly what he meant.


    Beijing Education Publishing Firm wanted the copyright to Legend of Wukong. As long as he sold it to their firm, they would return thepensation fees and get back the copyrights for the simplified Chinese version of Ghost Blows Out the Light. In other words, as long as the copyright to Zhang Ye''s new novel were not sold to them, as long as the copyright to Ghost Blows Out the Light was not resold back to them, then the 3.5 million inpensation would not be returned to him!


    They were using money to entice Zhang Ye to force him to sign the contract!


    Zhang Ye was still wondering when he would settle scores with them, but little did he expect that they woulde knocking on his front door so quickly. They even tried to coerce him into a deal? They tried to get their hands on the copyright to his new novel?


    Ha!


    Zhang Ye said to him in a direct manner, "Editor Zhang, do you know why I did not even hesitate when I transferred the 3.5 million RMBpensation to you at that time?"


    "Eh?" Zhang Kui was taken aback by this question. This question had actually been on their minds all this time and they''d always wondered about it. If it were anyone else, they wouldn''t possibly have agreed so quickly to the terms. They either would not agree to pay or just haggle the amount. Never had they encountered someone like Zhang Ye who would pay up without a question.


    "Because," Zhang Ye said, "The losses that your publishing firm will be facing soon would greatly exceed that amount! That is the reason why I paid up happily without any hesitation!" This guy had such an vengeful soul! Having been so harshly treated by the Beijing Education Publishing Firm when Zhang Ye was in the dumps, if he did not return their favor, it would not be his style! After taking a chunk off me, I don''t need you to return what was taken! I would let that chunk rot in your stomachs so that you will feel sick forever!


    Zhang Kui''s face sank, obviously not believing what he had just heard. Make a greater loss? What could they possibly lose? Even if they could not get the copyright for Legend of Wukong, they would just not earn any money from it, so what was there to lose? Hur, what an odd im!


    The call ended.


    ����


    On the other side.


    At Beijing Education Publishing Firm.


    Zhang Kuiughed it off and began his work for the day. He did not take Zhang Ye''s words to heart. Even if it was a pity that they could not get the copyright to Legend of Wukong, they would still be able to operate without it.


    However, the matter was clearly not as simple as Zhang Kui thought. Little did he expect that Zhang Ye''s words woulde true ande true so quickly!


    An hourter, Beijing Education Publishing Firm received a rectification notice from the authorities. They also received another, more shocking notice of review!


    The whole firm was thrown into a mess immediately!


    "How can this be!"


    "What? This��"


    "Why did this happen?"


    More than a dozen published works from the firm had been ordered to be removed from the shelves!


    A Widow''s Spring.


    Milk.


    Tang Dazhang''s Comption: Audio and Visual Works.


    100 Crosstalk Highlights: Audio and Visual Works.


    Etc, etc, etc, all of them were ordered to be removed! Many of the included titles were newly published works and even included Tang Dazhang''s crosstalkption which they had just bought the copyright for and spent so much on promotions for. The CDs were already printed and packed but not distributed for sale yet. So how could it be banned just like that? They read through the notice and found out that it was because the content was deemed sensitive and also involved some giarized works and forbidden words!


    An emergency meeting was convened!


    The publishing firm''s upper management was all called to attend!


    Zhang Kui was getting really anxious this time. "How the hell did this happen? Are there even such problems?"


    A female deputy editor said anxiously in an unsure tone, "I''ve just asked them to check and it seems like the authorities have given a valid reason for the notice. But all of them were just minor issues, besides��those kind of issues have never given us any problems in the past. The other publishing firms are also doing the same, so why did they suddenly review this?"


    Another person asked, "How about the other firms? Did they receive the notice to take their publications off the shelf too?"


    A youth said, "I''ve just checked and there''s no indication that this is happening to them. The only ones who have received such an order to remove such arge number of publications are us!"


    Every one of them were shocked to hear that, "This��."


    Zhang Kui screamed, "Contact the authorities immediately and find out if there''s any room for negotiations. We must not be forced to take down these batches of audio and visual publications! No firm would be able to bear a loss like this! If necessary, we will follow the regtions and make some edits to ensure that it stays up on the shelves for sale!"


    A middle-aged man who was responsible for this immediately headed off to do some public rtions. But ten minutester, he returned to the meeting room with a sunken expression.


    Someone in upper management asked, "How was it?"


    That person inhaled deeply and said, "It didn''t work. Those listed works must be taken off the shelves and no exceptions can be made even if we edit them. On top of that, we must also carry out the recall immediately!"


    Zhang Kui was dumbfounded. "Even edits won''t help?"


    The person shook his head and said, "We have to wait for the notice before we know when it would pass their review. But someone I know well told me in secret not to hold out too much hope."


    Zhang Kui furiously pounded the table. "Based on what are they doing this to us!"


    A middle-aged editor said, "Aren''t they bullying us!"


    "They have just changed their leader and a newly appointed official would surely take some actions, so are we��being used as an example? But then, why does it have to be us?"


    A wave of dissent and grumbling echoed through the meeting room. Everyone was panicking!


    It was ten excellent publications they were talking about, especially the crosstalkption. At the crosstalkpetition this year, despite it being called off, Zhang Ye''s outstanding crosstalks that were beyond this era had created a new tform for the crosstalk industry and drove up demand for it. Everyone was paying much more attention to crosstalk than before and thus the publishing firm had ridden on this wave and spent arge amount of money to release this batch of crosstalk audio and visual products. But somehow, it ended up being banned before it even saw any sales! For the Beijing Education Publishing Firm, this was the kind of news that nightmares were made of!


    They were finished!


    This time, they''d lost a lot of money!


    Just counting the number of works and CDs they had on hand would put the amount in the millions! That was just the tip of the iceberg as there was also money involved in obtaining copyrights, promotional budgets, and resource fees to ount for. Their loss was immeasurable as it probably reached into the figure of more than several millions! They were likely to lose more than ten million!


    Money was not the only thing they would lose as their reputation and brand name would plummet as well. It wouldn''t be a surprise if they were to lose arge number of signed authors in the wake of this incident. Why? Because the other publishing firms did not seem to suffer from any of these measures and were operating fine as they were before. Yet Beijing Education Publishing Firm was encountering all these problems? They had works banned one after another by the censor board? This would obviously make the authors feel a sense of unease, as they wondered about the problems this particr publishing firm had. Just staying around would be too dangerous as the banned publications may belong to other authors today, but would their publications be the next one targeted? They will definitely not look to sign with this publication firm for their next work! This would ur if they suffered a loss in their reputation and it was something that was much more damaging than losing money itself. The foundation of thepany itself was shaken to the very core!


    Their losses were much more than heavy!!


    The female deputy editor suddenly realized, "Could this matter be rted to Zhang Ye''s unbanning? Our publishing firm had treated Zhang Ye quite harshly at that time when he got banned."


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "It''s because of him?"


    "Right, the SARFT''s new leader was previously from Peking University!"


    "Can this really be because of Zhang Ye''s settling scores? How could he possibly be capable of that!"


    A few of them were extremely agitated by this suggestion!


    Zhang Kui was now thinking of his earlier conversation with Zhang Ye and remembered his pronouncement. Thinking about it now, Zhang Kui''s heart turned cold. He did not know if everything that was happening now was nned by Zhang Ye, but he was clear that this matter was somewhat rted to him!


    The female deputy editor sighed, then paused and sighed again. "I''ve already said that we should have held back on thepensation figure back then. Even if Zhang Ye had been banned and suppressed at that time, we shouldn''t have��.He is an unusually odd person and we must never usemon sense to make our decisions. Hai, but it''s toote to say anything now."


    When they previously requested for thepensation, they knew that their firm was not ethical in asking for such a huge sum. It looked like they had made a fatal mistake in doing so as they handled the whole matter too harshly back then! They thus had affected any chance of working out an agreement with Zhang Ye again!


    "What should we do?"


    "If we really have to take everything off the shelves, then we wouldn''t have any funds left to operate the business. We won''t be able to recover from this loss and over theing months, all our authors will leave as well!"


    "Damn it!"


    "Editor-in-Chief Zhang, please think of a way!"


    Unable toe up with any solutions, all of them had to take responsibility!


    Zhang Kui did not say a word as he knew there was no way out of this. At this moment, he felt a tinge of regret. A momentary slip-up was all it took and their publishing firm had to deal with this devastating blow now. Their futures looked bleak and he knew that his position as editor-in-chief was over as well. The reason for all of these oues was just because of a merepensation sum of 3.5 million? Thinking about it now, what damned value was that worth! It was only 3.5 million! This was an amount that no big publishing firms would bat an eyelid at. Yet it was precisely because of this amount that they were going to suffer tangible and intangible losses of possibly more that ten times of that amount!


    Was it worth it?


    Definitely not!


    But at the point in time when Decree #43 was passed, who would have thought that Zhang Ye would be able to get through it without being affected? He even managed to make aeback to the entertainment business like he had now! If they had known it was going to be like this, would they have asked him for thepensation fee? If they had given him assistance when he was down, not only would they not be affected by all these troubles, they would even have gained the copyright to Legend of Wukong and earned far more money from it. But look at them now! They ended their rtionship with Zhang Ye too early and even hit him while was down. All of that had led to the current situation that they were faced with!


    Zhang Kui mmed him hands down on the table again, and said, "Try to minimize our losses!"


    "What do you mean?" the female editor asked.


    Zhang Kui said, "The copyright fees we paid out! Try to get as much back as possible!"


    ����


    At another location.


    Tang Dazhang was just watching TV when his phone rang.


    "Hello, Teacher Tang, I am Xiaoyan from Beijing Education Publishing Firm."


    "Oh, hur hur, Xiaoyan, how are you? What are you looking for me for? Has the crosstalkption gone on sales already?"


    "Not yet. Uh, there are some problems with your crosstalkption. The authorities have issued a notice of takedown, so��so we are contacting you now to talk about the copyright fees."


    "Takedown?"


    "Yes, we just received the notice."


    "Your firm wants to recoup the copyright fees?"


    "That''s right, we��"


    "It''s your problem if you''re unable to publish it. What has it got to do with me?"


    "That''s because it''s down to problems with your works that led to it being taken down. You can''t possibly expect our publishing firm to bear all the losses, can you?"


    "You don''t need to talk about this matter anymore, that''s impossible."


    "Teacher Tang, you''re a leading artist from the crosstalk world, surely this��"


    "I''ve already said it. This has nothing to do with me. I won''t return the copyright fee that has been paid to me."


    "There are terms on the contract that state that in such a situation, if you don''t agree, we can take this to the courts and let ourwyers resolve this."


    "Sure then! I''ll wait!"


    When the call ended, Tang Dazhang had a dark expression and felt disturbingly ufortable. Had he not checked the almanac recently? Why did he seem to have so much bad luck these days? When he had learned of Zhang Ye''s lifted ban, it had left him in a rather bad mood. Then came another incident that left him highly irritated and annoyed! There was a chance of going to court? What the heck! Just who the hell have I offended recently!


    At the same time.


    Several other crosstalk actors who had sold their copyrights received simr calls from Beijing Education Publishing Firm to return their copyright fees.


    One of Tang Dazhang''s disciples said, "What? That''s impossible"


    An old crosstalk actor who had previously boycotted Zhang Ye said, "Don''t even think about it!"


    And then there was the author of A Widow''s Spring who was also one of the doubters of Zhang Ye in the literary world. His work was also listed in the take down order from the SARFT. Having his work banned had already left him frustrated, but the publishing firm was now even asking for the return of the copyright payment? He definitely did not agree to do so!


    A scolding battle urred between the affected parties and Beijing Education Publishing Firm.


    They tried all sorts of ways to force the repayments!


    This incident between Beijing Education Publishing Firm and the affected copyright sellers had even made it to the news by the afternoon of the very same day! Some papers published the news report in an unnoticeable corner of their publications, stating that many of these disagreements were even going to end up being fought in court and wouldst quite a while before they could be settled.


    ����


    At home.


    Zhang Ye also found out about the news. Seeing this bunch of people who had looked for trouble with him back then and even insulted him, he could only give a wave of his hands and then move on from it. He thought that nothing interesting woulde out of this and just casually hummed a song while sitting in front of hisputer, continuing to write Legend of Wukong''s spin-off.


    It seemed as though his scores with those people were finally settled and done with!


    Trantor''s Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 542: New novel’s contract!

    <h4>Chapter 542: New novel''s contract! </h4>


    Chapter 542: New novel''s contract!


    Later in the afternoon.


    He took a short nap.


    The dust had already settled. With his ban lifted and the scores settled with his enemies, all the incidents that affected Zhang Ye had nowe to a perfect happy ending for him. As such, the nap he took was exceptionallyfortable and sweet. From the time Decree #43 was passed, Zhang Ye had not stopped to rest for a single moment. He fought against everything with all he had, and was kept busy with scolding battles everyday. Luckily for him, at the disbelief of everyone, he fought his way against all odds and survived


    Willpower.


    Physical strength.


    Mental strength.


    Wisdom��alright, it doesn''t seem like he had that.


    This had been his biggest test since his debut and Zhang Ye had done what everyone else could not. Under this tremendous pressure and oppression, he gave the perfect answer to it all. At that moment, he felt really fulfilled as he took a big step towards his goal of international fame, as though as he "leveled up" through this experience.


    Ji ya.


    Dong. The sound of the door closing rang out.


    Zhang Ye rubbed his eyes and turned over as he got woken by the sound. He looked at his watch and realized that it was already past 5 in the afternoon and almost dinner time. Feeling well rested by now, he stretched himself in satisfaction and finally got up.


    There was a conversationing from the outside.


    "Little Li,e in quickly."


    "Auntie, that''s not necessary. I''d best be going back now."


    "How could you? Quickly,e in and have a drink before you go."


    "Then��obedience is better than politeness, thank you, Auntie."


    Zhang Ye could hear his mother''s voice and another voice of a younger woman that he did not know. It sounded like a neighbour, but her voice was also somewhat familiar.


    His father went over and asked, "This is?"


    Then, he heard his mother say, "This is Li Mei from Eastern Publishing Firm. I was justing home from grocery shopping and making my way back when I nearly fell because of the heavy things I was carrying. Luckily, Little Li caught me in time and helped me to carry them up. Later, I found out that Little Li was here because she wanted to look for our son to buy the copyright to his new novel. She checked our address and stood downstairs for almost an entire day, not daring toe upstairs. Hur hur, quickly go and get a drink for Little Li."


    Li Mei said, "Auntie, don''t trouble yourself. I am not thirsty."


    "Drink some even if you''re not. Take a seat. I will get Little Ye toe out in a while," his mother said.


    Li Mei said, "Teacher Zhang is around as well?"


    His motherughed and said, "Yes, he''s napping."


    Li Mei?


    Eastern Publishing Firm?


    Oh, wasn''t it the woman who he had spoken to over the phone a while ago? How did she know about this address? Looked like she really spared a lot of thought for this.


    With themotion, Zhang Ye opened his bedroom door, still in his pajamas and saw the person from the publishing firm. She looked about 22 or 23, younger than him, with average looks. She dressed very professionally in a solid colored suit. From the way she carried herself, she probably did not have much working experience.


    "Hi," Zhang Ye greeted.


    Li Mei turned her attention to him and immediately answered, "Aiyo, Teacher Zhang, how are you? Am I bothering you during your rest time?" Having seen Zhang Ye in person, she became very excited.


    Zhang Yeughed. "No, I just woke up. Thank you for helping my mom bring up the groceries. Here, take a seat."


    Li Mei said, "It was just a simple task."


    His father and mother also spoke very politely to her, asking her to take a seat and have a drink of water. The two elders were still very friendly and receiving of her despite her being here with a motive. Since Li Mei had helped them out, they would definitely return the thanks. This was also where Zhang Ye took after his parents, having been taught to do so since he was young.


    They chatted idly.


    Since the family of three did not bring up the issue of the novel, Li Mei also did not mention it. They just chatted about everything else.


    But a whileter, his mother stood up and said smilingly, "Take a seat first, Little Li. I will go prepare dinner."


    Li Mei quickly stood up and said, "Let me help you with that."


    "Eh, you don''t need to." His mother waved her hands.


    But Li Mei followed closely behind her into the kitchen. "I''ve been in Beijing for a few years now and have always made my own meals. Even though I can''t possibly be a better cook than Auntie, I can still help out with washing and cutting the ingredients. Let me help, let me!"


    "Look at this child." His motherughed helplessly. "Don''t dirty your hands. How can I ask you to help out with this? Just stay for dinner, alright?"


    Li Mei affably said, "If you don''t let me help out, I won''t feel good if I stay for dinner."


    After a long time of pushing and pulling, his mother finally said, "Fine, alright then. Just wash the vegetables and leave the rest to me."


    "Yes, Auntie," Li Mei said happily. She was also very dexterous and quickly started helping out in the kitchen. Her movements were all very skilled as she looked like she had done such chores before.


    Li Mei hade to this ce with a task toplete today, but it shouldn''t really be considered a task at all. In the afternoon, during a meeting at the publishing firm, news of Zhang Ye''s ban being lifted had juste through. The novel Legend of Wukong, which more than half of the editors in this firm liked very much, was added to the agenda for the meeting. The few leaders of the firm thought that they would really like to be able to get the rights to publish this novel, as they felt that it was an extremely outstanding piece of work. Just based on Zhang Ye''s name alone, it would be worthy for them to spend arge amount of money to buy it. Sales figures? Compensation? They did not even consider any of this as Zhang Ye''s name itself meant good sales figures in this industry. They were one and the same.


    But what did Eastern Publishing Firm have?


    If they mentioned scale, they were not asrge as the top publishers. As for money, they were not ranked at the top either. They were just a medium-scaled publishing firm. For other authors, they might be an attractive option. But for someone of Zhang Ye''s stature, they were basically no one. They believed that if Zhang Ye released news of wanting to sell the the copyrights to Legend of Wukong, or if he wanted to cooperate with any publishers on releasing the novel, having been unbanned, many of the country''s major publishers would be attracted like bees to flowers and approach him about it. Even if Zhang Ye did not make any intentions to do so, they were sure that many publishing firms had already approached him about it. Therefore, since they knew that they couldn''tpete with the others, they did not hold much hope for it. After the meeting, they just delegated this task to an inexperienced staff member who had been there for only a year.


    That staff member was Li Mei.


    The leader did not pin any hopes on this task, but Li Mei did not feel that way. She was very serious about it and put her heart into trying to make it a sess. The first thing she did was look for a university ssmate who was currently working as a reporter. After trying hard to convince her ssmate, agreeing to lots of treats, and promising to keep the matter a secret, she finally got hold of Zhang Ye''s contact number and his parents'' home address. But when she tried to contact him over the phone, she met with a direct refusal from Zhang Ye. However, Li Mei still did not give up. After pondering for a whole day, she finally arrived at this ce, waiting downstairs without a clear objective. She felt it awkward and rude to she just make her way to their doorstep. But she got lucky. After she had waited for an hour or so, she saw Zhang Ye''s mother downstairs. Because of the mathematical conjecture''s news, Zhang Ye''s parents had appeared on the news before. Li Mei, who did her research well, naturally recognized her. That was how it all led to the current situation.


    Li Mei thought that since her publishing firm could not offer the best amount of money, and were also not thergest scaled firm, then there was only one thing that they couldpete on! They could onlypete on terms of sincerity!


    "Auntie, let me."


    "Aiya, didn''t I say that you only needed to wash the vegetables?"


    "I cut them as well since it wasn''t much trouble. It''s fine, please don''t stand on ceremony with me."


    "This child."


    "Auntie, why don''t you rest for a bit. The floor is wet, so don''t slip and fall."


    "It''s alright, I''ll be careful."


    "Auntie, if you are buying so many things again in the future, you can give me a call. I don''t live too far away from here, so you can always let me know and I will help you. Don''t carry such heavy things by yourself again."


    "Where do you live at?"


    "Xihongmen."


    "Wow, that''s already over at Daxing district. How is that not far?"


    "It''s not that far. I can get here by the subway very quickly. Just let me know whenever you need any help."


    Li Mei tried to help out with everything in the kitchen and had a sweet mouth. Zhang Ye''s mother took a liking to her. His mother and Li Mei naturally started speaking more. They did not stop as the two of them prepared dinner together.


    Finally.


    Dinner was ready.


    Zhang Ye went to take the dishes from them, "Hand that to me."


    Li Mei held onto the dishes and said, "Teacher Zhang, let me. It''s hot, I can do it."


    His mother beamed and said, "Those two dishes were prepared by Little Li. It looks like she has better culinary skills than me. She''s really nice and has a good heart."


    "Thanks, Editor Li. We''ve even troubled you for dinner." Zhang Ye felt a little embarrassed. "Quick, have a seat and let''s eat. It must have been tiring."


    Dinner began and all of them sat together, enjoying the dishes.


    His mother tasted the dish and immediately praised Li Mei''s culinary skill. Then, as Li Mei did not mention about the novel at all until now, his mother just went ahead and helped her by asking, "Son, who did you sell your novel''s copyright to?"


    Li Mei''s eyes widened when she heard this.


    Zhang Ye who was just putting some food into his mouth said, "I have not sold it yet."


    His mother said, "Little Li''s publishing firm wants to buy the copyright from you. You''re selling it anyway, so talk to Little Li about it and see if the price is right." Then, she turned her head and said, "Little Li, how much is your firm offering?"


    Li Mei quickly put down her chopsticks and stopped eating. She spoke in a direct manner, "Auntie, I won''t beat around the bush with you. The highest offer that my firm is willing to extend for the exclusive copyright to the simplified Chinese edition of Legend of Wukong is 1.5 million. On top of that, we heard that Teacher Zhang''s copyright to Ghost Blows Out the Light and Zhang Ye''s Comption has also been sold back to him. If possible, we would also like to buy them and republish Ghost Blows Out the Light. The sales should still do well since the first edition had not yet fully enveloped the market at the time of it being taken down."


    HIs mother asked, "How much?"


    Li Mei said, "1 million for Ghost Blows Out the Light. Theption series should fetch about 300,000, but we will need to add Teacher Zhang''s recent works to it as well. I heard that the copyrights to those fairy tales have been returned as well? Since the North Chinese Youth and Children''s Publishing Firm can no longer publish them, if Teacher Zhang trusts us enough, we could also republish them. But as we do not have any experience in the youth and children''s market, we can''t give any guarantee that we can market it well. This is what I can tell you in all honesty."


    His mother nodded and asked, "So the total would be?"


    "Altogether, it would be 3 million," Li Mei said so very nervously as she started to notice Zhang Ye''s expression.


    Zhang Ye did not say a word and just continued eating.


    His mother rolled her eyes and gave her son a kick under the table. "So? Is that fine for you?"


    Zhang Ye said without much of a care, "That''s fine."


    Although Legend of Wukong was very famous in Zhang Ye''s previous world, the sales figure for it was still unable topete with Ghost Blows Out the Light. It could even be said tock by a lot. Besides, the character count for Ghost Blows Out the Light was manyfold more than Legend of Wukong, so it was only fair that it fetched a higher price. Even if it had already been published once, it would still fetch a million easily. Considering the various factors, the offer of 1.5 million for Legend of Wukong was not low, as the novel was already freely avable online. Publishing online had its pros and cons. The pros being publicity from early readers which could lead to better physical sales. The cons were that many readers had already finished reading the novel once. Those who thought it was just an average novel would not be enticed to buy the physical copy of it.


    Three million?


    It wasn''t too bad.


    When Li Mei heard Zhang Ye agreeing, she was totally stunned. Her hands were shaking from the excitement as she uttered, "Ah? You mean��"


    "I will hand the copyrights of those works that you mentioned earlier to your publishing firm. Come back to me with a contract and I will sign it if the terms are OK," Zhang Ye said.


    That''s it?


    Really??


    Li Mei felt as though a meat pie had fallen from the sky straight into herp at this moment. She was feeling a little dizzy and said, "Teacher Zhang, I��I want to thank you for trusting me. Thank you!" Then she turned to Zhang Ye''s mother and said, "Auntie, thank you too!"


    His mother said, "Quickly eat then."


    Li Mei stood up and said, "I will go and prepare the contract right now!"


    "This child, why are you so anxious?" His mother pulled her back. "Since Little Ye has already promised you, he will not go and sign a contract with anyone else. It won''t matter if you prepare it sooner orter. So just sit down and finish dinner together with us. If not, I will tell my son to not sign the contract with your firm."


    Li Mei could only suppress her anxious feelings for now, and said, "Alright, auntie. I will listen to you." Then, with an improved appetite, she ate the dishes with great delight!


    His mothermented, "From your looks, I wouldn''t have thought that you could eat that much, but you can."


    When Li Mei heard this, her face turned red.


    After dinner, Li Mei did not care about Zhang Ye''s parents'' objections and took the dishes into the kitchen. She washed them before leaving.


    Outside.


    It was almost dark.


    Li Mei walked out of the district with quick steps and hailed a taxi. When she got in, she made a call to a team leader from the firm.


    Du du, the call went through.


    "Little Li, what''s the matter?" asked a middle-aged man on the other side.


    Li Mei clutched her fist tightly and said, "Team leader! It''s done!"


    The team leader was left scratching his head and asked, "What is done? What did you do?"


    "The task you gave to me this afternoon." Li Mei''s heart kept beating wildly as she could still not believe it herself. "I��I��I havepleted the task!"


    The team leader was extremely shocked. "You mean Zhang Ye''s novel?"


    Li Mei said, "Yes!"


    "The copyright to Legend of Wukong?" he asked.


    Li Mei added, "And Ghost Blows Out the Light as well as the others��I''ve secured them all! Teacher Zhang has agreed to fully let our publishing firm handle them all. We just need to prepare the contract for him to sign! Everything for 3 million!"


    Pa! A loud sound of the thigh being vigorously pped came from the other side of the call. "That''s great! You''re great too, Little Li! Well done! Really well done! I will call you back. I need to report this to the editor-in-chief! The contract will be prepared as soon as possible! Little Li, you''ve won great credit for our publishing firm this time! How on earth did you do it? Good! Good! Good!"


    When they delegated this task to her in the first ce, they did not expect any results from it. Otherwise, they would not have asked an inexperienced staff member to handle it knowing that Zhang Ye was such a good writer. With such great works, why did he chose them instead of some other big name publishers? It did not make any sense as they hadn''t even expected to meet Zhang Ye in person!


    But who could have known that Li Mei would seed in just one afternoon!?


    With these several copyrights to Zhang Ye''s novels, not only would their firm be able to earn quite a tidy sum, they would also gain a step up in their reputations having signed a big name like him!


    ����


    At Eastern Publishing Firm.


    "It''s done!"


    "What is done?"


    "We have signed Zhang Ye!"


    "Ah?"


    "Are you serious?"


    "F**k! Teacher Zhang is now an author of our publishing firm?"


    "That can''t be?! How did it happen? Who did it? Wasn''t it too difficult a task? Even a god like Zhang Ye can be signed?!"


    "It was Li Mei!"


    "Little Li?"


    "What? Isn''t she a newbie?"


    "Li Mei will definitely be promoted this time! Haha!"


    The contract was prepared at double-time and sent to Zhang Ye''s parents'' house by Li Mei herself. This time, she did note alone. Rather, there were three or four other people from the publishing firm. People from the legal department, the copyright editor, and the editor-in-chief himself were all present for this symbolic contract signing. Eastern Publishing Firm had given the highest order of treatment to Zhang Ye. When the parties both signed the contract, the editor-in-chief went out to make a call and less than a minuteter, the payment was already in Zhang Ye''s ount. Talk about fast! It did not even seem like it took longer than batting an eyelid!


    Zhang Ye was quite surprised at this as he had never received payment so quickly before. 3 million before taxes meant that he still had over 2 million. The taxes for copyright sales was less than ie tax, so after the money was transferred to him, Zhang Ye had also resolved his shortage of money issues just in time.


    The editor-in-chief and Li Mei spoke in private after that. He had not noticed that there was this new staff member in his publishing firm before and only knew about her after she won Zhang Ye''s signature for the contract. They chatted for a while. He thought about what she said, that their firm could not offer anything feasible to attract new authors but they had something else that could. How would theypete with others? They could only do it with sincerity! And so, not only did they pay the copyright fee quickly, they even paid it in full. On top of that, other than the necessary terms of contract breaking, nothing else was included. Yes, they did not include any other terms to show their utmost sincerity to him, as they knew that Beijing Education Publishing Firm had previously caused a big headache for Zhang Ye.


    The matter was wrapped up without a hitch!


    ����


    That night, the news of Zhang Ye signing with Eastern Publishing Firm spread throughout the industry quickly!


    "Ah?"


    "Eastern Publishing Firm? Who is that?"


    "I''ve never heard of it?"


    "I know, it''s a mid-sized firm in Beijing. They don''t seem like they arerge scale at all."


    "How could that be? Why did Zhang Ye sign with them?"


    "I don''t know, but a friend of mine said that the contract included Ghost Blows Out the Light, Zhang Ye''s Comption and even the copyrights to those fairy tales! All of it went to Eastern Publishing Firm! Hai, I''m so envious of them. They''ve really pulled in a big tree this time, and it''s even a money tree! Our firm''s boss was still intending for a few of us to form a team to start talks with Teacher Zhang Ye, but even before the team was formed, the show was already over!"


    "Our firm was very confident that we would have gotten Zhang Ye to sign over his copyrights to us. It''s really unfortunate we were robbed of the chance by Eastern Publishing Firm. They''re really the underdogs that no one could have expected to win the race!"


    "Who was it that won the contract?"


    "I heard it''s someone called Li Mei."


    "Li Mei? I''ve never heard of that name?"


    "Which great god is that? "


    "It''s a newbie."


    "F**k, that can''t be right?"


    "All of these experienced editors lost to a newbie?"


    "Li Mei?"


    Slowly, Li Mei''s name started spreading throughout the publishing industry!


    In actual fact, only Li Mei herself knew that she did not have it too difficult this time in being able to sign Teacher Zhang Ye. Those who did not know him were biased against him due to news reports. Many subconsciously thought that Zhang Ye''s temper was very bad and difficult to approach ormunicate with. So they naturally thought that it was going to be an almost impossible task to convince him to sign the contract. But since Li Mei had managed to get in contact and speak to him personally, she knew that Teacher Zhang was not as scary as people imed. Rather, he was a very friendly and easy person to speak with. He didn''t put on the airs of a celebrity and he was even a very filial person.


    Trantor''s Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 543: B-list!

    <h4>Chapter 543: B-list! </h4>


    Chapter 543: B-list!


    The next day.


    Morning.


    At his maternal grandma''s house.


    When the door was opened, Zhang Ye and his parents wereing into the house. All of a sudden, everyone in the house looked over. Other than his grandpa and grandma, two of his three uncles were here, while two of his aunts were busy preparing meals in the kitchen. There were also three of his cousins who mobbed him as soon as he arrived.


    The eldest sister saidughingly, "Brother!"


    The second sister giggled and said, "Congrattions on getting unbanned!"


    "I heard that your new novel will be published soon?" the third sister said as she pull at his arms. She went on, "I want to reserve 50 autographed copies to give out to my ssmates and teachers!"


    His first uncle beckoned him. "Little Ye,e in quickly."


    His second aunt said, "Little Ye, Tongtong will be taking her university admission exams soon. Why don''t you tutor her in math? She''s always been bad at it. If we knew you were so good at it, I wouldn''t have invited a tutor for her, hur hur."


    "Let the kide into the house first," his maternal grandma uttered.


    Zhang Ye didn''t know whom he was supposed to talk to anymore. He could only manage a smile, and went around greeting the elders one by one, "Grandma, grandpa, first uncle, first aunt, second uncle��"


    The whole family started chatting.


    Today''s gathering was suggested by Zhang Ye. He wanted to make up for the time when he wasn''t able to join them during the lunar new year. He had really been too busy at that time. First, he went to the venue where the Spring Festival G was held, then spent the night at the police station. Following, he was assigned to the Inte Surveince Bureau before finally getting banned. After that, he joined the crosstalkpetition and many other events followed after it. From the beginning of the lunar new year until now, he did not idle around at all and was always busy fighting for his career. Since he did not get to sit down for a meal with his family for the new year, with everything settled and ending on a good note, Zhang Ye decided that he wanted to have a gathering with them. He wanted to treat everyone to a restaurant, but his grandparents refused. Perhaps they''d gotten used to not spending frivolously, or it could also be because their legs weren''t as strong as before. So they decided that this meal gathering would happen at home. Other than third uncle who had to work today, everyone else was here.


    "Little Ye, you''re really doing well!" his first uncle eximed.


    First aunt also jokingly said to Zhang Ye''s mother, "Sis, your son has done you proud again this time."


    His mother grinned from ear to ear and demurred, "Hai, it''s not too bad, it''s not too bad." As she said that, her face reflected a much better mood than her answer.


    His grandma held his hand happily as she sat on the sofa, not letting go as she patted on it without stop. She turned her head to Zhang Ye''s mother and his uncles. "When I raised you kids so many years ago, it really took a lot out of me. Some of you were so naughty and stole food from other houses or fought in school. I was always so worried and wondered how you''d all end up. But it seems like none of you turned out to be capable anyway. Only Little Ye, my grandson, is good!" Then with a pause, she added, "He has never let me worry about him before."


    His second younger sister was almost speechless. "Heh? My brother does not let us worry? Just recently, he picked on so many people on Weibo and scolded them. I still thought that our brother here even wanted to offend all of the other celebrities!"


    When they heard that, his uncles and aunties allughed joyfully.


    His grandma stared hard at Tongtong and said, "That''s still less worrying than you are."


    His grandpa also added, "Little Ye, you must have a few drinks with your grandpa today."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Sure, no problem."


    His first uncle asked curiously, "Oh right, Little Ye is considered as an artist from which list now?"


    His first aunt thought about it before saying, "I remember he was just promoted into the C-list, right?"


    "That was ages ago." His third younger sisterughed. She obviously followed Zhang Ye''s news very closely and knew about his celebrity ranking. "When I checked this morning, our brother was close to bing a B-list star! Although he''s still a C-lister for now, he''s fourth from the top, so he''s not that far off now!"


    Zhang Ye said happily, "You know it that well? Even I did not pay attention to that."


    His first uncle said in surprise, "Your fame grew so quickly?"


    "Of course." His eldest young sister said to her father, "Just those three crosstalk performances and the mathematical conjecture incident was enough to push our brother from the bottom of the C-list to the top. That is one of the most difficult mathematical conjectures in the world. Do you think he wouldn''t get famous from that?"


    His third sisterughingly said, "Right. When we started school a few days ago, a few math teachers, after finding out that Zhang Ye was my brother, all called me over to see them. The head of department for mathematics even wanted to know about more about him and asked me to introduce them. They were really impressed by our brother. My math teacher even said, in ss, that our brother really lifted the reputation of our country''s mathematics world!"


    His second aunt looked to the side. "Sis, even you and brother-inw got on TV this time."


    His mother said regretfully, "We had just woken up from our nap that day and were in our pajamas. I didn''t evenb my hair. If only I knew that the reporters wereing. I would have dressed up a little more."


    His father shook his head and said, "You''re already so old. Does it matter if you dress up or not?"


    His mother angrily said, "What did you say!?"


    "I''ve watched the interview a few time. It''s quite good. Sis, you looked great in it." His first aunt tried to mediate. "You were very photogenic."


    C-List.


    Fourth ranked.


    Regarding his rise in ranking in the celebrity rankings, Zhang Ye hadn''t expected it. It was really fell outside his expectations. Just a few days ago, he was still hovering at the bottom around thest or second-tost spot. But after the events of the crosstalkpetition, his rank rose to the middle of the C-list rankings. Following that, he solved the mathematical conjecture and that pushed him even further up the list. He got within a step away from the B-list rankings. This surge of poprity was really too fast, especially the poprity that he won after solving the mathematical conjecture. It was really too heaven defying!


    From the bottom of the C-list to the middle?


    From the middle all the way to the top?


    Although these two increases in ranking might look the same, they were really different conceptually. The amount of fame needed was not in the same order of magnitude!


    As this was the higher-ranked C-list rankings, the difference between each ranking increased as it went up. A simple example would be: If there were a total of a hundred people on the C-list, the integrated assessment score of the 100th ranked might be 1 point. The 50th ranked would be 200 points and the 10th ranked would be 1000 points. So rank number nine required 1100 points and that was the difference!


    So the poprity brought by the crosstalk performances which had pushed Zhang Ye from thest few spots to the middle of the list rankings, even if it were to be replicated while he was ranked in the middle, would push him up a few spots at most, not all the way to fourth rank. And so, it could be seen just how much poprity the proving of the mathematical conjecture had brought to Zhang Ye. It was definitely many times more than the poprity gained during the crosstalkpetition!


    It was incredible!


    To the people who were from the entertainment industry or those who paid attention to it, Zhang Ye''s rise in poprity was truly incredible!


    What did Zhang Ye possess that let him do this?


    Was it looks? Well, he didn''t have any!


    Was it experience? He hasn''t even debuted for a full year!


    Works? None of them were mainstream!


    How many of them had reached the A- or B-list of the celebrity rankings by hosting programs? Almost none! But you might find three or four of them if you really looked up their past works. Then how many celebrities had done it through their writings? Not a single one! As for directing, crosstalk acting, calligrapher, painter, literary works, lyricists, none of those that did such things could be seen in the top tier celebrity rankings! Why? Because they were all unconventional works! Due to the scope of the work, most viewers only paid attention to movie stars and singers. Those were jobs that would gain the most reputation. It was the easiest way to make your way into the top tiers of the celebrity rankings. It was evident if you scanned through the ranking list. Most of those at the top were either singers or actors, or both!


    But what about Zhang Ye?


    He wrote poems and literature? They were mainly used to scold people!


    Talk show? No one knew that such a thing existed in the past!


    He spoke about the Three Kingdoms and Dream of the Red Chamber? Many people have not even read the Four Great ssical Novels before!


    A global mathematical conjecture? There were many people who couldn''t even multiply two digit numbers, so you could say that it was a really dull and dry subject!


    And those were the list of Zhang Ye''s works and achievements.


    Just looking at it, they were works that were more than unconventional, they were f**king one of a kind!


    Yet somehow, a person with such average looks, whose works were all more unconventional than unconventional, had actually defied the heavens and almost reached the B-list celebrity rankings as a rookie who had debuted for less than a year! Many people who were not interested in math, did not listen to crosstalk performances, were not good at literature, or even those who never knew what a talk show was, started paying attention to Zhang Ye and began to enjoy those things that they would never have listened or watched in the first ce. It truly made everyone gasp with astonishment!


    Since everyone enjoyed music, you can just sing well to let them enjoy it. This was not a difficult task.


    If people did not enjoy poetry, did not like talk shows, or hated mathematics, yet you are able to attract them to start liking these things that they wouldn''t have in the first ce, that would be a most difficult task!


    And Zhang Ye did it!


    Zhang Ye''s surge in poprity this time was known by thousands and thousands of people and industry insiders. Many of them had seen the rankings and were moved deeply by it!


    A wondrous person doing wondrous things!


    For Zhang Ye to have such great poprity and achievements today, it was truly deserving as something no one could pick a bone with it! Everyone had to be convinced!


    Why?


    Because what Zhang Ye had achieved, even if you were to look thoroughly through the entertainment circle, going forward or backward several decades, you would not find another person capable of it!

 Chapter 544: The Most Popular Celebrity Awards!

    <h4>Chapter 544: The Most Popr Celebrity Awards! </h4>


    Chapter 544: The Most Popr Celebrity Awards!


    Before noon.


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    "Brother, where''s my new year''s money?" his third younger sister asked with her hands held out.


    His eldest younger sister also swung her hair back elegantly and asked, "And mine?"


    His second younger sister sat up on bed. "Me too! Me too!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "How long has it been since Lunar New Year? It''s been more than half a month already and we can''t even consider it ate new year, so what new year money are you talking about? No!"


    The third younger sister pouted. "Why not? You haven''t been home at all during the new year. So the new year''s money was owed to us. You have to give it to us no matter what! Besides, didn''t you just sell the copyright to your new novel? And aren''t Ghost Blows Out the Light and the fairy tales going for a second reprint too? I heard from Big Aunt already that you''ve earned 2 or 3 million from this. So hurry up! I''m just waiting for your new year''s money to save my life. There''s so many things that I want to buy!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t talk about money. Talking about it will only harm our rtionship."


    The second younger sister said, "It would harm our rtionship more if we don''t talk about money, Brother!"


    The eldest younger sister blinked several times. "Brother."


    The third younger sister tugged at his arm. "Brother��"


    "Just give us a little, just a little will do!" the three sisters said peeved.


    Zhang Ye couldn''t do anything about them and finally took out his wallet unwillingly. New year''s money? They might as well take his life! And so, he took out some money and said, "You all said just a little, so I will give you this much. 200 for each of you."


    His third younger sister nearly fainted. "You''re such a miser, brother. You''re almost a B-list celebrity now. How can you possibly hand out only 200? It does not fit your status at all!"


    His second younger sister, "........."


    Finally, Zhang Ye could no longer bear with the begging of his three sisters, so he took out the remaining 5000 from his wallet and had nothing left. His three sisters excitedly took more than a thousand each andughed happily. The eldest was still a little reserved as she did so, but his second and third younger sisters were alreadyughing crazily. Afraid that the adults in the house would suddenlye barging in, they quickly took the money and hid it on themselves. The second younger sister stuffed it into the pocket of her dress, while the third younger sister, who did not have pockets, took off her shoe and stuffed it under the insole.


    If they let their parents see this, then this money was as good as gone. They were afraid of one of the greatest lies that parents say: "Let us save the new year''s money for you."


    Ring, ring, ring. His third younger sister''s cellphone rang.


    "Hello. What''s up, Lingling?" she answered. "Ah? What awards?��Oh, oh, oh, I remember now. Of course I know about it��.It''s beginning today? What time? Understood��.My brother? Of course he''ll be taking part, he''s just beside me right now, hehe��.Yes��.he''ll definitely ce well. Who do you think my brother is? He''d surely sweep away those bunch of people��.I am boasting? I''m just telling the truth��.Right, Lingling, you and the others must vote for my brother! Vote when the award polls begin, don''t forget��.Yes, ask your parents and your sister to vote as well��."


    After hanging up.


    His eldest younger sister asked, "What vote were you talking about?"


    Zhang Ye couldn''t understand either. "Awards?"


    His third younger sister had an expression full of anticipation as she exined, "It''s the Most Popr Celebrity Awards poll that''s being held on Weibo. There''s one every year and always happens after the Lunar New Year, around February or March!"


    "Oh, that awards poll? I know it!" eximed his second younger sister when she remembered it. "They were promoting it on Weibo a while ago and many celebrities had already started pulling for votes."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Why did I not know about this?"


    His eldest younger sister said, "You were busy at that time, so you probably just missed it."


    Zhang Ye was still unfamiliar with many things of this world, so he asked for some exnations, "What is the nature of the selection? Is it official? Is there an awards ceremony?"


    His eldest younger sister exined, "It''s not exactly official, just something organized by Weibo. They hold it annually and it should be in its 4th or 5th year this year. There are two awards One of them is Weibo''s Most Popr Celebrity poll and the other is the Weibo''s Most Unpopr Celebrity poll. As long as you''re a celebrity, you stand a chance to be in the polls. Each Weibo ount can only vote once for their favorite celebrity. It starts at noon and ends at midnight."


    "There''s even a most unpopr poll?" Zhang Ye was surprised.


    His eldest younger sister nodded, "Yeah, there is."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Then wouldn''t those who get into the top 3 for that poll cry?"


    After listening to the exnation, Zhang Ye understood that in the entertainment business there were all sorts of polls that were held. This round of Most Popr Celebrity Awards would be considered as organized non-officially by a private corporation, unlike the authoritative awards like the Golden Rooster awards. The rankings wouldn''t be considered too reflective of true poprity nor would it mean the celebrities'' works were exceptionally good. For example, if there were some hot topic on the day of the polls, a random might end up ranking ahead of an A-list celebrity. Besides, Weibo users were definitely differentiated from those who observed the entertainment business on a daily basis. On top of all that, these polls would not hold an awards ceremony. On the surface, it would not affect the celebrities much even if they were to get ranked at the top since there weren''t any awards given out.


    But that was just from the view of ayman.


    In fact, to those working in the entertainment industry, no matter what sort of poll or award it is, they''re all equally important to them, as these are all additional qualifications and glory for them. They are a form of support and affirmation from the audience for them. If they won it, then they would be able to im that they had such an achievement the next time anyone asked or even brought it up when they appeared on a program. "So-and-so is so-and-so''s award top ten winner" was also a form of poprity. Moreover, with so many Weibo users, this award poll could even be considered as important! As such, many celebrities who had not yet climbed onto the A-list were already pulling for votes since several days ago. They all wanted to be able to im being one of the best in this Weibo poll to show off their strengths and fan cohesiveness.


    Competing on strengths?


    Competing on the fans'' cohesiveness?


    Hur hur, if that was the case, then would Zhang Ye be afraid of other celebrities?


    His third younger sister''s eyes gleamed. "Brother, are you going for it this year?"


    "Of course I am!" Zhang Ye eximed without hesitation. "Since you''ve already let me know about this, then of course I will be aiming for the top. After having been suppressed for so long, today will be the day that your brother, I, will make a reappearance into this world! Using this Most Popr Celebrity Award poll, I will let everyone know that Hu Hansan has made his return!"


    The eldest younger sister was taken aback by this, "Who is Hu Hansan?"


    Only then did he remember that people of this world had not heard of this great name, so Zhang Ye vaguely said, "It''s just a figure of speech, forget it, you wouldn''t understand anyway."


    His second younger sister positively added, "Then let''s hurry up and use this time wisely to pull for votes. It''s almost 11:50 AM now and there are only 10 more minutes before it begins!"


    "Alright." Zhang Ye logged in to Weibo on his phone and browsed through the awards poll.


    Although it was just a poll organized by Weibo, the scale and momentum of it was still very adequate. Weibo was promoting it via the main page and had positioned it in a very conspicuous location. The trending topics indicated that this awards poll had already been discussed more than 10 million times, but whether that was true or not would be another matter. On the list, a few thousand names of public figures was disyed. As the voting had not started yet, the numbers following each name showed 0. They were ordered ording to alphabetical order and with Zhang Ye''s name starting with Z, his name was also all the way at the back and not on the first page. But Zhang Ye was already satisfied with this as he knew that if his ban hadn''t been lifted, he might not even have a chance to participate in this poll.


    He browsed through the Weibo ounts of other celebrities.


    Heh, there were quite a few people that he knew and friends who were trying to garner votes for themselves.


    Yao Jiancai''s Weibo was inactive, probably because he knew that he didn''t stand a chance of getting voted into the top 100. But Zhang Ye''s university ssmate, Dong Shanshan, was very active.


    Dong Shanshan''s Weibo: "''Online Talents'' will be ending soon! Did everyone feel satisfied with my hosting? If you are, then please vote for me. Little Shan thanks everyone for their support!"


    Below, countless supporters left their messages.


    "Ah, Goddess!"


    "My sexy Goddess! I''ll support you fully!"


    "Go, go, go, Teacher Shanshan! We are supporting you!"


    "''Online Talents'' is great and you''re too beautiful! Too sexy!"


    "I''m salivating! I love you, Shanshan!"


    Looking at the Weibo IDs of her supporters, he could see that Dong Shanshan''s fans were generally males since her debut.


    After Zhang Ye browsed through her Weibo, he found out that Dong Shanshan''s program was alsoing to an end soon. Back then, her "Online Talents" had started its run together with "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show." But to avoid certain policies from the SARFT, "Zhang Ye''s Talk Show" had to expedite its broadcast run to several per day and thus ended its run much sooner than her program.


    Following that.


    The Hallyu star, Lee Parkwoo: "Please give me your vote, thank you!"


    A newly debuted actor: "It''s time for this year''s Weibo Celebrity Awards, need I say more? Let''s go!"


    The crosstalk actor, Tang Dazhang who was currently mired in awsuit: "Friends who support crosstalk and traditional arts, please let me see your support!"


    Countless celebrities were trying their best to pull for votes.


    But Zhang Yuanqi was missing from all of these. Clearly, her name was so famous that she did not even need to ask for votes and support. Or perhaps to her, this tform was not in her sights as she was no longer looking to conquer the domestic market but rather the international one. She was clearly on a different level.


    Anyway, the slew of activities rting to the awards poll was very pompous and had attracted a lot of attention.


    "Brother! You better hurry up!" his second younger sister nagged at him anxiously!


    His eldest younger sister seemed like she was even more anxious than Zhang Ye. "Quickly ask for voting support! It''s about to begin!"


    Zhang Ye nodded and logged into his own Weibo ount. After hesitating for a long time and considering his own status, he felt that if he wrote the same thing as others like "Please give me your support and votes", then it would be too disgraceful and wouldn''t show his bearing as a literary person and artist!


    Got it!


    He''ll use that!


    He quickly typed in something on his cellphone and posted it onto Weibo.


    Follow your own course,


    And let people talk!


    This quote* came from Zhang Ye''s previous world''s Italian writer, Dante, and his representative work Divine Comedy. If he remembered it right, it should be a verse in the part of the work called Purgatorio! It was a quote that anyone would know in his previous world! This sentence was also the best response for Zhang Ye, who had been banned for some time. It was also a follow up to his The Road Not Taken that he had recited on the live broadcast previously!


    See me?


    Or not?


    There will I stay, to let the others talk!


    Trantor''s note: The quote is actually a paraphrase by Karl Marx of the original Dante''s quote for the conclusion to the preface for his book Das Kapital as a motto to live by. "Segui il tuo corso, escia dir le genti."


    The full Dante quote trantion says, ''Come after me, and to their babblings leave'' which is found in the poem Divine Comedy: Purgatorio, in Canto V, line 13.


    You may want to research more about this matter here:


    http://.bartleby/20/ (Divine Comedy)


    Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 545: Voting begins!

    <h4>Chapter 545: Voting begins! </h4>


    Chapter 545: Voting begins!


    On Weibo.


    Many of those who liked Zhang Ye hade online to observe the happenings.


    "Wow, Teacher Zhang has finally appeared!"


    "Zhang Ye is aiming for the Most Popr Celebrity Awards as well?"


    "Haha, there''s something interesting to watch again this time. The first battle of Teacher Zhang Ye after hiseback!"


    "He''s posturing as though he''s different from the others! This guy is too good at posturing! He''s even using English! But��I like it! Hehehe!"


    "''Follow your own course, and let people talk''? Well said! How philosophical! Only from Zhang Ye''s mouth can such timeless quotese out as though they were cabbages being sold in the market. He can just throw them out whenever he wants to and we can get as much of them as we want like it''s on a one-for-one offer! If we have to narrow it, this has to be Zhang Ye''s literary talents!"


    "Teacher Zhang, we''re cheering you on!"


    "We''re all supporting you and have voted for you!"


    "Right, members of Zhang Ye''s fan club, let''s do it!"


    "This catchphrase is really good, it seems like it''sing from the same direction as The Road Not Taken!"


    "The voting is about to begin, let''s not lose to the others. We will give our votes for the most popr celebrity to Teacher Zhang! To celebrate the return of Face-smacking Zhang, we have got to vote him up!"


    "I''m here!"


    "I''m here to support too!"


    "Nothing to say except, I support Zhang Ye!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you''re finally back. We''ve waited for so long!"


    Zhang Ye still had quite arge number of fans on Weibo, inparison to the average C-list celebrity. The cohesiveness of his fans and their loyalty could even match up to some of the B- or A-list celebrity''s fans. In other words, they were all hardcore fans who liked Zhang Ye very much. Even when he was not active before he updated his Weibo with that message, these fans could understand Zhang Ye and came rushing like the wind to support Zhang Ye.


    But there were manyizens who also had differing opinions.


    "This year''s most popr celebrity rankings should still have those Japanese and Korean stars, right? There should be a few top spots that will be taken by them for sure. Zhang Ye has no chance."


    "Although Zhang Ye''s poprity is quite good, butpared to those top celebrities, it is nothing. There is still arge gap in the quality and volume of votes. If Zhang Ye wants topete, the only thing he has is the recent coverage he has been getting for the mathematical conjecture that he proved. With the help of that, I think he should be able to ce in the top 100 without any problems, but top 50? That could prove a little difficult."


    "That might not be necessary. Zhang Ye''s a wonder in the entertainment business. He''s different from thosemon celebrities. Even if he were to break into the top 50 spots, I wouldn''t be too surprised."


    "He''s asking for votes a little toote."


    "Yeah, so many of the other celebrities had already started asking for votes a few days ago."


    "I''m not optimistic about Zhang Ye''s chances too. If he can even get into the top 100 spots, I would say he has done well, because that person''s style does not have anything inmon with the world''s ''most popr''!"


    If he can get into the top 50 spots, it will be an extremely good result for him. As there were close to 10,000 celebrities'' names up for voting, and even included writers, models, overseas celebrities, cing in the top 50 would mean that he was already a top act in the entertainment circle. At least from previous years, those who managed to ce in the top 50 were either B-list or A-list celebrities. Even for the B-list celebrities, they did not number many since this poll also included overseas celebrities like the Japanese, Korean, European, and American actors or singers. Many of them would upy the spots in the top 50, and as such, being ced among them already said a lot.


    It was almost 12 PM.


    Many Weibo users had already logged on and focused to give support to their idols with their one or two votes. Every ount could vote for the most popr celebrity as well as the most unpopr celebrity.


    The poll had attracted countless people to Weibo. Zhang Ye was not the most well-known celebrity here and was just one name among many others. He could notpare to those A-list celebrities who got most of the attention, butpared to many others, his Weibo post could still get some attention. Those who liked or disliked him had all seen it!


    ����


    At his grandma''s house.


    The 3 sisters were getting busy.


    The eldest younger sister sent a message into a group chat with a link and asked, "Is everyone around? ssmates with Weibo, please give your vote to Zhang Ye. Thank you!"


    "Hey, Sis Dan!"


    "Dandan, I''ming!"


    "ssmate Cao has spoken, so we must support!"


    "Alright, I''m casting my vote immediately!"


    "Oh, my vote''s already been reserved for Brother Yan. Sorry about that Dandan, maybe next time."


    The eldest younger sister was quite good looking, good tempered, quiet, and got along very well with her ssmates in university. Although no one knew that Zhang Ye was her cousin, many of them still gave her face. Only those who had their own idols that they wanted to vote for could not oblige, but the others were fine with whoever they voted for. Under Cao Dan''s call, they went to the polling page to cast their votes for Zhang Ye.


    When the second sister saw this, she also followed suit and sent a message to her high school''s group chat: "Brothers and sisters! Weibo''s Most Popr Celebrity Awards poll has begun! Please vote for Zhang Ye!"


    Her ssmates chattered at this.


    "Who is Zhang Ye?"


    "I don''t know this person."


    "How can you not know? He was the god who proved the global mathematical conjecture a few days ago. Tongtong, why are you pulling votes for Zhang Ye? Is he your idol?"


    "There are so many handsome guys out there, why choose Zhang Ye?"


    "Woah, Tongtong, you''ve got really unique tastes!"


    The second sister whined, "Stop talking nonsense and vote!"


    A female ssmate said, "No, I''ve already given my vote to Steven, my Caucasian prince!"


    Another female ssmate said, "Me neither. I''m going to vote for Endo. I love that Japanese hunk! He''s so handsome! I''ve always voted for him as the most popr celebrity every year!"


    In the end, none of them gave any face to the second sister.


    Cao Tong could only angrily stomp her feet. Unlike her sister, she did not have that much poprity among her ssmates and it made her feel like giving up!


    Meanwhile, the third sister, Cao Mengmeng was making some calls: "Hello, Dongzi. Don''t ask me anything, just get on Weibo now and vote for my brother��.What do you mean who is my brother! He''s Zhang Ye!"


    The room was full of noise and sounded like a big mess of chattering.


    Zhang Ye felt a little embarrassed by all the goings-on, feeling as though his stature dropped. He couldn''t help but say, "Come on you all, don''t go around begging for votes. It''s just a few votes, so what effect could it have on the poll? No matter what, your brother is a top C-list celebrity. If I just called out for votes, I would be getting lots of them within a short moment. With all of you going around begging for votes, it makes me seem like I''m not a popr person."


    The three of them ignored him, acting like he wasn''t there. They just continued looking for their friends to ask for votes.


    Seeing his sisters trying so hard, Zhang Ye felt quite touched about it. He felt if he did not try hard himself as well, then he would have let down his sisters!


    Canvassing for votes?


    He should get to it himself too!


    The quote earlier from the Divine Comedy suited the asion butcked some charm and impact.


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye''s doubters appeared on Weibo.


    "He wants topete for this award too?"


    "He''s overestimating himself!"


    "This poll belongs to the A- and B-lists celebrities. What has it got to do with you?"


    "Zhang Ye has really been unbanned? His name is included in the nominee list? What the heck is the SARFT doing? This sort of person should be banned for life! If you let him make aeback, he will surely go around scolding people and cause a mess in the entertainment circle again! The previous time, when he went around scolding the other celebrities saying ''what lousy XX is this,'' do you know how many people hated him to the bones because of that? Everyone hated him so badly that they wished they could just silence him!"


    Most of the doubters were fans of Zhang Ye''s adversaries.


    When Zhang Ye saw this, his temper red and he sent another Weibo post: "Please vote for me!" and added a quirky quote, "��Wear the shoes of others'', so that others have no shoes to wear! Walk on others'' paths, so that they have no paths to walk!"


    When the people saw this post, many of them burst outughing!


    "Pfft!"


    "Why does he even have to steal shoes!"


    "Teacher Zhang, what are you trying to do!"


    "Hahaha, what a great way to let the others have no paths to walk on!"


    "Right, those of us from Zhang Ye''s fan club must adopt such a stance of imposition! If God blocks us, we will kill God! If Buddha blocks us, we will kill Buddha! I want for the sky to not cover my eyes! I want for thisnd to not bury my heart! I want for all those countless celebrities to pack up and scram!"


    "Get them!"


    "Vote for Teacher Zhang!"


    "This is the first battle since Teacher Zhang has returned! Let''s fight it out with them! We need to get Teacher Zhang a good ranking!"


    "Get ready for battle!"


    "Haha, let the tempeste strike harder!"


    Zhang Ye''s hardcore fans were more than willing to battle it out for him. They''d bled and sweat together with Zhang Ye all the way up until now. There was no trouble they were afraid of. Instead, they craved it. Whenever they saw a battle happening, their eyes would light up��this was amon characteristic of Zhang Ye''s fan club. Wherever you looked, whether it be internationally or domestically, you could only find such a fan club right here!


    When the other celebrities and their fans saw Zhang Ye''s newly posted Weibo update, they were speechless. Especially those fans who had earlier battled countless of times with Zhang Ye, the representatives from��Lee Anson''s fan club, Lee Parkwoo''s fan club, Tang Dazhang''s fan club, etc. They all could only think of one thing, if you have been unbanned and are trying to make aeback here, do it quietly. Don''t go around offending others when no looked to make trouble with you. What are you trying to do here, carpet bombing everyone and talking about walking on someone''s path so that they couldn''t walk on it? Whose shoes were you intending to wear so that they would have no shoes to wear?!!


    Be careful of getting smelly shoes!


    Many of them immediately started to counterattack him.


    "Pfft!"


    "We need to get rid of Zhang Ye!"


    "Yeah, everyone, join our hands together and get him!"


    "That person really makes my blood boil! His fan club is also asking for it!"


    "Hur hur, it''s not like everyone has only just gotten to know Zhang Ye. The sort of person he is, don''t you all know it well already? He just has a special charm to him��a word from him and everyone will hate him! Look at this, he has just made hiseback recently and he''s acting up again! A leopard doesn''t change its spots!"


    He was getting a mixed reception!


    The disputes were renewed!


    In everybody''s eyes, Zhang Ye seemed to have the innate ability to create trouble. But only Zhang Ye himself knew that his words now didn''t carry any other meaning. It was just to ask for votes with some impact behind them, and to hit at those who doubted him. So why were all these people reacting so strongly? It was as though he was intent on dering war on all of the other celebrities? But he did not have that intention!


    Really, this was all just for the sake of art, don''t you all know?


    Zhang Ye could only shake his head slightly. Wear the shoes of others'', so that others has no shoes to wear, walk on others'' path, so that they have no paths to walk, what did those words mean? It can''t be that none of you can understand it, right? There was a deep meaning to this, a hidden meaning that was the ultimate answer to all of literature. It was not as simple as anyone thought it to be. When you look at it for the first time, that phrase might not seem like anything. But if you looked hard and thought about it, it would dawn upon anyone with a sense of upbringing in literature that��well, that it doesn''t have any other meaning to it.


    Trantor''s Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 546: The laurel of the Most Unpopular Celebrity Award!

    <h4>Chapter 546: Theurel of the Most Unpopr Celebrity Award! </h4>


    Chapter 546: Theurel of the Most Unpopr Celebrity Award!


    At 12 o''clock sharp.


    Weibo''s Most Popr and Most Unpopr Celebrity Awards polling begins.


    "It''s beginning!"


    "The polling system is up!"


    "Haha, supporting Heavenly King Chen!"


    "Supporting Sister Zhang!"


    "This year still belongs to ''Fatty Wu'' whose acting was incredibly godly! He fully deserves my vote!"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye with one vote! Teacher Zhang has had a difficult year!"


    "Damn, I despise your vote for Zhang Ye!"


    "Same here, despising your vote for Zhang Ye. I can give my vote for the most popr celebrity to anyone but him. He is even trying to call for people to support him? How is he not embarrassed? Going around scolding and offending people with that character of his, as long as it doesn''t have the world''s ''most popr'' in it, I will be willing to vote for him! Come to think of it, Zhang Ye has got such a thick skin. The Korean celebrities, literary world, crosstalk world, and so many others have all been offended by him before. Yet he dares to ask for supporters to vote for him? Go figure! How could any normal person be as thick skinned as him?!"


    "I''m supporting Zhang Ye for his role in bringing glory to our country by proving the global mathematical conjecture!"


    "Pfft, if Zhang Ye hadn''t used ''On Horses'' to scold our Chinese mathematics world, I would have voted for him for sure!"


    "Willing to give a vote to anyone but Zhang Ye. During the Lunar New Year, that Brain Goldmercial kept ying so much that I vomited more than 10,000 times!"


    "To add on, that wretch even tainted the crosstalk and skitpetition."


    Zhang Ye''s current status in the entertainment circle was too entric. You wouldn''t be able to find another celebrity as controversial as him in this business.


    The contention for the rankings began furiously!


    Every celebrity used novel ways to canvass for votes. In the blink of an eye, the top 100 names were already out. Of course, they were not consistently ced as the vote numbers kept changing. Because the rankings were refreshed every second in real time, there wasn''t any dy with the rankings. They were seen clearly by everyone. The first page only showed the top 100, and even though thetter rankings could be checked as well by navigating to the next few pages, theizens were mainly only concerned with the top 100.


    On the rankings for the most popr celebrity.


    Continuing from her previous post to call for supporters to vote for her, Dong Shanshan suddenly posted another Weibo update that had no text. It was but a picture. It was a selfie, apparently taken at home. Dong Shanshan did not have much makeup on, but her clothing was on the sexy looking side. In the picture, Dong Shanshan posed with both her hands under her chin and sending out flying kisses. From this, it was evident that she had ced great importance on the oue of this award.


    "Shanshan, we''re here!"


    "My Goddess!"


    "Everyone, let''s vote together!"


    Within the first few minutes, with a Weibo post attached with a picture to canvass for votes, Dong Shanshan''s votes kept rising steadily and her name was pushed into the top 100. At one point in time, it even hit 89th ce and stayed there for a while before getting pushed out of the top 100 spots before finally settling at around 300th. As Dong Shanshan had only debuted a short while ago, she was still not at the height of poprity, even though her WebTV program had very good viewership, she was beautiful looking, and had a lot of diehard fans who treated her as a goddess. She was still just an E-list celebrity. Briefly ranking in the top 100 at the start was already an outstanding achievement.


    Although Yao Jiancai had risen into the C-list celebrity rankings after the crosstalkpetition, since he did not ask for voting support, and with no new works recently, he was ced outside of the top 500.


    Simrly, Zhang Yuanqi did not ask for voting support, but being a heavenly queen, even if she did not explicitly state it, she would still have the support of her countless fans. From the minute the voting began, Zhang Yuanqi was already firmly ced in the top 10, hovering between 8th or 9th ce.


    Lee Anson was currently in 105th ce��since the incident at the Spring Festival G, his poprity in China had been greatly affected. He didn''t even get into the top 100.


    Korean singer Lee Parkwoo was in 59th ce.


    Crosstalk actor Tang Dazhang was currently 233rd.


    Songstress Grandma Zhang Xia was in 399th ce currently.


    Famed skit actress Ci Xiufang''s cing was the 421st spot.


    It could be seen that Weibo''s most popr celebrity rankings varied from the official Celebrity Rankings by a lot. Thetter relied more onprehensively coted data, with specific objects affecting the overall ranking. It was thus the most authoritative ranking list around. It presented the celebrities'' overall strengths through the rankings and was recognized by everyone. As for the poprity award poll by Weibo, it was just an unofficial ranking with aims on finding the current "most popr" celebrity. It had more motivation behind each vote, possibly from fan base cohesiveness, mass appeal, or recent news and activities. Of course, it also had a direct effect from whether a celebrity canvassed for votes on Weibo. Because of all these factors, there was such arge fluctuation in rankings making it a much more interesting selection. Otherwise, if the rankings mirrored the official Celebrity Ranking system, then what meaning was there to all of this?


    As for Zhang Ye''s ranking right now?


    At his maternal grandma''s house, his three sisters were yelling!


    "Brother, I''ve already voted for you!"


    "Seven of my ssmates have also voted for you."


    "What rank are you at now?"


    Zhang Ye had also conveniently cast a vote for himself before scrolling through his phone with his sisters to check the rankings. Wow, it looked like his canvassing for votes had worked to great effect as there were already 70,000 votes for him! He was currently in 58th ce.


    His third sister pped happily and said, "One spot above Lee Parkwoo?"


    "It''s still not enough," said his second sister. "Our brother has the strength to be within the top 50!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I like what I hear."


    His eldest sister said excitedly, "I will ask my ssmates if they still have any votes!"


    His third sister stood up and said, "My parents are Weibo users too! I will get them to vote!"


    Actually, Zhang Ye knew that being ced 58th currently was already a very good result. As he was still only a C-list celebrity, though not far from the B-list, his poprity was still not there yet. There were many others who were more popr than him. Just the number of S-list and A-list celebrities, together with those foreign celebrities that were very popr in China, would already take up the top 50 spots. In fact, there were probably even more than that, so for a C-lister like Zhang Ye to get his current ranking was definitely down to his proving of a global mathematical conjecture. The momentum that he got from that incident had not died down yet. With the constant coverage on the newspapers, the people were still actively discussing about this matter. Just these past few days alone, the headlines on Weibo were still focused on him. Because of all these reasons, Zhang Ye managed to get a rather good ranking at the start of the voting.


    Zhang Ye''s fans were out in full force!


    "Charge!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s already in 58th ce!"


    "Is that all we got?"


    "Keep pushing it up! We can''t let Teacher Zhang''s first battle after hiseback end with a fizzle. We need to kick this up a notch! Only that will suit our usual style!"


    "Well said! Let me get my friends to vote too!"


    An hour passed.


    56th ce����


    50th ce����


    49th ce����


    Votes for Zhang Ye steadily increased as he edged forward in the rankings. However, it could be seen just how much effort it took for him to climb up the ranks. Those singers, actors, and foreign celebrities had fans that numbered more than 10,000. So being able to move up the rank by one spot took everything from his fans. Luckily, being able to get into the top 50 was already a form of achievement. Before the voting started, no one had expected him to be able to get such a rank!


    On Weibo, many of those who disliked Zhang Ye could not bear to watch any further.


    "Holy sh*t!"


    "That Zhang Ye actually advanced into the top 50!"


    "Why did so many people vote for him?"


    "We can''t let him get up there! We have to stop him!"


    "Down with Zhang Ye!"


    "Fellow victims of the Brain Goldmercial, let''s do this!"


    Countless people started taking action. For example, those who Zhang Ye offended before, the crosstalk world, the literary world, and so on, the fans of those who had ever been scolded by him and even those who were here just to have fun, all of them were trying to stop Zhang Ye''s advance together! The action they took was to naturally vote for Zhang Ye in the "Most Unpopr Celebrity Award." Since the two awards were separate, it meant that, even if they voted for him in the unpopr poll, it wouldn''t affect the popr poll. If everyone was not able to stop him from rising in the positive rankings, then they could only take it out on him on the negative rankings!


    Zhang Ye was eating right now.


    In the house, lunch was served. His three sisters were called by the elders to eat. The whole family sat in the living room, but as there were too many people, they were divided into two tables. The tables that drank and the one that didn''t.


    His grandma asked, "What were you kids doing just now?"


    His third sister said cheekily, "Voting for brother on Weibo''s Most Popr Celebrity Awards. He''s already in the top 50 and the only C-list celebrity there. The others are all celebrities from either the A- or B-list." For Lee Anson, Lee Parkwoo and other foreign celebrities, the Chinese Celebrity Rankings did not include them. Even though Lee Anson was also a C-list celebrity, he was a C-list in Korea, so it was a different matter.


    His mother said, "He''s ranked that high?"


    Zhang Ye who was drinking with his grandpa said, "Of course, your son, me, is no longer amon person. My fans number in the tens of thousands, so my appeal is for real."


    His father raised his chin and said, "Alright, stop boasting."


    "How am I boasting? It''s the truth," Zhang Ye said, not liking what he heard.


    First Aunt said, "Ahem, seems like a lot of of people are scolding that Brain Goldmercial."


    Zhang Ye waved his hands and replied cheerfully, "First Aunt, just because a lot of people are scolding me online doesn''t mean I am unpopr. Actually, they''re not really scolding me at all. In fact, they like me a lot. I think you can see that from the rankings, right? If everyone does not like me, why would they vote so many times for me? Would I be able to garner so much support just by saying a few words? Don''t be fooled by some criticisms you just see online. They are all fake ande from my enemies'' fans trolling me. If you don''t believe it, just go online and asked around. I''m sure 99 in 100 like me and support me."


    His eldest sisterughed without saying a word.


    His second sister rolled her eyes, not bothering to exin either.


    Only his grandma agreed, "Yes, no one canpare to our Little Ye."


    "See? Grandma is the only smart one around here." Zhang Ye took some food and gave it to his grandma.


    Suddenly, his third sister who had been looking at her phone all this time eximed, "Damn! What the hell is happening here?"


    "What''s the matter?" asked his first aunt.


    His grandma stared at her. "You gave me a fright! What a loud girl."


    Zhang Ye also looked at her with a smile and said, "My ranking went up again, right? What ce am I at now?"


    His third sister didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Brother, take a look yourself. When you see it, you''ll understand!"


    "Heh, you''re even trying to make this suspenseful?" Zhang Ye took out his phone from his pocket and browsed to the most popr celebrity rankings, "It''s still at 49th. There are no changes?"


    Zhang Ye''s mother, second uncle and aunt also took out their phones to check Weibo.


    His third sister sighed and said, "It''s not the most popr celebrity rankings. You should be looking at the most unpopr celebrity rankings instead!"


    Zhang Ye scoffed at this. "Why should I be looking at that? Your brother here is a famous national celebrity who is being called ''the celebrity with a conscience'' by the people in the industry. How could I be on that list of ranking?" Saying so, he still proceeded to scroll through the list as he was curious who would be voted into the top 10 of this year''s most unpopr celebrities.


    Each year, at the Weibo celebrity rankings, people did not pay the most attention to the most popr celebrity rankings but were always more interested in the most unpopr celebrity rankings. Why? This was the kind of mentality that most people had when they sensed trouble for others. Whichever most popr celebrity, most sexy celebrity, most outstanding song, most talked about movie, etc, there were too many of such kinds of rankings around. Whether it were domestic or international rankings, they were usually focused on the positives and it had be the norm for ranking selections. However, a most unpopr ranking selection was almost unheard of anywhere. A green leaf would stand out if it were ced in the middle of a thousand flowers, like a national treasure. These sort of reverse trending rankings were rarer than rare. And so, because of these reasons, everyone adopted a joking mentality when they approached such ranking selections and always paid the most attention to the most unpopr celebrity award, curious to know who would be the unlucky one to walk away with the "honors"!


    Last year, the top 3 most unpopr celebrities were a close fight and had a very tight finish. It was settled between 3 directors and deputy directors involved in the scandals of unspoken rules within the film industry.


    The year before, the fight for this ranking selection was between 3 people involved in the production of a repugnant viral song, namely the lyricist, singer, and musicposer. It was as though the people hade to amon understanding when it came to voting for them. Their positions were only decided at the veryst minute of voting as the voters finally agreed that the lyrics to that viral song was the worst of it and therefore voted the lyricist into first ce.


    As for this year, there were some discussions earlier about who should be the most unpopr celebrity. The most discussed celebrities ted to be in the top ranks of this award were those who had taken part in the filming of River, a movie with big investments and a highly acimed director and top actors. But when it premiered, it was so disappointing that everyone could only curse at it from beginning to end. They all felt that this film was basically rubbish and shouldn''t be watched, so naturally, the film''s director, screenwriter, and main lead became the top contenders for the award. They were also ted to do a clean sweep of the top 3 ranks��Well, that was what everyone thought anyway.


    But what happened in reality?


    What happened made everyone overjoyed!


    When Zhang Ye tapped on the most unpopr celebrity ranking, he nearly vomited blood. He saw his name in bright crimson at the top!


    ��Zhang Ye!


    Votes: 1.91 million!


    Mom: "��"


    Maternal grandma: "����"


    Maternal grandpa: "����"


    Second uncle: "����"


    His eldest younger sister: "����"


    Zhang Ye nearly blew his top, "Why is it my name?!"


    His second younger sister coughed and added in an almost speechless manner, "And you''re even running away with the lead!"


    Following in second ce for most unpopr celebrity was the male lead of River. Though he was second, his votes only numbered 87,000. Compared to Zhang Ye, the gap was sorge that it differed by two orders of magnitude! Not only was Zhang Ye firmly in the lead, he was clearly in the lead by an overwhelming amount of votes!


    It has only been slightly more than an hour?


    Almost 2 million votes for the number one most unpopr celebrity?


    Zhang Ye nearly threw up his gall dder as he stood up and hit on the table in anger. "There''s definitely vote fixing involved! Those bunch of people are buying fixed votes against me!"


    His second younger sister cleared her throat and said, "What are you talking about, brother? This doesn''t look like vote fixing at all. This ranking selection has always been fair every year. There have never been any cases of vote fixing before."


    Zhang Ye stared at her. "Those were in the previous years, but there''s surely vote fixing involved this year!"


    His second younger sister, "����"


    Zhang Ye scolded, "Those people are really too wicked, they are wicked beyond allpare! A celebrity with a good conscience like me has somehow ended up being voted as the most unpopr?"


    His eldest younger sister was wiping away her sweat as she continued checking her phone. "This��The votes are still increasing."


    2 million!


    2.5 million!


    2.7 million!


    The voting only began slightly more than an hour ago and the votes for the most unpopr celebrity had actually hit 3 million already? This had totally broken the record for the most number of votes cast for the most unpopr celebrity ranking selection! And with each second passed, the record was broken again!


    There were too many votes!


    As if countless people were stepping on Zhang Ye!


    ����


    On Weibo, other users also noticed this anomaly in votes!


    Many of those who had something against Zhang Ye wereughing out loud!


    "Ahahahaha!"


    "How awesome! Great one, brothers and sisters!"


    "Everyone''s well supporting! This year''s Most Unpopr Celebrity Award will definitely belong to Zhang Ye!"


    "Hehe, that title was tailor-made for him!"


    "Pfft, and we still thought that it would go to one of the people from River? Looks like Teacher Zhang has outdone himself again. A rubbish movie like that can actually be overtaken by Zhang Ye. Look at the votes! This is truly unbelievable! Teacher Zhang has a few million votes in first ce while second ce is only at slightly less than 100,000! What pleasure to witness such an oue! Looks like Zhang Ye getting the Most Unpopr Celebrity Award this year is weed by everyone!"


    "You''re all terrible people, haha!"


    "Actually, I''m also Teacher Zhang Ye''s fan, but I''ve also given him a vote for the Most Unpopr Celebrity Award. Hehehe, there''s nothing to worry about if I''m just here to enjoy myself!"


    "Friend above me, you have left me speechless!"


    "Aiyo, I''m dying fromughter! This voting selection is really too funny!"


    "Yea, I''m dying fromughter too. If only they held ranking selections for the most unpopr artist every year! How fun would that be?! It would be awesome!"


    "Teacher Zhang deserves the title!"


    "Compared to Zhang Ye''s wickedness, River has been thrown more than ten streets away!"


    "Hahaha, can you all not be like this? Teacher Zhang is really pitiful. If we anger him again, he will surely cause some big ruckus again!"


    "That''s good! We''re just waiting for him toe up with something big!"


    "Right, right! Actually, it''s not that I dislike Zhang Ye. I only gave him this unpopr vote because I wanted to see him stir up some trouble! How fun would that be! Ha, would everyone give your unpopr votes to Teacher Zhang? Since he has such thick skin, I don''t think he will be embarrassed by this. Today is Zhang Ye''s day of return to the entertainment business. I believe this award will put him at the forefront of everyone''s discussions. So what if it is the most unpopr award? It''s still first ce anyway, right? It''s all the same! He''s already in first ce anyway!


    "Then let me add some fuel for his ascent! Vote cast!"


    "I think all of you are more wicked than Teacher Zhang Ye��.Vote cast!"


    "You''re all terrible people��.Vote cast!"


    "Oh, Teacher Zhang Ye is so pitiful��.Vote cast! Don''t thank me, just call me a Red Scarf!"


    "Pity him yet you still voted for him? Pu!"


    3 million!


    4 million!


    Zhang Ye was leading the way in the Most Unpopr Celebrity Award��by miles!


    Finally, even fans of Zhang Ye could no longer do anything about it. By the looks of it, they also decided to cast their unpopr votes for Zhang Ye.


    "Vote!"


    "Oh, it won''t make a difference anyway."


    "He definitely won''t be able to get past the top 40 on the most popr celebrity rankings. At most he''ll settle somewhere between the 41st and 50th spots. I guess if it has to be the most unpopr celebrity rankings, so be it. At least it''s still 1st ce. Let''s help Teacher Zhang break the record! In the past, this ranking''s No.1 spot would usually get around 1 million votes, so even if it has to be this unpopr celebrity ranking, we mustn''t lose out to the others. We''ll break the record and break it by more than 10 times! Only then can we show our reputation as Zhang Ye''s fan club! We reject being average!"


    "Well said! Since we can''t be the best, then we''ll be the worst!"


    "��I give up!"


    "F**k, everyone is so open minded!"


    "Could Teacher Zhang be crying because of this?"


    Zhang Ye, who was currently having his lunch at his grandma''s house, was indeed about to cry. He could not have expected that his cheerful canvassing of votes could have led to this situation. He only did alright in the most popr ranking but took a big lead in the most unpopr ranking! Even his own fans were happily voting for him in the negative ranking awards!


    These are my fans?


    You guys must be spies!


    Not only that, there were also people whoughed at his misfortune and teased him.


    Yao Jiancai hade out of his slumber and sent a message to him on Weibo: "@ZhangYe , congrattions, old bro, on securing your victory so early."


    Zhang Ye replied: "����"


    His old ssmate, Dong Shanshan, sent a "congrattory" message over: "@ZhangYe ,you''ll be first for sure, when should I be expecting a meal from you?"


    Zhang Ye once again replied: "����"


    His fellow colleague from Peking University, Teacher Su Na: "Teacher Zhang deserves the 1st ce for this without a doubt."


    Teasing!


    It was all teasing!


    Zhang Ye might as well just ignore them. This bunch of friends was really good at stepping on him when he was down. What do they mean by "I truly deserve to win"? Am I that unpopr!?


    On the most popr celebrity rankings, it was still difficult to say who would win it as the number of votes for top 10 ces were too close to call and still very suspenseful. However, on the most unpopr celebrity rankings, there was no suspense at all. The first ce was Zhang Ye''s for sure! Even if the second ce got rigged votes, even if the celebrity used money to bribe the official organizers, he wouldn''t be able to catch up to Zhang Ye!


    That''s how big a lead we''re talking about!


    It was just so certain!


    Afternoon turned into night.


    At midnight, the voting system stopped and the tabted data showed that Zhang Ye received 1.957 million votes and ced 49th on the Most Popr Celebrity Awards poll with outstanding results. Then, with a total count of 21.7035 million votes received, Zhang Ye again ced as overall "winner" of Weibo''s Most Unpopr Celebrity Awards poll!


    The official numbers were put to the record.


    It had been recorded into the annals of Weibo''s history books!


    When the results of the poll were dered, everyone was once again heatedly discussing the oue!


    "Hahaha, Teacher Zhang had fought and won such a great glory for our country, but you guys actually voted him to the top of the most unpopr celebrity rankings? Is what you''ve done considered good!?"


    "Friend above, if you didn''t include the ''hahaha'' in front of your post, I would have believed that you were really trying to help Teacher Zhang seek justice."


    "So what if it''s a loss of face? It''s not like this is Zhang Ye''s first time being treated as a joke to so many people. He should already be used to this. Look at the Weibo of Teacher Zhang Ye''s friends and colleagues. Aren''t they all also teasing him? The most unpopr��is still a form of honor. It''s not something that anyone can get even if they want it!"


    "Teacher Zhang did not take part inst year''s awards polling, right?"


    "No, Zhang Ye only debuted in the middle ofst year, so this is his first year taking part in it."


    "Only his first appearance and he has already won the Most Unpopr Celebrity title? I have a feeling that Zhang Ye will be a big contender for this award again next year! Haha!"


    "With Zhang Ye''s bad temper, that award will probably be his for the next 3 years!"


    "Only for the next three years? My guess is that, as long as Zhang Ye is still in the entertainment business, that award will automatically be his from now on! No one will be able to take it from him!"


    The more they discussed, the funnier it became!


    So it could be said that a person like Zhang Ye��has really poor poprity among the people!


    Trantor''s Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 547: Upgrade unlocked for the game ring’s system!

    <h4>Chapter 547: Upgrade unlocked for the game ring''s system! </h4>


    Chapter 547: Upgrade unlocked for the game ring''s system!


    Late at night.


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' ce.


    It was already the deep of night. In the district, almost everyone had turned in. Only the sounds of two cats mewling in the garden downstairs could be heard. The breeding season of cats was beginning again and it was bing slightly noisier than before.


    "Meow!"


    "Ouh��"


    Zhang Ye, still in bed under his nket, was browsing Weibo with a depressed mood. Having just won the award and title of Most Unpopr Celebrity, he could only swear and grumble at his luck. He felt that those Weiboizens were really too wicked. Even if this bro could not get the Most Popr Celebrity Award, surely he did not deserve the title of Most Unpopr Celebrity? Weren''t you guys just teaming up against me!?


    Heh, forget it.


    As long as everyone enjoyed the process.


    So be it. If it''s the most unpopr award, at least he was still crowned champion, right? If there were any others who wanted the title, they would not be able to get it. It was still somewhat a reflection of being popr. Like those small-time celebrities who really attracted a lot of hate, like those who behaved like they were divas, like those who had terrible acting skills, like those whose singing would go out of tune��even if they wanted to win the title of Most Unpopr Celebrity, they were still not qualified enough to do so, not to mention winning it with a record of more than 20 million votes. This record had broken the previous one by more than 10 times. Zhang Ye fully deserved being the most "Most Unpopr Celebrity" of all time. With all the votes added up from the previous rankings for this award, it would still not be able to surpass his vote total!


    Though it might be called the Most Unpopr Celebrity Award, in actuality, if it were truly an award of unpoprity, the people would not remember your name in the first ce or even know who you were. So how could they vote for you? They wouldn''t even be bothered by you. This award was pretty much simr to the Golden Raspberry Awards (Razzies) in his previous world. So the reason for Zhang Ye being selected for this award was not a true reflection of him being unpopr. It was done more so for entertainment''s sake, to make the event more lively. Furthermore, even if it was a title of being the most unpopr, it would still give Zhang Ye some additional fame and reputation points. Compared to being average in the polls, he still gained some positives out of this. He could only make the best out of the situation and think positively this way.


    Oh, right.


    Speaking of reputation points, he suddenly remembered.


    Zhang Ye looked at the game ring on his pinky and remembered that he had not checked it for some time now. If he recalled correctly, thest time he used the game ring was back at Summer Pce during the International Math Olympiad to search through his memory for the topic on Fermat''s Theorem, also know as this world''s Dale''s Conjecture. After he bought a memory search capsule and used it to prove the mathematical conjecture, he had not checked his total reputation points again. The memory search capsules he had used to write Legend of Wukong were eaten earlier, before he went on to prove the mathematical conjecture. As the pace of events was too messy, he had forgotten all about it.


    But this was his greatest asset.


    Zhang Ye''s focus immediately shifted from the Weibo polling awards back to the game ring''s reputation points. He estimated that he would have gathered arge amount of reputation points this time. He was excited by the prospects of this since he hadn''t yed the lottery draw in a long time now. After having had his ban lifted and being able to start work again, he knew that he needed to gain some items to help him in his future endeavors. With a spot on the B-list Celebrity Rankings so close, Zhang Ye was full of energy and confidence!


    Activating the game ring.


    He brought up the virtual screen.


    The disy looked as the same as always, with the menu listings:


    [Items]


    [Merchant Shop]


    [Lottery]


    After them, [Reputation Points]: 224,570,003.


    Since it was possible that people from all over the country were noticing Zhang Ye''s new or old works, his reputation points were increasing constantly. For example, the recent Legend of Wukong, the Weibo Celebrity Rankings, or the essay "On Horses" and poem The Road Not Taken from the past few days, and so on.


    +3!


    +2!


    +11!


    +8!


    +6!


    It continually added the relevant amount of reputation points in real time.


    During the times when he had no new works, this counter would increase less often with a lower rate.


    Zhang Ye was not too shocked by the 200 million reputation points he had gained. By now, he had already been expecting it. However when he saw it, he still felt a sense of surprise. He knew that some of these reputation points came from the novel Legend of Wukong and some other written works, but they probably did not form the main bulk of it. The majority of the 200 million reputation points should be due to him causing a sensation when he proved Dale''s Conjecture. Although math had never been something that most people paid attention to, or rather, it was something that people did not bother about. But with Zhang Ye proving one of the top ten most difficult math problems that had eluded even the world''s brightest mathematicians, even those who didn''t know what a mathematical conjecture was or had never heard of Dale''s Conjecture would understand just how unbelievable this achievement was. With that kind of admiration, shock, and praise, all of that had naturally propped up Zhang Ye''s poprity. It, in turn, became reputation points for him through the game system.


    200 millions worth of reputation points!


    This was thergest amount of points that Zhang Ye had gained ever since he had the game ring. Compared to what he had earned in the past, this was on a whole different level!


    It was too much!


    So much that he did not know how he should spend it!


    Zhang Ye was smiling very happily. Just as he was about to bring up the next screen, and his fingers touched the virtual screen, themand did not go through but up came a notification message.


    [System update detected.]


    A system update?


    The system could even be updated?


    Zhang Ye was a little stunned and could not react.


    The message automatically closed before a detailed description appeared.


    [Update instructions]: Upgrade conditions have been met. The upgraded system will require 200 million reputation points. After the upgrade has beenpleted, there will be improved lottery functions and special category item rewards.


    [Confirm] / [Cancel]


    Finally it gave two options to choose from.


    Zhang Ye could not process all of this right now. An update of the system? Because he had gained 200 million in reputation points, he had reached a milestone that had unlocked the upgrade notification? Was it because he had not brought up the game ring''s virtual screen before this, therefore only receiving the notification now? And this upgrade came at a price of 200 million reputation points? Damn it, this bro had gone through so much before amassing such arge number of reputation points. And now, almost all of it would be required if he wanted to upgrade the system? What a scam! Do you even know how much can be done with 200 million reputation points? How many lottery draws that can be bought with that? With this upgrade, he would be back at the state before his liberation again after just one night? What kind of improved lottery functions after the upgrade are we talking about? Doesn''t he have the lottery draw function already? Oh right, he suddenly remembered that in the past the lottery draw usually gave him a treasure chest that was usuallybeled as "(Small)". That would mean that there were still treasure chests other than that? What about the special category reward? What kind of reward was it?


    There wasn''t enough information to enable his decision!


    There was totally no way to judge or decide what he would do next!


    Zhang Ye felt hesitant. He clenched his teeth, and then, finally clicked on [Cancel]. He really could not bear with the amount of reputation points required. After he canceled the update, the message minimized to the bottom right corner of the virtual game screen and turned into an exmation icon. Zhang Ye tried to click on it and the message reappeared. Then he clicked on [Cancel] and it minimized back to its ce again.


    He needed some time to consider it.


    He wanted to give it some thought first. So he decided that he would go ahead for 2 turns at the lottery draw before he made any decision. With so many reputation points, he wanted to spend some of it first, like a tycoon would.


    He began his lottery draw.


    His mind kept sweeping through the thought of his reputation points as he clicked on the lottery draw screen. He bought a chance for the spin at 100,000 reputation points, then clicked on the additional stakes and added 19 to it, spending a total of 2 million reputation points.


    The wheel started spinning!


    The needle quickly passed through the different areas of rewards!


    After about ten seconds, it slowed down, nearly to a stop!


    Consumption Category��


    Stats Category��


    Finally, it went back to the Consumption Category and stopped there!


    Zhang Ye was just trying his luck in the first round and did not care too much about what items he got. He just wanted something good. He was looking forward to it quite a lot as he brought up his inventory to retrieve the 20 Treasure Chests (Small) and open them. With a sh of brightness, the treasure chests opened to reveal a green liquid, containing a test tube and a seal with a wooden cork. The inside glowed with a mysterious aura.


    [Strength Potion (Small)] x 20: Effective immediately after consumption. Increases physical strength.


    Since strength was something that could recover or lost, this potion did not have any time constraints but was instead considered a one-time usage consumption item.


    20 bottles?


    It felt like just a so-so item.


    Zhang Ye lightly shook his head, not fully satisfied with what he received. But he wasn''t too disappointed either. After thinking about it a little, he decided to go for another draw, but this time with a little twist. Naturally, he opened up the merchant shop to use his trump card.


    [Lucky Halo].


    Activate!


    A dazzling white ring of light appeared over his head suddenly, emitting a mysterious and radiant glow.


    Reputation points -10,000!


    Reputation points -10,000!


    Every second used up 10,000 reputation points. It was a very extravagant item!


    It was good that Zhang Ye was "rich" at the moment. As such he wasn''t too bothered by it. He immediately went back to the lottery draw screen and bought a chance at the draw, simrly adding 19 additional stakes like the first time!


    The lottery draw began!


    The needle spun!


    1 revolution��5 revolutions��10 revolutions��


    Because of the Lucky Halo''s effect, Zhang Ye had some expectations for this round of the lottery draw. He was hoping to get something from the Special Category, something that he could purchase from the Merchant Shop. No matter how good an item was, it was much harder to get again after the first time. If it was limited by that, then of course it couldn''tpare to those that he could easily get from the Merchant Shop. Those were the items that he would never mind having an unlimited supply of!


    Special Category!


    Special Category!


    He kept wishing for it, hoping that the Lucky Halo would make his wishe true!


    The needle was almosting to a stop as it got closer and closer to the smallest area of the Special Category!


    But when it had just moved into the Special Category area, the needle seemingly gained thatst bit of strength! It moved a little more and ended up in the Stats Category area!


    20 Treasure Chests (Small) appeared.


    [Fruit of Agility] x 20: Takes effect after consumption, increase agility of user.


    Zhang Ye immediately switched off the usage of the Lucky Halo and sighed. This time, it didn''t seem like the Lucky Halo helped him much. At the key moment, it couldn''t fulfill it''s purpose. Thinking about it, and ording to his past experiences, the Lucky Bread should be a simr item to the Lucky Halo, except that it was a consumable item while thetter could be used as long as Zhang Ye had reputation points. There was a fluctuation in the effectiveness of the luck of both items as there was a limit to how much good luck it could give to its user. For example, when he used it alongside the Difficulty Adjustment Die, if the Lucky Halo had given him maximum luck, he would probably have rolled a ten times reduced difficulty effect rather than just five times reduced difficulty. So from this round of lottery draw, the limits of the Lucky Halo could be seen and it couldn''t possibly always be so effective and fulfill its promise with every use.


    And so, the unsatisfactory oue of the lottery draws this time might be down to this factor. There were only those few factors which could affect it. From the looks of the system update message, it seemed like there was also an upgraded version of the lottery draw system. Did this mean that he had no choice but to spend 200 million to receive the delivery of the system update?


    To receive the update or not?


    Should he do it or not?


    Zhang Ye was now faced with a conundrum that all women faced when they discovered that they were pregnant!


    Trantor''s Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 548: New Lottery Draw!

    <h4>Chapter 548: New Lottery Draw! </h4>


    Chapter 548: New Lottery Draw!


    He decided to eat the fruits before he would decide on whether to upgrade the system.


    He swallowed each Fruit of Agility one by one into his stomach.


    These Stats Category fruits were very delicious and did not take up any space in the stomach, so there was no feeling of fullness. After it''s put into the mouth, it changes into a heat flux that spreads through the body. Zhang Ye took just two minutes to eat all twenty Fruits of Agility, and then casually lifted his elbow and moved it about a few times. He threw a few punches at the air, and could actually feel quite an effect. He felt that his movements had sped up from before, not because of his muscr strength increasing, but because he had an increased flexibility and reaction rate. After his brain had given its signals, his body reacted much more nimbly. Having eaten so many Fruits of Agility, he felt his body getting lighter. It was a very pleasant feeling.


    Unfortunately, it did not seem like there was much use for this.


    First, it did not seem like it would help his career since his job didn''t require him to be agile. Second, it was only a little important to his self-defense since his main martial arts style was Tai Chi, which wasn''t dependent on agility. It instead used a style that was rtively "slower" and did not require him to be too quick.


    If he had to insist that these agile fruits could help him in something, it would be the time when he offends others and gets surrounded and attacked by thousands of people. Then he could to depend on this item to help him escape.


    Well, at least it can be used for emergencies.


    After he was done, Zhang Ye didn''t carry on with the lottery draw. Instead, he lit a cigarette and pondered for five minutes. With a final affirmation of his eyes, he decided to update the system, mainly due to his curiosity. As the system update was there, if he didn''t update it, something would always feel wrong and he''d keep thinking about it. Besides, Zhang Ye was getting more and more popr now, his ranking in the entertainment circle bing higher. The few items in the merchant shop and the existing lottery draw system were no longer able to satisfy him.


    Like before, when the Lucky Bread (Small) helped him create the idents and opportunities that led to him winning the Silver Microphone Awards. The Lucky Halo also helped to get Zhang Ye''s "Woman Flower" ying at Lee Anson''s concert and disgust him. It even helped him roll a five times reduced difficulty effect when he used the Difficulty Adjustment Die. Based on these previous experiences, these items had all helped him a lot and were very effective. But right now, and even in the future, this bit of luck might no longer be enough to help Zhang Ye as much any further. Furthermore, the Lucky Halo was not always effective or useful when he needed something to go his way. This did not mean the Lucky Halo or Lucky Bread (Small) were getting lousy. Rather, because Zhang Ye was moving to a higher level now, the situation required a different magnitude of effectiveness.


    Like how the "Invisibility Potion" did not work on clothes.


    Like how the "Red String of Fate" broke when a slight situation urred.


    Or even the "Unlucky Sticker" that was only effective for five minutes and other Consumption Category items that were simrly limited to a short effective time.


    These items all had many restrictions in their functionality. However, since Zhang Ye''s demand levels before were low and he had limited situations in which he could use them, they still weren''t too bad when used. However, like today''s lottery draw, it seemed like they had be a lot less effective.


    It was time to upgrade!


    200 million? Fine, 200 million it shall be!


    Zhang Ye''s heart felt like it was already bleeding. He clicked on the exmation icon at the lower right corner of the game interface and a system upgrade message popped up!


    [Confirm] / [Cancel]


    This will hurt!


    He could feel the pain of losing all those reputation points at once!


    He clenched his fist and firmly pressed down on "confirm"!


    [Starting System Upgrade.]


    [200 Million Reputation Points will be consumed.]


    [Upgrading, Please wait.]


    [Upgrading Process: 1%�� 12%�� 17%�� ]


    After approximately half an hour, the system upgrade process finally moved slowly towards 100%. The game interface closed with a swish before reopening almost immediately. But this newly reopened interface did not look the same as before. The option selection items had changed slightly and another new option selection was now added to it.


    [Reputation Points]: 20,048,211.


    [Inventory]


    [Merchant Shop]


    [Lottery Draw (One)]


    [Lottery Draw (Two)]


    Zhang Ye clicked to go into Lottery Draw (One). In it, he could see that this was the same "Lottery Draw" interface as before and only was onlybeled with an extra "(One)" in its name. To get a chance at the draw, it still required 100,000 reputation points to activate. So it seemed that Lottery Draw (Two) was obviously the newly added option, and was the upgraded lottery draw which the system message mentioned.


    He clicked on it!


    After choosing the new option, apletely different interface popped up.


    Inside Lottery Draw (Two), an interface simr to a slot machine appeared instead of a wheel and needle design. It had a bit of a 3D effect and there was a lever handle on the side. However, unlike a normal slot machine, there was only one middle window viewing panel instead of three. For example, instead of a "7-7-7," it could only show one "7." At this moment, the window was showing a nk icon, and the top and bottom, though partially hidden, said "Consumption Category" and "Skills Category" respectively.


    It was a brand new lottery draw system!


    Zhang Ye was a little unsure, but when he saw the purchase option, he casually pressed it to try. Although he was mentally prepared and expected the new lottery draw system to be different from before, he still nearly swore when he saw the required reputation pointed needed for this upgraded Lottery Draw (Two).


    [Ten Million Reputation Points]


    [Yes / No To Confirm Purchase]


    Ten million! Why don''t you go and rob a bank instead!


    Although the saying goes that you get what you pay for, it was still too much!


    Immediately after that, the system brought up a notification message: [Upgraded system. A reward has been activated. For the first time running of the new lottery draw systems, you are entitled to make a spin with a 100% chance of getting a Special Category item (limited to one time).]


    You will definitely draw a Special Category item on the first spin? This gave Zhang Ye somefort as otherwise, the 200 million reputation points would have just been a waste! Using so many reputation points for a system upgrade plus a chance to get an item that could be bought in the merchant shop? Who knows if this will be worth it!


    Draw!


    Let''s see what will be gotten from drawn!


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath and clenched his teeth as he pressed on Lottery Draw (Two) and spent those ten million reputation points. He purchased the lottery draw rights, then put his hands onto the virtual screen. It was just like the inventory storage. He could feel the physical space from within as he held onto the handle lever of the slot machine!


    He pulled and let go!


    The slot machine''s lottery wheel window started spinning very quickly!


    Special Category!


    Special Category!


    It was still showing the Special Category!


    There were no more "Consumption Category" and "Skills Category" icons shown on the slot machine''s window as this was a reward spin given to him by the system! It was guaranteed to give a Special Category item!


    And of course he would be fine with it.


    The machine was ttering as the icons within the window showing "Special Category" cascaded. It was going at a very fast speed and rolled on for some time before it started to slow down. It slowed down gradually until a click sounded, and the window showed one of the Special Category items.


    tter!


    The slot machine rang to signal that a prize had been won!


    The prize was announced: [Congrattions yer, you have received Lucky Halo (Upgraded) purchasing rights at the merchant shop. The previous Lucky Halo purchasing rights will be overwritten by the new version.]


    What?


    Upgraded version?


    Zhang Ye''s eyes twinkled with joy. He cried out in happiness. Earlier, just now, he was still whining about how his luck could not sustain his career development anymore. Now he had gotten himself a great gift? He immediately went off to the merchant shop to check on the item. It turned out that the "Lucky Halo" icon had been reced by an icon that showed an evenrger off-white halo. It wasbeled clearly: Lucky Halo (Upgraded)!


    [Effect: Increases the luck factor.]


    [Price: One hundred thousand reputation points for every second it is in effect. ]


    Needless to ask, this upgraded halo was definitely more effective than the normal version. He could tell just from the paying price. The normal version only cost ten thousand reputation points for every second in use while the upgraded version cost one hundred thousand reputation points with every second it was in effect. If the price were equal to the effectiveness of the item''s effect, then the upgraded version would likely increase tenfold in effectiveness over the normal version. This was like a free meal dropping out of the sky for Zhang Ye. It was such an ultimate trump card. The only drawback was that the price was really too high. If it was a hundred thousand reputation points per second, then in one minute, six million reputation points would be spent?


    The greater the ability, the greater the cost.


    Zhang Ye decided to not care about it for now. Having an extra trump card was always good. Then, after checking and seeing that he still had a little over ten million reputation points left, he decided to go for another shot at the lottery, obviously still choosing Lottery Draw (Two).


    Purchase!


    Start lottery draw!


    Along with the reputation points spent on operating the slot machine, most of his 200 million reputation points had now nearly been emptied.


    The icons on the window kept spinning at a very high speed!


    [Empty]


    [Consumption Category]


    [Consumption Category]


    [Stats Category]


    [Empty]


    [Skills Category]


    The icons cascading in front of Zhang Ye''s eyes had no pattern. It was different to Lottery Draw (One)''spass mechanism as every icon did not have a fixed arrangement, and were randomly assigned. Some categories were even right next to each other or repeated every other category. It all seemedpletely random. There were also a lot of "Empty" icons. Obviously, if the drawnded on one of these, then the ten million worth of reputation points were as good as having gone down the drain. This "Empty" icon basically just meant that there was no prize for it. asionally, the slot machine showed a glimpse of the "Special Category" icon, but a faint glimpse of that category was all there as to it and he couldn''t see it anymore after that. It was difficult to even nce at it again, so just wonder how low the probability of getting a Special Category item was.


    Soon, the spin started to slow down!


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath as it was about to stop!


    Click, the icon for the Stats Category moved into view as it reached the result zone, then with another click, the "Empty" icon moved into the result zone. Above this "Empty" icon was another "Empty" icon. When Zhang Ye saw this, he shuddered with fear!


    Move along!


    Quickly, move!


    Click, the second "Empty" icon came into the result zone!


    Seeing that the slot machine was about to stop spinning, he nearly wanted to kick it a few times with his leg in a bid to get it the icon to move on! Don''t stop! Move along!


    Bba!


    Finally, the "Empty" icon moved away at the veryst moment and slid down inside the window. The next icon that came in its ce was the Consumption Category icon. With a final click, it moved into the result zone and stayed still!


    It''s a Consumption Category item!


    The slot machine disbursed the won item!


    A golden treasure chest flew out from the slot machine and moved directly into the inventory at the upper left corner of the game interface. Zhang Ye quickly opened up the inventory and took out the treasure chest with his hand, then ced it on his bed. Although this treasure chest was also golden in color, it was bigger than the Lottery Draw (One) treasure chests, much bigger in fact. It measured about one meter in length and half a meter in width and height.


    The name for this item was: [Treasure Chest (Medium)]


    Medium sized? Then that would mean that apart from the small- and medium-sized ones, there could also berge-sized treasure chests?


    Zhang Ye didn''t think too much of it for now and just flipped open the treasure chest''s lid as he wanted to know if the ten million reputation points used for the draw was worth it or not. He wanted to know what kind of prizes could be won from the upgraded Lottery Draw (Two) and the differences between it and Lottery Draw (One). When he finally opened the treasure chest, he could only see a tiny, heart-shaped, red object on the inside. It looked crystal clear and full of vitality, glittering in the soft and translucent light as it rotated continuously in its spot.


    What was this?


    It seemed to be quite beautiful?


    When he bent over and took the red heart into his hand, an exnation for the item popped up.


    [1-Up] x 1:Gives an extra life to the yer.


    Zhang Ye was confused when he saw this. 1-Up? Now he even had��an extra life? The games he yed before in his previous world like Contra and Super Mario, as well as many other console games, had this sort of a design. An extra life meant an extra chance. He would never have expected that he could also get an extra life. Then did it mean that if he got hit by a car while walking on the road and died, he could be revived on the spot?


    F**k!


    Then this item was too powerful!


    If it were really like this, the ten million reputation points spent would definitely be worth it!


    Whether it really had such an effect, Zhang Ye did not know, nor would he dare test it out. Get on the road and get run over by a car? That was basically just seeking a quick death. But from this prize, it could be clearly seen that Lottery Draw (Two) was not a improved version of Lottery Draw (One). For example, one hundred thousand reputation points to draw an Unlucky Sticker that could be used for 5 minutes, while ten million reputation points would gain you an Unlucky Sticker that worked for 500 minutes? It was not a change in quantity, but the quality and level of the prize. The items that could be gained from the newly upgraded Lottery Draw (Two) were of a whole different level of usage!


    Like the 1-Up!


    Like the upgraded Lucky Halo!


    If it were won from Lottery Draw (One), don''t say ten million reputation points, even if he spent one billion or ten billion reputation points, he wouldn''t be able to get those prizes. Just for reason alone, the 200 million reputation points spent on upgrading the system was already worthy in itself. Atst, he could find somefort in this.


    Yes, only just a littlefort.


    200 million!


    It still hurt him very much!


    Zhang Ye carefully ced the 1-Up item into his inventory and did not go on with the lottery draw anymore. He didn''t have enough reputation points to continue doing so anyway, so he closed the game interface and lit a cigarette. The system upgrade was really a timely arrival for his future career development as it hadid out a bright path for him to walk forward on. It made him look forward to the future with even greater expectations now, but the only thing was��the 200 million reputation points hadn''t even been his for long and he had already spent it!


    In the bedroom, he kept mumbling to himself.


    "Ah, 200 million!"


    "200 million!"


    "Well, alright, it''s pointless to keep rambling on any further. Reputation points can be earned back if there aren''t any left. It''s no big deal. Who did you think I, Zhang Ye, am? What storms have I not been through before? I only keep rambling on like this because I have nothing else to do. Even if I lie down now, I won''t be able to sleep. I''m onlyining a little and besides, it was just a little bit of reputation points. Spending a little is normal. Do you really think that I would keep rambling on for the rest of my life? You really think I see it with such importance? You really think I wouldn''t be able to snap out of it? Haha, then I''ll tell you that��Yes! I! Really! Couldn''t! Snap! Out! Of! It!"


    200 million!!!


    Trantor''s Notes: Thank you for your support so far! Please continue to support IRAS by submitting a vote at Gravity Tales Vote Page. The top 3 novels at the end of the month will get a free sponsored chapter!

 Chapter 549: The most sought after elective class!

    <h4>Chapter 549: The most sought after elective ss! </h4>


    Chapter 549: The most sought after elective ss!


    After the game system had been updated.


    Total Reputation Points: ~100,000.


    Skills: Trivial amount.


    Stats: Trivial amount.


    Merchant Shop Items:


    1. Memory Search Capsule.


    2. Taiji Fist Skill Experience Book.


    3. Lucky Halo (Upgraded).


    Inventory Items: Difficulty Adjustment Die (1), X-ray Vision Eye Drops (1), Pause Game (1), Strength Potion (20), 1-Up (1).


    This was all that Zhang Ye had up until now. After taking note of his inventory items, he went to sleep. After so many days of rest, it was about time to prepare for his next job.


    ����


    The next day.


    In the morning, Zhang Ye woke up much earlier than usual. He was heating up the milk in the kitchen and boiling a few eggs. One of them even cracked, but it still got cooked in any case as he somehow managed to finish making breakfast.


    His mother who had just woken up, was surprised to see him, "Oh, did the sun rise from the west today?"


    "Little Ye made breakfast?" his father said as he walked out from the bedroom.


    Zhang Yeughed. "Just eat, you two."


    His mother found fault with him by saying, "The eggs cracked, didn''t they? Next time, add some salt before boiling them. Then the water''s temperature wouldn''t get too high."


    "Enough. It isn''t every day that Little Ye cooks for us, yet you''re picking on this and that," his father said as he walked to the bathroom to wash his face. "I''ll have the cracked one."


    Zhang Ye sat down and said, "No, I''ll have it instead."


    He switched on the television and the morning news was already halfway through its report.


    "Yesterday, the Japanese Prime Minister��"


    "To negotiate on on issues regarding economic and trade cooperation��"


    "Turning to a new page on the rtions between China and Japan��"


    The news went on for quite a long time. At the end, it even gave an overview of the past two years of icy rtions between the two, China and Japan, and how it was slowly thawing again. In this world, many of the historical characters and events had some slight changes to them, but the overall major events in history were still simr. For example, the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Nanking Massacre. Some historical events slightly differed in name and time of urrence only.


    He did not listen to the news too seriously as he wasn''t interested in these matters.


    After his father had washed his face, he came over to eat. "Eh, there even an education cooperation? There will be peopleing from the Japanese universities? There will be a meeting at Peking University today?"


    Zhang Ye who also heard from the news, said indifferently, "I guess so."


    "Son, don''t you have to go to school now?" his mom asked.


    "I do. Today is the first back-to-school day for Peking University. They already informed me yesterday. But there won''t be any sses until a few more days. I haven''t even thought of what I will be speaking about for this semester. Since I am in charge of an elective course, I guess there''s no rush for now, since Peking University has allowed me free reign when ites to nning for sses." After Zhang Ye had been unbanned, he had not taken up any new roles or jobs yet, and there wasn''t a need to rush to do it as well, because he knew that Peking University''s "Appreciation of the ssics" ss was still his first priority that he needed to handle. Any other things could wait.


    His mother instructed him, "Then you better dress well and neatly. Don''t bete."


    "I won''t bete," Zhang Ye said.


    His father also added, "Lecture well. Don''t deceive others or ck off."


    Zhang Yeughed. "Rest assured, I won''t lead my students astray."


    After breakfast, Zhang Ye went downstairs to his car and drove straight for Peking University.


    When the car had almost reached its destination, he saw quite a number of students going in and out of the school. Some of them looked like they had just gotten back today, like they had just gotten off the train and headed straight here. Some were carryingrge bags and luggage, while others had their parentse along to help them with their belongings. Since the area was considered a university zone, with several universities all located close to each other, the school reopening was staggered. Some a day earlier and others a dayter, so it led to the streets being very busy with many students choosing toe back today.


    He drove in through the main entrance.


    When he just got into the campus grounds, Zhang Ye''s car was immediately recognized by someone.


    "Look, it''s a BMW!"


    "That license te belongs to Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye! I need to get a few photos with him!"


    The Peking University students were very excited and kept peering into the car. Some of them even shouted.


    Zhang Ye had only just won the most unpopr celebrity award and had initially felt a little depressed. But when he saw the students showing him so much support, the gloom of it suddenly went away. Look, what most unpopr celebrity award were we talking about? This bro was still as popr as ever! His mood was extremely good because of this. This illustrated just how wonderful a ce school could be. At this ce, he could find good memories, he could find youth spirit. Seeing all these cheerful and smiling faces, Zhang Ye was also infected by the positiveness of it. Compared to the entertainment industry, he definitely liked the school more.


    Yao Jiancai''s daughter, Yao Mi, was also in the crowd. She waved at the car with all her strength. "Uncle Zhang! Uncle Zhang!"


    The twins, Li Ying and Li Li, who were basically inseparable from Yao Mi, were all from the same ss and had a very good rtionship. Li Li said, "I wonder what Teacher Zhang will be teaching this semester. I''m so looking forward to it."


    Li Ying threw his hands up in resignation. "Whatever he teaches, we won''t be able to sign up for Teacher Zhang''s sses anymore. We have already gotten the credits for the ''Appreciation of the ssics'' electivest semester."


    Yao Mi said, "If it''s a public ss, then we could join in too."


    Zhang Ye did not notice them and slowly drove the car away.


    Only then did Yao Mi stop waving. She looked to her side and said, "Let''s go. I''m going back to the hostel first. I heard that there will be many Japanese university studentsing in the afternoon. They are even holding some kind of a wee ceremony for them and we are required to attend it. How meaningless! What''s the point of weing that group of people? I get annoyed when I see them!"


    Li Li quipped, "When did you be a nationalist as well?"


    "I''ve always been one, didn''t you notice?" Yao Mi said, giggling.


    Li Ying helplessly said, "Our rtion with themst year was pretty bad, but it turned better this year. Aren''t the media and so many others advocating a Sino-Japanese friendship?"


    A Peking University student who was passing by them said, "Bah, what friendship could there be with them? Why would they bother holding a wee ceremony anyway? I''d rather think of how I can sign up for Zhang Ye''s ''Appreciation of the ssics'' elective ss!"


    "Eh, you signed up as well?"


    "Yeah, I signed up at the end ofst semester."


    "Me too. I heard that the enrollment has already been filled."


    "RIght, I wonder how it will turn out. With so many applicants, they couldn''t possibly amodate us all."


    In the past, Peking University''s elective sses had always required the students to sign up beforehand or at least be surveyed to find out the interest in it. The elective sses that did not get much interest would be adjusted and the sses rearranged. However, it was different this semester as Zhang Ye''s elective ss had be one that was up for grabs due to the sensational Dream of the Red Chamber talkst semester. On top of that, with Zhang Ye''s poprity also increasing to a point that was unimaginable, it seemed that 80% of the students were all registering to join the ss. This would definitely not be arrangeable by the school.


    ����


    Peking University Chinese Department.


    Upstairs in the teachers'' office, many people were also discussing this matter.


    The Chinese Department Dean, Chang Kaige, was surrounded by several teachers who taught other elective sses. Su Na and a few other Chinese Department teachers didn''t know whether tough or cry as they watched them.


    A middle-aged teacher who was handling the liberal arts elective course said in anger, "Old Chang, in the past, whenever the elective course applications have filled up the quotas, they would stop taking in new applications. Why is it that your Chinese Department''s elective course is exempted from this? Just how many people have applied up until now? The students are still able to send in their applications? Just what sort of a ss are you all holding with so many people?!"


    Chang Kaige was former ssmates with the personining to him and had a good rtion with him too. "Old Hai, there was a problem with the application system previously. That was why the issue urred."


    Another female elective course teacher said, "Still, shouldn''t you have left some for us?" As she said so, she felt very unfairly treated and distressed. "Right now, basically every student had applied for ''Appreciation of the ssics.'' You might not have seen the number of students who have applied for my course, but there''s only nine of them! Nine! How am I supposed to teach this semester then?"


    Another male teacher said, "Only 11 applied for my course! I might as well field them as a ser team!"


    The female teacher said, "It was the samest semester when Zhang Ye held his public sses. All of my students skipped ss to go attend his ss. How do you expect me to conduct a lesson then!?"


    Everyoneined and looked very frustrated. It would be a wonder if they weren''t. If an elective ss had too little applicants, they might have to stop the ss for the semester.


    Chang Kaige smiled as he tried to appease them. "Dear teachers, I''ve already reported the situation to the school leader. As for how this will be handled, I''m sure they will let us know soon. Don''t worry about it. Teacher Zhang Ye''s ss definitely won''t be able to amodate so many people. I''m also certain that there won''t be any public sses held likest semester."


    At this time, Zhang Ye was just walking into the teacher''s office. When he saw that there were so many people around, he smiled at them and greeted, "Dean Chang, Teacher Wu. Yo, Teacher Su Na is so early as well?"


    Su Na made a signal to him.


    Another young teacher of the Chinese Department also smiled while nudging Zhang Ye''s attention over to the other side.


    When the the female teacher who taught the elective course saw him, she suddenly said, "You''re finally here, Teacher Zhang. The elective application has already ended but your elective ss has too many students applying for it. Surely you wouldn''t be able to take such arge ss, so why don''t you send 50 of them over to me."


    The middle-aged liberal arts elective course teacher said, "Little Zhang, I won''t beat around the bush. Can you spare me 30 students?"


    A few teachers did not hold back and just started asking for students.


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "Ah? We can even decide like that?"


    Chang Kaige said in a speechless manner, "You can''t ask for students this way. It''s not right. We still need to let the students choose for themselves what elective sses they want to attend. I suppose when they reapply for the electives, all these issues will be sorted out very quickly."


    It was a mess over here.


    Zhang Ye, who was still a little unsure of the situation, turned around to ask.


    Su Na covered her mouth and giggled, telling him in a whisper, "2,100 students applied to join your elective ss. Most of them are second and third year students, while quite a few are freshmen, so the other elective sses had almost no applicants. Some had at most a dozen or so, and that was already quite a high number for them. When I arrived at school today, I overheard that there was even one elective ss that only had two applicants. I guess that''s the reason why all of them are here looking for you."


    Zhang Ye was a little anxious as he was wondering why that bunch of teachers hade looking for him and sounded so aggressive.


    Over 2,000 applicants? And that was only for one elective ss?


    This was, in the full history of Peking University or any other institute of higher learning, something that had never happened before! Too many! This number of applicants was totally unbelievable!


    There was no other way! Zhang Ye was too popr!


    Finally, when the Chinese Department''s Secretary, Zhen Shuquan, came back with the chancellor''s answer, it was announced that only applicants up till the quota limit were allowed to join Zhang Ye''s ss. The rest would be required to reselect their choice of elective ss.


    Only then was the matter resolved.


    Otherwise, these elective teachers really would have ended up surrounding Zhang Ye to pick a fight with him!

 Chapter 550: The Youngest Associate Professor in the Country!

    <h4>Chapter 550: The Youngest Associate Professor in the Country! </h4>


    Chapter 550: The Youngest Associate Professor in the Country!


    In the morning.


    The other elective ss teachers left the Chinese Department''s Teachers'' Office.


    The teachers of the Chinese Department started chatting again once they had gone. After the winter break, they definitely had a lot to catch up on, but most of the focus was still on Zhang Ye. This was because, in just a short winter break period, Zhang Ye had caused so many incidents, such as taking part in the Spring Festival G, beating up someone, joining the crosstalkpetition, getting banned, solving a mathematical conjecture, getting unbanned, being voted as Weibo''s most unpopr celebrity, etc. This was why everyone was so curious about all that had happened


    Teacher Wang smiled and said, "Little Zhang, you are really something."


    Teacher Li said, "When did you begin your research into math? Haha, you''ve really garnered face for the Chinese Department. Just a few days ago, Dean Chang even joked about how our Chinese Department had hidden talents that could take over the jobs of those at the Math Department."


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "You''re too generous with your praise."


    A teacher asked, "Has Dale''s Conjecture really been proven?"


    "That''s for sure." Su Na smiled and said, "Mathematicians from all over the world are here in Beijing to do the verification work now. Although they have not concluded the verification of the proof yet, it seems that there are generally no problems with it. They''re just doing some final validations on the details." Having said that, she looked over to Zhang Ye. "Teacher Zhang, don''t forget to give treat us to a meal when the proof is epted."


    Zhang Ye nearly cried. "I don''t even have any money left in this pocket of mine."


    Su Na rolled her eyes. "Don''t try that. I know that you''ve already sold the copyrights to Legend of Wukong. Although I don''t know how much you got for it, it has to be at least upwards of a million."


    Professor Zeng, who had a very good rtionship with Zhang Ye, had just walked into the office and heard their conversation. Heughed as he said, "In my opinion, Teacher Zhang getting an associate professor title this year is definitely on the books!"


    Su Na nodded. "Yes, there''s a really good chance of that."


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Come on, I don''t have the qualifications to be an associate professor." Actually, he really hoped to get it as well, even though the title of professor did not matter in the entertainment industry. It still sounded nice and would be considered a good qualification anyhow. So if he had the chance, Zhang Ye definitely would like to be one.


    The Chinese Department''s colleagues continued bantering about the matter. Zhang Ye''s proving of the global mathematical conjecture had not only be a topic of conversation for them at the Chinese Department, but was also the topic of conversation throughout Peking University.


    After about 10 minutes.


    The Chinese Department was about to begin their meeting and all the teachers had gathered into the conference room.


    Secretary Zhen did not attend the meeting. The Chinese Department Dean, Chang Kaige, who was chairing the meeting, did not start until thest person, Professor Yan, who had arrivedte, walked into the room.


    Chang Kaige raised a tea cup and took a sip of tea before putting it down again. He smiled as he looked at everyone, and then said, "School has started and it''s a new semester again. After such a long break, I hope that every one of us can hit the ground running as sses will begin tomorrow. Let''s not be too rxed anymore. Alright, enough with the cliche speech for now. For today''s meeting, I would like to touch on the wee ceremony that will be held this afternoon. As all of you should know by now, we are hosting a delegation of Japanese university principals, expert academics, and students at our Peking University today to discuss key exchange and cooperation projects. It is very important. There will be staff from the television stations and reporters present as well. The wee ceremony will be held at the Centennial Hall, so if our teachers don''t have anything important scheduled today, they must attend the event. This was instructed by the chancellor, so unless you have something so important that you can''t attend this ceremony, please seek leave approval from either me or Secretary Zhen. Is that understood?"


    "Understood."


    "We''ll definitely be there."


    "No problem."


    Quite a number of teachers and professors were nodding at this.


    Chang Kaige said, "As for the students, get some volunteers. Otherwise, if that''s not enough to fill the seats, I will need every one of you to select some students and then consolidate their names into a list. Remember to remind them to follow the rules, to not boo or create any trouble. They''re already university students. Students these days all have a mind of their own, especially when it involves a sensitive issue like the Sino-Japanese rtionship. We must ensure that the wee ceremony finishes without a hitch. Yes, but of course, since our Peking University students are all of the highest standards, this is just something that you all need to remind them about."


    Professor Zeng said, "In such a setting, I''m sure the students know their limits."


    Chang Kaige nodded. "Hur hur. Finally, there''s one more issue to discuss. The chancellor has given us, the Chinese Department, the task of giving a speech at the wee ceremony. Since we''re in the profession of the Chinesenguage, this task is naturally ours to carry out."


    Speech?


    Another speech?


    When everyone heard this, their instinct was to look over at Zhang Ye. They couldn''t help it since, previously, at the National Primary and Secondary School New Year G, Zhang Ye''s closing remarks had left everyone in shock. The "Ode to Young China" was even published in the People''s Daily the next day and was considered to be a sensation. Compared to Professor Yan''s speech, it brought about a much more refreshing view and was considered to be far more outstanding. As such, at the mention of a speech that was to be giventer at the wee ceremony, the first person who came to mind was Zhang Ye.


    Although Zhang Ye was the youngest teacher in the Chinese Department, had the least qualifications, and did not evene through as part of the academia system itself since he had only be a teacher through his work in the professional industry, when it came to the quality of giving speeches, none of them in the Chinese Department dared to im that they were better than Zhang Ye at giving one. Even if "Ode to Young China" was not mentioned, there was still the example of "The Last Speech" that Zhang Ye had given at the Shanghai SARFT''s press conference. It was an irrefutable fact that none of them had or were even near his standard in giving speeches.


    With one Zhang Ye sacrificed!


    Thousands and thousands of Zhang Ye will stand up!


    Just thinking of each and every word from that speech would leave a person''s blood boiling with passion!


    However, Zhang Ye looked reluctant to partake in this ceremony, or rather, unwilling to do so. For a speech that carried political undertones, he knew they would definitely require him to speak along the lines of promoting good Sino-Japanese rtionship. Yet for a nationalist like him, it would already be a good thing if he did not go looking for trouble with these foreigners. How could they expect him to praise the friendship between China and Japan? That was basically impossible, so whoever wanted to do it could instead of him!


    Chang Kaige, who seemingly had expected that Zhang Ye would not want to do it, said, "I''d already given this task to Professor Yan a few days ago. Old Yan, is the script ready?"


    Professor Yan said expressionlessly, "Yes."


    Chang Kaige looked very reassured and did not ask for the script to check it.


    The previous time, even though it could be said that Zhang Ye''s speech had made Professor Yan lose quite a lot of face, everyone knew that it wasn''t because Professor Yan''s speech wascking. As the theme had already been set beforehand, even if it were someone else giving the speech, they would have encountered the same problem. The main issue at that time was due to Zhang Ye not following the routine. That left Professor Yan in a passive and embarrassing situation. However, since the speech this time was imbued with a political undertone, Chang Kaige tasked Professor Yan to handle it, knowing that it was in much safer handspared to Zhang Ye''s.


    The meeting went on for a little while more.


    Finally, Chang Kaige said, "Alright then, actually there is one more issue to bring up." He looked at Zhang Ye and said, "It regards our department''s Teacher Zhang Ye and his promotion to the rank of associate professor. Ever since Teacher Little Zhang took over the elective ss for ''Appreciation of the ssics,'' the results he had shown can be seen by all. He has received lots of attention from society and attracted many good reviews from the the academic world. At the same time, he has also helped our Chinese Department gain back the top spot in the national university rankings. Though I understand this was down to the hard work of everyone, but the final ''shot at goal'' is to Teacher Zhang Ye''s credit."


    Before he could finish, Professor Yan, who was already frowning, immediately interrupted and said, "Dean Chang, I don''t agree with that. Zhang Ye is too young. How can a young man in his early twenties be an associate professor? Let''s not talk about Peking University alone, you won''t even find this anywhere else in the country! Besides, Zhang Ye''s academic research is still considered to be controversial within the industry."


    Zhang Ye looked impassive, as though the matter did not concern him. He did not say a word.


    Professor Zeng frowned and said, "Why are you always harping about age? We are in the field of education and academics, so shouldn''t we be looking at results instead? Shouldn''t we be looking at the standards of teaching instead? If we were to base this on age, then we shouldn''t be looking at any other things during the title selection every year. You''re thirty? No way! You''re forty? Wait a little longer! Oh, you''re fifty? Alright, you shall receive the title! It would be over if we just base this on age. What''s the point in that?"


    Professor Yan said, "Old Zeng, don''t take this out of context. Besides, we have no more positions for the title of associate professor to be awarded anymore this year. The allocations are all used up!"


    Professor Zeng said, "If there''s an outstanding teacher, I''m sure we could make an exception."


    Professor Yan smiled coldly. "Zhang Ye''s academic research can be considered an outstanding contribution?"


    Professor Yan and Professor Zeng squabbled over the matter for a while.


    Chang Kaige came in to smooth the situation out by saying, "Alright, how this matter will be decided is not up to you all. It is not even up to me. I have already discussed this with Secretary Zhen and we have nominated Little Zhang and sent in his application. Whether or not it will be approved is all up to the chancellor''s decision." He had only submitted the application but the determination of the appointment was still subject to many other procedures.


    Professor Yan was still highly against it. In the past, Zhang Ye was invited by President Wu and had her backing. But now, since Wu Zeqing had been promoted and transferred to another institution, Zhang Ye no longer had anyone to back him. Being the more qualified and experienced professor of the department, Professor Yan had be much more direct in the way he spoke, "This nomination does not follow the procedures. Dean Chang, I still disagree with it. The title of associate professor should not be given out so easily. Besides the allocations have already been used up, so nominating him will only bring more inconveniences to the school lea��"


    At this time, a middle-aged man suddenly walked into the conference room. As the conference room was located in a much bigger suite, the doors were not closed.


    The man in his fifties looked quite imposing. As he came into the conference room, he immediately said, "There are no more allocations in the Chinese Department? No problem then. We still have a spot in the School of Mathematical Sciences!"


    Chang Kaige was taken aback. "Dean Pan."


    "Dean Pan?" The other teachers were also taken aback.


    The person who had walked in was the Dean of the School of Mathematical Sciences, Pan Yang!


    Dean Pan was a rank higher than Chang Kaige, therefore the way he spoke to him was less restrained. "The doors were open and I simply overheard what you were discussing when I stepped in. Old Chang, don''t worry about Little Zhang''s associate professor title. We will do an application over at our School of Mathematical Sciences since we still have an allocation for one more associate professor nomination. And it won''t need to be scrutinized. I''d already signed the documents this morning to nominate Little Zhang, but we will need him to be transferred to our Math Department!"


    Professor Yan was shocked.


    Chang Kaige also could not react in time. "Math Department? That won''t do, Dean Pan. Little Zhang is the backbone of the Chinese department��."


    Pan Yang said, "Little Zhang can still continue teaching in the Chinese Department. I don''t care about that. What I want is for him to listed as a teacher for our school. After he joins our Math Department, we can decide at ater time again whether or not he needs to lecture on any of the main courses. However, as long as the Math Department holds any symposiums or open seminars, we will need Little Zhang to attend as a member of our faculty. We can discuss how to work this out again at someter time since I am just letting you all know in advance.


    Zhang Ye blinked a few times.


    Su Na and the other Chinese Department teachers also looked at each other curiously.


    The School of Mathematical Sciences was here to steal one of their personnel? F**k, Zhang Ye was really highly sought after!


    Chang Kaige shook his head and said, "Holding the duties of being a teacher under two departments, there are prior examples. But to do so under the Chinese and Math Departments? That is unheard of! Dean Pan, I cannot agree to that!" He was treading carefully on this subject. Although this was being proposed as a concurrent post, if they went along with it, the Math department might just snatch Zhang Ye away from under their noses and make him theirs.


    Besides, who had ever concurrently held the duties of a teacher in both the Chinese and Math Departments? These two disciplines were poles apart! If he really went ahead and held a concurrent post like this, not only would the appointment seem strange, it would be seen as a wonder of wonders!


    Dean Pan said, "The procedures are already being handled as we speak. I have already discussed this with the chancellor and even though this has never happened before, we also know that there has never been a case of any Chinese Department teacher proving a global mathematical conjecture before. Since it''s just the holding of another title in another school, it shouldn''t be a big matter! In any case, we will definitely be taking Little Zhang into our School of Mathematical Sciences. Such a young and world-ss mathematician like him must not waste his talents in the Chinese Department!"


    Chang Kaige was almost left speechless by this. "What do you mean by wasting his talents? Teacher Little Zhang''s literary standards were meant for the field of Chinesenguage. This is where he is most suited to be."


    Dean Pan looked at him and said, "I didn''t say that Little Zhang has to quit his work over here. I''ve always stressed that this would be a concurrent posting."


    Finally, Secretary Zhen, who had been working on the application, had also made his way back due to this issue. In the end, the matter was escted all the way up to the chancellor''s office.


    The School of Mathematical Sciences insisted on having Zhang Ye transfer to their school.


    The Chinese Department did not want to let go of Zhang Ye no matter what.


    After much wrangling, one of the chancellors finally made the decision based on Zhang Ye''s talent in both mathematics and literature, as well as the strong wishes of the School of Mathematical Sciences of wanting him. They approved Zhang Ye''s concurrent position in both the Math and Chinese Departments. They also agreed to the exception of making Zhang Ye associate professor under the School of Mathematical Sciences. Even though there were still some formalities to bepleted, the title of associate professor was as good as sealed!


    The news got out.


    Peking University, which had just restarted its school term, was getting lively again!


    "Associate professor? Really?"


    "Is that for real? Teacher Zhang is going to be an associate professor?"


    "He''s too young! Not only will he be the youngest in Peking University, he''s going to be the youngest associate professor in the whole country! How old is Teacher Zhang? 24?"


    "The key here is that he is going to be an associate professor in the Math Department! Teacher Zhang has been grabbed by the School of Mathematical Sciences! He is going to teach both literature and mathematics!"


    "Wau, Zhang Ye is going to teach in our Math Department?"


    "That''s great! I wonder which years he will be teaching!"


    Not only were the students of Peking University fervently discussing this issue, even the teachers of the various schools started talking about this with great interest. Having been teachers for so many years, this was still the first time they had heard of such a case like this!

 Chapter 551: The country’s sixth world-class mathematician!

    <h4>Chapter 551: The country''s sixth world-ss mathematician! </h4>


    Chapter 551: The country''s sixth world-ss mathematician!


    Peking University.


    On campus.


    "Eh!"


    "Is that?"


    "Yes, it looks like Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s him! Snap! Quickly go over!"


    Zhang Ye was surrounded by four or five media reporters in the allee beside the artificialke. They were originally here for the Sino-Japanese University Exchange due to be held in the afternoon and had coincidentally bumped into Zhang Ye, the most discussed person of the moment. Naturally, they wouldn''t miss the chance to interview him and had him surrounded almost immediately.


    One of the female reporters quickly switched on her recording pen and pushed it towards Zhang Ye''s face. "Teacher Zhang, we have just gotten news that not only will you be teaching your Chinese elective sses this semester, but you will also be teaching in the Math Department as well? You''ve even been promoted to the position of Associate Professor in the Math Department? Is that true?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "I think so."


    The female reporter smiled dryly. "Think so? Are you sure?"


    "It should be." Zhang Ye continued being vague with his answers.


    "Well, then congrattions in advance," the female reporter said.


    Beside her, a male reporter from Youth Daily asked, "Teacher Zhang, no, I should call you Professor Zhang instead. If I have not remember wrongly, you''re only 24 years old this year. Having preliminarily proven Dale''s Conjecture recently and brought glory to our nation, and bing the country''s youngest professor as of today, I wonder if you have any thoughts about all of these? In the weing ceremony to be heldter, will you be giving a speech?"


    Zhang Ye did not joke around this time as he was considered to be an associate professor after all. He was even on campus. And different situations called for different responses. "I just want to show my gratitude. This glory is not mine alone, it''s because of everyone''s support for me. As for the ceremonyter, I might be giving a speech, yes."


    Another middle-aged reporter immediately asked, "What would it be about?"


    "About math." Zhang Ye continued answering them for a few more questions after that before he excused himself.


    Several other reporters were still chasing him, continuing to throw several questions out at him as he left. But Zhang Ye still had other matters to attend to at the Math Department since he had just been appointed as a teacher of the department. He wanted to familiarize himself a little. On top of that, the validation team for the proof to Dale''s Conjecture had also arrived and it included Xin Ya and several other mathematicians from around the world. Zhang Ye could not just totally ignore this matter since he was the one who had proven the conjecture. Furthermore, he had instructions from Dean Pan Yang to represent the Math Department in the afternoon''s weing ceremony by giving a speech, so he had to do some preparations.


    ����


    Around 9 PM.


    In the teachers'' office of the Math Department.


    When he arrived, Zhang Ye immediately noticed some familiar faces.


    Wu Zeqing''s childhood friend, Xin Ya, who was chatting with a foreigner, immediately turned around and smiled at Zhang Ye. "Yo, isn''t this Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye waved to her from where he was. "Hey, Professor Xin."


    Xin Ya smirked and said, "I heard you''ve been doing well recently."


    "Hai, how could I be doing well. I''ve been so busytely that I don''t even have time to go help out with the verification process of the proof to Dale''s Conjecture," Zhang Ye said, knowing that Xin Ya still bore a grudge against him for making them look bad at Summer Pce. But since they were already a little familiar with each other by now, he managed to speak as though nothing had happened. He even showed some concern by saying, "I heard that you''ve all been working hard, day and night, without rest for almost a week? Don''t forget to rest. If it''s too much, you all should just put it aside for the moment. It''s more important to watch your health."


    Xin Ya said, "Thanks, Teacher Zhang, for your concern then. The verification of the proof is already in the midway stage, so when will you be able toe over to help us with it? With your help, we will surely be able to increase our pace exponentially. That way, everyone can finish up earlier and go home for well-deserved rests too."


    Zhang Yeughed, "Soon, soon. I will go over sometime."


    Xin Ya stared at him, knowing that this person had no intention of contributing to the effort in the verification process.


    Dean Pan Yang walked in at this moment,ughing out loud and saying, "Professor Xin, don''t be too hard on Teacher Little Zhang. I can vouch that he is really going to be busy now that he has to teach both Chinese and Math. His new novel will be on sale soon too, not to mention he still has his own hosting job to work on."


    Zhang Ye nodded, agreeing. "Yes, yes."


    Xin Ya rolled her eyes at this. Actually, she had already given up on the idea of him helping them out. A glorious task like this, if it were any other person, they would have already rushed in to oversee the verification process. As it was a rigorous process to validate the proving methods, if anyone picked on some issues here or there, or found a logical error in the forms, then the whole proof would be invalidated. But Zhang Ye was just so assured and took it in stride, letting others handle all of this. He did not even bother to call them and ask about the progress.


    Zhang Ye''s love rival, Peking University Math Department''s young mathematician Han Henian, also did not look too happy. He stood there but did not bother with Zhang Ye''s presence. He felt that this person was such a scammer. Having caused such a bigmotion, he washed his hands of the matter totally and left it to them to work tirelessly on the verification. Han Henian had already not gone home in four or five days, spending all his time at the Institute working and ending up with those dark circles under his eyes. Even though this was for the sake of their country''s glory, with their work as the mathematicians involved in the verification process also being credited, they still could not stand the sight of the author of the proof leisurely releasing novels or being mentioned all over the news on Weibo. It was like they were eunuchs, more anxious than the emperor himself. (The person involved is calm and collected, but observers are very worried.)


    Having exchanged a few words over here.


    A few more people standing further away had taken notice of Zhang Ye by now. They stopped their conversations and looked over. Two foreigners who probably knew Xin Ya were part of this group of people, while there were also other foreigners who were not presently here. They could have been arranged to wait at a different location or had not arrived yet. Most of those who were here were mainly teachers from the School of Mathematical Sciences. There were teachers from the Math Department, professors from the Probability and Statistics Department and also teachers from the Science and Engineering Department. They were all very curious about Zhang Ye. Everyone was watching him with different looks.


    Some looked kindly at him.


    Some looked with admiration at him.


    Some of them lightly nodded at him.


    Dean Pan Yang pped his hands to get everyone''s attention and then put his hand on Zhang Ye''s shoulder. "Let me introduce everyone, well, actually, he needs no introduction. This is Associate Professor Zhang Ye. Everyone should be quite familiar with him. Starting today, he will be a part of the team in our School of Mathematical Sciences at Peking University!"


    Before Dean Pan had finished, the sound of apuse already started.


    Bba bba bba. The pping andughter of the teachers from the faculty sounded out, weing Zhang Ye.


    "This is Director Yan." Dean Pan introduced Zhang Ye.


    The middle-aged man put his hand forward, "Professor Zhang, wee."


    Zhang Ye shook his hand and said, "Thank you, Director Yan."


    "This is Professor Lu." Dean Pan introduced yet another person who was the next closest to them.


    Professor Lu had small eyes and they looked squinty as he smiled, "Teacher Zhang, I''ve been looking forward to your arrival. With you joining us, the quality of our School of Mathematical Sciences will have been further reinforced!"


    "You''re overly praising me. It should be my honor instead," Zhang Ye said.


    Dean Pan moved on, "This is Han Henian, Teacher Han."


    Zhang Ye took a look at his love rival and said cheerfully, "I already know Teacher Han."


    Dean Pan said, "Oh yes, you two met at Summer Pce."


    Han Henian forced himself to say, "Wee."


    After a full round of introductions and Zhang Ye greeting them, two young math teachers even took out a book each to ask Zhang Ye for his autograph. It wasn''t known whether they liked Zhang Ye''s achievements in the literature or his work in mathematics. But since they wanted it, Zhang Ye couldn''t possibly reject them. This moment of asking for autographs had momentarily tickled quite a number of people''s funny bone. Everyone was teasing the two and the atmosphere in the teacher''s office was very good and rxing.


    Soon after, Dean Pan said to Zhang Ye, "Come, let''s go for a short walk."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged him and followed Dean Pan outside, walking as they talked, "Dean Pan, why don''t you look for someone else to do the speechter? I don''t have anything to say and have not thought of anything to say."


    Dean Pan said, "You''re a famous broadcast host who dabbles in Chinese literature. How can that be a problem for you?"


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "I just don''t know what to say."


    Dean Pan reassured him, "Just say anything. You can even share your experience of being sessful. There will be quite a lot of people at the ceremony since this is the Sino-Japanese University Exchange and Cooperation. The general poption is also paying attention to this, so you representing the highest standards of Peking University School of Mathematical Sciences is the most suitable choice." Having exined his choice, he took out a script for him and said, "If you really don''t have anything to say, then you can use this to read ording to this. It''s fine. I got someone to prepare this."


    "Oh, I''m not that good. My educational standards are just so-so." Zhang Ye took the script for the speech and lowered himself in light of the dean''s praise. "I''ve only been a teacher for a few months now."


    Behind them, Xin Ya suddenly appeared, looking for them.


    Dean Pan spoke unreservedly about him even in Xin Ya''s presence. He squinted, smiled, and said, "Only the capable can be teachers. In recent times, there are only five mathematicians who are Chinese and can bebeled as world-ss without controversy. And you! Are the sixth!"


    Zhang Ye said, "That can''t be? Dale''s Conjecture is still currently undergoing validation."


    What did he mean by that?


    With that and he''s already considered a world-ss mathematician?


    Xin Ya walked up beside them and said, "Even if any problems ur in the validation of the proof to Dale''s Conjecture, your title as a world-ss mathematician is assured. Two days ago, the World Mathematics Association released the list of thetest top ss mathematicians. Your name was included on it. This means that all the Mathematics Associations of the world have already given you their affirmation. If there are any future breakthroughs in mathematical conjectures or research, the World Mathematics Association might invite you to take part in its discussions. There''s a total of 204 world-ss mathematicians on it. Even Dean Pan and I are not on it."


    It seemed like Dean Pan and Xin Ya had a good rtionship as well, probablymunicating often themselves. "Professor Xin still has hopes to make it onto the list. I heard that research for the new study that you''re working on has already started?"


    Xin Ya shook her head. "There are some key areas that we''re stuck on, so it''s still quite far away."


    Dean Pan said, "If there''s anything that I can help with, just let me know. The researchbs over at Peking University should be much better equipped than what you have."


    Xin Ya smiled and said, "I''ve been waiting to hear that, but rather than the equipment��" she nced at Zhang Ye. "��maybe I will need to borrow Teacher Zhang from you instead when the time arises."


    "I can''t make a decision about that." Dean Panughed.


    Xin Ya looked to Zhang Ye for a response. "Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye immediately replied vaguely, "We''ll see, we''ll see."


    Xin Ya was however, in no rush to get him to promise anything. She knew that it would take some time, so she said, "In any case, I''ve already told you. When we''re finally done with the verification process for Dale''s Conjecture, we''ll look for you again. Don''t avoid me then, hur hur. You can''t avoid me anyway, you know. I have a guaranteed way to find you."


    That''s true, Old Wu''s your childhood friend. Even if I could avoid you, do you think I could avoid Old Wu?


    Zhang Ye could only helplessly cough, He said, "We''ll discuss this when the timees."

 Chapter 552: A small conflict!

    <h4>Chapter 552: A small conflict! </h4>


    Chapter 552: A small conflict!


    After a while.


    Xin Ya received a call and spoke in English for a short while. Then, together with Dean Pan and Zhang Ye, they proceeded back to the office to receive about a dozen foreign guests.


    A middle-aged Caucasian man looked at Zhang Ye and said, "Zhang?"


    Xin Ya then introduced them in English, "This is Professor Zhang Ye."


    The Caucasian man replied very passionately, "Zhang, I''m finally able to meet you in person!"


    "Hello," Zhang Ye said not knowing who he was but shook his hands anyway.


    At the other side, a man who looked like he was in his forties, and was probably English, walked up to them. He did not say anything except to ask directly about a question he had regarding Dale''s Conjecture. It seemed like he was unsure about a form used in the proof.


    Xin Ya and Dean Pan both introduced Zhang Ye to him.


    "This is Oxford''s Doctor Firth."


    "This is Cambridge''s Professor Baker."


    This is Professor Kato from Tokyo University."


    "This is��"


    Zhang Ye went through another round of introductions again, asionally answering a few questions about Dale''s Conjecture. Of the group, he had met two of them before during the International Math Olympiad that was held at Summer Pce. As for the others, this was his first meeting them. They were obviously very interested in Zhang Ye and asked him a lot of questions. Professor Baker even directly invited Zhang Ye to join him at Cambridge University. Dean Pan and the others from Peking University Math Department looked slightly irked by this, but of course Zhang Ye did not agree. Professor Baker was of course disappointed, but still told Zhang Ye that he was wee to visit at any time and to stay in contact. This was probably because he was extremely interested in Zhang Ye''s solution to Dale''s Conjecture and hoped to work with him in the future.


    Only the Japanese Professor Kato seemed to be asking questions not rted to the mathematical conjecture.


    Kato spoke in English, "Where did you graduate from?"


    Zhang Ye looked at him and answered, "Media College."


    Kato looked at him and probed further, "Who was the teacher who taught you mathematics?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "There were many. The one from kindergarten, primary school, secondary school, university, which one are you interested in?"


    Kato continued, not believing him, "Was Dale''s Conjecture really proved by you on the spot at the International Math Olympiad?"


    Zhang Yeughingly replied, "If it wasn''t proved by me, then was it proved by you?"


    Dean Pan frowned, thinking what the heck was Kato trying to imply?


    Xin Ya looked over andmented, "It seems like Professor Kato really has a lot of questions to ask."


    Kato smiled and exined, "I was just curious and did not mean anything else. Most mathematical conjecture proofs are a long-term process of research and trial and error. It is also usually made by the effort of countless teams of mathematicians or even generations of people who worked hard together to make strides towards proving them. The solving of Dale''s Conjecture was too sudden." Other than him, a few other Japanese mathematicians were still doubtful of how a young man only 24 years of age could have independently proven a global mathematical conjecture. They felt that if the person who proved it was an American or an English person, then they would definitely ept and believe it. However, since this person was Chinese, it made them even more doubtful. Even if the truth was already ced before them, they would still not be able to ept that the Chinese had such a high standard.


    Zhang Ye gave an unfriendly nce to Kato.


    The teachers of Peking University Math Department did not like what they had heard.


    Xin Ya said to Zhang Ye, "Professor Kato has raised many questions and doubts about your proof during the verification process. Although all of his doubts were disproved, Professor Kato''s diligence is worthy of learning." She spoke as though she was praising him, but there was actually a lot of sarcasm in it. In these days of the verification process, a few Japanese, Korean, and American mathematicians had been creating a lot of unnecessary workload for them by nitpicking on many details, saying that there were some issues here or logical errors there. In the end, when everyone checked it, they found no errors at all. A lot of time was wasted in this way and slowed down their work drastically, leaving Xin Ya and many of the participating Chinese mathematicians with a lot of opinions of them.


    When Han Henian saw what was going on, he tried to calm the situation, "The wee ceremony will start soon. Why don''t we all move to the hall since this ce is quite packed with so many of us here." Although Kato had already arrived in China much earlier to take part in the verification process of the proof to Dale''s Conjecture, he was here today as a member of Tokyo University for the exchange. He was also a member of the Japanese delegates that came to China for a political visit. He was the leading man today and Han Henian did not want the situation to be too awkward. He thought of the bigger picture since there was also a political agenda involved in the visit.


    "Let''s go."


    "Yes, let''s head over to the hall."


    "It''s about to begin."


    Kato did not make any furtherments and looked at Zhang Ye along with a few other Japanese mathematicians before they followed along with the rest. They went downstairs, Dean Pan leading them there.


    Xin Ya whispered to Zhang Ye, "Don''t be bothered by him."


    Behind them, a Peking University teacher also heard them and said, "If Teacher Zhang was Chinese-American, these Japanese would never have doubted him. They''re seriously looking down on us!"


    Xin Ya said, "Let''s leave it."


    "You two go on first," Zhang Ye said. "I need to find a quiet ce to memorize my script."


    Xin Ya nodded and said, "Alright, see you in a while then. Remember to go to the front seats in the auditorium. You have a reserved seat there."


    Zhang Ye did not feel aggrieved by the situation. Even back in his previous world, he never had any expectations of the Japanese to begin with.


    ����


    Downstairs.


    Zhang Ye was wearing his sunsses and looking for a quiet ce to sit down. It was already spring, the weather turning warmer and the greenery sprouting again, beautifying the entire scenery of theke.


    His cellphone rang.


    It was his mother. "Son."


    Zhang Ye replied, "Mom, what''s the matter?"


    "What are you doing now?" his mother asked.


    Zhang Ye lifted up the speech in his hands and said, "I''m reading a script since they''re making me give a speechter."


    His mother sounded very excited, "My colleagues read the news online just now and told me that you have been appointed associate professor? Is that true?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, it''s true. I was thinking of telling you when I got hometer."


    His mother said, "Oh wow, my son is really so capable!"


    Zhang Ye boasted, "Of course. Don''t you know who my mother is?"


    His motherughed. "I like what you said. You have really made your father and me proud again. We even have a professor in our Zhang family now."


    "It''s only an associate post, but when Dale''s Conjecture has been verified, who knows? My full professorship mighte very soon as well. You may not know, but your son is really popr right now. A university in Ennd even invited me to join them, but I rejected them." Zhang Ye was the type to only mention the positives and not the negatives. He continued, "Alright Mom, I can''t talk now, I need to finish memorizing my speech. Those amateurs might be fine with just going on stage and giving a simple speech, but I''m a professional host, so I can''t do it so simply. That would be such a loss of face. Talk to you when I''m home."


    "Alright, go busy yourself then. We''ll talkter." His mother ended the call.


    Zhang Ye held his cellphone and lowered his head, seriously reading through the script Dean Pan had handed to him earlier. He was not sloppy in the task given him and also wished to do his best. Zhang Ye had always set very high standards for himself and diligently performed to the best that he could manage as long as it was within his control. Even for a simple task like going on stage to give a speech, he found no disadvantage in reading the script a few times over.

 Chapter 553: A big conflict!.

    <h4>Chapter 553: A big conflict!. </h4>


    Chapter 553 A big conflict!.


    Some distance away.


    There were some students noisily ying basketball. As there was no basketball court where they were at, the few Peking University freshmen were just casually passing the ball around. A girl''s voice could also be heardughing cheerfully as they yed.


    "Pass it to me."


    "Haha."


    "Watch out for theke, don''t throw it over there."


    The birds were chirping and students were enjoying themselves, ying around.


    This kind of a setting made Zhang Ye feel very rxed. He did not use the memory search capsule for this as he managed to memorize most of the script after reading it a few times. The script basically did not carry any substantive information and was just a simple report of results to showcase the Chinese mathematics world''s strengths while also touching on the Japanese university delegation''s arrival and cooperation. It also talked of what they could work on together in the field of mathematics. There weren''t too many words and it was easy to memorize too.


    Suddenly, behind him, something happened.


    "Hey!"


    "The ball is getting away!"


    "Watch out, there''s a car!"


    A few people shouted, not too loudly!


    Then, the sound of a vehicle braking could be heard. Even though it was not too screeching, the sound still came from out of the nowhere and shocked Zhang Ye. He turned around to where the sounds hade from and saw three tourist buses stopped in the middle of the road. A basketball slowly rolled across the road in front of the bus ahead before bouncing several times down the staircase and ending up in the garden where a willow tree stood.


    A female student of Peking University quickly went over to pick it up.


    The other male student said, "Oh, sorry, I''m sorry!"


    Meanwhile another university freshman looked at the bus driver apologetically and said, "We''re sorry, the ball slipped out of my hands. It''s my fault."


    Around them, some students who were just passing by also stopped in their tracks and looked over to them before quickly turning back to carry on to where they were heading.


    But at this moment, a window on the left side of the second bus opened up and a young person, probably a student, put his head out and said, "%^&*(@."


    He obviously did not speak Chinese, saying what sounded like Japanese.


    Another student on the bus looked out and appeared to utter a few words as well.


    The Peking University freshman looked up. "Japanese?"


    Inside the bus, the Japanese students all looked at him. "%^&*(@."


    The second and third buses were also full with Japanese students. All of them suddenly seemed to be exchanging words in Japanese, not only pointing at the person who was ying with the basketball earlier but also the surrounding Peking University students and even teachers, seemingly talking about them. Seeing how these Japanese students looked at them without much respect, they knew for sure that whatever they were talking about right now was definitely not good.


    Suddenly, a year 3 female senior who was with her boyfriend at the garden area stared hard at them and stood up, shouting, "Those people are saying that students from Peking University have such low standards!"


    When a year 2 male student heard this, he swore and said, "Damn! Did they really say that?"


    The female senior said, "Of course! I majored in Japanese! They''re all students from Tokyo University!"


    We have low standards?


    We, students of Peking University, had low standards?


    With this, all of the Peking University students who were present at the scene could not take it any longer!


    "How can they say such things!"


    "Who are you all referring to as having low standards!"


    "Isn''t this just a simple matter of the basketball causing a small dy! Those students have already apologized, so what does that have to do with standards? Even stereotyping all of us at Peking University?"


    The surrounding Peking University personnel were now blocking the 3 buses.


    The female freshman who went to pick the ball up was furious now. You could have insulted just me, but how dare you insult all of us at Peking University? That''s uneptable! "Is this the delegation from the Japanese university? Why does our school bother holding a wee party for people like them? What kind of standards do they have! To talk in such a manner! How dare they insult us when they''re in our Peking University''s campus? Saying that we have low standards? What about yourselves! Look at the standards you have by saying such things about us!"


    There was a trantor who hade along with the Tokyo University entourage and also students who knew how to speak Chinese in the group. They tranted to their fellow schoolmates in the buses and some Peking University students probably went too far with their words as well, thus leaving the Tokyo University group unhappy with what was said as well. A war of words began!


    The two sides were arguing noisily!


    The first bus ahead impatiently honked its horn continuously. Di, di, di, di, di, di,di, di! In this bus, there weren''t too many young people on it. Most of the passengers onboard were people in their thirties or forties, quite obviously the important heads of this Japanese university delegation. For example, a principal, a head of department, a member of the Japanese education world, or a Japanese journalist.


    Finally, the doors on the first bus opened and a middle-aged man got off. He had a dark expression as he waved his hands like he was swatting flies and said hostilely, "Get out of the way! What are you all doing!?"


    "Teacher Bai?"


    "Teacher Bai!"


    Many Peking University students knew him as Teacher Bai Yi, a teacher of the Japanese Department in Peking University. He specialized in the study of Japanese culture and was assigned as one of the persons-in-charge of the receiving party for the Japanese university delegation. He was also one of the people who spearheaded this project for the cooperation and exchange between the Chinese and Japanese universities. As Bai Yi''s wife was Japanese and also a well-known teacher in Tokyo University, Bai Yi had enjoyed good rtions with Tokyo University. In thenguage of the Chinese people, this meant that he was the son-inw of Tokyo University. The rare exchange and cooperation between Peking University and Tokyo University could only have been possible with him as the matchmaker.


    Bai Yi shouted, "Get back, all of you! Do you all even know what situation this is! What day is it today? Such an important exchange and cooperation event is being held! Why are you all causing trouble over here!"


    A Peking University freshman stubbornly said, "It was they who started to insult us first!"


    Bai Yi stared at him. "Which faculty are you from? Which ss?"


    When the freshman heard this, he turned timid and stopped talking!


    Seeing that many of them no longer said much, Bai Yi pointed at the girl holding the basketball. "If you are ying basketball, go to the basketball courts. Why were you ying over here for! The ball nearly got under the bus! What if the bus overturned because of that? Are you going to be responsible? Go back, all of you! This is ridiculous!"


    Another two people got out of the first bus. A man and a woman who had journalist tags hanging from around their necks came forward, and without a word, started snapping pictures of the Peking University students who were blocking the front of the bus. They even exchanged a few whispers in Japanese, talking about something simr sounding to what those Japanese students had said before about standards!


    Bai Yi was taken aback when he saw this. He looked at the Peking University students with a cold stare but was more worried about what had just happened. He quickly went to the two and spoke in Chinese, "Reporter Honda, I think it was unnecessary to take those pictures, right?


    The reporter named Honda also replied in fluent Chinese, probably because they were the kind of reporters who were foreign correspondents. He said, "We were just taking some photos in case we needed them. Don''t worry about it."


    Bai Yi was indeed getting a little worried. "You mustn''t use that. This was just a one-off case, our Peking University students still have very high standards of behavior."


    The two reporters merely acknowledged him but continued taking photos.


    A year 2 student got angry and raged at them, "What the f**k are you taking our pictures for!"


    Bai Yi was getting even more annoyed than him. "You''d better shut up!"


    "Teacher Bai!" said that Peking University student pointing his fingers at the Japanese. "Those people keep saying that we have low standards and continue to insult us, so why can''t we say a few words ourselves?"


    "Right!"


    "Why!"


    "They are even photographing us! What is the meaning of that!"


    More and more people had gathered as many other Peking University students, who had received news of what was happening here, made their way over. Peking University''s personnel were very united. Without even finding out what the situation was about, they followed along with the others who were here before them to surround the buses!


    Bai Yi angrily said, "You all threw the basketball into the path of the bus first! Does this even make any sense now?!"


    A female Peking University student cleared her throat and said, "What makes you think that was on purpose? It was just an idental slip of hand and we also came forward to apologize immediately. We even apologized more than once! So why did they have to insult us? Not only that, they even insulted Peking University? They''ve basically insulted everyone from here! If they just insulted me alone, I could bear it! But they shouldn''t have insulted our whole school!"


    People from Peking University were very proud of their alma mater and this was a very difficult thing to exin in words!


    Those Peking University students who had just arrived on the scene finally understood the situation when they heard that. One by one, they became agitated and started trading insults as well!


    "These bunch of Japanese!"


    "Coming to our school and insulting us?"


    "I would rather wee a fart than wee them! Let them go back to where they came from!"


    "Coming to Peking University to insult Peking University? Just who are the ones with the low standards here!"


    "Get lost! Go back to your country! It''s not like we begged you toe anyway!"


    With the history of hatred between the two countries, many people already did not harbor any good feelings in the first ce for the Japanese. Furthermore, these were all youths who were hot-blooded, and angry youths in their twenties who were forced to take part in some weing ceremony for the Japanese guests. When these guests arrived, they still showed disrespect for their school and insulted them, so naturally tempers red and many of these those who were there informed their friends toe over to the scene!


    "Hello? Wang''er,e quickly!"


    "The foreigners are looking for trouble in our territory!"


    "Come over quickly! Something''s happened over here! At the garden on the west side of the artificialke!"


    Phone call after phone call. Soon thekeside was surrounded by over a thousand students. As this area was not far from the student dormitories, everyone made their way here very quickly and a crowd had formed!


    Finally, a middle-aged Japanese person stepped out of the first bus. He looked to be the person-in-charge of the delegation and had an expression of displeasure. He looked at Bai Yi and obviously had a lot of questions for him, but who could have expected such a situation to have happened.


    Bai Yi was about to explode from his anger as well. He had pushed hard for the exchange program to happen this time. But something so unhappy had urred even before the exchange could officially kick off. Although this wasn''t likely to affect the cooperation and exchange of both sides, it had still stained all the effort they had put in so far. Bai Yi exined to the Japanese side quickly and offered them his apologies, "It is our negligence that this is happening and have caused you, our guests, to be frightened unnecessarily. I will handle this promptly!"


    The middle-aged Japanese man nodded before getting back onto the bus unhappily.

 Chapter 554: Troublemaker Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 554: Troublemaker Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 554 Troublemaker Zhang Ye!


    The conflict was gradually getting bigger and bigger.


    The number of people who were blockading the road kept increasing!


    Yao Mi, Li Li, and Li Ying, along with a few other ssmates who were supposed to be headed to the hall to get seats, had also been called over by their friends. When they understood the situation here, what else could they say but to also start their scolding those people!


    "So numbing!" Li Ying said.


    Li Li said angrily, "They came to our house and bullied our family?"


    Yao Mi pointed at the buses and said, "You are the ones with truly low standards! Your whole family is low quality!"


    The straight-A student, Senior Song from Zhang Ye''s elective coursest semester, was here as well. She did not scold anyone but there was a dark expression on her face. She said, "In the past, it has always been a crossing of swords on a diplomatic level. No matter how ruffian or shameless they are, at most there would be an argument over the inte. Now that we''re holding a ceremony to wee them, these people are still the same and even scolded and looked down on us on such an asion. What is the meaning of that? They even walked right up to our doorstep to scold us?"


    The ss troublemaker, Senior Zhou, led the protests, "Get out! Peking University does not wee you all!"


    "Right!"


    "Get out!"


    "Get the hell out of here!"


    Everyone protested loudly!


    The Japanese students in the second and third buses did not show any signs of weakness either. Although they had less people, they also had their pride. When they were faced with this situation, they scolded the protesters back in Japanese!


    Bai Yi anxiously said, "Get back, all of you! Get back now!"


    At the beginning when there were less people, Bai Yi could hold back the students with just his voice. But when the number of people protesting increased, Bai Yi could no longer do much. No one bothered with him anymore. He had lost his position when he did not stand up for the Peking University students after they had been insulted by the Japanese students. He even apologized to the Japanese delegates? Putting our status beneath theirs? Are you a teacher of Peking University or Tokyo University! And so, the Peking University students had their trust in Bai Yi plummet!


    The three buses were blocked by the people and could not move.


    Zhang Ye, sitting cross-legged at the long bench in the garden, was observing all of the goings-on but did not go forward to do anything. Since the Peking University students did not suffer any loss and were already surrounding the Japanese, if he were to go forward now, should he be calming the situation down or joining in the scolding as well? Both were not viable options, so he might as well just stay where he was.


    In this conflict, it was difficult to assign me to either side. The Peking University students should have been more careful and not caused the incident of the basketball slipping from their hands. But after having apologized for their wrong, the Japanese students should also have not insulted them. Both sides had their fair share of the fault, together with Bai Yi not effectively doing his duty as a Peking University teacher. And the most obvious problem was the existence of nationalistic differences��all of these were the contributing factors that inspired this conflict!


    There were over a thousand students by now, so the teachers and heads of the school were naturally rmed as well. As arge portion of the teachers were in meetings or had already proceeded to the hall, most of them arrivedte!


    The first one to turn up was a leader of Peking University who shouted out from a far distance away upon reaching theke, "Make way!"


    A big group of teachers following behind also rushed over angrily, with Professor Yan from the Chinese Department being one of them. Looking at their expressions, it could be seen that the situation here was giving them all a headache. Before all this, the chancellor''s office had specially instructed each faculty''s teachers to perform their duties diligently. They were to ensure that everything would go smoothly during this Sino-Japanese University Exchange program, but who knew that such a big incident had already urred when the guest had just arrived!


    Su Na had keen eyes and spotted someone familiar. "Teacher Zhang?"


    Professor Yan also saw Zhang Ye and got even angrier. "Zhang Ye, the students are making such a mess here! Why are you still not doing anything and just sitting around over here!"


    Zhang Ye replied in a serious tone, "I was waiting for a chance to make my move."


    Professor Zeng, "������"


    Professor Yan, "����.."


    Waiting for a chance my ass! He definitely did not intend on getting involved. Since no one got hurt and there was no fighting, with the Peking University students scolding so passionately and happily, he wanted them to enjoy themselves a little longer. A chance to scold the Japanese in a face-to-face encounter was so rare. Yes, that was what Zhang Ye thought to himself, but as a teacher of the people, he definitely could not say that out loud.


    Su Na, who understood Zhang Ye better than any of their colleagues, also thought to herself that with Zhang Ye''s temperament, you all are still expecting him to go stop the protest? Hur, you won''t even know which side he will stand on!


    A Peking University teacher said, "Stand back! Everyone, quiet!"


    Yao Mi was still scolding with her hands out, pointing to the bus window, "You! You shorty! What are you looking at! That''s right, I''m scolding you! This is infuriating! How dare you spit at me!"


    Professor Yan halted the protest by saying, "Who dares to continue shouting!"


    With that intervention by him, many of the protesters immediately quieted down. As there were a lot of Peking University teachers present now and many of them were even the main subject teachers of these students, most of them did not dare go further than what they did already.


    The school''s head teachers said, "What is this nonsense! This is absolute nonsense!"


    Su Na also pulled a student back, "Zhao Mian, stop it!"


    Professor Zeng looked over to his own students and signaled for them to stop it.


    Gradually, the Peking University students all calmed down but many of them were still staring at the people on board the buses.


    Sensing the situation under control, Bai Yi walked over to the teachers in a rage. "This bunch of students! Do they even know the graveness of the situation? Find the protest leaders! Those guilty will be severely punished!"


    The teachers who had just arrived also understood the situation. One middle-aged woman who taught sociology and felt sorry for her students said, "It''s just a small misunderstanding. I don''t think there''s a need to mete out severe punishment for this. We should just criticize them and let them learn from this instead."


    However, Professor Yan disagreed, "The effects of today''s behavior are grave. We need to teach them a lesson and give them an ideological education, so punishment is definitely necessary!"


    Another teacher said, "Indeed, this is not eptable!"


    A deputy director from the Office of School Leadership said, "If we hadn''t stopped this in time, it would have gone out of hand for sure!"


    The Sino-Japanese cooperation at this time was prioritized as very important by Peking University. The Japanese Prime Minister was also making a visit to China and heavily emphasized the new developments between the two countries in the media. With such heavyweight backing behind this matter, what they were most afraid of was precisely anti-Japanese sentiments like that. The news of students blockading a bus full of Japanese students greatly highlighted such sentiments and was taken very seriously. At a sensitive time like this, this could even be implicated as a diplomatic issue and be aplicated matter.


    As a result, a Peking University leader immediately looked for the Japanese delegation''s person-in-charge on the first bus to exin the situation, resolving the matter privately. A few other Peking University staff members alsomunicated with the Japanese reporters to persuade them to not report on this matter.


    With the incident over.


    The rest was only rehabilitation work.


    After Bai Yi sought the approval of the school''s head teachers, he was ready to mete out the punishment to those involved. But it was impossible to do so on so many people. There were thousands of them, so he decided to only find those leaders of the protest or those who had scolded most fiercely to set an example for punishment!


    "You!" Bai Yi looked around and picked out a freshman out of the crowd, "Were you the one who threw the ball onto the road?"


    The freshman was frightened by this singling out. As he was from a poor family in a small county of the city, him making it to Peking University had already been a difficult task. When he heard that he would be punished, his face turned pale.


    Bai Yi looked at him and said, "It was you, wasn''t it? I remember that it was you!"


    The freshman was about to falter.


    Zhang Ye looked at him and said, "It wasn''t him."


    Bai Yi looked over. "Eh?"


    "I was seating at the garden all this time and I saw everything very clearly," Zhang Ye said frankly.


    Bai Yi frowned. "I remember that it was him. He was wearing a baseball cap."


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "The one who was ying basketball was indeed wearing a baseball cap, but it''s a blue cap."


    "Really? Uh." As there were too many people there, students of simr ages, all with a nose and two eyes, so it was normal that they couldn''t differentiate the students apart too easily. It would be more of a shock if someone could really remember what or who they saw in that crowd.


    Not far away.


    No matter how Yao Mi looked at him, she still found Bai Yi irritating. She whispered in a low voice, "He can''t even remember a face, how lousy. This Bai Yi only knows how to make things difficult for Peking University students. So what if he has a Japanese wife. Does that make him truly Japanese? He''s just working for them!"


    But Li Li voiced some doubts, "That can''t be."


    The elder brother of the twins, Li Ying, said, "Why?"


    Li Li exined, "When Dongzi called us just now, she mentioned that it was Chen Dahai from her ss who caused the basketball incident Isn''t that person Chen Dahai?"


    Yao Mi was stunned. "Do you mean��"


    Li Li nodded. "Yes."


    Yao Mi pped one of her legs. "So even Uncle Zhang remembered it incorrectly!"


    "Ah?" Li Li nearly fainted when he heard that. "Don''t you get it? Teacher was here since the beginning. How could he have gotten it wrong?"


    Yao Mi still couldn''t react well. "What do you mean?"


    Li Ying thought it through and then took a deep breath before exining, "Mimi, do you remember that when Teacher Zhang spoke about Dream of the Red Chamber, he did so without the help of a script? He just closed his eyes and could describe the chapter and passage of Dream of the Red Chamber without getting it wrong, right down to the punctuation. With a memory like that, do you think that Teacher Zhang would get it wrong when the person is standing right in front of him?"


    Hearing that, Yao Mi finally understood what he meant. She said loudly, "You''re saying that��"


    "Shh." Li Li quickly covered her mouth. "My grandaunt! Don''t say it so loudly!"


    Yao Mi immediately nodded and looked at Zhang Ye with stars shining in her eyes.


    When the freshman heard Zhang Ye defending him, he was also stunned. Not me? How could it not be me? It was me! I was the one who identally threw the basketball out! Why is Teacher Zhang Ye��thinking up to there, the freshman suddenly understood. He stared at Zhang Ye and thought that he saw him surreptitiously winking him. At this moment, his heart was warmed and his eyes turned red!


    Teacher Zhang was lying!


    He knew very well that it was him! But tantly said that it wasn''t!


    A teacher was actually lying so that he could defend him!


    Other than being moved, the freshman did not know how to react or feel!

 Chapter 555: Shielding the helpless!

    <h4>Chapter 555: Shielding the helpless! </h4>


    Chapter 555 Shielding the helpless!


    At the scene.


    A few teachers went around "catching" those involved, while Professor Yan questioned them.


    Having let the baseball-capped student escape, Bai Yi couldn''t just let the issue slide like this. Because a big incident like this had happened, he had to find a few of those who were ountable to set an example to the others. He scanned the crowd looking for people while the Peking University students all sought to hide themselves from him, some of them feeling guilty. Bai Yi looked hard for a while and found one as he pointed at a male student in the crowd not far away from him. "You, you scolded and insulted the most fiercely just now, spouting curse words and all! That is uneptable!"


    The student looked down on the ground.


    "What''s your name!? Which faculty are you from?" Bai Yi interrogated coldly.


    When he knew Bai Yi was going to use him to set an example, probably with a heavy punishment, the 3rd year senior, who was cursing so much earlier that sparks flew, became so nervous that his back was drenched in sweat. "I��I��" he said, panicking.


    Bai Yi questioned him, "What''s your name?"


    Then, Zhang Ye blinked and said from afar again, "Teacher Bai, are you looking for the person who was standing at the side window of the third bus, scolding someone?"


    How does this concern you again? Bai Yi frowned. "This is he."


    Zhang Ye waved his hands and said very assuredly, "It''s not him. He looks like that guy but it''s not him. They are both wearing white tops, but that person was wearing jeans instead. I remember it clearly and he has already run off to the side of theke."


    Jeans?


    Seriously? I remembered wrongly?


    Bai Yi was almost speechless. "Teacher Zhang, you seem to have pretty good memory!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "It''s not bad. We broadcast hosts usually handle scripts quite often and even have to do unscripted hosting sometimes. So we get to train our memories very often as a result. Believe me, Teacher Bai, when ites to memory, it''s not that I want to boast, but I don''t think there are many here better than me."


    If it were anyone else who said it, their colleagues might just brush it off as boasting, but because it was Zhang Ye who said it, everyone believed him. Not mentioning other examples, when Zhang Ye was giving his lectures on Dream of the Red Chamber or when he did his "Talk Show" in a live broadcast, he had not used any script at all. So what did he depend on? Clearly, he depended on his superb memory. The teachers of Peking University were all used to reading from a textbook or notes when they taught their sses. Without the need for them to go off script, their memories were clearly not as good as a professional host like Zhang Ye. This was something they too would admit to.


    Bai Yi was also a little unsure about it, and when Zhang Ye assured him that he got it wrong, he also started doubting his own memory and couldn''t argue about it.


    Over a dozen of the Peking University teachers looked at Zhang Ye.


    Those Peking University students also looked over at the same time. Even if the teachers could not recognize the students, they themselves were ssmates or dormmates, so how could they not recognize each other? Would they forget? By now, they all realized that Teacher Zhang Ye was actually protecting them. Then, many of them started to disperse, especially those who had scolded very fiercely just now, knowing that it was smarter to just leave the scene!


    "Let''s go quickly."


    "We have to leave now!"


    "I''m making a move first!"


    "Wait for me!"


    With so many people leaving, the teachers couldn''t possibly hold them back one by one.


    Professor Yan looked at one female student. "She''s should be one of them, right?"


    An old professor beside him muttered, "I think so, I think I saw her scolding just now."


    Bai Yi also saw the girl and had quite a deep impression of her from earlier. He grasp the 3rd year student by her arm and said, "Don''t you try to leave! Stay here! You were the one who spat at the bus just now! Don''t you know that there are Japanese university delegates on the bus? Ah? Are you trying to revolt!"


    The 3rd year female student looked stunned and put on an innocent front saying, "It wasn''t me." In actual fact, she knew clearly that she was the one who led a few others to spit at the bus.


    Bai Yi did not waver this time, "That was you! Come with me!"


    The girl was getting nervous. "Teacher Bai, don''t pull me!"


    "May I interrupt?" Zhang Ye waved at them. "Well, the one who spat at the bus wasn''t her."


    What?


    Again!?


    Finally, Bai Yi could not longer stand it and he stared at Zhang Ye angrily. "Not this one again? Teacher Zhang, are you creating trouble on purpose here?"


    Zhang Ye did not look too friendly either. "Teacher Bai, why are you using me of making trouble when it is you who has a bad memory?"


    Bai Yi said, "I saw her myself, clearly!"


    Professor Yan also said tly, "I saw it too, it was her!"


    The girl immediately looked to Zhang Ye, her eyes signaling for help!


    Zhang Ye''s tone was very firm. "But I saw it clearly myself too. It wasn''t her. The girl who spat was shorter than her. Her eyes are not this big either," Zhang Ye said as he appeared to be recollecting what he saw. "I think I saw her just now too, but she went ahead with the crowd and left already. It was just a short moment ago." As he said that, he randomly pointed in a general direction.


    Bai Yi clenched his teeth and said, "Then look for that person and bring her here!"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "Oh, there are so many people around, where do you expect me to start looking? You should know that I''m a new teacher here and have only been at Peking University for a few months. I''m not that familiar with the students here and might not be able to recognize them again. If you bring me the photos of all the students, I might be able to give it a try, but you know, a person usually looks different when photographed, so that would not work either."


    "Don''t bother looking. This time we definitely did not identify her wrongly!" Professor Yan said without even looking at Zhang Ye. He added, "A few of us teachers can vouch that we saw her spitting at the buses, clear as day. Bring her to the office!"


    The girl was almost in tears by now.


    Zhang Ye''s eyes narrowed. "I''ll say this again. It was not this student. If the studentmitted a mistake, then they deserve to be punished. But if it was because of your failing memories that you can''t identify the right person and just want to get a scapegoat to answer to the superiors, then that is surely unfair to the students!"


    A staff member from the Office of School Leadership said, "It was obviously her. I saw it too. What do you mean by saying that we''re just catching her to use her as a scapegoat? Teacher Zhang, you can''t talk like that!"


    Su Na stepped forward to speak for Zhang Ye, "There were so many people at the time and so many girls had ponytails too. It''s not umon even if you all identified her wrongly. If you can''t conclusively prove that it was this student who spat, then you shouldn''t take her away and directly deal punishment to her."


    Professor Yan said, "I did not remember wrongly! Little Su, stop giving me trouble!"


    Su Na was also not happy at this. "Professor Yan, what did you mean by that? Did I offend you?" What you say was correct but what others say would be considered creating trouble? Does that make sense!?


    Bai Yi, who was annoyed by now, said, "So many of us teachers saw her spitting at the bus. How can you say we got it wrong? Why is it not Zhang Ye who got it wrong instead! Are his words conclusive evidence?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Because I have a better memory than all of you."


    Professor Yan said, "Stop it, let''s just bring her away!"


    Just when the Peking University students had finished with their arguments, the Peking University teachers were now arguing as well!


    Zhang Ye held on firmly to the 3rd year female student, standing beside her, saying, "Based on what? If I say it''s not her, then it''s not her. Are you all doubting my judgement?"


    Bai Yi was starting to get stirred up by Zhang Ye. He said, "Your memory is good? And you can even remember everything!?"


    Zhang Ye looked at him and said, "I dare not say so, but that''s almost right."


    A female teacher tried to resolve the matter by saying, "Let''s drop it. The heads of the school didn''t ask for punishments to be given out anyway. The semester has just started and the students don''t have it easy either. We teachers should stop fighting over this matter too." What this female teacher said had some truth in it as well. The cause of the incident was not some big issue in the first ce but because of both sides not handling the matter well from the start. The Japanese were also a big part of the problem, thus leading to the incident, so the Peking University students couldn''t be fully med either. Besides, the Japanese delegation did not touch on this matter, so why are we firmly trying to assign me and mete out punishment? There was no need to do that and not worth doing so either. If our teachers were to fight among ourselves as well, then wouldn''t the Japanese delegation make a joke out of us if they saw it?


    But somehow Bai Yi had other thoughts and he kept insisting on punishing the students as though he wanted to see them get expelled from the university so that he could answer to the Japanese. He did not bother about what the female teacher said and just stared at Zhang Ye. "Alright, you say that your memory is good? Did you read Morning Post today?"


    "Of course I did." Zhang Ye had read it at home, so he did not deny it.


    Bai Yi nodded and said, "So then, tell me, what news was on the third page of this morning''s paper?!"


    Oh, so that''s what he wants to ask? Zhang Yeughed as he reached for his left pinky with his right hand, like he was tinkering with something.


    "Can''t answer?" Bai Yi said coldly. "And you dare to im that you have a good memory? There are always times when people misidentify or misremember things, but here you are, iming that you have a better memory than all of the teachers here. You even want to dere that only the things you say are valid? Sure then, why don''t you show us some proof? We won''t believe it just based on your word alone!" A lot of people could see by now that Zhang Ye was probably defending the students.


    The 3rd year female student''s heart skipped a bit. This time, it was over!


    She and a few of her ssmates were standing off to the side, feeling anxious, not knowing what to do.


    When Bai Yi saw that Zhang Ye was standing there with his eyes closed, he scoffed at him and went up to the 3rd year female student to take her away. Professor Yan and two other teachers went forward to help him.


    But at this moment, Zhang Ye slowly opened his eyes and said, "In the whole ofst year, newspapers in the People''s Republic of China presented two forking trends in readership. On one hand, with the positive effects of the country''s cultural development policies, the central-level newspapers'' sales figures and print runs had a growth increase. On the other, with the eptance of digital readership, especially news media for the mobile market opening up, this has led markets of provincial-level newspapers to be impacted and experience a fall in index figures. At the same time, the overall market share for digital news media has gained a higher proportion of increase, with a rapid growth of other new digital content services."


    Everyone was stunned!


    Professor Yan, "����.."


    Bai Yi, "��.."


    Su Na, "������.."


    Yao Mi, "����."


    Professor Zeng, "������"


    3rd year female student, "����.."


    Everyone who had heard it were stunned at that moment!


    What is this? What was this? Morning newspaper? The third page of the morning newspaper??


    A student eximed, "What the f**k! Teacher Zhang really remembered it!?"


    Yao Mi stared and said, "How can that be possible? Most people just browse through the papers, don''t they? And, somehow, you could even goddamn remember something like that?!"


    1


    1. Thank you for all your wee messages in thements, I''ve read them all and would like to assure everyone that I will continue to trante hard and hopefully, faster :O

 Chapter 556: Teacher Zhang Ye is quite the interesting person!

    <h4>Chapter 556: Teacher Zhang Ye is quite the interesting person! </h4>


    Chapter 556 Teacher Zhang Ye is quite the interesting person!


    This really left quite a number of them shocked!


    A teacher who was beside Bai Yi was dumbfounded, but managed to open his briefcase to take out a crumpled newspaper of this morning''s Morning Post and quickly flipped to the third page of it!


    He couldn''t possibly have remembered it all!


    I won''t believe this!


    Suddenly, many of the teachers surrounded him, including Bai Yi and a few others who doubted that Zhang Ye had really remembered it all!


    When Bai Yi suggested to Zhang Ye to recite the passage from the third page of the Morning Post, he was just saying it in jest. Even he did not know what was on it and he only said it to prove his point that no matter how good Zhang Ye''s memory was as a host, there would still be times when he couldn''t possibly remember everything. But who knew that such a situation would happen, as Zhang Ye recited the passage in whole, word for word? Bai Yipletely had no response to this!


    Zhang Ye continued speaking very quickly, without a pause, as though he were a newscaster reporting the news in the studio, "��The total print run aspared to the year before was essentially t. Nationwide newspaper print run totaled 48.24 billion, essentially a t incrementpared tost year. Among these, central-level newspaper print runs were at 8.8 billion. Local papers numbered 40.16 billion print runs. The total breakdown for the provinces are as follows: Guangdong, 4,360,210,000; Zhejiang, 3,462,800,000; Shandong, 3,163,150,000; Jiangsu, 2,857,380,000; Shanxi, 2,194,270,000; Henan, 2,142,260,000; Hubei, 1,982,020,000; Sichuan, 1,699,200,000; Hebei, 1,642,440,000; Liaoning, 1,632,320,000."


    When Zhang Ye finished reading the first passage, everyone was shocked. Then, when he went on to give the statistics urately, "shocking" was no longer a valid description for what they were feeling now! They immediately verified it with the newspapers in their hand!


    4,360,210,000 print runs?


    It was correct!


    3,462,800,000 print runs?


    It was correct too!


    You can even remember such random statistical numbers?


    One of the teachers drew in a deep breath and said, "He''s got it all correct! Not a single word was wrong!"


    Su Na also cursed in her heart. Even though she knew that Zhang Ye had a good ability at going off-script, she did not expect him to be this good! Was it photographic memory?


    There were actually still a lot more passages in the report, but seeing everyone''s reactions, Zhang Ye did not go on any further and just said to Bai Yi, "Teacher Bai, is that good enough for you?"


    Bai Yi choked a bit and did not say anything.


    Zhang Yeughed. "I suppose my memory''s quite good, right?"


    When everyone heard this, they could only think to themselves that this was more than good, this was heaven-defying!


    The teachers, who were about to take the 3rd year female student away, could only look at each other, unable to say nothing. What else was there left to say anyway! Even if they knew that Zhang Ye was trying to shield the student suspects, they could no longer say anything. Zhang Ye had proven himself to have an amazing memory. Having read the newspaper just once in the morning, he could recite it word for word to them. But what could they do? They probably couldn''t even repeat the headlines after having just read the newspaper. None of them here could do anything close or simr to what Zhang Ye had just done! With him affirming that it wasn''t that girl who spat at the buses, who else could say anything? Who else could stand up to show Zhang Ye that they had a better memory than him?


    And so, the matter was dropped.


    Zhang Ye turned to the 3rd year female student and gave her a pat on the shoulder. "It''s all good now, you may go back."


    The girl was incredibly moved and could only muster up the words, "Thank you, Teacher Zhang! Thank you, Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It wasn''t you who spat at the buses anyway, I was just saying what should be said. Don''t thank me, go back to your dorm and get some rest."


    The girl nodded furiously and left soon after. She was initially still wondering if Teacher Zhang had really made a mistake and did not recognize her, but those doubts were all cleared by now. For a person who could regurgitate what he read just once in the morning newspaper, which was even random statistics and numbers, how could he possibly have made a mistake in recognizing the perpetrators? Teacher Zhang Ye must have known that she was the one who spat and he definitely did not get it wrong, but he still lied to protect her. This��


    The situation with the Japanese delegation also seemed to have been resolved. Through the bus windows, a head of the school could be seen talking with a member of the Japanese group. Both of them had smiles on their faces and showed no signs of tension. The matter was probably dealt with and settled amicably as the head of the school waved, as if signaling to those at the front of the buses to give way so that the buses could continue to where they were headed. The crowd scattered. The buses started their engines again with the head of the school and a few of Peking University''s teachers still in it and headed for the hall.


    Bai Yi could only look on at the crowd of dispersing students as he did not manage to get even one of them for punishment. He felt a little aggrieved by this and started feeling some hatred towards Zhang Ye as well. He knew Zhang Ye was giving him trouble on purpose!


    Because the wee ceremony was about to begin, the teachers quickly made their way to the hall.


    Professor Zeng came up to him. "Little Zhang, let''s go."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Sure."


    "Did you do that to protect the students?" Professor Zeng asked him in a quiet voice.


    Zhang Ye answered him in a consistent manner, "No, why would I help them? They did not do anything at all."


    Professor Zeng nodded and pursued no further.


    Su Na came up from behind and secretly gave Zhang Ye a thumbs up. "Good job! Your memory is too godly!"


    "Hai, it''s so-so," said Zhang Ye, who knew clearly that it wasn''t his memory but the effect of the Memory Search Capsule that he had bought from the game ring''s Merchant Shop immediately after being challenged by Bai Yi. The duration of the capsule was 5 minutes, but could be canceled by Zhang Ye at anytime. It wasn''t necessary for him to use the whole 5 minutes if it was just a small fragment of memory like the report in the newspaper that he needed to search for. All it took was a few seconds. It was a piece of cake for him.


    ����


    Throughout the campus.


    Rumors of Zhang Ye began spreading.


    "How crazy! Teacher Zhang''s memory is so good that it''s out of this world!"


    "That''s secondary. I suppose we all understand the same thing? Teacher Zhang was protecting us!"


    "I know that. The senior who spat at the bus did it while I was standing beside her, so it was definitely her. And the freshman who was pointed out by Teacher Bai as the cause of the incident, he was definitely the person who let the basketball slip out of his own hands. Yet Teacher Zhang kept insisting that it wasn''t them. Honestly speaking, this is the first time I''ve met a teacher like that!"


    "Yeah, when I heard Teacher Zhang Ye say that it was not them, I nearly choked up. Damn it, Teacher Zhang, you''re really too loyal!"


    "That''s what a good teacher ought to be!"


    "This incident was so maddening! Luckily for us, Zhang Ye was on our side!"


    "As the old saying goes, ''adversity shows who the true friends are.'' I can finally understand that now. We are all clear about those who treat us well and those who are hypocrites!"


    "Shh, be less loud when you all discuss about this matter in the future. We cannot betray Teacher Zhang''s loyalty to us and spill the beans this way. Be careful of what you say. The walls have ears!"


    "Yes, yes, yes, tell that to the others as well, we need everyone to keep this a secret!"


    "Don''t worry about it then!"


    "You think we need you to tell us that?"


    "That''s for sure! Even if they have a knife to my neck, I will not say anything!"


    "I will acknowledge Teacher Zhang Ye from now! He''s really an interesting guy!"

 Chapter 557: Changing the script?

    <h4>Chapter 557: Changing the script? </h4>


    Chapter 557 Changing the script?


    In the afternoon.


    At Peking University''s Centennial Hall.


    "It''s about to begin."


    "Let''s hurry up, everyone."


    "The delegation has already arrived."


    "Don''t squeeze, line up properly."


    A security team was stationed at the door.


    The students were lining up in front of the main entrance for admission while teachers and staff of Peking University were entering the hall from the side.


    After Zhang Ye entered the hall along with the others, he separated from Professor Zeng, Su Na, and the rest of the Chinese Department teachers as he had a seat reserved at the front row. Since he was ted to give a speechter, he needed to be close to the stage. He was also put at the front so that he could entertain the foreign guest mathematicians who were the elites of their respective countries'' math worlds. There were even two world-ss mathematicians among them who hade from afar because of Zhang Ye''s recent proof to Dale''s Conjecture. It was already quite unfitting that Zhang Ye did not take part in the verification process, so if he did not entertain them today, it would be quite the outrage and would not bode well for their country''s hospitality to guests.


    In the middle of the first row.


    Zhang Ye saw a person calling for him.


    Xin Ya waved her hands and said, "Over here."


    "We''ll be sitting on the first row?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Dean Pan, who had left a seat beside him empty for Zhang Ye, said, "Sit over here. It''s all been arranged already. The Japanese delegation will be seated upstairs."


    Zhang Ye nodded and sat down firmly in his seat.


    Han Henian, sitting three seats away from him, asked, "What happened earlier outside? Why did the students block the bus from moving on such an important asion?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It was just a minor misunderstanding, not a big matter."


    Han Henian said, "If that''s not a big matter, then nothing else is."


    Dean Pan said, "It should have already been resolved."


    Although they had been in the hall entertaining the foreign mathematicians, they still knew quite clearly about what had happened outside earlier. There was probably someone who informed them about it.


    It seemed that even a French mathematician knew about it, as he asked Zhang Ye about the matter. "I heard that Professor Zhang has a photographic memory?"


    A foreign trantor tranted his words into Chinese, which sounded very stiff to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Yeughed and waved it off. "That''s not true. I''m not that capable."


    Behind them, four rows away, a female teacher from the Fine Arts Department, who was present at the scene of the incident, asked curiously, "Teacher Zhang, how were you able to memorize that newspaper report?"


    Zhang Ye turned around to the female teacher and said, "Because that news report had mostly numbers in it."


    The Fine Arts department female teacher asked, now even more curious, "Wouldn''t it be more difficult if there were more numbers in it?"


    Xin Ya spoke on behalf of Zhang Ye, exining, "Hur hur, we are engaged in the field of mathematical work, so of course we are more sensitive to numbers."


    "Oh, so that''s why," said the fine arts teacher. "You math people are really great!"


    A young teacher of the Math Departmentughed. "Teacher Kong, I don''t think that has anything to do with whether or not we''re engaged in math work. The main reason is still down the Teacher Zhang himself. I checked the article online just now and read through it once, but if you ask me to repeat those numbers again, I would need two hours to memorize them and might still get it wrong." They knew of the incident that happened outside as well, and were discussing it before Zhang Ye had arrived.


    Several teachers started chatting.


    Zhang Ye also asionally joined in, but still focused more on speaking in English to the foreign mathematicians.


    The crowd in the hall gradually increased, the noisy chatter of people getting louder. It was so loud that one might not even be able to hear the person beside them.


    At this moment, a Peking University staff member came looking for Zhang Ye.


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "You''re looking for me?"


    "Can youe over for a while? There''s something we need to tell you."


    "OK."


    Zhang Ye followed the youth, and noticed that Professor Yan and another Peking University teacher had been called over as well. The four of them went together to a quiet spot in the backstage. Although Professor Yan and Zhang Ye were both Chinese Department teachers, because of their enmity, they did not talk much even when they met.


    Professor Yan asked, "What''s the matter?"


    The young staff member immediately responded, "The heads of the school have instructed you to ensure that the content for your speechester are appropriate for the asion. They want the speeches to emphasize the friendship between China and Japanese. Because the blockade of the buses earlier caused quite a negative effect, with the Japanese delegation''s leaders and persons-in-charge voicing displeasure over it, you may all add some criticism of the nationalistic behavior of the students involved in the incident or simr incidents affecting the rtionship of our two countries into your speeches, if it is appropriate. But do not talk about or bring up any details of today''s incident."


    Professor Yan and the other teacher both understood the intent behind this. The Japanese Prime Minister was currently in China for a diplomatic visit with the focus on such issues being discussed. Yet on this same day, during the Sino-Japanese University Exchange, an unhappy incident had taken ce. This was quite an embarrassment, or perhaps to put it into perspective, could potentially be a dangerous incident since it was a sensitive issue. Being the top institution in China, Peking University definitely did not want this to send the wrong signal, and as such, wanted to express their attitude towards such sensitivities by criticizing such anti-Japanese behavior or simr incidents. They wanted to remind everyone to stay rational and objective when it came to such things and to promote the friendship between the Chinese and Japanese. As for the reason to not mention the incident from today, it was understandable since there were so many reporters present. It was better that they not bring it up to avoid any potential misunderstandings.


    The other teacher said, "Is there still time to change the speech?"


    The staff member said, "There''s no need for major changes, just a few words or sentences to emphasize these points will do. You may decide for yourselves what''s appropriate. I won''t interfere since I am just passing along the school''s heads'' message to you."


    That teacher nodded. "I''ll think about it."


    However, Zhang Ye wasn''t too happy about it. "I won''t be changing anything. I am just giving a speech about mathematics and all that doesn''t have anything to do with me." After he said that, he turned around to leave.


    The staff said, "Teacher Zhang, it''s best that you touch a bit on it. Just add a few words during your conclusion, like after your speech on academics, praise the Japanese mathematics world a little and express that you are looking forward to working with the Japanese universities for the long term. That will be good enough."


    But Zhang Ye did not hold back and just said, "I''m not looking forward to it though."


    Look forward to working with them? That Japanese mathematician was already snubbing me from the moment we met and kept doubting me about many things, not wanting to believe that Dale''s Conjecture had been proven by a Chinese person. With that attitude, how would you expect me to want to work with them? And you think I''d look forward to it? Look forward, your sister!


    The staff: "����.." F**k, you being too direct!


    Professor Yan nced despisingly at him and went off elsewhere to make changes to his script.


    The other teacher who was also lined up to give a speech was tickled funny by Zhang Ye. "Teacher Zhang, I will go back first. Why don''t you just randomly add a line or two. After all, this is a political task." He seemed to be alright with the arrangements and was willing to say whatever the heads wanted him to.


    Today''s Sino-Japanese University Exchange was a rare event in the history books. It was also one of the more recent cooperations between the two top institutions from both countries and carried a significant meaning. If anything were to go wrong, heads would roll. With so many Japanese reporters turning up, it could be said that many in Japan were paying attention to this event as well. An important event on an important day like this, the speeches would definitely need to beprehensively and diligently given. It was different to those speeches given at a school''s opening ceremony or a graduation ceremony. If anything goes wrong, so be it? If it said with negligence, so be it? That''s absolutely not tolerated! Of these sorts of politically motivated speeches, other than stuttering, no other mistakes could be allowed! If anything went wrong, it would have a great effect!


    This was the reason why the heads of the school had such strict requirement for the speeches. It was so that any necessary intents could be added into the scripts!


    "Teacher Zhang,e on," the staff member said to him.


    Zhang Ye shook his head and said, "We''ll see how it goes. It''s toote to change the script."


    The staff member was getting impatient with him and said, "You''re a teacher of the Chinese Department. Just adding a few more words shouldn''t be difficult for you, right? Anyway, this is a request by the heads of the school. I''ve already passed the message to you." Everything that needed to be said was already said and his task wasplete. As he still had other things to do, he went on ahead to busy himself with work.


    Zhang Ye gave him a look before going back into the hall.


    I already couldn''t be bothered to give a speech about academics, now you even want to add this and that? Get lost!

 Chapter 558: Public outcry!

    <h4>Chapter 558: Public outcry! </h4>


    Chapter 558 Public outcry!


    In the hall.


    When he got back to his seat, Zhang Ye passed the script of the speech back to Dean Pan and told him, "You should look for someone else to give the speech. I won''t be able to do it."


    Dean Pan wondered, "What''s the matter?"


    Zhang Ye said, "The heads requested we add something to it."


    When he heard the minimal amount of exnation, Dean Pan immediately understood. "It''s toote to make a change now; that won''t be possible. You need to do it. Teacher Little Zhang, this is a crucial moment. Why don''t we do it this way instead? I will get someone to write on your behalf if you don''t wish to write it yourself. We''ll get them to add in what the heads of the school have requested and you will only need to read from the script." Dean Pan personally did not like doing this as well, because to him, all he was interested about was the subject itself, not the politically motivated messages that either gave praise to you, him, them, or anyone. It took away from the sincerity of the speech when that happened. But being involved in education, as a member of Peking University, he could not help but give in. Working in this corrupt world, he could only try his best to find a bnce and move along.


    After ten minutes of persuasion, Zhang Ye still refused tomit. As Dean Pan had made an exception in promoting him to the position of associate professor, Zhang Ye felt that he should be giving him face by do something in return for the dean. But in his heart, Zhang Ye really did not have a good impression of these Japanese people. If he wasn''t convinced to do something, then it would be very difficult for others to force him to do it.


    Dean Pan said, "That''s it then. Don''t argue anymore. It''s about to begin."


    Zhang Ye helplessly said, "Dean Pan."


    Dean Pan pointed at the foreigners andughed. "Those foreign mathematicians are all looking forward to your report and speech. They''re really looking forward to it."


    On stage, the host was about ready. In the hall, 80% of the seats were already filled. Those who needed to be here were all here, except for the Japanese university delegation.


    "Where are they?"


    "Why aren''t they here yet?"


    "It''s already afternoon now. Isn''t it time to start?"


    "Didn''t the delegation team already arrive an hour ago? They should have already got here, but why are we still not seeing them? Where did they go off to?"


    "I don''t know."


    "I''m so hungry right now. I can''t wait for this ceremony to be over so that I can get some food."


    "Yeah, I''ve already been here an hour now. I didn''t even eat breakfast."


    The students were all looking quite listless, like they werecking energy. When they saw the hosting onto the stage, they even stayed quiet for a long time. However, when the main guests had still not arrived after a long time, therge hall began filling with noise from the talking and conversations. Even the teachers from Peking University could no longer sit still, constantly looking up at the empty seats upstairs, some wondering, some frowning, with none knowing better than others as to what was going on.


    Ten minutes��


    Half an hour��


    The host, possibly having received some updates, spoke to everyone through the microphone, "Everyone, please calm down and be quiet. The delegation will be here very soon."


    The media staff, who had arrived earlier and set up all all their equipment, were even yawning by now.


    The group of foreign mathematicians did not look too happy.


    The French mathematician looked down at his watch.


    The English mathematician lightly shook his head.


    While the Japanese mathematician was not present. Probably because he had gone to join up with the delegation.


    Dean Pan and several of the teachers from the Math Department apologized the the foreign mathematicians, asking them to wait a little longer. There was no need to exin too much to the Peking University students and teachers, as this was an event hosted by Peking University themselves. However, these foreign mathematicians were guests, honored guests. Making their honored guests wait for over two hours was really inexcusable, so they offered their apologies.


    Su Na was very frustrated. "How could those Japanese be so tardy? They''re not only making us wait, they''re even letting all the overseas guests wait for them as well?"


    Another young teacher from the Chinese Department said, "How arrogant!"


    Chang Kaige looked at them and said, "Alright now, talk a little less."


    Professor Yan also frowned. "There''re quite a lot of media personnel present. Watch your attitudes, Little Su, Little Wang. Don''t speak nonsense. The delegation must be getting ready."


    Su Na and a few other younger teachers did not seem to think the same. Getting ready? What were they getting ready for? It has already been two hours since they entered the campus grounds! Even if they took a nap and woke up to put on makeup, wash their faces, or take a bath and blow dry their hair, there was more than enough time. Were they intending to just let over a thousand people sit here and wait around for them? They did not even offer an exnation or give a reason? Su Na and the others felt that the Japanese delegation were doing this on purpose due to the incident earlier when their buses had been blocked by the students of Peking University. They were looking down on them on purpose!


    Suddenly, a German mathematician said something in German with an unpleasant tone before standing up and leaving the hall.


    The trantor exined, "Professor Werner says that he still has something urgent to attend to in the afternoon and has to leave first."


    Meanwhile, Xin Ya was already embarrassed by all that was happening. Although she wasn''t part of Peking University, as a member of the Chinese mathematics world and also the host, making her guests wait for so long did not make her look good at all. Together with Dean Pan, they stood up to escort the guest out of the hall, apologizing on the way to the exit.


    After the German left.


    Xin Yained, "Dean Pan, what''s going on? Peking University said that they were holding this exchange session and needed some heavyweight guests, so I brokered a deal and invited some guests to join this event. Professor Chen also helped to invite some of them, but now we''ve been waiting for so long. How do you expect me to exin things to this group of foreign mathematicians?"


    Dean Pan immediately said, "I don''t know what''s going on here either. I''ll ask." He suppressed his anger and made a call, "Hello, where are they?��Who? The Japanese delegation of course!��What do you mean you don''t know, aren''t you the one in charge of receiving them?��You better go and find out immediately!"


    He hung up.


    A few minutester, he got a call back from the person.


    The reply he got was still the same, saying that the delegation would be entering the hall soon and they were held back earlier because of an interview. In between the interview and now, as some of the delegation team membersined that they were hungry, having eaten nothing since they departed from the airport, lunch was prepared for the entire delegation by Canteen 1 of Peking University. 50 to 60 servings of food were sent to the reserved waiting lounge and there were even fruits and coffee served.


    However, when Xin Ya and Dean Pan returned to the hall, there was still no sight of anyone from the Japanese delegation, nor of Bai Yi and some of the heads of the school who were with them!


    The hall was getting increasingly noisy.


    All kinds of updates and information were being spread.


    "Are theying or not?"


    "I just heard they had been doing an interview just now."


    "What? Interview at a time like this? We have so many students and teachers waiting for them here. Why couldn''t they wait till after the ceremony to ept the interview? Why did they have to do it at this critical juncture?"


    "Not only that, they even spared time to have lunch."


    "Surely not?"


    "Why not? I heard it myself from the people at the canteen."


    "I heard so too. Canteen 1 was still open this morning, but after receiving news of the delegation wanting to eat, they immediately shuttered the doors. Some of our teachers who wanted to go in for lunch could not even get any food. I think they were specially preparing a meal for the delegation and even sent it to them. Even a head of the school does not receive such treatment. How haughty of them! They''re really acting too condescending!"


    "And we were all here stupidly hungry while they ate?"


    "F**k, what kind of people did those Japanese send over this time!"


    "Aren''t Teacher Bai Yi and the others with them? How could they agree to let them behave that way? Why didn''t they arrange for the delegation toe over to the hall first! Can''t they just eat after that? They think they''re the only ones who are hungry? We''re hungry too!"


    "Bai Yi? Hur hur, haven''t you already seen through Teacher Bai from his attitude towards the incident just now? He has spent time in Japan, has a Japanese wife who works at Tokyo University, is always an advocate of promoting goodwill towards Japan, and you want to depend on him?"


    "That''s too unfair. The guests are people, but are we students not people too? Besides, there are even so many other guests here. Look at those foreign mathematicians. Didn''t they make them wait like idiots too?"


    "Look, another one is leaving!"


    At the front row.


    A Korean mathematician could not wait any longer and said goodbye to the others before leaving to have lunch. Dean Pan and a few teachers once again personally escorted him out and even called a taxi for him, and got a Korean-speaking teacher to follow along to appease him.


    The English mathematician looked at Zhang Ye. "Zhang."


    Zhang Ye looked over to him.


    The English mathematician said in a serious tone, "If I weren''t looking forward to your speech, I would have left too."


    When Zhang Ye heard this, he quickly apologized in English, "I''m sorry, they should be here soon. Just a while more."


    Even Zhang Ye was feeling embarrassed at the situation now. Naturally, this fanned his hatred for that Japanese delegation even further. If the incident from two hours ago had caused Zhang Ye to dislike them, then right now, they had angered Zhang Ye! On this current matter, the delegation was treating Peking University and China with no respect at all. It was written in their heart of hearts. They had made them wait for so long on this important asion, just because they wanted to have their meals leisurely? Professor Yan, the heads of the school, and the others kept mentioning how important this exchange was, but it seemed like that was only the opinion of those from Peking University. The Japanese delegation did not seem to think the same way. They were totally taking this too lightly!


    Another ten minutes passed!


    When they checked their watches, it was already 1:40 PM!


    The wee ceremony which had been scheduled for earlier was dyed by two hours and thirty minutes! Even if someone spent two hours and thirty minutes watching a good movie, when the movie ended, everyone would still get up from their seats and get a good stretch after sitting down for so long. Not to mention if you had to endure sitting for that long with nothing to do, you would surely be able to imagine the state and mood of everyone in the hall!


    "Eh!"


    "They''re here!"


    "What the heck!"


    "They''re finally here!"


    From upstairs, the shadow of figures could be seen gradually entering the hall.


    A few of the Japanese delegation''s -persons-in-charge disdainfully went to the front to sit, while Bai Yi and a few staff members from Peking University, who were with them all this time, also sat down after them,ughing and smiling. Only Bai Yi, who probably had a speech to giveter, turned around and made his way down to the stage. Then he gave a signal to the host.

 Chapter 559: Wait a moment!

    <h4>Chapter 559: Wait a moment! </h4>


    Chapter 559 Wait a moment!


    The wee ceremony finally began.


    The host went on stage. "Good afternoon to the leaders, honored guests, and all gathered��"


    The Japanese reporters and media staff set up their cameras and began recording the event.


    Meanwhile, the group of Chinese reporters looked at them, hungry and aggrieved. From the looks of it, those Japanese reporters must have had lunch together with the delegation, all appearing energetic and high spirited. What about them? They had gone the past few hours on an empty stomach, so how could they be in a good mood?


    The reporters muttered among themselves.


    "This is the first time I''m witnessing a group arriving sote for a big event like this."


    "Me too."


    "Did you put this into your report?"


    "Hur, what''s the point in doing so? The newspapers won''t report this matter."


    "That''s true. Since it''s all about Sino-Japanese Friendship, Sino-Japanese Good Friends, and what not, with their prime minister on a diplomatic visit as well, such negative news reports would surely be suppressed."


    "Stopining, let''s get back to work."


    "Right, there are some matters that we won''t be able to change."


    When the ceremony started, a Peking University head teacher came on stage to give the opening speech. Seeing this, Zhang Ye, who was not in a listening mood, decided to get up and go to the backstage for a smoke. When the others saw him leaving his seat, they all thought that he was just going backstage to prepare for his speech, so no one said anything. While he was smoking, a recital of a poem* could be heard. It was probably a small program that was prepared for the ceremony. It was performed by a female student of Peking University.


    "���Ϥ컨�Ӥ�ʤ���.


    ��ߤʤ��˻��Ӥ�ʤ���.


    ��ߤʤ�����䤫���Z��Ҥ����.


    ����餫����������ˤʤ���."


    Following that, a Japanese student went on stage to perform a Japanese poem, but recited the Chinese tranted version instead.1


    "Pitiful petals falling like rain,


    Scattering onto the belles'' shoulders.


    Demure maidens murmur and pass by,


    As geta clops sound in the air."


    ����


    Not many people in the hall could understand the meaning and mood of the poem, but when the student finished reciting, the whole hall broke out into apuse. This was different from thosepetitions where, if a performer did badly, they might not even receive any apuse at all. This was a weing ceremony and was full of political vor, thus, even if a performer went on stage to fart, the audience would still erupt into apuse.


    There was even a person there who led the apuse.


    Some teachers also led their students in pping.


    Zhang Ye was leaning against the wall and smoking, lightly shaking his head. In his previous world, the attitude towards the Japanese was simr to this world, but with a slight difference in the general tendency and environment of this world. Why was there a difference like this? Although the two worlds had a simr history, the history happened at different times and mixed with different political stances, which had resulted in the difference in attitude towards the Japanese.Therefore, for Zhang Ye, who hade from a world where there was deep mistrust of Japan''s contradictions, he was clearly out of tune with the environment of this world''s attitude towards Japan. He could not look at this, so he found a ce to rx his mind and left the rest to the others.


    After that, it was time for the speeches.


    First off was the teacher from the Sociology Department. He talked about the key projects of this Sino-Japanese exchange. For example, he raised the environmental protection research project and how Japan was doing really good in this area of work, how Japan was far more advanced in this field than them. As Zhang Ye understood it, this speech was to tell everyone just how badly China was doingpared to Japan!


    Following that, a professor from Tokyo University gave a speech. The whole speech was given in Japanese and tranted after that by a teacher from the Japanese Department. The overview of this cooperation was that Tokyo University would provide guidance and equipment support in some key projects to Peking University, so that Peking University would be able to raise the standard of research in this areas, etc. Of course, they also touched on some of the projects that Peking University excelled in and how they intended to seek to learn from Peking University.


    It gave Zhang Ye the feeling of someone giving a victory speech to the defeated, saying how they would help them to improve, and then suddenly saying that even in defeat there were some good points that they could learn from. It might be subjective, but in any case, that was what it sounded like.


    The ceremony continued on.


    After about half an hourter, Professor Yan got on stage for his speech. The first words he said immediately left everyone silent for a moment, "Good afternoon, everyone. The title of my speech today is ''What is Patriotism.'' Some of the things that I will be saying might make some of you ufortable, but I still must say them. These days, many people view patriotism in a very biased and prejudiced manner. In China, ''Japan'' is a very sensitive word that, when mentioned, if no one shows any resistance or voices displeasure, it is seen as unpatriotic!"


    Su Na had no reaction to that.


    Professor Zeng raised his head and looked up to the stage.


    Professor Yan asked, "Just where does such attitude originate from? When we break it down, we are just seeking some form of psychologicalfort, as if after resisting, we will feel better even if we''re indeed more backward!"


    Backwardness?


    Who''s backward now? Us?


    Many students were found it difficult to stay seated!


    Professor Yan knew that his words had hit a raw nerve, but this was the effect that he wanted. He was very unustomed to the hardline opinions of young people these days, so he looked at the audience and said, "You may say that this is because you''re patriotic. If that is so, then please boycott Japanese products as well. Throw away all the Japanese-made electronics in your home. Even some of the electronics that were produced domestically have Japanese parts in them, so please strip down these things and throw them away too! If therees a day when the Chinese and the Japanese go to war again, we expect you to carry arms, get on the battlefield, and kill some enemies for everyone to see! You can boycott Japan all you want; that is your freedom. But please do not do so and im that it is patriotism. Speaking before thinking is not a virtue of our country!" Pausing, he then continued indignantly, "There are even cases of teachers who I know that had simr discussions. In one country, teachers don''t teach their students of love and warmth, but about cruelty and coldness. What would be their future as a country if it went on like this?"


    Upstairs.


    When those Japanese delegates heard what the trantor said, one of the person-in-charge nodded in agreement, thinking that it was well said! That''s the biggest problem your country is guilty of!


    Some Japanese students also seemingly agreed with the speech. During this trip to China, they had already seen the resistance and hostilities from the people. They were angered by such treatment and Professor Yan''s speech clearly exined their heartfelt thoughts. Yes, all they know is to always rail against us, to resist us, to boycott our products. If you''re really capable, then throw away all the appliances in your house! Would you all dare to do that? No, none of you would dare to do so! Just because you''re backward, you keep saying that you''ll resist us, but look at what happened in the end! You are still the ones who keep buying things from us, so why didn''t you show basic courtesy and goodwill to us?


    Meanwhile, the Japanese reporters kept taking photos, as well as recording the speech and reactions of everyone. They were all thrilled to hear such a refreshing speech. It seemed like there were still people in China who were sensible!


    Professor Yan, whose speech was echoing this afternoon''s bus blockade incident, said loudly, "Insulting others does not reflect a civilized society, but if it bes a collective behavior, does that make it reasonable behavior? China has adopted collectivist behavior, so when things are done collectively, they must be right. When a group puts on improper behavior together, the group does not know which direction it is going towards. Unable to grasp an understanding of anything, they never think that they are in the wrong, and thus, will not reflect upon such behavior!"


    Some Peking University students were befuddled.


    "Reflect?"


    "We have to reflect?"


    "Why! Why are we the ones who need to reflect?"


    At the end of the speech, Professor Yan said, "I love my country, so I also respect other people; as a Chinese person, I am proud of my heritage, so I shall not be cruel in the name of patriotism, I shall not do bad in the name of collectivism. I know that with just my own strength, this is insignificant. But I also know that one should not do a bad deed just because it seems insignificant, or not do a good deed because it seems insignificant. A small change is all that it takes to make a difference. That is what I understand as being patriotic! Thank you, I''ve finished my speech."


    He held onto his script and went down off the stage.


    Suddenly, the Japanese delegation upstairs broke out into warm apuse, pping very loudly.


    However, there was only sparse apuse from the Peking University students downstairs. Only a trickle of ps could be heard. Some of the students did not understand the content of Professor Yan''s speech at all!


    A few Peking University teachers, including Bai Yi and a few others, believed Professor Yan''s speech to be on point. Although it was ufortable to hear, it was very reasonable. A nation must first learn how to respect and reflect. Insults did not bring any meaning or positive influence, but only showed that the people spoke before they thought. Unfortunately, this simple truth was not understood by many.


    Zhang Ye had already cooled down by now. He turned around, stamped out his cigarette, and walked out from backstage.


    By this time, Bai Yi had already gone on stage and was holding the microphone, ready to begin his speech. He started with saying, "My speech today is about respect and forgiveness."


    When the Peking University students heard this, they guessed that this was probably another "enlightening" speech, just like Professor Yan''s!


    As expected, when Bai Yi stood on stage and faced the hall, he began by saying, "Our understanding of Japan is skewed. I feel that our people have a big problem when ites to knowing the Japanese, that is, having preconceived notions that affect our judgment. When our people praise or curse Japan, they''re really speaking of either China or themselves. And because of that, we do not use an unbiased opinion to perceive Japan. We praise it to the skies when it''s good and bury it into the ground when it''s bad��"


    "Wait a moment!"


    A voice suddenly interrupted the speech!


    1. The Japanese poem �L���� (Shikigawara n�� e) was written by Tatsuji Miyoshi, a Japanese poet, literary critic, and literary editor active during the Sh��wa period of Japan. He is known for his lengthy free verse poetry, which often portrays loneliness and istion as part of contemporary life, but are written in aplex, highly literary style reminiscent of ssical Japanese poetry.


    https://.youtube/watch?v=b2XP2JlPPKc shows a woman performing Shigin, a performance of reciting a Japanese poem, or a Chinese poem read in Japanese.

 Chapter 560: “Why Should I Forgive You”!

    <h4>Chapter 560: ��Why Should I Forgive You��! </h4>


    Chapter 560 "Why Should I Forgive You"!


    Bai Yi stopped his speech midway.


    The other people also turned to where the voice sounded from.


    The person who had interrupted the speech was a head of the school. Seemingly having just gotten off a phone call, he hurriedly yelled out and interrupted the speech, "Wait a moment, there are some important guests arriving!"


    Important guests?


    Who could they be?


    So important that they even had to interrupt the speech?


    Upstairs, the university delegation group stood up and faced the main entrance upstairs respectfully. A few leaders of the group went outside the hall themselves to receive the guests with a different attitude from what they had been giving to the Chinese earlier. A few escorts from the Peking University side also went along to receive the guests. This phone call was quite unexpected as there was no advanced notice to inform them. Then, it turned out that the guests were actually high-ranking officials from the Japanese political delegation. As there was a change in their afternoon schedule, and possibly hearing of the Sino-Japanese University Exchange that was taking ce today, the team had chosen toe and make a visit here!


    "Who''s here?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Aiyo, I think it''s one of the Japanese political delegations!"


    "They''re here at Peking University too?"


    "Oh, why are there so many reporters here as well!"


    The first thing they saw upstairs when the doors opened were not people but camera shes going off continuously. About 20 Chinese and Japanese reporters came along with the group, and they were busy photographing and recording the delegation on the way here. A Central TV reporter who tripped and fell got up quickly to continue photographing without even dusting off his shirt.


    It was a delegation of around a dozen people or so.


    The group was led by a Japanese official named Matsumoto. "Hello."


    The Peking University group immediately weed them, "Wee, wee."


    Matsumoto smiled and said, "#$%^&!"


    The trantor said, "We heard about this Sino-Japanese University Exchange event today and were very interested in attending as we are very pleased to see such a cooperation taking ce. Please go on with the ceremony and ignore our presence."


    With the arrival of important guests, they were naturally invited to take a seat in the front row upstairs. The Japanese university delegation immediately stood up to let the newly arrived guests take the front row, while they themselves settled down behind them. As for the rest of the seats, they were taken up by the Peking University''s escort staff as well as the Chinese government officials who were apanying the Japanese political delegation. A few familiar faces were spotted in the crowd, consisting of some officials from the Chinese education world. They were here to apany the Japanese political delegation today.


    A Chinese government official said to a Peking University staff member, "Go on, don''t further interrupt the event because of us."


    The Peking University staff nodded. "Yes sir, Teacher Bai was just in the middle of giving a speech just now. We will continue from there." He then gave a signal to the stage for them to restart the ceremony.


    The Peking University students were all silent. Some of them asionally turned their heads to look upstairs. As they had not before seen so many important people gathered together at once, they couldn''t help themselves, whispering and making noises.


    Seeing how even the political delegation was here, Bai Yi was very surprised. As though he had suddenly been injected with an adrenaline shot, he straightened his posture and took a deep breath to suppress his nervousness before opening his mouth to continue with his speech, "Right now, we''re interested with the cultural level of the Japanese, as well as the systematic and political levels. What we have yet to currently achieve in thetter has already been achieved by the Japanese, as well as some Western countries. As the Western countries and Japan are aligned on these levels, it bes something that Westerners take for granted. What interests them in Japan are its culture, politics, as well as its history. This is the reason why our feelings are moreplex than Westerners when ites to such issues."


    As Bai Yi was not a professional literary person, his speech was not as well written as Professor Yan''s. It was not written with structure but still managed to express the core idea that he wanted to assert.


    "Our concern with Japan is to set them as the ''other'' so that we may learn from them. But such a viewpoint originates from the expectations that China has set for herself. Based on the development towards those goals, and using Japan as the ''other,'' we are undoubtedly still going to experience all of it as China. We are able to stand freely in the consciousness of the problems and set off after observing Japan, keeping Japan as the ''other'' in this whole process. But in order to do all of this, we need to show everyone our perspectives and observations, not be an inadequate observer or doer. If we were to show an iplete side of us, it would not be fair to Japan as well."


    Some people had their reservations about this viewpoint but they could understand it very well. Talking about the thoughts towards Japan from this perspective was indeed rather rare.


    Upstairs, Matsumoto nodded as he whispered to the official beside him.


    Bai Yi: "We need to set an example starting from ourselves, to learn to forgive��"


    Bai Yi: "We need to start from ourselves, to learn to respect��"


    One by one, he listed his perspectives and finally, he said, "Without understanding, there is no right to speak. We need to learn how to understand other people, other countries, to learn how to forgive and respect another person or country. Yes, that is what I want to say and so my speech will end here. Thank you, everyone." Bowing, he left the stage.


    Matsumoto led the apuse!


    The political delegation followed his lead and pped loudly!


    The Tokyo University students and teachers also pped warmly!


    Only the Peking University students downstairs were very silent. Some of them did p, but their eyes showed no spirit and their pping was mechanical. Many of them felt as though something heavy weighed on them, thinking about how the speeches were so reasonable. Yet they were unable to ept them. It was as though something was wrong, somewhere!


    Some Peking University teachers felt the same.


    Su Na took a few deep breaths and even felt a sense of regret.


    Another History Department professor in his fifties could only sit there expressionless, not saying a word.


    Respect?


    Forgiveness??


    At this moment, many people felt that they had something to say but could not say it, nor did they know how to say it, especially when the Japanese political delegation and university delegation were both upstairs. And so, they could only apud and go with the flow.


    A Peking University female student mumbled to herself, "Was our attitude in the past really wrong? There''s no meaning to that? We need to learn to forgive?


    The freshman beside her shook his head. "I also don''t know."


    Another freshman who was ssmates with them said, "Professor Yan and Teacher Bai have already said so, then it must surely be reasonable. Hai, I just feel a little ufortable but unsure why I feel that way."


    Another student said, "We really cannot just throw away the Japanese products in our houses."


    At the back, Yao Mi was totally silent.


    Li Li said, "Mimi, what''s wrong?"


    Yao Mi clenched her fists. "I don''t feel well. I want to go back now."


    "You don''t feel well?" Li Ying asked, concerned.


    Beside her, Senior Song had a dark expression. "She must be feeling a sense of unease in her heart. I feel the same, like there''s something stuck in the chest and won''t go away!"


    Senior Zhou was also thinking about Teacher Bai''s speech. "Forgiveness?"


    At this time, the host went on stage to introduce the next speaker, "Next up, we have famed mathematician, Teacher Zhang Ye of the Math Department of Peking University, giving a speech on academics. Please wee him." There was no mention of Dale''s Conjecture as it was still being validated by the authorities. Since it had not been fully verified yet, there was of course noment on Zhang Ye proving a mathematical conjecture.


    Apuse sounded throughout the hall.


    But among the Peking University''s students and teachers below stage, many of them were feeling quite bored by now.


    Upstairs, a Peking University staff introduced to the political delegation, "That is Zhang Ye. He was the mathematician who made a breakthrough in the proof of Dale''s Conjecture."


    Matsumoto nodded.


    The Japanese mathematician interrupted, telling Matsumoto, "Dale''s Conjecture has not been verified yet, so it''s not been confirmed."


    The trantor did not tell this to the Chinese.


    Matsumoto and a few other Japanese officials nodded and looked at Zhang Ye interestedly.


    The other political and university delegations also focused on Zhang Ye, including those Japanese reporters who also pointed the cameras over to him. They were very interested in knowing how he had managed to solve Dale''s Conjecture.


    The atmosphere upstairs was very different from downstairs, like ice and fire.


    Zhang Ye, with script in hand, proceeded up to the stage. He could feel the current mood of the Peking University students. On the other side, Professor Zhang had gone upstairs after his speech and joined the political delegation, while Bai Yi had also briskly made his way upstairs after his speech, probably eager to meet the Japanese officials. Zhang Ye just stood on stage, looking around at one person and then another, ncing upstairs and sweeping his eyes back downstairs. There were all kinds of expressions on people''s faces, but none were lively.


    The host shot him a meaningful nce.


    Su Na could not understand what Zhang Ye was doing either.


    Dean Pan looked at him, thinking if he had forgotten what to say. But how could that be with a memory like yours? Even if you really forgot, you could still read from the script, no?


    Forgiveness and respect?


    Zhang Ye asked that to himself again in his mind.


    Then, he held the script up firmly and scanned it. He knew that in this current setting, with thousands of pairs of eyes on him, with the political delegate present as well, in the environment of friendly Sino-Japanese ties, he should put himself above the situation and let them say whatever they wanted. He could just follow the script and read it line for line and his task would beplete. That was really what he thought, and so, he opened his mouth wanting to speak, but found himself unable to make any sound at all. It was like an inner voice was shouting constantly at him.


    He lowered his hand and looked around, then ced the script onto the rostrum. He held the microphone tightly, finally ready to speak.


    When he said the first sentence, everyone who had been expecting him to talk about academics and Dale''s Conjecture were taken aback.


    Zhang Ye spoke in a light, calm tone, "The Japanese Prime Minister is on a political visit to China. The Japanese political delegation is here on a visit to Peking University. All these to the cheers of many countrymen apuding them: Turning over a new leaf for the friendship between China and Japan!"


    It suddenly became quiet upstairs!


    When Matsumoto heard the trantion, he had a look of bewilderment.


    Professor Yan was stunned!


    Bai Yi also stared down at Zhang Ye who was standing at the rostrum!


    The Chinese and foreign reporters, Peking University''s students and teachers, including many of those who were still immersed deep in thought from the earlier two speeches��all of these people suddenly looked up in surprise!


    Zhang Ye calmly went on, "Professor Yan''s new perspective has found a footing, Teacher Bai''s goodwill theory for Japan has gotten practical support. There are some who im that there are more Japanese who know China well,pared to Chinese who know Japan well. There are some who are broken-hearted over how the Chinese aren''t as civilized and courteous as the Japanese. There are some who curse at the narrow-mindedness and nationalistic countrymen,cking the standing of superpower��It seems that the decades of abnormal rtions between our countries after the war were the fault of us Chinese. We should be the ones turning the pages of history, to face the future, so that we can open up new situations for friendly rtions between China and Japan."


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Three seconds.


    "Pui!"


    Under the cover of silence, a "pui" sound that came without warning reverberated across the hall, startling everyone into cold sweats!


    Zhang Ye mmed his hand on the surface of the rostrum and said, "Why should I forgive you! Japan!!!"

 Chapter 561: The speech that got to see the light of day once more!

    <h4>Chapter 561: The speech that got to see the light of day once more! </h4>


    Chapter 561 The speech that got to see the light of day once more!


    Pui?


    He actually said pui? He really said pui?


    Where''s the academic speech that you were going to give? Damn, it was supposed to be an academic speech, no? What is this? What was this? What the heck are you saying!?


    The first thought that came to the minds of many of the Peking University teachers was: Game over! This nationalistic youth who cannot keep quiet for more than a second��has gone crazy again!


    Matsumoto stood up in shock!


    The other Japanese political delegates also stood up staring!


    But Zhang Ye looked back at them fearlessly and even raised his hand to point at them, asking the students of Peking University loudly, "Let me ask all of you! On the anniversary of the massacre that has just passed, did any high-ranking official of Japan express an apology for China? Did any Japanese express a tinge of regret regarding that incident? While we''re here talking about how China and Japan should form a good friendship, thest of the Chinesefort women are still seeking justice from the Japanese government. They have yet to receive a cent, an apology, or even a trace of remorse from them! While we keep saying that we should turn the page on the history between China and Japan, thest Chineseborers are still seeking forpensation from the Japanese government and enterprises. But they are being mocked by their government, enterprises, andw! How about those Japanese enterprises that have disgraced their government? They are currently earning truckloads of money in China!"


    Su Na drew in a deep breath!


    Professor Zeng also looked shaken!


    After that malicious pui, the burden and gloom that had been weighing on their chest was suddenly relieved, while leaving them in shock!


    The Peking University students could only look nkly at Zhang Ye!


    The host was also dumbfounded, not knowing if he should stop Teacher Zhang!


    Zhang Ye said passionately, "While we speak of getting on familiar terms with Japan and learning from them, our homes in the northeast are still polluted with millions of Japanese bio-warfare and viral warfare weapons, none of which they have taken responsibility for! While we bring up that we should adopt a new perception about Japan, the past few Japanese Prime Ministers have freely gone around and publicly urged the European Union to not lift the arms embargo against China. Yet they continue forging closer military ties with the United States to deter China! While we keep emphasizing the fact that ournds are only separated by a strip of water, Japan explicitly and implicitly supports or encourages the incitement of opposition to our Cross-Straits rtions! When we reach agreements with our neighboring countries on the borders, Japan continually uses tricks on its upied inds to extend its territory to the East China Sea, attempting to seize our resources and seal us off! When we were willing to forget the past to focus on friendly rtions with Japan, their authoritative agency released a survey stating that 60% of Japanese people patronize us, hate us, distrust us, and have deep contempt for us! In the postwar decades, we''d continued the pursual of the absconded Nazi war criminals. Then, in order to be recognized as the sole government of China, we even gave up war reparations. We did not even intend to go after those Japanese war criminals who had their hands stained with the blood of our citizens!"


    Every word was a stab in the heart!


    The Peking University students were enraged!


    Many people were already clenching their teeth and fists tightly!


    Zhang Ye put up his hand and said, "Alright! That''s enough! Japan is still that Japan! Japan will forever be that Japan! We don''t have a reason or a need to beg them to treat us with kindness and friendliness. But as Chinese citizens, we are hurting because of our soft, confused, and pretentiousrades!"


    Yao Mi and the other students stared at Bai Yi!


    There were also many students who looked over at Professor Yan!


    But Zhang Ye continued, "Back then, Japan''s China Expeditionary Army totaled 1 million soldiers. But the ones who did the dirty work for them, the Coborationist Chinese Army, numbered more than 2 million soldiers! Back then, Japan''s China Expeditionary Army killed 30 million of ourrades in the 14 years of war1! Yet 1.8 million traitors served them loyally by continuing the invasion and abetting the enemy! Back then, the countries and citizens who had been harmed by the German upation received considerable reparations from them. The Germans also sincerely expressed their apologies and their will to reflect upon themselves. But for us, we signed away Japan''s responsibility for their war crimes even though Japan had never sincerely expressed any regrets nor apologized to us. Back then, the German Chancellor genuflected in front of the memorial, expressing deep remorse and the resolve to never go to war again! We did not get anything out of it, yet we initiated closer ties! We did exactly what we called a ''new perspective'' here today, to improve our ''friendship''!"


    Every word was going against Bai Yi and Yan Jiantao!


    Bai Yi''s expression had a great change!


    Professor Yan was about to blow his top as well!


    In a short span, the way the Peking University students saw them had totally changed. They became looks of disgust and indignation. The two of them had suddenly be the targets of the crowd!


    That''s right!


    Friendship, my ass!


    New perspective, my ass!


    They purposely arrivedte and made all of us at Peking University wait for them for nearly three hours, while you two, Bai Yi and Yan Jiantao, did not even make a sound, but instead attempted to educate our Peking University students? Criticize our Peking University students? Even wanting us to be friends? Make us forgive them? Does that even make any damn sense? What the f**k was this kind of logic!?


    Zhang Ye mmed his hands on the rostrum again, "What friendship? What forgiveness? A devil never needs to apologize or be forgiven! Don''t blindly promote the so-called superior systems. As a democratic country, if their citizens of the past had not existed, then there would have been no past wars. If the citizens of the present do not exist, then there won''t be the current government! Do not be sucked into the so-called cultured and civilized side of Japan. Culture and civilization are the foundations of humans. In thest century, the Japan which hadmitted such hideous deeds actually had an ugly and hypocritical culture and civilization! Don''t expect Japan to want to repent at some point in the future. A country that adopts thew of the jungle for their own country will never have a future!"


    The Japanese trantor kept tranting and conveying the meaning of the speech to the delegates. He was already sweating all over. As a professional trantor of Chinese, he had been by the side of many high-ranking Japanese officials through multiple asions and had a wealth of experience, but at this moment, he was finding it difficult. There were also some words that could not be tranted. Being such an experienced and excellent trantor, how could he be facing such problems? Because the other party was using very unconventional words! There were many curse words which the trantor had never needed to use before! This made his task of tranting ten times more difficult! Beads of sweat were already forming on his temples!


    Matsumoto could no longer listen any further!


    The other officials in the political delegation were so furious that even their lips were trembling with anger! They were sincere in visiting China, hoping toe over to express their friendship. But who knew that today, at this very moment, they were being scolded right to their faces by a simple Peking University teacher!? Even scolding their country?


    Just what kind of a situation was this?


    This was a situation that none of them would have ever expected to be caught in!


    And yet, this was exactly what was happening! They''ve just met someone who dared to grab them by the necks and scold them to their faces��a teacher of the people!


    Zhang Yeughed coldly. "We will never forgive Japan. What are we forgiving them for? If we are forced to pretend like we''re magnanimous and gracious, disregarding all prior issues and only looking towards the future, waiting for them to drop the hostilities and gain enlightenment, then why can''t we use those same reasons to forgive our fellowrades who are deeply remorseful for the murders theymitted? Why can''t we give them a chance to turn over a new leaf!?"


    Zhang Ye asked with every sentence.


    "Let me ask you all. If a person murdered your mother, would you forgive them?"


    No one spoke.


    "Let me ask you all again. If a person killed your ssmate''s father, would you respect the murderer?"


    Still no one spoke.


    Zhang Ye angrily mmed his hands onto the rostrum for the third time, speaking louder and louder, "Then tell me! Japan! What should we respect you for!" With a change of tone, he shouted and pointed at those people upstairs, "Then tell me! Japan! Why should I forgive you?"


    Yao Mi stood up!


    Senior Song stood up!


    Li Li and Li Ying stood up as well!


    At this point, Zhang Ye''s speech had been interrupted!


    ��By the sound of apuse!


    Bba! Bba! Bba! Bba! Endless apuse that had been stifled for so long was now finally able to appear in the hall! It resounded resolutely throughout the hall!


    "Too awesome!"


    "Well scolded! That felt so good!"


    "That''s the Zhang Ye I know!"


    "How satisfying! I don''t want to listen to Zhang Ye''s speech on academics! This, this is what you call a true speech! This is the real Zhang Ye!"


    "When Teacher Zhang scolds people, he always looks so handsome!"


    "That''s right! Every time Teacher Zhang does something like that, he always looks like he''s glowing! That was extremely well said! Japan! Why should we forgive you!"


    "I was so badly affected by Professor Yan''s and Teacher Bai''s speeches that I didn''t know what to say. I felt like something was wrong but couldn''t pinpoint what. Now I finally understand! It was exactly as Teacher Zhang said! Teacher Zhang has totally shouted out everything I felt inside!"


    The countless Peking University students seated downstairs were now gradually rising up excitedly!


    A few Peking University Teachers like Su Na and Professor Zeng secretly cheered! What a teacher! That was so beautifully said!


    Some of those who felt that Yan Jiantao and Bai Yi had given good speeches earlier suddenly seemed to be deep in thought while others lowered their heads silently!


    ����.


    ����.


    No one knew that this impromptu speech had possiblye from a newspaper article from Zhang Ye''s previous world. Why "possibly"? Because even Zhang Ye did not know for sure. The article was too inconspicuous, so obscure that it was difficult to trace its source. Zhang Ye could still remember the first time he saw this essay on the inte. It was titled "Why Should I Forgive You, Japan!" 2 It wasn''t very well-known, or perhaps it should be said that this article did not gain much attention, so much so that almost no one knew about it.


    However, some essays'' charms and strengthy in just that. It could be hidden in a dark corner somewhere covered in dust. But on the day the dust is blown away and the light of day shines upon it once more, the strength of its words still haven''t faded! They still glow as bright as gold!


    Today, Zhang Ye had taken this speech out!


    Through Zhang Ye''s modification to fit the situation, it had be his work and was given a chance to see the light of day again!


    1. In January 2017, the Chinese Government extended their official definition of the Second Sino-Japanese War back to September 18, 1931 - the Invasion of Manchuria by Japan - as opposed to the traditional 1937 start date, defined by the Marco Polo Bridge Incident.


    Generally speaking, this earlier date was mostly agreed on by the Chinese, therefore putting the war duration at 14 years.


    2. I found the earliest version of this newspaper article/reader letter here. It wasn''t very well known, until someone saw it and put it into the discussion forums in China where it widely discussed by theizens, which is why this chapter''s name is called "The speech that got to see the light of day once more!"

 Chapter 562: The whole audience cheers!

    <h4>Chapter 562: The whole audience cheers! </h4>


    Chapter 562 The whole audience cheers!


    An uproar!


    Astonishment!


    The entire Centennial Hall had been shaken by Zhang Ye''s shouts!


    Bai Yi angrily roared, "That madman! He''s really a madman!"


    A Japanese female reporter said, "We will raise a protest! This is an insult to us! This is the lowest form of personal attack on us!"


    Many of the Chinese reporters had been greatly inspired. They focused their cameras onto Zhang Ye, not wanting to miss out on any footage of him. There was a great deal of satisfaction on all their faces. However, the Japanese reporters all looked very angry, as though they had be on the receiving end of a great insult, incredulous that someone actually dared to scold them and their country in such an official setting!


    "Why is he like that!"


    "What is he scolding us for!"


    "Does he even know what he is saying? Ah!"


    The students of Tokyo University were also raging!


    A few of Peking University''s heads of school could only look at each other in shock!


    Matsumoto and the political delegates, their faces as cold as water, lodged stern protests!


    The apanying Chinese officials were also shocked and confused, not knowing what they could say now to appease the situation!


    A Peking University Japanese Department teacher jumped up and cursed, "This damned nationalist!"


    A staff member from the Office of School Leadership said irritatedly, "What kind of behavior is that! What has the war got to do with the Japanese citizens? Don''t let him keep speaking! Get him off the stage! Cut the mic!"


    A few of them could not understand why a century-old institution like Peking University, the top institution in the country, would employ a hooligan like Zhang Ye as a teacher. This was a huge mistake, no matter how talented Zhang Ye was or how much Zhang Ye had contributed for academics. This sort of "role model" behavior would nullify all of that! Hiring him was the worst decision that Peking University had made! Zhang Ye''s treacherous speech this time would surely cause Peking University to be on the cusp of the news! It would definitely put them in the sights for controversy and criticism throughout the world!


    But Zhang Ye still went on!


    He was not done with his speech yet!


    Then Zhang Ye continued speaking, "These days, there are many voices that im that scolding others is not right. That there are also good people in Japan, so don''t be a nationalist. The war has nothing to do with themoners, scolding others does not mean that you''re patriotic but only tells people that you have low standards. Japanese technology is more advanced than ours, so we must learn from them. The Japanese have higher standards than us, so we must be epting of them. Boycotting Japanese products is meaningless when we should be looking to raise our standards instead. We must be logical when ites to patriotism! It seems like those people do not understand why boycotting Japanese products, not eating Japanese food, and scolding Japanese people can bebeled as patriotism? What they are thinking is that they''re the more elegant and ssier patriots!"


    At this point, Zhang Ye raised his head, as though he was responding to those who were so pro-Japanese. "Actually, I''m wondering as well! I am also very amazed! If our behavior does not reflect patriotism, then does that mean that people like you who only eat Japanese food, buy Japanese products, never speak ill of Japan, and always defend Japan whenever you see anyone criticizing them��are the patriotic ones?" His tone had changed, as though he wasughing at them!


    Apuse burst again!


    Peking University''s students were all cheering!


    The staff from the Office of School Leadership nearly suffocated to death!


    Zhang Ye said with a cold smile, "They have high standards, they do not scold Japan. But that''s not because they are patriotic while being more elegant and logical than us, not because they are ssier than us, not because of any of the highfalutin reasons they im! That is because��They do not have any hatred for Japan at all! They have long ago forgiven Japan or maybe not even med Japan at all before! That is the reason!"


    Thunderous apuse!


    The Peking University students expressed their difficult to describe emotions with loud apuse for this!


    Zhang Ye adjusted his shirt and tie, presenting himself decently, and then said, "In an official government asion, there are some things that some would never say as it would offend others, show ack of demeanor and standards, presenting themselves as inelegant, attracting doubt and controversy. But I am not afraid to offend, I don''t have good demeanor, I have low standards, I have always been simple and inelegant, I am not afraid of being doubted and controversial! So whether or not there are cameras around, no matter who is here today, no matter how many reporters are here today, no matter how many leaders are looking at me right now��" Zhang Ye turned to look at the cameras and dered as he put his hand over his chest, "What the others dare not say, I, Zhang Ye will say it! At any point in time, at any ce, at any asion, whoever asks me the same questions, I have the courage to answer anyone just like today��"


    Zhang Ye shouted once, "Boycotting Japanese products��is a sign of patriotism!"


    Zhang Ye shouted twice, "Scolding Japan��is a sign of patriotism!"


    Zhang Ye shouted thrice, "Scolding those who defend Japan by scolding us��is a sign of patriotism!"


    Many of Peking University''s teachers were staring with their mouths agape! Holy sh*t! Holy sh*t! Holy sh*t!


    Zhang Ye said fearlessly, "Is scolding people right? Scolding people is not right! Sorry then, we have low standards, we are inelegant, but this is who we are! Just amon citizen''s way of showing his love for his country!" Zhang Ye dragged out his words. "But this is just us, an ordinary citizen''s most humble patriotism!"


    Vigorous apuse once more echoed through the entire hall. All of the students had stood up to p with all they had. A few female students were so excited by this talk that they even had tears in their eyes!


    What a good "scolding Japan is a sign of patriotism"!


    What a good "most humble patriotism"!


    Just as Zhang Ye had said, there were some words some people did not dare say, but he dared. In the faces of the visiting delegation, in an asion faced with so many Chinese and foreign reporters, Zhang Ye shouted out what no one else dared to say!


    The people upstairs were already in full rage!


    But Zhang Ye looked directly at them and said, "I have a poem here I would like to dedicate to our friends upstairs to end my speech with today."


    Poem?


    He was going topose another impromptu poem again?


    The apuse quickly stopped as the Peking University students perked up their ears in anticipation!


    Zhang Ye melodiously recited:


    "How to let you encounter me.


    "At my most beautiful moment.


    "For this��


    "I''ve prayed to Buddha for five hundred years.


    Prayed he''d bring us together by destiny."


    This was a masterpiece from his previous world, a work by Xi Murong entitled A Flowering Tree!


    When Zhang Ye recited it, Yao Mi was taken aback, Senior Song had a look of suspicion while countless other Peking University students all did not seem like they understood any of it. It wasn''t that they did not understand the meaning of those words, but they did not understand why Zhang Ye would randomly recite a love poem.


    Prayed for five hundred years?


    Brought together by destiny?


    Brought together with who? Japan? What was this supposed to mean?


    But Zhang Ye continued:


    "Buddha thus turned me into a tree.


    "Growing beside the path you must pass.


    "In the sunshine, in full bloom gingerly.


    "Every blossom a hope from my past life."


    No one could deny that this was indeed a good poem. Up until here, the mood of the poem was vividly established, but still, no one could understand: how was this not a love poem?


    Zhang Ye smiled lightly.


    "When you near.


    "Please listen closely.


    "The quivering leaves


    are the warmth of my waiting.


    "But you eventually moved on, oblivious?


    "Falling all over the ground behind you, / my friend, / are not petals, but me softly saying��" Zhang Ye raised his hand and pointed at the Japanese. "Idiots!"


    At this instance!


    At this moment!


    When the word "idiots" rang out, the whole hall exploded intoughter!


    Those who had been scolded by Zhang Ye in the most direct and vulgar manner had their faces flush so much they looked purple!


    Meanwhile, those from Peking University were shocked and could not believe what had just happened!


    Su Na: "������.."


    Professor Zeng: "������"


    Chang Kaige: "����"


    Zhen Shuquan: "����"


    Dean Pan: "����"


    Xin Ya: "��������"


    The foreign mathematicians: "����%^&*()(*&^%! ! !"


    Prayed to Buddha for five hundred years, brought together by destiny with them, turned into a tree beside the path they must pass, hope from the past life, warmly waiting, all just to have a face-to-face chance to softly say��Idiots!?


    Everyone was shocked by how daring Zhang Ye was!


    In this second, therge Centennial Hall went fearfully quiet!


    The Peking University students and teachers went quiet, the Chinese reporters went quiet, the Japanese political and university delegations also went quiet!


    The atmosphere seemed to have frozen for a second!


    When they had been targeted, who stood up for them? Zhang Ye!


    When they were sternly scolded by the professors and teachers, who spoke up for them? Zhang Ye!


    So when Zhang Ye finished reciting his poem, many of the Peking University students looked upstairs at the delegations!


    Suddenly, a chubby Peking University student suddenly stood up and pointed upstairs, shouting, "Idiots!"


    The third-year senior who had been protected by Zhang Ye earlier also stood up from her seat, looked at those upstairs and shouted out loudly, "Idiots!"


    Yao Mi stood up. "Idiots!"


    Li Li stood up. "Idiots!"


    Senior Zhou drew a deep breath and pointed upstairs. "Idiots!"


    At the beginning, there was only sparse and inconsistent shouting!


    But gradually, everyone''s shouting became more consistent as one, ten, a hundred, two hundred people, all Peking University students joined in!


    "Idiots!"


    "Idiots!"


    "Idiots!"


    Finally, even Senior Song the straight-A student stood up to shout out, "Idiots!"


    Five hundred students!


    A thousand students!


    1,500 students!


    All of the Peking University students had joined in to shout and denounce them!


    All of them were standing up together! All of them were pointing their fingers at those upstairs!


    What sort of a ce was this? It was Peking University! This was the country''s best and most elite education institution! Among the students, there werest year''s schrs from Beijing, Beihe, Jiangsu, Gansu, and nine other provinces! There was also the best testing student from the national college entrance exam two years ago! There was a top student from Peking University''s postgraduate program!


    Can you imagine the scene?


    A Peking University teacher, leading a group of more than a thousand elite students from across the country, pointing their fingers at the Japanese delegation, shouting one louder than the other, "Idiots!"


    My God!


    Just what kind of image is that?


    Just what kind of sight is that?


    The Peking University teachers were all shocked!


    The Chinese reporters were all shocked!


    The Japanese delegation was shocked!!!

 Chapter 563: The Peking University’s Students’ Epic Act!

    <h4>Chapter 563: The Peking University��s Students�� Epic Act! </h4>


    Chapter 563 The Peking University''s Students'' Epic Act!


    Outside the auditorium.


    Everything was as usual.


    A few security guards were patrolling the grounds rxed.


    "What kind of big shot came today?"


    "I heard it was a delegation of Japanese officials."


    "No wonder. I was wondering why it sounded so tumultuous inside."


    "Yeah, I''m not sure what they''re doing inside either. Maybe there''s a speech or something? Why is it so raucous? It''s like someone is shouting? But shouting what?"


    "I can''t hear clearly."


    "Huh? It sounds like someone is shouting ''idiots.''"


    "You''re the idiot, hur hur. How could that be happening in such a setting? Even if you''re mad, you wouldn''t possibly choose such a day to make trouble. Wouldn''t that cause a big ruckus?


    "I suppose so. I probably heard wrong."


    But a few secondster, the shouting grew louder and louder, sounding clearer and clearer.


    The three security guards looked at each other in shock and were suddenly ovee by a sense of surreality. F**k! They really did not hear wrong! It was really "idiots"! The people inside are really shouting "idiots"!


    A staff member from the neighboring hall ran over in a panic, asking, "What''s going on? What the heck is going on?"


    "What sound is that?" another staff member came running from a hall further away. "What happened?"


    The shouting was very rhythmic and loud, so there was definitely no chance they heard wrong. Not only around the grounds of Centennial Hall, even the other halls in the surrounding 200-meter radius could faintly hear the shouting. The hall was soundproofed, with Peking University having spentrge sums of money to build the most spectacr soundproofed hall in the country, and yet the mor inside right now could be heard from so far away. The volume inside must be off the charts!


    A hallucination!


    It must be a hallucination!


    The security guards and the school staff were all feeling very confused!


    Then, the security guards'' walkie-talkie crackled. A call for assistance? They knew by now that something big must have happened. Without a second word, they rushed into the hall with their batons. A few staff members from the other halls also followed behind to go in to help. When the main door was opened, the loud shouts from inside nearly pushed them back out. The sound wave kept hitting them. It was nothing like what they had seen before. They were all startled!


    Subsequently, many other Peking University students who heard themotion rushed over as well. When they saw all that was happening in front of them, they stopped in their tracks, their jaws dropping to the ground!


    "This��"


    "This is��"


    "Damn!"


    The hall was exploding!


    The shouts were deafening!


    A thousand angry voices, a thousand hands were all directed at the upstairs of the hall!


    The security guards and many Peking University students who had juste inside immediately noticed Zhang Ye standing at the rostrum and recognized a few of the students from the audience!


    Wasn''t that Zhao Yuzhou! An officer from the Student Council!


    They could see Zhao Yuzhou, with a reddened face, pointing and shouting at those upstairs, "Idiots! Idiots!"


    Damn! And that person there, wasn''t that the schr from Jiangnan province this year! I thought he was a just a bookworm? He usually doesn''t even talk much in ss with his ssmates? But right now, this schr''s face had anger written all over it. The usually quiet and reserved him was shouting much louder than the 20 or 30 people around him. His voice had gone hoarse. "Idiots! Idiots!"


    Ah! And that person!


    F**k, even the Student Council''s Vice President is scolding!


    You''re the Student Council''s Vice President! Why are you also leading in the jeering!


    Aiyah! That��that��could that be Sister Yan? The national college entrance exam schr from three years ago and top schrship winner for two consecutive years, the publicly acknowledged straight-A student? But who was this person in front of them right now? Just who the heck was this woman standing on the chair and shouting "idiots"!?


    Oh my God!


    It''s getting crazy!


    Everyone''s gone crazy!


    A number of students who had just arrived on scene went off again to quickly make some calls!


    "Bangzi! Come to Centennial Hall quickly!"


    "What''s the matter, man? I''m sleeping."


    "Juste quickly! Something big has happened! The Japanese political delegates have been surrounded by our school''s students! A thousand of them! Y''know, a thousand! They''re all pointing to the delegates and calling them idiots!"


    "Get lost! Trying to prank me!?"


    "Your sister! It''s f**king real!"


    Beside him, a Peking University female student was calling her dormmate!


    "Meimei, quickly gather the people from our dorm! Come to Centennial Hall now! Aiyo, this is too exciting! It''s crazy over here! The Japanese political delegation has been scolded!"


    "How''s that possible!"


    "Have you ever seen over a thousand people squeezed into a ce, simultaneously scolding someone?"


    "Get lost, hehe. Let''s make a bet. If you lose, drinks are on you. Are you trying to trick us into going all the way there? Don''t even think about it! Do you think we''re stupid?"


    "Dammit! Wait a moment, I''ll let you listen to this! Listen to it! Did you hear?"


    "Damn, damn, damn, damn, damn, damn, damn, damn! It''s really true! Wait for me! We''ll be there immediately! Immediately!


    ����


    "Idiots!"


    "Idiots!"


    For the 40th time!


    For the 50th time!


    For the 55th time!


    The doors to the hall opened again. Many of the Peking University students who had just heard of the news rushed over. Some of them were also present at this morning''s showdown with the Tokyo University representatives. When they saw what was happening, under the influence of the atmosphere, a few of them also suddenly started to shout along with the audience. One by one, more and more of them joined in!


    The shouting became increasingly synchronized. Under the effect of this resonance, the decibel level of the angry shouting rose so high that it nearly blew the roof off the hall. Nothing else could be heard in the hall other than the synchronized shouts of "idiots." No one had asked them to do this. Zhang Ye had only shouted that once. However, that resulted in the Peking University students unifying together to spontaneously shout the same! With one, there was two; with two, followed a hundred, then a thousand. At this moment, an esprit never before seen had united all of these students and braided them together like a rope!


    What straight-A student?


    What national college entrance exam schr?


    What male or female?


    What elite party member?


    What officer or vice president of the Student Council?


    In this moment, everyone had dropped their statuses or thebels that others had given them. They all just scolded the things they dared not scold before and did what they used to not dare do! Scold the Japanese head on? Scolding the Japanese delegation head on? This was an epic act of defiance they had never even thought they would do, let alone do for real! But today, at this moment, under the influence of Zhang Ye''s amazing speech, they scolded! They did it! They hadmitted an act so epic that it would shock anyone and everyone!


    "Stop scolding!" a Peking University teacher yelled from the front row.


    Another Peking University teacher tried to bring about some order. "Sit down! All of you sit down!"


    There were even teachers who went around dragging some students back. "Zhao Yuzhou, you''re an officer of the Student Council! How can you lead the others in doing this with you? Are you out of your mind? Hurry! Tell the other students to stop shouting!"


    But Zhao Yuzhou did not even bother with the teacher and just continued pointing upstairs, shouting and scolding!


    The publicly acknowledged straight-A student, Sister Yan, couldn''t be bothered by whether she''d be able to qualify for this year''s schrship. Nor did she care if the school authority would discipline her. She was a very headstrong woman. If she wasn''t as tall as the male students around her? Then she would just step onto the chair. Her voice was much louder and sharper than the guys anyway!


    The teachers around were unable to persuade or stop what these students felt to be the most humble patriotism in the hearts!


    Stop?


    Shut up?


    Wait until the country''s standards surpass Japan before we evaluate them? Wait until our fields of science and technology surpasses Japan before we judge them? Wait until the Chinese per capita ie surpasses Japan before wement on them? By that time, we will be qualified to point our fingers at them?


    Go f**k yourself!


    They have already been quiet for too long!


    They have kept their silence for too long!


    They did not want to wait any longer now! It has to be today! It has to be now!


    We might not be able to have achievements in science and technology, we might not be able to increase our per capita ie, we might even bebeled as people who have low standards who hold the country back! But there''s one thing that we''re able to do! There''s one thing that we can achieve!


    Point at the faces of the Japanese!


    And use all of our strength to shout at them�� Idiots!!!

 Chapter 564: Didn’t I say to not let me give the speech!

    <h4>Chapter 564: Didn��t I say to not let me give the speech! </h4>


    Chapter 564 Didn''t I say to not let me give the speech!


    [copse]


    Downstairs, the scolding came like a condemning wave!


    Upstairs, the people were utterly difited!


    Bai Yi pped his hands heavily onto the chair''s arms. "Unforgivable!"


    Professor Yan nearly blew his top. "That Zhang Ye! I''d said earlier that he should never have been allowed to step into Peking University! As a teacher of the people, he''s leading people to scold others? Leading so many of our students to scold people? He''s going to rebel!"


    Matsumoto: "$%^&*:(!"


    An official who was with the delegation: "$%^&*:(!"


    The Japanese trantor dered loudly, "We will lodge a stern protest! All of your actions are undermining the rtionship between our countries and negatively affecting our bteral cooperation in many areas!"


    A leader of Peking University immediately turned solemn and said, "That is the view of one of the teachers from our school, but his view does not represent Peking University''s view! Nor does it represent China''s!"


    An individual''s view?


    He even felt guilty when he tried exined it that way.


    Your sister! With so many people downstairs scolding them, this individual''s view��does indeed seem much more than just one individual. But with what happened until now, what else could he say? He could only exin it that way!


    Besides, he also knew that this political delegation led by Matsumoto was only one of several that involved the education sector. His words couldn''t represent those of the other political delegates nor could it represent Japan. However, this incident today was really too serious and tricky to handle. It was something that had never happened before in Peking University, but if you said that it would really affect many areas of their countries bteral cooperation, then that would be too farfetched. Multiple projects worth billions of dors and the ties between the countries, oh, just because amoner from a certain ce scolded you all, just because some students from a certain school scolded you all, you can just stop all cooperation at the snap of your fingers? Can you just sever ties so easily? That would be a bit too trifling and wouldn''t be that easy!


    After wrangling for a bit, Matsumoto and his team could not bear to stay around any longer. Their eardrums were nearly bursting from the incessant, raucous din. He swung his arm as he turned around to leave, the other delegates following behind and busily whispering. Only the university delegation was left behind now, and with no more cooperation on the books, they left as well! Cooperation? What cooperation! With so many angry voices in close proximity, if they stayed behind, God knows what would happen. They might even get beaten up by the students. After all, they had beente to the ceremony by more than two hours!


    All of the them left together!


    Or rather, they left with their tails tucked between their legs!


    Although the delegation left in an imposing manner, speaking ruthlessly and sternly protesting, in actual fact, they were feeling very nervous and afraid. With over a thousand students in the hall and even more gathering outside it, if each one of them spat at the delegation, they might even drown. They knew they had to leave immediately!


    The Japanese reporters observed for a little longer before deciding they could no longer stay around. They then hurriedly took their leave. They hade here today with pride and a sense of superiority, knowing that as foreign reporters, at a time when the Japanese Prime Minister was visiting China, they would be treated like honored guests. Some groups had even begged them to report about them in a more positive light. But none of them could have expected that at this Peking University stop, in this country''s best educational institution where the teachers and students were of the highest standards, they would be scolded. They were even scolded in the most direct way that the Chinese would scold with��being called "idiots"! This was truly an unpredictable oue no one could have taken precautions against!


    This was too unreasonable!


    This was really too unreasonable!


    Some of these Japanese reporters nearly fainted from anger!


    Only the Chinese reporters looked like they were on steroids as they stayed behind to capture everything that was happening with their cameras. They even managed to get the footage of the moment when the political delegation and Japanese reporters were chased away by the scolding!


    "That''s fascinating!"


    "This is big news!"


    "Before I came here today, I thought that, since this was political coverage, there wouldn''t be much to look forward to. But now that we are looking at all that is happening, it seems like all of this will be headed for the headlines! And it won''t just be the headlines for a day! This is at least two or three days'' worth of headlines to deal with!"


    "Can this footage be broadcast?"


    "I don''t know. It might be dangerous!"


    "We still have to record it. This footage is too powerful because of the students'' bravery. It''s the first time I''m experiencing something like this. I never knew that these straight-A students could be so courageous and upright?"


    "Ai, it''s because Zhang Ye''s speech was too powerful. I seriously listened to it just now. When it was finished, even a person my age felt like joining together with the students and scolding! The main point is that I''m not a nationalist!"


    "Pfft! It''s Zhang Ye again!"


    "With his talents, why doesn''t he do anything the right way!"


    "Yeah, it''s as if the best steel is never used to make the knife''s edge!"


    "This person is too good at attracting trouble. This time, it''s no small issue of just scolding some other celebrities. This is him leading a group of people to scold a political delegation. This surely won''t end well!"


    "He''s gotten himself into big trouble now!"


    "Why is Teacher Zhang''s temper so terrible!"


    The Chinese reporters were rtively more objective about the situation due to the nature of their job. They were some of the few in the hall who had maintained their calm during this incident. Of course, there were a few male and female reporters who had joined the students to shout out "idiots" after the speech moved them, but they were very quickly stopped and talked down by some of the older and more experienced seniors. They did not want create any potential trouble for their employers. The students might have already scolded the Japanese, but as people of the media, they definitely ought not partake in such scoldings, especially when it was such a big event!


    The main leads walked off. At the end, the Peking University students scolded in chorus another two more times before gradually stopping. Some of them had scolded so hard they nearly got hypoxia at the end! They had to sit down to rest to catch their breath! Some others scolded until their voices went hoarse and had to get some mineral water from their friends before gulping down the whole bottle.


    After more than ten seconds of silence.


    Suddenly, out of nowhere, people started apuding. It grew louder and louder!


    "Oh!"


    "They''ve been chased away by our scolding!"


    "Dammit, what have we done?"


    "We chased away the political delegates with our scolding!"


    "My god, we''re too cruel!"


    "What a great feeling!"


    "That was too damn fun!"


    "I didn''t even know that I could scold people!"


    Many Peking University students were cheering as they apuded hard, not for anyone but themselves! They pped for their long suppressed and silent selves!


    That they could actually scold others with no standards!


    That they could��be so bold to do something like that!


    Suddenly, a head of the school shouted from upstairs, "All of you, stay where you are! No one leaves this ce! Wait until your teachers or your parentse to bail you out!"


    "Ah?"


    "What do we do?"


    "What else can we do? Everyone, on my signalrades! Let''s run!!!"


    When the signal was given, all the Peking University students in the hall roared a battle cry and dispersed. Some of those who could not react in time were stunned for a second before quickly joining the others in escaping!


    "Run!"


    "Don''t get caught!"


    "Everyone, it''s every man for himself!"


    "Battlerades, we''ll meet up again when we get out of here!"


    As they ran, theyughed like they were having fun. There was no chaos when the doors opened. Even though the exit was not that big, everyone did not squeeze to the front to try to get out. Instead, they gave way to each other, the freshmen going first, followed by the second year students, and then the third year students It was very organized. After having gone through a battle together in the hall, everyone had berades and were feeling very united!


    Under the screams of the heads of the school, the security guards had wanted to take control of the situation, but since there were too many people, there was nothing they could do. They did not even dare do anything since they were the smallest group around!


    Eventually, they could only look on as all the students left the hall!


    Informing parents about misdeeds in university was a rare urrence. It was unlike primary or secondary schools, and hardly even heard of in a university. But today''s incident had clearly be too big. Even if the students were expelled from the school, it would not seem like a heavy punishment. Of course, Peking University could easily expel one student if he or she dared to point and scold at foreign guests-of-honor. No one could raise an objection to that. But today''s situation was clearly very different, as almost 2,000 people had scolded the guests-of-honor. Do you know what the enrollment figure of Peking University was for this year? Expel all of them? That was impossible! Unless they wanted Peking University to close down! Unless they wanted the angry parents of a few thousand students to descend onto the campus of the university!


    "Thew does not punish numerous offenders." That saying was a fine example of what was happening here!


    Expel? That was not a realistic action to take! What about other kinds of punishments? A little less than 2,000 people were involved in this incident. Even if it was just filling in the procedures, it would take the teachers three days and three nights toplete. Yes, they wouldn''t be able to finish writing! And so, it seemed they had no options they could consider. After thinking about it for a long time, the Peking University heads finally thought of something!


    Zhang Ye!


    It was all because of Zhang Ye!


    The students could run, but surely you cannot run!


    At once, the school heads upstairs and the teachers downstairs gathered together and stood below the stage, staring at Zhang Ye who was still standing at the rostrum!


    The school heads were full of wrath!


    Su Na had a look of worry.


    Professor Zeng didn''t know whether tough or cry as he kept taking deep breaths.


    Dean Pan also held his head in his hands helplessly.


    Xin Ya looked at Zhang Ye, totally rendered speechless by his actions!


    Faced with more than a dozen Peking University teachers and leaders who all had different expressions, Zhang Ye knew he was in big trouble this time. He slowly left the rostrum. Sensing they were going to judge him and make him responsible for everything, Zhang Ye did not wait for them to say anything and just pped his hand on his thigh very forcefully, while saying loudly, "Aiya! Why didn''t any of you stop me! Why didn''t you all stop me! Dean Pan!" He looked at Dean Pan of the School of Mathematical Sciences. "I''d already told you that I did not wish to get on stage to do this speech! I''d already said it! And yet you kept telling me that I had to do it, no matter what! Look, now we''re in trouble!"


    Dean Pan was dumbfounded and could only reply with an "Ah?"


    Zhang Ye looked at the staff member from the Office of School Leadership who had passed him the message to make some script amendments and said, "I''d already told you when we were backstage that we ought to find someone else to do this! Why didn''t you listen to me! You just did not want to listen! Look at what happened now! Someone even got scolded now. Hai, what do we do now? What do we do about Peking University''s reputation now!"


    That staff member nearly cursed at his mom! Dammit!


    Does this even make sense?


    Does this even make any sense?


    The ones in the wrong now were us? We did not stop you!?


    Zhang Ye also admitted his faults by saying, "Of course, I have some responsibility in this matter as well. Hai, my temper is really bad, I couldn''t suppress the rage in me anymore when I picked up the microphone."


    Some responsibility?


    Is that all you think there is to it?


    The school heads: "������."


    Xin Ya: "��������"


    The foreign mathematicians: "������."


    The Chinese reporters: "������."


    When they were faced with Zhang Ye''s impromptu admission of his responsibilities, the head of the school was so angry that he no longer knew what to say. He could only point at him, looking exasperated but unable to find any words to say. His arms trembled with rage. Very quickly, he turned to leave as well, afraid that if he were to hear Zhang Ye speak any further, he would blow his top and die right there!


    ����.


    ����.

 Chapter 565: Leaving Peking University!

    <h4>Chapter 565: Leaving Peking University! </h4>


    Chapter 565 Leaving Peking University!


    [copse]


    Outside the auditorium.


    It was already 4 PM in the afternoon.


    Cambridge University''s Baker had a face gasping in admiration of Zhang Ye who had came outside alongside him. He spoke in English, "Zhang Ye, your eloquence in speaking was really eye-opening to us all." The foreign mathematicians had been present the whole time, with the trantors tranting everything Zhang Ye said in his speech. So they were also in the know of what had just happened.


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh, is that right?"


    Bakermented, "Even at Cambridge University, the most elite teachers who researchnguages would probably not even be half as good as you." What kind of ce was Cambridge? If you say that Peking University was the best educational institute in China, then Cambridge would be the best educational institute in the world. The difference in rank was huge. It could even be considered an entirely different tier of an institute. This was why Baker''sment spoke very highly of Zhang Ye, although it was not known if he was just ttering or speaking the truth. "I am really wondering right now if you''re actually a mathematician? In our mathematics world, how can there be someone who can articte and speak as well as you?"


    Xin Ya exined, "Teacher Zhang Ye of Peking University originally graduated with a broadcasting major. Not only is he a mathematician, he is also a very famous and outstanding host in China."


    Baker clearly did not know this before. "Ah?"


    Most of the other foreign mathematicians were also taken aback. "What?"


    Only a few of them knew of Zhang Ye''s background and were not surprised.


    Zhang Ye sighed. "I''m not that outstanding, Professor Xin is really generous with her praise. My work in broadcasting hasn''t reached the national level yet. I''m just somewhere in the middle, doing OK," he said humbly. What he said was actually true, though maybe he was far from even the middle. But in his work as a host, he was probably considered to have an excellent standard. However, ifpared to an elite host, he didn''t think he couldpare. After all, he had never hosted a nationwide, satellite broadcasted program before. He was always doing his work on the smaller tforms like the local channels or online television station. Thus, he was still considered inexperienced.


    A German mathematician said, "I''m looking forward to Professor Zhang''s programs then."


    Zhang Yeughed. "Sure, if you''re all interested, I will invite everyone to the studio when I have a program in the future. I believe my next program will be happening soon." When he said that, he sounded a littlepelled by his situation, but not exactly feeling depressed. He was rather epting of all that had happened.


    The foreigners might not have noticed it, but the teachers from Peking University heard the depressing undertone in his words. Next program would be happening soon? Yes, it''s about time you went off to do your new program! With today''s mess, it would be a miracle if you were still around to teach. The punishment would definitely not be light. It even seemed that many of Peking University''s teachers thought that doing a program right now would be taking it too positively. This incident, this mess might not even be resolvable any time soon. Who knows how it will end up? Don''t think that burning incense will help out again if you get banned once more!


    The mathematicians left.


    Zhang Ye sent them to the vehicles and went back with Dean Pan.


    On the way, some Peking University students passed by from time to time. When they saw Zhang Ye, they all excitedly waved to Zhang Ye to greet him.


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Amazing!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you''re so awesome!"


    "Well done!"


    Many Peking University students who were not at the hall for the ceremony had heard of the incident from their ssmates who were there. They heard that Zhang Ye led more than a thousand Peking University students in pointing at and scolding the Japanese political delegation as "idiots." When they heard this, their blood boiled as the nationalistic youth spirit in them could only imagine what had gone on. They hated themselves for not being at Centennial Hall to witness it in person!


    Zhang Ye returned their greetings along the way. When he had just reached the teacher''s office at the Chinese Department, Peking University''s punishment for him had already been passed down!


    Suspended!


    sses stopped!


    The students who had applied for Zhang Ye''s elective ss were to apply for other sses within the next three days.


    This punishment was announced by Dean Chang Kaige. With his sses stopped, it meant that he was suspended and temporarily relieved of his duties at Peking University, at both the Chinese and Math Departments. In normal circumstances, this punishment would definitely be considered heavy. Suspension was a punishment only meted out when a teacher made a critical error. But for Zhang Ye''s mess that he created today, why did it seem as though this punishment was too light?


    Only earned a suspension?


    Shouldn''t he be removed from his post? Shouldn''t it be a sacking instead?


    When Zhang Ye received the punishment details, he heaved a sigh a relief. It was a punishment he could still ept. He really wanted to retain the position of a teacher of Peking University. It wasn''t only for his status and reputation. During his days here at the school and the time he spent with the students, he had started to like this ce, the campus, and every one of the cute students of Peking University. This was why he did not wish to leave this ce. Although a suspension meant he could note here for the time being, or he might still have additional punishments lined up for him, at the very least, it left a thought for Zhang Ye. It meant that he could still have the chance to resume his sses in the future!


    Chang Kaige looked at him. "Hai, you are really��!"


    The Department''s Secretary, Zhen Shuquan, said disappointedly, "It''s only the first day of the semester and you''ve already made such a big mess. You can''t give sses anymore now, just because you did not think before you spoke. Was that worth it?"


    Worth it?


    But Zhang Ye did not think the same as him!


    He always said what he wanted, did whatever he wanted. It was as simple as that, because if you did not live life this way, then it would truly be a life not worth living. You would end up in a coffin, regretting the times that you did not speak up!


    Chang Kaige said, "Go back home and rest for some time. Secretary Zhen and I will try to help you deal with the matters here, see if we can appeal for you. But if there''s even a chance to resume your sses, it might not be in the near future. Probably next semester. So just be prepared for it, alright?"


    Zhang Ye suddenly said, "Thank you, Dean Chang. Thank you, Secretary Zhen. The fuss I kicked up has made both of you worried about me. It''s alright. I''m fine, and I will ept my punishment."


    Since he had already done it, Zhang Ye was prepared to shoulder the consequences. Besides��it wasn''t his first time anyway. He looked calm, like nothing had happened at all. If this punishment were given to another Peking University teacher, that person would probably faint upon hearing it. It would feel like the sky had fallen on them or the end of the road. However, Zhang Ye was different. He was a battle-hardened person. Suspension? Sacking? Ban? Jailed? What had he not done before? So, with these experiences behind him, his mental strength was clearly different from others!


    Di di.


    A text message came.


    When Zhang Ye looked at his cellphone, he saw a message from Dean Pan of the School of Mathematical Sciences.


    The message disyed: The title of associate professor will not be withdrawn. It still belongs to you. Rest for some time. We will all wait for your return.


    The title of associate professor won''t be withdrawn?


    Zhang Ye knew that Pan Yang must''ve spoken up for him, otherwise, with his mistakes, he wouldn''t have possibly been able to retain the position without having even gone through the proper channels. Of course, a part of this oue was probably due to Dale''s Conjecture too. For a global mathematical conjecture that was so important and on such arge scale, even if Zhang Ye hadmitted an even graver mistake, Peking University wouldn''t dare to deny this achievement of his. He guessed that the reason why he had not been sacked was likely rted to this matter. The Peking University authorities had probably deliberated before meting out his punishment that offered a glimmer of leeway in it. Peking University would still protect its own interests. Although those heads of school nearly died of anger because of him, in the end, they still sought to protect him. From a certain angle, his punishment was probably given so that they could answer to the public.


    Exhaling, Zhang Ye finished packing his work desk very quickly. He picked up his belongings and said, "Alright then. I''m leaving."


    Su Na was slightly more emotional, her eyes red, as she said, "Teacher Zhang."


    Professor Zeng was also looking a little unhappy. "Ai."


    A young teacher from the Chinese Department said, "It will be a little difficult getting used to not having you around." After Zhang Ye had arrived at Peking University, he had brought the Chinese Department a lot drama as well as joy. The teachers who usually only had a decent rtionship with Zhang Ye, or did not talk much with him, were now feeling a little disappointed that he would be leaving.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It will be fine. I might be able toe back in the future. When the timees, we will be able to work together again. I''m the sort of person who doesn''t have a good temper and often gets into trouble. But you all should know that I bear no bad intentions. I just speak whatever I think. Some of us might''ve been good friends. There are others whom I have not spoken much to, but I would like to thank all of you for taking care of me while I was here at Peking University."


    Su Na turned away, secretly wiping away her tears. It would have been OK if Zhang Ye did not say that, but when he did, she could no longer hold it in. In Peking University, Su Na was probably the one who had the best rtionship with Zhang Ye. They weren''t just colleagues. Privately, they were good friends as well.


    Professor Wu: "Come back soon. We will all be waiting."


    A middle-aged female teacher nodded. "Yes, we will wait for you to return."


    "Let''s go downstairs together," Professor Zeng said.


    Chang Kaige also said, "Yes, let''s go together to send you off."

 Chapter 566: Incident Details Exposed!

    <h4>Chapter 566: Incident Details Exposed! </h4>


    Chapter 566 Incident Details Exposed!


    On the official website of Peking University, the decision to suspend Zhang Ye''s sses was posted with no reason or exnation given. The details of the punishment were posted directly onto the notice page of the website in a highly visible location.


    Someizens who were browsing the page saw it by coincidence.


    "Eh?"


    "Zhang Ye?"


    ss suspended? What happened?"


    "Isn''t it the first day of school at Peking University? Why did they suddenly suspend Zhang Ye''s sses? I was still looking forward to the videos of his new sses this semester. What happened?"


    "I don''t understand either!"


    "Are there any Peking University students around? Please exin it to us!"


    "Yeah, does anyone know anything at all?"


    The news had spread to Weibo, Tieba, and some other forums. Gradually, the number of people who were paying attention to this news increased. Everyone wondered why Peking University had suspended Zhang Ye, unable to make heads or tails of the whole thing. It was only the first day of school and sses had not even formally started. So why would a suspension be given out of nowhere?


    Many of Zhang Ye''s old friends were also roused.


    Yao Jiancai posted on Weibo: "What''s up this time?"


    Dong Shanshan also posted a series of question marks below.


    Skit actress, Ci Xiufang also posted: "What trouble did Little Zhang get into again? What big matter is it? Otherwise, it wouldn''t have called for a suspension, right?"


    Aizen posted: "Yes, the sses were all scheduled in advance, especially the elective sses which require the students'' registration. If they suspend his sses now, then how much manpower and time will they need to waste to get things back in order? Besides, it sure would be difficult for the students to arrange and would definitely mess up their schedules. What''s so important that they had to stop his sses? He has even been relieved of his duties? What''s up with Teacher Zhang Ye again this time? Could it be that he has destroyed Peking University?"


    Online, everyone was left wondering.


    Suddenly, a fewizens eximed!


    "Dammit! Go switch on your televisions and watch Central TV!"


    "Quickly, quickly!"


    "Damn, something big happened at Peking University!"


    "It''s a press conference with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs! Listen to it, quick!"


    They "shouted" with such surprise that manyizens also hurried to turn on their televisions to take a look. Some who switched it onte missed the beginning and could only watch from the middle of the press conference.


    ����


    Half a minute ago.


    At this moment, Central TV Department 1 was broadcasting live. The scene was at the news office where the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had just started answering press questions. The spokesperson discussed the recent topics of the Sino-Japanese political visit and cooperation projects, the pollution control standards of Japanese enterprises that had settled in China, as well as the negotiation process for rted projects. Of course, there were also a series of question regarding the future cooperation between the two countries. On the floor, there were many reporters from both the Chinese and many Asian media outlets.


    At the beginning, the questions were quite routine, with the foreign reporters asking questions that were rtively peaceful and not too confrontational.


    But suddenly, a Japanese reporter who had just received a call had a big change in his expression. He immediately raised his hand to signal his intent to ask a question, but the spokesperson did not call on him. Disregarding the rules, he stood up directly and interrupted a Chinese reporter who was about to speak. He asked loudly in fluent Chinese, "I just received news that our political and university delegations who were visiting Peking University today have been on the receiving end of insults by thousands of Peking University students who were led by a Peking University teacher. They verbally abused and threw personal attacks at our delegates. Would the spokesperson please answer and give an exnation for this! Is that the way the Chinese treat their guests?"


    When these words were said, every reporter at the press conference was stunned!


    Verbal abuse?


    Personal attacks?


    No way! What the f**k were you talking about?


    Not only the Chinese reporters, even all the other foreign reporters'' initial reactions were of disbelief. They felt that this person had probably justtched onto some hearsay or rumors. What sort of a ce was Peking University? It was China''s most prestigious and best educational institution, where the most elite teachers and students were gathered. Their standards and upbringing were the highest. If your political delegation went to visit Peking University, why would they scold them for? Who would dare scold them? So how could something like a teacher leading thousands of students to scold people happen? This was virtually unheard of. Even if you thought on your feet, you should know that it couldn''t possibly happen!


    A Chinese female reporter chuckled. "Is he daydreaming? What on earth is he talking about?"


    A middle-aged male reporter shook his head and said, "Does he think this is a Western country where people protest or throw shoes over almost anything? Leading a thousand people to scold? What an international joke!"


    "Right, the Peking University teachers are��"


    Before he finished the sentence, the Chinese reporter was astonished for a second before asking, "Hey! Wait! Wait a moment! Is Zhang Ye��a teacher of Tsinghua University or Peking University?"


    The female reporter froze and said, "��Zhang Ye is a Peking University teacher!"


    Another male reporter beside them also paled at this. "That''s right! He''s a Peking University teacher!"


    A young reporter swore and then said, "How could I have missed that!"


    "What!?"


    Of the Chinese reporters at the press conference, some were involved in society news, some did international news coverage, while others specialized in field work. However, even if not all of them were considered entertainment reporters, all of them were familiar with the name of Zhang Ye. If the Japanese reporter had said another institution''s name earlier, like Renmin University, Tsinghua University or Fudan, then these Chinese reporters would definitely not believe his words. They would even risk guaranteeing that this was a rumor. This was not something that would happen at a Chinese university. But since the Japanese reporter had mentioned Peking University when he brought up the incident, and with the legendary Zhang Ye working as a teacher at Peking University, putting these two together led them all toe to a conclusion which left them in shock!


    It might be true!


    This was most likely not a rumor!


    Wherever a thorn like Zhang Ye went, anything that happened would not even be considered surprising anymore!


    On stage, the spokesperson ignore the Japanese reporter''s question. He looked back at the other reporter he had originally pointed at and said, "Please go on with your question."


    However, the Japanese reporter angrily said, "Please answer my question now."


    The Chinese spokesperson looked at him this time and said, "First off, I have already picked this reporter and let him ask his question. By interrupting us, you are being very rude. Second, I have not been informed of the matter you have raised. I am not in the know. When we do get news of it, I will answer your question then."


    The press conference continued.


    That Japanese reporter sat down indignantly!


    ����


    On the inte.


    Central TV''s live broadcast was shown throughout the nation!


    Countless people who were watching all became dumbfounded at this moment!


    "Something big has happened!"


    "Since when did Peking University be so fierce?"


    "Damn, I wonder if it really happened or not!"


    "Could it just be a rumor? How could such kinds of incidents happen in China? Your sister! Have I been transported to another world? No matter how I see it, the fact it happened still seems unbelievable!"


    Then, many people linked the matter to the notice that they just saw on Peking University''s website��Zhang Ye''s sses have been suspended and he was relieved of his duties!


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Heavens! It''s Zhang Ye again!"


    "Who can tell us what has happened!"


    "Are there any friends from Peking University?"


    "How did Teacher Zhang cause such trouble again?"


    "Ah, a video clip was uploaded. I''ve linked it below!"


    The number of people paying attention to this news grew greater, as they flocked to check out the clip. It was a video taken with a cell phone, so although the resolution wasn''t very clear, the audio still had good quality. Anything that needed to be seen or heard could.


    ����.


    The beginning of the video showed thekeside.


    It was obviously Peking University''s Weiming Lake. There were severalrge buses stopped on the road beside it. The whole scene was chaotic. There were many students shouting, looking, and sounding furious and heated.


    "Get back, all of you! Do you all even know what situation this is! What day is it today? Such an important exchange and cooperation event is being held! Why are you all causing trouble over here!"


    "It was they who started to insult us first!"


    "Which faculty are you from? Which ss?"


    "What the f**k are you taking our pictures for!"


    "You''d better shut up!"


    "Teacher Bai!"


    Bai Yi was sternly scolding the Peking University students.


    Through the dialogue, a lot of theizens who were watching the video clip finally understood the situation. This was an incident where people from the Japanese delegation and the Peking University students had shed.


    The next scene cut to the speeches being given at Centennial Hall.


    First to speak was Yan Jiantao, followed by Bai Yi.


    We''re more backward than others, we need to give respect, we have to forgive, etc. As these ideological examples were raised, many people were extremely irked by what they heard. Suddenly, the video clip showed Zhang Ye getting on stage, holding a sheaf of papers and looking hesitant. After a while, he threw all of those papers onto the rostrum in front of him!


    "Pui!"


    "Why should I forgive you? Japan!"


    ����


    "Boycotting Japanese products��is a sign of patriotism!"


    "Scolding Japan��is a sign of patriotism!"


    "Scolding those who defend Japan by scolding us��is a sign of patriotism!"


    "Is scolding people right? Scolding people is not right! Sorry then, we have low standards, we are inelegant, but this is who we are! Just amon citizen''s way of showing his love for his country! But this is just us, an ordinary citizen''s most humble patriotism! "


    ����


    "When you near.


    "Please listen closely.


    "The quivering leaves


    are the warmth of my waiting.


    "But you eventually moved on, oblivious?


    "Falling all over the ground behind you, / my friend, / are not petals, but me softly saying��''idiots!''"


    ����


    When that word came out, all of theizens watching the video suddenly felt very pumped up, like a spout of boiling blood was about to explode out from within them!


    The video was at its climax!


    The Peking University students had all stood up from their seats in the hall!


    "Idiots!"


    "Idiots!"


    "Idiots!"


    This scene could only be described as crazy!


    Online, the emotions of everyone also exploded to its highest point. Theizens had finally found out exactly what had happened at Peking University! It was true! Zhang Ye really led over a thousand students to scold others! They had always known Zhang Ye to be a thorn amid thorns, a nationalistic youth among nationalistic youths. They also knew that he was very gutsy and fearless of everything, but when they saw this video with their own eyes, they felt that they had still underestimated Zhang Ye''s courage! This was no longer an issue of whether he had guts or not. This guy was too damn audacious! Zhang Ye''s bravery was simply too much! Even the Earth could not contain it!


    What a spectacr sight!


    It couldn''t be looked at directly with your eyes!


    Countlessizens had already frozen at this!


    Suddenly, a Tsinghua University female student called out on Weibo: "The warriors of Peking University are as great as can be!"


    A Renmin University student passionatelymented: "Renmin University sends its congrattory message! Well scolded! You''ve all done really well! That was so domineering!"


    A few dozen of Nanjing University''s freshmen and year two students suddenly came forward in support on Weibo: "A Like for the warriors of Peking University! Awesome!"


    One by one, the students of many other universities also responded and gave their Likes too!

 Chapter 567: The students go on strike!

    <h4>Chapter 567: The students go on strike! </h4>


    Chapter 567 The students go on strike!


    "Dominating!"


    "How touching!"


    "This kind of incident can only be done by Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "That was really satisfying! My eyes have gone red from watching this video clip! Which institution in China has ever had a moment in time like today''s domineering spirit of Peking University!"


    "What a good ''an ordinary citizen''s most humble patriotism''! Just those words and scolding were enough to turn me into a die-hard fan of Zhang Ye!"


    "Me too!"


    "+1!"


    "Love Zhang Ye the most!"


    "The Peking University students are too courageous and upright!"


    "Love you guys! If you want to marry, marry a Peking University man! If you wish to look for a wife, look for her at Peking University! Teacher Zhang is great! You guys are great too! So cool!"


    This topic had rocketed up Weibo''s main page of trending articles in a short period of time. With it''s momentum, it was probably only 15 to 30 minutes away from bing the top headline. This was mainly due to the live broadcast of the press conference where it was first mentioned and also because it was a big incident, thus pushing up the topic!


    There were countless Likes!


    Of course, there were also people who angrily rebuked the incident!


    For example, Renmin University''s Professor Ma Hengyuan, who openly criticized the incident on Weibo: "What a mess! What is the meaning of this? Is that the bearing of the country''s best educational institution? Can he still be considered a teacher of the people? A ck sheep like this should have been removed from teaching a long time ago. Suspension of ss? Relieved of duties? This is letting Zhang Ye off too lightly!"


    A current affairsmentator: "In the past, Zhang Ye often spewed nonsense indiscriminately. However, at those times, what he said was always his personal point of view. But now, his speech and behavior are no longer as simple as just his personal viewpoint anymore. As a teacher of the people, not only did he not teach his students to be good, he even taught them to scold others? Teaching the students how to hate on others? This is clearly not how a teacher should behave. Speaking without thinking will only bring you a moment of happiness, but is there any meaning to that? You''re a teacher and a public figure. Anything you say will always be watched by society. What you need to do is y the leading role, bring about a positive energy to the citizens. However, whether it be as a teacher or a public figure, Zhang Ye has undoubtedly failed in his duty now!"


    "That''s right!"


    "It''s him again! We''re seeing Zhang Ye again!"


    "Zhang Ye is still the same old him!"


    "He''s really too much of a troublemaker!"


    "With a teacher like this, how can the students'' parents not be worried!"


    A constant wave of criticisms!


    In just a few short minutes, many experts and academics had already condemned Zhang Ye multiple times!


    However, the people supporting Zhang Ye numbered far greater!


    A social affairsmentator retorted: "How is positive energy defined? In my opinion, positive energy is not something you can just determine superficially. It does not have a form. Does swearing make something carry negative energy immediately? Anything that does not conform to the mainstream opinion means that it carries negative energy? Who sets the standards on such things? It''s not set by other people but the masses themselves. I''ve watched the video clip too. Does Professor Yan''s and Bai Yi''s speech represent the kind of positive energy that you all are talking about? Telling the students that our country is not as good as another country, that we arecking in standards, that we''re a backward country, and how we should respect a country that basically does not respect us��is that what positive energy is? Bullsh*t! Let me tell you all what I understand as positive energy. In the situation where the delegation intentionally arrivedte by more than two hours and under the critical speeches of Yan Jiantao and Bai Yi, when I heard Zhang Ye utter the word ''pui''��that is what I call positive energy! When I heard Zhang Ye say ''idiots''��that was also positive energy! So what if it was swearing? So what if he scolded others? Language is only a form of expression, while positive energy runs in a much deeper level of the spirit!"


    An onlinementator: "Zhang Ye''s speeches are also so full of passion and charisma. After listening to his ''Why Should I Forgive You'' today, I feel that, in the field of public speaking in our country, Zhang Ye''s level can already be considered top of the field. This legendary person has once again brought us such an exciting speech. I know that what I say now may cause some disputes or leave many unsatisfied with my views, but I must still say this from the bottom of my heart. I must give Zhang Ye a Like based on just the word ''idiots'' that he used to scold them with! Zhang Ye is one of the most talented persons I''ve ever known. The reason why he keeps attracting so much doubt and criticism is also probably because he is so talented that even Earth can''t hold his talent anymore!"


    "Scolding Teacher Zhang Ye? That bunch of people must be crazy!"


    "The delegation was intentionally trying to create trouble by beingte and not giving us face. The two teachers from Peking University even went as far as scolding our own people over this, but Teacher Zhang stepped forward to rebuke with some fair words, so what do you all mean? Are you all unhappy with that?"


    "Support!"


    "I''m unconditionally giving all my support to Zhang Ye on this matter!"


    "While the foreigners scolded us and looked down on us, none of you spoke up and just kept quiet. But when someone finally leads us to speak up for ourselves, to fight back, you all would rather stand up to criticize Teacher Zhang instead? Go f**k yourselves! Bunch of idiots! You all act as though you''ve seen your ancestors when you meet these foreigners? You don''t even dare raise your voices to them, yet you''re willing to sh with your ownrades! You all are exactly the types that are only good in a civil war, but useless in a national war!"


    "No matter how others rate him, to me, Teacher Zhang will always be an excellent teacher of the people! His excellence might be missed by some, but we all know it!"


    Suddenly, Ma Hengyuan, Tang Dazhang, and many other experts and academics who had denounced Zhang Ye along with Peking University''s students earlier had their Weibo flooded with an outpouring of replies by theizens!


    "Idiots!"


    "Idiots!"


    The replies were all done in the esprit of today''s scolding by the Peking University students!


    Of course, Zhang Ye and some of the experts and students who had supported his actions also had their own Weibo flooded with messages.


    "Brain dead!"


    "Crazy!"


    "A bunch of idiotic nationalists!"


    With just a spark, a huge wave of scolding had suddenly erupted!


    As it got boisterous online, many news outlets also began publishing their reports on this matter. And so, the number of people who were following with interest also rose sharply!


    The people were heatedly discussing it!


    ����


    At this moment.


    At Peking University.


    Zhang Ye''s colleagues hade to see him off downstairs. He was about to go get his car to leave but was then surrounded by countless students who knew of his departure. He could not move at all.


    Yao Mi was there. So was Senior Song.


    Those whom he had taught before and others whom he had not were all here for him.


    A few female students were surreptitiously wiping away their tears, while most of the others were roused. Even with the topic so hotly discussed online, there were barely any Peking University students who hade forward with their ount of the incident. That was because they were too busy to go online at all, as after they had heard that Zhang Ye had been suspended and relieved of his teaching duties, all of them came running over in anger. Two third-year female students even took the time to go back to their dorm to quickly make some banners. It was just a simple long piece of paper on which they had written some words using markers. The writing was rushed and somewhat lopsided, but the words still looked very firm and strong!


    ��"Return Teacher Zhang to us"!


    A few girls were holding it up at the side!


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Don''t go!"


    "Why are they making you stop your sses!?"


    "If you leave, then we won''t go to sses either!"


    "Right! We will all boycott our sses!"


    "We will go on a strike! Let''s go look for the school heads!"


    "Let''s go! We will take this up to the school authority!"


    "Return Teacher Zhang to us!"


    "Return Teacher Zhang to us!"


    With more than a thousand people, their voices shouted in unison!


    Not far off, more and more Peking University students also joined in spontaneously!


    When Su Na saw this, she suddenly felt very gratified as she realized that the students were not stupid. They knew who was good to them and who spoke sincerely to them. They knew all of this clearly in their hearts, more than anyone!


    Chang Kaige and Zhen Shuquan both looked over at him, thinking that this Teacher Little Zhang has really great influence. He could basically rally the whole crowd here. It was unlikely that anyone else in Peking University could do the same as him. Both of them had also learned that the incident had been leaked online and there were many people denouncing Zhang Ye, iming that he was ipetent and not a good teacher. Actually, Chang Kaige and the others, as leaders of the Chinese Department, also agreed that Zhang Ye was really not suited to be a teacher. He was too hot-headed and impulsive. But right now, in this moment, seeing how thousands of students intended to go on strike and even wanted to bring this issue up to the school authority just because their teacher had been suspended from sses, the emotions they felt from this were extremelyplex. Ipetent? A teacher so well-loved and respected by the students, who would be in any position to say that he was ipetent! If he was considered an ipetent teacher, then in this whole wide world, how many teachers would be considered a good teacher?


    What was a teacher?


    What should a teacher do?


    The events happening in front of these teachers right now had set them thinking about all these questions.

 Chapter 568: Saying Goodbye to Peking University Again!

    <h4>Chapter 568: Saying Goodbye to Peking University Again! </h4>


    Chapter 568 Saying Goodbye to Peking University Again!


    A distance away.


    Other teachers realized that something was wrong.


    "What''s going on over there?"


    "Ah, why are all the students running towards the Chinese Department?"


    "Good god, how many people are there? A thousand? I can''t even see where the crowd tapers off!"


    "Not good! The students are going to make trouble again! It has to be the punishment the school meted out to Zhang Ye! They must feel that Zhang Ye''s speech was not wrong! That''s why they''re intending to protest against it!"


    "What are they shouting?"


    "Student strike?"


    "Ah? They are going to boycott their sses?"


    "That won''t do! We need to inform the school heads immediately!"


    "This is going to be a big problem!"


    By right, anything that happened to Zhang Ye should not have anything to do with the other teachers of Peking University. But when they heard that over a thousand students were intending to boycott sses, the expressions on these teachers'' faces changed. The matter had escted beyond just affecting Zhang Ye himself. Student strike? Just hearing these two words had already left several teachers green in the face. Do you even know just how many students there are in total at Peking University? In the thousand-plus students who were nning to take part in the protest, some would surely be students of these teachers. There were students from the Chinese, Math, Physics Departments, etc., and involved many of the faculties across Peking University. If they really boycotted their sses, then it might as well mean the sky had fallen. Peking University, and in turn the Chinese education system, couldn''t possibly bear such an oue!


    On the other side.


    The students were still shouting!


    Yao Mi raised her hands and screamed, "Return Teacher Zhang to us!"


    Senior Song also shouted loudly, "Return Teacher Zhang to us!"


    They were all familiar faces from Centennial Hall where Zhang Ye led the students in scolding the Japanese!


    Honestly speaking, Zhang Ye was moved at this. When he saw these roused up students, he hollered at the top of his voice, "Go back, all of you go back!"


    Li Li shouted, "We won''t leave!"


    Yao Mi also screamed, "Boycott our sses!"


    "Boycott our sses!" Li Ying yelled.


    Senior Zhou shrieked, "If Teacher Zhang''s punishment is not withdrawn, we will hold a student strike! We will boycott all of our sses!"


    Among the students, many of them used to dislike Zhang Ye. For example, Senior Zhou was one of them. He used to cause trouble during Zhang Ye''s sses. Many of them had privately talked about Zhang Ye on his first day at Peking University, gossiping and wagging their tongues, saying how they felt that, as a celebrity, Zhang Ye wouldn''t be able to carry out the job of teaching, that he wasn''t suitable to be a teacher. Having never been one before, how could he possibly teach the students of the country''s best educational institution? Of the students who could be admitted into Peking University, few were not arrogant or proud of their own achievements. At the beginning, arge part of them had essentially not epted Zhang Ye at all, and those who did, did so because they liked him as a celebrity, not because they wanted him as a teacher.


    However, some things always turned out quite strange.


    Zhang Ye had shown his rigorous and humorous, sometimes even amazing, standard of teaching. With his deep literary knowledge, he won over everyone again and again!


    From doubt to eptance.


    From eptance to love.


    From love to respect.


    Although Zhang Ye was only at Peking University for a short time and did not spend much time with the students, he had already won them over. He had won their respect and trust! With today''s speech at the hall, it had pulled Zhang Ye''s and the students'' rtionship even closer to thest step. Even though they knew that the student strike would have a major effect that could even lead to them to facing heavy punishments or even getting expelled, they still proceeded here without any hesitation. They couldn''t bear for Zhang Ye, who had always stood by them for every incident to protect them with everything he had, to depart!


    Behind them, more than 20 Chinese reporters had arrived in a hurry with their equipment when they found out about the news. Some of them quickly set up their cameras around the students while others squeezed into the student crowd hoping to get closer to get a good shot. But after a very long time, they still couldn''t squeeze inside. In the distance near the school''s main entrance, there were quite a number of reporters who were rushing towards the scene. These reporters were obviously not the ones who were at Centennial Hall earlier. They were a new batch of reporters who had probably hurried over after they saw Central TV''s live broadcast of the press conference. Among them, there were even foreign reporters who had blond or red hair!


    The whole scene was chaos!


    The reporters were all very focused!


    After scolding Japan, it became a student strike? It seemed that today Peking University would not be able to get any peace at all. Everything that could happen was all happening today!


    "Boycott sses!"


    "Boycott sses!"


    It became harder and harder to control the crowd!


    Chang Kaige shouted, "Go back, everyone!"


    Zhen Shuquan also raised his voice, "Stop this! Gao back to your dormitories!"


    Professor Zeng said, "Listen to Teacher Zhang and calm down, everyone!"


    They knew that if the students really went ahead and boycotted their sses, then this whole issue would totally end up out of control!


    However, since the students were at the apex of their anger, they would not have it any other way. They continued boisterously chanting their mottoes of "return Teacher Zhang to us" and "otherwise we will boycott our sses".


    Although Zhang Ye was touched by this, he was also angry at them. He was angry with them for suggesting that they would boycott their sses. He did not wish for his actions to implicate the students along with him. He understood that the school authority had already been light in their punishment and handling of his scolding of the guests in Centennial Hall. They did not take any action against the students and only punished him alone. This was the best oue for them, so if the students insisted on boycotting sses, then it would mean that "thew does not punish numerous offenders" would no longer be applicable!


    "What do you all think you''re doing? Ah! What are you all trying to do?" Zhang Ye bellowed at them!


    Only when they heard him shout did the students begin to quiet down and look at him.


    Zhang Ye pointed at them and said angrily, "You''re just making things worse! This is nonsense! Boycott sses? Boycott sses for what! Keep your mouths shut! You think it''s as simple as just saying it! Why did your parents raise you? Why did your schools nurture you? Why did the nation train you? In the remote regions, do you all know just how many kids are hoping to go to school? All of them long for the chance to attend university and gain knowledge, but��all they can do is read books in their small vige that have been used dozens of times before and nothing else! All of you have already received the best resources. You''ve made it into the best institution in the country, but for the small matter that just happened, you''re thinking of boycotting sses? Say that again to my face!"


    Yao Mi became silent.


    The other students fell silent too.


    Zhang Ye''s tone eased a little. "I''m leaving Peking University today, so this will be thest time I''m speaking as your teacher. I''ll give you all onest lesson. Remember, no matter when it is, no matter what happens, never ever say that you will boycott sses so easily, because you all don''t know how much effort the sses you casually say you will skip have been built up with by teachers, past and present! I do not need you to treasure this lesson with your lives. I just hope that you''ll all be able to put it into a little corner of your mind��and respect it!"


    A sociology teacher nearby heard this and nodded her head. How well said, this Zhang Ye. Just when he was about to leave the school, he had finally said something good!


    Chang Kaige and Zhen Shuquan also looked at Zhang Ye before breaking out into smiles. Who said that Zhang Ye only knows how to scold others? Look, this guy could speak philosophical too!


    The students all heard but did not know how to react.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Alright, disperse then. It''s not like I was fired or anything. It''s just a suspension, who knows when I might be able toe back again to teach. The days are still long, hur hur. I''m really touched that so many of you came to see me off today. This is making me quite reluctant to leave��."


    Yao Mi was crying. "Teacher Zhang!"


    The third-year female student who had been shielded by Zhang Ye earlier also broke down in tears. "We don''t want you to go either!"


    Senior Song and many other female students had their eyes redden from this!


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m leaving now, take care everyone."


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "Wu wu wu��"


    Zhang Ye got into his car without looking back. He gripped his steering wheel and clenched his teeth as he drove off, not daring to take another look at his students. But as his car drove past the crowd of students, he stole a quick nce and realized that the students were all following closely behind his car, thousands of them!


    He had wanted to speed up but could not bear to do so. He stopped, got out of the car, and said, "Yao Mi, Little Song, Little Zhou, Li Li, Li Ying, you guys lead the rest back!" Those were the only few names he could remember by heart. Then he got into his car again and stepped on the elerator.


    However, Senior Song did not listen.


    Senior Zhou and the others also followed closely behind.


    When the BMW inched forward, they also took a step forward!


    With the car driving ahead, thousands of people followed behind without a sound. This scene was really phenomenally touching!


    Even those reporters who had followed along and were experienced in many situations had never seen something like this before. This sort of respect, this sort of sincere respect from the bottom of the students'' hearts, was not something that one could just earn from anything!


    Zhang Ye could not bear to leave them behind, so he drove very slowly all the way to the school''s entrance, but the students still did not disperse from there. When he looked again, he could not help but get out of the car once more. Looking at the thousands of determined faces, then ncing over at the willows branches overhanging Weiming Lake, the clouds, and the setting sun, he could only softly sigh.


    He stopped right there.


    The students stopped too.


    Suddenly, when Zhang Ye thoughts unfurled, he opened his mouth and delicately recited:


    "Lightly I leave,


    "as lightly I came;


    "I gently wave goodbye,


    "to the rosy clouds in the western sky.


    "The golden willows by the riverside,


    "are young brides in the setting sun;


    "their reflections in the shimmering waves,


    "ripple in the depths of my heart.


    "The waterlilies in the soft mud,


    "sway splendidly in the water''s bed.


    "In the gentle waves of Weiming Lake,


    "I shall be a water nt!


    "That pool in the shade of elm trees,


    "holds not springwater but the sky''s rainbow;


    "shattered to pieces among the duckweed,


    "is the sediment of a rainbow-like dream.


    "Searching for dreams? Then pole a punt,


    "to where the grass is greener still upstream;


    "the boatden down with starlight,


    "singing freely in the gorgeous light of stars.


    "But loudly I cannot sing,


    "silence is my farewell tune;


    "even summer insects still for me,


    "hushed is tonight''s Peking University!"


    The students listened without making a sound, as if overwhelmed by emotion.


    The mood the poem portrayed, that sadness, they were both represented in every line like a bloodied wound!


    Zhang Ye took a breath.


    "Quietly I leave,


    "as quietly I came;


    "I flutter my sleeves softly,


    "Not taking any wisps of the clouds away."


    He turned around, got back into his car, and without turning to look back, Zhang Ye stepped hard on the elerator and drove straight out of Peking University!


    A Saying Goodbye to Cambridge Again that was changed by Zhang Ye into Saying Goodbye to Peking University Again had left behind thest of his memories and affection on the campus grounds of Peking University!

 Chapter 569: Charismatic as ever!

    <h4>Chapter 569: Charismatic as ever! </h4>


    Chapter 569 Charismatic as ever!


    When Zhang Ye drove off, he did not take away any wisps of the clouds, no, but he did leave a little exhaust in the wake of his car though.


    The melodious poem continued to ring in the ears of the Peking University students as they stood there, not moving from their spots or chasing after the car. They did not say a word, as though they were experiencing Zhang Ye''s mood, experiencing just what kind of a person could write such a beautiful poem at such a time.


    His feelings for Peking University?


    His feelings for the students?


    It was probably fully described in the poem!


    Thereafter, when the students dispersed, someone posted that poem online.


    Following that, countless Peking University students had dered in unison a simple statement: "Teacher Zhang Ye, no matter how long it takes, we will all wait for your return!"


    "Waiting for your return!"


    "Waiting for your return!"


    Two hours after the incident, there was still no appearance by any Peking University student online. Although theizens had seen the leaked video clip and knew what had happened in general, they stillcked the details and specifics of the timeline as well as the aftermath. They did not have the full picture and were urgently hoping to find out. When they saw these Peking University students appearing, and even appearing together at once, an overwhelming number ofizens "surrounded" them!


    "We''ve finally seen one!"


    "Heroes! How are all of you?"


    "The heroes and heroines of Peking University! Here''s a Like for you all!"


    "Did any of you receive any punishment?"


    "How about Teacher Zhang? What happened to Teacher Zhang?"


    "Waiting for your return? Has Zhang Ye really been suspended?"


    Soon, everyone also noticed the poem that the students had posted. A Peking University student told them sadly that these were thest words Zhang Ye said before he left.


    Saying Goodbye to Peking University Again


    ��Zhang Ye


    Lightly I leave,


    as lightly I came;


    I gently wave goodbye,


    to the rosy clouds in the western sky.


    ��


    Quietly I leave,


    as quietly I came;


    I flutter my sleeves softly,


    Not taking any wisps of the clouds away.


    When they finished reading it, theizens seemingly became silent for a moment!


    This was a very simple poem. So simple that even after reading it once through, it wouldn''t leave much of a taste in your mouth. So simple that there wasn''t even a word that seemed out of ce. It was very different from Zhang Ye''s past harsh killing style. This was just a very light and quiet poem. But it was also this poem that suddenly touched a lot of people!


    A fourth-year student who was about to graduate posted: "I will be leaving the school very soon and the emotions I have are veryplex. I didn''t know how to express what I felt, but after seeing Zhang Ye''s poem, I think that it reflects what I feel. ''Quietly I leave, / as quietly��I came.''"


    A femaleizen posted on Weibo: "I saw someone scolding Zhang Ye for being a hooligan, that he was unfit to be a teacher. I would just like to say something to them��''Idiots!'' If a hooligan could write a poem like that, then I might as well be a hooligan as well, a great hooligan!"


    Anotherizen: "That piece from the video clip, A Flowering Tree was already a great work in itself. Thest few words at the end��''Buddha thus turned me into a tree, / growing beside the path along you must pass. / In the sunshine, in full bloom gingerly, / every blossom a hope from my past life. / When you near, / please listen closely. / The quivering leaves / are the warmth of my waiting. / But you eventually moved on, oblivious? / Falling all over the ground behind you, / my friend, / are not petals''��. Up to here, ording to my analysis, the original poem should be ''��are not petals but my tears'' or ''my broken heart'', or other words simr to these. It should be a love poem through and through, but Zhang Ye modified just the ending part of it and totally changed the poem to another style��''but me softly saying��idiots!'' He only changed a sentence and it didn''t even seem like an unsuitable modification! Zhang Ye has let me gain an even deeper understanding into modern poetry this time! Teacher Zhang has already managed to be as creative as he wants with literature. Whether it be oratory or poetry, he just goes at it ording to his feelings and dexterously weaves the words together. For me, that is what a true master should be!"


    "Well said!"


    "Agreed!"


    Suddenly, a Weibo verified teacher from Tsinghua University posted a message: "Without a doubt, the beginning and ending of Saying Goodbye to Peking University Again is the pinnacle of Zhang Ye''s artistic works. This is the best I have read among all his works in modern poetry! I dare not im there are no other poems that would be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with it and be mentioned in the same statement, but at the very least, I can be sure that it would be very difficult to transcend the level of Zhang Ye''s ''Lightly I leave, / as lightly I came'' with another modern poem! Disregarding Zhang Ye''s character and temper and how controversial he is, just based on his literary standard, Zhang Ye has already reached a level that many would never be able to reach in their lifetime!"


    The saying "cultured people tend to scorn each other" was true.


    But right now, a peer, an elite Tsinghua University teacher who was also involved in the same literature field had given such a review of the him. This perfectly illustrated just how great the poem was!


    "The beginning and the end are really the work of genius!"


    "It''s such a pity. If only Zhang Ye could change his character a little, he would surely be the leading figure in our country''s literature world. No one could disagree with that. Too bad his temper is so bad, heh. I don''t even want to talk about it!"


    "Yeah, that temper of his cannot be curbed by anyone!"


    "We don''t even know if Zhang Ye can get out of the trouble he started today! Could he get banned again? If he does get banned again, then we''ll surely have a good show to watch!"


    "I don''t agree with the point of the poster above. I feel that it is exactly because of his temper that Zhang Ye canpose such great works!"


    "Right!"


    "Support Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye''s short temper is what I like about him!"


    "Hahaha, his poems are wonderful, but he is more wonderful!"


    "Pfft, I feel that this conflict this time should not be med on Zhang Ye. We should me those who dared let him get on stage instead. I could faint from this, but is this the first day that you all got to know Zhang Ye? Didn''t the earliest example of this happen when Zhang Ye won the Silver Microphone Awards and recited Dead Water to scold his unit? Did you all forget? At the live broadcast of Father Wei''s memorial, Zhang Ye had used that Some People tosh out at his leaders at Beijing Television Station at that time, did you all forget?? During the press conference held by the Shanghai SARFT where Zhang Ye used The Answer and The Last Speech, did you all forget? Also, when Zhang Ye recited Ode to Young China at the National Primary and Secondary School New Year G that left the audience in shock, did you all forget? So why did you all still dare to pass him a microphone and push him onstage? I''m utterly amazed by you all! You''re the ones who are bravest!"


    "F**k, that''s true!"


    "Whenever this fellow is given a microphone, something''s bound to happen!"


    "Yeah, this is an experience and a lesson as well!"


    "I trust that after today, whoever sees Zhang Ye with a microphone in his hand again will shudder at the sight of it! He''s too damned frightening!"


    "That mouth of Zhang Ye''s is as good as a military missile! You need to be on your toes at all times, otherwise, once your concentrationpses, he will immediately fly over and you won''t even know how you died!"


    In the end, the debate hade full circle, with people arguing whether Zhang Ye should have scolded Japan in such a public setting and whether it was appropriate or not.


    Some people supported it!


    Some people objected to it!


    It seemed like an unending argument!


    ����


    Not long after.


    The newspapers went on sale.


    New reports on TV were broadcast.


    Because the incident had kicked off a huge hubbub this afternoon, many people who did not have a habit of reading the papers or watching News Simulcast were all curiously paying attention to them now. They wanted to know how the media would report this incident. What surprised most people was that News Simulcast made no mention of it at all, as though nothing had happened at all. Life went on as usual. The news reported on some policy issues and also made mention of the Japanese Prime Minister''s visit to China to sign off on some key project agreements, etc. They even mentioned the smoke-free day which was a few days away but totally skipped the topic of the incident at Peking University!


    The people who had attentively watched the news could see that the matter was being covered up. Central TV had deliberately downyed the matter and focused on other news instead, possibly at the request of the authorities above them!


    As for the reports in the papers, the handling of the issue varied.


    Some of the major newspapers also made no mention of the Peking University incident. Some others had recorded the incident as bystanders and reported it objectively to the readers. Meanwhile, the remaining ones criticized Zhang Ye openly and did not hold back on their words. There were also some newspapers that, perhaps for fear of touching on a sensitive topic, just reported the incident using general terms like "a teacher of the people," "transmission of positive energy" or "not looking at the big picture" in a vague and inconclusive manner!


    The media seemed to have adopted a very consistent attitude with none of them praising Zhang Ye.


    However, the attitude of those online was much more ambiguous. Generally speaking, the opinions of the people varied quite a bit. The people who supported Zhang Ye''s and the Peking University students'' actions still numbered in the majority. Some fans even noticed that four or five celebrities, though not openly issuing any statements, had quietly Liked the post that was titled "Peking University Video."


    The video clip had already been deleted, but the post itself could still be Liked. As the video clip was rehosted several times, there were still many websites that it could be viewed on.


    After getting deleted, it got posted again.


    After it was posted, it got deleted again.


    The file name changed. It was just like guerri warfare.


    The same situation had happened when Zhang Ye took part in the crosstalkpetition.


    A newspaper outlet that was very critical of Zhang Ye had brought up this matter on its official Weibo. It was not known why they were so angry, but they started pointing out those celebrities who had Liked the post, criticizing them for Liking such a negatively influencing video as public figures and how it was a treacherous act.


    A Maind Chinese celebrity replied to the reporter: "What are you talking about? Like? Oh, I usually have the habit of just Liking a post after viewing it. This is a form of respect to theizens who posted it and does not represent my personal viewpoint."


    Among these celebrities was Dong Shanshan who also Liked the article.


    Only to see Dong Shanshan reply, "��Ah, my ount was hacked earlier." This old ssmate of Zhang Ye really did not speak any truth from her mouth.


    Hacked ount!


    It''s a hacked ount again!


    Look, this was such a ssic excuse that it could even be considered tradition now!


    When the newspaper outlet saw these replies, they were rendered temporarily speechless! This excuse that wouldn''t even fool a fool had somehow made them unable to say anything else!


    But Yao Jiancai who had also Liked the post was very honest. When he saw the newspaper outlet mentioning him with an @, not only did Old Yao not bother with them, he even posted anotherment: "My old bro is as charismatic as ever." He did not confirm his attitude for this incident nor did he deny that it was him who had Liked the post. Having gone through a lot with Zhang Ye during the crosstalkpetition, the questioning and name-calling by the media did not scare Yao Jiancai at all!


    All kinds of fighting!


    All sorts of arguments!


    It was pandemonium online!

 Chapter 570: The three greatest virtues of Old Wu!

    <h4>Chapter 570: The three greatest virtues of Old Wu! </h4>


    Chapter 570 The three greatest virtues of Old Wu!


    Past 7 PM.


    It was getting dark outside.


    Zhang Ye, who was still on the road, even answered a call. First, because the car ahead of him did not move an inch at all, and second, because another hundred cars ahead of that car did not move as well��he was caught in a traffic jam.


    The call was from Hu Fei, the man who got Zhang Ye his job as the host of BTV-Arts Channel''s "Lecture Room". He was Zhang Ye''s Bo Le 1, ex-leader, and someone he enjoyed a good rtionship with.


    "Hello, Brother Hu."


    "Have you finished your work? Free to talk now?"


    "Yes, I''m stuck in a traffic jam."


    "Hur hur, did you enjoy the scolding today?"


    "Hai, what''s enjoyable about that. I got myself into such a mess and I don''t know how to solve it."


    "Come on. Although you put it that way, from what I hear, it doesn''t bother you one bit. Alright, I''ll skip the titudes. It''s impossible to make you control your temper anyways. That''s how you are, and I doubt you''ll change."


    ''Heh, you know me well."


    "I called to check on you and your situation, but hearing how spirited you still sound, I feel at ease now. Anyway, I just want to inform you that I just received my posting today and, from today onwards, will be transferring from BTV-Arts Channel to Beijing Television. I will be bringing Hou Ge, Hou Di, Xiao Lu, and Dafei along with me"


    "Oh, you got promoted?"


    "Not really."


    "The Arts Channel is just a local provincial station, whereas the satellite channel broadcasts countrywide, so how can it be the same? Alright, Brother Hu. Say no more. Hurry up and report about my news, so that the people may know about the glorious side of me and at the same time help to rid me of my current troubles."


    "Please, let me off. I haven''t lived long enough yet. Just by your scolding of the Japanese in such a public setting, who would dare report any positive news about you? I reckon that Central TV along with the other local or satellite news channels would not even dare mention your name for the time being. Please don''t give me any trouble. Besides, our program team is transferring to Beijing Television to handle a new program, not the news."


    "Ha, I''m just joking with you."


    "You started the mess, so you should clean it up yourself."


    "Is it really that serious, Brother Hu?"


    "What do you think?"


    At this moment, another iing call arrived. Zhang Ye took a quick nce and then hurriedly ended the conversation with Hu Fei. Following, he took the new call from Rao Aimin.


    "Landy Auntie," Zhang Ye said.


    Rao Aimin said directly, "You do not need to pay rent for this month!"


    Zhang Ye was delighted. "Woah, there''s even such a good deal?" Old Rao was notorious for her love of money. She was so calctive that she would would go down to the decimals when it came to charging misceneous fees, yet she was automatically offering a month''s rent for free to him?


    Rao Aimin spoke in a casual tone, "Kid, I''ve seen your scolding video. Not bad at all. You scolded well. You have a simr style to my younger self."


    Oh right, I had almost forgotten that thendy was also famous for being a nationalist. Zhang Ye said, "Sure, I will continue to learn from you then. As for next month''s rent, could it also be��"


    Du du.


    The call ended.


    Zhang Ye was speechless for a long time, then called back and chatted with Little Chenchen for a while before hanging up again.


    ����


    8 PM.


    The road ident was cleared and Zhang Ye finally reached home.


    Upon entering the house, he saw his father sitting there ufortably with a sunken expression. His mom stealthily signaled to him by scrunching up mouth to let him know that his father was angry.


    Zhang Ye understood and quickly changed the subject. "Aiyo, the roads were really congested today. The cars in front somehow rear-ended, so I was stuck in a traffic jam for two hours. Mom, I haven''t eaten yet and I am so hungry. Is there any food left? Didn''t you say that you''d celebrate my bing an associate professor?


    His mother asked in surprise, "Your associate professor title did not get withdrawn?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Why would it be withdrawn? It was already approved. Besides, that is also a reward for my contributions to the field of math, so it should not be affected by other matters."


    His mother thought her son had messed up so badly that his associate professor position would bepromised. Who would have thought that it didn''t affect anything at all? When she heard that, she felt happy and said, "OK, Mom will heat up the food for you."


    His father mmed his hand onto the table and said, "Heat up what food! Let him starve!"


    His mother stared at him and said, "Is there any meaning to that, not letting your son eat?"


    His father said angrily, "As a teacher, he led students to scold others in public. How does that make him look! And he calls himself a teacher?! And he calls himself a member of the Party!"


    "Dad, you are making it worse for me." Zhang Ye went over to sit and said, "Don''t mention being a party member or a teacher of the people. Even a cornered rat will bite back. Moreover, it is precisely because I am a teacher and Party member that I can''t back off just when I see something is wrong. It is also why I must be the first to speak up, otherwise if we care too deeply about how we should carry ourselves as teachers and end up not daring to speak up about this or that, then who else would stand up for the students? If we, as Party members, are always considering about the consequences of our actions and not daring to speak up, then won''t there be nobody to stand up for the citizens!?"


    When his father heard this, he was a little taken aback.


    Zhang Ye added, "It might not be right for me to scold others, but I have to make myself clear, Dad. I really did not lead the students to scold them, I only scolded once when I got into the mood while I was giving the speech and did not expect the students to join in the fray and follow along in the scolding. I admit that I did not manage myself properly regarding that."


    Dad was stifled and waved him off. "I can''t outargue you!"


    His mother smiled and said, "So should I heat up the food?"


    "Go ahead," his father grunted. "I haven''t eaten yet either!"


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Let me do it. Let me heat up food for Dad."


    His father said, "Don''t try to please me. Your exnation still does not make things right. Wait until tomorrow when I have sorted out my thoughts before I bring it up with you again!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Sure. I will listen receptively to you tomorrow."


    After dinner, the house was peaceful again.


    Zhang Ye went back into his room and thought about today. He did not feel toofortable about all that had happened. He was about to contact Wu Zeqing to check out the situation to see if this matter had be too serious or not. But, afraid that she was busy or in the middle of a meeting, he did not call and just messaged her instead. Old Wu, as a newly appointed official, had to deal with many matters, so sometimes they wouldmunicate by texting instead.


    Zhang Ye: "Old Wu."


    A minuteter, she replied: "You''re home?"


    Zhang Ye: "Yes, have you watched the news?"


    Wu Zeqing: "I did. It was also brought up earlier during the meeting."


    Zhang Ye: "Hmm, is the matter very serious?"


    Wu Zeqing: "It''s not trivial."


    Zhang Ye: "Will this bro get banned again?"


    Wu Zeqing: "No."


    Zhang Ye: "Really?"


    Wu Zeqing: "I''m here."


    Zhang Ye felt relieved when he read her words, but not because he was worried that he would get banned again, since it did not bother him even if he were banned. What was mostforting to him was Old Wu''s unconditional support for him, no matter the situation. After messing up so badly, if it were anyone else''s girlfriend, even if they didn''t get angry, they would still have something to say about it, right? Besides, no matter how you looked at it, Zhang Ye leading a group of people and scolding others was also notmendable behavior, yet Wu Zeqing did not even me him. Something happened? Then they would settle it. She unconditionally sided with him and respected all of Zhang Ye''s choices.


    What was so good about Wu Zeqing?


    This was what was so good about her!


    Zhang Ye had a mind of his own even though it did not reflect in the way he spoke. Whatever Zhang Ye thought was the right thing to do, no matter how others tried to convince him to not do or made him guarantee to not do it, he would always end up doing the exact opposite of what they told him or made him promise not to. This was because he had his own way of approaching a situation and followed a set of guiding principles for his decisions. With such wonderful and distinct traits, his way of doing things was destined to be very different. So Old Wu being authoritative yet not showing it, a gentle woman who knew how to respect others, made her very attractive to him.


    So did you still need to ask?


    If Zhang Ye listed out the three greatest virtues of Wu Zeqing that he liked most, then without a second thought, Zhang Ye would surely rank them as follows.


    One: Large breasts!


    Two: Large breasts!


    Three: Large breasts!!


    1. *In legends, a god in charge of manning the horses was named Bo Le. In the human world, a person who can distinguish a good horse is also called Bo Le. In some sense, it is simr to saying how a person is your muse, but in a different way. This was also mentioned in the Dale''s Conjecture arc as well

 Chapter 571: A new job arrives!

    <h4>Chapter 571: A new job arrives! </h4>


    Chapter 571 A new job arrives!


    In the following few days.


    The Peking University incident was getting increasingly worse!


    Although the television media tried to do damage control of any negative broadcasts of the incident, with some television stations not even mentioning a word of it and some stations glossing over the details, but with this incident being such a serious and unprecedented one, it was of course impossible to totally cover it up. At least on the inte, it was still actively discussed everywhere. It had already been a few days since the incident happened at Peking University''s Centennial Hall, but whenever it was brought up, it still attracted heated debates from everyone.


    "Support Zhang Ye!"


    "Count me in!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang showed his prowess!"


    "Support Teacher Zhang''s ''Three Central Themes to Patriotism''!"


    "F**k, it''s already been several days, why is everyone still talking about it? This is all I''ve been seeing on the inte for the past few days! Is there nothing better to talk about than this? If you all have the time, why not send me some erotic pictures instead? That is the more important thing that we should be doing! We have to sort our priorities well,rades!"


    ����


    The next morning.


    Zhang Ye woke up and was fumbling around in his bed trying to light a cigarette to kick start himself, but when he remembered that "World No Tobo Day" was just around the corner��his previous world''s "World No Tobo Day" was on a different date to this world''s��and with the increased airing of those gross "quit smoking" public servicemercials recently, just the thought of them had made him lose the desire to smoke. He threw aside the cigarettes and yawnedzily. Leaning against the headboard, he took out his phone to check on Weibo to see what theizens were discussing.


    There are still people who are scolding me?


    Oh, there are more people who support me.


    Zhang Ye browsed through everyone''sments and was suddenly delighted when he saw a group of his fans giving him yet another nickname: Speech Demon!


    What kind of nickname was that!


    Did they have to make it sound so terrible!


    Suddenly, he received a call from the Eastern Publishing Firm.


    There was a feminine voice at the other end. It was the editor of the publishing house, Li Mei, who had been to Zhang Ye''s house before. "Teacher Zhang, it''s me, Little Li. Are you still sleeping?"


    Zhang Ye sat up and chuckled. "No, I just woke up."


    Li Mei said, "Your novel Legend of Wukong will be on sale at all major bookstores starting from today."


    Naturally, Zhang Ye knew about this matter. "How are the sales figures?"


    "I''m at Books Building right now, but the exact sales figure has not be tallied yet since they have only just opened for business a short while ago. From my onsite observation, I can only make an estimation, but in any case, the dozen or so youngsters walking past the shelf where your novel was disyed seemed to havee here specially for your Legend of Wukong. There were some people who bought it immediately without even browsing through the book, while there were also some others who read it in the store. The disy area is already surrounded by quite a lot of people now."


    "That''s not bad."


    "It''s only because it is your book."


    "Hur hur, you''ve worked hard. Come to my ce if you are free. My mom keeps nagging for you toe over."


    "Sure, sure, I miss Auntie too. Teacher Zhang, l''ll go busy myself with work for now. I was just getting someone tomunicate with the staff of Books Building and the other major retail outlets. Since you have entrusted the copyrights of Ghost Blows Out the Light, Zhang Ye''s Comption, and those fairy tale stories to us, we''re thinking of setting up an exclusive disy counter for you because the second print of the books is almost ready. With so many peopleing to buy your books, it will be quite convenient for them to find your books."


    "Alright, you''ve worked hard."


    "Listen to what you''re saying. This is part of my job."


    Li Mei''s tone was a joyful one. As she was the one who won the copyright for Legend of Wukong from Zhang Ye by fending off other major publishers, Li Mei''s reputation in the industry grew overnight. Her current task was to handle publishing matters for Legend of Wukong, or to be more precise, she was Zhang Ye''s assigned editor now. Books like Ghost Blows Out the Light and his other books came under her charge. Li Mei would handle him on a one-on-one basis and need not deal with any other authors. She would only need to be responsible for Zhang Ye, a decision made by the publisher''s upper management. Since Zhang Ye was the type of author who could write anything and still have a best seller; it was only natural he be orded such special treatment.


    After the call ended, Zhang Ye wanted to know how he was doing in the Celebrity Rankings. Although the Peking University incident caused a lot of controversy and he received a lot of criticism over it, there were still a lot of people who supported him. As such, he felt that it would gain him quite a bit of fame. As a result, he checked on his ranking.


    The Celebrity Rankings Index was updated.


    Next page��


    Next page��


    C-list Celebrities:


    1. Shi Yu.


    2. Zhang Ye.


    3. Chen Fanghua


    As expected, his ranking rose as his poprity score surged!


    Just a few days ago, after Zhang Ye proved the mathematical conjecture, his poprity soared and that pushed his Celebrity Rankings cing to the front of the C-list. At that time, he was still ranked fourth or fifth ce on the C-list Celebrity Rankings due to fluctuations, but today, he had reached second ce. Importantly, as the rankings moved closer to the top of the index, it became harder to move up since the poprity scores between each ce increased exponentially. As the number of people lessened, the gap would widen. Thus, even if Zhang Ye had only risen to second ce from fourth or fifth ce, the gain in his poprity score was in actual fact veryrge!


    He was finally in second ce, so that meant that Zhang Ye only needed to move up one more spot and then squeeze pass thest rank of the B-listers by overtaking that celebrity''s poprity score. He could end up being well ahead ofpleting his goal of bing a B-list celebrity which he had set earlier this year.


    He was just a step away!


    He was really just a step away now!


    Of course, even though it was just a step away based on the rankings, if Zhang Ye analyzed the poprity score needed to move ahead, then he was still far behind. In the B-list celebrity rankings, which of these artists were not people who were well-known to all in the country? Even the lowest ranked B-list celebrity would not be a pushover. That was why Zhang Ye was not blindly optimistic about his chances. He knew that there was a long road ahead and it would not be easy, especially since he was taking an unusual route to his goals. For others who were born with it, he would need to work a hundred or thousand times harder to achieve it.


    Out in the living room, his mom shouted for him.


    "Son!"


    "Yes."


    "Wake up! It''s time for dinner."


    "Coming!"


    Zhang Ye went to wash up before sitting down at the dining table with his parents.


    Mom peeled an egg and then gave it to him. "Here, for you."


    "Thanks Mom." Zhang Ye took it and ate it.


    His father''s eyes narrowed as he said, "He''s already an adult and you''re still peeling eggs for him? Why can''t he peel it for himself? All these years and you have never peeled any for me."


    His mother rolled her eyes and said, "My son is an associate professor now, so of course he gets special treatment."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Don''t mind, Dad. Let me peel for you, let me peel for you."


    When his father took the egg from his son, he nodded and said, "That''s more like it." He then opened his mouth to swallow it before asking, "How''s work these days? Any job offers?"


    His mother switched on the television.


    Zhang Ye responded, "Nothing yet."


    His mother cocked her head. "Why not? No one contacted you yet?"


    Zhang Ye threw his hands up. "Yes. It''s already been a few days but there''s been nothing at all."


    "Heh, these bunch of people have eyes but cannot recognize Mount Tai." His mother said unhappily, "In the past, there were alwayspanies who tried to headhunt you, wanting you for this or that, but now that you''ve gotten more famous, they don''te looking for you anymore? Son, is the Peking University incident causing this? Are they going to ban you again? That can''t be. Didn''t your new novel go on sale today? I still saw your Brain Gold advertisementst night and it wasn''t banned!"


    His father said, "After creating such a big mess, he is already very lucky to not get banned. Why would you think that anyone from the television stations woulde to find him? Those people are probably in a wait-and-see mood at the moment."


    Indeed, Zhang Ye could also see this. In fact, because the speech had helped to increase his poprity quite a bit and gained him a number of new fans, he also did not get banned but was only suspended from teaching. Looking at it on the surface, it did not affect him much and even seemed like he was thriving as he continued doing whatever he wanted. But actually, it was not as simple as it looked. After all, the incident had involved some sensitive issues and no one would know whether Zhang Ye would really escape any punishments. He might be safe today but if a television station invited him to host a new program today and the authorities mped down on him the next day, then the television station would definitely have wasted their resources on him. It might even implicate them somehow. So, to many people right now, Zhang Ye was a ticking time bomb who might suddenly explode at any moment.


    That was one reason. Another reason was Zhang Ye''s short fuse. Once again, this Peking University incident had made more people aware of that. Even if there were no political reasons involved, Zhang Ye was still a ticking time bomb. No one even knew when or where he would explode and cause some disastrous results. And so, incorporating all these reasons, everyone had grave worries about him! There were no doubts about his abilities and no one could deny his capabilities. Everybody could recognize them. However, the most worrisome factor was his terrible temper. Only the most courageous television stations would ever think of recruiting Zhang Ye.


    This was the overall situation right now.


    Zhang Ye was in an awkward plight.


    ����


    On the inte, there were also plenty of people who were concerned about Zhang Ye''s whereabouts.


    "Where has Teacher Zhang disappeared to for the past few days?"


    "Where did Zhang Ye go?"


    "Has he started on a new job yet?"


    "His sses have been suspended, so I can''t even view Zhang Ye''s lecture videos online anymore. I''ve already read Legend of Wukong on the inte and Teacher Zhang has not had any other recent works, so why are there no updates on his activities?"


    "Wasn''t he unbanned?"


    "Yea, he was unbanned."


    "Really, are there really no television stations that will take Teacher Zhang?"


    "What are the television stations thinking? Hurry up and sign Zhang Ye. Teacher Zhang has done so many programs and is proficient at being a host and program nner. Every one of his new programs had excellent ratings without fail, so what are you all still hesitating for? Even if you give him a sry of 8 million, you wouldn''t be making a loss! So why haven''t any of the television stations made a move yet?"


    "Pfft, how unpopr can you get, Teacher Zhang?"


    "I hope that Zhang Ye will host a variety show this time, he''s too humorous!"


    "Don''t! I hope Teacher Zhang will continue to do an academic program like ''Lecture Room''. I am anticipating these type of programs which can increase my knowledge."


    "I prefer music programs."


    Countlessizens were enthusiastically anticipating Zhang Ye''s next work.


    ����


    Meanwhile, at home.


    After waiting for some time now, Zhang Ye received an offer for an unexpected job.

 Chapter 572: To help or not to help?

    <h4>Chapter 572: To help or not to help? </h4>


    Chapter 572 To help or not to help?


    Morning.


    With the "World No Tobo Day" approaching, a news report was attracting extensive concern.


    The news came from Central TV''s live broadcast studio. It was rted to the new regtions of public service announcements. The authorities had passed several new regtions regarding PSAs. It stated very clearly on the document that public service announcements that brought awareness to the adverse effects of smoking on televisionsmercials were banned from using real human organs as examples. There were also three or four simr new regtions along these lines. When this direct order was released, Central TV along with other provincial and satellite channel were not greatly affected since they were more or less able to conform to the new regtions. With only some slight adjustment and modification of the images based on the new policies, it would be sufficient to meet the new standards. But Beijing Television and some other BTV provincial channels would be greatly affected.


    Beijing Television''s quit smoking public service ad would directly get axed!


    Of the World No Tobo Day advertisements of two other provincial channels under Beijing Television Station, one would get axed, while the other had still not passed the censorship check. A lot of money used for the production fees were wasted, resulting in a heavy loss.


    Theizens were puzzled.


    "It is so strict?"


    "Why did they suddenlye up with such a policy?"


    "Yea, PSAs are not-for-profit anyway and are usually funded out of the television station''s own pocket. If they are being so restrictive, won''t the television station suffer?"


    "Don''t you all know that some time ago a nonprofit organization had protested the PSAs shown on television for disying unsuitable images? Seems like it happened at the end ofst year. Amercial depicted the ckened lung of a smoker, who was suffering from advanced-stage lung cancer, in an operating room being cut open. A survey showed that most audiences could not ept such images, especially the juveniles and non-smokers. Actually, quit smoking advertisements were primarily targeted at smokers, but because television broadcasts were unable to filter this to the target groups, it ended with the non-smokers and juveniles getting terrified before the smokers could get the message. Images of an overly gory and bloody scene must be controlled so as to cover all aspects of the viewers''fort."


    "So that''s why."


    "That is true. I was watching the Beijing Televisionmercial that showed the ckened lungs just yesterday. It wasn''t actually frightening since I have seen it so many times. Quit smokingmercials are always more or less the same, always giving statistics on the number of fatalities, infertility, ck lungs, and all that. I get bored just watching them, since this has no effect on a hardcore smoker. I''ve seen my fair share of suchmercials and am already immune to them. Such images no longer scare me into quitting. If they have the time to show thosemercials, they might as well show other types ofmercials.


    "Right, the current quit smoking advertisements are pretty much the same."


    "Few years ago, I felt ufortable when I saw it for the first time and even quit smoking for a few months, but after watching it more often, it became pointless and meaningless with no value added."


    "Beijing Television Station will have a headache because of this."


    "The ''World No Tobo Day'' is tomorrow, so let''s see how they''re going to change it."


    "Tomorrow? It''ll be toote. If they don''t make it in time, won''t they incur a fine? The current policies are very strict. When ites to public service, the television stations are expected to meet a minimum requirement, but if they don''t, they get fined a hefty amount."


    ����


    At another ce.


    At home.


    While Zhang Ye and his parents were chatting, a call from Hu Fei arrived.


    "Little Zhang, it''s me," Hu Fei said.


    Zhang Ye replied, "Hey, Brother Hu, what''s the matter?"


    Hu Fei spoke hesitatingly, "About that��I have something to discuss with you."


    "Just be direct." Zhang Ye took the remote control and lowered the television''s volume. Beside him, his parents also stopped talking.


    Hu Fei said, "It''s not convenient to speak over the phone, let''s meet up and talk."


    "Sure, where do you want to meet?" Zhang Ye agreed. He had no hesitation when it came to his friends and benefactors.


    Hu Fei considered for a moment before carefully saying, "You''re almost a B-list celebrity now, so I think it''s a little inconvenient for you to be out in public since you might get spotted by your fans. Why don''t youe over to Beijing Television Station instead. You know, since you left, you have note back for a visit yet. Besides, Dafei, Xiao Lu, and the others are all thinking about you. Why don''t youe over and we''ll catch up, alright? Anyways, you do not have a job currently, so shouldn''t you have time?"


    Zhang Ye blinked, roughly understanding what was going on.


    Without giving him a chance to speak, Hu Fei immediately said, "Ha, it''s settled. Send me a message when you''re almost there. I will be waiting for you. Bye."


    The call ended before he could say anything.


    Zhang Ye was a little speechless. He turned to the side and said, "Dad, Mom, I''ll be heading to Beijing Television Station for a while."


    His mother stared at him and said, "Beijing Television Station? Why are you still going there?"


    "Hai, a friend has something to discuss with me. Maybe he needs my help on something." Zhang Ye was already changing his clothes. "I won''t be having lunch at home then."


    His mother said unhappily, "You were fired and thrown out by themst time, but now that there''s something they need your help for, you''ll go at their beck and call? Have you forgotten about the matter regarding Wang Shuixin? It was all that Wang Shuixin''s fault that his son misbehaved in the office and even started a fight. He kept making things difficult for you and even corruptedly handled matters. Father Wei who was such a nice fellow was even driven to death by him. When you upheld justice, the television station ended up firing you instead. How is that fair! I am so angry just bringing this matter up!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Aiya, Wang Shuixin has already been sentenced anyway. The television station fired me not because I was wrong to uphold justice, but because I made trouble during the live broadcast."


    His mother said angrily, "You''re still speaking up for them?"


    Zhang Ye smiled dryly. "I wasn''t speaking up for them. At that time I was fired, I was also unhappy about it, but I understand the television station''s decision. My way of doing things was somewhat inappropriate."


    "You damned kid!" his mother said in anger.


    Zhang Ye quickly soothed her, "Mom, don''t be angry, don''t be angry. I know what what I''m doing."


    His mother said, "What do you know!"


    His father started to speak up, "OK, let our son settle his own matters. What are you getting so worried for?"


    Zhang Ye feelings for Beijing Television Station were soplicated that even he could not exin it. Having worked for some time now in the industry, the worst rtionship he had was with Beijing Television Station. When he was there, he was involved in a fight, detained at a police station, scolded his leaders, made trouble during a live broadcast, and was finally fired by them. If it were anyone else, they would surely not have fond memories of this ce. Zhang Ye also had a simr experience but the difference was that he held a deep and special appreciation for the television station.


    First, as someone born and bred in Beijing, not only did he grow up watching Beijing Television, he also watched BTV Arts Channel, BTV Sports Channel, BTV Science and Education Channel as well as other local provincial channels which did not broadcast to other provinces. These kind of feelings were indescribable. Second, this was the ce that nurtured him and where he had gained his first achievements. Hu Fei was the one who invited him to join them and gave him the chance to make his first appearance on TV. Having hosted a program like "Lecture Room," which turned out to be the crucial step in helping him be popr, he could not just disregard the kindness Hu Fei had shown to him.


    When his mother finished speaking, Zhang Ye had not expected that he would actually speak up for Beijing Television Station. After thinking over for a while, he realized that he had already let bygones be bygones.


    ����


    Half an hourter.


    Beijing Television Station building.


    Zhang Ye parked his car in the parking lot and got out, wearing his sunsses. Zhang Ye walked right up to the building''s front entrance, then looked up to see the once familiar office building before walking in with big strides.


    In the lobby, someone had noticed him.


    "Eh."


    "This person looks quite familiar."


    "Aiyo! Could that be Zhang Ye?"


    "It is Zhang Ye!"


    "It really is Zhang Ye!"


    "What is Teacher Zhang doing here? Is he here for a program''s guest role? Or is he here to do a program? I didn''t hear about this!"


    "Recently, Teacher Zhang has been on the cusp of the news, but there were no rumors of him having signed with any television stations. I suppose everyone is still observing the situation before making any moves?"


    Without standing on ceremony, Zhang Ye made himselffortable and sat down on the sofa in the lobby''s resting area. He casually picked up a copy of a magazine while waiting.


    A youth waved at him from a distance. "Teacher Zhang, long time no see."


    Zhang Ye looked over to the person and found him quite familiar looking, but he was unable to recall his name. He only remembered that he was a staff member of a program team from one of the bigger departments. "Hello."


    "Teacher Zhang, you getting more and more handsome!"


    "Teacher Zhang, do you still remember me?"


    "You appearing here today��does it mean��that you''re returning to the station?"


    Some staff members who had crossed paths with Zhang Ye before but weren''t particrly close to him went up to greet him enthusiastically. Two reporters from the BTV News Channel hurried over when they heard he was here. They were trying very hard to fish for some first-hand information from him. Because even fools knew that Zhang Ye couldn''t have appeared here without reason, especially since there were some very unhappy dealings between Zhang Ye and Beijing Television Station before. Everyone was curious and thought of many possibilities of his return with their rich imagination as they continued asking him for an answer.


    At this moment, Hu Fei arrived.


    There was a youth with beard stubble, looking quite lethargic, who came along with Hu Fei.


    When Hu Fei saw so many people crowding around Zhang Ye, he said, "Make way, please make way." Then he casually greeted Zhang Ye and soon the three of them went upstairs from another side of the building. "See, you are still very popr. Even after you left Beijing Television Station for such a long time, everyone is still thinking about you."


    Zhang Ye could feel that he implied more than that and chuckled, "Brother Hu, just tell me directly what you wish to say."


    Hu Fei decided not to beat around the bush any longer, so he introduced the person on his left. "This is Sun Han. He''s our station''s manager of public service ads and just started workst year. He''s also a son of one of my old colleagues."


    Sun Han reached out his hand and said, "I''ve heard a lot about you."


    Zhang Ye shook hands with him and said, "Nice to meet you."


    Hu Fei, seemingly looking a little embarrassed, said, "I asked you here because of the matter of our public service announcement. I suppose you have already seen the morning news. This time, the station''s public service ads have all been axed but since tomorrow is the ''World No Tobo Day,'' the new public service ad has to be approved by tomorrow. This is very urgent and Little Sun''s side is unable toe up with any ideas. After their department deliberated for a long time, they still couldn''t settle on a basic concept as there was no idea they coulde up with at all."


    Sun Han rubbed his beard stubble and said, "The past few days have worried me to death. When the new policies were passed so suddenly without warning and all our advertisements had to be withdrawn, it left us with no backup ns. Teacher Zhang, you are an alumnus of the station and have even helped out on the ''Save Electricity'' public service ad before. Surely you know that in our department, we are not professional creatives. The department was set up two years ago and our main responsibilities cover coordination work, funding, and supervising, while most of our production work is outsourced to external advertisingpanies��" He spent a long time highlighting his difficulties.


    Zhang Ye already guessed that it was this matter before he came over, so he asked, "Then why didn''t you get an advertisingpany to do it?"


    "None of them would ept the job," Sun Han said, looking very worried. "After we received the notifications at around 6 or 7 AM this morning, we immediately contacted the advertisingpanies to reshoot more World No Tobo Day PSAs to rece the ones that were axed. If they couldn''t do a full production, we were willing to settle for a concept and work on it on our own. However, as we did not have enough funds left due to having spent most of it on those previous ''quit smoking'' advertisements, we ended up having apply for additional funding from the leader. But while some of the advertisingpanies rejected the job due to money issues, most of them rejected it due to the urgent timeline of the project. They felt that it was too tight for them toplete the project within a day and they would need at least three days to n and produce it instead. But three days? Three dayster, the World No Tobo Day would have already passed by then! As for buying a concept, after asking some of thesepanies, they also told us that they wouldn''t be able to give us any as there was a high demand for such quit smoking public service ads. So having sold them to the other bidders, there were no concepts left to sell to us."


    As they spoke, the three men had reached the fifth floor.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Why don''t you just submit a simple advertisement which can meet the regtions first?"


    Sun Han helplessly said, "That won''t work since it would never get passed at the approval stage. Besides, the station won''t agree to it since a public service announcement also showcases the quality of a television station. Although Beijing Television Station is not one the highest rated in the industry, it is still among the top television stations. We can''t just bumble our way through it. Besides, the new policies were only handed down recently. I''m afraid we couldn''t fool them even if we wanted. Who knows? If we did that, we might get made an example out of as the first warning to others.


    Zhang Ye kept silent.


    Sun Han looked at him and said, "Anyways, that''s what the situation is like. Our time is short and we are really at our wits'' end now. When we asked several advertising industry insiders and the staff in our Public Service Announcement Department, all of them highly rmended a person to me��you, Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye nced at him and said, "We have to create a fifteen to twenty second public service ad within a day when there isn''t much money, manpower, or concepts to begin with? If you are asking for a sloppy end product, that might still be possible, but if you want a well polished and detailed announcement that also has elements of creativity, then that is basically an unrealistic target!"


    Sun Han said in a serious tone, "I know this matter is very difficult, but I am left with no choice. I could only think of getting Uncle Hu to ask for your help. Although I have not been working in the industry for a long time, I still know of your name in the advertising industry. Every single one of your creations, like the Save Electricitymercial, ''I''ll Speak For Myself'' promotional teaser, and the Brain Goldmercial, is ssic textbook material in the advertising industry. There is no one else who can do except you!"


    Hu Fei chipped in a word for Sun Han, "Little Zhang, I know that the station had been too harsh on you thest time. But at that critical time, the station was also forced to make a decision they did not want to make. I believe you know the station might face a great loss in reputation and also be fined heavily. Don''t leave us in a lurch! Take it as giving face to me by helping us out! Besides, since your reputation in the media has been suffering a little recently with so many negative reports of you, if you get involved with a PSA, you will surely able to turn the tide a little. So if you have any other requests, just speak."


    Sun Han added, "I can assure you that you will not be working for nothing. The fees are negotiable. As long as you can help the station tide over this crisis, I believe the fees��"


    Zhang Ye waved his hands and interrupted him. "I don''t want any money."


    Sun Han was a little taken aback. Doesn''t want money? He said, "But��"


    Hu Fei interjected, "Listen to Little Zhang."


    "If you want my help, it''s not impossible." Zhang Ye said, "But I have a request."


    Sun Han immediately answered, "Please speak."


    Zhang Ye said, "I will call the shots on the overall nning for this project, including the delegation of manpower and use of funding. Everything will be decided by me��that is my only request."


    Sun Han promised, "Rest assured of this. You are free tomand everyone in our department including me."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright then."


    Sun Han asked, "Then��it''s settled?"


    "I will ept this task. Let''s enjoy working together." Zhang Ye shook hands once again.


    Sun Han heaved a sigh of relief, giving an excited handshake. "With you leading us, we will certainly not have any worries anymore. Thank you so much, Teacher Zhang. You have really been a great help this time!"


    Zhang Ye shook his head and said, "I cannot promise that I will be able to help for sure, since the time given is really too short."


    Hu Fei patted Zhang Ye''s shoulder and said, "However it turns out, thanks Little Zhang."


    Zhang Yeughed. "You''re wee. Since Brother Hu has spoken, I will definitely do my best toplete it even if I have to climb a mountain of swords or dive into a sea of mes.


    "I like what you said." Hu Fei said, "In any case, I owe you one now."


    Zhang Ye smirked. "Come on, with our rtionship, do you still need to say that? So where will we be working? There''s not much time left. Let''s get started right away!"


    Sun Han led the way. "Over here, this way. Come with me."


    Hu Fei stayed where he stood and said, "You guys go ahead. I''m only here to link the both of you up. Now that my task ispleted, I''ll be leaving."

 Chapter 573: The most frightening ‘Quit Smoking’ advertisement in history?

    <h4>Chapter 573: The most frightening ��Quit Smoking�� advertisement in history? </h4>


    Chapter 573 The most frightening ''Quit Smoking'' advertisement in history?


    At the television station.


    Fifth floor, Public Service Announcement Department.


    Sun Han pushed open the door to the office and proimed, "Alright everyone, please stop what you are doing for now. I have invited someone with authority in the industry to assist us on the project for the quit smoking public service ad." Saying that, he gestured to the person beside him. "I don''t suppose Teacher Zhang needs any introduction, right? You all should know him. Before we get started, I need to inform everyone that Teacher Zhang is here to help out in a private capacity and will not receive anypensation. This ad''s nning will entirely be handled by Teacher Zhang. Before tomorrow''s ad approval deadline, every one of us in the Ad Department will follow Teacher Zhang''s instructions! Any questions?"


    "No!"


    "Teacher Zhang?"


    "Great!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s ads are well-known throughout the country!"


    Other than Sun Han, who was the manager, the department had four other people. An old man in histe fifties sat to the left, while a girl who looked to be around 18 or 19 years old sat on the right. It was hard to tell whether she was an employee of the television station or just an intern since she looked so young. In addition, there was a youth wearing a face mask sitting down and coughing intermittently, probably because of the flu. Finally, the remaining member of the team had a cast around his arm. He looked he had suffered a fracture.


    When Zhang Ye saw this lineup, he suddenly felt like he had been thrown into the situation without knowing anything beforehand.


    Old!


    Young!


    Sick!


    Crippled!


    What an awesome quartet!


    Zhang Ye asked, "It''s just the few of us?"


    Sun Han felt a bit embarrassed and said, "Our department''s setup is just this, but I''ve already applied for additional manpower from management. There will be others from the advertising departmenting overter to help out."


    Zhang Ye, left with no choice, said, "Time and tide wait for no man. Let''s get started."


    Sun Han said, "Right, let''s show Teacher Zhang our previous ads first."


    "It''s right here." The intern girl brought over the files and said, "These are the ads that got axed."


    Zhang Ye scanned through the footage and said, "I already know the standards that we have to adhere to. Basically, we cannot show real organs or overly frightening illustrations. What about the duration required for the ad?"


    The old man replied, "The required duration is fifteen seconds."


    Zhang Ye asked again, "What is the desired effect it must achieve?"


    Sun Han hesitated. "Since it is a quit smoking PSA, it should certainly make people feel scared. It can only achieve its objectives as a quit smoking PSA if people are truly scared from the bottoms of their hearts. However, the problem we have now is that the new policies do not allow for those traditional ideas that everyone had always been using. The even older ways, such as showing statistics of death rates due to smoking, won''t be effective in spreading the message at all if they''re not supported by images. Besides, that method is also outdated, so that''s why we''re having a difficult time handling this quit smoking PSA. On top of that, we even have only one day left toplete it. We��"


    Zhang Ye said, "Scaring people? We do not necessarily have to resort to blood and gore or use real imagery or ckened lungs. Those visual tricks are the lowest form of scare tactics."


    When Sun Han noticed that Zhang Ye seemed to be forming some ideas, he hurriedly said, "Teacher Zhang, I am not a professional in this field, so everything will be done ording to your ideas. Just tell us what you need and we''ll do it."


    The awesome quartet also nodded.


    At this moment, someone knocked on the door and came in.


    "Little Sun, we''re here to help out."


    "Manager Sun, the head instructed me toe over."


    "Manager Little Sun, you needed help? I can help out until 3 PM. Oh, Teacher Zhang? Why is Teacher Zhang here as well? Are you handing this advertisement now?"


    "Yo, Teacher Little Zhang?"


    Gradually, the colleagues from the other departments started to arrive. Approximately 11 people hade, clearly mobilized from their department''s work groups. The head of Beijing Television Station was probably quite worried as well. Otherwise, there wouldn''t have been so many staff members sent over to try to help save the situation! When they saw that Zhang Ye was here too, everyone was surprised for a moment and then had a clear understanding about the current situation. They found out that Beijing Television Station had turned to Zhang Ye for help to try to ovee the problem that they were currently facing. But those who had worked at the stationst year all knew about the disagreements between these two parties, so they were still surprised that the station had actually invited Zhang Ye to help them out. Also, Zhang Ye had agreed to help them!


    However, Zhang Ye did not have the time to exin anything. He was here with only one purpose in mind. As he had promised his friend he would help out, he only wanted to make sure he couldplete the task. He thought of nothing else!


    There was only a day''s time!


    Without much funding!


    He couldn''t go with traditional concepts!


    It couldn''t have blood and gore!


    It must not scare the non-smokers.


    Yet, the key was that it still had to be frightening??


    In Zhang Ye''s mind, he was racing through ideas as he filtered them with the conditions required. Very quickly, a ssic ''quit smoking'' public service announcement from his previous world presented itself to him��it was ad shown on Central TV from his previous world. At that time,pared to many other outstanding and creative quit smoking ads both locally and abroad, it was not the most humorous, nor was it the most interesting, and it did not even have a singr emphasis on creativeness or topic of interest about it. By analyzing the ad''s structure, it did not even seem to fall under the creative advertisement category. Overall, it was very dry and boring ad! But precisely because it was so simple, this quit smoking announcement thatsted for about a dozen seconds without even having a line of narration in it was regarded by most smokers in that previous world of his as the most frightening quit smoking PSA in history. Countless smokers were so scared by that advertisement that, ever since they had watched it, they never took another puff again. This advertisement had at that time caused countless discussions!


    This would be the one!


    It did not even need an outdoor shoot, it had low production fees, did not require much manpower, and was simple to produce!


    Afterparing the dozens of quit smoking PSAs in his mind, Zhang Ye picked this advertisement without any hesitation. He stood up and quickly assigned tasks. "I need two people! Get me at least a thousand cigarettes. Most of the cigarettes can just be the ordinary yellow filter-type cigarette. But I need a hundred that don''t have any clear markings on the filter and should be a solid yellow!"


    "Ah? Solid color filter?"


    "So you mean cigarettes without words and branding on the filter?"


    "What did you mean by that?"


    The first instruction had already left everyone unable to make heads or tails of it.


    Sun Han immediately said, "Old Xu, Brother Hu, may I trouble the two of you in getting what Teacher Zhang needs?"


    Two staff members from another department said, "Sure, since the head told us toe over to help out, we will follow your arrangements ordingly. It''s best if the thousand cigarettes have no markings on the filters? Alright, leave it to us!" The two of them went off to get it done. Since they were both hardcore smokers, they knew exactly which brand of cigarettes to look for.


    Zhang Ye continued, "Next, I need royalty-free background music so that I can use it as I please. The required music must sound gloomy, be slow, and feel sorrowful."


    A youth raised a hand and said, "Let me handle that. It''s my specialty."


    Zhang Ye added, "I will need at least twenty samples of background music. After you have gathered them all,e to me so that I can decide which to use!"


    A middle-aged woman from the advertising department said, "I''ll help with that as well."


    As the office could not amodate so many people, the two of them went off to do their task after getting it.


    Zhang Ye said hastily, "Reserve a recording location for me. As for theputer animation, design, and post-production equipment, get the preparations for those done as well. Everyone get back to their own respective working positions and make sure the tools are essible at any time. Finally, the most important thing. I need a few of you who know 3D modeling, at least five of you, to help arrange these hundreds of cigarettes into the most realistic 3D model of the lung!"

 Chapter 574: Unable to finish?

    <h4>Chapter 574: Unable to finish? </h4>


    Chapter 574 Unable to finish?


    The tasks had been assigned ordingly.


    But everyone was still a little confused.


    Sun Han was a little taken aback. "Using cigarettes to make a 3D model?"


    The old-young-sick-injured group''s Comrade Old said, "And making a lung?"


    "Yes. Everyone please make the most of your time now," Zhang Ye said. "I have to say this beforehand, but whoever can work overtime today, please do so. Also, if there''s nopelling reason, could the four of you from the Public Service Announcement Department stay overnight? I will be staying myself as well, so let''s be prepared to work all the way till morning! This will be a difficult battle as we don''t have much time until the deadline, so we can only sacrifice our rest and sleep!"


    "Alright then."


    "I''m fine with that."


    "I will follow Teacher Zhang''s instructions!"


    The four of them all acknowledged the need to work overtime.


    His request for overtime was actually only directed towards the Public Service Announcement Department employees as the others who came to help with the production still had their basic duties to fulfill at work and it was unfair to ask them to do the same.


    Soon after, everyone started getting busy in the office.


    Lungs?


    Using cigarettes to create a 3D model of lungs?


    No one understood Zhang Ye''s intent nor could they see what this advertisement would be about, but everyone executed their tasks ordingly as given by Zhang Ye. If Sun Han or any other person had given the orders, it might have been possible that not everyone would have put in their full trust and simply followed the instructions. But it was who Zhang Ye stood before them. First was his reputation and fame as a calligrapher, advertiser, literature writer, world ss mathematician, etc, a whole host of titles to his name. Second, everyone knew he had a bad temper; even the neers to the television station felt intimidated. In the group of personnel which hade to help out, there were two people who had just joined the television station this year. When they started, Zhang Ye had already left the station. Even though they had not met or worked together before, they had still heard the countless stories concerning Zhang Ye��when he chased off a guest teacher during the lecture on the Three Kingdoms, his scolding of the leader, beating up the leader''s son and creating trouble during a live broadcast. All of this led to his reputation preceding him. He was a legend to them.


    With a variety of other reasons, many people instinctively feared Zhang Ye, knowing that he would even scold their mothers if it came to such a point!


    "Where''s the machine? Where is it?"


    "Don''t gather around here! It''s too crowded!"


    "Old Zhou, bring the guys and go to table three to work."


    "Someone get me a pen. Mine''s out of ink!"


    The office was filled with the sounds of people working. Zhang Ye did not ck off either. He got Sun Han to bring him to the soundproofed recording studio where the ad would be filmed. By rights, the studio was not booked for the Public Service Announcement Department today, but after getting special approval from the station, Zhang Ye brought along his team to im the recording studio for his own use after some haggling. Although the props were not ready yet, he had already begun outlining the settings as he took a notepad and pen out to do the storyboarding.


    He opened up the game ring to buy a Memory Search Capsule and ate it to speedily find the original ad from his previous world. When he opened his eyes again, Zhang Ye immediately proceeded to draft the storyboard. He divided it into five key panels, sketching it out on the notepad. It was drawn very simply and crudely and looked like something that only Zhang Ye himself would understand. Every panel wasbeled with some numbers, like time durations and other notes. All of this information would help him to better n his production work. Since it was not the first time he was involved in advertisement production, he was familiar with all the tasks and nning involved. As such, he appeared very professional in handling his work.


    "Teacher Zhang, does this background look suitable?"


    "That part won''t do. Use aputer to create the background instead. I need it to look gloomier. Get them ready and don''t forget the smoke effects that need to beposited in. I need more variations of the smoke effects too. This is what both of you specialize in, right? OK, I will tell you in detail how the smoke should look like. It has to appear wispy, a little lighter, not too concentrated��"


    In the blink of an eye, it was already time for lunch.


    Some of them went downstairs to eat lunch while Zhang Ye and many others continued to do their work in the office. When Sun Han saw this, he got someone to order takeout to be delivered over so that everyone could eat.


    Afternoon.


    They finally got their hands on all the cigarettes.


    "Unpack them!"


    "Unpack everything."


    "ce them one by one into this box."


    Zhang Ye had to split his focus, sometimes checking on the progress at the fifth floor office, and at other times, heading to the recording studio to supervise the prop modeling.


    Eventually, the background music was finished and ready. Two staff members brought three mncholic sounding arrangements for Zhang Ye to listen to. But after listening to them, he rejected them all and said, "These aren''t eptable. I''ve already said I want at least 20 pieces of music to pick from. Please try a little harder! I need the music to be even slower!"


    The female staff said, "But there are only these few music pieces in the library that fit the requirements you mentioned."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then don''t get them from the library." He looked at Sun Han and said, "Let the relevant departments in the station help out with this. Compose a piece of suitable music that we can use."


    Sun Han was already sweating from fatigue. "Alright, I will try my best to get them to do so."


    Zhang Ye quickly told him, "Don''t try your best. You need to get it done no matter what. The ad will be a standalone piece and won''t involve any narration, so I don''t think I need to highlight the importance of the background music. The music will unite the whole ad and set its tone. It is the most important piece of the finished product, so we can''t mess this up. Tell the station that we need some technical people to help us out on this. When you find them, let theme look for me. I will exin the requirements in detail to them. If even they can''t do it, then we will pay an externalpany to get it done!"


    Seeing Zhang Ye be so serious, Sun Han also straightened up. "OK, leave it to me!"


    Zhang Ye''s attitude had infected the others and made everyone feel very tense.


    This was who Zhang Ye was. No matter what the issue was, whether it was his own problem or a problem he promised to help someone else with, he would not prioritize one over the other. He was the type of person who would do his best at whatever he did. This attitude of seeking perfection was rooted in his fundamentals since he debuted. He did not like to fool others, and had his own understanding and pursuits, especially when it came to art. Everything else could be discounted, but this was not one of them!


    One hour��


    Three hours��


    Five hours��


    It was already evening and time to clock out.


    Arge group of the staff from the other advertising department had already left. From 3 PM in the afternoon until 7 PM now, people had been gradually leaving and only a handful had voluntarily stayed behind to help out. It was only because Sun Han had spent all day talking and persuading many of them that they did not all leave at once. But this was clearly not a good long-term n. At around 8 or 9 PM at night, many of the television station''s departments had already switched off their lights and left work. The 5 or 6 people from the other departments who had stayed behind to help out could no longer endure it. After working on such a high tension job with a tight deadline for hours on end, who could endure it!?


    They left as well.


    Only Zhang Ye, Sun Han, and his team of the "awesome quartet" stayed behind.


    Zhang Ye was not distracted by any of these issues as he continued to work on the 3D lung model which had already taken shape. He tweaked it a little here and there but was still unsatisfied with how it looked!


    It didn''t seem right!


    It just didn''t feel right!


    The model was very simr to the one that was shown in the PSA from his previous world. The shape looked almost the same but it somehowcked the same feel. This was a model of a pair of lungs that were made from thousands of cigarettes stacked together, but it obviously did not portray the feel of what lungs were like. Zhang Ye turned it around, looking at it from different angles, and even used a camera to test shots of it from multiple perspectives, but it still did not seem right!


    Finally, Zhang Ye discovered the problem!


    There was something wrong with the depthyering! This lung''s arrangement looked too precise from the front! The cigarettes disyed at the front of the lung should have been unevenlyyered, but right now it was just a t surface. It had lost the essence of a three-dimensional object. That''s why it did not have the feel of a lung!


    They were done for!


    A problem cropped up!


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath and couldn''t help admitting that this was a very big error on his part. He had thought too simply of it when he conveyed the requirements to the modelers. As it took time for the model to be assembled, Zhang Ye hadn''t notice this problem earlier. But it seemed like it was toote now as the cigarettes used for modeling the lungs were fixed one-by-one onto a frame with glue. This made it almost impossible to do any modifications to it now as the glue had already dried and the cigarettes were all solidly in ce!


    Sun Han looked at him and asked, "What''s the matter?"


    The employee with the flu said, "Teacher Zhang, what happened?"


    Zhang Ye did not look too good as he exined, "There''s a w in the design. We can''t use this prop anymore. We have to remake it!" This demonstrated how difficult it was to create an advertisement, because the tasks thought to be simple and easy to execute would sometimes turn out to be utterly difficult. It would have to be done all over again, and sometimes, it wasn''t even as simple as redoing it once!


    Old: "Ah?"


    Young: "What?"


    Sick: "This��this looks quite good though."


    Injured: "Yeah, what''s wrong with this?"


    The four of them were dumbfounded.


    It was getting sote already. Midnight was soon approaching. They had spent the entire morning and afternoon rushing, but now it looked like their hard work for the entire day had gone to waste?


    Zhang Ye said, "We will redo this!"


    Everyone was in despair now. They knew it was over, that this task would not bepleted on time. A day was indeed not enough. Up until now, they still did not know what the ad would look like. But more importantly, the only prop to be used for the ad was even facing a design w? Wasn''t this adding fuel to fire!


    Sun Han also nched. "The modelers have already left. H-h-how will we be able to remake this now? Besides, we''ve run out of cigarettes too. We wasted quite a lot of them when we were creating this model! Why don''t we just make do and use this to finish our task first!"


    Zhang Ye shook his head and said, "That won''t do. Even if we use this model for the shoot, it won''t have the desired effect. I know everyone is tired, but let''s endure a little more!"


    The intern girl clenched her teeth and said, "I''ll go get the cigarettes! I know this brand and I''ve seen it at the 24-hour convenience store downstairs!"


    The other staff members meanwhile continued busying themselves with work but it was obvious they had also felt the despair because of this problem, and were no longer holding out much hope for the project. So many of them had spent the entire day and night to make this model of the lungs, but there were only a few of them left now, and they felt totally drained and tired. Further, the modelers had left the office as well, so what else could they do? They couldn''t even finish if they pulled an all-nighter, right?

 Chapter 575: Tempting Fate!

    <h4>Chapter 575: Tempting Fate! </h4>


    Chapter 575 Tempting Fate!


    At midnight.


    The digital clock in the recording studio beeped to signal the time.


    The cigarettes that were meant for the reconstruction of the model were brought back to the office as well. The awesome quartet had just started unpacking the cigarettes from their packs. Without the manpower from the morning and afternoon to help out, even the simple task of opening the packs to take the cigarettes out had taken them a long time to do. The more packs they opened, the more dispirited and tired they became.


    Zhang Ye took a cig from the pile.


    Sun Han lighted it for him then took one for himself as well.


    At this time, Sun Han''s phone rang. He answered the call and said, "Hello, Brother Chen��.Has it been recorded already? Alright, alright. Thanks, you guys��.OK��OK. I''ll definitely treat everyone to a meal, definitely!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "The background music isplete?"


    Sun Han used the software in the recording studio to retrieve the music files. "Two of my friends from the stationpleted it after working overtime. There. I''ve received the files. Have a listen and see if they''re alright. I think they''ve created them ording to your requirements."


    There were a total of 3 pieces of background music.


    When Zhang Ye heard the first one, he rejected it. When he heard the second piece, his eyes narrowed and he said, "Good, this will be the one! I don''t need to listen to the third one anymore!"


    Sun Han heaved a sigh of relief. "That''s good then, at least we havepleted one task, but the others��"


    Zhang Ye and Sun Han turned their heads and looked over to the few of them at the other side opening cigarette packs and taking out cigarettes. The oldest one of them was already lying down horizontally across a few chairs, the injured one with a cast was also reclining in a chair and had fallen asleep while nodding his head, looking like he would fall of the chair at any time.


    Sun Han said, "I''ll wake them up!"


    "Forget it." Zhang Ye stopped him and looked at the others. "Everyone has been battling hard for more than 12 hours now. Even if they were ironmen, they wouldn''t be able to bear it. If they''re tired, just let them rest."


    The staff member who had the flu clutched his forehead and said, "Brother Sun, Teacher Zhang, I can''t take it anymore too. I''m sick and feel crazy dizzy." He stood up to excuse himself. He looked like he wasn''t even unable to stand properly.


    The intern girl was also at her limits, her eyelids drooping as she tried to battle her fatigue.


    If they had been able to finish up everything just now, they might have been able to hang on a little more. But the problem now was that there was an issue with the prop and they were only several hours away from the morning deadline. They knew they couldn''t make it in time. Exhaling theirst breath of hope, their spirits were crushed as weariness took overpletely.


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "Go and rest."


    The girl said, "I will just nap for half an hour. Then I''ll be able to work again."


    Zhang Ye looked at Sun Han who was also trying to hold out and told him, "You too. Go and rest."


    "What about you?" Sun Han did not move.


    Zhang Ye stamped on and extinguished his cigarette, then said, "Don''t worry about me. I once recorded a program for more than 12 hours without stopping, so don''t try to keep up with me like this."


    Sun Han waved his hands and said, "That won''t do. If you aren''t going to rest, then I''ll stay up together with you. Just let me know whatever you need me to help you with. It was already quite unsuitable that I called you to help us with this in the first ce, so how could I leave you to work while I sleep? That doesn''t make sense." He was about to light another cigarette to wake himself up a little more.


    "Don''t smoke anymore." Zhang Ye said without exining. "You can go and nap for half an hour as well. I can see that you''re feeling dizzy too. If you try to help out with the modeling, which requires steady hands, it''ll be more troublesome if you''re feeling dizzy. You won''t be able to do much in your state, so go on and rest. I will wake you up in a bit."


    Sun Han thought over the suggestion and could only reply, "Then��Alright, I''ll get 30 minutes of shuteye. Remember to wake us up."


    Zhang Ye nodded.


    Sun Han then found a corner and pulled over a few chairs, cing them close together before lying down on them. He had only closed his eyes for a few seconds before he started snoring. He was that tired.


    When Zhang Ye saw they had all fallen asleep, he went over to the intern girl to cover her with a jacket, afraid she would catch a cold. Although he said that he would wake them up in 30 minutes, he wasn''t actually nning on doing so. They were already at their limits, whether it be physically or technically. Whatever work there was left, he was better off doing himself. He would just do whatever he could since he was used to working overtime anyway, and still had the strength to go on.


    Let''s get started then.


    Zhang Ye walked over to the model frame and started to affix the cigarettes one by one. The previous design w had taught him a lesson and he already knew what the problem was, so he was sure that he wouldn''t make the same mistake again. And so, using the wed model as a guide, Zhang Ye started stacking up and affixing the cigarettes to a new frame again. It looked almost the same as the earlier model, except that it had ayering effect in the depth of the cigarettes. For example, the bottom of the lungs shouldn''t stick out as muchpared to the middle. With this added depth, it made the model appear three dimensional. Even though it was simple to exin, when it came to making the model, it was still a veryplex operation. His hands needed to be very steady to make sure the cigarettes stuck well on the first try. Once the glue dried, there was no way to move it again. When that was done, he had to put another cigarette on top of the other. He did every step carefully.


    One cig.


    Ten cigs��


    A hundred cigs��


    Again and again.


    Two hours passed.


    Sun Han and the others were all sound asleep. Two of them were even snoring loudly, creating quite a good rhythm between themselves.


    At 2 AM in the morning, Zhang Ye suddenly felt light-headed and started seeing spots in his vision. His hand were shaking so badly that a cigarette he was holding dropped to the floor. He also lost his bnce for a second!


    He was at his limits!


    He could not hang on any longer!


    Zhang Ye quickly drank a sip of water as his face turned pale. What should he do? There was no time left, but should he just give up like that? Just throw it aside so it would be out of his hands? How could he do that! If he hadn''t promised them, it wouldn''t have mattered to him. But he had already promised Hu Fei that he would do it, so how couldn''t he finish it! He had to be credible!


    He was getting increasingly tired and sleepy by the second!


    Even for an ironman like Zhang Ye, he could not continuously focus with such intensity on a task for 13 or 14 hours straight. There were also times where he would feel tired as well.


    Oh yes, there''s that!


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye remembered an item he had gotten from the lottery draw thest time. Other than the 1-Up and Fruit of Agility, he had also drawn 20 bottles of Strength Potion. Based on his experience with using the Health Potion and getting healed when he was involved in a fight with Wang Shuixin''s son at Beijing Television Station, he felt that the Strength Potion would also let him regain his strength in the same way. He wondered if it would be useful in this situation!


    He opened the inventory menu to retrieve a bottle of Strength Potion and gulped it down quickly.


    The next moment, he felt a warm stream of energy surging from within and his blood flow seemingly increasing throughout this body. Zhang Ye''s eyes brightened up as he balled his fists knowing that the potion had taken effect immediately. He recovered much of his strength and perked up again!


    He continued to work!


    121 cigs!


    122 cigs!


    Aiya, this one was a little out of ce! He quickly removed and carefully stuck it on again!


    144 cigs!


    In the entire recording studio, he was the only one busy working.


    ����


    Outside.


    The corridor had several sections where the fluorescent lights were dimmed. Other than the departments on duty, the whole building of the television station was almost fully dark. There were not many lights on in the silence of the night.


    5 AM.


    It was almost daybreak.


    At the end of the corridor, some footsteps thudded.


    "Station Head, I''m sorry we had to trouble you and make youe down here in the middle of the night over some small issues."


    "If it has the potential to affect the television broadcast, then it is no small issue."


    "You''re right. This is my fault. I did not make the staff to get the equipment ready in advance."


    "Hur hur, it''s fine. Has it been fixed?"


    "Yes, it''s been fixed. The signal will restart in a short while."


    "Alrighty then."


    "You should hurry and go back to get some rest."


    "I''m not going back again. I no longer feel tired."


    A man and a woman were walking from a distance away.


    The man who was in his forties looked like he was an assistant.


    The woman was an olddy in herte fifties with a headful of white hair which did not look dirty or messy. Her short hair was neat and permed, making her look very spirited. Suddenly, the olddy spotted something ahead. "Oh, why are the lights on over there? That''s the recording studio, isn''t it? There''s still someone doing a recording at this time?"


    The middle-aged assistant was stunned. "That can''t be. Maybe they forgot to switch off the lights? Who would be recording a program in the middle of the night?"


    When the two of them approached, they saw that doors to the recording studio were left opened. Peeking in casually, they saw 4 or 5 people lying down on some chairs and a young man who was still awake. He seemed fully focused on a strangely shaped model, a pile of cigarettes at the side, though they did not know what he was doing.


    The olddy asked curiously, "That kid looks familiar. Is he Zhang Ye?"


    The middle-aged assistant was taken aback but replied, "That''s him. Why is he��Oh, I know. Our station''s ''quit smoking'' PSA was withdrawn from airing. But since today is the World No Tobo Day, and we were unable toe up with another ad in time, I heard that someone had requested that Zhang Yee and help save the situation. He has been here since yesterday morning handling the ad''s production." He had heard about Zhang Ye''s time at the station from others. After all, Zhang Ye was one of the top C-list celebrities and was closely rted with the television station due to the many incidents between them. Of course his presence at the station would not be kept hidden. Many people had even been talking about him yesterday during work.


    The olddy said, "He started yesterday morning?"


    The middle-aged assistant nodded. "When I came to work in the evening, I saw him busy working at the Advertising Department."


    "It''s almost the next morning now." The olddy nced at her watch.


    The middle-aged assistant anxiously replied, "Yes, why is Zhang Ye still working now? It''s just him? He has been working continuously for thest 20 hours? Even a god wouldn''t be able to take it! He''s really risking his life for this!" He also knew that the station''s quit smoking advertisement had been withdrawn and that they were in trouble. But even so, why would he tempt fate this way by working for 20 hours straight? And you''re the only one left to do all the work? You��just what are you thinking!


    The olddy asked, "How much did we pay him to take this urgent job?"


    The middle-aged assistant gave a wry smile and said, "I think��nothing? He was asked by one of our satellite channel''s producers to do a favor for the station. I heard from them that Zhang Ye did not ask for a single cent."


    The olddy asked again to confirm, "Volunteering?"


    "I suppose so," the middle-aged assistant answered ambiguously. Voluntary? Was there anyone who would tempt fate for a voluntary job! If something happened to you while you were incredibly tired, would it be worth it? Afraid that the station head had forgotten some past issues, he added, "Ever since Wang Shuixin''s incident, Zhang Ye''s rtionship with the station hasn''t been that good anymore. It was Deputy Station Head Wan who signed the letter firing Zhang Ye, so because of that, his rtionship with us became quite bad. I''m still wondering why he agreed to help the station in this matter. He''s even doing it so earnestly��" He spoke such, still unable to wrap his head around what was going on.


    The olddy smiled and said, "I''ve heard a lot about this Zhang Ye, but this is the first time I''ve seen him at the station. From what you''ve just told me, I find that man quite interesting." She paused for a moment. "Go on ahead, Little Wu. You still have some work to do, so there''s no need to keep apanying me."


    The middle-aged assistant said, "Station Head, what about you?"


    A sparkle of curiosity glimmering in her eyes, the olddy said, "I''m going to stroll around a bit."

 Chapter 576: Ad finished!

    <h4>Chapter 576: Ad finished! </h4>


    Chapter 576 Ad finished!


    It was past 5 AM.


    The effects of the Strength Potion was already wearing off. Although he had recovered quite a bit of strength in the middle of the night, that did not mean it wouldn''t be used up. Zhang Ye was starting to yawn continuously but kept pinching his brows with his fingers to keep himself up so that he could continue sticking the cigarettes onto the prop.


    One cig.


    Another cig.


    Just a little more!


    Nearly there! Almost done!


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye glimpsed the silhouette of a person who had appeared beside him at some point, which ended up sending shivers down his spine. He half screamed, "Woah!"


    It was an amiable looking olddy with a headful of white hair.


    Xu Yuhong said with a smile, "Did I give you a fright?"


    Zhang Ye said casually, "I did get frightened since you didn''t even make a sound when you walked in."


    "It''s not that I didn''t make a sound, but rather because you were perhaps too focused," said Xu Yuhong.


    "That''s true." Zhang Ye continued his work and said, "But it was a good fright. I was almost unable to hold off my sleepiness any longer, but I''m good now since you got me there."


    Xu Yuhong asked, "Why are you not resting?"


    Zhang Ye looked at the cigarette in his hand before sticking it on, and answered her without turning to face her, "I would''ve slept if I could''ve. The problem here is that I can''t since there''s still a bunch of work that''s waiting for me to finish. Which department are you from?"


    Xu Yuhong spoke, "Me? I''m from upstairs."


    Zhang Ye said, "From the Equipment Department? Are you working overtime or did you just get to work?"


    Xu Yuhong smiled. "I''ve just arrived. You could say that I have an early shift today."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then it must be hard on you. You haven''t retired yet?"


    Xu Yuhong sighed, "I can''t retire yet, but I''ve still got some strength left in me. Besides, my grandchildren are still depending on me to raise them."


    Zhang Ye said, "You still have some strength? At your age, you should be rxing instead."


    Xu Yuhongughed. "I''m still healthy and in good shape."


    "Really?" Zhang Ye looked at her.


    Xu Yuhong nodded. "I just did a checkup at the beginning of the year. I''m as good as you young''uns."


    Zhang Ye pped and said, "You''re that healthy? That''s good then. Aunty, quick. Since you''re here for work early and have nothing to do yet, do you see this box here? Help me take the cigarettes out one by one. When I glue one onto this model here, you pass a new one to me." Having said so, he had already designated a task for the olddy. "It''d be nice if you just took it out lightly and not squeeze it until it gets bent. Thanks, Aunty. I''ll buy you a meal sometime. I''m afraid that I won''t have enough time toplete this if I do it by myself. This task is really urgent!"


    Xu Yuhong was stunned. "Huh?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Please, Aunty."


    Xu Yuhong said, "��Sure." She was tickled by what was happening here. She bowed over to take a cigarette out of the box, and gave it to him. "You''re Zhang Ye, right? I''ve heard that you don''t have a terribly good rtionship with Beijing Television Station. This is their problem, so why are you so bothered about it?"


    Zhang Ye took the cigarette from her and stuck it onto the model. "Heh, I''m not doing this for the television station. It''s just Beijing Television Station, what''s it got to do with me? If they were the ones who looked for me to help them, I wouldn''t have cared even if they offered to pay me. This bro''s advertisement productions cannot be bought by just money alone."


    Xu Yuhong nced at him and offered the next cigarette to him. "Then why?"


    Zhang Ye said matter-of-factly, "For a friend. Brother Hu was the one who brought me into the television industry. Back when I had offended the radioworks and had no ce to go, Brother Hu helped me by roping me into Beijing Television Station. It was right here that I managed to have a program of my own and raise my name. Do you think I would forget about it? Just a call from Brother Hu and I would agree to help him no matter what. There are some favors that one must repay no matter what. Moreover, I did not ask for a single cent from Beijing Television Station. Do you know why? Because I''m repaying the love I have for the station. That''s why I agreed to take on this project. If I don''t ept any money from them and in turn do them a favor, then I will no longer owe the station anything. I will have paid my dues. It doesn''t matter if others care about this or know about this at all. As long as I''mfortable with myself, it''s good enough. I''m the kind of person who others may let down, but I must never let others down!"


    Xu Yuhong narrowed her eyes and said, "So you still have some love for the station?"


    Zhang Ye casually remarked, "I''m a born and bred Beijinger too. Since childhood, I''ve watched the programs on this station, so even if I say that I don''t have any feelings for it, I doubt anyone would believe me. But what happenedter definitely made me a little bitter. It''s aplicated matter, yeah, but it''s already in the past."


    Xu Yuhong continued handing him the cigarettes as she said, "There isn''t much time left till tomorrow''s final approval deadline, right? You haven''t evenpleted the prop yet and you''re talking about recording the ad? It''s almost dawn. I doubt you''ll be able to finish it. Forget it. Why don''t you drop what you''re doing and let''s sit down to have a chat." She turned to look for a chair.


    Zhang Ye said, "Heh, didn''t you say you were in good health? That you were as good as us young''uns? But you''ve just been here for a short time and you''re already feeling tired? Don''t tell me you were just boasting?"


    Xu Yuhong: "������."


    Zhang Ye said, "Aunty, help me for a little longer, won''t you. A healthy lifestyle depends on exercise and this isn''t even be considered heavy lifting. It''s good for your body to move about and around."


    "There''s definitely not enough time," Xu Yuhong said helplessly.


    Zhang Ye said with determination, "There''s definitely enough time."


    Xu Yuhong raised her hand and showed it to Zhang Ye. "Look at the time yourself."


    Zhang Ye still smiled, and then said, "I don''t need to see. There''s definitely enough time."


    Xu Yuhong asked, "Why are you so sure?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Because I promised a friend I would do it. Besides, this ad doesn''t involve me alone, so there can''t be any mishaps. I''ve already made the promise, so I must carry it out. Would I have any face left otherwise? When Brother Hu helped mest time, he did not make any excuses or exploit me by taking advantage of my situation. Besides, I''m still full of energy now, so how can I just drop it like that? Even at the eleventh hour, I must do it even if I have to pay for it with my life!"


    Xu Yuhong looked at him, then walked back again and took out another cigarette to pass to him. "You haven''t slept in 24 hours already, right? You''re tempting fate now. Are you sure you can handle it?"


    "Yes." Zhang Ye''s tone was very light but also quite determined.


    Xu Yuhong acknowledged him and said, "Then I will help you all the way to the end."


    One cig followed by another.


    As he chatted with another person, Zhang Ye did not feel as sleepy anymore. The number of mistakes he made due tock of concentration was also reduced. With every movement, he became more familiar with the repetitive motions which also helped speed things up.


    91%!


    93%!


    96%!


    Finally, the 3D model of the pair of lungs wasplete!


    Zhang Ye did not know what time it was nor did he bother to check. After hepleted the model, he anxiously did a 360-degree check for any problems before also taking a camera and recording the full structure of the prop once over!


    Finished!


    Perfect!


    Xu Yuhong looked at the model. "Is this a model of a pair of lungs? How are you intending to make this ad? The quit smoking ads these days are all quite simr. How can there still be any fresh ideas?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "You''ll know when the video is done."


    Xu Yuhong contemted for a moment before saying, "What I''m curious about right now is how you intend to use the 3D model. You''ve spent so much effort to make this with pure manpower? Why didn''t you use CGI instead? Why didn''t you make aputer model? Isn''t that more convenient? After you''vepleted the model, don''t you still have to digitize it for the final shot?"


    Zhang Ye was already setting up the video camera, "That''s different. Aputer is not everything. Some effects can only be realistically shown by using an actual item!"


    All preparations done!


    He switched on the camera and started recording!


    He started off with a shot from the front, zooming in slowly. Next, for the partial shots, he experimented with many different angles to capture the footage. Even though Zhang Ye was not a professional camera operator, he still knew some of the skills. Besides, the ad footage was really simple to begin with since it did not involve any people nor any narration. There was just this prop model of a pair of lungs, so it didn''t need a real professional camera operator to record the footage. It was a piece of cake!


    After the initial shots were filmed, it was time for a more troublesome step. It was a long continuous take, so there couldn''t be any hups. If he got it wrong, it would be a disaster as he would then need to build a new model again to reshoot the footage. After thinking about it for a while, Zhang Ye had a stroke of genius. He decided that he would experiment on the previously wed model first.


    He retrieved some props he had gotten others to prepare for him earlier and thenid out the storyboard he had "nned" to identify three ignition points on the 3D model pair of lungs. He then began. He first lit a part of it to test the self-assembled inhaling mechanism. It seemed to not work too well at first, so he made some adjustments after which everything went smoothly. Then he lit the second and third spots. All three ignition points were supposed to have different amounts of cigarettes that had to be lit and could not be the same as the others. Some needed two cigarettes to be lit while another spot needed ten.


    10 minutester, the test run was done.


    Xu Yuhong, observing the whole process, had gradually revealed an amazed expression. "Little Zhang, I think I know what effect you''re trying to achieve."


    Zhang Ye was getting a little nervous at this point. "The next one will be the actual recording. I have to get it right in one take."


    Xu Yuhong went up to him and said, "Let me help you with the camera. You look inexperienced and probably don''t know how to operate it." She ced her hand on the equipment and switched some controls with a few clicks and cks, pressing some buttons and then adjusting the screens, her actions not understood by Zhang Ye, but were definitely those of a professional.


    Zhang Ye''s eyes brightened. "Aunty, I''m depending on you then."


    Xu Yuhong smiled and said, "Just pay attention to what you''re doing over there and leave the rest to me."


    Zhang Ye reminded her, "You better not miss the shot."


    "Don''t worry."


    "Don''t forget to press the record button."


    "��I won''t forget to do that."


    "Are you really going to be OK?"


    "��Are you going to light it or not?"


    "Yes."


    Zhang Ye gave a few more worried looks before finally kindling the fire. He was being very careful. At this moment, he held his breath, knowing that all the hard work in the past 24 hours was for this one take!


    The fire lit!


    The three ignition spots started to burn!


    Xu Yuhong adjusted the lenses, slowly changing focus while signaling with her hand.


    Seeing that, Zhang Ye pressed button on the self-assembled inhaling mechanism and the ignited spots burned brighter, adding a more dramatic feel to the burning sequence. Inhale. The ignited spots burned brighter. Inhale again. The ignited points burned brighter again!


    Soon after, the recording waspleted!


    Zhang Ye quickly ran over to check out the finished product. When he saw that the olddy had perfectly recorded everything he had wanted, he couldn''t conceal his excitement any longer. He retrieved the recorded footage and quickly went into a workstation to do the post-production! Most of the remaining work was done earlier by the technical staff from the Advertising Department. All he needed to do now was put them together!


    Zhang Ye furiously tapped away at theputer. His capabilities inwork technology needed no mentioning. After all he was the famous "2", a globally wanted hacker. But when it came to ordinary technical skills like 3D object maniption, they were not something he dared tter himself on. He was only as good as the typical student doing a nonputer rted major.


    Seeing his clumsy handling, Xu Yuhong couldn''t help but say, "Come on, let me do it instead."


    "You even know how to do this?" Zhang Ye was a little stunned.


    Xu Yuhong smiled and replied, "I worked as a reporter, an editor, and many other rted jobs in the television industry when I was young. Although I don''t use them often, my basics still exist. So this won''t trouble me at all. Just sit down beside me and tell me what your concept is. You are the supervisor while I edit it ording to your concept."


    Zhang Ye thought to himself, wondering why an olddy who was in charge of equipment would be so versatile and talented in so many areas??

 Chapter 577: This old lady is the Station Head?

    <h4>Chapter 577: This olddy is the Station Head? </h4>


    Chapter 577 This olddy is the Station Head?


    Morning, 7 AM.


    The sun had risen.


    The day shift hosts, cleaners, and others were trickling in for work. The various departments in Beijing Television Station were starting a new day. Each department''s offices lighted up.


    ����


    In the recording studio.


    Zhang Ye put away the props and equipment one by one and cleared the room. There were still other teams who needed to use the recording studio afterwards as they had only booked the studio until 8 AM. This was why he made space for them by clearing his team''s stuff away. After more or less cleaning the studio, Zhang Ye sat down in a chair feeling totally exhausted. He felt as though his hands and feet did not physically belong to him anymore. Yet as he sat there, his eyes did not show a hint of tiredness. In fact, they even gleamed brightly because he hadpleted what others thought was an impossible task!


    Finished!


    The ad production had beenpleted!


    Zhang Ye turned to the side and said, "Aunty, I just want to thank you for all your help. I''ll let the team know to put in a good word for you and give you the credit you deserve for helping out in the production of this ad. Hopefully, the Equipment Department people will give you a promotion as well, ha."


    Xu Yuhong smiled and said, "There''s no need for that."


    "Of course I need to. You''ve been such a great help," Zhang Ye insisted.


    Xu Yuhong shook her head. "I can''t be promoted anymore."


    Zhang Ye said, "Yo, you''ve offended someone upstairs too? Who did you offend?"


    Xu Yuhong said in amusement, "I should be asking you instead. Who did I offend?"


    "Then why can''t an old employee like you who oversees the equipment get promoted? They should at least give you a pay raise. Don''t be bothered by me. I will definitely help you get a raise. Although I may not have a good rtionship with the station and my personal rtionships with people are also kind of poor, a small matter like that won''t be an issue." Zhang Ye said, "Besides, you''re an olddy with such well-rounded technical skills while at the same time so versatile and talented. It''s such a waste staying in the Equipment Department."


    Xu Yuhongughed lightly. "Thank you for your praise."


    Suddenly, the snoring nearby stopped.


    Sun Han woke and quickly sat up in his chair. His first instinct was to look at his watch, but when he saw the time, he was stunned. He eximed loudly, "Aiyo! It''s almost 8 AM!"


    With this loud voice shouting for all to hear, the others were also roused.


    The old-young-sick-injured quartet who were just transitioning from waking up were also freaked out by this!


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "It''s morning already?"


    "You, why didn''t you wake us up!"


    "Yeah, didn''t you say you''d rouse us after 30 minutes!?"


    Even though Sun Han and his team knew that if the ad was notpleted on time, they would receive some form rather heavy punishment while Beijing Television Station would also face a hefty fine or a warning from the authorities. But punishment was just punishment. However, attitude was something else. If Zhang Ye was willing toe volunteer and help out for free without even getting any rest, then how did they deserve to rest for a good six to seven hours? It did not seem right at all.


    But Zhang Ye did not make much of it and just said, "It''s fine. I saw that you were all really tired. And since you guys wouldn''t be able to help much even if you were awake, I decided not to wake you all up."


    Sun Han looked apologetic. "With the deadline we were facing, yet we still��"


    The intern girl was also flushed from embarrassment. "We are so sorry, Teacher Zhang. We made you do all the work by yourself. Have you been working all this time without rest since midnight?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I can still take it. I''m used to working overtime anyway."


    Although the ad could not bepleted, Sun Han was also thoroughly convinced by Zhang Ye about this matter. There were stories about Zhang Ye and his incidents that were talked about within the station. It was known that he had always been a very disputed character. There were also a lot of criticisms of him, but when face-to-face and having interacted with Zhang Ye directly, Sun Han realized that Zhang Ye was totally different from hearsay or his preconceived notions. From just this incident alone, it could be seen that Zhang Ye was a person who valued friendship a lot. When his ex-leader called him and requested his help, he immediately got down to working, and did so for 24 hours straight without rest or any grumbling. Even though the ad was not finished, he had still tried his best till the very end. Sun Han felt that if he had a friend like Zhang Ye, he would surely be considered a lucky person.


    "Sorry, Teacher Zhang. We made you work so hard for nothing." Before he could finish saying what he wanted, Sun Han suddenly caught sight of someone in the corner of his eye. It was an olddy!


    Eh?


    Why does this person look so familiar?


    Suddenly, Sun Han wore an expression of shock. "��Station Head!?"


    The old-young-sick-injured quartet also saw her and called out in unison, "Station Head!"


    When Zhang Ye heard this greeting, he suddenly felt as though he did not understand what the situation was. Dammit! What the hell is this? Station Head? What station head? Her? This olddy??


    Xu Yuhongughed for a bit and said, "Good morning. All of you have worked hard."


    Sun Han quickly answered, "It''s nothing, it''s nothing. This is our job. What��what brought you here?"


    Xu Yuhong said, "Me? I was just passing by; it''s nothing important. I''m going back now." After that, she did not say anything else and just strolled out of the recording studio.


    Only to leave Zhang Ye staring with his eyes and mouth wide open at the olddy''s retreating image!


    The leader of Beijing Television Station, Station Head Xu Yuhong��that was her??


    Zhang Ye was of course not unfamiliar with this name since he had heard it before. But as he had never seen her before, he could never have expected that the olddy from the "Equipment Department" he had been dealing with was in fact the Station Head of Beijing Television Station. But didn''t she mention something about working upstairs? Thinking about it now, it wasn''t just the equipment room upstairs. The upstairs of upstairs of upstairs of upstairs was exactly where the the station head''s office was at! F**k! No wonder! No wonder this olddy was so well-versed in using theputer and even knew all those technical skills among other things. If he had thought about it earlier, he should have known that she couldn''t possibly be someone who took care of the equipment! An olddy at that age, how could she have had so much knowledge onplex issues like these? How could she have such strong learning capability? She definitely must have been from one of the early batches of university students in China! Being a university student at that time was a very different concept to the current university student. Anyone who was good enough to qualify for university at that era was definitely a rarity, a (wo)man amongst dragons and phoenixes. They were surely not your typical everyday people. Even if they didn''t do too well, they couldn''t possibly be relegated to only taking care of the equipment, right?


    Good god!


    The person he ordered around for several hours to do menial jobs turned out to be the highest-ranking leader in all of Beijing Television Station? He had been making the station head do things for him? He had been instructing her to do this and that all this while? Oh, in the whole of the television station, no, in any industry, no one else would have dared to do that!


    When Zhang Ye remembered that he even mentioned that he would put in a good word for her to get her a pay raise, even he couldn''t help but find it amusing. The sry of a station head was decided by the country, so how could he even have a say in something like that!


    How mean!


    That olddy was truly too mean!


    When the station head left, Sun Han immediately felt morefortable and quickly asked, "Teacher Zhang, why did the station heade over here? Was she here to supervise the quit smoking ad production?"


    "Ah, yes." Zhang Ye said ambiguously. He was definitely too ashamed to tell them that he had been ordering her about for the past three hours.


    Sun Han and the awesome quartet all looked at each other, thinking that they were surely done for this time. Even the Station Head had attached such importance to this PSA and they had yet to finish it. They were definitely going to get into trouble this time!


    Zhang Ye said, "Let''s pack up and go back to the office for now."


    As their things had already been sorted, everyone just took a box and carried them upstairs.

 Chapter 578: Petrified!

    <h4>Chapter 578: Petrified! </h4>


    Chapter 578: Petrified!


    At the television station.


    On the fifth floor where the Advertising Department was located.


    The "World No Tobo Day" public service announcement was expected to be released around noon, so the deadline was between 8 and 9 AM. They were to submit the end result for approval. Only after that would the ad be allowed to be broadcast on TV. Hence, at this moment, there were already two leaders from Advertising Department waiting there. This was a first time ''public service announcement crisis'' for Beijing Television Station. Because of this, those two were anxiously waiting for the Public Service Announcement Department to submit the finished product.


    "Where are they?"


    "Why aren''t they here yet?"


    "Are they at the recording studio?"


    "Are they still recording?"


    "It''s over. They won''t make it on time."


    Some staff members of the Advertising Department who had helped out yesterday afternoon deliberately arrived at work earlier to see if there was anything more they could do to help. When they saw that there was no one in the office and sensed the atmosphere, they felt that they were probably not needed anymore, since there was probably nothing they could do anyway.


    Sun Han carried a box and proceeded upstairs.


    "Little Sun." One of the Advertising Department''s deputy heads said anxiously, "How''d it go? Everyone is waiting for the ad. Did you guys manage toplete it?"


    The deputy director of the Advertising Department asked with a serious face, "Is it not finished?"


    Sun Han sighed and answered, "Leader, I''m sorry, it''s my fault."


    The deputy director''s expression changed and said, "Didn''t I send over a lot of help yesterday? Why did it still��never mind." As he spoke, his tone also calmed. As a leader of an advertising agency, he certainly knew how much time and effort was required to produced an ad. Even with a day''s time, a roughly put together advertisement would be difficult to produce, even more so for an advertisement that had to be reshot to fit the new regtions. Before they had started on this project, everyone had already believed that this was an impossible task. This was a project that no advertisingpany wanted to take on. So no one had actually ced much hope on it beingpleted. Now that it hadn''t been, it was stillpletely within reason.


    The intern girl who had followed them upstairs said, "Teacher Zhang has already tried his best and had worked without sleep for 24 hours!" Most people would probably be able to survive without sleep for a whole day and night, but one prerequisite was the absence of physical and mental exertion. Justpare watching movies that interest you for 24 hours straight while taking breaks to work for a bit, versus working intensively for 24 hours straight. These two were totally different notions simr to the difference between heaven and earth.


    When the people from the Advertising Department heard that, they drew a deep breath.


    "24 hours just to battle against the deadline?"


    "Zhang Ye really risked his life for this!"


    "Hai, it wasn''t easy for Zhang Ye either."


    "No one could''vepleted this task since the time given was too short."


    "We''re done for. We''ll surely get fined this time."


    "When the media starts to report on this, the reputation of Beijing Television Station will surely be affected. It feels like these new policies were targeted at us."


    "Stop grumbling. Just count ourselves unlucky."


    "If we had another day''s time, there might''ve still been some hope."


    "Don''t say anymore, hai. We''ve already done our best."


    "Yeah, we did all that we could''ve done. If we can''tplete it, then that''s that. It''s life."


    The people from the Advertising Department were ready to disperse.


    When the person in charge of submitting the ad for approval saw this, he also sighed and turned to leave with the other leaders.


    But right at this point, Zhang Ye came upstairs. Noticing everyone''s behavior, he felt very surprised and said, "Huh, why are there so many people here? What''s the matter? Where''re you guys going?"


    The person in charge of the approval processforted him by saying, "Teacher Zhang, thanks for your effort. When we were faced with such a difficult situation, you still came back to help us." He had worked with him before, during the electricity conservation public service announcement. Even though they did not know each other very well, they had still spoken a little before.


    Sun Han also said, "Thank you."


    It wasn''t known when Hu Fei had arrived, but when he did, he walked straight up to Zhang Ye and said, "Little Zhang, you''ve already done your best."


    Zhang Ye was nearly confused by them, and didn''t know how to respond. Then he said, "What are you all talking about? When did I say I didn''t finish the ad?"


    The intern girl was shocked. "Ah?"


    Sun Han blinked a few times and said, "Weren''t there some problems with the prop?"


    "There was." Zhang Yeughed. "But overnight, Ipleted another prop which met the requirements. Oh, aren''t you already carrying it in that box in your hands? Didn''t I already state that since I''d agreed to handle this project, I would make sure that it would bepleted and done to its best? So why did you all think that I wouldn''t finish it?"


    Hu Fei said in surprise, "What?"


    Sun Han was overwhelmed with excitement and said, "You, you did it all by yourself?"


    "Not only that." Zhang Ye said confidently, "In fact, it is also the version I am most satisfied with. At least I feel that it is hard to find fault with."


    The deputy director of the Advertising Department quickly asked, "Where is it?"


    Zhang Ye waved theptop in his hand around.


    "Quick, let''s have a look at it!" The leader also had not expected that he would really manage to do it.


    Everyone walked to the office where there was a proper projector and disy screen equipment.


    Suddenly, there were seven or eight peopleing over from the opposite side. When everyone took a look at who it was, they were surprised to see Station Head Xu Yuhong, walking over along with two station leaders and staff members from the Station Head''s office.


    The station leaders wereing!


    "Station Head!" everyone quickly greeted.


    Xu Yuhong smiled and asked, "Is the final version of the ad ready?"


    The deputy director of the Advertising Department said, "Teacher Zhang Ye said that it''s finished. We were just going to have a look at it. If it''s good enough, we''ll send it for approval and then arrange the broadcast."


    Xu Yuhong nodded. "OK, let''s watch it together then."


    As even the station head had joined them, when the director of the Advertising Department and many other leaders of the other departments learned of it, they also hurried over to join them. The whole station''s middle and upper management team, together with the people from the Advertising Department were all gathered in arge office, seated and waiting for the showing of the PSA.


    Zhang Ye nced at Xu Yuhong and nodded to her.


    Xu Yuhong smiled lightly and nodded back at him.


    Zhang Ye tested the equipment, then connected the signal feed. As it was necessary to hook up the amplifier as well, he tinkered with the configuration for a few minutes.


    While everyone sat there waiting, a station leader asked for permission from Xu Yuhong, and seeing her give nod of approval, he lit a cigarette. A few of the other leaders who were also heavy smokers also secretly lit their cigarettes.


    A whileter.


    With the background music drifting out from the speakers, the PSA began!


    "It''s beginning!"


    "Everyone, quiet!"


    "Put your cell phones on silent."


    Everyone stared at the big screen not blinking, curious to see the final product. Although Zhang Ye had imed that the ad waspleted, they still wouldn''t quite believe it unless they saw it with their own eyes. In just such a short time, in a situation where only Zhang Ye alone was left working on it, what kind of public service announcement could he have possibly made? The staff who were involved in the ad''s production knew that there was not a single line of narration nor any character scenes in it. It only had one unique prop, of which no one could understand purpose of, in the ad. If this was the one and only prop used in the PSA, would it work? No one knew what kind of style Zhang Ye''s ad would have!


    At the next moment, the ad was unveiled!


    It was introduced by a gloomy sounding piece of music, done ording to the original PSA''s background music in his previous world. Sun Han had found some people from the station to help create it by working overtime. As they had spent a lot of effort on it, this effort could also be felt when it was presented in this final copy of the ad.


    The first image appeared showing a shot of part of a cigarette.


    The second set of images showed the cigarettes being stacked on top of each other but nothing much could be deduced from this.


    Sun Han wiped away his sweat and said, "What is this?"


    The awesome quartet asked, "What are these images trying to show?"


    "I don''t understand it." The other advertising professionals also showed some expressions of disappointment. There was no narration, no characters, no "smoking is hazardous to the health" statements. There weren''t even any statistics of the millions of deaths each year, so how could this still be called a quit smoking public service announcement? How could there be such a quit smoking announcement!


    They began whispering among themselves.


    Several of the leaders from the Advertising Department also had some suspicions about it. This was the first time they had doubted the standard of Zhang Ye''s advertisement product, because from the first five seconds of this ad, it showed just how odd it was. It was really too off from the beaten path. Up until here, they could not even see how this was a quit smoking ad. Besides, how long could a public service announcement run for? Their task this time had stated that the ad would be limited to about fifteen seconds, of which five seconds had already been wasted up for this? They were no longer expecting much of the effects of thetter part of the ad!


    However, just as everyone was revealing their disappointed expressions, at the very next second, an image silenced all the gossiping in the audience!


    Everyone fell silent!


    Because a pair of lungsposed of cigarettes had appeared on the screen and looked overly realistic. Even though they knew the lungs were formed out of cigarettes and was fake, the 3Dposition and situational meaning of it left many shaken and stunned. In addition, the densely packed cigarettes formed an intense image that left anyone with a fear of holes too afraid to look!


    At this moment, the cigarettes started to burn!


    One spot red up, followed by a second and third point ming!


    On the lungs, the parts where it had been lit started to give off faint wisps of smoke. What chilled everyone to the bone was the introduction of a breathing trackid over the background music!


    Ssh!


    Huu!


    Ssh!


    Huu!


    A station leader who was smoking suddenly felt shivers go down his spine. The cigarette in his hand fell to the ground!


    With every slow breath, the three points ame on the lungs reacted like how a cigarette would burn brighter with every breath. The cigarettes burned constantly, with the tendency to spread to the other cigarettes. At the beginning, it was only one cigarette burning, then along with the breathing track, the other cigarettes making up the rest of the "lungs" also started to burn, increasing the range of the smolder. As the cigarettes burnt out bit by bit, the formation of the ashes also got wider!


    Breathe in��


    Burn��


    Breathe in��


    Burn��


    The entire "lung" started to emit smoke!


    A few others who were smoking in the office also broke out into cold sweats and quickly threw away the cigarettes in their hands as their faces quickly paled!


    F**k!


    What the f**k was this ad!


    Towards the end, the "lungs" fully burned out, followed by a coughing track before a few lines appeared across the screen: "Please quit smoking. Give life a chance, make a new choice"!


    The end.


    The PSA ended. 1


    1. You can watch the PSA that this was based on @ https://.youtube/watch?v=Lgw8o_238F4

 Chapter 579: I’ll have a smoke to calm my nerves!

    <h4>Chapter 579: I��ll have a smoke to calm my nerves! </h4>


    Chapter 579 I''ll have a smoke to calm my nerves!


    [copse]


    When the PSA ended, the entire office was in a state of utter silence!


    If one described this situation in detail, it was perhaps not the type of excited silence you''d expect from watching your favorite ball team winning the championships, nor the silence you''d get from being shocked from witnessing something extremely amazing happening before you. More urately, it should be simr to the experience of you being yourself and doing whatever you were doing for one moment, when suddenly, you receive a medical update about yourself from the hospital that tells you that you only have a few days left to live��this was the atmosphere that was spreading throughout the office at this very moment!


    One second��


    Two seconds��


    Finally, someone made a sound!


    The oldrade from the Public Service Announcement Department suddenly cried out without warning, "Aiyo, my god!" and then abruptly clutched his chest as if his lungs suddenly hurt!


    "Why is there the smell of cigarettes?"


    "Quickly open the windows to air out the room!"


    "Stop smoking! The harmful effects of secondhand smoke are greater than smoking itself!"


    "Yea, stop smoking! Damn, that really gave me a fright!"


    "This ad is just too��it just leaves me totally speechless with no reply!"


    "I can''t take it anymore! I feel like my lungs are on fire right now! How is this even a PSA? It won''t be held ountable if any of us get scared to death! And it''s not even scaring us visually! This really terrifies me on a visceral level! When I used to watch horror films, especially those Japanese horror films, I''d never even experienced this kind of feeling before. Not only does it feel fearful, there''s even a feeling of disgust and a chill that spreads throughout my body, as though there''s something crawling in my lungs!"


    "That''s right. If you''re a non-smoker, you won''t understand that feeling! I was still wondering! I wondered why Teacher Zhang would ask to make such a prop! So that was how he nned to use it!"


    "This��"


    "This PSA is too ''bloody''!"


    "There''s no blood nor any images of a real ckened lung, but why is it that even though we know it''s just a model lung, it feels even scarier than a real lung!"


    "I can''t take it anymore! I need a break!"


    "Having made so many ads before, this is the first time I''ve seen one like this��after watching it once, I do not wish to ever see it again!"


    "Does it need to be so aggressive!"


    "How exciting!"


    "They''ve really upped the ante this time!"


    For someone who didn''t usually smoke, it was still fine. But for those who were regr smokers, especially the hardcore ones, they had at this time started to panic. They could feel something disturbing enveloping them and couldn''t shake the feeling no matter what. With every breath, they would inadvertently remember the PSA and those lifelike burning lungs with the nauseating looking ashes embedded within them. That sense of fear was really difficult to describe in words!


    Sun Han was also frightened quite badly by it. Only now did he understand the reason why Zhang Ye had given those series of tasks for them to do in the production process!


    In just a day!


    For a 15-second duration!


    A full ad was made without any ws!


    He swore that, even among other foreign quit smoking ads, he had never seen a public service announcement that had been done this way. An ad that could be made in such a way��could it even be considered a creative ad? Technically speaking, it simply did not fulfill the criteria for creative advertising, but Sun Han knew that this was really creative advertising. It wasn''t even the normal kind of creative advertising but one that would make others shout, an amazing, ground-breaking new form of creativity!


    How extreme!


    This PSA was really too damn extreme!


    Many of the people had now turned their focus to Zhang Ye, wondering how his mind had developed to such a level. Could it be that the structure of his brain was different from any other normal person''s? A PSA that could even be called an exemry global public service announcement, an ad that no other creative professional had ever produced. And yet, all of these hade from a person who wasn''t even considered a creative professional? It was in fact produced by someone who was a broadcast host?


    Suddenly, Xu Yuhong slowly stood up and started pping while smiling.


    When the others saw this, they stood up quickly and started pping as well. In the blink of an eye, apuse echoed through entire office! The other station leaders were still unsure of what to think, but when they saw the station head pping, they also followed suit. However, the staff from the Advertising Department were truly impressed and were really pping sincerely for this PSA and for Zhang Ye, a man who had offered his hand out to them when they were in trouble, who had still battled on without conceding even when others had given up, who had produced an ad so great that it left them industry professionals in the dust! He was too awesome!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Looks like everyone is satisfied with it. That''s good enough."


    The auditor on the approval board was also very excited. "I''ll send it in for approval immediately and report it to the authorities. If this ad doesn''t pass, then I doubt any other ad would get approved!"


    Sun Han was very emotional as he went forward and shook Zhang Ye''s hand. "Teacher Zhang! Thank you! Thank you!"


    Zhang Ye waved his hand and said, "It''s not my credit alone. The colleagues from the Advertising Department who came to help out yesterday, you and your team, the staff members who helped topose the background music, it was all due to everyone''s hard work. If had just been me alone, then I couldn''t havepleted it even if I had worked nonstop for three days and night without rest. So don''t thank me."


    Sun Han said, "Without you, we couldn''t have finished it at all!"


    The intern girl whose eyes were already reddening said, "We really did it!"


    "That''s right!"


    "We really did it!"


    Many of those in the office were unable to hide their excited state, especially Sun Han and the others from the Public Service Announcement Department. This impossible task was delegated to them and they were responsible for it. They participated in the entire production and understood better than anyone else how difficult this process had been. At midnight, they were still battling toplete the ad, but after realizing that there was a problem with the prop, it could be imagined just how they felt when they suffered this setback. Today, at the veryst second, with the help from Zhang Ye, they had miraculouslypleted the PSA. The feelings they had now were probably only understood by them.


    "Thank you!"


    "Teacher Zhang, thank you so much!"


    "You''re really too awesome!"


    "Compared to us, you are the one who seems more like an advertising professional!"


    Many of the staff from the Advertising Department also came to thank Zhang Ye as the Public Service Announcement Department was considered to be part of it. Zhang Ye''s offer to help the PSA Department for free was equivalent to helping the Advertising Department. Having worked a whole day and night without rest, they definitely needed to thank him for all the hard work.


    Over at the other side, Xu Yuhong suddenly asked without warning, "Little Zhang, you did this voluntarily?"


    When Sun Han heard this and noticed the station head''s concern, he immediately answered for him, "Yes, that''s right. Teacher Zhang didn''t ask for a single red cent. We had initially wanted to pay him for the production fee, but��"


    Zhang Ye said indifferently, "Since this is public service, why would I want money for it?"


    Xu Yuhong nodded lightly. "Then how about this: We will make a small edit at the end of the advertisement. Let''s add a ''produced by Zhang Ye'' at the bottom of the screen or something simr to that."


    Zhang Ye eyes widened. Eh? A great offer like this exists?


    One of the station leaders did not quite agree with this and said, "Station Head, there''s no precedent to handling PSAs that way."


    Another leader also added, "Yes, using a person''s name in a PSA. Is that��eptable?"


    Xu Yuhong exined, "In the conditions of apany sponsorship, they can add their name into the PSA, as long as it doesn''t exceed the rmended duration, so it should be the same for individuals. I understand that this idea came from Little Zhang and he was also the one who contributed the most to its production, so we can consider this ad as sponsored by him. As a member of the public, that shouldn''t be a problem at all."


    With the station head''s approval, no one else dared to say anything.


    But Sun Han was very satisfied with this oue. At least they hadn''t let Teacher Zhang do all this for nothing. It might only be a credit roll for him, but the meaning of it was very significant. Since he knew Zhang Ye''s ambitionsid in the entertainment circle, having additional exposure would guarantee the advancement of his fame and career. Besides, because of Zhang Ye''s involvement in the Peking University incident a few days ago, he had been targeted by many from the media, as well as expert academics, who criticized him for crossing the line this time. With his contribution to this public service announcement, it would help reim a little bit of reputation for him. In short, this was surely a good thing for Zhang Ye.


    The station leaders left.


    There were still quite a lot of people who stayed behind to add the finishing touches to the ad. As a whole, there was nothing that needed changing, but some of the finer details that could be improved were improved. The end credit "Produced by Zhang Ye" was added in as well.


    The advertisement was screened for the second time.


    Some of the more cowardly smokers chose to leave the office before it started.


    "You guys can continue working on it."


    "There should be enough manpower, right?"


    "Since we have enough people here, I will go back first. I still have some work to handle."


    "Ahem, this��I, I need to go to the toilet."


    Even if some one them knew it was their job, they did not want to see the PSA a second time. They were afraid that if they did they wouldn''t be able to fall asleep at night!


    However, Zhang Ye did not seem to have any reaction to this. Up until now, he had resisted the fatigue as he did not want to waste another Strength Potion. With every bottle he drank, he had one less in his inventory. Even though each bottle had only cost him 100,000 reputation points, these items were easily used up, so he had to treasure each and every one of them. He had to use them in the right situations, and as such, could only use cigarettes to battle his drooping eyelids. He took one out and lit it, and was soon exhaling clouds of smoke from his mouth.


    A few people beside him immediately distanced themselves from him.


    Sun Han was dumbfounded. "You can still smoke while you''re watching this ad?"


    The awesome quartet also expressed their shock at this. "Teacher Zhang, aren''t you scared?"


    All the other Advertising Department staff members watched.


    Zhang Ye looked at them and said, "Me? Of course I''m scared!"


    Hu Fei, who had stayed behind, asked in a speechless manner, "Then why are you still smoking?"


    Zhang Ye said confidently, "It''s precisely because I''m so scared that I need to smoke this cigarette to calm my nerves."


    Sun Han: "����"


    Hu Fei: "����"


    The old-young-sick-crippled group: "����"


    Everyone else from the Advertising Department: "����"


    This is indeed an example of the talented being bolder!

 Chapter 580: Scaring the whole country!

    <h4>Chapter 580: Scaring the whole country! </h4>


    Chapter 580 Scaring the whole country!


    9 AM in the morning.


    Zhang Ye''s parents'' home district.


    Zhang Ye got out his car very tired. He continuously yawned as he tried to stifle it with his hand. He slowly stumbled into the apartment''s corridor and proceeded to head upstairs. On the way up, he took his cell phone out to check on thetest news. Since he did not see any interesting headlines, he entered his own name using one hand and made a search. When the search results were disyed, he saw a headline in the news section which matched what he was searching for. It wasn''t an eye-catching news headline but was posted on a web portal three hours earlier. It was possible that the number of people who read it didn''t number that many either as the news content wasn''t too interesting.


    ��"Zhang Ye Appears at Beijing Television Station"


    Some of the pictures posted in the article were taken in the television station''s lobby.


    The content of the article was nothing more than the usual gossip as it recounted the feud between Zhang Ye and Beijing Television Station. One by one, examples were listed, and at the end of the article, it also expressed doubts and spected unreliably about Zhang Ye''s appearance at the Beijing Television Station''s lobby.


    Although this news article did not attract much attention, Zhang Ye still felt quite happy when he saw it. The reason was very simple. He had be more aware now that his poprity was no longer the same as before. Back when he had debuted, even if Zhang Ye had some amazing aplishments, he couldn''t get onto the headlines. Later on, he managed to get onto the headlines more whenever he caused trouble. However, those were still limited to the times when he caused a big enough incident to be mentioned. But now, even when Zhang Ye did not do anything for the past two days and only showed his face at Beijing Television Station, he still caught the media''s attention and they reported on this news. Disregarding the fact of whether anyone would read this news or not, the simple fact that they even bothered to report it showed that his poprity had risen by a lot!


    If someone could only get onto the news after causing big trouble, then they could only be considered amon celebrity. However, if you could even get onto the news without doing anything, then you would be considered as a sessful celebrity, and that was exactly what Zhang Ye was right now!


    At home.


    His mother was at home today as it was her day off.


    "Why didn''t youe all ofst night?" His mother stared at him.


    Zhang Ye said, "Hai, I was helping a friend with something and had to work overtime."


    His mother reminded him, "Next time remember to give us a call if you are noting back. Don''t make us stay up for nothing. We wanted to call you but were afraid you might be busy."


    "I know, Mom, it''s my fault." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Don''t say anymore. I have to catch up on sleep. Wake me when it''s 12."


    His mother nced at him. "What do you want for lunch?"


    Zhang Ye sweet-talked her, "I like any food you cook."


    "Go to sleep. Don''t always work overnight in the future," his mother said.


    When he got to his room, Zhang Ye removed only his shoes and pants. He didn''t even take his shirt but immediately dropped onto the bed instead and fell into a deep sleep. Zhang Ye was very obviously worn out.


    ����


    In the afternoon.


    Warm rays of sunlight shone through the window.


    Zhang Ye was sound asleep and even smacked his lips in satisfaction as he slept, rolling around in bedfortably. Then someone suddenly knocked on the bedroom door and he heard his mother''s voice.


    "Son!"


    "��Mmm."


    "Time for lunch."


    "��Mmm."


    "Wake up quickly."


    "Uh, I''ming."


    Obviously, Zhang Ye hadn''t had enough rest yet but he still climbed out of bed to eat lunch. When he came out, he immediately switched on the television and tuned in to BTV-1. He definitely wanted to check out the results of the production that he worked so hard on for 24 hours without rest. It could also be considered attending the "premiere" of his PSA.


    His mother noticed and asked, "What news are you waiting for?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "A public service announcement. Just wait and see."


    His mother asked, "The one you did?"


    "Yeah, this is the ad I am most satisfied with so far, hurhur." Zhang Yeughed as he ate and said, "However, others might not like it."


    His mother was a bit speechless. "Then why are you so happy?"


    Zhang Yeughed wickedly. "Well, it''s supposed to make them dislike it after watching. This is a quit smoking public service announcement. If people do not feel scared after watching it, then what is the purpose of having this PSA? Just watch. I can''t say that it will scare everyone, but I can guarantee that at least half of those who watch the PSA will have their hearts shiver!


    His mother also looked forward to watching it after hearing her son say that. She picked up thendline and made some calls to a few rtives. "Hello, Little Ye''s Third Aunt��are you at home? Hur hur, Little Ye has released another work. It''s a PSA on BTV-1. I just wanted to tell you��Right, starting soon��.OK."


    Whenever Zhang Ye had new achievements or works, as long as they weren''t scolding people or fighting sorts of things, his mother would always inform her friends and family.


    ����


    On the inte.


    Since it was "World No Tobo Day" today, there was definitely nock of this topic online. This topic was also the trend of news reports and discussions as many media outlets published information on the dangers of smoking.


    But theizens were not interested in such things.


    "Hai, I am sick of watching all these."


    "It''s the same old meaningless stuff every year."


    "Yeah, every year, they show nothing more than the usual crap. Who doesn''t know smoking is harmful to the health? Those who wanted to quit have already quit. Even if you talk till someone''s head falls off, those hardcore smokers still won''t be able to quit. This has always been my point of view. These public service announcements are not effective at all. Who would quit smoking after watching a PSA? This is bullshit. If my smoking addiction strikes, even if you keep showing these lousy ads for 24 hours, I''ll still want to smoke."


    "The main reason is still because there isck of quality with all these quit smoking PSAs.


    "You''re quite right. The current quit smoking PSAs have already reached a saturation point. Any practical idea had already been used up some years ago. Now, they can only keep on reusing the ideas and maybe just change the way it''s presented. But it''ll eventually bes useless."


    "Unless there is innovation."


    "It can''t get any more innovative."


    "Who can still innovate? This is the only approach."


    "Besides, if we want creativity, we must look abroad first. The public service announcements from overseas are really so much better than our local ones, but their PSAs are also more or less following the same ideas, so how can you still expect our local advertisement producers to have any new ideas? It''s not like I''m worshiping all things foreign, but it''s the truth. The quality is not the same, so don''t expect too much from the PSAs in this country."


    "The constant broadcast of quit smoking PSAs in these few day is too intense. It''s the same on every channel and it''s already making me numb to them. I don''t feel any pressure to quit at all when I such advertisements while smoking.


    "Me too."


    "Haha, I feel the same."


    ����


    A bit past noon.


    After a news broadcast, the staff lined up the ads to be broadcast. First up was a shampoo advertisement, then a mineral water advertisement, and finally Zhang Ye''s Quit Smoking PSA!


    At this moment, quite a lot of viewers sat in front of their televisions, Most of them had just finished watching the news. They were not really bothered by the advertisements ying or too concerned with them.


    Some were eating.


    Some were cooking.


    Some were preparing to change channels.


    There were also some who had probably just finished watching the local news on the satellite channels and had just switched channels to BTV-1 when the other channel went to amercial break.


    The satellite channel had nationwide broadcasting signals. Although not every location could receive the signal as the coverage was not 100% yet, it still had most areas covered. Sopared to the previous time when the Save Electricity public service announcement was broadcast on the BTV-Arts Channel, this quit smoking public service announcement that was broadcast over the satellite channel had a viewership that was countless times higher. It was simr to the "Brain Gold" advertisement that was broadcast throughout the country!


    Suddenly, on screen, this year''s Beijing Television Station quit smoking PSA, unified across all their channels, was broadcast!


    Cigarettes!


    Densely packed cigarettes!


    As the music yed, consecutive deep breathing sounds could be heard. On the television, a ghastly looking replica of a pair of human lungs made out of cigarettes could be seen burning along with the rhythm of breathing and cigarette inhtion, while the "lungs" could be seen going through a shocking transformation.


    Inhale!


    Exhale!


    Inhale again!


    The sound of breathing from the television became intolerable to the ears!


    Towards the end, the only words of the advertisements appeared: "Please quit smoking. Give life a chance, make a new choice"!


    At the very end.


    In the bottom right corner.


    Produced by Zhang Ye.


    After the PSA ended, a milk advertisement seamlessly followed.


    ����


    At a public housing apartment in Beijing.


    A young man was looking at Weibo with his head down, discussing with his inte friends how the recent Quit Smoking PSAs were utter rubbish. Suddenly he looked up and called out to his mother,ughing and saying, "Mom, I''m hungry!"


    His mother smiled and said, "What do you want to eat?"


    Her son said, "Anything will do. I''m so hungry I could eat a horse!"


    His father, who was smoking a cigarette, said, "I''m also hungry, I have to work overtime tonight, so I must eat more this afternoon. Do we still have any of the preserved meat left over that Old Zhang brought from his hometown? Let''s have that."


    Beside him, BTV-1''s PSA appeared on the television.


    The young man looked over and was shocked into a daze.


    The father saw the PSA as well. As the PSA yed out, a fascinating number of facial expressions appeared on his face. The cigarette between his fingers, his hand started trembling and he threw the cigarette onto the floor all of a sudden and stamped on it. He couldn''t help letting out a curse, "F**k your grandfather! Who made this ad!"


    Their son who was also a smoker took a few breaths and for a moment felt he could not breathe naturally. His rhythm of breathing was all messed up. "Mom, I-I''m suddenly not hungry anymore!"


    His mother said, "Ah?"


    His father said, "I also��don''t want to eat anymore."


    ����


    In the northeast.


    In a hairdressing salon.


    "Holy shit, it''s those PSAs again!"


    "Today is World No Tobo Day. We can''t avoid it."


    "I''m tired of seeing all these PSAs. There''s nothing new at all."


    As there was hardly any business today, a few of the hairdressers were smoking and chattering away with jovial moods. Then, with every passing second the PSA yed, their voices suddenly got softer and softer, and eventually everyone went silent. They were staring at the new LCD television which was installed a few days ago with their eyes and mouths wide open, rooted to their spots.


    A skinny man stamped out the cigarette butt and said, "I-I''m going out to get some fresh air."


    "Wait for me. I''ll go together with you!" The moment he stepped out, another, slightly fatter youth was panic-stricken and held his chest tightly while flicking the cigarette butt in his hand onto the road, not daring to take another puff. Looking at his facial expression, it was obvious that he was very shocked. He said in disbelief, "Who the hell is so wicked! Making such an ad! Curse him and his eighteen generations of ancestors! I nearly could not catch my breath!"


    The skinny man, now pale-faced, said, "I need to quit smoking!"


    The fatty touched the cigarette pack in his pocket and felt that he had lost the desire to smoke for at least the next two hours!


    ����


    Meanwhile.


    Simr scenes throughout the country yed out!

 Chapter 581: Why is it Zhang Ye again!

    <h4>Chapter 581: Why is it Zhang Ye again! </h4>


    Chapter 581 Why is it Zhang Ye again!


    The PSA was broadcast to millions of homes!


    It felt like, at this moment, the whole country had fallen silent!


    When Beijing Television''s quit smoking PSA was broadcast, everyone in the whole country was seemingly shocked all at once. Not only the citizens, even the countless media persons and professionals, as well as some of the quit smoking organizations, were all left sitting quietly in front of their television screens, staring at the frightening quit smoking PSA that left them totally dumbfounded!


    The inte was abuzz withmotion!


    Countless links to the PSA flooded the forums, while on Weibo, the topic of "World No Tobo Day" was suddenly filled with countless ofizens!


    "Heavens!"


    "Who has seen BTV-1''s public service announcement?"


    "I saw it! Oh my dear lord! It was too damn scary!"


    "What the heck was that! It nearly scared the shit out of me!"


    "I''m still shivering from watching it! Even a horror film isn''t as scary as that!"


    "How could it have onlysted for 15 seconds! That made me break out into a cold sweat! In fact, it made me downright sick! It feels like my lungs are burning at every moment!"


    "Is this what a quit smoking PSA is like?"


    "Beijing Television Station, f**k your sister!"


    "BTV-1, why are you so cruel! I''m gonna pass out soon because of it! Can we not have something so frightening next time? It''s just an PSA! It looks like you''re not giving a chance to so many of us smokers!"


    A Weibo user named Hao Pengyao who saw that the discussions were getting livelier could not wrap his head around what was going on. He had seen many quit smoking PSAs on many of the television channels over the past few days, but there was no particr PSA that stood out for being scary at all. Quit smoking PSAs had been shown for so many years now, so how could there still be any that could scare people?


    So Hao Pengyao asked out of curiosity: "What are you all talking about? What PSA?"


    Another Weibo user exined to him: "Does the person above not know? Go check out BTV-1 and y back from a minute ago. After you have watched it, you will understand! Don''t me me for not warning you first! Be careful when. It''s best you not smoke while watching it, otherwise, the consequences can''t even be imagined!"


    Hao Pengyao answered disbelievingly: "I believe I''ve already watched it. The quit smoking PSAs that were shown in these few days were really quite meaningless. I will still smoke whenever I want to. They don''t affect me."


    "Hehe, I''m sure you haven''t watch it before."


    "Right, go ahead and watch it then, my friend."


    Hao Pengyao replied: "Alright, let me take a look then."


    Then, about two minutester, Hao Pengyao appeared on Weibo once more. The first thing he said was: "F**k! Who f**king made me go watch that! Who was it? Who was it just now! You bettere out! Stand up! I promise I won''t beat you up!"


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahaha!"


    "Another one bites the dust!"


    "Aiyo, I''mughing so badly now!"


    Hao Pengyao, who had still been very confident before he watched the PSA, was now in tears, "Holy shit! How could that PSA affect me so much! My heart, spleen, and kidneys are already trembling with fear! I suddenly feel like I should quit smoking!"


    There were also doubters.


    "The PSA doesn''t seem that scary?"


    "It''s a little scary, but surely it''s not that frightening?"


    "I don''t get what''s so scary about it either."


    Hao Pengyao came on to say: "I don''t suppose you few are smokers?" Only after he had their confirmation did he continue, "The frightening part of this PSA lies in that breathing sound, the psychological pressure, and that sense of despair. It somehow captures our attention and gets into our heads. These are things only a real smoker can experience! This is a type of fear that strikes us and then envelopes us from within. I''m not good at expressing myself, nor am I able to describe it clearly!"


    When this group of people started themotion, many others who didn''t watch Beijing Television or did not notice the PSA earlier could not sit still any longer. All of them went to look for the PSA themselves!


    "I won''t believe this shit"


    "Is it really that good?"


    "Let me go take a look as well!"


    "Where is it at? Send me a link! I''m toozy to y it back on TV!"


    "You guys are not viral marketeers hired by BTV right? There are already so many quit smoking PSAs around, how likely is it that they coulde up with something new? Send me a link. I want to see it too!"


    Before long, those who went to watch the PSA were left unable to say anything more!


    Since the afternoon, more and more people had searched for the PSA out of curiosity. As a result,rge wave afterrge wave of people all over the country were shocked by what they watched! Was it scary? There was no blood and gore and it only had a very gentle reminder that was written as "Give life a chance, make a new choice". The pace of the PSA was also not intense. In ce of a real organ was a prop recement. By these factors, there shouldn''t be any reason to be frightened. If all these were presented one by one to you, you wouldn''t even feel a thing when you watched them. However, when all of them werebined with the background music and sound effects, it was surprisingly viewed with a different perspective altogether. Only when everyone saw it did they realize that even a gentle and soothing PSA message presented with a prop which had no blood or gore could leave everyone feeling such incredulous fear!


    "This PSA is too godly!"


    "This has to be the my favorite public service announcement this year!"


    "+1!"


    "The PSA''s message is such a ssic as well. "Give life a chance, make a new choice"? It''s put so elegantly and beautifully. It''s so much better than those other existing quit smoking PSAs!"


    "I like the PSA''s message too!"


    ����


    At home.


    Zhang Ye, in his bedroom lying down, was just about to surf the inte before going to sleep. He was also very curious about what theizens'' thoughts were regarding the public service announcement.


    Yo, seems like the response is rather good?


    Even though this fell within his expectations, it still left him in a good mood knowing it.


    The praises for this PSA back in his previous world were also excellent and countless people had Liked it. So in this world where the development of public service announcements was not as advanced as his previous world, it went without saying how well received it was. With the slightly lowered standards of this world''s advertising industry as a background, Zhang Ye had brought out a top-notch quit smoking PSA from his world to show to them. With a lead of several yearspared to the PSAs of this world, it would definitely create a much bigger sensation!


    There were endlessments.


    In just a short time, there were already more than 10,000ments!


    Zhang Ye read through them with gusto.


    "Didn''t Beijing Television Station''s PSA get affected by the new policies just yesterday? I would''ve thought that they couldn''te up with a new one by today, but who knew that BTV-1 would be so capable? In just a day, they havee up with such a perfect quit smoking PSA? It''s truly worthy of its name as a traditional powerhouse. They are capable of showing their experience when pushes to shove! How formidable."


    "Yea, it was really wonderful! They should''ve created such quit smoking PSAs a long ago. It should just scare smokers to death! I hate them the most, harming themselves and people around them. There''s nothing good about them at all!"


    "A Like for Beijing Television Station!"


    "BTV-1! Well done!"


    "Hahahaha! My dad has been a hardcore smoker for over 30 years, but after watching this PSA, he actually said that he would be quitting smoking! Thank you, Beijing Television Station! Thank you!"


    "Since when did we have such an awesome standard for the public service announcements in our country? Even ifpared to overseas productions, this PSA''s creativity and design is way ahead of them! It feels like it has surpassed the overseas production by at least a few years. From the audio to the visuals to the oppressing feeling of watching it, every detail was simply perfect. It''s really great! So there''s really an advertising team in our country that has such a world ss standard?"


    "A person who coulde up with such a concept of a PSA must be a crazy! Not only crazy, he is definitely the craziest among the crazies! How could he be so wicked!"


    "It''s indeed really wicked!"


    "Whenever I pick up my cigarettes now, I don''t even feel like lighting up!"


    "I have been mentally affected by it! Who was it! Who was it! I swear to god that your child will be born without an ass! That was too damaging! You''re totally wicked, I tell you!"


    At this moment, someone posted a screenshot.


    It was an image of the tail end of the quit smoking PSA.


    The female Weibo user who posted it said: "Didn''t you all notice the words at the end of the PSA? Could I be the only one who noticed it?"


    "What words?"


    "Ah?"


    Many of these people had not discovered it yet, first, because they paid attention to the PSA''s content and were focused on it, and second, because the words at the ending were ced at the bottom in a small font. Besides, when the typical viewer watches an ad, their attention does not usually focus onto this textual information. It''s the same when a movie screening ends; the majority of the audience just leaves without bothering to watch the end credits.


    The female Weibo user said, "Look in the bottom right corner."


    At this time, an untold number finally spotted the words!


    "What!?"


    "Produced by Zhang Ye?"


    "Oh my god! It''s a Zhang Ye production!"


    "So it was that guy!"


    "Damn! I was still wondering who was so wicked! The only person who coulde up with such a wicked advertisement would be that wicked wretch, Zhang Ye! Only he would do something like that!"


    "Why is Teacher Zhang everywhere!"


    "Aiyo, I nearly forgot. I read a news article online this morning and I think it was reporting on a matter that happened yesterday. It mentioned that Zhang Ye had appeared at the lobby of Beijing Television Station! He actually��he actually went to help Beijing Television Station put out the fire! He actually helped BTV-1 produce the PSA!"


    "That can''t be? Didn''t Zhang Ye and Beijing Television Station have a feud?"


    "What''s not possible? No matter how deep their feud, it was still Beijing Television Station that groomed Teacher Zhang. Teacher Zhang had also helped Beijing Television Station create a legendary story for its local provincial channel by getting very high viewership ratings. Even if he had been fired at the end, neither party burned any bridges. We all know that Teacher Zhang is a sentimental person who is a Beijing local. Even if the bones are broken, the nerves still join them together!"


    "Unbelievable! Teacher Zhang had actually made a move!"


    "Yeah, this is really surprising! I didn''t expect that Beijing Television Station would invite Teacher Zhang to help them out at this critical juncture! And thispleted PSA of Teacher Zhang''s is really done too beautifully! In my opinion, this is no ordinary public service announcement. It is actually a form of art! Alright, I admit it. I am actually a braindead fan of Teacher Zhang Ye. As long as they''re Teacher Zhang''s works, I''ll think they''re all masterpieces!"


    "You''re not the only one who sees it as a masterpiece, even I see it that way! No matter what award this PSA wins, I say that it will be well-deserved! It''s too awesome! Teacher Zhang is still the best!"


    "Awesome!"


    "Zhang Ye is a god!"


    "I''m convinced too! He''s truly the legend that made the Brain Gold advertisement as well. His grasp of the market is well beyond the entirety of the advertising world in our country! To increase sales and raise a brand name, Zhang Ye made a super brainwashing ad. To promote his own program, Zhang Ye made a simple but passionate and inspiring ad. This time, when public awareness was needed to promote the quitting of smoking, Zhang Ye even captured the essence of the market and applied it keenly into that ''horror'' of an artistic PSA! This is what a master is! A real master of advertising! It seems that everything was just so simple for him, so casually and handily created by him!"


    Trantor''s note: Some news update for everyone, I''ve started my Patreon, so you can check it out here


    For every $50 increment in total pledges, there will be 1 chapter umted for release in the following month. Thank you for your support!


    On top of this, until the end of April, for every increase of 10 patrons, up to 80 patrons, regardless of amount pledged, 1 chapter will be released within the day of hitting the milestones. This will run concurrent to item 1. (The next is the 20 patrons milestone/7 more to go!)


    There are ns for advanced chapters sometime next month, so watch out for the announcement!

 Chapter 582: The Darling of the Advertising World!

    <h4>Chapter 582: The Darling of the Advertising World! </h4>


    Chapter 582 The Darling of the Advertising World!


    In his room.


    Afternoon, just past 1 PM.


    After checking on Weibo for a while more, Zhang Ye covered himself with his nket in satisfaction and fell asleep. Snoring, he felt safe and stable as he dreamed a wonderful dream. However, for the outside world and the inte, his legend was still spreading at this moment. Public service announcements��a genre that wasn''t usually considered eye-catching, a simple quit smoking PSA that wouldn''t have captured the attention of people in normal times��had today created quite a stir throughout the country. This was not a scene that was usually witnessed in the history of China. It created heated debates and shock as it wrote itself into the annals of the advertising world!


    His mother was in the living room making some calls.


    "You saw it?" His mother was grinning from ear to ear.


    On the other end was a neighbor who said: "I watched it. Little Ye has really brought glory to your family. When the old man in my house saw this PSA, his usual habit of smoking 3-4 cigs in an hour was reduced to none in the past hour. Little Cao, if my partner manages to quit smoking, then I really will have your son to thank for it."


    His motherughed. "What are you being so courteous for, Grandma Cui?"


    Grandma Cui said: "Let me bring some braised pork with pine nuts over to you tonight."


    "No need for that, I still have a lot of food at home," his mother politely rejected.


    Grandma Cui did not let her exin and just said: "I bought too much ingredients yesterday, so I insist on bringing some over to youter. When Little Ye was young, he loved eating braised pork. Hur hur, my grandson has just entered university and is majoring in advertising. Who knows? After his graduation, I might still need to trouble your Little Ye to help him find a job. It''s really difficult to get a job these days. With Little Ye''s reputation in the advertising field now, maybe when he is free, he could teach and advise my grandson a little. Even if a small part of your son''s teachings rub off him, I''m sure it will be enough to let him have a chance in this industry."


    His mother was enjoying the praises, but said: "Hai, my kid has no talents to speak off. Grandma Cui, if you''reing over, juste. There''s no need to bring anything. We''ve been neighbors for so many years now. There''s no need to stand on ceremony. In the future, when Little Yan has graduated from college, just let me know and I will get my son to help him find a job."


    Grandma Cui quickly said: "Then I will thank you in advance, Little Cao. It won''t trouble you, right?"


    His mother said: "Why would that be troublesome? My son might not have a good rtionship with many people, but he stillmands some respect in the industry. Don''t worry about it, leave it to me."


    Soon after, Zhang Ye''s first uncle also called.


    First uncle: "Big Sis, where''s Little Ye?"


    "He''s sleeping. What''s the matter?" his mother asked.


    First uncle was a little lost for words: "I need to tell him off! He made such an utterly disgusting PSA! It made me lose my appetite during lunch. I didn''t even eat more than a few mouthfuls. Make him find another job quickly, so that he doesn''t have to advance any further in the field of public service announcements. Smoking is the only thing that I enjoy, and it was nearly taken away from me by him!"


    His mother was alreadyughing about this: "Hur hur, stop it then. Smoking less is good for you. This PSA of Little Ye''s was made exactly to help smokers like you kick the habit."


    First uncle replied in annoyance: "Feels more like causing trouble for us."


    ����


    Online, there were also praises and curses.


    "Teacher Zhang, I hate you!"


    "I thought that after the mass criticism over the Peking University incident, there would be quite some peace and quiet. But who could have expected that just after a few days, Teacher Zhang has already sprung out again and is back to ''doing evil''. Last time, he dered war on Japan, but this time, Zhang Ye has pointed the guns at a bunch of pitiable smokers like us! I''m tearing up! Flipping tables! Do you think it''s easy for us!? I am going to boycott Zhang Ye this time! And boycott the quit smoking PSA!"


    "Pfft!"


    "Boycotting as well!"


    "Quickly take down the PSA! @BeijingTelevisionStation!"


    "Yeah, I will thank you all if the PSA gets taken down quickly. Compared to this PSA, I prefer the PSA that featured blood and gore with the ckened lungs! This new policy is also too disruptive. Why do they want to take down the PSAs that had blood and gore in them! Why? Are the people who approved this public service announcement blind too? Don''t you all think that this PSA by Zhang Ye is even bloodier and gorier than the previous ckened lungs PSA!?"


    "Watching this Zhang Ye PSA on BTV once is enough. I never want to watch it a second time!"


    "Zhang Ye has even created something new again in the production of this PSA!"


    Although there were scoldings online, these "scoldings" had to be put into quotes since they weren''t really scolding at all. It was closer to banter. You could even say that it was in response to the quality of Zhang Ye''s PSA production. If it were any other normal quit smoking PSA, these smokers would have just watched and forgotten about it. Even if they didn''t like it, they would have just chosen to ignore it after watching. Earning a collective response of protest from a bunch of smokers ensured it was definitely not a normal PSA. It clearly showed that everyone were unable to ignore this ad and just how scary it was. It was so scary that it had nted itself deep into their consciousnesses! If it were other types of advertisements, being scolded might present a problem to the advertisers. But a public service announcement getting scolded in this way highlighted just how much of a breakthrough this PSA was!


    It was effective!


    This was the ultimate objective of a public service announcement!


    ����


    During the evening news, quite a number of newspapers across the country reported on Beijing Television Station''s PSA that had shocked many and set a new precedent for quit smoking public service announcements.


    "A New Age for Public Service Announcements?"


    "Shock! The Most Frightening ''Quit Smoking'' Commercial in History!"


    "Beijing Television Station Joins Forces with Zhang Ye Once More!"


    "An Ambiguous Cooperation Between Ex-Employee and Employer!"


    "Just How Many Years Ahead Is Zhang Ye''s Advertisement Production Standard?"


    "A Historical Breakthrough in Quit Smoking PSAs!"


    "Zhang Ye: The Darling of the Advertising World!"


    Because public service announcements were not a mainstream source of news, the number of reports on it were not that many either. However, this limited coverage had also attracted the attention of society atrge, especially since it was on the day of the World No Tobo Day. Some newspapers had given this news a very good ce on their publications.


    At 8 PM in the evening, an inte news article about giarism appeared online suddenly!


    Arge web portal was the first to report this on the homepage of its news section. In the article, there was an image that was impressively simr looking to BTV-1''s public service announcement, but instead of a pair of lungs made out of cigarettes, it was a stomach. It was a stomach which was burning. It wasn''t a video PSA but a still image PSA. The news pointed out that this image was put up on a Dutch television station''s website for the World No Tobo Day. Other than the difference of the prop, the core of the PSA had copied China''s BTV-1''s Quit Smoking PSA!


    Theizens were not having any of it.


    "That is obvious giarism!"


    "Those people from the Dutch television station must have seen Zhang Ye''s work!"


    "I believe it counts as a reference."


    "Reference my ass! This is as good as giarizing!"


    "Sue them!"


    "@BeijingTelevisionStation the foreigners are copying our ideas!"


    "This is a first. It''s the first time I''ve seen any foreigners copying our public service announcements. In the past, it has always been our Chinese advertising world learning from their advanced advertising knowledge!"


    "Although I''m not too happy about that giarism, I have to say that Zhang Ye has really given our countrymen something to be proud of. Even the foreigners are copying us now, attracted by our work. This goes to show that our Chinese advertising standards are no longer behind the world''s standards anymore!"


    "However we say it, it is still Zhang Ye who is great."


    "Yeah, there are always people scolding Zhang Ye this and Zhang Ye that, but take a look. It''s still Teacher Zhang who can save the situation even at the critical moment, so it''s still because of Teacher Zhang that our country can rise with such posterity! Although I know that Teacher Zhang has some shorings, like his character or his temper, but so what? No one is perfect! A genius is called a genius precisely because he is different from all other people!"


    "Forever supporting Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "Right, no matter how others see you or criticize you, in my eyes, you''re always the pride of China!"


    At this moment, a Weibo verified professional sociology academic came forward to say something. He posted on Weibo: "A few days ago, I had criticized Zhang Ye after the Peking University incident as I felt that he had some problems. However, I must admit that after watching this quit smoking PSA, I now have a greater admiration for Zhang Ye. I am no advertising professional, but even so, I can still see just how much value and excellence this PSA brings to the table. I have always looked and judged matters on their own, not on who does it, so with regards to this PSA, I must definitely give Zhang Ye a Like!"


    This time, Zhang Ye''s work was no longer attracting mass controversy like his previous ones anymore. Everyone seemed to agree on it and mainly only had positive things to say about it as it was a public service announcement. Besides, this PSA that Zhang Ye had picked from his previous world really did not have many shortfalls and was close to perfect. Just as aizen had mentioned, even if it were not done for the sake of its quit smoking message, this PSA was still very artistic. It was a very high level piece of art that could be appreciated from many perspectives!


    ����


    On this night.


    Many of the advertisingpanies or rted television station''s advertising departments were working overtime.


    Everyone sat in their meetings, as instructed by their leaders, to go through the details of BTV-1''s Quit Smoking PSA. 10 times, 15 times, 20 times. Everyone patiently watched!


    "How great is this!"


    "This music is totally well-suited for it!"


    "The finishing touch should be the breathing track. I really don''t understand how Zhang Ye thinks. If we remove the breathing track from it, then this ad would definitely not have that much of an impact!"


    "Right. When I watched it for the first time, I only thought that it was scary, that this ad had been so good because of the pair of lungs made out of cigarettes. However, after watching it more than 10 times, I find that it''s not that simple anymore. From the start, that few seconds of ''meaningless'' introduction that feel excessive, to the music and the breathing tracks, and to the lighting, it is too upromising and is an advertising artform that had every step nned out! This Zhang Ye��is truly formidable! Are you all sure that he was just a broadcasting major?"


    "Hai, we''re really iparable."


    "A Dutch television station even copied Zhang Ye''s PSA. That incident alone is already a wonder. I don''t think there is another case like this in the history of our advertising industry? Those Dutch people are really quick to react!"


    "They know a good thing when they see one. Just based on the value of this ad, it was worth it."


    Analyze!


    Study!


    Analyze again!


    Some of these advertising agencies who did not dabble in public service announcements were also holding meetings to discuss and study all the details and core of the PSA, not because they were nning to go into this area of advertisements, but because all ads were the same. Just like how they used to study Zhang Ye''s Brain Gold advertisement, it was not so they could follow its style but because they had to know why it was as sessful as it was. They needed to understand why it managed to attract people, so that they could absorb and learn from it, to raise their own level in the field to break through the bottleneck of the advertising industry! If they did not improve, they would be eliminated!


    The past few advertisements that Zhang Ye produced had no doubt helped to open up a new door for the Chinese advertising industry!


    Trantor''s note: Some news update for everyone, I''ve started my Patreon, so you can check it out here


    For every $50 increment in total pledges, there will be 1 chapter umted for release in the following month. Thank you for your support!


    On top of this, until the end of April, for every increase of 10 patrons, up to 80 patrons, regardless of amount pledged, 1 chapter will be released within the day of hitting the milestones. This will run concurrent to item 1. (The next is the 20 patrons milestone/4 more to go!)


    There are ns for advanced chapters sometime next month, so watch out for the announcement!

 Chapter 583: The Heavenly Queen Comes to Visit!

    <h4>Chapter 583: The Heavenly Queen Comes to Visit! </h4>


    Chapter 583The Heavenly Queen Comes to Visit!


    [copse]


    The next day.


    8 AM in the morning.


    The sky turned dusky and started to drizzle. This should be the first spring rain of the year. Although it did not rain heavily, the rain still pattered against the ss of the window.


    Zhang Ye was still lying in bed under his nket, not fully asleep but just alternating between consciousness and slumber. Because he had been sleeping a lot since yesterday night, he had recovered his tiptop shape after having had about 20 hours of sleep even though he had stayed up for a day and a night previously.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    The phone rang.


    He opened his eyes and searched for a long time before he found his cell phone in the space between the pillow and the headboard. Looking at the caller ID, it disyed an unfamiliar number.


    Zhang Ye picked it up. "Hello, who''s this?"


    It was an acquaintance. "Teacher Zhang, I''m Sun Han from Beijing Television Station."


    Zhang Ye said, "Hello."


    "Have you seen the response to our public service announcement?" Sun Han spoke with a very grateful tone, "Thank you very much. There are so many media outlets discussing our quit smoking PSA now. Since yesterday afternoon, the topic on this PSA has been surging all over the inte and newspapers. Many of the station leaders had not expected us to get through this crisis, but thanks to your great help, not only did we get through it, the ad even helped to increase the station''s brand awareness and poprity by a lot.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "You have thanked me enough yesterday. It was nothing."


    Sun Han said, "Oh right, the reason that I''m calling you is because ten minutes ago, the station was notified about our quit smoking PSA getting acknowledged by the authorities and has been shortlisted for this year''s best public service announcement award. Getting shortlisted on the same day of its premiere is a first in the industry. Needless to say, this shows just how much expectations the authorities have for this PSA. Congrattions to you."


    Best public service award?


    It would definitely be a good thing to win the prize!


    "This is a shared credit stemming from everyone''s hard work and participation." Zhang Ye did not im credit for himself as his initial intention when taking up this project was just to do it as a favor for his ex-leader, Hu Fei. He never had any other concerns or motivations so this came as an unexpected surprise.


    The call ended and he stretched his himselfnguidly. Everything in the past few days seemed to have gone quite smoothly. The only thing left now was finding a proper job. The fallout from the Peking University incident had almost passed, but even if it had not, it did die down by quite a bit. Having contributed to a public service work which had earned him quite a bit of moral praise, there was nothing else he could do if no one came forward to contact and offer him a job. He could only wait for now.


    Filming movies?


    Acting in television dramas?


    Or doing variety shows?


    A long-term TV guest on a show?


    The situation was quite bad for him now since the entire entertainment industry knew about his bad temper. Any television station or film group that wanted to use him would have to think twice. That was why Zhang Ye would ept any job right now as long as he felt the offer was suitable. Thepetition within the entertainment industry was considered very fierce. If one did not get enough exposure, their poprity would decline with each passing day and soon be forgotten in the public eye. If this non-exposure was only for a short period of time, it wouldn''t matter much, but if it happened over a long period of time, it would prove fatal to a celebrity. This was also why the harshest punishment meted out by many entertainmentpanies to disobedient celebrities in their agencies was putting them in cold storage. It followed the same principle and no matter how great one''s fame and poprity, even an A-list celebrity would be banished to oblivion if he or she did not appear for some time.


    Zhang Ye naturally understood this, so at the moment he wasn''t too demanding either. All along, he never pursued or had any expectations of turning famous overnight. Zhang Ye was always down-to-earth and worked earnestly, no matter how popr or unpopr he was��this had always been the way Zhang Ye behaved.


    As of now, the urgency was in finding a suitable employer first. Certainly, the best oue he was hoping for was still securing something at a television station as it was the most familiar thing he wasfortable with. It was his original profession and line of work. Zhang Ye believed that if he were given an opportunity to fully disy his talents by letting him do a variety show, he would surely be able to ovee the hurdle and move into the B-list celebrity rankings. Right now, he was only two rankings away from bing a B-list celebrity. If he could get past this barrier, then what awaited him would be a whole new level. His circumstances would be very different as there was a clear distinction between being a B-list or C-list celebrity!


    If he could be a B-list celebrity?


    There would be endless opportunities all over the ce!


    As the level was not the same, the opportunities were also different!


    "Dad?"


    "Mom?"


    While lying in bed, he shouted out twice to the living room. No one answered. He looked at his watch and guessed that his parents had already gone to work. Zhang Ye continued to lie in his bed, a hand behind his head and thinking about his future career ns.


    B-list��


    B-list��


    He had to get there quickly!


    Suddenly, the phone rang again.


    An unexpected call came in.


    Zhang Ye had a look at the caller ID. Eh? It''s the Heavenly Queen?


    He thought for a while before epting the call: "Hello?"


    A woman''s voice on the other end said casually: "What took you so long to pick up?"


    "Hai, I was still sleeping. What''s the matter, Sister Zhang?" Zhang Ye spoke in a rather unfriendly manner. Whenever Old Zhang took the initiative to call him, it was nothing good.


    Sure enough, he heard her say: "Come out for a drink."


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted when he heard that. He chuckled and said: "What are you drinking so early in the morning for?"


    She calmly said: "Find a ce that is not so crowded and where no one will disturb us."


    "Where do you expect me to find a ce to drink at this hour? The bars are closed and the hotels are not open for business yet." Zhang Ye was a bit speechless: "Did you just throw aside your job and skip work?"


    There was suddenly no response on the other end.


    "Hello? Sister Zhang?" Zhang Ye said again.


    Then, he heard some distant voices over the call. It sounded like there were several men and women. One of the voices sounded quite familiar and seemed like it belonged to Zhang Yuanqi''s manager, Fang Weihong.


    "Where is Sister Zhang?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Liu''er, have you seen Sister Zhang?"


    "No, Sister Weihong. Did Sister Zhang go missing again?"


    "There will be a crew lunch at noon! This time, the leaders of the filmpany will be attending as well! Where did Sister Zhang disappear to again this time! She always disappears at such times. How should I exin it to the leaders of thepany?! Hurry up and search for her! We must find Sister Zhang! She''s the lead today!"


    "Alright then!"


    "I will ask get more people to look for her as well."


    "Everyone is envious that I''m the Heavenly Queen''s manager, but tell me, does it look like I am having an easy life!"


    "Sister Weihong, please calm down. Sister Zhang has never been interested in such social events. Besides, this is not the first time it''s happened. It''s not��easy for Sister Zhang either."


    "So what? She still has to attend it! The film''s investors are going to be there as well! All of you continue searching here. I will go to her house to find her!"


    Slowly, the voices got quieter.


    A minuteter, Zhang Yuanqi starting speaking again: "What did you say earlier?"


    Zhang Ye said embarrassed: "Nothing."


    Zhang Ye already understood what was going on.


    She went on: "You are at home?"


    Zhang Ye said: "I''m not at Jiaomen. I''m at my parents'' home."


    She said: "Only you?"


    Zhang Ye replied: "Ah, yes. My parents have gone to work."


    Without exining, she said "Send me the address, I will buy some wine and meet you at your ce."


    Zhang Ye quickly said: "Eh, never mind that, why don''t��"


    She said: "That''s it then!"


    Du du. The call was cut short by the other party.


    Whatever.


    Hai, juste, whatever.


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips, thinking that since his parents would only get off work around 5 or 6 PM there was no harm in sending his home address to Zhang Yuanqi. He yawned and got off the bed, then went to the living room to take a look. His parents were indeed not around and there was no breakfast on the table. He would have go hungry for now. He went to the bathroom. He turned on the water heater and took a shower. After his shower, he came out while drying his hair and only realized that it was raining when he looked out of the window.


    The rain continued to drizzle.


    The mist shrouded the surroundings.


    It was a very beautiful scenery.


    Since Old Zhang would being, Zhang Ye started to tidy up the house. He made sure that the house would be in a clean condition so he folded the nkets, put away the clothes, and also tidied up the living room while he was at it.


    Trantor''s note: Some news update for everyone, I''ve started my Patreon, so you can check it out here


    For every $50 increment in total pledges, there will be 1 chapter umted for release in the following month. Thank you for your support!


    On top of this, until the end of April, for every increase of 10 patrons, up to 80 patrons, regardless of amount pledged, 1 chapter will be released within the day of hitting the milestones. This will run concurrent to item 1. (The next is the 20 patrons milestone/2 more to go!)


    There are ns for advanced chapters sometime next month, so watch out for the announcement!

 Chapter 584: The scenery is better over here!

    <h4>Chapter 584: The scenery is better over here! </h4>


    Chapter 584 The scenery is better over here!


    A whileter.


    Ding dong. Ding dong. Ding dong. Ding dong.


    The doorbell rang continuously four or five times.


    If your own family members forgot to bring their keys and came home, they would usually just press the doorbell once, all casual like. If they were guests or rtives who hade to visit, they would usually press the doorbell twice, so they would appear a little more modest as visitors. Sometimes, some people who were more careless might press it three times. That was still fine and within epted norms. However, someone who was visiting another person''s house for the first time and pressing the doorbell continuously four to five times made it needless to ask who it was. Just from hearing that, it could only be that Heavenly Queen who was always cool and kind in front of the media but had a terrible character in private!


    "Coming,ing!" Zhang Ye shouted.


    Ding dong. Ding dong. He was still taking his time to get there when the doorbell rang twice more.


    Zhang Ye could do nothing about it. He went to the door and pulled it open. Sure enough, the woman standing outside "armed to the tooth" was indeed Zhang Yuanqi.


    "What took you you so long?" She lifted a leg and stepped in.


    Zhang Ye closed the door. "You have to at least let me walk to the door."


    She asked, "No one is around?"


    "No one. Don''t worry," Zhang Ye said.


    She put the zipped and locked bag in her hands down onto the ground and said, "The alcohol is inside. There''s red wine and beer. Take your pick."


    Since it hade to this, Zhang Ye could only y along. "What will you have?"


    "Red wine." She sat on the sofa in the living room.


    Zhang Ye bent over and opened the bag to take out the red wine. He realized that underneath the red wine bottles was some red and white clothing. As they stacked together, he did not know what type of clothes they were. He asked, "Why did you bring so many things? Where do you intend to go? I heard over the phone that your manager was looking for you."


    Shey tiredly on the sofa with her eyes closed, napping for the moment. "The suburbs in Beijing, at the movie studios. I''m filming a movie during these next few days and will be staying around that area." She opened her eyes and looked over. "Where''s the wine?"


    "I''m opening it right now." Zhang Ye had a wine bottle opener at home that apparently came as a free gift when his mother had bought a new rice cooker some time back. However, as he was not too familiar with how to use it, it took him a very long time before he got the bottle opened. He found two sses and poured the wine into each, one for the both of them.


    Right when he finished pouring the wine, Zhang Yuanqi immediately picked it up and raised her ss.


    Zhang Ye helplessly clinked sses with her and said, "Don''t drink so much. It''s bad for the stomach to drink so early in the morning."


    Before he could finish saying that, Old Zhang had already finished hers in one gulp and then took a look at his ss.


    Zhang Ye couldn''t do anything except apany her and finish his ss as well.


    Old Zhang picked up the bottle and poured half a ss of wine for herself before pouring some for Zhang Ye. "Come." This red wine did not look cheap at all, but the way they were drinking it was as good as pouring it down the drain.


    They drank two sses in quick session.


    The wrinkles on Zhang Yuanqi''s beautiful forehead finally loosened.


    Zhang Ye smiled and asked, "How many days have you been holding back your urge to drink?"


    "2 months," she said.


    Zhang Ye said, "Heh, if you really want to drink, you cane look for me." Although he spoke as though he was annoyed with her, however, if Old Zhang actually came over, Zhang Ye would definitely still be very weing to her. In the past, whenever the Heavenly Queen wanted a break from her work, she would always end up going to Zhang Ye''s ce. First, because when she was at his ce, no one else would be able to find her as even Fang Weihong did not know about the close rtionship between Zhang Ye and Zhang Yuanqi. Second, in this world, other than Zhang Yuanqi''s parents, probably only Zhang Ye knew about her aloof personality. Every time she was here at Zhang Ye''s ce, Old Zhang never had to put up a false front and could act like her own natural self.


    She looked up at and said, "You''d still have to make time to drink with me. In just the past two months, all I''ve seen on TV is the news of you relentlessly causing trouble everywhere."


    When he heard this, Zhang Yeughed in ridicule. "Listen to what you''re saying. What do you mean relentlessly causing trouble? I was serving the people alright? Did you watch the public service announcement I produced? How is it?"


    She said, "It''s whatever."


    Zhang Ye justughed it off and did not bother her anymore.


    At this time, when Zhang Yuanqi had taken off her sunsses and jacket, Zhang Ye suddenly noticed that her clothes were all wet. Old Zhang was dressed very normally today and had her hair in a ponytail, a look that kept her low profile. She wore a long-sleeved shirt paired with track pants and a pair of white canvas shoes, though they were stained with quite a few muddy spots. Her shirt was wet from the rain at the shoulders and sleeves areas. Walking outside in this getup, even if someone got beaten up and told that this was the famous celebrity, Zhang Yuanqi, they wouldn''t have expected or believed it.


    Zhang Ye said, "You didn''t bring an umbre?"


    "What do you think?" she said.


    "Didn''t you bring some clothes here? Why don''t you go and get dried. Change so that you don''t catch a cold." Zhang Ye said hospitably, "If not, you can also take a shower here."


    She agreed and said, "OK."


    Zhang Ye blinked and asked, "You''re really going to shower here?"


    She looked over. "What, do you think I am going to take a fake shower then?"


    "Hai, that''s not what I meant." Zhang Ye was thinking to himself that he was just trying to appear as a hospitable host by saying that. "Then go ahead and wash up. I will turn the water heater on for you, but I have to warn you that my house''s bathroom is a little messy, so make do with it."


    She stood up and said, "Drink by yourself first."


    "It''s alright. I will wait for you here." Zhang Ye also found a towel for her. "This towel is mine, but my mom has already washed it, so it''s clean."


    She said, "I have my own in the bag."


    "Oh, alright then," Zhang Ye said.


    Atst, after Zhang Yuanqi sneezed and sniffed, she finally took her bag with her and went into the bathroom. Peng, the bathroom door closed and then all was silent.


    Out in the living room, since Zhang Ye had nothing to do, he started chatting with her across the bathroom door. "You have no filming schedule today?"


    From inside the bathroom, a woman''s voice sounded, "It''s raining."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged and asked, "What movie are you busy with these days?"


    "Grandmasters."


    "Oh, wuxia genre?"


    "It''s a martial arts 1 type."


    "Hey, you even know martial arts?"


    "There''s a martial arts director."


    "What kind of martial arts are we talking about?"


    "Eight Trigram Palm, Xingyi Fist, and Taiji Fist."


    "Taiji Fist?" Zhang Ye was stunned. "I''ve heard of it. Isn''t it a lost form of martial arts? There are even people in the production team who know it?


    "It''s just a movie. Why do you think they need to really know about it?"


    "Oh, I see. I was still thinking how anyone living on Earth now could know Taiji Fist."Zhang Ye mumbled softly, like he was talking to himself.


    The woman''s voice sounded, "What did you say?"


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "Nothing."


    In the bathroom, the sound of the slippers on the wet floor could be heard shuffling and squelching. Old Zhang had probably already undressed. Sure enough, the sound of the running water could be heard next.


    Zhang Ye knew that even if he talked now, it wouldn''t be heard from the inside. So he went back out to the living room and sat down. It seemed that Old Zhang had also showered very quickly and was probably only washing off the rain from her body. After around 10 or 15 minutes, the door to the bathroom opened, and a whiff of hot air and the fragrance of her shampoo wafted out into the living room.


    "You''re done showering?"


    "Yes."


    "I''ve poured some wine for you."


    "OK."


    Old Zhang had note out from the bathroom yet.


    So Zhang Ye went over and saw Zhang Yuanqi in a white bathrobe, obviously her own since Zhang Ye''s house did not have any. Zhang Yuanqi was looking into the mirror and applying something on her face. A bottle of moisturizing water, some face cream, and even skincare and cosmetic products were all fitted into her bag. She was so well equipped that it made Zhang Ye wonder if she was going to stay at his house and intended not to leave.


    He asked, "What time will you be leaving?"


    Old Zhang did not look at him and just answered, "Noon or sometime in the afternoon."


    "Alright then, my parents usually get off work at 5 or 6PM. Just leave before that." Zhang Ye reminded and then asked, "Oh Sister Zhang, do you shed much hair?"


    Zhang Yuanqi did not bother answering him.


    Zhang Ye was already long on familiar terms with Old Zhang. They knew each other quite well and could speak whatever was on their minds. Zhang Ye said, "My mom''s hair isn''t as long as yours. If it dropped all over the bathroom floor and they see it, my parents will surely think I brought someone home." In the past, when he was at the rented apartment in Jiaomen, it was still alright since he stayed by himself. But since this was his parents'' ce, he felt that he needed to be more careful.


    After applying the skincare products, Old Zhang did not blow dry her hair but just walked out with that scent following her. She sat back onto the sofa and picked up her ss to have a drink by herself.


    Zhang Ye also sat down and apanied her in drinking.


    "This wine''s quite good."


    "It''s not bad."


    "Heh, drink slowly. Wait for me."


    "Hurry up."


    "How could I drink any faster? You''re the only one around here who drinks so early in the morning."


    The two had nothing serious to talk about, but the atmosphere blended together extremely well.


    This had been the kind of rtionship between Zhang Ye and the Heavenly Queen all along. If it was said they sharedmonalities being celebrities in the entertainment circle, there wasn''t actually much inmon between the two of them since their personalities were very different. Old Zhang was not a person who liked to talk much in private and was even considered a little stiff, unlike her bright and cheerful persona in front of the cameras. These factors had created such a situation between the two of them. They didn''t have much to talk about. But somehow, these two persons who seemingly came from different worlds and were not expected to cross each other''s paths much had a friendship that wasn''t shallow.


    They had spent a night together at an express motel. Zhang Ye had also helped Old Zhang when she had encountered a problem during the Spring Festival G. When Zhang Ye met with his own problems, Old Zhang had helped him to the best of her efforts as well, prompting her fans on Weibo to help pressure the police station to release him. She had also prevented him from being discovered by the other female celebrities in the changing room during the Spring Festival G. They both hid and ran away from reporters by escaping through a window and scaling a wall together. The two of them had many secrets that could never be spoken to anyone else, only shared between them. This had also created a very special rtionship in which they were friends even though they did not seem like friends. Speaking of, it might also be one of the more bizarre things that happened.


    Zhang Ye treated Old Zhang as a friend.


    Old Zhang did not put up much defense around him either.


    Just like now. He didn''t know if the Heavenly Queen had brought extra clothes or not. She just sat there with most of her legs showing, deep cleavage visible at the neckline of her bathrobe. As her hair was not blowdried, even if she did dry her hair with a towel, it was still wet. asionally, droplets of water would slide and fall from her hair onto her bathrobe at the shoulders or directly onto her neck and bosom, slowly gathering before bing too heavy to cling onto the skin and sliding down from her neck to her corbone and then finally down her cleavage and disappearing, unknown whether absorbed by the fabric in there or just continuing down to her belly.


    The scenery outside was beautiful.


    Butpared to the person in the house, this scenery in here was much better.


    1. Wushu

 Chapter 585: You guys are touring my house!

    <h4>Chapter 585: You guys are touring my house! </h4>


    Chapter 585 You guys are touring my house!


    [copse]


    Approaching 9 AM.


    It was pouring heavily outside.


    On the coffee table in the living room, the bottle of red wine was almost empty. The two of them had finished it very quickly and had about enough as well. They were a little tipsy after having so much, but was still alright. Zhang Ye had not intended to drink so much at all. Although he did not say it, he cared quite a lot for Old Zhang and was afraid that she would drink without restraint, so he drank a little more himself to lessen her drinking. He was actually also a little scared that Old Zhang would again be so drunk that she''d vomit all over the ce like the first time he met her. That time was enough to keep Zhang Ye busy for the whole night just taking care of Old Zhang.


    "Finished drinking?" said Zhang Ye with a smile.


    Breathing normally, Zhang Yuanqi said, "Yes."


    Zhang Ye said, "If there''s no one to apany you to drink in the future, feel free toe over. I might have been up to a fair share of things recently, but drinking is still something I can spare time for. As long as you, Sister Zhang says so, who am I to refuse?"


    Zhang Ye knew she was busy with work recently, and mind you, it was not busy in the sense of a normal white-cored worker type of busy. It was a totally different concept altogether. Being at the level of an S-list celebrity, Old Zhang''s schedule was basically packed with activities throughout the year. Today, she might be flying off to Shanghai to film a music video, then in the afternoon, she would have to fly to the south again to do some outdoor shoots before flying back to Beijing at night to shoot a scene at the movie studios in the suburbs. A full day might mean anything up to 16 or 17 different activities all lined up one after the other, so the stress level and work intensity was surely imaginable. But of course, there must be a time to rx, a point where she could just drop everything and disappear to release all that pent-up stress, otherwise, she might really die from overwork.


    She looked at Zhang Ye and said, "You''re really something."


    "Of course. I always treat friends well," Zhang Ye said. "Not to mention that you and I have even fought through the enemy lines together, making us revolutionaryrades."


    She said, "That joke isme."


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    She put down her wine ss and said, "Alright, I''m done drinking."


    "Good, don''t drink too much." Zhang Ye pointed to his own bedroom and said, "You have such dark circles under your eyes. Did you filmte into the night yesterday? Do you want to take a short nap? I will go in and clean up a little."


    Old Zhang hade to Zhang Ye''s house today probably because she wanted to have a little to drink and also rest up, so she did not turn down his suggestion. "Alright, I will nap for an hour."


    Zhang Ye said, "How is an hour enough? You just need to be up before 4:30 PM since my parents do not eat lunch at home. Rest assured. You can sleep well."


    She asked, "No one visits your house, right?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "What visitors? Don''t worry, no one wille."


    Just as he finished saying that, a sound that struck terror into Zhang Ye''s heart came from behind him!


    Ding dong.


    It was the doorbell!


    Someone was pressing the doorbell!


    Zhang Yuanqi shot a nce at Zhang Ye while he was already breaking out into a cold sweat. He did not know who it was, so he kept quiet and pretended that there was no one home.


    Then, his mother''s voice rang out from the door, "Little Ye, open up. I just went the market and I don''t want to find my keys since I am carry all these grocery bags."


    It was his mother!


    Ding dong. The doorbell rang again.


    Then his father''s voice also rang out, "Little Ye."


    Zhang Ye knew this spelled trouble. If they were just visitors, he could still have avoided them by pretending that no one was around, but since his parents had the keys with them, even if he didn''t open the door for them, they would still be able to get in. He didn''t know what else he could do anymore. Didn''t the two of them go to work? How did it end up with them having the day off and going to the market to buy groceries instead? Hai, he was still wondering why his mother and father did not leave any breakfast for him. Turned out it was because they had the day off, so they had gone out to get the groceries for breakfast!


    Old Zhang looked at him and asked, "Didn''t you say there''d be nobody?"


    Zhang Ye said worriedly, "I didn''t expect this either."


    "Think of a way," she said as she pushed all responsibility onto him.


    Dong dong.


    They were still knocking on the door.


    When Zhang Ye looked at Zhang Yuanqi''s outfit, he thought of how he wouldn''t be able to exin this no matter how hard he tried. If she were dressed normally, like earlier, it would still be easy to exin, but she was in a bathrobe right now and had obviously juste out of the shower. Even if he had a hundred mouths, he wouldn''t be able to clear this up!


    "Little Ye? Are you awake yet?" His mother finally asked, and then said, "Forget it, I will open the door myself."


    Zhang Ye knew that he couldn''t dy opening the door anymore, so he shouted loudly at the door, "Mom, don''t! Let me open the door, let me do it instead. I will open it soon, wait a moment." At least that dyed it a little more.


    His mother acknowledged and said, "Hurry up then. Change into your clothes."


    Zhang Ye turned to Zhang Yuanqi to tell her to go into the bedroom. "Hide in my bedroom for now. Close the door."


    Old Zhang said, "My bag."


    "I will get it for you. Go in." Zhang Ye speedily went into the bathroom and took all of Old Zhang''s cosmetics and threw them into her bag. He carried the bag out and dumped it in his bedroom, then quickly cleared the red wine bottle and wine sses from the coffee table. But at this time, he heard the sound of keys ttering outside the door. Unsure if his parents were getting impatient of waiting and were intending to open the door on their own, Zhang Ye panicked and ran to his bedroom to close the door.


    But just before the door shut, Old Zhang muttered, "The wet clothes are in the bathroom."


    The door closed.


    Zhang Ye knew that there was no time to get the clothes anymore, so he ignored that for the moment as his parents would probably not be using the bathroom anytime soon. He would have to think of another way to retrieve the clothester. Since it was just his parentsing home, he would have to handle them first. When there was a good opportunity, he would go and put away Old Zhang''s clothes before suggesting to them that he wanted something difficult to prepare for breakfast and let his parents busy themselves in the kitchen with it. Zhang Ye would then close the kitchen door and smuggle Zhang Yuanqi out of his house.


    Whew.


    That seemed like a good n and it shouldn''t be a problem to execute.


    In this short moment, Zhang Ye had already formted a n in his head. After being sure that he had left nothing to chance, his worries subsided as he regained his calm somewhat. He smiled and walked towards the door to wee his parents home. He would just adapt his ns as the situation yed out. It was no big deal. He was sure he could handle it.


    The door swung open.


    Then, Zhang Ye saw a scene that left him with his mouth wide open in shock!


    His father was carrying two bags of vegetables as he walked into the house and said, "You''re awake?"


    Behind him, his mother did not walk in yet but instead stood at the door and said to Zhang Ye, "Don''t sleep anymore. We have guests. They''re all our old neighbors. It has been so long since we had a gathering, so I called everyone over today." She turned around and said, "Grandma Cui,e in quickly. Little Yan, are you an advertising major in university? It''s a good opportunity to chat with your Brother Zhang Ye."


    Grandma Cui stepped into the house and smiled. "Little Ye."


    Dumbfounded, Zhang Ye said, "Granny Cui.


    Little Yan said a little stiffly, "Brother Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye continued to be dumbfounded. "Hey."


    Behind, another middle-aged man entered the house. "Little Ye, ha ha, I haven''t seen you around the district in over half a year now. Terrific, how terrific. You''re already a big celebrity now!"


    Zhang Ye was still dumbfounded. "��Uncle Hu."


    Outside, another woman arrived. "Little Ye, still remember me? Back when you were in middle school, I always came over to your house here to y mahjong. "


    Zhang Ye kept staying dumbfounded. "��Auntie Yu."


    Then, behind her, a middle-aged man followed. "Ah, I haven''t seen you two in over 2 years now, Brother Zhang, Sister Cao. Your son is growing up and looking handsomer and handsomer now. Hmm, he takes after my Sister Cao!"


    Zhang Ye: "��Uncle Wu."


    His motherughed and said, "That''s true. If he took after our Old Zhang, no one would want him."


    The door of the neighbor opposite opened. "Yo, Old Cao, what''s going on here?"


    His mother smiled and greeted her. "Sister Wang, hai, my husband and I went out to buy some groceries and we saw many of our old neighbors. We were just starting to do some catching up when it suddenly rained, so with the market a mess, we invited everyone up to our house for a chat. Is Brother Wang at home?"


    Sister Wang said, "Yeah, he''s here."


    His mother insisted on inviting them as well. "Come over then,e to my ce. We''ll have lunch togetherter. It won''t be awkward since we''re neighbors and know each other so well already."


    Grandma Cui also knew her. "Little Wang,e and join us."


    Sister Wangughed. "Alrighty then, let me grab my husband."


    At this moment, it was as if many ck lines had appeared on Zhang Ye''s forehead as he just stood there, dumbfounded and silly while looking at them!


    But just at this moment, another of his neighbors'' doors also swung open and an old man between 60 and 70 years of age walked over while holding a cane. "Little Cao, you''re treating everyone to a meal here?"


    His motherughed. "Grandpa Liu, I was just about to go over and ask you to join us. Yes, we''re preparing lunch for everyone today, so of course you have to join us as well. Come in, quickly,e in. Let''s talk first."


    Grandpa Liu did not reject either as they had been neighbors for many decades now. With such a long running rtionship, he definitely did not need to appear to be polite by rejecting the invitation. He said, "Sure. Then I shall respectfully obey. Oh right, my son''s puppy is also at my ce."


    His mother said, "Flowers, right? Bring her along as well. I still have some leftover meat from yesterday that I can heat up for Flowers to eat."


    Grandpa Liu: "That''s great then. You''re saving me a lot of work here."


    His father greeted, "Come in quick. Take a seat, take a seat. I''ll go and get more chairs."


    His mother asked, "What tea would you like?"


    "Water is fine."


    "Haha, do you have green tea?"


    "Yes, yes, we have everything!"


    "Then I''ll have a cup of green tea too."


    "I''d like a soda, please!"


    The group of old neighbors were all gathered at Zhang Ye''s house!


    A total of 12 people!


    Yup. Oh, add a dog to that number as well!


    This tactical formation simply looked too spectacr as the 70 to 80 square meter house was fully filled with people. The volume and chatter of everyone made it sound even busier than the marketce!


    As Zhang Ye witnessed these people slowly packing his house, his chest seemingly burned as he nearly spit out a mouthful of blood that would have spewed 3 feet away, feeling like he would be better off if he just fainted there and then. No wonder his parents had kept knocking on the door even though they had their keys with them. It wasn''t just because they had a lot of things on their hands, but were instead actually worried that Zhang Ye might not have been properly dressed or in the bathroom. So in order to not inconvenience their guests with seeing what they should not see, they had knocked on the door to give a warning to Zhang Ye first!


    Stay calm!


    Zhang Ye, you need to stay calm!


    Isn''t it just a few more people than you had previously nned for? This shouldn''t be a big deal at all. Just follow the n ordingly and say that you want to get some breakfast. Call mom and dad into the kitchen and get them to prepare it for you. Then, go out into the living room and invite some of the neighbors into their room to talk before going back out to ask the other neighbors to stand by the window to enjoy the view outside while making sure they don''t turn around. Oh, right. There was also that dog that must be controlled. Maybe adding some sleeping pills into its food would let it��let it��


    Let it, my ass!


    Stay calm, your sister!


    Whatever the n, it was useless!


    With so many people and so many pairs of eyes, even if I stuffed Zhang Yuanqi into my pants pocket, I couldn''t sneak her out! What the hell are you guys doing here? What special asion is it today? Why did you all have toe here today of all days? Did all of you organize a sightseeing tour toe to my house! Toe as a group to set me up!?

 Chapter 586: Pandemonium!

    <h4>Chapter 586: Pandemonium! </h4>


    Chapter 586 Pandemonium!


    In the living room.


    It was very crowded and chaotic.


    "Here, have some tea."


    "Little Liu,e and sit over here."


    "There''s not enough space on the sofa. There''s a chair here for you."


    "Here, have some fruits. I just bought them at the market."


    "Find a spot and have a seat. If it''s too crowded, go to my bedroom."


    The guests were divided into three groups: some women were talking in his parents'' bedroom, Grandma Cui and some of the elderly people were sitting on the sofa chattering away, and there were some rtively middle-aged and younger people sitting on chairs and stools. Somehow, they had managed to fit all the guests in the house as everyone settled down.


    People were chatting away.


    The dog was barking away.


    The liveliness of the ce didn''t even need to be mentioned!


    His mother said, "Little Ye, why are you standing there like an idiot? Everyone is concerned about you. Come over quickly and talk with your uncles and aunties."


    Zhang Ye wondered how he could be in any mood to chat, as there was an entire living person who was barely wearing anything in his bedroom right now!


    Grandma Cuiughed. "There is no need to chat with us. Little Ye is now a busy man who can host, give lectures, and producemercials. Let him busy himself with work."


    Grandpa Liu said, "Heh, Little Ye is really that capable."


    "That''s right. When I saw Little Ye back then, I knew he was no ordinary person," Auntie Yu praised. "He had the potential ever since he was young and always did things low-key without showing off. One look and I knew he would be a very capable person when he grew up. Just look at how he''s doing now. I was right, wasn''t I?!"


    His mother beamed. "Not really. This kid only got a little lucky. Little Ye, take your Brother Little Yan and the others to your room for a conversation. It''s too crowded out here."


    Ah?


    Why my room!


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "No, I have not made the bed yet and my bedroom is a mess."


    His mother pursed her lips and said, "What would that matter?"


    Zhang Ye was, of course, afraid. If he opened the door right then, it would give everyone a fright!


    Little Yan also came over to consult him. "Brother Zhang Ye, your Quit Smoking PSA is really good. How did youe up with this idea?"


    Zhang Ye knew Little Yan since childhood, living in the same district and ying together several times before. But after they grew up and went to university, they did not hang out or y together anymore. "Hai, it was just a moment of inspiration."


    After chatting for a while, his mother suddenly stood up. "You all continue talking. I need to use the restroom."


    Zhang Ye was still chatting with Little Yan until his mother walked pass. He suddenly recalled that Zhang Yuanqi''s clothes were still in the bathroom! He immediately called out, "Mom! I need to go first!" He walked over quickly and intercepted her.


    His mother stared at him. "You, after me!"


    "I really can''t wait any longer!" Zhang Ye pretended that he needed to use the bathroom very urgently, which in fact, was the truth. "Could you make some breakfast first? I just woke up and have not eaten yet."


    His mother pushed him aside. "Let me use the bathroom first!"


    "I got here first!" Zhang Ye had already entered the bathroom and shut the door.


    His mother stared angrily and scolded him, "You damned kid."


    ����


    In the bathroom.


    The chaotic chattering noises outside had nothing to do with him anymore.


    Zhang Ye took the opportunity to take a breather and clear his mind. Then he looked around and found Old Zhang''s clothes on a small stool under the shower head. He went over to pick up the clothes which were damp from the rain. He intended to go back to his room after retrieving the clothes when something dropped onto the floor. Upon closer inspection, it was Old Zhang''s ck panties made of real silk. The material was very thin. The right side of the front was embroidered with dark ck flowers and exuded a mature air.


    He bent down and picked up the panties quickly. Because they was worn underneath, they did not get wet from the rain. But after dropping it on the floor, one side of them became a bit wet.


    At this moment, he realized there would be a problem. How would he bring out so many clothes without being noticed? He couldn''t possibly leave them in here as anyone who came to use the bathroom would surely see them. If he brought the clothes out, it would be obvious that they were not his. If parents saw them, they especially would ask. This was why the clothes must stay hidden!


    How should he hide them?


    F**k! He decided to hide it on himself instead!


    Zhang Ye folded Old Zhang''s track pants and found a good spot on himself to hide it. He pulled up his clothes and stuffed it in the back between his pants and waist. Then he folded Old Zhang''s long-sleeved shirt and stuffed into the front of his pants, which were secured with an stic band. There were still two stockings, the sort of ankle-high nude hosiery. Although Zhang Ye''s pants did not have any pockets, this was still easy to handle. Zhang Ye took off his slippers and stuffed them into his left slipper and then put it back on. The slipper suddenly became tighter fitting but he had to make do with this for now. Then Zhang Ye stared at the panties for a long time before deciding to use the same technique. He stuffed them into his right slipper before putting it back on.


    In the end, only the bra was left.


    Thatcy ck floral bra!


    The material was thin, but because of it shape, it was not easy to hide. He held the bra and tried to stuff it on himself. However, because it still protruded out under his clothes, it would easily be discovered by people with just a nce.


    Dong dong.


    "Are you done yet?" his mother called out.


    Zhang Ye immediately replied, "I''ming. I''m almost done."


    His mother said, "I''ve already heated up the food for you. Hurry up."


    Zhang Ye sucked his stomach in and stuffed the bra under his clothes, the rough,cy material rubbing against his belly, making him feel slightly ticklish. He opened the door with one hand while the other clutched his stomach, pretending to have the runs and not feeling well. "Huu, I''m done."


    When the door opened, his mother looked at him and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Zhang Ye held onto his clothes tightly and said, "I probably didn''t eat wellst night."


    "I thought that you didn''t eat dinnerst night? You were only sleeping. Alright, stand aside." His mother quickly went into the bathroom without noticing anything.


    When Zhang Ye dodged this crisis, he immediately dragged his feet, shuffling forward with his left foot which was stepping on the stockings while the other was stepping on the panties, hobbling back to his room.


    He was almost there.


    But the more he was anxious, the more mistakes he would make!


    As the slippers were not tight fitting, and had something stuffed in them, Zhang Ye''s heels were not fully on the slippers at this moment. When he was about to reach his bedroom door, he sped up and missed a step, making him lose his bnce. His feet slid out from the right slipper and even tumbled across the floor. Thepressed lump of Old Zhang''s panties rolled out as the slipper tumbled along andnded beside it.


    "What happened, Little Ye?"


    "Be careful."


    As a group, Little Yan, Grandma Cui, and the rest all looked over at once.


    Zhang Ye''s face turned green as he hastily put his slippers back on and said, "Nothing, nothing."


    Little Yan said concerned, "Brother Zhang Ye, why are you sweating so much? Does your stomach not feel well?" Suddenly, he looked down slightly at the floor. "Eh? Brother Zhang Ye, you dropped something. What is it?"


    Zhang Ye was terrified. He tugged on the bra underneath his shirt with one hand while the other hand quickly picked up the clump of ck panties and calmly held it in his hand. He raised up that hand to wipe off the sweat on his forehead and smiled. "Yes, my stomach doesn''t feel good. Maybe I''m just hungry. It''s nothing. I''ll be fine after I eat something."


    Grandma Cui looked at him and reminded, "There is sweat on your sideburns as well."


    "Oh, I can wipe it off. It''s fine." Zhang Ye held onto that lump of ck fabric while wiping off the sweat from his sideburns and neck and then smiled. "All of you please continue chatting. I will go back to my room first."


    Holding the ck panties in his hand, he grabbed the doorknob to his bedroom and twisted it. After opening the door, he went in quickly as he was afraid that the guests would see the view of the bedroom. He immediately closed the door. Still feeling uneasy, he locked the door from inside. He rubbed his forehead and neck while panting, the lingering scent of the ck panties on his face. He nearly cried and thought to himself, wondering what he had done to deserve this and why he was so unlucky!


    In his room.


    Old Zhang was lying on the bed burrowed beneath nkets. She was holding Zhang Ye''s Legend of Wukong in her hands, which had originally been ced on the windowsill, and was currently reading it.


    Zhang Ye was speechless. "What are you doing?"


    She replied, "Reading a book."


    "I''m over here working myself to death yet you''re amazinglyid back." Zhang Ye whispered, "Why are you even all wrapped up in bed? If someonees in, how can I exin it!"


    She said deadpan, "What else can I do? It''s impossible to leave since there are so many people around and I also can''t help it if they enter the room. Is there any difference between standing or lying down in the room?"


    Indeed, there was no difference at all. It would be on the headlines if it were made public that the Heavenly Queen was wearing pajamas in his bedroom! One of them was an S-list celebrity while the other was a C-list celebrity. If they were caught in a scandal, neither of them could handle the consequences. Besides, Zhang Ye already had a girlfriend now.


    Zhang Ye unbuttoned his shirt, took off his slippers, took out her clothes one by one and helped put them back into her bag.


    But he heard Old Zhang say, "Your house is really crowded today."


    Zhang Ye said gloomily, "Who could''ve guessed that my parents would invite so many people in such a short span?"


    Old Zhang added, "And a dog."


    "That''s right. There''s a dog too." Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and said, "I''ve gotta hand it to them. They can invite enough people to even make up a ser team with subs."


    She said, "You think of a way," and continued reading her book.


    Zhang Ye said, "There''s no way out, we can only hang around for a while. Let''s wait and see. Alright, I''ll stop talking now. I''m going out for my breakfast."


    She casually remarked, "I also have not eaten breakfast."


    Zhang Ye muttered, "I understand."


    He opened the door, walked out of his room, and quickly closed the door, all done with lightning speed.


    Having used the bathroom, his mother was now busying herself in the kitchen. When Zhang Ye went over, breakfast had just been prepared. He suddenly said, "I''ll take this then, Mom."


    His mother asked, "Where are you taking it?"


    "There are too many people out there. I''m going to eat in my room." Zhang Ye came up with an excuse. "Please give me some more."


    "Can you finish all that?" His mother flicked another egg and two leavened pancakes from the night before onto the tes and asked, "Do you want pickled vegetables?"


    "There''s no need." Zhang Ye took it and walked away.


    He closed the door very quickly per usual and put down the tes. Then Zhang Ye handed the chopsticks to Old Zhang who was on the bed and said softly, "You use the chopsticks. I''ll use my hands to eat."


    Old Zhang put down the book and started to eat when then she frowned. "The pancake is salty."


    Zhang Ye said, "Please make do. My mom''s cooking is just this way. We should be thinking of a way to smuggle you out of here. If anyone sees you, with so many of them and so many mouths, we won''t even know how quickly or crazily the rumors will spread. If something really happens, your fans will surely kill me and your manager will chop me into pieces." If we were spotted at a hotel together, we might still have a way to exin things and give a reasonable exnation. But in our current situation, there''s totally no way to exin things clearly. Even an idiot would not believe!


    Silently eating breakfast.


    Old Zhang was probably feeling sleepy again, so she leaned against the headboard and closed her eyes.


    Zhang Ye sat by his bedside and listened to the noisy chatter outside his room. At this moment, he felt rather screwed!

 Chapter 587: Soaking wet bush lily!

    <h4>Chapter 587: Soaking wet bush lily! </h4>


    Chapter 587 Soaking wet bush lily!


    Outside the bedroom.


    He opened the door and closed it behind him.


    Zhang Ye took the te out from his room.


    "You''ve finished eating, Little Ye?" His mother looked over at him.


    "Yeah," Zhang Ye said.


    His mother looked at the te in his hand. "Woah, you actually finished all that?"


    Zhang Ye ced the te in the kitchen sink and came out, saying, "I was really hungry since I didn''t eat much the whole of yesterday."


    His mother asked, "Your stomach is OK? If it''s no problem, then quicklye here and have a chat with your aunties and uncles. We were just discussing your quit smoking PSA. After your Grandpa Sun here watched it, he did not smoke for the entire day. He has been grumbling about you for a while now, saying that the PSA was so scary and how only someone like you would be able to produce something like that."


    Grandpa Sun who was ying with the dog,ughed loudly and said, "But smoking less is a good thing. Little Ye''s really good. This PSA has a very effective cautionary message, and that puts it at the pinnacle of public service announcements!"


    Zhang Ye gave a wave of his hands. "Grandpa Sun, you''re too ttering."


    "Continue your conversation first." His mother stood up unable to do anything. "I''ll go make Little Ye''s bed so that the young ones may go into his bedroom to talk."


    Zhang Ye started in surprise and quickly stopped her. "Mom, don''t make yourself busy with such things. Just sit down and rest up. It''s more lively with more people around to talk with, and anyways, my room is too small."


    At this moment, his cell phone rang in his pocket.


    Zhang Ye took it out and had a look. It was from Hu Fei, so he answered the call as he stood beside his bedroom door: "Hello, Brother Hu?"


    Hurriedly saidughed a little and said: "Little Zhang, are you busy?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Ah, yes."


    Hu Fei: "Do you have time in the afternoon? Come out for a meal?"


    Zhang Ye answered without even considering: "Today? It''s not possible today."


    "Oh, like that?" Hu Fei said. "Hur hur, actually, I''m not the only one who wants to meet you for a meal. I am also doing this as a favor to the television station''s leaders as they''ve organized a meal today and would like to invite you along."


    But how would Zhang Ye have any mood and thoughts about this at the moment, so he just rejected and said: "Forget it, Brother Hu. I really cannot make it, help me decline them but thank them for the invitation."


    Hu Fei coughed and said: "But the station might be looking for you for a reason."


    "It''s not that I am not giving you face, Brother Hu, but today is really not convenient. Besides, you also know about my rtionship with Beijing Television Station. This time, I helped out because it was for you, but if it''s a luncheon with many people sitting around, I''m afraid there isn''t much I could talk to them about, so it''s better I don''t go." Zhang Ye exined and then hung up after that.


    Luncheon?


    Even if the sky was about to copse over there, I couldn''t go help!


    If I went now, then my side of the sky would copse!


    His father looked at him and asked, "Something the matter? Go if there''s something that needs your attention."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s nothing, nothing. It''s just a luncheon that I can miss without any issues." He did not put much thought into the reason for this call from Hu Fei since his mind was currently on another matter.


    Auntie Yu was smiling widely and said, "Little Ye, you take a seat too."


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure, let me find a chair."


    Grandma Cui stood up and said, "You can sit on the sofa. Go ahead."


    "I can''t do that. Please sit down. I will find a stool or something." Zhang Ye casually took a nearby stool and sat down at an area near the bedroom door, as though he were "guarding" the room.


    Little Yan also moved quickly to give up his seat. "Brother Zhang Ye, this chair is morefortable. It has a cushion."


    "It''s alright, I can make do with this." Zhang Ye waved his hands.


    Auntie Yu said, feeling a little moved, "Look at our Little Ye, he''s already such an important member of society, yet he puts on no airs and has always been so polite. How nice."


    His mother said, "How could he ever put on airs with everyone here? All of you watched him grow up."


    Beside them, another auntie sighed, "Yes, who would have thought that little kid back then has already grown up to be this tall and even became a big star. He even worked together with the Heavenly Queen of the entertainment circle, Zhang Yuanqi. You see, this shows that everything in this world is very unpredictable and no one can know the future."


    When her daughter who was seated beside heard that, she asked, "Brother Ye, I love Sister Zhang. Have you really seen her before?"


    Zhang Ye simply grunted in confirmation.


    Auntie Yu said happily, "Little Ye had written two songs for Zhang Yuanqi before. How could he not have seen her?"


    The girl asked excitedly, "Then what is your rtionship with Sister Zhang like?"


    Zhang Ye equivocally said, "Hai, we''ve only cooperated twice and that was about it. We don''t know each other too well nor have we exchanged more than a few words." He distanced himself.


    "Is Sister Zhang''s temper as good in her daily life? Is she also especially friendly to everyone? I have never seen her putting on any airs before!" Little Yan also said with great interest.


    Friendly?


    Good temperament?


    I will gift you all two words now: HUR HUR!


    But Zhang Ye still guiltily said, "Yes, she is very even-tempered and a very nice person!" Then, his eyes couldn''t resist sweeping towards the direction of his bedroom door as he wondered if Old Zhang was asleep and whether she could hear what he just said.


    Little Yan said in admiration, "Sister Zhang is my goddess. If I could just see her once, even from afar, then I would die a happy man."


    Zhang Ye thought to himself that Little Yan did not actually have to wait for another day. If he just opened the door to Zhang Ye''s bedroom, not only would he be able to see her, he would even be able to see her in resting!


    "I heard that Zhang Yuanqi is filming a new movie."


    "Yes, I think it''s a martial arts film."


    "Brother Little Ye, could you get an autograph from Sister Zhang if you get the chance? I really like her so much and I''ve watched every one of her movies!"


    Somehow, the topic of discussion had turned to Zhang Yuanqi, possibly because she was quite popr in the singing and acting fields. No matter man or woman, old or young, everyone still liked her. Even the older generation like Grandma Cui and Grandpa Sun who might not be too familiar with other celebrities could sayment on the Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi when she was mentioned, for instance "10 years ago when Zhang Yuanqi swept the charts" and the like.


    The discussion was bing livelier and livelier.


    His mother looked at her watch and went to start preparing lunch. Three other aunties also went along to help her out, otherwise, a meal for so many people would really be a headache to prepare.


    Di di, a text message arrived.


    Zhang Ye held up his phone and saw Zhang Yuanqi''s number on the disy. She had earlier switched off her phone as she was avoiding her manager and the meal schedule, but for some reason, she turned it on again.


    Old Zhang: "Back into the room, now."


    Zhang Ye replied: "What''s wrong?"


    A few secondster, he received a reply again: "I need to go to the bathroom."


    When he saw these few words, Zhang Ye got so frightened that all his hair stood on end. Why must you go to the bathroom now? Right now, when there were so many people out here, and every one of them would know you for sure. One of them even wanted me to get your signature for her. If you came out right now, then it would definitely save me a lot of trouble since you could directly give her your autograph!


    Zhang Ye suddenly said, "Everyone, please carry on talking, I need to go back into my room to make a call."


    "Go busy yourself then, Little Ye."


    "Yes, don''t bother with us."


    "Work is more important."


    Said Grandma Cui, Auntie Yu, and all the others.


    Zhang Ye immediately opened his bedroom door and went in, naturally being very careful by only opening it enough to let himself in, since he did not anyone outside to be able to see what was inside.


    Click.


    The door closed and was locked.


    Zhang Ye saw that Zhang Yuanqi who was on the bed earlier was already on the floor now.


    Old Zhang didn''t look too good and simply said, "When are they leaving?"


    Zhang Ye thought to himself, remembering how he had already warned her to not drink so much red wine in the morning. Just look, just look at this situation now, so he said anxiously, "No matter what, they won''t leave before lunch. I don''t even know when they will finish lunch, so I really have no idea. Just bear it for now, Sister Zhang, hold it! I will try to make them leave soon after lunch and then urge my parents to take their nap! Then you will be free to go."


    Old Zhang said, "I can''t wait that long."


    Zhang Ye said nervously, "But you still have to wait."


    Old Zhang did not bother him. She caught her breath then walked to the door, looking like she wanted to go out immediately.


    Zhang Ye grabbed her arm and said, "Are you crazy? In this getup, you will never be able to exin yourself. This would cause a meltdown. Do you really wish to get onto the headlines for this?" If she really went outside now, not only would it not be as simple as getting on the headlines, the media outlets all over the country would probably be sent into a frenzy!


    Old Zhang said in a cold manner, "Let go."


    Zhang Ye was almost in tears. "You can''t do this. Just bear with it. It will surely be OK. If you really can''t hold it in��you��why don''t you find a ce instead?" He suggested so even though there was no toilet in his room!


    Old Zhang looked at him with a dark expression.


    Zhang Ye coughed and said, "You can''t me me for what''s happening here now, don''t you think? It was just a coincidence. Who could have known that my house would suddenly be filled with so many people plus a dog? In fact, I could even say it was your fault. If you didn''t shower, then it might have been easier to exin. If you came up a littleter, none of this would even have happened." He was already looking to push the me off himself. "Anyways, since it has already happened, we will need to think of a way no matter what. Do you rememberst time at the express motel where we had to pick locks and jump over walls to get out of the building to evade the reporters? That was even more serious than this and we got through that together. This time, it''s not as serious, so we will surely get through this as well. Yes, so then, in any case, just do whatever you need to inside this room. Wherever looks good to you, settle there, as long as you don''t go outside and let everyone see you."


    Old Zhang aimed a nce at him and said, "Is that all?"


    "No." Zhang Ye was also looking around for a long time and eventually heid his eyes upon the corner of the bay window. He pointed to the bush lily on the bay window ledge and said, "Why not use that flower pot?"


    Old Zhang did not say a word.


    Zhang Ye did not utter another word.


    Silence fell upon the room and remained that way for a long time.


    Zhang Yuanqi sat on the bedside like everything was normal. She did not put her legs close together or any of those movements and just sat there. But on that beautiful face of hers that could ruin cities and topple nations, her expression increasingly got worse.


    Zhang Ye knew that she was still holding it in. Actually, having had so much red wine and eating the porridge from breakfast, Zhang Ye was also unable to hold it anymore. "I will leave you here for now, Sister Zhang. I also need to go to the toilet right now." Hearing himself say that, even Zhang Ye felt like beating himself up. So he coughed and cleared his throat without daring to look at Old Zhang, simply hoping that Sister Zhang could bear it, that she would really be able to hold it in! Then, he hastily went out of his room. When he went out, the delicious fragrance of the food being prepared drifted out of the kitchen as he rushed for the toilet.


    "Little Ye."


    "Yes, I''m in the restroom."


    "Lunch is almost ready. Get ready to eat."


    "Alright, I got it."


    When he left the bathroom, Zhang Ye went to the kitchen and said a few things before clenching his teeth. He then slowly opened his bedroom door to check if Old Zhang had already passed out from holding in her pee for too long.


    One read "Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Ye Living Under the Same Roof"!


    Another said, "Heavenly Queen Hospitalized in Emergency Over Holding in Urine for Too Long"!


    Zhang Ye could not decide which of these two headlines were more likely, but he was sure that even if either one got published, it would startle the universe and make the spirits cry!


    In the room.


    Everything seemed normal.


    He didn''t know when Zhang Yuanqi had crawled into bed again, but she was under the nkets with her eyes closed and had a peaceful looking expression on her face!


    Eh?


    What happened?


    Did she really manage to hold it in??


    Just as he was feeling surprised by this oue, Zhang Ye shifted his eyes to the bay window in his bedroom. That flower pot with the bush lily had disappeared! No, it didn''t disappear, as Zhang Ye soon realized. The bush lily had been shifted from the bedroom to the ledge just outside the window. The windows were closed and it wasn''t raining outside anymore. Even if it was scattered rain, there were only a few droplets. It couldn''t reach the ledge, but the lily outside was drenched, with water on more than a dozen of its leaves and still dripping from the tips. When he looked at the soil in the pot, Zhang Ye, who knew he hadn''t watered it for the past few days since bush lilies did not require much water to survive, saw that the soil was waterlogged now!


    Zhang Ye immediately understood when he saw this!


    His poor bush lily would surely die soon!

 Chapter 588: Return to the television station?

    <h4>Chapter 588: Return to the television station? </h4>


    Chapter 588 Return to the television station?


    The rain outside had stopped.


    The fragrance of the home-cooked dishes flowed throughout the house.


    "It''s time for lunch."


    "Oh, it''s been hard on you, Little Cao."


    "Yeah, we''ve really troubled you today."


    "It''s fine. I''m very happy that everyone agreed toe. Quick, take a seat."


    "Oh, there''s so many dishes? I know it''s good just from the smell."


    "Old Zhang, shall we have some to drink?"


    "Sure, let''s drink together. I have some here, it''s Y��y��."


    "Y��y�� is top-quality wine and really expensive."


    "Little Ye brought it back home. Someone gave it to him."


    This brand, Y��y��, is a world-famous wine with a great aroma.


    In the living room, two tables were set up and was somewhat able to fit everyone. Zhang Ye also came out but did not sit around it. Rather, he kept to his usual position near his bedroom. He pulled a chair to the side and sat on the outside. Everyone even praised him thinking that Zhang Ye was being polite.


    During lunch, Zhang Ye was kept extremely busy as he constantly gave food to everyone at the table. "Here, Grandma Cui, have some of this. Auntie Yu, try this one here, my mom''s fish-vored pork slices are the best. Little Yan, you too. Don''t stand on ceremony, we''re all family here, there''s no need to feel shy. Have a taste of this dish."


    Grandma Cui quickly said, "Little Ye, you have some for yourself too."


    "Yeah, don''t keep giving food to us. Have some yourself too," Auntie Yu said with a smile.


    Little Yan felt overwhelmed by the treatment he was getting and hurriedly gave some food to Zhang Ye too. "Thanks, Brother Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye gave some more food to him in return. "What''s there to thank me for? Here, there''s still some of this."


    Grandpa Sun nodded and said, "Look at our Little Ye, how sensible he is."


    The whole table had Zhang Ye taking care of them as he busied himself here and there by giving food to everyone. Soon, the 3 closest dishes to him were already empty and in the bowls of everyone. Zhang Ye took this chance to remove the empty tes from the table and pulled the dishes that were still full closer to him and continued to distribute the food to everyone.


    It wasn''t that he was being hospitable.


    This person was just intending for everyone to finish up as soon as possible so they could quickly go back home!


    With Zhang Ye working hard, the results were striking. A meal for a dozen people only took slightly more than 30 minutes as the tes were emptied.


    "I''m so full, so full."


    "How delicious."


    "I can''t eat anymore."


    Everyone put their chopsticks down.


    His mother stood up and said, "I will go make some tea."


    Grandpa Sun said graciously, "Don''t trouble yourself, Little Cao. We won''t be drinking anymore. We have already been troubling you the whole morning and it''s time we go off as well. I still have to take a nap when I get home."


    With someone taking the lead, the others followed suit and said their goodbyes.


    "Yeah, go and rest now."


    "We wille by to visit again next time."


    "Yes, I have to get going too."


    "Little Ye,e over to my ce and visit when you are free."


    Zhang Ye said cheerfully as he stood up to send them off, "That''s for sure, that''s for sure."


    His mother said, "Why don''t you all stay awhile longer. There''s no rush since we''ve just finished lunch. Yu, I nted two pots of flowers awhile ago and was intending to show them to you."


    Auntieughed and said, "The one in your living room, right? I saw it; it''s really nice. It''s different when you have some greenery in the house. I was still saying that I''d buy a pot some day."


    His mother smiled and said, "Why would you need to buy it? There''s no need. Oh right, there''s a bush lily in my son''s room. He has always beenining about how these nts attract flying insects all the time. He doesn''t seem like he''s interested in keeping them, so why don''t you take it with you instead!"


    Ah?


    The bush lily!?


    Zhang Ye''s sweat nds nearly exploded. This was the nth time he felt like he was about to faint. All of you, this is just unbelievable!


    Auntie Yu said embarrassed, "Is that alright?"


    "It''s fine, it''s fine. Little Ye, go and get the bush lily for Auntie Yu," his mother said to him.


    Get it? Why would I get it? Zhang Ye said hastily, "Not the bush lily!"


    His mother stared at him, "Why not? Didn''t you say you didn''t like keeping it?"


    Zhang Ye exined, "That nt of mine isn''t doing too well and the leaves don''t look good either. If you want to give one to Auntie Yu, use yours instead. The one that you have been nurturing looks quite good."


    He thought to himself, Auntie Yu, it''s not that I don''t want to give it to you, I''m just afraid that the smell would be too musky for you!


    His mother immediately said, "That''s right, take my pot then. That one is well nurtured. Come, I will get it for you."


    Auntie Yu said, "It doesn''t need to be good. I''m not really good at gardening. The bush lily will do."


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "No, no, the bush lily is really hard to care for!"


    A few minutester.


    The neighbors gradually had left. Grandpa Sun also took his dog away on its leash.


    His mother, looking invigorated, said, "Heh, I had such a good time chatting and catching up with the neighbors today."


    "All you know is boasting." His father said in criticism, "Look at that impetuous look on your face. When our son has shown some results, it is because he is capable. Must you be so cocky?


    His mother did not like listening to this, so she said, "I was the one who raised him, so if my son is capable, can''t I feel happy for him? Can''t I boast a little?"


    His father said, "You have to be more low-key."


    His mother apathetically said, "I''ve been low-key for over 50 years."


    "Just wash the dishes. Huu, I''ve had too much too drink. I need to go lie in bed for a while." His father savored and sipped a mouthful of tea and then strolled back to his room in aid-back manner.


    His mother followed up sarcastically, "You''re low-key, especially when ites to chores like washing the dishes, you''re low-key as well! I have never seen you helping out with such things before!"


    When he heard this, Zhang Ye immediately said, "Mom! Let me!"


    His mother immediately smiled. "My son is still the best, hur hur. Don''t worry about it."


    "No, let me do it, Mom. Go take a nap with Dad. You''ve been working tirelessly the whole morning. I will handle the chores today." Saying so, Zhang Ye was already clearing the dishes off the table.


    His mother did not want her son to trouble himself, so she came to try to clear the dishes instead. "Don''t do anything."


    But Zhang Ye did not listen and said, "Give me a chance to do something for you. Leave it to me!"


    "Your main task right now is to find a job. That is more important." His mother was also rather worried about this as the matter was always on her mind. By right, her son was already a celebrity of such a level, yet he still had to look for a job? Using the word "look" was seriously a joke. Didn''t people on the same level as her son have all sorts of persons trying to snatch their attention, having no end to their movie role offers, or having all sorts of programs and not having the headache of being unemployed? But her son? He did not have a management agency, he did not have an employer. He was either fired or suspended by them and the key was that no one dared to employ him! This was a C-lister who would soon be a B-list celebrity. This special case was also the only one of its kind in the whole of the entertainment circle!


    It was truly an oddity!


    Zhang Ye nudged his mother back to her room. "Don''t worry. I will ask around in the next few days to see which television stations still require a host or have a new program lined up."


    "Make the best of it."


    "I know."


    "Alright then, I will go and rest."


    His mother went back to her room.


    Zhang Ye closed the door carefully and heaved a sigh of relief. He cleared the table and brought the dishes into the kitchen half-heartedly as he waited for his parents to fall asleep. When he thought it was about time, he finally turned to walk out of the kitchen and headed back to his bedroom.


    Old Zhang was still asleep in his bed.


    "Sister Zhang, wake up," Zhang Ye said in a low whisper to wake her up.


    Zhang Yuanqi, having been roused, did not respond in a friendly manner. "What?"


    "Everyone has left and my parents are also asleep," Zhang Ye said.


    Old Zhang acknowledged him, and then slowly rubbed her eyes before sitting up.


    Zhang Ye went out into the living room to avoid any suspicions.


    About 5 minutester, the bedroom door opened. Zhang Yuanqi had already changed into a new set of clothes. She took every step lightly as she walked out, scanning the living room carefully with her eyes.


    Zhang Ye put his index finger to his lips and pointed to the main door.


    Zhang Yuanqi nodded, then followed him and walked toward the outside.


    One step.


    Three steps.


    Five steps.


    Finally, they were there.


    Zhang Ye''s heart was already in his throat. When he saw they had already reached the front door, he finally heaved a sigh of relief. The front door was blocked by a wall. Even if his parents suddenly came out at this time, he didn''t need to be afraid of them seeing anything. And so, Zhang Ye opened the door and looked to Zhang Yuanqi, saying, "You had enough rest?"


    Old Zhang replied without much of an expression, "Enough."


    Zhang Ye said with lingering fear, "Next time if you''reing again, call me earlier to inform me. I will be able to arrange it better, otherwise, if something like today happens again, we might get into big trouble."


    "Go back in," Old Zhang said.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Take care then."


    "OK." Old Zhang had already put her sunsses and face mask on. "Prepare more wine at home so you can save me the trouble of getting it next time."


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "Then you''ll reimburse me?"


    Old Zhang looked at him. "Buy a 100,000 RMB worth, and I''ll reimburse you."


    "Woah, so generous?" Zhang Ye said happily.


    Only to hear her add on, "But you must write a song for me first."


    Zhang Ye said, "A song of mine only costs 100,000 RMB? Don''t even think about it."


    "I''m leaving," Zhang Yuanqi said as she adjusted her sunsses and walked out the door with her bag. She headed down the stairs where she gradually disappeared from view.


    Zhang Ye smiled. He had already gotten used to the Heavenly Queen''s lukewarm treatment of him. As he was closing the door, he heard Zhang Yuanqi''s footsteps suddenly stopping, and the sound of another pair of shoes getting closer, like someone else wasing up the stairs. His heart almost stopped there and then!


    Holy shit!


    Old Zhang, you better not be recognized!


    Only to hear the person saying in a voice that sounded like it belonged to a middle-aged man: "Hello."


    Shit!


    Did she get recognized?


    Zhang Ye''s heart pounded hard against his chest!


    "Yes?" Old Zhang''s voice sounded.


    The middle-aged man said, "I would like to ask if Teacher Zhang Ye stays upstairs?"


    Old Zhang: "Upstairs."


    The middle-aged man: "Alright, thank you."


    The footsteps thudded again, with one getting softer and the other getting louder.


    Several secondster, Zhang Ye looked through the security door and saw a man in his forties who might have looked rather familiar but yet had no impression of.


    Seeing that the house door was left open, the man was also slightly taken aback. "Teacher Zhang? What''s the matter?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I was just about to go downstairs to throw out the trash and had just opened the door. You are?" Out of courtesy, he opened the security door as well. Upon checking his expression, Zhang Ye was pretty sure that he had not recognized Zhang Yuanqi.


    The middle-aged man put out his hand and said, "We metst year at Beijing Television Station during a meeting but did not have the chance to speak together. Let me introduce myself again. I am the deputy director of the HR Department of Beijing Television Station. My name is Wang Huayuan. You may also address me as Old Wang."


    Oh?


    Beijing Television Station?


    Zhang Ye shook his hand and asked, "Director Wang, you''re looking for me for?"


    The middle-aged man spoke directly, "Earlier, I had asked Old Hu to invite you to the luncheon but Old Hu said that you were busy, so when the luncheon was over, I invited myself over here. I hope that I did not bother you?" Since Zhang Ye had worked at the television station before, they could definitely check for his home address easily. Moreover, even the media had gotten their hands on both his house and his rented apartment''s address, so it was no longer a secret too.


    Zhang Ye had only just gathered his thoughts a moment ago and recalled Hu Fei''s call in the morning. The station had a luncheon and they had invited him as well? In his mind, he could guess what the matter was, and since this person who was paying him a visit now was from the HR department, it made it even more obvious to him. However, he wasn''t exactly sure either, so he suggested, "How about this, Director Wang, I just had a lot of guests over at my house and they just left a short while ago. My house is not cleaned up yet, and is still a bit of a mess now. Why don''t we go to a coffeehouse and talk?"


    The middle-aged man said, "Sure, I''ll wait for you to get changed then."


    Zhang Ye took only the keys from inside the house and directly stepped out. He closed the door and security door of his house, and then said, "It''s not necessary. I''m fine being dressed like this since I''m not an idol anyway."


    The middle-aged manughed. "That''s not necessarily true. My niece likes you a lot and is a hardcore fan of yours. When we were having dinner at home once, she even said that you were handsome."


    Zhang Ye said at once, "Oho, then I better get a change of clothes."


    "Haha!"


    "Just kidding. Director Wang, this way."


    They went downstairs and chatted as they walked.

 Chapter 589: Beijing Television Station’s three visits to the thatched cottage!

    <h4>Chapter 589: Beijing Television Station��s three visits to the thatched cottage! </h4>


    Chapter 589 Beijing Television Station''s three visits to the thatched cottage!


    Downstairs.


    At the entrance to the district, in Meiyun coffeehouse.


    "Ah, you��you are Zhang Ye!"


    "Hello, how are you?"


    "So you really do stay here!"


    "That''s right. I''ve been living here for more than twenty years now."


    "Wee, pleasee this way. Our ce is small and there aren''t any private rooms, so let me bring you to a corner table. It''s quieter over there."


    "OK, thanks a lot."


    "Order whatever you like! It''s on the house!"


    "That won''t do. Please charge us ordingly, I appreciate it."


    This was a small business where the shop was not big and did not have many customers, so it seemed rather quiet.


    Today, Zhang Ye was dressed casually and did not wear his sunsses. When he and Wang Huayuan stepped into the coffee house, the owner recognized him immediately. Without getting the staff toe over and serve them, the friendly proprietress personally led them to their seats. The staff at the other end saw them, and except for one who did not recognize Zhang Ye, the other two were staring with their eyes wide open. They hid a distance away, talking about them and even secretly using their cell phones to take photos and posting them onto Weibo immediately. Two customers in the shop were also looking wonderstruck in the direction where Zhang Ye was seated. A young male customer looked like he wanted to go over and get an autograph and take pictures together. He stood up a few times but eventually did not gather enough courage to approach them.


    The coffee was served quickly.


    The proprietress excitedly exchanged some words with Zhang Ye, telling him that he must visit them often, before walking away and leaving them to discuss their matters.


    Wang Huayuan was not surprised at this as he knew that the current poprity of Zhang Ye was already not the same as the time when he was still at Beijing Television Station Arts Channel.


    "Director Wang, why are you looking for me?" Zhang Ye was not exactly asking the obvious as he was still unsure what this meeting was about. After all he and Beijing Television Station had their squabbles before.


    Wang Huayuan took a sip of coffee, looked at him, and then said, "It''s like this, the station asked me toe over to discuss with you, we were wondering if you have any intentions of returning to the station."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged and asked, "Why me?


    Wang Huayuan replied rhetorically, "Why not you? We''ve worked together before and are considered old friends. Even if we did not have deep bonds, we are still familiar with each other. I do not know if there are any other television stations who approached or discussed with you before this, but since I did not see any news on the media or rted news from the entertainment circle, I suppose that you have yet to sign any contract. If that''s the case, why can''t we look for you? Although our satellite channel''s program ratings are not bad, it still not ranked as the top few among other provinces'' satellite channels. Weck a good program and even a top-rated host. You have fame, ability, and are a professional host and program nner. You even have a group of diehard fans who are more loyal than Hallyu fans. I believe it will be a win-win situation for us if we work together again."


    Zhang Ye shook his head and said, "To be honest, I''ve never thought of going back since the day I left BTV-Arts Channel."


    Wang Huayuan immediately said, "BTV-Arts Channel was a rtively independent provincial channel which is different from us. This time it''s BTV-1 you will be working with."


    "It''s the same," Zhang Ye said with a mild tone.


    Wang Huayuan said, "A satellite channel is different from a provincial channel." He paused and then said, "I know that something happened back then. The station had a direct responsibility for Wang Shuixin''s wrongdoings in the Arts Channel. After discovering that, the station also swiftly punished him, although it was a little toote and had caused some irredeemable losses, like the case of Old Wei. We also felt grief over it, but if you noticed, the station handled Wang Shuixin''s matter along with the rted people who were involved very decisively and severely for them. As for the case of firing you��"


    Zhang Ye waved his hand and interrupted him, "I do not me the station at all. After all, I had caused too much trouble during the live broadcast. I know that even if it were any other television station, they would punish me as well."


    "But we are also very sorry." Wang Huayuan said sincerely, "It was due to our negligence that led to all that happening. If the station had discovered the problem of Wang Shuixin earlier, then it wouldn''t have been necessary for you toe forward using another way to seek justice for Old Wei. It should be handled by the station instead, so regarding this matter, some of our leaders discussed in private and felt that we haven''t been fair to you. If we were a little more proactive and took action promptly, it wouldn''t have caused all the matterster on and we wouldn''t have lost an outstanding domestic host like you."


    Zhang Ye said, "Let bygones be bygones."


    "It''s already the past, so we also should have a new beginning." Wang Huayuan said seriously, "I hope that we can cooperate strongly together again. This was also the station leader''s idea."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''m also not afraid to reveal to you that there has been no television stations contacting me in these few days. You are the first and also the one I least expected."


    Wang Huayuan said, "I know why are the others television station are hesitating. If we were to only talk about hosting experience, ability, poprity, you have everything we all are looking for. Even though you haven''t hosted on a satellite channel which has nationwide coverage, no one will doubt your ability. Those television stations did note looking for you because they are worried about when your temper will suddenly explode again. They don''t dare take such a risk."


    Zhang Ye asked, "And you do?"


    "We also don''t." Wang Huayuan said, "But since we were colleagues and worked together before, we consider you an old friend. Compared to the other television stations, we know what your temper is like. We are the ones who understand you the most as well. The station is confident that we won''t let you get a chance to re up." Thest statement was almost a joke. "Besides, people are like this��there are good and bad sides. As they say, nobody''s perfect. Since the station is willing to invite you to work together again, it shows that after considering all the pros and cons, we feel that your strong points surpass your weaknesses. That is why the station made this decision.


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t say it that way; you are putting pressure on me. After I was unbanned and wanted to make aeback, I considered a list of television stations. But I never thought of going back to my past experiences. Besides, after I left the Arts Channel, many television stations also did not want me. In the end it was an online television station that invited me to join them instead. I heard it was because of one of your station leadersmunicated this with his contacts in the entertainment industry?"


    When Wang Huayuan heard that, he shook his head vigorously and said, "That can''t be true, Teacher Zhang. You think too highly of our Beijing Television Station. If it were other matters, I would believe, but of this matter, it is absolutely impossible. I give you my word that our station leaders don''t take such underhanded moves or that kind of stuff. The rtionship between our station with other provincial television stations is not that harmonious. Competing for higher program ratings by snatching program producers and hosts have had all the television stations in the country nearlying to blows. So the rest of the television stations wouldn''t have reciprocated just because of something a leader in Beijing Television Station said. The station does notmand such respect yet. If any of our station leaders really said those words, then ourpetitors would have in turn gotten even more interested in you and would have attempted to sign you over topete with us, don''t you agree?"


    Right, that sounds logical.


    Zhang Ye did not say anything to this as he had also known about this through rumors in the first ce.


    "If you use this kind of an excuse to reject us, I can''t ept it." Wang Huayuan said, "Please believe me, this matter is definitely not the way you think it is."


    After talking for a while.


    Wang Huayuan said, "Teacher Zhang, we can discuss it further if you agree to our proposal. As for the sry offer and contract, we would certainly not disappoint you."


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "Let me consider for now."


    Wang Huayuan looked at him and did not speak anymore. He had said all that he wanted to as the discussion came to an end. "Alright then, I will give you my card. Let''s stay in contact."


    Taking it from him, Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Alright."


    ����


    When they came out of the coffeehouse, Wang Huayuan drove off in his car.


    Zhang Ye was pondering while he took a stroll around the neighborhood. He was not in a hurry to go home as he felt that the atmosphere after the rain was refreshing. There were the scents of nature everywhere.


    Suddenly, Hu Fei called.


    Zhang Ye put his cell phone to his ear and said: "Brother Hu."


    "Where are you?"


    "Taking a stroll in the neighborhood."


    "That''s good. Let''s meet at the entrance of the neighborhood."


    "Oh? When?


    "I''m already here."


    Zhang Ye hung up and walked towards the outside of the neighborhood. The moment he arrived, he saw Hu Fei get out of a taxi and waved to him.


    Hu Fei smiled and said, "Let''s find a quiet ce to have a chat."


    Sure. Zhang Ye brought Hu Fei back to the entrance of that coffeehouse.


    The proprietress saw them and smiled enthusiastically. "Teacher Zhang is really interesting. I''d only just mentioned to you toe often, but just twenty minutes have passed and you are back again."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "We''ll sit at the same spot."


    "OK." The proprietress led the way.


    Hu Fei sat down and said directly, "Deputy Wang of the HR Department told me that you didn''t look interested in his offer, so he wanted me to do some persuasion based on our rtionship. So let''s cut the chase? Let me tell you, the station is really sincere in asking you back. If you still have any concerns or requests, you can tell me."


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips, "I do not have any concerns or requests."


    "Then why didn''t you agree?" Hu Fei asked, "No television stations have contacted you yet, right? Besides, when you go back, it won''t be anywhere unfamiliar since I''ve also transferred to the satellite channel. Xiao Lu, Dafei, and the rest of your old colleagues are there too. We are doing a new program and are waiting for you to join us!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "Join your team?"


    "Yes, I''ve already made a request of the station. If you areing back, then our old team will continue to work together." Hu Fei said, "If not, what do you think I''m so busy with? It''s because I need you. Besides, the program we will be doing is going to be a primetime slot at 9 PM every Friday. If you join any other satellite channels, can they give you such a good slot since you are still a newbie at their ce? Besides, let alone the primetime slot, those television stations probably wouldn''t dare employ you either, so what is there still to choose from? Come over quickly! Come and help me!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Give me some time to consider it."


    "Don''t think anymore, I am the executive producer, which you shouldn''t even be thinking about taking, but I have already reserved the position of executive director for you. All I''m doing is just waiting for you to join us!" Hu Fei said very firmly.

 Chapter 590: Dong Shanshan has resigned!

    <h4>Chapter 590: Dong Shanshan has resigned! </h4>


    Chapter 590 Dong Shanshan has resigned!


    [copse]


    Later in the afternoon.


    Around 3 PM.


    With the jingling of keys opening the door, Zhang Ye pushed it open from the outside and walked into his house. The moment he stepped in, he could hear a singing program currently ying on television and knew his parents were already awake from their nap.


    "Little Ye?" His mother stepped out to take a look.


    "It''s me." Zhang Ye bent down to remove his shoes. "Did I wake you?"


    His mother said, "I just woke up. Where did you go?"


    Zhang Ye took the newspaper from the mailbox and passed it to his mother. "Nowhere important. Someone came to look for me from Beijing Television Station, so I went out for a short meeting."


    "They were looking for you?" His father also looked over and asked.


    His mother also guessed what was going on and said, "They''re meaning to ask you to go back?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "They want me to go back to help them with a primetime slot on Friday nights. It''s a program handled by my ex-leader, Hu Fei."


    His mother asked, "What did you tell him then?"


    "I said I needed some time to consider and will only let him know tomorrow," Zhang Ye said as he sat down.


    His father gave him a look and said, "If you are willing to go back, then go. Don''t be bothered by any other things. It''s the satellite channel? A Friday primetime slot is quite good; it''s one of the best already. Since they came over to find you to discuss this, it can be seen just how sincere they are. I suppose the sry is quite good too?"


    Zhang Ye looked a little unexcited and said, "I didn''t talk about that with them, but I don''t suppose it is low paying."


    His father nodded and said, "Alright then."


    His mother was strongly opposed to Zhang Ye going back to help out Beijing Television Stationst time, but this time she kept silent for a while before saying, "If you really wish to go back, I won''t stop you. It''s already been so many days now and there hasn''t even been a television station that contacted you. I guess there is no point in waiting any further."


    Zhang Ye shook his head.


    "Just what are you thinking?" his mother asked.


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands and said, "I''ve already made up my mind. I have no ns of returning to Beijing Television Station yet."


    His mother wondered, "Then why did you go and help them?"


    "I helped because I was returning a favor to my ex-leader. I did not take a fee for it either, so that is different from working." Zhang Ye was also struggling over his decision. He said, "But right now, I am also undecided, because first off, being able to sign with a satellite channel is really tempting. Although many people are calling me a famous host and what not, those in the industry all know that I''m not one yet. I''ve only hosted at a radio station, a provincial channel, and an online television station before. I have never done any work at a satellite channel before. No matter how well known I am, I would only be considered a host who is not too bad and would not yet qualify to be called a famous host yet, so of course I hope to go on and be a host at a satellite channel next. Second, Beijing Television Station has freed up a Friday primetime slot now. That''s really tempting as well. Third, because Hu Fei was the person who brought me into the television industry and Dafei, Xiao Lu, Hou Ge, and Hou Di are also considered good friends, it would definitely be easier working with them, since I''ve grown ustomed to their work habits. Finally, it''s also as you have said, there are no other television stations that have approached me yet."


    His mother said, "Then go."


    "A good horse would never turn round to graze on an old pasture." Zhang Ye shook his head.


    His mother remarked snidely, "It''s still a better choice than having no job. You might not even get such a good chance at all in the future. If you really pass up this opportunity, you could even end up staying home for the next few months?"


    Zhang Ye did not say anything.


    His father advised, "When they fired you back then, it was difficult to pinpoint who was supposed to be med and the matter was already in the past anyway. Well, forget it. I won''t say more. You should decide on your own."


    "I''m going back to my room to lie down for a while," Zhang Ye said.


    His mother said, "I will wake you up when it''s time for dinner."


    "Sure." Zhang Ye went back into his room, took off his slippers and crawled into bed.


    The decision this time was really difficult for Zhang Ye to make in his current situation. It was an unimaginably difficult choice to make that no one else would understand. He knew that under his circumstances right now, Beijing Television Station should have been his first choice. It was his old employer and this time he would be signing with a program on the satellite channel. It was even a primetime slot and he would be working with his old team. Right now, when no one else wanted him, it would appear to others that this would be Zhang Ye''s big break in recent times, and perhaps the only break he''d get. If it were anyone else, they would probably take the offer, since in the entertainment industry, leaving and rejoining apany was verymon. No one would find it strange. Besides, when Zhang Ye was helping Beijing Television Station in the urgent public service announcement incident, many of the media outlets had already spected that Zhang Ye might be joining hands with his old employer once again as everything seemed to have yed out ording to script. In his meeting in the afternoon, Hu Fei even questioned him on more than one asion about why he was hesitating, why he would even have to consider when given such a good opportunity had fallen from the heavens for him?


    Yes, so why was it like this?


    Zhang Ye did not seem to know the answer either. He had done a lot of things and was very different from most people. There were many other incidents that happened to him that also did not seem to have a reason for its urrence.


    He just did not wish to go!


    At least for now, he did not wish to go!


    He took out his cell phone, checking for someone to call and talk with.


    Wu Zeqing? No, Old Wu was working at the moment.


    Zhang Yuanqi? Forget it, she probably did not even switch on her cell phone.


    Rao Aimin? Come on, if he called her, he would probably be listening to all her derogatoryments about him.


    Then, Zhang Ye thought of Dong Shanshan. His old ssmate who was also a broadcast host like himself. And so, he made the call to her.


    Du��


    Du��


    "Sorry, the number you have just called is currently busy."


    Only after two rings, the call was cut off.


    Zhang Ye was speechless for a long time. How dare she hang up on me? Could it be that she was busy with a new program? He had promised Dong Shanshan in the past that if she was lined up to do a new program, he would help contribute some ideas to her. And so, he called her again, but like earlier, was hung up on again. Zhang Ye keenly realized that this was a little odd. After some hesitation, he made a call to his old workce at the online television station. He called the WebTV department straight on its direct line.


    It got through.


    "Hello, Weiwo Online television station." A man answered.


    Zhang Ye said, "I am Zhang Ye, may I know who I am speaking with?"


    When the person heard this, heughed and said, "Ah? Teacher Zhang? It''s me, Ah Qian!"


    "Ah Qian, no wonder I thought it was a familiar voice. Why is it you answering the phone?" Zhang Ye was not exactly close to him but hade into contact quite frequently before when he was working there.


    Ah Qian said, "It''s a little busy at the department today, so there''s only a few of us at our desks. Why did you call here?"


    Zhang Ye still knew quite a number of people at the online television station, like Director Wang who had a pretty good rtionship with him. But Zhang Ye did not call him because his goal was no longer at the online television station. He was instead aiming to join a satellite channel. He was afraid that if he called Wang Xiong, he might attempt to invite him back to the online television station and it would be difficult to reject him. So for this reason, he might as well have just called the department directly instead. He said, "Hai, it''s nothing much. I just wanted to call to ask how everyone is. I am still at Beijing and can''t go over to Shanghai. Oh yes, where''s Teacher Shanshan? Is she at the office? Is she busy with a new program?"


    Ah Qian was a little taken aback and said, "Oh, you didn''t know?"


    Zhang Ye was also taken aback by this and said, "Know about what?"


    Ah Qian sighed and said, "Teacher Shanshan has already resigned."


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "When was this? That can''t be. I saw her posting on Weibo just some time ago to ask her fans to support her new program!"


    Ah Qian said, "It happened just yesterday. Teacher Shanshan and the staff of our program nning team hade up with a few proposals for the new segment but they were all rejected by the management. They felt that it wouldn''t work. A solution was then proposed by the leader instead for her to continue doing her original program for a second season as the program itself had pretty eptable results before. The station didn''t want to take this risk. However, Shanshan wanted to take up something new for her development with a new program and a consensus could not be reached. Teacher Shanshan and the leader eventually fell out over this and she decided to resign."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then where is she now?"


    "I don''t know, but I heard that she went back to her own home," Ah Qian said.


    Zhang Ye frowned, "Then does she not n on working as a host anymore?"


    Ah Qian said, "It might be that she hasn''t found another ce to work at yet. After all, a host at our online television station is not as epted by the traditional media as it isn''t as mainstream. So it also reflects as not too popr or stable for a host yet. This is how it is, but of course, you''re an exception."


    Zhang Ye said, "I understand. Thank you, Ah Qian."


    "It''s nothing," said Ah Qian.


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye finally understood why Dong Shanshan had hung up on him twice. He also knew that she was caught in a very unfavorable situation at the moment.


    After pondering about this for a few minutes.


    Zhang Ye sent a message over to her: "Answer the phone! (I''m not looking for a loan!)"


    A momentter, Dong Shanshan returned his call and the first thing she said was: "You should have said so earlier. I thought you wanted to borrow money from me, so I did not dare answer your call."


    Zhang Ye was a little speechless at this but said: "Why are you so stingy?"


    Dong Shanshan said girlishly: "Did you only just know that?"


    "Don''t try to change the topic. What are you doing now?" Zhang Ye asked immediately.


    "Me? I am busy with my new program. Didn''t you see my Weibo?"


    "What program?"


    "I''m still nning it. It hasn''t been confirmed yet."


    "How''s it going then?"


    "Pretty good."


    "Oh, where are you now?"


    "At the site having a meeting, that''s why I did not answer your call."


    "Oh. Which site?"


    "Weiwo television station of course, where else? Alright, if there''s nothing, I have to hang up. I heard that you might be going back to your old employer? It must be a satellite channel this time, right? Let me congratte you in advance then. When I go to Beijing next time, the first thing you must do is treat me to a Beijing restaurant, hur hur. That''s it then, I have to go now."


    After only talking for half a minute, the phone call ended.


    Zhang Ye put down his phone and did not feel too good. This old ssmate of his really never spoke a word of truth. He had always known this and was used to it, usually just smiling at what she said, but today when he heard Dong Shanshan''s lies, Zhang Ye could no longer smile at them.


    Busy with a new program?


    Even having a meeting at the online television station?


    If Zhang Ye had not given a call to Weiwo Television Station, he would really have been fooled by Dong Shanshan. He understood that she did not say the truth so that he wouldn''t have to be worried for her. Even though Dong Shanshan was a woman, and a very sexy and feminine woman at that, she was also a very strongly independent person. She had mentioned that she still did not wish to get married early��something that could possibly be one of the few truths she had spoken before. So naturally, her focus and goals in life would definitely be on her work. Leaving her job this time would surely have messed up her ns. The fact that she did not tell this to anyone was understandable to Zhang Ye as he also thought the same as her. This was the reason why Zhang Ye did not expose her.

 Chapter 591: A Singing Program?

    <h4>Chapter 591: A Singing Program? </h4>


    Chapter 591 A Singing Program?


    In the evening.


    His mother called for him from the living room.


    "Son."


    "Yes?"


    "Time for dinner."


    "OK, I''ming."


    Zhang Ye came out of his room feeling more refreshed than before. His face did not show any signs of struggle or hesitation, like he had already made up his mind.


    His father was already eating when he asked him, "Did you manage to sleep?"


    "I did sleep for a while." Zhang Ye also started to eat.


    His mother looked at his expression and said, "Have you decided?"


    Zhang Ye gobbled up his food and said, "Yes, I have. I''ll make a trip to Beijing Television Station tomorrow."


    His mother said, "Do you intend to go back?"


    Zhang Ye calmly said, "No, I will go and discuss something."


    ����


    The next day.


    Early morning.


    As it had rainedst night, the temperature was cooler by four or five degrees today. Before Zhang Ye left the house, his mother reminded him to put on additionalyers. He drove to Beijing Television Station, having arranged a meeting with Hu Fei. However, when he reached the television station, he was weed not only by Hu Fei but also a few others who he knew very well.


    Xiao Lu screamed from a distance away, "Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye waved and greeted, "Xiao Lu, long time no see. You''ve be prettier again."


    The first person toe forward was Dafei. Without saying anything, he gave Zhang Ye a bear hug and then said, "I really missed you a lot, Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Me too."


    Hou Ge also came. He pulled Dafei away before giving Zhang Ye a bear hug as well.


    When Xiao Lu saw this, she also hugged Zhang Ye happily and said, "Come back quickly, Teacher Zhang. We don''t have any motivation to do programs without you."


    Hu Fei asked, "Have you decided yet?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and replied, "Yes I have. Let''s go in and talk."


    "I hope it will be a positive answer," Hu Fei said.


    Zhang Ye followed them and entered the new office of the new program team at the satellite channel. Upon entering, he said, "I''m sorry, Brother Hu. I may have to disappoint you."


    When everyone heard that, they could only muster an "ah." Suddenly, all their happiness and hopes disappeared without a trace.


    Xiao Lu said anxiously, "You''re noting back?"


    Dafei asked, "Why?"


    Hou Ge said, "Please reconsider again. Don''t rush to answer."


    Hu Fei did not say anything and waited for Zhang Ye to exin.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''d already decided yesterday, no, to be honest, I had already decided on this matter a very long time ago. After I left Beijing Television Station, I did not n oning back again, at least not now when the time is not yet ripe. Everyone, don''t try to persuade me anymore. You all know how stubborn I can be. Since I''ve already made up my mind, it will not change. I have my own way of persisting."


    Hu Fei looked at him deeply and said, "When you agreed toe back to help with the public service announcement, I knew that you still had deep feelings for Beijing Television Station. But your decision now leaves me confused. Since you do not have any better ce to go to for now, with such a good contract offer, why are you still refusing toe back?"


    Zhang Ye organized his thoughts and said, "I do have feelings for this ce but it is not like how Brother Hu put it. If I must describe it, I think that these feelings are from my memories and the blood running through me. From childhood, I''ve grown up watching Beijing Television and other local Beijing stations. Those cartoons, ser matches on BTV-Sports, BTV''s Spring Festival G, BTV-Entertainment news and programs on Beijing''s street and food culture. Those emotions are all engraved into my memories and are very difficult to describe with words. I love Beijing Television Station and that is not something anyone can change, because I''m from Beijing and it''s that simple."


    Hu Fei said, "Then you ought toe back."


    Xiao Lu said, "That''s right, that''s right."


    Zhang Ye said from the bottom of his heart, "I am confident to say and guarantee that some day from now, I will surely give my best and most excellent television program to Beijing Television Station, my hometown television station. But for now, I can''te back. It''s not the right time either."


    Hu Fei sighed lightly, "It''s useless to say anything more then?"


    "Yes. I''ve already made up my mind," Zhang Ye said.


    Hu Fei smiled bitterly and said, "Alright, then I also will not say any more. I know some people in the industry. After this, I will call up some old friends and ask them to help link you up with the other television stations."


    Zhang Ye said, "No need, Brother Hu. If they''d wanted to contact me, they would have already done so, it''s not something that can be forced. I will just wait at home and take whateveres."


    Xiao Lu turned around and walked over to the other side of the room and slumped into a chair, wiping away her tears.


    Zhang Ye was shocked and said, "Woah, what are you doing and why are you crying?"


    Xiao Lu ignored him.


    Hu Fei sighed, "The station has added to our burden during this period of time. We have such a good broadcasting time slot, but the new program is still not ready, so everyone is very stressed. We were hoping that if you came back to join us, you would be put in charge of program nning and be the executive director. Forget it, there will be a solution somehow."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What kind of program did the station request?"


    Hu Fei smiled helplessly, "A singing program."


    Hu Fei was promoted, together along with his team in Beijing Television, and even secured the critical spot of Friday''s primetime slot. Because of that, there were many voices of doubt at the station. Everyone held their breaths and tried to produce a good result, but the oue did not meet their expectations, the reason being simply because were too many singing programs on the market. They found out that, in the short span of half a month after they had decided to do a singing program, six or seven other satellite channels had alsounched their singing programs at the same primetime slots from Friday to Sunday.


    One or two were still eptable.


    But five or six? Seven or eight?


    Moreover, this situation was not a recent urrence as there were already signs of such a trend beginning since a year ago.


    No matter how high a saturation level the market could ept, it still couldn''t have so many simr programs together at once. Even the most hardcore singing show lover would be bored to death!


    Hu Fei exined to Zhang Ye and said, "A singing program is easy to do, the temte is simple to follow and even if the program ratings are not considered high, the worst it would do is still eptable. It makes for a very safe choice. That''s why many television stations love to do these kinds of programs. But as it coincidentally turned out this time, all those television stations had the same ideas, leading to so many simr programs flooding the market. We were one step toote and didn''t seize the opportunity. If we just broadcast like this, our program ratings would surely be very poor. That''s why I had been enduring the pressure from the station and did not start on the recording of the program even though the equipment and stage settings were ready."


    Zhang Ye took out a tissue and handed it to Xiao Lu.


    Xiao Lu took it and wiped away her tears.


    "Hur hur, don''t cry anymore." Zhang Ye patted her shoulder and said, "Earlier, as everyone kept on asking me about my reason, I could not finish what I had to say." Since he hade to the station today, he was of course not intending to only reject their offer in person, because if that were the case, he would not have needed toe in person. A call would have sufficed since a face-to-face conversation would have made it even more awkward. Since Zhang Ye chose toe to the television station, he naturally had his own ns. He said, "I only said that I wouldn''t being back, but I never said that I wouldn''t help everyone n a new program, right?"


    Hu Fei looked at him.


    Xiao Lu also stopped crying and turned her head with teary eyes.


    "Teacher Zhang, what''s the meaning of all this?"


    Hou Ge also added, "If you are noting back to work, how are you going to help us do a program?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Since there are professional program productionpanies that sell their programs to television stations, I can do the same. Hur hur, but I won''t be selling a program. Instead, I will help everyone n a program and be fully responsible for the initial stage. If it is eptable and everyone goes along with my program n, I can guarantee that the program ratings will not be poor. I also do not need any payment in return, except for my most basic copyright fees."


    Actually, the reason why Beijing Television Station was so desperate to sign Zhang Ye was not because of his hosting ability. That was a secondary priority. The more important factor was because of his program production skills. The station wanted Zhang Ye toe back to help them make a signature program that couldpete with the other satellite channels! If the program was bad, even if one had strong hosting abilities, it would be useless. But if the program was well produced, no matter who the host was, as long as he or she was not too bad at it, the host might even be popr as a result of the primetime program. This was why it also showed the quality and the indispensable side of Zhang Ye. It was not for his hosting ability but for his production strength.


    "Ah?"


    "How can that be?"


    "Is this��is this a good idea?"


    Everyone was hard pressed for ideas on how to make this singing program into a good one. And with the current program it was recing ted to end soon, they were getting anxious. Although they were nervous, they were still rational. If Teacher Zhang Ye really signed with television station and came back, they would surely ept it as his program production skills were top-notch in the industry. If he did not make an effort, then the others would definitely not agree to it. But now that Zhang Ye had rejected the contract with the station, even if he wanted to help out as a friend by giving a free program structure and n, Hu Fei would absolutely not ept it. Zhang Ye was a friend indeed, so he could not be ungrateful either.


    "This will not do." Hu Fei rejected directly and said, "I appreciate your kindness, but��"


    "Brother Hu, please let me finish." Zhang Ye coughed and said, "I do not have any demands for the mary side of things except for the copyright fees. As for the other aspects, I have a request that might be very uneptable to the station, and that would be my one and only request for helping the station n a program."


    "Oh?" Hu Fei blinked. "Let''s hear it."


    Zhang Ye pondered for a while and said, "I would like to appoint my choice of host for this primetime program. The station must sign her and let her be the host. That is my one and only condition."


    Hu Fei asked, "Who is it?"


    Zhang Ye said, "You all may not know her, but her name is Dong Shanshan."


    "Dong Shanshan?" Hu Fei repeated after him.


    Xiao Lu eximed, "I know her! Back when you were hosting the talk show, you mentioned her several times. She was your old ssmate and was also a host at the online television station!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "That''s right, it''s her."


    Hou Ge eximed, "I also know Dong Shanshan! She is very beautiful and goes down the path of sexiness. But isn''t she not exactly well-known in the hosting industry? About that��"


    In the smallmunity on the inte, the number of Dong Shanshan''s fans was not too bad at all and she had many diehard fans as well. But on arge tform like the provincial satellite channels, Dong Shanshan was obviously a nobody and most people would not be able to recognize her.


    Hu Fei said, "No wonder you say the station will find it very hard to ept. A satellite channel that broadcasts nationwide on a Friday primetime slot letting an inexperienced and average rookie host such a heavily invested, top-rated program��I believe that there are no satellite television station that would have such courage!" Saying that, Hu Fei also delightfully remarked, "Unless the station is mad."


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s right."


    Almost immediately, Hu Fei''s tone changed and he said, "But I believe for your program ns, the station is willing to be mad for once!"


    Zhang Ye said, "What do you mean?"


    "I do not have any problems on my side, but I need to seek approval from the upper management. I can''t make that decision alone." Hu Fei turned to leave just like that as he said, "Wait for my news."


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Alright!"


    Trantor''s note: Some news update for everyone, I''ve started my Patreon, so you can check it out here


    For every $50 increment in total pledges, there will be 1 chapter umted for release in the following month. Thank you for your support!


    On top of this, until the end of April, for every increase of 10 patrons, up to 80 patrons, regardless of amount pledged, 1 chapter will be released within the day of hitting the milestones. This will run concurrent to item 1. (The next is the 30 patrons milestone/8 more to go!)


    There are ns for advanced chapters sometime next month, so watch out for the announcement!

 Chapter 592: Do You Remember

    <h4>Chapter 592: Do You Remember </h4>


    Chapter 592 Do You Remember


    After waiting for half an hour.


    "Teacher Zhang, what exactly is this program about?"


    "I''ll share it in a while."


    "Aiyah, please just tell us first."


    "Hehe, I have to wait until the station epts my request."


    "You already have a program?"


    "Of course, it''s all in my brain."


    From outside the office, many people started streaming in.


    Hu Fei returned with seven or eight men and women. There were station leaders, the bosses of the relevant departments and some program approval board staff members, and others. It seemed that the station highly valued this new program. After all, this was a primetime slot program.


    One of the bosses walking ahead of the rest said immediately aftering into the office, "Teacher Little Zhang, we''ve already heard from Old Hu. Actually, we still hope that you can join us back at Beijing Television Station, but if you don''t wish toe back, we will of course find it regretful. Old Hu said you have a very good proposal for the new program?"


    "Yes." Zhang Ye smiled.


    A person behind said, "But for the appointment of a designated host, there has never such a precedent. Moreover, the host is a little-known rookie. Why not change your condition instead? If this program really does as well as expected and can outperform all the other singing programs, then the station will give you a bonus on top of your copyright and production fees, it will certainly be a satisfactory offer."


    Everyone sat down to discuss.


    Zhang Ye shook his head and said, "That won''t do. I''ve already said I only have this one small request."


    That boss said, "That was not a small request. Besides, you should also know that the station does not have any worries about our own hosts as all of them are very outstanding. Once the new program is out, we can use our most familiar and outstanding hosts for it. Purposely headhunting for a rookie to join us��there really has been no such precedent? Why don''t you tell everyone about the program proposal and we''ll decide if the program will make it or not, then we can discuss that issueter."


    "Right, let''s hear about what the program is like."


    "That''s right, Teacher Zhang, tell us first."


    The other two people also said the same.


    However, Zhang Ye tly refused and said, "No, that won''t do."


    Just as the situation was in a stalemate, another four people suddenly entered the office. Among them walking in the middle was an old granny who was also the station head of Beijing Television Station, Xu Yuhong.


    "Station Head?"


    "Why are you here?"


    "Station Head Xu!"


    "Station Head!"


    Everyone stood up.


    Xu Yuhong calmly said, "I heard about the matter. I''m also very interested in Little Zhang''s suggestion, so I came over to take a look. What have you all discussed so far?"


    That boss exined it once over.


    Zhang Ye had quite a good impression of this old granny. On the day when he did the advertisement, he kept calling her Aunty and even ordered her around to do this and that. Even so, that old granny did not even get angry, showing that she had a very good temper.


    When Xu Yuhong heard everything, she looked at Zhang Ye and said, "There has really not been a precedent of not using our own station''s hosts before. But, Little Zhang, I can promise you. Tell us first about the concept of the program. If it is feasible and not simr to the temted concepts of the singing programs of the other stations, and our professionals judge it as a marketable segment, then we might still be agreeable to your condition of hiring the rookie."


    That was as good as an agreement.


    When Zhang Ye heard that, he said, "Station Head is indeedrge-hearted."


    Xu Yuhongughed and said, "Don''t praise me yet. Let''s hear about your ns. Since singing talent show programs are already being overdone, how can you be so sure that your program will work?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I have to correct myself. I didn''t say that it would be a talent show."


    "Eh?" Several of the station''s staff were dumbfounded.


    Hu Fei also never thought of that and said, "Not a talent show? Then how can it be called a singing program?"


    One of the bosses said, "Then where is your selling point?"


    The singing programs of this world had only created a stir in these past few years. These programs were more or less the same, with hardly any more creativity and had already developed into a bottleneck. As a person living in this world, they would be naturally restricted with their ideas. But Zhang Ye was different from the rest. In his previous world, although some of its variety show programs were notparable to this world, but for singing programs, they were many years ahead in development than this world.


    Zhang Ye looked at them and said, "The name of this program is: Do You Remember. We will allow all citizens to sing karaoke songs, with no entry barriers, with the aim to create a national coalition of karaoke singers. The rules are simple and there''s only one condition: Who can sing the lyrics correctly. This is not apetition of vocals nor stage performances, it ispeting on who has the best memory. As long as you can sing the song correctly with the designated lyrics, you will win��this is the core of the program and its selling point."


    After he finished speaking, everyone fell silent.


    They were not shocked but instead felt like they were struck by lightning!


    Lyrics?


    Remembering lyrics?


    How could this be called a f**king television program!?


    Xiao Lu was shocked and said, "Surely you can''t be serious, Teacher Zhang?"


    The boss said, "Little Zhang, you better not be joking."


    Hu Fei also had doubts and asked, "Remembering lyrics shouldn''t be considered a selling point, right? I can''t see anything in that which would attract an audience to such a program."


    One of the program approval board staff members who looked like he had his brain shaken by huge waves even thought to himself: "Remembering lyrics, your sister! How idiotic!"


    Hou Geughed and said, "Teacher Zhang must be doing his crosstalk and teasing us."


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "I''m not joking, I''m being serious here."


    Hou Ge: "��"


    "Let Little Zhang finish talking," Xu Yuhong said.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Actually, as long as this program is not done up, just my exnation alone will not make everyone fully understand it. I can only use a general overview to exin simply in words about why I want to design such a program. If you just listen to it, apetition-styled program that emphasizes remembering lyrics might sound terrible, alright, maybe even atrocious, but this atrociousness might just be from you personal point of view that is based on your mindset. However, if you think about it in a different way, you''d know that such a program might not have thepetitiveness and tension of a reality television singing program, with not as many handsome men and pretty women and even without powerful vocals. When wepare it in this way, it would be edged out on more than a dozen avenues by those other singing programs, yet Do You Remember has something too that would beat them by a dozen avenues, and that is the fact that it is simple. In fact, it is so simple that anyone can join in!"


    Hu Fei was deep in thought.


    The rest were also thinking hard.


    Zhang Ye said, "What you all think of asme, simple, low ss are in fact not the ws of this program. Instead, they are the mostpetitive factors and advantages of Do You Remember. The other singing programs all either have handsome guys or prettydies who can hit high pitches with their singing voices or have good dancing skills. The audience can''t participate in them because they don''t have the qualifications to do so, but is there anyone who can''t remember lyrics? Even a three year old can memorize some songs. Anyone can join, participate, or even sing along with the lyrics in front of their televisions. Is there anything more marvelous than having all the citizens participate in an event?"


    Hu Fei finally understood and said, "This really could be another way to do it!"


    Dafei said, "Will��that work?"


    Zhang Ye said, "All the other singingpetitions areparing who is better looking, who can sing the best, or who has a good backstory. I call that as walking the ''path of talent''. But in this new program of mine, I want it to walk on the path of themon people. Just as I said earlier, anyone can participate in it and even register to participate in the livepetition. There are no entry barriers, noplicated procedures. As long as you want to participate, anyone can have a high chance of being shown on the live broadcast on television, even if you are tone-deaf!"


    Xiao Lu was shocked, "What? People who are tone-deaf can also join?"


    "Of course they can. The program is about remembering lyrics. That is all that will bepeted on. Even if you sing very badly, you can still participate and win." Zhang Ye said, "Let me add something right here. I intend for some tone-deaf people to participate so that they can create a topic and have amon touch with the citizens. The audience watching at home on their televisions mightugh at or scold those tone-deaf people, thinking ''how they could even get on TV? I''m better than him!'' This is also a selling point that would encourage audience participation and improve program ratings. All of you are industry professionals, so I don''t think I need to get into the details on how to manage it."


    Xu Yuhong said, "Are those the only selling points?"


    "Of course not." Zhang Ye looked around, then walked towards a whiteboard and picked up a marker and started to write on the board. He exined, "This program needs two hosts, a man and woman who will be responsible for the humour and help regte the atmosphere and involve the audience in the show. The hosts do not be too experienced nor need to constantly make witty remarks. On the contrary, the more affable they are, the better it will be due to the style of this program. We will also need a lead singer as that is also one of the key factors of this program, so how do we choose the lead singer? Let me go through it all one by one��"


    From the stage to the lighting.


    From the lead singer to the audience selection.


    And even the critical scenes to be shown on the screen were described in detail.


    Finally, he said, "The temte is like such because it is the most basic structure to the program. As you all had mentioned earlier, because this program is not a talent show, there might be a less receptive mood for it. So to make up for this, at every month''s end, we will implement a countrywide ''mic-dominator'' contest, dividing the cities into north, south, east, west, and central regions and pitting them against each other We will spread this battle fervor across the country, which willter lead to a city versus city tournament. Since the audience will naturally support their own cities, this will up the atmosphere andpetitiveness naturally as it happens. In the end, there will be a final showdown where only one city would be dered the winner. As for how to select, and how to n the PKpetition, let me exin further in detail��"


    They discussed for another twenty minutes.


    Those people from the television station were totally stunned and could not say anything at all. They thought of bringing up some misgivings, but when Zhang Ye was exining, they realized that he had already thought of all the problems of the entire process. Their doubts were answered by Zhang Ye even before they could bring it up. Even the concerns of how the audience would feel when the concept lost its novelty were addressed by Zhang Ye who had already thought out the necessary adjustments from the hosting style to adding new rounds to the program to maintain its program ratings.


    When other program nners made a proposal, their initial ideas would just be an idea or a concept, which would then be discussed further upon. It would slowly be edited bit by bit, making changes here and there before the final proposal would be set. Then when the program was broadcast on television, the audience reaction and program ratings would be considered and changes would be made as necessary. A strategy made today could be changed again the following week, but as for Zhang Ye? He had submitted a proposal which extended six or seven years into the future. He even thought of every single detail and the physiological changes of the audience. It was really wless!

 Chapter 593: Launch of a new program!

    <h4>Chapter 593: Launch of a new program! </h4>


    Chapter 593 Launch of a new program!


    In the morning.


    10 AM.


    Zhang Ye''s throat was dry from all the talking. He asked in a hoarse voice, "Do you have a drink?"


    "Yes, of course." Xiao Lu immediately ran to get a bottle of mineral water. "Here, Teacher Zhang."


    "Thanks." Zhang Ye took it and chugged half the bottle immediately. When he saw the others in a state of pondering, he said, "That is the general concept of it. If I did not forget anything, that should be all of it, so if there''s any questions, you may bring them up now and I will address them."


    The manager of Hu Fei''s program asked a critical question that would be put across to all new programs, "What is your estimation of the viewership ratings?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Which type of viewership rating?"


    There were many types of ratings, like the 50 cities viewership ratings, the local viewership ratings, as well as nationwide viewership ratings.


    Local viewership ratings only measured the total viewership of a single city. For example, when Zhang Ye was hosting Lecture Room at BTV-Arts Channel, the ratings of 7% or 8% were all local viewership ratings and only reported on the statistics within Beijing city itself. As BTV-Arts Channel only broadcasted in the region of Beijing, that was the reason why such ratings were used, and because it was a locally broadcasted channel dedicated to an audience who belonged to the same area, the viewership ratings for a local channel would definitely be high.


    For the 50 cities viewership rating, it basically meant the top 50 cities'' viewership rating, not including the rural areas. This was the mostmonly used statistic.


    The most objective statistic would be the nationwide viewership ratings as this had thergest sample size and so would give a smaller percentage rating. But if a program could hit 1% viewership ratings nationwide, then it would still be considered a very popr program since 1% would mean that one out of a hundred persons in the country were watching the program. With the total poption of China, one could only imagine the total viewership numbers!


    The manager said, "The nationwide viewership ratings."


    One of the others also looked at Zhang Ye, waiting for his response to the question.


    Zhang Ye thought about it for a moment, and then answered, "I can''t give you an estimation for the first episode as it depends on the promotions and other factors and that would leave too much to chance. If we''re talking about the average ratings after enough episodes, then my estimate for Do You Remember would be at least 0.6% for the nationwide viewership ratings to 1% tops."


    An employee immediately said, "That''s impossible!"


    Xiao Lu''s jaw had dropped. She said, "It would be that high?"


    Hou Ge said in surprise, "Reality television singing programs these days at other television stations have at most ratings of 0.5%. If it''s low, it can even be around 0.3%. This is because these programs'' broadcasts have cannibalized each others'' viewership ratings as there isn''t any particrly outstanding one. If Do You Remember can really hit 1% viewership ratings nationally, then it would be too awesome!"


    Zhang Ye categorically stated, "It would only be more and not less than what I said, but of course, that is based on my point of view. Since it is just an estimation, everyone has their own opinions on this."


    Do You Remember was a very popr program some years back in Zhang Ye''s previous world. It was not the type of program that experienced overnight sess but one that slowly climbed up to be a popr one. At that time, Zhang Ye was just like them and could not understand how a program that used remembering lyrics as its selling point and felt so inadequate could have a viewership rating that wasn''t too bad. Only after he had watched a few episodes of it did he finally understand that every program that was sessful would have its own reasons. Yes, even though this evergreen program had suffered a viewership ratings drop in itster years, at the beginning, Do You Remember had still done brilliantly, although its viewership ratings weren''t exactly that outstanding or mind-blowing. But it could still be considered sessful. In the nationwide viewership ratings for the same time slots, it was amon urrence to be ced first or second. This was an extremely worthy and valuable program.


    Why did he choose it?


    Because Zhang Ye had his own considerations as well.


    First, Do You Remember had very good viewership ratings.


    Second, this program was of no use to Zhang Ye. Not only did the style of the program not fit Zhang Ye''s development path, even if the others felt that its viewership ratings were good, Zhang Ye was still not too interested in it. What Zhang Ye needed was not just sess, but to be the best in the industry. And so, these were the reasons why this program did not matter much to him since he had no intentions of hosting it. If he wanted to host a simr program, there were much more and much better programs for him to choose from. But if he just left this program unused, it would really be a waste. The originality and style of this program was still very worthwhile, especially at a time when reality television singing programs were at a developmental bottleneck.


    He had already exined all that he could. Zhang Ye was only waiting for their reply now


    The manager, along with Hu Fei and a few of the program nners, began discussing, at times whispering, at times nodding and shaking their heads. They were discussing intensely about the whole proposal.


    A whileter.


    Zhang Ye could not wait any longer and said, "The program rundown is as what I have exined. I have already given the proposal to you all, with in-depth details up to a few years ahead in the program''s lifespan. If all of you think that it is OK, use it. But like I''ve said, I only have a small request and that is for Dong Shanshan to be the designated female host. I don''t care who the male host is."


    The manager fell silent.


    Another station leader made no sound.


    Zhang Ye continued to say, "If you think that it would not be good or the viewership ratings might not hit everyone''s estimates, then just take it like I hadn''t said anything. I''ll be leaving then?" He stood up and prepared to leave.


    When the satellite channel''s manager heard this, he quickly stopped him. "Hey, hey, hey, Little Zhang, don''t go yet. Aren''t we all discussing right now? It''s not that we think the program is not good!"


    "Don''t go, don''t go. Take a seat first. We did not say we did not want it," another deputy director said.


    The manager looked at Xu Yuhong and said, "Station Head, what''s your opinion?"


    Xu Yuhong waved him off and said, "I won''t interfere with your department''s matters. Make the decision on your own." She did not say much since the beginning and was more of an observer.


    The manager understood and then looked over to Hu Fei. "Old Hu?"


    Hu Fei revealed a wide smile and said, "I feel that it is a very good proposal and different from the rest of the programs out there recently, so it should definitely stand out from the rest. For us, I do not think that there will be any better programs. We can save a lot of money this way since we no longer have to invite any big name celebrities as guests. With this out of the budget, we can use the money in other ways to raise the overall standard of the program." The reality television singing programs these days were all about inviting big names or S-list singers which sometimes couldmand appearance fees of up to tens of millions. Compared to all the other required costs, this was the main bulk of it!


    But this requirement was not needed for Do You Remember! All that money would be saved!


    It was good since there wasn''t really much of a budget for their program!


    The manager nodded andughed. "I feel the same as you. This program is really fitting for our satellite channel''s Friday primetime slot. I have finally seen for myself just how good Teacher Little Zhang''s program nning abilities are. Whether it is Lecture Room or Zhang Ye''s Talk Show, your reputation is fully justified. So many of the program nners and staff in our television station had been meeting for many days and still could note up with something, but just a short while with you has already provided us with such a perfect program proposal. You''ve really helped us out when we needed it the most."


    Behind him, one of the program nners was also utterly convinced and said, "Teacher Zhang, why don''t youe back? If this program is hosted by you as well, then it would be perfect!"


    The manager immediately said, "Yes, Little Zhang,e back and join us."


    Zhang Ye said, "Let''s talk again in the future when we get a chance."


    The manager said regretfully, "Alright then, we won''t ask any further. Let''s just settle this program first. Teacher Little Zhang, we are going to go ahead and take this Do You Remember. As for the price��Are you OK with 3 million RMB?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged and said, "I''ve already said that I have no requests for the price."


    The manager hesitated a little and then turned to a staff member behind him and said, "Tell Old Wang from the HR Department to contact Teacher Dong Shanshan. He must definitely get her to join us! We will pay for her contract to be voided as well!"


    Zhang Ye interrupted and said, "There''s no need to pay thepensation since Teacher Shanshan is currently without a job. She is not contracted to any television station currently as she left herst job two days ago."


    The manager said, "Then that''s even more convenient."


    Zhang Ye sincerely said, "Thank you very much."


    The manager raised a hand and just said, "Don''t say that. If there''s any thanking to be done here, it should be us thanking you."


    A good program was much more valuable than a good host. With his proposed program, Zhang Ye had alreadypletely impressed all of Beijing Television Station!


    At some point in time, Xu Yuhong had disappeared and left the meeting.


    With the station head gone, the atmosphere had also be much more rxed.


    The manager and Hu Fei continued raising quite a few more questions and program details. Since Zhang Ye had already epted the role of the program nner for this, he would surely have to do his part. But he probably only had to do this today, for once the program begins production, Zhang Ye would no longer need to do much more. All of the issues should be handled by Hu Fei''s team from there and because Zhang Ye had no ns of returning to Beijing Television Station to work, he could only do the program nning without joining in the actual production work.


    Soon after, the manager left with his team.


    Hu Fei then started delegating the tasks. The new program team no longer only consisted of Xiao Lu and the others; it had expanded to include quite a number of other employees as well. He said, "Starting from today, the program for Do You Remember is officiallyunched. Xiao Lu, go and mock up a promotion proposal. Dafei, the stageyout will need to undergo some changes. A lot it will need to be modified to follow Teacher Little Zhang''s design for the stage, so please go and coordinate this with the recording studios��"


    Trantor''s note: Some news update for everyone, I''ve started my Patreon, so you can check it out here


    For every $50 increment in total pledges, there will be 1 chapter umted for release in the following month. Thank you for your support!


    On top of this, until the end of April, for every increase of 10 patrons, up to 80 patrons, regardless of amount pledged, 1 chapter will be released within the day of hitting the milestones. This will run concurrent to item 1. (The next is the 30 patrons milestone/7 more to go!)


    There are ns for advanced chapters sometime next month, so watch out for the announcement!

 Chapter 594: Dong Shanshan and her family are shocked!

    <h4>Chapter 594: Dong Shanshan and her family are shocked! </h4>


    Chapter 594 Dong Shanshan and her family are shocked!


    At this moment.


    In a county that was neither big nor small.


    It was just past 11 AM when Dong Shanshan, who was now back at her family home, was still lying in bed in her rather cramped room. On the wall were some old and dog-eared posters which looked pretty aged with a yellowish tint. Theyout of the room was also from the time when Dong Shanshan was still in middle school. It was clear that this was where she was born and stayed at but also a ce she hadn''te back to often in many years.


    Dong dong.


    The bedroom door was being knocked on very lightly.


    Dong Shanshan raised her head and said, "The door''s not locked."


    Mother Dong opened the door and looked in, asking, "Why are you still not up yet?"


    "I''ve been working too hard on my shows recently, so I''m a little tired." Dong Shanshan smiled and stretched herself in bed, moving her feet like a spoiled child. She said to her mother, "Mom, help me massage my legs please?"


    Mother Dong sat down on her small bed and started lightly massaging her daughter.


    "Howfortable, my mom is the best in the world," Dong Shanshan said with a big smile.


    Mother Dong looked at her and said, "Tell me honestly, did youe back this time because something happened at work?"


    "No, work is going very smoothly and the leader also takes very good care of me. I came back because I was worried about you and Dad, and wanted toe home to visit the both of you. I will be going back in some days when I start working on my new program. Right now, I have a break since my old show has already finished its broadcast. Don''t worry about me, I''m fine," Dong Shanshan exined.


    Mother Dong shook her head and said, "I gave birth to you and raised you. Wouldn''t I know if you were really fine? Everytime I ask, you always say that everything is good and that you are safe. The more you say it like that, the more worried your dad and I be, because we don''t know which of your words are the truth and how you are really doing. Compared to hearing that, we prefer to listen to you tell us what is really going on. So tell Mom now, did you meet with some trouble this time?"


    Father Dong also came into the room from the outside. "If you are really having some problems, you can alwayse home. Don''t go away anymore. Just because you majored in broadcast doesn''t mean that you must be a host. Of all your ssmates, how many really ended up bing hosts? This industry is too murky with its unspoken rules. Our family are just ordinary people. We can''tpare to those who can pull strings with their rtives."


    Dong Shanshan said, "But I want to develop my career as a host. This has always been my ambition and my thoughts have never wavered. Besides, I am not doing too bad either now. My career has just taken off. Even though an online television station is still not as influential or has as many audiences as a traditional television station and can even be considered several levels lower as a tform, but one can''t aplish great things with just one single effort, can they? We have to do it step by step. I have just made some results for myself and you want me to give up now? Hur hur, that''s not going to happen."


    Father Dong said, "Then why did youe back this time?"


    Mother Dong also said in worry, "Shanshan, can you just be honest with us for once?"


    After a brief silence, Dong Shanshan stroked her ponytail and said, "Alright, I''ll tell you both. I had a quarrel with the online television station and submitted my resignation this time. I''ve also sent out quite a number of resumes to the television stations in the country who were looking to recruit television hosts. But therger television stations and satellite channels totally ignored a minor thing like me, like my resume was simply thrown into the ocean. They all think that my qualifications are too little and that I am not popr enough. The smaller local television stations I submitted my resumes to did consider me for a position, but aftermunicating for a while, it all came to nothing. As they are all small local television stations that do not attract much viewership, they did not and also could not n for a variety program, so they definitely did not require a host like me. This is why I came back. The rental for the apartment in Shanghai was too expensive at several thousand a month. I could no longer afford to stay there. So, I decided toe home to work things out." After exining the situation, Dong Shanshanughed a little. "Well, that is the truth that you both insisted on hearing."


    Father Dong said angrily, "Why did they not want you? Didn''t you do quite well when you were still working at the local channel back then?"


    "They didn''t think they had a suitable show for me." Dong Shanshan shrugged and continued, "Although I''ve already said that I was very willing to try out any new shows even if it wasn''t a variety-based one. It could be a cooking program; I would still be willing to give it a shot. But then, they still maintained their stance and told me that they had their own considerations as well and did not want to take the risk."


    Mother Dong said scornfully, "Employing you would be a risk? It''s their loss that they didn''t get to employ you!"


    Dong Shanshanughed gently and said, "Well, that is��what I think too."


    "How can you stillugh like that now." Mother Dong who was already feeling very anxious for her daughter, asked her, "Then what will you do now? Are you going to continue sending out your resume?"


    Dong Shanshan nodded and said, "I''ve sent them out to whichever ces have put up hiring notices for hosts. I''ve even tried for other online television stations as well. Right now, all I can hope for is to get a good program that I can work on since it hasn''t been easy to get to the poprity that I have now. I can''t just let it go to waste like this. I must get a long-term contract as a host, otherwise when this poprity declines, I will have to start all over again in the future. That is just how cruel the entertainment industry can get."


    Father Dong immediately said, "It''s OK, your mom and I will take care of you, so just stay at home."


    "Thanks Dad, but I have no problem taking care of myself. At most, I would take up moremercial hosting to feed myself even if the pay is unstable." Dong Shanshan rolled across the bed to her mother''sp and said, "But that won''t be my long-term n, right now��" She yawned and continued, "I just hope to find a good enough hosting job."


    Mother Dong stood up.


    "Where are you going?" Dong Shanshan''s head slid off her mother''sp back onto the bed.


    Mother Dong said, "I will go and burn some incense to pray for you."


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Sure, then I am going to depend on Mom for this."


    Father Dong was almost at a loss for words. He remarked, "Such blind superstitions!"


    Mother Dong turned a deaf ear to it and just walked out to the altar and lit the incense, and then started chanting almost inaudibly with a muttering of words.


    Father Dong said to his daughter, "You should have stopped her. All she knows is to burn incense every time until the house is full of the smell of sandalwood."


    "That''s all that my mother likes to do, so just let her be. If you don''t allow her to burn the incense, she would definitely take it up with you," said Dong Shanshan when her cell phone suddenly rang.


    The phone was ringing and vibrating!


    She had a look at the caller ID. It was an unknown number calling.


    Dong Shanshan flipped over and sat up against the headboard wondering who could be calling. She epted the call and said: "Hello, who is this?"


    On the other end was the voice of a young man who sounded like he was in his twenties, but of course he could be thirty or so as well. "Hello, may I know if this is Teacher Dong Shanshan''s number?"


    Looking for me?


    There was a response to my application?


    Dong Shanshan immediately said: "Yes, that''s me. Who is this?"


    Father Dong was also listening closely beside her.


    The youth said cheerfully: "I am from the HR Department of Beijing Television Station. You can call me Liu."


    When she heard his introduction, Dong Shanshan was slightly taken aback. Beijing Television Station? She did not remember sending in her resume to them.


    Then the young man continued: "It''s like this, Teacher Shanshan. Beforehand, I would like to ask if you are currently contracted to any television station?"


    Dong Shanshan said honestly: "No, I''ve already left my previous job."


    The young man said: "Then your management agency��"


    Dong Shanshan said: "I don''t have one either."


    The young man said: "Alright, that makes things much simpler then."


    Dong Shanshan was still clueless as to what was going on, so she asked: "Tell me about it."


    "Sure, as long as there''s no contract involved, I will just speak directly. Our Beijing Television Station''s satellite channel, also known as BTV-1, would like to invite you to join us!" said the young man, whose words surprised her!


    Beijing Television Station?


    And it was even the satellite channel??


    How could this be possible!?


    Dong Shanshan hesitated for a bit, wondering if the other party was making a scam phone call to her. "Mr. Liu, if I remember correctly, I don''t think I submitted my resume to your station?"


    "Resume?" The young man said: "I don''t know about that, Teacher Shanshan. We did not contact you due to any resume, and as the overall situation is a littleplex, I''m not too sure either. All I know is that the program team from the satellite channel got us to contact and inform you regarding their intent to work together with you. As for what kind of program and its details, perhaps you can discuss it directly with the program team''s manager or the rted personnel. I don''t have all the information with me since I am just handling the contract."


    Dong Shanshan asked in disbelief: "Beijing Television?"


    The young man said: "Yes."


    Dong Shanshan asked again: "Could you tell me in general what kind of program we are talking about?"


    The youth: "It''s arge-scale variety singing program."


    Dong Shanshan: "What time slot?"


    "Friday��" The young man said: "��Friday''s primetime slot at around 9 PM."


    Friday?


    Satellite channel?


    Large-scale variety program?


    And it''s even at a primetime slot?


    How could something so good be true!


    Dong Shanshan was a little befuddled by this and was beginning to feel that this really was a scam phone call. She made up her mind that as long as the person started asking for money or to make a credit transfer to them, she would hang up immediately!


    "Then what do you need me to do?" Dong Shanshan asked.


    The young man answered: "You��you don''t need to do anything. I would like to understand if you have any requests before I proceed to let you know about the details."


    "I have no requests whatsoever!" Dong Shanshan said.


    The young manughed and said: "Alrighty then, it should be easy to discuss. The general situation right now is that we have a new program segment that urgently needs to take over a current program slot, so the recording schedule is also quite urgent because of that. The team has already started prepping today and will start with the production tomorrow. So if you are fine with it, it''s best we have a face-to-face meeting today to settle the contractual agreements. If it''s convenient, could you make a trip to the television station today?"


    "To Beijing Television Station?"


    "Yes."


    When she heard this, Dong Shanshan was pretty sure that this was not a scam phone call.


    Dong Shanshan immediately replied: "I am out of Beijing at the moment, but if I set out immediately, I should be able to get to Beijing by the afternoon."


    The young man said: "That would be great. Since we''re on this issue, let me give you the details about the contract. We are preparing a 1+1 contract for you, with an annual sry of 200,000 RMB excluding bonuses, welfare, and other standard payments. This contract will offer whatever is expected, yes, so you can make your decision on the way here. If there are any parts of this offer you''re not satisfied with or have any special requests, we can talk about them when we meetter. As long as it is rted to the contract, I am in charge of it and we can negotiate. As for any program-rted requests that you might have, the program team will go through the details with youter as well."


    Free to negotiate?


    Everything can be discussed?


    Aren''t they being too polite!?


    Dong Shanshan finally asked, "How many hosts will there be?"


    "Two, a man and a woman."


    "The other person is?"


    "It has not been confirmed yet. At theunch of this program, only two things has been confirmed. One, the program''s name will be called Do You Remember, and the other is the choice of the female host!"


    The program details were still being worked on!


    Yet the designated female host is me??


    Trantor''s note: Some news update for everyone, I''ve started my Patreon, so you can check it out here


    For every $50 increment in total pledges, there will be 1 chapter umted for release in the following month. Thank you for your support!


    On top of this, until the end of April, for every increase of 10 patrons, up to 80 patrons, regardless of amount pledged, 1 chapter will be released within the day of hitting the milestones. This will run concurrent to item 1. (The next is the 30 patrons milestone/6 more to go!)


    There are ns for advanced chapters sometime next month, so watch out for the announcement!

 Chapter 595: The host who never needed a script

    <h4>Chapter 595: The host who never needed a script </h4>


    Chapter 595 The host who never needed a script


    After the call ended.


    The room was inplete silence!


    Although Father Dong who was beside her could not clearly hear every word that was said, he could still grasp some of the details he heard from the faint voice on the phone. He was also stunned at that moment.


    After Mother Dong had finished burning incense in the living room, she returned to the room and asked, "Eh, what happened?"


    Father Dong grabbed onto his spouse and said, "Shanshan has found a job!"


    "Ah? So fast?" Mother Dong said in surprise. "What kind of job?"


    Dong Shanshan was a bit stunned as she subconsciously blurted out, "Beijing Television invited me to be the female host of arge-scale variety show that will air every Friday at the primetime slot of 9 PM."


    Mother Dong was pleasantly surprised and asked, "Really?"


    Dong Shanshan said, "It sounded real, not fake."


    "Aiyo, that''s great, that''s so great!" Mother Dong was so excited she didn''t know what else to say. "That is a one of the country''s more reputable satellite channel stations, the highest-rated television station in the north and it''s even a Friday primetime slot? Shanshan, looks like there are still some people with foresight. Who says there are no television stations who want you!" Mother Dong paused for a moment and then imed credit by saying, "Old man, see that? That''s why I said we must always burn incense and pray to the gods! And you still say that I''m superstitious!"


    Father Dong said, "��What has all this got to do with burning incense!"


    Dong Shanshan sat down, stood up, and sat down again. She could not calm her mind down and said, "But it can''t be, why would they look for me? They could have looked for anyone else, it shouldn''t even be my turn yet, is this sis'' reputation that great? I could even alert a big station like Beijing Television?" She was still quite aware of the weight she could pull. So she was bing even more perplexed at all that was going on. She then said, "They had only just confirmed the name of the program and the female host has already been designated as me? From the way they offered me the job, it seemed like it had to be none other than me?"


    Mother Dong smiled and said, "That shows just how much they admire you!"


    "It''s too ridiculous," Dong Shanshan said. She had already begun packing her luggage. "But��I must still go no matter how ridiculous it sounds. If I miss this opportunity, I will jump off a building!"


    Mother Dong went to help with the packing and said, "I''ll help you pack."


    Dong Shanshan said, "Dad, Mom, I will go to Beijing to discuss with them. If it is a fake offer, I wille back again. The distance between Inner Mongolia to Beijing is not that far anyway!"


    Father Dong kindly smiled and said, "Go on, just do what you need to do and don''t worry about the matters at home."


    In a short while, Dong Shanshan was done packing her luggage. Actually, most of her stuff was still inside since she hadn''t taken them out when she had returned home.


    "I''m leaving!" Dong Shanshan left quickly as she was the type of person who got things done very quickly.


    "Be careful on the way."


    "I''ll call back if the job is confirmed."


    ����


    Later in the afternoon.


    At Beijing Television Station.


    At noon, Zhang Ye scrounged a meal from the station before leaving. Hu Fei and his team started to get busy as they were racing against time to speed up the preparations for the program. No one from the program teamzed around.


    "Do we have any candidates for the male host?"


    "What about Teacher Li?"


    "I thought Little Li went abroad for training?"


    "How about Teacher Yu?"


    "Teacher Yu still has a program so he''s not avable. Besides, Old Yu''s getting up there in years and won''t suit this program."


    Hu Fei, Xiao Lu, and a few people were discussing, when suddenly, someone came in from outside. It was Little Liu from the station''s HR Department. Beside him stood a long-legged beauty.


    When Hou Ge saw her, his eyes shone brightly and he said, "This is?"


    Hou Di and Dafei also stopped what they were doing and looked over together.


    In fact, all of the male colleagues in the office area appeared to suddenly focus their attention onto the figure of this long-legged beauty��or her legs.


    This was Teacher Zhang Ye''s old ssmate?


    She was even prettier in person than on television!


    Especially that pair of long legs. How could they be so long! Did you connect another joint on it by yourself!? Is this the legendary "nine-heads-tall figure"?


    That HR Department young man gestured to his side with a smile and said, "Let me introduce her to everyone. This is Teacher Dong Shanshan. Her contract has already been signed and the joining formalities are being processed at the moment. From today onwards, Teacher Dong Shanshan will be a staff member of Beijing Television. Brother Hu, I brought her over already and I will hand her over to you now."


    Hu Fei led the apuse.


    Dafei, Xiao Lu, and the rest also apuded in unison!


    "Wee, our new colleague!"


    "Teacher Shanshan, we were all waiting for you."


    "We warmly wee you!"


    The atmosphere of Hu Fei''s new program team was excellent. This was the kind of style that he built up in any of his teams. He didn''t allow or condone any of his program team colleagues to have friction or conflicts between them. Hu Fei set a good example for others. He was always dedicated to all of his subordinates. At the same time, he also requested that they should build a good rtionship between themselves. No matter how famous or highly experienced you were, you could not put on airs or bezy. He felt that only a rtively harmonious team could be the best soil to grow a good program upon.


    Zhang Ye also started out in this sort of culture in Hu Fei''s team. This was also imbued deep in him. Although Zhang Ye had worked at many ces and offended many leaders and units, even to the point of not seeing each other anymore, after he left Beijing Arts Channel, he still maintained a close rtionship with Hu Fei and his team that just a call was enough for him toe back and help out.


    Dong Shanshan was not at all affected by all the eyes staring at her now. Judging from her demeanor and aura, she was totally unlike a rookie who had only debuted for a year. She greeted, "Hello everyone, it''s my first day today, so please take care of me."


    Hou Ge immediately said, "Sure, sure!"


    As expected from brothers, Hou Di also said in unison with his brother, "Sure, sure."


    The HR Department young manughed heartily. "Brother Hu, the task that was passed to me has already beenpleted with all the necessary work. When the program starts broadcasting, I''ll be waiting to join in your celebratory feast."


    Hu Fei patted his shoulder like a close friend and said, "Alright, thanks, Liu''er."


    "You''re wee. I''ll leave now as I still have some matters to attend to." The young man turned around and walked away.


    Hu Fei looked at Dong Shanshan and finally put out his hand for a handshake and said, "Wee, I''m Hu Fei, the executive producer and executive director of Do You Remember."


    Dong Shanshan smiled and shook his hand, saying, "Hello, Executive."


    Hu Fei smiled and said, "Don''t address me like that. Just calling me Brother Hu or Old Hu will do. Come, let me introduce the team to you. This is Xiao Lu, this is Dafei��"


    She was getting to know the team members in quick session.


    Finally, Hu Fei said, "Teacher Shanshan, we will be officially starting the production of the program tomorrow, but I have not nned your hosting script nor is there a draft yet as the program concept had only been fixed this morning. For the matter of the hosting script��let''s talk about itter. I need to find someone to write it on an ad-hoc basis for now."


    Dong Shanshan immediately got into gear and was ready to start working. She asked, "Will it be ready on time if it gets written at thest minute? Why don''t you give me the program outline and requirements for the hosts and I will try to write it instead."


    Hu Fei acknowledged and said, "Alright, then we''ll trouble you to put in some hard work first until I manage to borrow a screenwriter from the other program teams to write up hosting script for you. We will discuss again with you and the unconfirmed male host once this is settled."


    Dong Shanshan blinked and said, "Borrow someone? Did our program team''s screenwriter resign?"


    Xiao Lu who was at the other side smiled and said, "It''s not like that. It''s just that we never had a professional screenwriter for the hosting script in our program team since the Arts Channel."


    How could that be?


    No script?


    How could a program be done without having a script then?


    Realizing Dong Shanshan was unable toprehend the situation, Xiao Luughed, "Because we have never needed one before as we once had a host who didn''t have a need for any script!"


    Trantor''s note: Some news update for everyone, I''ve started my Patreon, so you can check it out here


    For every $50 increment in total pledges, there will be 1 chapter umted for release in the following month. Thank you for your support!


    On top of this, until the end of April, for every increase of 10 patrons, up to 80 patrons, regardless of amount pledged, 1 chapter will be released within the day of hitting the milestones. This will run concurrent to item 1. (The next is the 30 patrons milestone/7 more to go!)


    There are ns for advanced chapters sometime next month, so watch out for the announcement!

 Chapter 596: The Appointed Host!

    <h4>Chapter 596: The Appointed Host! </h4>


    Chapter 596 - The Appointed Host!


    Dong Shanshan was a little taken aback. "No need for a script? Were the scripts prepared ahead before recording the program then?"


    Hou Geughed and said, "They weren''t prepared ahead of time, but he never, ever needed a script when he did a program recording. Even if it''s a live broadcast, he just goes up and does his hosting without any script. There are 12 urban legends in the internal departments within Beijing Television Station that are being spread around and this is one of them. Why these are called urban legends is because even if we tell anyone outside the station about it, no one would believe them. Only our own internal staff knows that these are, in fact, truths and not urban legends."


    Hu Fei patted him on the back and said, "Don''t be talking about those useless things anymore. Discuss the program concept and hosting details with Shanshan. Everyone else is starting to get busy, so don''t just stand around!"


    "Yes."


    "OK."


    "As youmand!"


    Everyone dispersed as the party was dismissed.


    Hou Ge and Dong Shanshan walked to a workstation in the corner where he took out a stack of documents and ce them one by one onto the table, and started exining the program to Dong Shanshan.


    As a professional host who had graduated from the most prestigious broadcasting college in the country, Dong Shanshan naturally had her own judgement of programs. While she was on the way to Beijing, Dong Shanshan had considered many things. She repeatedly considered the possible reasons Beijing Television had for signing her, a half-rookie with not much of a name carved out in the industry, as a host for such an important program segment. All her considerations only pointed to one thing, that the program needed someone like her who could be a "vase" to attract the viewers. Dong Shanshan''s mission was probably just to stand on stage and asionally make some remarks or say a few words and then let the show continue on its own. For this program, the hosts were simply there to be eye-candy and not much else. Dong Shanshan thought this was the only possibility, but she still came and signed the contract after just listening to the offer without a second thought. This was because, even if she were going to be a host who could be disregarded and ignored on stage, this was still the "Northern Big Brother" Beijing Television''s variety program in a primetime slot. Even if she only had a bit part to y every week, she was willing to do it as this tform was too good!


    But when Hou Ge had finished exining the whole concept of the program and the role of the host, Dong Shanshan discovered that what she had initially concluded couldn''t be further from the truth!


    Vase?


    Not much screen time?


    A bit part host?


    Bullshit! The responsibilities of the host in this program turned out to be much more important than she had imagined! Although the program''s main focus was still on the contestants, city PK, or the leading singer, the host was also a key part of the whole setup and couldn''t be ignored. The host was extremely important and would have a lot of screen time since they would be needed to string together the entire show by appearing on screen and leading and setting the atmosphere of the live audience!


    It wasn''t a group of them!


    It wasn''t a partnership of a main host with four or five co-hosts!


    It was just two hosts, a man and a woman, and that female host was Dong Shanshan. As she would be the only female host as well, there was basically no one else to share the screen with her at all!


    Hou Ge looked at her and said, "Teacher Shanshan, that''s generally how it is."


    Dong Shanshan came back to her senses and said, "Ah? OK."


    "It wasn''t clear? That''s fine. If you did not understand any of that, just ask," Hou Ge exined patiently. When it came to how he treated a pretty woman, he was always quite meticulous.


    Dong Shanshanughed and said, "It''s not that, I understood it all. But I''m wondering about how very heavy the responsibility of the host is. That makes me feel very pressured. Since the station and the program team value me so much, have put such an important task on me, and given such a good program and time slot to me, I will definitely do it well."


    Hou Ge said kindly, "Don''t worry about that. Just rx and do your job."


    Dong Shanshan said, "But how do I rx? Honestly speaking, this is my first time hosting such arge-scale variety program and it''s even one on a satellite channel at a primetime slot. I don''t know what the program teams sees in me to have invited me to join you all and given me such preferential treatment. So I''m afraid I won''t be able to do well and end up getting withdrawn from the role." She spoke about how pressured she was feeling and what not, but somehow it felt more like she was trying to lead the conversation to something else.


    When Hou Ge heard this, he smiled and said, "Listen to me, Teacher Shanshan. Don''t worry and rest assured. There''s no need to fret about anything else. Let me tell you something. The program Do You Remember could fire me or fire anyone else on the team, but they would never fire you for sure."


    What?


    Fire you and I would still be here?


    Did I hear wrong?


    Dong Shanshan was taken aback and could only say, "Huh?"


    Hou Ge said, "Anyhow, just rx."


    "What did you mean by that?" Dong Shanshan looked at him.


    Hou Ge mumbled a few words, knowing he had said too much in the presence of the pretty woman in front of him, and recovered hisposure. He coughed and said, "I don''t mean anything, it''s nothing. I was just randomly saying a few things, so in any case, just don''t feel too pressured and you''ll be alright."


    Dong Shanshan said, "Hou Ge, since this is what everyone calls you, I will address you like this as well."


    "Sure, you can call me whatever you like," Hou Ge said with a smile.


    Dong Shanshan, weaving some lies into truths, said, "You look especially like a cousin of mine. That''s why I feelfortable being around you. I''ve always been quite sociable, so I won''t take you as an outsider."


    Hou Ge said happily, "You mustn''t take me as an outsider. Don''t stand on ceremony with me. If there''s anything you need, juste to Hou Ge. Hou Ge will definitely answer to your calls without any hesitation!"


    Dong Shanshan''s eyes had been filled with perplexity since this morning. She could not figure it out while she was on the way here, but her female intuition told her that a meat pie dropping out of the sky into herp like this was definitely not without a reason, so she asked, "Alright then, the thing I need to know is: why is it that anyone else can be fired, but not me? And there''s something else I can''t understand all this while here. Why did the station look for me to assume the important role of the female host for such arge-scale production?"


    Hou Ge nced left and right, before saying, "About this��"


    Dong Shanshan said, "Don''t forget you promised that you wouldn''t hesitate to help me out."


    Hou Geughed bitterly and then whispered, "It''s not that I don''t wish to say it, but that I am not allowed to say it."


    "Is it Zhang Ye?" Dong Shanshan was very clever and just brought up the name directly.


    Hou Ge hesitated. "Erm, I did not say that."


    Dong Shanshan observed his expression and said, "It must be him then. Didn''t you all just say that there was a host who did not need to use any scripts? That was Zhang Ye, wasn''t it? He and I were old ssmates and also colleagues who have worked together before. About his ability to go off script and even doing that for a live broadcast, it was something that I witnessed with my own eyes as well. Zhang Ye is the only person I know so far who is crazy enough to dare to do a live broadcast without a script. Other than him, there couldn''t be anyone else who was brave enough to attempt that. So that would mean that our program team was previously the team for the Arts Channel''s Lecture Room program, right?"


    Hou Ge knew that he could no longer keep this under wraps, so he confessed, "Correct."


    Dong Shanshan asked, "Did Zhang Ye rmend me to the station?"


    "What Teacher Little Zhang did was definitely not a rmendation." When he said this, Hou Ge also had a strange smile on his face. "Let me tell you this, but don''t say that I was the one who said it."


    Dong Shanshan nodded. "Naturally."


    Hou Ge said, "Originally, the station had intended to ask Teacher Little Zhang toe back by offering him a long-term contract so that he could help n a few programs for the station and to help bring up the viewership ratings as well. But as you should also know, Little Zhang used to have disagreements with the station on certain matters before and wasn''t exactly on good terms either until recently. But even so, Little Zhang still did not have any intent of returning to the station, at least he imed not for the time being. By rights, up until this point, there should no longer be anything to exin, but Teacher Little Zhang suddenly offered to do a program proposal for the satellite channel by selling it to the station. He did not request any mary rpense and was fine with any offer, but he did make a request, and that was also his one and only condition for the station. It was��"


    Hou Ge did not finish.


    Dong Shanshan had already put his words together. She took a light breath and continued, "��was to let me be the female host for this program!"


    "That''s right." Hou Ge smiled and said, "As you can see, the station has agreed to this in the end. It was something that had not happened before as well. First, this was because the station''s bosses and the relevant teams had judged that Do You Remember was a variety singing program that could stand out from all the other singing programs and make a name for itself. This program was something they had to get from Teacher Zhang no matter what, so that it wouldn''t be sold to another television station either. Second, since everyone knew of Teacher Zhang''s hosting reputation, the station leaders also trusted that Teacher Zhang''s ssmate which he had strongly pushed to be appointed would definitely not be a wrong choice. So rather than saying that this was a rmendation, it might be better to say that you were the designated host by the station and program team. This was effected by the station leader, and so anyone else can be fired, but not you!"


    Dong Shanshan, "��"


    From the other side, someone called out to Hou Ge, "Old Hou, we need your help over here."


    "OK, I''ll go over right now," Hou Ge responded to them and then turned to Dong Shanshan again and said, "I''ve already shared with you all that I can. Our team and Teacher Zhang enjoy a very good rtionship. Since you''re Teacher Zhang''s ssmate, you are naturally our friend and a part of us as well. As all of us used to watch Teacher Zhang''s talk show very frequently, we''ve also heard of him teasing you before. Haha. So we aren''t that unfamiliar with you. In the future, let''s get to know each other well andmunicate more often."


    Hou Ge walked off.


    Dong Shanshan was still digesting what he had told her.


    inly speaking, this program only existed after having an appointed host. If Dong Shanshan was not the female host, then this program would also cease to exist! At this time, all the doubts and mysteries in Dong Shanshan''s mind finally disappeared. She finally understood why arge-scale production like this primetime program on the satellite channel would approach her in the first ce. This was all due to her old ssmate helping her sneakily behind her back and not telling her anything about it!


    Trantor''s note: Some news update for everyone, I''ve started my Patreon, so you can check it out here


    For every $50 increment in total pledges, there will be 1 chapter umted for release in the following month. Thank you for your support!


    On top of this, until the end of April, for every increase of 10 patrons, up to 80 patrons, regardless of amount pledged, 1 chapter will be released within the day of hitting the milestones. This will run concurrent to item 1. (The next is the 30 patrons milestone/5 more to go!)


    There are ns for advanced chapters sometime next month, so watch out for the announcement!

 Chapter 597: An old classmate’s appreciation!

    <h4>Chapter 597: An old ssmate��s appreciation! </h4>


    Chapter 597: An old ssmate''s appreciation!


    At night.


    It was already dark.


    At his parents'' house, Zhang Ye reclined on the sofa with his legs crossed and lit a cigarette with one hand while holding a porcin tea cup in the other. With every puff, he had a few sips of tea and was feelingid back and rxed. There were no signs at all that he was an unemployed person who was unable to find a job after so many days.


    Next to him, her mother rolled her eyes. "I''ve never ever seen anyone with such a big heart."


    Zhang Ye took exception. "There''s no urgency regarding the job. I will wait another few more days."


    "I''m talking about Beijing Television''s new program." His mother said, "If you''ve even nned out all the details for them and taken every step into consideration, why didn''t you just do it by yourself?"


    Zhang Ye snickered and said, "That program did not suit me."


    The amount of variety programs in his head were too many that even if he were to randomly pick one, he would get a program that would do quite well in the ratings. But as his energy was limited, together with the other objectives and personal requirements, he would definitely not want to do all of them. If there was one that he would choose, of course he wouldn''t choose one that would just do quite well. Given the choice, he would only choose the best of the best, an irreceable program that would leave all the other television stations in the dust with its sess!


    His father was less critical of his son''s employment issue and instead pointed out to him, "Smoke less."


    "Understood." Zhang Ye sat up straight and extinguished the cigarette butt.


    His mother suddenly pointed at the television and said, "Son, is that the program that you nned? Oh, you had only just submitted your proposal this afternoon and it''s already starting to get promoted by the evening?"


    Zhang Ye looked over as well and said, "They''re really quite efficient, but it''s really not too many days away till they air when the other program ends. Brother Hu and the others must be getting worried too."


    ����


    At Beijing Television.


    The logo withrge font depicting Do You Remember shed impressively on screen before a public call for everyone in the country to register as contestants or lead singers. It was done in the very standard publicity technique and style. This publicity campaign was all done in-house by Beijing Television with no input from Zhang Ye at all. As he wasn''t a part of the television station anymore, he was only in charge of the program format while everything else had nothing to do with him. He did not wish to concern himself with too much of these issues and couldn''t do it even if he wanted to. As they say, don''t meddle in affairs that aren''t part of your position.


    ��This was the promotion the television aired.


    On the inte, Beijing Television Station''s BTV-1 1 website was also promoting the uing segment ted to rece the current program in the primetime slot. The promotion was much more detailed and gave a lot of details. At the end, there was even a tentative list of staff on the program team. For the positions that had not been filled yet, they were just left nk.


    Do You Remember


    Executive Producer: Hu Fei


    Executive Director: Hu Fei


    Program nner: Zhang Ye


    Assistant Director: Hou Liang


    Host (Female): Dong Shanshan


    Host (Male): T.B.C.


    ����


    On Weibo, discussions about the topic began.


    "Is Big Bird, Big Bird ending already?"


    "Ai, that program''s quality started to be really bad towards the end. It wasn''t too bad at the beginning."


    "Beijing Television''s standards have been dropping ofte. There''s nothing creative about their programs anymore. I heard that the program next in line is even going to be a singing program? Haven''t such programs already been overdone already? Are they not sick of it yet!? Ever since Teacher Zhang Ye left BTV-Arts Channel, I hardly watch Beijing Television Station''s channels anymore since the programs are all somewhat simr to each other and have nothing special to look forward to. How I miss those days when Teacher Zhang Ye was still at the Arts Channel. Lecture Room opened up a new style of programming format and those episodes in which Zhang Ye talked about the Three Kingdoms set a new local viewership ratings record for education style type programs which are unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon!"


    "There are rumors that Zhang Ye will be returning to Beijing Television Station?"


    "Is that true?"


    "I''ve heard so too, but I don''t know how true those rumors are."


    "The rumors were already refuted today at noon. Didn''t you all read the Weibo of an official from Beijing Television Station? Didn''t that person post something about something being regretful and a pity? That must have been referring to Teacher Zhang Ye."


    "Ah? Zhang Ye''s not going back?"


    "Yeah, Beijing Television had invited him to rejoin them, but Zhang Ye did not ept the offer."


    "Then doesn''t that mean Teacher Zhang will still be unemployed?"


    When it started, only a small number of people, about a dozen, were discussing this topic, but at one point, a lot of people suddenly joined in to talk about it as well.


    "Quick, take a look!"


    "Zhang Ye has a new program! Do You Remember!"


    "Ah? I just saw the promotions for this program on Beijing Television too, but didn''t Zhang Ye decline the offer to join Beijing Television Station?"


    "He''s not the host, but he created this new program for Beijing Television. Here''s the link, just go and take a look at the program team listing! Please don''t ask if this could be a coincidence where it''s just someone with the same name. This was his old team and old employer, and besides he is the program nner, so this Zhang Ye can''t possibly be anyone else!"


    "It''s really true!"


    "Teacher Zhang has done it again. Even though he''s not going to be the host, nor taking part as the director or producer of the show, I am still very hyped about it!"


    "What is this program really about?"


    "Remembering the lyrics? What''s so interesting about that?"


    "Yeah, I don''t understand it either. Is that really something Zhang Ye would do? It doesn''t feel like it, it just doesn''t feel like him at all. A program that sounds so terrible, how could it have a good viewership rating?"


    "Did Zhang Ye get water into his brains? There''s are so many singing programs in the market now. At least 5 or 6 of them can be easily seen whenever you switch on the television. The audience is long sick and tired of this. I''m sure everyone will be tired soon by all of these. At this time, what we need is a innovative new program, but still, you can''t just innovate senselessly. Remember the lyrics? How can there be any watchability in something like remembering the lyrics? Do you think the audience is crazy to want to watch you remembering lyrics? Beijing Television is also getting dumber and dumber. If Zhang Ye wants to do something as stupid as this, then did you all have to follow along and do it as well? Why would you guys even allow such a pointless program to take the primetime slot? I''m speechless!!"


    "And who is that person called Dong Shanshan? A newbie? I don''t think there''s any host by that name at Beijing Television Station, right?"


    "I haven''t heard of her before either. They''re even so daring in using people."


    "I know who she is. She''s Zhang Ye''s old ssmate and also the host of Online Talents."


    "Just knowing that it''s about remembering lyrics already sounds uninteresting to me."


    "Uh, noment."


    "It might really be possible that this new program team has someone else by the name of Zhang Ye."


    "That''s right, this shouldn''t be the standard that Zhang Ye woulde up with. Whether it was Lecture Room or Zhang Ye''s Talk Show, they were all all unprecedented examples of television programs in the industry. But what is this about remembering lyrics? Competing on how good someone''s memory is? Why don''t you make thempete on remembering punctuation or character strokes instead. This program sounds so odd and terrible! Just the name of the program alone gives people a sense of powerlessness and makes them feel sleepy!"


    "Zhang Ye, what happened to you?"


    "Did he lose his touch already?"


    "Looks like Beijing Television has made a very wrong move this time!"


    "Do You Remember? If this program can get any viewership at all, I will twist my head off!"


    "Hahahaha, this program is such a joke! How can anyone even take memorizing lyrics and make it into a show?"


    Theizens were also having their doubts.


    Fellow peers were also ridiculing such a program.


    People from the media were criticizing.


    All kinds of interesting opinions were raised!


    This was Zhang Ye. No only was he a controversial person whenever he spoke or did something, even the programs he did were full of controversy!


    It was the same reaction as when Zhang Ye had presented this idea for the program to Beijing Television Station''s staff. All of theizens could not understand and barely any of them had any expectations for this program. Moreover, they did not even understand what this program would be about and what the selling point was. However, Zhang Ye knew exactly what this program would be about, just like how Beijing Television had also understood after Zhang Ye exined it to them. As such, all of these voices of doubt that were spreading around online did not disrupt their confidence in the program. Instead, after reading all thosements online, it even stirred the fighting spirit of Hu Fei''s team as they all looked forward to giving everyone a surprise on the day the program premiered!


    ����


    It was already prettyte.


    His parents were asleep.


    Zhang Ye went back into his bedroom andid down on his bed. He switched off the lights and got ready to sleep, when suddenly, his cell phone rang. It was from Dong Shanshan.


    Zhang Ye smiled as he answered the call: "Hello, old ssmate. Did you call me sote at night because you missed me?"


    On the other end, a feminine voiceughed: "Since my job issue has been solved, of course I must give you a call to give my thanks. A satellite channel''s primetime slot, how generous!"


    "Ah? What job?" Zhang Ye yed dumb.


    "What do you think?" Dong Shanshan said.


    Zhang Ye said: "What are you talking about?"


    Dong Shanshan: "Alright, don''t pretend anymore, I know everything already." Saying that, sheughed and continued: "You''re even keeping it from me because you were afraid that my pride would not be able to handle it? When you called me yesterday, did you already know about my departure from Weiwo Online television station? You even tried to keep it a secret by making the Beijing Television Station''s staff not mention a word about this to me? Let me tell you, my ego is not as big as you made it out to be. In fact, it''s rather small. If I had known that you had such connections, I would''ve already gone to your house to stop you at your front door and make you pull some strings for me."


    Zhang Ye knew that Dong Shanshan was just spouting nonsense to him. Having been ssmates for so many years already, how didn''t he know that Dong Shanshan had a huge ego? Otherwise, would Zhang Ye have to go through all that trouble just to hide it from her? Would Dong Shanshan have needed to make all those excuses over the phone, saying that she was still working and not mentioning anything about her resignation? But Zhang Ye still smiled and said: "Hai, then you should have just said so earlier. Alright, alright, it was I who helped you. Tell me then, how are you going to thank your Big Brother Zhang?"


    Dong Shanshan said: "You''re really not holding back, are you? You''ve even be Big Brother Zhang now?"


    "Yes, of course," Zhang Ye said.


    "Shouldn''t it be natural to help out an old ssmate of yours? You''re even putting on airs now, hur hur," Dong Shanshan said belittling his deed. "Tell me then, how can I thank you?"


    Zhang Ye said in rare, serious tone to her: "Just host the program well and I will guarantee this will bring you ces."


    Dong Shanshan said: "Don''t worry, we''re both from Media College and besides, did you forget that I did better than you in school?"


    Zhang Ye said: That''s true, that''s true, School Belle Dong was so famous in school back then. Actually, with your capabilities, it''s more than enough for you to join a satellite channel station. I was just being a busybody by offering to help. Actually I didn''t do this for you. I did a program proposal for Beijing Television because first, I wanted to help Brother Hu and the others. Second, I haven''t been doing too well recently, so it was good that I had this chance to earn some spare money. Third, I intended to use Do You Remember to further my potential for program nning so that those television stations which can''t make up their minds about me yet would quickly decide and contact me to join them. Since I am jobless now, I really need to find another employer as soon as possible. I am not one to turn round to graze on an old pasture like Beijing Television Station, so Do You Remember was also a step that I had to take before I could make my next move. It was to help increase my chances of attracting a better television station and offer, but somehow the timing was just right and you had just left your previous job as well, so I just helped to rmend you to them since it was just a by-the-by thing."


    Dong Shanshan said: "Was it just a rmendation?"


    Zhang Ye pretended: "Yeah, what else would it be?"


    Dong Shanshanughed: "That couldn''t have been just a rmendation. I heard that��you specified me? That you said if they did not agree to using me as the host, you would not even sell the program proposal to them, which would mean that this was a host-bound program?"


    When Zhang Ye heard this, he cursed and said: "Heh, those bunch of people. I had already reminded them over and over before I left to not say a word of this, but they still let the cat out of the bag? Who told you about it, Shanshan? Who was the one who had such loose lips? I am so hurt by this! What''s trust even worth these days? The most basic trust between two human beings!"


    Dong Shanshan was amused by this and said: "Of course I won''t tell you who told me about it. But I already know all that I need to know now, so ssmate Zhang, I owe you one."


    "Come on, don''t be so polite with me." Zhang Ye said: "I find it hard to get used to you if you speak in this way. Besides, didn''t I promise you before that when you had a new program, I would definitely help you with it? Now that I''ve fulfilled my promise, do we still need to be so courteous with each other?"


    Dong Shanshan said: "That''s true."


    Zhang Ye changed the subject and asked: "What do you think of the program?"


    "If I simply just hear about it, it isn''t much. But when I found out about all the details of each segment of the program, I believe that the viewership ratings shouldn''t be bad at all. On top of that, there''s no other program that''s more suitable for me than this. I had left the online television station precisely because I did not want my progress to stall. I knew I needed to seek something that would allow me to progress and transform myself, so this new role in a satellite channel station and even hosting a program in the primetime slot is good enough for at least 2 years of my development." Dong Shanshan sounded very satisfied and continued: "I must say that this old ssmate of mine is really very thoughtful by thinking out every aspect for me. You''re a true friend."


    "But of course. When we''re out in the working world, we can surely depend on our ssmates." Zhang Ye asked again: "Are you fitting in well with the program team? Brother Hu, Brother Hou, and the others are all my old friends and good people. I''m pretty sure you''d like this sort of a work environment."


    Dong Shanshan acknowledged: "Everyone''s quite nice and the environment is good too."


    Zhang Ye warned: "Yes, but there''s also a lot of single guys, so watch out for yourself." He predicted that there would be quite a number of people who would want to go after Dong Shanshan, as it would be the same anywhere else.


    "That''s a valid point. I came here in a rush today and only wore a very in skirt that probably reached down to my knees. Even so, my legs were viciously attacked by wave after wave of stares from the new colleagues."


    "F**k, could you exaggerate more?"


    "It''s not overstated."


    "Those bunch of people are really too direct then."


    "I''ve always wondered. Doesn''t your old ssmate, I, have good looks too? So why is it that every time you men see me, the first thing you look at are my legs? I''m very curious about it, but where do you usually look first when you see me?"


    "Me? I''m different from them."


    "You look at my face first? Or the way I''m dressed? My hair?"


    "I notice your eyes first!"


    "Woah, that''s so pure of you!"


    "Yeah, of course. If your eyes did not notice me, then I look at your legs!"


    Dong Shanshan: "��"


    1. Beijing Television, which is also the satellite channel of Beijing Television Station ismonly referred to as BTV-1; refer to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beijing_Media_Network

 Chapter 598: The Upgraded Effects of the Lucky Halo!

    <h4>Chapter 598: The Upgraded Effects of the Lucky Halo! </h4>


    Chapter 598 The Upgraded Effects of the Lucky Halo!


    In the warmth of spring, flowers were blooming.


    Another brand new day had begun.


    On this morning, Zhang Ye was awoken by a phone call. When he answered the call, there was no response from the other end even after he said hello for many times. Then, it got disconnected, probably due to a bad signal. On the second call, it eventually connected.


    "Is this Zhang Ye?"


    "Yes, may I know who is this?"


    "I''m from Qinghai Television Station''s Channel 5."


    "Oh, hello."


    "I heard that you''re still out of a contract for a hosting job, so we would like to see if you''d be interested in working together with us."


    "I''m sorry, maybe next time."


    "Please do reconsider. Although we are just a local television station and our coverage is only within Qinghai, we can work together on a program first. If you get a better offer next time, you can still go at any time since we are fine if you do not want to sign an annual contract. We can have a program-based contract instead."


    "Never mind, thank you."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye went to wash up.


    Actually, it was not that he had no job offers in the past few days. There were some people who had found out his contact information and called him directly, while others got Zhang Ye''s friends to contact him for them. These were mostlymercial performance rted work, for example, ribbon cutting at apany''s opening ceremony, being the host atpany dinners or somepany leader''s wedding, etc. Zhang Ye never took up these offers as they were often meaningless to him since it would not raise his poprity. There were some more invitations from smaller scale television stations such as local channels, city channels which could only cover up to a province area and were unable to broadcast to the entire country. With Zhang Ye''s current poprity, even if he epted their offers, it wouldn''t mean anything to him. He couldn''t possibly keep living in the past.


    And so he rejected them and did not ept their offers. Zhang Ye was only waiting for the effects from the broadcast of Do You Remember, to let those satellite channels or Central TV re-evaluate and judge his ability in program production. His target right now was only at those television channels with a nationwide broadcast coverage. As for the rest, he would not even consider them.


    But since Do You Remember had only just started its production, there would still be a period of time before it could be broadcast. Zhang Ye did not wish to sit idly at home for these remaining days while waiting for things to happen, so he took the initiative to contact some tforms or asked his friends to inquire about any television station g night events, celebrity guest appearances on variety shows, or film crews to see if there was any position he could take. If there were any suitable job offers, he would ept them for the time being since such opportunities were never considered too much. But from the looks of it, there was no such luck for the time being.


    It''d already been a few days now, so he could only stay at home for now.


    After heating up his breakfast, Zhang Ye just took a few mouthfuls of it before losing his appetite. Because his job progress was not smooth, he could no longer bear the waiting anymore.


    He decided he was not going to wait around any longer!


    He had to think of another way!


    It''s not like this bro only had this path to take, he also had other unorthodox methods he could depend on.


    He put down his chopsticks and went over to sit on the sofa. With his legs crossed, he activated the game ring on his left pinky, opened up the virtual game screen and went straight into the merchant shop. The first thing he looked for was the upgraded version of the Lucky Halo. Ever since Zhang Ye had received this item from the lottery draw, he had not used it at all as the usage of the item was too expensive, even for him. The old version of the Lucky Halo only cost 10,000 reputation points per second, which he was still able to ept. After it got upgraded, though the effects of the Lucky Halo increased manyfold it came at the cost of greater consumption of reputation points. Enabling the effect of the upgraded Lucky Halo would cost him 100,000 reputation points per second now. Even at the rate that Zhang Ye was earning his reputation points with his current poprity level, it was still too much for him to handle.


    As for Difficulty Adjustment Die, it was also an option, but since he was only trying to find a temporary job, there was no need to use it. Zhang Ye only had one Difficulty Adjustment Die left now. If he used it here, there would be none left. Although this item only cost a hundred thousand reputation points to get from the lottery draw, its value was naturally much higher because of its unique ability. This was Zhang Ye''s trump card. If he was not at his wits'' end, he would never resort to using it.


    Considering it all, the most suitable item to use right now was still the Lucky Halo. He couldn''t worry too much anymore, so he would just use it this once. At such a time, he could no longer afford to be so stingy. As he has not been getting any media exposure for many days, if it continued on like this, his poprity would also start to decline and his fans'' passion would be reduced. That would be the most fatal oue!


    Purchase!


    Activating the Lucky Halo!


    Zhang Ye activated the Lucky Halo a little unwillingly and it came into effect almost immediately. A white halo hovered over his forehead and emitted a bright glow that rippled out towards the walls and windows, as though Zhang Ye was at the center of the universe spreading a warm pulse outwards. The radiating glow was also very rhythmic as it rippled outwards constantly at every second.


    The activated Lucky Halo looked very beautiful!


    His reputation points also decreased at the speed of running water.


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    His reputation points decreased by 100,000 with every second which Zhang Ye shudder with fear when he saw this. He could only clench his teeth and bear with it as he couldn''t possibly deactivate the Lucky Halo after only a few seconds. Based on his past experiences, the Lucky Halo would require some time to umte its effects. For example, the first time when Zhang Ye was at the Golden Microphone Awards, the Lucky Bread was activated for five minutes. If it had only stayed activated for a few seconds, then just the trophy would have been broken, and when the effects of the Lucky Bread ended, Zhang Ye''s and Zh��ng Y��''s names would not have been mistakenly swapped by the award presenters!


    He had to bear the pain of seeing his reputation points dropping so quickly!


    At the very least, he had to keep the Lucky Halo activated for the next three to five minutes!


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    ����


    At the same time.


    In Shanghai, in a vi.


    "Brother Shui, how is your new movie going?"


    "We wrapped up the filming yesterday."


    "It must have been hard on you for this period of time."


    "That''s right. I have injuries all over my body and my arm is still in pain now. Come, brothers, we have not gathered together for more than two months already. The purpose that I asked everyone over today is so that we all could have some fun."


    "Are you suggesting that we''re going to��take a sniff?"


    "Yeah, I have it all prepared."


    "Heh, Brother Shui is truly loyal to friends."


    "It''s my treat today,e on,e on!"


    A short whileter, the sound of police sirens wailing echoed as two police cars surrounded the vi!


    ����


    On the other side.


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' ce.


    60 seconds!


    120 seconds!


    150 seconds!


    300 seconds!


    Zhang Ye deactivated the upgraded Lucky Halo and the countdown timer immediately stopped. Looking at his almost vanished reputation points, Zhang Ye was close to tears. In just five minutes, it had already cost him 30 million reputation points. It had almost wiped out all the umted reputation points he had earned from the Peking University and public service announcement incidents since upgrading the game ring system and using the upgraded lottery draw.


    It was too expensive!


    This was too f**king expensive!


    However, just what kind of effects would there be? If there was a great surprise waiting for him, then it would be worth it no matter how many reputation points were spent. After all, wasn''t the reputation points he earned and umted meant to be used in precisely such situations? As long as they could help to increase his poprity, it wouldn''t matter to him how many reputation points were spent!

 Chapter 599: Invitation from the crew of Grandmasters!

    <h4>Chapter 599: Invitation from the crew of Grandmasters! </h4>


    Chapter 599 Invitation from the crew of Grandmasters!


    [copse]


    At home.


    He kept waiting and waiting for the Lucky Halo''s effect to happen. But from the morning until afternoon, then evening, after god knows how many hours had passed, he still did not experience any changes at all!


    Phone call? There weren''t any!


    News? He didn''t get reported about either!


    The doorbell? It stayed quiet!


    Everything was just as it was before!


    There wasn''t even a message on his phone telling him he had won a prize to offset his cell phone bill!


    With 30 million reputation points spent, of course Zhang Ye would have some expectations. But after waiting left and right for something to happen, he could no longer just sit around waiting anymore. So many reputation points had already been used up, so how could it be that he did not even see a hint of its effects? What''s happened? Could it have been a scam? Zhang Ye, who had been waiting in front of the television, felt that the news on television might be too limited and so decided to return to his room to check the inte instead. He wanted to see if there were any news rted to himself as he wasn''t convinced that the Lucky Halo did not have any effect at all. It must have caused something to happen, somewhere, just that he wasn''t aware of it yet.


    There were no updates on Weibo.


    There was also nothing on the forums.


    Any news of him was still rted to Do You Remember since the past few days Zhang Ye had not had much of a presence in public except for his new program. As Zhang Ye was not the only person in this crowded entertainment circle, the media couldn''t possibly only revolve around him alone. There were many others who were much more popr and well-known, as well as more newsworthy than him. News about whoever was having an affair, involved in a scandal, switching agencies,mitting suicide, and what not, there was nock of news going on around the entertainment circle. Every day, there were all kinds of celebrities getting involved in all kinds of incidents. Zhang Ye was just a small part of these verymon incidents of the entertainment circle. Like right now, the biggest news today was about a celebrity who was caught in a drug crackdown operation.


    "Shocking! ''Brother Shui'' caught in a drug crackdown!"


    "Chang Chishui was arrested in his house!"


    "The eighth case of the year. Is drug use bing fashionable among celebrities?"


    "Grandmasters wraps up filming, Brother Shui gets arrested. Grandmasters'' film crew gets dealt a heavy blow!"


    Zhang Ye wasn''t exactly interested in such news, but was slightly taken aback when he caught mention of Grandmasters. So he clicked on the link. Old Zhang had mentioned to him that she had taken part in its filming. Production was wrapping up, the post-production stages already taking ce. The film crew had also announced at its celebratory feast that a premiere would happen soon, with a date seemingly set as well.


    The news stated very clearly that this was not a rumor. The police had also verified that the arrest had been made. Even the urine test results had been exposed by the media, and coincidentally, Chang Chishui who had previously won a best supporting actor award for his role as a junkie was now arrested for drug abuse. He had been doing quite well in the film industry and was cast as an important supporting role in the film Grandmasters, so it could be said that he was irreceable. If the media reports were true, then ording to the SARFT''s Decree #43, if the Grandmasters film did not delete the scenes in which Brother Shui appeared, then it would surely be faced with the danger of being unable to get released in theaters.


    Theizens also reacted chaotically.


    "Impossible! How could Brother Shui be abusing drugs too?"


    "Are there any good people left in the entertainment circle?"


    "Hai, what a pity, another star has fallen!"


    "I don''t care what happens to Brother Shui, I''m more worried about Grandmasters. I''ve been waiting for this movie for a year already, for my Sister Zhang and Dalong. It shouldn''t affect the premiere right?"


    "It''s done for unless they delete all the scenes that Brother Shui appears in."


    "He''s the third male lead? How could they delete anything then!"


    "If they delete his scenes, then this movie would be unwatchable and the whole story would be iplete!"


    "How exasperating! Damn this Chang Chishui, causing so much trouble for everyone!"


    "I heard that the Grandmasters film crew is already studying the possibility of that. Sister Zhang had flown to the south yesterday after finishing all her scenes to attend several television program recordings to do promotions for the movie. But I understand that she was recalled this afternoon to the set. The director is really anxious and furious about the whole incident! Hai, to have this kind of an incident happening, who wouldn''t be frantic with worry? It was already so close to the premiere, but somehow, it might not even make it to the big screen now!"


    "What can be done?"


    "I was really looking forward to watching Grandmasters!"


    "This movie had an investment of 50 million RMB, right? If it really gets pulled, then it would be such a pity with all that money going down the drain. I don''t think the actors would be able to bear such a loss too!"


    After reading a little, Zhang Ye already understood what was going on. He got off the inte as he really couldn''t be worried about others now. He was only thinking about where the effect of the Lucky Halo had gone too now. With so many of his reputation points spent, there surely had to be an answer!


    His parents were still not home from work yet, so Zhang Ye paced around the house with his hands behind his back.


    Where was the luck?


    Where did my job go?


    Suddenly, his cellphone rang.


    When Zhang Ye saw the caller ID, he was a little surprised, because the person calling was none other than Zhang Yuanqi. Zhang Ye wondered why she would call him now in the midst of all that was going on, instead of focusing on her own problem.


    Oh well, just answer it.


    Zhang Ye thought that Old Zhang was looking for him to drink with her again, and since he didn''t have anything to take his mind off his worries, he was ready to have a drink as well. He answered the call: "Hello, Sister Zhang, are you refusing to take part in some social event again? I''ve already read the news. No worries, juste and we''ll have a drink together, but it''s not convenient at my ce today, so why don''t you suggest another location instead?"


    However, Zhang Yuanqi stiffly rebuked him: "Why are you always thinking about drinking?"


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye almost fainted, remembering how it was her who forced him to drink with her the previous time!


    The next moment, she said: "There''s a temporary job that just came up. Do you want to take it?"


    Zhang Ye wondered what it was about, so he asked: "What job?"


    She simply said: "The film crew for Grandmasters has decided to cut all of Chang Chishui''s scenes from the movie after some discussions. They need to reshoot all those scenes and need a recement actor. Do you think you can do it?"


    When he heard this, Zhang Ye nearly died from happiness: "I can! Of course I can! What role is it? Is it an important character in the movie? It''s not a bit part, right?"


    She coldly replied: "If it''s not an important character, they''d have just deleted the scenes and that would be it. Would they still need to find someone to be a recement? This character ces fourth overall in terms of importance and screen time in the whole movie. It is the third male lead, and also the antagonist in the movie!"


    "Third male lead? Antagonist?"


    "Do you want to take the role or not?"


    "Yes! I will take the role!"


    "Alright then, I will rmend you to the director. Come over tomorrow for an audition."


    "Sure then, thanks so much, Sister Zhang. You''re really something!"


    "The crew has called a few other professional actors to try out for the role, so you might not even get the job. I can only rmend you. I don''t care about the oue."


    "Alright."


    "I''m hanging up now. My manager will send you the details about the timing and location."


    After hanging up, Zhang Yeughed loudly. He quickly went online to check out the overall situation and information for Grandmasters. As expected, this was a big production; production had started in the middle ofst year, with the filming taking up a good six months of the schedule. The amount invested into this movie was 50 million RMB and seemingly needed an additional 20 million RMB in additional fundingter on,ing up to a total of 70 million RMB. As for how much it really cost to make this movie, no one really knew the exact figures as every industry insider would know that these numbers were generally exaggerated. However, it was still safe to say that it was a big production, since the director was also quite well-known, having helmed two movies that had box office earnings of at least a few hundred million RMB before. Together with the Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi and popr movie star, "Dalong," "Brother Shui," and many others, it helped to garner even more attention to the movie prior to its release. It could be called as one of the few big productions in recent times.


    Large investment.


    Big name director.


    An impably assembled cast.


    Even if the movie did not turn out to be as good as expected, or even if it turned out terrible, under themercial business decisions and appeal to the market, the box office earnings would definitely not do worse than 100 million RMB. With Zhang Yuanqi holding the fort, it was as good as guaranteeing a good box office earning!


    For such a big production, actors would definitely fight for their right to get cast. Zhang Ye, being an outsider to the film industry, had actually gotten a chance to fight for this right to be the third male lead? He had a chance now to formally step into the film industry? For Zhang Ye, this carried a great significance! Yes, although it was just an audition tomorrow in which his chances to secure the role were still not guaranteed, he had to grab this opportunity at all costs!


    This was just too rare of an opportunity!


    It looked like his decision not to ept those smallmercial performances were correct. Just look at this, look at it! Didn''t he finally get a great surprise by waiting patiently?


    Eh? Surprise?


    Wait, could it be?


    Zhang Ye was suddenly stunned as he seemed to remember something. He went online to check the news and purposely clicked on the link to a news report about Brother Shui''s arrest. He found out the exact time that Brother Shui had been arrested at home.


    In the morning at 8:25 AM?


    Wasn''t that the same time as when he had activated the Lucky Halo?!


    Zhang Ye suddenly understood what was going on. It was the damned Lucky Halo''s effect that had gotten this chance for him. He was still wondering why the old version of the Lucky Halo''s effect had been so obvious, while there was seemingly no effect from this upgraded version.


    When he made aparison.


    It was truly worth every reputation point spent!


    In the past, whether it had been the Lucky Bread or the old version of the Lucky Halo, the effects had all been quite useful and helped Zhang Ye through many situations before. For example, like how the wrong name was announced for the Silver Microphone Awards, the time when "Woman Flower" was yed in error at Lee Anson''s concert which helped to further smack his face, and also all the times when he activated the Lucky Halo during his lottery draws to get the items that he really needed, and many others. But now that Zhang Ye''s reputation had be much greater, he was also on a different level from before. If he continued using those items for their minor effects of good luck, then it would surely not be enough to satisfy Zhang Ye''s requirements now. y a song in error to smack someone''s face? That was nothing. Gaining a better chance at the lottery draw? Because it did fail him a few times before, Zhang Ye was especially looking forward to using this upgraded version of the Lucky Halo. Looking at the effects of using it today, he was totally not disappointed!


    It might be expensive to use!


    But its effects are vastly different from the old version!


    Zhang Ye was only a host, and at times also considered a poet or a mathematician, so even though he had done some acting before in The Great Pugilistic World, that was only considered the most trivial of trivial roles. It wouldn''t be too far to even consider him just an extra in the crowd. Strictly speaking, it could not be considered his movie debut as his name didn''t even appear on the main cast list. Logically, a big production like this should not possibly have even let him try for the audition as there were surely many more candidates out there who were better qualified for the role. Yet a cast member had gotten into some trouble thus giving Zhang Ye a chance to audition for the role. This already exined the effect the upgraded version of the Lucky Halo had and how it was well suited to his current work environment level!


    Unfortunately, though, the reputation points it consumed were really too high. Otherwise, Zhang Ye would have used it a few more times to enable to him to get a role in a big production every now and then or even be a lead actor for a movie that could have a box office earning of hundreds of millions of RMB. A film was considered a top distributed mass media in the entertainment industry, so if that happened, wouldn''t Zhang Ye''s poprity shoot through the roof??


    Trantor''s note: Some news update for everyone, I''ve started my Patreon, so you can check it out here


    For every $50 increment in total pledges, there will be 1 chapter umted for release in the following month. Thank you for your support!


    On top of this, until the end of April, for every increase of 10 patrons, up to 80 patrons, regardless of amount pledged, 1 chapter will be released within the day of hitting the milestones. This will run concurrent to item 1. (The next is the 30 patrons milestone/2 more to go!)


    There are ns for advanced chapters sometime next month, so watch out for the announcement!

 Chapter 600: Acting audition?

    <h4>Chapter 600: Acting audition? </h4>


    Chapter 600 Acting audition?


    The next morning.


    At thergest movie production studio in the suburbs of Beijing.


    Previously, Zhang Ye, who had also yed a bit part in the movie The Great Pugilistic World on the rmendation of Zhang Yuanqi, had been here when he was still not well-known. Today, he was driving here again with much more familiarity. Zhang Ye''s reputation was no longer the same as before. He was here for an audition for a major supporting role this time. His task today was tond the acting role so that he could start paving a way for himself in the film industry and to ease the embarrassment of not having a job recently while also attempting to use it to push his advance into the B-list celebrity rankings.


    He reached his destination.


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "Yes?"


    "You''ve arrived? Please follow with me."


    "OK."


    After he got out from his car, a film crew staff member met him and led Zhang Ye inside. After many twists and turns, they finally came to a filming location inside the studio. The soundstage was decorated in a modern setting and it seemed like there was an explosion scene nned as the props for it were all ready and kept at the side, so it was not likely they would be doing that shoot elsewhere. This scene could only be shot at the movie studios. The ce appeared to be bustling with activity. There were many extras who were being briefed by the film crew staff who looked very nervous, probably because they would have to confirm the recement actor by today and start the reshooting of the scenes again immediately after that.


    In the workshop on set.


    Someone was already being auditioned.


    When Zhang Ye walked in, he saw the director, Wang Chengpeng, and the assistant director together with some of the film crew staff at the innermost part of the set. A male actor was having his audition as Zhang Yuanqi, Dalong, and the rest of the main cast stood around watching the proceedings.


    That staff member whispered, "Teacher Zhang, please wait for a while."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye nodded.


    Zhang Yuanqi looked over, then smiled and said, "Little Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye quickly walked over and greeted, "Sister Zhang."


    "Long time no see." Zhang Yuanqi candidly reached out her hand.


    Zhang Ye held her pretentious hand and thought to himself, What do you mean by long time no see? Didn''t you juste to my ce two days ago? And you still haven''t paid me for the bush lily either!


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled and asked, "How have you been recently?"


    Zhang Ye also smiled back and replied, "Not too bad. I''ve been resting at home."


    The two of them chatted for awhile and seemed very polite with each other. If anyone saw this, they would surely think that they didn''t have too close a rtionship. Since many people already knew that Zhang Ye had written some songs for Zhang Yuanqi before, it wasn''t surprising to them that they knew each other. However, in reality, Zhang Ye''s and Zhang Yuanqi''s rtionship was the type that surely no one could have expected. Zhang Ye was in fact not used to seeing a kind and gentle smile on Old Zhang, as she was the type who would act one way in public and another in private.


    From the other side, the second male lead also came over and greeted, "Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye looked at him, then shook his hands and said, "Hello."


    The second male lead smiled and said, " I''ve heard so much about you."


    "I''m the one who has heard more about you," Zhang Ye replied politely.


    Zhang Ye had read up on the cast list and knew that he was Tian Xuetao. He was very young, probably only older than Zhang Ye by a few years. He only had a sudden burst of fame in the past two years and had probably debuted for many years already, usually acting in bit or supporting roles in the past. He just started getting better roles in these two years and was considered ate-bloomer in the film industry. He was very handsome, the pretty boy kind of attractiveness, with a slim physique and had the standard celebrity looks.


    As for poprity, Tian Xuetao was likely on par with Zhang Ye but would lose out a bit on the overall poprity rankings since Zhang Ye was more versatile, able to host, produce advertisements, and teach. However, if they werepared in terms of poprity in the film industry, Tian Xuetao was obviously much more popr than Zhang Ye. Zhang Ye wasn''t even considered a rookie in the film industry whereas Tian Xuetao, having lurked around for so many years in the industry, would already have a certain box office appeal. Although his acting skills were not fantastic, his fan base was quite loyal and strong, otherwise, he wouldn''t even be acting as the second male lead in such a big production.


    Tian Xuetao asked curiously, "You also came for the audition?"


    "That''s right." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I came to try to see if I could cross over into the film industry since I have been lounging around at home without any work anyway."


    Beside him, a staff member walked over and handed Zhang Ye a script. "Teacher Zhang, please take a look at this first."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye took it and read.


    Beside them, Zhang Yuanqi had already walked off. Dalong had a nce at Zhang Ye from where he was standing. He did note over but simply continued observing the actor''s audition in the center of the area. As the first male lead, although Dalong was not on the same level with Zhang Yuanqi, and even though not yet considered a heavenly king, he was the real deal as an A-list celebrity. He was an established actor who had already been famous for many years in the film industry and was from the same agency as Zhang Yuanqi. He was about the same age as her, but because he debuted muchter, Dalong was considered junior to Old Zhang. Whether in terms of seniority, poprity, or experience, whenever Dalong saw Zhang Yuanqi in person, he would still have to greet her politely.


    The director said, "Little Yu, can you try to look more ruthless?"


    The actor auditioning immediately nodded, changed his expression, and repeated the same lines that he said earlier, "Don''t try to bullshit me! In this era, who still dares to im they are grandmasters? Your master can''t im such, so you��are even less deserving to im so!"


    The director nodded and said, "Alright, that''s enough."


    That actor reverted back to his own expression and asked, "Director Wang?"


    Director Wang Chengpeng shook his head and said, "Little Yu, this role is not too suitable for you since you don''t look ruthless enough to bring out the spirit of the antagonist."


    The assistant director added, "Little Yu is more suited ying the roles of protagonists with a good image and will do very in any of those roles he ys." He said this with the intent to politely reject the actor for the role.


    That actor said with a smile, "It''s alright, I understand."


    Wang Chengpeng said, "You go back first. I still have another movie this year with a role that I have already reserved for you. It''s a good role too, so let''s keep in contact."


    "Sure, thank you Director Wang for taking care for me." That actor turned around, greeted Dalong, and then cheerfully greeted Zhang Yuanqi as well. He did not leave, but instead remained behind to observe the next one up.


    Wang Chengpeng shouted for the next person, "Little Qu."


    A man who was standing in the corner went up and asked, "It''s my turn, Director Wang?"


    "It''s your turn." Wang Chengpeng said, "Let''s have you throw some punches first."


    The martial arts director of the film crew went forward a few steps and demonstrated some moves.


    Director Wang Chengpeng said, "Just do the same as what you were shown and we''ll see how it turns out."


    That actor did ordingly and immediately imitated what he saw from the martial arts director''s movements. He threw a punch, did a roundhouse kick, and spun around to give a palm strike. The movements were not difficult but he still managed to do it quite choppily.


    He continued trying out for a few more scenes.


    Ten minutester, the director called for a break. "Little Qu, take a rest first." He did not give any indication of whether it was good enough or not, but from the looks of it, he was not too satisfied, but no one knew exactly either. Wang Chengpeng had a big mustache with a goatee, and was reserved, a man of few words. Whether because of the ongoing production crisis or his character was like that, Wang Chengpeng''s expression did not look good and his eyes were filled with a sense of urgency.


    The director asked, "Are there anymore auditionees?"


    The assistant director said, "There''s one more person. It''s Zhang Ye."


    The director looked around and asked, "Has Teacher Zhang arrived?"


    "I''m here, Director Wang." Upon seeing that it was his turn, Zhang Ye went forward immediately.


    All of the working staff at the set turned to look at Zhang Ye at that instant.


    Earlier, Wang Chengpeng called the first auditionee Little Yu, and the second one Little Qu, both of which were quite casual ways to address them. Even when he addressed the male lead actor, he called him as Dalong directly and was not too formal about it. Logically speaking, there was little difference in the poprity of Zhang Ye with the two auditionees, and all of them could notpare to Dalong as an A-list celebrity. Even if the director called Zhang Ye Little Zhang, it would still be eptable and appropriate, yet he addressed him as "Teacher Zhang."


    A staff member of the film crew who was not familiar with Zhang Ye was stunned by this and turned his head to ask the person beside him, "Who is he? Why is the director being so polite to him?"


    That man asked back, "You don''t know him?"


    "I do know him. He''s a host, right? But why did the director address him as teacher? Even for the type of S-list celebrity like Sister Zhang, Director Wang does not address her as teacher?" The person was very concerned and said, "Does he even call for such a respectful tone?"


    That person smiled and said, "The circumstances are different as his identity is rather special."


    "Special? How special can it be?" He did not understand what was going on at all.


    "It is because he''s also a professor at Peking University."


    There was a exnation to this.


    Zhang Ye was not the same as the others celebrities. With Wang Chengpeng''s status and experience, it wouldn''t matter how he addressed those celebrities who acted in movies or shows, but Zhang Ye was different. Not only was he a host, he was also a famous literary schr, world-renowned mathematician, as well as an associate professor in Peking University''s Math Department. Even though he was suspended now, he was not stripped of his position, and an associate professor was still an associate professor. With the title of professor in a top educational institute in the country, it was not wrong for the director and assistant director who did not know him well to address him as Teacher Zhang in such circumstances. Anyone who knew the details would not find it strange either.


    But the other celebrities?


    Of course they would not be addressed this way.


    The assistant director asked, "Have you read through the script yet?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "I''ve read it. I''d simply just scanned through it a bit."


    The assistant director said, "Then let''s try out some lines and get you into the feel of the character''s role��"


    "Let''s try out the acting skills first," Wang Chengpeng interrupted.


    The assistant director acknowledged and then said to Zhang Ye, "Let''s try out your acting skills first."


    As for the rest of the actors, they were already very familiar with them as everyone had already worked in the film industry for such a long time. Some of these actors had worked with them before, and for those who they did not work with before, the film crew had mostly watched their movies or performances before too. Whether they had any acting skills or not, everyone knew from the bottom of their hearts. Only when it came to rookies would they have an audition for acting skills, while for most celebrities who were already well-known, they would be asked to act out the character''s role directly.


    For Zhang Ye, they only knew about his achievements in other industries, but as for his work in the film industry? His acting chops? Since no one knew what Zhang Ye''s standard was, when it came to the auditions, he would naturally be treated like a rookie. They had to see whether his acting skills were passable, and if he couldn''t even clear this hurdle, then there was no need to go on for the rest of the audition as the movie wouldn''t be using him anyway. This was why it was so rare for celebrities to cross over from other industries. There were some things which were not determined by poprity and fame alone as there were still thresholds to meet to be able to get into the different industries. If someone wanted to seed in this industry, then they had to abide by the standards of the industry.

 Chapter 601: Are you, like, a professional actor?

    <h4>Chapter 601: Are you, like, a professional actor? </h4>


    Chapter 601 Are you, like, a professional actor?


    [copse]


    In the studio.


    The first round of auditions for Zhang Ye began.


    Zhang Yuanqi, Dalong, Tian Xuetao, and the rest stood around and observed the audition quietly. The film crew was also looking curiously at Zhang Ye. Some of them had doubts in their eyes, especially the actor who was auditioning just before him and another pending candidate for the role. They were both wondering why the film crew would find an amateur actor, or rather ayman who in his daily life and work had totally nothing to do with movies and acting!


    Some people were whispering quietly among themselves.


    "Can Zhang Ye do this?"


    "No idea."


    "Who invited him to join the audition?"


    "I think it was arranged by the assistant director, but I''m not sure on whose rmendation."


    "He''s only a host, or at most you can consider him to be someone who also deals with literature and mathematical work, so for this urgent and important role, why would they get Teacher Zhang to audition for it? If it''s just a normaledy movie, it''s understandable since those do not require too much acting skill from a person, but Grandmasters is not the same as those."


    "It''s even an antagonist''s role which makes it more difficult."


    "Shh, it''s starting, let''s watch."


    Zhang Ye heard a little of these scattered conversations from the people around him, but was not bothered by it at all. He was also not feeling a shred of nervousness. He might not be so confident at other things, but acting? When he had gotten those Higher Mathematics Skill Experience Books back then, he had also received 141 Acting Skills Experience Books along with them. These experience books were all "eaten" by him at that time and digested as knowledge and experience into his mind. However, he had not had a chance to use it until now. When Zhang Yuanqi called him to ask if he wanted to be rmended for the audition, this was the reason why he agreed to her offer without any hesitation, because he already knew what he could do.


    What kind of concept was 141 books?


    Even if he could not reach the top level like Zhang Yuanqi, Zhang Ye''s acting skills would certainly not be worse than those other actors!


    The assistant director said, "Set yourself free, be a tiger!"


    Zhang Ye did not even hesitate and reflexively went down on all fours while making an explosive roar of a tiger, "Houuuu!!!!"


    That was too loud!


    And too sudden!


    The assistant director, director, and Tian Xuetao along with the others were all caught off guard and jumped up in fright when they heard the roar. Not only were they frightened by the sound of his roar, even the fierce expression of the "downhill" tiger sent shivers through their spines! In the artistic field of painting, tigers could generally be divided into two types. One was the "uphill" tiger which depicts a tiger that was returning back to itsir after a satisfying meal, having an expression of content and serenity. However, Zhang Ye''s depiction of the tiger was a "downhill" one, the look of hunger as it went out to search for it''s next prey. A "downhill" tiger was one that was the fiercest and the most scary looking!


    Zhang Yuanqi also looked at Zhang Ye in surprise.


    Tian Xuetao and the second female lead both looked at each other.


    The assistant director pped and cheered as goosebumps broke out all over him. "What a great ''downhill'' tiger impression! That''s good enough, Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye stood up and dusted off his hands, looking as though he didn''t do much. His throat was feeling a little hoarse since the part of his vocal chords that he used to make the roaring sound was a little different from the normal speaking part. It felt very abrasive and not just anyone coulde up with such a sound.


    His performance had really left everyone, including the directors and actors, stunned. Usually, when an actor was asked to set themselves free, even an acting student would know how to do it, not to mention a professional actor. Even if you grabbed a random performing arts student from Beijing Film Academy or Shanghai Theater Academy, they would be able to do it quite well. But the performing arts focused more on acting��whether the expression and spirit were like that of a real tiger, the sound part was secondary. But for Zhang Ye? Not only did he perfectly portray himself like a tiger, the finishing touch was really at the point when he roared angrily in hunger. Just between all these professional actors who were present today, none of them made a sound like that!


    Why were they not able to do so?


    It was down to the reason of their professions!


    Zhang Ye''s acting chops were enhanced by his consumption of the Acting Skills Experience Books, but his broadcasting background was entirely trained with great practice. At the Media College where he graduated from, Zhang Ye had specialized in vocal performance, so what the others could not do was no problem for him. This was an advantage he had over the others based on his training, and also something that he wouldn''t do poorer than others of the same profession, not to mention theseymen who only specialized in acting. Since vocalization was his specialty, the foundation techniques behind this roar was down to the hard training of three to five years. The frictional changes in the vocalization, with the adjustments of the vocal tract to how to change the frequency after a sound has been made��all of these were due to his knowledge!


    The assistant director gave another topic, "Wolf. A wolf that is calling out to its pack."


    Having seen the previous performance, everyone seemingly had some kind of expectation now. All of them were staring at him without blinking.


    Zhang Ye did not rush this time but slowly mimicked a wolf lowering its body, looking left and right and not making a sound for a few seconds before taking a few steps to the front and looking around again. Thereafter, he stretched his neck upwards and raised his head towards the sky as his slowly let out a continuous howl, "Awoooooo��"


    One second!


    Ten seconds!


    From low to high pitched!


    This breath and this sound actuallysted a full 17 seconds!


    A few of the film crew staff even got goosebumps on their arms all of a sudden. The feeling was indescribable, except maybe calling it something simr to primal fear!


    Everyone was once again stunned by Zhang Ye''s performance!


    How simr! It was just too simr! Not only did the expression look the same, even the howl sounded like a real wolf''s howl!


    A female staff member from the film crew who grew up on the prairies in Inner Mongolia cursed in her mind when she heard Zhang Ye imitating the wolf''s call. This was as good as the real thing and if a wolf had poorer vocalization means, it might not even be able to howl as well as you!


    The other actors only acted out the form and spirit of a wolf.


    But it was Zhang Ye who added on the vocalizations that had married form and spirit to disy a lifelike portrayal of a wolf!


    With Zhang Ye''s disy, many of the professional actors around were thoroughly convinced of his acting skills. They could do the same as him, except for the vocalization part!


    The assistant director continued on to the next topic, "An eagle that is��"


    Director Wang Chengpeng interrupted him and gave a wave of his hand. "There''s no need to go further than that."


    The assistant director nodded. It was true that it wasn''t necessary to go on anymore. A basic acting skill like this needed no extra testing since none of those present could do any better than Zhang Ye. He knew that Zhang Ye''s broadcasting foundations had given him the bonus points, so he said, "Then let''s move to the second part, character portrayal."


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Alright."


    The assistant director said, "You can prepare a little to get into the mood of the character. Just follow along with the script that we gave to you earlier. You can just let me know whenever you''re ready."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m ready. We can start anytime."


    For any actor to get into character, as long as it wasn''t a character simr to their own, they would definitely have their own methods to get into character and it was a verymon thing to do. The assistant director had noticed that Zhang Ye did not do any preparation at all, but still imed that he was ready, so he gave him a second look and said, "Alright, then start from the ninth scene for the third male lead''s first line." The assistant director held his script and read from it, "The scenario is at the top floor of a skyscraper, the line is ''I don''t care��''"


    But Zhang Ye expression suddenly changed to a very cold look at this moment. The chill was expressed through a soft smile, yes, not a cold smile but a gentle-looking smile. He was still able to depict the lofty austerity with such an expression and it made people have a choking sense of tension when they saw it. He did not let the assistant director finish his words and directly started his portrayal by reciting the lines from the script, "I don''t care where you came from, all I know is where I want to go. Even your teacher can''t stop me, so who do you think you are? All that''s left of Xingyi Fist now are your teacher and you. How pitiful, how regrettable, and how sad! But, heh, your teacher is still more blessed than I am. At least he has a disciple who is promiscuous, unlike me who is all alone in this world now!"


    The assistant director was a little stunned, but immediately said, "The 15th scene where the lines say ''Don''t try to��''"


    Zhang Ye''s expression changed again. This time, it showed a trademark antagonist''s viinous look. He said, "Don''t f**king try to bullshit me! In this era, who still dares to im they are grandmasters? Your teacher can''t im so, and you, you are even less deserving to im so!" The original lines of the script were not exactly like that as Zhang Ye added in a vulgarity as well as adding function words to the ending part that went "you are even less deserving to im so." He did all of this based on his own sense of artistic portrayal of a character''s performance.


    The assistant director breathed in hard and said, "The 33rd scene."


    Zhang Ye held his chest tightly as he took hisst breaths. "When��I die��my martial arts��cough��will really be lost for good��.That''s good, might as well��cough. In birth��we bring nothing��" up until here, the script made no remarks of anything, but Zhang Ye suddenly increased his volume and shouted in a hoarse voice that made what he said a little inaudible, "In death, we take away nothing. Hahahaha!!"


    It was loudughter in the moments before his death!


    Thest bit of insolence in his life!


    The second male lead, Tian Xuetao couldn''t help but be moved by this!


    The other staff members of the film crew were all quite dumbfounded by this!


    The assistant director who was stunned, said, "Did you memorize all of the lines already?"


    "Yes." Zhang Ye broke out of character very quickly as well as he immediately "walked" out of the scene. He did not have much thought about the acting he did earlier, but he understood that the 141 acting skills experience books he ate were not for nothing. It seemed like the effect was much better than he had expected. He said, "I memorized it already. Wasn''t I just reading from the script just now?"


    The martial arts director beside him said, "You''ve only gone through it once but already got it all memorized?"


    Everyone could remember that Zhang Ye had only arrived at the studio a short while ago. Wasn''t it just 10 minutes ago? That would just barely be enough time for him to go through the script once over! He only browsed through it and memorized every line in it?


    Zhang Ye said matter-of-factly, "That''s but of course. It''s not like the lines are reallyplicated or something, so why wouldn''t I be able to memorize it?" He answered in a rather impatient manner as he felt that they were all looking down on him like they were insulting his professional standards. If I couldn''t even memorize these lousy lines after one look, then how the f**k could I still be a host! Are you all really taking me to be an ordinary actor? This bro is a professional host who could even do a live broadcast off-script! If I didn''t have the ability, would I dare im that I could do it! Isn''t that question too degrading?


    Director Wang Chengpeng, however, asked a good question. He looked at Zhang Ye and asked, "How did you think of adding thatugh at the end? It wasn''t mentioned in the script, right?"


    Zhang Ye said, "For a crazed martial arts master and an ambitious man, even though he was already tasting his own defeat at the end of his life, it would not fit him if he just went silently like that. I am a novel writer myself, if I may praise myself a little, and the sales of my books are doing quite well in the domestic market, so I am still quite sensitive and experienced about how the story should be set up and its character developments. In my opinion, this person would not just go away so quietly like that. It shouldn''t be the case either. If he had to end it there, then surely he must make it a grand exit. Augh and a final bit of insolence seemed to be the best way out!"


    Wrote novels?


    Oh yes, this person was also known as a famous author!


    This person really carried too many titles on him, so if he didn''t bring them up, everyone probably couldn''t remember it either.


    When he heard this, the screenwriter who was seated at the back, said, "When Teacher Zhang mentioned this, it really does feel better if it were done like how he acted out earlier. It feels moreplete than when Brother Shui had acted out the role and could be considered as a reeling in the character and also a sublimation of the role. It also brings to point that in this movie Grandmasters not only were the male and female leads grandmasters, but even the antagonist who got his just deserts was a grandmaster in his own right, just that he had taken a different path from them."


    The assistant director also nodded and said, "It was very well yed out. The feeling I got was really good!"


    And so, this audition of Zhang Ye''s had left the whole studio stunned!


    His expressions��


    His acting skills��


    His understanding of the characters in the movie��


    F**k!


    At the side, a few actors and those two celebrity actors who hade for the audition couldn''t help but cry out in their minds as they felt that, whenpared to them, why does it feel like Zhang Ye was the professional actor instead!!


    Trantor''s note: Some news update for everyone, I''ve started my Patreon, so you can check it out here


    For every $50 increment in total pledges, there will be 1 chapter umted for release in the following month. Thank you for your support!


    On top of this, until the end of April, for every increase of 10 patrons, up to 80 patrons, regardless of amount pledged, 1 chapter will be released within the day of hitting the milestones. This will run concurrent to item 1. (The next is the 40 patrons milestone/10 more to go!)


    There are ns for advanced chapters sometime next month, so watch out for the announcement!

 Chapter 602: Zhang Ye’s Eight Trigrams Palm!

    <h4>Chapter 602: Zhang Ye��s Eight Trigrams Palm! </h4>


    Chapter 602 Zhang Ye''s Eight Trigrams Palm!


    [copse]


    At the site of the audition.


    The atmosphere of the audition was bing a little difficult to perceive.


    "So awesome?"


    "Where did Zhang Ye learn how to act like this?"


    "With that level of acting, he should already be considered a professional actor."


    "It''s even more than that, I think he''s even more professional than a professional actor. If I didn''t already know that Zhang Ye was a graduate from Media College, I would have thought that he attended Beijing Film Academy instead!"


    "It would be good if he gets this role."


    "Right, it shouldn''t be a problem at all to age him by ten years with some makeup."


    "Teacher Little Yu does not look ruthless enough and is more suited for an honest character, but Teacher Zhang clearly looked like an antagonist and it didn''t feel weird when he stepped into character. It''s as though he was just acting as himself."


    "��"


    "F**k, be quiet. Don''t let anyone hear you."


    "Hai, why is Zhang Ye able to do everything!"


    "Yeah, why are there traces of him in every industry? Not only does he like to cross over to other industries, the key is that it even feels like he belongs right at home in whatever industry he jumps over to!"


    Some of the film crew staff on set were exchanging whispers.


    The first round of auditions was over.


    The second round was also over.


    Now, there was only the third and final round to go��martial arts scenes.


    The actor who went before Zhang Ye in the previous round was put on pending status at this round. That actor did not need to go through the acting audition and instead started directly at the character portrayal audition. He did rather well, about as good as Zhang Ye. The leaders of the film crew were also quite satisfied with his performance. However, in the audition for the martial arts scenes, he did not impress at all and that led to the director hesitating to decide if he would use him as the recement or not.


    There were many actors, and a lot of them were also good actors. However, for martial arts actors or even martial arts stars, there were only a handful of people who could be called that. If this was just an ordinary movie production, it would be fine even if they just got any ordinary actor as the recement. All they needed to do was just act out a fight scene with some fake motions, or at most use a stunt double. Most martial arts movies could always be acted out somehow, sometimes "cheating" a little by adding some special effects, all of which were fair game. But this particr production was different, as the core of the movie was focused on the title Grandmasters. It was a movie about Chinese martial arts and realism was its priority, or at least, realistic enough to the viewers. They couldn''t possibly do it in a way that would leave the audience spitting in disgust when a fight scene was yed out in the theaters. That would greatly impair the whole viewing experience.


    The male lead, Dalong, was a professional martial arts star.


    The female lead, Zhang Yuanqi, did not have many fight scenes, but Old Zhang had a dance background, so her physical conditions were all there and she only needed to act a little to make it feel real.


    The second male lead, Tian Xuetao, wasn''t good at acting or martial arts, but as he had a body double who looked very simr to him, his role was not a problem either.


    As the third male lead, who was also an important antagonist, would have multiple fight scenes with Dalong, they couldn''t just find any actor who had style and no substance in martial arts. There was no time left for them to pick a double who could fight well and also look like the actor. Even as they were faced with the possibility of not being able to wrap things before the premiere, they still could not take things so lightly, especially not when it was also such a big production film. This was the reason why the film crew was so picky with Brother Shui''s recement; not only would they have to be able to act, they also had to be able to handle martial arts scenes.


    "This will be difficult."


    "The martial arts have to be for real. Even acting can''t fake it."


    "Yeah, the foundations for such martial arts movies are the most difficult. Many of the actors started learning since they were young, training hard with every move done repeatedly. These days, it''s really getting hard to find an actor who can also do fight scenes."


    "What to do?"


    "Yes, it''s more important to find a recement at this point in time. The candidate has to be confirmed today and we can''t drag this any longer."


    "Zhang Ye is an academic who works in literature and the arts. I think he wouldn''t do as well as the other actors when ites to executing the basic stances for fighting. It''s still unclear who the director will choose. If he ces an emphasis on the poprity, quality, and acting chops of the person, then surely Teacher Zhang Ye has an advantage over the others. But the antagonist has many important fighting scenes and those take up more than fifty percent of this character''s appearances, so that is clearly the more important factor. Zhang Ye surely can''t handle that."


    "Let''s see how it goes. I''ve heard that Zhang Ye frequently gets into fights with other people, like that Wang Shuixin''s son, or that Korean celebrity, Lee Anson. Didn''t he beat them up before? Right, there was also that ne hijacking incident. Wasn''t that when Zhang Ye had to fight the terrorists to take control of the situation? I remember that was what was reported in the news!"


    "That was him, but that''s a different thing altogether."


    "Yea, how is fighting and martial arts the same?"


    "True that."


    Everyone was observing the auditions and exchanging views with one another.


    At the same time, a few important people of the film crew were also speaking in low whispers, exchanging their views on the audition.


    Would Zhang Ye do?


    Let him try it out first.


    The assistant director said, "In the final round, we''ll test out your punch and kicks."


    At first, everyone thought that Zhang Ye would have difficulties with this round, so no one expected it when he just rolled up his sleeves and adjusted his shirt before standing there and saying, "Sure."


    The assistant director said, "Take some time to get ready first."


    "There''s no need, I''m ready." Zhang Ye wondered to himself just how ready he had to be? Was it necessary to do some warm ups? Stretch his arms and legs? He did not need to do any of that, so he just said, "I''m ready anytime."


    The assistant director nodded and then looked to the martial arts director.


    Under everyone''s watchful eyes, the martial arts director strode over to face Zhang Ye and was about to do a set of movements for Zhang Ye to follow along with so that he could understand his foundations.


    But a scene yed out in front of them that no one could have expected!


    Zhang Ye had actually gotten into an opening form that no one could recognize, rxingly moving his hands and feet into a stance that no one could understand. He said, "Punches and kicks have no eyes, please be careful."


    Ah?


    Be careful? What?


    What were you even intending to do??


    The martial arts director was also taken aback. He hade across many different styles of martial arts, even those that had branched into different sects from their original styles. As an industry insider, he had many more opportunities than the average person to be in contact with martial arts. However, even with his vast knowledge, he could not make out this opening form that Zhang Ye was disying. It was like nothing he had ever seen before!


    What style of martial arts was this?


    Hai, it was probably something randomly made up by him!


    The martial arts director did not take this to heart and just looked at Zhang Ye in a speechless manner, saying, "What''s the meaning of this?"


    Zhang Ye was confused and said, "Aren''t we going to spar?"


    Pfft!


    Everyone who was watching was wondered whether tough or cry when they heard this. Who were you intending to spar with? That teacher from the film crew could be considered as one of the top martial arts directors domestically, a true martial arts expert. He had real martial arts background and had been trained in Xingyi Fist, Eight Trigrams Palm, and some other styles since his childhood. He was even ranked in some national freestylebatpetitions before, having made it to the round of 32 when he was younger.


    And here you are, saying things like "punches and kicks have no eyes"?


    You even want to spar with him?


    You''re really too funny. What the assistant director meant was not for you to really spar with the martial arts director, but to follow the previous actor and imitate the martial arts moves so that they could evaluate if your physical movements are of a good enough standard!


    Dalongughed.


    Tian Xuetao also couldn''t help butugh ironically at this.


    "We''re not going to spar." The martial arts director smiled and said, "We''re just going to go through the motions of it. Ten of you wouldn''t even be able to handle one of me since I am a real practitioner of martial arts. I am different from you all in that my execution and toughness of my moves can be really heavy. That is what you would truly refer to as ''punches and kicks have no eyes.'' What if we sparred for real in the auditions? Then we might identally hurt people and if that happens, how would we be able to go on with the filming? What I need is just for you to imitate the martial arts moves."


    When Zhang Ye heard this, he alsoughed and said, "Then I have misunderstood."


    However, on the topic of what the martial arts director had imed earlier, he kept his reservations about it. Ten of me wouldn''t be able to handle one of you? You''re even afraid of hurting me? Zhang Ye could onlyugh to himself about this. Don''t try to boast to me. If it really came down to us sparring, I wonder who would be the one to get hurt. If this was any other situation, Zhang Ye would have seriously considered taking it up with him. But since he was only here for the audition today to try tond the role in the movie, he knew what his priorities were. As a result, did not argue with the martial arts director over it.


    The martial arts director demonstrated the moves and said, "Watch carefully."


    "OK." Zhang Ye kept his eye on the martial arts director''s movements.


    The martial arts director began. With his first move, it looked full of vigor and extremely powerful. It was like the wind followed with every move of his fist, whistling along with each movement!


    He struck out his palm!


    Then pulled it back!


    Next was a side palm strike!


    He thrust his palm upwards!


    This set of palm techniques was simr to what he had shown and tested the previous actors with. It seemed like it was of the same style of martial arts, yet still felt very different as the angle of the palm movements and the trantional motions were not the same as before.


    After a round, the martial arts director came back to the same spot as he had started. He finished off with a closing form and said, "Teacher Zhang, did you see clearly? I know that you''re more of an art person and have not dealt with martial arts before, but just do your best to imitate what I had just shown to you. Don''t worry too much, it will be fine."


    Zhang Ye finished observing.


    Do my best?


    Imitate it as much as I can?


    What the was this? Didn''t you just demonstrate the Eight Trigrams Palm!?


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright then, I''ll give it a try?"


    The martial arts director made a gesture for him to get started and then took a few steps back.


    Instantly, everyone''s eyes now fully focused on Zhang Ye.


    The director, assistant director, Zhang Yuanqi, Dalong, Tian Xuetao, and everyone else were all waiting for Zhang Ye to start his movements. None of them thought that Zhang Ye would be able to do it like the martial arts director but were still curious at how well he could imitate the movements. When the previous actor had imitated the moves, the martial arts director had already informed Wang Chengpeng how it wasn''t too bad even if there was barely any power in the movements and looked a little stiff. The movements were not standard, but were at least followed in a general sense. If not for those factors, it wouldn''t have even worked out to an eptable imitation. Now to them, Zhang Ye was unlikely to do any better than the previous actor.


    Zhang Ye breathed in without showing any signs of pressure or nervousness, looking very rxed. As he began imitating the martial arts director''s movements from earlier, his feet started moving beneath him and he took the first step in the footwork of the Eight Trigrams Palm.


    It was a simple step.


    And also looked like a natural step.


    However, this step was not noticed by everyone.


    Except for the martial arts director, who, when he saw it, was a little shocked. Damn, you''re just ayman, but how did you also manage to imitate the steps of the Eight Trigrams Palm? This step was too precisely executed. It was as standard as it could be and that left the martial arts director in disbelief with what he had just seen!


    What was the Eight Trigrams Palm about? Everyone would think that it was about palm strikes, but they couldn''t be more wrong. That would be the conclusion of ayman, but in actual fact, the core of the Eight Trigrams Palm was not down to its palm strikes but its footwork. The Eight Trigrams Palm was also known as Swimming Bagua,1 Linking Palms. The "swimming" portion, also know as the footwork, was actually the base of the style. For example, when the two actors were auditioning for the role earlier, they had only concentrated on the movements of the arm and copied it in form while moving around blindly. The martial arts director did not take this to heart as he knew that they were only ordinary actors and different from martial arts practitioners like himself. It would be unreasonable to apply his standards to them as actors since it was already quite a big deal that they could remember how to execute the palm techniques.


    But that was not the case for Zhang Ye!


    The martial arts director knew that this step made by Zhang Ye was the real thing in the Eight Trigrams Palm footwork. The direction at which his feet pointed, the control of his steps, and more importantly, the change in his center of gravity, it was all wless. The movements were exactly the same as when he had demonstrated it. Because of what he saw, it had left him a little shocked!


    This��


    Is impossible!


    1. Bagua (����) are the Eight Trigrams important to the I Ching and Taoism (They''re also what you see on South Korea''s g).

 Chapter 603: Landing the Role!

    <h4>Chapter 603: Landing the Role! </h4>


    Chapter 603 Landing the Role!


    [copse]


    Huu!


    Zhang Ye struck out with his palm, his footsteps following immediately after. nting his heel, he briefly held back before taking his next step. What followed was his second palm strike!


    It caught everyone''s attention!


    That was really great!


    He''s following the moves as though they were really his own!


    Yes, it felt a little weak. Why didn''t he use more power? There wasn''t enough power in it!


    Eight Trigrams Palm? Zhang Ye definitely did not know the Eight Trigrams Palm personally, but there was a person close to him who knew it. Rao Aimin was the Senior Sis of the Eight Trigrams Palm style of her generation. In this word, he didn''t know how many sses and sects of the Eight Trigrams Palm there were. The style of Rao Aimin''s Eight Trigrams Palm was a little different from that of the martial arts director''s style. However, the basic techniques and core of the martial arts style was more or less simr. Zhang Ye had seen Rao Aimin practicing countless times before and even had a taste of thendy''s Swimming Bagua, Linking Palms himself, and knew that her style of the martial arts was much more gentle and not as powerfully sharp as the martial arts director''s style. However, the strength of power was definitely there as Zhang Ye could still feel the pain of it from the receiving end. This was why even though Zhang Ye did not learn this martial arts style before he could still understand it very well and manage to execute the movements with exact imitating without any pressure at all!


    In the audition area.


    Zhang Ye could be seen moving around and executing his palm strikes!


    Pierce!


    Thrust!


    Chop!


    Everyone was already in a trance as they never expected that Zhang Ye, as a professional in the literary and artistic fields, would be this good at it and could even execute these few techniques.


    Zhang Ye continued but did not execute the moves as powerfully as the martial arts director. It was like he did not exert too much strength at all, using a graceful and gentle style of the technique with free flowing movements. Every strike of his palm was preceded by a step, and every step was taken in the most stable manner!


    Uppercut!


    Cross!


    Ram!


    Hook!


    Toss!


    Shove!


    The rest of the film crew probably could not see it but the martial arts director was already getting more and more shocked by what he was seeing. Zhang Ye did not even make a mistake in his routine for the Eight Trigrams Palm footwork and palm techniques. The moves were all perfectly executed, whether in terms of the angle or amplitude of motion; they were all wless. Moreover, Zhang Ye''s Eight Trigrams Palm gave the martial arts director a type of different feeling, like his verve and movements��. Why did they look like the style of that person who had disappeared from the Chinese martial arts world so many years ago? Legend has it that there was a master whose Eight Trigrams Palm exercised abination of firmness and flexibility while still maintaining a grace about it!


    The martial arts director thoughts went wild.


    The other staff of the film crew were all watching without knowing what was going on.


    Dalong could also be considered as half a martial arts practitioner and he knew what he was looking at right now. At that moment, he was looking at Zhang Ye in a strange way, seemingly having some doubts about him yet thinking that he seemed to be quite good at it?


    Zhang Ye came back to his original spot, albeit facing the opposite direction, just as he finished executing the techniques and movement. He footwork was precise to the millimeter, and after executing the movements, he rxingly cooled down without a closing form. Closing form were usually meant as a cool down, not just for the sake of appearances. Since Zhang Ye did not actually know the breathing and energy flow techniques of the Eight Trigrams Palm and was just imitating the look of it, he naturally did not need to do a proper cool down. It was not an action that he could imitate from the martial arts director anyway and there was also no need to do so. He was well versed in the breathing and energy flow techniques for Taiji Fist, but as they were not general purpose cool down techniques for the different styles of Chinese martial arts, it would be unprofessional to apply them here.


    Phew, that was still quite tiring in any case.


    And why was there no apuse?


    Zhang Ye smiled and asked, "Was that alright?"


    The assistant director did not know whether it was good enough, so he said, "It��seemed alright and you''ve imitated it well generally, but the only issue is that the movements did not have any power to it and thus, did not feel quite right. If we shot the movie with that kind of effect, the presentation would be quitecking and without fervor, so that would be a problem." He said so while looking slightly disappointed.


    Ah?


    Fervor?


    What sort of fervor?


    Zhang Ye had wanted to exin it by saying that they were tooyman to understand it, but as he felt that it would probably fall on deaf ears since they would not understand it even if he exined, he simply said, "I have no problems putting more power into my movements." Didn''t he simply just need to use more power? Could it be any simpler?


    The assistant director said, "You can do that? Give it a try then."


    "Alright, no problem." Zhang Ye adjusted his arm, ready to give a demonstration once more.


    In the end, the martial arts director stopped him and said, "Teacher Zhang, you don''t need to do any more, it''s enough." Then, he walked quickly beside of the director and assistant director and said, "I don''t think we need to test him any further."


    Tian Xuetao looked regretfully at Zhang Ye.


    The assistant director nodded.


    Wang Chengpeng looked at the martial arts director and said, "Zhang Ye couldn''t make the grade too? Then we''ll just have to find someone else to audition!"


    The screenwriter, along with many of the film crew staff members, were now left with headaches. One couldn''t make it while another was alsocking by a bit. Who else could do it? They did not have much time left!


    "Hai."


    "This is really troublesome."


    "All three of the auditionees are unable to make the cut?"


    But over at that side, the martial arts director said in a stunned manner, "What do you mean by Zhang Ye couldn''t make the grade? That''s not it. Teacher Zhang is good enough." When he saw the stunned director and the assistant director, the martial arts director added, "In fact, he is far too good!"


    Everyone was stunned.


    "Ah?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "Zhang Ye is good enough?"


    "Surely not? Weren''t those movements toocking in power?"


    "Right, even though he managed to generally imitate the moves correctly, there still wasn''t enough strength or an imposing manner, so��"


    The other two auditionees who still held some hope were in an even greater state of disbelief at the martial arts director''s words. You call that good? Isn''t that setting the bar too low! If his kind of soft and weak moves could pass, then we could do it too! Surely we did better than him, right?


    The director asked, "Just what do you mean by that?"


    The martial arts director exined, "What the assistant director had just brought up is not a problem at all. It''s not that Zhang Ye couldn''t exert any power, but my strengthes from the muscles while his strengthes from the palms, so the style of exerting power is not quite the same and just differed by a little bit. I believe if we ask Teacher Zhang to disy a style or technique that looks more powerful, he would surely be able to do it. Besides, I''m not sure whether it was because of Teacher Zhang''s good memory, but he could follow exactly the way I demonstrated my moves earlier. Not only the palm stance and angle, even the footwork was the same. My Eight Trigrams Palm emphasizes a lot on footwork, so even the way the feet are pointed can''t be slightly off. If they are it will affect the stability and position of releasing the palm strikes. However, what Teacher Zhang had managed to do��has totally left me in disbelief!"


    Everyone could only look at each other in shock!


    Zhang Ye said in a low key manner, "My memory is indeed quite good."


    The martial arts director praised, "Not only do you have a good memory, you''re also very talented!"


    The director asked, "How many marks will you give him?"


    Without even thinking, the martial arts director answered, "Full marks! It was wless! Such a talented actor with martial arts abilities is totallypetent enough to be the third male lead with all those fight scenes! There will surely be no problems at all! However, based on Teacher Zhang''s image and physical condition, I''d have to re-choreograph his fight scenes and not fully use Brother Shui''s style for him. Some of the moves need to be slightly refined."


    The assistant director pped his thigh and eximed, "Great, that''s really great!"


    Wang Chengpeng also stood up without any objections, pausing for a moment before proiming, "I hereby announce that Zhang Ye will officially be our recement for the third male lead''s role in Grandmasters!"


    Apuse started to echo in the studio.


    Tian Xuetao and the others pped to wee their new colleague.


    Zhang Ye also sped his hands together and said, "Everyone, please take care of me."


    Wang Chengpeng reached out his hand and said, "I hope we can work well together. The next few days of work will all depend on you now. Rushing the filming schedule can be quite tiring, so please feel free to let us know if you have any requests."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I do not have any requests. I will do my best and cooperate fully."


    Tian Xuetao went up to congratte him and gave him a thumbs up.


    The assistant director had already prepared a contract and went through it simply, exining the use and conditions once over before Zhang Ye signed it.


    He finallynded the role officially!

 Chapter 604: The consciousness of a teacher of the people is higher

    <h4>Chapter 604: The consciousness of a teacher of the people is higher </h4>


    Chapter 604 The consciousness of a teacher of the people is higher


    At the scene, everyone was starting to get busy.


    The director and staff of the film crew were giving out their instructions for the shoot.


    "Get in ce, everyone, get in ce!"


    "Camera 1, pull back."


    "Once the actors are done with their makeup, we will start immediately."


    "Will the extras take note: please remember to stay behind the yellow line as there will be a explosion scer. Although it won''t be dangerous, everyone should still take note not to stray past the yellow line."


    "Is Teacher Zhang ready?"


    "Not yet, but he''ll be ready soon."


    "Alright, we will start rolling the cameras once Teacher Zhang finishes getting touched up!"


    ����


    In the studio.


    A female makeup artist quickened her work on Zhang Ye as she applied makeup on his face here and there. Very soon, Zhang Ye could see himself aging 10 years in the mirror, but perhaps due to the fact that he had only very average looks, it did not make him look too different. He would probably still be recognized by his fans immediately.


    Drawing his eyebrows.


    Applying some eyeliner.


    He was still quite unused to all this. As a host, he never had to do such makeup to make him appear more viinous looking. At most, he needed to apply some foundation to take the shine off his face for the camera.


    Zhang Ye had already changed into his costume for the role, simr to that of a Chinese tunic suit.1 He did not just sit there doing nothing, but was going through the script repeatedly. This time, he wasn''t going through the script for his own role, he was going through the overall screeny for the whole movie which had all the information of the characters, including their age, where they were born, their background, character developments, etc. To enable him to y his role well, he had to know the full screeny as it would aid him to better understand the intertwined rtionships and plot. With this information, he would know what emotions to portray and at which time to do it.


    This was the first time that Zhang Ye had seen a full screeny, and to be honest, it left him a little confused as there was simply too much information in it. The plot was also very rich, with many subplots happening at the same time. It even included a list of alternative plots and script lines. As the filming had actually already wrapped a few days ago, a lot of these backup plots were deleted since they were not used or cut from the final version of the movie. Because of this messy editing in the screeny, when he saw it, it also left him unable toprehend what was still valid or what was already invalid. It felt like a good movie, but it also felt like it might not be too good. He didn''t know for sure.


    Back in his previous world, Zhang Ye was a movie buff as well. Every time he had finished watching a film, he would always discuss it for a whole day with his friends. They would point out what they felt were errors, or a part of the movie that was not well shot, a part of the story that wasn''t logical, or even say something as extreme as how a movie was so bad that it shouldn''t even have been produced. Thinking about it now, it was really easy making thosements as an audience member. Only when he was put into the situation himself did he realize just howplicated a movie production was. Just this screeny alone had given him a lesson on how difficult it was. As the saying goes, the insider knows the ropes, while the outsider justes along for the ride. That couldn''t be more true, as everything was always easier said than done.


    The female makeup artist stepped back and adjusted her head as she observed her work, then with a sudden snap of her fingers, she said, "It''s done, Teacher Zhang." She turned around and shouted, "Director, Teacher Zhang''s makeup is done."


    Zhang Ye put down the screeny, stood up, and went outside.


    "Alright, everyone, get into your positions," Wang Chengpeng said loudly.


    The assistant director said, "Teacher Zhang, take your position over there."


    Wang Chengpeng instructed him, "Remember, you need to be more expressive with your emotionster on. When Old Zhang and Dalong walk over, you need to have aggression in your eyes. Don''t hold back on that."


    "Sure." Zhang Ye got into position and sat in the armchair, at the center of all the extras. He held up a cup of tea and sat up straight.


    Wang Chengpeng had his own style of directing. He used a megaphone and ran through the plot for this scene. Even though the actors were already very familiar with it, he did not leave out a single word and exined in detail about the entire scene. This was to help the actors rx and at the same time lead them quickly into their character roles.


    "Three.


    "Two.


    "One.


    "Action!"


    Suddenly, the air was filled with the din of shing gongs and cymbals.


    Many of the extras were putting in the best efforts for this scene of celebration at a martial arts school.


    Zhang Yuanqi was dressed in a long white robe, while Dalong was in his martial arts attire as they walked slowly over. The two of them were already in character. Zhang Yuanqi had an icy expression while Dalong was all smiles as heughed and joked as he walked beside her. Soon after, a smile appeared on Zhang Yuanqi''s face and she gave Dalong a look.


    The three of them met.


    Zhang Ye was covering his tea cup as he raised his head to meet their eyes.


    Zhang Yuanqi and Dalong were both standing in front of him at this moment.


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye''s eyes narrowed as the tea cup lid lightly knocked against the tea cup!


    "Cut!" The director called out.


    Zhang Ye looked over.


    Only to hear Wang Chengpeng say, "Little Zhang, that''s not good enough. You need to express more with your eyes, show your aggressiveness. The way you''re looking at them is correct, but it needs to be more intense because it''s not enough to carry it from real life into reel life."


    Zhang Ye understood and said, "Alright, I''ll take note of that."


    Dalong and Zhang Yuanqi both said nothing and went back to their own positions.


    Wang Chengpeng shouted, "Again, action!"


    And so, the second take was over and done with.


    Next up was the explosion scene. Zhang Ye did not have to do much for this scene and only had a line in it. It was very simple for him as this scene had more focus on Zhang Yuanqi and Dalong. The both of them had already shot this scene before, but because a few cuts needed the third male lead, Zhang Ye, to appear together on screen with them, they had to redo this scene''s shoot again. Of course, the reshoot was only done for the critical cuts. Those parts that did not have Zhang Ye appearing would use the original footage instead.


    As it was a little dangerous, the preparations for this scene were also more troublesome and took a little longer. Dalong''s errors led to two cuts; two extras who didn''t portray the right expressions also made the director call for a cut three times. When one of Zhang Ye''s lines did notmunicate the mood of the scene, a cut was also called. For this whole scene, it took almost an hour before the the director was satisfied with the oue!


    When the director finally called for a stop and gave it the "pass," all the actors breathed a sigh of relief and went for their breaks. With this, some people from the film crew went ahead to settle the payouts to the extras since their work was done here.


    Dalong came up and asked, "Director Wang, are there still any scenes for me?"


    Wang Chengpeng considered for a while before saying, "There''s nothing left for today. You and Old Zhang can go back first."


    "Alright," Dalong said.


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled and said, "I don''t need to be around either?"


    "It''s fine, I just need your double to be around. The key shoots will be tomorrow." Wang Chengpeng said, "There should be some scenes tomorrow morning, but I will need to see how the shooting will turn out this afternoon first to see if we can wrap the nned scenes by today. Zhang Ye doesn''t have much experience in filming, so I won''t be able estimate how long it will take. This afternoon''s scenes are going to be the problem."


    Zhang Yuanqiughed and said, "Little Zhang shouldn''t have a problem with that."


    Dalong said, "I''ll be leaving first then. If there''s anything, you can just give me a call. I''ll keep my cell phone on." As the film crew was going through its most difficult period now, everyone certainly had to work extra hard together to ensure a sessful oue.


    The two leads left while Wang Chengpeng went to find Zhang Ye. Having already known him by now, he no longer addressed him as Teacher Zhang and instead just called him Little Zhang. "Little Zhang, how''s it going?"


    Zhang Ye dipped his head in greeting and said, "Quite well."


    "Being cast into a lead role on your debut, it is already great that you can perform this way up until now. At least, you''ve exceeded my expectations for a rookie actor." Wang Chengpeng praised, but reminded him and said, "This afternoon and evening, we have a few scenes nned for filming. There will be day and night scenes, so I suggest you follow and stay with the film crew for the next few days. See if you require anything like a change of clothes and let me know. I will get someone to help you out with that, or you can get someone from your family to send them over."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "That''s not necessary. I''m not particr about such things. I just need to give a call to my mother to let her know about my schedule."


    Beside him, the assistant director said, "We''re going to have to go into the mountains tonight. It''s going to be a tough shoot."


    "No worries," Zhang Ye said.


    The assistant director asked, "Do you have any diet preferences for lunch and dinner? I can get someone to prepare it for you."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I can eat anything. A box lunch is good enough."


    The assistant director said hesitantly, "We do not know what time we''ll be shooting until tonight, so you��"


    "I''m fine with whatever time we shoot until." Zhang Ye said with a shrug, "Even if I have work round the clock, 24 hours without sleep, I should be able to do it. No problem. Just let me know your arrangements. As long as we canplete the filming properly, I have no objections. You''ll have total control of me for the next few days."


    The directors asked so many questions because, these days, celebrities were putting on airs more and more often. These days, it was a market ofmercial productions. A movie''s attractability mostly started with an actor. If the actor was a big-time celebrity, it wouldn''t be easy to get them to join the movie. Even if they did, their temperaments were difficult to handle. For example, Dalong had many requests when it came to meals. For meats, he only took mutton, and would not have any chicken or pork. He was also very picky with any other side dishes and the film crew had to specially get those individually for him. Then, for Tian Xuetao, his conditions were that he has to go home everyday to sleep and not stay with the film crew. No matter howte it got, as long as they were in the vicinity of Beijing, he must be allowed to go home. If they were out of the city or country, he would request a hotel so that he could go back to it after filming. Together with some other celebrities with thousands of strange requests and conditions, nothing was really too odd and they had almost seen it all before.


    This time, since they had to find a recement to save the situation as the matter was very urgent, leaving them with not much of a choice, they naturally ced great importance on Zhang Ye''s participation in the shoot. They would have given him much better treatment and would try to satisfy him in whatever ways they could. That was the reason why they asked so many questions of him, since they did not know Zhang Ye well and what special requirements he had of the film crew.


    But Zhang Ye?


    He had no special requirements whatsoever!


    He was fine with anything! Everything was alright with him!


    This made Wang Chengpeng nod positively to no end. He waited until Zhang Ye walked away before bing unable to contain himself and said to his assistant director, "Intellectuals and artistic people alike are indeed much better to work with."


    The assistant director felt the same, so he said, "Yes, Teacher Zhang is almost a B-list celebrity now, but for a person of that status to still maintain that humility, it''s really rare. I heard from a friend in the industry that Zhang Ye really gives it his all when ites to work. He had even recorded a show for over ten hours continuously for seven or eight days straight. There was also the case where he worked 24 hours without rest to help Beijing Television Stationplete their public service announcement. He had really risked his own life for that! Hai, the consciousness of a teacher of the people is much higher than most people. If only our actors were like Teacher Zhang, then the duration of our production would have sped up by at least 30%!"


    The screenwriter who was behind them blinked and said, "Zhang Ye is quite��different from what the rumors say about him."


    The assistant director turned around and said, "Yes, he''s really quite different from them."


    The Zhang Ye in the rumors had too many nicknames!


    The maggot of the literary world!


    The oddity of the entertainment circle!


    The hooligan of the educational world!


    To many of the staff on the film crew who had heard about Zhang Ye before, they felt that he was a person who had a very bad temper and was someone who would beat up or scold others without even resorting to talking things through. However, the reality now was that they saw him in an entirely different lightpared to what they had heard about him. Zhang Ye was not only unlike how they imagined him to have no respect for others, he was also someone who worked very hard, was professional, and dedicated to his work. Just look at it. When the box lunches arrived, everyone else was eating their lunch and resting while Zhang Ye sat further away, reading his script for the next scene as he ate.


    They did not know that Zhang Ye had always been like this. If he decided to do something, he would be determined to finish it. He would always take his work seriously and do his best, not allowing himself to make any errors or be negligent. He was the type of person who would work so hard that he would risk his own life.


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mao_suit

 Chapter 605: Authentic Taiji Fist!

    <h4>Chapter 605: Authentic Taiji Fist! </h4>


    Chapter 605 Authentic Taiji Fist!


    Afternoon.


    The box lunch was very simple. It just consisted of rice with two side dishes. It also came with a bottle of mineral water.


    "It''s this again?"


    "Hai, just make do and eat it."


    "This box lunch is hardly edible at all."


    "They really need to change the caterer. This is really terrible."


    "Yeah, it''s not even better than what I can make. Just looking at this leaves me with no more appetite. How can you stir fry winter melon in this way? This is basically just a box of everything mixed together."


    Around the area, some of the more important extras and two body doubles were together eating lunch with the film crew staff,ining as they ate. Some of them were not even intending to eat at all.


    Zhang Ye tasted a bit and felt that it was just as they had said, very average tasting, but not to the point of unptable yet. Even if it were unptable, could itpare to what they served him in the dark room at the police station? When he had been arrested back then, he didn''t even pick at his food, so being here, he just finished his lunch in a few mouthfuls and then washed it all down with the mineral water. After that, he continued to read his script.


    When an extra saw this, he was a little lost for words.


    Simrly, the other small-time actors and extras also looked one by one at Zhang Ye. When they saw the empty lunch box, they could only look at each other for a moment before lowering their heads to finish up their own lunch. No one elseined or said a word after that. If a top-ranked C-list celebrity, a position they all knew they would never, ever reach, did not mind the food, who were they to say anything?


    A double took a few more looks at Zhang Ye. This was seemingly just a small action, but reflected a lot more about how things were. This double thought to himself that it was no wonder Zhang Ye who had only debuted for about a year would achieve so much in this short time. He was someone who often got scolded by the media for this and that, a professional that was so frequently doubted by the industry insiders, but somehow still managed to be so popr among the people. He knew that there was a good reason for all of that now.


    In the afternoon.


    Zhang Ye called his mother on her cell phone.


    "Mom, what are you doing?"


    "I''m at work."


    "Heh, I''m just calling to let you know that I won''t be home for the next few days. I have work to do."


    "What work is it?"


    "I got a role in a movie."


    "Well done, my son."


    "That''s true. This is a big production and I will be following the crew around for these few days. Tell Dad about it as well. I will only be going home when the filming wraps up."


    After he hung up, the martial arts director also came over and said, "Teacher Zhang, have you finished eating?"


    Another double also followed behind him. One look and it was clear that he was Dalong''s double. Even though his face did not look simr, his body proportions were simr. He greeted, "Teacher Zhang."


    "I''ve already finished my lunch." Zhang Ye switched off his phone and stood up. He said to them, "Please don''t call me Teacher Zhang. There''s no need to be so courteous. Just call me Little Zhang or Little Ye. That''s good enough."


    The martial arts director smiled and said, "Alright, forgive me then."


    But the double said, "It''s better that I stick to calling you Teacher Zhang. You''re an intellectual and an associate professor at the university. I can''t possibly call you Little Zhang. Even if I wanted to, I just can''t do it, so I think I''m morefortable calling you Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye did not argue with this.


    The martial arts director said, "Why don''t you warm up a little first? We should begin our preparations for the fight scene that will be filmed this afternoon. Why don''t we practice some of the movements first before finishing it with a final runthrough before the shoot."


    In a martial arts movie, the most important core for attracting viewers was definitely its fight scenes. These were also the most exciting parts of the movie, so they couldn''t be done sloppily. It was very troublesome to film a fight scene well, so sometimes effects would be added in post-production with modern advanced methods. However, the most basic movements of the actors exchanging punches and kicks needed to look real in the first ce and nowhere at this stage should any effort be saved. They would have to practice the movements first before moving on to a fight sequence practice between the actors. One would punch, one would kick; all of these needed to be practiced and drilled into them with no room for errors.


    Soon after.


    The three of them went to an empty area to start their practice.


    The martial arts director stood in the center and said, "You have a good memory and your physical condition is quite good as well. I could deduce that when you did your audition just now. So let''s do this like we did earlier. I will give an overall demonstration of the fight scene''s basic sequence and you follow after me. Hopefully, you''ll remember everything."


    "Sure," said Zhang Ye.


    The martial arts director said, "The style of martial arts that your character uses is Taiji Fist. Watch carefully!"


    Hearing this, the double showed a face of concentration, while Zhang Ye looked at the martial arts director in anticipation.


    Zhang Ye had read the screeny several times already and knew that the third male lead was the one and only descendant of the Taiji Fist school of martial arts. In this world, Zhang Ye had found out from Rao Aimin that Taiji Fist was lost many years ago. The first time andst time it appeared was already several hundred years ago. Moreover, whether this martial arts style had truly existed before was also legend in itself. Those who had even heard about it before were in the minority and treated it as a myth. However, only those who were true practitioners in the Chinese martial arts world knew that Taiji Fist was not fictional and that it had existed before. It was known to have impressed for a period of time those several hundred years ago when the descendant of Taiji Fist defeated many martial arts grandmasters, making it a renowned martial arts style.


    A martial arts style that had been lost for hundreds of years now. How would you demonstrate it? Unless you knew it?


    ��That was what Zhang Ye was curious about ever since he saw the screeny, curious about how the scenes involving Taiji Fist would be shot. He was full of anticipation and did not even blink his eyes as he watched patiently!


    When the martial arts director said that he would demonstrate for them, he only meant that he would do a few simple movements. He raised his hands in preparation and did a horse stance at a very odd angle. It would make anyone watching feel like they understood it, even though they didn''t, and also looked like it was a mysterious martial arts style of some kind.


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    The martial arts director showed a domineering face as he threw a punch.


    Zhang Ye: "��������."


    The martial arts director gave a longugh before he kicked his leg out sidewards!


    Zhang Ye: "������������"


    As there was no opponent to spar with in the demonstration, the moves that the martial arts director disyed were quite disconnected. Only after he had gone through the moves for a routine did he finally finish off with a closing form by sping his hands together.


    The double watched with admiration and went over to say, "I''ve heard before from some friends in the martial arts world telling me that this style of martial arts used to really exist. From just now, I''ve been meaning to ask you. Do you really know this style of martial arts?"


    The martial arts director smiled a little and said, "A little bit, I guess."


    The double looked at him, overjoyed, and said, "Then could you teach me a little? Oh, I am too straightforward. This is too abrupt. I understand that it is not something that can just be taught to others even if I wanted to learn it. I understand the rules."


    "It''s not a matter of rules at all." The martial arts director smiled and exined, "I am really unable to teach this to you since I only know it generally and only have some simple moves to show for. I heard from my teacher that the real Taiji Fist does not have any standard moves and has never been passed down before either. There are no descendants of this style anymore. It has been lost for a long time already. My teacher had learned a few moves from some master who in the past had researched Taiji Fist from the anecdotal evidence found in the martial arts world and pieced it together. That is why I only know those few moves myself, but if you really want to learn it, that was all that there is to it. As for the other moves and the core teachings behind Taiji Fist, I do not know about any of that since the real Taiji Fist had disappeared hundreds of years ago!"


    The double said excitedly, "Even if it''s just a few moves, it''s enough for me. This is Taiji Fist that we''re talking about here. So many practitioners want to learn but could never find a way to even begin learning it!"


    The martial arts director felt quite good about thepliment another gave him so he said, "Alright then, I will show you the moves once more. I believe Teacher Zhang did not get a good look at it earlier, so watch and learn!"


    "Thank you! How great is it!" The double''s eyes brightened at this.


    The martial arts director disyed the same posture as earlier and said, "Remember, this is the opening form of Taiji Fist. You will need to keep your hands up and out in front, regte your breath, sink it down to the lower half and get into a forward leaning horse stance posture!"


    The double immediately followed him and imitated his stance.


    The martial arts director started to swing his arms and instructed as he did so, "Taiji Fist emphasizes on the bnce and interconnectivity of yin and yang. These two energies move in a continuous cycle of endless session. This, is yang, and it needs to be strong!"


    The double tried his best to follow along with each movement.


    "This is yin." The martial arts director locked his wrist and hooked his fist. "And it must be gentle!"


    The double followed along closely, imitating almost perfectly.


    Between the two of them, one was teaching and the other one was learning, and they spent an inordinate amount of time on it.


    Finally, when they both finished with their closing forms, the double bowed deeply to the martial arts director as a form of respect. He then sped his palms together and said, "Thank you so much. To have learned so much about the real Taiji Fist. I��I can''t evene up with words to describe how I feel. Ever since I was young, I''ve always heard about the legendary Taiji Fist. So many people wanted to witness Taiji Fist for themselves in these several hundred years, yet died with a lifelong regret of not being able to see it at all. I can only say that I am very honored."


    The martial arts director smiled and said, "Since you like it, practice it well. The knowledge of Taiji Fist runs very deep."


    "Yes, I will definitely practice well!" The double had seemingly found a precious jade stone, and afraid he would forget about it, once again started to go through the movements for "Taiji Fist" in high spirits!


    The martial arts director still stayed by his side to give him guidance. "Right, that''s right, you need to wave your hands a little. Move them up and down. That''s right, very good!"


    Zhang Ye had been staring at them from where he was, looking at them moving about as they practiced. From the start until now, he did not say a word at all, because he was really at a loss as to what he should say!


    Practice well?


    Practice your sister!


    Taiji Fist?


    Taiji your grandpa!


    Zhang Ye nearly vomited a mouthful a blood, wondering to himself just what sort of style of Taiji Fist the martial arts director was teaching!


    Keep your hands out in front? What was the meaning of cing your hands out in front? Did you think that you were guiding the traffic!? Regte your breath and sink it down to the lower half? Were you getting ready to fart? And what do you mean by leaning forward while doing the horse stance? This was the first f**king time I''ve heard that an opening form for Taiji Fist has to be a forward leaning horse stance! Why didn''t you just lie down on the floor for your opening form instead? You''re even mentioning waving the arms and legs? Wave your grandma! Were you turning into a butterfly? Is this what they would call the damned Urgent Peeing Fists??


    Zhang Ye utterly had his hands tied by this martial arts director. If you did not know it, then you should just say it. What the heck are you boasting for? You just believe whatever anyone says when they show you some Taiji Fist moves? This is the dogshit kind of Taiji Fist! If you don''t know it, don''t act like you know it. Yet here you are, even teaching someone else and spreading the "glory" of the martial arts style?


    The martial arts director suddenly said, "Teacher Zhang, do you still remember what I just showed? Alright, then I''ll let both of you give it a try to get a feel for Taiji Fist."


    Brother, please don''t mention the word Taiji anymore, OK?


    What the both of you did just now really was not Taiji Fist at all!


    The double quickly lunged forward and sped his hands, bowed his head, and said, "Teacher Zhang, please forgive me in advance. My fists might be a little heavy, but I will make the necessary adjustment in strength and not hit you for real. Juste at me with all you''ve got. Don''t be afraid of hurting me, because you won''t be able to anyway."


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    Come at you with all I''ve got?!


    Just based on your external style of martial arts, if I used only 10% of my strength on you, you''d still end up in the hospital!


    However, Zhang Ye did not say that out loud and just returned the bow. He could no longer watch just like that and was ready to teach them a small lesson today��about what authentic Taiji Fist was really like!

 Chapter 606: Now this is Taiji Fist!

    <h4>Chapter 606: Now this is Taiji Fist! </h4>


    Chapter 606 Now this is Taiji Fist!


    In the movie studio, many people had their attentions caught by the movements over at the practice area.


    "Eh?"


    "They''ve already started their practice?"


    "The fight sequence has already been choreographed? Have they finished learning it already?"


    "It can''t be that fast. Those scenes require the two actors to slowly learn and repeat until they get it right."


    "Let''s go over and take a look. I wonder how Teacher Zhang is handling it. Learning the movements is entirely different from practice sparring with an opponent. To be able to get the effect like they were fighting for real, they have to wear protective gear under their costumes and actually spar hand-to-hand. Otherwise, if they use quick cuts to conceal some actions in the scene, it won''t look too believable anymore. How fast Teacher Zhang can pick up the fighting sequences will affect how quickly our afternoon''s shoot will progress. If he''s slow or can''t pick it up at all, then we might not even be able to finish this afternoon''s nned scene by night time, and that would roll over to the next scene as well."


    Quite a number of the film crew''s staff went over to where they were practicing.


    When the director and assistant director saw this, they walked over there to watch as well.


    Wang Chengpeng asked the martial arts director, "You''ve already taught them the fight sequence?"


    "More or less. I''m letting them try it out first to get a feel for it," the martial arts director answered.


    Very quickly, over 20 people surrounded the practice area. They were basically done with their own tasks and were just waiting for Zhang Ye''s practice to finish so that they could carry on with the filming. Since they had nothing to do, they might as well join in and observe how it all was going. Everyone had surrounded the practice area and formed a circle as they pointed at them, discussing what they were seeing.


    In the middle of the practice area.


    Zhang Ye and the double were already in position.


    Seeing that so many people had gathered around, including the director and assistant director, the double got an adrenaline rush from the attention he was receiving. Having just learned a few moves of the legendary and long-admired martial arts style, Taiji Fist, his desire to perform well in front of all them was swelling. He said, "Teacher Zhang, may the best man win. Watch out, I''ll make the first move now!"


    Zhang Ye calmly said, "Come on."


    The martial arts director reminded, "Watch your movements. They must be standard."


    When the double heard this, he immediatelymitted to a horse stance and followed the instructions that were taught to him earlier. His horse stance was slightly tilted to the front, making his whole body look angled while his hands were even more standardized as his hands were ced straight out in front. In giving an opening form of Taiji Fist, he felt he looked very valiant and was enjoying every moment of it.


    Around them, the people''s eyes all brightened up a little. Previously, the role of the descendant of Taiji Fist martial arts style was yed by Brother Shui. They had already seen his acting before. But an actor was just an actor at best, especially since Brother Shui was also not a professional martial arts actor, so there was surely a difference whenpared to a stunt double who had martial arts skills. From just a move, although Brother Shui''s Taiji Fist opening moves were quite scary and domineering, his aura was just outwardly strong but inwardly brittle. He could only depend on post-production effects to be added, like having some music ovey, the sound of wind moving his clothes, or leaves flying around from the shockwaves whenever his feetnded on the ground, all of which could help to y up his abilities. However, the stunt double in front of them had only made a stance, which was good enough to not need any special effects and still had the oomph factor��this was what real martial arts was about.


    But in contrast, when they looked at Zhang Ye?


    Zhang Ye also got into a opening form, simr to the one that he showed in the studio earlier which no one knew. There wasn''t much distance between his feet while his hands superficially made some movements without exerting additional strength, like someone could just break his form by tugging at his hands a little. His shoulders were also drooped and that made him look somewhat listless. All in all, his overall form looked terrible!


    "What is that stance?"


    "Did the martial arts director teach him that?"


    "Why does it not look impressive at all?"


    "A positive and negative. The difference is too great."


    "Don''t ask for such high standards. The stunt double is a professionally trained martial artist and has some skills while Zhang Ye''s a literary and arts worker, so how can he match up to that?"


    "That''s true."


    When the double saw Zhang Ye''s form, he was dumbfounded. What the hell was this?


    The martial arts director was also left absolutely speechless by what he saw. This Teacher Zhang! Didn''t he already go through the moves for Taiji Fist several times? Why was he still unable to remember it? Did he forget the opening form? What kind of an opening form was he disying now then? It looks like it''s incredibly weak and full of openings. Whether it be internal style martial arts or external style martial arts, neither of them would ever have an opening form like yours. If anyone rushed over to attack, you''d be ttened in no time!


    "Teacher Zhang, it''s not done that way!" the martial arts director said, and thought to himself that ayman would always be ayman. It was a chore just trying to teach them. He asked him, "Where is the horse stance? Why are you not leaning forward!"


    But Zhang Ye did not move.


    The stunt double nced at him and said, "That form of yours won''t do. If I just attack once, you won''t even be able to withstand a strike from me. That opening form is full of weakness. We won''t be able to practice our sparring properly this way."


    The assistant director gave them a word of caution and said, "Please be careful. Don''t get hurt, especially Teacher Zhang. You have to take extreme care not to get hurt, otherwise, there won''t be any more recement actors to take your ce!"


    Zhang Ye casually said, "No worries, juste at me."


    "I''m afraid I will hurt you," the stunt double hesitated.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "That might not be the case."


    When the stunt double heard him say that, he might just as well abide and said, "Alright then, I''ming for you!" As his words trailed off, he attacked ording to the martial arts director''s teachings. He struck out a palm with a weird trajectory, with a slight feint to make the move look very beautiful. He knew that Zhang Ye would not be able to stop this attack and thus, adjusted his strength and lowered it by 60 or 70%. He put the remaining 30 to 40% of his strength into the attack at Zhang Ye!


    The martial arts director praised, "Good movement! That is what they call the Taiji parry!"


    Parry?


    Zhang Ye could only shake his head in his mind. His arm went up, and suddenly, the form that was full of openings earlier had turned into a different form. Zhang Ye''s hand had already received the attacker''s arms!


    Smash!


    The two of them collided!


    Everyone was staring with their eyes wide open, enjoying what they were seeing. However, a scene they could never have expected happened right before them and it left them all dumbfounded. After the first sh, Zhang Ye was left unmoved from the spot he was standing in while the double who had executed a very beautiful looking technique had lost his bnce and stumbled to the side a few steps. He had lost his momentum there and then, and was unable to execute the next move!


    The stunt double was a little confused. "This��"


    Zhang Ye smiled and thought to himself that what his opponent did was not parrying, but his own move was.


    The martial arts director was slightly taken aback at first when he saw this, but quickly smiled and said to the double, "Teacher Zhang still has quite a bit of strength, so you don''t need to hold back too much."


    Only then did the crowd understand. Oh, so it was because the attacker was not being serious.


    The double reacted and said, "OK, Teacher Zhang, again!"


    He came near Zhang Ye once again, but used his legs instead, this time in a different stance. The strength of the kick was even greater and felt like it would be quite a strong one!


    As the kick came flying in!


    Zhang Ye blocked it again!


    Crash! The fist met with the kick, but no one noticed that a technique had been executed in the few milliseconds when Zhang Ye raised his wrist slightly and bent it a little, which made the double''s center of gravity shift. Because he had put in a lot of power into his attack, he lost his bnce greatly as he staggered a few steps away and hurriedly tried to regain his footing. He was already sweating heavily at this moment!


    What happened?


    What was this situation about?


    The double was dumbfounded and wondered why his Taiji Fist did not seem to work. And what was that martial arts style Teacher Zhang Ye was using? Why was he able to negate half of the strength in my attack in such an odd way? Not only did he negate a part of it, it actually felt like he used that negated force against me? Otherwise, why would I have lost my bnce? Only those who had experienced it for themselves would be able to understand how terrifying it was. The double was already in a daze and feeling confused. This move by Zhang Ye seemed like martial arts, yet it also did not seem like martial arts. No one had seen such a style before!


    Zhang Ye smiled and asked, "Stilling?"


    "One more time!" The stunt double was getting a little pissed and still not convinced that he was losing. If his opponent was also a martial arts practitioner, he would definitely be convinced, but right now, this opponent was a literary and arts worker, so it was impossible that he would have such advanced martial arts. He felt that Teacher Little Zhang had definitely just gotten lucky. Chinese martial arts really weren''t as fantastic as theyman thought, since after all it was just a skill consisting of some techniques. As the saying goes, even an old master can be downed by an idental punch. This was as true as it sounds. Consider a person who knows a little bit of martial arts and a person who doesn''t know martial arts but has great strength. If these two fought, you''d never be too sure who''d win it. Who knows? If your attack was a little too light, your reaction was a little too slow, the ground was a little too rocky, or even if you were just standing in the headwind, all of that could lead to the other person winning. Nothing was absolute at all.


    Whoosh!


    The double came at him for the third time!


    Zhang Ye calmly stood there and took on the attack at a speed that was neither too fast nor too slow. As the stunt double was ready for this, after his move had been parried, he closed in on Zhang Ye. When Zhang Ye saw this, he followed through with the momentum and went near him as well!


    With a slight lean of his shoulders.


    The double was pushed back four or five paces, wearing an expression of surprise!


    "Again!" He was getting a little frustrated!


    However, Zhang Ye just smiled and said, "Sure, as you please."


    Hur hur, again? No matter how many times you try, it''s useless!


    The double rushed in again, using the Taiji Fist techniques he learned from the martial arts director. What he did not know was that those moves that he had picked up were in fact not Taiji Fist at all. They were not even anything close to Taiji Fist. He was facing Zhang Ye, who was a true Taiji Fist expert, perhaps not an expert if he were in his previous world, but in this world right now, Zhang Ye was the only person who knew Taiji Fist!


    A counterfeit of counterfeits style of Taiji Fisting up against an authentic style of Taiji Fist. This was a gap that couldn''t even bepared!


    The stunt double kept attacking!


    Zhang Ye kept negating his attacks without breaking a sweat. He was only putting in 10 to 20% effort to deal with him for now as he did not wish to hurt someone or to expose his foundations in Chinese martial arts since he did not fully understand the situation of the martial arts world of this world yet. It was better not to provoke any trouble because of this situation. For now, he was just demonstrating his ability as the only person who knew Taiji Fist in this world, to show the martial arts director and stunt double that Taiji Fist was not as simple as they thought. What they were practicing could not even be called Taiji Fist at all!


    Upward deflect!


    Side deflect!


    High parry!


    Low parry!


    The double felt trapped in a bog right now, and in front of him was a huge mountain or perhaps a wide river. No matter how he tried, he felt like he was a y oxen going out into the sea, never to return. He couldn''t at all muster any more strength from his own body!


    Wang Chengpeng: "����"


    The martial arts director: "����"


    The assistant director: "����"


    The film crew''s staff around them were all dumbfounded by what they saw!

 Chapter 607: You guys win!

    <h4>Chapter 607: You guys win! </h4>


    Chapter 607 You guys win!


    It became a bit quiet.


    There was a state of confusion.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Was the stunt double dancing? Why didn''t he use any strength?"


    "How did Zhang Ye manage to do that?"


    "Why couldn''t Dalong''s double even match up to an artist like Zhang Ye?"


    "This disy is so beautiful that I''m afraid to look at it! What''s the situation?"


    "Hello, double bro, did you seriously try to fight at all? How could you still not break through after three stances? Are you afraid of hurting Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    Everyone was busily chattering and discussing away!


    None of them could ept this scene that yed out in front of their eyes!


    The stunt double was nearly in tears. I didn''t fight seriously? He swore that he had really given his best and even used up all his strength for it. For some reason, even though he felt that his opponent was not strong and had a form that was was full of openings, he still could not bring him down!


    Wang Chengpeng''s expression was full of curiosity.


    The martial arts director was also surprised.


    Zhang Ye spoke at this moment, "Still want to have another go?"


    "No! I''m not fighting anymore!" The double quickly admitted defeat and said, "My techniques are not good enough yet as I just learned Taiji Fist a short while ago."


    Your technique? Taiji Fist?


    Zhang Ye was at a loss for words. He decided that he was not going to carry on with this farce any longer.


    In the end, the double quickly defended himself because he felt a loss of pride. He said, "If I had used my specialized external style of fighting, the results would not have been the same. The strength of my blows would certainly increase by thirty to forty percent and my stances would not have any openings. Then you couldn''t have handled it." Actually, he was not purposely giving an excuse, as he really thought that this would be the case as well. Having just learnt Taiji Fist, he was unfamiliar with it. Besides, it would require day after day and year after year of practice to hone his skills before the effects of his training would manifest itself. Internal style martial arts were not like external style martial arts. They required patience in training and needed to be nurtured slowly. He felt that if he had used his external style of fighting against Zhang Ye, the oue would have turned and Zhang Ye would definitely not have been able to take three stances from him!


    Zhang Ye looked at him. Do you really think that if you had used an external style of fighting instead, it would''ve been enough? Hur hur. But he eventually did not say another word since he did not want to deal another blow to his opponent!


    Wang Chengpeng and the rest of the film crew understood after hearing the exnation.


    "So that''s the reason!"


    "That stunt double only has a superficial understanding of Taiji Fist since he had only just learnt it."


    "Just like I said. If he had used his specialized martial arts, how couldn''t he win against Teacher Zhang? So the reason was that he did not put in too much effort and was just doing an exchange of skill with Teacher Zhang."


    "That exins it."


    "That gave me a fright. I really thought that Teacher Zhang was a hidden Chinese martial arts expert but it was just an illusion and the stunt double was only messing around with him."


    The martial arts director seemingly realized something at this point, nodded vigorously, and then said to the double, "Go back and train some more. That''s what internal style martial arts are like. Unless you spend a few years in training, you won''t see any results since it is unlike external style martial arts which can be picked up very quickly. Besides, Taiji Fist is already a lost art with the mnemonics, breathing techniques, and meditation ways missing, so this path will surely be tougher to walk down. I can only teach you up to here. As for the rest, it will have to depend on you."


    Zhang Ye thought to himself, You want to continue practicing just based on this technique alone? Even if you trained until your arms fell off, you wouldn''t be able to learn anything!


    The double sped his hands together and said with a smile, "Thank you!"


    The martial arts director pointed out, "But for the reason of shooting the movie, we just need to show the movements of Taiji Fist and it will be good enough. Teacher Zhang, I saw your technique from earlier." Saying so, he turned to Zhang Ye and advised, "Although it looked pretty good, you need to know that it''s not because the forms were good but because your opponent used a set of techniques that he wasn''t good at. Even if anyone else were to spar against him, it would have been a simr oue. Your technique is too messy and doesn''t have a focus at all with no proper stances. You were only moving around clumsily in all directions with no objective, like a move that someone would pull out in a street fight. I don''t know where you learned that from, but in any case, as long as it helps strengthen your body, it''s fine with me. But still, we can''t possibly use that in the movie. The techniques are too crass."


    Crass?


    His techniques were crass?


    Zhang Ye nearly rolled his eyes. Your sister! This bro was kind enough to show you guys that Taiji Fist was not done that way, but you all turned it all around to teach me a lesson instead? Initially, he had thought of using the authentic Taiji Fist style to shoot the movie, but who could have expected that these bunch of people wereplete amateurs. Even if the real Taiji Fist that has been lost for several hundred years were disyed before your very eyes, you would not be able to recognize it!


    The martial arts director said, "I will demonstrate Taiji Fist once more, so watch carefully, Teacher Zhang. You have to remember it well this time as it will be needed for this afternoon''s shoot."


    The assistant director exhorted him, "Little Zhang, it will be hard on you."


    Zhang Ye helplessly said, "OK."


    "Observe carefully." The martial arts director demonstrated again his version of the so-called "Taiji Fist."


    It looked very powerful with therge movements!


    Several of the staff members of the film crew continuously sang the praises of it!


    "Good one!"


    "Amazing!"


    "This is what real martial arts is about!"


    "Taiji Fist is indeed worthy of its reputation. Earlier on, the stunt double did not do too well with it, but the martial arts teacher is truly a professional. His demonstration of Taiji Fist is too mesmerizing!"


    "That''s because he was ranked in a national freebatpetition before."


    After the demonstration, the martial arts director said, "Teacher Zhang, you try it once."


    Zhang Ye imitated it without any spirit at all. This time, it was different from earlier when he imitated the Eight Trigrams Palm which he had seen before. But for this this idiotic style of "Taiji Fist" was something he had never evene across before, so how could he imitate it well? He could only roughly execute some techniques while stumbling through the moves!


    The martial arts director said, "That''s wrong! Taiji is ssified as yin and yang and it is shown in the opening form of Taiji Fist. That is the key and no mistakes can be made at this point!"


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    The martial arts director continued, "The depth of Taiji Fist is so profound that you won''t be able to understand it even if I exin further. Just remember my forms and follow ordingly. There''s no need to know the reason."


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    The martial arts director said, "No, that''s not it! Why are you still executing the same unorthodox moves like earlier? Taiji Fist''s parry move is not done like this! You should push it outwards!"


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    The martial arts director said, "You''re getting there, that''s right, try again."


    Under everyone''s watchful eyes, Zhang Ye was executing the moves one by one while learning from the martial arts director.


    The moves were looking more and more alike!


    The moves were looking more and more alike!


    The moves were looking more and more alike!


    The martial arts director finally praised him, "That''s how it should be!"


    The assistant director agreed and said, "You are a quick learner."


    Wang Chengpeng also nodded and said, "It''s getting more simr. If we shoot the scenes this way, it will definitely turn out well."


    Upon seeing Zhang Ye''s "improvement" and "growth," the film crew was delighted and the martial arts director was even happier. He felt that Zhang Ye was a promising student and worthy of being taught. If not for Zhang Ye''s towering reputation, he would be interested in taking Zhang Ye as his disciple and imparting all of the Taiji Fist techniques to him so that he could do his own training.


    Finally, with each stroke and movement, Zhang Ye surprisingly mastered most of them with his moves looking basically the same as the martial arts director''s moves. Of course he also felt a tinge of sadness and pain as his familiarity at "Taiji Fist" improved while his intelligence was also rapidly decreasing at an rming rate!


    Whatever!


    You guys win!!!

 Chapter 608: Countdown to the movie’s release!

    <h4>Chapter 608: Countdown to the movie��s release! </h4>


    Chapter 608 Countdown to the movie''s release!


    A weekter.


    On this afternoon.


    Zhang Ye''s parents were throwing a grand feast at home. Naturally, it was only a feast for their own rtives as it had been awhile since they''d had a gathering, so this was also an excuse to have a meal together.


    His uncles and aunties were seatedfortably and having tea together.


    His three cousins were romping about, as well as shouting and screaming.


    Cao Tong asked, "Why isn''t Bro back yet?"


    Cao Mengmeng remarked, "I''m getting hungry."


    His motherughed and said, "Little Ye called to inform that he''ll be back by noon, so it should be soon."


    His father said, "Let''s not wait for him if everyone is hungry. We can eat first."


    "No, no." First aunt said, "Little Ye has not been home in a week already, following the film crew around all this while. We definitely have to wait for hime home before we start the meal. Sister-inw, did our Little Ye take part in the filming of Grandmasters? Together with Zhang Yuanqi, Dalong and the rest? The news mentioned this movie before. It''s a big production with a famous director and the main cast is also quite magnificent. Since Little Ye is ying an important role in the movie, his poprity will surely shoot up very quickly."


    His mother answered happily, "Yes, he was filming for that movie. I don''t know what the movie is about, but since he told me about it himself, it shouldn''t be wrong?"


    Outside, the jingling of keys opening the door could be heard.


    "Ah!"


    "He''s back!"


    "Let me get the door, I''ll go get it!"


    Before the three sisters could get to the door, it had already opened.


    Seeing so many of his rtives in the house, Zhang Ye eximed, "Whoa, everyone''s here? First Uncle, First Aunt, Second Uncle, Second Aunt, Third Uncle. Why is everyone here today?" He looked a little worn out, but was still in great spirits although he did feel quite tired. It seemed like the past few days spent with the film crew had worn him out. After he came into the house and greeted all his rtives, he took off his shoes and sat down directly onto the sofa, not wanting to get up anymore. He said loudly and tiredly, "Mom, hurry up and start cooking the meal. I haven''t had anything good to eat for a week already!"


    His mother, feeling sorry for her son, said, "I''ll go and prepare it immediately!"


    His Second Aunt asked, "Was the treatment so bad over there?"


    Zhang Ye sighed and said, "It wasn''t that great. We had to go into the mountains, make camp, and sleep in tents. A few days ago, when we were in the south for a shoot, we were even caught in the rain and got trapped in the mountains. I couldn''t sleep or eat well, and there were times when I couldn''t take a bath too, so let''s not mention it again!"


    His eldest younger sister poured some tea for him and asked, "Bro, did you get to see Dalong?"


    Zhang Ye took the tea from her and smilingly said, "How could I not have seen him? I have three scenes together with him."


    "Dalong''s Battle at Huangsha Port is my favorite move!"


    "Bro, did you ask for his signature?"


    "I heard that Tian Xuetao is also one of the main leads in the movie. Does he look as good in person as he does in the movies? I have a few ssmates who like him very much, but I find him to be just so-so."


    His sisters chimed and chirped.


    While his mother was preparing the dishes, he shared his experiences with the film crew to his rtives. Everyone listened with intent as he rted, "��When I got there, they wanted to test my acting abilities and even taught me some moves which they imed were ''martial arts.'' I was so amused when I saw it. That kind of lousy martial arts and lousy moves, I could just close my eyes and y along with them, easy peasy. At first, I wanted to choreograph my own moves to let my character''s fight scenes look more realistic, but they insisted that my techniques were too crass. Heh, those words nearly made me rage at them. They really don''t know what''s good for them and it seemed like what I said was falling on deaf ears, so I thought about it for a while and decided, whatever, why should I be putting in so much effort? After all, I''m not the main lead of this movie. If they insist on those moves and think that it looks better, I will just follow ordingly. It''s not like I''ve suffered a loss anyway."


    His youngest sister said with a grin, "Bro, why do I feel like you''re boasting again?"


    The eldest and second sisters were covering their mouths and secretlyughing at him too.


    Zhang Ye said to them, "You guys just don''t know how great your brother is. If you all knew about my martial arts skill, you''d surely fall to your knees and look up at me in admiration!"


    The critical truth was, even if Zhang Ye didn''t want to follow the film crew''s choreography, he could not do so. In his previous world, everyone knew what Taiji Fist was. They liked seeing it and felt that it was a very strong set of martial arts, but only because they already had a certain understanding of it. However, in this world, no one had ever seen the real Taiji Fist or understood anything about it, so even if Zhang Ye were to show his moves, they would not ept it as they had nevere across anything like it before. Subconsciously, they would immediately judge it as not good enough, but that was how it was, as appreciation for something was also down to habitual conditioning. Besides, even if Zhang Ye tried to argue his point, being a rookie actor, the third male lead, his voice wouldn''t be loud enough to make any impact. The entire movie was already nned and filmed. So Zhang Ye, being the new guy, wouldn''t have the clout to get the film crew to make changes as he saw fit. No one would have listened to him.


    And so, being cast in his first role as one of the main roles made Zhang Ye grow a lot. He learned much about the film industry, and felt that if he had another chance in the future, he could look at developing in this area, but of course it would be best that he could be the director himself. Otherwise, he would have to listen to whatever the film crew said. That would be too constraining. If he were the director instead, he could shoot however he wanted with whatever moves he liked. On top of all that, he would surely leave the overall lead role for himself too. How awesome would that be?!


    ����


    After the meal.


    His rtives went home.


    Zhang Ye went back to his room and checked on the recent Celebrity Rankings Index.


    C-list Celebrities:


    First: Shi Yu.


    Second: Chen Fanghua.


    Third: Zhang Ye.


    After the Peking University incident, Zhang Ye garnered a lot of reputation from the nationalistic youths with his "idiots" scolding and jumped up in rank to second ce on the C-list rankings above Chen Fanghua. But ever since then, he did not make much appearances in the public anymore, so his poprity score didn''t move much and even declined a little. Together with Chen Fanghua having some new works and news coverage, she moved ahead of Zhang Ye in terms of poprity gained, again making him now one step further away from getting to the B-list.


    From this, it could be deduced just how important having exposure was!


    But overall, it wasn''t an issue for Zhang Ye since he believed that he could bounce back in the next few days due to the impending release of Grandmasters! Of hisst minute addition to the cast of the movie, Zhang Ye had rather high expectations of it. First, because he had spent almost all of his reputation points to activate the upgraded version of the Lucky Halo to get this job, he wanted to gain them back. Second, since this movie was officially his debut in the film industry, it was an important opportunity for him to expand his fan circle. He was looking forward to this movie paving a new path for him, to help to grow his fan base and expand his foray into new areas of work.


    He was not like those other celebrities who only had simple goals, concerned only with their small group of fans and scrounging off of them for the rest of their lives. Zhang Ye had great ambition and an even bigger appetite. He wanted to move on to the global stage and needed fans and support from people who were not limited to his work on variety programs, Weibo followers, or poetry lovers. In the near future, he was nning to move into other areas to fight for the new achievements that no one else could aplish.


    The television industry.


    The film industry.


    The music industry.


    The mathematics field.


    The literary field.


    Theputer technology field and so on.


    When he has gathered achievements in seven areas of work, Zhang Ye would then be able to summon Shenron! 1


    Of course, his current short-term developmental direction was still geared towards bing a television station''s host. After all, that was his old profession and he had yet to be the best in that industry. Having not hosted on a satellite channel before, he was clearly still far from the pinnacle of the hosting world. At the very least, he was targeting hosting a few top television programs that he could list as his achievements before he would consider himself to be at the peak! Only then would he dare to proim that he had seen sess in the field of television!


    This was also Zhang Ye''s reason for working hard this time. He wanted to raise his poprity rankings through his role in Grandmasters, hoping that he could break past the barrier and into the B-list. Then with Beijing Television''s Do You Remember, he would showcase his potential in program nning, allowing the more elite television stations to learn about him and seek him to join them. Zhang Ye wanted to use his own capabilities and poprity to cover for what others thought of as his "character deficiency." But of course, Zhang Ye did not believe there was anything wrong with his character in the first ce. Instead, he felt that it was the characters of others that sucked!


    ����


    On the inte.


    The trailer for Grandmasters was back and showing on several online video hosting websites again. The key word being "again" because this movie has already done a round of promotions, but was put on hold after Brother Shui''s arrest and subsequent inclusion on the SARFT''s list of banned artists. The fact that the trailer could air again also cleared any doubts that Grandmasters could not be released!


    "Let me see."


    "I''ve been waiting for this for too long!"


    "There hasn''t been any news for a week now. But betterte than never. I''m so looking forward to this movie. Oh, anyone know what happened to the antagonist''s role that Brother Shui was ying?"


    "It''s going to be released so soon? Did they just cut all the affected scenes? That can''t be? If they did it that way, the plot would be full of holes. No matter what, Director Wang is still a renowned director, surely he wouldn''t degrade his own reputation like this?"


    "Ah! Quickly take a look at this!"


    "This��this person is?"


    "Damn it! Did I see wrong?"


    "Oh my god, why is Zhang Ye in this!"


    "Although he looks much older, his face still looks the same, just that he has a mustache and beard added on. This is really Teacher Zhang, no doubt about it!"


    "What? Zhang Ye was the recement?"


    "Teacher Zhang, damn it, you''re crossing over into other industries again?"


    "What the heck, isn''t this crossover too big of a jump?! He''s even cast as one of the main roles?"


    "What''s wrong with Director Wang? Did he get so anxious that he just went with a random recement? How would Zhang Ye know how to act? It might have been alright if you just let him do a cameo scene, but you''re actually casting him as the antagonist? The main antagonist? Just how bold did they all get? He''s only a host by profession, if you put him in the movie, wouldn''t he just look confused?!"


    From the trailer, countless viewers had now noticed the presence of Zhang Ye in the movie. Many people had already predicted earlier that the film crew of Grandmasters would definitely find a recement to reshoot the scenes that the main antagonist appeared in and had made a list of possible recement actors. From the most likely to the least likely, 10 names were included as everyone guessed who would be the recement to save this production. But it ended up with no one making the correct guess at all since the recement turned out to be the infamous Zhang Ye, that same person who had recently led arge group of Peking University students to scold and chase off a Japanese delegation!


    Some people still did not quite know who he was.


    "What''s this antagonist actor''s name?"


    "He looks familiar, but I can''t remember his name right now."


    "Who is Zhang Ye?"


    "I know him. He''s always being mentioned on the news, but I''ve never really paid attention to him before."


    Grandmasters had started its production a year ago and was highly anticipated by everyone because there was a famous director helming the film with a star-studded cast. When the news of Brother Shui''s arrest was announced and subsequently, negatively affected the movie''s chances of being released, all kinds of news had helped increase the attention on the movie. Because of that, many people who did not know about Zhang Ye previously were suddenly searching for his name when they saw this trailer, wanting to find out more about this actor who helped to rescue the release of Grandmasters.


    The topic was being hotly discussed!


    Grandmasters was being hotly discussed again, with arge part of the discussions being doubts!


    "This is too unbelievable!"


    "I''m totally disappointed by this movie now. Why did they find ayman as the recement?"


    "Zhang Ye was definitely a wrong choice!"


    "Haha, who says that Teacher Zhang is not good enough? Teacher Zhang has always been known for his sessful crossovers in the entertainment circle. Although he is a host, he is also doing very well in the mathematics world, so who can guarantee that he does not know how to act? In any case, I strongly support Teacher Zhang!"


    "After reading thement above, I am unable to make a response to it."


    "Pfft, that''s really quite true!"


    "I still do not believe that Zhang Ye can act well!"


    "I''m so irritated by Zhang Ye! Boycott him!"


    "How does this person keeping back on the news? Hasn''t it only been a week since he disappeared after the incident?"


    Suddenly, at around 2 PM in the afternoon, a number of actors from the cast of Grandmasters began updating their Weibo.


    Zhang Yuanqi''s Weibo: "Please look forward to the movie. There''s a surprise in store for Grandmasters the movie."


    Dalong''s Weibo: "Posting the Grandmasters trailer here. You can participate in the lucky draw for a chance to get my autograph." A link was posted along with his update.


    Tian Xuetao''s Weibo also posted a joke to Zhang Ye: "I saw earlier that there were many people scolding Zhang Ye. @ZhangYe Teacher Zhang Ye, in the past, I heard that you have a very poor reputation but it wasn''t something that I was convinced about. Now I''ve realized the rumors are true. It seems like you have offended quite a lot of people! Ha!"


    Yao Jiancai also appeared from nowhere and replied: "What did I miss? When did Little Zhang join a cast and film a movie?"


    Peking University''s Teacher Su Na forwarded the post on Weibo.


    Radio host Wang Xiaomei Liked the Weibo post.


    Dong Shanshan also made a post on Weibo: "Wishing the crew of Grandmasters a record breaking box office earning!"


    The director of Grandmasters, Wang Chengpeng, had not intended to say anything at first. The actors were all busy posting on Weibo and appearing on television station programs to promote the movie. Wang Chengpeng was also not cking as he had more work to handle than them. However, when he saw such heated discussions regarding Zhang Ye online, he felt he had to say something to address everybody''s criticisms.


    A few minutester.


    Wang Chengpeng''s Weibo updated: "We''ve already wrapped up filming and production for Grandmasters. The recent scare has left us all really shaken, and having met all these difficulties and faced with the possibility of the movie being taken down, I can only sum it all up with one phrase��the road to sess is strewn with setbacks. I would like to thank one person here. Thank you Zhang Ye, foring to our rescue when the film crew was in its most difficult period. Without any requests, demands, or conditions, you just worked as hard as we needed you to. In the past week, as we reshot the footage for your scenes, all the other actors had their chance to rest, except for you. In every scene, we needed Zhang Ye''s participation and that in turned led to him only getting about four hours of rest each day. On one of the days, he even got only an hour of sleep. But what really moved me was that, from the start, no one from the film crew, including me, heard Zhang Yeining about being too tired to carry on. In fact, he even did his job in the most perfect and outstanding way andpleted his role''s scenes with utmost professionalism. For an actor like that, I can only admire and give respect to him. Those who doubt Zhang Ye''s acting skills can watch Grandmasters first beforementing on it. I believe no one will be disappointed, as Teacher Zhang joining the cast of Grandmasters only served to improve the film''s quality!"


    With that post, he had given Zhang Ye his highest praise!


    When theizens saw this, they were left wondering in doubt.


    "Is he really good?"


    "I''m skeptical about it."


    "If Director Wang can say that, then it must not be bad."


    "I''m really anticipating the movie now. I wonder if I can attend the movie premiere!"


    "It shouldn''t be too many days away now?"


    "It should be soon. They''re promoting it as the film is getting reviewed at the censors. Once that is done, they can distribute the film to all the movie theaters. But I believe that the schedule for its release has already been arranged."


    ����


    On websites and in forums, the promotions were overwhelming all possible channels.


    There were promotions in the form of trailers as well as posters that were put up all over the major cities in the country. The posters for Grandmasters were put up at the bus stops, subways, and shopping malls. Nobody even knew if the movie has already been approved or not, since the release date was also printed on the posters. On the posters, there was a picture of Zhang Ye on the far right side, in his role as the antagonist and with a fake mustache. This was actually the first time his image was publicized in such a manner, and across all the major cities, helping him gain even more poprity.


    ����


    On this night.


    It was just past midnight. The Celebrity Rankings Index had just been updated. In the newly released rankings for the next day, Zhang Ye had once again surpassed Chen Fanghua and went up to second ce out of the C-list celebrities. It was possible that their poprity scores were not that different to begin with, but the promotions for Grandmasters surely helped a lot as well.


    Anyhow, Zhang Ye''s poprity score was now considered to have stabilized atst.


    Not only that, there was even a slight increase as he began his chase for the number one spot in the C-list rankings!


    The Zhang Ye who was forever unwilling to step out of the limelight and stop in his march had made hiseback again after one week of lying low! With his new role and work, he was now charging forward for the top spot!!


    1. This is just a reference to DBZ, tongue in cheek moment by the author

 Chapter 609: Day of the Premiere!

    <h4>Chapter 609: Day of the Premiere! </h4>


    Chapter 609 Day of the Premiere!


    On the day of the premiere of Grandmasters.


    Morning, around 9 AM in Beijing.


    Hall 1 of Xianglong UME International Cineplex.


    Backstage, a staff member was helping Zhang Ye put on makeup, while most of the other actors had already done their own makeup at home or at theirpanies to prepare for the red carpet walk. The scale of the premiere was clearly going to be quiterge but as Zhang Ye did not have a management team or agency, and certainly no makeup team, he had to get the makeup artist from the film crew help him after he arrived. He was holding his cell phone in his right hand and talking to someone as his makeup was being done.


    "Brother, we have arrived!" his third sister said.


    Zhang Ye said, "Thene in. It''s going to start soon."


    His second sister snatched over the cell phone from her and said, "They are not letting us in because we don''t have any tickets."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "OK, I got it. How many of you are there?"


    His second sister replied, "There''s five of us. Me, Big Sis, Mengmeng, and two of her ssmates. Brother,e out quickly to receive us, hurry up! I can''t wait to see the celebrities!"


    "I''m still having my makeup done now and can''t go out yet. Wait a little while, I''ll get someone to bring you in." After hanging up, Zhang Ye made a call. "Hello, Little Wang, it''s Zhang Ye. I have some rtivesing for the premiere and they are at the entrance now. Can you help bring them in for me?"


    Little Wang immediately said, "No problem, no problem!"


    Zhang Ye said, "They''re five young girls so it should be easy to spot them."


    "Don''t worry, Teacher Zhang, leave it to me," Little Wang answered promptly.


    "Thank you and sorry for the trouble, Little Wang," Zhang Ye said.


    For these kinds of movie premieres, most people couldn''t get ahold of the tickets even if they were willing to spend money to buy them. They would still need to call in favors to purchase the tickets as they were so highly sought after. However, as one of the main cast members of Grandmasters, it was not a problem for Zhang Ye to bring some family members to attend as long as it wasn''t too many people. They did not need any tickets either. And, at most, if there were no seats to amodate them, they could just bring in some extra chairs, so it was not a big deal at all. His three sisters were crazy about chasing idols and liked to attend such activities as well. Since yesterday, they had been pestering Zhang Ye to let theme to the movie premiere. Since it was his sisters'' request and not difficult to agree to, Zhang Ye naturally would not refuse them.


    ����


    At the venue of the movie premiere.


    The reporters were all in position.


    The audience was also fully present. The venue was packed.


    Little Wang, who was part of the organizing team, brought Zhang Ye''s sisters in from the side entrance and led them directly to the seats in the 4th row, close to the front. Although the area was slightly to the right, the location was still quite good as they could see the stage in front of them quite well.


    The eldest sister, Cao Dan said, "Thank you, Brother Wang."


    Little Wang smiled and said, "You''re wee. Have a seat. Come and look for me if you need anything." With that, he went to busy himself with his work.


    Cao Mengmeng''s ssmate, Little Qian eximed, "Wow, we even get to sit so close to the front?"


    Cao Mengmeng''s other ssmate, Little Wen said, "Mengmeng, your brother is so marvelous! This is the first time that I''m attending a movie premiere. This feels so awesome! I''m so excited!"


    Cao Mengmeng chuckled and said, "Of course, who do you think my brother is?"


    His second sister was also said very excitedly, "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    The movie premiere began.


    One by one, the actors walked down the red carpet and came into the venue. First was Zhang Yuanqi, followed by Dalong and Tian Xuetao. Finally Zhang Ye also strolled in casually. This was his first time walking the red carpet and it actually felt quite good. As he slowly walked up to the stage, he waved to the left and smiled to the right at the audience.


    Apuse wasing from every direction.


    Especially from his three sisters who were pping their hardest until their hands nearly turned a dark shade of red!


    "Brother!"


    "You are so handsome!"


    "Oh!!"


    On seeing so many celebrities and even the Heavenly Queen herself walking past them, Cao Mengmeng''s two ssmates blushed, feeling as though they were in a dream. They were furiously pping away too!


    Thest person to appear was Wang Chengpeng, and as the movie''s director, he received the loudest apuse from the audience. As he went up on stage, he took the microphone and made an opening speech. "Thank you everyone. Thank you to our friends from the media, our dear audience and friends for attending the opening premiere of Grandmasters. After ten months of production, with an investment of��"


    The proceedings of the movie premiere went on step by step.


    The opening address, the actors'' speeches, a media interview, an audience lucky draw, and so on.


    When it came to the media interview, Zhang Yuanqi, being a Heavenly Queen, managed it with ease. She had already been through such situations dozens of times, if not at least close to a hundred times. Dalong did not like to speak much to the media as that had always been his character. He quickly ended his interview with just a few words. When Tian Xuetao and the second female lead went up on stage for their part, they looked visibly nervous. Somewhere in the middle of the questioning, Tian Xuetao said something wrong but quickly reacted and changed his answer and managed to get through the interview. The second female lead nearly fell down when her high heels gave way as she staggered some distance away, scaring many of the audience as they were worried that she would fall off the stage.


    The reporters kept focusing their cameras onto them, looking for ws or mistakes. That was what they wished to see, since if everyone were wless and behaved perfectly like Zhang Yuanqi, would there would even be any news at all?


    Tian Xuetao and the second female lead might be considered quite popr and have acted for quite a number of years already. However, since acting and life were different things, even if they did not get nervous while filming the movie, it wouldn''t mean that they would not get nervous when faced with so many people from the media and audience. Moreover, as it was such a big asion and a big production that they were taking part in for the first time, coupled with their young ages, you could say that their experience in handling this interview segment was definitely iparable to a mature artist like Zhang Yuanqi''s.


    They got off the stage and returned to their seats in the front row.


    Tian Xuetao was slightly embarrassed and said, "Ai, I was too nervous."


    Zhang Yuanqiforted him like an older sister would and said, "It''s not a problem. I was also nervous just now when I spoke." She turned her head to look at the second female lead and asked, "Juan''er, is your ankle alright?"


    The second female lead said, "It''s fine, Sister Zhang. I got the wrong size shoes. They''re too big."


    Upon hearing that, Zhang Yuanqi said, "Hur hur, my shoes are coincidentally a little too small for me. They''re size 36. Come, try wearing mine."


    "How can I do that? No, no, no." The second female lead felt overwhelmed by the attention from the Heavenly Queen.


    "I do not have athlete''s foot, so you can wear them without worries." Saying so, Zhang Yuanqi had already took off her shoes graciously.


    When the second female lead saw that, she could only exchange the shoes with her. Feeling very touched, she said, "Thank you, Sister Zhang."


    This scene was captured by some of the reporters who were beside them, but no one was particrly surprised. In the entertainment circle, Zhang Yuanqi had always had good rtionships and took especially good care of others. She never had any conflicts with people. Even when those celebrities with poor reputations met Zhang Yuanqi, they would still greet her politely. The reason for that was for all to see, as Sister Zhang always knew how to handle issues, conduct herself personably, and never put on airs.


    However, when Zhang Ye saw that, he did not say anything at all. He knew exactly what kind of character Old Zhang had.


    On the stage.


    The host smiled and said, "Who''s next?"


    Wang Chengpeng looked to his left and called out, "Teacher Zhang, it''s your turn."


    "It''s my turn already? Alright." Zhang Ye straightened his suit and walked up to the stage with a smile


    The host handed the microphone to him.


    Zhang Ye took it and said with a smile, "It''s finally my turn, but before the questions start, let me first say a few words." Zhang Ye stopped a reporter who was just about to ask him something, "Actually there is a profound meaning behind Director Wang''s arrangement for me to be thest one toe up on stage. Someone recently gave me a nickname, calling me the ''Speech Demon''. They say that there will be trouble the moment I hold a microphone��"


    With that, the audience in the house burst out inughter!


    Wang Chengpengughed as he pointed to him.


    The second female lead was also tickled.


    Some time ago, the Peking University incident had caused an uproar and basically everyone knew of that incident. When they heard Zhang Ye self-ridiculing himself the moment he went on stage, everyone thought it was hrious.


    Zhang Ye continued on, "Actually, I do not have any confidence in myself. At this big event today, I had better not say anything wrong again, in case it brings trouble to Director Wang and the film producers. So then, for the questions that our reporters have for me, let''s just make do with one question. One is enough. I''m afraid of getting in trouble if I say too much."


    Everyoneughed again.


    The female reporter stood up again and asked, "Alright then, Teacher Zhang, I will only ask one question. Earlier, my fellow reporters have already asked the questions about the movie and its production, so let me ask a private question instead. The character that you portray in the movie is an antagonist who leads a solitary life. What I would like to ask is, are you also like that? Do you have a girlfriend yet? Can you share with us your love life? I believe there are many people who are very concerned about this question. That is all I would like to ask."


    With that, she sat back down.


    The audience apuded and whistled enthusiastically, waiting for Zhang Ye to talk about his love life.


    Everyone was always interested to know about celebrity gossip and scandals. But unfortunately, those were also what the celebrities were most unwilling to discuss, because it was not easy to answer, and sometimes, there was no way to answer it either. Admitting or denying also did not help, so that was why a question like that at this moment would test the professionalism of a celebrity.


    Tian Xuetao looked up to the stage.


    The second female lead and the rest of the actors were also waiting to see what Zhang Ye would say.


    Zhang Ye smiled and looked at that female reporter before answering, "How is that one question? Your sentence consisted of three questions, and they''re even such blunt questions. Do you have a grudge against me?"


    The female reporter smiled and waved her hands.


    Zhang Ye said, "Actually my love life is a history of blood and tears!"


    Everyone''s interest perked. What do you mean by a history of blood and tears? Hurry up and tell us!


    Zhang Ye followed up immediately by exining further, "I''ve bled! I''ve cried! And I''ve been through shit1!"


    When they heard that, the audience and reporters nearly vomited a mouthful of blood. Pfft! There were blood, tears��and even shit? Just how dirty was your love life!


    Wang Chengpeng was also spoiled by the humor!


    The second female lead even covered her mouth andughed away heartily!


    Zhang Ye stood on the stage and chewed the fat with everyone for some time. Everything he said was getting funnier and funnier and everyone was enjoying listening to him. However if anyone were to think about it, Zhang Ye had actually not said anything rted to his love life at all.


    After Zhang Ye got off from the stage and returned to his seat.


    Dalong nced at him.


    Tian Xuetao also looked over to Zhang Ye.


    As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. Compared to Tian Xuetao''s and the second female lead''s nervous and mistake-ridden interviews, Zhang Ye''s handling of the question was impable and of a totally different standard to them. There were no signs of nervousness, and instead, even teased the reporter and himself with ease. Every one of his words carried a little joke in it as he raised the entire atmosphere of the movie premiere. What was most critical was that he did not even answer the sensitive question and skipped over it skillfully.


    This clearly showed the difference between a host and an actor. While an actor''s primary job was acting, Zhang Ye was a versatile host who had skills to handle situations both inside and outside of acting!


    1. The words history and shit are both pronounced as sh��

 Chapter 610: Grandmasters’ box office earnings!

    <h4>Chapter 610: Grandmasters�� box office earnings! </h4>


    Chapter 610 Grandmasters'' box office earnings!


    After an hour.


    The ceremony was done and the movie started ying!


    The lights in the venue slowly dimmed after they were switched off before fading out. All the recording equipment was brought outside while the reporters were invited to take their seats as the invited guests and audience watched closely at the screen in Hall 1. Although the premiere and public screening were scheduled on the same day, the opening premiere was screened ahead of the public screening which was scheduled for ater timing. For the selected first batch of viewers watching, their mood was naturally different. The atmosphere in the theater had a sense of grandness to it.


    The music started.


    This was the melody of the movie theme song that was sung by Zhang Yuanqi. But as it was used for the opening of the movie, there was no singing and only the melody was gently ying to signal the start of the movie.


    Starring: Zhang Yuanqi


    Starring: Wu Feilong


    Featuring: Tian Xuetao


    Featuring: Zhang Ye


    Zhang Ye''s name was the fourth to appear, and considerably near the beginning.


    In the introduction, with the flickering images and music ying, Wang Chengpeng''s name and introduction as the director appeared the screen and faded out. The scene cut to a group of children who were gathered together.


    "My ball! That''s my ball!"


    "Haha, how dumb."


    "Don''t give it to him."


    "Give the ball back to me."


    "Come and get it from us then."


    "I will definitely get it back! Give it back!"


    "Ah! How dare you hit us!"


    The child character of Dalong''s role appeared on screen.


    Following that, the child form of Zhang Yuanqi''s character also appeared on the bridge. It wasn''t known where they found the two child actors, but they really looked quite simr to Zhang Yuanqi and Dalong.


    The beginning scenes and plot moved a little slow as they were mainly used to build up the characters'' story. About ten minutes into the airing of the movie, the children had grown up. This was where the first conflict in the movie appeared. With a couple of lines, the plot slowly unveiled itself but part of the main plot was still hidden from the audience at this moment.


    In the first row in the theater, Zhang Ye was watching intently and enjoying the movie. As he did not follow the film crew from the beginning of production but was thrown in at the end to rescue the situation when the movie was threatened with being taken down, he had not watched the final version of the movie in full. At this premiere, it was his first time watching it and he felt that it was really quite different from what he had expected.


    At the 30-minute mark of the movie, Zhang Ye''s character finally appeared for the first time!


    "Who are you?"


    "Guess."


    "Do you know my teacher?"


    "It''s your teacher who knows me."


    ����


    At the 52nd minute.


    "I don''t care where you came from, all I know is where I want to go. Even your master can''t stop me, so who do you think you are? All that''s left of Xingyi Fist now are your teacher and you. How pitiful, how regrettable, and how sad!"


    ����


    60th minute.


    "In this era, who still dares to im they are grandmasters? Your master can''t im so, and you, you are even less deserving to im so!"


    ����


    74th minute.


    "When��I die��my martial arts��cough��will really be lost for good��.That''s good, might as well��cough. In birth��we bring nothing��.In death, we take away nothing. Hahahaha!" His character died at this moment and evenughed as he went.


    Below stage.


    Cao Mengmeng was thrilled. "The main character is so evil! Why did he kill my brother!"


    Cao Tong also said angrily, "That Dalong is so annoying!"


    Cao Dan said in a speechless way, "It''s our brother who is the viin! Sister Zhang and Dalong are the main leads instead!"


    Mengmeng''s two ssmates said together, "Mengmeng, your brother''s acting is really good!"


    Around them, many reporters and film critics couldn''t help looking at each other, surprised by Zhang Ye''s acting quality. Having appeared in scenes together with an experienced action star like Dalong, Zhang Ye seemed to have managed to hold his own and was not put down by Dalong''s acting. He portrayed his character very well. And of Zhang Ye, who was just making his debut in acting, this was a totally unbelievable performance. Everyone knew that Zhang Ye was not a student of the performing arts!


    A female reporter took a deep breath and said, "His acting is really good."


    "Zhang Ye''s character is a bright point in the movie! He really got our attention!" a film critic praised.


    Another film critic also nodded. "Honestly speaking, I''m really amazed that Zhang Ye''s acting can be so good. The character''s development was done so well too!


    "The fight scenes were also well done."


    "Yeah, the fight scenes were beautifully choreographed."


    "It was really well-arranged."


    "Did Zhang Ye use a stunt double?"


    "It didn''t look like it."


    "I had thought that Zhang Ye would mess things up, but who knew that I was in for such a surprise! This person could really act well!"


    With the antagonist dead, the plot was already at it conclusion. As the scenes went back to Zhang Yuanqi and Dalong''s characters, the movie''s ending yed out. Soon, the lights in the theater were turned on and slowly lit up the entire venue.


    The credits rolled just as the main theme song started.


    Wang Chengpeng along with the main cast stood up and faced the audience, bowing to them once.


    The audience and media reporters broke into apuse!


    "It was really quite good."


    "This movie is more than alright."


    "The box office earnings shouldn''t be too bad. With such a plot, cast, and quality, it should easily get a hundred million RMB in ticket sales. It looks like it has the potential to hit several hundred million at least."


    "Yeah, it''s a really good watch."


    "I only find it alright. There''s not enough screen time for Sister Zhang and that makes her feel like she was just making a cameo, although her acting was really good. But overall, I wasn''t too entertained by it."


    "Tian Xuetao''s acting hasn''t improved at all."


    "Zhang Ye''s performance was quite unexpected."


    "Yeah, I think Zhang Ye''s acting was quite surprising."


    After the movie ended, the audience was still talking in whispering voices, exchanging their views on the movie. Besides Zhang Yuanqi''s and Dalong''s names getting mentioned often, Zhang Ye''s name was also brought up numerous times.


    Everyone began streaming out of the venue.


    Wang Chengpeng smiled and said to the actors, "Let''s go and get ready as well. The internal team celebratory dinner has dragged on for too many days already and it''s time to fulfill that today. Everyone has worked hard."


    The actors were also talking with each other.


    Only Zhang Ye was rtively silent. Compared to when he was acting his role out and when he was watching the movie, he had very different feelings. Overall, Zhang Ye was quite satisfied with his own performance in the movie, but while he was watching Grandmasters as an audience, he noticed some mistakes, such as his expressions and actions, which he felt could be done better. He had also always thought that the martial arts movements were wed; those dogshit-like moves of "Taiji Fist" were too mboyant. All in all, he knew that there were many areas in which he could improve. However, whatever! Since this was only his first time acting in a movie, and being inexperienced, to have done what he did was already his limits. He would just have to work harder in the future.


    ����


    All over the country.


    Public screenings of Grandmasters were beginning.


    A big name director, a big production, and a big lineup which included Zhang Yuanqi and Dalong helming the cast. There was nock of Grandmasters being scheduled for screening at every cinema. In just the past two days, tickets for Grandmasters were already 30% booked on the online ticketing systems. On the day itself, in every cinema, the same scenes of huge crowds lining up for tickets could seen as every movie buff turned up to watch the blockbuster title.


    "Yo, Old Sun."


    "Old Xu? You came too?"


    "Yeah. Are you here to watch Grandmasters as well?"


    "Yes. I''ve been waiting for it for a month already and it''s finally ying now."


    "The opening premiere has just ended, but I''ve already seen the film critics giving their reviews online. It seems like they''re all rmending it, so I came to take a look for myself. I''m mainly here because I want to see Zhang Ye, since I like him better."


    "Whoa, does Zhang Ye know how to act?"


    "The film critics say that he''s pretty good."


    "Really? How can that be!"


    "I don''t know either. That''s why I''m here."


    "Let''s go. It''s time to go inside."


    ����


    One by one, the screenings starting.


    One by one, the screenings ended.


    On this opening day, the topic regarding Grandmasters was constantly climbing in rank on Weibo. Although arge part of these topics were discussing Zhang Yuanqi or Dalong, there were still quite a number of discussions surrounding Zhang Ye. At least,pared to Grandmasters'' second male lead, Tian Xuetao, he had much more attention!


    "Wow, Zhang Ye did really well!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s acting skills are so great they blinded my eyes!"


    "That final crazedughter was really the crowning glory!"


    "I never would have expected Teacher Zhang''s acting to be so good!"


    "@ZhangYe awesome!"


    "The movie''s not bad. It didn''t disappoint me!"


    "Initially, I had thought that the film crew were left with no choice when they selected Zhang Ye to be the recement. Who knew that Zhang Ye''s acting was actually this good! He did not screw up at all in this critical moment!"


    "I like Zhang Ye''s role of being the viin. From the start, he was already very hateable, I really wished that he would die quickly, but when he really died at the end, I felt somewhat at a loss. I guess it was because of Zhang Ye''s acting that the character came to life for me. What''s more, something worth mentioning here is that Zhang Ye seems well-suited to y such antagonistic roles as well. It felt like he was just being himself. In reality, isn''t Teacher Zhang also the type of person who leaves people gnawing their teeth over him?!"


    "Congrattions on your sessful debut, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Congrattions!"


    "Zhang Ye, you''re so handsome! I''ll support you forever!"


    Several scattered newspaper reports had also praised Zhang Ye''s acting in Grandmasters while many other film critics were also full of praise for him. Only a few film critics were harsher as they pointed out the problems that Zhang Ye had in his acting. This oue was in contrast to before the movie was released. Just a few days ago, many of the media and film critics were full of doubt and questioned Zhang Ye''s joining of the film crew for this movie. However, after the movie was released, most of these criticisms were overturned as most of them had now given their approval to Zhang Ye''s acting skills.


    ����


    The next day.


    Grandmasters'' opening day box office earnings were tabted: 31 million RMB.


    This results were slightly lower than the predictions calcted by the film producer and film crew, but not by much and was still considered eptable and within estimates. Besides, the reviews of the movie were pretty good. There were also enoughmercial opportunities, so the box office earnings after the opening day would not be too bad and even had room to grow.


    24 hourster, the second day''s box office earnings were released: 38 million RMB. It was actually even higher than the opening day''s numbers. Such a situation was not seen often in the market, so it was clear that Grandmasters was garnering better than expected eptance from the viewers. It belonged to thete-bloomer type of film!


    There was no doubt the final box office earnings would cross 100 million!


    Crossing 200 million? That was likely too!


    As for whether it could join the 300 million box office earnings club, it still remained to be seen, though it was unlikely. However, in the gloom of a market downturn in the film industry, having these results right now was already very good and the film producers had also reached their goals. On this matter, Zhang Ye''s contributions were very prominent as he gave such a good performance even under the urgency of a rushed filming schedule. That credit could not be taken away from him!

 Chapter 611: Premiere episode of Do You Remember!

    <h4>Chapter 611: Premiere episode of Do You Remember! </h4>


    Chapter 611 Premiere episode of Do You Remember!


    On this day.


    In the morning.


    Zhang Ye was still sleeping andzing around at home.


    In recent days, after the public release of Grandmasters and its rising box office earnings crossing the 200 million mark, the pace of earnings had slowed down by quite a bit due to the issue of piracy. It was no longer rising as fast like before but instead felt as though someone had applied hard brakes to its momentum. The box office earnings had fallen greatly. However, this situation was already expected by the film producers and also something that was unavoidable in the film industry. It had be a normal phase in the lifespan of a movie and highlighted exactly how no movie was spared by the onught of piracy.


    The box office earnings for Grandmasters were the highest in the country for this month.


    Zhang Ye''s reputation was also increasing very quickly, together with the pace of the movie. This could be seen from the amount of reputation points he gained as they were being added to his game ring at a rapid pace!


    +1032!


    +99!


    +276!


    +2123!


    The points were credited to his game ring!


    For Zhang Ye, whose reputation points had all been used up earlier, this was truly a lifesaver, something he needed very badly.


    As for Zhang Ye''s cing on the Celebrity Rankings Index, there were some movements in the past few days. In the C-list rankings, after having been quiet for some time, he finally took a critical step and moved into the top spot, number one! He was so close to rising to the B-list now!


    It wasn''t even a step anymore.


    More like just half a step away!


    With just a little push more, he would surely be able to swap positions with thest ranked celebrity on the B-list rankings. He was only this close from it now!


    ����


    Ring, ring, ring.


    It was almost 11 AM when the phone started ringing!


    Zhang Ye was still in dreand when he suddenly got woken up. Sitting up on his bed, he looked to his left and right, yawning as he searched for his phone. Finally, he found it and picked it up to answer the call. "Who is this?"


    It was Dong Shanshan on the other end. Shesaid, "What''s up? Still sleeping?"


    "Shanshan?" Zhang Ye asked sleepily. "Yeah, what time is it now?"


    "It''s almost 11 AM." Dong Shanshanughed and said, "You''re getting really popr these days, are you going to a lot of socializing events too? Why were you still not awake yet at this time? What time did you get homest night?"


    Zhang Ye said, "How would I have any social events to attend? You know very well how my rtionships with the people in the entertainment circle are, and besides, you also know that I don''t take upmercial performances either. I''ve been staying home for the past two days, waiting and checking my poprity score. Looking at it rising bit by bit makes me feel really good. I was even dreaming about it until you called."


    Dong Shanshan said, "You''ve almost reached the B-list rankings?"


    "Yup, almost. But I don''t know when." Zhang Ye said conservatively, "There''s still quite a gap between me and thest ce person on the B-list, so I might not be able to catch up for sure."


    Dong Shanshan said, "Hur hur. Oh, by the way, I just watched Grandmasters yesterday. The story plot isn''t exactly my type of show with all that fighting and killing, but I must say that your acting is really good. That makes me wonder. We were both in the same ss at the same school and taking the same lessons, so why don''t I remember that we were taught how to act in the broadcasting department? Where did you learn acting? You''re even that good at it? Even the fight scenes were done quite well. Did you fight for real?"


    Zhang Yeughed and answered, "I was self-taught, just self-taught."


    Dong Shanshan said, "It''s even doing so well at the box office. You could definitely be considered a movie star now since you''re already a member of the 200 million club."


    Zhang Ye denied it and said, "Ohe on, I was just part of the supporting cast, it doesn''t mean much at all. Besides, this movie was just so-so. I will tell you that, honestly, there are many parts I''m not too satisfied with."


    To someone from this world, Grandmasters might have been a breath of fresh air to the domestic film market with its high box office earnings, but in Zhang Ye''s opinion, he felt that it was still somewhatcking. It''s true that it was pretty enjoyable as a movie, but could it be considered a ssic? No, it was far from that. As Zhang Ye did not know how to make movies, he decided that once he knew how to make one and had a chance to be a director, he would definitely bring those ssic movies from his world over to this world and make himself the lead actor. He would just film it in the way he liked without anyone daring to correct or criticize his Taiji Fist. When that time came, Zhang Ye would let everyone know what a good movie should be like! As for now, his focus was still on television programs. He did not have any spare time to get into the film industry, at least, not for now.


    "How''s your program going?" Zhang Ye suddenly asked her.


    Dong Shanshanughed and said, "I actually called to tell you about it. I''ve already recorded 3 episodes of the program. The first episode will be airing tonight at 9 PM. We''ve managed to get the next two days of the 9 PM schedule as well, so that means there will be three continuous episodes aired in a row. After that, we''ll n for it to resume the normal schedule starting from next Friday and airing it once weekly."


    Zhang Ye blinked and asked, "Using two days of primetime slots over the weekend as well? Looks like the station is really putting a lot of confidence and importance on this. Sure then, I''ll definitely catch it tonight. I''ve been waiting for it for so long now!"


    "Me too, but I wonder what the viewership ratings will be like?"


    "They won''t be bad, guaranteed."


    "Hopefully."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye started to look forward to the program as well. He had really been waiting for the program to air for some time now, especially now when he was also at a critical moment of sneaking up into the B-list rankings. He knew that he needed to drum up his advance and get to the next spot quickly, or else, once the momentum has passed, and if he still could not advance up in the rankings, he would probably have to wait for another time to do it again.


    His parents had gone to work and did not prepare any breakfast for him, so Zhang Ye just casually decided to cook some instant noodles, returning back to his days as the "Instant Noodles Hero." As he ate his noodles, he browsed Weibo to check on the news.


    Do You Remember had been promoted for many days now, but the level of discussion among theizens still wasn''t very high. It felt like, even though there was a bit of focus and attention on the program, it still wasn''t enough.


    "The premiere will be tonight?"


    "Yes, it''s going to be three episodes broadcasted over three days."


    "Has Beijing Television gone crazy? They''re really putting everything on this, huh?"


    "I find it strange too. How could such an odd and idiotic program get promoted so much that they''re even using other primetime programs'' slots to support this lyric memorization show? Do You Remember��just hearing this name alone leaves me kind of speechless. What sort of lousy show is this!"


    "Don''t tell me there could be something more to it?"


    "The show''s trailer has already been released. It''s just apetition for people to remember lyrics, what more could there be? It''s all mentioned clearly."


    "I don''t think it will be that simple, after all, this is a program made by Zhang Ye. I''m part of the television industry and Zhang Ye''s program production abilities are recognized by any and all of the industry insiders."


    "That is the reason why I am so disappointed with Zhang Ye this time. Your sister, remembering lyrics��I can''t see what''s the selling point at all. If the viewership ratings can surpass 0.1%, they had better burn some incense to thank the gods!"


    "Teacher Zhang has almost reached the B-list rankings, so if this show''s viewer ratings turn out well, then he might possibly ride on it together with his poprity from Grandmasters to propel himself into the B-list. But this doesn''t seem like it will be happening anymore now."


    "There''s definitely no chance of it anymore."


    "This show can''t possibly be any good."


    Theizens were mostly negative about the show, Do You Remember.


    Following the release of Grandmasters, Zhang Ye''s poprity was currently on a rise. Even though its momentum was already weakening, it was still on the rise, just increasing at a slower rate. This was the reason why Zhang Ye did not know exactly when the moment would happen. Last night, there were already media and news reports that Zhang Ye''s promotion to a B-list celebrity would happen at any moment, but all of that turned out to be nothing. The birth of a new B-list celebrity was not a small matter in the entertainment circle, as after all, at this high level, any move by anyone would be greatly scrutinized. A celebrity at this stage could finally be considered a big shot. Their performance fees and worth would also be doubled from before!


    More interesting was that the celebrity in thest spot of the B-list rankings was also a host, a very famous host from Central TV��Chen Ye. His career had mainly been focused around the different channels of Central TV, starting from doing documentary programs in the past, then doing interview programs before moving on to variety andrge-scale g events. He was even one of the hosts of the Spring Festival G for the past two years, and by that reason��if he could host the Spring Festival G��he was naturally very well-known in the country. In the realm of the A and B-listers, there weren''t many hosts who could reach this level. The number of those who did were easily ounted for with just the fingers on one hand. Chen Ye was precisely one of them.


    It was at this moment.


    On Weibo, Chen Ye actually posted a reply onto the topic that was promoting Do You Remember: "A show like this would surely not get any viewers, so why would anyone actually produce such a show? What are they even thinking!"


    Chen Ye opened direct fire!


    Nobody knew whether he had directed this shot at Beijing Television or at Zhang Ye!


    Before his reply, this promotional Weibo message was not really getting much attention, but once Chen Ye started something, a number of Weibo users immediately rushed over to observe themotion!


    "Wow, Host Chen has said something!"


    "Getting the popcorn ready and watching this!"


    "Chen Ye vs Zhang Ye!"


    "The battle of the two hosts!"


    "This is the storm and assault of the status of a B-list ranking!"


    If Zhang Ye were to rise into the B-list rankings, then without question, Chen Ye would be relegated to the C-list. With such apetitive rtionship between them, this was the conflict that everyone was paying great attention to right now, especially since Chen Ye had said those words at such a critical period. It definitely did not help to control theizens appetite for drama as they were all left guessing what would happen next!


    "Come and see! Quick, they''re almost fighting!"


    "@ZhangYe don''t thank me, just call me a Red Scarf!"


    "Zhang Ye is notorious for his bad temper. I wonder what he will say to this or if he''ll even respond."


    "@ZhangYee and put this person in his ce! It''s your turn to stand up!"


    "@ChenYe keep stepping on him, well done!"


    "@ZhangYe someone is scolding you!"


    "@ChenYe your criticism is still not strong enough!"


    "Teacher Zhang, get him!"


    "Teacher Chen, show him who''s boss!"


    Many of these Weibo users kept stirring the pot, some wanting to look at mayhem and others wanting to create trouble. It all boils down to one sentence��a spectator could never get enough of drama!

 Chapter 612: Crossing Half of China to Sleep with You!

    <h4>Chapter 612: Crossing Half of China to Sleep with You! </h4>


    Chapter 612 Crossing Half of China to Sleep with You!


    [copse]


    Afternoon.


    At home.


    When Zhang Ye check his Weibo, he received a barrage of mentions from countless of people. He saw thement made by that Central TV''s Spring Festival G host, Chen Ye, and just smiled at it, not bothered at all. He continued doing what he was up to, brewing some tea and lyingfortably on the sofa as he watched a little of the news and then some video clips.


    Be bothered by him?


    This bro doesn''t have that much free time to be bothered!


    In the past, as long as anyone doubted or criticized him, Zhang Ye would return to them ten times their doubts and criticisms. Butter on, having out-scolded almost everyone, he gradually stopped paying much attention to such incidents anymore. It''s not that his temper had changed for the better, just that he understood that some things were meaningless to be bothered by. Back then, when he wasn''t well-known or popr, if anyone tried to cast doubt on him, it was considered a big matter, so of course he had to fight against it. However, these days, with his poprity soaring and no longer still a small time celebrity, he knew that the more people who knew about him, the greater amount of criticisms he would get. If he had to reply to everyone who did that, then even if he had a hundred arms, it wouldn''t be enough to fight back. There wasn''t such time anyway, but most importantly, even if Zhang Ye did reply them, no one was able to out-talk him. If he won every single time, it would be meaningless, and thus he did not have the motivation to do so. So when he saw this, he just treated it as aughing matter. This was also Zhang Ye''s growth to a higher level.


    Theizens were still waiting.


    "Where''s Zhang Ye?"


    "Teacher Zhang, pleasee out quickly!"


    "Someone is criticizing you."


    "F**k, Teacher Zhang has been very quiet on Weibo recently. It''s been such a long time since he''s had a showdown with someone online. I''m not used to this peace at all."


    "What do you know? Teacher Zhang has been longing for defeat. Having dominated for so long, he has yet to taste defeat but there aren''t many worthy opponents that can make Teacher Zhang Ye appear anymore these days."


    "That''s sounds right when you put it like that."


    "Haha, the mighty Teacher Zhang."


    "You can''t put it that way. Chen Ye is a Central TV host and has hosted the Spring Festival G before. In these past few years, he could be considered one of the most popr celebrities of the hosting world. He was also a graduate from the Media College and would be considered as Zhang Ye''s senior. Let''s not bring in the topic of other industries. Just putting it into context within the hosting world, Chen Ye''s experience and capabilities are way ahead of Zhang Ye''s. No matter how good Zhang Ye is, he stillcks the experience of hosting at Central TV or a satellite channel. I''ll admit that Zhang Ye is a very witty talker and has a greatpetitive streak, but I still feel thatpared to Teacher Chen Ye, he stillgs behind by a bit."


    "That''s right, it''s not possible topare at all."


    "Chen Ye''s also Central TV''s star host!"


    "Yeah, I''ve seen many episodes of Chen Ye''s interview show before. That mouth of his is really quick. If Zhang Ye really went at it with him, it would be difficult to predict who would win."


    "Zhang Ye would definitely win. That''s already been proven countless times."


    "I think the victor will be Chen Ye."


    "I have my money on Teacher Chen as well. Many of you think that Zhang Ye is formidable, but that''s because he has nevere up against anyone strong enough or another famous host who depends on their mouths for a livelihood. Teacher Chen is Central TV''s star host and that title alone makes him someone to be feared."


    "Why isn''t Zhang Ye taking the challenge?"


    "Is he getting scared?"


    Theizens wereing up with all sorts of theories.


    Someone even took the effort to set up a Weibo poll to pose the question of who would be able to outtalk the other if Chen Ye and Zhang Ye really dide up against one another. Those who craved nothing short of seeing the world burn immediately cast their votes. Vote by vote, in the end, the results between the two were almost the same. 49% had voted in favor of Chen Ye, while another 49% were rooting for Zhang Ye. 2% of the users had voted for an evenly matched oue.


    Later in the afternoon.


    Zhang Ye did not surface amid all thesemotions.


    However, Chen Ye''s fans did not let up on their barrage because of Zhang Ye''s non-appearance. Since Chen Ye had already fired the first shot, as fans, they would not while the time away.


    "What a lousy program! Remember your sister''s lyrics!"


    "Zhang Ye has already lost his touch!"


    "Why are we evenparing Zhang Ye to Teacher Chen? Howughable!"


    "Everyone, go to the search engines and search for Teacher Chen''s name, that will help increase his poprity score. Let''s not let that Zhang guy chase up!"


    "Right, forwarding Teacher Chen''s Weibo to increase his exposure!"


    Suddenly, Chen Ye''s Weibo updated again. With Zhang Ye ignoring him, he continued firing shots and pointed out: "These days, there are so many singing shows around on the market. It''s understandable that you would try to innovate in this area, and we should also support it, but innovation doesn''t mean that we should go against the conformity of a regr television show. I really don''t know who came up with a lousy program such as the one that focuses on remembering lyrics. Is this done so that they can bring down all the other singing shows together with them?"


    Chen Ye''s fans echoed his sentiments widely.


    "Ha, it was Zhang Ye who came up with the idea!"


    "Teacher Chen has hit the nail on the head with his observations!"


    "Zhang Ye''s too full of himself, bing cocky just because he achieved some results elsewhere!"


    "Look, he doesn''t even dare show himself anymore!"


    At this moment, a hardcore fan of Chen Ye''s appeared. It was a woman and she had a photo of herself on her Weibo. She wasn''t fat or thin, but her looks were really terrible. With nted teeth, a pointed chin and barely any eyebrows, her Weibo username was contrastingly named IAmGorgeous77. This person was a very active member of Chen Ye''s fan club and all the other fan club members knew her as Gorgeous.


    IAmGorgeous77 said: "I don''t believe that Zhang Ye won''te out! Teacher Chen Ye, hehehe, could you back me up with some support? I know that you''re very talented, much more so than Zhang Ye." After those words, there was no more activity from her and no one was sure whether she wasmunicating in private with Chen Ye.


    About ten minutester.


    IAmGorgeous77 suddenly made a surprising move. She publicly posted a picture of herself with her lips puckered up, looking ready to give a kiss, but those thick and twisted lips were really terrible to look at. What followed were some words that left everyone dumbfounded: "@ZhangYe, you''re the skin to my flesh; I am the buttons to your suit; you''re coffee and I am the beans, loving you with all my life is not enough! When I hear you, it moves my heart; When I see you, I lose myself; When I don''t see you, my whole body hurts; Even as I wash my feet, I long for you to be mine! Zhang Ye,e and marry me quicklyyyyy!"


    Many people burst outughing at this on Weibo!


    It''s a proposal!


    Someone has proposed to Zhang Ye!


    It''s even such an ugly woman!


    Chen Ye''s fans were all cramping up from theirughs.


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Gorgeous is so awesome!"


    "Gorgeous77, well done! Disgust that Zhang Ye to his death!"


    "This doggerel is so well written! Could it be the work of Teacher Chen Ye? It must be! I''ve always heard that Teacher Chen Ye''s poems are very good! Who says that only Zhang Ye knows how to write poems?"


    "Zhang Ye, hurry up ande forward, someone has proposed to you! Hehehehe!"


    Somehow, due to some reason, this Weibo post was getting a lot of attention and constantly being forwarded. Many others who did not pay attention to this before were now joining in on themotion and watching the fun!


    At the same moment, Zhang Ye also saw the post. His first reaction was to think that the person must be an idiot, right? Because Zhang Ye had always had ordinary looks since childhood, he never had biased opinions about others who didn''t look too good themselves. He even did not like it when others started harping about appearances, but this fan of Chen Ye right now was really quite interesting. She was willing to stand out to let others make fun of her and to be Chen Ye''s cannon fodder? It might look like Chen Ye''s fans were supporting her, but they were actually just making fun of her. Could she be any sillier than that and not understand the situation, and even "jump" around so happily? There are all kinds of people in this world, some with thoughts that you would never understand in your lifetime.


    Seeing the ugly girl''s proposal to Zhang Ye getting forwarded with increasing pace, Zhang Ye''s fans could no longer bear to watch. They were all jumping up and down in anger!


    "This is numbing. We did not care about your words, but you''re taking advantage of our silence?"


    "Who is this disgusting person!?"


    "Proposing? You ****?"


    "Chen Ye, a person like you can even be a Spring Festival G host? Not only did you not control your fans, you''re even helping them cause trouble? Helping your fanpose doggerel to disgust Teacher Zhang? How crass! With your standard of doggerel, you even dare to think ofpeting with Teacher Zhang? Just because Teacher Zhang did not bother with your antics, you''re all biting even harder!?"


    "It''s just a fight for a B-list spot, does it have toe to this!"


    "Chen Ye is a sore loser?"


    But it had to be said that Chen Ye''s fans had really achieved their objective. Many people had been riled up by Chen Ye''s ugly fangirl''s proposal to Zhang Ye. Many of them even started asking Chen Ye to help matchmake for them, but of course, most of them were Chen Ye''s fan troll army.


    "Zhang Ye,e out quickly."


    "Our Gorgeous77 is a great beauty, lucky you, hahaha!"


    There were a few fans who were really behaving with no ss, as the calls for a conflict were ring up.


    Chen Ye did not say a single thing all this time. Nobody knew if he was condoning his fans'' actions or just observing the situation, neither did he answer the question of whether he was the one who wrote the doggerel for IAmGorgeous77. Of course, those in the fan club who knew IAmGorgeous77 also knew that she did not have such a ir for writing.


    As the excitement mounted.


    Zhang Ye browsed through Weibo while shaking his head. He was increasingly despising the behavior of Chen Ye and his fans. He really did not want to bother them at the beginning, but they kept trying to stir up trouble. Isn''t it just a matter of trying to gross someone out? You''re too damn funny, did you think that only you know how to gross people out? Proposal?


    On Tieba.


    Zhang Ye''s fan club had already set up camp and were all asking for permission to start battle!


    "Teacher Zhang, we have to hit back at them!"


    "I''m a girl, let me do it, f**k, I can propose too! I''ve just taken an even more disgusting picture, so let me go and gross out that Chen Ye and his fans!"


    "I''ll do it!"


    "Don''t argue with me, let me do it instead!"


    "Which of you guys could possibly be uglier than me? Let me do it instead!"


    "Is Teacher Zhang around?"


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye appeared in Tieba and said: "I''m here. I''ve already read everything. As everyone here should know, we only abide by one principle��we will not attack unless we are attacked, if we are attacked��we will return the favor tenfold! Comrades, it''s not only them who cane up with poems!"


    "Teacher Zhang is finally here!"


    "They were really too much! We have to f**k them up!"


    Zhang Ye announced: "I just happen to have a poem ready here."


    ����


    A few minutester.


    Just when countless other Weibo users were attracted to thismotion between Chen Ye''s fan club''s "attacks" on Zhang Ye, as those fans of Chen Ye were celebrating and enjoying the fruits of their victory, a poem surfaced online. Following that, the poem appeared again when another Weibo user posted it, followed by the third, and so forth. These were all the same poem being posted by Zhang Ye''s fans. Soon enough, a few hundred posts of the same poem had been "dedicated" to Chen Ye!


    When Chen Ye saw it, his face turned green!


    When Chen Ye''s fans saw it, they were all so grossed out that they nearly vomited blood!


    ����


    This was the contents of the Weibo post:


    @ChenYe !


    Crossing Half of China to Sleep with You


    Actually, me sleeping with you and you sleeping with me is basically the same, not much difference.


    It''s just the pping of two bodies, nothing more than the forced blooming of flowers.


    Simply through the illusion of spring created by these flowers we mistakenly believe that life has begun anew.


    Across half of China, everything is happening: volcanoes erupt, rivers run dry,


    political prisoners and refugees abandoned,


    elks and red-crowned cranes held at gunpoint.


    I braved the hail of bullets to sleep with you,


    I pressed endless nights into a single dawn to sleep with you,


    countless parts of me ran together and became I to sleep with you.


    Of course, there are times when the butterflies lead me astray,


    confusing praise for spring.


    Yet these


    are all the more reason I must sleep with you!


    ����


    The key to this poem was that it was delivered to Chen Ye by all sorts of people, both men and women. There was even a male fan that went by the name of ZhangYe''sGayGoodFriend who copied IAmGorgeous77''s style and sent a picture of himself giving a kiss. He even edited this picture andposited Chen Ye''s photo into it and posted it together with the poem Crossing Half of China to Sleep with You. That impact and nauseating effect that rushed at anyone who saw this Weibo post immediately made them to vomit all over their floors!


    Chen Ye''s fans were all angered and confused!


    "Holy shit!"


    "That''s such a dick move!"


    "What the f**k did it mean by ''the pping of two bodies''??"


    "I can''t take it anymore, I''m going to vomit!"


    "Why is there even a guy in there!"


    "Those bastards! They''re so disgusting, those people!"


    IAmGorgeous77: "����."


    Initially, they had wanted to gross out Zhang Ye and his fans to achieve their objective, but who could have expected that they would be grossed out by them instead!?


    Many of theizens who saw this were cheering happily at the turn of events!


    "This poem is too brainwashing to read!"


    "Godly poem!"


    "It''s indeed Zhang Ye! This poem must have been drafted by him!"


    "Chen Ye''s fan club have stubbed their toe this time by kicking an iron te! It''s definite now that Zhang Ye and his fan club''s battle powers on Weibo are indeed more powerful!"


    "This incident was actually quite boring to begin with. We can only me Chen Ye alone for letting water seep into his brains. Look at how it turned out, they got grossed out instead! Well done!"


    "This poem''s too damn teasing!"


    "Chen Ye, with so many people out there wanting to sleep with you, do you feel pressured?"


    "No, if you all read it carefully, f**king hell, this poem does not look like it was just written hastily for fun. It might look pretty retarded, but if you really read and think about it, you''d see that there''s a lot of depth to it!"


    "You''re right! This poem really has quite a feel to it!"


    "I''ve realized that I''m beginning to fall for this poem!"


    "Zhang Ye really knows how toposes all kinds of poems. They''re all really meaningful as well and full of profundity. Compared to him, Chen Ye''s lousy doggerel is truly just a dog fart!"


    At this moment, no one on Weibo was focusing on some ugly girl making a proposal anymore. Everyone was swept away by this Crossing Half of China to Sleep with You. It was such a quick turn of events! When Zhang Ye''s fan club posted this poem, it immediately got the attention of countless others and was forwarded by them as well, going viral. Almost instantly, it spread all over Weibo, Tieba, and the otherrge-scale forums!


    "Chen Ye bit off more than he could chew!"


    "How did this poem spread so quickly? Oh my God!"


    "This would surely deal a blow to Chen Ye''s poprity!"


    "Dammit, not even Teacher Chen could do it? He lost as well? There''s already no one left in this country who can stand against Zhang Ye''s march to the top!"


    "In a scolding battle, Zhang Ye and his fans are invincible!"


    "Yeah, no one can stop them!"


    "Chen Ye''s fans were asking for it anyway. Of all the people to offend, they had to do it to Zhang Ye!"


    Only Zhang Ye knew about the origin of this poem. It was by a poet named Yu Xiuhua from his previous world, a farm woman who was given the title of "poet with cerebral palsy." Because of Crossing Half of China to Sleep with You, Yu Xiuhua became famous throughout China. For a month or two in his previous world, the poem spread all over the inte. Its spread and poprity was known to all!


    As for Yu Xiuhua, she was caught in a mire of controversy.


    Some people emphasized her disability.


    Others imed that she was a rare breed of poet.


    Of these matters, Zhang Ye did not have much of an opinion nor any views about it. The reason he brought out this poem was because he had been incredibly pissed off and disgusted by those people and felt that it just wouldn''t be him if he did not retort. Just on Chen Ye''s lousy doggerel that wasn''t much of a doggerel, a limerick that wasn''t a limerick, even ttery would not make itparable to Crossing Half of China to Sleep with You! How could theypare??

 Chapter 613: Becoming a B-list celebrity!

    <h4>Chapter 613: Bing a B-list celebrity! </h4>


    Chapter 613 Bing a B-list celebrity!


    [copse]


    From afternoon until night.


    The modern poem was spreading virally across the inte!


    Although Chen Ye and his management team made an emergency PR response to condemn Zhang Ye, it did nothing to help at all. Countless people were tirelessly forwarding the poem Crossing Half of China to Sleep with You and making a joke out of Chen Ye.


    "Hahaha!"


    "Teacher Chen is bing even more well-known now!"


    "Chen Ye will be the catchphrase for our gayrades in the future!"


    "That Zhang Ye is so mean!"


    "You only know that now? When has Teacher Zhang never been mean before?"


    "Why did you all have to provoke him? It''s not like you guys don''t know what kind of person Zhang Ye is!"


    "We can''t put the me on Zhang Ye for this matter. It was Chen Ye who was asking for it, so he deserves what he''s getting now. Chen Ye and his fans were being low ss to begin with anyway!"


    "Right, Teacher Zhang is still the ssy one!"


    "Hehe, why do I like Zhang Ye so much!"


    "Comparing Chen Ye to Zhang Ye? So what if he''s a Central TV host! So what if he has hosted the Spring Festival G before? If you want to say that Chen Ye has more fans than Zhang Ye, I''d believe it! If you im that Chen Ye has more experience than Zhang Ye in the hosting world, I''d believe it too! But if you want topare them on their bickering abilities, then two of Chen Ye would still not out-talk Teacher Zhang! I kept wondering why anyone would even think that Chen Ye had a chance at out-talking Zhang Ye in the first ce, why would the votes be so equally split at 49% each? What a bunch of morons!"


    "That''s totally true, if you look back at the poll results now, there shouldn''t even have been any doubts as to who''d win it."


    "Yeah, the difference in power is too great."


    "Chen Ye and his fans deliberately tried to mock Zhang Ye, doubting him publicly, and someone even sarcastically proposed to him,ing up with all sorts of trick all day. But Teacher Zhang Ye just randomly came up with a poem and wiped them out just like that! This feels just like one of the phrases in Zhang Ye''s poem from the past: ''With humor, he helped see to that the masts and sculls of Wei''s navy go up in smoke and ashes turn into''!"


    "Just now, someone even mentioned that Chen Ye''s literary standards wereparable to Zhang Ye''s? I totallyughed at that. Just who gave such confidence to these people! Just look at the lousy stuff that Chen Ye came up with, then have another look at the poem that Teacher Zhang wrote. I am a student in a Literature Department at my school and this poem might feel very vulgar on the first read, not looking like a proper modern poem, but let me tell you all something, that is what ayman would see it as. Read it with care, line by line and word by word. In my opinion, this ''sleep with you'' is just like a coat, and an artistic convergent for the whole poem. This poem really expresses something on another level of understanding. Volcanoes are erupting, rivers are running dry, political prisoners and refugees are abandoned, elk and cranes held at gunpoint; just looking at those phrases makes it very clear that there''s an element of societal reflection, and even an environmental message, and to sum it all up, it uses ''sleep with you'' to draw it all in. This is such an artistic and high-level modern poem. Teacher Zhang Ye''s literary standards are not something that people like you all, who only know how to use doggerel and limericks, could understand. Teacher Zhang could just randomly throw out a poem and the depth and profundity in it would all be lost on you all!"


    Zhang Ye''s fans were gaining strong momentum!


    Because of the viral spreading of this poem, Zhang Ye''s poprity was rising again, pulling the gap between him and Chen Ye even closer than before.


    Chen Ye''s fan club dispersed quickly as their morale took a serious blow, however a number of them still continued to refuse to back down.


    "What are you all showing off for!"


    "So what if he can write poems? Is that a big deal?"


    "Wait and see about the lyrics memorization program! Beijing Television will surely pay a heavy price for believing in Zhang Ye''s program n! They will definitely lose their im as the big brother of satellite channels in the north!"


    "Right!"


    "Wait for the great reveal of the downfall tonight!"


    "If that lousy show''s viewership ratings can pass 0.2%, then I will twist my head off!"


    "Hur hur, I''m guessing even if you set it at 0.1%, you still would not need to twist your head off! So don''t set it at 0.2%!"


    In the end, the focus was back to the program Do You Remember. This round of scolding battles had started because of it, so naturally it must end with it as well. Everyone was waiting for a conclusion as to whether Chen Ye could safeguard his ranking or if Zhang Ye would usurp his position and rise up into the B-list rankings. The oue hung on this show''s performance.


    ����


    After dinner.


    His mother was picking her teeth with a toothpick when she asked, "Son, did you get into a war of words with others again this afternoon?"


    Zhang Ye who volunteered to do the dishes today said from the kitchen, "Whoa, you even know about that?"


    "I heard people talking on the bus when I was on the way home. What happened?" his mother asked.


    Zhang Ye sighed and said, "It''s about the program that I nned for Beijing Television. It''s premiering tonight but no one believes that it will be good, so there were a bunch of people who came to insult me."


    His father who was reading the newspapers said, "It''s airing today?"


    "Yeah, at 9 PM," Zhang Ye said.


    His mother said, "Actually, when I saw the show''s trailer, I didn''t feel that it would be interesting either. Remembering lyrics? There''s no requirement of skill in that at all."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Just wait and watch it tonight then."


    At 8:50 PM.


    Zhang Ye''s parents were both seated in front of the television and waiting for the show to start.


    At the same time, all over the country, many viewers were also waiting in front of their TVs and tuned in to Beijing Television. Before this, there was hardly any attention given to this program, but after the scolding battle in the afternoon, the news surrounding Do You Remember was stirred up a little as well. It attracted many curious viewers, most of whom were not exactly expecting the show to be any good, but just watched anyway because they wanted to know what the program was about, to see it in its true form. Even Chen Ye, along with his fans and those "foes" of Zhang Ye were waiting to watch the program. People like crosstalk actor Tang Dazhang and the Beijing Writer''s Association''s Meng Dongguo were also watching Do You Remember simply for the reason of seeing how bad it would turn out. They were all watching with the hopes ofughing at the quality!


    Counting down.


    Three minutes��


    Two minutes��


    One minute��


    The music yed first then the program officially began broadcasting!


    On screen, the lights in the studio shed and the outstanding stage effects began. In therge studio, more than a hundred live audience members had turned up and were cheering in unison. With the dynamic music and opening dance, the atmosphere in the venue had been charged up and lighted up the whole stage as two hosts, a man and a woman, walked on!


    "Good evening everyone!" The male host who was dressed in a suit was called Gao Ge.


    Meanwhile, Dong Shanshan was dressed in a evening gown, not the type of evening gown one would wear for a red carpet event, just a modest one that was more suited for a lesser asion. Her thighs were rather exposed and it made her look very sexy. However, possibly due the the male host''s height, she did not wear high heels of eight centimeters but only an orange pair of high heels around five or six centimeters.


    Dong Shanshan smiled very charmingly as she said, "Friends who are with us in the live audience and those of you who are at home in front of your television, good evening to all of you!"


    Gao Ge was also in high spirits as he did the introduction. "Wee, everyone, to the newly minted variety program brought to you by our sponsors, Hua Mei Shampoo and proudly produced by Beijing Television: Do You Remember!"


    Dong Shanshan continued his lines, "This is a program where the entry barriers are the lowest in the country, with the simplest of rules, which only stands at one: whoever can sing the lyrics correctly. We''re not looking for good voices or stage presence, we don''t care if you''re pretty or handsome, or neither, all we want to know is who has a better memory. As long as you can correctly sing the designated lyrics, you''ll win! So what are you all still waiting for? Quicklye and sign up to take part now!"


    Gao Ge said, "I am your host, Gao Ge!"


    "And I am also your host, Dong Shanshan!" It was obvious that Dong Shanshan had more lines than Gao Ge and was probably something that was arranged by Hu Fei and Beijing Television, giving special care to Dong Shanshan.


    ����


    At home.


    His mother''s eyes brightened. "Is that your ssmate?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Yes."


    His father looked at the television and said, "I think I saw her before��when we attended your graduation ceremony."


    "Yeah, she was one of the graduate representatives and made a speech too," Zhang Ye said.


    His mother looked a little odd, as she kept staring at Dong Shanshan on screen and did not blink at all. Then, she said, "This girl looks quite good, she''s really pretty. Son, does she have a boyfriend yet?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Whoa, what are you thinking about?"


    His mother said, "I''m not thinking about anything, I''m just asking."


    "Probably not." Zhang Ye said, "At least that''s what she said. But to be honest, her words are not very trustworthy and I don''t think most of what she says is true either."


    His mother immediately asked, "There are no developments between the two of you?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and could not be bothered with her anymore.


    His fathermented, "Don''t keep trying to mess around. Our son will know what to do."


    His mother did not like hearing that, so she said, "What do you mean by ''messing around''? Look at our neighbor Little Wang. He has only just graduated from university and he''s already going to get married soon."


    His father rebuked, "Why don''t you talk about the other neighboring unit''s Little Sun. He''s about to get a divorce."


    "Old Zhang! Are you bent on singing a different tune from me?" his mother said angrily.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Keep it down, you two. Can we just watch the show now?"


    On TV.


    The core segment of the program had started!


    A very normal looking male lead singer was standing on stage and singing a ssic oldie while Dong Shanshan was among the audience, moving around. When the lead singer stopped singing, she would point the microphone to a seemingly random audience member to let them pick up from where the lead singer left off at. If they got the lyrics correctly, they would win the right to take part in thepetition.


    The song''s title was Just Yesterday.


    This was a song by an old singer who had already passed away. It was a ssic folk song.


    "Just yesterday, you were on the horizon, walking to me with a smile."


    "Just yesterday, you were facing me, your eyes looking sweet."


    "Just yesterday, you were beside me, gently leaning on my shoulders."


    "Just yesterday, you were behind me, slowly caressing my face."


    His mother was already humming along to the song, "Just yesterday, you were on the horizon��" singing with a slightly out-of-tune melody.


    His father sighed emotionally. "This is a very old song, I could still sing it when I was younger, but I have totally forgotten the lyrics now."


    "Don''t lie." His mother belittled and stepped on his ims, "You were tone-deaf since childhood, how would you be able to sing it?"


    After the song ended and six contestants were chosen, they were all invited onto stage by Gao Ge and Dong Shanshan to officially begin thepetition round.


    Zhang Ye was still unfamiliar with the songs from this world. He did not know any of those that were performed at all. This was the reason why he did not pay attention to it but was only observing at Dong Shanshan''s performance instead. He thought it was rather good. She did not look like she was nervous due to her small-timer reputation or never having hosted at a major satellite channel before. She was indeed worthy of being one of the top graduates from Media College in their year. As her old ssmate, Zhang Ye knew her quite well and had never doubted her abilities at hosting. Some people judge her to be just a "vase," but it was true that she had really good looks and a great figure, distracting others from her job abilities. So even though she had a pretty face and a nice figure to her advantage, it was also her weakness. She did notck the ability, she justcked a chance like this!


    Dong Shanshan said, "Alright, let''s begin with the first contestant."


    Gao Ge said, "Are you ready?"


    The first female audience said, "I''m ready!"


    Gao Geughed and said, "The next song is going to be really great. It''s an early work by the Heavenly Queen, Zhang Yuanqi, and very difficult to sing."


    Dong Shanshan said, "The title of the song is Please Look at Me. Over to our lead singer, Little Hai."


    The music began. At the side of the stage, the second lead singer picked up the microphone. This lead singer looked very handsome and had quite a good voice as well. When he started singing, all the audience members cheered loudly.


    "Please look at me. Is this the person you loved so deeply? Why, when you were in your hardest times, did she turn to go."


    "Please look at me. Is this the friend you trusted so much? Why, when you were down on your luck, did he never look back."


    "Please look at me. Is this the you who you liked so much?"


    At this point, the lead singer, Little Hai made a gesture and the camera view switched to the contestant.


    The female audience was clearly familiar with this song. She immediately continued from where it was left off, "��Why do I have nothing, even though I tried my most!" Although she did not sing it well, she had gotten the lyrics right!


    "Congrattions!"


    "You got it right!"


    The show continued from there.


    Zhang Ye looked at his mother and asked, "Mom, what do you think?"


    His mother who was still focusing on the screen, humming along. She absent-mindedly asked, "What do I think about what?"


    "The show of course. Didn''t you say it didn''t interest you?" Zhang Ye said.


    His mother just nodded and said, "It wasn''t interesting from the trailer and previews, but not bad when you watch it. Compared to all those singingpetition programs these days, it''s much more interesting!"


    ����


    On the inte.


    On Weibo, some voices also stirred.


    "Did anyone watch Do You Remember?"


    "I caught it. Damn, it was actually much better than I expected!"


    "Is that so? I thought it was only alright."


    "It''s really nice. My brother and I were singing along for most of the time. Did you all hear the second contestant? He''s not even half as good as me. If I joined, I''d definitely do much better! No way, I have to register for it soon!"


    "This quality of this program is really high!"


    "So this is how you can make a variety show out of remembering lyrics? Zhang Ye is indeed Zhang Ye! Who says that he has lost his touch? Who says that his program will be a failure?"


    "How strange is this! We knew the rules of this show early on, and the content of the show was exactly the same as the promotional preview. There''s no change at all to the core of the program which emphasized remembering the lyrics, so what happened? I did not look forward to this show at all before, but why do I find it so enjoyable after watching it?"


    "Yeah, I was wondering about that too. Just what is so interesting about this show? There shouldn''t be any at all. Only one of the lead singers was quite good looking. Although the female host is quite sexy and pretty, she''s still a rookie and I''ve never even seen her before. The contestants on the show are also pretty bad at singing. Just look at this fourth contestant singing totally off-key. The stage equipment is not exactly the most well-equipped either and overall the whole show looks pretty low end, but��I just can''t keep myself from enjoying this damn show!"


    "This show''s rules just needs you to remember the lyrics, but that''s not its selling point! This show is not like your traditional singingpetition program. It''s selling point is pretty concealed, like how the show looks really low end, but is in fact really at a high standard!"


    "Well done!"


    "The viewership ratings will be difficult to predict!"


    "Right, the viewer rating is a question mark right now. It might not really be that bad at all!"


    "We''ll know when we see the results tomorrow."


    "I''m not gonna talk about this here for now, I have to go watch the show! It feels really rxing to sing along while watching. After such a hard week at work, it feels kind of refreshing to be able to watch a show that can help me to rx."


    Soon after.


    The show finished airing and the first episode of Do You Remember ended sessfully.


    Zhang Ye''s parents went to wash up before heading to bed, while Zhang Ye did not turn in yet. He was back in his room, checking on the inte for everyone''sments. At about 11:50 PM, when he knew that the day''s viewership ratings would be released internally to the stations, he gave a call to Hu Fei.


    The call connected.


    Hu Fei said: "Little Zhang, I knew you''d call."


    Zhang Yeughed: "Yes, it''s my program proposal, of course I''d be concerned about the results. So how did it do? Are the viewership ratings released yet?"


    Hu Fei said: "They were just released."


    "How much?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Hu Fei said: "Hur hur, guess."


    Zhang Ye thought for a moment before saying: "The first episode is surely not going to be very high. This kind of a program is the type that will get popr only after a while and will be more apparent when we hit the third episode. I guess the 50 cities'' viewership rating is 0.5%?"


    Hu Feiughed heartily and said: "That''s a bit short. The draft report I have for the 50 cities'' viewership rating for the first episode of Do You Remember is 0.63%! It''s second ce for the same time period in the entire country!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "Good then. It surpassed the estimates by quite a bit!"


    Hu Fei said: "To be honest, I didn''t expect such a result either. Such an auspicious start to the first episode will surely boost the station''s confidence in this program. Our team feels the same, and for the next episode, we have confidence that the ratings will be even better. Little Zhang, most of the program team is still at the office right now. We were all waiting for the viewership ratings to be released. Now that it has, we''re all getting ready to go to supper to celebrate the good results. Why don''t you join us too?"


    "Forget about me." Zhang Ye said: "I only gave the proposal and was not involved in the production. Since I did not contribute to the show, I don''t think I should join in the celebrations."


    Hu Fei said: "Hur, since when did you be so modest? I''m not used to you being like this at all!"


    ����


    The next day, the viewership ratings for the premiere episode of Do You Remember were released.


    When the viewers saw the ratings, without exception, everyone was astonished!


    "Ah?"


    "Did they get it wrong?"


    "0.63%? How did it get so high?"


    "It''s only their premiere episode!"


    "It should be right. This show was really enjoyable to watch!"


    "Second for the same time period in the entire country? Compared to another satellite channel''s singing program, its viewership ratings are only 0.06% lower? Beijing Television has put out a killer program this time!"


    "My eyes have been blinded!"


    The people who saw these statistics were all dumbfounded.


    There were also many people who did not watch the showst night and were thus left scratching their heads. A show that had been acknowledged by everyone as a rubbish program that had no hopes: how did it receive such an illogical viewer ratings figure? If this was only for the premiere episode, then wouldn''t the viewership ratings for theter episodes get even higher?


    "What''s going on?"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Who can update me on what''s happening here? Did Do You Remember create a miracle?"


    Someone answered: "Why don''t you guys just watch the show first? There''s a video of yesterday''s episode on Beijing Television''s official website. Go take a look and you''ll know why. The viewer ratings it had are really not that surprising at all!"


    Zhang Ye''s fans were also stirred up and getting lively with the viewership ratings released.


    "@ChenYe !"


    "Teacher Chen, what''s your opinion on this matter?"


    "Teacher Chen, please make a speech about your thoughts!"


    "Who was the one who said that if Do You Remember gets a viewership ratings of more than 0.2%, he would twist off his head? Come forward now, it''s time to show us your circus performance by twisting your head off."


    "Waiting."


    "Waiting for the head twisting performance."


    "Waiting +10000!"


    There''s a saying that goes: "He who handles vermillion will be stained red, and he who touches ink will be stained ck."1 Zhang Ye''s character could be considered a little mean, and among his fans, there weren''t many that were pushovers either. They all jumped out together to do some face-smacking, riffling out some of those who had doubts about Zhang Ye''s program nning abilities from before on Weibo and mentioned those public figures one by one.


    "@TangDazhang, what''s your opinion on this matter?"


    "@MengDongguo, what''s your opinion on this matter?"


    "@ChenYe''sFirstAunt, what''s your opinion on this matter?"


    "@ChenYe''sSecondUncle, what''s your opinion on this matter?


    "@ChenYe''sPrimarySchoolTeacher, what''s your opinion on this matter?"


    "@ChenYe''sSecondUncle''sWife''sNephew''sGrandma''sThirdAunt''sHusband''sSister, what''s your opinion on this matter?"


    Especially towards Chen Ye, Zhang Ye''s fans were being all fanciful and invented all sorts of non-existent user handles rted to Chen Ye, particrly having fun while doing so. They were all being their terrible selves!


    Chen Ye''s fans nearly fainted from anger in this onught!


    They''re pushing this too far!


    They''re totally pushing this too far!


    However, in the face of the viewership ratings for Do You Remember, they could not muster up a response. This statistic was the real thing and even if there were some minor inuracies, it would not affect it by much!


    On the same day, some online media outlets had also started reporting on this matter.


    "Do You Remember��Great sess on both fronts: well praised and popr with the viewers! "


    "This year''s big winner amongst singingpetitions!"


    "A singingpetition program that subverts all traditional singingpetition programs!"


    "The legend of Zhang Ye''s program nning abilities keeps going!"


    "A crossing of swords between Chen Ye and Zhang Ye, who would be the victor?"


    "Dong Shanshan: new star in the hosting world!"


    On the second night, the second episode of Do You Remember was aired as nned.


    On the third day, the viewership ratings for the second episode were published: Do You Remember''s second episode''s 50 cities'' viewership rating��0.75%! Number one in the country for the same time period!


    The next day, the third episode''s viewership ratings were revealed!


    Do You Remember''s third episode''s 50 cities'' viewership rating��0.81%! It retained its number one spot in the entire country!


    In just three short episodes, Beijing Television''s new program segment had unexpectedly dominated Friday''s primetime slot. In the current low of a market saturated with traditional singingpetition programs, a show that had somehow managed to lead way ahead in the same time period ratings was something that not only the audience could not have expected, their industry peers, the media, and even Beijing Television Station itself��had not thought it was possible!


    It greatly exceeded all estimates!


    Seeing the viewership ratings rise like a rocketunched, it felt dreamy!


    This was a proposal that was simply given out by Zhang Ye casually? These were the abilities of the television industry''s legendary program nner?


    ����


    On the night of the third episode''s broadcast.


    Just as the interim viewership ratings for the third episode were released, the Celebrity Rankings Index was also updated. Zhang Ye''s name was no longer listed in the C-list rankings, while in his ce, a new name had appeared in the first spot. That name belonged to the famous host of Central TV, Chen Ye!


    In this moment, at midnight.


    Zhang Ye had quietly been promoted into being a B-list celebrity!!


    1. one takes on the color of one''spany

 Chapter 614: Reporters from nationwide clog the gates!

    <h4>Chapter 614: Reporters from nationwide clog the gates! </h4>


    Chapter 614 Reporters from nationwide clog the gates!


    In the morning.


    The day had just begun and congrattory calls were arriving one after another.


    The first call came from Yao Jiancai.


    Yao Jiancai said: "Old bro, are you still sleeping?"


    Zhang Ye replied: "Old Yao?"


    Yao Jiancai continued: "I have seen the change in your ranking!"


    Zhang Ye said: "Yeah, I finally sneaked onto the B-list rankings."


    Yao Jiancai said: "Finally? Don''t put it like you have already put in so much effort, since you''ve only debuted for a year or so. In the entertainment industry, who else has can have it so smooth sailing like you. Just look at your old bro here. Including my time in the crosstalk world, I have been working in this industry for more than twenty years, but where''s my poprity? I don''t even have a fifth of your sess!"


    Zhang Ye replied: "Yup, well said."


    Yao Jiancai said: "��Stop being irritating. Come out for a meal when you''re free?"


    Zhang Ye said: "OK, I''ll go if you''re treating."


    Yao Jiancai said: "My treat? You''re really such a miser!"


    The second call came from Dong Shanshan.


    Dong Shanshan said: "Hello, may I know if this is Teacher Zhang? I''m sales agent 123 from the insurancepany. I''ve heard that you have recently be a B-list celebrity. Ourpany is worried that your heart is unable to take this surprise, so we''ve speciallyunched an insurance policy, going for only 998! It''s only 998!"


    Zhang Ye said: "Man, if I didn''t see the caller ID, I would''ve hung up. I couldn''t tell who it was on the phone at all when you were talking with a high-pitched voice."


    Dong Shanshan said: "Hur hur, congrats."


    Zhang Ye said: "I should congratte you too."


    Dong Shanshan said: "I don''t have anything to be congratted on."


    Zhang Ye said: "Oh c''mon, I know that you are also getting really popr now."


    Dong Shanshan said: "Is that so?"


    Zhang Ye said: "After the third episode of Do You Remember, I saw on the inte that someone had already given you a nickname: Goddess of Otakus. You already have your own fan club now?"


    Dong Shanshan said: "I guess so. It was formed by the fans themselves."


    Zhang Yemented: "Hai, having long legs is really an advantage."


    Dong Shanshan said: "I can''t bepared to you when you''re the one who''s secretly be a B-list big shot. Although we were both from the same ss, our gap is too great. From now on, I have to look up to you in admiration."


    Zhang Ye said: "I''ll keep a low profile."


    The third caller was Tian Bin.


    Tian Bin said: "You defy all logic!"


    Zhang Yeughed: "Haha."


    Tian Bin said: "It''s been really busy over here at Central Radio Station recently. After being busy for over a month, I only came to know about it when I watched the news in this morning. Good god, you''re already a B-list celebrity? How did that happen? How did you do it so quickly? I remember that you didn''t even have a proper job in recent times? So how did your poprity rise by so much?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Hai, after the Peking University incident, my poprity score went up by a lot. Later, I took part in a movie and also helped Beijing Television n a new program."


    Tian Bin said: "I really don''t know what I can say to that."


    On the other end, Tian Bin''s wife''s could be heard saying: "Teacher Zhang, congrattions to you."


    Zhang Ye: "Ai, thank you, sister-inw."


    Afterwards, there were calls from Hu Fei; skit actress, Ci Xiufang; Wang Xiaomei from the radio station; Zhang Yuanqi''s agent, Fang Weihong; Peking University''s Chinese Department''s Su Na; the publishing firm''s Li Mei; and even Dean Pan of the Peking University School of Mathematical Sciences; etc. The only regret was the person whom Zhang Ye wanted to hear most from did not call him. Actually, Zhang Ye could call her but he did not want to disturb Old Wu''s rest as she had been very busy at work.


    He got up and went to wash up.


    Zhang Ye did not feel sleepy anymore after getting so many calls and was unable to fall back asleep. Thus, he went out to have the breakfast that had turned cold which his parents prepared earlier before they went to work.


    Ding dong.


    The doorbell rang.


    Zhang Ye, feeling a little suspicious, went over to open the door.


    A young man dressed in work attire was standing outside the door and holding a bouquet of flowers in his hands, said, "Hello, are you Mr. Zhang Ye? This is your��ah!" That person was stunned and continued, "You''re��you''re Teacher Zhang Ye? These flowers are for you. Please sign to receive them." Although there was a name indicated on the delivery order, the name of Zhang Ye was far toomon. This young man never expected this Zhang Ye that he was delivering to would actually turn out to be the Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye signed for the delivery order and asked, "Who sent this?"


    The young man hurriedly said, "The delivery order indicates it was from a Madam Wu but no full name was given."


    Zhang Ye knew who it was, so he said, "OK, thank you then."


    The young man quickly replied, "You''re wee, too wee, no need to thank me."


    When the door closed, Zhang Ye looked at the flowers in his hands with mixed emotions. It being sent so early in the morning clearly meant it was not ordered at thest minute. His ranking update had only been released at 12 AMst night. if the flowers weren''t ordered by Wu Zeqingst night, then Old Wu must have ordered in advance but did not fill in the delivery timing until the moment Zhang Ye became a B-list celebrity. Ever since Old Wu became the deputy chief of SARFT, her workload became increasingly heavy. Zhang Ye knew this as, when they were on the phone sometimes, Old Wu would still be working as she chatted with him. But even though she was so busy, Old Wu still thought about him, and this made Zhang Ye feel really touched.


    Without any more hesitation, he made a call to her.


    The call went through and Zhang Ye said: "Are you awake yet?"


    "I just woke up." Old Wu''s voice sounded very gentle and cheerful.


    Zhang Yeughed: "I got your flowers. Hai, how can I be the one receiving flowers from you first when I have never even sent you any before. I feel so embarrassed. I should have sent some to you first."


    Old Wuughed: "It doesn''t matter who sends to whom first, do you have to be so clear about such things with me?" She let out azy yawn and then asked: "Have you eaten yet?"


    "I just finished the fried breadsticks my parents left for me."


    "Was it hot or did it already turn cold?"


    "It had already turned cold."


    "In the future, don''t eat anything that has turned cold. It''s bad for the stomach."


    "Sure, I''ll listen to you."


    "Hurry up and drink some warm water to ease your stomach."


    "OK, I will."


    "Go and drink first. We''ll talk againter."


    "Alright then."


    Old Wu was the kind of woman who knew just how to take good care of others. She was also very gentle and would dote on and respect others. It was probably only such a woman who could capture his heart. Zhang Ye would often lose his temper with other people, but with Old Wu, Zhang Ye felt a sense of calm whenever he was in her presence.


    In the morning.


    After watching the news for a while, Zhang Ye decided to go for a jog as he had not exercised in many days. He had already reached his goals ahead of time and whatever work that needed to be done was also done. Since there were no new job offers at the moment, the only thing left that he could do was training himself up and doing some self-cultivation while hoping for good news.


    He met some of his old neighbors at the corridor.


    "Little Ye, you''re already up?"


    "Yeah, Auntie."


    "You''ve really made us proud. I heard that you already became a B-list celebrity!"


    "It''s all thanks to everyone''s help. I''d be a nobody if not for all of you."


    "Heh, look at our Little Ye, how eloquent he is!"


    "Where are you going?"


    "I''m going for a jog, get some exercise."


    "Then you have to be careful. When we were buying our groceries earlier, we saw between ten and twenty reporters in the district. There was also an interview van from the television station outside. They''re blocking the path to the gate."


    "Really?"


    "Hur hur, be careful and don''t get surrounded."


    "I understand, Grandma Zhou, thanks."

 Chapter 615: A short poem from Bingxin!

    <h4>Chapter 615: A short poem from Bingxin! </h4>


    Chapter 615 A short poem from Bingxin!


    That morning.


    Caishikou, in the district of Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    Xiaoxue was riding her scooter, a bag that was carrying her interview equipment slung over her back. She rode her scooter at lightning speed, rushing to her destination, her hair a mess from the wind. She finally spotted the gates to the districtmunity and quickly pressed the brakes. She could see many other media colleagues carrying their cameras camped outside the gates too. There were reporters from the Beijing Times, Beijing Evening News, a correspondent reporter from a Beihe province, as well as reporters from the China Youth Daily newspaper.


    Whoa, there were so many people here?


    She felt done for, knowing that she would not be able to get the interview for sure!


    With a bunch of people blocking the gates, would Zhang Ye even make an appearance?!


    Xiaoxue got off her scooter listlessly. She didn''t hold much hope in the first ce when she got delegated with the task this morning at the newspaper firm, knowing that she was unlikely to get a chance to interview Zhang Ye at all. She was an entertainment news reporter, and although only a newbie with half a year under her belt, she had been through all kinds of major and minor interview experiences. She knew the the difficulties of being an entertainment news reporter. Even though it was easy to interview some celebrities because of the fact that those were the small timers, those interviews were in fact quite worthless and wouldn''t make it to a good spot in the newspapers. If they wanted their interviews to be on the front or second page, then they had to interview the big shots, as only a big time celebrity would have news worth reading. However, what was the concept of a B-list celebrity? That was equivalent to celebrities who were well-known throughout the country. Scoring an interview with a celebrity that was B-list and above would be good to have but hardly ever guaranteed. You''d have to stay alert to the news, have a way, get tips, be focused, and have a strategy. It even epassed goodmunications skills, sometimes needing to scale a wall or climb a building, using whatever means possible, before you might end up getting a chance to interview a big shot celebrity in unofficial circumstances. It was as difficult as climbing into the heavens.


    "Xiaoxue!" A middle-aged man called out to her.


    Xiaoxue locked her scooter, then ran to him and greeted, "Brother An."


    Brother An, lugging a camera around, said, "Why are you sote?"


    "My scooter broke down on the way, sorry about that, Brother An," Xiaoxue said apologetically.


    Brother An brushed it off and just said, "Come quickly, find a spot for yourself. If Zhang Ye or his parentse out, we will take the chance to squeeze inside with the crowd. We must definitely get a good spot, so hurry up!"


    Xiaoxue said helplessly, "Surely Zhang Ye won''te out, right?"


    Brother An asked back, "Why not?"


    "He''s already a big shot now. How is it possible that he will ept an interview so casually? Besides, this address might not even be the right ce. If this address was known to everyone in the media, would Zhang Ye still be staying here?" Xiaoxue questioned.


    Beside them, an older man who was a cameraman for another newspaper firmughed and said, "Miss, are you new?"


    "Ah?" Xiaoxue looked over to him.


    nking him, a female reporter who looked to be in her forties also said, "If you want to get an interview with other A- or B-list celebrities in an unofficial and unscheduled location or timing, it would practically be impossible. Even if it were a C- or D-list celebrity, that wouldn''t work. But Zhang Ye is different. He has never avoided the cameras before. If we''re talking about the easiest D-list and above celebrity to score an interview with, then Zhang Ye has to be the easiest. As long as we don''t meet him while he''s in a bad mood, or knock on his house door and disturb him from his daily life, then as long as you went to interview him, he will give you a few words at the very least."


    Xiaoxue said in surprise, "It''s that easy to get a word from Zhang Ye? I''ve seen the news reports of him having a very bad temper, frequently scolding people here and there."


    The female reporter smiled and said, "As long as you don''t provoke him, Zhang Ye''s easier to speak with than you can imagine. He�Dhe is really quite different from the rest of the celebrities in the entertainment circle."


    Brother An added, "He is very different!"


    Suddenly, someone shouted!


    "He''sing!"


    "He came out!"


    "There''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Quick, quick, quick!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    As if a gust of wind had swept past, with a single sound, over 20 of those media reporters had already rushed up. Brother An was also one of them. However, Xiaoxue was a step too slow, so she had to rush up to try to squeeze into the crowd.


    Zhang Ye had a white towel hanging around his neck and had appeared jogging out from the building''s corridor. He had only jogged for about 20 meters before he was surrounded by a group of reporters and could not move anymore. Zhang Ye helplessly stopped there and greeted, while waving to them, "I''ve hardly had a chance to do morning exercises anymore, so would everyone please be so kind as to let me go for a round first?"


    The female reporter from before said, "Teacher Zhang, I''ve been here since 5 AM and I''m almost about to fall asleep already. Why don''t you spare us a few minutes of your time first instead?"


    A young female reporter said, "That''s right, Teacher Zhang. If I don''t get to interview you today, I won''t be able to go back to answer to my superiors. I would surely tick them off."


    If it were other celebrities, it would have been possible to make an appointment to interview them and there wouldn''t be a need to crowd around outside the gates like now. However, Zhang Ye was different in that he did not have an agent or a managing agency at all. At the moment, he did not even have a job, so that resulted in the media group havingmunication problems with him. On top of the fact that Zhang Ye''s promotion into the B-list rankings came at an unexpected time, having shot up suddenly at the turn of the clockst night, these media reporters did not have enough time to do their preparations either. Those were the reasons for their rowdy presence this morning as everyone rushed over to this ce. Besides, such interviews were better done the day of, since the matter happened on this day as well. If all interviews followed an order, time, and location, then it would only be reported on a few dayster. By then, it would have been 800 years toote. Could news still be called news if it was old?! News always focused on being delivered in a timely manner.


    The crowd of reporters were speaking in chattering voices.


    Since Zhang Ye could do nothing about it, he simply agreed and said, "Alright then, just five minutes. Shoot."


    Xiaoxue: "��.." What the! Zhang Ye was really this easy to speak to?


    Brother An reacted the quickest. Just as Zhang Ye finished speaking, he had already started, "Teacher Zhang, in thetest update of the Celebrity Rankings Index, you''ve be a B-list celebrity, so I would like to congratte you first."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Thank you."


    Brother An went on, "There''s a lot of people talking right now, saying that you''re one of the fastest rising celebrities in recent times, turning from an unknown into a B-list celebrity in little more than a year. It feels like this is a route that many other public figures would not be able reach, but you''ve done it in just the blink of an eye."


    "Blink of an eye?" Zhang Ye repeated the words.


    A Huadong Daily News reporter interrupted and asked, "I wonder if you have seen it yet; there were a lot ofizens who left theirments online after the rankings were updated at midnight yesterday. Other than congrattoryments, there were also many criticisms and doubtingments. They feel that based on your traits and your appeal to the minority groups, getting to where you are now is already a miracle. I''ve also seen some of your fellow peers say this about you. They all acknowledge your talents, but at the same time, they also feel that your sess has more to do with your luck than your talents. Regarding this, what do you have to say?"


    It was true that there were many of such voices on the inte right now.


    Just randomly browsing the forums or Weibo, many of these channels were discussing Zhang Ye''s promotion into the B-list rankings. This was considered quite a feat in the entertainment circle as well.


    "What a miracle!"


    "Zhang Ye''s too lucky. If he even had a little bit of bad luck, he couldn''t possibly have reached where he is right now!"


    "Zhang Ye''s just a very normal looking guy. How did he even be a celebrity? And he even managed to be a B-list celebrity? I could do it too then! At least, I am a teeny bit better looking than Zhang Ye!"


    "There''s a definite element of luck in Zhang Ye''s sess."


    "If I had Zhang Ye''s luck and talent too, how great would it be!"


    "Zhang Ye is still a neer, without many film credits to his name and has never sang before either. Just based on a few television programs on the local channels and an online television station, with some poems and speeches, Zhang Ye has somehow amassed so much poprity. This would surely make many of the ''old-timers'' in the entertainment industry quite ufortable! If he could be a B-list celebrity this way, then if Zhang Ye were to ever officially go into movies or singing, or do a few programs on a satellite channel with nationwide coverage, then wouldn''t his poprity defy allmon sense by then?"


    "Not defy allmon sense, more like his poprity would be out of this world at that time!"


    "This person has opened up an alternative route to advancing in the entertainment circle!"


    "Other celebrities all depend on themselves and work hard for many years in the industry with no assurance of anything, but Zhang Ye''s achievements when he has only just debuted for about a year, whenpared to them, really does feel a little unfair."


    "Yes, a lot of his fellow peers are not too happy with him."


    "That''s right. Mathematical and literary standards do not belong in the entertainment circle at all. If he had advanced with the aid of those, then it really leaves those celebrities in the entertainment industry rather helpless."


    There were manyments such as those mentioned.


    When a person gets popr, gossip will fly. It was a very normal phenomenon.


    Faced with such a question from the reporters, Zhang Ye also fell silent for a moment.


    Xiaoxue raised her audio recorder up and asked, "Teacher Zhang, how do you feel about thements made by these minority groups and your fellow peers from the entertainment industry?"


    Unfair?


    Got lucky?


    Going by an alternative entertainment route that was considered as unorthodox?


    Seeing all of the reporters not blinking as they awaited for his answer, Zhang Ye smiled for a moment, not feeling angry at all because of these question. He even eloquently said, "I''ve said this before: whoever it is or whatever kind of art form we''re talking about, there is no possibility of it being liked or epted by everyone. There are those who like me and those who dislike me. Whatever the people''sments about me are, I will ept them, but for some of my fellow peers''ments��" He paused for a moment, before suddenly getting into the mood and saying, "I have here for them, a poem��a short poem."


    When everyone heard that, they felt like they were all suddenly injected with adrenaline. They became extremely excited!


    "What poem?"


    "Teacher Zhang, please recite it!"


    "Ah, wait, wait, wait, please wait a while! My pen recorder broke! Let me quickly get another!"


    "Would the person in front please squat down a little! I can''t get a picture! Please, people in the middle, please squat a little!"


    As long as it was anyone who knew a little of Zhang Ye''s history, they would know that Zhang Ye''s most outstanding talent was not mathematics, nor was it crosstalk, or his hosting abilities. It was actually his poetryposition!


    Zhang Ye softly recited:


    "A Sessful Flower.


    "We always admire only the beauty of flowers!


    "but its budding in its beginnings


    "were watered by tears of its struggles,


    "and rained on by the blood of its sacrifices!"


    The poem ended here.


    Tears?


    Blood?


    Sacrifices?


    At this moment, an old neighbor of Zhang Ye''s family who was standing around the crowd spoke. When she saw the reporters here earlier, she stood where she was and listened, but finally unable to keep quiet about it any longer, she opened her mouth. "Little Ye, don''t be bothered by those sarcastic remarks from your fellow peers! We neighbors have watched you grow up and know how many sacrifices you''ve made. You''d skip sleep every day just to finish recording your programs. For your job, you''ve always risked your life just to get things done, but who has seen that side of you?"


    Zhang Ye sped his hands, then smiled and said, "Grandma Cui, thank you."


    Another old man said, "Little Ye, work hard. We''re always supportive of you."


    A woman said, "Yes, don''t listen to their nonsense!"


    The poem was very short and was onlyposed of four phrases, but the impact of this poem was strong enough to cause the hearts of those reporters to sink a little. Yes, everyone could only see Zhang Ye''s sess, but when it came to his hard work and sacrifices, how many had bothered to notice it? How many people even knew about it?


    Xiaoxue nced at Zhang Ye a few times. This was just her first time interviewing Zhang Ye, but when she came face to face with him now, she suddenly felt that she had some understanding of this person!


    Back then, during the hijacking incident, everyone had happily talked about how Zhang Ye was so lucky to have brought the ne down bynding it safely, but did anyone think about how Zhang Ye had nearly died in a ne crash? Everyone saw Zhang Ye silencing all his detractors during the crosstalkpetition, but did anyone ever care about how Zhang Ye had nearly been banned for life by the SARFT!? Luck? Fluke? Coincidental? Zhang Ye did not reach where he was now based on these factors! He had fought his way through a bloody path against overwhelming odds!


    Leaders suppressing him!


    Fellow peers attacking him!


    In the moment between life and death!


    A choice betweenpromising or standing his ground!


    No matter when and where, Zhang Ye dared to stand up proudly to im this: My road has not been easy or smooth. The path he chose was harder than anyone else''s!


    A Sessful Flower.


    ��This was a very well-known work by famous prose author, Bingxin. Bingxin was famous for her prose works, but this short poem was one of her rarer and more outstanding works. Faced with the questions by these reporters and doubts from his fellow peers, Zhang Ye felt that this poem was the best reply as it represented his current thoughts and emotions. Back in his previous world, he also liked this poem very much, probably because of the use of the word "sacrifices" in it. Whenever he recited this short poem, Zhang Ye''s expression was not one ofment orint, and he did not say it to tell others that he did not have it easy. Instead, he mentioned it with a smile and some pride, because the "sacrifices" in this short poem were not pain or torture to him, but symbolized his strength of character instead. It was the source of his pride to be able to puff out his chest and raise his head high when faced with anything, because that was not a sacrifice to life''s unfairness, but the value and sacrifices of his upromising character!


    ����


    On the same day.


    This poem had been published by many publications throughout the country!


    "Sess and Sacrifice!"


    "Zhang Ye''s Voice!"


    "A Sessful Flower!"


    "Zhang Ye: A blooming flower stained with blood! "


    When this poem was published, it immediately caused an ardent discussion on the inte.


    "Teacher Zhang, you''re the best!"


    "Don''t bother with what others say, we understand you! How much you have sacrificed, we all know!"


    "F**k, What''s wrong with ''unorthodox, alternative paths''? So what if he went by the unconventional path? That''s what we favor, the unconventional path! Because of this, let us continue harassing them! If onees at us, we will deal with that one! If a bunch of themes at us, we will deal with all of them!"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s totally deserving of his B-list ranking!"


    "Those who don''t know anything, I suggest you check out Teacher Zhang''s CV first before opening your mouth!"


    A Sessful Flower might not carry the blood boiling passion like Zhang Ye''s previous works, nor was it as excellent as them, but it did carry a very important and heavy emotion. Anyone who read it would feel their hearts sink a little, especially that phrase "were watered by tears of its struggles, / and rained on by the blood of its sacrifices." Those words had silenced many of Zhang Ye''s detractors as well as those who were jealous of his achievements. Thinking of how Zhang Ye had made it so far, they did not dare to say any more.


    Difficult?


    There was a C-list celebrity movie star who once suffered a fracture during filming. After that, when he posted on Weibo, crying and whining for over a month, his fans all sympathetically imed that he had suffered so much!


    When a Korean singer had a few pimples growing on his face, the fans were all crying and shouting, saying things like how life was so unfair, iming how that Korean celebrity had always suffered so many mishaps!


    Was that difficult?


    Compared to Zhang Ye, their difficulties might not even be considered as something!


    Having been held in jail twice, forced to resign by Beijing Radio Station, sacked by Beijing Television Station, suspended by Peking University, nearly losing his life in an airne hijacking incident, being suppressed multiple times by the Shanghai SARFT, being affected by the most stringent ban in the history of the SARFT, and now being unemployed even though he was already a B-list celebrity with nothing to do except stay at home, being bored until he could even "leisurely" go out in the morning for a jog. There was only one such person who existed in the whole of the entertainment industry. So who dared to say that they were suffering more than Zhang Ye?


    No one would dare to say that!


    No one had it more difficult than him!


    Even so, even then, Zhang Ye had gone against all odds and managed to stand at his position in the B-list rankings. What kind of a notion was that!


    In this whole wide world.


    Who else couldpare!?

 Chapter 616: Chenchen’s guardian called to school for a meeting!

    <h4>Chapter 616: Chenchen��s guardian called to school for a meeting! </h4>


    Chapter 616 Chenchen''s guardian called to school for a meeting!


    In the afternoon.


    Zhang Ye leisurely went downstairs for a bowl of meat stew at a food stall nearby. It was rare for him to be so free these days, so he wanted to enjoy his life for now.


    "Master."


    "Hey, Teacher Zhang, you are here!"


    "I''ll have a bowl."


    "Large or small?"


    "Arge bowl, add more garlic sauce."


    "OK, please wait for a moment."


    The reporters had already left and there were none of them in the district anymore. Zhang Ye had a unique way of handling reporters. Many of the other famous celebrities were always troubled by the ever-present reporters and would think that there were always some nearby at every moment, so they tended to be extra cautious wherever they went. They would hide from reporters when they were going home, when they were eating, and when they went out to meet friends, causing even more reporters to want to follow them. Zhang Ye was obviously doing the opposite. He would not hide from reporters as he would ept interviews at any time. Even if he was not free, he would still have the courtesy to answer one or two questions. He would not refuse anyone, answering any questions that were asked, without hiding or acting mysterious. When the interview was done, the reporters would leave since there was nothing more for them to do. And so, they would not follow him around every day.


    As he was eating, his phone rang.


    When he saw the number��what a surprise!��it was Rao Aimin who was calling him.


    Zhang Ye swallowed his food and said with a mumble: "Hello, Landy Auntie. What''s the matter? I''m eating now."


    She replied: "Are you busy these next few days?"


    "These next few days?" Hearing this, Zhang Ye was immediately put on high alert and said: "I''m busy, really busy!"


    Rao Aimin smirked: "What are you busy with? Aren''t you mostly staying at home nowadays since you''re without any work? From the B-list celebrities and upwards, there''s no one who is as free as you are!"


    Zhang Ye said: "��Then why do you ask when you already know it."


    "That''s why I''m entrusting you with something. I have to go on a long trip for some personal matters for a while and I must leave in a moment. But Chenchen definitely cannot be left at home by herself and I don''t feel at ease letting other people watch over her. Anyway, since you''re free at home, you will have to help me take care of her," Rao Aimin said.


    "For how many days?" Zhang Ye asked.


    She replied: "It depends. Maybe it will take a few days, maybe it''ll be a month."


    Zhang Ye eximed: "Even up to a month? Are you going up to the moon or what!?"


    She said: "It''ll be a month at most but I mighte back after a few days. I''ll not let you help for nothing. Since you haven''t paid your rent for this month yet, I''ve decided that you do not need to pay the rent for this month."


    Zhang Ye was not willing to do it andmented: "How much would it cost to hire a nanny? Don''t even think about it, absolutely not! I''m still looking for a job and I''ll be busy if there is a new job offer. How can I find the time to take care of a child? That''s that then. I''m going to eat now, so please ask someone else, Landy Auntie!"


    In the next second, Rao Aimin said: "You do not need to pay rent for the next three months!"


    Without even thinking, Zhang Ye replied: "��Alright then, leave her to me!"


    She acknowledged and said: "Be more meticulous and remember to fetch the child to and from school every day."


    Zhang Ye said: "I know that, it''s not like I''ve never taken care of her before."


    Rao Aimin instructed him for a long time before hanging up. Although thendy had a bad temper and a wicked mouth, she was still very meticulous when it came to Chenchen and took great care of her.


    Hai, not only did he still not find any hosting jobs, he was now even tasked with a big errand.


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye continued eating his meat stew, but just as he took a mouthful of the meat, another call came in. He did not recognize this number.


    Zhang Ye picked it up and said: "Hello, who''s this?"


    It was a young woman''s voice: "Teacher Zhang, I''m Zhao Mei, Rao Chenchen''s form teacher from No. 2 Experimental Primary School. We met atst year''s parents'' public ss, do you still remember me?"


    Zhang Ye had an impression of her. It was during the time when he was not famous yet, and he had went in ce of Rao Aimin to participate in Chenchen''s lesson and even helped Chenchen to write "Tribute to the White Por" for her essay. He said, "Teacher Zhao, of course I remember you. What are you calling me for?"


    Zhao Mei said: "Didn''t you give me your contact number previously in case there was anything to inform you regarding Chenchen? I just tried giving her guardian, Miss Rao, a call, but couldn''t get through, so I contacted you instead."


    It was true that she couldn''t get through to the Landy Auntie earlier.


    She had just called me a short while ago.


    Zhang Ye asked immediately: "What''s the matter? Please speak."


    "Chenchen got into trouble again. Can you make a trip to the school?" Zhao Mei said helplessly.


    Zhang Ye was a little stunned, so he asked: "Is it serious? Did Chenchen get bullied again?"


    Zhao Meiughed ironically and replied: "That''s not the case. It would be fortunate if Chenchen did not bully others instead, so how would she be bullied? It''s better for you to make a trip here as it''s not convenient to talk over the phone."


    That kid! Always getting into trouble!


    "OK, OK, OK, I''ll be there immediately." Zhang Ye tucked away his phone and hurriedly finished his food. After settling the bill, he returned to the district and drove directly to No. 2 Experimental Primary School. He did not contact Rao Aimin as she had other urgent matters to settle, so even if he told her, she couldn''t go anyway. It was better that he just went by himself.


    Zhang Ye was very concerned because it was about Chenchen, so he drove very fast.


    ����


    In the afternoon.


    A little past 1 PM.


    Zhang Ye drove up to the school entrance. As the school was still having afternoon lessons, he informed the security guard in the guardroom, "I''m the guardian of a student here. Teacher Zhao Mei of the second grade asked me toe." Then he was let in and he went to park his car before proceeding upstairs to the teachers'' office quickly.


    At the teaching block.


    In the experimental ssroom of second grade, ss one.


    The mathematics teacher, Li Jiaxing, was a young teacher in his mid-twenties. He was standing at the rostrum, staring angrily at Chenchen who was standing at her desk. The surrounding students were all seated while only Chenchen was standing up. A lunch box given by the school was on her desk but it had already turned cold. The chopsticks were still wrapped in a stic wrap and it was obvious that Chenchen had not eaten her meal yet. The atmosphere in the ssroom was very tense as Zhao Mei and some of the other subjects'' teachers stood at the side.


    Zhao Mei persuaded, "Teacher Li, let''s carry on with the lesson first."


    Thenguage teacher also said, "Yes, don''t bear grudges on a child."


    Li Jiaxing insisted firmly, "Teacher Zhao, it''s not that I don''t want to go on with the lesson, but this Rao Chenchen has really gone too far. She''s not showing me any respect at all and this is not even the first time it has happened."


    Zhao Mei said, "I''ve already informed Chenchen''s guardian toe down to the school, we can discuss itter after the lesson if there''s anything."


    Li Jiaxing said angrily, "Then let''s wait for her guardian to get here! We need to resolve this matter before anything else! Today, I have to demonstrate clearly. If Rao Chenchen does not apologize to me, I won''t continue with this lesson!"


    Zhao Mei said, "Then let the child eat her food first."


    "I didn''t say she couldn''t eat her food, but she must be punished by standing in the ss!" Li Jiaxing gritted his teeth.


    The form teacher, Zhao Mei walked in front of Chenchen and said, "Eat your food first."


    Chenchen said with a straight face, "I''m not eating. It has turned cold."


    Zhao Mei said, "You should just apologize to Teacher Li. It was definitely wrong of you to rebuke Teacher Li earlier at lunchtime."


    Chenchen stubbornly said, "I won''t apologize!"


    Li Jiaxing said angrily, "Look at her! Just look at her!"


    The female fine arts teacher also tried to calm things down and said, "Teacher Li, calm down."


    "I''ve always wondered!" Li Jiaxing red up and then said, "How can a child with such low standards be in the experimental ss! I suggest that you all transfer her out immediately! Otherwise, I won''t ever be able to teach this subject anymore!"


    Many of the other students were also persuading Chenchen in whispering voices.


    "Chenchen."


    "Why don''t you apologize?"


    "You should just say sorry to Teacher Li."


    Chenchen looked at her ssmates and then said, "I''m not in the wrong, why should I apologize? He doesn''t know how to teach mathematics! I don''t understand any of what he''s teaching at all!"


    Li Jiaxing furiously said, "It''s a problem of your standard if you don''t understand it. You are bad at learning, not serious, not hardworking, and have ack of motivation! I don''t know how to teach? I was an intern and taught in Heping High School before. Last year, I was transferred to No. 2 Experimental Primary School. If I can teach high school students, why couldn''t I teach primary school students?"


    Chenchen pouted, "��Hur hur!"


    When he heard that, Li Jiaxing nearly died of anger. He said, "Laugh again if you dare!"


    All of a sudden, a figure walked in through the door and shouted in the same tone, "Shout again if you dare!"


    This loud voice made everyone in the ssroom jump in fright!


    The person who had entered the ssroom was Zhang Ye of course. He was wearing sunsses as he came into the ssroom!


    Chenchen immediately raised up her head.


    Li Jiaxing was exasperated. He asked, "What are you doing?"


    "I''m Chenchen''s guardian!" Zhang Ye looked unpleasantly at the math teacher. When he was walking to the ssroom, in the corridor, he could roughly hear what was being said and knew about the situation. He said, "My child may have her own problems but there are many ways to solve a problem. There''s no need for physical punishment and senseless yelling at her! Who are you trying to scare? What are you shouting for? If you want to shout, shout at me! Why are you yelling at a child!"


    Li Jiaxing was wondering what kind of guardian he was and immediately said, "First, I did not punish her physically; second, I allowed her to eat her food. It''s just that she does not want to eat. Finally, what is her purpose ining to school? What''s her role and responsibility? Not only did she disobey the teacher, she even openly insulted the teacher''s teaching standard! However, I would like to ask you this. As Chenchen''s guardian, do you know if your child is still motivated to learn?"


    Themotion that urred here had attracted many teachers who were having their free period. But the only person who knew him as Zhang Ye was the form teacher, Zhao Mei. Although Zhang Ye camest year, since he was still an unknown back then, not many people knew about him. Since the majority of second grade students did not chase after stars, why would the matter at that time be spread around? At most, some teaches would asionally rte to the incident and bring it up in their conversations.


    After listening to Li Jiaxing''s words, Zhang Ye did not argue with him. With his eloquent mouth, even a hundred math teachers would not be able to out-argue him. But he knew that he had to first understand the situation before saying anything else.


    Walking over, Zhang Ye asked with a deadpan expression, "What''s going on?"


    Chenchen said nothing.


    Zhang Ye said, "Spit it out."


    He knew Chenchen was not an ordinary child. She was extremely naughty and antisocial. Sometimes, even he would be vexed to death by her, let alone other people. However, Zhang Ye also knew that Chenchen was not an idiot. On the contrary, she was smarter than most of her peers, except that she was alsozy and did not like to learn. That was why when he heard themotion from outside the ssroom that Chenchen imed that Li Jiaxing did not know how to teach and she could not understand his teaching, Zhang Ye felt puzzled. With Chenchen''s intelligence, how could she not understand elementary math problems? So he wanted to understand the situation further, so as not to blindly side with the child.


    Chenchen leered at him, looked down at her desk and picked up a textbook from the table and passed it to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye took a look and saw what were obviously Li Jiaxing''s ss notes written during lunchtime. This math problem was rather simple for adults since they would not even need to calcte it to get the answer. But the steps to solving the problem and the train of thought��.


    Chenchen could not understand it?


    Zhang Ye roughly understood what was going on.

 Chapter 617: Wondrous math problem from the Previous World!

    <h4>Chapter 617: Wondrous math problem from the Previous World! </h4>


    Chapter 617 Wondrous math problem from the Previous World!


    In the ssroom.


    Zhang Ye put down Chenchen''s workbook and patted on her shoulder before asking her, "How long have you been standing for? Sit down first, I know what is going on."


    Chenchen nodded, then sat down and rubbed her legs vigorously.


    Li Jiaxing who did not agree to this, said, "Sir, this is a school and I''m the teacher currently teaching this lesson. At school, students should listen to teachers, and since she did not apologize yet, I''m not going to let her to sit down!"


    Zhang Ye retorted, "What if I feel that she does not need to apologize?"


    Li Jiaxing stared at him and never thought that a student''s guardian would speak to him in such a manner. This ce was Beijing''s No. 2 Experimental Primary School and one should know just what kind of a school it was to be named as such. It was one of the key focus primary schools in the city with lots of people and parents vying hard to send their children here. Which parent did not treat the teachers here with courtesy and politeness when they saw them? Even if it hadn''t been a key focus primary school, in any normal school, the students'' parents would never talk to a teacher in this way. Li Jiaxing shouted, "Then take your child back home! If you have the capability and ability, you can teach her yourself! There''s no need for her toe to school!"


    Chenchen unexpectedly replied, "My uncle can teach better than you."


    "You!" Li Jiaxing was getting mad!


    What a terrible child!


    And what a terrible guardian!


    This was exactly a case of what type of a general would lead what kind of a soldier! How the child turned out depended on what kind of a guardian you were! I was still wondering why this child was so unbearing! It''s simply because the guardian was also the same!


    The surrounding teachers were also speaking in whispers.


    "What sort of a guardian is that?"


    "He''s too protective of the child."


    "Right, this child has been spoiled by him."


    "Why do I feel that Chenchen''s guardian looks a little familiar to me?"


    "I don''t know, I don''t recognize him at all. I''ve never seen him at the past parent-teacher meeting sessions either. I only remember a woman who goes by the surname, Rao, the one who is very pretty but spoke in an expressionless manner."


    "Oh, I remember her."


    "Ai, the parents these days really have a problem educating their children!"


    "She even thinks that her uncle can teach better than Teacher Li? Hur hur, Teacher Li is our highest qualified mathematics teacher in No. 2 Experimental Primary School. If he hadn''t offended someone at the high school he was teaching in, he would not have been dismissed and ended up teaching at a primary school."


    Many of the teachers from the other grades also came to take a look at themotion happening between guardian and teacher, pointing at them as they observed and talked.


    It was probably only the form teacher, Zhao Mei, who knew the meaning of Chenchen''s previous sentence. She has paid attention to the news of Zhang Ye before and knew about her uncle''s background rather well. When Zhao Mei saw that the situation was getting a little out of control, and afraid that it would rm the school leaders or media, leading to a bigger mess, she immediately tried to smooth over the situation by saying to Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang, this matter is actually��"


    Li Jiaxing interrupted and asked, "Teacher Zhang? What a coincidence, you''re also a teacher?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You could say so."


    Li Jiaxing stared at him and asked, "What subject do you teach?"


    What subject did I teach? Zhang Ye replied, "In the past, I could be considered as having taught mathematics."


    Once those words were said, a lot of the surrounding teachers of No. 2 Experimental Primary School were stunned. This was a conflict between people who were both on the same side? 1 That''s coincidental? You''re also a math teacher?


    Upon hearing that, Li Jiaxing got even angrier and said, "Since we are in the same field and teach mathematics, then as a teacher, you should understand better that a student should unconditionally listen and carry out a teacher''s teachings. We won''t harm the students since we are carrying out the work of teaching others. If you are also a teacher, you should be guiding the child on how to have the correct learning attitude and not spoiling the child like this!" He paused for a while and asked, "Which school do you teach at? What grade do you teach? Primary school? Junior high?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Let''s not talk about which school I taught at first. Just now, I found what you said not to my liking, and it was the word ''unconditionally.'' Perhaps we have a different understandings, but to me, other than family love, there is nothing in the world that is unconditional. If my child is in the wrong, I will criticize her. For example, like today, Chenchen''s attitude towards her teacher is indeed problematic. I will go back and teach her about it. But at the same time, the reason I don''t think that my child should apologize is because I feel that you have the same problem. If a teacher makes a mistake, should the students unconditionally follow and do what they''re told? I don''t think so, because not even a teacher has such privilege!"


    Huh?


    What did he say?


    Li Jiaxing said, "I''m in the wrong? Where did I do wrong? During lunchtime, I was talking about yesterday''s homework when I pointed to Chenchen to answer a question. After that, I exined about the question in detail, but I was wrong?"


    The other teachers were all speechless looking at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye pointed to Chenchen''s textbook and said, "I''ve seen this math problem and its solving process. It''s not wrong; the steps and the answers are correct too."


    "Then you��" Before Li Jiaxing could finish, he was already rebuked by Zhang Ye''s next words.


    Zhang Ye said, "But when I meant that it was correct, that is in the case of the question being targeted at adults. Actually, I can ask all of the students right now." He turned around and faced the ss. Waving the textbook in his hand, he asked, "Earlier during lunchtime, did you all really understand Teacher Li''s calction and the train of thought in solving this math problem?"


    Actually, Li Jiaxing had also written the solution on the whiteboard.


    Listening to Chenchen''s guardian talking as though he knew what he was saying, all the teachers, including Zhao Mei, looked at the whiteboard, but were unable to see anything wrong with it.


    "What''s the problem?"


    "Is there a problem in this question?"


    "The final answer is nine, so it''s correct."


    "This problem does not even need to be calcted."


    "Just separate them out, then the problem will be solved?"


    All of the teachers were confused.


    At this moment, a girl who was not on friendly terms with Chenchen raised her hand and said, "I understand it! Teacher Li exined it very well! I can understand all of it!"


    Zhang Ye pointed to the whiteboard and asked, "Then can you exin how to do the separation for this step?"


    The girl was a little stunned and blinked for a long time but did not say anything.


    After that, a little boy said, "I��I also don''t understand."


    Then, more students gradually said the same.


    "Me too."


    "I don''t understand it as well."


    "I managed to get the final answer but I don''t know why I must separate the numbers that way."


    "Yes, me too."


    Li Jiaxing was a little shocked by this. He said, "Didn''t you all say that you understood when I finished exining the question just now! Why is it now that all of you suddenly don''t understand it? Yes, this question is quite difficult for a second grade student, but I''ve already exined the steps required to solve this and written out the solution very clearly, so what do you all not understand about it?"


    A little boy lowered his head and exined his reason, "Earlier, when I saw all the other ssmates saying they understood it, I also nodded along with them, but actually, I did not understand it."


    Zhang Ye said, "See, the other children also did not understand, but only Chenchen spoke the truth."


    Li Jiaxing helplessly said, "It''s fine if you don''t understand it, I can exin it again to everyone. This time, I hope everyone will be more serious and attentive!"


    Zhang Ye interrupted, "But have you thought about it before, Teacher Li? It might not be that the children were not attentive, but that your solving process and train of thought to the question was problematic instead?"


    Li Jiaxingughed in extreme anger, "There''s a problem with my exnation?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes."


    Li Jiaxing said, "Then why don''t you tell me, where did I teach incorrectly?"


    Suddenly, news of themotion made its way to the school leaders and several leaders of the No. 2 Experimental Primary School had arrived at the ssroom entrance, bringing two security guards along with them.


    The vice-principal entered and asked, "What happened? Whose parent is causing trouble here?"


    Zhao Mei hurriedly went up and exined, "It''s just a misunderstanding, there''s no trouble at all." Then, she exined about Zhang Ye and Li Jiaxing''s reason for their disagreement.


    The school leaders were left speechless for a while when they heard that. They were wondering from where in the countryside this guardian had came from. He tried to argue about a math problem with a mathematics teacher? They also saw the question on the whiteboard and wondered: what could be the problem with it since it was such a simple question? He was also a teacher? He''s even a mathematics teacher? Then his standard must really be a joke. Even the two security guards, who did not seemed well-educated, after looking at the question, also looked at Chenchen''s guardian despisingly.


    And then Zhang Ye spoke in an indifferent tone, "Teacher Li, I don''t doubt your mathematics standard, I only said that your train of thought in teaching might have some problems. You were a teacher at a high school previously?"


    Li Jiaxing said, "Correct."


    The vice-principal frowned and added, "Teacher Li also holds a master''s and is a schr from Tianjin Normal University, yet you are saying that Teacher Li''s standard is not good enough?"


    "A master''s? Majored in higher mathematics? Indeed, he is very good." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Let me put it this way, everyone might not understand if I just say it like this. Since I''m also a math teacher, then let me pose a problem now for everyone to try to solve, then there might be an answer to the problems I brought up, OK?"


    Zhao Mei said, "This��"


    One of the school leaders decided to speak up first, thinking that this student''s guardian was trying to challenge the authority of their teachers and creating trouble. That wouldn''t do, so this matter had to be solved today no matter what. He said, "Sure, since the subject for this ss now is still math anyway."


    Li Jiaxing could only think, You still want to set a question for me, even though I have a master''s? He didn''t know whether tough or cry. Then, he said, "Fine, pose the problem. Is it calculus? Functions? Or equations?"


    Zhang Ye waved his hand with a smile and said, "No, it''s just a simple elementary math question."


    When they heard this, the teachers went into an uproar.


    "What?"


    "Elementary math question?"


    "Are you teasing Teacher Li?"


    "Why do you even need to give an elementary math question? Even a fool could do it!"


    "Teacher Li has a master''s from a well-known school!"


    Zhang Ye walked towards the whiteboard and said, "I heard the teachers'' saying that even a fool could do it? Hur hur, that might not be so. Anyway, I''m going to pose the problem now."


    Zhang Ye found a ck marker and began to write out the problem on the whiteboard.


    This problem of course did not exist in this world, because this world''s current education and sybus had differed slightly with Zhang Ye''s previous world. In Zhang Ye''s previous world, this set of problems was very famous, and had for a time, caused amotion and heated discussions all over the inte. Essentially, this was really an elementary math question and had appeared in a elementary math topic before. But any adults who had seen it before would give it the nickname:


    ��The wondrous math problem!


    Today, Zhang Ye would disy it here as he wanted to make the people from this world widen their horizons!


    1. The flood dashes against the Temple of the Dragon King; a two-part allegorical saying, of which the first part, always stated, is descriptive, while the second part, sometimes unstated, carries the message.

 Chapter 618: Philosophy behind the math problem!

    <h4>Chapter 618: Philosophy behind the math problem! </h4>


    Chapter 618 Philosophy behind the math problem!


    On the whiteboard.


    Zhang Ye''s wondrous math problem from his previous world had surfaced in this world!!


    The problems were: Follow the rhythm and write out the multiplication form (a set of onomatopoeic words):


    1: Ding Ding Ding, Ding Ding Ding;


    2: Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah;


    3: Wu Wu Wu, Wu Wu Wu;


    4: Miao Miao, Miao Miao, Miao Miao.


    There were a total of four questions with few words. Zhang Ye finished writing them with just a few strokes before putting down the marker. He turned around and said, "I have finished setting the questions, everyone can give them a try. The students may try it as well, so just find a nk piece paper to write down your answers. Yes, let me emphasize it once more, this is a set of elementary math questions meant for primary school students. OK, you may begin now."


    If the people from Zhang Ye''s previous world saw these math problems, they would not be unfamiliar with them or too surprised. However, in this world, these teachers had never seen such kind of questions before, so they were all f**king stunned by it!!


    Pfft!


    F**k!


    What kind of math questions were these!


    Li Jiaxing had already intended to pick up a marker to start writing. If he could even handle university-level higher math questions, what would be so difficult about these elementary math questions. After all, he held a master''s degree! But within a second of seeing the questions, Li Jiaxing felt like he was suddenly overwhelmed by a hundred thousand lines of ''f**k you''!


    This��


    What the f**k was this!


    A second grade fine arts teacher asked in confusion, "Are these really elementary math questions? That''s impossible! They are such difficult questions that I don''t even understand them!"


    A third grade music teacher said, "Yes, I don''t even know what the meaning of these questions are."


    Zhao Mei was also trying to solve the questions but was left very confused, "Onomatopoeic words? What do you mean by onomatopoeic words?"


    The vice-principal also muttered softly to himself, "Follow the rhythm to write out the multiplication form? Rhythm? What kind of rhythm? Why are the questions even rted to music now? Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do? How would the children even understand it!"


    One of thenguage teachers mumbled to himself, "Ding Ding Ding? Is this a multiplication form?"


    An English teacher who had already given up said, "It''s impossible to solve this! What and what?!"


    Li Jiaxing was also experiencing a headache that was hurting his brain at this moment. What did these sounds have anything to do with multiplication forms? And also, how would these multiplication forms be written?


    However, Chenchen had already lowered her head and started to write.


    Her other ssmates were also writing down their own answers.


    One minute passed.


    Three minutes passed.


    Five minutes passed.


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye told everyone to stop. "OK, that''s enough. The time given is already too long. Those who know the answers would have already written them. Teacher Li?"


    Li Jiaxing handed over his answers with a dark expression. He had written down the answers on the nk area on the back side of his teaching materials. The answers were written as��Question one: "1��3, 1��3."; Question two: Empty, he did not write any answer for it; Question three: "1��3, 1��3."; Question four: "1��2, 1��2, 1��2."


    Zhao Mei also wrote: Ding ��3, Ding ��3; Ah ��1, Ah ��1; and so on for the other questions.


    The other teachers'' answers were also all sorts of strange. Compared to Zhao Mei''s multiplication form which even contained the Chinese characters, the answers given by the others were much odder and weirder.


    Most of the teachers did not answer at all because they could not even understand the questions.


    Zhao Mei asked curiously, "What are the correct answers?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Teacher Zhao, can you help me collect the answers from the students?"


    "Sure." Zhao Mei went to collect the answers from all of them.


    After they were fully collected, Zhang Ye wrote down the right answers on the whiteboard.


    The answer to the first question: 3��2


    The answer to the second question: 1��4


    The answer to the third question: 3��2


    The answer to the fourth question: 2��3


    Every teacher had answered them wrong!


    When Li Jiaxing saw the answers, he was suddenly enlightened!


    He finally understood what was going on once the answers were given!


    "So that''s how it is!" A fine arts teacher said in a speechless manner, "This was really too difficult to guess, just reading and understanding it was already too difficult!"


    One of the teachers couldn''t resist and said, "These are elementary math questions? Which primary student can solve these kind of questions? If they can do it, I''ll eat all the answer sheets!"


    Li Jiaxing nodded and said, "Even if they can get it right, it''s probably only by chance."


    Zhang Ye asked with great interest, "Oh, is that so?"


    "How is it not so?" Li Jiaxing pointed to the whiteboard and said, "Even the adults had trouble understanding those questions, so don''t even mention the children!"


    Zhao Mei also nodded.


    "That''s right," all the teachers said.


    Zhang Ye happily said, "Alright, since everyone says that, let''s check the answers by the children. Teacher Zhao, could I trouble you to read out their answers?"


    Zhao Mei had not looked at their answers yet, so she said, "Alright, but there are no names on the answer sheets."


    "It''s alright, no need for any names," Zhang Ye said.


    Zhao Mei acknowledged and took the stack of answer sheets. From the first one, she read out, "3��2; 1��4; 3��2; 2��3��.3��2; 1��4; 3��2; 2��3��.3��2; 1��4; 3��2; 2��3��." Reading up till here, Zhao Mei and the rest of the teachers were all stunned. Zhao Mei''s hands shivered, she seemed to have witnessed something miraculous. She stared with her eyes wide open and continued reading, reading faster as she went on, "��3��2; 1��4; 3��2; 2��3��.3��2; 1��4; 3��2; 2��3��empty, a student did not answer��.3��2; 1��4; 3��2; 2��3��.3��2; 1��4; 3��2; 2��3��.3��2; 1��4; 3��2; 2��3��.3��2; 1��4; 3��2; 2��3!"


    She finished reading out all of the students'' answers!


    Only one student handed in an unanswered sheet and another one got it wrong but everyone else was correct. In the entire ss one of the second grade, more than 90% of them had correctly answered those questions!


    Zhao Mei raised her head up and asked nkly, "How could this happen?"


    The vice-principal was shocked and said, "This��this is not possible!"


    The fine arts teacher was stunned and asked, "Almost all of them got it right?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged, then pointed at the children and said, "Everyone here saw them just now, the children did not engage in any cheating. I believe everyone saw it more clearly than me, is that right? After these questions were given, they did not copy from each other and I also gave the answers only after their answer sheets had been collected. That would have eliminated all possibility of them cheating, and so the results are for all here to judge. Teacher Li, is this what you call a lucky shot even if almost all of them had answered correctly? If one or few of them got the questions correct by chance, then how would you exin almost all of them getting it correct together at the same time?"


    Li Jiaxing was at a loss for an exnation. He asked, "How��how did you do that?"


    Zhang Ye waved it off and said, "It''s not how I did it. You should be asking the children how they did it instead. I have mentioned and confirmed that these are only primary school elementary math questions, so perhaps the children might have a different thinking from you all. Children, do you think these questions are difficult?" He looked at them and asked.


    A girl said, "It''s not difficult!"


    A little boy smiled and said, "It''s very simple."


    Another boy also smiled and said, "It''s too simple."


    This was probably the first time they felt they were actually smarter than the school''s teachers. They had gotten the math questions correct when even the teachers could not answer them. Everyone was feeling very proud and excited, scrambling to speak up and express their thoughts about how this problem was really simple for them.


    Chenchen''s answer was even more exasperating.


    She smirked and said, "Such childish questions."


    Childish��


    The elementary math questions that werebeled as childish by a child was too difficult for a group of teachers and school leaders to handle, even baffling the teacher with a master''s degree, Li Jiaxing!


    This was a scolding!


    This was outright scolding!


    Many of the teachers did not look too good anymore.


    Li Jiaxing hurriedly asked, "Just what is going on here?"


    Everyone did not know or understand why either!


    Zhang Ye exined, "You might think that this is magic. Why did the adults find the questions to be so difficult while the children solved it without any pressure at all? Obviously this was not magic. It''s just the difference of the train of thought in approaching the solving of the questions. Teacher Li, you have a master''s and have taught in a high school previously, but also precisely because of that, it ended up bing a problem when you are teaching the primary school students. They are not adults and are even the youngest among the pre-teens, so the way they view the world is also different from what adults see. Naturally, you shouldn''t use an adult''s train of thought to measure them by either."


    After letting Zhang Ye show off a little of his skills, the teachers were silent and only waited for him to continue exining.


    Zhang Ye walked to the whiteboard and asked, "Is this question difficult? It is not difficult at all. If I change the way the question is expressed in, maybe all of you will be enlightened." Then, he wrote and drew something at the side of the ''Ding Ding Ding, Ding Ding Ding'' question. Zhang Ye changed it into a set of three watermelons on one side, and another set of three watermelons on the other side, but kept the requirement of expressing the question in a multiplication form.


    When everyone saw it, they were jolted awake!


    "Aiyah!


    "If it was written earlier in that way, I''d have understood it!"


    "Such questions already exist in the elementary math workbooks!"


    "Right, it''s exactly the same too!"


    "Isn''t it just simply a 3��2 multiplication form!"


    Li Jiaxing was left speechless as he looked at Zhang Ye with aplex expression.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It looks really clear now, right? This was actually the same question, but was only changed from a pictorial representation into words. Since it was only like that, then why did everyone not understand it? Why? Let me tell all of you why. This is because the thought process of an adult is tooplicated. They always overthink things, such as the meaning of the words, onomatopoeic words, or the permutation andbination of words. Thus, even when the questions were essentially the same, what was affected was actually your own judgments. However, it is different for children, as in their eyes, the world is really not thatplicated at all. Together with the way we have been learning and our mindsets of how questions should be, this has led to such an oue that seemingly feels like magic here."


    The form teacher, Zhao Mei, looked at Zhang Ye in admiration. Unexpectedly, just some simple elementary math questions were conveniently modified by Zhang Ye to such a level that it not only shocked the teachers, but also gave them a lively lesson to learn from!


    The math problems even had a hidden philosophy behind them!


    What a legendary person of the entertainment circle! He thoroughly deserved his reputation!!

 Chapter 619: Genuflecting!

    <h4>Chapter 619: Genuflecting! </h4>


    Chapter 619 Genuflecting!


    Those teachers who were present stared doubtfully and anxiously at Zhang Ye who was speaking with fervor and assurance. This was no longer just a simple lesson on elementary math problems anymore.


    "Who is this person?"


    "What''s his background?"


    "Is he really a math teacher?"


    "I''ve never beforee across these types of questions that Chenchen''s guardian set, nor even heard of such questionsing from other schools or appearing in any textbooks, so could he havee up with them spontaneously?"


    "This problem is really quite wonderful!"


    "That''s right, there''s a hidden catch!"


    "It looks difficult, but is in fact really simple."


    "Yes, it looks easy, but is in fact difficult too."


    "Why do I feel that he looks really familiar the more I look at him? I can''t see his face clearly when he''s wearing those sunsses!"


    The teachers were discussing the experience Zhang Ye had led them through just now, leaving them with mixed feelings and a sense of reflection.


    Li Jiaxing was feeling the most tangled right now as he was not only a mathematics teacher, but also the most qualified teacher among the teachers present. It was still within reason that the others, the fine arts teacher,nguage teacher or music teacher were not able to answer the questions, but for Li Jiaxing to be unable to answer them, he was even worse than the students he called out and criticized earlier. This made him feel very embarrassed. He would like nothing more than to run away or find a hole to hide. But he knew he could not run away; it was impossible for him to go anywhere!


    After Zhang Ye had taught them a lesson, his anger also subsided. He said to Li Jiaxing, "Teacher Li, the meaning behind those questions can be applied to the problem you gave to the children as well. I have seen the steps in solving the question on the whiteboard, and the separation solution you used was in line with an adults'' thoughts and problem solving pattern, but very different from what a child has learned from kindergarten and onwards. That is why the children could not understand what you were teaching." He picked up the marker, raised his hand, and wrote something onto the whiteboard. "What if I exined it this way? Chenchen, do you understand it now?"


    Chenchen took a look and said, "I understand."


    "Ah, I understand!"


    "I know how it is calcted now!"


    "So that was how it was calcted!"


    The other children also chimed in, expressing that it was now clear to them.


    Zhang Ye revealed his own opinions and said, "And that is the reason why all of you think that the questions I posed just now were some sort of wondrous questions. That was what I meant. It''s only good for the students if the teaching style is suited to them. At least, I feel that we shouldn''t enforce the mindset of an adult onto the children. Each certain age group has its own thought process, be it primary school students, secondary school students, high school students or university students. Each of them should have a different education n based on their thought processes. We have to move along with the times and ages of our beneficiaries."


    Everyone became speechless at this.


    Philosophy was even taught through these elementary math questions?


    Hidden reflections about society and education were contained in these elementary math questions?


    These types of math questions were literally unheard of before by Li Jiaxing, the teachers, and school leaders, but today they were truly enlightened. At this moment, even if they were fools, they already knew that they had met an expert!


    Li Jiaxing breathed in deeply and asked curiously, "Which��age group of students are you teaching? Are you also a teacher teaching primary school students?" In his opinion, if someone could set these questions based on the thought process of primary school students, then it was very likely that he was also a primary school teacher by profession. That must be the reason he could understand the children so well. As for Li Jiaxing, he had only been transferred to teach at a primary school in thest year, which was why he had a different line of thinking when teaching them as he was still more familiar with teaching high school students, thus making Zhang Ye look a little better than him.


    The other teachers also thought the same.


    However, Chenchen''s guardian gave an unexpected answer. Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Me? I used to teach university students."


    "What?"


    "Huh?"


    "University students?"


    "You are a university teacher?"


    "Surely not?"


    "But you''re so young? How could you be a university teacher!"


    "That''s right, how can there be such a young university math teacher?"


    The teachers of No. 2 Experimental Primary School were expressing voices of doubt.


    Li Jiaxing as a master''s degree holder was also stunned, because he knew what it meant if one could be a math teacher at the university level. Mathematics as a subject was quite different from other subjects, as qualifications were not the only thing needed. Even though he already had master''s degree, if he wanted to teach at a university, he had to first go through an internship and have worked for some years to gain the necessary experience. Even so, he might not end up being able to teach because the requirements of a university teacher were much higher than high school or junior high!


    "Which university did you teach at?" Li Jiaxing knew some people in this field and was unsure whether Chenchen''s guardian was telling the truth, so he wanted to get to the bottom of things.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I taught at Peking University previously."


    Li Jiaxing was shocked, "Peking University? Which Peking University?"


    Zhang Ye said, "How many Peking Universities does China have?"


    When everyone heard that, they were left with their eyes wide and mouths agape. What the f**k! Peking University? The top ranked higher educational institute in the country? A globally renowned university''s math teacher?


    F**k!


    Could he not say something that was so ridiculous!?


    How could he be a teacher at Peking University!?


    A female music teacherughed and said, "Chenchen''s guardian is really humorous, hee hee hee."


    Li Jiaxing asked again, "Which school do you really teach at?"


    Zhang Ye became speechless at this.


    The form teacher, Zhao Mei, finally spoke up and said, "Teacher Zhang really is a teacher at Peking University. Not only is he a teacher, he''s even an associate professor in the School of Mathematical Sciences at Peking University."


    A Peking University teacher?


    And even an associate professor??


    The school leaders and teachers nearly fainted from shock! Could it get any more exaggerated than that? To be a teacher at Peking University in his twenties was already shocking, he''s even an associate professor? How could that be possible!? The number of teachers at a university in China were just a handful, since when was there such a young associate professor??


    Eh?


    That''s not it!


    Wait a moment!


    Li Jiaxing suddenly remembered something, as his expression suddenly changed into one of fright. It was as though he had been greatly shocked by something. Then he said with a slight loss of his voice, "You! You are Zhang Ye!"


    Those words were like a bomb that had exploded in the ssroom!


    The vice-principal of No. 2 Experimental Primary School stared at Chenchen''s guardian and said, "You''re really Zhang Ye!"


    The fine arts teacher pped her thigh and said, "Hai! No wonder I was thinking about why he looked so familiar! So it''s because he is Teacher Zhang Ye! I should have guessed it!"


    "What the f**k!"


    "��"


    "That''s what I thought!"


    One by one, the teachers started to recognize Zhang Ye!


    They felt that they had really been stupid at this point of time. A guy in his twenties, wearing sunsses in a ssroom, with solid foundations in mathematics, and also an associate professor at Peking University��other than Zhang Ye, who else could it be! Right, some time ago, there were rumors going around in school that a second grade student''s guardian was a celebrity. At that time, several of the teachers had seen Zhang Ye during the public ss. It was in this second grade ss that the famous "Tribute to the White Por" originated from. But as some time had passed, people had already started to forget about this matter!


    But today, Zhang Ye has appeared again!


    The person most affected was of course Li Jiaxing. He certainly knew who Zhang Ye was. Not only did he know him, he was also a hardcore fan of Zhang Ye. What Li Jiaxing admired about Zhang Ye was not his programs nor his poetry, but his unfathomable standard of mathematics!


    Thinking back, when he found out that the long unsolvable Dale''s conjecture was solved by a Chinese mathematician, Li Jiaxing''s excitement was indescribable andsted for a long time too. On that day itself, he had posted many messages onto Weibo, highlighting his pride as a fellow Chinese mathematician. At that time, it was the first time he hade to know of Zhang Ye''s legendary name. From then on, he had regarded Zhang Ye as his idol. In Li Jiaxing''s view, Zhang Ye was a new wave of leaders, and also an important pir in the Chinese mathematics world. Just he alone could hold up and support the entire Chinese mathematics world, allowing it to stand up with its chest out in the global field of mathematics. The scene and excitement at the time when the conjecture was solved, was perhaps only something that a true math practitioner would be able to understand. It was a feeling of having his heart pumping hard, the hot-blooded passion and excitement of a mathematician!


    That was why, at this moment, Li Jiaxing felt like he wanted to vomit blood for three straight days and nights!


    What was I doing just now? I was arguing over some math questions with Professor Zhang? I was arguing about how math education should be conducted with a world ss mathematics master?


    Your sister!


    Argue my ass!


    This was something on a whole other level!!


    Faced with a living god of the mathematics world, Li Jiaxing could only stand there in a trance. If he knew earlier that this was the illustrious Zhang Ye, he would not have dared to argue over the math question with him, even if it killed him. Not only him, even his mentor in mathematics would not have the right to hold an exchange about math or science with a great mathematician like Zhang Ye. Their level of difference was too great, so there was really nothing they could exchange. At the most, his mentor would be there to "listen"!


    This was really Zhang Ye!


    This was really the legendary Zhang Ye!


    Li Jiaxing was genuflecting, he was thoroughly and sincerely genuflecting!!

 Chapter 620: Witnessing a celebrity’s appearance!

    <h4>Chapter 620: Witnessing a celebrity��s appearance! </h4>


    Chapter 620 Witnessing a celebrity''s appearance!


    Ding ding dangng.


    The bells went off and signaled the end of the math ss.


    But in the ssroom of second grade, ss one, there were no signs that the ss had already ended. Everyone was still talking with excitement. After the period was over, students and teachers of the adjacent ssrooms also came over after hearing news of themotion. Many people came to take a look at the celebrity and wanted to see for themselves just how Zhang Ye looked like in real life.


    "Look, it''s Zhang Ye!"


    "I know him, I know him!"


    "Aiyo, it''s really him! My little brother likes him very much!"


    "Why did hee to our school? I can finally see him in person!"


    "I think he came herest year too. There was hearsay that he''s a rtive of one of our students in the second grade."


    "He looks just the same as he does on television."


    "Everyone says that Zhang Ye only has average looks, but why do I think that he''s not bad at all?"


    Teachers were human too, especially those female teachers, who were very gossipy as well.


    At this moment, Li Jiaxing went up to the rostrum and said excitedly to the students, "Students! Students! All of you might not quite understand, but let me introduce him to everyone. This teacher is Zhang Ye." He gestured politely towards the direction where Zhang Ye was and continued, "Some of you or your parents might have seen him on the news, and some of you might not understand what is going on, but I''m going to tell all of you about it now. Some time ago, Teacher Zhang Ye was the person who solved the mathematical conjecture that had troubled the mathematics world for several decades. He brought us glory, dignity and honor, and is our country''s most outstanding young mathematician! He''s also one of the top mathematicians in the global mathematics field!"


    With every im made by the teacher, the children felt impressed over and over again.


    "Ah?"


    "Is that true?"


    "He''s that great?"


    "Chenchen, your guardian is so cool!"


    The students pped wildly.


    Chenchen calmly said, "Yes, he''s passable."


    But Zhang Ye waved it off and said, "Teacher Li, you are too generous with your praise. I''m not that great. It''s just that everyone has exaggerated me. I''m only a simple mathematician." He was ying it cool! It was too great of an act! Zhang Ye thought to himself about his false modesty, but maintained his tone in a "low-key" manner by sounding very humble.


    "Teacher Zhang is being too modest." Li Jiaxing said, "Students, I hereby apologize to everyone. Just now during lunchtime, I did not consider the issue properly and the thought process was not tweaked well enough for you all. As a result, it caused everyone to fail to understand the logic of the solution and yet I thought that it was because you all were not being serious and attentive in ss. I even lost my temper at Chenchen, therefore I would like to apologize and also thank Teacher Zhang. It was Teacher Zhang who had enlightened me. In the handling of our students'' education problem and teaching methods, there are still many things that I have to learn. On top of that, there are also many things for me to learn from Teacher Zhang! From today onwards, I''ll strictly demand more from myself and adjust my way of teaching."


    Zhang Ye waved his hand and said, "Don''t put it that way." He paused for a moment, then continued, "When I came in just now, I was also probably too overprotective of the child. On this matter, Chenchen has her problems as well. No matter what, she shouldn''t have challenged a teacher like this." He turned to Chenchen and signaled for her toe over. "Come here, apologize to Teacher Li and the other teachers."


    Chenchen showed a reluctant expression.


    Li Jiaxing hurriedly said, "Don''t, Teacher Zhang, you''re making me look bad. I didn''t handle this matter appropriately and there were mistakes in the way I taught, so how could let the student apologize to me? Please don''t say anymore. If you say any further, I will not have any face left to continue teaching math to the students. The mistake has already been made, teachers do the same." If it were anyone else, Li Jiaxing would not have been convinced or even say such words. But standing in front of him right now was his idol in the mathematics field, a legendary expert of the mathematics world. No matter who Li Jiaxing would be unconvinced by, that person would definitely not be Zhang Ye!


    The matter was settled.


    Everyone was now satisfied and happy with the oue.


    Under the instruction of the school leaders, most of the teachers were told to disperse and get back to their work. Some returned to their offices while some went back to their ssrooms to get ready for the next lesson.


    When most of the crowd had dispersed, and with the school leader not around anymore, it became easier to talk about what needed to be said.


    Li Jiaxing came up to Zhang Ye immediately to ask him for guidance on some math problems. "Teacher Zhang, can I bother you for a few minutes? I just need a few minutes. I have some math problems I do not quite understand. I''ve even sought my mentor''s advice before, but he was unable to help me, so��"


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Sure, how can I help?"


    They were both simr in age, but Li Jiaxing was clearly older than Zhang Ye by a few years. At this moment, in front of Zhang Ye, Li Jiaxing felt just like a humble student asking about some math questions that had troubled him for a long time, patiently waiting for Zhang Ye''s exnation. Without much thought, Zhang Ye exined it to him in simple terms. Li Jiaxing could understand a bit, but still generally did not understand, mainly because his standard wasn''t good enough. So he took out a small notebook, and scribbled down some notes like a student would. After that, Li Jiaxing promptly thanked him, feeling like he was filled with wisdom and had benefited a lot from the exnation!


    It was a case of meeting beats hearsay!


    He was indeed a world ss mathematics expert!


    Li Jiaxing looked at Chenchen and felt that the more he looked at this child, the more he liked her. Those big round eyes, how clever. Her small nose, how cute. Those eyebrows, so likable. As a result, he smiled brightly and said in a very gentle voice, "Chenchen, are you hungry? There is a microwave in the teachers'' office, let me heat up the food for you. You can''t continue without eating your meal." He picked up the cold lunch box and said to Zhang Ye, "Chenchen is an extraordinarily clever and quick-witted child. To be honest, in my past few years of teaching, I have nevere across such a smart child. In the future, she will surely have some great achievements. With your guidance, Chenchen will certainly also have the makings of a world-ss mathematician!"


    Chenchen: "��"


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    Form teacher Zhao Mei: "��"


    Students of the second grade, ss one: "��"


    Only half an hour ago, he was pointing at Chenchen saying that she was brainless, poor at math, and did not learn seriously, but now she suddenly gained the foundations to bing a world-ss mathematician??


    Li Jiaxing went to heat the food up, and then returned with the boxed lunch and gave it to Chenchen. He also took the initiative to inform the teacher of the next lesson of the reason, so that Chenchen could have permission to eat her meal during ss.


    On seeing that there was nothing left for him to do, Zhang Ye said to the form teacher, Zhao Mei, who had invited him over in the first ce, "Teacher Zhao, I''ll be leaving then."


    Zhao Mei asked, "Are you busy?"


    Zhang Ye stopped in his tracks and replied, "I''m not really busy, what''s the matter?"


    Zhao Mei smiled and said, "Then let''s go and talk in the teachers'' office. The reasons I asked you toe to school today was first, regarding the matter that happened in the math lesson just now, and second, I wanted to discuss with you the problem of Chenchen''s learning attitude. She''s an infamous problem student in our school and many subject teachers have always intended to have a meeting with Chenchen''s guardian to discuss about her.


    Zhang Ye nervously said, "Ah?"


    Zhao Mei led him towards the end of the corridor, saying, "Pleasee with me."


    When Zhang Ye was still schooling, he had always been afraid of having his parents called to school. This was because, when they got home, he would be surely get a beating from them. But now that he as a guardian was called to school by a teacher, he could finally understand why his parents would give him a beating. It was because it was really just too embarrassing! If the child got into trouble, he would also get a scolding. As Zhang Ye was already a big shot B-list celebrity, he was of course not looking too good at the moment!


    Ai, having acted so awesomely earlier, he was now on the verge of being exposed as ipetent!


    Zhang Ye only hoped that Chenchen''s teachers would give him some face and not talk down to him like how his parents were talked down to in the past!

 Chapter 621: Heated discussions about the wondrous math problem on the Internet!

    <h4>Chapter 621: Heated discussions about the wondrous math problem on the Inte! </h4>


    Chapter 621 Heated discussions about the wondrous math problem on the Inte!


    At the same moment.


    A math problem had suddenly caused a stir on the seemingly calm Weibo!


    A Weibo verified user whose ount belonged to a Beijing No. 2 Experimental Primary School teacher had posted an elementary math problem online: "Who can answer this? Everyone,e and give a try!"


    At the beginning, no one really thought anything about this. On seeing the call for a challenge to solve the question, at most some people woulde and take a look at it, thinking that an elementary math problem couldn''t possibly be too difficult. Even secondary level math questions were not a problem for them, besides, who hadn''t studied in primary school before? And so, someone began with an attempt to answer the question but just as they seriously started reading the question, they found that it was basically different from what they had expected!


    "Damn! What the heck! F**k!"


    "What kind of math question is this?"


    "There''s music?"


    "Is this an elementary math question?"


    "Can someone tell me what is the meaning of the question?"


    "Is the first answer 1��3? Is it correct? F**k, I don''t know."


    "Are primary school students learning how to defy logic these days? It''s impossible to answer the question! Which teacher was so wicked to set such a wicked question?"


    "Pfft, I''ve already given up!"


    "Same here, my head is swelling!"


    Then, the No. 2 Experimental Primary School teacher followed up with a post again: "Please note that this elementary math problem was set by our China''s famous mathematician, Professor Zhang Ye, today. And to give everyone an additional blow, the math question was for our students in the second grade at No. 2 Experimental Primary School. 93.2% of the students answered correct. Only two students in the whole ss got it wrong while the rest of the students got it right!"


    With that, the Weibo post was attracting a lot more attention and was getting livelier than before!


    "What? Zhang Ye set the question?"


    "Is it really an elementary math problem?"


    "Since it was Zhang Ye who set them, then it must not be simple or straightforward."


    "It was needless of you to say that. How could a world-ss mathematics expert set an ordinary elementary math problem? There must surely be manyyers of profundity in it. I''m getting interested now, watch me solve it!"


    "The percentage of right answers by the primary school students was more than 90%? I wouldn''t believe it even if you threatened to kill me! I don''t even know the meaning of this question! Primary students can''t possibly answer it! Even if they were elite students from a key focus primary school, they couldn''t possibly be smarter than an adult?"


    "Watch me do it!"


    "I''ll give it a try too!"


    "I''m sure it can be solved, let me think��"


    "I still won''t believe it!"


    Gradually, theizens'' kept posting their answers, with each one bing weirder than thest!


    Suddenly, some celebrities also showed up, some of them being Zhang Ye''s friends.


    Yao Jiancai posted: "What lousy question did Little Zhang set!"


    Peking University''s Teacher Su Na posted: "I''m so angry! *flips table*! I better continue teaching my Chinesenguage. The mathematics world is way too scary."


    Xiao Lu from Beijing Television: "Pfft, this question is really amusing, Ding Ding Ding? Ding Ding Ding? But I have to say, this is exactly what Zhang Ye''s style is like!"


    Finally, the No. 2 Experimental Primary School teacher appeared again and revealed the correct answers. Needless to say, a few of theizens really could answer it correctly, but the rest of the people, numbering in the thousands, got it wrong or did not manage to answer at all. This ratio left everyone in disbelief as they all wondered if those children from No. 2 Experimental Primary School students, who were more than 90% correct, were all f**king aliens. They adults were not as good as a group of primary students??


    "What''s going on?"


    "Isn''t this absurd?"


    "Was that teacher from No. 2 Experimental Primary School just spouting nonsense?"


    "Are the children these days all abnormal like that?"


    Theizens were all expressing their denial of this!


    At this moment, Dean Pan of Peking University''s School of Mathematical Sciences, whether told by some students or had happened to chance upon this math question, also posted on Weibo��knowing that this was a trick question��and told everyone: "Hur hur, only Professor Zhang Ye can think of such devious questions. I can say for sure that this is really an elementary math problem but with a hidden catch somewhere in it. For a primary school student, it may not seem like a trap, however this is a trap that was specificallyid for an adult to fall into!"


    When they saw that, everyone began to shout and mor!


    "Huh?"


    "This was a trap for us?"


    "Zhang Ye is really too wicked!"


    "This guy has always had a character like that!"


    "Pfft, I knew it! Teacher Zhang himself is already a trap! A trap of great proportions! Whoever gets involved with him will fall into it!"


    "What kind of trap is it?"


    "Dean Pan, can you kindly exin it?"


    Dean Pan replied on Weibo: "The principle of this trap falls on the different thought process of an adult and a child. Adults easilyplicate simple things, and thisplication probably starts right off at the reading of the question. It is a subconscious thought process that children do not employ. Whether it is a musical note or an onomatopoeic word, it''s the same thing to them. These onomatopoeic words are basically meaningless to them, so they can easily see the essence of the question and solve it. From a certain perspective, a majority of adults might really be inferior to a primary school student at this and so would be unable to answer the question right."


    "So that''s how it is!"


    "Holy shit, so that''s the reason!"


    "I was still wondering!"


    "Zhang Ye, this son of a bitch!"


    "If he doesn''t con someone in a day, he will not feelfortable!"


    There was a wave of condemnation flung from everyone at Zhang Ye, as theyughingly scolded his wickedness!


    Dean Pan posted: "It might look to be just an elementary math problem, but behind it lies some philosophies and reflections which are definitely not of the elementary level. Professor Zhang Ye is no doubt a rare genius in the mathematics world. This question is indeed very interesting. I have already copied it down and will prepare to use it for our Peking University students to try, and also to analyze it. For some problems and questions, if we change our perspectives and view it from a different angle, we may somehow get an unexpected result! Professor Little Zhang has let everyone know to never underestimate a simple-looking question at any time or any ce! Because they might not be as simple as you think, but at the same time, they might also not be asplicated as you thought it to be!"


    Ah?


    Let the Peking University students try out the elementary math problem? And even analyze it in detail?


    Dean Pan''s words were no doubt a very high appraisal of both this elementary math problem as well as Zhang Ye himself.


    After seeing Dean Pan''s exnation, everyone began to understand and see the trick to this math question. Upon deeper reflection, everyone had no choice but to admire Zhang Ye''s talent, knowledge, and different way of thinking. An elementary math problem stuffed with many tricks��including philosophy, psychology, and even the importance of mathematics��with the key point being that it could also produce such a mass face-pping effect on others? Perhaps in the whole of China, only someone like Zhang Ye, who could make something out of nothing, coulde up with a question like that!!

 Chapter 622: Ticked off by the elementary school teachers!

    <h4>Chapter 622: Ticked off by the elementary school teachers! </h4>


    Chapter 622: Ticked off by the elementary school teachers!


    Online, theizens who had been left scratching their heads at that elementary math problem were all denouncing Zhang Ye in waves.


    Offline, at No. 2 Experimental Primary School, in the second grade teachers'' office, Zhang Ye was also surrounded by several male and female teachers, listening to theirints.


    "Chenchen''s too naughty."


    "Yes, in so many years of teaching, I''ve never seen any child as mischievous as her."


    "Teacher Zhang, you''ve been toox in the caring of your kid."


    "In all the tests that I have arranged for the ss, Chenchen has never passed even once."


    "The previous time, during P.E. sses, she even fought with a boy. When we learned of it, we rushed over to check on them. Thinking that Chenchen had been bullied, we scolded the boy without a second thought butter realized that nothing had happened to Chenchen at all. Instead, she left the boy lying on the ground with just a push, giving him a gigantic bruise on his arm. When the boy''s parents came to school to question the teachers and found out that it was a little girl who did it, they did not take it up any further, possibly embarrassed by the fact that their boy had been pushed by a girl."


    "ss one is not easy to handle because Chenchen always leads some of the students to cause trouble together with her. Teacher Zhang, you have to talk to her a little when you returnter!"


    "Even though she is not your own daughter, as a guardian, you have have to help educate her. After all, you''re also a teacher of the people."


    The second grade teachers were full of gripes.


    Zhang Ye could only constantly reassure them, "Alright, I will definitely tell her off when I get back��.Yes, what you said was correct��.Aiyo, you''re really tolerant��.I will speak to her when we go back��.Yes, yes, yes��sure, sure, sure!"


    This devil of a child!


    How worrisome can she get!


    Only when the teachers continued with their grieving did Zhang Ye realize how much trouble Chenchen had actually caused. She was already the gang leader of No. 2 Experimental Primary School, giving the teachers all kinds ofints!


    Luckily, because the teachers knew of Zhang Ye''s status as a literary master and an internationally recognized mathematician, they still gave him some face and did notsh out too harshly at him. Of course, there were two female teachers who were justughingly "criticizing" Zhang Ye for his neglect in disciplining the child, but did not actually have any bias against Chenchen at all. In fact, they really liked the child who appeared like a "porcin doll" that was more beautiful looking than any others. Besides, Chenchen did not make any trouble for them in their sses anyway, so they just yfully scolded Zhang Ye a little as it was a rare opportunity! A big shot B-lister, a well-known person in society, when put into the hands of these teachers, it would be a wasted opportunity if they did not make use of the chance to say a few words!


    As they were there talking.


    A soft singing voice floated in from outside.


    "When will the moon be clear and bright? / With a cup of wine in my hand, I ask the clear sky��" It was "Wishing We Last Forever," but sang in a very odd way. The voice belonged to a woman, but sounded very hoarse and strained. This was not a pitch and tone that most women would be able to sing in and it made anyone who heard it feel very strange.


    The singing was getting closer and closer.


    A music teacher threw up her hands and said, "Raspy Luo is here."


    An art teacher gently rubbed her ears and said, "It sounds so unpleasant."


    "This Little Luo, why does she always have to sing every day." A teacher who was much older said, "I wouldn''t mind it if she sang well, but just listen to that."


    Zhao Mei, the form teacher of ss one,ughed, "I think it''s not too bad, just that Teacher Luo''s voice isn''t that nice to listen to."


    Beside her, a female teacher nodded and said, "Teacher Luo must not have taken good care of her voice when she was going through puberty, and that must have caused her voice to sound like the manly voice she has now."


    Zhang Ye asked curiously, "Who is this Teacher Luo?"


    Hearing Zhang Ye''s question, Zhao Mei said, "It''s Teacher Luo Yu, our school''s physical education teacher. Because Teacher Luo likes to sing a lot, she''s always humming a song wherever she goes. But as her voice sounds really rough, everyone gave her the nickname of ''Raspy Luo.''"


    Raspy Luo?


    Physical education teacher?


    Zhang Ye nodded, but his ears perked up and listened carefully to this singing voice that was getting nearer and nearer. There was no music apaniment or rhythm, just pure singing. However, this singing stirred up a very different kind of feeling in Zhang Ye, but he did not know how exactly he felt about this Raspy Luo''s singing. In any case, it was just a very weird feeling.


    Suddenly, the singing stopped.


    The teachers'' office door was pulled opened by someone from outside and Luo Yu appeared standing at the door.


    Zhang Ye looked over and saw a woman who was built quite muscrly, at a height of about 1.6 meters tall, probably weighing around 160 pounds or heavier. Her face looked pretty normal, not pretty but not ugly either. To use a description from his previous world, she would be called a "tough girl" and probably be known as a tough girl among tough girls. Anyone who saw her would be pretty in awe of her appearance.1


    Zhao Mei said, "Teacher Luo, your ss has ended?"


    Luo Yu''s speaking voice also sounded very hoarse. She said, "Yes. Eh?" She noticed Zhang Ye standing there and asked, ''Is this a new teacher? Or someone''s parent?"


    Zhang Ye introduced him, "This is Zhang Ye, Chenchen''s guardian."


    When Luo Yu heard that, her eyebrows immediately narrowed as she eximed, "So you''re Chenchen''s guardian!" She said to Zhang Ye, "That child of yours is really incorrigible. Every time during P.E. ss, she just tries to sit it out. When she has to do any running, she doesn''t run properly; it''s also the same for the aerobic exercises. She just doesn''t want to learn them properly. Then there was this incident in which she even fought with someone during my ss! She pushed the boy down and left him sprawled out on the ground! Her strength was really too much! In the end, I was called up to see the school leaders because of that and even got a bad scolding from them!"


    Zhang Ye thought to himself, knowing that the child had been taught some basics by a certain someone. Chenchen''s aunt had taught her the Eight Trigrams Palm from a young age, letting her learn the basic movements and making her do the horse stance for training. Even if her physical conditions as a child now restricted her from learning the true form of the Eight Trigrams Palm, the basics and foundations were still not something that anyone else her age would be able to match. Zhang Ye felt that even if another kid were to gang up together with that male ssmate, Chenchen could still handle them, being such a brawny child!


    Zhang Ye humbly said, You''re right, I will most definitely tell her off!"


    Luo Yu wasn''t finished. She continued telling him off, "You parents and guardians are always like this! You all spoil the child at home too much, not beating or scolding them, making these children harder and harder to teach these days. They''re not obedient to the teachers at all��." She continued chirping, airing all her grievances.


    The math teacher, Li Jiaxing, interrupted and said, "Teacher Luo, that''s enough. It''s not easy being a parent these days, the problem of children''s education is a subject of national importance and would change in ordance with the changes in society. It''s not something that just a few people can have influence over."


    Luo Yu did not like what she heard and said, "If there''s a problem with the children, then it has to be the responsibility of the parents or guardians. Why should it be med on society? Besides, is Rao Chenchen just your usual kind of mischievous kid? Let''s not mention her rtionship with the other students, just based on her attitude to the teachers, she has never known how to respect others. She always says things here and there that drives us crazy!" She turned to look at Zhang Ye again. "We''ve already called for her guardian toe to school many times to discuss this. It was a Big Sisst time, and this time, it''s you. No matter how many times we call you over, it has not been effective in the slightest! Do you really wish to raise the child properly? Are you just going to neglect this matter like that?"


    After brooding for a long time.


    Luo Yu finally said all that she wanted to. She drank water from her thermal sk inrge gulps before she finally settled back down at her desk, ignoring Chenchen''s guardian from then on.


    Zhang Ye was feeling really helpless. When had he ever been talked to like this before? First it was a group of teachers who grumbled to him non-stop, then came a P.E. teacher lecturing him for not properly caring for the child, but Zhang Ye could not and should not talk back to any of that since it was really Chenchen''s fault for being disobedient and always causing trouble. Ai, what a huge loss of face this was.


    Zhao Mei quickly eased the situation by saying, "Teacher Zhang, Teacher Luo was just saying that for the good of the child, so she might have been a little harsh, but don''t take it to heart. Teacher Luo is a good person and very meticulous towards the children."


    Zhang Ye said, "I understand. So then, if there''s nothing else, I should be leaving now. I will go out for a smoke and then wait for Chenchen to finish school before picking her up. As Chenchen''s actual guardian is not around and has gone to handle some matters, I will be watching over her temporarily. If there''s anything, you can just contact me."


    "OK, let me see you out then," Zhao Mei said.


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "Don''t worry about it."


    Li Jiaxing immediately said, "Teacher Zhang, take care, take care." He wanted to see Zhang Ye out as well, but was stopped by Zhang Ye who insisted that he not.


    The other second grade teachers also waved happily to Zhang Ye to signal their farewells.


    After Zhang Ye left the teachers office, Luo Yu looked at them in some confusion and asked, "What are you all up to? What Teacher Zhang? Why are you being so polite with him? You guys even wanted to see him out?"


    The fine arts teacher said in a speechless manner, "You''re really a thick one. Don''t you know who that is? If you knew who he was, would you have criticized him so harshly?"


    The music teacherughed and said, "Little Luo''s still the gutsiest."


    Luo Yu was a little taken aback when she asked, "Who is he?"


    Li Jiaxing nced at her and asked, "You don''t even know who Zhang Ye is?"


    Luo Yu, still not knowing what was going on, said, "What Zhang Ye or Li Ye? I don''t know them at all."


    Zhao Mei didn''t know how to react. She said, "The song you were singing just before you came into the teachers'' office just now, wasn''t that song written andposed by Zhang Ye based upon his poem Shuidiao Getou?"


    When she heard that, Luo Yu''s eyes immediately widened as she froze in her seat. After being stumped for a second, she rose from her chair and said, "Ah? That was Zhang Ye??"


    Li Jiaxing said, "How could he not be?"


    Luo Yu nearly fainted right there, but continued, "He��he was wearing sunsses and I couldn''t recognize him at all! Holy shit! I''ve been singing that song that was written andposed by him almost everyday!"


    Li Jiaxing said with a belittling attitude, "Come now, why would a P.E. teacher like you not do something else but just sing that song everyday. When you wereing into the office earlier, Teacher Zhang Ye already heard your singing. That lousy voice of yours probably left the original writer andposer feeling frustrated!"


    Thenguage teacher giggled, "Before you came in, we had already spoken to Teacher Zhang Ye for a long time about Chenchen, but we were just talking in general and letting him know what the problems were. But you, you were really unforgiving, you even used Teacher Zhang Ye of being negligent in properly caring for his kid! No matter what, he''s still a Peking University associate professor."


    Luo Yu eximed, "I��I really did not know it was him! How could he be Chenchen''s guardian? Aiyo, I''ve heard rumors that Zhang Ye''s temper is really bad. Do you guys think that I''ve gotten myself into trouble now?"


    "Yes."


    "Yes."


    "Yes."


    "That''s for sure."


    "You''ve made a huge mess this time!"


    All of the teachers were gleefully quipping at Luo Yu''s troubles.


    Luo Yu vomited blood right there!


    1. http://yingyu.xdf/201309/9682655.html

 Chapter 623: Zhang Ye’s wondrous math lecture!

    <h4>Chapter 623: Zhang Ye��s wondrous math lecture! </h4>


    Chapter 623 Zhang Ye''s wondrous math lecture!


    In the evening.


    The rippling rays of the evening sun shone as it set.


    At Jiaomen East, Zhang Ye''s rented apartment.


    Standing in the open kitchen, Zhang Ye sandwiched his phone between his shoulder and cheek while his hands prepared dinner. He ced the processed fish-vored pork slices which he had bought from the supermarket into the pan, added some seasoning, then mixed and stirred it all about with the spat. This person did not know how to cook, but he made do with whatever he could anyway.


    Zhang Ye said: "Mom."


    "I was still waiting for you toe home for dinner," his mother said.


    "Didn''t I already send you a text?" Zhang Ye asked.


    His mother said: "I just saw it. So you won''t be back for a few days?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Yes, I''ll be staying in Jiaomen for now as myndy needed to go away for some time. And I have to help her take care of the kid. Ugh, don''t bring it up. Just talking about it makes me angry. The kid''s school called me up to ask me to make a trip to the school today. When I was there, a group of teachers criticized me about her behavior. What a loss of face I suffered! Hmph, seeing kids behave in this way these days has given me mental trauma and severely impacted this bro''s passion for children should I get married in the future. If my children turn out to be so naughty and uncontroble in the future, I would totally get tired out."


    His mother said: "You don''t even have a partner yet, and you''re already thinking about children?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Don''t force my hand, or else I might just suddenly bring someone home on one of these days as your daughter-inw. If she turns out to be too beautiful for you, don''t be shocked. You''d better be prepared for it."


    His mother happily said: "Yes, continue bragging all you want."


    Zhang Ye said: "Whether I''m bragging or not, you''ll find out in the future."


    His mother said: "Alright, alright, your mom will wait and see."


    "I need to stop talking now. I still have to prepare dinner." Zhang Ye used the spat to stir the food in the pan.


    His mother said: "Whoa, you even know how to cook now? Make sure the food is well-cooked. Don''t let the little one get a stomachache."


    "Got it." Zhang Ye hung up and put his phone onto a clean area on top of the refrigerator before he did a taste test on the saltiness of the dish he was preparing.


    Chenchen, sitting on the sofa and looking very glum, said, "Zhang Ye, I''m hungry."


    Zhang Ye grumbled under his breath, "What are you in a rush for? Just wait."


    Chenchen''s stomach had already been rumbling for quite some time now. After she had the argument in the afternoon with the teacher, she did not eat much of her food either. She shouted, "Zhang Ye! I''m hungry! Zhang Ye! I''m hungry!"


    "What are you rushing for? It''s almost done!" Zhang Ye turned off the heat, put the food onto a te, and brought it to the table.


    Chenchen did not wait for him and picked up the chopsticks and began eating. When she had eaten a mouthful, she inadvertently gave a look of dislike. She said, "Zhang Ye, it''s not good."


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh, is that so?"


    "It''s not good," Chenchen insisted.


    Zhang Ye gave it a taste and said, "It''s not bad." Then he scooped out two bowls of rice and sat back down at the table. Picking up his chopsticks, he started eating happily and said, "Your Uncle Zhang''s standard is just that. It''s good enough that you have something to eat. It''s definitely cooked, so don''t worry about getting food poisoning." Saying that, he picked up arge portion of the food for Chenchen and put it into her bowl with his chopsticks. "Quickly eat. Your aunt definitely won''t be back this week, and I don''t know if she will be back next week either. You''ll be sticking around me for a while, so let''s just make do with whatever we can. If this is not good enough, then we''ll order takeout or buy frozen dumplings tomorrow."


    Chenchen thought about it for a long time before unwillingly picking up her chopsticks to continue eating.


    Zhang Ye spoke as he ate, "These next several days, I will be taking care of you, so you have to listen to me. Let''s have an agreement beforehand. First, you have to eat your meals at the right time and in the right quantity every day, so that when your auntes back, she will not see that you have lost any weight and me me if you do. Second, you have to do your homework after dinner, if you don''t have any homework or have finished it already, then you have to do your own revision until 8 PM. Your form teacher gave me a dressing down today; I don''t even know how to face her. You''d better buck up so that it doesn''t be necessary for me to make another trip to your school again. Oh, then third andst point, you have to go to bed by 10 PM, so note night of watching cartoons. Did you hear all of that?"


    Chenchen did not say anything.


    Zhang Ye looked at her and asked again, "I''m asking you. Do you understand?"


    Chenchen eventually voiced her acquiescence.


    Only then was Zhang Ye satisfied. With thendy auntie not around, the full responsibility in taking care of the child rested on his shoulders. Not only did he have to take care of her meals, he had to oversee her learning and extracurricr activities as well. Hai, it was only after taking charge that he knew of the responsibilities; taking care of a child was really tiring to the soul.


    After the meal.


    "Shoo, go and do your homework."


    "OK."


    "Don''t just say OK, you have to do it physically as well."


    "��OK."


    Chenchen sat herself down on Zhang Ye''s sofa, opened her schoolbag and took out a book, pencil, and eraser. She slowly started to do her homework and paused every so often.


    Zhang Ye sluggishly dragged his feet to the kitchen to wash the dishes. After a long time of not doing chores, he really did not have any motivation to move at all. Laziness was a kind of habit; once you got into the rhythm of this habit, it was extremely difficult to get out of it. This was the situation Zhang Ye was in right now. Old Wu had taken great care of him��and when he was at his parents'' house, they would not let him do any chores either��so having not stayed alone for a very long time now, it was really difficult to get ustomed to this life again.


    After washing all the dishes, Zhang Ye went to take a look on Chenchen. However, when he saw that she had only written a single line in her workbook, he angrily said, "What have you been doing here for so long?"


    Chenchen said, "Doing my homework."


    Zhang Ye said, "Why did you take so long just to write almost nothing?"


    "Zhang Ye." Chenchen pushed her workbook to him and said, "Help me write."


    Zhang Ye stared at her and said, "Write it yourself. If you don''t finish it, then I won''t let you watch cartoonster. When it''s time, you will go directly to bed." After that, he ignored her and went to lie down on his bed while watching the news on TV.


    Central TV news��


    Entertainment news��


    He was watching it with enjoyment. In the past, Zhang Ye was never too interested in the news as he found it really dry. But after he had be a celebrity, he took a liking to it, part of it being that keeping up with the news was necessary for his career. He had to be updated about the social topics and current affairs so that he could be in step with the times.


    Chenchen looked up with the pencil with her hands. "Zhang Ye, you''re disturbing me."


    Zhang Ye impatiently grabbed the remote control and said, "I''ll lower the volume, continue doing your homework."


    Chenchen said, "It''s still noisy."


    Zhang Ye lowered the volume even more and said, "It should be alright now."


    "It''s still noisy, Zhang Ye. Turn it off," Chenchen said unhappily.


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips and turned off the television in annoyance. He said, "You''ve been working for quite a while now but that''s all you''ve written? You''re so troublesome. Alright, alright, the television''s off now."


    Chenchen continued to work on her homework.


    Zhang Ye looked around and decided that he could only use his cell phone to browse Weibo for now. After a short time browsing, he noticed the math problem he had given at No. 2 Experimental Primary School this afternoon was posted onto Weibo. It had even attracted a heated discussion in the afternoon as it received a lot of attention from theizens. This was something Zhang Ye had not expected. But after thinking a bit about it, when this wondrous math question was brought out in his previous world, it had also created quite a stir from many people on the inte. It was widely discussed at the beginning. Not until when everyone had gotten used to the existence of this problem did the hype die down. And so, when this wondrous "brain teaser" math problem that had not existed in this worldrgely filled with traditional and regr math questions appeared, it naturally attracted a lot of interest and attention from people since it was a "new style" of a math question.


    They were also denouncing him?


    On Weibo, many people cried out with anger, as though Zhang Ye''s elementary math question from the afternoon had inflicted damage to the self-esteem of these adults. They were all calling for him to give them a chance to make up for their loss of face!


    "@ZhangYe!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you better appear right now!"


    "Zhang Ye, you''re so wicked and mean!"


    "Give us another question! I refuse to believe that I can''t solve it!"


    "Right, this time we''ll definitely get it right!"


    "If you''re so good, give us another elementary math problem! I was just too careless before! It ended up with my girlfriend making fun of me for the whole afternoon! She even said that my IQ is lower than a primary school student''s! I''m so furious!"


    "That question was made to trick people, it was phrased to baffle us. But if we knew what was going on beforehand, then no matter what questions you posed us, we wouldn''t have any trouble with it for sure as long as it is really just an elementary math problem."


    "Right, as long as it''s restricted to elementary math questions, we''ll solve them in a nce for sure."


    Some were calling for a challenge while others were making a scene.


    Peking University''s Teacher Su Na also came forward toment: "I suggest that Teacher Zhang start a ss on Weibo and post some elementary math problems for everyone to try out."


    Since Zhang Ye was not busy with anything, he immediately replied to Su Na: "Sure."


    And so, Zhang Ye posted a separate Weibo post: "Due to popr demand and requests for a challenge, in today''s ''Zhang Ye''s ssroom'', I shall share several questions for discussion. The same rules apply. I guarantee that it will be an elementary math problem that is meant for second or third grade students. We will see who can answer them. The time limit is an hour after I post the problem. If someone can answer all of them correctly, then I will even add a prize as a reward. If there are too many people, the prize will be given out as a lucky draw. If there aren''t that many who can answer correctly, then all those who get it right will get a prize. It can be my autograph or my calligraphy pieces, we can always discuss thatter, hur hur."


    When theizens saw this, they all gathered together over at Zhang Ye''s post!


    "Wah! There''s even a prize?"


    "Zhang Ye''s calligraphy works sound really good!"


    "That''s great! Give us the question then! I can''t wait!"


    "Count me in!"


    "Me too, I''m here as well!"


    At this moment, the long unseen Big Saber Bro also made an appearance: "Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst! Give us the problem quickly! Mathematics happen to be my forte!"


    Yao Jiancai also appeared and said: "What''s up again?"


    A Peking University teacher who was verified on Weibo joined in too. He could be considered Zhang Ye''s colleague, but as Zhang Ye had not officially been given any sses before at the Math Department, he wasn''t too familiar with this teacher. He didn''t even know him by name, but would probably know him if he saw him. The teacher said: "Let me give it a try too."


    Even a Peking University teacher had been forced to make an appearance??


    In the end, many other Peking University students��whether they were Chinese Department or Math Department��also joined in. They were all eager and ready to solve the question as they were not in time this afternoon to catch the first question and had only seen it for the first time when Dean Pan''s Weibo discussed it. As such, they already knew the answer to it before they saw the questions, so there was no chance for them to even think about it. As such, many of them did not find the question to be difficult at all. After all, this was just an elementary math problem!


    People from everywhere started popping up!


    With the momentum from the previous wondrous math problem��and the addition of gimmickry, goading, as well as prizes as encouragement��, many Weibo users had already arrived at this post of Zhang Ye''s in no time. Everyone wanted to see what kind of an elementary math problem Zhang Ye would pose to them, and if it was really going to another wondrous question. Surely it couldn''t be more baffling and trickier than that earlier question, right?


    1000 people��


    5000 people��


    10,000 people��


    More than ten thousandizens had arrived to join in the fun here. Before the questions were even given, the post had already been forwarded 3000 times. The scene was very grand as everyone went crazy, wanting to give the questions a try for themselves! No one believed that they could not do it!

 Chapter 624 Question after question, the math questions that made everyone vomit blood!

    <h4>Chapter 624 Question after question, the math questions that made everyone vomit blood! </h4>


    Chapter 624 Question after question, the math questions that made everyone vomit blood!


    The were countless people waiting.


    "Where are the questions?"


    "Teacher Zhang, hurry up!"


    "We''re all waiting for them!"


    "I''m going to get Zhang Ye''s calligraphy for sure!"


    "Haha, if all of us answer correctly, then with tens of thousands of us winning the calligraphy prize, Teacher Zhang might not be able toplete them even after his 30th birthday!"


    "Hehehe, we can finally get something out of Zhang Ye!"


    "Yeah, he has always been the one winning against others. Looks like the tables have finally turned. He will lose this for sure. The wisdom of the crowd is infinite. Everyone, let''s work together to finish off Teacher Zhang!"


    "Let''s shake hands."


    "Let''s build an alliance!"


    "Right, if one of us cannot win against him, then let''s stand together to deal with Teacher Zhang. Even if Teacher Zhang has superhuman powers, he can''tpete with the essence of everyone''s wisdombined together. Besides, he has already stated that it will be a second or third grade type of math question, so this time, we must show Zhang Ye how good we are!"


    "Agreed!"


    "Seconded!"


    "Let''s get ready, everyone!"


    "We even have a Peking University Math Department teacher taking part, hahahaha. That means he''s Zhang Ye''s colleague, a fellow math teacher from the country''s best education institution. Zhang Ye must not have expected a fellow colleague would join in the fun, otherwise, how would he dare to boast and even put up prizes for the correct answer. Come on, let''s all follow the Peking University math teacher''s answer! Since the answers are all publicly shown and Zhang Ye''s rules don''t forbid copying either, shouldn''t it be alright?"


    "Right, there''s also support from the Peking University students. These students are all the most straight-A students among the straight-A students. I don''t believe that, with so many of us, we can''t crack some elementary math questions!"


    Everyone felt confident. Along with Zhang Ye''s teasing antics earlier to fan up interest, everyone was stoked and took up the challenge. If they could make Zhang Ye��who had an unblemished record in online battles��taste defeat this time, everyone would surely be delighted to see it. Even Zhang Ye''s hardcore fans did not mind this oue. You could even say they couldn''t wish more for this oue as they were the ones who were shouting and belittling Zhang Ye more than anyone else. Faced with such a scene, many people were overwhelmed. They wondered just how damn unlikeable Teacher Zhang could get!


    However, Zhang Ye kept his calm and was tickled by all that was happening. He understood that this was actually how an entertainment star should be. Being belittled like this by the fans and people was actually not a reflection of them disliking you. Just like what was happening here right now, it meant that everyone actually really liked Zhang Ye.


    It was time for the question!


    Watched by tens of thousands of pairs of eyes, the first question was released!


    The first problem of Zhang Ye''s ssroom: Little Zhang is the owner of a shoe shop. A pair of shoes cost ��20 to buy and sell for ��30. A customer pays with a ��50 bill, but as Little Zhang did not have any spare change, he takes the ��50 to a neighboring shop to change for five ��10 notes. Finally, he gives ��20 of change to the customer. Later, when the neighboring shop discovers that the ��50 note is counterfeit, Little Zhang has no choice but to pay them ��50. All in all, how much money did Little Zhang lose?


    "It''s just this question?"


    "It looks pretty simple!"


    "Haha,e on, this looks like a very normal question."


    Many people had posted theirments immediately when they saw this question. After doing some calctions, they also posted their answers onto Weibo and felt that they had answered it correctly. However, after they had posted their answers online, they were in for a shock when they discovered that even in their group, people had different answers to the question!


    Some answered 20 RMB.


    Some said it was 30 RMB.


    There were also those who answered with 50 RMB.


    They all nearly got into an argument over this.


    "It''s obviously 20 RMB!"


    "No, it has to be 50 RMB, do you all know how to math at all?"


    "It definitely has to be 30 RMB, if it''s not, I''ll run into a wall!"


    "It''s 60!"


    The first question had already stumped most of the people who participated. Only then did these people realize how that was not some damned normal question at all. There was surely some trick to it somewhere, otherwise, why would they all arrive at different answers?


    However, what left them truly shocked were the next set of questions!


    After reading the next few questions, everyone suddenly felt that the first question was indeed just a very normal and typical elementary math question!


    ����


    The second problem was next.


    From 1 to 10, these numbers have been divided into four groups:


    1, 3, 7, 8;


    10;


    5, 9;


    2, 4, 6.


    Please exin the pattern that was used to separate them into their groups.


    "Ah?"


    "What is this?"


    "Pattern? How is there any pattern in that ass fart of a sequence!"


    "Permutations andbinations? It isn''t that either! Besides, this topic shouldn''t be covered in the sybus for elementary school math, right? Aren''t these numbers just randomly arranged? There''s no pattern at all!"


    "Your sister, what kind of questions are these!"


    "I''m going crazy!"


    Theizens began to be stunned by what they were looking at.


    ����


    Followed by the third problem.


    7111=0. 8809=6. 2172=0. 6666=4. 1111=0. 2222=0. 0000=4. 5555=0. 8193=3. 8096=5. 4398=3. 9475=1. 9038=4. 3148=2.


    Derive the following:


    2889=?


    "Holy f**k!"


    "I''m gonna faint!"


    "2889?"


    "Is this an addition-subtraction equation? Using the above established answers to do addition and subtraction!"


    "Let me check which two figures when subtracted would give 2889."


    "That''s not right, there''s no way to do add or subtract with those numbers to get 2889 at all!"


    "Ahhhhhhhh!"


    ����.


    Question 4:


    This was a picture-based problem.


    In the first row: The images below are aliens��followed by four pictures of organisms


    In the second row: The images below are not aliens��followed by four pictures of organisms


    The question came at the third row where five pictures of organisms were shown: Please circle which of the following are aliens.


    "��"


    "None of these pictures are the same!"


    "How can we deduce anything like that?"


    "In my opinion, these are all f**king aliens!"


    Finally, Zhang Ye said: "Alright, it''s just these four questions for now, so everyone please give them a try. There are still 40 minutes left. If you can answer all of them correctly, there will be a prize. There are no rules; you may copy other peoples'' answers too. Just cote all of the answers andment with a Weibo ount and that is enough. Finally, I would like to assure everyone that these are really just elementary math problems for primary school students. I won''t set a question for everyone if it exceeds the level of fifth grade students."


    When everyone saw this, they went even crazier!


    "I''m so shocked that I have pissed my pants!"


    "Heavens! Is the world of a primary school student really so terrible and scary??"


    "Primary school students! You guys win! I kneel to you!"


    "Kneeling as well!"


    "I''ve knelt!"


    "Firmly kneeling down!"


    "I''ll no longer look down on primary school students!"


    Those Weibo users who were still confidently trying to show Zhang Ye earlier what they could do were now all either dumbfounded or vomiting blood!


    Only at this moment did they realize just how much of a bastard Zhang Ye could be. How wondrous and terrifying could Zhang Ye''s math problems get? They were basically more wondrous and more terrifying than the most wondrous and most terrifying math questions!!


    "No way, I need to give this some thought!"


    "There has to be a way to answer these. Let''s put our heads together, everyone!"


    "Who has the magical being known as a ''primary school student'' in their homes? Quickly bring them out to help solve these questions!"


    "Right, find a primary school student!"


    "Pfft, you guys are too cute!"


    "I give up! I''ve already fried my brains thinking!"


    "I''ve finally realized that we''re not going to be able to enjoy ourselves seeing Zhang Ye lose. This person is a f**king psycho! He''s a psycho and so are his questions!"


    "+10,000!"


    "Zhang Ye, you cheat!"


    "I''ve totally never seen such wondrous questions before!"

 Chapter 625 The Peking University math teacher also genuflects!

    <h4>Chapter 625 The Peking University math teacher also genuflects! </h4>


    Chapter 625 The Peking University math teacher also genuflects!


    [copse]


    Evening, 8 PM.


    Chenchen put down her pencil and held her workbook, then said, "Zhang Ye, I''ve finished my homework. I want to watch TV."


    Zhang Ye, who had been browsing Weibo all this while with a smile on his face, looked over when he heard her voice. He said, "Did you really finish your homework? Alright then, go and watch for a while."


    Chenchen grabbed the remote control and then went to turn on the television and sat down on the sofa. She switched channels until she found the channel airing a recent, popr local cartoon and sat there watching expressionlessly. This cartoon was not about some big bad wolf or little white bunny type of child-oriented cartoon. It was one that was targeted more at male teenagers and even men in their twenties. Because the premise of the cartoon was about wuxia, there were fighting and romance spun into it. So even for someone at Zhang Ye''s age, if he wasn''t too picky about it, he could watch it if he wanted to give it a try.


    "Zhang Ye."


    "What now?"


    "The new episode has finished airing."


    "Then that''s all you get to watch today."


    "I want to watch it from the start. Help me to do that."


    "Do it yourself."


    "I don''t know how, Zhang Ye. Do it for me."


    Zhang Ye could not take the nagging and forced himself to get out of bed to take the remote control to y back the episode from the beginning. Taskpleted.


    Chenchen started watching her cartoon and did not bother Zhang Ye anymore.


    Zhang Ye was happy and continued to nonchntly interact with theizens on Weibo. In a short period of time, those questions of his had also gone viral like the wondrous math problem from the afternoon. More and more Weibo users had gathered wave after wave to try the question, not believing that they could not solve it, vowing that they had to do so to differentiate their IQs from the primary school students.


    "I''m here!"


    "How many more minutes are there?"


    "There''s still about five minutes left, hurry up!"


    "I''ve solved one of the questions, but I don''t know if it''s the right answer."


    "Hurry, hurry, hurry, we''re almost out of time! Everyone, don''t give up, let''s draw on the wisdom of the masses and try together. If not, we can just copy that Peking University math teacher''s answer, but we must not let Zhang Ye have thestugh!"


    "Agreed!"


    "Brothers and sisters, let''s attack!"


    "y Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye thought that this was really fun, and on top of that, his objectives were also met. He had started "Zhang Ye''s ssroom," first, due to everyone''s request. Second, for fun. Third, it was because Zhang Ye noticed the situation was just right, so he used this chance to increase his poprity as well. He took every opportunity he saw that could help him increase his poprity as a celebrity. After all you could never have enough and there was really no need to nitpick on how to get more.


    He had already risen up to B-list celebrity now, but to put it inly, he was just thest ce celebrity in the B-list rankings, the weakest one of all. Together with the person chasing him, Central TV''s Spring Festival G host Chen Ye��who was in the top spot of the C-list ranking, still eyeing to get his position back with a lot of news and updates��, it showed that he was not letting Zhang Ye have it easy. And so, Zhang Ye''s online math ss this time would definitely y an important role in helping him pull away from Chen Ye in the poprity rankings. He had to firmly grab hold of his position in the B-list celebrity rankings.


    In this world, the Celebrity Rankings Index was an aggregation of data from many outlets, like the search rankings of a celebrity on various websites, number of Weibo followers, number of screen appearances,ments, and reviews of works, etc. Combining all those data, a poprity score would be derived and thus rank the celebrities ordingly. Whether it was really an objective way of collecting data, Zhang Ye did not know, but he knew that the people of this world all depended and watched this Celebrity Rankings Index very closely and recognized it as the authoritative aggregator. As for why each tier of celebrity rankings had limited spots in them, Zhang Ye had already read up on the exnation given by the official website which said that people follow a limited number of public figures, as each person''s attention span was limited. For example, Xiaoming might like 20 celebrities, and to him, they all had a different ranking, some higher, others lower, some that he liked more than the others and also some that he would soon forget about. This was what was meant by a person''s attention span was limited. So when he suddenly notices and likes a new celebrity, then the celebrity that was rankedst in his mind would probably be forgotten. Unless there were some new works or news about them, Xiaoming was unlikely to ever pay attention to them anymore.


    The people''s attention span was limited, there was only so much of the pie that celebrities could get.


    ��This was the official reason why the spots in the Celebrity Rankings Index were limited.


    Of course, if the market expanded in the future, be it due to rural urbanization, a rise in living standards, or increased spiritual fulfillment of people��leading to an increase of people who used to be unconcerned with celebrities from the entertainment circle bing concerned��then the pie would be bigger as well. When that happened, the authorities would also take it into consideration and update the design of the Celebrity Rankings Index. They would likely increase the number of spots avable in each tier ordingly. However, such urrences were rare, not even likely to happen once in two years, so it was pointless to depend on such events. Rather, it was safe to depend on yourself. Zhang Ye understood very clearly his n and knew that it was a priority for him to stabilize his poprity score at this moment. As long as he could do that, then he could consider his next step to chase after the other big shots in the B-list. Otherwise, all that he had done so far would be for naught. But looking at the current situation, it seemed that the effects were far-reaching and had even over-fulfilled his objective.


    It was time, the deadline was over.


    It was time to announce the answers.


    Zhang Ye posted on Weibo: "OK, question time is over. Those who have not submitted their answers yet, you have one more minute to do so."


    "It''s already been an hour?"


    "Ah!"


    "Wait, wait, wait!"


    "I''m almost done!"


    "Just wait for a while more! Let me do a few more calctions!"


    Zhang Ye''s colleague��the Peking University math teacher��also submitted his answer at thest moment. Suddenly, countlessizens went to look and copy his answers and used it as their own.


    When Zhang Ye saw this, he dismissed it with augh. Then he began to give out the answers to the question one by one. Of course, he had to also include the exnation and solving process, as all these questions he had set were very tricky. If he did not do that and just gave an answer, the people who could not understand would not know why it would be the correct answer. They would not take it just like that, so Zhang Ye would have to help them to the end by giving the answer along with exnation.


    The first question��


    The second question��


    The third question��


    One by one the answers were revealed!


    After everyone saw them, they fell over like ninepins!


    "Pfft!"


    "Oh god!"


    "So that''s how it is!"


    "It really turned out to be elementary math problems?"


    "The question that needed us to count the closed loops has left me kneeling!"


    "Damn, how could this question turn out to be so simple? I even f**king thought it has to do with permutations andbinations! What a rip-off! Teacher Zhang, you''re really too much of a rip-off!"


    "��"


    "I finally understand why Teacher Zhang has made so many enemies! Teacher Zhang, if you keep scamming people this way, you won''t be left with any friends soon! I''m gonna cry!"


    "F**k! All the questions are such scams! They''re all so deceptive!"


    When they saw the questions an hour ago, they were already cursing at their mothers, but when they saw the answers now and realized it was so simple, they felt even more aggrieved. They started throwing a tantrum as one by one everyone started cursing at Zhang Ye hoping that he would get constipation or step on a banana peel and slip! How on earth did hee up with so many extremely wondrous questions!?


    "Who got them right?"


    "Let''s see who got them right."


    "I got them wrong."


    "I got them wrong too."


    "The questions are really not difficult, but it was really too tricky!"


    Many of those who had copied the Peking University math teacher''s answer had realized now that he had also gotten one of his answers wrong. It was the answer for the second question that asked to exin the pattern that the numbers were separated by.


    1, 3, 7, 8��1st tone.


    10��2nd tone.


    5, 9��3rd tone.


    2, 4, 6��4th tone.


    This was a question thatbined the testing ofnguage and math!


    Theizens were utterly defeated.


    "Even a Peking University math teacher could not get them all right?"


    "We were totally defeated with no survivors?"


    "It really seems like no one got them all right at all!"


    "We were really wiped out? Oh my god!"


    Those Peking University Math Department schrs were also downed. None of them got all four questions correct. The most they had were three questions correct.


    Yao Jiancai said: "I think it''s better that I just go to bed. When the answers were released, I realized that I could not even understand what two of the questions were asking when faced with the answers!"


    Peking University''s Su Na: "I didn''t even get one��"


    Big Saber Bro was the same. Fan Yingyun had only gotten one question correct. Zhang Ye knew about Big Saber Bro''s math standard. As a world-renowned hacker and someone who was proficient in programming and code cracking, her math standards shouldn''t be bad at all. With things like 010101, they often deal with binary, however having a good standard in math did not mean that they would be good at math problems. When it came to answering math questions, what was most important was the way they interpreted the question.


    This was an oue that Zhang Ye had predicted. The first question had already filtered out 90% of the people who took part, the second question continued to attack them, while those who could do the third question were already considered non-existent. Back in Zhang Ye''s previous world, when people saw these questions, they would be able to answer them almost immediately. But that was because most of those people had already seen the answers before, or had encountered the questions before, so they knew the trick to answering them. As such, a small group of people could solve the questions. However, it was different in this world. Everyone''s learning and mindset of testing over here were all considerably more traditional and rigid. They had never encountered such questions before, so they did not have the fundamentals or flexibility of thought to deal with them. Being wholly wiped out this way was not an unexpected oue at all.


    The people were utterly defeated!


    Zhang Ye took home a wless victory.


    The Peking University math teacher stood forward to humbly say: "When I saw these questions, together with this afternoon''s question, I suddenly broke out in a cold sweat and couldn''t help but think about something. It''s lucky that the primary school test, secondary school exams, or even the national college entrance exams did not have Professor Zhang Ye taking part in the setting of papers. If that were the case, then without a doubt, it would be a total nightmare for those test and exam candidates!"


    "That''s right!"


    "Damn, I''m taking my national college entrance exam this year, please don''t scare me like that!"


    "Surely that won''t happen, right? Please don''t ever look for Zhang Ye to set the exam papers! If this person set a paper, then the straight-A students from Peking University and Tsinghua University might not get more than 20 points. They might even end up with 0!"


    Theizens were also shocked by this. Many of them were students. If someday they faced such questions in their exams, then it would really be unimaginable. And besides, not to forget that Zhang Ye had only posed these elementary math problems, if he really set a few junior high, high school, or university level questions, then wouldn''t that make everyone unable to do anything? Who would dare thump their chests and say for sure that they could answer Zhang Ye''s questions?


    No one would dare do that!


    Look at how the Peking University math teacher was left genuflecting in the face of these questions!


    On Weibo, an authoritative person in the field of education was also attracted by these elementary math problems. He appeared and said: "After the answers to these questions were revealed, it showed that they were really not difficult at all in the first ce, but the people who could really answer them correctly were just too few and far between! Zhang Ye''s brain is truly a treasure of the mathematics world. These exciting and wondrous questions have also taught the education world something today. I have a feeling that in future exams and tests, we might be headed towards this new direction of development. In the past, our tests and exams were too corrupt and obsoletely structured. They''re no longer able to keep up with the times. But Zhang Ye has now shown us a new direction that we could head towards!"

 Chapter 626 Playing the Lottery Draw again!

    <h4>Chapter 626 ying the Lottery Draw again! </h4>


    Chapter 626 ying the Lottery Draw again!


    A few professionals and industry insiders had very high praises as well.


    These few math problems were widely discussed among theizens.


    A few forums even stickied a post that included Zhang Ye''s elementary math problems onto their front page, letting forum participants who did not know about the Weibo "ss" that Zhang Ye had held earlier to try it out for themselves as well. All of them also fell for the trap of the questions and wereining in frustration, sending mentions to @ZhangYe and denouncing him for the nth time today!


    "I''m so angry right now that I could cry!"


    "These problems are really too frustrating!"


    "It''s not the questions that are frustrating, it is Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang, show yourself. We promise that we won''t beat you to death!"


    "You can''t cheat us like this!"


    Zhang Ye had enraged the masses, and his crimes were too numerous to mention.


    However, when Zhang Ye saw this, he was alreadyughing and getting off Weibo. It was time to go. He looked at his watch and saw that it was already 9:50 PM. Having had some fun with theizens, he did not know that it was already thiste, so he turned back and had a look at Chenchen, only to see her sitting on the sofa and still watching the cartoon, not blinking at all.


    "Switch it off, now," Zhang Ye got out of bed and said.


    Chenchen did not move but just said, "Let me watch a little more."


    Zhang Ye said with a straight face, "We already agreed that you''d go to bed at 10 PM. Don''t think that just because your aunt is not around, no one will make sure of that. Quickly, go wash your face and then go to bed."


    Chenchen continued staring at the television screen and said, "OK."


    Zhang Ye simply turned off the TV and then carried her, saying, "Let''s go."


    Chenchen''s little face showed her unhappiness.


    Zhang Ye carried her and walked casually to the bathroom. Chenchen was too short, so Zhang Ye turned on the tap for warm water for her to wash her face and got a new toothbrush and put on some toothpaste for her to brush her teeth. He told her, "There, brush your teeth. Heh, look at me, do you think I have it easy taking care of you? When your aunt gets back, I''m going to make sure she gives me a year of rental for free."


    Chenchen, who was brushing her teeth, gave a faint ''hur hur'' to that.


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and said, "Do you want to go back to your aunt''s ce to sleep or do you want to sleep here?"


    Chenchen spat out the toothpaste and said, "Sleep here."


    "Alright then, I''ll let you have the bed temporarily while I''ll sleep on the sofa." Zhang Ye was still very considerate like an adult should be and did not make Chenchen sleep on the sofa.


    When she was done washing up, Zhang Ye also washed his own face. When he came out, Chenchen had already crept into bed, pulling the nket over herself with both hands and lying down, looking rather cute while doing that.


    "Do you feelfortable with that pillow?"


    "Yes."


    "Is it cold?"


    "Not cold."


    "OK, go the sleep then, good night."


    "��OK."


    Zhang Ye conveniently turned off the lights and only left a deskmp on since he was not intending to rest so early anyway. In recent days, as he did not have any work, the time he went to sleep was also gettingter andter, so he was still feeling quite awake at the moment as hey on the sofa.


    What should he do?


    Withoutnding a job first, it felt quite meaningless to do anything else!


    What Zhang Ye needed urgently right now was a stable television program that could let him shine on stage. His initial goal of turning into a B-list celebrity this year had already been achieved before the middle of the year, so needless to say, his next goal was definitely to aim for the A-list rankings. To this end, he definitely needed a stable program that could let him achieve arge increase in poprity. However, a good job would be great to have but unable to be sought. Zhang Ye knew that this was not a matter that could be rushed; all he could do was increase his capability topete and raise his level. When that happened, even if his potential employer felt that his character had shorings, his ws would not belittle his potential.


    For example, Zhang Ye''s recent hard work was all for that moment. Filming a movie, selling a program, throwing out wondrous math problems and rising into the B-list rankings��all of these made him feel that a job wasn''t that far away anymore and a lot of television stations were probably already assessing and measuring his worth. It''s not that he was blindly confident about himself. In fact he was being very objective in his own assessment, knowing that a B-list professional host like him with arge and stable fan base would surely move a lot of television stations. You should know that in the current industry the number of hosts able to reach the level of a B-list celebrity were readily countable with the fingers of both hands, probably numbering at around eight or nine only. Anyone in this group of hosts could easily be considered in the ss of being pirs for their employers.


    Well, it was time for a lottery draw then.


    He was going to try his luck and also do it in preparation for his new job.


    As no one but him could see the game ring''s virtual screen, he wasn''t afraid that Chenchen would discover it, so he brought it up directly there to check how many reputation points he had avable to use.


    ��31 million reputation points.


    Just some days ago when he was trying to look for some work, Zhang Ye had activated his upgraded Lucky Halo and spent all of his reputation points, so these 31 million points were all gained after that. Come to think of it, his reputation points had gone up really quickly. As Zhang Ye was not the host for Do You Remember and also did not make an appearance on that show, the reputation points he would gain from it were definitely quite limited. Most of these 31 million reputation points were probably gained from the movie Grandmasters. As a supporting cast member and taking on the antagonist role, Zhang Ye felt quite satisfied that he was able to gain so many reputation points from the job. If he ever took on a lead role some day in a movie that could surpass 300 million in box office earnings, wouldn''t he be able to gain a crazy amount of reputation points??


    Hai, I guess there''s no point in thinking that far. Just concentrate on what''s in front of my eyes.


    Zhang Ye knew that he should not bite off more than he could chew. Whatever was in the future, he could talk about thatter. What mattered most was what was before him.


    Come on!


    He opened up the Lottery Draw (Two) interface.


    This was the lottery draw that was unlocked after the system update, with each attempt at the slot machine costing 10 million reputation points. Zhang Ye did not hesitate at all here and just went ahead to purchase a pull.


    It began!


    The icons on the slot machine window spun at a very fast speed!


    Stats Category��


    Empty��


    Empty��


    Consumption Category��


    Empty��


    Skills Category��


    The icons kept changing as it rolled by in a dazzling blur!


    In the past, it was possible to predict the where the needle wouldnd as the needle spin wasing to a stop in Lottery Draw (One). But Lottery Draw (Two) was not the same, as it employed the sliding icon movement encased in a window and was much more precise, thus not allowing the yer to predict where it wouldnd. As he saw that the slot machine was slowing down, Zhang Ye did not blink at all and just kept staring hard for the oue.


    Ba da.


    Ba da.


    The icons slid past one at a time.


    Suddenly, one of the icons looked as though it still had some momentum and was about to continue sliding downwards, but without a warning, it seemingly lost all that energy. With a da, it came to a stop!


    Zhang Ye''s eyes went nk!


    The final icon indicated was: Empty!


    The 10 million reputation points were flushed down the drain! He did not receive any prizes!


    Zhang Ye felt a great pain and clenched his teeth disgruntled. He ran to the bathroom to wash his hands and then came back immediately to spend another 10 million to y the Lottery Draw (Two) again!


    Again!


    I won''t believe this!


    The slot machine began rolling again, spinning as the icons slid down very quickly, looking like a blur at first, before slowing down after a while.


    Ba da��Consumption Category.


    Ba da��Special Category.


    Zhang Ye was calling out repeatedly in his mind, asking for it to stop right there!


    Ultimately, the slot machine did not follow his will as it went ba da again and slid down once more and stopped!


    Empty!


    It was "empty" again!


    Zhang Ye''s face turned green. F**k, what''s with this bro''s luck today? It was 20 million! And he had just thrown it out like that? Without getting anything in return? He hated this to the core and was already cursing the Lottery Draw (Two) all the way to its 18 generations of ancestors! What a scam! A big fat scam! The update system''s new Lottery Draw (Two) was different from Lottery Draw (One). For Lottery Draw (One), although there were chances that he would receive empty treasure chests, but in the one year of ying Lottery Draw (One), he had only received those treasure chests once or twice. However, for Lottery Draw (Two), it could be seen just from the previous draws that the "empty" icon would appear once after every consumption and stats category icons. There were even some cases where two "empty" icons appeared twice in a row. Based on what was observed, the chances of getting an "empty" reward was really toorge. Just like today, with his luck, he had done everything in vain. A good 20 million worth of reputation points were gone just like that!


    In the past, whenever Zhang Ye yed the lottery draw, even though there were cases when he had failed to get anything, overall, his luck was still on the better side. For example, he had gotten the rarer Special Category items which allowed him to purchase items from the merchant shop quite a few times. The chances ofnding on the Special Category was only a few percentage points. On top of that, even though he had not received any good prizes at the beginning, it would usually end up with him getting something that wasn''t too bad. But today, Zhang Ye had finally made a huge loss, as luck did not seem to be with him at all.


    It was time to stop! This experience left him with too much apprehension!


    Zhang Ye clicked on the screen and went to Lottery Draw (One)''s menu instead. Although the prizes here were not as good as Lottery Draw (Two)''s items and were miles apart in quality, Lottery Draw (One) was much safer. The chances of not getting a prize was very low, so he could still get something from here and not just waste his reputation points. In times of poor luck, Zhang Ye did not hesitate and chose the lower grade Lottery Draw instead!


    It cost 100,000 per y.


    Soon, the needle on the wheel started spinning!


    One round��


    Five rounds��


    Ten rounds��


    It started slowing down and the likely oue was also getting clearer.


    When Zhang Ye saw the needle was slowing down at the Stats Category which was quite arge area, he considered for a moment, thinking about how he had hardly ever increased stakes for this category of prizes. His reputation points were mainly spent on the Skills Category of prizes and he had neglected the Stats Category all this while. Wanting to bnce out his stats with the previous items like the Fruit of Charm or Fruit of Growth which weren''t bad items, he decided and immediately put in the additional stakes!


    How much should he add?


    Why not a hundred stakes!


    He confirmed his additional stakes and spent another 10 million reputation points!


    Finally, the needle continued spinning at a very slow pace and eventually stopped in the Stats Category area. A rush of 101 Treasure Chests (Small) spilled out from the interface for him!


    Zhang Ye was not too interested to know what he had received as he felt that anything would be good enough for him, as long as it wasn''t empty!


    Open!


    Opening up the treasure chest, a glow emitted out from within!


    [Fruit of Agility] x 101: Takes effect after consumption, increases agility of user.


    It was this again?


    The Fruit of Agility again?


    Zhang Ye remembered that he had received this item previously just before he had decided to do the system upgrade. He had gotten 20 of it at that time, so if he "ate" the ones he got today, he would have increased his agility by 121 fruits? This item was not exactly useless, but it didn''t seem to mean much either?


    Zhang Ye''s nearly cried. How terrible! Today''s lottery draws were all really terrible, but what could he do about it? It''s not like he could ask for a refund after ying it, so he just held back his tears and "ate" all of the Fruits of Agility one by one. He had tested this item before after eating it thest time. To be clear, this item did not really increase agility in the traditional sense of the word, but mainly increased a person''s reaction speed instead. As it turned out, after eating these 101 Fruits of Agility, Zhang Ye moved his arm and felt that he was much more agile than before. His movements seemed lighter as his bodypleted a move almost immediately after the brain had issued themand. Compared to a normal person, he was really much quicker, though the increase in speed was so minute that it wouldn''t be noticeable to the naked eye.


    Hai, forget it.


    Every little thing mattered. Besides, who knew if this agility would help him some time in the future. Based on his experience and real world situations, every time after he had received an item in the lottery draw, no matter how trashy an item it was, it would always turn out to be helpful and practical for him. It was only a matter of knowing when to use it or whether it was used in the right situation or not.


    Zhang Ye consoled himself and ended the lottery draw. Right now, he was only left with a miserable 1 million reputation points, so he decided he would probably keep it just in case of an emergency.

 Chapter 627 The olive branch held out by Central TV!

    <h4>Chapter 627 The olive branch held out by Central TV! </h4>


    Chapter 627 The olive branch held out by Central TV!


    [copse]


    It was prettyte.


    On a moonless night.


    Bored, Zhang Ye was busily clicking the mouse as he read the news online. He was feeling a bit unusual because he had eaten a hundred-plus Fruit of Agility. In the past, he was used to his old body''s natural reaction speed but now his reflexes had increased by manyfold. In the split second after his brain gave orders, his body made the movements. The results were such that when Zhang Ye was probably just thinking of moving the mouse cursor, his hand already moved. He was still not used to the speed as it was much too fast and caught him off guard.


    Around him, Zhang Ye felt that there were a few people who could reach this kind of fast reaction speed. For example, Big Saber Bro, Fan Yingyun, the world-ss hacker. Zhang Ye had witnessed Big Saber Bro''s reflexes before during the battle between her and the enemy hacker, so she could also likely achieve such fast reaction speeds. And then there was Rao Aimin, the Chinese martial arts expert. She could probably do it too. However, this was only Zhang Ye''s assumption since he had not really seen Rao Aimin using her actual martial arts. Normally, Old Rao only caused a small ruckus and did not really reveal her true ability in front of outsiders. That was why Zhang Ye did not know what Old Rao''s true abilities were, so he could only make a guess.


    No matter what, the reaction speed of the two of them definitely surpassed many average people but they were used to their reaction speeds as they were naturally gifted or probably trained bit by bit inter days. But Zhang Ye was not like that. The agility skill that he learned in the blink of an eye needed some time to be digested.


    There was movement on the bed.


    "Zhang Ye." Chenchen suddenly sat up sleepily.


    Zhang Ye looked over and said, "What''s the matter why aren''t you asleep yet?" After he finished speaking, he was a little stunned as even though he spoke like he usually did, his reaction speed had increased multiple times. His speech also became faster just like his movements. He only used less than a second, or the blink of an eye, to finish his sentence. It was so fast that even he could not clearly hear what he had just said.


    How inconvenient!


    His mouth was moving way too fast!


    His thoughts almost could not keep up with his mouth!


    Zhang Ye tried very hard to slow down his speech. "What''s the matter? What are you calling me for?"


    Chenchen said as she fought her droopy eyelids, "Zhang Ye, go to sleep."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "I''m not tired or in a rush to sleep yet. Let me read some more news for now."


    Chenchen repeated, "Zhang Ye, go to sleep."


    Zhang Ye said, "Just go to sleep. I didn''t switch on any sound so it won''t disturb you at all. Hurry up and go to sleep. You still have to go to school tomorrow!" Gradually, his talking speed increased again. Zhang Ye felt helpless at this and purposely tried to slow it down a bit. "Don''t bother me. I''ll sleep after midnight."


    A momentter, Chenchen went back to bed and fell asleep again.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye continued to read the news and think about his own matters. After a while, as he was thinking hard about his career ns from here, he suddenly noticed a small figure walking wobbly toward him.


    It was Chenchen.


    Zhang Ye was surprised.


    Zhang Ye saw Chenchen holding his down-filled pillow walking clumsily to the front of hisputer desk. Her eyes were almost closed and she looked very drowsy. After that, she pulled a small chair over and climbed onto it to sit down. Then she ced the pillow just beside theptop and fell asleep after putting her head down.


    Zhang Ye was speechless, "What are you doing?"


    Sleep-talking Chenchen let out a mutter.


    "Heh, you should go and sleep on the bed." Zhang Ye said, "I''ve given you such a nice bed to sleep on but you still want toe here and lie on the desk? Get up, get up, don''t sleep like that. When tomorrowes, you''ll suffer from back pains due to stiff neck." Saying that, he gave Chenchen a few nudges to wake her.


    Chenchen sat up holding her pillow.


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "Take it that I sumb to you. Alright, alright, will it be fine if I turn off theputer? I''ll also sleep now." He stretched out his hands and carried Chenchen over to the bed, then covered her with a nket and said, "Go to sleep now."


    He grabbed some nkets and coverlets, went to the sofa, andy down on it.


    Five minutes passed.


    10 minutes.


    Just as Zhang Ye was falling asleep, he felt the cushion beneath his legs moving and he sat up in shock. Then he realized Chenchen who was hugging the pillow had moved slowly towards him again. Zhang Ye had already upied the whole length of the sofa as it was not big enough, and he could not even straighten his legs. Chenchen sat on the armrest of the sofa, andid down while hugging the pillow with her back on the armrest. Her little head was like an eggnt dangling off the nt, and looked like it would fall off at any moment.


    Zhang Ye was totally defeated by this sight, "What are you trying to do?"


    Chenchen did not say anything as she was extremely sleepy.


    "Didn''t I already switch off theputer?" Zhang Ye said, "Why are you squeezing in when there is hardly any space left? If you''re not going to sleep in the bed, then I''ll take it."


    Chenchen was still motionless.


    Zhang Ye nced at her,ing to a realization, and said, "Do you need someone beside you so that you can fall asleep?" Although the little kid did not reply Zhang Ye knew what to do. Heh, she should have said so. And here he was wondering why she kept asking him to go to bed oring towards him, making Zhang Ye not know how to react. Previously, when Chenchen lived with her aunt, Old Rao would sleep with Chenchen on the same bed. Now that her aunt went out of town, she was unused to having no one beside her. After all, she was still only an eight-year-old child.


    Zhang Ye carried her again and said, "Come, let''s sleep on the bed. This time you should sleep properly and not wander around anymore." Walking towards the bedside, he pulled aside the nket and covered Chenchen with it. Then Zhang Ye took off his slippers andid down as well. He then muttered to himself, "Heh, the bed is the mostfortable ce to sleep."


    Chenchen rolled over and said, "Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye yawned and asked, "What''s the matter again?"


    Chenchen said sleepily, "Tell me a story."


    "Whoa, you acting like a lord now? Your Uncle Zhang is sleepy and almost falling asleep, and yet you still want me to tell a story? Besides, I thought you didn''t like my types of stories and even said that they were childish before?" Zhang Ye grunted.


    Chenchen said, "Zhang Ye, tell me a story."


    Zhang Ye said, "I don''t care."


    "Zhang Ye."


    "Fine, stop calling, what do you want to hear?"


    "��anything."


    "I''m scared when people say anything. Let me think a little. Never mind, I''ll tell you a new story." Zhang Ye patted Chenchen''s small head and then said, "The story is called Cindere. A long time ago, there was a wife of a rich man. She had a serious illness. During herst moments, she asked for her only daughter to be by her side and told her, ''Dear daughter, when I die, I will protect and bless you from the Nine Springs.'' Saying that, she closed her eyes and passed away."


    He didn''t know if she was asleep or listening.


    Zhang Ye gradually slowed down his storytelling, and then fell asleep at some point in time as well.


    ����


    The next day.


    Early in the morning.


    Chenchen''s voice sounded in his ears, "Zhang Ye, wake up, I''m hungry."


    Zhang Ye pulled her away and said, "Don''t disturb me, let me sleep a while longer."


    Chenchen continued to push at him and said, "Zhang Ye, I''m hungry."


    Zhang Ye forced his eyes open and looked at his watch impatiently. Seeing that it was only 6:30 AM, he closed his eyes and covered himself with the nket immediately and said, "Let me sleep for another ten minutes."


    Chenchen shouted at him in her childish voice, "Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye ignored her and continued sleeping soundly.


    When he opened his eyes again, it was almost 7 AM. His nose caught a whiff of a fragrant aroma. He could make out that it wasposed of two aromas with a quick analysis. It was the fragrance of soup dumplings and something else that smelled like egg drop soup? Yes, that must be it!


    Gururu, a sound rumbled from his stomach.


    He got up and saw Chenchen standing on a wooden stool, in the process of cooking in the open kitchen. She was stirring something in the pot with a pair of chopsticks and adding what seemed like MSG into it. Zhang Ye got out from bed and eximed, "Yo, so it''s really egg drop soup? Did I still have eggs in my house? Good. Not bad, you did well. Oh right, there''s still soup dumplings on the table? Where did you buy them?"


    Chenchen said unhappily, "Outside of the district."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Where did you get the money?"


    Chenchen said with a sullen face, "I got it from your wallet."


    Zhang Ye hurriedly went forward to help out and said, "Look at that sullen face of yours. Are you angry?"


    After turning off the heat, Chenchen took a towel and wiped her hands clean like a small adult. She started to serve the soup, and although her movement was clumsy, there were no spills. After serving her own portion, she ignored Zhang Ye''s portion and jumped right off the small wooden stool. She said angrily, "Zhang Ye, you don''t have the bearings of an adult at all."


    Zhang Ye found an excuse and said, "Isn''t it quite nice that we can share the chores like this. Generally, Uncle Zhang will take care of you, but when I''m tired, you will take care of me."


    Chenchen shot a nce at him. "Hur Hur."


    "Heh, this soup smells nice, let me have a bowl too." Zhang Ye did not stand on ceremony anddled some soup for himself. Chenchen had previously cooked once before, so Zhang Ye knew that she could cook. Although she was still not good at it and even needed a stool to reach the stove, this little kid''s cooking skills were still good enough. At least it was much better than Zhang Ye''s, and could be considered that she had inherited Rao Aimin''s cooking skills. "Come on, let''s eat."


    However, Chenchen was already helping herself to all those soup dumplings.


    In the blink of an eye, three soup dumplings were already gone.


    Zhang Ye anxiously said, "Leave some for me!"


    Chenchen ignored him and continued stuffing the food into her mouth, saying, "I bought it."


    "That was my money!" Zhang Ye also moved his chopsticks forward to snatch, but when he realized he was going to fail, he even resorted to using his hands to grab thest three soup dumplings.


    Chenchen was ready to fight him for them. "Zhang Ye, give them to me!"


    "Haha!" Zhang Ye chuckled heartily.


    Such a bigmotion during breakfast, as both of them nearly end up fighting each other for the food, was still considerably very "fun and enjoyable" on the whole.


    After the meal, Zhang Ye was humming a song as he sent Chenchen to school. He parked his car on the road across from the school and said, "Alright, go to school now."


    Chenchen opened the car door with a struggle and got out of the car.


    Zhang Ye reminded her, "Don''t be naughty, listen to the teachers!"


    Chenchen turned around and asked, "Will youe to pick me up in the afternoon?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yes, I''ll being."


    When Chenchen turned around, she saw two of her ssmates and followed them. Together they crossed the road and went beyond the school gates. The little one''s poprity was also getting better with each passing day.


    When Chenchen''s figure vanished from his sight, Zhang Ye suddenly had the thought that it was actually quite interesting to have a child at home.


    Time to go home then.


    It was time to go back home to continue this morning''s sleep again.


    When he was about to drive off, even before he could step on the elerator, there was a dong dong dong sound. A middle-aged man was standing outside and knocking on the ss window with a smile.


    Zhang Ye lowered the car window and asked, "What''s the matter?"


    The middle-aged man asked, "Are you Zhang Ye?"


    "Yes, I am." Zhang Ye thought he was just someone who wanted his signature.


    But it turned out that the middle-aged man had taken out a business card to give to him. He said, "My child is also studying in No. 2 Experimental Primary School but he is in sixth grade. I heard about the matter at school from my child yesterday, and thought that you would be sending yours to school today as well. So I actually waited out here and indeed saw you sending your child to school as I had expected. So, initially I was suppose to give you a call this morning during work, but it''s even better that I managed to meet you here instead. That would save us a lot of time in coordinating a meeting together."


    Zhang Ye took the business card to have a look.


    ��Jiang Yuan


    Deputy Director, Central TV Department 1.


    This person was one of the leaders of Central TV??


    Zhang Ye was stunned with surprise as he opened the door and got out of the car. He formally shook hands with him and said, "So it''s Deputy Director Jiang."


    Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "Then I''ll get straight to the point. Central TV Department 1 intends to invite you to join our television station. I wonder if you would be interested in joining us?"


    Huh?


    Central TV Department 1 inviting me to join them?


    The first thought that came to Zhang Ye''s mind was one of disbelief!

 Chapter 628 Signing the contract with Central TV!

    <h4>Chapter 628 Signing the contract with Central TV! </h4>


    Chapter 628 Signing the contract with Central TV!


    [copse]


    Beside the primary school.


    A small coffee house along Nanxinhua Avenue. At this time, the coffee house was not in operation yet as their opening time was a littleter in the morning. The staff were doing the ounts inside, but the door was left unlocked.


    Jiang Yuan pushed open the door and asked, "Are you open?"


    A waitress said, "Sorry, we''re not open yet."


    Zhang Ye followed from behind and went inside, saying, "We just need to borrow a ce to sit and discuss something."


    "That won''t do, we''re��" The waitress didn''t finish.


    The coffee house owner who was behind her immediately recognized him and said, "Aiyo, isn''t that Zhang Ye! To what do we owe the honor? We''re open, we''re open, please have a seat inside with your friend."


    "OK, thanks so much, boss," Zhang Ye said with a smile.


    The boss answered with a big smile, "Don''t need to thank me. You''ve already graced our little shop with your presence. May we take a picture with youter? So that I can put it up on our wall and have a chance to brag to other people."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Sure, no problem."


    The coffee was served very quickly.


    The coffee house owner said, "I won''t bother the two of you then."


    The boss left. Zhang Ye and Jiang Yuan were seated at a quiet corner in the coffee house.


    Jiang Yuan smiled as he drank his coffee and said, "Well, the coffee tastes rather good. If not for you, we wouldn''t have had a chance to have coffee here today." Then he quickly changed the topic. "So how about it? Are you interested in the matter that I brought up earlier?"


    Zhang Ye did not answer directly but instead asked, "Why did you ask me?"


    Jiang Yuan also asked, "Why not you?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Being invited to join your television station is an honor and of course I would be interested. Who hasn''t heard of Central TV Department 1''s name before? It is the big brother of the domestic television station industry and whether in terms of audience coverage, qualifications, or experience, it is the number one in the country, the mothership of all television stations, so why would I not be interested? But in the past, I created some issues at the crosstalkpetition and caused my rtionship with Central TV to be quite bad. I don''t suppose there are too many people there who have good impressions of me?"


    Back then, Zhang Ye had created a storm at Central TV Department 11 where the crosstalkpetition was held and caused a big mess of things. The Central TV staff should understand that matter the most, so why would they invite him to join them this time? Zhang Ye was desperate for a job this time and was hoping that a good television station would look for him to join them, but out of all the satellite channel television stations that he had considered as a possibility, it was the one he didn''t that came to look for him. The thought and idea of it never once crossed his mind as he had already identified it an impossible situation early on. However, no one could predict the unpredictable, and with most matters being so uncertain, the television station that Zhang Ye had not expected to make the move for him turned out to be the one that was offering him the olive branch now!


    When Jiang Yuan heard this, heughed a little and answered, "I''ve heard about the crosstalkpetition at Department 11 before, but I''m not too sure of the details as Department 1 is independent of Department 11. We do not share the same team, and even our office locations are different, so we basically do not have any direct contact with them. As a result, how they view you is totally not of any concern to us at Department 1. That is the first point. Second, the reason we want to invite you to join us is not because of anything other than that you''re popr and capable. With those qualities, of course we would like to bring you into our ranks. It''s really that simple, though honestly, your promotion into the B-list Celebrity Rankings and the Do You Remember program that you sold to Beijing Television were the key reasons for it. We are confident of your program nning abilities."


    Zhang Ye gave a nomittal nod at that.


    Jiang Yuan said to him, "I don''t know whether there are other satellite channels in contact with you at the moment, but if there are, then I urge you to seriously consider Central TV. Everyone who can see will know that satellite channels are definitely the best out there, especially on the forefront of variety and entertainment programs. The viewership ratings are all considerably very high, and if you justpare based on these ratings alone, then the ones who lead these statistics are all the satellite channels. But as that is only data on the superficial level. You should know this as an industry insider as well. Even if we do not look at the viewership ratings of those variety programs, if we judged them based on their influence andprehensive strengths of one channel per television station, then our Central TV Department 1 is clearly the leader in our domestic market. That is without a question."


    Zhang Ye did not doubt this. He too knew that it was true.


    Central TV Department 1 had a monopoly of the viewership ratings just with News Simulcast alone. Its viewer rating was not something that could simply be described with a zero point rating. When it got a high enough viewership rating, it could even soar into a 10 point rating or more. Even if the viewership ratings of some of the satellite channels'' programs were added up together, they still couldn''t outperform the ratings of News Simulcast. As all the other satellite channels were required to broadcast News Simulcast as well, the program would be shown with the logo of Central TV Department 1 in the top right corner. From a certain perspective, Central TV Department 1 was just like an unresolved BUG1 living on in the system of all the other satellite channels. It even had ownership over the terrifying program that had the craziest viewership ratings, the Central TV Spring Festival G, which could easily hit crazy viewership ratings of over 20-30%!2


    And then, Central TV Department 1 also had the most outstanding and one of the top-ranked interview programs in the industry, together with the most excellent team, resources, and the widest area coverage reaching to faraway ces in the remote mountains that even Beijing Television or Hunan Television could not cover. As long as there was some sort of television signal, even if there were very few channels or a ce with only one television set, the channel that would reach such ces could only be Central TV Department 1! This was the effect of an overwhelming and superior policy making from the government, something that all the other satellite channels would never be able topete on in their lifetimes!


    Yes.


    Even though Central TV had been going downhill in the past two years as it gradually lost some of the interest of viewers.


    But the big brother would always be the big brother, it was something that no one could change, even after a hundred years. Why? There was no why, it was just so because its name was Central TV Department 1!


    Jiang Yuan said, "Central TV is thergest tform in the industry and also your best choice. I believe you know that without needing me to exin further. Recently, in the past few years, Central TV Department 1''s market share in the area of variety programs has been on a decline. The response to the programs has been tepid, so we would like for you to join us to help us create a program on Central TV that would recover its lost ground from the past few years. The program that you casually created for Beijing Television without much of your handling has already reached a viewership rating between 0.7% and 0.8%. Our team believes that if we give you a bigger tform to showcase your works on, then your new program will be sure to get a better reputation than Do You Remember which is already very well received by the audiences."


    When Zhang Ye finished listening to him, he said, "Can I ask about something else? Did you all look for me to only handle the program nning?"


    "Of course not." Jiang Yuan gave a wave of his hands at that and continued, "Although we have a lot of talented and elite hosts in Central TV, for example, the Spring Festival G hosts, every one of them are considered to be the top in the industry. Some are less popr than you while there are also others who are more well-known than you, but our Central TV hosts are generally more inclined towards gs, news, or interview programs, meaning that their style of hosting is more serious and formal. So if we wanted them to host in a funny and entertaining manner, it would not be done perfect or well at all. The audience''s image of them has already been fixed, so not many of them can cross over to this style of hosting. But you''re different. You can handle serious programs like Lecture Room or funny programs like Zhang Ye''s Talk Show. This is your ability that we identified as what we liked. And you don''t have any shorings when ites to the switching of hosting styles either. That''s why we not only wish for you to handle nning for a new program, but we would also like you to be the host or a guest celebrity on it."


    Zhang Ye was actually already quite moved by the offer.


    It wasn''t anything that was exinable, but just based on the name of the satellite channel itself. "Central TV Department 1" was basically just too attractive!


    Jiang Yuan continued, "Central TV Department 1 will soon have a program slot free for broadcast every Thursday at 9 PM."


    "Thursdays?" Zhang Ye repeated the key word.


    Jiang Yuan said, "Perhaps Thursday can no longer be considered a primetime slot in the traditional sense, but the Thursday evening variety slot still has a veryrge market and the audience base is still there."


    Zhang Ye understood this. Central TV was just like arge ship with treasures, but that would naturally mean that they would not give a neer like Zhang Ye a share of it without seeing his performance. It was unlikely that they would give the Friday and weekend time-slots to him as that would be too much of a risk. However, a Thursday evening slot was still considerably good. After all, this was not some small-time television station but Central TV they were talking about. A Thursday evening slot would still be better than a weekend primetime slot at Beijing Television, so Zhang Ye would surely still be very satisfied with such an offer.


    Jiang Yuan looked at him and said, "I believe you can see our sincerity in this offer. If you have any thoughts or requests, you can bring them up too and we can discuss them."


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "I do actually have two requests. The first is: if I join Central TV Department 1, then for this new program, I must be the executive director and have the final say on the operations and production of the entire program."


    Jiang Yuan ruminated for a moment then said, "That would be fine, but we would want to have an executive producer from our side. Is that OK?"


    "That shouldn''t be a problem." Zhang Ye then brought up his second request, saying, "Second, I must be able to retain the copyright for the program that I create, including its name and format."


    Jiang Yuan gave him a look and asked, "Why do you want the copyright? If the program''s viewer ratings are good, then the program team would get bonus payouts too. We will put that into the contract, so how much are you looking at? Or perhaps we could bundle it together with your sry, that''s fine too."


    However, Zhang Ye said, "I don''t require a bonus payout use. It''s just like a program productionpany selling their programs to a television station. I''m sure you can understand that I want our deal to be done in this manner too, except that I will be using Central TV''s resources and facilities to do the program, which is why I am willing to give this program to your station free of charge and not ask for a copyright fee. We will carry out the other aspects of the program like any other program without any additional differences in the handling, but the copyright must remain in my control. If there is a decision to do a second or third season, or if a foreign television station wants to buy its copyrights, then I will be the one to decide whether to sell or not."


    Jiang Yuan was rendered quite speechless by this, so he said, "This is the first time I''ve heard of such a request."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "This is always how I''ve been doing my programs. Since I nned the program, then naturally the copyright would belong to me. This is the most important priority for me, above other things like sry, bonus, whatever. As long as those aren''t too little, I''m generally fine with it. Since I retain control of the copyright, I know that I will have to take a step back on the sry."


    His programs were all very precious to him, as using one now would mean one less resource for him in the future. Zhang Ye would not ept it if he worked hard on replicating a sessful program from his previous world and brought it to this world, and ended up being kicked off from the television station after they had gotten the copyrights to the format and went on to do the next few seasons without him. So he knew that he had to be clear about this from the beginning like he did with his Zhang Ye''s Talk Show which worked on a simr contractual agreement. This was the reason why Weiwo Online Television Station did not get another host to continue working on the same show as that was impossible without the copyright. This was a program that only Zhang Ye could use, unless they bought it from him for a sum of money or if Zhang Ye allowed them to use it for free on the basis of friendship and past rtionships.


    As for Lecture Room, that was an exception since the program was first proposed by the people at BTV-Arts Channel. Zhang Ye had only used their framework and modified it a little, so there was no talk of any copyright beforehand and neither could he talk about it. That was why BTV-Arts Channel had still continued making Lecture Room even though the show was essentially already a dead one.


    Jiang Yuan said, "Please give it some consideration again. Our Central TV Department 1 has never signed this sort of a contract with a host before. It''s impossible that the copyright would given to anyone other than the station itself."


    Zhang Ye said, "Since I am the program nner, executive director, and host, this program can be considered as fully my work after it ispleted, and so, the copyright should rightfully belong to me. Therefore, it''s also impossible that I would give the ownership of the copyright to anyone else."


    Jiang Yuan frowned and said, "But the production team is made up entirely of our staff, and besides the marketing and broadcasting fees also contribute to a part of the costs��"


    "Which is why I am providing the program for free, without charging anything for the production and nning fees," Zhang Ye stated.


    On this issue, the two of them had a disagreement. Jiang Yuan wanted to have a one time settlement with Zhang Ye on the program nning fees, but Zhang Ye did not want it except to retain his copyrights for the program.


    Then, Jiang Yuan stood up and suggested, "How about this? Let me call my management first, since this is the first time something like this has been brought up. I''m unable to make a decision regarding this by myself."


    "Sure." Zhang Ye nodded.


    Jiang Yuan walked out of the coffee house.


    Five minutes passed.


    Ten minutes passed.


    Finally, Jiang Yuan returned, sat down, and took a sip of coffee before saying, "The management has agreed, but have some requests too. The copyright can be yours, but any profits and generated benefits that the program makes during its course at Central TV��such as advertising fees, among others��will be retained by Central TV and not paid out to you. Since we will be using our resources, facilities, and funds to promote the show, we will surely need to get some form ofpensation. This would include any types of benefits that ur as a result from its run on Central TV."


    Zhang Ye considered for a moment and then raised up his head to say, "That will be fine!"


    Jiang Yuan also revealed a smile as he stood up, putting his hand out. "So we have a deal then?"


    "Yes! It''s a deal!" Zhang Ye also put out his and shook his hand.


    Jiang Yuan said, "Wee aboard Central TV Department 1! We''ll all be looking forward to your contributions!"


    ����


    Same day.


    Central TV had quickly written up the contract.


    This contract could be considered one of the mostplicated ones that Central TV Department 1 had with a host before, and also one of the lesser-seen types in the industry. Within, it not only included the terms for a one year duration, nning and production responsibilities, it also included a list of the copyright and restrictions outside of the copyright, etc!


    It was not that Zhang Ye wanted to be arrogant.


    But it was better to be clear now than having disagreementster.


    After all, Zhang Ye had been through quite a lot of troublesome situations in the past, so he felt that it was better to be blunt upfront to prevent unnecessary issues in the future.


    After Zhang Ye went through the contract several times to check for any discrepancies, he finally put pen to paper and signed it!


    ��At the moment of signing, Zhang Ye had now officially joined Central TV Department 1!


    1. A Chinese ng for being overpowered


    2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CCTV_New_Year%27s_G#Reception

 Chapter 629 Return of the Jinx!

    <h4>Chapter 629 Return of the Jinx! </h4>


    Chapter 629 Return of the Jinx!


    Later that afternoon.


    Zhang Ye was waiting at Nanxinhua Avenue for Chenchen to out of school.


    On the inte, a picture of Zhang Ye and Jiang Yuan��taken in the morning at the coffee house where the two of them had their meeting and were seen shaking hands��was leaked. Almost immediately, it caught people''s attention.


    Several social media news blogs started to report about it as others picked up the news and reported a constant stream of updates.


    "Secret meeting between Central TV Department 1''s Deputy Director and Zhang Ye?"


    "Zhang Ye to join Central TV?"


    "Shocking! Central TV Department 1''s ruthless move: joining hands with Zhang Ye!"


    "Central TV''s ''big move''. Is Zhang Ye going to join?"


    Central TV, being the big brother of all domestic television stations, operated in a way that was traditional in style.


    Zhang Ye was an oddity of the entertainment industry whose style did not abide by the rules.


    This cooperation between the two who vastly differed in styles, akin to heaven and earth, had obviously left many citizens unable to imagine it, so when the photo and spection of rumors came out, it immediately caught countless people by surprise.


    "It can''t be?"


    "They can still work together in that kind of situation?"


    "Didn''t Zhang Ye offend Central TV Department 11 in the past? After the recent annual crosstalkpetition was wrecked by Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai, I heard that many of the major satellite channels already cklisted Zhang Ye from the industry andbeled him a ''trouble-making master.'' He can aplish many things and exceed expectations but at the same time also create trouble that is too much to handle!"


    "Central TV Department 1 is not the same as Department 11."


    "I''m dumbfounded."


    "That can''t be true, right?"


    "The picture doesn''t look like it''s been photoshopped!"


    "Is Central TV really so gutsy? They dare to use Zhang Ye?"


    "I feel it''s very good! Central TV has made an extremely wise move!"


    "Likewise, I also think that way. Although Zhang Ye''s reputation isn''t too good within the industry, he is really capable and has real abilities too. Central TV''s variety programs have gradually grown worse beginning more than ten years ago just because they were too old-fashioned and refused to develop with the times like some other satellite channels. They even refused to follow those satellite channels that bought program copyrights from overseas at high prices to refresh the market. That is why they''re getting increasingly out of touch with the market trends and losing their viewers. If Zhang Ye really joins Central TV Department 1, it will surely be a breath of fresh air. And he can bring an outstanding program to them. At the very least, it should be simr to Do You Remember, right? As long as it can get a nationwide viewership ratings of about 1%, or maybe even less than that, maybe around 0.9%, Central TV Department 1 would surely be satisfied. How many variety programs these days can even exceed 1% viewer ratings? The market share is shrinking with all the television stations pitted against each other. The viewership share in the modern context is no longer as glorious as a decade ago."


    "Waiting for Zhang Ye''s joining!"


    "I think Teacher Zhang doesn''t have a job currently, right? For him, there''s should be no better choice than Central TV Department 1. There''s no other tform bigger than this!"


    "The main issue now is whether this news is real or fake!"


    Rumors were flying everywhere, as many people and industry insiders paid close attention to this matter. Zhang Ye was no longer the nameless rookie without any experience. He was now a B-list celebrity and someone who had the ability to affect the pattern of a television station''s viewership ratings. His job movements were surely being looked at closely by countless pairs of eyes now, and even more so now that there was a rumor of him joining Central TV Department 1 where the quality of the hosts was the highest in the industry.


    ����


    The rm bell for the end of sses had still not yet rung.


    But Zhang Ye''s cell phone was already ringing in the car.


    It was Zhang Ye''s old colleague from Beijing Radio Station and the current Central Radio Station''s DJ, Tian Bin. He was the first person to call him: "Zhang Ye, what''s your current situation?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Old Tian."


    Tian Bin eximed: "Is the news that''s being spread online real? Did Deputy Director Jiang go to look for you?"


    As there was nothing to keep under wraps, Zhang Ye acknowledged: "Yeah, he came to find me this morning. I''ve already signed the contract too, so I''ll be starting work formally tomorrow."


    Tian Bin said: "So it''s true?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Yeah."


    Tian Bin said: "Whoa, I''ll have to congratte you then."


    Zhang Ye replied: "From tomorrow onwards, we will be colleagues again."


    Tian Bin said: "Come on, I''m just a host at the radio station. You''re the host of Central TV, and even a host at Central TV Department 1. So how can we even be considered colleagues? At most we can say that we work for the same corporation. Heh, seems like you have gotten some good sess in this past half a year. You''re getting more and more popr. I''m really happy for you."


    Zhang Ye gratefully said: "All thanks to you, Old Tian. If not for the fact that we kept getting into arguments at Beijing Radio Station, I''d probably not have resigned yet and still be struggling at the radio station."


    Tian Binughed: "Don''t mention those trivial matters of the past. If we did not get into arguments like we did, we would not have this kind of a rtionship now. This is called ''from an exchange of blows friendship grows.''"


    Zhang Ye eximed and said sarcastically: "It''s not considered from an exchange of blows friendship grows because you''re the one who''s always taking the beating. When did you ever beat me in an argument?"


    Hearing those words, Tian Bin nearly vomited blood. He said: "How have I never beat you? I can''t pretend that I didn''t hear your words. Since you brought it up, we must talk about this thoroughly!"


    "Hahaha."


    The two of them bantered for a while more before finally hanging up.


    After that, his mom called next.


    His mother said: "Son, are you joining Central TV Department 1?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged: "I''ve just signed the contract and was about to inform you and Dad about it."


    "Good! Good! Good!" His mother eximed consecutively three times. "Like I said, there are surely people who know what''s good for them! Look at this, look at this, Central TV Department 1 has evene looking for my son now! It''s the biggest TV channel in the country! Alright, you go and do your own things, I won''t disturb you. I''ll quickly give your Dad a call to give him something to cheer about!"


    The moment that call disconnected, the third call came.


    This time it was Yao Jiancai: "You''re going to Central TV?"


    Zhang Ye said: "You know about it too?"


    "I''ve just heard some news about it, have you signed the contract yet?" Yao Jiancai asked.


    Zhang Ye said: "I did."


    Yao Jiancai said: "What are the terms?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Just the usual conditions but the contract is rather short. It''s only for a year."


    Yao Jiancai said: "That''s already very good. I was wondering why you didn''t choose to join Beijing Television. So it turned out that you''ve already found a better ce. Beijing Television really does notpare with Central TV in any way."


    Zhang Ye said: "I didn''t have an offer before that. It was only today that someone from Central TV approached me. Since I felt that the tform wasn''t too bad and they were also willing to give me quite a good extent of authority, I epted it."


    Yao Jiancai said: "The tform isn''t too bad? What? It''s better than not bad!"


    Zhang Ye: "Haha, it''s passable."


    After hanging up from Old Yao''s call, Zhang Ye thought for a while and simply decided to call up some of his close friends to inform them about this. For example, Dong Shanshan, Hu Fei, not to mention Wu Zeqing as well. Now that he had joined Central TV, he was considered to be back in Old Wu''s territory as Central TV''s direct higher authority was the SARFT. Heh, strictly speaking, as long as Zhang Ye was in the entertainment industry, then he would be under the overseeing authority of SARFT''s Deputy Chief, Old Wu. Because the SARFT basically epassed all areas of the entertainment industry!


    ����


    A bunch of phone calls were made and time passed very quickly.


    The rm bells for the end of sses rang out from the school. Shortly after, the main gates of No. 2 Experimental Primary School opened and the children gradually walked out as the parents piled forward to receive their children.


    There were too many people and Zhang Ye certainly did not go forward immediately. He only wore his sunsses and got out from the car, waiting by the side of the road. Suddenly, he saw Chenchen''s figure and motioned for her toe over. He opened the door on the other side of the car. When the little kid came over, he lifted her onto the passenger seat, then said, "Fasten your seatbelt."


    Chenchen fastened her seat belt.


    Zhang Ye walked back to his side of the car and drove away. While driving, he said, "How was your performance today? Did you get criticized by the teachers?"


    Chenchen said with a straight face, "No."


    "Hmm, then your performance wasn''t too bad." It wasn''t known what metric Zhang Ye was measuring this by.


    Chenchen: "��"


    Zhang Ye recalled something and said, "By the way, I''m starting work at Central TV tomorrow. There''s no school for you tomorrow, right? Don''t you go running around by yourself at home."


    Chenchen said nothing.


    Zhang Ye looked at her and asked, "Are you going to be fine by yourself?"


    Chenchen said, "Cook for me."


    "I still have to go to work. Don''t you already know how to cook?" Zhang Ye said.


    Chenchen said, "My aunt told you to take care of me, so you have to cook for me, Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye blinked and said, "Why don''t I order delivery for you instead? You can open the door when the delivery persones��.That won''t do, it''s not safe for you as a child. Then I''ll get a neighbor to take care of the meals for you? You can go to the house across the way, Sister Sun''s ce, tomorrow afternoon to eat? It will be fine since she is also renting your aunt''s ce. If not, I''ll get my parents take care of you for a few days?"


    Chenchen made a sullen face and said nothing.


    Zhang Ye knew this little kid was getting angry at him, so he said, "Must I be always be by your side?"


    Chenchen said, "Yes."


    "Hai, let''s see how it goes tomorrow." Zhang Ye was also feeling very helpless.


    Chenchen suddenly said, "Zhang Ye, I will go to work with you."


    Zhang Ye turned the steering wheel as the car swung greatly to one side, "Ah? I have to bring a child with me to work on my first day at Central TV? Won''t the people there surely be gossiping about this then? No, no, that won''t do."


    Chenchen immediately said, "Then you will stay at home to apany me."


    "But I have to work." Zhang Ye stared at her.


    Chenchen replied, "Then you will bring me along to work."


    Zhang Ye didn''t know how to react and said, "Good lord, you''re totally putting the me on me now. Alright, I''ll consider it when I get back home and we''ll talk about it tomorrow."


    He drove them both home.


    After entering the house, Zhang Ye carried Chenchen and gave her soap to wash her hands. After that, he made a call for delivery to be delivered. When Chenchen said that her school bag was dirtied today, Zhang Ye unwillingly took it into the bathroom to clean it for her��he was just like a full time nanny now.


    ����


    At night.


    Central TV''s official website has officially released the good news confirming that the famous host, Zhang Ye, had joined Central TV Department 1. Central TV Department 1''s new program would be nned by Zhang Ye and was in the preparation and production stages, ready to take over Thursday''s 9 PM slot soon!


    The moment this news was released, it caused an uproar everywhere!


    "So it''s true!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "This really isn''t a rumor?"


    "Central TV has really invited Teacher Zhang Ye to join them?"


    "Central TV takes a traditional position while Zhang Ye has always had a different way of thinkingpared to normal people. Can he disy his abilities over there? Or will he not be ustomed to the new ce?"


    "Chen Ye is also a pir of Central TV Department 1. Are they going toe face to face with each other soon? They''re going to have a realpetition with their viewership ratings?"


    "That is Chen Ye''s territory. With Teacher Zhang still a neer to the station, his program''s viewer rating will surely not be able to outperform Chen Ye''s. Besides, Zhang Ye only has the Thursday evening slot and not some primetime slot. It will sure be iparable to Chen Ye who is a senior at Central TV. Chen Ye has everythingid out for him already and has the advantage between the two of them."


    "That may not be the case."


    "Right, this is Zhang Ye we''re talking about and that name of his already represents miracles!"


    "Really looking forward to Teacher Zhang Ye''s new program! You''re finally making aeback! You''ve made us fans wait for such a long time!"


    "Congrattions to Teacher Zhang for advancing to Central TV!"


    "Tossing flowers! It''s the return of the jinx!"


    "I''ve got a strong feeling that something interesting will happen soon!"


    "Hahaha, there will always be drama wherever Teacher Zhang goes!"


    "Let''s see how big amotion Zhang Ye will cause at Central TV Department 1 this time!"

 Chapter 630 Executive Director Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 630 Executive Director Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 630 Executive Director Zhang Ye!


    Saturday.


    At Central TV Tower.


    As this ce was next to Yuyuantan Park��which was also known as Bayi Lake��the air here was noticeably much cooler and refreshing than other ces. When the breeze was blowing, it felt most rxing. Many tourists were buying tickets from the main entrance to go into the park. Some brought their children, some were here as a couple, and there was also many children from primary and secondary schools here for their field trips. The park was packed with people. The television station tower here was also a popr tourist spot in Beijing as well as allowing tourists to tour it. But of course, the Central TV office area where the staff worked at and the visitors'' area did not ovep. The entrances for these ces were also different, such as the ces where programs were recorded and the smaller recording studios which were located underground beside the tower area and were not open to public.


    In the tower.


    A staff-only elevator was slowly ascending. Because the tower was constructed very early on and was considered a high-rise, the elevator''s speed was alsoparatively slower. In Beijing ng, this elevator was "meatier" than themon and smaller Beijing district buildings'' elevators.


    There were only two people in the elevator, a child and an adult.


    Zhang Ye repeatedly badgered and asked, "Do you remember what I told you? Repeat it again."


    Chenchen said impatiently, "No running around, no nonsense, listen to you, don''t give you trouble, and greet others when I see them."


    Zhang Ye nodded at this and said, "Today is Uncle''s first day at work, be sure to earn some brownie points for me. Don''t make me lose face. If you do well today, then Sunday tomorrow I can still bring you to work. We can see the whole of the city of Beijing and even further from the observation deck upstairs. But if you''re not obedient and cause trouble for me, I will leave you at home alone tomorrow!"


    Chenchen curled her lips and said, "I know. Zhang Ye, you nag even more than my aunt."


    If Zhang Ye wasn''t worried about leaving Chenchen alone at home, he would never have brought her to the workce for sure!


    "Alright, we''ve reached our floor," Zhang Ye said as he put out his hand in front of Chenchen.


    Chenchen looked at his hand and then put her little hand in his.


    When the elevator door opened, Zhang Ye pulled Chenchen by the hand and walked out. He proceeded to the HR Department to handle the joining formalities and saw Central TV Department 1''s Deputy Director Jiang Yuan already waiting there for him.


    Zhang Ye smiled and greeted, "Director Jiang."


    Jiang Yuan nodded and said, "You''re here?"


    A few people working at the HR Department looked toward him. So this was the legendary Zhang Ye? Indeed, he was just like he looked on TV, really ordinary after all. If this person was seen on the streets, no one would have batted an eyelid at him, nor would anyone think that this person would have the potential to be a celebrity. However, that couldn''t be further from the truth, as this person standing before them right now was not just a celebrity, he was a B-list celebrity of the entertainment circle who was ranked a little higher than one of the pirs of Central TV, Chen Ye. This was exactly what people meant by not judging a book by its cover.


    Eh?


    Why is there a child beside him?


    A few of the HR Department staff members were a bit taken aback when they saw Zhang Ye holding the hand of a little girl. Whoa, whose child is that, why is she so pretty?


    Jiang Yuan also noticed her and asked, "This is?"


    Chenchen automatically moved her mouth and greeted, "Uncle." She seemed to have taken Zhang Ye''s instruction to heart.


    Zhang Ye was a little embarrassed. He exined, "So, one of my rtives went out of town to settle some business and the little girl had no one to take care of her, so the task fell to my hands. As the child is still young, I am quite worried about leaving her at home alone."


    Jiang Yuan acknowledged and said, "Oh, alright then."


    The HR Department staff were all a little bemused by this. Bringing a child to work on your very first day? This was truly something they''d never seen before! If it wasn''t a case of the talented being bolder, then this was surely something that only Zhang Ye, a wonder of the entertainment industry, would dare do! He was truly worthy of the reputation for taking the path off the beaten track!


    Very quickly, the formalities werepleted.


    Jiang Yuan called for Zhang Ye to go to his office and then asked him to have a seat. He said, "Teacher Zhang, the paperwork is allpleted. As of today, you''re a part of Central TV Department 1. So let''s skip the formalities and I''ll talk about the new program first for you to have a little reference."


    Zhang Ye told Chenchen to go sit outside on the guest sofa. Then he said, "Alright, please speak."


    Jiang Yuan said, "I''ve already told you about taking over the current program slot, so you have a general idea of that already. What we need to discuss now are the details of the new program proposal. As you know, it''s not easy to make something new in the variety program market now as all of the other satellite channels are also doing the same thing and churning out simr types of programs without any creativity. Even though there are several standouts, those are all programs that have been adapted from foreign programs brought in by the other satellite channels, especially the variety programs from Korea. But as Central TV, we cannot do that, as our station''s themees from here, after all. There are some political factors as well. Generally, we are more restricted as we cannot buy the copyright of good foreign variety programs, but we are still looking for something innovative, not blind innovation or innovation for the sake of innovation, but innovation that fits the current market trends and practices."


    Zhang Ye said, "I understand."


    Jiang Yuan acknowledged that and said, "Among the number of innovative program producers in the country now, you are one of the better ones. In this matter, you''re the professional and know better than me, so I will not go over the technicalities, but I will touch on our requirements. The station does not have any restrictions on the program, whether it is a traditional style variety program or reality television program or talent show program. We''re fine with any of that. As long as the program is something new and has a market, we will do it!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "How about the funding?"


    Jiang Yuan said, "Let me first hear how much you need."


    Zhang Ye spoke honestly, "I want however much you can give. But, to be honest, I will not think it is too much no matter how much you are going to approve, because in making a good program good funding is a must."


    "The station does not have ack of funds, but surely we won''t be able to give all that funding to you, am I right? There must be a limit." Jiang Yuan said, "Let''s talk about the funding at ater time. I need to see your program proposal before I can decide. If it really is a good program, then it will definitely get the funding it deserves. Even if it exceeds our budget, I don''t have a problem, as long as it doesn''t exceed it by too much. The station urgently needs to w its lost market share back and have a good program that canpete with the other satellite channels. It''s easy to talk things over; anything can be negotiated."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "With your promise, I feel reassured now."


    Jiang Yuan alsoughed, "I have to see your program proposal to feel reassured as well."


    "Sure. I''ll get it done before leaving work today," Zhang Ye bragged.


    Jiang Yuan was taken aback at this, "So quickly? You don''t need to rush as there''s still some time before you take over the broadcast slot. Just give the proposal to me within the next few days and it should be fine. Haste makes waste. What we want is still the quality of the program."


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t worry, I understand."


    Hearing that, Jiang Yuan didn''t say anything further, "Alright, then I''ll await your project proposal. The new program''s team has already been set up. They''re all Central TV Department 1''s elites and there''s nothing toin about in regards to their working capabilities. Well then, I still have a meetingter, so I won''t join you there. Let me hook you up with one of the team''s personnel, Fu Sihong. Old Fu is a veteran of our Central TV station and is very dependable. As your new program''s executive producer, he is definitely the most suitable man for the job. When you meet him, take the chance to get to know him and then have a discussion with him regarding the new program."


    After that, he made a call.


    Soon after, a slightly plump middle-aged man knocked on the office door and came inside.


    Jiang Yuan introduced the both of them, saying, "Old Fu, this is Zhang Ye."


    Fu Sihong looked at him and reached out his hand, saying, "Hello, Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye shook his hand and said, "Hello, just call me Little Zhang."


    Jiang Yuan needed to go as he had work to take care of, so Fu Sihong and Zhang Ye also left the office together. He heard Fu Sihong tell him, "Let''s first go to the program team''s office to have a look. I will introduce the team members to you."


    "Sure." Zhang Ye turned around and called for Chenchen, "Let''s go."


    Chenchen was still leaning on the ss window and looking down at the outside, as though she did not hear a thing.


    Zhang Ye called out again, "Chenchen, hurry up. We''re leaving."


    Chenchen acknowledged him and followed him unwillingly.


    ����


    They took the elevator down.


    Downstairs, at the office area.


    When Fu Sihong pushed opened a door that was emzoned with the words "Central 1 Thursday 9 PM Slot (Program To Be Confirmed)", a bright light greeted them immediately as a warm ray of sun shone on them through a row of windows inside the office. The entirety of Beijing could be seen from here as they stood at a high ce looking out, with a view that would no doubt infuse people with excitement. The office area was not small either, with just the tables alone numbering around 50 to 60. There were also quite a few standalone rooms which were clearly prepared for the program team''s leaders. Each of these rooms werebeled with titles such as executive producer, executive director, host, etc. There was even a lounge, a small meeting room, as well as a nursing room (breastfeeding room).


    It waspletely kitted out!


    There no need to scrutinize the environment and facilities!


    There were not many people in the office area, just seven or eight people. Some of them were still busy packing and arranging things at their desks, clearly showing that it was their first day operating from this office as well.


    "Producer Fu."


    "Brother Fu."


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "Teacher Zhang Ye."


    "Director Zhang."


    Everyone started greeting them, addressing them by all kinds of titles.


    Fu Sihong was not young, probably in his forties or fifties. He looked very calm and did not wear much of a smile either. He said, "This is Zhang Ye, but I don''t think I really need to do any introductions about him here." Then he started to introduce the staff to Zhang Ye.


    "This is Zhang Zuo, an assistant director." ��A thin man around thirty years of age.


    "This is Ha Qiqi, also an assistant director." ��A woman in her thirties.


    "This is Wu Yi, the technical director." ��He was a bespectacled man.


    "This is��"


    One by one, he made the introductions to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye shook hands with them one by one as well, smiling and saying a few words to them.


    In a big unit, at a big television station, the roles and responsibilities were more clearly defined. There were also more rules and regtions here, unlike when Zhang Ye was working at BTV-Arts Channel or the online television station. Overall, as the program team was just formed and meeting for the first time, although the roles of the team had not been fully filled yet and would have to wait until the program details were solidified, the main leadership roles of the program team had already been set. Fu Sihong was the executive producer appointed by Central TV Department 1 and would oversee the general administration of the team. Zhang Ye was the second-inmand as the executive director and would oversee the program nning, production, and other technical works.

 Chapter 631 The troublesome Little Chenchen!

    <h4>Chapter 631 The troublesome Little Chenchen! </h4>


    Chapter 631 The troublesome Little Chenchen!


    After the introductions.


    There were two staff members that even Producer Fu Sihong did not know too well, probably because they were only transferred here today as well, and so they introduced themselves when it came to their turn.


    Seeing all the new colleagues, looking at the view outside the windows and the well-equipped office, Zhang Ye was feeling extremely satisfied with everything. Central TV Department 1 was just as its name suggested. The way they spent their finances was shown clearly by the resources littering the office and work area. The workce''s environment could be said to be the best in the industry and also thergest. Standing here, Zhang Ye could not find any faults at all. Other than satisfied, there was still satisfaction! Compared to this ce, his previous departments at his old workces were basically just kennels!


    Fu Sihong said, "Teacher Zhang, why don''t you familiarize yourself with the team first, I will go out to bring a few more people over. Some of them are still not here yet."


    Zhang Ye turned around and said, "Sure, please do what you need to."


    Fu Sihong turned around to leave the office.


    When he left, several of the team also livened up. From that, it seemed that Fu Sihong wasn''t really a person anyone could easily talk to.


    Assistant Director Zhang Zuo said, "Teacher Zhang, I''ve always liked your programs. When I heard from the leader yesterday that you would be doing the program nning for our new Thursday evening program, I was the first one to register to transfer over."


    Assistant Director Ha Qiqi also said cheerfully, "If we''re talking about who was the first one to be confirmed for this new program team, then it has to be me. Even before the program team had been formed, my name was already on the list, but it was just a normal transfer for me as my previous program has already stopped airing. I really hadn''t expected that Teacher Zhang would join us, but as long as we follow Teacher Zhang''smand, then nothing will go wrong for sure. Didn''t all of Teacher Zhang''s past program productions all get popr wherever he went?"


    Technical Director Wu Yi nodded and said, "I think we won''t even need to use our brains to work anymore. As long as we follow Teacher Zhang''smands, everything should go smoothly and the ratings will surely be great!"


    As they were all meeting for just the first time, they did not really know what to say, nor did they know how Zhang Ye was like as a person. To be on the safe side, they simply said some words that would suck up to Zhang Ye and that would ensure nothing was said wrong.


    Zhang Ye was enjoying it too. Well said, really well said.


    Chenchen nced at them, then nced at Zhang Ye and smirked a little. "Hur hur."


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    Everyone: "��"


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Who might this beautiful little girl be?"


    Zhang Ye said, "She''s my rtive. I will be taking care of her for a few days as there''s no one avable to look after her."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and squatted down, saying, "This little one is really too cute. I''ve never seen such a beautiful child before." These words of hers sounded more sincerepared to earlier.


    "Chenchen, greet her," Zhang Ye said.


    Chenchen listlessly greeted her, "Auntie."


    Ha Qiqi said, "What a good girl!"


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "What''s so good about her? This kid is always so troublesome."


    Being criticized in front of so many people, Chenchen did not like it, so she said, "Zhang Ye, you''re the one who''s troublesome. There are always news reports of you ''fighting'' with others."


    Pfft!


    When Ha Qiqi heard that, she nearly burst outughing!


    The others were also trying to hold in theirughter, not daring tough at all. The kid was indeed right. When it came to being troublesome? Who could be more troublesome than the famous face-smacking Zhang of the entertainment circle!


    Zhang Ye was very embarrassed by this. Damned kid, why was she so disobedient. It''s only my first day at work and you''re already dragging me down? He snapped at her, "Shoo, shoo. Go and y somewhere by yourself."


    Chenchen who was waiting exactly for this opportunity immediately slipped away to the row of windows in the office and stuck her neck out to look down. When she got tired of standing, she found a chair for herself and sat there beside the windows.


    Zhang Ye told his colleagues, "This kid is a little different from other children. Don''t judge her by seven or eight year old age. She''s really more like a little adult and doesn''t like to talk much or y. I don''t even understand what she''s thinking of all day. In any case, I will be bringing her around for these two days, so if she offends you guys in any way, please ept my apologies in advance. Don''t take it up with her, and if possible, could everyone also keep an eye on her and keep her from running around?"


    A young male staff member quickly said, "Teacher Zhang, look at you. Why do you need to be so polite with us? Children are all like this. It''s normal."


    Wu Yi said, "Yes, it will be fine."


    Ha Qiqi, seemingly going with the flow, said, "When you''re not around, I''ll help you look after the child. Leave it all to me."


    Zhang Ye said, "Is that really alright, Sister Qi?


    Ha Qiqi happily said, "Since you''re already addressing me as Sister Qi, even if it''s not OK, it has now be OK." With just a few exchange of words, she had already observed Zhang Ye as someone easy to get along with. Indeed, Zhang Ye did not have any airs about him and was very polite when speaking. As a result, Ha Qiqi also opened up a lot more and said, "Don''t worry, I''ll definitely take good care of her."


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "Then I give you my thanks." He knew that he couldn''t possibly keep an eye on Chenchen all day. With someone like Ha Qiqi helping him, Zhang Ye was also less worried now.


    For the next half hour, Zhang Ye continued conversing with his colleagues, as other than chatting, there was no work to do at the moment. They talked about everything under the sky, but the conversation still mainly revolved around Zhang Ye. For example, they asked him for the meanings behind certain poems, the truth behind the Peking University incident, or the reason why he beat up Lee Anson after the Spring Festival G this year. After all, many of them had only known about Zhang Ye from the news and media. They didn''t know the details or the insider''s point of view. Since they did not know��or to better phrase it, did not know the full story��they were naturally more curious as well. Seeing how Zhang Ye was such a easy person to talk to, they started asking one by one, not knowing that Zhang Ye would really answer them and do a tell-all.


    With these conversations, their rtionships were also pulled closer together. Not only did Zhang Ye''s rtionship with them get closer, even the rtionship between themselves got better. As this group of people were all from different departments, even if they had seen each other before in the past, today was their first day as a new unit, so they surely had to slowly build up their trust and rtionships with each other. A good conversation was often one of the best ways to pull people closer together.


    Eventually, they only stopped talking when Fu Sihong arrived back at the office with two new colleagues. They got to know these two neers a little before getting ready to unpack and arrange their things again. Things like the Wi-Fi password and intr login details all needed to be reconfigured again, and there were still many other things that they had to do.


    Zhang Ye called out to Chenchen again, "Come here."


    Chenchen did not go over. She said, "But I''m looking at the buildings."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then don''t you run around carelessly in the office. When you get bored,e to my office and look for me. Right, remember to do your homework, didn''t your teacher give you some for the weekend? Where did you put your bag?"


    Chenchen patted on the bag she had put on the windowsill. "I know."


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "Teacher Zhang, leave it to me, don''t bother yourself anymore."


    "Sure, then I''ll leave it to you." Zhang Ye then went into his new office.


    Once he entered the room, Zhang Ye immediately liked the ce. There was a genuine leather sofa set, a genuine leather swivel chair, as well as an abstract piece of art hanging on the wall that he did not understand. He took a seat behind therge office desk and felt reallyfortable there. In the past, Zhang Ye had worked at quite a number of ces, but strictly speaking, he had never before had a standalone office for himself. This was a first for him. As Zhang Ye climbed up the socialdder, his status and recognizability also increased. This fellow''s situation was bing better and better!


    Not bad!


    Not bad at all!


    He switched on hisputer and messed around with it for a while, then looked through some books at the bookshelf as well. After trying out everything for a while, Zhang Ye calmed down and started arranging his stuff too. He took out his stationery��such as a notebook and a fountain pen, as well as some tea leaves��and ced them in a spot he could easily reach. Of other misceneous items, he did not bother with them as the unit would be sure to provide them.


    After sitting there for a moment, Zhang Ye pushed the door open to go outside, hoping to familiarize himself with the situation around the office and the other departments. When he had just stepped out of the office, Zhang Ye saw something that left him "vomiting blood"!


    He saw Chenchen holding her small bag and walking past the staff members one by one, handing out something to them.


    Chenchen: "Uncle, help me with my Chinese homework."


    The young man smiled and said, "Sure, pass it to me."


    Chenchen: "Auntie, help me do myposition."


    Ha Qiqi didn''t know whether tough or cry but said, "Let me give it a try then."


    Chenchen: "Uncle, help me do my math homework."


    Zhang Zuo cleared his throat and nodded. "Alright, let me take a look."


    In a short moment, Chenchen had already delegated all of her homework. Finally, she even instructed, "Don''t tell Zhang Ye about this. He doesn''t let me to get other people to help me with my homework."


    Zhang Ye was furious. He shouted, "Rao Chenchen!"


    Chenchen turned around and saw him, then sighed like a little adult and turned back around. She walked to the front of the aunties and uncles, very consciously taking back the workbooks one at a time from them.


    Everyone was tickled by the look on Chenchen''s face.


    Only Zhang Ye could not find any fun in this. He said, "You''re evenmanding people to do things now!? They''re all busy and yet you want them to do your homework for you? What did I tell you before we came here?"


    Chenchen did not say a word.


    A female staff member said, "Teacher Zhang, it''s just a small matter."


    Ha Qiqi also said, "Yes, the child is just ying around with us."


    Many of the staff in the office were speaking up for Chenchen. It seemed that she was rather popr with the people here.


    Zhang Ye said to Chenchen, "This is yourst chance. If I find you doing that again, I will leave you at home alone." Saying that, he finally stepped out of the office and went outside to take a look around.


    After about 20 minutes, when Zhang Ye returned he discovered Ha Qiqi speaking to Chenchen. An empty desk that Chenchen had "upied" was now littered with all sorts of snacks��chips, chocte, soda, milk candy, etc. He didn''t know who gave them to her, but the kid was basically just hugging the soda bottle and drinking from it, holding the chips and munching on them. What a harvest she''d had.


    Zhang Ye said, "How much do you intend to eat?"


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "It''s given to her by our female colleagues, just let her have some if she likes it."


    "Have you thanked the sisters and aunties?" Zhang Ye looked at Chenchen and asked.


    A female colleagueughed and said, "She''s already thanked us."


    Chenchen put down the c and jumped down from the chair. She said, "Zhang Ye, I need to go to the bathroom."


    Ha Qiqi stood up and said, "It''s not so convenient for Teacher Zhang to bring you. Come with me, let auntie take you instead."


    Chenchen hesitated a little but still went over to Zhang Ye''s side. She tugged at Zhang Ye''s arm and urged him, "Zhang Ye, I need to go to the bathroom."


    "Get Auntie Qi to go with you?" Zhang Ye asked her.


    Chenchen said, "You take me."


    Zhang Ye said, "You''re still shy around strangers?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Hur hur, the child is really sticking to you."


    Zhang Ye said, "She only thinks of me when there''s a problem." He pulled Chenchen''s hand and said, "Come along, I''ve just familiarized myself around here. There''s a separate restroom over there. I will bring you this once, but you go there by yourself after that."


    Chenchen nodded.


    Sigh.


    Looks like the whole morning would be wasted on looking after this child!

 Chapter 632 Entirely new program birthed!

    <h4>Chapter 632 Entirely new program birthed! </h4>


    Chapter 632 Entirely new program birthed!


    Afternoon.


    After lunch.


    The morning was spent taking the child around, unpacking personal belongings, and familiarizing himself around the ce. After getting lunch at Central TV''s cafeteria, he went back to the program team''s new office. Today''s main work was finally going to be officially started. The first round of transfers to the new staff of this program team were all finally here.


    In the meeting room, more than a dozen people were seated, and fully filled the room.


    Fu Sihong kicked off the meeting first and said, "From today onward, our new program team has been officially formed. Many of you were transferred here from the other departments of Central TV Department 1, while some others came here from the other channels. We also have two new members of Central TV who have many years of experience at their previous job. Some of you know each other from before while some of you are meeting for the first time, but overall, our new program team is still quite young and there is a lot to work on together to deepen your mutual understanding. I hope that��in the course of our work from now on, with the guidance of Teacher Zhang and me��everyone can get along well and work seriously so that our new program will flourish and be good."


    Bba bba bba.


    Everyone pped softly.


    Fu Sihong looked to his side and said, "Teacher Zhang, why don''t you say a few words as well?"


    In this newly set up program team, the core leaders were in fact made up of just two people. One was Fu Sihong, the other was Zhang Ye. As for the others, like the assistant directors and assistant producers, they were not considered to be leaders in the team yet. Even though the positions were only different in that one had the word "executive" in it, the differences were as wide as the distance between the sky and the earth. Whether it be at a television station or in a film crew, an assistant director had little authority and would be managed like they were just a clerk or assistant handling administrative duties.


    Zhang Ye nodded and gave his first speech as a leader. "Since I am in charge of the production, let me talk about the program. The station has given us a direction already and we are allowed to do any type of variety program without restriction. The station head has very high expectations of us and is willing to provide us with very good funding for the program too, so I would like to hear about everyone''s opinions and discuss the kind of a program we should be making."


    Zhang Zuo said, "ording to the market trend, the audience still leans toward the singing shows. At the very least, if we did that, we would not have to worry about the viewership ratings at all. It is definitely a safe choice."


    Ha Qiqi said, "But the viewership ratings won''t be high either."


    Zhang Zuo nodded and said, "That''s true. That is a difficulty facing new programs nowadays. The genres of shows that have already been acknowledged by the market and audience are all highly sought after by the variousrger television stations. Thepetition is tough and the audience base is also scattered as a result of this. But even if we do some other type of lesser-known program, the audience would not really ept it."


    Wu Yi said, "The singing shows are really getting more and more difficult to make."


    A female staff member said, "But the program that Teacher Zhang nned, that Do You Remember, has received very favorable ratings. It has always been the first or second ce program in the same time slot for nationwide viewership ratings."


    Ha Qiqi nodded and said, "I''ve watched Do You Remember before and it''s really good. It''s something innovative and has entertained the audiences to its best potential. If we could get the copyright for that program, then we could also do a simr type of show."


    Simr type?


    This was obviously not what Zhang Ye was going after.


    Zhang Ye said, "Is there anything else that anyone wants to bring up?"


    Everyone freely spoke their minds. The overall consensus was more inclined towards a singing program. However, they were also very wary and hesitant of the potential pitfalls of such a show, so there was also quite a lot of disagreement over it. They were unable toe to a conclusion about it at this moment. Actually, what many of them had on their minds was how Central TV should have signed Zhang Ye earlier. If that were the case, then Zhang Ye would not have sold Do You Remember to Beijing Television and it would end up as a program on their own Central TV Department 1''s channel instead. However, they didn''t know that��even if Zhang Ye had joined Central TV Department 1 earlier��he would not have gone on to produce Do You Remember. But if he did, he would not have made himself the host of the show or treated it as a hit program. Because to Zhang Ye, although Do You Remember was a rather good program with rather good viewership ratings, it was still at best described as "rather good" only. What Zhang Ye was chasing after was not to be "rather good" but to be the best. He wanted to make a sessful program that would break the viewership ratings, something that would be a blockbuster-type of a program. Do You Remember did not qualify as that to him.


    Zhang Ye had a limited amount of energy and time. His year also consisted of 365 days like any other person, so if he wanted to replicate every idea of a program that he had in his mind into this world? That was obviously impossible. If Zhang Ye wanted to produce and host a program all by himself, he would surely use the most sessful and blockbuster-type of program from his previous world and produce it for this world''s audience.


    The meeting ended.


    Zhang Ye and Fu Sihong were walking together, discussing the meeting and the new program. It could be determined from their conversation that Fu Sihong was also inclined to do a singing show as the market demand of variety programs in current times was quite poor, with the viewer ratings often averaging quite low. It was no longer like five to ten years ago when the genre was enjoying its peak with high viewer ratings. So if they were forced to pick the best out of whatever was given to them, they would surely end up choosing a singing show that was also the biggest slice of the pie left, followed by reality television programs, and other types.


    Gathering everyone''s opinions and viewpoints, Zhang Ye had formed a general idea in his mind. They all preferred a singing show? Alright, let''s make one of those then!


    Difficult to innovate?


    This was clearly not a hurdle that would trouble Zhang Ye.


    After Zhang Ye came out from Fu Sihong''s office, he announced to those outside, "Who can help me with a few surveys? I would like to know about the other satellite channels'' singing program''s viewership ratings and market share, from their first episode to theirtest one. It would be best if we could do up concise research on this. Oh, yes, I''ll also need information about their celebrity guests and key contestants, or champions and runner-ups. Best case would be video clips of them."


    Ha Qiqi was a little taken aback. She said, "You''re sure that you want to do a singing program?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Tentatively, yes."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Alright then, I''ll go and prepare the data."


    Wu Yi said, "I''ll help you, Sister Qi."


    Zhang Zuo said, "Then I''ll get the others to search for the information about the celebrity guests andpetitors."


    Zhang Ye said, "Great, thanks for the trouble, please get them as soon as possible."


    This program was very important to Zhang Ye and he also ced a good deal of focus on it. He couldn''t just handle this program proposal like he did for Do You Remember. Since that was meant to be sold to others, he did not put too much attention into it and could naturally leave all the work to the people at Beijing Television Station and not do anything himself. But this new program was meant to be done by himself with him as the host, so he definitely had to make the best preparations he could. This was the debut show of Zhang Ye at Central TV Department 1, he could not afford to ck or take it too lightly. That was the reason why he wanted to gather information and news on all the other television station''s singing programs. He needed to know in detail the overall setup of this world''s singing shows so that he could make the necessary adjustments to his program proposal.


    As the proverb goes, know yourself as well as you know the enemy.


    ����


    In the executive director''s office.


    Zhang Ye came back in and saw Chenchen sitting in the genuine leather swivel chair. As she was still quite short, she had trouble holding the mouse and was awkwardly controlling and clicking it. Zhang Ye went around behind her to have a look and saw that she was ying games. It was some sort of a puzzle game, one that required the yer to clear the bubbles from the game screen. Whatever it was, Zhang Ye did not really understand.


    "Go away, I have work to do," Zhang Ye said, trying to chase her off.


    Chenchen did not look away from theputer screen and said, "Let me y a little while more."


    Zhang Ye rushed her and said, "Hurry up, I have serious work to do here."


    Chenchen did not want to listen and said, "Zhang Ye, I''m going to y for a bit more. I''ve already finished my homework."


    "Are you serious? Let me have a look." Zhang Ye saw the workbooks beside her and picked them up, flipping through them. She had really finished them, so he said, "OK then, you did well. Alright, I''ll let you y for a while longer." He could only go over to the guest sofa beside the door and sit there, taking out his fountain pen to work on the program proposal.


    A whileter.


    Ha Qiqi came into the office and reported, "The data has all been gathered."


    Zhang Zuo had also finished his task ande into the the office. "The information you needed from me has also been collected."


    Zhang Ye took it from them and said, "That''s good, let me have a look."


    When Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo both noticed that Chenchen had already upied and taken over the office desk, leaving Zhang Ye sitting in a corner. They couldn''t help but look at each other andugh a little. From this alone, they could see that even though Zhang Ye keptining about Chenchen, he was actually also very generous to her.


    After looking through the data and research, Zhang Ye''s heart was set. Having gotten to know this world''s singing programs better now, he knew that the singing shows'' development here was indeed quite different from his previous world''s. If he wanted to say who was doing it better, then there was really no way to give an answer to that, since both worlds had their positives. Zhang Ye''s previous world did better in that they had a better diversification of presentation and style. The same types of programs were all done differently by tweaking the sequence and formats. For this world, it stood out in terms of the audience numbers and their fervent support for singing programs. Even if there were four or five program slots a week that were packed with singing shows, no one got sick of them and continued watching. However, each program''s viewer ratings were not really high and were only at around 0.5% to 0.6%. But when all the singing programs'' market shares were added together, it became a frightening figure.


    Overall, this world''s singing programs market and audience were considered to be enormous, with many people doing such shows as well. Inadvertently, the market share was also spread that way ordingly as its viewership ratings showed. This was what led to the embarrassing situation of having such average viewership ratings now. If��which was a big if��there were an incredibly outstanding singing program that could put to shame all of the other satellite channel''s singing programs, then that huge audience base would definitelye together and be reflected on this outstanding program''s viewership ratings!


    But was there anyone who could achieve this?


    The unification of all singing programs?


    ��This was actually what Zhang Ye was aiming for!


    If he wanted tounch a singing program in this world, but was not bold enough, then the program would definitely be smothered and killed by all the other singing shows of the other satellite channels! Besides, just because others could not achieve it did not mean he could not achieve it. This market did notck an audience base. In fact, the audience base was veryrge but what itcked was a program that would shine in the eyes of everyone watching it; while back at Zhang Ye''s previous world, due to the critical tastes of the audience, there was ack of audience base, but no shortage of wonderful programs!


    If he had the program?


    And there was an existence of a good audience base in this world?


    Then these two worlds were surely made for each other!


    And the matchmaker for the two of them was naturally going to be Zhang Ye!


    His debut program on Central TV this time was going to be broadcast nationwide. It was a totally different tformpared to his previous tforms. This was Zhang Ye''s important step towards the A-list celebrity rankings, so then what sort of a program should he bring out this time? What sort of a singing program would be most suitable for this situation? Not only must the show have a good reputation and viewer ratings, at the same time, it also had to showcase Zhang Ye as a host. For most talent shows like that, the role of the host was usually minimal and negligible. The main focus would usually be on the contestants and celebrity guests, so that would mean Zhang Ye''s program of choice was even more limited now.


    Which should he choose?


    Which was the better option?


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye looked towards Chenchen and said, "Chenchen stop ying already how long has it been since you''ve started don''t overdo it Uncle still has work to do!"


    Due to the Fruit of Agility''s effects, as Zhang Ye did not control it well due to ack of concentration, the signals from his brain were fired too quickly which elerated his speech, like a trace would be left behind. Even though he spoke extremely quickly, each of his words could be heard and were also enunciated very clearly.


    Chenchen looked at him and asked, "Zhang Ye, why have you been talking so quickly for the past two days?"


    When Zhang Ye heard this, he pondered for a moment and then suddenly pped his thigh with a loudugh!


    I got it!


    It''s gotta be you!


    My The Voice of China!

 Chapter 633 The Speed of Zhang Ye’s Writeup of the Program Proposal!

    <h4>Chapter 633 The Speed of Zhang Ye��s Writeup of the Program Proposal! </h4>


    Chapter 633 The Speed of Zhang Ye''s Writeup of the Program Proposal!


    A ssic singing program?


    Must have a good reputation?


    Must have a ridiculous viewer rating?


    The host must not act as just a supporting role?


    There was only one answer and it was probably the only program that could meet the criteria. If this was the past, Zhang Ye would seriously not dare to use this program because he was afraid that he would do it badly since he did not think he could do justice to the details in the program. To destroy such a ssic program from his previous world which was so popr across the country��. No, it should be said that it was so popr around the world instead. So if it were destroyed in the hands of Zhang Ye, then he would surely have be a sinner by spoiling something so great. But now, Zhang Ye dared to do it, not because of anything except the reason of having eaten those hundred-plus Fruits of Agility he had gotten from the lottery draw.


    When he received the Fruit of Agility prize from the lottery draw the first time, he felt that this item was useless to him. When he won it again in thetest lottery draw, Zhang Ye still did not make much of it until today, when he realized that it had another effect��the Fruit of Agility could affect his talking and reaction speed. As Zhang Ye had majored in broadcasting, his talking speed was not slow to begin with. At the very least, he was still a bit faster than the average person, but that was not good enough. Compared to his previous world''s host of The Voice of China, Hua Shao1, he was still way behind him. It wasn''t even unfair to say that he was notparable to some of those crosstalk actors who could do speed recital well. Because talking speed was more dependent on talent and genes than on training, there was nothing anyone could really do about it. If your reaction speed was already slow to start with, even if your brain fired countless of signals at once, your body would still be restricted to its reaction speed. If you wanted to increase your speed by one percent more, it was already very difficult, not to mention if you wanted to suddenly increase it by 50 to 70%! This was not something that could be trained!


    But now?


    Zhang Ye could do it!


    His reaction speed had already increased multiple times and his talking speed was no longer the same as before,so why would he still have any doubts about it now? For him, The Voice was definitely the best option! There were no other programs which were suitable for the current situation and condition!


    It''s settled!


    He proceeded to write the program proposal quickly. Even without the help of the Memory Search Capsules, Zhang Ye could write the proposal in detail. He couldn''t help it; this program was way too popr. Zhang Ye had even watched it many times over.


    Chenchen asked, "Zhang Ye, do you need to use theputer?"


    "No, no need." Zhang Ye was busily writing something.


    Hearing that, Chenchen continued holding the mouse and said, "Then I will continue ying."


    Zhang Ye did not forget to remind her, "Don''t ce your head too close to the monitor screen, and try to protect your eyesight. If in the future you be nearsighted, you will suffer."


    Chenchen said, "Zhang Ye, you nag so much."


    Zhang Ye grunted, "Then why are you always making people worry? I''m almost your dad at this point."


    One page!


    Two pages!


    Three pages!


    The more he wrote, the more excited he became!


    He was not getting excited over the writing of the proposal, rather because of the anticipation that this extremely reputable program would soon be produced by his hands. He could not wait any longer. In the past, whether it was for Lecture Room or any inspired talk show like Tonight 80''s Talk Show and Mr. Zhou Live Show,pared to the viewership ratings of The Voice, they were leagues apart. That was why Zhang Ye''s expectations and drive were also very different!


    ����


    Later that afternoon.


    1:30 PM.


    Director Jiang Yuan of Central TV Department 1 came over to inspect the progress. Actually, it couldn''t be considered as inspecting the progress as the new program team had just been established, so he only came to have a look around. This program team was under Director Jiang Yuan''s charge and he was very concerned about the team''s transition and whether the viewership ratings of new program could achieve the desired results.


    "Director Jiang."


    "Director."


    "Director Jiang."


    Everyone stopped what they were doing.


    Fu Sihong also came out of his office.


    Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "Everyone''s busy? Getting used to the new environment yet?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Yes, we''re getting used to it. This new office is much better than the variety channel''s office. It''s definitely much better to work with Director Jiang." She hadn''t been working at Central TV Department 1 but with Central TV''s variety channel before being transferred over here.


    Jiang Yuan shook his head and said, "You have such a glib tongue." Then he looked around and asked, "Where''s Little Zhang?"


    Zhang Zuo answered, "Teacher Zhang is in his office studying and researching the singing programs of other satellite channels."


    Jiang Yuan asked with interest, "Oh? Singing programs?"


    Fu Sihong said, "We still don''t know what the final concept will be. Should I call him over?"


    "There''s no need to." Jiang Yuan stopped him and said, "Let Little Zhang continue with his studying. When he gets a good grasp of the other simr programs, he will be able to draw up a better program, so there''s no need to rush him." Additionally, he also reminded them, "These next few days, I hope everyone will put in more effort to help Little Zhang finalize the program proposal. Once we have the proposal and after I approve it, the funding will be released to the team. Since this program will be made in-house and not bought from a productionpany, the funding will be rtively better too, so don''t have any worries in that regard."


    Zhang Zuo said immediately, "You can rest assured too, Director Jiang. We will definitely cooperate well to get things done."


    Fu Sihong also said, "We already have some general direction and will try our best to quickly finish the first draft of the proposal." Normally, there would be several drafts for a television program proposal. If the first one did not work, they would do it a second time, and if that also could not work out, then they would do it a third time. The possibility in getting an approval after the first attempt was close to zero as it needed to be altered several times ording to new inputs and restrictions before the final proposal would bepleted. It was sometimes possible that a proposal which started as a singing program would end up bing an interview program. Fu Sihong added, "Give us three days, We will submit it to you in three days at thetest."


    Jiang Yuan nodded and said, "Alright, work hard on it, all of you."


    As they were talking, the executive director''s office door opened and Zhang Ye came out holding some handwritten papers. He said, "Eh, Director Jiang? Did youe to inspect our work?"


    Jiang Yuan nodded, "I came to take a look."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Then your timing is perfect." Waving the papers in his hands, he continued, "I''ve already written the new program''s proposal."


    Upon hearing this, Fu Sihong was stunned.


    Jiang Yuan was also stunned.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the rest were also quite dumbfounded at this.


    What did you say? It''s alreadypleted? You took such a short time to write it all down? Just a while ago, Executive Producer Fu was still assuring Director Jiang that the program proposal would bepleted within three days but you only took less than an hour to do it? That''s even faster than a spaceship! Regardless of whether it was other television stations or Central TV, a proposal for such a major variety program would surely have needed a minimum of three to five days toplete, right? That was already ounting for the best case scenario. For those with a much more detailed program proposal, it would bemon to take up to half a month to write out. But you? Youpleted it in less than an hour? How could youe up with a good program proposal if you did it so hastily?


    Everyone was at a loss for words.


    Jiang Yuan remained silent for a very long time before he was finally unable to hold back and said, "Aren''t you being too efficient?"


    Zhang Ye took it as a praise and said, "That''s right, I''ve always done my program proposals quickly since I''m never indecisive about my ideas. I will just write when I''ve given it enough thought, so that doesn''t take too much time to do."


    Fu Sihong said in disbelief, "You have really finished it?"


    "I can''t possibly be lying, right?" Zhang Ye called for an administrative staff member and passed the papers to her. He said to her, "Little Wang, go make some copies of this and distribute them to everyone."


    Little Wang replied clearly, "OK."


    The copier sounded noisily as the copies were made.


    A short whileter, the copies werepleted. Little Wang passed a copy to Jiang Yuan first, then to Fu Sihong, and finally to the rest of the colleagues.


    Everyone quickly took it and had a look. Their first reaction was��how stunning! It was not the content that was stunning��they did not have enough time to read through it yet��but on first nce, they saw neatly lined up words written with fountain pen ink on paper. That harmonious feeling even seemingly gave "life" to the paper. Looking at the program proposal was literally an enjoyment as the words were too beautiful. There was no one else at Central TV who could write with such beautiful handwriting!


    Ha Qiqi could not helpplimenting him, "What nice handwriting!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Thank you."


    Zhang Zuo, Wu Yi, and the others all looked in the direction of Zhang Ye in surprise. They could not understand how such a careless person��who always went around scolding and fighting with others, creating fear in others of the entertainment industry��could have such a beautiful handwriting. It was rumored before that Zhang Ye had a high level of aplishment in calligraphy? Now, it looked like those rumors were not fake! They could tell that just from the handwriting!


    1. Hu Qiaohua, also known as Hua Shao (Young Master Hua) or "The Tongue of China". He is known by Chinese as the fastest-speaking host in China.

 Chapter 634 No Optimism for The Voice?

    <h4>Chapter 634 No Optimism for The Voice? </h4>


    Chapter 634 No Optimism for The Voice?


    Everyone read the proposal.


    Beside them, Zhang Ye exined, "This name of this program will be tentatively titled The Voice of China, or simply just The Voice. This is arge-scale singing talent show. Thepetition format is the same as other traditional singing programs, starting from the preliminary auditions, then letting the coaches choose their contestant students before proceeding to the group stages, and the finals after that. That''s the general process of the program."


    Jiang Yuan raised his head.


    Fu Sihong and the others all looked at him as well. They no longer read from the proposal and were just listening to Zhang Ye exin it directly.


    Zhang Ye exined fervently, "But if you all think that the program is just going to be this simple, then you''ve got it wrong. The program''s format might be the same as the traditional singing show format, but it''s core and selling point are different. When we do the studio setup, the seats of the four coaches are the key. During the auditions, the coaches'' seats are all facing with backs to the stage. They won''t see the contestant and won''t know their gender, height, or looks. They will only be able to hear their voice and singing talent, using these factors to decide if the contestant will pass or fail. This is also why the program''s name is The Voice!"


    How does that sound?


    Everyone must be stunned?


    Everyone must be shocked? Right?


    After Zhang Ye exined his proposal, he looked at them in satisfaction and waited for their reactions. He had predicted that everyone would feel shocked and p or bow in amazement, but contrary to his expectations, the oue was very different from how it yed out in his mind. Everyone was shocked alright, but they were shocked from being horrified!


    Zhang Zuo: "��"


    Fu Sihong was badly shocked. "Are you serious?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Of course."


    Ha Qiqi also drew a gasp and said, "This��how can this work!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "What''s the matter? Is there a problem? Is this program''s proposal so difficult to understand?"


    Fu Sihong said, "Although you im that it is different, but to me, it sounds just the same as any other singing program that the other television stations are doing. At most you have an additional segment where the chairs turn around?"


    Zhang Ye said, "The turning around of the chairs is just a means and strategy of the show. But with this additional segment, it would give the audience a totally different feel and experience while they watch the show. We''re basically telling them that our The Voice chooses the contestants based not on their backgrounds, their stories, their height, and especially not their looks. As long as they have a good voice and can sing well, they can show themselves to the world on the stage of The Voice! Essentially, this program''s aim is to go back to the basics of singing. We do not care about looks or stories, we will only listen to the voice!"


    Zhang Zuo said in a stunned manner, "Only listen to the voice, this��"


    Fu Sihong had a different view from him as he shook his head vigorously, saying, "But have you thought about this? If the stage will be adorned by only short, fat, or not good-looking contestants, then it would greatly affect the quality of the program. The image and effect would be totally shattered, so why would the audience want to watch that? In this industry, apetition-based program''s bottom line��if I may put it honestly��is the requirement of the contestant being a talking point. We need them to have outstanding appearances and great singing ability so that they can hold the stage and attention of the audience. If we''re talking about the program that you did earlier, that Do You Remember, then maybe this can be overlooked, since it isn''t a talent show program. But as long as it is one, then we can never escape that. A singingpetition that does not have handsome guys or pretty women taking part��I do not see why the audience would want to watch something like that on their TVs. That is why I find this proposal to have very serious problems as it goes against the rules of a variety program!"


    Zhang Ye shook his head and said, "Why can''t a talent show escape association with handsome guys and pretty women? That is only the mindset of the industry professionals; it''s a cage that they''ve ced themselves in. This program of mine precisely wants to target that mindset by not following those rules. It will be precisely because of this that the audience will want to watch, and like to watch, the program. Besides, I have never stated that the stage for The Voice will not have any good-looking people gracing its stage, did I? If the contestant can really sing, and also look good at the same time, then naturally it would be fine. But the only thing about the stage for The Voice is that the proportion of good-looking people might be smaller since the contestants would mostly still be fairly average-looking people."


    Fu Sihong insisted, "I feel that this program will not do well!"


    Zhang Ye did not get angry at this but said, "The singing shows these days are unable to bring excitement simply because every other such program is doing exactly the same thing, being trapped by their traditional mindset. How I judge whether a program will be sessful is not to see how the industry insiders analyze it with their performance indicators or experience. What I am looking for is the viewpoint of an audience on such a program."


    Fu Sihong retorted, "For a program producer, experience is the most valuable asset that they can fall back on."


    Zhang Ye looked at him and said, "Experience is molded from learning and references and is limited to this moment while the pace of innovation and the wisdom of humans are the only things that are limitless. If the ancient people based everything on their experiences, then they would never have believed that there would be a day when humanity would go to the Moon. Do you think that what their experiences told them was correct then?"


    The two of them wrangled over the matter, both making a stand for their own side of the argument.


    But it was clear that after a few exchange of words, Fu Sihong had sumbed and could not outtalk Zhang Ye.


    When Zhang Zuo, Ha Qiqi, and the others saw this, they simply decided not to retort at all. They knew very well that they were not as eloquent as someone who was a professional host like Zhang Ye and would not be able to outtalk him even if theybined their efforts together.


    Honestly, Zhang Ye could not understand their concerns either. Why would anyone feel that such an innovative idea like The Voice would be bad? Wasn''t that an international joke? It seemed to him that, even if they felt at the proposal stage that the talk show was not be good enough, it would be eptable. After all, there was no precedent of an entertainment program like a talk show in this world. If they also felt that Do You Remember was not going to be good, that was also eptable since this world did not have a low-barrier entry variety program for citizens to join andpete in an all-out PK match with other people. But that was not the case for The Voice at all. This program had such mass appeal and the features of the show could be clearly seen too! So why would a bunch of television industry professionals not understand that?


    How odd!


    Were their standards really that low?


    Zhang Ye pondered over this for a very long time before finallying to a conclusion. In Zhang Ye''s previous world, when he was considered an audience member and outsider of the television industry, he immediately started looking forward to The Voice of China when its trailers began airing. Thinking about it now, it was probably not because his standard was higher than Fu Sihong, Ha Qiqi, and everyone else''s, but more likely had to do with the understanding of his previous world''s people''s understanding of singing programspared to the people here.


    In Zhang Ye''s previous world, The Voice was already very famous before it started its broadcast in China. This program was also shown on Dutch and American television where it did very well. When the television station in China purchased the rights to do The Voice, the local audience base was already built up due to foreign influence. Zhang Ye was also one of those people who already knew the format of the program, and as a result, anticipated its airing in China. Another point was that the singers from Zhang Ye''s previous world came in the form of good-looking people as well as not good-looking people. Even those top singers, whether they looked good or ugly, were not too different in poprity from each other. Was Han Hong good looking? Was Sun Nan good looking? Was Wang Feng good looking? Was Hu Yanbin good looking? Was Huang Qishan good looking? Was Xiao Huangqi good looking? Was Zhao Chuan good looking? Was Lee Zhongsheng good looking? Some of them had very average looks, some of them were really not too good looking at all, yet they all got very popr based on their talent and vocals, even though there was an element of luck at times too.


    However, in this world?


    Those A- or B-list singers were basically all good-looking men and women, among whom were scattered some who were not pretty or handsome, but couldn''t be considered ugly either and were above average looking. If it really had to be insisted that there were ugly singers, it was also true, but such singers were really few and rare.


    Those were the differences between the two worlds!


    The perception of singers was different to the people of both worlds!


    In this world, whether it be the programs or the media, they had always been advocating that you should have good looks if you wanted to be a celebrity. That was the bottom line before the focus would shift to whether you could sing or not. There was just such an unhealthy tone in the overall environment of the industry. Their understanding of a singer was different and Zhang Ye could understand this deeply, since he had also experienced being judged on his looks in his first interview back at Beijing Radio Station and was deemed unsuitable for the role. But if you thought about it, what was the point of a radio host being so good looking? Shouldn''t it be fine as long as he wasn''t bad looking? But that was not how they saw it. That was just how their perception in this world was, and thus resulted in the current state of the entertainment industry!


    Fu Sihong and the others believed that a talent show had to be judged on looks first and foremost; the contestants'' vocals were secondary, so if the proposal stated that the program would only care about the vocals and not the looks, they felt that it was just asking for it to fail since this concept itself was basically challenging the cognitive mindsets of how singing program should be!


    But was it really asking to fail?


    Would the audience really dismiss it?


    Only Zhang Ye knew that this would definitely not be the case. It was just because the industry professionals believed that the audience would not ept it. Yet back in Zhang Ye''s previous world, this had already been proven that the audience were epting of such changes. Not only did they ept it, they even praised and recognized such types of shows. There were many people who specifically liked a show which portrayed the average-looking contestants in apetition since it more closely rted to them! Zhang Ye wanted to tell Fu Sihong and the others that the audience was not as fragile and simple-minded as they thought. All those other singing programs were in themselves unhealthy existences in the entertainment industry!


    However, whether The Voice would be epted by the audience in this world was still unknown to Zhang Ye. But Zhang Ye was also an example himself. Didn''t he look very ordinary? Wasn''t he also not a handsome guy or pretty boy? But look at him now. He could still stand on the national stage and be recognized and loved by many people in the country. That of itself already exined something. The environment and history of this world might have changed, but the hearts of the people remained!


    There was silence in the office.


    Nobody knew what to say.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others were all looking at each other.


    This type of program was indeed controversial. If you said it was good? It was too extreme and would break all the rules of a talent show! But if you said it was bad? It sounded like a very innovative way of doing a show by basing it only on the voice, where the coaches would not be to see the contestants. This idea was totally unheard of in all singing programs at television stations all over the world!


    Finally, Jiang Yuan spoke. He looked at Zhang Ye for a long time before he said, "In this industry, everyone says that you''re bold, daring to do the things that no one else dares even think about. I can say that I''ve finally seen that boldness for myself today."


    But Zhang Ye said, "To be honest, I''ve never had much courage. The reason why I dared to say that and want to do it is because I have one hundred percent certain that it will work out."


    Fu Sihong said in a speechless manner, "Why can you be so sure? You''re being too absolute!"


    Jiang Yuan looked at Zhang Ye and said, "I''ve already mentioned to you our expectations when the television station invited you to join us. What we need is a program that will receive high viewership ratings consistently. Although you''re the executive director��and we''ve also agreed that the program production will be fully dictated by you��there is a clear disagreement right now about this proposal, which also shows that there is a problem with it. Why don''t I do it this way instead? I will bring a copy of the proposal back to discuss with the other leaders before I give you an answer. But it''s for the best that you also prepare another new proposal if The Voice does not pass the management''s approval, so then at least we can still have a backup." From the sound of it, it also seemed like he did not have much confidence in the proposal.


    Zhang Ye shook his head and said, "There''s no need to prepare another proposal. The Voice will not have any problems, that I guarantee. As for the quality of the program, everyone can judge it once it has finished recorded. Director Jiang, although I am a host, I am also a professional program nner and producer. Whether it be the programs or advertisements that I have done up before, I have never disappointed. You have to believe my most basic judgment as a professional."


    Having listened to all of this, Jiang Yuan could only say, "Alright, I''ll see what I can do."

 Chapter 635 The show is approved!

    <h4>Chapter 635 The show is approved! </h4>


    Chapter 635 The show is approved!


    [copse]


    Jiang Yuan left.


    Fu Sihong also went back to his own office.


    Ha Qiqi suddenly said, "Teacher Zhang, are you really serious about making this program?"


    "Of course I''m serious," Zhang Ye said in frustration, "Do I look like I''m joking?"


    Zhang Zuo proposed an idea, "I have a suggestion, but don''t take it in the wrong way, Teacher Zhang. Actually, we can modify the format of The Voice a little so that it looks to the audience that the gimmick of not seeing the contestants is real, but we will continue doing it the way we would for simr talent shows. We would still invite only the better-looking contestants to join thepetition and secretly let the coaches know so that they have some idea of the contestants before choosing them, so that the ones who are chosen are the ones picked for their looks, attractability, and have a good talking point to them. That way, we would still be able to achieve our objectives."


    Wu Yi snapped his fingers and said, "That''s a very good idea!"


    However, without even thinking, Zhang Ye immediately said, "When the television station does a program, we''re doing it to catch the hearts of the audience. We do that by leading them step by step into liking our program to achieve our objectives, but leading them in does not mean lying to them. Don''t think that the ways and means you believe are great would definitely be able to lead the audience in a certain direction. They are not fools and you should never look down on the wisdom and judgement of the masses. I should make myself very clear here: the singing programs now, and even the singing industry, are all not developing in a healthy way. My reason for doing this new program is not to make a statement, nor is it to lie to the audience by superficially reforming the industry. What I want to do is to make a program that will topple the traditional singing show and talent shows of the past!"


    As their mindsets were too deeply ingrained in traditional thinking, Zhang Ye could not get it through to them even after exining forever, so he decided to leave it at that and walked back to his office. He still had a lot of work to do, like nning the program trailers, making the designs of the set, and many other things, all of which he wanted to n in advance. There was no time to waste on nonsense!


    When he left, Zhang Zuo asked, "Do you think it''s feasible?"


    Ha Qiqi shook her head and said, "I don''t know."


    Another director said, "This program is very dangerous to do."


    Wu Yi sighed and said, "Yeah, it''s too radical of a change, so I suppose it''s really risky as well."


    "But it''s possible that we cannot see what Zhang Ye sees." Ha Qiqi added, "No matter what, Teacher Zhang is still a specialist at program production, so he''s surely looking at something bigger than we are. If Teacher Zhang can propose such a program and say that it is good, then he surely has his reasons and considerations."


    Zhang Zuo pessimistically said, "Hopefully."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Let''s wait and see how the leaders decide."


    Because this new show also determined the futures and careers of the program team''s staff, they were definitely worried about it and did not want it to be done sloppily.


    ����


    At another ce.


    In a meeting room.


    After Jiang Yuan went back to his office, he got his secretary to gather the nning team and rted staff for a meeting. Everyone who was there were all veterans of Central TV Department 1 and were all very experienced, having done countless programs between them. They were all considered the core members of Central TV Department 1''s production team.


    Jiang Yuan got his secretary to pass out Zhang Ye''s program proposal to each one of them and said, "Take a look. This is the program proposal written up by Zhang Ye. Let''s discuss it."


    Everyone started reading it in detail, and gradually, in session, their faces formed some sort of startled expression.


    "This��"


    "What is this nonsense?"


    "It''s very innovative, but this is too radical!"


    "Other than the vocals, this singing talent show does not consider any other factors? Just what kind of bold person would dare to write up a proposal like that!? This would subvert the entire singing industry and rted singing shows!"


    "How audacious!"


    "Only Zhang Ye would dare to do something like this!"


    "The talented are bolder. I think this idea is worth a try."


    "What''s there to try? This is obviously not going to work. It ispletely out of line with the market trends and practices. Do you think that just basing the show on vocals alone would attract the viewers? The gimmick of judging a contestant based on just their vocals would be able to prop up the entire talent show? This is not a variety program that wouldst one or two episodes; it''s apetition that stretches over at least two months. I won''t say that using vocals as an attraction is not innovative, but it is not strong enough to carry the show. The audiences might not be able to ept it either. We know that just by looking at the other singing shows. The hotly discussed champions and runner-ups always do well in the looks department! That has clearly shown where the audience''s taste lie at."


    "How the other satellite channels are doing it does not reflect the problems at all. If the idea of only focusing on the vocals of the contestants were conveyed to the audience beforehand, the mindset of the audience would also be different when they watch the show and they might ept Zhang Ye''s selling point for the program. But of course, there''s no guarantee for that since there isn''t any precedent of something like this."


    "I don''t think it will work."


    "I feel that it might just be a thin line between failure and sess. As there''s no way to predict this based on our experiences without any precedent to fall back on, if there''s something that we can learn from and judge upon, then it has to be that regardless of Zhang Ye''s character and temper, he really is a very capable person. The programs he handled previously have had no precedent of failure yet and have even gone on to do quite well. So from those examples, I have to admit that Zhang Ye''s vision is surely better than most people''s."


    "That''s true. If it were any other program producer who submitted this proposal, I would surely reject it. But because this proposal was written up by Zhang Ye, I am unable to make any judgment on it. Most of us here are professional program producers too, but if wepare the results of the programs that we''ve all worked on, then our results and qualifications are truly unable to match Zhang Ye''s. I''ve also heard that there are some foreign television stations who have shown interest in the copyrights for Zhang Ye''s Talk Show?"


    "I''ve heard about that too. I think those foreigners are really interested in it, but then I don''t know if they have approached Zhang Ye regarding the copyrights yet. If he is really able to sell it to them, then this will be a historical first for foreign television stations buying our Chinese television copyrights. We would finally have foreigners approaching us to learn from us! How uplifting! This would also give our Chinese television and variety industry a boost, since we''d finally have a world-ss program!"


    "But The Voice and Zhang Ye''s Talk Show are different. The talk show cuts a figure of being Zhang Ye''s creative whim, but singing shows have already been heavily produced and are very well-established in our industry. Now that Zhang Ye is intending to defy the market trends and go against everything that we''ve known, will it work?"


    Everyone here was also having their disagreements, some suggesting to give it a try while others rejected it outright.


    Jiang Yuan looked at the program proposal and lowered his head in silence too. His viewpoint was the same as what someone had mentioned just now. If the proposal was submitted by anyone else, he would have rejected it directly without a thought. However, the problem here was that this proposal was submitted by Zhang Ye, who was known as the man who repeatedly created viewership miracles!


    ����


    At around 4 PM in the afternoon.


    Jiang Yuan returned to the new program''s office. He called out, "Little Zhang?"


    Hearing that, Zhang Ye came out from his office.


    Fu Sihong, Ha Qiqi, and the others were also beside him, knowing that the decision was probably made at the meeting.


    Jiang Yuan''s first words to Zhang Ye were: "Are you very sure that this program will work out?"


    "I am sure. In fact, I guarantee it," Zhang Ye said without any sign of hesitation.


    Jiang Yuan nodded and said, "You have been given the go-ahead to do The Voice, but if the average ratings fall below 0.8%, what would you say to that?"


    Zhang Ye said, "0.8%?"


    Jiang Yuan said, "Yes."


    Zhang Ye was amused at this question, so he said, "Then I will pack up and leave."


    That was exactly what Jiang Yuan wanted to hear. He said, "Alright then, from today onward, The Voice of China will formally begin its production. I hope that the final product that you alle up with will be something satisfactory."


    Zhang Yeughed, "Just wait and see."


    Fu Sihong interrupted, "Director Jiang."


    Jiang Yuan stopped him and said, "Don''t bother saying anymore. It''s been decided."


    Thinking how Zhang Ye had already put his job on the line, Fu Sihong also did not say anything more. From his point of view, he believed that Jiang Yuan was also likely to not have too much confidence in this new program.


    Jiang Yuan said, "I want you guys toe up with an application documentationter so that I can bring it to Finance and inform them. For the initial funding, I will be setting aside 20 million RMB for your team."


    When Zhang Ye heard this, he couldn''t ept it. He said, "Director Jiang, 20 million is definitely not enough. In fact, it''s far from enough and won''t be enough to support this program."


    Jiang Yuan said, "I''ve already pushed very hard for the go-ahead for this program at the meeting earlier. The disagreements over this new program proposal were raised by many people, so you must know that I''m also facing a great deal of pressure."


    Zhang Ye said, "20 million is not enough to invite a few proper guest celebrities as coaches, not to mention that we still need a budget for the set, stage facilities, and a live band for the show. Director Jiang, didn''t you say earlier that you have plenty of funding for us?"


    Jiang Yuan said nomittally, "That is all I can give for now. If you need additional funding in the future, we''ll talk about it again. What I need now is the promotional trailer for the show so that we can release it to the public and get some feedback. If it gets a warm reception, then we can discuss the additional funding."


    Only when he said that did Zhang Ye stop talking.


    20 million?


    It''s not too much even if its 200 million!


    Forget it, it''s better to take it slow. If he were to ask for 200 million from the station now, the whole of Central TV Department 1 would probably vomit blood and treat him as a madman. After all, ording to what Zhang Ye knew, the Central TV Department 1 of this world had never ever invested so much funding into a program before. 20 million was already considered to be arge investment into a program. Some of the other Central TV Department 1 programs only had a budget of several million RMB. For some interview programs, if not taking into ount the host''s sry or not inviting any big shot guests, then even if it aired 4 times a month, it would only have a budget of 1 million, which was really cheap. But variety shows were not the same; those were part of a genre that basically gobbled up money. No matter how much was spent, it was never enough.


    Jiang Yuan left.


    Zhang Zuo, Ha Qiqi, and the rest were left in a predicament!


    Zhang Zuo was feeling a little dizzy. "0.8% for viewership ratings?"


    Ha Qiqi also did not look too good. She said, "Even the most outstanding and well-received singing program this year, Do You Remember, only received 0.8% for its highest-rated episode. When it was low, it only got 0.7% or less. To demand of our new program a viewership rating of 0.8% when it''s just going to start? And it''s even the average rating? Teacher Zhang, weren''t you promising to leave too easily earlier?"


    If they could not hit the requested viewership ratings, then Zhang Ye would automatically quit?


    Even though the team was supposedly led by Fu Sihong, everyone knew that the real leader was actually Zhang Ye. Everything revolved around Zhang Ye''s existence. If he went, then the program would be canceled as well. The team''s members would all face an uncertain future from here on out.


    An average of 0.8%!


    There hadn''t been any singing program this year that had hit that number yet!


    Even if theter episodes of Do You Remember finished airing, the average would surely not hit 0.8%! At most it would be 0.7% or so.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Teacher Zhang, you should have made a bargain just now."


    Wu Yi also added, "Yeah, a nationwide viewership rating of 0.6% was still possible to work toward, but 0.8% is really too difficult. If they really want a viewership rating of 0.8%, that would mean the program would have to ce first in the same time period across the nation, and it''s even going to have arge lead over second ce! Can we aplish such a task?"


    Everyone was feeling extremely stressed.


    Fu Sihong also kept shaking his head.


    However, only Zhang Ye looked like he was not bothered by it and even appeared very rxed. He kept his smile without seeming the least bit worried because he did not feel that a viewership rating of 0.8% was demanding at all. Instead, he even felt that this was low, so low that he nearlyughed at it!


    Hur hur!


    0.8%?


    Can''t hit that number?


    You guys are insulting me! You''re all too looking down on me, Zhang Ye!


    If The Voice really gets a viewership rating of 0.8%, then would I still have wasted so much effort to try to do this program? If you used 0.8% and doubled it, that would be more like it! That''s the figure that should be used as the estimate and goal. But of course, Zhang Ye would not tell them all this. Because only Zhang Ye knew of the logic defying viewership ratings of The Voice back in his world. Even if he told people that, they would definitely not believe him!


    It was not a viewership rating that should be described with a zero point rating! The Voice of his previous world was to be described with a viewership rating that broke past the zero barrier!


    Let''s wait and see!


    When the viewership ratings for The Voicee out, all of you will understand just how expansive the sky is!


    First ce for the same time period? First ce for the entire term of all variety programs��that was what Zhang Ye''s expectation for The Voice was!

 Chapter 636 Public outcry!

    <h4>Chapter 636 Public outcry! </h4>


    Chapter 636 Public outcry!


    Later that afternoon.


    It was time to leave from Central TV.


    Fu Sihong had gone home, but Zhang Ye stayed behind and also asked the others to stay as well and called them to a spacious performance studio. This was the studio that Central TV Department 1 had allocated for their new program and was prettyrge in area. It was previously being used by a talent show program and the ce has not been cleared out yet. There were still some light boxes lying around on the ground and in some corners. In terms of its size, Zhang Ye was quite satisfied with it. A station like Central TV did not have ack of venues. Compared to those other satellite channels, at which some programs had to share a venue between themselves and two or three other programs, Central TV''s standout points were that they hadrge ces, a good policy, as well as many employees.


    "I''m afraid that it will be too rushed tomorrow, so I want to delegate some tasks first. It probably won''t take up more than 15 minutes of everyone''s time." Zhang Ye asked, "Has the green light for the funding been given?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "It''s been given. We have 20 million."


    Zhang Ye nodded, then pointed around the venue and said, "This is where our program will be filmed. The station still takes quite good care of us since they''ve allocated thergest performance studio to us. I won''t do things like asking everyone to shout some team motto or whatever. There''s no need for unnecessary stuff like that. Everything still boils down to what we show by our practical actions, and because I''m still unfamiliar with what every one of you here specializes in, I took the initiative to n out the tasks first. If any one of you is responsible for the job I mention or think that you''re up for it, please tell me."


    "OK."


    "No problem."


    "Just give us your instructions, Director Zhang."


    Everyone listened intently.


    Zhang Ye said, "These tasks rte to the progress of the program''s production, so I need everyone to do them well. The first thing is in regard to the website. Our new program will need to have a microsite on the website of Central TV Department 1 or have a standalone website of its own. Its purpose will be promoting and updating thetest news on our program and act as a tform to interact with the public. In the future, there will also be spontaneous polls for audiences to take part in, so I don''t think I need to emphasize how important this is. I want two people to be in charge of the content for this and towork with the main Central TV website team to get it up and running."


    A female editor said, "Let me handle it, that''s my specialty."


    A young male editor looked to his left and right before he raised his hand and said, "Count me in too. I was from the department that handled the official website before I came here, so I know quite a few people who I could get help from to code the microsite and prioritize it for us."


    Zhang Ye said, "Good, thank you then."


    The female and male editors said together at once, "You''re wee."


    Zhang Ye continued, "The next thing is in regard to the preparations for the preliminary auditions. Sister Qi, I leave this to you. Please approach the station first for some marketing and promotional resources, like the reservations for a televisionmercial slot or website advertisement banner position so that we can put out information like the registration contact number and application methods. After that, set aside a time and arrange for the applicants toe in waves for the preliminary auditions. Although the actual audition will be done in the studio and recorded, there is still a need to do a preliminary audition so we can pick out the contestants who fit the vocal requirements of show."


    Ha Qiqi responded, "Sure, just leave that to me."


    Zhang Ye gave her a heads-up on this and said, "Your task will be the most difficult one, but it''s also the most important and critical part of the program. If you need more help, you can allocate more people to your team."


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "Good, it''s good timing since we''re expecting more people to join our program team tomorrow."


    "Thenst but not least, the venueyout and equipment." Zhang Ye looked at Zhang Zuo and said, "Brother Zhang, I leave this recording studio''s work to you, so please help us to take control of that."


    Assistant Director Zhang Zuo said, "Sure, what requests do you have?"


    Zhang Ye said, "How is the quality of the audio equipment of our Central TV Department 1 as well as the studio equipment?"


    Zhang Zuo blinked a few times and said, "It''s pretty good. It won''t be any lousier than the other satellite channel''s equipment at least. Most of what we have are professional grade hardware, with some of it being internationally top-tier equipment. They were fitted justst year, but some others are a little older, though still considered higher-end equipment in the country. Overall, it''s not too shabby."


    When Zhang Ye heard that, he shook his head, "That''s not going to cut it. The stage for our new program depends greatly on the audio quality, so even if just some of it is not too bad, that means it''s still not good enough. If that''s the case, then it would mean our setup is just so-so. My principles when ites to making a program is to either make it the best in the industry or not do it at all. That''s why, when ites to the equipment and setup, we need it to be the very best. I won''t ept any shorings, especially in the area of audio quality. If Central TV has the necessary hardware to support our requirements, then we will borrow them. If not then we will have to find something we can rent, but if they aren''t even avable for rent, then we will buy them!"


    Zhang Zuo received a fright from this. "Buy it ourselves?"


    Ha Qiqi also said nervously, "But we don''t have enough budget to buy them."


    Zhang Ye, who was also not too familiar with the market price, asked, "How much do we need?"


    "You might not be aware of it." Zhang Zuo said, "If you really intend to get brand new, top-tier equipment, then the whole setup would cost over 10 million, minimum. That''s already a very conservative estimate, and would include having already borrowed some items from the station. The kind of setup you''re aiming for would burn a big hole in our pockets, so if you want something that is the very, very best, it could amount to several tens of millions. On top of that, there''s also the troublesome portion of the technicalities. Since it would be a totally new setup, our staff would still need some time to pick up and learn how to operate it. With the 20 million in funding from our station, it''s��"


    Zhang Ye frowned. Even with the scenario of the program team borrowing most of the top-tier equipment from the station, it would still cost over 10 million??


    It was too expensive!


    It was too damn expensive!


    But Zhang Ye still said firmly, "Try to borrow first. If that doesn''t work out, buy them!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Then wouldn''t we have no money left over to do other things?"


    Zhang Ye said, "The equipment must be ready before everything else, so the pressure will be on your side. No matter what it takes, the props and equipment must be the best. Don''t you all worry about the funding, I will think of a way. Let me handle whatever that needs to be handled on the backend."


    ''OK, I understand." Zhang Zuo was also turning steadfast now that Zhang Ye had given his word to back them up. He did not have to bother about anything else anymore, so he said, "I willmunicate with the Equipment Department tonight and write a list of items we require. If Central TV does not have them, I''ll get their purchasing manager to help quote a figure."


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Good, then that''s about it. Since the tasks have been allocated, everyone, please go home and rest well. Starting tomorrow, we will have a tough battle to fight."


    Wu Yi was a little surprised. He said, "Director Zhang."


    "Yes?" Zhang Ye was still quite unused to being addressed in that way.


    Wu Yi asked, "Is that all for the tasks? What about the promotional copy��."


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh, I will handle that."


    Wu Yi said in surprise, "The invitation for the coaches to join the program��"


    Zhang Ye said, "I will contact them."


    Wu Yi was bing even more surprised now. So he said, "Then the advertising copy��"


    Zhang Ye said, "When the website is ready, I will write it."


    Wu Yi said, "Then would you also possibly be handling the participating and title sponsors��."


    Zhang Ye said, "Leave that to me as well."


    "Ah?" Ha Qiqi looking a little embarrassed, said, "How can you handle all that by yourself? Those tasks are too broad. Why don''t you delegate some to me. I still have the capacity to handle a little more."


    The other members of the program team also scrambled to offer their help to Zhang Ye.


    However, Zhang Ye waved them off and said, "There''s no need for that, we''ll talk about it again."


    For some of the more important and trickier to handle tasks, Zhang Ye decided that he would take them on himself. Even though he was already an executive director, he did not leave all the work to others. Why would he let others do all the dirty work while he sat in the office sipping tea and rxing? If he did that, the others would not be convinced by him. So Zhang Ye decided that he would get down to work as well. Besides, he was not the type who could sit around doing nothing and not feel bored. With The Voice of China about to make its imminent premiere, he was also itching to do as much as he could. Even if he were forced to rest, he couldn''t do it since he was well known for being a workaholic!


    The meeting ended.


    Most of the team''s staff left work, while some voluntarily stayed behind to clock some overtime, for instance the assistant directors, Zhang Zuo and Ha Qiqi. Since Zhang Ye was already very clear with his instructions, they couldn''t ck off either. A viewership rating of 0.8% was too great a goal. The pressure they were facing was enormous, so they knew that they had to try their very best this time!


    Zhang Ye did not work overtime because Chenchen was still with him at the television station. He didn''t mind workingte or staying behind in the office, but Chenchen couldn''t, so after he prepared a simple advertising copy for the preliminary auditions for Ha Qiqi, he took Chenchen home for dinner.


    ����


    That night.


    The official website of Central TV Department 1 started running a promotional ad for a new program.


    "Central TV Department 1 joins hands with Zhang Ye. Auditions for arge-scale singing talent show are beginning! "


    Below the title was an introduction for the program: Regardless of looks, height, age, or upation, as long as you''re blessed with a good voice and hold a strong passion for music,e and register for the auditions immediately. What are you still waiting for?


    Registration Hotline 1: 400-8XXXXXXX.


    Registration Hotline 2: 400-8XXXXXXX.


    Liaison: The Voice of China Program Team.


    Actually, the ad was ced in a spot that wasn''t too good. After all, this wasn''t some televisionmercial. However, it was exactly this inconspicuous program ad that had created a stir online. Just one minute after the ad was posted, already a new thread had been created with an apanying screenshot!


    "Heavens! Zhang Ye has a new program!"


    "Oh my god! That''s too fast!"


    "Yeah, didn''t Zhang Ye just started work at Central TV Department 1 today? How could he already have news of a new program in the evening when he only started work in the morning? What kind of efficiency is that! Teacher Zhang is indeed the celebrated ''fastest draw'' in the industry. Whether it''s in producing programs or advertisements, there''s only one way to describe it��fast!"


    "But why is it a singing talent show?"


    "Zhang Ye is making yet another singing program?"


    "Dammit, I was still predicting that he would do a reality show! How did it turn into a singing talent show? Why did it turn out to be a singing talent show? It''s a totally different genre from what I had expected!"


    "The Voice of China? What a terrible name!"


    "F**k, could this really be Zhang Ye''s new program?"


    As the thread heated up, countlessizens rushed over to take a look!


    This included many television industry insiders as well! They were all very concerned about this topic.


    A verified industry insider from Beihe Provincial Television Station said: "Regardless of looks? Regardless of upation? Regardless of age? Can a talent show be done in such a way? What''s the selling point of the program then? At first nce, it feels like this is a very innovative idea, but if this is a talent show, then the program would barely be watched by anyone. At most, it would be a program that would gain a cult following. I believe the viewer ratings won''t pass 0.4%!"


    Another industry insider also said: "To be honest, I''m quite disappointed at this. Having seen Zhang Ye''s previously proposed program Do You Remember, I ended up having great expectations for his new program to be another innovative work just like his Zhang Ye''s Talk Show and Do You Remember, but what is the meaning of The Voice of China? Regardless of looks and age? That has to be some sort of a gimmick, right? It''s impossible that a television station would dare to go against the market trends and practices like this. This program will surely end up just like any other traditional singing talent show that is no different from the others, therefore I cannot understand why Zhang Ye would still jump into such a genre when such programs are so abundantly broadcast with up to four or five such shows per month. Isn''t the audience already getting sick of them?"


    A third industry insider said: "I don''t get it either. For someone who is able to create such an innovative show like Do You Remember, why did Zhang Ye not choose to take another path and instead walk a road that is packed with countless otherpetitors? If this were the case, then why did he sell Do You Remember back then and not leave it for himself instead?"


    Someone raised a doubt: "Based on Zhang Ye''s experience, it''s impossible that he did not take that into consideration. Could it be just as they had advertised it, that the singing program will only be focused on vocals alone?


    "That''s quite impossible!"


    "Yeah, no one would dare to do such a thing."


    "If it were really a talent show that only focuses on vocals alone, who would want to watch such a show? That would be worse than the current singing programs that we have, wouldn''t it?"


    The television industry insiders were generally quite pessimistic about the chances of this new program, simr to how those veterans at Central TV Department 1 felt earlier.


    Theizens'' reactions were much more diverse. Zhang Ye''s hardcore fans were supporting the new show without any hesitation.


    "Supporting Teacher Zhang!"


    "It won''t go wrong if it''s Zhang Ye''s production!"


    "Haha, looking forward to Teacher Zhang''s new show!"


    "Experience tells us not to doubt Teacher Zhang''s decision no matter what. Otherwise, once the dust clears, you''ll find that your face has be swollen!"


    "Right, although I also do not understand where the profoundness of The Voice of China lies at, I will still support Teacher Zhang unconditionally. There''s nothing else to say except to tune in to the program on time. Teacher Zhang''s show will definitely be a good watch. He has never disappointed us before in the past, present, and will not disappoint us in the future either!"


    "Well said!"


    "Zhang Ye''s fan club has gathered!"


    "Let''s help Teacher Zhang promote and forward it!"


    However, there were also otherizens who were not optimistic about it.


    "A talent show that only focus on vocals? That won''t get much of an audience at all!"


    "That''s right. If there''s someone who looks terribly ugly with a height of 1.4 meters, even if he sings really well, no one could like him, right? Who wants to look at someone like that? If I watch that, I want it to be a prettydy!"


    "Agreed. Just listening to the vocals is not too reliable, right?"


    "Although I would like to agree that a singer should have good vocals as a main attraction, looks are still very important. They are public personalities no matter what, so they need to look friendly to others at the very least, isn''t that true?"


    "Is Zhang Ye intending to undermine the traditional singing talent show genre?"


    "I agree with what the industry insider said earlier. It''s definitely a gimmick that they''re iming that only the voice will be used to judge the contestants. It''s just a bluff that''s being used to confuse everyone. The show will still be carried out in the old way."


    "Then there''s even less reason to watch it."


    "Yeah, there are too many singing talent shows these days!"


    "What is Zhang Ye trying to do? What is Central TV Department 1 doing?"


    "Zhang Ye is indeed Zhang Ye! The way he does things has always left everyone unable to understand why he does them that way!"


    Just a tiny banner ad on the Central TV website had created such a big reaction from so many people on the inte. It was probably only Zhang Ye who could invoke such a reaction, as that guy''s name itself already represented controversy. No matter how famous he was or how much he had achieved, just his personality that dared to do what no one else dared to was enough to put him in the same breath as "controversy." Nothing could be done about this. After all, this was how the entertainment industry worked!

 Chapter 637 Pulling for Advertising Sponsorships!

    <h4>Chapter 637 Pulling for Advertising Sponsorships! </h4>


    Chapter 637 Pulling for Advertising Sponsorships!


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    "Zhang Ye, wake up." Chenchen pushed him.


    Zhang Ye rolled over and said drowsily, "Don''t disturb me."


    Chenchen pushed harder and said, "Zhang Ye, get up. Zhang Ye, get up."


    Chenchen was like a little rm clock and proved to be more effective than any other rm clock. Zhang Ye was so affected that he could not sleep anymore and helplessly got out of the bed while yawning away. He then went out to buy breakfast for Chenchen without even washing his face.


    At a stall selling breakfast outside the district.


    Many people were sitting in the open air area and enjoying their breakfast.


    "Yo, Little Zhang."


    "Teacher Zhang, you''re awake?"


    "Good morning, Teacher Zhang."


    "Brother Zhang, you''re here for breakfast?"


    The old neighbors and the vendor of the breakfast stall greeted Zhang Ye in the way they always did.


    Some of the people who did not live around here or were just passing by and having breakfast here for the first time were clearly clueless about what was going on. When they saw Zhang Ye''s sloppy image walking leisurely toward them, some of them nearly peed their pants from being shocked and dumbfounded. F**k, wasn''t that Zhang Ye! They could even bump into a B-list celebrity while having breakfast? Their first reaction was that they must have seen something wrong. How could a B-list celebrity dress so sloppily ande out onto the streets! Besides, who had ever encountered such a big shot celebrity eating their breakfast at such a dirty, everyday stall? Were they shooting a TV drama or a movie? But why were there no director or cameras to be seen anywhere? There were all kinds of thoughts.


    Zhang Ye greeted the old neighbors and then said to the vendor, "I''ll have three fried dough sticks and two bowls of tofu pudding. Carryout." Then he took a seat listlessly.


    At this moment, a reporter who was lying in ambush at a nearby spot came running out towards him. Holding out a recording pen, he interviewed him, saying, "Teacher Zhang, I''m from Entertainment Weekly Magazine."


    Zhang Ye said as he fought his droopy eyelids, "Oh, hello."


    The reporter said, "I heard that after you joined Central TV Department 1, the new program The Voice of China is already undergoing production preparations, but many industry insiders and audience members do not seem to acknowledge it. They''ve raised many doubts and feel that it would be a mistake to subvert the concept of the talent shows and that it would conflict with the market trends."


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh."


    The reporter immediately asked, "What is your view on that?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Nothing much."


    The reporter eximed, "Are you confident about your new program?"


    "��Passable." Zhang Ye said.


    The reporter was shocked and said, "Ah? What do you mean by passable? Are you not confident about it at all?"


    "��So-so," Zhang Ye said.


    That reporter was puzzled. This shouldn''t be Zhang Ye''s style. Shouldn''t he be more outraged? Wasn''t he supposed toe up with a poem or two to scold those doubters? Wasn''t he supposed to give a strong and spiritedeback at those people? What the heck was with this attitude? Why was he so dispirited today? This was not his style at all! As an entertainment reporter, he was not used to Zhang Ye''s current indifferent attitude. After a barrage of questions, Zhang Ye was answering like he was still half-asleep and had absolutely no fighting spirit.


    Doubts?


    Criticism?


    Zhang Ye was already numb to all of these. Not only him, as long as they were in the entertainment industry, no one could escape from it. Wasn''t Zhang Yuanqi famous as well? Wasn''t she reputable? Wasn''t she popr? Those who scolded her would still scold her every day and those who doubted her would still continue to doubt her, let alone Zhang Ye. He was more interested in getting his breakfast and going back to sleep awhile longer before heading to work.


    ����


    Later in the morning.


    At Central TV.


    When Zhang Ye led Chenchen into the office, they heard someone speaking in a loud voice.


    Fu Sihong said, "We are spending all of the 20 million on this?"


    Zhang Zuo grunted, "Uh."


    Fu Sihong asked, "Was it even necessary to use all of that 20 million to purchase the equipment?"


    Zhang Zuo replied, "It was instructed by Director Zhang."


    Zhang Ye also joined in and asked, "Brother Fu, what''s the matter?"


    When Fu Sihong saw Zhang Ye, he had a face full of displeasure. Then he said, "Teacher Zhang, you might be in charge of the program production but for such a big matter, but shouldn''t you at least discuss it with me beforehand? If all of the 20 million was going to spent on equipment for the set, then what about the other expenses? How would we be able to invite the coaches? How can we pay for the contestants'' transport, food, and amodation? And as for all other misceneous expenses, how will we deal with those? Your decision this time was too rash!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yesterday, I wanted to meet with you on this but you''d already left, so I intended to tell you about it this morning. We can''t scrimp on what''s essential and must spend on what''s necessary. We cannot afford to be indecisive on such things as this is also a responsibility for the program and audience."


    Fu Sihong retorted with a question, "How do we solve theck of funding then?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m preparing to apply for more funding from Director Jiang."


    Jiang Yuan happened to be just outside the office and heard a little of their conversation, so he asked, "What do you want to apply from me?" It was a habit of his to make the rounds at the respective program teams every day before he started work.


    When Fu Sihong saw that the leader had arrived, he immediately reported to him about the situation.


    After hearing about the situation, Jiang Yuan was also very shocked. He said, "You''re going to spend 20 million on purchasing the equipment for the stage''s set?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Yes."


    "Is there really such a need?" Jiang Yuan could not understand his motivation.


    Zhang Ye said, "This is a must if we want to guarantee a high viewer rating. We can''t save on this amount of money because what we''re selling is the quality of vocals."


    Jiang Yuan said, "We already have the basic equipment in the station, are they really so different from those top-tier equipment? Most people would probably not be able to differentiate it, right?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head and said, "This was something I did some research intost night. During the television broadcast transmission, if the equipment used is different, the quality and performance of the sound and other aspects would not be as good. That is also the reason why those top-tier equipment are so expensive. Director Jiang, you have to trust me on this and leave the production of the program to me. Give me a little more funding for the program and I will surely return the trust with a program that exceeds all expectation in terms of the viewership ratings."


    Jiang Yuan immediately said, "You''ve spent 20 million just like that, so no matter how much more is given to you, it won''t be enough!"


    Zhang Ye shouted, "But you can''t just make a horse constantly run without feeding it. The station has set a 0.8% viewership rating as a target. Everyone knows that this number will be difficult to hit, but if we want to reach this target, then we must invest proportionately. In fact, the amount invested now will be returned by multiple times that in the future. But if the investment now is discounted, then the future viewership ratings will also be discounted."


    Jiang Yuan spoke, "The details of the new program and auditions were already released yesterday. You should have seen the response online. Other than your fans, everyone else did not have high expectations for this program. The overall market response was also quite negative. I know that the program is still in pre-production and the final product is not out yet, so no one knows how it will turn out. But the reaction of the audience and their expectations are also a kind of feedback, so me approving more funding to you really puts me in a very difficult situation. I''m unable to make the decision on my own."


    Zhang Ye wasn''t too happy either. Oh, before he came here, he was promised to be given full control withplete support and extensive funding. But when he was ready to produce the program, he was given all sorts of excuses? Why was it so difficult just to get some things done!


    He knew that Central TV had its advantage in that it had a huge amount of resources. But simrly, it also had its disadvantage: the traditional thinking of the organization. They always sought stability in their projects and were afraid of bearing responsibility. With such a culture, it would be difficult to do anything and things would surely get dyed!


    Fu Sihong asked, "How much do you still need? You have to at least give us an estimation."


    Zhang Ye honestly said, "At least 60 million more."


    Jiang Yuan immediately responded, "That''s impossible. Even if the response from the audience is good, the station will still not grant 80 million RMB in production fees. Do you know the total budgeted production expenses for this year''s Central TV Department 1''s programs? So how can just you alone take up so much of it just like that? Unless you can sell the title of the program and get the money ahead of the broadcast, then with advertisement revenue injected, the funding you require will be met. But these days, singing programs are saturating the market, thus leading to a market downturn. In the eyes of thosepanies, it would not be wise to buy a title. For other simrly performing singing talent shows with good viewership ratings, the title money can only fetch around 20 million RMB or so, while many others can only price their titles like a cabbage at the market and sell it for less than 10 million RMB with the advertising rights fee even less. That is the current situation of the market, so even if you manage tond a 20 million title sponsorship, it is still not close to your requested amount and would not be enough for you to use."


    10 or 20 million?


    The title sponsorships of this world were that low?


    That might also be true. If there were no good programs and with variety programs continuing to be in a downturn while the market shrank and the audience base dispersed, the title sponsorship rights would also naturally decline in value.


    But what if there was a good program? What if there was a television program that could sweep all the other programs off their feet in the variety world? Then the title sponsorship would definitely not be something that was worth just tens of millions! Zhang Ye believed, no, to be urate, he knew that The Voice would be a world-ss program which defied all logic. That was why he had high expectations of the title sponsorship and already had designs on thisrge piece of the pie.


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Director Jiang, so what you mean is that the title sponsorship can directly be injected into the program team''s funding and be allocated freely by me?"


    Jiang Yuan looked at him and said, "Your program hasn''t even been finalized yet, so how could you find any sponsors?"


    Fu Sihong looked at Zhang Ye as though he were ayman and said, "Normally, we would have to at least confirm the core team and guests for the television program before we contact the sponsors and advertisers. Right now, we only have a program n and the coaches have also not been decided yet, so whichpany would dare buy the title sponsorship? That would be too hasty. Besides, if they bought the title sponsorship at this point, the price would also not be very high. At most it would work out to a base price."


    Zhang Ye probed, "But it will be our funding, right?"


    Jiang Yuan said, "Yes, as long as you can sell it, I can decide to give you the full sum of the title sponsorship. But as for the fees other than the title sponsorship, like the advertising rights fees, all of those must go to Central TV Department 1. You can''t touch it, and neither can I."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright then."


    That''s just what he wanted to hear.


    If you aren''t going to be supportive? Then I will think of a way by myself!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye felt that it was time to work on his eloquence. The amount of money he needed to bring in would be dependent on how well he used his mouth. If he could really restore that world-renowned program, The Voice, from his previous world back as it was, and do it well, he definitely couldn''t skimp on the production costs. Otherwise, he would be better off not doing it at all!

 Chapter 638 Would you believe it?

    <h4>Chapter 638 Would you believe it? </h4>


    Chapter 638 Would you believe it?


    Day.


    The leader left.


    The program team''s office of The Voice was filled with whisperings.


    "Teacher Zhang is really eyeing the title sponsorship?"


    "But it hasn''t even started production yet. Where''s he going to get that from?"


    "Even if he could get somepany to sponsor it, it wouldn''t be much. It''s definitely not going to be enough for Teacher Zhang''s budget, so what''s he going to do? The remaining money that we have is not even enough to sign a few B-list celebrities as the program''s coaches, right?"


    "The station is also to me. Why don''t they just give us a little more?"


    "Actually, 20 million is already a lot. If not for the station giving us the green light, just look at the other programs'' production costs, they''re not even close to 10 million, right? It''s just because Teacher Zhang''s ideal program requires too much money. I wonder what kind of coaches Teacher Zhang is intending to invite when he said that he wanted 80 million in total production money? Could he be thinking of getting some Heavenly Kings and Queens to be the judges and coaches? Being able to sign those S-list celebrities��.It would be difficult to invite them even if we had a lot of money, isn''t that so?"


    "We definitely won''t understand what Director Zhang is thinking."


    "Teacher Zhang is really trying too hard to chase perfection."


    "I just hope that the program will be popr, or else the money we spend will really all be lost."


    "Ai, I guess we can only leave it to Zhang Ye from here."


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others were still rtively calm in this situation; in contrast the other editors and writers were unable to sit still any longer.


    ����


    In the executive director''s office.


    Little Wang came in and asked, "Were you looking for me?"


    Chenchen grabbed Zhang Ye''s cell phone and went to the sofa to y some games. Zhang Ye said to Little Wang, "Yes, Little Wang. Help me topile a list of bigpanies that we can contact, preferably those enterprise- or corporation-levelpanies, like the ones that sell herbal tea or milk. If you don''t have their information, find the relevant Central TV department to request for a copy. I need to contact some of them regarding the title sponsorship matter, so please hurry on that."


    Little Wang responded, "Sure."


    About 20 minutester, the list ofpanies and contact numbers was ready.


    Zhang Ye browsed through thepany names but as he was still quite unfamiliar with thepanies of this world, he did not know which one was better, so he decided to just give them all a call.


    "Hello, is this Daily Milk?"


    "Yes."


    "I''m calling from Central TV Department 1''s The Voice of China. This is the executive director of the program team speaking."


    "Oh?"


    "We are currently preparing a new,rge-scale singing talent show and the exclusive title sponsorship is still avable, so I would like to ask if yourpany is interested. I can tell you more about our show��."


    "Sorry, we are currently not looking for any opportunities in this area."


    "Alright then, thank you."


    "If we are interested, we will contact you again."


    "OK."


    Then he made the next call.


    This time, Zhang Ye wised up. He began to speak persuasively with charm.


    "Hello, is this Almond Tea?"


    "Yes, and you?"


    "I am Zhang Ye from Central TV Station."


    "Ah? You''re Zhang Ye? Which Zhang Ye?"


    "I should be the Zhang Ye that you''re thinking about."


    "Aiyo, why did you call us for?"


    "Our new program has just started production on our new program. It''s going to be on Central TV Department 1''s Thursday evening slot, but the title sponsorship has not been confirmed yet. Although thepetition between the corporations is getting quite heated, we are still not too satisfied with them as the product''s image does not mirror our program''s image. That is why someone rmended yourpany to us. And since I''m also a frequent customer of your product and find it quite delicious, I called to ask if yourpany would be interested."


    "Oh, I understand. Please wait a moment, I will check with my leader."


    "OK."


    "��Sorry to have kept you waiting, Teacher Zhang. Our leader has informed me that ourpany has just taken an advertising deal with Central TV Department 1''s Friday drama slot. We don''t intend to do any advertising during a singing program for now since the market for variety programs isn''t too good currently."


    "Oh, what a shame then."


    He made a continuous seven or eight calls.


    Zhang Ye only had one strategy, and that was to first tell them where he was calling from, then with a flurry of words, he would persuade them with praises first, such as saying how he felt that theirpany was the one who among others was the best or telling them how this was a once in a lifetime opportunity that had arrived at their doorsteps and that they should really grab at the chance or else live to regret it. In any case, he just tried to sell them the title sponsorship using praises and talk of wasted opportunities.


    However, not one of them responded positively!


    When they heard that it was a variety program, everyone rejected his offer!


    In the end, when Zhang Ye got tired of making calls, he gulped down a few sses of water. He was quite angry at this oue, thinking of what the hell was going on. Did anyone even know what sort of a program this was? This was The Voice! The reputable and famous program worldwide that was called The Voice! Back in Zhang Ye''s previous world, the title sponsorship for The Voice was a sky-high figure which did not even need anyone to go around begging others to buy it. Without stepping out of the television station''s door, the advertisers would make their interest known and try to outbid each other for the rights to the title sponsorship! But now? Zhang Ye''s mouth was already worn out from all those calls but none of thepanies were interested in buying the title sponsorship. Some of thesepanies even assumed Zhang Ye to be a scammer and hung up on the phone immediately. That made Zhang Ye not know whether tough or cry!


    You fail to see the great product!


    You people really don''t consider the steamed bun stuffed with sweetened bean paste to be food!


    A program like The Voice that had conquered people''s hearts all around the world was now in such a sorry state? But that was not surprising at all since there was no precedent of a program like this in this world. It wasn''t his fault that the values of this world''s singing programs were totally different from his previous world! The emergence of a new product was always going to face doubt and resistance since no one understood it well enough!


    But what could be done now?


    Sell it for cheap? That''s not possible!


    Even if everyone did not know the great value of being the title sponsor to The Voice, it did not mean that it had no value. Even if he had to hold it in his hands, Zhang Ye would not consider selling it for cheap. This would be disrespecting the hard work of his predecessors. But if he had to sell it for cheap, he would sell it to someone he knew.


    Someone he knew?


    Oh, right!


    Zhang Ye suddenly thought of a person. Wu Mo! Now that was really someone he knew well, what with Wu Mo being Wu Zeqing''s nephew as well as the CEO of the Brain Goldpany!


    Zhang Ye''s eyes lit up as he immediately grabbed his phone back from Chenchen, saying, "Stop ying."


    Chenchen would not have any of it and said, "Zhang Ye, give it back."


    "Uncle has some serious work to do now." Zhang Ye scrolled to Wu Mo''s contact in his contacts and gave him a call.


    Du du du. It only took three rings before Wu Mo''s spirited voice came from the other end: "Hahaha, Brother Zhang! My benefactor''s has called!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "CEO Wu, what are you busy with?"


    Wu Mo said happily: "Nothing, I''m justzing around at home."


    "Whoa, you''re that free? That''s good then. Let''s go out for a drink, I have something that I need to discuss with you." As Zhang Ye was considerably close to him, it was also easy for him to talk to Wu Mo.


    Wu Mo did not hesitate and said: "Sure, I''ll pick you up."


    Zhang Ye said: "But you''re a tycoon worth billions. How would that be suitable?"


    Wu Mo said, "Brother Zhang, aren''t you making me feel disgraceful now? Without your endorsement and advertisement, would your brother be here today? I will go pick you up, that is a must. It has been a while since we''ve met and I also intended to go look for you anyway!"


    "Fine then. So shall we meet at the entrance of Central TV Tower?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "Oh, I just remembered. You''ve gone to work at Central TV now. Sure then, I''ll be there in twenty minutes." Wu Mo ended the call after he said that.


    When Zhang Ye put down his cell phone, he was already preparing his speech forter. He should have really thought of Wu Mo earlier. Ever since that viral advertisement, Brain Gold''s sales figures had risen like it was attached to the top of aunched rocket. It went from being an enterprise on the verge of bankruptcy to bing the market leader of health products. It was rumored that the management of Wu Mo''spany had an internal target to be listed at the end of two years. With the business developing at such a rapid pace, Wu Mo''s worth was now staggering, though Zhang Ye did not know what the exact figure was. If Wu Mo bought the title sponsorship, it would first solve Zhang Ye''s pressing problems of getting additional funding, and second, ensure that the benefits of the deal would not be given to any other outsiders. It would allow Brain Gold to ride on the coattails of The Voice''s imminent rise and certainly allow its sales to be increased several fold more. As Wu Zeqing''s unpublicized boyfriend, there was no reason not to take care and look out for her nephew.


    After calming Chenchen down, Zhang Ye got Ha Qiqi to help him look after her and went out to meet with Wu Mo.


    ����


    Underneath the tower.


    The two of them met up.


    "Brother Zhang."


    "CEO Wu, it looks like you''ve been enjoying life?"


    "Hai, I''ve been eating too muchtely."


    "Come, let''s get in the car to talk."


    "Sure, let''s find a coffee house."


    After getting into Wu Mo''s new luxury car he had swapped to recently, they drove off.


    Wu Mo spoke as he drove, "What did you want to tell me about?"


    "Well, let me be direct with you then." Zhang Yeughed a little and continued, "I don''t know how familiar you are with the title sponsorship and rted advertising opportunities on television programs."


    Wu Mo blinked and said, "Title sponsorship? How could I not know about that? Didn''t the sess of our Brain Gold product happen all because of the extensive advertising campaign?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Then it will be easier to exin."


    Wu Mo heartily asked, "What about it? Your new program is seeking a title sponsor? Then that won''t be a problem at all. How much is it? I just need a word from you. My Brother Zhang''s program definitely won''t go wrong!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Don''t promise me too soon. I suggest you listen to what I have to say first. Yes, I am thinking of roping you in to join as the title sponsor, but my program''s title sponsorship won''t be sold for anything less than 100 million RMB."


    Screeeech!


    The car came to a screeching halt by the side of the road!


    Wu Mo asked dumbfounded, "What? Please say again?"


    Zhang Ye cleared his throat and said, "100 million."


    Wu Mo was nearly close to tears when he spoke, "Brother Zhang, I''m not well educated, so don''t try to fool me. But what sort of program are you producing? Even if it''s an advertisement during News Simulcast, it shouldn''t cost 100 million, right? I think I saw some newsst night about the program that you''re doing for Central TV Department 1. It''s a singing program? I didn''t remember incorrectly, right?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and remarked, "You''re right."


    Wu Mo said, "But the market for singing programs is in a downturn at the moment, isn''t it? As far as I know, the exclusive title sponsorships are generally in the range of 10 to 20 million RMB at most. But of course, I know that your program will surely be different from theirs. They have got nothing on you, so I think that 30 million RMB should already be a ballpark figure."


    Zhang Ye shook his head and said, "That''s far from it."


    Wu Mo was still extremely trusting of Zhang Ye, so he stated, "I''m sure you wouldn''t say that without a reason. Why don''t you tell me what the situation is like instead?"


    Zhang Ye exined, "I won''t touch on the program''s technicalities and the market trend issues for now since even industry insiders do not seem to grasp that fully, let alone you. But what I can tell you right now is that this program that no one has any expectations of will gain a viewership rating that you cannot even begin to imagine. If you be the title sponsor of this program, I can assure you that, even with 200 million, you would not be making a loss!"


    Wu Mo asked, "What sort of a viewership rating are we talking about?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Think big."


    Wu Mo said, "0.9%?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Even bigger."


    Wu Mo said, "1.3%?"


    Zhang Ye said, "You can up that a bit more."


    After holding it in for a long time, Wu Mo daringly said, "Could it be 1.6%?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "If I told you that the figure of 1.6% is just for the start, would you believe it?"

 Chapter 639 The Voice’s Astronomical Title Sponsorship Fee!

    <h4>Chapter 639 The Voice��s Astronomical Title Sponsorship Fee! </h4>


    Chapter 639 The Voice''s Astronomical Title Sponsorship Fee!


    [copse]


    Ah?


    For a start?


    The 1.6% viewership ratings is just the starting figure?


    Wu Mo was stunned in astonishment, "How can a singing talent show program have that high of a viewership rating? In the past two years alone, I believe that none of them has garnered more than 1% of the viewership ratings before?


    Zhang Ye shrugged and said, "The key here is that my program has the potential to have such a high viewership rating. What you should be aware of here is that if a program can hit 1.6% and above, it will generate a different effect and discussion for its advertisers. Compared to those programs with only 0.5%, it is definitely not an effect that can bebined by stacking them together, but something that is exponentially better. So if we calcte it this way, based on three singing programs that have viewership ratings of 0.5% each, their total title sponsorship fees should be around the region of about 50 million RMB. With that, even if I were to double the final figure, I don''t think I''m asking for too much, am I?"


    Wu Mo nodded and said, "If you calcte it that way, then it''s really not a lot, but��"


    Zhang Ye did not wait for him to finish, but added on, "The problem right now is that the program has not even started airing yet, so there''re no viewership ratings or market response data avable. Even if I were to persuade you with all that I have, it is still only my words and perspective that you can take. Other people might perceive what I say to them as boasting or touting my own program''s potential, so choose not to believe me. That''s why it is useless for me to talk too much with them. If they don''t wish to believe me, they will not believe me."


    This was also the current embarrassing state of Zhang Ye and The Voice. If others did not believe him or chose not to buy the title sponsorship, what could he do about it? He couldn''t possibly hold it and just wait for the program to start broadcasting first, right? But without the title sponsorship fee, how would he be able to produce the program? There was no way it would make it to broadcasting, so this was a dead-end situation. Everything depended on this.


    Wu Mo was silent.


    Zhang Ye smiled and stated, "But CEO Wu, you should know what kind of a person I am. When ites my work, I never boast about what I can achieve. If I im that I can make the program hit that viewership rating, then I can definitely do so and it won''t get any lower than that, only higher. Today''s not the first day you''ve known me. We''ve even worked together for some time now, so whether or not there''s any qualifications to my ims, I''m sure you know better than anyone."


    Wu Mo agreed, "We did more than just work together. Everyone outside says that I had the vision and luck to have met Zhang Ye and was so brave to have used that brainwashing advertisement. But only myself and some of mypany''s internal staff know that I didn''t have the courage or vision they imed. If it were not for you assuring me at that time that this advertisement would surely save mypany, if not for your constant persuasion to force me to use it and even offering to return the endorsement fees if it failed, then I wouldn''t be here today enjoying the sess of the Brain Gold product. That was why when a few people suggested in a recentpany meeting to change the Brain Gold advertisement after it ran for some time, I only responded to them with this: ''Zhang Ye has said before that the Brain Gold advertisement could be used for another 10 years without change. When ites to advertisements, I only believe in Zhang Ye and no one else!''"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Thank you."


    Wu Mo nced at him and asked, "Can I believe in you as well this time?"


    Zhang Ye exined, "You can rest assured. The core of the program is the voice, to allow singers to return to their basics in the music indus��"


    Wu Mo said, "Don''t exin to me the technicalities of the program. Just give me your word."


    Zhang Ye pondered for a moment before saying firmly, "You can fully put your trust in me. On this matter, I would never cheat you. Even if I were to cheat someone else, I would not do it to you." He was speaking the truth, as after all, if he cheated Wu Zeqing''s nephew, his girlfriend would surelye looking for him. "I will also be honest with you here because we''re friends. The reason that the title sponsorship fee costs 100 million RMB is because our program team requires the money urgently to start production while Central TV is being very conservative with the budget and did not approve of our request to increase the funding. It ended up with me having to find my own ways to get more production budget. If we did notck any money, even if you offered us 50 million for the title sponsorship fee right now, I would not say anything about it. Of course, I''ll add that if you really buy it from us at 100 million, this money would definitely still be worth it. With more money, we can increase the quality of the program and the viewership ratings will also be better, which would also serve your advertising much better too. On top of that, yourpany will surely im this year''sbel of title sponsorship king, so that would benefit your group in terms of the advertising effect too."


    Having listened to everything, Wu Mo smiled and acknowledged, "Alright then, I will listen to you on the matters of advertising. Not only are you my spokesman for the Brain Gold advertisement, you''re also ourpany''s advertising nner and consultant. If it''s 100 million, so be it! When can we sign the contract? Why don''t you go get it ready and I will sign it anytime!"


    Seeing him agree so readily, Zhang Ye began to feel a little embarrassed. He said, "Why don''t you think about it some more first?"


    Wu Mo gave a wave of his hands and said, "There''s no need to consider. To be honest, the money that thepany has now was only earned because of your advertisement campaign. If I think of it that way, I don''t feel any pinch at all no matter how much you want us to invest."


    Zhang Ye smiled cheerfully and stated, "In a month''s time, not only will you not feel the pinch, you''ll feel a cramp from your mouth instead."


    Wu Mo wondered, "Cramp from my mouth because?"


    Zhang Ye quipped, "��of smiling too much!"


    "Haha!" Wu Moughed heartily and said, "Now that you''ve put it like that, I am rather looking forward to seeing the results. Honestly, with the explosion in sales for our Brain Gold product the past few months, it has really made us a lot of money without needing to do much and I have nothing to worry about at all. But it''s also true that a few months have gone by now, and when we checked our market statistics, it showed that even though sales are still strong, the growth has already tapered off and are starting to slow. At most, during any holiday, the figures would increase a little more, so ourpany is also finding another way to increase our advertising efforts, which was why we had that meetingst time and discussed whether we wanted to change the Brain Gold advertisement which I rejected. But now��having bought the title sponsorship to your new program, although the price is truly still a big shock to me, after the shock wears off��I have a sense of stability which I can''t exin. I am sure my Brother Zhang''s program will be good, so after it gets broadcast, with the poprity of the program, it will surely let our Brain Gold product get even more popr again. Of all that, I''m pretty confident!"


    Zhang Ye reached out his hand and said, "Then may I thank you for your trust in me and let''s have a happy partnership?"


    "To a happy partnership!" Wu Mo also yed along and reached out his hand to shake Zhang Ye''s hand.


    With Zhang Ye''s constantly rising poprity, the number of people who doubted him also increased as more people started to learn of him. But at the same time, the number of people who believed in him also rose, and at a greater rate than those who doubted him!


    Like this scene which had just yed out, even when Wu Mo had only found out about the program called The Voice of China today, without knowing the specifics of it or asking about the production timeline, with just Zhang Ye''s reputation and the hallmark of his name, Wu Mo dared to agree to such an astronomical sponsorship fee and sealed the deal with just a handshake! From this alone, it could be seen just how strong the brand of Zhang Ye had be!

 Chapter 640 Coaches invited to join!

    <h4>Chapter 640 Coaches invited to join! </h4>


    Chapter 640 Coaches invited to join!


    Midday.


    At a famous tripe shop in the city, Zhang Ye was wearing his sunsses while Wu Mo was in his suit as the two of them walked out from the restaurant with their hands rubbing their bellies.


    Wu Moughed and said, "We''ve just sealed a 100 million RMB deal and yet we only had 45 RMB worth of tripe and tbread for lunch?"


    "Isn''t it better to have what you love to eat rather than what is good to eat?" Zhang Yemented, feeling satisfied by the meal.


    "Now that''s true." Wu Mo remarked, "This is exactly what I love eating."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright then, when I get backter, I will get someone to prepare the contract and send it over."


    Wu Mo opened his car door. "Sure, let''s go then. Do you need me to send you back?"


    Zhang Ye waved him off. "I won''t bother you, I still have some work to handle. This title sponsorship fee has given me some pressure now, so I will need to quickly settle the program''s guest coaches and invite a few big shots over or else the show can''t be carried. Only then will it do justice to your 100 million RMB title sponsorship fee."


    Wu Mo said just before he left, "Then I''ll leave the advertisement copy to you as well?"


    "No problem." Zhang Ye agreed immediately. "I''ll get it done before the recording of the show. At that time, all you need to do is to add a slogan cement like ''Drink Brain Gold, Support The Voice!'' in your advertisements. We will do a cross promotion of the product and the show, but let''s talk about the details at ater date."


    Wu Mo said, "OK then."


    To know where a new program ranked, the most practical way to assess it was to take a look at the investment amount.


    If 10 million was invested? Then it was just a normal-sized production.


    If 20 million was invested? It should be a mid-sized production.


    If 30 or 40 million was invested? Then it would be arge-scale production.


    But if the investment was over 100 million? Then surely it would be called a mega-scale production! In this world, much less singing talent shows, even other types of variety shows that had 100 million RMB in investments were unheard of. No television stations dared to y it so big and no teams would risk such an amount of money. After all, themon figure for title sponsorship fees were around the region of 10 to 20 million RMB. Any higher than that and the investment sum would not be earned back at all as the return on investment was not proportional. So for any television programs that had an investment of 30 to 40 million RMB, they would already be considered as having arge production budget.


    But as Zhang Ye was going for broke this time, he knew that the production costs for The Voice would not be any less than 80 million RMB. Now that the title sponsor was settled, Zhang Ye anticipated the final product even more. He was prepared to spend all of the 120 million RMB budget so that the program would not fall short. He was going to ce everything he had into it to create a mega-scale singing talent show!


    Equipment? They must be the top-tier ones!


    The stage? It must have the best design!


    Promotions? They needed the best time slots!


    Contestants? They would be given the best treatment and amodations!


    As for the guest coaches��they had to be the most elite in the industry, of course!


    Wu Mo had just left when Zhang Ye''s cell phone rang. The caller ID indicated it was from his own office. Needless to say, the only person who would dare to use the telephone in his office would be Chenchen. It wasn''t like any of the staff would dare to do so.


    "Hello?"


    "Zhang Ye."


    "Chenchen."


    "When are youing back?"


    "I''m working outside now, so I''ll only be back after noon. Oh yes, I nearly forgot about you. Get Auntie Qiqi to take you to the cafeteria for lunch. Don''t wait for me."


    "��OK."


    "Be obedient while you''re at the office."


    "Understood."


    Havingforted Chenchen, Zhang Ye eagerly rubbed his hands together as several faces appeared in his mind. He was not prepared to go back to work yet. With a boost in the program''s funds, he was much more emboldened and surely would have to get things done now. If he could settle the guest coaches and get them to join the show, then the pre-production tasks were more or lesspleted, and his mission would also basically be done.


    Who to find?


    Who was most suitable?


    An average celebrity would surely not do. If they were not professional singers, it wouldn''t work either.


    On this front, Zhang Ye had really given it some thought. When he determined that he was going to do The Voice, he had some ideas and thoughts about the guest coaches. But since they did not have enough funds earlier, he did not take any action yet. Now that he had so much more to work with, Zhang Ye could do what others did not dare, and even make it a reality. For example, inviting celebrities others could not convince or had no money to invite!


    In this way, he made the first call.


    Zhang Xia: the famous songstress of China who had been awarded the country''s highest honor in singing. Many people grew up listening to Grandma Zhang Xia''s songs as she was from the first generation of singers in China. Other than her reputation and qualifications, even though the youngsters these days did not consider her their favorite artist, there were no doubt about her status and ability in the singing industry. She has been singing all her life and justparing the basics of singing, Grandma Zhang could outdo all of those Heavenly Kings and Queens. Regarding how to use her voice, tonal adjustment, and understanding of music, Grandma Zhang had the most experience. The key was that she could handle singing different genres other than bel canto1, as shown when she performed the "Woman Flower" written for her and Zhang Yuanqi by Zhang Ye. Based on her rtionship with Zhang Ye, and taking everything into consideration, it felt like Zhang Ye''s The Voice of China would definitely need to reserve a ce for Grandma Zhang!


    Du du.


    Du du.


    The call connected.


    "Little Zhang?" Zhang Xia answered the call. He could hear the sound of a fan, probably because she was cooking. She said, "Wait a minute, let me turn off the heat, I was just cooking."


    A momentter.


    Zhang Xiaughed, "What''s the matter, Little Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Why don''t you have your meal first and I''ll call backter?"


    "You can go ahead, I''m not in a rush to eat," Zhang Xia replied in a friendly tone.


    And so, Zhang Ye exined, "Grandma Zhang, I am currently working with Central TV Department 1 and making a program called The Voice of China."


    "I''ve heard about that, I saw it on the news." Zhang Xia said, "I was still thinking of taking some time to call you these few days. Are you really serious about creating a talent show that is only focused on the contestants'' voices?"


    "Yes, what do you think of it?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Zhang Xiaughed a little before responding, "I think it''s a good idea. Disregarding the specific audience base and the viewership ratings, at least I think that this program should be quite meaningful. Compared to all those other singing talent shows, there''s a much more positive energy in it and feels much healthier for the industry, so you should do it. I''ll support you for sure. Don''t listen to what others say."


    Zhang Ye was cheered up and said, "That was what I wanted to hear from you, Grandma Zhang, but don''t just use your words to support me."


    Zhang Xia was a little taken aback as she was just casually remarking on the issue. She did not expect Zhang Ye to take it so seriously, so she asked, "Hur hur, then how should I support you? Help you by posting on Weibo? Or help you to promote the program within the industry? Or have youid eyes on one of my disciples? You would like me to get a few of them to appear on your program?"


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s not it at all. What I wish for is for you to join The Voice of China as one of the four guest coaches. Are you able to fit it into your schedule?"


    Zhang Xia sounded very surprised at this. "Oh? Why are you inviting me? My reputation isn''t that great and can''t bepared to those younger singers these days. Their fans easily number in the tens of millions. Isn''t the program that you''re making meant to reach out to the younger crowd? The contestants would mainly be involved in pop music, right?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Your reputation isn''t that great? How many people from our generation do not know about you? The parents and rtives of the people from our generation mostly grew up listening to your songs too. If you say your name is not well-known, then I don''t suppose that there are any big names at all in the whole of China. As for the music, our program is not only focused on pop music. The program wees all kinds of contestants who dabble in any kind of musical style. Besides, I''ve said that our program only focuses on the voice, so we naturally also need a coach who is very experienced with vocals and singing techniques on our side. You''ve been singing most of your life and I really can''t think of anyone who is more suitable than you for this role!"


    Zhang Xia forced augh. "But I''m already so old and my children have been asking me to retire. Right now, the only thing that I can''t put down is singing, but I''ve already let go of all professional work schedules since a long time ago. I won''t hide this from you. Justst month and at the end ofst year, there were two singing programs that approached me to join them as well, but I rejected them. Regarding such television variety shows and talent shows, I have a certain resistance of them."


    Zhang Ye said, "Heh, Grandma Zhang, you''re really not being true to your words. Didn''t you just say that my new program is very meaningful and that you would support me? But now in the next instant, you''re being resistant to the idea already? You told me you were unable to put down singing, and our program is made exactly to let people go back to the roots of singing. The direction of this program does not conflict with your beliefs. If you join us, you will be helping the neers by discovering and training a group of people who have been forgotten or ignored but have good singing abilities. This is a job that''s benevolent beyond measure since you''ll be grooming the future talents of the singing industry."


    Zhang Xia: "��"


    Zhang Yeuded, "If you don''t take up this role, then we young ones will surely not be qualified either. In the field of music, your experience is the most valuable treasure to us. Without you paving the way for theter generation, they could easily take the wrong path or direction."


    Hearing that, Zhang Xia was indeed feeling rather ttered. "Child, you have quite the glib tongue."


    Zhang Ye dered, "Grandma Zhang, as the executive director of The Voice of China, I would like to once again formally invite you to join us."


    After pondering for a few seconds, Zhang Xia answered, "You''ve alreadyid it on me quite thick, so I don''t think I can reject you, right? Alright then, I promise you that I will join your program as a guest coach."


    Zhang Ye happily replied, "That''s really good news."


    Zhang Xia said, "But I want to say this beforehand. If there''re any fixed results or a designated champion, I will not want to take part in it. I will just listen to the vocals and say whatever needs to be said."


    "To be honest with you, Grandma Zhang, that is exactly what I want from you. I give you my word that, as long as I helm the program team, there will absolutely be no underhanded results fixing! If I find out that it happens, then I will deal with them one by one! There will be no room for discussion!" Zhang Ye promised her.


    Zhang Xia was very satisfied with that. She said, "That''s better."


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye thought of something. "Oh yes, we have yet to discuss the joining payment��"


    "I''ll leave that to you." Zhang Xia sounded indifferent to this.


    But the more someone put it this way, the more Zhang Ye was unwilling to leave it unspoken. He said, "How much did the two programs that approached you before offer to you?"


    Zhang Xia replied, "Several million I guess, I''m not exactly sure either."


    Zhang Ye said, "They wanted to invite you with just a few million? Then they were really insincere in their offer. How about this Grandma Zhang, we will offer you a joining payment of 10 million RMB. What do you think?"


    Zhang Xia said, "Are you taking me to be Yuanqi? Why would I need that much?"


    Zhang Yeughed and noted, "You''re being too modest."


    "That won''t do, that won''t do." Because of their friendship from the song "Woman Flower," Zhang Xia had never treated Zhang Ye as an outsider. "A few million is enough. Even the other singing talent shows are only offering that amount for their joining payment, yet you are thinking of giving 10 million? I know that Central TV is notoriously stingy, so why are they being so generous this time?"


    Zhang Ye said, "They are them, I am me. The funding this time was provided by me. I''m also in charge of the program, so all the decisions will be made by me. It''s settled then, 10 million will be your joining payment. I will get someone to prepare the contractter. Grandma Zhang, let''s keep our personal rtionship personal and business as business. That''s that then."


    1. Meaning "beautiful singing" or "beautiful song" in Italian, generally emphasizes the beauty of sound; term remains vague and ambiguous in the 21st century and is often used to evoke a lost singing tradition

 Chapter 641 Guest Coaches List!

    <h4>Chapter 641 Guest Coaches List! </h4>


    Chapter 641 Guest Coaches List!


    In the afternoon.


    After ending Grandma Zhang''s call, Zhang Ye made a few calls in a row after that. Through the management agency, he found the agent before finally reaching the intended party after much trouble. After he made the intention of the call clear, Zhang Ye arranged to meet up with the person and drove over immediately.


    In a district.


    In a vi.


    He followed the address and found his way here. Upon arrival, he saw the doors to the vi already opened and the male and female owners had both spotted Zhang Ye approaching. They came out immediately to wee him.


    "Teacher Zhang." The man waved at him.


    The woman smiled and said, "We were still thinking of suggesting a more centralized ce to meet. Was it hard to find this ce?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and shook their hands. He said, "It''s best to discuss this in the privacy of your home since it is easier to speak there. There are people everywhere outside and it''s not so convenient to talk about business. Once I had a meeting with someone at a coffee house and the staff and guests there were all busy taking pictures and creating a constant shutter sound with their cameras. Some of the young people were even more aggressive,ing up to our table to take photos of me up close. That really overwhelmed me, so how do you suppose we can talk about any business there at all?"


    The manughed and said, "Teacher Zhang, pleasee in.''


    The three of them went into the vi.


    The woman went to the kitchen and came out with some tea. "Old Chen and I have both heard of Zhang Ye''s reputable name so much and we''ve always been paying attention to your news. I really like the songs you wrote and have been hoping to meet you so that we could talk."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Me too. The Heroic Couple1 of the singing industry��I''ve heard about the both of you for a long time now."


    The man was taken aback and asked, "What is the Heroic Couple?"


    The womanughed, "We even have such a nickname? Where did ite from?"


    Zhang Ye got a little nervous, knowing that it was a slip of tongue. There was no such thing as The Return of the Condor Heroes in this world, so he quickly added, "It''s just a description for an ideal couple, ha ha."


    The man said with a smile, "What ideal? We also argue on a daily basis."


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh, but that''s not how they said it on television!"


    The manughed heartily and replied, "If it''s a television program, of course it will be slightly exaggerated to make us sound better. In our daily lives, which couple does not have their quarrels?"


    The woman added, "If the argument gets too heated, we might even get physical."


    If it were with other industry outsiders or the media, they would surely not say that much. However, since Zhang Ye was also an industry insider and the three of them were simr in poprity with all of them being B-listers, together with the fact that they had no conflict of interests, their conversation was naturally also much more lighthearted.


    The man was Chen Guang. He was in his early thirties.


    The woman was Fan Wenli. She was thirty years old exactly.


    They were both top singers in the country and were ranked a little higher than Zhang Ye on the Celebrity Rankings Index. One was in the middle of the B-list rankings while the other was in the lower half of the B-list rankings, making them look like they were just average celebrities. However, these two people were considered top singers in the singing industry. Asparison, when Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi was at her lowest point in terms of record sales, she was estimated to be selling two-thirds of what Chen Guang and Fan Wenli were. Citing either one of them as an example, they could easily bebeled top singers in the singing industry. But of course, when they were at their lowest point in record sales, they alsogged far behind Zhang Yuanqi. After all, a Heavenly Queen was still a Heavenly Queen and even at that lowest point, her fanbase was still on a different level. This also clearly exined the problem here.


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli were only focused on their music careers and hardly ever crossed over to the film and television drama industries. If the Celebrity Rankings Index excluded those movies stars and hosts, and the rankings were only based on the music industry alone, then the two of them would surely be ranked in the top 20. They could be considered as B-listers in the entertainment circle but A-listers in the music industry! This was also the reason why Zhang Ye was paying them a visit today after pondering for a long time. Because the two of them were the most professional of singers, their image also aligned with The Voice. Actually, even if he found an A-lister celebrity who was primarily an movie actor and secondarily a singer, it would still be alright. But Zhang Ye felt that would make the selections a bit iplete. A stage where vocals were the main feature would surely need to focus on that point. So whether it be the stage, the contestants, or the guest coaches, he knew he needed the most reputable singers from the music industry and not just someone who was highly rated in the overall entertainment industry. These two things were totally different!


    After chatting for a long while, Zhang Ye had gotten familiar with them.


    Only then did Zhang Ye touch on the topic. He said, "Regarding my invitation over the phone earlier, what do you think?"


    Chen Guang looked at his wife then said to Zhang Ye, "Actually, I specifically went online to do some research on it. A program that does not care about looks and only focuses on vocals��I get the feeling that it''s just a gimmick, isn''t it?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, it is a gimmick, but not the type of gimmick you''re thinking of. What I want is to make a most professional singing program. That''s no lie. The contestants we want are also not limited only to those who have the looks or stage presence. As long as they can sing well, I want them all."


    Chen Guang sighed, "The concept of this program is good, at least. That''s something I agree with."


    Beside them, Fan Wenliughed and said, "Yes, if only you''d encountered such a program back then, you wouldn''t have had to toil so hard for five full years. You would''ve gotten very popr early on."


    Fan Wenli was very beautiful and was a singer who overall had good looks, a good demeanor, and a good voice. However, Chen Guang''s looks could only pass as so-so. He didn''t look outstanding and even had some pockmarks on his lower left cheek from past e. This was why Chen Guang had a very difficult time when he debuted. It wasn''t until recently that his singing career took off due to his determination and some lucky opportunities, helping him get epted by everyone. Now that his poprity was soaring, Chen Guang was finally able to reap the fruits of thebor he had put in all these years.


    Chen Guang wasughing and sighing at the same time. "My singing career path can only be described as extremely arduous. I''ve easily put in more effort than others by ten or a hundred fold before I was able to stand at the same level as some of them. Other people would find it difficult to rte to this experience of mine."


    Zhang Ye said, "I do understand it."


    Zhang Ye, too, was not someone who had good looks.


    Chen Guang took a look at him and said happily, "How can we bepared? You have the eloquence, literary, and math talent, and even musical talent, so don''tpare yourself to me. With my looks, I had to walk this entertainment industry''s career path with only one leg. Those who were blessed with good looks could be described as walking down it with two legs, but for you, Zhang Ye, you have been walking down it with ten legs! Even those pretty boys from Korea could notpare to you, so your situation is totally different from mine, hur hur."


    Zhang Ye said, "Brother Chen, you''re really praising me too much. Usually, the strategy is to praise first before attacking, so does that mean that you''re going to reject my invitation? If that''s the case, then I won''t have any other people I can approach. Sister Fan and you are the most suitable coach candidates I can think of."


    Fan Wenli said, "May I ask who else will be joining?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "I''ve already confirmed one coach: Grandma Zhang Xia."


    Chen Guang was stunned. "Grandma Zhang? She''s a great artist and a veteran of the music scene. No one can match her soprano, but isn''t Grandma Zhang already half retired? I''ve also never heard of Grandma Zhang ever participating in any variety programs, so how did you manage to invite her?"


    "Grandma Zhang and I have a bit of a friendship, so you could say that she gave me a little bit of face this time," Zhang Ye exined.


    Chen Guang thought about it for a moment and then looked at his wife. "What''s your opinion about this?"


    Fan Wenli shrugged. "Whatever you decide, I''ll go along with it."


    Chen Guang said, "I think this will be good opportunity and I''m really interested in such a program as well."


    "Then why don''t we discuss the joining payment?" Fan Wenli looked at Zhang Ye and said.


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "It will be a general contract for a duration of up to three months. Of course, before the scheduled recording of the main program itself, we also need the both of you to amodate our program team''s promotional and other rted activities as well as endorsements that are rted to the program, all of which will be covered under the joining payment and not additionally payable. But if it has to do with endorsements outside of the program or extended promotional activities, then the relevant fees will also be paid out ording to the uses of the contract. We can always discuss that at ater time."


    Chen Guang grunted his understanding.


    "As for the joining payment," Zhang Ye smiled and said, "What I can say is that it will surely be the highest in the industry, especially when it involves two heavyweight coaches like the two of you. It wouldn''t be good if we paid too little."


    It was easy to speak to Grandma Zhang since they had a friendship, and more importantly, she did not really care too much for these contracts. But for others, the joining payment was surely the most important factor. Money always came first, so if it wasn''t agreed upon, even if they felt that your program was good, it wouldn''t matter at all. Besides, Zhang Ye already intended to produce such a mega-scale talent show, so he wasn''t afraid to spend. He knew that however much he spent, it would surely be worth it.


    Zhang Ye paused for a moment, and then said, "For the two of you, what if I offered each one 10 million RMB as the joining payment?"


    Chen Guang''s eyes moved.


    Fan Wenli was also surprised for a bit.


    Zhang Ye added, "How does that sound?"


    The couple looked at each other for a moment before Chen Guang said, "I''m really unable to reject an offer like that." He had only ever participated as a guest on a talent show once before��two years ago��and that program had only paid him 4 million as the joining payment. Although back then, he wasn''t as famous as he was now and intion wasn''t high either. But as an industry insider, Chen Guang knew that the current market was not as good as that time either. The market for talent shows was in a downturn with every television station lowering the guest joining pay, yet Zhang Ye offered the two of them a total of 20 million in joining pay. That was already a big show of sincerity. If it were any other program approaching them, he believed they wouldn''t have even offered them half of what Zhang Ye had!


    Zhang Ye stood up and put his hand out. "So, let''s have a happy partnership?"


    "To a happy partnership!" Fan Wenli and Chen Guang both stuck out their hands to shake Zhang Ye''s hand in response.


    With the agreements made, the only thing left was just to sign the contract at ater date.


    ����


    Leaving the vi, Zhang Ye did not have Chen Guang and his wife see him out. He casually strolled toward the district as he took out his phone and scrolled through his contacts.


    Out of four coaches, three were already settled!


    He was finally down to looking for thest coach!


    But thisst candidate was also the most difficult to convince. With such a huge reputation, it was someone that Zhang Ye had to convince no matter what, for the sake of The Voice. But he knew that it would be very difficult as well, and did not hold out much hope. He left this candidate as the final one to contact as he was ready for a protracted battle. He knew of the importance of this person for The Voice since a mega-scale singing talent show should unquestionably be fronted by an S-list, big shot celebrity. Only then would the entire setup look grand, leaving the audience screaming and helping to drum up the promotions for the opener of The Voice. This person would eventually serve as the main attraction for the program!


    Who would it be?


    Who could hold up the entire panel of coaches and represent them for The Voice?


    There was already no suspense to the answer��it had to be the Heavenly Queen, Zhang Yuanqi!


    Perfect looks, a perfect body, a perfect voice, and she even had thergest fanbase in the whole of China. Other than her, no one else could step up to this role!


    In Zhang Ye''s previous world, The Voice wasvishly decked out, from the stage to the equipment, contestants to the coaches. Zhang Ye was also aiming to achieve that right now. To avoid any idents and a nopliance situation when he brought over the program to this world, he needed to make sure that heid out all the proper groundwork so that this world-ss program would be restored in its full glory. That was the reason why he needed such a strong lineup for the program''s coaches. It needed to at least be on par, or surpass, his previous world''s version of The Voice of China!


    Old Zhang must definitely be convinced to join!


    But how should he do it?


    A Heavenly Queen was not simply invited with just a snap of the fingers!


    Right now, Zhang Yuanqi''s focus was on releasing a music album, holding concerts, or taking parts in movie, and was basically not nning to participate in any recordings for television programs. As there was a market downturn presently, the programs did not pay well and tended to take too long to finish recording, only to end up getting very average viewership ratings, which could also be described as an "unable to make ends meet" situation. These were the reasons why any genuine Heavenly Kings and Queens or even A-listers were taking part in fewer and fewer television talent shows. A normal variety or interview program was still alright since those would only take a day or just several hours to record. But a talent show was different. Beginning with the auditions and moving to the round of 16, then the quarterfinals and semi-finals, etc, the entire process was too lengthy. The big shot celebrities who did notck any job offers couldn''t possibly want to waste their time on such shows.


    So how would he try to convince her?


    Zhang Ye typed and retyped his words before finally sending out a very long text message to her. He made an introduction of his program and briefly exined the mechanics and format to Old Zhang.


    Di di.


    Old Zhang replied: "Not interested."


    Zhang Ye was speechless but replied: "Consider it for a moment. You can also tell me the joining payment you''re looking at."


    Old Zhang: "Too many activities, no time."


    Zhang Ye: "It''s not like I need you to be here at Central TV every day for 24 hours to do the recording. It''s only a few days and we''re also willing to amodate your schedule to record the program. If you have something on, then we can always record itter and will surely wait for you."


    Old Zhang: "Look for someone else."


    Zhang Ye replied angrily: "Old Zhang, you''re really ungrateful. My new program has just started production and needs some support, so you should really try to help me out here no matter what. Hurry up and agree, otherwise, don''t expect me to write any songs for you in the future."


    Old Zhang: "What good songs do you have?? Send them over."


    Zhang Ye: "I don''t have any now, so let''s talk about the program first."


    Old Zhang: "Even if I did state a joining payment, Central TV would not be able to afford it."


    Zhang Ye: "If you don''t state it, how would you know that I am unable to afford it?"


    After about five minutes or so, Zhang Yuanqi finally replied: "The lowest I can ept is 40 million, along with two songs from you."


    Zhang Ye: "One song."


    Old Zhang: "Two songs."


    Zhang Ye: "One means one, I don''t have more."


    Old Zhang: "����Fine."


    Zhang Ye decisively said: "Deal! It''s settled then!"


    Old Zhang: "Are you sure that you can afford the joining payment of 40 million?"


    Zhang Yeughed loudly as he typed in his reply to her: "You don''t have to worry about that. Just wait for your money."


    Old Zhang: "OK, talk directly to my manager about the contract. Notify me in advance about the filming of the show and promotional trailers. Also, start thinking about the new song."


    "I won''t forget, do you think I would go back on my words for that?" Zhang Ye said.


    It was settled!


    He finally managed to get the Heavenly Queen to join the coaching panel for The Voice!


    Was 40 million RMB a lot? To others, this might look like it was an astronomical amount, but for Zhang Ye, as long as it could help the program do well, it didn''t matter how much it was. Besides, based on Zhang Yuanqi''s status and poprity, as the person on top of the food chain that was the entertainment circle, if 40 million RMB was able to convince her to join the show, then it should not be seen as a business loss at all. At the minimum, even if other television stations offered 40 million RMB to Zhang Yuanqi to join their program, she would not agree to it. Those television stations were unable to produce and offer what Zhang Ye was able to give: a song. Old Zhang was not someone who would be moved by just anyone!


    Everything was A-OK!


    It was all settled!


    The four generals have been fully assembled!!


    1. Referring to The Return of the Condor Heroes

 Chapter 642 Dissolving the program team?

    <h4>Chapter 642 Dissolving the program team? </h4>


    Chapter 642 Dissolving the program team?


    Later that afternoon.


    It was almost time to leave work.


    At the program team office of The Voice, many of the staff who had been stationed at the recording site were back. They were gathered back here for a short meeting to update each other on the day''s work and their progress.


    "How''s your progress?"


    "The progress is a little slow and there aren''t too many registrations from the public."


    "I couldn''t settle my task either; the main issue still hinges on our offer being too low."


    "Assistant Director Zhang, are you able to spare us some funds from your side?"


    "I can''t, I don''t have enough to use either. Teacher Zhang specifically instructed that the equipment had to be the best, and after my discussion with the vendors today, I am stillcking some funds. One of the machines went over the budget."


    "Ai, we''re really too poor."


    "I finally understand what ''money makes the world go round'' means now!"


    "I wonder if Teacher Zhang managed to pull in any sponsors over at his side."


    "We''re done for. Everyone has such bad opinions of our program and the stage isn''t even set up yet. When we have nothing to show for at all, who would even dare to sponsor our program?"


    The colleagues were all sighing. At the beginning, when they arrived at this program team, they were all full of anticipation and looking forward to this Central TV Department 1''s new program which would be helmed by the legendary Zhang Ye. But who would have thought that they would be regretful after just one day of work? The strong support from Central TV Department 1 was gradually bing just average support. With the audience not thinking much of it and the program team running out of money, they all felt that there was no longer any future for this program. Darknessy ahead of them and they felt that if they continued on like this, the program team might even get dissolved before the program could be made.


    Meanwhile.


    A rumor had started internally at Central TV Department 1.


    "Hey, did you hear?"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "The program team for The Voice is going to be dissolved."


    "Ah? Didn''t they just form the team recently?"


    "They ran out of money, spending 20 million RMB on equipment purchases alone. That was all the station had given to them as funding, but now that they''re out of it, they can only sit and watch."


    "Would the station just leave them like that?"


    "Of course the station wanted to do something about it. They were already nning to make a strong return to the variety genre of programs and did so by risking it with Zhang Ye''s employment. But I don''t suppose they had expected Zhang Ye to be so risky. Not mentioning the controversy behind the proposed program, but when the 20 million RMB was spent just like that on those equipment, how do you expect the station to give them anymore support? Who wouldn''t be fazed by seeing money being spent like that? Even Central TV Department 1 would not have that much spare cash for Zhang Ye to burn through like that. 20 million RMB worth of production costs is already several times more than many of our other programs, so I''m sure the station was already hesitant to approve the initial sum."


    "Oh, then this is going to be really interesting to watch."


    "Will Zhang Ye be finished even before the ship sinks?"


    "The program really won''t go on as nned then?"


    "Didn''t I already say? If we got Zhang Ye to join us, then Central TV Department 1 would not have a day of peace anymore? Now do you all see why? He''s only been here a day and such a situation has urred."


    "It''s not a problem even if the audience is not too optimistic about the program. After all, he had so many programs that did not look promising before but still seeded as a precedent, so even if the final product is notpleted yet, it would still have been alright. But without money, the problem bes real. If he can''t even invite any celebrity guests or dress up the stage, how can he make any program at all? It can''t even be produced and recorded for the audience to watch! Let''s just see how The Voice program team is going to solve this."


    Central TV Department 1''s staff were all discussing fervently in secret, not knowing who had heard about this news or where its source was. It resulted in the rumor intensifying, not only within Central TV Department 1, but also spreading to the other departments housed in Central TV Tower.


    Half an hourter.


    Zhang Ye came back. He walked into the tower.


    Ding. The staff elevator door opened. By coincidence, Chen Ye, the host of Central TV''s Spring Festival G who had been relegated from the B-list rankings by Zhang Ye, was just walking out of the elevator. He was going in the opposite direction of Zhang Ye.


    Chen Ye was a little stunned.


    Zhang Ye''s expression did not change. He casually swept his eyes over him as he entered the elevator.


    To bring it up, although these two had a heated scolding battle on the inte, this was actually their first time seeing each other in person. Chen Ye had a more pronounced reaction as he was, after all, the one who had lost his position to Zhang Ye. Furthermore, the Crossing Half of China to Sleep with You targeted at him by Zhang Ye and his fans had left him grossed out for several days, and became a joke thatizensughed at for a while. Naturally, when he saw Zhang Ye, it stirred up his feelings quite a bit. But Zhang Ye did not feel anything. He saw Chen Ye? Then so be it. He still went about going where he needed to go and did not stop in his tracks for a moment.


    The reason for their different reactions was mainly down to their different experiences. As a Central TV host of this level, Chen Ye was one of the station''s pirs and had hosted the Spring Festival G before, so he could be mentioned as someone close to the top of the hosting world. He had a high status and hardly ever got into quarrels with anyone nor did he really have experience in such matters. As a result, after the previous fearsome scolding battle with Zhang Ye, it left a mark in his memory, especially since he did not win the battle. But for Zhang Ye? This person was someone who got into trouble so very often and always found the time to scold or beat up someone. For him, those were just part of his daily life, so you could say that he was very used to such situations. Now that he was seeing Chen Ye in person for the first time, Zhang Ye did not show any special reaction to him either. There were really too many people he had offended.


    They brushed past each other, but neither one bothered with the other.


    There were also a few other people in the elevator, possibly colleagues or staff who knew Chen Ye. When they saw the situation, they also had strange looks on their faces. They followed Chen Ye out of the elevator.


    One of them started speaking.


    "I heard that The Voice is going to be canceled soon."


    "I heard so too."


    "The program team was only put together two days ago, and it''s going to get canceled so soon?"


    "They were too ambitious. For program with a funding of 20 million, they wanted to make it into the standard of several tens of millions more. When the funding couldn''t be increased and the advertising deals didn''t sell, the only out was to cancel it totally."


    "Oh right, Teacher Chen, I heard that your program''s title sponsor increased their bid?"


    "Yes, it''s a newly signed contract."


    "Could you reveal to us what kind of a figure it is? Everyone''s quite curious about it."


    "Yea, Brother Chen, how much did you get?"


    "Hur hur, there''s nothing confidential about it. It sold for 38 million RMB."


    "Woah, that''s a new record."


    "With the rise of the inte and the decline of the television market, there are fewer and fewer programs that can break 30 million RMB in title sponsorship fees, yet your program''s sponsorship is almost at 40 million?"


    "Yes, the contract''s already been signed."


    "Congrattions, Teacher Chen."


    "How awesome! The program team I''m working for only managed 12 million RMB for the same thing. 38 million RMB, now that''s really an astronomical figure to us!"


    Their conversation had inadvertently touched on that topic.


    Inside the elevator, Zhang Ye could still hear what they were talking about. Even though the elevator doors had closed and he was separated from them by arge metallic door, the sound instion wasn''t actually that good before the elevator started ascending. When Zhang Ye heard their conversation, he also wondered what they meant by the program team for The Voice was dissolving. Dissolved for what reason? And that title sponsorship fee they were talking about? How could 38 million RMB be called an astronomical figure?


    Ding.


    He reached his floor.


    Zhang Ye walked back quickly to his own program team''s office. Before he could step inside, he already saw some faces etched with worry, as several people gathered around each other looking stunned.


    Chenchen, sitting beside Ha Qiqi and ying games, apparently became aware and raised her head to see Zhang Ye walking in. The little kid got off from her chair and said with a sunken expression, "Zhang Ye, why are you only back at this time?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Didn''t I already say that I had something to do?"


    Chenchen was still not looking too happy, probably because she med Zhang Ye for not being around to take care of her.


    "What''s the matter? You don''t know how to go to the toilet by yourself? Didn''t I tell you before that after you climb up onto the toilet, as long as you don''t sit too far back, you won''t fall in?" Zhang Ye went up to coax her a little and promised her that she would get more snacks and television time before she was satisfied and went back to ying her games.


    As Chenchen walked away, Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo suddenly surrounded Zhang Ye altogether.


    Zhang Zuo said, "Teacher Zhang, our program team is going to be dissolved!"


    Ha Qiqi also said, "I heard from so from many of my friends too. I think it might be true."


    "Director Zhang, what should we do now?" Wu Yi was panicking. "Why don''t you go look for the director and have a few words with him? Help us to fight against that decision? We went to look for Brother Fu just now, but he wasn''t around."


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "Who did you all hear that from?"


    A female editor said, "Everyone''s talking about it. There isn''t smoke without fire, so it was definitely said by someone up top."


    Zhang Ye had heard about this as well when he was taking the elevator up. Actually, he already knew that this was just a rumor. No matter how conservative or unreliable Central TV Department 1 was, they wouldn''t possibly cancel a program just two days after starting it. If the rumor were true, then that would truly have been most silly. Although Central TV Department 1 had some doubts about him, but with the program not produced yet and with his previous experience and results for all to see, even if Central TV Department 1 wanted to give up on him, they would only decide on that after seeing how The Voice performed after broadcasting. To cut their losses before anything was implemented? That was impossible! Zhang Ye knew that this was surely just a rumor that spread after someone had made a wild guess!


    Everyone was just saying what they thought.


    Zhang Ye pressed his hands together and spoke reassuringly, "Stop talking everyone. I need all of you to calm your minds. This matter is just a rumor, so please ignore it."


    Everyone stopped talking, but their eyes still showed signs of uncertainty. If it were purely just a rumor, then it would be fine, but the problem now was also that their program was out of funding and the station was very unsatisfied with the program and Zhang Ye''s handling of the funds. At this moment, when the staff were already very worried that the team would be dissolved, hearing such a rumor only made it feel more real. That was what led to this situation of panic now.


    Seeing them in this way, Zhang Ye was angry and tickled at the same time. Was this bro socking in prestige? Didn''t I already say that I would find a way to settle the money issue? Zhang Yeughed and said, "Alright then, let me give everyone a piece of good news. This afternoon I went out for a bit and managed to confirm an exclusive title sponsor for our The Voice of China program!"


    When Ha Qiqi heard this, she immediately beamed with delight and said, "You got a deal?"


    Zhang Zuo also turned from worry to joy and said, "It''s only been a few hours and you''ve already managed to pull in a title sponsor? Teacher Zhang really get things done! It must be because of your great reputation!"


    A program that had not officially begun production and did not get much optimism from both industry insiders and the audience��without having any production movements or promotions since it was announced��was able to get a title sponsor? If this were anyone else or any other program team, that would surely be just as good as daydreaming! But Zhang Ye did it. This clearly showed the value of Teacher Zhang''s face and reputation. No one else could do something like this!


    Highlighting this with an analogy, it was the same as shooting a movie. If you were an average director with an average screeny, it would be difficult to pull in investments whomever you approached. But if you were a famous, big shot director in the country��with all of your previous films getting several hundred millions in box office earnings, and intended to shoot a new movie today��then even if you did not have a screeny or proposal yet, as long as you announced that you wanted to make a movie, investors would still arrive in droves, offering to make investments into this project of yours! It was the same logic!


    The key question right now was: how much was Zhang Ye''s reputation valued at?


    A male editor hurriedly asked, "Director Zhang, how much did we get?"


    A female administrative staff member asked, "Yeah, Teacher Zhang, how much did we manage to get?"


    Zhang Ye kept them in suspense. "Hur hur, guess."


    A female editor made a bold wild guess and said, "20 million?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "Guess higher."


    Higher than 20 million? Everyone was getting excited!


    Zhang Zuo immediately said, "30 million?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said again, "Even higher than that."


    Ha Qiqi took a deep breath before saying, "Could it be��35 million then?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Still higher."


    Wu Yi said, "Could it be that it''s also 38 million? I heard that Teacher Chen Ye''s program has finalized their title sponsorship contract with a renewed fee of 38 million. That is already this year''s highest title sponsorship fee amount!"


    Zhang Ye graciously said, "You can still add to that amount."


    What?


    That''s still not enough??


    Everyone was stunned. They said, "Could it be��could it be 40 million?"


    When they mentioned the words "40 million," their hearts shuddered. They couldn''t help it either, since in their minds, their knowledge and past experiences told them that a singing talent show''s title sponsorship fees were only worth around this level. They had a limit and if it crossed that line, it would probably be something that they could not begin to imagine. They did not try to make any more guesses, nor would they be able to guess correctly!


    Seeing their expressions, Zhang Ye was feeling extremely pleased with himself.


    Ha Qiqi said parched, "Teacher Zhang, just tell us quickly!"


    The female editor hounded him and asked, "Yes, Teacher Zhang, don''t tease us like this anymore! Just how much did you get for the title sponsorship fee?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright then, I won''t keep you all guessing. For the title sponsorship of The Voice, I have already negotiated with the Brain Goldpany to purchase it at the amount of��100 million!"


    When this figure rolled off Zhang Ye''s tongue, everyone in the office was shocked into silence!


    Even Chenchen busy ying games raised her head to look at him!


    100 million?


    A title sponsorship fee of 100 million RMB?!


    "Ah?"


    "Huh?"


    "Aiyo!


    "This��is this for real?"


    "How much? 100 million??"


    Ha Qiqi almost fainted!


    Zhang Zuo and all the other staff of The Voice were getting noisy from excitement. This happiness had arrived too suddenly and out of the blue! Everyone was taken by great surprise!

 Chapter 643 Zhang Ye’s name is worth 100 million!

    <h4>Chapter 643 Zhang Ye��s name is worth 100 million! </h4>


    Chapter 643 Zhang Ye''s name is worth 100 million!


    Soon after.


    A piece of news began spreading inside of Central TV. Many of the staff who were just getting off work or already at the base of the tower heard an unexpected rumor!


    The title sponsorship of The Voice had been sold!


    And it was even sold for an astronomical figure of 100 million RMB!


    Everyone''s first reaction was disbelief, followed by more disbelief, and finally��still only disbelief!


    "Holy shit!"


    "Isn''t The Voice defying allmon sense now?"


    "Zhang Ye''s reputation is worth 100 million? I won''t believe it even if it kills me!"


    "That''s right. While I agree that Zhang Ye is awesome, if you tell me that he can get 40 million for the title sponsorship, I can still somewhat ept it. After all, as such a big shot celebrity, he must have some appeal to him, but 100 million? Are you kidding? Anyone withmon sense will know that it''s impossible! Due to the climate of the current market, if a singing talent show program can get 30 million RMB in title sponsorship fees, it would already be one of the highest tier productions around, but you managed to get 100 million RMB for your title sponsorship? Are you taking nk pieces of paper as money?"


    "It must be a false rumor!"


    "That''s right, this has to be a rumor!"


    "Hur hur, how can it be so high?"


    "Do you all really believe it? It''s obviously a lie that someone is spreading. This is really a brag that has gone too far! In the history of Central TV, there haven''t been any cases of a variety show getting more than 80 million RMB in title sponsorship fees, let alone your so-called 100 million RMB in title sponsorship fees!"


    "Not only Central TV, I don''t think there''s a single title sponsorship that has crossed the 100 million RMB mark at all out of the television stations across the country? If the title sponsorship was really sold for 100 million RMB, then when added with the other advertising rights fees, won''t it be headed towards 150 million RMB in total? Even if you think with your feet, you should know that it can''t possibly be that much! This amount has already exceeded the maximum possible for the industry! A 100 million RMB title sponsorship? Do you think this is the Spring Festival G? But the Spring Festival G doesn''t even sell title sponsor rights!"


    At the program team''s office of The Voice.


    Fu Sihong who was not in the around for the whole afternoon appeared back at the office!


    At the same time, Jiang Yuan and a few managers of several rted departments from Central TV Department 1 also appeared at the program team''s office of The Voice.


    In the office, Zhang Ye was in the middle of a conversation.


    He said, "Hurry up and get the contracts ready. I need them by tonight."


    A female editor replied excitedly, "Understood, Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye added, "Then get someone from the rted department to prepare four sets of contracts for the guest coaches. Don''t fill in the names or the amount yet. Just write it up ording to the general contract temte."


    A male editor said, "I''ll get someone to do it immediately."


    At this moment, arge group of people walked into the office.


    "Little Zhang!" Jiang Yuan immediately asked, "What''s the situation with your program now?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Director Jiang, you''re here?"


    Fu Sihong said, "You managed to pull in a sponsor?"


    Zhang Ye responded, "Yes, I''ve have settled it."


    Jiang Yuan said, "It''s great that the title sponsorship was sold, but I heard that the title sponsor rights were sold at a price of 100 million RMB? Who spread such a piece of news? Was it you guys? If it is for the purposes of publicity and hype, you can just spread the news to the media and the audience instead. What''s the use of releasing the fake news within Central TV itself?"


    Fu Sihong asked, "How much did you sell it for?"


    Zhang Ye said happily, "It''s just as the rumors say, 100 million!"


    Fu Sihong was rendered speechless.


    Jiang Yuan stared at him and said, "Tell me honestly, how much was it?" He still did not quite believe it.


    Ha Qiqi said on Zhang Ye''s behalf, "Director Jiang, it really sold for 100 million RMB. Just a while ago, the Brain Goldpany''s manager ofmercial title sponsorship rights called us to discuss the contract details. The manager also mentioned that we can sign the contract tonight and the money will be transferred to us in batches. They even said that they can include our name of The Voice into their current advertising campaign that is already active in the market to help us promote our show and will not charge us any extra advertising fees. It will be considered a part of our cooperation together!"


    Zhang Zuo and the rest of the staff were also very excited. If not for that call, they would still be quivering and be like Jiang Yuan and Fu Sihong whom didn''t believe it!


    Brain Gold?


    The enterprise Zhang Ye was endorsing?


    The health product group that became sessful overnight due to Zhang Ye''smercial??


    Jiang Yuan took a deep breath, and looked at Zhang Ye in disbelief. He said, "So that 100 million RMB is for real? It''s not just some publicity stunt?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Of course it''s not a publicity stunt, that 100 million is the real deal!"


    Fu Sihong was shocked!


    Jiang Yuan could only stick his thumb up and exim, "Good! Good! Good!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve endorsed CEO Wu''spany and worked with him for some time now, so the discussions went quite smoothly. CEO Wu also gave me quite a bit of face."


    How was this even a case of showing face to him!


    If it were, then the face given was just too ttering!


    Just your name alone was already worth 100 million?


    Jiang Yuan and the others really could not imagine this oue as their opinions of Zhang Ye changed. There were some television programs that received good reviews from the audience and industry insiders but ultimately could not make much of a profit and their title sponsorship fees were only in the region of 10 to 20 million. However, there are also some television programs that the audience and industry insiders were not so optimistic about, but just because of the poprity of the person heading it, they could still pull in numerous investors. Even before the program started broadcasting, they had already made a good profit��and Zhang Ye obviously belonged to thetter group!


    For the past two days, Jiang Yuan and many leaders of Central TV Department 1 had been tortured by Zhang Ye''s antics and requests for additional funding. But today, there was finally some good news that helped restore their trust in Zhang Ye. Moreover, it also made them recognize Zhang Ye''s worth once again! So what if the audience thought it was no good? So what if the industry insiders did not feel optimistic about it? The title sponsorship fees of 100 million had already been clinched! Their program has already been recognized by someone!


    Zhang Ye took the opportunity to speak, "Director Jiang, you promised us before that we can freely allocate the amount of the title sponsorship fees as we like."


    Jiang Yuan gave him a serious look and asked, "Are you going to invest all of the 100 million into the production of the program?"


    Zhang Ye nodded, "Yes. With the station''s funding of 20 million, I will use a total of 120 million as the production costs. I will create an excellent program that is both unprecedented and never to be replicated!"


    Everyone gasped when they heard that!


    Especially Fu Sihong, who trembled when he heard that amount!


    120 million in production costs? This was only a television program! Would you need to spend so much money on it? Even if it was for a television drama or a generously budgeted movie production, a 120 million RMB investment would be considered a major production and would even reach the level of a Lunar New Year movie production! It might even be a Lunar New Year movie that was filmed in 3D! You''re going to use the resources equivalent to a major 3D movie production to produce a television program? How much more extravagant could it get! How much of the money are you intending to burn through! What kind of a spendthrift are you intending to be! Can you get a return on investments?


    Jiang Yuan was actually in a dilemma right now. If Central TV Department 1 had such an astronomical figure, their financial performance for this year would certainly soar. But when he thought of his promise to Zhang Ye, he knew that he could not take back what he said. Moreover, he knew of Zhang Ye''s temper as well as his rather stubborn and thorny character, so Jiang Yuan was worried that Zhang Ye would quit if he did not agree. If that happened, the 100 million in title sponsorship fees was as good as gone. Without Zhang Ye, Brain Gold would definitely not invest in them.


    Clenching his teeth, Jiang Yuan finally said, "Yes, it is all allocated to your program team!"


    Zhang Ye also smiled. "Alright then."


    Jiang Yuan gave some words of encouragement to the program team, "I''ve also received news that there was a rumor going around in the afternoon concerning how the station was nning to dissolve The Voice''s program team. That is a groundless statement and I''ve already gotten someone to investigate the identity of the rumormongers. All of you just rx and work well with Old Fu and Little Zhang on this program. The station will give you all the utmost support!"


    Seeing an opportunity, Zhang Ye said, "Director Jiang, then can you give more manpower? Just the twenty plus of us are not going to be enough work on a production that''s worth over a hundred million."


    Jiang Yuan was speechless. He was just trying to cate and encourage the program team but now Zhang Ye wastching onto his words and trying to ask for more manpower? He asked, "How many people do you need?"


    "Central TV has it''s own band, right? I do not need too many, just seven or eight people will do. That will save us the trouble of hiring a band, and besides, I trust our own people more." Zhang Ye was making an exorbitant demand and was afraid that Jiang Yuan would not agree, so he said, "Otherwise, can the station give us another 8 to 10 million instead? The 20 million you allocated to us previously was not exactly a lot, so if you can give us more, I can make the program even better."


    Holy shit!


    You still want more money?


    With 120 million, it''s still not enough for you to spend?


    Jiang Yuan was shocked by this request and said immediately, "I will get the band for you! Don''t even think about having more funds."


    Zhang Ye said regrettably, "Alright, I guess that''s also fine."


    Jiang Yuan did not dare say anymore and hurriedly left with his people. He was afraid that, if he stayed any longer, Zhang Ye would ask for even more resources.


    When Jiang Yuan and his people left, they also brought along the news with them. The Central TV staff who were mocking the idea of a 100 million title sponsorship fee earlier had now heard the confirmation��The Voice had really signed a title sponsor for the astronomical sum of 100 million!


    Shock!


    Astonishment!


    This reaction was everywhere!


    Everyone at Central TV was stunned!


    "Heavens!"


    "So it really wasn''t a rumor!"


    "It was true! It''s really 100 million!"


    "How did Zhang Ye manage to do that?"


    "This program hasn''t even been made yet and there''re no confirmed guests either, but someone still ventured to invest 100 million into it? Isn''t this about three to four times the title sponsorship fees of other talent shows?"


    "They''ve gone mad! This group of people must have gone mad!"


    "This totally defies allmon sense!"


    "This title sponsorship amount has blinded my eyes!"


    "Teacher Chen Ye''s so-called astronomical title sponsorship fees are not even half what Zhang Ye''s new program is getting? Isn''t that too much of a difference! It''s not even something that can be called a slight difference! For the title sponsorship fees of a television program, a difference of 10 million is as good as a difference of one degree! Chen Ye''s program is actually behind Zhang Ye''s by six to seven degrees?"


    ����


    On the same night.


    The news was spreading!


    It was probably under the deliberate publicity of Zhang Ye''s team that the news of the 100 million RMB title sponsorship fees between Brain Gold and Central TV Department 1''s The Voice of China had been widely spread!


    The media was shocked!


    Fellow television stations were shocked!


    Industry insiders were shocked!


    All the citizens were also shocked!


    A hundred million!


    Was Zhang Ye''s name really worth so much money?

 Chapter 644 The most prestigious lineup of coaches in history!

    <h4>Chapter 644 The most prestigious lineup of coaches in history! </h4>


    Chapter 644 The most prestigious lineup of coaches in history!


    The next day.


    It was Monday morning.


    Zhang Ye was woken by Hu Fei''s call.


    The current executive producer and director of Beijing Television''s Do You Remember, Hu Fei, said: "Little Zhang, did your new program''s title sponsorship really sell for 100 million RMB!?


    Zhang Ye yawned and said: "Yes."


    Hu Fei said: "Don''t fool around with me, tell me the truth!"


    Zhang Yeughed helplessly: "Why would I lie to you?"


    Hu Fei: "����"


    Zhang Ye said: "We''ll be starting the official promotions and announcing itter today."


    Hu Fei restrained himself for a long time before finally saying: "You''re really awesome, kid! Everything that you''ve done up till now have been things that always leave others astonished! This title sponsorship contract for your new program is really toorge, do you even know that? Everyone at Beijing Television Station and the other television stations are all talking about that title sponsorship fee of Central TV Department 1''s new program! This amount is��too frightening! When has any other television program ever signed a title sponsor deal that was worth as much as yours?!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "From now onward, there will be many others like this."


    Hu Fei did not agree with this. He said, "This was just a one-off case based on your reputation, how could it be the norm?"


    "If you don''t believe it, then let''s see where we end up two yearster. By then, a title sponsorship fee of 100 million will probably be the norm." The situation of this world''s variety programs was seen before in Zhang Ye''s previous world as well. It was also a simr situation and simr downturn, so he knew that the downturn of the television industry here couldn''t go on forever either. There would be a time when it ushered in another golden age. There was always a trough and a crest, which was also often referred to as thews of the market.


    Meanwhile.


    On the inte, reactions about therge sum of the title sponsorship for The Voice of manyizens fell in the stage of uneptance. In the morning, at the ces where the morning newspapers were sold at, many of the entertainment sections of the various newspapers had dedicated the headlines to the issue of the title sponsorship fees for The Voice!


    Some people had found out about itst night!


    While there were also those who only knew about it when they bought the papers in the morning. Upon seeing these headlines, they were all dumbfounded!


    There were also people who found out about it on their way to work or when they were eating breakfast and overheard it from others. They were shocked by this piece of news!


    "100 million?"


    "Brain Gold must have gone crazy!"


    "Will they even be able to recoup their capital?"


    "Damn! What the hell! F**k!"


    "Zhang Ye has started something big again!"


    "This is more than something big, he has totally flipped everything upside down!"


    "The Voice has surely broken the record for title sponsorship fees! I''ve heard that the rumored fees for the most popr singing program at the moment, Do You Remember, was only valued at 37 million!"


    "Could this be fake news? Didn''t a lot of people from the industry say that there was nothing much to look forward to in The Voice? Didn''t they say that this program has nothing special to it and even goes against the trends of the market? If that''s the case, then why would any advertisers still dump such a huge lump sum to be the title sponsor? If this news is true, then Zhang Ye must really be very bold. Even though others are willing to pay 100 million, that doesn''t mean you should take it, right? Are you trying to reshuffle the industry''s cards for variety programs? Are you intending to reestablish the market rules and standards? All rules have been broken! All standards are toppled! The entire television variety industry has been totally stirred up by Zhang Ye!"


    "Previous poster, aren''t you worrying too much over too many things?"


    "Yeah, if the Brain Goldpany is willing to offer that amount, then that just means that Teacher Zhang is worth that much. How does it reestablish any market rules or stir up anything? Isn''t it good that the title sponsorship fees are this much? If you let any other programs find their own title sponsors, I doubt they could even find someone willing to offer 50 million, much less 100 million RMB! What do you call this? This is what you call ''difference''! This is also an affirmation from the market upon Zhang Ye''s strength and recognition! It''s not like anyone can get it just because they want it! They do not enjoy the reputation Teacher Zhang has!"


    "Awesome!"


    "100 million RMB��I''m utterly convinced!"


    "Haha, I would really like to hear what those people who did not have much optimism for The Voice have to say now. Even without anything to show for right now, they still managed to secure a 100 million RMB title sponsorship! How face smacking!"


    "Don''t you all understand Face-smacking Zhang''s style yet? How many times has it been already? From the start, when people said they were not optimistic about The Voice, I already knew that it would end up this way! Anyway, I''ve always thought well of Teacher Zhang Ye. No matter what programs or works hees up with, I will surely support them!"


    ����


    Later in the morning.


    Zhang Ye sent Chenchen to school before he turned around and headed towards Bayi Lake. He arrived at Central TV Tower very early to start allocating the tasks for the program''s marketing and promotions.


    Not long after, Brain Gold published a statement, officially confirming their role as exclusive title sponsors to The Voice of China, having signed a sponsorship contract for 100 million RMB. At the same time, Central TV Department 1 confirmed the news too, with the program team of The Voice also stating that the 100 million title sponsorship fees would be fully invested into the production of the program. On top of the funding that was allocated to them by Central TV Department 1, The Voice would have a total production cost of 120 million RMB. They sincerely invited any interested advertisers to join as well as reiterating to anyone who had a passion for music to register for the program''s audition. They also publicly announced the registration and contact channels for the program team.


    When the news got out, it reignited the heated discussions!


    "It''s been confirmed!"


    "It''s true!"


    "It''s really 100 million! The contract has been signed!"


    "What the f**k! 120 million RMB, all to be used as production costs?"


    "That has to be a record!"


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "What kind of quality can 120 million RMB create in a program? I really want to see what they cane up with!"


    "Can anyone please tell me loudly that I did not see this wrongly with my eyes? Isn''t a funding of 100 million RMB moremonly seen in a movie shoot? Is this all going to be used only for producing a television program?"


    "You did not see wrong!"


    "Zhang Ye''s making a really big move this time! And I like it!"


    "Hahaha! If he''s going to do it, he''s going to make a big one! If he''s going to do it, he''s going to make it the most exciting! This has always been Teacher Zhang''s style! If it seeds, his name will surely go down in the annals of history! If it fails, then it will definitely leave a stink for ten thousand years! Zhang Ye''s motto is ''reject mediocrity''! That is what I like best about him!"


    "We already know the program''s format and content, so now the only question left is: who will be the guests?"


    "Yeah, who will be joining the show?"


    "Those big shot celebrities basically no longer participate in talent shows anymore. With the viewer ratings and joining payments at near all-time lows, it makes it very difficult to get anyone good to join."


    "If only Sister Zhang would join the show."


    "Hur hur, previous poster, stop dreaming."


    "I also know that it''s just a dream, but I still want to think that way since I really like Sister Zhang a lot."


    "It''s impossible that an S-list Heavenly Queen would take part in these kinds of talent shows as a guest. Do you know how much people like them can earn from just filming a movie? They would gain more reputation as well, and even have a chance at winning an award, so why would they bother with a television program? Even if it''s just those A-list singers, I doubt they could invite them either."


    "Besides, The Voice already does not have a very good reputation, with the professionals rating it quite poorly."


    ����


    At Central TV.


    In The Voice''s program team office.


    Everyone here was asking the same questions too.


    After the female administrative staff member passed a few copies of the general contract temte to Zhang Ye, she asked, "Teacher Zhang, do you need me to prepare a list of guest coaches candidates for you? Shall we start inviting them one by one?"


    Zhang Ye gave a wave of his hands and said, "That''s not necessary."


    Ha Qiqi said, "The first round of preliminary auditions for the contestants will be held this afternoon. I''ve arranged for it to start at 2 PM. If we do not begin picking which guest coaches to invite, I''m afraid it will be toote."


    Zhang Zuo also said, "That''s right, Director Zhang. We ought to get prepared early since the market environment isn''t that good. The guests are getting more and more difficult to invite, especially those big shot guests who always reject television talent show programs. We have to identify our targets first and contact them one at a time and negotiate. If it doesn''t work out, we move to the next candidate."


    Zhang Yeughed, "No need to go through all that trouble. I''ve already negotiated with the guests."


    "Ah?" Wu Yi said, "Already negotiated?"


    Ha Qiqi said in surprise, "You contacted them yesterday afternoon?"


    Zhang Ye nodded a few times, and then looked at his watch before saying, "I was afraid that the news would be leaked too early and cause unnecessary trouble or changes, so I kept it a secret instead. Looking at the time now, I think they should be here soon?"


    As soon as he stopped talking, a few people were already at the door.


    A staff member of Central TV Department 1 brought the guests in and said, "Teacher Zhang, they were looking for your office, so I brought them here."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Thanks, friend."


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the rest all did a double take when they saw them. It turned out to be the famous songstress, Zhang Xia, and behind her were herwyer and manager, a total of three people!


    Everyone was stunned!


    Only Zhang Ye was not surprised. He went up to shake her hand and said, "Grandma Zhang, you''re here right on time."


    Zhang Xia shook his hand and said, "I''m always on time, hur hur. Let''s get the contract signed then."


    "Sure, it''s already prepared. I''ll let you have a look first." Zhang Ye took out the contract and passed it to her.


    Ha Qiqi pulled Zhang Ye aside and asked with a face registering surprise, "You managed to get Zhang Xia to step out from her retirement? Doesn''t she no longer take part in any variety programs?"


    Everyone was truly surprised at this as no one could have expected Zhang Ye to get the issue of the guests settled so quickly after only going out for a short while. He even managed to invite the renowned songstress as a guest for their show. Everyone knew the program quality would surely be raised by several levels if they had Grandma Zhang fronting the show. With Zhang Xia joining, not only would her appeal and poprity help the program, her professional strength would also make the program more credible. This was a great artist who had sung for the country''s leaders and foreign emissaries in the past!


    Before Zhang Ye could answer, before they could get over their surprise, when Zhang Xia and her team were looking through the contract, another couple and their managers arrived.


    A female editor eximed, "Chen��Chen Guang!"


    Another male editor stared at them. "Fan Wenli!"


    When Chen Guang came into the office, he directly went to Zhang Ye, smiling and waving at him. He said, "Teacher Zhang, we''re notte, are we?"


    "No, but since Teacher Chen and Teacher Fan are gracing us with both your presences, it wouldn''t matter even if you werete." Zhang Ye spoke with a mouthful of courtesy and went up to wee them with the contracts.


    Zhang Zuo was getting excited!


    Ha Qiqi was also getting excited!


    Chen Guang hade? Fan Wenli had alsoe? These two were the very well-known ideal couple of the entertainment circle! And when it came to poprity, these two definitely belonged to the top of the singing world! As an example, among the guest coaches in all the singing talent shows being held by television stations across the whole country, even if the most popr one stepped forward, they would not be a match for the poprity of just one of either Chen Guang or Fan Wenli! And it was even more so if youpared the two of them together! If Chen Guang and Fan Wenli joined any of those singing talent shows, they would surely sweep all those coaching panels off their feet. They were definitely the Big Brother and Sister of any coaching lineup!


    And now, the two of them were here?


    They were both going to join The Voice??


    The staff of the program team were all getting dizzy from this. This was no longer a matter of whether all this was happening too suddenly or not. This was a surprise no one could have expected even in their wildest dreams. With just one of them, they could already sweep away all the other singing programs, much less two of them! Zhang Xia together with Chen Guang and Fan Wenli? This lineup of coaches was too prestigious!


    How did Teacher Zhang do it?


    How did he get the three of them toe aboard??

 Chapter 645: On fire even before the broadcast!

    <h4>Chapter 645: On fire even before the broadcast! </h4>


    Chapter 645: On fire even before the broadcast!


    Outside the office area.


    Many people from around Central TV Department 1 had gathered here to watch.


    "Who''s that?"


    "Is that Zhang Xia?"


    "Whoa, what is Chen Guang doing here?"


    "Fan Wenli is also here with her manager?"


    "What are they doing here!"


    "It can''t be that The Voice''s program team managed to pull them aboard for the show, right?"


    "Ah!"


    "Don''t scare me like that, my heart is not that strong!"


    "Each one of them could be considered a big star who could easily shake the singing industry with just a light stamp of their feet! With any one of theming aboard, it''s already a dream fulfilled, so how did they get all three of them?"


    With so many celebrities here who were the big shots among big shots of the singing industry, many staff from the other departments had now gathered curious on this level at Central TV Department 1 where a small portion of the offices were located. Although they could guess what was happening, they were all still rather in disbelief that it could really happen.


    Even Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo of the program team for The Voice found it hard to believe, much less them!


    However, what would surprise them much more than that was only about to begin. They thought that the three people gathered here right now was already a very astonishing sight to see. But the next moment��when another person walked in from outside, whether it was Central TV Department 1''s staff or The Voice''s program team��everyone was left with their eyes wide and tongues tied!


    It was a woman, and she was not a celebrity, yet many people knew her and had heard of her name. The reason was simply because she was the manager of the Heavenly Queen!


    It was Fang Weihong!


    Zhang Yuanqi''s manager!


    At this moment, the entire area inside and outside of the office fell silent!


    Zhang Xia blinked.


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli were dumbfounded.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the rest were also stunned!


    Only Zhang Ye quickly stepped up to wee her. "Haha, Sister Fang!"


    Fang Weihong did not look to be in the mood for small talk. She just shook Zhang Ye''s hand and said, "Teacher Zhang, pass me the contract. I have to leave after getting it signed."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Sister Zhang is not here today?"


    "She''s busy with an activity and authorized me to sign on her behalf." Fang Weihong was already a familiar acquaintance with Zhang Ye having worked with him twice before, so her tone with him was also less formal. "Oh, Teacher Zhang, do you know that Sister Zhang has such a packed schedule recently that it has almost filled up the entire 24 hours of her day? I was still thinking of how I could reject some bookings to lighten the load, but somehow, this new booking arrived. Sister Zhang is really great. She did not even ask me about it and directly agreed with you. She''s not a superhuman. Besides, there''s only so much time in a day, so who gets left with nning her time and schedules then? Won''t it just be left to me to coordinate and organize her activities? I already have a big headache from all these."


    Zhang Yeughed, "That''s because Sister Zhang is so popr. Just look at people like me who are small timers and have no activities. All I do is just go to work or drink some tea."


    Fang Weihongughed when she heard that. She replied, "Oh,e on. That''s just because you don''t have a managementpany and refuse to take on anymercial deals. If you spread the word that you''d do them, even with a hundred hours a day, it wouldn''t be enough for you." She paused for a bit and then said, "What I''m really curious about is, since Sister Zhang has always rejected taking any talent shows, how on earth did you convince her to do it?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I promised to write her a song."


    Fang Weihong, suddenly understanding everything, eximed, "That''s exactly what I thought!"


    Zhang Xia said from a distance away, "Little Fang, you''re here too?"


    "Ai, Grandma Zhang, did you get deceived by Teacher Zhang and join the program too?" Fang Weihong politely greeted her while casually making a joke.


    Zhang Xia was tickled and quipped, "Yes, I was fooled by this child."


    After chatting for a little while, Fang Weihong also shook Chen Guang and his wife''s hand and chatted for a while. They all knew each other; it wasn''t the first time they''d met.


    Chen Guang was quite surprised. "I hadn''t expected Sister Zhang to join as well!"


    Fang Weihong also said helplessly, "Me neither. Yesterday, Zhang Ye made a call and spoke to Sister Zhang directly about the contract. I didn''t know about it until muchter."


    Fan Wenli looked over admirably at Zhang Ye.


    Ha Qiqi and the others were also looking at Zhang Ye with extreme admiration!


    Oh my god!


    Zhang Yuanqi is reallying aboard!


    Zhang Ye had somehow managed to invite the Heavenly Queen to join!


    An S-list celebrity who always rejected taking any talent shows and didn''t even usually appear on television as a program guest was now making an exception and joining their program? Everyone knew that Zhang Yuanqi was a celebrity at the very top of the entertainment industry in the country. Being able to invite her wasn''t down to a matter of money anymore. It wasn''t like shecked that anyway. But what she was chasing after was of a different level and not found in the domestic market anymore. She had already set her sights on the foreign markets, so none of them knew how Zhang Ye had managed to get this deal done! How did he convince the Heavenly Queen!


    Central TV was in chaos!


    Jiang Yuan and some other leaders came over a whileter, as they were the authorized signatories for Central TV for their part of the contract.


    At this time, when the amount that Zhang Ye had agreed with the four celebrities earlier was written down by him, the figures were finally made known publicly for the first time. When they saw the joining fees, even though they had just received an astronomical title sponsorship fee earlier, everyone was still stunned with their mouths agape!


    Zhang Xia: 10 million!


    Chen Guang: 10 million!


    Fan Wenli: 10 million!


    Zhang Yuanqi: 40 million!


    They could still reluctantly ept the joining fees of Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, and Fan Wenli since it somewhat matched their statuses and were done in ordance with the market practices for simr programs which usually paid out several million at least. But since the three of them didn''t usually take up such projects, it resulted in an additional premium of about 2 to 3 million more than the market rates which everyone could understand. But the fee for Zhang Yuanqi left everyone sucking in a breath of cold air!


    40 million!


    That was a f**king sky-high joining fee!


    Many other talent shows only had a total investment of around 30 million or so for the entire program and production, and that was even for the more highly invested in programs. But Zhang Yuanqi alone alreadymanded a fee of 40 million? It was even higher than the entire investments put into other programs? This was a never before seen sky-high joining fee in the entire variety show industry! Even if she were an S-list Heavenly Queen, this amount was still way beyond the market rates!


    This was too frightening!


    This was too exciting!


    Yet another record had been broken!


    Many of the staff looked over at Jiang Yuan, wondering what he would say.


    Jiang Yuan was trembling from this for a while, but managed to calm his nerves, and he quickly signed off on the contract as the authorized party for Central TV. Then he stamped the contract firmly with the organization''s seal!


    Was it expensive?


    Yes! It was too damn expensive!


    But was it worth it? Jiang Yuan felt that it was worth it, and it seemed like many of the Central TV''s staff also felt that it was worth it! If Zhang Ye''s name could already pull in a sponsorship of 100 million, who was to say that the reputation of Zhang Yuanqi��an S-list Heavenly Queen��did notmand a joining fee of 40 million!?


    Being able to have Zhang Yuanqi toe aboard was already an unprecedented event. It was something that no other television stations'' programs could achieve. Now that Zhang Ye hadpleted this unimaginable task, it was already considered a jobpleted. As for the money spent, that was only a secondary concern!


    The contract signing ended.


    Everyone started pping.


    Outside the office, many of those Central TV Department 1''s staff who did not seem too optimistic about The Voice back then and felt that the program would be canceled even before it started were now looking at Zhang Ye and his program team with a different attitude. A 100 million title sponsorship, a total production value of more than 100 million, a coaching group headed by a Heavenly Queen. This investment and lineup had them patting themselves on the chest and admitting that no other television program in the history of this industry could do what The Voice had done. They did not know how the program would turn out from here on, but just this glittering lineup alone had totally blinded everyone!


    ����


    An hourter.


    The promotions and marketing for The Voice began and immediately spread like wildfire!


    On the official website for The Voice, the section where the introduction for the four guest coaches were originally a ck picture with a question mark over them but were now being updated with their pictures and detailed introductions!


    "Quick, take a look!"


    "Wow, the list of coaches is being announced!"


    "How exciting, I wonder who''s the first?"


    "I''m here, I''m here to check it out!"


    With The Voice at the heart of the struggle on the news, all entertainment news today was focused on them. Right now, any minor changes on the website would attract the attention of countless people!


    The first name was announced: Zhang Xia!


    This caused quite amotion!


    "It''s Grandma Zhang!"


    "She''s a great singer!"


    "Heavens! Grandma Zhang hase out of retirement?"


    The second name was also updated: Chen Guang!


    At once, Chen Guang''s fans all flocked to this news!


    "My prince!"


    "Old Chen has joined as well?"


    "Hahaha! Old Chen, well done!"


    "Chen Guang and Zhang Ye are two of my favorite celebrities! I would never have expected them to work together! Looks like this is going to be fun!"


    "Teacher Chen is a truly talented singer! I like his songs a lot!"


    Then, the third name: Fan Wenli!


    "Aiyo!"


    "Old Chen, even your wife has joined!"


    "Heavens! They''re all big shot celebrities!"


    "Yeah, just how much did The Voice''s program team spend on this!"


    "My eyes have been blinded!"


    "Even Old Chen and Old Fan have been invited? Isn''t this line up defying allmon sense? Won''t Teacher Zhang have to pay for his crimes if he scares us all to death? There''s still a fourth? Who''s thest one going to be?"


    "Quick, announce the fourth coach''s identity already!"


    "Why are they so slow, who could it be?"


    "Who''s the final one?"


    As the names were announced one by one, in just a short period of time, everyone''s appetite was whetted as they excitedly reacted to each announcement. Everyone was utterly convinced by Zhang Ye''s amazing work. It was truly too surprising!


    Eventually, under the watchful gaze of everyone, the fourth coach''s picture was updated!


    Refresh! A picture of Zhang Yuanqi at a concert now appeared in the ce of the fourth coach''s introduction!


    Upon seeing Zhang Yuanqi''s picture, it was as if at that moment everyone browsing on the website for The Voice had fallen silent. It seemed like time had stopped for an instant!


    Then thement section exploded!


    "What?"


    "It''s the Heavenly Queen!?"


    "Damn!"


    "Do they need to be that extravagant!?"


    "Did Central TV invest all they money they had? They''re really willing to give everything for this program?"


    "Not only that, this is no longer a question of money! In the past, even when many variety shows offered Zhang Yuanqi a lot of money, she did not join them!"


    "This is big news!"


    "The Heavenly Queen has descended onto The Voice!"


    "Is this for real?"


    "Zhang Ye''s truly awesome!"


    "I only wonder how much Sister Zhang''s joining fee is worth!"


    "Yeah, how much?"


    At this time, an anonymous user left ament: "Don''t ask how much it is, all I can tell you is that it is a sky-high figure!"


    "Don''t leave us in suspense!"


    "Quickly speak!"


    "Just how much money was it?"


    That anonymous user did not reply for a long time, and then finally posted: "The exact amount is��40 million before taxes!"


    With that, those industry insiders from the other television stations who came to check out the situation nearly vomited blood!


    What did you say?


    40 million?


    It was getting lively on the inte as the media andizens began discussing this. All these news and updates had really left everyone in shock!


    The people left speechless were those experts.


    Many of these experts and so-called industry insiders did not say a word. Because they really did not know what they could say anymore. They had analyzed The Voice of China from head to toe and called out its problems and ws, saying and backing up their ims of how this program would definitely only be a cult television program or average quality show, simr to all the other talent shows produced in this time of downturn. Yet somehow these big shot celebrities still jumped aboard the program? Why did they all rush to join like they were not afraid of anything? Were they all crazy?


    Some people were looking forward to it.


    Some people called it good.


    Some people maintained their doubt.


    Some people still were not optimistic.


    But however people put it, with the attention The Voice of China was getting, with the lineup of the guest coaches, with the invested production costs and title sponsorship, the program was already on fire even before the broadcast! This discussion topic could no longer be matched by anything else!


    Zhang Ye had nned for all the news to be spread out within a 12-hour time frame in order to bombard the inte with overwhelming publicity for The Voice. The first steps were already beautifully taken, but from here on, he knew he had to spend more effort on the auditions!

 Chapter 646 These are the contestants you guys picked?

    <h4>Chapter 646 These are the contestants you guys picked? </h4>


    Chapter 646 These are the contestants you guys picked?


    In the afternoon.


    At Central TV''s basement recording studio.


    This was the venue that The Voice''s program team had booked temporarily to hold the preliminary auditions. They did not actually need to do any recording but only needed to use the location today to pick some outstanding and talented contestants for the recorded stage auditions by the coaches. The preliminary auditions were estimated to take ce over two weeks. It would be held either once daily, once every two days, or even once every three days. The degree of intensity would depend on the number of contestants and their standards. The application conditions only required candidates to submit a demo of their singing. If the program team staff felt that the candidate met the required standard, they would notify them to make their way here for the preliminary auditions. If it''s not up to standard, then they would not even be notified at all. After all, with just the program team staff''s strength, they were unable to support so many contestants and decidedly had to make a small sacrifice in some of the proceedings.


    At the venue.


    The staff had all arrived and gathered.


    Zhang Ye came over holding a box lunch he had taken from the Central TV cafeteria. As he was in a rush, he decided to eat as he walked over, finishing it up just as he arrived.


    Little Wang walked up to him and said, "Hand that to me."


    "OK, thanks a lot." Zhang Ye gave the empty lunch box to her.


    At the other side, Ha Qiqi��in charge of the preliminary auditions��was pointing and instructing the staff on their work. When she saw Zhang Ye, she immediately brought two people over with her and said, "Teacher Zhang, the arrangements are almost all done. We can proceed with the auditions."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "When will the contestants arrive?"


    Ha Qiqi answered, "Many of them are already here, but we''re only starting in the afternoon, so I got someone to bring them to the waiting room."


    They sat down in front of theputer.


    Zhang Ye randomly opened a few emails and listened to some of the demos that the contestants sent in. He said, "Were these chosen today?"


    Ha Qiqi nodded. "They were picked by me and the professionals one at a time." Then she introduced the few people beside her to Zhang Ye.


    A Teacher Sun.


    And a Teacher Yan.


    They were both music industry insiders who were borrowed from Central TV.


    Zhang Ye shook hands with them and got to know them a bit. He said, "Teacher Sun, Teacher Yan, I will have to trouble the both of you in theing days."


    Teacher Sun immediately said, "It''s no trouble at all. We''re here to help, so you can consider us professional consultants who give our opinions for your consideration. As for how the program will be done and how to pick the contestants, we will still leave that up to you, Director Zhang." Since they were transferred to the program team of The Voice, they had to listen to Zhang Ye''smands as they were now members of his team.


    One of the music consultant rmended, "Director Zhang, this person you''re listening to right now is one of the better ones. Both Old Sun and I agree on this, as does AD1 Ha."


    Ha Qiqi praised, "Right, this person sings very well."


    Only then did Zhang Ye seriously listen to it.


    It was a woman''s voice. The vocals and basic singing were quite good, and the sound was crystal clear. There wasn''t any sharpness or anything bad with it. She also had quite a high soprano voice.


    Teacher Sun analyzed, "She should be considered a very trained vocalist. It feels very stable as well. Listening to her voice, it probably belongs to someone who has had experience performing onstage before. And judging from her picture, she looks quite good too. I feel that she has what it takes to be a star."


    Teacher Yan added, "But it will also depend on how well she performster."


    Name: Chang Si.


    Gender: Female.


    Age: 25.


    Hometown: Beihe Province.


    upation: Music Teacher.


    After taking a look at her personal information, Zhang Ye did not say anything. He just stored it in his mind and asked, "For today''s first wave of preliminary auditions, are there any with good potential?"


    Ha Qiqi pointed at an email on screen. "This person is quite good too."


    The music consultant beside them nodded and said, "This person was trained in the performing arts and graduated from a real music college. His singing is very good and he''s also currently a backup singer for a certain star, so we can consider him to be a professional. If such a person got on stage, he probably would not have any stage fright at all and could perform quite well instead. Since we have to consider if they can perform to their potential while on television, if we get total rookies for this show, they might get nervous and make mistakes. When that happens, the quality of the broadcast will also be affected. That''s why on all the other talent show programs most of the contestants are in music-rted professions. Those type of contestants are always the most well-epted by television programs. They''re often invited to take part in many different programs since due to various reasons they did not do well in their past participations on the other programs, though their stability on the programs is what''s good about them."


    Name: Hu Liangyi.


    Gender: Male.


    upation: Musician.


    When Zhang Ye finished listening to that person''s demo, he did not show any expression at all and only asked, "Just these two? No others?"


    Ha Qiqi observed Zhang Ye''s reaction, not knowing what to make of it. She answered, "We''ve already notified 50 candidates to join today''s round of auditions. Most of them are good enough. It''s just that these two are the more outstanding ones. We''ve also singled out a few others that are quite good, though they did not register for the audition and were rmended by staff from our internal department or seen on other television programs instead. If you agree to it, we can immediately start making contact with them. Invite them to join our program?"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Who are they? Let me take a look."


    "Such as this person." Ha Qiqi bent over to handle the mouse and clicked on a video clip of a singing talent show from two years ago. "Here, take a look at this one."


    The video started ying.


    It was of a man singing a Heavenly King''s ssic track.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Back then, on the show, he did not qualify and was eliminated at the second round, but most music consultants have a good impression of him. He most probably did not get into the next round because of some result fixing by the program team for thatpetition."


    Zhang Ye did not say a word.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Director Zhang?"


    The music consultants also looked at Zhang Ye.


    Ha Qiqi immediately continued, "And there are a few other musicians we have our eyes on. Their professional qualities are very good. I know that our program is looking for people who can sing well, and those people are quite good at singing as well. Why don''t I show you? Their information is all in theputer. It should be easy to talk to them if I invite them over; alternatively, we can also offer them an appearance payment which I''m sure they''d agree to."


    Zhang Ye gave a wave of his hands and said, "Forget it, let''s not look at those first." He checked his watch for the time and suggested, "Why don''t we do it this way: the auditions will start at 1:30 PM sharp, while I''ll go out for a while and be back very soon."


    Having said that, Zhang Ye left. Zhang Ye hade to the audition venue with high expectations, but before he could even warm his seat, he already had to leave.


    The program team staff looked at each other with nk faces.


    Wu Yi, puzzled at this, asked, "What''s with Teacher Zhang?"


    "I don''t know," Ha Qiqi replied, not understanding anything either. "We found people in ordance to the standards, didn''t we? Don''t all the other talent shows also pick their contestants this way? It''s not like we judged them based on their physical appearances either."


    One of the music consultants remarked, "Maybe it''s that Teacher Zhang just had something to attend to."


    Ha Qiqi took her mind off the matter and said, "Let''s continue from here then. Go through the candidates'' information once more while wait for Teacher Zhang toe back before we begin the auditions. Notify the candidates about the start time and provide them with box lunches if they haven''t eaten lunch yet. Little Wang, I leave you in charge of the waiting room."


    ����


    Outside.


    When Zhang Ye came out of the basement, he briefly shook his head a little. He wasn''t just dissatisfied with Ha Qiqi and the others regarding the candidates they chose, he was extremely frustrated. Was it that the contestants were not up to standard? It wasn''t that and in fact their singing was also rtively good and safe, but this was not the desired show effect he wanted. He needed a different kind of contestant! From the start, Ha Qiqi and the others��or rather it should be said that the whole of Central TV and the entire country��all did not know what kind of a program he was aiming to do. They basically had no understanding of the concept that Zhang Ye wanted, not one of them! Bute to think of it, he couldn''t me them. It was just because Zhang Ye had seen things they had never seen before, so their understanding of things was much too different!


    How could he handle this?


    What could he do to make them understand what he was looking for?


    Zhang Ye felt that using words to exin was not enough. He needed to be more direct and ce an example in front of their eyes and ears to get his idea of the concept across to them. And so, Zhang Ye thought of a person, someone whose voice involuntarily floated into his mind. He decided that he would pull in the first contestant for their program to tell them what his understanding of a good voice was!


    Well-trained and safe?


    A high soprano?


    With experience performing onstage?


    Slick and proficient in singing?


    ��Was that what having a good voice meant?


    Zhang Ye got into his car and drove straight out from television station tower and headed for the city.


    1. Assistant Director

 Chapter 647 Confirmation of the first-seeded contestant!

    <h4>Chapter 647 Confirmation of the first-seeded contestant! </h4>


    Chapter 647 Confirmation of the first-seeded contestant!


    [copse]


    Afternoon.


    Along Nanxinhua Avenue.


    It was currently afternoon recess at No. 2 Experimental Primary School. The main gate was locked as students were not allowed to leave the school during lunch break or breaks between sses. The main gate would only be opened at the start or end of school.


    The car stopped and Zhang Ye got out from the car.


    He walked near to the guardroom and greeted, "Uncle."


    When the security uncle saw him, his eyes lit up. "Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s me, can you open the side gate for me?" Zhang Ye smiled.


    The security uncle naturally knew who he was and asked, "Your kid has given you trouble again? The teacher has called you up for a meeting again?" He fished out the key and opened the side gate for Zhang Ye. "Come on in."


    Zhang Ye said, "Thank you very much, Uncle."


    Walking in farther, he reached therge yground.


    He could see many children ying on it, some kicking the shuttlecock,1 some ying basketball, and some others in a group, ying Eagle Catches Chicks, a traditional Chinese chase game.


    "Ah!"


    "Don''t run!"


    "Hahaha, Fang, you''re too slow!"


    "Pass it to me, pass it to me!"


    "Take the shot!"


    The school field was filled with frolicking sounds and voices.


    Zhang Ye could not see Chenchen anywhere. Even without needing to think, he could figure that out Chenchen would not participate in these activities. She was definitely in the ssroom napping or reading someic book she had snatched from some little boy. Zhang Ye did not go upstairs because he had note for Chenchen. He had other motives this time. His eyes scanned the school field and he suddenly spotted the person he was looking for.


    At a corner of the yground.


    Chenchen''s form teacher Zhao Mei, P.E. teacher Luo Yu, and some other teachers were seated on a long bench, happily chatting as they supervised the children''s activities. This was a school regtion as they were worried that the children would get into trouble while ying or injure themselves from overexertion as they yed sports during the break. Every afternoon recess, there would be some teachers on shift duty at the yground. If it snowed, there would be more teachers supervising the break.


    Zhao Mei said, "Do you all know about Zhang Ye''s new program?"


    A sixth grade mathematics teacher said, "How can we not know about it? It''s all over today''s news!"


    Luo Yu added, "My goodness, even Zhang Yuanqi, Old Chen, and Old Fan joined as coaches for the program. With so much money spent, this program must definitely be good to watch!"


    Zhao Meiughed, "I''m also waiting for it as well. I''m really anticipating watching it on television."


    Beside them, a fine arts teacher suddenly looked at Luo Yu with interest and asked, "Teacher Luo, why don''t you go and take part in the program since you like singing so much?"


    Luo Yu did not even give it thought and waved it off. "Heh, me? Forget it."


    Zhao Mei said, "Don''t the application conditions for The Voice state that they do not judge on looks or background? Teacher Luo, you should give it a try since you like to sing so much. Your dreams of bing a singer might actually get fulfilled this time. Previously, when you criticized Zhang Ye and tore into him, it was only because of work. It was right to tell her guardian off as Chenchen was really being too naughty. From what I know of Zhang Ye, he is not a petty person and he certainly won''t take it to heart."


    Luo Yu continuously waved her hands. "Come on, even if Teacher Zhang did not bear any grudges, do you expect that I could appear on TV to sing? I''m afraid that the equipment will be damaged by my voice!"


    With that, several teachers burst outughing.


    Everyone in school knew of her reputation for having a lousy voice.


    Luo Yu sighed, "I love to sing but I still know where I stand. That is such a big program with over a hundred million invested and even has the Heavenly Queen as coach. With my looks, how can I appear on TV? As a P.E. teacher, I should just concentrate on teaching my P.E. sses. Teacher Yiyi is a more suitable candidate to apply since she is good-looking and also a music teacher. She should just go and apply. Besides, we have some degree of a rtionship with Zhang Ye. If we ask a favor of him, it should not be a problem to take part in the audition, right?"


    Zhao Mei said, "How would we ask for his help? Zhang Ye is not someone you can just meet if you want to."


    Luo Yu eximed, "If not, then we can just call him up on the pretext of a guardian meeting. Call him and make hime over. Hasn''t Chenchen, the little rascal, always been getting in trouble anyway?"


    Suddenly, a voice sounded from behind their backs.


    "Who wants to call me?" Zhang Ye abruptly appeared!


    Luo Yu turned around and was dumbfounded. "Ah!"


    Zhao Mei and the rest of the teachers were also stunned. "Zhang Ye?"


    Then Zhao Mei seemingly thought of something andughed. She patted Luo Yu and said, "Those words were from Teacher Luo and do not represent our opinions."


    Why is he here!


    Speak of the devil!


    When Luo Yu heard that, her heart sank. Previously, she did know that this person was Zhang Ye as he was wearing sunsses and it obstructed her view of his face. She only knew that he was Chenchen''s guardian, so she criticized him without a second thought. Afterwards, when she realized that he was Zhang Ye, theposer and writer of her two favorite songs, her stomach churned. Today, Luo Yu was just idly chatting with a few other teachers and she just happened to make a joke of calling up the guardian for a meeting but who knew that Zhang Ye was actually right behind them and could hear what they were saying? Luo Yu literally wished that she could find a hole to crawl in to hide herself from this embarrassment!


    How unlucky!


    Why am I always so pathetic!?


    "Teacher Zhang, no, no, I was just joking!" Luo Yu quickly came up with an excuse, "And the previous time, I really didn''t know that it was you. No one told me anything at all!"


    The bells started ringing.


    It was the signal for sses to begin again.


    A female teacher suddenly said, "I''m leaving then. It''s time for ss."


    "I''ll be leaving too," the fine arts teacher said.


    Zhao Mei looked at Zhang Ye and asked, "Are you looking for Chenchen? Or?"


    Zhang Ye said, "No."


    Zhao Mei nodded. "Then alright, I''ll go to my ss with the children now."


    When Luo Yu saw that everyone had left, she also wanted to leave, so she said, "Then I also��" Actually where could she go? As a P.E. teacher, even if she had sses, it would be right on this yground.


    Zhang Ye stretched out his hand and called to her, "Teacher Luo, please stay put."


    Luo Yu''s eyes shrank. It''s over, it''s really over, Zhang Ye has a grudge against me now! He''s going to find trouble with me! Oh my mother! Why do I have such a hard life!


    "Are you calling me?" Luo Yu acted dumb, stood still, and turned her head around.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Do you have any sses in the afternoon?"


    Luo Yu wanted to say that she had sses until midnight, but she really did not have any sses in the afternoon, so she stammered, "About that��"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Let''s have a talk, shall we?"


    Luo Yu grit her teeth and acquiesced, "Alright." She turned around and led Zhang Ye to the equipment storage room as there was no one there. It did have some small chairs in an alcove where they could also have drinks.


    The room was small and simple.


    "I''ll get you some water." Luo Yu busied herself with chores.


    Zhang Ye said, "There''s no need, I will not stay for long. I''m here to ask you about a matter."


    Luo Yu said at once, "No need to say anymore, I know it''s all my fault, I��"


    "It''s not about that matter." Zhang Ye was a bit speechless and said, "I''d like to ask you about that day I heard you singing ''Wishing We Last Forever.'' Well, do you always sing like that normally?"


    Luo Yu was shocked. "Singing? ''Wishing We Last Forever''? Uh, that''s right. My voice has always been quite lousy and everyone calls me Raspy Luo. That''s how my singing is and no one likes to hear it. I like to sing whenever I''m free and will just grab any opportunity to sing a few lines. My family members also find me irritating when I''m singing. Everytime I open my mouth to sing, my mother will go out and take a stroll."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Do you like to sing?"


    Luo Yu replied, "Of course I like to. I''ve even been singing every day since childhood. Why else do you think my vocals got damaged during puberty and became like this?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and inquired, "Then if you are given a stage to perform on now, would you dare to step up on it?"


    Luo Yu instinctively answered, "What''s there to be afraid of? As long as anyone wants to listen, I will try to sing even if you ce me on the surface of the moon! Eh, why are you asking me this?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged and then said something surprising, "In that case, as the Executive Director of The Voice of China, I hereby formally invite you to join us!"


    Luo Yu was shocked. "What?"


    Zhang Ye repeated, "I will reserve a spot for your participation!"


    Luo Yu eximed, "Reserve a spot for me? Why are you reserving it for me?"


    Zhang Ye said in an amused manner, "Because you''re good at singing, so I want you to participate and get involved with The Voice''s audition and thepetition proper!"


    Luo Yu said, "I can appear on TV?"


    Zhang Ye confirmed, "That''s right."


    Luo Yu said, "Is it the most talked about program right now, that The Voice of China? The program that even the Heavenly Queen has joined?"


    Zhang Ye affirmed, "Yes."


    Luo Yu said, "My singing is good?"


    Zhang Ye maintained, "That''s right."


    Luo Yu hurriedly waved it off. "Oh,e on, how can my singing be good when my voice is so lousy. You should reconsider. Even my own mother who is my immediate family does not like my singing, so why would others think it''s good? Do you think I don''t know what I''m worth?"


    Zhang Ye was amused by these words. People from Beijing had a particr sense of humor,prised of dark humor and self-mockery. It was specific to the locals of Beijing and could not be found at other regions as they all had their own different and unique humor styles.


    Zhang Ye attested, "Teacher Luo, I came specifically for you this time. I''m very sincere in inviting you and truly feel that you are good at singing. Who says that you have a lousy voice? I really don''t feel that way. Besides, I would not havee looking for you if you had a traditionally nice voice. Central TV is having an audition around 1 PM. I don''t need to deceive you on this matter if you agree. You don''t have any sses in the afternoon anyways, right? Then you should directly follow me right now ande to the audition venue. If you''re afraid of embarrassing yourself or that your voice would scare others, then forget it. Treat it like I did not say anything. You will remain as a P.E. teacher here and continue to sing only for yourself."


    Having said that, Zhang Ye stopped talking.


    Seeing Zhang Ye this serious, Luo Yu was also at a loss for words!


    After about thirty seconds, Luo Yu asked, "Can I really make it?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "It''s not going to be a problem."


    Luo Yu asked again, "Are you sure my voice can really��"


    Zhang Ye interrupted, "I''m sure."


    Upon hearing this, Luo Yu finally hardened her resolve. "OK! If you guys want to listen! Then I will sing! Who''s afraid of who! Teacher Zhang, I will go!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and uttered, "I was waiting for you to say that!"


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jianzi

 Chapter 648 Open calls for The Voice begin!

    <h4>Chapter 648 Open calls for The Voice begin! </h4>


    Chapter 648 Open calls for The Voice begin!


    Later that afternoon.


    At the venue of the audition.


    It was almost time and the first wave of contestants for the day were already gathered. However, since Executive Director Zhang Ye was not back yet, Ha Qiqi and the program team staff did not dare to kick off the audition as they preferred to wait for the person in charge toe back first.


    "Why isn''t it starting yet?"


    "It should be starting soon."


    "Aiyah, I''m so nervous."


    "Actually, I just took a shot and submitted my application. I never expected that I would get notified."


    "Who are the judges? What kind of music genres do they like?"


    "I heard that Executive Director Zhang Ye will be here today, so getting through willpletely depend on Zhang Ye''s decision. I think that if we sing either of Zhang Ye''s two songs for the audition, the chances of going through will be higher, but I''m only just guessing so."


    "That''s right, that''s right!"


    "Then I will sing ''Woman Flower.''"


    "It will not be as simple as you all think. Whether it is ''Wishing We Last Forever'' or ''Woman Flower,'' these two songs were all sung by the Heavenly Queen before. Be it your singing ability or voice, do you all think you can sing better than the Heavenly Queen? Can you all carry the song and make it your own so that it feels different from the Heavenly Queen''s version? This type of song that everyone is familiar with will not be of help when exhibiting your own unique characteristics. If not carefully dealt with, it may even backfire, making the song feel neither like your own nor like the original."


    "That''s true."


    "Good point."


    In the contestants'' waiting room, everyone was busily chatting away. There were all kinds of people were here, such as some anxious contestants who made many trips to the toilet, some sitting by themselves in a corner and practicing their songs, and even some experienced talent show veterans rting their experiences to the first-timers.


    Among them were two people in the group who were rtively more conspicuous. One of them was Chang Si and the other one was Hu Liangyi. They were the two highly rmended contestants by Ha Qiqi and the music consultants, both considered professional musicians. One was a music teacher, the other a backup singer. They''d already had some years of experience in the industry, could sing very well, and had good looks, so naturally they stood out with more confidence than the rest in such a setting. It could also have been due to the fact that Ha Qiqi and the program team had alreadymunicated with them earlier, so they knew of their importancepared to the others. As a result, they unconsciously drew a boundary and stayed away from the rest of the contestants. They were both seated in thest row and when other contestants came up to talk to them they did not respond much. One of them yed with their phone while the other was listening to music.


    Suddenly, Little Wang of the program team came and announced, "Everyone get ready, the auditions are about to begin."


    Everyone looked to her.


    Little Wang was holding a roster. She exined, "I will start calling names one at a time in a while. When you get called, please proceed into the room where you will sing a cappe for the song you have chosen to perform. If the executive director and the judges feel that there is a need for further screening, you will be asked to sing a designated song."


    ����


    At the other side.


    At the audition venue.


    Zhang Ye had returned. He told Little Wang to notify the contestants to get ready. After that, he handed Luo Yu over to another staff member of the program team and said to him, "Bring Teacher Luo to the contestants'' waiting room and add her name on the list of contestants." Then he told Luo Yu, "Teacher Luo, please get ready."


    When Luo Yu saw therge setup, she felt a bit nervous since she had only ever sung a few lines of a song in the school. She had never, ever before seen and performed in front of such arge setup, but she said, "OK, OK."


    Ha Qiqi asked dumbfounded, "Teacher Zhang, who is this?"


    The music consultants also did not understand what was going on. Why did Zhang Ye go out and bring back a person? She even looks fat? And not the least bit good-looking? Her voice was even worse. In Beijing ng, it would be described as: A lousy voice that really sucked.


    Zhang Ye smiled and replied, "This is a contestant whom I brought back, but let''s not bother about her for now. Let''s begin the auditions, shall we?"


    "OK." Ha Qiqi raised her voice and called for the staff to get into their positions.


    Zhang Ye, Ha Qiqi, Teacher Sun, and Teacher Yan sat at the judges'' table which was in fact just a long table. As the preliminary auditions were not the television broadcast auditions, they did not get too particr about how it looked. They just brought over a long table as a temporary measure and put some mineral water bottles or their own teacups on it. There weren''t even any name tags disyed.


    Zhang Ye said, "Let''s begin."


    Hearing that, Little Wang standing at the door started to call out names, "Number one, Li Lili."


    Soon after, a very fair-skinned girl walked in from outside. When the door closed, she smiled and pretended to be calm as she stood in the center of the room, the microphone in front of her. Then she said, "Good afternoon, judges and teachers, I''m Li Lili, currently a university student. Ever since childhood, I''ve always liked singing and won my district''s annual singingpetition and��"


    Ha Qiqi interrupted, "Let''s first hear your singing."


    Li Lili acknowledged, "OK, the song I''m going to sing is call ''Blue Coast.''"


    Since this was not a television broadcast, there was no musical apaniment or a live band ying. Although the effects of a cappe were certainly not better than with music apaniment, it was precisely because a cappe would reveal a person''s voice characteristics and basic singing abilities that the auditions were held this way. Of course, the contestants were allowed to bring their own instruments and sing while ying. Those capable of ying instruments would get additional points as well in any traditional talent show.


    The first contestant started to sing.


    As she was probably nervous or not used to singing without musical apaniment, her singing went slightly off-key at the beginning of the second verse, though she was able to gradually return to the melody by the fourth verse.


    Without waiting for her to finish singing, Ha Qiqi acted by observing Zhang Ye''s expression and said to the first contestant, "Alright, that''s enough, you can go back and wait for the news."


    Li Lili voiced her understanding with slight disappointment.


    However, Zhang Ye directly told her, "I''m sorry, but there''s no need to wait for any news. You sang quite well, but the time being, you did not meet our requirements. Sorry about that."


    Li Lili bowed with regret. "Thank you, judges and teachers." Then she left.


    Zhang Ye told Ha Qiqi, "We don''t have to lead the contestants on. It''s meaningless to tell them to wait for the news. Just tell them upfront whether they passed or failed the auditions so that they won''t hold out hope while waiting at home aimlessly. If they had kept their friends and rtives informed but ended up getting a call telling them they had failed, it would only be more troublesome." He would naturally act in ordance with his own style for his program. He did not care how the other program teams handled their processes and how the audition should carried out. All he knew was that he would do it based on what he felt was right.


    Ha Qiqi nodded. "Understood."


    Teacher Sun said with some regret, "We heard this child''s demo and thought that it wasn''t too bad. But her live performance was clearly different from her demo."


    Teacher Yan said, "She''s probably just too nervous."


    Another judge remarked, "Nervousness was just one thing. Her singing also seemed to have some problems."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Let''s move on to the next person."


    The second person.


    The fifth person.


    The tenth person.


    Very quickly, ten contestants had finished their auditions, but apart from just one person who performed at an eptable level, all the others were less than satisfactory. At least, the expectations were different after listening to their demos. Under the a cappe singing conditions, these contestants'' potentials were greatly discounted.


    Finally, it was Chang Si''s turn to perform.


    Ha Qiqi had high expectations of her as she was a seeded contestant.


    The other music consultants also focused their attention on her. Their eyes were no longer distracted by other things as they had very high expectations for a good sapling like this person, who could easilypete for first ce on any other talent show. Even if she couldn''t ce first, she would surely be considered in the standard of the top five contestants. Having been in this industry for so many years, the consultants definitely had the ability to spot such talent. Now, it only depended on how she could showcase her potential at the audition performance.


    Chang Si was a tall and beautifuldy. Although her figure was not perfect, it was still quite good. She greeted, "Good afternoon, teachers. My name is Chang Si and the song that I''ll be singing is ''Woman Flower.''"


    As expected, she pulled it off like the professional she was!


    When Chang Si started singing, Ha Qiqi and a few of the music consultants immediately nodded several times. This was what you''d call a professional, the true ability of a musician who even when singing a cappe could still sing it very well!


    "Woman Flower, swaying in the red dust!"


    "Woman Flower, wavering softly in the wind!"


    Her singing style was unlike Zhang Yuanqi''s and Zhang Xia''s as she performed the song in a higher octave. Especially when singing the words "woman flower." If it were Zhang Yuanqi''s version, this part here would carry an alto feeling. This song was not supposed to have any parts where the octave should increase, but because Chang Si managed to grasp the octave change nicely, this part of the song came to a prating soprano. Although at the end thest trail of her voice became somewhat shaky and did not stabilize, the overall feeling was still very uplifting.


    After she finished singing.


    Chang Si looked confidently at the judges.


    Ha Qiqi nodded, "Teacher Zhang?"


    Several of the music consultants were also very satisfied with her performance.


    One of them said, "Although the higher octave singing strayed at some point and you did not managed to sustain the vibrato, the overall performance was still very good. I propose that she can pass through the audition."


    Teacher Sun seconded, "Me too."


    Teacher Yan concurred, "I agree as well."


    Ha Qiqi also had no doubts about it and felt that she really sang quite well. "I approve too."


    Chang Si had already revealed a smile. "Thank you, judges."


    However at this moment, Zhang Ye looked at her and said, "I''m sorry, you sang very well but it still does not meet my requirements. Please return."


    Chang Si was shocked.


    Ha Qiqi was stunned!


    Wu Yi was stunned!


    Teacher Sun and Teacher Yan were also stunned!


    Teacher Sun could not sit still anymore and asked, "Why? Little Chang''s singing was a bit wed but her ws did not detract from her potential. This kind of standard is already quite good. In such an amateur talent contest, she already qualifies as a contestant with very high potential. Surely you cannot try topare her with the Heavenly Queen''s singing ability, right? Those ws can be tolerated."


    Zhang Ye said, "First, her voice didn''t have any special characteristics to it. Second, her singing is only at a rather good standard, not an excellent standard yet. Third, ''Woman Flower'' is not supposed to be sung in this way. The way she expressed herself did not match the lyrics. Neither is this song supposed to raise octaves. I did not feel toofortable hearing it forcibly sung that way. The most important factor is that this higher octave singing isn''t that good either. There was no feeling. If it''s not sung by a woman around thirty or forty years old who has experienced more in life, it bes very difficult to express ''Woman Flower'' in a good manner��those are the reasons why."


    Teacher Yan said, "But��"


    Chang Si also said, "My soprano is��"


    Zhang Ye waved his hand. "Don''t say anymore, please go back."


    "Please go back then." Although Ha Qiqi could not understand Zhang Ye''s decision but she still respected his views. But she was crying inside thinking, what a waste!


    Such an outstanding contestant yet she could not even pass the auditions?


    Just what kind of a person are you looking for!

 Chapter 649 An absurd voice!

    <h4>Chapter 649 An absurd voice! </h4>


    Chapter 649 An absurd voice!


    The auditions continued.


    Although they had their differences in opinions, the auditions still had to go on. No doubt, the few judges��including Ha Qiqi��all agreed on and felt that Chang Si performed very well in every aspect and would qualify from here. But with just a disagreeing vote from Zhang Ye, she was eliminated. Everything still had to be done his way since he was the leader of this panel and the executive director of the show. It didn''t matter that everyone else thought that Chang Si was good enough if Zhang Ye did not think so.


    Zhang Ye said deadpan, "Next."


    Teacher Sun was about to speak, but hesitated, then finally swallowed his words.


    Next up was the promising second-seeded contestant everyone acknowledged��Hu Liangyi.


    This person had been singing for many years and was trained in the performing arts, having graduated from a true music college. He had also appeared in many concerts and television programs, honing his singing along the way as a backup singer to several celebrities. His singing could be described as the real thing and would stand up to the test for sure.


    Hu Liangyi stepped up.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Alright, you may begin."


    Hu Liangyi adjusted the microphone and said, "I''ll be singing ''Mountains'' for everyone today."


    The song was one of the more well-known ones in this world and was considered a fusion of traditional and pop music. It had a bit of bel canto mixed with traditional folk singing styles and would leave the listener in enjoyment. Hu Liangyi''s voice was quite good and he could sing very steadily in a well-bnced way without sounding rushed. His voice could go high or low as needed. His performance was done in such a textbook manner, without any ws they could pick on. It was just too perfect!


    The song was over.


    Ha Qiqi was very excited.


    Teacher Sun, Teacher Yan, and the others also perked up at the performance.


    One of the music consultants even gave him a thumbs up and said, "It''s so different when it''s a person of the performing arts. You sang well��"


    Before he could finish his praise, Zhang Ye had already put down Hu Liangyi''s CV and remarked, "It''s not up to my requirements, please go back."


    What?


    Still not up to requirements?


    Even this was not OK??


    Hu Liangyi immediately widened his eyes and asked, "My singing is not good enough?"


    Teacher Sun could no longer bear to listen any further. "Director Zhang, if Hu Liangyi and Chang Si''s performances are not good enough, then we should just scrap the auditions since no one could do better than them anyway."


    Teacher Yan said, "We have all analyzed the strengths of the contestants and these two people are the most outstanding. Even if they might not have the champion''s look, they would still be in the top ten of any other singing talent show. Just what are your requirements? Isn''t the bar set too high?"


    Ha Qiqi frowned and looked at Teacher Yan. She said, "Teacher Yan, whether a contestant can qualify or not will be decided by Director Zhang. If he thinks they can''t qualify, then he must have his considerations, so why are you being so outspoken?"


    Teacher Yan replied, "But I don''t understand the reasons behind his decisions."


    Teacher Sun agreed, "I can''t understand either. Asking us toe participate and help with the selection, even though we might not be well-known or famous within the industry. We''re still industry veterans, so whether someone can sing or not, wouldn''t we know? These two contestants are obviously quite good, yet they can''t even pass the auditions? I''m not doubting Director Zhang''s professionalism, but when ites to talent shows and singing, we are definitely professional about it."


    Zhang Ye looked at them and exined, "First off, my new program is made not in ordance to industry standards, nor does it follow the standards of other talent shows. That is why, when I measure someone''s singing to be good or bad, I have a set of my own standards to judge them by. Second, Hu Liangyi''s singing is not bad, but his voice is toomon and he uses too many types of singing techniques, with some parts being ''rich.'' You guys might look at this as singing and onstage performing experience, but in my opinion, there is nothing special about it and no pouring of emotions into the performance. That is why I am not satisfied with the it. Third, you all im to be professional, but I''m no amateur either. How this program will be done and how the contestants are chosen are all up to me alone. What I need is not an excellent contestant, but someone who is unique and irreproducible by any others!"


    Teacher Sun argued, "Voice is toomon? This is the first time I''m hearing of anyone using that as a judging standard. What''s the point of using the uniqueness of a voice to make a judgement? I don''t understand at all. In the end, it still boils down to the singing and onstage performing experience."


    Zhang Ye countered, "The name of my program is The Voice of China. Everyone''s understanding of a good voice might be different, so I won''t force that on anyone. But as I am the executive director, if you guys don''t think that my requirements are better than yours and won''t respect the principles and decision of my choices, then please, go back now!"


    He said those words with a hint of malice!


    This was also the first time Zhang Ye was doing a program with such a headstrong attitude. When he was working on his new programs in the past, a lot of objecting and doubting voices constantly came at him. Each time Zhang Ye was hosting or nning a show, he would have to try to talk and persuade his leaders or colleagues, asking them to put their trust in him, convincing them that doing it his way would be for the best and why it would help to attract more viewers. But all that was unnecessary now that he was the leader of the team. He was the executive director, and having been doubted so often in the past, he was already tired and annoyed by it all. He was getting impatient about having to exin himself to others and instead thought, if you all don''t respect my decisions? Then I won''t give a damn who you, you, you, or you are! Just get the hell out of here!


    Wu Yi was extremely nerve-wracked. "Director Zhang!"


    Ha Qiqi also tried to smooth things over. "Director Zhang, the teachers were only just suggesting their opinions, this matter��" If they did not have these music consultants, how would they be able to continue with the auditions!


    "Fine then, I''ll leave." Teacher Sun was so angry he stood up and walked away.


    When Teacher Yan saw this, he also felt his dignity had beenpromised, so he stood up and left together with Old Sun, but not before leaving some parting words. "Fine, I''ll leave too. Since the program doesn''t need the opinions of us professionals, it''s pointless to stay around here!"


    The remaining two music consultants looked at each other, hesitated for a bit, then also left.


    They knew they were only suppose to be here for a few days to help the program team of The Voice. But who knew that not only were they not appreciated, even their professional advice was refused. You don''t want us to stay? Well then, we don''t care either! We would like to see how well the program''s viewership ratings turn out after its broadcast! How your so-called The Voice will turn out to be!


    Talking about voice uniqueness?


    Irreproducible?


    Bullshit! Based on those requirements, it would be a miracle if you could even qualify a contestant!


    At this point, all of the music consultants had left the venue in anger and refused to work.


    Zhang Ye told Hu Liangyi, "Please go then, I''m sorry."


    Hu Liangyi could not ept the results at all and said just before he left, "When The Voice starts broadcasting, I will definitely watch it. I want to know what kind of a person would have passed based on your requirements." In terms of singing, Hu Liangyi was extremely confident of himself. A person like him would surely have some pride in himself.


    Zhang Ye did not say a word. He was not against Hu Liangyi at all and knew that his singing was indeed quite good. As to whether Hu Liangyi would be famous in the future or have any developments in the music industry, Zhang Ye didn''t know. But he knew there was definitely no spot for Hu Liangyi on the stage of The Voice. That was something he was certain of.


    After quite a number of people had left, the venue of the audition became much quieter.


    Ha Qiqiughed bitterly. "Director Zhang, how do we go on from here out?"


    But Zhang Ye responded with a smile instead. He replied, "It''s just us from the program team left now, but that''s also a good thing. Sister Qi, please call the next person in. We will continue with the auditions."


    Ha Qiqi didn''t know whether tough or cry. She could only continue with the auditions.


    The next contestant was not good either.


    The one after that too.


    Zhang Ye was bing disappointed. How could there not even be a good one?


    Ha Qiqi and the others from the program team were also feeling very unsettled. There were so many contestants who sang rather well, but why did Zhang Ye not like them at all? Almost half of the first batch of audition contestants had already left, but not one of them caught Zhang Ye''s eyes? Just what kind of a voice would he ept as a good voice?


    Ha Qiqi said listlessly, "Next."


    Little Wang announced to the outside, "Qian Pingfan."1


    Zhang Ye clicked on this contestant''s demo and yed it.


    When Ha Qiqi head it, she said to Zhang Ye, "This girl has a very clear and crisp voice, and it carries a nice, melodious feeling. Overall, I would say it''s not bad, but looking at her name, it looks oddly casual. I wonder what her parents were thinking when they gave her this name."


    At this moment, the contestant walked into the room.


    But when this person appeared in front of those in the room, they were all caught by surprise!


    Ha Qiqi asked dumbfounded, "And who might you be?"


    It was a young man slightly past 20 who looked very ordinary, with short hair and a sense of style that was incredibly middle of the road. He wore a pair of shoes stained with mud, making him look like a simpleton who had wandered into the room.


    The young man look very nervous and stammered, "I, I, am��Qian Pingfan."


    Ha Qiqi nearly fainted. "You''re a guy?"


    Qian Pingfan scratched his head. "Ye-yes."


    The song demo Ha Qiqi received only had the candidate''s name and contact number filled out. Other than that, they did not have any more details about the person, just like this contestant standing in front of them.


    Ha Qiqi was simply in disbelief. She said, "The demo you sent to us was clearly a girl''s voice. Do you know that you cannot simply take the ce of a candidate ande in here for the auditions?"


    Qian Pingfan anxiously replied, "That was sung by me."


    TD2 Wu Yi said, "Please go back."


    Qian Pingfan was getting very anxious and tried to say, "I, I really��"


    "We only request for our contestants to be honest. I don''t know who sang in that demo, but from your attitude here today, we clearly see a problem with you already." Ha Qiqi was of course not going to believe that such a clean and crisp female voice hade from a man. Besides, this person was speaking with a very normal voice that belonged to a young man, so how could he be the owner of the voice in the demo?


    Qian Pingfan was finding it difficult to exin himself as he continued insisting, "That was really sung by me!"


    Ha Qiqi directly said, "Little Wang, call for the next contestant."


    But at this moment, a slightly disappointed and dejected Zhang Ye suddenly spoke up, "Wait a moment." Then, he looked at the contestant and said, "Why don''t you introduce yourself a little first?"


    That person immediately answered, "My name is Qian Pingfan and I''m 22 years old this year. My hometown is in Shanxi but I''m currently living in Beijing. My upation is��I repair bicycles with my master over at Lishuiqiao Station. We repair bicycles for others over there."


    What?


    Repair bicycles?


    Everyone: "��"


    Zhang Ye, seemingly not too interested about his upation, began adjusting the volume louder for the demo ying on theputer. He pointed and asked, "Are you sure that this was sung by you?"


    Qian Pingfan gave a firm nod. "Yes!"


    Ha Qiqi doubted, "You must have used voice changing software, right?"


    "No, I really didn''t!" Qian Pingfan argued.


    Zhang Ye was bing much more interested. He stopped Ha Qiqi and the others from raising any more doubts and told Qian Pingfan, "Alright then, can you sing something for us?"


    Seeing this chance, Qian Pingfan was also feeling excited. "Sure, sure. I''m going to sing ''Wishing We Last Forever.''" Perhaps he had the thought that this song would get him into Zhang Ye''s good books, but being rather bashful, he could only constantly shake his head in embarrassment, though he did not change his chosen song and determinedly went ahead with this "opportunistic" song. Actually, he had changed it to this song only because he had overheard the other contestants discussing it as a strategy, in hopes that it would increase their chances of passing the audition.


    Zhang Ye looked at him. "Begin."


    Qian Pingfan took a deep breath and was about to sing, but lost hisposure. Holding his chest tightly, he took another deep breath to suppress his nerves before his voice came out.


    When the first verse was sung, all of the staff at the audition venue were dumbfounded!


    "When will the moon be clear and bright?"


    "With a cup of wine in my hand, I ask the clear sky."


    "In the heavens on this night,"


    "I wonder what season it would be?"


    Little Wang''s jaw dropped!


    Wu Yi also looked like he had seen a ghost!


    Ha Qiqi and the others were all staring at the contestant in disbelief!


    Holy shit!


    It was a female voice!


    It really was a female voice!


    Qian Pingfan sounded quite normal when he spoke, but when he started singing, it somehow turned into an extremely soft and gentle female voice, a voice that could be described as more womanly than a woman''s voice!


    He did not lie!


    The sample sent to them was really sung by him!


    It was sung by a man!


    If they did not know that the microphone and speaker were untampered, Ha Qiqi would definitely have thought that his voice was going through some voice changing software. Right now, she felt her world had copsed as she looked at Qian Pingfan''s face while listening to his singing voice. She would never have thought that there would be such a person even if she were threatened with death!


    Moreover, the key point that also left Ha Qiqi wondering was how she did not find it too shocking. If the contestant did not sing well or did not sing like a woman, or even deliberately imitated a transvestite''s type of voice, Ha Qiqi would surely break out in goosebumps and not get used to it. But somehow, this Qian Pingfan''s singing was just too womanly, as though his voice had been switched with a real woman''s. On top of that, he did not have any sort of expression that made him look like he was forcing the emotions of the song to show. The look and demeanor of a unconfident simpleton earlier had now turned into one of concentration and unembarrassed confidence as he held the microphone and sang. It felt very natural��and perhaps that was why Ha Qiqi did not find it so shocking.


    Very quickly, the performance was over.


    Qian Pingfan put down the microphone and pulled himself out from the song, bing a shy guy once more. He would turn his head here and there, touching his nose a little and looking like he did not know where to ce his arms and legs.


    Ha Qiqi rubbed her forehead and could only muster up, "Oh my god."


    Wu Yi gazed at Qian Pingfan like he was a fairy.


    Qian Pingfan was getting embarrassed from all the looks he was attracting. "Teachers, if it''s not OK, then I have to get going. I came out today secretly and did not inform my master."


    Zhang Yeughed, "Then you better be prepared to go backte today."


    Qian Pingfan was taken aback. "Why?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "Because you''ll need to fill in some forms and we''ll have to brief you on the details of thepetition rules and what to look out for during the recording of the show."


    When those words were said, everyone was astounded!


    Zhang Ye looked at him andplimented, "Congrattions! You''ve passed the audition!"


    He finally found one!


    This was exactly the type of voice this bro wanted!


    1. Qian - Money/Pingfan - Ordinary. This name carries the meaning of being very ordinary in terms of wealth


    2. Technical Director

 Chapter 650 Why’d you get an old man here for?

    <h4>Chapter 650 Why��d you get an old man here for? </h4>


    Chapter 650 Why''d you get an old man here for?


    [copse]


    He passed?


    A contestant finally passed the audition?


    Everyone in the program team were stunned by Qian Pingfan''s voice, but at the same time, were even more stunned by Director Zhang''s decision.


    Qian Pingfan also felt the same!


    He was so surprised he asked, "What? I qualified?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yes."


    Qian Pingfan pointed to himself, eyes wide. "Really? Me?"


    "Yes, really, you," Zhang Ye replied.


    "This, I, I��I thank you, thank you, Teacher Zhang. Thank you, teachers!" Qian Pingfan was speaking incoherently due to his excitement. He hade to the audition because he wanted to change his life and had a dream of bing a star. With the hopes of giving it a try, he downloaded a singing app onto his phone and recorded a short demo that was just average in quality and sent it to the program team via email. Who could''ve guessed that they would inform him the very next day of the auditions, and right now, he was even told by the famous Zhang Ye himself that he had passed the audition. This excitement was simply indescribable with words!


    Zhang Ye asked, "Did you bring your ID?"


    "Yes, I brought it!" Qian Pingfan quickly replied.


    Zhang Ye called a staff member over and got him to take Qian Pingfan to register himself and then brief him on the preparations for the show. After doing that, Zhang Ye was also unable to conceal the joy he felt. Having held auditions for almost half of the contestants for the first day of open calls, none of them were satisfactory to him and lot of time was wasted. But just the appearance of Qian Pingfan alone was enough to make up for it all. This was exactly the type of good voice he was looking for!


    However, Ha Qiqi was unsure of what was going on. She said, "Director Zhang."


    "Yes?" Zhang Ye looked at her.


    Ha Qiqi said, "About this, he doesn''t have any professional music training and has never been onstage before. He''s just a bicycle repairman. Will it be fine to put him onstage and on television?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Our program''s motto states that we don''t judge looks or upation."


    Because of how several of those music consultants were chased away earlier, Ha Qiqi was also very careful with her words. She delivered, "But I personally feel that even though Qian Pingfan''s voice is very unique, wouldn''t it also be considered a little odd? He''s a man who sings in a woman''s voice. Will the audience ept that? Of course, even though I think it''s eptable, we do not know if the audience will ept it. That voice will be too controversial."


    Wu Yi added, "It''s literally unheard of."


    Another female editor also nodded. "Yes, that voice is truly an odd one."


    Zhang Ye smiled and exined, "That''s exactly what I''m looking for in the contestants. It''s good that Qian Pingfan has appeared. Using him, I can finally show you all a live example of what I''m looking for. In terms of voice uniqueness, emotions put into singing, and the irreproducibility of it all, Qian Pingfan demonstrates all of those characteristics quite well. That is the type of contestant we should be looking for. I am not afraid of controversy, in fact, I''m afraid we aren''t being controversial enough. Something all audiences can agree on and ept does not exist at all." Then he reaffirmed his decision, "Regarding Qian Pingfan, we will put our focus on him from here on out."


    Ha Qiqi could only nod at this. "OK."


    Zhang Ye said, "Next contestant."


    Little Wang went out to call the next contestant in.


    ����


    One contestant.


    Two contestants.


    Another six contestants in a row were eliminated.


    When the next person after that came in, everyone was left confused for a moment. It was a young man in his twenties, with rather tanned skin and a very tall build. He was a burly man who couldn''t be described as ugly, but was just normal-looking and a very average person.


    That person went to the microphone and spoke into it, "My name is Sun Daxuan and I am a train driver."


    Ha Qiqi asked, "What song will you be performing today?"


    "It''s called ''Please Fall In Love With Me,''" Sun Daxuan answered.


    When they heard the title, everyone''s expressions turned strange. "Please Fall In Love With Me"? This was an old song from more than a decade ago. It was one of the famous songs by a Greater China1 celebrity. Although this celebrity was no longer popr due to his works not catching on, and also hardly appeared on television and entertainment news anymore, the song''s poprity was still very widespread. Even now, this song would be a default choice when people went to sing at a karaoke box. As it was meant to be a slow and soothing love song, none of those present at the audition expected such a burly man to choose it as his performance piece.


    Zhang Ye said, "Begin then."


    Sun Daxuan cleared his throat and narrowed his eyes, then lightly began his singing.


    "Hey��Hello��It''s me."


    "Hey��Please��Love me."


    Sometimes it sounded gentle. Sometimes it meandered. Sometimes the vibrato was strong. And, sometimes, it was deeply soulful.


    If this song were sung by any other pretty boy or a younger looking man, the image would surely be beautiful, with young love an especially harmonious scene. However, with the looks of this Sun Daxuan who was a train driver, it was a total mismatch to the lyrics of the song. Although his singing was very emotional and wless, the image that they were looking at gave them a really odd feeling. It didn''t match, or maybe it couldn''t be said to not match but rather was too much of a contrast! The only thing worth mentioning was that this person was really owning it today. When they listened to his demo, they only felt that his singing was very soulful and emotional. But when he performed it live in front of them, those feelings intensified. Along with his confidence in performing, he even looked quitefortable standing there in the center of the room, though they didn''t know if he was exceeding his usual performance levels or if he had always been at this level.


    He finished singing.


    Sun Daxuan looked on at the judges helplessly.


    Ha Qiqi looked to Zhang Ye and asked, "What do you think of this person?"


    Zhang Ye returned, "What do you all think?"


    Ha Qiqiughed, "Should I speak the truth?"


    "Then would you rather tell some lies?" Zhang Ye was tickled by this.


    "Well, I think it''s fine. There''s not much of a stage presence, no celebrity feel, probably not someone who would be famous. Although, I do think that the love song was performed very well," Ha Qiqi answered.


    Wu Yi said, "Not too bad."


    A female editor said, "It''s OK."


    They were actually quite hesitant of Sun Daxuan, knowing that it wouldn''t matter whether they passed or failed him. If theypared him to Chang Si or Hu Liangyi''s level, they would definitely not let him pass. At least, if they were the judges, they would choose Chang Si and Hu Liangyi rather than him. The reason for that was because their mindset was still stuck in the traditional thinking. If a person''s looks passed and they had the X factor, then even if their voice was average, as long as they could sing well enough, those would be the points they used to judge. For someone like Qian Pingfan who was male but sang in a female''s voice or this burly train driver''s gentle and emotional love song, they still could not quite ept it.


    But somehow, for whatever reason, Zhang Ye''s views always differed from theirs. He only said one thing, "Being able to sing a love song is not easy in and of itself. Sometimes, a manpared to a woman, a burly personpared to a pretty face, when the former of each sings well, they carry much stronger emotions across to the listener. So I''ll let him pass."


    Ha Qiqi, "��"


    Fine, whatever, you''re the executive director anyway. If you say so, then so be it.


    The program team staff were already feeling helpless about Zhang Ye''s decisions. They gradually understood Zhang Ye''s routine, which could be summarized into two words��seeking novelty.


    The more they believed a contestant could not make it?


    The more Zhang Ye thought they could!


    ����


    Following that were another series of auditions.


    One after another, contestants entered the room, performed a song, and left the room, over and over again.


    A couple of times, when Ha Qiqi and the other program team staff thought they had spotted a promising contestant, Zhang Ye rejected them all. This left everyone unsure of what to say as it seemed like Zhang Ye specifically preferred those who worked blue-cor jobs, did not have good looks, or had odd voices. He didn''t look for any other qualities than those?


    For other talent shows, the preliminary auditions had a good passing rate as they still weren''t the televised auditions yet, so it shouldn''t be too stringent. As long as a contestant was average, they would be let through to the next round. When they got to the next round where the blind auditions were held, the difficult decision of whether they were good enough or not would be left to the four coaches. At most, they would have to edit out any footage of those contestants who were really terrible but somehow managed to sneak past the preliminary auditions. Why would they need to be so strict in the preliminary auditions round? They could not understand it. As they were nearing the end of the day''s auditions, they knew that if this were any other singing talent show, more than a dozen contestants would have already passed, yet what was the number for them? They had only let two contestants through! And they were even the extremely odd ones!


    But Zhang Ye still went about doing things his own way and did not lower his selection criteria. Actually, he understood clearly that they needed to find some contestants who were good-looking and could sing well or others who were not as outstanding, just to make up the numbers. But at the same time, Zhang Ye also knew that such contestants were not difficult to find at all. For example, you could throw a brick into a crowd and easily hit someone like Chang Si or Hu Liangyi, so his main task right now was not to search for these "green leaf" contestants who could easily be found. Since he was spending time here at the scene of the audition today, he prioritized finding those contestants who would serve as the red flowers of the program. The program team staff thought that Zhang Ye was being capricious andcking consideration, but little did they know that he considered much more than any one of them had. He already had it all nned out!


    Time was ticking away.


    Finally, at around 3 PM in the afternoon, other than Luo Yu who was brought here by Zhang Ye, there was only onest contestant for the day''s audition.


    Ha Qiqi said, "The next person is thest one."


    Zhang Ye nodded in acknowledgment.


    The door opened and thest contestant entered.


    The moment they saw this person, everyone had a vision of ten thousand lines of "what the f**k" flying in front of their eyes. When the program team requested for the contestants to submit their demos when applying for the auditions, they were told to include their self-introductions as well. But if they did not write it or forgot about it, there was nothing the program team could do. This was why the program team was quite clueless about some of the contestants'' details, just like how thisst contestant for the day turned out. No one could have expected it at all!


    The person who entered the room was an old man!


    It was an old man who must have been around sixty years old!


    Half of his hair was already white andbed all the way back. He was wearing a rather fashionable leather jacket and a pair of jeans full of holes. His jeans weren''t torn from age, rather deliberately styled that way.


    Ha Qiqi gaped, bbergasted. "Grandpa, are you a contestant too?"


    The old man answered in high spirits, "Yes, my name is Zhou Danian."


    A female editor asked dumbfounded, "May I ask how old you are?"


    "Haha, I''m 59 this year, still young, still young, Zhou Danian chuckled.


    Wu Yi nearly fainted at this, wondering how 59 years old was still considered young. My father''s only 58 this year! He already has symptoms of cerebral thrombosis and struggles to walk around! You''re even older than my father by a year!


    Ha Qiqi could not believe it. She asked, "Was the demo sent in by you? Did you sing that?"


    Zhou Danian replied with vitality, "That was me alright."


    "But the demo was for a rock song." Ha Qiqi could not ept it. When she had a look at the contestants waiting room earlier, she remembered seeing him, but did not think of him as one of the contestants. She just thought that he was a family member of a contestant who might have been underage and felt that he might have been a father or a grandfather. But who knew that this old man who was almost sixty had indeed turned out to be here for the audition!


    However, Zhou Danian onlyughed and spoke, "The song I will be performing for you all is a rock song too, may I start now?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Sure, sure, please go ahead."


    Little Wang felt a little bad for him, so she offered, "Grandpa, why don''t I get you a chair?"


    "No need. I''m still strong and healthy." Zhou Danian held the microphone, and without even preparing, suddenly roared into it!


    "Wind!!!"


    Whoa!


    Everyone was shocked at the opening. The loud and hoarse voice had set the entire venue on fire as the female editor pressed her hands over her ears while Ha Qiqi and the others started in their seats. It was not because they were shocked by the loud voice but because they were afraid that this old grandpa would get a brain hemorrhage or a heart attack from his own shouting! This was a rock song! Can an old man like you take it? Don''t risk your life like this!


    But Zhou Danian was just getting into the mood!


    "Wind!


    "Gusting all around!


    "Snow!


    "Squalling till it''s gone!


    "Rain!"


    This was a little known song barely any of those present had ever heard. It could be considered an older rock song, one that carried a bit of heavy metal in it. It was basically a rock song that depended on the vocalist to employ screaming2 to sing the song. It could be seen just how hard Zhou Danian was trying. In just a short while, his forehead was dripping with beads of sweat!


    Ha Qiqi was already in no mood to listen anymore. She wanted to go up to call a stop to it as she was worried that, before The Voice could even start broadcasting, news of a contestant dying of cardiac arrest would make the headlines first!


    But somehow, Zhang Ye was listening to it in a most serious manner. Not only was he serious, his eyes appeared increasingly brighter by the moment. This old man really sang very well. Although his voice sounded somewhat dry and the high notes cracked at certain parts, it didn''t matter since it was rock and voice cracking was allowed! Other than those points, the old man did not have any other problems in his singing and was even quite remarkable. His outburst of emotions was full on and almost every verse of the song poured his feelings out. Of the song''s rhythm, it might not seem difficult to a younger person nor was there anything to pick on, but for a 60-year-old man, Zhang Ye was more particr about the contestant''s sense of rhythm. He felt that this contestant had done very well in this area and was definitelyparable to the young ones. In fact, parts of the lyrics and high-pitched singing, if sung by a younger person, would have just been that. But when it came out from the mouth of a 60-year-old man full of life experience and wisdom, it sounded particrly different. The impact of those lyrics was much greater! It was more intense!


    What a surprise!


    This was really another unexpected surprise!


    This rock song sounded better and better as they listened!


    When the performance was over, Zhou Danian was panting heavily, though he looked to be fine and still in high spirits. He said, "Teachers, did I do well? Do I qualify?"


    Zhang Ye suddenly asked, "How is your condition and health?"


    Zhou Danian answered, "No problems at all."


    "Don''t try to brush it off. I want to know the specific conditions you have," Zhang Ye said in a serious and firm voice.


    Zhou Danian replied honestly, "I do have slightly high blood sugar, but other than that, I''m doing well. My blood pressure is stable and I''ve been jogging everyday to increase my lung capacity."


    Ha Qiqi didn''t know how to react. "Grandpa, you''re already so old, why do you still think ofing to take part in this talent show? If we had known you were already at this age, we wouldn''t have asked you toe to the auditions."


    Wu Yi was already thinking of getting him to hurry back home. Seeing him rocking to a song like this, they were all trembling with fright that he would just faint right there and then!


    Zhou Danian was having none of it. "So what if I''m at this age? I''ll tell you something, youngdy. Why don''t wepete on our lung capacities? I believe that many of you here would not be stronger than me in terms of our lung capacities."


    Ha Qiqi did not know how to react to this, she just knew they had to reject him. Have you ever seen any other talent show with a 60-year-old contestant before? Wouldn''t this be crazy? Although their program did say that age didn''t matter, it was possible to be too old as well. Someone in their forties would have been fine, someone in their fifties would be pushing it, but you''re already close to sixty now and half your hair has also turned white. Who would risk letting youpete in their talent show? No matter how you put it, it was still ultimately a stage for the youngsters!


    How should they reject him?


    He''s already at such at advanced age, so would it be alright to tell him as it was?


    But he looks so confident. If they straight told him, would it deal a blow to him? He had better not get a heart attack from the rejection! Whatever, the dirty work of rejecting the old man should just be left to Zhang Ye to handle. He''s the executive director anyway.


    Ha Qiqi kept quiet.


    The other program team staff all looked at Zhang Ye.


    Sure enough, only Zhang Ye stood up to say something. He told the old man, "Grandpa, you''re much older than my father and ourpetition is really quite physically demanding too. I think you''d agree you can''t handle it?"


    Ha Qiqi nodded inside her head. Right, just refuse him mildly and not be too direct with the rejection.


    Zhou Danian immediately responded, "Physically demanding? It''s no big deal to me at all. I''m still going strong, and whatever a youngster can do, I can do it too. I have never once thought that I''m older than any of you, so no matter how intense thepetition gets, I can get through it. It''s not a problem at all!"


    Ohe on, you''re still refusing to take our advice?


    This old man was being too stubborn.


    Ha Qiqi and the others were all wondering, if Director Zhang''s mild rejection did not get through to him, then how should it be handled? Was it better to just put it inly to him?


    As expected, Zhang Ye gave it to him very inly.


    Zhang Ye stayed standing and said with a smile, "Grandpa Zhou, since you im that your body is fine and that you can get through this intensepetition, then I have nothing else to say. I hereby formally announce: you''ve passed the auditions and I insist that you join ourpetition, The Voice of China! On behalf of our program team, I wee you!"


    Zhou Danian stumbled back a bit and immediately broke out into a big smile, "I''ve qualified? Hahaha!"


    However, the program team staff were all astounded. They were so shocked they felt like justying down on the ground under the tables!


    What?


    The old man qualified?!


    What the f**k!


    Ha Qiqi nearly vomited blood!


    Wu Yi and the other staff''s eyes shrank!


    Director Zhang, weren''t you going to refuse him politely? Yet it turned out that you were not going to reject him! It turned out instead to be that you were only asking the old man to be clear about his condition and health issues before allowing him to proceed to the televised blind auditions round? But��but this is an old man who''s 60 years old! Have you ever seen an old man taking part in any singing talent show before? We''re holding selections for The Voice of China, not The Old Man of China! What sort of mess are you trying to create by getting an old man to join thepetition!


    1. In the context of this chapter, it is used to refer to a singer who was from Taiwan/Hong Kong https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_China


    2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screaming_(music)

 Chapter 651 I teach physical education!

    <h4>Chapter 651 I teach physical education! </h4>


    Chapter 651 I teach physical education!


    [copse]


    The old man was taken away to fill out some forms.


    Left at the scene of the audition were a group of people from the staff of The Voice, all looking shocked.


    Ha Qiqi could no longer just sit around and keep quiet anymore. She knew of Zhang Ye''s temper and also knew that he was the executive director. Even if all the decision-making in passing or failing a contestant was up to him, she still had to say something about it, because if this was not handled properly, it could turn out to be a very serious problem. She asked, "Director Zhang, are you really serious about letting the grandpa on to the show? Why don''t you reconsider. That really isn''t doable. He''s too advanced in age. If anything happens, the people responsible will be those of us at Central TV. You should know that Central TV Department 1''s broadcast coverage is nationwide and even airs on some overseas channels, so this pressure is not something that everyone can take. I''ve even seen many youngsters who look very healthy and strong faint during program recordings due to anxiety. This has happened so many times just in Central TV alone, and they''re even young people, so let''s not mention what would happen to a 60-year-old grandpa!"


    Wu Yi wiped away his sweat. "Yes, Director Zhang."


    Assistant Director Zhang Zuo also came over to the audition venue after finishing his work. When he heard that Zhang Ye had let a 60-year-old grandpa through the auditions, he too very nearly fainted. He hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Teacher Zhang, you must never, ever, ever do that. If something happens, then it will cause big trouble!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "That''s why I asked him about his health first."


    Ha Qiqi immediately interjected, "He might have said that he is all well and good, but that doesn''t guarantee anything. Aren''t there exceptions?"


    Zhang Zuo said in panic, "We can''t take such a risk. Tha-that''s really too dangerous."


    "What''s so dangerous? Are you all taking the elderly to be too weak?" Zhang Ye disagreed. "I agree that being cautious is correct, but an elderly person is still a person. They have things they like as well as dreams to chase after. No one has the right to take that away from them. You guys have seen it for yourself too, the grandpa isn''t in bad shape at all. He''s still very strong and able. How could he perform a rock song like that otherwise? So why don''t we not take Grandpa Zhou to be just the typical old man, alright?"


    Ha Qiqi replied, "But there''s never been any case of an old man on a talent show before."


    When she said that, many of the program team staff at the side couldn''t help but snigger.


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "If other programs don''t have that, then we''ll have it. The programs I make have never aimed to be the same as others. To me, there''s no difference whether it''s an old or a young person. Since we''ve already said that we would not look at their ages, then we shouldn''t judge them based on that!"


    Ha Qiqi: "��"


    Zhang Zuo: "��"


    No one else said anything.


    Zhang Ye added, "I don''t see a problem with Grandpa Zhou. In fact, I think we should give him more focus. I believe that all of you were too concerned with his age earlier and did not listen to his singing, right? Grandpa Zhou''s style of rock, that scream, that attitude to life��those are all things a young person can''t express through their singing. The feeling it gives to me��can only be described as shocking! It was that great!"


    Ha Qiqi wondered, "Was that so? I didn''t notice it."


    Wu Yi and the others also weren''t listening attentively back then.


    "That performance was recorded. I''ll show it to you all againter." Zhang Ye said, "But for now, let''s not talk about it. We''ll just settle it this way!"


    With those words, it didn''t matter if there were any more objections.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others could only look at each other helplessly. They knew better than to say more. Whatever, if it''s settled, then it''s settled. We''ll just do it however you decide, hai.


    Qian Pingfan.


    Sun Daxuan.


    Zhou Danian.


    In the first round of the preliminary auditions, three people had qualified for the next round.


    At this time, Ha Qiqi thought of someone else who hade. She said, "Oh right, Director Zhang, didn''t you bring a woman here earlier? Is she a contestant too? How''s she?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and answered, "You''ll know when you hear her sing."


    Little Wang blinked. "Then, should I?"


    "Call Teacher Luo in," Zhang Ye said.


    Little Wang went out to get her. She knew that this person was brought here specifically by Zhang Ye, so they might have known each other beforehand. Because of that, Little Wang was more polite to Luo Yu than she was to the other contestants.


    The door opened.


    Luo Yu walked in with a gust of wind following her��because she was fat.


    Faced with a contestant like that, with looks that wouldn''t have passed most auditions, the program team''s staff no longer cared anymore as they were already numb to it. In the past, they used their own understanding and expectations when it came to such kinds of auditions. But today, after Zhang Ye had overturned their cognitive understanding over and over again, they were no longer bothered by any surprises. Even if a mute person walked in now for the auditions and was given a pass by Zhang Ye, they wouldn''t have any reaction. Because to them, Zhang Ye''s criteria for picking a contestant was really not something that they could understand at all!


    Luo Yu looked to the left and the right, then said, "Teacher Zhang, what now?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh, you may begin singing now."


    "Alright then." Luo Yu did some warm-ups by flexing and stretching her arms, and then by kicking out her legs a few times.


    Zhang Zuo: "��"


    Ha Qiqi was wondering to herself what was up with this person? Warm-ups? But these warm-ups were too much, weren''t they? Were you getting ready to sing or to throw a shot put? Does singing require this kind of warm-up?


    All the other staff also came to a conclusion. As expected, it was another odd one!


    Other contestants might clear their throats or do some light singing to open up their throats. But Luo Yu was different from other people. Due to her profession as a physical education teacher, she was more used to such a way of warming up. Perhaps for her, this was a way to relieve the stress, to move around a bit more to take the edge off and get into the best condition, So whether she was going to sing or throw a shot put, this had always been Luo Yu''s standard warm-up routine.


    Exhaling, Luo Yu said, "The song I want to sing is ''Wishing We Last Forever.''"


    This song again?


    There were already four or five people who had sung this song today.


    No one said anything and just sat there quietly, ready to listen. They were curious about how different this contestant who Teacher Zhang Ye had brought would be.


    Then Luo Yu started singing.


    When her voice came out, everyone immediately understood how she was different from all the others!


    "When will the moon be clear and bright?"


    "With a cup of wine in my hand, I ask the clear sky."


    "In the heavens on this night��"


    It turned out to be such a raspy and rough voice. The roughness and friction that her voice brought out gave people goosebumps. This woman was actually singing in an old man''s voice!


    Luo Yu''s voice was the direct opposite of Qian Pingfan''s voice, although still with some differences. Qian Pingfan was a male singing in a female voice and his singing was much better than a woman would have sung. But Luo Yu was different; her voice was very deep and very rich. It sounded like a male voice yet there was still a hint of a woman''s charm in it. On top of that, the emotions in the voice were no doubt a woman''s. As long as their eyes were closed, they could still tell that it was a woman singing, only that her voice was somewhat rough.


    Ha Qiqi gave a long sigh. I knew it, I just knew it!


    Wu Yi also facepalmed himself and rubbed his forehead for a long time!


    Why?


    Why was it all these kinds of people!


    Teacher Zhang, can''t you find someone normal? Just one will do! A man singing in a woman''s voice, a burly man singing a soft love song, an old man rocking it out with his performance, a woman singing in a man''s voice. This was apetition of who was the strangest!


    But Zhang Ye quietly listened in appreciation, as though he did not notice the speechlessness of those around him. He really liked Luo Yu''s singing, not only because of her extremely unique voice but also the way she handled the song. Even if her voice was raspy, she was able to keep the softness and delicate feel of the song and expressed it in her own way that was different from others! Voice, singing, emotions��all of these were wlessly expressed. It was like an uncut piece of jade, devoid of anyplex singing techniques but leaving people veryfortable listening to it.


    This was what you''d call a good contestant!


    In the future, for whichever coach chose her, she would definitely be one of the key members of that team!


    Yes, even Qian Pingfan and Zhou Danian were the same, but as for Sun Daxuan the train driver, he still wasn''t quite as goodpared to them, but he was still good anyway and would definitely pass the blind auditions!


    On this first day, four seeded contestants had qualified. Looking at the statistics, it might look like a poor qualification rate, but Zhang Ye was already extremely satisfied with the oue as he had uncovered some gems. To him, the numbers did not matter. What was important was their quality. If he had wanted to just make up the contestant numbers, he could easily get it done, but to have found these "red flower" contestants, it was really one in a million. Each and every one of them were treasured finds. And just like Zhang Ye had predicted, although there were some differences in this world''s recognition of what a good singer was, there were still some good voices in it. There were still talented people around, which made Zhang Ye hopeful and expectant of many hitherto undiscovered prospects. Right now, Zhang Ye could finally thump his chest assertively, knowing that The Voice he had brought over and reproduced from his previous world would really have no problems at all!


    Luo Yu finished singing.


    Everyone stayed silent for a long time.


    Luo Yu seemingly got hooked on her own singing, even suggesting to do another one. "Why don''t I give ''Woman Flower'' a try too?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Teacher Luo, there''s no need. I hereby announce that you have passed the audition and qualify for the next round as our fourth-seeded contestant. Congrattions."


    Luo Yu said happily, "Then I��Does that mean I can appear on television then?"


    Zhang Ye gave her confirmation. "We will be starting the program recording in some days."


    With regards to Zhang Ye''s decision this time, Ha Qiqi and the rest did not find it surprising at all. They knew at this point that they just had to go along with whatever Zhang Ye decided.


    But hearing Zhang Ye''s words, Ha Qiqi got a hint of surprise and immediately asked, "Director Zhang, this Teacher Luo is? From a school? Or?" Hearing Director Zhang address her as a teacher, Ha Qiqi''s first thought was that it was her profession.


    Zhang Ye affirmed, "Yes, she''s from a school. She''s a teacher of a rtive of mine."


    A real teacher?


    That''s great!


    When everyone in the program team heard this, they finally managed to regain some of theirposure. A music teacher from a school, no matter what, would still be considered a professional musician. Atst, there was a professional, even if her voice was a little��Well, regardless, at least she had given the program team a shot of confidence. Compared to those other contestants who had qualified, Luo Yu''s profession as a teacher was reallyforting and reassuring to know!


    Ha Qiqi casually spoke, "Teacher Luo, you''ll still have to teach normally, won''t you? Our program recording schedule can take up to a day sometimes. Hopefully it won''t dy your sses and inconvenience the students."


    Luo Yuughed and replied, "I''m not too busy usually."


    Zhang Zuo smiled and said, "That''s true, a music teacher has a lighter workload than a teacher teaching the sciences."


    Hearing that, Luo Yu was taken aback. "Huh? What music teacher?"


    Ha Qiqi was also a bit stunned. "Aren''t you teaching music at the school?"


    Luo Yu nearly fainted. "What? I teach physical education!"


    Ah?


    You teach physical education??


    Everyone: "��..#$%^&*(! ! !"


    Teacher!


    A respected teaching professional had finally joined thepetition, but how the f**k did it turn out to be a physical education teacher!


    At this moment, only the image of a beautiful creature called the Grass Mud Horse1 could be used to describe everyone''s feelings. They could no longer see the future of their new program as it became enshrouded in pure darkness!


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grass_Mud_Horse

 Chapter 652 The four “wonders”!

    <h4>Chapter 652 The four ��wonders��! </h4>


    Chapter 652 The four "wonders"!


    Later that afternoon.


    After the first round of preliminary auditions ended.


    Zhang Ye gathered Ha Qiqi and the others and started going through the demos sent to them with email. Although today''s audition had ended, they were still going to have another round tomorrow or the day after, and thus needed to sort out the contestants to notify them toe for the auditions. For those candidates who lived further away, if they really had the potential to qualify, the program team would have to be responsible for their ne or train tickets, covering their return trip as well.


    "Come, everyone have a look at this."


    "I will be in charge of these 100 candidates."


    "Leave this page to me."


    "Alright, if there''s any demo that''s good, let me know. I''ll listen to it as well."


    "Hey, Teacher Zhang, this one sounds good,e and listen."


    "Let me take a look."


    "Will this person do?"


    "Sounds quite good, notify her."


    "Director Zhang, I found one who''s quite good as well."


    "Coming."


    They kept busy for a full two hours and only managed to go through about a fifth of the applications. There was nothing they could do about it as there were far too many candidates. If it was said that people did not have much optimism for The Voice of China before, but afternding the Brain Gold title sponsorship and with the four famous music coachesing aboard, the applications increased severalfold. It was an unprecedented number three or four times more than those of other simr talent shows. This was due to the fact that none of them ever had such a prestigious lineup of coaches and such an astronomical title sponsorship fee. The first move made by The Voice of China had already cast all thoughts of other simr talent show programs far from the minds of the audiences!


    Ring, ring. A phone call came in.


    Zhang Ye answered. "Director Jiang."


    On the line was the deputy director of Central TV Department 1, Jiang Yuan. He said, "Little Zhang, why did I hear that you have chased away four of the music consultants I appointed to your team?"


    Zhang Yeughed and replied, "Director, it wasn''t that they were chased off, it''s just because we did not see eye to eye with the concept and requirement, so they were not of much help in the picking of contestants. Since it was that way, I thought that it would be better to just handle it on my own. At most I will have to attend every round of the preliminary auditions and spend a little more time. It''s not a big deal."


    Jiang Yuan could not say anything to that, so he just told him, "Alright then, I won''t be bothering with this matter then. But I''ll still say the same thing: I want results, and that means the viewership ratings."


    Zhang Ye said, "I understand."


    "How many people qualified from today''s auditions?" Jiang Yuan asked concerned.


    "Four contestants," Zhang Ye said.


    Jiang Yuan reacted in shock. "So few?"


    Zhang Ye said, "But they''re all the most excellent ones."


    Jiang Yuan said, "Fine, I will just wait for your good news."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye looked at his watch and gathered everyone again. He said, "Let''s stop here for today, it''s about time to leave anyway. Thank you for your hard work, everyone."


    "Huu."


    "It''s no trouble."


    "It''s our job, Director Zhang."


    Everyone could finally take a breather and rx as they got ready to leave work.


    Zhang Ye was a workaholic and in other times, he wouldn''t even be getting ready to knock off at 7 PM. Sometimes he would even work until 8 or 9 PM, but today, he was the first to leave. 20 minutes before the official end-of-work time, Zhang Ye had already left. This was because there was still a little one waiting for him at school. He had to rush to the Experimental Primary School to pick up Chenchen. If he werete, she would surely be unhappy.


    When Zhang Ye left, everyone started talking to each other without needing to hold back anymore.


    Zhang Zuo sighed, "Tell me honestly, do you guys think that these contestants can make it?"


    Wu Yi gave a forced smile. "I don''t know, but i suppose Teacher Zhang has his own considerations."


    "Ai, I don''t know what to say anymore." Ha Qiqi said while pinching her brow. "I just hope it works out by some miracle." Having said that, even she did not believe that this miracle would happen!


    Everyone was looking at each other with worried faces!


    Some of the program team staff even had expressions that seemed to say "we''re screwed!"


    With regards to the chosen contestants today, everyone had great doubts. They''d seen odd ones, but never such strange ones before!


    Qian Pingfan.


    Sun Daxuan.


    Zhou Danian.


    Luo Yu.


    These four "wonders," each one more "amazing" than the other!


    ����


    After work.


    The lights in the office of The Voice''s program team blinked out as everyone dispersed and proceeded downstairs.


    In the elevator, Assistant Director Zhang Zuo bumped into a friend from his previous program team. The two of them had known each other for quite some years now.


    That person greeted, "Old Zuo."


    Zhang Zuo said, "Ai, it''s Old Yu."


    That person asked, "How''s it going? Have you finished busying yourself with the equipment work yet? I heard that your program team has spent more than 20 million on purchasing new equipment?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Yeah, we bought a bunch of equipment. They should be delivered within the next 2 days."


    That person said, "Heh, your team is really rich, but that can''t be helped with a 100 million title sponsorship. Even if you all just spent it recklessly, it would take a long time to deplete those funds. Just look at the program team that I''m in, they''re so petty. We only exceeded the budget by tens of thousands of yuan, but the leader has already curbed our spending with immediate effect. We''re not as lucky as your team, getting whatever you want." Then he paused before suddenly asking, "Oh right, didn''t they hold auditions for your program today?"


    When he heard that, Zhang Zuo''s expression changed into something slightly unnatural. He replied, "Ahem, yeah, I guess it was."


    That person asked, "What do you mean by ''I guess it was''? How did it turn out? How many good ones were there? When I walked passed the venue earlier, I spotted a very pretty one. She was dressed in red and had big, round eyes. Did she get through to the next round?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "No."


    That person asked, "Then which ones did you all choose?"


    Zhang Zuo mumbled, "I''m not in charge of that, so I''m not too sure either."


    That person didn''t believe him. "You''re an AD. Even if you weren''t in charge of that, you would still know something, wouldn''t you?"


    Zhang Zuo coughed, "I really don''t know."


    ����


    Elsewhere.


    Below, at the bottom of the television station tower, Wu Yi ran into an old colleague from his previous department.


    That woman greeted, "Wu Yi, you''re off work?"


    "Yes," Wu Yi said.


    The woman asked, "You all held auditions today, right?"


    Wu Yi said, "Was there an audition? I''m not sure."


    The woman rolled her eyes. "Who''re you trying to bluff? The entire Central TV staff knows auditions for The Voice were held today. It was even reported on the news. Hurry up and tell me a little about it. How many people were chosen? How did they do? You should know that I love watching singing talent shows the most, right? So how were the contestants you all chosepared to the contestants from the other satellite channels?


    Wu Yi suddenly said, "Eh, you bought a new pair of shoes?"


    "Yeah, they look good, right? Hey, I was asking you about the contestants. Why did you talk about my shoes instead?" The woman was almost at a loss for words because of that.


    Wu Yi lied, "I''m not sure, I wasn''t at the venue."


    ����


    Somewhere else.


    Little Wang got on her bicycle and was preparing to ride it home.


    Behind her, one of her university schoolmates came up to her. They had graduated together ande to Central TV to work at the same time, so they''d always had a pretty good rtionship.


    "Wang''er, I''ve been looking for you the whole day!"


    "Ah? Looking for me?"


    "I wanted to ask you about the auditions. I''m really curious."


    "Uhh."


    "Does your Executive Director Zhang really not choose the contestant based on their looks and only listen to their voices? What do the contestants who qualified for the next round look like? Did you take any photos? Show them to me."


    "Uhhh."


    "What are you hesitating for? I''m asking you, did you get any behind the scenes videos? Show them to me first! Recently, there''ve been so many people who pay attention to this new program of yours, even many of us in Central TV are guessing what kinds of contestants you all selected. Just today alone, I''ve heard seven or eight people discussing it in the office."


    "Uh, about this��"


    "Weren''t you at the venue? Tell me about it."


    "No, I can''t. Director Zhang��has told us to keep it confidential."


    "F**k, what''s there to be so secretive of."


    "I really can''t say."


    "Just tell me a little, won''t you? We''re close friends, aren''t we?"


    "Ahem, I really cannot. Well, then, I''ll go off first. See you tomorrow."


    "Hey, you! Wait, wait! Why are you rushing off!?"


    ����


    The same situations were ying out for every staff member of The Voice. At the moment, there were a lot of discussions about The Voice. The internal staff at Central TV were also very concerned and curious about how the program was progressing. Some of them even wanted to go and observe the auditions, but due to regtion, non-rted staff were not allowed to enter the venue. As such, without an answer to their curiosity, they could only wait until it was time to knock off to find someone they knew from The Voice''s program team, whether it be friends, ex-ssmates, or ex-colleagues, so that they could get an update on the status of the program.


    But without exception, none of them managed to find out anything!


    Not one of the staff members from The Voice''s program team leaked any news or information at all. It was as though they had all discussed beforehand to keep it a secret. Some of them even acted dumb by saying that they were not present at the auditions even though they were there. Did they really not know anything? Did Zhang Ye really ask them to keep it a secret? Actually, there was nothing like this at all! When did Zhang Ye ever ask them to keep the details of the audition under wraps?! As long as no video clips leaked, why would such small matters require them to keep it a secret!


    However, no one said a thing! Not a single person!


    Because the staff of The Voice''s program team basically did not dare tell anyone! They were too embarrassed to do that!


    Tell them? Nonsense! How should they tell them! Your sister! Look at the singing talent shows on all the other satellite channels, including those that aired in the past ten years. Counting all of them, which one did not have contestants who were either handsome guys or beautiful women? Which one of their contestants were not in the peak of their youth!?


    Pretty boys!


    Pretty girls!


    They were everywhere!


    But for their chosen contestants from the preliminary auditions?


    A bruiser!


    A skinny and ugly man!


    A woman weighing between 80 and 90 kilograms!


    And there was even an old man!


    But that was not the weirdest yet. The weirdest things about these people were their upations. In the other talent shows, what did the handsome guys or beautiful women do for a living? They were either students from a music college or musicians who had graduated from performing arts schools. There were music teachers, piano teachers, guitar teachers, backup singers, independent musicians whoposed their own songs, and even rookies who had just signed with a media agency! They had either already debuted or were working in music-rted jobs as industry insiders! Their professional quality was for all to see!


    However, when you looked at the chosen contestants for The Voice!?


    A train driver!


    A physical education teacher!


    A bicycle repairman!


    And there was even a sixty-year-old retiree!


    How could theypare!!


    How could they say anything!!


    Whenparing their program with other programs, the contrast was vastly different! Even if they were thick-skinned enough, they still would not have dared tell anyone about the backgrounds of their program''s contestants. If they did, they would surely beughingstocks!

 Chapter 653 Countdown to the recording!

    <h4>Chapter 653 Countdown to the recording! </h4>


    Chapter 653 Countdown to the recording!


    Two dayster.


    The second round of preliminary auditions began.


    "Contestant No. 1, pleasee forward."


    "You may begin singing now."


    "Stop, that will do. Sorry, but you did not qualify for the next round."


    "Next contestant."


    The contestants came into the audition venue one by one. Most of them could not qualify for the next round. Only a few people passed Zhang Ye''s strict criteria, but the program team staff still didn''t think too highly of them. They knew that Zhang Ye''s appreciation of aesthetics and selection criteria were different, so they did not say anything. Basically, the more they thought that a contestant was not up to mark, the more Zhang Ye liked them; while the more they liked a contestant, the more Zhang Ye had his doubts. They were basically at odds with him on this matter.


    At this time, the 28th contestant was being called in for her audition.


    From outside, a young and morous woman walked through the door. She was dressed in western fashion and looked very confident. From the way she moved, it was obvious she carried herself quite well.


    The eyes of the program team staff lighted up, but immediately turned to sighs.


    Ha Qiqi scanned her over. "Please introduce yourself."


    The young woman said in a crisp and clear voice, "Hello, teachers. My name is Yuan Tong and I''m 24 years old. My upation is��I guess you can say that I''m a white cor worker."


    "White cor?" Ha Qiqi repeated.


    Yuan Tong said, "Yes, I work at my parent''spany."


    Oh.


    An affluent second generation?1


    Ha Qiqi said, "Alright, you may begin now."


    Yuan Tong smiled and said, "Then I will be performing ''Blooming.''"


    Da, da. Yuan Tong was lightly snapping her fingers to create a rhythm. After a few beats, she started to sing softly and her beautiful voice resonated.


    "Flowers bloom on the windowsill.


    "But you aren''t here.


    "Remembering that spring, when you were still beside me.


    "These petals and your smiling face."


    With a sudden change from her soft singing, sheunched into a soprano!


    "The flowers have bloomed!


    "But I''m crying!"


    She could reach a very high pitch and still have her singing sound full without much vibrato in her voice. Her lung capacity was also very good as she held the notes for a long time without fading, so that was something worth mentioning.


    The song ended.


    Yuan Tong bowed and then said, "I''ve finished performing."


    Ha Qiqi also felt that she was really good. She was beautiful, had a good aura, and sang well, but regrettably, she hade to the wrong ce because their executive director was unlike other people. If this were a different program, the producers would definitely be fighting for her to be on their show. Unfortunately, their executive director preferred those who didn''t look good, had vocal "deficiencies," and worked low-level jobs. Hai, what a waste of a promising contestant.


    As a result, Ha Qiqi said, "I''m sorry, you did not meet our requirements."


    Yuan Tong was a little surprised.


    The other staff members of the program team already understood what made Zhang Ye tick. They knew that if it were someone they fancied to be good, Zhang Ye would definitely not bat an eyelid at them. Wu Yi also said, "Please go back."


    Helpless, Yuan Tong could only reply, "Thank you, teachers."


    But this time, Zhang Ye was dumbfounded. "Please go back for what?"


    Ha Qiqi looked at him stunned. "Ah?"


    Wu Yi and the others also stared nkly at him.


    Zhang Ye was baffled, so he asked, "This contestant sang very well, so what''s there to question? Of course she has qualified, what do you all mean by not meeting the requirements? What kind of standard do you all have!" He even sounded a little angry at them. This bro had it so difficult trying to make this program work, yet you guys weren''t only not helping me, but instead making me even busier?


    When Ha Qiqi and the others heard that, they nearly vomited blood!


    Didn''t you dislike such contestants? Why did your attitude suddenly do a 180?


    Ha Qiqi said, "Then what about Chang Si from before��"


    Zhang Ye remarked, "Which Chang Si? Oh, I remember. That contestant didn''t hold a high pitch stabler than her and is also not as beautiful as her. We definitely need more focus on good-looking contestants who can also sing well. How did it end up with you all trying to eliminate her?" Then he turned to the young woman and said, "You''ve qualified for the next round."


    This was the contestant Zhang Ye was most satisfied with today, although her singing wasn''t exactly the best. But it was still considered quite outstanding already. At leastpared to the train driver of the four "wonders," her singing was a bit better. The key here was that she was also very beautiful and good-looking, so that too naturally qualified her as a key contestant!


    Yuan Tong was so delighted it showed. "Thank you, Teacher Zhang. Can I also make a small request?"


    "What is it?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Yuan Tong said, "I would like your autograph. The two songs you wrote for Teacher Zhang Yuanqi have always been my favorite songs. I y them on repeat every day."


    "Hur hur, that''s great." Zhang Ye did not say anything and just have her his autograph.


    Ha Qiqi and the others looked at each other. They finally understood that their auditions were never based on fundamentals or criteria, that there were no rules for whether a contestant performed below standard in this area or did well in another area. Whether they qualified or not, was all down to the executive director alone. If Zhang Ye said they met the requirements, then they met the requirements. If he said they weren''t up to standard, then they weren''t up to standard! Ai, in meeting such an executive director, this was as difficult as it could get.


    Everyone on the program team thought that Zhang Ye chose the contestants based on his mood, but in fact, that was not true. They had arrived at such a conclusion simply because Zhang Ye had a different way of looking at things than them. Ha Qiqi and the others were not exactly professionals in the field of music and could only be considered observers. They were only looking for someone who, ideally, was good-looking. Or they liked a performance because of their own subjective tastes, while those music professionals who had been asked to leave were all looking at singing skills or if the contestants were from a performing arts college. But they were too traditional in their judgment of a voice and could not ept voices that sounded new or odd to them.


    It could be said that these two groups both had their limitations.


    Compared to them, Zhang Ye looked for something muchplexer. When judging a contestant, he was looking for their overall qualities, whether they could sing well or not, uniqueness of voice, whether their upations were worth hyping, and even if the contestants could be subjects of conversation. These were all the factors Zhang Ye was considering. He rejected good looks? Who said so! If the contestant could sing well, had an extremely unique voice, and was especially beautiful, only an idiot would reject her! It''s not like you could find such a contestant if you went out to specifically look for one, so why wouldn''t she qualify?!


    ����


    Half a day passed.


    The second round of preliminary auditions ended.


    Zhang Ye inquired, "It looks like several of the candidates we picked as potential contestants did not turn up? Why didn''t I see them?" There were a few candidates whom he was rather looking forward to meeting based on their demos.


    Ha Qiqi answered, "They did note. There''s one who needs to go to school and does not have free time, while another one needs to work overtime. Although I did mention that our program team would reimburse the cost of her return flight, the entire trip and audition would still take two days minimum. She probably feels that her work is more important and did not want to risk taking time off, since she might end up getting rejected by us as well as losing her job. Her boss at her workce must be a really difficult person to deal with."


    They were finally seated in front of theputer again, sorting through all the demos that were emailed to them. The number of applications was getting increasingly higher by the day, but the quality of the candidates was not as uniform as the increase. There were hardly any good ones.


    Zhang Ye thought for a long while before finally deciding to change the way the auditions were held. He would hold the auditions just like how the original The Voice of his previous world held them. "Sister Qi, how about this? Tomorrow, we will hold one more round of preliminary auditions here. Then after that you will choose some staff members and send them to various key cities in the country to carry out the additional preliminary auditions. If there isn''t enough manpower, we can hold the preliminary auditions one at a time in each city, otherwise we will hold them simultaneously across several cities."


    Ha Qiqi was taken aback by this suggestion. "Won''t that cost a lot of money? If we need to mobilize an entire team, the hotel amodations, audition venues, equipment, and publicity will all cost money."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll allocate 5 million to you first. Will that be enough?"


    Ha Qiqi suddenly became more spirited and she readily agreed, "Sure!"


    See, money talks!


    They had seemingly forgotten that their program had a production budget of over 100 million and was unlike the other talent shows on rival satellite channel stations that scrimped and saved on every penny. The Voice did not want for money at all!


    Wu Yi said worriedly, "Director Zhang, if we expand the auditions to cover so many ces, then without you leading the selection, how will we know which contestants qualify?"


    Zhang Ye delegated his authority and replied, "As long as you all find them to be good, just send them my way. Those contestants I previously approved are all going to be the seeded contestants and the ones I like best. They are the red flowers of our show, but the only reason they can be that is because they will have some green leaves to make them stand out. So I want to reassure everyone a little here. Don''t worry too much about who is good or bad, as long as you all unanimously agree they are good, send them my way. We''ll sort them out after we know the number of contestants who passed."


    Those words reassured the team a lot. If they really had to apply Zhang Ye''s selection criteria in choosing the contestants, they wouldn''t know how to judge at all, since no one understood his selection criteria.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Have you already found the music arrangement teachers?"


    Ha Qiqi nodded. "Director Jiang has arranged for two music arrangement teachers and a band to be transferred to our program team, but there won''t be a music director or music consultants due to that day''s inci��"


    Zhang Ye understood. "There''s no need for a music director. It will only be more troublesome with them around. We only need the music arrangers. Regarding the already qualified contestants, inform the music arrangement teachers to start helping them with their song arrangements today. Otherwise, once the number of qualified contestants increase, they will be too busy. For those seeded contestants I mentioned, I want to spare no effort when ites to their arrangements. They must be done to perfection. As for the non-seeded contestants, of course we will still do our best for them, but make the appropriate adjustments."


    Ha Qiqi said, "I understand."


    Zhang Zuo came over from the other side. "Director Zhang, all the new equipment has been delivered."


    Zhang Ye immediately brought everyone to the recording studio and had a look around. Then he said to Zhang Zuo, "Has the design for the custom chairs been confirmed yet?"


    Zhang Zuo replied, "We''ve already ced an order. I''ve also hounded the workshop for progress. They are currently rushing the job, but because this design has a certain degree of difficulty to make, they told us it would take half a month at the quickest."


    "How about the stage?" Zhang Ye looked to the stage which was piled with construction materials.


    Zhang Zuo answered, "We are setting it up ording to your request. We started working on it yesterday. As for the contestants'' waiting area and the second studio, the workers have also started work on it."


    Zhang Ye urged, "Hurry up. Try to get it done as soon as possible."


    Zhang Zuo said, "I understand, I''ll get them to hurry."


    "How about the website?" Zhang Ye asked.


    The staff member who was in charge of the website details immediately answered, "Director Zhang, the website has beenpleted after we worked on it overnight, Thetest news, promotional news, and other rted information can be added onto the website at anytime."


    "Well done." Zhang Ye said, "Have we contacted the Publicity Department yet?"


    A female editor responded, "I''ve already contacted them. Central TV Department 1 will allocate a total of 75 seconds of promotional airtime to us. How we use this 75 seconds is up to us, but other than the weekend primetime slots, we are free to choose whichever time we want to air it."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Then we will make them 15 seconds each. Each of the four coaches will record a video clip. We''ll also do a group promo with them."


    Every aspect of the program''s production was progressing very quickly and already put into motion.


    As of now, the countdown to the recording had already began!


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuerdai

 Chapter 654: Arrival of The Voice‘s Theme Song!

    <h4>Chapter 654: Arrival of The Voice��s Theme Song! </h4>


    Chapter 654: Arrival of The Voice''s Theme Song!


    On this morning.


    The freshly published morning newspapers went on sale.


    "The Voice''s Nanjing auditions overwhelmed by applications!"


    "A 100 million title sponsorship: Is it worth the money?"


    "Results of a public survey: Less than 50% of the public thinks that The Voice will do well, with more than half of industry insiders and the public still doubtful!"


    "Zhang Ye appears at Shanghai''s audition venue yesterday for a promotional campaign of The Voice!"


    "Can The Voice possibly ovee the industry downturn of talent shows?"


    "The singing show industry faces a crisis, gued by signs of fatigue! Overcrowded market for singing talent shows attracts strict control from overseeing authorities!"


    "The Voice to be final straw in an overcrowded singing talent show market?"


    The entertainment headlines of various newspapers and online news were all giving continued coverage and tracking of news concerning The Voice of China. Even though many people did not think that The Voice would achieve much in the viewership ratings, since it was a mega-scale production costing arge sum of money to produce, along with the addition of the Heavenly Queen to the coaches list, the 100 million RMB title sponsorship fee, and being Zhang Ye''s reputed production, this topic was naturally more widely discussed. The media was certainly more than willing to report about it. There was nock of news in the entertainment industry but a sustainable, news-generating program like The Voice was missing. With the appearance of The Voice, it could be said that it helped thousands of journalists keep their jobs--no longer would their mothers have to worry about themcking news to write about!


    ����


    Past 7 AM.


    Shortly after Zhang Ye sent Chenchen past the school gates, he received a call.


    It was Zhang Yuanqi. "Where''s my song?"


    "What song?" Zhang Ye replied instinctively.


    Old Zhang said: "You''re asking me what song? The song you owe me. Didn''t you say that you would write a theme song for The Voice? Well, give the copyright to me and we''ll be even."


    Only then did Zhang Ye remember that he made such a promise some days ago. Since he still owed Old Zhang a song, and The Voice was in need of a theme song too, he decided to simply just write a song for Old Zhang that could also be used as the theme song. But he had been too busy recently, flying to Shanghai for the preliminary auditions and a promotional campaign, then flying back on the same afternoon, and rushing to pick up the child from school. With so many things to handle, he had already long since forgotten about this matter. He immediately said: "Oh, oh, oh, about that, how would I forget. I''ve been writing the song for the past few days and even stayed up for a few nights over it." He bluffed his way through.


    Old Zhang said: "Is that so?"


    Zhang Ye replied: "Of course, I definitely keep your matters in mind."


    Old Zhang said: "Then have you finished writing the song?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Yes, I''ve finished writing it."


    Old Zhang said: "OK."


    Zhang Ye said: "When you''re here at Central TV, I''ll pass you the score and then the four of you coaches will have some rehearsals to sing it. After the recording is done, we''ll then use it for the intro theme song of the program."


    After hanging up, he drove toward Central TV.


    When he reached the recording studio, he started another busy day of work. With one hand, he was remotely controlling several auditions being held at other provinces while with the other hand, he was giving instruction for the stageyout and nning the progress for the presentation of the promotional clips. The recording of the promotional clips for the four coaches were done in session. The edited clips of Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, and Fan Wenli were thus the earliest to be put out and broadcast to the public on Central TV Department 1, with each clipsting 15 seconds. Due to Zhang Yuanqi''s busy schedule, her recording had only beenpleted yesterday. As Old Zhang had the biggest reputation among the coaches, her clip certainly had to be broadcast with the best timing. All of these matters had to be arranged and nned by the executive director, Zhang Ye, just like everything else here that also needed his attention.


    As for the executive producer, Fu Sihong?


    Except for the beginning when Fu Sihong objected several times to Zhang Ye''s proposed n for The Voice, there were no signs of Fu Sihong appearing around here after that. Central TV Department 1 had sent Fu Sihong to supervise the team. As long as production was on track with no issues, Fu Sihong would not need to meddle in anything. It did not matter to Zhang Ye whether Fu Sihong was here or not, but without him here, Zhang Ye could afford to do his own job even better without any apprehension.


    "Liu''er."


    "Director Zhang, you''re looking for me?"


    "Is the voting system ready?"1


    "We haven''t ordered it yet. It''s not needed yet, right?"


    "Even though it will be only used in the finals, don''t dy! Get it done quickly!"


    "Understood, I will contact them and order immediately!"


    "We can borrow it from the other Central TV program teams if they have prepared systems. Little Zhou, Little Zhou,e over here for a while."


    "Ai, Director Zhang, I''m here, I''m here!"


    "The 75 seconds of promotional airtime that Central TV allocated to us will certainly not be enough. Get in touch with other media, such as thoserge video hosting websites, and buy somemercial airtime from them."


    "Sure, I''ll get it done!"


    "Don''t be afraid to spend money. Buy more."


    "Ah? Aren''t we running low on money?"


    "Even if it''s low, we still have more than 10 million RMB. For other talent shows, 10 million RMB might already be their entire budget for production, but this amount is just the leftovers of our budget, so there''s nomercial we can''t buy. Advertising is the most important activity of all. We must make sure to sessfully get across the concept of voice to let the people understand and ept it. To achieve all these, it''s never too much no matter how much we spend."


    "I understand, Director Zhang. Please wait for my good news!"


    Zhang Ye had to keep everything under control so he had to handle every detail diligently.


    As he had already been appointed executive director for about ten days, he was bing more and more like one now. Brimming with the air of an executive director, he spoke increasingly firmly, assigning tasks with greater rity. Zhang Ye was also growing together with the production progress. This role as executive director was very important to him as it was a very valuable experience for his future sess and irreceable with any amount of money or poprity.


    One of the reasons why Zhang Ye epted Jiang Yuan''s offer to join Central TV Department 1 was because he was promised that he could be the executive director of such a big production at an important channel like Central TV Department 1. He needed this sort of life and work experience. This growth would give him a foundation for future endeavors. Compared to when Zhang Ye was the executive producer and director of Zhang Ye''s Talk Show, it wasn''t the same level. The talk show only had Zhang Ye himself onstage since it centered around him as the host and the main focus of his performances. His role as the executive director was just in name and would notpare to directing arge-scale talent show on Central TV.


    Time passed quickly. It was already noon.


    Zhang Ye had a quick and simple lunch before returning to continue instructing the production.


    Suddenly, Assistant Director Zhang Zuo walked hurriedly into the recording studio to where the stage of The Voice was. "Director Zhang? Eh? Where''s Director Zhang?"


    Little Wang pointed somewhere not far away. "He''s installing the chairs with the workers."


    Zhang Zuo eximed and ran over in a hurry. "Aiyo, Director Zhang. Why do you have to handle this yourself, just leave it to the workers."


    Only then did Zhang Ye reluctantly put down the chair and tell the workers with a worried voice, "Don''t ce the four chairs too far from each other. Put them slightly nearer so the coaches can hear each other without the microphone��a bit closer��yes, OK, that''s good now." This guy was a perfectionist. The word "adequate" didn''t exist in his dictionary, so it developed into a bad habit of his. Zhang Ye was neverfortable if he only left it to others to do the work.


    Zhang Zuo said, "Director Zhang, they''ve arrived over there."


    Zhang Ye turned around. He panted, "Who have arrived?" He dusted off his hands.


    Zhang Zuo blinked and replied, "Sister Zhang and the rest of the coaches have arrived. Should I bring them over or will you be going to the television station tower?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "The coaches? What are they here for?"


    Zhang Zuo helplessly expressed, "You were the one who arranged it. Didn''t you say a few days ago that you were writing a song and wanted the four coaches toe in this afternoon and do a simple rehearsal of the intro theme song? Have you forgotten about it?"


    Ah?


    Was it today!?


    Holy shit, I was too caught up in work! No wonder Old Zhang called me so early in the morning to ask me about the song!


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted before he recovered, "They''re already here?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Yes, they''ve already arrived."


    "Let''s do it this way, don''t let theme over here first. Try to stall them and make them wait awhile," Zhang Ye immediately stated.


    Zhang Zuo became confused. "Why? What should I say to them?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "Just tell them that I''m not around and then bring them over after half an hour!" Having said that, Zhang Ye quickly walked away. "Where''s the music arrangement teacher? Where''s the music arrangement teacher?"


    Little Wang said, "He''s helping the contestants with the arrangements."


    Zhang Ye hastily ordered, "Tell him to put that on hold for now and toe look for me."


    "Ah? OK." Seeing Zhang Ye so anxious, Little Wang double-timed and went to get the music arranger.


    ����


    In a recording studio.


    Zhang Ye went inside with a youthful music arrangement teacher.


    "Director Zhang, why are you in such a hurry to find me?" The music arrangement teacher wondered, "Are we going to do the music arrangement for the theme song? I''ll arrange the music first and then let the four teachers sing it?"


    Zhang Ye did not say a word.


    The music arrangement teacher said, "Then can you give me the score? Let me have a look at the song first?"


    Zhang Ye remained silent.


    At this moment, the music arrangement teacher finally realized something and was shocked. "You��could it be that you have not written it yet? Weren''t we supposed to have the rehearsal today?"


    Zhang Ye coughed, "We can still make it if I write it now."


    The music arrangement teacher nearly fainted at this response. Holy shit, you really didn''t write it?


    "What kind of song do you think will be most suitable as a theme song?" Zhang Ye made a hastyst-minute effort to do something about it.


    The music arrangement teacher didn''t know what to say. "But haven''t the four coaches already arrived? It''s toote to write the song now. Actually, there are all kinds of theme songs for these types of talent shows. But I personally think it''s best to be in line with the theme of thepetition, like how to express one''s dream��something inspirational, so that it can easily blend into the talent show''s atmosphere and highlight the contestants and stage. Besides, such songs have to reflect positive energy and have a sunshiny feel, so it shouldn''t have any lyrics that talk about a reflection on life or words like that. That wouldplicate things and make it less outstanding. I guess that would be suitable as a theme song."


    Dreams?


    The stage?


    Positive energy?


    Contestants? Talent show?


    After hearing that, Zhang Ye nodded. "Do you have a pen and paper?"


    The music arrangement teacher was stunned, then looked around for a bit before handing one to him.


    Zhang Ye immediately picked up the fountain pen and started to write the lyrics on the paper. As he wrote it, he spoke, "I''ll sing it once for you now, so help me write the score and arrange the music as well."


    The music arrangement teacher said dumbfounded, "Y-you have already thought of a song?"


    F**k!


    It''s only been a few seconds!


    I had just finished describing what kind of song was suitable for the show. At most around ten seconds after that you have already finished writing it? That''s impossible! The fastest lyrics writer in the industry would not have a speed like yours, even if you multiplied their speed by a hundred times. No one could be this fast!


    He did not believe it, but he grabbed an empty score and got ready to record it.


    The next second, Zhang Ye started to sing with his terrible singing,


    "I wanna fly to the sky, walk beside the Sun.


    "The world waits for me to change it.


    "Never been afraid of others seeing my dreams.


    "Here, I can make it happen.


    "Laughing loudly, let''s walk side by side.


    "Isn''t happiness everywhere.


    "Casting off all worry, I stride forward bravely.


    "Now I am taking center stage!!"


    The music arrangement teacher was dumbfounded. You really could write it out in a little more than ten seconds? What the f**k! Are you on stimnts!?


    1. These voting systems are the ones you see on live TV shows where the audience has an input controller

 Chapter 655 The speed of Zhang Ye’s songwriting!

    <h4>Chapter 655 The speed of Zhang Ye��s songwriting! </h4>


    Chapter 655 The speed of Zhang Ye''s songwriting!


    Zhang Ye sang.


    And the music arrangement teacher wrote out the simplified notation1 on the fly.


    Once��


    Again��


    A long time passed. After singing and going through the song several times, the notation was finished and the lyrics were added in,pleting the song.


    "Perfect." Zhang Ye hands trembled as he held the score.


    The music arrangement teacher was also fatigued and profusely sweat. He wiped the sweat off his forehead and asked, "Teacher Zhang, can we do this ahead of time in the future? Rushing like this is really scary. Our program team has spent a lot of money to invite the four coaches to join us with figures that even the public might not know about. If they find out, it will surely cause an uproar. The four coaches are big shot celebrities in the music industry and we were the ones who arranged for them toe over today. If we were unable to produce a song for them to rehearse with, it would have be very embarrassing for us and make it look like we thought they were fools."


    They were not ordinary celebrities. If they turned hostile and threatened to not record the program or rehearse the song, their program team would be in big trouble.


    Zhang Ye pretended it was nothing, then just smiled and said, "But we managed to finish it, didn''t we?"


    The music arrangement teacher had no words in response. Indeed, this song only took twenty minutes to finish, but excluding the time taken topose the simplified notation, Zhang Ye had only taken less than a minute to write it. It felt like he finished as he was writing and singing. The music arrangement teacher could swear that��in all these years he had worked in this industry, he had known countless lyricists and singer-songwriters��when it came down to songwriting speed, Zhang Ye was absolutely ranked number one among all the people he had ever met. At this moment, he looked at Zhang Ye full of admiration! He only started writing the song when the coaches were already at the doorstep, yet he still managed to finish writing the song! In the entire industry, only Zhang Ye would risk doing it this way. Other than him, no other person could achieve it! No one would believe this even if it were revealed, but whoever did would surely have to bow down to him!


    As for the quality of the song, the music arrangement teacher had not really listened to it carefully yet. First, he was in too much of a rush trying to fill in the simplified notations and his mind was not focused on the melody and lyrics. Second, Zhang Ye''s singing ability was just average, nothing special. Third, it would be difficult to judge just from hearing him sing without music and instrumental apaniment.


    Outside, someone was knocking on the door. Dong dong dong.


    Before Zhang Ye could say anything, the person had already pushed open the door ande inside.


    It was Deputy Director Zhang Zuo who said anxiously, "Director Zhang, I can''t hold them back anymore. The four teachers can''t wait any longer and are already making their way here to look for you."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "It''s been hard on you, Brother Zhang."


    Zhang Zuo had really put in a lot of effort to make up lies and find excuses to dy them, but the four coaches were all big shots and extremely famous, and even the least popr among them was a national bel canto singer. Every one of them possessed a great aura, so it was considerably stressful for him to deal with them tactfully.


    At this moment, some voices came from outside the corridor.


    "Little Zhang?" It was the voice of Grandma Zhang Xia.


    And then he seemingly heard Zhang Yuanqi asking someone, "Miss, where is your executive director?"


    That female staff eximed and then muttered, "I don''t know either."


    Zhang Xia said, "I know he must be here, ask him toe out. He scheduled us to be here for the recording and we''re already here, yet he''s avoiding us. It''s almost been half an hour, so why has he still not shown himself?"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly walked out the door while holding the score. He looked to the end of the corridor and walked up to them,ughing. "Grandma Zhang, Sister Zhang, Brother Chen, Sister Fan, you''re all here already?"


    Chen Guang said in a speechless manner, "We arrived long ago."


    Zhang Yuanqi looked toward where he came out, then smiled and said, "So you were hiding in there?"


    Zhang Ye said, "No, I wasn''t hiding. It was just that something had cropped up suddenly over here, so I couldn''t get away." Turning to Zhang Zuo, he pretended to be angry and scolded, "Brother Zhang, why didn''t you inform me that the teachers had already arrived. If I knew they were here, I would have dropped everything and gone to receive them. What can be more important than the teachers?"


    Zhang Zuo could only think to himself how he was told by Zhang Ye to dy them, but he just said, "��I''ll pay attention to this next time."


    Zhang Ye reminded him, "Next time if the teacherse and look for me, make sure to inform me immediately. Look, I very nearly got misunderstood by the teachers this time."


    Zhang Yuanqi looked at him. "But I don''t think it''s a misunderstanding."


    Zhang Ye coughed.


    Zhang Xia criticized, "You were too much. How could you let us sit around and wait for more than twenty minutes? At least you should have given us the score to take a look at first."


    Zhang Ye also felt a little embarrassed, since he was the one who arranged the meeting yet he totally forgot about it. It was uneptable. "Grandma Zhang, you''re right. This time, it''s my fault, so you can just me me."


    Fan Wenli blinked. Bing sharper, she asked, "Is there some problem with the theme song?"


    Zhang Ye immediately let out an uncontrolledugh and started lying without any guilt, "How could there be any problems? Actually, I''ve already finished writing it, and it took me a whole week to perfect it. The lyrics and melody were carefully deliberated and meticulously scrutinized upon. I''ve already made it into absolutely, the most exquisite song among songs. Here, see? The score is right here. I''ve been waiting for all of you to arrive since long ago."


    Spent a whole week?


    Meticulous? Scrutiny? Carefully deliberated?


    The music arrangement teacher stared in silence at the ceiling.


    Zhang Xia and the rest of them walked up to him. "Is that so?"


    "Let me take a look." Zhang Yuanqi took the score from him.


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli also stood beside her and looked at the score. They started humming along to the lyrics, "I wanna fly��to the sky��walk beside��the Sun��" As they were unfamiliar with this song and had never heard it before, their humming was also intermittent. They were only reading the simplified notations as they hummed along but it didn''t sound too coherent.


    At this moment, the music arrangement teacher was also seriously savoring the song for the first time, since he did not listen to it earnestly before.


    Fan Wenli was a music teacher in the past and had previously taught students to sight-read music scores, so she was skilled in this area and adapted much faster than the others. She was the first person to sing the song in itspleted form.


    "Never been afraid of others seeing my dreams.


    "Here, I can make it happen.


    "Laughing loudly, let''s walk side by side.


    "Isn''t happiness everywhere.


    "Casting off all worry, I stride forward bravely.


    "Now I am taking center stage!"


    On seeing Fan Wenli singing so fluently, the other three coaches stopped their singing and listened quietly to Fan Wenli singing the entire song.


    The more they listened, the more their expressions changed!


    Zhang Zuo was the first person to be shocked. He did not know music, nor melody changes, nor treble and bass. He only knew this song was very nice to listen to and was the type of work that could make people excited after listening to it just once. Moreover, the lyrics were also very encouraging. The dreams people have, they can make it happen here? Wasn''t that exactly the message they wanted The Voice to portray!? Didn''t they want to provide the tform for people to realize their dreams! This song matched perfectly!


    The next person to be shocked was the music arrangement teacher. Originally, he thought Zhang Ye was only messing around as he had no choice but to randomly write a song because the four teachers had already arrived at their doorstep. He felt that the quality of the song couldn''t possibly be any good, because how good could a song that only took one minute to write be? To even be able to write it out was already a miracle! But when the music arrangement teacher finished listening, he knew that he was wrong right from the start! This song was too awesome! How could this be a haphazardly done piece of work!?


    Honestly speaking, if the music arrangement teacher had not witnessed Zhang Yeposing on the spot, he would not have believed what was unfolding in front of him no matter what! It was written so quickly, had a high quality, a good tune, and was even in line with the concept and vision of the program. The music arrangement teacher knew that what had happened today was truly an eye-opener for him!


    Fan Wenli finished singing the song.


    Chen Guang had long since forgotten about the displeasure at waiting for half an hour for Zhang Ye. He even gave a thumbs up to Zhang Ye after listening to the song.


    Zhang Xia nodded furiously in appreciation. "Great song!"


    Fan Wenli was also very satisfied with it andmented, "This song is really tailor-made for the program. Teacher Zhang really took great effort in crafting the lyrics and melody."


    Zhang Yeughed gently while waving it off. "That''s not true, though I did use eight or nine days to write it."


    Chen Guangmented, "You''re already so busy with stage and preliminary auditions, yet you took the time to finish writing such a good song in just eight or nine days. Teacher Zhang Ye''s talent is indeed extraordinary."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "No matter how busy and tired I am, it''s all part of my job. I''m the executive director after all."


    But suddenly, Zhang Yuanqi, pinching the score, slightly rubbed thest parts and asked, "Why is the ink on this score not dry yet?"


    Upon hearing that, Zhang Ye broke out in cold sweat.


    Fan Wenli came up and took a look. "Oh, it''s really not dry yet."


    Zhang Xia also reached out to touch it and then looked at Zhang Ye. "Little Zhang, you got your people to hold us back and dyed us for more than 20 minutes. Could it be that you forgot to write the song and ended up writing it only just then?"


    Chen Guang stared with eyes wide. "Ah? This song was just written?"


    Zhang Zuo also jumped up in fright as he knew that Zhang Ye had asked him to hold back the four teachers for a reason, but he did not expect this to be the problem!


    The music arrangement teacher also did not know where to look, so pretended to have not heard anything.


    Zhang Ye immediately answered, "How is that possible? How could I have forgotten such an important matter? I had already finished writing the song long ago, but after discussing with the music arrangement teacher earlier, we found there were some problems with the notes on the score, so we got it changed. Then��then we copied it again. That''s why the ink was still wet.


    Chen Guang found fault with his words. "Didn''t you say you had already written out the score earlier and was busy with other things just now?"


    "Ah? Did I say that?" Zhang Ye said.


    Fan Wenli also eximed, "You can''t really have just written itst minute, could you? In only twenty minutes? How can that be? I got my team to write a song with a specific set of requirements, yet the quickest they could do it in was still more than half a day! The quality isn''t even guaranteed to be good."


    Zhang Ye made up another story. "That''s why I didn''t forget��"


    Zhang Xia exposed Zhang Ye''s secret to the husband and wife, "Little Zhang is best known for his fast songwriting speed. At thest Spring Festival G, the song ''Woman Flower'' was written in the blink of an eye. At most, it only took a minute or two."


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled and chimed in, "It''s the same for ''Wishing We Last Forever.'' Although the lyrics were written by him earlier, the music wasposed by him on the spot. It didn''t even take a few minutes."


    Chen Guang: "��"


    Fan Wenli: "��"


    It was only then that they found out that Zhang Ye had such stories surrounding him!


    Could it really be that Zhang Ye had waited until they were right at the doorstep of Central TV for the song rehearsal before he took his time topose a song for them? If that was so, then speaking from a certain angle, he was truly a god!


    1. numbered musical notation

 Chapter 656 The “Little Leader” of the program team!

    <h4>Chapter 656 The ��Little Leader�� of the program team! </h4>


    Chapter 656 The "Little Leader" of the program team!


    [copse]


    Afternoon.


    In the music recording studio, the four coaches started familiarizing themselves with the song.


    Zhang Ye got the music arrangement teacher to stay behind and found another two staff members toe over to help with setting up the equipment. Then he finally said, "You all can start rehearsing. I need to leave first as there''re a lot of things to handle at the stage."


    Zhang Xia put down the score. "Wait a moment, Little Zhang."


    "Ai, Grandma Zhang, what is it?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "Just now, when we arrived, we heard that there are contestants who''ve already qualified from the preliminary auditions and are secretly rehearsing and having their songs arranged over at the other studio?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, they started rehearsing a few days ago. The main issue is with the screen time. It''s impossible for every song to take up four or five minutes, so we had to make appropriate adjustments. Besides, every one of them is a talented singer, so they have higher standards for themselves. Likewise, our program has high expectations of them. That''s why the songs have to be rearranged to suit them. The workload for that is very heavy. We''ve been working on it several days now so that everyone can get a once over of the process."


    Zhang Xia requested, "After we''ve finished rehearsing this song, we want to take a look at the contestants."


    Zhang Yuanqi did not have this request, as she was standing apart from the others, taking a call which was probably work rted.


    Zhang Ye blinked a few times. "All of you are so busy. Why would you all want to see them? They are still in the transitional phase, so you all won''t be able to see much anyway."


    Fan Wenli smiled and replied, "What Grandma Zhang meant was that we would like to have a look at the conditions and quality of the contestants. The rumors in the media and outside world are rife with the preliminary audition process, with so many of them irrelevant and baseless. So we''d like to see for ourselves to understand the situation regarding the contestants in order to mentally prepare for the recording with them."


    Chen Guang agreed, "Yes, I''m really looking forward to seeing them for myself as well."


    Zhang Ye shook his head and rejected, "No, that''s not allowed."


    Chen Guang asked, "Even we aren''t allowed to have a look?"


    Zhang Ye said, "That studio where they are rehearsing is a secure environment. Other than our own program team''s staff, no one else is permitted to enter."


    "We''ll just stand far away and watch for a while." Zhang Xia said, "Do you think that we would leak information?"


    Zhang Ye waved his hands. "I really cannot allow that, Grandma Zhang. If you saw them now, there would be no more suspense. When the program''s being recorded, there won''t be the impact of seeing the contestants for the first time either."


    They tried to argue about this matter for a little longer.


    But Zhang Ye did not agree to their request. There wasn''t even room for negotiation.


    Actually, at this moment, no one knew what the final presentation of The Voice was going to be like and the sort of stage setup the program was going to have. The kind of lighting? The kind of contestants? The hosting style? Nearly everyone didn''t have a clue, including the program team''s staff. The only person who knew was Zhang Ye. As the executive director and overall producer of The Voice, he knew what sort of news to release to hype up publicity and the sort of news that needed to be kept confidential. There must be some suspense. Everything could only be revealed on the day of the program''s recording and not a day earlier. They were just like important cards held in Zhang Ye''s hand. If he used them up too early, it would be meaningless.


    ����


    Outside.


    After he came out of the music recording studio, he quickly headed toward the stage of the main recording studio. As the four teachers were already veterans in the music industry, he was only responsible for providing the song and could not help in any other way.


    The moment he left, text message appeared on his cell phone.


    Di di.


    Old Zhang: "Where did you go?"


    She was probably done with her call.


    Zhang Ye replied after reading: "I left. Have to help out in the main recording studio."


    Old Zhang: "This song doesn''t count. Write me another."


    Zhang Ye was confused. "Why doesn''t it count?"


    Old Zhang: "It doesn''t suit me."


    Zhang Ye typed: "Heh, this song isn''t divided between gender or age. If you don''t like it, I''ll give it to someone else. I noticed Chen Guang''s eyes were gleaming when he listened to the song, but since he heard I had written it for you in advance, he didn''t try to snatch the song away."


    Old Zhang: "I''ll keep this song but you have to write another for me."


    Zhang Ye replied: "Impossible. I endured so much pain just giving this song to you. Are you treating my songs like they are cabbages you can get from the market for next to nothing? This is art and needs to be treated with great care. Anyway, I don''t have any songs avable now. We can talk in the future if there''s a suitable song for you. Let''s stop talking. I still have a lot to do here."


    There were no more replies from her after that.


    Zhang Ye exited from the messages interface and saw two missed calls. One was from an hour ago while the other call was half an hour earlier. As he just caught up with work, he hadn''t heard them. Both calls were from Chenchen''s physical education teacher, Luo Yu. He thought for a moment and decided to call her back.


    Du du. The call connected.


    Luo Yu said: "Teacher Zhang, you''ve finally called back."


    Zhang Ye said: "What''s the matter, Teacher Luo? You were looking for me?"


    Luo Yu said: "There are no sses in the afternoon today at Experimental Primary School. All the parents have already picked their children up, but I saw that Chenchen was still at school, so I guessed that you probably forgot about her. When I tried calling you, you didn''t pick up either. In the end, I decided to act on my own and brought Chenchen to Central TV along with me. I am rehearsing with the music arrangement teacher in the studio now, but I''ve handed Chenchen over to AD Ha Qiqi. They''re over at the stage area."


    Zhang Ye eximed loudly: "Aiyo, how absent-minded could I get. I forgot it was Friday today. Thank you very much, Teacher Luo. Sorry to have troubled you."


    "It''s nothing, I wasing to Central TV anyway," Luo Yu said.


    "Then I''ll go look for the kid." Zhang Ye hurried up and headed to the main recording studio.


    ����


    At the recording studio.


    Dust filled the air.


    This ce was not much different from a construction site right now because Zhang Ye had requested that the stage and the audience seating undergo a major overhaul. Everyone was very busy with their tasks.


    Without any effort, Zhang Ye found Chenchen immediately. He saw the little kid standing in the middle of the crowded stage, waving her small arms around like Zhang Ye and taking charge of the current work.


    "Little Wang, why are you on your cell phone again?" Chenchen said in her childish voice.


    Little Wang almost cried at this. "Young ancestor, I was just looking at the news."


    Chenchen pointed to a ce nearby. "They''re moving those boxes over there. Go over and help them now."


    Little Wang said helplessly, "Alright."


    Chenchen swept her gaze around and found another person. She rudely addressed, "Wu Yi, go and take charge of the workers. They''re not doing anything at all."


    Wu Yi nced to the corner, and sure enough, there were a few workers lounging around and smoking. He immediately went over. "Stub out your cigarettes. Smoking is not allowed here!"


    But Chenchen still wasn''t done. She called to a youth, "Little Li."


    The youth rolled his eyes.


    Chenchen said, "Have you finishedpiling the statistics Zhang Ye told you to dost week?"


    That youth looked like he was both crying andughing. He replied, "I submitted it to Director Zhang on Monday."


    Chenchen nodded her head like a little adult. "OK, you''ve done well."


    A female editor in her thirties jokingly asked her," Little Leader, I havepleted all my tasks at hand. What should I do next?"


    Chen Chen said, "Nothing, you may have a ten minute rest."


    The female editor said, "That''s great, thank you Little Leader, hehe."


    During these past few days, Zhang Ye had been bringing Chenchen along to Central TV with him to work and she began to be well-acquainted with everyone on the program team. This little kid was really getting a kick out of being a leader, and from time to time, she would take charge and give some instruction. In the program team, Zhang Ye was known as the leader, while Chenchen was affectionately know as the "Little Leader."


    Zhang Ye walked up to her with a straight face.


    "Leader."


    "Director Zhang."


    "Teacher Zhang."


    The people who were nearby greeted him when they saw him.


    Noticing the situation, Chenchen also stopped ordering people around and slowly walked toward the audience seating. But before she could get away, Zhang Ye dragged her back.


    "You little imp!" Zhang Ye red and said, "Why are you making trouble around here again?"


    Chenchen argued with reason, "I was helping you supervise them."


    Zhang Ye said, "Who are you supervising? I''ve already warned you not to do so, yet here you are, getting a kick out of ordering people around, aren''t you? Go! Go into my office and do your homework there! I''ll take care of youter!"


    Chenchen smirked and walked away quite carefree.


    Zhang Ye barked at her as she walked off, "I''ll check on your homework in the afternoon, so you better do it well!"


    A female director standing off to the sideughed, "That kid is so cute."


    "Oh, you think so?" Zhang Ye was tickled. "Even she can be considered cute? She drives people nuts. You might not know, but I feel my head will explode at any time. That kid''s way of thinking and train of thought ispletely different from normal kids. You never know what she''s thinking."

 Chapter 657 The unsellable advertisements

    <h4>Chapter 657 The unseble advertisements </h4>


    Chapter 657 The unseble advertisements


    Countdown to broadcast: 20 days to the broadcast of The Voice of China.


    In the early morning, upon reaching his office, Zhang Ye did some calctions regarding the production timeline and felt that they were ahead of time, since all aspects of their preparation were already underway. In theing days, they could officially start the program''s recording. Except for an equipment order that had been dyed for a week or so, generally not much time was wasted and everything went ording to n. The construction of the stage was almostplete, the auditions held in other provinces were also wrapping up, while the contestants were busy rehearsing their performances and the coaches rehearsed their songs. The staff were also learning how to operate the new equipment. Everything was going smoothly. The only part with slow progress would probably be the case with the advertisers.


    Dong dong.


    There was a knock on his door.


    "Come in." Zhang Ye looked up.


    Little Wang pushed the door open and entered. "Director Zhang, they''re here."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged her and then stood up to wee them.


    Four people stepped in from outside. There were men and women in the group, ranging from their thirties to forties and dressed in suits and business attire. They were all advertisers'' representatives or executives, and hade to discuss the advertising rights fee. Because a consensus could not be reached previously, Zhang Ye made an appointment with them to discuss it again.


    "Teacher Zhang, we meet again."


    "Secretary Li, pleasee in."


    "Hello, Teacher Zhang."


    "Director Xu, have a seat."


    Zhang Ye invited the four of them to take seats and had Little Wang pour them some water. Then, he said to them, "We''re already counting down to the airing of the program. It''s only 20 days away. Since the recording will certainly be done several days in advance, we don''t have much time anymore. I urge every one of you to please reconsider."


    A woman from Plum Soy Milk Company said, "Your asking price is too high."


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "To be honest, it''s not an excessive asking price at all. An advertising rights fee of 3 million RMB is totally iparable to the 100 million title sponsorship from the Brain Goldpany. If we went by the usual ratio of the advertising rights fee to the title sponsorship fees, even if we asked for a 5 million RMB advertising rights fee, it would not be too much. But based on the market situation, we deliberately took a step back and lowered it by almost half of the original asking price. Moreover, our program allocates very good cement for our advertisers and will even repeatedly mention them immediately after we advertise for the title sponsors. For example, we promote our advertising partners in the host''s speech, after every advertisement break and also at the ending credits of the program, all of these are extremely good cements."


    The middle-aged man from Red & Blue Pharmaceuticals said, "Actually, a 100 million RMB title sponsorship fee is not reasonable at all as it is way beyond the industry standards, and is likely going to be a bubble. Let me say this, Teacher Zhang. For other simr singing talent shows in the industry, the title sponsorship for a program is only around 10 to 20 million, while the highest advertising rights fee is only around 1 million. Some programs would even settle for 700,000 to 800,000, yet here you are, asking for an excess of 3 million and that the price is non-negotiable. We will not ept such a price. My best offer stands at 1.5 million."


    Zhang Ye looked at him and said, "If you want topare us with the other programs, fine. We were able to invite Grandma Zhang Xia to join us, can the other programs do the same? We have the Chen Guang couple joining us as well, are the other programs able to do that? We even have the Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi on board, what about the other programs? I''m not saying all this just for showing off. What I''m trying to say is we have spent a lot of money to invite four big shot coaches to join us, so we also have pressure on our expenditure. The four coaches are able to bring in a great deal of publicity and viewership ratings, so the advertising effects will be much greater. That is why our asking price for the advertising fee is also higherpared to the other programs."


    Another executive, this time from Heehee Dairy Industry, said, "It''s exactly because of this reason that we were willing to increase our offer. Teacher Zhang, let me tell you this, no matter how much the otherpanies offer, the highest Heehee Dairy Industry is willing to offer stands at 1.8 million RMB. I have already drawn up the contract, so if you feel it''s fine, we can sign the contract immediately."


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "No way."


    The women from Plum Soy Milk Company said, "Teacher Zhang, I heard that your program only managed to secure one advertiser tomit to the advertising rights. If you still insist on 3 million RMB and not lower it, it will be very difficult to sell the rights. In the end, it will just be a waste of resources and you will incur the losses."


    The executive for Heehee Dairy Industry followed up, "If you insist on 3 million RMB, we certainly won''t buy it. There isn''t any otherpany that has the resources or desire to buy the first-tier advertising rights from you anyway. At most, they can only afford the second or third tier of ads. Thus, if some of the slots for the first tier ads are left empty, won''t that be a waste? If it can be lowered to 2 million RMB or less, your program will immediately get arge amount of advertising fees injected, but if you insist on adhering to such an unreasonable price of 3 million, it will be difficult for us to continue the discussion. In the end, your program will miss out on nearly 10 million RMB of first-tier advertising rights fees for nothing. Is that worth it?"


    The other advertisers were also thinking the same. They were waiting for The Voice''s program team to cave in first and lower the asking price themselves. Otherwise, without too many days left until the program started its broadcast, even if the team wanted to sell the rights then, they couldn''t do so and would end up as the biggest losers.


    However, Zhang Ye did not see it that way. These people were seemingly right, but were in fact just bullshitting. "I''ll stick to what I''ve said. The minimum price I can ept is 3 million. Our production costs are clear for all of you to see as well."


    The executive of Heehee Dairy Industry frowned. "Let''s go back to the basic points and talk from there. The Voice has yet to start its broadcast, so no one knows how the viewership performance will be. Besides, from the evaluation of the public and media, it doesn''t seem too optimistic. By purchasing the advertising rights, we are also taking a risk here with our expenditure."


    "Teacher Zhang, I''ll take another step back, how about 2 million?"


    "Alright, the highest offer we can make is 2 million. I''ll discuss with thepany about this. They somewhat should be able to ept it."


    At this moment, the two people who did not say much finally opened their mouths.


    Actually, the few of them had alreadymunicated beforehand and discussed how they would handle this meeting. Actually, what Zhang Ye said was right. The Voice was the first variety program with a production cost of more than 100 million RMB in the industry. With the inclusion of Zhang Yuanqi, Chen Guang, and other big-time coaches, it could said that this was a really unprecedented setup. Even if many people and industry insiders were not feeling optimistic about it, they were still willing to purchase The Voice''s advertising rights. Because of this, they were able to ept double of the industry''s average price of 1 million, offering the highest at 2 million RMB. However, they could not ept a price that was three times the industry average.


    The four of them looked at Zhang Ye and waited for him to back down.


    Zhang Ye also looked at them, then picked up the desk phone and spoke on the inte to the outside office, "Hello, Little Wang,e to my office for a moment. Yes, right now."


    Dong dong.


    Little Wang knocked on the door and entered his office. "Director Zhang."


    Zhang Ye bluntly said, "Please help me escort our guests out."


    The four of them were stunned. Escort us out?


    Little Wang was taken aback, but then looked at the four of them and stated, "Everyone, this way, please."


    One of them said, "I advise you to reconsider."


    Another person said, "No one will buy it for three million RMB!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Please leave. Our fees are all clearly priced. Even if no one purchases them, we will stick to this price."


    "Then forget it."


    "Goodbye!"


    "Goodbye!"


    When the four of them left, they felt a tinge of anger. How could you be so arrogant? For a lousy program like that, you might not even get 0.5% viewership ratings, so what makes you think that your advertising rights fee is worth 3 million RMB? Only an idiot would buy it! Just wait and perish together with the ads at your own hands! When that timees, you will be the ones making a huge loss!


    After they have left, Zhang Ye called Zhang Zuo and Ha Qiqi over. As the tasks they were responsible for werergely progressing well, they had managed to free up a lot of the time for themselves.


    "Director Zhang, you were looking for us?" Zhang Zuo asked.


    Ha Qiqi blinked. "I saw the advertisers leaving? Did we get more advertising fees already?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "No, we didn''t manage to seal the deal. They couldn''t ept the price of the first-tier advertising rights fee and are not interested in the second- and third-tier ads."


    Ha Qiqi wondered, "We didn''t lower our asking price? It''s still three million?"


    Zhang Ye retorted, "Why should we lower our price?"


    Ha Qiqi: "��"


    Zhang Ye said, "For any future advertising contracts, the two of you will assist me in handling and discussing with any advertisersing to talk about the advertising rights fee. The price of the first-tier advertising fee will be 3 million yuan and not a yuan less. We''ll discuss with this price in mind, so if they don''t ept it, so be it." Right now, he was exasperated by these advertisers and could not be be bothered to talk with them any further. As such, he simply delegated this matter to Zhang Zuo and Ha Qiqi to handle.


    Ha Qiqi said, "To my knowledge, if we don''t lower the price, it could be extremely difficult to sell. After all, the industry average for advertising fees��If they remained unsold, then our losses will��"


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s not that I don''t want to sell the rights or lower the prices, but rather that they simply can''t be reduced at all. We have already sold one of the first-tier advertising rights before this, and there''s also the 100 million title sponsorship fee from Brain Goldpany. If we reduce the fees for the otherpanies, how will thepany that purchased the advertising rights from us think? How will Brain Gold who had supported us in our most difficult times think of it? They had given us assistance when we were down but we are going to treat them like suckers?"


    Zhang Zuo nodded. "That''s very true."


    Ha Qiqi sighed, "But, if the ads are left empty, the losses we will incur��"


    Zhang Ye said, "We''ll only lose two ads at most, so this is not a big deal at all. Moreover, I will tell you this. The ones who will suffer the loss is not us, it will be those fourpanies that''ll regretter on. However, this is something that will only be revealed at ater time."

 Chapter 658: The broadcast of the program moved up ahead of time!

    <h4>Chapter 658: The broadcast of the program moved up ahead of time! </h4>


    Chapter 658: The broadcast of the program moved up ahead of time!


    On the same morning.


    One after another, several people tried persuading Zhang Ye.


    The first person to approach Zhang Ye was a staff member from a rted department who was probably responsible for advertising sponsorship in Central TV. He said, "Little Zhang, your asking price for the advertising fee has a serious problem and deviates far beyond what the market can bear. Many people have alreadye to us to reflect on the situation. Although the advertising sponsorship for your program is handled by you guys in the program team and not my department''s responsibility, I still have to advise you. If those advertisers were already willing to settle for a higher than average amount, what more do you want? Right? Let''s just secure those sponsorships first. It''s better than ending up with nothing."


    "No way."


    "Little Zhang!"


    "The price is already fixed."


    "You! Why can''t you be more flexible? Besides, even if your program team is notcking any money, Central TV Department 1cks it."


    "The Voice will certainly make money but the way to make money is not just limited to the sales of a few advertising rights. That is only a small amount of money while the big bucks will be earned in the future. If we make those previous advertisers who have already signed with us feel disappointed because of this small amount of money, then we will lose our reputation and a lot of chances at money. Wouldn''t that end up making us lose more than we gain?"


    "Please give it some consideration."


    "There''s no need to consider it further, Chief Zhou. Please return."


    One after another, people came to persuade Zhang Ye. Nobody knew who told them toe. Maybe it was Central TV Department 1''s Deputy Director Jiang Yuan? Or the other leaders from Central TV Department 1? Could it even be the station head of Central TV?


    Finally, the executive producer of the program team, Fu Sihong also came to Zhang Ye''s office. He pushed the door open and entered. "Little Zhang, the boss of Heehee Dairy Industry has worked with Central TV before. I also know him personally. Why don''t you just reduce the asking price to 2 million and sell them the advertising rights they want. As for the otherpany that have already signed, they won''t know our agreed upon price with the otherpanies. We can keep the information confidential within our internal department and the details of the contract won''t be made public. If that doesn''t work, we can also give them a slightpensation, by cing thatpany which spent 3 million ahead of the otherpanies or handle it some other way."


    Zhang Ye retorted, "Just a slight difference with the appearance order and it can have a difference of a third of the advertising fee?"


    Fu Sihong said, "Let me tell you this, every program does it like that. It''s not possible that every advertiser will buy an advertising spot for the same price. There are definitely going to be some fluctuations."


    Zhang Ye replied, "I don''t care how others do it, I only care about what I do. Since I have already set a uniform asking fee for everyone, then that is the fixed price."


    "Little Zhang!" Fu Sihong became slightly angry.


    Zhang Ye gave a wave of his hand. "Don''t say any more, Brother Fu. I will not agree with this way of handling the issue."


    In the end, even Fu Sihong was rejected as he left with a ckened face!


    Fu Sihong was just the executive producer of The Voice in name and was sent by Central TV Department 1 to supervise this program and had very high authority. If Zhang Ye was still the neer at the beginning, it would be uncertain who would be the final decision maker for the asking price of the advertising rights fee. After all Zhang Ye was still a neer when it came to Central TV.


    But in all these days of the pre-production work for The Voice, from the program nning to the setting up of the stage to the invitation of the coaches to the securing of the title sponsor and even to the picking of contestants, all of these were handled by Zhang Ye alone. Fu Sihong did not even help much and could not be seen around at the program team office either. Perhaps he had other, more important work at the other departments, but because of that, faced with the current advertising rights fee issue, it could be said that Zhang Ye was already in full control of the situation. Of course he did not need to give in to anyone over this. Regarding how the pricing was set or what rules to enforce, he had the final say. As this was a program he had poured his blood and sweat into to create, people who were outsiders or did not help out much in the production usually, even disappearing when they were facing difficult times, were not going to have any influence over the decisions. Now that they heard that there was a lot of money involved, did they think they could juste here and dictate right and wrong?


    Bullshit!


    They only knew how to make trouble!


    Zhang Ye was not in the mood to argue over such pointless issues with them. To be honest, he was not concerned about such a small amount of money. To him, if he had the time, he would rather go out onto the streets to canvas for some contestants with nice voices than waste time arguing with Fu Sihong over those advertisers. To get some peace, he decided it would be better for him to go downstairs to the recording studio. After supervising the work for a while, he found a quiet ce to write down delegations for the next tasks. For example, the temte of the recording for the contestants'' video clips and The Voice''s program logo, etc.


    Some of the tasks progressed smoothly.


    On the matter of the advertising rights fee, it was really just a small bump and essentially harmless.


    But then, just when everyone in The Voice''s program team was busily making preparations for the program to be broadcast 20 dayster, bad news arrived without any warning!


    Zhang Ye was the first person in the program team to learn of the news!


    Then, one after another, Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, Wu Yi, Little Wang, and the rest also received this stunning notice: The Voice''s broadcast schedule was going to be moved up ahead of time! The new time for broadcast had been set for next Thursday!


    Upon hearing that, everyone was dumbfounded!


    By next Thursday??


    Our studio''syout has not even been fullypleted yet!


    ����


    At a floor of Central TV Department 1''s offices.


    In the deputy director''s office.


    Zhang Ye was a little shocked. "Director Jiang, what''s the meaning of all this?"


    Jiang Yuan was looking very depressed as this matter had also caught him off guard. "Can you start the recording of the program by this week? We must broadcast the program on time by next Thursday."


    Zhang Ye didn''t know what to say but still replied, "When I took over this program, the production time was set for one and half months to around two months. But now, after only half a month, you''re telling me we have to start broadcasting? If it was brought forward by three days, I wouldn''t have said anything. If it was a week, I would also ept it. But moving it forward by nearly a month? We haven''t even finish preparing much yet, so how are we going to be able to broadcast anything?"


    Jiang Yuan said, "We''ve also just received the news. The program you were supposed to rece still had about a month before they would finish initially. Counting everything, there were still going to be four or five episodes of recording for that program and the n was for you guys to take over the slot when their program ended. But right now, there are some problems that have surfaced. The host of that program, Zhao Yuzhuang, has had something happen in his private life. You will understand once you check the inte, but for now, Central TV has decided to temporarily suspend him and take him off television for at least a year."


    News?


    Private life?


    Zhang Ye took out his cell phone and browsed through several pages before he found it. A selfie showed a woman dressed in a bathrobe andying in bed. Beside her, Central TV host Zhao Yuzhuang was sound asleep and did not know anything about his picture being taken. His lower body was covered with a nket but his upper body was naked and the woman was obviously not Zhao Yuzhuang''s wife. Zhang Ye immediately understood. Although these photos could not fully depict what was going on and could have been real or a setup, but as a host of Central TV, with such unmorous pictures exposed in the media, there would usually be adverse effects. If it were other television stations, they might have tolerated this, but Central TV was definitely less forgiving. No matter how much money a host earned or how high their viewership ratings were, it was all secondary in Central TV. What Central TV emphasized most was political effects.


    Zhang Ye put down his cell phone. "Can you schedule another program to fill the vacancy?"


    "There''s no other choice." Jiang Yuan said, "Recently in Department 1, only The Voice is ted to rece another program''s time slot, so there''s no one else who can take over. It will be toote even if we made ast-minute effort to produce a program to try to gloss over this situation!"


    Zhang Ye said, "But we also can''t make it in time!"


    Well-meaning, Jiang Yuan said, "You all have already been preparing for half a month now and I know that time is very tight. I also know that no one has ever managed to prepare and produce such arge-scale singing talent show in half a month, but there is no other choice. Whether the program is fully prepared or half prepared, even if it has an iplete stage or no contestants, we have no choice but to put it out and give it a try!"


    "The time is too tight. Our stage, the contestants'' rehearsals, the video clips, the program''s publicity shorts, and a series of other things all aren''tpleted yet." Zhang Ye said.


    Half a month?


    Even a month''s time was insufficient!


    Like The Voice from Zhang Ye''s previous world, from the preparations to production to finally getting broadcast, all of that would take about 6 months or even longer. Zhang Ye had directly pulled The Voice in its entirety from his previous world and that helped him save the time for nning and conceptualization and allowed him to speed up the production timeline for the program. But that was as far as it went, since the time needed for stage setup, production of the publicity shorts, and selection of contestants couldn''t be skimped on at all! There was no way it could be saved!


    Jiang Yuan said, "I know all about your difficulties, but this is the situation we''re in right now, so no matter what, you all have to do it. Little Zhang, what others can''t do, I believe you can. You are a legend in the industry and anyone would give you the thumbs up if you get mentioned. You certainly can do it! I have faith in you and confidence in your team!"


    Whoa! Don''t try to suck up to me when there''s a situation like this.


    Previously, didn''t you mention that my temper was bad? Yet you''re now giving me the thumbs up?


    Zhang Ye repeatedly emphasized, "It''s too difficult, this is too difficult!"


    Jiang Yuan stared at him and said, "Right now, all the station and I want is one word from you. Can The Voice''s program team fill the vacancy?"


    Zhang Ye kept quiet.


    Jiang Yuan said, "We will provide anything you need, including equipment, manpower, even Central TV Department 1''s and other channels'' resources. As long as you ask, I will help you to get it even if it means that I have to plead with the others! Oh right, about the advertising resources that we previously allocated 75 seconds of free publicity airtime to you all, after the meeting regarding Zhao Yuzhuang just now, the station also mentioned that if necessary, we can still allocate another 75 seconds of airtime to you all aspensation. You don''t need to worry about where we will get this advertising airtime from; we''ll arrange it for you. You only need to submit the publicity clips and give us a time and date for when you want them to be aired. What do you think?"


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    Jiang Yuan said, "Regarding the station''s request for your program''s viewership ratings, they are also willing to lower their expectations. So long as it hits 0.7%, that will be enough. When we broadcast a hastily made production, we understand that the viewership ratings will certainly be affected as well. We have already considered such situations knowing that we have no choice but to rush it out for broadcast!"


    Zhang Ye realized that Central TV had no other way out. They couldn''t even give his team another day for preparations. No one could have expected such a situation to happen all of a sudden, so matter how he considered what was happening, there really wasn''t anything Zhang Ye could say to this, could he? He could only clench his teeth and agree, "OK, but I can only say that I will try my best!"


    However, Jiang Yuan said, "I don''t want to hear that, what I want to hear is a firm answer. Can you do it or not?"


    Zhang Ye contemted for a long time before finallymitting. "��Yes!"


    Although he hesitated for a long time, the moment he said "yes," he did so with determination!


    Jiang Yuan said loudly, "Good, that was what I wanted to hear from you!"


    When he left Jiang Yuan''s office, Zhang Ye knew that this truly was an unforeseen disaster. The preparations were making good progress and all aspects of the production were going smoothly as well, but somehow, an incident like this happened. But Zhang Ye was not nning to give up yet, otherwise he would not have agreed. Since he agreed, he would certainly have to do it!


    By next Thursday?


    Only six days left?


    Zhang Ye was counting the time he had left, going through every detail in his mind and thinking which part of the production could be sped up or which tasks would need more manpower and overtime.


    As for cutting corners?


    Zhang Ye never even gave this a thought!


    The Voice must never have any "discounts"��this was Zhang Ye''s principle and also his bottom line!

 Chapter 659 A bold decision!

    <h4>Chapter 659 A bold decision! </h4>


    Chapter 659 A bold decision!


    At another ce.


    In the program team office of The Voice.


    Executive Producer Fu Sihong was not around but everyone else had already returned to the office from the main recording studio. Without definitive knowledge of the current situation, some were anxious, some were angry and some were feeling depressed. Everyone was talking about the news they heard about from the station as they waited for Zhang Ye to return from the leader''s office.


    "Is the rumor true?"


    "I''m afraid it is!"


    "Yeah, the news has already reported on it. Old Zhao''s photos have also been released."


    "So what are we going to do now? How are we supposed to handle this!"


    "It''s impossible to bring the broadcast up to next Thursday!"


    "Yeah, we won''t even be able to get it ready in time for broadcast in two weeks, let alone next week!"


    "Ai, Director Zhang is back, he''s back!"


    With that heads up, everyone did not wait for Zhang Ye to step into the office and headed straight for the door instead, surrounding Zhang Ye as he was about toe into the office.


    Ha Qiqi anxiously asked, "Director Zhang, what did the leader say?"


    Zhang Zuo, who was sweating in anxiety, asked, "They can''t really be asking us to rush the broadcast out by next week, can they?"


    "Director Zhang, you have to speak with the leader." Little Wang was also getting very anxious.


    Zhang Ye looked at everyone. "Let me go inside first. And close the door, we''ll discuss this among ourselves."


    Outside, there were already quite a number of staff from the other program teams of Central TV Department 1 looking at them, clearly having heard about the news of The Voice being brought forward for an early broadcast.


    Inside.


    The office door closed.


    Zhang Ye caught his breath before telling everyone, "I''ve just returned from Director Jiang''s office. The station''s meaning is for us to bring our broadcast forward to next Thursday and they have already decided. There''s no chance of changing their decision at all, but there''s a reason for this of course. Right now, we''re the only ones who can fill the slot. We have no choice other than to do as we''re told!"


    ''Ha Qiqi said, "But��"


    Zhang Ye interrupted, "The station will alsopensate us with an additional 75 seconds of promotional airtime, together with additional personnel to make up for the manpower our teamcks. We will also get a free pass to do anything we want and everything will be given the green light, giving us the advantage of convenience now. I understand that everyone is quite opposed to this, me included. I also wish that they would give us another month or two to work on this program that we have been preparing for half a month to perfection, but there''s no one or two months anymore. Right now, time is not on our side and the circumstances are ced before us, so no matter how opposed to it we are, it won''t help the situation at all!"


    Everyone was silent. Ai, yes, the situation has been set in stone, so what else could they do about it? Could they possibly refuse to adhere to the orders? That was surely out of the question!


    Zhang Ye said, "Just now, I expressed my stand to the boss. Regarding this situation and the mission we''ve been given, we mustplete it. Not only that, we must alsoplete it beautifully! Doesn''t everyone else think we can''t do it? Then we must surely do it to prove to them what we''re capable of! Show them the fighting spirit of The Voice''s program team!"


    Zhang Zuo asked, "But how should we do it?"


    Wu Yi said, "There''s definitely no enough time."


    Zhang Ye spat out two words, "��Work overtime!"


    Everyone looked at each other.


    Only to hear Zhang Ye add, "I will take the lead on this. From today until next Thursday, I will live in the office. No matter what happens on set, I will be the first to get there to give instructions. I will also share a load of the work that everyone of you have on hand, so please look for me at any time!"


    Ah?


    You want to live here? For six days?


    Everyone was stunned.


    Seeing this, Ha Qiqi also bit the bullet and expressed her stand as well. If the executive director was willing to go this far, then what reason did she have to to grumble? She said, "Since Director Zhang has already put it this way, then I have no reason to not fight alongside with him. I don''t know whether the program will be produced and made ready for broadcast on time, but at least I''ll know that I tried my best to make it work. Since I don''t have much to do at home for the next few days, I don''t mind going homete. I wille to the office early and work until 11 PM at night. Other than sleep, I will be spending most my time in the office! Everyone, let''s do this together!"


    Seeing the situation, Zhang Zuo also said, "I have no problems with that, even if I have to work till midnight, I should be able to take it."


    Little Wang said, "I��I can work until 9 PM."


    Wu Yi said, "I am fine with working until 11 PM!"


    A female editor said, "I won''t be able to work overtime at night, but I cane in early at 5 AM every day. It''s only for six days anyway, so let''s do this!"


    "Count me in!"


    "And me too!"


    "Me three! It''s just overtime anyway!"


    "We''ve already poured so much sweat and blood into this program, we can''t just let it go to waste like that!"


    "Right, it''s not like we''ve never worked overtime before in the past. Let''s do it!"


    With someone leading the way, everyone responded!


    Seeing that, Zhang Ye felt very pleased. He said, "Thank you, everyone. I promise all of you that our efforts will not go to waste. When the program starts broadcasting, the market and the audience will certainly give us their approval. Our difficult situation now is thest hurdle as we sprint towards sess; it''s the final obstacle between us and the fruits of victory. As soon as we can get over it, victory will belong to us! By that time, the harvest we''ll reap and our growth of experience will definitely be many more times than before! But right now, we need to finish this task that looks insurmountable to everyone else! We mustn''t lose faith before we even begin giving our all!"


    "Right!"


    "Director Zhang is correct! We will surely get it done!"


    "That''s right! Who says that we won''t be able to do it?"


    "We have Director Zhang leading us! So we''ll surely be able to create a miracle!"


    "Well said!"


    Everyone responded loudly in turn, their morale boosted by Zhang Ye''s words!


    Zhang Ye did not let up and said, "Beginning now, I will start with the stage setup job. Sister Qi, you''ll have to arrange for the clips of the contestants to be recorded today. Shoot a few more angles and interviews, especially for those seeded contestants. Keep me updated on this as we go along. I will also be following up with you on the progress and helping out as necessary. The deadline for that will be two dayster. As for the contestants, I want to go through every one of them once more. If there''s not enough manpower, tell me. Let me know what people and how many you need, then I will go and request them from the station!"


    Ha Qiqi replied immediately, "Understood!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Brother Zhang."


    Zhang Zuo said, "Please give me your instructions."


    Zhang Ye looked at him and said, "We cannot afford to dy anymore on the stage construction. Get them to work on it through the night. Give the workers more money, but I want it done before Monday! The equipment testing also has to bepleted before Tuesday!"


    Zhang Zuo drew in a deep breath. "The stage can be finished if we work overtime on it, but for the equipment, as they are all the highest end avable in the industry and many of our staff are using it for just the first time, we''re still learning about it. There''s even two sets of equipment that we have not finished adjusting and are getting outside advice on how to deal with them. Regarding that, I really am unable to do much or guarantee anything. If it''s fast, maybe we need just three to four days, but if there''s a dy, it might even take up to a week without getting fixed, that��"


    Zhang Ye said, "I want it settled Wednesday by thetest!"


    When Ha Qiqi heard that, she asked in surprise, "Then when will we start studio recording? The broadcast is ted for Thursday night, don''t you know!"


    Everyone did not expect that Zhang Ye would push for everything to be ready by Wednesday, because then, how would the studio recording be done?


    Actually, Zhang Ye had already thought of it. This was also one of the boldest decisions he had ever made. To give them all the longest duration to finish with their preparation work, he surprised everyone when he exined, "The program��we will record it on Thursday itself! We will finish the recording before 6 PM, then edit and do the post production, adding captions and getting it approved. Then at 9 PM sharp, we will go ahead with our broadcast! We can definitely meet that deadline!"


    That caused an uproar!


    Record it on the day of?


    Broadcasting almost immediately after recording?


    That was way too hasty. If they did it that way, then wasn''t it basically no different from a live broadcast? What if a situation urred during the recording? What if a problem happened during the editing and post-production stage? If anything even went wrong at any stage, they would not be able to meet the evening deadline for the broadcast! This was as good as tempting fate!


    At this moment, they all knew just how bold Zhang Ye could get!


    Everyone was at a loss of words at this, yet they had no choice but to admit that having been forced into a corner, if they wanted to rush the program out for broadcast, this was the only way left!

 Chapter 660 Blue-collar worker Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 660 Blue-cor worker Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 660 Blue-cor worker Zhang Ye!


    At night.


    Around 9 PM.


    Other than those working overtime or those doing night recording, everyone in the television tower had already gone home. The offices on the different floors had already turned off their lights, as more than half of the tower was empty. However, The Voice''s program team office and recording studio were still brightly lighted, with many people streaming in and out. There were sounds of construction and equipment being moved, while some people were also discussing work with urgency. There were even the loud shouts of some managers, repeating their orders to the workers.


    "Put that here."


    "OK, Sister Qi!"


    "Over there, hurry up!"


    "We have to get the lights installed before 11 PM!"


    "Director Zhang, we will definitely get the lights up before tomorrow afterno��"


    "We still have other tasks to handle tomorrow afternoon. If we can save some time here today, we must do so. I want it done by 11 PM at thetest. At 11 PM, I wille and check the results!"


    "OK, we''ll try our best!"


    "It''s hard on you all, I know that. After we''re done with tonight''s tasks, supper''s on me!"


    At this moment, a female editor came over looking very tired. She waved her cell phone at Zhang Ye and said, "Director Zhang, um��my husband is nagging at me again, so for today��?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Go home quickly then."


    The female editor said, "OK, I will be here early tomorrow!"


    "Be careful going back," Zhang Ye said with concern.


    The female editor turned around and saw Little Chenchen sitting sleepily in the audience seating in the recording studio and said to Zhang Ye, "I drove here today, why don''t I help you send Chenchen back?"


    Only then did Zhang Ye remember Chenchen. "Oh. It won''t inconvenience you?"


    "It''s fine," The female editor replied.


    So Zhang Ye asked Chenchen, "Shall I get Auntie Yi to send you home?"


    Chenchen looked at him. "Are you going back too?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I can''t leave yet. I have to live here in the office for the next few days."


    Chenchen grunted. "Then I will also stay."


    Zhang Ye said, "What are you saying? There''s no suitable ce here for you to sleep at all. I''ll get someone to take you back. If you''re afraid of being at home alone, why don''t I call my parents and inform them? You can go over to stay for today or I can get them to take care of you for the next two days."


    Chenchen did not say a word.


    "Chenchen, I''m talking to you," Zhang Ye said.


    Chenchen ignored him and continued doing her own thing.


    Zhang Ye was helpless at this and could only say to the female editor, "You go home first. Since she doesn''t want to leave, I''ll have to let her stay here with me. There''s no other way around it."


    The female editor suggested, "There''s a big sofa behind the makeup and rest area. There are also pillows and nkets upstairs. Although the conditions are not too good, it''s still fine to sleep in."


    "OK, thanks," Zhang Ye said.


    Turning around, Zhang Ye reverted his attention back to his work. Not only was he taking control of the overall situation by giving out instructions to everyone, he also involved himself in the details of the tasks. He was helping out wherever he could, even to the point of climbing up thedder to handle the lighting setup. He was even oblivious to the fact that he had dirtied himself from head to toe while doing so.


    When an executive director like Zhang Ye got down to this state, seeing this, the workers also spared no effort and put more strength into their work. No onezed around and some of the workers who had initially intended to leave at 10 PM did not feel it was right to simply leave now. They just held back their tiredness and worked on. If the leader did notin about being tired, how could they have anything toin about?


    At around 10:30 PM.


    Chenchen could not stay awake any longer. Her eyelids drooped down heavily as her body swayed left and right as she walked toward Zhang Ye''s side. "Zhang Ye, I''m sleepy, take me to bed."


    Zhang Ye did not even turn around. "Little Zhao, help me bring Chenchen to the rest area."


    "Ai,ing!" Little Zhao set down what he was working on and hurried over. He said kindly, "Chenchen, let''s go."


    Chenchen nced at Little Zhao and thenid her eyes back on Zhang Ye and pushed him on the back. "Zhang Ye, you take me, you have to sleep too."


    Zhang Ye said, "How can I sleep? It''s almost the deadline and I''m already nning to work continuously for the next few days. Just be good and let Uncle Little Zhao get you a nket, then go to sleep."


    Chenchen yelled, "Zhang Ye, Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye ignored her as the installed lighting seemed to have a problem. He rushed up and asked, What happened? Wasn''t it checked before the instation was done?"


    Chenchen got angry.


    Little Zhao looked at her and said, "There have been some changes recently and Director Zhang is the most anxious out of everyone on the program team. He''s has the most pressure on him and all he is thinking of now is how to get The Voice broadcast smoothly without any incident. So why don''t we not give Director Zhang any trouble, otherwise he''ll be even more tired."


    Though he was unsure if Chenchen understood that, she still slowly walked away with Little Zhao. Just before she left the recording studio, she turned her head suddenly and said loudly, "Zhang Ye, youe and sleep soon as well."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Alright, alright."


    Only then did Chenchen finally leave the recording studio.


    However, once he became busy again, he worked until 12 AM.


    After they ordered and finished their supper, all the workers left. More than half of the staff also returned home. Only three to five members of the program team staff stayed with Zhang Ye to continue working. They were all the younger male staff members and physically fitter, while another female staff member did not want to leave either, saying that she wanted to stay and continue working. However, seeing that it was already veryte, he still made her go back, thinking that it wouldn''t be safe if she went back anyter than that.


    "Director Zhang, let''s continue."


    "Can you all still take it?"


    "Yes!"


    "I can still take it!"


    "I''m fine too, I don''t usually sleep until muchter than this."


    "OK, we only have a little more to finish up for today''s tasks. Let''s get it done quickly so that you all can go home and rest well."


    Another round of work began once more for them.


    Moreover, the effort needed to work after midnight was much greaterpared to normal working hours in the daytime. Even though the workload was more or less the same, during daytime they were in a better state of mind and had plenty of rest beforehand, so they could easilyplete their tasks. However, after midnight, they were in an entirely different state of mind and fatigued after working more than 10 hours. Coupled with the feeling of sleepiness, their efficiency rapidly declined as well. They only managed to stay awake with great perseverance and physical strength!


    Ten minutes!


    Half an hour!


    Suddenly, a small figure appeared from the rear, swaying unsteadily and walking toward them. It was Chenchen. She was wrapped in a thin nket and found Zhang Ye in her half-asleep state. Her eyes could barely stay open and it was only through the slits of her eyes that she saw him. She then plopped herself heavily onto the coach''s chair closest to her. She adjusted herself in the seat a little and covered herself with the nket before dozing off again, breathing quietly through her mouth.


    Zhang Ye did not notice her.


    But a few of the staff members discovered her in the chair a momentter.


    "Uhh."


    "Director Zhang, Chenchen is here."


    Zhang Ye turned his head around and saw her. "Huh, why did youe out here? The ce is such a mess and you''re sleeping here? Hurry up and go back into the rest area to sleep."


    Chenchen was woken by this and opened her eyes, only to nce at him for a moment before shutting them and falling back asleep.


    Zhang Ye quickly went over and tugged at her. "Go, go, go. Be good and listen. If you''re disobedient, I will get angry."


    Chencheny sprawled out on the chair and mumbled a few sleepy words. But as to what she was saying, no one could make out a word.


    Zhang Ye was left with no choice and could only tell the staff, "I guess that''s it for today. We''re almost done anyway, thank you for the hard work. Now go back home and sleep well."


    "All-alright then."


    "Then we''ll be going."


    "Director Zhang, you rest early too."


    The several of them were indeed feeling dead tired and knew that it was time for them to go home as well.


    Zhang Ye poked Chenchen. "Come, let''s go to sleep."


    Chenchen whined but did not move.


    Zhang Ye could only helplessly bend over to pick her up. A child seven or eight years old was already considered somewhat heavy. Zhang Ye could not single-handedly carry her like thendy did and could only hold her with two hands, carrying her to the rest area and putting her back onto the big sofa.


    "Go to sleep," Zhang Ye whispered.


    Without needing him to say so, Chenchen was already fast asleep.


    Zhang Ye pulled the nket over her but did not leave. He knew that Chenchen could not sleep well if she was alone and needed someone beside her. He was afraid that if Chenchen didn''t fall into a deep sleep, she would go out looking for him again. So heid down beside her and closed his eyes for a nap, but not fully falling asleep. After about 20 minutes, he sat up and studied Chenchen before carefully getting off the sofa and returning to the recording studio to work.


    Come.


    It''s time to continue!


    He was the only person left in the huge recording studio, so Zhang Ye went over to the control room to test out some of the equipment he had knowledge on, for instance the hanging ceiling microphones he had requested. Then, item by item, he finally got to testing the lighting rig, tinkering with the movement controls. Next, he began to fiddle around on theputer and printed several hundred audience admission passes as well as making the contestant passes. Then he created a short publicity video exining thepetition''s rules for the program. Due to his experience from making advertisements, such tasks were not difficult at all for him and he could do it by himself even if no one was helping him, although it took much more time doing it alone. On top of that, he also did the voice-over for the video exining thepetition''s rules.


    Time was ticking away.


    Zhang Ye was so absorbed in his work that he had long since forgotten all about the time. He now regarded himself as a blue-cor worker and ordered himself around as such. Titles of program executive director or famous host were all useless at this point in time. All he wanted to do right now was ensure that the quality of The Voice would still be retained even if he had to rush it out before the deadline. Other than that, everything else was pointless and in vain!


    He went all out!


    It was a race against time!

 Chapter 661 What do you do when you catch a cold?

    <h4>Chapter 661 What do you do when you catch a cold? </h4>


    Chapter 661 What do you do when you catch a cold?


    The next morning.


    The sun rose.


    It was not the time for most Central TV staff members to start working yet, however seven or eight people had already arrived at the of outside the TV station tower. They did not go upstairs. They instead headed to the basement recording studio.


    "Sister Qi, you''re this early?"


    "Little Sun, you''re here too?"


    "Yeah, I left early yesterday and so decided toe earlier today. Seeing Director Zhang and the others work so hard, I felt quite bad that I went back home to sleep yesterday."


    "Achoo!"


    "Yo, Sister Qi, you caught a cold?"


    "Probably caught it yesterday."


    "Me too, I have a cold as well because I didn''t sleep well."


    As they were talking, they made their way to the recording studio of The Voice.


    But the moment they stepped in, every one of them were shocked by what they saw. The ce was brightly lighted with many of the spotlights switched on. The stage also appeared quite different from when they had left yesterday. A lot of the lighting equipment had already been installed and the area was cleaned up too, except for some construction waste that was left at the corner. The entire recording studio looked very clean and orderly. There were also some newly made admission passes ced on the audience seats, though they were not ced in stic holders with anyard attached yet. But it was as good as done!


    This progress was too fast!


    This change had left them a little unable to react to it!


    But what surprised them most was that the recording studio was not empty. Someone was still working busily��Executive Director Zhang Ye!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang."


    Only then did Zhang Ye, who was still busily doing some work on theputer, react and raise his head. When he saw them, he asked in surprise, "Ah, why are you all here so early? Did you all sleep?"


    Ha Qiqi who had caught a cold said in a nasally voice, "How is this still early? The sun has already risen outside!"


    "Ah? Is that so?" Zhang Ye looked at his watch and realized that it was already 6 AM. As they were in the basement, there were no windows, so after working for the entire night, he had lost track of time.


    An editor said, "Did you��?"


    Little Sun said, "Did you not sleep the entire night?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I rested my eyes for a while, so it''s fine." Then he called them over and said, "You all came at the right time. I''m working on the publicity video right now and need some help. Let''s make the most of today and get it all done."


    Ha Qiqi ran up to him. "Quickly rest for a bit first and leave the rest to us!"


    Zhang Ye did not argue with that. He really was unable to endure any much longer, so he said, "Alright. If there''s anything, call me. I will be in the back, at the makeup area."


    "OK, OK, OK."


    "Quickly rest then."


    After everyone began working on their tasks, Zhang Ye was finally able to leave and rest.


    When Zhang Ye went backstage, he found Chenchen still sleeping soundly. He pulled the nket back over her and thenid down on an adjacent sofa. He found a shirt to use as his nket and pulled it over himself before falling asleep almost immediately.


    One hour.


    Two hours.


    After a little more than two hours of sleep, Zhang Ye woke naturally without an rm. He looked at his watch and got up to go back to the recording studio, showing the "ironman" side of him once more by continuing to direct the work environment.


    "Director Zhang, why aren''t you sleeping more?"


    "I''ve slept enough."


    "But it''s only been a short while."


    "No problem, two hours of sleep is good enough. I have to continue with work."


    "But��!"


    "Little Wang, give me the details that I requested."


    "��Fine."


    A new day had dawned, meaning that the deadline to broadcast was closer by another day. T-minus 5 days!


    Actually, at this time, it was supposed to be the period when they all went full speed ahead with the preparations. However, possibly due to overworking yesterday, everyone''s energy and spirit was depleted. Along with those who had workedte into the night, and did not get enough rest or sleep, it had caused an incident which affected many people. Three of the staff were out with a cold, another one was having gastric problems, and yet another one was sent to the hospital for an IV drip due to fever and had to take half a day off. Finally, as it approached noon, everyone could no longer hold back their tiredness and another two staff members caught the cold. Although it did not affect them badly, there were still symptoms of dizziness and a heavy head. It affected the progress of their work and looking at it, it would be worse by tomorrow as the cold virus spread.


    Seeing that they couldn''t take it any longer, Zhang Ye halted work and shouted, "Everyone, stop what you doing and gather. I want to say something. Little Wang, I remember that there are some disposable face masks in the rest area, can you get them and bring them here so that everyone can use them?" This was meant to restrict the cold from spreading. If everyone had ample rest like they usually did, then there would be nothing to worry about. However, for today, it looked like every one of them would catch the cold since their immunity levels had dropped.


    The face masks were brought over and distributed to everyone.


    Then Zhang Ye said, "I know that everyone is feeling very tired, and there are a lot of you who caught the cold. It''s the same for me. If you give me a bed right now, I really wish that I could sleep in it for a full day without waking up. But we know that''s not possible since we still have a mission toplete. Our program team even bears a heavy responsibility. Right now, anyone can fall except for us!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Director Zhang, we understand."


    Wu Yi, also one of the people with a cold, said, "Right, we can bear with it."


    Zhang Ye then rted an incident to everyone. "In the past, those who know me would know that when I recorded my talk show in Shanghai, due to various reasons, I had to finish recording the entire season''s episodes in a short period of time. At that time, I also felt that I couldn''t finish it on time. Other people''s programs could only record 2 episodes a week, but I had to finish 50 episodes in 4 days!"


    4 days?


    50 episodes?


    Everyone listened to him seriously. They''d heard of this incident before since they were all industry insiders, so there were guaranteed to be some rumors and news going around. But they did not know the details and this was the first time they were truly hearing about it. 50 episodes in 4 days, this scared the shit out of everyone! As industry insiders, every one of them found this truly unbelievable!


    Zhang Ye said, "I was in a really terrible state at that time and had a lot of stress. I thought to myself that it was impossible, that I couldn''t do it, yet I''m sure you all know what the oue was. That''s right, I finished recording all the episodes. I managed to do it. I recorded the program from morning until night, then the next day, I did the same again. Every day, the audience in the studio kept changing, wave after wave, taking at least three or four groups of audiences per day. The staff were also on shift duty, resting a day and taking over duties from the other group the next day. Only I did not have a recement to switch with. I couldn''t rest, but I persisted all the way and finished recording. Do you know how I did it? I think it was due to my determination and perseverance. Regarding something like perseverance, it can really be a wonderful thing at times. If you didn''t have it from the beginning, you probably wouldn''t be able to do it, but if you did not doubt yourself from the start, then you could definitely achieve it! Human beings are the strongest animal in this world, so don''t ever look down on humans, don''t look down on yourselves! Everyone''s potential is far greater than what you can imagine!"


    Everyone nodded again and again.


    Zhang Ye looked around at all the gathered men and women. "I''m saying this because I want to tell everyone that: we cannot stop! That we can still make another push!"


    "Understood!"


    "Received!"


    "We have such willpower!"


    "Don''t worry about it, Director Zhang! We guarantee that we willplete this mission!"


    Everyone made their stand.


    Zhang Ye nodded satisfied and asked, "So, what do we do if we catch a cold?"


    Ha Qiqi sniffed in her mucus and answered, "Bear with it!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Hold it back with willpower!"


    Wu Yi said with determination, "Use our perseverance to fight the disease!"


    Each person sounded more determined than the previous!


    But Zhang Ye was slightly shaking his head.


    Was it wrong? Everyone was feeling unsure. What were they supposed to rely on?


    Tenacity?


    Character?


    With that very breath that existed deep in the bottom of their hearts?


    Zhang Ye dered, "What else can we do when we catch a cold? Of course we have to take our medication! How can you persevere when ites to such things!"


    Everyone collectively "fainted" on the spot!


    Oh! And there you were talking about perseverance and determination for an entire day, yet when it came to the question, it totally had nothing to do with it at all!

 Chapter 662 The Voice starts recording!

    <h4>Chapter 662 The Voice starts recording! </h4>


    Chapter 662 The Voice starts recording!


    T-minus 4 days: The selected and backup contestants for the blind auditions were finally settled upon. This was from the selection of the contestants who had qualified through the preliminary auditions earlier.


    T-minus 3 days: The progression of the intro recordings for the contestants was 25% done, but due to the task being rather heavy and ack of manpower, they could not do it as fast as they had nned. Because of this, Zhang Ye made some changes to only record the intro clips of the contestants who were due for the first episode''s appearance. The other contestants would do theirs on another day since all they needed now was to meet the demands and requirements for the first episode''s recording of The Voice. Once that was done, they would have another week to prepare.


    T-minus 2 days: The construction of the stage waspleted.


    T-minus 1 day: The equipment was almost all set up and adjusted to be ready for the studio recording.


    ����


    And then it was the day itself.


    At 12:30 PM on Thursday, the day The Voice was to be broadcast, they were eight and a half hours away from the scheduled broadcast timing of 9 PM!


    In the recording studio.


    Every staff member from the program team was gathered together.


    Zhang Ye was confirming all the final tasks for everyone.


    "Staff passes? Audience admission passes?"


    "It''s all done! They''re all ced into the stic holders withnyards!"


    "Post production on the intro shorts?"


    "Director Zhang, it''s all done. The captions and BGM have been added in as well!"


    "How about the lighting?"


    "Testing isplete on them."


    "The equipment?"


    "A-OK!"


    "The coaches and contestants?"


    "The 19 contestants appearing in the first episode are already in the waiting area backstage. Three of the coaches have already arrived and are having their makeup applied right now. Only Sister Zhang is not here yet, but we called and confirmed that they''re already on the way, about 10 minutes away from Central TV. Her manager says that Sister Zhang''s makeup is already done, so we don''t need to factor in the time for that. When the coaches are all here, we can begin the recording."


    "How about the audience?"


    "They''re all here. We''re verifying their identities and distributing the admission passes to them."


    After Zhang Ye confirmed thest item on the list, he heaved a sigh of relief. All of a sudden, he felt his legs turn to jelly. He quickly took a chair which was just beside him and sat down on it heavily!


    Everyone on hand also fell silent for a good three or four seconds before they broke out into cheers!


    "Heavens!"


    "We reallypleted all our preparations!"


    "We made it!"


    "We really made it!"


    "We did it! We really did it!!"


    Everyone was feeling extremely excited and unable to hold back their emotions!


    Including Little Wang and a few other female staff members, they even had tears rolling down their cheeks. Even Assistant Director Ha Qiqi had to turn her head around to quietly dry her eyes! It had been too difficult! For the past six days, they''d all had it too difficult. Within the program team, every one of them had really given it their all. The exertion of working from early in the morning untilte at night was simply unimaginable by anyone from the other program teams in Central TV!


    Ha Qiqi and five others had a cold for the past five days but continued working despite being sick!


    Little Zhao from the Equipment team was involved in an ident in which a nk fell from high up onto his leg. He suffered a sprain, but continued working without taking any time off from work!


    The editor, Sister Liu, who was a mother to two daughters, had even given her family duties to her husband and mother. For the past six days, she did not take her children to and from school or had dinner at home with them. Other than sleep, she spent all her time working at the office!


    This was the result of everyone''s sacrifices!


    This was the miracle that happened as a result of everyone striving together toward their goal!


    That was why, at this moment, many of them were crying with joy. They could only express their feelings right now with tears and shouts. No one in Central TV had expected that they couldplete this task without sacrificing the quality of the program, but they used the most practical approach and showed them��they could do it!


    Zhang Ye suddenly announced, "I suggest we give ourselves a round of apuse!"


    The next moment, thunderous apuse sounded and filled the entire venue!


    Screams!


    Cheers!


    It was a scene of passion!


    "Too awesome!"


    "We''re all great!"


    "Creating a mega-scale singing talent show in 20 days is virtually unheard of in the history of the television industry! Even overseas, this was unheard of before!"


    Up until now, many of the program team''s staff were actually still in disbelief that they did it. Zhang Ye was right, the unrealized capacity of a person was limitless. Many things they thought impossible toplete actually weren''t impossible. They were simply much stronger than they thought themselves to be!


    At this time, Zhang Ye walked off to a corner to call the Deputy Director of Central TV Department 1, Jiang Yuan. "Director Jiang, our preparation work is allplete!"


    When Jiang Yuan heard this, he said: "Great, you''ve done admirably. For other tasks that still need working on, let''s just ignore them first and finish recording the first episode. We have to rush to get the recording done in time for the broadcast. When everything is done, you all can continue toplete the stage construction and equipment tuning, but it doesn''t matter if it''s not perfect now."


    But Zhang Ye replied: "It''s not that, Director Jiang, I don''t think you understood me properly. I said that the preparation work��is allplete. The stage, equipment, and music are allpleted and ready!"


    "What?" Jiang Yuan was stunned.


    Zhang Ye repeated: "It''s allpleted!"


    Jiang Yuan said in disbelief: "How did you all do it?"


    Zhang Yeughed: "We just did. Everyone worked overtime and gave it their all!"


    Perhaps to Jiang Yuan and the other people of Central TV, the fact that the team for The Voice could rush in time to let the program make it to broadcast was already a miracle in itself. But they didn''t expect that this was done without sacrificing quality or missing out on some aspects. This oue came as quite the pleasant surprise to Jiang Yuan! "Good! Good! I knew that you, Little Zhang, would surely have no problems!"


    Zhang Ye dismissed: "I''m not superhuman. I couldn''t have done all this by myself. It was really down to everyone''s team effort. Regarding the bonuses, I don''t mind if I don''t get any. But when the timees, Director Jiang, you know what to do for my team''s staff, right? Everyone has worked themselves to the bone." Because they were willing to put in so much effort to help him, Zhang Ye also knew to fight for the interests of his program team.


    "Of course, no problem." Jiang Yuan agreed with hesitation. "Tell everyone that their month-end bonuses will be quadrupled. The performance bonus in the middle of the year will be calcted separately. And for next year''s sry adjustment, the entire team will be promoted to the next tier of their basic sry!"


    Zhang Ye said happily: "Fantastic."


    Jiang Yuan asked: "What are you all nning to do now?"


    Zhang Ye said: "We are doing the audience admission now, the coaches have already arrived, and we''ll start recording very soon!"


    Jiang Yuan said: "Alright then, I won''t hold you back from your work. My request is still the same as before: make sure that the post-production and captions are all finished before the broadcast and after the recording has finished. Remember, the program''s viewership ratings must be at least 0.7%. That is the lowest viewership rating that the station can ept, so if the first episode receives less than favorable views, the program''s scheduled time frame might end up getting adjusted ordingly. The original n for a show that is three months could end up being cut to one or two months only. Of course, if the viewership ratings are favorable and exceed 0.8%, the bonuses will be raised ordingly. The station will know what to do!"


    The call ended.


    Zhang Ye went back with this news from the station and informed everyone.


    When everyone heard about the bonuses and sry increase, they all became even more excited.


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s not time to celebrate yet. We still have to do our preparations properly and fight thisst battle, which is also the most critical battle. This is thest critical point in our advance, so let''s not screw it up!"


    "Understood!"


    "No problem!"


    "Director Zhang, just instruct us on what needs to be done!"


    "We will listen to yourmands!"


    Everyone answered him with excitement.


    Zhang Ye voiced his approval. "Would the departments get ready? It''s time to let the audience in and start recording!"

 Chapter 663 A shoddy program?

    <h4>Chapter 663 A shoddy program? </h4>


    Chapter 663 A shoddy program?


    At Central TV Tower.


    Many of the other departments and channels of Central TV also heard about this news.


    "What?"


    "The Voice''s program team managed to meet the deadline?"


    "Goddammit, they''re way too amazing!"


    "They could even meet such a deadline?"


    "What a bunch of monsters!"


    "In just slightly more than half a month''s time, they started with nothing and created a stage that is for arge-scale singing talent show? Regardless of the program''s viewership ratings, that kind of a work efficiency is quite incredible!"


    "This group of people must have worked crazy hard."


    "Yeah, they must all be on drugs or something!"


    "A good leader can bring about a good team. Zhang Ye truly has a few tricks up his sleeves."


    Many of the staff members of other program teams in Central TV were thinking to themselves, if such an urgent task was handed to them instead and they were told just one week before the broadcasting deadline, or even told right from the beginning when the program team was formed, they would not be able to do it. Completely setting up such arge stage in just 20 days, and even aplishing the onerous tasks of holding the preliminary auditions, coaches invitation, pulling of sponsors and advertisers��all at the same time��, just hearing that alone would lead them to find it hard to imagine. As fellow colleagues of Central TV, they were indeed impressed by the program team of The Voice, and changed their opinions of them!


    But as for the program, most of them were still skeptical of it.


    "They might have met the deadline to get the broadcast out, but surely they can''t meet the targeted viewership rating that the station''s set, right?"


    "That''s an unknown. I''ve heard that the station has already lowered their expectations to 0.7% for the average viewership ratings, but that''s still going to be tricky."


    "I guess we''ll find out tonight."


    "We don''t even know if they can finish recording or not. After all, time is really tight and that would contribute to possible mistakes. If it affects the broadcast quality or contributes to a broadcast mistake, then the consequences would be terrible."


    ����


    Meanwhile.


    The outside world was not tranquil either.


    All across the nation, in the streets and alleyways or in offices, discussions among the citizens were widespread.


    "Ai, the broadcast of The Voice is starting tonight."


    "What? Today? I thought there was still a month until its broadcast?"


    "That''s old news. The promotionalmercials were already changed sincest week, didn''t you see? The program that was ted to be reced has had their host suspended over some incident, so The Voice was pushed ahead of schedule to fill the slot."


    "Whoa, isn''t that going to be a rush job then?"


    "That''s true, a program that''s been rushed out like this will definitely be of terrible quality."


    "Yeah, even with ample preparation time, this program might not be be good, not to mention that it has now been forced by the situation and pushed ahead of schedule. Surely the quality of the program would be affected, no? I think this production fee of over 100 million RMB is definitely going to go down the drain. They''re not likely to do any better than the other simr talent shows that are airing now. So what if they have an impressive lineup? So what if their equipment is the best? It still boils down to the contestants. It''s not going to be of any help even if Sister Zhang is holding down the fort. The audience won''t watch the show from beginning to end without changing channels just because of her, right? No matter what, the coaches are really just the supporting cast of the show."


    "That''s what I think too."


    ����


    On the inte.


    Topics regarding The Voice were rife.


    "They''re starting the broadcast today!"


    "It''s too soon. I only saw the promotions for it a while ago and they''re already broadcasting it today? Will this short amount of time be enough for them to make the show good? I quite like Zhang Ye, so I''m really worried for him. Could the fairy tale of Zhang Ye''s miraculous viewership ratingse to an end just like this?"


    "Legends don''tst forever. They always get disproven someday."


    "But that can''t be med on Zhang Ye. Who asked that host to be involved in an affair and even get into trouble after photos were published? Otherwise, The Voice would not have been so hastily pushed to begin its broadcast!"


    "Ai, this was all destined!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s luck this time was really terrible!"


    "Yeah, he was pretty down on his luck for this incident. I was initially quite looking forward to Teacher Zhang''s new program, but now this has happened. I don''t feel too good about it anymore. Just thinking of how the program only had a preparation period of 20 days, I doubt it''ll be any good. The only objective of this program now is to fill the hole in Central TV''s programming lineup, so I just hope that this is not a stopgap measure. At the very least, if they let the programe closer topletion, I''ll be very satisfied. Teacher Zhang is really unlucky. Just as he was getting things going, he had to meet with such a situation."


    Somements were still considerably positive.


    But thements from some others were full of malice.


    "This lousy program would not have been good anyway."


    "I''ve never thought that it would perform well, so it''s definitely going to be worse now!"


    "Zhang Ye is really stupid. He had a rather interesting program but he sold it to Beijing Television instead and left himself with such a broken talent show to produce. He''s even pulling such silly gimmicks like iming that the program will be judged only by listening to one''s voice. What is that? What''s so interesting about it? For all the other talent shows, not only are the contestants good-looking, they can also sing well. But what about The Voice? The only feature is that the contestants will need to sing well? No matter how bad-looking they are, it won''t matter? Then why would we want to watch your program? I''d rather watch someone who is pretty and can sing well!"


    "Well said."


    "Zhang Ye doesn''t want to walk a proper path, but rather insists on walking into a dead end alley!"


    "Besides, Zhang Ye seems to have the intention to move from fronting a show to working behind the scenes?"


    "Oh? Why do you say that?"


    "Just take a look at the past programs that Zhang Ye did rather well with. Those programs all involved heavy participation from the host or even depended fully on the host to make the program interesting. Like Zhang Ye''s Talk Show and Lecture Room, both these programs needed the host, Zhang Ye, to present the show from start till end. It all depended on the capability and talent of his mouth to make it work. He knows what others don''t, he can say things that others can''t��it''s like he''s the type of host no one can rece by simply recing his role. But what about the singing talent show? For this genre of program, the host doesn''t y a big role in it! What could the host add to the program? All they do are the announcements, present the advertising slogan, what else? There''s basically nothing else. The review of the performances and mingling with the contestants are all up to the coaches, while singing is the job of the contestants. All of these have nothing to do with the host at all, so now do you all understand why people are not that optimistic about The Voice? Zhang Ye has thrown away his biggest advantage and relegated himself into bing a supporting character. No! It''s more like he has given himself the most trivial of roles!"


    "That''s sounds right."


    "When you analyze it that way, it really makes sense. This type of program could use anyone for its host and nothing would change. Anyone can do it, so the value of the role is not that significant at all!"


    "Right, even I could do it!"


    "Saying something on stage would only take a few lines. It seems like Zhang Ye might really be intending to retreat behind the scenes?"


    "Zhang Ye''s new program was a jump too far from his usual style. It''s full of contradictions and has so many inexplicable issues. I really don''t understand how a professional like Zhang Ye could make such a mistake! Could it be that Zhang Ye has been used to working at low-level ces like those local channels or online television stations, but when he arrived at the biggest television station in the country, he could not limatize to the culture and workings of it? And that affected him so much that he could not bring out his usual standard? Or could it be that this was his standard all along? It was just that all of us had imagined him to be too awesome in the past? Always expecting that Zhang Ye would be able to create the next miracle?"


    "Hur hur, I guess no miracle will be happening no matter what this time."


    "Yeah, a miracle is only called a miracle because it doesn''t happen easily."


    At this time, Zhang Ye''s old bro, old ssmate, and old colleagues all started standing up and speaking for Zhang Ye.


    Crosstalk actor Yao Jiancai posted: "Never, ever look down on Zhang Ye. Sometimes when ites to things people don''t feel optimistic about, my Old Bro Zhang will end up doing it better��that''s what my past experiences tell me!"


    Peking University''s Chinese Department Teacher Su Na: "It hasn''t even broadcast yet, so nothing is set in stone."


    Beijing Television Host Dong Shanshan: "Based on what I know about Zhang Ye, when The Voice gets broadcast, it will definitely turn out different from what everyone is imagining in their minds. Believe me, I guarantee it! So, let''s wait and see! Zhang Ye has never disappointed everyone before, so I don''t think he will this time either!"


    Songstress Zhang Xia: "Little Zhang is the most hardworking person I''ve ever met. For this program, Little Zhang has given a lot, so much so that no one could possibly start to imagine. I hope that everyone can be a little more tolerant of Little Zhang, as being the executive director, executive nner, and host of The Voice, he has had it very difficult in recent days!"


    Singer Chen Guang: "Please give your support to The Voice of China!"


    Singer Fan Wenli: "Tonight at 9 PM, let''s meet on TV!"


    Zhang Yuanqi''s manager, Fang Weihong, also posted out of the blue: "Having worked with Teacher Zhang Ye many times, it has always been a very enjoyable experience. Even though Sister Zhang has never agreed to join such talent shows in the past, she decided to join this time because the program team has given us an offer we couldn''t reject. We were also attracted to the show because of Zhang Ye''s reputation, since we know what he is capable of, and therefore, we trust him too. Here''s something that I can reveal at the moment: for tonight''s broadcast, there will be a theme song for the show that will be performed during the opening. Although the song is going to be performed by the four coaches, the lyrics and melody were all created by Executive Director Zhang Ye."


    "Wow, there''s going to be a new song."


    "That''s true, we should at least watch it before judging!"


    "Right, we''ll only know if it''s good or not if we watch it. It''s still too early to say anything now!"


    "We should stop scolding Zhang Ye. I heard that he has not returned home for the past week and did not sleep much either, all because he was busy rushing the new program to make the broadcast deadline. Grandma Zhang is right, we should all be more tolerant of Zhang Ye, although the clown can be quite infuriating at times and often offends others!"


    "Haha, it''s exactly because he has offended too many people, so whenever anything happens to him, many peoplee to doubt and criticize him, never missing out on an opportunity to do so. Actually, those people are just hoping to see Zhang Ye fail for once! They really want to see Zhang Ye make a fool of himself for once!"


    "Yeah, countless people have already been pped countless times by Zhang Ye. They are all hoping he will make a spectacle of himself one time so that they can remember that look of his when it happens. The situation with his new program right now is the most likely chance that it will ever happen."


    With so many celebrities supporting Zhang Ye, the discussion surrounding the topic once again blew up. This could also be considered as thest round of publicity bombardment before the broadcast. As the four coaches were under the payroll of the program now, they of course had to do their part and speak up for The Voice.


    As for Yao Jiancai and Dong Shanshan, needless to say, it was because they had a very good rtionship with Zhang Ye. Yes, by rights, as Beijing Television''s host, Dong Shanshan should have been more careful with some of her stand on things. Logically, it was also not good of her to help a Central TV host promote their show, but Zhang Ye and Beijing Television Station also had a good rtionship, having fought, gotten embarrassed, and even helped each other when there were difficulties. So even though Dong Shanshan had helped Zhang Ye do a some publicity, it was nothing improper. With the added rtionship of old ssmates between the two of them, the station would not use this as an excuse to criticize her. It should also be mentioned that Dong Shanshan was getting popr at the moment and was already moving up toward the D-list Celebrity Rankings, so she could no longer be considered the same rookie she had been when she first joined the station.

 Chapter 664: Zhang Ye’s Rebuttal: Admiring the Mountains!

    <h4>Chapter 664: Zhang Ye��s Rebuttal: Admiring the Mountains! </h4>


    Chapter 664: Zhang Ye''s Rebuttal: Admiring the Mountains!1


    The discussions did not die down.


    Some of them were even contributed by people who were employed by The Voice''s program team to drive discussion.


    If they had their way, this atmosphere would probably havested all the way until the broadcast at night and would have definitely boosted the viewership situation.


    However, at this moment, a certain northern television station''s program team''s supervisor suddenly said something. Without holding back he unexpectedly posted: "A program like The Voice whose act of inting the joining pays for the guests can only be described as despicable. This has already negatively impacted the normal operations of the other program teams of the television industry! Just a short moment ago, a celebrity who had already agreed in principle a month ago that they would be joining our reality television program backed out of the deal. I won''t reveal who it is, but that person asked us: ''Why was The Voice able to pay their guests who were only be doing judging duties a sum from 10 to 40 million RMB as joining pay, but your program team can only give 7 million?'' I did not know how to answer that. I totally didn''t know how to answer that question!"


    The coaches'' joining pays were public knowledge since the beginning, not because the program publicized it since it was meant to be confidential, but because it was leaked by someone.


    From the content of that person''s rant, it could be deduced that the celebrity who had backed out was likely a B-list celebrity who was as popr as Chen Guang and Fan Wenli, or possibly even more popr. But having been promised a joining pay of only a little more than half of the couple''s, the celebrity was probably felt it was unfair. That was of course understandable, sincepetition in the entertainment industry was quite strong and suchparisons were also verymon!


    If you drove a 1 million RMB car?


    Then I must drive a 2 million RMB one!


    If you''re wearing a low-cut evening gown?


    Then I will wear a transparent one!


    In any case, no one wanted to be outshone by others and all these outwardparisons were not only down to gratify their vanity, but also a tactic for them to gain more fans. Of course, the joining pays were also considered as such. Oh, our poprity is more or less on the same level, so what do you have that you deserve 10 million while I only get 7 million? If the joining pay became publicized, then the celebrity would also suffer a loss of face, so they might as well not join at all!


    This Weibo post caused quite an uproar, so much so that even the poster did not think that there would be so much response!


    Following that, countless other industry workers surprisingly said something too.


    A certain southern television station''s program team''s manager posted: "It''s the same for us. In three of our programs, there were two celebrities who backed out of their contracts at thest minute and caused a serious dy in the program''s production progress. Now that we have to find other people at thest minute, when many of those celebrities heard about the joining pay we were going to offer, they all felt it was too low. I would like to ask Zhang Ye right now, and ask The Voice''s program team too. Based on what reason did you all pay out twice the price of the industry average? I would also like to ask the regtors: when ites to such bad-intentioned acts to raise the joining pays, shouldn''t someone be held responsible?"


    Seeing this, a CEO of some program productionpany also stepped forward to give his point of view: "Ever since The Voice''s 4 celebrity guest coaches'' joining pays were revealed, every talent show domestically has seemingly been negatively affected. Regarding such misconduct, there should be a serious crackdown on such behavior! It needs to be strictly boycotted! The market for variety shows is basically at a low point. With the advancement of the inte, invasion of foreign programs, and the existence of many forms of other types of entertainment, it has caused this embarrassing situation that the variety shows are faced with. The glorious days are just a thing of the past now��and under such circumstances, variety shows are difficult to do in the first ce and not earning money��yet Zhang Ye is still trying to raise the prices? Isn''t he just making the waters murkier?"


    Another television industry personnel also said angrily: "Zhang Ye, we won''t stop you if you''re in this alone. If you screw up your show, it has nothing to do with us, but don''t you drag us in either! Don''t drag us from the variety television industry with you into your grave! The market was spoiled by people just like you!"


    "Yeah, we feel the same! Things are getting more and more difficult to do now!"


    "Right, whenever any new program wants to invite a celebrity as a guest now, nothing can be worked out at all as they''re all looking at joining pays in the region of those given at The Voice! Their expectations have all been raised!"


    "If the fluctuation of the pay is just around 10%, it''s fine. But in just such a short period of time, they''re expecting an increase of 60-70%. That''s uneptable! This is truly an act of destruction! Just why are all you from The Voice paying such a high fee? You''re only making a normal and overdone singing talent show, it''s not like it''ll be some world-ss program that will get crazy high viewership ratings!"


    "Appealing for all industry insiders to boycott such behaviors!"


    "That''s right!"


    "We have to boycott such behavior!"


    "If this is going to be a popr variety show that gets 1.2% in viewership ratings, then the joining pay of 10 million for a B-list celebrity would still be a fair deal. But the issue here is that you''re not. Everyone in the industry has already analyzed and considered your program and said that the hosting won''t be anything special. It''s even overused content and the type of show that will only attract the minority audiences or a cult following, thus only possibly getting a 0.6% viewership rating tops. Even the majority of the viewers are probably only going to be pulled in by Sister Zhang and the married couple!"


    "Can the regtors set a standard for the norm?"


    "I suggest banning on the broadcast of The Voice!"


    "I''ve already made a report to the regtory department."


    "Me too!"


    "If its just the few of us doing so, we won''t be able to do much, so let''s do it together, everyone!"


    "Right, although it might not be of any help and the Regtory Department might not have handled an incident like this before, we must still stand together and boycott such behavior!"


    Countless industry insiders were galvanized, feeling that the offenses were too numerous to record and were calling for strong action to be taken on The Voice and Zhang Ye. Basically, they knew that the regtors were not likely to take any action. After all, the contracts had already been signed and the show approved beforehand too. At most, they would give a warning to Zhang Ye and his team, but not take any realistic control of such matters. But no matter what, they still collectively called for a boycott, because they needed to get it off their chests and were jealous of Zhang Ye getting a 100 million title sponsorship so easily. They all wondered why such a lousy program would be worth such arge sum of money��they were essentially refusing the ept this fact!


    The negative voices were growing louder and louder!


    This incident was growing bigger and bigger!


    Admittedly, no matter if they were positive reviews or negative voices, as long as the topic surrounded it and had a certain degree of interest, then it could be hyped up and helped bring more attention to the show. However, this was on the premise that the negativity of the issue couldn''t be more than 80%, or it would affect the program''s reputation. If that happened, then it would not increase the poprity of the program but lead to a huge loss of potential viewers!


    As expected, with the constant talk on this topic, a poll regarding The Voice posted on Weibo earlier was already showing "uninterested" to be leading "interested" by a long shot!


    Uninterested: 70.5%


    Interested: 27.4%


    The rest of the votes were for "unsure."


    The snowball was gathering into an avnche as the negativity became increasingly apparent!


    ����


    At Central TV.


    In the recording studio of The Voice.


    The audience was progressively entering the studio using their entry passes and getting seated. Already a third of the audience seats were taken up and among the coaches, Chen Guang was the first to be ready and had alreadye to the stage to take his seat in his coach chair. A staff member was exining to Chen Guang the functions of the chair and what he needed to take note of. As they were rushing for the past week, they had yet to let the coaches test those functions.


    Zhang Ye spoke into the walkie-talkie: "Has Sister Zhang arrived?"


    A fuzzy voice came from the other end: "She''s already here, I repeat, she''s already here."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged: "Received. Please inform the other three coaches toe to the stage once they''re ready. We need to get them familiarized with the equipment first and test the earset microphones."


    Theirmunication ended.


    At this time, Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and a few others ran over to look for Zhang Ye. When they found him, they said, "Director Zhang, something''s happened!"


    "What happened?" Zhang Ye asked, looking very worried.


    Ha Qiqi pointed to her cell phone''s screen. "A staff member from the publicity team just informed me that many industry insiders have denounced and called for a boycott against our show. It seems they''ve brought this matter up to the Regtory Department. They''reining that we inted the joining pays and spoiled the market!"


    Zhang Zuo angrily said, "The regtors will surely not bother themselves with this matter. Those people really have nothing better to do. It''s easy for them to say, but in getting someone like Sister Zhang who doesn''t ever take part in talent shows to join us, we definitely had to spend more money to be able to persuade her. Don''t we also wish to be able to do it with just 20 million, but is that even possible?"


    Little Wang added, "They''re purposely saying damaging statements about us!"


    Wu Yi said solemnly, "We need to issue a statement to fight back! With the fuss that they''ve kicked up, it won''t do for us to just keep quiet! Everyone is going to see how we respond to this!"


    Many of the program team''s staff were feeling extremely indignant.


    In the past, when everyone was doubting that their program, they did not feel much, probably because they had not developed a sense of ownership of the program yet. But now, having worked day and night to crunch the production to meet the broadcast deadline, they had all developed deep feelings for it. This was the result all of them had made by fighting together for many days, but now that they were being spoken badly about and boycotted, of course they would not take it lying down!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "What do we do?"


    "Say something."


    Everyone said, one after another. Many of the staff who were busy with other work had alsoe over.


    Zhang Ye looked at them. "What else can we do? Just handle well the tasks you have at hand and create a great show that will leave everyone speechless. That''s the best response we can give to those skeptics. Just leave everything else to me. Quickly prepare for the recording already, it''s about to begin!"


    Seeing his response, they finally dispersed and went back to their tasks.


    Zhang Ye took out his cell phone and browsed to where all those denouncers were talking about his program. After scrolling through all thements, he knew that he had to say something and couldn''t just stay silent. As such, Zhang Ye responded. Before this, it had almost been a month since he hadst said something online, so this was to be the first Weibo post he was going to make ever since he started production on the new program.


    Offstage.


    Some of the eagle-eyed audiences saw it.


    "Ah, what''s Zhang Ye doing?"


    "Quick, look. That looks like the interface of Weibo."


    "Did Teacher Zhang just update his Weibo?"


    "Quickly go and take a look!"


    "He must be giving his response to those industry peers. Do you know how many people from other television stations are scolding him online right now?"


    Many of the audience members who were already seated rapidly took out their phones to check Weibo.


    Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo might have been busy with their work, but they also secretly took out their phones to see what sort of a response Zhang Ye gave.


    At the same time, many people had noticed Zhang Ye''s Weibo being updated.


    Fan Wenli, still backstage, looked at her phone and quietly eximed.


    Yao Jiancai was with a filming crew, swiping his thumb down to refresh his Weibo feed.


    Chenchen''s form teacher, Zhao Mei, alsounched Weibo on a schoolputer when her colleagues mentioned it to her.


    Those variety show industry peers who collectively condemned Zhang Ye, the media reporters, and those citizens who liked or disliked Zhang Ye were all paying attention to Zhang Ye''s Weibo, which had been updated at a sensitive time. Tens of thousands of pairs of eyes were all focused there simultaneously. All of them thought that Zhang Ye would exin why their program team raised the joining pays to such an astronomical sum, to rify the difficulties that had made theme to such a decision, to exin that their program was deserving of the 100 million title sponsorship.


    But the truth was that Zhang Ye did not want to exin anything. He didn''t write a single word of exnation at all. Under everyone''s scrutiny, he posted a poem. A poem that would infuriate his industry peers, leave The Voice''s program team staff in shock, and stir up the blood-pumping passion of his fans!


    How to describe the Revered Peak?2


    Towering over all Shandong with endless green.


    Heavenly beautiful splendor Nature gathered;


    the shaded north side cut off from the south side''s sheen.


    Clustering clouds cleanse the cracks in the heart,


    eyes strain watching homebound birds fly through the ravine.


    Someday I shall ascend your highest heights


    to see other summits dwarfed, and savor the scene.


    1. A set of poems (����) by Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu


    2. Mount Tai

 Chapter 665 Fighting with his peers again!

    <h4>Chapter 665 Fighting with his peers again! </h4>


    Chapter 665 Fighting with his peers again!


    In the recording studio.


    The audience members who had already entered the venue were seething with excitement!


    "Quick, go and take a look!"


    "Quickly look at Zhang Ye''s Weibo!"


    "Oh my God! Teacher Zhang is still not afraid of offending other people!"


    Ha Qiqi''s hand holding her cell phone was trembling as well!


    Zhang Zuo and Wu Yi also turned around and looked at Zhang Ye with stunned expressions!


    ����


    This poem was going viral!


    Right after it appeared on Weibo, numerousizens got goosebumps!


    "F**k!"


    "Where''s the interpretation? There''s no interpretation?"


    "This poem is way too elegant!"


    "The first few lines were still fine, but thatst line really took the cake!"


    "That''s our Zhang Ye!"


    "That''s right, that''s the Zhang Ye I know!"


    "Awesome!"


    "It''s fine if Teacher Zhang doesn''t make a move, but when does, it''s always earth shattering! This is as good as trampling on all his peers'' shows! This is dering war on the entire variety show industry!"


    "In the entire entertainment circle, only Zhang Ye would dare say such things!"


    "When Teacher Zhang disappeared from Weibo for such a long time, I thought that his character had changed for the better. But when I saw this poem today, hahaha, Zhang Ye is still the same Zhang Ye I knew from before!"


    After reading this poem, many of theizens felt quite shocked. Zhang Ye had not written a poem in a long time, but now that he unexpectedly came out with one, it immediately shook the literary circle. Everyone was familiar with Zhang Ye''s poems, having seen his love poems with deep emotion and his sharp and sarcastic poems. But for old-style poems like this one, people had hardly ever seen Zhang Ye writing them. Today was indeed another eye-opener for many of them since they got a chance to witness it. Zhang Ye really could write any kind of poem!


    Zhang Ye was never a person who did things by the book. The more people felt he would do something a certain way, the more he would not. Give an exnation of the situation to you all? rify the reason to you all? There was no need for something like that! But most of them did not see much of this style of ancient poem written by Zhang Ye. This was a very famous poem set: Admiring the Mountains by Du Fu from Zhang Ye''s previous world. It wasprised of three ancient poems in total. Zhang Ye took one of them, the one that was the most well-known and famous to everyone in his previous world. This poem of Du Fu''s was probably trying to express a different meaning, but in this moment and situation Zhang Ye used it, it delivered yet another meaning!


    It was the air of defiance and domination!


    Just this passage of the poem was enough to surpass thousands of words. What Zhang Ye wanted to say and express were all in the poem. Whether you all are collectively boycotting or denouncing me, my new program and I are destined to reach to the highest peak in the variety world from where we can look down on all of you!


    Someday I shall ascend your highest heights!


    To see other summits dwarfed, and savor the scene!


    "Very powerful!"


    "Brilliantly said!"


    "Teacher Zhang, we''re cheering you on!"


    "Zhang Ye! You have our support!"


    "A bunch of buffoons. Haha, Teacher Zhang basically did not think of them as a threat to him!"


    Zhang Ye''s fans had all been jolted out!


    Simrly, those peers who were calling for a boycott of Zhang Ye exploded with rage. They thought that Zhang Ye would issue a rification or just remain silent all the while, but who could have expected that he would directly throw out such a defiant old-style poem, not showing a shred of respect for his peers!


    "''To see other summits dwarfed, and savor the scene''? Zhang Ye! Your words are too arrogant!"


    "You all should be content if your new program can achieve at least 0.6% viewership. Such an abruptly broadcast program is likely to be full of mistakes, so there might not even be a 0.5% viewer rating. Yet you still want to reach the top of the variety world? And you even want to look down on all the other variety shows? Are you still dreaming or what? Can''t you have just a tiny bit of objective judgment toward your own show? A simple analysis easily shows that The Voice of China is only going to be a cult TV show that the majority of the citizens won''t be able to ept!"


    "Zhang Ye, don''t be too conceited!"


    "That''s a bold im! Ha! Let''s see what you''re going to do after today''s broadcast!"


    "I admit that your previous shows were very special and the viewership ratings were also very high, but The Voice will absolutely be your worst failure. You want to ascend to the highest heights? Alright, since you don''t believe me, just wait and see. I want to see for myself just what kind of viewership rating this show you''re so confident of can get!"


    "Huh, let''s see if The Voice''s viewership ratings can surpass my show first!"


    "Director Zhao, your show''s viewership rating is 0.75%! How the heck could he surpass that? He is only good at talking! And spouting empty talk!"


    "I feel very amused that he''s now being so fearless. We''re veterans who have spent many years in the variety circle. The more experienced we are, the more we should be in awe and know our own weaknesses and limitations. Zhang Ye is not considered a neer anymore but why is he still so overconfident, thinking he can ascend to the highest heights? As the host of a singing show, your job is only to make announcements and present the advertising slogans, so what heights are there for you to ascend to!"


    "This bastard is really annoying!"


    "Don''t just talk! Use your viewership ratings to show us what you''ve got!"


    "Right! Aren''t you thinking of looking down on all variety shows? Then let''spare our viewership ratings!"


    Zhang Ye''s peers were initiating waves of usations and criticisms at him. After reading the poem, some of those who had not participated in the boycott of Zhang Ye previously became so angry that they came out to boycott him as well!


    The "mes of war" were spreading fast!


    Zhang Ye had poked on a ho''s nest!


    ����


    At a different ce.


    Little Wang said indignantly, "Director Zhang, this poem is just too impressive!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "It''s passable."


    Chen Guang who was testing his microphone on the coach''s chair also saw the poem on Weibo. He raised his head, looked at Zhang Ye from afar, and gave him a thumbs up.


    From backstage, Coach Fan Wenli came out. "Director Zhang, you wrote another poem?"


    Zhang Ye responded, "You saw it?"


    "I saw it when I was having my makeup applied. The more I read thest line of the poem, the more I like it. Your literary talent is definitely in the country''s top ten!" Fan Wenlimented, "If not for your young age and the many literature masters still alive, no one would say otherwise if we proimed you as the country''s best in literature!"


    In the poetry and couplet domains, and among those authors and poets who were still alive, if Zhang Ye said he was number two, probably no one would dare say they were number one. However, since literature was still dependent on the des that you had, not only did you need to have qualifications, your own works, and have received a prize at some point, you also needed to have an authority to back you. Zhang Ye indeed did not have much to show for in his prose, since Ghost Blows Out the Light and Legend of Wukong were just web novels. Having only just debuted as well, he had not received any prizes yet, so his qualifications were naturally considered little. Fan Wenli rating him in the country''s top ten was already great praise for him.


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "I don''t deserve that praise."


    However, Ha Qiqi had an expression of immense concern. When she saw those fellow peers ndering The Voice and demanding their program be suspended from broadcast, she felt very angry and wanted to join in the scolding as well. Although she was angry, she did not expect Zhang Ye topose such a poem on the spot. This was no longer just a retaliation; instead it was a deration of war against all variety shows. "Director Zhang, if you say that, don''t you think we will offend too many people?"


    "Would it?" Zhang Ye didn''t seem to care.


    Ha Qiqi: "��"


    Zhang Zuo: "��"


    Would it? What do you think!


    Their program team of The Voice was essentially taking the stance of offending everyone in the industry with this poem! This was the stance of belittling all the "heroes" in the industry! If it were just those programs with low viewership ratings, it wouldn''t be so bad. They were, after all, Central TV Department 1, and if faced with those programs on provincial channels or those satellite channels'' shows with less investment and lower viewership, they definitely would have something to show for. However, Zhang Ye''s carpet bombing was aimed at all variety shows. This included those outstanding shows with 0.8% to 0.9% viewership ratings, And even the very popr programs with up to 1.0% or 1.1% viewership ratings! Uttering those lofty ims like "To see other summits dwarfed, and savor the scene"��would that really be OK? Would that really not be a problem? And this was also including all the variety shows on Central TV''s channels, no?


    However, Zhang Ye thought nothing of it. Such a small matter like this might be considered serious to others, but to him, he had already gotten used to it. The infighting was not something new at all. When he was in radio broadcasting, he fought against the radio broadcasting world. When he was in the literary world, he fought against the literary world. When he was in the crosstalk world, he fought against the crosstalk world. So now that he had joined the variety show world, if he did not fight them, it simply wouldn''t be Zhang Ye''s style!


    Zhang Zuo hurriedly said, "Aren''t we��making overly bold ims?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Why? Don''t have any confidence?"


    "It''s not that I don''t have confidence, I''m just afraid those people will use your poem to find trouble with us and attack us." Zhang Zuo said, "When the viewership ratings are out, even if our viewership ratings are quite high, there will be surely some other variety shows in the same time slot getting higher viewership ratings than us. This is like gifting them something to criticize us with, and they will certainly go around yelling, ''Didn''t you guys want to belittle all the heroes in the world? Why are the viewership ratings of your program not higher than X-program then?'' How are we going to answer that?"


    Ha Qiqi nodded as she also had the same concerns.


    But Zhang Ye blinked a few times in quick session and rebutted, "Why must there always be shows in the same time slot with higher viewership ratings than us?"


    Zhang Zuo was stunned. "Ah?"


    Ha Qiqi was also stunned. "Why does there need to be a reason for that? There will surely be some shows that can get higher viewership ratings than us, such as the reality TV show whose rights were purchased from overseas. It has been broadcasting since the beginning of the year and the average viewership ratings are 1.4%. Then there''s another foreign copyrighted program which got a simr viewership rating of 1.3%!"


    Zhang Ye asked again, "Why you all think that their viewership ratings will be higher than ours?"


    Upon hearing that, Zhang Zuo said astonished, "Are you really thinking that The Voice of China can surpass all those variety shows broadcasting in the same time slot?"


    When those words came out of his mouth, many of the surrounding staff from the program team looked over with shocked expressions.


    Zhang Ye smiled and corrected him, "It''s not that I think we can, but that I''m certain it can be done!"


    Wu Yi gawked. "Don''t tease us like this anymore, we''re really scared!"


    Her voice cracking, Little Wang said, "Teacher Zhang, are you serious?"


    A female editor was stunned. She said, "Didn''t we set a targeted viewership rating of 0.7%? Why did it change again?"


    "0.7% is the station''s target for us." Zhang Ye said calmly, "But it wasn''t set by me. My expectations are much higher than this target by a lot!"


    Everyone was speechless!


    0.7% was still low? How many of the current variety shows broadcasting in the country had ever exceeded 0.7% in viewership?! There should only be a dozen or so of them, right? But your expectations were higher? And even much higher at that? Could we stop joking around, Director Zhang! This was a program that a majority of the people were pessimistic about! If we could aplish the station''s target of 0.7% viewership, we would already be satisfied! That would already be enough to create a legend!


    Everyone could not understand why Zhang Ye felt so confident.


    Zhang Ye did not get angry when he noticed their doubts. He said to them, "I know that everyone has doubt, but that''s because you all have not seen the entire, actual process of the program''s recording yet. There are some details I did not tell all of you beforehand and that aren''t stated on the program proposal." He smiled. "For instance, my segment as the host."


    Ha Qiqi asked confused, "The host''s segment?"


    Little Wang said, "Aren''t you just going to read the advertising messages?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "You want to add some lines to the host''s script at thest minute? Haven''t you already decided on the lines? If you change it now, will there be enough time?"


    Everyone had read Zhang Ye''s script for the host before, as it had been written out by him long ago, but no one found it to be anything special. What sort of tricks could even be added to it?


    Zhang Ye grinned. "The monologue hasn''t been changed."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Then why are you saying��"


    Zhang Ye said, "You''ll all find out soon."

 Chapter 666 Setting the whole studio ablaze!

    <h4>Chapter 666 Setting the whole studio aze! </h4>


    Chapter 666 Setting the whole studio aze!


    The audience gradually filled up the studio.


    "Could the people in front walk a little faster?"


    "Hey, don''t squeeze."


    "Ah, I saw Zhang Ye!"


    "I saw him too! Wow, there''s also Chen Guang!"


    "What was with the poem from earlier? Isn''t Zhang Ye busy with the show?"


    "Zhang Ye took some time to post it onto Weibo. I could see his phone''s screen from here. In the past, I''d only read Zhang Ye''s poems online. But I could have expected today to be such a good day, being able to see Zhang Yepose the poem live on the spot. It''s just as the legends described: his poems weren''t prepared ahead of time orposed by others on his behalf. He did it all spontaneously on the spot!"


    "That poem was absolutely the best!"


    "But I wonder how the show will perform."


    "Aiyo, this stage is really huge!"


    "Yeah, the stage is dazzling, it must have been very expensive to setup. Compared to those other talent shows'' stages, they''re basically worlds apart!"


    "I could never have imagined the stage to be so big! It''s just a singing talent show, why did they set it up to look like the Spring Festival G! Is that even necessary?"


    "It''s no wonder this is a production of over 100 million. They really broke the bank for this!"


    After the audience had entered and been seated, they began conversing with one another.


    From the other side, Ha Qiqi personally led a group of audience members into the studio. The reason why Ha Qiqi had to do this herself was because the members weren''t just any typical audience members. They were the CEO of Brain Goldpany and its upper management team, along with some staff of thepany. They hadmunicated earlier with Zhang Ye and expressed their intent toe watch the recording of the first episode of the show. Zhang Ye naturally did not reject and immediately made arrangements for their seating. Actually, the program team''s staff also knew that 100 million for the title sponsorship fee was arge sum for Brain Gold Group and not an amount they could afford to lose. The reason for theming to see the recording was a pretext for inspection, as they wanted to see for themselves whether they would have the chance of recouping this 100 million yuan expenditure and help advance theirpany to another level.


    After the title sponsors arrived, the program team was under tremendous pressure. If they somehow screwed it up, they really would have no way to answer to the Brain Goldpany.


    Ha Qiqi politely said, "CEO Wu, please have a seat over here."


    Wu Mo acknowledged her and took his seat.


    "I''ll get Director Zhang toe over," Ha Qiqi said, immediately turning to walk away.


    However, Wu Mo stopped her. "There''s no need, just let him work. We can handle ourselves over here. I understand that this is the critical moment right now, so there''s no need to disturb him."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Alright."


    At the door of the staff corridor, Central TV Department 1''s leaders had also arrived.


    Jiang Yuan was leading the group, and there were a few other middle-aged men and women beside him. Some were leaders and department heads; all had leadership roles at Central TV Department 1. They hade to the venue for the recording of the program.


    Zhang Zuo went to wee them, "Director Jiang, Director Lu, Chief Li��"


    Jiang Yuan waved a hand. "Carry on with what you need to do, don''t worry about us."


    "Then��then alright." Zhang Zuo hesitated for a second but went back to his job.


    Not long after, people from the other program teams in Central TV also silently joined. They had not informed The Voice''s program team that they would be here, so they casually found some seats in the back rows and sat down. They were talking with each other, though nobody knew what they were discussing. Clearly, the first episode''s recording of The Voice was not only in the public eye, even Central TV''s internal staff and program teams'' supervisors were curious, curious how this cult program could make Zhang Ye im that he would "someday ascend the highest heights"!


    They were also considered industry insiders, but this was their first timeing onto the set of The Voice. They could not grasp what the show would be like, as it hadn''t even started yet, but the impact from the stageyout had clearly made an impression on them. This was truly extravagant beyond measure!


    The light setup on the left was worth 220,000!


    The machine at the right was worth 110,000!


    Then, therge disy screen behind the stage and it''s control equipment started in the millions!


    In the whole of Central TV, other than the Spring Festival G venue which would need to use tons of money, there weren''t any other programs that dared to spend as The Voice did. Further, even if they dared to spend that amount of money, they wouldn''t have the budget to do so. Just looking at the stage which was estimated to cost upwards of ten million, those staff members of Central TV all felt that the setup here was far too extravagant! At the same time, they felt very envious! If they could use the equipment and stage over here, how nice would it be!


    On stage, Zhang Ye yelled, "All departments, please take note, 5-minute countdown starting now!"


    When the audience heard this, they also quieted down very quickly.


    Zhang Ye started announcing some routines and procedures to the audience, "Could we trouble everyone to turn off your phones or set them to silent as the recording will begin shortly? Please do not be rowdy or speak loudly. When the contestants are performing and the coaches are speaking, try to maintain silence in the studio. Other than pping, it would be best not to make any strange sounds, such as whistling or screaming, or else it will affect the recording and we will have to do it over again. As the program will be broadcast tonight, time is of the essence, so let''s make the most of the time we have from the start. I hope everyone will cooperate and understand us. Thank you."


    The audience obliged and turned off their phones or silenced them.


    Zhang Ye turned around and held the microphone, saying, "Lighting, could you turn down the intensity of the lights here at Zone 3. It''s flooding to the outside��.Please do onest mic check. Good��.Are the coaches ready��.Good��.All departments, get into position. Ready the music��.Counting down��3, 2, 1. Action!" When they broadcast the show on television, they would insert a short clip and introduction at the beginning, but for the live recording, they won''t be ying them. It began with the opening theme song!


    The recording started!


    The music yed! 1


    When the introduction fluttered out, a lot of the audience closed their eyes. They felt it was very enjoyable, the audio quality was outrageously good. The audio effects didn''t even need a mention, they were so good!


    Jiang Yuan gently nodded.


    A few of the Central TV staff were also full of praise. This was the highest-end equipment setup in the country and it was truly worth the money. Even though it was a little expensive, you got what you paid for!


    The stage darkened and only a few spots of red light were visible as they lit up the different areas of the studio! Suddenly, a ray of white light lit up and swept from above onto the stage. All the other spotlights seemingly responded to its call and focused onto the stage as well, shining onto a figure of a person as the lights followed!


    The first person came out��Chen Guang!


    Chen Guang was dressed in a flowery suit, and holding a microphone as he slowly walked out. He started singing, "I wanna fly to the sky and walk side beside the Sun. The world waits for me to change it��"


    The second coach was revealed immediately!


    Before anyone saw her, her singing had drifted into the studio!


    "Never been afraid of others seeing my dreams. Here, I can make it happen!" It was Chen Guang''s wife, Fan Wenli. In all the music industry, that light and ethereal voice was unique to her!


    Following that, Zhang Xia appeared. Grandma Zhang''s singing tempo was more inclined towards her bel canto style, but somehow carried a lingering charm to it. It was especially nice to listen to and did not seem out of ce when used in a pop song. "Laughing loudly, let''s walk side by side. Isn''t happiness everywhere!"


    Finally, it was time for the final coach to make her appearance!


    The moment she stepped out, the entire audience stood up and cheered, screaming without end!


    Zhang Yuanqi had a very natural and poised smile on her face as she stepped onto the stage. "Casting off all worries, I stride forward bravely. Now I am taking center stage!"


    The melody suddenly became more energetic!


    The four coaches made eye contact with each other and sang together:


    "I believe I''m me, I trust in tomorrow. I believe youth has no limits."


    "Whether sunset at the beach or the crowded streets, it''s the prettiest paradise for me."


    I believe in freedom, I believe in hope. I believe I can reach out and touch the sky. With you by my side, life is more exciting, every moment so wonderful, I do believe!


    The audience roared with excitement, some of them waving their hands in rhythm, others screaming!


    The four coaches vocal characteristics were all different. Zhang Xia''s voice was strong and sincere, Chen Guang had a more booming type of voice, Fan Wenli''s voice sounded light and ethereal, while Zhang Yuanqi''s voice was mature and had a maic charm to it. The four unique tones fused together perfectly and made the theme song sound unparalleled!


    "I believe in freedom. I believe in hope!"


    "I believe I can reach out and touch the sky!"


    "With you by my side, life is more exciting, every moment so wonderful!"


    "I do believe!"


    It was the perfect stage!


    It had the perfect audio setup!


    They had the perfect singing voices!


    Just an opening theme song alone had set the entire studio aze!


    "It''s too good!"


    "It was sung really well! This is my first time listening to a song performed live! It''s really satisfying!"


    "The teachers are no doubt worthy of their statuses as talented singers in the music industry, they''re all really good!"


    "It''s important that the song is also good! It''s only my first time hearing this song, but it''s already so nice! ''I wanna fly to the sky and walk beside the Sun''? What level of boldness is this! Only someone like Zhang Ye could write a song like this!"


    "This song is surely going to get popr!"


    "Right. I don''t know about the show, but this song is awesome! This opening stage effects were really awesome as well!"


    "I''m drunk from listening! This is what you f**king call singing!"


    Many in the audience were only noticing for the first time that The Voice indeed had some differences with the other singing talent shows. In terms of the lighting and audio effects, it was already superior to others. Moreover, with these four big shot, talented singers, when aparison was made, this opening stage had already dominated all the other singing talent shows!


    The music had not stopped yet; the outro was ying.


    Zhang Ye had already walked up on stage, and above him, a hanging microphone was dropped from the ceiling with the microphone head facing down. Zhang Ye grabbed it and in one single motion held it upright and announced, "Let''s give a warm wee to our four coaches as they get seated! The first coach, Zhang Xia!"


    Apuse thundered!


    With the music still ying in the background, Zhang Xia smiled and waved to everyone before walking over to her coach chair.


    Zhang Ye announced, "The next coach, Chen Guang!"


    Chen Guang was giving a thumbs up on both his hands as he trotted over to his chair.


    "Let''s wee our third coach, Fan Wenli!" Zhang Ye said in a very high-pitched voice. Hosting was a job that required a person to adapt to certain ways and styles to suit the different time and mood of an audience.


    Fan Wenli was not so mboyant and just quietly walked to her chair with a smile on her face.


    Zhang Ye said, "And please wee our final coach, Zhang Yuanqi!"


    Old Zhang''s poprity had really gone through the roof. When she was introduced, the already loud apuse from the audience raised another notch and the decibel level increased several times more. There were even screams from the audience!


    Rxed, Zhang Yuanqi smiled as she walked and blew some kisses their way. In front of others, Old Zhang looked much more approachable.


    1. I Believe - Roger Yang

 Chapter 667 What sort of a tongue do you have!

    <h4>Chapter 667 What sort of a tongue do you have! </h4>


    Chapter 667 What sort of a tongue do you have!


    After the first segment ended.


    The four coaches had all taken their seats.


    Right now, other than the lights, there was only Zhang Ye left on stage. As he was the program''s executive director and host, if there were any conflicts or incidents during the recording, they would be handled by Assistant Directors Zhang Zuo and Ha Qiqi, although Zhang Ye had already specifically instructed them on what to do. Numerous scenarios had already been thought of and run through with them. So Zhang Ye being onstage and hosting did not have too many worries that there would be any problems urring. Besides, this was not a live broadcast. At most they would just do a reshoot. But they would still have to avoid that because they needed to allocate some time to do the post-production and captioning work so that they could meet tonight''s broadcast time of 9 PM. Time was of the essence, therefore, if they could finish the recording with a single run, it would be most ideal.


    The music stopped.


    Next up was the segment in which Zhang Ye would be reciting his lines as the host.


    Jiang Yuan looked to the stage.


    Wu Mo was looking at Zhang Ye.


    The audience all kept their eyes peeled on the stage.


    The four coaches and program team''s staff also had their full attention on Zhang Ye.


    If it was said the program team had expected the just yed opening theme song to be performed like it was, due to them having rehearsed it before, then starting from here on out, none of them had an idea of where the direction of the show would be headed. They knew the general direction and rundown of the program, but as for how the recording would turn out, they were all in the dark. Zhang Ye did not speak his lines in front of anyone beforehand, the coaches also hadn''t seen any of the contestants before, while the contestants and their families backstage as well didn''t quite know the rules of the show. For all these days, they had only been practicing and rehearsing, to say nothing of the audience and the other departments of Central TV, even their internal program team''s staff were unclear of many details about the show.


    And so, all of the attention in the studio was now fully on Zhang Ye, because he was the only person who knew everything about this show like the back of his hand as well as the one who controlled the entire development of it. Whether it was the audience or the program team, everyone was eager to know what Zhang Ye could make of this show that no one was optimistic about!


    Another person who was looking forward to the oue was Zhang Ye himself!


    Standing in the center of the stage, he was in fact the most excited person in the entire studio. He looked below the stage, ncing at the lights under his feet and then looked to the side where a hand making a victory sign was holding the logo of The Voice of China. All of these looked vastly familiar to him. Zhang Ye had really taken the entire stage of The Voice from his previous world and recreated it in this world to a simrity of 90%!


    He thought back to his previous world, when he was still watching The Voice with his parents in front of their TV. At that time, he was just a normal student who harbored dreams of bing a star like any other simrly aged kids. But today, he was standing on this same stage, albeit in a different world, and had be the host who was getting all the attention and taking center stage. Destiny was really something that no one could predict at all!


    Momentarily sighing, Zhang Ye quickly gathered all his thoughts and put them away. It was time to begin. This was just his debut show on Central TV, but he already had this ultimate trump card called The Voice in his hand. In such a situation, if he could still screw up the show, then he should just find a thick wall and crash into it to end his life!


    "Hello, everyone." Zhang Ye held the microphone and spoke into it, "I am your host, Zhang Ye."


    The audience suddenly broke out into apuse that was as loud as what they gave to the four coaches.


    Zhang Ye smiled at the camera and said to the audience, "Wee to the global premiere of the country''s most professionally organized mega-scale singing talent show, brought to you exclusively by health product leader Brain Gold!"


    Mega-scale?


    The most professionally organized in the country?


    Global premiere?


    Hearing the usage of those descriptions, everyone in the audience was shocked!


    In the current era of variety shows, at most they would im that the show was brought to you by a professional team, that it was powerfully debuting or powerfully broadcasted live from a location. Never had anyone imed that it was a global premiere or something like that. However, if those words were scrutinized carefully, there was nothing wrong with it either. It was indeed globally premiering on Central TV Department 1''s channel, so there was nothing to nitpick, though it could bebeled as a little bit of wordy. "Powerful Debut" versus "Global Premiere," the difference was obvious just by listening to those words. A global premiere was on a much higher level!


    The several leaders of Central TV Department 1 all looked at each other.


    The eyes of the other Central TV program teams'' supervisors and their staff also lit up at these words. They nearly pped in admiration. This Zhang Ye might always look like a troublemaker, but there was nothing anyone could criticize about his ideas. What a stroke of genius! Using the words "Global Premiere" was a really great idea. This had to be noted down for future programs!


    Wu Mo also nodded very agreeably as he whispered to his upper management beside him. He really liked the phrase "by health product leader Brain Gold." It was really well said!


    What they didn''t know was that the phrases "global premiere," "product leader," and whatnot were all overused terms in Zhang Ye''s previous world. It''s just that no one in this world had started using them yet, that was all!


    Zhang Ye continued, "As a good singer, the most important thing is your voice. Regardless of looks, age, or upation, everything will be judged based only on your voice alone. The four coaches will use all their experience to help you, to find your true voice in the spirit of true music. Our stage of The Voice is looking forward to your arrival." He pointed at the camera lens with his finger, "You just might be China''s next generation of great singers!"


    Apuse rang again!


    Little Wang was below stage, acting as the apuse leader. When she gave the signal, the audience cooperated very well.


    Zhang Ye held the microphone, smiling. "Today, we have eight people who will be joining us onstage. Who could they be? What kinds of voices will they have? What songs will they choose to perform?"


    Many of the audience members sat up straight, waiting in anticipation. Yes, just who would these people be? How well would they sing?


    Zhang Yeughed a little and said, "Alright, next up is the segment that is the most, most anticipated." Then he paused for a moment. "��Advertisements!"


    When that was said, everyone collectively fainted!


    "Pfft!"


    "How did it turn out to be advertisements!"


    "Hey, what ''most, most anticipated''!"


    "That''s so funny, that Teacher Zhang!"


    "He really catches you off guard with what he says! I thought that there was going to be a contestant appearing already!"


    "Who would anticipate advertisements!"


    In The Voice from Zhang Ye''s previous world, the host did not add such flowerynguage in his opening announcements and focused more on the contestants and coaches. However, since Zhang Ye was the executive director of the program now, he could easily make the necessary adjustments to his role as the host. He had spent so much effort to remake The Voice here, so did anyone really think that he would just sit back and quietly take on the duty of doing announcements? How''s that possible!


    When they heard the word "advertisements," Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others stared with their eyes wide open. They looked very concerned, because Zhang Ye had previously said some weird things to them that left them very confused. From the sound of it, Director Zhang meant that he had some tricks hidden in his lines to be delivered? From what they could see on the host''s script, the first half of it was already said. Only thetter half which was a string of advertisement messages was left. After that, they would move on to the recording of the main event on the stage where there wouldn''t be any more lines from the host!


    Some people in the audience were already yawning.


    Advertisements?


    Whether they appeared in a movie, TV drama series, or other programs, these were the segments viewers hated the most. Advertisements were not something people were interested in looking at, so of course less was better.


    Some people were whispering in the audience.


    "Say it quickly."


    "Yeah, say it and be done. We''re waiting to see who the contestants are."


    No one took this to be of any importance, including Wu Mo and Jiang Yuan.


    The coaches were also whispering and conversing among themselves already, talking about their expectations of the type of contestants they liked.


    Previously, someone online had made an observation. For such singing talent shows, the host was basically the most non-existent part of the program. All they needed to do was announce the next segments and deliver some advertising messages, so anyone could do what Zhang Ye was doing. This was the consensus many people in the studio had as well, so they ended up hoping to focus more on the contestants and did not pay any attention to Zhang Ye''s lines as the host.


    He saw the audience looking incredibly listless, yet his was a face of calm. He suddenly took a deep breath thatsted a good two seconds, like he was filling his lungs fully with air!


    Some in the audience were tickled by this scene. What''s he doing?


    Chen Guang was at a bit speechless. Are you powering up into your final form?


    Ha Qiqi was also quite confused. What''s the deep breath for?


    Nobody understood what was going on, but immediately in the next second, when Zhang Ye opened his mouth, everyone looked as though their tails had been stepped on and became so shocked their galldders nearly fell out!


    Zhang Ye spewed, "I-will-not-ept-any-gifts-this-year The-only-gift-I-will-ept-is-Brain Gold There''s-no-need-to-watch-any-TV-shows-this-year The-only-TV-show-you-need-to-watch-is-The Voice The-authentic-health-product The-authentic-The Voice Wee-to-the-broadcast-of-The Voice of China-brought-to-you-exclusively-by-our-title-sponsor-leader-in-health-products-Brain Gold Drink-Mount Zhou Mineral Water-to-show-your-support-for-The Voice The-most-favored-student-of-the-four-coaches-for-this-season-of-The Voice-will-get-a-chance-to-join-Mount Zhou Mineral Water''s Music Dreams Tour Text-to-support-your-favorite-singers-and-you''ll-get-a-50-yuan-book-voucher-from-EveryRead We-thank-EveryRead-for-their-generous-support-of-our-singers-of-The Voice For-any-of-our-contestants-as-long-as-they-get-acknowledged-by-at-least-three-coaches-they''ll-win-a-10,000-yuan-Music Dreams Schrship Sponsored-by-Brain Gold. We-also-give-our-thanks-to-Beijing Dahua Hotel-for-sponsoring-the-amodations-for-the coaches-of-The Voice of China!" 1


    A flurry of words!


    A single breath!


    200 words!


    When this advertising message finished, the entire recording studio was as silent as the dead of night!


    Chen Guang was so shocked that his jaw almost fell off!


    Fan Wenli stared with eyes wide, showing a shocked expression as well!


    Wu Mo''s body had already nted to the side so far that he nearly fell off his chair!


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others also very nearly burst their blood vessels!


    The audience was all dumbfounded!


    The coaches were dumbfounded!


    The program team staff were also dumbfounded!


    One of the audience members even jumped out of his seat in shock. It was as though he had seen a ghost from the way he was staring at the onstage Zhang Ye!


    For a few seconds, the entire studio was enveloped in silence. Everyone in the venue had no clue on what to do, having been scared silly by Zhang Ye''s glib delivery of the lines!


    Not until after a long time did the audience suddenly burst out eximing and screaming!


    "Heavens!"


    "Oh my god!"


    "What did I just hear?"


    "F**k me! What sort of a tongue do you have!"


    "How could an advertisement even be done in this way? An advertising message could even be recited in such a way!"


    "Zhang Ye, you''ve won! I throw myself on the ground and submit to you! That mouth of yours is too damn crazy! Is that even a human being''s mouth? Is that even a human being''s tongue that you have??"


    1. The original Hua Shao advertising slogan recital can be viewed here. Watch the whole thing!

 Chapter 668 The irreplaceable host!

    <h4>Chapter 668 The irreceable host! </h4>


    Chapter 668 The irreceable host!


    The audience was going wild!


    But Zhang Ye was cool as a cucumber, not looking like he had done something worth mentioning. He did not have that unnatural smug look that some newbie hosts had afterpleting some difficult lines or a strong sense of showing off. Having been in the industry for some time now, he had already considered himself a veteran. Although he still hadn''t been working too long yet, he already had a lot of experience and his control of the stage was getting stronger and stronger. When he moved about onstage, he was very natural at it, and as a host, he definitely had to have that air of confidence about him. How would he be qualified to host any programs at a ce such as Central TV Department 1 otherwise?


    Offstage, it was getting rather disorderly.


    Zhang Ye called for a cut, "Please stop recording for a while."


    The staff members operating the cameras all looked at him.


    With quick paces, Zhang Ye walked over to the nearest camera. "Show me the yback." As he said that, he put in the earpiece.


    The cameraman quickly came back to his senses and switched to yback mode to show him the recorded footage.


    Zhang Ye first confirmed whether his lines were delivered without any errors or not as he had said it so quickly that even his mind could not keep up with what he had said. He was relieved when he saw that he did rather well, without slurring or delivering the lines incorrectly. This long sequence of advertising messages was very well enunciated and every word could be heard clearly. Overall, it was delivered quite ideally.


    How did Zhang Ye manage to say it in such a fast manner?


    Why was he able to achieve such a speed?


    Of course, it was due to the more than 100 Fruits of Agility he had eaten!


    Before, Zhang Ye had gradually received more than 100 Fruits of Agility from the game ring''s system. This item helped to increase one''s agility and reaction speed. At the beginning, Zhang Ye felt that it was an useless item and that he had wasted his reputation points on it. But when the idea of The Voice appeared in his head, he had a spark of genius and found a practical use for those Fruits of Agility. In the original version of The Voice of China in his previous world, it was exactly what its host, Hua Shao, did!


    If it had been the past, Zhang Ye could never have matched up to Hua Shao''s rapidfire speaking. Although Zhang Ye was trained in broadcasting, it wasn''t that he didn''t work hard at it but that it was more of a talent thing that couldn''t be trained. Zhang Ye''s reaction speed could only be so fast, even if his speech was faster than most normal people due to the fact that he had had training in school. But there was still a limit to it. He couldn''t reach Hua Shao''s reciting speed no matter what. If anyone actually insisted on Zhang Ye speaking that fast, he could probably do it. Just that with speed, he would lose the capability of enunciating words clearly. He would surely slur at some point which would mean that it would be useless in this situation. This was a stage where he needed to speak fast and clear at the same time, so that everyone could hear each and every word clearly. Otherwise, all of this would be pointless!


    As such, the Fruit of Agility had really helped him a great deal. It allowed Zhang Ye''s reaction speed to be raised manyfold in a short time. Not only could he match up to Hua Shao''s reading speed now, he was even a little bit faster than him, possibly nearing the limits of humanity!


    Ha Qiqi came over. "Director Zhang."


    The cameraman asked, "Can this recording be used?"


    Zhang Ye finished viewing it and gave a helpless sigh. He said, "I wonder."


    Ha Qiqi eximed, "It can''t be used? Which word did you get wrong?"


    "It''s not that, but the atmosphere of the audience was too unnatural." Zhang Ye looked at the four coaches. "Coaches, may I suggest that you all don''t look so shocked? The cameras that focus on you guys and me are all synchronized, so your expressions will be shown as well." Then he turned around to face the audience and said, "And everyone, it was too quiet just now. The silence felt really strange, so could I trouble all of you to be more rxed and look more natural? You can also p or cheer, just don''t stare with your eyes wide while saying nothing. Otherwise, the entire studio''s atmosphere will seem nonexistent and feel really strange."


    Chen Guang said in a speechless manner, "Who asked you to speak that fast and scare me!"


    Zhang Xia smiled wryly and added, "I couldn''t react at all either."


    Zhang Yuanqi looked at him. "Did you eat a bunch of bullets for lunch?"


    Fan Wenli could only react with silence to express her frame of mind.


    Faced with Zhang Ye''s dissatisfaction with the recording, none the audience members knew how to react. You''re still unsatisfied? You still me us for being too quiet? Your sister! That speed at which you recited your lines was leaving afterimages of the words! What else could we do but stay quiet! That advertising message of yours was simply too shocking!


    Zhang Zuo ran up. "Director Zhang, are we going to record it again?"


    Ha Qiqi suggested, "These advertising lines are really too good. It''s like a crowning touch. I''ve worked in TV programming for many years, but this is the first time I''ve heard an advertising message being delivered in such a way. It it gets deleted, it would be such a pity. We might not get such a good recording if we do it again. That''s a huge amount of words you need to say in a single breath. It''s too difficult. Actually, we can just re-record the individual shots of the coaches and the audience separately, then add them together in post byyering the audio together. That would give people the feeling that it was all recorded at the same time."


    Zhang Ye had not learned directing before, so he wasn''t exactly a professional in this area. But he still understood in general what she meant, though he was not prepared to do it that way. He still preferred to make it more realistic. If they added the separate shots together and did it perfectly, the effect would definitely still bergely discounted.


    But before he could say anything and before the program team had decided how to handle it, someone in the audience shouted.


    "Record it again!"


    "Teacher Zhang, do it once more!"


    "Yeah, do it again!"


    With someone leading, the others followed in response!


    Hearing that, Jiang Yuan and many of those belonging to the program teams of Central TV were stunned. Do it again? They''d heard of crosstalk actors doing an encore for their segments and singers doing encores for their songs, but in all the time they''d been in the industry, they''d never goddamn heard an audience requesting an encore for advertisements! Just how bored are you all! These are advertisements we''re talking about!


    However, that was just how it was!


    This would be something no one would believe if they heard of it. But at this moment, at this studio, countless audience members were strongly asking for an encore by Zhang Ye, to recite his advertisement lines once again!


    Zhang Ye smiled at this and thought for a while before saying, "Then let''s just record it again."


    Ha Qiqi and the others got off from the stage and went back to their positions.


    "All teams, take note. 3, 2, 1, action��" Zhang Ye stood back at the same spot and took a deep breath again like before. After a slight pause, he suddenly said his lines again, "I-will-not-ept-any-gifts-this-year The-only-gift-I-will-ept-is-Brain Gold There''s-no-need-to-watch-any-TV-shows-this-year The-only-TV-show-you-need-to-watch-is-The Voice The-authentic-health-product The-authentic-The Voice Wee-to-the-broadcast-of-The Voice of China-brought-to-you-exclusively-by-our-title-sponsor-leader-in-health-products-Brain Gold Drink-Mount Zhou Mineral Water-to-show-your-support-for-The Voice The-most-favored-student-of-the-four-coaches-for-this-season-of-The Voice-will-get-a-chance-to-join-Mount Zhou Mineral Water''s Music Dreams Tour Text-to-support-your-favorite-singers-and-you''ll-get-a-50-yuan-book-voucher-from-EveryRead We-thank-EveryRead-for-their-generous-support-of-our-singers-of-The Voice For-any-of-our-contestants-as-long-as-they-get-acknowledged-by-at-least-three-coaches-they''ll-win-a-10,000-yuan-Music Dreams Schrship Sponsored-by-Brain Gold. We-also-give-our-thanks-to-Beijing Dahua Hotel-for-sponsoring-the-amodations-for-the coaches-of-The Voice of China!"


    Eximing once again filled the studio!


    The cheering did not stop!


    "Good one!"


    "Awesome!"


    "I''m kneeling! Fully and totally kneeling!"


    The audience was already prepared for it, but when they heard Zhang Ye''s shocking advertising message once more, they couldn''t help but apud and call it good. They were all very excited, just like how people would feel when they were watching a circus act!


    They were the same lines of the advertising message!


    It was still done in a single breath!


    The words were still clearly enunciated!


    It was still delivered at the same galeforce speed, or maybe it was a misconception, but they all somehow felt that Zhang Ye had finished reciting the lines even faster than before!


    Initially, Ha Qiqi did not rmend recording again, afraid that the second time would not be as good as the first. After all, that kind of reciting speed had already surpassed the limits and was unheard of, but who could have expected that Zhang Ye''s professionalism had already exceeded the realms of a normal person''s understanding? Reciting it for the second time, not only did Zhang Ye repeat his feat from before and not leave out a single word, he even went faster than the first!


    Backstage, some of the program team staff were looking at clocks. In the audience, there were also a few curious members who started their timers when Zhang Ye opened his mouth!


    In the end, the clocked time shocked everyone!


    The first time it was recited, there wasn''t proper timing so no one knew how long it took. It felt like it was 18 seconds or maybe 20 seconds, but this time, the time was precisely measured��it only took 14.7 seconds! The advertising slogan consisted of around 200 words, so it meant that Zhang Ye had spoken over a dozen words in just one second!


    Crazy!


    This was really crazy!


    If your mouth could fire bullets and you were left there speaking for an hour, then all of Beijing''s citizens would have perished!


    Jiang Yuan: "��"


    Chen Guang: "��"


    Fan Wenli: "��"


    All of them were again expressing their innermost thoughts with speechlessness!


    Zhang Ye went over to the camera to watch the rey again. This time, it was better, so he nodded and said, "OK, that passed."


    But as it happened, the audience started calling out again!


    "Another time!"


    "Yeah, do it once more!"


    "Demonstrate again, Teacher Zhang!"


    The audience''s cheering amused Zhang Ye. "Did you all get a kick out of listening to that? Just reciting that twice has made my tongue feel very sore. There won''t be any more encores!"


    Ha Qiqiughed.


    Little Wang also covered her mouth and giggled.


    The staff of the other program teams of Central TV all looked at each other and couldn''t help but think of howparison always ended up torturing people. Like on their own programs, when had the audience ever been so passionate like today? Even if they were recording a slightly more interesting segment like the bantering between the guest celebrities, the audience did not want to watch it a second time. Sometimes, when they had to do another recording of those segments, the audience would end up looking listless and couldn''t be bothered with watching anymore. When that happened, the program team would have no choice but to edit the previously recorded audience''s cheering into the re-recorded scenes in post-production! But for Zhang Ye''s program? Just reciting an advertising message was enough to provoke the audience into asking for an encore? And doing it once was not enough so they had to ask for a second encore??


    Wu Mo and the Brain Goldpany''s people were the happiest people in the studio. They couldn''t have possibly predicted that a dry advertisement message segment that no one looked forward to could have be marvelous because of Zhang Ye''s reciting. It had created a totally new style of advertising message and brought it to new heights!


    Although with the increased speed of the advertising message, their advertisement airtime had also decreased a lot, probably down by around 20% of the originally nned advertisement time, but because of the 100 million title sponsorship fee, Zhang Ye also took care to mention Brain Gold''s name multiple times. It was mentioned not only in the ce of the title sponsor lines, but was also brought up in the lower tiered advertising rights portion. This was the special care that Zhang Ye had given to them. It didn''t matter much since they had only managed to sign two advertisers for the lower advertising rights tier anyway, so he simply gave Brain Gold an additional mention. Moreover, with the continued mention of their product and with Zhang Ye''s charming new style of reciting the advertising message, if paired with the chance that it would be imitated by people and would generate heated discussions about it, then the effects of the advertising that the Brain Goldpany would get will definitely outperform traditional advertising methods by manyfold!


    Wu Mo finally understood why Zhang Ye would ask for a title sponsorship fee of 100 million back when they had the meeting. Even if The Voice did not end up with high viewership ratings, just this style of reciting the advertising message was worth the 100 million title sponsorship! Besides, who said that The Voice''s viewership ratings definitely wouldn''t be high? Just this opening alone was enough to give everyone surprise after surprise!


    Some of the audience''s expressions were already different!


    They''d realized that The Voice they were watching now was a totally different affair from the online analysis of The Voice that all the experts and industry insiders had done!


    Just regarding the segment of the host alone!


    It was reported online that a host was only a supporting role in a talent show?


    The experts also imed that anyone could rece Zhang Ye as the host for such talent shows?


    What supporting role!


    It was clear as f**k that this was a lead role!


    Anyone could do it? Why don''t you all appoint one and show us!


    Just with the godly talking speed of Teacher Zhang, even if you found three hosts and let them do part of the advertising message each, they couldn''t f**king recite it that fast! !


    Who could rece him!


    At least on the stage of The Voice, the position of the host was irreceable!


    Even if you scoured all over the country, only Zhang Ye would have the ability to do this!

 Chapter 669 A Four-chair Turn!

    <h4>Chapter 669 A Four-chair Turn! </h4>


    Chapter 669 A Four-chair Turn!


    [copse]


    The atmosphere in the studio was fervent.


    An advertising message had brought the excitement of the audience to a high!


    "That mouth of his, it''s ridiculous!"


    "Zhang Ye has always walked off the beaten path!"


    "I''m increasingly looking forward to thepetition segmenting up."


    "Me too, this opening was really awesome. The stage, the lights, the coaches, the opening theme and even the advertising message. It looks like it has taken a lead several years ahead of other simr shows. If the opening was already this stunning, then how bad could thepetition round be? Even if there aren''t any highlights in thepetition round, even if it''s the same as those other simr programs, The Voice''s viewership ratings won''t be too bad!"


    "We were really lucky to get tickets toe watch this live!"


    "It''s still difficult to make any judgment on anything yet."


    "Yeah, let''s keep watching and see."


    "The Voice''s Achilles heel lies in its quality of contestants. They neither care about looks nor upation, so the contestants might all turn out to be your everyday people, which can also be referred to as karaoke experts. Their level of professionalism will surely be lower since they wouldn''t have learned about music before. Even if they can sing well, they wouldn''t beparable to those music students or musicians. In the other simr types of talent shows, the contestants are basically all made up of good-looking people or artists; there''s a great deal of professionalism in them. The Voice''s contestants are definitely disadvantaged in this area and that is definitely going to be the Achilles heel of the program."


    "I worry about that too."


    "Yeah, how can amateurs evenpare to professionals? Not to mention that they won''t have the advantage in looks either."


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    The audience was whispering when they saw Zhang Ye picking up the microphone again and so they focused on him.


    Zhang Ye did not beat around the bush and just said loudly, "Next up, we''ll be handing the stage over to them, so let''s wee our first contestant on stage! And would the four coaches please turn your chairs around."


    The four chairs moved at the same time, turning around slowly.


    Fan Wenli felt that this was a very refreshing new experience, so she turned to Zhang Yuanqi beside her and spoke about it softly.


    When the audience saw that, many of them were shocked!


    "What''s the meaning of that?"


    "What are they doing?"


    "Why did they turn the chairs around? They won''t be able to see anyone then!"


    "Yeah, what kind of an approach is that?"


    "Didn''t you all see the promo video of The Voice? It''s already introduced the rules. The coaches will only listen to the voice without seeing the contestant. That''s the main point of the program which has been heavily emphasized."


    "Ah?"


    "Didn''t the coaches already meet the contestants earlier?"


    "I heard they did not. When Grandma Zhang Xia was interviewed the other day to promote of The Voice, she was grumbling about this matter. She said that Executive Director Zhang Ye didn''t even reveal anything about any contestants to them beforehand. It was all kept secret, so all four coaches haven''t seen even a shadow of the contestants yet."


    "Then it must be true. Grandma Zhang Xia would never lie."


    "Whoa, they''re ying it with such high risks?"


    "That seems rather interesting. Revolving chairs? It sounds really refreshing!"


    "They''ve got my attention again. This setup seems to be really interesting, but I wonder how practical it will be."


    Zhang Ye left the stage.


    Little Wang immediately broke open the cap of a mineral water bottle and handed it over to Zhang Ye. She said, "Director Zhang, you''ve worked hard!"


    Another female editor who was beside them also said, "You''ve worked hard, Director Zhang."


    Zhang Ye chugged half a bottle of water immediately. Those two advertising messages might have seemed easy to him initially, but when he recited them, they really strained his vocal chords. He said, "You guys keep watch over here, I have to get to the second recording studio." He put down the mineral water and quickly headed backstage to the second recording studio. Actually, this was just the contestants'' resting and waiting area backstage. There were a few individual rooms on one side where the live signal of the recording would be telecast over. The performing contestant''s family would be stationed in the second recording studio while Zhang Ye, as the host, would also have some recording tasks to handle over here. He would be watching together with the contestant''s family members.


    Three minutes passed.


    After the stage was rearranged simply, the lights shut off. This signaled that thepetition round was about to begin. When watching this on the televised broadcast, after Zhang Ye called for everyone to wee the first contestant, the contestant would have already taken the microphone and slowly walked up on stage. But as this was the live recording, the change wouldn''t be that immediate since they needed to make preparations.


    Pa ta.


    Pa ta.


    The lights were being turned off, extinguishing one by one.


    Assistant Director Zhang Zuo''s voice boomed in the studio, "Get ready! Counting down. In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, cameras on. First contestant, please proceed onto the stage!"


    At the backstage entrance.


    Luo Yu''s legs were trembling as she clutched her chest, breathing nervously. She felt like her body was extremely rigid at this moment.


    Ha Qiqi urged, "Teacher Luo, go on."


    Luo Yu said with her legs turning to jelly, "Why don''t we get someone else to go up first. I still need to warm up a little more!"


    Ha Qiqi nearly fainted. She said, "Director Zhang has clearly fingered you as the first to start. He said that the opening contestant of The Voice was you to begin with and was fully trusting of you."


    "But there''s too many people out there and also the four coaches��" Luo Yu was usually a very brave person, even daring to sing while standing in a big field. When she went for the Central TV preliminary auditions, she also performed quite well and was very calm. However, that was only because there weren''t many people around. But now? Past the stage there were more than a hundred audience members sitting there, and also those big-time celebrities like Zhang Yuanqi and Fan Wenli whom she had only ever read about on the newspapers. There were even cameras that would record everything and broadcast it all over the country. Central TV Department 1 had a coverage of 1 billion people all over the country, thus, just before going on stage, Luo Yu felt very terrified for once.


    Ha Qiqi persuaded, "You have to go up on stage whether you''re the first or thest. Just clench your teeth and go up, it''s no big deal."


    Luo Yu was already sweating profusely.


    Sensing that something was wrong, Wu Yi also came over. "Little Luo, hurry up, it''s all on you!"


    Luo Yu asked, "Do you guys think I can make it? What if I screw up? Then��"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Director Zhang''s foresight is very good. I''m sure you know that as well, don''t you? If he says you can make it, then you''ll definitely be fine! Otherwise, why would Director Zhang arrange for you to be the first to go on stage? Just sing like you normally do, don''t hold back and don''t think of anything else!"


    Luo Yu took another deep breath and clenched her teeth. "OK! I''m going to give it my all!"


    "That''s right!" Ha Qiqi pushed her from behind. "Go on! We''re all going to be listening to what you''ve got!"


    Luo Yu picked up the microphone and clenched her fist. She walked towards the stage withrge strides with the wind blowing behind her. Then she stepped up to the center of the stage where the spotlight was focused and stood still!


    The four coaches'' chairs were all facing away from her. She could not see anyone. All she saw were the names on the backs of the chairs. As the light on stage was too ring, the house where the audience was seated also appeared to be very dark. Now that Luo Yu couldn''t see anything at all, she became much calmer and thumped her chest. She was going to give it her all!


    After Luo Yu had gone onto the stage, Wu Yi asked, "Will Little Luo really be alright?"


    Ha Qiqi replied, "How would I know?"


    Wu Yi said, "I''m just worried that the audience won''t be able to ept that voice of hers."


    Ha Qiqi said worried, "It''s not even a confirmed thing that the four coaches can ept her style of singing. If it were up to me, I would have gotten the coaches'' input when we were doing the filtering out of the contestants. What if Director Zhang feels that they are OK, but the audience and the coaches do not think so? If the coaches do not turn around continuously for a few contestants in a row, our program will be finished!"


    Only a moment ago, these two people were encouraging Luo Yu and cheering her on, telling her that she could definitely do it and that they were extremely confident in her. But realistically, these two did not even know what to expect!


    The moment Luo Yu went up on stage, the audience perfunctorily apuded but stopped very quickly. Seeing this contestant, the audience were all feeling speechless.


    "Indeed, they did not care about the looks!"


    "Goddammit, she''s so fat?"


    "At the beginning, I still thought that the idea of only judging the voice was a gimmick. Who knew that they really did not care about looks at all? That person looks too normal!"


    "Such a fat woman, will she be able to sing well?"


    "The image is so beautiful that I''m scared to watch!"


    The audience was still in anticipation just a while ago, but when they saw the first contestant, their hearts turned cold and their passionate emotions, too, settled down by a lot. It wasn''t that they were judging someone based on their looks, but that all along in any singing talent show they had always been used to seeing good-looking contestants. But now, unexpectedly, such a bad-looking and fat contestant had appeared before them; they couldn''t get used to it! This was not something they''d experienced before!


    The four coaches were facing the audience, so they naturally also took in the expressions on their faces.


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled and said, "Doesn''t look too good, does it?"


    "I don''t know." Chen Guang blinked several times.


    Fan Wenli also deduced from the reaction of the audience that the first contestant was likely not too good.


    But right at this moment that was difficult to understand, Luo Yu turned around and nodded her head, signaling that she was ready. Then at the same time a fervent piece of music yed onstage.


    Drums!


    Guitar!


    Bass!


    Just from the melody alone, everyone knew it was going to be a rock song!


    When the audience heard that, they were a little stunned. What was the meaning of this? This fat woman was going to perform a rock song? Everyone knew that rock songs were mainly performed by male singers as they required a kind of attitude and strength a woman sometimescked. Most of the time, they would only be able to perform in style but not in spirit! Yet here she was, going to perform a rock song? How bold!


    Jiang Yuan looked at the stage with suspicion.


    Ha Qiqi and Wu Yi looked like they were even more nervous than Luo Yu, staring at her without batting an eyelid.


    The other program team staff members also knew about Luo Yu''s name. On the first day of the preliminary auditions, they had already given nicknames to the contestants. Luo Yu was one of the members of the four "wonders," and as the preliminary auditions progressed, the number of "wonders" who joined them also increased. From the start, it was the four "wonders" whichter increased into the eight "wonders." The program staff team did not know what to expect. They weren''t sure if everyone could ept this sort of odd voice. Little Wang even kept her eyes closed as she was too afraid to watch.


    What if she turned out to be a dud?


    What if none of the coaches turned around?


    Everyone in the program team had such lingering thoughts which wouldn''t go away!


    However, the music entered into a rhythm. Now that it had reached this stage, there was no point in thinking anymore. All they could do was pray, pray that Director Zhang was right!


    When the guitar part of the intro was ending, Luo Yu suddenly opened her eyes!


    After she drew in a deep breath, Luo Yu''s raspy, high-pitched voice burst out. Without preparation or progressive increase, her opening was sung in an alto voice!


    "Who told you I don''t understand lyrics,posing, or singing!


    "Who told you I don''t understandfort,ughter, or living!


    "Who told you I don''t understand passion, women, or romance!


    "Who told you I don''t understand restraint, flexibility, or smarts!"


    When her singing started, the entire studio was filled with Luo Yu''s sharp and raspy voice. There was no smoothness, no elegance, and no low rumble to her voice. There was only power!


    The power that was in a voice!


    It was also the power of expressing her emotions!


    The entire audience was shocked!


    "This��"


    "Holy shit!"


    "What kind of a voice is that!"


    "That voice, that power!"


    "Oh my god, I''m breaking out in goosebumps!"


    The four coaches'' eyes also glittered with astonishment. From the beginning until now, they had not had any contact with any contestants. With their backs to the stage, they were also looking forward to seeing the person behind the voice and had a preconceived idea of what a good voice should be like. But none of them expected the first contestant''s voice to be like that! It was too special! They had hardly ever heard a woman who could sing "Who Told You I Don''t Understand" in such a manner! This song was originally performed by a male singer, but after all this while, the raspy female voice was even more powerful sounding when performing it?


    Luo Yu was already in the groove as her voice became more and more stable, sounding richer and richer.


    "I''ve always been told I don''t understand pain, hurt, or blues!


    "I''ve always been told I don''t understand anger, res, or cruelty!


    "I''ve always been told I don''t understand friendship, brotherhood, or family!


    "I''ve always been told I don''t understand dreams, ambition, or glory!"


    Singing until here, a surprising turn of events took ce!


    Chen Guang could no longer just sit still. He raised up his hand excitedly and mmed it down on the red button without hesitation. Shua! The coach chair swung around!


    The audience cheered in surprise!


    "He turned around!"


    "Ah!"


    "He turned, he turned!"


    "This song is nice to listen to! It sounds beautiful!"


    When Chen Guang saw Luo Yu on stage, he nodded firmly and raised his hand above his head, giving a thumbs up. He had an expression that did not look calm at all!


    Zhang Yuanqi narrowed her eyes but did not move.


    Fan Wenli looked over at Chen Guang, clenching her hand and loosening it again like she had some hesitations.


    Zhang Xia closed her eyes and listened to the singing seriously, but did not move either.


    Suddenly, Luo Yu reached the chorus. With the microphone in her hands, she stopped for a moment and then belted out the chorus:


    "Who told you I can''t sing!"


    After this line was sung, Fan Wenli no longer held back. She hit the red button!


    A second coach had turned!


    Immediately after that, as if at the same time as Fan Wenli, Zhang Xia suddenly opened her eyes she had kept tightly shut, and pressed the red button with determination, though not as quickly and hard as the others.


    A third coach had turned around!


    "Who told you I don''t understand living!


    "Who told you I don''t understand romance!


    "Who told you I''m not smart!


    "Who told you I don''t know the blues!


    "Who told you I can''t be cruel!


    "Who told you I don''t understand family!


    "Who told you I don''t know glory!"


    At this moment, Zhang Yuanqi who was the only coach not to have turned around, smiled and said, "It''s you!" Pa! The chair swung around and faced the stage!


    The audience was pping nonstop!


    Beside the stage.


    Several of the program team''s staff were screaming like they had gone crazy!


    "Quick, look!"


    "Little Wang! Quickly take a look!"


    Little Wang was still covering her eyes, too afraid to look. "Tell me first, did any of the coaches turn around?"


    Next to her, Sister Liu answered, "They did turn!"


    Little Wang asked, "Ah? Really? How many of them turned?"


    Sister Liu said excitedly, "All of them! The four coaches all turned around!"


    Hearing that, Little Wang immediately opened her eyes in shock! They''d turned! They''d really all turned!

 Chapter 670 The tears of Luo Yu’s parents!

    <h4>Chapter 670 The tears of Luo Yu��s parents! </h4>


    Chapter 670 The tears of Luo Yu''s parents!


    Two minutes earlier.


    In the second recording studio.


    Luo Yu''s parents were here as well. Before their daughter went up on stage, the two of them repeatedly asked Zhang Ye some questions. They didn''t seem to be in high spirits regarding her appearance on television. Instead they felt surprised and puzzled simultaneously without much excitement.


    Her father said, "Teacher Zhang, my daughter has never known how to sing well."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Is that so?"


    Her mother answered, "She has liked singing ever since she was young, singing by day, singing while eating, and sometimes even hiding under her nket and singing at night. She sang quite well when she was younger, but after going through puberty, her voice was damaged and her voice turned raspy. Her teachers and ssmates evenmented that it was better if she did not talk. Once she did, she sounded just like a boy. With this voice, don''t mention singing, just hearing it is enough for anyone to find it a nuisance."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Your family does not support her music endeavors?"


    Her father sighed, "We also wish to support our child and let her fulfill her dreams. But the problem is that she can''t sing, she''s not suited for this at all."


    Her mother said, "This child has a loud voice. Every time she starts singing at home, my husband and I will always go out for a stroll, otherwise we''ll get annoyed. The neighbors also have a very negative opinion of her and sometimes evene over to our house to ask Luo Yu to lower her volume. We''ve already told her many times that she is causing a disturbance to the others and tried talking to her, but she doesn''t listen. No matter how others talk about her or criticize her, she will still sing every day without caring what others say to her. Now that she has been invited to thispetition called The Voice of China, when I heard it from her, I still thought it to be a scam. With her lousy voice, how could it be called a good voice?!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Your daughter is up on stage now. Let''s see what the coaches think of her."


    Her mother remarked, "They definitely won''t turn around, right?"


    Her father shook his head and did not say anything. The two of them didn''t intend toe here today as they knew that their daughter couldn''t sing, yet she was invited to participate in a singing talent show. Subconsciously, they felt that this did not make any sense and felt that their daughter would definitely be looked down upon by the coaches after performing and be mocked by the audience. When that happened, it would look bad for them too. However, they still agreed toe here because of Zhang Ye. They could not refuse Zhang Ye after he had personally made several calls to invite them over.


    On the television screen, they could see everything that was happening in the main recording studio.


    As her parents, when Luo Yu went up on stage looking very nervous, they knew straight away that she would not make it past the coaches.


    The next moment, they saw their daughter with her eyes closed and holding the microphone tightly.


    "I''ve always been told I don''t understand lyrics,posing, or singing!


    "I''ve always been told I don''t understandfort,ughter, or living!


    "I''ve always been told I don''t understand passion, women, or romance!


    "I''ve always been told I don''t understand restraint, flexibility, or smarts!"


    This song��


    These lyrics��


    Suddenly, Luo Yu''s parents were shocked as they involuntarily thought of the past!


    Their neighbor Grandma Liu would grumble in front of them every day, "Don''t let your Little Luo sing anymore. There are so many people who can''t get famous even if they study music, so what could she do?"


    Every time their Second Aunt came to visit them, she would say to Luo Yu, "Little Yu, you must learn to be flexible and face reality. Not everyone can realize their dreams of bing a celebrity. To live means to be down to earth!"


    "You rascal, why don''t you listen no matter what we tell you? Why are you still continuing to sing? Can''t you hear that we mean well for you, Little Luo? Why are you being so thick-skinned and shameless?"


    "Little Luo, don''t sing anymore."


    "Little Luo, you won''t make it."


    "Little Luo, just do your job well as a teacher."


    "Little Luo, be filial to your parents and do well at your job. That''s honorable. What will singing do for you!?"


    "Little Luo��"


    "Little Luo��"


    Suddenly, a loud and high-pitched screaming "lept" out from the television screen!


    "Who told you I can''t sing!"


    At that moment, Luo Yu''s parents each felt a punch in their guts!


    "Who told you I don''t understand living!


    "Who told you I don''t know the blues!


    "Who told you I don''t know glory!"


    A continuous, soprano voice came wave after wave!


    It felt like a roar that carried a tinge of unwillingness buried deep inside the soul!


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye pointed at the television screen. "Someone has turned around! Teacher Chen Guang has turned around!"


    "Ah!" Her father stared with his eyes wide open!


    Her mother was also stunned!


    Within three seconds, Zhang Ye said again, "Teacher Fan Wenli has also turned around! Quick, look, Teacher Zhang Xia also tapped the button! There''s only one left��only one left��oh! Teacher Zhang Yuanqi has also turned around! All four coaches have turned around! All of them have chosen your daughter! Teacher Chen Guang is standing up now and giving a thumbs up! Look at the audience! The audience is bubbling with excitement! It''s fantastic! Luo Yu is really fantastic!"


    Her father asked in shock, "They turned around? All of them turned around?"


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s right!"


    Her father said excitedly, "The coaches like my daughter''s singing?"


    "That''s for sure." Zhang Ye said, "The coaches want Luo Yu to join their own teams, that''s why they chose to turn their chairs around. Next they will have to fight for her to get her to join them!"


    Her father said in a shaky voice, "Are you saying the coaches and audience felt that my daughter��sang well?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes! Look at everyone''s expressions and their cheers! All of this is for your daughter! Everyone likes her!"


    Upon hearing this, Luo Yu''s mother looked at her daughter on the stage and the cheersing from the audience. She did not know why, but her tears started to flow down uncontrobly. She couldn''t stop crying!


    My daughter really knows how to sing!


    So there actually were many people who liked listening to my daughter''s singing!


    So it''s us who had been wrong!


    Seeing his wife cry, Luo Yu''s father also cried, but it was out of happiness. His tears also carried some guilt in them because they had never supported their daughter''s dreams before!


    ����


    In the main recording studio.


    Onstage.


    The music ended and all the lights in the studio came on.


    "How exhrating!"


    "Right, it was awesome!"


    "I listened until my back was sweating!"


    "Where did this womane from?! Is she a professional singer? How did she sing so well?"


    "If she isn''t a professional singer, then she''s definitely professionally trained in music!"


    "This voice has a lot of impact to it! It''s even stronger than a man''s voice!"


    "Isn''t it surprising that such a fat woman could sing until she touched the hearts of people? I have listened to many people singing this song before, but none of them could sing it like she did and make my blood boil with excitement!"


    "Splendid!"


    "She sang this song in such a divine manner!"


    The audience was heatedly discussing her!


    Ha Qiqi and the staff of the program team were totally surprised. The scene''s effect was fantastic. Only Zhang Ye could have had such foresight! Luo Yu''s voice was too awesome! This odd voice had somehow ignited the entire studio!


    After the lights came on, Luo Yu, standing on stage, clearly saw the vista around her for the first time. When she saw the four coaches and realized that they were actually facing her instead of with their back toward her, and the numerous audience members who were screaming and apuding her, Luo Yu was also stunned. She stood there without moving a muscle, dazed on the spot!


    What''s the matter?


    What was going on?


    Luo Yu could not believe the image in front of her eyes!


    Chen Guang could no longer wait and praised, "You''re amazing!"


    Fan Wenli eximed, "Your voice is so special! It''s really nice to listen to!"


    Luo Yu still felt confused. "I-I did not get eliminated?"


    Zhang Xia smiled and said, "Of course not! All four of us have already turned around."


    Upon hearing this, Luo Yu mind was blown then it turned nk. Afterwards, she did something that made everyoneugh. She threw out both her arms with the microphone in one of her hands and let out a long scream. "Ahhhhh!" She was so excited she did not know what to do!


    They really turned around!


    They''ve really acknowledged me!!

 Chapter 671 A tug of war between the coaches!

    <h4>Chapter 671 A tug of war between the coaches! </h4>


    Chapter 671 A tug of war between the coaches!


    Luo Yu was screaming.


    The coaches wereughing good-naturedly.


    Luo Yu''s voice was loud and she had a strong lung capacity that allowed her to scream for 5 or 6 seconds.


    ����


    In the second recording studio.


    Although Zhang Ye was stationed over here, he could still fully control the entire situation at the stage and venue with a walkie-talkie.


    He pressed the microphone attached to his shirt cor and said, "Coaches, please control the time a little and don''t let it drag on for too long."


    ����


    Over at the stage.


    Zhang Yuanqi took control of the situation and asked, "What''s your name?"


    Luo Yu stopped screaming and then while panting said, "I''m Luo Yu. Luo Yu!"


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled and said, "You have an extremely unique voice. The roughness of your vocals can be heard in every syble when singing and it has a very maic charm. What made you want to perform this song here today? ''Who Told You I Don''t Understand'' is a very popr and well-known rock song that many people have sung before. But this is the first time I''ve heard a woman sing it in such a way, that power and screaming, I believe everyone who is here in the studio today could totally feel that."


    Zhang Xia looked at her. "The line ''who told you I can''t sing'' made me shudder. Do your family members not support your singing?"


    Luo Yu confirmed, "My parents don''t support it while all my rtives, friends, and the people around me don''t think that I can sing well. They believe I have a lousy voice. The first person to support me was The Voice''s Executive Director Zhang Ye. I still remember very clearly that day when Teacher Zhang personally came to the school to look for me and told me that I must definitely audition for The Voice. At that time, I did not agree as I felt that my lousy voice was not fit for television, but in the end, I somehow ended up here! I chose this song because this was always what I wanted to sing to others! I think the lyrics of this song are the words that I''ve always wanted to say!"


    Zhang Xiaughed. "We should all thank Zhang Ye then. If not for him, we still wouldn''t have known that there was such an powerful female rock singer in the country."


    Luo Yu quickly said, "Thank you, thank you, coaches, I was simply too excited just now. I had not expected that people would actually like to listen to my singing! I��I��this is too unbelievable!"


    Chen Guangmented, "Be more confident, you were great. Those who did not appreciate your singing are people who don''t understand music. You were saying that Teacher Zhang went to your school to look for you? What do you do?"


    Luo Yu repeatedly answered, "I''m a teacher, a teacher!"


    The coaches were suddenly enlightened!


    The audience also finally realized that it was no wonder she could sing so well. It was because she''s a musician!


    Fan Wenli did not feel as surprised anymore. She asked, "You''re a music teacher at which school?"


    What? Why did they think I''m a music teacher again? This was not the first time that Luo Yu was facing this question, so she tersely said, "That''s not it. I, I teach P.E.!"


    What?


    What did you say!?


    Fan Wenli was stunned.


    You''re a P.E. teacher!?


    A majority of the audience nearly fainted at once. Did it need to be so dramatic? A physical education teacher? As a P.E. teacher, you could even sing the song in this way? You are defying all logic! However, Zhang Ye was actually brave enough to allow a fatdy who taught P.E. to appear on stage and even trusted her to be the opening act? From this alone, the audience realized the audacity of Zhang Ye once again!


    All of a sudden, Zhang Xia became more interested. Her curiosity was piqued. "Who did you learn to sing from?"


    Luo Yu blinked. "I didn''t learn from anyone, I just blindly learned by myself."


    At this moment, Chen Guang lightly pped the armrest. "Whether you teach P.E. or shot put, I want you. Don''t hesitate anymore and just join my team. Among the teachers here, only I sing rock songs, so I can give you more guidance than any of them."


    Zhang Xia eximed, "You''re already starting to grab people?"


    Chen Guangughed heartily. "Little Luo, don''t forget that I was the first to press the button."


    Zhang Yuanqi spoke, "Heh, I seem to have heard someone saying something just now? Saying something about how only one of the coaches sing rock songs?" She gently rubbed her ears as if she had not heard clearly.


    The audience was tickled.


    Chen Guang had no response. F**k, he had forgotten about Sister Zhang.


    Zhang Yuanqi looked askance. "Old Chen, why do I remember that, when I was singing rock, it seemed you hadn''t debuted yet?"


    This truly was the case. Although Zhang Yuanqi was simr in age to Chen Guang, she had debuted much earlier than him.


    Chen Guang said helplessly, "But Sister Zhang, you have already turned to performing love songs and folk songs."


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled and replied, "But my foundation as a rock singer is still there." She looked at Luo Yu and added, "Besides, both of us are women so you shoulde and join my team, Little Luo."


    Chen Guang immediately said, "Little Luo,e to my team, I can give you my guidance in all aspects!"


    Luo Yu was hesitating.


    Fan Wenli pointed at her husband and abruptly said, "I know all the people he knows and I can also give you whatever guidance that he can give to you!"


    Chen Guang stared at her. "I can give her my advice on how to sing rock, but it''s not like you can sing rock yourself!"


    Fan Wenli said confidently, "Little Luo,e to my team. I will get Old Chen to teach you if it''s something that I can''t teach you!"


    Chen Guang nearly fainted from anger. "I''m actually speechless!"


    Fan Wenli firmly said, "I want this person!"


    "Impossible! Don''t even think about it!" Chen Guang grunted.


    Fan Wenli stared at him and actually got up from her chair and walked over to him. "Say that again."


    Zhang Yuanqi turned sideways and said, "Good god, they''ve started to fight. I''d better hurry and get far away from the two of you!"


    The audience burst out intoughter!


    Zhang Xia smiled at Zhang Yuanqi and said, "Weren''t the two of them proimed as a ideal couple of the entertainment industry?"


    "They were before they came here." Then Zhang Yuanqiughed and added, "But after recording this episode, that might not be the case anymore!"


    "Hahaha!" The audience roared withughter again!


    Exciting!


    What a funny scene this was!


    This segment with the coaches fighting for the contestants to join them was as awesome to watch as the contestant''s performance! They started fighting over the contestant! They''ve really started to fight over her!


    For the other talent shows, the coaches always maintained a cordial rtionship with one another. In some talent shows, if a coach signaled their intent and interest in a contestant, then the other coaches would not attempt to take them. At most, they would banter for a bit. Meanwhile, there were even some talent shows that skipped this segment altogether and segregated by gender or age groups for the coaches to manage. There was no such thing as a selection segment! The Voice of China had clearly subverted the traditional approach singing talent shows had. They actually dared to add in a selection segment for the coaches to "battle it out," something no one else would even risk thinking about. This made the audience be very excited quickly!


    Zhang Xia��a veteran songstress!


    Zhang Yuanqi��a very popr Heavenly Queen!


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli��an ideal couple!


    The songstress raising eyebrows at the Heavenly Queen? A great battle between the ideal couple? Did it need to be so stimting? Did it need to be so��exciting! But that''s exactly what we like to see!


    Shocked, Ha Qiqi said, "Why are the coaches��"


    Wu Yi wiped away his perspiration and remarked, "So that''s how the taking of contestants work!"


    Zhang Zuo, Little Wang and the others were also stunned while looking at the coaches!


    Zhang Ye did write out the segment of the coachespeting for contestants on the program proposal but he did not mention it in detail or how it would be done. No one could have expected that this segment''s effect would turn out to be like this! They were really arguing! They were really fighting!


    Jiang Yuan watched with extreme surprise!


    Some of the leaders from Central TV and many of the staff from the other program teams were also stunned in amazement. They werepletely convinced by Zhang Ye''s program nning ability! Even without asking, they knew that such a scene was definitely not due to the coaches'' sudden inspiration. That was because no other talent shows had such a segment of picking contestants like this. It was absolutely Executive Director Zhang Ye''s pre-nned idea. He probably had more than one private meeting with each of the coaches separately on how to fight orpete for the contestants to join them. That was the reason for such an unexpected effect on the set!


    It could even be done like this?


    They really did it like this!


    Everyone was convinced!


    Chen Guang said, "Little Luo! I can''t wait anymore!"


    Fan Wenli smiled and said, "Little Luo, you better think carefully. I believe that you can see who the decision maker is between the two of us."


    Chen Guang: "��"


    The audience began to cheer them on.


    "Oh!"


    "Haha!"


    Zhang Yuanqi tried to stir things up even more. "Old Chen, if I were you, I wouldn''t take that lying down!"


    Chen Guang pped the chair. "I will not take that lying down for sure. My wife is normally very reserved at home. Why did she totally change aftering here!?"


    Fan Wenli said, "That''s because Little Luo has the voice that I''ve been waiting for! I can give way for anyone but Little Luo!"


    When they were almost done fighting, Zhang Xia looked at Zhang Yuanqi. "Fine, I think we should not get involved in this anymore."


    Zhang Yuanqi saw that the couple was tearing into each other, so she did not get involved with them anymore. Noticing the time was almost up, she controlled the tempo and said, "Little Luo, please make your decision now."


    Luo Yu was in a dilemma.


    5��


    4��


    3��


    Luo Yu grit her teeth. "I will choose��Teacher Chen Guang!"


    Dong dong dong dong, the sound effects immediately sounded!


    The moment Chen Guang heard that, he immediatelyughed hysterically!


    Fan Wenli gave a bitter smile, then glowered at Chen Guang. "Fine, I''ll show you when we get home!"


    Zhang Yuanqi was delighted and said, "Old Chen is in danger." Then she looked at Luo Yu and advised, "You must learn diligently from Teacher Chen Guang since he has risked his life to exchange for you!"


    Zhang Xia alsoughed, "Hur hur hur hur."


    Luo Yu immediately ran toward the coaches with excitement and hugged them. "Thank you, thank you!"


    The audience was not surprised Luo Yu chose to join Chen Guang''s team. This was an understandable decision. But regarding the "great battle" on the set, it was very unexpected and too funny!


    At this moment, the first contestant to qualify on The Voice was born!


    Luo Yu left through the backstage entrance. The coaches'' chairs also turned back around to their original positions.


    It was as though the audience was pumped full of adrenaline and already extremely looking forward to the next contestant to appear on stage.


    ����


    From the third camera''s view.


    The four coaches were having a discussion.


    Zhang Xia sincerelymented, "That Little Luo was really awesome."


    Fan Wenli agreed, "That''s right."


    Chen Guang cupped his hands. "I''m sorry, I got the first move, haha."


    As they chatted idly, the four coaches were already forming their judgment of The Voice. Before today, they had not had any contact with the contestants at all, and it was also their first time experiencing the segments such aspeting for people and the turning around of their chairs, so they were unfamiliar with it. After going through the entire process once, they had a deeper understanding of this program. This was a good show that was different from other singing talent shows with its huge stage, high-end equipment, great audio quality, professional host, and high standard in the contestants. From the start until now, it was almost perfect and it was something that the coaches had not expected!


    Honestly, if she were standing on any other stage, Luo Yu''s voice would likely get drowned out, just like how none of her friends and rtives had thought that her singing was good. During the preliminary audition, Ha Qiqi and the rest of the program team, too, did not think highly of Luo Yu. However, upon further analysis, this was actually not Luo Yu''s fault or that the audience didn''t know music. This was entirely because of the stage they were on!


    In daily life, everyone would think that Luo Yu had a lousy voice.


    If she was on the stage of other programs, Luo Yu would probably be judged more on her looks and bloated figure than her voice.


    Even if the four coaches here listened to Luo Yu''s singing on the streets, she would probably be overlooked as well. After all, everyone''s definition of what a singer should be would always more conservative in this world. Themon values they looked for would be: singing well, having a mellow voice, and looking good.


    However, The Voice of China''s stage was different. The most unique feature on this program was that the back of the four coaches'' chairs would always face the stage, thus not letting the coaches see the contestants. Hence, the coaches could only judge from the voice alone and if the contestants all had mellow voices? And they were all trained in music with slick singing? Then how would they be able to differentiate who was good or bad? How would they be able to differentiate each contestant''s uniqueness? There was no way to do that! As a result, it would naturally alle down to the the uniqueness of the contestant''s voice. If they couldn''t see the face, then the voice would be the "face" of the contestant!


    In that way, the audience watching the program would also unconsciously be brought into this mindset. Even though they could see the contestants, they know the coaches were unable to see them. That would subconsciously increase their anticipation of the oue of the coaches'' decisions. Sometimes, when the voice and the looks of a contestant differed greatly, the audience would be even more excited and feel that it was a novelty!


    It was this stage of The Voice that had made everyone''s focus be on the contestant''s voice. This was a great, pioneering move. Together with a stage that cost over 10 million, audio equipment worth over 20 million, in a quiet environment everyone could listen with concentration, Luo Yu''s unique voice and charm was suddenly amplified for everyone to hear, thus leading to this amazing effect and impact of the stage!


    Not a single one of those factors could be omitted!


    And Zhang Ye had miraculously achieved all of it. He had even visualized and nned out this scene from the moment when he started making the program proposal!


    Was it due to the sess of the stage?


    Was it due to the effects of the equipment?


    Was it due to the coaches'' knowledge and experience?


    Was it due to the strength of the contestants?


    No.


    Everything was down to Zhang Ye''s nning and direction. He had calcted everything to make this work!


    The appearance of the first contestant on stage had left everyone in shock and awe of the power of a voice. Who would have thought that such an overdone genre of singing talent show could even be made into something like this!

 Chapter 672 The second contestant comes on stage!

    <h4>Chapter 672 The second contestantes on stage! </h4>


    Chapter 672 The second contestantes on stage!


    Backstage.


    In the second recording studio.


    The door opened and Luo Yu came rushing in. "Dad! Mom! I did it! The coaches have chosen me!"


    Her father said with excitement, "We saw it! We saw it all!"


    Her mother said with tears in her eyes, "My child, I''m sorry. We haven''t given you any support all these years!"


    "Mom, what are you saying, it''s OK!" Luo Yu went over to hug her mother, while also crying. "It''s alright!"


    Her mother was choking back tears. "Wu wu wu, in the future��In the future, sing all that you wish to sing��wu wu��your dad and I��we will not stop you anymore!"


    Luo Yu said while crying, "Mom!"


    Her father''s eyes were also bing wet as he said, "Child, in the future, just do what you enjoy. Your mom and I will support you!"


    "Dad! Thank you!" Luo Yu felt that at this moment she was probably the most fortunate person in the world!


    Zhang Ye and the cameraman were both beside them, looking on but not interrupting the moment. This was a scene that left Zhang Ye very satisfied, making him feel that his hard work in recent days did not go to waste. He had fulfilled the goals and expectations he had set for himself, setting up this stage and making it a ce where dreams coulde true��this was important to Zhang Ye.


    Luo Yu had done beautifully!


    After this, it was up to the others!


    Truthfully speaking, Zhang Ye still felt a little nervous, not because he doubted the quality of the contestants he chose, but their ability to perform on a stage. Most talent shows usually did not re-record the round in which the contestants performed unless it was due to equipment malfunctioning or external factors. Recording again because a contestant did not perform up to their potential? The coaches would not agree and neither would the audience. Whether they could make it or not depended on the three minutes they were given. Everything would be determined then and there. Naturally, this was a very big test for the contestants.


    Who was the next contestant?


    Yes, it was time for the train driver to step up!


    ����


    In the main recording studio.


    On and offstage, everyone quieted down.


    The lights were also turned off as everyone focused their attention to the stage without blinking.


    At this moment, a burly man appeared in sight of the audience. He was very tall, around 1.85 meters, and with just a few steps, he had already walked to the center of the stage. He looked visibly nervous, holding the microphone tightly in his hands, then loosening his grip, then tightening and loosening again. Finally, he was able to calm himself.


    The music started.


    A melody began ying.


    At the coaches'' chairs, the four of them were talking to one another.


    "What song is this?" Chen Guang apparently thought that this melody sounded rather familiar.


    Fan Wenli, who had started out as a music teacher and was more professional in this area, had identified the song with just the starting melody. "This is ''Please Fall In Love With Me,'' but I think it''s an arranged version."


    Zhang Xia closed her eyes out of habit to listen.


    Zhang Yuanqi also appeared to be was anticipating something.


    The melody danced and sounded very touching. The next moment, the voice of the contestant rang out.


    "Hey��"


    This voice that came out immediately made the coaches look at each other.


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled and said, "It''s a guy."


    Fan Wenli said, "For a love song like this one, I don''t think many guys would attempt it, isn''t that right?"


    Chen Guang made a sound of confirmation. "And to sing it well is even more difficult as this song is more exquisite."


    Zhang Xia said with her eyes closed, "His voice sounds quite fine, so we''ll have to see how he performs it. The first contestant, Little Luo, was simply too stunning, so with her opening performance, the contestants thateter would definitely be more pressured."


    This song was the same one Sun Daxuan had performed for Zhang Ye in the preliminary auditions of The Voice. Later on, the music arrangement teacher and Zhang Ye both thought that he sang this song well and it fit his singing style too, so instead of making him change songs like Luo Yu did, they stuck to using the same one.


    Sun Daxuan hade to the main part of the song and had dived into its emotions.


    "Hey��"


    "Hello��It''s me."


    "Hey��"


    "Please��Love me."


    "Hey��"


    "Have you ever heard the wind blow?"


    "That''s me, softly speaking."


    That haunting feeling, that exquisite enunciation of the lyrics. Although it was a man''s voice, the entire audience was still touched by it as they couldn''t help but p a little.


    "Hey��"


    "Hello��It''s me."


    "Hey��"


    "Please��Love me."


    Singing skill, intonation, level of exquisiteness, there was nothing to nitpick at all!


    The first contestant was already very good, but no one could have expected the second contestant to be this good either. For a burly man, he could actually sing a love sing to this degree!?


    Amazed, Fan Wenli breathed in and raised her hand up with some hesitation, hovering it above the red button.


    But suddenly, before she could move, Zhang Xia beside her hit the button with her hand. Her chair turned around as Fan Wenli was left stunned, then subconsciously hit the button quickly as well!


    If she didn''t hit the button for this contestant, who would she hit it for?!


    If it were any other talent show, such a voice would have the potential for a top three finish. From a certain angle, it could even be said that this voice wasparable to theirs as professional singers!


    Just a split second separated the two coaches, as they both turned around at almost the same time. When they saw the burly man on stage, Zhang Xia''s eyes narrowed while Fan Wenli was surprised. The exquisiteness and emotions portrayed in that voice were not really something they would connect to someone who looked like that. Based on Fan Wenli''s experience and feelings, she had thought that the person on stage would turn out to be a fair, thin, and scrawny guy, but little did she expect that he would turn out to appear so rough and tumble!


    Seeing Fan Wenli''s expression, Chen Guang immediately asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Fan Wenli looked at him and immediately beamed while shaking her head. "Nothing."


    Chen Guang said, "Hah?"


    Fan Wenli warned, "You better not turn or else you''ll regret it!"


    Pfft! When the cameraman positioned for shots of their angle heard this, he couldn''t help scoffing. The scene of the couple bickering was such a tease, starting from the time they were fighting over the contestant earlier.


    Chen Guang wouldn''t have any of it. "I''d be stupid if I believed you."


    Pa. He also hit the button. Chen Guang was also a crooner of love songs, but he didn''t usually sing it in such a smooth way. Logically speaking, this contestant would not suit his style, but since it was apetition, theposition of the teams they chose would definitely have to be better bnced. Chen Guang couldn''t possibly go and choose all the contestants who had the same style as him to be on his team, could he? If he did so, then the entirepetition wouldn''t have much meaning anymore! This person clearly could sing, so if he could be pulled onto the team, then Chen Guang would surely wee it. The more the merrier. Besides, as a professional, as long as it wasn''t jazz or some other forms of foreign music he wasn''t familiar with, he could still coach the contestants.


    Three out of four coaches had turned!


    When Chen Guang saw the person on stage, he also let out a "wow" in surprise.


    Every time a coach turned around, the audience would give a round of excited apuse!


    "Another one has turned!"


    "The singing is really good!"


    "It''s nice to listen to this!"


    "Although he does not have the explosive force of the first contestant, his smoothness in singing is too awesome. It sounds even more touching than if it was sung by a woman!"


    "This person is definitely going to be a key contestant!"


    "I like him, I like him!"


    "He isn''t as good as Luo Yu."


    "He can''t be worse than her. They''re both very good!"


    "Everyone has their own judgment. In any case, I think that this person sings amazingly!"


    "There''s so much emotion in his singing!"


    Earlier, Luo Yu had taken the stage with a rock song to pump up the entire atmosphere of the studio, but when Sun Daxuan took over, it changed the charged up atmosphere to a beautiful and graceful one. The beautiful picture that existed in his singing voice had infected everyone and they all moved to a different mood and feel!


    The song was over.


    Compared to Luo Yu, Sun Daxuan was much calmer. Only the look in his eyes revealed just how excited he was at this moment as three of the coaches had turned around for him!


    Ahhh!


    In his mind, Sun Daxuan was already shouting out loud!


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled and said, "Hello, please introduce yourself first."


    Sun Daxuan promptly said, "My name is Sun Daxuan and I''m 26 years old. I work as a train driver!"


    The audience burst into an uproar.


    "Eh?"


    "Holy shit!"


    "He drives a train?"


    Earlier, it was a physical education teacher, and now a train driver? The upations of The Voice''s contestants are too f**kingplicated!


    Zhang Xia was very curious about this. "You have a very interesting job."


    Sun Daxuan quirked a lip and said, "It''s a pretty busy job since I have to be on the train every day, but when I have nothing to do, I sing. There''s nothing to be afraid of since no customers will be listening."


    Zhang Xia asked, "Why?"


    Sun Daxuan replied, "Because I drive a cargo train."


    Amused, Zhang Yuanqi inquired, "What made you want toe and join thispetition?"


    Sun Daxuan answered very honestly, "It is because I really like Teacher Zhang Ye. I am a hardcore fan of his, so for his programs, his poems, the songs that he has written, I''ve watched, read, and listened to them more than once. Since Teacher Zhang Ye had created a new program and sent out an invitation to apply for the show, I just came without thinking. Actually, beforeing up on stage, I hadn''t really thought that any of you coaches would turn around for me. I, I thought I would leave after singing this song!"


    The coaches were allughing. One of them said, "Too bad Zhang Ye isn''t one of the coaches then."


    Sun Daxuan lightly mocked, "It''s not that. I also really, really, really like you all as well!"


    Fan Wenli said, "I would like to hear from Sister Zhang on why she did not turn around."


    Zhang Yuanqi looked over at Fan Wenli. "That''s because I don''t really sing such exquisite-sounding love songs. I do not have the voice to do so. That''s why I feel that Little Sun''s style would be more suitable for you, Wenli, and I decided that I wouldn''t want to take him from you."


    Fan Wenli said happily, "Thank you, Sister Zhang!"


    Zhang Xia didn''t like the sound of that. "Yuanqi, why aren''t you pulling for me instead?"


    Zhang Yuanqiughed gleefully. "Maybe in the next round."


    Zhang Xia then said to Sun Daxuan, "Little Sun,e and join me."


    Sun Daxuan said, "Grandma Zhang, my parents especially like you."


    Zhang Yuanqiughed, "Oh, seems like Grandma Zhang has no chance with him at all."


    Zhang Xia: "��"


    The audience allughed.


    Sun Daxuan felt even more embarrassed. "Then��"


    Fan Wenli immediately said, "Little Sun, our style of singing is exactly the same. If you join me, I will teach you well. On top of that, I will invite you to be my guest for my concert that''s happening in the middle of the year!"


    The audience gasped in astonishment.


    Chen Guang immediately said, "I will also invite you to be my guest for my concert this year!"


    Fan Wenli stared at him. "What''s the meaning of that, Old Chen?"


    Chen Guang smiled and replied, "It''s just normalpetition."


    Fan Wenli said, "You already have a good contestant with you, so if you steal a contestant from me again, I better check if our feelings for each other are still as deep as before!"


    Zhang Yuanqiughed and remarked, "Whoa, their rtionship is already breaking down!"


    Hearing this, the audience all burst out inughter.


    Chen Guang also withered but just rolled his eyes.


    In the end, Sun Daxuan''s choice was of no surprise to everyone. He said, "Thank you, teachers, I will��I will choose Teacher Fan Wenli!"


    Hearing her name, a glittering grin appeared on Fan Wenli''s face. She told him, "You''ve made a smart choice!"


    The audience was once again discussing what was happening.


    "Haha, Old Chen was terrified!"


    "But the contestant''s choice of Fan Wenli was absolutely correct."


    "Yes, Fan Wenli''s style is the same as his!"


    "This person''s singing is really nice to listen to. When the program gets broadcast, I will definitely download the live version''s MP3!"


    "I''m wondering why we have never seen such good contestants before in the past? Why did they only appear on the stage of The Voice? How did Zhang Ye find them?"


    "Who knows!"


    "I find it strange too. On the other talent shows, only the top two or three will have such a level of singing, no? Those contestants are even mostly professional musicians or artists, so howe the contestants on The Voice have jobs such as being a train driver or a P.E. teacher and yet still sing on a simr level to them? They might even turn out to be better than the champions on those other programs? Could it be down to whoever had the highest-end audio equipment?"


    "It kind of has to do with the equipment, but it''s still mainly because of the program''s production concept. The Voice focuses only on finding the best voice, regardless of looks or upation, so anyone can apply and take part. There''s a saying that goes: ''The talented are among us.'' Those words are definitely not false, but it''s just that those singing talent shows in the past always judged based on voice and looks, so naturally, those who looked too average would have been eliminated! In the other shows, it''s likely that such people did not even make it past the preliminary auditions!"


    "This program is indeed interesting!"


    "Yeah, the more I watch it, the more I find it to be really good!"


    "Ai, therees the next contestant!"

 Chapter 673 Starring Qian Pingfan in the finale!

    <h4>Chapter 673 Starring Qian Pingfan in the finale! </h4>


    Chapter 673 Starring Qian Pingfan in the finale!


    [copse]


    The third contestant got on stage.


    Her name was Shi Fangru and she was going to perform a song that another contestant had sung during the preliminary auditions. The title was "Blooming."


    "Flowers bloom on the window sill."


    "But you aren''t here."


    "Remembering that spring, when you were still beside me."


    "These petals and your smiling face."


    "The flowers have bloomed!"


    "But I''m crying!"


    "Why did you go!"


    This person sang in a very standard way and was not as amazing as those two before, although she still did quite well!


    This song moved both Zhang Xia and Fan Wenli and the two coaches turned around for her. As for Zhang Yuanqi and Chen Guang, who knows what considerations they had, but they did not press on the button.


    When Zhang Ye was not on stage, Zhang Yuanqi took over the hosting job. She asked, "What is your name?"


    Shi Fangru replied, "My name is Shi Fangru."


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "What do you do?"


    Shi Fangru smiled and said, "I don''t have a job. I''m a housewife. I stay at home to care for my kid."


    Fan Wenli sounded surprised as she remarked, "Oh, I couldn''t see that at all. You have children already? Then how old are you?"


    Shi Fangru said, "I have a baby face and everyone says I look younger than I am. Actually, I''m 34 years old and my child is in primary school."


    Fan Wenli said, "Then you shoulde to my��"


    Before she could finish, Zhang Xia found a chance to interrupt, "The other coaches all do not have children yet, but I have five and they were all brought up by my hands. I also have a lot of grandchildren. If you join my team, not only will I be able to mentor you in music, I can also teach you how to bring up your children!"


    Zhang Yuanqiughed. "Grandma Zhang has dealt her finishing blow!"


    Zhang Xia said, "Of course. All the contestants have been snagged by the couple, so if I don''t make my move, I will end up with nobody on my team!"


    In the end, Shi Fangru chose Grandma Zhang to be her coach. No one knew if she did so because of the talk about the children or because she was touched by Grandma Zhang''s sincerity. Fan Wenli seemingly looked regretful, sighed, and ranted about it for quite a while. It was clear that she liked that contestant very much, but just couldn''t snatch her away from Teacher Zhang Xia.


    ����


    Following that, the contestants appeared one after another.


    For the fourth contestant, Zhang Xia and Chen Guang turned around at thest second. This was a contestant who performed a folk song that needed powerful vocals and an extraordinary range. Teacher Zhang Xia, without much effort, lured the contestant to join her team. In terms of these folk music and bel canto style of singing, even if the other three coaches tried their very best, they wouldn''t be a match for Zhang Xia.


    The fifth contestant��


    The sixth contestant��


    The seventh contestant��


    For all of the contestants who had appeared on stage today, they all received acknowledgment in the form of having the coaches turn their seats around for them. On the higher side, all four coaches turned, while on the lower end, there was just one coach who turned their chair. For instance, only Chen Guang turned around for the seventh contestant, so that didn''t lead to the contestant getting a chance to choose their coach and was automatically assigned to Chen Guang''s team.


    Up until now.


    Zhang Xia had two contestants in her team.


    Chen Guang had three.


    Fan Wenli had two.


    Only Zhang Yuanqi, who might have higher expectations, did not turn around for anyone except for Luo Yu''s performance. Her team was currently still empty, but she did not seem to feel anxious about it nor did she lower her requirements. She insisted on waiting for that voice which could move her to turn around.


    ����


    It was now 3 PM in the afternoon.


    The coaches and audience were all feeling quite tired.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye came out from the backstage and yelled out some instructions. He said, "All teams, let''s take a break for ten minutes. After the break, we willmence with the recording for thest contestant."


    Zhang Yuanqi did not move.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Xia, Fan Wenli, and Chen Guang stood up to go to the restroom.


    Hearing that, many of the audience members were also led out of the recording studio for a water break, to rx in the corridor, or go for a bathroom break.


    "I''m feeling exhrated from today''s recording."


    "Yeah, what an exciting show."


    "However, it''s a little bit anticlimactic."


    "Yes, I feel the same. Perhaps, because the start was too amazing��even though the contestants who appearedter were very good as well��they didn''t have the abilities like the contestants in front of them, who gave us goosebumps after listening! Uhh, could it be that those were all the strong and capable contestants they found in the auditions? So they ended up getting arranged to appear at the beginning by the program team? And there are no more great contestants? If that''s the case, then the anticipation level for theter episodes will definitely drop by a lot. There''s nothing to look forward to at all!"


    "I don''t know."


    "Stop thinking too much. Having so many who can sing well is already very good. Of these seven people, even the most average one could dominate all those contestants in the other talent shows!"


    "Even if we say that, the opening stage contestants were too awesome and that increased my anticipation for the show thinking that there would be even better contestantster on."


    "Ohe on, getting such contestants is like finding a needle in a haystack. You can only get one in every million people, it''s not like you can just easily pick them up off the street. So having those opening stage contestants already wasn''t easy. I bet Zhang Ye went scouring around the country just to find them. In my opinion, it''s better that we don''t have too much expectation. The contestants from now on should only be like most of what we just heard. There won''t be someone else like Luo Yu who had such shocking vocals. All the trump cards for The Voice have already been yed."


    "I think so too."


    "Ai, that''s true, where could they find so many amazing contestants anyway!"


    "Even so, this show is already incredible. At least I know that I''ve never, ever watched such an exciting talent show before!"


    "Zhang Ye truly lives up to his name!"


    During the break, Zhang Ye was still busily handling some issues.


    He found a staff member and asked, "Have we brought Qian Pingfan''s parents over to the studio yet? Why don''t I see them?"


    That staff member answered, "They''re on the way right now. They were held up at the airport for a very long time because they have never traveled by ne before. They got lost after they got off. When I found outter, I quickly found someone to drive there to pick them up!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Where are they at now?"


    The staff said, "They are already at North Third Ring Road, so they will be arriving very soon."


    Zhang Ye said, "Hurry the driver up some more. Otherwise we won''t be able to finish the recording in time!"


    Ha Qiqi came over. "Director Zhang, why not arrange for another contestant to appear first?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head firmly. "No way, today''s recording must end with Qian Pingfan as the final act. No one else can take her ce."The contestants'' appearance order was all arranged by Zhang Ye who worked overnight for many days. Who came first, who camest, who was ted to appear in which episode, all of these details were very important. This order of appearance was worked on over and over for a long time before it was finally confirmed!


    "Then let me call the driver to hurry him up!"


    After the ten-minute break, Zhang Ye extended it for another ten minutes.


    ����


    Just before 3:30 PM.


    Zhang Ye finally found Qian Pingfan''s parents who had just arrived. The two of them were in the forties, but, possibly due to the fact that they were farmers and had to work out in the fields, getting battered by the weather, their skin didn''t look too good. It made them look older as well, as though they were already in their fifties.


    "Hello, how are you?"


    "Where is our son?"


    The couple did not speak Mandarin too well, talking with very heavy ents.


    Zhang Ye brought the two of them into the second recording studio. "It''s good to see both of you here. Qian Pingfan is currently backstage getting ready to go on the main stage. He will be appearing very soon. Here, you can see him on this TV."


    Pingfan''s father asked, "Who are you?"


    The cameraman said, "This is Teacher Zhang Ye."


    The couple had looks of confusion. "Oh, hello."


    Seeing that the couple did not know who Zhang Ye was, the cameraman wasn''t surprised either. He understood that Qian Pingfan''s parents were not familiar with events in the entertainment industry, so he spoke again changing his wording, "This is our executive director."


    Only then did Pingfan''s father react with some surprise. "Director?" Maybe he felt that way because he wasn''t expecting someone this young to be a director.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Just call me Little Zhang."


    Pingfan''s mother could not help asking, "Director, our son is really going to be on TV?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, but it''s just the program recording now and this TV is connected to the main recording studio. Only at 9 PM tonight will the show be broadcast."


    Pingfan''s mother wanted to speak but stopped short of saying anything.


    Pingfan''s father remarked, "Did you all get something wrong?"


    Zhang Ye asked, "What did we get wrong?"


    Pingfan''s father said, "Our son is just a bicycle repairman. There are no people in our family who know how to sing."


    "You''ve never heard Qian Pingfan''s singing before?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Pingfan''s mother said, "No. He only knows how to farm and repair bicycles. Our son does not have any talent, so of course we have never heard him sing before!"


    Zhang Ye did not know how he should exin things. Unlike Luo Yu''s parents who always heard Luo Yu''s singing but felt that she did not sing well, Qian Pingfan''s parents had not even heard their son''s singing before. Even if Zhang Ye tried to exin it, he felt that it would be useless. But that was also the reason why he tried so hard to invite Qian Pingfan''s parents to the set. He called them countless times tirelessly trying to persuade them with his speech, and even booked the hotel amodation and air tickets before he got them to agree reluctantly toe to Beijing. Zhang Ye had no other motives but to let Qian Pingfan''s parents listen to their son''s singing and learn that he knew more than just farming and repairing bicycles!

 Chapter 674 A laborer contestant?

    <h4>Chapter 674 Aborer contestant? </h4>


    Chapter 674 Aborer contestant?


    In the main recording studio.


    Everyone on set had already rested for a long time now.


    Jiang Yuan turned his head and asked, "What''s going on?"


    Fu Sihong said, "I don''t know, let me check it out."


    Some distance away, Zhang Zuo was walking over from afar right when Fu Sihong and Jiang Yuan called him over.


    The executive producer of The Voice, Fu Sihong, asked, "We''ve had a break for more than 20 minutes already, haven''t we? Why are we still not continuing to record then? The show is set to be broadcast tonight, but we still have to finish recording and post-production."


    Fu Sihong was sitting below the stage, feeling more like an outsider. During the show''s production to recording, he barely took part in any of the work. Right now, everything regarding The Voice was dictated by Zhang Ye alone, so Fu Sihong had no reason to try to barge in and take over at this point. He himself understood that well, so he did not try to blindly pass along any instructions either. After all, in terms of the pulling in of sponsors, the program nning, and the production, he could not hold a candle to Zhang Ye. Even if he tried to order the team around, they would probably not follow his instructions and instead seek Zhang Ye''s opinion. That would cause him more embarrassment, so of course he would rather just continue being the figurehead executive producer that he was and asionally check in on the progress of the show.


    Zhang Zuo immediately answered, "Director Zhang was waiting for the contestant''s family members. They have only just arrived, so there was a slight dy."


    Fu Sihong said, "Then couldn''t we have just switched a contestant to record?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "I don''t know about that. The order of appearance was told to us by Director Zhang."


    Jiang Yuan suddenly suggested, "Did he n the appearance order properly? The two contestants at the beginning were great and amazing, lifting everyone''s mood to a high. But now, the ones who appearedter could no longer keep that atmosphere going. You all should have just arranged for Luo Yu to appear at the end so that the televised effect would be better."


    Zhang Zuo said, "Director Zhang should have already considered that, but I don''t know too much about it."


    Jiang Yuanmented, "The trump cards should never be used at the beginning, they should always be left forst. We have to be flexible about such things, or else it will affect the overall quality of the show."


    Fu Sihong also chimed in, "If Luo Yu was the final act, she would definitely be able to excite the whole audience. It''s just too bad that she was the first contestant because it''s too difficult to find someone as amazing as Luo Yu."


    Even though they said that, the first episode of The Voice''s recording had given them a huge surprise. They were really just nitpicking details now. In reality, they were amazed by it all. They had not expected that this proposal of The Voice by Zhang Ye, which they did not feel optimistic about at the beginning, could actually be done in such a way. With the mindset of achieving perfection, they naturally wanted someone who was as good as Luo Yu to be the final act of the episode. However, they also knew that it was not practical to think that way since a contestant like Luo Yu was hardly ever guaranteed and not likely to appear again!


    At this moment, the earpiece of the program team staff crackled, with Zhang Ye issuing some instructions.


    "Everyone get into position. We will begin recording in one minute."


    "Yes!"


    "Received!"


    "OK, Director Zhang!"


    "Understood!"


    "Already in position."


    The staff members responded in session.


    ����


    At the backstage entrance to the main stage.


    Qian Pingfan was already waiting here.


    Ha Qiqi handed the microphone to him. "There''s still one minute before you step on, Little Qian."


    Qian Pingfan was a nervous wreck at this moment and beads of sweat were rolling off his head onto the floor. He was a simpleborer who came from the countryside and had never witnessed such a grand situation before. He asked, "My parents really came?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Yes, they''re backstage."


    Qian Pingfan pulled a long face as he said, "My parents have never heard me singing before. I, I never sang, not even once, when I was at home, so they don''t know anything."


    Wu Yi smiled and told him, "It''s time to show them what you can do then."


    Qian Pingfan was clearly very respectful of his parents. "But I''m afraid that I won''t sing well. Those contestants before me all performed extraordinarily well. I definitely can''t do better than them."


    Wu Yi said, "Says who?"


    Qian Pingfan said, "I''m not better than them, really!"


    Ha Qiqi encouraged, "Do you know what Director Zhang said about you? He said that the final act for the first episode of The Voice would be you. It has to be you no matter what!"


    Qian Pingfan felt even more pressured now. "But just look at my clothes��"


    The program team provided makeup services but not the clothes and costumes the contestants wore. Those would have to be arranged by the contestants themselves. Qian Pingfan was just a bicycle repairman and did not even earn 2000 RMB a month, so he obviously couldn''t afford a good wardrobe. He was just wearing his usual getup today, an old outfit whose color had already faded from washing. It did not look too appealing.


    Wu Yi said, "That''s fine. Director Zhang has said that there''s no need to dress well to hide your identity. Just wear your own outfit and present yourself as you. There''s nothing to hide, so just let everything go and sing. Let your parents hear your voice, and let everyone else hear it too!"


    In the audience.


    When many of the staff members saw Qian Pingfan getting ready to go on stage, they started whispering.


    "It''s Qian Pingfan''s turn!"


    "I know about him, he''s up as the final act today, right?"


    "Yeah, Director Zhang specifically arranged it."


    "Can he do it? That voice of his is a little��"


    "I think he''s very good! I heard him sing during the preliminary auditions and I sincerely like it!"


    "Even if you like it, that doesn''t mean that the audience and coaches will be able to ept it."


    "That''s true, Qian Pingfan is unlike the other contestants and is a little bit special. If we''re talking about all the contestants of The Voice, then he is definitely the most controversial one. He''s going to be a risk!"


    "Let''s see how everyone reacts!"


    The countdown began.


    Three��


    Two��


    One�� .


    The recording started!


    "Now let''s wee the next contestant!"


    This voiceover was Zhang Ye''s recorded introduction.


    Suddenly, the stage lighting dimmed in ordance to pump up the atmosphere in the studio.


    Qian Pingfan hesitantly took a few steps, then gripped the microphone tightly and walked up on stage while trembling. Compared to Luo Yu and a few other contestants, he was much more nervous and had already subconsciously hunched his back.


    Ha Qiqi was extremely worried about him. She shouted to him from below, "Little Qian, straighten your back!"


    Only then did Qian Pingfan slightly straighten his back, although his movements were still very stiff.


    Wu Yi said, "All the best! It''s all up to you now!"


    At the same time, Qian Pingfan''s figure on stage became visible to the audience.


    Jiang Yuan was stunned.


    Fu Sihong also blinked his eyes doubtfully.


    The audience were also having simr reactions, feeling especially surprised.


    To put it in perspective, the earlier contestants who had appeared were made up of people like a housewife, a physical education teacher, a train driver, or white-cor workers, etc. Some of them also did not have good looks and were even fat or skinny, but at least they all looked like city dwellers, having a decent fashion sense. Even if they wore t-shirts or a tracksuit with athletic shoes, they looked clean and groomed. After all, they knew they were going to be appearing on television, so they found a decent-looking dress or shirt to wear. But this person standing in front of everyone now stunned them a little. This contestant''s fashion sense was too low-ss. And even though his clothes had been cleaned very well, they looked very old and worn. His white athletic shoes also looked like they had been washed so many times that they had turned yellow. As for his hairstyle, it was simr to his fashion sense. He sported a buzz cut and looked a little backwards without any makings of a singer. Furthermore, everyone who saw him knew he did not seem like the kind of person who purposely made his clothes look old to sensationalize himself. It was obvious to all of them that he was aborer.


    "Man!"


    "This person is a contestant too?"


    "Thispetition really has all kinds of people."


    "Yeah, why is there aborer?"


    "This contestant doesn''t look at all like the type of person who knows how to sing!"


    "Could this person have joined to try to gain notoriety by shocking everyone?"


    "I think he might be. Who knows, he just might belt out a viral inte tune1 and shock the entire studio."


    "Haha, that''s totally possible!"


    "What the hell, even aborer hase knocking on the doors of a talent show! The contestants from earlier had performed their songs very well. Although the ones who appeared in the middle were not as good as those who started the show, at least they were all above average. But thisst performance of the day? They''re actually letting aborer be the final act? What is the program team thinking!"


    "It''s definitely not the program team''s problem. They must have no other, better contestants to send out anymore. Didn''t we analyze the situation already? That there were only so many good contestants and Zhang Ye had arranged for them to all appear first to create a spectacr effect for the show, so the contestants after that could be a mix between good and bad. This is not something that can be controlled, so I can understand what the program team is doing. They actually have no more good contestants left, so what else could they do? Why not just send out aborer contestant to shock everyone by singing a ridiculous song as a publicity stunt in order to force discussion onto the topic."


    "Oh, that''s probably true."


    "Yeah, there''s that possibility too."


    "Still, they shouldn''t have rounded out the number of contestants by inviting just anyone. Isn''t this a show that keeps harping on its principle of only listening to the voice and nothing else? Yet they found aborer toe here to make a fool out of us!"


    "How disappointing!"


    "The greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment!"


    After a fiery start to the program, everyone''s mood was drummed up to a high and was kept there throughout until a few contestants who were clearly not as good as the ones before them performed, bringing the mood of the audience down by quite a bit and leaving them feeling letdown. When that happened, they were still hoping that there might be someone worth watching in the final act, but it somehow ended with this contestant appearing in front of them. As a result, the disappointment they felt now was unavoidable.


    The reaction of the audience was clear.


    Jiang Yuan thought that they were in trouble now.


    Several leaders of Central TV were also frowning in silence.


    Even if you did not have any good contestants, you shouldn''t have used aborer to serve as a stopgap. It wouldn''t matter if you had found someone average instead. At least that wouldn''t stir up such arge controversy and disapproval. The Voice had gotten off to a good start and amazed everyone at the beginning, yet it ended with you guys screwing it up at the critical moment? This program could very possibly end up with nothing to show for despite all the effort and money spent, all because of aborer?


    Wasn''t this a mess!?


    How could Zhang Ye have possibly made such a mistake!


    "Where''s Little Zhang?" Jiang Yuan asked.


    Fu Sihong said, "Probably backstage."


    Jiang Yuan had wanted to stop the recording and summon Zhang Ye and force him to arrange for another contestant to take thisborer''s ce. This sort of stopgap measure would really destroy their reputation and destroy the victories they had secured at the beginning of the recording!


    The coaches had already turned their chairs around and were facing the audience. They could not see what was behind them and could only analyze the situation of the contestant from the reactions of the audience members.


    Zhang Xia said, "Eh, this contestant seems to be stirring up some kind of controversy?"


    Chen Guang said, "I don''t know, but everyone''s faces look a little disappointed?"


    Fan Wenli said, "I guess it must have not fulfilled everyone''s expectations."


    Zhang Xia said, "That can''t be helped. How would there be so many voices that could amaze everyone. It''s good enough that the show found one or two such people."


    The coaches did not harbor much hope as a result of the audience''s reaction. They also adjusted their mentality for the performance. In any case, they would just turn around if it was good, and not do anything if it was not. They understood very well that a talent show would also include less capable contestants since it was not possible for every one of them to be the very best!


    1. https://.youtube/watch?v=Ct6BUPvE2sM&lc=z13it5ngqxezz55t323ehrvbgqfuzz24z04 & https://.youtube/watch?v=0E00Zuayv9Q&lc=z13xfpyrpnjpvfrvk23ehrvbgqfuzz24z04 You must know this one, like thement andment on it, spread the name of Zhang Ye!

 Chapter 675 Astounding the entire venue!

    <h4>Chapter 675 Astounding the entire venue! </h4>


    Chapter 675 Astounding the entire venue!


    Onstage.


    Qian Pingfan also took in the reactions of the audience.


    They were all doubting!


    They were all disappointed!


    Almost no one held any hope for him!


    In such an atmosphere, Qian Pingfan had somehow quieted down instead. He took a deep breath and calmed his mind. The anxiety he had was no longer as heavy as before. He was just a bicycle repairman who never liked to appear in the limelight or attract attention because that would be too stressful on him. He was afraid that he would disappoint all those who had hopes and trusted in him. But now, the disregard of the audience relieved him of a great part of this stress!


    Don''t be afraid!


    Don''t be afraid!


    Just sing bravely!


    You can do it! You definitely can do it!


    He turned his head back and lightly nodded.


    The next moment, a peaceful introduction began ying.


    Violins yed the melody and was a tune very familiar to everyone!


    "Ah?"


    "Isn''t this the song Zhang Ye adapted from his poem?"


    "It''s ''Wishing We Last Forever''! Zhang Yuanqi''s song!"


    "What? Wasn''t thisborer going to sing a viral inte song? Why did it turn out to be this soothing song?"


    "I guess I can only go hur hur at this!"


    "Let''s listen to his performance. It''s definitely going to be shocking!"


    "I just hope it won''t be too terrible."


    "Thisborer actually intends to sing such a difficult song?"


    When the audience heard the melody of the song, none of them thought that this contestant would be able to sing it well. "Wishing We Last Forever" might look like a simple choice since it did not have any parts that required the singer to sing in a high octave. However, it was actually the most difficult song that could have been chosen. The more soothing a song was, the more it required the performer to be skilled and put their emotions into their singing. Because there was no high-octave singing and no explosive instrumentals to cover any ws, it would all depend on the quality of the contestant to sing it well!


    At the coaching panel.


    Zhang Xia smiled. "It''s Yuanqi''s song."


    Fan Wenli said, "The melody has been arranged."


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled. "Let''s see how it goes."


    ����


    Backstage.


    Zhang Ye grinned. "It''s starting!"


    Pingfan''s father was trembling in fear while Pingfan''s mother was confused, not understanding what was going on. They had never once heard their son singing a song and were afraid that if he did not sing well, he would get chased off the stage.


    As his parents, they naturally knew what their son''s voice was like. After puberty, their son''s voice had turned out to be quite strange and different from other people''s voices. He had often been subject to cruel jokes from his ssmates and was evenughed at by his teacher. Although their son sounded like any normal person when he spoke, that was because he had trained himself to do so bit by bit. He purposely lowered and roughened his speaking voice just to sound like other boys so that he would not be looked down upon by his friends. But if he sang, they were worried that he couldn''t hide that voice of his anymore, afraid that he would be exposed and once again get teased and mocked by others like in the past!


    ����


    In this beautiful atmosphere of the soothing melody paved by the sound of the violins and piano.


    The four coaches had their backs facing the stage while the contestant''s voice floated out and drifted out in the studio!


    It didn''t turn out like Qian Pingfan''s parents were expecting, as Qian Pingfan did not hide his natural voice. Those memories of being made fun of by his ssmates and the despising looks from others had all been flung to a faraway ce!


    Today, he wanted to be the real him!


    Today, he no longer wanted to act like he was the same as other people!


    He wanted to sing! He wanted to sing loudly for everyone to hear!


    "When will the moon be clear and bright?


    "With a cup of wine in my hand, I ask the clear sky."


    As his voice came out, the entire studio audience suddenly fell silent without warning!


    Some of those who were mocking the contestant and chatting had their expressions frozen in ce!


    Some of those who were ying games on their cell phones with their heads lowered all of a sudden stopped with what they were doing!


    Or rather, it could be said that, when the contestant had sung the first word of the lyrics, the entire studio was suddenly enveloped in an eerie atmosphere!


    "��"


    Silence!


    It was totally silent!


    Jiang Yuan was stunned!


    Wu Mo was stunned!


    Fu Sihong was stunned!


    The audience, only just earlier listlessly grumbling and disappointed, suddenly looked like they had seen a ghost at that moment. All of them raised their heads to look at the stage and stared at the contestant no one had cared about a moment ago. No one dared to make a sound, afraid that it would break the silence!


    They were all dumbfounded!


    Every one of them, dumbfounded!!


    Qian Pingfan stood proudly on stage, his back no longer hunched. In addition, he did not have that expression of weakness anymore as he now appeared��gloriously radiant!


    "In the heavens on this night,


    "I wonder what season it would be?"


    The voice was like a lover''s whisper!


    It was too gentle, too beautiful, and too soothing!


    ����


    Backstage, his father''s mouth was wide open. "This��this is sung by my son?"


    His mother stared unblinkingly at her son on-screen. She was worried that the audience would look at her son differently because of his voice!


    That kind of gaze was something she had seen too often!


    That kind of mockingughter from others she had heard too often as well!


    She did not expect for her son to strive for excellence, nor did she hope that her son would be recognized by others. She only wanted them to not look down on her son!


    ����


    Over at the coaches'' side.


    Zhang Xia whose back faced the stage was also shocked. "This female voice��it''s almost as good as Wenli!"


    Fan Wenli was also very surprised. This was Sister Zhang''s song butpared to Sister Zhang''s version which had a hint of her maic voice, this contestant''s voice sounded more like her own. It even sounded more ethereal than her own voice and more gentle and beautiful. Fan Wenli had no choice but to admit that, even if she did a cover of "Wishing We Last Forever"��not a live version but a studio recorded version, and did it to the best of her ability��, it would only turn out to be OK. But she knew that this contestant was singing live and not in a recording studio. This ability was way too amazing!


    Chen Guang was also taken by surprise. "There''s even this sort of contestant on The Voice?"


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled and said, "Zhang Ye has left the best forst!"


    Zhang Xia heaped on the praise, "I thought that the good contestants had already appeared at the beginning, but I never expected that there would still be a surprise at the end. Who would have thought that this surprise woulde this early too? Besides this is no longer a surprise, this is just me marveling at it all. This girl''s voice is really too beautiful. There''s a uniqueness in it. In the entire music industry, only Wenli and a few other established female singers have this kind of standard! This should be a professional singer, right?"


    Chen Guang said, "This female contestant is even more professional than a professional. Could it be that Zhang Ye has arranged for an established female singer to guest star in this episode? Judging from her voice, it sounds like Sister Meng? Surely Sister Meng would not be here, right?"


    Fan Wenli thought about it for a while before shaking her head. "It''s not Sister Meng. This voice is much younger. Besides, a singer of Sister Meng''s caliber wouldn''te and join a talent show, would she? Besides, the audience did not even cheer much just now, so it must be a contestant that they don''t know��Ai." When she was referring to the audience, Fan Wenli looked at them and was suddenly shocked. "What''s going on? Quick, take a look at the expressions of the audience members. What''s happening?"


    Zhang Xia also realized. "What kinds of expressions are those?"


    Chen Guang said, "Ah? Is it really so nice that they would have such expressions?"


    The view of the audience from their seats was too amazing!


    A plump audience member had his mouth opened so wide that even his mrs could be seen!


    A female audience member had jumped out of her seat and stared with her eyes so wide that it looked like her eyeballs were going to fall out!


    Then there was a mother who brought her two children along. Her face was one of shock, while her two children looked startled. Their eyes showed a sense of extreme astonishment!


    That''s right!


    It was startling!


    It was astonishing!


    The four coaches were utterly confused by the reactions of the audience. Honestly speaking, they themselves were already amazed by this voice and singing ability, even more amazed by it than Luo Yu''s performance. But they couldn''t understand why the audience had such exaggerated expressions. Was the singing so good that they had to react in this manner? Was the singing so good that it would shock all of you in this way?


    "I''d like to ride the wind to fly home.


    "Yet I fear the crystal and jade mansions


    "are much too high and cold for me.


    "Dancing with my moonlit shadow,


    "it does not seem like the human world."


    The contestant was probably getting into a rhythm as her voice became even more beautiful and touching. It was as if a lovestruck woman was gently speaking about something, as thatst "world" was sustained into a higher octave. It flowed from the stage, and like a sharp knife, stabbed into the hearts of everyone!


    In that moment, the silence was broken as the audience suddenly boiled over!


    "Ah!"


    "Oh my god!"


    "Oh, God!"


    "Holy shit! Holy shit! "Holy shit!"


    "That was too awesome! God! It''s great!"


    The audience suddenly stood up!


    Apuse and screams suddenly reverberated through the entire studio!


    Some of the audience members even went crazy and swung their fists around, shouting, as though they suddenly burned with passion! They couldn''t contain their excitement! They were so thrilled they could only use their shouts to express their emotion and that shocking disbelief they had!


    The ce was exploding!


    The noise was deafening!


    The four coaches looked at each other, feeling even more doubtful now.


    What was happening? Why did everyone be like this? Logically, this song''s melody was rather t, without any high-pitched singing or screaming required. The song''s tempo wasn''t upbeat, wasn''t a song tailored for a singingpetition, and definitely couldn''t bring out the atmosphere this way in the audience. Yes, this female contestant was indeed very good, but this should not be the effect she had on the audience. So why was the audience getting so crazy over her performance??


    What is going on?


    Are you all on stimnts?


    The melody flowed soothingly through the air.


    "The moon rounds the red mansion, / stoops to silk-pad doors, / shines upon the sleepless,


    "Bearing no grudge, / why does the moon tend to be full when people are apart?"


    Chen Guang couldn''t be bothered with the irrational behavior of the audience anymore. He was already enchanted by the performance. This was the best voice he had heard today. Suddenly, he remembered that this was the blind audition segment. He had forgotten all about it while listening to the singing, so he immediately hit the button, and as the chair turned, he chuckled while announcing, "This girl is definitely going to be mine! Don''t even think of taking her from me!"


    When the chair turned.


    Chen Guang looked forward with anticipation to the female contestant he had already set his heart on, ready to give her his trademark actions��the thumbs up as well as his encouragement and acknowledgment. However, the moment the chair fully faced the stage, Chen Guang became so shocked he retracted the thumbs up he was getting ready to show!


    Chen Guang could only gasp in astonishment, "Ah!?"


    How could this be?


    How did it be like this?


    He was dumbfounded. His body had be lifeless as he stared straight at the contestant onstage!


    Fan Wenli also pushed her button and said with a smile, "What do you mean she''s yours. For a contestant like that, she must definitely be on my��" While she was saying this, the chair turned around. The words Fan Wenli were about to say stopped right in her throat and she was forced to swallow them back down. Her expression had also suddenly turned into shock. Looking at the contestant onstage, she reflexively stood up from her chair and covered her mouth with her left hand, her face full of disbelief!


    Chen Guang cried out, "Oh my god!"


    Fan Wenli was also astounded. "How is that possible!"


    The next to press the button was Zhang Xia, closely followed by Zhang Yuanqi who hit the button heavily. There was no hesitation at all. If such an excellent female singer could not get them to turn around, then who would they turn around for!


    Zhang Xia did not wait for the chair to fully turn and immediately turned her head with all her strength to look at the contestant. She wanted to know who could have made Chen Guang, Fan Wenli, and the audience have such an reaction. But with that turn of her head, Zhang Xia was also dumbfounded. She had the same exact expression as all of them now. "Ah!?"


    This��


    This is��


    Zhang Yuanqi followed. When she saw Qian Pingfan, she was also clearly taken aback. Then she suddenlyughed out loud. "Oh! Can it get more dramatic than that!?"


    A getup of old and worn clothes!


    A buzz cut!


    It was a man!


    It actually turned out to be a man!!


    At this moment, the four coaches had a vision of ten thousand lines of "what the f**k" shing in front of their eyes. They even suspected that they might have seen wrong and thought that it might have been a lip syncing performance. As such, they kept staring hard at the contestant, hoping to see some mistakes in the lip sync to confirm that this was not sung by him!


    Qian Pingfan performed with his high-pitched singing, bing more and more emotional.


    "People experience sorrow, joy, separation and reunion,


    "The moon may be dim or bright, round or crescent shaped,


    "This imperfection has been going on since the beginning of time.


    "May we all be blessed with longevity, / though thousands of miles apart, we are still able to share the beauty of��the moon together!"


    It was sung by him!


    It was really sung by him!!


    The coaches were already standing!


    Chen Guang kept waving his thumbs up!


    Fan Wenli was so emotional she had raise both her arms and continuously p over her head!


    Zhang Xia could only stare at Qian Pingfan on the stage as her face revealed great shock, not knowing what to say to express her current state!


    The entire venue was like a boiling pot of water!


    Screams, shouts, and apuse all came one after another!


    Who said that thisborer was just to round out the contestant numbers?


    Who said that the recording of the first episode would end anticlimactically?


    Round out the numbers my ass! Anticlimactic my ass! It turned out that the bombshell was dropped at the very end! This voice was truly unbelievable!

 Chapter 676 The selection battle!

    <h4>Chapter 676 The selection battle! </h4>


    Chapter 676 The selection battle!


    The second recording studio backstage was actually located very far away from the stage in the main recording studio. They were joined by a maze of walls and doors. Logically, the sounds should not escape from the main recording studio, even more so into the second recording studio. But at this moment, the program team''s staff working at the backstage area were stunned to discover that they could hear the sound of cheeringing from the main recording studio. It was even a thunderous amount of cheering!


    "What happened?"


    "Did something happen out there?"


    "Why is it so loud?"


    "What''s happening in the main recording studio?"


    Most of these staff members here were only handling logistics for the program, so they basically had no idea of what was happening at the stage but felt something must have happened since themotion was huge.


    ����


    In the second recording studio.


    Zhang Ye also heard the rapturous apuse and cheers from the door behind him. He too was very excited. "They''ve turned! All four coaches have turned around! He''s done it! Little Qian has done it!"


    Pingfan''s father did not understand what was going on. "What is this about?"


    Zhang Ye said, "That means all four coaches want your son to join their teams!"


    His mother''s was getting teary-eyed. "They feel that our son��our son sang well?"


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s right! Just listen to the cheers from the studio. All of that is for Little Qian!"


    His mother''s lips were trembling. "But our son''s voice��he��in the past, many people constantly made fun of him. They��have always despised him!"


    "I don''t know about his past, but I know that right now, there are a few hundred audience members and coaches who do not despise him!" Zhang Ye pointed at the TV for the old couple. "Listen to that, does that sound like ridiculing? Look at that, do those look like reactions from hearing a joke? Little Qian''s voice is indeed different from most people''s, but I guarantee that this difference does not mean that he''s worse off than other people. On the contrary, this difference is what makes him outstanding! Little Qian sang incredibly! Your son is definitely not worse off than anyone!"


    His mother wiped her tears away.


    His father clenched his fist, touched.


    ����.


    Onstage.


    The music gradually came to a stop.


    The apuse came wave after wave, bing louder and louder!


    Qian Pingfan caught his breath and lowered the microphone, then looked at the passionate audience and the four coaches who looked like they were very inspired. His confident self when performing the song earlier suddenly crumbled. All of a sudden, he had be that nervous wreck again from before he went up on stage. He couldn''t help it; these four coaches were all big shots. He could not see them when he was singing since their backs were facing him, but now that all of them had turned around, and with the sharp screams from the audience, Qian Pingfan didn''t know what to do. He raised his hands, then put them down, then raised them again, not knowing where he should ce them. But he knew one thing! The four coaches had all turned around for him. The audience also did not give him strange looks because of his voice!


    Qian Pingfan tightly gripped the microphone and said, "I��I��"


    He did not say anything besides "I" repeatedly. From the audience, another round of shouting began!


    "It''s too good!"


    "So good I''m crying!"


    "Awesome!"


    "Ahhh!"


    "I really like this voice a lot!"


    "It was sung even better than a woman!"


    The audience was too passionate!


    Zhang Xia did not wait for Qian Pingfan to introduce himself and impatiently asked, "Son, you''re really great! You''ve surprised all of us! I''ve been in this business for over 40 years, but I''ve never heard a man sing a woman''s song in a more womanly way than a woman could. I do not mean this in the bad way, it''s just that your voice is incredibly special! You singing is also too outstanding! Every word of the lyrics, especially at the end of each line, carried feeling and emotion. It was very moving!"


    Fan Wenli exhaled and said, "I need to calm my nerves first. You''ve given me a great shock, given us all a shock. Your voice is totally indescribable with words!"


    Chen Guang kept repeating the same word: "Unbelievable!"


    Zhang Yuanqiughed. "How about we do this: let''s let the coaches and audience calm down first while you introduce yourself?"


    Qian Pingfan immediately answered, "My name is Qian Pingfan."


    Fan Wenli said, "I''m very curious why you''re dressed that way today."


    He was wearing old and worn clothes that were torn, and to Fan Wenli, this did not match up with this contestant''s voice and singing ability. It felt like he was trying to create a buzz on purpose by making himself look very pitiful. Could it be that this attire and fashion had some sort of a special meaning to the contestant?


    Qian Pingfan replied, "This is what��I usually wear."


    "Oh? What''s your profession?" Zhang Yuanqi asked.


    Qian Pingfan scratched his head. "I repair bicycles."


    What?


    Repair bicycles?


    That''s impossible!


    Chen Guang said, "Little Qian, you better not be joking."


    Qian Pingfan said, "I''m not joking."


    Zhang Xia also doubted this and inquired, "How many years have you been repairing bicycles? When did you get into this line of work? Where do you work? We can investigate all of your ims."


    Qian Pingfan answered, "I''ve been doing it for several years. I started learning from my master. Later on, I could repair them myself. I work at Lishuiqiao Station."


    Zhang Xia sucked in a breath. "You''re really a bicycle repairman?"


    Qian Pingfan said, "I really am!"


    The audience also nearly fainted at this reply. What the f**k!


    Fan Wenli was a little unsure of what to say. "Just based that singing of yours, there aren''t many people who graduated from a university majoring in music that can do better than you. If you told us that you were a music teacher, we would have believed you too!"


    Qian Pingfan was very ttered but quickly waved it off. "No, no, I''ve never been to a university before."


    Chen Guang threw his hands up. "I have nothing to say to that. This is truly unbelievable!"


    Zhang Yuanqi looked at him andughed. "How many times have you already said ''unbelievable''?"


    Chen Guang sighed. "But really, it''s unbelievable!" He said it again!


    The audienceughed.


    Fan Wenli blinked, then said to Qian Pingfan, "But from the way you speak, you sound normal, so why did you sing with such a voice? Did you purposely impersonate a woman''s voice? Was that imitation?"


    Zhang Yuanqi finally said something. "That wasn''t imitation."


    "Oh?" Fan Wenli looked at her.


    Zhang Xia said, "That''s what he originally sounded like?"


    Chen Guang also looked toward Zhang Yuanqi, not knowing why she could be so sure that he wasn''t imitation.


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "If I''m not wrong, Little Qian''s singing voice should be his natural voice, the one that he doesn''t control. Instead, it''s his speaking voice that he is changing, purposefully lowering his tone by a lot."


    Fan Wenli appeared deep in thought. "Is that so?"


    Chen Guang said, "That means that in his everyday life, whenever he speaks, he purposely controls his voice? Surely not, right? Wouldn''t that would be too tiring?"


    Zhang Yuanqi exined to them, but mainly more for the audience, "At the beginning, it might be tiring, but after some time, it would be a habit instead. Let me illustrate with an example. If a person with the same genes grows up in either Beijing or Shanghai, they will definitely speak differently. Everyone knows that when Shanghainese people speak, their pronunciation and tone is slightly higher pitched, especially women. That is what everyone knows as the ''flirty'' tone, which is really just a slightly higher inflection in speech. Meanwhile, Beijingers speak in a more ''abrasive'' manner. If you listen to Zhang Ye speaking, you''d know what I mean. The spokennguage in Beijing goes downwards in inflection more often. All of this goes to show that the differences in a spokennguage is affected by the location and dialect practices, and not down to the genes or the natural voice."


    Saying that, Zhang Yuanqi used two styles of speaking to illustrate.


    "Like for this sound." �� a very sharp way of speaking.


    "And like this." �� which sounded very low and deep.


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "Personally, I can produce many types of intonation when I speak, so if I speak with one of these styles for many years, my natural way of talking will be that way. This is why a voice can be easily molded with practice." After she said that, she paused for a moment then continued, "However, no matter how much practice you have, your voice will not change too much at any particr time unless the vocal cords are damaged. My analysis is that Little Qian''s voice did not break at puberty or that it came and went very quickly, thus causing him to still keep his prepubescent voice. When all the other boys'' voices broke, his did not change much and that is why we have the fortune of listening to such an ethereal feminine voice. This should be the most natural state of Little Qian''s voice that can''t be covered up even if he forced his voice lower, like he does when he speaks."


    Qian Pingfan gave a hollowugh.


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "Can you talk to us in your most natural voice?"


    Qian Pingfan was feeling a little embarrassed, but after considering for a bit, he used his most neutral voice to say, "Uhh, will this do?"


    His voice was immediately distinct from before. If anyone looked at him while he spoke, they might find his voice to be weird, but if their eyes were closed and they did not know the speaker''s gender, 9 out 10 people would think that it was a woman talking to them. This voice that Qian Pingfan spoke with was clearly closer to the voice that he had used to sing.


    Fan Wenli was astounded. "That''s your real voice?"


    Qian Pingfan scratched his ear and said, "It has always been. When everyone else at school had their voices change, mine didn''t, so I was always made fun of by others. Later, I began to purposely lower my tone and learned to speak like them, but when it came to singing, I wasn''t able to control it that way. I didn''t know how to lower my pitch while singing, so that''s why I have never sung in front of anyone before. I''ve always sung to myself with my MP3 yer."


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled and said, "Look, I''m still the one who understand you best, right?"


    Qian Pingfan was also convinced that his little secret was immediately seen through by Zhang Yuanq and how he couldn''t hide it from her. Everyone else always thought that he had imitated a girl''s voice instead.


    "That is why," Zhang Yuanqiughed, "If you don''t join my team, would you feel right?"


    Hearing this, Zhang Xia realized something was wrong, so she quickly interrupted, "Ay, ay, ay, we''re not at the taking of the contestant segment yet, are we?"


    Chen Guang also said, "Yeah, Sister Zhang, we''re still trying to understand the contestant''s situation, so why did you start pulling for him to join your team? Even if we''re allowed to start doing so, I should be the first one to do that. I was the first one who turned around after all."


    Fan Wenli promptly said, "Little Qian,e to my team, I will use all of my resources to help nurture you, then together, I will lead you and my team to be the champion!"


    Zhang Yuanqi reacted to that.


    Amotion broke out in the audience!


    Ah?


    Be the champion?


    Isn''t that too too high of an evaluation!


    Qian Pingfan also felt at embarrassed by this. "Ah!" Champion? He did not even have the expectation that the coaches would turn around for him, much less winning thepetition!


    Zhang Xiaughed. "Wenli, we''re still in the blind auditions!"


    Chen Guang rubbed it in by uttering, "Hur hur, just let Wenli continue dreaming, let''s not wake her up."


    Fan Wenli: "��"


    The audience was allughing at this when the couple started their bickering again. These two better not get divorced after just one episode of recording The Voice!


    Zhang Xia said, "Little Qian, you ought to think properly. My team is not well-rounded yet, but Chen Guang and Wenli''s teams already have all the big guns, so if you join my team, you''d definitely be my trump card. Didn''t Wenli say that she would get you the championship? If youe and join me, then I have the confidence to say that I can also win us the championship!"


    Zhang Yuanqi again reacted to this. She grinned and remarked, "Are we already in the finals of thepetition? Are we already deciding who the champion should be!?"


    Qian Pingfan quickly said, "I didn''t sing that well, really, I didn''t!"


    Some people would be modest, but those words from Qian Pingfan were definitely not humble. He had only joined The Voice''s preliminary auditions by chance. After he had an argument with his master one day, he threw a tantrum and skipped work. He coincidentally saw the poster calling for The Voice''s auditions on the same day, so he submitted his demo and application, but he never expected that he would be called for an audition the very next day. When no one gave him a chance, Zhang Ye went against everyone else to let him pass the audition and even supervised Qian Pingfan''s rehearsals all this while. Having been through all that, he could finally stand here on this stage! Qian Pingfan knew that his future all depended on this moment, or perhaps it had already changed.


    The audience also felt that life was like a drama. No one had any expectations for thisborer, but he had now be the apple of everyone''s eye. All the coaches were trying all sorts of tricks to grab this contestant for their teams, and the audience was getting a kick out of watching it all!


    Chen Guang and his wife once again had another great battle!


    Both Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Xia who were good friends despite their age also fought over it!


    In the end, the situation nearly got out of control as Fan Wenli ran up directly onto the stage. "Little Qian, I don''t need you toe over, I will go over instead. I will wait for you here!"


    Chen Guang also came to the stage. "I will wait for you too!"


    Seeing that, Zhang Xia also stepped up and went to Qian Pingfan. "Although my legs aren''t what they once were due to age, for the sake of winning the championship, I too muste forward!"


    Qian Pingfan was feeling extremely embarrassed at this point and did not know what to do!


    Only Zhang Yuanqi still remained in her coach chair. "Little Qian, make a decision! Don''t get pressured by those around you. Just follow your heart and feelings and make your decision!"


    The coaches all stopped talking.


    The rest of the ce was totally quiet as the audience all waited for Qian Pingfan to make his choice. This person was ted to be a key contestant and whoever got him into their team might really end up as the champion!


    Qian Pingfan was conflicted as hell. "I, I thought about��" After struggling for a long time, Qian Pingfan finally clenched his teeth, knowing that he had to make a decision and couldn''t drag his feet any longer. "After I passed the preliminary auditions, when the staff was getting me to fill out a questionnaire, there was a question that asked: should the four coaches choose me, who would be the first person I would choose, the second person, the third, and the fourth!"


    Everyone concentrated.


    Qian Pingfan took a deep breath and dered loudly, "The names I filled in were��Zhang Yuanqi! Zhang Yuanqi! Zhang Yuanqi! Zhang Yuanqi!!!"


    The audience cheered loudly!


    Zhang Yuanqi snapped her fingers andughed loudly! "Come on then! I''ve been waiting for you!"


    Zhang Xia sighed, giving an expression of regret and a bitter smile!


    Chen Guang also felt that it was unfortunate that he was unable to get a good contestant like this to join him. There was no way he could do it. He was up against the Heavenly Queen after all!


    Qian Pingfan had written all four coaches names as Zhang Yuanqi? The song that he chose to perform for thepetition was also Zhang Yuanqi''s "Wishing We Last Forever"? Perhaps this segment of the contestant choosing the coaches had already been decided from the beginning. Even if they had tried to take him from Zhang Yuanqi, no matter how much they said, it was probably all for nothing!


    Qian Pingfan immediately ran over and disclosed, "I-I really like you a lot, Teacher Zhang Yuanqi. I am your hardcore fan. Last year, I saved up two months of my wages wanting to watch your concert, but the tickets were sold out, so I have always had some regrets!"


    Zhang Yuanqiughed. "From now on, you won''t need a ticket to watch my concert. Juste, just watch, just listen anytime you want. Listen until you''re disgusted!"


    Qian Pingfan was surprised. "Is that really OK?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "Do you think my words mean nothing?"


    "Thank you, Teacher Zhang!" In this instance, Qian Pingfan was fully satisfied. He felt that life was really too wonderful!


    At this moment, a small incident happened. The cameras also managed to catch Fan Wenli and gave her a feature.


    Fan Wenli was bitterlyughing and looking depressed. She was wiping the tears away from the corners of her eyes, dejectedly saying, "Why am I always the one who gets hurt!"


    Zhang Yuanqi said to Qian Pingfan, "Look at that, Teacher Fan Wenli is even crying for you."


    Zhang Xiaughed while patting Fan Wenli''s back.


    Qian Pingfan was feeling extremely anxious by now, so he rushed over to her. "Teacher Fan, I, I��"


    Fan Wenli said annoyed, "I like you so much! Why didn''t you choose me instead?!"


    Qian Pingfan did not know how to reply and was about to cry from anxiety.


    Fan Wenli said, "You still have a chance to change your decision, you should choose again."


    Qian Pingfan: "��"


    Zhang Yuanqi yfully said, "Wenli, don''t be shameless and try to take my team member away."


    Fan Wenliughed bitterly. "But I really like him so much!"


    Chen Guang said, "Yes, he really sang very well!"


    The matter was decided and Fan Wenli did not say anymore. She gave Qian Pingfan a hug and said, "Do well and learn a lot from Sister Zhang. In the future, when I hold my concerts, I will definitely look for you to be my guest!"


    Qian Pingfan immediately said, "Thank you, Teacher Fan, thank you!"


    Eventually, with the audience pping and cheering, Qian Pingfan went through the qualified contestant''s corridor to the backstage. At this moment, he was finally showing his unsubdued excitement. He threw out his arms with all his strength and raise them into the air to express the joy that he felt!


    ����


    Backstage.


    Qian Pingfan pushed open the door and went inside.


    His father called out, "Son!"


    Qian Pingfan said, "Father, Mother, Sister Zhang has chosen me! I did it!"


    His mother wiped her tears away and said, "We saw it too! Good! You''ve done great!"


    Qian Pingfan and his parents were not people who were good with expressing themselves. The three of them stood there talking but there was no hugging at all.


    Seeing that, Zhang Ye smiled and went over to give Qian Pingfan a hug. "Congrattions, Little Qian. Well done!"


    Qian Pingfan quickly said, "Thank you, Teacher Zhang! Thank you so much!"


    Zhang Ye said, "It has nothing to do with me, you did it by singing well."


    However, Qian Pingfan knew that it was due to Zhang Ye that he had made it this far. It was because Zhang Ye had discovered and acknowledged him. During the preliminary auditions, when none of the staff of The Voice''s program team acknowledged him, it was Zhang Ye who stood forward to acknowledge him with exnation. He did not care about other''s opinions and insisted that Pingfan be allowed to go through the auditions. Now, he even fully trusted him to be the finale in the first episode''s recording and never once doubted him or thought that he wouldn''t be able to sing. This trust given made Qian Pingfan feel very grateful!


    To Qian Pingfan, if not for Zhang Ye, he knew that he wouldn''t be standing here today!


    It was Zhang Ye who had given him the first chance of his life to prove himself!

 Chapter 677 The first episode’s recording has ended!

    <h4>Chapter 677 The first episode��s recording has ended! </h4>


    Chapter 677 The first episode''s recording has ended!


    The recording ended.


    The first episode wrapped up with apuse from everyone. Many of the audience members still had lingering feelings about what they had just seen and were still noisily discussing as they exited the studio.


    "It was such a great show!"


    "This show is too godly!"


    "That''s right, it''s really too godly!"


    "Zhang Ye''s reputation is goddamn for real!"


    "This is the best show I''ve ever watched, and has the most sincerity among all the singing talent shows. The stage, lighting, opening theme song, host, and contestants are all the best in the industry. Actually, I wasn''t expecting much for a program like this but my friend gave me a free ticket and I didn''t want it to go to waste. Who knew I would receive such a huge surprise!"


    "I just wonder what the viewership ratings will be like."


    "It shouldn''t be bad in any case!"


    "When Zhang Ye said he that would ''see other summits dwarfed, and savor the scene,'' perhaps there might be a possibility that he can really do it!"


    "That might not be the case. We still have to wait for the response after broadcasting. It''s tough to say anything until the moment it gets broadcast. There''s too many factors that affect a program in the variety industry nowadays, and the current demand is not that good either, so anything can happen. Don''t expect too much from the viewership ratings!"


    "Then it would at least get 0.8% of the viewership ratings, right?"


    "Well, it surely can''t get lower than the other talent shows!"


    "Isn''t 0.8% of the viewership ratings considered too little? I can see it will get at least 0.9% of the viewership ratings!"


    "For the premiere episode, the viewership ratings will surely be slightly lower. To get 0.8% of the viewership ratings would already very good. If the following episodes can still maintain the quality of the first episode, then The Voice surpassing 1% of the viewership ratings is definitely possible!"


    "Let''s wait for tonight''s broadcast and see how it turns out!"


    "Right, I''ll have to watch it again at night!"


    "That was too fun! It was such an aural feast!"


    The audience was chatting excitedly as they left the studio.


    In the recording studio.


    Most of the people who remained behind were the program team staff. They too were discussing this topic.


    Little Wang said joyfully, "Do you think our viewership ratings can meet the target of the station''s 0.7% that was set for us?"


    A female editor smiled and said, "I''m sure it will definitely be higher than that. As for how much higher, l do not know. I just have a feeling that our program will be very popr!"


    Ha Qiqi arrived and joined in, "No need for a feeling, it will definitely be popr!"


    Wu Yi was also extremely excited. He stated, "Right, that definitely won''t be a problem!"


    A male editor said, "The contestants have performed very well today! Our audio systems'' quality was also fantastic. Before this, I was still thinking if it was too exaggerated and expensive to spend over 10 million RMB on the equipment setup. But after listening today, it''s doesn''t feel like it was expensive at all. Just from the live studio effects alone, it was all worth it no matter how much we spent!"


    At this moment, Zhang Ye returned.


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Director Zhang!"


    "That was awesome! We were awesome!"


    "The live studio effects were seriously awesome!"


    "Director Zhang, your nning has really seeded!"


    "It won''t go wrong as long as we follow Director Zhang''s instructions!"


    "From the audience''s reactions, the viewership ratings certainly look good!"


    "Our hard work for the past few days have not gone to waste! Every night we stayed upte was worth it!"


    Some of the female staff thought about these days when they worked to the bone, feeling so tired that they almost could not take it anymore and felt like their bodies would just give way. A few times, they even wanted to give up, but in the end they managed to persevere. When they saw the results of their hard work, their eyes teared up. In retrospect, those bitter days were nothing much because they had produced a surprisingly good program. Their names would be on The Voice of China''s production credits, so they were��the makers of this legendary program!


    Zhang Ye had not said anything yet.


    Jiang Yuan and Fu Sihong walked over briskly. Jiang Yuan looked extremely excited as he found Zhang Ye. "Little Zhang, can you give us a preview of the viewership ratings of The Voice!"


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "It''s not possible to give an estimate on that."


    Jiang Yuan said, "What''s your own estimate of the viewership ratings?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t we just need to meet the viewership rating of 0.7% that was set for us?"


    Jiang Yuan rolled his eyes. "0.7% for the viewership ratings was just the lowest target set by the station for you all. Would you be satisfied with only 0.7% viewership ratings? Right now, I feel that it''s not going to be a problem for your program to achieve 0.9% in the viewership ratings!"


    Before, Jiang Yuan and many others in Central TV Department 1 did not feel too optimistic when they heard Zhang Ye''s proposal. A majority of them had reservations about it and only a handful of people felt that The Voice was a feasible production. However, at this moment, everyone''s attitude did aplete 180. Not only did Jiang Yuan stop regarding The Voice as a cult program, he was getting much more confident about The Voice. He felt that this program was so exciting that it had surpassed his expectations of excitement. That was the reason why he was forcing Zhang Ye to give an estimate of the viewership ratings.


    However, Zhang Ye could not give an estimate. Back then, when the program was not yet approved, bragging was necessary so that he could show his confidence and the program''s strong points to get the station''s support. But now that the program was about to be broadcast, Zhang Ye did not wish to say those empty words anymore. It was also difficult to say them.


    Back in his previous world, there was aption of viewership rating statistics for The Voice, but Zhang Ye could only use it as a reference figure and a gauge. He could not directly use those figures in this world, as after all, it was a different world, with different coaches, on a different television station, broadcast on a different day and time, and even the viewership ratings were measured with a different form. This was no longerparing apples to apples, so he could only use his world''s information as this world has its own set of rules, market environment, and audience understanding of entertainment and the arts. Everything was unknown. The best Zhang Ye could do was recreating The Voice as closely to the original as possible, so that the features and most exciting segments of the show could be presented to the people here. When all was said and done, the viewership ratings would be left up to fate to decide!


    After engaging in a little more idle talk.


    Jiang Yuan patted Zhang Ye on the shoulder. "Carry on with your work first. After you guys have finished up, I''ll throw a celebratory feast for everyone tonight! This time, all of you have worked hard!"


    All the leaders of Central TV Department 1 had smiles on their faces as they left the recording studio. After today, they had a brand new understanding of Zhang Ye''s capability at work. They also thought that their decision to invite Zhang Ye to join them and help turn the situation around while Central TV''s variety shows were at its lowest point was the best decision they made. It had to be said that The Voice was rushed out for broadcast at thest minute and the program team''s production timeline was cut by more than half. Even in that situation, they managed topletely fulfill their tasks. Not only did they manage toplete it, they even did it beautifully and created a great, unprecedented music show. The leaders of Central TV Department 1 were so impressed by Zhang Ye that there was nothing they could criticize him on!


    This was what you called a talent!


    This was what you called a capable person!


    Onstage, only after the leaders left did Zhang Ye finally got the chance to speak. He hurriedly said to all the staff, "Everyone, listen to me, don''t celebrate yet. We will have plenty of time for celebrationster if we want to, but for now, we''ve yet to finish the most important task. The post-production work has not started, so there''s still plenty of work to do. Now, I want everyone to start their tasks following my instructions from earlier and get into action immediately! Make sure to finish editing the program by 8 PM so that we can make it in time for the 9 PM broadcast! We must keep our spirits up! It''s the final push!"


    "Understood!"


    "Got it!"


    "We''ll definitely finish it!"


    "We''ll finish it even if we die!"


    "Director Zhang, don''t worry about it!"


    Everyone responded in unison and with determination!


    From the audience, the upper management of Brain Goldpany had already left, but Wu Mo had stayed behind. When he saw that Zhang Ye was free, he walked up to him whileughing heartily. "Brother Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "CEO Wu."


    Wu Mo immediately said, "The show is fantastic!"


    Zhang Ye said, "How is it? Asking you to invest 100 million RMB in the title sponsorship wasn''t too expensive, right?"


    "Not expensive at all! It''s worth this price!" Wu Mo said, "I knew you wouldn''t scam me. I can''t go wrong following you. Looks like I have made the right decision again this time!"


    At this point, Zhang Ye instead downyed, "We still have to see what the viewership rating is at the end. It''s difficult to have any opinion of it now. But I hope it can increase the sales of your Brain Gold by another 30%. If the viewership rating is screwed up, I really won''t have any face to see you anymore."


    Wu Mo said confidently, "The viewership ratings won''t be lousy!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "I''m also looking forward to it."


    ����


    Backstage in the contestants'' lounge, the contestants who had appeared in today''s episode were called over. The four coaches wanted to chat with their team members privately and possibly point out some of their problems to improve on so that they could perform better during the group stages. All of this would help them choose their strongest team member topete in a sing-off against the other three coaches'' team members.


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Zhou''er, your performance was not bad today."


    "Thank you Teacher Zhang."


    "Director Zhang, I did not perform well today."


    "It''s alright. You were just a little nervous and sang slightly off-key. Next time, rx more."


    Zhang Ye had praise and words of encouragement for them.


    As they were talking, the coaches arrived to meet with their respective selected contestants.


    Zhang Yuanqi had some other matters to deal with, so she did not say much and just smiled and waved. "Little Qian,e with me."


    Qian Pingfan bid farewell to Zhang Ye and some editors of the program team whom he knew. Then he left with Zhang Yuanqi. For now, Zhang Yuanqi had only Qian Pingfan as her team member, so it seemed like she was going to give him some guidance individually.


    Zhang Xia found Zhang Ye and asked, "Are there any more good young singers among the contestants in the next episode?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Of course."


    Zhang Xia nodded. "That''s good, I''m looking more and more forward to the next episode! Back then, I joined the program because I couldn''t refuse your push and pull tactics. But now, I realize it was right toe to this ce. I did not expect that there would be so many good voices in our country. Furthermore, they are all regr folk!"


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli were quite shocked by Central TV Department 1''s new show. Actually, in the past, they''d also participated in other television programs so they knew the market and had their own judgments. For a program like The Voice, they could only use the word "amazing" to describe it. They had reasons to believe that once the program got broadcast, it would absolutely cause a national sensation and bring about heated discussions. For such a program, if they knew it would turn out to be this good, even if the program team did not offer them a high joining payout, Chen Guang and Fan Wenli would''ve joined for free!


    They were also celebrities and needed exposure and excellent work. For an outstanding program like The Voice, which was broadcast on arge tform, it was no doubt that it would onlye along by chance, not by searching for it. It would greatly help to increase their poprity as well, so a great show was definitely a win-win situation for the guests, television station, program team, and advertisers!


    Chapter 677 The first episode''s recording has ended!

 Chapter 678 I know someone in senior management!

    <h4>Chapter 678 I know someone in senior management! </h4>


    Chapter 678 I know someone in senior management!


    Night.


    It was nearly 9 PM.


    As the broadcast time for The Voice was nearing, thements from the outside world and on the inte towards Central TV Department 1''s new program increased. The majority of voices still inclined to the previous opinion. Looking at the number of votes on the topic in a Weibo poll, theizens were still negative on The Voice. Most of the people still maintained the same attitude towards the program as per a few days ago, with the majority of them being pessimistic.


    Interested: 27%


    Uninterested: 71%


    ����


    On the Line 10 in the subway.


    In a trainpartment, some colleagues who had just left their night shift were chatting.


    "What day is today?"


    "It''s Thursday."


    "Oh, it''s already Thursday? The Voice of China is going to start broadcasting soon?"


    "Heh, it really is. Let me check the time. Oh, it''s going to start in less than ten minutes!"


    "I have to hurry home and catch it. I think I can still make it in time."


    "You''re going to watch a talent show? But it''s not interesting at all."


    "Not many people feel too optimistic about The Voice. It will certainly be more or less the same as those that came before."


    "I know, but Zhang Ye''s programs are usually full of surprises. I have been following since Lecture Room was broadcast and hope that this time he can produce another miracle. I also saw manyments listing The Voice''s various ws and reasons for failure. Those were very reasonable and exined logically. However, since when we can use logical reasoning on a person like Zhang Ye? Judging from past experiences, sometimes the more others think that Zhang Ye can''t do well in certain things, the more likely Zhang Ye will do them well. That''s why I still have some expectation for his new program. Hopefully he can seed like the previous times and not disappoint his fans!"


    "I think you''re just deifying him."


    "In the past, Zhang Ye''s programs were pretty enjoyable to watch, but don''t forget, they were mostly pioneering works, such as a lecture program, a never before seen talk show idea, or a mass market variety show like Do You Remember. They have achieved sess as original ideas and relied mainly on subverting the current trends. All of these worked to Zhang Ye''s advantage. But this time, The Voice is entering an already oversaturated talent show industry. I''ve never doubted Zhang Ye''s ability and always think that he has the capability of producing a good show. But I don''t know what he''s thinking, because instead of choosing another path that he could excel in, he chose to cross a bridge full of countless other singing shows. This program''s viewership ratings shouldn''t be that low��after all, it has Zhang Ye''s reputation on it and the names of Zhang Yuanqi, Zhang Xia, and the others holding it together��but the viewership ratings definitely won''t be too good either. The market is already too saturated. If they can even get a 0.7% viewership, they should be thanking the gods!"


    ����


    At a certain home.


    A family of three was sitting in front of the television.


    "Dad, switch the channel to Central TV Department 1."


    "What for? I''m watching ser now."


    "The Voice of China is beginning soon."


    "No one thinks that show will be good, why should we watch it?"


    "No matter what, I still have to take a look. If it''s not good, then we''ll switch to other channels!"


    "How many singing shows have you watched in the past two years? You might not be sick of them yet, but I''m already disgusted by them. OK, OK, OK, I''ll switch over to it and you''ll realize what I mean when you watch it."


    ����


    On a certain discussion forum.


    In the entertainment page''sment section.


    "The Voice is starting soon, is anyone going to watch it?"


    "I''m not going to watch it. It won''t be interesting."


    "I also can''t be bothered to watch it. I''m just gonna continue gaming."


    "Haha, I just want to take a look, not because I feel that this show will be good, but because I want to see how bad it will turn out. Singing shows these days are all dead on arrival, and with the current market sentiments for such shows, I don''t believe that Zhang Ye will be an exception unless he''s really superhuman. The same genre, the same kind of show, but if the other satellite channels could not do well with them, with so many program teams before them failing sessively when it came to singing shows, then on what basis does Zhang Ye think that he can turn the tide? You''re too optimistic. In my opinion, Zhang Ye will be knocked off his perch this time!"


    "Even if you put it that way, I cannot help wanting to watch some of it."


    "We''ll see. Let''s criticize him togetherter, hahaha!"


    ����


    On Weibo.


    Some television industry insiders were also very active.


    "Has anyone made an estimate on the viewership ratings of The Voice yet?"


    "Our department''s internal analysis shows that it will get no more than 0.7% of the viewership!"


    "Our side''s analysis results are simr. I want to see how Central TV Department 1 is going to deal with this matter now. After this show has been broadcast, let''s see if Zhang Ye still dares to boast. ''Someday I shall ascend your highest heights to see other summits dwarfed, and savor the scene.'' When the viewership ratingse out tomorrow, this poem will be a ridiculous joke!"


    "This kind of show that maliciously drives up the celebrities'' joining fees should be boycotted. A show that uses hype and driving up prices as a draw, what is there to look forward to? This is all just sensationalism. A steep price without basis will only cause the show to end up in a ''cannot make ends meet'' situation. The whole of Central TV Department 1 will also be implicated, along with the Brain Goldpany and the four coaches'' poprity. All of them will suffer a devastating blow through Zhang Ye''s antics in creating such steep prices in the market. The market has its own set of rules too, and just by paying such high joining fees, it does not mean that you''re guaranteed to get back the equivalent of what you gave!"


    "I can''t wait to see Zhang Ye''s expression after the show has finished broadcasting. It''s a good thing to be confident, but blind arrogance will only mean that you''re the frog in the well!"


    Jinshi Television Station.


    Beihe Provincial Television Station.


    Liaodong Television Station.


    Jiangnan Television Station.


    A famous Shanghai television program productionpany.


    The Radio Broadcast & Television Station Association.


    Everyone who posted on Weibo all had their titles and jobs indicated on their verified ounts. They were all people from the television variety industry and some were even leaders or famous analysts within the industry. Because of the overly steep prices of the title sponsorship and joining fees created by Zhang Ye''s new show, the entire industry had been seriously affected. At the same time, The Voice was also facing a boycott and denouncement from all the peers in the domestic television industry!


    In the end, just before the program was about to be broadcast, many advertisers also joined in!


    "They''re selling the advertising rights for a few million each! That''s a really unreasonable demand!"


    "You all were also quoted that kind of a price? It''s the same for us. I''m just wondering now if there was anypany who actually dared to buy their advertisements. If they did, then they really must notck for money!"


    "Especially that Brain Goldpany. A title sponsorship fee of 100 million RMB? I can onlyugh!"


    "I''m afraid the Brain Goldpany will suffer a heavy loss this year! Just this 100 million RMB will be enough to make them suffer. Don''t even mention recouping their advertising costs, I think it would even be difficult to recoup a fifth of it!"


    "That''s right, ourpany has worked with many television programs before. For those programs using Korean copyrights and 1.2% viewership, their title sponsorship fees only asked for 50 million. What right does The Voice have to demand 100 million? Don''t tell me that your viewership ratings can surpass 1%? This Zhang Ye is way too amusing!"


    "Yeah, I don''t understand where his confidenceing from."


    The people making the snide remarks were mainly thosepany bosses or department heads who hade in contact with Zhang Ye for talks regarding the advertising rights before the broadcast of The Voice. In the end, the deals were called off because the price was too high. Furthermore, the price that both sides were willing to ept were highly disparate. This made many of the advertisers very unhappy. They felt that for such a show, which many people were pessimistic about, it was already goodwill on their part that they were still willing to purchase The Voice''s advertising rights. But never did they expect the seller to still be unsatisfied and even asked for a few million for the advertising rights, which was only for the price for a single advertisement. During the negotiations, some friction sparked between them, and as a result, their emotions were naturally incited. If we have the money, we would rather go and buy the already popr imported variety shows, don''t you think? Why would we spend 3 million RMB to buy the advertising rights for a domestic show in this market downturn? Everyone knows what the situation is like with domestic variety shows. You want us to buy your advertising rights? Do you think we''re crazy!?


    Thesements were mostly one-sided!


    There was even some fake news incriminating The Voice appearing!


    "I just heard from a friend that a big problem urred at the recording of The Voice''s first episode due to them not having enough time. The situation at the studio is all gloomy, so I advise everyone not to watch it!"


    "I have a friend in the SARFT and he said that the SARFT is going to take action soon!"


    "Yes, I''ve also heard about it. Zhang Ye was previously banned before and a severely punished target as well. Although his ban has now been lifted, the SARFT is always keeping their eyes on him. This time he has caused a disruption in the market prices, so the SARFT will certainly crack down seriously on him. Everyone, take note: whether The Voice will be able to be broadcast today is still something we don''t know. It might be ordered to halt its broadcast at the veryst minute as SARFT is already taking action now!"


    "Is that true?"


    "Holy shit, that can''t be!"


    "It''s real. This is insider news!"


    "Ah? The Voice is going to be canceled?"


    "Shit, Zhang Ye is finished again this time!"


    An industry insider also posted: "The authorities should take serious action on such programs! I fully support the SARFT with banning The Voice!"


    This rumor even appeared in the online news.


    "The Voice faced with being taken off-the-air?"


    "The Unlucky Zhang Ye and His The Voice of China!"


    Voices of doubts and rumors were flying everywhere.


    ����


    At Central TV.


    The program team staff of The Voice had just finished with the post-production after much crunching. The first episode of the program was finallypleted. But when they saw the news on the inte, the exhausted staff suddenly panicked again.


    Even Central TV Department 1''s Deputy Director Jiang Yuan also felt a little panicky about this rumor, so he immediately made some calls to the station head to check out the situation. Since there no smoke without fire, he was really afraid that there would be some sudden changes!


    Inside the office.


    Zhang Zuo said nervously, "Director Zhang, what should we do?"


    Ha Qiqi was also quite afraid. "The program we spent so much effort into making, could it just be banned like this?"


    "The SARFT is really making a move? They are too much of a bully!" Little Wang, Wu Yi, and the rest were extremely furious. "Based on what can they ban our program!?"


    Faced with so many rumors and the news online, many of their hearts were quivering!


    Only Zhang Ye was the calmest in the whole of Central TV.


    He said calmly, "Don''t believe those rumors. They''re whatever."


    A female editor said, "But there is plenty of news spreading around now. Moreover, there was already some news stating that the SARFT was already kept their eyes on singing shows because there are too many television stations doing these kinds of talent shows and creating disorder in the market. I heard that the SARFT are going to limit the approval of such singing talent shows!"


    Zhang Ye said firmly, "Let me tell you this, the SARFT might ban any other programs, but it will definitely not ban ours!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Is that true?"


    Ha Qiqi eximed, "Why?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Get back to work and don''t listen to all that nonsense!"


    Everyone was skeptical.


    What do you mean by why?


    What do you mean by if it''s true?


    Zhang Ye thought to himself, my girlfriend is the SARFT''s Deputy Chief, in charge of all television programs'', movies'', and dramas'' approval and punishments! If The Voice really got targeted, would I not know? Besides, even if really got targeted, with Old Wu there, could they even ban my program!?


    Bullshit!


    This bro knows someone in senior management!

 Chapter 679: Shocking the world with speed reading!

    <h4>Chapter 679: Shocking the world with speed reading! </h4>


    Chapter 679: Shocking the world with speed reading!


    9 PM.


    After themercial break on Central TV Department 1, the logo of The Voice of China appeared at once on TV. With the apanying background music, the introduction clip ran. The four coaches each made an appearance in it and a voiceover and captions introduced the coaches one by one, followed by the introduction of the blind audition rules.


    The Voice has started!


    The first episode was officially broadcast!


    At the same time, many people were waiting in front of their televisions.


    These included Zhang Ye''s parents, his cousins, uncles, aunts; his friends like Yao Jiancai, Su Na, Tian Bin; his fans, Zhang Yuanqi''s fans, Chen Guang''s fans, etc. Most important of all, many of the people who were not optimistic about The Voice were also at this moment waiting in front of their televisions and tuned in to Central TV Department 1, curious to see what was in store. It was the same for those television industry insiders as well. Given, they were denouncing Zhang Ye''s new show, but it was also because of this that they wanted to know firsthand what it was like, to see how wed and how big of a failure it would be, so that they could attack Zhang Ye with everything they had gathered!


    Those from Central TV, Beijing Television Station, Shanghai Satellite TV, all of them were currently focused on this program together!


    Countless pairs of eyes were watching.


    Countless people were doubting as well.


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    "Didn''t they say it was going to get canceled?"


    "Yeah, why did it still get broadcast then?"


    "A rumor?"


    "Let''s watch first, I''m afraid the show''s quality is more or less done for!"


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "Let''s see what kind of show Teacher Zhang cane up with this time!"


    "Hur hur, it would be strange if it''s good!"


    "The Voice is a total joke!"


    With this flurry of activity, the first episode of The Voice finally appeared!


    ����


    At Beijing Television Station.


    In a certain program team''s office from the variety channel.


    The television was turned on in the office premises. Seeing that the leaders were not around, the night shift staff switched the channel to Central TV Department 1 as everyone prepared to watch the hotly discussed show, The Voice of China.


    "It''sing."


    "The introduction has ended!"


    "What are we watching this for? Central TV Department 1''s Thursday night host had a scandal and The Voice was brought on to fill the slot. With just slightly more than half a month''s preparation, they want to produce arge-scale variety talent show? That''s a total joke, just ask anyone in the industry if they could do it."


    "Yeah, even if you gave it two months of preparations, it wouldn''t be enough! For such arge-scale variety show, the minimum preparation time is three to six months. If the stage could somewhat be set up in time, it should already be good, so let''s not even talk about the stage effects. Zhang Ye should have juste back to Beijing Television at that time. Just look at it now. He has been tasked to rush the program for broadcast so fast that he couldn''t even finish the preparation work in time, so what''s there to look forward to? He definitely won''t have anything to show!"


    They each had their own opinions of how the program would turn out.


    As soon as they stopped talking, the scene on the television was showing the performance venue!


    When the lights were turned on, the entire stage was lit up at once. In the midst of the audience''s cheering, the stage lighting changed!


    "I wanna fly to the sky, walk beside the Sun. The world waits for me to change it��"


    "Never been afraid of others seeing my dreams. Here, I can make it happen!"


    "Laughing loudly, let''s walk side by side. Isn''t happiness everywhere!"


    "Casting off all worry, I stride forward bravely. Now I am taking center stage!"


    Chen Guang!


    Fan Wenli!


    Zhang Xia!


    Zhang Yuanqi!


    The four coaches appeared on stage morously, with the new theme song pumping up the entire audience!


    "I believe I''m me, I trust in tomorrow. I believe youth has no limits. Whether sunset at the beach or the crowded streets, it''s the prettiest paradise for me!"


    It fell silent.


    The program team''s office in Beijing Television was totally quiet!


    A woman said, "This��"


    A youth stared at the television screen dumbfounded. "Who just said that if they could get the stage up in time, it would already be very good?"


    The girl who said that earlier could not muster up a response!


    A middle-aged person was astonished. "Does that look like they just managed to get it up? That stage, that equipment, those audio effects, those lights, my god! How could that be something they set up in just 20 days! Are Zhang Ye and his team really all superhuman? Finishing up all that in half a month when others could notplete it even with a few months of production time? They even built the stage that magnificently? And it''s even superior in quality? Do all the people in their program team have eight arms!?"


    The girl who who couldn''t say a word finally managed to say, "Zhang Ye and his team must have worked very hard or something. I really wonder how they did it."


    They also worked on shows, so they naturally understand the way things worked when making one. They understood just how impossible of a task this was, so many of the industry insiders were feeling even more pessimistic about this show. But who could have expected that the oue was totally different from what they had assumed! They asked themselves, if they were Zhang Ye''s program team instead, could they do the same if they were given 20 days to create such a big stage andplete the auditions for the contestants? The answer was no!


    They couldn''t!


    This was an impossible task!


    In the entire country, no program team would dare thump their chest and im that they could do it!


    ����


    At the train station.


    Many passengers were seated under arge screen, waiting for their trains.


    "What the f**k! How much money did they spend on that stage setup!"


    "This stage, those lights, why does it feel like I''m watching the Spring Festival G!?"


    "Since when did Central TV be so generous? They must''ve really poured a lot of money into that!"


    "How awesome! The stage and audio effects are amazing!"


    "Listen to this song!"


    "How nice!"


    "This song is really great! Listening to it makes me feel really pumped up!"


    "Eh, seeing the opening of The Voice, it doesn''t seem to be as bad as what people were saying!"


    "Yeah, keep watching, let''s see how it turns out!"


    The opening theme ended!


    Zhang Ye appeared!


    ����


    Beijing.


    In a certain restaurant, in a certain private room.


    There was a mini-gathering here arranged today by Zhang Ye''s ex-colleague, famed broadcast host from Beijing Radio Station, Wang Xiaomei. She was with her university ssmates, who all graduated as broadcast majors. Some of them worked in local television stations as hosts and some were radio announcers, while there was also one who was a DJ for live mini-events.


    Wang Xiaomei suddenly called for a waitress. "Can you please switch on the television?"


    "Sure." The waitress immediately turned on the the television and it showed Central TV Department 1''s channel, which was usually the default channel that many televisions would switch on to.


    Onscreen, Zhang Ye was currently introducing the coaches.


    A man asked, "Xiaomei, you still watch talent shows?"


    Wang Xiaomeiughed. "I''m just curious."


    A woman blinked and asked, "What are you curious about?"


    Wang Xiaomei replied, "I want to see how exactly Zhang Ye would host a talent show."


    A bearded man said, "How else can he host it? I''ve also done a simr program before, so don''t even talk about it. Being a host in such a program is really torturous. It''s like you don''t exist at all. Whether you''re onstage or off, it''s always very awkward. All you do is make announcements and present the advertising messages. What else can you do?"


    "Yeah, that''s right."


    "It''s the same whoever does it."


    Wang Xiaomei inly replied, "That might not be true. As I''ve been colleagues with Zhang Ye before, I do know him a little better than most people. If it were any other host doing this show, they really might be just a supporting cast member and do things like only making the announcements. But that doesn''t apply to Zhang Ye. He''s not the type who would just take a step back and be in a supporting role. Mhm. But I still don''t know how he will do this, because just like you all said, for these talent shows, there really isn''t much for a host to show what they can do."


    The woman said, "There''s simply nothing to bring to bear. It''s just making announcements and reading advertising lines. It can''t be that he ns to say those things for the entire show, can he?"


    The bearded man said, "Xiaomei, aren''t you putting Zhang Ye on too high a pedestal? We''re all in the business of hosting and our standards are all about the same. It''s just that Zhang Ye has the added advantage of being more talented in literature. That''s why he can achieve so much just within a year. If we''re just talking about basic hosting skills, then all of us here wouldn''t be worse than him."


    Laughing, another person chimed in, "That''s true."


    The man with the short hair, leaning against the door, said, "We''re all proper graduates of broadcasting, so how much difference can there be between our standards? Central TV went to look for Zhang Ye and not someone else because Zhang Ye has program nning skills. It wasn''t because of his hosting abilities. If we''re talking about pure hosting abilities, then with so many hosts at Central TV, would theyck his abilities at all? So it''s not like a talent show like this would miss his presence either. If you put me there instead of him, I can say the same things too, and I might even do it better than him."


    "Hur hur, who doesn''t know how to read advertising messages?" the bearded man said.


    The woman mocked, "If you can''t even say an advertising message well, then you better not work in this business!"


    On TV, Zhang Ye was standing in the center of the stage.


    "Hello, everyone. I am you host, Zhang Ye."


    "Today, we have eight people who will be joining us onstage. Who could they be? What kinds of voices will they have? What songs will they choose to perform? Alright, next up, is the segment that is the most, most anticipated��advertisements!"


    At the table, the bearded man who was drinking his water suddenly spewed it all out.


    Pfft!


    Why would I be anticipating advertisements!


    Just before everyone was about to make fun of what Zhang Ye had said on TV, a scene that would shock these professional broadcast majors and the entire world''s citizens began!


    On the television screen, Zhang Ye took a deep breath. "I-will-not-ept-any-gifts-this-year The-only-gift-I-will-ept-is-Brain Gold There''s-no-need-to-watch-any-TV-shows-this-year The-only-TV-show-you-need-to-watch-is-The Voice The-authentic-health-product The-authentic-The Voice Wee-to-the-broadcast-of-The Voice of China-brought-to-you-exclusively-by-our-title-sponsor-leader-in-health-products-Brain Gold Drink-Mount Zhou Mineral Water-to-show-your-support-for-The Voice The-most-favored-student-of-the-four-coaches-for-this-season-of-The Voice-will-get-a-chance-to-join-Mount Zhou Mineral Water''s Music Dreams Tour Text-to-support-your-favorite-singers-and-you''ll-get-a-50-yuan-book-voucher-from-EveryRead We-thank-EveryRead-for-their-generous-support-of-our-singers-of-The Voice For-any-of-our-contestants-as-long-as-they-get-acknowledged-by-at-least-three-coaches-they''ll-win-a-10,000-yuan-Music Dreams Schrship Sponsored-by-Brain Gold. We-also-give-our-thanks-to-Beijing Dahua Hotel-for-sponsoring-the-amodations-for-the coaches-of-The Voice of China!"


    Wang Xiaomei was dumbfounded!


    The bearded man was dumbfounded!


    The short-haired man who was grabbing some food with his chopsticks was dumbfounded!


    The waitress who had just entered the private room to refill the drinks for the customers was astounded and looked at the television, also dumbfounded by it!


    "Oh my god!"


    "Damn!"


    "This!"


    Everyone present were all dumbfounded by this!


    You''re too damn fast at speaking!


    Were you on f**king stimnts!?


    How many seconds was that? That was even done in a single breath! You actually recited that entire chunk of advertising messages without a cue card or missing a word, and they were even spoken clearly??


    The waitress couldn''t help but say, "Isn''t that amazing?" After refilling their drinks, she doubled up and ran out, telling anyone she saw, "Quick, go and watch The Voice! The host is awesome!"


    Awesome?


    Was it only just awesome?


    In the private room, Wang Xiaomei and the others were all speechless. As broadcast hosts themselves, they had all learned these basic skills like off-script speed reading as well as crosstalk speed recital, all to practice their reading skills. But there was surely a limit to people, and this limit was more or less the same for everyone. There shouldn''t be too much of a fluctuation in their standards, even the most able person they met in school could only read a script of 100 words at a rate of 6 words per second and that already amazed them. It was a speed that would leave them in the dust!


    But Zhang Ye?


    This advertising message of Zhang Ye''s?


    He probably managed more than 10 words per second!!


    This was more than twice the speed of the fastest recital they''d ever heard of before today!


    When this statistic was actually calcted, the difference was obvious. Awesome? This was no longer just awesome! This was crazy! This was a crushing blow to all the hosts in the country, and possibly, even those from overseas!


    Wang Xiaomei didn''t know whether tough or cry. She had guessed the oue correctly, but not the process. She suddenly said, "This reading speed, is there anyone else in the hosting world who can do it?"


    The woman took a deep breath and said, "Impossible!"


    Another woman agreed, "It''s definitely impossible!"


    The bearded man, still bitterly smiling, said, "Other than him, there''s definitely no one else who can do it!"


    "F**k!" The short-haired man suddenly cursed. "Is Zhang Ye still human!?"


    Just a while ago, they were still joking around and making fun of him.


    Anyone could do it?


    Say the advertising messages for the entire show?


    Zhang Ye only got the hosting job because of his program nning ability?


    All of them were proper graduates in broadcasting and there wouldn''t be much difference in their standards?


    Thinking about what they had just said, they all turned red with embarrassment. This was a hosting job that no one else could do! He had actually goddamn created something new out of reciting advertising messages! It was not because of the advantage he had for program nning that he got the job as a host in Central TV. In the field of professional hosting, there were those who were on a simr level, but there were also those who were much better!


    Just as with Zhang Ye''s speaking abilities, no one else could do what he did!


    This was Zhang Ye''s debut program in Central TV and also this first time being the host of such a grand stage. But in this debut performance, he had taught those hosts and industry insiders who doubted him a lesson. Just with this unique ability of his��and the resume he had from the time he hosted at the local and online television stations��it was enough to put him among the top hosts in the country. No one could deny that!


    What a great Zhang Ye!


    So it was them who were the frogs in the well!


    At this moment, Wang Xiaomei''s university ssmates, who a while ago were still disapproving of the talent show Zhang Ye was hosting, felt depressed for the first time about why they were still at the lower echelons of the industry trying to make things work and not able to move up onto the level of hosting at a satellite channel, while Zhang Ye had already nted his feet firmly in Central TV Department 1!


    The difference was in their talent?


    No, that was not it!


    Justparing the basic skills in broadcasting, they were all far behind Zhang Ye!

 Chapter 680 Into the ranks of the top hosts!

    <h4>Chapter 680 Into the ranks of the top hosts! </h4>


    Chapter 680 Into the ranks of the top hosts!


    Online.


    The forums, Weibo, and Tieba were all in an uproar!


    "Oh my god!"


    "What''s happening?"


    "What do you think is happening!? Quickly take a look at The Voice!"


    "That Zhang guy is too godly!"


    "F**k! Zhang Ye has already surpassed the gods!"


    "It''s too amazing!"


    "It''s blinding my titanium alloy dog eyes!"1


    "What sort of reciting speed was that!"


    "These are advertisements that we''re talking about! My blood was actually boiling with excitement because of advertisements!"


    "This is a talent show! But Zhang Ye''s hosting quite literally stole the limelight!"


    "Who says that the host of The Voice will only be a supporting role? That anyone can do it? That it would be the same whoever bes the host? Will the person who said that please stand up! I promise I won''t beat you to death!"


    "I don''t know what theter segments are going to be like, but even if its rubbish or the contestants are all worthless, I think the viewership ratings of The Voice won''t be lower than 0.6%! With Zhang Ye''s shocking performance, it is as good as saving the world all by himself! It''s like I can hear Zhang Ye telling us��even if The Voice is a shitty program, he alone would still pull up the viewership ratings using that eloquent mouth of his as usual!"


    "The godlike Zhang Ye! The godlike host!"


    Besides theizens'' exmations, the industry insiders were also collectively shocked!


    Some of Zhang Ye''s friends also posted on Weibo.


    Peking University Chinese department''s teacher, Su Na: "��"


    Yao Jiancaimented on The Voice''s promotional channel on Weibo: "I don''t usually curse, honestly, but after watching my Old Bro Zhang reciting those advertising messages, I can only say this��holy f*ck! The Voice of China? I don''t think it would be unsuitable even if the name is changed to The Tongue of China!"


    Central Radio Station''s Tian Bin: "Zhang Ye used the incredible speed in his speech to defeat all the hosts in the world! OH! OH! OH!"


    Zhang Ye''s former leader, Zhao Guozhou, posted on Weibo: "I was just dining out with some friends. When we heard Zhang Ye''s advertising messages, my friends and I were all shocked. Nobody could say anything for a long time until a friend beside me, who owns apany, asked me, ''Do you think I will still be able to purchase advertising rights on The Voice?''"


    Beijing Television''s Hu Fei: "Today, Zhang Ye has shown us that advertisements can actually be done in such a way! Zhang Ye is incredibly outstanding! Although I''m working at Beijing Television Station, if I had to choose the most outstanding host with the best overall abilities in the country, my vote would definitely go to Zhang Ye!"


    Weiwo Online Television Station''s Feng Guiqin: "If, let''s say as of yesterday, Zhang Ye wasn''t in the top ranks of the hosting industry because he did not have the experience of hosting on a satellite channel, then today, there is clearly a spot for Zhang Ye in the country''s top hosts club!"


    Wang Xiong: "He is a host who keeps on creating miracles!"


    Xiao Lu: "Teacher Zhang, I have knelt because of you!"


    Dafei: "I''m also kneeling��on the keyboard!"


    Hou Ge: "��$$##%��(^&*;��$#@! !"


    It was very lively on the inte. After a lot of people watched The Voice''s advertisement segment, they could not help but take out their cell phones or type on their keyboards to post the word "f**k" to express their astonishment towards Zhang Ye''s eloquent mouth! At the same time, everyone''s expectations for The Voice suddenly went through the roof. Everyone was eximing out loud even before the show had reached its main event. What would happen when the main show started?


    Many people were informing their family and friends!


    ����


    In an alleyway.


    A young woman was about to go to the bathroom when she met a neighbor.


    "Zhen Zi, what are you doing?"


    I was just taking a stroll."


    "What are you still strolling for, quickly go back home to watch The Voice!"


    "Why should I watch that? Didn''t everyone say that the program isn''t good?"


    "Aiya, you''ll understand after you watch it! Zhang Ye is awesome! He has brought advertising to new heights!"


    "What? Advertisements?"


    "That''s right, advertisements!"


    "Every time there are advertisements, I change the channel. Why would I want to listen to that?""


    "You''ll understand when you hear it! I guarantee that you will definitely not change channels!"


    "Really? Then I better go have a look!"


    "You won''t be able to see it anymore now. Just wait for the rerun or check online for the clipster! Or you could y it back on your DVR too!"


    ����


    In a district, in a house.


    A plump boy was making some calls in an excited manner.


    "Hey, Big Liu, quickly switch on the television! The Voice is such a surprise!"


    "It''s enjoyable to watch?"


    "It''s so good that I''m crying!"


    "Yo, which contestant sang so well?"


    "The singing segment hasn''t even started yet."


    "Ah? Damn, then how is it so good you''re crying?!"


    "You don''t shit! Quickly take a look! Why would I lie to you?!"


    "Alright, I''ll believe you this time!"


    Afterwards, the plump boy started to call up his other friends. He was not a hardcore fan of Zhang Ye and could not even be considered a fan before this as he had only seen a few of Zhang Ye''s works and poetry. But now, after Zhang Ye recited those earth-shaking advertising messages, the plump boypletely became Zhang Ye''s hardcore fan. He felt that Zhang Ye''s confidentposure and presence onstage was damn full of swag. His charm was there for all to see!


    ����


    The same scenes were happening everywhere in the country.


    If the stage setup and opening theme of The Voice were good but not enough to shock everyone, then Zhang Ye''s lines would have surely done the job!


    The news spread��


    ��by word of mouth!


    The people who watched the broadcast were all scrambling to spread the news!


    Immediately, more and more people gathered in front of their television and switched the channel to Central TV Department 1!


    "It should be the time for the contestants to appear?"


    "Hai, I really want to see Zhang Ye recite the advertising messages again! Pfft! I suddenly feel like I''m really cheap! In the past, I couldn''t wait to switch channels when the advertisements came on! But now, I actually want to hear it several times more!"


    "Haha, it''s the same for me!"


    "I love you so much, Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "I wonder what the uing segments will be like?! What kind of contestants could Zhang Ye and his team gather in this short period of time? Besides, everyone has been criticizing The Voice''s main feature of not judging looks or upation. This is definitely a big problem. A talent show full of ugly men and women? Will that really be a feature to look forward to? Will that really be something marketable? Even if the contestants sing well, how good will they be? They can''t possibly be better than those people professionally trained in music, right? A slogan which emphasizes not on judging by upation seems to already indicate that The Voice won''t purposely go and search for people trained musically, They also don''t require contestants to be professionally trained in singing or have looks or be tall. Is this really not going to be a problem at all?"


    "Hai, who knows?"


    "I also don''t feel optimistic about the contestants'' segment, although I admit that the opening was very exciting! But that excitement was solely because of Zhang Ye''s ability and charm!"


    "I believe that Zhang Ye will always bring me surprises! We still have to see how the show will be executed!"


    "Hey, it''s starting, it''s starting!"


    "The first contestant''s intro clip is ying!"


    "Whoa, why is that woman so fat?!"


    "F**k, they''re really not going to judge by looks?"


    "Will she be able to sing well?"


    "Her type of singing does not seem like it will be good!"


    1. This is cyberspeak created by Chinese yers of the MMORPG game WoW.

 Chapter 681 Creating a sensation!

    <h4>Chapter 681 Creating a sensation! </h4>


    Chapter 681 Creating a sensation!


    At 9:10 PM.


    Chenchen''s form teacher, Zhao Mei, was at home watching television together with her boyfriend.


    Her boyfriend said, "Zhang Ye''s mouth is quite formidable. Is he really a rtive of one of your students?"


    "Of course, didn''t I tell you before?" Zhao Mei said, "Zhang Ye hase to our school so many times that our grade''s ss teachers are already very familiar with him."


    Her boyfriend said, "What is he like? Is he a troublemaker as the media reports him to be?"


    Zhao Mei shook her head. "No, he''s quite a nice person and doesn''t put on any airs."


    The two of them were chatting when suddenly, the intro clip of The Voice''s first contestant appeared on screen: "My name is Luo Yu and I''m a physical education teacher at a primary school. Since I was young until now, my ssmates, friends, and colleagues all call me ''Raspy Luo.'' Each time I sing, people around me intentionally or unintentionally avoid me. No one has thought that I know how to sing or feels that my singing is good. Today, I would like to use the stage of The Voice to prove myself. I want to let everyone know that a fat person also has dreams. No matter what people say about me, all I want to do is sing!"


    The intro clip ended!


    The first contestant held a microphone and stood onstage.


    However, Zhao Mei was stunned when she saw this on television. Suddenly, she rose and eximed, "Teacher Luo! It''s Teacher Luo!"


    Her boyfriend who also knew Little Luo said, "This��isn''t this your school''s P.E. teacher, Luo Yu? What the heck! How did she end up on The Voice!?"


    Zhao Mei could not believe what she saw. "I don''t know!"


    At the same time, many of the other Beijing Experimental Primary School teachers who were also watching The Voice were dumbfounded. They even thought they were mistaken!


    "It''s Luo Yu!"


    "It''s really Little Luo!"


    "Why did Teacher Luo go and join a singingpetition?"


    "My god! Did they get it wrong!? That lousy voice of Little Luo, even her normal speaking voice is raspy. How could she sing!"


    "Who knows!"


    "Little Luo''s too brave!"


    "Damn, Teacher Luo really isn''t afraid of losing face!"


    Some of the teachers even called each other when they saw this.


    "Hello, Zhao Mei, quick, go and watch Central TV Department 1!"


    "I''m watching it right now, it''s Teacher Luo!"


    "Aiyo, what''s going on? Do you know?"


    "I remember that day at the school field. Teacher Zhang seemed to be looking for Teacher Luo, but I don''t know what happened after that! I don''t know what''s going on now either! Teacher Luo''s voice��"


    At this moment, many of the students of Experimental Primary School and their parents were also staring at Central TV Department 1''s channel with their eyes and mouths wide open. They all recognized her!


    ����


    The TV now showed the audience. They all appeared very indifferent, like they did not have an interest in what was happening.


    Then the cameras focused on the four coaches.


    Zhang Yuanqi: "Doesn''t look too good, does it?"


    Chen Guang: "I don''t know."


    The musical introduction started, then the sound of the guitars and drums suddenly exploded!


    "I''ve always been told I don''t understand lyrics,posing, or singing!


    "I''ve always been told I don''t understandfort,ughter, or living!


    "I''ve always been told I don''t understand passion, women, or romance!


    "I''ve always been told I don''t understand restraint, flexibility, or smarts!"


    Listening up to here, Zhao Mei was already stunned!


    Zhao Mei''s boyfriend was also so astonished that his eyes were like saucers!


    Including many of Luo Yu''s colleagues from the school, all of them were shaken at this moment. "This, this was sung by Teacher Luo?"


    Suddenly, Luo Yu''s voice erupted!


    "Who told you I can''t sing!


    "Who told you I don''t understand living!


    "Who told you I can''t be cruel!


    "Who told you I don''t know glory!"


    That screaming was a punch to everyone''s gut!


    Zhao Mei eximed excitedly, "So awesome! Little Luo is really awesome!"


    Her boyfriend also eximed, "They turned! All four coaches have turned!"


    Anguage teacher who was teaching the same grade as Luo Yu nearly jumped up at this when she was watching the show at home. "My god! "Holy shit!"


    A little boy from a ss Luo Yu taught was stunned as he watched his physical education teacher performing in the mor of the limelight. His face expressed his shock as if he did not know who the singer was!


    When the principal and several other school leaders of Experimental Primary School received this news from some of their school''s teachers, they immediately switched on their television to see. The moment they heard Luo Yu singing "Who Told You I Don''t Understand," they were also left stunned. They knew Luo Yu all too well. She was the odd one out among the teachers, always randomly singing on the yground or the hallways and irritating many people.doing so. Once, the principal even asked to see her in the office to reprimand her stop singing, telling her that her voice was really terrible to listen to!


    But then, was it actually terrible to listen to?


    Thinking about it now, they realized that they had never seriously listened to Luo Yu''s singing before. Maybe it was because they felt that her appearance did not fit singing, that her raspy voice made her destined not to sing, so whenever she sang any song, they did not bother to truly listen ory their eyes on her. Until today. Until they sat in front of their TVs and concentrated on listening to Luo Yu perform and paid attention to her voice did they discover that actually��actually Teacher Luo really knew how to sing!


    All of a sudden, Luo Yu''s cell phone exploded with calls. Her rtives and friends were all calling to ask!


    "Teacher Luo!"


    "Little Luo, what''s going on?"


    "Little Yu, why were you on television?"


    ����


    The Inte also exploded withments from theizens!


    "Oh my god!"


    "This voice is the be-all, end-all!"


    "This fat woman is awesome! Is she really a P.E. teacher?"


    "Where did Zhang Ye find such a great contestant!"


    "Who says that if you''re ugly, you won''t attract people? Who says that The Voice''s contestants are all just amateurs? That their singing won''t be good?"


    "I''ve always thought that I wouldn''t be able to ept non-good-looking people on a talent show, that''s why I did not have much anticipation for The Voice. But today I''ve realized I was wrong, because when a person sings a song with all their heart, the charm they exude is able to cover up everything else! I really like this P.E. teacher a lot!"


    "The coaches are unable to see their faces and can only hear their voice. Such cool design!"


    "So this is what The Voice is like!"


    "How face smacking!"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye pped everyone''s faces!"


    "Does she have to sing it so breathtakingly!?"


    "It''s only the first contestant to appear and the bar is already set so high?"


    Onscreen, the fighting for the contestant part had begun. The coaches were all fighting each other for the contestant to join their teams. Chen Guang and Fan Wenli, the ideal couple who had a "great battle," made everyone shout excitedly!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "How funny is that!"


    "Fan Wenli was so funny!"


    "So they could even take contestants in this way!?"


    "I''ve never before seen such a talent show contestant selection!"


    "Ah, she chose Chen Guang!"


    "Zhang Ye has really brought this program to life with its segments!"


    Some people were already starting to "@" their friends on Weibo: "Quick, watch The Voice. It''s exciting! It''s totally unlike what all the analysis and rumors said it to be!"


    ����


    The second contestant appeared!


    "Wow!"


    "He''s a train driver?"


    "He''s singing so emotionally!"


    "Oh god, I don''t know what to say anymore!"


    "It''s another great contestant!"


    Then the next contestant.


    "A housewife?"


    "Not bad at all!"


    "I like her, I like her!"


    "How have we never known that there were so many talented people among themon folk?"


    "Ah, the coaches have turned!"


    The fourth contestant.


    The fifth contestant.


    The seventh contestant.


    The audience were also watching in anticipation. Soon, it was time for thest contestant to perform!


    However, this contestant was not introduced like the others. In the intro clip, the contestant could not be seen at all. It was simply a silhouette. Then a voice-over done by one of the staff members said: "Ourst contestant for today has a most unique voice. Will the coaches be able to ept this voice? Let us find out together."


    The contestant went on stage.


    The cameras switched to the faces of the coaches, with their backs facing the stage which couldn''t be seen clearly. On it was a very obscure figure of a person making it feel very mysterious.


    "What''s the meaning of this?"


    "What''s with this person?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Let''s listen and find out."


    The melody began and the voice drifted out!


    "When will the moon be clear and bright?


    "With a cup of wine in my hand, I ask the clear sky.


    "In the heavens on this night,


    "I wonder what season it would be?


    "I''d like to ride the wind to fly home.


    "Yet I fear the crystal and jade mansions


    "are much too high and cold for me.


    "Dancing with my moonlit shadow,


    "it does not seem like the human world."


    The people in front of their televisions were all engrossed listening!


    "How beautiful, this woman''s voice is too beautiful!"


    "It has to be the best voice of today!"


    "What an elegant sounding voice!"


    "I''m getting drunk listening to it!"


    "With a voice like that, it must be a beautiful woman!"


    "Listen to that maic charm and the emotions in the singing. I guess it must be a beautiful woman in her 30s! Why isn''t the camera showing her yet! Quick, focus on her!"


    This was a huge tease, as all of the people could not wait any longer to find out the face behind the voice!


    At this moment, on TV, Chen Guang instantly hit the button and turned around!


    Along with the coach turning, the camera angles were cut together like they too were from the point of view of the coaches. It cut to the contestant who then appeared on the TVs!


    With this, when the people watching the program on television saw the contestant, a lot of them screamed with shock. Some of them jumped up from their chairs or sofas like they had touched an electric current!


    "Ah!"


    "Oh my god!"


    "It''s a man!"


    "F**k, it''s a man!"


    "This song was sung by a man? A man??"


    "That outfit, I think he should be aborer?"


    Without any despising looks or mockingughter, when faced with this revtion of shockingly great contrast, all the people watching suddenly screamed in front of their TVs!


    "I have goosebumps all over my body!"


    "This is so nice to listen to! It''s great!"


    "Awesome! Too damn awesome!"


    "Is there anything more unbelievable than that!?"


    "I just want to say this now. Zhang Ye, you''ve won! You''ve goddamn won!"


    "Yes! Zhang Ye has won! He has totally amazed me!"


    "I''ve realized that I''ve fallen for this program already!"


    Qian Pingfan finished his performance.


    Whether it was on television or outside of it, none of the audience could maintain their calm!


    ����


    Beijing.


    A barbeque shop near Lishuiqiao.


    A person pointed at the TV with his eyes wide and mouth agape. "I know that person! I know him! He''s the one who repairs bicycles in front of the station!"


    The person sitting opposite him said, "Are you serious?"


    A woman said, "You must''ve seen wrong?"


    That person said, "Impossible! He has repaired my bicycle twice for me!"


    As it turned out, when the coaches interviewed Qian Pingfan onscreen, he revealed his upation!


    "He''s really a bicycle repairman?"


    "��"


    "I have nothing I can say to that!"


    "How could a bicycle repairman sing that well!"


    "This program is going to get popr!"


    "I really take my hats off to Zhang Ye!"


    "This is the most surprising program I''ve watched this year!"


    "This is what a real singing talent show should be in my mind!"


    "For those who were waiting to see Zhang Ye make a joke of himself, denounced him and The Voice of China, I wonder what their expressions are like now?!"


    "That might not be for sure yet, it will still depend on the viewership ratings!"

 Chapter 682 Yet another record breaking high!

    <h4>Chapter 682 Yet another record breaking high! </h4>


    Chapter 682 Yet another record breaking high!


    In the vicinity of Central TV.


    At a rather good restaurant.


    The restaurant''s operating hour was actually only up until 9 PM, or at most extended until 9:30 PM for closing down. But now it was already past 10 PM and the restaurant was still open. There were even four tables of guests being served inside. As the owner of the restaurant and Jiang Yuan knew each other��and with this being the restaurant of choice for Central TV Department 1''s events, with many years of business connections��, if Jiang Yuan asked, the restaurant would definitely make an exception for them.


    "Everyone, have a seat!"


    "There''s no space left over here."


    "There''s still a table over there, if that''s not enough, we can set up another table."


    "Waiter, please serve the food and alcohol. Beer and wine!"


    Around 30 people were here. Other than Jiang Yuan, there were the program team staff of The Voice as well as those staff members who were temporarily transferred from other program teams to help out with the production. Although they did not officially belong to The Voice''s team, they had still contributed a lot to it. Since it was a celebratory banquet, then it was only natural that all those involved should attend!


    There were two television sets in the restaurant and both were currently switched on and tuned in to The Voice. The show was only halfway through broadcasting when they made their way here for the feast. Since the recording and the post-production was all done, the rest of the broadcast would be handled by the relevant people in Central TV Department 1. The work for Zhang Ye and his team was over for the day, so they could rx a little. Everyone had worked until they were exhausted over the past few days!


    The food had not yet been served, but the alcohol was.


    A few interns were fighting to pour the liquor for the others.


    Zhang Ye raised his ss. "I propose that we make a toast to Director Jiang first."


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the rest stood up one after another, while a few other women who were not drinkers also symbolically poured themselves a little beer as they all toasted, "To Director Jiang!"


    Jiang Yuan stood up and held up his hands to try to stop them. "The first toast should not be for me. Logically, the first toast should be given to Teacher Zhang Ye. If not for him, Central TV would not have this show today. If not for him working day and night, even living in the studio, The Voice could not have possibly made it in time for the broadcast. This is the celebratory feast for your team and you guys are the leads. So I must insist that first toast be given to Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye declined, "Director Jiang, that won''t do."


    "Come." Jiang Yuan raised his ss and said, "A toast to you."


    "Don''t, don''t." Zhang Ye said, not daring to ept this honor, "Let me toast you."


    In the end, everyone just toasted to Jiang Yuan and Zhang Ye together.


    Then, Jiang Yuan said, "Teacher Zhang, why don''t you make a short speech."


    Zhang Yeughed, then looked at his subordinates. "First, let''s thank our director for his support. Without Director Jiang''s trust and support, we wouldn''t be here today."


    Jiang Yuan waved it off and just smiled.


    "Next, I want to thank all of you," Zhang Ye said sincerely. "Other than thank you, it''s still thank you. Thank you for trusting in me, sacrificing your sleep and rest for me and our show for the past several days. When other program teams work overtime, it''s because they are forced to, but not ours. Everyone did it willingly, so when a few of our colleagues fell sick, I even had to push them to go home to rest, but they still stayed behind to help out, working while sick. I know that every one of you do it for me, because all of you trust me. I understand all of that. So I want to make a toast to all of you!"


    They raised their sses and clinked them together before drinking.


    Everyone started talking.


    "Director Zhang, don''t be so modest with us!"


    "What''s the point of saying that?"


    "Yeah, that was what we were supposed to do!"


    "We''ll toast you!"


    "Cheers!"


    Zhang Ye''s sincere thanks from the bottom of his heart touched everyone. Thinking about those days of endless and tiresome work that couldn''t even be described, they felt lucky they managed to pull through. Under Zhang Ye''s leadership, they were now about to reap the great harvest they deserved!


    Following that, everyone ate and drank.


    "Aiya, the broadcast is almost finishing."


    "It''s time for Qian Pingfan to appear."


    "Haha, I bet everyone will be shocked by Little Qian!"


    "Look, thements on the Inte have exploded! They''re all discussing about our show!"


    "Yeah, I just saw it too. Everyone has very goodments for us, especially the reading of the advertising message by Director Zhang at the beginning. That shocked so many people!"


    "F**k, Luo Yu has already be famous. Just how long has it been since she appeared in the show? Fans have already created a Tieba for her! It even has several hundred members already. It''s going to cross 1000 soon!"


    "Look at the Weibo headlines! They''re about us too!"


    "So fast? Weren''t we just in fifth ce?"


    "We''re now first!"


    "Aiyo, then we have to toast again!"


    "Cheers!"


    Beside Zhang Ye, Chenchen sat there expressionlessly. She slowly took some food with her chopsticks and put it onto her te. The little one had been with Zhang Ye for the past several days, going to school in the morning and then being brought by Luo Yu back to the television station in the evening. She slept at Central TV together with Zhang Ye and did not get much rest, so she looked very tired right now and was also sullen and upset at Zhang Ye at the moment.


    Zhang Zuo came over. "Director Zhang, I want to toast you for giving us a valuable lesson with your program nning!"


    "Let me offer you a toast as well," Ha Qiqi said. "When I first read your proposal back then, I did not think that it would work out at all. I believe many others felt the same way, but the results have proven that you were right, you saw further than any one of us, so let me offer you a toast."


    They clinked their sses together. "Alright, don''t stand on ceremony anymore."


    Chenchen pouted. "Zhang Ye, drink less."


    "I know," Zhang Ye casually replied.


    A whileter, someone else came to toast Zhang Ye again.


    Zhang Ye did not reject anyone. "Come, cheers!"


    Chenchen said unhappily, "Zhang Ye, drink less."


    Zhang Ye said, "How much have I drank? OK, OK, I will not drink so much."


    Ha Qiqi was very envious. "Look at Chenchen. She''s so sensible, knowing to tell you to have less to drink. If I had a daughter like that, how great would it be."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then you better be prepared for tough days ahead."


    Chenchen red at Zhang Ye. "��Hur hur."


    At this moment, the broadcast of The Voice ended.


    Jiang Yuan''s cell phone rang. When he saw the number, he went outside immediately to answer it. About five minutester, Jiang Yuan walked in with a smile on his face. "I have some good news for everyone. I''ve just received an update three major online video hosting services have already contacted our station, hoping to get the exclusive rights to The Voice of China''s online broadcast. Among them, one offered a sky-high price to secure the contract, can you all guess how much it is?"


    Zhang Ye''s contract with Central TV Department 1 was a little special. Other than Zhang Ye, Jiang Yuan and a few other people, most did not know the details. Before he signed with Central TV Department 1, Zhang Ye had a condition that he would get to keep the copyright to The Voice. This applied more on any foreign exports of his show''s format and the second or third seasons of The Voice, which meant that Zhang Ye could, on principle, move to another station with the right to reproduce his show there. It also meant that Central TV could not use the name and logo of The Voice of their own ord, though the first season of all such copyrights were provided to Central TV for free. For example, the television broadcast, the title sponsorship fee, the rights to stream the show via an online video hosting service, all of these deals would not be given to Zhang Ye at all and belonged fully to Central TV. This was the reason why Central TV Department 1 had agreed to the terms after a long round of discussions as it had saved them a big chunk of their budget!


    Ha Qiqi blinked. "30 million?"


    Zhang Zuo guessed, "45 million?"


    Little Wang said, "Could it be 50 million?"


    "You''ve all guessed wrong," Jiang Yuan said tedly. "There''s an online video hosting service that is offering us an 80 million RMB price to secure exclusive rights!"


    "Ah?"


    "80 million?"


    "I''m gonna faint!"


    "This��"


    Everyone was surprised at this news. It had to be said that they were unable to sell the online exclusive rights all this time, not because no one would buy it but because all the offers so far did not satisfy Zhang Ye''s estimates. Some offered 20 million, some 10 million, and the highest offer was only 25 million RMB. But like for those advertising rights quotes, Zhang Ye did not step back on the prices and maintained a minimum base cost. Zhang Ye would rather hold them in hand than to take a lower price, and because of this matter, the station had also talked to Zhang Ye on several asions, though he did not waver at all!


    However, looking at it now, Zhang Ye had once again proven the brilliance of his strategy!


    Jiang Yuan was also celebrating in his mind, thinking how lucky it was that the station did not overwrite Zhang Ye and sell off the online exclusive rights and advertising rights fee for cheap, otherwise, they would have suffered an enormous loss. It was a good thing that they listened to Zhang Ye!


    80 million RMB!


    The Voice''s production fees were only over 100 million, which was more or less covered by the title sponsorship already. So that meant they didn''t make any losses or profit from there. Thereafter, once the remaining advertising rights fees and exclusive rights were sold, this would all be pure profit for Central TV Department 1!


    What kind of a concept was a gain of 80 million? Even if Central TV Department 1 were tobine a full 24 hours of shows on a Thursday, a total of more than a dozen programs such as drama series and interview programs, they wouldn''t be able to earn 80 million per season. But with just one show from Zhang Ye, he managed to do it; he made The Voice earn more than the totalbined output of more than a dozen programs added together, and this did not even include the unsold advertising rights fees yet. Just calcting it like that, it would be enough to scare anyone!


    Besides, getting an 80 million RMB copyright sold for an exclusive online broadcast was the highest amount in the industry. Not only was it the most for the current ongoing programs, but it''s also the most in the history of all programs. No other variety show had ever gotten an exclusive online broadcast fee of more than 60 million! But now Zhang Ye had rewritten the records for China''s variety world and increased it by 20 million!


    This was crazy!


    Central TV was crazy!


    The Voice''s program team was crazy!


    The entire television industry was crazy!


    After the records of the title sponsorship and the production budget, The Voice of China had once again broken and set a new record for a variety show!

 Chapter 683 The night that belonged to The Voice!

    <h4>Chapter 683 The night that belonged to The Voice! </h4>


    Chapter 683 The night that belonged to The Voice!


    Online.


    This news was exposed.


    It wasn''t leaked news, but the information was announced by the online video hosting service themselves. Their Vice President had directly announced this on Weibo to say that they were investing 80 million to purchase the exclusive online broadcast rights to The Voice of China, thus creating a gigantic wave!


    "How exciting!"


    "That much money?"


    "Is The Voice really worth that amount?"


    "Only one episode has been shown so far and they''re already spending so much money to buy the rights? Am I crazy or has the world gone crazy? Isn''t that too risky?"


    "Yeah, they should at least wait for the viewership ratings to be released first!"


    "If the viewership ratings released tomorrow show that it performed very well, then the might would be worth it. But if it''s not as high as expected, then their money will have gone to waste. Was there a need to rush like that? Couldn''t they have waited another day? Did they have to buy it today no matter what?"


    "That may not be it. If the viewership for The Voice goes through the roof and performs beyond expectations, then by tomorrow, 80 million would not even be able to secure the rights. There might even be morepetition and they would not stand a chance to get it anymore. They probably tabled an irresistible offer to Central TV Department 1 that they could no resist, hoping to gain an advantage and betting on Zhang Ye and The Voice!"


    "F**k, this is no longer a world I can understand!"


    "Yeah, I don''t understand it either. This is way too crazy!"


    "Right now, no matter how the viewership ratings turn out, Zhang Ye has alreadye through with flying colors! He used his abilities to help Central TV Department 1 earn over 100 million! On top of that, it looks like The Voice does not only have those ie streams, so it will definitely only get higher!"


    "He''s raking in a profit too quickly!"


    "Even a gust of wind is not this quick!"


    "I can only say parison always ends up torturing people,parison always ends up trashing products.'' The other variety shows are all finding it difficult to meet their targets and have always been struggling just to keep things moving along. As long as they don''t lose money and be slightly in the ck, they are satisfied. But what about The Voice? Zhang Ye had only just set up some stage, but he can still get people to throw their money at the show with his eyes closed! It''s the same type of singing show, but why is there such a gulf in the gap! Looking at those other, pitiful singing variety shows, I don''t have the heart to watch them anymore!"


    "What''s more, they were rushed to finish it to fill the slot!"


    "Right, on top of that, Thursday night''s slot isn''t exactly a good time either!"


    "Is that what Zhang Ye''s true capabilities are like?"


    The citizens were shocked!


    The industry was in an uproar!


    ����


    At the restaurant.


    Only Zhang Ye did not seem that surprised.


    Jiang Yuan looked at him and said, "Little Zhang, what do you think of the offer?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s OK."


    "Should we sell it?" Jiang Yuan wanted to hear his opinion.


    Zhang Ye knew when he had to take a step back. "I will leave that to you and the leaders. Whatever the decision is, I will respect it, so anything is fine." The offered amount was somewhat simr to Zhang Ye''s expectations. Back in his previous world, The Voice''s initial exclusive online broadcast rights were worth around 100 million, so this new offer here wasn''t that far off and not a big matter. Besides, he had to consider the market demand of this new world as well.


    Jiang Yuanughed, "Then we will sell it. You all can carry on eating, I will go back to handle this matter and find someone of the other party we can talk to regarding the contract."


    Zhang Ye said, "But we''ve only just started eating, you haven''t had much yet."


    Jiang Yuan said, "Previously, you were the one doing all the work. Now it''s my turn!" Before he left, Jiang Yuan looked at Zhang Ye and said, "Little Zhang, you''ve really helped Central TV Department 1 win back some vindication this time!"


    Zhang Ye smiled blissfully. "Since Central TV has recruited me to join them, I definitely must do my best."


    Jiang Yuan nodded and then left.


    Central TV Department 1 had always been somewhat average when it came to variety shows, and could even be said that it was already falling behind. Compared to many of the provincial satellite channels, they couldn''t evenpare anymore. But now, Zhang Ye''s arrival had single-handedly helped them turn things around! In a instant, Central TV Department 1 had jumped into the lead from somece in the middle pack! It was evident that Zhang Ye''s capabilities were there, just like what some people had said of him before��this was truly a person who could work miracles! The only thing missing now was the finalized viewership ratings figure!


    Just how much would it be?


    Just how much could they get?


    Jiang Yuan did not want to even venture a guess!


    At this moment, Zhang Zuo''s cell phone rang and he went outside to answer it. When he came back, he immediately reported to Zhang Ye about the situation, "Director Zhang, one of the advertisers contacted me about their interest to purchase the rights to a first-tier advertisement."


    Zhang Ye asked, "How much are they offering?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "I don''t know, I haven''t gotten a quote from them yet. How much do you think we should ask for?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Was it one of thosepanies we were in discussions with before?"


    "Yeah, it''s the executive of Heehee Dairy Industry, the one who met you in your office before." Zhang Zuo said, "They''vee back after all."


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Give them a quote of 4 million. The universal price for the first-tier advertising rights will be 4 million."


    Zhang Zuo asked, "Wasn''t it 3 million before? Surely they won''t agree if we ask for 4 million, right? Besides, we''ve already broadcast one episode, so that''s an episode less for their advertisements."


    Zhang Ye exined, "You can''t look at it that way. In the past, our show was not broadcast yet and not many people were optimistic about it. But now that it''s been so well received, the show will get popr because of that. The only question left is how popr it will get. Now that they''ve approached us again, the price will definitely have to be set by us. Even if it''s an episode fewer, the price will not remain the same as previously stated. Otherwise, if we keep it at 3 million and sell it to them, it would be unfair to the twopanies who bought the first-tier advertising rights. They had risked uncertainty and spent 3 million on our program, but now that it has gotten popr, the other advertisers no longer face that risk, so how could the entry point for them still be 3 million? The difference is only an episode fewer of promotions? Do you think those who signed with us at the beginning would be happy? Would it be fair to them?"


    Zhang Zuo nodded his head firmly. "That''s true!"


    Zhang Ye said, "We will stick to this new pricing, so for the second and third tiers of advertising rights, raise them by one-third too. You don''t have to worry that nobody will buy them!"


    "Alright." Zhang Zuo understood.


    At this time, Ha Qiqi also remembered the day the advertisers came to Zhang Ye''s office to discuss the advertisements but did note to an agreement. After they had left, Zhang Ye told Ha Qiqi and the others that thosepanies woulde to rue their decisions that day. As it turned out, Zhang Ye''s words really came true!


    The celebratory banquet finished rather quickly.


    In the end, during the second half of the dinner and after some seven or eight calls, the unseble advertisements for The Voice had all been bought at a 30 to 40% higher price than previously, even when the contractual terms remained the same! All sold out in 20 minutes!


    That demand was too explosive!


    The feeling was like they were all snapped up as if they didn''t cost money!


    After the contracts were verbally agreed upon over the phone, some of the advertisers who were still not feeling assured immediately sent over theirwyers and representatives to Central TV with the contracts to get them signed. They were afraid that The Voice would be recording its second episode very soon, and if they did not get the contract settled early, they might get dyed in the involvement of the second episode and miss out on another chance at publicity. Additionally, they knew that there were limited advertising spots, so if anyone came ahead of them, then they might miss out on the entire opportunity altogether!


    In just the blink of an eye, another 20 million RMB had entered Central TV''s ounts!


    Along with these advertisers, there were many otherpanies that approached them; some wanted to get the rights to exclusive interviews and some entertainmentpanies expressed their interest to sign certain contestants. Zhang Ye did not need to deal with all these himself and just left them for Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo to handle, while some decisions they couldn''t make on the program team level were redirected straight to Central TV Department 1!


    ����


    Lishuiqiao.


    At a certain rented apartment.


    Qian Pingfan''s master, who taught him how to repair bicycles, held him by his shoulders tightly. "Good kid, you were really great!"


    Qian Pingfan scratched his head and said,"Master, I don''t wish to repair bicycles in the future any longer, is that OK?"


    "You''re still thinking of repairing bicycles?" His masterughed. "Just continue singing your songs well! Don''t embarrass me!"


    Unknowingly, Qian Pingfan''s eyes turned teary. "Master!"


    ����


    Luo Yu''s home.


    After Luo Yu answered a call, she made several calls. Suddenly, she cried out wildly, "Dad! Mom!!"


    "What''s the matter?" Her parents came running to her.


    Luo Yu was almost unable to speak. "I��I��They��There''s a management agency that wants to sign me! They want to sign me as a singer!"


    Mother Luo was surprised. "What?"


    Father Luo couldn''t hide his happiness. "Really? Is that true?"


    Luo Yu was tearing up. "It''s true! It was Teacher Chen Guang''s agency that wanted to sign me. I-I''ve already verified it with Teacher Chen Guang! It was he who rmended me to hispany! Then when I called Teacher Zhang Ye, he told me to wait a little longer and not rush to sign. He said that if I signed now, the terms of the contract would only be so-so. Teacher Zhang offered to help me speak to Teacher Chen''s agency after thepetition is halfway through so that he can fight for the best contract terms for me!"


    Sign a contract? Mother Luo hugged her daughter tightly when she heard that. "My god! My daughter is going to be a singer!"


    Tears streamed down Luo Yu''s face as she cried, "Dad! Mom! I didn''t let you all down after all! I, I didn''t embarrass the two of you!"


    ����


    A lot of people''s destinies were changed because of The Voice!


    A lot of people''s hearts were thumping for The Voice!


    On this Thursday evening, the night belonged to The Voice of China! Countless people were screaming for The Voice! Countless people were going crazy for The Voice!

 Chapter 684 The End!

    <h4>Chapter 684 The End! </h4>


    Chapter 684 The End!


    The next day.


    At 8 AM in the morning, a cool wind was blowing on the streets.


    After a good night''s sleep, the first thing Zhang Ye did when he woke up was bring Chenchen to Caishikou. He drove into the district where his parents'' home was and randomly parked his car in the not toorge open space below their apartment.


    "Let''s go." Zhang Ye unbuckled his seatbelt.


    "OK." Chenchen was still ying on Zhang Ye''s cell phone, tapping here and there on it in a game.


    Zhang Ye urged her, "Come on, we''re already here."


    Only then did Chenchen slowly get out of the car.


    "Don''t keep ying on my phone until there''s no battery. I still have to take calls," Zhang Ye said.


    Zhang Ye had taken the day off today, or rather, more than half of The Voice''s program team had been give the day off. This was specially approved by the station. After having been kept tremendously busy for two weeks without rest, now that the first episode had been sessfullypleted, they definitely had to have some time off to recharge and rest. After all, there had to be a bnce between work and rxation. If they actually had to work continuously for three months without a single day of rest, who could take it? That would end up affecting their work negatively instead.


    In the district, a few elderly neighbors were already up and going to their morning exercises.


    Grandma Cui waved from afar. "Little Ye, you''re back?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Ai, Grandma Cui, how have you been?"


    "Rather good, rather good." Grandma Cui said excitedly, "Our whole family was watching your showst night. It was very enjoyable to watch, the show was great!"


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Oh, you have my gratitude."


    Grandpa Li who was just stretching his arm warming up said kindly, "Everyone is talking about your show now. Are the viewership ratings out yet?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Not yet."


    Auntie Chen asked, "When will it be released?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "It''s not definite. I''m also waiting for it."


    Grandma Cui said, "All the best then. Our neighbors are all supporting you. We even switched on both TVs at home yesterday and tuned them to Central TV Department 1''s channel, hur hur."


    "I did that at my ce too!"


    "We must support Little Ye''s shows!"


    Zhang Ye immediately thanked all his elders before finally bringing Chenchen into the building.


    On the way up, Zhang Ye reminded, "Chenchen, when you see themter, remember to greet them as Grandpa and Grandma, understand?"


    As Chenchen climbed up the stairs while ying on the cell phone, she said, "OK."


    "OK, that''s enough. Stop ying and return my phone to me." Zhang Ye snatched it back from her.


    Chenchen was not having any of that. "Zhang Ye, give it back to me! Give it back!"


    Zhang Ye put it back into his pocket. "You''ve already yed for the whole morning, rest your eyes."


    Chenchen said, "Zhang Ye, I want to y awhile more."


    "No." Zhang Ye avoided her just as they came to the house.


    Before he could even knock, the door opened and his mother appeared behind the security door. "I could hear you talking to Grandma Cui from up here. Is this yourndlord''s kid?"


    Zhang Ye pulled Chenchen into the house. "Yes, she''s Rao Chenchen." He saw his father and waved to him. "Dad."


    His father nodded back and then also came over to look at Chenchen. "Whoa, such a beautiful child?"


    When Chenchen saw Zhang Ye''s parents, she greeted them, "Grandpa, Grandma."


    His mother was already smiling widely. "This child is really cute, she looks just like a porcin doll."


    "But her nature is like a chihuahua." Zhang Ye added, "The two of you better not take her to be like any other child. She''s shrewd like an adult."


    His mother did not like him saying that. "Heh, what chihuahua? How can you say that. What a good child. Come here Chenchen. Have you eaten breakfast? No? Let Grandma prepare something for you."


    Chenchen said in her childish voice, "Thank you, Grandma."


    "No need to thank me at all." His mother liked her greatly and kept looking at her. "What a pretty child. Little Ye, you better hurry up and find a partner so that your father and I can have a grandson, well, a granddaughter would be good too."


    Zhang Ye slumped onto the sofa listlessly. "OK, OK, OK."


    Chenchen suddenly asked, "Grandma, do you have a cell phone?"


    His mother asked curiously, "Yes, why?"


    Chenchen said, "I want to y on it."


    Zhang Ye''s eyes widened. "Don''t give it to her. She has been secretly ying on my phone for two hours since I woke up."


    But his mother said, "Kids this age always y, it''s fine. Come here, Grandma will give you her phone."


    Chenchen took it from here and immediately found a chair to sit on and started ying.


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "You''ll spoil her."


    His mother said, "It''s just for a while, what are you scared of?"


    His father asked, "How have you been? Your mom and I were watching The Voicest night. I don''t really get it but your mom keeps saying it''s great."


    When this topic was brought up, his mother''s attention was perked. "With that intelligence of yours, what will you understand? How can this program not be nice to watch? It''s so good that even I want to go and join thepetition. Those contestants were each singing better than the other, especially that Qian Pingfan. His voice was be-all, end-all!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "My show isn''t too bad, right?"


    "It''s too good! How''re the viewership ratings?" His mother asked.


    "It''s not out yet, I''m guessing they will announce it in the afternoon," Zhang Ye said.


    HIs mother joyfully said, "Alright, let me prepare breakfast for you and Chenchen. We''ll talk about it again after eating."


    Zhang Ye said, "Quickly please. I''m so hungry I could faint."


    Suddenly, his cell phone rang. It was a call from Dong Shanshan.


    "Hello, Shanshan," Zhang Ye answered.


    Dong Shanshan immediately asked when the call connected, "Tell me about the viewership ratings."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s not even out yet."


    Dong Shanshan said, "What about the preview report?"


    "I didn''t see it either. There''s no preview report this time. We''ll have to wait for the direct report in the afternoon," Zhang Ye said. "You''re already the fifth person to call me and ask about the viewership ratings today. At least you''re calling me in the morning. That Old Yao called me at 3 AM, what the heck."


    Dong Shanshanughed, "That''s true. How many industry insiders are not concerned about the situation regarding the viewership for The Voice now? All of the TV stations and industry insiders are paying their full attention to it."


    Zhang Ye said, "Surely not?"


    Dong Shanshan said, "What do you mean by surely not? Do you know how many TV stations have done concise research and analysis on The Voice internally? Your new program has not only shocked the audience, even the industry is in an uproar because of it. As Executive Producer Hu Fei put it this morning, it is a phenomenal variety show that should be thought of as a textbook example. Didn''t you go on the Inte? There are many people and media outlets online who are predicting the viewership ratings of The Voice!"


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye lowered his head and spotted seven or eight sets of newspapers lying on the coffee table. They were all this morning''s newspapers. It didn''t even warrant a question. It must have been his mother who bought them. Zhang Ye immediately picked one up and started browsing through them. Every newspaper''s entertainment page had news of The Voice in it.


    "Central TV Department 1''s Ultimate Comeback!"


    "All-around Praise for The Voice of China!"


    "Zhang Ye vs Industry Peers, Comes Away with Another Victory!"


    "Just What Will Viewership of The Voice be? Can Zhang Ye Get Last Laugh?"


    "The Voice of China: Grand Gathering of Music! Carnival Created by Zhang Ye and Central TV Department 1!"


    "The Voice''s Shocking Launch! New Model for Variety Shows Maybe Born!"


    "The Voice Creates 100 million RMB Wealth for Central TV Department 1!"


    "Zhang Ye Once Again Creates Legend!"


    "Traditional Big Brother Central TV Working Hand in Hand with Zhang Ye to Redeem Throne as Variety Big Brother? "


    Zhang Ye adjusted the newspaper a little. "Whoa, all the articles are praising me?"


    His father said, "Your mom didn''t buy those that didn''t."


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    Checking online, there was also all kinds of news about The Voice being published.


    There was an article that was written like this. It read as follows:


    I''ve never hidden my admiration for Zhang Ye, just like how Zhang Ye has never hidden his ambition for the arts. We''re seeing Zhang Ye''s new work once again, and also seeing Zhang Ye fighting with his peers once more. How many times has it been? I don''t believe that it''s only me, but many others who probably have already lost count as well. Before the broadcast of The Voice, there were many people from the television industry who joined in the boycott and denouncement of Zhang Ye. Even after the program has been broadcast, after they have witnessed such an exciting show, there are still those who are harboring hopes that The Voice''s viewership ratings will not meet expectations somehow, wanting to call The Voice a show that''s good but has no appeal. I have to say this, but do people like this think they can surpass Zhang Ye? Do they think they can also produce a world-ss program like that? Dream on! This is the reason why China''s variety shows are all going downhill!


    I''m sure I will get critics regarding this article, that I will be scolded or insulted. But I''m not afraid. All I want to ask is, which of our own Chinese variety shows have the potential to move out of the domestic market? Just tell me, which one? In all these decades, none has been able to do so! All we have are foreign, imported shows that we spendrge sums of money to purchase licensing and spend all our energy on trying to promote them! But now? Zhang Ye''s appearance has changed the entire situation. There are already people overseas who have seen Zhang Ye''s Talk Show and at least two foreign teams are already discussing importing the talk show to their shores. I''ve received news that foreign television stations are already prepared to make an offer to buy Zhang Ye''s copyrights, our Chinese copyrights, to the show. There''s even a possibility of Zhang Ye bing their consultant to the show. When all these will be confirmed is just a matter of time!


    What no one has been able to achieve in decades of our domestic variety world has been achieved by Zhang Ye. Only he has been able to do it!


    So isn''t it worth it for us to support a person like that? Is it not worth our effort to go and love and protect him?


    But what is the truth of all that is happening? They are saying that Zhang Ye has stolen all the limelight for himself and wrecked people''s careers. The industry and many of his peers are all boycotting him! It''s all a huge mess!


    I really want tough at this!


    But at the same time, I feel like crying!


    Is The Voice not worthy of its title sponsorship and joining fees? Based on what reason is it not worthy of it? Please do notpare it to those shows and standards of yours! You all think that The Voice''s viewership ratings will not be good because the variety show market is in a downturn? The market is too small? The market is too saturated? That''s basically a pack of bull! If your viewership ratings are not good, that only goes to show that your shows are not crafted well enough! It only shows that your standards are not good enough! Those are all excuses that you all are using to cover up your failures! But what I believe in, or am willing to believe in, is that The Voice will definitely give us fully satisfactory viewership ratings. If you don''t believe so, let''s just wait and see. I have every confidence in The Voice and even more so in Zhang Ye!


    ��The End!


    After reading it, Zhang Ye was ted.


    Well said!


    Very well said!


    Just look at those words, just look at those paragraphs, it''s all extremely professional!

 Chapter 685 The viewership ratings that shocked the whole country!

    <h4>Chapter 685 The viewership ratings that shocked the whole country! </h4>


    Chapter 685 The viewership ratings that shocked the whole country!


    Online.


    Starting fromst night, the talk surrounding The Voice did not stop being discussed at all. Even at 3, 4 AM in the morning, there were stillizens who were discussing the show, contestants, as well as Zhang Ye''s amazing recital speed. There were all kinds of discussions about the show but weren''t too focused on one subject. However, since this morning, theizens and industry insiders were only talking about one thing. The most repeated topic was��just how high viewership ratings The Voice would get!


    "It''s still not out yet?"


    "How slow!"


    "I''ve already watched The Voice three times over sincest night!"


    "I''ve been waiting since nighttime, but there wasn''t even a preview report released!"


    "It''s almost 9 AM, is the staff not awake yet? Hurry up and quicklypile all the information. The entire nation is waiting for it!"


    "Hurry, hurry, hurry!"


    "F**k, this is not a matter of waking up or whatever. The collection of the viewership ratings is veryplex and requires aption of many figures and statistics before they can give us the most urate viewership figures."


    "I''m looking forward to it!"


    "I''m so anxious!"


    "Me too, I really want to know how high they were!"


    "I wonder if The Voice can beat those shows imported from Korea!"


    "Don''t you know Zhang Ye''s nickname? This dude is the leader of Professional Korean Insulters! Somehow, I get the feeling that he made this show to attack those Korean shows! I know Zhang Ye too well!"


    "Everyone, prepare yourselves a little first. Most shows do not fare too well in their first episodes, unless they are those foreign-imported shows that have already been well-known for a while. Either that or they are phenomenal shows which are already in their second or third seasons and already have an audience base. Those are the ones who have the possibility to hit 1% in the viewership ratings. Otherwise, even our domestic variety shows which are very popr only get 0.7% to 0.8% for their premiere episodes. Even those with an average viewership rating of 1.1% needed to slowly gain and umte poprity. So, my guess is that The Voice will get 0.9% for its premiere episode, or about 0.85%, thereabouts! And that''s on the conservative side!"


    "The person above has analyzed well."


    "Agreed, don''t have too high expectations, otherwise, if the viewership ratings don''t turn out so well, I really wouldn''t be able to ept it!"


    "Premiere episode getting 0.9%? That''s already defying all logic!"


    "I don''t think that will be all. This show is very enjoyable to watch, so we cannot use our usual standards to judge it, nor should we analyze it that way. The Voice''s premiere episode will get 1% at the very least no matter what! For sure!"


    "Is there a chance for 1%?"


    "What suspense! Even if it''s unlikely, anything is possible!"


    "I also think The Voice will do well! Zhang Ye''s really awesome!"


    "I love Zhang Ye so much! I love The Voice too! This is what a real singing show should be like! This is what you call the most sincere form of art! A Like for Teacher Zhang!"


    Many of those who worked in the television industry also gave their stand on things and did their own analysis and viewership rating estimates of the show.


    Like Beijing Television''s Hu Fei��he predicted 1.2%, which was very high!


    And Beijing Television''s host, Dong Shanshan, who also posted on Weibo, predicted The Voice to hit 1.1% in the viewership ratings. That was very high as well!


    Weiwo Online Television Station''s Wang Xiong gave a prediction of 1.0%.


    Central Radio Station''s Tian Bin predicted 0.95%.


    ����


    Just before 10 AM, a Weibo poll was created by the official Weibo site. It was a poll to let all theizens predict the viewership ratings of The Voice!


    There were 5 options to vote for.


    1: Viewership rating of 0.5% and below.


    2: Viewership rating between 0.5-0.8%.


    3: Viewership rating between 0.8-1.0%.


    4: Viewership rating between 1.0-1.2%


    5: Viewership rating between 1.2-1.5%.


    Theizens all rushed to vote at once!


    "Choose option 4!"


    "F**k, option 4? Isn''t that too high?"


    "Yeah, option 3 seems to be the most likely result!"


    "I''ll choose option 5!"


    "Damn, that option is definitely impossible!"


    "Option 5��that''s way too high!"


    "Ahem, calm down, calm down. I like The Voice too, but the fifth option is really kinda outrageous. Much less The Voice''s premiere episode, even those popr variety shows still airing now or those Korean, American, Japanese licensed programs would at most get an average of 1.3% or so. Like that recent Korean licensed reality TV show, it''s viewership rating now is at 1.4%, right? The best it got did not even pass 1.5%, am I right? That is already the peak of variety shows these days for the nationwide, simultaneous daily time slot top spot, nationwide weekly top spot, and nationwide monthly top spot. A reality TV show licensed from Japan shown on Sundays has a viewership rating of 1.35% and that''s already the top for Sunday''s nationwide simultaneous time slot. It only got second overall for the nationwide monthly viewership ratings, behind that Korean licensed show. As you can see, this is the overall situation for the state of variety shows these days, with the other average variety shows struggling to get around 0.5%. The Voice wants to achieve 1.2-1.5% viewership ratings in just its first episode? Thinking of challenging those extremely popr foreign licensed shows immediately after broadcasting the premiere episode? That''s definitely too unbelievable!"


    "Why would that be impossible? There''s no limit to my confidence in Zhang Ye!"


    "Supporting! We will choose option 5 without exnation!"


    "Uh, I also hope that The Voice will contend on behalf of our domestically produced variety shows. I too hope that The Voice can outperform those foreign licensed shows, but this still isn''t likely, after all, it''s only the first episode. We can wait untilter, when The Voice grows more popr and gathers more viewers. When The Voice goes to the finals of thepetition, we can fight it out with all those other shows for first ce! Topete and find out who is better!"


    "We still have to wait for that many episodes?"


    "We must settle this once and for all with the first episode!"


    "Right, kill them! Who cares!"


    "Wasn''t The Voice viewed with pessimism back then? Didn''t everyone think that those words ''to see other summits dwarfed, and savor the scene'' uttered by Teacher Zhang were pure nonsense? Then let''s show them the people who don''t know the immensity of the universe! I shall choose option 5 as well! F**k them!"


    When it came to foreigners or foreign rted things, some of those people did not even look or ask any questions. They were definitely Zhang Ye''s fans as only he would have so many nationalistic fans like himself. Whenever they saw something foreign, it was like they were on stimnts, cursing and swearing without control!


    "5!"


    "I choose 5 too!"


    "Yes, we can''t lose on momentum alone! Voting for option 5!"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye! Supporting our domestic variety shows!"


    "Right! Let''s fight it out with those foreign imported shows in the viewership ratings!"


    The resolute Zhang Ye fans moved many people as they also went along and voted for the impossible option: 1.2- 1.5%.


    Finally, after two hours, the poll results were finalized. A total of 35,000 people voted!


    Option 1: 6%.


    Option 2: 9%.


    Option 3: 18%.


    Option 4: 42%.


    Option 5: 25%.


    The majority of theizens still voted for option 4: 1.0- 1.2%, as this was the most likely and hopeful oue, or because it was a result they wanted to see.


    ����


    When a few leaders of Central TV Department 1 saw the online poll results, they lightly nodded their heads in agreement. This poll reflected the predictions they had in mind as well. They were hoping that The Voice would be able to get off to a winning start and get 1% in the viewership ratings to help them get the top spot for the nationwide simultaneous time slot for Thursday. As for the weekly or monthly nationwide viewership ratings, they did not think that far. After all, there were so many 1.3-1.4% Japanese and Korean licensed programs blocking their way to get that result.


    Ha Qiqi was very surprised at the results of the poll, because her own predictions were not even that high. She had not expected theizens to think so highly of them and trust in them!


    Zhang Zuo did not even see this poll. He was at home, unable to stay settled, feeling very nervous and full of anticipation. He kept checking his phone to see if there were any updates of the viewership ratings.


    Other than Central TV, the other television station were also fully focused.


    ����.


    Liaodong Television Station.


    "Is it out yet?"


    "Not yet."


    "Hur hur, did you see the voting by theizens?"


    "I saw it, they''re all justypeople."


    "Yeah, indeed, their thinking is too amateurish. There even people who chose option 5? Do they really believe that The Voice will get 1.2- 1.5% of the viewership ratings?"


    "They''re just blindly voting, but it doesn''t matter whichever one they vote for."


    ����


    Shanghai Television Station.


    "How much do you guys think it will be?"


    "0.9%, I guess."


    "That''s more like it. Looking at the votes from theizens, they''re really being too optimistic."


    "That''s because they don''t understand the situation in the industry."


    "Yes, although I don''t wish to admit this, there really aren''t any domestically produced shows that can beat the viewership ratings of a foreign licensed program."


    ����


    At Beijing Television Station.


    "I hope that The Voice will give us something to cheer about!"


    "Though it''s not likely that it will surpass 1% in the viewership ratings, right?"


    "It''s all up to Teacher Zhang!"


    "We definitely need to support it. After all, Teacher Zhang was a host who walked through the doors of Beijing Television Station! Hopefully it can hit 1%!"


    ����


    There were even more negative responses at the television station where the variety show licensed from Japan was shown at, especially within that program''s team itself.


    "They won''t be able to do it."


    "Trying topete with us in viewership is definitely impossible."


    "Yeah, how can theypete with 1.35%?"


    "Theizens are such teases, why are they even voting for option 5?"


    "The Voice''s viewership rating might not even pass 0.9%. It''s just the first episode after all!"


    "Back then, Zhang Ye even dared to spout nonsense of overtaking all the variety shows? iming that all the variety shows in the country won''t be better than his? I would like to see just how high the viewership of The Voice will get!"


    "He''s truly too arrogant."


    ����


    Everyone''s predictions were different!


    Every television station''s prediction was also different!


    But themon thing among them was that everyone was paying crazy attention to the viewership ratings of The Voice!


    Suddenly, at noon, just past 12 PM, the nationwide viewership ratings for Thursday''s variety shows were released under the focus of numerous people!


    "Ah!"


    "It''s here, it''s here!"


    "Let me take a look!"


    "Dammit, it''s finally released!"


    "What''s the situation like? How high was The Voice?"


    Countlessizens had gathered at once!


    Countless industry insiders were observing!


    However, when they saw the statistics for the viewership ratings, everyone was shocked. In their minds, they could only say something along the lines of "What the f**k to your second granny!"


    "How''s that possible!"


    "Heavens!"


    "I''ve been blinded!"


    "F**k your grandfather!!"


    "This��was thispiled erroneously!?"


    The figure on the statistics report was totally shocking to look at!


    The Voice of China''s first episode of viewership��2.01%!!!

 Chapter 686 Number 1 in the nation!

    <h4>Chapter 686 Number 1 in the nation! </h4>


    Chapter 686 Number 1 in the nation!


    Jiangnan Television Station.


    The staff were all quiet.


    "��"


    "��"


    "��"


    Some just stayed silent!


    Some were shocked and at a loss for words!


    ����


    Liaodong Television Station.


    In a certain program team''s office.


    A leader held the viewership ratings report and came out of his office. "Someone tell me that these viewership statistics are wrong! How could it goddamn break the 2-point barrier?"


    No one spoke.


    No one could answer the leader on this question.


    It was not wrong, and couldn''t possibly be wrong. The viewership ratings were real. It was indeed a 2 point rating. 2.01%!


    ����


    A certain program team behind a show using Korean copyrights.


    The office was in an uproar, everyone confused


    "What''s going on? Just what is going on?"


    "Our viewership ratings��were��were surpassed by The Voice!?"


    "Oh my god!"


    "Something must have gone wrong somewhere!"


    "How did it turn out like that!?"


    "F**k! How could The Voice get such a high viewership rating!"


    ����


    Weiwo Online Television Station.


    The ex-colleagues of Zhang Ye were all shocked with their mouths agape. Every one of them was more excited than the other!


    "He''s done it!"


    "Teacher Zhang really did it!"


    "F**k yeah! Our country has finally produced a local copyrighted variety show that has put great pressure on those foreign copyrighted shows!"


    "How godly! Zhang Ye''s is too damn godly!"


    "This is so unbelievable! How is that possible! How''s that possible!?"


    "Are Zhang Ye and The Voice both on steroids?!?!"


    "Does it have to get such a high viewership rating!"


    "Yeah, I guessed that The Voice would get a very high viewership rating, but I didn''t expect it to be this high! In the current market of variety programs, how could there be a show that broke the 2-point barrier!"


    ����


    At Beijing Television Station.


    Hu Fei held the viewership ratings report for Thursday''s variety shows that was disseminated by the management and stared at it dumbfounded for a long time. Then he quietly took a cigarette from the table beside him and lighted it. He had already quit smoking for a long time, so when he took a puff from it, he violently coughed and then went on to aggressively curse, "What the f**k!"


    Hearing the loud shout from Hu Fei''s office, the program team staff of Do You Remember also cried out. No one could hold it in any longer!


    Xiao Lu: "Someone, please pinch me! Is this for real?"


    Hou Ge: "Your third uncle''s grandma!"


    Hou Di: "This defies allmon sense! This totally defies allmon sense!"


    Dafei: "The Voice is crazy! Teacher Zhang is a crazy man!"


    Dong Shanshan was shocked into silence!


    ����


    At Central TV.


    The Central TV leaders were all dumbfounded!


    Jiang Yuan was dumbfounded!


    Ha Qiqi was dumbfounded!


    Zhang Zuo was dumbfounded!


    All of The Voice''s program team staff were��dumbfounded!


    "How much?"


    "Can someone repeat it to me again!"


    "F**k, we got a viewership rating of 2.01%!?"


    "I''m getting dizzy, someone support me a little!"


    "I can''t stand straight either anymore!"


    ����


    The industry was in an uproar!


    The entire poption was also in an uproar!


    The Voice''s viewership ratings had topped the entire variety world!


    Number 1 for the same time slot!


    Number 1 for the entire week!


    Number 1 for the entire month!


    Number 1 for the entire year!!


    And this was only for the premiere episode''s viewership!


    And this was even for a program that was scheduled in a Thursday evening broadcast slot!!


    Countless citizens did not know how else they could express their current mood. Countless industry insiders also did not know how they could express their amazement at this. They only felt that a million lines of "what the f**k" were shing in front of their eyes over and over and over again!


    At this point, many people suddenly remembered the poll that was started on Weibo regarding the viewership ratings of The Voice. It now looked to be a total joke! What were the given options? 0.5% and below�� 0.5-0.8%�� 0.8-1.0%�� 1.0-1.2%�� 1.2-1.5%�� In the end, none of the votes that theizens made were correct. Not a single person guessed right about The Voice''s viewership ratings, because��because The Voice''s finalized viewership ratings weren''t even included in the options of this poll! The option for a result that exceeded 1.5% did not even f**king appear!


    Why was there no such option made avable?


    Why was there no option given for 1.5% and above?


    It wasn''t because the official Weibo ount was careless, but because no one had ever expected that a premiere episode of a variety show would exceed 1.5%! They did not even expect it to hit 1.5%, let alone exceed it! That was the reason why the poll starter did not create such an option nor consider the possibility of including one. The trend of the variety show market in recent years and the many years of experience in the television industry told them that this was not a possible oue!


    However, today, The Voice did it!


    In the market of TV variety where it wasmon to get a 0-point viewership rating, Zhang Ye had achieved a 2-point rating!


    Today, at this moment, Zhang Ye along with his new show had scored a victory over those doubters who mocked them!!


    A title sponsorship record!


    An exclusive online broadcast fee record!


    A production budget record!


    A production timeline record!


    And a viewership rating record! It was a chain of records!


    The Voice of China had broken the records one by one, and with each feat, sent a shockwave across the country!


    The doubters were all left speechless from anger!


    Those who mocked the program fell silent!


    For the first time, they seemingly remembered what sort of person Zhang Ye was! For the first time, they seemingly remembered all the things that happened with Zhang Ye!


    The media reports were overwhelmingly flooding in!


    The media was going in overdrive!


    562 Citizen Journalism: "Zhang Ye: Miracle Maker!"


    Phoenix Sun Daily: "The Voice''s Viewership Shatters the Ceiling! The Light of Local Variety! "


    Entertainment st: "The Voice climbs to top of variety world! Taking nationwide number 1 spot!"


    On the front page of Tieba: "The Voice''s viewership ratings break 2 points, how did this miracle ur?"


    Youth Spirit discussion forums: "The Voice leads local copyrighted shows into battle against foreign copyrighted shows! "


    News headlines on Weibo''s front page: "The attack of domestically produced shows! Zhang Ye sounds the bugle for retaliation! Putting pressure on all foreign copyrighted shows! "


    People''s Daily Online News: "Miracle? No, this was a divine act of god! "


    Beijing Times: "A day that belongs to Zhang Ye and his The Voice! "


    Nationwide Morning News: "A hero of the television industry, a legend of the variety world, please put your hands together for The Voice and Zhang Ye! "


    Suddenly.


    A poem reappeared once more on Weibo.


    Everyone was surprised for a bit, but started to forward it like crazy!


    Zhang Ye''s fans forwarded it!


    Yao Jiancai forwarded it!


    Zhang Xia forwarded it!


    The married couple, Chen Guang and Fan Wenli, forwarded it!


    Ha Qiqi forwarded it!


    Zhang Zuo forwarded it!


    Su Na forwarded it!


    The Voice''s official Weibo ount forwarded it!


    Central TV Department 1''s official Weibo forwarded it!


    10,000!


    30,000!


    50,000!


    100,000!


    The number of times it was forwarded kept rising as the poem climbed up Weibo''s trending topics in just a short time with an unstoppable force that would kill any gods or buddhas in order to im the top headline!


    How to describe the Revered Peak?


    Towering over all Shandong with endless green.


    Heavenly beautiful splendor Nature gathered;


    the shaded north side cut off from the south side''s sheen.


    Clustering clouds cleanse the cracks in the heart,


    eyes strain watching homebound birds fly through the ravine.


    Someday I shall ascend your highest heights


    to see other summits dwarfed, and savor the scene.

 Chapter 687 Highly sought after!

    <h4>Chapter 687 Highly sought after! </h4>


    Chapter 687 Highly sought after!


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    Zhang Ye was having lunch with his parents and Chenchen in the living room when he received a call regarding the viewership ratings. Upon hearing the news, he was slightly stunned and then said: "Oh, thanks for telling me."


    The person who called him was Little Wang from the program team. After hearing Zhang Ye''s calm reply, she didn''t know whether tough or cry, then said agitatedly: "Director Zhang, the viewership rating is 2.01%! It''s 2.01%!"


    Zhang Ye said: "I got it."


    Little Wang said: "You''re not satisfied with that?"


    Zhang Ye said: "No, I am very satisfied. Isn''t this quite good?"


    Little Wang said: "Only quite good? This is already defying allmon sense! You''re really too awesome!"


    It wasn''t that Zhang Ye did not feel excited, but that this viewership rating was already within Zhang Ye''s expectations when they started on the production of The Voice. The people from this world had not seen the charm and power of The Voice before and were unfamiliar with it since it was not within the market norms. Thus, many people did not have any expectations for The Voice from the very beginning or only had very low expectations for it. They felt that it would be pretty good if they could achieve 0.7% in the viewership ratings. If the viewership ratings hit 1%, it would be a surprise. But Zhang Ye was different; he knew the poprity of The Voice in his previous world. Hence, when the result of the viewership ratings achieve a score just over 2%, although Zhang Ye was surprised and felt very happy, his reaction was definitely not as great as others.


    After hanging up, his mother immediately asked, "Are the viewership ratings out yet?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged while smiling, "The viewership ratings are 2.01%, still passable."


    Upon hearing that, his mother said with a slightly hoarse voice, "My goodness! It broke 2%?"


    His father did not quite understand, so he asked, "Is that very high or very low?"


    "Of course it''s very high!" His mother knew more about viewership ratings and continued, "Right now, the most popr variety show, which uses Korean copyrights, has only slightly more than 1% of the viewership ratings!"


    His father nodded and said, "Then that''s pretty good."


    His mother could not sit still any longer. She put down her chopsticks and said, "I''m not eating anymore. I''m going to our neighbor''s house for a while to tell them about the viewership ratings!"


    His father said, "Are you going to brag and act cool again?"


    His mother rolled her eyes and said, "It''s none of your business!"


    "Mom." Zhang Ye gave a wry smile and said, "Please eat your lunch first."


    "I''m already full." His mother dressed up a little formally and went out immediately with a smile on her face.


    Zhang Ye shook his head, then picked up his chopsticks and hurriedly grabbed some food. "I also have to eat quickly. There''s probably going to be many callsing and I''ll have to answer them all."


    Indeed, just after Zhang Ye took hisst bite and put down his chopsticks, the phone calls came in wave after wave!


    ����


    "Zhang''er, you''re awesome!"


    "It''s not too bad."


    "When will you be treating me?"


    "Whoa, we''ll have to wait until I have finished with my work this quarter."


    "Then we have reached an agreement. You definitely can''t escape from treating me!"


    ����


    "Zhang Ye, you''re getting even more popr now!"


    "Think about what you''re saying. I''ve always been very popr."


    "The viewership ratings have broken 2%, you''re too face smacking! Some people''s faces are all swollen now!"


    "Ha!"


    ����


    "Teacher Zhang, I''m from the Beijing Times. Can we ask you for an interview?"


    "Which day?"


    "Is today OK?"


    "Oh, these next two days will be difficult as I''m very busy."


    "It''s fine. Then we will interview you on another day based on your schedule. Oh right, I have to congratte you first!"


    "Thank you."


    ����.


    "I finally got through. Teacher Zhang, your cell phone is even more difficult to get through to than a president''s phone?"


    "Hai, it''s only today that I''m getting so many calls. Usually, no one will contact me at all."


    "Your new program is too awesome! You have made it so godly!"


    "It''s not bad, right?"


    "You''re really not being modest at all."


    "Why should I be modest? It was within my calctions."


    ����


    "Brother Zhang."


    "Ai, CEO Wu."


    "I just want to update you on something. I''ve just received news from various retail chains and sales channels that our Brain Gold product sales volume has been soaring off the charts. The exact data is not out yet and we''ll have to wait until the end of this month or beginning of next month to find out, but the trend is already very obvious! Especially in these major cities and districts like Beijing and Shanghai, there was an exceptionally obvious increase in sales volume! It''s even higher than what we estimated yesterday!"


    "That''s good."


    "Thank you, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Don''t say that, I should be the one thanking you instead. If not for your investment on the title sponsorship, we would not have the money to make The Voice into what it is now."


    "It''s because of your good nning that it worked. In the future, if there are such good opportunities again, you must not forget us!"


    "That''s for sure."


    ����


    In the blink of an eye, he had already received more than a dozen calls.


    Some of the calls were from people at Central TV.


    Some were from his rtives.


    Some were from the newspaper reporters.


    And many were from Zhang Ye''s friends.


    The callssted from 12 PM until 2 PM. This was already the usual for Zhang Ye. He had already gotten used to it. As his circle continued growing with his rise in poprity, Zhang Ye got to know more and more people. Naturally, with such a bigmotion, everyone would be guaranteed to call him up to congratte him.


    After the calls were done, his father went to take his afternoon nap. Chenchen kept holding onto Zhang Ye''s mother''s cell phone and ying games on it on the sofa. Zhang Ye shouted at her, "Don''t y too long." Then, he went back into his room and switched on hisputer to browse the Inte.


    The Inte was in an uproar!


    The industry was in an uproar!


    The media was in an uproar!


    The entire country was discussing The Voice!


    In the past, Zhang Ye had also created many big issues and released numerous works like the lecture on Dream of the Red Chamber at Peking University, Zhang Ye''s Talk Show, Lecture Room, and his crosstalk. Among them, there were a few that hit the headlines while some others also received great response and created heated discussions. But now, whenpared to The Voice, all of those issues were nothing. Zhang Ye had never gotten on the headlines so easily before. It was safe to say that this was the work that most people were paying attention to and the response to it was really too explosive!


    You couldn''t begin to imagine it when 4 of the top 10 topics on Weibo were rted to The Voice!


    You couldn''t even imagine it just by randomly checking the entertainment section of any forum. There, 1 out of every 3 posts wrote about The Voice!


    Zhang Ye''s name was also brought up numerous times by theizens and media!


    An unprecedented amount of discussions!


    An unprecedented level of poprity!


    For some programs to be considered phenomenal, they would have to be assessed first on the show''s influence, and second on it''s viewership ratings. For many variety shows, after broadcasting its first episode, it would take some time to gather data on whether or not it had the makings to be a phenomenon, because viewership ratings needed to stabilize step by step while its poprity would have to increase bit by bit. Until the viewership ratings reached a certain level and the attention that the citizens paid to the show reached a certain point would the program be confirmed by the industry as a phenomenal variety show. This would then be the highest honor that a variety show could receive that would confirm its status.


    However, this was unnecessary for The Voice. The Voice no longer needed time to slowly build up or to depend upon its future performances. After only the first episode, The Voice had already reached the level of a phenomenal variety show. Whether it was someone who had biased views against Zhang Ye or the industry insiders who did not like The Voice, none of them could deny this reality. They had to ept the truth as it was!


    If the viewership ratings of a premiere episode could annihte all the variety shows in the country and not be proimed as a phenomenal variety show, then what program would still dare to be crowned with this title!?


    Theizens wereing up with all sorts of theories!


    "Zhang Ye is invincible!"


    "In the variety world, who can stop The Voice?"


    "Zhang Ye has once again proven his ability to everyone! He''s really unbeatable!"


    "Those television stations and industry insiders who doubted him are such jokes. I wonder where they disappeared to now. They haven''t shown up since the viewership ratings were released!"


    "They definitely won''t show themselves."


    "Who would still dare toe out? Their faces have already turned green from the face-smacking!"


    "2.01% of the viewership ratings! And only turning green? This is more like being face-smacked until they vomit blood!"


    "Even now, I am still in disbelief of the viewership ratings! How could it be so high?!"


    "That''s right. Just look at everyone forwarding that poem, Admiring the Mountains. It''s already been forwarded tens of thousands of times andmented on hundreds of thousands of times. A few days ago, who would have thought that The Voice of China could get such a viewership rating? Who could expect that Zhang Ye actually managed to achieve his lofty ims of ''Someday I shall ascend your highest heights / to see other summits dwarfed, and savor the scene''! To be honest, I can understand what those industry insiders are feeling. It''s not that they are unprofessional, but just that Zhang Ye is too ridiculous!"


    ����


    Meanwhile.


    In a meeting room at a certain television station.


    There were about a dozen people attending the meeting room. The atmosphere was heavy. Everyone was staring at the Thursday''s variety shows'' viewership ratings ranking dazed.


    During the boycott of Zhang Ye, their television station had been the one who pushed for the most support. From the leaders to the program team heads, many of them were involved in the boycott of The Voice. They had condemned Zhang Ye for breaking the industry rules and disrupting the market prices as their television station had two programs that were affected by this when a few celebrities rejected and broke their contracts to record the programs because they felt that the joining payment was too low. But now, those people who boycotted Zhang Ye could no longer muster up a word anymore. There was no way to boycott him at all. The Voice had used its viewership ratings to tell those doubters that their joining payment was definitely worth its price! That it was worth the amount of the title sponsorship fee! Rather than 100 million RMB for its title sponsorship fee, with the viewership ratings that they had, even if Zhang Ye asked for 150 million now, there would still bepanies willing to purchase it!


    After a while, the silence was broken.


    A person said, "Everyone, let''s discuss it."


    Everyone stayed silent.


    After a few moments, that person suddenly said, "Go and check Zhang Ye''s contract with Central TV Department 1. How long is his contract duration? Is it a yearly contract or a program based contract?"


    A woman said in surprise, "What do you mean?"


    That leader said, "If it is a program based contract, then when Zhang Ye''s contract with Central TV expires, see if we can get Zhang Ye to join us!"


    A man smiled bitterly and said, "It should be a yearly contract."


    Another staff member said, "I heard from my friend working in Central TV saying that Zhang Ye has signed a one-year contract with Central TV."


    That leader said, "There''s no other way then." After saying that, he sighed and shook his head continuously.


    At that time, when Zhang Ye was suspended by Peking University because of the scolding incident, he was also featured on the news. Someone from the station had previously suggested that they should invite Zhang Ye to join them but after some discussion by the station, it was not approved. But now, even if they wanted to poach Zhang Ye, they did not have a chance to do so!


    The other television stations also began to check out Zhang Ye''s contract terms with Central TV, toying with the idea of poaching him. The birth of The Voice had tempted many of them! But after they found out that Zhang Ye''s contract with Central TV was a yearly one, those television station basically gave up on the idea of poaching him at all. They knew for sure that Central TV Department 1 would definitely not release him even if they paid the breach of contract fees for Zhang Ye!


    For a person who could produce a program that received over 2% of the viewership ratings so effortlessly, who would not want him?!


    Besides, he was very different from the other famous program nners. You could poach many famous program nners, but would still have to fully fit all the aspects of the program team and setup. There might be a chance that some segments or staff members who did not fit properly or gel well would cause some problems to ur in the end. But Zhang Ye was different, if they managed to poach Zhang Ye, it was equivalent to poaching an entire team of the program nner, executive director, and host. Just him alone would be equivalent to a whole team!


    Hence, who would not want him?


    Who would not feel tempted?


    From being the reason of a boycott in the industry to bing highly sought after, this change in attitudes could not be any greater!

 Chapter 688 The country’s citizens imitate!

    <h4>Chapter 688 The country��s citizens imitate! </h4>


    Chapter 688 The country''s citizens imitate!


    That night.


    The Voice of China''s online video was officially uploaded. As Central TV Department 1 had already agreed on a contract with an online video hosting service, the project was initiated very quickly as they wanted to ride the momentum of the show''s poprity. The online video hosting service website''s team had finally gotten everything in working order overnight. At 7:30 PM, The Voice''s first episode had appeared on the website''s main page at a prominent location together with an ad banner. This was also covertly a publicity campaign for The Voice to have an online channel of distribution.


    1 million!


    5 million!


    10 million!


    Once the video was uploaded, the number of views kept increasing!


    Many of the "northern drifters"1 who stayed in rented apartments did not own a television set. Having found out about The Voice from short online video clips, they wanted to catch the full episode, which was the reason why the views on the video were increasing so quickly. Many of these younger people were savvy at using the Inte.


    At this time, the poprity of The Voice continued on strongly. With every second that passed by, The Voice was creating history in the recent years of variety programs. This program had been pushed to the very top and Zhang Ye was also riding on the crest of this wave!


    However, there were also some side events urring at the same time.


    At 8 PM, Zhang Ye received a call from the program team''s Assistant Director Ha Qiqi.


    Ha Qiqi: "Hello, Director Zhang."


    Zhang Ye: "Sister Qi, what''s the matter?"


    Ha Qiqi said: "About that, an advertiser just contacted me, it''s the executive from Dahua Hotel. He was requesting that you slow your reciting during the advertising messages'' segment from the second episode of The Voice on. Just a slight pause where you can clearly pronounce their hotel''s name syble by syble. This doesn''t apply to any of the other advertisers; they just hope that the words ''Bei-jing Da-hua Ho-tel'' can be slowed down a little."


    Zhang Ye asked: "Why didn''t he contact me directly?"


    "I don''t know why either, perhaps he wasn''t toofortable speaking with you and just contacted me directly instead. I think he also contacted Central TV Department 1 and the station was thinking that you might really have spoken too fast, and that it wouldn''t do justice to the advertisers. After all, they did spend money to purchase the advertising rights, so��" Ha Qiqi sounded a little hesitant.


    Zhang Ye said: "Did the station approve this already?"


    Ha Qiqi answered: "Not really, they did not say so directly."


    Zhang Ye determinedly responded: "Tell the executive at Dahua Hotel that I won''t be slowing my speed. The future style of hosting in The Voice also won''t change. If they feel ufortable about it, they cane and look for me directly and talk about it. If that still doesn''t work out, then we will refund them the advertising costs."


    "Refund?" Ha Qiqi said with a hint of surprise, not expecting Zhang Ye to be so persistent.


    Zhang Ye confirmed that.


    Ha Qiqi probed a little: "But if the station says��"


    Zhang Ye interrupted: "It doesn''t matter who says what."


    "Sure then, I understand." Ha Qiqi knew what had to be done from here.


    Zhang Ye was very stubborn and headstrong in his position on this matter. In the field of artistic performances, he''d always had his own principles to follow. To put it in Beijing jargon, he was very stiff. No matter what anyone said, he would not listen or change his mind. In his previous world''s version of The Voice, Hua Shao had been pressured by the program team leader and advertisers to slow down his reciting of the advertising messages several times to adhere to the requirements of the advertisers. That made The Voice have one less interesting point to look forward to.


    However, Zhang Ye was not ready to cave in on such matters, nor was there a need to do so. Hua Shao was only a host on the program team of The Voice, and therefore did not have much authority in the decision making process. He also did not have much fame as a celebrity before bing the host of The Voice. But it was different for Zhang Ye, as he hade on board to The Voice as a B-list celebrity. His fame and reputation were already known by everyone. The key factor was that he was also the executive director and executive program nner, while also informally the executive producer of the program. He was in charge of The Voice''s overall nning and spending, so that would make him the highest up on the program team. Even the executive producer, Old Fu, had to step aside for him. Zhang Ye had no need to listen to anyone trying to give him instruction or making thoughtlessments!


    ����


    Past 8.


    After he got off the phone, a heated discussion about Zhang Ye''s eloquent reciting skills suddenly began online. The topic had slowly shifted from talking about the program and the contestants to focusing on Zhang Ye!


    "That reciting speed, how godly!"


    "Yeah, I was totally dumbfounded the first time I heard it!"


    "I get shocked every time I listen to it, how could he be so fast!"


    "Was it put together with the help of aputer?"


    "You''re thinking too much, why don''t you make one for us to listen to?"


    "Are those professional hosts all crazy like that? Is that something that all broadcasting hosts can do?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Right, I''ve never ever heard someone speak that fast before!''


    Suddenly, the host of Beijing Television''s Do You Remember, Dong Shanshan posted an audio clip. It turned out to be her trying to imitate Zhang Ye''s advertising messages. "I will not ept any gifts this year The only gift I will ept is Brain Gold I will not expect��There''s no need to watch any TV shows this year The only TV show you need to watch is The Voice The authentic health product The attacking, the authentic The Voice Wee to the broadcast of The Voice of China brought to you exclusively by our title sponsor The health Brain products��in health products��leader in health products��Brain Gold��" The audio clip ended there and apanying this was a message at the end of the post: "I tried to recite a segment of it, but realized just how crazy that mouth of Zhang Ye''s was. I couldn''t do it, I totally couldn''t copy it!"


    Below were thements from theizens.


    "Pfft!"


    "Our goddess is so funny!"


    "Teacher Shanshan, you''ve already done well!"


    "Yeah, you said it very quickly too."


    Dong Shanshan replied with a smiley face: "Even if I said it fast, it''s not as fast as Zhang Ye. The uracy of my pronunciation is not good either. I''ve already tried it more than a dozen times, but I just can''t get it right. My mind can keep up but not my mouth."


    At this time, Yao Jiancai also appeared.


    Old Yao came out and immediately announced: "Let me try, let me!"


    After around two minutes, Yao Jiancai posted a video of himself, the background showing that he was at some hotel, probably with a film crew at some ce for filming. The video was recorded in a hotel room and Yao Jiancai could be heard clearing his throat before he quickly recited: "I will not ept ept any��gifts this year��The only gift I will ept is Brain Gold There''s no need to watch any TV shows this year The only TV show you need to watch is The Voice The authentic health product The authentic The Voice Wee to the broadcast of The Voice of China brought to you exclusively by our title sponsordder��leader��" He managed to spew the lines of the advertising messages carelessly and did it a little faster than Dong Shanshan, but also recited many wrong words.


    Many of Old Yao''s fans came tough at him.


    "Haha."


    "Teacher Yao, you really think you could do it?"


    "That was such an inferior version!"


    "Teacher Yao, give it some more effort. You were a professional crosstalk actor in the past after all. Don''t all crosstalk actors learn speed recital?"


    Yao Mi also teased her father by replying: "Dad, you''re the worst! Heehee."


    A depressed Yao Jiancai replied: "I''m just a supporting character and don''t depend on my wits and mouth, but that kid, Zhang Ye is a main character, so don''tpare us like that!"


    Suddenly, even Chen Guang partook in the imitation game.


    "Ah, Old Chen is here too!"


    "Whoa, dude, you shouldn''t be disgracing yourself here, Old Chen!"


    "Yeah, even a professional host and a crosstalk actor couldn''t do it, so why do you think you can!"


    Chen Guang''s imitation was indeed a miserable one. His reciting speed was already slower than Zhang Ye''s by two to three times, yet he still stuttered and made a lot of mistakes with the words. On top of that, he was even using a script to read from but could not recite it sessfully even at his own speed. After he posted the audio clip, Chen Guang left a �� emoticon below it. When everyone heard Zhang Ye''s recital of the advertising messages, they might have thought it would be difficult, but it was only after they tried for themselves that they realized this was not even about difficulty, this was already a speed that had exceeded mortals!


    "Lemme try too!"


    "I won''t believe it, I''ll give it a try too!"


    "Haha, count me in!"


    "Interesting, interesting!"


    "I feel like I could do it!"


    "It shouldn''t be a problem for me either. Wait a bit for me, everyone!"


    No one knew when or where it started, but everyone was already trying to copy Zhang Ye''s advertising message online!


    "I will not ept any gifts this year The only gift I will uh��ept is Brain Go-Gold��"


    "As long as they get ack-acknow��ledged by at least three coaches they''ll win a 10,000 yuan Music Dreams Schrship Sponsored by Brain��"


    "We also give our thanks to Bei-Beijing Dahua Hotel for sponsoring the amodations for the coat��coat, co��aches of The Voice of China!"


    No one could say it as fluently as Zhang Ye!


    While there were those who could recite it fluently, they did it with a much slower speed, carefully reading out each and every word, and none these were done in a single breath. Then there were those whomitted many mistakes when they increased their speed of reciting. Many of them thought they could do it, so they kept trying and trying until they nearly went crazy!


    Rather than reaching Zhang Ye''s speed, most of them could not even hit half of his reciting speed! The person who did the best was a third year student from Media College''s broadcast major, a ss junior to Zhang Ye. He managed to read the entire advertising message of about 200 words in 22.3 seconds, taking a single breath in between!


    As for Zhang Ye?


    Zhang Ye did it in 14.7 seconds with a single breath!


    The difference was nearly eight seconds!


    Eight seconds might seem to pass in the blink of an eye, but only an industry insider would know what this really meant. They were worlds apart. For there to be a difference of eight seconds for 200 words, it could already be said that this was forever going to be an insurmountable divide! For such speed, even a difference of half a second would be a veryrge gap, let alone eight seconds!


    "Who else?"


    "No one will stand a chance anymore! It''s impossible!"


    "F**k, it''s too difficult!"


    "What kind of a mouth does that Zhang Ye have!"


    "I don''t think anyone in the country��no, anyone in the world will be able to surpass that mouth of his, right?"


    "Yeah, even if it''s those famous hosts overseas, they can''t possibly read with that kind of speed! This is a technique that truly belongs to Zhang Ye alone!"


    Within the industry, many hosts did not feel convinced. Unlike Dong Shanshan who posted an audio clip to imitate the advertising messages, they couldn''t do the same. This was because Dong Shanshan and Zhang Ye were old ssmates and had a good rtionship. Even if she tried to rub some attention from off Zhang Ye to herself, it wasn''t a big deal. But for them, as professionals and people who were not close to Zhang Ye, they needed to refrain from getting too close. They couldn''t use him as an excuse to get some attention for themselves, so they could only secretly time themselves at home while attempting to recite the advertising messages. But just as expected, no one could achieve the level Zhang Ye had set. They couldn''t even reach half of the level he had set!


    This was a result many did not expect. Perhaps they knew that their recital speeds could not possibly match up to Zhang Ye, but they couldn''t have expected that they were off by so much!


    Having tested themselves, these hosts gradually gasped in amazement upon realizing the difference!


    This was really a show that could not be replicated whatsoever!


    Just based on the hosting style alone, whether at home or abroad, only Zhang Ye could do it!


    1. Laborers from provinces other than Beijing

 Chapter 689 The show’s second episode!

    <h4>Chapter 689 The show��s second episode! </h4>


    Chapter 689 The show''s second episode!


    The next day, Zhang Ye left Chenchen behind for his parents to take care of. He woke up, brushed his teeth and washed up, then had a light breakfast before leaving for work.


    At Central TV.


    When he reached the office, a lot of people greeted him.


    "Director Zhang."


    "You''re here?"


    "Good morning, Teacher Zhang."


    "Your new show is really defying allmon sense!"


    "When is the second episode going to start record? It''s a great joy to watch."


    "Director Zhang, when it''s time for the recording of the second episode, remember to leave some seats for our program team, alright? We would like to attend too and hopefully learn something from your team."


    "Director Zhang, The Voice has be extremely popr now. The entire country is talking about you. Our program team will be starting a new program soon, do you think it would be possible to help us cross-promote it on your show during themercial break in the middle for 10 seconds? Themercial breaks in between your show are being sold by Central TV Department 1 for such a high price now that we can''t even afford it if we wanted to. Do you think you could put in a word for us? Seven or eight seconds is fine too!"


    A bunch of people were greeting him, but Zhang Ye did not know most of them.


    Zhang Ye just smiled along. If anyone asked him for help, he would agree as long as it was a small matter. He finally got into the elevator and went upstairs to his program team office.


    When he entered the office, he could immediately hear the gathered staff chattering loudly.


    Little Wangughed happily. "How explosive, we''re going to be famous!"


    A female editorughed. "Director Zhang''s really too awesome. A viewership rating of 2.01%! You didn''t see it, but I was working overtime in the office yesterday when the viewership ratings were released, and everyone in Central TV Department 1 was dumbfounded. All of them looked like they had seen a ghost! I don''t even need to mention how satisfying that felt!"


    A male editor said, "A show no one was optimistic about had somehow leaped right to the top of the variety world. All of this still feels unreal to me!"


    At this moment, everyone finally heard the footsteps.


    "Ah, Director Zhang."


    "Director Zhang is here!"


    Everyone went over and congregated. Most of the staff had the day off yesterday, so even if they knew about the viewership immediately after it was released, they did not have the chance to discuss it since they were not at work together. Today, the first thing they did when they arrived was discuss this issue. There were far too much they needed to get off their chests as they were very astonished by the results. Now that they saw Zhang Ye, they had even more things that they wanted to say that wouldst three days and nights. It was impossible to express their excitement and emotions in anynguage at this moment, or perhaps, only the pet phrase which Chen Guang always used would be able to describe it��this was truly unbelievable!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Did you all rest well yesterday?"


    Wu Yi answered, "I did not rest at all!"


    "Yup, yup." Little Wang said, "After we heard about the viewership ratings, I was all perked up for the rest of the day. I couldn''t fall asleep until three in the morning. The entire day felt like a dream to me!"


    Zhang Ye was tickled at this. "Then there''s no choice, even if you guys did not rest well. Because the preparation work beforehand still wasn''t enough due to being pressed for time, we still have to record the other contestants'' intro clips. We''ll have to jump back in with our engines running and get those intro clips done first. Then, depending on the time, we will record the blind auditions for episodes 2 and 3. As for how it will be arranged, that will depend on today''s progress. It''s best that we work fast so that we can record more episodes tomorrow."


    "Yes!"


    "Got it!"


    "Understood, Director Zhang!"


    "The mission will definitely bepleted!"


    Everyone''s response was very loud and pumped full with energy!


    If the viewership ratings and viewer response were not good, their spirits would have taken a blow and they would not have the passion to work anymore. After all, people needed acknowledgment from society to feel a sense of self-worth, and now that The Voice had leapt right to the top of the variety world, iming the number one spot in recent years, they as a members of The Voice''s program team were full of spirit. They were now the top program team in the variety show industry, so their drive was also different. Without the need for Zhang Ye to say anything, everyone was even more enthusiastic than Zhang Ye the executive director. All of them just wanted The Voice to do well!


    Number 1 in the industry!


    They had never had such glory in their lives before!


    Ha Qiqi who arrived a littleter and had just walked in, greeted, "Ai, Director Zhang, good morning."


    Zhang Ye turned around. "Oh, you''re here? How''s the issue with Dahua Hotel? Do we have to refund them the cost? If they want, I will send someone to negotiate with them."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "They won''t ask for a refund."


    "Oh?" Zhang Ye said.


    Ha Qiqi said, "The executive of Dahua Hotel came to look for me again yesterday. It was already quitete and I was worried that you might be sleeping already, so I didn''t update you. When they saw that there were many people imitating your advertising messages online, they realized that many of those people were trying very hard to get the lines memorized. The name of Dahua Hotel was stered all over the inte and helped them get the maximum publicity they could receive. The executive told me that this was a very good advertising effect, and as of yesterday, the main branch, along with 5 other branches of their hotels, were fully booked till the next weekend. From that, I think they could even be thinking of adding more advertising lines and surely won''t be asking for a refund."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Then that''s good, it would be quite troublesome to handle if they really wanted a refund. We would still have to write the contracts and sign another advertiser. As long as the advertisements are effective and we do not let them down for supporting us since the beginning, it''s good enough." As long as it did not require Zhang Ye to bend his artistic principles, it was for the best that all this turned out to be a win-win situation. If due to Zhang Ye reading the advertising messages too fast and thus contributing to a weaker effect of the ads, then Zhang Ye would definitely feel a little bad about it.


    Suddenly, the office telephone rang.


    Little Wang went to pick it up: "Hello, this is The Voice''s program team office."


    It was Jiang Yuan''s voice on the line: "I''m Jiang Yuan. Is your Director Zhang there yet?"


    Little Wang quickly said: "Director Zhang is already here."


    "OK, let him know that I want to see him in my office for a while." Jiang Yuan''s tone carried a smile in it. She could hear that he was in a rather good mood.


    Little Wang hung up the phone and informed Zhang Ye, "Director Jiang wants to see you."


    Zhang Ye nodded and went out to take the elevator up to Jiang Yuan''s office.


    Dong dong. He knocked on the door.


    "Pleasee in."


    When he walked in, Jiang Yuan was currently drinking tea.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You were looking for me, leader?"


    Jiang Yuan stood up and said, "Come, take a seat." Having said this, he took a paper cup and asked, "What would you like to drink?" He was actually intending to personally pour a drink for Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye hurriedly went over to him to stop him. "Don''t, leader. I will help myself."


    Jiang Yuan did not insist. He said, "You''ve really helped Central TV Department 1 save face this time. After watching the recording of The Voice that day, I''d already felt that the viewership ratings would not be poor, but who could have thought that it would be this high? No one in the entire industry could have predicted such an oue! Little Zhang, the credit is yours. Well done! You''ve done really well!"


    Zhang Ye spoke a few humble words.


    Jiang Yuan said, "What do you all intend to do from here?"


    Zhang Ye responded, "We will be recording the second and third episodes tomorrow."


    Jiang Yuan thought about this for a moment, then said, "I only have one worry right now. The response to the first episode was too good and the effects of the show were great as well, which are both good and bad things for the show. The good thing is that it loudly announced the branding of our show to everyone and helped the show quickly gain a market share. But the bad part is that it''s likely theter episodes won''t be able to do as well as the first one? After all, there aren''t really that many good contestants and it will be harder to record a good episodeter on. We''re just afraid that the show will run out of steam and the episodes won''t be shot as well as the first one, making the audience feel disappointed, thus making the viewership ratings slide ordingly. If the slide is too great, the branding created won''t be guaranteed anymore and might just be a sh in the pan."


    Zhang Yeughed, "I''ve already considered that. We will definitely work hard to gain the satisfaction of the audience."


    Jiang Yuan asked, "Are you confident?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "More or less."


    "Alright then, I''ll leave this to you!" Hearing him say that, Jiang Yuan knew that Zhang Ye definitely had it all nned out already. "I will be waiting to see the viewership ratings report about your second episode!"

 Chapter 690 Controversy over the second episode’s viewership!

    <h4>Chapter 690 Controversy over the second episode��s viewership! </h4>


    Chapter 690 Controversy over the second episode''s viewership!


    Two dayster.


    The next morning.


    The recording studio was ready for the start of the second episode''s recording of The Voice.


    Zhang Ye took some time and gathered all the staff backstage for a short and simple meeting. "Today, we will record two episodes in a row, but if the conditions are good, we might add another episode in for recording to get the fourth episode out as well. The station''s request of our program team has already been made clear to us. They don''t request that our program get another record-breaking viewership rating but just hope for stability. As long as it is not lower than the first episode''s viewership ratings, it is good enough. That is also my basic requirement I''m asking of all of you, so I hope that everyone can raise their spirits. Put your full concentration on working on the show today."


    "Yes!"


    "No problem!"


    "Don''t worry!"


    "For sure!"


    Everyone agreed in unison.


    Zhang Ye gave the order. "Alright, let''s go!"


    Amidst all the hubbub, everyone got into their positions and went on standby.


    Today''s workload was very heavy. Zhang Ye had already done the necessary preparations. Not only did hemunicate in private with the four coaches for a long time beforehand, he also talked to the contestants who were going to appear today. He had to constantly shape the fundamentals and presentation of the show to get it ever closer to the one he had envisioned in his mind. As the executive director, all these factors needed to be considered and he also had to be in full control of the entire program. Nothing could deviate from the ns.


    To be honest, Zhang Ye had rather heavy stress on him too. After getting off to a winning start and creating a viewership ratings legend, their starting point was pushed even higher now. The road from here was indeed going to be much more difficult, and as a result, Zhang Ye needed to spend more energy and effort to ensure that the show would not go downhill from here. As for whether they would still be able to set another record high viewership rating, this was not something Zhang Ye could predict anymore. He would leave this to fate. As long as he did his best to make sure the show was good, then everything else should be decided by the market and the audience.


    ����


    Online.


    After the broadcast of The Voice''s premiere episode a few days ago, the talk surrounding The Voice had been discussed less and less. This was a normal trend since no TV show had ever been discussed forever. There was always a peak and a cooling period. Besides, with so many entertainment activities and works in the entire country, such as that newly screened movie that had earned 500 million RMB in the box office, a certain celebrity''s divorce, all of that news was not missing from the entertainment circle. It wasn''t possible that everyone would pay attention to you on a daily basis. In the face of so much entertainment news, the audience would surely be more attracted to something else each time.


    As a result, on Monday and Tuesday, any news of The Voice went by quietly and peacefully as many people were discussing a certain celebrity divorcing for the second time.


    When Wednesday came, the talk surrounding The Voice once again gathered momentum as everyone gradually picked up the discussions of the program once more!


    Why?


    Because the second episode of The Voice was going to be broadcast soon!


    On Weibo.


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "It''s almost time for the second episode of The Voice!"


    "It''s has been so long! I''ve been waiting for almost a whole week already, thinking about it every day. It''s finally going to be shown again!"


    "Me too. In the past, I didn''t usually watch variety shows. Even if I did, I watched those subbed ones from Korea or America online. After all, their standards and quality are truly better, but The Voice has pulled me back to sitting in front of my TV and instilled confidence back in me regarding our domestically produced variety shows. In the future, I would dare to thump my chest with pride and say that we also have good domestic variety shows!"


    "I can''t wait either! Come quickly, episode 2!"


    "Do you guys think it will create another viewership ratings record?"


    "How suspenseful!"


    "Yeah, after all, the first episode was totally logic defying, so it''s not going to be easy for the second episode to do it."


    "For some programs that began without getting much attention due to the promotions not reaching the market, they would be able to slowly increase their viewership ratings and do better with each episode as long as they maintain the program''s quality. Do You Remember is an example of such a program, but The Voice has already prated too deeply into the market and has 2.01% of the viewership ratings with its premiere episode. Usually, for these kinds of shows, theter episodes don''t usually perform too well. It''s likely to fall below 2%."


    "But no matter how far it falls, The Voice still won''t get too low a viewership rating!"


    "That''s for sure. Zhang Ye is already a veteran of program nning in the television industry. With him around, even if the show is dropping, it won''t be that bad."


    "I don''t feel that The Voice''s viewership ratings will necessarily drop."


    "The key now is whether there will still be any exciting contestants for the blind auditions segment. If they can still get contestants like Luo Yu and Qian Pingfan, then the viewership ratings definitely won''t drop!"


    "There aren''t many contestants like them out there."


    "Not many? More like they''re totally rare, don''t you think?"


    "It all boils down to the quality of the second episode''s contestants now!"


    "Yes. For a lot of the talent shows out there, their premiere episodes usually do well in the viewership ratings but will always drop in theter episodes. This sort of show is toomonly seen, so I''m just afraid that The Voice will also follow in their footsteps. I actually do like this show a lot and is the only variety show I''m following right now, so it better stay strong. If the quality of the show drops too much, then I will have no variety shows to watch anymore!"


    Theizens were all discussing fervently, talking about all kinds of things.


    Simrly, peers from the industry had also turned their focus on this subject.


    Central TV Department 1 was the most anxious and pressured party. They had invited Zhang Ye to join them because they wanted to regain their leading status within the variety show industry. Now that Zhang Ye, along with The Voice''s first episode, had blinded the entire country with a glowing reception, it had made many of the leaders at Central TV Department 1 very excited, while simultaneously worried that they would lose what they had gained. They knew that what they had so far was still not enough to cement their return to the top of the variety world as no variety show would be judged on just one of its episodes. What they needed was the average viewership rating to be good, so even if the first episode''s ratings had defied all logic, if theter episodes did not do well, it still wouldn''t mean that Central TV had made aeback. It all still hinged on the performance of the show''s entire season, so with huge expectations of The Voice, they naturally had more worries as well. Everything depended on if Zhang Ye could keep the viewership ratings stable!


    As for the other television stations, they had the same thoughts.


    Some of industry insiders were taking a more objective view on The Voice.


    "Taking the lead was easy, but holding on to it will prove difficult."


    "Yes, it''s going to be a real test of Zhang Ye''s ability now."


    "The first big problem has arrived for The Voice. Let''s see if Zhang Ye is able to get past this. I don''t have much hope in this case."


    "Let''s see how it goes in the second episode."


    Along with many peers from the television industry, their views were more pessimistic, or rather some of these people were simply waiting for Zhang Ye and The Voice to be the joke. A few of them posted their views on Weibo.


    "The first episode''s viewership ratings were too much of a fluke!"


    "I think so too. It might have happened for the first episode, but that doesn''t mean the second and third episodes will be the same. The Voice''s first episode has seriously over-prated into the market, so whates after will only weaken for sure."


    "I advise everyone not to have too high an expectation that the second episode of The Voice will be like what you all might think it might be!"


    "My prediction for the second episode''s viewership ratings is only 1.3% or so. This figure is much closer to the norm of a popr program in the variety industry, the 2-point rating it received for the first episode was way too out of the norm!"


    "When Zhang Ye imed he wanted ''to see other summits dwarfed, and savor the scene,'' that was only applicable to the first episode. It''s impossible that every episode will have simr viewership ratings, so don''t enshrine Zhang Ye as legendary. Legends don''tst a lifetime!"


    Those who had made these ims were mainly the same industry insiders who had previously boycotted Zhang Ye. After the viewership ratings of the first episode were released, they were all left speechless and dumbfounded. At that point in time, none of them stepped forward to say a word, but now that the attention on the first episode of The Voice had passed and with the second episodeing up soon, they timed the opportunity to make their stand known. All of this was for nothing more than to try to regain their face. After all, they didn''t want to lose too badly. Moreover, they were honestly convinced that Zhang Ye and The Voice would not be able to stay that strong forever!

 Chapter 691 Broadcast!

    <h4>Chapter 691 Broadcast! </h4>


    Chapter 691 Broadcast!


    Thursday night.


    Around 8:55 PM.


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house, his mother was in the kitchen preparing supper. She was frying some sausages1 and chopping the garlic, asionallying out to the living room to ask, "Has it started yet?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "Not yet, there''s still 5 minutes."


    His mother asked, "It''s still themercials? They''re taking too long with that!"


    His father urged, "Just get the sausages onto the dining table first, Chenchen is getting hungry waiting for you."


    "Right away, right away." Not a momentter, his mother brought out the dish and put it onto the dining table. "Chenchen,e and eat, try the sausages that Grandma fried."


    Chenchen went to the dining table and picked up a pair of chopsticks immediately.


    Zhang Ye stopped her. "Have you thanked Grandma for cooking this for you yet?"


    Chenchen raised her head. "Thank you, Grandma."


    His mother smiled happily. "No need to thank me, just eat."


    Only then did Zhang Ye let Chenchen start eating. He himself also started eating, but he used his hands instead of chopsticks. The sausages were still very hot and he even let out a yell because of that. Then he dipped it into the garlic sauce and threw it directly into his mouth.


    Then Chenchen did not take the sausages from her te but insisted on snatching them from Zhang Ye''s hands. "Give me, Zhang Ye, give me!"


    "No, dip it in the sauce yourself!" Zhang Ye rolled his eyes.


    His mother sat down. "Why are you fighting with a child? Come, Chenchen, let Grandma dip it in some sauce for you. Do you want vinegar2?"


    His father turned the volume of the TV up.


    Onscreen, the second episode of The Voice was starting.


    Simultaneously, the same event was also urring in many households across the country.


    ����


    In a household.


    "Honey, get me a cold beer!"


    "Drinking again?"


    "The Voice is starting, I''ve already been waiting for a week!"


    ����


    In an alley.


    "Brother Sun, you''re leaving so early? Why don''t we y another two rounds."


    "I''m not ying anymore, you guys continue. I have to go back to catch The Voice."


    "Whoa, you''re already past 40 and still watching talent shows?"


    "What do you all know? The Voice is different, it''s really fun to watch!"


    ����.


    At some kebab restaurant.


    "Waiter."


    "Coming."


    "Please switch the television to The Voice."


    "Sure, sir."


    "Give me another 50 kebab skewers and 5 bottles of beer, cold ones!"


    "They''ll be here soon."


    ����


    Millions of viewers were already waiting in front of their televisions, their eyes focused on Central TV Department 1''s channel. Everyone wanted to know if the second episode of The Voice would be able to continue its miraculous run and if Zhang Ye''s viewership ratings legend was really just a sh in the pan. In the past two days, a few onlinements were rather spot on. The real test of Zhang Ye''s standard and The Voice was starting just today. Whether they were a mule or a horse all depended on this second episode!


    The introduction music yed!


    The logo of The Voice appeared!


    During the first episode, there was a lot more fanfare, such as the opening theme song and coaches introduction. A lot of the viewing audience thought that it would be the same for the second episode, but what surprised them was that The Voice did not follow the temtes of other talent shows. Instead, there wasn''t even an opening introduction. In ce of it was the fan favorite advertising segment!


    When the show started, the focus was immediately on the stage. Zhang Ye had already walked up to the hanging microphone. He recited speedily while looking into the camera, "I-will-not-ept-any-gifts-this-year The-only-gift-I-will-ept-is-Brain Gold There''s-no-need-to-watch-any-TV-shows-this-year The-only-TV-show-you-need-to-watch-is-The Voice��"


    A string of advertising messages seemingly flew out from his mouth!


    The loud apuse from the audience thundered through the entire studio!


    Online, many people who heard this again could onlye up with forced smiles!


    "Just how did Zhang Ye do it so quickly!"


    "Was he aiming to break the speed of sound there?"


    "Each time I listen to it, I get more surprised! That mouth of his is really too godly!"


    "Damn, Zhang Ye has gotten faster again! I timed it just now and Zhang Ye''s recital of the advertising message today was faster than the first episode''s recital by 0.5 seconds! F**k, he could even go faster than before? He did not even hit his limit yet in the first episode? Still increasing his recital speed? I''m gonna faint!"


    "Are you sure?"


    "I timed it too! Indeed, he did it faster than before!"


    "My timing shows that he was faster by 0.4 seconds!"


    "Heavens!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s taking this godly speed to the next level!"


    "He''s just so godlike! With a godly mouth too!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you''re too awesome!"


    The opening advertising messages had already made many of the audience members erupt into excitement. Many of the industry insiders who saw this all felt that Zhang Ye and The Voice were being too "violent." Why "violent"? Because whenever all the other variety shows wished to pull up their viewership ratings by attracting viewers, they would have to try many tricks and strategies, like finding a better pool of contestants, inviting a well-known coach, or giving more thought when creating new ideas for the program, and even by relying on the humor of the host. However, The Voice''s advertising segment that pulled in the viewers only needed to depend on Zhang Ye''s amazingly fast recital speed which would crush all of his fellow peers. It "violently" relied on Zhang Ye''s individual ability to pull in all the viewers'' interest, and this seemingly non-technical ability actually required the most technique to execute. Right now, everyone knew that if they delivered the advertising messages in such a manner, it would definitely raise the viewership ratings by attracting enormous attention and hype to the topic. But even if they knew, there was no host in the industry who could do the same thing! So looking at Zhang Ye continuing to use his unique skill in the second episode of the program, many of the satellite channel industry insiders could only watch and sigh. Unless they could somehow poach Zhang Ye over from Central TV Department 1, they could only watch with envy!


    Excitement rose in the air!


    The next moment, Zhang Ye started to introduce the first contestant who woulde up onstage. The show''s pacing was very fast. There were no slow moments as it headed straight for the main event!


    The contestant''s intro clip started ying!


    It was a woman''s voice. "Since childhood, my family''s living conditions have always been good. My parents are rather strict with me, so I can''t do many things. When I went to work, it was also at my parents''pany. I know that they wish to nurture me so I can take over thepany in the future and have achievements in the business world, but to be honest, that''s not what I like. I don''t like doing business where people are always scheming against each other. I like to sing, and I want to sing. That''s why I''vee to the stage of The Voice. I hope to tell my parents that I will choose my own path!"


    The female contestant carried the microphone and stepped on stage.


    The moment she appeared up on stage, whether it was the live audience or the viewers in front of their TVs, everyone showed slightly shocked expressions!


    Why?


    Because of this contestant''s appearance!


    "How beautiful!"


    "Damn, a beauty!"


    "This person is too beautiful, too beautiful!"


    "She carries herself really well!"


    "F**k, I''ve always thought that The Voice would only have ugly men and women as contestants! Where did a person with such stunning lookse out from? I thought that The Voice doesn''t care about looks?"


    "Yeah, I am also quite disappointed!"


    "Could it be that The Voice has already conceded to the traditional format from the second episode? They are going to be just like any other talent show that uses good-looking people as their contestants? And I still thought that The Voice was something new and refreshing! If this contestant only performs averagely, I will not be watching The Voice anymore!"


    "Listen to the performance first."


    Manyizens werementing online while watching the program. As the contestants from the first episode had left a very deep impression on them, many of them already formed preconceived notions of the contestants. Now that such a beautiful looking female contestant had appeared onstage, they felt a little unused to it!


    The female contestant''s name was Yuan Tong and had moved Zhang Ye with the song "Blooming" during the preliminary auditions, allowing her to qualify for the next round. However, as another female contestant had performed the same song in the first episode, to avoid repetition, the music arrangement teacher and music director had chosen another song for her after consulting Zhang Ye. It wasn''t a love song nor an upbeat song. It was a song that carried some risk if performed in a singingpetition as it didn''t fit too well to the theme. However, Zhang Ye and his team all believed that Yuan Tong could make it sound good!


    The song was��"For My Future Son or Daughter."


    "I want a child. I''ll teach ''em how write and speak.


    "I want a child. I''ll teach ''em to be thoughtful and free.


    "I want a child. I''ll teach ''em forgiveness and mercy.


    "I want a child. I''ll teach ''em to be selfless and true."


    After this female contestant opened her mouth to sing, everyone immediately stopped what they were saying!


    An uproar broke out again online!


    "What the f**k!"


    "That''s friggin'' nice to listen to!"


    "This��this singing is too good!"


    "F**k, who says that if you look good, you won''t be able to sing? I was nearly misled by you guys! She can also sing very well even if she''s beautiful!"


    "Ahem, I take back my words from earlier. It was because of the first episode that I assumed the wrong things. I did not think that there would be any good-looking people appearing on this stage!"


    "This person sings as well as Luo Yu! She must also be a key contestant! And she''s even very pretty!"


    "The Voice did great! How did they manage to find so many awesome people!?"


    At this moment, on the TV screens, Chen Guang and Fan Wenli both pressed the button simultaneously as they both turned around with excitement!


    "They''ve turned!"


    "There''s still two more coaches to go!"


    "Hahaha, how wonderful!"


    "Wow, look at Old Chen''s eyes. They''re gleaming at the sight of a prettydy, heh!"


    "Zhang Xia looks like she''s hesitating, I think she''ll turn around soon!"


    Yuan Tong was still singing. There was no high notes to hit nor any showy techniques. She simply used a very emotional style of singing to perform this song, or rather she was just singing her feelings. Through this song''s beseeching of one''s future child, she was actually reflecting on her own experiences for the past 20 years of her life. It was performed very well and full of charm!


    "My daughter.


    "My son.


    "I don''t want you to be like me, bad with words.


    "I don''t want you to be like me, selfish, harsh, and untoward.


    "I don''t want you to be like me, showing off your vanity.


    "I don''t want you to be like me��"


    Zhang Yuanqi turned!


    Zhang Xia nced sideways and also determinedly hit the button!


    All of them had turned!


    It was another rare asion where a contestant earned the approval of the four coaches!


    The audience also exploded as everyone started cheering for Yuan Tong, for her beauty and for her singing!


    Backstage at the second recording studio site, Zhang Ye was apanied by Yuan Tong''s parents who did not look like they were too interested, appearing quite obviously unsupportive of their daughter. But when they saw their daughter''s eyes had teared up at the most emotional part of the song, then saw how the four coaches were reacting excited due to her singing, as well as the studio audience''s cheers, Yuan Tong''s mother''s eyes reddened. She quietly wiped away some tears from the corners of her eyes and looked at her husband who had raised his arms high in encouragement of their daughter!


    Yuan Tong was crying. When she reached the final verse of the song, as her vibrato ended along with the music, she saw that the four coaches had all turned around. Suddenly, at that moment, she could not hold her emotions in anymore and covered her mouth and cried. Having held it in for so long, with so many people watching her at the venue, she would naturally be a little more sensitive, and so her tears started falling.


    Seeing this, Zhang Xia also teared up a little. Perhaps she was also reminded of some memories since she looked to be in a ratherplex state.


    Chen Guang still stuck to his old pet phrase as he raised both his arms. "This is truly unbelievable!"


    A stunning face!


    An experienced singing technique!


    A touching voice!


    With Yuan Tong''s appearance, the entire stage was lit up again!


    ����


    Theizens all shouted in session.


    "The singing was too wonderful!"


    "I nearly cried listening to that!"


    "Me too!"


    "I''m already a fan! Yuan Tong is awesome!"


    "Supporting you in wanting to walk your own path!"


    "Right, don''t go into business! You must carry on singing! It''s your life, so you must make your own choice!"


    ����


    The several industry insiders suddenly went quiet. One of them was the executive director of a talent show that was on another satellite channel in the same broadcast time slot. He could only silently sigh, knowing that he and many others had been totally underestimating Zhang Ye. When The Voice was not yet broadcast, they''d already been denouncing it and calling it bad. Many of them were not actually trying to bad-mouth it because it was apetitor; they wouldn''t stoop that low. The main reason they had done so was because they truly did not believe that a talent show without any good-looking people could get popr. They felt that this was going against the market trends, but the first episode of The Voice had utterly schooled them regarding this concern. Zhang Ye had made a show that did not have any good-looking people in it and created a viewership rating miracle, shocking all his industry peers and shutting up all those doubters!


    And today, Zhang Ye had once again schooled these industry peers with another lesson!


    Who said that The Voice would not have any good-looking people on it?


    Who had set such a rule? No one did! Zhang Ye did not mention this explicitly before either! He only said that the contestants could join regardless of looks!


    If they could sing very well and also have a very good-looking appearance, then that would be all the better. Just like how Yuan Tong was a contestant you wouldn''t just find anywhere even if you looked hard. The future development path of Yuan Tong was probably going to be much smoother than Luo Yu or Qian Pingfan, since her foundation was almost perfect and she also had the necessary good qualities!


    When there was a misconception that The Voice would only have ugly people joining as contestants, it was all because the audience had wanted to believe it that way. They had a wrong understanding of The Voice and today''s first contestant Zhang Ye sent on stage was clearly set up for this. Zhang Ye had his own considerations, and as expected, Yuan Tong had amazed the entire venue and put across a message of truth to everyone��don''t ever use your understanding to measure The Voice!


    ����


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' ce.


    His mother''s eyes lit up. "This person is really beautiful and she sings very well too!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Yes, Yuan Tong was one of my designated trump cards from the preliminary auditions. I had nned for her to appear in the second episode to shock everyone."


    His mother said, "What is she like?"


    "Alright I suppose. Do you mean her personality?" Zhang Ye asked.


    His mother asked with concern, "Yes, is her personality good?"


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands. "We''ve only talked a little about music and didn''t have much contact after that, so I don''t really know. But I guess she''s alright, she seems to be quite filial. Eh, why are you asking about this?"


    His father had already sensed it. "Your mom is just worrying about finding you a partner."


    His mother immediately said, "Yes. This girl is very beautiful and can even sing well. Her family is rather well off too, and although she might not be famous yet, she can slowly work her way up. I think she would match you well."


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted. "Mom, didn''t I tell you not to worry about this matter."


    His mother pouted. "If you don''t want me to worry, then you should find someone. I know that many people in the entertainment circle wedte in their lives, some are even still single in their forties, so you better make sure you don''t learn from them!"


    "Just don''t worry so much. Yuan Tong is just considered as an average beauty." Zhang Ye said, "My future wife will definitely be much more beautiful than her."


    Chenchen who was sitting next to them on the sofa nced at him for a moment. "��Hur hur."


    HIs mother doubtfully said, "Is that so?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Of course, just wait and see."


    He was actually speaking the truth, since Wu Zeqing was indeed much more beautiful than Yuan Tong. Perhaps, since Zhang Ye had seen Wu Zeqing so many times, he did not even take much notice of Yuan Tong from the beginning. He basically did not have any interest in her and it was just his mother who had brought it up and incoherently connected them together, thinking that her son was still unable to find someone.


    His father interrupted, "Don''t talk anymore, it''s the next contestant''s turn." His father was never interested in watching such shows in the first ce, neither could he really understand them, but maybe due to his son, he enjoyed it quite a bit. If anyone spoke loudly, he would say that they bothered his watching of the show.


    His mother turned her attention back to the television and did not raise the subject of Zhang Ye finding a partner anymore. She asked anxiously, "Who''s next? Is it a man or a woman? Is the performance good?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and kept them guessing. "The next contestant will surely give both of you a great fright. Just watch, I won''t spoil it for you!"


    1. Guan Chang, or filled sausage, has been a popr snack in Beijing since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Traditionally, the sausage, a prepared pork intestine, is stuffed with a paste of flour or starch mixed with spices. The sausage is then boiled and cut into cubes or slices to be fried. In some restaurants, minced pork is also used as stuffing. Little bamboo sticks, instead of chopsticks, are the traditional way of eating the filled sausages.


    2. ck vinegar

 Chapter 692 Broadcast!

    <h4>Chapter 692 Broadcast! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Thursday night.


    Around 8:55 PM.


    At Zhang Ye��s parents�� house, his mother was in the kitchen preparing supper. She was frying some sausages and chopping the garlic, asionallying out to the living room to ask, ��Has it started yet?�� [1.]


    Zhang Ye answered, ��Not yet, there��s still 5 minutes.��


    His mother asked, ��It��s still themercials? They��re taking too long with that!��


    His father urged, ��Just get the sausages onto the dining table first, Chenchen is getting hungry waiting for you.��


    ��Right away, right away.�� Not a momentter, his mother brought out the dish and put it onto the dining table. ��Chenchen,e and eat, try the sausages that Grandma fried.��


    Chenchen went to the dining table and picked up a pair of chopsticks immediately.


    Zhang Ye stopped her. ��Have you thanked Grandma for cooking this for you yet?��


    Chenchen raised her head. ��Thank you, Grandma.��


    His mother smiled happily. ��No need to thank me, just eat.��


    Only then did Zhang Ye let Chenchen start eating. He himself also started eating, but he used his hands instead of chopsticks. The sausages were still very hot and he even let out a yell because of that. Then he dipped it into the garlic sauce and threw it directly into his mouth.


    Then Chenchen did not take the sausages from her te but insisted on snatching them from Zhang Ye��s hands. ��Give me, Zhang Ye, give me!��


    ��No, dip it in the sauce yourself!�� Zhang Ye rolled his eyes.


    His mother sat down. ��Why are you fighting with a child? Come, Chenchen, let Grandma dip it in some sauce for you. Do you want vinegar?�� [2.]


    His father turned the volume of the TV up.


    Onscreen, the second episode of The Voice was starting.


    Simultaneously, the same event was also urring in many households across the country.


    ��


    In a household.


    ��Honey, get me a cold beer!��


    ��Drinking again?��


    ��The Voice is starting, I��ve already been waiting for a week!��


    ��


    In an alley.


    ��Brother Sun, you��re leaving so early? Why don��t we y another two rounds.��


    ��I��m not ying anymore, you guys continue. I have to go back to catch The Voice.��


    ��Whoa, you��re already past 40 and still watching talent shows?��


    ��What do you all know? The Voice is different, it��s really fun to watch!��


    ��.


    At some kebab restaurant.


    ��Waiter.��


    ��Coming.��


    ��Please switch the television to The Voice.��


    ��Sure, sir.��


    ��Give me another 50 kebab skewers and 5 bottles of beer, cold ones!��


    ��They��ll be here soon.��


    ��


    Millions of viewers were already waiting in front of their televisions, their eyes focused on Central TV Department 1��s channel. Everyone wanted to know if the second episode of The Voice would be able to continue its miraculous run and if Zhang Ye��s viewership ratings legend was really just a sh in the pan. In the past two days, a few onlinements were rather spot on. The real test of Zhang Ye��s standard and The Voice was starting just today. Whether they were a mule or a horse all depended on this second episode!


    The introduction music yed!


    The logo of The Voice appeared!


    During the first episode, there was a lot more fanfare, such as the opening theme song and coaches introduction. A lot of the viewing audience thought that it would be the same for the second episode, but what surprised them was that The Voice did not follow the temtes of other talent shows. Instead, there wasn��t even an opening introduction. In ce of it was the fan favorite advertising segment!


    When the show started, the focus was immediately on the stage. Zhang Ye had already walked up to the hanging microphone. He recited speedily while looking into the camera, ��I-will-not-ept-any-gifts-this-year The-only-gift-I-will-ept-is-Brain Gold There��s-no-need-to-watch-any-TV-shows-this-year The-only-TV-show-you-need-to-watch-is-The Voice����


    A string of advertising messages seemingly flew out from his mouth!


    The loud apuse from the audience thundered through the entire studio!


    Online, many people who heard this again could onlye up with forced smiles!


    ��Just how did Zhang Ye do it so quickly!��


    ��Was he aiming to break the speed of sound there?��


    ��Each time I listen to it, I get more surprised! That mouth of his is really too godly!��


    ��Damn, Zhang Ye has gotten faster again! I timed it just now and Zhang Ye��s recital of the advertising message today was faster than the first episode��s recital by 0.5 seconds! F**k, he could even go faster than before? He did not even hit his limit yet in the first episode? Still increasing his recital speed? I��m gonna faint!��


    ��Are you sure?��


    ��I timed it too! Indeed, he did it faster than before!��


    ��My timing shows that he was faster by 0.4 seconds!��


    ��Heavens!��


    ��Teacher Zhang��s taking this godly speed to the next level!��


    ��He��s just so godlike! With a godly mouth too!��


    ��Teacher Zhang, you��re too awesome!��


    The opening advertising messages had already made many of the audience members erupt into excitement. Many of the industry insiders who saw this all felt that Zhang Ye and The Voice were being too ��violent.�� Why ��violent��? Because whenever all the other variety shows wished to pull up their viewership ratings by attracting viewers, they would have to try many tricks and strategies, like finding a better pool of contestants, inviting a well-known coach, or giving more thought when creating new ideas for the program, and even by relying on the humor of the host. However, The Voice��s advertising segment that pulled in the viewers only needed to depend on Zhang Ye��s amazingly fast recital speed which would crush all of his fellow peers. It ��violently�� relied on Zhang Ye��s individual ability to pull in all the viewers�� interest, and this seemingly non-technical ability actually required the most technique to execute. Right now, everyone knew that if they delivered the advertising messages in such a manner, it would definitely raise the viewership ratings by attracting enormous attention and hype to the topic. But even if they knew, there was no host in the industry who could do the same thing! So looking at Zhang Ye continuing to use his unique skill in the second episode of the program, many of the satellite channel industry insiders could only watch and sigh. Unless they could somehow poach Zhang Ye over from Central TV Department 1, they could only watch with envy!


    Excitement rose in the air!


    The next moment, Zhang Ye started to introduce the first contestant who woulde up onstage. The show��s pacing was very fast. There were no slow moments as it headed straight for the main event!


    The contestant��s intro clip started ying!


    It was a woman��s voice. ��Since childhood, my family��s living conditions have always been good. My parents are rather strict with me, so I can��t do many things. When I went to work, it was also at my parents��pany. I know that they wish to nurture me so I can take over thepany in the future and have achievements in the business world, but to be honest, that��s not what I like. I don��t like doing business where people are always scheming against each other. I like to sing, and I want to sing. That��s why I��vee to the stage of The Voice. I hope to tell my parents that I will choose my own path!��


    The female contestant carried the microphone and stepped on stage.


    The moment she appeared up on stage, whether it was the live audience or the viewers in front of their TVs, everyone showed slightly shocked expressions!


    Why?


    Because of this contestant��s appearance!


    ��How beautiful!��


    ��Damn, a beauty!��


    ��This person is too beautiful, too beautiful!��


    ��She carries herself really well!��


    ��F**k, I��ve always thought that The Voice would only have ugly men and women as contestants! Where did a person with such stunning lookse out from? I thought that The Voice doesn��t care about looks?��


    ��Yeah, I am also quite disappointed!��


    ��Could it be that The Voice has already conceded to the traditional format from the second episode? They are going to be just like any other talent show that uses good-looking people as their contestants? And I still thought that The Voice was something new and refreshing! If this contestant only performs averagely, I will not be watching The Voice anymore!��


    ��Listen to the performance first.��


    Manyizens werementing online while watching the program. As the contestants from the first episode had left a very deep impression on them, many of them already formed preconceived notions of the contestants. Now that such a beautiful looking female contestant had appeared onstage, they felt a little unused to it!


    The female contestant��s name was Yuan Tong and had moved Zhang Ye with the song ��Blooming�� during the preliminary auditions, allowing her to qualify for the next round. However, as another female contestant had performed the same song in the first episode, to avoid repetition, the music arrangement teacher and music director had chosen another song for her after consulting Zhang Ye. It wasn��t a love song nor an upbeat song. It was a song that carried some risk if performed in a singingpetition as it didn��t fit too well to the theme. However, Zhang Ye and his team all believed that Yuan Tong could make it sound good!


    The song was����For My Future Son or Daughter.��


    ��I want a child. I��ll teach ��em how write and speak.


    ��I want a child. I��ll teach ��em to be thoughtful and free.


    ��I want a child. I��ll teach ��em forgiveness and mercy.


    ��I want a child. I��ll teach ��em to be selfless and true.��


    After this female contestant opened her mouth to sing, everyone immediately stopped what they were saying!


    An uproar broke out again online!


    ��What the f**k!��


    ��That��s friggin�� nice to listen to!��


    ��This��this singing is too good!��


    ��F**k, who says that if you look good, you won��t be able to sing? I was nearly misled by you guys! She can also sing very well even if she��s beautiful!��


    ��Ahem, I take back my words from earlier. It was because of the first episode that I assumed the wrong things. I did not think that there would be any good-looking people appearing on this stage!��


    ��This person sings as well as Luo Yu! She must also be a key contestant! And she��s even very pretty!��


    ��The Voice did great! How did they manage to find so many awesome people!?��


    At this moment, on the TV screens, Chen Guang and Fan Wenli both pressed the button simultaneously as they both turned around with excitement!


    ��They��ve turned!��


    ��There��s still two more coaches to go!��


    ��Hahaha, how wonderful!��


    ��Wow, look at Old Chen��s eyes. They��re gleaming at the sight of a prettydy, heh!��


    ��Zhang Xia looks like she��s hesitating, I think she��ll turn around soon!��


    Yuan Tong was still singing. There was no high notes to hit nor any showy techniques. She simply used a very emotional style of singing to perform this song, or rather she was just singing her feelings. Through this song��s beseeching of one��s future child, she was actually reflecting on her own experiences for the past 20 years of her life. It was performed very well and full of charm!


    ��My daughter.


    ��My son.


    ��I don��t want you to be like me, bad with words.


    ��I don��t want you to be like me, selfish, harsh, and untoward.


    ��I don��t want you to be like me, showing off your vanity.


    ��I don��t want you to be like me����


    Zhang Yuanqi turned!


    Zhang Xia nced sideways and also determinedly hit the button!


    All of them had turned!


    It was another rare asion where a contestant earned the approval of the four coaches!


    The audience also exploded as everyone started cheering for Yuan Tong, for her beauty and for her singing!


    Backstage at the second recording studio site, Zhang Ye was apanied by Yuan Tong��s parents who did not look like they were too interested, appearing quite obviously unsupportive of their daughter. But when they saw their daughter��s eyes had teared up at the most emotional part of the song, then saw how the four coaches were reacting excited due to her singing, as well as the studio audience��s cheers, Yuan Tong��s mother��s eyes reddened. She quietly wiped away some tears from the corners of her eyes and looked at her husband who had raised his arms high in encouragement of their daughter!


    Yuan Tong was crying. When she reached the final verse of the song, as her vibrato ended along with the music, she saw that the four coaches had all turned around. Suddenly, at that moment, she could not hold her emotions in anymore and covered her mouth and cried. Having held it in for so long, with so many people watching her at the venue, she would naturally be a little more sensitive, and so her tears started falling.


    Seeing this, Zhang Xia also teared up a little. Perhaps she was also reminded of some memories since she looked to be in a ratherplex state.


    Chen Guang still stuck to his old pet phrase as he raised both his arms. ��This is truly unbelievable!��


    A stunning face!


    An experienced singing technique!


    A touching voice!


    With Yuan Tong��s appearance, the entire stage was lit up again!


    ��


    Theizens all shouted in session.


    ��The singing was too wonderful!��


    ��I nearly cried listening to that!��


    ��Me too!��


    ��I��m already a fan! Yuan Tong is awesome!��


    ��Supporting you in wanting to walk your own path!��


    ��Right, don��t go into business! You must carry on singing! It��s your life, so you must make your own choice!��


    ��


    The several industry insiders suddenly went quiet. One of them was the executive director of a talent show that was on another satellite channel in the same broadcast time slot. He could only silently sigh, knowing that he and many others had been totally underestimating Zhang Ye. When The Voice was not yet broadcast, they��d already been denouncing it and calling it bad. Many of them were not actually trying to bad-mouth it because it was apetitor; they wouldn��t stoop that low. The main reason they had done so was because they truly did not believe that a talent show without any good-looking people could get popr. They felt that this was going against the market trends, but the first episode of The Voice had utterly schooled them regarding this concern. Zhang Ye had made a show that did not have any good-looking people in it and created a viewership rating miracle, shocking all his industry peers and shutting up all those doubters!


    And today, Zhang Ye had once again schooled these industry peers with another lesson!


    Who said that The Voice would not have any good-looking people on it?


    Who had set such a rule? No one did! Zhang Ye did not mention this explicitly before either! He only said that the contestants could join regardless of looks!


    If they could sing very well and also have a very good-looking appearance, then that would be all the better. Just like how Yuan Tong was a contestant you wouldn��t just find anywhere even if you looked hard. The future development path of Yuan Tong was probably going to be much smoother than Luo Yu or Qian Pingfan, since her foundation was almost perfect and she also had the necessary good qualities!


    When there was a misconception that The Voice would only have ugly people joining as contestants, it was all because the audience had wanted to believe it that way. They had a wrong understanding of The Voice and today��s first contestant Zhang Ye sent on stage was clearly set up for this. Zhang Ye had his own considerations, and as expected, Yuan Tong had amazed the entire venue and put across a message of truth to everyone��don��t ever use your understanding to measure The Voice!


    ��


    At Zhang Ye��s parents�� ce.


    His mother��s eyes lit up. ��This person is really beautiful and she sings very well too!��


    Zhang Yeughed. ��Yes, Yuan Tong was one of my designated trump cards from the preliminary auditions. I had nned for her to appear in the second episode to shock everyone.��


    His mother said, ��What is she like?��


    ��Alright I suppose. Do you mean her personality?�� Zhang Ye asked.


    His mother asked with concern, ��Yes, is her personality good?��


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands. ��We��ve only talked a little about music and didn��t have much contact after that, so I don��t really know. But I guess she��s alright, she seems to be quite filial. Eh, why are you asking about this?��


    His father had already sensed it. ��Your mom is just worrying about finding you a partner.��


    His mother immediately said, ��Yes. This girl is very beautiful and can even sing well. Her family is rather well off too, and although she might not be famous yet, she can slowly work her way up. I think she would match you well.��


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted. ��Mom, didn��t I tell you not to worry about this matter.��


    His mother pouted. ��If you don��t want me to worry, then you should find someone. I know that many people in the entertainment circle wedte in their lives, some are even still single in their forties, so you better make sure you don��t learn from them!��


    ��Just don��t worry so much. Yuan Tong is just considered as an average beauty.�� Zhang Ye said, ��My future wife will definitely be much more beautiful than her.��


    Chenchen who was sitting next to them on the sofa nced at him for a moment. ����Hur hur.��


    HIs mother doubtfully said, ��Is that so?��


    Zhang Yeughed. ��Of course, just wait and see.��


    He was actually speaking the truth, since Wu Zeqing was indeed much more beautiful than Yuan Tong. Perhaps, since Zhang Ye had seen Wu Zeqing so many times, he did not even take much notice of Yuan Tong from the beginning. He basically did not have any interest in her and it was just his mother who had brought it up and incoherently connected them together, thinking that her son was still unable to find someone.


    His father interrupted, ��Don��t talk anymore, it��s the next contestant��s turn.�� His father was never interested in watching such shows in the first ce, neither could he really understand them, but maybe due to his son, he enjoyed it quite a bit. If anyone spoke loudly, he would say that they bothered his watching of the show.


    His mother turned her attention back to the television and did not raise the subject of Zhang Ye finding a partner anymore. She asked anxiously, ��Who��s next? Is it a man or a woman? Is the performance good?��


    Zhang Ye smiled and kept them guessing. ��The next contestant will surely give both of you a great fright. Just watch, I won��t spoil it for you!��

 Chapter 693: Grandpa, could you cut it out!?

    <h4>Chapter 693: Grandpa, could you cut it out!? </h4>


    Chapter 693: Grandpa, could you cut it out!?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At a quarter past 9 PM, the next contestant was about to appear. Having been enticed by Zhang Ye with his description of the contestant, his parents kept their eyes on the TV screen and anticipated who woulde next. They wanted to know just how frightening this next contestant would be. Even Chenchen who was still eating the sausages nced curiously at the screen.


    But at this moment, Zhang Ye stood up from his chair. After filling his stomach, he took a napkin and wiped the garlic sauce and oil from his hand. He then went back into his room. He took out his phone and hesitated for a long while but still decided to call the number that was written on a note he had kept in his pocket. He had gotten this from the program team. It was an emergency contact number one of the contestants had put on their application form.


    He dialed the number.


    Du du. The call went through.


    Zhang Ye greeted: "Hello."


    It was a middle-aged man man who answered the phone: "Hello, who is this?"


    "Is this Mr. Zhou?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "That''s he, you are?" The middle-aged man asked, wondering what was going on.


    Zhang Ye said: "Are you and your mother together at the moment? I would like to look for Grandma Wang. I''m not sure if it''s convenient for her to answer the phone right now?"


    The middle-aged man said: "Looking for my mother? Are you arade from the Residents'' Committee? Or the Retirees'' Association?" Maybe it was because of Zhang Ye speaking very formally, the middle-aged man did not make much of it and wasn''t too suspecting. "OK, please wait, I''ll get her." Then a voice could be heard: "Mother, mother, a call for you."


    About five or so secondster, someone answered.


    It was a little old granny''s voice: "Hello, is this Little Li from themittee?"


    Zhang Ye said: "No, Grandma Wang, my name is Zhang Ye."


    "Zhang Ye?" Grandma Wang said while shaking her head. "Did you get the wrong number?''


    Zhang Ye said:"I didn''t get the wrong number. I understand that you might not know me, but I''m calling you with a rather presumptuous request. Could I get you to tune in to Central TV Department 1''s channel on TV?"


    Grandma Wang did not understand. "Eh?"


    Zhang Ye said: "You''ll understand when you see it."


    After saying that, Zhang Ye hung up because he did not know what else to say. He also didn''t know if he should be the one to say it, so he just hurriedly and briefly said a few words.


    On the other end.


    Grandma Wang was feeling very confused. "Who was that?"


    Her son, Mr. Zhou, said in surprise, "You don''t know that person?"


    "I don''t know him. He only asked me to take a look at Central TV Department 1''s channel now and then hung up after saying that." Grandma Wang''s television was on at the moment, but she was currently watching opera. She very much so enjoyed listening to opera.


    Mr. Zhou was quite speechless at that. "What did he mean by that? Was it a sales call? A phone scam?"


    Grandma Wang said, "I don''t know."


    "What''s there on Central TV Department 1? Oh, it''s Thursday today, isn''t it? I think it''s The Voice of China at this time. Many of my colleagues have been telling me how good it is. Eh, wait!" Mr. Zhou suddenly said, "What was the name of the person who called just now?"


    Grandma Wang thought for a moment. "He said he was��Zhang Ye?"


    Mr. Zhou was stunned. "Isn''t Zhang Ye that host? I think he joined Central TV Department 1 and The Voice seems to be produced by him!"


    "Host?" Grandma Wang thought, but she did not know any celebrities in person.


    Mr. Zhou was feeling very curious, so he switched over to Central TV Department 1. "Look, it''s really The Voice. I think it just started not too long ago. Could it really be Zhang Ye who called? That''s not possible, he''s such a superstar, why would he call our house? Just thinking about that seems impossible already! This is really weird!"


    Grandma Wang said, "If it''s a scam, then just ignore it. I want to continue watching my opera."


    "Can you watch the opera in a while? Let me take a look first." Mr. Zhou wondered about what kind of program The Voice actually was. "This show is very popr right now. Everyone in the country is talking about it. The viewership ratings have won hands down against all other variety shows in the same period. They also say that the contestants are all very good performers too. My colleagues told me that there was a bicycle repairman in the first episode who sang with an even more womanly voice than a woman could. That voice was really the best. Then there was another contestant��Ah!" As he rted to this part, he suddenly cried out in surprise. The words that wereing out from his mouth became stuck in his throat!


    Grandma Wang asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Mr. Zhou was shocked as he pointed at the television screen. His hand was trembling. "F-Father! It''s my father!"


    "What?" Grandma Wang expression also turned to shock. She turned her focus to the television and stared hard at it. Her eyes swirled with aplex mix of emotions!


    Mr. Zhou, who seemingly had seen a ghost, said, "What''s my father doing on TV!"


    Grandma Wang was silent for a moment, then uttered, "Change the channel!"


    "Mother��" Mr. Zhou said.


    "Change the channel!" Grandma Wang said firmly.


    Mr Zhou said, "Why do you want to change it? Just watch it. You''ve already divorced my father for seven or eight years years already. Each time he calls, you always hang up on him. Every time hees to look for you, you don''t even want to open the door for him. Whenever any of our neighbors mention my father''s name, you will give them an angry look. Just what are you trying to do? It''s not like my father has done something wrong. All he likes is singing, so why can''t you get over that after all these years."


    Grandma Wang said angrily, "Is that what he calls liking singing? He treats singing like it''s his life. When we were still young, your father would carry that guitar of his around every day and form whatever band or groups with his co-workers. If you say that he was young at that time, I''ll let it pass, but as we got older, he still did not change. After working at the factory for 20, 30 years, just because he wanted to pursue that dream of his, he took the golden handshake at work and left his job. All the golden handshake payment was good for was a few years of insurance payments, and he was left with no other ie. It''s not like you don''t know how much our family suffered during those years!"


    Mr Zhou said, "That still didn''t warrant getting a divorce from my father, did it!?"


    Grandma Wang resolutely said, "When he sang during his younger days, it was fine. But he''s already so old, yet he still keeps on thinking about that dream. Everyone has their destiny, and his is a worker. Why does he still not give up at his age! Does he not understand?! Only young people go on talent shows, what is he thinking stepping in and joining in on the fun?! That singing of his is so terrible, who would like it?"


    Mr Zhou seethed, "If you don''t want to watch, I will. I have never really heard my father singing a song before. Every time he tried to sing in the past, you would always pick a quarrel with him!"


    Grandma Wang scolded very harshly, but did not actually move from her seat. She remained on the sofa and her gaze was still on the TV set.


    ����


    Online.


    Many of the viewers were also raising a ruckus.


    "I''m gonna faint!"


    "I''m gonna faint +1!"


    "This��this��"


    "F**k me, why is there even an old man?"


    "I''m blind!"


    "Your sister! Theposition of the contestants in The Voice is way tooplicated! There''s a train driver, a P.E. teacher, a bicycle repairman, and now even a retiree?"


    "Teacher Zhang, I bow to you!"


    "Pfft! Does it need to be this funny?"


    "At that age, he still wants to join a talent show?"


    "This grandpa is really courageous, he can still sing at that age?"


    "Surely this must just be meeting the requirement of the number of contestants, right?"


    "Could he be intending to perform a square dance?" [1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_dancing_(China) ]


    The viewers in front of their TV sets found it bothughable and pitiful. They''d seen strange things, but never had they seen something this strange. A 60 year old stilling to take part in a talent showpetition? And it''s even a singingpetition? In all the other singing shows, even a 40 year old would be rare and would be considered an overaged contestant. They were all basically just contestants who would end up having that one appearance in thepetition before getting eliminated. After all, people at that age really weren''t in the condition for singing, not to mention what it would be like for a 60-year-old grandpa!


    Would you cut it out!?


    Grandpa, could you please cut it out!?

 Chapter 694: Zhou Danian! Zhou Danian!

    <h4>Chapter 694: Zhou Danian! Zhou Danian! </h4>


    Chapter 694: Zhou Danian! Zhou Danian!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The contestant''s intro clip yed:


    A 60-year-old grandpa appeared onscreen.


    "My name is Zhou Danian, everyone just calls me Old Zhou. About my life, I''ve really been a failure. When I was young, my dream was to be a singer. Even after many decades, my dream never changed. Many of my friends say that I must be mad, criticizing that I''m not mature and even my spouse who had been part of my life for many years filed for a divorce seven, eight years ago over my pursuit of my dream. She said that I couldn''t recognize what was real and what was a dream. She said that people our age shouldn''t be qualified to dream anymore. But I will never believe that, why is it that only young people have the right to pursue their dreams? Why can''t we old people also have a lifetime dream that we''ve been working with determination toward? I came to this stage today in hopes that my ex-wife and son can see me, that my ex-bandmates whom I had been ying music together with for so many years but given up now can see me, that those who tell me that I should not have such dreams can see me. I want to tell them that even though I might not turn out to be a capable singer, and I may have been wrong all my life, but I, Zhou Danian, have never given up. From my twenties to my sixties, I''ve been pushing forward for 40 years, working hard for 40 years, but I have never given up!"


    The audience was taken by surprise.


    "60 years old?"


    "He''s really that old?"


    "F**k, I just thought this man looked old."


    "This is making me dizzy. He''s already 60?"


    Even the industry insiders who were watching The Voice were feeling a genuine sense of powerlessness. They could not understand what Zhang Ye was trying to do. How did he even manage to get an old man like this from the preliminary auditions?


    The four coaches appeared onscreen looking a little lost, unsure of why the audience was so surprised. As only the four of them had their backs facing to the stage, they couldn''t see the contestants or know if they were a man or a woman, how tall they were, their looks, or age. They were totally clueless.


    ����


    At Grandma Wang''s house.


    Mr. Zhou drew a deep breath. "Mother, my father, he��"


    Grandma Wang stayed silent.


    In the past, Mr. Zhou also could not understand his father. He felt that the reason why his family hade to this point was due to his parents'' unrealistic dreams and aspirations. HIs parents argued very often and even ended up divorcing. Although he did not say it explicitly, he had always med his father for this, thinking that it was because his father had handled everything wrong. But now, after listening to his father''s intro clip, Mr Zhou was suddenly at a loss for words.


    ����


    On screen.


    Under the gaze of the countless TV viewers, Zhou Danian stepped up onto the stage. He held the microphone in his hand and walked up in a slow manner. He even had to climb the stairs one step at a time, unable to go two steps at once. From this, it could be seen that Zhou Danian was really getting old and no longer as strong as a younger person.


    Can this grandpa really do it?


    This old man could really sing?


    Everyone had the same question on their mind.


    The lights dimmed. 3, 2, 1�� the music red!


    It was the strumming of guitars. Even though the melody sounded a little different, it was still very familiar. Those who heard it immediately knew that this was the tune of an early rock song by Zhang Yuanqi that was very popr. A lot of people had sung it before, but never had they heard an old man singing it!


    "It''s ''I Don''t Believe''?"


    "Rock?"


    "Heavens! The grandpa is going to sing a rock song?"


    "What is this, just what is going on here?"


    "I was expecting a song from the ''70s, how did it turn out to be a rock song? A person that age can also sing such a mainstream pop song?"


    "Will that work?"


    "It''s definitely not going to be good on the ears! I have no clue what to say!"


    "It can''t possibly be good, can it?"


    "He even got divorced because of this? That''s really not worth it!"


    "If he sang an old song, it would be fine. But a rock song? You were already on the wrong path in the first ce, yet you persisted for 40 years? What''s the point of that?"


    "Rock essentially belongs to the younger people!"


    On screen, Zhou Danian was faced with the doubtful looks of the audience but did not seem to care. He had already long since gotten used to it, as he had been through all this countless times. Under the gaze of all these doubtful looks, he raised the microphone to his mouth and expressed all his experiences and emotions into the singing of the song. This was a song that he wanted to sing for himself!


    He opened his mouth.


    His voice came out.


    "After all the effort, all I could do was return in failure.


    "After all the fighting, all I could do was cry wishing for my dreams.


    "After all the thinking, why is my life so lowly?


    "After all thementing, why is my voice turning haggard!"


    One year��


    After another��


    Yet another year��


    Year by year, he grew older. Year by year, he became more bleary-eyed. Zhou Danian was just like how the lyrics were written��he had never had any sess in his lifetime before!


    The television audience suddenly fell silent!


    At the live venue of The Voice, it also suddenly became quiet!


    Many people were so surprised that their mouths could not stay closed. They were all shocked by that mature and gravelly bass voice. They simply could not believe their hearing, that this voice wasing out from the mouth of a 60-year-old man!


    Likewise, Zhou Danian''s son was also shocked at this. Both his eyes were staring wide at the television and he could not even speak coherently anymore. "This, my dad��this��"


    Grandma Wang was looking at her ex-husband on TV, as memories shed in front of her eyes.


    "How old are you already!"


    "I don''t want to just give up like that."


    "What''s wrong with you! Can''t you just ept your fate?"


    "I won''t give in!"


    "Even if you don''t ept, you still have to ept! Just spend our days peacefully and stop harping about your dreams!"


    "I''ve only had this one dream in my lifetime, can''t you just support me for once?"


    "I''ve had enough! We''re going to get a divorce!"


    "Xiaoyun! Let me try again! Let me try it for thest time! I can do it for sure!"


    "Don''t say any more. It doesn''t matter how many times you try it! That is not the life you were meant for!"


    Suddenly, right after Zhou Danian''s bassy voice took a breath, he screamed in a high-pitched voice, with the power of a bomb exploding!


    "I don''t believe that my life is worse than others!


    "I don''t believe that my luck is worse than others!


    "I don''t believe that my path is always tough!


    "I don''t believe that my dreams will nevere true!"


    The screaming got higher and higher pitched, inming every household that was tuned in on their televisions! It was too explosive!


    "I don''t believe that my life is worse than others!


    "I don''t believe that I have no talent!


    "I don''t believe that I''m destined to be a lowly person!


    "I don''t believe that my songs will be left unanswered forever!!!"


    The coaches could not longer hold themselves back anymore!


    Zhang Yuanqi turned!


    Zhang Xia turned!


    Chen Guang turned!


    Fan Wenli turned!


    The four coaches all hit their buttons and turned around within one second of each other. If a voice like that could not earn their approval, then nothing would!


    However, when they saw the contestant, the four coaches all broke down!


    Fan Wenli screamed, "Ah!"


    Zhang Xia also had a fright. "Aiyo, my god!"


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "It''s a grandpa?"


    Chen Guang held his head in his hands, looking like he couldn''t ept it. "Holy shit!"


    When they were listening to this voice with the backs facing the stage, they could hear that the contestant had some age and life experience from the way he sang with his mature and gravelly voice. But even so, it only sounded like a 40-year-old or so, not 60 or above. Who would have thought that it would be an old man! What they saw had truly given the four coaches a shock. This was really just too surprising! This person sang so well! If anyone told them that they were listening to a 60-year-old grandpa perform when their backs were turned, they would never have believed it! Besides, this was a rock song!!


    The power required in a rock song, the soul and emotions, all of these were expressed fully by the old man. Everyone who heard it could feel their blood boiling with excitement!


    "Heavens! Heavens! Heavens!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "How awesome! "That was such a strong performance!"


    "This grandpa is so damn cool!"


    "Ahhh! I''ve got goosebumps all over my body!"


    "How cool! This grandpa is really too awesome!"


    "F*ck me, how did he sing it so well! HIs vocals seem to be even more aggressive than a young man! Is he really a 60-year-old grandpa? Now it feels more like he''s just 16!"


    "Awesome!"


    "The Voice is awesome!"


    "This stage is too attractive! This is what music is about! This is what you call singing!"


    The audience cheered!


    Everyone was shouting excitedly. On screen, many of the audience members could be seen standing up and holding up their hands, waving them around crazily, feeling very pumped up from the performance!


    At this moment, the music slowed down as the drum kicks faded away.


    When the audience was thinking that Zhou Danian would repeat the chorus and let the rhythm pump up the audience again, the music began to slow instead. The original version of Zhang Yuanqi''s "I Don''t Believe" arrangement and lyrics were changed by Zhou Danian. He added in a conclusion, a type of response lyrics into the ending.


    Zhou Danian''s face looked a little haggard, his voice sounding very light yet deep. Compared to his screaming earlier, it sounded like he was mumbling to himself as he sang:


    "Perhaps my life is worse than others."


    "Perhaps I really have no talent."


    "Perhaps I''m destined to be a lowly person."


    "Perhaps songs will be left unanswered forever."


    It was the end of the song!


    The music slowly came to an end as well!


    Zhang Yuanqi was already leading everyone to stand up and giving her sincerest apuse!


    Everyone in the studio also stood up with warm apuse for him!


    ����


    Hearing her ex-husband screaming on the show, Grandma Wang did not seem to have much of a reaction. But when he starting singing the parts of his rhetorical answers of "perhaps," Grandma Wang immediately held her face in her hands and unexpectedly started crying. She was crying so hard that it sounded like she would not stop at anytime soon.


    Her son said, "Mother! So��my father sings this well!"


    Grandma Wang pressed her hands against her eyes, unable to stop crying. "Old Zhou! Wu wu wu wu!"


    The feud between his parents, theplex rtionship between them. As their son, he might not ever fully understand all of it, but when he saw his mother at this moment, he could guess that, perhaps she had already forgiven his father. Perhaps she already understood his father!


    Dong dong dong!


    The door was being knocked on.


    When Mr. Zhou went to open the door, he saw his old neighbor excitedly shouting, "Little Zhou, your father''s on TV! Your father''s on TV!"


    Mr. Zhou said, "I saw it!"


    The old neighbor said, "Did your mother see it as well?"


    "We''re both watching," Mr. Zhou replied. "My mother is feeling a little emotional right now!"


    Then some footsteps came thumping from the stairwell. Another old neighbor who looked to be past 50 years old came over, shouting, "Sister Wang! Your spouse''s on TV! He sang really well! He sang really well!! I never knew my Brother Zhou had such a hidden talent! So his singing is actually this good! Did you see it, Sister Wang? The four coaches all turned around for Brother Zhou! You have a star in your family! Brother Zhou''s really great!"


    When the other neighbors heard themotion, they too came out into the corridor.


    "What''s happening?"


    "What happened?"


    "Quickly go and watch Central TV Department 1! Old Zhou''s on a TV show!"


    "What?"


    "Are you sure?"


    "Central TV Department 1? Isn''t that The Voice?"


    "Yeah, Old Zhou went and performed a song! He sang great!"


    "Really? Aiyo!"


    "I must go and watch the rerun!"


    The phone in their house started to constantly ringing. Many of their rtives and friends were all calling Grandma Wang, and even an ex-bandmate of Zhou Danian from his younger days called. They had not expected that, years after they had given up, Zhou Danian had actually continued with determination to sing and perform. They spoke to Grandma Wang for a very long time, saddened by what had happened but also feeling happy at the same time for Zhou Danian!


    40 years!


    After 40 years of determination, Zhou Danian had finally proven himself on the stage of The Voice. He had finally fulfilled that long-awaited dream, so what else could he be happier about than this?


    On TV, the coaches'' arguing segment finished. The coaches were all fighting over the contestant, but it ended up with the original singer of "I Don''t Believe," Zhang Yuanqi, sessfully pulling Zhou Danian over to her team!


    Chen Guang felt so regretful about this that he mmed his hand onto the table, but still ended up raising both his arms to lead the audience to shout for Zhou Danian. "Let us all show our respect to the man who has not given up on his dreams of being a musician after years and years! He sang very well! This is the first time I''ve heard a rock song that moved me so much! It''s also the voice that touched me the most! No matter what happens from here, Grandpa Zhou, you''ll always be the champion of The Voice in my heart!"


    "Zhou Danian!"


    "Zhou Danian!"


    "Zhou Danian!"


    "Zhou Danian!"


    The entire studio audience''s blood was boiling passionately. They hailed him in unison, creating an extremely impressive atmosphere in the venue!

 Chapter 695: The second episode’s viewership ratings released!

    <h4>Chapter 695: The second episode''s viewership ratings released! </h4>


    Chapter 695: The second episode''s viewership ratings released!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The second episode was on fire!


    The Voice was once again so popr!


    After the program''s broadcast ended at 10:30 PM, the topic of discussion online was again focused on The Voice. The threads and Weibo posts regarding the program were exponentially soaring. If described on a linear graph, the angle of elevation would be at 10 or 20 degrees before the program began. But starting from 9 PM, the angle of elevation was almost at 90 degrees. The feast of The Voice was once again spreading through the Inte. Countless people were going crazy and screaming for The Voice once more!


    "The second episode was amazing to watch!"


    "I love Yuan Tong!"


    "Who cares about Yuan Tong!"


    "Yeah, Grandpa Zhou was the awesome one!"


    "Supporting this up like crazy, I really love Grandpa Zhou as well!"


    "How crazy is this! Grandpa Zhou was rockin'' ''n'' rollin''! Countless Likes for that!"


    "This episode is very impressive too! Who says that The Voice''s second episode might not meet everyone''s expectations? It''s clearly a good surprise! And obviously as awesome as the first episode! I should''ve known that Teacher Zhang would never let us down! Why? There is no why! It''s simply because he is Zhang Ye! This name is basically a seal of quality and is synonymous with creating miracles!"


    "Having watched so many of Zhang Ye''s programs like Lecture Room, Zhang Ye''s Talk Show and The Voice, I''m beginning to realize how great Zhang Ye is!"


    "I''d heard of Zhang Ye''s name some time ago and knew a little about him, but it was only through The Voice that I started liking him, though I''ve heard that his reputation isn''t very good?"


    "Pfft, it''s far worse than ''not very good''!"


    "Haha, has Teacher Zhang ever had a reputation before?"


    "For him, he''s always ''fighting'' with his fellow peers, and many people in the industry can''t wait for him to be brought down, so it would be strange if anyone actually had a good opinion of him. But to usmon folk, Zhang Ye is still quite a good person. He''s loyal, honest, capable, and dares to do what he says. Let me just put it this way for you, my friend. In the entertainment, literary, educational, and crosstalk circles, Zhang Ye is the only person to have scolded or offended almost half of all his peers, but still survived well in these industries. No one could do anything about this guy at all! Just think about it. From all of that alone, you can see how capable Zhang Ye is. If it were any other celebrity, if they even offended someone from just one industry, they would probably have been condemned many times already, let alone offending so many people from so many industries! Only Zhang Ye has been an exception, that''s why so many people are calling him a ''wonder'' of the entertainment circle, because this guy has truly been too wondrous!"


    "The Voice is really a program of very high standards!"


    "After the second episode has been broadcast, there shouldn''t be anymore doubters of The Voice, right? I''m afraid there shouldn''t even be the slightest bit of doubt to be found around here anymore!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang is face smacking again!"


    "I can already feel the pain of those industry insiders!"


    "Hehe, that might not be true. Many of Zhang Ye''s industry peers are his lifetime adversaries, so they won''t just stop doubting because of this incident. I''m quite sure they still have many people who won''t give up just yet. They''re probably waiting for the release of the viewership ratings for The Voice''s second episode at this moment. After all, the statistics reflect the situation in the most practical sense!"


    "I''m waiting for it too!"


    "I wonder how high the second episode be."


    "The Voice is way ahead at the moment, so if there''s anyone who could beat The Voice''s first episode''s record of the viewership ratings for the past three years, then I''m afraid that it can only be The Voice itself!"


    ����


    The next day.


    At Central TV Tower.


    In The Voice''s program team office.


    When Zhang Ye reached the office, almost all of his colleagues were already there. Everyone had arrived very early today and congregated to discuss thest night''s broadcast. The second episode''s recording was finished several days ago, including the blind auditions for the third and fourth episodes. The program team staff had watched all of these in the recording studio, so logically they shouldn''t have been so excited about the broadcasted episode. However, there was an essential difference between watching it live and on television because the feeling and atmosphere were totally different. What was broadcast on television had gone through the editing process first, with the contestants'' intro clips and their interviews added in and the overall pace of the episode optimized. The final broadcast footage was radically different from watching it live. Together with post-production color correction added, the quality and atmosphere were raised by several levels when watching it on television. As a result, when the staff watched it, they also felt very excited, especially when Zhou Danian''s segment came up. Many of them even cried as it was so moving.


    "Director Zhang!"


    "You''re here?"


    "Good morning, Director Zhang."


    A few of them greeted.


    Ha Qiqi came up and said, "Director Zhang,st night''s episode was edited great!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Using my rmendations when editing, the effects turned out rather well, didn''t it? The suggestion you had before had a much slower pace. If we had done it that way, the audience definitely would not have approved of it."


    Ha Qiqi gave a wry smile. "My suggestion was just in ordance with the industry''s rmended practices, but when I saw the edit based on your suggestion and guidance, I realized that the rmended practices of our industry are really getting��old-fashioned."


    Zhang Ye said, "That might not be true, since every program has its own style and rhythm. As long as we find a suitable approach, it should be good enough." When it came to the production of The Voice, whether it be the recording or post-production processes, Zhang Ye had strictly adhered to the version from his previous world. He fully trusted and respected the style of the version that had matured and been epted by the audience of his previous world.


    Little Wang, who was not too concerned about the post-production or editing, quickly asked, "Are the viewership ratings out yet, Director Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I don''t think so."


    Wu Yi gulped. "Do you think that the second episode will surpass the first one?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "Who can ever predict something like that? There''s really no point in thinking about or analyzing it so much. We can only see if the audience will ept it and wait for the final tabtion of the statistics."


    At around 10:30 AM.


    The viewership rating statistics for Thursday''s variety shows were released!


    Zhang Ye was in his office when he found out the news. It was Little Wang who who hurriedly came knocking on his door to tell him about it. "Director Zhang! Director Zhang! It''s released, it''s been released!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "You scared me for a second there."


    Little Wang was very excited. "Quickly take a look at the viewership ratings!"


    "Let me take a look then." Zhang Ye took the viewership ratings report Little Wang handed to him. When he saw the first row, the words The Voice of China were written there!


    The Voice''s second episode viewership ratings: 2.11%!


    Building on the ratings of the first episode, it had increased by another 0.1%!


    It must be known that this was actually an absolutely astonishing result. That''s because, of this world''s variety shows, most of them only got viewership ratings of around 0.5%, so an increase of 0.1% was clearly not a small amount!


    Zhang Ye smiled a little. "It''s quite alright."


    Little Wang however did not feel that it was quite alright. Outside, among all the other staff of The Voice, no one else thought it was quite alright either. To them, the result was basically defying allmon sense and everyone was getting extremely excited over it. The first episode had already broken the 2-point rating! But the second episode had set yet another new, national record in the viewership ratings of variety shows in recent years! It had utterly defeated all of the other variety shows in the same time slot! The release of the second episode''s viewership ratings had given a strong boost to their program team and Central TV Department 1. Only at this moment did they finally have the courage to say that Central TV Department 1 had made a strong return to the variety scene and reimed its position as Big Brother! And the hero of this victory was no doubt Zhang Ye. Zhang Ye had used a show that no one took seriously, and surprisingly led Central TV to defiantly sweep the entire domestic variety show industry!


    No one could stop them!


    No one couldpare to them!


    This was absolute carnage!


    It was a battle that no others had a chance to win!


    ����


    Online.


    The congrattory messages came flooding in in the tens of thousands!


    "Although it was expected, it still came as a surprise!"


    "Not only did the second episode''s viewership rating not drop, it even increased by 0.1%!"


    "That''s too frightening! The Voice is going to be unstoppable at this rate!"


    "Damn! F**k!"


    "Come and see, quickly! The Voice is defying allmon sense again!"


    "Hahaha, those industry insiders who constantly criticize The Voice can finally give up! Their statements will express: ''We will take some days off to recharge. When Zhang Ye is out with another new work, we will be back again. A lifetime of criticism, a lifetime of insults, we will never give up, we will never waver!''"


    "Congrattions Teacher Zhang!"


    "How exciting!"


    "In recent years, many people have been saying that Central TV Department 1 is getting old and no longer has its status like back in its glorious past. But they seem to have forgotten that a starving camel is still bigger than a horse. What Central TV Department 1cked was probably only someone great like Zhang Ye who can turn the tide for them. Today, after staying silent for some years, Central TV Department 1 is finally back! The once Big Brother of the variety world is finally making aeback!"


    "The giant is attacking again! Beware, all satellite channels!"


    "I''m delighted, Face-smacking Zhang''s nth battle with his industry peers has him walking away with thestugh again!"


    "With the excitement of The Voice, the variety show industry will once again warm up. Zhang Ye has not only saved Central TV Department 1, he has saved the entire variety world!"


    "Central TV Department 1 joining hands with Zhang Ye, thergest televisionwork in the industry together with the most outstanding program nner of the industry, who could stop them?"


    "Congrattions, The Voice has set another record!"


    "2.11% ! You are really goddamn going ''to see all other summits dwarfed, and savor the scene''!"


    "The legend continues!"


    "The Voice fully deserves this honor!"


    "Teacher Zhang, well done!"


    "Really awesome! An awesome show! Awesome contestants! And also, an awesome host! This day will surely be forever remembered in the history of the variety world! This is certainly the era that great heroes will emerge from! Starting today, the variety world has officially stepped into the ''Era of Zhang Ye''!"


    "He who gains Zhang Ye can rule the world!"


    ����


    In the office.


    Zhang Ye was checking his rankings on the Celebrity Rankings Index website. In the B-list celebrity rankings, he immediately spotted his current position.


    Third fromst!


    Not too long ago, he was inst ce, but after two episodes of The Voice, Zhang Ye had been soaring in poprity and jumped two spots up on the B-list rankings in just a short time! It should be known that the gap between the celebrities in the B-list was muchrger than those in the C- or D-lists, the disparity between each cing was much greater. Just from Zhang Ye''s promotion from the C-list to the B-list rankings, it could be seen how difficult it was. He had spent a long period of time increasing his poprity score before he sessfully got into the B-list rankings. But now, after just a short time of two episodes, Zhang Ye as a host of The Voice, who although did not have much appearance time, with his show of reciting those advertising messages, his poprity had once again soared. This was very quick for the fact that he was in the B-list rankings!


    At the beginning of the year, Zhang Ye had been thinking of trying to aim for bing a B-list celebrity. He would have been satisfied as long as he could get into the B-list rankings. But who knew that just after a short two months, not only did Zhang Ye reach his goal, he was already heading straight for the A-list celebrity rankings! Although there was still a long way to go, his momentum was obvious. He was already safe from dropping down into the C-list rankings due to his instability and need not worry about being overtaken by Chen Ye anymore!


    The show was on fire!


    His poprity was soaring!


    After all these days of setbacks and busy days, Zhang Ye''s mood today was the best. He was humming a song in his office, finally able to get a breather. Zhang Ye was very satisfied of his own performance during this time. After getting past all the hard work and tiredness from working, he was already reaping the rewards!


    Although the people who did not like him still continued to dislike him, and the industry peers he had offended were still aiming for him to fall, Zhang Ye did not care about any of those. He clearly understood that for a celebrity in the entertainment industry, the most important thing was poprity. Poprity and fame were the bases that these celebrity needed to get a say in things. Nothing else mattered!

 Chapter 696: The Higher Education Entrance Examination Board’s Invitation!

    <h4>Chapter 696: The Higher Education Entrance Examination Board''s Invitation! </h4>


    Chapter 696: The Higher Education Entrance Examination Board''s Invitation!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Viewership ratings of The Voice''s second episode had pped many people''s faces once again!


    The people loved it!


    The media were fighting to get their coverage out!


    The industry was silent in unison!


    Those who were waiting tough at Zhang Ye and The Voice, hoping that the show''s second episode would plunge, were also made to shut up. Some people even sneakily deleted their Weibo posts or forumments that cast doubt onto Zhang Ye and his new program, making it seem like nothing had been said at all.


    It was business as usual.


    Earth still continued to spin.


    At this point, the battle between Zhang Ye and a part of the industry wasid to rest.


    ����


    In the afternoon.


    At the bottom of the television station tower, at a restaurant on the northern side of Bayi Lake, Zhang Ye paid out of pocket and gave another celebratory meal to everyone in the program team.


    "Director Zhang, a toast to you."


    "Alright, but I''ll use tea on behalf of beer."


    "It''s the weekend tomorrow, do we still have work to do?"


    "No, there''s nothing else. Everyone will have their full days off to rest for a few days!"


    "Oh!"


    "Great!"


    "We can finally get some rest!"


    The Voice was already progressing as nned. Whether it was the production process or the viewership ratings, there was nothing to worry about anymore. Everything was heading towards the best possible oue. It was all in control of the hands of Zhang Ye and his team. At this moment, the entire program team staff could finally all rx. Their days of being pressured by the deadlines and stressed out by work were finally over!


    A middle-aged female editor of the program team said, "Director Zhang, I want to inform you about this in advance. In a few days, I might have to take two days off as my son is getting ready for his college entrance exam. Since my husband is too busy, I will have to stay and help him revise and make ast sprint to the college entrance examination. And there''s still meals to be cooked too. I''m going to be so busy in the next few days."


    Zhang Ye wondered, "The college entrance exam has not started yet?"


    "Not yet, it''s only the beginning of June now," the female editor said.


    "When is the college entrance exam?" Zhang Ye asked, feeling unsure about it.


    AD Zhang Zuo thought that Zhang Ye was just joking, so heughed. "The college entrance exam is held at the end of June every year. Director Zhang, did you forget because you''ve been too busy?"


    "Late June?" Zhang Ye repeated.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Yes, it''s only about a little more than ten days from now."


    He didn''t forget, nor was he ying dumb. Zhang Ye really did not know. In his previous world, the college entrance examination had been changed some years back to fall on usually the 7th or 8th of June. It had always been like that ever since. After he had been suspended from Peking University, Zhang Ye hadn''t been paying much attention to news like this as he had been very busy with The Voice''s production work, so he even thought that the college entrance exam was already over. Only now did he find out that the date of this world''s college entrance exam was slightly different from his previous world''s. The college entrance exam questions and the order of subjects being tested were going likely going to be different over here as well then.


    Wu Yi said, "Sister Li, how''s your son doing academically?"


    Sister Li said, "It''s quite good, but our home does not fall under Beijing''s household registration, even though my son goes to school in Beijing. For the exam, we would have to go back to our old ce. That''s why I''m feeling quite worried."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Isn''t it the same wherever you take the exam?"


    Sister Li waved her hands. "It''s not the same, not the same at all. These days, the questions are all set independently by the provinces. The Beijing college entrance exam is always easy every year. The admission cutoff point is also lower, so there''s definitely less pressure. But it''s not the same for other provinces, some are more difficult and some are even easier, so it all depends on your luck."


    Ha Qiqi could not understand why. "The Beijing examination is easier?"


    Sister Li snorted. "Yes, much more easier too."


    Zhang Ye asked with a smile, "Has your son expressed the university he would like to get into?"


    She nodded and said with some pride in her voice, "His first choice is Peking University."


    Ha Qiqi sounded somewhat impressed as she said, "Then your son must be very academically inclined!"


    "He''s not too bad as long as he can fulfill his potential. Then there''s a good chance." The female editor said, "If my son really gets into Peking University, then I will treat everyone to a feast! That''s a promise."


    Zhang Zuo smiled and said, "Sister Li, you should be treating Director Zhang to a feast instead. He''s the one who is a true Chinese Department lecturer and Math Department associate professor at Peking University."


    Sister Li immediately smiled. "I will definitely be treating. I was still hoping that after my son gets admitted into Peking University, Director Zhang would be able to look after him."


    Zhang Ye shrugged while smiling and said, "I''ve already been suspended for the past semester, so I doubt that I would be able to go back to teach this year. But if your son does apply for the Chinese or Math Department, I still do know quite a few teachers personally, so if there''s any problems, they would help me look out for him. Let''s talk about that when it happens."


    "Since you''ve already given me your word, let me toast you." Sister Li looked happy, then she picked up her ss of orange juice and clinked it against Zhang Ye''s ss.


    Zhang Ye said, "I hope your son will be able to get what he wants."


    Suddenly, his cell phone starting buzzing inside his pocket. It was a call.


    When he took it out to check the number, the caller ID showed Pan Yang''s name��the Dean of the School of Mathematical Sciences. He found it strange that Dean Pan would call him at such a time, so he told everyone at the table to continue without him first and excused himself. He went outside to answer the call.


    Zhang Ye: "Hello?"


    Pan Yang: "Hello, Professor Zhang."


    Zhang Ye: "Dean Pan, don''t address me like that, just call me Little Zhang."


    Pan Yang: "Hur hur, then I will call you Teacher Zhang instead. Are you outside?"


    Zhang Ye: "I was just eating lunch, what is it that you''re looking for me for?"


    Pan Yang: "There''s something, but it''s difficult to exin over the phone. Shall we meet up instead?"


    Zhang Ye: "What time?"


    Pan Yang: "It''s best if we could meet now."


    Zhang Ye: "So rushed? It might not be possible now, I''m still not off work yet."


    Pan Yang: "Oh, I remember now. You''ve recently created a new TV show and it seems like it''s doing rather well in the nation as well now, isn''t it? Hmm, then why don''t you tell me when you will be free? What time do you finish work?"


    Zhang Ye: "Why don''t you tell me what''s the matter first so that I won''t feel so unsettled."


    After a moment''s pause, Pan Yang said: "Alright then, it''s actually fine to tell you over the phone since it''s not too big an issue. I''m looking for you mainly regarding this year''s college entrance exam papers in Beijing."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback: "Huh?"


    Pan Yang said: "I have been appointed as the supervisor of this year''s question setting team for the Beijing college entrance exam. The questions for the examination were already set and ready for the Mathematics, Chinese Literature, English Language, Arts, and Science sections, including a few alternate question sets. But we have suddenly encountered a situation in which all of those question sets were not approved by the board. The Beijing college entrance exam has never been too difficult. It was going to be the same this year, so the leaders on the Board of Education wanted to add more difficulty to it. If they had let us know earlier, it would have been fine since everyone could''ve discussed and slowly refined the exam standards. But we don''t have much time anymore. The college entrance exam will take ce in just over ten days. The tests have to be ready before that, which means we have to confirm the rough draft by next Monday at thetest. That leaves us with just around three days to n, get approval from the Board, and settle the printing of the papers. It seems like we won''t be able to make it in time. That''s why the question setting team members are all reaching out for help from their friends right now. The more people we have, the faster we can get it done. The first person I thought of when I knew our Mathematics section needed someone was you."


    Zhang Ye said nervously: "Dean Pan, you have a group of professors, deans, and PhDs there with you, surely it wouldn''t trouble you all to increase the difficulty level of the exam''s questions, would it?"


    Pan Yang: "It''s different. Of course it would be easy to increase the difficulty. We could just grab anyone from our team to set an exam consisting of questions that even a research student would not be able to solve. That would definitely be easy, but it''s different for setting questions for the college entrance exam. The difficulty is not done for the sake of causing trouble to the students; it''s just to filter out the students to pick out who is good. That is why the question not only needs to have value, it also needs to be presented so that a high school student would be able to solve it with their knowledge and understanding. That''s not an easy thing to do, do you understand? Suppose I throw a mathematical conjecture into the exam. Then the questions would surely be very difficult, but the students definitely couldn''t answer it, and even I wouldn''t be able to solve it, so what''s the point in that? Increasing the difficulty is not the objective, what we want is to screen the examinees."


    "I see," Zhang Ye responded vaguely.


    Pan Yang: "So what do you say? Would it be convenient for you to join us?"


    Zhang Ye: "I''ve never set exam questions before. It seems like you really trust me."


    Pan Yangughed: "But I''ve seen the problems that you''ve given before."


    "Oh? What problems did I give?" Zhang Ye did not remember.


    "The few problems you gave when you were at Experimental Primary School. Those were quite interesting and had a standard of difficulty to them. It''s also philosophical in nature and quite interesting at the same time," Pan Yang said.


    Zhang Ye sighed: "But those are elementary math questions."


    Pan Yangughed loudly: "Don''t underestimate that. It''s hardest to set questions for elementary math. If you ask me to make a question at my own level, I can design it to be interesting and good, but that''s because I am at this level and I know what is difficult and what is easy for people like me. But if you need me to set a question for the elementary level, then I will truly be at my wits'' end. To me, those questions are all the same, they''re all too simple. Because of that, it bes harder to differentiate between what''s hard and easy. On this front, you have an advantage as you are able to bring yourself down to their level of thinking to understand the difficulty level for them. This is a quality that any excellent exam question setter must have, and from those few questions of yours, it already proves that you are really much better at setting questions than us. Otherwise, I wouldn''t havee to you for help."


    Zhang Ye jokingly said: "You''re praising me to the high heavens. I feel like if I didn''t agree, I would be letting you down."


    Pan Yang: "Then it''s settled."


    Zhang Ye confirmed: "All you want are difficult questions, right?"


    Pan Yang acknowledged: "But solvable within the context of an examinee, though we prefer it to be as difficult as possible!"


    "Are you sure? What if the questions are too difficult, what then? Won''t everyone curse me to death?" Zhang Ye had some concerns about this.


    Pan Yang was tickled: "The question setter for the college entrance exam has always been a scapegoat. If you make the questions too easy, examinees from other provinces and autonomous regions will scold you, iming that the Beijing question setter has low standards and how well they would do if they took their exam here instead. But if you make it too difficult, the Beijing examinees will scold you, saying that you have something against them. So no matter what, you won''t be able to escape criticism. That''s also a reason why many teachers do not like being appointed to the college entrance examination''s question setting team."


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted. "Then why did you still ask me?"


    Pan Yang''s answer left Zhang Ye annoyed but amused. "You''re still afraid of being scolded? Online, on TV, in the media, has any day passed without you getting scolded by a multitude of people?"


    Zhang Ye: "��Noment."


    Pan Yang said: "Besides, every province will be setting their own questions and determining their own admission cutoff points. If a province''s exam questions are too difficult, nobody will do well and the mean will also be low. Then the entry cutoff points will also be lower and it will all be rtively the same, so that is still going to be a fair assessment. We are not purposely trying to turn away examinees here, rather trying to see their standards. The standard of Beijing''s exam has long been criticized by people, so the Board has hardened its heart this year and wants to bring a change to the style and thought behind the exam questions. That is why I think you''re free to unleash whatever you can think of, regardless of how difficult it is. We''re just afraid that it won''t be difficult enough! I am very curious about the type of questions you will create if you were assigned to present thest three major questions of the Mathematics section of the exam."


    Zhang Ye thought for a bit then said: "Alright then, let me consult with my director at work first."


    Pan Yang: "It''s rather urgent, so try to give me your answer by today."


    "Sure," Zhang Ye said.


    Actually, Zhang Ye already had a decision!


    Not just anyone could quality as a question setter for the college entrance examination. Although Pan Yang had mentioned that many teachers did not wish to be one, it was actually just an offhand remark. If the question setting team truly sent an invitation, hardly any teachers would reject such an opportunity, because it would be an honor and also a very strong acknowledgment of an educator''s contributions. This acknowledgment did not mean much to Zhang Ye. What he ced more importance on for this appointment was the fame he would receive from it. In recent times, The Voice had brought Zhang Ye an enormous amount of reputation and let him taste the sweetness of his poprity soaring again. But he knew that if he were to achieve his target of bing an A-list celebrity this year, then just that amount of reputation was not enough. He had to find the quickest way to get promoted to the A-list rankings, so it was impossible to not take the unconventional path. Another source of fame would always be good. And since his work here was already bing cyclical, it wouldn''t matter to have some "fun" on the college entrance examination''s question setting team!


    He would be idle anyway!


    So why not earn some fame with a "part-time" job!

 Chapter 697: The Chinese Literature team approaches too!

    <h4>Chapter 697: The Chinese Literature team approaches too! </h4>


    Chapter 697: The Chinese Literature team approaches too!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    After the meal.


    Zhang Ye headed straight to the deputy director''s office at Central TV Department 1. When he got there, Jiang Yuan was not around and probably still at lunch. After waiting for around 15 minutes, Jiang Yuan finally returned.


    "Eh, Little Zhang?" Jiang Yuan saw him as he walked out from the elevator.


    Zhang Ye was sitting on the sofa near the elevator lobby. "Director Jiang."


    "What are you doing here? Are you looking for me for something?" Jiang Yuan asked.


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "There''s something I need to discuss with you. Can we speak in your office?"


    Jiang Yuan was already walking in front of him. "Sure,e in."


    When the two of them were inside, Zhang Ye got straight to the point. "Director Jiang, I need to apply for a long leave from the station as I have something to attend to." On seeing Jiang Yuan stunned, he continued, "Just now, someone from the Beijing question setting team for the college entrance exam contacted me and informed me of a situation that had arisen on their side which they need me to go over to assist them with."


    Jiang Yuan was taken aback. "The college entrance exam''s question setting team?"


    Zhang Ye confirmed, then said, "They were quite urgent about it and only just contacted me, so I wasn''t prepared for it either."


    Jiang Yuan remained silent for a while before saying, "I heard that those who are responsible for proposing the college entrance exam questions can''t return to their homes or contact the outside world even after finishing their work? The college entrance exam will only begin at the end of the month. If The Voice''s program team does not have their executive director around, how are they going to handle their work? Your new program has just started making good progress after two episodes have been broadcast, and although the viewership ratings are very satisfying and ced first nationwide for now, you can''t be rxing just because of that."


    Zhang Ye said, "I know that, but during the recording a few days ago, we''ve already recorded three episodes in a row, so the recordings for the broadcasts for next Thursday and the following Thursday are already finished. I also personally supervised the post-production of those episodes yesterday, so there shouldn''t be any sh with the times. When the exams are over, I will be back to quickly continue with the production of the recording of the fifth episode''s blind audition of The Voice. Please don''t worry. There won''t be any dys with the program''s recording."


    Jiang Yuan nodded. "That''s fine then."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "That''s why I''m here to consult you first."


    "Hai, I shouldn''t be approving your request for leave." Jiang Yuan said, "You should understand that The Voice''s program team is managed single-handedly by you. Besides you, none of them can take up this difficult task. If any unexpected situation urs, I''m afraid the rest of the program team staff would not be able to handle it. I''m a little worried about them if you''re not around." Hesitating a little, he added, "But to be part of the college entrance examination''s question setting team is also an honor and not an opportunity thates knocking frequently. It doesn''t seem appropriate if I don''t allow you to go. Well, try your best tomunicate with college entrance exam team to see if you can at least stay in contact on the phone at all times."


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure, I will try to do so."


    Jiang Yuan said, "Alright then, when you get back to the office, inform your program team staff about it. Settle whatever needs to be settled and do a proper handover."


    "Sure." Zhang Ye excused himself and left.


    ����


    Downstairs.


    In The Voice''s program team office.


    When Zhang Ye came back, he immediately pped his hands to grab everyone''s attention and gather them around. "Everyone, stop whatever you''re doing now. I have something to announce."


    Everyone looked over.


    "Eh?"


    "Director Zhang, please speak."


    "Do you have any instructions for us?"


    In the end, Zhang Ye said something surprising to all, "I''ll go on a long leave for the next two weeks, so I''ll be leaving the work here to all of you!"


    The moment the staff heard this, it stirred amotion.


    "Ah?"


    "You''ve applied for leave?"


    "For about two weeks? For more than ten days?"


    "Who will be in charge over here if you aren''t around!?"


    "Man, Director Zhang, can you stop fooling around? We''ll be lost without you around!"


    From the proposal nning of The Voice to the pulling in of sponsors and organizing the preliminary auditions, all these stages of production were fully handled by Executive Director Zhang Ye alone. When they heard that he was going to drop everything at work, no one could get used to it.


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s only for a little more than ten days of work. Since we''ve already recorded the next two episodes, when the timees, you all can just hand it over to the other department to handle. It''s not like you all are responsible for the broadcast and other tasks, so there isn''t really anything to handle either. At most you all will have to follow my ns and instructions to promote the program, rify any rumors, handle the forums, and create some discussion topics. Surely you don''t need me around for such minor tasks, do you? In a while, I''ll refine the remaining work processes for everyone. If you have any questions, you can ask me now. We will discuss and solve any issues that you all might have. After 2 PM, I will not be around in the office anymore and will only return at the end of the month."


    Little Wang took a deep breath and said, "Then, then should we call you if an unexpected situation urs?"


    Zhang Ye said, "My affairs are a littleplicated in theing days, so I might not be able to be contacted on the phone. In any case, try to solve the problems by yourselves. There shouldn''t be a possibility of an unexpected situation." He only dared to go on leave for that many days because he had already thought of all the possible scenarios and felt that there shouldn''t be any incidents happening.


    The program recording was already done.


    Any unexpected scenarios were nned for.


    If an incident still urred, then all of you should just quit. That would mean that everyone has just been dawdling around!


    ����


    An hourter.


    A little before 2 PM.


    While Zhang Ye was taking the elevator down, he made a call to Pan Yang: "Hello, Dean Pan. I''ve settled my things over here and applied for leave already. Where are you guys currently?"


    Pan Yang: "You''re at Central TV Tower?"


    Zhang Ye: "Yes."


    Pan Yang: "Then let me get someone to pick you up."


    Zhang Ye: "I can drive there myself."


    Pan Yang: "This location is confidential, I''ll get someone to pick you instead."


    Zhang Ye: "I see. Fine, I''ll inform security about it. Ask the driver toe in by the side gate for staff and just tell security that he''s looking for me. I''ll be waiting at the smoking area on the first floor."


    Pan Yang: "OK, I''ll arrange it."


    Zhang Ye went downstairs to inform security and proceeded to the Central TV Tower''s lobby to sit down on the sofa there. Thinking for a moment, he made a call back to his family.


    Du du. The call connected.


    "Hello." It was a childish voice on the other end.


    Zhang Yeughed: "It''s me."


    Chenchen acknowledged on the other end.


    Zhang Ye: "Are any of my parents at home?"


    Chenchen: "They''re both at home."


    Zhang Ye: "Then ask one of them to answer the phone."


    "Grandma, Zhang Ye''s on the phone." Chenchen called for her.


    Soon after, his mother answered: "Hello, what''s the matter, son? I''m making dumplings with your dad and my hands are covered with flour. If you have something to say, say it quickly."


    Zhang Ye got straight to the point: "I can''te home for some days and probably can''t be contacted through my phone either, so I''m informing you beforehand. The two of you don''t need to work so much anymore now, right? I''ll leave Chenchen in your care for now. She''ll be on summer vacation soon, so don''t let her leave the house and run about."


    His mother asked: "Where are you going?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "It''s something good. I was invited to join the Beijing college entrance examination''s question setting team."


    When his mother heard that, she received a pleasant surprise. "Really? Is it confirmed?"


    "Yea, it''s already been decided." Zhang Ye said: "But we will be isted from the public and probably can''t make any calls out either."


    His mother immediately said: "Don''t worry, just go on ahead and do what you need to do. Your dad and I will take care of Chenchen, so you don''t have to worry about that. Do well, son, I believe in you."


    Zhang Ye: "OK."


    After the call to his mother, Zhang Ye was just about to inform Wu Zeqing when suddenly another call came in. From the caller ID, he knew that it was Chang Kaige from Peking University''s Chinese Department.


    Zhang Ye was taken aback for a while, then pressed the answer key: "Dean Chang."


    Chang Kaige: "Teacher Zhang, is it convenient to talk now?"


    "Yes, no problem." Zhang Ye said.


    Chang Kaige: "I have an urgent matter over here and was wondering if you''d be interested in it. It should be a good thing to you. There has been an unexpected situation with the Beijing college entrance exams. The Chinese Literature exam papers are��"


    Zhang Ye interrupted: "You want me to propose questions?"


    Chang Kaige was a little surprised: "You''re very sharp."


    Zhang Ye: "It''s not that I''m sharp. Rather Dean Pan from Peking University''s School of Mathematical Sciences called me earlier to invite me to join the Mathematics question setting team."


    When he heard that, Chang Kaigeughed: "How convenient then. Since the question setting teams will all be at an isted location, you can go over to the Chinese Literature team to help out after you''ve finished your work with the Mathematics team. I don''t think that will cause any dys."


    Zhang Ye said: "Are you on the question setting team as well?"


    Chang Kaige said: "I''m not on the team. One of the supervisors of the team contacted me for help. He''s an old friend of mine and wanted me to rmend a few people, so I rmended you. You have a high literary standard and a supple mind. Since Beijing''s exams this year want to experiment with some changes and creativity, you are naturally the best candidate. So it''s decided then. I''ll inform them first. When you arrive there, just directly contact the supervisor of the Chinese Literature team."


    Zhang Ye said: "Sure."


    20 minutester.


    The car arrived to pick him up.


    Zhang Ye got into the car and headed straight for somewhere in the suburbs of Beijing.


    Question setter for both the Chinese Literature and Mathematics exam sections? Zhang Ye pondered for a moment. Not only in the history of Beijing''s college entrance exam, even throughout all the provinces in the country, there had never been such a precedent!

 Chapter 698: Starting to set the questions!

    <h4>Chapter 698: Starting to set the questions! </h4>


    Chapter 698: Starting to set the questions!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


    In the suburbs.


    At the Beijing college entrance examination''s question setting team quarters.


    Outside, Pan Yang was waiting to receive him. "Teacher Zhang, you''re here."


    "Dean Pan." Zhang Ye got out of the car and went over to him. "This ce is really far away, where are we? It''s almost near Beihe Province already, isn''t it?"


    Pan Yangughed. "It''s close. This is just a simple ce and the scenery isn''t too bad either. The two small buildings on the hill are also very well-equipped with all sorts of facilities, so the question setting team alwayses and gathers at this ce every year." Pausing, Pan Yang stretched out his hand. "Please hand over your cell phone and any forms ofmunication devices to me first. There will be someone here to specifically keep them for you. Oh, do you see that front gate over there? We''ll go inside from there and up the hill, but once we''re past that gate, we won''t be out anymore until after the college entrance exam is over. If you have to make any calls or settle anything, then do it now while you still can."


    Zhang Ye pouted. "Do we have to be that strict? Don''t you know my character well enough? Would I possibly leak any questions? I still have a lot of work to handle at the television station. If I''m not around or unable to be contacted, I''m afraid that they won''t be able to handle it."


    "These are the rules, it''s the same for me." Pan Yang threw his hands up.


    Zhang Ye blinked a few times. "But didn''t you call me with your cell phone today?"


    Pan Yang smiled and said, "I am one of the supervisors of the Mathematics question setting team. Surely I need to hold on to a cell phone so that I canmunicate with the Higher Education Entrance Examination Board and the other leaders. Besides, when I go back up to the office building, I will still need to surrender my cell phone, so it''s the same for everyone."


    "Sure, fine then." Zhang Ye took out his phone.


    "If there''s really a special case, then we will talk about it again," Pan Yang exined.


    "OK."


    The hill was not high.


    After driving for a few minutes, they reached the halfway point of the hill where two office buildings were situated at. Looking at the hilltop, there seemed to be two pavilions up top too and the breeze up here was very refreshing and cool.


    All the Chinese Literature, Mathematics, English Language and other subjects'' question setting teams were situated in Office Building 1, while Building 2 was designated as the dormitory. After the car was parked on the hillside, Pan Yang alighted together with Zhang Ye. They went straight into Office Building 1 and headed to the Mathematics question setting team''s office. There were quite a few people inside and even a hint of the smell of cigarettes. Most of them were gathered in smaller groups and talking away. Some of them were discussing the exam questions. There were even a few who got into an argument. The atmosphere was very tense because everyone was rushing to get the questions out before Monday''s deadline, which still had to pass the Board''s approval. They carried a lot of stress, as increasing the difficulty along with creativity was nowhere near as easy as it seemed.


    When Zhang Ye came inside, the entire office looked at him at once.


    "Professor Zhang!"


    "Whoa, Teacher Zhang is here?"


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "Hello, Teacher Zhang."


    " I''ve heard a lot about you."


    "Hur hur, we''re finally seeing him in person now."


    Everyone obviously knew that Zhang Ye would be here today.


    Most of them were people Zhang Ye did not know, nor had he seen them before. But even though he didn''t know them, it seemed like they knew him very well. Almost every one of them greeted Zhang Ye, with a few of those who specialized in the field of math research pulling him aside for a chat.


    On the Mathematics team, Zhang Ye was rather well respected. After all, the global mathematical conjecture��Dale''s Conjecture��was solved by Zhang Ye. It was something that many mathematicians looked up to very highly. Zhang Ye was also one of the few world-ss mathematicians China could count as theirs, so he was considered to be in the Chinese Mathematics world''s elite. When Pan Yang invited Zhang Ye to the Mathematics question setting team, no one had any objections to it and felt that it was only right to do so. No matter how old Zhang Ye was, his standard in mathematics was there for all to see. In the group of around eight people, even if you put them together, including Peking University School of Mathematical Sciences Dean Pan, their total mathematics standards could probably still not match up to Zhang Ye, so who would not be convinced?


    Soon, everyone got down to business.


    "This question won''t make the cut."


    "Yeah, this question has little value and the direction the Board has given us is to not include something like it."


    "Most of the questions we''ve been working on for the past month has gone up in smoke, hasn''t it? Hai."


    "It''s pointless toin, let''s just continue on from here. The question I showed to you just now��I think it''s has a certain degree of difficulty, can you guys take a look to see if there''re any loopholes in it?"


    "This won''t do."


    "Oh? What''s the problem?"


    "It''d be fine if it was short answer, but this is a multiple choice question. With the answer options avable, it would be too easy even though this question might fit better in the first part of the section."


    "Hai, it''s really too difficult to make something and we don''t even have enough time."


    "Adding up all the time we have, it''s just less than three days time."


    "The other question setting teams are probably scrambling as well."


    Zhang Ye got into work mode very quickly. He did not say anything and only listened to what everyone was discussing with regard to the questions. He had to familiarize himself with the work first, such as the scope of the question and its presentation, etc. asionally, he would ask Pan Yang or the other colleagues about his doubts so that he could quickly understand this world''s college entrance exam questions. In the end, he realized that this world''s college entrance exam questions and scope werergely the same as his previous world''s. The only differences were the points'' allocation and the order of the sections. With his current knowledge, he felt more assured.


    Zhang Ye said, "Dean Pan, I would like to take a few exams and go back back to my dorm to read up on them. I would also like to have the past rough draft of the exam that was sketched out by our team."


    Pan Yang said, "Sure, they''re all avable."


    A young team member said, "Professor Zhang, we''re depending on you this time."


    Zhang Ye quickly denied that and waved his hands. "I''m only here to support."


    But Pan Yang said, "Don''t think of just being the support. The Math team is really going to depend on you for the questions. I''ve already discussed this with everyone beforehand. The creation of the questions will be mainly led by you."


    "Huh?" Zhang Ye said, "Why would I be in charge? Shouldn''t the bulk of the questions being from you guys while I just need to handle the more difficult questions?"


    Pan Yang smiled. "The name Zhang Ye reverberates throughout the entire mathematics field. Since you have joined the Mathematics question setting team, how could anyone else be in charge of the exam? No one should be in charge you, and no one would do so either, so let''s not try to be unconventional. Your name will be submitted and made public as the head of the Mathematics examination question setting team. For the majority of the exam, most of the questions will be set by you. I''ve already sought approval from the Board and they too are saying that''s how it should be done."


    Zhang Ye said, "You''re really ordering me about now, aren''t you? If I have to set even half of all these questions, wouldn''t that take too much effort? Besides, I still have to go to the Chinese Literature team''s office."


    A Mathematics team member was taken aback. "Why are you going to the Chinese Literature team''s office?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve also agreed to help out with the Chinese Literature exam''s question setting team."


    Someone said in a speechless manner, "You can even make Chinese Literature exam questions?"


    Pan Yang: "��"


    The other team members: "��"


    F**k! Why couldn''t he set the Chinese Literature exam questions? These mathematicians were suddenly reminded that Zhang Ye was not just a mathematician, he was also an official lecturer at Peking University''s Chinese Department. It wouldn''t be strange that the Chinese Literature examination question setting team would look for him to help them. Moreover, thinking about it now, Zhang Ye was also very well versed in history, so it would also have been normal if the History examination question setting team wanted him. Professor Zhang was someone who was totally different from the mathematicians like them who spent all their lives learning about math and teaching. Zhang Ye''s path ahead was��much broader than theirs!


    Pan Yang said, "Then you should arrange your schedule. I don''t care about what the Chinese Literature team does, but over here at the Mathematics team, we must definitely finish on time."


    Zhang Ye said, "OK, I will do my best. But first let me go and take a look at the Chinese Literature team."


    Pan Yang nodded. "Fine. Get yourself familiarized with the work first. We''ll meet here again tomorrow morning before 9 AM. We''ll continue discussing the questions at that time."


    "Sure, I''ll try toe up with a few questions tonight as well." After saying that, Zhang Ye excused himself and left.


    He asked around for where the Chinese Literature team was located and then went to find the ce. He was nning to make some introductions there first and get a few copies of their exams to research.


    The Chinese Literature team office door was open.


    Inside, there were slightly less than ten people discussing the exam. However, it did not seem as intense as the discussion over at the Mathematics team. Everyone spoke softer and it also quieter in here.


    When Zhang Ye stepped in, he immediately noticed someone familiar, an old acquaintance whom he enjoyed a good rtionship with. "Teacher Su!"


    Peking University Chinese Department Teacher Su Na suddenly turned her head, looking surprised. "Teacher Zhang?"


    "You''re here too?" Zhang Ye thought for a bit but realized it wasn''t that surprising. Peking University''s Chinese Department was ranked number one in the entire country, so it wasn''t that unexpected to have a Chinese Department teacher here.


    When the others heard themotion, they also looked over.


    Eh?


    Zhang Ye?


    Isn''t that Zhang Ye?


    Everyone in the Chinese Literature team was stunned!


    Su Na immediately came over to wee him. "What are you doing here?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m helping out at the Mathematics question setting team, so I''m here. Oh, is the chief of the Chinese Literature team here? Dean Chang told me toe and look for him."


    Su Na was taken aback. "Looking for the chief?"


    At this moment, an office door at the back of the room opened and a man in his forties or fifties walked out. "Teacher Zhang, you''re here. My name is Yu Fan."


    Zhang Ye shook his hand. "Hello."


    Chief Yu said, "Have you dropped by the Mathematics team already?"


    "Yes, I have," Zhang Ye answered.


    Chief Yu nodded and then turned around to face his colleagues on the Chinese Literature question setting team. "Let me announce something. From today onward, Teacher Zhang will officially be joining our Chinese Literature team."


    When everyone heard this, many of them showed rather awkward expressions.


    Chief Yu then said to Zhang Ye, "Let me introduce you. This is Teacher Liao Qi from Tsinghua University; this is Teacher Li Rui from Renmin University; this is Teacher Ma Qi from Beijing Normal University; this is Teacher Su Na from��Oh, I don''t need to actually introduce Teacher Su since you''re both from Peking University''s Chinese Department. I''m sure you know each other already?"


    Su Na giggled. "Teacher Zhang, wee."


    Zhang Ye also yed along and shook her hand. "Thank you, Teacher Su."


    As for the others, they were not so friendly. Some of them didn''te forward to Zhang Ye to get to know him a little, and even did not bother to have a short conversation with him.


    Chief Yu could also see that these people from the education or literary world seemed to have some sort of disagreement or conflict with Zhang Ye, but did not say anything. He directly asked Su Na to bring Zhang Ye up to date with the work they needed to do, and then headed back into his office.


    In the Chinese Literature team, Zhang Ye did not get the same amount of respect he had when he was at the Mathematics team. The reason was very simple and likely to be because a literary person was typically more scornful of others. Zhang Ye was young and did not have many qualifications, having only worked for a semester at Peking University and even getting suspendedter. He also had many conflicts and scolding battles with many of his peers from the literary and education world, so even though there were some peers like Su Na who enjoyed a good rtionship with Zhang Ye, there were definitely more who had a poor rtionship with him. Some of the literary and education world''s members had not even met Zhang Ye before, but already hated him. As Zhang Ye had offended too many people before, now that they saw himing on board and joining the Chinese Literature team as an exam question setter, a lot of the teachers were not convinced and also felt that he was not worthy to be here.


    They all whispered privately to each other.


    "What is he doing here?"


    "I don''t know."


    "What the heck is Old Yu thinking?"


    "So what if he knows how topose some poems? That doesn''t mean that he can set questions for the college entrance exam!"


    "He''s too rash, didn''t he get suspended because of scolding others?"


    "The controversy he created after he started that lecture on Dream of the Red Chamber still exists now. There are still many critics of his theory. For someone who is not diligent academically, how can we let hime and set the college entrance exam questions?"


    "I am however convinced of Zhang Ye''s standard in Mathematics, which by the way he is really great at, so even if he is going to be in charge of setting their exam questions, no one would object to it. But the Chinese Literature exam is different! This requires a rigorous understanding of Chinese Literature and also an understanding of Chinese Literature education. It is not something that a teacher who has only been teaching for six months would know!"


    In the field of mathematics, Zhang Ye''s achievements could be seen by everyone. Because for a mathematical conjecture or a math problem, you can either solve it or you can''t. The quality is very clear there and it doesn''t need much exining either. Everyone could recognize it. However, in the literary andnguages field, the standards were much blurrier. As they say, in martial arts, there''s no second ce; in literature, there''s no first ce. It was extremely difficult to differentiate who was better than another. Even if something you wrote was not read by anyone due to ack of attention, if the experts and literature awards jury said that you were good, then you were good, which in turn meant you were a qualified literatus. On the contrary, the work you had written could be seen by a whole lot of people, gaining lots of attention, but if the industry insiders did not recognize you and picked at your faults, there was nothing you could do about it either.


    This was the exact situation Zhang Ye was in. As he had offended too many people, the controversy surrounding his works in the literary field had always been huge.


    He was young.


    Had never received an award before.


    Was a controversial figure in the industry.


    Just based on these three points, it meant that Zhang Ye was doomed to his awkward position in the literary field. Those who liked him felt that he would be part of the new generation of leading figures in the Chinese literary world; those who disliked him said that he was the ck sheep of the literary world and would try ways and means to freeze him out of the field.


    Zhang Ye was not surprised by their reactions. He still maintained a smile and continued doing what he needed to do. In any case, he wasn''t thinking of making friends with this bunch of people anyway.


    He chatted with Su Na for a short while to find out about the situation. After that, Zhang Ye took a sample exam and went back to his dorm in Building 2. Hey in bed rxed and started studying the exams section by section. asionally, he would flip open some high school Chinese Literature and Mathematics textbooks for reference.


    Actually, Zhang Ye already had an idea in mind very early on. To suddenly scrape the current batch of exams and thene up another version that was more difficult might not seem easy to this group of exam question setters. They might not know where to start from or there might be insufficient time to do it, but to Zhang Ye, this wasn''t a big issue at all. As long as he could understand this world''s college entrance examination''s situation and scope of the questions, then everything else would be as easy as the flip of a hand. That was because this guy''s mind might not have much of anything, but ack of college entrance exams was not one of them!


    2009''s Jiangsu exams.


    2010''s Hebei exams.


    2011''s Shanghai exams.


    He had everything he needed and more! He had even taken those exams dating back to the 90s. As someone who had participated in the college entrance exams of his previous world, the amount of past exams he had seen, taken, and studied numbered close to at least a hundred. What he needed to do now was to find the suitable questions and put them together effectively!


    Picking up his pen, Zhang Ye started to write his first question.

 Chapter 699: Shocked examinees!

    <h4>Chapter 699: Shocked examinees! </h4>


    Chapter 699: Shocked examinees!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    That night.


    In the dorm.


    Zhang Ye opened the game ring and bought a "Memory Search Capsule." After eating it, he started recalling his previous world''s memories of the college entrance exam questions. He could still clearly remember many of the wondrous questions he hade across before but had also forgotten a lot of them, so he could only rely on the Memory Search Capsule to remember them.


    One capsule was not enough.


    Then he used some more Reputation Points to buy another three capsules and gulped them all down in one go.


    Zhang Ye''s goals were not just purely limited to his previous world''s past college entrance exam questions. Many of the questions used by Tsinghua and Peking University for their student admissions and other kinds of extremely difficult questions were brought up within Zhang Ye''s memory. He expanded his coverage on the quantity of questions so that he could make the questions better.


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    Zhang Ye kept the lights on and worked nonstop.


    "Eh, this question is pretty good!"


    "Haha, this question must be used!"


    "This question is fine too, let me shortlist this first!"


    "F**k, this question will definitely get me some scoldings! Hehe, but it has to be this! What Dean Pan said was right. Other people might be afraid of being scolded but does this bro seem scared of being scolded?"


    He progressed very quickly and efficiently. In the process of setting the questions, this guy would evenugh evilly sometimes. Without a doubt, he must havee up with some extremely tough questions!


    ����


    Meanwhile.


    Each province''s, municipality''s, and autonomous region''s higher education entrance examination boards were also busy with the setting of their college entrance exam questions. Some of the provinces had already finished their papers while others were still finishing up theirs.


    There were a lot of discussions online.


    On Weibo and some of the forums, all sorts of discussions were going on. It was always like this on a daily basis; some people would discuss makeup products, some would gossip about celebrities, and some were still dwelling on the surprise of the sess of The Voice of China. Of course, there were also numerous examinees, their parents, and members of the public fervently discussing this year''s national college entrance examination. As the college entrance exam''s date neared with each passing day, the news regarding the college entrance exam of each province was also getting increasingly popr.


    "It''s time for the annual college entrance exam again."


    "Ai, my child is going to take the exam soon but I wonder if he can score well enough to pass!"


    "That''s right, it''s only a few days away."


    "Who will oversee the setting of the questions in Shanghai this time? The questions for the History examst year were all rather difficult."


    "Our Greater Jiangsu Science exam questionsst year were also quite difficult. It will be my turn this year to take the college entrance exam. I hope that Greater Jiangsu won''t try too hard and just give some easy questions. I''m begging for easier questions!" [1.]


    "The people of Jinshi express their great stress!"


    "The people of Jiangnan Province cannot help butugh. Who''s saying that their stress is greater than ours? Last year, our college entrance exam questions were evaluated as the most difficult in the entire country. No one in the entire province got full marks in any of the Mathematics, Chinese Literature, Arts, and Science sections. Even the top student had points deducted!"


    "Our Liaodong Province had questions that weren''t simple too."


    "Haha, as the greatest, I have absolutely no stress!"


    "Pfft, your Beijing exams are always so simple every year!"


    "That''s right. I''ve attempted three of Beijing''s exams and could achieve tier 1 scores. But when I attempted the other provinces'' exams, I could only achieve tier 2 scores. Don''t you think there''s too big a difference in difficulty?!"


    "You people from Beijing are too fortunate!"


    "F**k, I could do the Beijing exams when I was in my second year of high school!"


    "They are all college entrance exams but why is there such a stark difference in difficulty?!"


    "I despise your Beijing college entrance exams!"


    ����


    A certain Weibo trending topic.


    The topic regarding this year''s Beijing exams had appeared on Weibo for discussion. The people who joined the discussion were the examinees in Beijing and their parents.


    "I hope that this year will even be slightly easier."


    "Actually, it''s pointless to be any easier. If the subjects are easy and everyone can get high scores, it will just result in a higher cutoff entry to college. It will be the same oue in the end."


    "There will be surely some difference, the easier the better!"


    "Right, but I hope that the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board will maintain their style and inherit the fine tradition of the Beijing college entrance exam difficulty. I will give a Like to all of you if the papers are strictly set with a very, very, very, simple line of thought to the questions!"


    "Ha, it shouldn''t be too easy, otherwise it won''t be challenging at all!"


    "Agreed, it''s meaningless if it''s too simple."


    Beijing''s examinees obviously had less stresspared to other provinces'' students as the conversations showed. Some of the examinees were happily chatting with extremely rxed manners. Others were positively cocky, bragging that they wished the college entrance exams would be more difficult, or else it would not be a challenge to them.


    "The question setters are still the same old batch of people this time? Wasn''t there some news released earlier?"


    "Yes, I saw it too."


    Someone immediately posted a screenshot of the roster online.


    "That''s right, it''s this one."


    "It''s the same teams asst year!"


    "Yu Fan was the chief of the Chinese Literature question setting team. He normally sets essay and short answer questions. It''s always more or less the same thing every year with nothing new to expect."


    "I also know that Teacher Liao Qi from the Chinese Literature team was present onst year''s team as well. His questions were pretty easy as they were basically as good as gimme questions."


    "The Chinese team added Teacher Su Na from Peking University''s Chinese Department? And she''s even a young teacher? Her standard should be somewhat limited then, I don''t think she will be able to set any difficult questions."


    "Right."


    "It''s the same teachers for the Science exam section as well."


    "The Mathematics team is alsoprised of the same old teachers. When I saw these familiar question setters'' names, I suddenly had an unprecedented confidence for this year''s college entrance exam! Hahaha!"


    Suddenly, just as these examinees and parents were discussing the exam restfully, a piece of news appeared online out of nowhere.


    "Latest news from the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board: This year''s lead question setter for the Beijing Mathematics exam section has been changed to Associate Professor Zhang Ye from Peking University''s School of Mathematical Sciences!"


    When this news report was published, the entire batch of Beijing college entrance examinees were stunned!


    Many of these examinees and parents who were arrogant earlier were now at a loss for words.


    "Holy shit!"


    "Your sister!"


    "F**k your second granny!"


    "Zhang Ye is setting the questions? How can that be?!"


    "You can''t do things like that!"


    "That''s such a d*ck move! What are they trying to achieve with that! Are they even leaving us a path to retreat?! Of all people, why did you people find Zhang Ye?!"


    "I''m stunned!"


    "Heavens! I have a bad feeling about this!"


    "Me too, why am I getting the shivers!?"


    "Zhang Ye��Zhang Ye��"


    "It''s over! It''s going to suck!"


    "That Teacher Zhang never does things predictably! Let him set the questions? Then do we still have a chance of survival?"


    After many of the examinees from the other provinces saw the news released by the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board, they all gathered to this discussion board. People from Beijing were sarcastic to begin with. Due to their past year exams always being so simple and having little to worry about, the examinees from Beijing were bragging and stepping on people everywhere, enraging the masses. But upon hearing that Zhang Ye was going to be the Beijing question setter for the Mathematics section, the examinees from other provinces all came inughing and observing the fallout!


    "Serves them right!"


    "Hahahaha! I''m dying ofughter!"


    "Pride goes before the fall! This is what it means to suffer after ultimate joy!"


    "With Zhang Ye setting the questions, there will be lots for you guys to suffer with!"


    "Hehe, he is one of the few world-ss mathematicians in China! Zhang Ye is such a wondrous and wicked fellow, so the questions he''ll set definitely won''t be any good for you!"


    "The people of Jiangsu send their condolences to the Beijing examinees. You''re on your own! Good luck!"


    "The people of Jiangnan send their condolences to the brothers and sisters of Beijing. Everyone, take care!"


    At this moment, there were still some confused examinees and parents from Beijing who did not normally pay attention to the news online. They asked with doubt: "Although Zhang Ye is one of the top mathematicians in the country, the questions he set might not necessarily be difficult and could even be very simple instead. Aren''t you people overthinking it? Everyone is just scaring themselves maybe?"


    The next moment, someone posted the elementary math questions that were leaked from the time when Zhang Ye presented them at Beijing''s Experimental Primary School.


    The questions were: Follow the rhythm and write out the multiplication form (a set of onomatopoeic words):


    1: Ding Ding Ding, Ding Ding Ding;


    2: Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah;


    3: Wu Wu Wu, Wu Wu Wu;


    4: Miao Miao, Miao Miao, Miao Miao.


    Following that, another set of elementary math questions which were posted by Zhang Ye when he held "Zhang Ye''s ssroom" on Weibo previously were all screenshotted and posted one by one.


    After that, those examinees and parents who did not know about it earlier all fainted at once!


    "Holy sh*t!"


    "What kinds of questions are those?!"


    "Elementary math questions? Elementary your sister!"


    "This is too damn difficult!"


    "These elementary questions are already so difficult? If Zhang Ye were to set the college entrance exam questions, wouldn''t it be insane? Who would be able to answer them? Oh my dear lord! Does the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board need to be so aggressive?!"


    "Zhang Ye, cursing your great grandpa!"


    "I want to cry! What to do?"


    "Why did I have to be taking this year''s college entrance exam?! If I knew it would turn out like this, I wouldn''t have f**king repeated my studiesst year! I would have just gone to study at a third-tier college and be counting my blessings now!"


    "Back then, someone mentioned on Weibo what it would be like if Zhang Ye became the question setter for the college entrance exam. But who could have expected this to be a f**king prophecy that came true! Our cursed mouths! Pui! Pui!"


    "That''s right, it actually turned out to be real!"


    "The gods are out to destroy me! My math has never been good!"


    "Teacher Zhang, I''m your hardcore fan. Please don''te to Beijing to set the questions, go be a scourge to the examinees of the other provinces or autonomous regions instead! I beg of you!"


    Among them, some straight-A students of Beijing remained fearless.


    Some of the straight-A students left theirments on Weibo.


    "It''s not such a big deal. They''re just questions made by Zhang Ye. How different can they be!"


    "I''m pretty good at math, so no matter who sets the questions, I''m still confident."


    "I also don''t have any stress as long as the Chinese Literature exam section remains easy."


    "Yes, the Chinese Literature exam questions are key. It doesn''t matter whether the Mathematics exam questions are difficult or not, those will still be a breeze for me."


    Usually, people who excelled in math would only receive average marks in their Chinese Literature results. That was the reason why they felt that even if the Mathematics exam questions were more difficult, it was a good thing for them as it would help mark a distinct difference between them and the weaker students, which was advantageous to the straight-A students. All they wanted was for the Chinese Literature exam section to be easy.


    However, just a few seconds after these straight As student had happily posted their thoughts online, another piece of news appeared on Weibo!


    "Latest news from the Beijing college entrance examination''s question setting team: Thetest update confirms that Zhang Ye has also joined this year''s Beijing Chinese Literature exam question setting team and will likely be responsible for creating the short answer questions. It is understood that this is the first time in history that a person will be handling the question setting in both the Mathematics and Chinese Literature teams concurrently! "


    Upon reading this news, those straight-A students from Beijing were totally stunned!


    "What the f**k!"


    "Holy shit, Zhang Ye is also setting the Chinese Literature exam questions?"


    "Goddammit!"


    Those straight-A students who were typically honest and obedient model students couldn''t help but swear when they saw this. They were all shocked by the news update!


    [1. Comprises the Jiangsu and Shanghai Provinces]

 Chapter 700: Operation Send Zhang Ye Home!

    <h4>Chapter 700: Operation Send Zhang Ye Home! </h4>


    Chapter 700: Operation Send Zhang Ye Home!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Several reports were published one after the other.


    Beijing Times: Several young teachers, including Zhang Ye, have join the college entrance exam question setting teams. This shows that the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board is determined to reform the Beijing college entrance exam. The questions for this year''s exams are not likely to be as fortable" as previous years'' anymore, so let''s see how it will turn out.


    Beijing Online: Ast-minute change in the exam question setting team leaves the Beijing college entrance exams in doubt.


    People''s Daily Online: On temporary hiatus from The Voice of China, Zhang Ye tries his hand at setting the Mathematics and Chinese Literature sections for the college entrance exam. Will Zhang Ye be up to the task?


    The news spread like wildfire!


    Online, more and more people found out about the news!


    Yao Jiancai posted on Weibo: "Whoa, I was trying to reach Zhang Ye''s phone just now to chat with him, but couldn''t get through even after trying a few times. I was still wondering what happened. So it was because he had gone up into the hills!"


    Zhang Ye''s fans were also loving this piece of news.


    "Haha, Teacher Zhang ising up with something else again!"


    "Setting exam questions for the college entrance exam? Does he need to go that far?"


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "I would like to see how difficult the questions Zhang Ye set can get. Is the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board starting to make radical changes this time? It looks like Teacher Zhang will be taking on the lead role this time! Buting back to the point, no one has ever seen Zhang Ye''s questions for the high school level before. I wonder if Teacher Zhang Ye can reallyplete this task? Will his exam questions really end up being too difficult? I guess that''s still a big question mark there."


    "It will definitely be very difficult!"


    "I think so too, Zhang Ye''s not going to be easy to deal with!"


    "Yeah, who doesn''t know what Teacher Zhang Ye''s style is like. It''s going to be a tough one for those college entrance examinees this time! Plus it''s really unlucky to have unfortunately met with Zhang Ye getting appointed this year!"


    "I just took the college entrance examst year, but now that I think of it, my heart is also fluttering with fear. If my mother had given birth to me two monthster, I would have to take my college entrance exam this year! This is the first time I feel like I should be giving my heartfelt thanks to my mother!"


    There were those who were here to observe the fun.


    There were others who were here to make sarcastic remarks.


    There were also those who wished to watch the world burn.


    Many of the Beijing college entrance examinees who saw this gnashed their teeth in hatred!


    "You people, enough!"


    "Don''t you all have anypassion at all!?"


    "Has anyone ever considered how we are feeling? In the final push before the exam, we have practiced countless times on past exams which were easier just so that we get used to the exam''s question setter''s train of thought and difficulty level. But now they''re changing the lead question setter just like that, yet you all are here gloating at our misfortune. Do you all even know how hard we''ve worked?"


    "To be put into this spot by Zhang Ye who has suddenly be the lead question setter for both the Mathematics and Chinese Literature exam sections! This is as good as taking our lives!"


    "Teacher Zhang, knock it off, could you seriously knock it off!"


    "Just go back and do The Voice as you were before! Why did youe to the college entrance examination''s question setting teams to mess around! Hurry up and go back to where you came from. When my college entrance exam is done, I promise that I will buy three TVs and tune in to Central TV Department 1 every Thursday at 9 PM to support and add to your viewership ratings!"


    "We were so close to taking the college entrance exam. How could they suddenly change the lead question setter! This is too unfair! Such bullies!"


    "Boycott Zhang Ye!"


    "Yeah, let''s strongly boycott Zhang Ye!"


    "This is numbing! We can''t let this guy be the lead question setter!"


    "Calling for Teacher Zhang to leave the question setting team!"


    "Calling for Zhang Ye to leave the question setting team!"


    "+1!"


    "+99999!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, please go home!"


    Suddenly, whether it was on Weibo, the forums, or any of the big or small Tieba groups rted to Beijing, many college entrance examinees and their parents started a new round of calls for boycotting. It was just over a week ago when the television industry insiders were calling for a boycott on Zhang Ye due to his disruption of the market practices. But now another wave of boycotting activities was beginning. Everyone was "shouting" their mottos. This round of boycott actions wasbeled as��"Send Zhang Ye Home"!


    The examinees were creating an uproar.


    "Teacher Zhang, your house is on fire. Quickly go home and check on it!"


    "Teacher Zhang, your telephone bills are due. Quickly go home and pay up!"


    "Teacher Zhang, the nts at home need watering. Quickly go home and water them!"


    "Teacher Zhang, there''s a drop dead gorgeous woman at your house bathing right now. Quickly go home and take a look!"


    There were manyments from the examinees. Their messages made manyizens who were just observing the funugh like crazy. One by one, more and more people began following the thread. Some of the more clever replies were even being forwarded countless times!


    In the present era of the college entrance exam, it had be a watershed moment in life and an important basis and formation of the current societal structure. So if even the entire society, media, and citizens were focused on something like that, then what could be said of the examinees themselves and their parents? Adding on the famous Zhang Ye from the entertainment circle who always worried others, Zhang Ye''s name had be synonymous with this current topic. Naturally, the topic of him joining the Beijing college entrance examination''s question setting team had instantly gone viral. Finally, the boycott that was started by the examinees was gathering great momentum!


    10!


    100!


    200!


    Numerous Beijing examinees were even starting a group boycott, calling for everyone to join in to their Operation Send Zhang Ye Home, as more and more of the other Beijing examinees started to join!


    ����


    Elsewhere.


    The Beijing question setting teams were not in the know of all that was happening.


    Zhang Ye had stayed up overnight to rack his brains, trying to write out all the questions.


    Some of the other question setters were also still in discussions about the exam questions, while some were eating ate night snack. A few were already deep in sleep. They were all isted from the outside world while they were here. That meant both physically as well as theirmunications like cell phones or the Inte, so they were unaware of what was going on out there.


    ����


    Meanwhile.


    Over at the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board.


    With themotion online getting bigger and bigger, the Higher Education Entrance Examination Board also reacted and called an emergency meeting. There were 15 or 16 people taking part in the meeting and every one of their expressions showed that they found it both funny and annoying. None of them had expected that there would be such a huge reaction from the public because of their invitation of Zhang Ye to the question setting team!


    Someone spoke but hesitated, "Professor Zhang is��"


    Another female staff member was feeling rather helpless. "Teacher Zhang''s affinity with the people seems to be very poor. Why does he always get boycotted wherever he goes to! I remember him getting boycotted by those people from the television stations justst week, didn''t he?"


    A young staff member gave a wry smile. "But that can''t be helped, can it? We can''t possibly be thinking of sending Professor Zhang home? He is the country''s few top mathematicians, so we can''t just ask him toe and go as we like. We won''t be able to justify our decision that way. If the examinees want to boycott, just let them do it. From a different perspective, this also shows that our decision to invite Professor Zhang to join us was right. Didn''t we do so because we wanted to increase the difficulty of the exams?"


    A woman said, "That''s true."


    Finally, after a discussion in the meeting, the Board unanimously decided��they would simply ignore the issue raised by the examinees!


    ����


    The next day.


    Operation Send Zhang Ye Home was still ongoing.


    "Teacher Zhang, I''ve deposited 1 billion RMB at your house!"


    "Teacher Zhang, your wife is going to give birth soon!"


    "Teacher Zhang��"


    "Teacher Zhang��"


    On one of therger Beijing forums, in the college entrance exam discussion group, this thread was even stickied at the top. All kinds of people wereing up with all sorts of strategies and posting all kinds of wondrous sounding ideas!


    However, to be realistic, everyone knew that this was just a form of self-entertainment by the examinees. Boycott Zhang Ye? The literary world had tried to boycott him before, but their faces ended up getting smacked swollen by Zhang Ye. The SARFT tried to ban him, but he still did whatever he wanted to do. The television industry also tried to boycott him, but now? All of them fell silent and not a single one of them could be seen anywhere. After so many people and groups had tried boycotting Zhang Ye multiple times, none hade to any effect at all, not to mention their group now. The examinees understood that they would have to face reality in the end!


    Sure enough, when they went back to school for their sses, every Beijing high school teacher wore a different expression altogether.


    ����


    Beijing Normal University Affiliated High School.


    ss 3-1.


    A female teacher was standing at the podium, not looking too well. "ss, our revision using the notes and examination guides might be obsolete already. You won''t need to do the focused review n that I designed for everyone a few days ago anymore either. There''s no meaning to those assignments anymore. From here on, I will be working with the other Year 3 teachers to prepare something new for everyone to review intensely with, because I''m sure that everyone already knows that the lead question setter this year is Zhang Ye!"


    A male student anxiously asked, "How could they change the scope of the exam now, didn''t they already approve it beforehand? With thisst-minute change, how are we expected to be able to take the exam!?"


    "That''s right!"


    "Teacher, what should we do!"


    The female teacher said, "The scope of the exam definitely won''t change. It''s more or less going to be the same as what we have told you all to study before today. Those are the subjects that the exam questions will be based on. However, a good question setter will still be able to stop you from getting the correct answer even if they provide you with the exact subject or the proper form to start with. It''s regrettable, but our Year 3 group of teachers has analyzed that Zhang Ye is likely to be such a person. He is possibly the only one in the Chinese math field who has the highest understanding of logic operations and algebra, along with a few other topics. ording to our worst case scenario, his questions will be very difficult to answer if you just attempt to solve it using the most conventional methods! That is why this college entrance examination''s Mathematics section is really going to be a test of everyone''s quality!"


    ����


    At Beijing No.14 High School.


    "Teacher!"


    "Can you highlight the main subjects for us?"


    "Yes, everyone says that Zhang Ye''s questions will be very difficult!"


    "He wouldn''t possibly make uspose a poem, would he?"


    "I just hope that the essay questions will not be written by him! The weight of points on the essay section is too high!"


    "Teacher Zhang, what kinds of questions will Zhang Ye give?"


    The students were talking one after another.


    The No.14 High School Chinese Literature teacher held it in for a long time before finally shaking her head and saying, "I don''t know either. All you can do right now ispletely memorize the entire scope of the subject for the exam, and then��" She stopped there, not wanting to tell them that she could only offer them a blessing on this matter! With Zhang Ye''s literary level, no one in the entire country could possibly guess the questions that he would write or which train of thought the questions would be based on!


    ����


    Yucai High.


    "Hurry up, ss. Everyone has to finish these three sets of exams today!"


    "Ah? What exams are these, Teacher?"


    "These are the three most difficult sets of exams over the years in all the national college entrance exams that have been held. Everyone, prepare yourselves for this, but it may be possible that this year''s Beijing college entrance math exam might be the most difficult ever! The Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board has already sent a very clear signal about this!"


    This time, with Zhang Ye''s surprising inclusion in the college entrance examination''s question setting team, it not only caught the examinees off guard, even the teachers were affected and blindsided!

 Chapter 701: The difficulty of Zhang Ye’s questions!

    <h4>Chapter 701: The difficulty of Zhang Ye''s questions! </h4>


    Chapter 701: The difficulty of Zhang Ye''s questions!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    Sunday.


    The next morning.


    The day before the deadline for the submission of the exam questions, everyone woke up and ate the breakfast delivered to them. Every team''s question setters were called to a meeting by their respective team chiefs to begin another day of work, topile and summarize everyone''s questions, then analyze and discuss it as a group.


    Mathematics team.


    "Dean Pan."


    "Oh, you''re here?"


    "Everyone has arrived."


    "Uh, Teacher Zhang is not here yet."


    "You haven''t seen him since yesterday?"


    "That''s right, I did not see Professor Zhang since the night before yesterday. I think he stayed in his dorm the entire time, then I heard he went to get more information and past exams."


    "The deadline''s tomorrow, so we have to finish the rough draft of the Mathematics exam today, or else it''ll be toote. Get someone to call for Professor Zhang."


    "Alright, I''ll go."


    Right at this moment, Zhang Ye walked into the office from outside.


    Dean Pan looked over. "We were just going to get you. So how is it?"


    Zhang Ye came in with a stack of documents. "It''s more or less done."


    "How''s the difficulty of the questions?" Dean Pan asked immediately with great interest. He truly intended to utterly depend on Zhang Ye''s help this time for the Mathematics exam. Although Pan Yang was one of the supervisors of the Mathematics team, his expertise did not really lie in the area of algebraic geometry at the high school level.


    Everyone gathered around them as well.


    Zhang Ye said, "The difficulty should be good enough. Didn''t you tell me that the more difficult it is, the better?"


    "Yes, it''d be good if it''s more difficult." Dean Pan said, "We already have a lot of of questions that are just moderately difficult, so we don''t need toe up with any more of those. What we''recking are the extremely difficult ones, so let me take a look at what you have."


    Zhang Ye passed the documents over to him. "There''s multiple choice, fill in the nk, and short answer, all of which I''ve proposed quite a number of. Why don''t you all go through them first. I still have more if they''re not suitable."


    A person said, "Professor Zhang''s really efficient!"


    A middle-aged man said, "I want to see what you''ve got there too."


    They pulled a whiteboard over.


    Then Zhang Ye''s questions were ced on it and held up with a ma while everyone gathered around the whiteboard to take a look. They scanned it once over from the first question to thest, all the way down.


    Finally, when they finished reading thest question, all of the teachers from the Mathematics team were stunned for a while.


    "This��"


    "Man!"


    "Ah? This question��"


    "Let me do some calctions for it!"


    "This isn''t right. This is not a question for high school students at all!"


    "This requires an advanced math form that will only be learned in university to solve, no? It even uses a form that will only be taught in the second year of university! Why''s there even calculus in this?"


    "This question won''t do!"


    Next to them, a female teacher went to a whiteboard and began solving the problem. She used a total of three minutes to solve the problem. It was very fast because the problem was not difficult to her at all, but the problem solving process required used at least two forms that weren''t taught in high school textbooks.


    Putting down the marker, the female teacher said, "This is not something that a high school student can solve at all!"


    After staring at the problem and solution for a long time, Dean Pan looked at Zhang Ye. "Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "The problems I have proposed are all solvable through the knowledge found in high school textbooks. None of them exceed the scope of a high school exam. This problem might look difficult andplicated when you read it at first. I see that this teacher used several forms to solve the question just now, even using higher mathematics forms, but it''s actually not necessary at all." He picked up the marker and started writing on the whiteboard. "If you adjust your mindset first before attempting to solve the question, you would not be tricked by it. The actual, correct, and most simple way to solve this is to start from here. If you bring this specification over here to the front, then it would be simplified and you can then apply this calction, like this, like this��" He put down the marker. "The answer can be derived easily this way."


    When everyone from the Mathematics team saw this, their jaws dropped!


    Easy?


    Easy your sister!


    This problem was way too tricky! After they knew about the problem solving process, it did not look difficult anymore. Indeed, even though they could use algebraic geometry knowledge to solve it, it was almost impossible for anyone to have that train of thought for the solution when faced with such a question! Even this group of math teachers did not figure it out at the start! Let alone the students!


    Dean Panughed. "This problem is interesting!"


    That female teacher wiped the sweat off her forehead. "How many high school students can possibly solve the problem with that kind of thought process? The way I look at it, at least 99% of the examinees will be stumble at this question!"


    Zhang Ye said, "That might not necessarily be true. Even if this problem solving process is not easy to think of, there are still at least two other ways using normal methods to solve it." He wrote out another two solutions on the whiteboard using high school algebraic geometry forms which could be used to solve the question, even if the process was moreplex and needed constant calction and application of forms.


    The teachers of the Mathematics team were all convinced after seeing the solutions written out by Zhang Ye.


    Dean Pan decided, "This problem is good. It''s different from all the problems we''ve ever had in our Beijing college entrance Mathematics exams. Let''s see the next problem then."


    The next one was a multiple choice question.


    This was an extremely tricky question and if there was just apse in concentration, the examinees would be deceived by the four given answer choices and make unnecessary assumptions about the question. Even if they used the wrong answer that they derived in the first ce to work backwards, the answer would still stand, which made it even trickier. Among the question setters of the Mathematics team, when they were all studying this question, there was one of them who got the answer wrong due to being misled by one of the wrong multiple choice answers. When he finally found out what the correct answer was, the teacher who answered wrong facepalmed and coughed, flushing with embarrassment. He even wished for a hole to open up so that he could crawl in and hide. It wasn''t that he wasn''t smart, but rather he had apse in concentration and subconsciously fell for the trick question!


    This question was wicked!


    Professor Zhang understood too well the mindset of the examinees and had purposely set this trap for them. If it was in ordance with how other Mathematics multiple choice questions were solved, then there would be 5 out of 10 examinees falling for this trap!


    The third question was simr!


    The fourth question��


    The fifth question��


    The tenth question��


    One by one, the questions were discussed and attempted. The more times the teachers from the Mathematics team attempted the proposed questions, the more frightened and depressed they felt. There were even some questions that left them with a lingering sense of a headache when they attempted to solve it. But the more they felt this way, the more they were convinced by Zhang Ye''s ability.


    After going through thest question.


    Dean Pan looked at Zhang Ye and couldn''t help but smile. "If I was given such an exam 30 years ago during my high school days, don''t even mention getting full marks, if I could pass, I would thank the heavens for sure!"


    The other teachersughed at Dean Pan''s exaggeratedparison, but they truly had a simr reaction to it as well. These questions were all too insane! This wasn''t even a question of difficulty anymore. Many of the questions were just goddamn trapsid for the examinees!


    A female teacher didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Isn''t this too difficult?


    Dean Pan smiled and said, "I think it''s appropriate enough. Since the higher-ups want a reform and are calling for an increase in the difficulty of the Mathematics exam section, then these questions by Teacher Zhang are obviously the most suitable to help achieve that!"


    Someone said, "We''re going ahead with them?"


    "Yes, we are!" Dean Pan decided and approved.


    A young mathematics teacher wearing aplicated expression said, "When the examinees see this exam, they will definitely be cursing all 18 generations of ancestors of the question setting team!"


    Another teacherughed loudly. "That''s doesn''t matter. The difficult ones have all been proposed by Professor Zhang. We were only responsible for the easy ones."


    Zhang Ye said, "��so you''re all putting the me on me now!?"


    Finally, after another round of deliberation, the first edition of the Mathematics exam was roughly confirmed. Zhang Ye was not going to bother with the remaining work left to be done and just let Dean Pan and the others handle it. Zhang Ye excused himself and headed to the Chinese Literature team with another set of documents.


    At 10 AM in the morning.


    Over at the Chinese Literature team, a fervent discussion was also taking ce.


    "But this question is very good."


    "The board says that it''s too traditional and not innovative enough."


    "I''ve already changed the style, so it''s no longer a traditional type of question anymore."


    "That won''t do, Chief Yu has rejected it. It''s the same for those questions of mine, none of them pass, so I will have to start all over again. Hai, I don''t think we''ll be able to make it on time."


    "The Board is asking for too much this time."


    The door opened and Zhang Ye walked in straightaway without knocking. "Is Chief Yu around?"


    Seeing him arrive, Su Na said, "Teacher Zhang, you''re here? Let me get him for you." She knocked on the office door. "Chief Yu, Zhang Ye is here."


    Chief Yu came out of his office. "How''s the question writing going?"


    Zhang Ye said, "All done."


    Chief Yu immediately said, "Good. Everyone, let''s study these questions."


    Su Na was the most curious about the questions and quickly took the papers from Zhang Ye''s hand to pinned them to the whiteboard.


    When Liao Qi, Li Rui, Ma Qi, and the other Chinese Literature team teachers saw, they came strolling over as well. A few of the teachers did not seem to care too much, as they had always been biased against Zhang Ye and did not like or appreciate him much, feeling that his abilities had been over-exaggerated too much by everyone else.


    However, when theyid eyes on the first question, those teachers looked like they nearly vomited blood!


    Su Na burst out intoughter!


    Chief Yu stayed quiet and did not say a word for a long time!


    Liao Qi: "��"


    Li Rui: "��"


    Ma Qi: "��"


    Then at the second question, everyone vomited blood!


    The questions Zhang Ye had written out were questions they had nevere across before. They weren''t even things they had ever even thought of. All the questions could be described as totally unexpected, yet when they carefully thought about them, the meanings behind those questions were very interesting!


    Zhang Ye went forward and gave a simple exnation of his questions'' answers and thought processes. "The first question''s answer is a little more flexible. It''s mainly to test the examinee''s thought, logic, and values. If the answer is logical and the arguments are valid and in a positive light, then we can give full marks for it. Next, we have the second question��"


    One by one, he exined all of the questions to the teachers.


    After that, Zhang Ye made an excuse that he had something else to attend to and left. He did not stay longer than necessary at the Chinese Literature team as he knew that a few of the people there did not have good opinions of him, so he didn''t want to bother with them either. In the Chinese Literature team, he wasn''t the lead question setter and did not have much say. Therefore, after he supplied them with the questions, he just handed them over to Chief Yu to let him make the final decision.


    After he left, the Chinese Literature question setting team turned silent!


    At this moment, everyone had actually wanted to shout:


    F**k!


    Are these even high school level questions? Can it get any more wondrous than this!

 Chapter 702: Celebratory feast!

    <h4>Chapter 702: Celebratory feast! </h4>


    Chapter 702: Celebratory feast!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    Monday.


    Everyone from the Beijing college entrance examination''s question setting team felt that the sense of burden had been lifted from them.


    "Finally, everything is settled!"


    "Phew, it hasn''t been easy!"


    "It''s finally over!"


    "We can finally rest for the next few days. I''m going to sleep well tomorrow!"


    "This year''s question setting work was too difficult. I wouldn''t want toe back to next year''s question setting team. It''s been so tiring that I haven''t slept soundly for the past week now."


    "Anyway, our work is done here and we can finally rx."


    "Yes, we only have to wait for the college entrance exam to finish."


    "We''re free atst!"


    Today was the day of the deadline. Every question setting team had already submitted their tasks'' requirements. The main, supplementary, and some backup questions which were not selected were all sorted and submitted to the higher-ups by the supervisors. At this point, this year''s Beijing exams were basically confirmed with the remaining task of selecting the questions and some detailed adjustments left to the Higher Education Entrance Examination Board. The Higher Education Entrance Examination Board and the higher-ups would decide which of the questions were suitable for use and which were not. Essentially, the remaining work would no longer involve the question setting teachers as their jobs were alreadypleted. From this point forward, the time remaining would count as their off days. Until the college entrance exam was over, they would not be allowed to return home.


    On the hill.


    Zhang Ye and Su Na were taking a morning jog.


    Su Na was dressed in her sports attire with a towel hanging off her shoulder. She was already sweating all over while Zhang Ye was in a better condition, not feeling tired yet. After running for a while already, he was still not short on breath yet.


    "I can''t take it, I can''t take it anymore. I have to walk from here." Su Na stopped and was unable to run anymore. "Teacher Zhang, you''ve got really good stamina."


    Zhang Ye also slowed down his pace. "I''m doing worse than before. In the past, I''d always trained and gone for my morning exercise regrly. But now I can''t do that since I''m always cooped up at work. I can only run a fewps to rx when I''ve used too much of my brain at work." His stamina was not exactly good either, but at least it was still better than Su Na who did not train frequently. After all, Zhang Ye was armed with some martial arts although it was still at a level where it only worked randomly and at given times.


    Su Na smiled as she wiped her sweat away and asked, "How''ve you been doing recently?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s been the usual stuff. I''m just doing TV shows which is my original profession."


    Su Na said in amusement, "What original profession? I''m not even certain what your original profession is anymore. Math, literature, music, radio, television, which profession haven''t you dabbled in? So which one of those is your original profession? If you didn''t mention it, I would already have forgotten what your real profession is. Besides, you''re amazing no matter which field you go into. You always manage to shine and thrive!"


    Zhang Ye bragged, "Heh, I may not have any strong points but I''m really good at adapting."


    Su Na said, "I seriously never expected you to be approached by the college entrance exam team this time. I suppose there are many people who also weren''t prepared for it. If this is the signal the education system is sending out, then does that mean you''re likely to return to Peking University this year? They can''t keep you suspended for too long. There are still many Peking University students asking about you, hur hur. Not to mention the other examples, but just on Peking University''s official forum alone, the students have made known their intentions more than once, hoping that you will resume your duties again."


    "Is that so?" Zhang Ye was very pleased. "So the students still remember me?"


    Su Na suddenly changed her tone. "However, there are still some students boycotting you."


    Zhang Ye was baffled. "Hah?"


    Su Na blinked andughed. "You didn''t know about that, right? When I got up this morning, I met some people sent by the Higher Education Entrance Examination Board. One of them was a university ssmate of mine. During breakfast, I learned from him during our chat that you have already became a public enemy on the Inte. Do you know which group is boycotting you this time? It''s this year''s Beijing examinees and their parents. They''re all calling for the Higher Education Entrance Examination Board to dismiss and send you home. On any forum and on Weibo posts rted to the topic of the college entrance exam in Beijing, there''s even an operation called ''Send Zhang Ye Home'' going on. ording to my sources, not only are there beautiful women lining up to take a shower in your house, there is also plenty of cash in your bedroom and an ancient tomb of the Tang Dynasty was even discovered in it. All these things were said just to make you go home quickly to take a look. After I heard that from my ssmate, I nearly diedughing! Your house is the subject of all verbal attacks online now!


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted when he heard about the situation in the outside world. "What the hell is going on? Why are they boycotting me? Has this bro be a specialist in being boycotted that something like this would happen every few days?"


    Su Na said, "Who asked you to present those wondrous elementary math problems in the past? The examinees are afraid that you will make the questions too difficult, so they started this movement and are totally enjoying themselves. Everyone from the examinees to their parents, and even your own fans, are happily and tirelessly smearing your name, haha."


    Zhang Ye became even more speechless, but then boasted without shame, "After this bro entered the entertainment industry, I''ve always walked the path of a male idol, but why is it now bing more and more like the path of aedian?"


    Su Na: "��"


    The two of them chatted casually as they walked to the halfway point on the hillside.


    The moment they reached the entrance to the dorms, they bumped into Dean Pan.


    "Teacher Zhang, Little Su, both of you went for a jog?" Pan Yang waved at them.


    Su Na said, "Yes, Dean Pan. Have you eaten yet?"


    Pan Yang smiled and said, "Not yet, I''m saving my appetite for this afternoon. Oh right, the both of you should get ready as well, so quickly shower and get changed. There will be a celebratory feast at the hilltop at 11 AM. Everyone will gather to eat. Tentatively, it''ll be an outdoor barbecue as the weather is quite nice today. It''s cloudy and not too warm."


    Su Na asked, "Is it organized by the Higher Education Entrance Examination Board?"


    Pan Yang said, "No, it''s our teachers who are organizing it. We do the same thing every year. It''s already considered a standard event here. There will be a list of whatever ingredients need to be purchased and some staff from the Higher Education Entrance Examination Board will head out to buy them for us. If you need anything, you can let them know and give them a list."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Sure."


    Su Na said, "I feel like drinking some iced soda water right now."


    "That will definitely be included." Dean Pan said, "There are also some programs like singing or dancing. Whoever wants to participate can get ready beforehand. Don''t bete."


    Su Na said, "We will definitely be on time!"


    ����


    It was not even 9 AM yet, but some people were already at the top of the hill. However, Zhang Ye was not in a hurry as it was still quite early at the moment. After he had showered and changed into casual wear, he headed to Building 1. Without any Inte connection or his cell phone, the only free time activity left was reading. There was a library which had many books that covered many subjects such as literature, history, social science, and many other extracurricr books as well. The book collection in the library was not only limited to the scope of the college entrance exam.


    There was no one inside as all their work had already beenpleted. Everyone had left and no one was borrowing any books or researching for information inside the library anymore.


    He closed the door, turned on the air conditioning, and sat down. Without choosing a specific type of book, he took a random one and read through it. Well, to be urate, the word "read" was not a good description for it. He was like a machine flipping through the pages at a very fast speed. He would only take one second to nce at a page, capture all the words on it, and then move on to the next page. This reading speed would have left anyone stunned.


    Catalog of Song Dynasty Famous Figures.


    Algebraic Geometry Exercises.


    The History of Music.


    Weiqi for Beginners.


    Portuguese for Dummies (Part 1).


    And so on. It had everything you could name.


    The books he read were not determined by his interests but rather just whatever he was able to get his hands on. It was totally random and unrestricted.


    After flipping through about 20 books, Zhang Ye stopped. He then quietly opened the game ring to take a look at the huge amount of Reputation Points which The Voice had given him with its previous two episodes. After that, he immediately tapped into the Merchant Shop and spent 10 million Reputation Points to purchase 100 Memory Search Capsules all at once. After consuming a capsule, his mind quickly recalled the contents from the first book he flipped through, storing all the knowledge into his mind, book by book.


    Previously, Zhang Ye had always used the Memory Search Capsules to recall the knowledge from his previous world. But now he knew that this was no longer enough. For example, this incident of him not knowing when the college entrance exam was held had sounded an rm for Zhang Ye. He was still too unfamiliar with this new world. After all, the two worlds were not the same. There were many differences like when the college entrance exam was held, the contents of the textbooks, as well as many other aspects. If he still based his behavior on the knowledge and train of thought from his previous world, he would definitely have problems with a lot of situations. That was the reason why Zhang Ye had nned on finding time to gain a deeper understanding of this world.


    Other than these slight differences between the two worlds, most other things were essentially the same. Actually, the knowledge Zhang Ye did not have a chance to learn in his previous world could totally be learned in this world. There was no way that he could read the books from his previous world or return to it anymore, but this world also had those books. Zhang Ye quickly went through all the rted books or video resources and used the Memory Search Capsules to memorize them, achieving a crazy fast learning speed. It was still many days from the start of the college entrance exam. He could not go anywhere other than stay within the boundaries of the private location in the hills. With such plentiful time, it was apparent that this was the most suitable time to do this. Time should not be wasted. There were still plenty of things to learn about.


    One book��


    Three books��


    Five books��


    In the blink of an eye, Zhang Ye had already etched the contents of five books deep inside his mind. He even could recite them backwardsfortably as all the information was easily retrievable.


    Of course, a huge amount of Memory Search Capsule was needed for this and had to be supported by an enormous amount of Reputation Points. Thankfully Zhang Ye''s new show contributed even more Reputation Points that allowed him to use them constantly. Zhang Ye did not feel pained after spending tens of millions of Reputation Points as they would be useless if left untouched. It was a different case for gaining knowledge. Afterparison there was nothing to feel heartbroken about. Furthermore, The Voice has only aired for two episodes. After theter episodes were broadcast, there would be even more Reputation Pointsing in so he could stand this round of huge spending. That was why the most important thing for Zhang Ye now was to enrich himself and arm himself. Knowledge was power and also a bridge connected to his goal of bing an A-list celebrity. What he was doing now was setting a foundation to prepare himself to reach higher heights!


    Six books��


    Ten books��


    Looking at his watch, he realized that it was almost time. Only then did Zhang Ye leisurely stroll toward the hilltop to join the celebratory feast that everyone had organized. He was ready to pig out.

 Chapter 703: The teachers’ friendly contest?

    <h4>Chapter 703: The teachers'' friendly contest? </h4>


    Chapter 703: The teachers'' friendly contest?


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    Later in the morning.


    11 AM.


    The sky above the hilltop was scattered with clouds and some of the thicker clouds were floating past harmoniously, blocking off the hot sun which was shining directly overhead. With the addition of the dense shade at the hilltop created by the trees and a cool breeze sweeping through the wilderness, it felt veryfortable.


    At this moment, the hilltop was full of teachers.


    "Dr. Chen, you came too?"


    "Yo, is everything prepared?"


    "Where''s the bacon? Where did you put the bacon?"


    "In the second drawer of the cooler. Be careful when you open it, there are ice cubes in there."


    "Let''s light the charcoal!"


    "Wait a moment, not everyone is here yet."


    "Haha, my stomach is already growling in hunger."


    "Can any of you male teacherse and help us move the grill?"


    "I''ming!"


    The barbecue grill and food were all set and ready for cooking.


    Zhang Ye was apanied by two young teachers from the mathematics team as they walked up to the hilltop together. When they saw this scene, their mood became better seeing this lively atmosphere. Looking at the amount of food, their fatigue from the past few days seemed to disappear into thin air. They were just waiting to tuck in now.


    Not far away, Su Na was drinking a soda and chatting with a few other female teachers beside her.


    Many of the other male teachers had already opened a crate of beer and started drinking. For the past few days, the teachers were not allowed to even take a sip of any alcoholic drinks but it didn''t matter anymore now.


    "Professor Zhang, we''re over here."


    "Right here."


    Many teachers from the Mathematics team were seated under a pavilion. When they saw Zhang Ye arriving together with some of their colleagues, they called them over.


    Someone said, "Teacher Zhang, I heard that the Beijing examinees are undermining you?"


    A female mathematics teacher covered her mouth whileughing. "I also heard from someone at the Higher Education Entrance Examination Board that the examinees have caused quite a bigmotion."


    When Zhang Ye heard this, he said in a depressed tone, "Hai, don''t mention that. Tell me, what have I done to offend anyone?! This bro has somehow offended arge number of people again this time. What did I do to deserve this!"


    A teacher from the Science team standing outside the pavilion heard that. He turned his head and asked, "The Science exams are presented as rather difficult, don''t tell me your Mathematics team has set very difficult questions too?"


    A math teacher smiled and said, "It''s not just very difficult. Later you will know when you see it, especially those questions set by Teacher Zhang. Every one of them was trickier than thest!"


    That person: "��"


    About ten minutester, thest wave of teachers who hadn''t arrived yet reached the hilltop. Among them was Dean Pan of the Mathematics team. But Chief Yu, the supervisor of the Chinese Literature team, could not be seen, probably because something hade up and he could note. Immediately, the hilltop was surrounded with smoke. Barbecue grills and charcoal fires were lighted everywhere. There were an estimated seven barbecue grills and were enough for these dozens of teachers to grill the food. The food was also abundant and could evenst for the entire day of barbecuing.


    "Almost everyone is here!"


    "Let''s start grilling!"


    "Come on,e on!"


    "Let''s grill the scallops first. The hot weather will easily spoil them."


    "Please grill some big shrimp for me, thank you."


    Some of the male teachers volunteered and started getting busy in front of the grills. Not long after, the food was cooking on the grills, and the buzzing sound of the fat cooking emanated a fragrance that drifted everywhere.


    At this point, a middle-aged male teacher from Tsinghua University suddenly announced loudly, "My fellowrades, after working for so many days, our work is finallyplete. From now on, we have nothing to worry about, so let''s have a good time together. I suggest that we go by the old rules!"


    A female teacher smiled and said, "OK!"


    Another, slightly plump female teacher also said, "I agree!"


    A teacher from the Chinese Literature team said, "Seconded!"


    A teacher from the Arts team said, "Haha, no problem!"


    Many of them were regrs of the Beijing college entrance examination''s question setting team. Some of them had even participated in the question setting team for the past seven or eight years. Except for a few new faces who joined this year, like Zhang Ye, Su Na, and some of those younger teachers, the others were all very familiar with the "old rules" the Tsinghua University teacher had just mentioned. Don''t think that these authoritative people of the education world who could easily send shivers down their students'' spines with just their stares alone were stereotypically rigid people. They would throw up too if they drank too much. Simrly, if they overworked, they would find a chance to rx.


    Zhang Ye was unsure, so he asked Pan Yang who was beside him, "Dean Pan, what old rules are they talking about?"


    Pan Yang chuckled. "It''s not too interesting if everyone just ate and did nothing. I forgot which year it started, but during the celebratory feast after every question setting, we organize some activities like a performance, singing, or calligraphy. We split the teachers into different teams and whoever loses is punished by drinking alcohol or taking on other penalties."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "I see."


    A middle-aged mathematics teacher said happily, "Every year, this segment is always interesting and something to look forward to."


    However, Zhang Ye did not seem interested. This fellow had only been staring hungrily at the barbecue grill all this while.


    Everyone began to discuss. Voices chattered.


    "How do we split the teams this year?"


    "For the past few years, it was always the arts teachers in a team and science teachers in the other. But then there isn''t much suspense in the contest this way. The science teachers are bad when ites to literary activities, so it has always been the arts teachersing out on top every year."


    "Heh, we science teachers have also won before, alright?"


    "Haha, only once or twice. Old Zhou, you can still remember that?"


    "That was still our victory! Besides, many of you people from the arts are well versed in literature, dancing, writing, and drawing. Is there any honor in beating our teachers from the sciences?"


    "Let''s be serious now, how should we split the teams this year then?"


    "If we don''t split the teams ording to the sciences and arts, surely we can''t split them ording to schools, right? There will be too many teams like Tsinghua, Peking, Renmin, and Beijing Normal University. It won''t be easy to manage so many teams."


    "Why don''t we group them ording to gender?"


    "Oh, right! That''s a good suggestion!"


    "Sounds good to me!"


    "It''ll be quite interesting if the two genderspete against each other!"


    "What will the penalty be if a team loses?"


    "The loser will have to drink since there''s so much beer around."


    "Good! It''s settled then?"


    "Yes, it''s settled!"


    "Come on, who''s afraid of whom!?"


    Isted in the hills, everyone''s passion for self-entertainment was many times greater than usual. It didn''t matter if they were young teachers or olderrades, everyone were quite cooperative. Very quickly, all the teachers unanimously agreed with this proposal of splitting the teams. Everyone immediately stood with their camps, one side with all the male teachers and the other with the female teachers. When they were all with their group, there were obviously fewer people in the female teachers'' team. They were only about two-thirds the number of the male teachers'' team.


    A female teacher disagreed with this, "That won''t do, we have too few people."


    Su Na also giggled. "That''s right, us women already aren''t good drinkers, and yet we have less people on our team. It''s too unfair."


    Liao Qi from the Chinese Literature team said, "Then how do you rmend we solve this?"


    A middle-aged female teacher suggested, "Give us a teacher from your side who can at least drink on our behalf."


    After some discussing, the male teachers did not have any objections as it was only for entertainment anyway. "Alright, pick a person, only one person."


    Hearing that, the female teachers immediately started whispering to each other.


    Many of the male teachers also straightened their backs in hopes that the female teachers would choose them. Being the only man in a group of women would also be a sign of poprity. Even if they had to drink on behalf of the female teachers if their team lost, it would be OK.


    The female teachers were discussing while pointing fingers at them.


    "What about Teacher Chu?"


    "He''s not bad."


    "How about Teacher Wu?"


    "He''s a good one too."


    "Aiyah, who should we choose?"


    "We have to get someone who can drink a lot."


    "Or find someone who can help us to win, haha."


    Zhang Ye''s enthusiasm for the activities was close to nil. This guy had already moved away from the groups and walked over to the barbecue grill by himself. On seeing the scallops were cooked, he scooped them up and started eating. At times, he would blow on his fingers as the food was too hot. The taste was eptable. All that was missing was just some garlic paste!


    Suddenly, a female professor of Renmin University took the lead and stood up. "We''ve made our decision."


    Liao Qi asked, "Who will be joining your team?"


    The male teachers all turned their attention to them and perked up their ears.


    That female professor smiled for a bit and said, "Let''s wee Teacher Zhang Ye to our team."


    When he heard his name being mentioned, Zhang Ye, who was just taking a big bite of some meat next to the grill, turned his head with a shocked expression. "Ah?"


    Liao Qi''s eyebrows twitched. "Are you sure?"


    The female professor smiled and said, "Yes, I''m sure."


    Pan Yang said, "Professor Zhang, stop eating for now. You''ve just been given an arduous duty."


    Su Na also waved at him to call him over. "Teacher Zhang,e over quickly."


    A female teacher said, "Hur hur, with Zhang Ye here, at least we won''t lose in the field of literature. Besides, even if the male teachers'' team ys dirty andes up with some math questions or brain teasers, we still have a 100% chance of winning. As for the remaining areas likepeting at singing or dancing, those are all our forte. We aren''t afraid of anyone!" Among the female teachers, they were mainlyprised of English teachers, history teachers, political science teachers, and geography teachers.


    A female doctorate professor said, "Teacher Zhang, it''s all on you now. Is your alcohol tolerance good?"


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "I''m the type who goes down after just a ss. You''d have to carry me down the hill if I get drunk."


    Su Na exposed him, "Save your excuses, when have you ever held back when ites to drinking? Surely you can down at least two bottles of beer, right? Teacher Zhang, we''re a group of women here, so you better not let us down."


    Once he was with the group of women, many of the female teachers started chatting with Zhang Ye.


    "Little Zhang, I''m Sun Fang from Beijing Normal."


    "Ai, Sis Sun."


    "I''ve a favor to ask of you."


    "Please speak."


    "Can you help me get Zhang Yuanqi''s and Fan Wenli''s autographs? My children like them both very much. Aren''t you their leader now?"


    "Man, I''m not their leader. I''m only an executive director and they will only take my instruction while filming the program. It''s different once we''re offstage, but no problem, I''ll get them for you. Let''s exchange phone numbers and I''ll get someone to bring it to you."


    "Teacher Zhang, I want them too."


    "Yes, me too."


    "I don''t need their autographs, but Professor Zhang, could you help sign ten of your own autographs for me instead? After you be an A-list celebrity, I will open an online shop to sell your autographs."


    Seeing that Zhang Ye was so popr with them, the male teachers did not feel too surprised at all. The most well-known person in the team of teachers was Zhang Ye. Not only was he reputable in academics, but even without his reputation as a famed mathematician, Zhang Ye was also one of the hottest B-list celebrities in the country. Many of the female teachers probably couldn''t name some of the male teachers but all of them definitely knew Zhang Ye. Except for some teachers from the Chinese Literature team who had doubts about Zhang Ye and those who disliked him on Chinese Literature matters, the majority of the other teachers were not prejudiced against him. Naturally, the only person who would receive unanimous votes from the female teachers would be him alone.

 Chapter 704: A poetry duel?

    <h4>Chapter 704: A poetry duel? </h4>


    Chapter 704: A poetry duel?


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    The contest began.


    As they ate, everyone was happily engaging in each other with apetitive spirit. The topic of the contest hadn''t been decided yet, but the male and female teacher teams were already starting to snatch things from each other.


    "Don''t take that from me!"


    "That''s ours, haha!"


    "Put down that chicken wing of mine!"


    "Damn, I barbecued that, since when did it be yours?"


    "We can''t beat them! Teacher Zhang,e and help us, quick!"


    "Don''t you all know about dies first!?''"


    "Wow, the scallops are delicious, so delicious!"


    Finally, the group divided into two teams, with one team standing in front of the barbecue pit towards the northern side, while the other team stood on the opposite side. The two teams drew a clear boundary from each other, not showing any weakness. Although it was just a friendly contest to rx from the tense work they were dealing with before, both parties were aiming to win. Everyone had a strong sense of team spirit and honor��well, except for Zhang Ye. Zhang Ye basically did not have any interest at all for this sort of contest.


    Zhang Ye wasn''t bothered by anything and was only concerned with eating. In his position as the only man in the group of women, his only duty was to drink should their team lose. Nothing else mattered to him.


    "Come on!"


    "Don''t steal food anymore, it''s time topete."


    "Which side gets to decide the topic first?"


    "Let thedies do it first."


    "OK."


    "Then we''ll go ahead and set the topic."


    "The usual rules apply. We''ll have three judges to decide who wins or loses."


    In the end, three teachers volunteered to be the judges without needing to be chosen. The judges'' team was made up of the Chinese Literature team''s Li Rui, a male teacher from a foreignnguage school, and an almost-retired professor who was previously from Tsinghua University who looked to be around 60.


    The judges got ready.


    The female teachers huddled together to discuss and then came up with the first topic: "The first topic will be Last Letter with song lyrics. Everyone will sing a line from a song and the next person must use thest word of the song to begin the next line." This was a traditional game they''d always had and something they always yed. It was also the game the female teachers were best at. [1.]


    The male teachers did not lose their morale.


    "That''s fine!"


    "Come on!"


    Last Letter with song lyrics began.


    The first female teacher to sing a line was Su Na. "When will the moon be clear and bright��"


    The male teachers'' team sent a young history teacher to the front. "Bright heart o'' mine suddenly awash by the downpour��"


    A cheerful-looking teacher from the female teachers'' team continued on from their word. "Downpour of confusion conspire to leave me lost..."


    With a lineing from each side, the teams were evenly matched.


    When the game was heating to the stage of bing white-hot, the victory came as a surprise when someone from the female teachers'' team sang a line of lyrics ending with the word "kiln." There were almost no songs that had lyrics beginning with this word, leaving the male teacher who was next in line hesitating for a long time and unable toe up with a line.


    After five seconds.


    The three judges announced that the female teachers'' team won.


    The female teachers scored the first victory and high-fived each other in celebration!


    "We won!"


    "Heehee, it''s too easy!"


    "Teacher Chu secured the victory."


    "Drink, drink, drink!"


    "Losers, admit your defeat!"


    The male teacher who did not manage toe up with the line to carry on the game took a bottle of beer with a saddened expression and chugged it down. He took great effort to finish it, clearly showing that he wasn''t much of a drinker at all. After he finished it and with the alcohol kicking in, he said in a very upbeat manner, "The next round''s topic will be decided by us. Our topic will be the Imitation Game." From his quick suggestion of the topic, it was clear that the male teachers had already discussed this while the female teachers were discussing about their previous topic.


    A female teacher asked, "What are we going to imitate?"


    The male teacher exined, "We will imitate actions and expressions. Each team member will make an action or expression and the other team will have to follow suit. The team that is not able to follow along will be the losers."


    "This is something new."


    "We''ve never yed this beforest time."


    "OK, no problem."


    "We ept your challenge. Come on!"


    The female teachers were full of confidence.


    This first action was to be done by a male teacher who walked to the front with heartyughter. He got down on the floor and did a one-handed push-up. This action might not even be possible if Zhang Ye were the one doing it, as it was rted to body strength and muscle groups holding up the person''s weight. It wasn''t something just anyone could do.


    But it turned out the female teachers'' team also had an able member. It was a young, petite, and slim female teacher. She walked up silently to the front, then got down on the floor with both hands on the ground initially to try out the posture first. Then she lifted her left and ced it behind her back and imitated the action of a one-handed push-up, persisting for one second before she could not hold it up anymore. It was only for that one second and not as long as the male teacher, but was still considered to have passed.


    The male teachers were amazed.


    "Damn!"


    "She really did it?"


    "Who is that teacher?"


    "I know her. She''s not a teacher from the universities, rather she''s a deputy head at the Chinese Literature department of one of the high-ranking high schools. I think she has danced since she was in her teens. That''s why her physical condition is quite good."


    "How awesome!"


    "Even I couldn''t do that!"


    The female teachers were also apuding and cheering!


    "Teacher Ku is too coo''!"


    "Teacher Ku, impressive!"


    "Haha!"


    Then this Teacher Ku stood up and immediately did an action. She did the splits right where she was. "Who''s next?"


    The splits were still a considerablymon routine, but that was more in the context of a woman whose body was more flexible. For a man, even if he was very flexible, the splits still very difficult to handle.


    However, there were also incredible people in the male teachers'' team.


    "Let me give it a try." A skinny male teacher came forward and adjusted himself for a long time before slowly splitting his legs apart and getting lower onto the floor. However, at thest bit of the action, he was unable to go down any further. He clenched his teeth and turned around to ask for help. "Can two people help me out a little here? Press me down slowly, I should be able to do it."


    Two male teachers went over to help.


    Press!


    Press again!


    In the end, he really was able to do it!


    The male teachers'' team cheered!


    "Beautiful!"


    Teacher Hu really gave it his all!"


    "Really well done!"


    "I''ve heard that Little Hu used to practice taekwondo as an amateur. Looks like that''s true."


    "Little Hu''s ligaments are really stic!"


    That male teacher got up with the assistance of his team members. When he finally stood up, he was already swaying around a little, unable to stand properly. This round was enough to cause him some pain and even very nearly took his life.


    The victor was decided in the next round by a male teacher. When he made the action, the female teachers all fainted at once. They saw him stick out his tongue and pushed the tip up and up and further up and touched the tip of his nose.


    "What the heck!"


    "He could do that?"


    "That''s really amazing!"


    "��"


    "We''re done for!"


    The female teachers were totally at a loss for a response. They attempted to imitate the same action but failed after countless tries. Don''t even mention being able to lick the tip of your nose, most people couldn''t even make their tongue cover the philtrum.


    The judges announced and dered with greatughter the male teachers'' team as the victors of the second round.


    Su Na waved her hands and said, "Teacher Zhang, stop eating already. Come here and drink up."


    Only then did Zhang Ye put down the razor ms in his hands and turn around to look over. "You all lost?"


    A female teacher said, "We lost, so it''s your turn now."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged that and walked over to pick up the bottle of beer. Heposed himself a little and then gulped it down in a single breath. As he drank too quickly, he could feel himself swaying a little from the alcohol and the ice-cold temperature of the beer!


    The contest was getting more exciting as it progressed!


    In the third round, the female teachers team won.


    The fourth round was taken by the male teachers.


    After the sixth round, both sides were still tied at 3-3.


    Zhang Ye had drunk three bottles of ice-cold beer and with his alcohol tolerance not exactly high, he already felt like he couldn''t drink anymore. His belly was already bloated.


    But everyone else was still ying around happily, not feeling tired amid all theughter.


    "Teacher Zhang can''t take it anymore?"


    "Haha, Little Zhang can''t drink anymore, let''s keep going for victory!"


    "Why don''t we make the seventh round the decider?"


    "Agreed, the seventh round will decide the winner!"


    "Then who shall decide the topic?"


    "I think for the sake of fairness, we should let the judges decide the seventh round''s topic."


    "OK."


    "That would be great!"


    "This is make or break!"


    Everyone agreed to make thest round the decider.


    The three judges began their discussion andmunicated for a long time before finally agreeing on a topic together. The Chinese Literature team''s Li Rui stepped up and smiled as he announced, "After our discussion, we''ve decided that everyonepete in the final round on the topic of��poetry. As for the subject, this hill we are currently residing on used to have a couple staying here. A ssic saying was even coined because of them, so in ordance to this setting, the subject has been decided as ''husband and wife.'' Any sort of poetry theme will be epted, so whoeveres up with the neatest and most elegant version that also fits the theme well will win this round."


    Poems?


    Everyone was very surprised by this.


    Among the judges, Li Rui was part of the Chinese Literature question setting team. Even those who weren''t on the Chinese Literature question setting team had heard of Zhang Ye''s reputation in poetry, so how could Li Rui not know that this what Zhang Ye''s expertise. Zhang Ye had first became famous because of his poems, so from this decision on the topic, did it show Li Rui and the judges team favoring the female teachers team and wanted them to have the advantage in winning? But that was not it. Quite a few people knew that Li Rui was not especially fond of Zhang Ye''s poems and had also criticized Zhang Ye on the Inte when Zhang Ye was involved in the scolding battles with his literary circle peers. Besides, Liao Qi and a few of the Chinese Literature team teachers like Liao Qi and Ma Qi had shed with Zhang Ye privately over the college entrance exam work that they had been working on the past few days. They felt that Zhang Ye''s literary standards had been deified too much by people. Even though they admitted that Zhang Ye''s literary standards were high, they did not think that Zhang Ye was as great as what everyone thought him to be. They did not believe that he deserved the status he was revered with. At the top of the great pyramid of the literary circle, there were only a few surviving masters. While many people mentioned Zhang Ye in the same breath with those masters, they did not feel that Zhang Ye was qualified enough.


    Then what was the meaning of this topic?


    Suddenly, Liao Qi came forward and said, "Send me up for this round!"


    When everyone saw that, they were suddenly enlightened and could roughly understand what was going on. It was no wonder that Li Rui had chosen to use poetry as the topic. It was because those people from the Chinese Literature team were not convinced of Zhang Ye''s talent and wanted to use this chance to test him and go up against him. They hade prepared and even came up with a subject that was rather subtle. Everyone knew that Zhang Ye''s standard in poems specializing in scolding was very high, so they were not careless either and did not sh head-on with Zhang Ye. As such, they had chosen the theme of "husband and wife" for the subject. This theme was something that had never been reflected in Zhang Ye''s previous works before. They were trying to limit his skills so that they could beat him.


    [1. Last Letter game - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word_chain]

 Chapter 705: Little Zhang Unleashed!

    <h4>Chapter 705: Little Zhang Unleashed! </h4>


    Chapter 705: Little Zhang Unleashed!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    At the top of the hill.


    The atmosphere among the teachers was suddenly lively.


    "How interesting!"


    "Yeah, a poetry duel?"


    "That is ying to Zhang Ye''s strength."


    "Teacher Liao isn''t bad either. Teacher Liao Qi is not only an associate professor at Tsinghua University, he also holds a position in the Poetry Association, so his standards are really high too."


    "But he still won''t match up to Zhang Ye. Don''t you know what sort of level Zhang Ye is at?"


    "Haha, that may not necessarily be true. Teacher Liao is not weak either. It''s just that Teacher Liao''s works are more artistic, unlike Teacher Zhang''s poems which are essentially tuned for the masses, so they are not so widespread and well-known by people. That is why we can''t say that Teacher Liao''s standards are inferior to Zhang Ye."


    "Yeah, I think there could be a littlepetition between the two of them."


    "Looks like Teacher Liao prepared ahead of time."


    "That''s right, to even dare to have a contest in poetry with Zhang Ye, he must definitely havee prepared. Looks like there''s something we can look forward to here!"


    "Start the duel then!"


    "Teacher Zhang, go out!"


    "Teacher Liao,e on!"


    Quite a few people started to cheer them on in full anticipation.


    However, Su Na winked a few times at Zhang Ye with full intent. She was also a part of the Chinese Literature question setting team and naturally knew that some teachers had some issues with Zhang Ye, a minority group of Chinese Literature teachers from Tsinghua and Renmin University led mainly by Liao Qi. They were very unhappy with the fact that a "tumor" of the literary and educational world like Zhang Ye was flourishing so well, so when the few of them suddenly created such a showdown during the contest, she suspected that they were surely up to no good. She wanted to remind Zhang Ye to be careful. As for his poetry, Su Na was not the least bit worried since she clearly knew Zhang Ye''s abilities.


    Behind Zhang Ye, two Peking University female teachers quietly tapped on Zhang Ye to remind him as well. From this, it could be seen that even though everyone was getting along harmoniously, speaking andughing together with all the activities from earlier, it was all just fun and games. Now that this topic had been brought up, the atmosphere was no longer the same. This was the real thing. It felt like they truly wanted to challenge Zhang Ye. Naturally, most of the Peking University teachers were on the side of Zhang Ye. Peking University had long been old foes with Tsinghua University. When something like this happened, it was always clear to everyone where they should stand.


    Judge Li Rui asked, "Has the male teachers'' team chosen their representative for this round?"


    Liao Qi nodded.


    "How about the female teachers'' team?" Li Rui turned his head and looked at the other side.


    A female teacher from Tsinghua University smiled and said, "Our side is definitely sending Teacher Zhang out topete this round. I don''t think I need to further exin Teacher Zhang''s poetry standards, do I?"


    On the other side, a male teacher from Tsinghua University also chimed in, "Right, I''ve long heard of Teacher Zhang''s abilities topose a poem as soon as he lifts up the brush. Come forward then, Teacher Zhang."


    The several Tsinghua University teachers began echoing each other, some praising first before attacking.


    But who would have expected the following to happen? When Zhang Ye heard them, he gave a wave of his hands and said, "I''m not going to. I''d said earlier that I would be on this team only to help thedies drink if they got punished. I''m a guy here and not truly a part of the female teachers'' team."


    Li Rui smiled. "The female teachers'' team has already imed you, so you''re part of the group. Since everyone is rmending you, why don''t you step up and take part in this final round?"


    Zhang Ye was standing in front of the barbecue grill and only cared about cooking the meat. "You girls go ahead, I just want to eat my meat. My poetry is just so-so anyway." He was totally unable garner any interest in this poetry contest. "Oh, right, Teacher Su Na''s standard is very high, so why don''t we get Teacher Su to do it."


    Su Na was speechless. Why do I have to do it!


    Zhang Ye kept pushing it around, not wanting to take responsibility at all.


    If it were anyone else trying to evade the responsibility, everyone would surely think that the person was not confident, was afraid to lose, or feared losing face, and thus did not dare to take up the challenge. But when it was Zhang Ye doing the evading, no one thought in that way at all. This was because Zhang Ye''s poetryposition standards were something everyone already knew about. Those works, like The Furthest Distance in the World, Dead Water, Admiring the Mountains were there for everyone to see and were brilliant works without a doubt. It was impossible for Zhang Ye to not be confident or afraid to lose. The only reason he did not take up the challenge was��he was not interested or wasn''t in the mood to do so.


    Everyone hooted.


    "Zhang Ye, get up there."


    "If you don''t go, there will be no one representing the female teachers."


    "Yeah, you''re the only person on the female teachers'' team who is well-versed enough at poetry."


    "This is the final round, it''s even the decider of the overall winner. We''re all having so much fun, so Teacher Zhang, you will surely honor that, won''t you?"


    "Right, let''s have a good contest."


    After dragging on for a long time.


    Seeing the situation, Liao Qi from the male teachers'' team suddenly said, "Since there''s no decision on who is to represent the female teachers team, then I will just have to shamelessly go first. The theme is ''husband and wife''?"


    Judge Li Rui said, "Correct."


    "Liao Qi asked, "Do we have a brush and ink?"


    "Yes." A teacher said with someughter nearby. "It was specially prepared for the typical contest. I knew that there would surely be something like this today, so I prepared it ahead of time. There. Everything isid out now." Heid them out with the help from a few other teachers and even the table was set up. Of course, since they were in an isted location on a hill, they were not too fastidious about the details of these tools and equipment. Everything were just the simplest items they could get their hands on.


    Everyone was looking forward to the contest.


    "It''s starting!"


    "Teacher Liao seems very confident."


    "Who do you all think will win?"


    "If Zhang Ye does it, then the chances of him winning arerger. But if Zhang Ye doesn''t want to take part, then there''s not likely anyone on the female teachers'' team who can beat Teacher Liao at this."


    "That''s what I think too."


    "The theme of the poem has to be rted to ''husband and wife.'' This won''t be easy."


    Under the attention of all the teachers, Liao Qi of Tsinghua University''s Chinese Department slowly walked up to the table and stood there stolidly. Heposed himself for a moment, and as though with great thought, a glimmer of bright light shone from his eyes as he held the brush firmly in his hands. He looked like he already had something in his mind and began writing!


    ����


    K��ish�� (regr script) characters vividly came to life on the scroll: [1.]


    We tied up our hair to be husband and wife.


    Our love and affection we never doubted.


    ����


    Without a pause, the poem was written out in one go!


    When Liao Qi finally lifted his hand and put down the brush, the observing crowd couldn''t help but cheer!


    "Great!"


    "This poem is too beautiful!"


    "It fits the theme perfectly!"


    "The couple''s mutual feelings for each other were described too vividly! This is so great!"


    "This poem is really quite good! It rhymes wells, the theme is clear and fits the mood perfectly. There''s nothing to nitpick at all!"


    "This poem is sure to win. Teacher Liao''s really skilled at this!"


    "Yeah, even if Zhang Ye were to step forward now, he might not win!"


    "That''s true, even if Zhang Ye were to write the next poem, how much better could it get than this?"


    "That''s not true. Zhang Ye''s poems usually bring with them a certain strength I think can be better than this one."


    "For the same thing, the benevolent sees benevolence and the wise sees wisdom, I suppose. When ites to art, it has always been difficult to say who is better. In any case, I feel that Teacher Liao''s poem is as good as perfect!" [2.]


    Ma Qi from the Chinese Literature team started pping. "Professor Liao, great poem!"


    Judge Li Rui also apuded and gave his acknowledgment, "How wonderful!"


    Liao Qi smiled slightly. "Thank you everyone. The mood just came to me and I was able to freely express it well enough."


    At this moment, the young male teacher from the judging team looked in the direction of the female teachers'' team with a smiled and said, "Who will you all be sending out? The topic has a time limit of 10 minutes, so if no one is going to do it, will you be drinking instead?"


    Liao Qi smiled in the direction of Zhang Ye.


    The others also mostly focused their attention to Zhang Ye.


    But it was like Zhang Ye did not notice them at all. His back was still facing them as he continued eating. He gobbled up the scallops and oysters by the mouthful like a glutton who could never eat enough. It was like he was either acting high and mighty or purposely keeping a low profile. It was really just because he could not get into the mood to duel with poetry today. Was there any meaning to this?


    A big sister figure on the female teachers'' team walked over. "Little Zhang."


    "Ai," Zhang Ye mumbled as he continued eating. "Mm��what''s the matter?"


    The big sis was didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Stop eating. We''re going to lose if this goes on. It''s always been an annual tradition that the losing team also has to perform a group punishment besides drinking. Sometimes we have to do a group dance or a group run, and that''s really quite embarrassing."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged her and just continued to eat.


    Su Na also came over. "Teacher Zhang, go up. It''s your turn!"


    Zhang Ye said with some amusement, "You''re quite good at poems too. Why don''t you do it and I will support you."


    Su Na could only helplessly smile at that. "My level of poetryposition should not be shown on any stage whatsoever. Besides, I''ve already seen Teacher Liao''s poem and it''s at least five grades higher than my level. I don''t want to embarrass myself. We''re all depending on you, Teacher Zhang. You have to win this round for us!"


    "Yeah,e on, Zhang Ye."


    "Teacher Zhang, hurry up!"


    "We''re relying on you!"


    "Stop eating already. Hurry up and go win!"


    Many of the female teachers were constantly nagging him. Some of the younger female teacher might find winning to be more important, probably because they didn''t want to perform the punishment and just wanted to quickly win the round.


    Suddenly, a young male teacher from Tsinghua University shouted from his group, "If Teacher Zhang does not dare to take the challenge, then we should just get someone else.''


    Liao Qi smiled at that.


    Li Rui and the minority group of people from the Chinese Literature team were also watching the fun.


    Doesn''t dare to?


    Doesn''t dare to take the challenge?


    When Zhang Ye heard that, he looked in the direction of where the voice came from and let out augh. "I know you''re try to goad me into taking the challenge. Do you think that this kind of goading will work on me?" Then he put down the food he had in his hands and went over. "Yes, it works very well on me!"


    Su Na: "Pfft!"


    Liao Qi: "��"


    Li Rui: "��"


    The female teachers were highly amused by this!


    Wiping his hands clean, Zhang Ye walked up to the table and confirmed with the three judges, "The theme is ''husband and wife,'' right? There are no other restrictions on the poem type?"


    Li Rui answered, "Yes."


    Zhang Ye nodded and lifted up the brush.


    With that, everyone came together to surround Zhang Ye at once, sticking out their necks and trying to glimpse the Xuan paper.


    Liao Qi and the others were also in the crowd.


    Even with so many people watching, Zhang Ye still looked very listless, clearly not too excited by everything that was happening. It was like he just casually picked up the brush without even thinking and just started scribbling onto the Xuan paper.


    It was X��ngk��i: [3.]


    Gazing with dried eyes over the span of mountains and rivers,


    How many a bosom friend have I met thus far?


    ����


    [1. Regr script]


    [2. "���߼������߼���" literally means "for the same thing, the benevolent see benevolence and the wise see wisdom." It is a metaphorical description to express that different people from different viewpoints may have different understandings of the same problem.]


    [3. X��ngk��i: A running script font also known as a style of semi-cursive Chinese characters]

 Chapter 706: Husband Missing Wife!

    <h4>Chapter 706: Husband Missing Wife! </h4>


    Chapter 706: Husband Missing Wife!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    He put down the brush.


    Theposition wasplete.


    When the first line of this poem was initially revealed, no one could see anything good about it. Everyone first noticed Zhang Ye''s aesthetically pleasing characters, and when he wrote out the rest of the characters with an unrestrained, elegant motion of the brush despite his body looking extremely rxed, many of the young female teachers who were observing started eximing excitedly. A few of the teachers and professors who were professionally trained in calligraphy also had stunned expressions. They rushed closer to have a clearer look, then looked even more stunned!


    "These words��"


    "This calligraphy skill is so high level!"


    "An amateur hobbyist would not be able to write in this manner!"


    "Is that X��ngk��i? I''ve never seen such a style of X��ngk��i before, it feels a little simr to the traditional X��ngsh�� style, but yet a little different." [1.]


    "The characters are beautifully written!"


    "I didn''t expect that Zhang Ye could write such a good calligraphy piece!"


    "It''s also my first time learning that Teacher Zhang''s calligraphy skills are at such a high level!"


    Everyone was stunned at what they were seeing.


    Liao Qi raised an eyebrow, looking rather surprised as well.


    The several Tsinghua University teachers all looked at one another.


    Only Su Na''s expression did not change. Previously at the Calligraphy Association''s anniversary gathering, which was also a day to celebrate Wu Zeqing and another calligraphy master''s birthdays, Su Na and many others from the Calligraphy Association had all witnessed Zhang Ye''s calligraphy skills. Su Na felt that the best work by Zhang Ye was that poem called Ode to Mn. All the unique styles of Zhang Ye''s writing were reflected in this work. This was a style unique to Zhang Ye. No one could write in the same way as him even if they imitated such a style directly from his works!


    Clearly, no one from this world knew that Zhang Ye''s calligraphy was imitated from the handwriting style of his previous world''s famed calligraphy master, Wang Xizhi, the Sage of Calligraphy. Even though Zhang Ye had not eaten enough Calligraphy Skill Experience Books yet, and was stillcking quite a bit of soul, as long as he could achieve 20% of Wang Xizhi''s calligraphy style, it would be enough to shock the people of this world. The title of Sage of Calligraphy was not for nothing, and not self-proimed by Wang Xizhi himself, but affirmed by history itself!


    "It''s so good!"


    "These words are really feast for the eyes!"


    "If this were a contest of calligraphy, Professor Liao would have been utterly defeated."


    "Yeah, but the topic is still on poetry."


    Many people were full of praise, but after having their breath taken by Zhang Ye''s calligraphy skills, everyone slowly began to notice Zhang Ye''s poem. They wanted to know how Zhang Ye would perform with the theme of "husband and wife" he was unfamiliar with.


    Su Na squeezed to the front.


    Dean Pan also went forward.


    The poem read like this:


    Husband Missing Wife


    Gazing with dried eyes over the span of mountains and rivers,


    How many a bosom friend have I met thus far?


    The pot empty, afraid of pouring wine,


    Difficult to pen my reply.


    Journeyed away from the living for a long time,


    Without news I slowly return home.


    Themp serves as mypanion on lonely nights,


    I am thinking of you, my wife and son.


    After he finished, Zhang Ye even left his signature on the piece.


    After a final nce at his work, Zhang Ye nodded with satisfaction and put down his brush. Then he strolled toward the surrounding crowd and squeezed past them to make his way back to the barbecue grill to continue eating, this time attacking the grilled mushrooms.


    The remaining crowd cheered!


    "Great poem!"


    "The entire poem revolves around the ''missing'' character. It embodies the husband''s thoughts and feelings for his wife and was described in such a lonely but beautiful manner!"


    "Awesome!"


    "I''d thought that Teacher Liao''s poem had already reached the peak of perfection! Who knew that Teacher Zhang is indeed Teacher Zhang! He thoroughly deserves his reputation! It''s not any worse inparison to Teacher Liao''s poem! Moreover, Zhang Ye is not even married yet, so this theme of ''husband and wife'' was already a topic not in his area of expertise. If we consider that point and include the fact that this was an improvised work, then it shows even more clearly how skillful Zhang Ye is!"


    "Professor Zhang is still so full of literary talent."


    "Wellposed!"


    "This poem is just like his calligraphy skill, they''re both amazing!"


    "Beautifully executed, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Haha!"


    Dean Pan nodded firmly, giving his approval.


    Su Na gave Zhang Ye a thumbs up from afar.


    Most of those in the female teachers'' team also happily started dishing out their praise. As expected, Zhang Ye did not disappoint them, he did not let them down at this critical juncture!


    A female teacherughed, "I guess we won this final round?"


    Ma Qi from the Chinese Literature team frowned. "What do you mean by you all won it? Teacher Liao''s work is also very good. At least in terms of usage of words, I find Teacher Liao''s phrasing to be more sophisticated."


    A male teacher from Tsinghua University nodded with a smile. "I also find Teacher Liao''s poem to be better and more beautiful."


    Su Na disagreed, "Of course it''s Teacher Zhang''s poem that''s better. No question!"


    A female professor looked at the male teachers'' team and said, "Whoa, you guys don''t want to admit that you''ve lost now?"


    "Why do we have to admit that we lost? Teacher Liao has indeedposed his poem quite well, so it''s still very difficult to say who has won or lost yet. After all, when ites to art, it''s very difficult to distinguish who is better. Everyone has their own views and opinions," someone from the male teachers'' team said.


    An older professor who was very qualifiedmented, "That''s true. In my opinion, each of these two poems have their strong points that stand out. It isn''t easy toe to a clear conclusion as to which is better, so why don''t we leave this to the judges. We will let the three judges vote and whichever work gets more will win."


    "Sure!"


    "Let''s leave it to the judges then."


    "Agreed."


    "Zhang Ye will definitely win."


    "It has to be Teacher Liao who wins it!"


    Everyone looked to the judges, eager to find out the result.


    Liao Qi was also very concerned about the results, but did not show it on his face.


    Butpared to Liao Qi and the few other Tsinghua University teachers, Zhang Ye was even more indifferent. Afterpleting his job, he left it all behind and went straight back to eating and drinking.


    At this moment, the young male teacher judge said something. "In my opinion, I still think that Teacher Zhang''s Husband Missing Wife is better. Compared to the other poem I enjoyed the mood of this poem more."


    The female teachers'' team suddenlyughed happily at this.


    "That''s how it should be!"


    "Well said!"


    Then the next judge, Li Rui said, "I don''t quite agree as I feel that both poems carry the mood quite simrly. However, I find Teacher Liao''s poem to be clearly more suited to the theme of ''husband and wife.'' In his poem, it greatly shows the theme with the husband, wife, and love written into it. But Teacher Zhang Ye''s poem is more written from the perspective of the husband and only expresses one side of the pair''s feelings. The poem is still good, but in the context of the theme, Teacher Liao''s poem definitely takes it."


    Many of those who heard this judgment also thought that this was a logical argument.


    "That''s true."


    "Yeah, Teacher Liao''s poem is moreplete and in line with the theme."


    "Yes, regardless of how Teacher Liao''s other poems are, this one today is really quite well written."


    Li Rui voted for Liao Qi.


    Zhang Ye and Liao Qi were now at a draw with the votes at one-to-one. It was all down to thest judge''s decision.


    Thest judge was theparatively older professor who walked up over to the two poems which had been hung up vertically to take a closer look at them. He then turned around with a helpless smile. "I can''t decide which is better. Both are beautiful to read, so why don''t I abstain from voting and we''ll make this a draw."


    "Draw?"


    "Man!"


    "Then who''s the winner?"


    "I guess that just means there''s no winner or loser."


    "Then will we be adding another round to the contest?"


    "Let''s just leave it as a draw."


    "Hai, we nearly did it, heehee. I was still hoping to see the male teachers'' team perform square dancing!" [2.]


    The contest finally ended with a draw. This was a result many people could ept. It was just a game after all, so as long as they were not judged to have lost and had to be punished, then it would be fine.


    Liao Qi did not have any issues with this either. To be able toe up against Zhang Ye and walk away with a draw was a result he could wholly ept. At the moment, he and a few other Tsinghua University teachers all shot a belittling nce at Zhang Ye. As expected, just like how Liao Qi and a minority of them thought, Zhang Ye did not turn out as legendary as they imed. If it really had to be said, at most Zhang Ye could be considered a very excellent literary artist. A master? He''s not at that level yet! Even Liao Qi''s poem could draw level on terms with his, so how could Zhang Ye be considered on the level of a master? His standard was only so-so!


    Ma Qi said with the intention of bootlicking, "I can see that Teacher Liao has surpassed himself and gone a level higher already. Will this be the path you will be walking down more often from now on?"


    Liao Qiughed and waved it off. "Me? I think it''s better for me to keep teaching with honest intentions,posing poetry and such things should just remain a hobby for me. I wouldn''t do this professionally."


    Li Rui also smiled and said, "For an amateur to write at such a good level, you''re making us feel embarrassed."


    Several of the Tsinghua University teachers also gradually chipped in with their ttery.


    Over at the other side, Su Na had walked up to Zhang Ye from behind. "Still in the mood to eat?"


    Zhang Ye grunted out a yes. "I''ve been using my mind too much for the past few days. I don''t really know why I am feeling so hungry, but I''ve probably spent too much energy thinking." Not only was he tired from thinking about the question setting for the exams, he had also done some speed learning this morning using the Memory Search Capsules.


    Su Na pouted, "They''ve alreadye to a judgment over there. It''s a draw."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I heard it. If it''s a draw, so be it."


    "This poem of yours today was indeed not bad, butpared to your previous works, I feel that you have not fulfilled your potential," Su Na said helplessly. "You''re usually morepetitive than this, but look at you today. It seemed like you didn''t care at all. I don''t think you even gave it any thought when you were writing this poem, right? You just casually picked up the brush andposed it. If you had been more serious, how could you possibly not beat Teacher Liao? This isn''t your usual standard at all."


    I can''t beat him?


    Iposed it offhandedly?


    Zhang Ye smiled without saying a word. He did not offer any arguments to that.


    Beside them, a few Peking University female teachers also said, "Hai, Teacher Zhang, you''ve really underestimated your opponent today. Teacher Liao obviously came prepared, yet you didn''t do your best. With your reputation, a draw would already mean that we lost. If it gets out that Teacher Liao''s poetry standards are on equal standing with you? Teacher Liao would get all the attention. By then, everyone might even think that we all from Peking University aren''t a match for them from Tsinghua University."


    Suddenly, someone appeared walking up the hill towards them.


    ��It was the Chinese Literature question setting team''s Yu Fan!


    Prior to this, Yu Fan was busy with the examination work and thus came ratherte. When he arrive, he was a little taken aback by the scene. He smiled and asked, "What''s the matter? Was there a contest again? Who won this year? How did you all divide up the teams?"


    Li Rui smiled and said, "It''s a tie this year."


    Yu Fan blinked. "You can even manage to tie?"


    Ma Qi said, "In the final round, both teams finished with a draw."


    A summary of the situation was rted to Chief Yu.


    Chief Yu''s interest perked and he went forward. "Let me have a look."


    [1. X��ngk��i is a variant of this style]


    [2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_dancing_(China) ]

 Chapter 707: Marvelous, hidden palindrome poem!

    <h4>Chapter 707: Marvelous, hidden palindrome poem! </h4>


    Chapter 707: Marvelous, hidden palindrome poem!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    The contest ended.


    Everyone was back to speaking in joyful manners with each other.


    Ma Qi said to Chief Yu, "We were divided by gender into two teams, but because the female teachers'' team do not really know how to drink, Zhang Ye was pulled over to join their team. The final round was a contest between Teacher Liao and Teacher Zhang."


    Chief Yu said a little taken aback, "What did theypete on?"


    Ma Qi said, "Poetry, with the theme of ''husband and wife.''"


    Chief Yu looked to Liao Qi and smiled. "Old Liao is back to writing poetry?"


    Liao Qi smiled and said, "Yes, it was spontaneous and not something that can''t be presented on the professional stage. Chief Yu, you''re the professional here, why don''t you look over my piece and give me some pointers?"


    Chief Yu waved it off, feeling ttered. "I sure can take a look, but I don''t dare im to be able to give any advice. If we''re talking about writing poetry, you''re at a higher level than me."


    Liao Qiughed heartily. "Chief Yu, you''re being modest."


    At this moment, Su Na came over to join them. "I still feel that Teacher Zhang''s poem is better. Chief Yu, since you''re here, why don''t you give us your opinion? You''re definitely the authoritative figure in this area."


    A female teacher from Peking University also added, "Yes, please take a look."


    As the Chinese Literature question setting team''s chief and the supervisor, Yu Fan''s qualifications were unquestionable. In the Chinese Literature team, he was definitely among the top few members. Whether it was in the education or academic world, he had had many great achievements in them. On the literary front, everyone hadplete conviction in Chief Yu. Since nobody could agree on who won or lost and stuck to their own opinions of whom was better, then why not let an expert give his views instead.


    Chief Yu agreed, "Sure."


    In the blink of an eye, he was walking toward the two poems that were hung up.


    Everyone else also came up behind, surrounding him not too far away.


    "We tied our hair to be husband and wife, / Our love and affection we never doubted��" When Chief Yu read these lines out loud, he couldn''t help nodding agreeably. "Fine poem." Then he turned his head to look at the other poem. "Gazing with dried eyes over the span of mountains and rivers, / How many a bosom friend have I met thus far��" After reading the poem, Chief Yu was suddenly silent. He stared at the poem for a long time and did not give anyments or say that it was a fine poem like he did for Liao Qi''s work. Instead, he seemed to have be lost in thought.


    Everyone saw, but did not understand what was going on.


    "What''s happening?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Is there something wrong with Zhang Ye''s poem?"


    "Why isn''t Chief Yu saying anything?"


    Li Rui from the Chinese Literature team blinked, then said to Chief Yu, "Teacher Zhang''s poem did not touch clearly on the theme of the subject. It''s notplete enough as it only depicts the feelings of the husband and not the wife''s. Comparatively, Teacher Liao''s poem isplete, and even though it was decided that this was a draw, I still feel that Teacher Liao has won this round."


    Ma Qi said, "If they were contesting calligraphy skills, then needless to say, Zhang Ye''s calligraphy skill is already at a very high level. It''s not something an amateur cane up against, but if we are talking about the poem alone, then I also think that Teacher Liao has won."


    Chief Yu still maintained his silence.


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Three seconds.


    Suddenly, Chief Yu gaze lit up and he unexpectedly turned around to ask, "This was written by Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    Li Rui answer with some reservation, "Yes."


    Chief Yu sucked in a breath, then turned his head back around and continued staring at that poem. The longer he looked at it, the more shocked he felt, and the more wry his smile became.


    Everyone was confused as they did not understand what Chief Yu was doing.


    Dean Pan finally said, "Old Yu, what are you daydreaming about? Which of the poems are better? Spit it out." Dean Pan was not knowledgeable about poetry and such, having only been around numbers all his life.


    Hearing that, Chief Yu smiled as he shook his head. "Whose poem is better?"


    "Yeah, that''s right."


    "Chief Yu, stop keeping us on our toes."


    "So whose poem is better?"


    "It should be a draw, right?"


    Everyone was extremely curious and wanted to know.


    When Chief Yu finished listening to all they had to say, he broke out intoughter. "If we''re talking about whose poem is better or of a higher standard, then I really am unable to pass judgment on that, because the difference between these two poems are not simply just a grade or two. These two poems are��basically worlds apart! A draw? A tie? Which of you decided on that?" he said with an amused expression.


    Li Rui eximed, "Worlds apart?"


    Ma Qi was stunned. "Surely it''s not to that extreme? So who won?"


    Chief Yu did not even think and just replied, "Do you even need to ask who won? It''s obviously Teacher Zhang''s poem that won, and it won by a difference that one cannot even begin to imagine! The difference between these two poems is not simply just a level or two!"


    When Liao Qi heard this, his expression immediately turned dark. "Oh?"


    Zhang Ye who wasn''t too far away from them also heard this and nced at them.


    Su Na was also very surprised at this. "I do think that Teacher Zhang''s Husband Missing Wife is better, but it''s still just a little better. Surely it can''t be that much better, can it?"


    Dean Pan asked, "Is there really such a great difference?"


    A female teacher asked, "Surely that''s not true, is it?"


    A male teacher from Tsinghua University said, "Aren''t these two poems quite simr to each other? How did you reach such a conclusion?"


    Many people were once again looking at Zhang Ye''s Husband Missing Wife because of Chief Yu''sments. They wanted to look at it in detail, but could not understand no matter how hard they tried. Moreover, as Li Rui said, if they really wanted to quibble over the matter of the usage of words, then Zhang Ye''s Husband Missing Wife definitely didn''t suit the theme too well, so why did his poem get so revered by Chief Yu? This poem clearly had a w, didn''t it?


    Chief Yu nced at Li Rui and said, "You were saying earlier that Teacher Zhang did not fully touch on the theme? It wasn''tplete?"


    Li Rui said, "Yes, I really don''t understand why you are praising Husband Missing Wife so much. If this poem had another part depicting the wife''s feelings for her husband on top of his feelings for her, then it would beplete and would be able to match up to Teacher Liao''s work. After all, this isn''t an open topic that one can freely decide what to write, but is limited to the scope of the given theme instead."


    Chief Yu sniggered. "Wife Missing Husband?"


    Ma Qi said, "Yes."


    Chief Yu smiled and said, "If I were to tell you that it exists in this poem?"


    Everyone was stunned.


    "Huh?"


    "There''s what?"


    "Wife Missing Husband?"


    "Where is it?!"


    "Yeah, there''s nothing that mentions that!"


    "Damn, what is Chief Yu talking about? Isn''t this just Husband Missing Wife? It''s depicting the husband''s feelings of missing his wife from beginning till end, where''s the depiction of the wife''s part?"


    Everyone was feeling confused, not understanding what Chief Yu was talking about.


    In the end, Chief Yu did not keep everyone in suspense and looked up at the poem once again, some shock still in his eyes. He pointed at it and said, "This poem is not as simple as what you see on the surface, nor was it written casually by Little Zhang. There''s something hidden in it, so why don''t you read it backwards to find out what it is!"


    Su Na was stunned. "What?"


    Liao Qi said, "Read it backwards?"


    Li Rui said appalled, "What do you mean by reading it backwards? How can we read it backwards?"


    Chief Yu smiled and said, "Don''t believe it? Then why don''t you all try reading it once that way?"


    Everyone looked at thest two lines of the poem with the intention to just give it a try as Chief Yu suggested. "Themp serves as mypanion on lonely nights, / I am thinking of you, my wife and son."


    Read it backwards?


    Someone who was not convinced by anything that was said so far, recited it out aloud:


    "Your��wife��and��son��are��thinking��of��you��" However, just listening to this first line was enough to stun a few people!


    "This��this��"


    "Oh my god!"


    Wife Missing Husband!


    There''s really a goddamn Wife Missing Husband!


    What the heck! What was this? Just what the heck was this?


    Su Na was very shocked, but hurriedly continued reciting it, each word louder and louder:


    "Keeping a lonesome watch like a solitarymp.


    "Hesitating to send letters with no response.


    "Long departed, we''re separated like life and death.


    "Why do you find it difficult to pen a reply?


    "Pouring a bowl of wine yet afraid the pot will empty.


    "Even as bosom friends, we have barely met.


    "Gazing with dried eyes over the span of mountains and rivers!"


    When the entire poem was read out aloud backwards, all of the teachers present there, including the Tsinghua and Peking University teachers were all stunned!


    An antithesis? It was done to extreme neatness! [1.]


    Does it rhyme? It rhymed perfectly!


    Moreover, there was a difference in the poem when read backwards or forward.


    It was like another poem with a change in perspective!


    Reading it normally, it was about a man missing his wife! Reading it backwards, it was about a woman missing her husband! This was simply unbelievable!


    Su Na eximed, "Holy shit!"


    A female teacher from Peking University also said, "Holy shit!"


    A female teacher from an Institute of Technology echoed them, "Holy shit!"


    Liao Qi: "��"


    Li Rui was desperately gasping for air!


    Ma Qi was dumbfounded!


    Dean Pan was dumbfounded!


    The other teachers were all dumbfounded!


    Suddenly, a younger female teacher shouted from the crowd, "Palindrome poem! It''s a palindrome poem!!"[2.]


    At this moment, no one knew what words could express their feelings anymore. Perhaps, the most suitable phrase that could depict their moods right now was "what the f*ck!"


    Could it get any more awesome than this?


    Could it be any more unbelievable than this?


    To think that just a moment ago, Su Na and the other female teachers from Peking University were still grumbling about how Zhang Ye did not seem to be putting in any effort and just casuallyposing a poem without serious thought. Who knew that it turned out to be theplete opposite of that! Zhang Ye did not just casuallypose it! If he did that, would the poem be able to be read from both directions? Why don''t you be casual and show us that instead! This was clearly a poem that Zhang Ye had put a lot of thought into to create! And he even did it spontaneously on the spot! There wasn''t even a draft!


    A draw?


    A tie?


    Thinking about how everyone had earliere to such a conclusion, it would surely make anyoneugh their heads off! How could it be a tie? Chief Yu was right, these two poems were never in the same world to begin with! Even if Liao Qi''s poem was pushed up a further four to five grades, it would still fall far behind Zhang Ye''s poem! The chasm was too wide! This was a difference in the standards and level of the poet, a difference that couldn''t be bridged even with a different usage of words andposition techniques!


    Liao Qi remained silent.


    A few of the teachers from Tsinghua University who had been stirring the pot earlier to get Zhang Ye to step up to take the challenge also stayed quiet! The difference in standards were too great that they didn''t even know what they could say anymore! Topete with Zhang Ye inposing poetry? Perhaps from the beginning, this whole incident was already the greatest joke in the world!


    At this time, the way that many of those present were all looking at Zhang Ye was like they had seen a god!


    There were even some people who were still staring so hard at Zhang Ye''s poem that they couldn''t snap out of it. They read it over and over again, forwards and backwards. Every time theypleted reading it once, they felt an urge to curse at someone''s second grandma to appease their shock. This poem was��really too goddamn awesome!


    Su Na suddenly walked up quickly to get Zhang Ye''s poem and rolled it up carefully. She held the rolled up Xuan paper in her hands and said, "I didn''t get your Ode to Mn previously, so don''t even try to reject me. Please gift this poem to me, Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye smiled and threw up his hands. "Whatever."


    But no one else was having any of it. They all rushed up and tried to im it for themselves.


    "What''s this, what''s this?!"


    "Little Na, don''t even try to jump the gun on us!"


    "Teacher Su, what do you mean by it''s yours? I was still thinking of taking it for myself!"


    "Little Su, please let me have the poem. I will treat you to one month''s worth of lunch!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, gift it to me instead, please!"


    [1. (in poetry, etc.) a matching of both sound and sense in two lines, sentences, etc. usually with the matching words in the same part of speech]


    [2. Note that it definitely doesn''t work in English as a palindrome poem. The poem was tranted to the best we could in terms of meaning instead. Below, you''ll find the original palindrome poem (with English trantion).]


    ������ Husband Missing Wife


    ������ңɽ��ˮ, Gazing with dried eyes over the span of mountains and rivers,


    ������������֪. How many a bosom friend have I met thus far?


    ��������һ����, The pot empty, afraid of pouring wine,


    �����ѳɺ���ʫ. Difficult to pen my reply.


    ;·��������, Journeyed away from the living for a long time,


    Ѷ������Ļس�. Without news I slowly return home.


    �µ�ҹ�س��ȼ�, Themp serves as mypanion on lonely nights,


    �������⸸���. I am thinking of you, my wife and son.


    ����� Wife Missing Husband


    ���丸�������, Your wife and son are thinking of you,


    ���ȳ���ҹ�ƹ�. Keeping a lonesome watch like a solitarymp.


    �ٻؼ�������Ѷ, Hesitating to send letters with no response.


    �ñ�������·;. Long departed, we''re separated like life and death.


    ʫ�Ϻͳ����±�, Why do you find it difficult to pen a reply?


    �Ʊ�һ���¿պ�. Pouring a bowl of wine yet afraid the pot will empty.


    ֪�ļ���������, Even as bosom friends, we have barely met.


    ˮ��ɽң���ۿ�. Gazing with dried eyes over the span of mountains and rivers.


    Hello, readers. Could I ask for everyone to leave a review for IRAS at the novel''s main page?


    https://.ReadNovelFull/book/7834223205001705


    Thank you! :)

 Chapter 708: The date of the college entrance examination has come!

    <h4>Chapter 708: The date of the college entrance examination hase! </h4>


    Chapter 708: The date of the college entrance examination hase!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    Zhang Ye''s poem was being fought for over by everyone. Other than the value of Zhang Ye''s calligraphy, the other main reason was because this poem was such a ssic that each person wanted it to adorn the walls of their home. However, it still ended up being given to Su Na as she was the first oney her hands on the scroll of Xuan paper the poem was written on and had already gotten the best chance of keeping it. On top of that, everyone also knew that Su Na and Zhang Ye were colleagues at the Chinese Department in Peking University who enjoyed a good rtionship together. As a result, no one really made any further attempts to get it from her after that.


    "Hai."


    "I was a step toote."


    "I really like this poem a lot!"


    "Who doesn''t like it! That''s obvious!"


    "Let me suggest this: why don''t we have another contest and let Zhang Yepose a few more poems so that we can share them equally. Do you all agree?"


    As it turned out, no one bothered with such a suggestion.


    Another round? Who canpete with Zhang Ye? You?


    Having seen this palindrome poem, no one here today dared challenge Zhang Ye anymore. If anyone still dared to boast and go up against him, then surely that person would only be brought down in shame.


    By contrast, Liao Qi was looking clearly depressed away from the others.


    Chief Yu saw this and went over to offer someforting words. "Old Liao, don''t take it to heart. Everyone has something that they are good at. When ites to poetry, it''s what Zhang Ye excels at. Almost no one in the entire country can stand on equal footing with him, so your loss is not something to be ashamed of."


    Liao Qi did not say anything.


    The other Tsinghua University teachers who were provoking Zhang Ye earlier now felt hot with embarrassment. Half of their group had left the ce earlier.


    An old professor from Renmin University beside them said, "The younger generation will surpass the older."


    Today''s celebratory feast has given many of these teachers the chance to widen their horizons. Having been able to witness such awesome poetry made it worth their time in attending.


    Not long after, the celebratory feast ended.


    Everyone was still talking about the poem excitedly as they proceeded back to their own dorms.


    This poem was actually by Li Yu from the Song Dynasty in Zhang Ye''s previous world. The poem was titled A Husband''s and Wife''s Mutual Saudade. This palindromic poem was very famous among all the ancient palindromic poems. Zhang Ye hade across it once in a book and remembered it. Since he brought it over to this world on this asion, it was naturally able to shock everyone.


    ...


    Later that afternoon.


    In the dorms on the hillside.


    After Zhang Ye came back, he immediately took a shower and did not ce much importance of today''s incident. After his shower, he went to the library and borrowed another dozen or so books and brought them back to his dorm room. He restarted his work from this morning and started flipping through the pages of content. Then he used a Memory Search Capsule to take in all the details of the information he had flipped through in the books earlier and memorized all of it. Now he could simply just retrieve any information he wanted from his mind.


    One book.


    Another book.


    Zhang Ye did not mind the boredom or loneliness and just repeated the same thing over and over again, working hard to absorb the vast knowledge of this world to use them as a basis and prepare himself for the future. He was already nning to use the remaining days approaching the date of the college entrance examination in this way.


    ...


    The next day.


    Daytime.


    No one knew who did it, but Zhang Ye''s A Husband''s and Wife''s Mutual Saudade was suddenly posted online to Weibo along with a message: "This wasposed by Zhang Ye at the private location where the college entrance examination question setting teams are held. Come and enjoy this piece of poetry, everyone. Let me give you all a hint: there''s a mystery to it, heehee."


    Judging from the tone, it seemed like it was a woman who posted it.


    Someizens started paying attention to this post.


    "Composed at the college entrance examination question setting team location? Then how did you get your hands on it?"


    "Yeah, isn''t that a private ce that''s closed off to the public? There shouldn''t even be any form ofmunication allowed there. This must be fake then? Clickbait?"


    "The OP might be a staff member of the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board?"


    "That''s possible."


    "Let me take a look at this poem."


    "Eh, it''s quite well-written."


    "Yes, it''s written well with a suitable mood to it."


    "Was this really written by Zhang Ye? It doesn''t feel like it. I thought that Zhang Ye''s poems were always earthshaking? This piece is good, but it doesn''t carry any impact to it."


    "It''s definitely clickbait, it''s confirmed!"


    "A mystery? What mystery?"


    Many of theizens did not believe this was real as there were too many liars and rumors going around.


    When the woman who posted on Weibo saw that everyone was doubting the veracity of her post, she replied with an update: "Whether you believe this was written by Zhang Ye or not, just try reading the poem backwards and you''ll know. Other than him, no one else couldpose a poem like it!"


    "Ah?"


    "Read it backwards?"


    "Hur hur! This is the first time I''ve heard of a poem that can be read backwards!"


    "Let me give it a try."


    In the next moment, countless people were totally amazed!


    "Holy f**k!"


    "Holy f**k!"


    "Your sister! This can really be read backwards!"


    "This was reallyposed by Zhang Ye?"


    "I know this! It''s a palindrome poem! It was very rare even in the ancient times! Even among the palindrome poems that were passed down from antiquity, there aren''t many that can be considered poetic and can rhyme as well as this one!"


    "Why did Zhang Ye write this poem? A Husband''s and Wife''s Mutual Saudade? What does this mean?"


    The woman who posted the Weibo post exined: "I heard that the teachers were having a celebratory feast and there was a contest. Someone had challenged Zhang Ye to use the theme of ''husband and wife'' topose a poem. Then, without even thinking, Zhang Yeposed this piece straightaway with a brush and won!"


    "Heavens!"


    "How informative!"


    "This is too godly! The deep, ancient knowledge of literature of China is really broad and profound! If you didn''t mention it, I wouldn''t even have known that there was such a thing as palindrome poems! Too awesome!"


    "Hearing this exnation from the OP, I would definitely believe that this was a work by Zhang Ye. Someone issued a challenge and Zhang Ye took it on with a palindrome poem? That''s totally that guy''s style!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang has gone on to smack faces again!"


    "Your sister, Teacher Zhang has been held in the mountains yet he can''t stay idle for a moment and has gone on a face-smacking spree again!"


    "Pfft, that''s right! The name of Face-smacking Zhang is not for nothing! Even if Teacher Zhang were to beunched to the moon, I reckon he would still find the means to smack some faces! No would can stop the march of Face-smacking Zhang!"


    "Hahaha, why is it that a poem that is so sorrowful can be twisted into something by you all that I''m crying fromughter!"


    "Teacher Zhang is impressive!"


    "Zhang Ye is indeed Zhang Ye! Fully deserving of his reputation!"


    "Zhang Ye''s poem is not only good in that setting, even the technique he used is a very high level one! It can be seen that this is just child''s y to Zhang Ye. Composing a poem is mere child''s y to him since he can do it so easily and elegantly."


    When this Weibo post was forwarded and viewed multiple times, more and more people started paying attention to it and the number ofments also increasingly soared. Very soon, A Husband''s and Wife''s Mutual Saudade palindrome poem was broken down and analyzed. Word by word, the details were put under the microscope and picked apart. The more they researched, the deeper they got, and the more people saw its ingenuity. They were increasingly feeling more and more amazed at how incredulous it was!


    However, there was a big group of people who did not care about this at all.


    It was the Beijing college entrance examinees!


    "What palindrome poem, so what!"


    "All I care about right now is how difficult this year''s Beijing college entrance exam will be!"


    "Seeing this A Husband''s and Wife''s Mutual Saudade palindrome poem by Zhang Ye, I suddenly get a feeling of being screwed! If he can evenpose such a difficult poem, then how can the questions he set be simple?"


    "I''m giving up all hope!"


    "It might not turn out to be that way. Everyone, let''s not be so pessimistic!"


    "Right, Zhang Ye''s not the only question setter anyway, even if does set some questions, how many can questions can he write? As long as we can get the other questions correct, then the score wouldn''t differ by much!"


    "That sounds logical!"


    "Hopefully. But I have an ominous feeling about this."


    "F**k, me too, I better go and revise my algebraic geometry again. I''m going offline, bye."


    "I''m going offline too."


    ...


    One day.


    Three days.


    Five days.


    In the blink of an eye, the annual college entrance examination was here again!


    Trantor''s note:


    Hello, readers. Thank you for leaving your reviews yesterday. If you have not done so yet, may I ask again for you to leave a review for IRAS at the novel''s main page?


    https://.ReadNovelFull/book/7834223205001705


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 Chapter 709: The first day of the exam is over!

    <h4>Chapter 709: The first day of the exam is over! </h4>


    Chapter 709: The first day of the exam is over!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    At the end of June.


    It was the first day of the college entrance exam.


    The sun was already zing early in the morning, making the Beijing weather extremely hot and sunny. Under the soaring temperatures, the examinees and their parents were all densely packed at the entrance of every examination venue in the province. There were traffic cops stationed at each of the nearby junctions of the examination venues to maintain order and regte the traffic flow, keeping traffic smooth to the fullest extent. Some of the exam venues even had an ambnce on standby to handle any emergencies. Everything was given careful consideration to the examinees.


    Today was not only a big day for the examinees but also an important one the whole society was very concerned with. News rted to the college entrance examination had been published all over the ce by the media and newspapers since a few days ago.


    "Drivers are advised to keep clear of the schools that are designated as examination venues."


    "Cheering for the examinees to do well."


    "Reforming the Beijing college entrance exam, difficulty likely to be greatly increased."


    At a certain examination venue.


    "Please produce your exam admission pass."


    "Here."


    "Alright, you may proceed inside."


    "Mom, I''m going in."


    "Little Ying, do your best, don''t be nervous!"


    "OK Mom, you should go home first."


    "Mom''s not leaving. I''ll be waiting for you outside."


    Simr scenes were happening at the entrance of every exam venue. The parents of the examinees all appeared to feel nervous and uneasy. Meanwhile, the students all had different expressions, some looked like they were not affected, some looked extremely worried, some were smiling brightly, and some were expressionless, as each person carried their books and did somest-minute revision.


    Of course, there were also nock of discussion by the examinees on the difficulty on the exam.


    "I heard that the questions for this year''s exam are extremely difficult!"


    ''Ai, I''m also quite worried."


    "I really hope it isn''t going to be difficult."


    "It would be nice if they followed the previous standard of difficulty, why must they reform it no matter what?!"


    "Let''s see how it turns out with the English Language test first."


    "Hocus pocus, can it be simpler for us?"


    The first subject to be taken was the English Language test. The college entrance examination''s subject sequence and timing of the sections of this world were somewhat different from Zhang Ye''s previous world. Not only was the exam held at the end of June, the sequence for the first day''s morning was the English Language test, followed by the Arts and the Science tests in the afternoon. The second day''s schedule would be for the Chinese Literature and Mathematics tests. Moreover, like the Mathematics test of this world, be it the standardized national test or those independent, provincial-level tests, the Mathematics test was not separated into the Arts or Science subjects, but as a standalone subject.


    8:40 AM: The examinees take their seats.


    9 AM: The English Language exam officiallymences.


    "The first section is a listening test��"


    With the broadcast of the listening test, it raised the curtains for yet another year of the national college entrance examination!


    1 question.


    5 questions.


    10 questions.


    The examinees began their battle with their heads lowered, wearing serious expressions on their faces.


    Time passed bit by bit.


    When the bells signaling the end of the examination rang, countless examinees heaved sighs of relief. After submitting their papers, they began discussing the questions as they walked out of the exam venue.


    Immediately, their parents surrounded them.


    "How was it?"


    "Did you do well, Little Qi?"


    "Is the English Language test difficult?"


    "It''s more difficult thanst year''s, but only slightly. The difficulty was more or less the samepared to our second mock exam. It''s still fine and not as difficult as I had imagined."


    "Right, I also feel that it''s alright. They just increased the difficulty on the listening test."


    "Mom, I did quite well. I can definitely get a high score this time."


    "That''s great, Mom will take you to a nice restaurant!"


    "I want to eat grilled fish."


    The majority of the Beijing examinees felt that the difficulty of the examination questions were still quite eptable and many of them seemed like they had fared quite well. Everyone left with their parents with smiles on their faces.


    ����


    Later that afternoon.


    The second half of examinationmenced.


    The arts students were taking the Arts test while the science students took the Science test.


    Because the papers for the Arts and Science subjects made up most of the points allocation and covered a greater scope, the examination questions were also moreplicated. That was why the examinees did not dare take it too lightly and went into the examination venue with caution. But when the examineespleted the tests, it turned out that many of them had smiles on their faces instead. At some of the examination venues, quite a number of candidates even handed in their papers early. It seemed like they hadpleted the exam quite smoothly.


    When they left the examination venue, those who bumped into their ssmates immediately started discussing.


    "What was your answer to the fifth question?"


    "I chose A."


    "Haha, looks like I got the question correct by chance!"


    "The Science test was quite eptable this time."


    "That''s right, I thought it would be very difficult."


    "But the difficulty was still increased by a little, like the Physics section."


    "Yes, the difficulty of the Physics section was increased. I didn''t even understand thest major question on the test, but it''s alright, I wasn''t even nning to answer that question anyway. I had given up on it right from the beginning. I guess not too many people will be able to answer that."


    "Eh, Wang Xue, you''re also at this examination venue? I just saw you, how was your Arts test?"


    "It was alright."


    "It wasn''t that difficult, right?"


    "The Political Science test was quite difficult as the questions were worded quite trickily. The others were alright and many of the questions were modified to a different style of questioning. Actually, they were simr to those that we did in the mock exam previously and a majority of them were gimme questions. As long as we used a more flexible train of thought to analyze and answer the questions, there wasn''t much of a difference from the past Beijing exams."


    "That''s right, this difficulty level is just right."


    "Aren''t the newspapers constantly reporting that the Beijing college entrance exam is undergoing a reform? Haha, I don''t see much of a reform at all. To think that I was so worried about it previously!"


    "That''s right, they totally exaggerated it!"


    "I also got a fright at that time, but it turned out to not be a big deal."


    "Bye, I''ll go home now to prepare for tomorrow''s tests."


    The first day of the exam was over. Many of the Beijing examinees went home joyfully with their parents and their faces beaming.


    On the same night, the answers to the English Language, Science and Arts tests appeared on the inte. These answers were not released by the official authorities but werepiled by the teachers from the high schools who answered the questions one by one themselves and posted them online for the examinees topare with their own answers.


    An English teacher from the Beijing Normal University Affiliated High School posted on Weibo: "The difficulty of the listening test has clearly be more difficult, but the rest of the test was still within our expectations."


    A teacher of No. 15 High School: "There were not too many difficult questions in the Science test."


    A teacher of No. 14 High School: "The difficulty for the tests this time was average as there were some changes from past questions that were set, but were not obvious."


    A teacher of No. 8 High School: "The exam reform is going slowly with a trial and error approach, so we cannot expect overnight results. Some of the questions for the Beijing exam this time were very eye-catching and original, but whether the questions were difficult or not was secondary."


    There were many different opinions and views, as everyone discussed fervently about this topic.


    In the end, even the Beijing media came forward to post: "Reforming the Beijing college entrance exams. The thunder was loud, but the rain was light?"


    In contrast, the examinees from the other provinces did not have it as easy as the Beijing examinees.


    "Hai, it isn''t easy this year either."


    "That''s right, it''s about the samepared withst year''s exams."


    "The English Language test was too difficult as there was too much new vocabry I had never even heard of before!"


    "Everyone, quickly take a look at the Beijing tests. It seems like it''s still as easy as before."


    "Weren''t they intending to reform it?"


    "I don''t know. Anyway, I know how to do all those questions."


    "F**k, it''s true. If I were given the Beijing exam, I would be able to get more than 500 points on my college entrance exam! Your sister! Looks like the examinees living in the ''Imperial City'' are having a more blissful life!"


    "I envy them so much!"


    "In my next life, I also want to be born in Beijing!"

 Chapter 710: The most difficult exam in history!

    <h4>Chapter 710: The most difficult exam in history! </h4>


    Chapter 710: The most difficult exam in history!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    The next day.


    The college entrance exam ushered in the second, andst, day of the examination.


    The subject for the day''s morning''s examination was the Chinese Literature test followed by the Mathematics test in the afternoon. It was not even 8 AM yet, but many of the examinees were already outside the exam venues apanied by their parents.


    "Have you brought along all your exam items?"


    "Yes, I''ve brought them all."


    "Exam admission pass, ID card, pens and pencils?"


    "They''re all inside my bag."


    "Do your best today and just keep up your good work."


    "Of course, Dad. I feel like I could get at least 550 points in this exam!"


    "Are you serious? That high?"


    "It''s because the questions were not too difficult."


    "If you think it''s easy, then others will also find it easy too. Everyone might end up with very high scores in the end. When that happens, the cutoff points for admissions in Beijing will also increase ordingly. The result will be the same, that''s why today is the crucial moment. Don''t let your guard down, make the best of the easy questions to get more marks, and don''t make any careless mistakes."


    "Understood!"


    ����


    Elsewhere.


    "How did you fare yesterday?"


    "It was very good."


    "I also did quite well. This year''s college entrance exam didn''t seem like the big deal they made it to be."


    "Hehe, I''m going to the inte cafe tonight. You wannae?"


    "Let''s go! Of course I want to!"


    "After working so hard for the past year, I can finally enjoy ying games again!"


    "Man, there are still two subjects left, let''s focus on the exam first."


    "It''s nothing. With that standard of difficulty in the English Language and Science tests yesterday? I''m feeling very confident about it."


    "Heh, that''s very true."


    From the conversations, the mood and mentality of the Beijing examinees were very telling. More than half of them came to the examination venues today with confidence and were calmer after having experienced their first tests of the college entrance exam yesterday. Many of them who originally were scared of the college entrance examination had be indifferent as the difficulty of the English Language test had given them confidence for today. The remaining half of the examinees still maintained their alertness and nervousness as they felt that yesterday''s tests were too simple and probably the two tests today would be slightly more difficult. On top of that, these two tests were set by the famous Zhang Ye. That was why some of the examinees definitely did not dare underestimate the questions.


    Very soon, it was time for the examination to begin.


    At the examination venue at No. 4 High School, in an examination hall on the second floor.


    A plump and a thin examinee were whispering to each other. They were not from the same school and probably only got to know each other yesterday.


    "Fatty, how was your English Language test?"


    "I won''t get fewer than 100 points."


    "Whoa, you''re that awesome?"


    "What about you, Skinny?"


    "I won''t get fewer than 110 points."


    "Hur, can you stop bragging?"


    "I''m not bragging. If you don''t believe me, let''spare whose Chinese Literature test will score higher. This subject is my forte. Moreover, the Beijing Chinese Literature test has always been very easy every year."


    "It will be different this year since they''re pushing reforms on the college entrance exam."


    "Reform, my ass. You should''ve already gotten an idea when you saw yesterday''s exams. How difficult can the tests get?"


    "Sure, then let''spare whose score is higher. If I can demonstrate my fullest potential, I can probably score 115 points and above."


    "Then I will score 120 points!"


    "F**k, I will score 125 points!"


    "Then I will score 130 points!"


    At this moment, a female proctor stared at the two of them and said, "Stop whispering to each other. The exams will be distributed soon."


    The two of them immediately shut their mouths.


    In the next second, the examinees were passing the exams backward. Once the tests were in their hands, everyone immediately picked up their pens and started answering the questions.


    The plump examinee rubbed his hands together and had a look of concentration on his face.


    The thin examinee was also smiling as he prepared to attempt the questions.


    However, after just a moment, the entire batch of examinees in the exam hall suddenly fell silent. It seemed that even the sound of scribbling had disappeared and the atmosphere abruptly became strange!


    A proctor nced at them curiously. "Quickly answer your questions!"


    Answer our questions?


    Answer your sister!


    The plump examinee was stunned!


    The thin examinee was also stunned!


    The entire hall of examinees were all stunned!


    They had just began attempting five questions before they got stuck. They felt that they could not continue anymore! Some people felt like they were about to vomit blood as they stared with their eyes wide, looking down at the next few questions. As a result, they found out that after every few questions, there would be a question that was so difficult that it would make people feel like they wanted to die!


    For example, this question:


    Confucius and Laozi are fighting, who will you help?


    Help your second granny! How could these two old men get into a fight?! Besides, even if the two of them really got into a fight, how could I help? No matter who I helped, I will get f**king beaten up! Come on, they were both sages!


    At this moment, all the examinees'' hearts froze.


    Score 120 points?


    Score 130 points?


    Both the plump and thin examinees could no longer boast anymore at this moment! Their faces turned green!


    Many of them couldn''t help but swear: "F**k, what the f**k are these questions?! F**k, which f**king bastard''s grandson wrote these questions?!"


    The proctor felt strange about everyone''s reaction and was wondering why everyone was looking so baffled. Then she also looked down and flipped through the spare exams. After she saw the questions, the female proctor also became confused and was totally stunned at that moment. She was also a Chinese Literature teacher, but in all her life of teaching Chinese Literature lessons, she had nevere across such questions before or even heard of simr ones. Even if she tried to attempt some of the questions herself now, she did not know how she would begin to answer the questions!


    The same scenes were happening at every examination venue!


    Some of the examinees even double facepalmed!


    While some of them stared unblinkingly with stunned faces.


    Without needing to think much, many of them had alreadye to a conclusion. Zhang Ye! This question was definitely f**king written by Zhang Ye! Besides this bastard, no one else could possiblye up with such a wicked question! It was definitely that person trying to lead them into a trap!


    They seemed to know Zhang Ye''s style quite well. These extremely difficult questions in the Beijing Chinese Literature test were in fact all set by Zhang Ye. For example, the question of "Confucius and Laozi are fighting" was actually sourced from Zhang Ye''s previous world, when Tsinghua University held its own admissions test, which could also be considered as a sort of college entrance exam question. The question itself was considered to be open-ended and could be freely answered as there wasn''t a perfect answer. Confucius and Laozi were both people of a certain status, so it wasn''t likely for them to get into a fight. Laozi spoke of the Way (Dao) while Confucius pushed Ruism. When Confucius was born, Laozi had left society. From the perception of ideology or conduct, there were too many ways to approach and analyze this question. [1.]


    However, it was easy to say but hard to do. This question had truly stumped all of the Beijing examinees. On top of that, this was still only the beginning as there were more of these simrly wicked questions waiting for them in theter parts of the test, each one of them trickier and more difficult than the other!


    Time passed by quickly.


    "Put down your pens. It''s time to hand in your papers!"


    "Teacher, I haven''t finish answering yet!"


    "You can''t continue to write anymore."


    "Come on, please let me write a little more!"


    Every examination venue was defeated on all fronts, with many of the examinees wailing!


    When they came out from the examination halls, the examinees did not even know how they could describe their current feelings!


    "Son, what happened?"


    "Dad, I blew it!"


    "Ah? How can that be?"


    "It was too difficult! The Chinese Literature test was too difficult!"


    Close by were some examinees who were already cursing and swearing!


    "Zhang Ye! It must be him!"


    "That guy is wicked all the way to his grandma''s house! What an inhumane person!"


    "I don''t care whether Confucius and Laozi are fighting or not! I only know that if Zhang Ye were standing in front of me right now, he would definitely get beaten up by a bunch of people!"


    "I''ve nevere across such difficult Chinese Literature questions before!"


    "Is this even the college entrance exam? Why do I feel like it''s an exam for post-grad students instead?!"


    "I''m done for! It would already be very good if I can manage to pass this time!"


    "Me too, I''ve totally screwed it up!"


    "I didn''t give an answer for quite a number of the questions! I totally had no idea how to even start answering them!"


    "It''s really a reform of the exam! This reform is too harsh! All of a sudden, the difficulty has been increased severalfold!"


    In the afternoon.


    Many of the Beijing Chinese Literature exam questions had already been leaked and were quickly spreading on the inte. The questions became famous almost immediately as they were widely spread by everyone!


    When theizens saw this, they expressed their shock.


    "Holy shit!"


    "These questions��luckily I''m not involved in this year''s college entrance exam!"


    "Thankfully, I didn''t repeat my studiesst year. Otherwise, if I encountered these questions, I wouldn''t even know how I died!"


    "Why are they so difficult?!"


    "Did all of the Beijing examinees get wiped out?"


    "Who could even answer them?!"


    "Who was the person who wrote these questions?! That was too damaging!"


    After looking through the questions, manyizens and examinees from the other provinces very nearly fainted as well. With this, the examinees from the other provinces were no longer envious of the Beijing examinees or wishing they were born in the imperial city in their next lives anymore. These questions were so f**king difficult that it was clearly not meant for anyone to attempt!


    Some teachers also posted online.


    A Chinese Literature teacher of Yucai High School: "I''m also stunned with some of the questions. I don''t see how I can get full marks for them! Today''s Chinese Literature test was totally beyond our imagination!"


    A head-of-department at the Chinese Literature Department of Beijing Normal University Affiliated High School: "This Chinese Literature test is probably the most difficult test in the history of the Beijing college entrance exam! But if you were to say that the difficulty of the test has gone overboard? That is also not the case. All the questions were set within the scope of the topic, just that the approach of the questions were quite different from usual. They needed the examinees to have a very strong sense of logic and good at expressing thenguage to be able to answer them well. The exam questions were actually set in a very interesting manner, and could be approached from several directions, thus testing the examinees'' overall ability!"


    News was flying all around in the mainstream media publications of Beijing!


    "The Beijing Chinese Literature test: The reform that drew first blood!"


    "The Beijing Chinese Literature test: Rated the most difficult exam in history by the experts!"


    "The examinees believe about more than ten of the difficult questions were set by Zhang Ye. Reporters have inquired with the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board but received noment and need further verification!"


    "The Beijing Chinese Literature test creates a shock with its ''godly question''!"


    "The Beijing examinees have fared badly at most parts of the Chinese Literature test. Examinees'' parents curse at the question setter! "


    Then, very quickly, in just the short duration of the afternoon break between the exams, the godly question and some godly answers in reply to it were published one by one.


    For example, the question about Confucius and Laozi. Many of the examinees had posted their answers online. It was not known whether they were answering seriously or was just ridiculing the question.


    ChenFeng2001: "I will help Confucius because Laozi knows Tai Chi!"


    DUSHDJ: "I will help whomever the question setter helps!"


    LittleButterflyCC: "I will not help anyone but call 110 to inform the police immediately!"


    Obese317: "I will not help either of them. First, I will go and mediate for them. After I manage to calm Confucius and Laozi down, the three of us will proceed to beat Zhang Ye up together!"


    Thest answer resonated with many of the examinees.


    Many of the examination candidates were "shouting" on Weibo @Zhang Ye: "Teacher Zhang Ye, show yourself. We promise that we will not beat you to death!"


    [1. Ruism, also known as Confucianism]

 Chapter 711: A difficulty that brings the examinees to tears!

    <h4>Chapter 711: A difficulty that brings the examinees to tears! </h4>


    Chapter 711: A difficulty that brings the examinees to tears!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    On Weibo.


    A lot of celebrities also joined in the fun.


    A C-list female singermented: "Hai, why are the college entrance exam''s Chinese Literature questions so difficult these days? If my college entrance exam was like the one they have now, I probably wouldn''t have qualified for university at all!"


    Chen Guang: "Director Zhang has once again angered the masses!"


    Yao Jiancai: "Hur hur, Little Zhang is totally out for the kill. Let''s see what will happen to him after he gets down from the hills. The Beijing examinees will probablye out in force to get him!"


    Fan Wenli: "Pfft, these questions amuse me!"


    Dong Shanshan: "Zhang Ye''s thinking is forever different from others."


    Chen Guang: "Actually, it is not Zhang Ye''s fault at all. It was the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board who wanted to reform the exam, so they got him precisely because they wanted him to set the most difficult questions amid all the pressure. Otherwise, what was the point in getting him? Fortunately, the exams are all the same, so the difficulty applies to everyone. If you can''t do it, then it''s likely other people won''t be able to do it either. That will average out the curve and it will be down to a fight over every examinees'' standard themselves, so there isn''t any unfairness since it''s the same for everyone."


    Though it was put in this way.


    And it sounded very logical as well.


    But the examinees did not think in such a way. Many of them already hated Zhang Ye to the core, kicking up a fuss on the Inte. Someone even called for a "crusade against Zhang Ye" team to be started.


    "Good idea!"


    "Count me in!"


    "This is numbing, I''m going to join the crusade as well!"


    "I swear to take it all the way to the end with Face-smacking Zhang!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang is totally screwing with us all!"


    "Wait till we finish our Math exam! When we finish our exam! Our ''knives'' must surely be stained with Zhang Ye''s blood! I won''t be ying games or rxing anymore tonight, I will constantly be criticizing him online!"


    "Warriors, count me in!"


    Many of these people''s fighting spirits were soaring high!


    However, an even greater number of people did not have the mind to think about such things. They were more concerned with the afternoon''s Mathematics test.


    "The Chinese Literature test was already incredibly bad. What will the Math test be like?"


    "I can''t even imagine!"


    "Zhang Ye''s the lead question setter for the Math test!"


    "God, just let me die!"


    "The college entrance exam is too horrible!"


    At this moment, an online media outlet published an analysis report: "With the Chinese Literature test over, the Beijing examinees are left wailing. The Chinese Literature test''s questions were too difficult and had far exceeded the difficulty in known history. However, if we see this from a different perspective, there might be a possibility that the Math test will be easier. Could there be such a possibility of this happening? It can''t be that both the Chinese Literature and Mathematics test are the most difficult in the history of the national college entrance exam, right? Then what kind of scores are the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board even intending to let our Beijing examinees get? Would 400 points be counted as high? If everyone''s score is low, then the admissions cutoff score would slide down greatly. Is it likely that one doesn''t even need 400 points to get admitted into Tsinghua University? That''s impossible!"


    Following that, many teachers and education industry insiders alsomented with their own analysis and judgments.


    Many of them were also authoritative figures.


    An industry insider posted: "The current estimate for the Beijing examinees'' average score for the Chinese Literature test is not likely to exceed 75 points and could be lower. It has to be mentioned thatst year''s average score for the same paper was 103 points, so if the Mathematics test''s difficulty is increased, then the tier 1 scores might really end up shrinking down to just around 400 points! That is not a very realistic oue."


    A national exam question setter posted: "The difficulty level of this year''s Beijing Mathematics test is likely to be moderate or just slightly above average."


    The experts gave their analysis from all kinds of perspectives and made good arguments to support their views.


    The examinees were all excited by thesements that were posted.


    "That''s right!"


    "The analysis seems very logical!"


    "The Math test shouldn''t be more difficult that the Chinese Literature test!"


    "Well said!"


    "That''s great, I''m feeling relieved now!"


    "Charge! There''s only thest subject left now!"


    ����


    Later that afternoon.


    As the timing approached, it was also time for thest subject to be examined for this year''s college entrance examination��mathematics.


    Having experienced the wakeup call from this morning''s Chinese Literature test, many of the examinees were dealt a severe blow, especially having gone through yesterday''s level of the English, Arts, and Science tests, the level of difficulty for today''s paper was made even more obvious. It was like the difference between the sky and earth. Some of the examinees had not even came back to their senses from the disaster of the morning''s test and were already arriving back to the examination venue in the apaniment of their parents.


    They were still unsettled!


    There was still anger over the level of difficulty!


    It was like this for the examinees and their parents alike.


    "Son, it''s thest subject."


    "I know, Mom."


    "The Chinese Literature test is already over. It doesn''t matter what we say about it anymore, so just focus and score well on your Math test to make up for your Chinese Literature test''s score."


    "I will!"


    "Are you confident?"


    "Yes!"


    "That''s my son, go get ''em!"


    Beside them, another parent was also advising their child.


    "Daughter, I just read on the Inte that many of the experts have already analyzed and concurred that the Math test is not going to be too difficult, so don''t worry about it!"


    "Ah? Really?"


    "It''s true. It''s what the experts have imed, how can it be wrong? They said that the difficulty level for the Math test is likely to be moderate or just slightly above average!"


    "That''s great to hear!"


    Around them, quite a few parents and examinees who heard this came over to ask.


    "Will it really not be difficult?"


    "Yes, the media reports also analyzed it as such. You all can check the Inte if you don''t believe."


    "Hu, it nearly scared me to death!"


    "It''s good as long as it''s not difficult! I was so scared that my legs were trembling!"


    "Then I had better score higher on the Math test! I need to w back the points I lost in the Chinese Literature exam!"


    "Right!"


    "Wow, the reports online really analyzed it that way! It''s supported by so many experts too!"


    "Let me see, let me see!"


    "Haha, I''m not worried anymore now!"


    "That''s exactly what I was thinking. The Chinese Literature test was already super difficult, so the Math test can''t possibly be as difficult too!"


    It was almost time to start thest test. The examinees had all gone into the examination venues. Those who had seen the analysis presented by the media and experts had all regained quite a bit of their confidence. They held their pens firmly, in preparation to do well on all the questions!


    However, as it turned out, after the Mathematics test was handed out, when the examinees saw the multiline questions on it, they were all left looking bbergasted!


    Some people gasped!


    Some people covered their faces and let out a silent scream!


    Some people turned pale!


    There were even some who held the exam in their trembling hands!


    ����


    Question 3:


    If theplex number z satisfies the equation z(2 - 3i) = 6 + 4i (where i is the imaginary unit), then the modulus of z is _____.


    ����


    Question 9:


    There are 3 small balls of simr size in a box. One of them is a ck ball. If two balls are randomly picked from the box, what is the probability of the two balls being different in color?


    ����


    Question 13:


    To better understand the quality of a batch of cotton, a cotton mill randomly extracted 100 lengths of cotton fiber (the length of a cotton fiber is an important indicator of the quality of cotton). The resulting data falls between [5, 40]. Its appearance frequency is indicated in the distribution histogram below. [image] In the sampling of 100 lengths of fiber, there are _____ lengths that are shorter than 20mm.


    ����


    Question 15:


    In the Chinese Literature and Mathematics subjects, the results are graded into 3 tiers of either "Excellent," "Pass," or "Fail." Assuming Student A''s results are all not lower than Student B''s, with at least one subject scoring better than Student B''s, then the statement "Student A''s results are better than Student B''s" is valid. If among some students no one scored better than each other, and neither did any two students score the same points as another, with their Mathematics results also not the same. Then: What is the maximum number of students that fulfill the conditions?


    ����


    What kind of questions were these?


    Just what kind of damned questions were these?


    Don''t even mention solving these questions! Just looking at them alone was enough to make half of the examinees vomit blood!


    Some of the more outstanding Mathematics students were already covered with sweat, trying their hardest to understand the questions. There were also some who were weaker in the subject who had alreadyid down their "weapon" and given up on answering!


    F*ck your grandpa!


    Who the hell said that the Mathematics exam questions would not be too difficult?


    Who the heck said that the Mathematics exam questions were going to be moderate to slightly above average in difficulty?


    Those who said so shoulde look at this for themselves! Is this f**king moderate to slightly above average in difficulty? Is this not too difficult? Only at this moment did the examinees realize that they had been scammed by those media reports and experts who had sounded so confident with their arguments! The Mathematics test was totally not like how they had predicted it to be! In fact, this was even more difficult than the Chinese Literature test by at least two times! At least they could still read and understand the questions in the Chinese Literature test. But for some of the questions in the Mathematics test, even after staring at it for forever, they could not begin to understand the question whatsoever!


    The people of this world definitely did not know where these questions originated from. Only Zhang Ye knew that these multifaceted questions had alle from the past years of college entrance exams of every province in his previous world. There were questions from the 2014 Beijing college entrance exam, the 2009 national college entrance exam and also the 2010 Jiangsu college entrance exam, whose im to fame was being the most difficult examination in the college entrance examination history! All of these questions were gathered and chosen by Zhang Ye to be used for this world''s Beijing college entrance examination''s Mathematics test this year. The difficulty of it was something that one could not even begin to imagine!


    However, this was not Zhang Ye intentionally trying to find issue with the examinees. He was just doing as instructed by the Higher Education Entrance Examination Board who had requested for the most difficult questions he coulde up with. They fully had the intention to reform the exam and Zhang Ye had no objections to this. Whatever the Higher Education Entrance Examination Board wanted, he would just give to them. His job was only to write the questions. Nothing else mattered to him.


    The bell sounded to signal the end of the exam.


    The Mathematics test had ended!


    At that moment, the curtain was drawn on the annual national college entrance examination!


    ����


    Jinshi.


    At an examination venue.


    "Granddaughter! Granddaughter!"


    "Granny, I''ve finished my exam!"


    "Did you do well?"


    "I did OK. I just didn''t manage to finish thest major question."


    "Alright then, let''s go home. Granny will cook a sumptuous meal for you!"


    ����


    Beihe Province.


    "We''re finally free! Hahaha!"


    "When I get home, I want to sleep soundly for three days and three nights!"


    "I want to y video games! y them for three days straight! It will definitely be very enjoyable!"


    "Oh! We''re free!"


    ����


    Jiangnan Province.


    "Today''s examination wasn''t too difficult!"


    "Yeah, it was easier thanst year''s!"


    "I counted. My points will definitely qualify me for tier 1! University, here Ie!"


    "Me too, the Math test was so easy!"


    ����


    The entire country''s examinees were finally set free at this moment. Many of them had left their examination venuesughing, even those who did not do well or performed as ideally as they wanted. Since the dust had settled, they were now totally rxed and could finally make their way home to their families.


    However, there was a ce where it was different!


    The reactions of the examinees in this municipality was different from all the other ces!


    Beijing!


    After the college entrance examination was over, at the end of thest exam subject.


    Outside many of the examination venues, other than the sight of many anxiously waiting parents, there were also many media reporters who had arrived. Some of the reporters even arrived in their press vehicles, probably preparing to do an episode covering the topic or getting the footage ready for tonight''s news report.


    "Ah, they''reing out!"


    "Quickly, the cameras!"


    "They''reing out! The exam is over!"


    The parents and reporters were all crowded outside the entrance.


    However, their expected reactions of the examinees exiting the venues with excitement did not happen. Yes, not a single one of them did that. Everyone just walked out slowly and silently with a sense of heaviness. They all looked like they had been through a tough battle or seemed like they had just been beaten up.


    The parents were getting anxious.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Little Ye, what''s going on? What happened?"


    "Zhouzhou, why aren''t you talking?"


    "How was the exam, baby? Say something at least!"


    Suddenly, a thin and weak-looking boy walking right in the front started crying loudly after hearing his parents asking him about the exam. "��It was too damn difficult!"


    With this cry, a few female examinees behind him also started shedding tears. A girl was crying while yelling out, "Zhang Ye! I can''t live while you do! You''re my sworn enemy! Sob sob sob!"


    The parents were stunned!


    The reporters were also shocked!


    F**k! Just what kind of a Mathematics test was it for this year''s Beijing college entrance examination? Why did some of the examinees even breaking down in tears over it?! Just how difficult was it!


    Meanwhile.


    At the other examination venues in Beijing, simr scenes were ying out as well!


    Many of the examinees had exited from their examination venues in tears, crying while cursing all 18 generations of ancestors of this year''s college entrance examination''s question setting team!


    If the Chinese Literature test had caused them to cry out loudly before, then this Mathematics test was the one that had extinguished all their remaining hope. Even a few examinees who usually did very well at Mathematics and scored highly in their sses came out of the venue in tears. They had never used swear words despite the many years at school, but when they walked out of the examination venue this time, they could be heard loudly swearing, "They better not let us find out which bastard wrote those questions!!"

 Chapter 712: Down with Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 712: Down with Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 712: Down with Zhang Ye!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    Each time the college entrance examination was held, there would always be examinees who passed and failed. Some of them would do poorly, but there were others who did well in the examination. But looking at the situation now? Did everyone end up doing badly this time? Did everyone meet their doom at the Mathematics test? But no matter how difficult the test was, it couldn''t be that not even one of them did well, right? There would surely be some straight-A student who could do well on this exam, but no matter where they searched and looked, why were all the examinees showing the same expression?


    A father and his son were talking.


    "Son, haven''t you always done well at math!?"


    "It was too difficult! The questions were way too difficult!"


    "How many did you manage to get correct?"


    "I don''t know! I had to resort to guessing just to solve the questions!"


    "How could that be! Just what kinds of questions did you get!?"


    "Dad, if I can get 50 points on my math test this time, I would be more than happy!"


    "What? You''ve always managed to get no fewer than 90 points in math! You even managed to score 99 points on one of the mock exams! Why would it be so bad this time? This doesn''t reflect your aptitude at all!"


    When another examinee heard that, he said, "Just be contented with that. Lei Zi can still score 50 points, but if I can score 40 points, I would already be extremely satisfied! I did not write a single word for my answers to thest three major questions! I couldn''t even understand what the questions were asking!"


    Several of the reporters'' eyes met each other''s, but they could not believe what they had just heard. They could believe that a question could not be answered since difficult questions did exist, but for the candidate to even not understand the questions? They clearly could not believe it. As a result, those reporters tried to obtain some of the math questions by interviewing a few examinees who recounted to them from memory. Upon writing out and seeing the questions, those reporters instantly felt dizzy.


    "Brother Liu, can you understand the questions?"


    "��What about you?"


    "Me? I don''t get it at all."


    "F**k, me too."


    "Damn, is this question even meant for us humans?"


    "It seems like the question setting team is really out to kill everyone!"


    Very soon, quite a few news reports were published.


    "Darkness befalls the second day of the Beijing college entrance exams!"


    "Difficulty level of the Chinese Literature and Math tests goes off the charts!"


    "The end of the college entrance exam: Students leave the exam venues in tears!"


    "The Math exam questions exposed: Check if you can solve these questions?"


    "Never before in history! Difficulty of exam questions brings examinees to tears!"


    Many of the photos taken outside of the exam venues were also posted. In the photos, it could be clearly seen that the headlines of "brings examinees to tears" was not just a figure of speech. The examinees had really been brought to tears by the difficulty level!


    ����


    Elsewhere.


    When the exam was over, the Inte blew up withments. The angered Beijing examinees invaded Weibo, Tieba, and a few of therger online forums, "shouting" together in unison.


    Examinee Little Wang: "Fairy tales are just lies! They''re all lies!''


    No. 3 High School Wu Fei: "Teacher, why didn''t it turn out ording to the way we discussed?!"


    No. 4 High School Examinee: "It''s not that I''m bad at math, but that the enemy is too crafty!"


    Beijing Normal University Affiliated High School Examinee: "Who were the people who listed out the reasons one by one before deducing that the Math test wouldn''t be too difficult? Show yourself! If I don''t beat you to death, I will take on yourst name!"


    No. 8 High School Examinee: "After finishing the Chinese Literature test, I felt that my heart was crushed. But after finishing the Math test, I felt like my balls were crushed!"


    "Balls crushed as well!"


    "Balls crushed as well+1!"


    "Balls crushed as well+99999!"


    A student from No. 63 High School: "Dear juniors, if next year''s Beijing Chinese Literature and Math tests be easier, please remember us. Please remember us, because that was exchanged with the sacrificed blood of your predecessors, your seniors, us! Don''t thank me, just call me the unwilling Red Scarf!"


    The examinees from the other provinces had gathered to watch.


    "Scratching my head in confusion."


    "Brothers and sisters who took part in the Beijing college entrance exam, it''s been hard on you all."


    "I''ve seen your Math exam questions, all I want to say is��you''re all glorious warriors!"


    "Come on, stay strong!"


    "Whoever gets those questions would not be able to answer them either!"


    "The Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board has really gone big this time! Let''s see how they will handle the situationter on!"


    "Zhang Ye''s such a wicked fellow! Those questions must have been set by him!"


    "We''re lucky that our province''s Higher Education Entrance Examination Board did not invite this fellow to join them! Otherwise, the ones to be sacrificed this year would surely have been us! Just thinking about it gives me the shivers!"


    "Whoever gets involved with a question setter like Zhang Ye who does not y his cards logically is surely down on their luck!"


    "Zhang Ye is the scourge itself. When he was at the radio station, he fought the entire radio station system. Then when he went to the television station, he fought the television station''s leader. At the university, he went against the education world. When he got into the crosstalk industry, he fought against the crosstalk world. Now, he has evene to destroy the Higher Education Entrance Examination system!"


    The Beijing examinees were cursing!


    The examinees'' parents wereining!


    The entire society''s attention had suddenly turned its focus to the Beijing college entrance exams!


    The Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board��the question setting teams��Zhang Ye��All of these parties were thrust to the forefront of discussions!


    Not long after, a call to "severely punish the question setter" was making rounds across the Inte. Countless Beijing examinees and their parents were participating in it while the examinees from the other provinces also joined in to show their support. This new wave of dissent once again turned the Inte upside down as it caused a great deal ofmotion!


    "Where is Zhang Ye at?"


    "Zhang Ye, where are you?!"


    "Hand that man over!"


    "Down with Zhang Ye! Revenge for the examinees!"


    "Down with the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board! Justice for the examinees!"


    The "shouts" came wave after wave, continuously!


    ����


    At another ce.


    Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    Dong dong dong, dong dong dong. There was someone knocking on the door outside.


    His parents and Chenchen were at home staring at theputer for news rted to the Beijing college entrance exam. When she heard that someone was at the door, his mother went over and opened it. "Who is it?"


    Outside, Zhang Ye stepped into the house. "Who else could it be?"


    His mother was surprised for a moment. "Why are you home?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "The college entrance exam is already over. If I don''te back, where would I go? Do you prefer that I stay in the hills? Heh, let me say this: I was bored out of my mind when I was there. It''s always the woods that I see when I open my eyes. Just look at all these marks on my body, I got these bites from the mosquitoes and bugs. There''s too many of those in the hills!"


    His mother said, "Get into the house quickly, I will get you some essential balm."


    Zhang Ye was in a rather good mood. "It''s fine, I''ve already applied some." Then he walked into the living room and saw his father with Chenchen. "Dad, you''re not working today? Chenchen, do you miss Uncle?"


    Chenchen nced at him. "��Hur hur."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Hur hur means you did." Then he asked, "Dad, did this little rascal cause any trouble in our home?"


    Chenchen pouted.


    His father looked at his son. "You''re still worried about whether Chenchen caused any trouble? I think the trouble that you''ve caused is much greater! Just look at this, it''s a total mess online! The examinees and their parents are all scolding you! You''re really asking for it. Just stick to setting the questions, why did you have to make them so difficult?!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Who''s scolding me?"


    His mother followed up, "See for yourself. No one is not scolding you!"


    Zhang Ye went over to theputer and had a look. It was really true; his Weibo ount had received countless mention notifications and all of them were talking about "ridding evil for the people." Zhang Ye was already sweating at the sight of this and suddenly plucked Chenchen out of the chair she was sitting on and then sat himself in front of theputer. He logged into Weibo and quickly posted a message.


    Zhang Ye: "Everyone, cool down. If it was difficult, then it would have been difficult for everyone. If the scores are low because of this, then everyone''s score will also be low. It is actually all the same and your college admission won''t be affected." In this world, it was quitemon for students to be admitted into universities. Out of ten examinees, more than half would qualify for university. That was why the difficulty of the questions wouldn''t have affected their chances by much, unless the examinees did very badly on the overall exam. That portion of the examinees who did not achieve a good enough result still wouldn''t have scored well, whether or not the questions were difficult. They still wouldn''t have qualified for university, so there wasn''t really much of a difference.


    However, the examinees were having none of it!


    When they saw Zhang Ye''s Weibo status light up, all of the Beijing examinees swarmed over!


    "That Zhang guy has appeared online!"


    "Your sister, how dare you still appear!"


    "Everyone,e and gather quickly! The culprit has appeared!"


    "Down with Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye, we''ve all been screwed big time because of you!"


    "What kind of lousy questions of yours are those!?"


    When Zhang Ye showed up, he was immediately besieged by countless people!


    Zhang Ye was didn''t know how to react. He coughed and thenposed himself and posted onto Weibo like a boss: "Why are you all scolding me? The questions were not set by me, they were set by Dean Pan Yang of Peking University."


    Dad: "��"


    Mom: "��"


    Chenchen: "��"


    Su Na''s Weibo: "��"


    A Peking University teacher who was also on the question setting team: "��"


    At a certain house.


    Pan Yang came home totally worn out and had just taken a sip of tea before he started browsing through the Inte on hisputer. Instead, he saw the Weibo message posted by Zhang Ye, and after reading it, he nearly lost his bnce. He spat out his tea. He had not expected Zhang Ye to pin the me on him to make him the scapegoat!


    Pan Yang was also getting anxious. This was not something he could take the me for. He was just about to post his Weibo reply when he saw the rest of thements that the examinees followed up with. Thosements left himughing out loud.


    "Peking University''s Dean Pan?"


    "Don''t listen to his nonsense!"


    "Dammit, who are you trying to bluff here! It''s you for sure!"


    "Don''t think that we don''t know about it! These kind of wicked questions wouldn''t havee from anyone else but you!"


    "Pfft, Teacher Zhang, you''re lying with a straight face! I''m suddenly very amused by this!"


    "Zhang Ye, do you even have any integrity left!?"


    "It was you! Can''t be anyone else!"


    "Don''t try to shift the me! Even if these questions get burned to ash, I will know where they originated from!"


    In the end, not one of the examinees orizens believed him. They all knew that Zhang Ye''s mouth was totally unreliable!


    Zhang Ye had no other way out, so he simply went offline as he knew that if he couldn''t appease them, then the better way was just to hide! This guy was intending to lie low for the moment since he had be the public enemy to so many people!


    ����


    At night.


    The farce was still ongoing!


    The Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board was also interviewed with regards to this year''s examination questions and a press release was published soon after. The press release exposed the names of the question setters of the most difficult questions in the various subjects'' exams and even revealed some details in regard to how a question should be written.


    This resulted in the Beijing examinees and the observingizens discovering with shock that the questions that had tormented the examinees in both the Chinese Literature and Mathematics tests were indeed written by none other than the goddamned Zhang Ye!


    That''s right!


    Every question!


    Every question was set by him!!!


    At this moment, the examinees became so angry they cried out loudly in rage. Every injustice has its perpetrator. They once againunched their attack on Zhang Ye''s Weibo with wave after wave of scolding!


    "You still dare im that the questions were not set by you! And even tried to use Dean Pan of being the one?!"


    "I give in to you, Teacher Zhang! How could it be that all the crazy difficult questions were set by you?"

 Chapter 713: The average scores of the Beijing examinees are published!

    <h4>Chapter 713: The average scores of the Beijing examinees are published! </h4>


    Chapter 713: The average scores of the Beijing examinees are published!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    The next day.


    The storm was not over yet.


    The first thing he heard when he woke up and opened his eyes was the ringing of his cell phone.


    Zhang Ye was in a half-awake state when he answered the call, "Hello, who is it?"


    "It''s Pan Yang." It was the Dean of Peking University''s School of Mathematical Sciences on the line.


    Zhang Ye suddenly felt more awake, and asked knowingly, "Ha, Dean Pan, what''s the matter for you to call so early in the morning?"


    Pan Yang did not hold back. "Why did you pull that shit on me yesterday?"


    Zhang Ye yed dumb. "Ah? Did I?"


    "You imed that the questions were set by me?" Pan Yang asked.


    Zhang Ye said, "What? What questions were set by you? Did I say that? I don''t remember anymore. I was too tired yesterday, so I went to bed immediately after I got home."


    "You rascal, still pretending to be innocent."


    "Hehe, that''s not it."


    After quibbling for a bit, the call ended and Zhang Ye was no longer feeling sleepy. He got up and went out of his bedroom only to see that his family had already gathered in the living room to watch the news. Chenchen was sitting at theputer desk, fidgeting around, doing something.


    "Dad, Mom," Zhang Ye greeted.


    His mother turned her head. "You''re up? I''ll go prepare breakfast then."


    "Sure. Thanks, Mom." Having said that, Zhang Ye turned to Chenchen. "What are you doing?"


    Chenchen did not turn to look at him and just replied, "Using theputer."


    Zhang Ye grunted, "ying games again?"


    "No," Chenchen said.


    "Let me see." Zhang Ye walked up behind her and saw the interface of Weibo in the browser. When he saw that the entire screen was filled with the angryments and scolding by the examinees and their parents, he couldn''t help but sweat at this. "Why are you looking at this so early in the morning?"


    Chenchen simply said, "I want to know how everyone is scolding you."


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted. "Why would you want to know that!"


    Chenchen said, "It''s fun."


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    His father was amused by this as he sat there beside them.


    His mother said, "You rascal, you deserved it. You could have just stayed at home in peace, yet you chose to go out there and get into trouble!"


    Zhang Ye said depressed, "You say it like it''s such a simple situation. If I just stay at home all the time, where would I get my poprity? How could I boost my reputation that way?"


    His mother rolled her eyes at him. "Whoa, you''re still talking about reputation? Do you even have any reputation left now? It''s already turned into notoriety! When I went out to buy the groceries this morning, I bumped into our neighbors, Little Sun and Sister Chen, at the market. They would usually chat with me for a bit whenever we see each other, or at least greet me. But today, it''s like they pretended not to have seen me at all and just walked past me. I only found outter that Little Sun''s and Sister Chen''s children were taking their college entrance exams this year! Grandma Wang told me that Little Sun''s child went home after the exam and broke down crying! Look at the trouble you''ve caused me! I have to go over there to make a visit to clean up your mess!"


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Surely that''s not necessary? The questions I set were definitely not easy, but they also weren''t that difficult either. It shouldn''t have been so difficult that it would cause them to cry, right?"


    His father interrupted. "Just watch the news for yourselfter. You can''t imagine how many people are crying because of this year''s college entrance exam."


    ����


    The scoldings continued on the Inte.


    If the examinees had just recounted from memory the Mathematics exam questions yesterday, then as of today, the entire exam had been uploaded with all the answers included in it. Anyone could see it. It was only then that theizens discovered that those questions they had seen yesterday were only for the multiple choice or fill in the nk sections at the beginning part of the examination paper. The short answer questions at the end of the test were even crazier in difficulty. One of them required the examinees to solve a question that was at the university level using high school algebraic geometry knowledge. The attached ideal answer for this question took up more half the paper it was written on, leaving anyone who read it trembling!


    The examinees were in tears as they checked through the answers.


    "I scored 50 points!"


    "I calcted mine and I only got 45 points!"


    "I''m so sad, I think mine is only about 40-45 points. There were a few multiple choice questions that I couldn''t understand and guessed at, so I can''t remember which options I chose for those!"


    "I did a little better, but I won''t get higher than 70 points!"


    "Having analyzed the questions and answers today, I''ve realized that we were too careless during the exam. We totally underestimated that scammer Zhang Ye back then. Many of the questions could still be solved and were within most of the examinees'' level. But what is most wicked about Zhang Ye is that he totally tries to catch you off guard with the questions'' approach. The style of the questions are all done in a way that we have nevere across before, so when we first read the questions on the exams yesterday, most of us were stunned by them. It happened to me as well and I was totally unprepared for it!"


    "It''s useless to say anything now!"


    "I hereby announce I will officially join the ''Zhang Ye''s Lifetime Adversaries Organization''!"


    "I will join too!"


    "A lifetime of adversary? I will be his adversary for at least two lifetimes!"


    "Three lifetimes for me!"


    "Ahem, don''t be so harsh. Teacher Zhang was just following orders. He''s still a nice guy no matter what."


    "Right, don''t be too harsh on Teacher Zhang now."


    There were still a fewizens who were speaking up for Zhang Ye.


    In the end, an examinee from this year''s college entrance exam posted a reply that left everyoneughing: "It''s not like I want to be so harsh on Teacher Zhang, I really don''t wish to do so. But among all the insanely difficult questions, if any one, just one question, was set by another teacher, then I wouldn''t have said anything. I would understand and I could point my finger at the other question setter instead. All it needed was for a single question to not be set by him! But as it stands? They were all set by him! Every single question was his creation! So give us a reason not to be harsh on Zhang Ye? Just a single reason will do!"


    If it were any other question setter, when faced with all these public opinions, they would have long since crumbled from the pressure ande forward to give an exnation to save their reputation. But Zhang Ye did not do so. He just went ahead with the most straightforward response��lie low! It was a good thing that this guy''s mental strength was so strong. He had already gone through many simr situations where he was scolded by a lot of people at once, so it was just routine for him now.


    Perhaps that was also the same reason why the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board had approached him in the first ce. The Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board were verymitted to the reform of the college entrance examination this time as they wanted to change the perception of their exam questions being too simple. That exined their determination but also exined why they needed someone to carry out this dirty job. They needed someone who could be the focused target of the bacsh from the examinees and their parents, thus lessening the pressure focused on the Board itself!


    But who could they find?


    Who would be the most suitable target?


    Among all the teachers at the university level, who was the most unafraid of getting scolded? Whose mental strength was the strongest? Who had the thickest skin of all?


    The Board did not even need to think and made their decision immediately��recruit Zhang Ye! This fellow had already been through a hundred battles. His skin was amazingly thick. Even if the examinees and their parents did not scold him, there were still many other groups scolding him. Since he wasn''tcking in this area, it wouldn''t matter much even if another group were to join in and scold him. So no matter how you looked at it, Zhang Ye was clearly the best candidate for this role! There was no one more suitable than he!


    ��That was probably why the Board invited him to join them in the first ce.


    However, at the very end, the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board might not have even expected that Zhang Ye would be able to write such insanely difficult questions that it would bring the examinees to tears. This was something no one could have predicted!


    ����


    Later in the morning.


    At the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board. More than a dozen people had gathered here for a meeting.


    A female staff member said nervously, "Leader, the scores for this year''s Math and Chinese Literature tests might be a little bit low. Professor Liu has already informed us to be prepared for it. The teachers who graded the papers have already given us some feedback. They told us that after marking more than 20 papers, no one scored higher than 100 points for the Chinese Literature test yet. It''s even worse for the Math test. Among the 20 papers��not one scored above 70 points!"


    The Board''s leader: "��"


    The Board''s office supervisor: "��"


    Finally, the second-inmand wiped his sweat away and said, "For the reform this time, I think we might have tried a little too hard��.It feels a little too harsh even. Could the tier 1 grade really not even be above 480 points?"


    A staff member coughed and said, "Only over a few dozen papers have been graded. We still don''t know about the rest of the papers after that. However, it''s true that this year''s questions were too difficult."


    Faced with the incredibly low scores of the examinees, the people on the Board were also feeling a little guilty now. This was the first time they were doubting their decision in getting Zhang Ye to join them and wondered if it was a mistake. They felt they might really have gone too far this time!


    ����


    A few dayster.


    The national college entrance examination''s results were gradually released.


    The Inte buzzed with activity.


    A Shandong Province examinee: "I checked it out! I scored 560 points!"


    A Beihe Province examinee announced excitedly: "I got 530! It should be enough to qualify for tier 1! Hahahaha!"


    A Jinshi examinee: "I scored 510. I didn''t do as well as I could have, but it should be enough to qualify me for tier 2. Why haven''t they announced the grading yet? Hurry up! It''s taking too long!"


    "596 for me! Do you all think that I will be the top schr of our province?"


    "Nonsense, I scored a point higher than you, what top schr are you talking about!"


    "Hai, I only got 488. I''m in trouble this year!"


    "I got 601 points, higher than any of you!"


    Many examinees from the different provinces were bragging about their scores actively online, except for one ce. That ce was where the Beijing examinees were from.


    Everyone began to notice.


    "Eh, why haven''t any of the Beijing examinees talked about their scores yet?"


    "Beijing examinees, how did you guys do?"


    "Right, your exams made the headlines this year!"


    "How many points? Tell us quickly."


    The other provinces'' examinees were all full of anticipation and curious.


    At this moment, a female Beijing examinee posted on Weibo: "Are you sure you want to see?"


    Theizens actively replied: "Of course!"


    "Alright then." The female Beijing examinee immediately posted her results slip online.


    When theizens saw it, they were all dumbfounded!


    Chinese Literature: 78 points.


    Mathematics: 25 points.


    "Damn!"


    "Surely that''s too low?"


    "Are you serious? 25 points for Mathematics?"


    "This girl must be just average in her studies. Is there anyone else who scored higher?"


    Another group of Beijing examinees gradually posted their results slips online. They were even the students from some of Beijing''s key focus schools!


    A student from No. 15 High School: "My total score is 391 points."


    A Beijing Normal University Affiliated High School''s student: "I only got 69 points on my Chinese Literature test."


    A student from No. 4 High School: "My total score is 482 points. It''s already considered high, but I only received 69 points on my Math test! It''s low as f**k. Not evenbeling it as going overboard on the scores would exin the situation properly!"


    Very soon, the various provinces'' average scores were tabted and released.


    It was generally as follows:


    Shandong Province Chinese Literature Examination Average Score: 97 points.


    Jiangnan Province Chinese Literature Examination Average Score: 101 points.


    Jiangsu Province Mathematics Examination Average Score: 102 points.


    Liaodong Province Mathematics Examination Average Score: 99 points.


    But the average score everyone had their attention on for this tabtion was the Beijing Municipality''s examinees'' average scores. For example, the English, Arts, and Science average scores of the Beijing examinees were still in line with the national average. But the Chinese Literature and Mathematics average scores, together with the weighted total score for the Beijing examinees were basically eyesores!


    Beijing Municipality Chinese Literature Examination Average Score: 72 points.


    Beijing Municipality Mathematics Examination Average Score: 59 points.


    When they saw the statistics, many of theizens were stunned!

 Chapter 714: The National Higher Education Entrance Examination Board wants to invite Zhang Ye too?

    <h4>Chapter 714: The National Higher Education Entrance Examination Board wants to invite Zhang Ye too? </h4>


    Chapter 714: The National Higher Education Entrance Examination Board wants to invite Zhang Ye too?


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    It was too low!


    It was way too low!


    Every year''s college entrance examination, whether it be the provincial or the nationwide version of the exam, had always had different difficulty levels. Sometimes, a certain province might have it easier and sometimes more difficult. It was impossible to maintain the same difficulty level across the entire country, therefore there would be a difference in the scores between each province''s or municipality''s zone. However, the scores usually did not differ by much and only came down to a difference of perhaps one or two points!


    For this year''s Beijing exams, however?


    The Chinese Literature examination''s average score was lower than the national average by nearly 30 points?


    It was even more shocking for the Mathematics exam where it was lower than the national average by a total of 40 points!


    When all the scores werebined, the total scores that the Beijing examinees got was lower than the national average by more than 70 points??


    These figures had truly shocked a lot of theizens who saw it!


    Another group of people who were simrly shocked by this were the people from the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board and their question setters!


    ����


    At the Board''s office.


    "What the hell!"


    "This��"


    "There was nothing wrong with the tabtion of scores, right?"


    "Why don''t we tabte the data again?"


    Many of the staff working at the Higher Education Entrance Examination Board were sucking in gasps of cold air due to the low scores. The data had been avable to them earlier, and they were even the ones who were in responsible for tabting the data. But from the time they received the data until now, every one of the staff couldn''t help but draw in a breath of cold air every time they saw these figures!


    It was terrible!


    It was really, really appalling to look at!


    If the media and industry insiders had analyzed this year''s Beijing Mathematics test to be the hardest in the history of the Beijing college entrance exam, then after seeing these statistics, they would have to modify their stance to ce it as the most difficult in the history of the national college entrance exam!


    The Mathematics exam had an average score of 59 points?


    The average of all the examinees was only 59 points?


    There had never before been an urrence of such a low average for the Mathematics test of the college entrance exam!


    This was an eye-opener for many of the veteran staff at the Board''s office. Such low scores were previously unheard of or seen before!


    Zhang Ye and dozens of other question setters had also arrived at the Board''s office today to join a meeting and discussion on some issues, but he was somehow caught in such a scenario.


    Su Na looked at Zhang Ye.


    Suddenly, everyone''s focus turned to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye gave an awkward cough, probably feeling a little embarrassed. "Ahem, about that, in any case, the cutoff score will be adjusted lower, so there isn''t really a difference and shouldn''t affect the admissions." When he gave this excuse, even he was not totally convinced of it. To be honest, Zhang Ye himself did not expect the examinees to score this low either.


    There was silence.


    No one spoke as they let this awkward scene y out. Then Zhang Ye immediately said to Dean Pan, "I''d already said that I didn''t want to take this job at the beginning, yet you insisted that I do it! Hai!"


    All of the Higher Education Entrance Examination Board office staff: "��"


    Dean Pan nearly fainted at that. "You rascal, pushing the me onto me again, are you?"


    A leader of the Board didn''t know whether tough or cry. He quickly mediated, "It''s already turned out like this, so even if the scores are low, so be it. At most we will suffer a little loss of face, but it''s really nothing much."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "That''s right, that''s right. It''s not even a big matter at all! We can definitely get through this!"


    That leader of the Higher Education Entrance Examination Board nearly fainted at this response. He was just trying to mediate the situation so that everyone could take a step back, but it seemed like Zhang Ye was really good attching onto the topic!


    But it was really as he said it. What''s done was done, so what else could they do about it? All they needed to do was to just stick to the procedures and move on from there!


    "Luckily, there was someone who got a perfect score on the Math test," a Board supervisor consoled.


    Zhang Ye''s curiosity perked when he heard that. "Someone got a perfect score?"


    That person nodded. "Just one. A girl."


    Zhang Ye was very curious about who it was. "What''s her name?"


    That person said, "Huang Lingling."


    Huang Lingling?


    It''s her??


    Zhang Ye smiled, looking very pleased.


    He knew who this girl was. At the previous International Math Olympiad held at Summer Pce, Huang Lingling was a representative of the youth team for China, together with her brother, Huang Leilei. Zhang Ye got to know them both on that asion and had spoken to them quite a bit. Huang Lingling had even mentioned that if she managed to qualify for Peking University, she would want to be a student of Zhang Ye''s so that he could personally teach her more about math. He didn''t think at that time that she would be taking her college entrance exam this year.


    ����


    Soon after.


    The Beijing college entrance exam admission cutoff scores were released.


    Arts Subjects Tier 1 Grade cutoff score: 467.


    Science Subjects Tier 1 Grade cutoff score: 464.


    Arts Subjects Tier 2 Grade cutoff score: 425.


    Science Subjects Tier 2 Grade cutoff score: 421.


    The cutoff scores for the entire admissions exercise had dropped drastically! It was so low that the scores were totally unheard of by many people!


    Immediately, the Beijing college entrance exams were once again the focal point of discussion in society. This time, not only Beijing Television and the other provincial satellite stations were reporting about it on their news programs, even Central TV Department 1''s News Simulcast reported about it that very night!


    Although Zhang Ye was also working at Central TV Department 1, but with the corporate structure rather bloated and the staff divided into many different departments, those who were involved in the variety shows had nothing inmon with those program teams involved in the news. Even Zhang Ye who had been working at Central TV Department 1 for so many days now did not know which floor the News Simulcast program team was situated at. That was why Central TV Department 1''s news program reporting on the Beijing college entrance exam was not done so for Zhang Ye, nor was it out of respect for The Voice''s program team. It was purely because of the bigmotion that the Beijing college entrance exams had caused!


    The Beijing exams'' exposure in the media skyrocketed even further!


    Zhang Ye''s exposure rate also soared along with it!


    Overall, even though he had been scolded a lot, it was still not a bad thing for Zhang Ye as his reputation continued to rise every day!


    ����


    On Weibo.


    When the Beijing admissions cutoff scores were published, the condemningments from the examinees also gradually lessened.


    "I was scared to death, but luckily I managed to get a tier 1 score!"


    "I qualified for the tier 2s. Your sister! I initially thought that my low score of 430 in the Science subjects would only have qualified me for a vocational college, but I never expected to manage to qualify for tier 2 instead!"


    "Everyone''s scores are low, therefore the admissions cutoff grades were also adjusted ordingly!"


    "I was very lucky too. Somehow I got a tier 1 score!"


    "Good, good. From the results, it looks like I did pretty well this year. Usually, I only get tier 2 scores, but because of those wondrous questions this year, it somehow went my way instead, allowing me to realize my potential and getting myself a tier 1 score!"


    "Still, I feared for my future."


    "Yeah, I would never want toe across questions like this again in the future!"


    "Reject drugs, stay away from Zhang Ye!"


    "Please send Teacher Zhang as far away as possible! Don''t let hime near us in case we get ruined again!"


    "I''m in eleventh grade this year and will be taking my college entrance exam next year. To the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board, may I thank you first for getting rid of someone like Zhang Ye in advance?! That guy is such a bastard!"


    "Please get rid of Zhang Ye!


    "Seconded!"


    Suddenly, a lot of eleventh grade students from the other provinces started gloating at the Beijing students who were due to take their college entrance exam next year.


    "Hehe."


    "The Beijing college entrance exams had always been so easy all these years, so it''s high time that you guys have it hard now. That kind of difficulty level shouldn''t be too bad, right? Haha!"


    "Yeah, the wheel of fortune is always turning. It''s finally your turn!"


    "Good luck to the Beijing examinees! Have a good one!"


    "Ha, I''ll suggest to the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board to get Zhang Ye to set the questions every year. Since the schools in Beijing have so many resources and ces for students, they should have to go through a tougher process!"


    "I''d be delighted to see that!"


    "Zhang Ye, beautifully done!"


    "There''s still room to raise the difficulty of the questions!"


    "Teacher Zhang, work harder next year. Make it so difficult that they want to kill themselves!"


    "Right, please do that. I will be taking the national college entrance exams anyway, so there''s nothing for me to be afraid of!"


    Quite a lot of people were adding fuel to the fire.


    The Beijing examinees gnashed their teeth with hatred!


    But right at this moment, a piece of news was suddenly published online. It was a conversation between a reporter and the supervisor of the national college entrance examination question setting team.


    The conversation was as follows:


    Reporter: "Professor Niu, the college entrance exam results are finally out."


    Professor Niu: "Yes."


    Reporter: "The Beijing exams this year have attracted all the attention. I''ve just received thetest update that says that the Beijing examinees only scored an average of around 50 on the Math test while the scores for the Chinese Literature test were not much better either."


    Professor Niu: "I saw it too."


    Reporter: "What are your views on this? There''s an uproar of condemnation online about whether the Beijing exams were too harsh on the examinees."


    Professor Niu: "I''ve seen thosements online as well. Actually, my opinion is different from most of you. I think that the questions used in this year''s Beijing exams were very good. It was something new and had a good level of difficulty. On top of that, it also achieved its basic function of evaluating the examinees and assigning them to their tiers. Myment on this is��the standard of the Beijing exams is very high, the question setter is also of a very high standard, and in terms of the reform steps needed to be taken for our exam standards, Beijing is leading at the forefront of this revolution. We have also discussed this before and would like to make some reforms on our side as well, so if it''s at all possible, we would like for Teacher Zhang to join us for next year''s question setting task in the national college entrance exam."


    ����


    When they saw this news article, those eleventh grade students who were just making fun of the Beijing students earlier also turned green in the face!


    Suddenly, an explosion of reactions followed!


    "The National Higher Education Entrance Examination Board also wants to invite Zhang Ye to join them?"


    "Goddammit, goddammit to your fifth great grandma!"


    "Don''t, please don''t!"


    "Oh brother, please don''t joke like this, I have a weak heart!"


    "How did it turn out like this!"


    "Go f**k your grandpa! Are they nning to send us all to our graves!?"


    "Beijing was already a warning with the immediate damage it caused among the examinees, could it really happen to us next year? Your sister! I protest! I will be the first one to protest against this!"


    "That''s too inhumane!"


    "Professor Niu, don''t mess around like this!"


    "Our Old Comrade Niu, if you dare invite Zhang Ye to join the National Higher Education Entrance Examination Board next year, do you think I won''t head to your house to smash your windows with rocks!? What kind of a grudge do you bear against those of us who are taking the national college entrance exams?!"


    "Please get rid of Zhang Ye! Get rid of him!"


    "Wu wu wu. I don''t want to see him either!"


    "It''s over, we''re definitely done for next year!"


    Those who had been mocking the Beijing examinees sometime earlier were dumbfounded at this moment!


    If the Beijing college entrance exams had implicated just a small percentage of the examinees, then the national college entrance exams which covered a lot more of the provinces and examinees would affect a great deal of people. This was something that countless eleventh grade students who would be next year''s examinees from the various provinces and municipalities would not agree to at all! When such a massive group of people came together online and exploded into protesting "voices," earth-shattering wails and howls could be "heard"!


    "Don''t, please don''t!"


    "Teacher, I want to die!"


    "I suddenly feel like I''m screwed!"


    In contrast, the Beijing examinees doubled overughing at the turn of the tide!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Serves them right!"


    "They deserved it for taking us as a joke!"


    "Aiyo, how hrious! I''m dying from the joy!"


    "This is what they mean by ''pride goes before the fall''!"


    "You''ll all have a chance to try out Zhang Ye''s exams next year! Let''s see if you all can stillugh when the timees!"


    "Take care!"


    "The jinx has gone to look for you guys. You''re on your own! Good luck!"


    Yet anothermotion was beginning on the Inte!


    Some people were crying, some were angrily scolding, some just joined in to observe the fun as it all devolved into chaos!

 Chapter 715: Meeting Wu Zeqing

    <h4>Chapter 715: Meeting Wu Zeqing </h4>


    Chapter 715: Meeting Wu Zeqing


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    On the weekend.


    In the morning.


    The Inte bustled with noise and controversy. However, Zhang Ye, the person at the center of the controversy, was still sleeping in at home. Probably tired from working too hard recently, Zhang Ye, who almost never snored, was snoring away. He didn''t look too pretty sleeping there, hugging his nket and drooling on his pillow unawares.


    The bedroom door opened.


    His mother walked in. "Little Ye."


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye responded in a confused state of mind.


    His mother said, "Get up and go have your breakfast."


    Zhang Ye turned around and covered his head with the nket. "I''m not eating. I want to sleep."


    His mother said, "I''ve already bought soy milk and fried breadsticks for breakfast."


    "I''m not prepared to get up so early. I''m too tired. Wake me when lunch is ready," Zhang Ye said.


    His father overheard their conversation from outside the bedroom. "Didn''t you say yesterday that you would apany your mother and go shopping during the day? It wasn''t easy for you to get some days off, so stop sleeping already."


    Zhang Ye grumbled, "Dad, I really can''t get up, I''m too tired."


    Chenchen also walked into the bedroom and nced over at the bed. "Zhang Ye, you''re sozy."


    His mother stared at him. "See, even Little Chenchen is criticizing you. Don''t you feel ashamed?"


    Zhang Ye grunted, "No matter who criticizes me, I will not get up."


    His mother said, "Hurry up and get up, breakfast is getting cold."


    "I''m not eating." Zhang Ye drowsily remained lying down in bed. "Mom, it''s not that I don''t want get up, but I really can''t get up. This bro is so tired and aching all over that I intend to sleep until the afternoon. Even if the sky is falling, I won''t get out of bed." With that, his droopy eyelids closed and he went back to sleep again.


    When his mother realized that he would not wake up, she helplessly prepared to leave his bedroom.


    At that same moment, Zhang Ye''s cell phone beside the pillow started to ring.


    Zhang Ye woke up again and picked up his cell phone impatiently and answered: "Who is it?"


    A mature and gentle woman''s voice at the other side replied: "It''s me."


    "Oh, Old Wu." It was Wu Zeqing. "You''re up already?"


    Old Wu: "Are you still sleeping?"


    Zhang Ye: "Yes, you don''t have work today?"


    Old Wu: "I took the day off. Are you busy today?"


    Zhang Ye: "No, I''ve got nothing on."


    Old Wu: "I''ve been thinking about how we haven''t met in a long time. Since I have the next two days off, if you''re not busy, do you want toe over to Big Sis''s ce? Or do you want to sleep awhile longer? Another day maybe?"


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Ye immediately sat up. "��I''ve had enough sleep. I''ll be right there!" After hanging up, he got out from his bed and said, "Mom, Dad, I''m going to visit a friend. I''m leaving now!"


    Mom: "��"


    Dad: "��"


    Chenchen: "��"


    The three of them were at a total loss for words.


    Didn''t you say that even if the sky copsed, you wouldn''t get out of your bed?


    ����


    It was around 8 in the morning.


    In the high-end district of Taoran Pavilion''s East Gate.


    When Zhang Ye drove his car over, he found that the gates to Wu Zeqing''s house were already open. He drove directly into the courtyard and parked it there instead of in the garage. He knew that Wu Zeqing had kept the gates open for him. When he got out of the car, Zhang Ye immediately spotted Old Wu sitting near the flower beds in the yard. She was holding something and tilling the soil, appearing to be fiddling with the flowers.


    Wu Zeqing also looked at him at this moment. Their eyes met.


    How long had it been since he hadst seen Old Wu? Zhang Ye could not remember how long it had been anymore. He only knew that it had been a very long time, at least a month or two. When Wu Zeqing was newly appointed as the SARFT''s Deputy Chief, she was too busy with work. After that, Zhang Ye had epted the offer to work on a program at Central TV Department 1 and the question setting duty for the college entrance exam, leaving him too busy for other things. The two of them only kept in contact by texting or through phone calls since they basically had no time to meet up, so when he finally got to see Wu Zeqing again this time, Zhang Ye''s heart thumped with excitement. He had missed her badly. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have even gotten up from his bed immediately after just receiving a call from Old Wu.


    Zhang Ye quickly walked over to her. "What are you doing?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "I''m loosening the soil for the flowers. I was away on a business trip for the past week and had just returned to Beijing yesterday. It''s been such a long time since I''ve taken care of the them."


    "Let me help you," Zhang Ye volunteered.


    Wu Zeqing said, "Don''t dirty your hands. I''m just finishing up here."


    "I''ve nothing else to do anyway." Zhang Ye picked up a forked stick from the ground and followed along, mimicking her loosening of the soil. At the same time, he also helped her to water the flowers.


    They chatted as they gardened.


    Old Wu said, "I heard that many of the examinees are scolding you now?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Are they?"


    Old Wu looked at him. "I think so. It was even published in the newspapers."


    Zhang Ye said, "Hai, don''t talk about that. It''s so unfair to me, and I don''t even have a way to seek redress. The Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board came to find me and demanded a reform of the college entrance exam. They wanted the question setters to word the questions in the most difficult way possible. So when I heard that? Sure, I''ll make the questions then! But as it turned out, when the exams were done, the examinees started ming it all on me. Why didn''t they criticize the other question setters as well? Why didn''t they scold the Beijing Higher Education Entrance Examination Board instead? Don''t you think I''ve been wronged?! Therefore, I''ll simply not show my face for now and lie low for a few more days. After this issue passes, this bro will return as good as new again!"


    Wu Zeqing stood up and dusted the soil off her hands. "Alright, I''m done here. Go into the house and have a seat first, I''ll tidy up the things outside. Oh right, there are some boxes on the sofa. Open them up and take a look."


    Zhang Ye asked curiously, "What''s in them?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled gently. "I went shopping during my business trip and I bought two set of clothes for you. Try them on and see if they suit you. I think they will look nice on you."


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "You''re super busy, yet you still found time to buy clothes for me."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Go on. Try them."


    Although Zhang Ye affectionately chided her, he was actually very happy inside. He went into the house and searched around on the first floor. He spotted the packaging on the sofa and unwrapped them one by one. After looking at the clothes, he immediately took them and went upstairs to try them on.


    He went downstairs.


    "I changed." Zhang Ye showed off his new attire.


    Wu Zeqing had finished tidying up the flower beds and had just returned to the house. "Let me get a good look." After studying him thoroughly, she nodded slightly and beamed. "You look pretty good. This color and style are quite suitable for you. Do they fit?"


    Zhang Ye also liked the clothes a lot. "Yep."


    ''That''s good." Wu Zeqing walked up to him and adjusted his cor a little. "It''s a bit crumpled here. Take it offter. I''ll iron it for you."


    "OK." Zhang Ye also looked in the mirror. "You have good taste indeed. I was getting worried recently that I would have no more clothes to wear. It''s already been some months since I''ve bought any new clothes."


    Old Wu said, "You''re quite frugal."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m not being frugal; it''s just that I don''t have the chance to buy clothes. Whenever I go to the mall, I get recognized easily so it''s inconvenient to buy anything there. Unlike other celebrities, they have an agent and agency to help take care of their necessities and even havepanies providing custom-made clothes for them. I don''t have an agent nor an agency. Although I have an office, Central TV is such a petty employer. Although they will prepare a wardrobe for the show, after the show ends, you have to sign for it and return it. If we do not sign or the clothes go missing, we still have topensate them out of pocket."


    Wu Zeqing looked at his reflection and said, "Next time you want to get some clothes, let me know and I''ll help you get them. You are a public figure and associate professor now, so you definitely have to be particr about your clothing. When people look at you, they''d at least have to see you as a professor, right?"


    "Right."


    "Have you eaten breakfast yet?"


    "Not yet, what about you?"


    "I just ate. There''s still some congee left. Do you want some?"


    "What type of congee?"


    "Millet congee."


    "I''ll take it."


    "Do you want eggs?"


    "Yes, I want them sunny side up."


    "Hur hur, wait awhile then."


    "Sorry for the trouble, Old Wu."


    "It''s no trouble."


    Zhang Ye wasn''t modest; he treated her home as his own. He closed his eyes and leaned back on the sofafortably with his legs crossed while waiting for breakfast to be ready.


    Whenever he was with Old Wu, she would never let him do any chores. In the past, Zhang Ye had in fact tried to argue for a bit, wanting to help her with the chores. But after that, he no longer insisted.

 Chapter 716: Zhang Ye’s Classroom is back!

    <h4>Chapter 716: Zhang Ye''s ssroom is back! </h4>


    Chapter 716: Zhang Ye''s ssroom is back!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    After breakfast.


    "Old Wu, I''m full."


    "Did you like it?"


    "It was really delicious. It''s not like this bro is sucking up to you by saying that, but your culinary skills are truly excellent. Among all the people I''vee across since childhood, your cooking tastes the best. I''ve never eaten anything so delicious before. I even had two or three bowls of the millet congee. If I ate any more than that, my stomach would''ve burst apart. I''m so full now that I can''t stuff myself any further."


    "As long as you like eating it."


    "That''s for sure."


    "Do whatever you need to do. Big Sis will go and do the dishes now."


    "Oh, do you have a notebook?"


    "Laptop you mean? Yes, it''s upstairs in my bedroom''s drawer."


    "Alright, I need to use it."


    "Go ahead and get it from upstairs."


    Zhang Ye made himself at home and headed straight up to Old Wu''s bedroom. He found theptop and brought it downstairs. He spotted a shady area in the front yard of the vi where there was a rocking chair. Seeing that it was Old Wu''s garden and how it looked pretty nice out there, he headed outside andid back on the rocking chair. He powered on theptop and ced it on hisp, then got online. He also yed some music to listen to by-the-by.


    Old Wu was washing the dishes while Zhang Ye admired her. There was a sense of harmony in the air. Sometimes, this was what a rtionship should be like. There wasn''t any earth-shattering, over-the-top excitement. Both people could just be doing their own things and not say a word to each other, but as long as they were together and could see each other, it was still something they could be very happy about and the rtionship would still be as strong as any other.


    Old Wu was wearing a neat white shirt today. It was very simple, without any decorations or patterns on it. She was in a pair of coffee-colored cks and her shirt was tucked in, secured with a thin belt. She looked very capable and experienced doing what she was doing. Her clothes did not get in the way of her scrubbing the bowls, nor did any water ssh onto her. Just from this alone, it could be seen that she regrly did her own chores.


    Just thinking about how a great beauty like that was his girlfriend, all of the cells in his body were exploding with happiness. However he thought, she was beautiful. However he looked, he felt extremely pleasant. The so-called mood, defined actions. When a person was happy, anything they did wouldn''t feel tough. Zhang Ye hummed along to the music from theptop as he logged into Weibo.


    He posted: "Good news! Good news! Zhang Ye''s ssroom is back!"


    Zhang Ye had actually intended to lie low for several days and not appear anywhere for at least 10 to 15 days. However, as he was unable to suppress the good mood he was in today, he decided that he would just make an appearance.


    When he appeared, his Weibo suddenly became lively.


    "That Zhang guy is here!"


    "You still dare appear?"


    "Capture the wild Zhang Ye!"


    "Scold him!"


    "Everyone,e and beat up this guy! Zhang Ye is nning on proposing another question!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye''s ssroom again? Those elementary math questions from the previous time nearly made me vomit blood. What kinds of questions are you nning on this time? The key question is: what are the prizes?"


    "If the prizes aren''t attractive enough, I won''t be taking part!"


    "I would like to see just what sort of wondrous question you cane up with this time!"


    Quite a lot of people had gathered around, including some of this year''s college entrance examinees, Zhang Ye''s fans, and some observingizens, pushing the poprity of his Weibo up the charts.


    When Zhang Ye saw enough people observing his Weibo, he smiled and posted: "The same rules apply. I will post several questions and prizes will be awarded for those who get them all correct. Because of this year''s college entrance examination''s Chinese Literature and Mathematics questions'' difficulty level, many of you have very strong negative opinions of me, so I have decided to increase the level of the prizes. Those who can correctly answer all the questions that I give will not only receive an autographed calligraphy piece from me, they will also be able to scold me face-to-face for 30 minutes. There''s no limit to the amount of prize winners, but it''s on a firste, first serve basis. Come and quickly join in!"


    When he announced this, theizens were all stirred up!


    "Are you for real?"


    "Are you sure, Teacher Zhang?"


    "Hahahaha! I must definitely join!"


    "Can we really scold you face-to-face? That would be great!"


    "Count me in! Everyone, let''s answer this together!"


    "Everyone,e and join in. The more people we have, the stronger we get. If we can win this, then we will have a chance to scold Zhang Ye right to his face!"


    "Come on, give us the questions!"


    "Zhang Ye is totally underestimating us! After he presented those elementary math questions previously, I went through them many times and ascertained his style of question writing. Now that we''re doing this again, I''m sure I''ll definitely be able to answer all of them correctly!"


    "Everyone, let''s do this. This opportunity might nevere again!"


    "I''ve been waiting so long for this day toe!"


    "Everything was written out in ck and white and with everyone as witness, let''s not give Zhang Ye the chance to deny it when he loses!"


    "Hehehe, I''ve already taken screenshots for evidence. We must definitely let Zhang Ye have a taste of defeat this time!"


    Word of this event spread like wildfire. In the blink of an eye, countless people had gathered here, especially those examinees from this year''s Beijing college entrance exam. They were all gnashing their teeth, hating Zhang Ye. So when they saw this chance, they immediately put down whatever they were doing and charged over, each more high-spirited than thest, each roaring more than thest!


    When Zhang Ye saw all the excitedizens, he mustered up augh: "This time, it won''t be an elementary math question. The scope of these questions will be the same as the college entrance exam, except they won''t distinguish between different subjects."


    "Come on!"


    "Whatever you say!"


    "I can answer any question you give!"


    "Give the questions quickly! I''m getting impatient!"


    "There''s nothing to be afraid of even if it''s a college entrance exam question. We have so many examinees here. Even if I can''t do it, there are still university students around. If they are unable to answer as well, there are still all the postgrads getting their Masters or PhDs. If all of us unite, we can definitely bring down Zhang Ye!"


    Countlessizens were all gathered on Weibo, their eyes watching and waiting for the questions to be released.


    At this moment, Wu Zeqing finished washing the dishes and was walking out of the house. "Are you chatting online?"


    Zhang Ye raised his head and smiled at her. "I''m holding an event, a question and answer session with a chance at winning a prize."


    "Let me see." Old Wu walked beside him.


    Zhang Ye slid over. "Let''s sit together?"


    The chair wasn''t exactly spacious, because howrge could a rocking chair be?


    Old Wu looked down and did not reject the offer. She sat down next to him.


    Old Wu read all the posts on his Weibo. "Are you seriously going to find some time to let theizens scold you?"


    Zhang Ye said, "How is that possible?"


    "Then why did you say that?" Old Wu said with a smile.


    Zhang Ye replied happily, "The key here is that they must first be able to answer my questions correctly."


    Old Wu who was leaning back in the chair now suddenly had her interest perked. "I want to see what kinds of questions you have prepared too."


    A number of people on Weibo were already pressing for the questions to be released faster.


    "Quickly!"


    "Where did he go?"


    "Did Teacher Zhang run away because he got scared?"


    "Quickly post the questions. I''m getting anxious here. You''ve already promised us that we can get to scold you if we get everything correct. We''re all witnesses here. Even if you run, it''s no use."


    "Teacher Zhang, you''re definitely going to lose this time!"


    Everyone was very excited.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s Weibo updated. He posted the interesting questions from his previous world line by line onto Weibo.

 Chapter 717: Zhang Ye, you’ve really won!

    <h4>Chapter 717: Zhang Ye, you''ve really won! </h4>


    Chapter 717: Zhang Ye, you''ve really won!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    The questions were announced on Zhang Ye''s Weibo.


    Question 1: Essay.


    The question was as follows:


    A young man is wandering around at the beach, looking glum.


    "Why the long face?" an old man asks.


    The young man exined that even though he had always done his best��in life and his work��he had never gotten recognized or respected.


    "Watch carefully." The old man picked up a grain of sand and threw it away. "Can you find that grain of sand?"


    The young man smiled wryly and shook his head.


    "I have here with me a pearl as well." The old man took out a huge pearl and weighed it in his hand, then proceeded to throw it onto the beach. "Now, that won''t be difficult to find, right? Be a pearl and no one will ignore you."


    The question was posted on Weibo, line by line.


    When many of theizens read up to here, they smiled.


    "This is too simple!"


    "This question is a very traditional one."


    "Thisposition isn''t bad. This is the first time I''ve read this story, and while it looks very simple and straightforward, it carries a rather strong philosophy behind it. Even if this question had been included in the college entrance exam this year, it would have been very suitable. It allows for a very clear thought process so that the examinees can reflect and extend on it, as it focuses on the importance of self-worth and society''s acknowledgment that could then be written as an essay. The essay can start off with the story of the sand grain and pearl, or from the importance of hard work and��"


    As theizensmented and analyzed the question in all seriousness, the topic of the question was suddenly and unexpectedly revealed.


    ��If I be a pearl, no one would ignore me anymore? That made a lot of sense, as the young man thought about it for a moment. Then he picked up the pearl and ran off!


    Question requirement: Please use the topic of "Where should the most basic level of trust between people exist?" to write an essay. The is no limitation to how the topic is used, but the essay must not be fewer than 800 words.


    At this line, all theizens were dumbfounded!


    "Holy f**k!"


    "The most basic level of trust��between people?"


    "What kind of a twist is this!?"


    "Zhang Ye, I''m cursing your great-grandpa!"


    "Where did the self-worth and society''s acknowledgment we were just talking about go? And the story of the grain of sand and pearl that somehow got cut short and became a mess? Why did he steal the pearl and run away?! Does he need to have such low moral integrity?! Your sister! After that long-ass introduction, the requirement of the question had nothing to do with it at all!"


    "Zhang Ye, you cheat!"


    "Pfft! I''m cramping fromughing!"


    "Damn, we''ve been tricked by this passage again!"


    When the question requirement was given, everyone immediately jumped up and started cursing colorfully. They''d witnessed wondrous questions before, but nothing as wondrous as this. Was this a Chinese Literature question or a joke?


    "I was still wondering why Zhang Ye would offer that prize so calmly!"


    "Yeah, this question is basically unanswerable!"


    "Who says it''s unanswerable? I''ll give it a try!"


    "Right, it''s just asking for ''Where should the most basic level of trust between people exist?'' I''ll write an essay!"


    Some of theizens charged forward, ready to give their answers.


    "Come on, next question!"


    "Where''s the second question?"


    "I won''t believe that we can''t answer your questions!"


    "That''s right, we will settle it once and for all with this guy today! I''m getting so furious!"


    ����


    At the Wu residence.


    On thewn in the front yard.


    When Wu Zeqing saw the question Zhang Ye had typed onto his screen, she let out augh and then said, "No wonder you''re always getting a scolding from everyone else."


    Zhang Ye sniggered. "That''s how they show their love for me."


    Old Wu said, "Is that so?"


    "Of course," Zhang Ye replied as his hands continued typing the next question.


    ����


    On Weibo.


    With the countlessizens waiting, the second question was revealed.


    Mathematics problem:


    50 women are performing a square dance in a za. They are all spread out 1 meter apart from each other, with the speakers broadcasting at 170 dB. Xiaoming''s house is situated on the seventh floor. The current wind speed is 3 m/s.


    Theizens began analyzing the problem.


    "It''s time for a math question!"


    "Will it ask for the duration needed for the sound to travel? Or something else?"


    "50 people spread out in a formation, 1 meter from each other? Hmm, the decibel unit is a little troublesome, and there''s even wind speed involved?"


    "If we ignore the acoustic resonance factor and transmission loss of power, then it won''t be difficult to solve this problem."


    "I''ve already started my calctions. It''s quite simple. All I need to know now is what the problem is asking for."


    Then, within the next second, the question was revealed.


    Question: What is the probability of sess should Xiaoming attempt to dump feces on the women in the za?


    Ah??


    Theizens all fainted all once!


    "Dumping feces? Why would it be asking about dumping feces?"


    "I''ll dump on your sister, Zhang Ye!"


    "What about the transmission of sound we were just talking about?"


    "Let me calm down for a moment, I feel a little lightheaded!"


    "How did this be a probability question?"


    "Hey Zhang, why do you never y ording to the rules!"


    "Let me give this question a try. I don''t believe I can''t do it! Since the weight of the feces is unknown, as well as the throwing strength and speed, the women in the question are also gathered in a single location. When the feces are flung, their surface area will gradually change. Let us first establish the axes of the objects. If Xiaoming is on the z-axis, then the seniordies will be on the x-y axis��.Next, we have to calcte the parab of the flung object��"


    "Previous poster, you''re awesome!"


    "Bro, we are all depending on you!"


    "Good luck! I think you can do it."


    Some science geek started doing the calctions!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s third question was posted.


    Question: Spring is the season for mating. At 6 PM Beijing time, on the day of the vernal equinox, Police Constable Xiaoli raised his head to the sky at a 38�� angle of elevation and saw the North Star. Afterwards, he led his team and rushed into an underground prostitution den to raid it. What are the most likely words that the John in the room would shout out when he realizes that this is a raid? [1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chunfen]


    A. �� D�� G�� Shen Ah [2. "Oh my god" in Guanzhong dialect]


    B. Di�� Lei L��u M��u [3. "F**k your mom" in Cantonese]


    C. N��ng Xi��ng Z�� S�� [4. "What do you want" in Shanghainese]


    D. Ssibal [5. Motherf*cker/?? in Korean]


    Countless strings of "what the f**k" were already shing in front of the eyesizens eyes!


    "What kind of a question is this! What the heck is this!"


    "Why does it even include the word ''ssibal!''"


    "Who the hell would know what they would shout out!"


    "Who can solve this question!"


    With that, Zhang Ye followed up with hisst question.


    Question 4: A BMW sedan with a power rating of 6.0 x 104 watts is traveling on a level highway when ites to a braking stop 5 meters away from an old granny. The old granny''s weight is known to be 50 kg.


    With the experience from the previous three questions, theizens were wiser this time and did not assume the question''s requirements before they were mentioned. Since they had fallen for Zhang Ye''s tricks previously, they just patiently waited for Zhang Ye to finish and announce the full question.


    The question requirement was posted.


    Question requirements:


    1: Please state the power at which the old granny would fall to the ground at.


    2: How much would the old granny demand aspensation?


    Theizens: "��[emailprotected]#$%^&*()! ! !"


    "Power of the fall?"


    "How can a fall still be measured by power?"


    "How much inpensation? Like hell I know how much the old granny would want forpensation!"


    At this moment, many of theizens and examinees felt that they had been too naive. When they first saw Zhang Ye announcing the prizes, they still came over excited, thinking that they would get a chance to scold Zhang Ye right to his face. However, when they gave it some thought now, they should have known what kind of a person Zhang Ye was. He was so wicked and sly, and the past experience would have told them that only Zhang Ye could give others a face smacking, not the other way around. Just looking at these questions, this fellow must have nned to not let them win from the very beginning. All of the questions were "broken!"


    "I''m so angry that I could cry!"


    "How despicable!"


    "These questions are basically unsolvable!"


    "I was wondering why he would dare make such big ims!"


    "Zhang Ye,e out!"


    No one was having any of this.


    Zhang Ye posted on Weibo: "The questions have all been announced. Is there anyone who can answer them? I can rx my requirements a little. As long as someone can answer 3 out of the 4 questions correctly, I will pass him or her and award the prizes ordingly. That means that, other than the old granny demandingpensation question, as long as the other 3 questions are answered correctly, it is good enough for me."


    Theizens continued scolding.


    "What the hell! Other than the essay which we can still write about, who could answer the other questions?!"


    "These broken questions must not even have answers!"


    "The way I see it, you''re just bullshitting us right now!"


    "That''s right, this guy must havee up with the questions without thought. Even he couldn''t answer them!"


    "That must be it. He even included something like ''ssibal''? And ''�� D�� G�� Shen Ah''? What has this question got to do with the information that was included at the beginning! If you''re so capable, tell us the correct answer! Otherwise, stop bullshitting us!"


    "Right, this question must be unsolvable. Zhang Ye is definitely trying to cheat us!"


    "Zhang Ye, you''re too wicked. During the college entrance exam, you cheated our examinees. Now that the exam is over, you''re trying to cheat us?"


    "Down with this guy!"


    "This broken question can only be thought up by someone like you!"


    "Stop using your brainpower. What Zhang Ye''s ssroom? This is all just Zhang Ye making fun of us. The questions don''t have answers, so let''s not waste the effort to solve them!"


    No one was trying to solve them anymore as all of them began scolding Zhang Ye on Weibo.


    After Zhang Ye waited for the longest time and no one came forward with an answer, he posted: "Who says that I am making fun of you all? Since I can give the question, of course there is an answer. Does anyone still want to give them a try?"


    Theizens found it both funny and annoying.


    "Bullshit!"


    "What answers have you got!"


    "Hur hur!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you''re too stubborn!"


    "Then why don''t you show us the answers?"


    "I still won''t believe you!"


    With themotion bing livelier, a lot of celebrities also came to observe.


    Yao Jiancai''s Weibo: "F**k, how is this a college entrance exam question? This is obviously a joke!"


    A female singer''s Weibo: "Do these questions really have answers? It must be a scam, right?"


    No one disagreed. They all believed that Zhang Ye was using the questions to tell a joke.


    However, a minuteter, Zhang Ye followed up with a post with the answers in it!


    For example, the third question: "In the guise of an absurd situation, there is a geographical question that is packaged very nicely into it. Why? First off, the John would likely utter something in his nativenguage in the midst of his panic. As such, the objective of the question was to find out where he was located. Then just where is this prostitution den located? We know that the angle of elevation of the North Star is also thetitude of the location, so we can say that the location is situated on the 38th parallel north of the equator. By looking at the answer options, B. is Di�� Lei L��u M��u which we clearly know it to be the dialect of Guangdong Province. That location is situated somewhere around the 20th parallel north of the equator. We can safely exclude that answer because of that, while C is N��ng Xi��ng Z�� S�� which we know to be a dialect somewhere in Shanghai. Shanghai is based around the 31st parallel north of the equator, so that is clearly the wrong answer as well!"


    Seeing the exnation by Zhang Ye regarding the answer, theizens were all stunned!


    "Holy f**k!"


    "Holy shit!"


    Zhang Ye continued: "The answeres down to A and D. �� D�� G�� Shen is anguage from where? That is from the Shaanxi dialect, while ssibal is obviously from Korean. The problem now is that both Shaanxi and Korea are both located around the 38th parallel north of the equator, so we are unable to judge from the information we have on thetitude. Because of this, it won''t be easy to solve, so what can we do? Well, there''s still the longitude information! However, looking at the question, there is no such information given. What is given is that it is 6 PM Beijing time and the incident happened on the day of the vernal equinox. That given time was right during sunset in Beijing. Korea is located at the east of Beijing, so at 6 PM, their skies are already dark, while Shaanxi is located at the west of Beijing and for them, the sun has not set yet. When Police Constable Xiaoli raised his head, he could see the North Star. That would mean that it was no longer daytime, therefore the likelihood of the prostitution den being situated in Shaanxi can also be excluded. And with that, we arrive at the answer of D. ssibal. By the way, the usage of the ''Police Constable Xiaoli'' was just a red herring. Some of you might have excluded the possibility of the foreign option in the answers because of it, but remember that there are also people with thest name of Li in Korea!"


    The answer was revealed!


    Theizens fell into a dead silence!


    Yao Jiancai was stunned!


    That female singer was stunned!


    The examinees were stunned!


    "��Zhang Ye, you''ve won! You''ve truly won!!"


    [1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chunfen]


    [2. �� D�� G�� Shen Ah: "Oh my god" in Guanzhong dialect]


    [3. Di�� Lei L��u M��u: "F**k your mom" in Cantonese]


    [4. N��ng Xi��ng Z�� S��: "What do you want" in Shanghainese]


    [5. Ssibal: Motherf*cker/?? in Korean]

 Chapter 718: A hardworking comic!

    <h4>Chapter 718: A hardworkingic! </h4>


    Chapter 718: A hardworkingic!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    Faced with such an answer from Zhang Ye, theizens could only react with a "f*ck" to express their feelings!


    "I''m in the process of being dumbfounded!"


    "He actually solved it!"


    "Wow, you really had the answer!"


    "Awesome! I''m totally convinced!"


    "Pfft, me too, I''m convinced as well!"


    "I facented onto my keyboard because ofughing too much. Teacher Zhang is indeed Teacher Zhang. Even his way of teaching is unlike others. He is always so interesting and funny, even to the point of being wondrous. I thought he had invented those questions on the spot at the spur of the moment, but who knew that there were really answers to them!"


    "Just how bored did Teacher Zhang get? He must have been really bored to have been able toe up with questions like that! On top of that, he could evene up with such a goddamn logical answer to such a far-fetched question!"


    "I''m kneeling!"


    "Zhang Ye, I''m also kneeling to you!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you''re too strong! No one in the world can stop thatedic march of yours! Theizen with post #679 is right, just how bored were you!?"


    Theizens fainted one by one!


    A few Peking University teachers had also appeared because of these questions.


    Dean Pan from the School of Mathematical Sciences on his Weibo: "��"


    Su Na from the Chinese Department on her Weibo: "��"


    The Chinese Department''s Director Chang Kaige''s Weibo: "��"


    These questions were typed out by Zhang Ye spontaneously without the need to use the Memory Search Capsules. It wasn''t because his memory was so good that he had them all memorized from his time in the previous world. Rather, during his time at the online television station, while working on his show Zhang Ye''s Talk Show, Zhang Ye had made use of the Memory Search Capsules to retrieve all the memories in regards to Tonight 80s Talk Show, Mr. Zhou Live Show, Bao Zou Big News Events, and other simr talk shows. He had already locked down that batch of memories, therefore he could pull up all those questions without needing to think. The questions he threw out here today were all questions from his previous world''s Bao Zou Big News Events.


    If he had used them as the college entrance exam questions, there would definitely be some problems due to the impreciseness of the questions. But at the very least, it was enough for a goodugh that everyone could enjoy. On this matter, Zhang Ye''s objective had been met. He only needed to be rigorous with regards to the college entrance exam questions, but now that the college entrance exam was over, if he still maintained that rigorous fa?ade, then he was just going to bring more contempt upon himself. If he instead clowned around in an impromptu fashion, asionally teasing others, it would help him improve his image a little and bring him back to being loved by the people.


    From the looks of it, it was working rather well.


    "Teacher Zhang is still just as funny!"


    "Yeah, you''re presenting a geography/physics question just like how you''d perform a crosstalk!"


    "I was one of those examinees tortured by Zhang Ye this year. The thing I hate most about him is that no matter how hard I try to hate him, I can''t do it. Zhang Ye keeps adapting and keeps usughing, so even if I want to scold him, I would be scolding him whileughing. Hai, I guess this is what Zhang Ye''s individual style is��a hardworkingic! He includes his jokes in everything he says, in his shows, in his poems, and now even in his questions!"


    "I find myself liking Zhang Ye more and more!"


    "Aedic associate professor!"


    "Where there is Zhang Ye, there will not be ack of doubt and scoldings, yet at the same time, there is also a lot of joy. He is truly the ideal entertainer of my heart!"


    At this moment, some of theizens started anothermotion.


    "What about the other questions?"


    "The answers to the other questions!"


    "That question with the flinging of feces, how do you solve that?"


    However, just when Zhang Ye was about to announce the next question''s answer, someone suddenly posted their own version of the answer in thement section of Weibo. This answer immediately left everyone stunned, not because it was an exceptional answer but because most of them couldn''t understand what was written. X-axis, y-axis, differentials, and functions were all squeezed into the forms, leaving people baffled but impressed by how amazing it looked!


    "Damn, who is this person?"


    "Could someone really have solved it?"


    "Godly!"


    "Hahaha, how awesome!"


    "Has it been solved? Is the answer correct?"


    When Zhang Ye saw it, he was also stunned for a moment, but then immediately gave it a Like afterwards. Then, when he noticed the Weibo handle, he was stunned for another moment but recovered with a smile on his face as he came to a realization. That person''s Weibo username was��LinglingPO. Intuitively, Zhang Ye guessed that this person was probably Huang Lingling, the young girl he had met at Summer Pce during the International Math Olympiad.


    Then, LinglingPO sent Zhang Ye a private message: "Teacher, did I get it correct?"


    Zhang Ye immediately replied: "Student Huang, you did well."


    Student Huang? LinglingPO immediately replied with a horrified emoticon: "How, how did you know that it was me? Teacher, you��still remember me?"


    Zhang Ye sent her a smiley face: "I guessed. As for whether I remember you��I am not that forgetful yet. Has your brother also taken his college entrance exam?"


    Huang Lingling: "He''s taking it next year."


    Zhang Ye: "I''ve seen your Math exam. You got a perfect score. You did great. You were the only examinee to get a perfect score in Math. No one else managed to."


    Huang Lingling: "Hehe, thanks Teacher, I will work even harder."


    Zhang Ye asked: "Where did you apply for your first choice?"


    Huang Lingling replied without even thinking: "Peking University, of course! My greatest goal is to be your student, but I don''t know if I will qualify for the school since I didn''t do too well on my other subjects."


    Zhang Ye: "It''s not going to be a problem. If you don''t meet the admission cutoff score,e look for me. I will help arrange something for you."


    Huang Lingling replied surprised: "Ah, really? Thank you, thank you, Teacher!"


    The tier 1 scores had already been released, but the cutoff scores for Peking and Tsinghua University still didn''t have clear distinctions. Sometimes, even if your score was very high, you might not be admitted into Peking or Tsinghua University. In other words, this meant that even if your score was not high, you might still be able to get admitted into Peking or Tsinghua University.


    For the other higher institutes of education, the cutoff score boundaries were very straightforward. For example, if a specific score qualified you for Beijing Normal University, or a range between one score and another allowed you to qualify for Renmin University, then as long as the application for your intended university was within the top two choices, there would be an automated ranking to assign you to the institution you applied for. However, for institutions like Peking or Tsinghua University, they had greater freedom, fewer restrictions, and the authority to conduct their own admissions exercises. They even had special recruitment spots with more space to maneuver and overwrite the processes. For instance, in the case of an examinee qualifying with enough points for their first choice of Beijing Normal University, the second choice university couldn''t steal this student for their own institution nor would they have the chance to do so. However, the authority Peking and Tsinghua University wielded allowed them to do so under the same set of circumstances as long as the examinees agreed to it. This was the special authority that the country''s top two educational institutes had��and it was exactly as unreasonable as it sounds.


    After a short conversation with Huang Lingling and having chatted for a while with the otherizens, Zhang Ye sessfully aplished his mission of downying the "scammer"bel theizens had given to him and went offline.

 Chapter 719: An independent woman!

    <h4>Chapter 719: An independent woman! </h4>


    Chapter 719: An independent woman!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    In the front yard of Old Wu''s house.


    Zhang Ye closed the browser.


    Wu Zeqing''s smiling eyes left the screen. "Those are the questions you gave?"


    "Hah." Zhang Ye looked at her. "They''re not bad, right?"


    Old Wu nodded and said, "They''re quite good."


    Zhang Ye said, "I still have a whole lot of such questions. Maybe when I''m in a better mood someday, I might hold another session like this. Even if it doesn''t contribute much to my popritypared to me filming TV shows, or writing some essays and poems, it could still gain me some fans. Do not look down on the smaller things."


    Old Wuughed, "A thief does not leave empty-handed?"


    "What are you saying, ''a thief does not leave empty-handed?''" Zhang Ye said, "I had nothing to do anyway, might as well use the opportunity to entertain everyone. If I didn''t do things like that, would my poprity have risen so quickly? I''m already going quite far up the list of the B-list celebrity rankings, so my goal now is to aim for the A-list celebrity rankings. I''ll just try to flex my muscles a little more to see if that would be a viable goal since The Voice has already given me quite a significant increase in my fame."


    Old Wu smiled. "If there''s anything you need help with, just let me know."


    Zhang Ye gave a wave of his hands. "I won''t trouble you."


    "Why are you still being so polite?" Old Wu nced at him.


    Zhang Ye sighed and exined, "It''s not like that. You''re now the Deputy Chief of the SARFT and overseeing the entire entertainment circle, so all the more I can''t receive any help from you. It will be difficult for you to answer to administration. And if anyone finds out, they might start talking behind your back too. Besides, I''m not in any trouble now anyways. As long as no one is deliberately trying to pull me down or ban me, I''ll definitely be fine in the entertainment circle. Who can stop me?"


    What he said was really reasonable. This guy was now famous for being a stubborn and unreasonable person in both the entertainment circle and education world.


    Old Wu smiled and said, "I''m not afraid of people gossiping behind my back, nor will there be any gossips either. If there''s anything you need help with, just tell me. Don''t forget, you''re my boyfriend now, right?"


    Zhang Ye corrected her, "Not only now, I still will be in the future."


    Old Wu nodded. "Yes, in the future as well."


    "I like hearing that." Zhang Ye smiled. "OK, don''t worry that I''ll be too courteous to you. If I feel that there''s anything I need your help with, I will surely let you know. But most of the time, I should be able to handle any problems on my own. There won''t be a need for such a high-ranking official to show her authority. Besides, if those foes of mine from the entertainment circle know that you''re my girlfriend, who would still want to challenge me? I wouldn''t have anyone to entertain me at that time. Without them looking for a fight, I would be bored as hell. Don''t you know that my poprity so far was all because of duking it out with those people?"


    In the entertainment circle, the partners of the celebrities were always these few categories:


    1. Business persons, tycoons, or wealthy women and affluent second generations.


    2. Fellow celebrities of simr fame.


    3. Industry outsiders, usually with some status or background.


    A majority of the partners of celebrities fell in those three categories. Even if there are exceptions, they are only in the small minority. However, for Zhang Ye to have found someone who was the leader of the SARFT, and not just a low-level leader, but the Deputy Chief of the SARFT, that was basically an exception of exceptions in this case. If this news were leaked, probably no one would have believed it. Actually, even Zhang Ye found it unbelievable and felt like this was a dream when he gave it the asional thought.


    Old Wu gentlyughed. "You''re addicted to the fighting?"


    "It''s not like that. They''re always going against me, so how can I not fight back? It''s not my style to just stay quiet." Zhang Ye said happily, "That''s why, as time passes, I even begin to feel uneasy if no industry peers scold me. It''s like I''m asking for it, don''t you think? It''s all because of those people that I''ve be this way."


    "It''smon to have such ongoing feuds. It''s also necessary. The show you came up with recently is very good." Old Wu said, "I''ve watched The Voice and heard the staff at the SARFT talking about it privately too. Many of them are watching this show right now and have very good things to say about it."


    Zhang Ye nodded in acknowledgment. "Including all those poems, songs, stories, novels, and TV shows, this is by far my best work, and is also the most popr."


    Old Wu asked, "What will you do when The Voice ends?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "I''ve not thought of that yet. Maybe when the timees I''ll know better."


    Old Wu said, "Will it go straight to the second season?"


    Zhang Ye said, "That won''t happen. The second season has to be at least a yearter. If the time between the seasons is too short, the show''s branding will be affected. That doesn''t help its long-term development and sustainability."


    The two of them spent quite a long time just talking about their job problems.


    As Wu Zeqing was the head of the SARFT, she had insight into the most urate news and data statistics of the entertainment industry. Naturally, Old Wu''s general suggestions to Zhang Ye were also the most reliable. For example, the future policies'' inclination for the variety show industry, or the current trend of the overall television show industry, all these information helped Zhang Ye gain a better understanding of this market. Even the information on some of the SARFT''s major policies for the television industry which had not been implemented yet was not held back from Zhang Ye by Old Wu. In the entire television industry, the number of people who could get information on unimplemented policies was probably only Zhang Ye, and only he alone could get such favorable treatment. As they said, a great tree would provide the best shade.


    The more he spent time with Old Wu, the more Zhang Ye realized he liked her. It was not because of the fact that Old Wu could help him, as Zhang Ye was never the type who liked receiving help. Whatever he did, he would usually only do whatever was within his means. Things he couldn''t handle, he would just not take on. He hardly ever asked for help with problems. This was all down to his personality and habits. This was just the type of person he was.


    The thing he liked most about Old Wu was that no matter what he did, she would support him 100% as long as it did not deviate from her principles. She would also encourage him and use her more mature and experienced viewpoint to analyze and suggest advice to him. Not only did she help Zhang Ye a lot in his decision-making process, the more important factor was actually the psychological one. With a girlfriend who spared no effort in supporting him from behind, what more could he ask for?


    Old Wu might not know how to act spoiled, wasn''t she the romantic type, and didn''t y the littledy role. However, she was the kind of woman who would drag you back onto the correct path if you deviated from your original goals, lift you up when you were down, nt you back firmly on the ground should you get too proud, and encourage and support you on your way to sess. She was someone you couldn''t find anywhere else in the world even if you tried your hardest. Zhang Ye didn''t know what he had done in his previous life to deserve such a woman who became his girlfriend.


    When all was said and done, a woman''s inner beauty was still the most important!


    Does being beautiful make you any more useful?


    Would long legs help?


    What aboutrge breasts?


    Zhang Ye pondered over this for a moment.


    ��Alright, well, those are pretty important too.

 Chapter 720: Tsinghua and Peking University fight over the students!

    <h4>Chapter 720: Tsinghua and Peking University fight over the students! </h4>


    Chapter 720: Tsinghua and Peking University fight over the students!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    The next day.


    Sunday morning.


    In the guest room of Old Wu''s house, Zhang Yey in bed sleeping, snoring loudly. Yesterday night, he had discussed with Old Wu many topics regarding calligraphy and even made a few pieces. When it gotte, Zhang Ye decided to stay over, though he didn''t intend to leave in the first ce. It wasn''t easy to have matched his schedule to Old Wu''s days off, so Zhang Ye definitely wanted to spend more time with her.


    At 8 AM.


    "Are you up?" Wu Zeqing came into the guest room from outside.


    When Zhang Ye heard her voice, he opened his eyes. "Old Wu."


    Old Wu said, "Let''s go downstairs and have something to eat. I''ve already prepared breakfast."


    "What time is it now?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "8 o''clock," Old Wu said, dressed in her nightie.


    "It''s only 8? Let me lie down a little longer." Zhang Ye drowsily stayed under the covers and yawned twice in session. "I don''t know why I''ve been so tired for the past few days."


    Old Wu smiled. "Then do you want to eat?"


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips together. "Of course. Why wouldn''t I want to eat the food you''ve cooked?"


    Old Wu said, "Then shall I bring them up to have in bed?"


    "Ai, that sounds great." Zhang Ye felt extremely pampered. If he were at his parent''s house or the rented apartment and dared to make such a request, he would surely be given a good beating. However, at his girlfriend''s house, Zhang Ye was clearly enjoying his days being treated like a young master, waited upon with great care.


    Soon after, Old Wu carried the tray into the room. "Here, eat it while it''s still warm. It won''t be as good once it turns cold." She bent over and pulled aside a grandfather clock, then proceeded to ce the tray on the bedside table beside Zhang Ye.


    When she did that, Old Wu''s nightie drooped down at her chest and revealed something for a second. Zhang Ye did not purposely wait for this, but subconsciously turned his sight towards her nightie''s neckline. He took in the view of a pair of jiggling white and a nude-colored bra with dark undertones. Within a second, Old Wu stood straight up again and Zhang Ye couldn''t see anymore, leaving him itching for more.


    If only there wasn''t a bra!


    Ai, just tell me, which bastard invented that lousy thing called a bra? What the hell was it good for? Where was the most basic level of trust between people?


    "Have you eaten yet, Old Wu?"


    "Not yet."


    "Then let''s eat together."


    "Yes."


    Wu Zeqing pulled over a chair and sat beside him.


    Zhang Ye was sitting up on the bed, staying under the covers as he ate from the side of the bed. With every bite, he remarked on how good it was. He was full of praise for the breakfast Old Wu had prepared, not ttering her but rather because it was truly delicious. Old Wu''s culinary skill was surely not just a level or two above his mother''s. "Staying at your ce for two days has surely made this bro gain five kilos."


    Old Wu asked, "You''re not going to work today?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "I have the next few days off."


    "Peking University should be recruiting students soon. How was it this year? Are there many good students?" Old Wu asked while slowly chewing her food.


    Zhang Ye took a pork with scallions bun Old Wu had steamed and said, "The admission cutoff score for Peking University hasn''t been announced yet, but they should have started the recruitment already. The top scorers should be quite difficult to recruit, so they must have taken preemptive action already, but I''m not too sure about those details. I do not have a role at Peking University since I''m still suspended and haven''t been back to the school yet."


    Old Wu said, "Regarding your suspension, I''ll ask around for youter."


    "Don''t worry about that," Zhang Ye said indifferently. "I''m fine with it as is, so just let nature take its course. Even if I were reinstated now, I might not have the time to go back to teaching. There''s still enough things to keep me busy with on The Voice, and after that I have to think about the next show."


    After breakfast.


    Zhang Ye suddenly remembered something. Seeing that Old Wu had gone downstairs to do the dishes, he took out his cell phone and made a call to Dean Pan of Peking University. "Hello, Dean Pan? Has the admission cutoff grade been released yet?"


    Dean Pan: "It''s not out yet, but it should be out anytime now. There''s probably going to be some fluctuation. What about it?"


    Zhang Yeughed: "It''s like this. Do you know Huang Lingling?"


    "Huang Lingling?" Dean Pan said: "The examinee who had a perfect score on the Beijing Math section?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Yes. That girl might not have done too well on her other subjects and I''m afraid we might miss out on a good student if she doesn''t qualify for Peking University."


    Dean Pan suddenly said: "Don''t worry about that. She won''t slip through the. The student recruitment team has already gone to meet with the top scorers of the exam and Huang Lingling''s name is also on that list."


    "Alright then, I understand."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye got up from bed and went downstairs to look for Old Wu to talk.


    ����


    Meanwhile.


    In the outside world, this year''s student recruitment began and immediately spread like wildfire!


    Peking University''s student recruitment team had been established early on. Like in previous years, Peking University had activated many student recruitment staff members and resources and cast their out to various key focus schools and the homes of the examinees. Most of the student recruitment teams were made up of female teachers and staff. It was still in line with the previous years'' approach policy in which they would y the emotions card to appeal to the examinees. If and when necessary, they could promise the examinees schrships and other preferential treatments.


    Su Na was a member of the Peking University student recruitment team this time. On this morning, she hade alone to a small district in Chengxi. She went upstairs to the apartment building and knocked on a door.


    The door opened, revealing a middle-aged woman who hade to answer it.


    Su Na gently smiled and said, "You must be Auntie Song?"


    That woman asked, "You are?"


    Su Na said, "I am from the Peking University student recruitment team. I contacted youst night over the phone."


    "Ohhhh, you''re Teacher Su," the woman spoke very politely.


    Su Na looked into the house and smiled. "Is Little Chen around? I would like to chat with him."


    The woman looked a little embarrassed. "My son, he��some of the Tsinghua University teachers just came over to pick him up."


    Su Na was stunned. "Didn''t we make an appointment yesterday?"


    The woman said apologetically, "I''m so sorry, Teacher Su. I wanted my son to wait for you as well, but the two recruitment teachers from Tsinghua University had arrived at my ce at 6 in the morning. They insisted on taking my son away with them. It felt a little forced, but my son and I don''t want to offend anyone, so��"


    Su Na was flustered. Tsinghua??


    ����


    Elsewhere.


    No. 4 High School.


    Han Henian from Peking University''s Math Department had just led his team here when he was stopped by the security guards and two of the school''s teachers at the gates.


    The security guard asked, "What are you all doing here?"


    Han Henian got out of the car. "Hello, we''re from the Peking University student recruitment team. We would like to speak to your students, Zhang Zhipeng and Su Xiao, for a while. Could you please open the gates for us?"


    The teachers from No. 4 High School stared at them. "It''s our students'' graduation ceremony today and we''re having an assembly right now. You all cane back in the afternoon."


    A female staff member from the student recruitment team said, "We''ll just be having a quick chat with those two students and will not disrupt the graduation ceremony. We''re doing this for the future of the students, aren''t we?"


    The No. 4 High School teacher gave a wave of his hands impatiently. "Not today, please go back."


    It didn''t seem like their team could get through to this school''s teachers. In the end, Han Henian and the others could only park their cars on the side of the road and wait there. The two students they wanted to meet today were the sixth and eleventh ce scorers of this year''s Beijing college entrance examination. Peking University had already indicated that those two students must be recruited no matter what. Han Henian also had his eyes on the student named Zhang Zhipeng as he was just 5 marks short of a perfect score in the Mathematics exam. He was not only strong in math; all his other subject exams nearly scored full marks as well. That was the reason why Han Henian personally hade down today to see if he could persuade him to be their student.


    After waiting for quite a while, the security guards were still unwilling to let them in.


    Suddenly, a small sedan car drove over and stopped at the gate for a moment before being allowed to enter the school grounds.


    Han Henian and his team thought that this might be a car belonging to the school or a school teacher and thus did not pay much attention to it. But after around 15 minutes, when this car reappeared and drove out, one of the eagle-eyed female teachers suddenly let out a scream.


    "It''s Zhang Zhipeng and Su Xiao!"


    "Ah?"


    "They''ve been taken away!"


    "Was that Tsinghua University''s Old Xu sitting in the passenger seat?"


    Several members of the Peking University student recruitment team suddenly realized what was going on and immediately went up to the people from No. 4 High School to ask, "What''s that about? Didn''t you say that no one could enter because of the graduation ceremony?"


    That teacher from No. 4 High School usibly retorted, "The assembly is over, so they could enter."


    Han Henian raged. "You!"


    They finally understood that the student recruitment team from Tsinghua University had colluded with some of the teachers from No. 4 High School. They denied all entry to the Peking University student recruitment team so that they wouldn''t have a chance to talk to the exam''s top scorers!


    ����


    The same thing happened at No. 8 High School.


    A press conference was being held at No. 8 High School today because their school had produced a top schr, along with five other students ranked within the top 100 scorers of this year''s Beijing college entrance exam. There was also a student who had defied all logic and scored full marks on the Beijing Mathematics exam, the only one to do so in all of Beijing. Naturally, the press conference attracted a lot of people, such as newspaper reporters, people from TV stations, parents of examinees, as well as the student recruitment teams from Peking and Tsinghua University who were poised to attack.


    Once the press conference was over, four male teachers from the Tsinghua University student recruitment team rushed forward.


    One of those teachers was from this year''s Beijing college entrance examination''s question setting team, the teacher who had a conflict with Zhang Ye andpeted with him in a poetry contest, Liao Qi.


    "Student Huang Lingling, we''re from Tsinghua University!"


    "Student Zhou Zheng, let''s have a chat. Our car is waiting outside and the Tsinghua University professors are already waiting for you at the school. Let''s chat about your aspirations."


    Several of those top scorers were suddenly surrounded by the people from Tsinghua University''s student recruitment team.


    The Peking University student recruitment team had only sent three teachers, one in her forties and two in their twenties. They were also all female teachers, so couldn''t shove aside the Tsinghua team. They could only stand frozen on the outside of the crowd.


    A female teacher from Peking University said furiously, "What are you guys trying to do! Huang Lingling and Zhou Zheng''s first choice is our Peking University! What has it got to do with you people from Tsinghua?"


    Tsinghua University''s Professor Liao Qi looked at her coldly. "Everyone has a chance. Are there any rules that state that if they filled in Peking University as their first choice at the start that they must definitely go to Peking University? We have to respect the examinees'' choices!" Having said that, they pulled both Huang Lingling and Zhou Zheng aside and walked out of the school. "Make way, make way!"


    While Huang Lingling was being pulled away, she said rmed, "I-I''ve already applied for Peking University."


    A Tsinghua University male teacher pointed at Liao Qi and said, "That is Professor Liao from our institution. Professor Liao hase personally to pick you two up, so that clearly shows how sincere we are. Your filled-in intentions are not important for now. As long as you are willing to join Tsinghua University, we can ept you. Let''s go. We''ll chat once we''re at Tsinghua University. There will be teachers there to exin to you two in detail."


    Huang Lingling anxiously said, "I really don''t want to go, I��"


    The 3 female teachers from Peking University said in anger, "Is this even respecting the wishes of the examinees?!"


    When the reporters saw that the teachers from Peking University and Tsinghua University fighting, they all looked at each other with some surprise. They had not expected that this year''spetition for the top scorers would be this intense.


    In previous years, the top two institutions in the country had always yed the emotions card. It had always been so in recent years as well. No one had expected Tsinghua University to change to such a strong-arm tactic this year, totally foregoing the emotional side of things. They even mostly sent in their bigger and physically stronger male teachers for this specific reason��to physically get the top scorers back to the university first above all else! This tactic caught the Peking University student recruitment teams off guard!


    The Peking University female teachers shouted, "They are our students!"


    Liao Qi stared coldly at them. "Go away!"


    The Peking University female teachers said, "Are you guys still being reasonable here?"


    The male teachers of Tsinghua University did not bother with them and just continued pulling the students out of the crowd!


    The teachers of No. 8 High School were all dumbfounded. They did not know whether they should intervene in the situation or not, but they were totally helpless to do anything about the situation!

 Chapter 721: Zhang Ye shows up!

    <h4>Chapter 721: Zhang Ye shows up! </h4>


    Chapter 721: Zhang Ye shows up!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    Online.


    The news headlines were spreading all over the Inte.


    "Tsinghua and Peking University fight over student recruitment!"


    "shes at various key focus schools in Beijing over student recruitment!"


    "Peking and Tsinghua University caught in shocking hand-to-handbat!"


    "Tsinghua University initiates public plundering of exam''s top scorers!"


    There were many photos posted together with the headlines. The ferocious expressions of the Tsinghua University teachers could be seen as they blocked the Peking University student recruitment teachers. The innocent and lost faces of the exam''s top scorers could also be seen.


    Right now, it was at the critical juncture of the student recruitment after the college entrance exam. Reporters from the media and the entire society were all focused on it. When the news headlines were published, they immediately gained a strong reaction from the people.


    "Another fight over the examinees?"


    "Why did they get into a physical conflict this year?"


    "It was never so intense in the previous years!"


    "Tsinghua University has changed from their usual tactics this year ande out in full force for the attack?"


    "The top schr of the Beijing college entrance exam and the top 10 scorers have more or less been taken away by Tsinghua University''s people? If they have them picked up and brought over to Tsinghua University''s school grounds, then the oue is already determined. Once the examinees falter a little and give them their word, Peking University will be unable to do a thing about it. Tsinghua University''s movements were too swift! They were really aggressive!"


    "Peking University will surely suffer a great loss this time!"


    "It was always a veiled strife between them every year, but now it has be an open rivalry?"


    "Why doesn''t the Ministry of Education do something about this toxic behavior? Since those top scorers had already applied for Peking University, why is Tsinghua University still trying to take them away? This isn''t how they should be behaving."


    "Heh, who cares about them. They''re both top institutions in the country. This is like a fight between the gods!"


    "Peking University mainly sent female recruitment teachers this year, so in terms of physical strength, they''re definitely not a match for the Tsinghua University male recruitment teachers. Perhaps Peking University had not expected Tsinghua University to resort to such strong-arm tactics?!"


    The news led to countless discussions about the incident!


    Every year, the top scorers would be subjected to the contention between these two institutions, but it had never been like this year when all decorum was abandoned. Many of themon folk who saw this found it to be a strange and new sight. Even teachers from Beijing Normal University, Renmin University, Nanjing University, and other higher institutions were observing themotion privately.


    This incident had really kicked up quite a big fuss this time!


    ����


    Old Wu''s residence.


    Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing also saw the news.


    "Tsinghua and Peking University fought?" Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner. Even though he was in a different world now, some things just didn''t change. Just like the incident that was happening now, it had also happened on more than one asion back in Zhang Ye''s previous world. "Just to get a few students to join them, does it call for such behavior?"


    Old Wu said, "Indeed it does."


    Zhang Ye looked at Old Wu and remembered that she was previously the Vice President of Peking University. "When you were at Peking University, did you guys fight over the exam''s top scorers every year as well?"


    Old Wu shook her head. "We don''t call that fighting. It''s just recruitment. There are student recruitment teachers assigned to speak to those top scorers every year. Tsinghua University does the same, but it looks like they''re overdoing it this year. If they continue doing it this way, there''s really going to be trouble soon."


    Zhang Ye nced at her for a moment. He knew that even though Old Wu was no longer in her post as the school''s Vice President, she still had Peking University''s considerations at heart. After all, she had worked there for many years and surely would have developed some feelings for the institution. "Will Peking University be able to handle it?"


    Old Wu said, "I don''t know."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Then��"


    Old Wu smiled at him. "Why don''t you go take a look?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "But I''ve already been suspended, so it wouldn''t be suitable to show myself there. I don''t have the status to do so either. Besides, I believe that Peking University can definitely handle the situation."


    Old Wu giggled and passed him her cell phone which had the news page open on its browser. "The news reports say that even the student who got a perfect score on this year''s Beijing Math exam was taken away by Tsinghua University."


    "Huang Lingling?" Zhang Ye was stunned, then got irritated, which soon turned to outrage. "F**k them to their second granny! How dare they try to steal my student!?" Having said that, Zhang Ye immediately grabbed his car keys and said, "Old Wu, I''ll be back for lunch. I just need to go out for a while! F**k their mother''s c**t!"


    Old Wu said, "You''ve be a professor, be a bit more civil."


    Zhang Ye said angrily, "Why should I be civil? They''re pushing it too far!"


    In the blink of an eye, Zhang Ye had driven off furiously in his BMW X5 and charged out of the vi''s grounds!


    Wu Zeqing could only helplessly shake her head at this.


    ����


    Outside No. 8 High School.


    The college entrance exam''s top schr and the others, including Huang Lingling from No. 8 High School, had been shoved into the cars reluctantly, with Liao Qi in one of the front passenger seats as both cars drove off!


    The group of female teachers from Peking University ran up to give chase.


    "Stop right there!"


    "How can they do that!"


    "Isn''t that bullying! If it''s not bullying, then what is!?"


    "Follow them!"


    The Peking University female recruitment teachers were incredibly outraged by this behavior. They got into their cars to chase after them. While they relentlessly pursued the Tsinghua University cars, they made a call back to the student recruitment team coordinators for assistance.


    "Hello, Chief!"


    "Little Hu, how''s it going on your side? You all have to secure the recruitment of the top scorers over at No. 8 High School. Tsinghua University has been behaving too outrageously this year. They''ve already taken a number of the top scorers with them, so you all must definitely��"


    "Our targets were taken away as well!"


    "What?"


    "We''re chasing them at the moment. It looks like they''re already heading back to Tsinghua University!"


    "I understand, I will get something arranged!"


    The Tsinghua University cars were leading the chase with Peking University''s cars behind them. They wereter joined by six or seven vehicles from the media that followed behind very closely. When it involved such big news, the media naturally wouldn''t want to miss out!


    ����


    20 minutester.


    At Tsinghua University''s main entrance.


    Liao Qi was just arriving with his team in their car after turning a corner, but immediately saw that the entrance was blocked off by quite a number of cars. They were blocked off from entering and could onlye to a stop right outside the entrance.


    There were more than a dozen cars lined up outside the entrance, including some from Peking University and others from Tsinghua University. Without an exception, they were all from the student recruitment teams of both schools.


    About 15 minutes before this, when the Tsinghua University student recruitment team''s teachers went around snapping up the examinees, Peking University was carrying out their response. Since both schools were very close to each other, only taking several minutes to travel between each other by car, the chief of the Peking University student recruitment teams made a prompt decision to stand guard outside the different entrances to Tsinghua University. When the teachers from the Tsinghua University student recruitment teams arrived, the people from Peking University immediately got out of their cars and stopped them right in their tracks!


    The entire ce was chaos!


    Tsinghua University: "Make way! Do you intend to create trouble here?"


    Peking University: "Let the students go!"


    Tsinghua University: "What? Are you trying to take them away?"


    Peking University: "Just who are the ones stealing here? Are you people from Tsinghua University so unreasonable?"


    Tsinghua University: "Blocking our school''s entrance, who are the ones being unreasonable here? If you don''t make way, I''ll have to call the police! The student recruitment teams have alwayspeted fairly. If you don''t have the capability to invite the students over, then are you resorting to blocking our entrance?"


    Peking University: "If this was a fairpetition, we wouldn''t have done this and just kept quiet. But was it? You came straight out and snatched the students from us, dragging them away by force! You even resorted to using their rtionships as bargaining chips, promising to arrange a good school for their love interests? How do you call that a fairpetition? It''s totally unheard of!"


    Most of the top scorers were snatched away, while a few top scorers whose parents had informed Peking University that the Tsinghua University recruitment teachers had used the examinees'' love interests as bargaining chips, promising a lot of things, and then forcefully taking them away. There were even two examinees who were poised to have a meeting with the Peking University recruitment teachers, but were intercepted by the Tsinghua University recruitment teachers who went to their homes, and persuaded their parents to ask the examinees to go to Tsinghua University''s campus instead. Although the Tsinghua University teachers meant no harm to the examinees, how was this different from kidnapping them? It wasn''t far-fetched to say that they had resorted to unscrupulous means!


    The two groups of student recruitment teachers began to provoke each other the moment they met!


    "Old Zhou, aren''t you ashamed of what you guys have done?"


    "Say that again! I dare you to say that again!"


    "If you dared to do it, why am I not allowed to criticize you?"


    The reporters arrived at this time and got out of their vehicles quickly. Even with the presence of all these reporters around them, the student recruitment teachers from Peking and Tsinghua University did not take a step back and continued arguing!


    In one of the cars.


    Huang Lingling anxiously said, "Teacher, I''ve already spoken with the Peking University teachers. Can I��can I leave first?"


    Liao Qi turned around to assure her, "Don''t worry, Student Lingling. We at Tsinghua University will give you the best treatment, definitely much better than Peking University. The schrship is just part of the terms we will be offering. As for anything else you wish to request, you can just bring it up when the timees and we can discuss it." Having said that, he opened the door and got out of the car. Then he lowered his head to tell the other student recruitment teacher who was the driver, "It''s quite a mess out there. Don''t scare the children. Keep the car doors locked."


    The Tsinghua University student recruitment teacher nodded and locked the doors.


    Huang Lingling became even more anxious now.


    The other three exam''s top scorers from No. 8 High School were also in a dilemma. Faced with the Tsinghua University teachers, they did not dare offend them, so they kept quiet.


    Su Na of Peking University arrived in her car at this moment. She saw seven or eight cars belonging to the Tsinghua University student recruitment teams also parked there. Inside those cars were the top scorers of this year''s college entrance exam, including the examinee she had made an appointment with yesterday but who was taken away this morning by one of Tsinghua University''s teachers. Su Na initially thought that only herself and a small group of teachers had their examinees taken away, but who could have thought that the same thing had happened to more than 20 of the exam''s top scorers. All of them were within this year''s top 30 scorers of the college entrance exam, the most excellent group of talents which had been filtered out by the examination. All of them were now held inside Tsinghua University cars!


    Each year, thepetition between Tsinghua and Peking University had always been closely matched. For some specializations like the Chinese Department, Peking University was the more attractive choice to the students while Tsinghua University had other specializations which were more attractive over Peking University''s. Overall, both institutions were very evenly matched, but Peking University probably still stood out a little more. However, with the situation now? Almost all of the top 30 scorers of the Beijing college entrance examination were invited over by Tsinghua University to their campus. This was obviously an unusual situation!


    When Su Na and Liao Qi met face to face, she immediately asked, "Professor Liao, isn''t Tsinghua University going overboard this time?"


    Liao Qi said coldly, "It''s all based on ability, what''s there to be overboard about? Our specializations are more attractive than yours, so naturally the examinees would prefer to join Tsinghua University."


    Behind them was a female teacher from Peking University who also knew Liao Qi and was old friends with him, often chatting whenever they met. However, as of today, all friendship was cast aside because Tsinghua University''s actions had infuriated the student recruitment teachers from Peking University. She said, "Peking University''s Chinese Department is the number one department in the entire country, and you''re talking about this ce being more attractive?"


    Liao Qi gave a cold smile. "But you only just got first ce this year, isn''t that right?!"


    The Peking University female teacher in her forties said, "Even if it wasst year or the year before that, Tsinghua University''s Chinese Department still cannotpare!"


    Suddenly, a woman walked out slowly from Tsinghua University''s main entrance. When she heard that, sheughed and said, "Do you mean to say that Tsinghua University only has the Chinese Department to represent them?"


    That person was Xin Ya!


    "Professor Xin!"


    "Professor Xin!"


    Several of the Tsinghua University teachers turned to look at her.


    Xin Ya was from the Mathematics Association and also one of the most well-known young mathematicians in the country. Back at Summer Pce during the International Math Olympiad, Zhang Ye had met her. She was Old Wu''s childhood friend and they had a great rtionship. Later on, Zhang Ye met her another few times. They couldn''t be considered strangers anymore. Xin Ya actually wasn''t a Tsinghua University teacher. She was now affiliated with a research facility and was leading her own team in research projects. However, many years back, Xin Ya had graduated from Tsinghua University''s Math Department, so of course she still had deep ties with her alma mater. For this year''s student recruitment, Tsinghua University''s Dean of the Math Department, who was also her teacher during her student days, had approached Xin Ya to use her name in the mathematics world to attract more of the exam''s top scorers into joining them.


    Xin Ya was waiting inside Tsinghua University''s campus all this while. When she heard that the examinees were all held up outside the main entrance, she came outside to take a look. "Let''spete with our Math Departments, shall we?"


    Several of the Tsinghua University student recruitment teachers were bolstered by her appearance.


    "That''s right!"


    "Why don''t wepete with our Math and Physics Departments?"


    Actually, Peking University''s Math Department was also one of the top few in the country, and had ranked first on many an asion. However, they had been declining in recent times, and with Tsinghua University recently recruiting five very well-known mathematicians as professors emeriti of the school, Peking University''s glory days had be a thing of the past. Tsinghua University''s Math department hadpletely gotten the upper hand on Peking University in their qualities of math.


    They were basically showing off, since they knew the students could see and hear everything they were talking about right now. The final decision in choosing which school to join was still down the examinees themselves, so there was definitely a need to showcase the most excellent aspects of their school.


    Xin Ya''s words stumped many of the Peking University student recruitment teachers.


    Xin Yaughed. "What? Why aren''t you all saying anything?"


    However, it was right at this moment, when no one took notice, that a majestic BMW had parked at the side of the road. The door opened and a young man stepped out of his car. As he headed straight for the center of themotion, he bluntly said, "Did I just hear someone saying that they wanted topete with our Peking University''s Math and Physics Departments? Alright then! Who wants topete?"


    When everyone heard this young man''s voice, the first thought they had was that this person was too arrogant, the second thought was that he too proud of himself. But when everyone turned their heads to look at him, they could only gasp in surprise!


    Su Na was very happy to see him. "Teacher Zhang!"


    The Peking University student recruitment teachers also cheered!


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Professor Zhang is here!"


    "Teacher Zhang, these people from Tsinghua University are really taking it too far!"


    Among the Tsinghua University student recruitment teachers, there was an associate professor and a full professor in Xin Ya. But for the Peking University student recruitment teachers, they were all just made up of ordinary staff members, with more than half of them not even teachers, just support staff. Those who were teachers weren''t tenured professors or such. They were just young and ordinary teachers since Peking University had not arranged for any professors to be on the student recruitment teams in the first ce.


    That was why when Zhang Ye who was a Peking University associate professor came along, the student recruitment teachers seemingly found a support pir and reacted like they had spotted a family member!

 Chapter 722: Rage smash!

    <h4>Chapter 722: Rage smash! </h4>


    Chapter 722: Rage smash!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    Zhang Ye had arrived!


    At once, the Peking University student recruitment teams'' morale immediately shot up. All of them knew that Zhang Ye had been suspended long ago due to the scolding incident involving the foreign dignitaries, but a suspension did not mean that he was fired. Speaking of which, Peking University had still kept Zhang Ye''s role active all this while during his suspension. His concurrent posting as a lecturer in both the Math and Chinese Departments did not change, and except for a few teachers in Peking University he had shed with before, all of the Peking University teachers and students still regarded him as one of their own!


    Even Han Henian from Peking University''s Math Department, who had shed with Zhang Ye before and did not like him much, had dropped all his biases against him at this moment. Since one of the examinees he had his eye on and whom he wanted to take as his student was stolen by Tsinghua University, he knew that they needed to stand united against themon enemy!


    The Peking University student recruitment teachers were inspired.


    In contrast, the Tsinghua University student recruitment teachers'' expressions changed.


    Around them, all the reporters immediately had glints shining in their eyes. Zhang Ye had arrived, and wherever he appeared, there would surely be news. Everyone knew of his short temper, so if he was here, then there was no need to even ask. There would surely be trouble today!


    Xin Ya stared at him.


    Zhang Ye arrived at the center of themotion. He looked at Xin Ya. "Professor Xin, I seem to have heard you saying that Tsinghua University wanted topete in the field of math and physics with Peking University?"


    Xin Ya: "��"


    Everyone from Peking University immediately echoed this.


    "That''s right!"


    "Who''s afraid of whom?"


    "Whomever wants topete with us,e!"


    Just half a minute ago, it was the Tsinghua University student recruitment teachers who were creating themotion. However, in the blink of an eye, it was now time for the Peking University student recruitment teachers to fight back!


    Xin Ya nearly died of anger there and then!


    The people of Tsinghua University also looked worse than the next!


    Compete in the field of math and physics? You even solved a world-ss mathematical conjecture, so who the f**k couldpete with you!


    A student recruitment teacher from Tsinghua University said, "You perform exceptionally well in math, but that''s your personal achievement and has nothing to do with the standard of Peking University''s Math Department!"


    Su Na said, "This is the first time I''ve heard of such twisted logic. Teacher Zhang is a teacher of Peking University, so his ability in math would of course be integrated into our Peking University''s math standard as well. How can you say it has nothing to do with Peking University?"


    Another Peking University female recruitment teacher echoed, "If we''re talking about having no rtion to the school, then it must be Professor Xin whose work has nothing to do with Tsinghua University. Her work is not with Tsinghua University, so what are you all showing off for!"


    A Tsinghua University teacher rebutted, "Professor Xin was a student of Tsinghua University!"


    The teachers of Peking University: "And Teacher Zhang is an associate professor of Peking University!"


    Both groups of people started arguing even spiritedly, but Peking University had clearly gained the momentum and was outarguing those people from Tsinghua University. Meanwhile, the student recruitment teachers from Tsinghua University could only muster random retorts against them. In the field of mathematics education, when faced with Zhang Ye, they clearly did not have enough backing them for an argument.


    Xin Ya was in low spirits. She stared at Zhang Ye and said, "Professor Zhang, what''s the meaning of this hostility?"


    Zhang Ye threw his hands into the air. "I don''t mean anything, but I did hear someone im that our Peking University''s Math Department doesn''tpare with Tsinghua University''s, so I can''t take that lying down. The Math Department in Peking University has always been in the top two in the country, and the quality of our teachers is as real as it gets. Why is it that when the ims came out of your mouth, it sounded like our Peking University Math Department was inferior to yours?" Because of Wu Zeqing, Zhang Ye''s rtionship with Xin Ya was still considered alright. However, what was private should remain private and Zhang Ye understood this very well. "Besides, can you tell me what''s happening here?" He pointed to those cars with the top scorers from the college entrance exam.


    When enemies met, old wounds would be opened. Liao Qi from Tsinghua University''s Chinese Department came forward. "What''s the matter? Do we owe you an exnation?! Get your cars that are blocking our school''s entrance out of here! Immediately!"


    Xin Ya added, "When the examinees leave Tsinghua University''s campus, you guys can do whatever you want, but for now, they have chosen Tsinghua University and are here to talk to our school about their preferences. What right do you have to interfere with that?"


    A Tsinghua University personnel said, "Move! Otherwise I will call the police!"


    Han Henian said with annoyance, "You guys resorted to dirty tricks to snatch the examinees away and you still want to report us to the police?"


    "Teacher Han, you better watch what you say in front of all these students!" A youth from the Tsinghua University group said, "Who resorted to dirty tricks? Huh?"


    Su Na thundered, "Did the students reallye along with you willingly?"


    Liao Qi said coldly, "How was it not willing?!"


    At this time, they could see that in one of the Tsinghua University cars, Huang Lingling was desperately thumping on the rear windshield. She had obviously spotted Zhang Ye and wanted to get out from the car.


    Han Henian pointed to Huang Lingling and said, "Is that what willing looks like to you?"


    Zhang Ye did not bother with this nonsensical conversation any longer. He stared straight at Xin Ya. "Professor Xin, I''ll make it short. Open the car doors and I will take those students who applied for Peking University as their first choice institution with me!"


    Liao Qi tly refused, "Impossible!"


    Su Na was infuriated. "Those are the students who applied for Peking University! You people are taking this too far!"


    Zhang Ye''s proposed actions were not overboard whatsoever, and were even said in consideration of Xin Ya''s position. He had put it this way because the examinees who had filled in Peking University as their first choice institution belonged to them in the first ce. But no one could have expected that the Tsinghua University student recruitment team would not agree to it, straining the situation even further. Not only did they not intend to leave any students for Peking University, they also intended to ruthlessly end Peking University''s chances of recruiting them!


    Huang Lingling was still thumping on the rear windshield, saying something that could not be heard due to her being locked inside the car and the street noise on the outside.


    Tsinghua University''s student recruitment team also knew that the exam''s top scorers in the cars would likely end up choosing Peking University, especially those who filled in Peking University as their first choice institution. But for every one they could convince to join them, it was one more student for Tsinghua University. It would still be a gain for them if they could get just one student to join them, therefore they did not want to bother listening to what the Peking University student recruitment team had to say right now. If we don''t let the students go with you people, what can you all do about it?!


    However at the next moment, an unexpected event happened. No one could have imagined it!


    Zhang Ye asked for the final time, "So you won''t let them out, right?"


    Liao Qi sneered.


    The teachers of the Tsinghua University student recruitment team ignored him as well.


    Zhang Ye nodded, and then strode over withrge strides, walking past Liao Qi and headed towards the car Huang Lingling was in. He was taking veryrge strides and many of those around could not react in time.


    When Liao Qi realized this, he immediately grabbed Zhang Ye by the shoulders. "What are you doing! Go away!"


    Then an amazing sight urred. Zhang Ye did not even move his arm, just slightly adjusted his shoulders before straightening them again. It was just a slight movement of his shoulders but Liao Qi who had his hand on Zhang Ye''s shoulder suddenly felt something in his arms. In that moment, Liao Qi''s expression turned to shock as his whole body backpedaled and he tumbled backwards dramatically. Finally, he lost his bnce and crashed down near the curb!


    The Tsinghua University people reacted instantaneously!


    "Professor Liao!"


    "Zhang Ye! How dare you hit our people?"


    "What the hell!"


    "Zhang! You��"


    The Peking University student recruitment teachers were also dumbfounded!


    But this was just the beginning. Zhang Ye did not even look at Liao Qi who was lying on the ground and went straight to the front of the car Huang Lingling was in. He pulled at the handle to open it but realized it was locked. The Tsinghua University driver stared callously at Zhang Ye, not intending to unlock the doors at all.


    Zhang Ye turned around and checked the roadside. Then he walked slowly to the side of the road where he bent down and picked up half a b of brick which just happened to be there. He turned around again. Surrounded by the audible gasps of all gathered, he smashed the brick on the driver side window of the car!


    Bang!


    The loud sound left everyone there stunned!


    The Tsinghua University driver in the car was scared out of his wits. "Ahhhh!"


    Bang!


    Another smash!


    Bang!


    A third smash!


    Zhang Ye smashed down on the window three times in quick session. The cracks becamerger andrger in the ss-reinforced stic. With that final hit, the window cracked open and the window pieces flew into the car onto the face of the stunned driver. Zhang Ye was still looking indifferent to it all as he put his hand in to unlock the car doors from the inside!


    This scene happened too quickly. No one was expecting it at all!


    The reporters were stunned!


    Tsinghua University''s student recruitment teachers were dumbfounded!


    Peking University''s student recruitment teachers were also at a loss for words!


    Everyone present at the scene simply did not expect Zhang Ye to resort to such a violent and unreasonable method��by smashing the car that belonged to Tsinghua University!


    Liao Qi nearly vomited blood. "Zhang Ye!"


    The Tsinghua University student recruitment teachers were all shouting!


    "Bastard!"


    "Zhang, do you want to die!?"


    "Smashing our car? How dare you smash our car!??"


    "Call the police! Quickly call the police!"


    "Zhang Ye, you better stop right there! Do you still have any regard for thew!?"


    Suddenly, several of the Tsinghua University male recruitment teachers who were standing close to him rushed forward. But at the same time, Zhang Ye who was still holding onto the half a b of brick turned his head to them, causing them to stop in their tracks. They did not risk getting any closer to him!


    A lot of them knew about the rumors concerning Zhang Ye and had seen him on the news more than once. When he was working at Beijing Television, he had beaten up his leader. More recently, a more notorious scandal everyone knew about happened after the Spring Festival G ended. Zhang Ye sent a Korean celebrity, Lee Anson, flying with a kick. That incident brought Zhang Ye much criticism and trouble, and he had been brought to the police station three times over this affair. As such, it might be impossible that any other university professor would smash cars, but with Zhang Ye, nothing was impossible. He had done everything before, and even did it more than once! With this deterrence, the Tsinghua University student recruitment teachers did not risk making any unnecessary moves. Even though they kept scolding with their mouths, none of them tried to go up to stop him. After all, Zhang Ye''s reputation was so infamous that he might really hit them!


    Huang Lingling ran out of the car. The other two No. 8 High School students in there with her also came out together with her.


    "Teacher!" Huang Lingling said panic-stricken.


    Zhang Ye nodded at her. "Go to the where the Peking University teachers are and wait for me there."


    "OK, I understand!" Huang Lingling immediately walked over to the Peking University student recruitment teachers, looking back every now and then as she made her way to them.


    Seeing this, the other two students of No.8 High School followed along close behind.


    Realizing what was happening, Su Na and seven or eight other student recruitment teachers went over and brought the students back to their side. Su Na looked at Zhang Ye and nodded. "Then, Teacher Zhang��"


    Right as those words came out, she saw Zhang Ye take anotherrge stride toward the second car. With the sound of even more screams, Zhang Ye held up the half a b of brick and smashed it at the car''s window again. The window of this car shattered more easily than the previous one. Though the driver''s seat was empty, there were two students from No. 4 High School inside. After Zhang Ye had smashed open the window, he put his hand into the car and unlocked it, releasing the two No. 4 High School students!


    A second car was smashed!


    Many of the people who saw this could only gasp from shock!

 Chapter 723: Smash! Smash! Smash!

    <h4>Chapter 723: Smash! Smash! Smash! </h4>


    Chapter 723: Smash! Smash! Smash!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Stop right there!"


    "Do you have any regard for thew! Do you have any regard for thew!"


    "Doing something like this in broad daylight! Does nobody care about this?!"


    "Where are the security guards?! Come quickly!"


    The teachers of the Tsinghua University student recruitment team repeatedly screamed. Some were calling the police, some were calling for their own security guards from Tsinghua University, and some were flying into a rage. Smashing Tsinghua University''s cars right at the entrance of Tsinghua University was a total provocation! This was the same as smacking their faces repeatedly. Did they even know what kind of ce Tsinghua University was? This was a top institution in the country and a globally renowned university. When had they ever had to encounter a situation like this? When had they ever had to encounter such an unreasonable person like this bastard? Never before!


    When they learned of themotion happening outside, some students of Tsinghua University who still weren''t on break gradually showed up at the scene. They cautiously peeked at the outside of the campus. What they saw dumbfounded them!


    "What��what the hell!"


    "What''s happening?!"


    "Isn''t��isn''t that Zhang Ye?"


    "Why did hee all the way to Tsinghua University to pick a fight this time?!"


    Back when Zhang Ye caused a ruckus at Peking University''s Centennial Hall, it had created an international repercussion. Who could have thought that so soon after that incident, this fellow was now showing up at Tsinghua University''s doorstep today and creating yet another scandal. Many of the Tsinghua University students were feeling a little dizzy due to his antics. It''s not like they had never encountered a person with a bad temper, but this was the first time that they hade across such a f**king bad-tempered fellow! Was Teacher Zhang Ye born under the star of the gunpowder keg? Why did he always explode into anger so easily?! How was he so fearless?!


    Everyone was shaken!


    Xin Ya shouted at him, "Zhang Ye!"


    Han Henian kept wiping his sweat away as he felt that this matter was getting way too far out of hand!


    When Zhang Ye smashed the first car, the teachers of the Peking University student recruitment team felt shocked but relieved, and got a kick out of watching his actions. But when Zhang Ye followed up with smashing the second car, the Peking University teachers could only look at each other in dismay and didn''t know what to do! Professor Zhang was overreacting!


    Yet that still was not the end of it!


    In the midst of the chaos, Zhang Ye was seen turning his head around to look at Tsinghua University''s third car that was holding the other exam''s top scorers. He then walked calmly over to the car!


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    "This��"


    "Ah!"


    "This is��"


    "Zhang Ye is��"


    A few secondster, the loud crash of something being smashed traveled through the air!


    Zhang Ye brandished his arm, holding the half a b of brick and smashed it on the third car of Tsinghua University without any hesitation!


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Bang!


    After three smashes, the ss window shattered into many tiny fragments!


    The driver inside was also on the Tsinghua University student recruitment team. At this moment, he had been shocked into a daze and was too scared to move. He allowed Zhang Ye to unlock the car door without any resistance, which set free the students from Beijing Normal University Affiliated High School and No. 15 High School!


    Upon seeing that, the top scorers inside the car also didn''t know how to react and just hurriedly got out. One of the examinees who indicated Peking University as his first choice institution rubbed his eyes with confusion and quickly went in the direction of the Peking University student recruitment teachers. As for the other two examinees, they had initially applied for Tsinghua University, but when they saw the situation, they did not behave stupidly. Right now, Teacher Zhang was standing there like a one-man army, so it would definitely be dangerous if they stood on the side of the Tsinghua University teachers. They certainly had to get away as far as possible from there. If they were able to be top scorers, how dumb could they be? The two of them exchanged a look and then quickly ran far away from there. They eventually ended up standing at a spot that was obviously closer to the Peking University student recruitment teachers.


    Zhang Ye was already looking towards the fourth car of Tsinghua University''s student recruitment team. He walked toward it at once without any hesitation or pause.


    When the staff member of the Tsinghua University student recruitment team in the fourth car saw him walking over, he nearly pissed his pants as he shouted, "Aiyo, my goodness!" Without waiting for Zhang Ye to smash his car, he unlocked the car door himself and ran out from the car frantically, like he was avoiding the god of gue!


    Then Zhang Ye looked at the fifth car.


    The fifth car''s driver trembled with fear and also ran away, abandoning the car!


    Without even waiting for Zhang Ye to look over, the driver of Tsinghua University''s sixth car had already disappeared without a trace, lightning fast!


    Some of the drivers thought to themselves, it''s not that we are timid, rather we''re only paid for helping out in the student recruitment, not to f**king risk our lives!


    All at once, the drivers of those cars scattered away in panic!


    The examinees held in the cars were all set free and gradually came out from the cars. Some of them were surprised at the sight of Zhang Ye, some had excitement shining in their eyes and some were sweating profusely from anxiety. There were all kinds of expressions!


    How ferocious!


    This was what you''d f**king call a fierce person! Just a stare alone would be able to shock anyone!


    Several seconds went by as the huge area at the main entrance of Tsinghua University fell silent without a single movement!


    At this moment, Liao Qi shouted, "Stop him!"


    A female teacher of Tsinghua University''s student recruitment team also shouted, "Stop him! What are you doing standing there and looking on for?!"


    Over at Tsinghua University''s side, shouts rang out all around, but it was just pure shouting. No one rushed up to stop Zhang Ye. These people were all university teachers, and if you talked about teaching or passing on knowledge, each of them was more knowledgeable than thest. If you talked about writing with a flowery style, each of them was stronger than thest, but when you talked about fighting? Then they really couldn''t do it! But Zhang Ye? He had fought with his leaders, his leader''s kin, a celebrity, security guards, aircraft hijackers, and ording to the rumors online, he even seemed to have fought with some monks at a certain temple in Beijing during filming. He did things here and there regardless of age or industry. This guy had done all sorts of things and was already battle f**king hardened. Even those armed hijackers who were notoriously vicious criminals were not a match for Zhang Ye, so for a bunch of teachers like them from the Tsinghua University student recruitment team��who could possibly take him on?! Whoever went against him would surely end up sacrificing themselves for nothing! Only an idiot would go up against him!


    Zhang Ye looked around. When he saw that all of the examinees had been released, he threw away the brick in his hand and dusted off his dirty hands. Even though the "weapon" had been dropped, as he stood there, still no one risked approaching within ten meters of him!


    The teachers of the Tsinghua University student recruitment team began to scold him with loud voices from a distance!


    "This isn''t over yet!"


    "I''ve called the police! The police will be here soon!"


    "Zhang Ye, you go too far! You do things without making any allowances!"


    "To think that you''re still a teacher of the people? You-you''re more like a rotten scoundrel!"


    "Even a scoundrel is more civilized than you! Who are you to smash our cars like that?! Who are you to hit Professor Liao?!"


    When Su Na heard they called the police, she hurriedly yelled to Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang."


    However, Zhang Ye''s expression did not change whatsoever. Instead, he said to Su Na and the teachers of the Peking University student recruitment team, "Take those examinees who are willing, and make your way back to Peking University for a talk about admissions and the terms of enrollment. I will handle the issue here. None of you have to worry!"


    When the teachers of the Peking University student recruitment team saw that the situation was already in this state, they could only clench their teeth and immediately go over to the examinees. They did not force it on anyone but weed those who were willing to go with them back to Peking University and learn more about the admissions process. They didn''t say anything to those who did not want to go as it was their personal freedom.


    Upon seeing this, the Tsinghua University teachers became anxious!


    "Don''t you dare!"


    "Who allowed you to touch our students?!"


    Many of the teachers of Tsinghua University''s student recruitment team wanted to rush forward to grab the examinees back!


    But when Zhang Ye took a step forward, those staff members of the Tsinghua University student recruitment team stopped in their tracks immediately. They could only stare angrily and began scolding loudly once again!


    "To think that you are a teacher of the people!"


    "Zhang Ye, you are a bastard!"


    "I''m so pissed off!"


    With the persuasion of the teachers of the Peking University student recruitment team and the influence of the current atmosphere, almost all of the top scorers followed the Peking University teachers into the cars. Among them were some of examinees like Huang Lingling whose first choice preference was Peking University and some others who were unsure of which institution to apply for. Only four of the examinees who were probably determined to apply for Tsinghua University chose to remain behind. The rest of the examinees all got into the cars!


    When the teachers of the Tsinghua University student recruitment team saw this, they fumed with rage and felt their hearts bleeding. Those were the examinees among the top 30 scorers in the Beijing college entrance exam. Every one of them was like a treasure! But with Zhang Ye blocking them, they could not get past him and could only watch helplessly as the top scorers they had almost gotten a hold of were now being taken away by the teachers of the Peking University student recruitment team!


    Su Na knew a rivalry had now formed between Zhang Ye and Tsinghua University. So after arranging for the top scorers to leave, she stayed behind as somebody definitely had to be there. Han Henian and five teachers of the Peking University student recruitment team also stayed behind. In a while, when the police came, they would definitely need to help with exining their side of things.


    "Zhang Ye, just wait and see!"


    "Our score is not yet settled!"


    "When the policees, I''ll see what you can do!"


    The people of Tsinghua University hated Zhang Ye to the core!


    The people from Peking University were getting quite worried as they did not know how to handle this matter when the police arrived.


    But who could have guessed? When Zhang Ye heard what they said, he leisurely took out his cell phone from his pocket, then looked at the screen and lightly pressed 3 times on the keypad!! Although everyone was too far away to clearly see what number Zhang Ye dialed, there were just several agencies that could be reached with only three numbers. Moreover, the pressed positions on the keypad made it very easy to guess!


    Zhang Ye had dialed��110.


    Everyone was stunned for a while!


    Call the police?


    You still want to call the police?


    Liao Qi sneered incessantly!


    Several of the teachers from the Tsinghua University student recruitment team alsoughed!


    However, when the call connected, Zhang Ye''s first lines left everyone dumbfounded!


    Zhang Ye said: "Hello, is this the police station? I would like to report an incident��That''s right��.There are some kidnapped hostages at the main entrance of Tsinghua University��.Yes��.Don''t worry, I''ve already sessfully rescued the hostages. Who am I? There''s no need to ask who I am, just call me Lei Feng!"


    Liao Qi was stunned by this. "Kidnapped??"


    Xin Ya stared eyes wide. "Hostages?"


    All of the teachers of the Tsinghua University student recruitment team: "��*&^;&^;((%$##@! ! !"


    Zhang Ye, why are you so shameless? What did you mean by kidnapped?! No one can nder the way you do! Kidnapped? Kidnapped your sister! You''re so wicked! Weren''t you first at fault? Yet you''reining?!


    And who the heck is Lei Feng??[1.]


    [1. Lei F��ng (18 December 1940 - 15 August 1962) was a soldier in the People''s Liberation Army and is amunist legend in China. After his death, Lei was characterized as a selfless and modest person devoted to the Communist Party, Mao Zedong, and the people of China.]

 Chapter 724: Thick as thieves!

    <h4>Chapter 724: Thick as thieves! </h4>


    Chapter 724: Thick as thieves!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    Ten minutester.


    On the road in front of Tsinghua University''s main entrance, six to seven police vehicles arrived and their ring sirens which could be heard from several streets away stopped. They made a strong show of force, and judging from the license tes, these police vehicles were clearly not sent from the local police station (sub-district public security bureau), but from the district police station (district public security bureau) instead. After the police report was received, the district police station was immediately informed of it. Kidnapping of hostages? This was a big case that the local police station would not be able to handle. So officers from the district police station were activated and sent to the location, equipped with guns. More than a dozen police officers had been sent over.


    However, when they got to the scene, the police officers in the vehicles witnessed a rtively calm scene. A couple of cars had their windows smashed while a crowd of people had gathered around to observe. There were even reporters?


    They got out of the police cars.


    "What happened?"


    "What''s the situation?"


    "Who alerted the police?"


    Officer Sun, the lead police officer, asked around, "Who is Lei Feng?"


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye strode out from the group. "That''s me, I am! I was the one who called the police!"


    When they saw him, the dozen or so police officers'' eyes all widened with confusion. How could they not know this person standing right before them? All of them knew who he was which was why they all nearly fainted together at once. Lei Feng? Lei Feng your sister! Aren''t you just the goddamned Teacher Zhang Ye!? When did you change yourst name to Lei!


    Clearly, the people of this world did not know who Lei Feng was.


    When Liao Qi and the Tsinghua University student recruitment teachers saw that the police had arrived, their confidence recovered and they were no longer afraid of Zhang Ye. They rushed to the front, shouting, "Officers, you''ve finally arrived! It was him, he was the one who smashed the cars of Tsinghua University! And interfered with our student recruitment! He even beat up our people! And used physical force on us! This is toowless!"


    "Just look at this!"


    "The car windows are all smashed!"


    "It was with that brick b! It was Zhang Ye who used it to smash the cars!"


    "This is too much! I''ve never seen such an unreasonable bully before!"


    The Tsinghua University teachers yelled continuously!


    The student recruitment teachers from Peking University who had stayed behind also retorted immediately!


    Su Na said, "Officers, this matter is definitely not Teacher Zhang''s fault. It was those people from Tsinghua University who insisted on snatching the students from us. When a number of those students did not want to go with them, they used force to take them away from their homes or schools and sent them back here!"


    Han Henian added, "We managed to stop them outside the entrance, but the car doors ended up getting locked by the Tsinghua University people. They kept the students trapped in the cars against their will! They''ve totally gone insane!"


    Tsinghua University: "Held against their will my ass!"


    Peking University: "If that wasn''t holding them against their will, then what do you call it!"


    Tsinghua University: "You''re the ones who are trying to steal the students from us now! Using violence to take them away forcefully!"


    Peking University: "We''re not the same as you! The students followed us ording to their own initiative. We did not insist on it, but what about you? When the students did not want toe along, you just dragged them here against their will!" Both groups kept harping on the same points and hugely exaggerated for more impact!


    Tsinghua University: "Bullshit!"


    Both groups kept pointing fingers at each other and were arguing again soon after!


    When the police officers heard this, they immediately knew that this was going to be troublesome case. They had received two reports earlier, one of someonemitting a crime outside of Tsinghua University''s main entrance��reported by the people from Tsinghua University. The other report was about the kidnapping of hostages at Tsinghua University''s main entrance��reported by Zhang Ye. At the beginning, the police thought they were referring to the same case, where someone wasmitting a crime by kidnapping. However, after they arrived, they realized that it was basically two separate issues in response to each other!


    A few of the police officers were left speechless for a long time and gradually holstered their guns, knowing that the situation was not as dangerous as they thought it to be. Committing a crime and kidnapping or whatnot, it was all exaggerated by the two parties who had reported it! Actually, they were not unfamiliar with such a situation between Tsinghua and Peking University as the two institutions had often shed and tussled many times over the years. The local police station used to send their officers to settle such cases, but this was the first time they were witnessing such a drastic situation between the two institutions where cars were smashed and people were beaten up. The most extreme situations in the past had always been kept to arguments and quarrels only, nothing as serious as today. They couldn''t have expected a bunch of intellectuals to actually get into a physical altercation!


    How should they handle this?


    This situation wasn''t going to be easy to handle at all!


    The lead officer had a headache due to this. Whether it was Peking University or Tsinghua University, they were the top two institutions in the country. In terms of civil service authority, the schools'' leaders were ranked higher than their district police station leaders. They were basically at the level of deputy ministers! [1.]


    The lead officer could only say, "Just what is going on? Please tell me. One at a time."


    A female teacher from Tsinghua University shouted, "Zhang Ye beat up our people! He hit Professor Liao!


    Liao Qi pulled up his sleeve. "Look, it''s all bruised!"


    Several policemen went to take a look. The arm was indeed bruised, but it didn''t look like serious at all.


    Zhang Ye looked at the Tsinghua University people. "Did I make a move on him?"


    A person from Tsinghua University said, "Of course you did!"


    Zhang Ye threw his hands up. "If we''re talking about who made a move first, it was Professor Liao who came over to grab my shoulders at the beginning, didn''t he? He even tried to push me, but what did I do? I didn''t even raise an arm!"


    Liao Qi was outraged!


    The lead officer did not just listen one side of the story. He went over to the observing crowd to better understand the situation.


    "Who made the move first. Did any one of you see anything?"


    "I saw it. Uh, it was that professor from Tsinghua University who grabbed Zhang Ye by his shoulders first."


    "And then?"


    "And then the professor took a tumble on his own."


    "Took a tumble? On his own?"


    "Yeah, it didn''t look like anyone touched him."


    "No one touched him?"


    "I only saw Zhang Ye''s shoulder sway a little, but it wasn''t much. Then that professor took a tumble. As for how it happened, I didn''t see it clearly, but Zhang Ye definitely did not raise his arms."


    "Alright, I understand."


    The surrounding crowd just rted whatever they had seen to the police officers.


    When the Tsinghua University people heard this, they couldn''t ept it.


    The lead officer said, "Let''s put this matter aside first. Who smashed the car windows?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I did."


    The police officer said, "Why did you do it?"


    Zhang Ye said righteously, "They kidnapped those students, so as a citizen of China, as a public figure who is also a role model, how can I ignore something wrong happening when I see it? I ought to rise to the asion!"


    The police officers: "��"


    The Tsinghua University teachers nearly vomited blood at this reply!


    "Holy shit!"


    "What do you mean by rising to the asion!"


    "You were clearly trying to steal our students away!"


    "You-you''re too shameless, Zhang Ye!"


    A few of the Peking University teachers also started sweating with anxiety when they heard this!


    But right at this moment, several cars arrived. It was the Peking University student recruitment teachers and the exam''s top scorers who had just left. They had returned. Huang Lingling and a few other examinees alighted, and this time, their parents also came with them.


    "Teacher!" Huang Lingling said anxiously.


    Su Na exined to the police officers, "These were a few of the students who were taken away forcefully just now!"


    The police officers immediately started asking, "Were the few of you taken away by the people from Tsinghua University just now? Did you all go with them willingly?"


    Huang Lingling said, "About that��I didn''t willingly go with them."


    Another male student also said in embarrassment, "I, I had already filled in Peking University as my first choice and agreed to meet with the Peking University student recruitment teachers. But when I was at my school''s graduation ceremony, I got pulled aside by the Tsinghua University teachers and got dragged along with them. I didn''t want to go as my parents had let me apply for Peking University."


    Clearly, after the Peking University side found out about the situation here, they sent this group of people back to support Zhang Ye, knowing that he might get into a sticky situation.


    The male student''s parents also spoke.


    The father said, "Tsinghua University went too far. My son did not even want to follow them yet they grabbed him with force and put him into their car. This is as good as kidnapping!"


    The mother said, "When his teacher from school called to inform me that my son had been taken away, his father and I were scared to death. So we quickly rushed here, thinking that he had been taken away by some child trafficking gang!"


    Liao Qi retorted angrily, "We were doing student recruitment!"


    The mother grunted at him, "Who knows what you people were trying to do!"


    Liao Qi said, "You��"


    The parents were actually speaking up and siding with Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye looked at the two of them with wonder.


    Su Na walked beside Zhang Ye and whispered to him, "They are Zhou Zheng''s parents. His father and mother both graduated from Peking University and were very prominent figures in the school back in the day."


    It suddenly dawned on Zhang Ye why these two persons were siding with him so much. It was because they were on the same team as him!


    Huang Lingling''s father followed up with, "My child is the same. She has always dreamed about attending Peking University since childhood. When those Tsinghua University people dragged her away forcefully, it gave my child such a scare. How can anyone do the things they did!? They might as wellmit highway robbery! Even if the Tsinghua University teachers were doing this for the student recruitment and without any other motives, they shouldn''t have done it this way. That is essentially disrespecting the views our children!"


    Afterwards, a few more parents started ranting. Some of them were basically graduates from Peking University, so if they didn''t side with Peking University on this matter, who else would they side with? Meanwhile, some of the other parents were very unhappy with how Tsinghua University had tried to force things their way this time. For these parents, when it came to such important matters, they should have at least notified and informed the parents before taking them away, not like how they handled it!


    The ce was chaotic again.


    "It''s not like that!"


    "We were just doing this for the children!"


    "We called you before inviting them to Tsinghua University!"


    The Tsinghua University student recruitment teachers were trying their best to exin themselves!


    But the students'' parents'' doubts just grew and grew!


    After a long back and forth with the two groups of people talking for over 20 minutes, the lead officer formed a very good understanding of the situation. He waited for them to finish arguing before standing between them and saying to the Tsinghua University group, "I understand quite well what''s going on here. In fact, Professor Liao''s injuries aren''t very serious, and besides, the witnesses have all vouched that Professor Zhang did not touch him whatsoever, so let''s drop that matter. As for the smashing of the cars��" He looked at Zhang Ye and continued, "Professor Zhang''s way of handling the situation was indeed inappropriate. Actually, it''s just student recruitment, so there was no need to resort to smashing cars like you did. But simrly, Tsinghua University has a big problem on this front. Since they did not respect the wishes of the examinees and forcefully brought them here, that action itself was already overboard. Now that we have established that both parties were at fault and should be responsible for their actions, though not amounting to kidnapping andmitting crimes as those ims were exaggerated, I would like to offer to both groups that we drop the matter and forget about it!"


    Liao Qi stared with eyes wide. "Drop the matter?"


    "What about our cars? He smashed three of them!"


    "How can we just drop it like that? That''s impossible!"


    The people from Tsinghua University were objecting. Only Xin Ya did not say a word.


    Zhang Ye and the Peking University personnel did not have any issues with this oue. The cars were already smashed and they also got back the students, so to them, there wasn''t really anything else to ask for. It would be best that they could drop the matter here.


    The police officer frowned. "If you really want me to handle this matter, then I can only do it like this and negotiate for both sides. If Zhang Ye had really smashed your cars for no reason, I would have taken him away immediately. But that is not the case here, since your side also has a problem with your actions. The students'' parents have already made it very clear. Honestly, if they choose to not sue you for holding their children in illegal custody, you''re already very lucky. Should they want to take this up with the authorities, it wouldn''t do any of you good, right?"


    The attitudes of the parents were very critical here. Even if it was just a few parents of the students, it was more than enough.


    The Tsinghua University people turned pale, and did not say a word.


    The police officer said, "At most, you can ask for them topensate you for the car windows. How does that sound?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "I have noints."


    The police officer nodded and turned to look at Liao Qi and the others.


    To the Tsinghua University group, those car windows weren''t even worth much! Could itpare to what those top scorers were worth? Of course not! They weren''t even in the same ss!


    Soon after.


    With the matter more or less put to rest now, Peking Universitypensated Tsinghua University for the car repairs, while the Tsinghua University student recruitment teachers offered their apologies to the examinees'' parents who were unhappy about the way the matter was handled.


    After the matter was settled, the policemen all drove off. To be honest, the moment the police cars left Tsinghua University, many of those police officers heaved sighs of relief. If Zhang Ye had smashed those cars with no good reason today, they might have really had to bring Zhang Ye back with them to the police station. If that had happened, there might have been a chance that they would attract another round of trouble on themselves. They had long ago heard about Zhang Ye''s temper. Back then, Zhang Ye was arrested twice and on both asions, the police stations which arrested him were plunged into chaos. With his "My Confession" and "Prisoner''s Song," countless citizens turned up to turn themselves in on behalf of Zhang Ye. It caused such huge turmoil that the police stations were nearly dismantled. Those police officers who had been through those times would often bring it up during meal times and share their haunting stories of the incidents. They knew well Zhang Ye''s notoriety, so if they could avoid it, they would definitely choose to not arrest Zhang Ye. If they did, it would have been as good as arresting a ticking time bomb! It was a good thing that they did not have to go to that extent this time as it was clear the Tsinghua University people were at fault.


    The problem was resolved.


    The reporters left. The observing crowd also dispersed.


    The expressions on the Tsinghua University people were not good. They turned their heads and glowered at Zhang Ye. In their fight with Peking University this time, they had suffered a great and humiliating loss. Not only did they not manage to invite the exam''s top scorers to their admission talks, their cars had also been damaged. All face was lost and many of the student recruitment teachers could not take this lying down. They quietly cursed at Zhang Ye 10,000 times over��.No, it was more like 100 million times!!


    On the Tsinghua University campus.


    Liao Qi scolded, "That damned hooligan!"


    A female teacher said in anger, "Tsinghua University is not finished with that Zhang guy!"


    Another Tsinghua University teacher yelled, "We will surely hold him ountable for this someday!"


    Xin Ya walked off alone to somewhere quiet. She angrily took out her cell phone and made a call to her childhood friend Wu Zeqing!


    Old Wu answered the call: "Hello."


    Xin Ya denounced: "Old Wu! What kind of boyfriend did you get! He just happilyes up against me and even smashed our cars! He pissed me off today!"


    Old Wuughed and asked: "What happened?"


    Xin Ya rted the incident to her and then said: "He proposed a solution to the mathematical conjecture and just left it for a group of us to work on it tirelessly day and night to verify it for him. It''s fine that he did not thank me for it, but now he''s not even leaving any face for me?!?"


    Old Wu said: "I was the one who told him to go this time."


    Xin Ya said: "But he still shouldn''t have handled it that way. Just settle it with words, who the hell settles problems by smashing cars!?"


    Old Wu chuckled and replied calmly: "It''s not like you''ve only known him for a day. He has always been like this."


    "You''re still trying to defend him? Aren''t you trying too hard to justify his actions!?" Xin Ya said angrily.


    Old Wuughed: "Alright, would it be OK if I apologized to you on behalf of Little Zhang?"


    Xin Ya replied annoyed: "No!"


    Old Wu said: "Then why don''t I buy you dinner?"


    Xin Ya snorted: "That''s not enough! He has to apologize to me!"


    Old Wu said: "Hur hur, with that temper of his, do you think it''s possible? Besides, when wee around to what happened, Tsinghua University was truthfully in the wrong in the first ce. I''m sure you agree with me on that, right?"


    When she heard this, Xin Ya nearly vomited blood in anger. "I''ve finally seen through you! Whatever Zhang Ye does, you''ll always think that it''s correct! You two are thick as thieves!!!"


    [1. Level 4 for presidents of key universities in the civil service ranking system.]

 Chapter 725: An urban legend of the entertainment industry!

    <h4>Chapter 725: An urban legend of the entertainment industry! </h4>


    Chapter 725: An urban legend of the entertainment industry!


    Trantor: Legge Editor:


    In the afternoon.


    Old Wu''s residence.


    Zhang Ye got out of his car after returning to the vi. The moment he stepped foot onto the front yard, he could smell the fragrant aroma of Old Wu''s cooking. The door wasn''t locked. He pushed open the door and entered the house. He saw Old Wu cooking in the open kitchen.


    "Whoa, it smells really good. What are we having for lunch?" Zhang Ye probed.


    Old Wu carried on cooking and said, "Shredded pork and red-braised pork ribs."


    "Great, they''re all my favorites." Zhang Ye was delighted.


    Old Wu asked, "Have you settled it?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "Yes, I''ve settled it. How could I havee back otherwise. 90% of the top 30 scorers in the Beijing college entrance exam are now listening to Peking University''s admissions talk. As for how many of those students will end up applying to Peking University, I do not know. It all depends on them now."


    Old Wu said, "I heard that you even smashed their cars?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Your news is quite up-to-date."


    Old Wu stated, "Xin Ya gave me a call earlier. She said you did not give her any face and imed that we were thick as thieves. Hur hur, you have really made her furious this time."


    Zhang Ye said, "You can''t me me for that. It''s the people of Tsinghua University who didn''t know how to behave themselves."


    Suddenly, a phone call came in.


    Zhang Ye answered: "Dean Pan, are you looking for me?"


    It was from Dean Pan Yang of Peking University''s School of Mathematical Sciences. Once the call connected, Pan Yang asked with concern: "How are you, Little Zhang? Did you get hurt?"


    Zhang Ye sniggered: "Me? Hurt? I''m fine."


    Pan Yang asked: "The police didn''t make things difficult for you afterwards, right?"


    Zhang Ye said: "It''s all been settled. I''m at home now and getting ready for lunch."


    "Then that''s good." Pan Yang said, "Peking University already knows about what happened this time. After hearing the news, the president even specially rushed back to the school. After conversing with him, the president told me to pass a message to you. He said that if you''re free,e back to Peking University for a visit."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Sure, I understand."


    Pan Yang said: "Earlier, when everyone was chatting privately about this matter, many of those Peking University teachers who were not friendly toward you in the past spoke well of you. Everyone was chatting about you, including Little Han, I mean, Han Henian of the Math Department. When we were talking about the incident, he mentioned how he thought you did a marvelous job."


    Even though Zhang Ye and Han Henian did not have much bad blood between them, their rtionship wasn''t that good either. In the past, they got into a war of words at the International Math Olympiad. There was also the incident when Han Henian pursued Old Wu, etc.


    Zhang Ye asked in disbelief: "Teacher Han said something nice about me?"


    "Those were his actual words," Pan Yang answered. "Why would I lie to you?"


    "Alright then," Zhang Ye said nomittally.


    Pan Yang stated: "Many people will definitely scold you for the trouble you got into today. Can you shoulder all that scolding? If you can''t, I''ll talk to heads of the school and let Peking University help you out with this matter."


    Zhang Ye immediately replied: "That''s not necessary, Dean Pan. It''s no big deal. I could even take the pressure after cursing those foreign dignitaries, so how bad could this incident about smashing some car windows get? I''m fine and can handle the heat. Although, can you talk to the heads so that I do not have topensate the car windows?"


    Pan Yangughed upon hearing this. "Of course. You''ve done a lot this time, so we couldn''t possibly ask you to pay as well, right?"


    Zhang Ye''s appearance this time had truly been a great help to Beijing University. In just a short time, he had reversed the disadvantage that Peking University faced in the situation involving the top scorers. Many of the Peking University teachers and professors were not of any help at all. Many of the teachers on the student recruitment team could only stare nkly at those Tsinghua University teachers as they took the examinees away. In the end��when nobody knew what to do��it was Zhang Ye, the suspended teacher from Peking University, who turned the tide. Without any hesitation, he smashed the car windows to take the examinees back. With just this point alone, many of those Peking University teachers who previously did not have a good opinion of him now saw him in an entirely different light.


    Upon carefully thinking about it, Zhang Ye''s temper might be bad, and he often got into conflicts with his colleagues, had scolded foreign dignitaries at the auditorium, and even rebutted the school''s heads before. But however bad his temper, there was nothing they could criticize Zhang Ye for on what he had done for Peking University and not a single fault that they could pick on for his treatment of the Peking University students! Whenever there was trouble, he would really go and take it head-on!


    ����


    Meanwhile.


    At a newspaper firm, everyone on the entire second floor office was extremely busy.


    Two interns returned very excitedly from their field work. One of them, holding a camera, said excitedly, "Chief Editor Chen, big news, big news. Tsinghua and Peking University were fighting over the students at the entrance of Tsinghua University. Zhang Ye smashed several of Tsinghua University''s cars as well. We got all the first-hand information and even recorded the entire scene on video from beginning to end!"


    The intern beside him was also extremely excited. "Chief Editor Chen, did we do well this time?"


    After hearing that, the editor-in-chief did not even look at them and just carried on with his own work. He yawned and told them, "Yeah, yeah, you two did quite well."


    Quite well?


    Only quite well?


    Is that��is that all?


    The shorter intern eximed, "Chief Editor Chen?"


    The editor-in-chief said in an unfriendly tone, "Write the rough draft up as soon as possible."


    "This news��" The taller intern blinked and continued, "Will it get published on the front page in the headlines today?"


    A senior reporter beside themughed. "Just do whatever the Chief Editor tells you to do. Don''t always try to im the credit. This kind of news probably can''t get into the headlines."


    That intern was puzzled. "Why?"


    The senior reporter guffawed, "When Zhang Ye manages to avoid making trouble for two straight months, then that will surely get into the headlines!"


    This joke made all the editors in the office chuckle.


    "That''s right. Has there ever been a day when Zhang Ye does not get into trouble?"


    "He is such a troublemaker that something is bound to happen wherever he goes!"


    "The two of you are new here and unfamiliar with the situation. Even if the media in Beijingcks news about anyone, it won''t be Zhang Ye''s news. When you have worked long enough here, you will get used to it. There are incidents that Zhang Ye caused before that were more serious than this one, so what''s the big deal with smashing some cars anyway? If it can even get on as the front page''s second headline, it would be pretty good."


    The two interns: "��"


    Even if it were slightly exaggerated, it represented Zhang Ye''s image with the media��which wasn''t that good after all. If it were Zhang Yuanqi who beat up someone, they would definitely be out in full strength to report on that news. If it were Chen Guang who smashed the cars, they would definitely and immediately send out a dozen or more reporters to the scene. As long as it were any other celebrity, they would be over a hundred times more newsworthy! All with the exception of one person. Zhang Ye smashed some cars? Wasn''t this a normal thing when it involved him? What''s the big deal? Ever since this fellow debuted, that has always been his style!


    ����


    Elsewhere.


    Central TV Department. In the program team office of The Voice.


    Zhang Ye was on leave while the executive producer essentially did not partake in the production of the program. As the assistant directors, Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo had to take on the responsibility and supervision of work over here.


    Suddenly, a female editor said in a speechless manner, "Aiyo! Director Zhang is on the news again!"


    "Huh?"


    "What''s happened to Director Zhang again?"


    "What''s up?"


    The several people around her immediately looked over.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others also felt panicked and quickly rushed over to take a look. "What''s going on? Didn''t Director Zhang get two days of leave to rest at home? What sort of news is it this time?"


    Upon finding out, the program team staff passed out in unison!


    "What?"


    "Director Zhang fought with other people again?"


    "He fought with the people of Tsinghua University this time? And even smashed their cars?"


    "Is he alright? Don''t tell me that Director Zhang got arrested again?"


    "No. The police seemed to have settled the matter already. He was only required to paypensation for breaking the car windows."


    "Thank God! I was so scared. If Director Zhang really got arrested, how were we going to record theter episodes of the program? The executive director and host would have been gone!"


    "I''ve refused to be convinced by anyone else in my entire life, but I really have to bow to Director Zhang. He can even cause such a big uproar while resting at home for two days? I''ve been totally bewildered by him!"


    The program team staff were discussing fervently about this.


    Very soon, the people at Central TV also found out about the matter and were constantly discussing it in private.


    Deputy Director Jiang Yuan of Central TV Department 1 saw the news the moment it was first reported. His expression changed greatly and he immediately called Zhang Ye to make sure of his safety. After verifying that Zhang Ye had not been arrested by the police and it would not affect the recording of The Voice, Jiang Yuan felt a sense of relief, having worried for nothing.


    ����


    On the Inte, the discussion was even more serious!


    "Zhang Ye in trouble again!"


    "Tsinghua and Peking University fight during student recruitment!"


    "The ''war'' over top scorers! Who is at fault?"


    "Zhang Ye��How are we going to save you?!"


    The news headlines came one after another and went viral online.


    "Pfft, Teacher Zhang is in trouble again!"


    "How delightful!"


    "Why did Tsinghua University offend Zhang Ye again?"


    "He''s fighting with his peers again!"


    "Zhang Ye is such a pain in the ass! Whoever gets in his way will surely suffer from bad luck!"


    Theizens were divided into two camps. One group fully supported Zhang Ye while the other scolded him. Obviously, those who were against Zhang Ye made up the majority as usual, with the Tsinghua University teachers as its main force.


    Liao Qi posted on Weibo: "These days, some teachers have really low standards!"


    An old professor at Peking University retaliated: "Do you think that you have very high standards? Forcefully trying to get the students to join you people! What if they never intended to join Tsinghua University in the first ce?"


    Tsinghua University and Peking University were cursing at each other!


    Zhang Ye''s fans and foes were cursing at each other!


    It became very chaotic!


    In the end, even the Ministry of Education could not stand idle watching this any further and publicly issued a statement: "In lieu of the media reporting about the phenomenon of individual universities using improper ways to attract college entrance exam top scorers, the Ministry of Education requests the rted universities to observe their discipline and conscientiously maintain the propriety of the student recruitment!"


    Finally, they ended the statement with a stern criticism on the misconducts of certain teachers. Although there was no pointing of fingers, it was obvious that the term "certain teachers" included Zhang Ye. More precisely, this criticism was mainly aimed at Zhang Ye!


    It was rare for the Ministry of Education to publicly criticize an individual. This showed that whether it was in his peers'' opinions or in the eyes of the organizational leaders, Zhang Ye''s name and reputation were terrible.


    But Zhang Ye himself and his fans did not feel so.


    "Haha, Teacher Zhang was indirectly mentioned and criticized!"


    "There''s not much difference between this and actually naming him."


    "Dear Teacher Zhang, your reputation has be even worse now!"


    "Hai, Teacher Zhang Ye, I really have to hand it to you!"


    Actually, these matters did not have much of an impact on Zhang Ye, because those people who liked him would still continue to like him. Zhang Ye''s fans had already experienced too many simr situations, and wouldn''t abandon him over such a small affair. Instead, it was precisely because they had experienced so much criticism and doubt when they followed Zhang Ye that their cohesiveness became stronger and they became braver with each setback. Moreover, each time after Zhang Ye caused any trouble, the number of people joining Zhang Ye''s fan club would dramatically rise. The more people scolded Zhang Ye, the more his peers criticized him, the greater his increase in the number of fans and poprity!


    Speaking of which, this would also be considered an urban legend of the entertainment industry!

 Chapter 726: The Voice wraps up!

    <h4>Chapter 726: The Voice wraps up! </h4>


    Chapter 726: The Voice wraps up!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Monday.


    After his off days came to an end, Zhang Ye arrived back at Central TV early in the morning. When he reached The Voice''s program team office after taking the elevator up, the staff immediately surrounded him. Some of them were chatting lightheartedly with him while others were worried about his recent incident.


    "Director Zhang, you''re here?"


    "You gave us such a scare yesterday!"


    "Yeah, we thought that you might not being back anymore because of that."


    "The police didn''t trouble you, right?"


    "You aren''t hurt, right, Director Zhang? Why did you get into a fight again?"


    "I was in the elevator just now and overheard two leaders chatting. They were talking about how they won''t approve your off days anymore in case you go��ahem. The Voice''s recording couldn''t proceed if you weren''t here today. The recorded scenes we did before have all been broadcast."


    "Yes, please don''t scare us like that anymore in the future. Our weak hearts won''t be able to take it."


    The assistant directors and editors kept going on and on about it.


    Zhang Yeughed. "I''ll be fine, thank you all for your concern. Is the recording studio all set up and ready? What time will the coaches arrive?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "The four coaches will be ready by 10 o''clock."


    Zhang Zuo said, "The contestants have all arrived too and are getting ready for the stage."


    Zhang Ye voiced his understanding. "Now that the blind auditions have beenpleted, we will be recording the battle rounds. This will be different from the previous segments, so I need everyone to give their full attention and follow the procedures I listed out beforehand. There will be four main camera positions, so let''s set them up." [1.]


    "Understood."


    "Got it."


    "Right!"


    Under Zhang Ye''smand, the program team staff began to work very quickly. A sense of self-confidence they didn''t have before could be seen on everyone''s faces. This was bestowed upon them by Zhang Ye, as well as by The Voice. After several broadcasted episodes, The Voice''s viewership ratings were just as hot, as it maintained the number 1 spot in the nationwide viewership ratings for variety shows. They were even leading the number 2 spot by a long way. As such, The Voice''s program team staff were emboldened and confident. At least at this current moment, they were the most excellent program team there was among all of the variety show teams in the country.


    ����


    Around 10 AM.


    In the recording studio.


    Three of the coaches had already arrived. Only Zhang Yuanqi was not here yet, but her manager had called in advance to inform them that she was on the way. The preparations in the studio were more or lessplete, with Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and a few other staff members making somest-minute adjustments.


    Offstage, Zhang Ye was chatting with the coaches.


    Chen Guang said with augh, "You got into trouble again yesterday? Wenli and I read about the news."


    Zhang Ye replied, "It was just a small thing."


    Chen Guang was amused by this response. "You even smashed the cars of Tsinghua University, how could it be a small thing?"


    "That temper of yours��" Zhang Xia said with a hint of criticism, "��you''d better improve it. I''m only telling you this because I don''t treat you as an outsider, but just look at our entertainment circle. Are there any celebrities who have a temper as bad as yours? After all, that''s Tsinghua University you''re dealing with. You should have made some allowances with them no matter what."


    Zhang Ye sincerely responded, "Alright, I will listen to Grandma Zhang''s advice."


    Zhang Xia helplessly said, "All you do is talk the talk. You need to walk the walk too."


    Fan Wenli chuckled. "But then again, Director Zhang is doing really well in the entertainment circle even with that temper of his. That is also a talent by itself, and at least for me and Old Chen, we aren''t able to do the same. Whenever Old Chen and I get some negative news reported on us, even if it''s just some baseless rumor, both of us suffer a drop in our poprity. Our reputation also takes a hit. We''repletely unlike you since every time there''s any negative news or trouble concerning you, your poprity increases instead. You''re definitely a miracle of the entertainment circle!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and quickly said, "Sister Fan, please don''t praise me so greatly. What miracle? Everyone is calling me the oddity of oddities. I know all about that."


    However, Zhang Ye did not care how others judged him. Anything he wished to do or anything he wanted to do, as long as he felt that it was not wrong, no one could stop him from doing.


    Amotion stirred outside.


    The thud of footsteps gradually got closer and closer. Zhang Yuanqi arrived!


    "Sorry I''mte, everyone," Sister Zhang politely apologized the moment she walked in. "I won''t exin why, but after we finish recording today''s episode, let me treat everyone to dinner. It was really just a one-off incident today." Actually, there were other cases like this where a big shot celebrity like a Heavenly King was three hourste to a filming and the director and crew did not say a word about it. The entire film crew just waited for him to show up. But Old Zhang was much more considerate in her actions and the way she spoke. Even though she was onlyte by 10 minutes, she still apologized immediately after she arrived. This was also the reason why Sister Zhang enjoyed such a good rtionship with everyone even after working for so many years in the entertainment circle. At least on the surface, she was very friendly.


    Chen Guang smiled and said, "It''s fine, we only just arrived too."


    Zhang Xia asked, "Did you get held back because of your fans?"


    "Yes." Zhang Yuanqiughed gently. "I had only just left my home when the reporters and fans blocked my way. I nearly couldn''t make it here." After exining, she looked at Zhang Ye and said, "I thought you were taken away by the police again."


    Zhang Yeughed. "Well, I don''t get taken down that easily."


    Zhang Yuanqi gave him advice out of goodwill. "Take it easy."


    "OK." Zhang Ye then looked to his staff and said, "Let the audience in and prepare to start recording."


    The staff opened the doors and allowed the audience to make their way into the recording studio. At the same time, many of their colleagues from Central TV''s other program teams also joined the audience for the recording. They found a seat wherever they could, while those who did not have any seats ended up finding a corner and standing there. They were all here to take part in the recording of the new episode of The Voice. In the previous blind audition rounds, everyone had understood and learned the way the segment operated. But for today''s recording, it was going to be about the coaches'' battle rounds, so a lot of their industry peers hade to watch and learn about it. Even if many of those people at Central TV still didn''t approve of Zhang Ye as a host who always got into trouble every other day, they knew that his results were definitely the real deal. It was there for all to see. For a show that was ranked number 1 in the nationwide viewership ratings for variety shows, there might be some home viewers who did not watch it because they didn''t like to watch talent shows. But to an industry peer, even if it was a genre they did not like, they would still watch it. This was because it was their job. They also wanted to learn why Zhang Ye''s programs could get such high viewership when they couldn''t do it themselves. They had to know the reason!


    Very soon, the recording began.


    The stage lights shed as the fog machine spewed out fog!


    Zhang Ye walked out to the stage slowly. "I-will-not-ept-any-gifts-this-year The-only-gift-I-will-ept-is-Brain Gold There''s-no-need-to-watch-any-TV-shows-this-year The-only-TV-show-you-need-to-watch-is-The Voice The-authentic-health-product The-authentic-The Voice Wee-to-the-broadcast-of-The Voice of China-brought-to-you-exclusively-by-our-title-sponsor-leader-in-health-products-Brain Gold Drink-Mount Zhou Mineral Water-to-show-your-support-for-The Voice The-most-favored-student-of-the-four-coaches-for-this-season-of-The Voice��"


    It was the same reciting!


    They were the same lines of the advertising message!


    But even with the same tricks, he still managed to get the entire audience pumped up. Every time the audience heard Zhang Ye''s machine gun-like reciting speed, they roared with excitement!


    Offstage, Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others looked at each other and thought to themselves how lucky it was that nothing had happened to Zhang Ye yesterday. Otherwise, even if the position of the executive director could be reced by someone else, no one could fill Zhang Ye''s shoes as the host!


    ����


    The days flew by.


    One week.


    Another week.


    Yet another week.


    The duration of a singing show couldn''t possibly be stretched out for too long. After around a month or so, the curtain was finally drawn on the first season of The Voice with much anticipation!


    The only tinge of regret Zhang Ye had was that in the lead-up to the night of the finale, Zhang Ye had strongly advocated to Central TV Department 1 for the season finale to be broadcast live on TV. He had wanted it to be just like The Voice from his previous world where they wrapped up the finals with a live broadcast, but due to Central TV Department 1''s status as a national broadcaster rather than a provincial TV station, they had more considerations to be concerned about. They could not risk having anything that could not be controlled go wrong on live television. Therefore, Zhang Ye''s application for thest episode to be broadcast live was denied. His team could only adhere to the old way of recording first and then broadcasting itter. The only redeeming factor was that the show''s effects and quality were still considerably good.


    The top three contestants of the first season of The Voice were revealed.


    Champion: Dong Hao.


    Runner-up: Qian Pingfan.


    Second Runner-up: Luo Yu.


    On this night of the finale, The Voice was the most discussed topic on Weibo, Tieba, and various forums. This night belonged to The Voice!


    "Hai, my Yuan Tong! You could only go as far as eighth ce!"


    "I like Yuan Tong. She''s beautiful and sings well too!"


    "I like Zhou Danian. I hadn''t expected that he would get eliminated in the third live round. What a pity!"


    "Dong Hao got first ce? He was definitely a dark horse. He only has average looks, and does not have much personality in his singing voice, but I think that he was particrly good at performing at the right time. He''s a typical contest-based participant and on that point, he really had a big advantage over the others!"


    "How could Qian Pingfan only be ranked second! *flips table*"


    "My beloved Luo Yu! Third ce is too unfair for you!"


    "Dong Hao getting first ce is well-deserved!"


    "What the heck? To me, Zhou Danian is the true champion! That old man was awesome!"


    "No matter how it ended, The Voice was an incredibly good watch. To me, this is the best variety show there is. No other shows evene close!"


    "Right! Zhang Ye has again done it too amazingly! It was a pleasant surprise to everyone! I could never have expected that our country coulde up with such an outstanding variety show!"


    "Teacher Zhang, thank you for putting on such a great show for us!"


    "I love you, Qian Pingfan! I love The Voice and I love Zhang Ye!"


    "Waiting for the next season! Waiting so hard!!"


    "It''s definitely going to be the best variety show this year!"


    "The show''s creativity, stage effects, skills of the host, strength of the contestants, no matter which aspect we look at, The Voice has totally outdone all of those talent shows in the same genre!"


    "That was so exciting!"


    "The Voice, thank you for apanying me till the end of summer!"


    There were discussions, analyses, appreciation, and criticism as the heated debates came one after another!


    ����


    On that night, the season finale of The Voice had its viewership ratings calcted in advance. A breakdown of viewership ratings for The Voice from its first episode showed that it had always been doing very well!


    First episode viewership: 2.01%


    Second episode viewership: 2.12%


    Third episode viewership: 2.04%


    Fourth episode viewership: 1.95%


    Fifth episode viewership: 1.98%


    Sixth episode viewership: 2.09%


    Seventh episode viewership: 2.13%


    Eighth episode viewership: 2.22%!


    The average viewership was maintained at above 2%!


    Then, for the season finale episode, The Voice once again broke the nationwide viewership ratings record by securing a shocking 2.45%!!


    A miracle!


    ��That was the word that many industry insiders used describe the advent and closing of The Voice of China!

 Chapter 727: Skyrocketing popularity! Good preparation is the key to success!

    <h4>Chapter 727: Skyrocketing poprity! Good preparation is the key to sess! </h4>


    Chapter 727: Skyrocketing poprity! Good preparation is the key to sess!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    At night.


    Caishikou.


    Zhang Ye returned home veryte on this day. He walked unsteadily, obviously looking like he had a few drinks. After knocking on the door, his mother came to open it for him. His home living room was lit up.


    His mother asked, "Why did youe home sote?"


    "We had a celebratory feast. Since no one left early, it wouldn''t be appropriate for me to leave first." Zhang Ye spotted his father sitting on the sofa, reading a newspaper. "Why aren''t the two of you asleep yet?"


    His mother said, "We were waiting for you, what else?"


    "Where''s Chenchen?" Zhang Ye asked.


    His father pointed to the bedroom. "She went to bed long ago."


    His mother was in a good mood, smiling and saying, "Your dad and I just finished watching the news. All the media outlets are talking about The Voice and the reviews are especially positive. I heard that the viewership ratings for the season finale broke records again? Well done! You''ve really done me proud!"


    Zhang Ye said proudly, "But of course. Who do you think your son is?"


    His father reminded him, "Don''t get arrogant, there''s still a long way ahead of you."


    "I know, Dad." Zhang Ye also sat down and picked up a copy of the newspaper. He said, "Let me see what they are saying about my show. I''ve been so busy all of today, entertaining others during the celebratory feast that I couldn''t rest for a minute."


    The newspaper evaluations gave a mixed review of Zhang Ye as a person, with each review greatly differing from the next. However, on the issue of his works, especially of The Voice, most of the media''sments were consistent. One of the newspapers wrote a rather interesting article. The article explored with wonderment: "Usually, the style of the work reflects the character of person who created it. However, those words do not apply to Zhang Ye. Perhaps many people will wonder for the rest of their lives about one thing��why is that a person like Zhang Ye who attracts so much negative news and is full of negative energy cane up with works that are so unexpected of him and full of positive energy that are also well-loved by the people!?"


    His parents went to bed.


    When Zhang Ye finished reading the newspapers, he also ambled back to his bedroom. Without speaking, he turned on hisputer and immediately went online to check the Celebrity Rankings Index.


    S-list Rankings.


    A-list Rankings.


    B-list Rankings.


    The list was progressively loaded.


    Finally, Zhang Ye found his name within the B-list rankings and clicked on it. It opened up the poprity score chart. He purposely went back to three months ago on the chart, the time he had just started preparing for the production of The Voice. He set the chart''s table and graph to show his poprity score from that day until the current day.


    Starting from the far left region of the graph, he could clearly see that his poprity score had a smooth and stable upward trend, without too much variation. He had been constantly ced around the bottom of the B-list rankings at that time, but when The Voice''s second episode was broadcast, his poprity score showed a sudden increase with the slope curving 30 degrees upward. Among the list of 30-40 B-list celebrities, he steadily climbed up the rankings!


    36th ce!


    33rd ce!


    30th ce!


    When it reached the period where The Voice''s fifth episode was broadcast, Zhang Ye''s poprity score had overtaken Fan Wenli''s, who was near the bottom of the B-list rankings. He was even maintaining that ascending momentum with the passage of time!


    27th ce!


    25th ce!


    Most of the poprity he gained was from The Voice, which he was the executive director and overall nner for. There was also his amazing performance as the host of The Voice. Of course, a portion of this poprity was gained from other sources, such as the scolding battle he had online with his industry peers, the palindrome poem, the questions that he had written for those two subject exams in the Beijing college entrance exam, as well as the car smashing incident at Tsinghua University. All of it contributed some portion!


    The graph then reached the far right region which indicated his poprity score as of today.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye had risen to 22nd ce on the B-list Celebrity Rankings Index. From his specified timeline of the data disyed, he had risen more than ten spots, and judging from the poprity score increase during this time period, it was the highest amount of poprity he had gained ever since his debut!


    Importantly, being in the B-list rankings was no longer the same as being in the C- or D-list rankings. Advancing one spot proved to be a very difficult task, let alone advancing more than ten spots. Back then, when Zhang Ye had just broken into the B-list rankings, he tried out many things and still only brought himself up one or two spots out ofst ce. It was like he was moving at the pace of a tortoise, moving up the rankings bit by bit, slowly advancing like a creeping snail. All of this was actually down to the fact that celebrities in the B-list rankings were also rather well-known people with a good foundation for their poprity. Their poprity scores would not just stay as they were, so even if your poprity increased, the others would also have an increase in their own poprity. Naturally then, promotions in the rankings would be much slower. This was all within reason. However, with The Voice this time, Zhang Ye had bulldozed his way through from the bottom of the B-list rankings all the way to the middle of it. He had even overtaken Chen Guang with his momentum!


    As of now, these were the rankings around Zhang Ye''s position.


    B-list Celebrity Rankings:


    21st ce: Hu Fang.


    22nd ce: Zhang Ye.


    23rd ce: Chen Guang.


    While Fan Wenli was at 29th ce.


    Zhang Ye did not know who Hu Fang was as he had nevere across him before. But regarding Old Chen and his wife, everyone knew who they were.


    Before The Voice was produced, the Chen Guang and Fan Wenli couple was more popr than Zhang Ye. Fan Wenli was ranked a little higher than Zhang Ye, while Chen Guang was ranked much higher. This was due to the fact that both of them were highly ranked within the singing industry, where they were like big shots who were near the top. Meanwhile, Zhang Ye was only a radio host who had dabbled in the local and online TV stations as a host, written poems, given lectures, authored a novel, and proved a mathematical conjecture. All of these activities targeted a smaller crowd and was also at a moreplex level, so he definitely had no way topare to Old Chen and Fan Wenli!


    But with The Voice, all of that changed!


    It wasn''t that Chen Guang and Fan Wenli''s poprity did not grow. As coaches on The Voice, the couple''s poprity also greatly increased and their celebrity rankings rose as well. But it was precisely because of Zhang Ye''s massive increase of poprity that made him be able to overtake the couple''s poprity scores.


    Counting the reasons, it was probably only down to the following 2 factors.


    Reason 1: Zhang Ye was too good at getting attention. He was the overall nner for The Voice as well as its executive director, even taking on the position of host. Since the audience all knew that Zhang Ye was the overall nner and executive director, they would naturally ce more focus on him and the poprity would mainly go to Zhang Ye. He had appropriated a share of the poprity that was supposed to go to the four coaches, unlike with the original version of The Voice produced back in his previous world. Zhang Ye had reversed the roles of the host and the guests.


    Reason 2: Because their paths were different, Chen Guang and Fan Wenli might have been dominating the singing industry, but when they stepped out of it, the two could not be considered very active in the greater entertainment circle. Their poprity in the singing industry also came from them walking the well-beaten path. Now that they both had almost gotten all the way to the top, they found it difficult to go any further. Naturally, this path also became narrower with their chances bing limited. Even if the singing industry was a key industry of the entertainment circle, their potential for poprity was already close to the limit. Even if they could add onto it, there weren''t many ways they could achieve it. But it was different for Zhang Ye. This was where you could see Zhang Ye grabbing an advantage over them since he was taking multiple paths, taking part in everything that was happening in the entertainment industry. Novels, poems, shows, exam questions, lectures, there was basically nothing he did not do. So this created a much wider path for the future. Rather than saying that he was almost at his maximum potential, he was just starting out in all of these fields he had dabbled in. As for his original profession as a host, he had never stepped foot into a satellite TV station that had nationwide coverage before this. He had always been working at a local or online television station. Since it was his first time as a Central TV host, the effects were much more obvious as they came from a qualitative change in his work.


    Thinking back to some of the evaluations the experts had of him, Zhang Ye could only chuckle at them. Those industry insiders were not optimistic about him, and even some of his friends and rtives felt that his path to fame was an odd and difficult one since he was only doing things that appealed to the minority. If even Chen Guang, a big shot celebrity who could hold his concerts overseas in some countries found it hard to move up any further, then where could a jack of all trades like you��a host who gave lectures, wrote novels, andposed poems��go? Zhang Ye had ever doubted himself at any time in the past, but in the end, it was because of Wu Zeqing''s support and encouragement of him that he was enlightened. She provided him a clear direction. The words Old Wu had said to him back then would never be forgotten by Zhang Ye in his life. The idea of walking many paths was first suggested by Old Wu!


    This was also the reason why many singers switched over to acting when they reached a peak in their singing careers. It was also the reason why many movie stars switched to making album or writing novels when they had reached their peak in their respective industry!


    Facts had proven Old Wu right!


    Facts had proven that Zhang Ye had not taken the wrong path!


    When he was initially not that popr, he might not have seen this. But now that he was a B-list celebrity, the advantage Zhang Ye had by walking multiple paths was gradually beginning to show. Chen Guang could no longer move up, while Fan Wenli was already slowing down in her rise. With celebrities like these encountering a bottleneck in their careers, it greatly surprised many of those industry peers, experts, and the media who were not optimistic about Zhang Ye!


    ��This was what you called "good preparation is the key to sess"!

 Chapter 728: A grand prize is drawn! (Beginning)

    <h4>Chapter 728: A grand prize is drawn! (Beginning) </h4>


    Chapter 728: A grand prize is drawn! (Beginning)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Late at night.


    In the dead of night, almost every household was asleep.


    Zhang Ye was at his parents'' house checking on the performance of his poprity in recent days and slightly summarizing his thoughts about his work for the past few months. Overall, he was pretty satisfied with how everything has turned out. At least whenparing it to how he was doing at the beginning of the year, he was doing much better in recent days. His poprity had also grown exponentially and could not be mentioned in the same breath as the past. Other celebrities might have encountered a bottleneck and slowed down in their progress the moment they entered the B-list rankings, but it was the exact opposite for Zhang Ye. It seemed like he had only just started ascending and heading toward the peak of his career.


    His short-term goal was reached earlier than expected, putting him in a very good mood.


    After summing it all up, it was about time for the lottery draw.


    During the recent college entrance examination question setting, Zhang Ye had spent a good half of his reputation points earned from the first few episodes of The Voice. He used them to increase his understanding and knowledge of this world by reading books rted to the social sciences, novels of this world, foreign history, foreignnguages, and all other sorts of books with varying topics. He scanned through all those books once, then by using the Memory Search Capsules, he revisited all the text and images to store them into his mind, increasing his knowledge greatly and getting a better understanding of this world. Although not perfect yet, at the very least he wouldn''t identally reveal that he wasn''t from this world due to ack of basic general knowledge��this was more than enough as his greatest weakness was slowly being made up for.


    As for whether the additional knowledge was enough for him to relearn, Zhang Ye knew that it was not. He did not expect himself to be able to summon the wind and call for rain with just some books, since knowledge from text and images were almost always more passive in nature. It wasn''t as if he could practically apply all of the replicated knowledge he had be so familiar with now. It wasn''t that powerful, otherwise, what was the point in having teachers? This was why the additional knowledge was just a way to supplement and enrich Zhang Ye and improve himself. He did not expect that he could put them to use any time soon. If there was anything he knew that he could depend on, it was the lottery draw. With the existence of the game ring, it was the most direct and practical help that Zhang Ye could use. This was his greatest trump card!


    It had been some time since he had done the lottery draw. He was itching for it!


    First, a check to see how many reputation points had been earned!


    Zhang Ye was already prepared to have a spin at the lottery with all that he had. He opened up the game ring''s virtual screen and immediately saw a long string of numbers appearing overhead.


    183 million, 82 thousand Reputation Points!


    Hey!


    It''s a little less than expected!


    The figure was a bit less than Zhang Ye''s expected amount of reputation. He felt that it was a little low, but still eptable overall.


    He understood that it was because of proving the mathematical conjecture he had gotten so many reputation points at that time, which caused him to have a higher expectation than what he was seeing now. But thinking about it practically, quite a lot of the reputation points he had gained earlier through the college entrance exam questions and The Voice he had already spent earlier. Moreover, The Voice might have high viewership ratings even when taking into ount this world''s factors and had gotten a 2-point rating, but that still would notpare to the sensation caused by proving a mathematical conjecture. After all, Dale''s Conjecture was huge, something that epassed the entire world, so even if it was just a minority of people in each country who gave it their attention, his reputation points would still increase by a lot. That should not surprising at all.


    As for why the mathematical conjecture did not bring more real world poprity to Zhang Ye aspared to The Voice, he also knew the reason for it. After Dale''s Conjecture had been proven, many people learned of it and were shocked by it. But because Zhang Ye was considered a rookie in the mathematics world, coupled with the fact that proving a mathematical conjecture did not count as entertainment news, or to be precise, it was not considered a mainstream topic within the entertainment industry or of interest to the people, this had created the reason for why proving the mathematical conjecture did not bring Zhang Ye as much poprity as The Voice, even though his game ring''s reputation points had increased by a lot. But on the whole, the game ring''s reputation points'' system still worked rather proportionately with Zhang Ye''s poprity score in the real world, except in special circumstances like the situation surrounding the mathematical conjecture where there was some difference to a certain extent on how he gained his reputation points and poprity.


    Alright, it was time for the lottery draw!


    He would use the first draw and ce a small bet to test his luck!


    He brought up the lottery draw interface and his eyes scanned the options avable. He did not choose the upgraded lottery draw system. Instead, he just lightly touched the option that said "Lottery Draw (One)." This was the lottery draw system that was avable prior to the system upgrade. But even if it was an older version and the prize items that could be won from it could no longer help much to Zhang Ye''s progress, there were still some exceptions. In the Lottery Draw (One) system, he could win items like the "Difficulty Adjustment Die" which was cheap yet overpowered. The key was that its fail rate was very low, in that winning an empty treasure chest was unlikely. Compared to the new Lottery Draw (Two) system which had about a 50% chance ofnding on an "empty" icon if he did not use the Lucky Halo, the probability of winning a prize was a lot higher in the older version. Zhang Ye had never intended to stop using the Lottery Draw (One) system. He was about to test his luck with it now.


    He clicked and purchased the right to y one round of the lottery draw!


    100,000 Reputation Points were deducted.


    Once the wheel started spinning, Zhang Ye immediately clicked on the Additional Stakes button and added 99 stakes, making it a total of 100 stakes and spending 10 million points for this round of the lottery draw!


    Once around!


    Five times around!


    The wheel spun extremely fast and then gradually slowed down!


    "Special Category!"


    "Give me the Special Category!"


    Zhang Ye whispered under his breath the entire time.


    In the end, it came to a stop in the Skills Category zone.


    100 Treasure Chests (Small) came spilling out. Zhang Ye took a deep breath and lowered his head to open the chests and reveal the item that he won!


    [Basics of Directing Skill Experience Book] �� 100.


    Basics of Directing? Wasn''t this a required course when majoring in directing?


    Zhang Ye blinked several times. This skill experience book had him surprised a little, as it was a prize that wasn''t too different from what he had expected. It looked like his luck today was rather good.


    As a result, without another word, Zhang Ye pressed Lottery Draw (One) again!


    It started again!


    100 additional stakes!


    Another 10 million Reputation Points were spent just like that!


    Looking at the spinning wheel, Zhang Ye screamed in his head again, hoping for a prize in the Special Category. This might be the older lottery draw system, but a prize from the Special Category could still mean getting the rights to purchase normal items from the Merchant Shop. Even if it didn''tpare with the newer and upgraded Lottery Draw (Two), it would still be a great help to him. An item that could be bought without limit and at any time he needed it as long as he had the required amount of Reputation Points was much better than getting an item that he might only get to use once, unless that item was on the same level as the one in his inventory��the 1-Up item. However, there still might be a Merchant Shop purchase right to the 1-Up item, so if he could win a Special Category prize that gave him the rights to purchase the 1-Up item from the Merchant Shop, wouldn''t it be even better?


    So as long as he couldnd in the Special Category zone, Zhang Ye wouldn''t want it any other way. Unfortunately, these oues were not up to him and he could only depend upon luck!


    Ding!


    The wheel stopped. The needle pointed at the Skills Category zone again!


    The lottery draw ended!


    [Camera Techniques Skill Experience Book] �� 101.


    When Zhang Ye saw this, he was again very happy with it. He thought about how strangely coincidental this result was. Camera techniques? This should also be part of the sybus for a directing major, right? The prizes he got today from the lottery draw were all rted to directing work, and were even quite useful to Zhang Ye. Although he was the executive director of The Voice, everyone knew that Zhang Ye wasn''t exactly a true-blue director. He was considered someone who had no solid foundations in directing. He had only managed to do the show so well because he had the original The Voice show from his previous world to follow along with, and also the fact that a talent show did not really necessitate much skill from a director. This was not a TV drama or a movie, so it was much easier to handle the program as a director.


    Now that The Voice had ended, Zhang Ye''s next program was still undecided. He had not started considering what his next program would be, so naturally, if he experienced two types of directing skills to boost his resume, wouldn''t it be even better? Even if Zhang Ye were toe across any program that had very difficult shots to handle, he would still risk taking on the job as the executive director. 100 books of both the Basics of Directing and Camera Techniques skills? Together with his experience and the original shows from his world, Zhang Ye believed that he could definitely match up against any director who had just made their debut or graduated from directing school. This allowed him to add even more clout and qualifications to himself. Do you know how important the role of the executive director in a program is? If Zhang Ye could handle the entire process by himself, then he definitely wouldn''t let others do it. Besides, with these kinds of Experience Books, he could put them to good use for TV dramas or movie filming in the future!


    It was time to "eat" them all!


    A total of 201 Skill Experience Books were "eaten" and "digested" by Zhang Ye!


    After taking a deep breath, Zhang Ye reopened the lottery draw screen. With some hesitation, his eyesnded on the Lottery Draw (Two) option. With focused determination, he reached out his hand and clicked the new lottery draw system. This was still the lottery draw that he was most anticipating. After all, even though the Lottery Draw (Two) system was much riskier and he had wasted quite a lot of Reputation Points on it before, the prizes that could be won in Lottery Draw (Two) was totally iparable to those in Lottery Draw (One)!


    It was time to give it a try.


    With the same attitude as the previous times, Zhang Ye was unwilling to activate the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) as it cost too many reputation points to use. 100,000 Reputation Points for just one second of usage, if kept on for one minute, would force him to spend 6 million Reputation Points. This was almost the same as spending 10 million reputation points in Lottery Draw (Two), so he was exceedingly unwilling to use it!


    The total reputation points he had left now was slightly over 160 million. Zhang Ye immediately clicked and purchased one ticket to y!


    10 million Reputation Points suddenly vanished into thin air!


    The slot machine lit up and the icons in the windows started spinning!


    Stats Category��


    Empty��


    Empty��


    Consumption Category��


    Skills Category��


    Empty��


    Skills Category��


    No matter which icon showed up on the slot machine, Zhang Ye just kept whispering the same name under his breath��"Special Category." But the probability of the Special Category icon appearing in this version of the lottery draw was way too low. Compared to Lottery Draw (One), it was even lower. In any case, whether it was because Zhang Ye''s eyesight wasn''t too good or something else, after staring at the slot machine''s windows for half a minute, Zhang Ye did not manage to spot the Special Category icon even once!


    Eventually, after a long time, he suddenly seemed to have caught a glimpse of the Special Category icon shing across the slot windows!


    That''s right! Don''t mention getting it, even just seeing it was difficult, so what would you make of the chances tond on that category!


    Zhang Ye wasn''t confident either. All he did was stare at the slot machine that wasing to a stop, hoping for a miracle to happen!

 Chapter 729: A grand prize is drawn! (Middle)

    <h4>Chapter 729: A grand prize is drawn! (Middle) </h4>


    Chapter 729: A grand prize is drawn! (Middle)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    A momentter, the spinning of the slot machine''s windows started slowing down. The icons slowly slid down one by one,ing to a halt. Now, three of the icons could be seen clearly. They were respectively, the Stats Category icon, another Stats Category icon, and finally, an "Empty" icon. From his experience, Zhang Ye analyzed that the slot machine would stop on one of those three icons.


    Ba da.


    The first Stats Category icon slid past without stopping.


    Zhang Ye''s mouth was getting dry. "Stop! That''s enough!"


    With the movement speed of a tortoise, ba da, the second Stats Category icon did not stick. Under Zhang Ye''s speechless gaze, it also slid down and the slot machine finally came to a stop on the next icon!


    Empty!


    Nothing came out!


    Zhang Ye looked up in anger. How infuriating! Special Category? This new lottery draw system made it so that it would even be very difficult to win a prize! Did he really have to resort to activating the Lucky Halo? Zhang Ye could feel the pinch. After all, the 10 million Reputation Points he had just spent had be flushed down the drain. This wasn''t a small sum of Reputation Points whatsoever. Like the previous two times when he got the "Empty" category, Zhang Ye had wanted to save on using the Lucky Halo at that time as it would cost a lot of reputation points just to activate it. However, in the end, not only did he not save any reputation points, he even wasted them. If he only knew, he would have activated the Lucky Halo right from the start. Even though it might cost more reputation points, at least he would be guaranteed to win a prize.


    It''s time to y again!


    But I''m not going to believe this shit!


    Zhang Ye was triggered. This guy was basically beingpetitive with himself now. He deliberately chose not to activate the Lucky Halo and wanted to see if he would actually not end up with any prize!


    Again!


    Zhang Ye spent another 10 million Reputation Points and tapped the lottery draw button angrily!


    The slot machine started moving!


    It cycled and cycled!


    Making lots of noise!


    This time, Zhang Ye chose to simply not look at it. He turned away and lit a cigarette, then took out his cell phone and fiddled with it. The virtual screen moved along shakily with the movement of the game ring on his pinky while Zhang Ye insistently refused to look at it. Finally, he heard a "ding" that signaled the end lottery draw round. Only then did Zhang Ye quickly look over. When he saw the results, heughed loudly. This time, he finally won a prize. The slot machine had stopped at the Consumption Category icon!


    Treasure Chest (Medium) was rewarded!


    Zhang Ye lowered his head and opened the treasure chest lid. It was a bright and blinding sight, then with a sh, the brightness faded away and he could see a white card inside the treasure chest. It was suspended in midair within the chest, spinning around on its own axis. The card''s border was even beautifully patterned.


    He picked up the item and saw its exnation text.


    [ Specified Category Lottery Draw Ticket (White) ] 1: Upon activation, the category of a lottery draw prize can be specified, but limited only to the Consumption Category, Stats Category, and Skills Category. This does not include the Special Category of prizes.


    Specified category?


    Does that mean that after using this ticket, other than specifying the Special Category of prizes, any other category could be chosen?


    This item seemed like it wasn''t too bad. After Zhang Ye analyzed it for a long time, he felt that this item was really quite valuable. Although the ticket might not look like it was worth 10 million Reputation Points and did not feel like it had much use, but when you think about it carefully��yes, it was really no f**king use at all!


    What lousy item was this!


    Does it need to be such a lousy item in terms of its cost-to-performance ratio!


    Even if this card could specify the category of prizes and prevent the chance ofnding on an Empty icon, making it possible to be assured of a prize for the lottery draw, it was an item that was totally not worth the reputation points he paid for it with. If there was no such thing as the Lucky Halo, it might have been OK. But since Zhang Ye had the godly upgraded Lucky Halo, this item he had just received was truly of little use to him. What this ticket could achieve the Lucky Halo could do the same. It wouldn''t even need as many reputation points to get the same results. Yet this ticket took 10 million Reputation Points to get from the lottery draw. The only advantage this ticket had was that it could specify the category of prizes he wanted. However, Zhang Ye had never had an objective when ying the lottery draw, neither was he picky about what categories he could get. It didn''t matter what he received, as long as it was useful. That was why, with the condition of the ticket not being able to grant the Special Category of prizes, the item was really of little use to Zhang Ye. Its cost-to-performance ratio was very poor.


    He was really down on his luck today!


    No way, I won''t believe this!


    Having used up so many reputation points by now, yet the returns were so barren, Zhang Ye was naturally very unhappy and unsatisfied. He wanted to give it another spin, except that he did not insist on being so stubborn this time around. He was ready to activate the Lucky Halo and put it to use. He had to ensure the sess rate and quality of the lottery draw prize, otherwise, how could he do justice to all the hard work he had put into the making of The Voice? All of his reputation points were earned by sweating blood and tears for his work!


    He went to the bathroom to wash his face and hands before returning to his bedroom. When he sat back down on his bed, he immediately opened up his inventory and looked for that item, the "Specified Category Lottery Draw Ticket (White)" and used it!


    [Confirm usage of item?]


    Zhang Ye tapped "yes"!


    [Please choose your specified category of items in the correct lottery draw version.]


    Zhang Ye chose it for Lottery Draw (Two) and then hesitated for a moment before finally choosing to get a Consumption Category prize.


    [Confirm / Cancel]


    Zhang Ye tapped "Confirm".


    The next moment, when the ticket was activated, it glowed white and then shattered into a million pieces. The now glowing white dots of lights slowly floated toward the slot machine and dived into the Lottery Draw (Two) button, activating the lottery draw interface. Zhang Ye was in no hurry to begin the lottery draw and instead went over to the Merchant Shop interface. He took a deep breath and tapped the Lucky Halo (Upgraded), activating it. In an instant, a white halo hovered over his forehead as it emitted a pulsing glow that rippled outwards. That effect looked amazing and cool!


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    The Lucky Halo had already started to deduct reputation points as it went down 100,000 Reputation Points every second!


    Zhang Ye did not waste time enjoying his suave look any longer. He knew that every second was valuable, so he quickly went back to the Lottery Draw (Two) interface.


    Eh?


    This is?


    He suddenly saw something he hadn''t noticed before. At the bottom right corner of the slot machine, there was a lever-like mechanism unlike the handle lever of the slot machine. This lever was instead smaller by several times, and because the slot machine had many design patterns and colors on it, if one did not look carefully, one would probably have ignored it. It was clear that this smaller lever had been there all along, only that Zhang Ye had not noticed it before.


    What would this do?


    He had to give it a try!


    Zhang Ye cautiously ced his hand over it and touched it, then pushed it upwards once. It resulted in a text disy appearing!


    [Additional Stakes]


    [Total additional stakes: 1]


    Zhang Ye blinked, then pushed the lever downwards.


    [Reduced Stakes]


    [Total additional stakes: 0]


    With that, Zhang Ye understood what was going on. This was the additional stakes lever. It was simr to the additional stakes button in Lottery Draw (One) except its interface and operating manner was different, though its function was more or less the same. So it seemed that Lottery Draw (Two) also had an additional stakes function. Since Zhang Ye had his Lucky Halo activated at the moment, and with the Specified Category Lottery Draw Ticket in y, you could say that he was already heavily invested. Naturally, it would be a waste if he only managed to win a single prize!


    Add!


    Zhang Ye knew that time waited for no man, so he acted quickly and put in some additional stakes!


    After he added 10 additional stakes at a cost of 100 million Reputation Points, Zhang Ye finally started the lottery draw. He pulled the lever and activated the slot machine!


    The icons slid down one by one at a very fast pace!


    All of the icons were without exception disying the same thing!


    Consumption Category!


    Consumption Category!


    Consumption Category!


    Throughout, he could see that every icon was the same, showing the Consumption Category icon. But in fact, there were differences between them because behind each Consumption Category icon was a corresponding treasure chest, and the items in those treasure chests surely had to be different. But since this was not something he could see from the outside, Zhang Ye did not know which one was good and which one was bad.


    10 seconds��


    30 seconds��


    Soon, he learned of the result!


    The slot machine windows'' final disyed icon was one of the Consumption Category icons!


    Zhang Ye tapped the 10 Treasure Chest (Medium) that were all the same size and opened them all at once!


    But what shocked Zhang Ye was that the items in the opened treasure chests were, in a never seen before phenomenon, the exact same item as the previous lottery draw! Nothing like this had ever happened to him before!


    [Specified Category Lottery Draw Ticket (White)] �� 10.


    It was this lousy thing again!?


    And it''s even 10 of them this time?


    This bro spent 100 million worth of reputation points on this?


    Zhang Ye was falling apart. He had even resorted to activating the Lucky Halo this time, so why did it end up this way? Why the hell would I need so many specified category tickets?!


    However, just as Zhang Ye was about to throw a tantrum and swear, a change urred in the tickets. The 10 specified category tickets started glowing and a line of words appeared without warning.


    [10 lottery draw tickets have been gathered.]


    [Confirm merge.]


    [Yes / No]


    Zhang Ye was taken aback by this and subconsciously tapped "Yes".


    The ten white cards were suddenly shredded and turned into specks of lights floating in the air. After a brief moment, they suddenly started to merge together. After that finished, a ck card appeared!


    Zhang Ye stretched out his hand with surprise and took it.


    [Specified Category Lottery Draw Ticket (ck)]: Upon activation, all categories of lottery draw prizes can be specified!


    All?


    All categories?


    So does that mean it includes the Special Category too??


    Zhang Ye swore out loud, then broke out intoughter. This certainly took an interesting twist from despair to hope. It was too goddamn exciting!


    100 million Reputation Points in exchange for a prize in the Special Category of the upgraded lottery system that could give him the right to purchase items from the Merchant Shop?


    Was it worth it?


    Of course it was worth it!


    It was way too worth it!


    Zhang Ye was then suddenly reminded that his Lucky Halo was still activated and 100,00 reputation points were still getting deducted with each passing second. Immediately, he focused, and without hesitating, he activated the ck card that was just formed a moment ago. This time, he did not put in any additional stakes as the Special Category prizes were not items but the right to purchase items from the Merchant Shop. Even if he were to increase it by 100 stakes, the right to purchase items would still be the same quantity. That would just waste his reputation points!


    10 million Reputation Points were spent in an instant!


    The Lottery Draw (Two) slot machine started shaking!


    Looking at the icons on the slot machine as they speedily slid down the slot machine''s windows, Zhang Ye was in awe of it all. The reason was none other than that all of the icons on them were now the same!


    Special Category!


    They were all Special Category icons!


    Seeing all of those icons densely packed together, it would thrill any who saw it!


    This bro had used up almost all of his reputation points for this now, so it better be something good!

 Chapter 730: A grand prize is drawn! (End)

    <h4>Chapter 730: A grand prize is drawn! (End) </h4>


    Chapter 730: A grand prize is drawn! (End)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    He was full of anticipation!


    In addition to his anticipation, he also felt very nervous!


    Zhang Ye did not even blink and just stared steadily at the slot machine, waiting for it toe to a stop. Whether it was a positive or negative oue, he had already ced all of his bets on it. If he could get his ideal item''s purchasing right from the Merchant Shop, it would be the greatest result that Zhang Ye had experienced since he received the game ring. But if he received the right to purchase an item that was basically useless to him, then it would be the worst result in the entire history of Zhang Ye''s lottery draw experience!


    Heaven?


    Or Hell?


    It all depended on this oue!


    Finally, after what seemed like more than an hour, the slot machine came to a stop after spinning for a long time. It stopped at one of the Special Category icons!


    Ding!


    The item came out!


    [Received purchasing rights at the merchant shop.]


    [Invisibility (Upgraded)]


    Invisibility?


    And it was even the upgraded version?


    Zhang Ye heart was pumping much harder now. He quickly went to the Merchant Shop and deactivated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) first before tapping on Invisibility (Upgraded) to check out what it was really about. The new item was represented by an icon that was a half-transparent, pudding-like symbol that could have been either hieroglyphic text or a pictograph. The instructive text was disyed below, but the introduction of the item did not talk much about the Invisibility item''s function and effect in detail. All it mentioned was how it would help the yer achieve a state of invisibility. As for its activation, it was the same as the Lucky Halo!


    It would start when it got activated, and stop when it got deactivated.


    It was again an item whose usage was counted by the second. Every second that it was used, it would cost 100,000 Reputation Points!


    Zhang Ye cried out. It was yet another item that would "suck up" all his reputation points!


    When he had first received the game ringst year, he received an Invisibility Potion during a lottery draw once. Back then, he used it up at thendy auntie''s house and was nearly discovered by Rao Aimin as well. Luckily, he managed to escape at that time. This was why he was not unfamiliar with bing invisible since he had done it once before. At that time, the effect of the Invisibility Potion could be said to be quite powerful, but the only disadvantage was that the user had to get naked for it to work, since if the clothing was not removed, it would give the whole thing away. But for this Invisibility (Upgraded) that he had just received from the lottery draw, what difference would there be from the unupgraded version of invisibility? Zhang Ye was not sure. He needed to test it out, and luckily for him, there were still some reputation points left over. Although it wasn''t a lot, it should at least be enough for him to test out the item.


    There was a full-length mirror in the wardrobe of his bedroom. Zhang Ye went over and opened it and stood in front of the mirror. Then, he activated the Invisibility (Upgraded)!


    Invisibility was activated!


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    His reputation points were being deducted!


    At the same time, Zhang Ye saw himself enveloped in a sh of light, and in that second, in his shocked gaze his reflection in the mirror suddenly disappeared!


    His hair was invisible!


    His face could not be seen!


    His legs disappeared as well!


    This upgraded version could even make his clothes invisible? It masked the entire body?


    Just when Zhang Ye thought that this was how it was, he discovered that there was a part of his him that could still be seen. His shoes. He took a few steps and observed the pair of shoes seemingly floating around in the air, an image that looked strange and out of ce. Zhang Ye frowned at this. Why was it that his clothes could turn invisible but not his shoes?


    Eh?


    It looked like his socks also turned invisible? Could it be?


    Zhang Ye analyzed it and came down to one possible reason for this to happen. He immediately took action and bent down, putting his hands into the shoes to push down his socks a little. The reason for this was to simply push his socks further down so that his ankles coulde into contact with his shoes. As expected, the moment when his ankles came into direct contact with his shoes, the shoes also instantaneously be invisible. They couldn''t be seen anymore. Zhang Ye had achieved perfect invisibility without any problems!


    So it seemed like the condition for clothing to turn invisible along with him was that it has to be in direct contact with his skin. The reason his shoes did not turn invisible earlier was due to him wearing socks and that those came between his feet and shoes. With this understanding, even in the event he had to wearyers of clothing during the spring weather, as long as Zhang Ye allowed those additionalyers'' sleeves or cors toe in contact with his skin, he could still turn invisible at any time!


    This was way too easy to use!


    Just this item alone made the entire lottery draw worthwhile! This function of this item had greatly exceeded Zhang Ye''s expectations and imagination. Turning invisible whenever he wanted? Having the ability to disappear if he wanted to disappear? Zhang Ye felt that this was basically a godly technique. The only disadvantage it had was that it cost too much to use, at a rate of 100,000 Reputation Points per second!


    Oh right, Invisibility is still on. I should quickly try out other things as well!


    Zhang Ye did not wish to be wasteful, so he quickly walked over to the desk and picked up a pen. Suddenly, the pen disappeared into thin air. Then he used his other hand to touch the desk''s surface and the ratherrge desk also became invisible, leaving theputer, books, and stationery looking like they were suspended in midair!


    As expected!


    Anything he touched would turn invisible as long as the item he touched was in general aplete item. Even though theputer and some books were ced on the desk, but since they were not a part of the whole, the invisibility effect did not transfer over. As for what could be considered a plete item," Zhang Ye didn''t know how the game ring would determine it. Zhang Ye could only guess at it. But for now, this was all he needed to know.


    Seeing that his overall reputation points were getting smaller and smaller, Zhang Ye immediately put a stop to his experimentation and deactivated Invisibility. Then he sat on his bed, trying to calm his excitement!


    This was great! What a grand prize he had gotten!


    The Heavens had not forsaken me after all! This 100 million worth of reputation points was at least not spent for nothing!


    Thinking about it, all of the reputation points he had gathered over many days were used up. In exchange, he received 100 of each of the Basics of Directing and Camera Techniques Skill Experience Books, as well as a godly technique that was Invisibility. All of this left Zhang Ye feeling extremely satisfied.


    Opening up the game ring''s Inventory interface, Zhang Ye started taking stock of the items he had in it.


    [Difficulty Adjustment Die] �� 1.


    [X-ray Vision Eye Drops] �� 1.


    [Pause Game] �� 1.


    [Strength Potion] �� 10+


    [1-Up] �� 1.


    Purchasable Items in Merchant Shop: Memory Search Capsule, Taiji Fist Skill Experience Book, Lucky Halo (Upgraded), Invisibility (Upgraded).


    He also had Lock Picking, Calligraphy, Higher Mathematics, Computer Programming, Network Technology, Basic Directing, and other directing skills.


    The current Zhang Ye was no longer the same person he was a year ago when he had nothing at all. Right now, he was equipped with many skills and items, though not fully armed to the teeth yet. But at least it was still incrementally being added to. His cards were increasingly getting stronger every day and he was getting closer and closer to his goal of bing an S-list celebrity!


    When heid down on his bed, Zhang Ye was full of an unprecedented confidence. He fell asleep contented.

 Chapter 731: Meeting Wu Zeqing’s family

    <h4>Chapter 731: Meeting Wu Zeqing''s family </h4>


    Chapter 731: Meeting Wu Zeqing''s family


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    The next day.


    With his next program still undetermined, Zhang Ye went ahead with his vacation.


    After breakfast, Zhang Ye was in a very happy mood. He hummed a tune that sounded like a Jingyun Dagu or a verse from an introductory poem that no one could really make out. Inside his bedroom, he pretentiously set up a desk and ced the Four Treasures of the Study on it. It was rare of him to be in the mood to practice calligraphy. Although his house was not big and did not have much space, he could still make do with it. Since it was only for practice, it did not matter how big the space was as long as there was a brush, paper, and ink. [1.] [2.]


    He picked up a brush and dipped it in the ink.


    Then he smoothly wrote out the song he was humming.


    "Storytelling, acting to persuade people."


    "Walking the middle of three roads."


    "What goes aroundes around."


    "Experience is��"


    As he sang, his mother knocked on the door from the hallway. "Don''t sing anymore, you''re too noisy!"


    Zhang Ye snorted, "What so noisy about it? This is art."


    His father also said something at this moment. "Chenchen wants to go out."


    "What does she want to go out for? Just let her stay home and watch television," Zhang Ye said.


    The door opened and Chenchen walked in. "Zhang Ye, I want to go y with my ssmates. I''ve already arranged to meet up with them."


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips disapprovingly. "It''s such a mess out there. I don''t want you running around outside."


    Chenchen was not having any of it. "Zhang Ye, send me there."


    His mother said, "Chenchen is going to her ssmate''s house. A few of her ssmates have arranged to have lunch at Mengmeng''s house. The ce is not far away, so send Chenchen over, and pick her up in the afternoon."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "I''m busy right now."


    His mother stared at him and said, "What are you busy with?"


    "I''m dabbling in the arts," Zhang Ye said confidently.


    Chenchen came over and looked at the calligraphy on the Xuan paper, then let out a contemptuous "hur hur."


    His mother seethed. "You call writing some crappy words dabbling in the arts? Then if I steam some buns, can I call it scientific research!? Stop talking nonsense. Hurry up and send the child there. Her ssmates are waiting for her. I just got off the phone with Mengmeng''s mother and she informed me that they are already preparing lunch."


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "Alright, I understand." After that, he looked at Chenchen and groaned, "You only know how to cause trouble for me. Old Rao is too much. She said she would return in a month at most, but it''s already been three months and there''s still no news of her. This bro is going to be a professional nanny soon. Let''s go then, Little Grandaunt."


    He put on his sunsses and a face mask. Zhang Ye held Chenchen''s hand and led her downstairs. As Mengmeng''s house was not situated too far, as it was on Zixin Road, he decided to not drive and just walked with Chenchen straight to Mengmeng''s house.


    Today''s weather was not bad. The weather was cooling and there were clear skies above them. It was quite rare to see clear blue skies in Beijing these days, so it was also a good chance to take a stroll and enjoy themselves.


    They reached their destination. It was an apartmentplex that still hadn''t been torn down, and was located inside an alleyway.


    "Chenchen!"


    "Chenchen is here!"


    "Ah, and Uncle Zhang!"


    "Hello, Uncle Zhang."


    Her young friends all ran out to greet them.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Hello, everyone."


    Zhang Ye had met these children before during the school''s parent-teacher meetings. They were in the same ss. There were four children, two boys and two girls. However, he was unable to call them by name.


    Mengmeng''s parents also came outside.


    "Yo, Teacher Zhang is here?"


    "Teacher Zhang, quick,e into the house quickly and have a seat!"


    Mengmeng''s parents were very friendly and rather polite.


    Zhang Ye quickly gestured with his hands. "There''s no need for that. Let the children y by themselves. I''ve got to go. Chenchen is a naughty girl, so if anything happens, please be tolerant of her. Sorry for giving you additional trouble."


    Mengmeng''s motherughed and said, "It''s no trouble at all. Chenchen has always been Mengmeng''s closest friend."


    Mengmeng''s father said, "Since The Voice has finished broadcasting, we don''t know what other shows there are to watch anymore. Is your new program starting production yet?"


    "It should be soon," Zhang Ye said.


    He made small talk for a long time.


    Chenchen pulled on Zhang Ye''s sleeves impatiently and said, "Zhang Ye, you can go now."


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "Whoa, you''re chasing me away now?"


    Everyone was tickled.


    "Alright, I''lle back and pick you upter." Zhang Ye reminded Chenchen again to be obedient and not to cause any trouble. Then he left and strolled east. Actually, he was very worried about Chenchen, even though he always deriding her by picking at her faults. However, when the moment the kid got out of his sight, Zhang Ye could not quite get used to it and was always afraid that she would cause trouble or something bad would happen. He was worried because this little one was very different from the kids her age in that she should not be assessed by thinking of her as a child.


    He walked and walked.


    He had nearly reached Taoran Pavilion Garden''s North Gate. It was just ahead.


    Just as he was thinking about whether he should go to the park to enjoy the view of theke, he spotted in his peripheral vision a BMW 7 Series parked on the opposite side of the road. It looked very familiar. As this color of BMW 7 Series cars were notmonly seen around the area, coupled with the fact that Old Wu also lived nearby, Zhang Ye immediately walked closer to take a look at the license te. Heh, so it really was Wu Zeqing''s car! What a coincidence! And so he crossed the road and stood beside the car, looking around and waiting.


    About five minutester.


    Wu Zeqing''s figure appeared from a market in the wide but dark alleyway, carryingrge and small bags of stuff and walking in the direction of the BMW.


    Zhang Ye waved at her. "Old Wu!"


    Wu Zeqing looked up with a smile and said, "What are you doing here?"


    "I was just taking a stroll when I saw your car." Zhang Ye pointed at the BMW. "You came to buy some food? Isn''t there a Wumart Store on Taiping Street?"


    Old Wu said, "That ce is a bit more expensive."


    "You''re not working today?"


    "I have a half-day and need to go to the office in the afternoon. Are you on break too?"


    "Yes, the entire program team is on break for two days." Zhang Ye nced at the things she was carrying and asked, "You bought so much stuff? You have visitors at your house?"


    "My rtives came to visit me." Old Wu ced the bags into the car and invited, "Do you want toe over to my ce?"


    Zhang Ye said nervously, "Aren''t your rtives at your house? How can I go there?"


    Old Wu smiled. "What about it? It''s not like there''s a conflict of interest there. Let''s go."


    Zhang Ye hesitated. "About that, I don''t think it''s appropriate? Our rtionship is still under wraps, so I''m thinking when the asion is right, we could officially��"


    Old Wu smiled and looked at him. "Are you afraid of going?"


    When he heard this, Zhang Ye let out an uncontrolledugh. He was a person who could not take provocation lightly and immediately got ruffled. He threw his head forward, cupping his ears as if he did not hear her clearly. "Eh, what did you just say? I seem to have heard you say that I was ''afraid''? Afraid of going? Me? Afraid of going? Aiyo! Old Wu, why are you so funny? Me? Afraid of going? I have nothing to be afraid of! Isn''t that a huge joke! Aiyo, this temper of mine, hurry up! Get in the car! I must definitely go to your house today! Let''s go! Start driving!" He got into the BMW and sat in the passenger seat.


    Old Wu: "��"


    Several pedestrians who were nearby also looked over, wondering to themselves what had gotten into the person wearing a face mask.


    Old Wu drove the car off. They reached Old Wu''s house within three minutes.


    When the car was parked, Zhang Ye coughed and immediately lost all his energy. "Do I really have to go in?"


    Old Wu smiled and said, "Yeah."


    "Your rtives are all here?"


    "No, only my elder sister is here."


    "Hai, you should have told me earlier!"


    After getting out of the car, Zhang Ye straightened his back. He was not terrified of seeing Old Wu''s elder sister, more worried that he would have to see her parents. If her entire family and rtives were all here, Zhang Ye wouldn''t have dared toe as the time to meet them was not ripe yet. With his current status and reputation, if Old Wu''s family saw him, they would probably demand he break up with Old Wu. Getting Old Wu to agree to be his girlfriend was only the first step. If he wanted to marry Old Wu, then his path ahead was sure to be beset with difficulties.


    In the vi.


    When they entered the house, Zhang Ye saw a plump figure.


    "You''re back?" The plump woman looked over.


    Old Wu put down the groceries and said, "I brought a friend over. We happened to bump into each other on the way just now."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Hello." He had already removed his sunsses and face mask.


    The fat woman was stunned. "Aiyo! Hey, isn''t this Teacher Zhang? Zeqing, you''re friends with Zhang Ye? Why didn''t you say so earlier?!"


    Old Wu remarked curiously, "Didn''t I say that before? Didn''t I invite Little Zhang to join Peking University? I was also the one who kinda linked him for the endorsement of Little Mo''s Brain Goldmercial."


    "You��" Zhang Ye opened his mouth to say something but he did not know how to address her. No one knew that he was in a rtionship with Old Wu, but he still couldn''t possibly call her Auntie, right? The seniority was also a little bit messy in this case. The woman standing in front of him had somewhat simr features to Wu Zeqing, but they had a wide age gap. She looked in her forties to fifties. He remembered that Old Wu had previously mentioned that she was fourth in her family. She had two elder sisters and an elder brother. This plumpdy was likely the eldest sister in her family.


    Thankfully, the plump woman said, "Just call me Fat Sis. That''s what everyone calls me."


    She even had a nickname? Zhang Ye said in a slightly reserved manner, "Sure, then I will address you as Fat Sis?"


    Old Wu gently said, "You two chat first, I will start preparing the food. Some of the food is quite troublesome to make and I''ll have to fry them in oil first before marinating them."


    Fat Sis waved her off with her hands. "Go ahead, I will chat with Little Zhang." Then she enthusiastically dragged Zhang Ye and sat on the sofa. "If I knew that you were so close to my younger sister, I would have invited you to our home to have a meal long ago. You might not know this, but I have seen all of your TV shows, especially The Voice. I got such a kick out of watching it that I even caught it online several times. It was simply out of this world!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Thanks for your support."


    "How''s Qian Pingfan? I liked him the most. Why didn''t he win first ce? Is there any conspiracy behind that?"


    "No, there isn''t!"


    "Really?"


    "A recordbel has already signed Little Qian. From what I understand, he will probably release a single sometimeter, so that could be considered his official debut."


    "Are you familiar with Luo Yu?"


    "Yes, I am."


    "Everyone imed that she''s a lesbian. Is that true?"


    "Heh, of course it is not true. Those are just rumors."


    Wu Zeqing''s eldest sister was quite a talkative person. She could speak about almost anything and wasmenting on everything. Coincidentally, Zhang Ye was also simrly good at chatting. The way they spoke and their natures felt quite simr. The more they talked, the more it felt like they had reallypatible personalities. The whole of the living room was filled with the sounds of Old Wu on the chopping board and the chattering between Zhang Ye and Fat Sis.


    About a full hourter.


    Fat Sis said, "Little Zhang, you''re quite a nice person. We must be friends!"


    Zhang Ye also said, "That''s for sure. If you need any help in the future, just tell me."


    "Now that you mention it, I really do have something I need your help with." Fat Sis shifted and said bluntly, "I saw the Brain Gold products you are endorsing for my nephew, Little Mo, selling like hot cakes. In the past, his health productspany was only valued at one-tenth of mypany. But after having benefited from his association with you, hispany has be the market leader in health products. Then that kid started bbering every day about his goal of getting hispany listed on the stock market. As someone senior to him, I''m also feeling the pressure now. Little Zhang, why don''t you be mypany''s spokesperson as well? We can also aim to get listed on the stock market!"


    Zhang Ye answered without even thinking. "Sure."


    In reality, Fat Sis was just speaking in jest and she did not expect Zhang Ye to really ept. After being stunned for a moment, she said, "I''m serious."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''m not kidding either."


    [1. Jingyun Dagu: storytelling in Beijing dialect with drum apaniment]


    [2. The introductory poem is used in crosstalk performances when the crosstalk actors make an appearance on stage. It is usually done in a softer volume, just enough to grab the attention of the audience so that they fully focus on trying to listen to it and not talk among themselves. It is used to quiet an audience before a performance. Also used in opera for when a character first appears.]

 Chapter 732: The birth of Plants vs. Zombies!

    <h4>Chapter 732: The birth of nts vs. Zombies! </h4>


    Chapter 732: The birth of nts vs. Zombies!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    An idle chat had turned into business talk.


    Wu Zeqing''s elder sister was likely a woman of her word, so since she brought up the issue as the conversation had somehow steered toward it, she was probably really hoping to get an influential celebrity''s endorsement for herpany. At the same time, Zhang Ye was not the type to n things. He just took things as they came and was also a more easygoing type of person.


    As a result, they hit it off very well.


    They settled an important matter in just a few lines of idle chatter.


    Fat Sis thought that this was somewhat hasty, not because of herself, but because Zhang Ye had promised her so freely. Therefore, she decided to give him a brief introduction to herpany. "I set up mypany some years ago with a partner, with me being the majority shareholder. Thepany is in the PC gaming industry, and mainly focuses on browser and puzzle games. We''re just a small, indiepany that cannotpete against thoserge video game publishers who deal with huge game projects. However, even though we''re an indiepany, we aren''t that small either. We do have a name carved out for ourselves in the industry and have ambitions to get into bigger projects. Some time ago, after ourpanypleted long-term research into puzzle games, we came up with a new project we have invested heavily into. We hope that it canpete with the top dogs in the market, but as you know about the video game industry these days, thepetition is very fierce and depends heavily on advertising campaigns. In many of the recently published games, the ad budget has even exceeded the game development budget for somepanies, so we can see just how important ad campaigns are."


    Zhang Ye nodded as he listened.


    Fat Sis insinuated, "We have also discussed this in ourst few meetings and were considering several celebrities, hoping to discuss an endorsement deal with them. But those were all just small-time celebrities. For a big shot like you, truthfully, we haven''t even given it any consideration since the endorsement fees are so high, therefore��"


    Zhang Ye suddenly interrupted, "I can sense that you''re insulting me."


    Fat Sis said, "Not at all."


    Zhang Ye said unhappily, "But you are. What big shot? What famous person? I''m just a small-time celebrity. What about the endorsement fee? Can you not ridicule me like that?"


    "But we have to talk about the money no matter what."


    "If you wish to talk about money, then I won''t be doing the endorsement for you."


    "Little Zhang, are you looking down on me?"


    "Not at all."


    "But you are. If we don''t discuss the endorsement fee, I can''t possibly make you do it pro bono, can I?"


    "Old Wu is my friend, so how can I ask you for any money? Why are you so funny? I don''t need a single cent. All I need is a word from you and we can sign the contract!"


    "Little Zhang, it''s meaningless if you put it that way. Business is business, even if you''re my sister''s friend. Anything between the two of you remains so, but business is business!"


    "But I think of you as a friend too, unless you don''t treat me as one?!"


    "It''s you who''s not treating me as your friend! What you''re saying is totally pointless!"


    "It''s you who''s being pointless! It''s just an endorsement for a game. All you need is to take a few photos of me and publish them, so why are you still bringing up the issue of money with me? Aiyo, aren''t you getting tired of this talk?"


    The two of them nearly started a fight, speaking in quick session. But of course, it wasn''t really a fight. The two of them were actually speaking with humility in every line they said. This kind of a conversation style could only be seen in Beijing throughout the entire country. It was typical of the Beijing style and couldn''t really be found anywhere else!


    Until noon, the two of them squabbled over the issue of the endorsement fee.


    "3 million. I can''t afford it if it''s any more than that."


    "I won''t take a single cent from you!"


    "With the reputation of Zhang Ye out there, it''s worth 3 million, so that''s settled!"


    "What reputation? I don''t have any reputation at all! Who the hell would know who I am?!"


    "You''re being pointless again, Little Zhang! Really pointless!"


    In the kitchen, the food for lunch had been prepared.


    Old Wu set the table and ced the dishes on it. Then she looked over with an air of gracefulness and said, "Enough, you two. You''ve been squabbling for the past two and a half hours, ever since I began preparing lunch. Do you two still have energy?"


    Only then did Fat Sis take a breather, take her cup of tea from the table, and gulp down the cold tea in several mouthfuls. "Hoo, I was dying of thirst!"


    Zhang Ye, finding it to be the right time now, said, "So it''s settled then, Fat Sis."


    Old Wu agreed, "Little Zhang''s not an outsider anyways. If he''s willing to endorse your game, just go ahead and use him. The endorsement fee can just be a symbolic one. Aren''t the finances for yourpany a little tight?"


    Fat Sis sighed. "That''s not right, that''s not right at all! Little Zhang might be a B-list celebrity, but everyone in the industry knows that hemands an A-list endorsement fee, especially in the wake of The Voice. No one would believe it if his fees don''t reach several million. Even a payout of 3 million is too shabby!"


    Old Wuughed. "At worst, you can wait until the game is released and everything has stabilized before giving Little Zhang his share through a share of the profits. It''s not really that big of a deal."


    Fat Sis said, "We still don''t know how the game will perform in the current market. The National Gaming Expo ising up, and the demo version hasn''t even beenpleted yet. There are still many details and kinks that need to be ironed out, so if it fails when the timees, how would I be able topensate Little Zhang?"


    They began eating.


    Zhang Ye was getting tired from talking. He sat at the dining table and immediately picked up the chopsticks to start eating.


    Old Wu also sat down, speaking as she ate, "I don''t know anything about video games, but you can discuss it with Little Ye. He has a quick mind and many ideas as well."


    "Right, I can advise you on some things," Zhang Ye said, still chewing on his food.


    Fat Sis did not take this to heart, and even picked up a piece of meat and put it in Zhang Ye''s bowl. She said, "Game development is quite different from making TV shows. They are twopletely different fields, so even though I know Little Zhang''s nning skills are very strong, it''s unlikely that he knows much about video games. The genre of this new game that we''re developing is a type of strategy-puzzle game in which the yer canmand a group of soldiers. There will be various types of weapons avable while the enemy will be theputer AI''s group of soldiers. The different types of weapons and soldiers will deal a range of different damage to the ''enemy.'' The yer''s objective will be to capture a central g on the map, but even if they do, they will just advance to the next stage where it bes harder and harder to win. Of course, there will also be boss characters for them toe up against."


    She gave a general overview of the game''s rules.


    Finally, Fat Sis said with a headache, "The game''s final version has generally beenpleted now, but regarding the battle between the soldiers, many of the staff at thepany feel that it''s too traditional and boring after they ytested the game. There''s no novelty to it, nor are the features outstanding. However, the advantage that we have is that our gamey is quite strong, with many stages avable. The preliminary design has 68 different levels, so the only thing left to ponder is how to make the game more interesting and creative."


    Listening up to here, Zhang Ye raised his head and blinked several times. "Does it have to be about soldiers fighting a battle?"


    Fat Sis nced at him. "It doesn''t have to be. We can change it any time we want."


    Zhang Ye hesitated for a moment and smiled, "Then let me share with you an idea. Tell me what you think."


    "Go ahead." Fat Sis did not take him too seriously.


    When it came to his girlfriend''s family, Zhang Ye was unconditional in giving. "Could we change the soldiers that the yer will be controlling to different types of nts and fungi that have their own unique offensive or defensive capabilities? And the enemies would be changed into different types of zombies."


    Fat Sis was stunned. "nts? Zombies?"


    Zhang Ye stopped eating. He put down his chopsticks and found a pen and paper, and started scribbling on it. "The gamey that I''m talking about is simr to your game overall. The difference is that the yer-controlled assets would be static, which means that it''s essentially a kind of tower defense game. With the scary zombies about to invade, each type of zombie would have its own unique features. For example, the Buckethead Zombie is extremely resistant to damage, while the Digger Zombie can dig beneath the yard to bypass nts that are nted on thewn, and so on." With every exnation, Zhang Ye sketched out simple forms to illustrate it to Fat Sis. "The yer will have to defend against the zombies by cing different types of nts on thewn. There will be several dozen types of nts with different characteristics, like the Cherry Bomb that can instantly kill all enemies within a certain range, while the Chomper can devour the zombie closest to it. The yers will have to strategically n their cement of the nts in ordance to the weaknesses of each type of zombie to gain victory."


    Fat Sis was so enthralled by the exnation that she no longer cared to eat. She anxiously asked, "Will there be enough stages though?"


    "Why would there not be enough? You mentioned that the game yourpany designed has 68 levels? In my opinion, that isn''t what I''d call enough. If it is ording to my design, every nt type would have different attacks, special abilities, and purchase costs. It''s also a developing process, with puzzle pieces to collect. There can be different game modes, such as adventure mode, survival mode, puzzle mode, mini-games, a zen garden, etc." He exined the overall concept of each mode before finally saying, "Then, including different areas on top of Day, like Night, Pool, Fog, and Roof, I dare say that this type of game has levels that are��virtually limitless!"


    In the half-hour talk, Zhang Ye sped through his exnation, speaking with more and more excitement as the number of pages he used to illustrate his proposal increased to more than a dozen on the dining table!


    Stageyout��


    nt names��


    Zombie characteristics and design��


    Almost everything was covered in detail!


    Fat Sis was incredibly stunned and amazed. "What is the title of this game!?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I hope you can name it��nts vs. Zombies!"

 Chapter 733: The busy Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 733: The busy Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 733: The busy Zhang Ye!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Afternoon.


    The design of nts vs. Zombies had been brought out by Zhang Ye.


    At the beginning, it was only Fat Sis who had been listening to Zhang Ye''s exnation with an excited look on her face. But as time passed, Old Wu''s vi was bing more and more lively as people knocked on her door one after another.


    A youth entered the vi, looking very puzzled. "Fat Sis."


    Fat Sis was the one who opened the door for him. Sheined, "Little Sun, why are you so slow?"


    The youth gave a wry smile. "I rushed over from thepany as soon as I got your call, but this address was quite difficult to find."


    "Hurry up ande in!" Fat Sis waved him in.


    The youth suddenly noticed Zhang Ye sitting in the living room. Shocked, he said, "Ah? Zhang��Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    "Don''t be surprised by everything,e over here and listen to what Teacher Zhang has to say!" Fat Sis''s title for Zhang Ye had also changed. She no longer called him Little Zhang.


    Dong, dong, dong.


    Someone had arrived again.


    "Fat Sis, what''s the urgent matter?" A middle-aged man arrived.


    "Old Lu, you''re here at the right time! Quicklye and listen!" Fat Sis said.


    The middle-aged man essentially did not know why he was here. "Huh? Listen to what?"


    "There''s a new concept for our new game!" Fat Sis said.


    The middle-aged man wondered, "Hasn''t the concept for our new game already been confirmed?"


    Fat Sis said, "Come here and listen, then you''ll understand! Hurry, hurry, hurry!"


    The middle-aged man did not recognize Zhang Ye but found him rather familiar looking. It seemed to him that this was a celebrity but he couldn''t remember the name. He found a chair and sat down.


    Zhang Ye was still exining the concept, not caring who was joining the meeting. He just kept speaking, "There''s basically no limit to the levels in the survival and puzzle modes. The enemiese wave after wave, and as long as the yer wants to keep ying, they can continue for six months to a year and it would still be yable. A linear, stage-clearing game can also be done this way. Each time that a stage has been cleared, the next one would just have its difficulty increased with more obstacles."


    Fat Sis anxiously asked, "How do we avoid a loss of interest from gaming fatigue if the yers can y forever?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "That''s easy. We just need to create an in-game store where nts'' puzzle pieces can be purchased. A yer can also purchase premium nts and other items in the store. There are many ways that a yer can earn money, like from growing a nt and then selling it back in the in-game store, or bypleting challenges to increase your gold and silver coins'' amount. This is a kind of endowed progress that can hook a yer into the game and increase their anticipation of whates next. As for gamey fatigue, mini-games can be added to negate that. Instead of letting the yer control the nts, they will be controlling the zombies instead, using all the types of zombies to attempt to eat the enemy''s nts. Then there are also mini-games like breaking vases and bowling!"


    One person!


    Five people!


    Ten people!


    The entire game development team from Fat Sis''pany hade over. There were more than a dozen people sitting around in Old Wu''s living room and all of them were listening to Zhang Ye''s exnation of the game with their mouths agape.


    Everyone was also constantly throwing questions at Zhang Ye.


    A female white-cor worker dressed in a business attire asked, "How many different variations of attack can the nts have? Wouldn''t it get too monotonous?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "You can have as many as you want. For example, the Cherry Bomb can blow up all zombies in an area around it, the Jpeno can blow up enemies in an entirene, some nts can shoot two or three attacks at once, some nts can attack targets in the air, some nts can block the path of the enemy, all kinds of attack variations can be created."


    A woman asked, "Wouldn''t that game take up a veryrge size then? Is this even a puzzle game anymore?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It might soundplicated, but the concept of the game is actually very simple and notplex at all. As long as you create the game as I have envisioned it, the final product will probably be less than 100 megabytes."


    Not only did he talk, he also illustrated his ideas.


    Sunflower��


    Peashooter��


    Cherry Bomb��


    And so on and so forth.


    When everyone took a look at the sketches that Zhang Ye drew as well as the level settings he listed, an image of the game that he was describing formed in their heads, greatly pumping them up!


    Fat Sis pped her thigh. "Awesome!"


    A lean-looking youth eximed, "This game sounds so cool! Amazing!"


    A middle-aged man also gasped. "I''ve never thought that a simple thing like a puzzle game could be yed this way. This is already miles ahead of our previous title, Soldiers'' Fury!"


    "That''s right!"


    "This game is really going to be absolutely awesome!"


    "I agree! If we can really make this game, then it will surely be wonderful!"


    "Just listening to this makes my blood boil with excitement! All the innovation and game mechanics we were looking for is here, so it can be said that nothing is missing whatsoever. It''s usually very difficult to avoid any shorings and defects in the development of a puzzle game, but none of that can be found anywhere in this game!"


    Everyone made constant exmations.


    Fat Sis looked at herpany''s staff. "Everyone agrees that this is good?"


    "It''s more than good!"


    "Yeah, this is a divine creation!"


    "Fat Sis, this game will surely get popr if we make and publish it!"


    "Besides, we already have a yable version we can use from Soldiers'' Fury. Most of the prep work is already done, so all we need to do now is modify the assets and reprogram some functions. Reusing the game engine won''t be a problem, so we can directly base it upon that and it save ourselves loads of production time! I think if we do it fast enough and everything goes smoothly, we cane up with a demo version in time for this year''s Game Expo!"


    Everyone unanimously thought that this was a good game. In fact, they didn''t just think that the game would be good. The game had already amazed them, and gave them an impulse to quickly develop it so that they could see for themselves how it would look!


    Fat Sis nodded and looked excitedly at Zhang Ye. "Teacher Zhang, I really have to take my hat off to you this time!"


    Zhang Ye happily said, "I was just making up things along the way."


    At this moment, the thudding of footsteps came from the stairwell. Wu Zeqing had changed and was carrying her bag with her down to the living room. "Big Sis, I''m going off to work then."


    Fat Sis said, "Hurry, hurry. Let me use your house for a while."


    "Little Zhang." Old Wu smiled and said, "Come with me, I need to speak with you."


    "Sure." Zhang Ye excused himself and followed Wu Zeqing outside the vi. They stood on the front yard. Zhang Ye asked, "What''s the matter, Old Wu?"


    Old Wu said in a gentle tone, "My sister''spany isn''t that big, as for the endorsement fee��"


    Before she could finish, Zhang Ye interrupted, "Hai, don''t you think I know what to do already? Don''t worry, I won''t be charging your sister a single cent. We''re all family and your sister is as good as my sister. Why would I still ask for any money from her? Why are you so funny? OK, OK? You don''t need to worry about such things, I know what to do."


    Old Wuughed. "Alright then, I''ll let you work hard."


    "Why are you still so courteous with me? Don''t you still have work to handle at the office? Go to work already. I will definitely settle your sister''s issue by the end of today." Zhang Ye proudly thumped his chest.


    Old Wu left and Zhang Ye came back inside the house.


    In the living room, Fat Sis and a few people were discussing something in low voices. When they saw Zhang Ye walking over, they immediately stopped.


    Fat Sis suddenly said, "Thank you everyone foring over. OK, everyone, you can go back for now. I will stay here and discuss things with Teacher Zhang. We''ll talk again when I get back tonight for the meeting."


    "Sure."


    "Then we''ll leave first."


    "Teacher Zhang, goodbye."


    The group of over a dozen staff members said their farewells and left.


    Only Zhang Ye and Fat Sis were left in the house.


    Fat Sis looked at him and got straight to the point. "Teacher Zhang, I don''t like to beat around the bush, so I''ll say whateveres to mind and not hide my intentions. I really loved the idea that you proposed just now, so I would like to buy the copyright to your proposal and make this game."


    Zhang Ye waved it off with a hand. "If you treat me as a friend, don''t talk to me about money. I was just randomly talking about this game idea that I had, so if you like it, please use it as you see fit. When the game is made, just don''t forget to put my name into the credits."


    Fat Sis said firmly, "That won''t do. I would be taking advantage of you too much if I did that!"


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands. "I won''t hide it from you either, Fat Sis. But to be honest, I don''t need money. Even if I earn more, I won''t be able to spend it. It''s not that I am boasting, but among the C-list and above celebrities, I am the only one without an agent. I don''t have a need for a management agency to find me any jobs and neither have I attended anymercial performances since my debut. You won''t find someone else like me in the entire entertainment circle."


    Fat Sis said with augh, "That I have heard before."


    "If I wanted to earn money, I would be able to get enough by just taking on a few projects. Don''t you think so?" Zhang Ye exined, "That''s why I''m telling you to stop bringing up the issue of money with me. If you really must, then we can just do it the way Old Wu mentioned. When your game sells well and bes popr, you can share some of the profit with me."


    Fat Sis bit her lip and finally said, "OK, then I will take advantage of you this once!"


    Zhang Ye picked up the rough draft illustrations and notes on the table and arranged them properly, then handed it to her. "Hold on to these. If there are any problems with the details, you can ask me again. Like the rate of fire of the nts, the attack and defense of the zombies, for questions like these, I can make a suitable attribute table. When ites to game development, I''m an outsider. I don''t understandputer programing either, but mocking up things like that is my expertise since I am in the field of mathematics after all."


    "Great!" Fat Sis felt fantastic now. Having epted Zhang Ye''s favor, she was no longer argumentative. "In your concept, you mentioned an important game character, someone called Crazy Dave? He''s the yer''s guide as well as the in-game store owner? Is that universal throughout the game? If that''s the case, then I would suggest that we don''t call him Dave or whatever. Why would we name our Chinese game character with a foreign name? I think we should just call him Crazy Zhang Ye instead and make you into a cartoon character. If nts vs. Zombies truly bes popr, then it would be able to bring you a lot of fame as well. Simrly, the game can also rub off on some of the reputation that you already have by borrowing your influence. We''ll put this point into the contract. Since we''re going to work together, we will do this well and put your endorsement right into the game itself. What do you think?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "That''s sounds good."


    "OK, then it''s settled. I''ll go and prepare the contract now and get the profit sharing details in as well. You don''t need to worry over this. I''ll be sure to get it all done!"


    "When do we sign the contract?"


    "Tomorrow?"


    "Sure, any time is fine with me!"


    They had settled such an important affair within a few hours. Further, this agreement only came about because of a spontaneous conversation between the two parties, so that made it even more interesting. Zhang Ye could not have expected that just from him taking a child out and turning a corner on the way back, it could have led to him bringing out a tower defense game like nts vs. Zombies and putting it into this world!


    Fat Sis and her staff had been discussing how this game might be popr and sell like hot cakes, but those were all just assumptions!


    However, for Zhang Ye, there wasn''t any doubt. He knew that nts vs. Zombies would definitely be popr. In fact, it would be popr not only in this country, it would even be very popr throughout the entire world!


    Zhang Ye did not have much desire for money. Being in the entertainment circle, what he ced more importance on was fame and visibility. Zhang Ye never learned about game development, and did not know how to do it, nor did he have the energy to handle something like that. The ideas he had for browser games or puzzle games from his previous world would have been left to rot in his mind in any case, since he did not have any use for them. But today''s idental stumble onto this project had opened yet another path for Zhang Ye. He did not know how to make games, but he could surely team up with someone who did. If he could be sessful as a game producer and designer, then it would surely bring about a lot of poprity for him. Besides, Zhang Ye also had an endorsement agreement with them. If he could endorse a global phenomenon like this tower defense game, it would definitely help Zhang Ye increase his poprity and fame from sources that wouldn''t have known him in the first ce!


    Today, another door had opened for him.


    After Zhang Ye had crossed over into the education, crosstalk, mathematics, and advertising worlds, among others, he now turned his attention to the video game industry. He was officially marching into the puzzle games market!


    You couldn''t find anyone else as flexible as him in the entire entertainment industry!

 Chapter 734: Chenchen catches a thief!

    <h4>Chapter 734: Chenchen catches a thief! </h4>


    Chapter 734: Chenchen catches a thief!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Elsewhere.


    In the afternoon, at Mengmeng''s house.


    Mengmeng''s mother asked, "Have you finished eating?"


    "Yes, I''ve finished." Mengmeng took a napkin and wiped her mouth.


    Mengmeng''s fatherughed and said, "You ate so little, why didn''t you eat the vegetables? You should learn from Chenchen and not be picky about food. You can only grow taller and stronger if you do that."


    Mengmeng stuck out her tongue. "I don''t like celery and chives."


    Little Fatso put down his chopsticks and said, "Auntie, Uncle, I''ve finished too."


    Mengmeng''s mother said politely, "Have some more, Auntie will serve you another bowl of rice."


    "It''s enough, I really can''t eat anymore." The terrified Little Fatso waved his hands hastily.


    Another boy, Little Chao, said, "Chenchen, Mengmeng, let''s go y outside?"


    Mengmeng nodded. "Sure, sure. Dad, Mom, then we will be going out now?"


    Mengmeng''s mother reminded them, "Watch out for cars, and don''t go too far away. Just y around in the alleys so that I can call all of you back."


    "OK," Mengmeng replied.


    The young children went out in their group.


    Little Fatso and Little Chao brought a ser ball with them and started kicking it around in the alley. Lianlian was riding on Mengmeng''s small bicycle and was fighting with Mengmeng over who got to ride it in a fun manner. Chenchen nced at them and strolled leisurely beside them with her hands behind her back like a small adult, not joining them in their activities.


    "Chenchen,e and y with us!" Lianlian signaled for her to go over.


    Chenchen gave a scornful pout. "You guys y by yourselves."


    Mengmeng offered the small bicycle to Chenchen. "I''ll let you ride it."


    Chenchen said, "That''s not necessary. It''s too childish and uninteresting."


    Mengmeng didn''t know how to react. "But isn''t everyone ying with these things? What are the things that are not childish?"


    At this moment, the two kids, Little Fatso and Little Chao, who had gone to pick up the ser ball from the entrance of the alleyway returned. The two of them rushed back with nervous looking expressions and looked very anxious.


    Lianlian looked at them and asked, "What''s the matter with you two?"


    Little Chao said softly, "Little Fatso and I saw someone stealing things!"


    Mengmeng covered her mouth. "Ah?"


    Lianlian''s jaw dropped. "Are you serious?"


    "It''s true, I also saw it!" Little Fatso was gesticting as he rted what he saw. "A woman''s bag was nearly stolen by him, and now he''s targeting another person! It''s terrible!"


    Mengmeng asked anxiously, "What should we do? I will go and inform my parents!"


    Chenchen suddenly asked, "Where is he?"


    Little Fatso said, "We saw it happen at the bus stop by the entrance of the alley!"


    Chenchen took the lead and walked forward. "Let''s go and take a look."


    When he heard that, Little Chao was terrified. "Ah? Why are we going to take a look at that?"


    "Hurry up." Chenchen red at him. "Are you even a man? Why are you so spineless?"


    Little Chao wiped away his sweat. "OK��fine."


    Lianlian was more scared and was shivering in fear, but when she saw her ssmates following Chenchen, she could only grit her teeth and catch up to them. "Wait for me, wait for me!"


    ����


    In front of the bus stop.


    Everything looked as usual at a nce.


    Chenchen turned around and asked softly, "Which one is he?"


    Little Fatso furtively pointed at a middle-aged man dressed in a gray shirt and then whispered very quietly, "That''s him."


    Chenchen asked again, "Does he have an aplice?"


    "Er, I don''t know," Little Fatso said confused.


    As they were talking, they saw the middle-aged man dressed in a gray shirt making his move. Actually, Little Fatso and the rest did not manage to see clearly how the man did it. They only saw a middle-aged woman going up to a young and prettydy to ask for directions. When the youngdy turned her head to say something, the middle-aged man in the gray shirt immediately stretched out his hand. His movement was too fast and they were too far away, so it was difficult to make out whether he had used a de or something else, but when the middle-aged man withdrew his hand, he was already holding something that looked like a purse in his hands. He then turned around to walk away slowly.


    Mengmeng was getting nervous. "He stole it already!" He stole it already!"


    Lianlian pulled at her in panic. "Mengmeng, lower your voice, don''t let him hear that!"


    The middle-aged man scanned the surroundings just before he left, so thankfully for Mengmeng, Lianlian, and the others, they were just seven- and eight-year-old children who had not attracted his attention. He did not even look at them.


    Chenchen observed the surroundings for a moment and hypothesized, "That man has an aplice."


    Little Chao eximed, "Where? Wasn''t he working alone?"


    Chenchen exined, "That middle-aged woman who was asking for directions from the victim was his aplice. She was responsible for diverting the victim''s attention."


    Little Chao was enlightened. "So that''s how it is! Chenchen, you''re really smart!"


    A warm-hearted person, Mengmeng said, "Then we should inform that big sister whose purse got stolen by them."


    "No, we can''t do that." Chenchen looked across the road and said, "It''s useless even if we let her know. When that thiefmitted the crime, he used a pocketknife that was about three inches long as his tool. So it''s pointless even if that big sister chases after him. She might end up getting injured instead."


    Little Fatso was stunned. "Was there a knife? Howe I didn''t see it? It''s even three inches long?"


    Little Chao said, "That''s right, I didn''t see it either, so how could you have seen it?"


    Chenchen dismissively curled her lips. "When I was only three years old, I followed my aunt and practiced the horse stance, standing stump, and started to learn martial arts as well. How can your eyes be sharper than mine? If I say that it is a knife, then it''s a knife!"


    Little Chao lost his fight. "��Fine."


    "Let me ask you guys this, do you all wish to capture the thief?" Chenchen looked at them.


    Little Fatso said, "I do, but that man has gotten too far away already. It will be toote even if we call the police now."


    Chenchen pointed at that middle-aged woman and said, "He still has an aplice over there, we will just follow her and find their meeting ce or maybe even their hideout. Then we can capture them in one fell swoop!"


    These bold ims immediately gave a scare to the other young children!


    "What?"


    "We''re going to follow her?"


    "But they have a knife!"


    "Chechen, why don''t we just call the police? If we get discovered by them, we''ll be in big trouble!"


    Chenchen said, "We are only young children, they won''t notice us. Besides, we should stand up to help if we see injustice, isn''t that what everyone should do?"


    Lianlian turned pale. "But��but the teachers say that even if we want to act bravely, it should be within one''s limits!"


    Chenchen looked at her and said, "Comrade Lianlian, as our school''s first batch of Young Pioneer members, isn''t your level of consciousness too low?"


    Lianlian said, "I��"


    Little Chao also disagreed, "But��"


    Chenchen looked beside her and said, "Mengmeng, how about you?"


    Upon hearing that, Mengmeng clenched her teeth and said, "I will do as you say!"


    "Very good, this is more like it as a member of our ssmittee." Chenchen patted Mengmeng on her shoulders and then said to the boys, "What about the two of you?"


    Little Fatso hesitated, "This, um."


    Chenchen pouted. "As a girl, Mengmeng is brave enough to stand up against the evil forces. Why are the both of you boys behaving like cowards?"


    Little Fatso was vexed. "Who is a coward? Who''s a coward? I''ll go!"


    Little Chao also let out a scream. "Son of a gun! I''ll go as well! Who''s afraid of who! Let''s go and catch them! Let''s capture them in one fell swoop!" But after saying that, Little Chao''s legs and belly were obviously trembling with fear.


    Lianlian nced at them and could only follow along with the majority.


    "That''s great!" Chenchen nodded in satisfaction. Then she ordered, "From now on, our temporary team of thief-catchers is formally established. I''m the team leader, so all of you have to listen to my orders. Now, I''m going to assign an operation code name to each of you. Mengmeng, your code name is Squash. You are more familiar with this area since you live here, so I will give you a cell pher and you will be responsible for contacting the police and informing them about the thieves'' location at any time."


    Mengmeng was dumbfounded. "Squash?"


    Chenchen continued, "Little Fatso, your code name is ck Bear and you''re responsible for our safety."


    "What the hell is this? ck Bear?" Little Fatso stared at her.


    Chenchen said, "Little Chao, your code name is Bald Eagle and you''re responsible for the alternative route tailing."


    Little Chao nearly fainted. "Bald��Bald Eagle? Why does it sound some?"


    Chenchen looked at thest team member. "Lianlian, you have the most important task. You must keep a certain distance from us. When the moment our whereabouts are exposed and our enemies discover us, you must seek help immediately. Oh, your code name��is ck Widow."


    Lianlian: "..."


    Mengmengined, "All of the names sound awful!"


    Little Fatso was flustered. "Chenchen, what is your code name then?"


    Chenchen leered at him and said calmly, "It''s the same for everyone. There isn''t much difference in our code names. My code name is ''Sailor Guardian Imbued with Courage and Wisdom.''"


    Mengmeng: "Pfft!"


    Lianlian almost vomited blood. "How is that not too different? That is clearly way too different, alright!?"


    On the other side of the road, the thief''s aplice was already starting to move west.


    Chenchen immediately gave the order. "The target is moving. Bald Eagle, Bald Eagle, cross the road and outnk her from that side. ck Widow, conceal yourself quickly. ck Bear, let''s go together!"


    Mengmeng stretched out her hand. "Chenchen, give me your cell phone."


    Chenchen gave Mengmeng the cell phone she borrowed from Zhang Ye''s mother for ying games. Then she said matter-of-factly, "Remember, during the mission, call me Sailor Guardian Imbued with Courage and Wisdom."


    Mengmeng rolled her eyes and said, "I got it!"


    Chenchen acknowledged and said, "Go on, Squash."


    Mengmeng felt that it sounded very weird. "Can I change to another code name? Can I change to something that''s slightly firm and powerful? Squash sounds like a weakling!"


    "Firm and powerful? Sure." Chenchen thought for a moment and said, "Then your code name will Unbreakable Egg."


    Mengmeng remained silent for a few seconds, then she turned around and walked away while wiping her tears from off her face. "��Call me Squash instead!"


    That woman who acted as the distraction for the thief had already crossed the road. Her pace was not fast but her eyes were very alert and sharp. She was observing the surroundings closely as she walked with a strong counterspying mindset. After circling the area for a bit, she made a phone call before walking off in another direction.


    Chenchen led her team of thief-catchers and followed from a distance.


    "Bald Eagle, you are too close to the target. Be careful of your concealment, be careful of your concealment. Squash, wait a little longer before you call the police. It''s useless if you contact the police now, they will alert the criminals if theye too early. Even if they capture that woman, there''s no evidence and we won''t be able to find out where their hideout is. ck Widow, don''t look at the suspect. Right, don''t stare at her so hard, your cover will be exposed. Just follow us from behind!" Chenchenmanded.


    The team members followed her orders ordingly.


    No matter how vignt that woman was, she would never have imagined that there were five seven- and eight-year-old primary school students shadowing her. Even if she caught a glimpse of a primary school student asionally, she would still filter out the threat and not treat it as something serious.

 Chapter 735: Chenchen copies Zhang Ye’s poem!

    <h4>Chapter 735: Chenchen copies Zhang Ye''s poem! </h4>


    Chapter 735: Chenchen copies Zhang Ye''s poem!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Later that afternoon.


    Taoran Pavilion Garden.


    Beside theke, Zhang Ye had not gone home yet. He put on his sunsses and face mask and came to sightsee at theke. Since he did not have anything to do today, he just waited around for Mengmeng''s parents to give him a call so that he could go and pick Chenchen up and go home. If he had gone home by himself first, he would have toe out again to pick her up. That would have been too troublesome.


    The atmosphere here was rather nice. There were many senior citizens who came here for a stroll. In front, an old man who came out to "walk" his bird even had a pocket radio he was tuned into and was ying through the speakers. He was listening to the news at the moment.


    "Yesterday night, in an upscale vi district in Beijing''s Chun Shuyuan, a burry took ce. There was a reported loss of cash and other items totaling more than 100,000 RMB, along with a safe. ording to sources, there was a jade bracelet and some jade essories worth several millions in it, along with a famous painting. Said painting was bought from an auction at Shanghaist year and was sold for 37 million RMB at that time. The case has been referred to the Municipal Public Security Bureau''s Criminal Investigation Brigade. This is also one of thergest cases of burry in recent years. As of now, there are no other details with regard to the development of the case."


    "Chun Shuyuan?"


    "That''s not too far from Taoran Pavilion."


    "Hai, the security these days is really too lousy."


    "It''s been so long since we''ve had such a big case!"


    "Around 40 million yuan of property stolen just like that? Tell me, what''s the point of keeping your valuables in the safe at home? If anyone chooses to carry away your entire safe, what can you do about it? Thieves these days are far too rampant!"


    "I heard that the municipal office has already set a deadline for this case to be solved. They have called for the stolen items to be found within a week from now, but the way I see it, this won''t be easy at all. There are so many thieves around, who do we start catching?"


    A few of the grandpas and grandmas were discussing the case after hearing about the news.


    Zhang Ye also heard it andmented mentally. He wondered if he should be installing some securitys at home for protection.


    As he was thinking, an unfamiliar number suddenly called his phone. Zhang Ye thought that it might be from Mengmeng''s parents, so he answered it as he continued strolling in the park. "Hello?"


    The other end sounded chaotic, with many voices talking over each other!


    Then he heard a youth say: "Hello? Is this Chenchen''s family?"


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "Yes, who is this?"


    The youth suddenly said: "I am a police officer with the Municipal Public Security Bureau''s Criminal Investigation Brigade. Little Chenchen only gave me this number, so I called to contact you."


    When Zhang Ye heard this, his face turned pale!


    Police?


    Criminal Investigation Brigade?


    F**k! What serious trouble had the little rascal gotten into again!


    Zhang Ye hastily said: "Officer, what''s the matter? I am Chenchen''s rtive. I''m sorry, I''m really sorry, that kid must have gotten into some kind of trouble again, right? Aiyo, I knew it, she''s always been so troublesome! I should never have let her out of the house today! Who did she beat up? Or whose house did she burn down?"


    The police officer was getting a little dizzy from this. "It''s not like that!"


    Zhang Ye quickly said: "Don''t worry! I will definitely criticize her! And beat her to death!"


    That police officer quickly said: "No, just listen to me first��"


    "You don''t have to plead on her behalf! This sort of a kid has to be beaten! Beaten terribly so that she''ll learn! I will beat her up so badly that she wouldn''t be able to recognize herself in the mirror!" Zhang Ye said angrily.


    The police officer spoke in frustration: "No! Listen to me��"


    Zhang Ye interrupted: "You don''t have to worry about this case anymore. Just leave it to me to handle. I will go and pick the kid up and pay however much needs to bepensated. Just help me appease the victim or their family. You must definitely express my sincerest apologies to them. The kid is still young and don''t know much, so please don''t take it up with her. Let the family members have a go at me instead! I will go over and settle it now! Oh yes, are the economic losses heavy? Are there a lot of casualties?" Zhang Ye asked while trembling.


    The police officer couldn''t even find the words to respond!


    Economic losses?


    Casualties?


    F**k! Just what do you think this kid is! A monster?


    The police officer couldn''t even interrupt to say something. All he heard was the other party yammering nonstop, trying to exin himself. He waited for the other party to finish talking before he began exining: "Sir, you should have listened to me first. Why are you threatening to beat the child up and apologizing? What have you been talking about all this while!?"


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "Ah?"


    The police officer said: "The child did not get into any trouble!"


    "That''s impossible!" Zhang Ye thought about it. If she didn''t get into any trouble, then why would the Criminal Investigation Brigade call me? Besides, with that wicked personality Chenchen had, even if she did get into trouble, Zhang Ye wouldn''t be surprised. "You don''t have to give me any face, officer. There''s really no need to. Just tell it to me straight, I can take it! But you must definitely give the child a chance to turn over a new leaf!"


    What face am I giving to you!


    Turn over your sister!


    The police officer''s next line immediately left Zhang Ye dumbfounded. He heard him say, "Not only did Chenchen not get into trouble, she even rendered a great deed! It''s even a really huge deed! She and four of her ssmates acted bravely when they saw something wrong being done. They tracked a couple thieves to their rendezvous point and found their gang''s hideout, then contacted the police and helped us to corner an enormous gang of burrs in one fell swoop, leading to an arrest of more than 50 criminals! As a result, we also found the stolen property worth 40 million in their hideout in the search afterwards. The huge burry case that happened in Chun Shuyuanst night was also cracked together with their arrest!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "What?"


    The police officer said, "We''re at the crime scene now, taking inventory of the stolen items. So could youe over to pick the child up? We have already informed the parents of the other kids as well as their school teacher!"


    Holy shit!


    Is this true?


    Zhang Ye hung up and hurried over!


    ����


    At the crime scene.


    Outside a remote car garage, the crime scene was currently surrounded by many reporters with their cameras and zoom lenses, while further out, there was a group of observers. The main entrance of the garage was already cordoned off with police tape while some of the criminals were handcuffed and seated in the police vehicles. Some of them had been led away earlier. There were also many police officers from the Municipal Public Security Bureau standing around and maintaining order in the area.


    "Don''t push!"


    "Stand farther away, and no taking of photos!"


    "You, reporter, please stand aside, don''t get in the way of our investigations!"


    But no matter how the police officers harried them, none of the reporters moved. At this moment, they had surrounded the area where five seven- and eight-year-old kids were standing. Shock was written on every one of the reporters'' and observers'' faces as they could not imagine how those primary school students could have solved a crime!


    Not only them, even many of the faces of the police officers were the same. As they conducted their investigations, they would asionally turn around and glimpse at those children. Though they had been in this upation for many years, they had never witnessed such a scene before. The country''srgest burry case in recent years had actually been cracked by a bunch of primary school students. If they had not seen this with their own eyes, they knew they wouldn''t believe it if someone told them! Actually, when the report was being made, the operator could hear that it was a child''s voice. The first reaction was that this was a prank call and the operator did not believe it to be true. However,ter on, in order to be safe rather than sorry, they still sent someone over to check. If they did not go, it would have been OK, but since they did, the involved police officers were all dumbfound by what they saw!


    More than 50 suspects!


    Over 40 million yuan worth of stolen property!


    At that moment, everyone''s expressions changed when they were looking at the children. It was as if they saw a fairy of some sort, wondering to themselves just how smart primary school students were nowadays!


    "Kids, how did you all track them?"


    "You were all amazing! What gave you the courage to do what you did? What made you guys have the courage to step up to do this?"


    The reporters were all trying their best to squeeze in and were asking questions one after another, taking photos as well.


    Chenchen, Mengmeng, and the other kids were being revered like heroes as they stood in the center of the crowd.


    Little Fatso was getting a little big-headed as he stood ramrod straight. He said, "Our teacher has always taught us that, as a good person, we have to brave and know how to judge right from wrong!"


    Lianlian nodded furiously. "Right, that''s what our teacher taught us!"


    Zhao Mei, their form teacher from No. 2 Experimental Primary School, had also received the call and rushed over to the crime scene. A few other teachers and the school principal also came along together.


    When Zhao Mei heard what the children said, she was stunned. She knew it was true that she told them before to be brave and know how to judge right from wrong, but she had never taught them how to solve a case! Weren''t you all being too extreme?! Tailing them all the way from Zixin Road to here, and they didn''t lose their target? They were not discovered by the criminals either? Zhao Mei knew these children very well. Little Fatso? Don''t be fooled by his size, he essentially didn''t have the spine! Little Chao and Lianlian? Those two were even more timid, so it wouldn''t be possible that they would have the idea to tail the suspects! It wasn''t possible that Mengmeng would do it either. That child was a warm-hearted girl. If there was a problem, she would surely let the teachers or parents know first. She wouldn''t risk going up against those criminals! Without needing to think much, they were surely led by Chenchen! This was exactly the kind of thing that she would do! This kid was just like her Uncle Zhang Ye, not afraid of anything. They were both so overly bold they would dare to do just about anything! Zhao Mei would even say that if this incident hadn''t happened because of Chenchen, she would jump off a building! It had to be her, no question about it!


    However, the school principal of No. 2 Experimental Primary School was feeling very excited and emotional. He stood in front of the cameras and proimed, "I am very proud of our students who are brave enough to do this!" Then he looked at the children and said, "You''re all fine examples, find examples! After school reopens, we have to organize a study session so that everyone in the school can learn from you all!"


    Little Chao scratched his head in embarrassment.


    At this moment, Little Chao, Mengmeng, and the other children''s parents gradually arrived at the scene.


    "Mengmeng!" Mengmeng''s mother anxiously ran up to her!


    Mengmeng called out, "Mom!"


    Mengmeng''s mother was still aflutter with fear at heart. "You gave me such a scare! How can you have that much audacity!? What if something happened?"


    Meanwhile, Mengmeng''s father was extremely pleased. He said happily, "I think it''s a good thing that our child is so courageous and smart!"


    Mengmeng''s face flushed from embarrassment. She quickly said, "It was all nned by Chenchen. We, we didn''t really do much."


    "Chenchen?"


    "Which one of you is Chenchen?"


    "It''s her!"


    "Quick, take a picture of her!"


    The reporters immediately pointed their cameras at Chenchen.


    A female reporter who was shouldering her camera said, "It was you who led your fellow ssmates and tailed the criminals here?"


    Chenchen straightened her back. "Yes."


    A male reporter interrupted. "We''re all extremely curious. Just how did you all track them? Why didn''t the criminals discover your presence?"


    Chenchen cleared her throat, and spoke like an adult, "First, I broke down the jobs we had to perform. Squash was in charge of contacting the police, while ck Bear and I were in charge of acting like pedestrians while we followed them. After a while, Bald Eagle changed ces with ck Bear and tailed them on an alternative route. ck Widow served as a backup to our roles."


    Lianlian''s face burned hot from embarrassment. "Chenchen, don''t, don''t use our code names!"


    Chenchen nodded. "OK, ck Widow."


    Lianlian: "��"


    Chenchen said, "Second, in our group, those of us who were near each other wouldmunicate by speaking. If we were far apart, we wouldmunicate with actions. Sometimes in our school, they organize games that we also y outside of school, which are for us to y charades. With those basics, even if we''re far apart from each other, we can still have some basicmunication. After that, we made use of our bicycle and other modes of transportation and followed the criminal suspects closely. Together with our status as children, it added an extra sense of camouge and deception, making the criminal suspects not notice us. Finally, after experiencing all sorts of difficulties, we were able to locate the criminal''s hideout!"


    After she exined in detail, everyone at the scene was feeling a little befuddled!


    Holy shit!


    This thought process��


    Those ideas��


    This level of expressing herself��


    This child was most definitely not typical!


    A normal seven or eight-year-old primary school student couldn''t possibly be this mature!


    Only Zhao Mei and a few of the teachers from No. 2 Experimental Primary School were not particrly surprised at this, because they already knew from school that Chenchen was not much like other children.


    The ce was lively.


    "Teacher Zhao, how does Chenchen usually do in school?"


    "Chenchen, will you ept a one-on-one interview with us?"


    "I am a reporter with the Beijing Times. We would like to do a feature story about this incident. Mengmeng''s parents, could we have a little of your and your child''s time? We won''t take more than an hour. The interview will be quick!"


    "The role models of Beijing will surely be you all!"


    "You''re all very smart, our little heroes of Beijing!"


    "Chenchen, can you say a word or two for our readers?"


    "Student Chenchen, what do you have to say to everyone?"


    Seeing the messy exchange of words from everyone, Chenchen lightly coughed and got their attention. "Let me say a few words."


    Everyone quieted down at once.


    The policemen were looking at her, the teachers were looking at her, all of the reporters, and the crowd were looking at her, together with Mengmeng, Lianlian, Little Fatso, Little Chao. Even the criminals who were being taken away had looked at Chenchen.


    At this moment, the taxi Zhang Ye was in arrived on scene. When he got out of the taxi, the first thing he saw was Chenchen standing in the center like she was in the spotlight!


    He saw Chenchen hesitating for a few seconds before turning to the cameras and speaking in her childish voice!


    "Storytelling, acting to persuade people.


    "Walking the middle of three roads.


    "What goes aroundes around.


    "Experience is the��fruit! Of! Life!"


    The surrounding crowd were dumbfounded by what they heard!


    An introductory poem? A doggerel? Why hadn''t anyone heard of it before? Did this little girlpose it herself? Is she a prodigy or what? This little girl was truly too extraordinary!


    Some people in the crowd immediately apuded in admiration!


    "Good!"


    "Well said!"


    "What a good ''What goes aroundes around. / Experience is the fruit of life.''!"


    "That poem is too impressive!"


    "Well said! Everyone, see how enlightened this little girl is!"


    Apuse thundered, while calls of how impressive the poem was kepting one after another!


    Many people who had been fooled were now stunned.


    Little Fatso, Mengmeng, Lianlian, and Little Chao looked at Chenchen in admiration. They did not expect her to make such a profound speech that had stunned everyone!


    Only Zhang Ye who was walking over from a distance away nearly stumbled when he heard that!


    F**k!


    Wasn''t this what I wrote at home this morning?


    You little rascal! You were still contemptuously giving me that "hur hur" of yours at the time! But now you''re taking what I wrote and using it here? Your sister! Why don''t you learn something better instead of learning how to show off like I do!?

 Chapter 736: This chapter is an enjoyable read!

    <h4>Chapter 736: This chapter is an enjoyable read! </h4>


    Chapter 736: This chapter is an enjoyable read!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    "What an umon person!"


    "Quickly, record this poem! We will submit it for this evening newspapers!"


    "''Experience is��'' whates after ''Experience is''?"


    "Experience is the fruit of life!"


    "That''s right, that''s right. The words used were really too exquisite!"


    "This little girl is no average person after all!"


    The reporters and crowdvished praise on Chenchen.


    Zhang Ye who was watching from a distance away felt angry and tickled at the same time. He had once again experienced just how smart this child was. He merely sang a few lines of that poem in the morning which Chenchen overheard, or it could also be that she saw the calligraphy he wrote of this introductory poem. But just by listening or seeing it once, she had managed to memorize it just like that. If it were another child, or rather, most adults in general, not even they could''ve achieved something like this.


    Faced with all the praise from everyone, Chenchen remained rtively calm and was very cooperative. When the reporters'' cameras focused on her, she would turn to face them and pose, though not showing much of an expression.


    "Rao Chenchen!" Zhang Ye shouted at her.


    When she heard, Chenchen looked in the direction the sound came. After she saw him, she said, "Zhang Ye, I solved a crime."


    Zhang Ye stared at her angrily. "What did you think you were doing?! I''ll deal with you when we get back home!"


    But with his appearance, the reporters were left with their mouths agape!


    "Ah?"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "What is Teacher Zhang doing here?"


    "Picking up Chenchen?"


    "Holy shit, could he be a rtive of our little hero?"


    "What the hell! They are rtives??"


    "I knew it! I was still thinking how an eight-year-old child could produce such an exquisite poem? It was definitely Zhang Ye whoposed the poem privately which then got memorized by this child!"


    The police officers also stared nkly at him. Earlier, when they contacted Zhang Ye with the number that Chenchen gave to them, they did not know who they were calling, neither did they know that the person would turn out to be such a big time celebrity. Moreover, it even turned out to be the notorious Zhang Ye whose name was already very well-known within the Public Security Bureau! Beating up a leader''s son, beating up a Korean celebrity, and more recently, smashing cars belonging to Tsinghua University. Zhang Ye had dealt plenty with the officers from the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau. Within the Bureau itself, the legend of Zhang Ye had already been spread to all corners!


    A detective eximed, "You are Rao Chenchen''s guardian?"


    "That''s right, I''m here to pick the child up. Sorry for the trouble she''s caused," Zhang Ye said.


    A senior detective said, "She did not give us any trouble at all. In fact, she has been a great help. Let me express our gratitude on behalf of the Municipal Public Security Bureau''s Criminal Investigation Brigade. As reward for assisting in cracking the case, there will be a prize given to Chenchen and her ssmates. We will have to seek approval for the reward amount to the higher-ups first, but someone should contact you in theing few days."


    "There''s even a reward?" Zhang Ye said in surprise. "Sure."


    A female reporter squeezed over from the other side and stood in front of Zhang Ye. "Teacher Zhang, I''m from the TV station. Please let us interview you. Regarding Chenchen, she��"


    Zhang Ye immediately pped his hands. "Stop filming, stop filming. She is just a child, why would you want to get her on the news? Everyone, stop filming now. Those who have already recorded the footage, even if you intend to pixte the footage, I still won''t allow you people to publish it on the news. There cannot be any photos or footage of the children''s faces and their figures appearing in the media. This is a form of protection for them!"


    A male cameraman said, "Don''t be like this, Teacher Zhang. Please make an exception for this!"


    A middle-aged reporter said, "That''s right, we''ve even nned theyout for our headlines!"


    Zhang Ye firmly said, "I don''t care what bes of your pageyout, I''m the child''s guardian. And if I don''t authorize this, no one can report it on the news without my permission! There''s no room for negotiation with this!"


    Actually, Lianlian, Mengmeng, and the other children''s parents also did not wish for any photos of their children to get published on the news. They feared that the criminal gang might still have some aplices who had not been captured yet. If those people saw the children''s pictures, they could seek revenge. Although this had a low probability of happening, they still could not take the risk and had to stick to the safe side in consideration of the children. The reason they did not speak up earlier was because this was the first time they were faced with such a situation. They were very nervous and had never dealt with media reporters, so they found it difficult to say anything to them. But with Zhang Ye here, they were relieved. The issue would be easier to handle since the parents knew that Zhang Ye was different from them. As a celebrity, he was more familiar in dealing with reporters than them. With him representing them, there would surely be no problems at all.


    After settling the problem here, Zhang Ye turned around and looked for the parents of Mengmeng, Little Fatso, and the others. He ran over to apologize, "Everyone, I''m really sorry for letting your children be in such danger. I will criticize Chenchenter and make sure she doesn''t do something like this again. I will pay a visit to everyone again at ater date to express my apologies!"


    Zhang Ye had not even ascertained the situation yet, but he knew in his heart of hearts that Chenchen was definitely the one who led the other children along. No one would have done that except her!


    Mengmeng''s mother repeatedly said, "It''s OK, it''s OK!"


    Little Fatso''s father said, "Teacher Zhang, listen to what you are saying. This is a good thing!"


    Little Chao''s fatherughed heartily and said, "Teacher Zhang, you are being too courteous with us. What are you apologizing for? I should be thanking you instead. From the time my child started kindergarten, he has always been timid. I''ve always been unhappy that he couldn''t not live up to my expectations, so now that he has contributed to such a marvelous incident, I can''t be more thankful than this. I must thank Little Chenchen for this."


    Little Chao chuckled, "Dad, am I cool?"


    Little Chao''s father gave him the thumbs up. "You did well this time! You have made your father proud!"


    Zhang Ye said, "It was all my fault, I shouldn''t have let this child leave my side. Whenever she is out of my sight, she will always make something happen."


    Chenchen was not very happy about this.


    Taking notice, form teacher Zhao Mei walked over. "Teacher Zhang, don''t me Chenchen when you get back home. Although what she did was a little dangerous, the child had good intentions. Acting bravely is to be encouraged. Since it''s already happened, and we are happy with the oue too, don''t reprimand the child anymore and encourage her instead. I feel that Chenchen was really capable in handling such a situation. You shouldn''t be treating her as a child anymore. For the children in our ss, I would be worried if any of them went out alone, afraid that they might get involved in an ident, get kidnapped by someone, or so on. But the only person I don''t worry about is Chenchen. She''s smarter than everyone else, so you have to consider her as an adult."


    Zhang Ye said exasperatedly, "It''s precisely because this kid is too smart that why she stirs up trouble for me every day. You even dare to follow a thief? Don''t you value your life? You even want to seek out their hideout? Did you think you were Dong Cunrui?! You must learn to have self-control and not do whatever you want to do. You have to carefully consider the circumstances and not be impulsive. That is what a mature person should be like, do you understand?" he said in all earnestness, and looked at Chenchen. [1.]


    It was very well said!


    But when the surrounding police officers, reporters, as well as the crowd heard that, every one of them didn''t know whether tough or cry!


    Who is Dong Cunrui?


    Besides, Teacher Zhang, among all the people present, the person who is least qualified to speak those words would probably be you!


    Learn to have self-control? Have to be thoughtful and not be impulsive? You educate the child with that exaggerated tale full of flowery words, but when ites to your turn? Why didn''t you think of having self-control when you were beating up your leaders? Why didn''t you be more thoughtful when you were scolding your peers? Why didn''t you calm down when you were smashing Tsinghua University''s cars? If these words came out of anyone''s mouth but yours, they would sound reasonable. But hearing it from you just makes it sound totally unconvincing!


    Moreover, thinking about it, Chenchen''s fearless nature is clearly molded after you. You are surely the one who influenced her!


    Yet you want her to be thoughtful?


    Did you set a good example in the first ce?


    You are the child''s biggest negative influence! Being a person with this type of personality yourself, you still expect the child to learn anything good from you??


    Bullshit!


    [1. Dong Cunrui was a Chinese Communist soldier in the People''s Liberation Army during the Chinese Civil War who blew himself up in order to destroy a Kuomintang bunker guarding an approach to an important bridge in Longhua County.]

 Chapter 737: A family full of wondrous people!

    <h4>Chapter 737: A family full of wondrous people! </h4>


    Chapter 737: A family full of wondrous people!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Later that afternoon.


    Past 4 PM.


    After giving their statements andpleting the procedures, Zhang Ye took Chenchen back home. On the way back, he nagged, grumbled, and criticized Chenchen, scolding her emotionally. This made the taxi driver look back at them in the rear-view mirror repeatedly, before finally saying some words to try to mediate between them. However, Chenchen did not seem to have any reaction. She just ignored Zhang Ye telling her off, not treating it like it was anything important. Her little head just carefreely looked at the scenery outside the window, angering Zhang Ye even more.


    "Did you listen to what I have been saying all this while?"


    "Uh huh."


    "Don''t ever do something like this again!"


    "OK."


    "That was too dangerous! Did you think that you were me?"


    ����


    Caishikou.


    They returned back to his parents'' home.


    The moment Zhang Ye opened the door, Chenchen quickly squeezed past him and went into the house.


    The first person she saw was Zhang Ye''s mother who preparing dinner in the kitchen. "Grandma, I have performed a great deed!" "


    His mother was baffled. "Ah?"


    Chenchen then walked delightedly into the living room. "Grandpa, I have performed a great deed!"


    "What great deed?" His father looked at her kindly.


    His mother came out from the kitchen, flicking away the water droplets from her hands. She smiled and said, "Did you help Mengmeng''s parents cook today?" Not bad, you are a good girl. When you go to other people''s home to eat, you should help out."


    Zhang Ye grunted, "Help with what cooking! This damned child led Mengmeng and the rest of her ssmates and chased after some thieves! Even the Municipal Public Security Bureau''s Criminal Investigation Brigade was activated! Just now, all of the media outlets in the entire Beijing went down to the scene to report about it!"


    His mother said shocked, "Ah? What?"


    His father also became somewhat anxious. "What happened?"


    Zhang Ye sulkily exined the entire situation, and then started scolding again, "Don''t you both think it''s infuriating? I nearly got scared to death! If something happened to her, how would I exin to her aunt when she returned?! If she keeps worrying me like that, I won''t bother to take care of her anymore. I''ll simply hand her over to the country for safekeeping!"


    Chenchen pouted.


    Zhang Ye red at her. "Look at her, she''s even giving me that look!"


    Chenchen said unhappily, "I have performed a great deed."


    Zhang Ye sneered, "Come on you, what so great about that deed of yours!"


    "I have performed a great deed!" Chenchen insisted.


    His mother smacked him. "You rascal, cut it out. Don''t always be so mean to her. Thergest burry case in the country has been cracked by our Chenchen. Isn''t this a great contribution?!" His mother went over and patted Chenchen''s head. "Well done, Chenchen, you''ve impressed Grandma!"


    Only then did Chenchen feel satisfied. "It was my duty to do so."


    His father said with lingering fear, "But it was still too dangerous."


    His mother sided with Chenchen and stated, "What''s so dangerous about following some petty thieves? Your son even fought off some hijackers barehanded and piloted a ne. Why didn''t you say that that was dangerous too?"


    His father: "��"


    Chenchen nodded and said earnestly, "Zhang Ye, you are too disobedient."


    Zhang Ye was furious. "��Do you think I won''t beat the crap out of you?"


    His mother lightly kicked her son''s shin. "Who are you going to beat up? Quicklye and help me with the cooking. We need to sooth the child''s nerves. We have to celebrate this incident today! Our Chenchen is too awesome!"


    Chenchen had been praised to the high heavens by now. She leaned on the sofa,fortable, with a heroic expression on her face. "Zhang Ye, I''m hungry now."


    Her actions made Zhang Ye roll his eyes in annoyance. "You are even acting like a lord now?"


    ����


    Not long after, a phone call came for Zhang Ye. It was a female staff member from the Municipal Public Security Bureau. "Hello, are you family to Rao Chenchen?"


    Zhang Ye replied: "Yes."


    The female staff asked: "Are you her guardian?"


    Zhang Ye said: "I''m considered her temporary guardian. Her aunt who is also her guardian is my friend. She isn''t in Beijing currently, so has given the child to my care temporarily. You can talk to me if there''s anything."


    The female staff member exined in a gentle tone: "OK. We handle special cases like yours separately, so the reward for the people who assisted in solving the case has been expedited and approved at the quickest time. The reward amount for Rao Chenchen is 200,000 RMB in cash. Can you bring her to the Municipal Public Security Bureau to receive the reward tomorrow? There might also be a mini-press conference held tomorrow. Moreover, the victim of the huge burry case involving the 40 million RMB worth of property stolen from Chun Shuyuan has just contacted us. He requested that you be here tomorrow so that he could thank you in person. He even made a silk banner to give to Rao Chenchen and her friends. The owner was pretty moved and repeatedly emphasized that we pass the message to you."


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye said with surprise: "The reward is 200,000 RMB?"


    Chenchen''s eyes immediately lit up.


    Zhang Ye''s parents were also stunned for a bit.


    The female staff member said: "That''s right. Because this is a major case and the people who helped solve the case were just children, in order to reward such bravery and intelligence, the reward was adjusted to be slightly higher than usual."


    Zhang Ye quickly said: "Sure, we''ll definitely be there tomorrow."


    After hanging up, his mother immediately asked, "The reward is that much?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and looked delightedly at Chenchen. "You''re still underage and won''t have the need for the money yet, so I will help you safeguard the money for the time being. It will be your dowry in the future when you get married."


    Chenchen was furious. "Zhang Ye! That is my reward!"


    Zhang Ye blinked and said, "It''s still your money. I''m just depositing it for you first."


    His mother pounded his back. "Don''t argue. Why are you eyeing the child''s reward? Go to the bank and apply for an ount for Chenchen using your name and deposit the reward there. Then let Chenchen keep the card herself for safekeeping!"


    Zhang Ye whined, "She only cracked the casergely in part due to my teaching and influence on her, so I deserve a share in the reward as well!"


    Chenchen nearly fainted from anger. "Zhang Ye, you don''t behave like an adult at all!"


    ����


    On the same evening.


    The news outlets bombarded the public one after another!


    On TV, newspapers, the radio, and the Inte, a stunning piece of news was published. When everyone saw or heard this news, their first reaction was disbelief!


    "Chun Shuyuan''srgest burry case has been solved!"


    "Primary school students cracked the most important case of the country!"


    "More than 50 people arrested! Investigations reveal over 40 million RMB worth of property was stolen!"


    "Primary school students solved a major case! Tracking down the criminal gang''s hideout!"


    "Zhang Ye appears on scene to im child!"


    "An rming insider story! Leader of the primary school students who went after thieves was Zhang Ye''s rtive!"


    When countless of newspaper reports were out, the people of the entire country went into an uproar!


    ����


    At a restaurant in Beijing.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and some other colleagues from The Voice were eating dinner. Wu Yi had too much to drink and was currently singing loudly on the dining table. Suddenly, the news of the burry case appeared on the television in the lobby.


    "Don''t sing anymore, stop singing!"


    "Everyone, quickly watch the news! This��"


    "This case was cracked by primary school students? Zhang Ye''s rtive?"


    "Holy shit, look at that figure in the footage, that��isn''t that Chenchen?!"


    Wu Yi sobered up almost immediately and stared at the television with eyes wide!


    Footage of Chenchen and her friends appeared on the TV screen. However, due to Zhang Ye and the children''s parents not agreeing to let the children appear on screen, the news only showed the backs of the children. They were even masked with pixtion, so that most people still wouldn''t be able recognize them. But it was different for the program team staff of The Voice. With the news linking it to Zhang Ye''s rtive and information that they were primary school students, just by looking at that back of the tiny child, they immediately figured out that it was Chenchen! Back then, Chenchen had spent some time living at Central TV. Ha Qiqi and the others were all very familiar with Chenchen. They all rather liked the "Little Leader" who enjoyed ordering people around!


    "It''s really Chenchen!"


    "Oh my God! Chenchen went after some thieves and solved a crime?"


    "I always knew that Chenchen was sharp and clever and that she was also different from the other children. But to solve a crime��how could this possibly be something that a primary school student could achieve!"


    Ha Qiqi gave a wry smile. "Chenchen and Director Zhang really are carved from the same mold!"


    Zhang Zuo was also amused. "That''s right, they are so alike!"


    Everyone agreed when they heard that. The personalities of the young and old duo really were exactly the same. Wasn''t Director Zhang exactly the same in that he could make something out of nothing while idling around? And if there was a situation going on already, he could create an even bigger event out of it!


    ����


    It was also crazy online!


    Zhang Ye''s celebrity friends from everywhere were sending him their "congrattions"!


    Yao Jiancai: "..."


    Zhang Xia: "..."


    Fang Weihong: "..."


    Dong Shanshan: "..."


    The couple, Chen Guang and Fan Wenli: "..."


    Many celebrities expressed their shock!


    Theizens also found it uneptable!


    "I''ve been blinded!"


    "Heavens! Aren''t primary school students these days too amazing?!"


    "What sort of world am I living in now?!"


    "Primary school students? This makes it difficult for anyone to look straight into their eyes anymore!"


    "This is getting too crazy!"


    "I was wrong! I won''t ever look down on primary school students anymore in the future! You guys have won!"


    "How could this be possible? Is this fake news?"


    "It can''t be fake! All the media outlets and newspapers are reporting about it!"


    "F**k, can it be any more unbelievable than this?! During my second grade days, I was still ying around in the mud. I didn''t even know how tell the difference between a boy and a girl at that time! Are primary school students nowadays all able to solve crimes and catch thieves? And it was even thergest burry case in the country? The gap is too great between then and now!"


    "Comparison always ends up torturing people! I''m totally kneeling to the primary school students now!"


    "I still don''t dare to believe it! It''s��it''s impossible! This doesn''t make sense!"


    "Why isn''t it possible? Hur hur, take a look at this photo. Do you know who the person was who came to pick up that child? And this news article, take a look at it!"


    "Eh, this person looks quite familiar?"


    "F**k, isn''t that Zhang Ye?!"


    "What? She''s that wretched Zhang Ye''s rtive?"


    "I knew it! I f**king knew it!"


    "If she is Zhang Ye''s rtive, then everything makes perfect sense! No wonder this child is so wondrous. It''s because the adults in her family are also like that! Only with a family member like Zhang Ye could such a godly kid emerge!"


    "Hahahaha, I''m dying fromughter! So it turns out that she is Zhang Ye''s rtive!"


    "Teacher Zhang is famous again! How on earth did he teach the kid?! He must have really outdone himself in teaching that kid that she could turn out so well! Not even the world could hold him down!"


    "Just two days ago, Zhang Ye smashed some cars at Tsinghua University. After causing such a big incident and not getting into any other trouble for the past two days, it was his rtive who took over from him instead? Breaking new ground and getting engaged inmunity work now? Isn''t this family too professional with their reputation! They really are advancing dauntlessly, wave after wave!"


    "I nearly pissed myselfughing!"


    "Does it need to be this funny?!"


    Theizens were very surprised at this!


    The people were stunned!


    But the reactions were more on the positive side as this piece of news had tickled them a lot. As long as it was any news rted to Zhang Ye, it would seem very funny. It even made many of those people who did not really like Zhang Ye previously unable to stop fromughing out loud because this matter was truly too wondrous to begin with!


    Aical adult!


    With the addition of aical kid!


    Zhang Ye''s family was a bunch of f**king wondrous people!

 Chapter 738: The new show will launch soon!

    <h4>Chapter 738: The new show willunch soon! </h4>


    Chapter 738: The new show willunch soon!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    On this day.


    In the morning, Zhang Ye drove to Central TV.


    After bringing Chenchen to the Municipal Public Security Bureau to settle some matters, he went off to see Fat Sis to get the nts vs. Zombies endorsement contract signed. With that, Zhang Ye had finally settled all his affairs and his leave had ended as well. Today, he dressed to the nines and had his hair styled before going back to the office.


    In the program team office.


    The que with the name of The Voice had not been removed from the door yet. Everyone had already started working. However, as there was not much work on their hands, they were all happily chatting away instead.


    "Hey, Director Zhang is here!"


    "Director Zhang, good morning!"


    "How were your two days of rest?"


    "I saw on the news that our ''Little Leader'' has solved a big case?"


    "Chenchen is too clever. When that child grows up, she will definitely do well in life!"


    Everyone started chiming in with their thoughts and broke out intoughter after that.


    Zhang Ye smiled helplessly as he waved it off. "Don''t mention that little kid anymore. She''s too naughty."


    Zhang Zuoughed and said, "Chenchen is rather cute. If I had a daughter like her, I would be so happy. I have never seen such a clever and resourceful child before."


    "You can have her if you want," Zhang Ye offered to him generously.


    Zhang Zuo was startled, then said, "Director Zhang, I wasn''t serious."


    Everyoneughed.


    Then, Ha Qiqi asked, "Boss, are there any updates regarding our new program? What kind of program are we doing? When will we start on the production? We were just discussing this and everyone is quite looking forward to it."


    Little Wang said, "That''s right, that''s right."


    Wu Yiughed excitedly. "We are only waiting for yourmand and will be going all out alongside you again!"


    A female staff member ttered, "With you around to lead us, we are confident in handling any kind of program! We are full of confidence!"


    Zhang Ye joked, "I don''t even have any confidence myself. The new program should go into production soon. As for what kind of program it is or what requirements it has, the station has not informed me to discuss it yet. We will have to see how it goes and how much of a production budget they are going to allocate us. The proposal for the new program still depends on whether they will be generous with the production budget or not."


    As one of the more popr hosts around, he only had a short-term contract with Central TV whichsted a year. With a situation like this, Central TV definitely wouldn''t let Zhang Ye idle around for too long. When The Voice finished its broadcast run, they would surely have to get started on the new program as well. It should be happening within these few days now. If it was the typical program production cycle, under normal circumstances Zhang Ye''s contract would probably expire once he hadpleted this new program.


    Indeed, when it was almost time for lunch, Deputy Director Jiang Yuan of Central TV Department 1 came over. "Is everyone here?"


    "Director Jiang."


    "Hello, Director Jiang."


    "Director Jiang, are you here to give us our next task?"


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others said, one after another.


    Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "That''s right, the funding for the new program has been approved."


    When he heard themotion in the workce, Zhang Ye came out of his executive director''s office. "Director Jiang."


    "Little Zhang, the station has already given their go-ahead to your team''s performance many times, so I''ll skip the titudes." Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "Your results are apparent to everyone and the station also trusts all of you. We also have great expectations of you, so I have specially applied for more funding from our Director of Central TV Department 1 this time. The production budget is 80 million RMB in total. The management held a quick meeting and approved it almost straightaway. Furthermore, if the program production encounters any uncontroble factors, this production budget can be increased by up to 10% more. With this kind of funding support, let alone the other channels of Central TV, even our own Department 1 has never had something like this before."


    80 million RMB?


    They could still up it to 88 million RMB?


    When they heard this, all of the program team staff became extremely excited. Central TV Department 1 had indeed invested a lot in them this time. No other program team had ever had such treatment before. Buting back to it, the results of The Voice were there for all to see. A huge production budget brought back an evenrger return, so who wouldn''t be tempted after seeing that? It was inevitable that they would increase the production budget, because the station knew that as long as Zhang Ye was helming the production, no matter how much money they invested into it, they would still be able to recoup back their initial expenditure. Not only did they not have to worry about the production costs, they would even be able to earn back a huge profit. There were now no more doubts about Zhang Ye''s standards in program production!


    Zhang Ye said, "Thank you for your trust, director. About that, the title sponsorship fee this time and the allocated��"


    "Don''t even think about that," Jiang Yuan quickly interrupted. "The title sponsorship fee will not be added into the production budget this time as it will go directly into our station''s ount. Isn''t the production budget of 80 million enough for you to make the program? Even if you were to use it to shoot the second season of The Voice, it should be more than sufficient!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Well, alright then."


    Jiang Yuan added, "Regarding the new program, the station also has some requirements to ask of you. The first requirement is the title sponsorship fee cannot be less than 80 million."


    Zhang Ye felt that this was somewhat difficult to fulfill. "The Voice was a special case. Director Jiang, I cannot guarantee that the new program will also get a title sponsorship fee of close to 100 million, but I will try to fight for at least 50 million."


    "Since the station has promised to give you an 80 million RMB production budget, the first thing we want is to guarantee a recoup on that investment. You do not need to be as humble as all of us. Believe in your ability." Jiang Yuan continued, "A tentative target of at least 1.2% in the viewership ratings is the second requirement. The third requirement that management discussed during the meeting was that, even though they feel that singing shows are definitely not doable again in the short term, they want to borrow the momentum generated from that genre and make a simr show. Our goal is still to make a talent show, but as for which type of talent show, we will need you to write up a proposal for the station to go through first. We''ll then make the final decision when the timees."


    Zhang Ye replied, "Still doing talent shows?"


    Jiang Yuan affirmed, "Yes. For example, a dancing reality show? Or something simr? Of course, this is only our suggestion. Write the actual program proposal first. We''ll discuss again on whether it is workable or not."


    Zhang Ye could only say, "Sure, I''ll think over it first."


    After talking for a bit more, Jiang Yuan prepared to go to lunch. "Alright, that''s all for now. Oh right, Little Zhang,e by my office after lunch. I have something to discuss with you."


    "Sure," Zhang Ye responded.


    After Jiang Yuan left, Zhang Ye delegated the problem to the colleagues. "Everybody, give it some thought about what kind of a program is most suitable. Come up with some suggestions. We can have a brainstorming session after that."


    Ha Qiqi blinked and said, "Why don''t we just go with the dancing reality show idea?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "It sounds like it would be a cult program that willck originality. We can''t possibly follow the format of The Voice with the coaches selecting contestants with their backs turned, right? If their backs are turned, they won''t even be able to see the poses of the dancers, so how are they going to judge? By listening to the sounds of the dance steps?"


    Wu Yi said, "Talent shows really are difficult to make."


    A female staff member said, "I''m actually more inclined to doing reality TV shows as the potential for development is greater, but if the station prefers a talent show, then��"


    A production budget of 80 million RMB?


    A talent show?


    The title sponsorship fee and the viewership rating must also be high?


    Zhang Ye consolidated the requirements of the station and felt that the difficulty was much greater than before. One after another, popr variety show ideas from his previous world appeared in his head, but in the end, they were rejected in session by him. For now, he could not think of any suitable program to use.


    Which show should they do?


    Which show was the most suitable?

 Chapter 739: Arguing with the leader again!

    <h4>Chapter 739: Arguing with the leader again! </h4>


    Chapter 739: Arguing with the leader again!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    In the afternoon.


    Central TV Department 1''s official Weibo posted an update.


    The contents were as follows: Central TV Department 1 will invest a hefty 80 million RMB in its next TV show. Estimated broadcast date: TBA. Production Team: From the team that brought you The Voice. Executive Producer: Zhang Ye. Executive Director: Zhang Ye. Host: Zhang Ye. Broadcast Schedule: Friday Primetime Slot.


    When this news came out, it immediately made a ssh on the Inte.


    "Great!"


    "Hahaha, Zhang Ye''s new show ising!"


    "80 million RMB? That''s quite considerable!"


    "Quite considerable? That amount is more than enough to shoot a movie, a blockbuster movie in fact. If we''re talking about a normal movie production, then it''s enough to make three or four of them! They''re actually going to spend that much money just on a TV show? If we''re talking about our domestic market, I suppose Zhang Ye alone canmand such a price. Besides, haven''t you all noticed something yet? Previously, The Voice did not broadcast in a primetime slot, but Zhang Ye''s new show has already been announced for Friday''s primetime. I''m so looking forward to seeing this new show get even better viewership ratings this time. I wonder if Teacher Zhang can continue writing his legend!"


    "Right, The Voice was just a variety show that broadcasted on a normal Thursday night slot and its ratings still managed to get the number 1 spot in the nation. If it was given a primetime slot, it would surely have done much better. I believe that Central TV Department 1 was too conservative in the handling of Zhang Ye back then, so they only gave him the Thursday slot. Otherwise, if he had been given the Friday or Saturday primetime slots, the viewership ratings would surely have been much higher than they were!"


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "Let''s see what kinds of tricks Zhang Ye can pull off this time!"


    "This has got to be the most exciting news that I''ve heard all day. Teacher Zhang, I''ve always liked you a lot, so I''m cheering for you!"


    "Is there any more definitive information?"


    "What type of show would the new program be? Why didn''t they disclose it yet?"


    "I can''t wait!"


    "Looking forward to ''The Tongue of China'' disying his prowess again!"


    "After the recent car smashing incident and with his rtive solving a crime case, I think it''s time for Teacher Zhang to get back to proper business again!"


    The topic was hotly discussed online. Central TV Department 1''s new program had entered the early stages of promotion!


    ����


    At Central TV.


    At the cafeteria in the television tower.


    While Zhang Ye was eating lunch, some people came up to chat with him.


    A TV producer said, "Director Zhang, I heard that your new program will have 80 million yuan set aside for it?"


    "It''s not in the ount yet." Zhang Yeughed it off.


    A program team''s female director standing beside him said, "You''re already the darling of Central TV Department 1. Thinking of how my program used to apply for a production funding of 20 million, we had to wait for over a month just to find out that it couldn''t be approved. In the end, they shed it to 15 million. Hai,parison always ends up torturing people, that''s totally true."


    Zhang Ye happily said, "Director Chu, don''t joke about me like that. I''ve heard that the different types of copyrights that your program sold fetched tens of millions of yuan. If we base it proportionately to the production costs, your program did much better than The Voice."


    "Come on." That female director said, "The copyright of The Voice would definitely sell for much more."


    Behind them, a middle-aged manughed. "I heard that someone from America has alreadye to discuss The Voice''s overseas copyright. I believe they may have already touched base with Central TV about it."


    "Is that so?" Zhang Ye asked, not knowing anything about this.


    The middle-aged man answered, "I''ve only heard so, but I don''t know specifically."


    The female director said, "Director Zhang''s contract is a little different from the other hosts. I believe he came as part of the package with the program? So the copyright should still be with him."


    "I only hold the overseas copyright, nothing more," Zhang Ye exined.


    The female director said, "That''s more than enough. If the discussions go well, at least 10 million will go directly into your pocket, and that''s just lowballing. Don''t forget to treat us to a meal when the timees."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "There''s not even a shadow of that happening yet."


    He had been working at Central TV for 3 months now. During this time, Zhang Ye had gotten to know quite a lot of people, but mainly just as acquaintances. He could speak to them or carry a conversation in their daily interactions, but none of them really had a close rtionship with him. Since the time they spent together wasn''t that long, Zhang Ye also did not talk in-depth with them. They would just make small talk, and often kept the conversations short since they weren''t that close.


    After the meal.


    He took the elevator upstairs. Zhang Ye did not return to his office but went directly to Jiang Yuan''s office instead. Jiang Yuan had earlier asked Zhang Ye to see him in the afternoon as there was something he wanted to discuss with him.


    He knocked on the door.


    "Come in." Jiang Yuan''s voice came from inside.


    Zhang Ye went inside. "Director Jiang."


    Jiang Yuan said pleasantly, "You''re here? Take a seat."


    Zhang Ye did not stand on ceremony and just took a seat. "Is it regarding the program?"


    "More or less." Jiang Yuan went over to the water cooler to get a cup of water for Zhang Ye. "I asked you here today because I wanted to discuss something in your contract with you."


    "Contract?" Zhang Ye perked up, but yed dumb. "What contract?"


    Jiang Yuan continued, "I will be honest with you. For the contract that we have previously discussed, there have been many meetings at the management level regarding it. They feel that the contract does not abide by the rules."


    Zhang Ye''s eyebrows twitched. "Director Jiang, regarding the contract, we have already��"


    "Listen to me first," Jiang Yuan interrupted. "I understand as well. Previously, the contract we discussed was done after negotiations from both sides. But because there are many uses within it that cannot hold up to scrutiny and is not perfect. For example, the overseas copyright that you wanted to keep, that has never been something like that in Central TV before, nor have there been any simr cases in any other TV stations."


    Zhang Ye''s contract was indeed different from other people''s contracts. Whether it was other hosts or program nners, as long as they had signed an employee contractual agreement, they did not own the copyrights of the works they created during their tenure for the purpose of work. It belonged under the category of obligatory creations in their professional positions, so at most, it would be subjected to year-end bonuses or cash awards based on work performance. There would be no sharing of the copyright fees should it be sold. However, it was different for Zhang Ye as he had earlier discussed the contract with Central TV Department 1 based on his terms. In that contract, he would not be entitled to year-end bonuses or a joining bonus, but in return, he would get to retain his copyright in the event that television stations from overseas wanted to buy it. That was the one and only use he requested, so you could say that he had brought the program along with him to Central TV Department 1.


    So what was the meaning of this now?


    Are they intending to break the contract? Did I hear it wrong?


    Zhang Ye asked in an unpleasant tone, "What do you mean by that?"


    Jiang Yuan looked at him. "The management''s decision is that we ought to renegotiate your contract terms. Don''t be too hasty now. We aren''t targeting you. The main issue here is to standardize the contract to Central TV''s contractual rules. Moreover, you don''t have to worry since this is just modifying the copyright use that is in the contract now. What you have produced and created within your professional role will be Central TV Department 1''s copyright, so it''s simply just that one use. As for the others, the contract will seek to increase your performance bonuses ordingly. Your bonuses and viewership rating performance pay are directly linked, and with your standards, the monthly payout for you won''t be low at all. In summary, we are just asking for you to give up the overseas copyright. In exchange, we will increase your sry topensate you. It''s the same thing in the end."


    Zhang Yeughed. "Then may I first ask; how much will the monthly payouts amount to?"


    "Since we did not discuss your bonuses in the previous contract, you were at a disadvantage. As you know, overseas copyrights are actually not easy to sell. How many of such cases have you ever seen happening in our country''s variety show industry? There''s basically none. But what we are going to do for you is renegotiate the contract in your favor, so even if the overseas copyright is not sold, you will still stand to gain marily in the form of bonuses. With your show''s performance, I am estimating that you will receive at least 200,000 RMB a month, maybe even more," Jiang Yuan exined.


    Zhang Yeughed in spite of all this. "What I understand by this is that you are telling me that the contract will be renegotiated not from the next show, but starting with The Voice, right?"


    Jiang Yuan acknowledged, "You can give it some consideration first."


    Zhang Ye candidly replied, "I don''t need to consider. It''s a no."


    Earlier at the cafeteria, when someone mentioned that an American hade to discuss the overseas copyright for The Voice, Zhang Ye was still doubtful of it. But at this moment, he no longer doubted the veracity of that. Someone from Central TV Department 1 had definitely met up with the American already, and it was likely that they''d also discussed a preliminary figure for the copyright. However, because of the issue with Zhang Ye''s contract, Central TV Department 1 could not sell the copyright of The Voice to an overseas party. Therefore, the only choice left was to talk it through with Zhang Ye.


    Change the copyright use in favor of bonuses?


    200,000 RMB a month?


    Are you trying to deceive an idiot!? If the overseas copyright were to be sold, it would fetch at least tens of millions of yuan! The monthly payout of 200,000 RMB still had to be tied to the viewership ratings? If the viewership ratings drop, so will the pay? Do you think I was born yesterday??


    Jiang Yuan frowned. "Little Zhang, the reason a program like The Voice has done so well was not down to only your concept and hosting. You have to know that Central TV Department 1''srge tform contributed heavily to the rise of the show''s poprity as well. In fact, it''s even the decisive factor, since without the tform, The Voice would never have be so popr. This is not your credit alone to im. If you insist on biting onto a throwaway issue like the copyright, don''t you think you''re being too unreasonable?"


    Zhang Ye''s eyes narrowed. "Director Jiang, first of all, the issue with the contract was brought up by me at the very beginning. When you invited me to join Central TV Department 1 after our discussions, I did not request any conditions except the matter of the copyright. There was no joining pay, no bonuses. Just a basic sry of 8,000 RMB as the host. I worked incredibly hard on the show, came up with the idea, used my personal connections to pull in a title sponsor to fund the production, and finally, also gave up my share of the online exclusive broadcast fees that went directly to Central TV Department 1. So how am I being unreasonable??"


    ''"You have to think from a different perspective��" Jiang Yuan tried to advise.


    Zhang Ye refuted. "The one who should think from a different perspective is not me. I dare put it this way: if you had rejected my request to retain my ownership of the show''s copyright back when you approached me to join the station, we would''ve just parted ways on good terms and I would not have joined the station. But now that the contract has already been agreed on and signed, and I have also joined the station and created the show too, then with the overseas copyright nearly sold, you''re telling me that the contract agreements that we had don''t stand up to scrutiny? You guys even want the overseas copyright for yourselves now? All the money will go to you all? Going back on your word? Burning bridges? Is this the way to do things, if I may ask? It''s not like I''m particr about things. Neither do I feel that I have asked for too much. You even mentioned earlier about how many of our variety shows have had their copyrights sold overseas, right? Basically none? But when I want to retain this ''throwaway'' copyright for myself, I am being called unreasonable? What else would you like me to do? I need to ensure that I create a good show, ensure its viewership ratings, and now I even have to control myself from getting too much money? Is this what you mean by being reasonable? That is not called being reasonable, that is what you''d call idiotic!"


    Hearing Zhang Ye''s tone, Jiang Yuan also didn''t bother to hold back anymore. He spoke harshly, "Little Zhang, I suggest that you better consider this carefully."


    "I should not be the one considering this matter, nor am I obligated to do so!" Zhang Yeid down thew, "A contract is a contract, we will continue ording to the contractual terms. After the year ends, if you still want to renegotiate the contract, we can talk about it again. But for now, I have no reason to renegotiate the contract!"


    Jiang Yuan said, "Go back and think about it again."


    "The ones thinking should be you all." This was just what Zhang Ye''s temper was like. If people were good to him, they could talk about anything. But if people tried to find fault with him, he would say anything he wanted. "I don''t need to speak of how much The Voice has earned for Central TV Department 1 or how much fame and glory it has brought to the station. You guys should know all about that. Besides, you can check around with anyone, but ever since i joined Central TV Department 1, have I not been giving my best to the station? In turn, what you all are trying to do chills me. I can clearly tell you this: the contract has been written in ck and white already and I won''t be renegotiating it. If the American wants to discuss the overseas copyright to The Voice, I will discuss it with him or her face-to-face. There''s no need for you all to bother yourselves with it!"


    Zhang Ye stood up to walk out.


    Jiang Yuan was so angry his face paled. He told Zhang Ye, "Don''t forget that you still have to fulfill the contract duration with Central TV Department 1. Whatever our station mightck, it definitely won''t be a host!"


    "What a coincidence." Zhang Ye stopped in his tracks and turned around. "I can teach, crosstalk, produce music, act in movies, and write novels, so it''s not like I have to be a host either!"


    At the door.


    Two staff members were just walking past Jiang Yuan''s office at this moment. When they saw the door open and heard Zhang Ye arguing with Jiang Yuan inside the office, the two of them looked at each other, stunned and rooted to the spot!


    What was happening?


    Why was Zhang Ye arguing with people again??

 Chapter 740: Director Zhang flies into a rage!

    <h4>Chapter 740: Director Zhang flies into a rage! </h4>


    Chapter 740: Director Zhang flies into a rage!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Later that afternoon.


    News started spreading internally at Central TV.


    A group of people were heatedly discussing it in private, talking about Zhang Ye.


    "Hey, did you hear about it?"


    "What?"


    "Zhang Ye and a Central TV Department 1''s deputy director were arguing with each other!"


    "Ah? When did that happen? What''s the state of affairs?"


    "I heard that a leader from Central TV Department 1 wanted to renegotiate with Zhang Ye over his contract. They wanted him to give up his ownership of the copyright to The Voice and any uing shows to Central TV, but Zhang Ye did not agree and they shed over it."


    "Changing the contract?"


    "If it were me, I wouldn''t have agreed either!"


    "Right, based on what can they ask to change the contract?"


    "It seems like the overseas copyright fee that Central TV Department 1 has negotiated for is rather high. It''s somewhere in the range of 10 to 20 million RMB, so if such arge sum of money doesn''t go into Central TV Department 1''s ount, it wouldn''t look good for them. Moreover, this is also a sort of political achievement for Central TV Department 1 since it would be the first time that a domestically produced variety show has ever had its copyright sold overseas. That in itself would already be a huge achievement, but if it were sold under Zhang Ye''s name, Central TV Department 1 would end up being embarrassed. It wouldn''t look good, so the leaders at Department 1 came up with the scheme of changing the contract terms. I guess they were left with no choice after all."


    "But still, they can''t force people to resign it."


    "Yes, of course they can''t, but they can let him waste away. Don''t forget that Zhang Ye still has a one-year contract with Central TV Department 1. If Central TV Department 1 decides to freeze Zhang Ye for the remainder of his contract duration and not release him, Zhang Ye can''t do anything about that either. Remember our Central TV News Channel''s Old Zhu from a few years back? Didn''t he get frozen for three whole years after offending someone? In the end, when his contract expired, Old Zhu lost all his poprity together with it. Do you still see him around on television these days? I don''t even know what he''s up to anymore these days. This is what Zhang Ye will have to face as well. Even though he''s very popr right now, in the entertainment industry, once you don''t have any exposure or publicity, you''re as good as dead. No matter how much fame you had previously, it will all go to waste. Zhang Ye couldn''t afford such circumstances."


    "That''s right!"


    "That Zhang Ye''s temper is really too quick. I''ve heard that he often argues with his leaders, but thought that it was just a rumor. Who knew that he actually turned out to be that way!"


    "This problem can''t be easy to handle."


    "Let''s just see how Zhang Ye will handle it then."


    "Hai, such things in the professional setting have always made it difficult to distinguish who''s right and who''s wrong. Furthermore, it involves the leaders'' vested interest. We can only wait and see how they resolve it. Teacher Zhang is really unlucky to get involved in such an uncalled-for situation. The media has always reported on how Zhang Ye always gets into trouble at every ce that he goes to, but it seems to me that it''s just a case of the popr attracting trouble. If Zhang Ye weren''t so capable and the show''s viewership ratings were just average, the copyright wouldn''t have attracted any interest, and there simply wouldn''t have been any issues. However, it''s precisely because he''s so capable that even if he does not look for trouble, troublees looking for him!"


    "Yeah, there''s no way out of this."


    The entire Central TVwork was made up of many other departments other than Central TV Department 1. It could be described as argework, but also be seen as a small corporation, since they were all housed in the same building. Besides, as someone had witnessed the argument between Zhang Ye and Jiang Yuan, news of it spread very quickly internally and couldn''t be kept under wraps.


    ����


    In The Voice''s program team office.


    When the program team staff heard about it, they were all shocked!


    "This��"


    "Why would they try to change the contract?"


    "Yeah, it doesn''t make sense whatsoever. Isn''t this pushing it a little too far?"


    "Aiyo, why did Director Zhang argue with the leader? Will the new show be affected by this?"


    "It definitely will. If it isn''t handled well, Central TV Department 1 might even give the show to someone else to do! A show with a budget of 80 million, do you know how many hosts would vie for that!?"


    "Then what should we do?"


    "Director Jiang is being too insincere about this!"


    "Shh, keep it down. It''s not our ce to discuss this."


    "Keep it down, my ass. Director Zhang has always been good to us! If we don''t speak up for Director Zhang at this time, then who should we speak up for? This is all happening because those leaders from Central TV Department 1 are being too money-grubbing!"


    "How did it be like this just when our new show was about to start!"


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the rest also started speaking up. Everyone was very worried about Zhang Ye''s situation. Some of them came to a conclusion that Director Zhang would be frozen by Central TV Department 1 over the matter. Just thinking about this oue made everyone''s expression change. Speaking from the heart, they would of course prefer to work with Zhang Ye, even if it meant working harder. Zhang Ye also called for a higher standard of work from them, but they were all willing to put in the effort for him. From a motley crew of a program team, they had now be the best program team in the country. It was truly an honor for them! How great of an honor was this? It was so great that they wouldn''t exchange it for anything else!


    "Surely they won''t freeze him, right?"


    "That''s unlikely. I don''t think it calls for such drastic measures yet!"


    "Right, it''s not such a big conflict anyway. I''m sure they can stille to an agreement somehow. Let''s see how Director Zhang will handle this now. But I wonder, with Director Zhang''s temper��this is really difficult to say!"


    No one was in the mood to work anymore.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye pushed open the door and walked into the office.


    Ha Qiqi quickly said, "Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Zuo immediately said, "Just let us know if there''s anything we can help you with!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and waved a hand. "It''s nothing, just go on and keep working."


    Seeing how Zhang Ye was still able to keep his smile in such a situation, everyone admired him from the bottom of their hearts. He was indeed worthy of hisbel as the jinx of the entertainment circle, and had been through all sorts of difficulties in this industry before.


    Zhang Ye had actually prepared for the worst-case scenario, but he still carried on doing whatever he needed to do as of now. He did not let the problem affect his rhythm at all.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Is the proposal written up yet?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "We came up with two simple concepts. You can take a look at them first."


    Zhang Ye said, "Mmm, it looks fine."


    After chatting a little about the new show, Zhang Ye shared some of his views and ideas about it before ending the meeting. All they needed to do now was wait for the funding toe in so that they could start implementing their ns and realize a general development direction for the show. Zhang Ye already had several concepts as well, but he still needed to refine them a little further.


    Di di.


    Ha Qiqi''s cell phone rang.


    Di di.


    The cell phones of everyone else in the office also went off at about the same time.


    "Wah, our sry has been paid!" Little Wang said happily.


    Zhang Zuo took a look and immediately eximed, "Whoa, 80,000?"


    Ha Qiqi also said, "Me too, 87,000 to be exact."


    Wu Yi was shocked. "I got 69,000!"


    Little Wang also held her cell phone with her mouth agape. "Mine is above 50,000 too! Aiyo, why did we get so much this month? The bonus is 47,000?"


    Ha Qiqi suddenly said, "We have Director Zhang to thank for this. He applied for the bonus on our behalf. This payment should be for the work done in the month beforest. There should still be another bonus in next month''s sry."


    Little Wang was overjoyed. "Thank you, Director Zhang!" She offhandedly asked, "Director Zhang, how much did you get? It''s definitely many times more than ours, right? Will you be treating uster?"


    Everyoneughed.


    When Zhang Ye finally took out his cell phone to check, he found no messages on it. "Oh, I haven''t received mine yet."


    Ha Qiqi stared nkly at him. "That can''t be."


    Zhang Zuo was also stunned. "Isn''t Central TV using an automated payroll system?"


    Within the Central TVwork, the bank details of every department were different. Some of the newer departments had their bank ounts tied to the Postal Savings Bank of China, while the older departments used China Construction Bank. So when the employees of Central TV Department 1 were paid by the same bank, it was unlikely that there would be a dy since the sries should all be received at the same time. Even if there were some slight dys for some people, it couldn''t be that Zhang Ye alone did not receive the notification, right?


    Little Wang said, "Did you activate the sry payment alert?"


    Zhang Ye did not answer her and just smiled. "Looks like you guys will have to treat me to dinner instead?"


    However, this smile from Zhang Ye made Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others feel a sense of unease. It felt like it was the prelude to Director Zhang flying off the handle!


    What happened at the Finance Department?


    Why did everyone receive their sries except for Director Zhang?


    Without Director Zhang, there would not have been The Voice. After Director Zhang had earned so much money for Central TV Department 1, as well as garnered so much reputation for them, why did he deserve such treatment from you? Is this the way to treat your most exemry employee? Is this how you treat someone who saved the viewership ratings of Central TV Department 1??


    Ha Qiqi stood up and said, "I''ll go check for you with the Finance Department! What''re they doing!?"


    Zhang Ye understood what was going on. The anger he had umted within him had reached the limit. Do you all really think that I, Zhang Ye, am afraid of you people at Central TV Department 1??


    No joining fee!


    No bonuses!


    The show I created!


    The show I produced!


    The title sponsorship I pulled in!


    Yet now, not only do you not intend to leave the overseas copyright for me, you''re even withholding my sry of only 8,000 RMB?


    Ha!


    Why don''t you tell me just what you''re trying to y at!?

 Chapter 741: Prove to me that your mother is your mother!

    <h4>Chapter 741: Prove to me that your mother is your mother! </h4>


    Chapter 741: Prove to me that your mother is your mother!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    It was almost time to knock off.


    Some employees at the Finance Department of Central TV had already powered down theirputers and were beginning to pack up to go home.


    "Sister Wang, wanna join us at a Sanlitun bar tonight?"


    "No thanks, I drank too much the other day, so I''m not going tonight."


    "Little Liu, what are your ns after work?"


    "Me? Hur hur, what else can I be doing? I''m just going home to eat. My boyfriend has already prepared dinner and is waiting for me to return. I won''t be participating in any activities today. Maybe some other time."


    "Your boyfriend treats you really well."


    "Of course. He does whatever I say."


    While Little Liu was talking with her colleagues, an unexpected visitor came in from outside.


    Zhang Ye strolled into the office, not looking like he was in a rush at all. In fact, he even had a very rxed expression on his face. Zhang Ye understood quite well why his sry was not paid this time. Wasn''t it just a several thousand RMB sry? Central TV Department 1 did notck this bit of money and neither did Zhang Ye. Central TV Department 1 was using it as a way to warn him, or rather, to describe it more appropriately, to threaten him. Thinking about this, Zhang Ye sneered mentally. If this bro conceded because of their threats, he wouldn''t have survived in the entertainment industry and be everyone''smon enemy!


    Trying to mess with me?


    Sure, I''m up for it if you all want to dance!


    "Who is in charge of the payroll system for Central TV Department 1?" Zhang Ye asked.


    The Finance Department staff were stunned.


    "Eh?"


    "Director Zhang?"


    "Central TV Department 1? Little Liu is in charge of that."


    Everyone was a little surprised that Zhang Ye appeared in their office. Someone pointed him to Little Liu, a pretty girl in her twenties.


    Little Liu who was happily chatting with everyone just a moment ago suddenly frowned when she saw Zhang Ye and turned cold. She asked indifferently, "What''s the matter?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "So you''re the one in charge?"


    Little Liu said, "That''s me, why?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Do you intend to not pay me my sry?"


    "Ah?" Sister Wang on the other side of the room was amused by this. "Director Zhang, are you joking? The sry for Central TV Department 1 was already settled. The system should have disbursed the payment to all employees around 2, 3 PM this afternoon, so how could it be that we intend to not pay you?"


    An ountant beside her also said, "That''s right. It''s all been disbursed already. Everyone from Department 2 and Department 3 has received it as well."


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "That''s weird then. Everyone in Central TV has received their sry, so why am I the only one who has not yet been paid? Or did it get withheld? It''s alright. If they don''t intend to pay me or have withheld it, they just need to inform me. At least I have to know the reason for that, right?"


    Little Liu coldly answered, "Everyone''s sry has already been disbursed."


    Zhang Ye replied, "But I did not receive it."


    Little Liu shook her head. "That I do not know."


    "Then that''s it?" Zhang Ye was very amused by her reply. "You are shirking from your responsibility just like that? Alright, since you don''t know, then please check where my sry went for me?"


    Little Liu immediately refused and looked at her watch. "It''s already time to clock out from work. If there''s a problem,e back tomorrow to check."


    Sister Wang frowned. "Little Liu, it definitely won''t take much time to check for Director Zhang."


    At this moment, a young girl beside Sister Wang pulled at her, and gave her a look while pouting with an unknown intention. When Sister Wang and several staff members of the Finance Department saw this, they seemingly realized there was more to the situation, and so did not say another word.


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m impatient, so I won''t wait till tomorrow to find out."


    Little Liu said in frustration, "I''m already clocking out from work."


    "There''s still 5 minutes left." Zhang Ye said, "Is your watch not urate?"


    Little Liu took a deep breath and said firmly, "Alright, even if it''s still office hours, I will make it clear to you. The sry that was meant to be disbursed has already been disbursed. Everyone received their share of the sry. If you must insist that you did not receive it, then there''s nothing I can do about it. It might be that you have turned off your cell phone notifications, or you checked the wrong bank ount, so those are problems not on my side."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, then please check on which side the problem urred at."


    Little Liu shook her head. "I can''t do the checking here and am not authorized to check for you individually either, as it does notply with the procedures. You can double check again with the issue you are facing. If it''s really a case of the sry not depositing to your ount, then we can do a check on our side. However, you need to provide proof of that."


    Zhang Yeughed. "What proof?"


    Little Liu said, "First, you have to go the bank to print an ount statement, then get the bank to prove that you haven''t received your sry this month. Second, if the proof isplete, you need to provide a document to prove that this bank ount is used for your sry payment with Central TV Department 1. Once you have all the documentation and proof ready, you can submit them to me and I will report it to the management. I will be able to check for you over here once they verify that there is no problem with the documentation and proof."


    Zhang Ye couldn''t help butugh, "You all did not pay my sry to me, yet you want me to provide proof of it?"


    Little Liu said calmly, "If you don''t provide any proof, we can''t check for you."


    "Alright, I can go and gather proof, but before that��" Zhang Ye had been all smiles since he came into the office of the Finance Department, but at this moment, his expression suddenly changed. He pped his hand onto the table in front of Little Liu, which made a loud bang and gave Little Liu a big scare. "��you have to prove to me that you have the right to make me prove that my sry has not been received, and give you proof that my bank ount is my bank ount!"


    These words that sounded like a tongue twister helped Zhang Ye throw the question back at her!


    Little Liu was stunned. "I am from Finance, so if I say I need proof, then it means I need proof."


    Zhang Ye stared at her and said, "What proof do you have to prove that if you need to see proof, then others have to prove to you with their proof!"


    Little Liu nearly fainted from hearing that. She repeated his words repeatedly before finally understanding what he meant and replied in a loud voice, "I am an employee of this department! If what I say doesn''t matter, then whose words matter!"


    Zhang Ye said, "What proof do you have to prove that you are really from Finance?"


    "Everyone here can vouch for me!" Little Liu was bing agitated by him. "If I''m not from Finance, then who is?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Then you have to prove to me first that you''re really an employee of the Finance Department before I can get the proof to prove to you!"


    Little Liu was furious. "Old Wang!"


    A middle-aged man said, "Little Liu really is from Finance."


    Zhang Ye looked at the middle-aged man while sneering. "How can you prove that? Also, do you have proof that can prove that you can prove that she is indeed from Finance?"


    The middle-aged man was also confused from listening to this, "Ah?"


    Proof that can prove that I can prove that she is from Finance?


    How the f**k do I prove that!


    Little Liu angrily mmed her employee pass onto the table. "This is my employee pass!"


    "Can you prove that this so-called employee pass of yours is indeed proof that proves you are working in Central TV''s Finance Department?" Zhang Ye said.


    Little Liu shouted, "This is the standardized employee pass we all use! I don''t need to prove it!"


    Zhang Ye retorted, "Then how do you prove that the person in the photo is you?"


    Little Liu was angry and confused. "That is me!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "How do you prove it?"


    Little Liu: "That is who I am!"


    Zhang Ye: "How do you prove that you are you?"


    Little Liu was so angry that her face turned green. "I was born to my mother and father! If I am not me, then who am I?"


    Zhang Ye looked at her and said, "How do you prove that your mother is your mother?"


    Little Liu nearly vomited blood at this!


    Zhang Ye continued on, "How do you prove that your father is your father? How do you prove that your grandma is your grandma? How do you prove that your grandpa is your grandpa?"


    Little Liu was gasping heavily for air. She pointed to Zhang Ye angrily and said, "You! You''re cursing at me!"


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands and denied, "Who did I curse at? I just wanted you to prove yourself to me! If you bring out all of that proof and show me, I will follow your instructions ordingly and get my proof!"


    Little Liu: "You��"


    "So, show me the proof. What are you waiting for!" Zhang Ye stared at her for a moment, then suddenly smacked the surface of the table and caused the notepad and pen to fly off from the aftershock. Then, he dered loudly, "You can''t even provide proof that your mother is your mother, or that you are you! So what gives you the damned right to ask me to prove to you that my bank ount is my bank ount?"


    This barrage of tongue-twisting rhetorical questions sucked everyone in!


    Little Liu who had been stifling her anger and suffocating from it suddenly exploded into tears. Having been caught by surprise at Zhang Ye''s argument, she was left crying and hitting the tabletop in frustration!


    Zhang Ye nced at her and did not continue wrangling with her. He straightened his sleeves and exited the office just the way he had entered. His pace was an unhurried one. He looked like he was taking a leisurely stroll. It seemed like his visit this time was not to check on the reason for not receiving the sry. It did not feel like he was trying to rush them to disburse the sry either, but just seemed like he hade to insult people and create trouble. Now that his objectives were met, Zhang Ye simply walked off, looking really cool as he did that!


    He ended up looking cool!


    And at the same time, he left a bunch of employees from the Finance Department with the mouths agape after hearing what he said!


    In a department like theirs, they often met with cases which they had no choice but to make excuses for. They could only try to pass the buck or responsibility around. It was often a useful tactic, so everyone here was somewhat skillful at it. However, Zhang Ye had really given them a great lesson today. Hearing Zhang Ye''s nonstop barrage of proving this and proving that with proof, they really felt a sense of dumbfoundedness as ten thousand strings of "f**k you" shed across their vision. Zhang Ye had taken their most overused skill and returned it with full impact! The employees from Finance were also stunned.


    Little Liu was considered one of the more glib individuals in the Finance Department. Central TV Department 1 must have notified Little Liu this time and deliberately done this to Zhang Ye. But as result of that, in just a short, one-minute confrontation, the frontline member that was Little Liu had been forced into tears by the words of Zhang Ye! She had lost even though her opponent did not even use a single swear word in the argument! She couldn''t even talk back to him!


    Damn, what the f**k was this kind of speaking ability of his!


    Was that who the famous Zhang Ye was?


    Was this who the fastest speaking host of the country was??


    Everyone in Central TV''s Finance Department looked at each other, feeling somewhat fearful. They had witnessed for themselves today, just how scary Zhang Ye''s mouth was! Even though they knew that he was just harassing them, they couldn''t refute his words because he had harassed them with the same approach they used. Prove that Zhang Ye''s bank ount was Zhang Ye''s bank ount? This was a matter that could have easily been checked through the system. It would take at most ten seconds of their time, but since Little Liu insisted on Zhang Ye giving her proof, he had pushed back the problem in its entirety to her and asked Little Liu to prove that Little Liu was Little Liu. But how could Little Liu prove that!?


    This time, they had truly met a tough opponent!


    With that fight of his, even with the entire department''s employeesbined strength, they might still not be a match for him!

 Chapter 742: Taunting whoever comes!

    <h4>Chapter 742: Taunting whoeveres! </h4>


    Chapter 742: Taunting whoeveres!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    After work.


    But Central TV was bustling!


    Generally, during non-holiday periods, when it reached this time of day, other than those who had overtime to clock, most of the Central TV''s staff would not stay around at the officer longer than necessary. They couldn''t wait for the workday to be over so that they could go home to dinner. However, many of them did not leave the office today. Some were having discussions in their offices, while some were chatting in the hallways.


    "Something''s happened!"


    "What''s the matter? Why are you still around?"


    "Something happened over at the Finance Department just now!"


    "Director Zhang was too awesome! I was just looking at themotion from outside as it happened! The hallway outside of the Finance department was packed with people just now!"


    "What went on over there? Spit it out! What did Zhang Ye do again?"


    "Central TV Department 1 did not pay his sry, so Director Zhang took it up to Finance and even made Little Liu, who''s in charge of their payment, cry! F**k, it was too awesome! Director Zhang''s mouth is simply too godly! He could even wake up the dead with his scolding! He argued with her without even using a single swear word and brought her to tears!"


    "Which Little Liu?"


    "That woman with a mole on her forehead, who looks especially snobbish. That one!"


    "Oh, oh I know her. That girl who curries favor with the leaders and always knows how to speak with reason. How could she have been driven to tears by Zhang Ye? Hai, look at what I''m saying. I should know better since we''re talking about Zhang Ye here. Arguing with him? I don''t think that anyone in the entirety of Central TV can outargue him!"


    "Little Liu from Finance has always looked down on others, arrogant just because she has good rtions with the leaders. Looks like she has encountered a tough opponent this time! Does she think that Zhang Ye is like the other employees? That he would just take whatever she says? That she could get Zhang Ye to do whatever nonsense she asked for? How funny! She should use her brain to think for a bit. If Zhang Ye were so easy to talk to, he wouldn''t have offended his peers in all the industries he''s stepped into, neither would he have garnered such deep hatred from countless people!"


    "This time, themotion is a big one!"


    "Do the leaders know yet?"


    "They must know. Let''s see how this ys out!"


    "If it goes on like this, I really wonder how it will end!"


    "Eh, a chief from Finance ising over. It''s Little Liu''s boss!"


    "Did Little Liu make aint?"


    "Oh, it seems like Chief Lian is heading to The Voice''s program team office!"


    Are they going to sh head-on? Quick, let''s go and take a look!"


    "Wait for me, I want to go as well!"


    "If there''s something to watch, then I will go home at ater time!"


    ����


    Over there.


    In the program team office of The Voice.


    When Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others heard the news, they were all startled.


    The office assistant, Little Wang, pped andughed, "What a good vent! That''s how she should have been scolded!"


    A different girl said, "He might have vented his frustrations, but this will be troublesome now. The station has already treated Director Zhang in this way, but with another case now, what will happen to him?"


    Wu Yi said, "No matter what, she deserved the scolding. She''s just a normal employee in the Finance Department, so how dare she try to challenge Director Zhang? Withholding Director Zhang''s sry? Based on what? Even if we disregard Director Zhang''s status in Central TV, he is also a well-known mathematician as well as an associate professor at Peking University. Anyone who sees him should be showing their respect, but consider her attitude toward him. She''s already gotten off lightly if she did cry. If it were me, I would''ve hit her!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Oh, c''mon, Old Wu, don''t cause any more unnecessary trouble."


    Zhang Zuo suddenly looked past the door. "Someone''s here?"


    Ha Qiqi was also stunned when she looked over. "It''s Chief Lian from Finance? What''s he here for? Did hee to reprimand someone?"


    Just at that moment, around four people gradually came inside through the door. One of them was Chief Lian from Finance, who was also Little Liu''s immediate supervisor. Another was Little Liu, apanied by her colleagues from their department. As for therge group of people who followed behind them, those people did not dare step into the office and just stood outside and watched through the ss. They were obviously staff from Central TV who hade to see themotion.


    Tearstains could still be seen on Little Liu''s face.


    Chief Lian shouted as he stepped in, "Where''s Zhang Ye? Where is Zhang Ye?!"


    Zhang Zuo was a little annoyed. "What are you shouting for?"


    "Ask your Director Zhang toe out now. Why did he make my subordinate cry? Ah?" Chief Lian was very angry.


    Ha Qiqi knew him, so she stood up and said, "Old Lian, what''s the meaning of this? We didn''t look for you, but now you daree to look for us? Why don''t you tell us why Director Zhang did not receive his sry? Other than my boss, everyone else received theirs. Why is that so!"


    Chief Lian said, "Old Ha, this is none of your business!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "My boss''s business is my business!"


    At the other side of the room, Zhang Ye''s office door opened and he walked out. "Who''s looking for me? What''s all this shouting for? Are they treating this as their home?!"


    When Chief Lian saw him, he stared and said, "Zhang Ye, it''s good that you''re here. You''re also someone with status, a leader of a program team. How could you make a young girl cry? Don''t you feel embarrassed by your actions?!"


    Zhang Ye was amused. "She insisted that I prove my bank ount is my bank ount, so let me ask you this, how can I prove that to her? Where in the hell would I go and produce such proof for her? You could have just used the department''s system to do a check, yet you denied me that and pushed all the responsibility onto me. She''s already gotten off lightly because I only criticized her a little. Besides, I did not scold her. There were also others there at that time. You can ask them if I scolded her."


    Chief Lian shouted, "Our Finance Department has our own procedures to follow. If Little Liu asked for your verification, it means that it''s necessary. If you don''t produce the proof, then how can we check for you? If everyone came over with all sorts of requests like you did and our department processed and checked them one by one, would we still have time to do other things? Do you think we don''t have our own basic jobs to handle? Since you couldn''t produce the proof, then our judgment is that the sry has already been paid out to you." He said many things, but it was still the same old story!


    You still want me to give you proof?


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I can''t deny it just because I can''t produce proof?"


    "Of course!" Chief Lian said furiously.


    Zhang Ye nodded and asked back, "Alright then, let me ask you something, Chief Lian. Can you prove that you have proof that I am not your grandpa?"


    "What?" Chief Lian''s face turned green from anger. "Say that again!"


    So Zhang Ye really did say it again. "Can you prove that you have proof that I am not your grandpa?" Then he paused to look at the other party. "So? Can you? You can''t prove that either right? So by your logic, I am indeed your grandpa."


    "Pfft!"


    Some of those people who had gathered outside to observe could not hold in theirughter!


    Chief Lian suddenly blew up at this moment, "Zhang Ye, I''ll curse your grandpa!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Can you prove that you have proof that I am not your grandpa?"


    Chief Lian nearly vomited blood from anger. "You! Cough cough cough! Cough cough cough!"


    After an exchange of just a few lines, Chief Lian nearly suffered a heart attack. When the staff from the Finance Department saw this, they quickly said, "Chief, don''t bother with him anymore!"


    "Right, let''s go. Don''t get angry over this guy!"


    "We will report this to the leaders. I still think there''s room for reason!"


    "Chief Lian, don''t get so angry! Don''t get so angry!"


    "Chief! Brace yourself! Please brace yourself!"


    Chief Lian was trying to catch his breath and said, "Brace my ass! I am still well and alive!"


    The few Finance Department staff held and supported their Chief out, while Chief Lian himself was adamant in staying. As he was being dragged out, he pointed at Zhang Ye while cursing and swearing.


    "Zhang! You''re good! You''re good!"


    The Central TV staff who were here to observe all felt rather speechless. They could only wonder why the chief had even bothered toe when all it took was a moment for him to get abused and defeated by Zhang Ye. Can that fight of yours be any lower? Besides, if you already knew you couldn''t outargue Zhang Ye, then why waste timeing here? Weren''t you just asking to be ridiculed? Who doesn''t know of that mouth on Zhang Ye? Moreover, if we were really going to talk about it, it was the Finance Department that was unreasonable!


    "Let''s leave."


    "Hai, time to go."


    "How uninteresting. I thought there would be a hard-fought battle."


    "The people from Finance are all full of hot air!"


    "But I have to admit that Zhang Ye''s mouth is really vicious!"


    "Director Zhang will taunt whoeveres at him, whether it is one person or a group!"


    "How awesome!"


    "Yeah, I was so tickled upon hearing what he said!"


    "I''vee across quite a number of hosts in my years with Central TV. Honestly speaking, Zhang Ye is the one I feel can speak the best!"


    "I''m convinced. If I had a mouth like Director Zhang, I wouldn''t be afraid of anything in this entire world! He can scold people without resorting to a single swear word, yet it sounds even more vicious than scolding with swear words! I''m really speechless at that! The jinx of the entertainment industry, the hooligan of the educational world, all of thesebels are not for nothing!"


    "The people from Finance have really suffered a big loss of face this time!"


    ����


    Upstairs.


    Central TV Department 1 Director''s Office.


    Jiang Yuan was seated inside, opposite the Director of Department 1, the current leader of their station, Jiang Naixiong. He was a middle-aged man in his forties. Even though there was the Xi��ng (literal: Bear) character in his name, his facial features were considerably smart. He wore gold-rimmed sses and had a head full of hair.


    Jiang Yuan said, "That Zhang Ye is starting to behavewlessly! The Finance Department was made a mess of because of him!"


    "How do you think we ought to handle this?" Jiang Naixiong looked at him.


    Jiang Yuan pondered for a moment then answered, "I still think we have to criticize and punish him, so that we can show our stand and attitude to everyone. Concerning this matter, the interest of our channel is top priority, and we must not concede to him. We also need to convey this signal to him, to let Zhang Ye know that Department 1 certainly will not give in to him. I''ll find another day to speak to him about the contract and make him sign it for sure."


    Jiang Naixiong nodded and said, "It''s best that the program with the 80 million yuan production budget still go to Zhang Ye. He is capable enough to handle it. If we hand it to others, they might not be able to do as well."


    "I understand that." Jiang Yuan replied, "We will just drag him along for now. In any case, this is the first overseas copyright sale that Central TV has, so we cannot let this go through him personally. It definitely has to be through our channel!"


    Jiang Naixiong acknowledged, "If he understands this, that is what he should be doing. Actually, he does notck money at all, so the copyright shouldn''t matter to him much. But for a program with an 80 million yuan production budget, a stage for him to show what he can do, that is a chance that can''t be exchanged with anything. No other television stations can give him the resources that Central TV Department 1 can provide. I''m sure he understands that quite well. Besides, he still has a one-year contract with us."


    Jiang Yuan said, "Understood."


    ����


    Half an hourter.


    An internal email was sent out in Central TV. It was a memo criticizing Zhang Ye''s handling of the issue at the Finance Department where he insulted a colleague. All the staff in Central TV received this email, but in it, there was no mention of why Zhang Ye''s sry was withheld. It was as if this issue simply had not happened!

 Chapter 743: Silence can be very deafening as well!

    <h4>Chapter 743: Silence can be very deafening as well! </h4>


    Chapter 743: Silence can be very deafening as well!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    The next day.


    At around 5 AM in the morning, the sky was still dark.


    Someone had leaked the incident onto the Inte.


    Following that, a well-known online media publication published an article: "ording to an anonymous source who works in Central TV, the honeymoon period between Central TV Department 1 and Zhang Ye has ended. As of yesterday, due to an issue with the contractual agreement over the overseas copyright, Zhang Ye had his sry withheld. Afterwards, Zhang Ye got into a war of words with the director of Department 1''s Finance Department as well as a colleague from the Finance Department. In the end, Zhang Ye was identified and criticized for his behavior. Zhang Ye still has nine months of contractual obligations to fulfill with Central TV, so he now has an awkward standing within the station. The new show with an 80 million RMB budget may be dyed because of this. There is also a possibility of the show''s personnel being changed. We will continue to keep track of any further developments!"


    Then, a series of other reports were published!


    "Central TV Department 1 breaks contract for overseas copyright to The Voice?"


    "Zhang Ye wreaks havoc in Central TV''s Finance Department!"


    "New show might not see the light of day?"


    "Issue of the withheld sry? The truth or just a baseless rumor?"


    "American productionpany already in final stages of negotiation with Central TV for The Voice''s overseas copyright?"


    "Three months into job at Central TV, Zhang Ye stirs up trouble yet again!"


    Early in the morning, while many of the office workers were still half-asleep, news of Zhang Ye and Central TV was already overwhelming the Inte, making the rounds online.


    "What?"


    "Wasn''t everything still fine yesterday? Didn''t they already announce the new show as well?"


    "Teacher Zhang''s sry has been withheld?"


    "F**k, this looks like the start of something big again!"


    "From my understanding of Teacher Zhang, I have a feeling that this will be a big affair!"


    "No, didn''t you read that Teacher Zhang still has nine months left on his contract? If he really gets frozen by Central TV, what will he do for the next nine months? There definitely isn''t a shortage of hosts frozen by Central TV! Counting them, there should be over a dozen such hosts. If the incident has really developed to the stage that is unmanageable, Zhang Ye will find it difficult to escape the fate of being frozen too. Then would he just sit around foolishly at Central TV without any show or work to do? I feel that Teacher Zhang would have considered that already. After all, there is still the new show waiting for him. He should understand very well which is the more important issue here."


    "He could always resign if worsees to worst!"


    "Right, there''re so many television stations who covet Zhang Ye. Surely someone would be willing to pay the breach of contract fines!"


    "You speak of it so lightly. Let''s not mention whether he can resign or not first, nor should we talk about whether Central TV Department 1 will release him. If he does resign, then Zhang Ye is in breach of the contract first. That would mean the copyrights to The Voice he has would be invalid along with that, right? Then disregarding The Voice''s overseas copyright, Zhang Ye would even lose the rights to produce the second or third season of The Voice of China this way. As long as he chooses to leave his job, all of those copyrights will belong to Central TV Department 1 automatically. They can easily find someone then to make the second and third seasons of The Voice of China next year. I don''t think Zhang Ye would agree to that whatsoever! For such a phenomena variety show, he must definitely retain the copyrights with him!"


    "That''s true."


    "This is a really tricky situation!"


    "Why is it that every bad thing always happens to Teacher Zhang!"


    "Previous poster, let me tell you why. It''s not that Teacher Zhang likes to create trouble, but because his nature is too straightforward. He speaks whatever is on his mind and does whatever he thinks he should do. He does not act otherwise and doesn''t know how to curry favor with his superiors either, so naturally, conflicts arise easily. If it were any other person, they would have long since handed the copyrights over to Central TV and this situation would not have even urred."


    "Zhang Ye''s grumpy temper is what I like most about him! It''s right up my alley!"


    "In the entire entertainment circle, there aren''t many such people who will disy their true nature in public anymore!"


    At around 7 AM.


    Central TV Department 1''s official Weibo sent out an emergency rification update to refute the issue of The Voice''s overseas copyright as well as Zhang Ye''s withheld sry!


    Someizens took their word for it.


    "See what I said? I knew they were only rumors to begin with."


    "Yeah, that news about the sry being withheld gave it away. Central TV Department 1 is such a big department, so how would theyck that bit of money? It''s just not possible! It just doesn''t make any sense!"


    But there were also many others who did not believe this denial.


    "If everything can be exined by logic, there wouldn''t be so many issues in this world!"


    "It has to be real! The whistle-blower has already made their points very clear!"


    "For the interest of benefit, some people can resort to any means, so it''s not that surprising!"


    "Hai, the problem now is that Zhang Ye signed a one-year contract which contains manyplex uses and agreements in the interests of both parties. Therefore, even if Central TV Department 1 decides to withhold his sry, what can he do? Zhang Ye can do nothing about it! I believe that Central TV Department 1 is still going to continue criticizing him, but if Zhang Ye really decides to stand up against them, it wouldn''t just be criticizing anymore, he would definitely be put in the freezer. Moreover, being put into the freezer by Central TV is not like being frozen by other TV stations. We also have to consider Central TV Department 1''s status in the industry! They would make sure that Zhang Ye won''t be able to get back up after this incident. Hasn''t this happened before in the past, like with Old Liao and Old Yan? Didn''t they end up in that situation?"


    "Let''s just wait and see how Zhang Ye deals with this."


    "Hai, one can only ept it without making any noise in such a situation."


    "Yeah, there''s really no solution to something like that!"


    "This matter has really left Zhang Ye in a predicament. Since the situation is different this time, I don''t think that he can handle it like he did in the past, otherwise, he is going to find himself floundering!"


    ����


    Later that morning.


    While on the way to the office, Zhang Ye received many calls.


    Yao Jiancai was the first to call. "Why are you getting into trouble again? Is what they reported on the news true? Or are they just rumors?"


    "It''s true." Zhang Yeughed.


    "You''re still in the mood tough?" Yao Jiancai said in a speechless manner: "We''re talking about Central TV Department 1, with whom you still have contract time to fulfill. So please consider carefully before you take any action."


    Zhang Ye said: "I understand."


    Only then did Yao Jiancai feel reassured. "Alright then."


    The next caller was the singer Chen Guang.


    Old Chen said: "Are you in a deadlock with Central TV Department 1?"


    Zhang Yeughed a little: "More or less."


    "If you had signed a program contract, it might have been easier to handle. You would have been free to do whatever you wanted after the show finished. But the problem is that it''s not, so you have to be more careful. From what I understand of Central TV Department 1, they never show any mercy to their artists. If they have to ban them, they will ban them just like that, so this situation is really no joke." Old Chen reminded him: "Right now, they still have to give in to you since you have such a great program nning ability that no one within Central TV Department 1 can rece you. I believe that in normal circumstances, they wouldn''t dare do anything to you, but that''s only if you don''t do anything rash. Remember, don''t beat anyone up!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I know that, Old Chen. I''m not that stupid."


    "Great. As long as you know what I''m saying, I''m less worried." Chen Guang hung up after that.


    Thest call was from Wu Zeqing.


    Old Wu''s first words were: "Are the puppies and kittens starting to jump around again? Hur hur, I''ve already heard about the matter. Don''t worry about it, I''ll solve it for you."


    However, Zhang Ye immediately said: "Old Wu, don''t bother yourself with this. I will handle it myself."


    Old Wu gently said: "Listen to me, OK?"


    "I really can''t listen to you on this." Zhang Ye said nicely with a smile: "I have my own ways and principles to handle the issue. If I needed your help on something, I won''t stand on ceremony with you, but I can''t let you do it this time."


    Old Wu asked: "Then what do you intend to do?"


    "I will do whatever needs to be done," Zhang Yeughed.


    ����


    He reached the office.


    Everyone at Central TV looked at Zhang Ye with strange expressions.


    But Zhang Ye did not say anything and just went about doing his own things. After he went into his office, he did not leave it at all. Even Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo did not see him all day.


    Little Wang blinked. "Director Zhang is behaving really strangely today."


    Ha Qiqi also said, "I think so too."


    Zhang Zuo sighed like he was about to speak but did not say anything in the end. What could he say? Even for a person like Zhang Ye, he would have to lower his head when going under the eaves, so what else could Zhang Zuo say?


    It wasn''t until afternoon that Zhang Ye finally came out of his office. He went straight out of the program team office and headed downstairs and left Central TV Tower. No one knew where he went. He didn''te back to the office either.


    Everyone at Central TV was discussing fervently.


    "There was nothing from Zhang Ye today?"


    "Yeah, I thought that he would have gotten into another quarrel with the leaders."


    "Doesn''t he want his sry anymore? Why didn''t he go to Finance to stir up some trouble today?"


    "Stir up what trouble? At most, he would be able to vent his frustrations a little. It''s clear that Central TV Department 1 does not want to issue him his sry and are doing so to give him a warning, so what can Director Zhang do? Do you think that he can really cut off all rtions with Central TV Department 1? If it really came down to that, do you expect Director Zhang to end up having nothing to do anymore? He wouldn''t do that for sure."


    "True."


    "Since Zhang Ye has already fallen silent, that means we''re already not far from seeing apromise."


    "Yeah, he''s already showing his attitude since he is no longer kicking up a fuss or creating any more trouble."


    ����


    In Jiang Yuan''s office.


    He called his secretary in. "Did Zhang Ye scold anyone today?"


    The secretary said, "No one. He just stayed in his office all day. I heard that he just left but I''m not sure if he left early or if he took the rest of the day off."


    Jiang Yuan was a little shocked. "What? Nothing from him at all?"


    "There''s really nothing at all. He was just especially quiet," the secretary said.


    Hearing that, Jiang Yuan grinned, thinking that the issue wasn''t going to be a problem anymore. "That''s how it should be. Alright, set up an appointment with Zhang Ye to meet with me tomorrow. Get him to see me first thing in the morning in my office. I''ll talk to him about changing the contract again."


    The secretary also smiled, and replied, "On it, sir."


    ����


    At night.


    There were countless reporters calling Zhang Ye to request an interview, but all of them failed. It was as though Zhang Ye had changed totally as a person, keeping his silence!


    The reporters started specting!


    Theizens were discussing nonstop about it!


    "Why isn''t Zhang Ye saying anything?"


    "This isn''t like Teacher Zhang at all!"


    "Say my ass! He''s clearly sumbed, can''t you all see it?"


    "Hai, if Zhang Ye keeps badgering about the matter, not only would he not get a single cent of his sry, even the new show would be taken away from him. It''s just a few thousand RMB of his srypared to the 80 million RMB funded show, which one is more important? It''s not worth it to risk that! He can still negotiate with Central TV Department 1 to get a better share of the copyright money before transferring the overseas rights to them."


    "A silent Zhang Ye? I''m not used to this at all!"


    "This is normal. This is how society works. There''re many issues we cannot always fight against! We can only endure!"


    "This is so f**ked up!"


    Theizensmented in unison.


    The staff at Central TV Department 1 were already working on Zhang Ye''s new contract with the instructions from the leaders.


    There were also some of Zhang Ye''s friends, colleagues, and other people from the entertainment industry who knew that this matter could onlye this far.


    But as it was, it turned out that the development of this affair was totally different from everyone''s expectations!


    As of this moment, on this night, explosive news that would cause a sensation throughout the entire entertainment circle was dropped without any warning!


    When the news came out!


    Theizens were shocked!


    Central TV was shocked!


    The entertainment circle was shocked!


    All of the people in the country were also shocked!!


    Zhang Ye had filed a petition against Central TV Department 1 to take them to court! He requested that Central TV Department 1 release his withheld sry of 8661 RMB as well as demanding apensation of 100 million RMB!!!


    At this moment, everyone realized one thing!


    Silence can sometimes be very deafening as well!!

 Chapter 744: Zhang Ye declares war!

    <h4>Chapter 744: Zhang Ye deres war! </h4>


    Chapter 744: Zhang Ye deres war!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    This piece of news resulted in over 1,000 replies being left in the Weiboments section within a minute. They seemed to all swarm in immediately like a bombardment and fill it with shockingments!


    "What the f**k!"


    "Holy f**k!"


    "Did I see it wrong?"


    "Please proim to me that this is a fake news!"


    "Is��is this real?"


    "I''m in the process of being shocked!"


    "Unbelievable! It''s really unbelievable!"


    "Someone, quickly tell me they have got this wrong!"


    "Teacher Zhang, holy motherf**ker!! You are too damn extreme!"


    "So the reason why Zhang Ye remained silent was because he went to find awyer to file a petition during the day! He did not even bother to argue with them and just directly dealt them a severe blow!"


    How explosive!


    The Inte was abuzz with activity!


    The entertainment circle was in an uproar!


    The entire industry was terrified!


    ����


    At Zhang Ye''s house.


    An elderly neighbor rushed over and pounded hard on the door.


    His mother opened the door. "Yo, Sister Li. You''re here? Have you eaten yet? I''m eating dinner with Old Zhang right now. You''re just in time, why don''t youe in? Come in. Let''s eat dinner together."


    His father also said something friendly.


    However, they heard Auntie Li anxiously saying, "Why are you still eating? I just saw the news. Little Ye is creating big trouble again! He��he went to sue Central TV Department 1!"


    His mother: "��"


    His father: "��"


    Chenchen: "��"


    ����


    Meanwhile.


    At Beijing Television Station.


    Everyone in the program team of Do You Remember was working overtime to rush out the program and had just finished.


    Suddenly, Dafei shouted in surprise, "What the f**k!"


    Executive Producer Hu Fei said in a speechless manner, "Dafei, don''t always get surprised by everything."


    Dong Shanshan, Hou Ge, Hou Di, and the others also looked over. "What''s the matter?"


    Dafei was holding up his cell phone with his mouth agape. "Just a few minutes ago, thetest news update reported that Teacher Zhang Ye��has sued Central TV in court!"


    "What did you say?" Hu Fei lost his footing and nearly tripped over!


    Xiao Lu, Hou Ge, and Hou Di slumped over in their chairs. "Holy shit!"


    Dong Shanshan stared nkly into thin air and stayed silent for a very long time!


    ����


    At a recording studio of an interview program.


    "It''s time to call it a day."


    "Teachers, thank you for your hard work."


    The show ended. The host and Fan Wenli, a coach on The Voice, joked as they walked off the stage and prepared to leave.


    At this moment, they noticed some of the program staff offstage had shocked expressions as they whispered among themselves. Both of them felt curious about it and subconsciously went over to take a look.


    The female host asked, "What are you all looking at?"


    An editor gasped, "Sister Yu, the entertainment circle��something big just happened!"


    Fan Wenli was stunned. "What''s going on?"


    A technical director beside them didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Someone is suing Central TV!"


    Fan Wenli''s first reaction was that it must be a joke. "How can that be possible?"


    The interview program''s female host could not believe it either and evenughed. "Who would sue Central TV? Hur hur hur, unless they''re crazy! I don''t believe it."


    Fan Wenli also thought that way. Unless it was a mad man, no one would have done that. However, just as she thought of this point, Fan Wenli''s heart suddenly sank. She suddenly remembered a person. If there was anyone in the entertainment industry, whether domestically or overseas, who was crazy enough to sue Central TV, then Fan Wenli could almost confirm that in the entire entertainment industry, only that mad man would dare do it!


    The truth proved that Fan Wenli''s sixth sense was correct!


    She heard the technical directorughing sardonically. "It''s Zhang Ye! Because of a dyed sry payment of about 8,000 RMB by a day, it ended up with him��suing Central TV!"


    Fan Wenli''s expression changed greatly!


    The female host also nearly fainted. "Are you for real?"


    The technical director answered, "The news already reported about it. They''re also talking about this everywhere on the Inte! It''s chaos!"


    Their conversation was heard by the others around them and it left many of the other staff dumbfounded all at once!


    "What did you say?"


    "Holy shit!"


    "Quick, let me see! C''mon, let me see!"


    "Heavens! He really sued Central TV?"


    "How bold is this?!"


    "The entertainment circle will be lively again this time!"


    ����


    Beijing Times.


    The editorial department of the newspaper firm was in an uproar!


    "That''s the Zhang Ye I know!"


    "He never does things predictably! He''s really willing to handle things like this?"


    "Who said that he is going to sumb to the pressure this time? Who said that his silence meant he was going topromise? Bull f**king shit! Zhang Ye is still Zhang Ye, that hooligan is still that hooligan! He''s determined not to back down even if he has to perish together with Central TV!"


    "This is breaking news!"


    "Zhang Ye is too awesome!"


    "This piece of news will definitely go down in history as one of the greatest headlines of the entertainment industry. Regardless of whether Zhang Ye or Central TV Department 1 wins thewsuit, this battle will cause great harm to both sides!"


    "I''m feeling a mixed bag of emotions right now. Although Zhang Ye is not tall and does not have a strong stature, when ites to the ''fighters'' of the entertainment industry, Zhang Ye is definitely the top. He''s absolutely a true warrior!"


    "Hurry up, quickly go and find out the first-hand information about this news!"


    "Old Sun, you head to the court! Old Hu, go stake out Central TV Department 1! Everyone, let''s get going now! We are alreadyte and have fallen a step behind the others! We must snatch this news away! Everyone, move! Each and every one of you who are working overtime on the entertainment news, go along too! Drop everything else that you''re doing for now! You shouldn''t be focusing on that for now!"


    "Understood!"


    "We guarantee that we will do a good job!"


    The reporters were crying out in excitement!


    This piece of news could really be said to be an explosive one! It was so astonishing that it startled the entire entertainment industry. Many of the celebrities turned their attention to this news in astonishment. There were even celebrities from Hong Kong and Taiwan who were not so familiar with the domestic Chinese celebrities and hade to learn of Zhang Ye''s illustrious name for the first time today. In a state of shock, they went to check it out with their friends who were familiar with the domestic situation about who this fearsome person was!


    Compared to the reactions of amazement from the outside world, there was only one ce which waspletely different from theirs!


    That ce was Central TV Department 1!


    ����


    At the home of Central TV Department 1''s Deputy Director Jiang Yuan.


    Jiang Yuan was eating dinner just a moment ago, but had just knocked over the bowl of rice in front of him and dropped one of his chopsticks to the floor. On the screen of his cell phone he had thrown onto the table was showing exactly that piece of news.


    His wife cautiously said, "Old Jiang."


    Jiang Yuan angrily muttered to himself, "Madman! He''s insane!"


    "Calm down, please," his wife urged.


    Jiang Yuan mmed his hand on the table. "How am I supposed to calm down?! He even demanded apensation of 100 million yuan? What the heck is he trying to do?! How does he have the guts to something like that!?"


    The other leaders of Central TV Department 1 also had simr reactions to him!


    Jiang Naixiong flew into a rage. The other leaders and heads of Central TV Department 1 were also so angry they nearly exploded!


    "That damned hooligan!"


    "Old Jiang recruiting him to join us was the worst mistake!"


    "This is a rebellion!"


    They never really expected that there would be a day or year that a host from their own TV station would actually sue them in court. They were not mentally prepared in this aspect at all! But it turned out that such a person had appeared today. For a matter involving just a several thousand yuan sry, he had chosen to go up against them and battle it out in court, choosing to fight to the death and perish together with them!


    What madness was this!?


    The leaders of Central TV Department 1 were all very angered by this. This was the first time they felt somewhat regretful to have used such tactics to force Zhang Ye to sign over the show''s copyright. Their original intent was to solve the matter internally. They definitely did not wish to make it known to the media or even let the leaders of Central TV find out about it. Zhang Ye''s contract was decided by the Central TV Department 1 and withdrawing his ownership to the copyright was also their decision as well. The leaders of Central TV simply did not know about this, so it wouldn''t do any good for any of them if it was made known to the higher-ups. But right now, they knew that this matter had already blown out of proportion and there was no way to keep it under wraps anymore. From tonight on, the matter of Central TV Department 1 withholding the sry of a host would definitely be on the headlines of all media outlets. This was obviously not the oue they wanted to see! Regardless of how Zhang Ye''s job or future would turn out, or whether Central TV Department 1 would settle scores with him at ater date, Zhang Ye''s actions at this moment had left the leaders of Central TV Department 1 scrambling to take drastic measures!


    Zhang Ye had dered a war on Central TV Department 1!


    This petition in itself was already a face smacking!


    It was as good as smacking Central TV Department 1 in the face!


    Their faces were terribly swollen!


    And it was very painful!

 Chapter 745: The first person in this world!

    <h4>Chapter 745: The first person in this world! </h4>


    Chapter 745: The first person in this world!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    At the same moment.


    Zhang Ye left the court and went straight back to his parents'' home.


    After opening the door with his keys, he went into the house and saw Chenchen who was rummaging through the refrigerator to grab some soda to drink. Chenchen nced at him and said, "Zhang Ye, you''re going to be lectured."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "What lecturing am I going to get?"


    His parents then walked out from their bedroom.


    His mother was very mad. "Why did you go and stir up trouble again?!"


    "Why are you two so up-to-date with the news? You two know about it already?" Zhang Ye returned.


    "It was everywhere in the news! So how can we not know about it?!" his mother replied angrily.


    "Mom, I did not cause any trouble." Zhang Ye smiled and stated, "I was just protecting my legal rights and interests."


    His mother said frustrated, "But this is Central TV we''re talking about here!"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "So what if it''s Central TV? Even aborer knows how to use legal procedures to protect their own rights and interests if their sry is withheld, so why can''t I do the same? It''s just Central TV that I''ll be suing!"


    His mother said angrily, "I nearly died of anger because of you. Why do you always make people worry over you? Isn''t it just 8,000 RMB? You can earn that easily with just a fart. Why you must go and challenge Central TV Department 1? How long have you been working for Central TV? Yet you''ve fallen out with them again! Now that this incident has happened, regardless of how the matter is resolvedter or whatever the verdict of the court case is, it will not be a good ending. At that time, how are you going to stay on at Central TV Department 1? When the entire TV station system cklists you, what will you do?"


    His father added, "You are too impulsive. You should have at least consulted us first even if you met with some injustice."


    Zhang Ye exined, "But the problem now is not only about the 8,000 yuan sry. That''s not the main reason."


    His mother was infuriated. "No matter what reason you have, you should not have sued Central TV!"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Central TV Department 1 wants to steal my overseas copyright of The Voice but I refused. It was because of that that they resorted to withholding my sry to give me a warning. If I did not make a firm stand against that, wouldn''t they truly think that I''m easy to scare?"


    His mother said furiously, "How much can that crappy copyright possibly fetch?! How can it be more important than your job?!"


    Zhang Ye nced at her and responded, "It would fetch at least 10 million RMB and this amount is just a lowball."


    When she heard that, his mother was immediately stunned. She eximed, "What? More than 10 million RMB? It can be sold for over 10 million RMB? I��f**k Central TV to their second grandma! Sue those bastards! Sue them!" His mother mmed her hand on the table and stood up!


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    His father: "��"


    Chenchen: "��"


    Hey, isn''t your change in attitude way too fast!


    After that, his mother only cared about scolding Central TV Department 1 and she did it for a full five minutes. Finally, she said as she panted, "Son, do whatever you need to do regarding this matter! Just sue them! Ignore what the others will say! Mom will fully support you! Hmph, even aborer knows how to use legal procedures to protect their own rights and interests if their sry is withheld, so why can''t my son do the same? Central TV? So what if it''s Central TV?! Does Central TV have the right to steal our money?"


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded by this reaction. "Mom, that sounds just like what I just said to you."


    "Is that so? Oh right, son, are you hungry yet? Have you eaten?" his mother asked.


    "No, I haven''t eaten yet. I was in court the entire afternoon," Zhang Ye answered.


    His mother headed straight to the kitchen. "Wait awhile. I will cook something for you immediately. Eat and drink to your heart''s content, then fight it out with them tomorrow!"


    "Thank you, Mom. I will go back to my room first and lie down for a bit. I''m feeling very tired right now." Zhang Ye drank some water and then went back into his bedroom. He took off his clothes andid downfortably onto the soft bed.


    Only at this moment did he take out his cell phone to have a look.


    Good god! There were more than a dozen missed calls from his rtives and friends.


    Zhang Ye returned their calls one by one. "Hello, Old Yao, you were looking for me?"


    Yao Jiancai said: "I called you twice but you did not answer."


    Zhang Ye said: "Heh, I was in court just now, so I couldn''t answer it."


    Yao Jiancai said: "I''m telling you, old bro, you''re pushing it way overboard this time! You really scared the shit out of me! Previously when I called you, I reminded you, but you said that you would have a sense of propriety. I thought you had taken my advice to heart, but you basically ended up not listening to my words at all. With your suing of Central TV, how do you think this matter will end?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "But I wasn''t intending on ending the matter."


    Yao Jiancai pleaded: "Listen to this old bro for once. Withdraw thewsuit immediately. It''s still not toote to do that now, this situation is very different from what you''ve encountered in the past!"


    Zhang Ye said: "Hur hur, I know that this time is different, but it''s all water over the dam now. Old Yao, I know that you have good intentions, but I can''t back off if something goes against my principles. If I take a step back, it will follow with a second step, then a third step with no end to it."


    Yao Jiancai sighed: "What if you are put into the freezer?"


    Zhang Ye said: "It doesn''t matter."


    Yao Jiancai asked: "Do you not n to appear at Central TV Department 1''s Spring Festival G in your lifetime?"


    Zhang Ye replied: "It doesn''t matter."


    Upon hearing that, Yao Jiancai said helplessly: "Alright, then I won''t try to dissuade you any further."


    Zhang Ye remarked: "I''ve been possessed by a ''warrior,'' so no one can talk me out of it."


    The call had just ended on this side.


    Then another call came in from the songstress Zhang Xia.


    Zhang Ye: "Grandma Zhang, you called?"


    Zhang Xia said in a helpless tone: "An old friend of mine from Central TV came to me and asked if I could talk to you and persuade you to resolve the matter internally."


    "Then you��" Zhang Ye was about to ask.


    Zhang Xia interrupted: "But I''m not prepared to intervene since I know what your temperament is like. I just called you to check on your current situation."


    Zhang Yeughed. "Me? I''m fine."


    Zhang Xia asked: "Are you prepared for everything?"


    Zhang Ye replied: "Yes."


    Zhang Xia said: "Alright, then I don''t need to go any further. If my old friend asks me, I will just say that I could not contact you."


    Following that, a number of other friends also called him.


    Like Xiao Lu.


    Wang Xiaomei.


    Tian Bin.


    Hu Fei.


    They were all anxiously trying to dissuade Zhang Ye from taking such drastic actions.


    Hu Fei who was from Beijing Television Station understood this industry the best and knew how grave this matter was. He even got angry at Zhang Ye, which he seldom did, and wanted him to withdraw thewsuit. Thinking back, Zhang Ye had Hu Fei to thank for bringing him into the television industry. Hu Fei was Zhang Ye''s Bo Le and also an old friend who genuinely cared about Zhang Ye.


    But Zhang Ye did not listen to him this time. He had his own reasons for his persistence.


    For those who knew and understood Zhang Ye''s character, they knew that Zhang Ye had truly been angered this time. Thepensation of 100 million RMB was obviously an unreasonable demand. He just stated a random,rge amount. Don''t mention dying the sry payment for a day, even if it was dyed for 50 years, it would still be impossible to get 100 million RMB. The court definitely would not ept the demand of 100 million aspensation, yet this amount represented Zhang Ye''s anger and attitude on this matter!


    100 million?


    I will f**king demand this 100 million RMB inpensation!


    If you people from Central TV Department 1 are being unreasonable? Then I will be more unreasonable than you all! What can you do to me even if I demand 100 million? Bite me?


    ����


    His mother finished preparing dinner right as the calls petered out.


    While Zhang Ye was dining, he browsed through the news and Weibo on his cell phone. In the end, he discovered that, at this moment, the Inte was utterly overtaken by topics and discussions about him and Central TV Department 1!


    It was on the headlines of thergest discussion forum!


    The topic on Weibo had garnered more than 200,000 replies!


    Zhang Ye had not expected this matter to gain such a great deal of attention. It was so huge that it caused server outages on arge number of forums online. It was as though the entire entertainment circle only had this piece of news to report about tonight. Zhang Ye had lost count of the number of times he had been pushed to the forefront of discussions! Countlessizens rushed over in astonishment to admire at Zhang Ye''s "heroic bearing"!


    "Demigod Zhang has shown his might again!"


    "I can finally see it! As long as Zhang Ye stays in the entertainment circle, this industry will never have a moment of peace!"


    "I hope Teacher Zhang will have good luck this time!"


    "This is too exciting! This was what I wanted to see!"


    "I''m getting a kick from this drama! I can understand why so many people like Teacher Zhang now. It''s because he dares to say things we wouldn''t dare to say all our lives! It''s because he dares to do the things that we wouldn''t dare to do all our lives!


    "I like it when people pick a fight or argument with Zhang Ye, because it''s at such times that Teacher Zhang looks like he has a divine glow surrounding him! I have an inkling that Teacher Zhang favorite pastime definitely is notposing poems, nor writing books, nor creating TV shows. What he likes most must be picking a fight with others! This is a unique ability that Teacher Zhang is best at!"


    "The first person to dere war on Central TV!"


    There were two reasons why the affair had turned out this way.


    First, even though Zhang Ye had gotten into disagreements with many of his ex-employers, the organizational scales of those employers were not asrge as Central TV''s. Furthermore, Zhang Ye had also been banned by the SARFT before. In those incidents, he had always lost the initiative by taking a passive stand at first. Zhang Ye had only started resisting after he got listed as a banned artist. But the sh this time with Central TV Department 1 was different. Zhang Ye doubtlessly could have found a better resolution to this situation, yet he chose to take the initiative in dering war. Moreover, it was a war against Central TV Department 1, a big brother of the industry! As a result, the shock that everyone received was different from the past!


    Second, and also the main reason why this matter had caused such a sensation throughout the entertainment circle, was that in this world, ever since the entertainment circle hade into existence, ever since there was a television station, there had never been a precedent of an artist suing Central TV!


    That''s right!


    Not even once!


    In this world, Zhang Ye was the first person!


    That was why the entire country was shocked!


    That was why the industry was in an uproar!


    No matter who won or lost, regardless of the results, history would record this moment today. That there existed a person named Zhang Ye who said "no" to the face of Central TV Department 1!!

 Chapter 746: A flame war begins!

    <h4>Chapter 746: A me war begins! </h4>


    Chapter 746: A me war begins!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    The next day.


    Early in the morning, employees started streaming into the entrance of Central TV for work.


    "Did you hear about yesterday?"


    "Heyo, who wouldn''t know about that!"


    "Yeah, it was even on News Simulcast. I''m sure everyone in the country already knows about it!"


    "Director Zhang has no chance of staying on in Central TV Department 1 any longer. Bute to think of it, Central TV Department 1 has also gotten themselves into a sticky situation now, so no one is better off than the other! I heard that the leaders were all flipping out! Some of of the leaders in Central TV Department 1 seem to have taken the matter into their own hands, so it seems like they will be punished as well!"


    "Right, this is as good as perishing together!"


    "How many people can be as bold as Zhang Ye!"


    Everyone who came to work today were all discussing this incident with fervor.


    Suddenly, someone screamed in surprise.


    "Look, Zhang Ye''s here!"


    "Are you sure?"


    "What?"


    "Aiyo, it''s really him!"


    "Why did Director Zhange to work today?"


    "I don''t know!"


    "Ahem, could Director Zhang be here��to work?"


    "How''s that possible!"


    "He''s already fallen out with the station, why would he stille to work!"


    Everyone couldn''t be more surprised by his appearance.


    But then they saw Zhang Ye slowly making his way into Central TV Tower and headed for the elevator to go upstairs. From the looks of it, he behaved no differently from usual. In fact, everyone even had an odd feeling that Zhang Ye looked happier than usual, with a grin on his face like nothing was troubling him.


    "Did Director Zhange back to stir up even more trouble?"


    "I think he might be here to pick a fight!"


    "Maybe he came to talk it through with Central TV Department 1?"


    "Come on, let''s go and watch!"


    Some of the Central TV staff hurriedly followed along and entered the elevator together with Zhang Ye because they felt extremely curious and wanted to see what would happen next. However, it surprised all of them when Zhang Ye did not go to the leader''s office. Instead, he headed straight for The Voice''s program team office.


    Inside.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the rest were anxiously discussing and holding an emergency meeting.


    Little Wang was going around in circles, asking, "What do we do now, what do we do now!"


    Ha Qiqi also had a look of despair. "I think this new program is definitely going to change hands and be given to another program team."


    "Not only the program." Zhang Zuo despaired, "Even our program team''s leader is going to be changed. Director Zhang won''t be leading us anymore!"


    Wu Yi said angrily, "How did it end up this way!"


    After he said that, Zhang Ye stepped into the office. "Yo, you''re all here?"


    When they heard this voice, Ha Qiqi and the others turned their heads in surprise!


    "Director Zhang?"


    "Ah?"


    "You��why are you here?"


    Clearly, they couldn''t react to his appearance at the office.


    Zhang Ye stood there, blinking as though nothing had happened. "What do you mean by why am I here?" He looked at his watch. "It''s already time to start working. If I don''te to work, where would I go?"


    Zhang Zuo, Ha Qiqi, and the rest were all dumbfounded by this answer!


    The Central TV staff outside were also taken aback by what they heard!


    Work??


    You''ve already scolded the leader, made trouble in the Finance Department, and even brought Central TV Department 1 to court. There''s already "blood" all over your hands, yet here you are talking abouting to work??


    Everyone fainted all at once. Only at this moment did they realize that Zhang Ye was indeed no normal person. His thought process and handling of matters weren''t done in ordance to a typical person''s logic. However, if you consider things, if Zhang Ye was really just like any other person, he couldn''t have possibly brought Central TV to court in the first ce! To have met such a wondrous person, this was more than Central TV Department 1 had asked for. As the saying goes, the powerful are afraid of the reckless, the reckless are afraid of those who aren''t afraid to die, and those who are not afraid to die are afraid of the shameless! So here we have Zhang Ye, who is reckless, not afraid to die, and totally shameless as well. As a result, he is afraid of no one!


    In just a short time, the news of Zhang Yeing to work like usual had spread all over Central TV.


    Everyone vomited at least three liters of blood when they heard that!


    "Aiyo, what the heck!"


    "Zhang Ye is really tickling my funny bone!"


    "Pfft, Zhang Ye is indeed Zhang Ye!"


    "His shamelessness is what I admire the most about him. How thick can his skin get?"


    "You really can''t predict how this guy will act usingmon sense!"


    Actually, for Zhang Ye, he was taking the most logical steps regarding the matter. Although Central TV Department 1 were the ones who came to him to discuss the contract, it was Central TV that he signed the contract with. Zhang Ye did not have much of an opinion about Central TV, and neither did he have any direct conflicts or disagreement with them. It was Central TV Department 1 he had an issue with that made his heart turn cold. In the petition he filed to the courts, he had written in Central TV Department 1 as the defendant. To Zhang Ye, when he filed thewsuit against Central TV Department 1, it should not have affected him froming to work at Central TV. Those two were different matters with no conflicts!


    On Zhang Ye''s "punctuality" and "professionalism," Central TV was silent. Meanwhile, Central TV Department 1 also did not seem like they were making any moves, because at this moment, both Jiang Yuan and Jiang Naixiong were called to a meeting by the deputy station head!


    ����


    Upstairs.


    At a main conference room used by the management.


    Lining the conference table were genuine leather sofas. Seven or eight people were seated in them. Among this group of people were Department 1''s Director Jiang Naixiong and Deputy Director Jiang Yuan. The middle-aged man sitting at the end of the table was Central TV''s deputy station head. He was the second-inmand and had an air of authority about him.


    The deputy station head said, "Old Jiang, why were you so stupid!"


    Jiang Naixiong exined, "A problem really urred with the payroll system, who would have��"


    The deputy station head interjected, "Don''t try to y dumb with me. Was it really only an issue with the sry? How do you exin the copyright to The Voice? Do you think that the station does not know about it?"


    Jiang Yuan quickly tried to take the fall on his leader''s behalf. "It was me. I was the one acted without authorization. I did it because the contract with Zhang Ye was way too unreasonable and we had not given it enough thought before that. When I realized that it could cause our station arge financial loss, I wanted to make up for it and get the contract changed. I did all of that in the interest of the station, but the matter with the sry wasn''t really done on purpose. It was truly a system error."


    "Don''t bother exining to me!" The deputy station head became even more angry listening to them. He pointed to the outside and said, "Go and exin it to the media reporters! Go and exin it to the people!"


    Both of them stayed silent.


    Another executive beside them was also very angry. "The entire country is now talking about Central TV! Dying sries, forcefully stealing an artist''s copyrights! They''re all making jokes out of us! When I left my house this morning, there were already several reporters camping at my doorstep! They asked for an exnation on why we dyed Zhang Ye''s sry payment. How would I know!"


    Jiang Naixiong sighed, "We were not diligent enough and brought about this damage to our station''s reputation."


    The deputy station head reprimanded, "It''s not that you guys weren''t diligent, it''s because you two were stupid! Now look at this! You two have totally ''gained'' face for Central TV! Look, just look at all of the newspaper headlines talking about us! How glorious! We''re the talk of the town!" mming a fist on the table, he shouted, "I''ve been utterly embarrassed by the two of you!"


    Jiang Yuan muttered, "We couldn''t have expected Zhang Ye to sue Central TV."


    The deputy station head said, "You think you can get away just by saying that? Just what were you thinking!"


    The executive beside them added, "What kind of a person is Zhang Ye? At the Central TV-held crosstalkpetition, he caused enough trouble to turn everything upside down. He even got thepetition to be ordered off-air! He even risked scolding SARFT! Is this the first time you learned about this person?"


    The deputy station head said, "You two have put the station in a very disadvantaged position now!"


    They called for a meeting, but it was in fact just a grilling session to criticize and admonish them.


    Central TV Department 1''s director and deputy director were given a severe dressing down by the two station executives!


    ����


    Online.


    The effects of the incident were still spreading.


    Central TV Department 1''s famous Spring Festival G host, Chen Ye, publicly issued a statement: "The sry was only issued a dayte. Was there a need to bring it up and make it a legal issue? Isn''t this making a mountain out of a molehill? There are many departments within Central TV, so it''s surely understandable if one person''s sry is disbursed a few dayste due to some mimunication or problem. It''s happened to me before, but if everyone went to court over such a small thing, then we should all just stop doing everything. Everyone can find something toin about and file a petition in the courts!"


    He was purely ying dumb and feigning ignorance.


    When Zhang Ye''s fans saw this, they surrounded his Weibo immediately!


    "Idiot!"


    "Bootlicker!"


    "Was it simply because of the sry issue?"


    "Why did you not bring up the issue of the copyright as well?"


    "Teacher Zhang has never offended you before, right? You made rude remarks the previous time when Teacher Zhang squeezed you out of the B-list rankings. Now you''re at it again? Are you getting addicted to this? You''re getting all excited now, aren''t you? So what if you have hosted the Spring Festival G before, what are you boasting for! On fame, talent, and knowledge, which one of those traits are you better than Teacher Zhang at?"


    "Idiot Chen Ye! Next poster, please maintain this formation!"


    "Idiot Chen Ye! Next poster, please maintain this formation!"


    "Unconditionally supporting Teacher Zhang!"


    Suddenly, Big Saber Bro appeared out of nowhere: "F**k, I''ve been too busy at work for the past few days and didn''t have any time toe online. How did such a big incident happen? Everyone, charge! Follow me and let''s return the scolding! Killllll! Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    Immediately, Big Saber Bro popped up all over the ce!


    On Central TV Department 1''s official Weibo, Big Saber Bro med: "You dare to fire Teacher Zhang? You motherf**king idiots!"


    Theizens: "��"


    A Zhang Ye fan hurriedly reminded: "Big Saber Bro, they didn''t fire Teacher Zhang. They only stopped paying his sry."


    Big Saber Bro: "Ah? He didn''t get fired this time? What sry are you talking about?"


    Another Zhang Ye fan said with some embarrassment: "There''s also the copyright."


    Big Saber Bro asked: "What copyright?"


    "Aiya, it''s difficult to exin with just a few words here and there. Just go and read the news," a fan said.


    As Big Saber Bro talked to them, she did not idle about and continued with her scolding of Central TV Department 1: "Why should I read the news? I don''t care if it''s about some sry or whatever copyright, I will scold them regardless! After scolding, we can talk about it again! Charge!"


    Zhang Ye''s fans: "��"


    Chen Ye''s fans: "��"


    Weiboizens: "��"


    When some of the other celebrities in the entertainment circle saw this, they didn''t know how to react. They could only look on and think to themselves, this is what you call a goddamn hardcore fan! Justing online without a clue as to what was happening, without even bothering to find out about the situation, the first thing the fan did was charge into battle and start scolding. This was totally what you would call a fan''s role model!


    A me war broke out online!


    It added more fuel to the fire that was the incident!


    Right now, the entire media and entertainment circle''s focus was on thiswsuit between Zhang Ye and Central TV Department 1. How thewsuit would develop, what Central TV Department 1 would do to fight back, and whether Zhang Ye would ept an intervention. Everyone wanted to know who would emerge the victor in this first ever court case between Central TV and one of its artists. This was the very focus of everyone''s attention!

 Chapter 747: The court’s verdict!

    <h4>Chapter 747: The court''s verdict! </h4>


    Chapter 747: The court''s verdict!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Today.


    It was the day of the official hearing of Zhang Ye''s court case against Central TV Department 1!


    Online, Zhang Ye''s fans were already riled up.


    "Teacher Zhang will definitely score a victory in the opening battle!"


    "Evil shall not prevail, the truth will live on forever!"


    "Teacher Zhang, I''ll be cheering you on!"


    "It''s finally the day of the court hearing! How nerve-wracking!"


    "Looking forward to Teacher Zhang''s triumphant return!"


    "All debts must be repaid! It''s perfectly justified!


    In recent days, society''s attention had been focused on every development and change that would affect the case. On the second day after Zhang Ye submitted his petition, the court rejected his request for apensation of 100 million RMB. Perhaps due to the ridiculous amount ofpensation requested, after somemunication with Zhang Ye, the petition''s requestedpensation was changed to about 17,000 RMB, two times the amount of his sry. Two dayster, in the first out-of-court mediation session, a representative of Central TV Department 1 agreed to an out-of-court settlement, but were only willing topensate Zhang Ye his sry for the month. Other than that, there would be no furtherpensation, so Zhang Ye rejected the settlement. On that same day, Zhang Ye was involved in an altercation outside the court with the representative of Central TV Department 1 and their attorney. This was photographed by the media and the incident escted even further!


    The torches of dispute were being lit one by one!


    Today, there should finally be an end to it!


    Early in the morning, Haidian People''s Court was already overcrowded with people. The parking lot was filled with vehicles, half of which were press vehicles. The entire nation''s numerous reporters from the newspapers, media, and television stations were all carrying their camcorders or cameras and waiting outside the entrance. The district court was packed with people on both the inside and the outside, in the front and back yards of the court. There was another group of people on location��the residents living nearby hade to observe the proceedings as well.


    "Hello, everyone��"


    "Everyone, I am currently standing outside Haidian People''s Court��"


    "Thewsuit between Zhang Ye and Central TV Department 1 that everyone has been paying attention to will start its proceedings in an hour, but the venue right now is already fully packed with the media and onlookers. Zhang Ye is nowhere to be seen yet, same as the representatives of Central TV Department 1, but we will be reporting to everyone firsthand on thetest updates."


    Quite a number of cameras had been set up on location to provide real-time situation reports to the viewing audience.


    There were also some reporters who attempted to sneak into court but were stopped by the court officers and staff. The whole of Haidian People''s Court was closely guarded, with three times more court officers deployed to guard the ce, as if readying for battle.


    Suddenly, a BMW X5 arrived at the court grounds.


    "Look!"


    "That''s Zhang Ye''s car!"


    "Zhang Ye has arrived!"


    All it took was a few shouts for all the reporters to swarm over!


    Coincidentally, the Central TV Department 1 representative and attorney also arrived in a car behind him.


    When the reporters saw this, arge group of them split off towards the other car before it could evene to a stop. Everyone pushed their microphones towards the car''s windows, gradually bing louder and making amotion with their questions!


    "Can you tell us if Central TV Department 1 often dys the sry payment to their employees?" a female reporter asked.


    The Central TV Department 1 representative was Jiang Yuan. When he heard that question, he rebuked, "Watch your words. This is not a case of dying the sry payment. The reason for thete sry payment was due to a system error."


    The female reporter questioned further, "Then why did everyone from Department 1 receive theirs except for Zhang Ye?"


    Jiang Yuan frowned. "It was an error with the system, how would I know? But his sry has been paid to him now."


    A male reporter quickly asked, "Deputy Director Jiang, what do you think the odds are of winning thiswsuit?"


    Jiang Yuan answered confidently, "We believe we can win. On this, we have a clear conscience and also believe that the court will hand down a fair ruling!"


    A reporter next to the previous one asked, "When the case ends, what are the future ns regarding Zhang Ye''s work arrangem��"


    Jiang Yuan did not answer. He stepped out of the car and squeezed forward through the crowd. "Make way, make way!"


    The Central TV Department 1 attorney stood in front and helped clear the way for Jiang Yuan. "The court will be in session soon. If you all still have questions, please ask after the trial is over!"


    They just wanted to quickly get into the court and skip answering the questions from the reporters. However, when they curiously nced in Zhang Ye''s direction, they nearly fainted from what they saw!


    Zhang Ye did not look like he had any intention to get into the court quickly at all. Instead, he stood outside with the reporters and began bullshitting. He trumpeted with a strong sense of righteousness, "Thebor workforce should not have their sries held back as it is a form of respect for their contributions and it is also the foundation to keep this society running! There was a Spring Festival G host who mentioned online that the sry payment was onlyte by a day, and feels that I am making a big fuss over a small issue. That is what Central TV Department 1 seems to think as well, so let me ask this! If Central TV Department 1 wanted me toplete a program recording by today, would it be fine if I finish it a dayte? If Central TV Department 1 calls me to attend a meeting to discuss something urgent, would it be fine if I went a dayte? If Central TV Department 1 wants the endorsement fees for The Voice which goes through our program team''s ount to be transferred to Central TV because they urgently need the funds, can I do it a dayte? Those who have experience in a workce would know that this is not OK! That is why I wonder: why is it that whatever we do at work, we cannot bete by a day! That is definitely not allowed! But what about you all? If it is a dayte, then it is forgivable? Yet now you''re saying that I''m making a big fuss over a small issue? Based on what!? Isn''t that a double standard!?"


    A number of the surrounding onlookers all cheered at this!


    "That''s right!"


    "Well said!"


    "You''re absolutely right!"


    "Zhang Ye, I''m supporting you!"


    "Fight it out with them!"


    "I''m sick of these idiots who dy our sries and act as if there''s nothing wrong with it!"


    Zhang Ye proimed righteously, "To usmon folk, the court is not a good ce. I am not someone who likes to be in the spotlight, but I am willing to stand up today! Not for anything else but my vindication! I want to fight it out with this unhealthy corporate culture and mindset! I also hope that I can lead by example for all the other artists by being the first to do something like this! Whoever stated that if the television stations infringe on our interests, we would have to stay silent in fear of offending them? Artists are also people! They also have the freedom to protect their legal rights and interests! What is white��can never be ck! And what is ck��will never ever be white!"


    Jiang Yuan nearly blew up. You are not someone who likes to be in the spotlight? Bull f**king shit!


    But when the people heard this, they all broke out into rapturous apuse. Everyone who had ever been in a disadvantageous position when they worked for theirpanies all sided with Zhang Ye at this moment!


    "That was very well said!"


    "It isn''t easy for the artists either!"


    "Teacher Zhang, all the best!"


    "We will be behind you all the way!"


    All that could be heard at the entrance of the court was Zhang Ye''s righteous bbering.


    Even the usually glib reporters could only watch with eagerness, unable to say a word to interrupt him. This fellow was far too good at oration!


    Zhang Ye continued again all by himself, talking for a long time.


    Finally, when a female reporter from Beijing Evening News could no longer listen on, she reminded him, "About that, Teacher Zhang, I think your court will be in session very soon."


    Zhang Ye took a look at his watch and eximed "aiyo" before hurriedly rushing in.


    The reporters didn''t know whether tough or cry. They wanted to follow in after him but were stopped by the court officers. The court session today was not open to public.


    ...


    Inside the court.


    The judge and several court personnel were looking out from the windows in a very speechless manner.


    One of them said, "Just how many reporters are there outside? Including the onlookers, there must be several hundred of them out there!"


    Another person smiled wryly. "The previous case of the dispute involving a sum of 500 million RMB only attracted seven, eight reporters. That''s not even 10% of the numbers that turned out today. Isn''t this just a dispute over a sry of just over 8,000 RMB? But look at themotion it is causing at our courthouse. It started two days ago. There are even reporters who have been calling myndline for the past few days. I wonder how they found my number; they must really have a goodwork of contacts!"


    A woman said, "The dispute amount might not be high, but this case is different in nature. A celebrity''s case involves a lot of things, therefore the impact is wider as well. Moreover, this is the first case in the entertainment circle that an artist is suing a television station, so how can it not have arge effect?"


    They were actually feeling rather nervous as well. Now that Haidian People''s Court was in the sights of the national media, they would be scrutinized under a microscope. That put a lot of pressure on them!


    At this moment, the chief judge spoke with a serious tone, "Pack it in. The court will be in session soon."


    ...


    Tieba.


    There was constant buzz among theizens!


    "The court is already in session, right?"


    "Yeah, it''s time!"


    "I wonder how it''s going! Why didn''t they do a live broadcast of it!"


    "Just wait for the court''s decision. Hopefully, it will be a fair one!"


    "That might not happen as thiswsuit is mainly about Zhang Ye''s sry. The Voice''s overseas copyright has not yet been sold by Central TV Department 1 without Zhang Ye''s knowledge, so that wouldn''t affect the judgment here. Didn''t the court already reject Zhang Ye''s request for 100 million inpensation? It''s precisely because the copyright and sry issues are two different things. If we talk about how Zhang Ye''s sry was paidte to him by only a couple days, then the court might not support Zhang Ye''s petition."


    "Right, Central TV still has a lot of influence and standing, so it won''t be easy to say who will win thiswsuit!"


    "F**k, if Teacher Zhang does not win thiswsuit, I will go and scold Central TV Department 1 everyday!"


    ...


    On Weibo.


    "Just what''s the situation like?"


    "Is there anyone here who is attending the trial? Do a live stream, please!"


    "I heard that Zhang Ye did not appoint awyer this time. He filed the petition on his own and will be his own prosecutor!"


    "Ah? For real?"


    "It''s true! The newspapers have already reported about it!"


    "Damn. Then won''t he lose for sure? The opponent is a professionalwyer, how could Teacher Zhang possibly outtalk him?"


    "That I''m not too worried about. It''s not like we don''t know what Zhang Ye''s speaking ability is like, so even if it''s awyer he''s up against, he might not necessarily lose to him. But I do worry that Teacher Zhang''s legal expertise is not good enough. When they bring up certainws and regtions, he might not be able to answer them."


    "Yeah, this is really going to be quite open!"


    "Let''s just wait for the decision! Anxiously waiting!"


    Suddenly, the Weibo ount of a host who had disappeared from the entertainment circle for many years suddenly turned active and was updated with a new post. It simply said: "Zhang Ye, fight on!"


    Theizens cried out in rm.


    "Wow!"


    "It''s Old Luo! An ex-host of Central TV Department 1!"


    "After having been banned and suppressed for so many years, Old Luo has finally made an appearance again!"


    "Back then, Central TV Department 1 really did bring Old Luo crashing down and even got him banned!"


    "Teacher Luo hase forward to show his support for Teacher Zhang! I''m numb. Somehow, I feel like I''m suddenly ovee with emotions. Teacher Luo, Teacher Zhang, you''re both heroes of our times!"


    Old Luo replied on his Weibo: "I''m not, but Zhang Ye is."


    Following that, another two artists who had previously been banned by their provincial satellite stations, and as a result, left the entertainment industry, also publicly showed their support for Zhang Ye!


    "It''s Old Lao!"


    "Big Sister Niu is also showing her support for Zhang Ye!"


    "Big Sister Niu, where have you gone too all these years?!"


    "They''re all veterans!"


    "Awesome! Everyone is starting toe forward!"


    "I really wish that Teacher Zhang could see this now, so that he knows that he has the support from those in the same industry! It was only because they did not dare to stand up for him in the past! And were pressured not to give him any support!"


    ...


    Outside the court.


    The reporters and onlookers were anxiously waiting. Some cameramen who were afraid to miss a shot did not even stop their camcorders from rolling. They were constantly kept in recording mode as they focused on the main entrance of the court.


    One hour!


    Two hours!


    Three hours!


    After a long wait, the media''s personnel felt it was a little too much and were surprised at how long the hearing was taking.


    "Why is it taking so long?"


    "It''s really slow!"


    "What''s happening inside? Why is it taking so long toe to a decision?"


    "It''s just a sry dispute, surely the hearing can''tst for three hours?"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye isn''t a professionalwyer after all. Without any legal foundation, would he be able to argue with the attorney for so long?"


    "Let''s wait a little more. It should be over soon!"


    "Could there be some changes somehow? Could thewsuit have been overruled by the judge?"


    At 11:40 AM, there was newsing from inside that the trial had ended!


    In an instant, the reporters were camping at the entrance with their equipment in hand!


    "What''s the oue?"


    "How did it go?"


    "What was the decision by the court?"


    "Who won?"


    The media personnel were all fully concentrated with their eyes opened wide!


    Shortly after, they saw the court personnel walking out, followed by Central TV Department 1''s Deputy Director Jiang Yuan and the attorney. The two of them had rather sunken expressions at this moment, and even the way they were walking out carried a hint of anger!


    The media personnel looked at them in shock!


    At the same moment, the verdict was also explosively revealed!


    Haidian People''s Court had ruled in favor of Zhang Ye receiving apensation from Central TV Department 1, a sum totaling 17,567 RMB!


    Zhang Ye won!!

 Chapter 748: Just who is the professional lawyer here!?

    <h4>Chapter 748: Just who is the professionalwyer here!? </h4>


    Chapter 748: Just who is the professionalwyer here!?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Outside the court.


    The surrounding onlookers mored unceasingly!


    "Aiyo!


    "Zhang Ye won?"


    "Holy shit! Central TV Department 1 actually lost? They really lost?"


    "Thepensation is twice the amount of the owed sry? That should already be the maximumpensation allowed! Since the sry was onlyte by a day or two!"


    "What the hell! Zhang Ye could even emerge as the victor after suing Central TV Department 1!? How awesome! It''s too awesome! This has to be yet another first in the entertainment circle!"


    "Teacher Zhang''swsuit has an absolutely historical meaning to it! It should at least be written into the history books of China''s entertainment industry. This is the first time in which an artist has brought a television station to court and even went on to win the case!"


    "It really sets your blood on fire!"


    "Teacher Zhang is extremely powerful!"


    Everyone was marveling at this news!


    The reporters outside also reacted shortly and surrounded Jiang Yuan and the Central TV Department 1''s attorney, dropping questions on them one after another!


    "Can you tell us why you lost the case?"


    "Does Central TV Department 1 have any ns to file an appeal?"


    "Deputy Director Jiang, what is your view of the court''s decision?"


    "Mr. Huo, where exactly did you all lose?"


    Jiang Yuan had a dark expression on his face. "Make way!"


    The attorney, Mr. Huo, also had an unnatural expression on his face. "Noment, noment!"


    Right now, Mr. Huo did not wish to say anything at all. He felt that today was his darkest day in his entire career. In all fairness, from Mr. Huo''s point of view, Zhang Ye definitely had the advantage in thiswsuit as he was the intiff; the court was more likely to stand on his side. However, this was not absolute either. The court debate mattered the most in thewsuit. If they could take the absolute initiative in this area, Mr. Huo believed that their chances of winning this case would be greater. Besides, it couldn''t be forgotten that Zhang Ye did not have a prosecuting attorney as he chose to represent himself. Mr. Huo was a card-carrying member of the bar association, so when faced with ayman who knew nothing about thew, he felt absolutely confident and believed that there was a 70-80% likelihood of him winning!


    But that was exactly where they lost!


    Mr. Huo would never be able to forget that scene in court. It was only at the end of the court debate that he realized that Zhang Ye was even more f**king familiar with thew than he was!!


    ����


    Three hours ago.


    In the courtroom.


    The court clerk said, "The court is in session now for the hearing of the case. Please remain quiet! Would the involved parties and legal representatives please enter the courtroom."


    Zhang Ye walked in and stood at the intiff''s desk.


    Jiang Yuan and Lawyer Huo both entered the court together and took their ce in the dock.


    The court clerk said in a serious tone, "I hereby announce the rules of the court. 1. The gallery is to adhere to the instructions by the judge. Allmunication devices must be switched off and order must be followed in the court. Smoking is prohibited. 2. Silence must be observed at all times during the hearing. Visitors are not to shout, p, interrupt, or leave the courtroom at any time during the hearing. They are not to cross the bar��" About four or five rules were read. At the end, he turned around and said, "All rise. The court is now in session. The honorable judge presiding."


    Then the court case began its opening procedures.


    The intiff was introduced, and the defendant as well as the legal representative were introduced.


    Following that, the proceedings started. It first began with the intiff stating his im as well as the facts and reasons.


    Zhang Ye said, "Five days ago, while I was working in Central TV Department 1��"


    At the start, it was just the standard proceedings. Zhang Ye spoke with proper bearing as did Mr. Huo. This was not the court debate segment yet, just the opening statements presented by both sides to the presiding judge and other court personnel to have an understanding and overview of the matter. It was a very slow process and took 30 minutes toplete.


    The presiding judge raised questions.


    Zhang Ye answered.


    The presiding judge raised questions.


    Mr. Huo answered.


    After the presentation was done, it was finally time for the intiff and defendant to submit their evidence!


    Mr. Huo was the faster one and made his move first. "I would like to question the intiff''sck ofmunication with my client immediately when he found out that his sry had not been disbursed yet? It is well known that you''re a veteran of the television industry and you have worked under several television stations and other employers. ording tomon sense, you should know how these processes work, so if the Finance Department has a problem, it would be very difficult for them to check the problem immediately. If it was because of a system error that caused the dy in your sry payment by one day, leading you to seek apensation of two months worth of sry, then my client finds it absolutely uneptable! We even reserve the right to serve a counterim on the intiff for suspected fraud!"


    At this moment, Zhang Ye who had just sleepily repeated his words by rote earlier suddenly looked like a different person. His eyes lit up and his back also straightened. It was as though a sword had just been pulled from its sheath. He looked very high-spirited. "Oh, please do go on."


    Go on?


    What do you mean by "go on"!?


    A male judge on the panel leered at him.


    Mr. Huo was also not too used to this. He had fought manywsuits before, but those were all against other professionalwyers. Which of them had ever spoken in an odd manner to him like this before? Didn''t their replies always press back very hard on him? "Go on" was a response that he didn''t know how to react to.


    Forget it, this is just what you''d expect from ayman anyway!


    Hai, it would surely be very tiring to fight awsuit against ayman. It was too unprofessional to handle it like he always did!


    Lawyer Huo was even more certain now that he would have an 80-90% chance at victory, so he added, "I have here several testimonies from the employees of Central TV''s Finance Department. They can prove that on the day of the incident, the intiff did not engage in propermunication with my client. Other than resorting to scolding, he had also used interrogative techniques on my client''s Finance employees and greatly insulted them with personal attacks. This led the matter of the system error which resulted in the sry not being issued to not be immediately resolved that day. As such, the intiff has an undeniable responsibility to this oue!"


    The evidence was submitted to the panel.


    The presiding judge and assistant judges had a look at it.


    The presiding judge asked, "intiff, how do you exin yourself?"


    Zhang Ye had a look at the evidence as well. He smiled while looking at Mr. Huo and stated, "Your mother is your mother, your grandpa is your grandpa. Is this an invective? Why can''t I tell?"


    Lawyer Huo immediately countered, "Objection! The intiff is engaging in malicious nder."


    The judge said, "Sustained."


    Zhang Ye said, "Your Honor, the evidence the defendant has just submitted was only one side of the story and given out of context. I also have a testimony here which will exin the entire ount of the incident. When I realized that my sry was not credited into my bank ount, I immediately approached and inquired the defendant''s Finance employees. The other party had first used the excuse that it was already time for her to knock off from work, so she refused to help me with my sry situation. Then, she gave the excuse of having no authority to check the system for details and rejected my request. Finally, she wanted me to go to the relevant departments to get proof that I did not receive my sry, and also further requested that I prove that my bank ount was my bank ount. In such a situation, I also requested that she produce proof of why she had the right to ask me to produce proof to her. This followed with me requesting that she demonstrate proof that her mother was her mother, and her grandpa was her grandpa. During this time, our exchange ofmunication was very smooth and harmonious, so in what way did I insult anyone?"


    You call this a harmoniousmunication?


    Harmonious your sister!


    The people in the gallery: "��"


    Mr. Huo immediately said, "The intiff is speaking in an insulting manner again. I object!"


    After looking through the submitted evidence, the presiding judge kept silent for a second. "Overruled!"


    In other words, the court supported the evidence that Zhang Ye submitted to be relevant and agreed that his words were non-invective so denied Mr. Huo''s objection.


    "Thank you, Your Honor." Zhang Ye continued, "The defendant keeps stressing that the affair started because of me, and that makes me wonder what their motive and purpose is. I have reason to believe now that the defendant had a premeditated intent to withhold my sry, not because of a system error."


    Mr. Huo frowned. "Is the intiff able produce evidence of that!?"


    "Absolutely. I request to submit the supporting evidence." Zhang Ye took a copy a document out. "This is the payroll system data of Central TV Department 1 and the disbursement data. I won''t mention the origin of this evidence for now, but I guarantee the authenticity of it. It will stand up to verification. The evidence shows that only I, among all the employees of Central TV Department 1, did not receive my sry that day. This was not due to a system error, but because someone had altered my records on the payroll system at 2:05:17 PM on that particr day. Then, at 2:09 PM, the records were altered again. That was the reason for my sry not being disbursed on time!" Central TV Department 1 had been busy shaping public opinion and carrying out their crisis management in the past few days, but Zhang Ye had not idled about either.


    Jiang Yuan''s expression changed. When he heard that, he knew for sure that the evidence was genuine!


    Mr. Huo did not expect this either!


    Central TV Department 1''s payroll system data? There were even details of the time the actions took ce? F**k you! How did you get your hands on that! Which internal staffer was spying for Zhang Ye??


    But they did not know that it was not only the payroll system of Central TV, even the Korean government''s official website could be freely essed by Zhang Ye. So just with such a simplework security system, how could it stop the world''s third-ranked and most wanted hacker with the highest bounty in the world?


    The presiding judge and his panel looked through the evidence and started exchanging some words in low whispers.


    Mr. Huo retorted, "Firstly, I seriously doubt the authenticity of this piece of evidence. Secondly, there are many reasons for system modification by human factors. It could even be an error caused by a system administrator, so there is no evidence that this was premeditated. Thus, it cannot be a reason for making a subjective judgment for the intiff!"


    This piece of evidence was very disadvantageous to them. Even if the authenticity of the evidence had not been verified by the presiding judge yet, it was enough of an ominous signal to the judges. Besides, from Jiang Yuan''s expression, Mr. Huo could also see that this piece of evidence needed no further verification. It was definitely real. As such, Mr. Huo tried to reverse this situation. He said, "I would like submit additional evidence. This is thebor contract the intiff signed with Central TV."


    The evidence was submitted.


    The presiding judge and his panel started looking through it.


    Mr. Huo then stated, "The fifth subuse of the second use in the contract, as well as the ninth subuse of the fifth use, clearly state that the rtionship between the intiff and Central TV Department 1 is not as simple as just employer and employee. It is more of a cooperative rtionship as stated by the contract. As you can see, the intiff has proposed that he retain a majority of the copyright to the programs that he created. It was only under this premise that he would work together with Central TV alone, while not asking for any bonuses either. Therefore, in such an agreement, excluding the ownership of the copyrights created in the course of professional work, from the fundamental point of view of the contract, Central TV had no obligation to pay a sry to Zhang Ye. This is because the intiff contributed the idea to produce a program, while Central TV provided the tform and staff, and helped with the publicity. It was stated clearly in the contract that whatever returns that are generated from the copyright in the course of the program''s broadcast would be the actual source of Zhang Ye''s sry. Meanwhile, my client has been paying the intiff''s sry for his work as a host of the station out of goodwill only. Since there is no obligation to do so, we should not be required to pay the intiff the amount ofpensation that he is demanding!"


    It wasn''t until this critical juncture that the real battle of legal knowledge started. The real battle had finally begun!


    Mr. Huo was greatly looking forward to this segment as the difference between a professional and an amateur would be reflected in this exchange!


    Zhang Ye did not get worked up and calmly rebutted, "The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security''s Labor Contract Law states that: ''Dispatched workers shall enjoy the right of equal pay for equal work as the workers of the receiving unit do.'' During my time at Central TV Department 1, not only did I take on the role of a host, I also held the concurrent post of the program''s executive director, overall nner, and other rted duties. I ought to be receiving a corresponding sry for those roles, and not be exempted from it just because I am receiving an equivalent sry from the copyrights that I already hold in the first ce. If that is the case, does that mean I should be paying my own sry?"


    Eh?


    This guy really knows how to bullshit!


    Jiang Yuan was a little surprised as he did not expect Zhang Ye to be able to answer that!


    Mr. Huo was also a little taken aback but quickly turned around to retrieve a big stack of documents. He lowered his head and read, "Article 16 states that special works made for hire like drawings of engineering designs and product designs, maps,puter software, and other service works which are created mainly with the materials and technical resources of the legal entity or organization and under its responsibility, or service works of which the copyright is, in ordance with thews or administrative regtions or as agreed upon in the contract, enjoyed by the legal entity or organization. In the above cases, the author of a service work shall enjoy the right of authorship, while the legal entity or organization shall enjoy other rights included in the copyright."


    Zhang Ye looked at him and responded, "I would like to remind the defendant and the defendant''swyer that it has been stated and agreed in the contract that this was not deemed as a special work made for hire, but a work made for hire with attached conditions. The copyrightw states that the copyright of such a work shall be enjoyed by the author, but the legal entity or organization shall have a priority right to exploit the work within the scope of its professional activities. Moreover, I have to state clearly that the copyright ownership was already reflected in thebor contract! Therefore, in the understanding that there are no further disputes over the contract, the defendant refusing to pay my sry is already inconsistent with the Labor Law."


    Mr. Huo was about to say something.


    But Zhang Ye continued from where he left off. "The Labor Law states that workers shall have the right to remuneration forbor. The rights to remuneration forbor are the workers'' guaranteed rights that must not be taken away. ording to Article 2 of the Labor Law, thisw shall apply to enterprises, individual economic organizations, and workers who form abor union therewith the territory of the People''s Republic of China. Organs of state, institutions, and public organizations as well as workers who form abor contract rtionship therewith shall be bound by thisw!"


    Lawyer Huo immediately spoke, "The Labor Law��"


    Zhang Ye interrupted, "While I was employed by Central TV Department 1, I created mary value for the defendant, and did actualbor for the defendant. Thebor rtionship between the two parties is not to be doubted. Then, as an official employee of the defendant, I have reason to request that the defendant pay me a sry!"


    Lawyer Huo interjected, "The intiff''s��"


    Zhang Ye beat him to it again by saying, "ording to our country''s Labor Law��"


    After being interrupted a few times, Mr. Huo was vexed as he dered, "Your Honor, I strongly object to the intiff''s��"


    Zhang Ye interrupted him for a fourth time. "I am not done with my statement yet. May the defendant please cease the interruptions!"


    The presiding judge looked at Mr. Huo and said, "Objection overruled! intiff, please continue."


    Mr. Huo''s face turned blue!


    Zhang Ye continued eloquently, "In Article 50 of our country''s ''Labor Law,'' the words ''dyed without reason'' can be understood to mean that the employer did not pay a sry to the worker in a timely manner without good reason! In Article 4 of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security''s ''The Supplementary Provisions to the Tentative Provisions on Payment of Sry,'' it stiptes the conditions for ''without reason'' to be: ''The dying of sry without reason do not include: 1. The inability to distribute sry due to the urrence of reasons beyond the Enterprise''s control, such as natural disasters and wars; 2. The Enterprise encounters financial difficulties, resulting in cash flow problems. By receiving the Enterprise''s Union agreement, the Enterprise is able to dy the payment of sry to the worker. The limitation to the period of dy is determined ording to province, autonomous region, or municipality. All other situations regarding the dy of sry will be deemed without reason''!"


    Thinking that Zhang Ye was done, Mr. Huo blurted, "Regarding the intiff''s��"


    However, Zhang Ye was still not done. He seemed to be deliberately waiting for Mr. Huo to interrupt. The moment he spoke, Zhang Ye continued, "And thepany in question did not encounter any natural disasters or wars that were beyond its control, nor did it have any financial difficulties or cash flow problems that would affect the dy in sry payment. Therefore, the defendant has no reason to not pay me my sry!"


    Lawyer Huo blew his top. "The intiff''s��"


    Zhang Ye wasposed as he cut Mr. Huo off again for the umpteenth time. "In the circr, ''Measures for Economic Compensations due to Vition or Rescission of Labor Contracts,'' from The Ministry of Labor, when an employer deducts a worker''s sry or dys the payment thereof, or refuses to pay the sry remunerations for additional working hours to the worker, it shall, in addition to paying the full amount of sry remunerations to the worker within the prescribed time limit, pay the additional economicpensations equal to a certain percentage of the sry remunerations!"


    The presiding judge stared at Zhang Ye.


    The other judges'' eyes met.


    The surrounding court staff and people in the gallery were dumbfounded! They were utterly dumbfounded by what they heard!


    Furthermore, they suddenly realized to great astonishment that Zhang Ye did not lower his head even once from the very beginning. That was because, unlike Mr. Huo, he did not even have any notes with him. All he did was rely on his mouth!


    A professionalwyer was stammering, unable to interrupt despite having a stack of notes in hand!


    An amateur intiff was speaking without notes, throwing out onew after another!


    F**k!


    The situation was developing in apletely unexpected way!


    Hey! Just who the f**k is the professionalwyer here!!


    Zhang Ye still had things to say. "Due to the unending stir in public opinion, it has dealt a severe social impact and caused me a great deal of emotional distress. I would like to request that the court uphold the principle in favor of the weak found in the Labor Law, as well as the obligations to protect the workers found in a series of articles within Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the People''s Republic of China, to seek apensation of twice the amount of my expected sry plus a symbolic sum of 1 RMB to make up for my emotional distress suffered, as well as a public apology from the defendant. I request that the court support my ims!"


    Mr. Huo red at Zhang Ye as he waited for him to continue.


    Zhang Ye said, "Then��"


    One second��


    Two seconds��


    Three seconds��


    Zhang Ye was finally done this time!


    But this was where Zhang Ye was being extremely sly, as he did not make it clear he had finished speaking. After saying all that, he continued looking in the direction of the defendant and cleared his throat while still moving his lips slightly. He even said "then" to give Mr. Huo and Jiang Yuan the impression that he was not done speaking. That was the reason why they waited for him to stop!


    Only when the presiding judge said, "Does the defendant not have anything to say in defense?" did Lawyer Huo react. Damn, he had been tricked by Zhang Ye again. He was waiting for Zhang Ye to finish speaking beforeunching his counterattack, but the atmosphere in the court did not reflect that. The judges did not know this either. What everyone saw was that after Zhang Ye had finished expressing his opinion, he had left the defendant side of Lawyer Huo and Jiang Yuan in silence. It was as though Zhang Ye had made them admit they were wrong. That made them appear at a disadvantage immediately. Their momentum had been broken by Zhang Ye!


    Mr. Huo was feeling extremely shocked!


    Shit! He had underestimated his opponent!


    He truly failed miserably at an easy task!


    Who said that grandson was a f**king host? Who said that grandson was a mathematician or a man of letters? Hisnguage logic,nguage artistry, psychological strategy, and even his knowledge of thew and relevant legal matters made Lawyer Huo suddenly realize with shock that this guy was even more professional than he was!


    How did you memorize so many legal provisions?


    You didn''t even need to refer to your notes?


    On top of all that, you could even f**king handily quote without stammering some of the legal provisions and mention in an impromptu fashion? F**k, could it be that you have memorized the entire Constitution and civilw?


    However, Lawyer Huo could not have expected that he had guessed it right!


    This psycho called Zhang Ye had actually spent a day''s time yesterday memorizing every constitution and civilw of this world without missing a single word!!

 Chapter 749: Quatrain for a Summer’s Day!

    <h4>Chapter 749: Quatrain for a Summer''s Day! </h4>


    Chapter 749: Quatrain for a Summer''s Day!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Outside.


    Firsthand ount of the verdict had spread outside from the courtroom in an instant!


    ...


    Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    His parents were anxiously awaiting the results with many of his rtives gathered at his house. His first uncle, third aunt, the eldest and third young sisters had alle!


    "How long has it been since the hearing started?!"


    "It''s been almost three hours."


    "Why isn''t there a verdict yet?"


    "Aiya, why is it so slow!"


    "My brother will definitely win!"


    Suddenly, the house phone rang.


    After putting down the phone, his mother couldn''t help but cry out loudly, "He won! Little Ye won!"


    His third sister immediately jumped up and shouted, "I knew my brother would win! I knew it!"


    ...


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    Old Yao and his wife were both eating dinner.


    His daughter, Yao Mi, suddenly pushed open the door from outside and rushed in. She excitedly waved the cell phone in her hand, which still disyed thetest news update. "Dad! Teacher Zhang won thewsuit! He won!"


    "What?" Yao Jiancai immediately said, "Let me have a look!"


    "This is thetest news!" Yao Mi passed her cell phone to Old Yao. "Teacher Zhang is too awesome! He is definitely my idol for life! No! Make that two lifetimes!"


    ...


    At Beijing Television Station.


    In the program team office of Do You Remember.


    Hu Fei brought back the news with him. "The verdict is out!"


    Immediately, everyone��including Dong Shanshan, Hou Ge, and Hou Di��on the program team looked over together.


    Hu Fei paused for a moment, then said, "Central TV Department 1��lost in thewsuit!"


    Everyone roared!


    Xiao Lu said in a stunned manner, "Teacher Little Zhang did not hire awyer, so��so how did he win?"


    Hu Fei gave a wry smile. "He acted as his own prosecutor!"


    ...


    Central TV Department 1.


    Many of the executives were waiting for news of the verdict from the court.


    At this moment, Director Jiang Naixiong received a call from Jiang Yuan. "Director."


    Jiang Naixiong asked anxiously: "How is it?"


    Jiang Yuan stayed silent for a moment, before saying: "��We lost."


    Jiang Naixiong gasped and angrily replied: "How can that be? Didn''t you say that we had an above 80% chance of winning? And why did the court hand down the verdict immediately? They came to a decision that quickly? Did Old Huo not speak in defense of us?"


    Jiang Yuan was present at the court all the while and he understood very well the proceedings and the overall situation. He said glumly: "Mr. Huo has already done his best."


    Then, Mr. Huo took the phone and apologized: "I must take the primary responsibility for this case. My team and I underestimated Zhang Ye''s legal expertise!"


    Jiang Naixiong said in annoyance: "He''s only ayman, what legal expertise could he have!"


    Mr. Huo muttered to himself, then responded: "If Zhang Ye can be considered as ayman, then more than 90% of thewyers in China would have their licenses suspended!"


    Jiang Naixiong was so angry that heughed. "Old Huo, are you trying to tell me that Zhang Ye''s legal expertise is better than 90% of thewyers we have in the entire country? Are you trying to be funny?"


    "Frankly, it might even be a higher figure than 90%." Mr. Huo said: "A math professor? In my opinion, he seems more like aw professor!"


    If someone said that Mr. Huo lost because he couldn''tpare to Zhang Ye with his speaking ability, he wouldn''t raise an objection to that. After all, everyone knew about that mouth of Zhang Ye''s. He was very good at wrangling and scolding others, with hardly anyone able toe up against him. Who in the country did not know about this person? But what Mr. Huo found most uneptable was that he had lost in terms of his professional knowledge! Zhang Ye easily brought up different legal provisions and confused Mr. Huo with them. As he did not prepare well enough, he had to quickly flip through his notes to prepare his counterargument, yet before he could even bring up the relevantws, Zhang Ye was already mentioning the next one. Lawyer Huo could only go back to checking through his information for the next counterargument but even that was met with yet another attack by Zhang Ye!


    Constantly bogged down!


    Unable to take charge!


    That was what Mr. Huo felt about this court trial!


    He had lost, but after calming down, Mr. Huo was still convinced by the results. He knew that even if he did not take his opponent lightly, even if he had done all necessary preparations, he would still be unable to win thiswsuit! Awyer who was even more professional than him, taking on a case he already had an advantage and initiative in, Zhang Ye had no reason to lose this!


    ...


    Online.


    The court''s decision was already spreading all around!


    Some of theizens screamed in celebration while some people were feeling incredulous at the oue. They raised an important question at this moment��how on earth did Zhang Ye win?


    The media answered them!


    The news answered them!


    The details of the court hearing were revealed by someone!


    "What?"


    "F**k, Teacher Zhang acted as his own prosecutor!?"


    "I only heard about how Zhang Ye did not hire awyer, but I never knew that he was representing himself!"


    "Did you guys get it wrong? How could Zhang Ye turn into awyer?"


    "He was even better than Central TV''swyer? He did not even need to refer to any notes when he talked about the legal provisions? He left the oppositionwyer at a loss for words and unable to argue back? You guys must be telling us a story, right?"


    "Heavens!"


    "My titanium dog eyes have been blinded!"


    "Does it need to be so dramatic?"


    "This must be totally unexpected to everyone!"


    "Pfft, Central TV Department 1 has been defeated this time!"


    "Not only were they beaten, I''m guessing Central TV Department 1 must feel extremely shocked right now! I bet they were expecting to win for sure when they saw that Zhang Ye did not appoint awyer! But it somehow turned out that Zhang Ye even has wyer skills''! This is too damn face smacking! Face-smacking Zhang has done it again!"


    "Having provoked him, this must be really troubling for Central TV Department 1!"


    "I am still in disbelief!"


    "Since the trial''s details have already been leaked, then this must be true!"


    "What the hell! Zhang Ye is going to gain yet another title��an amateurwyer who is even more professional than a professionalwyer!"


    "Is this the first day you guys learned about him? This is just who Zhang Ye is. Just his existence alone is a miracle. You can''t measure him usingmon sense!"


    "But, but how the hell could he be even more familiar with thew than a professionalwyer?"


    "Previous poster, why don''t you exin to us first why Zhang Ye can fly a ne? Especiallymercial airliner?"


    "��OK."


    "For Zhang Ye, nothing is impossible!"


    "From under which rock did this guy burst out!"


    "Zhang Ye has even be a barrister? I nearly pissed myselfughing!"


    Theizens expressed their shock one after another and said all kinds of things!


    It was chaos online!


    The news blew up!


    Whether it was Zhang Ye winning thewsuit, or his shocking talent as awyer, it felt uneptable to the people at this moment. Everyone needed some time to digest this bizarre news!


    Compared to the buzz in the outside world, the entertainment circle that was most closely implicated with this matter remained silent. Almost no one from the industry issued any statements of any kind, as though they had already discussed prior to stay silent on this extremely sensitivewsuit. Compared to the excitement online and in the news, this was somewhat odd, and at the same time, somewhat dreary.


    The celebrities all had a tacit understanding!


    While Central TV Department 1 was scary quiet!


    Theizens who noticed this mood started talking.


    "Hai, even though Zhang Ye won thewsuit��"


    "This is the beginning of the end!"


    "Teacher Zhang will definitely not be appearing on screen at Central TV Department 1 for close to a year! He is absolutely going to get put into the freezer! There is no doubt of that!"


    "Zhang Ye can still write novels or teach!"


    "Yeah, he also knows how topose songs!"


    "But what''s the use of that? His main job is still hosting! Zhang Ye shines the most when he hosts or makes TV shows. If he can no longer appear in or make any TV shows, then even if he continues in the industry by writing novels or other works, he couldn''t really make a mark. There would be no way for him to get into the mainstream consciousness of the audience. Everyone knows if that happens, Zhang Ye''s poprity will drop drastically by the day. That is the doomed oue!"


    "We''ll see in a year''s time. I''m sure Zhang Ye can still make aeback!"


    "The celebrities of the entertainment industry are always being reced, so who knows what next year might bring?"


    "Hai, Zhang Ye is done for!"


    "Yeah, with the end of thiswsuit, it''s also drawing the curtains on Zhang Ye''s era!"


    "That won''t happen! Zhang Ye will definitely be able to make aeback!"


    "I wonder if Teacher Zhang regrets his actions!"


    "So what if he won thewsuit? This move by Teacher Zhang had been, from the start, a move to perish together with Central TV Department 1! He did not n to win from the very beginning! Because if he loses, then he loses. But even if he wins, he still ends up losing!"


    Many of the people were grieving for Zhang Ye.


    Many of the entertainment circle''s celebrities also felt sorry for Zhang Ye''s impulsiveness. Originally, with the abilities Zhang Ye possessed, he could have safely ascended towards the top. Yet he had chosen the path that led to a dead end, a path no other artist in the entertainment industry would have chosen!


    ...


    Outside the court.


    A long time after Central TV Department 1''s people had left, there was some movement again.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye ising out!"


    "Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!"


    "Make way!"


    Zhang Ye walked with the stride of a victor,ing out of the courthouse with an impressive demeanor. There were no signs of him being affected by the inevitable freezing of his job by Central TV Department 1 as he walked with confidence.


    In an instant, the media all rushed up to him and pushed their cameras and camcorders at him!


    A female reporter shouted as she got pushed around within the crowd, "Teacher Zhang! Congrattions on winning thewsuit!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Thank you."


    A male reporter from Beijing Television Station yelled, "What are your thoughts right now?"


    Another person who was holding a microphone and had almost squeezed his way through toward Zhang Ye asked, "You won the case against your employer. Can you tell us if you have thought about the situation you will be in from here on out? Are you prepared to spend the next year being frozen by them?"


    A female reporter who looked to be over forty and was standing at the outer perimeter of the crowd raised her audio recorder up and shouted toward the interior, "Teacher Zhang, why did youe to a decision like that, which seemed so inconceivable to everyone? Everyone knew how this incident would turn out, and I''m sure you did too, so why were you still so determined to do it? To contest Central TV Department 1 in court? Do you regret this decision?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "I have never regretted the things that I''ve done!"


    A young reporter quickly followed that question with, "If you were given another chance, would you still take that decision?"


    A pretty female reporter added loudly, "Are you willing to give up your job for just several thousand RMB worth of sry? Willing to fall out with such a big channel like Central TV Department 1? Why is that so?"


    Of Zhang Ye''s decision, no one could understand it!


    The people could not understand!


    The entertainment circle could not understand!


    Central TV Department 1 could not understand!


    The media also could not understand!


    Perhaps it was more urate to use the phrase "could not figure out." They could not figure out why there was still a person like him who could be so stubborn, unreasonable, and inflexible in the muddied waters that was the entertainment circle! He would rather sacrifice himself for a consequence he could not afford to bear, by fighting to the bitter end with Central TV Department 1 and hoping they would perish together!


    Zhang Ye chuckled and looked at the hundreds of media reporters in front of him. He calmly opened his mouth and recited a poem!


    The poem was very short.


    Yet it felt grand!


    "Lived a hero.


    "Died��still the heroic spirit.


    "Even today Xiang Yu is remembered.


    "He who refused to return to Jiangdong!"


    When he finished reciting, Zhang Ye took a few vigorous strides and pushed past the surrounding crowd. He entered his car and drove straight out of the main entrance of the court grounds!


    The media were left silent!


    The surrounding onlookers also hushed up suddenly!


    Even today Xiang Yu is remembered. / He who refused to return to Jiangdong!?


    There was also a Xiang Yu in this world. This world also shared some of the history with Zhang Ye''s previous world, therefore, after they heard Zhang Ye reciting the poem, many of them fell silent. What a good hero! What a good heroic spirit! Perhaps only a hero like Zhang Ye could follow in Xiang Yu''s footsteps. Even in death, he refused to return to Jiangdong!


    They suddenly understood something!


    They finally figured out why Zhang Ye had made such a decision!


    There was no why! It was simply because that was who he was, even in death!

 Chapter 750: Central TV Department 1 gets sued again!

    <h4>Chapter 750: Central TV Department 1 gets sued again! </h4>


    Chapter 750: Central TV Department 1 gets sued again!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    On the same afternoon of the court''s verdict.


    2 PM.


    Caishikou. At his parents'' house.


    Zhang Ye came home. When he entered the house, he saw that it was full of his rtives.


    "Aiyo, Little Ye is back!" his first uncle said.


    Zhang Ye smiled and greeted, "Hello, First Uncle. What are all of you doing here?"


    His third aunt said, "With all that is happening, how can we possibly stay home?!"


    His third sister also rushed forward. "Brother, did you really win?"


    "Of course." Zhang Ye said happily, "I really did!"


    His mother was pretty happy as well. "Good job, son. You''ve done well this time! You''ve done really well!"


    His father also nodded slightly in approval.


    His first uncle sighed, "Hai, but your job at Central TV Department 1��is definitely gone for good now."


    Zhang Ye casually brushed it off. "Let nature take its course. We''ll talk about it when the timees. Mom, hurry up and make me something to eat. The hearing ended at noon and I have not had anything to eat yet."


    "You should have said so earlier! Wait a bit!" His mother went to cook some food.


    His third aunt also quickly went over to help. The rest of his rtives were busy talking to Zhang Ye, asking all sorts of questions. Everyone was obviously holding back from asking too much and still had many questions.


    "Little Ye, when did you pick upw?"


    "What went on in the courtroom?"


    "Are the things they say on the Inte true?"


    Zhang Ye exined to them one by one, bullshitting his way through.


    Finally, after he was done exining, Zhang Ye noticed Chenchen ying with a cell phone on the sofa by herself. He could not help but go up to her and say, "Heh, I was so busy fighting awsuit and only made it back with great difficulty, yet you little imp don''t even bother to say something to me and only know how to y games."


    Chenchen grunted without looking up, her hands swiftly tapping around on the cell phone screen.


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes at this. "Whose cell phone did you take this time?"


    His third sister smiled gleefully and said, "It''s mine."


    Zhang Ye said to Chenchen, "Have you thanked your big sis yet?"


    His third sister said in a speechless manner, "If Chenchen addresses you as uncle, why would she call me big sis? Aren''t you lowering my seniority this way?!" Saying that, she looked at Chenchen and cooed, "Come, call me auntie instead."


    Chenchen nced at her and tersely came up with 2 words. "Hur hur."


    His third sister did not get angry but beamed with joy instead. "Aiyo, she''s so cute! Why is she so cute?!"


    Chenchen: "��"


    His father stated with augh, "Chenchen is a very smart kid. That recent rgest burry case'' was cracked by her. She has already beenmended as one of this year''s national student role models. She is even the youngest recipient and received quite arge sum as a reward. There was also a silk pennant the Public Security Bureau presented her."


    Only at this moment did Chenchen put down the cell phone and add, "It was the Deputy Chief of the Municipal Public Security Bureau who personally presented the silk pennant to me."


    His third sister praised, "Wah, Chenchen is so amazing!"


    Chenchen nodded in acknowledgment.


    His first uncle also praised, "That incident was even reported on the news for two straight days. Heroes are truly borne from youth!"


    Zhang Ye couldn''t help butugh, "Don''t praise her too much. If you do, she''ll get cocky."


    ...


    After the meal.


    His rtives gradually left.


    Only then did Zhang Ye go back into his room and power on theputer to go online. He was browsing through the news when he noticed that theizens were bubbling with excitement. The atmosphere was hectic with even more discussion and chatter than before the court case. It was like a pot of water that had reached its boiling point. A poem had also been pushed to the front page of Weibo by theizens with their endlessmenting and crazy forwarding of the subject. The amount was explosively increasing by the thousands!


    It was that Quatrain for a Summer''s Day!


    It was a poem by Li Qingzhao from Zhang Ye''s previous world. He had brought it into this world now. Zhang Ye used it to express his conviction to his principles and how he would not retreat from them! [1.]


    This poem resonated with many of the people!


    "That''s so great!"


    "I can feel my blood burning with excitement!"


    "I like Zhang Ye so much! I really, really like him!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang has notposed a poem in a long time, but when he does, it is always an earth-shattering one!"


    "In the entire entertainment industry, what I like about Zhang Ye is how he can express feelings from deep within! It''s not that I am stepping on or belittling the other celebrities, but how can anyonepare to him? There''s really no way!"


    "What a good ''Even today Xiang Yu is remembered. / He who refused to return to Jiangdong''!"


    "How much of the mood of our ancient schrs can we still feel these days? How much of those feelings can still be preserved in modern works? Zhang Ye''s poems really possess such a power that can draw you in suddenly. It can really make one feel ashamed or sets their pulse racing hard! In my opinion, this is what literature is truly about, this is what you call the highest level of literary arts!"


    "Teacher Zhang is bursting with cool!"


    "Teacher Zhang is still as valiant as before, what a good act of showmanship he''s put on!"


    "So what if he offended Central TV Department 1? F**k that! Just fight it out with them!"


    "Right! Big deal if he doesn''t work for them anymore! Supporting Zhang Ye! Fight it out with them to the end!"


    "Those who are still scolding Zhang Ye are f**king cowards!"


    "That''s right! Let me see who still dares to say anything bad about Zhang Ye! I''ll be the first to take it up with them!"


    "I won''t allow any of that either!"


    On the Inte, no one was reaching out to Zhang Ye and trying to teach him what to do anymore. He shouldn''t have fallen out with Central TV? He shouldn''t be so impulsive? All those voices had disappeared! It was reced by a sea of Likes that cheered for Zhang Ye. Countless Zhang Ye fans were out in full force to show their support��but of course, this was only limited to the general public. Those who were from the entertainment circle mostly stayed silent, adopting a wait-and-see attitude about the situation. Chen Ye and some others of Central TV Department 1 also chose not to go against the riled up public by picking on Zhang Ye again. Simrly, those celebrities who had had their frustrations vented through Zhang Ye''s actions found it wise to not say anything that went against Central TV Department 1 either. At a time like this, it was too sensitive toment about anything.


    The people apuded!


    The industry insiders kept quiet!


    An entire afternoon passed with such an atmosphere. Until evening, as the matter started to die down, with the noisy chattering online slowly burning away. Theizens had already shouted what should have been shouted and said whatever should have been said.


    Some people summarized it this way: "In this case, there is no winner. Central TV Department 1 has lost their face and reputation, and attracted the disgust of the people. It still remains to be seen how badly the future viewership ratings would be affected, but it will surely be affected to a certain degree. While Zhang Ye has won thewsuit, he has also thrown away his job, and is likely to be frozen for close to a year. But all that just for his vindication? In thiswsuit, both parties have suffered losses!"


    But suddenly, a piece of news was announced that caught everyone off guard!


    No one had expected to see this news. In an instant, it restarted the incident that was alreadying to an end, pushing it to yet another climax!


    At 8.20 PM.


    An ex-host of Central TV Department 1, Luo Yiqiang announced that he had officially filed a petition to the Haidian People''s Court and would be suing Central TV in court. He demanded that Central TV Department 1 return his endorsement fees they withheld, as well as his sry and bonuses before he was put in an inactive role, totaling a sum of 175,000 RMB! Although the legal entity on the petition''s usation was Central TV, the content of the petition was actually pointing at Central TV Department 1! Not even a day had passed but Central TV Department 1 was getting sued again!


    It caused an uproar!


    After Zhang Ye''s case, theizens and the entertainment circle were stunned once again!!


    [1. Li Qingzhao was a Song dynasty Chinese writer and poet. She is considered the greatest woman poet in Chinese history.]

 Chapter 751: From this day forward, I will no longer remain silent!

    <h4>Chapter 751: From this day forward, I will no longer remain silent! </h4>


    Chapter 751: From this day forward, I will no longer remain silent!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: �C �C


    This piece of news was too surprising but also very uplifting!


    ��Holy f**k!��


    ��Old Luo, you��re really awesome!��


    ��Old Luo, well done!��


    ��You��ve finally emerged again! You finally spoke up!��


    ��My eyes are tearing up. Back then, Central TV Department 1 really destroyed Old Luo��s career!��


    ��Sue them! We��ll all support you, Old Luo! Everyone knew who was in the right and who was in the wrong regarding what had happened at that time! Why��why did you only start speaking up now?!��


    Luo Yiqiang replied on Weibo: ��Thanks to those friends who have been supporting me all this time. I know that this petition is somewhatte, but it still arrived after all. Regardless of the verdict, I will definitely fight in thiswsuit against Central TV Department 1. This is because a poem kept ringing out in my ears this afternoon. It constantly appeared and I was unable to hide from it��Lived a hero. / Died��still the heroic spirit. / Even today Xiang Yu is remembered. / He who refused to return to Jiangdong! Thank you, Zhang Ye. You have created a good start for artists like us in the entertainment circle! From this day forward, I will no longer remain silent! Dear entertainment circle, I��m back!��


    Old Luo��s fans all came surging over!


    ��Old Luo, we were waiting for you all this time!��


    ��Sue them! And thene back! Everyone really misses you!��


    ��I��m so excited! Old Luo, you��re finallying back! Zhang Ye, I represent all of Old Luo��s fans to thank you! And @ZhangYesFanClub, if you guys need any help in the future, just say the word! If you have a war to fight in the future, count us in as well! We will definitely do our best! Without hesitation!��


    Big Saber Bro represented Zhang Ye��s fan club and replied: ��Thank you, my friends from a distant ce. If you need any help, you can also tell us.�� Then, she dered with an air of dominance: ��Teacher Zhang Ye��s fans might not be good at many things, but we make up for that in numbers!��


    Old Luo��s fans responded!


    ��Thank you, friend!��


    ��Old Luo will be fighting awsuit soon, so we could really do with your people��s advice and experience!��


    ��That��s right, we have to build on the momentum for Old Luo somehow!��


    ��Is there any experience you can impart to us, my friend?��


    Big Saber Bro replied: ��We don��t have any experience, we only scolded them! Continuously scolding them! Continuously scolding them for 24 hours! Scold them until they have nothing to say! Scold them until they are speechless!��


    Old Luo��s fans: ������


    Zhang Ye��s fans were too overwhelming. In recent days, all theizens saw for themselves how very awesome this fan club was. It was just like what the leader of Zhang Ye��s fan club, Big Saber Bro, had described. They had too many members such that it looked like the entire Weibo and Tiebaizens were all his followers. If there was someone who said something bad about Zhang Ye, they would counter back with hundreds of replies to scold the other party. Just the day before yesterday, there was an incident of someone who insulted Central TV Department 1 on Weibo with some vulgarities. Within an hour of that, Zhang Ye��s fans had forwarded it everywhere in crazy numbers and bumped the poprity of this post to the top 10 trending topics on Weibo��s main page! Only when Weibo��s staff chanced upon the scolding did they hurriedly delete the posts that they forwarded. From this incident alone, everyone came to know about thebat strength of Zhang Ye��s fan club. They were way too united. In peacetime, you might not see them around, but when something happened, they would all rush forward together!


    Just when the countlessizens and industry insiders were shocked by this news, yet another ex-executive director of a program team at Central TV Department 1 who had gone into obscurity for a long time suddenly appeared!


    Bai Fei announced on Weibo: ��I have started to officially collect evidence and entrusted mywyer to file a petition against Central TV Department 1 in the near future. Regarding the giarism case back then, I think it��s time they gave me an exnation! From this day forward, I will no longer remain silent!��


    Following that, another ex-staff member of Central TV Department 1 who was also Bai Fei��s colleague posted: ��I will be suing Central TV Department 1 together alongside Bai Fei. From this day forward, we will no longer remain silent!��


    There came one!


    Then came another two!


    ��Director Bai?��


    ��Director Bai hase forward too!��


    ��My god, everyone is starting toe out now!��


    ��How exciting! What a spectacr sight!��


    ��Central TV Department 1 has more than enough on their tes already!��


    ��No one will remain silent anymore!��


    ��Who says that there isn��t a winner in thiswsuit started by Zhang Ye? The winner was clearly Zhang Ye! He only paid the price of being unable to produce or host a program within the next year, but in exchange, he awakened the spiritless soul of the entertainment circle! He awakened everyone��s minds and passions! This is a war that started with Zhang Ye! This is a war that��s destined to enter into the annals of the entertainment circle!��


    ��This is too cool!��


    ��There are actually this many people responding to Zhang Ye!?��


    ��What I want to see now are the expressions on the faces of the Central TV Department 1��s leaders!��


    ��No need to ask! Their faces must have the most interesting expressions on them!��


    Yes.


    It was indeed most interesting.


    At Central TV.


    Jiang Naixiong, Jiang Yuan, and seven or eight other leaders of Central TV Department 1 were in a meeting thatsted from the afternoon until evening. They were discussing how to handle the court��s decision for them to pay thepensation and whether they should continue on to the appeal process. Then, just before the end of the meeting, the secretary rushed into the meeting room from outside without knocking, looking flustered!


    ��Boss!�� the secretary huffed anxiously.


    Jiang Yuan said with a straight face, ��Don��t you know how to knock?��


    The secretary said loudly, ��Something big has happened!��


    Jiang Naixiong immediately asked, ��What��s the matter? Say it!��


    The secretary said, ��Luo Yiqiang has sued Central TV to court! Then there��s also Bai Fei and his program nner. They have announced on the Inte that they n to file a petition against us in the near future. They have even hired awyer!��


    Jiang Yuan was deeply shocked. ��What did you just say?!��


    The secretary said exasperated, ��It��s already making a ssh in the news!��


    Jiang Yuan��s cell phone had been turned off during the meeting. He immediately turned it on to make a call and find out more about the situation.


    Jiang Naixiong��s face turned blue!


    Several of the other leaders of Central TV Department 1 couldn��t help but curse and swear as well!


    ��That bunch of lunatics!��


    ��They��ve all gone mad!�� They have all gone f**king mad!��


    ��Zhang Ye, you bastard! He was the one who started it! All of this!��


    ��Look at this now, everyone hase to sue us!��


    ��We shouldn��t have recruited Zhang Ye back then! I mentioned before that the guy was just like a ticking time bomb! Now look at it! Look! This is such a heavy price to pay for that!��


    ��That damned hooligan! He��s really too much!��


    Some of the executives of Central TV Department 1 really hated Zhang Ye to the bone. But it was already useless to be saying or scolding him now!


    Jiang Yuan did not say another word. He knew that at this moment the station heads must have already received the news as well, but he was still unsure how furious they would be. They had truly screwed up this time. It was initially just a small case regarding thete payment of sry, but who could have expected it to be such an earth-shattering mess! They had even drawn the fire to themselves now! They had to face another twowsuits??


    On the same night, the news headlines were published one after another!


    The people felt heartened!


    Other than Central TV Department 1, the media employees were enjoying this explosive feast of news. They were the busiest people tonight, as almost all of the societal and entertainment news reporters seemed to be working overtime!


    ��Central TV Department 1 plunges into a crisis of confidence!��


    ��The most recent trending activity��suing Central TV!��


    ��A me has been ignited by Zhang Ye within the entertainment circle!��


    ��The artists�� will to safeguard their own rights has begun spreading rapidly!��


    ��Central TV Department 1 should do some self-reflection!��


    ��Central TV Department 1 has lost, but they did not lose because of theirwyer��s quality, nor did they lose because of public opinion. The reason that they lost was because of��their arrogance!��

 Chapter 752: Zhang Ye takes the bar exam!

    <h4>Chapter 752: Zhang Ye takes the bar exam! </h4>


    Chapter 752: Zhang Ye takes the bar exam!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    The next day.


    Zhang Ye received a phone call in the morning.


    It was from his program team''s Assistant Director Ha Qiqi. "Hello, Director Zhang, did I disturb your sleep?"


    "No, I''m up," Zhang Ye said, as he sat up in his bed and patted the still asleep beside him Chenchen several times to wake her up. "What''s the matter?"


    Ha Qiqi said: "It''s like this. I just got notified by the station while I was still at home. Everyone from our program team was given the week off. Zhang Zuo and the others received the news as well, but I was afraid that you might not know about it as I guessed the station probably did not inform you, so I called to tell you about it."


    Zhang Ye said indifferently: "Alright, so be it."


    Ha Qiqi then asked: "Is everything alright on your end?"


    "What could possibly happen to me?" Zhang Yeughed and stated: "I can still eat, drink, and sleep as usual."


    Ha Qiqi was surprised by this response. But thinking about it, if there really was any trouble, it should be Central TV Department 1 worrying instead. They had just lost a court case and needed to deal with another twowsuits soon. All of this had left the executives of Central TV Department 1 with a huge mess that was more than they could handle!


    The call ended.


    His mother opened the door and came into the room. "You''re up already?"


    "Yeah," Zhang Ye yawned.


    But Chenchen did not budge an inch and was still fast asleep.


    His father asked from the hallway, "Are you going to work today?"


    "A colleague just called me to inform that we have been given the week off, so I don''t need to go."


    His mother snorted, "They don''t want to see the sight of you for even a minute longer. That must be the reason why they gave all of you such a long break." Regarding the incident of the artists banding together to get back at Central TV Department 1, his parents knew about it from yesterday''s news. At the time, his mother had even apuded joyously and stayed in high spirits for the rest of the evening.


    Zhang Ye understood very well that he had smacked the face of Central TV Department 1 extremely hard this time. Otherwise, they would not have given them such a break like they did.


    "Go wash up, thene out for breakfast." His mother went back into the kitchen and continued cooking.


    Zhang Ye hauled Chenchen up with him. He got out of bed to brush his teeth and helped Chenchen wash up as well.


    During breakfast, his father asked while eating an egg, "What are your ns for theing days?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. He said while chewing on a fried mantou, "I don''t know yet. I don''t have anything to do for now, so I might as well take this opportunity to rest for some time."


    His mother inquired, "Are you just going to stay at home?"


    "Where would I go?" Zhang Ye returned.


    Suddenly, a voice sounded from the TV, "Today is the deadline for the registration of this year''s National Judicial Exam. ording to reports, the number of applicants this year has surpassed the previous year. ording to an anonymous source, it is estimated that the number has increased by around 7%..."


    Zhang Ye remarked with interest, "The bar exam is starting soon?"


    His mother said, "It has been some time since the registration started, isn''t that so?"


    Almost without thinking, Zhang Ye seemingly dered as if he were joking, "Alright, since I''m just going to be staying at home and doing nothing, why don''t I take the exam and earn myself aw license."


    His mother was surprised by this. "Can you even pass?"


    "I''ve fought a court case before, what can''t I do?" Zhang Ye boasted.


    His father looked at him. "The people taking the exam are allw students and staff. There aren''t many nonw professionals who would attempt it!"


    Zhang Ye said, "This exam is not limited to legal professionals only. Why can''t I just register for it?"


    His mother said in a speechless manner, "You can register for it, but can you pass the exam? It was just a coincidence that you won thewsuit. It''s not likewyers only debate cases involving sry disputes, there are also divorce cases and propertywsuits. You''re just a broadcaster. What do you know aboutw? You''re still far from it! The Judicial Exam is mainly designed to test the legal knowledge of a candidate in a wide range of subjects. It is not something you can just pass by frantically making somest-minute effort to look at theborws or some otherws. This is on apletely different level."


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said with an unyielding tone, "Then what if I manage to pass?"


    His mother was amused. She replied, "If you really think so, go ahead and attempt it! You child!"


    "I don''t believe that I can''t do it." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright, I will attempt it then. I will go and register after breakfast. There isn''t any license in this world that I, Zhang Ye, can''t obtain!"


    Chenchen sleepily let out a terse "hur hur."


    His mother also curled her lips. "Keep bragging. Just keep bragging."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Alright, you just wait and see! Hmph, I''ll show you!"


    He bickered back and forth with his parents for a long time. Actually, he did not have much confidence either. He had only won thewsuit this time because he memorized the entire Constitution and civilw, not because he had the standards of a professionalwyer. He had never eaten any Legal Profession Skill Experience Books before, so strictly speaking, there was still a certain disparity between him and a realwyer. You couldn''t be awyer just by memorizing somews and regtions. It would have been easy for him if that were the case. But when faced with a challenge, Zhang Ye had never shown fear. Since he could foresee that he wouldn''t have any work or activities in theing couple of weeks, and staying home would be a waste of time, why not find something to do instead? If he could appear in the news, it would help maintain his poprity. Besides, earning an extra certificate was also a good thing. An additional skill would mean an additional way to gain fame. This had always been the way Zhang Ye had led his life up until now.


    After breakfast.


    Zhang Ye immediately turned on theputer to understand the registration process and sybus of the Judicial Exam. First, he found that there were some differences between the Judicial Exam of this world and his previous world. The main difference was the time between the registration and the actual examination was not as far apart. In his previous world, he would have to register a few months ahead of time, but over here, he could take the exam five days after the registration deadline. The efficiency of the process was very high.


    He filled in the application form.


    Then prepared a photocopied proof of identification and other relevant documents.


    After he was done, Zhang Ye drove to the registration venue immediately. He wore his sunsses and queued for about half an hour before it was his turn to enter.


    The staff in charge at the registration desk did not recognize Zhang Ye at first because he was wearing a face mask and had sunsses on, which concealed his face very well. But after seeing the photocopied identification and the other registration information he submitted, a few of the staff suddenly eximed with rm!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "You��you are Teacher Zhang?"


    "What did youe here for? Did youe to register??"


    A few of them were dumbfounded. They could never have expected that Zhang Ye would actuallye to register for this year''s judicial examination. Hey, did you walk through the wrong door, good sir? Are you even still a goddamn host? Why would youe and attempt the bar exam?! Can''t you just host your programs obediently? Must you be such a jack of all trades?!


    However, when they remember how Zhang Ye had just represented himself in awsuit yesterday, their shock slightly subsided. In their opinion, Zhang Ye probably did have a bit of a legal background, or perhaps he had prepared very well for that case by reading ahead on the legal provisions and nning on how to take on the opponentwyer. Otherwise, he couldn''t have possibly won the case against Central TV Department 1. However, to represent yourself in court and taking the Judicial Exam were two different cases. Each year, the Judicial Exam covered a wide range of subjects in the legal assessment criteria, so unless you were some self-taught genius, there wasn''t much of a chance that you could pass the exam if you were not a graduate from a school ofw or a person involved in legal work. The entire exam''s passing rate was less than 10%, so you could imagine how difficult it was. Even for those who studiedw, a majority of those people would still be unable to pass it!


    That female staff member eximed, "Are you really here to register?"


    "Of course," Zhang Ye said, feeling a little lost for words. "If not, what am I here for?"


    "Uh, alright." The female staff member had no choice but to go through the formalities for him. Finally, she looked at Zhang Ye and said with good intention, "Teacher Zhang, the Judicial Exam this time is likely going to be more difficult than the previous years''. We have just received some internal news, so if you really want to take the examination, then you have a lot of prep work to do."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Or why don''t you rmend some study materials to me?"


    The female staff member coughed once, then looked at the door and saw that it was closed rather securely. After that, she quietly pulled opened her drawer and took out around eight books which were very thick. "I''ll give these to you."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Is this appropriate?"


    The woman smiled and replied, "These contain my personal notes and information. I''m giving them to you in my personal capacity."


    The two judiciary exam board staffers beside them pretended not to see, and lowered their heads to photocopy and stamp the documents.


    "Great, then thank you so much!" Zhang Ye was very grateful.


    The women said, "If you can memorize all these, you might barely churn out a pass. But if you want to be assured of a pass, then there''s still some more books you have to review. Anyway, it''s only going to be helpful if you can read more, especially thosew books that have case studies. Unfortunately, I don''t have those type of books here with me."


    Zhang Ye took the books and responded, "I won''t say anything else, other than you have my thanks!"


    The woman waved it off. "There''s no need to thank me. I''m a fan of you after all."


    This was the advantage of being a celebrity. It made it more convenient to handle things, as people tended to give them some respect!


    ...


    Leaving the registration venue.


    Zhang Ye went back into his car, but did not start the engine. Instead, he took a book the staff member gave him and flipped through it speedily. Then the second book and the third book. After he finished flipping through all the books, Zhang Ye immediately went into the game ring''s Merchant Shop and bought some memory search capsules.


    He had almost used up all the reputation points from the previous draw, and also used up a lot when he memorized the Constitution and civilwter. Thankfully, he received a lot of news coverage recently and had umted some reputation points again, which was enough for him to use. Zhang Ye started using the capsules to memorize all the books one by one without missing a word!


    He memorized everything in a little less than an hour.


    Zhang Ye felt that it was still not enough for him to pass, and that it still wasn''t enough. Therefore, he started the engine and stepped on the elerator. He headed straight for the bookstore in Xidan. After he put on his face mask and sunsses, he went straight to the legal profession section. Without stopping, he randomly picked out a book and started flipping through the pages. Following that, he picked up another one, and another one!


    When many of the surrounding customers at the bookstore saw this, they found it to be both funny and ridiculous. They wondered to themselves who this person was. Are you even reading? You just started flipping through the pages the moment you picked up the books. At that speed, can you even see the words at all? After reading for a while, you even rested your eyes momentarily? Did you go crazy??


    It wasn''t that no one noticed that he looked like a certain celebrity, but to be behaving like this in public in a way no one could understand made them subconsciously not link this to Zhang Ye. They somehow believed that it was impossible for big shot celebrity to appear here!


    10 books��


    20 books��


    30 books��


    Knowledge of the legal profession rapidly increased by the second inside Zhang Ye''s mind!

 Chapter 753: The National Judicial Examination begins!

    <h4>Chapter 753: The National Judicial Examination begins! </h4>


    Chapter 753: The National Judicial Examination begins!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    On this day.


    Today was the first day of this year''s National Judicial Examination.


    Some rumors kept oning up on Weibo during the past few days.


    "The National Judicial Examination has started!"


    "I heard that Zhang Ye is taking part in it as well?"


    "Those are definitely rumors."


    "But there are so many people saying so. There''s no smoke without fire, right?"


    "He still has a ton of trouble to deal with at his job, so how can he possibly have the time to attempt this judicial exam?!"


    "I think it''s just a rumor as well. As a host, why would he attempt a bar exam? Does he really want to be awyer in the future? Even if he passes the exam, he still has to work as an intern in aw firm for a year before he can obtain aw license and practice in court. Why would he take the exam then?"


    "It might not turn out that way, since most people don''t understand how Zhang Ye thinks."


    "F**k, the previous poster is right. I can''te up with any response to that."


    "Whether it''s true or not, we''ll find out today."


    ...


    Beijing.


    At the entrance of No. 66 High School.


    At one of the exam venues borrowed from a high school for the National Judicial Examination.


    At this moment, there was still another hour before the start of the exam and groups of examinees were gradually arriving. In order to prevent any cheating or substitute examinees, the security check inside the hall was very strict. Just the security staff alone numbered more than 20 people.


    "Please produce your ID card and exam admission slip."


    "That will do. Please enter the venue."


    "Next."


    Inside the BMW X5 parked on the side of the road.


    Zhang Ye was happily talking to his mother on the phone.


    Zhang Ye said: "I''ve arrived."


    His mother was a bit speechless. "Were you serious about taking the exam?"


    "Of course. Didn''t I say already say so earlier?!" Zhang Ye said exasperatedly.


    His mother said: "I thought you were just joking."


    "Why would I joke around about this?" Zhang Yeughed. "Alright, I need to hang up. It''s almost time to enter the exam venue. In any case, just wait for the news of my impending victory."


    His mother said: "Don''t score too low. If the newspapers report about it, you''ll be made into aughing stock."


    Zhang Ye said: "Stop putting me down like this. Hmph. We''ll let the facts do the talking."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye got out from his car. However, a call from Dong Shanshan came in.


    Zhang Ye answered the call as he walked to the examination venue. "Hello, old ssmate. Is something up?"


    "Of course." He could hear Dong Shanshanughing on the other end. She said: "There''s a lunch meetup over here at noon. Director Hu Fei is treating. Since they''re all your old colleagues, do you want to join us?"


    Zhang Ye looked at his watch. "I can''t make it today. I''m gonna be busy the entire day."


    Dong Shanshanughed and stated: "You''re basically out of a job. What can you be so busy with?"


    "I''m taking the Judicial Exam." Zhang Ye said: "I''m already at the exam venue."


    Dong Shanshan was startled. "Huh? You''re really going to take the Judicial Exam?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Yes, I really am."


    Dong Shanshan replied: "Whoa, I thought those were just rumors on the inte."


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Let''s end the call here, I have to go now. We can arrange to meet up another day instead."


    After Dong Shanshan set down the phone, she immediately told Hu Fei and the rest of the people in the office about this. When they heard that Zhang Ye truly went to take the judicial examination, the group nearly fainted there on the spot!


    Xiao Lu wiped away her sweat. "Only Teacher Zhang would try to dabble in so many things!"


    Hou Ge didn''t know whether tough or cry. "He''s really doing things too randomly!"


    Dafei said, "Teacher Zhang was a professional broadcasting host at the start, but look at what he''s be now. He carries so many titles, such as mathematician, musician, poet, advertiser, crosstalk actor, etc. So many that I can''t even count them with the fingers on my hands. Now Teacher Zhang is even going to attempt the bar exam? Is there any end to it?! Isn''t he dabbling in too many fields? In the whole of China, no, in the entire world, there isn''t likely to be another person who has more upations than Teacher Zhang!"


    Hou Diughed and said, "Teacher Zhang must have really be addicted to fighting court cases!"


    Hu Fei opined, "Little Zhang is someone who does things whenever he feels like it, but whether he can pass or not is a different story. The pass rate for the Judicial Exam is only at a few percentage points."


    Xiao Lu agreed. "Teacher Zhang is probably just doing this for the fun of it."


    His old colleagues were totally lost for words.


    At the same time, the examinees of the judicial examination were also equally at a loss for words.


    At No. 66 High School''s examination security checkpoint, many of the staff and examinees were stunned!


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "F**k, he really came!"


    "The rumors online were true!"


    "What the hell is happening?"


    "Aiyo, quickly take a picture and post it onto Weibo!"


    Zhang Ye''s appearance at the No. 66 High School exam venue stirred up quite a bigmotion. But Zhang Ye just went into the examination hall like nothing was happening and found his seat.


    ...


    On Weibo.


    It was bing very lively at this moment; there was a constant stream of news regarding Zhang Ye being released!


    "Is that for real?"


    "He really did go and take the exam then?"


    "I don''t know what to say anymore!"


    "Oh god, why are there always f**king traces of Zhang Ye in every industry?!"


    "Previous poster, you''re getting too ahead of yourself. Teacher Zhang isn''t likely to pass at all. I gave it a try once before and went to take the Judicial Exam. However, the questions were way too difficult. It''s impossible to beat it unless you are in the legal profession!"


    "That''s right, the Judicial Exam is too difficult!"


    "Teacher Zhang is simply omnipresent. I''m really curious about what score he can achieve. If he really manages to pass this year''s Judicial Exam, then oh the fun we''ll be seeing!"


    "That''s right, it will definitely be super interesting!"


    "Awaiting Zhang Ye''s advancement into the legal world, hahaha!"


    "Previous poster, you''re thinking too much. Don''t make your expectations too high. Teacher Zhang''s final score might turn out to be very low. But of course, I''m just specting, because this is Zhang Ye we''re talking about after all and he cannot reasonably be measured usingmon sense!"


    The discussions online were so intense that they could overturn the heavens.


    Many of Zhang Ye''s friends also popped up.


    Yao Jiancai posted on Weibo: "This must be fake news, right? Has it already been verified to be true?"


    Someone replied with a picture taken at the examination venue.


    Yao Jiancai: "��so it''s actually true?!"


    Someone asked: "Teacher Yao, you''re very close with Zhang Ye but you didn''t even know about it?"


    Yao Jiancai replied: "What do I know? Who knows what triggered him again? Ha, ayman attempting the Judicial Exam? Could you please leave the legal world alone and in peace? I''ll be waiting for him to score a zero and watch him make a fool of himself to everyone. I really don''t believe that he will pass!" Old Yao indulged in the mockery of Zhang Ye on Weibo and even created a poll to guess how Zhang Ye would score. Everyone else could see from this just how good their friendship was.


    There were only two options in the poll.


    1: Zhang Ye will score 0 points.


    2: Zhang Ye will score below 100 points.


    Note: The National Judicial Examination''s cumtive score is 600 points and the passing score is 360 points.


    Dong Shanshan voted for option 1 and even posted a smiley face.


    Skit actress Ci Xiufang voted for option 1 as well.


    Chen Guang voted for option 1. "I don''t believe he can pass either!"


    Following him, Fan Wenli also voted and chose option 2. Then shemented: "Director Zhang still possesses some legal knowledge, so he can probably score at least 100 points. However, hmm, it''s likely to be just around the region of 100 points."


    Several celebrity friends who were on good terms with Zhang Ye treaded on him, teasing in all sort of ways and waited to see Zhang Ye make a fool of himself. Everyone was extremely amused!


    The people were also amused!


    These two words of "Zhang" and "Ye" had be a synonym for "funny." Every time there was an incident or news rted to him, theizens would be entertained for a long time. This guy always managed to do something that the people loved to see and hear.


    However, there were also those who were not amused by this.


    Like in the legal world.


    After seeing this news, the members of the bar association did not know whether to cry orugh. Zhang Ye was taking the Judicial Exam? Actually, such a famous person attempting the Judicial Exam was an affirmation to their legal world, yet they could not smile. Although they had not personally met Zhang Ye before, they were already tired of hearing about him. This person was someone who constantly fought with his peers, every day! He was someone who would offend everyone in any industry he went into! From the hosting world to the literary world, from the literary world to the calligraphy world, from the calligraphy world to the crosstalk world, from the crosstalk world to the education world, no matter where he went, that profession would end up in a mess. But now he was nning to advance into the legal world??


    Get lost!


    Hurry up and get lost!


    Regarding Zhang Ye''s arrival, thewyer circle was put on high alert. It wasn''t because they were too cautious nor did they act this way based on some hearsay. It was simply because this guy''s reputation was just that terrible!


    However, after some thought, they were more assured since they felt that their worries were actually unnecessary. Zhang Ye was just ayman. In their opinion, it was impossible for him to get through this highly specialized judicial examination. Moreover, they''d heard that this year''s exam questions were extremely challenging!

 Chapter 754: The results of the National Judicial Examination are released!

    <h4>Chapter 754: The results of the National Judicial Examination are released! </h4>


    Chapter 754: The results of the National Judicial Examination are released!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    At the examination venue in No. 66 High School.


    In the ssroom farthest on the left on the second floor.


    Zhang Ye was seated at a table in the fifth row near the windows. He got out his stationery and then closed his eyes to focus and prepare himself for the exam, not affected by therge crowd of examinees who were all staring at him.


    A female examinee gathered up her courage and walked over to him. "Teacher Zhang, could I get your autograph?"


    Zhang Ye opened his eyes and smiled. "Sure."


    "Really? Thank you so much!" The female examinee was thrilled, then quickly handed him her notebook.


    Behind her, the other examinees also rushed forward to him when they saw this!


    "I want it too, I want it too!"


    "Teacher Zhang, can I get your autograph as well!?"


    "I especially like those poems of yours!"


    Zhang Ye did not refuse anyone who asked and signed for them one by one, thanking them at the same time. "Thank you for your love for me."


    At this moment, two exam proctors walked in and nearly fainted when they saw what was happening. They said, "Everyone, quiet down. What do you think you''re doing? Return to your seats. We''ll be starting the exam soon."


    Only then did the examinees settle down and return to their seats.


    The first paper in the morning tested theprehensive knowledge topics, including but not limited to: jurisprudence, constitution, economicw, internationalw, international privatew, international economicw, legal ethics, and professional responsibility. All of them were multiple choice questions.


    Very quickly, the exams were handed out.


    Zhang Ye immediately started answering the questions. He scanned through the first question: A. Then, the second question: D. Then, the third question: D. His speed of answering was extremely fast, as if he did not even need to think. Looking at the questions, the answers appeared in his mind almost immediately, which he marked on the answer sheet.


    Before noon.


    The first test ended.


    When the exams had been submitted, the examinees began chattering.


    "It''s too difficult!"


    "What''s the matter with the questions this year!"


    "They made it so difficult! It''s like they''re purposely trying to rip us off!"


    An examinee seated beside Zhang Ye asked him, "Teacher Zhang, how did you do?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "It went fine."


    That examinee did not believe him. "This test was really difficult, so even if you can''t pass the exam, it''s not a big deal. Even those of us who are in the legal profession and studies are not likely to do well on this test. I think the first test has already eliminated many of our chances of qualifying for thew license!"


    Later that afternoon.


    The second test began.


    The second paper tested the criminal and administrative justice system. It included topics such as: criminalw, criminal proceduralw, administrativew, and administrative proceduralw. It too was multiple choice.


    Zhang Ye answered the questions rapidly like it was routine for him, and except for a few questions that made him think a bit, the other questions were all answered without any hesitation. He could basically find a "temte" of all the questions in his memory, whether it was just a simple legal provision or a case study that had appeared in the books he had flipped through.


    A few hourster, the second test was handed in.


    "The second test was OK."


    "Yeah, the difficulty was average."


    "Is that so? Why did I feel that it was very difficult!"


    "I feel the same, but it was still much easier than the first test."


    "Hai, this time, the odds are totally against us!"


    "Tomorrow''s still an exam day, so let''s work hard and do well, everyone!"


    After leaving the examination venue, Zhang Ye did not go home. Instead, he checked into a hotel in the vicinity of Capital Library and went to the library to "charge up" on even more knowledge.


    ...


    The next day.


    The third test started.


    It was still a multiple choice format test, this one on the civil andmercial legal systems. It included topics like: civilw,mercialw, and civil proceduralw (arbitration system).


    In the afternoon, it was time for the fourth test, but this time the format was no longer multiple choice, but example case study questions. It included a mix of the topics tested previously: criminalw, criminal proceduralw, civilw, civil proceduralw, administrativew, and administrative proceduralw. This was also the most difficult test in the Judicial Exam, and whether one could pass or pull ahead from the others would all depend on how well they did on this test. But what gave the examinees a great headache was that this year''s fourth test was of an extremely difficult level. There were many case studies listed in it that were notmon and were greatly disputed. This raised the difficulty level severalfold!


    When thest test finished,ints by the examinees were heard everywhere!


    "What the heck was that!"


    "They''re purposely trying to fail us!"


    "That was way too difficult!"


    "I was getting dizzy going through that test!"


    "The pass rate was 9%st year? I think it will be good if we hit 5% this year! I think that might not even happen. Perhaps 4%? 3%?"


    "I''m numb. Looks like I have toe back next year!"


    As he walked out of the examination venue, Zhang Ye could hear the people around himining. He blinked his eyes at that, not having much of an opinion on the difficulty of the exam. It wasn''t that he felt that the exam was too easy, just that he did not have a concept of the difficulty. After all, he did not have any foundation and experience inw before this, and had not takenw exams before, so he did not know what would be considered easy or difficult.


    He returned home.


    His parents had already prepared dinner and were waiting for him.


    His mother asked unconcerned, "You''re back? How was the exam?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "It was fine."


    His mother pursed her lips and said, "Ohe on, quit your bragging. If you screwed it up, so be it. What''s the big deal about that. Your dad and I already heard about it, that this year''s Judicial Exam was especially difficult."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes at her. "What do you mean I''m bragging? I really think I did alright."


    His father waved him off. "Juste and eat dinner. Take Chenchen to wash her hands first."


    Then his mother mentioned, "There are a lot of people making predictions about what your score for the exam will be."


    "Really? I''ll take a look afterward." Zhang Ye took Chenchen to wash her hands and then ate dinner. After dinner, he went back to his room and turned on hisputer to browse the Inte.


    If he didn''t check, it would have been fine, but when he saw it, he nearly vomited blood! That Old Yao! He even created a poll for the prediction of my scores? Old Chen and Old Fan also joined in on the fun?! I''ll score 0 points? Damn you all, why don''t you all just go to hell! Aren''t you all looking down too much on this bro?! You people really don''t know a treasure even if it''s ced in front of you!


    Zhang Ye immediately logged into Weibo and posted an "angry" emoticon!


    Theizens were all tickled!


    "Ahahahaha!"


    "Zhang Ye has appeared!"


    "How funny! Director Zhang has been totally trampled over!"


    "Teacher Zhang, are you done with the exam already?"


    "I suppose Teacher Zhang has already been brought to tears by this year''s Judicial Exam!"


    Yao Jiancai came online very quickly and posted on Weibo: "How many points did you get, old bro? I wonder why you chose to go and make a fool of yourself instead of concentrating on you main upation."


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    Chen Guang was allughs. "Old Fan and I made a bet on how many points you''d score. I bet on you scoring below 50, my wife bet that you''d get below 100. The loser will have to do the dishes for an entire month."


    Grandma Zhang Xia also posted: "Little Zhang has always given people the impression that he is amazing at everything he does. Look like we can finally witness this kid bing the joke this time. It feels like so much fun, hur hur."


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    Many of his celebrity friends hade to make fun of him!


    Even the veteran songstress, Grandma Zhang Xia, came to rib him a little!


    Zhang Ye constantly rolled his eyes, and thought, Great! You guys are great! Everyone is waiting for me to make a fool of myself? You guys are so mean! Hey, this is incredibly infuriating!


    At the same time online, a number of news articles were published.


    "Zhang Yeughed at by a multitude of celebrities!"


    "This year''s National Judicial Examination will be the blemish of Zhang Ye''s life!"


    "The Judicial Exam says to Zhang Ye: See you again next year."


    "Just how difficult was this year''s National Judicial Examination? Famed host Zhang Ye leaves examination venue in tears!"


    When Zhang Ye read that, he nearly fainted from anger. When the heck did I leave the examination venue in tears? In tears your sister! Are you guys organizing mobs toe ridicule me!?


    Hmph, just you wait!


    We''ll see who gets thestugh when the results are released!


    There was another point about this world''s National Judicial Examination that was different from his previous world. This world had a greater focus on the judicial examination. They dedicatedrge amounts of human resources into organizing it, allowing there to be almost no waiting period between registration and the sitting of the examination. This turnaround time was only five days. Then there was the assessment of the exams. Since the first three tests were multiple choice, they could be automatically marked by machine. It wouldn''t take long at all. As for the fourth test, they employed arge number of judiciary professors and assistants to handle the grading. It was simr to the college entrance exam in which the wait for the oue and results did not take a long time.


    ...


    A few dayster.


    The ridiculing online still continued.


    "Why isn''t Teacher Zhanging online anymore?"


    "Do you need to ask? Hehe, it must be because he''s too embarrassed by the fact that he didn''t do well on the Judicial Exam!"


    "Teacher Zhang, it''s not a big deal. You have to hang on!"


    "Yeah, Teacher Zhang, don''t be beaten down by these difficulties! You can do it, you can do it for sure next year!"


    "Come out, Teacher Zhang. We won''tugh at you, I promise, hahahaha!"


    "Previous poster, yourughter has betrayed you!"


    "Hey hey hey, you guys are being too inhumane here. Teacher Zhang has failed at the Judicial Exam and is already feeling very down. Why are you all still gloating over it!"


    "We hardly get to see Zhang Ye mess up. This opportunity doesn''te by easily!"


    "Pfft, I really wish to know right now how much Teacher Zhang scored on the Judicial Exam. The results should be released soon, right?"


    For the past few days, an atmosphere of ridiculing Zhang Ye had been building up, whether it be the media, fellow celebrities, orizens. Everyone partook in this ridiculing. Zhang Ye was the butt of everyone''s jokes!


    But on this day, when many people were stillughing and making fun of Zhang Ye on Weibo and the forums, the National Judicial Examination results were released!


    "Wow!"


    "It''s released, it''s released!"


    "They''ve published the list of examinees who passed!"


    "Quickly go and take a look!"


    "I''ve waited so long for this!''


    In an instant, countless people flocked to check the results!


    "What? The pass rate is that low?"


    "Aiyo, why did most of them only get 100-200 points? That''s far too low!"


    "The Judicial Exam this year was really difficult! They couldn''t do anything about that!"


    "I think this pass rate is not even 4%, right?"


    "Where''s Zhang Ye? What''s Zhang Ye''s score?"


    "I don''t know, I can''t find it!"


    "Eh, there were three people who scored 0 in the entire country. I presume that they did not even attempt the exam? But why isn''t Zhang Ye one of them? This doesn''t make sense! Itpletely and utterly doesn''t make sense!"


    "Huh, Zhang Ye''s name is not among those who scored below a hundred points either?"


    "It''s not there either."


    "Whoa, Teacher Zhang''s not bad. This means that he scored over a hundred, right?"


    "Haha, in the case of Teacher Zhang, scoring above a hundred is already considered quite good!"


    Suddenly, someone eximed: "Oh f**k, you guys. Come and look at this quickly!"


    Someone asked: "Look at what?"


    That person said: "Look at Zhang Ye''s score, what else!!"


    Aizen said, "But we haven''t found his name yet! Where is it?"


    The person said: "Why are you''re looking from the bottom! Start from the top of the list! Hurry!"


    "The top?"


    "Why would we be looking at the top?"


    "Yeah, it''s not like he can score that high, right?"


    But as it turned out, when the countlessizens and Zhang Ye''s celebrity fans rushed over to check, when they had a look, everyone was so shocked by what they saw their jaws dropped!


    The National Judicial Examination results list.


    First ce: Zhang Ye!


    Cumtive score��600 points!!

 Chapter 755: Going down into the annals of the Judiciary!

    <h4>Chapter 755: Going down into the annals of the Judiciary! </h4>


    Chapter 755: Going down into the annals of the Judiciary!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    "Holy motherf**king shit!"


    "^^^^^^^!!!"


    "What kind of a score is that!"


    "Zhang Ye scored 600 points? He got a perfect score in all four tests?"


    "How could that be!"


    "Oh my god!"


    "Damn, just what the hell is happening!"


    "This guy must be shooting up or something!"


    "F**k, this isn''t how the story was supposed to have developed!"


    Theizens were dumbfounded!


    The media were dumbfounded!


    The entire country was dumbfounded!


    Those who were justughing and making fun of Zhang Ye a while ago, waiting to see him be a joke, now felt as though they were going to vomit a great deal of blood. No one could have expected such an oue; they were all utterly confused!


    Yao Jiancai''s Weibo immediately got updated with a post of a dumbfounded emoticon, followed by: "Damn! Is this for real?"


    Chen Guang was also stunned. "How is this possible!"


    Fan Wenli followed close behind with a post of her own: "Oh god!!!!!!!!" with a long string of exmations!


    Grandma Zhang Xia: "��"


    Dong Shanshan also showed herself. "A perfect score on the National Judicial Examination!?"


    Hu Fei appeared too. "How could that be!"


    Hou Ge screamed: "Teacher Zhang, you must have been possessed by some spirits!!"


    Hou Di was shocked. "How can someone get a perfect score on the National Judicial Examination?"


    Dafei: "Yeah, how does anyone get a perfect score on the National Judicial Examination?"


    Xiao Lu: "What the f**k!"


    Tian Bin: "What the f**k!"


    Ha Qiqi: "What the f**k!"


    Zhang Zuo: "What the f**k!"


    Luo Yiqiang: "What the f**k!"


    Finally, even the elusive Zhang Yuanqi had something to say about this. No one could believe this results list they were looking at!


    Why?


    What do you mean why!


    In the history of China, ever since the National Judicial Examination officially began, there had never been anyone who had gotten a perfect score on it. Yes! Not once, ever! Rather than talking about 600 points, there had hardly even been a case of someone getting 500 points. Disregarding the first three tests, since those were multiple choice tests that had given answers, the fourth test had case study analysis questions that did not have perfect answers. It was just like aposition topic in thenguage tests, no standard answers. Together with the fact that thew itself could never cover all areas, the deviation in possible answers was even greater, so the exam graders did not have any predetermined answers in mind. As a result, the grading was all based on the judgment of those graders and the boundaries of thew. Even if you could score perfectly on the first three tests, as long as you were deducted for 10 points on the fourth test, you still would not achieve a perfect score. This could be because some of your viewpoints might not match with the grader, so even a deduction of a hundred points was the norm!


    But for Zhang Ye?


    He did not get penalized whatsoever!


    Perfect score? This was truly impossible! It didn''t make any sense at all!


    There had never been anyone who thought about a perfect score situation for the National Judicial Examination; not even the question setters had given this any thought. Further, wasn''t this year''s judicial exam known as one of the most difficult in recent years? That was the reason a lot of people could not ept this oue. This result had blinded an untold number of eyes!


    The scores of the National Judicial Examination in this world were open, which meant they were public for all to see. This was to allow people to scrutinize the results and check if anyone had cheated, thus the results of all the exam takers could be seen at a nce. Just by looking at the scores of the other candidates ranked behind Zhang Ye, one would know!


    Second ce: Tian Tian, cumtive score of 451 points!


    Third ce: Yu Chun, cumtive score of 449 points!


    Fourth ce: Xiao Chaokuo, cumtive score of 447 points!


    Fifth ce: Chen Huali, cumtive score of 447 points!


    All of their scores were in the four hundred range! This was also the batch with the highest scores in this year''s National Judicial Examination!


    But Zhang Ye?


    600 points! He scored almost 150 points more than the second ce examinee!


    When this number was ced together with those other top scorers, it formed a vast gulf between them. The feeling it gave was that Zhang Ye did not take the same exam as the others!


    What kind of a concept was this difference in scores?


    It was like the difference between the heavens and the earth!


    The people were all very shocked. Just what kind of amon sense-defying knowledge of thew did you need in order to get a perfect score!?


    Theizens were in an uproar!


    "Did someone say that Zhang Ye was brought to tears by the Judicial Exam? Brought to tears your grandpa!"


    "Who said that Zhang Ye wouldn''t be able to score above a hundred points? Who was it that said that!?"


    "This is too scary!"


    "My face is swelling!"


    "Mine is swelling too!"


    "Your sister, mine is swelling up as well!"


    "Everyone was saying that Zhang Ye would score zero points, but in the end, he f**king got a perfect score instead! Face-smacking Zhang is not called Face-smacking Zhang for nothing! This time, he has smacked all of our faces! This face smacking was way too painful and too harsh!"


    "I was still waiting to see Teacher Zhang make a joke out of himself! So where''s the joke now? Where did the joke go!"


    "What joke are you still talking about? That Zhang Ye fellow must already be making a joke out of all of us! I''m crying! Teacher Zhang, I guess you''re still more ruthless than we are! I am utterly convinced! Utterly!"


    "How on earth did you study about all this legal knowledge and stuff!?"


    "Yeah, how did you do it?"


    "Are you actually on drugs or something!?"


    Nobody had the impression that Zhang Ye had cheated. The reason for this was because there was no way he could have done that. If the answers were the same, the graders would have immediately given it zero. That was probably the reason for those who scored zero this time. Furthermore, the examinee ranked second behind Zhang Ye only scored 451 points, so even if Zhang Ye was coincidentally sitting behind or in front of this person in the exam hall, he couldn''t possibly copy the answers from an over 400 points exam paper and turn it into 600 points on his end! If one of them had gotten 449 points and the other 450 points, then it might still be possible. But a difference of almost 150 points, how could anyone possibly have copied that in such a situation! That is why everyone knew that this perfect score by Zhang Ye was a true reflection of his standards!


    But the more they figured it to be this way, the more they didn''t know whether tough or cry!


    "Teacher Zhang is going crazy!"


    "He was already crazy to begin with!"


    "The history of the legal world needs to be rewritten. After the many years of the National Judicial Examination being held, a heaven-defying examinee who got a perfect score has somehow appeared! F**k, and even more surprisingly, this person who got a perfect score is not someone borne of the legal world! He''s just ayman! Teacher Zhang has also conveniently given the legal world a great big p across its face! After studying so hard for many years, with the legal world deliberately nurturing their talented legal professionals, but in the end, those talented legal professionals discovered that they were no better at thew than ayman! Just think about it, think about how face smacking that is!"


    "Zhang Ye only has two skills in his life. 1: Smack faces. 2: Doing a run-up before smacking faces!"


    "Pfft! This is brilliant!"


    "Hahaha, why is everyone so funny!"


    Everything was chaotic online!


    ...


    At home.


    Zhang Ye''s parents pushed his bedroom door open!


    "Son! You passed? Did you really pass?" his mother said, looking extremely surprised. She had found out about it from the news!


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "Yes."


    His mother asked in shock, "How did you manage that!"


    His father also remarked with disbelief, "Perfect score?"


    Zhang Ye was full on unting by now, as he started bragging, "Well, it''s just an exam with a cumtive score of 600 points. If the exam was based on 1000 points, I would have scored 1000 points too! I''ve already told you before, the Judicial Exam is just child''s y to me. Heh, but you guys didn''t believe me and insisted that I was bragging. You two even ridiculed me daily! Mom, so what do you think now that you''ve witnessed how capable your son is? There''s no certificate in this world that I cannot qualify for! Heh, how hard can it be!"


    His mother was getting excited. "My son��is going to be awyer in the future?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "I still won''t be considered awyer yet, unless I go and earn aw license. But I guess I can be considered a legal professional now, hur hur. Anyways, I have no intentions on bing awyer. Taking this exam was just a way for me to jump into more professions and get on the news to maintain the public''s awareness of me."


    At this moment, his cell phone rang.


    It was Yao Jiancai who was calling. The first thing he said was: "What has gotten into you! How did you manage to achieve something like that! Are you really intending to at least dabble once in every field there is!"


    Zhang Yeughed heartily: "That will depend on the situation."


    Yao Jiancai said: "You''re really great!"


    Zhang Ye stated: "Old Yao, I remember that you were posting a lot on Weibo to ridicule me in recent days. What were you saying? Oh, right. You said that I wouldn''t score more than a hundred points on the Judicial Exam, didn''t you?"


    Yao Jiancai: "��Aiyo, my food is still cooking. I better go and watch the heat!"


    Du du du, the call disconnected.


    Zhang Ye was amused. Following that, he received many calls from his other friends!


    There were some who were shocked!


    There were some who could only force a smile and ept it!


    There were also some congrattory calls!


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    At the work group in charge of this year''s National Judicial Examination. More than 20 people had gathered in arge conference room for a meeting.


    The leader of the group said, "I''ve just received notification from the superiors. They want us to review Zhang Ye''s exam again to see that there really aren''t any problems with it."


    A female legal professional gave a wry smile and said, "There really aren''t any problems with it."


    The group leader said, "Check it again anyway. This incident has caused quite amotion and many of the other examinees and insiders of the legal field are in doubt. We have to give them a proper exnation no matter what."


    A man seated further down the table said helplessly, "I was the one who graded a part of Zhang Ye''s fourth test. On more than one asion, I tried to look for reasons to deduct points, but��I truly couldn''t find a reason to. Even for some case studies that fell outside of legal boundaries, even for some inconclusive case studies, he could answer them very skillfully and managed to steer clear of the more controversial points. So then��how can I find any reason to deduct points?"


    A middle-aged woman beside him added, "On top of all that, there was not even a single spelling mistake. The answers in his fourth test were truly perfect and there''s nothing to be picked on at all. From just a few sentences, you can see that his legal knowledge has already umted to a certain level. It feels like he has all the legal provisions and case studies of the past 50 years all fully memorized! Of course, I understand that that''s impossible. That is an unrealistic conclusion, yet it''s what I feel!"


    A middle-aged man sighed. "Where did this man learn all thews from!"


    Someone else said, "I don''t me the people in the field for having their doubts. When I first saw Zhang Ye''s exam, I was in disbelief too! Even if I were the one taking the exam, I would definitely be unable to answer as well as him!"


    "Hai."


    "If we let Zhang Ye into the judiciary, I wonder if that will be a blessing or a curse."


    "He got a perfect score on the Judicial Exam. Can you deny him from joining this circle?"


    "What I am worried about now is precisely the future stability of the legal field!"


    "Right. Before Zhang Ye took the bar exam, he won awsuit against Central TV Department 1. Now that he has awyer qualification certificate, couldn''t he poke a hole in the sky?!"


    "At that time, we''d have to inform the supervisory association for them to monitor the situation closely."


    "Do we still need to inform them? I received a call from them earlier. The moment they knew that Zhang Ye passed the National Judicial Examination, the people from the supervisory association listed him as a key personnel on the watchlist of legal practitioners!"


    "They''re that quick to act?"


    "It''s because his reputation precedes him!"


    "Getting onto the watch list on the same day as passing the Judicial Exam? F**k, this is totally unprecedented! But then, when ites to Zhang Ye, I think there''s no harm in being warier!"


    Everyone was full of worry and felt extremely helpless about the situation. No matter what they said, no matter what they did, no matter how careful they were, they could not deny the fact��as of this moment, Zhang Ye was their peer!


    ...


    Elsewhere.


    The media had been ignited!


    Report after report was bombarding the public!


    "The first ever perfect score in the National Judicial Examination!"


    "Today, Zhang Ye has once again demonstrated his heaven-defying talent!"


    "Perhaps there really is such a person in this world who even the heavens have to look up to!"


    Zhang Ye passes the National Judicial Examination as the top candidate with a perfect score!"


    "The unprecedented! Zhang Ye will go down into the annals of the Judiciary!"

 Chapter 756: Back to the office for work!

    <h4>Chapter 756: Back to the office for work! </h4>


    Chapter 756: Back to the office for work!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    The next day.


    At Bayi Lake, Central TV Tower.


    The moment Zhang Ye stepped into the entrance of the TV station, it became lively!


    "Hey! Zhang Ye is here!"


    "It''s really him!"


    "Director Zhang finally came back to work!"


    "Did you guys see the news yesterday?"


    "I saw it! A perfect score on the Judicial Exam, what an unprecedented achievement!"


    "That was way too f**king cool!"


    "My son also took the Judicial Examst year, so he has some understanding of things in this aspect. Yesterday, he told me with great shock that 502 points was the highest score ever in the history of the Judicial Exam, and that that was also the only time someone scored above 500 points. No one else other than that person had ever scored above 500 points, but Zhang Ye went ahead and easily broke this record by almost 100 points. He also said that the whole legal field is in shock!"


    "It was indeed amazing!"


    "How did he achieve that kind of score?!"


    "That''s who Zhang Ye is, a godly person!"


    "Zhang Ye''s been all over the news for the past few days, almost always ending up as the headline of every newspaper. After The Voice ended, Zhang Ye did not release any new works either. If it were any other celebrity, their poprity would definitely gradually decline or at best maintain at the same level. But Zhang Ye? Not only did his poprity not drop, it probably increased by a lot too. Based on thetest Celebrity Ranking Index that was updated yesterday, Zhang Ye has again moved up another spot in the B-list rankings!"


    His human rights activism was relieving him of everyone''s hatred for him!


    He was totally stealing the limelight!


    And his poprity had risen again!


    In recent days, Zhang Ye had been in a rather good mood. Ever since he showed up to work today, he had a rxed expression and was even humming a melody while taking the elevator up to the office.


    Upstairs.


    At the program team office that was originally The Voice''s.


    When Zhang Ye came in, everyone in the office stood up.


    "Ah, Director Zhang!" Little Wang said with some surprise in her voice.


    Ha Qiqi smiled and greeted, "Good morning, Director Zhang."


    Zhang Zuo greeted, "Good morning, Director Zhang. Congrattions on sessfully passing the Judicial Exam!"


    Wu Yi gave him a thumbs up. "Yeah, you''re still the best."


    Zhang Ye smiled and stated, "That''s not worthy of any congrattion. I just took the exam for the fun of it. My main profession is still program hosting, so I''m already back here at work."


    Zhang Ye did not think much about the astonishment from everyone. He could tell from theirments just how difficult the Judicial Exam was, but Zhang Ye really did not give much thought to it. This guy had just straight up memorized all of the relevant legal books of this world that he could get his hands on, and made a photographic memory of all legal provisions and theoretical knowledge in his mind without missing a single word. During the examination itself, Zhang Ye mostly answered the questions as though it was a reflexive response, so it would be weird if he could understand the difficulty of this judicial examination. However, Zhang Ye was still satisfied with the oue and his rising poprity was a nod to that. At least he did not waste his time for nothing in the past few days and his reputation points were not wasted either. Now, he had moved another step closer to the A-list celebrity rankings!


    After Zhang Ye bought some dumplings from downstairs, Zhang Ye did not go inside to his office but looked for an empty seat and sat down with them outside. He chatted with everyone as he ate. "Has there been anything going on here for the past few days?"


    Ha Qiqi gave a wry smile. "In which aspect?"


    "All aspects," Zhang Ye replied.


    Ha Qiqi said with an undertone, "In all aspects��there''s actually nothing going on at all, and I mean, like really nothing."


    Zhang Ye was tickled. "What do you mean by ''really nothing''?"


    Zhang Zuo threw his hands into the air and said, "Our team has idled around for many days now. After that incident, there was no more news regarding the new program. As for other jobs, the higher-ups did not give any tasks or assignments to us. In recent days, no one other than the people from our program team has stepped foot in our office, so we didn''t do anything either. We just stayed around in the office and yed some online games or chatted around. The higher-ups have probably already forgotten about our program team and many of the colleagues even shun walking near our office."


    Little Wang corrected, "It''s not that they have forgotten. They must have already abandoned us."


    Zhang Ye looked at them and said, "I was the one who dragged everyone down, sorry about that."


    Zhang Zuo hurriedly said, "Listen to what you''re saying. How could that be?!"


    Ha Qiqi added, "If it wasn''t for you, would our program team be enjoying this glory today? Would there be us? If you put it like that, you''re treating us as outsiders, Director Zhang!"


    Wu Yi also understood. "Ever since Central TV Department 1 set their eyes on your copyright, they were prepared to leave us behind, so we can''t me you for this."


    Zhang Ye waved it off and stated, "No matter what the reason was, thewsuit between Central TV Department 1 and me was my personal decision and choice. If anyone gets affected in their future work because of this, let me apologize in advance. But if anyone wants to quit or no longer ns to stay on at Central TV anymore, you can tell me and I''ll help you contact some people. I will definitely find you a good workce. Although my reputation in the industry is quite poor, I stillmand some respect."


    Ha Qiqi remarked, "Why would we leave if you''re still around?"


    Zhang Zuo followed up, "It''s still too early to say this, but perhaps there''s still a chance of the situation reversing."


    A female staff member asked, "Then, Director Zhang, what should we be doing now?"


    Little Wang said, "Right, please assign some tasks to us."


    "Now?" Zhang Ye considered for a moment then replied, "Everyone, you can watch some movies for now."


    Someone gave that suggestion some thought and immediately observed, "That''s right, we should watch some movies to recharge ourselves with ideas!"


    Another person said, "There are many things in a movie that are worth learning from, and that will give us plenty of help on the production of our program."


    Yet another person said in admiration, "Director Zhang has really got foresight. He''s right. We can''t be dispirited and not do anything just because the higher-ups aren''t bothering with us. We must continue to constantly improve and enrich ourselves!"


    Everyone cheered up at this and even shouted some encouraging messages one by one!


    However, when Zhang Ye heard that, he was speechless. Then he coughed and uttered, "Aren''t we just sitting around with nothing to do? So it doesn''t matter if everyone chooses to watch movies or y games. Just be doing something, it''s fine."


    Everyone: "��"


    F**k, you mean there was no other meaning to that? So they could really do as they liked?


    Ha Qiqi consoled, "Listen to Director Zhang and do whatever you all want. The sry is still getting paid to us anyway, so let''s just treat this as a break of some sort. Isn''t that good?"


    Little Wang eximed, "Then, then can I y online games?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Why not? No one will bother us anyway."


    Little Wang replied delighted, "Wow, that''s sounds good! I never thought we''d have it so good!"


    Zhang Ye maintained, "That''s right, ourzy days will officially start now. Whatever you guys thought was inappropriate to do in the office in the past, I now give my approval for you to do it. Just do whatever you feel like doing. As long you don''t destroy the office, it is eptable to me. If you wish to take the day off, I will approve it. Even if you''re absent from work, I''m fine with it. None of that will be considered skipping work."


    "Alright!"


    "Thank you, Director Zhang."


    "Man, aren''t we too rxed here?"


    "Is it appropriate?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and dered, "If I say it''s appropriate, then it''s appropriate."


    Actually, when Zhang Ye wasn''t around in the office for the past few days, they were ying browser games or watching movies and dramas, but back then they were mostly doing it sneakily. If there were people passing by outside the office, they would instinctive minimize the window for fear of being seen by the executives. But now that their director, Zhang Ye, had given his explicit permission for everyone to y games or watch movies as they liked, it left them feeling a little unused to it.


    The moment Zhang Ye went back to his office, everybody started to be active.


    Little Wangunched a very famous overseas strategy-puzzle game called Fishing Master to y.


    Little Li beside her blinked at this and said, "You''re really going to y just like that?"


    Little Wang replied, "Didn''t Director Zhang already say that we could?"


    "Damn, you''re seriously helping yourself!" Little Li nearly fainted.


    Little Wang chuckled. "Why wouldn''t I help myself? I''m just following the instructions to y games, so do you guys want to y as well? This game is extremely good and is very popr both domestically or overseas, and is the pinnacle of strategy-puzzle games at the moment. The key is that we can even join awork within some of its features to exchange items with other people."


    Ha Qiqi looked over. "I''ve also heard about this game before."


    Zhang Zuo said, "I''ve alreadypleted that game, but since I have nothing to do, I''ll y again with you guys."


    "I''ll y as well."


    "Little Wang, how do I connect to thework?"


    "I''ll also y! Let''s catch some fish together!"


    "Ah, I caught a big one! It''s golden in color!"


    "What? Give it to me, give it to me! Give it to me quickly!"


    "Go away, I''m not giving it to you, I caught it!"


    "Aiya, that golden fish is a necessary item to fight the boss. I''ve been stuck on that level forever!"


    Suddenly, the whole program team office of The Voice was noisy with mouse clicks and keyboard tapping, as well as everyone''s excited screams. It truly was a lively atmosphere!


    At this moment, a few Central TV Department 1 staff who were passing by saw this scene from the outside. The few of them looked at each other with their jaws dropped!


    F**k!


    What the hell was this?


    This group of people were not working but ying games together instead? Aren''t��aren''t they enjoying themselves too much?!


    Some people thought that Zhang Ye''s program team would have a difficult time after the incident. But as it turned out, their program team had turned into the most f**king carefree office in the whole of Central TV! Don''t you guys know that you''ve been cklisted already? Do you know that you''ve been ced in the frozen cer by the station? Why are you people still so unaffected by it?! At a time like this, you people can still be ying games together so happily?


    What the hell!


    We''ve seen people be unaffected by problems before, but we''ve never seen people who could be so unaffected like you all!


    Those staff members were feeling angry and tickled at the same time. They had been working so hard in recent times that when they saw this sight, they naturally felt that it was very unfair. They had the thought of telling them off, but when they remembered that Zhang Ye seemed to havee to work today, none of them dared to go in to tell them off. Who could ever outtalk Zhang Ye? In the entire Central TV Department 1, was there still anyone left who would dare to provoke this fellow? Being helpless to stop them, they could only walk away silently. Out of sight, out of mind, whatever!


    The staff on Zhang Ye''s program team spent the entire morning ying games and enjoying themselves. During this time, there were countless waves of their Central TV colleagues passing by outside their office. Even the chief of a department in Central TV Department 1 saw this sight. This left each person feeling even more speechless than thest. But in the end, no one said anything. They just stayed as far away from here as they could.


    No one dared to bother them.


    And no one could be bothered to do so either.


    Central TV Department 1 was currently mired in twowsuits. Although thewsuits had pointed to Central TV as the legal entity, they were primarily targeting Central TV Department 1 as they were the department involved in the incidents. Many of those who had been implicated by these incidents in the past were busy helping Central TV Department 1 collect evidence and talking to those other staff members who had also been involved. Then, there were still their own programs to manage, so they were almost going crazy with the mountains of work they had to handle. The executives of Central TV Department 1 were also very busy as they not only had to prepare for the hearing in court, they also had to reshape the public''s opinion of them and handle public rtions as well. There was stillrge mess to clean up, so who currently had any time to bother with Zhang Ye?!

 Chapter 757: The impending reveal of the new game!

    <h4>Chapter 757: The impending reveal of the new game! </h4>


    Chapter 757: The impending reveal of the new game!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    In the afternoon.


    Zhang Ye went to the cafeteria to eat lunch. However, the moment he stepped in, he immediately became the focus of everyone''s attention, with many of them stealing nces at him. Everyone shunned him, subconsciously keeping a given distance away from him. Some of his acquaintances who would usually nod at him had opened their mouths to speak when they saw him, but ended up stopping short of actually speaking.


    Right now, Zhang Ye was like the god of gue at Central TV Department 1.


    But Zhang Ye did not mind this. He casually walked up as usual to line up for his food. He could hear the people around gossiping about him in whispers. Zhang Ye simplyughed it off.


    "I heard that Zhang Ye''s program team was ying games the entire afternoon yesterday."


    "Yeah, how cool. I''m so envious of them."


    "What are you envious for? Their program team is as good as banned!"


    "They can y games every day and still continue to receive their sry. If I could spend my days this way, I''d rather get banned!"


    "Haha, you? It''s not that I want to speak ill of you, but even if you wish to get banned by Central TV Department 1, you''re not qualified enough to do so. Besides, you''re neither ambitious nor have any greater goals. All you want to do is earn your sry by doing nothing. But Zhang Ye is not like you. He aims to be an A-list celebrity, so even though a ban sounds good to you, for him, it''s as good as a fatal blow. Moreover, he''s also bound by the contract he signed with Central TV Department 1 for at least another half a year or so."


    "The freezing of Zhang Ye has already begun."


    "I wonder what Zhang Ye will do this time."


    "What else can he do? With the contract stiptions, he can''t leave for any other TV station either. I heard that Beijing Television Station contacted Central TV Department 1 with the intent to bring Zhang Ye into their fold. They were even willing to buy out the remainder of the contract, but as I understand it, the Central TV Department 1 leaders only had one word for them��No!"


    "It seems like Mango TV also wants to bring Zhang Ye on, but that didn''t go through either."


    "Seems like they''re trying to drag it out so that Zhang Ye meets his contractual liability!"


    "For the next half a year or so, I''m afraid that Zhang Ye has to fritter away his time together with Central TV Department 1. Due to thewsuit and the Judicial Exam, his poprity exploded in recent days, but after all this cools down, his poprity will surely slide if he cannot produce any new variety shows or get any screen time. In fact, I believe it will cause his poprity to drop drastically!"


    "Yeah, I think so too."


    "Hai, Zhang Ye''sing over."


    "Let''s go, let''s go. We should stay far away from him."


    "There aren''t many people in the entirety of Central TV Department 1 who''d dare talk to him anymore. If any of the leaders sees it, who knows if they would suddenly get implicated together with Zhang Ye or not. Whoever gets too close to Zhang Ye now is only asking for trouble. The Department 1 leaders lost thewsuit, so they''re definitely biding their time to see when they can settle the score!"


    "Actually, I still quite like Zhang Ye as a person."


    "Then you better get farther away. This is a fight between gods! We can''t get afford to get involved!"


    ...


    After lunch.


    Back at his own office.


    Zhang Ye was ying some music on hisputer, listening to Zhang Yuanqi''s new song. He thought it wasn''t too bad, so he repeated it. It didn''t at all feel like he was getting frozen by Central TV Department 1.


    At this moment, his cell phone rang.


    He looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Beijing Television''s Hu Fei.


    Zhang Yeughed as he answered the call: "Hello, Brother Hu."


    Hu Fei said: "Is it convenient to speak now?"


    "Yes, it''s fine. Why''re you looking for me?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Hu Fei said: "I spoke to the station head about you yesterday and indicated that I would like to bring you back over to our station, first to help you out of your situation, and second so that the two of us can have a chance to work together again. Beijing Television Station called for a meeting over this matter and came to a decision that they could buy out your contract, but aftermunicating with Central TV Department 1, they were rejected. What''s more, Central TV Department 1''s stand on the issue was very firm. It does not seem like they will let you go under any circumstances, so your old bro, me, is powerless to do anything about it."


    Zhang Ye dly replied: "Thanks, Brother Hu, for worrying about me."


    Hu Fei questioned: "Tell me honestly, what do you n to do now?"


    Zhang Ye answered: "I don''t have really any ns. I''m just going to take it one step at a time."


    Hu Fei sighed: "Then you''d better be ready to get frozen for seven months."


    But Zhang Ye chuckled at that. "I don''t intend to prepare for something like that."


    "Oh? What do you mean by that?" Hu Fei knew something was up.


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Back then, even the SARFT could not keep me banned, so can Central TV Department 1? Besides, who decided that if I don''t do hosting, I won''t be able to get exposure? If I really want to gain greater exposure, I have many ways to do so."


    After ending the call with Hu Fei, Zhang Ye received a long-awaited call.


    It was from Old Wu''s elder sister!


    Fat Sis sounded very excited on her end. "Little Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye immediately asked: "How is it, Fat Sis?"


    "It''s a sess! Haha, we managed to rush it out on time!" Fat Sis said very excitedly: "It was too motherf**king close! But we finally managed to rush it out on the day of the deadline! Just a moment ago, the nts vs. Zombies character models, data attributes, as well as the beta test, were allpleted! The final version still needs a few days, as we need a QA period to fix any bugs and other issues. But the demo version is definitely not going to be an issue. We''ve already created it with a total of three levels. It''s perfect!"


    Zhang Ye snapped his fingers. "It''s great that it gotpleted on time."


    Fat Sis said: "All thanks to your attribute table. It saved us a great deal of design hours. For the movement speed of every type of zombie, their attack frequency, the nting speeds, etc, all of those actually require a vast amount of man-hours to test. As the bnce of the game is very important, with the attribute table that you supplied to us, it has simplified our workflow by a lot. You''re truly one of our country''s top math professors. Even mypany''s software programmers are convinced and in great admiration of you. They imed if the task was left to them, they probably couldn''t have finished it even if they had two months!"


    Zhang Yeughed: "It was nothing. I just happen to know some math, that''s all. For anything else, I wouldn''t be of any help."


    Fat Sis was in a good mood. "Tomorrow is the start of the annual National C-G Gaming Expo. Almost all of the well-known video gamepanies and publishers in the country are going to be there, as well as the national media and gamers from all across the country. You''ll be making a trip to the Gaming Expo, right? You could see just how spectacr this industry is. On top of that, this year will set a record for the number of new releases. The titles are increasing year by year. MMOs, RPGs, action games, browser games, mobile games, puzzle games, anything you can think of, there''s a genre for it. I can give you some tickets if you want toe look around tomorrow. It''s at the National Convention Center."


    Zhang Ye did not even give it a second thought and spoke: "I''m free these days anyway. Of course I''ll go."


    This world''s gaming expos were very simr to Zhang Ye''s previous world''s. However, there would likely be some difference. Zhang Ye had unfortunately never attended one back in his previous world before, so had never seen the legendary booth babes with his own eyes. Now that a game of his was going to be exhibited, he definitely had to go and take a look.


    Fat Sisughed heartily: "Great! The Expo will be using digital admission passes this time, so I will send them to your cell phone. Our entirepany, from top to bottom, is full of confidence about this game you''ve designed. It''s an unprecedented level of confidence that I''ve never witnessed before. After holding it in for so many days, it''s finally time to showcase our new game to all the gamers in the country!"


    After putting down the phone, Zhang Ye smiled.


    Put me into the freezer?


    You''re all being too naive!


    I am not limited to making programs and hosting. This bro knows more things than you can even imagine. Just look, the chance to increase my poprity hase my way again, isn''t that right?

 Chapter 758: The debut of Plants vs. Zombies!

    <h4>Chapter 758: The debut of nts vs. Zombies! </h4>


    Chapter 758: The debut of nts vs. Zombies!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Later that afternoon.


    An internal email was circted within Central TV Department 1.


    Having just read it, Ha Qiqi said, "The management has just informed all departments and program teams to send someone to the head office to collect the admission passes for tomorrow''s National C-G Gaming Expo."


    Zhang Zuo said, "Oh, it''s part of the employee benefits?"


    Little Wang asked, "Is the Gaming Expo any interesting?"


    A youth beside her replied excitedly, "Of course it''s interesting!"


    "It''s a good ce to be. Every year, there are always countless beautiful girls!" Wu Yi remarked with a chuckle.


    Another youth also appeared to be very excited. "Those admission passes are really difficult to get. You can''t buy them off the market anymore now, and because they''re all digital admission passes, you can''t find them in the ck market anymore either. There''s basically no more supply avable. I bet Central TV Department 1 had an arrangement with the organizer and was allocated a portion of the admission passes, otherwise we wouldn''t be getting them. You guys might not know this, but the price of a single admission pass to the National C-G Gaming Expo has been spected to be in the high hundreds, but even at that price, you might not be able to get one!"


    "I''ve always wanted to go as well!"


    "I was nning to book my admission passst week, but I missed out!"


    "It''s being held in Beijing this year! This is an incredibly rare opportunity!"


    "That ce is like heaven for gamers!"


    "AD Ha, help us get a few passes!"


    "Yeah! AD Ha, we''re all depending on you!"


    There were several video game fans in the program team, but several guys who weren''t video game hobbyists also shouted in excitement when they heard this. They''d all long since heard about this gaming expo!


    Ha Qiqi looked at them. "Alright, I''ll go enquire about it." With that, she proceeded upstairs.


    After about half an hour.


    Ha Qiqi came back seething in anger.


    Little Wang hurriedly asked, "Sister Ha, what happened?"


    Everyone looked over as well.


    Ha Qiqi said with annoyance, "The management is taking this too far! All the departments of Central TV Department 1 were allocated a few admission passes��some even had close to ten passes��but only our program team did not get any!"


    Little Wang eximed, "Damn!"


    Wu Yi was also furious. "Isn''t this supposed to be part of our benefits? We''re also official employees, and since everyone else got them, why aren''t we given our share as well? Aren''t they totally targeting us!?"


    The door opened behind them.


    Zhang Ye came out from his office. "Whoa, what''s the matter here?"


    Ha Qiqi immediatelyined, "Director Zhang, not only has the management abandoned us this time, they''re even taking away our employee benefits!"


    Zhang Yeughed amused. "What are you saying?"


    Once again, Ha Qiqi rted the entire situation.


    After hearing it from her, Zhang Ye could more or less understand the whole situation. This was still within his expectations. "Don''t worry, it''s just a few admission passes right? They don''t want to give us our share? Then we''ll just go there on our own!"


    Little Wang seemed a little startled. "How can we go?"


    Zhang Ye gave a smile and said, "Who wants to go?"


    "Me!"


    "Me too!"


    "Director Zhang, I want to go as well!"


    "Me too, me too!"


    More than half of the staff raised their hands.


    Zhang Ye did a count and then nodded. "Alright, let''s meet at the convention center tomorrow. I''ll arrange for your tickets."


    Little Wang said with amazement, "Director Zhang, you even know people in the video game industry?"


    Zhang Ye smiled in satisfaction. "I know a few."


    Little Wang said, "It''s still Director Zhang who can get things done with his reputation!"


    "That''s great!"


    "Thank you, Director Zhang!"


    ...


    The next day.


    Saturday morning.


    September''s Beijing weather was getting unpredictable. Arge amount of rain had fallen on the first two days of the month and it became cold just like that. The weather was moody.


    Zhang Ye changed into a long sleeve shirt and pants, ate some breakfast, then headed straight to the convention center.


    The National Convention Center was located in the north, and the name of this ce sounded very grand as well. But this wasn''t where the country''s leaders held their meetings; it was just a ce that was rented out. It was basically no different in concept from the National Agriculture Exhibition Center, just that the name of the ce was more glorified and the area it covered was several timesrger.


    When he got there, he was stuck outside the parking lot as there were too many cars. Zhang Ye waited in a line for a full twenty minutes before he could enter. After he found a spot and parked his car, he hurriedly called Ha Qiqi and the others.


    "Hello, where are you guys?"


    "Director Zhang, we''re waiting at the main entrance."


    "Where they check your admission tickets?"


    "No, the ce where we enter the convention center."


    "Oh OK, I see you guys. See you in a bit."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye waved to them from afar.


    In their group, Ha Qiqi, Little Wang, and the rest all saw Zhang Ye. They slowly pushed and squeezed forward against the stream of the crowd and walked towards Zhang Ye.


    Little Wang eximed, "There''s too many people!"


    Ha Qiqi gave a wry smile. "I''m about to fall apart. Why are there so many people?"


    Zhang Ye, who also underestimated the turnout by a lot, said, "Yeah, I spent almost half an hour trying to park my car. No wonder they limited the amount of admission passes sold. If they didn''t, the halls inside would probably be fully packed to the brim. Then there wouldn''t be any need to hold a gaming expo. Other than people''s heads, we wouldn''t be able to see anything." Saying that, he walked up to the front of the group and led them. "Let''s go and get our passes verified first. We''ll go inside and see what to do next."


    ...


    Elsewhere.


    Outside the main entrance, Jiang Yuan also arrived at the convention center. He seemed to have brought his child with him, a teenager who looked to be 15 or 16 years old. He was sticking close to Jiang Yuan.


    A few employees of Central TV Department 1 who had arranged to meet up saw Jiang Yuan.


    "Director Jiang!"


    "Director Jiang."


    "You came too?"


    Jiang Yuan nodded and said, "I brought my son to have a look."


    Those severalwsuits in recent days had nearly driven him crazy. Now that he got the rare day off, he decided toe out and take a breather. Since his son kept asking for permission toe to the Gaming Expo, Jiang Yuan, who would be a little worried if his son went alone, decided to apany him.


    They were lining up to verify their admission passes.


    At the same time, more and more people from Central TV also gradually started showing up around them.


    "Yo, Old Xu!"


    "Little Zhou, you managed to get an admission pass as well?"


    "Yeah, many of my program team colleagues needed to work overtime, so I managed to get one."


    "Director Sun."


    "Hey, Teacher Chen Ye?"


    "Teacher Chen also came to visit the Gaming Expo?"


    Chen Ye had also arrived. Heughed and said, "I am here for work. I will be shooting some footage here to prepare for an interview program a few dayster. " Having said that, he ran over next to Jiang Yuan and greeted him. "Director Jiang."


    Jiang Yuan nodded. "You''re here?"


    Jiang Yuan''s son greeted, "Uncle Chen."


    Chen Ye smiled and said, "Hey, Little Qi. School starting again?"


    Chen Ye''s appearance suddenly brought on a number of bystanders. As a famous host who had hosted the Spring Festival G, almost everyone could recognize him easily.


    "Oh! Chen Ye!"


    "Teacher Chen also came to take a look around the Gaming Expo?"


    "I think he came because of his job."


    "Yeah, just look at the staff members and camera equipment behind Chen Ye."


    "I spotted a celebrity! How exciting!"


    "Yeah, I''ve finally gotten to see him in person!"


    Comparatively, Zhang Ye was keeping a much lower profile. He was wearing a face mask and sunsses again, so unless it was someone who was familiar with him, it wasn''t likely that anyone could recognize him.


    People were being admitted one by one after having their admission passes verified.


    But Zhang Ye had still been recognized by people from Central TV Department 1!


    "Ha Qiqi?"


    "Old Wu?"


    "Isn''t that The Voice''s program team staff?"


    "That person wearing sunsses walking right in front of the group is��Zhang Ye?"


    Those people from Central TV Department 1 felt a little shocked.


    "How could it be?"


    "I thought they didn''t get admission passes?"


    "Yeah, I heard about it yesterday too. They weren''t issued any admission passes!"


    "How did they get in?"


    "Did they buy them themselves?"


    "The admission passes were no longer for sale! Where would they get them?"


    Jiang Yuan frowned.


    Chen Ye also stared at Zhang Ye.


    When it was time for Zhang Ye''s group to enter, he took out his cell phone and scanned it about ten times. When everything was done, he led the group and walked casually into Hall 1.


    Once they were inside, Ha Qiqi whispered, "Director Zhang, behind us are��"


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "I know, I saw them too."


    Ha Qiqi made a noise in acknowledgment, but did not say anything else.


    Little Wang, Wu Yi, and the others saw this and understood as well. They also pretended to not have noticed the Central TV Department 1 executives and colleagues. In any case, they hade here on their own, so it had nothing to do with Central TV Department 1.


    Right now, Zhang Ye was not interested in that bunch of people. The only thing he cared about was whether the game he suggested to develop could be catapulted to fame in thisrgest gaming expo in the country. He knew that the nts vs. Zombies booth was located somewhere in Hall 2. However, Zhang Ye did not n to head there directly. Instead, he wanted to take a look at how the other video gamepanies handled this event first, as well as assessing the games they were showcasing. This would help Zhang Ye understand how developed the game market of this world was and its circumstances.


    This exhibition hall mainly held the video gamepanies that published online games and xianxia-type RPGs.


    When Zhang Ye''s group came to the first game''s booth, they were stunned by the scene over here!


    Booth babes dressed in ancient costumes!


    These booth babes were all dressed in simr outfits as they gracefully danced in unison!


    This was for a game called The Immortals Descend!


    Other than their group, there was a also a group of nerds watching as they surrounded the booth. All of them looked very excited.


    "Ahhh!"


    "This is too exciting!"


    "They''re really, really beautiful. And those legs are so long!"


    "This game is great! This game must be fun to y!"


    "F**k, you haven''t even tried it out, bro!"


    "I don''t need to try it out! It''ll definitely be fun!"


    Ha Qiqi, Wu Yi, and the others were also here for the first time. They were taken aback by what they were seeing. They might not know what the game was like, but the booth babes this exhibit employed were of exceptionally high quality and could make anyone''s eyes shine. Their waists rotated sensuously as they dance. Even the female visitors couldn''t help but watch them for a bit.


    Little Wang remarked in a stunned manner, "Is this what a gaming expo is like?!"


    The youth beside her sniffed and said loudly, "We really made the right choice toe here today! This ce is just like heaven! Thank you, Director Zhang! Thank you for organizing this!" He immediately went up, wanting to give the game a try, but the entire floor was quickly filled up by eager fans and a line was formed for the dozen or so consoles with demos. Regretfully, he came back to join the group.


    After that, they went to the next booth.


    This was the booth for an MMORPG with 3D graphics called Spiritual Realms: The First War.


    A group of people were all staring straight into the booth. It was yet another group of beautiful girls, this time dressed like fairies. Some of them even wore cat or bunny ears, wagging their tails and smiling to the visiting gamers. It left them wanting for more, especially when a few booth babes revealed a great portion of their long, slender legs. The geeks were all extremely excited by the sight of this.


    "I like that girl!"


    "I like the one who has the bunny ears on. She''s so pretty!"


    "I want to try this game out!"


    Suddenly, anotherrge group of passersby were attracted and ran over to take a look!


    Compared to the first two booths, it seemed a little quiet over at the third booth. Although the game consoles with the demos were all taken up, there was not much of a line there. The visitor flow was much more normal. When he looked at their booth babes, Zhang Ye understood immediately. There were only two booth babes employed by this game exhibit. One stood on the left and the other on the right of the booth, making them seem like greeter girls. Their costumes were not too outstanding either, but the important point was that they were wearing too much. As a result, the atmosphere at this booth was less exciting.


    Having looked at all this, Zhang Ye couldn''t bear the heaviness in his heart. He felt that he had taken the Gaming Expo too lightly this time. Would a game be famous just because it was good? That might not necessarily be true. Look at this, just look at this! This is what reality looks like. It was the first time Zhang Ye had doubt about the debut of nts vs. Zombies. How could a tower defense game like theirs everpare to the booth babes these MMORPGs invited?!


    Slutty!


    Too slutty!


    Zhang Ye felt a sense of anger from within. This kind of an atmosphere was too disgusting, and was too unworthy of being promoted. It was little wonder that action had been taken against those gaming expo exhibits back in his previous world, where they had been issued with "dress code restrictions"! It was clearly for a good reason that they did something like that!


    Ha Qiqi nced at him. "Director Zhang, what''s the matter?"


    Zhang Ye did not eveny his eyes on the group of beautiful girls and just said, "Let''s go on ahead and see what there is."


    "Uh, OK." Wu Yi and a few other guys from the program team looked at Zhang Ye in a curious manner, wondering to themselves why Director Zhang did not even look at all these beautiful girls.


    They went on ahead.


    The fourth booth farthest on the left side was also bursting with poprity. This was the booth of a famous game developmentpany''s single yer RPG. The booth babes they showed off numbered a total of 17! Although, among them, there were some who were beautiful and some just average-looking, the main attraction here was their short skirts. All dressed the same, the gorgeous girls made those nerdy gamers who had gathered around this booth scream. With a loss of judgment, they urgently rushed up to line up to try out the game!


    Many of the reporters who were there also came running over and surrounded this booth, busily snapping photos. Attracting the attention of the media would be a great help to the marketing of the game!


    Zhang Ye was despising this!


    Shameless!


    Too shameless!


    Continuing on, they saw even more of such scenes. Zhang Ye''s heart was getting heavier and he became even more pessimistic. Were theyparing to see which game''s quality was better or was it apetition of whose booth babes wore less!? Why aren''t you all putting the focus on the games instead! Can you all not be so vulgar! You all are going to judge the game based on the beautiful girls and their long, slender legs? Where are your principles, people!


    Dirty!


    Too dirty!


    The more Zhang Ye saw, the angrier he became. It seemed like the debut of nts vs. Zombies was going to just be a failure now, so he prepared himself for this worse possible scenario.


    It was now 9 AM.


    After making a round in therge Hall 1, Zhang Ye said to his fellow colleagues, "Let''s roam around freely now. It''s OK if we''re separated, so feel free to line up and try out the games you like."


    Ha Qiqi asked, "What will you be doing?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m heading to Hall 2 to take a look there."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Then me too. I''ll go along with you."


    Little Wang said, "I''ll follow Director Zhang too. I want to have a look at the puzzle games there. I think Fishing Master 2 hase out!"


    Zhang Ye, with a heavy heart, brought the two of them along with him to Hall 2. As they headed to the booth of nts vs. Zombies, he looked at the surroundings filled with booth babes in all kinds of costumes. He could only denounce this vulgar atmosphere in his head, wondering if Old Wu had any say in regting these things. He wanted to give her some feedback about this, knowing that such an unhealthy atmosphere could not go on any further. He decided that it had to be firmly boycotted and resolutely eradicated from the scene!


    Otherwise, the consequences would be terrible!


    Over time, the nation would be in peril!!


    Finally, they arrived at the exhibit of nts vs. Zombies!


    When they had just arrived, before Ha Qiqi could make out the title of this game or learn what genre it belonged in, what she saw left her utterly shocked!


    Also surprised, Little Wang eximed, "Aiyo!"


    There were gamers everywhere!


    A sea of gamers!


    A group of media reporters had also gathered around here, busily snapping away with their cameras!


    Then, they saw that there were 20 booth babes standing around the exhibition zone of the nts vs. Zombies booth, divided into two groups. In one of the groups, they were dressed in bright colors of red and green, with floral patterns printed on their dresses. Some of these booth babes were also wearing hats with nts decorations on them and were in low-cut dresses. Among them, there were even two booth babes who did not even wear dresses and just stood there in their bikinis. They were basically showing everything! At the other side, the other group of booth babes were dressed like zombies. Some of their faces were stained with "blood," some had rotting "wounds" on them. And their dresses were also rather torn and tattered, some so tattered that it was unable to cover much on the skirt end, while some of the others had blood stains on their tattered dresses. It was almost no different from not wearing anything, as their legs and bikinis were in full view. It was an image that would give people a nosebleed!


    Sexy!


    Revealing!


    With a tinge of gore!


    This was likely this year''s National C-G Gaming Expo''s exhibition booth that most pushed at the limits!


    The gamers were dumbfounded!


    The media was dumbfounded!


    Zhang Ye was also dumbfounded!


    F**k!


    What is going on with you all!


    Why are the booth babes you employed also wearing so little clothing! And they''re even wearing less than the others? Even more revealing than the others?


    F**k that!


    You all have simply��


    Executed it beautifully!!


    Executed it way too beautifully!!!


    Hi readers,


    Thank you for your support and love for IRAS :)


    PvsZ is beginning.

 Chapter 759: The organizers are alerted!

    <h4>Chapter 759: The organizers are alerted! </h4>


    Chapter 759: The organizers are alerted!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    At Hall 2.


    In front of the nts vs. Zombies booth.


    The crowd began to stir as countless nerds screamed over the dance music. Many of them nearly had nosebleeds as they stared fixedly at the booth babes'' figures with eyes wider than thest, not wanting to miss a thing!


    "Heavens!"


    "This is too exciting!"


    "I can feel my blood spurting out already! This is too exhrating!"


    "These are what professional booth babes are all about!"


    "Hey, don''t push! Stop pushing!"


    "Can the person in front please duck a little?! I can''t see a thing!"


    "Dammit, this is getting to be too hot! They''re wearing bikinis right from the start?"


    "This must be a good game! It definitely has to be!!"


    "I want to try ying the game!"


    "Hey, don''t cut the line! Dammit!"


    "Compared to this game''s booth, the other booths hold back way too much with their clothing choices!"


    Everyone was bubbling with excitement as they crazily crowded their way inside. Some of them went to try out the game while others went straight to the booth babes and had their friends take photos for them as souvenirs!


    Little Wang stared, her eyes wide. "This is too popr!"


    Ha Qiqi looked around and said, "There aren''t many people at the booths around here. Heh, those people have all been attracted to this game''s booth instead."


    At the moment, the four or five game booths next to the nts vs. Zombies booth were practically deserted and quiet. Only a few booth babes dressed rather inly stood scattered around the area, while there were hardly any gamers there. The staff of those video gamepanies looked aghast and were left gnashing their teeth as they stared at the nts vs. Zombies booth, unable to do anything about it. They could only watch helplessly as therge group of gamers was drawn over to the other side. In contrast, the difference in the poprity between them was poles apart.


    Over here.


    The staff at this booth were very busy!


    "Please line up, please line up!"


    "One by one!"


    "Hey, don''t cut. That guy over there, please keep your distance from the booth babes, thank you!"


    Of all the nts vs. Zombies staff, Zhang Ye had only seen one or two of them before, and did not know the rest. There was also no sign whatsoever of Fat Sis. But giving it some thought, as the CEO of the video gamepany, Fat Sis was probably not going to personally participate in prominent activities such as this. However, all the nning and the attires of the booth babes were definitely handled and approved by Fat Sis herself.


    Well done!


    This was exactly the type of effect that he wanted!


    Zhang Ye, who was standing not too far away, also looked very excited.


    Little Wang took out her cell phone and sent a message to her colleagues: "Come quickly to Hall 2. There are a lot of pretty girls in bikinis over here. It''s definitely more popr over here than where you are!"


    After just five minutes, Wu Yi and the others arrived!


    "Where are they?"


    "What bikinis? Is it true?"


    "Holy shit, it really is true!"


    "This��this, this is heaven!"


    "I have a nosebleed!"


    The Voice''s program team staff were all dumbfounded by what they saw!


    More and more people were gathered at this side of the hall, creating amotion that only got bigger and bigger. Not only did they attract almost everyone from within Hall 2, even visitors from Hall 1 and 3 rushed over with curiosity when they heard about it. They wanted to see what the excitement was about. When they saw it, everyone was stunned with astonishment!


    Revealing!


    It was too revealing!


    Suddenly, those who were trying out the games in the booth also eximed loudly!


    "This game is really fun to y!"


    "The creativity of this game is just godly!"


    "What a surprise! I thought this game wouldn''t amount to much!"


    "Is this still a puzzle game? Surely not, right? Why does this game y like a real-time strategy game?! Aiyo, this game design is too awesome and so enjoyable to y!"


    "Old Liu,e here quickly. This game is awesome!"


    "Seriously? Let me try it!"


    "First, nt a sunflower to produce ''sun'' so that you can buy and nt other nts."


    "Whoa, it can even be done this way?"


    "Yeah, this design is so cool!"


    "I''ve alreadypleted the demo! Damn, why does it only have three stages?! I haven''t had enough!"


    "Whichpany''s game is this? How did they make something so awesome?"


    "I don''t know. I''ve never heard of thepany''s name before, so it probably hasn''t been established long or have any well-known titles to it, otherwise I would surely have known about them."


    "Hehe, my friend, is this game really that fun? Aren''t you exaggerating? You guys must be saying so because the booth babes are wearing so little, right?"


    "F**k off. It really is fun to y!"


    "Right, if you don''t believe us, wait for your turn and try it out yourself!"


    It was a very lively atmosphere at the booth. It could be said that at this moment, this was the most popr game booth at this year''s National C-G Gaming Expo. The amount of people gathered here kept increasing and the scene was almost getting out of control!


    Zhang Ye, Little Wang, Ha Qiqi, and the others who wanted to try out the game got into the line too, but there were already dozens of others in front of them. There were a total of ten game consoles with demos and every line was simr. Judging by this, even if they waited in line until noon, they still would not get to y. Moreover, at the end of the long lines, there were two lines of gamers that stretched all the way to the entrance of the other game booths, upying their areas!


    The other video gamepanies were barking in anger!


    The staff at the booth to the east said, "This is too much!"


    The staff at the booth to the north said, "It''s only a puzzle game! Is there a need for this?!"


    The staff at booth #271 to the south said, "It''s only skimpy clothing! Are theypeting over the game''s quality or fighting to see who can wear the least clothes?!"


    In the end, the organizers of the expo were alerted. The security guards came to disperse some of the crowd to maintain order. In the end, it wasn''t known why, but even some of the organizers'' managers arrived. They had a quick discussion after they witnessed the scene, then made several calls before finally ordering that the booth babes at the nts vs. Zombies booth be withdrawn!


    The staff of the nts vs. Zombies booth were not having any of this. "But why?!"


    The organizers'' manager said, "You have affected the other game booths. A lot of them have jointly lodged aint against your booth. Besides, your booth babes'' attires have seriously vited the rules. They must to go immediately. Her, her, and her. They can remain behind, but the rest wearing bikinis must go. Otherwise, we will penalize you and take away your rights to put on an exhibit here!"


    They were just following procedure as the clothing of the booth babes at this booth had indeed crossed the line. It would not be a problem if there were only the gamers around, but since there were also many reporters from all over the country present, if they reported in the media about this matter, it would definitely attract quite a controversy. If they as the organizers let this matter slide, it would definitely affect them greatly as well. This was why they decided to deal with the matter at once.


    Upon hearing that, the yers were not happy either.


    "What''s the matter?!"


    "Isn''t this great?!"


    "That''s right, it isn''t easy for them pretty girls either!"


    "They''re very well covered!"


    "I feel that they''re dressed within the limits, so based on what are you asking them to leave?"


    "Don''t make them leave! We still want to see them!"


    Many of the nerds began to boo loudly.


    But the organizers maintained their stance and insisted on dealing with this matter as a vition.


    Zhang Ye was also extremely annoyed seeing this. Why are you treating this as a vition? What rules have they vited?! Isn''t this still quite eptable?! Don''t they still have their clothes on?! What''s wrong with wearing bikinis? What''s wrong with it? If this is uneptable, then all the beaches in the entire country should be cordoned off! All the malls in the entire country shouldn''t be selling bikinis anymore! What wrongs have the bikinismitted? What crimes are the bikinis guilty of? The bikini is one of the greatest inventions in human history. What you all are doing right now is an insult to the collective wisdom of mankind! It''s ack of respect for the masses!!


    A conspiracy!


    There''s definitely a conspiracy afoot!


    This is utterly despicable!


    Zhang Ye exploded with anger and cursed all eight generations of the organizers'' ancestors!


    As for him previously mentioning firmly boycotting and resolutely eradicating such behavior, and how over time the nation would be in peril, this guy had obviously clean forgotten everything he had believed!

 Chapter 760: An instant hit!

    <h4>Chapter 760: An instant hit! </h4>


    Chapter 760: An instant hit!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    "Take them away, take them away."


    "Hey, manager, please cooperate with us a little."


    Under the strong urging from the organizers, more than half of the booth babes of nts vs. Zombies were withdrawn and only some girls with attires that could pass the regtions were left behind. The video gamepany''s staff felt very down, but could not do anything about it since it was the official authorities who asked, so they could only do as they were told.


    As a result, after those booth babes left, a majority of the people who had gathered at this unusually popr booth started leaving in an instant. Everyone was saying "how boring" as they walked away.


    As for the game?


    What sort of crappy game was that?!


    nts vs. Zombies? When have nts ever been able to fight zombies?!


    There was hardly anyone who could understand the casualness of the game''s name and felt that it wasn''t very attractive. In addition, when the visitors saw the banners introducing it as a puzzle game, many of them lost their interest immediately. Since they had spent a lot of money toe to this expo, if they were to find something, they would rather look at thoserge-scale RPG games or MMO games made by the huge video gamepanies. Who woulde here to y some puzzle games, especially a demo version of it? As a result, without the gimmick of the booth babes, the crowd naturally dispersed with only a few of them remaining behind.


    Zhang Ye hated this greatly!


    Little Wang, who had also lost her interest, remarked, "Director Zhang, let''s go too."


    Ha Qiqi turned and pointed to a booth. "That''s the disy booth for Fishing Master 2. Let''s go and have a look?"


    This was the game that their entire program team was ying in the office.


    However, Zhang Ye said, "Go on ahead by yourselves. I want to walk around on my own."


    Ha Qiqi looked at him and said, "Alright. We''lle look for you in a bit."


    She walked off with Little Wang and the others.


    Zhang Ye remained standing where he was. He was still thinking about the promotion of his game with a heavy heart. A promotional event filled with positive energy and booth babes was spoiled by the organizers just like that. Their attire has vited the regtions? Bullshit! For show! This is all for show! If they only did things for show every day, then over time the nation would be in crisis!


    The crowd dwindled in numbers with many of the gamers going over to the surrounding booths. Gradually, the game booths nearby regained some poprity.


    Zhang Ye heard some of the staff at the booth behind him saying things.


    "Hmph, such dishonest methods!"


    "It''s a good thing that the organizers cleared up this mess in time."


    "What nts and what zombies? They were just depending on their booth babes showing some skin to attract people, so how can their game be any good? If they have the time to n that, they should be spending it on making the game instead!"


    "That''s right. Just look, everyone has left after the booth babes left, right?"


    Those staff were talking loudly without reservation.


    When he heard that, Zhang Ye got frustrated. He turned around and strolled over to that shooter game''s booth and nced at the screen of the demo. He grunted, "What lousy game is this?!"


    When a female staff member heard that, her eyebrows twitched but she still greeted him with a smile. "Sir, you can try out the game first before giving your evaluation about it."


    Zhang Ye nced at the screen again and snorted, "What lousy UI is this!"


    The female staff member''s eyebrows twitched again as she forced a smile and said, "Although the UI is an extension of the design theory in a traditional shooter, our game''s graphics are the industry''s��"


    Zhang Ye snorted again, "What lousy graphics are these!"


    The female staff: "��"


    Seeing the booth of his game stillcking visitors, Zhang Ye could not help but feel a sense of anger and injustice. So he decided to stand around longer at this shooter''s booth, one moment walking to the #1 demo console to make some insulting remarks and the next moment strolling to the #3 demo console to say a few words of criticism.


    The staff were driven mad by this!


    Big Bro! How did we offend you?! What was all that about? Why did you trample on us the moment you got here?


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye, having seemingly sensed or heard something, turned to look behind him. He frowned when he realized that his staff members had bumped into the staff of Central TV Department 1 and were in the middle of what looked to be an argument. Isn''t that person the secretary of Central TV Department 1''s deputy director, Jiang Yuan? Not knowing what was happening over there, Zhang Ye headed over immediately.


    In front of him.


    Dozens of the Central TV Department 1 staff were gathered at the booth. Some of them were ying games inside the booth, while the others stood there looking at the group consisting of Ha Qiqi, Wu Yi, and the others.


    Jiang Yuan''s secretary said, "You all had better pay attention to who''s around you!"


    Ha Qiqi retorted, "Why should we pay attention to that?"


    Little Wang said angrily, "Today''s a day off and we bought the tickets by ourselves, so why can''t we go around as we like? Do we still have to get approval from the station?"


    The secretary said angrily, "So you guys still remember the station? In the whole of Central TV, who doesn''t know that you people have all been ying games during working hours! Those who don''t know better might even think you all are working on the development of games!"


    A veteran Central TV Department 1 staffer said, "Little Ha, your group is indeed in the wrong."


    Another middle-aged staff member in the Central TV Department 1 group said with a grave tone, "Your program team has caused big trouble this time. Just because of a small issue, it has damaged our Department 1''s reputation, yet you all are still not working diligently to make up for it, but instead ying games or watching movies during office hours every day. And now, you all did not greet us after seeing us here and just pretended not to see us? It''s not that I want to tell you people off, but I can''t bear to see things go on like this any longer."


    Another person reprimanded them, "It''s only because Director Jiang is taking his kid around the front that he did not see this. If he was here, he would definitely be angry at you all!"


    It was clear that these fellows were determined to follow along in their leaders'' footsteps.


    Ha Qiqi, Little Wang, and the others got a little bit angry, but as they were still considered inexperienced at Department 1, there were certain things they could not say nor was it good for them to sass too much.


    However, at this moment, unknown to them, Zhang Ye appeared right behind them.


    "Whoa, who is telling stories to my people again?" Zhang Ye spoke without giving them any face at all, "Why don''t you tell me a story as well?! I really enjoy listening to stories!"


    Little Wang called out happily, "Director Zhang!"


    The Voice''s program team staff immediately straightened their backs as though they had gained a supporting pir!


    When the group of Central TV Department 1 staff saw Zhang Ye, they were startled a little!


    Jiang Yuan''s secretary said with a darkened expression, "Zhang Ye, what are saying? Your staff pretended like they did not know us and did not greet us when they saw us. What kind of behavior is that?!"


    Zhang Ye looked at him and said, "Are you the country''s President or the Secretary-General of the United Nations? We still have to greet you if we see you?"


    The secretary was infuriated. "You��"


    That old staff member said, "Little Zhang, how can you talk in that way?"


    "This is how I always talk!" Zhang Ye had always spoken in a manner that did not give face to anyone, no matter their rank or qualifications.


    The several Central TV Department 1 people also knew that Zhang Ye was a thorn in everyone''s side; not even calling him a thorn was enough to describe him. This fellow had be thergest tumor in Central TV, so much less the several of them, even the executives of Central TV Department 1 could not do anything regarding this person. Just a court case alone was enough to them pay Zhang Ye''s sry in obedience, which was even two times the amount he was supposed to receive. So the several of them definitely weren''t going to be able to do anything to him. As a result, they walked away quickly after lecturing them for a bit and did not bother to reason further with Zhang Ye.


    From a distance away, Jiang Yuan who was bringing his son around saw all that had happened. His heart turned cold. The freezing of Zhang Ye''s career had already begun. Zhang! From this day forward, you can only watch helplessly as your poprity declines day by day. I want to see how much longer you canst like this! Let''s see if you can stillugh in the future!


    Little Qi said, "Dad, there''s a nts vs. Zombies booth over there. What an interesting title! I want to try out that game!"


    Jiang Yuan''s expression changed immediately, as he said with a kind expression, "Sure, sure."


    The people of Central TV department 1 walked off.


    Little Wang said to Zhang Ye, "Director Zhang, thank goodness you came over just in time, otherwise, we would surely have gotten bullied by that bunch of people! Just because we didn''t greet them, they used that as a reason to give us a lecture? That''s too unreasonable!"


    A female editor said while gnashing her teeth, "Our program team has be a target for everyone now. Back then, when The Voice was still being broadcasted, who wasn''t courteous whenever they saw us? Didn''t they always give us a thumbs up whenever they saw us? But look at this now, they are ughtering the donkey the moment it leaves the millstone! Anyone cane and trample all over on us!"


    Ha Qiqi gave a grim smile and said, "As long as Director Zhang is around, who would dare to trample on us as they please? Just look at what happened. The moment Director Zhang got here, that bunch of people ran away!"


    Little Wang pped happily and said, "That''s right, they only risked telling us off. When they saw Director Zhang, all of them ran off in fright!"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Am I that frightening?"


    Wu Yi put it in a nice way, "Director Zhang is well known for his reputation!"


    Everyone chimed in one after the other, but Zhang Ye''s focus was not here. He was still thinking about the matter regarding his game. The reason he came by today was because of this business. In his current situation, it took a lot of effort to earn more poprity. After putting in so much effort, Zhang Ye definitely wanted to earn any poprity that the nts vs. Zombies game could gain him. As a result, he had to ensure that this game could be an instant hit, otherwise he would actually let those people who were waiting to see him make a fool of himself get what they want.


    What should he do?


    The organizers had already left, so should he get those bikini booth babes toe back? Engage in a round of guerri warfare with the organizers? When the enemy advances, we retreat. When the enemy retreats, we pursue?


    Good idea!


    While this guy was fantasizing about what he could do, a voice suddenly came from the mor not too far away!


    "Old Yu,e quickly,e quickly!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "F**k, this game is too cool!"


    "nts? Zombies? What''s with all of these?"


    "You''ll understand when you y it! Hurry up and start lining up! The line will soon be long!"


    "Wah! Why are there so many people all of a sudden?"


    "It''s because this game is really fun!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned and quickly turned to look. He saw that the nts vs. Zombies booth that was still rather empty a moment ago was now packed with a sea of people again!


    "Aiyo, this game is really the best!"


    "I didn''t think much of it when I saw the name earlier, but how did this game turn out to be so fun?"


    "Yeah, I was also initially attracted to this booth because of the booth babes and thought this game was just going to depend on shy showmanship to attract gamers. I didn''t expect that I would get hooked on this game after I tried it out! This is definitely the best puzzle game I have ever yed in my entire life! Besides, is this really considered as a small-scale game? This is the first time I''ve realized that puzzle games could actually be made into something like this! There is nothing about the innovative gamey I can criticize!"


    "It''s really fun!"


    "Brother up ahead, have you finished trying out the game yet? Can you please hurry up? A lot of us are still waiting over here!"


    "Is it my turn yet? Is it my turn yet?"


    Not only were the gamers who wanted to try out the game joining into the long line, there were also countless gamers who joined the long line after they were tempted to try it out from watching others who yed. When it was empty, there was not a single person, but as the amount of people increased, the resulting chain reaction was also bing more and more obvious! With the ruckus and shouting over here, the majority of those visitors who had left after watching the booth babes'' performance wereing back once again!


    Zhang Yeughed as he saw this!


    Indeed, quality goods need no advertising!


    Like I said, for the most popr puzzle game of this bro''s previous world, how could it not even cause a ripple in this world!?

 Chapter 761: This game is a Zhang Ye creation?

    <h4>Chapter 761: This game is a Zhang Ye creation? </h4>


    Chapter 761: This game is a Zhang Ye creation?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    There was an explosion of interest for the demo at the booth!


    Voices of unexpected surprise by the gamers were constantly sounding!


    Ha Qiqi wondered and asked, "The booth babes have already left, but why are there still so many people?"


    "nts vs. Zombies?" Little Wang hesitated for a moment, then said, "How can a game with such a title be any fun? Could these people be shills paid for by the video gamepany? Why are so many of them praising the game? How much money did they spend to employ them!"


    Shills?


    Shills your sister!


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes at her.


    Wu Yi came up from behind them. "Looks like there''s a lot of praise for this game, I''m also gonna give it a try."


    Wu Yi went to join the line. When Little Wang and a few others from The Voice''s program team saw that, they were also itching to give it a try. Ultimately, they ended up joining the line to give the game a try as well.


    When it was their turn to try, their indifference at the beginning turned to shock!


    When the game started for Ha Qiqi, she was startled for a moment!


    It was the same for Wu Yi. He immediately started clicking the mouse and was so focused on the game that he couldn''t hear his colleagues talking even though they were right beside him. His full attention was squarely on the game.


    Little Wang even eximed, "This game is ten times more fun than Fishing Master! Is this a new game or a sequel? Why haven''t I heard about this game before if it''s this fun?"


    Wu Yi marveled, "After just two levels, even a person like me who doesn''t usually y games is getting a little addicted. This creativity, graphics, design, and the attention to detail! This should be a game made by some foreignpany, right?"


    A female editor pointed at something. "No, look there. It''s a domestic video gamepany."


    Wu Yi said unbelieving, "There''s actually a domestic video gamepany that can create such an excellent product?"


    Little Wang immediately waved to the area outside the booth. "Director Zhang,e and try,e and try it out!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "I''m fine here, thank you."


    "It''s super fun, really!" Little Wang praised loudly.


    Thinking about it, Zhang Ye also joined the line. Of course he knew how good this game was. Back in his previous world, be it nts vs. Zombies or nts vs. Zombies 2, he had yed them both. The reason he was going to give the game a try was mainly because he wanted to see how close to the original game Fat Sis''spany had managed to make it. He wanted to know if they closely followed his n and design. In addition, if there were any bugs he could inform Fat Sis to get them fixed in time.


    Once he started the game, Zhang Ye had a good grasp of it.


    The restoration level was very high!


    It was probably at about 90% of the original game!


    Knowing this, Zhang Ye began to feel reassured. He knew that Fat Sis and her staff had made this game in ordance to his design, without adding any modifications of their own. The design of the nts, the zombie''s speed and health, the graphics style, every nts'' cooldown times��they were mostly all the same as the original.


    At this moment, a few media representatives from a video game magazine and some newspaper publishers headed over when they heard about the poprity of this booth. Extremely curious of all that was going on, they also joined the line to give the game a try. As a result, the few of them ended up looking at each other, and could see the shock in each other''s eyes. Immediately, they lowered their heads again and continued to research this game. Judging from their expressions, they were quite stunned with amazement at this nts vs. Zombies game, and simultaneously felt that it was incredible!


    A domestic video gamepany?


    It''s even a small, unknown video gamepany?


    And yet their game is fantastic! But no one has ever heard of a domestic video gamepany that had such standards! Which rock did they pop out from under?


    What exactly was a puzzle game? To the countless people in this world, their concept and understanding of a puzzle game would surely be simple graphics, simple gamey, and simple controls. However, on this day, nts vs. Zombies had made them open their eyes and made them get a renewed understanding of puzzle games. Real-time strategy? Combined with tower defense features? Looking at those demo versions with their grayed out game modes, there was even an adventure mode included? Zen Garden? Mini-games? The depth of richness of this game and reyability was simply many times greater than other puzzle games! If puzzle games could be segregated intorge, medium, and small, then nts vs. Zombies was clearly considered as a mega-scale puzzle game!


    These video game media personnel were in disbelief!


    Around them, the gamers who had tried out the game also thought that this game was a great surprise to them!


    "I have a feeling! That this game will definitely be an instant hit!"


    "This is really uplifting for our countrymen!"


    "Yeah, can you think of a time when a video gamepany from our country made such an amazing puzzle game? In the past, haven''t we always just been imitating the foreign games and picking up their leftovers?"


    "Although I don''t wish to admit it, the development of our country''s puzzle games is much poorer than puzzle games from other countries. Their game production standards are ahead of ours by four or five years, like that very popr Fishing Master which was developed overseas, and was only licensed by a domestic video gamepany. If I have to say it, then there are no puzzle games made by our domestic video gamepanies worth mentioning. But all of that has changed now! A worthy name has appeared! This game is definitely world-ss standard!"


    "Not only that! I think that nts vs. Zombies is even leading the overseas standards by a couple years! I''ve never heard of any foreign video gamepanies that could create such an excellent game! It''s way too much fun!"


    "When does it go on sale?"


    "I can''t wait!"


    "Fuck, I''ve always pirated games in the past, but I think I should definitely support the original this time! It''s so rare that we finally get a game that can match a foreign-made game!"


    ...


    At Hall 3.


    Some of the staff members at several game booths were chatting.


    "Eh, why is the crowd getting smaller and smaller?"


    "Yeah, where did everyone go?"


    "It''s not even lunchtime yet. Weren''t there a lot of people just a while ago? Why did it be so deserted now? It has never been like this in the past years, has it?"


    "Don''t you all know yet?"


    "Know about what?"


    "A lot of the visitors have gone to Hall 2. I heard that there''s a puzzle game being exhibited there, a game called ''nts hitting Zombies'' or something. It''s such a hit that all the gamers have the booth surrounded. More than twenty of those video game magazines and media outlets have also gone over to take a look. It seems to be causing quite a sensation, but I don''t know about the details myself."


    "Puzzle game? How can a small-scale game like that be any fun!"


    "What? Rather thaning to try out ourrge-scale 3D graphics games, everyone went over there to y some puzzle game instead? How''s that possible! Those people must be confused, right?"


    "I wonder about that too!"


    ...


    At the booth of nts vs. Zombies.


    Right now, this ce was extremely packed, with the visitors gathering and extending to the outside of the booth for dozens of meters! It was basically full of people!


    When the organizers received news of this, they flew into a rage, thinking that this exhibit must have gotten the bikini booth babes toe back to their booth. They immediately brought a team of security personnel and rushed over, but when they got there, they were dumbfounded by the scene they saw. Rather than the bikini booth babes, they saw that the booth babes who were within the dress code had all been nudged out of the booth to some ce else instead. The entire booth was filled with gamers! A sea of gamers!


    What��what was this situation?


    Fuck, why are there so many gamers gathered around here!


    And they were still wondering why the other games'' booths in Hall 2 were so empty. So it was because everyone hade running over here!? Are you guys giving out games or giving out cash? The poprity over here is getting too hot to handle!


    Inside the booth.


    Zhang Ye and the others made their way out from the booth after they finished ying a demo of the game. Only after they left did they notice that Jiang Yuan, his kid, and the dozens of Central TV Department 1 staff were all lining up to try out the game.


    Jiang Yuan also saw them, but did not make any direct eye contact. Central TV Department 1''s rtionship with Zhang Ye hadpletely broken down, and since they couldn''t get their hands on The Voice''s overseas copyright from him, the overseas license deal that they had alreadypleted negotiations on with the foreign party��worth wasrge sum��couldn''t bepleted. Not to mention Zhang Ye''s court case that everyone knew about and had embarrassed all of them. Whether it was a matter of image or interest, their rtionship was ruined beyond all repair. The only rtionship that the two parties had right now could only be described with one sentence: Fight it out! Let''s see if our Central TV Department 1''s freezing of artists is more powerful or whether you, Zhang Ye, have more endurance! In Jiang Yuan''s opinion, this battle was already decided the moment it started. No matter how manywsuits Zhang Ye could win against them, he could not escape from the "freeze" they had in ce for him! Making a celebrity lose their source of poprity in less than a year would definitely be a fatal blow to them. It was as good as a death sentence! Since it had alreadye to this, no matter how capable Zhang Ye was, Jiang Yuan could no longer be bothered by the sight of him anymore. He had basically caused so much trouble for them at Central TV Department 1 that the executives of Department 1 hated him to the bone!


    "Dad, is it our turn yet?" Little Qi asked impatiently


    Jiang Yuan replied, "It should be our turn soon. There''s still five more people ahead of us."


    Little Qi said angrily, "Why are they so slow? Tell them to hurry up!"


    Beside them, Jiang Yuan''s secretary suddenly called out loudly, "Director Jiang, let Little Qie over to this line. It''s my turn over here!"


    "OK." Jiang Yuan let Little Qi run along.


    After a short while, a young staff member from Central TV Department 1 nking him fawned, "Director Jiang,e over to my line. I''ve got a spot for you!"


    Jiang Yuan did not stand on ceremony as the console with the demo was coincidentally situated right beside his son. He strolled over casually and picked up the mouse to apany his son to test out the game.


    Innermost of the booth.


    A woman who was in charge of the booth for nts vs. Zombies finally freed up some time to wee the media. "Hello, everyone. Sorry to have kept you waiting. I will start epting interviews from the media now." Looking at her, she seemed very excited, probably because she hadn''t expected such an explosive scene today. She had just gotten off the phone a moment ago after making several calls to report to thepany on the situation here.


    At this moment, more than 15 media outlets surrounded her!


    They included those from the video game magazines, newspaper firms, and even Central TV!


    A reporter from one of the top video game magazines in the country quickly kicked off the interview. "This is just the first day of this year''s National C-G Gaming Expo, but yourpany''s game is already getting all the headlines. You''re even outssing other titles like Spiritual Realms: The First War, The Immortals Descend, and other anticipated MMO and RPG titles that the gamers were looking forward to for a long time now. It could be said that this is the greatest dark horse to emerge in this year''s National Gaming Expo! Can you let us know if you all had anticipated this?"


    The manager smiled and said, "Ourpany is extremely confident about our game, but honestly��" Her eyes swept across the booth. She gave a wry smile and continued, "��we really hadn''t expected this at all. Thank you, everyone, for your love!"


    A reporter from the newspaper firm hurriedly asked, "How much money did you all invest into the game?"


    The manager hesitated for a moment. "I can only say it was in the tens of millions."


    A media reporter from Beijing asked, "I tried out the game just now, and it''s absolutely amazing. Our country''s puzzle games are still only in the infancy of development, but to suddenly have a product that is so amazing pop up from nowhere, can you exin to us how you all did it? Isn''t this leap too great? What inspired yourpany to create this nts vs. Zombies?"


    Hearing this, the manager could only smile. "Regarding the inspiration, I actually don''t know about it either."


    "Ah?" The media personnel were all taken aback by this reply.


    The surrounding gamers were also in disbelief when they heard that. You don''t know about it either? The fuck? You''re the publisher! If you of all people do not know, then who would?


    The managerughed and said, "This game was actually done with the aid of a patron."


    "Patron?"


    "What patron?"


    "Can you rify what you mean by that?"


    Nobody could understand this exnation.


    ...


    Not far from them.


    Little Qi was pping and eximing, "This is so fun! Dad, this game is way too much fun!"


    Also surprised, Jiang Yuan yed two stages andmented, "Yes, this game is indeed different from other puzzle games. Even I, who has almost never yed any games before, got the hang of it quite quickly, hur hur. This game is really quite interesting! Quite interesting!"


    Even the director enjoyed ying it?


    Jiang Yuan''s secretary immediately observed, "Director Jiang, your evaluation of the game is spot on. This game truly is very enjoyable to y and easy to get the hang of. It suits people of all ages, whether they''re young or old!"


    Another person from Central TV Department 1 remarked, "I didn''t know that puzzle games could also be this much fun!"


    The person from Central TV Department 1 who had earlier shed with Ha Qiqi and the others said, "When it gets released, I''ll be buying a copy for my son. He will definitely love this game."


    Little Qi said, "Dad, I want one too!"


    Jiang Yuan smiled. "Sure, I''ll buy it for you. Even I''m getting interested in this game after ying it. A game is just like a TV show. It depends on how innovative it is, which is where this game excels in. I wonder whichpany created this game that even got me interested even though I don''t usually y games."


    Zhang Ye looked over.


    When they heard Jiang Yuan, his secretary, and the rest of the group praising the game nonstop, Ha Qiqi, Little Wang, and the others who were standing outside shot them a nce.


    But suddenly, the next line from the manager who was taking questions from the reporters about nts vs. Zombies astonished everyone at the scene!


    In the face of all the media outlets'' microphones and cameras, the manager chuckled and said, "The patron. Well, since I was justing to it, let me make use of this chance to make an announcement here. nts vs. Zombies will officially beunched next week, and for the endorsement of the game, we have already discussed with a big shot celebrity. That person is Teacher Zhang Ye, who will be acting as our spokesperson." Before the crowd could react, she threw out another bombshell of an announcement. "Teacher Zhang also happens to be the patron I just mentioned. I myself really do not know what inspired this game, because it was all from Teacher Zhang Ye. He contributed to the game''s name, nts vs. Zombies, the character models, the graphics palette, technical support, mathematical attributes, level designs, and many other things. The entire concept of the game was by Teacher Zhang Ye, so you can say that this game was a coboration project between Teacher Zhang Ye and ourpany!"


    At that moment, the entire venue burst into an uproar!


    "What?"


    "Damn! Teacher Zhang came up with the concept?"


    "Ah?"


    "Fuck, is this for real?"


    "Did Zhang Ye cross over to the video game industry as well?"


    "What the hell!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye again? It''s Zhang Ye again?"


    The media was stunned!


    The gamers were dumbfounded!


    No one knew how to react anymore!


    Ha Qiqi was staring with her eyes wide!


    Little Wang stared dumbfounded at Zhang Ye, who was next to her!


    Wu Yi shouted out "fuck" and went into shock!


    Then, after the shock, Ha Qiqi, Wu Yi, and the others suddenly turned their sights in unison to Jiang Yuan, his secretary, and the entire group who were still ying the nts vs. Zombies demo. They looked at them without batting an eyelid!


    Jiang Yuan''s face turned green!


    Jiang Yuan''s secretary let out a swear and dropped the mouse in his hand!


    The other Central TV Department 1 staff, who were just praising how good this game was, were all staring at each other with their mouths agape. Their faces flushed red and paled at the same time, their expressions looking somewhat distorted!


    Zhang Ye''s?


    Having praised the game so much, they discovered now that this game was created by Zhang Ye?


    Suddenly, a few gamers in the crowd suddenly cried out.


    "Eh, look at that person who''s ying the game! Why does he look so familiar?"


    "Eh? Isn''t, isn''t that the person who was fighting thewsuit with Zhang Ye?"


    "Oh, I remember, I remember! I saw him on television a few days ago. He is Jiang Yuan, the Deputy Director of Central TV Department 1! The Central TV Department 1 executive who did not issue Teacher Zhang''s sry to him, and even tried to steal his copyright!"


    "Surely not? He was really enjoying the game just now and even praising it to the high heavens."


    "Yes, that''s him! That''s definitely him!"


    Jiang Yuan: "��"


    His secretary: "��"


    When those words were said, the entire venue quieted down. Everyone was staring at Jiang Yuan and the people from Central TV Department 1 with subtle looks in their eyes!


    Silence!


    Dead silence!


    At this moment, it was as though the sound of face smacking was reverberating out from nowhere, as the invisible hand smacked across the faces of Jiang Yuan, his secretary, and their group of people!!


    Ha Qiqi mouth twitched.


    Little Wang held in herughter until her face turned red!


    The Central TV cameraman who was holding the camcorder up for the interview was also dumbfounded, as he stood still where he was!


    Wu Yi also stood there in amazement for the longest time. He had seen before how Director Zhang face-smacked others, but this was the first time he was witnessing such a harsh face-smacking!


    This was far too ruthless!


    This face-smacking was so hard that it nearly left its victims shitting in their pants!!


    Right now, Jiang Yuan only had one thought. If there was a sewage pipe in the ground, he would have definitely crawled inside to escape all this!


    Zhang!


    Fuck your grandpa!!!

 Chapter 762: How lively it was!

    <h4>Chapter 762: How lively it was! </h4>


    Chapter 762: How lively it was!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Zhang Ye became famous!


    nts vs. Zombies also became famous!


    And yes, even Central TV Department 1''s Deputy Director Jiang Yuan became famous along with them!


    ...


    Monday morning.


    Zhang Ye arrived at Central TV Tower for work. However, he discovered that his colleagues of Central TV Department 1 gazed in awe at him. Those who usually stayed an arm''s length away from him were now avoiding him like the gue. It was as if anyone who walked within ten meters of Zhang Ye''s vicinity would experience an imminent disaster. Among all of them, it was the Central TV Department 1 staff who behaved the most prominently in this manner, looking like they couldn''t want for more than to stay at least a hundred meters away from him!


    Zhang Ye was made speechless by this, thinking to himself that they must be insane. Did you guys really think that I had deliberately wanted to smack the face of Central TV Department 1''s Deputy Director? It was just his bad luck that he appeared in the wrong ce at the wrong time, so what could I have done?


    Thinking back on the scene that happened at the Gaming Expo, Zhang Ye couldn''t help but find it funny, too.


    Jiang Yuan was indeed very unlucky. To be fair, Zhang Ye hadn''t really nned on giving him a face-smacking; he hadn''t even intended to do so. That was because all he could think of that day was the reception nts vs. Zombies would get, so how could he have been bothered by anything else? Yet Jiang Yuan had to bring his people along and put themselves in the line of fire. It was just a coincidence that on this asion, the venue and the setting of everything was "just right." So who could be med for what had happened?


    By now, news of this incident had spread throughout Central TV.


    At the main entrance, in the elevators, in the offices, this topic was constantly brought up in discussions.


    "Who did you think Director Jiang has offended this time!"


    "Pfft, looks like this incident has really blown up quite a lot!"


    "Be quiet, don''t let people hear us talking about this."


    "I know; everyone knows that."


    "Hai, Central TV Department 1''s Jiang Yuan has really suffered a big loss of face this time. How many times does he have to suffer a downfall at Zhang Ye''s hands? The face smacking he received��even I''m beginning to feel painful on Director Jiang''s behalf!"


    "Yeah, I saw it on the news yesterday. Even though the footage was focused on the manager of the nts vs. Zombies booth, Director Jiang, his secretary, and some other people of Central TV Department 1 could all be seen on the left side of the shot. At that time, Director Jiang was even ying nts vs. Zombies with a delighted expression, having fun as he tried out the game. He looked like he was full of praise for the game. When I reyed it a few times to watch again, I felt the pain as well! It was too painful! The pain from that p on the face is unlikely to fade for Director Jiang and the others for several months at least!"


    "Yeah, I agree. So many of the people at the station who saw the footage cried withughter. This is really going to be fun to watch from now. How do you think Central TV Department 1 will get out of the embarrassing situation this time?!"


    "They can''t!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang isn''t called Face-smacking Zhang for nothing!"


    "But it''s really not Zhang Ye''s fault this time. It was seriously bad luck on the part of Director Jiang. He put himself into that situation!"


    "Let''s stop talking about this already. If we go on any longer, I won''t be able to hold it in anymore and will feel likeughing. Just how on earth could it be so coincidental!"


    "Zhang Ye too. How did he end up going to the video game industry and stirring up something again!?"


    "Since Central TV Department 1 has already put him into cold storage, what else can he do except take up another side job?"


    "I heard that the game is really fun to y!"


    "That''s right. A colleague from my office went to the Expo. And I quote directly from him: ''I''ve never seen such a ssic puzzle game before.''��His praise for it was that high!"


    "That Teacher Zhang, he''s really a godly person!"


    "He might be a godly person, but we better steer clear from him to be safe rather than sorry!"


    "Yeah, that guy is gonna tear Central TV Department 1 apart soon!"


    Suddenly, a car arrived outside.


    The people who were just arriving for work were slightly startled. They immediately stopped their discussions!


    "It''s Director Jiang''s car!"


    "Shh, the main character has arrived!"


    "Let''s stop talking!"


    Even though no one said anything, they could not help but turn their attention Jiang Yuan''s face as he got out from his car!


    It was an extremely stern expression!


    Other than being stern, there were no traces of any other emotions on his face!


    At first, this stern expression helped in his show of strong mental fortitude. However, after he got out of his car and noticed countless eyes focused on him��even with over a decade of experience as a boss who had acquired a thick skin��he couldn''t help but lose his footing while dropping his stern expression!


    "What are you all looking at?" Jiang Yuan shouted, getting angry from the embarrassment!


    Everyone dispersed immediately.


    His driver, also his secretary, got out from the driver''s seat afterwards and was also visibly angry, so much so that his neck even turned red!


    How embarrassing!


    This was too damn embarrassing!


    If not for the exception of a meeting today, the secretary would surely have asked for the day off. In all his life, he had never felt so embarrassed. He was even shown on television as they got hit with a resounding p under the watchful eyes of all the citizens in the country. No matter how thick their skins were, they couldn''t take such a forceful p!


    ...


    Upstairs.


    When Zhang Ye stepped into the office, he heard Ha Qiqi, Little Zhang, and the others gossiping.


    Little Wangughed loudly. "It''s sucks that you guys didn''t go. You missed a once-in-a-lifetime show!"


    Wu Yi said, "The images and scenes at that time, well, they would really be difficult to describe in words! We went to visit the Expo with Director Zhang, but who could have expected to witness a face smacking as well! That trip was well worth it! He worth it!"


    Zhang Zuo regretfully patted his thighs. "I didn''t go because I''m not interested in games. Aiya, if I had known, I would have gone even if my whole body were broken!"


    Those from the program team who did not go to the National C-G Gaming Expo all badly regretted it. The way they had been treated by Central TV Department 1 in recent days could be seen by everyone. As such, they were so angered that they already had a list of grievances they could not air, and hated Jiang Yuan and the rest of the executives. Now that such an incident had urred, it brought them great joy. But the only awful thing was that they didn''t witness this face smacking with their own eyes. This gave them a great deal of regret!


    Suddenly, someone interrupted, "Whole body broken? Wouldn''t that just make you cremains?"


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Haha, Director Zhang is here!"


    "Director Zhang, quickly tell us about that event!"


    "Yeah, how the hell could they be so unlucky!"


    Seeing that Zhang Ye had arrived, everyone was even more fired up.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I don''t know why they were so unlucky either."


    Zhang Zuo quickly asked, "Then how did you get into video game development?"


    Zhang Ye casually answered, "A friend asked me for help, so I just did them a favor."


    "Just doing a simple favor like that has probably caused a bigmotion in the gaming industry!" Ha Qiqi said tteringly, "Right now, on the Inte and in the media, everyone is discussing nts vs. Zombies!"


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Is that so?"


    Little Wang said, "Just have a look for yourself online!"


    When he went back into his own office, Zhang Ye had Little Wang get him a cup of tea and then turned on hisputer to browse the Inte. Sure enough, news of the game was raging like a storm online!


    There were already plentiful of reviews of the game, nts vs. Zombies, and analyses of its items. The demo of the game was releasedst night over the Inte and the number of downloads was constantly increasing!


    "It''s truly a good game!"


    "Rmending it with my life on the line!"


    "How cool, this is how a game should be!"


    "Yes, after I finished ying nts vs. Zombies, when I take a look at all the puzzle games that I yed in the past, I find that those games were really out to scam us and take us for a ride!"


    "A product of Zhang Ye''s! Is surely a product of good faith!"


    "Why did Zhang Ye jump over to develop games now!"


    "That guy has never done things by the book. Who knows what goes on in his head? Though I am appreciative that he chose to be such a jack of all trades this time! Otherwise, from where would we get such a good game?"


    "Actually, I was wondering at the start why such a good puzzle game could have originated from a domestic video gamepany. I knew that our domestic market did not have the capabilities to create something like that. But it was only after I watched the news that I realized the game was actually produced by Zhang Ye himself. Only then did it dawn on me that a puzzle game of this standard could only havee from the mind of Zhang Ye! Did you guys read the firsthand reviews by videogames? They gave nts vs. Zombies a score of 9.9 out of 10! It''s the top score in the history of puzzle games!"


    "Videogamereviews also gave them 9.8!"


    "I''m just waiting for the official release of the game now!"


    "Yeah, whatever scores it gets are all for nothing. What matters most is still its sales. I heard that it will beunched in another two days. I wonder how it will fare."


    "A creation of Zhang Ye''s will surely do well!"


    "That''s right. Just based on Zhang Ye''s name on this game, I''ll definitely buy it!"


    Online, the video game fans were apuding the game with wave after wave!


    As the celebrity spokesperson of nts vs. Zombies, Zhang Ye would naturally do his best for it. After logging into Weibo, he immediately posted a promotional review regarding the game.


    Meanwhile.


    News of the game was appearing all over the ce!


    "Puzzle gamees out on top at National C-G Gaming Expo!"


    "Reviews of nts vs. Zombies are out! Likely to set off a flurry of domestically produced puzzle games!"


    "Zhang Ye makes his move into the gaming industry!? Citizens express their shock!"


    "Even before hiswyer qualification certificate has been filed away, Zhang Ye breaks into the gaming industry!"


    "Zhang Ye: A versatile celebrity?"


    Of course, there were also some tabloids that were fearless and unafraid of trouble, daring to write any kind of headline!


    ��"Central TV Department 1''s Deputy Director Jiang Yuan drops by personally to support Zhang Ye''s new game. Pictures included!"


    ��"Approving even after losing a court case. A leader''s love for his employee!"


    ��"Face-smacking Zhang smacks faces again, Jiang Yuan flees with his minions from Gaming Expo!"


    ��"Central TV Department 1 begins cing him in cold storage, but Zhang Ye strikes with another p across Department 1''s face!"


    There were all kinds of headlines!


    How lively it was!

 Chapter 763: Launch Day!

    <h4>Chapter 763: Launch Day! </h4>


    Chapter 763: Launch Day!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Noon.


    Fat Sis called him.


    Zhang Ye had just finished eating lunch at the cafeteria and was taking the elevator to go upstairs. In the face of several of his Central TV Department 1 colleagues who saw him as the god of gue while looking down and whispering to each other, Zhang Ye was not affected by it and did not bother them. When he reached his floor, he got out from the elevator alone and answered the call.


    Zhang Ye: "Fat Sis."


    The moment Fat Sis started to speak, she no longer addressed Zhang Ye the same as before. It was bing even more casual now. "Zhang''er, the demo of our game has created a big ssh!"


    Zhang Yeughed: "Haha, I saw it."


    Fat Sis was very emotional. "Right now, the public media is promoting our game for free, I guess this is all down to your influence. Those reporters and media outlets all seem to shoot up whenever a story gets linked to you! The gamers are also giving you a lot of face. When they heard that you were the game''s designer, they were all very supportive of it! In the past, Big Sis did not know how many fans you had, but looking at it now, it seems like you really have a lot of fans!"


    Zhang Ye: "Everyone''s just giving me a little face."


    Fat Sis: "The game will officially beunched three dayster!"


    Zhang Ye: "OK. I''m just waiting for that day toe."


    Fat Sis: "The entirepany is looking forward to it as well! What are your expectations of the sales?"


    Zhang Ye: "What is the distribution method?"


    Fat Sis: "For thepany''s previous game, we did it the traditional way by distributing the game by physical CD-ROMs. As a result, we suffered a loss on our base costs, so let''s not mention that anymore, fuck! This time around, we will definitely not do that again, since I can see that sales of physical media is just going to go downhill. This is the world of the Inte now, so the distribution of nts vs. Zombies will be via Inte downloads. The download itself is free and will be free to y for three days, but after that, there will be a requirement to register to purchase a serial code. However, we''ve been thinking about what to set the price as for a long time now. We feel that a price between 5 and 15 RMB would be more suitable, but that has not been decided yet, so I would like to listen to your opinion about this."


    Zhang Ye thought over it for a bit and replied: "Then let''s set it at 5 RMB. A higher price would affect the poprity of the game, so why don''t we go for quantity over profit margins? Andy the foundations for this game first? With a solid foundation for the game, there will be other ways to seek profit in the future."


    "Eh, based on what you''re saying, do you mean that there will be a nts vs. Zombies 2?"


    "That''s a must."


    "Hahaha! Good!"


    "Let''s not get too ahead of ourselves now. Nothing is confirmed as of now."


    "I understand. We''ve alreadyid out all the preparations, so now, it all depends on thisst step! Thepany has put everything on this; we even took out a loan for it. If nts vs. Zombies does not sell well, then thepany will have to be shuttered!"


    "Damn, surely it won''te to that, Fat Sis!"


    "I know, I''m just readying myself for the worst case scenario! But I, of course, have also made ns for the best case scenario, haha!"


    After putting down the phone, Zhang Ye went back to his office and sat down, crossing his legs. In his mind, he went through the entire process once over. Generally speaking, he was quite optimistic and was full of confidence for this game, nts vs. Zombies. He distinctly understood that this game had a good lead on all of this world''s puzzle games, which had been verified by the video game market in his previous world. But even though the game was good, the sales figures definitely wouldn''t mirror that of the original''s. This world had its own rules and also slight differences.


    For example, the distribution channels.


    The debut country of the game''s release.


    The business model.


    Both worlds had its differences and Zhang Ye could only guarantee a 95% simrity in game replication of nts vs. Zombies from his previous world. But he could not dictate the distribution channels and regions in ordance to his previous world. He did not have the power to do so either. This was a game that was made by foreigners in his previous world, but he couldn''t possibly choose tounch this game in an overseas market first, right? As such, Zhang Ye could only do his best and leave the rest to the market forces!


    Have crossed into a new industry this time, Zhang Ye was undoubtedly cing great importance on this game, knowing that he couldn''t afford to make a mistake. Having been put into the freezer for so many days now by Central TV Department 1, his poprity was already slipping. Right now, he could only depend on nts vs. Zombies to help him achieve another rise in his poprity! In the B-list Celebrity Rankings, thepetition at this level was so fierce that an industry outsider couldn''t understand it. If a celebrity was a B-lister, their name would be very well-known to the people. Basically, more than half the country''s people would have heard of or been able to say their names. This was a level of stardom that had an established fan base, so the unpredictability in standings was also greater. Who knew when one of these B-list celebrities might suddenly get a break in their acting career and star in a popr movie with a box office earnings of over 1 billion RMB? If that happens, their poprity would surely skyrocket. It wasn''t an umon or unusual urrence at all. Zhang Ye naturally knew this and understood the principle of not progressing but instead regressing in poprity. In the world of entertainment, what did peoplepete on? To put it bluntly, it was just apetition of poprity. Zhang Ye could not let himself have no progress at all!


    ...


    On Weibo.


    A group of haters suddenly appeared out of nowhere, discussing about things that were about Zhang Ye but were targeted at discrediting nts vs. Zombies instead!


    "Are you all blind? What''s so fun about this game!"


    "Just look at the graphics and you''ll know. It''s such a rubbish game!"


    "nts fighting zombies? That''s a bunch of nonsense!"


    "Only a retard would y this type of games!"


    "If this game''s sales cross 500,000 RMB, I will jump off a building!"


    "Haha, you''re thinking too much. 500,000? If it even gets 200,000, they would beughing already! Don''t be taken in by those video game magazines that praised the game to the high heavens after trying out the demo. When it gets released and sold, not many people will bother to buy it! Even if anyone wants to y, everyone would rather download the game after it has been cracked and pirated!"


    "When a person gets popr, gossip will fly." This saying applied to games too.


    Quite a number of supporters of nts vs. Zombies immediatelyunched a counterattack, and both groups of people started ming each other!


    ...


    It was bustling with activity online, but it was not quiet at other ces either.


    Like in the entertainment circle, many of the industry insiders were following this matter very closely. They talked about all sorts of things in private.


    "I don''t even know what to say anymore!"


    "Why did this guy go and dabble in games now?"


    "I''ve nevere across such a disreputable celebrity before. He''s totally unpredictable!"


    "Hur hur, I think I already understand what''s going on. Zhang Ye''s main profession is actually being a jack of all trades. Starting fromst year, I couldn''t quite figure out what Zhang Ye''s main profession is! But then again��this nts vs. Zombies game is really very fun! Zhang Ye might have offended lots of people before, but he''s still a really capable person, I gotta admit that!"


    ...


    The gaming industry was also getting noisy.


    "That Zhang Ye is already a big shot celebrity, so why did he stille over to try and take our jobs?"


    "Who knows what that guy is thinking!"


    "This game is being praised by everyone right now, but the sales might not necessarily turn out well. The market for our domestically produced games is rather weak right now, especially in the puzzle game genre which just built itself up not too long ago. Although everyone has said many good things about nts vs. Zombies, and have built up a lot of anticipation, the domestic game market has always been rampant with piracy. It''s mainly foreign video gamepanies and publishers dominating the market, so if we''re hoping that a domestically produced puzzle game can stand out in this market? Difficult! It is going to be extremely difficult!"


    "Indeed, the sales figures probably won''t be too high."


    "But it''s still a good start. At least our country can still produce a puzzle game that we''re proud to show off. Even if it is fails, it''s fine. This is still a moral victory for us!"


    "That''s right. There definitely has to be someone to open up the market for our domestic games! Even if it gets loses money!"


    "We can only wish them luck on their release!"


    "The sales might not turn out badly either. Who knows? Our domestically produced game might be able to create a miracle this time! Who is to say that our domestically made games will always perform worse than foreign games?"


    There were also some unfriendly voices against nts vs. Zombies in the gaming industry, but the majority of the industry professionals still strongly supported it. In fact, the CEOs and game designers of several video gamepanies even publicly showed their support for nts vs. Zombies on Weibo by giving Likes and forwarding it. It was very rare that Zhang Ye''s crossover into another industry was not met with a call for boycott or doubt, but instead received the blessings of countless video game industry professionals!


    The reason was simple. Due to the current state of the domestic gaming industry, domestic games basically weren''t mainstream. They only ounted for about a quarter of the market share. The rest was dominated by foreign video gamepanies. Those who were selfish might think that Zhang Ye was here to steal their jobs, but anyone with a little bit ofmon sense would know that it wasn''t the time for an internal conflict in the domestic gaming industry. For only a quarter market share, what was there to fight for? Even if someone won the fight, so what? What they needed to do now was get the market share back from the foreignpanies, and with Zhang Ye''s astounding puzzle game, this was their chance to carve out a bigger market for domestic games and also an opportunity to increase the size of the pie!


    This battle was not only for Zhang Ye to fight alone.


    This battle was between all domestic games fighting against the intrusion of foreign games!


    Theypersons watched the buzz, while professionals examined the skills! Almost all the industry professionals in the gaming industry had given the demo of nts vs. Zombies a try, while some of them had yed it over and over to research it. Although this was just a demo and the full version of the game had not yet been seen by anyone else, just this tip of the iceberg had already given them a boost. If they had to pick a game topete against the foreign games, then from the creativity, graphics, gamey, and many other aspects of the game, it was without a doubt only nts vs. Zombies that would stand a chance. All of the video game industry professionals had very high expectations for it and thoroughly anticipated the day the game would beunched!


    They wanted to see what kind of results that famous and legendary Zhang Ye could bring after crossing over into their industry!


    The industry professionals were all waiting to see what would happen!


    The media was looking to fan the mes of hype!


    The gamers were all gearing up in anticipation!


    The focus of everyone, nts vs. Zombies was about to usher in itsunch day!

 Chapter 764: Rave reviews!

    <h4>Chapter 764: Rave reviews! </h4>


    Chapter 764: Rave reviews!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Launch day.


    It was still an hour away fromunch.


    In the morning, Zhang Ye held in his hands the documents that Fat Sis had sent to him. He went through it several times in earnest, analyzing the information for domestic sales of puzzle games in recent years. In the data, it not only included the domestically produced casual puzzle games, but also an abundance of foreign puzzle game titles.


    Flying Leopard.


    Casual domestic puzzle game.


    Price: Free.


    Sales numbers: 800 downloads onunch day.


    Kamikaze.


    Japanese turn-based strategy puzzle game.


    Price: 9 RMB for mobile version. Not avable for PC at the moment.


    Sales numbers: 16,000 downloads onunch day.


    Fishing Master 2.


    Country of origin: America.


    Price: 19 RMB for PC version, 6 RMB for mobile version.


    Sales numbers: 95,000 downloads onunch day.


    And so on.


    This was the current distribution of numbers for the casual domestic puzzle games in China. It could clearly be seen from the data of the 27 titles of games the disparity of the domestically made games to the foreign-made ones. The domestically made game, Flying Leopard, had apparently taken a year''s time and a cost of 10 million RMB to develop��and was temporarily free to y��only managed a figure of 800 downloads onunch day. Describing it as a miserable result was already a nice way to put it. Then, looking at the foreign-made games, most of the titles had downloads crossing 10,000 on their release days, with the best performer being Fishing Master 2, which built on the sess of Fishing Master 1. Its poprity showed with their market share in addition to receiving close to 100,000 downloads onunch day. With this momentum, Fishing Master 2''s sales figures would cross 1 million downloads in only a matter of time, and shouldn''t be difficult to achieve either.


    Of course, the results of Fishing Master 2 still couldn''t bepared with thoserge-scale, famous RPG series, among other popr titles. Nor should they be mentioned in the same breath, since how could youpare a game that was measured in megabytes to one that was measured in gigabytes? And that was the status of puzzle games. The Fishing Master series had an absolute dominance in the puzzle games genre, and was also one of the most popr puzzle games as well!


    After reading through the document, Zhang Ye had a heavy heart.


    The situation was grim!


    The domestic games market did not have much hope!


    Now, it just depended on how nts vs. Zombies would perform. Not only did he want to make a stand for himself, he also wanted to help domestically made games make a stand for themselves��Uh, although it was true that nts vs. Zombies itself was a foreign-made game to begin with, but then who would know about that in this world?


    Hmph!


    If this bro says that it is a domestically made game, then it is a domestically made game!


    You gonna bite me??


    ...


    The countdown toward the release began!


    Three minutes.


    Two minutes.


    One minute.


    At 8 AM, nts vs. Zombies was officiallyunched as the resources were made avable for download in this world, done in ordance to this world''s market conditions with a new method of distribution!


    Zhang Ye clicked to download the game. The inte speed was quite slow and the game that was only several hundred megabytes actually took five minutes to download and even got stuck at 90% downloaded. Sitting at hisputer, Zhang Ye did not feel like there was any progress at all. But unknown to him, at this moment, many other people were experiencing the same issue!


    At a game download website, an uproar kicked up in thements section!


    "Why can''t nts vs. Zombies be downloaded!? My gosh!"


    "Why don''t you try a different downloader? I can download the game!"


    "Me too, but it''s really slow!"


    "It''s slower than a cier! What''s going on!?"


    "Same for me, and I have a fucking 100 Mbps connection! But why does it feel like I am back in the era of dial-up? 5 kilobytes per second? Just how slow can it get!"


    "Fuck, there are too many people downloading this!"


    "Let''s switch to a mirror and try! There should be many other servers providing this game for download!"


    "Don''t bother, it''s all the same. I came over from a different server, but the speed over there is about the same. Hai, let''s just wait a while!"


    "Hahaha, my download is done! I''ll go ahead and y first!"


    "Fuck you, previous poster!"


    "*flips table*!"


    "What dogshit server is this!"


    "Who the hell is causing this inte slowdown in my home?"


    "It''s so slow that I''m crying!"


    There were countlessments!


    The swearing from tens of thousands of people was a very shocking sight!


    ...


    At Beijing Television Station.


    In the program team office of Do You Remember.


    A loud shout of surprise rang out in the office. "I seeded in downloading it!"


    It was Hou Ge. After his exmation, he quickly proceeded to install the game. It didn''t take long for the game to be installed. Within thirty seconds, he was at the game''s menu.


    In that moment, Dafei, Hou Di, Xiao Lu, and a few others all surrounded him immediately.


    Xiao Lu said in frustration, "We''re all on the samework! Why is my download taking so long?"


    Hou Ge chuckled, "It''s down to character, our character!"


    Dafei urged, "Hurry up and start the game!"


    Hou Di said, "I can''t wait any longer. Since this game was produced by Teacher Zhang, it definitely has to be fun! I''ve even resisted ying the demo!"


    Hou Ge clicked his mouse with a swagger. "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    The gamemenced!


    Unlike the demo, this full version of nts vs. Zombies did not bring the yer directly into the game mode. Instead, there was a tutorial mode to help yers be familiarized with game, and the game character that appeared to guide the yer made Xiao Lu, Dafei, and everyone else freeze!


    Was this Zhang Ye?


    An NPC?


    Crazy Zhang Ye?


    Looking at that 2D cartoon character that vaguely resembled like Zhang Ye, everyone suddenly didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    "Why is Teacher Zhang also appearing in the game as a guest character!"


    "Seems like this video gamepany really respects Teacher Zhang a lot."


    "No duh. This game was designed by Zhang Ye in the first ce. Do you think it would be difficult for him to make an appearance in it?"


    "Hehehe, Teacher Zhang''s pretty smart about it, even endorsing himself all the way into the game. Can you imagine if this game really blows up? How much would Teacher Zhang''s poprity increase by? This is goddamn equivalent to pervasive soft advertising for him. You can''t shut him out even if you wanted to!"


    "I was still wondering why Teacher Zhang crossed over to making games. So it was because he had ulterior motives instead. Who says that Teacher Zhang is being too much of a jack of all trades? In fact, I think that rather than a jack of all trades, he knows exactly what he is doing. Even though taking the bar exam and making games do not seem like logical moves, all those activities actually affect his poprity and exposure to the media!"


    "Stop rambling and just y the game!"


    ...


    Peking University.


    School had reopened, but on this day, the campus was quieter than usual. The people who would usually take a stroll beside the artificialke were nowhere to be seen.


    Some students who were passing by the area were surprised at this.


    "Eh, why is it so quiet around here today?"


    "Everyone''s in their dorms."


    "In their dorms? Aren''t they going to get breakfast?"


    "Don''t you know? Today is theunch day of nts vs. Zombies!"


    "Aiyo! It''s today?"


    "So do you understand now? Teacher Zhang has always been good to us in the past, teaching us his knowledge and leading us to scold the foreign dignitaries. Even during the recent student recruitment, he helped Peking University stop Tsinghua University''s antics. Knowing this, who among us do not appreciate him? Who wouldn''t be moved? We don''t know when Teacher Zhang cane back to teach us. Since he''s releasing a new product now, we must support him even if it kills us! The Vice Chairman of the Student Council of Peking University and a few other officers of the council have already started calling on everyone to show their support for nts vs. Zombies!"


    "That''s right! I won''t acknowledge any teachers in the school except Zhang Ye!"


    "We must give our support! No two ways about it!"


    "Fuck, I better get back to my room then! I have to download the game and purchase a serial code as well!"


    ...


    At one of the female dormitories.


    Crosstalk actor Yao Jiancai''s daughter, Yao Mi, had already started ying nts vs. Zombies with a few of her friends. All that could be hearding from the dorm room were exmations,ughter, and excited voices.


    "Aiya, the zombie is approaching, it''s approaching!"


    "Are you stupid! nt the Peashooter!"


    "Haha, you got the zombie! Ah, another wave ising!"


    "Ah, I don''t have enough ''sun'' anymore! I have no resources!"


    "Why are you guys so terrible? I''ve already passed the third level!"


    Yao Mi was the first to pass the first three levels of the game. After she hadpleted the third level, a popup appeared and prompted her to enter a serial code. She needed to buy a serial code before she could continue ying. Without even hesitating, Yao Mi immediately made the payment online. It was only a few yuan, an amount that not too many people would care about. Afterwards, she continued clicking her mouse excitedly as she began the fourth level. The more she yed, the more addicted and excited she got!


    "This is so fun!"


    "I can''t stop at all!"


    "Mimi, tell us why our Teacher Zhang Ye is so awesome!"


    ...


    A video gamepany in Beijing.


    The Gaming Research Department employees had arrived early for work today. No one was idle as all of them were here to do the same thing: download nts vs. Zombies! Other people might y games for entertainment and leisure, but for them, it was for work, in order to learn from the experience of others.


    In the office, the game''s soundtrack reverberated.


    "Hai, the full version of the game is quite different from the demo!"


    "You''ve only just realized? There are so many game modes, but they''re still grayed out at the moment!"


    "The levels are also different. They''re much richer than in the demo. I was just mentioning that if the levels are just going to continue on so monotonously, the repetitive levels will surely cause gamey fatigue. But after I said that, the next level immediately went into night mode. There''s a difference in the strategy of fighting and the type of nts that can be nted in night mode aspared to day mode? How interesting!"


    "The person who designed this game must definitely be an expert! If you go on further in the game, there''s even a pool mode. Reading from the introduction, there''s also a roof mode. There are different strategies for fighting in each mode, so not only does that increase the yability of the game, it also does not cause gamey fatigue to the yer! Is��is this really a creation of Zhang Ye''s? Without seven or eight years of experience in game design, how can he possibly have grasped the mind of a yer so well? The demo was already amazing, but this full version is even better. Afterpleting a level, I want to go on to the next one immediately. I think that after this level, it''s be enough. But then somehow, I still go ahead and click to start the next level!"


    "If this game doesn''t go viral, I could never justify that!"


    "Zhang Ye is indeed just like his reputation!"


    "Who knows, nts vs. Zombies could really lead the charge for our domestically developed video games!"


    "This is such a godly game! It''s really too goddamn godly! There''s actually a day when our domestically made games coulde up with such a godly work!? How encouraging!"


    The industry insiders were exploding with excitement!


    The Inte also exploded withments from theizens!


    "This is so fun!"


    "So the demo really was just the tip of the iceberg!"


    "Is this really a game made by a domestic video gamepany? Did Zhang Ye reallye up with the entire design of this game? This is too incredible! I can''t believe this!"


    "A boost for our domestically made games!"


    "I''ve already rmended it to friends and rtives!"


    "This game truly is constantly full of surprises! The more I y it, the more fun I have!"


    There were also celebrities who posted on Weibo.


    A C-list singer named Wang Qiqi posted a link to nts vs. Zombies with the apanying words: "It''s so good I''m crying!"


    A movie star named Chen Qi posted: "Rmending a good game my friend rmended to me. It''s called nts vs. Zombies. Please support domestically made games!"


    Zhang Ye did not know those two people, neither had hee across them before. The reason for their rmendation posts was clearly because this game had truly touched them.


    Naturally, Zhang Ye''s friends did not idle around either.


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli highly rmended it!


    Yao Jiancai highly rmended it!


    Dong Shanshan highly rmended it!


    At the same time, the media was also making its moves!


    A few video game websites had already published their analyses and review of the full version of nts vs. Zombies. The reviews were very good, just like how the industry insiders rated it! Websites, newspapers, and other entertainment media''s reporters did not idle around either. A puzzle game that clearly had nothing to do with the entertainment circle had actually been pushed to the front page or into the headlines as the topic generated massive interest! It was like a wildfire!


    "An amazing, ssic domestically created puzzle game! "


    "Can Zhang Ye continue writing his cross-industry legend?"


    "Some industry insiders frank opinions: Not optimistic of nts vs. Zombies'' sale figures!"


    "Good but unable to attract an audience?"


    "A legend of a domestically made puzzle video game might have begun! "


    "Possibility of poor sales? Don''t be too pessimistic, don''t speak too soon, just remember! The creator of this game is��Zhang, Zhang Ye! "


    "The turnaround of domestically made video games? "

 Chapter 765: This guy…is actually a professor?

    <h4>Chapter 765: This guy��is actually a professor? </h4>


    Chapter 765: This guy��is actually a professor?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    The Inte was flooded with positivements!


    At home.


    After Zhang Ye finished ying a few levels of the game, he exited from it with great satisfaction. When he browsed through thements and news online, he was delighted. Seeing that everyone had actually given him so much face, he suddenly rolled up his sleeves and shook his hands about as a simple warm up. Without wasting any time, he got into his spokesperson of nts vs. Zombies mode immediately, except that this spokesperson��uh, kind of didn''t have much moral integrity!


    On Weibo.


    A D-list female actress with the Weibo handle of "Beautiful Little Fanghua" posted on Weibo with an attached picture of steamed buns and bean gruel: "What a sumptuous breakfast. Thank you, Mom. It''s so delicious I''m crying!"


    When the post was just submitted, the sofa was immediately snatched! [1.]


    Obviously, the female actress did not close Weibo straight after posting, but waited to see thements from theizens. Who could have expected that, just a second after she posted, someone immediatelymented on it!


    Whoa!


    Aren''t you reacting too quickly?


    That female actress giggled as she lowered her head to read, but she was shocked by what she saw!


    This name��


    This person��


    The person who snatched the sofa turned out to be a celebrity as well, the person who was the focus of attention everywhere, Zhang Ye! However, thement posted by him couldn''t be anymore shameless: "Shh, don''t make a sound, don''t make a sound. Let me quietly share with you a secret. There''s a new game called nts vs. Zombies that is extremely fun to y. I am telling you this, but don''t you go telling anyone else!"


    That female actress immediately felt overwhelmed by this. This was Zhang Ye! He was the infamous and most miraculous person in the entertainment industry right now! Although he had a terrible reputation, he was still a true B-list celebrity who was popr throughout the country. He was obviously not at the same levelpared to her, a small-time actress who hovered around in the D-list rankings. Seeing that it was the legendary Zhang Ye who snatched her sofa, she felt very ttered.


    She replied frantically: "This game rmended by Teacher Zhang must be fun!"


    Further down in thements, her fans were also shocked!


    "Ah? Teacher Zhang?"


    "Aiyo! We have met a god!"


    "Hahaha, Teacher Zhang, do you have any shame? This game is obviously made and endorsed by you, so should you be promoting your game in this way?"


    As they were messing around and joking there.


    Elsewhere, Zhang Yuanqi also had some activity on Weibo. She posted a picture of an airport. "I have just arrived after my flight. Thanks for the warm reception from my fans."


    However, the sofa was snatched by Zhang Ye again. "Shh, don''t make a sound, don''t make a sound. Let me quietly share with you a secret. There''s a new game called nts vs. Zombies that is extremely fun to y. I am telling you this, but don''t you go telling anyone else!"


    Zhang Yuanqi: "��"


    Her manager, Fang Weihong: "��"


    The two of them replied with a string of ellipses, showing how speechless they were!


    At yet another ce.


    Crosstalk actor Tang Dazhang, who had a great enmity with Zhang Ye, posted on Weibo: "The weather in Kunming is quite nice. It''s so enjoyable to perform here."


    Many of Tang Dazhang''s fans saw the update on Weibo at the first moment were ready to reply. But after they had just finishedmenting, they were shocked to find that they did not get the sofa. The firstment had actually appeared within two seconds of Tang Dazhang posting on Weibo!


    Aiya!


    Who was it that was so fast?


    Are you trying to take off from the runway?


    When they saw it, Tang Dazhang''s fans were all stunned. Isn''t that Zhang Ye, the fucking adversary of Teacher Tang Dazhang?!


    Zhang Ye posted: ""Shh, don''t make a sound, don''t make a sound. Let me quietly share with you a secret��"


    Tang Dazhang nearly vomited blood!


    Tang Dazhang''s fans: "...( *&^%^%...^#@! !"


    Zhang! Why are you shameless? Why are you so shameless? Back then, you derided Teacher Tang in the crosstalkpetition, yet you still have the cheek toe to Teacher Tang''s Weibo to promote your game?? How can you be so fucking shameless?! I''ve seen hooligans before, but I''ve never seen such a hooligan as you!


    Following that, another crosstalk actor who had a past grudge with Zhang Ye was struck by this misfortune!


    That crosstalk artist posted: "Recently, the weather has been cloudy and rainy. I can feel my arthritis acting up again."


    Zhang Ye once again snatched the sofa for this post. "Shh, don''t make a sound, don''t make a sound. Let me quietly share with you a secret��"


    That crosstalk artist: "��"


    From 9 AM to 10 AM, Zhang Ye snatched the "second floor" on more than 20 celebrities'' and public figures'' Weibo posts. All of them were the first reply to each post and the content was all the same. He used a sneaky tone that was employed in marketing talk for medicinal treatments to promote nts vs. Zombies!


    All the celebrities were totally lost for words!


    Theizens also fainted one after another!


    "Teacher Zhang! That''s enough, that''s really enough of you!"


    "Pfft, do you have to have such low moral integrity?!"


    "Damn, just how fast is your reaction speed?!"


    "I''m so shocked that I peed my pants! What the fuck is this reaction speed? He managed to snatch the sofa every time?"


    "Teacher Zhang, can you stop constantly appearing and disappearing so mysteriously?! How much of an endorsement fee did you actually receive? You''re working so hard! You''re being way too professional!"


    "Hahahahahahaha!"


    "Godly reaction speed!"


    "What the hell! Kneeling down!"


    "I''ve been shocked into a daze!"


    "Teacher Zhang, are you on drugs?!"


    They had seen celebrities doing promotions before and had also seen them sparing no effort and working hard to promote their works or products they''d endorsed. But Zhang Ye''s shameless promoting style was the first time everyone had witnessed something like this! This reallycked morals! It would have been fine if it was some average D- or E-list, small-time celebrities doing this, but you are a very well-known and famous big shot, B-list celebrity. Even within the fiercely contested industry like the entertainment circle, you belong in the top tier, so you��you are far��too��ah!


    However, Zhang Ye did not feel embarrassed at all and was still tirelessly going around to carry out the great cause of "snatching the sofa."


    In the following stretch of time, to the amazement of theizens, one after another, celebrities were met with Zhang Ye''s "violent sellout." The most impressive thing that left everyone full of admiration was how Zhang Ye always managed to snatch the sofa sessfully from under the noses of the celebrities'' millions of fans each time!


    If it happened one time, it might have been idental!


    If it happened two times, it might still have been idental!


    But what about 20 times? 50 times?


    Theizens and celebrities from the entertainment circle were shocked. First, they were shocked by the speed of Zhang Ye''s fingers. Second, they were shocked by his qualities of persistence and shameless perseverance!


    ...


    Shenzhen.


    At an entertainmentpany.


    A B-list female actress and singer, who had met with Zhang Ye''s "violent sellout" on Weibo earlier, turned to look at the staff member beside her with a stunned face. As she was not particrly familiar with Zhang Ye, she pointed with a nk expression at her cell phone screen showing the Weibo interface. "This guy��is actually a professor at Peking University?"


    The staff member smiled wryly. "Yes."


    The female actress asked again, "A literary artist?"


    The staff member eximed, "Yes."


    The female actress asked for the third time, "Part of the judiciary?"


    The staff member closed his eyes. "Yes."


    The actress wiped her sweat away and said, "I didn''t study much, so don''t try to fool me like that!"


    [1. In Chinesespeak, the OP is known as ''First Floor'', while the first toment is referred to as the ''Second Floor'', or ''SF''. When tranted to English, this acronym is sometimes referred to as ''sh�� f��'' which means sofa. Another exnation is that whenever a post is made, the first person to reply usuallyment with ''so fast'' which is usually irrelevant to the content posted, and just for the sake of getting first. Thus, ''so fast'' is simplified to sofa and when aizen snatches the sofa, it just means that they got the firstment or reply.]

 Chapter 766: Selling like crazy!

    <h4>Chapter 766: Selling like crazy! </h4>


    Chapter 766: Selling like crazy!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    There were traces of Zhang Ye all over Weibo!


    He was everywhere!


    He was like a shadow that followed you everywhere!


    The only reason he could snatch the "sofa" on these celebrities'' posts was naturally because he had a method to do so. First off, this fellow was a hacker, the most wanted hacker with the highest bounty in the world, so he definitely used some underhanded means to help himself snatch the sofa. Second, the key reason was because Zhang Ye''s hand movement speed was now a far cry from the past. Ever since he had eaten that many Fruits of Agility, his reaction speed had greatly improved. It was the same reason behind his reciting speed; his hand movement speed had also reached a peak. Therefore, nomonizen was able to snatch the sofa from him!


    Zhang Ye''s promotions had performed beyond expectation, with countlessizens watching on inughter. Regarding theunch of nts vs. Zombies, more and more people knew about it by now!


    "This joker!"


    "Zhang Ye''s messing around again, haha!"


    "Even though he has been put into the freezer, Teacher Zhang is still so entertaining every day!"


    "Is it really a fun game? I''ll go and try out nts vs. Zombies as well then!"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye!"


    "This promotional campaign is simply astonishing! I''m pretty sure there will be other celebrities doing the same in the future! It''s low cost, has a low barrier to entry, and has good effects. This campaign of Zhang Ye''s has really touched into a new field of advertising!"


    "It''s impossible. Who can imitate this style of promoting their products?"


    Such promotional techniques might look very straightforward and simple, but in fact, in the entire entertainment industry, only Zhang Ye alone could carry it out. Even if other people followed his strategy down to the letter to do their promotions, they couldn''t achieve much of an effect. The reason was simple. First, you needed to have the technique and speed to ensure that you could snatch the sofa sessfully. If yourments were a few pages down, who would notice? Even if people noticed, the effect wouldn''t be as great, so a majority of those who would want to use this method were already be eliminated. Second, you''d still need to be somewhat of a big shot to do this. A small-time celebrity couldn''t carry out such a method of promoting their products. If you were a D- or an E-list rookie and quite unknown in the entertainment circle, would you try and snatch the sofa of those big shot celebrities'' posts and use their tforms to promote your own works? This was obviously not going to earn you any fans. This way of doing things would only devalue the efforts; furthermore, it could possibly offend others. But if you were a big shot, then it probably wouldn''t happen this way, since even if everyone did not know each other personally, they would still give a certain amount of face to each other. Even with good hand movement speed and celebrity status, there was still the final requirement to manage something like that. That is, you''d need to have thick skin, reaching to the point of shamelessness!


    With arge enough celebrity status.


    With a quick enough hand movement speed.


    Add on shamelessness to that.


    ��None of those factors could be missing.


    The only person with these three qualities right now in the entertainment circle was Zhang Ye!


    That was why this promotional technique could only be managed by Zhang Ye and no one else!


    ...


    Noon.


    Zhang Ye''s antics finally caught the attention of the official Weibo staff. They had probably noticed him early on, but chose to let it slide at the beginning, thinking that his promotions for the game would stop soon after it started. But as it turned out, Zhang Ye did not even have to thought of stopping. From the morning, he had been snatching the sofas of posts, all the way until noon. It was as though his ount had turned into a sofa-snatching specialist ount. The Weibo staff found it both funny and annoying. They asked for instructions from their department leader, then grit their teeth as they issued a soft ban on Zhang Ye''s Weibo ount, stopping him from posting any further!


    The reason for the ban: Advertising spam!


    When Zhang Ye, who was at home, saw that he could no longer post anyments, he silently cursed under his breath and decided to stop since he had been banned. He shook his tired wrists and then went to get a ss of water. He was actually getting tired already.


    He had now done all he could!


    The rest was up to nts vs. Zombies itself now!


    ...


    At Fat Sis''pany, everyone was up to their ears with work!


    "Has Dayu Video not submitted the animated promotional trailer yet?"


    "Uh, they said that they''d get it done today, Fat Sis."


    "Go and hurry them up. I''ve already paid yet they''re not getting our jobs done? What the hell!"


    "Yes!"


    "Fat Sis, quickly have a look at Weibo. Teacher Zhang has been advertising everywhere on Weibo by stealing the sofa on those big shot celebrity posts for the past three hours. Hmm, he''s even sacrificed his ount and gotten a soft ban!"


    "Look at Teacher Little Zhang! Dedicated! He''s totally dedicated! Come on, everyone. We have to learn from Teacher Little Zhang and get things moving now! Today is theunch date of our new game, and an important day for the game. The results we''ll see in the future will all depend on the effort we put in today! No one should screw up at this critical juncture!"


    "Yes!"


    "Rest assured, Fat Sis!"


    Everyone replied in unison!


    Fat Sis asked, "Have the download numbers been calcted yet?"


    A person said, "Not yet, but Little Hu is already contacting those game download websites, since we don''t have ess to their data and can only get it from them one by one. In any case, even if we calcte the data, it''s only the statistics for the past four hours."


    Fat Sis said, "Four hours worth of data will provide enough of a clue on how we''re doing. The yers will only need to pay after the first three levels of the game. We''re only four hours into theunch now and there are still many yers who might have downloaded the gamete and not passed the third level yet, so there''s no point to look at the serial codes sold for now. It won''t be an urate reflection of the numbers, but the most important thing to know right now is still the number of downloads and poprity of the game. The number of people who download, the number of ounts created��those are the most direct and the most reliable numbers we can check, and those are what I want to know. I will only be able to stop worrying if it can exceed Fishing Master 2''s number of downloads!"


    "Alright, I will go and hurry Little Hu up!"


    "Go on!"


    Fishing Master 2 was this year''s most popr puzzle game, and since their game was also in the same genre, they definitely had to use it forparison. Fishing Master 2''sunch day downloads numbered close to 100,000, which was the figure for the 24-hour window. So if their nts vs. Zombies could manage around 20,000 downloads in a four-hour window, then they could say they had seeded. If it outperformed and got close to 30,000 downloads during that time frame, then they could say for sure that their game had brought some vindication to domestically made games by outdoing Fishing Master 2''s results!


    But how did they do?


    No one knew at this moment!


    Everyone was desperately busy and feeling very nervous. Whether theirpany could be revived all depended on this day. Thepany had bet everything it had on this release!


    Suddenly, a scream sounded from the office across theirs!


    "Fat Sis! Fat Sis!" It was Little Hu from the Operations Department!


    Everyone looked over at that instant!


    Only to see the office door bursting open and Little Hu stumbling into the office. As she was running too quickly, she did not watch her step and even bumped into the door frame, making her clench her teeth in pain, but not enough to slow her pace, as she ran into the office. She held the data documents with excitement, looking overwhelmed!


    Fat Sis quickly asked, "Is it out already?"


    Little Hu said with a pant, "It''s, it''s out!"


    Fat Sis immediately asked, "How many downloads? Speak, quick!"


    A deputy CEO of thepany also asked anxiously, "Spit it out, Little Hu. How many downloads are we up to at this moment?"


    Everyone''s eyes were fixed on her.


    Little Hu''s face was flushed, not from the running, but from her excitement as she waved the documents in her hands and said, "The number of downloads for the four hours afterunch is��47,000!"


    When everyone heard this, therge office suddenly burst out in jubtion!


    "47,000?"


    "Heavens!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "It''s a sess! We did it! We really did it!"


    "Why are my eyes turning red? I think I''m gonna cry!"


    "We''ve returned back to business this time! It''s a hit!"


    "Teacher Zhang is way too amazing! I''d said that this game would be no problem! That it would definitely be popr!"


    "In the future, let''s see who still dares to look down on our domestically made video games!"


    Everyone was yelling in surprise!


    Someone even threw all the documents in their hands up into the air!


    They were all too excited and no one could control their emotions!


    Even thepany CEO, Fat Sis, had tears in her eyes. She smacked her hand on the table and repeatedly shouted, "Good! Good! Good!"


    Thepany''s Deputy CEO nearly shed a tear as he said in a trembling voice, "47,000 downloads in four hours. Then wouldn''t that mean we would definitely surpass Fishing Master 2''s 100,000 downloads after 24 hours?"


    However, just as they were all celebrating, Little Hu from Operations interjected, "No! No! Fat Sis, CEO Chen, it''s not like that!"


    Everyone froze.


    The Deputy CEO said, "What do you mean by ''it''s not like that''?"


    Fat Sis was also scowling. "Did you report the wrong statistics to us?"


    "Ah?" Everyone thought that this better not be it, otherwise they''d have been happy for nothing!


    Little Hu hurriedly waved her hands and said anxiously, "No, I haven''t reported it wrong! It''s, it''s just that you all understood it incorrectly!" She quickly handed over the documents to Fat Sis. "The 47,000 downloads in four hours are not our game''s total downloads, b-but the figures from just one of the game download websites, called 77gaming dot! I still have not managed to get ahold of the other websites for their number of downloads! They have not sent those over to us yet!"


    When she said those words, the entire office fell silent!


    Fat Sis was startled. "Say that again?"


    Little Hu said, "This is just one of the websites'' download statistics!"


    The Deputy CEO looked shocked, "D-did you get it wrong?"


    Little Hu wiped away her sweat. "I thought it was calcted incorrectly too, so I asked 77gaming dot several times for it, but the numbers they sent to us were always the same!"


    Silence!


    It was silent again!


    47,000 downloads was just one figure from the website of apany among several dozen otherpanies? No one could believe this! Because��because this was too frightening to be true! If it were real, then the figures were totally unimaginable!


    Fat Sis gasped, "Let''s go! Lead the way!"


    Little Hu knew that they did not believe her, so she quickly led everyone over to the Operations office to "reconcile" the data.


    The other employees could no longer be bothered with the work they had on hand. They marched over to the Operations office together and filled that office entirely, both on the inside and outside!


    Fat Sis personally handled this matter, even calling 77gaming''s manager to verify the situation. In the end, the statistics were verified to be true! There was nothing wrong with the numbers. On top of that, during the time she spoke with them, the internal calction at 77gaming for nts vs. Zombies'' total downloads had already gone up to 50,000!


    Fat Sis put down the phone dumbfounded.


    All thepany''s employees were also dumbfounded, not saying anything for a long time!


    Then, gradually, all the other partner websites began sending over their download statistics!


    Fenghe: 30,000 downloads!


    A certain download host: 70,000 downloads!


    A certain software search engine: 26,000 downloads!


    Etc, etc, etc!


    These were all the statistics for the four-hour window sinceunch!


    Just four hours worth of data!


    It was selling like crazy!!


    nts vs. Zombies��was selling like crazy!!!

 Chapter 767: Steamrolled!

    <h4>Chapter 767: Steamrolled! </h4>


    Chapter 767: Steamrolled!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    "Is that real?"


    "Oh my god!"


    "These statistics are too exaggerated!"


    "Aren''t, aren''t we defying all logic with this?"


    "I have a hunch that ourpany is going to create a shockwave both domestically and overseas this time!"


    Everyone sucked in a breath as some stood still, while others were clutching their thumping chests, and some were so excited that their hands were trembling. They didn''t know how to express themselves at this point anymore. At this moment, they felt that even if they screamed or cheered, nothing woulde out, because these statistics were so unbelievable that this group of people couldn''t regain their senses to cheer due to the shock!


    The Deputy CEO shivered and said, "Fat Sis."


    Another deputy CEO was sweating profusely from his forehead as he sought for instructions. "Should we publicly announce these statistics? Announce it now?"


    Fat Sis had at least twice the mental fortitude they had, yet at this moment, her forehead was also sweating profusely. She wiped away her sweat and said, "Don''t announce it yet. No one will believe it even if we announce it now. Let''s just keep a low profile for now and finish all the promotions and work scheduled for today. We can announce the overall statistics after 24 hours instead!"


    "OK!"


    "I-I understand!"


    Fat Sis suddenly remembered. "Oh yes, inform Teacher Little Zhang about this. He''s the biggest contributor and has a share in this game, so there''s no need to hide it from him."


    "Yes, ma''am!"


    Fat Sis gave a wave of her hand. "Hurry up and get back to work!"


    Her voice trembled slightly and sounded a bit weak��this was clearly because her heart was beating too fast which caused her blood flow to increase too quickly which resulted in this adverse effect.


    ...


    Caishikou.


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    Zhang Ye immediately received a call from Fat Sis''spany and was informed about the number of downloads for nts vs. Zombies in the past four hours. After hearing this figure, Zhang Ye took a deep breath as he knew that it was a foregone conclusion from here. No one could stop the rise of nts vs. Zombies anymore! However, he did not gasp in shock like the group of people at Fat Sis''spany. First, Zhang Ye had experienced more things in the past, none of which were less impactful than this event. As a result, his mental fortitude was naturally quite good. Second, Zhang Ye was likely the only person in this world who knew about the background of nts vs. Zombies. Back in his previous world, be it however much money this game had earned or the amount of downloads, he knew it all quite well!


    ...


    Online.


    The heated discussions kept increasing!


    "Hurry up and download nts vs Zombies! It''s so fun! I guarantee this on my honor!"


    "I''m numb. Who were the ones who trash-talked this game two days ago? That person kept saying how this game was garbage, but when I downloaded the game to try it out, I ended up getting hooked after ying! Previously, ying such puzzle games were just for leisure and to rx ourselves. But nts vs. Zombies is no longer simply for rxation. You''ll get addicted to it! It''sparable to ying a real-time strategy game! How satisfying!"


    "How many downloads has it gotten?"


    "I don''t know!"


    "Who has any idea? Please reveal it to us!"


    "They haven''t even announced it yet, so who would know what the exact numbers are?!"


    "I feel that the number of downloads of this game definitely won''t be lower than Fishing Master 2. The worst oue is that they will be on par! Otherwise, I could never justify that!"


    Many of theizens downloaded the game and had an enjoyable time ying it. On seeing the overwhelming discussion about nts vs. Zombies online, everyone knew that there were a lot of people ying this game as well. However, they did not know exactly how many and could only wait for the statistics to be released, which would be the most reliable information.


    Many people were waiting to see the results of nts vs. Zombies!


    At around 3 PM.


    A staff member at a game download website suddenly updated with a post on Weibo: "Everyone should prepare themselves mentally for the number of downloads for nts vs. Zombies, as it has probably exceeded everyone''s expectations. I don''t have the overall statistics for the number of downloads of this title with me, but using the number of downloads and traffic flow to our website, we can make a rather urate estimate. Don''t me me for not warning everyone, so everyone better be mentally prepared for it!"


    When theizens saw this, they pounced onto it right away!


    "Just how many is it?"


    "Dammit, don''t keep us guessing!"


    "Are you trying to cliffhanger us? What are the number of downloads of the game on your website?"


    "Your sister, hurry up and tell us!"


    "Why must we be mentally prepared? Could it be that nts vs Zombies might exceed 200,000 downloads onunch day? Aren''t you thinking too much? The downloads for Fishing Master 2 on the first day were only about 90,000, but nts vs Zombies might be double that? It can''t be that much, right? I know that nts vs Zombies is very fun, but Fishing Master 2 is a ssic sequel from the Americans and is also inheriting the sess of Fishing Master 1. It''s not just some pushover!"


    "Why are you only telling us half the story!? You''re really cliffhanging us!"


    "Could it really reach 200,000 downloads on the first day ofunch?"


    "Fuck, if it''s really like that, then wouldn''t nts vs. Zombies be defying all logic?"


    "Or it might only reach 150,000 downloads?"


    "Even 150,000 downloads would be considered very high!"


    Everyone was left guessing at what would happen next!


    A few gaming industry insiders appeared as well and joined in the guessing and analysis together with everyone.


    However, those people who had the information stayed silent at this moment and did not say a word. A reporter at a video game magazine called up a website operator to make an inquiry, but the reply they got was to be mentally prepared, without getting any exact figures!


    This was too suspenseful!


    But the more they felt this way, the more curious they became!


    One hour��


    Two hours��


    There were some things that could be hidden from gamers but not industry insiders. As professionals in the same circle, each of them had their ownwork of contacts. Very quickly, many industry insiders obtained the information on the number of downloads for nts vs. Zombies through various channels!


    At this moment, the gaming industry suddenly went quiet!


    It was as though the mute button had been pressed and everyone immediately fell silent!


    Under this very odd atmosphere, the critical time period of the first 24 hours ofunch was ushered in for nts vs. Zombies!


    The next day.


    At 8.20 AM.


    Under the focus of the entire country, the video gamepany that produced and published nts vs. Zombies officially announced the figures of the total downloads across all the game download websites. The download figures for the 23 websites were listed one by one, with the total downloads of nts vs. Zombies after 24 hours tallying:


    1,580,000!


    "Ha, it''s released!"


    "The results have finally been released! I nearly died from the waiting!"


    "How much is this?"


    "Eh, why are there so many zeros?"


    "Wait, let me count the number of zeros!"


    "Ten, hundred, thousand, ten thousand, hundred thousand��one, one million!?"


    With the initial nce, everyone still could not grasp the big picture, but when they started to count the zeros one by one, everyone got a fright from the numbers in front of them!


    "What?"


    "Holy fuck!"


    "1.58 million?!"


    "The-these numbers��"


    "G-go to hell!"


    "Why is it so fucking high?!"


    "What kinds of numbers are those?"


    The gamers were dumbfounded!


    The media reporters were dumbfounded!


    Even those industry insiders who were already mentally prepared were also dumbfounded!


    This was obviously not an amount of downloads that a small-scale puzzle game should have received. Let alone puzzle games, even those famous RPG, action, and FPS games��their first day sales couldn''t achieve such a volume either! Much less a casual puzzle game for niche audiences!


    More than a million downloads?


    If the statistics weren''t wrong, then it must be the gamers who had gone crazy!


    Wasn''t Fishing Master 2 a great game? It was the most popr puzzle game nowadays, and the number of downloads for it on release in the domestic market was only about 100,000! Moreover, the game could only set that kind of heaven-defying record because it had umted a high amount of poprity from the prequel! But nts vs. Zombies? It was a brand new game made by a video gamepany that no one had heard of before, and it was even a domestically made game? The number of downloads on release day had even surpassed Fishing Master 2''s downloads by a factor of ten??


    The video game industry was in an uproar!


    The gamers eximed in disbelief!


    In recent days, the reputation of nts vs. Zombies was very well-known and widespread; the feedback after trying out the game was also great. A lot of peoplemended endlessly about it and the industry''s appraisal of it was very high. But even so, after these results were published, the people were still stunned, and nearly even fainted from shock one after another!


    More than 1.5 million downloads onunch day!


    Ignoring all the puzzle video games published in the world this year, just from looking at theunch day statistics of all the puzzle games in the history of this world, there had never been a result like this either!


    This had broken all records in the history of puzzle video games!


    And it had broken the old record by several times over!


    The closest result to this record by nts vs. Zombies was set five years ago by a game called My Orchard! It was released in America and the number of downloads onunch day locally was 420,000! It was the bestselling casual puzzle video game in the history of the entire world! But nts vs. Zombies was between three and four times more downloaded than this long-standing, number one puzzle game in history!


    "Oh my god!"


    "Oh my god!"


    The Inte blew up with countless shockedments!


    Their domestically made games had actually scored a victory over a foreign-made game? And it wasn''t simply just a victory, they were fucking steamrolled!


    ording to calctions from the downloads onunch day, could it be that nts vs. Zombies might have a chance to head toward 100 million downloads within six months or a year??


    Thinking of this, everyone was stunned again!


    100 million downloads?


    Is this even a fucking puzzle game anymore?


    Is this still a puzzle game meant for an extremely niche audience!?

 Chapter 768: Pirated copies start appearing!

    <h4>Chapter 768: Pirated copies start appearing! </h4>


    Chapter 768: Pirated copies start appearing!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    On the same day.


    The news of this was appearing all over the ce!


    "nts vs. Zombiestest attack!"


    "Launch day downloads set new record!"


    "Industry insiders predict: nts vs. Zombies to reach 100 million downloads within six months!"


    "Zhang Ye��A person who keeps rewriting his legend!"


    "Zhang Ye gives invaluable boost to domestically developed games!"


    "The future looks bright for domestically made puzzle games!"


    "nts vs. Zombies steamrolls all simr genre games in this quarter!"


    "Zhang Ye has written his name into the annals of China''s gaming industry! An insurmountable achievement for puzzle games that others may never beat has been made!"


    All of the media was harping about it!


    The game was selling like crazy! Newspapers were also selling like crazy!


    "What a great feeling!"


    "We''ve really given the foreigners a run for their money this time!"


    "Those sales numbers, they''re too damn unbelievable!"


    "Those other foreign-made games that went on sale in the same period were still boasting about how they wanted to achieve sales of several million or tens of millions during their promotions, but look at this now! They didn''t even get close to nts vs. Zombies!"


    "nts vs. Zombies is on fire! Zhang Ye is also on fire!"


    "Thinking about how Central TV Department 1 was trying to put Zhang Ye in cold storage, it really feels like they have been living in their own world all this while thinking that it could work! Zhang Ye is such a godly person. Whichever industry he goes to, he can always shine! How do you stop someone like that? How can you stop someone like that? Howughable are those Central TV Department 1 execs, thinking that they could have thest say in things!"


    "Yeah, even the SARFT couldn''t keep him down, so who does Central TV Department 1 think they are?"


    "Right, if Teacher Zhang intends to keep his poprity, he can just make a game every two months. Not only can he maintain his poprity, he might even gain a significant amount of poprity!"


    "It''s just a pity about Zhang Ye''s program nning talent. Hai, I really like those variety shows he created!"


    "I like them too, but I guess there''s no way to avoid that. Central TV Department 1 has already cut off his path in the area, so there''s no hope that we''ll see Teacher Zhang''s programs for at least the next half a year or more. We''ll have to wait until his contract with Central TV Department 1 runs out. Hai. So during this period, Teacher Zhang will have to find other, unconventional ways to keep increasing his poprity!"


    In the following few days.


    The download numbers for nts vs. Zombies continued to soar. The speed at which it increased made theizens and industry insiders watch while somewhat aghast!


    2 million downloads!


    5 million downloads!


    8 million downloads!


    The numbers were skyrocketing!


    Ignoring the outsiders, even the staff of the video gamepany that made nts vs. Zombies were shuddering at this. It was like they were in a dream, afraid they would wake up at any moment!


    Many of Zhang Ye''s friends congratted him.


    Big Saber Bro: "Teacher Zhang has created yet another glorious achievement!"


    Dong Shanshan: "Congrattions!"


    Fan Wenli: "A milestone for domestically made games! An insurmountable achievement!"


    Yao Jiancai: "@ZhangYe get me serial code for the game, quickly!"


    There were also a few gaming industry insiders who left theirments for Zhang Ye.


    Yellow Star Game''s Deputy CEO: "nts vs. Zombies has opened the door for the gaming world. I have never been so confident of our domestic games market than I am today!"


    A famous video game producer: "This is our domestic games market''s counterattack!"


    In the past, their understanding was that casual games were only meant for niche audiences. This was true both domestically and internationally. Many people don''t seem to take such puzzle games seriously, believing that they were made by small, indie gamepanies that did not have the resources or money to develop a proper game. But today, nts vs. Zombies had changed everyone''s mindset with a flick of the wrist! A niche genre? Puzzle games were definitely not a minor genre! It had a massive market that no one could have expected in the past! Looking at the number of downloads of nts vs. Zombies, would a minor genre video game create such a miracle?


    Therefore, puzzle games were also part of the mainstream video game genres!


    Although the barrier to entry was low, and the price of such games was low or even free, these were exactly the advantages that puzzle games had. Due to its lightweight size, with the games taking up some tens of megabytes to over a hundred megabytes or so, it made it very convenient to download. If you felt like ying, you''d only take a minute to download and install it. On top of that, the low cost model of such games also attracted arger group of yers, making small profits but with arge volume. The budget needed to produce a puzzle game definitely wasn''t going to be greater than that of arge-scale RPG or MMO. In the past, everyone thought that the puzzle game genre was niche because they did not have Zhang Ye''s capabilities to make a game that was like nts vs. Zombies! Not because this genre was underperforming!


    The gaming world couldn''t be more excited!


    Zhang Ye had opened up a path for them, a path that would help them disrupt the movement of foreign games. Due to the differences in technical standards, they were still temporarily unable to create those exquisite 3D-rendered,rge-scale games. Other than having a slight advantage in the domestic games market with their xianxia genre video games, they were no match for foreign video gamepanies in the genres of first-person shooters, fantasy, action, etc. Compared with them, they were of a different ss, as some did not have the budget, while others did not have the technical capabilities. However, it was different for puzzle games since they did not have much of a technical barrier to them. What did these games depend on? Creativity! It was creativity that would brighten your eyes! nts vs. Zombies had given them a good start and let those domestic video gamepanies struggling on the verge of bankruptcy see the light at the end of the tunnel!


    ...


    On the fourth day after theunch of the game.


    Fat Sis officially invited Zhang Ye to a celebratory feast held at The Penins Beijing Hotel. All thirty-odd employees of thepany were present as well!


    There was an abundance of dishes.


    There was nock of alcohol either.


    Fat Sis raised her wine ss and dered, "Zhang''er, a toast to you!"


    The two Deputy CEOs of thepany chorused, "A toast to you!"


    "Let''s not stand on such ceremony." Zhang Ye clinked his ss with theirs. "This is the collective effort of everyone, not mine alone, so let''s not give a particr toast to anyone and just drink together."


    One of the Deputy CEOs had taken just a sip of white wine and his face had immediately flushed red. "We''ve really done ourselves proud this time!"


    Fat Sis asked, "Zhang''er, do you think that nts vs. Zombies can exceed 100 million downloads?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "I don''t know, but I think there''s a good chance."


    A female staff member said excitedly, "It''s definitely not going to be a problem! We''ve already reached 8 million downloads today! I think we can finish the week with 10 million downloads!"


    Another staff member added, "Yeah, the sales figures are also out. Paying customers stand at 47% of all users and there are literally millions of yuaning in every day!"


    Theirpany had initially developed their previous game with an investment of a few million RMB. But after Zhang Ye made his changes to it, although the outlook of the game had changed drastically in nts vs. Zombies, the core game engine was still the same and there was no need to rebuild the game from scratch. Therefore, even though the publicized investment amount of nts vs. Zombies was over ten million, it was just a figure of speech and did not reflect anything too urately. If they were to exclude Zhang Ye''s endorsement, copyright, and production fees, the entire sum thepany invested was just several million RMB, which was also the maximum amount that theirpany could afford at that time.


    But now, their returns were obviously going to be much greater!


    The daily earnings of nts vs. Zombies were almost about to offset the entire investment into this game! The remaining sales were pure profit! This time, they were going to earn big!


    During the dinner, the atmosphere was extremely warm and the staff were all visibly excited.


    After some pushing around of wine sses, Fat Sis looked at Zhang Ye and brought up the matter of the endorsement fee again. "Zhang''er, the game is selling like crazy because of you. You were the one who designed this game, but we have yet to talk about your endorsement and copyright fee. We had a management meeting at thepany yesterday and touched on this matter. Whatever is between you and me shall remain private, but we still have to keep business as business and make everything clear beforehand."


    Zhang Ye gave a wave of his hand. "Fat Sis, we can talk about this in the future. I don''t have any need for money right now, nor do I have anywhere to spend it on."


    "But still��" Fat Sis replied.


    "Why don''t we do it this way." Zhang Ye smiled. "When I need the money in the future, I will ask you for it!"


    Fat Sis thought about it and decided, "Fine. I will convert some shares for you and make you one of thepany shareholders. As for the amount of the share, I will discuss this with my sister and see how to suitably deal with this. Once I have the details, we can meet again and discuss it. If there''re any requests you may have, you can let me know as well."


    Zhang Ye bluntly responded, "There''s no need to discuss this with me again. Just talk to Old Wu about it and I will listen to her."


    These words sounded a little strange.


    Fat Sis gave him a look and asked, "You seem rather close with my sister."


    Zhang Ye, realizing what he''d said, quickly added, "Yes, Old Wu is my old boss, so whatever my old boss says, I definitely have to ept."


    Only then did Fat Sis realize.


    Suddenly, a phone call came in.


    Fat Sis answered it. "Hello��Yes��What!?"


    After she got off the call, Fat Sis did not look too good and everyone gathered around her anxiously.


    The Deputy CEO asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Zhang Ye also asked, "What happened?"


    Holding back her anger, Fat Sis said, "There''s a pirated version of nts vs. Zombies that''s appeared online!"


    "Ah?"


    "How could that be!"


    "How did it happen so quickly?"


    "This is bad news!"


    Everyone''s faces turned pale!


    Pirated version? These were the words that a video gamepany feared hearing, something that was as bad as taking their livelihood away! The domestic games market already wasn''t good to begin with, so if their games were pirated, then what would there be left to make money from? Their earnings would surely take a hit and they might even end up with nothing!


    Actually, they had already made preparations for this before the release of the game. Piracy was not a stranger to any video gamepany, and they knew that it was impossible to avoid it. But even though they were prepared, they couldn''t have expected the pirated copy toe so quickly, so quickly that it caught them off guard!


    Fat Sis said, "Previously, ourpany''s released games would take a very long time to get pirated, with some taking up to six months or so. That was because our games did not sell well and there weren''t exactly many yers either, therefore there wasn''t anymercial viability for the pirates to spend too much time cracking those games. However, this time, nts vs. Zombies has be so incredibly popr across the country that those pirates and opportunists must haveid their eyes on this game immediately! They''re out to steal our livelihood! Those bunch of bastards!"


    Zhang Ye frowned. "They can y even without the serial code now?"


    The group of employees beside them started checking online for more information!


    Fat Sis nodded. "After the first three levels of the game, they don''t need the serial code for the game to work anymore, but that only works until the sixth level. Right now, this pirated copy of the game is not fully cracked and there are still a lot of bugs in it. Many of those who y the pirated version will have the game crash to desktop once theyplete the sixth level, which is why we don''t need to be too worried for now."


    One of the Deputy CEOs said, "We can''t not be worried! This game has only been released for a few days and there''s already a pirated copy going around. It''s only a matter of time before they crack the entire game. Besides, now that many of the yers who had intended to purchase the game know about this, who knows if a majority of them will decide to not pay for it anymore and just wait a little longer for the pirated sources. This will affect our sales so much that it''s surely going to be a devastating blow to us!"


    Fat Sis nodded and said, "Yes!"


    Everyone''s hearts felt heavy.


    nts vs. Zombies was only just budding, with the media and industry both holding such high hopes for it that they even announced that the game would be able to get a hundred million downloads. But as it turned out, it took just a few days for the pirates toe and destroy its potential! If the game was fully cracked, then how many more official sales of their serial codes would take ce? If they depended on domestic market physical sales, there would still be sizable earnings. Together with advertising and other partnerships, they could receive an ie from those channels, but the sale of the game''s serial code was still the most basic source of earnings for thepany and also thergest chunk of it, so this was a channel that they couldn''t afford to lose!


    At least, they couldn''t lose it so quickly!


    "What should we do now?"


    "Those bunch of wicked pirates!"


    "Fuck their ancestors!"


    Faced with this unexpected bad news, many of them began cursing. They were no longer in a celebratory mood. With this bad news, the progress that nts vs. Zombies had gained for thepany would alle to naught!


    Grasping the situation, Zhang Ye thought for a moment and then stated with a smile, "Hmm, why don''t we do this? I''ll give it a try and see if we can bring the piracy under control."


    The Deputy CEO was taken aback by this suggestion. "What are you going to do?"


    The other Deputy CEO replied, "You can even bring piracy under control? How are you going to control it?"


    Zhang Ye did not answer them and just said, "I''m going to make a call. Like I said, we can only give it a try."

 Chapter 769: The pirates piss their pants!

    <h4>Chapter 769: The pirates piss their pants! </h4>


    Chapter 769: The pirates piss their pants!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Manyizens already knew about it.


    "Something bad has happened! nts vs Zombies has been cracked and pirated!"


    "I can''t y. It''s always crashing to the desktop!"


    "There should be a fully cracked version in a few days."


    "nts vs. Zombies is in danger! Those software pirates are very ruthless people!"


    "We should have guessed. The video gamepany that made nts vs Zombies is just a small, unknownpany that has limited technology and is inexperienced. Their anti-piracy techniques are definitely notparable to those bigpanies. So it wasn''t surprising when that step of purchasing a serial code to continue ying nts vs Zombies got cracked so quickly. The encryption technique of nts vs Zombies must be at the most basic level! If it were the other, biggerpanies, they''d have ensured that their game wouldn''t be pirated for the next three months!"


    "It''s toote to say anything now!"


    "That''s right, since the pirated version is already out, we can''t expect this version of nts vs Zombies to be able to make much money anymore! At most it can only earn some reputation!"


    ...


    Outside.


    Zhang Ye found a spot with no one around and leaned on a rather clean wall in the corridor. Then he took out his cell phone and browsed through the names, finally pressing the name "Dong Zhiqiang."


    Du, du. Two ringster, the call connected.


    Dong Zhiqiangughed heartily on the other end of the call: "A rare guest, Teacher Zhang. What made you suddenly think of me that you would give me a call?"


    "Director Dong, are you busy right now?" Zhang Yeughed too.


    Dong Zhiqiang replied: "Kinda. There haven''t been too many major cases in recent days."


    Zhang Ye asked: "Is everyone doing well?"


    "Everyone is fine. They''re still talking about you when they''re free, especially Fan Yingyun." Dong Zhiqiang asked: "Why? Is there a reason you''re looking for me?"


    Dong Zhiqiang��Director of the National Inte Surveince Bureau''s First Department. Previously, in order to help Zhang Ye avoid custody, Rao Aimin asked her junior to help him get attached to the Inte Surveince Bureau''s First Department to work for a short period of time. He even experienced the Sino-Korean hacker war together with them, so their rtionship was really quite good and they still kept in contact with each other. However, they were still in the dark about the role Zhang Ye yed in the Sino-Korean hacker war. Fan Yingyun also known as "Big Saber Bro" or "Fan" worked in this department too. With several levels of rtionships, nobody considered each other as outsiders anymore.


    Zhang Ye said: "I wouldn''te to you if I didn''t have something to ask of you. Hai, actually, I should have paid you a visit personally, but because the issue is quite urgent, I had to call you instead."


    "There''s no need to be so polite with me. If there''s anything you need help with, just say it," Dong Zhiqiang said without hesitation.


    Zhang Ye said: "It''s like this. Didn''t I create a game called nts vs. Zombies recently?"


    Dong Zhiqiang happily replied: "I know about it, of course. The entire team is ying it in the office every single day. Since there is not much work to handle now anyways, I turn a blind eye and let it slide."


    "There''s already a pirated version of the game out."


    "This fast?"


    "Yes, so I hoping to ask for your help. Can you strike a blow at the pirates?"


    "Ah?"


    "The software pirates these days are too rampant, so there should be a serious crackdown on them!"


    "You''ve worked with our Inte Surveince Bureau before, so you should know that this area doesn''t fall under our jurisdiction. Frankly, ours is the serious crime unit forwork security. We''re all dealing with internationalwork crimes, cyber-financial crimes, and national security defense," Dong Zhiqiang said, a little bemused by this. "For pirated games��"


    Zhang Ye refuted him, iming: "Don''t you look down on piracy. This is a very severe issue and will cause harmful effects to the safety of the people. Do you know how rampant the pirates are now? Whether it is games, movies, or novels, no industry can prevent piracy from happening. Because of piracy, the economic losses every year are in the valuations of billions or tens of billions of yuan. Meanwhile, how much money can a cyber-financial crime involve? If it''s tens of millions of yuan, it will bebeled as a major case, right? But what about piracy? It costs several billion in losses! So this is a major case for sure! It''s an earth-shatteringly major case!"


    Dong Zhiqiang: "��"


    Earth-shatteringly major case? What?!


    "Do you know how many families and people''s lives have been destroyed because of piracy? Do you how many people became homeless because of piracy? My heart is grieving, Director Dong! This really makes me heartbroken! This kind of crime should not be tolerated as it is not only a loss of personal earnings but a loss of earnings for the country as well! Faced with this sort of behavior, we must have zero tolerance for them! We must strike them with a hard blow! We absolutely must not show any mercy to them! I volunteer myself to lead from the front and be the vanguard. We will make an example out of the piracy of nts vs. Zombies first!"


    Initially, his ims were somewhat true, but the longer he went on, the more unreliable his argument became.


    Dong Zhiqiang also knew about Zhang Ye''s eloquence as they were already old acquaintances, so he immediately interrupted: "Alright, Teacher Zhang, I understand what you''re getting at. Why not? Since there aren''t many major cases to handle for the next few days anyways, I''ll get the employees to handle this matter. Since it''s for you, they''ll surely be diligent in handling it."


    Zhang Ye replied: "Alrighty then. Thank you, Director Dong."


    Dong Zhiqiangughed: "You are a brother of our Inte Surveince Bureau''s First Department, so why are you being so courteous with me? Just treat everyone to a meal after it''s settled."


    "That''s for sure." Zhang Ye stated: "You all can pick the ce."


    Since Director Dong agreed, Zhang Ye knew that there would definitely be no problem. The Inte Surveince Bureau was well known for its reputation, and Zhang Ye knew that only he had such a privilege to seek help from them. If it were other people, there would be no chance that they could get help like this. Even it was just a simple task, a serious crime unit like the Inte Surveince Bureau would not be bothered to handle cases like online piracy.


    When he returned to the room, everyone started questioning him.


    "How''d it go, Teacher Zhang?"


    "Can you really get our game''s piracy under control?"


    "Has it been settled?"


    Zhang Ye said nomittally, "It''s should be settled soon. Let''s just wait for the news."


    ...


    That afternoon.


    At 4 PM.


    A district police station in the suburbs of Beijing suddenly received an order from their higher-ups to cooperate with the Inte Surveince Bureau''s First Department to arrest a criminal suspect in their area of jurisdiction. As for the exact details of the case, the higher-ups did not specify it to them.


    Inte Surveince Bureau''s First Department?


    That serious crime unit in the National Inte Surveince Bureau?


    The same Inte Surveince Bureau''s First Department that had uncovered the transnational inte criminalwork, involving five deaths and over a billion yuan worth of funds some time ago?


    The district police station suddenly went on guard, as though they were facing with a formidable enemy!


    Everyone became nervous and were put on high alert!


    "Hurry! We''ve been dispatched! Don''t inform the local police post; our district police station will handle it directly! We have to ensure that the information does not leak! Everyone, hand over your cell phones and allmunication devices! Contact the Armed Police Force immediately and ask them to deploy 10��no��deploy 20 armed police officers! Remember! Everyone is to wear their bulletproof vest! Be careful and protect yourselves! I repeat, collect your arms and put on your bulletproof vest! Be careful and protect yourselves! We have a major case on hand! Everyone, let''s move out!"


    With amand from the captain of the district police station, a wide was cast immediately!


    ...


    At 5 PM in the afternoon.


    Inside a house in the suburbs of Beijing.


    When Zhang Guangwen was surrounded by more than thirty armed police officers, he was left staring down the barrels of all those guns in tears!


    He pissed his pants!


    He truly pissed his pants!


    The captain of the district police station asked coldly, "What is your name?!"


    Zhang Guangwen trembled and said, "Zhang��Zhang Guangwen!"


    The captain of district police station shouted, "Put your hands behind your head and squat down!"


    Zhang Guangwen didn''t know what to do and kept iling his arms about. "Policeman Bro, Policeman Uncle, what is��what is this��"


    Seeing him still moving about with his hands touching his pocket at times and looking like he was reaching for a "weapon," all the police officers brought up their guns in rm and shouted, "Don''t move! Do not move! We''re warning you! Put your hands behind your head immediately! Otherwise we will shoot!"


    There was a policeman holding an unknown equipment sweeping through the room nervously. He seemed to be sweeping the ce for explosives!


    Zhang Guangwen began to cry. He acknowledged that he was not a good person, but he couldn''t be considered an evil person either. The most he did was to dabble around with technology, cracking some games when he had nothing to do and selling them to the pirates to make some money. He swore that he had nevermitted any heinous crimes before! The present situation in front of him had nearly scared the shit out of him. More than thirty armed police officers wearing bulletproof vests hade to arrest me?


    I am done for!


    This is going to end with a death sentence!


    And it''s not even going to be a normal death sentence! This is going to be an execution with me getting shot several times until I die!


    My life is over!!


    Zhang Guangwen''s eyes rolled backwards and he fainted.


    At this moment, a call from the Municipal Public Security Bureau arrived.


    The head of the Municipal Public Security Bureau asked: "Have you arrested the person yet?"


    The captain of the district police station answered: "Yes, we have caught him. We are searching for weapons or bombs in his house at the moment!"


    The head of the Municipal Public Security Bureau was stunned. "What weapons? What bombs?"


    The captain of district police station was also stunned. "Isn''t this person a wanted international criminal? This bunch of fugitives can do anything and it would not surprise me if there were weapons in his house!"


    The head of the Municipal Public Security Bureau said: "What weapons are you talking about? He''s just a person who cracked and pirated some games. The Inte Surveince Bureau''s First Department wanted to give the pirates a warning. That''s why I issued an order for you all to arrest and interrogate him!"


    Ah?


    They are software pirates of games??


    Fuck, why didn''t you say so earlier?! We even put on our bulletproof vests for this!


    The officers of the district police station vomited blood at this all at once. "...%%^^%###@! !!"


    Didn''t the National Inte Surveince Bureau''s First Department only specialize in major or serious crime cases? When did they responsible for arresting pirates? When did they be so "close" to the citizens?!


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    On the Inte, the pirated nts vs. Zombies download resources suddenly andpletely disappeared within the hour. Not even a trace of it could be found anymore, as though it had never appeared to begin with. There were even four pirated game download websites that had been shut down and were totally inessible now! Several other pirated game download websites were still essible for now. All the other games were still avable online, except for the cracked version of nts vs. Zombies, whose game resources had all been deleted and the game discussion board was also shut down and deleted!


    It was like and beset by war!


    The pirate websites were facing a monstrosity of an enemy and even the managers of the websites were scared shitless after the Public Security Bureau or Inte Surveince Bureau paid them a "visit"! Since they were in this business to earn their living, they couldn''t have not heard of the famous Inte Surveince Bureau. They did not know whose foot they had stepped on that warranted such a mighty organization like theirs to be alerted! Later, when the pirates knew they were being investigated regarding the piracy of nts vs. Zombies, the choice of these pirates and pirated games hosting websites was clear: Delete all rted resources��they could not afford to offend such a serious organization as the Inte Surveince Bureau!


    This was an organization involved with major international crime! If the pirates offended them, they might just get framed for some major international crime which they could not possibly bear the usation of!


    Hence, theirworks were cleaned out!


    Except for the insiders, no one knew what was going on!


    Some of theizens were still wondering!


    "What the hell is happening?"


    "Why are the pirated sources of nts vs. Zombies all gone?"


    "Fuck, how absurd it is! They really are all gone. Even the pirated resources of nts vs Zombies hidden in my cloud storage host can''t be found anymore!"


    "Is this a crackdown on piracy?"


    "That can''t be. Why can I still find other pirated games then?"


    "That''s right. Why is it that only the pirated version of nts vs Zombies is gone?"


    "Holy shit! Even the pirates are selective on the games they pirate? Maybe they saw that nts vs. Zombies could take up the difficult task of propping up and reviving the dreams of our domestically made video games, so they have all collectively removed the pirated resources of nts vs. Zombies? Because they want to support domestically made video games?"


    "My eyes are getting teary!"


    "Previously, I was prejudiced against pirates, but today, this matter has made me change my opinion of them! Their hard work behind the scenes without asking for returns has seriously touched many people! I thank you on behalf of Teacher Zhang Ye! You guys are the best! You guys are the heroes behind the scenes, the conscience of the industry!"


    The piracy issue was solved!


    The number of downloads for nts vs. Zombies continued to increase rapidly again!


    9 million downloads��


    9.5 million downloads��


    What followed next was Zhang Ye''s rise in poprity. A few days ago, after Zhang Ye''s period of being ced in cold storage had started, his poprity had been stagnating for a while and had even showed signs of declining. But after the release of nts vs. Zombies that became popr throughout the country, Zhang Ye''s poprity curve on the celebrity rankings immediately reversed, with the curve turning around and going upwards as his poprity rose steadily!


    He moved up another spot in the B-list rankings again!


    He surpassed a B-list movie star and was now upying a spot firmly in the middle of the B-list!


    Moreover, under the continued poprity of nts vs. Zombies, even though his poprity did not explode by a lot, it at least guaranteed that Zhang Ye''s poprity would not fall in theing couple of months. Taking advantage of the inertia of the game''s poprity, Zhang Ye''s poprity would be able to maintain an overall upward trend. Since he had been put in cold storage by Central TV Department 1, he had finally found a temporary solution for his source of poprity. All this made it extremely worthwhile and not in vain for Zhang Ye to have taken the world-famous game from his previous world and brought it into this world!

 Chapter 770: Inviting Old Wu home

    <h4>Chapter 770: Inviting Old Wu home </h4>


    Chapter 770: Inviting Old Wu home


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Saturday.


    It was a little after 6 AM in the morning. The fresh autumn air made for unusually good weather.


    Zhang Ye was still sleeping in under the covers when he was awakened by tteringing from the living room. Shortly after that, his bedroom door opened and his parents were standing at the door with Chenchen, dressed to the nines.


    His father called out to him, "Little Ye, we''re leaving now."


    Zhang Ye replied helplessly, "You guys were actually serious about going to Tianjin to y?"


    "Didn''t we tell you yesterday?" His mother said with augh, "Since we have nothing to do during the weekend anyway, we just wanted to bring Chenchen out to enjoy ourselves. If you get hungry, order some takeout for yourself."


    Chenchen asked, "Zhang Ye, do you want to go?"


    Zhang Ye mumbled, "I would like to, but you have to ask my mom if she''d let me!"


    His mother leered at him and picked up her suitcase. "Why would you go? Just stay at home! If you follow us around, could we still enjoy ourselves? You''d attract too much attention and get us surrounded by people wherever we go. They would definitely want to ask you for your autograph, making it difficult for us to move around. So you should just stay at home and sleep all you want. We will being back on Sunday night anyway."


    Zhang Ye turned back around to continue to sleep. He said, "OK, I understand."


    Dong. The door closed.


    His parents left. Only Zhang Ye was left in the house. He actually felt quite tired since he didn''t get enough sleep, but after his family left the house, he somehow couldn''t fall back asleep. After he tossed and turned and yawned several times, Zhang Ye patted his mouth a few times before grabbing his cell phone from the nightstand. He went onto the inte and browsed around casually. Now that nts vs. Zombies had solved the pressing issue of his source of poprity, which had now stabilized, Zhang Ye was no longer too worried. He had taken the past few days off and did not go to work, unafraid of getting into any trouble with Central TV. This fellow was in fact hoping that Central TV Department 1 would fire him, so that his contractual issue could be solved and so he could go seek a new job at another television station. However, he knew that Central TV Department 1 would never allow him to leave.


    With his poprity constantly rising, and the freedom to take days off, this wasn''t too bad.


    Suddenly, his cell phone vibrated.


    Di di. There was a message from his instant messaging app. The message came from the alias "Water Lotus Moon"��which was Wu Zeqing''s online username.


    Water Lotus Moon: "Are you up?"


    Zhang Ye took a look and broke out into a smile as he replied: "Just now, how about you?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "Same here. Big Sis is still lying in bed right now."


    Zhang Ye: "Is it your day off today?"


    Water Lotus Moon: "Yes. Is there anyone beside you right now?"


    Zhang Ye: "There''s no one here. What''s up?"


    Just as Zhang Ye was wondering why Old Wu was asking him that, a di di sounded and one picture was sent over, followed by a second, a third, a fourth and��


    He was about to reply when he received an invitation to join a video call.


    Zhang Ye quickly tapped to answer, and a momentter he could see Wu Zeqing on the cell phone screen.


    "Old Wu," Zhang Ye said with a rather dry throat.


    Wu Zeqing put her hair up. "Did you get it?"


    Zhang Ye nodded furiously. "Yes, I did. It was very nice!"


    Wu Zeqing nodded. "I feel like I''ve slimmed down a little recently, so I wanted you to have a look. Did I slim down?"


    "Yes, a little, but it''s not that obvious." Zhang Ye gulped. "You look good no matter what!"


    Old Wu: "How have you been recently?"


    Zhang Ye: "I''ve taken a few days off and been recharging myself with this break. Everything''s great."


    Old Wu: "Do you really not want me to help regarding the issue with Central TV Department 1?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "There''s no need to. Our rtionship is not public and it''s not really suitable. Besides, I have my own ways of handling it. I''ll let nature take its course, so don''t worry about it."


    Old Wu nodded. "Alright then, Big Sis will respect your decision."


    Zhang Ye, wanting some approval, asked: "The nts vs. Zombies game that I made should have brought quite a lot of fame to your older sister''spany, right? I''m sure they at least won''t be forced to close now."


    Wu Zeqing smiled in the video call. "My sister came to ask me yesterday about how many shares she should give to you, but since I don''t have a grasp of such things in this area and I don''t understand it well either, I did not decide for you."


    Zhang Ye sighed: "It doesn''t matter how many shares I get. Your older sister is also my older sister; we''re all family. If we talk about money, it won''t be good. Actually, I''ve never cared much about money. You should know that as well. What I care about is whether it brings me any fame, whether it aids my development in the entertainment circle. Everything else is secondary. I actually have to thank your sister this time. If not for herpany which had already created the skeleton of the game and their entire team''s trust, nts vs. Zombies couldn''t possibly have been made so sessfully. And my poprity wouldn''t have gone up so quickly either. In fact, it would have gone down instead."


    Old Wu said: "Hur hur, my older sister and my nephew both owe you one."


    Zhang Ye waved it off and said: "Look at you. You''re my girlfriend. Why do you keep harping about owing this and owing that? You make yourself sound like an outsider." Then he immediately changed the topic. "Why are we still video calling? About that, my parents went to Tianjin for a short trip and there''s no one at home. Why don''t youe over for a bit?"


    Old Wu said gently: "Now?"


    Zhang Ye replied: "I haven''t had breakfast yet and I''m getting a little hungry."


    In the video call, Old Wu turned her head, probably to take a look at the clock, and then turned back to say: "Alright, send your address to Big Sis. I will get ready and take a shower first. It will probably take an hour for me to get there."


    Zhang Ye said: "Don''t be like that. Our ces are so near to each other. It shouldn''t take an hour to get here. It just a five-minute drive away. Don''t bother showering. Even if you go a year without a shower, you will still be beautiful. Juste over straightaway. You can make something for me to eat when you get here. This bro is so hungry that he could faint at any time now! I can''t wait any longer!"


    Old Wu held her hair in front of her eyes, checking to see if it was dirty, then said, "Alright, Big Sis will be there in 20 minutes then. What do you want to eat?"


    Zhang Ye: "Anything is fine."


    Old Wu: "OK, I''ll be hanging up then."


    On the screen, the image was shifted to Wu Zeqing''s lower lip and chin before a click tone sounded and the video was cut off.


    Putting his cell phone aside, Zhang Ye took a deep breath then rolled out of bed. It was a little cool inside the house now, so he took out a pair of long johns and changed into them before stepping into his slippers to head outside to wash his face and brush his teeth. Afterwards, he scrambled about to arrange the stuff in the living room and bedroom, sweeping the floors and mopping them, doing it all very diligently. Thinking of, this was actually the first time he was bringing his official girlfriend into his house, so he thought that he should at least leave a good impression on Old Wu.

 Chapter 771: Marrying Old Wu next year?

    <h4>Chapter 771: Marrying Old Wu next year? </h4>


    Chapter 771: Marrying Old Wu next year?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Not long after.


    The doorbell rang.


    Zhang Ye looked at his watch and saw that it wasn''t even 7 AM yet. It was only a little more than 10 minutes since he had gotten off the phone with Old Wu. He hurriedly went to open the door. Sure enough, Wu Zeqing was standing at the door. Old Wu was dressed simply but elegantly, with her hair in a bun, looking very demure and gentle.


    Zhang Ye eximed, "That was fast!"


    Old Wu smiled and said, "Didn''t you say you were hungry?"


    "Come in,e." Zhang Ye moved aside to let her into the house.


    Old Wu wiggled the steamed buns in her hands and said, "I bought some steamed buns from downstairs. Eat them in the meantime. Big Sis will cook something nice for you around noon." Saying that, she nced around at the surroundings.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "My home is rather small and can''t bepared to your ce."


    Wu Zeqing looked around the living room. "It''s quite nice."


    "What would you like to drink?"


    "I''ll help myself."


    "Sure, just treat this ce as your own home. No need to stand on ceremony around here."


    "You''re my boyfriend. Why would I stand ceremony with you?"


    "Great. There''s tea and coffee on the coffee table. I''ll leave you on your own over there. Let me have something to eat first." Zhang Ye was already taking the steamed buns over to the table. Without even getting any chopsticks, he reached out his hand to take a steamed bun to eat.


    However, Wu Zeqing pped the back of his hand with her hand. "Have you washed your hands yet?"


    "I brushed my teeth and washed my face just now," Zhang Ye said.


    Wu Zeqing made him put down the steamed bun. "Go wash your hands first."


    "Let me eat one first."


    "Go and wash your hands first."


    "��Fine, I''ll do as you say."


    Zhang Ye couldn''t refuse her and just did as he was told. He went to the bathroom to wash his hands. When he came back out, he saw that Wu Zeqing had ced the buns onto a te and even ced a pair of chopsticks down for him��Old Wu had always been that considerate in her actions and did things in a very thoughtful way.


    After lunch.


    Zhang Ye led Old Wu to his bedroom. "This is my room."


    Wu Zeqing looked around andmented, "The wall looks a bit yellow. It''s time to repaint it."


    "Hai, it''s because of my smoking. We''ll talk about it again when we renovate." Whenever Wu Zeqing was beside him, Zhang Ye felt very rxed and calm. He naturallyid down onto his bed, rubbing his temples and yawning uncontrobly.


    Old Wu said, "You''re tired?"


    Zhang Ye said, "No, I was woken up by my parents early this morning. I got up too quickly and have a headache now."


    Wu Zeqing nodded, then smiled and said, "Come here, let me massage your head."


    Zhang Ye faked concern. "Is that appropriate?"


    "Then forget it," Old Wu said.


    Zhang Ye coughed and shifted himself closer to her. "Don''t say forget it. I was just being polite. If you insisted a little further, I would have epted it. Why are you speaking in such an unpredictable way? Come, massage me."


    Old Wu smiled and ced one of her hands into his hair and squeezed gently. "Are you still in a deadlock with Central TV Department 1?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "For sure."


    Old Wu asked again, "Do you need me to help you handle it?"


    "Didn''t we talk about thisst time? I don''t need your help on this matter." Zhang Ye waved it off determinedly and said, "You''ve probably already heard about the game that I made. The poprity of nts vs. Zombies is constantly rising, even though it can''t bepared to the poprity brought on by The Voice or other TV shows. But it isn''t that bad at all. It should at least help me maintain my position. Do you think it will be that easy for Central TV Department 1 to put me into the freezer? This bro has worked in the entertainment industry for some time now. If it''s that easy to bring me down, then this bro had better not continue on in this profession anymore! Old Wu, don''t interfere with this matter. You promised me before."


    Old Wu nodded. "OK, Big Sis will not interfere for the time being."


    Zhang Yeughed and asked, "What do you mean for the time being?"


    While Old Wu rubbed his head, she calmly replied, "If Central TV Department 1 really pushes it too far and vites the regtions, Big Sis intends to give them a warning. They''ve resorted to removing the dissidents with unscrupulous means to achieve their political objectives. All that is making the industry an unhealthy and messed up ce. Although Central TV Department 1 is not directly under my charge, the SARFT is still responsible for them. As Big Sis has been transferred over there for some time now, I''ve created awork and it shouldn''t be a problem if I need to deal with them. You don''t have to worry about troubling me. Big Sis is not someone who''s afraid of trouble."


    "I understand."


    "What is your n after the puzzle game?"


    "I haven''t thought of it yet."


    "Haven''t thought of it?"


    "Yes, with the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, I''ll think about it after the Festival."


    Zhang Ye was not one who would n beforehand and very seldomly prepared for rainy days or mapped out a strategy before he did something. This was his style and he did everything by instinct. As such, Zhang Ye appeared somewhat odd to outsiders. He varied between being intelligent and stupid from time to time and had a one-track mind. Only Wu Zeqing, a few of his family members, and some friends understood him well, while other people were unable to truly figure out Zhang Ye''s approach to things. All they knew was that this fellow had a spirit that would kill anyone who stood in his way, even if they were God or Buddha!


    "Old Wu, have you been busy recently?"


    "Well, not too bad."


    "Is your health alright?"


    "Yes."


    "Have you been sleeping well?"


    "Yes."


    "Have you been eating well?"


    "Yes."


    "Shall we get married next year?"


    However, Wu Zeqing did not get trapped by those words of his. She just ignored hisst question, but lifted up her head to look at him with a smile. "That will depend on the situation."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "What do you mean by depending on the situation?"


    Wu Zeqing replied with a question, "What suddenly made you bring up the matter of marriage?"


    "I was just saying, ahem. It was just a joke." Zhang Ye was used to speaking nonsensically and was actually not mentally prepared for marriage either, but he was worried that such a good woman like Old Wu herself would leave him one day, and dying the event only increased the chances of that happening!


    To that, Old Wu said, "Why don''t I arrange a day for you toe meet my family at their ce?"


    Zhang Ye said excitedly, "That''s would be good!" But thinking about it, he started to doubt himself a little. He asked, "But the way that I am, would your parents like me?"


    Old Wu shook her head. "Big Sis does not know."


    Zhang Ye asked again, "Then do you like me?"


    Wu Zeqingughed. "You''re passable."


    "What do you mean by passable?" Zhang Ye nearly vomited blood!


    Old Wu replied, "Hur hur, listen to what you''re asking. If Big Sis did not like you, would I have agreed to be in a rtionship with you? Would I have let you into my house?"


    Zhang Ye nodded vigorously. "I like hearing that." Then he said, "But I reallyck confidence in myself. I''m afraid that your family members will object to our rtionship, so I was hoping to meet your parents only after I''d achieve more, like bing an A-list celebrity or something. Otherwise, I don''t think that I''m worthy of you."


    Old Wu said gently, "My family members and I are just normal people, what''s there to be worthy of? If we really discuss about marriage next year, Big Sis should be the one worried that your family members will not take a liking to me. After all, I''m much older than you and it''s somewhat improper. Would your parents not have any ill feelings?" If it were anyone else who said that, it would definitely mean that they were being modest or sayingforting words. However, when Wu Zeqing said those words, it didn''t sound fake at all. Old Wu was precisely the kind of person who would do the things she said, and the things she did were exactly what she thought. She did not look down upon others and didn''t think too highly of herself either. This was the quality that Zhang Ye most liked about Old Wu.


    Zhang Ye said tly, "That won''t happen. You are so beautiful, if my parents knew that you are my girlfriend, they would surely die happy!" After saying that, perhaps not feeling too confident about his words, he added, "That''s probably what would happen!"


    Old Wu smiled, did not say anything, and continued to rub his head.


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye stretched out his hand, wanting to hold Old Wu''s other hand that was on the bed. But as he was leaning towards the side of the headboard, the distance was a bit far and he couldn''t reach her hand. So, he tried again, but still could not reach it.


    When Wu Zeqing saw that, she moved her left hand forward slightly and considerately ced it at a spot where Zhang Ye could reach.


    Only then did Zhang Ye grab hold of her hand and he couldn''t help saying, "Old Wu, if we want to be together in the future, there will surely be a lot of trouble and obstacles ahead of us, so don''t you run away in advance, OK?"


    In turn, Old Wu patted his hands. "Didn''t you say that you will be the greatest superstar in the world? I will apany you all the way to the end of this journey."


    Zhang Ye clutched her hands even more tightly. "That''s fantastic!"

 Chapter 772: Awarded the Abel Prize!

    <h4>Chapter 772: Awarded the Abel Prize! </h4>


    Chapter 772: Awarded the Abel Prize!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Morning. 8 AM.


    Zhang Ye, who was currently having an intimate chat with Old Wu at home, suddenly received an unexpected phone call. It was so unexpected that he did not even manage to get prepared for the sudden news!


    "Hello, is this Teacher Zhang?" A young man''s voice sounded from the other end.


    Zhang Ye said: "Yes, that''s me. Who is this?"


    The young man said: "Hello, I am an administrative staff member at Peking University."


    Zhang Ye said in an uncertain tone: "Peking University? Oh, hello."


    The young man sounded very anxious. "I would like to ask if you''re currently in Beijing?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Yes, I am."


    "That''s great then! Could we have you make a trip to Peking University right now?" the young man said immediately. "We just received a notification fax a few minutes ago from the American Abel Math Foundation saying that you have been selected as the recipient of this year''s Abel International Math Prize. The contact who is overseeing this nomination is already on the way to Peking University, and we have already informed the university board and the School of Mathematical Sciences. Everyone is already on their way here!"


    Zhang Ye was a little taken aback: "Abel Prize?"


    "Congrattions, Teacher Zhang!" the young man said happily. From the tone of his voice, it was not just aplimentary happy voice but one that sounded very excited: "You have really done everyone at Peking University proud this time! This Abel Prize is very well-known in the international mathematics scene. Ever since its introduction, you''re the first Chinese citizen to receive it! In the past 40 years, there has never been a Chinese person awarded it!"


    "Really?"


    "Yes!"


    "Thank you. Alright then, I will be over in a bit."


    "Don''t dy any longer. It''s best that you leave your house immediately. Dean Pan and the others have already heard the news and have canceled their day off toe back to the campus!"


    "Sure, I''ll be right there!"


    "OK, we''ll be waiting for you!"


    After hanging up, the Dean of Peking University''s School of Mathematical Sciences, Pan Yang, also called.


    "Professor Zhang, have you heard?" Pan Yang sounded very excited as well.


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "I just found out. I don''t know how to react right now."


    Pan Yangughed heartily: "Same here. I still thought that for an international prize like this we would have to wait until your proof of Dale''s Conjecture had been verified before there would be a chance to be selected. Who knew that it woulde so early? But then again, this is how it should be, since even if Dale''s Conjecture hasn''t beenpletely proven, the basic train of thought has already been set. The few proofs by contradiction methods that you raised in the process have all contributed greatly to the worth and meaning of mathematics. That alone would have been enough to earn you a selection for the award. Awarding you the prize before the conjecture has been proven isn''t going overboard at all in this case, since you have solved one of the most difficult mathematical conjectures in the world!"


    Being praised so highly, Zhang Ye also became rather polite and said: "It was all thanks to Dean Pan''s guidance."


    Dean Pan said happily: "Don''t put it that way. I wouldn''t dare take any credit for this. Still, congrattions to you!"


    "Congrattions to you too," Zhang Ye said.


    Dean Pan said: "I''m almost at Peking University already, so you should hurry up and get over here as well. We''ll discuss further once you''re here. Oh yes, remember to dress nicely. The media has been notified, so there will also be many people here!"


    "Sure." Zhang Ye ended the call.


    In his room.


    Wu Zeqing understood just from listening. "You''ve been awarded a prize?"


    Zhang Ye smiled proudly and said, "They mentioned it was called the Abel Prize or something."


    Old Wu nodded and turned around to open his wardrobe. She found him a suit and handed it to him. "Hurry up and go then. Wear that suit so that you''ll look more formal. Where''s your tie?"


    "In the lower drawer." Zhang Ye pointed.


    After getting dressed, he checked himself out in the mirror while Old Wu helped put on his tie in a meticulous manner. She tied it quite nicely the first time round, but was somewhat unsatisfied with it, so she undid and tied it twice before she was satisfied.


    "It''s good now," Old Wu said.


    Zhang Ye felt a little embarrassed. "I''d just invited you over but I have to go out now. Why not you stay around and wait for me since it''s also your day off? I''ll be back in the afternoon once I''m done over there."


    Wu Zeqing agreed, "OK."


    "I''ll be going then."


    "What do you want to have for lunch?"


    "I like everything you cook."


    On the way to Peking University, while he was stopped at a traffic light, Zhang Ye picked up his cell phone to check on the so-called Abel Prize to find out what it was about. Perhaps the people of this world were very familiar with it, but Zhang Ye was not the same. Strictly speaking, he was not someone of this world.


    It was revealed online that this prize was not the most prestigious award in the field of mathematics. But even if it was not the most prestigious, it was still a very well-known international award. Its value was worth its weight in gold and the selection process of its recipients was very strict. This was essentially standard practice for all international awards. If you did not have an achievement that was greater than someone else''s achievements, you didn''t qualify for the award. On top of that, this greatness mainly stemmed from being a foreigner, or more specifically, a westerner. For a Chinese citizen qualifying for this award, the qualities assessed were even more stringent and you''d need to be greater than great to have a chance to receive the award. To quantify all past international awards recipients, if it was down to two people, a westerner and a Chinese citizen who had simr achievements, then the chances of the westerner getting the award was ten times greater than the Chinese citizen''s chances. There was still a chance that the outsider might win, but if anyone were to say that there was not prejudice? Zhang Ye would not believe it.


    In the decades since the founding of the nation, Chinese mathematicians had obtained some achievements and awards in the international arena. But for an important international award like the Abel Prize, it was still very rare with almost no one ever getting them. The Chinese mathematicians had only ever received some secondary awards on the international level, or a mathematics award that was given out domestically. Many of the prominent mathematicians on the grandmaster level had always missed out on those international awards!


    Because of this, now that Zhang Ye was about to receive this Abel Prize, it was truly going to be a great achievement. This would also be the first time that a Chinese citizen would be receiving this award in history, so it had an even greater historical meaning to it. If it had to be put in a nicer way, then it could even be said that this was the first great step the Chinese mathematics field had taken into the international arena!


    ...


    At Peking University.


    When the car drove up to the school gates, there was already a huge crowd gathered!


    "That''s Zhang Ye''s car!"


    "Professor Zhang is here!"


    "Professor Zhang!"


    When the more than 20 reporters from the media who had rushed to Peking University saw Zhang Ye''s car, they rushed like mad toward him and stopped him just outside the school gates. Further up at the school gates, many of Peking University''s students and staff were holding up a banner. It was arge red banner which was freshly printed with something like "A warm congrattions to Peking University''s Associate Professor Zhang Ye from the Math Department on being awarded the Abel International Math Prize" and so on written on it. The banner was already secured on the left end while the right end was currently being held up by several people on adder, trying to secure it to the school gate. As there wasn''t much time to react, the turnout was rtively low, yet the atmosphere was very warm!


    Those Peking University students who lived in the dormitories hade out to witness themotion.


    The people sent by the media also gradually arrived in droves. Many of those reporters had driven their cars here and had to run over after parking. They arrived while they were still panting, obviously because this piece of news hade too suddenly, leaving everyone with very little reaction time!


    Seeing this, Zhang Ye naturally did not just drive straight to his destination. He found a spot on the roadside and parked there.


    "Professor Zhang, congrattions!" a female reporter from Beijing News Channel shouted.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Thank you. I''ve also just found out about this news."


    A reporter from a newspaper firm raised an audio recorder and asked loudly, "Professor Zhang, what are your thoughts on bing the first person in Chinese history to be awarded the Abel Prize?" As Zhang Ye held many different posts, when faced with different situations, the reporters would all address him differently. Sometimes, they would call him Teacher Zhang, other times Professor Zhang.


    Zhang Ye answered, "I''ve only been selected for the award. I haven''t received it yet."


    A reporterughed. "All that is left for you to do is to fly to America to receive it. Why don''t you first tell us about your thoughts?"


    Zhang Yeughed heartily at that. "I will talk about it afterwards." Then he squeezed past them to go inside.


    If it were another mathematician here today, a low-key academic worker would surely not be used to such a scene and might not even be able to handle all of these media personnel. But it was different for Zhang Ye, since this fellow not only dabbled in mathematics, but was also a big shot celebrity in the entertainment circle. Facing these reporters was part and parcel of his job, and whether it was an entertainment reporter, a news reporter, or an academic journalist, he could handle them all.


    Soon after, a group of Peking University Math Department''s teachers and professors came to wee him.


    Dean Pan led the group. "Haha, Professor Zhang, congrattions, congrattions!"


    The teachers and professors from the School of Mathematical Sciences behind the Dean also offered their congrattions.


    "Congrattions to you!"


    "Professor Zhang, you''ve really done those of us at Peking University proud!"


    "This award came so unexpectedly and surprisingly too!"


    "We''ve alle out to wee you, Professor Zhang!"


    Everyone was in a joyous mood. The honor of Zhang Ye''s achievement in the global mathematics field was also an achievement for the Chinese mathematics field. Simrly, it was even more of an honor for their Peking University''s Math Department, thus, everyone felt very excited about it. The glory that Zhang Ye had brought to their Math Department was clearly not just any glory. Even the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which had so many Math Fellows, had never be selected for the Abel Prize. But today, Zhang Ye had been given the nod for the award, so what kind of glory was that?


    Zhang Ye felt very ttered and quickened his pace. "Don''t put it that way. I haven''t done that much to deserve all of you senior teachersing out to wee me. Everyone is praising me too much."


    An old professor from the Math Department said while stroking his beard andughing, "Don''t be so modest, kid. If you go out there and get more international math awards for our Peking University, I''d be more than willing to wee you here every day!"


    Pan Yang said with a smile, "Old Professor Sun, the award is not for our Peking University. That''s an individual award he''s getting."


    The old professor stared at him. "Isn''t Little Zhang part of Peking University as well? If Little Zhang gets an award, then it means that we get the award too! We''re all family, what''s the difference?"


    Everyone from the Math Departmentughed, thinking no one else would dare to im things as they wanted, like how he just did. However, they all knew that Old Professor Sun didn''t mean any disrespect. He was just an old man who was truly happy, happy for Peking University and also for their Chinese mathematics field. How many years had it been since China had someone as talented as Zhang Ye appear? A level that even many of them old veterans could not reach had now been reached by a twenty-something-year-old mathematician. The validation of the proof for Dale''s Conjecture was still ongoing, so it wasn''t yet time to say that the conjecture had been proven. But thinking about it, it was really just a matter of time before Zhang Ye''s proof of Dale''s Conjecture would be validated. At that time, without a doubt, Zhang Ye would surely reach an even higher level. It might even be possible that by then, the highest award in the global mathematics field might no longer be just a dream. They would even stand a chance to fight for it!


    Amid the celebratory atmosphere, the leaders of Peking University also arrived one after another. There was a even a head of the school who rushed back to the unviersity when he heard about the news, despite being down with a flu and had originally taken a few days off to rest at home.


    Several of the school heads met up outside the school gates.


    "Is the news true?"


    "It''s verified to be 100% true! We have confirmation from the Abel Foundation!"


    "That''s great! From now on, there will no longer be any doubt about our Peking University''s ce in the Chinese mathematics field. Even internationally, our rankings will surely leap forward!"


    "What about Zhang Ye''s suspension?"


    "Reinstate his sses! Get it done immediately!"


    "Yes! Quickly get in touch with the school''s administration and get this settled immediately. Remember, don''t put today''s date as his reinstatement date and usest month''s date instead by keying it directly into the database. Otherwise, if the media finds out about this, it won''t look good for us. As for the resuming of sses, we will let Zhang Ye decide it himself. We can''t schedule his sses at fixed times, so let''s just leave the schedule to him. If he has the time, he cane back to Peking University to hold sses or talks. But if he doesn''t, we won''t force him either. There''s no need to arrange his ss by time, just give it some freedom!"


    "OK, I''ll have someone get it done!"


    After exchanging a few words, Zhang Ye''s reinstatement as a teacher of Peking University was settled. At this point in time, no one would have the nerve to demand that Zhang Ye continue his suspension from school. On this point, the suspension had actually been given to protect him in the first ce, so that the incident involving the insults to the foreign dignitaries would blow over. Otherwise, if they had the intention to fire him, they wouldn''t have needed to take an extra step by suspending him. As for those teachers and leaders of Peking University who had conflicts with Zhang Ye, they wouldn''t dare oppose the school''s decision to reinstate Zhang Ye at this point in time either. There was an abundance of teachers at Peking University, so it wouldn''t matter to the school if they were around or not. However, for a teacher like Zhang Ye who could qualify for an award like the Abel International Math Prize, there was only one of him. It was so clear that even a fool could see who was more expendable!


    Ten minutester, the Mathematics Association''s personnel arrived!


    Another ten minutester, even people from the Chinese Academy of Sciences came to offer their congrattions!

 Chapter 773: Zhang Ye turns hostile!

    <h4>Chapter 773: Zhang Ye turns hostile! </h4>


    Chapter 773: Zhang Ye turns hostile!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    At Peking University.


    More and more people came to congratte him.


    Old Wu''s childhood friend, Xin Ya, was here.


    Fellow Liu and Fellow Qi of the Chinese Academy of Sciences were also here.


    Finally, even the people from the Education Bureau and the Beijing Municipal Committee were here as well. They were all out-and-out ranked officials. This clearly showed how authoritative the Abel Prize was to be able to attract so many people intoing here!


    An auditorium was opened to the public and used to amodate the people of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mathematics Association, media reporters and members of the public. It could be considered the public meeting ever held here. This was not a press conference because the Abel Foundation had only selected Zhang Ye for the award but not yet convened the award ceremony for this year. Therefore, they could not announce to the public that Zhang Ye had already received the award for the time being, and it was still too early to hold a press conference or something simr. That would have to wait until after he received the award.


    "Professor Zhang." Xin Ya found him.


    Zhang Ye looked at her. "Oh, it''s Professor Xin."


    Xin Ya simpered. "Congrattions to you."


    When Zhang Ye saw her expression, he did not try to sound friendly either. "Thank you."


    Noticing this, a female teacher from the Math Department standing beside them could not help butugh. "Professors, are the two of you are still bearing a grudge against each other?"


    The recent incident between Tsinghua and Peking University fighting over the recruitment of students had caused quite a stir. Zhang Ye argued with Xin Ya at Tsinghua University''s main entrance and he even smashed a few of Tsinghua University''s cars. Who still did not know about that incident? So when the two of them met on this asion, many people''s attentions were focused on them in concern.


    Xin Ya grunted, "How would I dare to bear a grudge against an Abel Prizeureate?!"


    Upon seeing this, Pan Yang smiled as he walked over to smooth things out. "Eh, Professor Xin is here too?"


    "Of course I have to be here." Xin Ya gave a disdainful look and said, "This person has written out the entire conjecture proof and left all the verification process to our group of mathematicians to work on tirelessly day and night. Now that he has won an award, shouldn''t we also get some credit for it? How could I note?" The verification process of the proof to Dale''s Conjecture has been ongoing all this while. Except for those mathematicians from abroad, Xin Ya was one of the main driving forces among the local mathematicians and had given much help in the verification process of Zhang Ye''s proof to Dale''s Conjecture.


    A Peking University math teacher said, "Professor Xin definitely has some credit in this process. Professor Zhang should treat you to a meal afterwards."


    "That''s right." Dean Pan also smiled and said, "Get Little Zhang to treat you."


    Xin Ya nced at Zhang Ye. "Will you be treating then?"


    Zhang Ye looked at her. "Sure."


    "What are we going to have?" Xin Ya asked.


    Zhang Ye replied, "Why don''t we have some stewed meat?"


    Xin Ya said, "��I''ve worked incredibly hard for you during the past six months and you''re just going to treat me to some stewed meat that only costs a dozen yuan?"


    Zhang Ye said, "A big bowl worth 20 RMB is fine too."


    Xin Ya nearly fainted hearing that. "What''s the difference?"


    Zhang Ye said, "There''s 2 more pieces of stewed meat."


    Xin Ya: "...(%[emailprotected]^^#%^#@! ! !"


    Everyone came to help smooth things over.


    They thought the rtionship between Zhang Ye and Xin Ya was very bad, but in fact they did not know there was still a level of rtion with Wu Zeqing between them. Although the two of them snapped at each other, they bore no grudges. With Old Wu between them, they definitely wouldn''t get into a real fight and just bantered instead.


    ...


    At around 10 AM, the person from the Abel Foundation arrived.


    This person was named Johannes. He had pale skin and a big nose and looked to be in his 30s. He was an American, but he did not fly here from America today as he was already in China. He was also one of the better mathematicians in the American mathematics field, and although he had never received any awards on the international level, his standard was still extremely high. The reason why he was in already in China was because he had been participating in the verification process for Zhang Ye''s proof to Dale''s Conjecture. As Zhang Ye was selected for the Abel Math Prize this time and Johannes was also one of themittee members of the Abel Foundation, this coordination work naturally fell on Johannes''s shoulders. Moreover, it was said that his wife was a Chinese American, so Johannes knew how to speak Mandarin very well.


    "Hi, Johannes," Xin Ya greeted him.


    Johannes nodded in acknowledgment. "How are you, Xin?"


    Xin Ya said with a look of surprise, "I did not expect that you would be here."


    Johannes smiled and said, "My researchb is located at the Abel Foundation. I''m also one of the administrators there responsible for matters on academics."


    Although they had both worked together on the verification process, they were not familiar with each other as they did notmunicate much.


    Finally, Zhang Ye met Johannes. They went to a quiet spot by themselves, probably because they had some matters to settle and did not want others to disturb them.


    "Hello, Zhang." Johannes looked at him.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Hello. How should I address you?"


    "I''m Johannes." Then Johannes proceeded to say, "First, there''s something I need to say before anything else. I was part of the selection process for this year''s Abel Prize and I have also participated in the verification process of your proposed proof to Dale''s Conjecture, but all of us know that the verification is notplete yet and that there''s still a lot of validating work to do. Therefore no one can im that you have solved Dale''s Conjecture for now. At the very least, we will have to wait until the final step of the validation work ispleted and reexamined before submitting it to the International Mathematical Union for approval before it can be confirmed. In the current global field of mathematics, Dale''s Conjecture is still not considered as solved yet, so I would like you to know that this is an exceptional case for the Abel Foundation to award the Abel Prize to you this time. It was a rather forced nomination for you to get the award and there''s even a chance that it will be withdrawn if any errors are found in the verification process making the proof invalid. The Abel Foundation is also taking a risk here, and well, Zhang, please forgive me for putting it so bluntly but this is how it is."


    Initially, Zhang Ye was still smiling nicely. When he heard that his wife was a Chinese American, he had quite a good impression of him. But in the end, when he heard those words from him, Zhang Ye''s expression became indifferent and he gave him a sidelong nce. "Oh. Then why did you all still select me for the award?"


    Johannes exined, "In recent years, there haven''t been too many people with outstanding contributions to the field of mathematics. Because of how famous Dale''s Conjecture is, the proof that you came up with has naturally gained the attention of the world''s mathematicians. Because of this recognition, an exception was made by the Abel Foundation to select you for the Abel Prize. Otherwise, based on your age and experience, it would be impossible for them to hand out this award to a person in his twenties, especially when said person is a Chinese citizen."


    Zhang Ye gave a dryugh and said, "Do you have a problem with China?"


    Johannes shook his head. "No, I don''t. What I meant was that the Chinese mathematics field''s contributions to the international mathematics scene have never been much. Besides, my wife is also Chinese, so I''m not prejudiced against China at all."


    "Regrettably, she''s an American citizen." Sometimes, good and bad impressions could change very quickly. Zhang Ye then smiled and said, "When a Chinese person gets American citizenship, I don''t consider them a Chinese citizen anymore."


    Johannes replied, "I don''t have other meaning by saying all this. I was just conveying a fact to you and did not want you to misunderstand that the barrier to entry for our Abel Prize is very low."


    Zhang Ye retaliated, "Which one of your ears heard me say that the barrier to entry to the Abel Prize is low? Right from the beginning, you were the one who kept mumbling to yourself, imagining that I thought that your award''s barrier entry was low, imagining that I was thinking about this and that. Why are you being so ridiculous, bro?"


    He spoke those words rather quickly and they even carried a Beijing ent. Johannes did not fully understand him, but did not bother to take it up with him either. He got straight to the point and exined the various things he needed to take note of during the award ceremony.


    First, he had to speak in English when he was receiving the award.


    Second, he had to give a general overview of the proposed proof to Dale''s Conjecture before receiving the award. There was no need to illustrate the entire process, just an introduction of some of the more important points in the process to the mathematics field''s guests who were there.


    To put it bluntly, other than this unverified proof to Dale''s Conjecture, Zhang Ye had no other contributions to the field of mathematics. In the addition to that, he was also too young. As a 40-year-old veteran mathematician, Johannes was on themittee for the Abel Prize. This time, he represented the Abel Foundation to inform Zhang Ye of his nomination for the award, so he would naturally throw his weight around, thinking that it was rather appropriate to warn a junior like Zhang Ye. In fact, if there were other, better alternatives or suitable candidates, they would not have chosen such a young, Chinese person like Zhang Ye as one of the three recipients for this year''s Abel Prizes. If Dale''s Conjecture were confirmed to have been proven and acknowledged internationally, then the situation would have been different, but that was not the case at this moment.


    As amittee member, why wouldn''t they be allowed to give advice to aureate in private?


    Unfortunately, Zhang Ye did not take that lying down. Regarding this so-called Abel Prize, he did not even have the slightest respect for it. To put it bluntly, it was not even the most prestigious award in the global mathematics field. There are other international math awards more prestigious than yours, who do you think you are?! To Zhang Ye, what he needed was only the poprity from receiving the Abel Prize. Since he had never seen himself as an academic, why would he have any respect for an academic award organized by foreigners? It''s bullshit! As amittee member, you think you can insult me? I still have to listen to what you''re saying? You even thought that you had something on me? Whoa! Why are you so funny?! Who do you think you are? You came up to me and tried to show off, acting like a know-it-all?


    Johannes was just touching on the things he needed to take note of for the award ceremony when Zhang Ye interrupted, "Are you done talking?"


    Johannes was stunned. "I''m still talking!"


    "I only hear you talking, so let me say something too." Zhang Ye stared at him and stated, "I did not beg for you all to give me the award, so don''t think that you are doing me a big favor. No one is forcing you. If you people are willing to give me the award, then do it. If you''re not willing, then forget it!" Saying that, this fellow turned around and walked away without even looking back.


    He left Johannes bbergasted and furious after that!


    What sort of person is he?!


    How could he talk like that to me?


    ...


    Outside.


    Everyone still did not know what happened inside.


    Seeing that Zhang Ye came out, Pan Yang smiled and said, "You''ve finished talking with him?"


    Zhang Ye just smiled and replied, "Yes."


    Dean Pan said, "It''s almost noon, but don''t go yet. Let''s have��"


    "No offense," Zhang Ye spoke quickly, "But I have something with my family and already promised them that I would be back for lunch. We can arrange to meet up again on another day and I will treat everyone. Sorry, but I really can''t make it today."


    Dean Pan understood. "Your family will definitely want to celebrate with you. Alright, some other day then."

 Chapter 774: Something big has happened again!

    <h4>Chapter 774: Something big has happened again! </h4>


    Chapter 774: Something big has happened again!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Caishikou.


    After he got out of the car, his mother called him just before he headed upstairs.


    "Son! You won an international math award?" his mother asked, sounding very thrilled.


    Zhang Ye said into his phone: "How did you learn of this?"


    His mother said: "It was reported on the news, who wouldn''t know! When are you receiving the award?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled: "A few dayster. How''s your trip going?"


    His mother said: "Didn''t we just reach Tianjin a while ago? If I had known that something like this would happen, your dad and I wouldn''t have gone on the trip. I heard that you''re the first Chinese person to receive that Abel Prize or something?"


    Zhang Ye made a sound confirming that and said: "Take good care of the kid and have fun with Dad. There''s nothing much to worry about here. My passport and airline tickets will be taken care of by someone."


    He pressed the doorbell.


    After a moment, the door opened.


    Zhang Ye sniffed and smelled the fragrance of stewed pork. "Wow, that smells delicious!"


    "It''s stewed pork ribs." Wu Zeqing smiled at him. "Hungry?"


    Zhang Ye appetite was whetted. "I wasn''t hungry at first, but I''m hungry now."


    After closing the door, Wu Zeqing asked concerned, "How did it go over there? Have all the procedures beenpleted?"


    "What procedures can there be? They just congratted me. There were even people from the Chinese Academy of Sciences who came to offer me their congrattions. I was so ttered by it." Zhang Ye looked at Old Wu and continued, "Only the person from the Abel Foundation left me a little frustrated. This bro did not even offend them, but that bastard started criticizing me instead, iming that I didn''t have the qualifications and it was only down to luck that I managed to be selected for the award. He also imed how they had to specially handle this matter and were being generous, as though telling me that their award''s barrier to entry was very high and how I should be grateful for it. Heh, I was so amused listening to him say all that!"


    Old Wu asked, "Then what did you say?"


    Zhang Ye pouted and replied, "Do you think that I would have anything nice to say to him?"


    "True," Old Wu giggled.


    "In the end, I just said a few words to spite him and came back home," Zhang Ye rified.


    Suddenly, a call came in from Dean Pan.


    Zhang Ye curiously answered: "Dean Pan, didn''t we just say goodbye? What''s the matter? Are you looking for me for something?"


    Dean Pan wondered: "Did you offend the person from the Abel Foundation?"


    "No, I didn''t," Zhang Ye pretended even though he knew it clearly.


    "Then that''s strange." Dean Pan said: "That Johannes seemed like he was rather upset after speaking to you. He looked quite angry and even declined to attend the press conference afterwards. Besides, who doesn''t know about your temper? You often offend people, so being worried, I called you to check about it. Being nominated for the award this time, you have done our country and Peking University very proud. I don''t think you need me to remind you just how important this award is, but it definitely has a ce in the top six international awards for math prizes, so don''t mess this up."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye waved his cell phone around at Old Wu. "Look at this, talking to me about such small things." He sat down and added, "I can''t bother with them anymore. Let me have something to eat first. I''m so hungry."


    "Wait a while longer."


    "You''ve worked hard, Old Wu."


    The food was served and every dish looked sumptuous.


    Zhang Ye was watching the news together with Old Wu as he tucked in heartily.


    As for Zhang Ye being awarded the Abel Prize, the satellite channels of every province were reporting about it. Even the news channel of Beijing Television did a special report about this matter in a segment thatsted over ten minutes. Ten minutes might seem short, but realize that the duration of a news program was not long to begin with. Whether it was the afternoon or evening news, the entire duration of the report would not exceed 30 minutes. So dedicating ten minutes to report on this news exclusively showed just how important it was.


    At the beginning, Beijing Television''s news channel started introducing in detail the origin and name of the Abel Prize. Then they listed the previousureates, talking about how each and every pastureate was either a famous mathematician or had been famous before. As the first Chinese citizen and person to be awarded this prize, Zhang Ye was undoubtedly a very prominent recipient.


    In the middle of the special report, there was an interview conducted with some of the profession''s experts.


    Dean Pan and a Fellow from the Chinese Academy of Sciences were both interviewed. From the footage of the interview, it could be seen that it was done at Peking University. It was probably sent back to Beijing Television Station immediately after the interview was done so that it could be used for the afternoon news report.


    At the end of the special report, there was an interview conducted on the streets.


    The Beijing Television Station''s reporter asked the people some questions on the streets.


    Reporter: "Can you tell us your views on Professor Zhang Ye being awarded the Abel Prize?"


    The interviewee was a young man. When he heard the question, his spirit was perked up. "That is so awesome! I''m still worked up from all the excitement!"


    The shot cut to a young female university student being interviewed. "I am a student from the Math Department currently in my second year of studies. I would never have thought that one day a mathematician from China would receive the Abel Prize. Teacher Zhang is my idol and as my goal is to be as good as him in the future, so that I can help mathematics flourish as a subject like he did. I want to be just like Teacher Zhang and bring glory to our country!"


    A middle-aged man said: "My first thought was how awesome this is! Zhang Ye indeed lives up to his name!"


    Then, yet another person was interviewed. "When I just found out about the news, I was rather shocked too. But after thinking about it, if Teacher Zhang could even prove Dale''s Conjecture, then what was so shocking about him getting the Abel Prize!? Congrattions, Teacher Zhang. You''ve made history again!"


    A third-year student at a high school said: "I will be taking my college entrance exam next year, but was still undecided on which institution and degree I wanted to pursue. However, after I learned about Teacher Zhang Ye being selected for the Abel Prize, I immediately decided that I wanted to join Peking University''s Math Department! Teacher Zhang is way too amazing!"


    Every television station was showing simr things, rushing to report about this important piece of news.


    All with the exception of one station. The channel that was the most authoritative and should be reporting about this news at this moment dropped the ball��Central TV Department 1!


    It wasn''t that they did not report about it, since this was big news and they couldn''t have possibly missed out on it or make no mention of it. Instead, their report about it was limited to several words only. To put it inly, Central TV Department 1''s afternoon news only gave the news a few seconds of coverage, with the news anchor summarizing Zhang Ye''s nomination for the award into just a single sentence. There was no follow up to it, much less an interview. There wasn''t even any live footage from the site or an insert of the university''s picture, with this report being casually skipped over, leaving the audience greatly surprised.


    But Zhang Ye was not surprised at this. He knew that Central TV Department 1 was now increasing their efforts to freeze and suppress Zhang Ye. From this point forward, Central TV Department 1 was not just going to keep Zhang Ye out of work, they were even going to keep him out of the news. This was an extremely ruthless move by them!


    Zhang Ye sneered at this mentally. He could no longer be bothered with this bunch of people. He knew very well that he had never done Central TV Department 1 any wrong, working on his show without any rest for several months straight. He hardly went home during the production of The Voice, living and eating at the office just so that he could spend more time on the new show. Having put so much effort into the show and making it popr, it ended with those people turning greedy instead. Jiang Naixiong, Jiang Yuan, and the other executives of Central TV Department 1 were so greedy that Zhang Ye couldn''t help fighting back. Was he in the wrong? His conscience was clear.


    Enjoy your antics for now!


    I will settle the score someday!


    ...


    The next day.


    Many of Zhang Ye''s friends called to offer their congrattions.


    "Little Zhang, congrattions!"


    "Thank you, Brother Hu."


    "Seeing you doing better and better with each passing day, as an elder brother, I am really happy for you!"


    Hu Fei, Yao Jiancai, Dong Shanshan, Ha Qiqi, etc. Everyone sent their regards to him, but the one worth mentioning was from Zhang Yuanqi''s manager, Fang Weihong. She got someone to send a basket of flowers to his home with a congrattory card, making it look very formal.


    When he received it, Zhang Ye hurriedly gave her a call.


    "Sister Fang, I''ve received the flower basket," Zhang Ye said.


    Fang Weihongughed: "It''s good that you got it. Congrattions again."


    Zhang Ye said: "Hur hur, thank you very much. But that was such a formal congrattion. It''s my first time receiving something like that."


    "It''s only proper. This is not a small award that you''re getting, but a well-recognized math award. It''s even one of the top international awards, and besides, you''re the first Chinese person to receive it and gain glory for our country, so of course this asks for a more formal congrattion. If we just called, it wouldn''t be that sincere anymore, hur hur. Furthermore, you should not be thanking me since it was Sister Zhang who asked me to arrange it. The congrattory message was all in her exact words," Fang Weihong said.


    Zhang Ye said with surprise: "Then I am truly honored. Alright, please help me give my thanks to Sister Zhang."


    The news of Zhang Ye receiving the award was getting hyped up!


    "Abel Prize: No longer just a ''yground'' for the westerners!"


    "''The ''jack-of-all-trades'' Zhang Ye debuts on the world stage!"


    "Abel Prize: The award that our countrymen have looked forward to for over 50 years!"


    Online, in the newspapers, on television, every media outlet was rushing to report this news. The people''s congrattory messages were alsoing in overwhelmingly. As this was a matter of glory for the country, involving an international award, there were no naysayersing out to sing a different tune. Even Zhang Ye''s foes did not say much about this event.


    But right at this moment, an incident urred!


    Because there wasn''t much time left until the award ceremony, the matter could be considered rather urgent. Zhang Ye had already handed his passport over to the administrative staff at Peking University to handle since he did not have his own management team. It was also the first time he had encountered something like this. Therefore, the school administration at Peking University formed a team to handlemunication with the Abel Foundation and the original n did not require much effort on Zhang Ye''s end. At most, he would be required to show up at the embassy, yet somehow, Zhang Ye and the school administrative team encountered some issues while applying for his visa and were rejected by the embassy staff!


    The visa application was denied!


    The reason given was that the paperwork was iplete and the supporting documents submitted by the Abel Foundation were also incorrect!


    The administrative team of Peking University were confused and quickly called Dean Pan to let him know.


    Dean Pan was startled by this and said: "The paperwork was iplete? It can''t be!"


    The school administrative staff said: "That''s right, we did everything in ordance to the procedures and even checked the procedures of the Abel Foundation as well. They have already sent us the invitation documents and I believe Johannes has alsomunicated beforehand with the embassy? So why didn''t the application get approved? They just straight up denied the visa application? There was no room for any discussion at all? If we have to reapply after the rejection, there will surely be a dy. If we don''t hurry, Professor Zhang won''t be able to make it in time to America to receive the prize!"


    Dean Pan hastily asked: "Where is Professor Zhang?"


    The school administrative staff said: "Professor Zhang is beside me right now."


    "I''ll go check again. I suppose there was something we missed whilemunicating with them." Dean Pan hung up the call and immediately contacted Johannes. After that, he made several more calls to the embassy.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye stood outside having a smoke. He did not know this world''s visa regtions so did not say anything.


    Shortly, Dean Pan called back. The school administrative staff came outside to tell Zhang Ye and they went back into the embassy. They tried to do the application again but were unable to finish it for the entire afternoon. In the end, they had to settle for the embassy staff''s request for them to get the Abel Foundation to resend them the supporting documents and for them to get an official stamp from several agencies. That barrage of requests left the few school administrative staff grasping to understand it all. This was not the first time they were handling such visa applications since many staff members and some academics or professors would often have to go overseas on official business. However, a visa application was something that was very straightforward to handle and it was just a matter of procedures. They had never met with a case like this where Zhang Ye''s visa application was incredibly difficult to get approved. Besides, Zhang Ye wasn''t just going overseas for business. He was in point of fact invited by the Americans to go over. There was no reason for the visa application to be this troublesome!


    OK!


    If the Abel Foundation''s supporting documents were missing some information, then why don''t we do it another way instead? We will apply for a work visa as Peking University. That should make things work, right?


    With this decision, the school administrative staff immediately made a call back to urgently prepare a draft stating that Zhang Ye had some business to attend to in America. After signing and putting a stamp on it, they got someone to deliver it to the embassy immediately. However, the resulting application was the same. They were still rejected with the reason given as how they were not allowed to make an application for two different types of visas within the same week!


    Only then did the people from Peking University feel that something was amiss.


    Zhang Ye understood even better why it turned out this way. This was definitely Johannes or someone from the Abel Foundation purposely trying to trip them up. Zhang Ye had seen enough of such underhand methods before to know, but this wasn''t the style of the Americans but felt closer to the style of the Chinese. Knowing that Johannes'' wife was a Chinese American, and how he could speak Mandarin fluently as well, Zhang Ye was no longer doubtful.


    The Peking University people were beginning to feel anxious. Reapply after a week? The yellow daylilies would have already been frozen by then! The award ceremony would be over and done with by then, so what would we reapply for? The Abel Prize required the nominee to be there to receive the prize in person!


    The embassy staff were having none of that and did not budge no matter what was said. The school administrative team hurriedly contacted Johannes, hoping that he could help to coordinate on this matter.


    "Hello, Mr. Johannes, we seem to have met with some trouble over here at the embassy," the school administrative staff member exined the situation to him.


    Johannes pretended to be surprised on the other end: "Something like that happened? That can''t be?"


    The school administrative staff member said: "At the moment, Teacher Zhang Ye is unable to get his visa approved. We''re all waiting over here at the embassy. Do you think you can make a trip here?"


    Johannes said, "It might be that the Foundation did notmunicate this well enough to the embassy, causing there to be some problems. But I have something urgent to attend to and I am out of the country at the moment."


    "Ah?" The school administrative staff member said: "Out of the country?"


    Johannes replied: "I definitely can''t make it back today. Why don''t you contact me again tomorrow?"


    Zhang Ye guessed right��the situation was indeed created by Johannes. Right now, Johannes was actually in a business suite at a hotel in Beijing. Beside him were his wife and two friends from America. They were currently having steak dinner with wine in the suite.


    When she heard Johannes say that he was overseas, his Chinese wife smiled slightly at that.


    "Haha, let''s drink up," a blond American said.


    The Chinese woman shushed him while smiling, gesturing for them to be a little quieter.


    Yesterday at Peking University, as the official contact person of the Abel Foundation here, Johannes had been rebuked by Zhang Ye and that gave him a grudge. After he came back to the hotel, he startedining to his wife and friends about how Zhang Ye did not know how to behave and was too cocky because of his achievements. After hearing that from him, his wife was also fuming mad, so came up with this idea. Johannes then made a call to a friend who worked at the embassy and another call to someone at the Foundation, all of which led to today''s situation at the embassy. Johannes wanted to use this to regain some honor and to give Zhang Ye a scare.


    Of course Johannes knew how important the Abel Prize was. From the media coverage and news in China for the past two days, he knew just how great the Chinese and Peking University felt about Zhang Ye receiving the award this time. The message Johannes wanted to send to Zhang Ye today was that he was in charge of managing things at the Abel Foundation and also the main contact person this time. The entire itinerary of events was controlled by him, and if he did not want Zhang Ye to get his visa, then Zhang Ye couldn''t even make the trip to America, much less receive the award. Because a lot of the awards in the global mathematics field were not administered by one single entity, there were specific regtions for each type of award. For example, there were some awards that were only given out to young mathematicians under the age of 40, or, like in the regtions of the Abel Prize, if the recipient was not present in person, the award would be treated as turned down��but of course, in the many years since the start of the Abel Prize, there had never been a case of anyone turning down the award.


    For such an important international math award, an award that your country ces so much importance on, if they saw how close you were to getting the award yet met with such an unexpected roadblock, I won''t believe you won''t be anxious!


    Johannes thought about how no matter whether Zhang Ye begged him or hopped around in anger, he could still assert this grudge of his. By then, he would have considered himself to have stifled Zhang Ye''s momentum and taught him a lesson on how he should never try to rebuke him again. With that, his purpose would have been achieved! As for not granting Zhang Ye the visa? Thus making him unable to go to America? That was clearly not going to happen. Johannes did not dare to do so. He was only trying to scare Zhang Ye a little. He did not have the guts to block Zhang Ye from receiving the award, because if he did, then it would be a huge problem. Johannes was not stupid, so of course he wouldn''t do that!


    On the phone.


    His two friends were eyeing him and starting to urge him a little. One of them even poured Johannes a ss full of wine, hinting for him to quickly start eating.


    Johannes, who was still holding the phone, smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.


    The Peking University administrative staff member said anxiously: "If you can''t make it over here, why don''t you give them a call instead? On the other hand, you could get someone from the Abel Foundation tomunicate with the embassy again. The paperwork is definitely not a problem, but since we''re so close to the day of the award ceremony, we''re just afraid we won''t make it in time!"


    Johannes put his arm around his wife''s shoulder, and declined while grinning: "We can''t clear up such matters over the phone. It''s not like the embassy staff knows me, so why don''t we wait until I get back before we do anything. Yes, probably tomorrow or the day after, get Zhang Ye to look for me and I will help you all get it done."


    Earlier, he said tomorrow!


    But just a few momentster, it had be either tomorrow or the day after?


    The Peking University administrative team was anxiously going around in circles. If they messed this matter up, they wouldn''t be able to handle the consequences and responsibilities. This was the first time a Chinese citizen was going to receive an Abel Prize!


    However, Zhang Ye who was on hand had heard everything that was said over the phone very clearly. He was not anxious or angry like the Peking University administrative team and appeared to be very calm instead. He walked over and stretched out his hand, stating, "Hand the phone to me."


    The school administrative staff member was taken aback at this and subconsciously handed the phone over to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye took it from him and spoke into the cell phone: "Mr. Johannes, let''s not wait for the day after tomorrow. Since my visa application was denied, I can see the attitude and sincerity of you and the Abel Foundation from this. If that''s the case, I don''t think there''s anything else that we should be talking about anymore. You might not know me, but from now on, you will get to know me better. I am officially informing you right now that I fucking won''t be going to this year''s Abel Prize award ceremony, so you can find anyone else you like to receive the award instead!"


    "What? What are you saying?" Over at the other side, Johannes'' expression had shifted drastically. He immediately said: "Wait, wait awhile!"


    With Johannes''s panicked voice still shouting, Zhang Ye slowly hung up the phone and threw the phone back to the simrly aghast-looking members of the Peking University administrative team.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Everyone, you''ve all worked hard today. Let''s go."


    A young member of the team said in shock, "Professor Zhang, are��are you out of your mind?"


    "Turning down the award? You want to turn down the award!?"


    "Holy shit! Professor Zhang, don''t be messing around at such a time! Please stop messing around like this!"


    "Professor Zhang, stop scaring us like this! Aiyo, don''t go away,e back!"


    Zhang Ye had already exited and entered his car to drive off.


    The several members of the Peking University administrative team were all panicking!


    Something big had happened!


    Something big had truly happened this time!!

 Chapter 775: Zhang Ye turns down the award!

    <h4>Chapter 775: Zhang Ye turns down the award! </h4>


    Chapter 775: Zhang Ye turns down the award!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    At Peking University.


    Starting from yesterday, Peking University had set up a team to be responsible formunicating with the media and reporters. Because it was the Math Department''s Associate Professor Zhang Ye who was going to receive the Abel Prize, it was considered an achievement in the field of mathematics. Naturally then, the team would be led by Dean Pan Yang of the School of Mathematical Sciences. Officially, he was known as the team''s deputy chief, while the appointed chief was a vice president of the university.


    Today, they were receiving a lot of reporters again.


    For the past two days, the television stations, newspaper firms, and many industry insiders from the domestic mathematics field had dropped by wave after wave to pay an official visit. There were even some people who were sent by some foreign mathematics institutions and research facilities to get in contact with Peking University, with some of them expressing their hopes to meet Zhang Ye in person and had called to schedule a meeting. There was also one foreign research facility that tly mentioned that they would like to work with Peking University on a project, but of course actually meant that they wanted to work with Zhang Ye.


    Pan Yang and his team were busy up to their ears.


    "Dean Pan, a reporter from Liaodong Television Station has arrived."


    "Let him wait a little while, I need to finish this first."


    "Hai, there will be several dozen peopleing today again and we have to receive all of them."


    "Our Peking University is going to be famous this time!"


    "Should we call for a press conference instead, Dean Pan? If they keeping one by one, when will all this end? There''s too many people. We can''t handle it as we are."


    "We have to wait until the award has been epted before we can do that. Professor Zhang''s visa has yet to be approved as there was some issue with the invitation documents sent by the Abel Foundation. How is it at Professor Zhang''s side now?"


    "I don''t know yet, but I''ll ask."


    "OK, that''s the more important issue here, so ask clearly."


    But before they could call to check on thetest development, the Peking University administrative team who went with Zhang Ye to the embassy called back to Dean Pan first. The first words they said made him feel like something heavy had struck his heart!


    "Dean Pan! Something big has happened!" a person from the school administrative team said in panic.


    Dean Pan said, rather taken aback: "What big thing has happened?"


    What kind of an institution was Peking University? It was the top educational institution in the country and also ranked in the top 50 globally. All rted staff were people who had seen the world before. If anyone mentioned that "something big" had happened, to them, it would just be a small event. They shouldn''t be reacting in such a strong manner as they did right now, shouting that "something big" had happened. This clearly put things in perspective. It was definitely not a small incident!


    When they heard that, everyone looked over in surprise.


    "What''s happening?"


    "Something big has happened?"


    "What''s wrong?"


    The Peking University people gathered around Pan Yang at once.


    Then, the school administrative staff member on the call said something utterly surprising: "The visa application is still not sessful. Johannes said that he isn''t in Beijing at the moment and would only be back tomorrow or the day after, obviously trying to make trouble for us. We could all hear that there was something fishy going on, but who could have expected it would trigger Professor Zhang!"


    Dean Pan said in shock: "What did he do?"


    The school administrative staff member didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Professor Zhang��turned down the award!"


    A buzz was heard in the silence as the people currently at Peking University were stunned!


    Dean Pan nearly fell over and hit his head on the ground. "What? Turned down the award??"


    "Yes!" The school administrative staff member said: "What should we do now?"


    Dean Pan asked very angrily: "Where is Little Zhang at now?"


    "He already left!" the school administrative staff answered.


    "Then what are you all doing? Why didn''t you guys stop him? Why didn''t you discourage him?" Dean Pan said with a shortness of breath.


    The school administrative staff member said, feeling wronged: "We tried to discourage him, but that didn''t work. Professor Zhang''s temper��it''s not like you don''t know it. When he gets angry, how��how can we possibly stop him!"


    Other people might have only heard of Zhang Ye''s bad temper, either from the Inte or from hearsay, but had not witnessed his temper for themselves. However, as a staff member of Peking University, these people had not only heard of it, they even saw for themselves Zhang Ye''s bad temper on more than one asion. That ruthless character of Professor Zhang, who in Peking University did not fear it? Even the Peking University head could not handle him! He was someone who dared to point his finger at foreign dignitaries and scold them as "idiots"! With him that fierce, how could they possibly talk him out of his decision!


    After ending the call, Dean Pan stood there dumbfounded in silence, clearly stunned by what had happened!


    The Peking University people were also causing pandemonium!


    "I''m gonna faint!"


    "Professor Zhang is��"


    "This is going to be a big problem!"


    "Not going to receive the Abel Prize??"


    No one at Peking University believed this to be false. If it were anyone else who said that, they would surely take it as a joke, or at most think that it was just an empty threat in response to their visa not being approved. No one would take it seriously. After all, this was not some small award but the world famous Abel Prize! However, the person who said those words had been Zhang Ye. As reality had always shown them, even if this course of action was unthinkable for other people, when it came to Zhang Ye��he was the type who would do it for real!


    Shit!


    This time, it''s going to be really messy!


    What if Professor Zhang is serious about this!?


    ...


    On main road at second Ring Road.


    Zhang Ye was not home yet, but Dean Pan was already frantically calling him.


    "Little Zhang! What are you doing!" Dean Pan said.


    Zhang Yeughed: "I''m not doing anything, just driving."


    Dean Pan sighed: "Do you really intend to turn down the award?"


    Zhang Ye confirmed: "I''ve already decided. It''s just a lousy award, not even one of the top three international math awards, but they''re selling themselves so prestigiously. Do they think that this bro would beg them?"


    "Stop horsing around!" Dean Pan said toughly: "I will pretend that I didn''t hear you say that you''d turn down the award. I will get your visa application done and you won''t need to worry about it. I''ll definitely get it done for you!"


    Zhang Ye said: "Don''t bother, Dean Pan. I won''t be going to America, so let them give it to whomever they want."


    "Little Zhang!"


    "You know my temperament, so don''t try to discourage me. That''s it then."


    "Little Zhang, you��"


    "I see a traffic police officer up ahead. I can''t talk any longer, hanging up now, Dean Pan!"


    After ending the call, Zhang Ye put his cell phone aside and continued to drive. Although he imed to have disdain for this award, but honestly, it was still worth some poprity. If he did not have to miss out on it, of course it would be good. At the beginning, he was not biased against the Abel Prize at all. Since their foundation had chosen him to receive the award, that meant they acknowledged him. That was also the reason why Zhang Ye was very happy at that time. When he first met Johannes, he was very polite with him and spoke courteously. But the issue now was that their Abel Foundation did not respect him to begin with. A simple award like this was made out to be so incredible by them, and they came to him to condescend to him for no apparent reason as well. Now, they even made it very difficult for him to get a visa. That was totally uneptable to Zhang Ye. Naturally, his impression of this Abel Prize was also tarnished with no trace of any wishful thinking left for it!


    If I didn''t ept your award, would I die?


    Bull fucking shit! Then all the more I won''t fucking ept it!

 Chapter 776: Things are getting out of hand!

    <h4>Chapter 776: Things are getting out of hand! </h4>


    Chapter 776: Things are getting out of hand!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Peking University was chaotic!


    With such a big thing happening, Dean Pan and the rest couldn''t possibly not report this to the higher-ups. The university president and several vice presidents were also startled by this news. After hearing about this matter, their expressions all changed!


    "What sort of bad temper does this kid have?!"


    "Hurry, get Old Pan to keep trying to contact him!"


    "No matter what, this award can''t be turned down!"


    "It wasn''t easy for our Chinese mathematicians toe so close to the Abel Prize, yet he intends to turn down the award? Why is this Zhang Ye always doing things that no one else dares to think about?!"


    "Get me Little Zhang''s contact number! I''ll call him!"


    As the matter blew up, it was impossible to keep it under wraps.


    ...


    Beijing Times.


    Inside an office at the headquarters.


    After suddenly receiving a call, a newspaper editor froze. The phone in his hand slipped out of his grip and dropped onto the table with a bang, making a very loud noise!


    The staff in the office were startled by this.


    "Old Yu, what''s going on?"


    "I was nearly scared to death."


    "What''s the matter? What happened?"


    "Brother Yu? What''s wrong with you?"


    Everyone looked at him baffled.


    Old Yu looked at everyone in a daze. "I just received news that Zhang Ye won''t be going to America anymore. He wants to��turn down the Abel Prize!"


    The moment this was said, the office went into an uproar!


    "What?"


    "That''s impossible!"


    "Fuck! How''s that possible!?"


    "Old Yu, is your news reliable?"


    Following that, the people in the office started to receive some calls as well. They were from either their friends or the foreign correspondents of their editorial department. Everyone received the news from their own various channels!


    It was true!


    Zhang Ye really was turning down the award!!


    ...


    At Beijing Television Station.


    The twenty or so staff members of Do You Remember''s program team fell silent��they had just heard from the news channel that Zhang Ye had turned down the award!


    Hu Fei gasped and observed, "If Little Zhang didn''t intend to ept the award, why did he still attend the public meeting at Peking University earlier? He even did a few short interviews? There must be a reason for this to happen now!"


    Xiao Lu said anxiously, "I heard that it was the Abel Foundation''s people who deliberately made it difficult to approve Teacher Zhang''s visa, so Teacher Zhang turned down the award in a fit of anger!"


    Dafei facepalmed repeatedly. "Oh my god!"


    Hou Di said, "Are the Abel Foundation''s people dumb?! Teacher Zhang is such a bad-tempered individual. Tell me, why did they have to provoke him?!"


    Hou Ge also eximed, "How will this situation end now?"


    ...


    Central TV Department 1.


    Zhang Ye''s team who had received the news were all stunned!


    Ha Qiqi was dumbfounded!


    Zhang Zuo was left with his eyes wide and tongue tied!


    Everyone was shocked by this piece of news and they failed to react in time!


    Even Central TV Department 1''s Deputy Director, Jiang Yuan, and several executives of Central TV Department 1 who hated Zhang Ye to his core were taken aback when they heard about this event. They couldn''t believe that Zhang Ye would really turn down that Abel Prize! He didn''t want it anymore?


    Has that Zhang fellow gone crazy?


    He even dared to do such a wicked thing that would upset a grandma?!


    ...


    It was the most lively on the Inte.


    Thetest news had scattered everywhere like crazy!


    "A major revtion! Zhang Ye turns down Abel Prize!"


    "Zhang Ye turns down award! No line to Peking University!"


    "What''s the reason behind turning down award?"


    "Zhang Ye rejects Abel Prize long awaited by Chinese mathematics field!"


    Theizens''ments came as fast as the speed of refreshing a page!


    "Heavens!"


    "He''s really turning down the award?"


    "I thought everything was still fine yesterday. There were even many news sources praising him to the heavens. What made the wind change direction today? This turn of events is too great!"


    "This is the Abel Prize we''re talking about!"


    "Teacher Zhang is too fucking fierce! He''s turning it down just like that?"


    "What the hell! I just got online and I''m already hit with such huge news?"


    "Teacher Zhang was still just doing nts vs. Zombies two days ago. How did he get into a war with the Abel Foundation in just the blink of an eye? He really won''t stop fighting unless he dies, isn''t that it!?"


    "What happened exactly?"


    ...


    The storm was bing bigger and was getting more and more turbulent!


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye, the person at the center of the controversy, was already back at home. He poured himself a cup of coffee and drank it leisurely. He switched his cell phone to vibrate mode and ced it on the table, leaving it there to buzz nonstop. Zhang Ye did not pick up most of the calls from the reporters and his friends. However, there were still some calls that he could not avoid answering, like the calls from the Peking University heads or the Chinese Academy of Sciences.


    "Hello."


    "Little Zhang,e back to Peking University immediately!"


    "Vice President Sun, I''m still busy here and can''t get away now."


    "Don''t try that with me. It''s utter chaos here. Hurry up ande back now. We''ll pretend that you never mentioned turning down the award. The visa matter will be easy to handle since Johannes from the Abel Foundation has already taken the initiative to contact us, saying that he will coordinate with the embassy staff andplete all the necessary paperwork for your visa application!"


    "Vice President Sun, there''s no need for that."


    "Comrade Zhang Ye!"


    "Vice President Sun, I still have something going on. Let''s end the call here. I will treat you to a meal as an apology someday."


    Following that, a call from Xin Ya arrived.


    "Yo, Professor Xin."


    "Don''t ''yo'' me,e back quickly and finish your visa application!"


    "I won''t listen to you regarding this matter."


    "Does it make you ufortable if you don''t cause trouble for a day? I already know all about the matter. That incident with the visa was just a small misunderstanding, so it''s fine as long as it''s settled."


    "In my opinion, it isn''t a small misunderstanding. Professor Xin, I won''t say any more."


    "How can you be like that! Although the Abel Prize in an individual award, do you know this also concerns the honor of our country''s mathematics field?! Alright, since I can''t persuade you, then I''ll give your girlfriend a call! I don''t believe you won''t listen to Sis Wu!"


    "Go ahead and call her, but don''t worry, Old Wu will definitely listen to me regarding this matter. There has not been a single time that she did not support me before."


    "You��I''m hanging up! You''re making me so mad!"


    After hanging up, a call from a certain Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Sciences also came in!


    "Hello, Fellow Zhao."


    "What''s wrong with you, Professor Zhang!"


    "Hur hur, I just decided at thest minute that I do not want to go."


    "Do you understand what this award means to the Chinese mathematics field? And what this award means to the Chinese academic world?"


    "I know, but it''s precisely because I know that I''m turning down the award!"


    "You''re turning down the award even though you know what it means to us?"


    "Then let me ask you a question: What do you think is more important to a mathematician of any country, the award or our dignity?"


    The other side of the line suddenly fell silent.


    Zhang Ye said: "Getting the award is to showcase our mathematicians of China to the world and earn dignity and respect through it. But setting our dignity aside to gain the award and then using the award to earn us back the dignity, do you think that is meaningful? Isn''t it a bit ridiculous? Fellow Zhao, I am not a professional academic, so I admit that I can''t quite understand the desire of wanting to be recognized. But I know that if others don''t respect me, you shouldn''t expect me to show respect to them either. However others treat me, I will treat them the same many times over! That''s the kind of person I am!"


    Zhang Ye remained imprable and did not give face to anyone!


    ...


    Soon after, more news was published!


    Even the television stations followed up on this matter!


    "Problem with visa application, Zhang Ye denied by embassy!"


    "Internal staff reveals reason for Zhang Ye''s snubbing of award is due to Abel Foundation''s contempt and ignorance of him. Clearly invited by them to receive award, Zhang Ye was then denied a visa!"


    "Hidden rules within Abel Prize?"


    "Abel Prize''s authority met with doubt!"


    "Source confirms news, Zhang Ye''s visa application denied!"


    Very soon, with the many headlines, the truth and insider news of the incident was uncovered bit by bit!


    Someizens were still crying "what a pity," hoping for Zhang Ye to go and receive the award.


    "Didn''t you see the news? You guys don''t know a fart! It was the Abel Foundation''s people who schemed and purposely made it difficult for Teacher Zhang! They invited Teacher Zhang to receive the award yet refused to approve his visa application. What''s the fucking meaning of this? This is too infuriating! Even I got furious when I heard that, so you don''t even have to mention a bad-tempered person like Teacher Zhang! I knew that Teacher Zhang wouldn''t turn down the award for no good reason. Although Zhang Ye doesn''t have a good temper, he isn''t an unreasonable person after all. So that was what happened!"


    "I''m unconditionally giving all my support to Zhang Ye on this matter without a doubt!"


    "Johannes? What an arrogant snob!"


    "Fuck, that bunch of foreigners really look down on us too much! Such contempt! Teacher Zhang did well! That''s the way it should have been handled! Do you think we fucking want your lousy award!?"


    "Teacher Zhang is awesome! Beautifully handled!"


    "That''s right! This is really uplifting for our countrymen!"


    "The prerequisites of giving and receiving awards should be respect for each other. If you don''t show any respect to our Chinese mathematician? Then it''s better to not receive the award! We don''t care if you are Abel or Uber! We don''t want it! How can such an important award in the global mathematics field be infused with personal emotion? Would that make it an impartial award? How utterly disappointing!"


    "Hahaha! Zhang Ye is still as charismatic as ever!"


    "The only person in the country capable of doing such morally upright and uplifting things is Zhang Ye alone! Speaking of boldness, no one in the country can match up to Zhang Ye! Not everyone has the determination to make such a decision as turning down the award! Not only does he need to withstand the pressure from the different fields in the country, he even has to bear with the doubt from the global mathematics field! Brothers and sisters, this is the moment when Teacher Zhang needs us. If we don''t support him now, then when should we support him?"


    "That''s right!"


    "Go to hell!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you are way too fucking domineering!"


    "Losing the Abel Prize is definitely not a loss to us. The loser here is the Abel Foundation!"


    "This is what I''ve always liked about Zhang Ye. Even if it''s the most prestigious award in the mathematics field, if they angered this bro, he would still turn it down, much less the Abel Prize. What can they do about that?!"


    "Losing the award and honor isn''t a big deal, but Zhang Ye has won us back our dignity, and that is more important than anything else!"


    Theizens'' vocal support was flooding in overwhelmingly!


    Of course, there were still some critics. A few members in the mathematics field cast doubt and criticized Zhang Ye''s behavior. Some even cursed at him, saying that he had embarrassed all Chinese citizens by turning down such an important international award. In the future, be it the Abel Prize or some other international awards, who would still dare to award it to someone from China?


    All the different voices were clumped up into a big chaotic mess!

 Chapter 777: Johannes pays a visit!

    <h4>Chapter 777: Johannes pays a visit! </h4>


    Chapter 777: Johannes pays a visit!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    It was quite a mess after all the praise and criticism of Zhang Ye mixed together. Johannes was at a Beijing hotel reading thements from those professionals and Chinese citizens. He did not know what Zhang Ye was feeling at this moment, nor did he want to know. All he knew was that he wanted to vomit blood right now!


    This person has gone mad!


    He is simply a lunatic!


    "Johannes, what have you been doing?! What have you been doing!" His boss at the Abel Foundation had called up Johannes directly. Clearly, back in America, they had already been informed of the news!


    Johannes panicked and said: "There was some misunderstanding, this matter��"


    The superintendent shouted: "I don''t care what misunderstandings there are! Can you settle this matter?"


    "Yes, I will settle it immediately!" Johannes replied quickly.


    His boss made his stance clear. "If you don''t handle this matter well, then you can prepare to resign as administrator of the Abel Foundation tomorrow!" Du du du, the call ended!


    Johannes was taken aback!


    For the past few decades in the history of the Abel Prize, there had never a case of anyone turning down the award. Even when they awarded it to an 89-year-old French mathematician in the year beforest, he earnestly came in person to the award ceremony with his grandson and granddaughter helping him walk up to the stage to receive the award. The value and achievement of this award were obvious. No matter which country''s mathematician you were, it was impossible to remain unmoved by the Abel Prize. They would definitely feel excited to receive the Abel Prize as it was an honor of a lifetime to a mathematician!


    But now?


    Now?


    An idiot who wants to turn the award down has appeared!


    Someone who would be the first person in history to turn down the Abel Prize!


    Johannes''s wife who was beside him panicked. "Think of a solution quickly! Quickly!"


    Johannes mmed his hands on the table and said, "I''ve already contacted Peking University and the embassy!"


    "Make a few more calls! Tell them that the visa application can already be processed. All they need now is for Zhang Ye to show up at the embassy and submit the necessary paperwork, and that it will be approved immediately, today!" his wife said anxiously.


    "Do you think that I didn''t say all that?!" Johannes eximed. "They only said that they will try tomunicate it to Zhang Ye! But did theymunicate it to him? They have alreadymunicated for so long yet there is still no news from them!"


    His wife said, "You should call Zhang Ye! And tell him directly!"


    Johannes said exasperated, "I''ve called him already, but he won''t pick up!"


    His wife was all pale by now. "What��what should we do now?!"


    Johannes took two deep breaths and then said, "I''ll get Zhang Ye''s address. I don''t believe he would dare to turn the award down if I pay him a visit personally! He might just be making an empty show of strength!"


    When his wife heard that, she hurriedly agreed, "That''s right, he won''t have the guts!"


    Initially, Johannes''s n was working well. He thought that by stifling Zhang Ye with the visa application procedures, he was showing him his authority. It was to tell him who the decision maker was for this Abel Prize. But who could have expected that when Zhang Ye reacted with his move, Johannes would be totally flustered by it. By wanting to turn the award down, Zhang Ye had really caught him and the Abel Foundation in Americapletely off guard!


    Johannes understood that ament posted on a discussion forum was very true. He couldn''t be sure how badly affected Zhang Ye would be if he gave up the award, but to the Abel Foundation and Johannes, there would be grave repercussions! As such, they couldn''t afford to bear it! Zhang Ye must definitely ept the award! There was no room for negotiation! Otherwise, the Abel Foundation''s reputation would take a big hit! No one could bear such a consequence!


    ...


    At home.


    Zhang Ye was currently on the phone with his mother.


    "You are not going to ept the award?"


    "You know about the news already?"


    "Of course, how can I not know about it!? We were bringing the child out to sightsee when we overheard some nearby tourists discussing about this matter. It wouldn''t be difficult for me to find out even if I tried to pay no heed!"


    "Anyways, I won''t ept the award. Let Dad know about this as well."


    "Rascal, are you crazy? This is a major international award and you''re just turning it down like that?"


    "That Johannes was making things difficult for me, so tell me, why should I treat him nicely?"


    "But that doesn''t have anything to do with the eptance of the award! The Abel Foundation has nothing to do with that!"


    Zhang Ye shook his head and said: "Hur hur, how could they be not rted, Mom? You sure are funny. Would Johannes alone be able to halt my visa application? Do you think he is capable of that? Does he have the capability to do so? The problematic invitation documents were sent from the Abel Foundation. Do you believe that no one from the Abel Foundation knew about this matter? He has been coordinating on both sides all this while!"


    His mother said angrily: "I can''t help but wonder why all the good things always end up badly when it involves you. Why didn''t the other award recipients have any problems and only you are running into problems every time?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "That''s because this bro abhors evil! I can''t bear having grit in my eyes!"


    "Come on, you! You might as well drive me to the grave!" His mother mocked at him for a brief while before hanging up. She did not go on rambling anymore as she understood her own son well. What type of person was Zhang Ye? He could make something out of nothing whilezing around, much less if there was something going on. She was already used to it.


    At this moment, the doorbell rang.


    Zhang Ye wondered who was at the door. When he answered it, he saw Johannes standing at the doorstep. Whoa, the person in question had arrived?


    Johannes was sweating profusely. He immediately said, "Zhang, I''ve finally found you!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Mr. Johannes, didn''t you say on the phone that you were currently out of the country? And that you could not make it back within the next two days? So what is the meaning of this? Did youe here in a space shuttle?"


    Upon hearing this, Johannes looked somewhat awkward. He coughed and replied, "Zhang, after knowing that your visa application was denied, I hurriedly rushed back. Who could have guessed that when I got back, I heard that you wanted to turn down the award. You��you are being too rash. Was there a misunderstanding on this matter?"


    Zhang Ye smiled but did not speak.


    When Johannes saw that, he immediately said in outrage, "The embassy staff were too much! I will be honest with you, I couldn''t stand those bunch of people since a long time ago! For such simple paperwork formalities like a visa application, they insist on going through so many troublesome procedures. Even I would get angry when I see them like that, let alone you! Don''t worry, Zhang. When I return to America, I will give feedback about this situation to the relevant people! We must deal with them seriously! Criticize them! We will expedite the process with a separate channel for such famous academics like you in the future! We must be able to change the procedures for the processing of visas��simplify! Simplify! And further simplify! Efficiency! Efficiency! And more efficiency! We cannot let such a diligent academic like yourself waste your precious time worrying about the procedures of a visa application!"


    As Johannes''s wife was Chinese, he had fully mastered the essence of Mandarin!


    "Zhang, you don''t have to worry about this matter anymore. Give me your passport and we will go to the embassy right now. Just show your face and I will make sure they handle all the paperwork for you!" Johannes offered to bear all the responsibilities on himself.


    But Zhang Ye smiled and said, "There''s no need to."


    Johannes hurriedly said, "Zhang, you don''t have to worry about troubling me. Please don''t be so polite with me. I''m your old friend from America. I will definitely handle this matter properly for you!"


    Zhang Ye stayed silent.


    "Zhang!" Johannes tried his best to convince him. "You shouldn''t be turning down the award just because you are angry with those detestable embassy staff. It''s not worth it! It''s really not worth it! Although they have made some mistakes, you must also give them a chance to turn over a new leaf!"


    Zhang Ye looked at him.


    Johannes said, "Zhang, I''m begging for leniency on behalf of them. Give them a chance and don''t take it up with those embassy staff. Can you give me, Johannes, some face regarding this matter?"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Is that all?"


    Johannes: "Uh? Yes."


    However, in the next moment, Zhang Ye closed the door lightly. "Bye."


    Outside, Johannes, who was rebuffed, was bing even more anxious now. He banged on the door and shouted from outside, "Zhang,e out first. Let''s discuss this again, please don''t be rash, don''t be rash! You''re being irresponsible to yourself, your family, and the field of mathematics! Please open the door, Zhang! Let''s talk it over again!


    "Zhang!


    "Open the door! Open the door!


    "Zhang Ye!


    "Open the door!


    "Zhang Ye, I''ll curse your great-grandfather!"


    After shouting for a long time, he finally let out a curse.


    Zhang Ye was angered when he heard that, so he rolled up his sleeves, stood up, and opened the door. However, after opening the door, Johannes had already disappeared. Zhang Ye could only hear the sound of running footstepsing from the corridor!


    Zhang Ye shouted down the corridor, "Fuck your grandpa!"


    He closed the door and returned to his room, doing whatever he wanted to do. A whileter, his cell phone rang again. This time, it was a number calling from America. Even if Zhang Ye thought with his feet, he knew for certain that the Abel Foundation''s people were also getting anxious. He rejected the call immediately without picking up the phone. He had already made up his mind, so it was useless no matter who they sent!


    ...


    Online, on Weibo, and even on a debate program on TV, the experts and industry insiders were still divided into two camps and arguing nonstop!


    A Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Sciences said: "Dignity is always greater than the award itself!"


    A social affairsmentator: "Zhang Ye makes a mockery of the entire world! I have never considered this to be so-called dignity and respect! In my opinion, this shows ack of magnanimity and self-restraint instead!"


    An educator: "Magnanimity does not equate to tolerance!"


    The famous songstress, Zhang Xia: "This is Zhang Ye''s personal award. Whether he epts it or not, we should respect Zhang Ye''s decision. Why is everyone scolding him?"


    Today, all the news headlines seem to have been upied by Zhang Ye!


    Actually, back when Zhang Ye proposed the solution to Dale''s Conjecture, he had already caused a stir in the world. At that time, those who knew him already knew him, so even if he received the award now, most people would find it unexpected in a sense but not beyond reason. Although it was rather surprising, it was not that shocking. Therefore, based onmon sense, even if Zhang Ye went to America to ept the award, his poprity would still not increase by much.


    However, Zhang Ye''s sudden turning down of the award today had instead allowed his exposure to rise dramatically. With the ongoing debates and discussions, Zhang Ye''s poprity soared along with them!


    He wouldn''t have gained much poprity if he chose to ept the award. However, by turning it down, his poprity surged instead?


    That''s right! In this world, there were just some things that worked in mysterious and dramatic ways!

 Chapter 778: His infamy spreads overseas!

    <h4>Chapter 778: His infamy spreads overseas! </h4>


    Chapter 778: His infamy spreads overseas!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    The next day. Monday.


    It just past 6 AM when the doorbell at home rang.


    His parents had returned home with Chenchen from Tianjinst night. Everyone was still sleeping except for his mother, who was up early, so she answered the door.


    "Who is it?" his mother asked.


    Han Henian asked anxiously, "Auntie, hello. You must be Professor Zhang''s mother, right?"


    His mother looked at Han Henian. "Who are you?"


    Han Henian immediately answered, "I am Han Henian from Peking University''s Math Department, a colleague of Professor Zhang. I was assigned by the university toe invite Professor Zhang back to the school for a meeting!"


    "Oh, you''re Teacher Han?" His mother said, "Little Ye is not at home."


    Han Henian quickly asked, "Where did he go? Everyone is waiting for him now and Dean Pan is also worried sick. They told me that I have to bring Professor Zhang back no matter what!"


    His mother said, "I don''t know either. He leftst night but did not tell me where he was heading."


    After dragging the matter and rambling on for a long time, she finally got him to leave.


    When his mother closed the door, she went and knocked on his bedroom door. "Little Ye, your colleague came over just now, but I''ve fending him off for you."


    A few momentster, the door opened and Zhang Ye walked out sleepily and yawned. "OK, Mom, thanks. No matter whoes over in the next few days, just say that I''m not at home." Then he went straight into the bathroom.


    His mother stared in the direction of the bathroom and said, "It''s easy for you, just ignoring everything after creating such a huge mess. I even have to be your shield in this situation now. When will ever let me and your dad not worry about you?"


    Zhang Ye said rather helplessly, "I''ve already said that I won''t go to America, but they''re still very insistent. What can I do about it? I''ve even turned off my cell phone." He sighed, then added, "This bro has been in the industry for over a year now and has gotten into all sorts of incidents before, so it''s not like they don''t know about my temper. If I say I won''t go, then I definitely won''t go. What''s the point in theming and trying to persuade me?"


    Just as he was saying that, the home phone rang.


    His mother went to pick it up.


    "Hello, who is this?"


    "Hello, I am calling from Peking University''s Math Depart��"


    "Oh, you''ve dialed the wrong number."


    "Ah? It can''t be, I''m sure I dialed the right number."


    "This is the restaurant delivery hotline. Would you like a rice bowl or pulled noodles? [1.]


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    His mother hung up the phone and gave a hmph in annoyance.


    Throughout the afternoon, another three groups of people came to the house and around eight calls were made to Zhang Ye''s house. There were even a few people who managed to get their hands on Zhang Ye''s parents'' cell phone numbers and called them, showing just how much effort they were putting into this. However, still, none of them managed to get to Zhang Ye himself. As evening approached, the calls gradually became fewer, probably because everyone understood Zhang Ye''s determination by now and knew that they could not change his mind anymore.


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    The Abel Foundation located in America suddenly released a public statement!


    First, it announced that the Abel Foundation had removed Johannes from his administrative position at the Foundation.


    When the citizens of China saw that, they all apuded.


    "Beautiful!"


    "Well removed!"


    "You even dared to make things difficult for Professor Zhang? Of course you''d be removed from your post!"


    "A person who throws their weight around like him is a maggot in academia!"


    However, the Abel Foundation released another statement, but it was not the Chinese citizens'' expected rification or apology. Moreover, there wasn''t any written exnation on the already known situation in which an Abel Foundation staff member had made things difficult for the selected award winner, not even a single line. Instead, the statement condemned Zhang Ye!


    The original excerpt read as follows:


    Abel Foundation: The Foundation has verified the news of Zhang Ye, the Chinese man selected as winner of the Abel Prize, turning down the award to be true. It leaves us with deep regret, and at the same time, we find this to be a very na?ve and ridiculous behavior. The Abel Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the global mathematics field, therefore turning down the award is hard to understand. We do not know what kind of arrogance led Zhang Ye to make this decision, but we hereby rify and announce that in the future, Zhang Ye will never again be nominated for the award!


    When this news came out, many people started scolding!


    "What dogshit is this!"


    "Forever rejecting Zhang Ye for consideration of the award? Pui! It was clearly Teacher Zhang who rejected you, yet you people are still trying to make yourselves look good!? Stop pretending!"


    "Zhang Ye might be arrogant, but you guys are ten times more arrogant than Zhang Ye!"


    "I guess we have finally found out what kind of an organization the Abel Foundation is! If you give the award to someone, they have to ingratiate themselves to you? If someone turns down the award, you lose your temper from the embarrassment? Even issuing a public condemnation? Never nominate the person for the award again? What sort of lousy international math award is this! Is this all there is to it!?"


    "Teacher Zhang was right to reject such an award! This sort of lousy award is not worth receiving!"


    "The entire statement was contemptuous and pretentious. It makes me want to scold someone!"


    "I don''t see how this award will still exist in several years from now!"


    The domestic sentiments were frenzied as countless Chinese citizens waved Zhang Ye''s g and shouted for him. There were even a lot of people who went to the American Abel Foundation''s official website and its affiliated mathematics research website to air their opinions!


    At this moment, the incident had been pushed beyond China''s borders and into international attention!


    Due to theg in the global news flow, coupled with how the Chinese mathematics field was not too integrated with the global mathematics field, and time zone differences on top of everything else, even though some people had already learned of this news, it wasn''t until the Abel Foundation''s public statement was announced that every country''s mathematics field truly learned of it, even finding out about the scandal from the news in China. With that, the global mathematics field blew up. Every country''s mathematicians were also dumbfounded! [2.]


    A German mathematician publicly stated: "This is truly unbelievable!"


    A French mathematician: "What on earth happened? Can someone tell me?"


    A famous American mathematician: "This has to be the darkest day for the Abel Prize since its inception! I still can''t believe that someone would actually turn down the award!"


    An American mathematician even publicly criticized: "Those haughty and arrogant Chinese mathematicians! One of these days, they will surely pay for the naivety!"


    The global mathematics field was full of criticism flying around!


    Some overseas citizens raised some doubts instead.


    In Germany.


    "Aren''t you people getting it all wrong?"


    "Wasn''t it the American Embassy that denied the visa application first?"


    "If I am the award recipient and my visa was denied, that is basically a great insult to me. If I were them, I wouldn''t have gone to attend the awards ceremony either!"


    United Kingdom.


    "This is the first time I''ve learned of a Chinese mathematician''s temper!"


    "I like them, hahaha. They actually went ahead and turned down the award!"


    "There''s such a big scandal regarding the Abel Prize now, yet they did not give an exnation? They did not exin why the Chinese mathematician''s visa was denied? I used to think that this award was an authoritative one with great international prestige, but I no longer feel so!"


    "So even the Abel Prize has a shady side to it!"


    Following the overseas citizens'' questioning of the Abel Prize''s authority, many global mathematicians also gradually calmed down from the shock of Zhang Ye turning down the award and started noticing the cause and development of this incident!


    Several mathematicians who had been at Summer Pce when Zhang Ye solved Dale''s Conjecture and had struck up a friendship with him then also stepped forward one by one to openly question the Abel Foundation!


    The English mathematician who had invited Zhang Ye to the United Kingdom back then said: "I''m sorry, but I don''t see any hint of arrogance from Zhang Ye in this incident at all. Instead, it is the Foundation''s attitude that makes people very ufortable!"


    The German mathematician who led the youth team for Germany said: "I do not know the exact details of the scandal, but what I know is that Zhang is truly quite a good person!"


    All at once, the Abel Foundation was under enormous pressure!


    Of course, in the global mathematics field, there were also many who called out Zhang Ye for being unable to judge what was good for him!


    Turning down the Abel Prize wouldn''t be that big of an issue for many of the foreign citizens. A sixth-ranked mathematics award in the global mathematics field would not even raise an eyebrow on these people. But to the global mathematics field, this was a big deal, it was a earth-shatteringly big deal!


    ...


    Back in China.


    Some of the international reactions and news were gradually published by the newspapers!


    Theizens were yelling!


    "There are many people overseas who are very understanding as well!"


    "Yeah, there''s even quite a number of foreign mathematicians who are supporting Zhang Ye!"


    "But simrly, there are also those who are scolding him. Damn, this is so maddening!"


    "This Abel Prize really has no morals!"


    "Why are those at the Abel Foundation behaving like a bunch of bastards!"


    However, a person familiar with the happenings said: "Hur hur, don''t bother scolding anymore. The Abel Foundation is already paying for their arrogance. Teacher Zhang''s rejection of the award has not only ruthlessly pped their faces, those issues like the denied visa application and other matters were also revealed. The situation that everyone''s seeing now should be how Zhang Ye is being scolded and how he has lost the award, while everything''s still going on as usual for the Abel Foundation, right? But that''s not what''s happening! The Abel Foundation has suffered the greatest loss already!"


    Someone asked: "What do you mean?"


    "Hurry up and tell us!"


    That person said: "I just heard some news from a friend that the International Mathematical Union has sent their people to the Abel Foundation''s headquarters to investigate the affair. Although it''s not likely they''ll be able to find anything, what can be said for sure is that the Abel Prize will no longer have its glory days like before. Do you guys know what the most important thing an international award has to have? It isn''t the size of the funding or the number of research facilities, nor is it the rigorousness and strictness of the awardmittee, rather the authority it has and how impartial they are! That''s what makes an international award gain credibility in the eyes of the public! Once they lose their impartiality, everyone will doubt the authority of the award. That''s when the award is relegated from its ce! A fifth or sixth-ranked award of the global mathematics field? Starting from tomorrow, I''m afraid that will be history. With someone rejecting the award and the revtion of the scandal, it will be considered lucky if the Abel Prize can still stay within the top 15 awards in the global mathematics field! Perhaps, after years pass, they won''t even be able to maintain that rank! It can be said that the Abel Prize has had its reputation stripped by more than half! Hurt by this affair today, it might take them a decade to several decades to recover their reputation!"


    This Weibo post was immediately forwarded by countless people!


    "Is that true?"


    "Just because Teacher Zhang turned down the award, he managed to deal such a big blow to the Abel Foundation?"


    "Fuck me! If that happens, I''ll be damned!"


    In the end, it didn''t take long for the news of the International Mathematical Union sending personnel down to the Abel Foundation to spread!


    There was shock throughout China!


    The global mathematics field was also shocked!


    At this moment, people didn''t need any exining for them to know that beginning today, the Abel Prize had entered a period of slow decline! The incident had been blown out of proportion so much that it even rmed the International Mathematical Union!


    All of a sudden, the global mathematics field was lively once more!


    Over a dozen Abel Prizeureates collectively came forward, some of them casting doubt on Zhang Ye''s proof to Dale''s Conjecture, saying that there had been logical errors in his reasoning. There were others who attacked Zhang Ye regarding his morals and also someone who suggested that Zhang Ye''s name be rejected by all international math awards!


    They were all Abel Prizeureates. The award was one of their greatest achievements and a gloss on their resumes. If the Abel Prize depreciated from here on out, then who would be affected the most? Of course it was them! That was the reason why they all started scolding Zhang Ye without sparing any effort! They did not want to see the value of the Abel Prize drop!


    It was chaos!


    Everything was in turmoil!


    Zhang Ye?


    Many of these foreigners and foreign media reporters were hearing Zhang Ye''s name for the first time!


    In China, if you went around the streets and pulled anyone out of a crowd to ask, they would definitely know who Zhang Ye was. If you picked ten people from those who knew Zhang Ye to ask about Zhang Ye, then nine of them would tell you the same thing. Zhang Ye was very infamous for: beating his leaders, battling his peers, fighting a Korean celebrity, and scolding foreign dignitaries. All of those incidents were no longer a secret in China. Even a three-year-old child likely knew of them. Zhang Ye''s notoriety was known to all within the country!


    This time, however, Zhang Ye''s name had finally spread outside of China. For the first time��his infamy had spread overseas!!!


    [1. rice with meat and vegetables.]


    [2. Global news flow - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_news_flow]

 Chapter 779: Feats or faults, leave it to the future generations to judge for themselves!

    <h4>Chapter 779: Feats or faults, leave it to the future generations to judge for themselves! </h4>


    Chapter 779: Feats or faults, leave it to the future generations to judge for themselves!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    On the same day.


    Peking University''s Dean Pan had called Zhang Ye''s mother several times. When his mother could no longer bear this incessant hounding, she finally gave in and allowed him to speak to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye took his mother''s cell phone.


    "Dean Pan, I''m really busy right now."


    "Even if you are dying, you still have toe back here!"


    "But I''ve already turned down the award. What''s the point in me going over there?"


    "The reporters have already clogged our doorsteps and there''s also foreign reporters!"


    "Then why don''t you help me handle them a bit?"


    "You''re the main character. If you don''t make an appearance, who can possibly handle them? Everyone is waiting for you to show yourself! You''d better hurry ande back here right now! The whole world has already found out about your rejection of the award. The Abel Foundation has also issued their statement. None of us are going to ask you to ept the award anymore, so even if you want it, there''s nothing to ept. I want you toe back here and handle the media and clear up the incident yourself. There has to be a follow through no matter what. How can you just say nothing and not show yourself? What would that demonstrate? If the foreign media sees that, they might even think that all of our Chinese professors are this unreasonable!"


    "Al-alright then."


    "The press conference will begin immediately, soe down at once."


    "OK, I got it."


    "You must be here at the venue!"


    "I know. I won''t make things difficult for you."


    After he put down the phone, Zhang Ye informed his parents and changed into formal wear. Dean Pan was right. Ever since yesterday when this incident urred, Zhang Ye had not made an appearance in public at all, nor did he express his attitude. Now that everything could no longer be changed, with his award turned down, Johannes getting sacked, and the Abel Foundation suffering a great blow, Zhang Ye was receiving a lot of criticism in the global mathematics field. No matter how it went, Zhang Ye still had to make an appearance and not let Peking University and Dean Pan bear the brunt of this pressure. In any case, Zhang Ye was used to such situations.


    ...


    At Peking University.


    Evening, 7 PM.


    When Zhang Ye arrived in his car, a small-scale press conference was in progress in one of the smaller halls. Zhang Ye was escorted by Peking University''s people through the back entrance, where he immediately saw the small hall packed with media reporters. The camcorders and cameras were set up all over the ce, and about nine blond and brte foreign reporters stood out in the crowd of people. Every one of them was staring at Dean Pan and a vice president of Peking University, posing questions to them.


    When Zhang Ye appeared, the entire venue''s atmosphere changed at once!


    "Professor Zhang!"


    "Zhang Ye has arrived!"


    "Teacher Zhang, did you turn down the award because of the Abel Foundation''s contempt for you?"


    "Professor Zhang, do you know the stir that you have caused in the global mathematics field with your rejection of the award? What are your views on the criticism from the foreign academics?"


    The reporters were asking questions like they were on stimnts as question after question was raised!


    A Peking University staff member immediately tried to maintain order. "One by one! Please raise your questions one by one!"


    Dean Pan gave Zhang Ye a look.


    That vice president of Peking University also looked at Zhang Ye with me. Ever since the incident, this was the first time they were seeing him in person again. Regarding Zhang Ye''s rejection of the award, it would be a lie if they said they didn''t care. Which person of Peking University did not hope to see Zhang Ye be honored with the award? Yet it was toote to say anything anymore. It was already a foregone conclusion, so what else could they do? They could only hope that after the proof of Dale''s Conjecture had been validated, there would be another chance at getting an international award. By then, Zhang Ye had better not act impulsively like this anymore. Thoughing back to the point, after this incident, which international award would daree knocking on Zhang Ye''s door again!? This fellow''s handling of matters was simply too unreliable. He was too much of a troublemaker!


    Zhang Ye went up on stage and took a seat near the Peking University Vice President. Compared to the glum people up there, today''s VIP, Zhang Ye, had a much more rxed expression than everyone else. He even asionally showed a smile, making that vice president and Dean Pan grit their teeth.


    Zhang Ye spoke after he took his seat, "Good evening, dear friends from the media. The reason for my rejection of the award this time was entirely personal, so please don''t specte about it."


    Hearing that, the Peking University Vice President and Dean Pan nodded slightly, looking a little better this time. They knew Zhang Ye had exined it this way because he had given it proper thought. The matter was alreadyid to rest; he had also gotten his revenge and vented his frustration. If he still raised the issue of the visa application, then that would have been very meaningless, and would also show his pettiness. Therefore, at this point, he might as well not bring it up anymore. Otherwise, if he continued being aggressive about things, the criticisms against Zhang Ye would surely increase. If that happened, it would guarantee that no one would ever consider him for any international awards in the future. This was something that Zhang Ye clearly understood.


    But the more Zhang Ye understood this, the more Dean Pan and the school leaders felt helpless about this situation. Who said Zhang Ye was dumb? This fellow was definitely not stupid, and he knew and understood everything very well. However, for all his cleverness, it made the things he did seem even more unreasonable. Sometimes, this really made people not know how to react!


    Zhang Ye continued answering the questions. "As for the criticism against me from the global mathematics field, since I did not go online today, I''m unclear about them. However, I must make clear that rejecting the award was purely a personal decision. Therefore, if anyone has anything they want to say, please aim it at me alone. Do not make things difficult for my bosses and colleagues at Peking University."


    More questions were thrown out in quick session.


    One��


    Ten��


    Twenty��


    Zhang Ye answered without reservation, with a mostly bureaucratic tone.


    An hour passed. The vice president looked at his watch and then interrupted the reporters'' questions to announce, "It''s gettingte. I''m sure everyone has asked enough questions, so let''s end the press conference here!"


    Zhang Ye and the Peking University people stood to leave.


    The Vice President sessfully left the stage, with Dean Pan following close behind, nearly making it out as well. However, it wasn''t so smooth for Zhang Ye as he got surrounded by the reporters who had rushed up onto the stage!


    A reporter from The Morning Post: "Give us a little more detail, Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "Alrighty then, I will answer onest question."


    A foreign reporter asked, "Zhang, I heard that there were some Chinese mathematicians who also expressed their dissatisfaction with your rejection of the award. How do you view your fellow mathematicians''ments of you?"


    A female reporter from Beijing Times asked, "Professor Zhang, there are people who are praising you, but at the same time, a lot of people are scolding you. There''s a great amount of controversy surrounding you, so what I would like to know is not how others see you, since that is already publicly known. I''m curious about how you view yourself. If a monument was erected for future generations and you could write your deeds or achievements on it, or if you prefer, your regrets and self-criticism, what would you pen?"


    This question was very interesting.


    Zhang Ye looked at her and smiled. "On that monument, I would not leave any words."


    "Not carve anything onto it?"


    "Why?"


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Zhang Ye said very calmly, opening his mouth to slowly speak, "Feats or faults, leave it to future generations to judge for themselves!" With that, Zhang Ye turned and left without another word.


    When Dean Pan heard that, he was taken aback.


    The vice president also heard and immediately stopped in his tracks. He gave Zhang Ye a slightly startled nce.


    The reporters on scene also showed shocked expressions!


    Zhang Ye''s words had not been heard by the people of this world before. However, this saying was very well-known in his previous world. The most widespread version of it was "there will be future generations to judge" or "give it to future generations to judge." The meaning behind these words was that perhaps several decades or centuriester, future generations would give a fair assessment. However, Zhang Ye did not put it this way here, as he chose the words "leave it to future generations to judge for themselves"��he essentially did not care how the future generations judged him. Be it praise or criticism, however the future generations judged him, Zhang Ye would not care. The only thing that mattered to him was this: a clear conscience!


    As for anything other than that?


    You can say whatever you like!!

 Chapter 780: Central TV Department 14?

    <h4>Chapter 780: Central TV Department 14? </h4>


    Chapter 780: Central TV Department 14?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    The next day.


    The incident of the award rejection had created quite a stir for the past two days. At yesterday''s press conference at Peking University, they had somewhat reached a conclusion on the matter. It was gradually subsiding as well. Zhang Ye who had been idling at home for several days now noticed the good weather today and decided to wake up early to go back to the office for a rare day of work.


    He drove and arrived at work.


    He could feel the fresh autumn air outside and see the clear blue skies when he looked up.


    Zhang Ye bought a morning newspaper at the entrance of Central TV Tower and flipped through it as he walked to his office. Within just two pages, he saw his picture that was taken during the press conference at Peking University yesterday. The headline of the newspaper was very prominent, upying about one-seventh of the page, with color added to it. Zhang Ye''s original words were quoted: "''Feats or faults, leave it to future generations to judge for themselves''!"


    Actually, not only did The Morning Post''s newspaper feature him in their report, all the other major newspaper outlets alsomenced wide coverage andmentary on this news. The earliest report was published yesterday, while those who reported itte published the news this morning. Live recordings fromst night''s press conference were shown on some television stations, portraying the scene in its unedited form. Zhang Ye''s quote of "feats or faults" immediately created quite a stir in the onlinemunity and went viral with countlessizensbeling it a famous quote! You could just randomly go online and most of the updates and news would be about the "Uncharactered Stele"!


    He folded the newspaper and scanned through the Weibo app on his cell phone.


    Overnight, more than 10,000 private messages andments were left on his Weibo!


    ChineseCabbage: "Idol! You said it so well!"


    OriolesFlygrass117: "I really, really like you! What a great ''feats or faults, leave it to future generations to judge for themselves''! Only you could say such strong words that shock the hearts of all of China!"


    DJFOIK: "I''ve never chased any stars in the past and do not pay attention to anyone in the entertainment circle. At most, I just watch some celebrities who I like on television, but I can''t even remember most of their names. But when I heard about this quote on ''feats or faults'' yesterday, I was greatly moved by it as it was too shocking. I immediately looked up your works on the Inte and even checked out some of your past incidents. After reading everything, I just want to say this: You really are different from all of the other celebrities! From now onward, you will have another person added to your fanbase. I''m not chasing after stars, what I''m chasing is the special aura you emanate!"


    LittleFei: "I will support you forever! Teacher Zhang, I''m cheering you on!"


    Everyone was very supportive of him. During the past few days, his Weibo followers grew by a few hundred thousand to around 3 million fans in total. Although his follower numbers could not bepared to the S-list or A-list celebrities who had tens of millions of followers, and could not evenpare to those Korean idol groups who came to China to develop their careers, everyone knew that these fans of Zhang Ye had an irrepressiblebat strength that no other fanclubs could ever have!


    Posting for the sake of posting?


    Scolding others?


    Making trouble?


    Stirring up trouble?


    They were experts in all of these! In a fight, one fan could take on three! This was not merely empty talk, the notoriety was earned from all the fan battles fought in the past!


    Zhang Ye was delighted when he saw everyone''s messages and noticed that his fanbase had once again expanded in scale, so he simply chose a few random messages to reply back to. Just by rejecting an award and making ament inspired by the Uncharactered Stele, it had brought him so much poprity? Indeed, this was something that Zhang Ye did not expect.


    This world also had Wu Zetian and a part of the important history remained the same. However, the quote ''feats or faults, leave it to future generations to judge for themselves'' about the Uncharactered Stele was not said by Wu Zetian herself. It was theter generation who came up with such a theory. There were some other simr theories. For example, how Wu Zetian thought that her feats were too great, and a stele was not enough to describe them all, therefore leaving it nk. Another theory suggested that Wu Zetian knew shecked virtue, so she did not write anything on it. But in this world, some of those theories by theter generations did not surface at all. He knew this because he had spent a lot of reputation points after the college exam question setting duty, reading up on books and audio-visual materials of this world, then reviewing them from memory after that. He was familiar with a lot of this world''s workings now. That was why he dared to graciously bring up the quote regarding the Uncharactered Stele.


    Some long-lost ssics must never be buried. That would be disrespecting history and the past generations. As the only spokesperson in this world, Zhang Ye naturally had the responsibility and duty to giarize the ssics��no��to pass down the ssics. Heh, isn''t this what Lei Feng''s spirit was about?!


    He took the elevator and went upstairs.


    Ding. The elevator door opened and he reached the floor his program team office was on. The moment he stepped out of the elevator, Zhang Ye saw two people engaging in a shouting match not too far away.


    Who were they?


    Why were they arguing this early in the morning?


    After fixing his eyes on their faces, he saw that they were Jiang Yuan and another middle-aged man.


    Yan Tianfei stared and said, "Old Jiang, are you people from Department 1 finding trouble with us? Our department has just recruited two high-caliber fresh graduates to join us, but look at what your department has done! You took both of them for yourselves? Leaving nothing for us at Department 14?"


    Jiang Yuan looked at him, feeling troubled, knowing that this person was not easy to get along with. He was also the director of a department. If not for the special status that Department 1 had in Central TV, in terms of rankings, Yan Tianfei was still ranked higher than him as a vice director. "Department 14 has already been established for two years and still couldn''t make a mark in the industry, so why would you still need so many people and equipment? After the Deputy Station Head considered all the factors and thought that those two graduates were not suitable for your department, he sent those two saplings to Department 1. Old Yan, we did not snatch your people, the Deputy Station Head was the one who made this arrangement. If you think it is improper, you can approach him to discuss it. As long as he gives his approval, we will release them immediately."


    Yan Tianfei replied, "Since they went to your department, I should look for you!"


    Jiang Yuan countered, "But it''s useless even if you look for me. This matter was decided by the station heads after holding a meeting."


    Yan Tianfei dered without giving him any face, "Old Jiang, don''t try that with me. If you people did not request for them, would the station transfer away from my department? I can''t understand this! Your department gets all the money, talent, and everything else good! Are all the other departments treated as stepchildren of Central TV? I''ll fucking have it out with you today! After I finish with you, I will go and look for the Station Head! I''ll demand an exnation for our Department 14 today! Otherwise, we''ll just be dawdling around here! If I can''t work properly? Then none of you will get to work properly either!"


    Jiang Yuan knew that Old Yan actually dared to kick up a fuss over this. Old Yan was a veteran in Central TV and his qualifications were even higher than Central TV Department 1''s Jiang Naixiong, much less Jiang Yuan. He had worked at Central TV all his life and had decades of experience. He even worked alongside two of the Deputy Station Heads at the same department before. So even if Yan Tianfei had a bad temperament and would shout or scold others over small things, he could still maintain his position as the Director of Department 14. The station heads did not bother him much since they could not control him anyway.


    Jiang Yuan eximed, "Old Yan, what are you intending to do?!"


    Yan Tianfei asked, "Where''s Jiang Naixiong?"


    Jiang Yuan said helplessly, "Director Jiang is not here yet." After thinking a bit, he got a little worried about the unyielding temperament of his opponent, so he took a step back and stated, "I''ll make a decision on behalf of the Director. If you think youck people on your side, except for those two fresh graduates, you can choose anyone who is idle or not doing any shows in our department now. Just one, be it an editor or producer. Will that be good enough for you?"


    Yan Tianfei sneered, "Of the two graduates you took, one of them was the top schr from Jiangsu''s college entrance exam while the other was the vice president of the student council who had just graduated from Media College this year. For such good saplings, even ten of your staff cannotpare to them!"


    Jiang Yuan threw up his hands and said, "Then I can''t do anything about that."


    Yan Tianfei added, "Fine, if you want me to choose, I''ll take Zhang Ye from your department. Even if it''s ten college entrance exam schrs who you took, I won''t care. Just give me Zhang Ye and you can take as many people as you want from our department!"


    Jiang Yuan: "��"


    Zhang Ye who had just stepped out of the elevator was a little taken aback by this.


    Eh?


    Why did they mention me?


    Central TV Department 14? What is this all about?

 Chapter 781: Director Zhang looks for trouble!

    <h4>Chapter 781: Director Zhang looks for trouble! </h4>


    Chapter 781: Director Zhang looks for trouble!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    The both of them were still disputing.


    Jiang Yuan: "No, definitely not Zhang Ye!"


    Yan Tianfei sneered. "Then were you just making an empty offer!?"


    Jiang Yuan said, "Old Yan, I was only giving you face by letting you pick a person. It''s not like our Department 1 owes your Department 14 anything. If you want to be that way, then just take it as if I''d never offered at all!"


    Yan Tianfei replied, "Department 1 has badly fallen out with Zhang Ye, even going all the way to court for awsuit. You people no longer have ns to arrange any work for Zhang Ye, but with a person like him whose poprity ranks within the top three at Central TV and is able to n programs and even host them, he''s just going to be doing nothing all day long at your department with that cold storage treatment, right? Since you have no ns for him? Then Department 14 will make ns for him! Weck talent on our side. Just tell me, which TV channel works in such a way like you do? With such a top host in your ranks, you''ve chosen to censor him instead! A bunch of prodigals!"


    Jiang Yuan was furious. "How can you talk that way, Old Yan!"


    Yan Tianfei rebuked, "Since you have taken my people, then you ought to make it up to me!"


    They did not notice Zhang Ye who had just came out of the elevator not too far from them. Zhang Ye caught a glimpse of them and overheard most of what they said, but did not go up to greet them. He just made his way back to his program team office.


    Half the staff were here, while the other half had not arrived yet.


    Little Wang''s eyes lit up. "Director Zhang!"


    Ha Qiqi also smiled and greeted, "Good morning, Director Zhang."


    "Good morning, everyone." Zhang Ye smiled back at them.


    "Those words you said yesterday were amazing!"


    "Yeah, it made my blood boil with excitement after hearing it!"


    "What a great ''Feats or faults, leave it to future generations to judge for themselves!'' I got goosebumps all over when I heard that!"


    "That''s the strong spirit our Director Zhang carries. Not mentioning the entertainment circle, even in the academic world through the ages, there haven''t been many people who carry that strength of character and domineering spirit like Director Zhang!"


    All of his staff immediately started ttering him.


    Hearing that, Zhang Ye could feel his face flushing and he couldn''t help butugh, "Ohe on. What strength of character could I possibly have? You''re all praising me to the heavens too much."


    A person said, "It''s just a pity about that international award."


    Another person beside said, "What''s there to pity? Even if Director Zhang didn''t receive the award, what he did was even more prestigious than receiving the award! Who wouldn''t give Director Zhang the thumbs up if they saw him now? That Abel Prize and its undeserved reputation��it''s better not to receive it!"


    "Haha!"


    "That''s true."


    Little Wang suddenly looked in the direction of the door and asked, "Listen, does it sound like someone is arguing outside?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "You''re really nosy, just get on with your work." Then, suddenly remembering that his program team had not had much to do since half a month ago, he corrected himself. "Just get on with whatever you''re ying."


    Little Wang giggled. "Then I''ll continue ying nts vs. Zombies!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Director Zhang''s game is still the most interesting. I heard that the sales volume of nts vs. Zombies has already exceeded 20 million copies. It basically steamrolled all other foreign and domestic video game titles that were released around this time period!"


    Those ying, yed. Others chatted.


    Zhang Ye went into his own office. After getting Little Wang to bring him a cup of tea, he sat there and started watching movies too. These were leisurely days indeed.


    As for that altercation that happened outside their office earlier? Zhang Ye did not take it seriously or to heart. Central TV Department 14? Back in Zhang Ye''s previous world, if he didn''t remember incorrectly, Channel 14 was a children''s channel. But over in this world, it was definitely not the same. The children''s channel over here should be on either Channel 11 or 12. But whatever channel it was, it didn''t mean anything to him now. It wasn''t that Zhang Ye did not want to switch over. He had been put into the freezer by Central TV Department 1 and definitely wouldn''t be able to do any work before his contract ran out, so of course it would be great if he could switch departments and start doing a new show. From the contractual terms, Zhang Ye was allowed to since he was bound by his contract to Central TV, and not specifically Central TV Department 1. Therefore, he could in principle transfer over to any department within Central TV.


    But he knew that Central TV Department 1 would surely not allow him to go. He had fallen out with them. Central TV Department 1''s aim now was to freeze him so that he would not get another chance to do a show for the remainder of the year. Since that was their objective, why would they agree to let him go to another channel? Even if those channels hadparatively much poorer viewership ratings than Central TV Department 1, it was still impossible. As long as they had a hosting position with a chance to be on camera, then Central TV Department 1 definitely wouldn''t agree to it. As a result, Zhang Ye simply did not take it to heart or treat it as anything serious.


    Dong dong. Someone knocked on the door.


    Zhang Ye looked up. "Come in."


    AD Zhang Zuo came in and closed the door behind him. "Director Zhang, I''ve just heard something."


    "What''s the matter?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Zhang Zuo blinked. "The Mid-Autumn Festival is almost here, and the G broadcast has been scheduled. Since it is not going to be a live broadcast, the recording was almostpletedst night. A friend of mine who was in charge of the stage effects this year told me that Ningxia Television and Zhejiang Television have both been in contact with Central TV Department 1 about inviting you over to attend their provincial satellite channels'' Mid-Autumn Festival G. As Ningxia Television does not have any outstanding hosts, they were hoping that you could go and guest host for them. Meanwhile, Zhejiang TV had originally nned to invite you and Teacher Yao Jiancai to perform a crosstalk act for their event. They got in touch several times with Central TV. Zhejiang TV even offered an appearance fee of 2 million RMB for you!"


    There are still television stations that want me?


    Zhang Ye felt very grateful. "Then what happened?"


    Zhang Zuo said angrily, "Central TV Department 1 rejected all their approaches!"


    Zhang Ye nodded, not surprised at all. "As expected."


    "Director Zhang, Department 1 has really gone overboard. Do they really intend to cut off all your paths? Not only you, even the group of us were utterly disappointed when we heard about that!" Zhang Zuo sighed.


    However, Zhang Ye wasn''t disappointed. Since his rtionship with those executives of Central TV Department 1 was already irreconcble, there was nothing in it for him to be disappointed in them.


    What Zhang Zuo had just told him about the other television stations attempting to temporarily borrow him had happened before, but it just wasn''t amon urrence. Further, paying an appearance fee of 2 million RMB to borrow someone was even rarer. But that showed just how much value they saw in Zhang Ye''s position in the hosting world.


    However, it did not matter how much they were willing to pay. Even though Zhang Ye was not constrained by Central TV and had the freedom to pursue other activities, like writing songs, painting, or whatnot, within the television industry, his contract had some limitations to it. Without Central TV''s permission, he could not take part in another television station''s activities or recordings; not even interview programs were given the green light. If Zhang Ye went ahead and recorded an interview and Central TV found out about it, then all they needed was awyer''s letter to stop the interview from airing. That was how bad Zhang Ye''s situation was at this moment! If he sought to increase his poprity now, he could only do so through other means. His main job of producing and hosting his own show waspletely held back and restrained by Central TV Department 1!


    ...


    Zhang Zuo left the office.


    After he finished watching the movie, Zhang Ye started to feel bored. He casually browsed the Inte and looked at several TV shows that had aired recently. Hai, how boring, there was nothing to do at all. If he knew it would be so boring, he would rather have stayed home toze in his own bed.


    Suddenly, he saw a post sent out by Central TV Department 1''s official Weibo. It was a promotional post for a recently broadcast new show on Channel 1 called Traveling the World. It wasn''t truly a variety show but was more of a travel documentary show. Zhang Ye quickly went online to check out the first episode of this show but was left seething almost immediately.


    What crap was that!


    There was no sincerity in the presentation of the show at all!


    On Weibo, there were also manyizens who were arguing with the director of that program team.


    Netizen: "This show is truly boring!"


    The director replied: "The original intent of this show has never inclined towards variety."


    Anotherizen: "But it''s still not professional enough to be called a travel documentary either. There''s so much nonsense in it. It makes me wonder if your travel host has even traveled before! It looks like she''s going out of Beijing for the first time in her life, doesn''t it?"


    Perhaps due to the poor viewership rating for the first episode, that Central TV Department 1 director and his program team staff did not seem to be in a good mood either, and they exchanged some words with theizens. This was an online activity for Traveling the World to engage their audience by letting them ask questions or give suggestions, with the program team answering them. However, looking at it now, it didn''t seem like there was any intention to answer any questions. The program team''s attitude clearly said it all: Our program is already very good. Even if we try to exin it to you, you wouldn''t understand!


    The director was someone Zhang Ye had met before but never spoken to. However, Zhang Ye knew that he was rather chummy with Jiang Naixiong.


    In the end, Zhang Ye decided toment on the post: "This is the lousiest show I''ve watched this year. Nothing could be worse than this!"


    With Zhang Ye appearing, theizens who took part in this question and answer session started getting livelier as well!


    "Wow! Did I see that wrong?"


    "Aiya, it''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Pfft! Teacher Zhang has shown himself!"


    "Quicklye and see this. Teacher Zhang is sting Traveling the World!"


    An internal rift at Central TV Department 1? Everyone was tickled by this as their interest was immediately perked up!


    Traveling the World''s director and staff were all exasperated by this, speechless.


    But before another five minutes could pass, Zhang Ye posted another Weibo message. It directly attacked his old foe, the Spring Festival G host Chen Ye''s interview show. "I thought that Traveling the World was the lousiest show I watched this year, but who could''ve guessed that Chen Ye Interviews was even worse!"


    Chen Ye: "��"


    Chen Ye''s fans: "��"


    Another five minutester.


    Zhang Ye started firing at another Central TV Department 1 show again. "I thought that Traveling the World and Chen Ye Interviews were already the worst there was, but it seems like there are mountains beyond mountains and more ''able'' men behind other ''able'' men. Having looked around, I think your program is the worst of all! I don''t even get what the program was about! Did the director graduate from a sports school?"


    The directors and the hosts of those rted shows had all stirred up trouble for Zhang Ye when he dered war on Central TV Department 1 back then. They criticized Zhang Ye both privately and in public, but as Zhang Ye had too much to handle at that time, he did not have time to get even with them. But now that this fellow was so free that his balls were aching, he naturally had to get back at them one by one with his scolding!

 Chapter 782: Confrontation!

    <h4>Chapter 782: Confrontation! </h4>


    Chapter 782: Confrontation!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    It was extremely amusing on the Inte!


    Zhang Ye''s Weibo handle kept showing up as he appeared everywhere!


    "What lousy show is this!"


    "What lousy attire is the female host wearing? Did she purposely dress that way to gain an advantage? She wants to grab the audience''s attention? Then she might as well wear long johns on screen. Women who dare to wear long johns to work are definitely not your everyday, normal person. That getup will surely be more attention grabbing than your green and redbination of dressing!"


    "Into the Cosmos? You spent 5 million RMB just to achieve these kinds of effects? I think it''s more suitable if you change the title to Into the Vige."


    "What kind of filming technique is this? Did you use a cell phone to capture the footage?"


    In a short period of time, Zhang Ye had bombarded seven or eight of Central TV Department 1''s shows, including variety shows, social science shows, and interview shows. He was not making baseless usations since he watched one or two episodes of those shows and truly felt that they were terrible. There were too many areas that could be criticized by the audience. Furthermore, this bunch of people had caused trouble for Zhang Ye previously, so with that mouth of his, would Zhang Ye let them off so easily? That was obviously impossible! Everyment that this fellow made was getting more and more painful. His mouth was sarcastic all the way to their grandma''s house!


    Theizens wereughing out loud!


    "Pfft!"


    "Teacher Zhang is such a tease!"


    "Well said! Your criticism of them is too scathing!"


    "Man, Teacher Zhang has gone crazy again!"


    "Hur hur, get used to it. Every now and then, Teacher Zhang will go crazy and pick on someone to argue with. This is his usual practice!"


    "It''s time for Zhang Ye and his peers to start fighting among themselves again!"


    "I''m so excited. I''ve been waiting for this moment for too long!"


    "My young friends,e gather around!"


    "Take your chairs out and prepare to watch a good show. Support Zhang Ye silently by giving him Likes."


    "I''m already fully equipped and ready for the battle to start!"


    "Bring it on! I''m also prepared for the battle!"


    Indeed, the battle was on the verge of breaking out. However, the scale was not asrge as everyone imagined.


    The main forces of the opponents were the fans of Chen Ye and the female host of another show. As for the other shows, they actually did not have much of an audience. First, the viewership ratings were not that high and very few people watched it. Second, some of the shows did not have hosts in the traditional sense. For example, when Zhang Ye scolded the director of Into the Universe, which was a social science show, no one knew who he was. And as the director was not a celebrity, naturally no one would speak up for him. Third, the quality of those shows was indeed quite poor. So if one really pondered Zhang Ye''s words, he was actually telling the truth and not just spouting nonsense. It was just that his words were a bit too harsh.


    The two groups of people started to curse at each other. However, the battlefield was very small since there weren''t much people involved.


    Many of thoseizens who were anxious to see the world burn were totally lost for words.


    "Where are they?"


    "Come on, get the battle started! Quickly, start fighting!"


    "Dammit, will you guys start fighting already? Why are there so few people?"


    "Zhang Ye has already reached your doorsteps. You people should fight back! Why aren''t you all fighting back?!"


    Theizens were not satisfied with the smallmotion and were shouting in frustration about how there was nothing to look forward to!


    Finally, a veteranizen stated a fact to exin it all. "What''s there to fight over? Every other day, Zhang Ye has a war of words online with his peers. This has be such amon urrence that everyone has already gotten used to. In the past, many people who found it a novelty would join in the fun and bang their war drums. Many people would help each other scold Zhang Ye. If it happened once or twice, it''s still fine. But even after ten or twenty urrences, it is still the fucking same. Even novelty has a limit. The people have already lost interest in what''s happening. Didn''t you all notice that those old enemies of Teacher Zhang are no longer interested in having a war of words with him now? How boring! If it was the couple, Chen Guang and Fan Wenli, who dered war and started criticizing those shows of Central TV Department 1, the entire country''s citizens would definitely gather around to discuss or join in the battle, but that''s because it would be very rare for that to happen. However, for Teacher Zhang Ye? Hur hur! Forget it. Has there ever been a day where he did not scold anyone? Has there ever been a day when he did not look for trouble anywhere? There''s nothing exciting to look forward to at all! Everyone knows that Zhang Ye is just such a troublemaker!"


    Theizens were wholly amused by that exnation.


    "That''s right, that''s right!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s reputation is way too terrible!"


    "Uh, no one wants to battle Teacher Zhang anymore now!"


    "Hehe, how boring, this is way too boring!"


    Once upon a time, in a ce like the entertainment circle where everyone cared about their reputation and fame, the sudden appearance of Zhang Ye who was such an unreasonable jerk had shocked everyone''s jaws into dropping. However, a yearter today, when everyone met with such an incident again, they actually remained calm and dismissed it indifferently. For such a change in attitude, it was actually quiteughable if mentioned.


    However, even though most of theizens were not interested in starting a scolding battle, it did not mean that other people could sit still. For example, Central TV Department 1 was in chaos at this moment!


    ...


    At the program team office that was originally The Voice''s.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, Little Wang, and the others were looking at Director Zhang''s Weibo in a speechless manner. Everyone looked at each other and they could spot the helplessness in each other''s eyes!


    It''s starting again!


    Director Zhang has done it again!


    Ha Qiqi rubbed her temple and said, "This��"


    Zhang Zuo didn''t know whether he shouldugh or cry. "Director Zhang has offended another wave of people this time!" He strongly suspected that it was because of what he had told Zhang Ye about the Mid-Autumn Festival G earlier that Zhang Ye would do something like this.


    "This bunch of people had condemned Director Zhang online before when he was fighting thewsuit, so it is not considered rubbing it in when he criticized their shows this time." Little Wang giggled.


    Ha Qiqi looked at Little Wang. "You can stillugh at this moment?"


    Little Wang also understood very well. "Anyway, our program team has already hit rock bottom. We have nothing to lose."


    Suddenly, Ha Qiqi, Little Wang, and the others heard some shouting and amotioning from the outside. They turned their heads to look at where this wasing from. Eventually, they saw a group of 30 to 40 people appearing angrily at the entrance of their office. There were men and women, young and old in the group, turning out in full force. Every one of them appeared very angry and seemed to be here with unfriendly intent!


    Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo went on alert!


    Zhang Zuo said, "Quick, let Director Zhang know about this!"


    Little Wang''s expression changed and she rushed off to inform Zhang Ye.


    While he said that, the group of people rushed in from the outside!


    "Where is Zhang Ye?"


    "Call Zhang Ye out!"


    "This is too much! This has crossed the line!"


    "What do you mean by changing the title to Into the Vige?"


    "Where''s Zhang Ye? Telling our hosts to wear long johns on screen to grab attention? Long johns your sister! Aren''t you being too sarcastic! Little Qian is such a good girl and host! Her face turned green after seeing what you posted on Weibo!"


    "You said that our shows were recorded on cell phones? Go, go to hell! Our entire show was recorded on professional equipment! Youck ethics with your wording! Normally, we just tolerate whatever you do, but saying that our shows were recorded on cell phones? No one could pretend they never saw that!"


    "This is too infuriating!"


    "We demand an exnation today!"


    "There''s a group ofizens who don''t understand the truth and are echoing Zhang Ye''s ims! They are deriding our shows by picking on the faults! Mocking us! This is a great insult to our shows! It will surely affect our shows'' broadcasts and viewership ratings! Based on what does The Voice''s program team have the right to criticize our shows on the inte? Are you all qualified to do so? Huh? I''m asking if you people are qualified to do so!"

 Chapter 783: No one can do anything about Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 783: No one can do anything about Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 783: No one can do anything about Zhang Ye!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    The office was in a tizzy!


    The people of the program teams at Central TV Department 1 called out by Zhang Ye��whether the directors, editors, or hosts��all came looking for Zhang Ye to denounce him! If it were any other person who criticized their programs, they wouldn''t be able to find them. But Zhang Ye''s Weibo ount was a verified one that everyone knew about. A colleague of theirs who was working in the same building, could it be impossible to find him!?


    "Old Ha, where is your Director Zhang?"


    "Zhang Zuo, tell your executive director toe out here!"


    "No one does things the way he does!"


    "I''ve been at Central TV for many years, but I-I''ve nevere across such a shameless person before!"


    Emboldened by the fact that they had more people on their side, they were shouting for Zhang Ye to show himself. The shouting here also alerted a few other program team offices opposite The Voice''s. Some of the people from those program teams probably did not know about what had happened yet, but they were already stealing nces and pointing as they whispered among themselves.


    "Did something happen over there?"


    "Why did they start fighting over there? Did Zhang Ye do something again?"


    "You all should take a look on Weibo."


    "Weibo?"


    "Zhang Ye bombarded quite a few programs of Central TV Department 1!"


    "Ah? Publicly criticizing over Weibo? He even dares to do that?"


    "Listen to what you''re saying. What does Zhang Ye not dare to do?"


    "Fuck, you''re right."


    At this moment, under the watchful gazes of everyone, Zhang Ye came out of his office.


    When he saw that there were so many people, Zhang Ye was also slightly taken aback. Then he smiled and said, "Whoa, why is it so lively here? What''s going on?"


    The AD of Into the Universe shouted, "Stop ying dumb!"


    Zhang Ye blinked. "ying dumb?"


    Beside him, another person from the same program team reacted by gently tugging back the AD a bit. Even if they were angry, Zhang Ye had been given the cold storage treatment by Central TV Department 1. However, Zhang Ye was still the same as before and his reputation was still kicking. Actually, if it weren''t for him having offended so many people at once this time by scolding all of those program teams together, no one would have wanted to be the first ones to step up against him. Who didn''t know that Zhang Ye wasn''t someone they could afford to offend? Just look at those leaders of Central TV Department 1. Weren''t they still busy clearing all thosewsuits brought up by those ex-employees of Central TV? Furthermore, no matter how down and out Zhang Ye was at Central TV Department 1, he was still the executive director, overall nner, and host of the top-top-rated variety show in the country. Their own shows did not even earn a fraction of The Voice''s ratings, so when faced with a legend like Zhang Ye and his team, they still had some reverence for him.


    The executive director of Traveling the World scoffed, "Don''t tell me you''ve forgotten about the things that you posted on Weibo just half an hour ago. Your memory can''t be that bad!"


    Zhang Ye realized what they were talking about. "Oh, that."


    Another person said, "Zhang Ye, you went too far! What makes you think you can scold our shows like that?"


    Zhang Ye wondered, "Did I scold you guys? As your fellow peer and colleague, I only had some expectations for the shows that everyone here made. That was why Imented a little about them. When did I ever scold you?"


    "Is that what you callmenting?" A youth said angrily, "Is telling someone to wear long johns on camera ament!?"


    Someone else said, "You also know that we''re colleagues? Since we''re all working at Department 1 together, why did youe and criticize one of your own? Those criticisms cane from anyone, anyone but our own! Otherwise, when our audience sees this, what would they think?"


    When those words were said, many of the 30-odd people present here immediately blushed, with some coughing ufortably.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others were sneering at them from the side.


    Colleagues?


    One of your own?


    You dare say those words with that mouth of yours!


    When Director Zhang was being restrained and treated that way by the Central TV Department 1 heads, being coerced into giving up his overseas copyright of The Voice and ended up facing the entire Central TV Department 1 in awsuit all by himself, what were all of you doing? You kicked him while he was down! Currying favor with the executives! Standing alongside Jiang Naixiong and Jiang Yuan to condemn Director Zhang! Colleagues? One of your own? Bull fucking shit! Since you guys already made the decision to denounce Director Zhang, then you should''ve been prepared for the day you would be targeted as well!


    Ha Qiqi could no longer bear to listen. "It''s office hours right now. Instead of working, what are you doing here in our office? What''s all the shouting for? Are youpeting to see whose voice is louder?"


    But Zhang Ye did not seem to mind and just gave a smile. "Sister Ha, it''s fine. Let them say what they want."


    The AD of Chen Ye Interviews was one of the more well-qualified to speak on behalf of the group. With Chen Ye''s position as one of the pirs of Central TV Department 1, their show was considered one of the more popr interview programs and also a branded program of Central TV Department 1. That was why when he spoke, it sounded much more confident as well. "Zhang Ye, no one does things the way you do! You can''t indiscriminately scold our shows that way. That''s basically causing trouble! You are purposely smearing our shows that way! That''s an extremely underhanded move! Go on, just go on and revel all you want for now. We''ll definitely bring this up to the executives! By taking advantage of your appeal to the audience and stabbing us in the back with such toxic behavior, the execs will surely deal with you severely! They''ll punish you!"


    "That''s right!"


    "Such behavior is too wicked!"


    "They must definitely punish you!"


    "Well said! Let''s go together, everyone! We will report this to the execs together!"


    "Right, if that sort of behavior is not severely punished, then what else would need punishing!?"


    They all echoed each other''s calls to denounce him!


    Ha Qiqi was annoyed by this!


    Zhang Zuo was also getting tired of hearing all this. Were they doneining yet?


    Zhang Ye''s people looked at him while the bunch of people who came to denounce him were also constantly reading Zhang Ye''s expression. After all, this fellow''s reputation was really terrible and no one knew when he would lose it, so they constantly stayed alert.


    However, just when everyone thought that Zhang Ye was going to get angry, he grinned instead and was totally unaffected by their words. In fact, the look in Zhang Ye''s eyes even seemed to be showing a sense of happiness. "Oh, really? This bro has really done something so serious? That''s great then. You guys are right, totally right! I fully agree with what you guys are saying. I fully support everyone''s intention to report this to the executives so that I may receive my punishment!"


    Ha Qiqi and the others were stunned!


    The denouncing bunch of people were also staring, dumbfounded!


    What did you say? You agree with our views? And even fully support us to approach the executives to punish you!?


    Suddenly, when this bunch of people caught on, their legs "gave way" and those who fainted, fainted, while others who vomited blood, vomited blood. Everyone "copsed" at once, silently cursing Zhang Ye''s 18 generations of ancestors once over!


    Zhang, you son of a bitch!


    Punish you? Fire you? Even an idiot would know that''s impossible!


    Everyone here knew that Zhang Ye had long been thinking of leaving this ce, but it wasn''t like anyone would let him do that. The executives wouldn''t approve it for sure. They were already prepared to make things difficult for him by keeping him with the department and not assigning any shows for him to helm. This was Central TV Department 1''s revenge plot! In such circumstances, how could the executives possibly fire him over such a small incident? Even if Zhang Yemitted the greatest sin, Jiang Naixiong and Jiang Yuan would never have him fired! Otherwise, why would the executives have spent such a great deal of effort to freeze him? Do you think they were ying a child''s game!?


    It was precisely because they thought of this that the gang of denouncers suddenly seemed to have awakened from their wishful thinking. They lost their morale immediately and were seemingly suffocating from this anger that couldn''t be vented. This was even more ufortable than swallowing a fly! They were just wondering why Zhang Ye was in such a good mood today, and why it was so easy to reason with him! Not only did he happily y along with them, he even agreed and supported their intention to report him?


    Fuck!


    It didn''t matter who reported him to the executives!


    In the entire Central TV Department 1 right now, it wouldn''t be at all surprising if any person got fired, unless that person was Zhang Ye!


    Seeing that they couldn''t muster up another word, Zhang Ye began protesting instead, "What''s this? You guys better not be worried that this will affect our rtionship as colleagues. Seriously, don''t be worried about that. I can guarantee all of you that our working rtionship and friendship will never change for life. Just go on and report me, I really won''t mind at all. I am not someone who is that narrow-minded. When I heard your reasoning earlier, I finally realized how bad my behavior was! I definitely deserve to be severely punished! It wouldn''t be overboard even if they fire me!"


    Everyone: "��"


    Everyone''s anger utterly dissipated and died off.


    Ha Qiqi and the others sniggered, unable to hold back theirughter.


    The expressions of those people from the program teams were looking very bad. They seemed to have realized that they hade here for nothing now. This was all too meaningless!


    Infuriating!


    How infuriating!


    It was clearly this Zhang fellow who came to scold them first, but how did this situation end up? Could it be that no matter how Zhang Ye scolded or insulted their shows, he would at most face a meaningless punishment of having his sry docked and nothing else? To be docked of one''s sry might be very serious for people like them, since that was the thing they depended on for a living. However, to a B-list celebrity like Zhang Ye, what was a month''s sry of several thousand really worth? It was worth a fart! To put it bluntly, if he randomly burped or farted, that alone would earn him several thousand!


    Outside, many people from the other program teams who had gathered to watch themotion were tickled funny.


    Chen Ye Interviews'' AD had a sunken expression. They initially came over to confront Zhang Ye but had now be the joke instead. As he really couldn''t take this lying down, he ended up osting him with a few words. "Zhang Ye, just stay here and goof off by yourself! You better work hard at goofing off! Just watch out!"


    The others also said angrily.


    "Right, watch out!"


    "Sooner orter, you won''t be able to smile anymore!"


    "I''ll see how long you can mess around for!"


    Hearing that, Zhang Ye smiled. "Alright then, I have to respect my colleagues'' views. I will no longer mess around in the future. I will definitely stop stirring shit up on you guys."


    Everyone was totally caught by surprise at this.


    Wow, did this guy''s attitude do aplete turnaround?


    How rare, you even know that you''re a shit stirrer?!


    In the end, Zhang Ye sighed and reflected, "Hai, I didn''t know I was a stick, I was actually a stick!"


    This bunch of people could not react in time initially. Stirring shit up on us? If you are a stick? Then, everyone slowly turned angry and nearly cursed at someone''s mother!


    Fuck!


    If you''re the stick?


    Then wouldn''t that make us the shit!?


    Zhang! You''re too damn sarcastic!!!


    ��In the Beijing dialect, there was a word called "toughie." It was not used to describe Zhang Ye''s age, rather his reckless character!

 Chapter 784: A rock in a privy, hard and stinky!

    <h4>Chapter 784: A rock in a privy, hard and stinky! </h4>


    Chapter 784: A rock in a privy, hard and stinky! [1.]


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    A shit stirrer?


    Pfft!


    Zhang Zuo, Ha Qiqi and the others nearly fainted from holding back theirughter!


    "Zhang Ye, you!"


    "You''re so shameless!"


    "You''re too sarcastic!"


    "Sooner orter, that mouth of yours will be your downfall!"


    "Ah! I''m so mad I could explode! You''ve made me furious this time!"


    The office was filled with angry voices as the program team staff of Traveling the World and Into the Universe were enraged and shouting loudly. Regarding Zhang Ye''s metaphor of him as a stick and them as the shit, the new exnation of a "shit stirrer" left them infuriated. This was indirectly insulting people!


    However, Zhang Ye could not be bothered with them and simply said to Little Wang, "Assistant Wang, see them out."


    "Yes." Little Wang walked up and said, "Everyone, we still have work to do. Please leave now."


    Then Zhang Ye turned to walk back into his own office.


    A staff member with Chen Ye Interviews pointed at Zhang Ye''s back and shouted, "Zhang Ye, if you are so capable, don''t walk away!"


    Zhang Ye really stopped in his tracks and turned back around. "I actually have the capability to not leave. Do you have anything for me?"


    That person was stunned and turned dumb instead.


    He wasn''t leaving? Zhang Ye just stood there and did not move at all. So what could they do now? Fight? They couldn''t beat him! Scold? They couldn''t outscold him! Report him to get him fired? He was dying to leave this ce! After fussing for a long time, they realized they could do nothing about Zhang Ye. He was such a fucking stubborn and unreasonable person!


    "We can''t just let this go!"


    "Come on, let''s go and look for the execs!"


    "Right, I don''t believe there''s no ce for us to seek redress!"


    "This matter must be dealt with!"


    After shouting those words, they had determined expressions on their faces and proceeded to leave Zhang Ye''s office. Then, they went to look for the executives of Central TV Department 1 in anger.


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    While they were there, the entire Central TV also found out about themotion. Zhang Ye had always been a "tumor" of Central TV Department 1 and there were always many pairs of eyes keeping watch on him. So when thismotion was stirred up, news of it naturally traveled very quickly. Furthermore, many of the Central TV staff had already seen the scolding battle on Weibo.


    Everyone was talking nonstop in private.


    "Zhang Ye has caused trouble again!"


    "I heard of it too."


    "Our Director Zhang really can''t stay idle. He had just forfeited an international math award, and he''s already back to causing trouble for his colleagues? He''s really a true warrior!"


    "Yeah, I heard that some of the program team staff who were insulted by him online went to seek for an exnation from him. However, I heard that all of them were scolded away by Zhang Ye. A host can already speak well to begin with. What''s more, someone like Director Zhang is one of the most slick-talking hosts around, so how can the average person outscold him? Yet that group of people still went ahead despite knowing they wouldn''t be able to outscold him. They must have been so free that their balls were aching. Isn''t it in Zhang Ye''s nature to always stir up trouble? Which associates of his did not get insulted by him before? If they saw something on Weibo, they should just pretend that they didn''t see it."


    "You make it sound so simple. A show represents the whole team behind it. Zhang Ye has openly criticized their shows. That''s equivalent to insulting everyone from the program teams. So how can they pretend like they don''t know about it? If they did that, would they still have any face left?"


    "Did they go and make aint?"


    "Yes, they went to find the director."


    "Let''s wait and see how the execs are going to deal with this matter. Hur, but it''s obvious. How can they possibly deal with this situation?"


    "That''s right, how can they deal with it?"


    ...


    Central TV Department 1.


    Director''s office.


    It was unknown whether Jiang Naixiong and Jiang Yuan saw the Weibo posts or whether there were other matters being discussed, but when that group of people arrived here, the two main heads of Department 1 were already in the office.


    "Director!"


    "Director Jiang!"


    "He''s really taking it too far!"


    "That''s right, that Zhang Ye is getting toowless!"


    Everyone rushed into the office, full of pent-up anger!


    Jiang Naixiong nced at them with an expression that did not look good too good. "Yes, I saw the Weibo posts earlier as well."


    That assistant director of Chen Ye Interviews said angrily, "It''s not only about the random insulting of our program teams on Weibo. We just went to Zhang Ye''s office to seek an exnation from him, but we were insulted back by him. His words were really, really nasty. I, I can''t even bear to repeat what he said to us! Because of this matter now, every one of our program teams'' staffs are feeling antagonized and it has affected their work. They aren''t even in the mood to work properly now!"


    "Our program team feels the same too!"


    "He can''t do things that way!"


    "Director, if this kind of behavior is not dealt with, then it will be very difficult to appease everyone''s anger. I''ve long heard that a lot of people in Central TV Department 1 have beenining about Zhang Ye!"


    These people knew what the executives were thinking. However, to them, the idea of freezing Zhang Ye at Central TV Department 1 for the next six months was actually not the result they were hoping to see. After this incident, they just hoped that Zhang Ye would get the hell out of Department 1. Be it a transfer or a dismissal, as long as this fellow did not stay on at Department 1 and continue stirring up trouble everywhere for them, any decision would be fine. They did not want to see that fellow anymore and wished that he would get as far away as possible from them forever. That fellow was too wicked, whether his speech or his actions, he was basically unreasonable and impossible to get along with��of course, one of the reasons for this was because someone, be it them or the program team leaders, had offended Zhang Ye previously!


    The group of peopleined repeatedly.


    Jiang Yuan frowned after listening to what they had to say.


    Jiang Naixiong nced at them and said, "Alright, I get what''s happening. Everyone, go back to your offices first. I will discuss this matter with Deputy Director Jiang and give you all an answer."


    Only then were they finally willing to leave the office.


    Once the door closed, Jiang Yuan said, "This Zhang Ye is getting more and more out of hand!"


    Jiang Naixiong''s expression darkened. "What''s your opinion on this matter? How should we punish him?"


    Jiang Yuan hesitated for a while. "We can''t just fire him like that, right? If we did that, we''d give him exactly what he wants."


    "Of course that''s impossible." Jiang Naixiong sneered and then raised up his head to say, "What''s this I hear about Yan Tianfei of Department 14ing to look for you this morning?"


    Jiang Yuan nodded. "He came to demand an exnation from us because of the two fresh graduates. Hur hur, he even said that he wanted to have Zhang Ye transferred over to them in return."


    Jiang Naixiong eximed, "He actually risks epting a hot potato like Zhang Ye? Ever since thewsuit with Central TV Department 1 started, the execs of Central TV have been very unhappy with Zhang Ye. Furthermore, some old cases were also brought up one after another because of him winning thewsuit. For the past few days, the legal department of Central TV has not stopped to idle for one moment. There is great pressure from the public and it has affected them very negatively, leaving our station in a very disadvantaged position. Thus, the general opinion of Zhang Ye is very bad, yet Old Yan still dares to ept such a person who has offended the entirety of Central TV? Is he not afraid of trouble?!"


    Jiang Yuan said helplessly, "When has Director Yan ever cared about all these? Sometimes he does not even give face to the station heads, let alone this matter. There are two station heads whom he had a friendship with previously, and a deputy station head who even stayed with Old Yan in the same staff dormitory together, sleeping in a bunk bed when they first started working at Central TV. Therefore, there are some things with Old Yan that even the station heads cannot do anything about because of their old rtionship with him." Jiang Yuan paused for a moment and then asked, "Do you intend to transfer Zhang Ye over?"


    "You can''t get anything over at Old Yan''s department. Besides, there''s also no opportunity to appear onscreen as it''s not an entertainment channel. Actually, even if Zhang Ye goes over, what difference is there with staying in Central TV Department 1. It is the same as being freezed." After thinking for a while, Jiang Naixiong still shook his head. He said, "Let''s forget it for now, we will talk about it again in the future."


    ...


    An hourter.


    The details of the punishment were out: Zhang Ye would have three months of his sry deducted and an internal email was circted to the entire Central TV staff to criticize him!


    Zhang Ye showed no expression after he read it. He did not even blink and just continued watching his movie.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the rest of his subordinates also saw the email and reacted indifferently to it. An official warning? This was not the first time it had happened anyway.


    The reaction of the other Central TV staff were more or less the same.


    "Official warning again?"


    "Deduction of sry? Will Zhang Ye miss that little bit of money?"


    "Yeah, Department 1 still hasn''t fired him. Looks like they''re ready to fight it out with Zhang Ye to the bitter end for the next six months!"


    "Yes, if they don''t fire him, the types of punishment they can dish out are really too limited in scope!"


    "What''s the use of issuing an official warning? If it were us, this email would definitely kill us off. Ignoring how it would affect our career developments, we would be totally embarrassed by it. But for someone like Zhang Ye? This isn''t even considered a mosquito bite. As a person who dared to sue Central TV in court and forfeited an award in the international mathematics world, Zhang Ye''s scandals and misdeeds were even published in the international newspapers! Would he be afraid of an internal official warning? Isn''t this bullshit? If Zhang Ye cared so much about his face, he wouldn''t have done so many earth-shattering things already!"


    "That''s right, Zhang Ye is such a shameless person. I''m quite sure that he read the email without batting an eyelid. It''s pretty meaningless to him."


    After the program team staff of Traveling the World, Chen Ye Interviews, and the others saw the email, they were extremely unsatisfied and felt that the action taken was not enough to sate their anger.


    However, a few minutester, Central TV Department 1''s official website and Weibo shed together with an update. It was a rarely seen punishment that was announced to the public, criticizing Zhang Ye in the announcement. This was clearly a more severe form of punishment. The executives of Central TV were probably thinking, "If Zhang Ye doesn''t care about the internally circted official warning, then he must care about his own poprity, right?" If they made his reputation bad, it would surely hurt him.


    However, they never expected that after they had announced to the public Zhang Ye''s punishment, it did not cause much of a reaction from the people.


    "Another punishment?"


    "Heh, why is his sry being deducted again?"


    "Official warning? Can''t theye up with something new?"


    "Zhang Ye cursing people is considered news? It''s only if he does not insult or fight with his peers that it should be considered news, right? If Teacher Zhang suddenly stop insulting his colleagues for one day, you people can send out the notice then. I will definitely be so shocked that I wille support you all on Weibo and gather all my rtives and friends to help to forward it as well!"


    "Gifting two words��hur hur."


    "Let this thread die."


    "Let this thread die +1."


    The scattered replies from the people made the punishment look very pathetic.


    Those people of Central TV who were waiting for Zhang Ye to embarrass himself were all dumbfounded. In previous times, when Central TV gave an official warning to one of their hosts, it had caused great response and created heated discussions. But what was happening now? Why was there not even a wave ofmotion stirred when it came to Zhang Ye? This was Zhang Ye who had appeared every day in the media and the newspapers! This was a scandal of a B-list celebrity! Why was no one paying any attention to all of this!?


    Only now did they realize they had underestimated their initial thought of Zhang Ye''s reputation being terrible. It seemed like the fellow''s reputation was at least ten times more terrible than what they had expected! If not for this fellow''s really terrible reputation, why would people actually smile and let it slide without a care after hearing about this scandal involving a B-list celebrity??


    [1. a stubborn and unreasonable person]

 Chapter 785: A legend of Media College!

    <h4>Chapter 785: A legend of Media College! </h4>


    Chapter 785: A legend of Media College!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    Very quickly, the Mid-Autumn Festival arrived.


    On that night, Zhang Ye went to his maternal grandma''s home for a family meal gathering. It was very lively.


    His first aunt was the first to finish eating and had already left the dining table. She sat down on the sofa and started munching on sunflower seeds while channel surfing, until she reached Central TV Department 1''s Mid-Autumn Festival G. The scene was currently showing the famous host of Central TV, Chen Ye,ughing together with three other famed hosts of Central TV as they introduced the show. Chen Ye''s overall poprity might not be higher than Zhang Ye''s poprity anymore, but within Central TV and the hosting world, he was still of irreceable status. He knew how to make people emotional and was witty. For most of the Central TV Department 1rge-scale gs, he was always part of the hosting team.


    When his maternal grandma had a look at the TV, her lips curled. "Our Little Ye is not taking part. What are you all watching it for?"


    His second uncle said, "It''s always the same group of hosts every year. I''m getting tired of watching the same old thing. When will our Little Ye be able to appear on the Spring Festival G and nudge those people aside?"


    His second aunt echoed him, "Yeah, based on poprity and hosting ability, how is Little Ye not better than them?"


    His third sister giggled and interjected, "His rtions with others are not better than theirs."


    Chenchen who was eating the braised prawns slightly nodded her head and mumbled, "Yes."


    Zhang Ye stared at his third sister and Chenchen. "Don''t you know how converse in a proper manner? When has my rtions with others been that bad? Believe it or not, but this bro can invite the SARFT''s Deputy Chief over for dinner with a single call."


    Chenchen: "Hur hur."


    His second sister: "Hur hur."


    His third sister: "Hur hur."


    Zhang Ye was speechless. He felt that every one of them did not know what a good thing was even when ced right in front of them. They''ve even learned how to ridicule me now?


    Everyone in the houseughed.


    His third aunt sighed. "Actually, if it weren''t for the cold storage treatment, many people have saying that this year''s Spring Festival G would likely have a ce for Little Ye as a host. Even though Little Ye has not hosted arge-scale g before, the basis of his poprity is already there. If we''re talking about overall poprity, then Little Ye wouldn''t be less popr than any one of those Spring Festival G hosts. In fact, he''s probably even more popr than them. Furthermore, with his resume of a number one nationwide viewership rating show under his belt, his hopes are even greater. But��but who knew that those bunch of people had that trick up their sleeves. How infuriating! It has even caused our Little Ye to be unable to get onto any shows!"


    The eldest younger sister asked with concern, "Brother, will you just be staying this way from now on?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I''ll let nature take its course, I guess."


    His maternal grandma looked at him. "Think of a way out."


    "Grandma, I know what to do." Zhang Ye did not emphasize any further.


    ...


    The next day.


    Zhang Ye woke upte. By the time he opened his eyes, it was already past 10 AM. However, he still took his time to get ready before driving to work. When he reached the office, he was confused by what he saw happening in front of him. He saw that the originally half-filled office area was now bustling with activity. The empty seats before were all taken up now. Some people were packing the desks, some people were shifting theputers, and some were arranging their files.


    Ha Qiqi and the others were also here.


    "Director Zhang!" The several of them came up to him.


    Zhang Ye frowned. "What are these people doing? Who are they?"


    Zhang Zuo said worriedly, "They''re the staff from the new program team."


    "New program team?" Zhang Ye repeated, not fully understanding.


    Ha Qiqi exined, "The notice was put up just this morning. For the 80 million RMB budgeted new show that was promised to us previously, you''ve been removed as the executive director and host. It will be taken over by this new program team. With the executive director changed, the host position has also been changed to Chen Ye." She pointed to the sign on the door. "Our program team''s door sign has been removed as well. Because these people from the new program team have shifted here, there isn''t much space left in the office area, so they''ve squeezed into our spot for now. Looking at the execs'' intentions, it seems like we''ll also be gradually integrated into their new team."


    Zhang Ye did not find being removed from the supervision of the new show surprising as it was only a matter of when they would do it. But he had not expected the 80 million RMB in production budget that he had fought so hard to be given to Chen Ye instead. What a bargain he has snapped up!


    "Director Zhang, please make a decision for us."


    "What should we do?"


    "After getting such a bargain, they''re even taking over our office space now?"


    It was clear that they had earned this reputation with The Voice''s amazing viewership ratings, yet that reputation had now paved the way for someone else. Ha Qiqi, Little Wang, Wu Yi, and the rest were feeling mentally unbnced at this.


    But Zhang Ye did not feel mentally unbnced at all. A production budget of 80 million RMB? Central TV Department 1 was really being generous this time as this was a rarely seenrge-scale production in the variety world. However, you''d need to have the ability to make a show that could match up to this 80 million yuan production budget. If that amount was given to Zhang Ye, he would naturally know how to spend it, thus creating a good program. But when given to a so-called elite team that no one knew how Central TV Department 1 formed? Zhang Ye was only waiting to see how they''d make a joke of themselves. But of course, he wouldn''t rule out that they could achieve a good result either.


    Zhang Ye finally spoke, "Don''t be bothered by them; just do whatever you need to do."


    Ha Qiqi wanted to say something but ended up not doing so.


    Zhang Ye had already been thinking of alternative ways recently as he knew that he could not just do nothing about Central TV Department 1''s cold storage treatment towards him. He could not go on not doing any shows for the greater part of the next half a year and had to break out of this "cage" that they put him in. At the very least, he needed to do onest show before his contract ended with Central TV Department 1, so that he could consolidate his legendary viewership ratings miracle. Only then would Zhang Ye be able to sessfully end things on his terms and make use of his poprity to move on into other industries. This was his n all along.


    Although Zhang Ye was in a very unfavorable situation now, he was already slowly finding ways to break out of it, ways like��making trouble?


    Around 11 AM.


    That new program team''s bosses arrived.


    One of them was the executive director, Xu Yipeng. He was a very famous director in Central TV Department 1 and was the AD of two Spring Festival Gs in thest three years. He had handled many of suchrge-scale gs and also helmed several of the more outstanding variety shows as well, albeit the viewership ratings ranged from low to high. His results in the variety industry weren''t too stable, but the executives of Central TV Department 1 fully trusted him and felt that Xu Yipeng was a very capable man.


    The other boss of the new program team was Chen Ye. Chen Ye was one of the newly added hosts of Central TV''s Spring Festival G in recent years. He was a pir of the television station due to his fame and qualifications, which was also the reason why Central TV Department 1 was slowly ceding more authority to him. Of this new show the station ced a lot of importance and a huge sum of investment on, not only did they assign Chen Ye to be the host, they also gave him the position of AD so that he would work closely with Xu Yipeng.


    As for the other staff of the new program team, they were also all elites handpicked by Central TV Department 1. The two rookies who had been taken from Department 14 were assigned to this program team as well, so you could say that they had the most excellent batch of people. Somehow, the executives of Central TV Department 1 thought that as long as they gathered all of the elites together, they would be able to assemble a much better team than the one that was put together at thest minute for Zhang Ye''s The Voice. If The Voice''s program team could create a miracle, then there was no reason why Xu Yipeng and his team couldn''t do it!


    "Oh, everyone''s busy?" Xu Yipeng smiled.


    Chen Ye was also grinning as he greeted, "Hello everyone."


    The people from the new team stopped what they were doing and looked as though they were energized by their leaders'' appearance.


    "Director Xu!"


    "Hello, Teacher Chen!"


    "Hello, bosses!"


    Everyone was looking spirited. After all, this was a new show with an investment of 80 million RMB, so who wouldn''t be excited? None of these people on the team had ever worked on such arge-scale variety show before!


    Xu Yipeng smiled and said, "Teacher Chen, why don''t you say a word to everyone?"


    Chen Ye waved him off. "You first, Director Xu."


    "Well, alright. Then let me say a few words first." Xu Yipeng began his bureaucratic jargon, talking about pies in the sky and so on. This was a new team after all, so he wanted to drum up morale, and at the same time, briefly introduce the key points of the show and the division of duties.


    After he finished speaking, Chen Ye also said a few words, except that it was targeted at Zhang Ye''s team. "Let me add on to that. The management has already approved the original staff members of The Voice officially joining the new program team with me and Director Xu as their bosses."


    Little Wang did not give him any face and questioned back, "Then what about Director Zhang?"


    Chen Ye narrowed his eyes at her. "Him? He has some other appointment, I guess. I''m not too sure."


    After the talking and announcements, both Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye left the office quickly. They probably still had a lot of work to handle.


    After the two of them left, an older, middle-aged man of the new program team looked at Little Wang andmanded, "You''re Little Wang, right? There''s no more coffee. Go and get some more for everyone."


    Little Wang stared at him. "Who are you?"


    The middle-aged man said, "I am the executive director''s assistant."


    Little Wang sneered. "If you want it, go get it yourself. Don''t act like you''re all chummy with me!"


    "You��" The middle-aged assistant became furious.


    Ha Qiqi knew that person. "Old Seven, you''ve just arrived, but you''re already ordering others around? Do you think you''re a huge deal just because you''re the director''s assistant? Why''re you putting on such airs?"


    Everyone knew about Zhang Ye''s temper, and as they said, "he who handles vermillion will be stained red, and he who touches ink will be stained ck." As a result, the people he led were clearly influenced by his character and did not have a good temper either.


    "I was only asking for her to go get more coffee. How is that putting on airs?"


    "Don''t you have hands?"


    "She''s an office assistant. Why can''t I get her to do that?"


    "You''re also only a director''s assistant. Does that mean I can order you around?"


    The two groups of people drew a distinct line between themselves. In just the short time since they''d met, they''d nearlye to blows. This atmosphere was simply too tense!


    After bickering for a bit, the new team members couldn''t do anything about Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others from the original team. They could only hold it in and leave it to the leaders to rein them inter.


    Not long after, Zhang Ye came out of his office to get some water from the water dispenser.


    With his appearance, the new team members all subconsciously took a sudden, deep breath. Perhaps it was because they were afraid that Zhang Ye would find trouble with them, so they felt a sense of nervousness and went on alert. They all looked up, keeping their eyes on him, with the motion of their heads moving synchronously. When everyone realized their own actions, it felt hrious and simultaneously extremely embarrassing, resulting in all of them lowering their heads together again. Just two days ago, Zhang Ye had scolded away a group of people who came to denounce him. It seemed like that had left a very deep impression on everyone here.


    Little Wang quickly went up to him. "Let me do it, Director Zhang."


    "I can do it, don''t worry." Zhang Ye smiled.


    At this moment, when the two youths seated beside the water dispenser saw Zhang Ye walking over, they subconsciously stood up again, one of them looking excited, while the other one was a little agitated.


    "Senior!"


    "Hello, Senior, how are you doing!?"


    The two of them addressed him differently from the others.


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "You two are?"


    The two of them said, "We''re both this year''s graduates of Media College!"


    Zhang Ye was suddenly enlightened. "Oh, my juniors. Hello." He looked at them from head to toe and appeared to realize these two were also likely the ones he heard about during that morning''s argument at the elevatornding about whom had been taken away from Department 14. However, Zhang Ye did not appear too enthusiastic meeting them and turned around after just saying a word or two, but in actual fact, did so for the good of these two rookies.


    Sure enough, once he walked away, one of the staff members from the new program team told the two rookies in a low whisper, "You guys are new and probably don''t understand the situation here. In future, stay away from Zhang Ye. Otherwise, if the program team leaders or any of the execs of Department 1 learn about it, it will surely affect your career progression."


    The two rookies nodded.


    Before they started work here, they had already heard about how Zhang Ye, the legend of Media College, was a hated figure at Central TV Department 1. Witnessing it for themselves today, it was precisely as rumored. In the eyes of all those other employees, Zhang Ye''s image might be extremely negative. There were many who scolded him and others who despised him. But to his two juniors from Media College, the way Zhang Ye carried himself right now, his bearing, it had totally left them tantalized in awe. They felt that this senior of theirs was way too awesome!


    This was Central TV Department 1 they were talking about!


    The first person to bring Central TV Department 1 to court in the history of its existence, even representing himself as his ownwyer and utterly defeating the Central TV Legal Department''s professionalwyer to win the court case. He even somehow managed to stay on around the station as though nothing had happened, happily insulting his colleagues on Weibo if he felt like doing so and not having to worry about not giving face to anyone! With such a stature, he was indeed worthy of being the legend that all the Media College teachers and students looked up to!!

 Chapter 786: Director Zhang’s Taiji Fist!

    <h4>Chapter 786: Director Zhang''s Taiji Fist! </h4>


    Chapter 786: Director Zhang''s Taiji Fist!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    The next day.


    In the afternoon.


    Central TV Department 1 posted a short promotional video which not only created a heated discussion online, even the thousands of pairs of industry insiders'' eyeballs were attracted to it. This was Central TV Department 1''s uing, brand new,rge-scale talent show following the highly rated The Voice��Rise to the Dance!


    Invested Production Budget: 80 million RMB.


    Executive Director, Executive Producer: Xu Yipeng.


    Assistant Director, Host: Chen Ye.


    Program nners: Xu Yipeng, Chen Ye, Hao Qian, Hu Tianqi.


    The promotional video included all the details of the show clearly, even following The Voice''s promotional slogan��regardless of looks, age, or gender, as long as you have a love and passion for dancing, you''re wee to join Central TV Department 1''srge-scale dancing talent show, Rise to the Dance. There was even a registration hotline at the end of the video. From the time that this short clip was posted, the Rise to the Dance program team was already prepared to ept registrations for the preliminary audition rounds, officially kicking off the show''sunch!


    Theizens were stirred.


    "An investment of 80 million RMB?"


    "Fuck, wasn''t that the figure that Central TV Department 1 said they would give to Zhang Ye for his new show?"


    "Did he get reced? The show was given to Chen Ye instead?"


    "It''s as expected. For a variety show that cannot afford to be messed up, after losing Zhang Ye, Central TV Department 1 would surely have to find someone who could alleviate their worries to take over. The names on this production team look rather impressive. There''s Xu Yipeng, who was the assistant director for two Spring Festival Gs and is very experienced. Chen Ye is also a famed Spring Festival G host and his poprity as a host is around the same level as Zhang Ye!"


    "A dance show? That sounds interesting!"


    "Yeah, the audition andpetition format all look to be rather novel ideas!"


    "Yes, no one has done a dancing talent show before. Does Central TV Department 1 intend to break new ground again? They''re thinking of building on the momentum of The Voice and hoping to create a dance trend that could sweep across the nation? Looking at this program team''s lineup paired with thatrge production cost invested, it really is worth looking forward to!"


    "Oh,e on. I don''t think it will be good. Without Zhang Ye, they''re nothing."


    "Previous poster, don''t be too sure yet. No one doubts Zhang Ye''s abilities, but that doesn''t mean only Zhang Ye alone can create good shows. There are also others who can do it, so who says that they won''t make it without him? In any case, I rather like Chen Ye. He is capable, but not a troublemaker like Zhang Ye."


    "No matter what, Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye really picked up a bargain this time."


    "Yeah, this program was initially ted to be done by Zhang Ye."


    "I hope it quickly starts broadcasting. I can''t wait any longer!"


    "Watching the promo, it does feel like it''s going to be quite good!"


    "Supporting Teacher Chen Ye! Rise to the Dance will surely outdo The Voice''s viewership ratings!"


    "Who wouldn''t be paying attention to Central TV Department 1''s variety shows now? The entire industry already has all their attention on it. If there''s a chance of any show in recent times exceeding The Voice''s viewership ratings, then it has to be Rise to the Dance. Old Xu and Old Chen do have the ability and Central TV is arge tform with the necessary audience base as well!"


    "Hmph, what''s Chen Ye even worth? When the cat''s away, the micee out to y!"


    There were those who praised and others who scolded. All kinds of voices could be heard regarding the new appointments.


    ...


    Back at his own office.


    Zhang Ye was eating lunch as he browsed Weibo. He had also found out about the details of this new Central TV Department 1 program from the Inte. He even watched that short promotional video repeatedly three or four times.


    A call came in. It was Hu Fei from Beijing Television.


    "Brother Hu." Zhang Ye put down his chopsticks and answered the phone.


    Hu Fei immediately asked: "What is your opinion of that Rise to the Dance show?"


    Zhang Yeughed: "It looks pretty good from what I see."


    Hu Fei frowned. "Really? Pretty good?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged: "It''s not bad."


    Hu Fei said: "Quite a lot of us were just discussing this new show at Beijing Television earlier. Since you also think it''s not bad, then it definitely won''t have a problem."


    Zhang Ye said: "Of course it won''t have a problem. They took reference from our team''s proposal and just made some changes to it. Together with the 80 million RMB poured in, if they can''t even produce a proper show, then they must be garbage."


    Hu Fei was taken aback at this. "Your team''s proposal?"


    "If my team and I did note up with several proposals beforehand, would their program team have been able to so confidently confirm their show on the second day of its formation? Could theye up with the promo so quickly?" However, Zhang Ye was not really angry at this. "They''re not dumb."


    Hu Fei said: "But it''s your effort. How can you just give it up to them so easily?"


    "It didn''t take much effort to do." Zhang Ye said indifferently: "I had my team write up quite a few of such proposals back then, touching on various types of shows. It was aimed at getting a direction from the station at that time, so it wasn''t aplete proposal. They want to steal my ideas? They''re still far off from that. Besides, those proposals were all written casually anyway. Even if I had to choose, I would not have chosen from that pool of proposals. I am quite picky when ites to making shows since I am always striving for perfection. If I want to make a show, there are definitely better choices than those."


    Hu Fei sighed: "But you won''t be able to make any shows in your current situation. The broadcast time for Rise to the Dance hasn''t been set yet, but I''ve heard news saying that their program is likely going to sh with Do You Remember''s broadcast time on Friday evening. I wouldn''t mind if I had topete with you, but with them, I''d have to be more careful so that they don''t steal our share of the viewership ratings. Little Zhang, let me know if you have any news."


    "OK."


    After exchanging a few words, they ended the call.


    After the call ended, as he got ready to get back to his lunch, Zhang Ye heard loud arguing voicesing from the outside. He did not make much of it since there had already been several arguments since yesterday between the people of the two teams. This was the umpteenth time they had been arguing.


    The argument could be heard in his office.


    Little Wang said rather loudly, "You guys copied our ideas. What makes you think you can argue against that?"


    The person she was arguing with said, "Who copied anything? This proposal was done by ourselves!"


    Little Wang said, "Whoa, aren''t you afraid of getting struck by lightning!? This was obviously Director Zhang''s proposal that you guys made some slight changes to, but otherwise, you''ve used it in almost its entire original form!"


    Another person from the other team said, "Even if it was your proposal in the first ce, so what? You''re also part of Rise to the Dance''s program team now!"


    Ha Qiqi interjected, "Director Zhang''s contract is different from ours. For the shows he nned out, the copyright belongs to him alone. Now that you guys have directly used his proposal, did you ask him for permission to use it?"


    The other person said, "Director Xu and Old Chen are our bosses now. Why should I be asking Director Zhang?"


    The proposals that were submitted prior were truly written by Zhang Ye casually. He did not put in any serious effort at all, but his team''s staff did not know about this. They thought that Director Zhang had spent a lot of effort toplete them, so they were very mad about what had happened. This group of people had snatched their office space, snatched their show, and even snatched their creation and proposal now too? Anyone would get mad at this! This was pushing them too far!


    As they were arguing, Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye came into the office.


    "What are all of you shouting for?" Chen Ye banged his hand on a table. "What''s going on?"


    Xu Yipeng said with a darkened expression, "How many times has this been? Ah? How many times? Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, do you two intend to rebel? Are you not satisfied with the arrangements that the station made for you? If you don''t want to obey job instructions, I''ll let it slide. If you don''t want to cooperate on getting the new show started, that too is fine. Now you''re even making trouble?"


    However, Ha Qiqi was not afraid of him. "Then what about the proposal that you guys copied from Director Zhang?"


    Xu Yipeng also banged his hand onto the table heavily. "This is the station''s proposal and show. Since when did it belong to Zhang Ye exclusively? Besides, let me reiterate one point. You all are now staff of Rise to the Dance''s program team, all you need to follow are the orders of me and Old Chen! Don''t you have any concept of superior-subordinate rtions? How did you get around in all your years in the industry? Don''t think that just because you have the reputation of The Voice behind you that you can do things as you please. Even if you were once part of the team of the nation''s top-rated variety show, do you think that I can''t rein you people in?"


    I can''t do anything about Zhang Ye!


    But for you all? Do you think that I can''t do anything about you all!?


    "Go back to your seats and get working!" Chen Ye also said enraged. Zhang Ye''s team staff were indeed too difficult to handle. They were each harder to order about than the other team. Now that the show''s production had officially begun and with the preliminary auditions going to take ce soon, if their internal program team staff were still arguing every day, how could they get things moving? The more he thought about this, the greater the rage he felt. The show, Rise to the Dance, carried the great expectations and hopes of riches of Chen Ye and the Central TV Department 1 executives. It was ted to exceed The Voice''s viewership ratings so that they could carry on dominating the nation''s variety show industry and must absolutely not fail!


    Finally, Zhang Ye opened his office door and came out.


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Director Zhang!"


    Ha Qiqi, Little Wang and the rest looked over.


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes and said, "What''s this about? Who do you want to rein in?"


    Xu Yipeng sneered. "Zhang Ye, this has nothing to do with you!"


    "I was happily eating lunch, but you people are making so much noise, mming tables out here and giving me quite the scare. What''s the meaning of all this?" Zhang Ye said.


    Chen Ye replied angrily, "Why are you going on in such an enigmatic way! This has nothing to do with you!"


    Zhang Ye scoffed, "So what if I''m going on about something? Scolding you is already a thing of the past!''


    Xu Yipeng was a little miffed and reached out to bang his hands on a round ss table that was at least 2 cm thick. As it had a ss top, the resulting sound was heard very loudly and distinctly, like sending shockwaves across the entire office. "Zhang! You really don''t have any regard for the rules!"


    The light in Zhang Ye''s eyes turned harsh. He stepped forward and raised his arms, moving over to the ss tabletop and flicking his wrist as he smacked it as well. It didn''t look like much, and didn''t even look like he used much strength as he smacked his palms onto that 2 cm-thick ss top which Xu Yipeng had just banged his hands on!


    "Do you think only you know how to bang your hands on the table!?"


    It didn''t look like he used much strength and the resulting sound from this was very soft as well!


    However, half a secondter, the thick ss top started cracking to the horror of everyone who was looking on at them in the office. Krrack. With a cracking sound, the ss top shattered!


    Xu Yipeng was dumbfounded!


    Chen Ye was dumbfounded!


    The Rise to the Dance program team was also dumbfounded!


    At this moment, therge office space fell entirely silent!


    That was a 2 cm-thick ss tabletop, for fuck''s sake!


    Even if a hammer was used to hit it, it might not necessarily be able to smash it!


    Even if a hammer could smash it, it couldn''t possibly be smashed into so many pieces!


    But you only used your bare hands and managed to break such arge ss tabletop into so many pieces by just lightly smacking it?? Are you on steroids or something? Just what kinds of fucking skills do you have!?

 Chapter 787: Job reassignment orders have arrived!

    <h4>Chapter 787: Job reassignment orders have arrived! </h4>


    Chapter 787: Job reassignment orders have arrived!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The entire office fell silent!


    Everyone was stunned by this smack of Zhang Ye''s!


    Ha Qiqi: "��"


    Little Wang: "��"


    Zhang Zuo: "��"


    Wu Yi: "��"


    Actually, even Zhang Ye himself was stunned by what had happened as he looked at his hands in some confusion. His Taiji Fist was already at a rather high level of attainment now, having eaten so many Taiji Fist Skill Experience Books, yet he had never had the chance to showcase it or met with an incident that required him to use it. But today, with his sudden smack onto a tabletop, he never expected that his hit-or-miss Taiji Fist would coincidentally present itself here in such a dramatic way. Even he was shocked with astonishment!


    Holy shit!


    So this bro is this powerful?


    Zhang Ye secretly rejoiced.


    When Xu Yipeng could finally react, he immediately pointed at Zhang Ye furiously. "You, you, you��"


    "How dare you, Zhang Ye!?" Chen Ye also flew into a rage. "Are you nning to rebel! You''re definitely rebelling!"


    Zhang Ye said dismissively, "When you all banged your hands on the table, it was fine. But when I did the same, you call it rebelling? It seems like everything is dictated by you people!"


    A staff member of the new program team rebuked, "You''re smashing things! Destroying public property! That is grant provocation!"


    Zhang Ye eyed that person like a gangster and said, "I did destroy public property. What can you do about it?"


    Zhang Zuo was also angered. He pointed at that person and said, "Don''t try to pin the me on our Director Zhang! Who do you think you are?"


    But it was still Ha Qiqi who reacted quickly enough, knowing that things had gotten out of control. Smashing a table might not be a big issue, but neither was it a small one, especially with Director Zhang''s current situation at Central TV Department 1. The effects would be much greater. As a result, Ha Qiqi had an idea and immediately pointed at Xu Yipeng. "I saw it. I saw that when Director Xu mmed his hands onto the table, the ss tabletop already had some cracks in it. That was how Director Zhang''s smack managed to shatter it!"


    Xu Yipeng was stunned!


    What?


    What did you say?


    I broke it? I broke your grandpa! That was such a thick ss top. Even if I banged on it until my hands shattered, there wouldn''t be a mark on it!


    Ha Qiqi was trying to shift the me!


    Little Wang was also taken aback at this, but quickly added, "I saw it too!"


    Zhang Ye''s team gradually pointed their fingers at that as well!


    "Right, I saw it too!"


    "It was him!"


    "It was Director Xu who banged too hard on the table!"


    Xu Yipeng, Chen Ye, and the rest nearly fainted at this. They cried out with anger. Is there even any ce for reasoning now!?


    The staff from the two teams were arguing again. However, after the impact from Zhang Ye''s smack earlier that left everyone in horror, quite a few people were affected by it. As a result, they could not muster up much even in their argument and had a sense of fear in them. Such a thick ss top could even be shattered just like that. If they really pushed that Zhang fellow too much, who knew if they would end up getting smacked by him as well? If that happened, who could withstand that?


    This Zhang fellow''sbat strength was too strong!


    Not only his mouth, even his hands were the same!


    And so, under the lead of Chen Ye and Xu Yipeng, all of them went to seek redress from the leaders!


    When they left, Ha Qiqi and the others got anxious.


    "Director Zhang!"


    "What should we do now?"


    "Let''s go too!"


    "Right, we can''t just let the executives hear their side of the story!"


    But Zhang Ye replied, "It''s fine, don''t bother with them."


    Zhang Zuo said, "But��"


    Zhang Yeughed, "A bad thing might turn out to be good instead."


    "Ah?" Ha Qiqi eximed, sounding stunned. "What good coulde out of something like this?"


    ...


    In a small conference room of Central TV Department 1.


    The executives of Department 1 were currently in a meeting, discussing work-rted matters. Midway through the meeting, Jiang Naixiong''s secretary walked in quickly from the outside to report on something.


    Jiang Naixiong frowned. "Let them in."


    When the door opened, Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye came inside.


    Jiang Naixiong asked, "What''s going on?"


    Chen Ye said angrily, "Zhang Ye is rebelling! He smashed and shattered a table in the office! It was a 2 cm-thick ss tabletop and he smashed it with a smack!"


    When an executive of Central TV Department 1 heard that, he said, "He has rebelled?"


    Jiang Yuan thought that Chen Ye was too exaggerated in his description. "That''s such a thick piece of ss. How could he have shattered it with a smack? Don''t try to embellish things. What exactly happened?"


    Chen Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry. "He really did that with a single smack of his hands!"


    Xu Yipeng immediately testified to that. "Indeed, a lot of us saw it as well!"


    Jiang Yuan: "��"


    Xu Yipeng said, "Leader, Zhang Ye''s too much of a hooligan. With that temper of his, I can''t take it anymore. Moreover, that group of his subordinates are following everything that he does, ignoring Old Chen and my orders. In the past two days, we''ve already had multiple arguments between the new program team and their people. If this goes on, how can we go on to make the show? They might as well argue every day. No one can get any work done!"


    Chen Ye added, "Director Jiang, we really cannot go on existing together with Zhang Ye and his team. Can we get them transferred out? Or just let us have a totally new office space to work at!"


    Jiang Yuan replied, "The Voice''s team are, after all is said and done, very experienced with the reputation of being the nation''s top-rated variety show team. Those people still have good abilities, so if you don''t make use of them, you all��"


    Xu Yipeng said confidently, "Without them, our show will do even better!"


    Chen Ye also said, "Speaking of experience, speaking of abilities, would our new team lose out to them? The people we have are the elites of Department 1! Boss, Director Xu and I have the same view. Without them, we wouldn''t be dragged back anymore. If we really don''t have enough manpower, then we can always transfer some people over from the other departments or loan them over! There is basically no use for The Voice''s team at all!"


    Jiang Naixiong thought about it, then looked at the other executives. "What''s everyone''s opinion?"


    One of the executives said, "I think the same as them. Zhang Ye and his followers are all troublemakers most people can''t handle. Rather than having it like this, we might as well not use them."


    Another executive said, "In my opinion, other than Zhang Ye, we should just fire the rest of them!"


    An executive beside them said, "We can''t fire them. Whether it''s Old Ha or Zhang Zuo, every one of them is already an old-timer of Central TV. They''ve always been giving their best and even worked on a world-ss variety show like The Voice. If we fire them, first, it wouldn''t look good on us and would definitely affect the other employees'' thinking of how our Central TV Department 1 is too unreasonable. Second, the reputation of The Voice''s program team in the industry is already there. If we really fire them, I believe that there will be other TV stations lining up to take them in immediately on the day that they''re let go. If we really let them end up at some other satellite channels, then wouldn''t we have nurtured a tiger that could be the cause of our cmity? Won''t we let the others get them for cheap?"


    Jiang Yuan nodded in agreement. "You''re right."


    Jiang Naixiong was feeling quite troubled. "Then what do we do with those people? Are we just going to leave Zhang Ye and his team alone and pay them for doing nothing? Let them stir up trouble every day in Department 1?"


    Jiang Yuan held in his anger andmented, "That group of people is indeed very good at stirring up trouble!"


    Suddenly, a shout came from the door.


    "Director Yan!"


    "Stand aside!"


    "There''s a meeting going on inside at the moment!"


    "They''re exactly who I''m looking for!"


    "You can''t go in, aiya! Director Yan!"


    The secretary was unable to hold him back and the door was pushed open from the outside. Central TV Department 14''s Yan Tianfei strode in. "Old Jiang, it isn''t easy to find you!"


    Everyone in the meeting room wore different expressions.


    Jiang Naixiong had already avoided him for two days now, but could no longer do so. He yed dumb and said, "Old Yan, you''re looking for me for something?"


    Yan Tianfei''s tone did not sound friendly at all. "Of course there''s something. I''ve been looking for you for two days now! Let me ask you. The two rookies at our department, did you request for them to be transferred to you!? Do you really think that our Department 14 can be bullied around like that? Don''t forget, I was the one who introduced you to your wife. Now that you''ve done this to me, you better exin to me what your intentions are!"


    Everyone looked at Jiang Naixiong.


    Jiang Naixiong''s expression darkened.


    What are you bringing up about my wife for!


    Jiang Naixiong marriedte at 39 years old. When he had met his partner, it indeed had a little bit to do with Yan Tianfei. At that time, Yan Tianfei was not at Department 14 yet and Jiang Naixiong''s wife was a deputy supervisor in Yan Tianfei''s department. As Yan Tianfei''s department coborated with Jiang Naixiong''s side, one of the people who Yan Tianfei sent over to work on it was Jiang Naixiong''s wife. Jiang Naixiong won her over easily with his sweet talk back then. It could be considered true love. Therefore, to say that this had a little bit to do with Yan Tianfei, it was somewhat true. But if it had to be argued that Jiang Naixiong''s wife was introduced to him by Yan Tianfei, then that would be bullshit.


    However, if Yan Tianfei wanted to put it that way, then Jiang Naixiong would also not bother to argue with him. "Old Yan, cool off. Calm down first and take a seat."


    Yan Tianfei did not give him any face. "You better tell me how we should resolve this matter!"


    Jiang Naixiong knew that Old Yan was not that easy to appease. Unless he could give him a good resolution, this Old Yan would surelye over and stir up trouble at Department 1 for the next three to five months. Thinking of that, and thinking of how Old Yan''s department was a godforsaken ce, Jiang Naixiong looked at Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye, and suddenly had an idea. "Although those transfers were arranged by the station heads, since they came over to Department 1, then don''t you worry about anything, Old Yan. I will definitely give you a proper answer. Speaking of that, I was just thinking of looking for you, since I know that your department has only been up for a while and don''t have the proper staff setup yet, and even the viewership isn''t performing well. As sister channels, those of us at Department 1 will surely give you our support!"


    Yan Tianfei looked at him. "Oh? How do you propose to support us then?"


    ...


    Later that afternoon.


    The grapevines of Central TV was awash with gossip.


    "Have you heard?"


    "Yes I did. Zhang Ye smashed a table!"


    "What you heard was too brief. The details were that he shattered a 5 cm-thick ss tabletop with a smack of his palms!"


    "Are you serious?"


    "Fuck, how could he be that powerful?"


    "Dogshit! Do you even really know what happened? What 5 cm-thick ss tabletop? It was a solid wood desk that he smashed with a smack of his palms!"


    "Ah?"


    "Sol-solid wood?"


    "What I heard was that he smashed a marble top instead."


    "��"


    "Do our offices even have marble tops for tables?"


    "Fuck, why does the news keep sounding more and more extraordinary now!?"


    The rumors continued and started to be more and more exaggerated.


    However, one of these rumors was as true as it could get!


    On that day at 3 PM, Central TV Department 1 sent out an internal email: Zhang Ye and the original program team staff of The Voice would be transferred over to Central TV Department 14!!

 Chapter 788: Central TV’s documentary channel!

    <h4>Chapter 788: Central TV''s documentary channel! </h4>


    Chapter 788: Central TV''s documentary channel!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


    The entire Central TV was fervently gossiping.


    Now that Zhang Ye had fallen out with Central TV Department 1, his position within the organization was rather awkward as well. With the source of this news quite confined, he was almost one of thest to find out about it. In fact, it was brought to his attention by his subordinates.


    The door was pushed opened without even a knock!


    Both Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo came rushing in!


    "Director Zhang!" Ha Qiqi said anxiously, "We have been transferred out!"


    Zhang Ye''s eyes shifted to her. "What do you mean transferred out?"


    Zhang Zuo quickly said, "There was an internal email sent out just now. You and the whole of our The Voice program team will be transferred over to Central TV Department 14 starting tomorrow. We will be starting work over there and will no longer be under Central TV Department 1! Starting tomorrow, our personnel files will all be under the charge of Department 14, including our social insurance!"


    Zhang Ye''s heart skipped a beat. "Are you two sure?"


    "It''s been confirmed; just check your email!" Ha Qiqi said.


    Zhang Ye was a little worried, so he immediately logged on to check. Indeed, the transfer orders were already passed down!


    Ha!


    That''s great!


    Messing around and stirring up trouble indeed worked wonders!


    At the time Zhang Ye had gone around on Weibo sting those Central TV Department 1 shows, he initially did it out of spite towards those who had taken a dig at him when he was down. He did not consider other factors, though as an afterthought, he realized that Central TV Department 1 could actually do nothing about him. Since they already intended to freeze him, then there were only limited ways to deal with him now, perhaps even unable to do anything about him. Having had that experience, a light bulb went off in his head and he thought that he could resort to making trouble several times more to see where it would lead. Since his situation with the department was already beyond repair and his reputation was also trashed, there wasn''t much to lose. His main goal was to see if he could force a way out for himself, to break out of the present deadlock that he was in��he had never given up hope that he could still make another show all this while!


    Who knew that he would actually seed!


    He really made Central TV Department 1 unable to bear with his antics anymore and force them to transfer their team out!


    He heard Zhang Zuo ask, "Director Zhang, what do we do now?"


    Ha Qiqi also asked, "Is this actually a good or a bad thing?"


    "I''ve heard of Department 14''s Director Yan Tianfei before. He is considered a veteran of Central TV and can have a rather bad temper at times. Director Yan''s rtionship with the station, including Central TV Department 1 and many of the other departments, isn''t too good either. Even if Central TV Department 1 wants Director Yan to continue adhering to the cold storage policy they had for us, I don''t believe that Director Yan will listen to them, so that would mean that we might get to start making shows again?" Zhang Zuomented as he thought through it all.


    However, Ha Qiqi did not think it was going to be promising. "But Department 14 is��"


    When Zhang Zuo heard her, he suddenly felt discouraged as well. "True, Department 14 is indeed a little��ahem."


    When Zhang Ye heard that, he said to the two of them, "Do our other colleagues know about this yet? Why don''t you two go outside first and reassure everyone. Let me understand the situation first before I go outside to talk to you guys."


    "OK."


    "Understood."


    They proceeded to leave the office.


    Zhang Ye did not say any more because he did not know what Department 14 did exactly. He did not ask Ha Qiqi or Zhang Zuo either as he did not want to appear too unprofessional in front of them. He''d rather check it himself on theputer. Logically, no matter what happened, Jiang Naixiong, Jiang Yuan, and the others hated him to the bone, so they couldn''t have possibly transferred him to another broadcasting department. Only then would they be able to carry out the cold storage treatment in its entirety. Variety channel? Impossible! International channel? No way! Even if it was the sports channel or the children''s channel, there was no way it would happen! As all of those channels used a host, no matter how poor the viewership ratings were, Central TV Department 1 would never transfer him to such a ce. They would never have allowed Zhang Ye to have a chance to appear on screen. Otherwise, why would it be called cold storage treatment?


    So where was it?


    What sort of a ce was this Department 14?


    Upon checking, Zhang Ye was first stunned, then suddenly realized that Department 14 was just abel for whatever was being broadcasted. The channel''s full name was: Central TV Documentary Channel!


    No wonder. It was no wonder Central TV Department 1 would so reassuringly in transferring him over. It was because Department 14 was just a channel used for broadcasting documentaries. On further checking, Zhang Ye suddenly understood everything. In this world, the Central TV Documentary Channel did not have any hosts at all. It wasn''t because they did not hire any, rather there was no position open for anyone. The usual work flow at Department 14 was also a fairly straightforward one.


    Only a very minor portion of their documentaries were self-produced, like the ones in which they sent a correspondent and cameraman to the stadiums, or to document behind-the-scenes footage of whichever team were the championship winners, which they would thene back and edit it into a documentary to broadcast on their channel. Otherwise, on visits to a heritage site or tourism spot, they would send a reporter out there to get some footage and document the trip before getting it approved and aired. For additional program resources, they would either partner with other mediapanies or buy copyrights from overseas television stations to broadcast those programs, afterwards airing reruns over and over again. In any case, with just over a dozen documentary series, they could fill the channel''s programming schedule for at least half a year, with each documentary probably being repeated five or six times. That would be just the lower range of times it was repeated.


    This was the current situation of Department 14:ck of manpower,ck of financial resources, show quality was low, viewership ratings were even lower!


    If someone wasn''t extremely bored, they would never switch to this channel. Even if they did, they would move onto the next channel within a second without any hesitation.


    Yes, but if there was really a need to state an advantage of Department 14, then it had to be its wide area of coverage. As it was a domestic channel, the documentary channel was ced close to the front of the television channels'' order. When the television was tuned into channel 1, Central TV Department 1''s shows would be on. When it switched to 14, Central TV Documentary Channel''s shows would be on, so this was considerably at the front. Like Department 1 and Department 2, Department 14 also had nationwide coverage, so most provinces and autonomous regions would be able to receive the broadcast. Whether or not the audience would tune in, at least the signal still reached them. This was also the one and only advantage that Department 14 had.


    After understanding most of it, Zhang Ye''s heart started pumping harder!


    Not long after, he walked out of his office.


    "Did Director Zhang say anything?"


    "Nothing much."


    "Aiya, are we really going to be transferred over to Department 14 then?"


    "I heard that it''s a godforsaken ce there. If we go there, our careers are as good as over."


    "At least it''s better than staying at Central TV Department 1, no? We''re obviously being put into cold storage if we stay here!"


    "How is it better? I don''t see much of a difference if we go to Department 14. That''s as good as getting frozen. Besides, the sry and benefits are also a grade lower, so it''s much worse there!"


    "I''ll just follow what Director Zhang says."


    "Yeah, wherever Director Zhang goes, I''ll go!"


    "At most, I''ll quit!"


    "That''s right!"


    As Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye had led their people out for a meeting, Zhang Ye''s team were the only ones left in the office area. They were busily talking and discussing thetest transfer orders from management.


    Zhang Ye came out. "Little Wang, close the doors. I want to talk to you guys about something."


    Only then did everyone fall silent as Little Wang went to close the main office door.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Director Zhang, go ahead and speak. We''re only waiting for your instructions now!"


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Regarding the transfer orders, everyone should know about it already, right? To me, I don''t actually have a better choice than this. But for everyone here, if all of you were to submit your resignation letters, I think that the management would ept it. You guys still have a chance to leave if you want to."


    Zhang Zuo interrupted, "Director Zhang, you''ve already brought this up too many times!"


    Zhang Ye raised his hand, signaling to let him finish speaking. "Even if I have, I will still say it. After all, this is not a small matter. We''ve been working together for a long time now, so you guys know what my temper''s like. I''ve always spoken in a very direct manner and never hidden behind any doublespeak. If you resign, there will surely be employers ready to take you in. Our reputation as the team behind the nation''s top-rated variety show is not for nothing, so they can''t wait to employ any of you if you choose to leave here. That would not be the end of the road and you might even have a better future. If you guys feel that those other TV stations are not offering you something better or are unsatisfied with it, I can represent you and negotiate with them. In the industry, I still do know some people and I''m sure they''ll give me some face as well."


    Ha Qiqi said unhappily, "Director Zhang, aren''t you looking down on us by saying that!?"


    Little Wang called out, "I''m not leaving in any case!"


    Wu Yi also shouted, "Right, I''m not leaving either! We''ve not done Central TV any wrong! So why should we leave with hanging our heads?"


    "Director Zhang, don''t say anymore," Zhang Zuo said firmly. "If you go, we go. If you don''t go, then we won''t go anywhere either. We''ll stick together!"


    "Right!"


    "Together!"


    "Stick together with Director Zhang!"


    A female staffer who didn''t usually talk much remarked, "When our team was formed, all of us came from different ces, some from Department 5, some from Department 10. We did not know each other then, but after all these months, I feel a sense of belonging in this group. Everyone is also getting closer to each other. Director Zhang, it was you who united us. In the past, when I was at Department 10, I was getting bullied every day, condescended to by the leaders and ostracized by my colleagues. But at our program team, I feel so at ease every day that I can''t wait toe to work every morning. I feel more motivated spending my time at the office than resting at home. We don''t care how the Central TV Department 1 executives treat us; all we know is that you''re good to us. When we were paid less than what we deserved, you fought for us to get our proper share. When we were bullied, you rolled up your sleeves to go scold the other program teams. We can see all of that. We''re a team. So wherever you go, we will follow!"


    "That''s right!"


    "Well said!"


    "That''s just how it is. We won''t be leaving!"


    "Me too!"


    Everyone was getting more and more agitated, expressing their desire to stay.


    Seeing this, Zhang Ye felt rather touched. "Alright, in that case, I won''t say anymore!"


    Ha Qiqi immediately asked, "Since everyone is staying, then��"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Then we will naturally go together to Department 14 and achieve some results!"


    "Achieve some results? Uh, but that is the documentary channel. We all��" Zhang Zuo hesitated.


    Ha Qiqi lost all her morale as well. "Yeah, what kind of results can we achieve at that department? First, that channel''s viewership ratings are too low. Second, no one watches documentaries to begin with. Furthermore, we have experience when ites to variety shows, but documentaries? None of us have done one before!"


    Everyone said that they would stick with Zhang Ye, but that was all based on their instincts of loyalty. However, they did not think that they''d be able to achieve any results over at the documentary channel!


    Zhang Ye gave a slight smile but did not answer them.


    Who said that a documentary channel couldn''t have a show that could shock the entire nation? Even if it was a godforsaken ce, as long as he had the authority to make a show, then Zhang Ye would find a way to make the flowers bloom there as well!

 Chapter 789: What sort of place is this?

    <h4>Chapter 789: What sort of ce is this? </h4>


    Chapter 789: What sort of ce is this?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The weekend went by without an incident.


    Monday morning.


    His father was packing Chenchen''s bag ording to her ss schedule.


    His mother had just finished preparing breakfast. Seeing that it was about time, she opened her son''s bedroom door to wake him up for breakfast.


    "Son, it''s time for breakfast!" his mother shouted loudly.


    However, the moment she stepped into the room, she saw that he was already awake.


    Zhang Ye was scribbling on some documents as he answered her without even raising his head to look at her. "OK, Mom."


    His mother wondered, "Heh, why are you suddenly feeling so perked up? You''ve been like that for the entire weekend already. I don''t see you sleeping at night, and by the next morning, you''re already up before I even wake up. Has the sun started to rise from the west? What have you been writing for the past few days? Didn''t you get frozen by the station? What are you still working so hard on?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve been transferred to another department, haven''t I?"


    "You mean that Central TV Documentary Channel?" His mother curled her lips.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Yes, that''s why I''m writing a program proposal. I''ve spent an entire weekend on this and it''s almost finally done."


    His mother grunted, "That lousy documentary channel? Nowadays, if a variety show is done badly, there wouldn''t even be much of an audience watching it, much less a documentary. Only an idiot would watch!"


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    "Quickly go and eat breakfast." His mother turned around and walked away.


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Forget it, you''ll never understand no matter how much I exin it to you!"


    His mother instructed, "Send Chenchen to school first after you finish eating."


    "I know," Zhang Ye answered.


    Regarding Zhang Ye''s transfer to another department, his parents did not care much about it. Zhang Ye''s team members just went along with him and the general popce did not pay much attention to this matter either. It was as though Zhang Ye alone was full of fighting spirit!


    After sending Chenchen to school, Zhang Ye bought two copies of newspapers from a newsstand beside Experimental Primary School. The newspapers did publish news of his transfer to the Central TV Documentary Channel, but it was located at a somewhat inconspicuous spot at the bottom of the entertainment news section. The main section of the entertainment news was upied by other celebrities. One was suspected to be pregnant while another who was seemingly in a scandal was actually promoting new work, etc. There were all sorts of incidents every day in the entertainment circle, so Zhang Ye''s news was considered very insignificant this time.


    He browsed the Inte on his cell phone and found some people discussing his situation online.


    "Zhang Ye has been transferred out?"


    "Hai, isn''t it still the same?!"


    "Indeed, I''m pretty sure it was Central TV Department 1 who couldn''t tolerate Teacher Zhang anymore, so they dumped him to another department. But even with this move, he is still as good as frozen, so don''t expect that Teacher Zhang will appear onscreen again this year, hai."


    "But he can still make something even though he''s with the documentary channel!"


    "Pfft, previous poster, are you alright?"


    "Will you watch the show made by the documentary channel?"


    "Fuck, that''s true."


    "Teacher Zhang is the best at making variety shows, but for him to produce a documentary? Let''s put aside whether the department will let him film one or not. Even if he''s allowed to film, Teacher Zhang must also know how to shoot one first! And even if he can do it, who will watch his documentary? So is there any difference by transferring from Central TV Department 1 to Central TV Documentary Channel? If we''re hoping for Teacher Zhang to give us another program with a high viewership rating like The Voice, we''ll have to wait until next year at least, when his contract with Central TV ends."


    Theizens did not give much attention to this or treat it as anything serious.


    Regarding this, Zhang Ye only smiled at it.


    ...


    At Central TV.


    Zhang Ye headed straight upstairs to his previous office. Xu Yipeng was not around, and he only saw Chen Ye and his team staff busily working on the new show in high spirits. All of them had very excited expressions on their faces, whereas Zhang Ye''s old team were all packing their belongings and documents from their desks, looking rather numb. To them, this transfer was not a promotion, so there was nothing to be happy about.


    "Director Zhang, good morning," Ha Qiqi greeted listlessly.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Have you finished packing?"


    Ha Qiqi nodded. "We''ll head to Department 14 first then?"


    Little Wang said, "Director Zhang, shall I help you with your packing?"


    "There''s no need to. Why don''t you guys go over first. I''ll head there after I finish packing." Zhang Ye turned around and walked into his office. He packed his things one by one neatly as he did not like other people touching his things. This was why he did not get anyone to help him. After everything was done, Zhang Ye had a final look at his office he had worked in for the past few months. Then he strode out to the main office area without any lingering emotions.


    When the team of Rise to the Dance saw this, they heaved a sigh of relief.


    "He''s finally left!"


    "That''s right, he''s finally gone!"


    "Heh, this time we will finally have peace with no one creating any more trouble for us."


    "The Voice is already a thing of the past. From now on, it''s all about our Rise to the Dance!"


    "Director Chen, the date for the preliminary auditions has been set. We''ll just make some changes to the stage of The Voice which wouldn''t take us too much effort. The management has given us two months for the recording schedule, so that would mean the program should officially start broadcasting in December?"


    "Yes, this schedule isn''t tight at all, so let''s work hard, everyone!"


    "Got it!"


    "Yes!"


    "Just rest assured!"


    Zhang Ye, standing at the elevatornding, heard their voices behind him. I have finally left? Chen Ye, aren''t you guys being too na?ve?! It''s not that I have left. Hur hur, it should be I, Zhang Ye, who hase back again! Your new program will be broadcast in December? Fine! We''ll have a chance to meet again when that dayes!


    The elevator arrived.


    Zhang Ye went in and headed up.


    The Central TV Documentary Channel was a newly established department from two years ago. The office of Department 14 was located at a higher floor. Although Zhang Ye had heard of that department, he had neither seen for himself nor went to that location before. Therefore, he knew that some things couldn''t depend only on his own enthusiasm. That was useless. He had to see how the actual situation was like first. For example, Department 14''s environment, the personnel, and equipment would all determine whether Zhang Ye could flex his muscles this time. Regarding this, Zhang Ye was still filled with much anticipation.


    However, Zhang Ye was dumbfounded the moment he reached the new office!


    Because it was a new environment, the office renovations still looked quite new. The renovated environment looked quite good and the furniture was also quite new. This floor had three independent offices, but one of the bigger offices was empty and the transparent ss door was locked and chained up, with the inside covered with dust. The other two offices looked like they belonged to two sections of a department. When Zhang Ye saw Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others in one of them, he also went inside.


    What he saw after he entered the office dumbfounded him.


    This office area consisted of around twenty staff members of Department 14. Almost without exception, everyone''sputers were switched on with the screens showing a game interface!


    Some were ying Fight the Landlord! [1.]


    Some were ying online games!


    And there were also some who were ying nts vs. Zombies!


    This group of people were quite friendly as they were chatting away noisily with Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, Wu Yi, and the others!


    Tong Fu said excitedly, "Director Ha, I have heard a lot about all of you!"


    Huang Dandan said, "Wee, wee. We warmly wee you!"


    A youth said, "Director Yan is not here yet. Feel free to find a seat. You guys can just sit anywhere you like. Aiya, we finally managed to get you guys over here!"


    Another youth nearby said, "That''s right. We received the notice on Friday and knew that you would being today. Everyone''s very excited about this. We''re a family from now on, so don''t stand on ceremony with us!"


    Tong Fu said immediately, "There''s no need to be overly polite. Let''s get straight down to business!"


    That youth nodded several times. "That''s right, that''s right. Business is more important!"


    While Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others thought what kind of business they were talking about, the female staff member Huang Dandan eventually said, "Would you all like to y Adventurers'' Wars? We''ve already downloaded the games onto theputers for everyone. Just register an ount and enter Zone 10. Let''s defeat some monsters and level up!"


    Tong Fu also said, "This game is extremely good. Let''s form a team!"


    "We don''t have much work to handle on a daily basis anyway, so let''s go kill some monsters!"


    "We still need a cleric. Who wants to be one?"


    "We also need a hunter. We''ve been stuck on this dungeon for a few days now!"


    "Stop messing around. Why are you ying MMOs? Just ying nts vs. Zombies is good enough!"


    "Dammit, this bastard is not ying with us anymore. Hurry, does anyone want to y Mahjong? Weck a yer now, so why don''t one of you brose and join us. The three of us can even discuss our moves here!"


    Ha Qiqi: "��"


    Zhang Zuo: "��"


    Wu Yi: "��"


    Zhang Ye was also stunned!


    Fuck!


    Just what kind of a fucking ce was this?!


    [1. Fight thendlord: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dou_dizhu]

 Chapter 790: Designing a documentary!

    <h4>Chapter 790: Designing a documentary! </h4>


    Chapter 790: Designing a documentary!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Almost all the staff of Department 14 were ying games!


    At this moment, someone noticed Zhang Ye.


    "Ah! Quick, look!"


    "Director Zhang!"


    "It''s Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s him in person!"


    "Wah! Director Zhang is here!"


    "I want to take a picture and post it on Weibo! Would the people in front please move aside!"


    When the staff of Department 14 saw Zhang Ye standing at the door, they got extremely excited.


    They were unlike those employees at Central TV Department 1. Even the lowest grade staff like those misceneous staffers working in Department 1 would frequentlye in contact with some of the more famous hosts or celebrity guests whenever they came to attend gs, or record of a show or an interview program. Which big shot had they not seen before? They had probably even talked with them before, so they were generally much calmer when faced with such situations.


    But Department 14 was a newly established department that was just a few years old. Almost everyone in the department were still considered rookies and their department was too neglected, with a viewership rating that was rankedst among all the channels of Central TV. Even the overseas and agricultural channels had viewership ratings that were several times higher than the overall viewership ratings of their channel. The status of their channel in the Central TVwork was extremely low. At most, they could get to know some sports stars when they shot for a ser or basketball team''s championship winning documentary. That was why, even though they worked in the same building, they had not reallye across any real big shot celebrities before, let alone a person like Zhang Ye who had created such a bigmotion in Central TV Department 1. Together with the upheaval being repeatedly hyped up, all of a sudden, everyone piled forward to him with warm expressions on their faces!


    A female staff member said, "Director Zhang, I really like you!"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Thank you."


    Tong Fu quickly said, "I heard that you smashed a marble table with just a smack of your palmsst Friday, is that true?"


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    Huang Dandan imed, "Nonsense, it was obviously an aluminum alloy table!"


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    F**k, how did it turn into an aluminum alloy table?


    I even smashed something like that?


    Do you fucking think that I am Iron Man?!


    Ha Qiqi who was beside him gave a wry smile and said, "It was a 2 cm-thick ss table. The rumors are too exaggerated."


    Huang Dandan eximed, "That''s still super amazing! Eh, Director Zhang, do you want to y some games?"


    A middle-aged woman smiled and said, "I haven''t been able to stand Central TV Department 1 since long ago. They snatched our people and appropriated our production budget. Hmph, that smack on the table was really excellent!"


    Huang Dandan nodded and agreed, "Yeah, that smack of yours really helped us vent our anger. In the past two years, Central TV Department 1 pushed us aside just because they''re the station''s favored department. Hai, Director Zhang, do you want to y some games?"


    Zhang Ye said embarrassed, "Not now."


    Tong Fu said, "Director Yan is not here yet, so feel free to take a seat anywhere you like. I also don''t know which office will be assigned to you."


    "Hur hur, I can just sit out here." Zhang Ye was not picky. As he was new here, it was best to keep a low profile since he didn''t intend to just get by for this period of time. He had a goal to achieve.


    When Zhang Ye sat down, Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others also found their seats and sat down as well.


    When the staff of Department 14 saw this, they also did not disturb Zhang Ye anymore. They focused their attention on Zhang Ye''s team members and started to chat with them.


    After around ten minutes, Wu Yi, Little Wang, Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others could no longer refuse their invitation and joined with the gaming forces as well. Actually, during the past month or so, the original team of The Voice had been either ying games or watching movies while under Central TV Department 1. Since they were already doing so at Department 1, there wasn''t much difference now that they came to Department 14. Everyone "defected" and integrated into the new team very quickly.


    "Director Ha, put points in your strength stat. Right, HP is very important to your ss!"


    "Ah, I was killed by someone!"


    "Where? We will take revenge for you!"


    "Fuck, who dares to kill our people? How dare they!"


    "Who wants to attempt an instance dungeon? We''re still missing one party member!"


    "Does anyone here y nts vs. Zombies? How do you clear this stage?"


    Upon seeing everyone so focused, Zhang Ye felt a sense of despair and speechlessness. It would be impossible to make the documentary channel flourish! With this group of people, it would be a wonder if they could even fucking aplish anything at all.


    Suddenly, footsteps from outside could be heard!


    The director of Central TV Department 14, Yan Tianfei, was here. He did not go back to his own office at the other office area but walked directly over to this side instead.


    Then, a scene that made Zhang Ye drop his jaw yed out in front of him!


    The staff of Department 14 who were crying out in excitement earlier suddenly put on different expressions. With a sh on theirputer screens, which Zhang Ye did not see clearly, the game interfaces on them just a moment earlier had allpletely disappeared. nts vs. Zombies was now reced by Word while the MMOs changed to show PowerPoint slides. Everyone''s faces appeared very natural and they looked to be very calm as though they had been through this many times before!


    Tong Fu picked up a document as he stood up. "Director Yan, Ipleted yesterday''s work that you assigned to me. I just made some final changes to it a moment ago. Can you take a look and see if this is usable?"


    Yan Tianfei nodded. "We''ll talk about itter."


    Huang Dandan also immediately said, "Director Yan, I''ve already finished that report and sent it to you by email. I''ve also printed out a copy and put it on your desk!"


    Yan Tianfei acknowledged, "Alright."


    "Director Yan, we have already agreed on the contract for the copyright. I''m preparing it right now and will submit it to youter."


    "Director Yan��"


    Yan Tianfei sounded pretty satisfied when he said, "Good, good, everyone has worked hard!"


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others were all dumbfounded!


    Zhang Ye was also stunned at what he was seeing! Fuck, you guys changed way too quickly! Only then did he realized that he had underestimated this group of people!


    They were a talented group of people!


    They were a fucking talented group of people!


    Yan Tianfei casually acknowledged a few of the staff who reported to him, while his gaze since he entered the office was on Zhang Ye''s team all along. He looked at them with much admiration.


    Zhang Ye walked over to him. "Director Yan, I''m here to report to you."


    Yan Tianfei grabbed his hand and shook it. He replied, "I''ve been wishing for the stars and the moon, but finally I''ve managed to get you, Teacher Little Zhang, here."


    "Don''t say that. You''re much too polite." Zhang Ye smiled.


    Yan Tianfei immediately announced to everyone, "Starting from today, Teacher Little Zhang and his team will be joining us at Department 14. Everyone, let''s wee them!"


    Bba bba bba. Thunderous apuse rang out!


    "Wee, Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "When we arrived, everyone weed us. They''re all so friendly and weing that it''s making us a little embarrassed."


    Yan Tianfeiughed heartily. "You guys are the best team in the variety show industry. How could they not be passionate about your arrival?" But as he said this, Yan Tianfei nced at Zhang Ye and his team, hisughter bing softer and softer. "But it will be hard on you guys now that you have toe to our Department 14, hai."


    Zhang Ye waved it off and said, "No, it isn''t. We are not here to sponge off others but nning to make a mark for ourselves. If there''s any work at all, just arrange it for us."


    However, Yan Tianfei stated, "There''s no need to rush regarding work, since there isn''t much to do around here anyway. Besides purchasing some documentary copyrights and handing it over to the broadcast department for scheduling, there isn''t much more than that to handle. Come, let me bring you to your office first. I''ll brief you on the situation of our department as we go." Leading Zhang Ye out of the work area, he exined, "We are not a full establishment like the other departments. I am the director here, and after Old Liu retired, we have not had a deputy director position. As you can see, there are two work areas here, one for the team that handles the shooting of documentaries, the other for the team that does copyrightmunications. It''s different with your variety show department setup since the documentary department does not have separate program teams for the time being. Most of the work we do here is just to broadcast the documentaries that we have copyrights to, so there''s no need to set up any independent program teams."


    The hallway narrowed, offices on the left and right sides.


    Yan Tianfei led him and opened one of the office doors. The area inside was quite big and very well-equipped. It was almost two timesrger than Zhang Ye''s office at Central TV Department 1. His office at Department 1 was part of the entire office area but partitioned out to be a personal office space. As a result, the environment there was naturally not as good as the standalone office space over here.


    "You will work from this office from now on, is that OK?" Yan Tianfei asked.


    Zhang Ye couldn''t say no. "Of course, I''ll follow to your arrangement."


    Yan Tianfei chuckled, "In the future, you will still be an executive director at Department 14. Since a few of our directors here are still rather inexperienced and have not done too many documentaries yet, you can pass down some knowledge and experience to them from your program nning at Lecture Room, Zhang Ye''s Talk Show and The Voice. Your experience in this aspect is not something those rookies can hope topare to. Although variety shows and documentaries are two different fields, there should still be some things inmon. Under normal circumstances, you can teach or lead them a bit. The team that you brought over will still be under yourmand. You will only need to report to me when ites to work-rted matters."


    Zhang Ye immediately asked, "What about our jobs?"


    Yan Tianfei looked at him and replied bluntly, "Actually, as you can see for yourself, our department does notck manpower and there isn''t much work to handle around here either. The reason why I made a fuss at Central TV Department 1 was mainly because I couldn''t take it lying down. Based on what could they just steal our new recruits like that? Teacher Little Zhang, I know that you are having a tough time at Department 1 and are on bad terms with them. But don''t worry anymore, hur hur. There will definitely be no oneing to find trouble with you or give you an attitude now that you''re here at Department 14. Just enjoy your stay here and work seriously."


    Find trouble with me?


    This bro isn''t afraid of people finding trouble with me, what I''m most afraid of is having nothing to do!


    However, Zhang Ye definitely appreciated the kindness from Yan Tianfei. He was also very grateful that Yan Tianfei had requested to have him transfer to Department 14, allowing him an opportunity to strike back, an opportunity to deal a fatal blow to Central TV Department 1!


    After chatting for another ten minutes.


    The two of them more or less had a basic understanding of each other by now.


    Zhang Ye blinked and finally spoke, "Director, since there isn''t much work here most of the time, and our team doesn''t know anything else but to make shows, what would you say if we wanted to make our own in-house documentary? Something fully produced by us?"


    Yan Tianfei answered without even thinking, "Of course you can. You guys can make any documentary you like!"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback and asked, "Then I will still take the lead as the executive director?"


    Yan Tianfei smiled and said, "Yes."


    Zhang Ye added, "As for the genre of the show��"


    "Is it a documentary?"


    "It definitely will be."


    "Then just do whatever you like. Our department is a documentary channel anyway!"


    "As for the equipment and production budget��"


    "Submit the program proposal to me after you''ve written it up and I will allocate the funds to you."


    Fuck!


    How did it all go so smoothly?


    Zhang Ye coughed and decided to give him a heads-up first. He smiled and dered, "Alright then, I''ll write up a program proposal. But for the equipment and production budget, it will probably not be a small amount, I''m afraid��"


    Yan Tianfeiughed and said generously, "Usually, we just use our department''s budget to buy some copyrights and the remaining funds have no practical use. If you want to try and make a documentary, it doesn''t matter if the viewership rating is good or not. Our department still has the ability to fork out this sum of money. After all, how much money could filming a documentary take up? I will allocate 1 million yuan to you when the timees. You can shoot whatever you like!"


    1 million RMB?


    Shoot whatever I like??


    Zhang Ye was already in tears. I knew it couldn''t be this smooth!


    If the documentary was to be done ording to this bro''s expectation with only a production budget of 1 million RMB? Then don''t mention the entire documentary, with just that amount of money, it would not even be enough to fucking cover half an episode''s shoot!

 Chapter 791: A documentary that could sweep away all variety shows?

    <h4>Chapter 791: A documentary that could sweep away all variety shows? </h4>


    Chapter 791: A documentary that could sweep away all variety shows?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that morning.


    The Voice''s program team officially entered into their new roles.


    After Yan Tianfei left, Zhang Ye hung around at his new office for a while, putting out his belongings and getting familiarized with the surroundings. Then he scrambled to continue perfecting the program proposal that he had spent the entire weekend working on. However, as he wrote, his mind was also upied with something else.


    Oh, money!


    There wasn''t enough money!


    As everyone knew, a documentary did not cost much to produce as the standard temte of a documentary was different from that of a variety show. It did not need arge sum of money to promote, or a huge joining fee to be paid to celebrity guest stars. It didn''t even need to have a host, much less a stage that would require money to build with all its special stage effects and whatnot. None of that was required in a documentary. Only the most basic setup was required, which included a video journalist and a video editor. All of the equipment would then be provided by the station and the staff were also on the payroll of the station, so how much money would they need to spend? If you were to invest 5 million or 10 million into a normal documentary series with three episodes, even if the film crew were to check into a five-star hotel and have abalone and lobsters for their meals, they wouldn''t be able to spend it all! Usually, for the self-produced documentaries of Department 14, the production costs would hit 80-100,000 RMB at most. Even for the purchasing of copyrights to a fully produced documentary from their media partners would cost less than 1 million.


    Therefore, 1 million RMB was really not a small amount at all!


    Zhang Ye knew that Yan Tianfei was being very generous and had even given Zhang Ye a lot of face on this matter.


    However, the problem now was that Zhang Ye didn''t intend to make just any documentary. It was not the kind of documentary series that would end after just three short episodes, nor was it the type that followed a sports team around which could bepletely filmed within a few short days. 1 million RMB was definitely not enough!


    This wouldn''t do. he had toe up with something!


    Zhang Ye couldn''t continue writing any further. Without money, even if the proposal was finished, there wouldn''t be any meaning to it. He had to first find a way to resolve the funding before anything else!


    He took out his cell phone and scrolled through his contacts. Right now, Zhang Ye could only think of approaching Wu Zeqing''s nephew, Wu Mo. He was the only boss whom he knew would be willing to fork out so much money and also trusted him at the same time. Oh, Old Wu''s elder sister was also one, but Fat Sis''spany did not suit the sponsorship profile for what he had in mind. Zhang Ye was nning on using the same old tricks as he did with The Voice. Insufficient production budget? Then he would have to depend on his own reputation to pull in the title sponsors and funding. Once they had that money in their ounts, it would make up for theck of production money!


    He made the call��the phone was switched off.


    Eh?


    Switched off?


    Zhang Ye considered this very serious and was very anxious to resolve the matter. As a result, he made a call directly to the Brain Goldpany. "Hello, this is Zhang Ye. I am looking for CEO Wu. Is he around?"


    It was a female receptionist on the other end. "Ah, Zhang Ye?"


    Zhang Ye said: "I have something urgent to discuss with CEO Wu. But his cell phone seems to be off. Is he in a meeting?"


    The receptionist quickly answered: "Please wait a moment, I''ll get my manager to speak to you."


    The call was transferred. Not long after, a middle-aged woman''s voice sounded on the line: "Is this Teacher Zhang? I am Old Li. We''ve met before. CEO Wu has gone overseas for a business trip. He left in the morning, so I suppose he should be on the ne right now. Is there something urgent? Why don''t you let me know about it first?" There were all kinds of opinions about Zhang Ye floating around in the public, but the Brain Goldpany''s staff were considered to be on very close terms with Zhang Ye. Zhang Ye was the long-term spokesperson for theirpany, as well as the creator of the brainwashing advertisement that saved the entirepany, so how could they not be close?


    Thus, Zhang Ye directly spoke: "Big Sis Li, I do indeed have something urgent I would like to talk about. I might be doing another show very soon, ahem, arge-scale documentary series. Right now, the title sponsor''s position is still open, and since CEO Wu and I go back such a long way and have cooperated so many times before, I naturally thought of you first. I just wanted to know if you guys have any ns to invest in a title sponsorship again in thepany''s short-term strategy? If there is, we can discuss further about it."


    Big Sis Li eximed: "Oh, we don''t have any ns for that right now. Since The Voice ended not too long ago, the effects of the title sponsorship from there is still ongoing. Thepany''s operating efficiency is steadily increasing and we have just reached a new milestone in that area as well. But as ourpany has no new products ted for release temporarily, CEO Wu mentioned in the previous meetings that other than the ongoing long-term TVmercials slots, there should be no other forms of spending on any short-term promotions. Our publicity campaign is already bing quite saturated and any more money invested would be meaningless."


    Zhang Ye said regretfully: "Oh, I see."


    Big Sis Li immediately added: "But I can''t decide on this kind of thing, so why don''t you contact our CEO Wu again instead. As long as you''re the one asking, I don''t think CEO Wu��"


    Zhang Ye interrupted: "No, it''s alright. My project is not set yet anyway, so let''s forget it for now. Then, Big Sis Li, regarding my call, please don''t mention it to CEO Wu."


    Big Sis Li acknowledged: "OK��then"


    After hanging up, Zhang Yeughed to himself helplessly. He should have expected that the Brain Goldpany would not be increasing their advertising investments in the short term. The Voice''s title sponsorship had already spread the name of their product throughout the country. Its brand exposure had also reached a saturation point, so why would they want to buy another title sponsorship? Figuring this, Zhang Ye told Big Sis Li not to inform Wu Mo about his call. Why? Because Zhang Ye knew that based on their friendship, as long as he asked, Wu Mo would surely not reject him. Even if it was a show with a title "How Dog Shit is Produced," as long as Zhang Ye intended to make it, Wu Mo would still buy the title sponsorship rights. He would do so not because of the show, rather basing his decision on their friendship. The more he knew this, the more Zhang Ye would never approach Wu Mo about this anymore. If he did, then it would mean that he wasn''t mature. Friendships shouldn''t be taken advantage of!


    Since he could not count on Wu Mo anymore this time, who else was there?


    Quite a number ofpany names shed by in Zhang Ye''s mind, but he decided against them all a sigh. Your sister! If he was doing a variety show, rather than an 8-10 million RMB title sponsorship fee, even if he asked for several tens of millions, there would still be a lot ofrgepanies snapping it up. With the reputation of The Voice behind him, even an investment of 100 million into the title sponsorship was no longer just a dream. In the field of variety television, Zhang Ye''s name was worth at least that much!


    But how times had changed!


    Where was he transferred to?


    It was the documentary channel! The program that he was going to shoot was the unloved and uncared for documentary! Even with Zhang Ye''s reputation there, it wouldn''t be possible to change the entire country''s mindset of a documentary! For something that would look like a scam to most people, who would dare invest in it? Who would be such a fool to buy a title sponsorship to a documentary! If there really were an idiot who''d buy it, the entire corporate industry might end upughing at that person for years toe, no?


    Forget it, there''s no point looking for a sponsor anymore!


    It would be useless no matter who he asked. Even if he kept on asking, there wouldn''t be apany that would want to buy a title sponsorship rights to a documentary, much less a title sponsorship that would cost at least 10 million or so. Regarding this matter, Zhang Ye could do nothing about it for now! Unless he could convince those people to just hand over a mere 10 million RMB to him? That once this bro''s documentary series waspleted, it wouldn''t need any promotions, wouldn''t need to build up its reputation, no need to heavily promote it, no requirements for any celebrity guests, nor would it need to be broadcast in a primetime slot, and it would still sweep the entire country, that its viewership ratings could also sweep away all the variety shows?


    Hai.


    Who would possibly believe that!?

 Chapter 792: Oh, money!

    <h4>Chapter 792: Oh, money! </h4>


    Chapter 792: Oh, money!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    After a busy morning, the program proposal waspleted in full.


    When Zhang Ye looked at the clock, he saw it was already close to lunchtime. However, he was in no hurry to go downstairs to grab lunch during the break. Instead, without a moment''s dy, he went straight to Yan Tianfei''s office which was next to his own office to look for him. The door was adorned with a metallic sign with the words: Central TV Department 14, Director''s Office.


    Dong dong.


    He knocked on the door.


    "Come in, it''s not locked." Yan Tianfei''s voice drifted out from inside.


    Zhang Ye pushed the door open and entered, only to see Yan Tianfei eating lunch. Tong Fu of Department 14, whom he had met earlier, was reporting about work to Yan Tianfei.


    Tong Fu turned around and smiled at Zhang Ye in a friendly manner, then spoke, "Director Yan, let me continue."


    "Go on."


    "Our channel''s Crossing Shangri-La''s viewership rating for this week is 0.014%."


    "OK."


    "Trekking through Xining Again: Episode 3, the nationwide viewership rating is 0.027%."


    "OK."


    "Visiting Ethnic Communities, viewership rating of 0.066%."


    "OK."


    "Road to the CBA Basketball Championship, viewership rating of 0.092%."


    A long list of viewership ratings for each show was read out by Tong Fu.


    Zhang Ye stood at the back, listen to this while feeling less and less confident and wanting to sigh badly.


    Those viewership ratings were too pathetic!


    No, it should be called too motherfucking pathetic!


    0.0-something percent? Were these even worthy of being called viewership ratings? Was this the present situation at Department 14? The present situation of the documentary industry? This was too damn low! What did a show with a 0.0-something percent viewership rating mean? For the mostmon types of TV shows, whether it was a variety show or an interview show, their viewership ratings would all be at least 0.x%! Compared to The Voice that Zhang Ye had brought to this world, such a viewership rating was as good as zero!


    Previously, when Zhang Ye was still at Central TV Department 1, he had seen someonepile the viewership ratings with a very interesting data set in it. Central TV Department 1 would always end the day''s broadcast at 4 or 5 AM by disying a colored still image while ying background music. Yes, it was exactly this still image that had nothing on it which wouldst until the morning, but can you guess the viewership rating for that? It could even get 0.02%! These ratings were from those who had been watching Central TV Department 1 from the night before but fell asleep without turning off their televisions. Therefore, the viewership rating signal could use this to calcte a viewership rating for that time period. Leaving the uracy and precision aside, this was still included in the viewership ratings report somehow!


    What did this mean?


    A still image used by Central TV Department 1 to signal its end of day broadcast had a fucking higher viewership rating than a minority of the shows broadcast on Central TV Department 14 during the day, or perhaps even during a primetime slot. As for those other shows that had better viewership ratings than that end of day broadcast image, they weren''t actually much higher at all. The highest rated show was the sports documentary involving the CBA league, which just barely hit 0.1% in viewership ratings!


    This was as brutal as it could get!


    This was so miserable it was unbearable to look at!


    Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry. He had once again gained a deeper and more intuitive understanding of this world''s documentary channel. It was no wonder this channel was on the lowest rung of the viewership ratings when matched up against all the other Central TV channels!


    Hai, it''s a good thing I''m here now!


    With this bro behind you all, I will make us so good that our department will shake up the world!


    On the other side of the room.


    Yan Tianfei nodded without showing much of an expression. "I understand."


    Tong Fu smiled. "I won''t disturb from your lunch anymore then."


    After Tong Fu left, Yan Tianfei greeted Zhang Ye. "Here, have a seat."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Whoa, smells delicious." He looked at the two lunchboxes on the desk. "Did you make this yourself?"


    Yan Tianfei pointed at the lunchboxes and said, "My wife made them for me this morning. I just need to heat them up in the microwave during lunch. It saves me so much hassle. You came just in time. She packed too much food for me today, so let''s eat together. Come, sit down."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s fine. I''ll be going to the cafeteriater."


    "The food there isn''t that good." Yan Tianfeiughed. "You should try my wife''s cooking. I guarantee you it tastes much better than that cafeteria food. I have some disposable chopsticks here. Come join me."


    Seeing how Old Yan was not standing on ceremony and insisting that they eat together, Zhang Ye did not refuse. "Alright then, I''ll have a share of your good food if you insist. The quality of the food at the cafeteria is indeed going from bad to worse."


    After eating for a while.


    Yan Tianfei asked, "What''s the matter? What''s that you''re holding?"


    Zhang Ye handed the documents over at once. "It''s the proposal that I told you about this morning. Please have a look and give me your opinion."


    "You finished it this quickly?" Yan Tianfei replied, rather taken aback.


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve been preparing it since the weekend."


    Yan Tianfei took it from him and browsed through somewhat surprised.


    Zhang Ye stopped eating and began introducing, "The front few pages cover the show preparations, then towards the back, it mentions the filming arrangements, expected daily schedules, and so on."


    Yan Tianfei praised, "You''re indeed Teacher Zhang. Just by looking at this briefly, I already know that you''re on a totally different level from the program nning staff in our department." He flipped through the proposal page by page very quickly without reading the details. Then, Yan Tianfei ced the proposal down and said, "Alright, we''ll go ording to what I told you this morning. This show has been approved and you''ll be its executive director and executive producer. The original team of The Voice will be readily assigned by you. On top of that, if you stillck manpower, you can take a few people from Section 1 to help you guys out with the shoot. As for the filming schedule, you can arrange it for any time you want. I''ll be fine with it."


    Approved just like that?


    Without even reading the details? This is too nonchnt!


    Zhang Ye was helpless at this. He knew that Old Yan did not have any expectations as well as totally not taking his show seriously. He did not even read the details regarding the show''s content and filming style, probably because he did not want to appear like he was doubting Zhang Ye and was happy to let him make a show for the fun of it. He did not pin any hopes on Zhang Ye making a good documentary out of this. After all, the situation of Department 14 had always been at a low, so even if he were to leave it to the others to film the documentary or let Zhang Ye do it, it would still end up as a documentary that hardly anyone watched and probably have viewership ratings of just 0.0-something percent. So then, did it matter who made the documentary? Yan Tianfei surely felt that there was no difference.


    If it was badly filmed, the viewership ratings would be 0.0-something percent.


    If it was filmed well��it would also be 0.0-something percent.


    0.01% and 0.09% viewership ratings, was there any practical difference between them?


    Zhang Ye was right, because that was exactly how Yan Tianfei thought.


    It was not that Yan Tianfei did not trust Zhang Ye, but the few years that Yan Tianfei had been here at Department 14 had given him a very deep understanding of the documentary industry. The more he understood, the more he knew how difficult it was. To him, or perhaps to their entire department, their highest expectation for a domestic documentary was to have an independently produced documentary win a domestic art award. By going the artistic route, they could still win some honor and reputation for themselves. As for viewership ratings? He had never hoped that a documentary would get much of any viewership. The term "viewership rating" was a nonsensical expectation in the domestic documentary industry that they couldn''t possibly have ess to! This not only applied to Central TV Department 14, even for the other television stations and the documentary industry, it was the same. No one would beughing at others, since no one was doing any better than another!


    Zhang Ye suggested, "Director, do you want to have a better look at it first?"


    Yan Tianfei nodded. "Sure, I will go through it in detail over the next few days."


    Zhang Ye opened his mouth. "Then for the production budget��"


    Yan Tianfei readily agreed, "I''ve already promised you 1 million RMB this morning, so go wild with whatever you want to shoot! After you''re done with the shoot, there''s no need to report back about any leftover budget. If you still want to shoot a second documentary after that, go ahead and do it. There''s not much restriction and a lot of freedom over here in our department!"


    Leftover budget?


    A second documentary?


    Even if the budget for the equipment was taken into consideration, 1 million was still not enough to film a single episode!


    The most worrisome part to Zhang Ye was the production budget It was far too little. As a result, he couldn''t help but say embarrassed, "Ahem, so then, Director Yan, ah, about the money��.Yes, could it��"


    Yan Tianfei was taken aback. "What? Are you trying to tell me that this amount is still not enough?"


    Since he had already put it that way, Zhang Ye found it even more difficult to speak further. After thinking carefully, he thought that Old Yan had really been very good to him so far. He had already approved the program without meticulously looking over the proposal, willing to support him with manpower resources, and giving him authority as well. It was only their first daying into contact with each other, so they couldn''t be considered very familiar with one another, so Zhang Ye wondered all the more how he should touch on the issue.


    Zhang Ye could only say, "It''s not like that."


    Yan Tianfei asked, "Then what did you want to ask me just now?"


    Zhang Ye had already thought over what to say before he came here, so he brought up the next most important issue. "I would like to borrow a few high definition camcorders. From the main camera to the supporting equipment, I want the full set of them. It would be best if I could get my hands on three sets so that I can n for three different film crews to do their filming concurrently at different locations. That would help speed up the recording progress."


    Yan Tianfei was taken aback. "HD equipment? Three sets?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Yes."


    Since the budget wasn''t likely to be increased, if they could get the HD equipment, that would still take arge amount off the production budget. This sort of HD camcorder and supporting equipment were not cheap at all, in addition to three independent sets of the full setup for on-location filming?


    Yan Tianfei asked, "Why do you require three sets?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I would like to finish the entire recording by December. That was all written in the program proposal. Since it''s almost winter now and as I hope to record more footage, we won''t be able to capture some scenes once the weather turns extremely cold."


    Yan Tianfei wondered. "Why must you want it in HD? Can''t you shoot with the standard definition equipment?"


    "Our channel''s broadcast signal is HD ready. Although the station''s programs are still following the standard definition requirements, which is also how it is for our country''s documentaries, I actually find it to be a waste to keep it this way. Since we can broadcast in HD, then we should create better value with an HD show. Besides, the HD equipment does not only contribute to the image rity, many of the professional shots and magnified closeup effects can only be achieved by using HD cameras," Zhang Ye exined.


    Yan Tianfei said, "But no one has ever used HD equipment to shoot a documentary before."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Then we can be the first movers and shakers in the industry."


    Yan Tianfei replied, "But that would greatly increase the shooting costs. Have you thought about this yet?"


    Zhang Ye stated, "That''s why I came to you to see if you could help solve ourck this equipment. Does our department have any such equipment?"


    "We don''t have them. Those things are too expensive and generally a big waste of money. The station hasn''t assigned any of that equipment to us before either." Yan Tianfei thought over this for a moment before saying, "For such HD equipment, Central TV Department 1 has quite a number of them. But since I''m not on good terms with their directors anymore, I doubt I can borrow it from them. Then, there''s the foreign channel which probably has two sets of them while the sports channel should also have four or five sets of HD cameras. I''m still on rather alright terms with their directors, so I think I might be able to borrow it from them for you."


    Zhang Ye cheered up upon hearing this. "Then I guess I''ll have to trouble you a little!"


    Yan Tianfei threw up his hands and said, "I only said that I would give it a try. Who knows if they''re also using them at the moment?"


    "I''ll only borrow it for two months. I''ll get everyone to work overtime so that we can all quickly finish filming and return all the equipment back to our sister channels!" Zhang Ye promised.


    Yan Tianfei added, "But I won''t be able to loan their personnel over to our department. The cameramen and video journalists we have at our channel might not be able to handle those professional grade equipment."


    Zhang Ye smiled at this. "No problem, I know how!"


    Yan Tianfei didn''t know how to react. He did not take Zhang Ye''s ims too seriously and only felt that he said this to ensure that he could get his hands on the equipment. However, he did not say anything to it.


    But in actual fact, Zhang Ye truly knew how to handle them!


    In the previous lottery draw, not only did Zhang Ye win 100 Skill Experience Books for the Basics of Directing, he also received 101 Camera Techniques Skill Experience Books. Anything that had to do with filming equipment, he more or less knew how to handle them. 101 skill experience books was not a small figure at all. Even though he couldn''t be truly called a professional, he could still be considered to be quite knowledgeable about it!


    Yes, with the equipment issue now resolved, he wouldn''t have to spend to purchase these items anymore. Then that would mean that he wouldn''t need 10 million to shoot this documentary anymore. If he tried to cut further down on the expenses, then 6 to 7 million might just be enough? That was good news! Having lowered the production budget by quite a bit, the bad news now was that the show was still the same as before!


    Where would he get the remaining amount from? He had to think of a way!


    The documentary that Zhang Ye wanted to shoot this time was the famous representative show in the documentary field of his world. It wasn''t like he couldn''t go ahead with the shoot even though he did not have enough money. No matter how much the production budget was, he could stille up with an average documentary for sure. But if he were to do that, the show''s quality would most certainly suffer greatly. It would definitely not be able to live up to the standard of imagery and effects as well as the viewership ratings that he had in mind. This was something that Zhang Ye could not ept no matter what. A reckless move like this was something that Zhang Ye would never do!


    If he wasn''t going to do it, then fine. But if he wanted to do it, then he would do it to the best of his abilities!


    So much so that Zhang Ye had considered increasing the production budget further. He had wanted to have a production budget that was more than what the original documentary series had in his previous world. He wanted to do so because he felt that he could further fine-tune this ssic documentary series to let the entire country''s citizens and the entire world see the pinnacle of their Chinese documentary standards!


    Oh, money!


    Oh, money!


    How was he going to make up for the difference of several million yuan??

 Chapter 793: Using the Lucky Halo again!

    <h4>Chapter 793: Using the Lucky Halo again! </h4>


    Chapter 793: Using the Lucky Halo again!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Afternoon.


    During the lunch break, Zhang Ye called his team into his office. When the 20-odd people gathered in the office, the originally spacious office was suddenly very packed. Everyone stood in a circle around Zhang Ye''s desk or near the sofa. Because the office area in Section 1 did not belong to Zhang Ye alone, being new, he did not want to behave too casually and did not feel at ease if he didn''t treat himself as an outsider. Therefore, he summoned his team to his office instead.


    "Has everyone already eaten?" Zhang Ye asked with a smile.


    Zhang Zuo burped. "Yes, we just ate."


    Little Wang said cheerfully, "I thought after changing to a new department, the food would be different. But I never expected that we would still have to go to that cafeteria for lunch. I''m already sick of eating the food there."


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "Alright, I''ll treat everyone to something specialter."


    "That''s great. That''s a promise then, Director Zhang," Little Wangughed.


    Ha Qiqi looked at Zhang Ye and noticed something was up. "Little Wang, enough of that, let''s listen to what Director Zhang has to say first. It''s definitely about our job arrangements."


    Everyone looked at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye nodded and pushed the documents in his hands towards them. "Take this program proposal with you all, and don''t photocopy or disclose it to anyone outside of our department. Just let our people read through and circte it among yourselves to study it. Then, probably in the next few days, we''ll be forming a new program team to get ourselves back to doing what we did before, so let''s work well on this program together. I know that we have never dabbled in the field of documentaries before and it may seem rather unfamiliar. It''s that way for all of you, as is the same for me as well. That''s why we must spend more effort on it, since anything is possible, right?"


    Ha Qiqi was a little taken aback. "We''re making a documentary? Us?"


    Zhang Zuo eximed, "Director Zhang, are we really going to do it? Our team will be formed in the next few days?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "I''ve already told Director Yan about this matter. Basically, it is approved and we are just waiting for some procedural documents and HD equipment. When everything has arrived, we can start work."


    Wu Yi wiped his sweat away. "Is��uh��isn''t this a bit too hurried? We still haven''t familiarized ourselves with the work style here and have not evene into contact with documentaries before. H-how can we do the filming like this?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "I''ve already thought of how we can shoot the documentary, so when the timees, I''ll arrange and assign the tasks ordingly. Since we are making a documentary now, everyone''s job scope will definitely be quite different from before. But I''ll also take that into consideration and n ordingly when the timees, so don''t worry too much. Just get yourselves familiarized with the program proposal and also with the various job details in making a documentary. I believe that everyone will not have a problem since we are the best program team in the country''s variety show industry. Be it the variety show industry or the documentary industry��that will remain the same!"


    Everyone knew about Zhang Ye''s temperament and knew that he would definitely not idle around. He would surely stir up something aftering to Department 14. They were already mentally prepared for it. Although they knew that the documentary industry did not have any future and it wasn''t likely to have good viewership ratings or poprity, since there was nothing else to do anyway, they would just try their hands at making a documentary, treating it as a game or practice. No one could have expected that Director Zhang could not even wait a fucking day. They had just transferred to Central TV Department 14 for one day now and he was already finished with the proposal? And the program team schedules were nned out as well?


    This was way too fast!


    It''s just a documentary, do you need to go to such extremes?


    It would be fine if it was just filming for fun. Could it be that you''re really nning to shoot a documentary with a viewership rating of a variety show in mind? You want to be the best in the documentary industry as well? How could you possibly get number 1? To clinch number 1 in an industry that can only get 0.0-something percent of the viewership ratings, is there any meaning to that? Besides, it was still a big question mark if they could even achieve a 0.0-something percent viewership rating. They were just an amateur team that had nevere into contact with documentaries before and many of them didn''t even understand the core essence of a documentary. They believed Director Zhang was just the same as them. For a director of a variety show leading a team of variety program staff who were totally clueless, how far could they possibly go in the documentary industry!?


    Zhang Zuo made eye contact with Ha Qiqi.


    "Are there any questions?" Zhang Ye nced at everyone.


    "No!"


    "Uh, we will listen to whatever you say!"


    "Yeah!"


    "Director Zhang, we''ll follow your arrangements!"


    "Please assign the tasks. We''re your subordinates anyway, so anything is fine."


    Everyone replied positively as they could only respond that way. What questions could they have? Some disagreements could only be left unsaid.


    Zhang Ye voiced his understanding while smiling. "Alright, there''s nothing more from me then. I''m just informing everyone about this. You guys don''t have to feel too pressured. Let''s just regard this as practice since that was also Director Yan''s intention. It doesn''t matter how the shoot turns out. We don''t have to care about the viewership ratings either."


    With Zhang Ye saying that, everyone heaved a sigh of relief!


    Just film it as we like it?


    And we can even disregard the documentary''s viewership ratings?


    Only then did they walk away smiling.


    The reason Zhang Ye said that was because he did not want to give them any pressure or push them too hard. There was no point in telling them too much, but the main point was that no one would believe him even if he told them. If that was the case, wouldn''t it be better to just let everyone feel rxed and treat this as a sort of game? As long as Zhang Ye knew how to prioritize, that would be good enough. The team only needed to ensure theypleted their assigned tasks up to par and need not worry about any other things. In this way, he could potentially better bring out everyone''s potential instead.


    Next, it was the issue of money. This must be solved immediately. If the production budget was not dealt with, they would not be able to carry out the filming for the show!


    He began thinking of different approaches!


    Use his own money? Impossible. The executives would not agree to it and the station would not allow this. This was not his personal show and the procedures would be wrong too. Besides, Zhang Ye might not even have several million in his ount anymore. As a person who had never epted doingmercial events, he only depended on the meager sums earned from the few novel copyrights he had. On top of that, he had bought a car, spent on food and other expenses, all this often without a second thought. There was probably no other B-list celebrity who was poorer than Zhang Ye.


    How about requesting for more funding from Yan Tianfei? But he couldn''t bear to touch on that. Besides, their Department 14 was not considered arge channel. It was just a new channel ranked at the bottom, and it was a question whether they even had so much money!


    What should he do?


    What could he do?


    Zhang Ye did not know what to do. He just walked around in circles inside his office, his hands behind his back with a constantly changing expression!


    This was a major stumbling block!


    He had no more ideas! No ideas whatsoever!


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye sat down and lit a cigarette. He concentrated and raised up his hand to open up the game ring''s interface. It had been a long time since he had used the game ring, and without any other options left, Zhang Ye could only go for thest resort. The game ring!


    What tricks did he have up his sleeve?


    It was the upgraded Lucky Halo of course!


    During this period of time, Zhang Ye had earned a lot of reputation points which he did not get to use much, so most of them umted until now. This Lucky Halo was very powerful, especially after he had gained the "upgraded" version of it. The reputation points that it consumed was so fast that it was like that of a running tap. This speed was so scary that Zhang Ye had not used it much since he gained the purchasing rights to the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) at the Merchant Shop. But he was left with no choice today. He had to use it!


    He needed the luck and the money urgently!


    Almost without hesitation, Zhang Ye took a deep breath and opened the Merchant Shop to press the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) item immediately!


    The Lucky Halo was activated.


    A dazzling, angelic, white ring of light appeared over his head suddenly and his reputation points decreased rapidly!


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    Zhang Ye sped his hands together and prayed!


    Please bless me!


    Give me some power!

 Chapter 794: Here’s 10 million! Spend it all!

    <h4>Chapter 794: Here''s 10 million! Spend it all! </h4>


    Chapter 794: Here''s 10 million! Spend it all!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At this very moment.


    At the recording studio of Rise to the Dance.


    Chen Ye was currently giving instructions. "The first batch of auditions will officially start the day after tomorrow. Although it will not be broadcast, the stage must still be ready since the auditions will be conducted here. Set up all the signs and supporting beams properly!"


    "OK."


    "Understood!"


    "Teacher Chen, leave it to us!"


    Everyone answered enthusiastically and got busy with their work.


    The stage here was originally The Voice''s and it was designedpletely by Zhang Ye himself. Now that, Zhang Ye was put into cold storage and dumped over to that "deste" Department 14, this variety stage that had taken arge sum of money to build and was ranked among the best in the country would naturally be given to Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye''s team who had taken over. The signboard and logo of The Voice had already been removed and the workers were now hanging up their Rise to the Dance''srge signboard and slogan in ce.


    Chen Ye said, "Move it slightly to that side!"


    That worker said, "Do you mean here, Director Chen?"


    Chen Ye said, "No, move it a bit more!"


    That person said, "Uh, is it alright now?"


    Chen Ye said, "No, no, no. Aiyo, why can''t the few of you understand what I''m saying?! Move it this way!"


    Without warning, a worker suddenly lost his footing on thedder and with a tremble of his hands, therge signboard fell out of his hands. On the other side, another worker who was standing on thedder supporting the other end of the signboard could not react in time and also lost his grasp as it slid out under the horrified gaze of everyone. The signboard was still suspended from a steel cable, but only on one side, making the signboard swing like a pendulum in midair!


    The steel cable broke as it swung.


    And hit two long rows of lights at the side with a loud bang. Boom boom boom. With several exploding noises, those two rows of lights werepletely smashed and the signboard and lighting frame dropped to the ground together. No one knew what it hit when itnded. With several thunderous crackles, it was as though lightning had struck!


    This was not the end. While the signboard was swinging, the two workers standing on thedder were shocked and instinctively stretched out their hands to try to grab hold of it. However, that only made matters worse. They did not manage to catch hold of the signboard and thedders they were on tipped over amid the screams of everyone. Then thedders crashed directly down onto the stage''srgest main equipment in the rear!


    Smash!


    Smash!


    The entire ce was aplete mess! Everything was smashed!


    There was even a device making a crackling sound as it exploded with ring sparks at the next moment. The entire ce was in shambles!


    Chen Ye was stunned!


    All hell broke loose!


    "Ah!"


    "Quick, rescue them!"


    "How are they? How are they?"


    "Aiyo, what happened?! What happened?!"


    "It''s over! All the equipment is broken!"


    "Get away quickly! In case it explodes again!"


    "Oh my god! What, what should we do?!"


    A momentter, Xu Yipeng rushed over frantically. When he arrived, he saw the scene in front of him and started cursing immediately. The two slightly injured staff who were putting up the signboard were scolded until their faces turned green. For such a big incident to happen at this critical juncture, how would they be able to hold the audition in two days? If they were to repurchase the equipment and repair the stage, would they still make it in time for the broadcast in December? Their ns were disrupted. Besides, even though they had 100 million RMB for the production budget from Central TV Department 1, the use for this money was already all nned out. They did not have much money to spare to repurchase the equipment and repair the stage anymore. It was likely that even a few million would not be enough to cover the damage on these equipment!


    Being the leaders of the program team, the first thought that came to Xu Yipeng''s and Chen Ye''s mind was: Where would they get this money from? How could they fill this shortfall?


    Not long after.


    The news of the incident at the Rise to the Dance recording studio had spread throughout Central TV!


    Many people were shocked when they heard about it.


    "Holy shit, why are they so unlucky?"


    "Are you serious? Such a big ident?"


    "There was even nearly a fire?"


    The people of Rise to the Dance are really unlucky. But then again, that stage was originally designed and built by Zhang Ye, so it was just restoring it back to its original state. A lot of the equipment were damaged and I even heard that the electrical wirings of the lights were destroyed. Repair? It looks more like they''ll have to rebuild it from scratch!"


    "This is really strange."


    "That''s right. The main problem is that the electrical circuits and equipment are all damaged!"


    "Is there anything that is rted to Zhang Ye not strange?"


    "I just passed by Central TV Department 1 and noticed their directors getting anxious. It won''t be a small sum of money. If they have to repair the stage, then what''s left over of their production budget will be even less and that might affect their ability to invite big shot celebrities. Back then, when Zhang Ye made The Voice, he raised the celebrity joining fees by around two times the market prices. With that as a benchmark now, the conditions for a celebrity to appear as guest on variety shows has also be much higher! Let''s just see how they''ll handle it."


    ...


    At the Deputy Station Head''s office.


    Yan Tianfei was called over by the deputy station head.


    "Old Yan, sit," the deputy station head said pleasantly.


    Yan Tianfei asked curiously, "Old Zhou, what''s the matter?"


    "Hur hur. I heard that Zhang Ye and his team were transferred to your department? How are they doing?" the deputy station head asked.


    Yan Tianfei said, "They''re quite fine. Everyone knows how capable Little Zhang is, so you might as well say that he''s wasting his talents over at our department. Old Zhou, if there''s anything you want to say, just say it. We''ve known each other for over twenty years now. So stop beating around the bush."


    The deputy station head cleared his throat and said, "OK, then let me give it to you straight. Did you hear of the incident regarding Rise to the Dance? Your Department 14 has actually gotten quite a good bargain this time. Not only was Zhang Ye transferred over, even his entire elite team of people from The Voice have been incorporated by your department. Since Central TV Department 1 has given you so many talented people for nothing much in return, now that something has happened on their side, you should express some gratitude, right? Since you all don''t have any new shows lined up for now, you should take out a portion of your production budget and lend it to Central TV Department 1 first. I think just 10 million would do. It''s not much."


    Upon hearing that, Yan Tianfei was angered. "Old Zhou, do you think that our Department 14 can be bullied around like that?"


    The deputy station head frowned. "How can you say that?"


    "It''s because Central TV Department 1 stole two of our rookies in first ce. When I went to request for the two of them back, they refused. Since Zhang Ye and his team were already getting the cold storage treatment from Central TV Department 1, they were dumped over to our Department 14 to free up their staffing. How did it turn out to be that I''m the one who owes them? They created the trouble themselves, but I have to clean up the mess for them now? Help them out with our money?" Yan Tianfeiughed loudly. "Don''t bullshit me!"


    The deputy station head said, "It''s just a loan. I''ll be the guarantor for them and make sure that they will return it to you allter."


    Yan Tianfei did not give in to either soft and hard approach. "If they want to borrow money, tell them to borrow from the station. Don''t set your eyes on our Department 14!"


    "The station doesn''t have much money now since our spending has already been nned beforehand, so there aren''t many surplus funds to move around for the time being." The deputy station head said, "I hope you can look at this from the bigger picture, Old Yan!"


    Yan Tianfei said angrily, "The station does not have surplus funding, Department 1 does not have surplus funding, then why does it fucking seem like only our Department 14 have surplus funding?! How much do the other departments get for their annual budgets? How much does our Department 14 get for our annual budget? We have the least amount among all the channels! Old Zhou, don''t tell me you don''t know that!"


    The deputy station head was also fuming. "It''s been many years now and yet your temper is still just as terrible! That''s enough, I''m won''t be discussing this with you anymore. The station will cut your department''s production budget this year. Tell your department''s financial personnel toe look for me!"


    Yan Tianfei sneered, "If you can take it directly, so be it. But let me tell you this first: there''s not a single cent left in our department''s ount anymore!"


    ...


    At Central TV Department 14.


    In Zhang Ye''s office.


    As he looked at his reputation points decreasing rapidly, Zhang Ye could feel his heart wincing!


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    Ten minutes passed!


    Another twenty minutes passed!


    It was consuming 100,000 reputation points every second! Seeing that his reputation points were almost used up, Zhang Ye still did not know if the matter was resolved or not. Therefore, he did not risk deactivating it in case the Lucky Halo just took effect but ended up getting stopped by him suddenly. If that happened, it was as good as giving up halfway and all the reputation points spent up until now would be for nothing!


    Hurry!


    Just what was the situation like now?


    Could any investors be taking the initiative to contact this bro for the title sponsorship right now? Or could it be��


    As he was feeling restless, he heard the sound of someone hastily walking outside. He could hear Department 14''s Director Yan Tianfei shouting for him from a distance away, "Teacher Little Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned and quickly turned off the Lucky Halo (Upgraded). He walked out from his office in a hurry to look for the direction where the sound came from. He then saw Yan Tianfei takingrge strides towards him with an infuriated expression.


    Sensing that something had happened, the staff of the department''s two sections were also startled as they looked over. Some of them even ran over in a flurry.


    "Director?"


    "Director Yan, what''s the matter?"


    "What happened? What''s made you so angry?"


    Zhang Ye also asked puzzled, "Director Yan, you''re looking for me?"


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others appeared as well, not knowing what was going on.


    As they were moring, Yan Tianfei walked up before everyone. After he caught his breath and stifled his anger, he shouted at Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang, set up a program team immediately for the new show that you mentioned earlier. Establish an independent program team from Section 1 and 2 of the Department right now. You will be the team leader and the program team''s ount will be separate from Department 14''s. I will give you 10 million and you shall lead your team to go film the documentary!"


    Everyone was dumbfounded by what they heard!


    "What?"


    "10 million?"


    "A documentary? 10 million?"


    "This��this��"


    "Director Yan, what''s this about?"


    Zhang Ye was also a little confused. Damn, just what the hell was happening? He''s handing out the money just like that? And it was even for a budget of 10 million which had surpassed his requirements? This was more than enough for him to shoot the entire documentary! There would even be a lot of surplus funds leftover!


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Director Yan!"


    Yan Tianfei was not afraid to say what he wanted and interrupted, "Don''t say that it''s too much. I won''t let you reject this either. I don''t have any requirements for the documentary and it doesn''t matter if the viewership rating is low or not! The only thing you need to do is to spend all 10 million on this documentary! You must spend it all! Don''t leave a single cent! All the money will be handed to you!"


    All of a sudden, he was given 10 million!


    And he must even fucking spend it all??


    Zhang Ye was ted and immediately said, "OK! I will definitelyplete this mission!"


    Yan Tianfei nodded. "Good! Very good!"


    Everyone''s jaws dropped as they did not know what was happening here!


    Only Zhang Ye knew clearly that it was because of the power of the upgraded Lucky Halo. All the problems he had were easily solved. It was just that awesome!!

 Chapter 795: The new show will be called—

    <h4>Chapter 795: The new show will be called�� </h4>


    Chapter 795: The new show will be called��


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The developments that followed could only be described as swift. After Yan Tianfei gave the word, Zhang Ye and his team received the orders and established a new program team immediately. Before even confirming the staff assignments and rted work duties, the program team''s bank ount was already set up and running. Yan Tianfei specially approved their department''s Finance Section to transfer the 10 million RMB over to the program team. It was done in about ten minutes, as though that money would disappear if they did not quickly get it done. Around ten minutester, Zhang Ye already had his hands on a legal-looking document with the official department stamp on it that detailed the establishment of the new show.


    Yan Tianfei''s high efficiency made everyone''s jaws drop!


    Instantaneously, everyone started discussing in whispers what just happened.


    "Wha-what happened just now?"


    "I don''t know. What on earth is Director Yan doing?"


    "Excluding the copyright purchase funds, our department should only have around 10 million or so left in our production budget, right? All of that has been allocated now? All of it will be used for making a documentary? I''ll faint if that''s true. What''s Director Yan thinking?"


    "10 million RMB for a documentary? That is enough for 100 documentaries!"


    "If they spend it carefully, it might even be enough to shoot 200 documentaries!"


    "What on earth is going on?"


    "Did anyone hear about anything?"


    "I heard that Director Yan went to see the deputy station head, and he''s been like this since came back!"


    "There wasn''t any warning that this would happen, neither have I heard of anything! Uh, but there was an incident that happened at the stage of Central TV Department 1''s Rise to the Dance. Could this be rted to that?"


    Nobody could figure out what was happening.


    Tong Fu of Department 14 suddenly eximed, "I get it! The deputy station head must have tried to make some arrangements on behalf of Central TV Department 1 and asked for ess to our department''s production budget to be diverted over to Department 1! There were precedents of such actions before, likest year when the station''s funding was tight, didn''t they ask for our department''s budget to help tide them over!?"


    Huang Dandan pped her thigh, creating a loud pop. "Oh, that''s true!"


    Tong Fu continued, "Could it be that Director Yan does not want them to have their way, therefore distributed all the money to Director Zhang using a newly set up bank ount? He''d rather spend it all than give it up for nothing to Central TV Department 1!"


    Someone cursed, "Fuck! Central TV Department 1 has really gone too far!"


    Another person said, "They''re outright bullying us!"


    "Do they think that Department 14 is so easy to pick on? Ah?"


    "It''s the same with the station. They''re always siding with Department 1!"


    "Seems like Central TV Department 1 is Central TV''s biological child while we''re merely the stepchild!"


    Little Wang grunted, "That bunch of people at Central TV Department 1 are always behaving in that way!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "The Voice''s copyright that belonged to Director Zhang was almost sold off by their management who wanted it for themselves. I wouldn''t be surprised by what that bunch of people are capable of!"


    Wu Yi said, "Those immoral people!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Don''t talk about it anymore. I get angry just at the mention of it!"


    The people on Zhang Ye''s team also started scolding with the same thoughts in mind.


    These two groups of people held a grudge with Central TV Department 1, some of it was new, some of it was old.


    Zhang Ye was listening to this from the side all this while, suddenly realizing that something had happened to Rise to the Dance''s stage! As he was in his office using the Lucky Halo, he did not know about it yet. Needless to say, this was definitely the work of the Lucky Halo. The stage was built by Zhang Ye himself ording to the original version of The Voice of China in his previous world. Zhang Ye had spent much time and effort to recreate it and it represented his blood and sweat. It also represented a lot from his previous world, so now that it had been destroyed? It was just as well. The new show had been taken away by Chen Ye and his team, but that was not an issue to him. However, the stage must not be left to them. With his activation of the Lucky Halo this time, it also helped him bring down the entire stage setup in an instant. It was so powerful that Zhang Ye secretly felt a little afraid of it!


    So this was the upgraded Lucky Halo!


    The reputation points needed to keep it activated were many, something that Zhang Ye would never be able bear in normal circumstances. However, when it was used, its power was very significant. It had the ability to cause an earthshaking effect that could turn things around!


    Ha Qiqi said to Zhang Ye, "Director Zhang, although Director Yan has already given the word, but for this 10 million production budget, how should we spend it? There''s nothing much that we can spend on when ites to documentaries, right? Usually, a documentary can be made with just 80 to 100,000 RMB."


    When Zhang Zuo heard this, he gave a wry smile and added, "The problem now is that we have to spend it all no matter what?"


    Tong Fu and Huang Dandan, along with the rest of Department 14''s staff, all knew best about a documentary''s expenses. For a documentary, this 10 million was indeed an astronomical figure. To put it bluntly, even if the 10 million yuan budget was given to them, they couldn''t spend it all.


    When Zhang Ye heard this, he rolled his eyes. This bro was just worrying about theck of money and only managed to get this 10 million after having such a hard time, so how could he possibly not be able to spend it all. Don''t worry, there won''t even be a single cent left! It was even better since he was just considering increasing the production budget to replicate the popr documentary series of his world in its whole to present it to this world. This 10 million had arrived timely and the funding was all of a sudden in such great excess!


    With so much extra funding, he was no longer limited to just filming the first season of the documentary series. He could even go ahead and do the second season as well, as long as he did not waste too much time. By not capturing unnecessary footage, he could easily finish filming for the two seasons'' worth of the original series. There should be enough money now to support this change of ns. Zhang Ye''s advantage was that he knew the final cut of the documentary, thus reducing the time needed for him to repeatedly test his shots. In most cases, a documentary had the lowest percentage rate when it came to recorded footage making it into the final cut. Perhaps a little more than a dozen shots out of a thousand would be selected while the remaining would end up not being used, but none of that was a worry for Zhang Ye. The footage he was going to film would have already been "chosen" by the professionals of his previous world who had spent so much time fine-tuning and refining their shots and wereter market-tested when the documentary was broadcast. Because of all those reasons, he would undoubtedly be able to avoid wasting any unnecessary expenses. This was an advantage that no one could ever beat him at!


    At this moment, Yan Tianfei''s secretary walked into the office area hurriedly.


    "Director Zhang, are you busy?" the secretary asked politely. "Director Yan just informed me that your team has a total of around 20 people and that all of you are working from Section 1''s office space for now, so it has gotten a little crowded here. He told me to unlock and open up Section 3''s office space and get it cleaned up before telling you about this, but starting today, your new program team will operate from the Section 3 office space which will be your independent work area."


    For a team of around 20 to have their own workspace might seem like it was too much, but with their team setup, they were also considered to be qualified to use it since they were a full team after all.


    Zhang Ye smiled and replied, "Great, thank you. Help me thank Director Yan as well."


    The secretary smiled. "You can also pick out a few people from Section 1 and 2 to join your new program team. Director Yan has considered the fact that since you''re still new here and might not be too familiar with our documentary department''s operation and filming process, you would probably need a few old hands to help familiarize you with the work here."


    Zhang Ye remarked, "OK, but since I''m still new, I''m not familiar with the people either��"


    "Shall I rmend a few people to you then?" the secretary asked.


    Zhang Ye answered, "That would be great."


    The secretary turned around and looked at the people of Department 14 before saying, "Tong Fu is quite good. When the department was first set up, he was already here, so you could consider him veteran around here. Every time our department has a self-produced documentary job to handle, Tong Fu usually follows along. He knows all about the workflow and approval standards for the documentaries."


    Zhang Ye smiled and stated, "Alright then, but I will still have to respect his wishes and not force him to join my team." Saying that, he looked at Tong Fu. This was someone he had a good feeling about since he arrived at the office this morning. He was one, while Huang Dandan was the other. Both of them were very active and cheerful, and it was exactly this type of person Zhang Ye preferred getting acquainted with.


    Tong Fu chuckled, "Of course I don''t have a problem. I''m just afraid that Director Zhang will find me unreliable. As long as you don''t mind, I''ll surely give my all!"


    Zhang Ye was very happy at that. "Then it''s confirmed!"


    Tong Fu immediately started packing his things to prepare to go over to the Section 3 office space. However, as he packed, he kept signaling to Director Yan''s secretary with his eyes, making it seem like they knew each other very well or something.


    Director Yan''s secretary nced at him and coughed, then pondered as he pointed at a girl��Huang Dandan. The secretary said, "Well, Director Zhang, Huang Dandan is quite good as well and she''s rather spirited too. She''s also well-versed inmunication skills and interview techniques. Not only is she one of the more excellent video journalists in our department, she can handle filming very well too if you don''t have enough cameramen. Whenever there''s a shoot that follows the ser or basketball leagues, she''s always the first choice to go along with the film crew. Her experience is definitely good enough."


    "Ahem, you''re praising so much that I feel embarrassed. Am I that good?" Huang Dandan scratched her head and then stepped up. "Director Zhang, from now on, wherever you point, Tong Fu and I will follow. Now that I''m a part of your team, I can''t guarantee other things, but I definitely won''t embarrass you!"


    Zhang Ye put out his hand. "Wee aboard!"


    Tong Fu and Huang Dandan both shook Zhang Ye''s hand.


    Actually, Zhang Ye had already noticed something. He saw the two of them throwing looks at each other every so often and believed that they were probably a couple. It was likely that everyone else in the office knew about this as well.


    Next, Director Yan''s secretary rmended another two people and Zhang Ye dly epted them without hesitation and took them into his fold.


    Seeing that, the secretary felt his heart warm. He knew that this was down to Zhang Ye''s trust for him. "Director Zhang, regarding the equipment that you requested, Director Yan has already settled it all. He just made some calls a while ago and everything should be sent over by tomorrow."


    Zhang Ye reacted with surprise. "That fast?" ustomed to the red tape in a television station and the dy from the department leaders, Zhang Ye was still not used to working under a leader who was so efficient.


    The secretary said, "It was just a few sets of HD equipment, so they still gave us some face regarding that request. Uh, Director Zhang, do you still need me to rmend a few more people for your team?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "No, it''s alright, that''s more than enough. If I were to get more people, then the other sections would be emptied out soon and Director Yan would surely take it up with me if that happens, right?"


    After confirming the team members, some people kept theirposure as though nothing had happened while a few others clearly looked disappointed. It seemed like they had wanted to go over to the new program team as well, but were unfortunately not chosen to do so. Zhang Ye was still a legendary figure in the industry and his team was also the one who had created the miracle of the variety world. Joining this legendary team and working with them would surely have been a good experience that they could mention to others in the future: I worked on a show as part of Zhang Ye''s program team before! Who wouldn''t be impressed if they heard that? Even if they were to leave Central TV, with that line in their resumes, they might even be able to get a better job!


    Hua. The metal chains on the door were removed by Director Yan''s secretary.


    The office space at Central TV Department 14''s Section 3 was officially opened for Zhang Ye''s program team starting today.


    The money was in ce!


    The equipment was in ce!


    The staff were also in ce!


    Zhang Ye suddenly felt very emotional. OK, with everything ready, the tform has been set up. The rest will be up to me now! This bro will show those people at Central TV Department 1 that even if I get transferred over to Department 14, even if I end up making documentaries, I will still be able to fucking demolish you all!


    The secretary suddenly asked, "Director Zhang, what is your new show going to be called? I''ll get someone to make the te for you to ce on the office door."


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others looked over.


    Tong Fu, Huang Dandan, and the rest of the Department 14 staff also perked up their ears in curiosity.


    Zhang Ye looked at everyone and then smiled before announcing, "The new program will be called��A Bite of China!"


    Chen Ye?


    Rise to the Dance?


    Central TV Department 1?


    Let''s meet again in December! See you then!

 Chapter 796: The cameras start rolling for A Bite of China!

    <h4>Chapter 796: The cameras start rolling for A Bite of China! </h4>


    Chapter 796: The cameras start rolling for A Bite of China!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day at work.


    News of the matter started spreading internally at Central TV. Many of the Central TV staff who came to work were chatting privately about the matter which they had heard from their friends or seen in the media.


    "Hey, have you heard? Zhang Ye got his new show approved by Yan Tianfei the very same day he assumed his new duties at Department 14 yesterday. I heard that Yan Tianfei has established a program team and specially set aside an office area for Zhang Ye and his team. He even borrowed HD equipment from everywhere and allocated a production budget to him. It seems that the cameras will start rolling soon for the new documentary that Zhang Ye''s team is going to make. Central TV Department 1 had the intention to freeze Zhang Ye, but Department 14 doesn''t care about this. It looks like we''ll be able to watch Zhang Ye''s documentary very soon."


    "Seems that they were allocated 10 million RMB for it as well."


    "What? How can that be?!"


    "It''s true! I''ve also received very reliable news that it''s 10 million RMB!"


    "10 million?"


    "Can they spend that much money on a documentary?"


    "That''s because there is something more to this. Yan Tianfei did not want their money tond in the hands of Central TV Department 1. That''s why he allocated all the money to Zhang Ye in a fit of anger."


    "What''s the new documentary about?"


    "I''m not sure, but I''ve heard that it''s about cooking?"


    "A documentary about cooking? What''s so interesting about that?"


    "Who knows? But even if it''s not based on cooking, there''s nothing to look forward to in a documentary. After all, documentaries are a niche genre. No matter how they''re shot, they are more or less still the same. I''ve heard that they even intend to shoot the documentary with HD video cameras? That''s a purely superfluous move. Is there even a need to shoot a cooking documentary with HD equipment? I''ve never heard of anyone using HD video cameras to shoot a documentary! That''s such a waste of money!"


    "Who knows what Zhang Ye is thinking?"


    "Hai, then what do you expect him to do? The ce that Zhang Ye went to is Department 14. It''s the only ce willing to take him in and give him the money to make a show. Do you think that he still has a choice? All he can do is to brace himself to produce a documentary. Therefore, all of you shouldn''t be thinking too hard. Hur hur, my guess is that Zhang Ye himself also does not know how his documentary might turn out this time. I bet that he just got tired of idling around and so chose to make a casual documentary for fun. Probably no one is taking this too seriously."


    "You''re right on point."


    "Yes, I think the same as you."


    "Hai, Zhang Ye is finished. He has at least another half a year to go in his contract at Central TV and this is as good as being frozen. Right now, what''s getting the most attention from everyone at Central TV is only Department 1''s Rise to the Dance. Even the Central TV station leaders are cing a great deal of emphasis on it. Didn''t their stage just get badly damaged yesterday, and then on the same night, the station started withdrawing funds from everywhere else so that they could use it to cover Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye''s show? Who wouldn''t notice that favoritism? All of Central TV''s people and resources have to make way for Rise to the Dance since it''s a critical show that will help cement Central TV Department 1''s position as the best in the variety show industry. They cannot afford to mess this up. As for everyone else? All the other shows? All of them will have to step aside!"


    "That''s unavoidable since Department 1 has a special status at Central TV."


    "But there are certain things that Central TV Department 1 has indeed gone overboard with. Regarding Zhang Ye back then, they never gave their full support to him. Frankly, ever since the beginning, Central TV Department 1 has never treated him as one of them. They would only trust someone like Chen Ye who has been a long-serving employee of Central TV."


    "Don''t say any more. There are some things that we just cannot do anything about, hai."


    "That''s right, this is a fight between gods. Let''s just watch from the sides."


    Not long after, it was on the news as well.


    "Zhang Ye to oversee and produce a documentary!"


    "A new challenge faces Zhang Ye and the team of The Voice: A documentary series!"


    This news was not very prominent and the number of the media outlets reporting were not that many either. However, when it was published, it attracted a whole lot of attention!


    Zhang Ye''s friends were all stunned!


    Crosstalk actor Yao Jiancai posted on Weibo in shock: "Little Zhang is going to shoot a documentary?"


    Singer Chen Guang: "Is he crossing over into other industries again? This should be considered crossing industries, right?"


    Dong Shanshan, the host of Beijing Television''s Do You Remember: "I wish everything goes well for my old ssmate. Always supporting you! Hur hur."


    Beijing Television''s program team lead, Hu Fei: "A documentary? That won''t be easy to shoot at all."


    A popr contestant of The Voice, Luo Yu: "Director Zhang is challenging the impossible again!"


    Theizens could not stop discussing.


    "A documentary? Did they make a mistake?"


    "I know that Zhang Ye has gone over to the Central TV Documentary Channel, but I never expected that he would really be making a documentary!"


    "Will the final product be watchable? Fuck, who even watches documentaries anyway?"


    "I don''t."


    "I don''t watch them much either, ahem."


    "Documentaries are overdone with the same old topics. There''s nothing interesting about them!"


    "Get lost! Even if Teacher Zhang shoots a documentary about dog shit, I''ll still watch it!"


    "Right! Supporting Teacher Zhang!"


    "There''s finally news of Teacher Zhang''s new program. Praise be! But it''s just too bad that it''s a documentary. Sob! How do you expect us to watch a documentary?! Even if I forced myself, I wouldn''t be able to watch it! The educative nature of a documentary is too strong and too boring! Hai. In any case, I''m not keeping my hopes up, but really it''s not because I don''t support Teacher Zhang!"


    "Making a documentary after making a variety show? This jump is a bit too much!"


    There were all sorts of differing opinions.


    Even some of Zhang Ye''s fans also expressed that they wouldn''t be able to watch if it were a documentary, much less those who were not his fans. Not manyizens believed that it would do well at all.


    Almost instantaneously, the heated discussions about Zhang Ye''s new show died down. Many people''s attentions turned back to discussion posts or Weibo posts rted to Rise to the Dance and they talked about it fervently. Regarding Central TV Department 1''srge-scale dancing talent show, many people were more optimistic about it. In the past few days, under Central TV Department 1''s intense promotions and troll army ledmentary, the discussions about this topic never ceased and stayed fresh in the minds of everyone.


    "Chen Ye''s status has risen again."


    "It''s probably the same for Xu Yipeng too. If Rise to the Dance bes popr, do you think Old Xu cannd the position of executive director for this year''s Spring Festival G? He has even taken on the role of assistant director at previous Spring Festival Gs before."


    "I''m looking forward to this dance show."


    "Yes, I''m already tired of watching the recent variety shows, but there really haven''t been any dancing talent shows before!"


    "Central TV Department 1 really has the makings to be the dominant force of the variety show industry."


    This was the entertainment industry and it had always been so realistic. If you had good works, stories, or news, everyone''s discussions would revolve around you. Once you were out of new works, or if your stories became boring, even if you were an A-list celebrity, everyone would stop following you. With time, if you didn''t have any new works, no topics of discussion, and no poprity, even an A-list celebrity would drop to the B-list and a B-lister would drop to the C-list. There were many celebrities who ended up like that, and Zhang Ye was also in that awkward position now. However, the difference between him and the fallen celebrities was that this fellow had great capability. Even if he couldn''t perform in his own profession, he could still pull in fame from his ventures in the gaming and mathematics worlds to maintain his poprity. Although it might not increase his poprity much, at least it helped in not letting it decline for the time being.


    Therefore, Zhang Ye had nothing to worry about or had any concerns for now. His poprity was already stable for the time being. He did not need to consider other matters and only needed to shoot the documentary well. When A Bite of China got broadcast, everyone would find out whether his show was good or bad!


    ...


    In the afternoon.


    Thest set of HD equipment was finally delivered by the staff of their sister channel.


    Zhang Ye''s heart was set and he immediately called out, "Little Wang!"


    Little Wang blinked as she walked over. "Are you looking for me, Director Zhang?"


    "Go and book the ne tickets. The teams will be split into three ording to n. We will set off on time tomorrow morning, so no one is to bete as the ne will not wait for anyone!" Zhang Ye instructed.


    Little Wang was stunned. "Ah? Tomorrow morning?"


    Ha Qiqi also asked, "Director Zhang, why��why are we in such a hurry?"


    All the other program team staff of A Bite of China were not at all prepared either.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It will already be winter if we keep dawdling like this. We won''t be able to film at many of the northern locations if that happens. We can wait, but time does not wait, so let''s just endure the hardship for now and start packing once you all get back home in the evening. For a period of time, everyone will be working outside of Beijing on a business trip. Unless you have a very special reason, you won''t be going back home for a while. Therefore, please inform your family about this beforehand. When we are finished with our work, I will apply to Director Yan to give everyone a long vacation."


    "Sure."


    "Understood, Director Zhang."


    "Then we''ll go prepare!"


    Zhang Ye also called home to his parents.


    Du du, the call connected. His mother answered the phone.


    Zhang Ye said: "Mom, help me pack my luggage and put in more clothes. I''m afraid that I might not have time to pack when I get home. I''ll be flying out tomorrow morning."


    His mother asked: "Where are you going off to?"


    "I will be filming a show. It''s a documentary." Zhang Ye said.


    His mother nearly fainted. "You''re truly serious about filming the documentary? Can you do it?"


    Zhang Yeughed: "You''ll know once the documentary is broadcast!"


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye went to report to Yan Tianfei again. His application for the business trip was officially approved, and after he returned, Zhang Ye immediately announced, "The cameras will officially start rolling tomorrow for A Bite of China!"

 Chapter 797: Filming in progress!

    <h4>Chapter 797: Filming in progress! </h4>


    Chapter 797: Filming in progress!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Yunnan.


    Shangri-La.


    At the boundary of the deep mountains and forest, the film crew of A Bite of China had set up a temporary camp formunications one kilometer away at a small vige where they had built tents and set upmunication equipment. Zhang Ye and around nine of his colleagues were at the foot of the mountain, worn out from their journey here. As they stood close to nature, their spirits unwittingly started broadening. This was indeed the legendary tourist attraction. Many of those who were here for the first time would immediately fall in love with this ce. It was a haven for nature''s animals and nts alike, with nature''s beauty unreservedly presented in front of one''s eyes. This sight would make one feel very rxed and happy.


    The smell of grass was everywhere.


    Ha Qiqi praised, "This is such a nice ce!"


    Little Wang was also spoiled with delight. She whispered, "I thought that this would be a tough assignment, having to rush out dozens of episodes for the documentary series within two months. But who could''ve guessed that Director Zhang has arranged such a nice ce for us? Isn''t this as good as going on a tour?!"


    Tong Fuughed. "It''s still Director Zhang who takes the most care of us!"


    Huang Dandan spread her arms out to embrace the air, "How refreshing! Those who didn''t join our film crew will definitely regret it. I''ll send them a picture afterwards to make sure of this, hehe!"


    At this moment, a wispy group of clouds drifted overhead and everyone looked up to watch, exchanging words about this scenic view.


    Zhang Ye came over. "Are all the preparations done?"


    "Everything is ready."


    "The video cameras have been checked as well."


    "Director Zhang, everything is A-OK!"


    Everyone got ready.


    Zhang Ye said satisfied, "Alright, Tong Fu, Dandan, Little Wang, Old Wu, you guys follow me up into the mountains. We will scout ahead first and try to find a spot where we can set up the cameras."


    Wu Yi asked curiously, "Set up the cameras?"


    Zhang Ye exined, "I want to record a full day''s footage from day until night, highlighting the changes of the cloud cover over several hours and the fog movement, all of which requires a long take. Therefore, we need to find a spot that has a panoramic view for this appropriate scene to be recorded. During that time, we will also need someone to stay up there to look after the equipment and ensure that there are no problems with the shoot."


    Wu Yi immediately volunteered, "I''ll do it."


    "Good." Zhang Ye then said, "Sister Ha, what''s the status of the thing I asked you about earlier?"


    Ha Qiqi replied, "I''ve already informed the vigers. When they learned we were from Central TV, everyone was so passionate and were fine with us filming anything we wanted to film. I''ve also arranged for our food and amodation for the next few days."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "That''s good then. There''s still another matter. I need a mountain guide, but even though I say it''s a guide, what I need is actually someone who can appear on camera as well. Go and find out if there are any volunteers for this task. If the filming progresses smoothly, it will only take a day or two. Let them know about this clearly beforehand and also inform them that they will bepensated for their time. You can decide on the amount to pay them. Oh, the guide will need to have experience in picking pine mushrooms and it''d be best if it''s a young woman."


    Ha Qiqi was a little taken aback. "A woman? Young? I don''t think there are many who suit that profile."


    Zhang Ye stated, "Even so, try to get one. I''ll leave that to you then."


    "OK, I will get it done for sure," Ha Qiqi said.


    After assigning a few more tasks, Zhang Ye led them up into the mountain forests.


    "Eh, this spot seems pretty good."


    "The view is really good too!"


    "Old Wu, set up the camera and take some test shots!"


    "OK."


    "The framing here looks good, so we can pick this spot. This camera needs to keep recording for at least five hours and has to be securely stabilized at this spot. You must ensure that the mountain breeze doesn''t knock it over or sway the camera''s framing!"


    "Director Zhang, do we need to record audio as well?"


    "Get the audio down too, but I''m not too particr about it. We can edit out parts of it to be used when the timees."


    "Alright!"


    After a full two hours of working in the mountains, they familiarized themselves with the routes and environment. There was also an update from Ha Qiqi''s side, as she brought along with her a local Tibetan girl��Sangye.


    Ha Qiqi said breathlessly, "Will she do, Director Zhang?"


    Sangye who came with Ha Qiqi did not look tired at all from the trek here. Her eyes sparkled with interest as she looked at everyone and the equipment in their hands, while she herself was a little shy.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Hello, my name is Zhang Ye. I''m the director of the film crew."


    Sangye quickly said, "I am Sangye, hello."


    She could speak Mandarin, but just at an average level although it was still quite understandable.


    After a simple chat and posing some questions to her regarding pine mushroom harvesting, Zhang Ye finally said, "Alright, you''ll do. I''ll be troubling you for the next two days, Sangye. We can start filming immediately. Are you OK with that?"


    Sangye nodded. "I''m fine." Saying that, she hesitated for a moment before mustering her courage to ask, "I��Will everyone be able to see me on television?"


    Ha Qiqi smiled and replied, "Yes, of course. When the timees for the broadcast, I will give you a call to let you know beforehand. We''re from Central TV Department 14 and you will be able to receive the signal here as well."


    Sangye was suddenly delighted at that and immediately led them up the mountains.


    Zhang Ye said from the side, "Sangye, you don''t need to be so nervous. Just be yourself and act natural. Yes, your expression can be a little more natural, just think of us as nonexistent and you''ll be fine. Walk ahead like you would usually do when you''re harvesting for pine mushrooms since that''s what we want to capture on camera." After a few test shots, Zhang Ye checked the footage from the video camera but was not too satisfied with the results. He quickly got everyone to stop what they were doing and told his staff, "Someonee and help Sangye touch up a little."


    Little Wang said, "Let me do it. Should I put on some makeup?"


    Zhang Ye said, "No need for makeup. Just help her tidy up a bit, so that her hair won''t look messy."


    This was Zhang Ye''s first time directing a documentary shoot and also the first time most of his team were filming a documentary. As everyone needed a little bit of a familiarization process, this slow development at the beginning was already expected by Zhang Ye. He believed that after today, the filming process would only get faster and faster. But for now, they would have to take things one step at a time so that their basics could be honed. No shot could have a mistake in it. If they returned to Beijing after the location shoots werepleted and discovered that a certain key scene could not be used? At that time, they wouldn''t have the time or resources toe back here to re-record the footage! Therefore, Zhang Ye could ept a slow start, as long as they kept improving their quality of shots!


    During the break.


    Zhang Ye looked at his cell phone and saw that there was still a signal. He quickly made a call to the second film crew who were sent to Zhejiang, with Assistant Director Zhang Zuo being assigned as the temporary director of their group.


    "Hello, Director Zhang!" a tired-sounding Zhang Zuo answered over the phone.


    Zhang Ye immediately asked, "Have you all arrived?"


    Zhang Zuo replied breathlessly, "Phew, we have just reached the site and found the vige. This ce is quite inessible by vehicle."


    "Great, it''s been tough for you guys," Zhang Ye said. "Just get some rest first and take a breather. As for the rest of the work, just follow the arrangements that I briefed you guys on earlier. Brother Zhang, the task that I assigned to your team is the most urgent one. Try to get all the footage recorded by tomorrow, then head to the next filming location. It''s going to be October very soon, so it might be a littlete to get the footage of the harvesting of the winter bamboo shoots. But if we drag it on any longer, I believe that we won''t have a chance at getting that footage anymore. I''ll need you all to put in a lot of effort and tire you guys a little this time to record that footage over there. Tomorrow afternoon, when I can get the ne tickets booked, I''ll fly straight over and we''ll head to the next filming location from there."


    Zhang Zuo said, "How hard can it be for us? You''re the one having it the worst, so just leave this to us and don''t be worried."


    After the call ended, Zhang Ye made a call to the third film crew.


    The three film crews of A Bite of China were already assigned and sent out to their respective locations by Zhang Ye at around the same time. Zhang Ye could not oversee everything by himself and could only follow one film crew at a time, so he went with Ha Qiqi''s team first to help them be familiar with the shooting and to let them know what kind of style he was trying to achieve. After that, Zhang Ye would rendezvous with the next team on the second day, and then the third team a day or twoter. All of the recorded footage would need to satisfy Zhang Ye before he would use them. If he did not have a look for himself, he would not be able to stop worrying. A Bite of China might look like it was easy to film, but the truth was that there were many techniques used to film this documentary. The simpler a scene looked, the harder it was to capture. The massive amounts of information and content, and even the artistic mood of the documentary could sometimes only be found in those several simple scenes. Nothing could be wanting at all, and if it was, it would surely affect the documentary''s quality!


    As the executive director of A Bite of China, he could not run away from the fate of having to travel all over the country to oversee the filming progress. There was no way, especially with time so tight!


    For example, the scene featuring the winter bamboo shoots harvesting.


    For example, the scene of the pine mushrooms harvesting which was also found in the first episode.


    They all needed to be filmed right now, notter. The harvesting of winter bamboo shoots would have ended in mid-September and they could almost no longer film this harvesting process anymore at this point in time. Meanwhile, the pine mushrooms harvesting season ended a littleter, just before mid-October. But when something like that was so dependent on the weather, if waited until the rainy season of Shangri-La was long over, then there might be no more traces of any pine mushrooms in the mountains anymore. All of these tasks were a race against time, which was why Zhang Ye had given a recording schedule to each of the three film crews before they set off from Beijing. With the three film crews headed off to different locations, the shooting process was not done in ordance to the timeline of A Bite of China back in Zhang Ye''s previous world. It was nned ordingly to which shoot was more urgent, and only in that way would they be able to ensure that everything could bepleted sessfully.


    As for the footage which could not be filmed during September and October? After all, in the original version of A Bite of China, there were also many scenes that took ce in spring and summer.


    So Zhang Ye thought of a n.


    He had two ideas to solve this:


    1. Change locations. Although it was winter in the north, there were locations where it was spring all year round. Surely they could get the footage they wanted at those ces, right?


    2. Change the types of food. A Bite of China was a documentary that focused on food, the people, and its culture. By changing the type of food featured, he wasn''t changing the idea behind the documentary. They would still be able to show the food and its history in that way, except that Zhang Ye would have to start thinking a bit harder and try to write a script which would follow ording to the format of the original A Bite of China. The amount of food that required changing wasn''t that much either, so his workload shouldn''t be too great. Zhang Ye had already used the Memory Search Capsules to retrieve all the information of A Bite of China from his previous world. All of the scenes and details have been fully memorized by Zhang Ye, and when coupled with his Basics of Directing and Camera Techniques Skill Experience Books, he could mimic those scenes without affecting the quality of the documentary.


    The film schedule was resolved.


    The race against time was resolved.


    And thus, there were no longer any problems!

 Chapter 798: I have not left yet!

    <h4>Chapter 798: I have not left yet! </h4>


    Chapter 798: I have not left yet!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the first day of shooting, the film crews were all very excited, rxed and treating it as a holiday tour.


    On the second day of shooting, the film crews were beginning to feel a little tired.


    On the third day of shooting, the first casualties started appearing, with some staff from all three film crews falling sick at the same time. Some either caught a cold or couldn''t limatize, with one suffering from altitude sickness, but was recovering well after being given an oxygen mask at a local hospital.


    On the fourth day of shooting, the film crews were allining incessantly.


    "We still have to fly today?"


    "We''re going to Guizhou this time?"


    "Fuck me! I can''t take this anymore!"


    "Director Zhang, can we request for a day off to rest?"


    "Yeah, Director Zhang, everyone''s almost at their limits. We have been hiking in the mountains and crossing streams every day, coupled with rushing to our flights and making our way into the viges on ox carts. We''re all used to sitting in the office at work, so doing all these activities has suddenly taken a real toll on our health. We really can''t take it anymore!"


    "Director Zhang hasn''t evenined yet. Who are we to say anything?"


    "Right, let''s endure a little more. We can catch some z''s on the ne."


    "We can do it. Back in the days of preparing for The Voice, how many of us really got any rest in the two months leading up to the broadcast? Didn''t we also work every day for more than ten hours? We could even survive those difficult times, so what is this hardship now? It''s not easy for Director Zhang either, so let''s notin anymore."


    There were some whoined, but also others who encouraged.


    When Zhang Ye heard this, he could only try to cheer them on by saying, "We can''t afford to rest in the next few days. There are still two more locations that we have toplete shoots at, so why don''t we wait for the day after tomorrow instead? By then, we can get a day or two of rest, so please try to endure a little more."


    Today, Zhang Ye was following the second film crew around on their film schedule. This crew were all made up of the staff who were previously from The Voice. He knew the reason why everyone could not take this anymore. Other than the mountain hikes which took a lot of their energy, there was one other reason. It was theck of something to look forward to. When they were recording for The Voice back then, everyone was sessively clocking overtime to finish their tasks because Zhang Ye had pulled in an astronomical title sponsorship fee. On top of that, he also pulled in big shot celebrities like Zhang Yuanqi, Chen Guang, and Fan Wenli to join the program. With the public''s eye on them and the media reporting about their program almost every day, everyone surely had the motivation to work harder.


    However, this time?


    This time they were shooting a documentary program which seemingly had no future to them!


    It was only reported by a few scattered and small media outlets before quickly dying down. They did not even seem to be interested in the title of the documentary, much less give it any further attention. Knowing that the documentary they were shooting would not be seen by too many people, everyone''s motivation naturally dropped by quite a bit.


    Zhang Ye told them, "Just endure a little bit more. Perhaps when everyone looks back on this in the future, you all might discover that this hardship was very well worth it. Who knows, this documentary just might bring us a great surprise!"


    Everyone broke into a sweat.


    Surprise?


    Surprise my ass!


    What surprises could a documentary possibly have!? They would be more than satisfied if the viewership ratings did not get too frighteningly low. No one was hoping for a miracle and felt that this was just Director Zhang painting pies in the sky to raise their morale.


    AD Zhang Zuo led everyone by saying, "Director Zhang, don''t worry. Since you can hold up, we''ll be fine as well! There definitely won''t be someone who holds us back!"


    At this moment, a call from Beijing came in.


    It was Department 14''s Director Yan Tianfei.


    Yan Tianfei asked: "Teacher Zhang, how''s the progress of your shoot going?"


    Zhang Ye immediately answered: "It''s been very smooth up until now. We''re stepping it up to try to get more footage recorded."


    Yan Tianfei coughed: "You don''t have to rush. It''s not like we must definitely broadcast in December anyway. I''ve heard that some of your crew members have fallen ill since yesterday? There was even someone who suffered from altitude sickness? Please take it easy and watch out for everyone''s safety. That is of the utmost importance. It doesn''t matter if it affects the show, but our people must definitely not have anything happen to them. I know that you have very strict requirements when ites to the arts. You always want to achieve perfection and excellence, but a documentary is different from other programs, so there''s no need to push it so hard, am I right? Just do OK and it''ll be fine."


    Zhang Yeughed: "Director, rest assured. I have a sense of propriety. I''ll certainly bring back everyone in the same condition as when I brought them out here."


    "Alrighty then, as long as you know what you''re doing." Yan Tianfei had wanted to say a bit more, but after hearing Zhang Ye reassure him in that way, he couldn''t really interfere anymore. Since the film crews were already assigned to Zhang Ye, with him as their boss, it wouldn''t be too good if Yan Tianfei had to stick his nose in. He only called because he got worried after hearing that some people had fallen ill and hoped to persuade Zhang Ye not to push the teams too hard. However, he guessed that Zhang Ye probably did not really take his words to heart. Hai, it was good that he was responsible in his work and sought perfection in what he did, but there was no need to be like this. Does Little Zhang really intend to make something fancy out of this show called A Bite of China?


    How could that be!?


    Yan Tianfei had read through the program proposal repeatedly, but he did not find anything unusual about it.


    Recording cuisine, recording ingredients, recording people and cultures, it was a very standard temte that you could find in eight out of ten documentaries. Their department had also done simr documentaries like this before, where they would visit forested mountain regions to document the untouched way of life. Wasn''t this how all documentaries were filmed? The only difference was that they had never used HD video cameras in the past, so rather than just saying that the staff on Zhang Ye''s filming crew did not anticipate the documentary much, or that the media and audience of the entire country also did not anticipate it much, even an experienced director of a documentary channel like Yan Tianfei also did not anticipate it much.


    Well, whatever. As long as the entire 10 million was spent, everything else was not an issue! He wasn''t going to be bothered by anything else anymore and just left Teacher Little Zhang alone to handle this matter. He could do it however he liked, and no matter how poor the viewership ratings ended up, Department 14 wouldn''t care about it. In any case, they were already at the bottom rung of the entire Central TV structure, so no matter how badly they did, they couldn''t do any worse than they were already doing!


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    In Beijing.


    While the film crews of A Bite of China were ving away, rushing to the different locations to film their scenes, the program team of Central TV Department 1''s Rise to the Dance was in contrast much more rxed.


    The preliminary auditions had already begun!


    Their program had taken up at least half of the entertainment news headlines!


    "Chen Ye''s marriage on the rocks?"


    "Internal rumors rife: Rise to the Dance''s executive director, Xu Yipeng, to host theing Spring Festival G!"


    "ording to sources, Rise to the Dance''s actual production spending could rise to 120 million RMB!"


    "Beijing Dance Academy''s senior year school belle rumored to bepeting in Rise to the Dance?"


    "Preliminary auditions, fiercepetition. A talented dancer emerges!"


    All these headlines were mainly to hype up the show. Some were real and some not, but all of them were just rumors.


    Then, there was also some confirmed news.


    Beijing Times: Rise to the Dance has officially invited dancer Teacher Lili to join the program. Our reporter has received an official confirmation about this news from Teacher Lili''s managementpany. Undoubtedly, this would add another heavyweight im for Rise to the Dance. Teacher Lili is one of the few famous dancers from China to have received an international professional dance award before, so her status in this industry was unquestionable!


    Southern Entertainment News: A-list celebrity Huo Dongfang confirms that he has joined Rise to the Dance, with a rumored joining fee of 18 million RMB. As everyone knows, "Sect Leader Huo" started out as a professional dancer before crossing over to be an actor. Back then, the movie Dancing in the Air earned the de of Best Picture in China. Sect Leader Huo yed the lead role without needing a stand-in. All the dance scenes in the film were performed by him, and he even yed a part in choreographing them. From that alone, his strength in dancing was evident. The addition of him to Rise to the Dance was truly a great move. With Huo Dongfang joining Rise to the Dance, he brings along a great deal of his followers as well, and he could be considered one of the most suitable guests to be invited onto the show. Yes, as to why we say "one of the most," that is because there is another even more suitable guest��Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi. It''s rumored that the people in charge of Rise to the Dance have been in contact with Sister Zhang''s agency. If they really manage to invite the Heavenly Queen who''s also extremely well-versed in dance to helm the show, then it would only make the show even stronger!


    The news of the day in the entertainment circle was mostly about Rise to the Dance!


    ...


    Guangxi.


    At a small civilian airport.


    Zhang Ye and his team were waiting to show their boarding passes to board the ne. At this moment, his cell phone rang. It was Zhang Ye''s former boss at Beijing Television, Hu Fei, who called.


    Hu Fei: "Little Zhang, where are you?"


    Zhang Ye said, catching his breath: "I''m in Guangxi right now."


    Hu Fe cleared his throat. "You went all the way there?"


    Zhang Ye: "Yeah, right now I''m in Guangxi. Later, I will be in Guizhou. I''m actually waiting to board the ne right now."


    Hu Fei: "You always give your all when ites to work. I''ve heard that you''re making a documentary this time, so I thought of giving you a call. You should know that a documentary is really difficult to handle. When I graduated all those years ago, my first job was to work on documentaries. I''ve produced several of them before, so you can say that I have some understanding of them."


    Zhang Yeughed: "It really isn''t easy to shoot. I''vee to realize that greatly in the past few days."


    Hu Fei said: "Have you already read about Rise to the Dance''s promotions?"


    "I flipped through some newspapers and saw them. It seems like they''re really promoting it quite a lot," Zhang Ye replied with augh. Although he had been spending much of his time in the mountains and small towns, but when it came to his opponent''s news, how could he not keep himself updated?


    Hu Fei dered, sounding rather stressed: "It''s more than a lot! I haven''t seen their ads yet, but the spection and publicity in the news are always changing every day. They''ve already managed to move Huo Dongfang and Teacher Lili and get them to join the program with their joining fees one higher than the other. I''ve also heard that Chen Ye is trying to convince Sister Zhang to join them, having gone over to discuss with them personally twice already."


    Zhang Ye blinked at that. "Did Sister Zhang agree?"


    Hu Fei said: "No, a joining fee of 20 to 30 million won''t be able to move the Heavenly Queen. In the entire entertainment industry, the Heavenly Queen will only give face to you. Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye could never do that. However, even without the Heavenly Queen, Rise to the Dance still has a glittering lineup. Our entire program team is already feeling the pressure from them, possibly because they''re not letting up in their promos at all. The recent viewership ratings for Do You Remember has already dropped slightly, while the other talent shows are also experiencing the same thing. This Rise to the Dance show is already creating such a wave even before it starts broadcasting. I really cannot imagine what it will be like when they start their broadcast! From now on, I''m afraid that our good days are going to be over. I just had a meeting yesterday to discuss with Dong Shanshan and the others. We''re already preparing to implement the changes that you told us about back then to change the show''s rules and format. Hopefully, this will help freshen the program a little for the audience."


    Zhang Ye nodded when he heard that. "That''s OK. Since Do You Remember has already been on air for so long now, it''s also the right time to introduce some changes."


    Hu Fei sighed: "If only you were still around in the television industry, Rise to the Dance would never be able to act so arrogantly. After you left, no one in the variety industry is able to keep them under control."


    Zhang Yeughed: "Brother Hu, who says that I have left?"


    Hu Fei sounded a little startled. "Huh?"


    Zhang Ye added: "Because I��have not left yet."

 Chapter 799: Filming wraps for A Bite of China!

    <h4>Chapter 799: Filming wraps for A Bite of China! </h4>


    Chapter 799: Filming wraps for A Bite of China!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    After the call with Hu Fei ended.


    They still could not board the ne yet. This time, Zhang Ye received a rather unexpected call��from Chen Guang''s wife, the famous singer, Fan Wenli.


    "Director Zhang, are you busy right now?" Fan Wenli asked.


    Zhang Yeughed: "I''m not busy at the moment, just waiting to board the ne. What''s the matter, Sister Fan?"


    Fan Wenli''s tone sounded like she was somewhat embarrassed. "There''s something that I think I should inform you about first. After discussing with Old Chen, he also said that I should let you know as well."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Huh? What''s the matter?"


    Fan Wenli said: "Rise to the Dance has invited me to join their show, and I''ve agreed to it."


    This was something that Zhang Ye did not expect at all. Why would a dance show invite Fan Wenli? Wouldn''t there be more suitable candidates? Even though Fan Wenli was considered a big sister of the music industry and a very popr singer who knew how to do simple dances, surely she didn''t have much in rtion to a dance show, right?


    However, on second thought, Zhang Ye understood. Did it matter that she wasn''t in the dance profession? How many of Rise to the Dance''s future audience would really understand dance as an art as well? In the numerous dancing talent shows of Zhang Ye''s previous world, not only were there singers who joined the judging panels of those dance shows, there were even crosstalk actors who did the same. The main qualifying criteria still boiled down to the celebrity''s poprity and ability to present themselves onstage. Fan Wenli had good looks and could also dance a few moves. It didn''t matter if her dance was not professional, it would still be able to attract attention. After all, she had already worked her way up as an artist involved in the performing arts industry, and had even been a teacher before as well. She did notck the foundation in this area, so it was definitely eptable that Rise to the Dance invited her to join the program. Besides, Fan Wenli was also a guest coach on the recently ended but sessful Central TV Department 1 variety show The Voice. By inviting her, Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye were probably hoping that Fan Wenli would be able to help build Rise to the Dance''s audience base by pulling in fans of The Voice, thereby letting them smoothly seed the previous show.


    Having considered it all, Old Fan was truly quite a good pick for the show.


    Of course, that also meant that the program team of Rise to the Dance probably failed to invite Zhang Yuanqi on board, otherwise they wouldn''t have gone for the next best choice, Old Fan.


    Zhang Yeughed and asked: "How much are they paying you? If it''s too little, you should not go."


    "It''s about the same as The Voice," Fan Wenli said embarrassedly.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Then that''s fine. Why would you need to inform me about this? The viewership ratings for Rise to the Dance shouldn''t be too bad. Since they''re promoting the show so aggressively, if you joined them, it will definitely help with increasing your poprity. Besides, the joining fee isn''t a small sum either, so why would you not agree, right?"


    Fan Wenli said: "Everyone knows that you don''t get along with Chen Ye and the both of you even fought on Weibo before. Besides, if not for that incident, this program should have been helmed by you instead, so I��"


    Zhang Ye interrupted: "Aiyo, Sister Fan,e on. You and I have already known each other for some time now. Am I really such a petty person in the eyes of Old Chen and you?"


    Fan Wenli chuckled when she heard him say that. "Well, no."


    "Then that settles it." Zhang Ye really did not think much of this and even joked: "Just do it knowing that I don''t mind at all. However, I hope that you won''t do your best for them and just do your job averagely. Most of the people in that group aren''t good people and they will not appreciate you even if you try your best for them."


    Fan Wenli was tickled at this. "I''m really relieved to hear you say that. If only you did not leave, because even if you offered me half of what you did before, I would still be willing to join your shows."


    Zhang Ye suddenly stated, "Rest assured, Sister Fan. There will still be chances for us to work together in the future."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye shook his head. It was yet another assumption that he had left? He had already heard this being mentioned so many times in just a short period of time.


    Leave?


    Of course he didn''t leave, but it was just that everyone thought that he had left. All of the media, his peers, as well as the audience believed that after he was dumped to the Central TV Documentary Channel, he would lose the ability topete for viewership ratings against the other variety shows, so they automatically excluded Zhang Ye from there. But Zhang Ye never thought this way before. Whoever dictated that the prerequisite to getting first ce in the nationwide viewership ratings was to have a variety type of entertainment program? Other than variety shows, did all the other genres not have the right to fight for the number 1 spot in the viewership ratings?


    Hur hur.


    Perhaps this might be the case in the past. But from now on, that was no longer necessarily true!


    This time, Zhang Ye wanted to let everyone know. Toe out top in the viewership ratings? Even a documentary would stand a chance! On the day that A Bite of China broadcasts, all of you better be prepared for a fright!


    In front of him.


    Zhang Zuo turned around, probably curious after hearing Zhang Ye''s conversation on the phone. "Director Zhang, Teacher Fan Wenli has also joined Rise to the Dance?"


    The others from the film crew also looked over.


    Zhang Ye had no reason to hide this so just nodded and said, "It''s confirmed. Teacher Fan has just called me to let me know about it."


    "Sister Fan has really joined their show?"


    "Damn, then their lineup will really be strong!"


    "With Teacher Fan on board, their show will be supported by the momentum gained from The Voice!"


    "Director Zhang, are we just going to look on like this?"


    "Yeah, I really can''t take this lying down! It''s so infuriating!"


    "What else can we do? We have already been reduced to making documentaries! There''s no way for us to go andpete with them in the ring anymore! We won''t even qualify for an entrance ticket!"


    "How annoying!"


    Everyone had their share of opinions. Having their show taken away from them had already left them very unhappy, but what made it worse was that this bunch of people who took their show were still getting featured so regrly in the media that they couldn''t avoid seeing them at all!


    However, Zhang Ye spoke very calmly, "Alright, don''tin anymore. Just leave them be. We''ll carry on doing our own things. There shouldn''t be any point of conflicts in what we do. I was thinking of our schedule just now. Maybe we can add a visit to the Wuyi Mountains for a scenic shoot. It''s not that urgent, so we can leave that location forst."


    Zhang Zuo was taken aback. "Director Zhang, was our program proposal only a halfpleted one?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "We don''tck any money now anyway, so why not shoot a few more episodes?"


    Zhang Zuo voiced with trepidation, "10 million is indeed not a small sum. But if we go on like this, I''m afraid that this 10 million would also be insufficient for us. It looks like we''re making arge-scale documentary already?"


    "The money should be enough. I''ll keep it in mind," Zhang Ye replied.


    Back then, the proposal that Zhang Ye had given a copy to Yan Tianfei and his team staff only touched on the first season of A Bite of China. But due to the Lucky Halo''s effects whichnded them a 10 million RMB windfall, Zhang Ye decided to make some changes to the proposal by adding the second season into the filming schedule as well. With the tasks and scenes doubled, he began to slowly add schedules bit by bit across all three film crews.


    As for how he would fuse seasons one and two of A Bite of China together? Zhang Ye already made his ns. The simplest solution: cutting down on the scenes that touched on the stories of people and culture in season two of A Bite of China. There wasn''t a great deal of difference between the first and second seasons, except that the second season featured a lot more stories about the people and culture surrounding the featured foods. Someizens rated season two of A Bite of China to be lower than the first season because of all the scenes that it dedicated to talking about the people and culture, while there was less of a focus on the food itself. But regardless of whether that opinion was objective or not, since Zhang Ye wanted to edit the two seasons into one, then he needed to have the storytelling be consistent. With food as its central focus, Zhang Ye would definitely choose to cut out the irrelevant scenes of season two of A Bite of China. With this small change, it might even help push their viewership ratings even higher than he wanted them to be.


    The Voice''s viewership ratings had defied all sense and it achieved many records in this world as well. It also achieved the top spot in the nationwide viewership ratings, amazing everyone except Zhang Ye, who was not that impressed with the results. Although he knew that the two worlds could not bepared using the same standards, the viewership ratings of The Voice in this world was really quite terrible whenpared to his previous world. This was due to the variety show environment, the viewing habits of the audience, as well as many other factors. But the details of this were not important at this time anymore. Zhang Ye had pinned all his expectations for a better viewership rating on A Bite of China!


    There mustn''t be any more "discounts"!


    This time, with A Bite of China, there had to be no mistakes. Zhang Ye even hoped that A Bite of China would do exceedingly well in this world as he believed it had the potential and also the capability to do so!


    In his previous world, season one of A Bite of China took a long time to be popr. At the beginning, the viewership ratings were extremely low until it started spreading by word of mouth about how good it was. By the time season two of A Bite of China aired, the viewership ratings began rapidly climbing until it reached a peak. What must be cleared up here is that in the previous world, A Bite of China was not promoted, and had no celebrity stars or much funding. It was even broadcast on television at a very bad time. Regarding this, Zhang Ye had no ns to replicate those conditions!


    Promotions?


    I will fucking promote it well!


    No celebrities?


    I will personally narrate A Bite of China!


    Lack of funding?


    I will throw money at every scene with the greater production funding than the original version, so that every image shown will be better perfect!


    As for the broadcast schedule?


    Whatever primetime slot that Rise to the Dance will be broadcast at, we will also broadcast it at that time!


    I will give whatever you all want and I will make up for whatever you all don''t have! Zhang Ye did not have any extravagant hopes other than for A Bite of China''s viewership ratings to start off with a bang!


    With this expectation and determination, the filming was also systematically carried out!


    On their journey, all kinds of incidents kept urring. Equipment failures, staff injuries, ne dys, the film crew getting trapped in the mountains due to weather, etc.


    This was Zhang Ye''s attitude towards the arts and also his purpose as an executive director of the show.


    A documentary was unlike a variety show, with thetter for entertainment, while the former existed as a form of art. They were not the same at all!


    ...


    Two months passed in no time.


    As November came to an end.


    Winter arrived as the weather turned cool. It also started snowing in many ces.


    The second film crew at Anhui were the first to havepleted all their tasks at this moment. At about the same time, the third film crew at Jiangsu alsopleted all of their team''s schedules!


    On the same day.


    Zhang Ye and the first film crew finished their final shoot at the Wuyi Mountains!


    Along with Zhang Ye, they excitedly wrapped up their work and cheered!


    "We''re done shooting!"


    "We''re finally done!"


    "My god! I''m exhausted!"


    "We can finally go home! Hooray!"


    "It''s been two long months already! We can finally wrap!!"


    Everyone in the film crews nearly burst out into tears. All those days really had not been easy for them!

 Chapter 800: Da Hong Pao doesn’t exist in this world?

    <h4>Chapter 800: Da Hong Pao doesn''t exist in this world? </h4>


    Chapter 800: Da Hong Pao doesn''t exist in this world? [1.]


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the afternoon.


    Wuyishan City.


    The members of the first film crew were all inside their hotel suites. Some of them were packing up the equipment and luggage, some of them were finishing up their final bit of work, and some wereughing and chatting happily. The atmosphere was very rxed. Having worked on the documentary for two full months now, once the filming wrapped, they suddenly felt no tinge of tiredness anymore.


    Zhang Ye was standing at the window, on the phone.


    "Brother Zhang, we''ve alsopleted our work over here."


    "Congrattions, Director Zhang."


    "I should congratte you too. Have you guys booked the ne tickets yet?"


    "Yes, we''ve already booked them. We''ll be taking this afternoon''s flight back to Beijing."


    "Alright. I''ve already told the third film crew that they can go back as well. Our side here will be taking tomorrow''s flight since we didn''t manage to get today''s ne tickets on time, so we will head back a dayter than you guys."


    "Alright, then we will wait for you to get back."


    "Don''t bother waiting for me. After you guys get back, take it that I have given my approval for you to have a few days'' rest. Since we''re already done with the filming, the remaining work will be the editing and voiceover recording. That will be my job and I''ll have to spend a few more days to edit it. Most of you can just take a break."


    "OK."


    "Then that''s all. Handle the equipment and source footage carefully when you get back. Don''t damage anything."


    "Understood."


    "We''ll meet back at Beijing then."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye immediately made a call to Yan Tianfei. He definitely needed to report back to Old Yan that they had sessfullypleted the first stage of production.


    When Yan Tianfei heard about this, he was ovee with emotion. "You''ve finallypleted the shoot! Well done! Well done! I''ve heard all about the hard work that you guys have been putting in for the past two months. Teacher Zhang, it''s been hard on you."


    Zhang Ye quickly replied: "Hur hur, Director Yan, listen to what you''re saying. This is my job and whatever I did was all part of my job. It''s been hard on our brothers and sisters of the film crews though."


    Yan Tianfei asked: "How much of the production budget have you spent?"


    "Slightly more than 9.9 million RMB." Zhang Yeughed and said: "I was controlling our spending. Another night at the hotel and another mealter, there should be almost nothing left of the remaining money."


    Yan Tianfei also chuckled: "Good, it''s a good thing that you''ve spent it all. The station has been pressuring us to lend them the money every day. I heard that Central TV Department 1 still does not have enough funding, so even if there is money left over, we won''t be able to keep it. It''s great that you''ve spent it all! After you guys have returned, I''ll throw a celebratory feast for everyone."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "Alright, I''ll thank you for that first, Director Yan."


    When the call ended, Zhang Ye heard Ha Qiqi and the others chatting behind him.


    Ha Qiqi was all smiles as she said to the several of them, "I never knew that shooting a documentary could be so expensive. Back then, when I heard that we were given 10 million RMB for our budget, I thought that it would be impossible for us to spend it all. In the end, I couldn''t have expected that if we didn''t control our spending a little, we might not even have enough tost us the entire trip. Spending 10 million RMB to film a documentary? I think it''s only us who try to make a documentary this way in the entire country! This is really a genuinely expensive documentary to produce!"


    Tong Fu didn''t know whether tough or cry. "That''s right. There''s really no one in the country who will spend so much money to shoot a documentary. Some of the 30 to 40 episode documentary series would at most cost around 2 million RMB to make, but as for us? Looking at Director Zhang''s program proposal, it''s only a total of 10 episodes?"


    Little Wang asked, "What are your opinions about this documentary?"


    Tong Fu eximed, "Regarding this, I don''t know."


    Huang Dandan coughed, "Yeah, it''s indeed hard to say."


    After hearing from these two staff members who were the only ones with real documentary making experience, it became clear to the several of them that those two were also in the same situation as them. After shooting for two months, they still did not understand what was so special about this documentary. They were only shooting the documentary in the traditional manner, albeit with HD video cameras, and they did not notice anything in the entire process that looked like a sh of brilliance. They just shot as much footage as they could, doing as they were told and following Zhang Ye''s instructions. If Zhang Ye said they were to look for a certain type of food, they would go look and for it. Basically, they did not understand much of what they were doing at all.


    Zhang Ye walked over with a smile. "What''re you guys talking about? I heard everything."


    Everyone suddenly felt awkward.


    "Uh, we aren''t talking about anything much," Tong Fu scampered to reply.


    "Director Zhang, where should we go in the afternoon?" Little Wang changed the subject.


    Zhang Ye said, "Whoa, you guys aren''t tired?"


    Little Wang smiled gleefully and said, "I''m don''t feel tired. Our flight is tomorrow anyway, and we will have plenty of time to rest once we get back to Beijing."


    "I agree!" Huang Dandan pumped her fist in agreement.


    Ha Qiqiughed. "The mountains and rivers here are quite scenic, but I don''t think there''s much of anything else to do here? Are there any local attractions in Wuyishan City? Or anything good to eat?"


    Wu Yi said, "I don''t know. I think it''s the first time that all of us are here."


    Zhang Ye suggested, "Why don''t we go out in the afternoon to drink some tea?"


    Little Wang pped her hands as she mentioned, "I like drinking tea!"


    "Since we''re at Wuyishan City, if we don''t give Da Hong Pao a try, we would really havee in vain." Zhang Ye smiled. "Of course, I''m talking about cultivar tea. We won''t be able to afford to try the tea leaves thates directly from the parent trees, and neither would they sell it to us anyway."


    Ha Qiqi was stunned. "Da Hong Pao?"


    Wu Yi also blinked and asked, "Cultivar tea? What cultivar?"


    Little Wang was feeling puzzled. "Parent trees?"


    Zhang Ye looked at them. "What? Have you all never heard of Da Hong Pao?"


    How disgraceful! Aren''t you all being a little too tacky! This is the noblest tea among all the famous teas!


    Hearing Zhang Ye mention about this Da Hong Pao, the others all looked at each other puzzled!


    Tong Fu asked with a confused expression, "What kind of tea is this Da Hong Pao?"


    Scratching her head, Huang Dandan smiled embarrassed and asked, "Is there such a tea? I''ve never heard of it before."


    "If Director Zhang says there is, then it must exist. Our limited knowledge can''tpare to Director Zhang," fawned a staff member, though his eyes were filled with doubt at the same time. Da Hong Pao? Are you sure you''re not referring to clothes? Is there even a tea that goes by this lousy name?!


    This time, it was Zhang Ye''s turn to be confused. It was understandable if one or two of them had never heard of it before, but for everyone present to have never heard of Da Hong Pao? That was somewhat inconceivable. Zhang Ye''s keen sense of awareness told him that there was something wrong here, so he immediately probed further. "What about oolong tea?"


    Little Wang said immediately, "I know about oolong tea. There are many types of it, but I like to drink Tieguanyin the most."


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Do they have Tieguanyin here?"


    "It doesn''t seem like they have any exceptionally famous teas in Wuyi, right? Although it also seems like they grow tea here, their reputation and quantity aren''tparable to Suzhou''s and Hangzhou''s tea," Wu Yi said.


    Wuyi''s teas are not famous?


    Fuck, are you from another?! The parent trees of Da Hong Pao are located right here! They sell those tea leaves by the gram in auctions! Each auction''s winning bids could easily reach several hundred grand! Yet here you are telling me that there are no famous teas in Wuyi? Are you kidding me?


    However, judging from everyone''s expression and doubtful faces, Zhang Ye thought that he was probably the one who came from another instead. He was full of curiosity now. Could it be that there wasn''t any Da Hong Pao on this? That those parent trees did not exist? But it was impossible. Even though there had been some changes in this world, there hadn''t been much of a deviation from history. The more critical point was that those few old tea trees older than several hundred years should not be rted to history at all! It should be an issue of geography and the mineral makeup of the location instead! In this world, Shanxi was still mining coal, Daqing still had oil fields, while Burmese jade was still as popr as ever, so there shouldn''t be any changes in this area, right?


    Then why did Da Hong Pao not exist here?


    Or could it be that those parent trees did not actually disappear, but that the people of this world were still unaware of how precious and valuable it was?


    At the thought of this, Zhang Ye''s heart began thumping faster and faster as he became quite excited. The parent trees of Da Hong Pao were as good as money trees. It was the most expensive tea in the world! Moreover, nothing could evene close to its price, as it was countless times more expensive than gold was worth its weight! If only he could manage to get hold of some of the parent trees. The thought of that left him trembling in excitement!


    Zhang Ye could no longer hold back his curiosity. "Let''s go to the Wuyi Mountains scenic area and have a look!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Sure, I''ll follow Director Zhang."


    Little Wang cheered, "Oh, let''s go then!"


    One of the staff members was feeling tired and volunteered to remain back at the hotel to look after the equipment.


    The others packed and changed. Then, together with Zhang Ye, they headed straight to the famous Wuyi Mountains scenic area.


    Somewhere in the scenic area was the exact location where the Da Hong Pao parent trees grew. In Zhang Ye''s previous world, this location was a prominent scenic spot called the Da Hong Pao attraction where tourists were allowed to take pictures from outside the perimeter surrounding the parent trees. Zhang Ye knew exactly where it was located!


    TL Note:


    [1. Big Red Robe Tea - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Da_Hong_Pao]

 Chapter 801: Meeting an acquaintance at the scenic area

    <h4>Chapter 801: Meeting an acquaintance at the scenic area </h4>


    Chapter 801: Meeting an acquaintance at the scenic area


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the afternoon.


    Wuyi Mountains scenic area.


    After purchasing the admission tickets, they boarded a tour bus and traveled along a narrow but picturesque mountain trail. They were finally traveling as tourists now as they began their sightseeing tour.


    The scenery was extremely beautiful.


    There were also tourists around them who chose to walk on foot for the tour.


    "Eh!"


    "Look at that person in the vehicle!"


    "Damn, isn''t that Zhang Ye!?"


    "Is that Zhang Ye?"


    "It''s him! It can''t be wrong!"


    "Wow, Teacher Zhang! I saw Teacher Zhang!"


    "He''s a huge star!"


    "Teacher Zhang, when are youing back to do variety shows again?"


    With his mind still on the Da Hong Pao matter, Zhang Ye had forgotten to put on his sunsses and was recognized by quite a number of tourists as a result. The crowd started waving at the tour bus that was carrying them.


    Zhang Ye also smiled and waved back to them.


    Little Wang ttered, "Director Zhang has so many fans!"


    Huang Dandan agreed, "That''s true, that''s true."


    "Ohe on." Zhang Ye said, "It''s just an undeserved reputation."


    After touring around for about an hour, the tour bus suddenly came to a fork in the road. On the right, the path went uphill and connected to the other famous attractions of the Wuyi Mountains. The path on the left was much narrower and was just a road leading on with no road signs or location designations in ce. Looking far ahead on the left path, there wasn''t even a tourist in sight.


    The tour bus was just getting ready to take a right turn.


    Zhang Ye immediately called out, "Driver, please stop."


    The tour bus came to a stop and the driver turned around. "Teacher Zhang? What''s the problem?"


    The driver was aware of who Zhang Ye was and had specially allowed their film crew toe aboard the tour bus without letting anyone else on. It was as though Zhang Ye had chartered the entire bus.


    Zhang Ye pointed left. "Let''s go that way."


    The driver looked in the direction he was pointing and asked, "There? There are no scenic attractions over there."


    Zhang Ye smiled and replied, "It''s fine. I just want to have a look around there."


    The driver advised, "There''s really nothing to see over there. It''s pretty deserted and there''s only a nameless monastery there. The scenic area''s workers don''t even go there most of the time, much less the tourists. The scenic attractions cover a vast area and you won''t even be able to finish seeing everything in four or five days if you want to visit every attraction. So why would you want to head in that direction?"


    Zhang Ye insisted, "Just go there please, thank you very much."


    "Alrighty then." The driver could not dissuade him and just turned his steering wheel to the left and headed off in that path''s direction. "If I go further ahead, there won''t be a road that I can travel on anymore."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "OK, then we''ll have a walk around thereter."


    If he didn''t remember wrong, Zhang Ye knew the Da Hong Pao attraction spot was at the end of the path. The only difference between here and his previous world was that this ce did not even have a proper road leading in, much less a designated Da Hong Pao attraction. As expected, the history of Da Hong Pao in this world had an unknown deviation somewhere in time, so hopefully, those few tea trees would still be there.


    They reached the end of the road.


    Zhang Ye and the others got out of the bus and continued on foot.


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Director Zhang, what are we doing?"


    Zhang Yeughed as he said, "We''re just taking a stroll around. There isn''t much to see at those scenic areas actually."


    Since they were already used to following Zhang Ye wherever he wanted to go, they just went along this time as well.


    After walking for about half an hour, the path ahead of them suddenly opened up. A small hill appeared in front of them, and to everyone''s surprise, they discovered that Director Zhang was suddenly walking much faster than them. He did not even tell them that he was going ahead first and just hurriedly walked on, as though he was searching for something.


    Everyone looked at one another and started trotting up behind him as well.


    "Director Zhang."


    "Please be careful of where you''re going."


    "Aiya, wait up for us."


    "What on earth are you doing?"


    Zhang Ye could no longer be bothered to answer them. They only saw that fellow standing at the foot of the hill, gazing excitedly at a small raised tform built on the hillside. There were several short trees whose trunks looked really obscure and thin as they grew out of the tform! [1.]


    He found it!


    It was really still around!


    Da Hong Pao still exists!


    Little Wang looked over as well. "What is that?"


    Tong Fu was befuddled. "A bush? What''s there to see here?"


    "What''s with Director Zhang?" Wu Yi asked, "What''s he so excited about?"


    Huang Dandan replied, "I don''t know, aren''t those just some small bushes?"


    Zhang Ye thought to himself, how are these just some small bushes? These trees are made of gold; they''re money trees��they''re by far the most valuable trees in the world. You can just pick some leaves off of it and they would sell for an astronomical price!


    Without another word, Zhang Ye climbed straight up. He looked fixedly at those insignificant looking small trees from a very close distance. It was already past the season for picking tea leaves, so there weren''t any suitable leaves that he could pick at the moment. So these were the legendary Da Hong Pao parent trees. In Zhang Ye''s previous world, the surrounding area here was cordoned off and protected by the government. There were also regtions to prevent the picking of tea leaves here as the trees needed to be protected and cared for, so there was no way a tourist could get so close to the Da Hong Pao trees. But now, Zhang Ye was standing here at the foot of the hill where the parent trees were growing. He could easily climb up there if he wanted to. Moreover, he also noticed that there was no trace of the stone inscription of the three Chinese characters for "Da Hong Pao" on the hillside. It was as though it had never appeared before!


    That might just be the point in history where the deviation urred! Da Hong Pao, which should have been famous since antiquity, had not been discovered by anyone in this world. No one had written the inscription, no one had given it a name, and as a result, these trees were left unknown all this while. It had seemingly been forgotten by the people of this world with nobody paying any attention to them.


    Eh? The parent trees looked like they have had their leaves plucked and were even pruned before?


    Someone had been picking tea leaves from this tree?


    Who was it? Who picked the tea leaves?


    Zhang Ye was shocked. He looked around the area and his gaze fell upon the monastery not too far away. The monastery was not big and sat at the foot of the hill. There was no name board hanging at the entrance of it, so it was really as the driver had told them earlier. It was indeed a nameless monastery. In Zhang Ye''s memory of this ce, there didn''t seem to be a monastery that existed here.


    Zhang Ye immediately led his group toward the monastery. He wanted to find out more about those tea trees and see if he could lease them, or even better, buy them outright. But he didn''t know who he could approach about this.


    ...


    Inside the nameless monastery.


    In the backyard, two monks were having a talk.


    The younger abbot said with a smile, "Senior Brother, how long do you intend to meditate during this trip from Beijing?"


    The elder abbot smiled. "I''ll leave it to fate."


    The younger abbot shook his head. "You''ve really changed. You''ve really changed a lot."


    "Yes." The elder abbot''s expression was a calm one. "This old monk''s Qingshan Monastery might not have as good scenery as you have here, but with so many peopleing and going, it''s a rather lively ce to be at. I''ve met many people in my years over there and have gone through a lot as well. There are very interesting stories, just like the gatha that I sent youst year. Did you receive it?"


    The younger abbot eximed, "I received it. Every word was a gem."


    The elder abbot said, "Through its enlightenment, this old monk has had a truly beneficial year. I feel like I have gained a deeper insight into the teachings of Buddha. Therefore, I decided to make my travels to your peaceful abode to have some time to myself, but I''m worried that I will be intruding on your peace instead."


    The younger abbot said, "Senior Brother, please don''t say that. You can stay however long you wish. I don''t get to see many people in an entire year here. There are no tourists who woulde down here from the scenic areas��"


    As he was saying that, a young monk came in. "Abbot, we have guests."


    The younger abbot was surprised. "What guests?"


    The young monk touched his head and said, "I think they''re tourists, but they said that they want to meet the leader of our monastery."


    "Leader?" The younger abbot didn''t know whether tough or cry. Then he turned to the elder abbot and said, "Senior Brother, I''ll go take a look then."


    "I''ve been sitting here for too long, so why don''t we go together? I need to stretch my muscles a little as well," the elder abbot replied as he stood up.


    The two of them went out to greet the guests.


    Outside, Zhang Ye had made his way into the monastery''s front yard with his group.


    As the two groups came face to face, at that moment, a person from each group was stunned!


    Zhang Ye said, "Abbot?"


    The elder abbot also said, "Almsgiver Zhang?"


    "Aiyo, what are you doing here?" Zhang Ye was amused at the coincidence.


    The elder abbot responded, "This old monk was just on his travels. I came to my Junior Brother''s monastery to visit him."


    Zhang Ye pped his thigh and remarked, "This must be fate, or rather, the two of us were truly destined to meet again!"


    The elder abbot alsoughed, "Yes, I had just brought up Almsgiver Zhang to my Junior Brother a moment ago. I couldn''t have expected to meet you so soon after just mentioning you. If this isn''t fate, then what is?"


    The younger abbot was slightly taken aback. "Senior Brother, is he the one you were talking about?"


    The elder abbot nodded.


    The younger abbot immediately went up to Zhang Ye with his hands pressed together. "Amit��bha. I''ve heard much about you."


    Zhang Ye quickly returned the courtesy. "I''m ashamed, I''m ashamed."


    Ha Qiqi, Tong Fu, and the others were stunned by what they were seeing. Damn, could Director Zhang''s reputation be any greater? Even in a such a faraway ce deep in the mountains, he could still meet an acquaintance? Even monks knew who he was? And they even looked like they knew each other pretty well?


    Zhang Ye introduced to them, "This is the abbot of Qingshan Monastery in Beijing, in the past we��uh, never mind, let''s not talk about that."


    The elder abbot smiled and finished his thought. "Without that fight, we wouldn''t have gotten to know each other."


    Ha Qiqi inquired, "Fight?"


    Zhang Ye coughed under his breath and exined, "When I was filming a moviest year, their monastery did not allow our film crew into the mountains, so I beat up the monks from their monastery. About that, well, that''s already ancient history not to be mentioned."


    Ha Qiqi, Little Wang, and everyone else did not know what to say anymore!


    Beat up monks? Oh my god, I''m fainting! So Director Zhang has already been that fierce since a long time ago!


    A female colleague of the film crew asked with great curiosity, "Director Zhang, quickly tell us more about it!" The team had always enjoyed listening to stories depicting Zhang Ye''s wicked deeds.


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "Why do you guys want to bring up those things?"


    The elder abbotughed heartily. "It''s nothing that we can''t talk about. Come on in, almsgivers. Out here is not a ce to talk. Let''s go in and drink some tea as we chat. I''ll tell everyone what happened."


    Inside, everyone took their seats.


    The abbot started rting to them the incident that urred at Qingshan Monastery.


    When he came to the part where Zhang Ye started fighting with the monks, Ha Qiqi and the others were listening to it excitedly. Then, when they heard about the part where Zhang Ye and the abbot had a debate about Zen, everyone was even more interested. Even the elder abbot''s junior brother and the monks of the nameless monastery were fully engrossed listening to the story.


    The abbotughed. "At the end, Almsgiver Zhang saw the gatha that I had engraved into a stone tablet: The body is a Bodhi tree, / The mind is a mirror bright. / Never stop dusting and wiping, / Lest dust alight."


    Ha Qiqi praised, "What a good gatha!"


    Wu Yimented, "You have a really good state of mind, Master!"


    Everyone began praising how good it was.


    The young monks of the nameless monastery also nodded in agreement, looking in admiration at the elderly abbot.


    Little Wang quickly asked, "Then how did Director Zhang reply? Who won in the end?"


    Tong Fu repeated, "Yeah, who won?"


    The story was really too interesting!


    The abbot replied, "Obviously, it was Almsgiver Zhang who won."


    "Ah?" A young monk was surprised by this.


    Another young monk also questioned in disbelief, "But how?"


    The elderly abbot smiled and answered, "Because Almsgiver Zhang responded to my gatha with another gatha: By origin there is no Bodhi tree, / Nor is there a mirror bright. / Originally there is not a single thing, / Where does dust alight?"


    When everyone heard that, they were all stunned!


    The looks in the eyes of the young monks staring at Zhang Ye now changed!


    Only Zhang Ye felt a little embarrassed at this moment. "Ahem, I''m ashamed, I''m ashamed."


    TL Note:


    [1. Da Hong Pao tea trees -


    https://.teavivre/media/wysiwyg/dahongpao_mushu.jpg]


    Sorry for thete release people, I was a little drunk earlier :(

 Chapter 802: Buying the Da Hong Pao parent trees!

    <h4>Chapter 802: Buying the Da Hong Pao parent trees! </h4>


    Chapter 802: Buying the Da Hong Pao parent trees!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    "This gatha sounds way too cool!"


    "Our Director Zhang is really too amazing!"


    "Listening to it makes me feel so moved. I didn''t know that something like that happened back then!"


    "I remember someone posted a video back then regarding this incident that had taken at Qingshan Monastery. A pity that I didn''t watch it at that time, so I''ll definitely search and watch it for myself when I get back. How valiant!"


    "Director Zhang is undoubtedly a grandmaster of the literary world!"


    Everyone was full of praise.


    Zhang Yeughed. "Don''t praise me like that. That''s enough."


    At this moment, the tea was served.


    The younger abbot personally brewed a pot of tea for everyone. Even before the tea was poured out, its fragrance was already exuding. The moment the tea was poured out into the cups, the piping hot, deep-colored tea wafted a hot vapor which carried an aroma that attacked everyone''s sense of smell.


    Ha Qiqi wondered, "What tea is this?"


    "Great tea!" Wu Yi acted as though he knew but was in fact not knowledgeable about teas.


    Immediately, the light in Zhang Ye''s eyes changed. He did not care about anyone and picked up the teacup to have a sip, then a second sip, and finally, a third sip. Following that, he took a deep breath and said, "This tea is��"


    The younger abbot smiled and pointed outside. "Every year, during the tea harvesting season, I will get someone to go and pick the tea leaves from some of those unknown tea trees on the hill. After we process them, we drink it for our own consumption, so the taste might not beparable to other famous teas. But it could still be considered to have quite a unique vor. It''s taste still remains even after six or seven infusions."


    Tong Fu nodded. "This tea tastes quite good."


    Huang Dandan acknowledged, "It''s quite nice drinking it."


    Quite good?


    This is Da Hong Pao that we''re talking about!


    The tea that is brewed from the leaves of the Da Hong Pao parent trees!


    Zhang Ye was extremely excited. "Is there any more of this tea?"


    The younger abbot was stunned for a moment. "There''s still plenty of it. We have a total of several catties gathered up over the past years. Since there aren''t many visitors to our ce, it''s not very often that we drink the tea, so most of the tea leaves have been umting up till today. I''m not someone who usually likes to drink tea either. Does Almsgiver Zhang enjoy this tea? They''re just some small tea trees growing out in the wild. If you think it tastes good, I''ll get someone to bring the tea leaves out for you to bring back. They''re not worth much anyway." [1.]


    Several catties?


    They have umted that many tea leaves over the years?


    Zhang Ye was beaming with joy. "Would that be appropriate?"


    The younger abbot said, "You''re an old friend of my Senior Brother and also a rare guest of our monastery, so what''s inappropriate about that?" Saying so, he turned around to instruct a young monk to bring out the tea leaves. It was obvious that he did not treat those tea trees as something valuable.


    The elder abbot looked at Zhang Ye and asked, "Almsgiver Zhang, what''s the reason you came here? Are you on a tour? If so, then how did you end uping to this isted location while touring? This old monk intentionally came to look for my Junior Brother, but I still had to search for a very long time before I could find this ce."


    Zhang Ye also did not hide his intentions. "Abbot, since we already know each other, then it''ll be easier to speak. To be honest with you, I came because of those tea trees. We came to the Wuyi Mountains to shoot a documentary and have already wrapped things, but when I saw those tea trees, I had a new idea. I intend to shoot a few more scenes here to add to the story, so I wanted to find out whether we had permission to film. Should I inform the people in charge of the scenic area first? Also, which of you usually pick the tea leaves? Can you get the young monks to cooperate with us for a short shoot?"


    Shooting more scenes?


    Ha Qiqi and the others were taken aback at this, but did not ask any further.


    When the younger abbot heard that, he said, "Shooting a documentary? Then it''s definitely not an issue since we often have television stations whoe to the scenic area for filming. Get our monks to help you with the shoot? That''s also not a problem, but the season for tea leaf picking has already passed, so how will you shoot that?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I have a way for that, but we don''t have to emphasize the tea picking activity itself."


    The younger abbot agreed without hesitating, "All right, these are just small issues."


    Aftermunicating his intentions, Zhang Ye immediately got Ha Qiqi and the others to get prepared. "Sister Ha, contact the supervisor of the scenic area. Old Wu, bring someone along with you to go back to the hotel and get the video cameras and other necessary equipment. Little Wang, change our flight date to two dayster. There''s now a change in our schedule, so we''ll go back another dayter."


    "OK!"


    "Understood, Director Zhang!"


    Everyone went off to do their jobs.


    After Zhang Ye delegated the duties to his subordinates, a young monk brought out arge bag of tea leaves and handed it to Zhang Ye. Carrying the several catties of Da Hong Pao, he didn''t know just how many years'' worth of tea leaves were umted. The tea leaves were not ced together, but packed separately in a dozen or so smaller packets. Neither the color of the tea leaves nor the year of harvest were the same and most of the tea leaves appeared very aged. Zhang Ye had not calmed down since a very long while ago.


    He asked, "Abbot, who is in charge of or responsible for those tea trees?"


    The younger abbot said, "This entire ce falls under the scenic area."


    "Are there any tea ntations in the mountains?"


    "There''s one south, but it''s quite far from here."


    "Are those tea trees there leased by someone or what?"


    "They are leased to the local tea merchants. Some of the tea trees are rented by them or they lease a mu ofnd and hire workers to nt tea trees on them. There is also a tea tree region in the scenic area itself, so we have all sorts of things going on around here." [2.]


    "What if I want to take out a lease of those tea trees?"


    "You want to take out a lease of those tea trees?"


    "Yes, can you help me to contact the supervisor? It would be best if you can contact someone from the government office who can make decisions. If possible, I would like to buy those tea trees on this side of the hill. The price doesn''t matter, but it''ll definitely be higher than the prices offered by those tea merchants."


    "Well, I''ll try to arrange something for you."


    There was a telephone in the monastery as well. These days, monks were also keeping up with the times.


    ...


    Later that afternoon.


    Zhang Ye and the two abbots came to the administrative office for the scenic area.


    The local government representative and the supervisor of the scenic area were also here. When they saw Zhang Ye, they recognized him immediately. "Aren''t you Teacher Zhang Ye? You''re the one who''s interested taking out a lease for the tea trees?"


    Zhang Ye shook hands with them one by one and replied, "Yes."


    The staff of the scenic area also knew about those several tea trees. To them, they were just some wild tea trees that wouldn''t have much of a yield in a year. They grew on the hillside and it would take too much effort to harvest their tea leaves. Since the yield was so low, there was no reason to bother about it at all. It had always been the people from the nameless monastery who picked the tea leaves for their own consumption.


    After a moment of exchanging pleasantries, they got straight to the point.


    The government representative said, "Because this is a scenic area, the circumstances are also a little special. Generally, the tea trees on the ntations are either nted by the staff of the scenic area itself or with the help and cooperation of the local tea merchants. They are not open to the public in most cases, but since you, Teacher Zhang, have requested it, I think we can make an exception this time. If you wish to take out a lease on a tea ntation, we have a batch of Tieluohan that was just transnted over to a plot ofnd on the south side which can be harvested next year. They are probably more suitable for you than those tea trees that you mentioned��"


    Zhang Ye interrupted, "I don''t want Tieluohan."


    That government representative said, "Then you just want those few, small little tea trees on the hill?"


    "Yes, can you name me a price?" Zhang Ye answered.


    That government representative and the supervisor of the scenic area exchanged nces. "Because those tea trees are rather aged trees from the older generations, it will be more expensive if you want to take out a lease. It will cost 100,000 RMB per year. That''s already the cheapest we can offer."


    100,000 RMB?''


    That''s enough to rent a few mu of tea ntations!


    But Zhang Ye did not say anything. "What if I don''t want to rent, but buy them?"


    That government representative replied, "Actually, it''s not worthwhile to buy them. We collect management fees here annually. Also, the purchasing costs are usually very high."


    "Let me know what your asking price is first." Zhang Ye blinked.


    The two officials discussed for a while and did some calctions before making an offer. "3.5 million RMB."


    The younger abbot frowned. "Almsgiver Zhang."


    Just those several tea trees would cost over 3 million to buy? Isn''t that quite the rip-off?!


    Zhang Ye counteroffered, "3 million. That is my final offer."


    After some further negotiations, they finally struck a deal for 3 million RMB. As Zhang Ye was very anxious, he got them to write up a contract right away and signed it on the very same day!


    Zhang Ye did not have much money as he had not saved up much for the past two years. However, he could still afford to fork out 3 or 4 million RMB.


    ...


    Back at the monastery.


    The younger abbot said while shaking his head, "It''s too expensive."


    However, Zhang Ye stated, "No matter how much they cost, they''re still worth it since I like this tea. Oh, Abbot, in the future when I''m not around, I''ll have to trouble you with the matters of harvesting, maintenance, and pruning of the tea leaves every year."


    The younger abbot nodded. "Absolutely."


    Zhang Ye dered, "But I can''t let you and everyone work for nothing. I will donate 500,000 RMB to the monastery, be it for charity or incense costs. Can you give me the bank ount information, or perhaps I can bring cash over tomorrow?"


    A few of the young monks were stunned when they heard that.


    The younger abbot waved his hands. "It''s just a simple matter, so there''s no need to."


    Zhang Ye would not allow that. "That won''t do. How could you refuse to ept the incense money that I''m donating? Besides, you''ve also given me several catties of tea leaves, so let me handle the costs when your monastery undergoes renovationster!"


    The younger abbot demurred, "No, that isn''t right."


    When the elder abbot saw this, he also said, "Hur hur, Junior Brother, just ept it. Since Almsgiver Zhang is dedicated to Buddhism, this is his sincerity and heartfelt token. Your monastery really needs some repairing as well, and that''s not about whether it is extravagant or not. If one day this dpidated building copses, many lives will be lost. You still have to be responsible for your disciples, understand?"


    With the elder abbot saying that, the younger abbot could only reluctantly ept.


    It was all settled!


    The cameras would roll another time for A Bite of China!


    Zhang Ye had almost spent all of his savings in exchange for some insignificant tea trees. To others, Zhang Ye might seem very stupid and look like he had gone crazy. But only Zhang Ye knew he was going to earn big time with this deal!


    The famous Da Hong Pao parent trees from his previous world had now turned out to be his private property?


    This was just like a dream!


    TL Note:


    [1. 1 catty = 500 g]


    [2. 1 mu = 614.4 m2 / 734.82 sq. yd]

 Chapter 803: It’s getting boisterous at Central TV!

    <h4>Chapter 803: It''s getting boisterous at Central TV! </h4>


    Chapter 803: It''s getting boisterous at Central TV!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Two dayster.


    Beijing.


    Caishikou. At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    He unlocked the door and opened it. Zhang Ye returned home, pulling his luggage and carrying several bags into the house. The moment he stepped in, he immediately smelled the aroma of pork ribs. His mother was busy cooking in the kitchen and his father was also helping her make lunch for Zhang Ye.


    "Dad, Mom!" Zhang Ye greeted them.


    His mother smiled. "Son, you''re back?"


    His father came up to him. "Are you tired? Did you suffer a lot?"


    "I''m not tired, but I kept thinking of home-cooked food," Zhang Ye said with augh. "For the past two months I''ve been filming, I''ve tried many different cuisines from a lot of ces, but I just couldn''t get used to them and still prefer the taste of home."


    His mother was very happy to hear that. "Alright, alright, all you know is ttery."


    Zhang Ye said, "But it''s true."


    At this moment, Chenchen emerged from the bedroom. "Zhang Ye, did you buy me any presents?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes at her. "I went on a business trip. Did you really think it was a trip to enjoy myself? No presents."


    Chenchen''s sharp eyes caught sight of arge bag that Zhang Ye was holding in his hands very carefully. She reached out her hands, trying to take it from him. "What''s that?"


    "Tea leaves! Hands off!" Zhang Ye eximed protectively.


    His mother said, "Tea leaves? Good timing. We''ve just run out of tea leaves at home. Go and brew two pots for drinkingter."


    Zhang Ye was not having any of that. "Forget it. Two pots? Do you know how much this tea costs by the gram? It''s not something you can just drink for leisure. We should save them forter." The first thing that Zhang Ye did when he got home was stash away the several catties of Da Hong Pao. He looked for a suitable spot that was dark, cool, and dry to store them in. After that, he took out the copies of the contract and the Da Hong Pao parent trees purchase agreement from his luggage and put them away safely, afraid that he would lose them.


    Chenchen pouted. "Stingy."


    His mother also stared at him. "Do you have to go as far as that?"


    "Hmph, none of you would understand even if I exined it to you." Zhang Ye then reminded, "Make sure you don''t touch my tea. If you guys want to drink it, I''ll brew a cupter, but only a cup and not more."


    His mother was annoyed. "A cup?"


    His father was also speechless for a long time at that.


    In the future, if he could hype it up enough and the entire world knew about the value of Da Hong Pao, then rather than just millions, these several catties of tea leaves could even be auctioned off for up to several tens of millions of yuan. Not to mention that there was also an inexhaustible supply from those yearly harvests of the parent trees of his!


    Suddenly, a call arrived.


    The caller ID showed Wu Zeqing''s name on it.


    Seeing that, Zhang Ye suddenly smiled and answered: "Hello, Old Wu."


    "You''re back?"


    "Yeah, I just got home a moment ago."


    "How''s your work going?"


    "Everything''s going smoothly, how about you? How''re you doing?"


    "It''s going well for me too, hur hur."


    "We''ve not met in two months already. After I finish up my documentary''s post-production, I''ll visit you and have a taste of your cooking. Oh yes, I''ll bring some tea leaves for you as well when I go over. I guarantee you haven''t had something like it before. It''s an especially good quality tea. You''ll know what I mean after you taste it. I''ll bring you a hundred grams to try."


    "A tea that Big Sis has never had? There aren''t too many types that I haven''t tried before."


    "Ha, you definitely have not tried this one before."


    "Alright then, I''ll be looking forward to your tea leaves."


    "OK."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye saw the expression on his parents'' and the kid''s face.


    His mother: "��"


    His father: "��"


    Chenchen: "��"


    For them, it was a cup each, for someone else, it was a hundred grams. What a huge difference!


    His mother couldn''t help but ask, "Rascal, am I still your mother?"


    Zhang Yeughed at that.


    ...


    After lunch.


    In the afternoon, Zhang Ye did not stay at home to rest but headed straight back to the office. There was still a lot of work waiting for him to handle, so anyone other than Zhang Ye could rest. He was not even home for two hours yet, nor had the time to go look for Wu Zeqing, but had alreadye back to Central TV Tower for work.


    Actually, this fellow also felt tired. He wasn''t made of steel. If he drank too much, he would puke; if he ate too much, he would feel bloated. With the three film crews starting their shoots at the same time, even though they had a very packed schedule to follow, they still only had to travel every few days to a different location. However, Zhang Ye was flying almost every other day across the country to different locations and divided his time among the three film crews. On top of that, he was also the overall supervisor and executive director, so his workload was several times that of the others''. In the two months, Zhang Ye had already traveled to more than a dozen different provinces, covering almost the entire country. But even if he was tired, Zhang Ye always believed that only by experiencing the hardest hardships could he rise above the ordinary. He couldn''t control how others did their work, but he could guarantee that as long as it was something that he did, it would surely be done to perfection.


    After two months away from Beijing, there were also some changes back at the workce.


    From afar, Zhang Ye could already see a long vertical banner near the entrance of Central TV. Written on it was the promotional slogan for Rise to the Dance. There were also ad posters and balloon decorations around it as well. When Zhang Ye did The Voice back then, there was no such treatment from Central TV.


    As he drove closer, he saw countless fans camping outside the entrance.


    There were more than several hundred people!


    "Huo Dongfang! Huo Dongfang!"


    "Sect Leader Huo! I love you! I love you!"


    "Teacher Shen Lili! You''re my goddess!"


    "Fan Wenli!"


    "Teacher Fan, look at me! Give me a look!"


    "Chen Ye! You''re so handsome!"


    "Ah! Sect Leader Huo turned to look at me!"


    "He was looking at me!"


    "Get lost, it was me who he was looking at!"


    "When can we enter the recording studio?!"


    "It''s the first recording today. Hurry up, I can''t wait any longer!"


    Only then did Zhang Ye realize that the team of Rise to the Dance had just arrived ahead of him. A fewpact cars covered with promotional stickers of the show had just driven into thepound. From the fans'' shouts, he realized that it was the first recording of Rise to the Dance today. It seemed like in the two months that Zhang Ye was away, the preliminary auditions for Rise to the Dance had finished and they were now moving on to the next phase of the show. From the looks of it, they might be officially starting their broadcast very soon!


    At that moment, Zhang Ye also felt a sense of urgency and thought that he should really make the most of his time and hurry up and finish his documentary!


    He turned his steering wheel and drove in behind them into thepound. At the gate, he lowered the car window for the security guard who let him through immediately.


    Some fans noticed it!


    "Aiya, that''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Look at that BMW!"


    "Teacher Zhang hase to work too?"


    "Didn''t the news say that he went to shoot a documentary?"


    "Has he finished filming it? Teacher Zhang is back in Beijing?"


    Some of the onlookers started discussing. But as they were mainly the fans of Huo Dongfang, Fan Wenli, and Chen Ye, they did not pay much attention to Zhang Ye and just finished with their discussions after a few words. Since Zhang Ye was not a celebrity idol, his poprity among the younger groups of people made him not that sought after. Coupled with his disappearance from the mainstream media as he was away for work, although two months couldn''t be considered a long time, but for a celebrity in the entertainment circle, it was not a short time either. Two months was enough for a fan to change their allegiance to other celebrities due to a show or song that they came across during this duration.


    But luckily for Zhang Ye, his reputation was too big and his results were too dazzling. As a result, he did not have to worry that he would be forgotten after only two months away. At most, his poprity would maintain as before.


    Inside.


    At the lobby of the television tower.


    When Fan Wenli saw Zhang Ye''s car behind her, she purposely stopped in her tracks and waited for Zhang Ye toe out. "Director Zhang, it''s been awhile. Have you listened to my new song yet?"


    Zhang Ye smiled as he walked up to her. "I''ve been up in the mountains every day without a cell phone signal. How could I possibly have heard it? But I must definitely have your album in my collection. I''ll be buying a copy to listen to afterwards."


    Fan Wenli smiled and said, "Give me some suggestions after you listen to it.


    Zhang Ye waved it off and remarked, "Ohe on, you''re the professional when ites to music. I''m just an amateur who has coincidentally written two songs. How could I give you my suggestions?"


    Chen Ye and the others who were walking ahead also stopped in their tracks.


    Huo Dongfang turned around to look. No one knew what he was thinking, but he started walking over as well. "This must be Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye looked at him and also stepped forward to shake his hand. "Teacher Huo, nice to meet you."


    Huo Dongfang was an A-list actor with a very good figure. He was indeed worthy of his dance background and also had the looks and demeanor to go along with it. There was talk that his acting skills were quite good, but as Zhang Ye had not really watched any movies of his, he wasn''t too familiar with that im. However, getting into the ranks of the A-list celebrities, he shouldn''t be a simple person at all. At least in terms of poprity, Zhang Ye was not his match. It was rumored that as long as Huo Dongfang was involved in a movie, even just as a supporting actor, the box office earnings would break 100 million RMB, or even 200 or 300 million RMB. His followers on Weibo numbered in the many tens of millions, so Zhang Ye had long since heard of his name.


    Huo Dongfang had also often heard of Zhang Ye''s name before this. He looked at Zhang Ye''s face with a slightly strange gaze.


    These two people were meeting for the first time, so they didn''t speak much and just simply exchanged a few pleasantries.


    A bit aways, the dancer, Shen Lili, was on the phone talking. Nobody knew whether she saw Zhang Ye or not, but as she talked on the phone, she entered the elevator with a few program staff members to go upstairs. Rise to the Dance''s Executive Director Xu Yipeng turned back and cast a nce over them before following them into the elevator as well.


    However, Chen Ye unexpectedly stayed behind. He went up to the group with a smirk on his face. "Director Zhang, have you finished your documentary''s filming?"


    Zhang Ye acted like he just noticed him and said, "Yo, isn''t that Director Chen? Haha, yes, we just finished our filming and are preparing for the post-production work right now."


    Chen Ye looked him up and down and remarked, "You look like you''ve put on weight?"


    Zhang Ye replied with a chuckle, "You''ve not slimmed down at all either."


    Chen Ye looked spirited. The new show was being heavily promoted in recent days and that helped his poprity and worth rise back up quietly. Back then, after he was squeezed out of the B-list celebrity rankings by Zhang Ye, Chen Ye had forced his way back into them about half a month ago. He managed to squeeze out a longtime singer who had been famous for a long while, and returned back to the B-list celebrity rankings. Even though they were in the same tier now, his ranking was still far behind Zhang Ye''s, but Chen Ye believed that once Rise to the Dance started broadcasting, it wouldn''t be hard for him to catch up to Zhang Ye''s level of poprity.


    One was involved in a variety show, while the other was shooting a documentary. One of them would only have his poprity rise while the other one''s would fade. With one going up and one going down, the gap in their poprity would quickly be closed.


    So why would Chen Ye be afraid of not being able to catch up to Zhang Ye?


    It was just a matter of when he got there!


    Actually, it wasn''t just Chen Ye who felt this way. By now, everyone else also thought the same way. Didn''t Central TV Department 1 flex their muscles heavily to support Rise to the Dance and Chen Ye because they wanted Chen Ye to rece Zhang Ye? Wasn''t their intent to let Chen Ye ride the coattails of the glory of The Voice? To Central TV Department 1, Zhang Ye had always been an unavoidable pain. From the time since they started their cooperation until they fell out, and then the court case, Central TV Department 1 had totally lost face. That was also the reason why they gave so much love to Rise to the Dance, because Central TV Department 1 wanted to tell everyone that even without Zhang Ye, they could still rule the variety world. Without Zhang Ye, they would still have an excellent host who could take the ce of Zhang Ye!


    Chen Ye gave a fake smile and said, "Director Zhang is known for being able to make famous any show that he makes. I''m sure Director Zhang''s documentary is definitely going to be different from the others."


    Zhang Yeughed. "I can''tpare to you guys. Rise to the Dance is incredibly popr even before its broadcast. Even though I was stationed out in the mountains, I couldn''t get away from all those promos and news about it."


    Chen Ye narrowed his eyes. "I''m quite looking forward to the broadcast of your documentary."


    "Same here, same here," Zhang Ye replied.


    It appeared that they were both ttering each other, but were in fact engaged in a battle of sorts.


    Fan Wenli could sense it, so she tried to steer the subject away. "Director Zhang, when is your documentary going to be broadcast? Can you notify me when it does? I''m really looking forward to watching it."


    Chen Ye also said, "Yeah, when does it broadcast?"


    Zhang Ye nced at Chen Ye and returned, "Let me ask you first: When is Rise to the Dance going to be broadcast?"


    Hearing Zhang Ye ask that, everyone present was very surprised. Why did he ask that? Was Zhang Ye trying to find out about Rise to the Dance''s broadcast date and time so that he could have his documentary avoid it? Was he trying to avoid shing with it so that his documentary wouldn''t perform too badly and paint him in a bad light? That couldn''t be. Zhang Ye was so notorious for being a hooligan in the entertainment circle that Central TV was even sued in court by him. So why would he suddenly choose to avoid a conflict like this?


    Fan Wenli gave Zhang Ye a strange look.


    Huo Dongfang replied smilingly, "I think we''re scheduled for December. Has the exact date been set yet?" He turned to look at Chen Ye.


    Chen Ye revealed a joyous smile at that. With Zhang Ye asking that question, it showed that he had totally lost his confidence. It left Chen Ye feeling very satisfied as he said, "We set the date yesterday. It''s ted to premiere on Friday, December 10th at 8 PM. There will be a mini-press conference tonight. We''ll make an official announcement then too." Having said all that, Chen Ye''s gaze fell on Zhang Ye as he questioned him, "What about you guys, Director Zhang?"


    But nobody expected that Zhang Ye''s answer would dumbfound everyone here!


    Zhang Yeughed loudly. "Aiyo, how coincidental, our documentary is ted to premiere on December 10th at 8 PM on Friday as well!"


    Fan Wenli was shocked!


    Chen Ye was shocked!


    Even Huo Dongfang was shocked at that!


    Everyone else''s expressions froze!


    What did you say? You want to broadcast your documentary on the same date and time as Rise to the Dance? Everyone was quite dumbfounded by this. Fuck, it was only then that they understood that Zhang Ye had asked the question not because he was afraid of Rise to the Dance, but because he had intentionally wanted to match up against them with the same broadcast schedule! Moreover, no one had any doubts that the broadcast schedule for Department 14''s new documentary was just finalized right there and then by Zhang Ye! Otherwise, howe something so coincidental possibly happen!


    Crazy!


    Zhang Ye has really gone crazy!


    To say nothing of this being a documentary, many of the uing shows on Central TV were already strongly appealing for their shows to not be scheduled for the Friday primetime broadcast as they wanted to avoid the seemingly unstoppable Rise to the Dance. There were also the other shows of other television stations like Beijing Television and Shanghai Satellite TV whose program teams had applied to change their broadcast times because of the head-on sh with Rise to the Dance''s broadcast time. They were all afraid that their viewership ratings would turn out badly if they had to go up against Rise to the Dance. But while everyone else was rushing to avoid this, here you are, trying to go head-on with Rise to the Dance??


    This is too crazy!


    That show of yours is just a documentary!


    Around them, many of the Central TV employees who heard that suddenly stopped dead in their tracks. They all looked at Zhang Ye in shock with very wondrous expressions on their faces!


    This is the Zhang Ye they knew!


    This is that stubborn Zhang Ye who would not yield to anything!


    Fan Wenli didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Director Zhang, you are��" There''s no need to do this, there''s really no need to do this!


    Fan Wenli had never doubted Zhang Ye''s abilities. If Zhang Ye had been given a variety show instead, would he have needed to avoid other people''s shows? That would be bullshit! All the television stations in the entire country would probably be the ones nning to avoid Zhang Ye''s show''s time slot. Even Chen Ye would have to quietly and obligingly avoid it without making a sound! Because it was Zhang Ye''s show, because it was Zhang Ye''s variety show! But in the current situation? It''s a documentary that you have, so who would bother to avoid your show. It should be you avoiding other people''s shows instead!


    Zhang Ye''s reply left everyone stunned!


    Chen Ye was also tickled by his arrogance. You want topete with us on the same broadcast schedule? Alright then! That would be really great! I couldn''t wee you more than that!


    "Director Zhang, so it''s confirmed then?" Chen Ye tried to intimidate him. "You won''t be making any changes to that I suppose?"


    Zhang Ye gave him a smile. "Of course. I''m only afraid that you''ll change your time slot instead."


    Chen Ye chuckled, "We definitely won''t be changing it. We''ll see you around on the evening of the 10th then!"


    Chen Ye and his team left.


    Zhang Ye shrugged and then went about his own way as well.


    The remaining people who saw themotion stared with their mouths agape!


    "What the heck!"


    "Isn''t Director Zhang being too rash?"


    "I really have to give it to Director Zhang. He''s even trying to use a documentary topete against a variety show on viewership ratings? Fuck! How brave would you need to be to do that! In the entirety of Central TV, only Zhang Ye would try something like that!"


    "It''s needless to say, but Zhang Ye will definitely lose!"


    "Yeah, who knows what Director Zhang is thinking?"


    "The talented are truly bolder!"


    "But that wouldn''t be fair! How can a documentary possibly bepared to a variety show?"


    "If Director Zhang didn''t arrange for their documentary to be broadcast alongside Rise to the Dance, other people might not go andpare them. After all, the genre of the two shows are too different, so even if Director Zhang''s documentary were to get a viewership rating of 0.0-something percent, no one would say a thing. Since all documentaries perform simrly, no one would make a joke out of it. But now, it looks like Director Zhang is itching for a fight? Does he really intend to tussle with Rise to the Dance? He really wants to fight it out to prove something? He''s making it impossible for others not topare them! The key point here is: Will there even be anything topete on at all! Even if all the television stations in the entire country were to pick out their best viewership rated documentary, they wouldn''t be able topete with a random variety show with the lowest viewership that''s broadcast on a satellite channel!"


    "Director Zhang''s mind really works differently from others!"


    "Even if Zhang Ye wants to broadcast his documentary on the 10th, will Department 14 agree to it?"


    "Come on, have you all forgotten who the director of Department 14 is?"


    "Oh, it''s Yan Tianfei!"


    "Fuck, Director Yan isn''t someone who would back off from a challenge either!"


    "Right, if it''s Director Yan, he might really end up making such an arrangement too. There might really be a chance for these two shows to sh! This is surely going to keep the media busy for a while!"


    "This is going to be interesting!"


    "You mean it''s going to be trouble, don''t you! After all, Rise to the Dance should have been Zhang Ye''s show to handle, or you could say it was already decided until it got handed to Director Xu and Chen Ye instead. Now that Director Zhang has purposely scheduled his documentary to be broadcast on the same date and time as Rise to the Dance, I wonder how the media is going to report about it! The sensationalization is going to be��eh, hang on, do you guys think that Director Zhang might be using Rise to the Dance to publicize his documentary?"


    "That sounds very possible! The promos for Rise to the Dance have been overwhelming and everyone in the country knows about it. But how did they intend to promote Zhang Ye''s documentary? Even if they spend money on advertising, there''s only so much it can do. Who would bother to watch a documentary? Moreover, Department 14 doesn''t have that many tens of millions to put into their promotions anyway, so if they used Rise to the Dance to create a case for themselves instead, to use Zhang Ye''s and Chen Ye''s rivalry to hype it up, then it will definitely help to bring more attention to Department 14''s documentary! This is definitely the easiest and most cost-effective way for them to promote Zhang Ye''s documentary!"


    "You guys are thinking too hard."


    "Yeah, even if it''s publicizing the documentary, what''s the use? It''s still a documentary we''re talking about! Even if a Heavenly King or Queen were to do the narrations for it and they used that to hype it up to the entire world, there still wouldn''t be much of a viewership!"


    "Ahem, that''s true too."


    "Yeah, the key issue is that no one bothers watching a documentary."


    "Hai, let''s just wait and see how it turns out."


    Very quickly, this news started spreading around Central TV!


    Zhang Ye was indeed Zhang Ye. When he was not around in Beijing for two months, almost nothing happened at Central TV, with the days going by peacefully and quietly. But on the day that he returned, Central TV was getting boisterous again!

 Chapter 804: A starving camel is still bigger than a horse!

    <h4>Chapter 804: A starving camel is still bigger than a horse! </h4>


    Chapter 804: A starving camel is still bigger than a horse!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Upstairs.


    Central TV Department 14.


    When Zhang Ye entered the office space, he did not go elsewhere but headed straight to Yan Tianfei''s office. Old Yan was having ate lunch and had just finished eating the food from his lunch box prepared by his wife. His secretary was just taking the lunch box from Old Yan to go wash it when Zhang Ye entered.


    "Director Zhang." The secretary nodded with a smile. Then he left the office with the empty lunch box.


    Yan Tianfei was taken aback and asked curiously, "Teacher Zhang, didn''t you just get off the ne today? Why did youe to work in the afternoon if you just arrived back at Beijing this morning? There''s no hurry at all. Besides, you should be resting after working so hard for the past two months. Why are you in such a hurry to do the post-production, voice-over, and the editing?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I wanted to discuss something with you."


    Yan Tianfei asked, ''What is it?"


    "I want our documentary to start broadcasting on December 10th," Zhang Ye asserted.


    Yan Tianfei was taken aback at first, then looked to be deep in thought while he wondered, "Why does this date sound so familiar?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Rise to the Dance is also going to be broadcast on that day."


    Only then did Yan Tianfei recall. "No wonder it sounds so familiar!"


    "I would like our documentary to be broadcast on the same day and time as theirs. That''s why I came here to seek your opinion. Zhang Ye stated, "If you think that''s not possible, then we can talk about it again another time."


    Yan Tianfei didn''t even give it a second thought and just said, "Why not? Since you''re the executive director of our only independent program team at Department 14, I won''t interfere with the matters that you''re handling. You can decide on the date and time by yourself since there are plenty of free broadcast time slots at Department 14. You can just choose any time slot from Monday to Sunday. As long as you feel that it''s alright, then it''s settled. There''s no need to ask me."


    With that, it was now Zhang Ye''s turn to be taken aback. "Thank you."


    Yan Tianfei chuckled, "We are different from Department 1. This is just a small office. As a famous program nner, executive director, and host in the country, we can''t be any happier that you are here with us now. We won''t limit you in doing anything. As long as you feel it''s OK, then anything is fine. I''ll let you have absolute freedom and authority on handling that matter, so you can do whatever you like and it doesn''t matter how the viewership ratings turn out either!"


    They supported him with the money, they supported him with the manpower, he could do whatever he liked, and there was no need to ensure a good viewership rating��even for Zhang Ye, this was the first time that he hade across such a department. Naturally, Zhang Ye felt very grateful to Yan Tianfei, as he knew this was because Yan Tianfei respected and trusted him.


    Zhang Ye said, "Director Yan."


    Yan Tianfei gave a wave of his hand. "I don''t have that many rules here, since I call you Little Zhang, then you can just address me as Old Yan."


    "Sure." Zhang Ye had to be worthy of his respect so he said, "Don''t worry, I''ll definitely do a good job on this show."


    ...


    Back in his own office.


    The empty Section 3 office space at Department 14 already had its new namete hung on the door and on it were the words of "A Bite of China Program Team." The people inside were excited and the 20-odd staff were discussing in low whispers. Just look at how fast the news had spread. Zhang Ye was only at Old Yan''s office for ten minutes, but everyone already found out about it.


    Little Wang was stomping around anxiously. "Director Zhang really wants topete with them?"


    Tong Fu pulled a long face. "I can''t imagine how embarrassing it''ll turn out to be when the viewership ratings are out!"


    "All the staff throughout Central TV are discussing this matter now. All the people are waiting to watch the fun��no��waiting to see us make a fool of ourselves!" Huang Dandan smiled wryly. "How could our documentary possibly verse their variety show? Moreover, it''s even arge-scale singing talent show with big shot celebrities like Huo Dongfang, Fan Wenli, and Shen Lili! There''s no way we canpete with them! We''re only making a traditional documentary!"


    Ha Qiqi remained silent for a long time.


    Zhang Ye came back to the office and said, "Why are you all here?"


    Seeing him, everyone hastily stopped their discussions and did not say another word.


    Zhang Ye asked curious, "Didn''t I already say that you guys can have a few days of rest? I can handle the rest of the work here and you can rest well."


    Zhang Zuo replied, "If you''re not resting, then neither should we."


    Ha Qiqi responded, "We can''t let you do all the work."


    Wu Yi spoke, "We''ll all rest together after the documentary''s post-production has beenpleted."


    Everyone had gone through thick and thin together since they were on The Voice, so they had a mutual understanding of one another. That was why everyone came back to work without exception. Even those that had returned on the same flight as Zhang Ye in the morning also came back after having their lunch.


    Zhang Ye felt quite touched. "Alright then, let''s make our final push andplete everything!" After a pause, he continued, "I want to tell you guys something which I think everyone already knows about it. I just reported to Director Yan that our documentary will start broadcasting on December 10th. There''s only two weeks left, so we must do our best to quickly finish up and send it for approval."


    Little Wang, who looked like she was either crying orughing, asked, "Director Zhang, are we really going topete with Rise to the Dance��"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "How would we know if we don''t give it a try?"


    Little Wang imed anxiously, "But we shouldn''t even be trying. We''re only making a documentary here, how��"


    "Even if we changed it to another broadcast time, so what?" Zhang Ye dered, "Everyone should not feel pressured by this. What''s the difference between broadcasting on that day and on a different day? We might as well take advantage of Rise to the Dance''s poprity and let them help us promote our documentary for free. We won''t even have to spend any money on that."


    When they thought about it, it was indeed as he said.


    Even if they avoided the broadcast time of Rise to the Dance, there would still not be much of an audience who would watch their documentary, so there wasn''t going to be too much of a difference in the end.


    Following that, Zhang Ye started to assign the tasks.


    He did not idle around either and started to make some phone calls.


    The first call:


    "Hello, Director Qu. I''ve finally managed to reach you."


    "Teacher Zhang, hello, I was in a meeting earlier."


    "I''m doing a show now which I think you might have heard of?"


    "I know, it''s a documentary."


    "Look, we had a very good working rtionship previously with the second-tier ads on The Voice and you also know my character now. We definitely won''t disappoint you with this show, but for now, we still do not have a title sponsor yet, would you��"


    "Aiya, I''m sorry, Teacher Zhang. Recently, our budget is really low and we really can''t afford to fork out any."


    "We''re making a documentary on food which is very suited to the branding of your winery."


    "We really do not have enough money. Perhaps next time. Next time, we''ll definitely cooperate with you again."


    The second phone call:


    "Hello, Boss Zhou, it''s me."


    "Director Zhang, it''s been a long time."


    "I''ve just finished a documentary, so about the ads, your fruit juice product��"


    "Director Zhang, let me be frank with you. If you were making a variety show, even if it were a talk show, I would definitely be fighting to be your title sponsor. But now, it''s a documentary you''re making, and that basically has nomercial value in it and the viewership ratings are also poor. So then, I''m really sorry about this."


    "The viewership ratings will definitely be much higher than what you would expect."


    "Maybe next time, when you''re making a variety show again, I''ll definitely be the first one to look for you. I''ll even invest 50 million RMB on it!"


    A few phone callster, he received no favorable responses.


    Zhang Ye was feeling helpless. Those businessmen were too shortsighted!


    Ha Qiqi also came back from making some calls. "Director Zhang, I''ve had no sess at all. I''ve checked with seven, eight food and beverage rtedpanies and none of them were interested in buying our advertisement slots. Only onepany was slightly interested but when they heard that we wouldn''t be inserting ads inside the actual documentary, they also rejected it."


    Zhang Ye exined, "We''re not doing a variety show this time, so the actual documentary has to be cleanly presented. Otherwise, it''ll affect the overall quality of the documentary. That''s why we''re only selling the title sponsorships and advertisements outside of the actual documentary."


    Ha Qiqi sighed, "Then it''ll be even less attractive. I also discussed with some online video hosting sites regarding the online exclusive broadcast rights. They were very interested in cooperating with us, but the price offers were very low and almost negligible. It''d be as good as giving it to them for free."


    "Forget it, I was already mentally prepared for this oue." Zhang Ye said, "We''ll just go ahead without the advertisements then. We''ll talk about it again after the show is broadcast."


    The program team felt that Director Zhang was being too positive.


    For the past few decades, there were almost no documentaries in the entire country that earned any money, much less earning from advertising fees. This felt like idiotic nonsense!


    Selling advertisements?


    Following the variety shows'' style of simulcast over the Inte?


    And even thinking ofpeting with Rise to the Dance by broadcasting at the same time slot?


    No one on the program team knew what Zhang Ye was thinking about. They were just an unloved and uncared for traditional documentary and yet he wanted to do it like how variety shows were done?


    Zhang Ye did not bother to exin it to anyone. If no one wanted to take up the advertisement slots, so be it. He immediately moved onto the next step and arranged for the art designers to create some publicity posters for A Bite of China, then led a group of people to edit the documentary. They took an hour before finally ending up with three-minute trailer, or you could call it a promotional video too. Once the music and voiceover was added, it would be ready for release.


    The background music was a huge task and it was even more troublesome than Zhang Ye doing the narration by himself. Hence, he handed this job to around eight staff members and let them handle it. If they really could not manage, they could also choose to spend some money to hire someone from a musicpany to do it for them. Zhang Ye still knew a few people in the music industry who could help them out. Their program team still had some money left over which should be enough to cover those costs. As for the editing and narration work, they were entirely Zhang Ye''s tasks to handle. The others could do little for him here as they wouldn''t be able to help him out essentially.


    The work started!


    "Director Zhang, I''vepleted it."


    "That won''t do, make it a little more detailed."


    "Director Zhang, is this poster OK?"


    "No, it looks too in. It only depicts the scenes of some farmers working in the field? This looks too monotonous."


    "Uh, but our documentary is a food show that introduces different foods and cuisines, this��"


    "Even if it''s a food show, we still have to bring out the artistic atmosphere of it. Especially the cover poster. It has to be more outstanding. Why don''t we do this? Change all the rice in these paddy fields into the shapes of calligraphy writings."


    "Calligraphy?"


    "Yes. Rece the paddy fields with calligraphy. When seen from far, they look like paddy fields, but when viewed up close, the farmers are actually nting calligraphic words in the fields. Oh right, create a few more posters. For example, piping hot rice dumplings. Make them look like it''s in the shape of a mountain and ce two real mountains beside it to further enhance that effect."


    "Wow, this idea is so awesome!"


    "Yea, the atmosphere is brought out immediately!"


    "Director Zhang is truly a professional."


    "Isn''t that nonsense? Director Zhang has been making advertisements since a long time ago. Which advertisement made by Director Zhang isn''t known by all? In the aspect of publicity, no one canpete with us. Even if we''re not making a variety show but a documentary instead, our starving camel is still bigger than a horse!"


    Immediately, the program team of A Bite of China went into full swing!

 Chapter 805: The unveiling of A Bite of China!

    <h4>Chapter 805: The unveiling of A Bite of China! </h4>


    Chapter 805: The unveiling of A Bite of China!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    That night.


    The program team of Rise to the Dance called a press conference.


    At the press conference,rge publicity posters were put up all over the venue. Promotional catchphrases and posters could be seen everywhere as the organizers and rted staff members of the program team were in attendance, including Huo Dongfang, Fan Wenli, Shen Lili, who were the big name guest coaches. They all sat with Executive Director Xu Yipeng and Assistant Director-cum-host, Chen Ye, at a row of tables behind the stage, facing over 40 reporters of the media from the newspapers and the television stations.


    The promotional video was yed at the beginning of the press conference.


    Then, Xu Yipeng, Chen Ye, and the three guest coaches shared some anecdotes of this afternoon''s recording.


    Finally, it was time for the question and answer session for the reporters.


    A male reporter raised his hand and asked, "Director Xu, Rise to the Dance has already moved into the recording phase now and everyone is very concerned about the broadcast date."


    Xu Yipeng answered, "The date has already been set for Friday, December 10th at 8 PM. Everyone, please look forward to it then."


    A female reporter asked, "Sect Leader Huo, you''ve been involved in filming for the past two years and have hardly appeared in any variety shows at all. Regarding your participation in Rise to the Dance this time, what are your thoughts about this talent show? How do you feel after today''s first recording of the show?"


    Huo Dongfang smiled and answered, "If I have to describe it, then it has to be with the word ''surprised.'' I won''t be revealing the details of today''s recording for now, so everyone can find out what I mean on December 10th. I believe you''ll also be surprised by it. Oh right, there''s also a scene of me battling it out on the dance floor with Teacher Wenli. That''s a must-see."


    Fan Wenli also grinned at that.


    At the beginning, the questions were all the usual ones, but at some point in time, the pulse of the press conference changed.


    A random reporter suddenly asked, "ording to an anonymous source, the production phase of Rise to the Dance hasn''t been smooth at all. There were many issues that happened since the beginning, like problems with the venue, and an incident where the staff made a mistake and caused a mishap while setting up the stage. What I am trying to ask is: Ever since Teacher Zhang Ye left Central TV Department 1, has that greatly affected everyone? If it were Zhang Ye serving as the program''s producer and director, the production phase would probably have gone much smoother, right?"


    Chen Ye frowned.


    Shen Lili also looked quite ufortable with the question.


    What were they driving at? Did you mean that without Zhang Ye we couldn''t make the show?


    Actually, that reporter''s question wasn''t unreasonable as the show was really hampered by a lot of oversight and problems. Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye, as well as most of the entire program team, were handling such arge-scale talent show for the first time. The difference between a 10 million and 100 million production cost show was not just in the amount of money; the nature of the show was totally different as well. Xu Yipeng, Chen Ye, and the rest did not have any experience in this area, so they took many detours and made a lot of mistakes in the course of the production.


    Xu Yipeng looked at that reporter and said, "I do not need to talk about Teacher Zhang''s experience and results in the field of entertainment shows. His departure is indeed a pity, but that was arranged by the station and the leaders definitely had their considerations before doing so. Since I have agreed to take on this project, I will certainly give my all and do a good job. Moreover, the preparation of a show in its production phase is surely not going to be smooth sailing. Even if there were some problems, that wasn''t unexpected and shouldn''t be a surprise to anyone. Hur hur, even though my experience is in directing gs, I am no stranger to variety shows either. On top of all that, I have a group of elite staff supporting me, so as to how the show turns out, everyone will find out when it begins its broadcast."


    Another reporter asked, "What is the targeted viewership rating you have for Rise to the Dance?"


    Xu Yipeng answered, "Haha, of course the higher the better."


    A middle-aged female reporter asked, "We heard that Teacher Zhang Ye is alsounching a documentary over at Department 14. Can you tell us what your views are on that?"


    Xu Yipeng gave her a nce. "Is that so? I didn''t pay much attention to that I guess."


    The female reporter asked, "You mean you did not know what yourpetitors are up to?"


    Hearing that, Chen Ye interjected, "Ourpetitors are the other variety shows at the same time slot, and even those variety shows that air at different times. But a documentary does not fall under our area of observation."


    When Fan Wenli heard this, she gave a look to Chen Ye but did not say anything.


    Many of the reporters understood the meaning of those words!


    This was issuing a letter of challenge!


    Not only was it a challenge to all the variety shows in the country, the scornful attitude towards Zhang Ye was also very obvious. He basically did not have Zhang Ye and his documentary in his sights!


    Suddenly, Xu Yipeng dropped another bombshell. "I would like to make use of this opportunity to announce something. The exclusive title sponsorship for Rise to the Dance has already been sold to Chunhe Mineral Water!"


    As for the exact title sponsorship fee, Xu Yipeng did not mention it. But after the press conference ended, there were still some reporters who managed to get hold of the urate figures for it!


    Chunhe Mineral Water had actually paid 100 million RMB for the title sponsorship!


    It was the same amount as The Voice''s title sponsorship fee!


    ...


    Online.


    Manyizens were in an uproar!


    "100 million in title sponsorship fees?"


    "Dammit, why so much? I thought it would only get 50 million at most!"


    "Didn''t they already agree on the title sponsorship with another sponsor earlier? Why did it change? So there are reallypanies willing to spend 100 million on Rise to the Dance for its exclusive title sponsorship?"


    "It''s exactly the same amount as The Voice''s title sponsorship fee!"


    "Do you all think that Rise to the Dance can really surpass The Voice?"


    "I don''t know, but judging from this momentum, Rise to the Dance is going really aggressively for that!"


    "How incredible! Another 100 million RMB title sponsorship fee has appeared in the country. In the future, could a 100 million title sponsorship fee be the criteria that will differentiate a normal variety show from a phenomenal variety show?"


    "This is explosive news!"


    "Rise to the Dance is really going for it!"


    "With this momentum, I doubt anyone can stop them!"


    The news and Weibo were once again filled with topics about Rise to the Dance!


    ...


    At Central TV Department 14.


    Many of those who were working overtime were shocked when they heard this news.


    Zhang Zuo was in disbelief. "A 100 million RMB title sponsorship? How could it be that much?"


    Little Wang said jealously, "How can that lousy show be worth 100 million?"


    Tong Fu seethed, "By spending so much on advertising, can they even recoup it?"


    "If the advertisers are willing to spend that amount of money," Ha Qiqi said while shaking her head, "Who are we to say anything? Just continue with your work. After all, no matter what Central TV Department 1 does is none of our business. Even if Rise to the Dance were to keep up or increase their efforts to stay in the news, it has nothing to do with us."


    Zhang Zuo gave a wry smile. "Who says it has nothing to do with us? Did you forget when our broadcast is?"


    Ha Qiqi sighed.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye came back from the recording studio and told everyone, "The promo video has been edited and the narration has been recorded as well. Get a few people working on it today to get it published online and send it out internally within Department 14. Oh right, add in the broadcast date and time as well. We can get started on the mass publicity already!"


    Buying ad spots, employing a shill army, all these were part and parcel of a show''s promotional activities.


    Ha Qiqi immediately reported to Zhang Ye about the situation regarding Rise to the Dance.


    When he heard about their astronomical title sponsorship fee, Zhang Ye remarked without even frowning, "OK, I got it. Let''s just hurry up and do our work first, who cares what they do?"


    "Uh."


    "Understood."


    Everyone immediately began working on the promotional video.


    Of course, all of them first sat down together to watch the promotional video once. All of the footage and editing was done by Zhang Ye and decided by him alone, so no one actually had any idea of how the promotional video would look since they hadn''t see it before. In their minds, this was just going to be a traditional documentary without anything interesting to look forward to. But when the edited promotional video that was only a few minutes long yed out in front of their eyes, they were all rather stunned.


    The paddy growing in the fields.


    The pine mushrooms that were found in the mountains.


    The tes of cuisine emanating steaming hot vapor.


    All those images left them in a kind of daze.


    "Eh?"


    "That''s not right!"


    "Was this footage taken by us?"


    "Uh, did we really shoot that? Why do I find it strangely unfamiliar? I know this shot. Wasn''t it the one that I took at the foot of the mountain where the big rock was at? Did that ce look so beautiful? Why are all the scenes done in closeups? They''re all features shots? It can even be edited in this manner?"


    "Is this what an HD video camera can do?"


    "Damn! Can this footage be any clearer? I can even see the shimmer when the heat rises. I can also see the wings of the little bug that flew past the pine mushroom perfectly!"


    "Why does it feel so different from the other documentaries that we''ve seen before?"


    "Yeah, this��"


    At this moment, everyone in the program team realized for the first time that the footage that they had spent two months filming were truly very different from the other traditional documentaries!


    As for whether it was better or worse than those other documentaries?


    They all did not know, since when it came to documentaries, there had never been a special rule for sess. Since Director Zhang had edited it this way, they would just follow his instructions and publish or send it out as it is.


    Upload it online.


    Contact the Advertising Department.


    Follow through with Department 14''s broadcasting section.


    All at once, A Bite of China had its posters and promo clip put out onto the market. This was also the moment that A Bite of China was unveiled in this world for the first time!

 Chapter 806: Waiting to make a fool of someone?

    <h4>Chapter 806: Waiting to make a fool of someone? </h4>


    Chapter 806: Waiting to make a fool of someone?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    At Yan Tianfei''s house.


    A Bite of China''s promo clip appeared on Yan Tianfei''sputer screen all of a sudden. He did not watch this clip on the Inte. Rather, it was sent to him by the program team of A Bite of China. Although Old Yan had said that Zhang Ye could make all decisions on the show by himself, Zhang Ye couldn''t just leave it at that. What the leader said was his business, but when it came down to it, Zhang Ye still preferred to get official instructions.


    When the clip ended.


    Yan Tianfei watched it again.


    Not long after, he watched it for the third time and he asionally frowned, at times feeling doubtful.


    A middle-aged woman called out from the living room. It sounded like she was nagging him. "What are you doing, Old Yan? Why aren''t youing out for dinner?"


    Yan Tianfei replied, "I''lle out in a while."


    The door opened and his wife entered the room. "What are you watching?"


    Yan Tianfei answered in an odd manner, "It''s the promotional video of our documentary."


    "The documentary that was made by Zhang Ye?" His wife asked, "Is it good?"


    Yan Tianfei hesitated for a while, then said as he shook his head, "I''m not sure. Anyway, this documentary is quite different from what we''ve imagined. In the past, no one has actually shot a documentary this way before."


    His wife remarked, "No matter how he films it, it''s still a documentary. Don''t tell me that he can make a documentary that is like a variety show?"


    Upon hearing his wife saying that, Yan Tianfei couldn''t help but sigh. "He can already produce such a good documentary on his first time directing it. Hai, with Little Zhang''s directing abilities, it is indeed a pity that he came to our department. Those bunch of idiots at Central TV Department 1 have really wasted his talents!"


    ...


    Central TV Department 1.


    A lot of people left workte because of the Rise to the Dance press conference.


    In the conference room, after some of them had finished discussing matters rted to Rise to the Dance, the promotional video of A Bite of China coincidentally made its appearance on the Inte as well.


    "Eh?"


    "They''ve released the promo video?"


    "y it and let''s have a look."


    "Yeah, y it. I''m also interested to see what they have been busy shooting for the past two months."


    They yed the video and projected it onto the big screen in the conference room.


    Some of them frowned. "Eh, this doesn''t feel like a traditional way of shooting a documentary?"


    Another person said in surprise, "When did Zhang Ye possess such a level of skill in editing and control of the imagery? Other than variety shows, he also knows how to make a documentary? Looking at the way it is presented, how can this person be a broadcasting graduate? It wouldn''t be too far-fetched to im that he is directing graduate instead! I-is this really his first time shooting a documentary?"


    That''s right.


    Was this really his first time shooting a documentary?


    Everyone had the same question on their minds.


    The people present were also fellow professionals, so their judgment was naturally different from others. From just a few scenes, they could already see the standard of this director. Some of them even thought that if Rise to the Dance were given to Zhang Ye from the start, it might have been more suitable than getting Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye to handle it. Even if they knew that Xu Yipeng was capable, even if Xu Yipeng tried his best to prove this point at the press conference earlier, it could not change the judgment of some people regarding the difference in directing ability of Zhang Ye and Xu Yipeng. It was because Xu Yipeng''s directing ability at variety shows was still unknown and uncertain. But Zhang Ye did not need to prove anything anymore, because everyone knew very well that Zhang Ye was the executive director of the top-rated show in viewership in the variety world.


    However, Jiang Yuan shook his head andmented, "This is just ying to the gallery. The only differences from a traditional documentary are the usage of HD equipment and giving the subjects a closeup framing and doing more long takes."


    "Yes, it is indeed as Director Jiang has said."


    "No matter how beautiful the imagery is, this is still just a documentary."


    "Even if he can film the cuisine and present it attractively on screen, it''s still useless."


    This was also the first time that they were seeing the true face of Zhang Ye''s documentary. They had no choice but to admit that it was indeed different from what they had expected. However, even if it varied a lot from their expectations, from the day that Zhang Ye left Central TV Department 1 and transferred to Department 14, no one ever treated Zhang Ye as apetitor anymore. Zhang Ye has already gone to an obscure documentary channel with the lowest viewership ratings at Central TV. From that moment, Zhang Ye had already lost the right topete with them. This applied all the same even though he was the best variety show director in the industry.


    ...


    In the program team office of Rise to the Dance.


    Everyone was curiously watching the promotional video of Department 14.


    Xu Yipeng smiled and said, "It''s nothing much."


    After watching it, Chen Ye said, "I thought they could do something entirely new with the documentary, but even if the shooting techniques used are different, even if they use HD video cameras, it''s still nothing but a documentary."


    Previously, some of them were worried that Zhang Ye would spend a lot of money to invite some celebrities to lend their support by helping to create a style simr to a variety show. But now, they realized they had thought too much. Zhang Ye was truly shooting a documentary, and no matter how different this documentary looked from the others, a documentary was still a documentary. It wasn''t something that was worthy of all that attention.


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    On the Inte, manyizens also watched the promotional video of A Bite of China.


    "Wah, Zhang Ye''s documentary is here!"


    "Teacher Zhang has already disappeared for two months! I''ve almost forgotten about that esteemed person!"


    "Zhang Ye is back?"


    "Holy shit, he really went to make a documentary? I thought those were just rumors!"


    "He really went and did it. There, isn''t the new show that''s almost out A Bite of China? The title is so weird. It doesn''t sound too interesting."


    "I think it''s good and very beautifully shot as well!"


    "The imagery is really clear. Was this shot on HD video cameras?"


    "There''s even someone who would use HD equipment to shoot a documentary? What a reckless waste of the equipment!"


    "I guess it''s OK. I don''t know much about documentaries, so I can''t tell the difference between what it''s nice and what''s not, because who would have the time to watch a documentary? But since this is a work by Zhang Ye, no matter how uninteresting it is, I will definitely still give it a watch. If it were filmed by other people, I wouldn''t even take a look!"


    "That''s right. I''ll definitely watch Zhang Ye''s new show, but I''m not expecting much."


    "I''m not going to watch it as I still prefer watching variety shows. Recently, I''ve been looking forward to Rise to the Dance. Sect Leader Huo will finally be making a rare appearance onscreen as a guest coach."


    The facts had proven before that Zhang Ye''s fan base was pretty massive. Even if he had disappeared for a full two months, even if no one usually paid any attention to documentaries, once the promotion for A Bite of China was released, everyone would still immediately discuss it eagerly. This was the influence of a B-list celebrity, not to mention that Zhang Ye was also not just an ordinary B-list celebrity. With his legendary feats, even the current first ce of the B-list celebrity rankings could notpare with him!


    Yao Jiancai helped to forward it.


    Dong Shanshan Liked it on Weibo.


    A portion of those currently popr contestants of The Voice who were groomed to fame by Zhang Ye also forwarded it in session. If not for Zhang Ye falling out with Central TV Department 1, leading to many public figures having concerns about that, there would be definitely many more people giving their Likes.


    Of course, Fan Wenli was not one of those who had any concerns. She did not seem to be bothered that she was currently working together with Central TV Department 1 and gave her well wishes as well: "Hope you can continue to create another glorious achievement."


    Theizens activelymented.


    "Eh, continue to create another glorious achievement? Teacher Fan is really humorous."


    "That''s right. This time he really won''t be able to continue his legend any longer!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s glorious achievement was getting 2% of the nationwide viewership ratings. But Teacher Zhang only has a documentary as his trump card now, so how is he going to have any glorious achievements with that?"


    "But Sister Fan is really terrific. Although she is currently working with Central TV Department 1, she did not forget to give her well wishes to Director Zhang. Here''s a Like for you!"


    "Teacher Fan is such a loyal friend! Unlike some of the contestants of The Voice. Even though Director Zhang was the one who groomed them, when they heard that Director Zhang and Central TV were stuck in a deadlock, they immediately pretended not to know him. What''s with that!"


    "We can''t me them. After all, Central TV Department 1 is in the favorable position."


    "Director Zhang is really being forced to his limits!"


    At this moment, the first promotional poster of A Bite of China was released!


    When theizens saw the poster, they started heaping praise on it and felt that it had an artistic feel. Then, when they noticed the words on the poster, they were stunned!


    What''s this?


    Is this for real??


    Besides the advertising slogan on the poster, there was a sentence in small ck words��See you on December 10th at 8 PM.


    "On the 10th? 8 PM?"


    "I''m gonna faint! Why does it look kinda familiar?"


    "Isn''t that the fucking broadcast time of Rise to the Dance?"


    "Dammit! A Bite of China is going topete with Rise to the Dance! Zhang Ye is picking a fight with Central TV Department 1 again! Can someone tell me that this is not true?!"


    "What? Director Zhang must have gone crazy!"


    "Zhang Ye just returned to Beijing, right? He already stirring up trouble right after getting back?"


    "This is definitely Zhang Ye''s style! This is just like in the past. Does he intend to go on a face-smacking spree again? The title of Face-smacking Zhang is not for nothing!"


    "Fuck, face smacking my ass. The broadcast is at the same time? Isn''t he just sending himself to their doorsteps and letting them smack his face?!"


    "Indeed, what is Director Zhang thinking?"


    "How can a documentary possibly beat a variety show?!"


    "Are we overthinking it? Maybe he does not have such an intention? Maybe it''s just a coincidence?"


    "How can there be such a coincidence?!"


    Zhang Ye''s fans were stunned!


    Theizens observing themotion were also stunned!


    When this news got out, the topic immediately received a lot of attention and was constantly being spread!


    ...


    Zhang Ye''s cell phone started ringing.


    It was the shocked voice of Hu Fei. "Little Zhang, what are you trying to do?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "I''m not trying to do anything."


    Hu Fei wondered: "If you weren''t trying to do anything, why would you want to broadcast the documentary at the same time slot as Rise to the Dance?"


    Zhang Ye said amused: "Then what do you think I''m trying to do?"


    Hu Fei replied: "How would I know what you are trying to do!"


    Not long after, a call from Dong Shanshan arrived.


    Dong Shanshan immediately asked when the call connected: "Old ssmate, what is the meaning of all this?"


    "I don''t mean anything," Zhang Ye answered whileughing.


    After a short silence, as though she had considered for a long while, Dong Shanshan said: "You better not tell me that you want topete for a higher viewership rating than Rise to the Dance."


    Zhang Ye did not answer directly. "What do you think?"


    Dong Shanshan repeated: "How would I know what you''re thinking? Don''t tell me it''s just a coincidence?"


    Zhang Yeughed heartily at that. "Yes, it''s just a coincidence."


    Dong Shanshan stated: "Both the date and time of the premiere are just a coincidence? Who would believe that!"


    In any case, it didn''t matter what was said anymore. The date was already set and that was something that no one could change!


    The Inte had a field day.


    Discussions were going on all across the industry!


    Some were mocking Zhang Ye for being overconfident, some were gloating and waiting to see the fun. It seemed like the entire world was waiting for Zhang Ye and Central TV Documentary Channel to make a fool of themselves!

 Chapter 807: Who can stop me!

    <h4>Chapter 807: Who can stop me! </h4>


    Chapter 807: Who can stop me!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    The list of A Bite of China''s production team was published.


    Executive Producer: Zhang Ye.


    Executive Director: Zhang Ye.


    Overall nner: Zhang Ye.


    Narrator: Zhang Ye.


    Assistant Directors: Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo.


    Videographers: Zhang Ye, Xu Han, Li Guo Tao, Zheng Xia, Huang Dandan.


    Editor: Zhang Ye.


    And so on.


    It was just like before. Many of theizens were already used to seeing a list like that. Every time Zhang Ye made a show, his name would be credited for the positions of executive producer, director, overall nner, editor, etc. In the industry, this was no longer something new and Zhang Ye had always been doing it this way. However, it was even more this time, as Zhang Ye even took on the position of a videographer! However, that was also understandable since the essence of a documentary depended on the way it was filmed. For such an important position, Zhang Ye couldn''t be sloppy about it!


    What was this called?


    Some people would say that he was a showoff, but more people referred to it as him being amazing!


    It seemed like this fellow was qualified for every damn position avable in a show''s production! He could take on all of the positions! If it were anyone else, who could do something like that? Even if they had the technical skills to do so, they wouldn''t have the energy to do everything!


    Online.


    Themotion was still continuing on Weibo. A lot of people were still unable to ept this bombshell from yesterday. The main issue was that no one could understand what Zhang Ye''s considerations were. Everything that Zhang Ye did up until now had left the people and the entire industry confused, with no one able toprehend his motives.


    "Why is that so?"


    "Does he really intend to use a documentary to verse a variety show?"


    "In the entire entertainment circle, no one is more daring than Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s pointless to argue over this now. Let''s just wait for the oue!"


    "But do we even need to wait for the oue to know what the results are?"


    "Yeah, it''s obvious that he won''t win!"


    "With Rise to the Dance already so popr, everyone else is trying to avoid it. Didn''t you guys see how several of those satellite channels made changes to the broadcast time of some of their new blockbuster shows? Some were rescheduled from Friday to Saturday, while some of those which were still scheduled for Friday had their times changed from 8 PM to 9:30 PM. But what about Zhang Ye? Not only does he not avoid it, he''s even walking into the direct line of fire?"


    "That''s why he''s called Zhang Ye!"


    "He definitely deserves the reputation of being a wonder of the entertainment circle!"


    The news in the media were also reporting nonstop about this.


    "Zhang Ye deres war on Central TV Department 1 again!"


    "Deliberate or just a coincidence?"


    "A sh of broadcast schedule for A Bite of China and Rise to the Dance!"


    "The first documentary to be filmed in HD ising soon!"


    "Rise to the Dance''s press conference: Rise to the Dance does not consider Zhang Ye and his documentary aspetitors!"


    "Broadcast schedule sh could just be a coincidence."


    "A documentary does not use viewership ratings to determine if it is good or bad. Comparisons should only be made with past documentaries, not against the viewership ratings of a variety show!"


    "Broadcast schedule might turn out to be a promotional strategy by Zhang Ye! "


    "A 10 million RMB documentary: Is it really worth that price? "


    In the past days, disregarding other promotional activities rted to music, concerts, movies, etc, the television show mentioned the most was Rise to the Dance in the news headlines and discussions. There was basically an overwhelming coverage on it and one of the rare variety shows to be so heatedly discussed before it even started broadcasting. It was getting more attention than when The Voice had not broadcast yet, with little to no negative news about it. Of all the new shows on the satellite channels and old shows that had aired before in the entire country, none of them could bepared to this. But right now, with Zhang Ye''s poprity and the heavy promotions of A Bite of China, their show had also started to hold down a ce of its own on the news headlines. Although the coverage was much less than for Rise to the Dance, but whenpared to other unloved and uncared for documentaries, A Bite of China''s buildup was already considered to be very good.


    ...


    Central TV Department 14.


    Inside a work area, Zhang Ye was doing an audio recording.


    "The geography of China is very diverse, so people living in different areas enjoy different staple foods. Staple foods not only provide calories, but also affect people''s feelings towards the seasons, enabling them to lead a rich, healthy, and interesting life."


    "Shanxi, Chen Vige, in an old vige��"


    "The women are the best at making bread and pasta. After grain has been ground into powder, it is known as flour��"


    In the soundproofed studio, Zhang Ye instinctively did the narration line by line for the already edited video with meticulous attention. His speaking tone was also very steady and mature, and one could easily hear that he had purposely lowered his tone while speaking to bring out the depth of his voice to match the imagery on screen.


    Those who knew Zhang Ye would know that his hosting style in the past was not like that. Comparatively, Zhang Ye used to present in a much lighter style with hisnguage and voice, not forgetting his humor and crazy reciting speed. Even during the recording of an educational program like Lecture Room, he did not show this steady style of presenting with his voice. The reason was simple. Because one should always use different styles for different types of shows. This was the most basic lesson and technique that Zhang Ye learned when he was still at Media College.


    A variety show? You''d have to be humorous!


    A talent show? You''d have to be enthusiastic!


    An interview? You''d have to be on point for the subject!


    Naturally, documentaries also had their own style. As different documentaries required different styles in handling too, Zhang Ye adopted this voice and tone to deliver the narration in its original form from his previous world''s version of A Bite of China. Being a professional broadcast host, Zhang Ye also felt that this style was the overall most suitable way to bring out the essence of a show like A Bite of China. If he were to stick to using his most adept, humorous style for the narrative work, it could still be done, but that would totally steal the show away and was not what the documentary was about!


    He finished recording the voiceover for three episodes in one session.


    Finally, after some editing, the three episodes were more or lesspleted. Looking at the time, it was about time for lunch. Zhang Ye came out from the soundproofed studio and went back to his own office.


    Everyone was busy with their work and none of them went for an early lunch.


    Ha Qiqi immediately reported, "Director Zhang, we have already gone ahead with the schedule for the promotions and started on our advertising campaign as well."


    "How are the effects?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Ha Qiqi nodded. "It''s doing alright. For our promotions on Weibo, the poprity of the post has already passed 10,000, with over 2000 forwards which is still increasing by the moment."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What about the online video hosting sites?"


    Ha Qiqi replied, "We''ve already scheduled for our ads to run on their tforms."


    "Very good." Zhang Ye said, "Just keep up the intensity of the promotions."


    "I understand. But the problem is that our production budget is getting low, so the advertising campaign might not be able to cover all our identified tforms," Ha Qiqi hesitated.


    After they returned to Beijing, there wasn''t much left of the 10 million RMB that Director Yan had allocated to them. The spending for the first day of promotions practically emptied everything they had left, but there was no limit to how much they could spend when it came to such promotions.


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "I''ve already spoken to Director Yan about this. Regarding the production budget, the department will disburse to us another sum of money which should be enough for us to continue our promotions into December. Since we''re doing a documentary, we won''t have to advertise all over the ce like how they do for a variety show, and there''s no need to do that either. It''ll be good enough if we just do it ording to the intensity that I nned."


    But suddenly, Yan Tianfei''s secretary hastily walked into their office with a terrible look.


    "Director Zhang!" the secretary cried.


    Zhang Ye was taken aback and had an ominous feeling. "What''s the matter?"


    The secretary said with a darkened expression, "Director Yan wants me to let you know that the promotional budget he had wanted to set aside for you has gone up in smoke!"


    "Gone up in smoke?" Zhang Ye did not understand why that had happened.


    The other staff of A Bite of China''s program team all looked over.


    "What happened?"


    "Why is that so?"


    "Didn''t Director Yan ask us to spend all of the 10 million earlier? That''s why we don''t have any budget left. If the publicity goes up in smoke, how are we going to promote our show? How are we going to be able to broadcast our show?"


    Everyone knew the importance of promotional activities!


    That was why when everyone heard this, they started panicking!


    The secretary said, "It''s not that Director Yan doesn''t want to allocate the funds to you all, but our department only has enough money left to keep it running normally, so there''s no excess money that can be used! It was just a while ago when Director Yan was called over to meet the station head. After that, without Director Yan''s consent, they channeled all of our department''s money away to Central TV Department 1 on the guise that this money is loaned to them. They''re doing this because Rise to the Dance''s promotional budget has run out!"


    Zhang Zuo banged his hand on the table and stood up. "Even if they don''t have enough money, what right do they have to take our money away?"


    Little Wang cried out, "Fuck that!"


    Tong Fu was also very angry. "Is-isn''t that as good as bullying us?"


    The secretary took a deep breath and said sternly, "Two months ago, the station head spoke to Director Yan regarding this matter, but Director Yan did not agree to it. Instead, he transferred 85% of our department''s budget, which was that 10 million RMB, to your program team, because Director Yan did not want to lend that money to Central TV Department 1. However, he thought that after spending the 10 million, the station would just give up on the idea, but who could have expected that they would still channel it away like they did a while ago? The only money that we had left was around 1 million RMB, but even that is gone now. The station head said that Central TV Department 1 will return the money to us in some days, but we all know that''s not going to happen! The money that the station acted as guarantor for Central TV Department 1 two years ago has not even been returned yet!"


    Huang Dandan was already trembling. "The station heads are treating them so well��.It''s so unfair!"


    Wu Yi said furiously, "This is no longer just about ying favorites!"


    Everyone''s hearts turned cold!


    ...


    Upstairs.


    At that same office.


    It was still that same deputy station head.


    "Old Yan, what''s with this attitude?"


    "Does the station think that we''re easy to push around!?"


    "You''re all sister channels. What''s wrong with loaning some money to them? It''s not as though they won''t be returning it to you. With me as their guarantor, what are you scared of? When the copyrights of Rise to the Dance get sold, the money wille trickling back in. At that time, I will make sure that the money that Central TV Department 1 loaned from you two years ago is returned as well. It''s only around a million RMB, so please think of the bigger picture!"


    "Even if their show needs to carry out promotions, what about ours? A Bite of China is starting its broadcast soon. We also need that money to do our promotions! But now, you aren''t even leaving 100,000 RMB for us??"


    "Don''t talk to me about that, Old Yan. Do you think I don''t know what you were thinking when you allocated that 10 million to Zhang Ye''s program team? A documentary that costs 10 million to produce, tell me, are you crazy or what? Zhang Ye''s a crazy man. Are you going to follow along and be crazy as well? You still dare to talk about promotional activities? You can just do the advertising on your own channel to introduce the show, no? Do you have to advertise with external parties and waste that money? Does a documentary need all that? With 10 million RMB, we could have done dozens of documentaries with that amount of money! But it was all wasted by you on one documentary? Can you even recoup the cost of it? How are you going to make up for this loss of 10 million RMB?"


    "The money belongs to our department. Do you mean to say that I don''t have any rights to authorize the usage of it?"


    "There''s still no one who would waste that money like how you did! How much money can a documentary earn? By spending 10 million RMB on it, you won''t even be able to make back 100,000! The money that you lose is still the station''s money in the end! You''re already a veteran here! Why do you keep making such mistakes! Rise to the Dance is our blockbuster show of the year; it has to do with the station''s strategic ns for the future, so we can''t afford to mess it up. Now that they have a shortage of funds, you guys should be supporting them instead. The 10 million RMB that you wasted on a worthless documentary will be overlooked by the station for now!"


    "Whose decision was this?"


    "It was my decision, and also the station''s decision!"


    Yan Tianfei bristled with rage at that!


    ...


    Central TV Department 1.


    In the program team office of Rise to the Dance.


    Jiang Yuan hade to look for Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye. "We''ve managed to secure the additional funds for you two. But it''s not much, just around a million, so make do with it for now."


    Xu Yipeng said, "That''s already enough. Thank you, Director Jiang."


    Chen Ye sighed. "If the stage didn''t get destroyed back then, we wouldn''t have needed this amount of money."


    Jiang Yuanughed, "It''s alright. idents happen, but as long as the results are good, everything will be fine. We''ll only look at how the show does, same for the station. This 1 million RMB was borrowed from Department 14. I heard that the station emptied their ounts and budget which was initially nned to be used on A Bite of China''s promotions. You guys should know how much support our department and station are giving to you. We''re sparing no effort, so don''t disappoint us."


    Xu Yipengughed, "Don''t worry. It''ll definitely be perfect!"


    Chen Ye also said confidently, "We''re nning to surpass the viewership ratings of The Voice."


    "That''s great then!" Jiang Yuan was very satisfied to hear that and also looking forward to it.


    ...


    With that, a hubbub spread throughout the station!


    Everyone knew that Central TV Department 1 had run out of money for some time now. They hadn''t produced too many good shows in recent years, and even those shows which fared well did not earn much. They only survived for so long because of the production budget assigned to them. Only The Voice did rather well this year, but under all that glory and achievement, it did not earn the them much money. A 100 million RMB in title sponsorship fee? It was all invested back into the show by Zhang Ye. The fees from the remaining second-tier advertisements, exclusive broadcast copyright, etc, were the only ie for them. As for the overseas copyright? And all other copyrights? Those were all held by Zhang Ye. The reason that they were summoned to court for awsuit was also due to the issues involving the copyright dispute, thus leaving Central TV Department 1 almost without any profits. That was also the reason they fell out with Zhang Ye��they tried to take the copyright away from him!


    Now, the invested amount into Rise to the Dance was even greater than they had put into The Voice. Together with the incident where the stage was destroyed, it left them with an even greater deficit!


    However, no one could have expected that at such a time, the station would still help Central TV Department 1 and ask for money from Central TV Department 14. Although the documentary channel''s viewership ratings were very poor and rankedst among all the departments of Central TV, but simrly, the funding allocated to them was also the least. Moreover, A Bite of China was already done with the production phase, so it needed the money to do their promotional activities, yet the station forcefully channeled their funds away? To allocate it to Central TV Department 1?


    A lot of people in the station were bitterly disappointed at this.


    "The station''s behavior in recent years is getting weirder and weirder!"


    "Yeah, what is this?"


    "I don''t like Zhang Ye''s temperament either, but the station is really too much of a bully, aren''t they?"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye might be quite the bastard, but he''d still contributed a lot to Central TV Department 1 before. The contract was already discussed and agreed on, but not only did Central TV Department 1 go back on their words and try to snatch Zhang Ye''s copyrights away, they even tried to freeze him. They have never been reasonable the entire time, but even putting him in cold storage was not enough. They''re even taking away his promotional budget after Zhang Ye went through so much to shoot a documentary? They really aren''t giving him a chance, are they? They''re even dragging Central TV Department 14 into this as well? Who has Department 14 offended? This matter really wasn''t handled well and was carried out too ruthlessly! It leaves a bitter feeling in people''s hearts!"


    "It must be Central TV Department 1 who went to seek help from the station heads!"


    "Hai, that''s what you get to enjoy when you''re like Rise to the Dance, getting popr before even being broadcast!"


    "Yeah,pared to a show that is obviously going to get really popr, what is a documentary from Department 14 worth? Of course it would have to step aside and let Rise to the Dance get what they need!"


    "I heard that Director Yan had a shouting match with the deputy station head!"


    "Director Yan''s temper has always been like this; everyone knows that. He''s a veteran of the station, so no matter what he does, the station won''t do anything to him. We can only wait and see what the other person will do now. There''s another person in Department 14 who has a bigger temper than Director Yan, so would Zhang Ye just take this lying down? His show will be premiering soon in less than 2 weeks. Where are they going to find the money now? If they don''t manage to find it, how would they carry out their promotions?"


    "Who knows?"


    "Actually, even promotions are of no use for them. Do you guys think that he can stir up the industry with a documentary? Even if he''s a legend in the entertainment industry, he couldn''t do that!"


    ...


    At Central TV Department 14.


    A Bite of China''s program team was cursing and swearing!


    The others from Section 1 and 2 also came over to the Section 3 office space when they heard about the news. All of them were cursing at all 18 generations of ancestors of Central TV Department 1 and Rise to the Dance. A few bolder ones even scolded the station heads softly. They were all trembling with anger!


    Weren''t they stabbing Yan Tianfei and Zhang Ye in the back like this!?


    This demonstrated their attitudes to all of them at Department 14!


    Furthermore, it wasn''t the first time that Central TV was doing something like that. They had done something simr in the past, except they didn''t do it in such an extreme manner like this time!


    "I''m so angry that it''s driving me nuts!"


    "How can they do this!"


    "Central TV Department 1 are people, are we not people!?"


    "Director Zhang, what should we do?"


    "Yes, we''re just waiting for your word!"


    "Director Zhang, tell us what should we do? I''ve really had enough!"


    Everyone''s feelings ran high!


    But Zhang Ye looked rtively calm and did not say a word. He even had the slightest of smiles on his face that the others wondered if they had seen it wrong.


    Everyone was dumbfounded.


    It didn''t seem right!


    What''s wrong with Director Zhang?


    Based on Director Zhang''s temper in the past, he would have already rolled up his sleeves and gone to Central TV Department 1 to pick a fight by now! Why was he still able to smile in this situation? He''s even so calm?


    Ha Qiqi said, "Director Zhang?"


    Zhang Zuo also asked, "Are-aren''t you angry?"


    Zhang Yeughed and dered to everyone, "When I just debuted, everyone felt that I could not be a radio broadcast host. The radio station did appreciate me and the leaders tried to suppress me, but in the end, I still received the Silver Microphone Award. After that, I joined the TV station, but it was still the same. No one felt that I could make it and they found trouble with me at every corner, framing me whenever they could, yet my program still became famous everywhere. Later on, I was even banned��not the kind of ban that Central TV Department 1 has implemented on me now, but a ban by the SARFT. I was the first cklisted artist on the list and a lot of people kicked me while I was down. Everyone was turning me away because they all thought that my career was over, but as you guys can see now, I''m still doing very well. In fact, I''m even doing better than all of them."


    When everyone heard this, they fell silent.


    Zhang Ye said with a smile, "Even 10 books aren''t enough to write about the things that I''ve been through. The difficulties and desperation that I''ve faced are possibly even more than everyone''s herebined. I''ve not only been arrested twice, I''ve also been through a very stringent ban, met with a hijacking incident, and even flown a ne��"


    After hearing Zhang Ye speak about his experiences, everyone admired him endlessly. The things Director Zhang had been through could really be called legendary. No one couldpare to him in this area!


    Yan Tianfei''s secretary was also listening to it seriously.


    After he said that, Zhang Ye chuckled. "After that, I realized that there''s no difficulty we can''t ovee. No matter what problems we encounter, as long as we try to push ahead, then we will definitely get past them. It''s the same thing now too!" Pausing, he looked at everyone before continuing, "If there''s no money, so be it. We will pump in however much we have, but if there''s nothing left, then we will just not do anything."


    Little Wang said anxiously, "But��"


    "No buts." Zhang Ye said with a grin. "Even if we do not promote the documentary, so what?"


    Huang Dandan wiped her sweat away and said, "If we don''t promote it, then there''ll be no exposure. If there''s no exposure, then there''ll be no viewership!"


    But Zhang Ye shook his head at that. "I won''t believe that. Let''s just not promote the show anymore. This time, I will show them that even without any promotions nobody can stop me!"


    Ha Qiqi was taken aback. "What do you mean?"


    Zhang Zuo expression changed as well. "Director Zhang, what do you intend to do?"


    Yan Tianfei''s secretary was also extremely surprised!


    They understood from the tone of Zhang Ye''s voice. Everyone''s hearts were beating furiously because of that!


    They were really going to match up andpete with Central TV Department 1! Furthermore, it was a situation where they wouldn''t be doing any promotions for their show!?


    How, how could that be possible?


    Even if they were to carry out mass promotions for their documentary, the chances of thempeting with Rise to the Dance was as good as nil, much less without any promotions? What would theypete with?


    ...


    Ten minutester.


    Yan Tianfei returned to Department 14 and went back into his own office. He immediately called his secretary in. "Inform Little Zhang that there won''t be any more funding!"


    The secretary said, "I told Director Zhang about it just now."


    Yan Tianfei picked up his ss of water and downed it inrge gulps, unable to calm his mind. He was clearly still very furious. "Go and tell Little Zhang that even if I have to pour in my own money, I would definitely get him the money to do the promotions!"


    The secretary said, "Director Zhang said��that it''s not necessary!"


    Yan Tianfei was stunned. "Not necessary?"


    "He''s prepared to not do any promotional activities anymore!" The secretary proceeded to repeat almost word for word what Zhang Ye had said in the office earlier.


    When Yan Tianfei heard everything, he was stunned again. "Did Little Zhang really say that?"


    The secretary forced a bitter smile. "Yes, those were Director Zhang''s own words. But the way I see it, Director Zhang''s definitely mad at them!"


    Yan Tianfei took a deep breath, and his anger from a moment ago subsided as he suddenly startedughing. "Alright, I understand!"


    Understand?


    Uh, what on earth did you understand?


    The secretary was confused by this but was too embarrassed to ask.

 Chapter 808: Rotten Fruit!

    <h4>Chapter 808: Rotten Fruit! </h4>


    Chapter 808: Rotten Fruit!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Zhang Ye came to work at 6 AM in the morning, carrying a bag of piping hot buns, two hamburgers, and three bottles of mineral water. He headed straight into the editing studio and did note out for the rest of the day. When everyone from Department 14 knocked off, and even after those who stayed behind to work overtime left at around 8 PM, Zhang Ye still did note out from the editing studio.


    Everyone knew that Director Zhang was busy editing the documentary, so they did not dare to disturb him.


    The next day, everyone came to work as usual, but they still did not see any sign of Director Zhang.


    A dayter, when everyone came to work, they heard from a staff member of Department 14 who had the night shift saying that Director Zhang was no longer in the editing studio and had gone to the recording studio at around 4 AM.


    Then, they did not see him again for another day.


    Little Wang panicked. "Will Director Zhang''s health be affected like this?"


    "It has already been three days." Ha Qiqi was extremely worried and asked, "Director Zhang has not gone home at all?"


    Wu Yi wiped his sweat off and said, "Rather than going home, I''ve heard that he has been staying here all this time. I haven''t even seen Director Zhang once in the past few days. Only Little Han who does the night shift has seen him twice, and that was because he went out to buy supper for Director Zhang. It''s not good if it goes on like this. With this work intensity, he better not have something happen to him."


    Tong Fu got frightened by that. "Let''s go get Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Zuo didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Back then, Director Zhang was also like this when he did The Voice. He did not go home for many days and even brought a child to stay at the program team office every day! He did not leave the station at all!"


    Huang Dandan said in shock, "Ah? Really?"


    Ha Qiqi gave a wry smile. "Of course it''s true. You guys didn''t know about the situation because Little Tong and you aren''t from The Voice''s program team. Our Director Zhang is a guy who would work to death. As long as there is work within the program team, then needless to say, Director Zhang will assuredly be thest one to leave work and the first person toe to work the next day. We have tried persuading and talking to him before, but it''s not like you don''t know Director Zhang''s temper. When has he ever listened to us? So there''s no need to go get Director Zhang since it''s useless even if you talk to him. You may even end up distracting him from recording the voiceover."


    The original staff of Department 14 were feeling rather rmed by that!


    While those people who worked on The Voice with Zhang Ye were not surprised, they did not feel toofortable about it either.


    Finally, on November 30th, the recording studio''s door finally opened during the daytime. Zhang Ye walked out with his hair messy and looked exhausted, though his eyes were shimmering.


    Ha Qiqi stood up immediately. "Director Zhang!"


    Little Wang eximed, "Aiyo, you''ve finallye out!"


    Zhang Zuo shouted, "Quickly, go and get Director Yan!"


    Director Yan had told everyone to inform him once Zhang Ye stepped out of the studio. As such, when Tong Fu saw this, he ran to Director Yan''s office immediately. After an entire week, they finally saw him again!


    Before Tong Fu had reached the director''s office, Yan Tianfei heard their shouting and burst through the door and strode towards the office space of A Bite of China.


    "Director Yan." Zhang Ye smiled.


    Yan Tianfei heaved a sigh of relief. "You''re really risking your life for this documentary!"


    However, Zhang Ye brushed it off very casually. "It''s nothing, Director Yan. Back when I was recording the talk show and preparing for The Voice, the situation was not that different from this. It''s just not going home for a few days. What''s the big deal with that. The main issue is that we do not have much time left before the documentary starts its broadcast. If we take it too slowly, I''m afraid it will be toote. That''s why I wanted to quickly rush out the documentary to submit it for approval. We still need to n for the programming lineup and times, otherwise we won''t make it in time."


    Yan Tianfei asked, "So how did it go?"


    "The documentary isplete. We just need to add in the background music and we can submit it for approval," Zhang Ye answered.


    What?


    It''s alreadypleted?


    You finished everything by yourself in just a week??


    Everyone was dumbfounded. Those people who were originally from Department 14 looked at Zhang Ye as though he were some kind of god. In the past, they''d frequently heard rumors of Zhang Ye risking his life for work, but did not actually witness it firsthand. However, now that they saw it for themselves, they were truly shocked. He was pushing himself too hard. As a leader, if you took on all the work by yourself, then what would there be left for us to do? However, on second thought, they did not say anything because everyone knew that if they could help out in the areas of editing and voice recording, Director Zhang would surely get them to help. But there was really no one in the program team who could help him; only Director Zhang himself could handle such work that called for certain artistic standards!


    If their leader worked so hard, then how could they not do the same?


    Everyone immediately busied themselves like they were on stimnts. Some of them went to get the background music, some of them went to finish up the post-production work, and some contacted the approval board staff in advance.


    Zhang Ye was still supervising from the side as the remaining tasks were inseparable from him. However, as most of the important work was already done, he could finally afford to rx a little. He took out his cell phone and turned it on.


    When it powered on, countless missed calls and messages came flooding in!


    Hu Fei: "Call me back when you turn on your phone."


    His mother: "When are youing home?"


    Tian Bin: "What''s the matter? You even turned off your cell phone?"


    Dong Shanshan: "Old ssmate, have you gone missing?"


    Zhang Ye called his mother back.


    "Mom, I''m going back tonight."


    "You''ve finished your work already?"


    "Yes, I''ll be able to finish it today."


    "Alrighty then. If you didn''t call back home, your dad and I would have forgotten that we had a son."


    "Man, it can''t be that serious, right?"


    Then, he suddenly heard the chat app notification sound from his cell phone. It was an invitation to join a group chat but he didn''t know when it was sent to him. Seeing that it was Hu Fei who invited him, he epted and joined. When he entered the group chat, he saw that everyone in it were familiar faces. They were his ex-colleagues from the BTV-Arts Channel whom he worked with on Lecture Room and also the current program team of Do You Remember.


    Xiao Lu: "Ah, Teacher Zhang?"


    Dafei: "Teacher Zhang has joined the group chat?"


    Dong Shanshan: "What have you been doing for the past week? Did you go missing?"


    Hu Fei also appeared and typed out a long string of question marks.


    Zhang Ye thought that this would save him the trouble of calling them up, so he sent a group message to them: "I was busy editing the documentary for the past few days and didn''t even go home or turn on my cell phone, but everything''s done now. Let me inform all of you here first, haha. On the Friday of the week after next at 8 PM, remember to tune into Central TV Department 14 to give me some viewership support! "


    Hou Ge cried out in excitement: "We''ll definitely do so!!!"


    Dong Shanshan: "Hur hur, I will switch on a few more television sets in the station and tune it to your channel."


    Hu Fei asked: "Little Zhang, I have something serious to ask you. Why isn''t your documentary being promoted anymore? Weren''t the promotions going well earlier? Why did the promotions onlyst for a day? What''s the use of that? I don''t have to tell you how important the promotions are, right? Surely you understand that with the broadcast date approaching, these two weeks of promotions are especially crucial. It''s also the golden period for it, so even if you know that the documentary will not have much of a viewership, and don''t have expectations of getting any results on the documentary, you cannot just drop everything and not bother about it. After all, you have already spent a few months shooting the documentary."


    However, Zhang Ye did not exin it in detail. "Hai, don''t mention it anymore."


    Hu Fei sent: "Is there something behind this?"


    Soon, they found out the shocking reason from the Inte!


    ...


    On Weibo.


    Actually, some people from the media and industry insiders had been wondering for the past few days as well. They could not understand what was actually going on with Zhang Ye and his new documentary.


    "Why aren''t there any more promotions?"


    "There don''t seem to be any more advertisements on the online video hosting site? It looks like we can only see the promotions of Zhang Ye''s new documentary on Channel 14 now. Aren''t they being too thrifty? Basically, no one watches Channel 14 at all. Every time in the overall viewership ratings, the Central TV Documentary Channel''s viewership ratings are even lower than the Military and Agriculture channel. What kind of promotional effects can they achieve there?"


    "I wonder what Department 14 is thinking!"


    "They''re too unsupportive of Teacher Zhang!"


    "Even if there are very few people who would watch a documentary, you still have to promote it!"


    "They only promote the documentary for a day and that''s it? Fuck that!"


    "Could this really be the talented being bolder? Teacher Zhang does not n to do any promotions at all?"


    "I wonder what is going on with this!?"


    "It will start broadcasting in another week or so. Would it really be OK like this? The program that is going to be broadcast at the same time with Zhang Ye''s documentary is none other than the hotly promoted Rise to the Dance! If there are no more promotions, then Rise to the Dance will definitely apportion even more of the viewership ratings. What if Teacher Zhang only gets 0.00-something percent of the viewership ratings in the end? Then it would be too embarrassing! There will definitely be plenty of people ready to step on him when that happens!"


    There were also several news reports about it.


    "Promotions for A Bite of China have stopped?"


    "Could there be a change to the broadcast time for Zhang Ye''s new documentary?"


    Countless people were left guessing!


    Then, an insider suddenly revealed a sensational piece of news. It wasn''t because Department 14 did not want to do the promotions. They had in fact already prepared all their promotional ns. But due to Rise to the Dancecking funds for their promotional budget, Central TV Department 1 unexpectedly went through the channel of Central TV''s leaders and "borrowed" Department 14''s remaining promotional budget that was set aside for A Bite of China. They stated it as borrowing, but in fact this was as good as stealing, which was extremely ugly behavior!


    Zhang Ye''s fans were infuriated!


    "Fuck!"


    "That bunch of grandsons! Bastards!"


    "Motherfucking idiots! Fuck their grandmas!"


    "If this can be tolerated, then what would be intolerable?! Central TV Department 1 has really gone too far!"


    "What has Teacher Zhang ever done to you? That you guys have to stab him in the back time after time?"


    "And I was wondering why Department 14 stopped doing their promotions! So that''s how it is! They were out of money! All their money was stolen away by Rise to the Dance!"


    "That''s so treacherous!"


    "Starting today, I have gone from a neutral to a hater of Chen Ye!"


    "That Executive Director Xu Yipeng is probably not a good person either!"


    "Isn''t Central TV too biased?"


    "Fuck, what the hell is this!? Just what the hell is this?"


    "They are not even going to let Teacher Zhang and his documentary get a piece of the viewership ratings! Do they intend to get rid of him once and for all?! Everyone knows that Teacher Zhang will definitely not be able topete against such arge-scale variety talent show that has gathered so many big names together with just a documentary. Even in that situation, you guys still want to stab him in the back?"


    "There aren''t any promotions going on, so how can they broadcast it?!"


    "Teacher Zhang, don''t broadcast the documentary anymore. These people are truly a bunch of jerks!"


    "Right, let''s quit! Don''t work for them anymore!"


    Several media workers could no longer stand to watch any further. They also came forward to post.


    "A Bite of China has met its end even before its broadcast!"


    "Even the cleverest housewife cannot cook a meal without rice. If A Bite of China does extremely poorly in its viewership ratings, please do not scold it or feel disappointed. Everyone knows that Zhang Ye has already tried his best!"


    "Is there a need for fairness in television stations?"


    Of course, there were also those opposed to Zhang Ye or had always been supportive towards Rise to the Dance who were gloating at this. Some of them were even insulting people.


    The group of haters were all smiles.


    "Serves him right!"


    "Zhang Ye''s legend should have ended long ago!"


    "You''ve all glorified him, but what does Zhang Ye actually have? He''s just a normal human being who has better luck than most other people!"


    "Hahaha, in fact, without a budget for promotions, it might turn out to be a good thing for Zhang Ye and Department 14. With a reason and excuse now, no matter how low their viewership rating is in the end, even if it turns out to be a historical low, they would have still an excuse for it. This will leave them some face instead when the results are out!"


    "Let Zhang Ye''s legendary viewership ratingse to an end!"


    "From now on, it will be Teacher Chen Ye''s stage! Rise to the Dance, go, go, go! Surpassing The Voice will be just like ying a game!"


    At around 5 PM in the afternoon, Central TV posted on its official Weibo to rify the situation due to too many doubts being voiced by the public. The post was mostly written in an official tone exining that they were not targeting certain channels or individuals as they did not have any reason to do so. They even used the phrase "a big family" to describe their internal solidarity and friendship.


    But did they think that theizens were dumb?


    Friendship? Solidarity? Bull fucking shit!


    Just saying those words themselves made everyone''s hearts turn cold and angry!


    The group of Zhang Ye''s fans were all seeking justice for him, cursing and swearing at Central TV. In the end, even some of the industry insiders also came forward to speak up for Zhang Ye.


    Beijing Television''s Hu Fei: "Perhaps the present Central TV is no longer the same as the Central TV of before."


    An entertainment media outlet''s deputy chief editor: "Some people''s behaviors are getting uglier and uglier!"


    A deputy station head at Hunan Television Station: "Hai, is the destruction of a viewership rating legend really something worth being happy and proud about? Why do I find it difficult to watch such behavior from some people?"


    This affair had stirred up too much of a controversy. Countless people were already arguing incessantly online!


    There were many people who stood for it!


    But the number of people who were against it were not to be outdone either!


    If not for this discussion being on the forums and Weibo only, the two groups of people would have already started brawling with each other!


    At this point, Zhang Ye, who had disappeared for a week, appeared again. He used his longstanding Weibo ount and posted a poem. It was an illustrious poem by Wen Yiduo from his previous world. Compared to Dead Water, this poem was basically not famous and not a lot of people had heard about it either. But Zhang Ye really liked this poem back in his previous world. Even without using a Memory Search Capsules, he could easily recite it backwards!


    All theizens gathered around!


    "Zhang Ye has appeared!"


    "Come and look!"


    "It''s another poem?!"


    "Zhang Ye wrote a poem? Let me see what he has written about this time!"


    Without needing to mention the content at all, with just the line "Zhang Ye wrote a poem again," it was enough to pull the attention of everyone over, because each and every poem of Zhang Ye''s had always been famous!


    Hu Fei quickly opened his Weibo!


    Dong Shanshan immediately came to see!


    Zhang Yuanqi''s manager, Fang Weihong, also appeared!


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, Tong Fu, and the other program team staff also realized this and quickly opened their Weibo after learning of it.


    It was a modern poem, fairly short, but long enough to make people who saw it get terrified from head to toe!!


    Rotten Fruit


    ck bugs have long since chewed through my flesh.


    I lie on a bed of moss so cold it stings


    just letting the rot set in deeper.


    Waiting for the rot to pierce my core,


    and dpose my prison.


    My imprisoned soul will then,


    wearing a pea-green vest,


    leap out grinning from ear to ear.

 Chapter 809: This is a poem fit for a cultured civilization!

    <h4>Chapter 809: This is a poem fit for a cultured civilization! </h4>


    Chapter 809: This is a poem fit for a cultured civilization! [1.]


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    There were countless ofments!


    "Good poem!"


    "Well said!"


    "Fuck, fight it out with them!"


    "Have long since chewed through my flesh? Isn''t that describing Zhang Ye''s current plight? Right, from the time he joined Central TV Department 1, they have been chewing through his flesh!"


    "This poem is very simr to Dead Water which Zhang Yeposed in the past!"


    "How long ago was it since Zhang Ye wrote a poem? I''ve already forgotten when Ist read a poem by him. I can see that Zhang Ye is really furious this time. Every time Teacher Zhang gets angry, he writes a poem. But as for this soul wearing a pea-green vest? Leap out grinning from ear to ear? What does he mean by that?"


    "I don''t know either."


    "I don''t quite understand thest two lines of the poem."


    "Does Teacher Zhang mean that he''s going to show his prowess? But with what would he show his prowess?"


    "Who cares? Anyways, this poem gives me the chills when I read it! It''s incredible!"


    ...


    At Central TV.


    Deputy Station Head Zhou who had helped Central TV Department 1 get the "loan" was just leaving work. While he was taking the elevator down, he heard the gossip of some staffers who were holding their cell phones and discussing in low whispers. They were pointing at the screens but he did not know what they were talking about. asionally, he could vaguely hear the words "Weibo" and "Zhang Ye."


    Deputy Station Head Zhou asked offhandedly, "What are you guys talking about?"


    The several of them hurriedly said, "Nothing, nothing, we''re just chatting. You''re off work now, Station Head Zhou?"


    Deputy Station Head Zhou nodded at that. When he arrived downstairs, his chauffeur was already waiting there for him. He entered the backseat of the car before he took out his cell phone curiously to have a look at Weibo. At that moment, he saw the poem that was just posted by Zhang Ye.


    Rotten fruit?


    Chewed through by ck bugs?


    Deputy Station Head Zhou shook his head unhappily and immediately called Yan Tianfei.


    The call connected.


    "Hello, Old Yan."


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Did you see Zhang Ye''s poem?"


    "What poem?"


    "The one that Zhang Ye just posted on Weibo! Get him to delete it right away!"


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    "Go and take a look then! Take a look at it right now!"


    "I can''t check because my home Inte is down."


    "Are you purposely pretending not to know? Your Inte is down? Fine, then I will read it out to you. Rotten Fruit. ck bugs have long since chewed through my flesh. / I lie on a bed of moss so cold it stings��" After he finished reading it, Deputy Station Head Zhou asked coldly: "Answer me, Old Yan, who are the ck bugs referring to?"


    Yan Tianfei answered without even thinking: "ck bugs are bugs which are ck in color. What''s the matter with this poem? Isn''t it just describing a fruit that is slowly spoiling? The meaning of the entire poem is so clearly expressed. Rotten Fruit wants to teach people how to economize food, to pay attention to their nutritional intake of fruits and vegetables which should not be wasted. Otherwise, when a fruit rots, it will turn into a spirit that haunts people who waste their food. How educational! This passage is littered with ideas promoting a cultured civilization with the five disciplines and four graces!"


    When he heard Yan Tianfei say that, Deputy Station Head Zhou nearly fainted!


    Economize food?


    Nutrition intake?


    Five disciplines and four graces?


    Fuck, where the hell did you get that from?!


    Deputy Station Head knew Old Yan was messing with him. He was so angry that he hung up on him straightaway!


    On the other end, after Yan Tianfei hung up, he gave a contemptuousugh. You people at the station were so biased toward Central TV Department 1 that you didn''t even leave a single cent of promotional budget to us. Now that you have forced Little Zhang into a corner, oh, you won''t even allow him to write a poem to mock you for a bit? Ha, what logic is that! All the good things are always left for you, huh?


    ...


    Central TV Department 1.


    In the program team office of Rise to the Dance.


    "Hey, quickly have a look at this. That Zhang Ye has written a poem again!" someone shouted.


    Actually, besides the person who shouted that, many of the other staff had already seen it. However, they were too embarrassed to mention it to others. After all, Zhang Ye had a ratherplicated rtionship with their program team, as well as with the two directors, Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye. That was why Zhang Ye''s name was never casually mentioned within their office area.


    Chen Ye frowned. "Are you the only one who has nothing to do?"


    That person could only whimper.


    Chen Ye ordered, "Get back to your work! Read something useful instead!"


    That person hurriedly said, "I understand."


    Actually, Chen Ye and Xu Yipeng had also read that poem. When they clocked out, Chen Ye took the initiative and left with Xu Yipeng. They went downstairs together.


    "Zhang Ye was indirectly scolding us," Chen Ye said.


    Xu Yipeng shook his head and just said, "Ignore him. He''s only good at blustering. Do you really expect him to use a documentary topete and fight it out with us?"


    Chen Ye smiled and said, "Of course not."


    Xu Yipeng couldn''t help butugh. "If we can''t even beat his documentary, then we should just quit our jobs, pack up, and go home. Hur hur, the people in the program team now are the elites of the station, while the invited guests are all big shots. With every aspect of the promotions in ce, would we be afraid that a documentary that no one watches would be a threat to us? Even if those hardcore fans of Zhang Ye really tune in to watch A Bite of China when it gets broadcast, it still wouldn''t be able to apportion 0.0-something percent of our viewership ratings. 0.0-something percent? That is as good as a negligible figure, so let alone being a threat, it won''t even be an obstacle to us!"


    Chen Ye smiled and remarked, "That''s right, Zhang Ye has really taken us to beymen in this area. But even if it''s ayman making a variety show, there''s no reason it will do worse than a documentary''s viewership ratings!"


    Xu Yipeng stated, "In this past two years, Zhang Ye has indeed created some very popr TV shows, but this has made him a little arrogant and he has lost the reverence for this industry as well. We can''t totally me him either. As a director and host of variety shows who has been transferred to a documentary channel, he has never had any experience with documentaries before. He probably still does not know how deep the water runs for a documentary type of show. After his documentary gets broadcast, the viewership ratings and advertising revenue will make him realize that there some things that just can''t be changed because of an individual''s heroics. Documentaries are a stagnant genre, so no matter how good Zhang Ye is or how strong his program nning and directing abilities are, there''s not much that he can do about it! No one can bring life back to that puddle of stagnant water!"


    ...


    At a restaurant.


    Jiang Naixiong, Jiang Yuan, and some others had left work early and were dining together.


    During dinner, an executive of Central TV Department 1 was suddenly stunned by what he saw on his cell phone. Then he said in a speechless manner, "Zhang Ye is making a scene again. He wrote a poem to scold us this time!"


    "What happened?"


    "Let me take a look!"


    The several of them read that poem.


    Jiang Yuan said angrily, "Rotten fruit? ck bugs?"


    Jiang Naixiong did not look happy either. "This Zhang Ye is getting more and more out of hand. Not only is he mocking Central TV Department 1, he''s even bringing Central TV into this?"


    Jiang Yuan took out his cell phone and said angrily, "Who''s he calling ck bugs? I must call Old Yan, what the hell!"


    A deputy director said, "Don''t you know what sort of temper Old Yan has? If Zhang Ye did not write a poem and instead bluntly called out our names to scold us on Weibo, Old Yan would surely still pretend not to see it!"


    Jiang Yuan felt a little upset and said, "I''m afraid Zhang Ye will stir up amotion and affect the reputation of our Rise to the Dance. After all, it would be for the best if there''s less negative news. This is the golden period for the promotions and the most crucial time for us! Can no one really do anything about this Zhang Ye? The show will be broadcast the week after next, but not only is he not worried about his own show, he even has time to bother other people? If he has the time, shouldn''t he be thinking about what to do with that documentary of theirs which doesn''t even have a chance to be promoted? If the viewership ratings turn out too low, who would be the one embarrassed instead?"


    What imprisoned soul?


    What leaping out?


    You have already been transferred to the documentary channel, yet you are still thinking about giving others a face-smacking? What the heck! Alright then, we would like to see how you are going to wear a pea-green vest and leap out grinning ear to ear!


    TL Note:


    [1. "five stresses and four points of beauty"��requirements for a cultured civilization]


    [1. "five stresses and four points of beauty"��requirements for a cultured civilization.] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Disciplines,_Four_Graces_and_Three_Loves

 Chapter 810: Broadcast! (Part 1)

    <h4>Chapter 810: Broadcast! (Part 1) </h4>


    Chapter 810: Broadcast! (Part 1)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Adding in the apanying music.


    Working on the post-production.


    The production phase wasplete.


    The show was sent in for review.


    The show was approved.


    Arrangements for the programming lineup were cleared.


    ...


    About two weekster.


    December 10th, Friday.


    It was a hubbub this morning at Central TV Department 14. The program team staff of A Bite of China arrived early today at just past 7 AM. Yan Tianfei was angered, Director Zhang was angered. On the issue of the heads of Central TV Department 1 and Central TV, the group of staff members were also angered. If there was no funding to carry out a mass promotional campaign? Then they would double as the shill army themselves. With the aid of Weibo, they promoted A Bite of China everywhere. Even though it was to little effect, even though they did not have much sess, nobody could give up doing whatever they could. Because it was already thest day before the program was broadcast, there were only 12 hours until the official premiere of their documentary!


    "Let''s make another round on Weibo!"


    "Coming,ing!"


    "Director Zhang''s fans are amazingly supportive! They''ve helped forward so many for our posts!"


    "Which is the highest rated documentary by viewership that our department is broadcasting currently? Quickly seek Director Yan''s help to add a few more advertisements at those time slots. There isn''t much time left!"


    "None of them have a good viewership rating at all!"


    "Of the documentaries that are broadcasting now, the highest viewership rating is only 0.062%. We''ve already been airing more than a dozen rounds of advertisements for A Bite of China in the past few days at that time slot, so it has seriously oversaturated that show. There''s no meaning to show the ads anymore. That documentary basically does not have many viewers to begin with anyway, so the ads have already reached maximum effect."


    "What about the newspaper firms?"


    "My old ssmate works at a newspaper firm and I managed to get her to add in an article yesterday after much persuasion. The other newspaper and media outlets are all mainly focusing on Rise to the Dance, since we did not pay any money and ours is only a documentary. They weren''t willing to give us any coverage at all. Even in the minority of the news drafts that were just submitted, they only mentioned our documentary because of Director Zhang or because of the Rotten Fruit poem from that day."


    "We have done everything that we can!"


    "Hai, we''ll just have to leave it to fate now!"


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others had already tried their best. This absolute disadvantage was impossible to reverse with just them alone. Without money, no topicality, and no selling point, how could they possibly do any promotions?


    "Where''s Director Zhang?" Little Zhang suddenly asked.


    Wu Yi turned and looked around. "I don''t know."


    Ha Qiqi also found it rather strange. "Yeah, why didn''t I see Director Zhang today?"


    It wasn''t until 9 AM, which was also Central TV''s normal working hours, that Zhang Ye leisurely strolled into the office. The first thing he saw when he came in was the bustling scene of all the program team staff gathered together. Zhang Ye was stunned by this and simply raised his hand to greet everyone. "Whoa, all of you are here already? This early in the morning?"


    Tong Fu nearly fainted at that. "It''s A Bite of China''s premiere today!"


    Huang Dandan also said in a speechless manner, "It''s the day of our documentary''s broadcast!"


    "I know that." Zhang Ye said, "But aren''t we already done with the production? The footage was also checked before we submitted it, so aren''t we just waiting for it to get broadcast?"


    Zhang Zuo was taken aback by his attitude. "Aren''t you nervous about it?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "What''s there to be nervous about? We have already done all that we could, so let''s just wait for the broadcast."


    Everyone didn''t know how to react as they thought of the saying, "The eunuchs are more anxious than the emperor himself!"


    Actually, what they did not understand was that whenever Zhang was needed, he had never dropped the ball before. He was always the first to get to work and would not bat an eyelid even if he had to pull an all-nighter toplete his work. However, once he finished everything, Zhang Ye would not worry about unnecessary things, just like the situation now. They had no money topete with Rise to the Dance by cing advertisements on high cost tforms like the various online video hosting sites and Central TV Department 1, so posting on Weibo and various forums wouldn''t make much of a difference for the show and would have an almost negligible effect. At a time like this, the best option was to just rest. After all, they should be striking a proper bnce between work and rest.


    Moreover, Zhang Ye had confidence in A Bite of China. Compared to the promotions for first season of A Bite of China back in his previous world, the promotions and topicality of their version was already many times more than the original version!


    Did the original A Bite of China do any promotions?


    Actually they did, but there was almost no one who paid any attention to them!


    Zhang Ye could still remember when he first started watching A Bite of China. It was already near the end of the first season. It was only then that he learned of this show, after he went online to look it up when a ssmate told him about it. He spent the entire day watching it in astonishment, but did not contribute to the viewership ratings of the show as he did not know about this documentary at all before that. It was the same for many of the other viewers who also found out about it at ater time. That was what contributed to the great difference in viewership ratings between the first and second seasons of A Bite of China.


    Therefore, he wasn''t dissatisfied with the current situation that they were in. In this current world, regardless of whether anyone would watch the documentary or not, at least a lot of people already knew about this show called A Bite of China. They knew that A Bite of China would go up against the certainly poprrge-scale talent show called Rise to the Dance during the same time slot, so wasn''t that enough? Actually, it was already good enough!


    "Everyone has worked hard during this period of time." Zhang Ye looked gratefully at everyone. "I saw everyone''s efforts. Also, thank all of you for putting your trust in me. Why don''t we knock off earlier today? You can leave in a while, or if you prefer, in the afternoon. Just look for Little Wang to let her know when you''re leaving. I will approve this. It won''t be considered as skipping work, hur hur."


    Zhang Zuo wiped his sweat away and said, "Director Zhang, why would we want to knock off earlier!?"


    Wu Yi said, "Yeah, the broadcast is scheduled for today! A lot of people are waiting for us to make a fool of ourselves!"


    "At such a time, who would still be thinking about resting?" Ha Qiqi also forced a wry smile. "You may be gracious, but we''re not. Did you not see? The fans of Rise to the Dance and Chen Ye have been bombarding us in many waves for the past few days! They basically do not have us in their sights at all. Even the staff of Central TV are discussing us in whispers. When Old Wu and I went upstairs yesterday, everyone else in the elevator were giving us strange looks!"


    An old employee who was very well-informed said, "I heard that during a station meeting yesterday, one of the deputy station heads who was in charge of Central TV Department 1 even made a joke about our A Bite of China''s program team!"


    Tong Fu said exasperated, "I think I will stay here and clock some overtime today. I''ll just go hometer."


    "Count me in." His girlfriend, Huang Dandan said, "If I don''t see our documentary safely get broadcast, I won''t be able to stop worrying. Anyway, the broadcast will end at around 9 PM, so I don''t mind waiting!"


    "We should definitely stay for overtime!"


    "We''re already at thest critical juncture!"


    Seeing how everyone had expressed their stance, Zhang Ye was helpless to do anything about it. He knew that the attitude of Central TV Department 1 and some of the station heads had angered everyone here badly!


    Alright then.


    Overtime it is.


    Ring ring ring. His cell phone rang.


    When he saw that it was from Fan Wenli, Zhang Ye went back into his own office before answering: "Sister Fan?"


    "I saw you just now when you were outside. Did you just reach the office?" Fan Wenli said.


    Zhang Ye replied: "Yeah, I''ve just reached the office. You''re at Central TV?"


    Fan Wenli stated: "I came here for some business today, but because Director Xu and Chen Ye were with me earlier, I did not say hi to you." After a pause, she continued: "Rise to the Dance finished recording its fourth episode. The show''s content is quite rich and I find it to be rather good as well. Butpared to The Voice, it might not be that exciting since dance is not as mainstream as singing and not everyone knows how to appreciate it as well. When those internal people at Central TV Department 1 kept talking about how they would surpass The Voice, I was really questioning in my mind if they knew anything at all. However, I cannot deny that this is still a rather good talent show. What''s more, with such strong promotions for the show, it might not be impossible that they could really match The Voice."


    Zhang Ye understood that Old Fan was giving him some inside news. "Oh, I see."


    Fan Wenli asked: "How about your side? How is it going at your side?"


    Zhang Yeughed lightly. "We finished the production long ago, so we''re only waiting for the broadcast now. I can''t say for sure how it''ll do, but we''ll know after it has been broadcast."


    "Do you think you can win an award for it?" Fan Wenli asked.


    "Why are all my friends asking me if I have the confidence to win the most prestigious award in the documentary genre these days when they call?" Zhang Ye returned.


    Fan Wenli responded: "That''s because we''re confident in you. Although this is your first time directing a documentary, but with your capabilities, it''s not impossible for you to win an award."


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Why isn''t anyone asking me about my opinion on the viewership rating?"


    "Viewership rating?" Fan Wenli said with a start. "Because to us, the furthest a documentary can go is win a domestic documentary award. What do viewership ratings have to do with documentaries?"


    Zhang Ye only chuckled at that and did not say anything more.


    ...


    Central TV Department 1.


    The entire Rise to the Dance program team was busy preparing for the final phase!


    Xu Yipeng shouted, "Counting down to thest 10 hours!"


    Chen Ye said, "Everyone, chin up and let''s finish thest of the promotional activities! Today is the most important day, so everyone has to put in some overtime. Director Xu and I will buy everyone supper tonight!"


    Xu Yipeng added, "Pick a ce that you all like!"


    Everyone cheered at that!


    "Great!"


    "Thank you, bosses!"


    "I''ll be finishing up my work here very soon!"


    "Can we have western food? Heehee!"


    Although they were busy, it was also a joyful and rxing atmosphere that everyone was working in. All the people of the program team had an unprecedented look of anticipation on their faces, and at the same time, an unparalleled confidence!


    Viewership ratings champion of the same time period?


    Nationwide viewership ratings champion for variety shows?


    It had never crossed their minds that they would not get these honors, because to them, these were already in the bag. With such a huge investment, with such an astronomical title sponsorship fee, with those big shot guest coaches, with such a popr tform, and with such heavy promotions, there was no reason why they would not get the viewership ratings top spot! The only thing on their minds right now was whether they could surpass The Voice, whether they could rewrite history!


    Only two people in the program team were feeling rather unsure of all that!


    The two were the rookies who had been snatched to Central TV Department 1 from Department 14, who also happened to be the immediate juniors of Zhang Ye at Media College!


    The rookie with the broader face whispered, "Aren''t they all being too optimistic?"


    The other person gave a wry smile and said, "Yeah, I don''t think that it''s going to be this simple either."


    The broad-faced person asked, "Why do you feel that way?"


    "There''s no reason." That person said, "It''s just because he''s Zhang Ye!"


    Yes, from the point of a given name, Zhang Ye was actually a very ordinary name. There were at least 80-100,000 others named Zhang Ye in the entire country. But in the entertainment circle, this name was not ordinary at all. It could be said that this name represented a legend, a legend who no one dared to ignore!

 Chapter 811: Broadcast! (Part 2)

    <h4>Chapter 811: Broadcast! (Part 2) </h4>


    Chapter 811: Broadcast! (Part 2)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


    The Rise to the Dance program team''s final run of promotions were starting to show some effects. Like Huo Dongfang''s scandal, Fan Wenli''s rocky marriage, fans fainting in the recording studio, these gossips and hype were being flooded in all kinds of forms into the mass media, newspapers, and the Inte, bearing down on the public with tremendous force. It nearly upied close to 10% of the entertainment industry''s news and even overshadowed an important film industry''s award ceremony. People could not avoid the news about it and their attention was entirely taken by Rise to the Dance!


    On Weibo.


    Theizens were very excited.


    "Anticipation x 10,000!"


    "The show is finally beginning today!"


    "Rise to the Dance is so awesome!"


    Don''t just keep promoting it, hurry up and start broadcasting already! You''re making us unable to wait anymore!"


    "I''m waiting to watch it! Hurry, hurry, hurry!"


    "8 PM in the evening? I can''t wait any longer!"


    "Haha, I like Sect Leader Huo!"


    "I love Teacher Chen Ye so much! I''m a hardcore fan of his! Teacher Chen is too cool!"


    Under such widespread buildup of the show, there was nock of topics for the people to talk about. Of course, not everyone had forgotten about Zhang Ye, as a small portion of the people were still paying close attention to the broadcast of A Bite of China!


    "So today Zhang Ye''s documentary is also broadcasting?"


    "I''m caught in a dilemma, which one should I watch?"


    "It''s been quite some time since A Bite of China stopped their promotions. I nearly forgot about it."


    "It''s not that they didn''t want to promote it, but that Central TV Department 1 yed dirty!"


    "When it rains, it pours. It''s hopeless for A Bite of China. I think I better watch Rise to the Dance instead!"


    "It''s just too bad that it''s a documentary, haiii!"


    "Yeah, I really feel pity for Teacher Zhang Ye. Compared to a blockbuster program like Rise to the Dance, what is a documentary? Even the entirety of Central TV has already given up on A Bite of China!"


    "Fuck, using Rise to the Dance topete with a documentary, what''s there topete on? Is it even apetition to begin with? If they''re so good, let thempete with Teacher Zhang Ye on variety shows instead! Then we will see who will be the one that gets beaten!"


    "But there won''t be a chance of an ''if'' scenario at all!"


    "Don''t argue anymore. Everything will be revealed tonight!"


    The stage was ready.


    Appetites were whetted.


    The only thing left was the countdown to broadcast!


    ...


    5 hours before the broadcast.


    Zhang Ye was called over to Yan Tianfei''s office.


    "Little Zhang, did we miss out anything?" Yan Tianfei asked.


    Zhang Yeughed. "Everything is in ce."


    Yan Tianfei said, "Are the preparationsplete?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "We''re just waiting for the broadcast. There''s nothing much we need to prepare for anymore."


    Yan Tianfei looked at his expression andughed. "You seem very rxed."


    "Yeah, I''ve already done all that is necessary. The rest is up to the market to determine." Zhang Ye''s reply was exactly as his thoughts were. At this moment, he felt very calm. After all, he had been through all kinds of storms before and had grown through the experience. Zhang Ye was also growing through all that.


    ...


    3 hours before the broadcast.


    In the office of Central TV Department 1''s director.


    Xu Yipeng said, "Director Jiang, please give us another advertisement slot."


    Jiang Naixiong smiled and said, "Just today alone, Central TV Department 1 has already assigned three advertisement slots to you guys, and it''s still not enough? All of that costs money. Besides, we only gave two slots to The Voice when they premiered!"


    Chen Ye also pleaded for a long time.


    Finally, Jiang Naixiong said, "Let''s wait for next week when your viewership ratings are out. As long as the premiere episode exceeds 1.5% in the viewership ratings, I will add another slot for you guys next week!"


    1.5%?


    Chen Ye didn''t think that it was too much.


    Even Jiang Naixiong thought that this target was not too much to ask for.


    When they returned to the Rise to the Dance program team''s office, Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye started to supervise everyone''s work again, but since the finalized show to be broadcast had already been submitted, there wasn''t actually much to be busy with. But they still tried to make the best of the whatever time that was left, as the staff busied themselves with anything they could, as long as they did not idle about. Everyone just looked like they had something to do, as if by doing so they could show their determination for the new show!


    A female staff member who just came back to the office from outside said, "I saw Zhang Ye just now."


    She was only telling this to her colleague who was seated beside her, but because she did not lower her voice, Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye who were not too far away heard it as well.


    Chen Ye frowned. "What? Is he up to something again?"


    Xu Yipeng was also well aware of Zhang Ye''s character. He was afraid that Zhang Ye would suddenlye up with some trickery.


    The female staff member waved her hands hastily. "No, no, I only saw Zhang Ye leaving work with his bag to go home!"


    "He''s left work?"


    "Gone home?"


    "Isn''t their show also starting its broadcast tonight?"


    "Ah? Why did he go home?"


    Besides Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye being speechless at this, the other program team staff were also dumbfounded by what they heard.


    Then, Chen Ye couldn''t help butugh loudly and shake his head. However, he did not say anything.


    He gave up just like that?


    Leaving work even before the broadcast has started?


    Is that Rotten Fruit of yours just empty talk?!


    Xu Yipeng immediately said, "Why do you care about what others do? Just mind your own business and broaden your outlook. There are so many other variety shows of the same time slot who are ourpetitors, yet you''d rather keep your eye on a documentary?"


    "Uh, sorry!"


    No one dared to mention it again.


    ...


    2 hours before the broadcast.


    Zhang Ye was already back at his parents'' house.


    "Mom, hurry up and make me a bowl of noodles. I''m so hungry." When Zhang Ye stepped into the house, he flicked his shoes off and left them strewn about on the floor. Then he sat down heavily onto the sofa, crowding Chenchen''s space.


    Chenchen was very annoyed by that and vied with him for the middle seat.


    Zhang Ye did not give way to her and two of them started brawling again.


    His mother asked in surprise, "Why are you home?"


    "I''m off work. Where would I go if I don''te back here?" Zhang Ye said rather perplexed.


    His father said, "We thought that you would have to work overtime. Isn''t today the premiere of your documentary?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I can just watch the premiere at home where it''s more peaceful."


    When he finished eating dinner, Zhang Ye went to take a shower. After he came out, he started sending messages to his friends and rtives one by one.


    To Yao Jiancai: "Old Yao, switch to Channel 14 at 8 PM."


    Yao Jiancai replied: "Haha, alright. I will watch and learn from it!"


    To Dong Shanshan: "It''s going to broadcast at 8 PM. Turn on your TV and add to the viewership ratings for me."


    Dong Shanshan: "It''s already on. I''m with Brother Hu, Hou Ge, and the others."


    To Wu Zeqing: "Old Wu, my show is starting soon. It''s today."


    Wu Zeqing: "OK."


    To Fan Yingyun aka Big Saber Bro: "Broadcast at 8 PM! GOGOGO!"


    Fan Yingyun: "A must-see!"


    To Zhang Yuanqi: "Sister Zhang, watch Channel 14 in a while, don''t forget!"


    Zhang Yuanqi: "OK."


    Actually, how much viewership ratings could he add by contacting just a few friends and rtives? Zhang Ye only informed them in case they called him outter for not telling them about his new show''s broadcast because he did not treat them as friends and family.


    His mother also switched to Channel 14.


    However, Zhang Ye said, "Mom, switch it to Channel 1."


    His mother said in surprise, "Why are we watching Channel 1?"


    Chenchen also leered at him. "You want to watch Rise to the Dance?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yes, I must see what the opponent''s show is like."


    His mother switched the channel to Central TV Department 1.


    Zhang Ye understood quite well what A Bite of China would be like as it was entirely recorded and edited by him. Since he knew it so well, it wasn''t necessary to watch it anymore. He was more concerned about the quality of Rise to the Dance, and whether it was as good as the promotions made it out to be. Was it really as good as what Fan Wenli said? Of course, Zhang Ye also had to see if Rise to the Dance was qualified to be A Bite of China''s opponent!


    ...


    The countdown started.


    Three minutes.


    Two minutes.


    One minute.


    At 8 PM sharp, the premiere episode of Rise to the Dance and A Bite of China started broadcasting together!

 Chapter 812: Broadcast! (Part 3)

    <h4>Chapter 812: Broadcast! (Part 3) </h4>


    Chapter 812: Broadcast! (Part 3)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    To Central TV Department 1 and some industry insiders, today was an unusual night for them. Central TV Department 1 was concerned with whether Rise to the Dance would let them continue leading the trend for television variety shows. Xu Yipeng, Chen Ye, and their program team staff were all waiting in anticipation for Rise to the Dance''s viewership rating. The television industry insiders were also observing to see how greatly Rise to the Dance would influence this genre of shows in the future. Then of course, there were also people who wanted to watch the first documentary Zhang Ye directed, A Bite of China, just to see what kind of a show it was.


    But to most citizens, this was just a night like any other night.


    Some people had just returned home from school and some people came home from work. Some might be bored and others might want to rx, so they turned on their televisions.


    So here''s the thing.


    Was today a usual day?


    Or was it an unusual day?


    Could it be that it was a usual day, but with a hint of unusualness?


    Or perhaps, it was an unusual day that had some usualness to it?


    Fuck, only a ghost would fucking know! Moving on to the next subject!


    ...


    "It''s starting!"


    "Haha, the broadcast is starting!"


    "It''s finally beginning!"


    "Chen Ye hase out on stage! Wow! Sect Leader Huo has appeared!"


    "Did Fan Wenli get fatter? Don''t tell me she''s pregnant?"


    "Fuck, Teacher Lili still doesn''t look well on screen. But that can''t be helped, since she''s a professional dancer who does not make a living off of her looks!"


    In the atmosphere of explosiveness and anticipation, Rise to the Dance was now broadcasting on Central TV Department 1!


    On the TV screens, Chen Ye appeared onstage to the rapturous apuse and cheers of the live audience. Everyone stood up, pping as loudly and fervently as they could!


    "Wee, everyone, to the stage of Rise to the Dance. Our show is brought to you by our exclusive title sponsor, Chunhe Mineral Water! Thank you to Huali Appliances'' and Lituo Detergent''s strong support��" Chen Ye stood in the center of the stage, reading a long string of advertisements before smiling and announcing loudly, "Today, we''re here with our three guest coaches to witness a feast of China''s dance scene. Here, today, together with the entire country''s millions of viewers, we will be witnessing what we call the miracle of dance!"


    Thunderous apuse rang out!


    "First, let us wee Teacher Huo Dongfang!"


    "Teacher Fan Wenli!"


    "Teacher Shen Lili!"


    The guest coaches were smiling and waving to the cameras!


    They were all wearing very magnificent looking costumes. From the looks of it, it could be seen that the program would have cost quite a bit to produce. It was definitely not cheap and the outfits all looked like they were individually tailored for each of the guest coaches.


    The entire stage was also very beautifully decorated. Due to the incident that basically destroyed it, Central TV Department 1 reconstructed it with a lot of money and the stage no longer bore any resemnce to The Voice''s stage. It was as good as a new stage altogether, looking very bright and ritzy!


    Following that, Chen Ye introduced thepetition rules and regtions.


    Chen Ye started off on television doing interview programs. Although he had done quite a few variety shows before as well, he gained his fame through interview programs before stepping up to hosting gs. Chen Ye''s hosting style was clearly different from Zhang Ye''s.


    Zhang Ye focused on humor, eloquence, as well as individual talents. This fellow''s hosting style would never be replicated by another. The humor and wit he showed in his talk show? His vast knowledge as seen in Analysis of the Three Kingdoms? His recital speed that was disyed through his hosting act in The Voice? No one else could mimic all of that as his style was extremely distinct. As long as he was on stage, then he would be the focus of everyone. He was a shining light that was independent from a show. It was a trait that was Zhang Ye''s own. In the field of hosting, his existence was always going to be a unique one.


    Meanwhile, Chen Ye''s trait was his affinity with the audience. He focused on the audience mood and atmosphere of the venue, and could adapt to different situations very well. No matter what the characteristics of a show were, he could bring it out to its fullest at all times. His was a strong and stable style of hosting which could keep everything under control, and this was also the basis for his appointment as one of the Spring Festival G hosts.


    A few minutester.


    The main event began!


    "Next, let''s invite our first contestant onto the stage!"


    The scene cut to the contestant''s intro clip.


    "My name is Qi Fang and I''ve loved dancing ever since I was young. At the age of five��"


    On this, Rise to the Dance had learned from The Voice''s style of story presentation. The industry had long ago analyzed and broken down the factors that contributed to the sess of The Voice. Zhang Ye''s model for making shows as well as his storytelling had also been studied by everyone. They knew that by doing this before a contestant appeared on stage, it would help the audience build empathy and identify with the contestant. Facts had proven that this was not a segment that they could leave out, and it was also where Zhang Ye''s cleverness could be seen. With his sessful show as a model, the people who came after followed suit and did not miss out on implementing this sessfully proven method. However, Rise to the Dance did not fully copy everything from The Voice and still made the necessary changes ording to their genre.


    The contestant went onstage.


    The live audience let out faintly discernible exmations!


    Theizens went crazy with their discussions!


    "Ah?"


    "She''s so fat?"


    "This woman has to weigh at least 90 kilograms, right?"


    "Fuck, can she even dance like this?"


    The music started, and so did the dancing.


    Nobody expected that this contestant named Qi Fang immediately started wiggling around as she started dancing a samba!


    Everyone watched dumbfounded!


    "Holy shit! Holy shit!"


    "She can dance this well?"


    "My god, this is too exciting to watch!"


    "This contestant is really quite good!"


    On screen, Huo Dongfang and Fan Wenli could be seen giving each other a look of surprise, then focusing back to Qi Fang as they gazed at her in admiration. It was as though they were already prepared to take this contestant onto their team. Meanwhile, professional dance artist Shen Lili also looked at the female contestant without blinking, before finally standing up from her seat with a smiling face and couldn''t help but start dancing along with her!


    The audience went wild!


    The atmosphere in the venue was extremely passionate!


    Being a talent show, it was needless to exin how important the first contestant was. The effects could be considered decisive for the show, because if the first contestant could grab the attention of the audience, then the show was already half sessful. On this, without a doubt, Rise to the Dance had achieved it!


    ...


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    His mother was watching the show and said, "This show is quite good!"


    His father looked to him. "Do you think this show will be popr?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head and answered, "It''s difficult for me to say, but I don''t think that it will do too badly. Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye are also very smart, knowing how to take the essence from my previous show and apply it here." Actually, seeing it now, Zhang Ye was quite surprised. He had not thought that Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye could churn out anything good. But clearly, after the show was broadcast, it left Zhang Ye surprised as it turned out even better than he had expected!


    His mother said, "Even if it were to do poorly, the viewership ratings will still be much higher than your documentary."


    "Mom, don''t speak too soon." Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "That might not necessarily be true."


    His mother said, "What''s not true? Yours is just a documentary and you really think that it canpete with a variety show?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "Why can''t itpete? Who says that a documentary''s viewership rating has to be less than a variety show''s? Looking at this lively start to Rise to the Dance, you might think that the viewership ratings will be quite good. But actually, there is also a disadvantage, as a dancing talent show has one setback, which is that dance is an art not everyone can understand. There won''t be too many people who''ll appreciate it, so as to how many people actually like the show, it''s still a question mark. Even if the show gets popr, there''s still a limit to how popr it''ll get. Once it reaches the upper limit, it will be difficult for it to get more viewers."


    In this world, there were not many dancing talent shows. For such arge-scale one like Rise to the Dance, it was still the first. However, in Zhang Ye''s previous world, dancing talent shows numbered many, while their ups and downs were all known by Zhang Ye. Naturally, he knew more than the people of this world where the disadvantagesy in a dancing talent show. That was why he had only written the program proposal informally for Central TV Department 1, because they requested it. If it came down to it, he had no ns to do it at all!


    His mother disagreed, "But a documentary''s target audience is even smaller."


    "That opinion of yours would surely be epted by another, but I don''t agree to that." Zhang Yeughed. "A normal person would surely think that no matter how specialized a subject a variety show does, it still would attract arger audience than a documentary. But that''s not necessarily true, because my documentary is about food. From a three-year-old kid to a ny-year-old senior, who doesn''t eat? How many people don''t like eating? My documentary might not seem like it would have arge audience, but in fact, it actually appeals to all ages. Ignoring the epted range of viewers between a documentary and a variety show, my documentary definitely has arger appeal to a wider range of people than a dance show!"


    His mother pouted. "Why am I unconvinced by what you''re saying?"


    Chenchen let out a "hur hur" at that.


    Zhang Ye could not say anything to that and just stopped trying to convince his mother.


    ...


    On Weibo.


    A few simultaneously discussed Weibo posts were attracting a lot of attention!


    "It''s good!"


    "I like the second contestant! She danced really beautifully!"


    "Yeah, that woman looks fine as well. She''ll definitely be very popr!"


    "I still think that the first fatty contestant danced better! That image of her dancing has a really strong impact. So even a fatty is able to dance that well. That''s truly inspirational! I''ve decided that I will go and learn dancing starting tomorrow!"


    "I wanna learn too!"


    "I like Chen Ye''s hosting style. He''s so down to earth!"


    "Here for Sect Leader Huo. He has definitely not disappointed me!"


    "Sect Leader Huo and Fan Wenli''s dance battle really made meugh hard! Hahaha!"


    "The viewership ratings definitely aren''t going to be bad! The way I see it, the first episode is surely going to exceed 1%."


    Of course there were also others who did not think the show was good.


    "I think it''s only average."


    "It''s not as good as The Voice, a little worse than what I had expected."


    "Yeah, I don''t get dancing at all, so it''s not interesting to me."


    "A dancing show definitely won''t attract as many people as a singing one. But it should be enough for it to get at least a 1% viewership rating for its premiere episode. How many TV shows these days can manage to surpass 1% in the nationwide viewership ratings on their premiere episode? I think only The Voice managed to do so this year? With a few more episodes, theter episodes of Rise to the Dance should still go up. It seems like the talk about it right now is quite good and a lot of people are watching it."


    "I heard that Rise to the Dance will have their finals broadcast live. Back then, Central TV Department 1 did not give this privilege to The Voice even though Zhang Ye had applied for it many times. But that privilege has been given to Rise to the Dance now, so when ites to the day of the live finals, there might be a chance that they can surpass The Voice''s highest viewership ratings."


    "Who says that the premiere episode can have 1% viewership ratings? I believe it would be at most 0.5%."


    "Impossible, 1% and above is a definite figure! 1.5% is possible too!"


    "How fucking unfair. Central TV Department 1 is treating Rise to the Dance so differently from the way it treated The Voice. They even approved for the finals of Rise to the Dance to be broadcast live?"


    "Ahem, previous poster, actually, we cannot me Central TV Department 1 for that. Don''t you know about Teacher Zhang''s notoriety? When has a live broadcast involving Teacher Zhang ever ended without a problem? The incident at Father Wei''s memorial, the Shanghai SARFT press conference, they always ended in an earth-shattering uproar. It''s fine for other people to do a live broadcast, but to let Teacher Zhang Ye do that? Whose heart wouldn''t tremble at the thought? If it were you, would you approve letting Teacher Zhang do a live broadcast? So that''s why all this has to do with Teacher Zhang''s reputation being really bad! So bad that everyone fears him!"


    "Oh yes, how is Zhang Ye''s show doing?"


    "I don''t know, I haven''t watched it yet."


    "You guys intend to watch a documentary? Fuck, you''re all super amazing."


    "Rise to the Dance has gone into theirmercial break. I''ll go and have a quick look at Zhang Ye''s documentary. What''s it called again?"


    "It''s called A Bite of China."

 Chapter 813: Broadcast! (End)

    <h4>Chapter 813: Broadcast! (End) </h4>


    Chapter 813: Broadcast! (End)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At around 8 PM.


    Central TV Department 1.


    There were evening shows on this channel, so other than the program team of Rise to the Dance, there were several other program teams of Central TV Department 1 working overtime as well. Some time ago, Zhang Ye had sted some people of Central TV Department 1 on Weibo. Those were the ones who kicked him while he was down during the court case with Central TV Department 1. This had caused the rtionship between many of the program teams and Zhang Ye to be even worse. In turn, they became even more attentive to what Zhang Ye did.


    At a certain interview program''s recording studio.


    "We''re finally done recording!"


    "Everyone has worked hard. It''s time to clock out now."


    "Oh, has that Zhang Ye''s show started broadcasting yet?"


    "It should be broadcasting already."


    "Let''s watch. I want to see what kind of a lousy show he cane up with on his first try at a documentary!"


    At a certain variety show''s office at Central TV Department 1.


    "Rise to the Dance is quite exciting!"


    "Yeah, it''s guaranteed to get number 1 in the viewership ratings."


    "How''s Zhang Ye''s documentary doing?"


    "It should already be broadcasting, but I''m not sure."


    "Old Xu is still as capable and Zhang Ye will have to admit that this time. OK, switch to Channel 14, I want to see what that ''Bite of Something'' documentary is about, and see what Zhang Ye cane up with.


    ...


    During Rise to the Dance''smercial break, many of the viewers, whether they liked Zhang Ye or not, changed their channels to Central TV Department 14 with their remote controls. Compared to the passionate dance and music on Rise to the Dance, the moment they tuned into Channel 14, soothing background music greeted them. It was calm like the trickling of a river stream, like the feeling of floating on fluffy clouds. This was apanied by the deep and maic voice of Zhang Ye narrating.


    "After Sangye picks a mushroom, she carefully covers the hole with pine needles so that the mushroom can continue to grow. All vigers observe this rule."


    In the office.


    A Central TV Department 1 host mockinglyughed and shook his head. "After watching the intense scenes of Rise to the Dance, who would want to watch such a slow-paced and uninteresting documentary?"


    Beside him, a female staff memberughed and said, "Yeah, it''s really too boring."


    "Let''s just knock off and go back home to sleep," said another person.


    There was also someone who went along with the crowd and added, "If there''s anything interesting, it''s only that the visual impact is better due to the usage of HD video cameras, but other than that? It''s still the usual documentary style we''ve always known."


    "Aren''t they just filming food? Who doesn''t know how to film something like that?!" A lot of themughed.


    But very quickly, all of them couldn''tugh anymore!


    The documentary continued broadcasting on television.


    Zhang Ye''s voice wonderfully matched the scenes.


    "Although the taste of pine mushrooms is very unique, they only became popr three decades ago.


    "The main ingredient for another popr traditional Chinese dish is also found in mountain forests.


    "Winter bamboo shoots are harvested and then sliced, before deep-frying them in oil and adding in seasoning. Whenpleted, it bes the mostmon household dish that is prepared within the Zhejiang region. In China, many people live near bamboo growths and understand bamboo shoots very well��"


    As the scenes of the forests shed across the screen, the HD footage of the ingredients in their most raw and original forms in nature left everyone salivating.


    Those bamboo shoots could really whet one''s appetite!


    Even if it were just the freshly harvested bamboo shoots, it was enough to make people unconsciously swallow their saliva. Even if they had already eaten and filled their stomachs, they could feel the freshness of the bamboo shoots rushing against their faces. Even through the television, it seemed like they could smell the wet fragrance of the grass seeds. The HD footage was undoubtedly amplifying this experience for them, leaving them fully immersed in the experience as though they were there in the forest!


    It was too beautiful!


    It felt��too real!


    Several of those program team staff who had been mocking the documentary earlier looked at each other, while everyone else who was watching A Bite of China in the office were shocked!


    A Bite of China continued.


    Many of those people had fallen silent, their eyes glued to the television screen.


    "Every September, brothers Qi Hu and Qi Chen go to Jiayu County in Hubei to dig out lotus roots from theke pit. This nt grows deep underneath the mud in theke. The thing that Qi Hu has just dug out is called a lotus root. It is a kind of vegetable that ismonly found inkes.


    "As professional lotus root diggers, the brothers work away from home for seven months every year. During the lotus root harvesting season, theye from their home in Anhui to participate in the harvest. The work is hard, but the pay is good, so Qi Hu and Qi Chen are willing to engage in this hard work. Lotus root diggers love the cold weather. This is because lotus roots sell well when the weather is cold."


    Mud.


    Fresh lotus roots.


    Lotus root diggers.


    What were just some ordinary images gave these city-dwellers a pleasant feeling. It was a feeling of happiness and joy that was difficult to describe in words!


    This was Zhang Ye''s documentary?


    This was A Bite of China?


    That Central TV host suddenly broke the silence and lightly shook his head whileughing. "We might have underestimated Zhang Ye. He has shot the documentary quite well there, but no matter how well he filmed it, it''s still just a documentary. It will definitely not do well in the viewership ratings."


    A person nodded and said. "Yeah, luckily it''s just a documentary, otherwise��"


    "Otherwise what?" a colleague beside that person asked.


    That person gave a wry smile. "Otherwise the other shows broadcasting at the same time slot might have something to worry about."


    An assistant director who had argued with Zhang Ye on the Inte before observed, "That Zhang fellow. It''s obviously his first attempt at doing a documentary. Why does he even know how to handle such an unpopr genre?"


    No one answered him.


    Because no one had an answer.


    ...


    At Yan Tianfei''s house.


    Old Yan and his wife''s family were watching television together.


    Only Old Yan constantly said, "It''s too well shot, it''s really too well shot. This type of documentary wouldn''t have any problem winning a documentary award for sure!"


    His wife beside him agreed, "This documentary is great to watch. So a documentary can even be made this way? I''ve never bothered watching any shows on your channel in the past, but this A Bite of China seemspletely different from other documentaries, yet notpletely different at the same time. Hai, Old Yan, turn up the volume, I can''t hear it!"


    Yan Tianfei gave a slight sigh. "How pitiful, it''s really such a pity!"


    His wife asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Yan Tianfei replied, "It''s such a pity with Zhang Ye''s capabilities. If he did not get handed a documentary project to handle this time, he would probably have had a chance topete with Rise to the Dance. Our department has really held him back here."


    Even though his wife felt that A Bite of China was good, she also understood that no matter how good a niche show like a documentary was, it would not be able topete with a variety show. As a result, she just continued watching the show without saying another word.


    ...


    Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    His mother continued watching the documentary in astonishment. "Son, this is the documentary you shot?"


    "Yes." Zhang Ye chuckled. "It''s quite good, isn''t it?"


    His mother said, "It''s great. This is right up my alley and just my type of show to watch." Pausing, she continued, "But it might not be so for other people. I believe a majority of the viewers won''t be able to ept it."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Why not?"


    "Because documentaries are only for a minority of the viewers," his mother answered matter-of-factly.


    Zhang Ye asked again, "Why is it only for a minority of the viewers?"


    His mother said, "Because it''s a documentary."


    Zhang Ye gave up. "��Fine then."


    Zhang Ye understood the concept of "nobody would watch a documentary." In this world, the hearts of people were too deeply ingrained with this mindset. Even if a lot of people liked this documentary when they watched it, no one thought that others would feel the same way as them and like the documentary as well.


    Chenchen suddenly said, "Zhang Ye, I''m hungry."


    Zhang Ye dismissively told her, "Go and cook yourself some instant noodles."


    Chenchen pointed to the television. "I want some stir-fried bamboo shoots."


    His motherughed and ruffled Chenchen''s head. "The restaurant is still open. Let grandma order takeout for you. Just as well, I''m getting hungry from watching the documentary too!"


    His father added, "Order honeyed lotus roots as well."


    ��..


    At Central TV Department 14, everyone still stayed put at the office.


    But with the same thoughts as Zhang Ye, the group of Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others were tuned in to watch the broadcast of Rise to the Dance.


    Little Wang said angrily, "What is the audience so hyped about?"


    Ha Qiqi sighed as she browsed through Weibo on her cell phone. "The audience''s reception seems to be quite good."


    "With so many promotions and those guest coaches, could they be unpopr?" Zhang Zuo also said with a heavy heart. "Did you guys really expect that our documentary had a chance against them?"


    Wu Yi insisted, "How many people can understand an art like dancing?"


    Zhang Zuo shook his head. "But at least they will understand it more than a documentary, right?"


    The explosive debut of the popr Rise to the Dance had dealt this program team a great blow. It extinguished anyst hopes they had for Rise to the Dance earning a bad reputation by doing terribly in the viewership and getting a lowly 0.3% viewership rating. If their documentary did not do badly, they would not be too far off from Rise to the Dance or even outdo them in the viewership ratings. But as of now, they knew that there was no hope!


    Rise to the Dance did not experience an unexpected failure!


    As for them?


    Their A Bite of China?


    As they were talking, Tong Fu suddenly eximed!


    "Quick, have a look at this!" he announced rather loudly.


    Ha Qiqi was startled by that and remarked, "Whoa, did someone step on your foot?"


    Zhang Zuo looked over to him. "What''s the matter? Look at what?"


    Tong Fu quickly exined, "Look at thements! Go onto Weibo and read thements!"


    Everyone was wondering why Tong Fu had such an astonished reaction, so one by one, all of them went to check their Weibo. When they saw it, they were also quite dumbfounded by it and couldn''t react for a moment!


    There were too manyments by theizens!


    Before they could really read the contents of thements, their attention was already taken by the words "A Bite of China"!


    "It''s such a great show!"


    "Goddammit, a documentary can even be filmed this way?"


    "Is this what a HD video camera can do? How awesome!"


    "The imagery is so exquisite that it looks like an expensively produced movie! Zhang Ye has really brought documentaries to a godly level!"


    "I''m getting hungry! I''m getting hungry!"


    "This is the first time I''ve seen such a documentary style! If Rise to the Dance did not go tomercial break, I wouldn''t have switched to Channel 14. Once I tuned into this channel, I couldn''t stop watching!"


    "This is really good! Zhang Ye''s reputation is indeed great!"


    "I only watched this for Zhang Ye. I didn''t expect much at first, but who could have known that A Bite of China could give me such a great surprise! This documentary is ridiculously innovative!"


    "10,000 Likes! I couldn''t stop watching once I started!"


    Yao Jiancai suddenly posted on Weibo: "Rmending my Old Bro Zhang''s new show, A Bite of China, which is currently showing on television. Everyone, go and watch. It''s so good that I''m getting gastric pain just from watching!"


    Beijing Television''s Hu Fei: "I''m wholly convinced!!"


    Dong Shanshan: "Strongly rmending A Bite of China! This century''s most popr documentary!"


    Zhang Yuanqi''s manager, Fang Weihong: "What a surprise! Teacher Zhang Ye''s shows are always so sincere and so astonishing!


    Grandma Zhang Xia forwarded a Weibo post: "This is what you call a real documentary. How interesting!"


    A famous documentary director of the industry: "I never expected that in the downturn of the market environment, someone could still create new heights with a documentary. Here''s to rmending A Bite of China. Even though you can''t expect a documentary to make much of an impact in the viewership ratings, nor can itpete against a variety show, but I feel that every documentary director could actually learn from A Bite of China''s filming techniques and logic of story delivery. This will inspire many people, including me as well!"


    A sea of praise!


    Almost everyone who watched A Bite of China was calling it good!


    Ha Qiqi was stunned on the spot!


    Zhang Zuo was dumbfounded!


    Everyone in A Bite of China''s program team had a look of surprise on their faces, because none of them had much of an expectation regarding their documentary. They did not expect that this would happen!


    ...


    Central TV Department 1.


    In the program team office of Rise to the Dance.


    Xu Yipeng was looking at the LCD TV that hung on the wall of the program team office. He was watching the fifth contestant who had juste onstage, and was all smiles. asionally, he would nod his head in approval. He was also extremely satisfied as he listened to the staff member beside him reporting about the Weiboments and how the show''s poprity was rising.


    The show was definitely going to be popr!


    That was without a doubt!


    The only question left was how much viewership their premiere episode would garner!


    At this time, a staff member suddenly stammered, "D-Director Xu, Director Ch-Chen."


    "What''s the matter?" Chen Ye said, also with a big grin on his face, as he turned to the staff.


    "Uh, I don''t know if I should say this, but��" That staffer still said anyway, "Department 14''s A Bite of China is also beginning to trend."


    Chen Ye did not pay much attention to this. "Oh?"


    Xu Yipengughed and asked, "What''s everyone''sments about it?"


    "Everyone is saying that it''s not bad." That staff phrased his words very carefully. "There is much praise about it."


    Chen Ye shook his head and said, "That''s very normal. Zhang Ye is a B-list celebrity and his fans still number quite a lot. There are surely some loyal, diehard fans who support him, so that''s no surprise. Besides, they''re just a niche documentary genre, so it''ll definitely get more praise unlike variety shows which are always going to get more criticism than praise."


    Xu Yipeng also had a look at thements made by some people regarding A Bite of China. Then he said, "Looks like Zhang Ye did not mess up his documentary, but no matter what, it''s still just a documentary, so they shouldn''t even think about what their viewership ratings will be. No matter how well it does, they will at most get a documentary awardter on. Um, but that might not be definite either, since Zhang Ye''s reputation is so bad. He has offended people from at least seven or eight industries, so he might not get considered even if he were to qualify for a good award."


    Even now, they still thought nothing of A Bite of China. Since the beginning, they had not considered A Bite of China to be apetitor at all, because they knew that an apuded program might not necessarily be a hit with everyone. A documentary had always been made with getting an award in mind. There was never a need to consider whether it would be a hit or not, because even if they did, there was no meaning to that. This was because 90% of the audience would not even want to watch a documentary. A documentary should only be concerned about its reputation and would go the artistic route, while their variety shows did not rely on needing a good reputation or getting praised. They were more concerned about whether it would be a hit with the masses, and how it would do in the viewership ratings. Thus, these two genres of shows were essentially notpeting on the same ying field. There was nothing for them topete on!


    They wouldn''tpete with a documentary for public praise!


    Simrly, a documentary should never need to concern itself onpeting with variety shows for viewership ratings!


    ...


    A call arrived.


    Hu Fei also had the same opinion of things.


    "Hello, Brother Hu." Zhang Ye went back into his room to answer the call.


    Hu Feiughed loudly: "You''re really great! Quietly going away for two months and disappearing from the scene. SO you were in fact preparing for something big. This documentary is so well filmed! I''m watching your show in the office with Xiao Lu, Dafei, Dong Shanshan, and the rest. Everyone is praising how good you were and are so happy for you!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Thank you to all of you."


    Hu Fei asked: "You really know how to shoot a documentary? And even managed to shoot it so well like this?"


    Zhang Ye humbly replied: "I was just blindly doing it."


    "Have you seen Weibo? The top three documentary directors have all given their Likes to A Bite of China and theirments of you are also very good. I think that you will definitely win this year''s top documentary awards. There''s no doubt about that!" Hu Fei was really very happy for him and he said: "But you shouldn''t think too much about the viewership ratings. There''s definitely no chance there. You should just work hard while you''re at Department 14 and aim for the most prestigious award for documentaries. That will be good enough!"


    Zhang Ye only gave a light smile to that and did not wish to argue about this anymore.


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye browsed through Weibo to look at thements from theizens. After some consideration, he felt that the situation now was rather different from what he had predicted. It had surpassed his expectations!


    Was it too unpopr?


    It was exactly the opposite of that. It was too popr!


    ording to Zhang Ye''s previous predictions, A Bite of China was supposed to bear disgrace and a heavy burden. After all, for the original A Bite of China in his previous world, what was the premiere episode''s viewership rating? It was a mere 0.012%! It couldn''t even garner a fraction of the worst performing variety show''s viewership rating! That was why Zhang Ye had hoped that the documentary would gain an early reputation before erupting on its umted momentum of poprity. However, the love for the show that came from the audience rather surprised Zhang Ye. He knew that some of the measures he had taken were seeing a result now!


    Like the controversy behind his scheduling of the broadcast time to sh with Rise to the Dance!


    Like using his vast poprity which rubbed off on A Bite of China!


    All of these were the differences! These were the reasons for the poprity gained in advance by A Bite of China!


    The A Bite of China of this world was already traveling on a different path with a different setup and a different broadcast momentum from the original A Bite of China in his previous world!


    Perhaps, there was no need for good preparation to ensure its sess?


    Perhaps, it was already time for the shows topete and fight it out?


    Zhang Ye pondered it, before finally taking out his cell phone and calling Yan Tianfei. "Hello, Director Yan. It''s something urgent. I would like to make somest-minute changes to the broadcast time of A Bite of China."


    Yan Tianfei muttered: "What changes?"


    "I would like for A Bite of China to broadcast two episodes in a row starting tonight. We will broadcast all the way until around 10 PM!" Zhang Ye added: "So that we can end at the same time as Rise to the Dance!"


    ording to the broadcast schedule back then, A Bite of China would end before 9 PM while Rise to the Dance would run for two hours including advertisements. That would mean that after A Bite of China has finished the first episode, there would still be another hour''s broadcast of Rise to the Dance.


    Yan Tianfei said: "The schedule is already set. Although it''s not like we can''t change it, it''s quite troublesome to do that. We would have to contact a lot of departments to get it through, so is there a need to do something like that?"


    Zhang Ye said determinedly: "I feel that there is a need."


    Yan Tianfei asked: Why?"


    Zhang Ye kept quiet for a few seconds, then replied: "I''ll tell you the reason tomorrow."


    Tomorrow?


    Why would you only give the reason tomorrow?


    Yan Tianfei was taken aback, but did not ask any further. "Alright, I will make the arrangements for you. There are still 20 minutes until the end of the first episode, so we can still make it. I will get someone to put up a scrolling notice onscreen to let the audience know. As long as there are people watching A Bite of China, they will definitely see it."


    "I''m sorry about that, Director Yan. I know I''m being willful," Zhang Ye apologized.


    But Yan Tianfei said: "You''re the overall supervisor of the program team for A Bite of China, as well as the executive director. You have your considerations and can judge for yourself, so I''ll just have to take your word for it."


    Zhang Ye dered: "Thank you so much. I''ll contact the others. I''m going back to the office immediately!"


    They were from the documentary channel, so this decision would not affect any hosts or other program teams. The documentary that they had originally scheduled for 9 PM was a licensed documentary that they had bought. By pushing it to the back of the schedule to broadcast sote at night, they might as well not broadcast it at all. No one would say a thing anyway, and neither would the audience mind, since no one would be watching it. Therefore, even though it was ast minute change, it wouldn''t affect anything much.


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye quickly put on his coat. "Dad, Mom, I''m heading back to the office. It''s something urgent!" Then he called up Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others by the by, who were still in the office working!


    "Old Ha, tell everyone not to leave yet! I''ll be right back!" Zhang Ye said.


    Ha Qiqi asked in surprise: "Ah? Didn''t you already clock out?"


    Zhang Yeughed: "I guess you guys knew better by not leaving first. I''ll exin when I get back to the office!"


    ...


    Online.


    Very soon, people found out about the news of this change!


    On the broadcast of A Bite of China, the notice scrolled across the screen. Zhang Ye and the official Weibo of Department 14 also sent out an update to let everyone know!


    Theizens got an unexpected surprise!


    "Wow, it''s a back-to-back broadcast?"


    "That''s so awesome! How ethical of the industry!"


    "Hahaha, I was still worried about not having enough to watch!"


    "The food I just ordered hasn''t arrived yet. Seems like it wille just in time for the second episode''s broadcast!"


    "Back-to-back episodes? Then wouldn''t the broadcast be as long as Rise to the Dance? Uh, what is Teacher Zhang trying to do? Why do I get the feeling that this is not a simple adjustment?"


    "Could this change be directed at Rise to the Dance?"


    "Fuck, you guys are looking too deep into this. Even if they were to broadcast ten episodes back to back, do you guys think that a documentary can beat a variety show, much less with just two episodes? Or would it be therge-scale talent show funded by a huge investment and having big names in it? If such a situation really happens, then the people of Central TV Department 1 should just vomit blood and jump off a building! Do you want to deal such a heavy blow to all the television stations'' variety shows? Everyone knows how unrealistic that is."


    "Uh, you''re right too."


    "Who cares about all that. It''s fine as long as they broadcast it!"


    "The talk about A Bite of China might be good and even though there is a lot more discussion about it now, there isn''t anyone who would actually watch it. My guess is that it''s just us who like it."


    "Well, there''s nothing we can do about that. This show is too niche."


    "Wow, why didn''t they show any advertisements before going to the next second episode?"


    "A Bite of China did not sell any ad spots?"


    "Who do you think would want to buy a documentary''s advertisements?"


    "That''s true. Let''s not specte anymore. Who cares if the others like this show as long as I like it myself. I''ll go watch the second episode now, haha!"


    "I''ll go as well!"


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    ...


    The second episode.


    Title: "Staple Food Stories."


    "Staple foods usually provide most of the calories needed by people."


    "The cooking styles of the Chinese vary in many different ways, from the most ordinary pot of rice or a steamed bun, to the myriad of delicately prepared staple foods that are the umted experience of the hard work by the Chinese. No matter how many dishes have been had, the staple food will always remain the main dish to be served on the dining tables of the Chinese."


    The music was soothing.


    The heat vapor from the dishes looked as though it was rising out from the screen.


    ...


    With the positive talk of the show building up, more and more people were tuning to Channel 14. Even those who did not watch the first episode but heard about A Bite of China from the Inte or their friends and neighbors tuned in out of curiosity to see what this documentary was about!


    As a result, it went out of control!


    A lot of them ending up not changing the channel after they started watching for a few seconds!

 Chapter 814: The viewership ratings are out!

    <h4>Chapter 814: The viewership ratings are out! </h4>


    Chapter 814: The viewership ratings are out!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Saturday morning.


    After he went downstairs and got into the car, Zhang Ye drove straight to the newspaper stand near the district''s entrance. He put on his sunsses and got out of the car to buy some newspapers. The newspaper stand''s owner already knew that Zhang Ye stayed around the area and woulde here very often to buy newspapers, so even though he was wearing sunsses, the owner still recognized him immediately.


    "You''re here, Teacher Zhang?" The owner smiled.


    Zhang Ye nodded."Yeah, give me a copy each of Youth Daily, Morning Post, and Beijing Times."


    "Alright." The newsstand owner adeptly picked out three copies of newspapers and passed it to him."You''re working today?"


    "Yeah, there''s a bunch of things waiting for me to do. I can''t even rest on Saturday." Zhang Ye paid him the money.


    "I watched your documentaryst night." The newsstand owner said excitedly,"Aiyo, it''s so good that it''s indescribable. I started watching from the second episode, before ying and watching the first episode after that. It was the same for my neighbors who watched it. All of them said that they''d never watched such a good documentary before. It''s even more enticing than watching a television series. When is the next episode going to be?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said,"Next Friday."


    The owner:"OK, I''ll definitely catch it."


    Zhang Ye:"Thank you for your support then."


    The owner:"No worries! We''re all neighbors!"


    Across the street, a few grandpas and grandmas walked in the opposite direction of Zhang Ye. They were all old neighbors with Zhang Ye. There was a person who stayed in the same apartment building as Zhang Ye''s family too. Naturally, he got recognized immediately.


    "Hey, Little Ye!"


    "Grandma Cui, Grandpa Sun, you''re out buying groceries?"


    "Yes, you''re going to work?"


    "Yes, I have some overtime to clock today."


    "Your A Bite of China was really well made!"


    "Yo, you all watched it too?"


    "Of course, how can we not watch a show of yours? It''s good, it''s very good!"


    "Hur hur, thank you so much. I will continue to work even harder."


    "Do you have theter episode contents with you? Let''s have an advanced screening of them."


    "Ah? There are regtions set by the department about such things. I can''t bring out any of the contents that have been lined up for broadcast."


    "You''re the program team''s supervisor. Shouldn''t everything be decided by you? Don''t you have a say in the regtions? Then why not tell us what the next episode is about?"


    Only after some hassling was Zhang Ye able to get himself out of there. After he got back to his car, he took the newspapers and sat in the car as he browsed through them.


    "A Bite of China garners great reviews!"


    "Zhang Ye disys an astonishing directorial debut in his first documentary series!"


    "Last night, Zhang Ye announced to all industry insiders with his work: A documentary can be done this way too!"


    "Famed documentary filmmaker praises A Bite of China. Calls for all documentary directors to learn from it!"


    "Yao Jiancai, Chen Guang, Dong Shanshan, and many more give their support to A Bite of China!"


    "ording to figures from online vendors, from 8-11 PMst night, several of the dishes featured on A Bite of China received seven times the usual amount of orders from customers! Many of the eateries that did not know what was happening called the online vendor to check if there was an error in the system!"


    "Could this be the end of the downturn for the documentary genre?"


    "Zhang Ye''s reputation and hallmark is still as loud as ever!"


    "Guessing the viewership ratings for A Bite of China!"


    "In the past five years, the highest nationwide viewership rating for documentaries was at 0.172%. The average viewership rating was 0.034%. Could A Bite of China rewrite history?"


    "Surveyed industry insiders and professionals predict a pessimistic viewership rating for A Bite of China: The documentary genre has long been weak with a niche audience base. It cannot be relied upon to contribute to a good viewership rating. What is most important for a documentary is still whether it can garner good reviews, while a low viewership rating is amon oue. In any case, A Bite of China has actually seeded already!"


    "Arge-scale documentary that amazes people!"


    "How much more talent can Zhang Ye produce from his mind?"


    Seeing the newspapers filled with reports about A Bite of China, Zhang Ye was very satisfied at this. Even if he flipped through the pages to see that the rest of the news was all taken up by reports of Rise to the Dance, which numbered at least two to three times more than theirs, he did not feel very surprised by it. For a variety show with so many big name celebrities, it was very normal for it to get that kind of exposure. Hence Zhang Ye put the car into gear, stepped on the elerator, and drove off to Central TV.


    ...


    At the office.


    It was a rest day today, but there were still quite a lot of people who came to work. An organization like a television station was usually like this. Sometimes, it would even get busier during the holidays than on a normal working day.


    He got out of his car and walked toward the main entrance.


    As he was walking there, Zhang Ye received a lot of attention from the people around. Many curious gazes fell upon him, as everyone asionally pointed at him while they discussed and talked.


    "Look, it''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Which of you guys watched A Bite of Chinast night?"


    "I watched it! It was simply amazing!"


    "I wasn''t thinking of watching it at first, but when I got home after workingtest night, I saw my parents and aunt watching A Bite of China, so I just watched it with them in passing. But somehow, I ended up watching the entire show until 10 PM. I have to admit that Zhang Ye really brought this documentary to life!"


    "There''s a lot of praise about it on the Inte."


    "I saw that. Everyone''s giving it Likes."


    "Central TV Department 1 still wishes to freeze Zhang Ye? This guy is so amazing. How can they possibly keep him frozen?!"


    "Yeah, no matter where this man goes, he''s always able to shine!"


    "We can''t say that. There can''t be too many people who watch A Bite of China. It''s just that it''s getting praised, but it won''t have much of a viewership in the end. At most it would earn a 0.0-something percent in the viewership ratings, so how is that different from being frozen? It''s totally disproportionate to Zhang Ye''s poprity as a B-list celebrity and it won''t at all help him advance further."


    "Of course it won''t be able topete with Rise to the Dance. But they''ve produced a documentary to such a level, so what else do you expect from A Bite of China? If a documentary really outdoes such arge-scale talent show like Rise to the Dance, then the world must surely be crazy!"


    "Well, their results now are already quite good."


    "That''s right, don''t assess a documentary using a variety show''s standards. That''s unfair."


    "Looking at everything, Rise to the Dance is actually considered popr! Even though there are mixed reviews about it, there''s no doubt about its poprity. There aren''t any issues with the show''s quality either. I watched it yesterday and find it to be rather good!"


    "Chen Ye is going to get popr this time as well."


    "Yeah, he''s incredibly lucky to be able to get this show at such a great time."


    "The way it goes, when Rise to the Dance finishes its broadcast, Chen Ye might even end up bing more popr than Zhang Ye. Even if he doesn''t catch up to him, at least the gap between them won''t be that big anymore."


    "Rise to the Dance is leading the way again!"


    "Central TV Department 1 will end up as the big winner here."


    "No matter how great Zhang Ye does, a documentary is still just going to be a documentary. Even if it''s popr or has good influence, it still boils down to the viewership ratings in the end. Everything else is pointless!"


    "The only question left now is whether the premiere episode of Rise to the Dance can exceed 1%."


    "A 1% viewership rating shouldn''t be an issue at all!"


    "With the poprity effect persisting from The Voice, it should''ve brought a lot of viewers to Rise to the Dance."


    ...


    Upstairs.


    Department 14, program team office of A Bite of China.


    Zhang Ye had arrived a littlete for work due to some dys on the way here. When he got here, he found Yan Tianfei with his secretary standing in the office area of his program team.


    "Little Zhang, you''ve arrived?" Yan Tianfei turned around and greeted him with a smile.


    Ha Qiqi and the others also greeted him as well.


    "Director Zhang."


    "Good morning, Director Zhang."


    "A very good morning to you, Director Zhang!"


    Everyone seemed very excited and were in good spirits as well.


    Zhang Ye quickly said,"Director Yan, you''re here?"


    Yan Tianfei nodded."In recent days, it''s been quite hard on your program team. Everyone climbed mountains and waded through seas, working tirelessly. The reactions to the broadcast of A Bite of China was rather good, so I came here to extend my regards to everyone, especially to you, Teacher Little Zhang. It was mainly due to you that we sessfully broadcast the documentary this time."


    Zhang Yeughed and waved it off."I don''t deserve that. It was due to Director Yan''s leadership and everyone working hard together."


    Yan Tianfei asked,"Since the show has garnered a lot of praise, what are your ns for next week''s broadcast?"


    Zhang Ye said,"We won''t do a back-to-back broadcast next week, but I would like to have one episode broadcast on Friday, followed by another one on Saturday. We will broadcast two days in a row so that we can consolidate the poprity of the show."


    "Alright, I''ll leave it to you to decide." Yan Tianfei purposely paused for a moment, and then chuckled,"There''s another piece of good news that I want to inform everyone about. We received a call this morning from the selectionmittee of this year''s television awards. They want to include A Bite of China as a nominee for Best Documentary. We''ve only broadcast it for a day and there''re only two episodes, but the selectionmittee has already made an exception to nominate our program. This is the first time something like this has happened with the awardsmittee!"


    "Ah?"


    "Are you serious?"


    "That''s great!"


    "Wow, we have a chance to win an award?"


    Everyone was ecstatic. Wasn''t all of the hard work they''d put in for the past two months just for a moment like this?


    Zhang Yeughed, but not as excitedly as the others. To him, getting an award was of course good, but his focus was still on the viewership ratings."Director, when will the viewership ratings be released?"


    Yan Tianfei was taken aback."Viewership ratings? Oh, around 10 o''clock." Then on further thought, Yan Tianfei said to him,"Little Zhang, the nomination for A Bite of China this time is no ordinary award. It''s the most prestigious award in the country for documentaries and it''s also the highest honor that a documentary can get domestically. Our focus right now is to ensure that we can win this award. As for the viewership ratings, I believe that the selectionmittee is not going to focus on that. After all, a documentary''s viewership ratings are usually not high, and every documentary performs simrly, so there''s nothing to reallypare. If the judging were to be based on that, then nothing could be judged. In the end, everything still depends on the reputation and artistic level of the documentary."


    Zhang Ye replied,"I understand."


    "So let me give you a heads up first." Yan Tianfei was afraid that the viewership difference would be too vast."It''s still the same as I said before. Don''t expect too much of the viewership ratings."


    Yan Tianfei''s secretary also said with a grin,"Yes, Director Zhang. The viewership rating of our A Bite of China does not necessarily have topete with variety shows. As long as we do better than the other shows of the same genre, that should be good enough."


    The outstanding praise for A Bite of China excited everyone to no end. But the mention of viewership ratings was avoided by everyone, while they only continued discussing about the nomination for the most prestigious award. This was because, even though there was so much praise for A Bite of China, no one believed that they couldpare to shows such as Rise to the Dance and Do You Remember. This was not due to theirck of confidence, but rather because they knew that it was not a possibility at all whatsoever.


    ...


    Central TV Department 1.


    Director Jiang Naixiong and Deputy Director Jiang Yuan were talking in their office.


    "Are the viewership ratings out yet?" Jiang Naixiong asked.


    Jiang Yuan answered,"Not yet, today''s calctions are taking a little longer. I''ve already called them up several times but they said that they were still preparing it. It should be ready by around 10 o''clock, or 9:30 if earlier."


    Jiang Naixiong looked at his watch and mentioned,"It won''t be long then."


    Jiang Yuan smiled and said,"Yes, when the viewership ratings are out, we''ll finally know the results. I am quite confident in Old Xu and Chen Ye. From the click rates and hashtag numbers, the viewership ratings will definitely be very high. Of course, it''s not likely that we can match up to The Voice''s viewership ratings for now, but there''s a high probability that it will catch up from behind."


    Jiang Naixiong was also looking very rxed,ughing as he stated,"That''s good. This key project must do well. The entirety of Central TV and the entire industry are all waiting to see how we would do."


    Jiang Yuan reassured,"Don''t worry, everything will be fine."


    "I heard that Department 14''s documentary is also receiving rather good praise?" Jiang Naixiong inquired.


    Jiang Yuan answered without even thinking,"It''s not bad, but it''s just the echo chamber effect. There can''t be anyone who watched it when they don''t even have the money to do promotions for it. Since there were no advertisements for the documentary, who would watch it? It''s only Zhang Ye''s hardcore fans who are making a lot of noise over it. At most they''d get 0.1% of the viewership ratings, tops."


    Downstairs.


    At the program team office of Rise to the Dance, everyone was also discussing this. In the newspapers, headlines of their show took up at least half the front page, giving everyone an unprecedented sense of confidence. In the office area, many of the staff were already talking about holding a celebratory feast.


    "Director Xu, treat us!"


    "Right, Director Xu, Director Chen, it''s your treat!"


    "It''s all because of Director Xu and Teacher Chen that we could do this. The entire country''s media and Weibo users are all discussing our show."


    "I''ve heard rumors that there are already some television stations who want to follow in our footsteps. Tianjin Television already intends tounch a dancing talent show next year!"


    "Our show has gotten really popr!"


    "Do You Remember, Family Happiness, those shows can all take a seat!"


    "Yeah, our viewership ratings are definitely going to crush all of the other variety shows. We will definitely get the honor of being number 1 in the nationwide viewership ratings! Who else is there? Who else can fight against us for the top spot?!"


    The group of them were gloating, feeling extremely thrilled about it.


    Xu Yipengughed."The viewership ratings are still not out yet."


    A female staff member giggled,"Do we even need to wait for the statistics to be released? It''s already guaranteed!"


    Chen Ye also said,"Among the variety shows in the same time slot, there really are none that canpete with us. Even if Do You Remember has made some new changes to their show, it''s not enough to stand up to us."


    ...


    On Weibo.


    Countless people took part in the discussion.


    "What''s the viewership rating for Rise to the Dance?"


    "It''s still not released yet?"


    "With our Sect Leader Huo on the show, the viewership ratings can only be invincible!"


    "Chen Ye, I''m cheering you on. You''ll surely do well!"


    "Rise to the Dance is unstoppable now!"


    "Central TV Department 1 is rising quite unexpectedly in the field of variety!"


    "I''m actually more curious about A Bite of China''s viewership rating."


    "Previous poster, there''s nothing to worry about. A Bite of China''s viewership rating should just bepared with other simr types of documentaries and not with variety shows."


    "But A Bite of China is produced by Zhang Ye!"


    "That won''t make a difference. You''re just asking for the impossible."


    "Haha, yet another sheep from A Bite of China''s camp. You guys must have been trying to contribute to the traffic and discussions the whole ofst night, right? Are you tired yet? Isn''t that enough already? What''s the point of trying to inte the numbers for a lousy documentary? You even think there''s a chance for the viewership ratings? Even if we just take the fractional part of the viewership rating for Rise to the Dance, it would be several times more than A Bite of China''s viewership rating. I really wonder if you guys understand anything at all!"


    "Hey, it''s out!"


    "What''s out?"


    "I think the viewership ratings are out!"


    "Wow, where is it? I want to have a look!"


    At 9:40 AM, the statistics were published!


    ...


    Theizens were looking at the online copy of it, while Rise to the Dance''s program team staff were looking at the internally circted copy. Actually, it was the same copy except that they received it earlier.


    Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye were holding a copy of the viewership ratings table each.


    "It''s out, it''s out!"


    "How much did we get?"


    "Hu, I feel a little bit nervous!"


    "Director Xu, how much did we get? Quickly announce it!"


    "Aiyo, you''re really keeping everyone in suspense!"


    Everyone stared at the two directors.


    Then, they saw Chen Ye break out into a smile as he said to everyone,"It''s quite good."


    Xu Yipeng held the viewership ratings table in his hand and waved it at everyone."Rise to the Dance''s first episode viewership rating is 1.27%! Without a doubt, we are the top-rated variety show in the entire country!"


    Hearing that, everyone cheered!


    "That''s so great!"


    "Haha, cool!"


    "I knew it!"


    "1.27%? The premiere episode has exceeded 1%!"


    "It''s really quite good. How many variety shows these days can break 0.5% with their premiere broadcast? Among those that could break 1% this year, other than The Voice, Rise to the Dance is the only other show!"


    "We can finally enjoy the celebratory feast!"


    "With this momentum, we can still get even better ratings in the future!"


    Even if this viewership rating was not as logic-defying as they had expected, it was still much higher than their minimum expectations. It could be said that this was a satisfactory result, although not perfect.


    Chen Ye, suddenly reminded by something, smiled and said,"Oh yes, what is the viewership rating of A Bite of China?"


    Xu Yipeng also smiled and replied,"It''s not stated on this table, but it should be avable online, right?"


    Chen Ye gloated,"I''ll go and take a look."


    Thinking of Zhang Ye''s Rotten Fruit poem from back then, Chen Ye and the others were all waiting to see him make a fool of himself!

 Chapter 815: The entire world stills!

    <h4>Chapter 815: The entire world stills! </h4>


    Chapter 815: The entire world stills!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Central TV Documentary Channel.


    Many of their colleagues, including those from Section 1 and 2, had all gathered around at Zhang Ye''s Section 3 office space to look at the newly released viewership ratings. As the viewership ratings for documentaries and variety shows were not released together, they did not receive the statistics for their documentary yet. Instead, they were checking out Rise to the Dance''s viewership ratings on the Inte like the otherizens.


    Ha Qiqi was shocked."1.27%?"


    "They really managed to exceed 1%?" Zhang Zuo pulled a long face and said,"And it''s not just barely past 1%?"


    Little Wang felt depressed and groaned,"What''s so good about that lousy show?"


    Wu Yi sighed."There were cases of manipted viewership ratings some years back, but since the strict crackdown, that practice has been quashed. These days, the viewership ratings can no longer be faked."


    Tong Fu piped up,"Actually, a 1.27% viewership rating was still within expectations. Don''t forget that they invested 100 million or more into this production. They also managed to invite big name celebrities like Huo Dongfang, Fan Wenli, and Shen Lili, while the following and audience viewing habits that The Voice brought to Central TV Department 1 has also helped them a lot. If they did not manage to pass a viewership rating of 1%, it would have been quite an unrealistic oue."


    Some of them nced at Zhang Ye and saw that he did not have much of an expression on his face.


    Yan Tianfei also looked indifferent and did not seem bothered by the high viewership ratings of Rise to the Dance.


    After the others grumbled for a while, they didn''t say any more as they knew it was not their business whether Rise to the Dance had a high or low viewership rating. No matter how low the viewership ratings were for Rise to the Dance, they still wouldn''t have a chance topete with them.


    A staff member from a different department walked with quick strides into the office with a form in his hand."Director Yan, the nationwide viewership ratings for yesterday''s documentaries are out."


    Yan Tianfei nodded."Great!"


    This caught everyone''s attention, their hearts jumping into their throats.


    Zhang Ye also narrowed his eyes and looked over.


    That person left the viewership ratings table behind before departing. After he left, Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others immediately surrounded the area and stared anxiously at that piece of paper.


    On the first row, they saw their show indicated as the first name on it!


    December 10th.


    The nationwide viewership rankings for documentaries:


    First ce: The viewership rating for the first episode of A Bite of China is 0.32%.


    When the program team saw this result, they were a little dumbfounded!


    "First ce!"


    "We''re first!"


    "It''s really us!"


    "0.32%?"


    "Fuck, how can that be?!"


    "This��this is our viewership rating?"


    "Are you sure it''s not a mistake? It''s really 0.32%?"


    Yan Tianfei was also shocked and his expression froze for a moment."Let me take a look!" He took the form from them and looked at it carefully. It was truly a viewership rating of 0.32%. They were far ahead, several times ahead, of the second ce show, which was an imported documentary also broadcast by their Department 14!


    Everyone took a deep breath. The best result for documentaries in the nationwide viewership ratings in recent years was only 0.172%, but the first episode of A Bite of China was already almost two times higher than that figure!


    This is too exaggerated!


    This is too scary!


    It needed be made clear that theirs was just a documentary!


    Looking at this, the viewership ratings for the first episode of A Bite of China was almost the same whenpared to some of the more averagerge-scale variety shows and also could be mentioned in the same breath with them. What concept was this? It was a concept that would totally leave people in disbelief!


    Little Wang eximed,"Holy shit! Our documentary can reallypete with a variety show''s viewership rating?!"


    Yan Tianfei was so excited that he banged his hand on the table."Little Zhang! Beautifully executed!"


    Everyone erupted with excitement!


    "This is awesome!"


    "We''re defying allmon sense!"


    "Comparing a documentary with a variety show? Who would even try to consider this in the past?!"


    "Hahahaha! Director Zhang, we''ve set a new record for documentaries!"


    "How cool! I didn''t dare to think about the viewership ratings before this. Who could have thought that our viewership rating would be this high? Looking at our share of the viewership, it''s already very heaven defying!"


    Everyone was celebrating!


    Except for Zhang Ye, who asked,"What about the viewership rating for the second episode?"


    As it was broadcast separately as two episodes, the viewership rating for the first episode was shown while the statistics for the second episode had not yet been calcted and was thus not included in the report.


    Yan Tianfei''s secretary said,"In most cases, for the broadcast of back-to-back episodes, the tabtion of the viewership ratings for the second episode is done a little slower, but it should be out soon. Let''s wait awhile more, but it should be about the same as the first episode."


    ...


    Online.


    Everyone also saw the viewership rating for the first episode of A Bite of China.


    "Ah? It''s so high?"


    "Goddammit, a documentary can achieve such a high viewership rating too?"


    "Zhang Ye is too awesome!"


    "Fuck, the viewership ratings of a documentary can evenpare to a variety show that didn''t perform too well? Am I dreaming?"


    "Zhang Ye is invincible! Damn!"


    "I''ve already said that A Bite of China is awesome, right?! Hahaha!"


    "He has set yet another record!"


    "So it turns out that there were actually a lot of people watching A Bite of China?"


    "Eh, why isn''t there a rating for the second episode?"


    "Oh right, where''s the second episode''s rating? It''s not shown?"


    "It''s still not out yet?"


    "Why are they taking so long? Hurry!"


    Simultaneously, the industry was also shocked.


    The famous documentary director who praised Zhang Ye on Weibo yesterday also posted the documentary viewership ratings table for yesterday''s broadcast and wrote on Weibo:"Congrattions to Zhang Ye and A Bite of China!"


    Beijing Television''s Hu Fei:"@ABiteOfChinaOfficial, you guys are the absolute best!"


    Singer Chen Guang:"Oh my god!"


    Fan Wenli:"Congrattions to Rise to the Dance and A Bite of China."


    Yao Jiancai:"I thought that I was the only one who liked watching A Bite of China, but it''s not like that at all?"


    An obscure TV show director wryly posted:"Even a documentary can get such a viewership rating? Director Zhang, can you please leave us alone in peace?"


    A famous female host of Shenzhen Satellite TV:"I''m dazed! Is this still even an unloved and uncared for documentary?" She posted that along with a cute emoji with rolling eyes.


    These discussions and Weibo already reflected clearly what everyone was feeling now!


    It was unbelievable!


    It could even be said that it was a miracle!


    There had never been a documentary in the country that had scored such a shocking viewership rating!


    ...


    Central TV Department 1.


    Jiang Naixiong called Jiang Yuan."How did A Bite of China get such a high viewership rating?"


    Actually, Jiang Yuan didn''t expect it either."I don''t know. I never expected that so many people would watch their show. It must be Zhang Ye''s hardcore fans supporting him."


    "For a viewership rating of 0.32%, how many hardcore fans would he need to have? Over 10 million fans?" Obviously, Jiang Naixiong did not agree with this statement."This Zhang Ye can really stir up things!"


    Jiang Yuan replied,"No matter what he does, he won''t be able to make a wave. The poprity of a show still depends on its viewership ratings. Even if he can be the best in the documentary industry, but whenpared to the variety show industry, his viewership rating can''t rank among us. That''s why we won''t have to worry that he might get somewhere."


    Jiang Naixiong just acknowledged that.


    ...


    Elsewhere.


    The Rise to the Dance program team was also stunned.


    Chen Ye furrowed his brows so much that his eyebrows nearly touched."Is this viewership ratings table reliable?"


    "It, it should be correct, right?" answered a staff member with a stutter.


    Another male staff member wondered,"Is this viewership rating even possible? It''s just a documentary!"


    Actually, no one had put Zhang Ye and A Bite of China in their sights before this, so the viewership ratings for the first episode truly startled them. It was way too high and obviously not a viewership rating that a documentary could possibly achieve! What had Zhang Ye done?


    "I''m in disbelief."


    "This Zhang Ye is really capable!"


    "Besides, they even broadcast at the same time slot as our Rise to the Dance. Even so, they can still achieve such a high viewership rating?"


    "It means that they have taken part of our viewership rating?"


    "It should only happen for the first episode. Don''t you realize that the viewership ratings for the second episode aren''t out yet?"


    "Yeah, everyone was just tuning in for the first episode because of Zhang Ye''s poprity. But when it''s time to show us what they''ve got, I don''t believe a documentary will have any sustainability in keeping viewers!"


    Xu Yipeng interrupted everyone''s discussion andughed,"That''s enough. Is a show with only 0.32% of the viewership ratings enough to make you all feel so surprised? This result is just a little more than a fraction of our viewership rating."


    When everyone thought about it, it was indeed as he said.


    As the executive director, Xu Yipeng thought deeper and further than them. After he saw A Bite of China''s viewership rating, he was shocked at first but that quickly turned to joy. It was a good thing that A Bite of China had a high viewership rating. The viewership rating for Rise to the Dance was initially assessed to be not enough, but from the looks of it, that was because A Bite of China had taken a part of their viewership rating. In his opinion, the viewership rating of A Bite of China surely couldn''t sustain, as a documentary usually didn''t gain a following. There were people who followed variety shows, or followed television dramas, but have you ever seen anyone following a documentary? This was due to a lot of documentaries not having a continuity in their story lines. That was why when A Bite of China lost its momentum, the dispersed viewers would surelye back to watch Rise to the Dance and pull their show''s viewership ratings to even greater heights!


    After returning to his office, Xu Yipeng sat down and browsed Weibo.


    On the Inte, there were also people criticizing A Bite of China!


    "What''s there to brag about?!"


    "Isn''t it just 0.32%? Most variety shows easily beat it!"


    "Don''t talk about how the genre is different or that there''s no way topare a documentary to a variety show. What''s the use of saying all that? There''s no such thing as fairness in the world. In the end, all that matters is the viewership ratings, isn''t that so?"


    "Right, it''s only a viewership rating of 0.32%. Why would you guys be so shocked like that? That''s so uncalled for. Look how our Teacher Chen Ye''s Rise to the Dance did. Did we say anything?"


    "Well said!"


    "This bunch of fans of A Bite of China only know how to find justifications. Actually, they are all excuses!"


    Seeing thements from the Rise to the Dance fans, Xu Yipeng felt good. What they said was quite right. Any reasons or excuses were pointless. As a TV show, whether it was a variety show, talk show, or even a documentary, weren''t they all judged by their viewership ratings at the end of the day?


    Suddenly, some voices could be heard from outside.


    "Ah!"


    "Quick, take a look!"


    "The viewership rating for the second episode of A Bite of China is out!"


    Upon hearing that, Xu Yipeng walked out while smiling."How much is it?"


    ...


    Central TV Department 1 Director''s Office.


    Jiang Naixiong''s secretary knocked on the office door and came in.


    The secretary looked a little pale."Director Jiang!"


    "What''s the matter? Why do you look so panicked?" Jiang Naixiong looked at him.


    The secretary wiped his sweat away and said,"Th-this is the viewership rating for the second episode of A Bite of China!"


    At this moment, Jiang Yuan also walked in from the outside. He hade to report to Jiang Naixiong about the work done for the advertising arrangements. When he heard what the secretary said, he asked curiously,"How much is the difference between the first and second episode?"


    The secretary wiped his sweat away again and said,"I think it''s better if you take a look for yourselves."


    ...


    Deputy Station Head''s Office.


    Deputy Station Head Zhou was sitting at his desk and drinking tea when the telephone rang.


    "Hello?"


    "Station Head Zhou, the viewership rating for A Bite of China is out."


    "Wasn''t it already released ten minutes ago?"


    "This time it is, it is for the second episode!"


    ...


    Online.


    "It''s finally out!"


    "The viewership rating for the second episode is here!"


    "It''s taking too long! I''ve been waiting for such a long time!"


    "So what''s the viewership rating for the second episode?"


    "I hope it''ll be at least the same as the first episode. They better not screw up!"


    "That''s unlikely. Many people started watching from the second episode as they only found out about the showter. Therefore, logically speaking, the viewership ratings for the second episode cannot be lower than the first episode''s!"


    "Heavens!"


    "What?"


    "Look at this, quick!"


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    The staff from earlier also brought the viewership ratings to Department 14. Even though it was updated on the Inte as well, but out of respect, they still had to hand the internal viewership ratings table to Yan Tianfei or his secretary as it was proper procedure.


    However, that staff''s expression waspletely different from before. No one knew whether it was everyone''s misconception that his expression appeared horrified or something else, but when he entered the office, his gaze immediately fell upon Zhang Ye''s face as he stared at him for a long time. Only afterward did he hand over the viewership ratings table with a gulp and say,"The viewership rating for the second episode of A Bite of China is out. As there are some changes to the viewership ratings, some of the rankings have been rearranged."


    Ha Qiqi''s heart skipped a beat."The rankings were rearranged? Did we drop a rank from the documentary viewership ratings?"


    That person forced a smile."No. The main changes are the rankings of yesterday''s nationwide viewership ratings for all TV shows excluding news-rted ones!"


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    Yan Tianfei was stunned!


    Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo were stunned too!


    "What?"


    "The nationwide viewership rankings for TV shows?"


    "Isn''t that ranking only reserved for the top 20 highest rated shows by viewership? But we only have 0.32% of the viewership ratings? How can we be in that ranking?"


    That staff member thought to himself how the fuck he would know, but��but you have really gotten into that ranking!


    Yan Tianfei''s secretary hurriedly took the viewership ratings table and looked at it. However, the next moment, he was badly shaken and nearly fainted!


    "Aiya!"


    "Be careful, be careful!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Did you not eat breakfast yet? Is your blood sugar level too low?"


    The secretary passed the form to Yan Tianfei with his trembling hands. He was already at a loss for words."Director��Yan. T-Take a look!"


    Yan Tianfei took it from him and looked at it suspiciously. However, he nearly fainted from shock as well!


    "What''s the matter?"


    "What''s happening?"


    "Aiyo, just how much did we get for the viewership rating?"


    Ha Qiqi, Little Wang, and the others were already getting anxious and just squeezed in front of Yan Tianfei, desperately trying to get a look at the viewership ratings. Then, everyone''s faces revealed a look of horror and they all turned their heads in unison toward Zhang Ye at the very next moment!


    The nationwide viewership rankings for television shows broadcasted on December 10th:


    First ce: The viewership rating for the first episode of Rise to the Dance is 1.27%.


    First ce: The viewership rating for the second episode of A Bite of China is 1.27%.


    At this moment��


    The entire office area of A Bite of China fell silent!


    The Rise to the Dance program team fell silent!


    Central TV went quiet!


    The Inte went quiet!


    The entire world stilled!!

 Chapter 816: Giving the entire world a slap!

    <h4>Chapter 816: Giving the entire world a p! </h4>


    Chapter 816: Giving the entire world a p!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    1.27%!


    Tied for first ce!


    The second episode of A Bite of China had actually tied for first ce with Rise to the Dance on Friday''s nationwide viewership ratings for television shows!


    At this very second, it was as though time stopped and the entire world came to a standstill. As the seconds ticked by, everyone was shocked by the viewership ratings table that they had in front of them!


    After a long time.


    Yao Jiancai posted on Weibo:"What the fuck!"


    Hu Fei:"Damn!"


    Central Radio Station''s Tian Bin:"Is this real?"


    Fan Wenli:"...(*##%%)��%#@!!!"


    The Inte was instantly abuzz!


    Theizens gradually made their appearances, all of them with very shocked expressions on their faces!


    "Heavens! Oh my god!"


    "This is crazy!"


    "Th-this is the viewership rating of a documentary?"


    "How can this be possible!? Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit!"


    "I''m going crazy! Isn''t this totally defying allmon sense? Isn''t this getting a little too crazy? A documentary''s viewership rating actually managed to stand shoulder to shoulder with Rise to the Dance? And took the number 1 spot in the nationwide viewership ratings? This must be fake, right? If you guys want to doctor it, can there be at least some effort in the technical details? Don''t photoshop something so unrealistic!


    "It doesn''t look fake��."


    "Uh, it looks real!"


    "Documentaries��are actually on par with variety shows!"


    "This is not a question of whether they are on par or not, dammit! This is a documentary that has steamrolled all of the variety shows!"


    "What the hell!"


    "What is Teacher Zhang Ye trying to do? Is he trying to poke a hole in the sky of the television industry? This is just a documentary! A documentary that no one would fucking watch! Yet you have made it into the top spot for the viewership ratings? You have really fucking made it into the number 1 spot for the viewership ratings!?"


    "I''m already unable to use normal words to describe this! It''s awesome! It''s too damn awesome!"


    "Ahhhhhhhh!"


    "Zhang Ye is definitely going to be my idol for life!"


    "I''m numb, my eyes have suddenly turned red! Teacher Zhang''s hard work has not gone wasted! Teacher Zhang''s efforts have finally paid off! Cold storage treatment? Banned? No one would watch a documentary? Go fuck yourself! Central TV Department 1, open your eyes wide! That was the Zhang Ye who you guys had let go of knowingly!" Even if he has been transferred to the documentary channel, Teacher Zhang is not someone who you can keep down! Even with a documentary, Teacher Zhang is still fucking unbeatable!"


    "Zhang Ye hase back!"


    "Hahahahahaha! The fearsome Teacher Zhang is back again!"


    "I''m so excited! Teacher Zhang, you''re too fantastic!"


    "I''m happy for Zhang Ye! Cheers for A Bite of China!"


    "Zhang Ye, why are you so cool?! Why?!"


    If the first episode of A Bite of China with the viewership rating of 0.32% had shocked them, then the second episode''s viewership ratings of 1.27% must have left everyone gasping in astonishment. Nobody in the country, even those who liked watching A Bite of China very much or had extremely high expectations of it would have believed that A Bite of China could actually get the top spot in the nation''s viewership ratings together with Rise to the Dance before they saw this viewership rating table!


    ...


    At Central TV.


    Department 14.


    Everyone was getting so excited that they were going crazy!


    "We got first ce!" Wu Yi said in a daze,"We''re number 1 in the country! Number 1 in the country!"


    Zhang Zuo was unable to express his overwhelming emotions, so he raised up his hand and screamed,"Ah!"


    Ha Qiqi was in tears, but she was bothughing and crying at the same time. As she wiped her tears away, she said,"Our hard work has really paid off!"


    Little Wang said rather dumbfounded,"Please tell me this is true!"


    Huang Dandan hugged Little Wang excitedly."It''s true! We''re number 1!"


    Little Wang also burst into tears!


    Having been suppressed, humiliated, and stabbed in the back by Central TV Department 1, the original program team staff of The Voice were holding back their anger all this time. Only at this moment could they finally vent it all out. Many of them couldn''t control their emotions, while some male colleagues were crying out in excitement and a few female colleagues wept!


    They were very tired all this while.


    In recent days, it hadn''t been easy for them!


    "Director Zhang!" Ha Qiqi turned around and hugged him as she cried."Thank you!"


    Zhang Ye simply acknowledged her and smiled in embarrassment."You don''t have to thank me, I should be the one thanking you. Thank you, everyone, for not leaving, and for following me from Central TV Department 1 to here. I also want to thank everyone for your continuous trust in me. Without all of you, even if I were superhuman, I could not have achieved all this. Therefore, I should be the one giving thanks to everyone. All of you did a great job and this oue is the result of everyone working hard together, so everyone should have a share of the fruits of thebor!"


    Not only were the original program team staff of The Voice excited, those originally from Department 14 were very excited as well!


    "Director Zhang, congrattions to you and everyone else!"


    "Our documentary channel has finallye out on top!"


    "Thank you foring to Department 14!"


    "I''m so numb from this! Let''s see who still dares to look down on our documentary channel in the future!"


    Cheering!


    Shouting!


    Along with cries of joy!


    There was jubtion throughout the entire office!


    Yan Tianfei''s secretary also wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes. For some reason, he couldn''t stop his eyes from watering. He said,"Director Zhang, you don''t know this, but long have those of us at Department 14 suffered from the stress and pent-up resentment over the past few years. Although we know that you won''t stay on with our documentary channel forever and will definitely leave in the future, but no matter what, I want to say that it''s great to have you here!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and replied,"It''s my honoring to Department 14 and working together with everyone." After saying that, he turned his head to Yan Tianfei and said,"Director Yan, I''ve told you before that I wouldn''t disappoint you, now��I''m d to say that I''ve managed to carry out my promise."


    Yan Tianfei pped Zhang Ye''s shoulders excitedly."Good! Great!"


    When they made thest-minute change to the broadcast time of A Bite of China yesterday, Yan Tianfei asked Zhang Ye for his reason in doing so, but Zhang Ye said that he would give him an answer the next day. Now, Yan Tianfei finally understood everything. This viewership ratings table was the answer that Zhang Ye had given to him!


    ...


    Deputy Station Head''s Office.


    Deputy Station Head Zhou looked at the viewership ratings table and stayed silent for a long time.


    ...


    In the program team office of Rise to the Dance.


    Xu Yipeng was silent!


    Chen Ye had a look of horror!


    For two full minutes, the entire program team was inplete and utter silence!


    ...


    Central TV Department 1.


    Jiang Yuan was stunned there for a long time.


    Jiang Naixiong had smashed a tea cup on the floor in anger!


    The secretary trembled in fear and ran to tidy up the mess with a broom. He also quietly took away thetest viewership ratings table that he had brought over earlier!


    ...


    A lot of the people from Central TV were furious and did not seem to be in a good mood!


    A documentary!


    A documentary without promotions!


    A documentary without celebrity guests!


    A documentary without advertisements that merely cost 10 million RMB to make and was so niche and so unpopr that no one was supposed to pay any attention to it!


    Yet it had unexpectedly scored the same viewership rating as Rise to the Dance?


    How was that possible?!


    How could that be?!


    At this moment, a poem was brought up by someone on the Inte.


    Rotten Fruit


    ck bugs have long since chewed through my flesh.


    I lie on a bed of moss so cold it stings


    just letting the rot set in deeper.


    Waiting for the rot to pierce my core,


    and dpose my prison.


    My imprisoned soul will then,


    wearing a pea-green vest,


    leap out grinning from ear to ear.


    No one could have imagined that the poem Rotten Fruit which Zhang Ye had posted earlier could reallye true! No one could have imagined that Zhang Ye would really wear a pea-green vest and leap out grinning from ear to ear. With A Bite of China, he had given Central TV Department 1, Rise to the Dance, the television station, everyone, the entire world a very loud p!!


    On this day, chants of Zhang Ye''s name reverberated all over the Inte!


    On this day, A Bite of China shocked the entire nation!!

 Chapter 817: Celebration!

    <h4>Chapter 817: Celebration! </h4>


    Chapter 817: Celebration!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the office space.


    Zhang Ye''s cell phone rang. When he saw the number, he moved away from where all the noise was, otherwise he would not be able to hear anything over the phone.


    It was a call from his old ssmate, Dong Shanshan.


    But when he answered the phone, it was Hu Fei who spoke.


    "Little Zhang!"


    "Brother Hu."


    "How, how did you manage to do that!?"


    ''Hur hur, it''s just the audience giving me some face."


    "How is this even a case of giving face to you?! Such a viewership rating already has nothing to do with giving face nor would it be rted to the magnitude of your fan base. This is purely from the audience base that the documentary itself has earned! You''re already getting a 1.27% viewership rating with just the premiere episode? Do you really intend to poke a hole in the sky?!"


    Up until now, Hu Fei still could not digest this fact.


    On the other end, Dong Shanshan had taken over the phone.


    "Old ssmate."


    "Hey, Shanshan."


    Dong Shanshan said rather speechlessly:"The viewership rating of your documentary has totally steamrolled variety shows like ours. Do you think that''s appropriate? Ah?"


    Zhang Yeughed in return and replied:"It''s indeed not appropriate."


    Dong Shanshan said:"You also know that it''s inappropriate? You''re really honest, you!"


    Zhang Ye said:"But you can''t me me for that, right?"


    Following that, the voices of Xiao Lu, Hou Ge, and Hou Di were also heard over the phone. He could tell that they were not standing close to the phone but were not very far away either.


    "Teacher Zhang, how on earth did you film a documentary like that?!"


    "Teacher Zhang, I''m Dafei! A Bite of China is very nice to watch!"


    "Go, Teacher Zhang. Let those people at Central TV know the consequences for offending you! Fight it out with them! The higher the viewership ratings, the better! Smack their faces! Send them to their deaths! Hahahahahaha!" As soon as he heard that voice, he knew it was Hou Di.


    "This face-smacking is already very brutal!" Hou Ge gloated.


    Zhang Ye''s old colleagues congratted him in their own ways. Even though they were no longer working together anymore, the feelings between them when they worked and struggled together in the past did not fade with time. Every time Zhang Ye got into trouble, they would send their regards and support. When they encountered problems, Zhang Ye would do his utmost to help them.


    Zhang Yeughed and said:"Thank you, everyone. I have an iing call from my mother right now, so I gotta hang up. I will treat everyone to a meal some other time. All of you must definitelye."


    Hu Fei said:"That''s for sure!"


    After hanging up, he answered the iing call.


    His mother''s loud voice emitted from the cell phone:"Son! Son! Quick, go online and have a look. That documentary of yours is the number 1 in the nationwide viewership ratings! Quickly, go and look!"


    Zhang Yeughed drolly and then helplessly said:"Mom, since you know about it, do you think that I, as the executive director of A Bite of China wouldn''t know? Why would I need to look online? The viewership ratings table was delivered to me a while ago."


    "You already knew about it?" His mother said loudly:"Aiyo, you have really stolen the limelight this time! It was only after a few of our old neighbors came to our house to give their congrattions just now that your dad and I knew about this!" Actually, regarding Zhang Ye''s new documentary, his mother was one of those who had the most doubts about it. From the time Zhang Ye started saying that he wanted to make the documentary, his mother was already expressing her constant pessimism and disbelief about it. But right now, his mother was much happier than anyone else!


    My son did it!


    He has really managed to do it!!


    With a documentary, he left the entire variety show industry moring. With a way that was not favored by anyone and even thought of as totally impossible, he had clinched the number 1 spot in the nationwide viewership ratings. What sort of ferociousness was this? What type of magnificent feat was this!?


    Congrattory calls from his friends consecutively came in!


    They came from Yao Jiancai, Tian Bin, Fan Yingyun, Chen Guang, Fan Wenli, Zhang Xia, and so on.


    Even the famous documentary director who had praised A Bite of China and Zhang Ye on Weibo previously had somehow managed to get ahold of Zhang Ye''s number and contacted him.


    "Director Zhang, this is Shao Chi."


    "Shao Chi? Director Shao?" Zhang Ye was a little stunned.


    "I never expected that you would know me." Shao Chi was also quite surprised.


    Zhang Yeughed and responded:"Of course I know about you. You are a senior in the documentary industry and I have often heard about you."


    Shao Chi said:"More like I''m the one who has often heard about you. In these past two years, I''ve often heard my friends mentioning your name. Sister Zhang''s manager is from my hometown and I got your number from Old Fang. Hur hur, the new generation has surpassed the older one. You''re indeed worthy of your reputation."


    "Please don''t say that. I still have lots to learn from the seniors." Zhang Ye did not try putting on any airs.


    Shao Chi said:"You don''t need to learn from us. That''s just going backwards. Your documentary has already carved out an individual path of its own and also provided all the documentaries and documentary filmmakers a clear direction. We should be learning from you instead. A Bite of China is fantastic, and you have given all of us documentary filmmakers something to be proud of!"


    Zhang Ye quickly replied:"Director Shao, please don''t say that. I really don''t deserve all this praise. In the field of documentaries, I''m just an outsider. That I managed to do well this time was all down to luck. If there''s a chance to pay you a visit in the future, please don''t hold back your knowledge from me. I hope to learn a lot from you."


    After that, they hung up.


    Not far away, Yan Tianfei waved his hands and announced,"Everyone, stop whatever you''re doing. Today, everyone will get a break. I''m treating, so let''s go dine together!"


    "Oh!"


    "Hooray!"


    "Haha!"


    "Time for the celebratory feast!"


    "Thank you, Director!"


    Everyone cheered.


    Little Wang was still sobbing from her excitement.


    Zhang Ye told his assistant,"That''s enough, Little Wang. Don''t cry anymore. Let''s go."


    Only then did Little Wang, Huang Dandan, and a few other female colleagues wipe away their tears and walk outside together while chatting away with Yan Tianfei, Zhang Ye, and the others. Not only was the program team of A Bite of China going, all the staff working overtime from every one of Department 14''s three sections went as well. All in all, there were around 30-40 people.


    When they went downstairs, themotion they attracted became a littlerge.


    Many people from the other departments saw their group. When they spotted Yan Tianfei and Zhang Ye leading the group, the look in the eyes of everyone at Central TV changed!


    It was Zhang Ye!


    It was the staff of Department 14!


    Beside them, a deputy director of Central TV Department 3 happened to pass by. When he saw them, he immediately walked up,ughing loudly and saying,"Old Yan, congrattions!"


    Yan Tianfei also smiled and said,"Old He!"


    Old He said,"You guys have really managed to shine this time! That viewership rating has really scared a few people to death!" Then, he looked at Zhang Ye and asked,"Director Zhang, when would you be free toe and help us out at Central TV Department 3?"


    Yan Tianfei said,"Are you trying to poach my people in front of me?"


    Old Heughed."It''s not only me, I think there are already numerous television stations and channels that want to bring Zhang Ye over to their side now!"


    There were also some other staff who had gathered around and chatted with the Department 14 staff they were acquainted with.


    "Congrattions to you!"


    "Congrattions, congrattions!"


    "You''ve all gotten really popr now!"


    "The show is very nice to watch!"


    "Your viewership ratings are so scary. How did you guys manage to do that?"


    "Director Zhang, can I take a picture with you?"


    In the past, Department 14''s fate was one that saw themrgely being ignored wherever they went in Central TV. The station and other departments did not ce any importance on them and it was difficult to even get some things done due to the management rejecting and refusing their requests. But now, a lot of people hade to congratte them and no one dared to despise them anymore. At this moment, Department 14 be the ones that everyone paid attention to. Their colleagues were paying attention to them, the media was paying attention to them, and the entire country''s audience was paying attention to them!


    With just a documentary called A Bite of China, they had managed to attract nationwide attention!


    This was the most glorious event to ever happen in the history of documentaries!


    This was a scene that had never urred in the history of China''s documentaries!


    ...


    At a restaurant downstairs.


    At the innermost private room.


    Yan Tianfei did not care whether or not he had to go back to workter. He made an exception and poured himself some white wine."Let''s raise a toast, cheers!"


    "Director Yan, Director Zhang, we would like to give a toast to the two of you." Everyone stood up.


    However, Zhang Ye said,"Let''s toast to ourselves."


    Yan Tianfei agreed,"Right, we should make the first toast to ourselves!"


    "Cheers."


    "Cheers."


    Everyone enjoyed the celebratory lunch with iparable joy and were in high spirits due to the happy event. Their faces were brimming with smiles and glee. A Bite of China had given them something to be very proud of this time!


    When they finished their lunch, it was still just 12 PM due to theming early for the celebratory lunch at around 10 AM.


    Zhang Ye and Yan Tianfei were fighting over who should pay when it came to the bill at the entrance. Coincidentally, they saw the restaurant''s front door open beside them as a group of people led by Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye startinging in. Looking at the people who followed behind them, it seemed like almost the entire Rise to the Dance program team was here as well.


    The Rise to the Dance program team staff were stunned.


    When they saw them, the staff of Department 14 were also stunned.


    What was this?


    Wasn''t this what they meant by enemies often cross paths?


    Zhang Ye nced at Chen Ye and the others."You''re here to hold a celebratory feast too?"


    Chen Ye gave him a fake smile and said,"You too?"


    "Yeah, but we''ve finished eating already," Zhang Ye said.


    Xu Yipeng stared at Zhang Ye and said,"Director Zhang, your documentary is really great."


    "It''s just average." Zhang Ye smiled a little and said,"We''re tied for first ce in the viewership ratings this time, so you guys are great too."


    Xu Yipeng nodded."I should congratte you as well then." Saying that, he paused then continued,"But there won''t be a tie next week. We''ll definitely have to determine who''s the better of us two."


    "Probably so," Zhang Ye remarked.


    These two groups of people had a long history of enmity between them and everyone disliked one another. After exchanging a few friendly but hypocritical words, the two groups walked past each other, one of them into a private room inside the restaurant, while the other left the restaurant.


    Little Wang pouted."Just look at their faces. Those who are in the know would believe that they are having a celebratory feast, but those in the dark would think that they''re having a farewell lunch instead!"


    Zhang Ye was tickled by what she had said."Why have you be even more sarcastic than me now?"


    Little Wang smiled gleefully and said,"Didn''t I learn all that from you?"


    Everyoneughed.


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    In the restaurant''s private room.


    The staff of Rise to the Dance knew that Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye were not really as calm as they looked on the surface. When they saw the viewership ratings in the morning, everyone from their program team was stunned for a full minute. As for the celebratory feast that was arranged for the afternoon, many of them had already lost interest in it, because even though their viewership rating was quite high, it was not perfect since they were not the only number 1 rated program in the country! Further, the show that tied for first ce with them was made by Zhang Ye, the previous Rise to the Dance''s executive director. He even did it with a documentary that they had not taken to be a worthypetitor and was rejected by everyone! This kind ofplicated and shocked mood could be easily imagined!


    A 10 million investment vs a 100 million investment.


    No promotions vs an overwhelming promotion.


    No celebrity guests vs a gathering of big names.


    A documentary vs a variety show.


    And the result? The viewership ratings turned out to be the same??


    Aren''t you totally embarrassing Rise to the Dance that way!!


    However, this matter was obviously not over as thepetition was just starting. A Bite of China had be popr, but at the same time, Rise to the Dance was also getting more popr. If the premiere episode for this week could not determine which was better than the other, then they''d have to let it be decided next week!


    Hence, Xu Yipeng''s opening words at the celebratory feast were,"The viewership ratings must definitely go up a level for next Friday''s broadcast. We must push down all the other shows and get the number 1 ranking in the viewership ratings!"


    Chen Ye added,"The only number 1!"


    Everyone gave their loudest response to that.


    "Understood!"


    "Yes, Director!"


    "We will definitely do it!"


    "A documentary cannot sustain interest. They''re definitely no match for us!"


    "The premiere episode doesn''t say and mean much at all! The realpetition from here!"


    "Right, everyone is very confident! We guarantee that we willplete this mission!"

 Chapter 818: Scoring 200 million RMB worth of advertisements!

    <h4>Chapter 818: Scoring 200 million RMB worth of advertisements! </h4>


    Chapter 818: Scoring 200 million RMB worth of advertisements!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Sunday morning.


    While Zhang Ye was still in dreand, news of A Bite of China kept bombarding the public. Since yesterday morning, it has not stopped, and of course the morning newspapers today wouldn''t either.


    "A Bite of China wins the top spot!"


    "The contest for viewership ends in a tie with the appearance of an unexpected dark horse!"


    "Zhang Ye opens a new era for documentaries!"


    "Has spring arrived for the documentary genre?"


    "Zhang Ye''s viewership rating miracle continues on! Praise for A Bite of China!"


    "A Bite of China in high definition! Awakening the memories of taste!"


    "Breaking down the sess of A Bite of China''s scenes. Detailed exnation of Zhang Ye''s touch of magic in his filming techniques!"


    "The first-ever documentary to be called a ssic is born!"


    "I have the pleasure of witnessing history, a history belonging to the field of documentaries!"


    "After decades of silence, has the documentary genre been awakened by Zhang Ye? Could the waking lion continue its viewership miracle in theing week? Let us look forward to what happens next!"


    On this morning, news and discussions of A Bite of China were at the same level of Rise to the Dance for the first time ever. Yet A Bite of China''s program team and Central TV Department 14 did not spend any money at all on promotions and news articles!


    Theizens were continuing to flood in and contribute to the topic!


    "Ahhhh, I am still in disbelief!"


    "Of all the entertainment industry''s celebrities, I only acknowledge Zhang Ye!"


    "Me too, I''m utterly convinced by him this time!"


    "That bunch of Rise to the Dance fans who came to criticize A Bite of China and even imed that Zhang Ye''s standards were not good enough? I''m totallyughing at them now, do they know that? This was Zhang Ye''s directorial debut! This is his first time crossing over to film a documentary!"


    "That bunch of brain-dead fans. Big Saber Bro will outscold all of them single-handedly!"


    "Zhang Ye''s fan club leader, Big Saber Bro��always as fearsome as ever!"


    "In the past, I didn''t like Zhang Ye. But after watching A Bite of China, I have turned into a fan without any hesitation! I like this documentary so much! It''s simply too awesome!"


    "Me too!"


    "Chen Ye''s reputation and poprity might be good too, while he''s alsouded by those who are very supportive of him. But anyone who knows a thing or two about this industry would know that Teacher Zhang''s abilities are not something that Chen Ye canpete with. They''re on totally different levels!"


    "That''s of course. Just based on talent alone, who in the entire entertainment industry canpete with Zhang Ye? If Teacher Zhang had half the looks of Sect Leader Huo, he would have already be an A-list celebrity!"


    "Agreed!"


    "Teacher Zhang isn''t bad looking. I find him to be quite alright after looking long enough at him. He''s even getting more and more pleasing to the eye, heehee. I am a brain-dead fan of Zhang Ye!"


    ...


    At home.


    Still dreaming, Zhang Ye was pushed awake by someone.


    "Zhang Ye, wake up." It was Chenchen.


    Zhang Ye impatiently turned his back on her and said,"Don''t disturb me, go away."


    However, a momentter, Chenchen went around him and pushed at him again."Zhang Ye, wake up. Grandma wants me to wake you up. She says that you have to go to work."


    His mother also came into his bedroom."Hurry up and get up. Eat breakfast then go to work."


    Zhang Ye didn''t know how to react."What time is it right now? I will goter. There''s nothing urgent."


    "It''s already past 8 AM, and you still want to goter?" His mother nagged,"Hurry up. Quickly go to your office and do your work. Don''tze around at home like this. Your new show is a hit now. Shouldn''t you be working hard to consolidate the poprity of it? If you let Rise to the Dance surpass your show next week, how shameful would it be? Now that you''ve managed to make the two shows share the top spot, do you know how many people are waiting to see who bes the winner? Wake up!"


    His father said from the living room,"Your mom was provoked by someone, hur hur. When we went out for a strollst night, a neighbor from the opposite apartment building said that Rise to the Dance is a better show than A Bite of China. When your mom heard that, she went over impatiently and argued with that person for the longest time. If not for the neighbors who were there to help calm things down and stop them, your mom would have fought with someone already."


    Zhang Ye cringed."Mom, you didn''t need to go that far, did you?"


    His mother dismissed,"Why not? They said that my son''s show is not good? She must be blind!"


    But she seemed to have forgotten that she was the one who was most pessimistic about Zhang Ye''s documentary. However, after the viewership rating for A Bite of China was announced, it had really changed a lot of things, and changed the mindsets of many people when it came to traditional documentaries. The most interesting phenomenon was that those who watched A Bite of China at the beginning all thought that only they themselves liked watching it. They believed that no one else would ept the documentary, only to find outter that that was exactly what everyone else was thinking when they watched it!


    Zhang Ye, who was finally made to get out of bed by his mother, went to eat breakfast and reluctantly went to work.


    ...


    Around 9 AM.


    Right after he entered the program team office, Zhang Ye was immediately blocked by some people.


    "Director Zhang!" It was a middle-aged woman around 30."I''m the advertising manager of Everyday Eats, Miss Xu. Can I discuss with you A Bite of China''s��"


    Before she could finish, a middle-aged man came up to him. He grabbed hold of Zhang Ye''s hand to shake it the moment he came up to him."Director Zhang, I''m Hawthorn Beverage Group''s Old He. We cooperated previously on The Voice. You still remember that, right? The advertisement this time for A Bite of China, you must definitely leave a spot for us. We''re old working partners, so you better leave a slice of the pie for us!"


    Someone else said,"Director Zhang, can I ask how much the title sponsorship fee costs?"


    "Director Zhang, can I have a word with you?"


    A group of people from variouspanies and manufacturers surrounded Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye couldn''t manage them all, so he said,"Everyone, please, one by one. You guys are making it impossible for me to answer your questions. There are people responsible for the advertising arrangements, so can we please go by the proper procedures?" Saying that, he called out to Ha Qiqi who was standing next to the group of people."Sister Ha, please arrange a wee for our guests, or perhaps arrange for a meeting room where we can discuss this further!"


    Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo immediately went to make the necessary arrangements.


    Zhang Ye asked, feeling puzzled,"Why did so many peoplee here?"


    Ha Qiqi smiled wryly."There were already businesses calling up yesterday regarding the ad spots. At that time, they called up Department 14 directly to talk about it, but this morning, Director Yan announced that the advertising deals for A Bite of China are to be handled by our program team itself, so everyone came looking for you instead. I had wanted to make individual appointments for the advertisers at first, so that we could deal with them one by one, but who knew they couldn''t wait whatsoever and just came rushing over hoping to talk to us directly! After all, our show has started broadcasting, and even two episodes now, so they naturally feel a little anxious about it."


    "We couldn''t stop them froming in at all," Zhang Zuo added."The earliest to get here arrived at around 5 in the morning. I don''t know how he managed to get in through the gates and into our office, but I heard that he chatted with our night shift staffer, Little Sun, for over three hours. Little Sun almost passed out from talking." When he rted that to them, Zhang Zuo couldn''t help butugh as well.


    Little Wang came up and whispered,"And a few of the advertisers whom Sister Ha contacted before A Bite of China started its broadcast also came here today. Back then, even after we pestered them and talked until our mouths got tired, that bunch of people still did not want to buy our ad spots, but look how it turned out now! We should just not sell to them!"


    Zhang Ye shook his head andughed."It''s wrong to say things like that. Before this, there was no viewership rating for them to consider with, so they didn''t know whether our show would be good or not. There has never been a precedent of any title sponsorship for a documentary before either, so there''s a huge risk investing into the ad spots. We can''t possibly request they take on the risk for us, can we? There''s simply no reason for them to do that. So if anyone wants to buy the ad spots now, we''ll wee all of them alike."


    Little Wang gave a thumbs up and said,"It''s still Director Zhang who is the most generous of us."


    In the meeting room.


    The advertisers were all gathered around arge meeting table. There was a total of more than 20 representatives.


    When Zhang Ye came into the office, every one of those people tried to speak. However, Zhang Ye said,"Everyone, please listen to me first. I know your reasons foring here today, and we''ll also happily wee any deals rted to advertising on our show. But as A Bite of China is a documentary, it is different from the other variety shows that you''re all familiar with. That''s why we have our own set of rules when ites to advertising as well, so why doesn''t everyone sit down quietly and listen to my exnation?"


    "Please exin."


    "Let us know what you mean."


    "No matter what the rules are, ourpany will definitely take an advertisement spot!"


    Only then did Zhang Ye say,"First, we won''t allow any advertisements to be put into the original footage of the documentary that gets broadcast."


    Everyone was dismayed.


    "Ah?"


    "Then how will the advertisements be presented?"


    "Why is that so?"


    "This��"


    Zhang Ye continued exining,"Second, A Bite of China has already finished filming and we won''t be doing any more of that either. If any of you had nned to do some product cements of yourpany''s products within our show, we definitely can''t ept that. I have to be responsible for my documentary as well as the arts."


    The faces of the representatives of two of thepanies immediately darkened.


    The otherpanies'' representatives also forced smiles, thinking how other shows hoped for as many ads as possible, even to the point of finding ways to insert a few more in when the ad spots were filled. Who didn''t want more money? Who would think that they were earning too much? But it seemed like Zhang Ye and the program team of A Bite of China was exactly like that. A group of them hade to invest their money, and still, the sellers were being picky about things, even going as far as setting rules for them.


    But there was nothing they could do!


    The show was way too popr! And they had the qualifications to set the rules!


    After putting it so bluntly upfront, Zhang Ye changed his tone and began introducing the advertising model for A Bite of China. He talked about the different types of advertising strategies that would help the advertisers maximize their promotions, and also gave a simple introduction of the price points for the different advertising types.


    Finally, another group of advertisers shuffled into the meeting room as their numbers went past 40 people. In here were the advertising representatives of over 40panies and enterprises, which weren''t just some small businesses. Those who coulde to A Bite of China''s program team to buy an advertising spot were definitely not small businesses. A smallpany would never be able to afford such prices.


    In the end, after a series of bids, all the advertising slots for A Bite of China were sold!


    The title sponsorship was not an exclusive one this time and went to twopanies instead. However, the title sponsorship fee of the two advertisers totaled 100 million. Three second-tier advertisements were sold, while 13 advertisements spots were sold for advertisements on Department 14, shown before and after the broadcast of A Bite of China! At the end of it all, a few advertisers felt that the prices were too high and were left with no other choice but to just put their money into the reruns of A Bite of China on Saturdays and Sundays. On the issue of the Inte, three online video hosting sites also made contact with the program team. The online exclusive broadcast rights were finally sold to the highest bidder, but with the prerequisite that they would dyed their telecast to two hours after the show was first broadcast on Channel 14��this was to ensure that it wouldn''t affect the viewership ratings.


    After the discussions were done, even though Zhang Ye only made an estimate, it was obvious that they had reached an astronomical figure in the advertising revenue this time. Although the advertisers were all mainly from food and beverage rtedpanies and did not number more than the advertisers of The Voice, A Bite of China was still a rare show about food. This would fit very well with the promotions of thesepanies, so they naturally were willing to spend more money too.


    For example, a beveragepany might hesitate if they had to spent 8 million RMB to buy an advertising spot on Rise to the Dance, but on A Bite of China, they would agree to this 8 million RMB price tag in a heartbeat. That was because the style of A Bite of China fit the nature of their business, which would already achieve half the effects of the promotions, so they would naturally be inclined to it. If they chose to look for another show simr to A Bite of China? There was none at all!


    Zhang Ye even received a call from a friend.


    It was a call from skit actress Ci Xiufang."Little Zhang."


    "Hello, Teacher Ci," Zhang Ye said very politely.


    Ci Xiufang said:"Someone has asked me for a favor to link them up with you. Can I ask if there are still any advertising slots for A Bite of China? Any second or third-tier advertisements will be fine too, so if there are any, could you leave one for my friend? She''s a childhood friend of mine and has asked me for my help on this, so I couldn''t refuse her. Can you check if that will be convenient for you? It''s fine if it''s not. I''ll just let her know."


    Zhang Ye touched his nose and answered:"I''ve just sold all of the advertising spots, but since you''re asking, I''ll definitely do my best for you. Alright then, let me work out something for you, so just get your friend to contact me directly."


    Ci Xiufangughed and replied:"Then I must thank you. Consider that I owe you one."


    "Don''t be that courteous with me." Zhang Ye said:"You''re pulling in advertisers for me. I should be the one thanking you instead."


    "Oh,e on." Ci Xiufang giggled."That might be so for other shows, but for a show that''s directed by Director Little Zhang? It has to be the advertisers fighting to buy a spot from you instead. There won''t be any spots left if theye toote!"


    Negotiating the prices.


    Initiating the project.


    The contracts were signed.


    When everything was done, the program team staff tabted all the figures and had a great fright!


    All the advertisements slots and broadcasting rights for A Bite of China were sold for 197 million RMB, very close to the 200 million RMB mark!!


    Ha Qiqi swallowed hard!


    Zhang Zuo looked at that long string of numbers in a daze!


    The staff who were originally from Department 14 were even more unable to process what they were seeing. When had this group of people, who had always been working with traditional documentaries, ever seen so much money? They were just dumbfounded by it all!


    Tong Fu said excitedly,"We have money now, we finally have money now!"


    Huang Dandan blinked her eyes and said,"Would the station start having second thoughts when they see that we have so much money? Are they going to funnel our money to Central TV Department 1 again?"


    Wu Yi said,"They certainly won''t do that. The poprity of A Bite of China has already left some executives of Central TV Department 1 with a swollen face. Even if the station couldn''t be any more shameless than they already are, they wouldn''t dare do that!"


    Little Wang said eagerly,"Who could have expected that our documentary could earn so much money back then? The advertising revenue of Rise to the Dance is also around the same as ours, right?"


    Tong Fu said,"200 million! I feel like I''m in a dream!"


    Ha Qiqi said with augh,"Now, we can finally run a proper promotional campaign for our documentary! We''ve been waiting for this amount of money for too long now!"


    The news spread like wildfire to every corner!


    "A Bite of China scores 200 million in advertising revenue!"


    "Title sponsorship for A Bite of China reaches 100 million, with a total of nearly 200 million, matching Rise to the Dance''s advertising revenues!"


    "The miracle brought about by a 10 million yuan low-cost documentary series!"


    With the media reporting about this, it suddenly created a stir again!


    A Bite of China!


    A Bite of China!


    A Bite of China!


    Countless people went crazy for it!

 Chapter 819: The war between a documentary and variety show industry!

    <h4>Chapter 819: The war between a documentary and variety show industry! </h4>


    Chapter 819: The war between a documentary and variety show industry!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


    The advertisement revenue details went viral on Weibo.


    "200 million RMB, oh my heavens!"


    "They sold off everything in just a day?"


    "That''s what the trademark of ''Zhang Ye'' does!"


    "Everyone''s gone crazy!"


    "In the past, if someone told me that the advertising spots and authorizations of a documentary could fetch 200 million, I would definitely have taken that person to be an idiot. But now, it has happened for real!"


    "Central TV Documentary Channel has really made a killing this time!"


    "Their greatest sess was to transfer Zhang Ye over to their department!"


    "Those advertising revenues should have been Central TV Department 1''s. I wonder what expressions they have on their faces now. After discing Zhang Ye, this should be the most idiotic move that Central TV Department 1 has taken in the past few decades! They are so idiotic that even though I am not a fan of Zhang Ye''s, I can''t help but find Central TV Department 1 idiotic!"


    "Hahaha!"


    ...


    Indeed, Central TV Department 1''s Deputy Director Jiang Yuan did not look too good, especially after he found out about the advertisement revenues of A Bite of China. At that instant, he also felt that he was an idiot! Although the advertisement revenues of Rise to the Dance were about the same as A Bite of China, after some contemtion, how much had been invested back into Rise to the Dance? It was more than 100 million! And what about A Bite of China? They only invested a mere 10 million into the program! An exact sum of 10 million!


    Zhang Ye!


    It was Zhang Ye again!


    Were you invited by Monkey to specially deal with us?[1.]


    At that instant, Jiang Yuan suddenly had some regrets. He really should have kept Zhang Ye frozen at Central TV Department 1 and not allowed him to go so that he wouldn''t even have the slightest chance to appear on screen or make any more shows. But then again, they couldn''t be med for not doing so either! Central TV Documentary Channel had the lowest viewership ratings among all the channels and was the worst performing department. If it were any other person in his position, they would also agree that this move was foolproof and that Zhang Ye wouldn''t be able to do anything while he was at the documentary channel!


    He picked up the phone and called Xu Yipeng.


    "Director Xu."


    "Director Jiang."


    "Can you ensure next week''s viewership rating will be good?"


    "Don''t worry, that won''t be a problem."


    "Good. You must definitely regain honor for Central TV Department 1!"


    "I understand! We''re all prepared for it!"


    "Very good!"


    ...


    Elsewhere.


    Department 14.


    Some of the advertisers that came toote had missed out on the entire advertisement deal. A few of them were closely following Zhang Ye around, trying to get something out of him as he moved around in the office.


    "Director Zhang, you can''t be like this!" apany''s representative said.


    Another person also said,"We have already cooperated once previously, so we''re considered old partners. But now, you juste up and tell us that all the advertisement spots have been sold. How do you expect me to go back and answer to my boss? I have a mission to fulfill this time. My boss and colleagues at thepany have already issued the ''military order''!"


    Zhang Ye said helplessly,"Everyone, the advertisement spots have really been sold out. Even the spots for the reruns have been taken." He was holding a list in his hand and pointed it out to them."Look at this. We really can''t fit any more slots in this. Why would I lie to you guys?"


    A female deputy director said,"You have to think of something for us no matter what!"


    "That''s right, Director Zhang," the others beside her echoed.


    "There''s really none left." Saying that, Zhang Ye thought for a bit before adding,"If you guys don''t mind, there''s still a chance for cooperation. You see, we still have a third-tier advertisement package that we can sell, but this would require you to use your ownpany''s resources to handle the promotional advertisements and online or televisionmercials. We can authorize you to add a message like ''A Bite of China''s Rmended Beverage'' on your advertisements andmercials. These authorizations aren''t expensive either."


    Those advertisers looked at each other.


    "Alright, I''ll take it!"


    "We''ll also take it!"


    "We''ll get this since there''s no better choices left! Hai."


    The reason why this advertisement was sold cheaply was because A Bite of China''s program team did not have to handle the promotional resources for them. Instead, the advertisers would have to fork out their own money to buy spots to advertise. Then, they would have to add in the branding of "A Bite of China" into their advertisements and make use of the influence of A Bite of China to raise their brand''s reputation and trust. A Bite of China would then be able to gain ess to free promotions for the show through their advertisements. This was essentially benefiting from the association with each other.


    After the matters at this end were settled, Zhang Ye put up the schedule for A Bite of China''s promotions. He called Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and a few others over to tell them,"I''ve just sold several advertising authorizations which could help us in our promotions as well. I need you guys to get in contact with their people to find out the progress on it and to get the contracts signed too. Oh yes, now that the money is in, our promotional activities should also begin. Let''s follow the proposal that we did up previously and double up on it��.No, triple up on it and get all the advertisements out there in the public eye!"


    Upon hearing this, a lot of the staff were fired up.


    Little Wang looked over."Are we finally going topete head on with Rise to the Dance?"


    Tong Fu asked,"Director Zhang, do we have a chance of winning next week?"


    Huang Dandan giggled."With Director Zhang around, who are we afraid of?! We''re afraid of no one!"


    Everyone''s confidence was at an unprecedented level. Actually, what they were doing now was already poking a hole in the sky of the television industry!


    "Everyone, let''s get things moving and just do your job well. We''ll let nature take its course for the viewership ratings," Zhang Ye said with a light smile.


    ...


    On the same day, the promotional advertisements of A Bite of China started appearing everywhere!


    On the online video hosting sites, media outlets, and Weibo, A Bite of China was everywhere��with money, of course they could promote however they liked and get as much exposure as they wanted. They had already received the payments, which were nearly 20 times the invested amount of their show before tax, so Zhang Ye and his team no longer needed to worry about the costs involved now!


    Theizens were eximing.


    "A Bite of China''s promotions are finally beginning!"


    "These new promotional advertisements are really pleasing to the eyes!"


    "I''m so looking forward to the third episode!"


    "Teacher Zhang, we''ll always support you!"


    "Eh, what is A Bite of China? What''s this ad about?"


    "Are you dumb, previous poster? Didn''t you watch TVst night? Go and search before asking!"


    "Uh, it''s just a documentary. What''s so interesting about it?"


    "Hahahaha, my friend above, countless people have uttered those same words as you yesterday. But afterst night, no one mentioned them again!"


    "Fuck, is it that awesome? I''ll go have a look! Are there any videos online of it?"


    "Yes, A Bite of China''s online video hosting partner has already uploaded the first and second episodes."


    More and more people learned of their show through the ads!


    ...


    That night, on seeing A Bite of China''s massive promotional activities happening everywhere, the program teams of many television stations felt very uneasy, although there wasn''t anything they could do about it either!


    In some television station.


    In a program team''s office.


    The supervisor looked at his staff and said,"A documentary like A Bite of China can even produced in such a way and get the top spot in the viewership ratings and advertising revenues. As someone working in the variety show industry, don''t you feel embarrassed?"


    Everyone smiled wryly but no one said a thing.


    "I feel embarrassed!" The supervisor pped his own face, agitated."I feel extremely embarrassed! We''ll put in overtime today. No one is to leave if the recording for this week''s episode is not done well!"


    At some province.


    In a television station.


    An executive director of a program team had gathered everyone in a meeting room."Look at this. These are the results of A Bite of China for the past two days. I don''t know whether you guys should be ashamed or not, but I''m definitely ashamed and can''t afford to lose face like this. If a documentary can even get number 1 in the viewership ratings, then what reason do we have to give for our entertainment interview show not being able to do so? Are there any more reasons to say that documentaries are only for a niche audience?"


    "No, Director."


    "We will not find excuses anymore."


    "Uh, we will work harder and strive to break 0.4% for the viewership ratings before the end of the month."


    A Bite of China''s incredulous viewership rating had shocked and also inspired many people. Simr scenes were ying out in many television station program teams of the industry.


    A documentary presented in a brand new way had challenged people''s understanding of documentaries. This was also a delightful phenomenon as a lot of people were excited by it!


    Perhaps it was a subconscious reaction.


    Perhaps they did not intend topare.


    But without a doubt, to preserve theirst bit of honor when faced with the enemy that was a niche program, many television stations and entertainment shows were getting anxious. At this moment, a war broke out between a documentary and all the variety shows in the industry. They did not wish to get trampled under the feet of a documentary, else that would be truly face-smacking for them!!


    They did not believe that the viewership ratings for the next episode of A Bite of China would still be that shocking!


    Jiang Yuan refused to believe it.


    Xu Yipeng refused to believe it.


    Chen Ye refused to believe it.


    A lot of industry insiders also refused to believe it!


    A miraculouseback of the documentaries? It was more than enough to have let it happen once, but if it continued to dominate the television industry? Then it wouldn''t just be a miracle, but a divine act of god!


    [1. In reference to Journey to the West, the Red Boy who was subdued by Guanyin, used her (him) of being sent by the Monkey King to subdue him.]

 Chapter 820: Zhang Ye and Old Wu get caught in action!

    <h4>Chapter 820: Zhang Ye and Old Wu get caught in action! </h4>


    Chapter 820: Zhang Ye and Old Wu get caught in action!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    It was still very lively on the news, with various reports being constantly published!


    The variety shows'' defensive battle has started?"


    "Zhang Ye forces variety shows to an impasse!"


    "Next week''s highlights, Rise to the Dance and A Bite of China to battle it out for top spot!"


    "The documentary genre strikes back, but whose face has it pped?"


    However, as one of the parties involved in this matter, Zhang Ye had already driven out to the vicinity of Taoran Pavilion. He called Old Wu at the roadside before driving to Wu Zeqing''s vi.


    Before his car could evene to a stop, the door to the vi opened.


    Wu Zeqing came out gracefully."You''re here?"


    "Yes, I just got here. You just got off work too?" Zhang Ye got out of the car.


    Old Wu nodded and said,"I got back a while ago and was just reading the newspapers inside."


    "What news are your reading about?" Zhang Ye asked as he walked inside the house.


    "The news about your A Bite of China of course. I flipped through a few pages and saw that all the reports were about your Department 14''s documentary. But I can''t me the media reports for working so hard, since I have also watched your documentary and find it to be really good. The camera framing and angles are nice, the human and cultural back stories are also interesting. I feel that this could be used as teaching material for all documentaries to learn from," Old Wumented.


    Zhang Ye replied happily,"I''m ttered, I''m ttered."


    Wu Zeqing hadn''t changed clothes yet since she had just gotten home as well. She was dressed in her work clothes, a pair of heels, and a pair of ck pants. Her top was a gray knitted sweater with a white shirt underneath. This outfit exuded her sense of capability very well, but did not overemphasize it. Old Wu had always radiated a soft charm from the way she carried herself.


    Zhang Ye had not seen her in a long time now, so after he went into the house, he couldn''t help but take a few more looks at her. He sat down and took out a tea caddy from his bag carefully. Then he graciously handed it to her and said,"Have a taste of this tea first. This is Wuyi Mountains'' Da Hong Pao that I told you about before. Don''t underestimate these tea leaves. I guarantee that you''ve never tried it before. Since you like drinking oolong tea, I''m sure you''ll like this tea." He added,"Oh yes, you must never give this to anyone else. Just keep it for yourself to drink."


    Old Wu smiled and said,"OK, then I''ll give it a try."


    She boiled water.


    Then made the tea.


    Very quickly, the inside of the house was overflowing with the fragrance of the tea.


    Wu Zeqing sniffed the scent of the tea and gave a slight look of surprise. She raised the cup and lightly pressed her lips on the edge of the cup and took a small sip. She couldn''t help but smile and say,"It''s indeed good. This is truly my first time trying this. You can''t get this outside?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and replied,"Of course you can''t. Even if you have money, there''s no ce to get it from. There are only a few trees in the entire world that produce these tea leaves, and I have bought all of the parent trees. That''s why only I have ess to this tea. Others won''t even have a chance to try it. Ration them well. If you like it, I''ll bring some more over when they''re gone." Giving them to Old Wu did not make him feel bad, but he wouldn''t give it to anyone else.


    Wu Zeqing nodded and took another sip."It tastes even better with the second sip. It''s really good."


    "What''s more, this tea can be brewed five to six times and the vor will still remain."


    "You want some too?"


    "I don''t want to drink it for now."


    Zhang Ye couldn''t bear to drink it. He just sat there and gazed at Old Wu, enjoying the view as he watched her slowly sip the tea. Old Wu was beautiful and gorgeous. No matter how he looked at her, he did not get tired of it. Sometimes, he even felt that if he sat there doing nothing for the entire day and just looked at Old Wu, he would still find it enjoyable.


    Old Wu asked,"Stay over for dinner tonight."


    "Of course. I''ve been craving for your cooking all this while." He immediately felt hungry at the mention of eating.


    Old Wu went to the open kitchen and started cooking dinner. As she washed the raw food, the two of them chatted."This year''s television awards ceremony will take ce soon. It''d be great if you could give A Bite of China a little push to get a higher viewership rating. If it doesn''t end in a draw again with your show getting the number 1 spot nationwide, it would aid you in getting the prize for sure. If the viewership rating could hit 1.5%, then that most prestigious award for documentaries is as good as in the bag."


    Zhang Ye said,"Why would it still have to depend on the viewership ratings?"


    Old Wu exined gently,"That might not be the case for others, but for your show, it''s necessary. You have offended too many people within the industry, so unless you produce something that give people no chance to argue against, if there''s another candidate for the award, they definitely won''t give it to you." Then she nced at him and asked,"Otherwise, how do you think that A Bite of China would get nominated for the awards at thest minute? It was because I got my secretary to rmend your show''s nomination to the selectionmittee. The SARFT is the overseeing authority, so they cannot reject the rmendations that we suggest."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback."It was you who helped rmend the documentary? Hai, I should have known! I was still thinking why we would get nominated when we have just started broadcasting!"


    Old Wuughed."This nomination was deserved anyway, but it was just because there were people who did not like you that they picked on and criticized the documentary. I was only helping toy the path for you, but you''ll still have to depend on yourself in the end."


    "Who picked on and criticized us?"


    "Xu Wenzong."


    "Who is that?"


    "The honorary vice president of the Television Association."


    "But I don''t know that person."


    "You know his brother-inw though, that famous crosstalk artist named Tang Dazhang."


    "Him!"


    Zhang Ye immediately understood. His feud with Tang Dazhang was indeed a big one, but how could Zhang Ye have known that his wife''s brother had actually obstructed him without him knowing?"Old Wu, if you didn''t tell me about this, I wouldn''t have known at all. Is that Xu Wenzong one of the judges? When the timee, if he still attempts to stop us with some underhanded ways, then the award will��"


    Wu Zeqing interrupted,"That won''t happen anymore. As of this afternoon, I have already stripped him of his qualification as a judge."


    Zhang Ye was stunned."You removed him from the panel?"


    "Yes, I did," Old Wu replied calmly.


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded."You can even do that?"


    Old Wu said,"Why can''t I do that? As one of the highest qualified judges, he has lost his most basic principle of fairness. Since I know about it, I definitely won''t tolerate it."


    This was who his girlfriend was!


    How appropriate!


    When Zhang Ye heard about what she did, he felt very touched. He never thought that in a situation unknown to him, Old Wu would still step up to help him with so many things and help him prevent sneak attacks from others."Look at you. You''re very busy, but you still worry over my problems. I feel so bad about it now, so, Old Wu, why don''t I make dinner instead?"


    "That''s not necessary." Old Wu waved him off.


    But Zhang Ye had already walked up to her."That won''t do. I need to show my gratitude."


    Old Wu gently fended him off."It''s not like you know how to cook, so why don''t you just wait to eat?"


    "Even so, I can learn." Zhang Ye folded up his sleeves."You can teach me!"


    Old Wu nced at him."Are you really serious about learning?"


    "Of course I am!" Zhang Ye said determinedly.


    Old Wu nodded her head."Alright then, hur hur. You want to start off with cutting the vegetables?"


    Following that, Wu Zeqing walked behind Zhang Ye and leaned across his back. From behind, she held Zhang Ye''s hand holding the kitchen knife, while her other hand gripped Zhang Ye''s left hand."Bend your left hand a little bit more, then support the knife by letting it rest against your wrist. As long as you pay attention to your thumb, you won''t cut your fingers. Right, this is the way."


    With the hands-on teaching, Old Wu was almost hugging Zhang Ye from behind.


    Zhang Ye was enjoying this quite a bit. He had always been toozy to cook meals for himself, but this was so enjoyable that it felt fun. Little by little, he learned from Old Wu as he asionally took advantage as well.


    ...


    After dinner.


    The two of them drank some hot tea.


    "Little Ye, shall we go out for a stroll?" Old Wu suggested.


    Zhang Ye agreed without even thinking."Sure."


    Old Wu looked outside and said,"But the air isn''t very good."


    "There''s a lot of smog. We should both wear face masks."


    "Do we need to? It seems fine to me."


    "Of course we need to. The air pollution is getting very serious and can easily lead to lung cancer and other respiratory diseases."


    "Is it that severe?"


    "Don''t you know that, Old Wu?"


    "I''ve heard about it, but it doesn''t seem to be severe to me. If the effects are really that great, the newspapers would''ve had a field day already. Hasn''t the news of the dangerous effects of the smog only been raised in the past two years? If there''s some governance regarding this, it should get better within two years."


    "Uh, we should just wear our face masks anyway."


    Zhang Ye couldn''t respond to that. It was only now that he started to realize the citizens'' understanding of PM 2.5 in this world, which was totally different from his previous world, and that the concept of PM 2.5 was only brought up within the past two years. Compared to his world, it seemed to bete by many years. Everyone still did not have a clear understanding of the dangerous effects of the smog, and if someone like Old Wu who worked at the SARFT as one of its leaders even did not understand it well, it was needless to mention other citizens.[1.]


    This was a rather wide-ranging topic that even three days and nights of discussions wouldn''t be enough to cover, so Zhang Ye said no more, except to remind Old Wu that if the PM 2.5 readings were high, she should remember to wear a face mask.


    Outside.


    His mother called.


    "Why aren''t you back yet?"


    "I have something to take care of."


    "What is it? It''s already past 8 PM."


    "Aiya, I will go home once I''m done. I gonna hang up now, Mom."


    The two of them strolled along the path leading to Taoran Pavilion Park''s gate. Old Wu was wearing a face mask, while Zhang Ye was fully geared up. He even covered his head with the hood of his down jacket, afraid that they would get recognized.


    They chatted as they strolled.


    Laughing and talking.


    Zhang Ye hardly had a chance to spend time alone with Wu Zeqing, so he naturally treasured every second of it. They walked from Taoran Pavilion to Nanheng Street, then from Nanheng Street to Caishikou.


    Zhang Ye looked around and remarked,"We''re almost at my ce. Let''s walk back to where we came from."


    Wu Zeqing held his arm and returned a smile."OK."


    The two of them turned around, ready to head back.


    But at this moment, an unidentified person hade up a distance not too far from them, carrying arge bag which seemed to indicate that the person had just bought something from the mall across the way. Zhang Ye subconsciously caught sight of that person which made his legs tremble. He could only mutter an "uh" at that.


    Mom?


    What was she doing out here at this time of night?


    Didn''t she just call me from home a while ago?


    His mother also noticed that there were two people walking in front of her. Even if other people couldn''t recognize Zhang Ye, she couldn''t possibly not recognize him, right? Moreover, even though she couldn''t see his face, she still recognized what he was wearing. Zhang Ye''s shoes and the down jacket that he was wearing were bought by her from the mall.


    "Son?" his mother said, slightly taken aback.


    Zhang Ye pretended not to hear and pulled Old Wu along and walked ahead. He still did not want his parents to know about him and Wu Zeqing yet.


    Wu Zeqing also stopped in her tracks and looked at Zhang Ye.


    His mother was calling out behind him,"Little Ye!"


    Zhang Ye could no longer pretend not to have heard, so he turned his head nkly and eximed in surprise,"Eh, Mom? What are you doing here?" He stood quite a distance away and did not go over to her.


    His mother stared at the woman beside him and said,"I came out to buy a sweater. When I called you just now, I had hoped that you''de back earlier to give me some advice. Alright then, go where you''re going. Don''te home toote!" Having said that, his mother did not question him further and just turned around to go back home. But just before she left, she had onest look at the Old Wu standing beside Zhang Ye.


    Only then did Zhang Ye breathe a sigh of relief.


    Wu Zeqing had already taken her hand off Zhang Ye''s arm. She asked,"Is that your mother? Is it alright that I don''t go and greet her?"


    "It''s fine, it''s fine." Zhang Ye said,"We''ll let them know when the time is right. Let''s go."


    ...


    Caishikou.


    At home.


    His mother opened the door with her keys and then shut the door behind her after entering the house.


    Chenchen was ying games, while his father was in the living room watching television. When he looked up, he could only see an angry face."What''s the matter? Which neighbor did you argue with this time? Didn''t you go out to get a sweater?"


    His mother sat down angrily on the sofa and threw the newly bought sweater down."Don''t talk about it. I saw Little Ye outside the mall entrance just now. He was with a woman talking happily andughing. The two of them were even locking arms, looking close. When I called to him from behind, he even pretended not to have heard me!"


    His father said curiously,"Locked arms?"


    "Yeah!" His mother said,"They were quite intimate!"


    His father said rather happily,"Little Ye has a girlfriend? That''s a good thing. He''s already in his twenties, so what''s wrong with him having a girlfriend? Look at you, weren''t you always anxious about introducing someone to our son?"


    His mother said angrily,"It''s good that he has a girlfriend, but why was he avoiding me? I think there must be some problems there."


    His father quickly asked,"What does the girl look like? How tall is she? How old is she?"


    His mother said,"I couldn''t see clearly because she was wearing a face mask, but she''s rather tall and she wasn''t even wearing very high heels, though if she did, she would likely be taller than him."


    "It''s good that she''s tall! That''s good!" his father said satisfied."Our family has always been short, so I''ve been hoping that Little Ye would find someone taller!"


    His mother curled her lips."Her height is tall, but her age is even older."


    "How old?" His father was stunned.


    His mother shook her head."I don''t know, but from the way she dressed and her demeanor, she''s definitely older than Little Ye."


    But his father seemed fine with it."If she''s older, so be it. A mature wife ensures a joyful life, so long as our son likes her, it''s fine with me."


    "It''s not fine with me. When he gets back, I must ask him. Why didn''t he let us know he''s in a rtionship?!" his mother dered indignantly.


    About 40 minutester.


    The door opened and Zhang Ye came home.


    When his father saw him, he quietly winked at him and pointed his chin toward the sofa.


    At that moment, his mother questioned,"What''s going on? You''d better exin!"


    Zhang Ye yed dumb."What do you mean what''s going on?"


    "What''s going on with that woman!" His mother said again,"When did you both start? What does she do? What does her family do?"


    Zhang Yeughed."Whoa, are you doing a household check?"


    His mother stared at him and said,"I have to ask to be sure. If I did not bump into you, did you intend to never tell us?"


    Zhang Ye gave a forcedugh."It''s not that, it''s just that the time is not right yet. I wanted to tell you guys when we were more stable. The main issue is that I still don''t know what her family thinks, so why would I make you guys happy for nothing if it doesn''t work out? Look at you, why are you getting angry over something like this? If you''re not satisfied with her, then I''ll just end things with herter and find someone else." He said that as though he would really do it.


    Hearing that, his mother retorted,"Don''t you dare! What are you talking about? Don''t be unreasonable like that. Your dad and I haven''t even taken a look at her yet, so when will you bring her home and introduce us?"


    His father said,"Our son will bring her home when he feels the time is right, so stop worrying for nothing."


    "How can I not be worried if this concerns my son''s marriage!" His mother did not like hearing that.


    After squabbling for a bit, Zhang Ye deflected all the questions back.


    At this moment, the news channel on television suddenly reported about a piece of news."Yesterday, the SARFT''s Deputy Chief Wu Zeqing attended the Chinese Editorial Society''s 16th Annual Assembly and delivered a speech��"


    Onscreen, it showed many participants of the assembly with Wu Zeqing standing behind the rostrum, smiling as she gave her speech.


    His mother was taken aback."Eh?"


    His father said,"Yo, President Wu''s already the SARFT''s deputy chief? She''s such a high-ranking official?"


    Zhang Ye helplessly said,"Wasn''t she already one since a long time ago? I remember that I mentioned this to you before."


    "Keep quiet, keep quiet!" his mother interrupted.


    His father said in a speechless manner,"What''s the matter?"


    His mother wondered,"Why does she look so familiar?"


    Zhang Ye raised his eyebrows and quickly coughed loudly several times.


    His father smiled and said,"That was our son''s boss when he was at Peking University. She often appears on television, so of course you''d find her familiar after seeing her so many times already."


    "Is that so?" his mother said in confusion."But this figure of hers looks really familiar."


    Zhang Ye dabbed at the sweat on his forehead.


    His father looked at him and asked,"Little Ye, are you still in contact with President Wu?"


    Zhang Ye cleared his throat and replied,"I guess so."


    His father nodded."Do keep in contact often. Now that she''s such a high-ranking official and a leader who oversees the entertainment industry, it''s better that you be on friendly terms with her."


    "Be on what friendly terms?" His mother shook her head and said,"Chief Wu is already the deputy chief of the SARFT. Which television station and filmpany does not need to give her face? Does she need to be on friendly terms with you? Stop overthinking it. Little Ye only taught at Peking University for half a year. What''s that little bit of friendship good for? Chief Wu might not even know who our son is. After all, it''s already been so long. Moreover, Little Ye caused such a big incident when he was still at Peking University, leading those students to scold the foreign dignitaries and creating so much trouble for them. Even the sky nearly came falling down, so who knows if Little Ye has already offended Chief Wu, so what friendship is there to talk about?"


    His father gave a wry smile at that."That''s true."


    Hearing this, Zhang Ye rolled his eyes at them."What do you mean by I''ve already offended her?"


    "With that temperament of yours, whoever you offend wouldn''t surprise me." His mother snorted at him and continued,"I just that you''ll start offending less people now so that your career can take off properly and then you can marry a sensible wife. Oh, but she won''t do if she can''t make it past your dad''s and my criteria."


    His father interjected,"As long as Little Ye thinks she''s fine, I have no objections."


    His mother said,"She''ll still have to get past me then. She won''t do if I''m not satisfied with her."


    Zhang Ye quietly nced at Wu Zeqing''s figure on the television and said to them both,"Don''t worry, hur hur. The two of you will definitely be satisfied when the timees."


    [1. PM 2.5 - Fine particte matter (PM 2.5) is an air pollutant that is a concern for people''s health when the levels in the air are high. PM 2.5 are tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated.]

 Chapter 821: They have Zhang Ye, isn’t that more than enough?

    <h4>Chapter 821: They have Zhang Ye, isn''t that more than enough? </h4>


    Chapter 821: They have Zhang Ye, isn''t that more than enough?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Monday morning.


    The cell phone near the headboard started ringing.


    Zhang Ye woke up and saw that it was a call from Yan Tianfei.


    "Director Yan?"


    "Little Zhang, are you up yet?"


    "Yes, I just got up."


    "Do you know Xu Wenzong?"


    Xu Wenzong?


    Zhang Ye found that name familiar, then suddenly remembered that Wu Zeqing had mentioned this name to him just yesterday. He was Tang Dazhang''s family member, but he pretended not to know and just said,"I don''t know, who''s that?"


    Yan Tianfei replied,"Oh, he''s the honorary vice president of the Television Association, and also one of the judges for this year''s television awards ceremony. I''ve only just received news that A Bite of China did not actually get picked for the nomination of the most prestigious award for documentaries. It was Vice President Xu who blocked it initially. However, the selectionmitteeter picked the nominees again somehow and nominated A Bite of China for the award. What''s more, Xu Wenzong''s position as the chief judge for this year has been stripped as well."


    Zhang Ye blinked."Ah?"


    "Do you know what''s going on?" Yan Tianfei asked.


    Zhang Ye continued to y dumb."If you don''t know, how would I know?"


    Yan Tianfei said,"That''s true, but I was just wondering who helped us from the inside. I''ve been trying to find out for the entire day without any news, so I thought you might have some idea."


    Zhang Ye coughed and responded,"I don''t know either."


    From the time that Yan Tianfei found out about this incident, he kept wondering who had helped them. Who helped A Bite of China? No matter how he pondered, he simply couldn''t connect anything together. Old Yan knew very clearly about his own social ties. He was a veteran of the television station industry, had a lot of experience, and knew a lot of people, but none of them were especially close to him. Not mentioning the SARFT or the Television Association, even within Central TV, he did not have many friends. Then he thought of Zhang Ye. Without needing to ask, this kid''s social ties were even worse than his own. He would end up offending people wherever he went. Having been the top-ranked person on the SARFT''s cklist, he had even been banned by both the Shanghai SARFT and SARFT Headquarters, so logically speaking, it was all the more impossible that anyone would help him, right?


    So who could it be?


    Why was this matter so bizarre!?


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye felt awake. He got up from bed and brushed his teeth and washed his face. Regarding his rtionship with Old Wu, since he did not even tell his parents about it, then he would certainly not be telling anyone else. It was still not the correct time yet, and he absolutely couldn''t reveal this trump card so easily. Wouldn''t it be really boring if he revealed it now?


    "Dad, Mom, I''m going to work."


    "Eat breakfast before you go."


    "I''m not eating, I''ll eat at the office."


    ...


    At a certain house in Beijing.


    This was Xu Wenzong''s home, and at this moment, his family hade to visit him.


    Tang Dazhang looked grumpy."Brother Xu, what happened?"


    Tang Dazhang''s wife said,"Brother, based on what did they remove you as judge?"


    "You ask me, I ask who!?" Xu Wenzong said as his tone turned cold,"This is positively bizarre! Until now, I still don''t know who did me in!"


    Tang Dazhang said angrily,"This is too much!"


    But Xu Wenzong did not seem to be the least bit angry. He only felt his heart turn cold, and was even quite startled.


    It was because he knew very well that, as the Television Association''s Vice President, as a veteran in the circle with such a widework, it was odd that he couldn''t even find out who did that to him. He saw no signs nor did he have any warning about it, so even after the axe fell, he was still in the dark as to who had done that to him. As such, he could undoubtedly be certain that the person who dealt with him was definitely not someone who he could afford to provoke, because he was not even qualified to know who it was!


    Which person from the SARFT was it?


    Which one of those who held the most power in the SARFT was it?


    Xu Wenzong did not dare to think about it. He could only stay silent; there was only silence.


    ...


    At the office.


    With the hyping and publicizing from the news media, everyone already knew of the intensepetition between Central TV Department 1 and Central TV Department 14 with their Rise to the Dance and A Bite of China fighting for top spot in the viewership ratings. Internally at Central TV, the atmosphere was also rather strange. The staff of the other departments watched as the events developed while the station heads kept silent on the matter as sparks flew between the two departments involved in this battle, with everyone on both sides giving their all!


    Central TV Department 1.


    Everyone was giving their all.


    "This advertising spot must be secured!" Chen Yemanded firmly!


    "Director Chen, I was just informed that it has been bought by A Bite of China," a staffer said with a bitter smile.


    Chen Ye insisted,"I don''t care how you do it, just get it done by the end of the day!"


    "Then��then I will try my best." That staffer could only bite the bullet and ept the order.


    Over at the other side, Xu Yipeng said,"The audience who watched the first episode has given us quite a lot of suggestions, some which can be ignored, but there are many that are worth studying. Old Chen, Old He, let''s have a meeting to study those suggestions first, then re-edit the footage for the second episode to get rid of all the shorings of it and learn from the experience. I need the second episode''s viewership rating to be much higher than the first episode''s! We need to give our audiences nothing that they can pick on!"


    "Yes."


    "OK, Director Xu."


    Previously, they had never thought that a documentary could be their opponent and even looked down on A Bite of China. But now that they were faced with Zhang Ye''s heaven-defying abilities, they had no choice but to put Zhang Ye and his documentary on the same level and treat them as worthypetitors. In fact, they were even considering it their greatest enemy. The Rise to the Dance program team who had lost its arrogance was clearly still very formidable. They had the industry''srgest tform behind them��Central TV Department 1. They had the best team as well as the most excellent director and host; they even had a huge production budget to support them, and together with the trio of big shot celebrities in Huo Dongfang, Fan Wenli, Shen Lili, once they took their opponents seriously, once they had their enemy in sight, the strength that they would muster up was undoubtedly going to be a force to reckon with!


    Lose?


    They wouldn''t lose!


    Nor did they have any reason to lose!


    Simply because they were Central TV Department 1!


    Simply because they were the industry''s number 1 variety show!


    ...


    Central TV Department 14.


    Everyone here was full of fighting spirit as well!


    "Did you secure the advertising spot yesterday?"


    "Director Ha, we were going to sign the contract, but we haven''t heard anything from them since!"


    "What happened?"


    "I don''t��ah, they''ve just replied. It''s Rise to the Dance, they are also in negotiations with them!"


    "What? We can''t allow it to fall into their hands, continue negotiating! This advertising spot is critical. We must ensure it stays in A Bite of China''s hands for this entire week! We can''t have it any other way!"


    "OK! I will definitely secure it!"


    "Central TV Department 1 has already run out of money and their 200 million in advertising revenue has also gone back into the production budget of the show. Meanwhile, our advertising revenue has juste in! All the money is in our hands now! They wish to fight with us for the advertising spots? Dream on! Right now, in the whole of Central TV��no, of all television stations in the entire country, we''re the richest program team around!"


    At this moment, Zhang Zuo, Ha Qiqi and everyone else were brimming with confidence. Unlike Rise to the Dance, they did not have the most influential tform to broadcast on, nor did they have the pull factor of big name celebrities. Even the production budget of A Bite of China was just a mere 10 million RMB��of which more than half was spent on the catering, amodation, transportation, travel, and hotel rooms. The actual amount used for filming was in fact much less than that. But��


    They had Zhang Ye!


    So wasn''t that more than enough?

 Chapter 822: The second week’s broadcast!

    <h4>Chapter 822: The second week''s broadcast! </h4>


    Chapter 822: The second week''s broadcast!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Under the focus of the entire country, Friday quietly arrived.


    Early in the morning, a lot of the morning newspapers in the country started selling. With the constant coverage of Rise to the Dance and A Bite of China in the media for the entire week, when the day to decide the winner finally arrived, the discussions surrounding it reached its peak. Although this wasn''t the only news happening in the entertainment industry, there was no doubt that this viewership ratings face-off was the main focus of the media and people. Whether it was the scandal of a certain female celebrity or a new movie by a certain movie star, they were all pushed to the back pages. This was because many people knew that they were on the verge of witnessing a historical moment.


    On the streets.


    There were pushcart newspaper vendors and pedestrians walking by.


    "Morning Post! Morning Post!"


    "Give me a copy!"


    "OK."


    "Rise to the Dance and A Bite of China are finally going to battle it out!"


    "I''ve been waiting for an entire week now!"


    "Who do you guys think will get the higher viewership rating?"


    "Logically, it must be Rise to the Dance, right?"


    "But anything that Zhang Ye does has always been very unpredictable."


    "Right, that''s why it''s difficult to say anything about this."


    "The newspapers and media have analyzed it so many times in the past few days, saying that the documentary''s sustainability of interest won''t be enough and definitely can''tpete with a variety show. Reading all of that makes it all sound very reasonable, but I still have very high expectations of Teacher Zhang Ye. Previously, when A Bite of China had not yet started its broadcast, didn''t everyone also think that it would not do well? Didn''t everyone also look down on documentaries at that time? But look at what happened! Zhang Ye has already given everyone a face-smacking by tying for number 1 in the viewership ratings. So what if it''s a documentary? Who says that a documentary cannot be number 1? The executive director is Zhang Ye!"


    "I don''t think so. I still think that Rise to the Dance will do better. It has all the elements of entertainment needed for a high sustainability of interest and lots of celebrities as well, so there''s no reason that it will lose."


    "It is critical that Central TV Department 1 is no longer underestimating them. A Bite of China caught Rise to the Dance off guard in the beginning, but still its viewership rating could just tie Rise to the Dance. If their first attack that came as a surprise could not help them surpass Rise to the Dance, then it will only be more difficult for them duringter episodes."


    "Yes, Rise to the Dance has a higher chance of winning."


    "Get lost! I''m supporting Zhang Ye!"


    "Me too! I prefer Zhang Ye too!"


    This scene on the streets was just one of many simr situations ying out around the country. People were debating over two totally different genres of television shows that seemingly had nothing inmon. This was what Zhang Ye represented��he and his works, together with the things he did, had always been extremely controversial in the Chinese entertainment industry!


    ...


    Central TV Department 1 was bracing for the challenge.


    Xu Yipeng was already in the office very early in the morning. Actually, he and many of the Rise to the Dance program team staff did not go homest night as they were working overtime in the office. Right now, Xu Yipeng was extremely tired, but his eyes were shimmering. Beside him, Chen Ye was also looking very excited and satisfied.


    "Director Xu, we''re finished with the editing!"


    "Thank you everyone for your hard work!"


    "This is our job."


    "That''s great!"


    "The editing for this episode is definitely much better than the first episode!"


    "Director Xu is mighty and Director Chen is brilliant!"


    "Hu, we can finally rest. There won''t be any hups this time around!"


    "Right, we''ll definitely beat them by ten blocks at least!"


    "Haha, we won''t give them any chance this time!"


    The program team staff were all very confident. They were anticipating tonight''s broadcast more and more!


    ...


    At a television station.


    In a variety show team''s office.


    "Make Little Li''s scandal go viral!"


    "Got it, Director."


    "This episode''s viewership rating will be very crucial, so everyone better buck up! We are also broadcasting at Friday''s primetime slot and have achieved 1.1% of the viewership ratings before, so we have a part in this battle as well. It is unavoidable! If it were arge scale talent show like Rise to the Dance or a variety show helmed by Zhang Ye, we would not bepeting with them! But as it stands, this is Zhang Ye''s directorial debut in the documentary industry. If we let him crush our variety show with his documentary, how can we still face anyone after that?"


    "Everything is ready!"


    "Leader, we will definitely beat A Bite of China this time!"


    ...


    At another television station.


    In an entertainment program team''s office.


    "Director Sun, are we really going topete with those two crazy programs?"


    "Our program broadcasts at Friday''s 8 PM time slot. Even if we don''t want topete, we have no choice!"


    "But Rise to the Dance��"


    "We''re not going topete with Central TV Department 1''s show. Our opponent this time is A Bite of China. Their first episode has achieved sess with an original idea and had caught everyone off guard. Now that everyone has recalled how capable Zhang Ye is and know how good A Bite of China is, they won''t be able to surprise us again. A documentary can''t sustain its momentum, so the viewership share will definitely be taken by Rise to the Dance this time. As long as we can ensure that we can surpass A Bite of China, it''s good enough. After all, we have always been one of the top 3 highest viewership rated shows for the Friday primetime slot!"


    "Let''s just see how much of A Bite of China''s viewership rating can be taken away from them!"


    "As long as A Bite of China''s viewership rating falls below 0.9%, then we have hope!"


    ...


    The entire industry and peers had directed all their attention to A Bite of China. This was because, as a documentary, A Bite of China had dealt a blow to many variety shows'' pride and dignity. It left those shows with a slight chance ofpeting, with no choice but to ept the challenge. Even those shows with low viewership ratings that didn''t have the ability topete, some of their program teams turned to cheering for Rise to the Dance or other variety shows instead. They hoped that Rise to the Dance could hoist the g and raise the pride of variety shows. No matter what, they must never lose to a documentary!


    However, in such a tense and highly anticipated atmosphere, Zhang Ye, who was at the center of the controversy and should logically be battling at the frontlines, did not appear at all in Central TV Department 14 today.


    In the program team office of A Bite of China.


    It was already past 10 AM in the morning.


    Ha Qiqi said stunned,"Where is Director Zhang?"


    Zhang Zuo wiped his sweat away and said,"I don''t know. I didn''t see him around."


    Little Wang eximed,"Could he be in the editing studio? I heard that the Rise to the Dance program team are re-editing and have made several rounds of changes while trying to polish up their second episode. Did Director Zhange back to the office in the wee hours to do the same too?"


    Tong Fu went over to the editing studio but did not find anyone there.


    Then, at around 10.30 AM, they received a text message from Zhang Ye. The content of the message left everyone in the program team, including Yan Tianfei''s secretary who happened to be at the Section 3 workspace, at a loss. Zhang Ye''s message said:"I woke upte, so I won''t be going to the office today. I will apply for time off today since there''s nothing much going on anyway."


    Time off?


    Nothing much going on?


    Huang Dandan said,"Director Zhang is way too calm!"


    "It''s such a crucial day today. I heard that half of the Rise to the Dance program team are putting in overtimest night and did not go home at all. Meanwhile, Director Zhang��" Wu Yi was at a loss for words.


    Zhang Zuo gave a wry smile as he shook his head."When has our Director Zhang ever done things predictably?"


    Ha Qiqi remained silent for a moment, then said,"Actually, what Director Zhang said is true. There is��indeed nothing much to do."


    The documentary''s filming was finished long ago.


    The editing of the broadcast footage had long since beenpleted as well.


    The promotions were all in ce.


    So what else was there left to do?


    They were simply vexed by the tinge of anxiety and worry in their minds, making them feel that they''d be more at ease if they were back at the office keeping tabs of things on this important day.


    ...


    Zhang Ye was not behaving differently today from his usual self. When everyone else thought that he ought to be back at Department 14 to take charge of the important things, Zhang Ye was actually sleeping in at home. After he woke up, he behaved just like any other employee would. Being too embarrassed to call back to inform the office, he sent a text message to apply for time off instead before going back to sleep again. Afterwards, when he finally got up, he looked at his watch and got changed before leaving to attend a gathering.


    He had a lunch date at noon with his old colleagues from Beijing Television.


    "Little Zhang!" At a restaurant not far from Beijing Television, Hu Fei noticed Zhang Ye''s car pulling in from a distance away. He walked together with Hou Ge, Hou Di, and the others following behind him toward Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye got out of his car."Brother Hu."


    Hou Ge gave him a bear hug."Teacher Zhang, long time no see!"


    "Hou Ge, you''ve put on weight." Zhang Ye also hugged him back.


    Dafei came up to give Zhang Ye a bear hug as well."Teacher Zhang, you''re getting more handsome and looking more spirited than ever before!"


    Zhang Ye chuckled,"Why are you praising me so much? Are you hinting that I treat you to a meal?"


    Dong Shanshan, probably held up by some work, arrived a littleter. When she made her way here, she overheard Zhang Ye''s words, thenughed and said,"It was supposed to be your treat anyway."


    Seeing Dong Shanshan''s sexy look, Zhang Ye waved at her."Hi, old ssmate. I haven''t seen you in just a few months, but you''ve be even more beautiful now."


    Dong Shanshan nodded solemnly."Yes, I know that."


    Zhang Ye was tickled."You really aren''t humble."


    Hu Feiughed loudly."Let''s go. I''ve already booked a private room. Let''s go in quickly so that you can share with us how confident you are for A Bite of China''s broadcast tonight."


    Zhang Ye waved it off and replied,"How confident can I be? All the filming is alreadyplete and we have already done all that we could. The only thing left now is just to show the documentary to the audience, but I don''t have any target or expectations for that anyway."


    Xiao Lu giggled."Teacher Zhang,e on. We''ve worked with you for such a long time, how could we not know how you are?"


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands and said with a smile,"I won''t hide it from you guys, but I''m really just leaving it all up to fate now."


    ...


    At night.


    Along with the heated discussions and anticipation, Rise to the Dance and A Bite of China were once again going to be broadcast at the same time slot!

 Chapter 823: An intense and close battle!

    <h4>Chapter 823: An intense and close battle! </h4>


    Chapter 823: An intense and close battle!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At 8 PM.


    Many viewers turned on their TVs.


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    "It''s beginning!"


    "Haha, it''s time for my A Bite of China!"


    "Rise to the Dance is starting! I can''t wait anymore!"


    "My Huo Dongfang! My Chen Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye, go for it! Kill them!"


    "Central TV Department 1 is really awesome! Let''s kill A Bite of China!"


    Some people tuned to Central TV Department 1 on their television sets, while others were tuned to Central TV Department 14. The second battle of the industry''s two television shows that were tied for first in the viewership ratings was beginning!


    ...


    Central TV Department 1.


    The opening started off with thunderous apuse as Chen Ye took to the stage. He was dressed in a resplendent suit and smiled with open arms as he said,"Wee, everyone, to this week''s Rise to the Dance. I am your host��Chen Ye!" Then he turned around and threw out his arm in a weing gesture."And also, a warm wee to our three guest coaches!"


    "Teacher Huo Dongfang!


    "Teacher Fan Wenli!"


    "Teacher Shen Lili!"


    Huo Dongfang waved calmly as he ascended the stage.


    Fan Wenli was blowing kisses from the stage.


    Shen Lili niftily performed some elegant dance steps and "danced" her way to her guest coach seat.


    The live audience were screaming and pping; some were even waving their glow sticks about!


    With such a stage on a variety show, the visual impact from the scene was especially advantageous for it. Oftentimes, the audience were not as passionate as they looked on television or pping so hard for their lives. Most of these audience members cheering and pping scenes were recorded before the start of the show by the studio director team. If he called for the audience to scream, they would scream. If he said to p, they would p. It might look rather staged, but with the aid of post-production and scene arrangements in the final cut, the atmosphere would undoubtedly be very good when watching it. It would pull the television audience at home into the atmosphere and allow them to experience the passion and explosiveness of the show as though they were in the studio as well. This was the natural advantage that a variety show had!


    Today''s first contestant appeared onstage.


    This contestant was clearly arranged to appear first by the program team. Furthermore, the intro clip was also done in a slightly different way from the first episode. It seemed to have ced more emphasis on the contestant''s introduction and even added in scenes from his daily work and life. There was also a part which was recorded at the contestant''s office with his colleagues being interviewed by a field director.


    The first person was interviewed.


    "Did you know that Li Qijie can dance?"


    "Ah? Li Qijie? Surely not, right?"


    The second person was interviewed.


    "What do you think of Li Qijie''s dancing?"


    "He can dance? I didn''t know that!"


    The third person was interviewed.


    "What kind of a person is Li Qijie usually?"


    "Little Li? He doesn''t talk much usually and does not reallymunicate with everyone. I guess he''s a rather reserved person."


    "Do you have any words of encouragement for him now that he is participating in our talent show, Rise to the Dance?"


    "Uh, I somehow think that there''s been some mistake? How can he possibly know how to dance?"


    All of his colleagues shook their heads.


    Just as this intro clip was still being yed with soft dance music apaniment in the background, the first contestant appeared on the stage!


    It was a man.


    This was a graceful modern dance tune.


    The man lifted his feet and dropped his hands fluidly.


    Just a few dance moves at the start was enough to leave the guest coaches utterly shocked.


    Huo Dongfang''s eyes lit up."Great moves!"


    Fan Wenli said,"He must be a professional, right?"


    Shen Lili affirmed."This is definitely on the level of a professional!"


    Even those who were not trained could see that Li Qijie''s dance moves were all very professional looking!


    They were focused on the performance!


    100% fully focused!


    As Li Qijiepletely lost himself in his dance and moved around more and more gracefully, the three guest coaches stood up from their seats. Huo Dongfang could only put his hand up and give the contestant a thumbs up with an expression full of admiration."It''s really great! This is simply too good!"


    The emotions of the live audience were also stirred up.


    The apuse kept oohing and aahing, sometimes cheering!


    But it did not seem like Li Qijie heard any of this. Such apuse would usually be considered a disturbance, but it did not feel like it had interfered with his performance. He just kept moving by himself at the center of the stage, dancing to his own tune.


    Online.


    Many of the audience who were watching the broadcast were very excited.


    "How beautiful!"


    "He''s even more graceful than a woman!"


    "I like him, I like him a lot!"


    "The second episode seems to be a little better than the first one!"


    "Yeah, I can see the effort that the Rise to the Dance program team has put in. The second episode has a better rhythm to it and the contestants are also more impressive. Looks like in order to go up against A Bite of China, Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye are pulling out all their killer moves!"


    "Wow, you guys! Do You Remember has revised their content again!"


    "Sing has invited different guests as well! This time, they''ve gotten B-list celebrities to join them on the show!"


    "What the hell. Are all of these entertainment shows in the same time slot on steroids? They''re really giving it their all today? It''s as though they''ve discussed beforehand to introduce all these changes together at once?"


    "Can they afford to not give it their all?! Not many people would have thought that Zhang Ye could manage to make a documentary in such a way. If it really makes it to the top, they won''t look good at all! Zhang Ye has checkmated all of these entertainment shows that have been the dominant force in the viewership ratings all this time, so how could they not react?"


    ...


    Hyping up the show.


    Revising the content.


    Fine-tuning the details.


    In a time when all of the industry''s entertainment shows were fighting with all they had, A Bite of China maintained its unhurried pace and did not change anything due to external factors.


    The third episode.


    Titled "Inspiration for Change."


    "The taste of a dish is paramount for Chinese people who enjoy a wide variety of cuisine and vors. And they are always looking for inspiration for change in both."


    "In the county of Jianshui in Yunnan, also known as Lin''an. In the old days, this ce was of strategic importance for immigrants, as the mixture of ethnic groups settled and formed a melting pot of unique culture. Around the famous Daban Well, women make tofu by hand, building up a supply chain for this dish."


    The show''s broadcast began.


    Various foods and cuisines were presented on screen.


    "In northeast China, people only make sauces out of one ingredient: soybeans. This sole dependence on it is also considered a form a luxury. On a heated bed, six pairs of hands knead the bean paste into brick shapes; the taste of the soy sauce can even be used as a measure of the capability of a woman. They then tie them and hang them on the wall where they will leave them there for two months. Next spring, they will undergo further fermentation. Chinese people have brought about imaginative changes and added new vors to their cuisines while enhancing the nutritional content. This has greatly added to the Chinese culture."


    Without any passionate screams or fanfare, A Bite of China abandoned all hype and only kept the core features of the documentary itself to be showcased.


    It quietly started its broadcast.


    And lightly ended it as well.


    The entire broadcast was a leisurely and peaceful walk from start till finish.


    Moreover, after the third episode finished broadcasting, many of the audience realized that A Bite of China had ended its broadcast for the day. There wasn''t any additional episode like the week before!


    "What happened?"


    "It''s only a one episode broadcast?"


    "Why isn''t it the same asst week?"


    "I can''t take this. Isn''t Zhang Ye being too daring!?"


    "Yeah, the effects fromst week''s back-to-back broadcast were so good. They even depended on the second episode''s viewership rating to tie with Rise to the Dance, but this time, it''s only one episode? If you end your broadcast before 9 PM, then Rise to the Dance will still have another hour before its broadcast ends. What are you going to fight them with then?"


    "The next episode will be broadcast on Saturday night at 8 PM? That would mean it''s a two-day consecutive broadcast now? Isn''t this being a little toocent? You''re underestimating your enemies, right?"


    "I wonder what Department 14 is thinking!"


    "I was still hoping to see more, but that''s all they had!"


    "Well, we have to wait till tomorrow evening to watch the fourth episode!"


    The broadcast schedule of A Bite of China was naturally put in ce and decided by Zhang Ye. Actually, not only were the audience unable to understand this decision, even Department 14''s staff could not understand it. They felt that if the schedule had followedst week''s back-to-back broadcast, it would have helped cover the entire broadcast duration of Rise to the Dance and would have allowed them topete on the same terms. However, Zhang Ye did not exin further and just rescheduled the broadcast time, which the staff of Department 14 could only listen to and followed his instructions. Whether it was for The Voice or A Bite of China, Zhang Ye as the executive director had always been the one in charge. The usual workflow was always to just follow whatever Zhang Ye said.


    On Weibo.


    "After some analysis, there are two possibilities for A Bite of China to make such a decision. The first is that they have given up on trying topete with Rise to the Dance on the Friday time slot and are focusing on the new front of Saturday. With Rise to the Dance dominating the Friday primetime slot, A Bite of China is aiming to dominate Saturday''s instead."


    "That sounds likely!"


    "Right, then what about the second possibility?"


    "Hur hur, the second possibility would be that Zhang Ye has confidence that even with just a single episode on Friday, A Bite of China can still surpass Rise to the Dance, therefore taking away the need for a back-to-back broadcast. With the nned broadcast of having an episode each on two separate days, the long-term effects would be much better for it!"


    "Fuck, surely not?"


    "It can''t be that this second possibility is true, right?"


    "They tied for firstst week, and that was even under the circumstances of A Bite of China having two episodes broadcast sessively, so where does Zhang Ye draw his confidence from?"


    "I believe it''s more likely to be the first possibility!"


    "Zhang Ye is still afraid of some things after all!"


    "Of course. That''s the most heavily invested variety show this year that we''re talking about, so the best choice would be to take evasive actions. Tying with it once was already a very good result!"


    "This week''s episode of Rise to the Dance has strengthened its watchability. Xu Yipeng and his team has really given their all and made it the best they could. Even Zhang Ye, when hees up against the longtime big brother of the viewership ratings��variety shows��he still has to face them with some respect!"


    ...


    A lot of people were paying close attention to A Bite of China.


    Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye were watching it to understand their opponent better too, but then realized that there wouldn''t be a second episode for broadcast today. This left them feeling very appalled.


    What was happening?


    What was he nning?


    Was Zhang Ye really afraid of them? He wanted to avoid them?


    This thought made them very excited and proud at the same time, but having gotten to know Zhang Ye''s temperament very well by now, they felt that it wasn''t possible that this was the case!


    What sort of a person was Zhang Ye?


    He was someone who dared to beat up his leaders!


    He was someone who dared to defy the SARFT!


    He was someone who dared to sue Central TV Department 1 in court!


    Zhang Ye was the one who had challenged Rise to the Dance in the first ce by scheduling his program to broadcast at the same time, so why would he withdraw before the battle was decided? This practically made no sense at all and was also not in character with that fellow!


    Could it be that Zhang Ye no longer had them in his sights? He no longer thought them to be worthy opponents? So he took such a casual decision for the broadcast arrangement??


    Xu Yipeng did not believe it!


    Chen Ye sneered endlessly at this!


    What are you trying to do by taking such a deliberately mystifying action!? Let''s use our viewership ratings tomorrow to see who will have the final word!

 Chapter 824: Calligraphy, Spring in Qin Garden: Snow (1/3)

    <h4>Chapter 824: Calligraphy, Spring in Qin Garden: Snow (1/3) </h4>


    Chapter 824: Calligraphy, Spring in Qin Garden: Snow (1/3) [1.]


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Saturday.


    When Zhang Ye got out of bed, it was already heavily snowing outside.


    "Whoa, it''s snowing so heavily?" Zhang Ye said, looking astonished.


    His mother was just opening the window to take a look outside."The ground is already covered with a thickyer of snow. I guess it''s been snowing sincest night."


    Chenchen tugged at Zhang Ye''s clothes."Zhang Ye, I want to see it too."


    So Zhang Ye carried her and walked to the front of the windowsill. He couldn''t help but feel very good."It''s been two years since it snowed so heavily in Beijing, right? The air quality is quite good as today as well. Chenchen, wanna have a snowball fight with Uncle?"


    Chenchen looked at him."Zhang Ye, why are you so childish?"


    Zhang Ye:"..."


    His father smiled and said,"If we don''t includest month''s sleet, then this should be the first time it has snowed in Beijing this year. To be honest, I didn''t expect the snow to be this heavy. Little Ye, don''t drive to work today. The roads will be ident prone."


    "I know," Zhang Ye said.


    After breakfast, Zhang Ye headed to the office.


    At a square in front of Central TV Tower, there were some parents ying with their children. Some of them were building snowmen and others were having snowball fights. A few colleagues from the other departments of Central TV passed by and saw Zhang Ye. They were stunned for a little while beforeing over to greet him with smiles.


    "Good morning, Teacher Zhang."


    "Hi, good morning."


    "I watched thetest episode of A Bite of China. It was especially good."


    "Thank you. The next episode will be even better, hur hur."


    "Are the viewership ratings out yet?"


    "I''m not sure. It''s difficult to pinpoint when their tabtion will be ready, sometimes it''s announcedte at night, but sometimes we have to wait until the next afternoon, so it depends."


    As they casually chatted, the few of them had already gone upstairs together.


    He knew that they were from the same station but Zhang Ye did not actually know them personally. However, it was not a problem to him. The traits of a Beijinger manifested vividly in Zhang Ye��no matter who they were, no matter where, no matter whether he knew them or not, he could strike up a conversation.


    ...


    It was snowing in many ces around the country. Everyone was in a good mood and people were happily chatting online. Some of them were already making guesses about the viewership ratings.


    "This episode of Do You Remember is very good!"


    "Yes, I like Dong Shanshan so much! She''s so sexy!"


    "This week''s Idiom Society has invited new guests as well, so it looks quite good."


    "But we still have to pay attention to Rise to the Dance and A Bite of China. They are still the main focus of this round of viewership ratings!"


    "That''s right! I''m really looking forward to finding out about the viewership ratings of these two shows!"


    "Who will win in the end?"


    "There should be a result before noon!"


    "A Bite of China only broadcast one episodest night, so they have no advantage whatsoever in the viewership ratings!"


    "An episode of A Bite of China onlysts for around 40 to 50 minutes, while an episode of Rise to the Dance goes on for around two hours. A Bite of China has already lost at the starting line."


    "Yeah, Rise to the Dance invested a lot into the show and their program team are giving it their all. There''s likely to be an increase in this episode''s viewership ratings!"


    "But don''t you all forget, A Bite of China did not have the money to do any promotionsst week after all the money was ''borrowed'' away by Central TV Department 1. Without any promotions, they could still achieve such a viewership rating. This week, they started widely promoting A Bite of China and the advertisements were overwhelming, so it''s worth anticipating to find out how much the viewership rating will increase by!"


    The entire country''s entertainment news in the media outlets had focused their attention onto these two shows, but the only difference fromst week was that none of them dared to disregard Zhang Ye''s documentary anymore. Many of the media outlets seemed to have reached an agreement to keep their discussions more impartial. Even if they all favored Rise to the Dance winning the viewership ratings ranking, they did not dare to be definitive with their words. It wasn''t because they were being cautious, but due to the painful face smacking they received fromst week''s tie for first ce in the viewership ratings, they learned their lesson and did notmit the same mistake again!


    ...


    It was another day of working overtime again.


    Zhang Zuo and Little Wang were the earliest to arrive at the office, but when they saw that Zhang Ye was already in the office before them, they were very surprised.


    "Director Zhang, why are you so early today?" Zhang Zuo was really not used to it as Zhang Ye had alwayse to workte and left the office early for the whole of this week. He even applied for time off as and when he wanted.


    Zhang Ye smiled."I just arrived a while ago."


    The other program team staff gradually arrived for work. Everyone''s expressions were somewhat tense, but whether it was because of anxiety or anticipation wasn''t certain. Everyone seemed to be purposely avoiding the topic of the viewership ratings. Perhaps the more they did this, the more it showed that everyone ced an importance on the viewership ratings.


    A whileter, Yan Tianfei also arrived."Little Zhang."


    "Director Yan." Zhang Ye looked over.


    Yan Tianfei also did not mention anything about the viewership ratings. Instead he said,"Oh right, I went to look for you yesterday but couldn''t find you. Do you know about the calligraphypetition that our station is organizing? It''ll be held this morning."


    "What calligraphypetition?" Zhang Ye did not understand what he was talking about.


    Ha Qiqi exined,"Actually, there was a notice put up sincest month, but we were out of Beijing shooting the documentary. It seems like it''s a calligraphypetition for the internal staff and it''s just for entertainment purposes."


    Only then did Zhang Ye understand what was going on.


    With the end of the year approaching, the number of internal corporate activities andpetitions increased as well. Before they came upstairs just now, they seemed to havee across a notice for a table tennis and badminton match to be held at ater date. The staff of all the departments at Central TV were eligible to take part since it was an internal event. There were prizes like cell phones andputers up for grabs too. Such activities were often held at every television station each year, but because Zhang Ye had always offended too many people, he did not stay at a ce long enough to have attended such activities.


    "Are you going to participate in it?" Yan Tianfei asked.


    Huang Dandan smiled and said,"Director Zhang, do it, do it."


    Yan Tianfei said happily,"Only Little Huang and I have registered for it in our Department 14. If you want to participate, it''s still not toote to register. I''ll tell them to add your name to the list."


    Tong Fu looked over to Zhang Ye."Director Zhang, how is your calligraphy?"


    Zhang Ye just smiled at that and said,"It''s OK."


    When Huang Dandan saw her boyfriend asking such an ignorant question, she could not help but roll her eyes."You can even ask how Director Zhang''s calligraphy is? Can you stop making a fool of yourself, please?"


    "Ah?" Tong Fu really did not know."Director Zhang''s calligraphy is very good?"


    Yan Tianfeiughed heartily,"Little Huang is right. Little Tong is quite ignorant. How could your Director Zhang''s calligraphy be just very good? Go ask around in the calligraphy world and you''ll know. Who doesn''t know him? I can''t speak for the entire country, but among all the staff of the entire Central TVwork, no one''s calligraphy can be better than his. I have also tried imitating Little Zhang''s calligraphy a few times, but the characteristics of his writing are too distinct, especially that Ode of Mn. It isn''t easy even though I was just trying to imitate it."


    Tong Fu was stunned."Really? Director Zhang still has such a skill?"


    Little Wang chuckled,"Director Zhang is a man of many talents. Did you realize that just now?"


    Compared with Zhang Ye''s titles as a famous host, famous TV show director, literary schr, mathematician, and so on, Zhang Ye''s title as a calligrapher was a little more inconspicuous. Although it was known by some people, it was not that many, so Tong Fu and many others in Department 14 could not be med if they did not know about this before.


    Yan Tianfei said,"Then should I get my secretary to register for you?"


    Zhang Ye said indifferently,"Sure, then I will join in the fun with you guys."


    "I''m the one who''s joining this for fun while you''re the one who should be aiming for the prize." Yan Tianfei said smiling,"We don''t have many people in Department 14. In the past, we would just participate in these year-end activities without winning anything. But now that you''re here, even if we won''t bepeting for a spot in those events like table tennis, badminton, or basketball, for the first ce of the calligraphypetition, it''s ours to lose!"


    Later that morning.


    Just before 10 AM.


    In arge event hall of Central TV, the year-end calligraphypetition for the staff began. Because Yan Tianfei was a director of Department 14, with his participation in thepetition, a lot of people from Department 14 would naturallye to support him. Other than these three contestants��Zhang Ye, Yan Tianfei, and Huang Dandan��almost half of the remaining staff of Department 14 hade to watch.


    When they arrived, they realized that it was rather lively in the event hall.


    Jiang Yuan was here.


    Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye were here.


    And they even saw the station head of Central TV!


    With thick eyebrows, big eyes, and dressed in Chinese tunic suit.


    Many people who had just arrived were stunned and became nervous. This was not just anymon station head. The middle-aged man standing there with a friendly smile was the station head of Central TV, the true leader of this organization. Even for Zhang Ye, this was his first time seeing him face-to-face and he could not help but take a few more looks at him.


    No one dared to go up to talk to him. Yan Tianfei was one of the few exceptions since he was a director, after all.


    "Station Head," Yan Tianfei greeted.


    Only then did the station head look over at them. He smiled and said,"Old Yan, you''re also participating in thepetition?"


    "I just joined for fun, but do not expect to ce." Yan Tianfei shook his head.


    The station head said,"Your calligraphy is quite good. We''re more or less around the same level."


    Yan Tianfei replied,"It''d be better to say that we''re birds of a feather."


    Then two of them burst out intoughter.


    With that, the station head noticed Zhang Ye as his gaze seemingly stopped on him, but at the same time, didn''t look like it stopped and just looked off to another direction. Over at the other side, Jiang Yuan had walked over to chat with the station head. After that, Central TV Department 1''s Jiang Naixiong also came over. Next, the director of Central TV Department 2; the director, deputy director, and others from Central TV Department 7 also came here. With the station head participating, there had to definitely be a grander attendance.


    The people of Department 14 and Central TV Department 1 also bumped into each other, but they pretended to not notice each other. The two groups of people were standing very far away from one another and appeared to have drawn a line clearly between the two groups.


    Chen Ye nced at Zhang Ye and the others, and then asked a staffer beside him,"Are the viewership ratings out yet?"


    "Not yet," that person answered."But it should be out sometime soon."


    Another personughed and said,"Department 14''s documentary has already made history. That should be enough from them. They can''t possibly get any higher than that anymore. Do you expect that they can really use a documentary to steamroll all the variety shows? A tie for first ce is still a tie for first ce, but miracles like this can only happen once."


    A person picked up the microphone and announced the start of thepetition.


    Xu Yipengughed and said,"Let''s focus on thepetition first. I haven''t written in a long time. I don''t know if my calligraphy has declined."


    Chen Ye smiled and responded,"Even if you just use half of your calligraphy skill, you can still be the champion."


    Xu Yipeng''s calligraphy was very good. The year beforest, as he had to direct the Spring Festival G as its assistant director, he could not participate due to his busy schedule. However, duringst year''s staff calligraphypetition, Xu Yipeng won third ce with a rather good result.


    However, Xu Yipeng nced at Zhang Ye and shook his head without saying anything else.


    When many of the other participating Central TV staff who were in the know saw that Zhang Ye was here, and that someone even helped him collect apetition number tag, they were rendered speechless. Earlier, there were still some excited amateur calligraphy hobbyists who wanted to ce well in thepetition, but now they could only give a wry smile.


    What''s there to evenpete for?


    We''re just amateur hobbyist calligraphers!


    But you''re a professional calligrapher recognized by the industry, so how are we topete with you??


    TL Note:


    [1. Spring in Qin Garden is a preexisting tune pattern used in Chinese ssical poetry where the words have to match the tones patterns which are fixed. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tone_pattern#In_poetry https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ssical_Chinese_poetry_forms]

 Chapter 825: Calligraphy, Spring in Qin Garden: Snow (2/3)

    <h4>Chapter 825: Calligraphy, Spring in Qin Garden: Snow (2/3) </h4>


    Chapter 825: Calligraphy, Spring in Qin Garden: Snow (2/3)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The activities began.


    Due to the station head being present here today, many of the other station leaders came down to the event hall as well. The staff who were in charge of the venue were also being more cautious in their work, as they announced in high spirits,"Good afternoon leaders, colleagues, and everyone else. With the bountiful yearing to an end, Central TV ismencing this year''s staff calligraphypetition. This event will see very generous prizes be given out, with aptop for the first prize, a cell phone for the second prize, and 500 yuan worth of call credits for the third prize. Could we please have the contestantse forward to the tables in front to write your calligraphy pieces?"


    Nobody moved.


    Everyone hesitantly looked at each other, before finally looking at the station head.


    "Station Head, why don''t you kick off thepetition?"


    "Yes, Station Head, please do so."


    "If only I knew that you''d be taking part, then I wouldn''t have joined thepetition myself. My writing can''tpare to yours, Station Head, so it would be better if I don''t embarrass myself."


    Hearing that, the station head politelyughed and said,"You all go ahead instead."


    Central TV Department 2''s directorughed."If you don''t start off writing first, I don''t think any of us would dare to do so before you."


    Seeing that there was really no one who went forward, the station head could only state with a smile,"Alright then, please bear with my pending performance. I will initiate thepetition, but the rest will have to depend on all of you." Saying so, the station head walked up to the nearest desk in front of him, then attentively picked up a hand towel to wipe his hands before taking the brush. He dipped the brush into the inkstone full of ink, and then with a look of concentration, put the brush onto the Xuan paper.


    With several lively and vigorous strokes!


    He had written out a piece in cursive script!


    A lot of people were already praising it.


    "Good!"


    "It''s great!"


    "Good writing, very good writing!"


    "Our station head is truly highly skilled!"


    Everyone in the station knew that the station head''s calligraphy writing was quite good. There was even a calligraphy scroll written by him that was hanging in the premises of Central TV Tower. Since they knew that the station head had a liking for cursive script, they were not exactly surprised, and instead used this chance to suck up to him.


    Seeing this, Zhang Ye felt a little curious. He knew that cursive scripts were the hardest to write. If one was not highly skilled in calligraphy, they probably couldn''t write a good line of cursive script. That was why when he walked closer to have a look, he was slightly taken aback by what he saw. He did not say anything and just silently turned back around.


    Ha Qiqi looked at him."What''s the matter, Director Zhang?"


    "It''s nothing," Zhang Ye replied quietly.


    That cursive script was really not that presentable. It was not bad looking, but it was absolutely not considered good looking either. However, thinking about it, the station head was just a hobbyist after all, so being able to pen it this way was already pretty good. He definitely should not bepared against the likes of a professional calligrapher.


    He finished writing.


    It was a very simple phrase: Tranquility yields transcendence.


    Everyone apuded!


    The station head put down the brush and smiled as he waved it off."I''ve regressed."


    Jiang Yuan smiled and said,"If you call that a regression, then other people''s calligraphy won''t even be worth looking at."


    Xu Yipeng brazenly stated,"Station Head, dare I ask on behalf of our Rise to the Dance program team if you would so generous as to bestow upon us this calligraphy piece of yours? Might we deserve that honor?"


    The supervisor of Central TV Department 3 interjected,"Station Head, please bestow it upon us instead!"


    "Station Head!"


    A lot of people were asking for the piece.


    The station head chuckled and then had a look at them, but still pointed to Xu Yipeng in the end."Since Little Xu asked first, I will give it to him."


    The others could only watch with regret.


    Meanwhile, Xu Yipeng, Chen Ye, and a few others were beaming with joy."Thank you, Station Head." Then they turned around and instructed one of the staff members,"Frame it up properly when we get back so that we can hang it up in the office space!"


    This act of gifting by the station head had left Yan Tianfei and the people of Department 14 with a peculiar expression.


    Whoever asked first would get it? Even if this was a valid reason, was there also a possibility that this was expressing another meaning? But whatever it was, everyone present at the venue could see the station''s and station head''s supportive attitude of Xu Yipeng, Chen Ye, and the entire Rise to the Dance program team. This support was so great that even a blind man could "see" it.


    Unable to help himself, Jiang Yuan peeked at Yan Tianfei.


    Quite a number of people were also observing Zhang Ye''s reaction.


    However, Zhang Ye just showed an indifferent expression and did not seem like he was affected by that action at all.


    People were still gradually arriving at the event hall, and at this moment, Central TV Department 11''s Director Chen Huo and a deputy director arrived. The moment they saw Zhang Ye near the entrance, they looked sullen. To rify, they were the earliest group of people from Central TV who hade into contact with Zhang Ye. Back then, during the crosstalk and skitpetition, Zhang Ye was one of thepetitors who joined. As a result, thepetition met with all kinds of incidents and even got foiled by the duo of Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai. Importantly, the station head of Central TV was a party member within the SARFT''s organization. This was a position only afforded to Central TV''s station head and also the reason why Central TV had a special status within the industry. But even so, the crosstalk and skitpetition was still forcefully ordered to be canceled, so you can imagine just how much trouble was stirred up back then. And that was the reason why Chen Huo and his deputy director did not have any good impression of Zhang Ye.


    In the entire Central TV organization, there were just too many people who disliked Zhang Ye!


    "Who''s next?"


    "Let''s do it together?"


    "Then let''s all go up and write our own individual pieces?"


    "Hur hur, let''s not be polite and just write!"


    There were a total of three desks. Everyone slowly gathered around them and humbly insisted for the other contestants to go ahead first. At times, someone would go on up and write their piece, with those observers around praising them when they finished. Then the next person would do the same.


    Yan Tianfei also went up to the table and wrote a single word: Bravery! Yan Tianfei had used the regr script in his piece, writing a veryrge character that took up a foot of the Xuan paper. His calligraphy writing was just like him, with rigid and sharp strokes at the edges and corners, which was also quite a unique style.


    Jiang Yuan also went up to write. He wrote in a style that was seemingly a regr script yet also looked like a semi-cursive script. A few strokes were even done in the style of a cursive script, making it look neither here nor there. The standard was very low, but Xu Yipeng, Chen Ye, and many others were still praising and ttering his writing for a long time. But to Zhang Ye, it was simply too ridiculous. Ayman might not be able to see it, but how could Zhang Ye not be able to differentiate between good or bad?


    Urged on by her boyfriend''s encouragement, Department 14''s Huang Dandan also went forward to try. Huang Dandan''s writing was surprisingly quite good as she wrote a seven character poem by one of the great ancient poets of this world. Her words were very delicate and softly beautiful, which made Zhang Ye''s eyes light up when he saw it. [1.]


    Zhang Zuo looked at Tong Fu and said,"Your girlfriend''s calligraphy writing is that good?"


    Tong Fu coughed violently."What girlfriend? We''re just friends, just friends."


    Actually, everyone already knew that they were a couple, but perhaps because office rtionships were still quite frowned upon, they rarely admitted to it.


    Gradually, most of the contestants finished penning their pieces.


    "Director Xu."


    "Why don''t you give it a try too?"


    "Yeah, teach us a little!"


    The Rise to the Dance program team were making amotion over there. With the imminent announcement of the viewership ratings, they were all feeling full of confidence right now. In a good mood, they had a lot more to say. Besides, in the entirety of Central TV, only their program team had the highest viewership ratings, the highest investment amount, and carried the most expectations from the leaders, so they could afford to act so proudly. Any other program teams without good viewership ratings would never dare to be so showy in public like they were.


    Xu Yipengughed."Then allow me to embarrass myself!"


    He went forward.


    Picked up the brush.


    And started writing.


    With a flourish of the brush, the piece that he was writing turned out to be "Spring in Qin Garden: Plum."


    Spring in Qin Garden was not about a garden named Qin during springtime, but a ci tune simr to that of a song. From the ancient times, it was one of the fixed-tone tunes anyone could fill in with the appropriate words. Spring in Qin Garden already existed in this world prior and was also referred to as a ci tune. The poem Shuidiao Getou, which Zhang Ye had written during the Mid-Autumn Festival Poetry Meet, was also based on this tune and this established history did not differ much from his previous world.


    Of course, the poem that Xu Yipeng wrote was not his originalposition, and neither was he capable of doing so. This "Spring in Qin Garden: Plum" was written by an ancient poet of this world who wasn''t too well known. As such, not a lot of people had came across it before. Unlike Zhang Ye''s previous world, there were not too famous works based on Spring in Qin Garden in this world. Among all the ci tunes passed down from ancient times, Spring in Qin Garden was considered to be one of the least known ones. There were hardly any good works using this tune, and if one did not research on this topic professionally, they might not even know that a ci tune like Spring in Qin Garden existed."Spring in Qin Garden: Plum" might even possibly be one of the more well-known ones, as there was a historical story that mentioned it. [2.]


    Xu Yipeng moved his brush around suavely as he wrote out the poem.


    Everyone apuded incessantly!


    "Nicely written!"


    "Director Xu''s calligraphy is really good!"


    "What a great ''Spring in Qin Garden: Plum''!"


    The poem was very lengthy and Xu Yipeng was fully focused on writing for a long time. Perhaps because of the presence of so many leaders, or because of the station head gifting his writing to him, Xu Yipeng was more roused. He wished to perform to his best and was so engrossed that beads of sweat started forming on his temples��which of course also had to do with the fact that the event hall''s internal heating was too strong.


    "Good writing, the poem is very good too!"


    "I know this poem. Even though it''s not very well-known, I still especially like it. If the original poet were more famous, this poem would definitely be much more well-known!"


    "I like it too!"


    "This is the first time I''vee across this poem. It''s great!"


    "How can it not be good. Every time a staff calligraphypetition is held, as long as Director Xu participates, he will surely ce within the top three!"


    He finished writing.


    Xu Yipeng said to everyone,"Please excuse my poor writing."


    Everyone started pping.


    Even Huang Dandan subconsciously followed them and pped along. Although she felt that her own writing was quite good, but whenpared with Xu Yipeng, she knew that she was stillgging behind by arge margin, especially since the poem he chose was also very good. However, when she remembered that he was herpetitor, Huang Dandan immediately put down her hands and stopped pping.


    Zhang Ye was also quite shocked and was very surprised that Xu Yipeng could write so well. He might not have seen everyone''s writing, but of those that he did, Xu Yipeng''s calligraphy piece probably stood out the most.


    The station head walked over and admired the calligraphy piece for a long time. Then, he nodded and dered,"Good calligraphy!"


    Xu Yipeng said humbly,"It can''tpare to yours."


    The station head shook his head andughed."It''s much better than mine. I saw your calligraphy a few years ago. Your calligraphy is probably considered one of the best among the amateur calligraphy hobbyists!"


    Jiang Yuan added,"It''s evenparable to that of a professional''s!"


    Was there a hidden meaning to that?


    A professional?


    Some people looked at Zhang Ye.


    Ha Qiqi was a little hesitant, but she asked Zhang Ye quietly,"Director Zhang, Xu Yipeng''s calligraphy looks rather good. Are you��" She did not know how to appreciate calligraphy nor imed to understand it much.


    Zhang Zuo, Tong Fu, and the others also did not know what would be considered good or bad, but when they heard the station head saying that he admired Xu Yipeng''s writing, they also lost some of their confidence.


    When Zhang Ye heard that, he chuckled."It is indeed quite good."


    Little Wang responded,"Then what about your calligraphy? How does itpare to his?"


    Compared to his?


    Compared to Xu Yipeng''s?


    Zhang Ye did not say anything. He really did not know how he would answer that question, because if he did, it would make him feel like he was degrading himself!


    TL Notes:


    [1. Four-, five-, and seven-character poetry are the mostmon forms of Chinese traditional poetries.]


    [2. In the fixed-tone pattern type of verse the poems were written ording to preexisting models known as tunes. This was the case with the ci and the qu: an individual poem was written so that its tone pattern (and line lengths) were the same as one of the model types. The poetic variation was in the change in the particr wording of the lyrics.


    Here are a list of ci tunes. They are all based on poem length and tone patterns. A pretty deep subject of course, but if you''re interested��oh, it''s only in Chinese by the way :/ https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%AF%8D%E7%89%8C.]

 Chapter 826: Calligraphy, Spring in Qin Garden: Snow (3/3)

    <h4>Chapter 826: Calligraphy, Spring in Qin Garden: Snow (3/3) </h4>


    Chapter 826: Calligraphy, Spring in Qin Garden: Snow (3/3)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the venue of the calligraphypetition, the atmosphere was getting livelier and livelier.


    "Director Xu, I should learn calligraphy from you if there''s a chance."


    "This ''Spring in Qin Garden'' was really well written."


    "Old Xu, gift this calligraphy piece to me!"


    "No, you can''t have it. I want it too!"


    "I asked for it first! Haha, no one argue with me for it!"


    A woman who was in charge of program team at Department 7, and seemingly on good terms with Xu Yipeng, went up to him and directly asked for his piece. Thereafter, she took the calligraphy scroll of "Spring in Qin Garden: Plum" for herself before thepetition even ended. As the judges still had to select the top three contestants, she did not take it away, since the ink still had not dried yet either. However, that woman stood guard at the side of the calligraphy piece as though she were afraid someone would steal it from her.


    Xu Yipeng felt very ttered.


    And everyone was happy with this oue.


    "Has everyone already written their piece?"


    "Who hasn''t written yet?"


    "Are there still any contestants?"


    "I think there are."


    The people looked around the event hall and ended up gazing at Zhang Ye who had been very quiet ever since he''d arrived. Of those who had joined thepetition, it seemed like he was the only one left who had not written his piece yet.


    Yan Tianfeiughed."Teacher Little Zhang?"


    Huang Dandan also anticipated it a lot."Teacher Zhang, it''s your turn."


    "Are we the only ones left?" Ha Qiqi asked.


    At once, everyone from Department 14 livened up and waited to see Zhang Ye strut his stuff. Central TV Department 1 and the program team of Rise to the Dance had stolen the show earlier when the station head bestowed his calligraphy piece upon them. This had made the Department 14 people jealous and they naturally wanted to make a stand for themselves.


    Jiang Yuan looked at him.


    Xu Yipeng gave him a nce.


    But right at this moment, someone came running into the event hall from outside.


    "Director Chen, the viewership ratings are out." That person had run towards Department 11''s Director Chen Huo. Although he did not speak very loudly, the people around still heard what he said.


    What?


    It''s finally out!?


    Everyone''s eyes lit up, as their attention totally moved away from the calligraphypetition!


    Chen Huo asked,"How much?"


    That person immediately answered,"Celebrity Kitchen had a viewership rating of 0.43%!"


    Chen Huo nodded in satisfaction."It''s a new record?"


    "Yes, it''s higher than the previous week by a full 0.1%!" that person replied excitedly.


    Chen Huo dered,"Very good!"


    Following that, another person came to the hall as well. He found Central TV Department 1''s Deputy Director Jiang Yuan."Director Jiang, yesterday''s Your Face Looks Familiar had a viewership rating of 0.51%!"


    Jiang Yuan acknowledged,"That''s quite alright."


    As it was, Central TV Department 1 could not possibly only have one variety show in its lineup. Besides Rise to the Dance, one of the others was Your Face Looks Familiar, which was a long running variety show and had been broadcasting for the past one and a half years now. Its viewership ratings had not been too high or low, but for it to have reached 0.5% this time, it made Jiang Yuan very satisfied with its performance. Of course, the reason for this was because several big name celebrities were invited to Your Face Looks Familiar for this particr episode.


    Afterst week''s heaven-defying viewership rating of A Bite of China, many of the variety shows were stunned and felt a sense of panic. All of them were vying now against a documentary as though they were all on steroids. It was even more apparent for those entertainment shows scheduled on Friday, as they all gave everything they had. This was also the reason behind the increase in this week''s viewership ratings across the board.


    Everyone was talking about this now.


    "Congrattions, Director Chen."


    "Director Jiang, Your Face Looks Familiar has already broadcasted for a year and a half, but it can still manage such a viewership rating. This isn''tmon at all in the industry, and I guess the only one who canpete with it is probably Beijing Television''s Do You Remember? In my opinion, Your Face Looks Familiar should still be able to go on for at least another year without any problems!"


    "What about Rise to the Dance?"


    "How much did Rise to the Dance get?"


    "Who knows? Has it been released already?"


    Suddenly, Xu Yipeng received a call. Everyone saw his expression turn from anxiety to shock, then from shock to surprise!


    Chen Ye hurriedly went over to him."Director Xu?"


    Jiang Yuan was also very anxious to find out."How is it?"


    Even the station head and two other station leaders looked over to them.


    Xu Yipeng swallowed hard and said very excited,"The viewership rating for Rise to the Dancest night was��1.52%!"


    Chen Ye was immediately astonished by that!


    Their program team staff also started cheering. Their past week of efforts had not been in vain. They were finally seeing the results of it!


    Everyone was moring!


    1.52%?


    The second episode was 1.52%?


    Rise to the Dance had only managed 1.27%st week in its premiere broadcast! But the second episode managed to gain an increase of 0.25% in the viewership ratings? What did difference of 0.25% mean? In the current advancement of the Inte and the low audience base for traditional television broadcasts due to the adoption of online broadcasts, this downturn in the market had left some variety shows not even achieving 0.25% in the viewership ratings, yet Rise to the Dance could increase by 0.25%? This was already very heaven defying!


    Jiang Yuan guffawed."Old Xu, Little Chen, well done!"


    A lot of people did not expect that Rise to the Dance would be able to increase their viewership ratings so quickly. With a jump, they had already moved onto a different level of poprity! At this rate, it was taking another step closer to being proimed as a sessful variety show!


    Ha Qiqi looked glum.


    Yan Tianfei frowned deeply.


    The people of Department 14 had an uneasy feeling as their confidence took a hit!


    1.52%?


    How could they possibly scale this giant of a mountain?


    ...


    The viewership ratings ranking for Friday had not been released yet, but the individual viewership rating for each show was already announced.


    In the program team office of Sing.


    The staff were all feeling a sense of pride.


    "Our viewership rating for this episode was 0.78%!"


    "It still feels unrealistic to me!"


    "Yeah, like this is all just a dream!"


    "We actually broke 0.7%!"


    "It''s a first in the history of our show! Let''s celebrate!"


    "What about those two shows?" the supervisor asked.


    Everyone knew which two shows the supervisor was referring to.


    Someone answered,"I don''t know about A Bite of China as the viewership rating has not been announced yet. But for Rise to the Dance, they had a viewership rating of 1.52%. Needless to say, they will surely get number 1 in the nationwide rankings! The Voice ended long ago. In the market environment now, with that viewership rating, there should be nothing that can threaten it anymore, not even A Bite of China, right?"


    "What a pity that our viewership rating is so inferior whenpared to Rise to the Dance."


    "It''s fine. We''ve already done quite well."


    "Yes, let''s notpare ourselves to Rise to the Dance. That is an entertainment show that has over 100 million RMB invested into it!"


    ...


    At Beijing Television.


    In the program team office of Do You Remember.


    Xiao Lu rushed in to bring the good news."I''ve just received news that our viewership rating for Friday was 1.01%. After the content revision, this is the first time that we''ve broken 1%! Before this, our viewership ratings had dropped to 0.6-0.7%!"


    Dafei said happily,"It''s all thanks to Teacher Zhang''s suggestions for the content revision! Otherwise, if our viewership ratings continued to slide, it might''ve even dropped below 0.4%. Then our show might really have to stop broadcasting!"


    Dong Shanshan asked,"How did A Bite of China do?"


    Xiao Lu replied,"I don''t know. It''s not out yet."


    Hou Ge was stunned."Why isn''t it out yet? Don''t they announce it all at once?"


    "I''ve asked and even checked with some people whom I''m acquainted with," Xiao Lu said exasperated."I don''t know what''s going on either, but I think they said that there was some miscalction for the viewership rating of A Bite of China, so they''re reverifying it at their end. I suppose there was some system malfunction or something, but it should be announced very soon. I''ve also asked about Rise to the Dance''s viewership rating." Here, Xiao Lu''s expression changed for the worse as she said,"They managed to get 1.52%, a new high for them! And it''s not even higher by just a bit!"


    Hou Di was speechless.


    When Hu Fei heard that, he could only sigh.


    1.52%?


    This increase was really too great!


    If a variety show did not underestimate their opponents and performed to their potential, then this would be the oue. No matter what, a niche documentary program would never be able to catch up to it, so how could A Bite of China still tie them for the number 1 spot again this time? Even with Zhang Ye helming the documentary, this was not a viewership rating that he could surpass, right?


    ...


    Online.


    Theizens were also in an uproar!


    "Ah, it''s out!"


    "Do You Remember is awesome! They''ve exceeded 1% in the viewership ratings again!"


    "Sing is quite good too. This week''s variety shows are all too heaven defying, especially those Friday entertainment shows. Other than 2 shows that suffered a drop in viewership ratings, all the other shows experienced an increase!"


    "Awesome!"


    "This is not a phenomenon that we will easily be able to see again in the future!"


    "The most noteworthy is Rise to the Dance. This time, they''re definitely going to be the number 1 in the nationwide rankings!"


    "Don''t forget about A Bite of China. Why are there still no updates about it? Where is A Bite of China''s viewership rating?"


    "Someone has already gotten 1.52%. Why would you still care about the viewership rating for A Bite of China!?"


    "1.52%��this is an absolute crushing for sure! It doesn''t matter whose viewership ratings get announced next!"


    "Central TV Department 1 has already stamped their authority on the viewership ratings!"


    "Damn! All I want to know is how A Bite of China has done! Even if it loses, we have to know the reason why. They can''t just not announce the viewership ratings, right? What''s the meaning of that?"


    "Yeah, even if it can''t match up to Rise to the Dance, at least let us know how it did!"


    Victory had already been decided.


    In fact, there was no suspense at all.


    A lot of the media outlets had already starting drafting their reports. On Rise to the Dance''s unavoidable win this time, none of the reporters felt surprised by it. To them, this was actually how it should have been all along. This showed that they were in fact still living in a normal world!


    ...


    At Central TV.


    In the event hall where the calligraphypetition was being held.


    There were congrattions and celebrations.


    "Central TV Department 1 has gotten number 1 in the viewership ratings again!"


    "Director Jiang, Director Xu, Teacher Chen, congrattions!"


    "Haha, when are you going to treat us?"


    "This viewership rating is really way too high!"


    "Is the next episode''s viewership rating headed for 1.7%?"


    There were also some people who expressed their regrets and said,"A Bite of China has already done very well, but it''s just too bad that it''s a documentary. The audience base is too niche and it cannot sustain enough interest."


    The Rise to the Dance program team was already celebrating their victory in advance.


    There were some staff members who had been stifling their emotions for a week now and could finally take a breather. Their victory stage had been set, and they were unable to hold back from making sarcastic remarks anymore."I said that history wouldn''t be changed so easily. A documentary is still just a documentary. So many predecessors have tried and were unable to rewrite history and end this downturn of the documentary industry, so how could it be so easily rewritten? The experience from history and the market trends has to be respected no matter what!"


    A lot of people in the program team also thought this way.


    A Bite of China''s viewership rating forst week could not be considered as getting number 1 since it was a tie, so it wasn''t exactly rewriting history in that sense and they stillcked that final step if they wanted to do it!


    Heh!


    If so many people could not change history, what makes you think that you can? On what basis did you think you can do it? Was Zhang Ye twice as capable as other people? Was Zhang Ye so good that he could be talked about in the same way as the collective efforts and wisdom of the industry veterans? You want to use a documentary to dominate the television viewership ratings?


    That was just you daydreaming that it could be done!


    This was basically something that went against all sense and logic!


    Yan Tianfei and the others from Department 14 could indistinctly hear those people''s discussions and their expressions were getting worse and worse. Those people chattering on about this matter were talking in low whispers and away from them, but with the venue sorge, it obviously could be heard by anyone there!


    The people of Central TV Department 1 were enjoying their victory,


    The people of Department 14 no longer were in the mood.


    Ha Qiqi said,"Let''s go."


    "Come on, let''s go back." Zhang Zuo also did not want to stand around here any longer and get pointed at.


    If they lost, so be it. What was wrong with that? As a documentary, they''d done amazingly well. At least for the premiere broadcast, they had managed to tie for number 1 with the industry''s highest viewership rated variety show! Not being able topete with a variety show was no shame in itself, so why was everyone gloating at them now?


    Department 14''s people were turning to leave.


    Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye noticed this from the corners of their eyes and smiled even more.


    "Eh?"


    "Teacher Zhang?"


    "Uh, you��?"


    But who could have expected that at this juncture, Zhang Ye actually pulled up his sleeves and strode over slowly toward the desks and lightly picked up the calligraphy brush.


    Everyone was stunned.


    Yan Tianfei stopped dead in his tracks!


    The station head, Jiang Yuan, and everyone else also looked at him!


    Zhang Ye dipped the brush in the inkstone as his gaze fell to the outside of the windows on that vast snow covered ground and the heavy snowfall. With a deep breath, Zhang Ye''s stance changed, as though he had be a different person. A fearsome gaze emitted from the look in his eyes as he held the brush in his hand. With a smile, he put the brush down heavily onto the paper!


    The first four words written were "Spring in Qin Garden"!


    Everyone was stunned!


    You''re going to write a piece based on Spring in Qin Garden as well?


    Are you doing this on purpose to go against Xu Yipeng?


    But this ci of Spring in Qin Garden was not famous at all. There was only "Spring in Qin Garden: Plum" that had some recognition, but that has already been written by Xu Yipeng, so what are you going toe up with?


    Then, everyone was shocked to discover that Zhang Ye wrote the word "Snow" behind the four words of Spring in Qin Garden!


    Just from a few words, he had already shown whose calligraphy was better. Compared to the station head and Xu Yipeng, it was basically on a different level. Howughable it was that some people thought that Xu Yipeng''s writing could actuallypare to a professional calligrapher''s writing. It was only when Zhang Ye had started writing this piece that those people realized that they had been too gullible in their thinking! There was no need topare, and no way topare either. Even if it were someone who did not know much about calligraphy, they would be able to see the domineering aura of Zhang Ye''s writing. It was at a level none of the contestants could reach even if theybined their calligraphy experience together!


    Except that this poem��


    Spring in Qin Garden? Snow?


    What was this?


    Someone searched on the Inte but did not manage to find any trace of this poem.


    Damn! Could it be that youposed this poem? Composed it right here at the venue??


    Everyone''s astonished or curious gaze fell onto the brush tip that Zhang Ye was holding. Yan Tianfei, Ha Qiqi, Jiang Yuan, and many others also went up and gathered around him.


    They saw Zhang Ye writing speedily!


    Every word felt like it was written in a very carefree manner, yet seemed to exude a sense of magnificence!


    "Spring in Qin Garden: Snow"


    The northern sight:


    Thend iced with white,


    Blizzards in flight.


    From the Great Wall, both in and out,


    Remains a vast white route;


    The Yellow River throughout,


    No longer spouts.


    Mountains of silver snakes dancing,


    Hills of pale elephants advancing


    Against the Skies, vying for a chancing.


    Reading up to here, some people were already rocked by the images described on the tip of Zhang Ye''s brush. They gasped in shock at how such a tune that was never historically well-known could be used to write such a great poem!


    Mountains of silver snakes dancing?


    Blizzards in flight?


    Against the Skies, vying for a chancing?


    What kind of audacity was this? What pompous talk was this!


    He wants to outdo the Heavens???


    Everyone looked at each other. While reeling in shock from Zhang Ye''s talent, they also couldn''t wait to read on, as they saw the Xuan paper being filled up with even more of Zhang Ye''s semi-cursive script!


    Wait for a clear day;


    The snow bright under sunny disy


    Enchanting all the way.


    So fine and charming and:


    Serving it ''til death, the hero bands.


    Sadly Qin Shi Huang and Wu of Han,


    Of poetic grace they were wanting.


    Taizong of Tang and Taizu of Song


    Were short on literary excellence.


    That proud son of Heaven,


    Genghis Khan,


    Knew only how to shoot eagles down with his bow.


    But gone they all are.


    For truly great men,


    Look around!


    He put down the brush.


    The station head was shocked!


    Yan Tianfei gasped at this!


    Ha Qiqi was stunned!


    This literary talent had left everyone in the venue at a loss for words!


    A staff member of the Rise to the Dance program team, who was not convinced, muttered,"''But gone they all are?/ Look around?'' You''re basically not giving any respect to the predecessors? Aren''t those words too arrogant?! The boundaries and limits of a documentary are there for all to see! This truth has never been changed no matter how hard the predecessors have tried!"


    Someone else added,"You''re even ''against the Skies, vying for a chancing? Before talking about the Heavens, why don''t you try to outdo Rise to the Dance in the viewersh��"


    "The viewership rating for A Bite of China is out!" interrupted a staff member running in from outside.


    With this shout, everyone jumped in shock!


    What are you shouting for?


    Do you have to be so loud?


    Yan Tianfei immediately asked,"How much?"


    The staff member answered while catching his breath,"They thought that there was some miscalction earlier, so they went through it again. However, they discovered that the figures were actually correct. The viewership rating for the third episode of A Bite of China that was broadcastst night was��2.36%!"


    Yan Tianfei was stunned!


    Jiang Yuan froze!


    Xu Yipeng was dumbfounded!


    Chen Ye''s pupils dted!


    At this moment, no one said anything!


    At this moment, it was as though time had stopped!

 Chapter 827: Oh my god!

    <h4>Chapter 827: Oh my god! </h4>


    Chapter 827: Oh my god!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the same moment.


    At Beijing Television.


    The program team of Do You Remember had been celebrating. Zhang Ye''s ex-colleagues were also feeling regretful for A Bite of China and Zhang Ye.


    "Just missed it by a bit." Xiao Lu clenched her fist.


    Dafei said, "If only they got a bit more luckyst week, A Bite of China would not have just tied for first ce in the viewership ratings. They might really have rewritten a brand-new record for documentaries. What a close battle!"


    Hou Ge said, "Hai, now that Rise to the Dance has be so popr, there''s no hope for A Bite of China anymore."


    However, Dong Shanshan asked puzzled, "Why is the viewership rating for A Bite of China getting releasedter than the other shows? And it is even so muchter? This isn''t normal, right?"


    At this moment, Hu Fei''s cell phone rang.


    After answering this call, Hu Fei was stunned. He put down his cell phone and did not say anything for a long time.


    "Eh?"


    "Brother Hu?"


    "Brother Hu, what''s the matter?"


    Xiao Lu, Dafei, and the rest were all asking at once.


    More than a dozen of the other program team staff also looked over.


    Hu Fei nced at everyone and said dryly, "The viewership rating for the third episode of A Bite of China was��2.36%! It is the number 1 in the nationwide viewership ratings for the day, week, and month''s television shows excluding news rted programs!"


    The lively office that was celebrating just a moment ago fell into a dead silence immediately!


    ...


    At a certain television station.


    In the program team office of Sing.


    "Let''s go! It''s time for a celebratory feast! I will treat everyone a big meal!"


    "Our leader is brilliant! Haha!"


    "Let''s try to do even better next episode."


    "Luckily, this episode of Rise to the Dance has made an explosive breakthrough by achieving 1.52% of the viewership ratings. If not, the reputation of entertainment shows would have been trampled under the feet of documentaries."


    "It was an impossible task since the very start."


    "That''s right, there won''t be a second urrence ofst week''s miracle."


    "Actually, it was already very heaven-defying for Zhang Ye to make a documentary into something like this. They can forget about bing number 1, but they can still fight for second or third ce."


    Suddenly, someone said, "The nationwide viewership rankings for Friday''s TV shows has been delivered here."


    "Ha, why is it sote?"


    "That''s because the viewership rating for A Bite of China had not been calcted until just a while ago."


    "Let''s see what ce we got."


    "Let me see."


    Then, when they saw that copy of Friday''s nationwide viewership ratings data, the office suddenly fell entirely silent!


    ...


    Beijing Times.


    At the entertainment section''s office area.


    Many of the staff here were happily chatting away as they drafted their reports.


    "This time, I wonder how Zhang Ye''s fans are going to stir up trouble in reaction to Rise to the Dance getting first in the viewership ratings. Hai, looks like there''s going to be blood shed again online."


    "Those fans of Zhang Ye all behave just like him. They''re really too good at creating trouble!"


    "Hurry up and finish with the draft. We have to submit it very soon. This article must be published for this evening''s news."


    "I know, I''ve drafted half of it already."


    "Should we set the headline as ''Rise to the Dance clinches top spot'' for this issue?"


    "Yes, use that tentatively for now."


    "Hur hur, Chen Ye has endured so many years of hardship and finally gotten first ce. In the first half of the year, he had been held in check by The Voice and Zhang Ye, but now that Zhang Ye has been pushed aside to the documentary channel, there''s no one left at Central TV topete with Chen Ye anymore."


    "Xu Yipeng has also finally made a name of himself in the entertainment show industry."


    The moment they found out about the viewership ratings of Rise to the Dance, these reporters were already starting to draft their reports. The headlines and contents of the article had already been formted in their minds early on. No one ever thought that there would be any other possibilities.


    However, at this moment, one of the internal office doors was opened.


    "Everyone, stop doing whatever you''re doing for a moment." A middle-aged man came out of the office.


    "Uh."


    "Chief Editor?"


    "Stop?"


    "What''s the matter?"


    Everyone was a little stunned.


    The chief editor looked with sympathy at several people drafting their reports. "The number 1 show for the nationwide viewership ratings is not Rise to the Dance, but A Bite of China."


    The reporters went crazy at that instant.


    "What?"


    "That''s impossible!"


    "Ah? What did you say?"


    "A Bite of China? A Bite of China was the one that took top spot??"


    ...


    At a beveragepany.


    The general manager''s office was filled with angry shouting!


    "Who was the one who got contacted by A Bite of China when they first started pitching their advertising spots?"


    "Director Han, that was��that''s me."


    "How much did they ask for back then?"


    "I think it was��a few million."


    "Are you an idiot? Ah? Are you an idiot or what?"


    "I��didn''t know that a documentary could get so popr."


    "Get this straight! That is Zhang Ye''s show we''re talking about! With the presence of this name, even if he shoots a shitty show, the viewership ratings won''t be bad! Why didn''t you grab the golden opportunity offered us?! What is the use of having you as the director of our advertising department?"


    Back then, when A Bite of China finished filming, Zhang Ye and his program team staff had contacted advertisers everywhere, many of them advertisers who had worked with them before. But at that time, everyone thought that no one would watch a documentary, so much less an advertising spot that cost a few million, even if it only cost a million, they would not want to take it. But when they saw this episode of A Bite of China doing far better thanst week and achieved a viewership rating of 2.36%, many of those advertisers who were contacted by the A Bite of China program team instantly regretted things until their intestines turn green!


    They wanted to be left alone for now.


    They needed to be left alone!


    ...


    The television and media industry insiders were the earliest group of people to learn about the news. Everyone''s reactions were quite simr, but when all of these industry insiders found out about the news, they felt that they themselves, the people around them, and even the whole world had gone crazy!


    How could that be?


    How could they do that?


    How could that be possible!?


    Subsequently, this news was revealed online!


    The nationwide viewership rankings for Friday was released!


    Many of the audience andizens reacted the same way as the industry insiders. After finding out about the viewership ratings of Rise to the Dance, they believed that there was no more suspense for the oue. So when they saw A Bite of China written in bold headings in the top spot of the viewership rankings, you could imagine the look of shock on their faces!


    The viewership rating of A Bite of China was 2.36%!


    Compared to the second episode of Rise to the Dance whose viewership rating had increased to 1.52%, it was higher by more than 0.8%!


    This difference was no longer possible to describe with just mentioning who got first and second ce. It was nowhere near enough to show the disparity between these two shows anymore!


    This was a wipeout!


    This was an utter wipeout!


    This was an outright crushing defeat!


    Yes, it was an abject defeat by a documentary against a variety show!


    Theizens went crazy as well!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "My eyes have been blinded!"


    "I''ve been blinded too!"


    "This is too fucking amazing!"


    "It feels so good! This is truly way too insane! No one can stop A Bite of China any longer! No one can stop Zhang Ye anymore!"


    "2.36%? Oh my god!"


    "Holy motherfucking shit! The Voice was number 1 in the nationwide viewership ratings for TV shows in recent years and the highest viewership ratings it got was during the season finale episode��2.45%. That was the peak in recent years for viewership ratings! This history and legend was only recently created! But what was the current situation? A documentary��a documentary that only broadcast for three episodes actually fucking achieved a viewership rating of 2.36%?!"


    "What magic does A Bite of China actually have?"


    "We should ask Zhang Ye what magic he used!"


    "Don''t tell me that A Bite of China is going to surpass The Voice? Not only has a documentary be number 1 in the nationwide viewership ratings for the same period, they even want to fucking surpass the viewership rating record set by a variety show? They''ve gone mad! They have all gone mad!"


    "I was wondering why Zhang Ye chose to broadcast on a Friday and Saturday. So it was because Zhang Ye did not treat Rise to the Dance as his opponent at all! He was heading for that peak record set by The Voice! He intends to break the previous record he himself had set! Yes, the person who can break the legend of the viewership ratings of such a heaven-defying show like The Voice��is probably only Zhang Ye himself! However, I think that before this matter happened today, no one could have ever thought that Zhang Ye would use a documentary to break his own record! This is too crazy! B-But he''s really almost about to achieve it! He''s actually just a step away from sess! Fuck! Zhang Ye is a really fucking fierce person of this generation!"


    "Zhang Ye is going crazy!"


    "Can someone tell me that this is really happening?"


    "This is too unbelievable!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, why are you so fucking awesome!"


    "I wonder what Central TV Department 1 is feeling now! Are their faces in pain or not?"


    "I wonder if they regret muzzling Zhang Ye and then allowing him to go. All of that just for the overseas copyright of The Voice? This is simply tooughable now that I look at it! If Zhang Ye had stayed on, to say nothing of those little bit of copyright fees, he could even have earned back ten times that amount for them! Even though Zhang Ye went to an unloved and uncared for documentary channel, he could still produce a program that could deal a crushing defeat to all the variety shows'' viewership ratings, let alone if he were given a variety show to do instead! How much money will A Bite of China earn this time? It''ll probably be around the region of what The Voice got!"


    "Those bunch of idiots at Central TV Department 1!"


    "Yeah, those group of people are really fucking stupid!"


    "Hahaha, Central TV Department 1 will surely insist that they don''t regret it. But everyone knows the answer is obvious without needing to ask. I guess their faces have already turned green from regretting so much!"


    "I wonder what expressions are on the faces of Chen Ye and the others right now."


    Those fans of Rise to the Dance and Chen Ye who were happily cheering a few minutes ago were all at a loss for words. Not a single one of them replied.


    Theizens were shouting loudly in shock due to this news.


    It was also the same for many celebrities!


    Yao Jiancai was shocked!


    Zhang Xia was shocked!


    Fang Weihong was shocked!


    Fan Wenli and Chen Guang were shocked too!


    Some of the famous, leading directors of the documentary industry posted on Weibo in unison.


    The previous winner of the most prestigious award???? for documentaries posted: "It''s too incredible!"


    Director of renowned documentary Science Life: "Congrattions to Zhang Ye and A Bite of China! You''re all terrific! I''m sincerely happy for you and the documentary!"


    Shao Chi, the documentary director who had interacted with Zhang Ye on Weibo before, also posted: "There is truly a day when the viewership rating of a documentary can crush an entertainment show''s viewership ratings? Have I been transported into another world?!"


    Yes, many people also felt that they have been transported into another world because this felt too unreal!


    In the current situation, everything felt like a dream. Zhang Ye had managed to do what his predecessors could not. He had aplished what all the other documentary directors did not even dare to think about!


    Then, an unknown person posted a picture of Zhang Ye''s calligraphy piece, written just a bit ago, onto the Inte!


    "Spring in Qin Garden: Snow".

 Chapter 828: Celebration!

    <h4>Chapter 828: Celebration! </h4>


    Chapter 828: Celebration!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The northern sight:


    Thend iced with white,


    Blizzards in flight..


    ��


    ��


    When this poem was revealed, the already frenzied atmosphere was ignited to yet another level, stirring up many people''s emotions once more!


    1000 forwards!


    10,000 forwards!


    30,000 forwards!


    "How magnificent!"


    "This poem is so cool!"


    "Ahhh, I like Zhang Ye''s poems so much!"


    "Praise for his calligraphy and even more praise for his poem!"


    "Being frozen, repressed and exiled by Central TV Department 1, I thought it would all be over for Teacher Zhang, yet he could still go ''Against the Skies, vying for a chancing''! So Teacher Zhang is still the same old Teacher Zhang!"


    "The words used in this poem can''t even be described with just the word ''good''!"


    "Comparing all the heroes in the world, who else is there? Who else can use a documentary to ascend to the top spot of the viewership ratings!?"


    "''But gone they all are''? Zhang Ye is too arrogant, haha, but I like it!"


    "Yeah, history is already the past. For truly great men, we only have the present people to depend on!"


    "This piece of calligraphy is so uplifting!"


    "A ci tune that isn''t known to be outstanding could actually be written so magnificently by Zhang Ye! With such deep literary skills and talent, who in the world could beat him?"


    "I like this poem so much!"


    "Me too, I like it so much that I''m in tears!"


    "''Against the Skies, vying for a chancing'' is such an apt description!"


    "I like thatst phrase the most!"


    The poem earned shouts of acmation from countlessizens. Some experts appeared toment about it!


    Su Na from the Peking University Chinese Department annotated the poem.


    Thest surviving member of a generation of literature masters at 80 years old entrusted his daughter to post hisment on "Spring in Qin Garden: Snow" to Weibo. He even gave a very high evaluation in the end: "Little Zhang is excellent." Being called "excellent" by a master who had won the country''s most prestigious literature award was an extremely strong affirmation!


    Zhang Ye!


    A Bite of China!


    "Spring in Qin Garden: Snow"!


    Just randomly clicking on any discussion forums those keywords could be seen, whereas for Rise to the Dance and Central TV Department 1 who were supposed to be the center of attention, they had long been forgotten by everyone.


    ...


    Central TV Department 14.


    After the calligraphypetition ended, everyone returned to their offices.


    When some of the colleagues who did not go to the event hall earlier heard about the news, they rushed over with a look of horror on their faces. They were still in disbelief at the news. "Is it true? We''ve really taken the number 1 spot?"


    Tong Fu said excitedly, "It''s true!"


    Little Wang was already crying!


    A few other women in the A Bite of China program team were also unable to stop crying!


    Compared tost week''s first ce, this first ce was even more valuable as it was truly an impable first ce this time. Earlier at the calligraphy event, there were outsiders around, with the station head and other station leaders also present, so they stifled their emotions and controlled their feelings. But once they returned to their office, many of them could no longer control themselves. There were even a few female colleagues from Department 14''s licensing department and were not part of the production for A Bite of China who cried along when they saw the sobbing. They huddled together with Little Wang, Huang Dandan, and the others, feeling very happy for them!


    As Little Wang was crying, she suddenly shouted, "We are number 1! Number 1!"


    Many people followed along and echoed the shouting!


    "Right!"


    "We are number 1!"


    "No matter where we go, we are still the number 1 in the country!"


    "Ahhhhh!"


    "I''m so happy right now!"


    "I must give a call to my daughter and let her know about this news!"


    "If this is a dream, I''d rather not wake up from it!"


    "We really did it!"


    The office was very chaotic with the crying and shoutinging from everyone!


    They were once a newly assembled team in the industry and no one had any expectations of them and their show. However, they dominated the variety world with The Voice and became the industry''s top-rated variety show team. Half a yearter, at this moment and on this day, that honor had once again fallen into their hands. They had regained the glory that once belonged to them!


    How could they possibly not get excited?


    Ha Qiqi was crying and smiling at the same time. Suddenly, she looked over to Zhang Ye and saw that the person who should be the happiest among them was instead just smiling at everyone. Compared to their excitement and craziness, there was a distinct contrast. Ha Qiqi felt quite speechless and suddenlyughed as she said, "Everyone, how ''bout we toss Director Zhang up in the air to celebrate?"


    "Yeah!"


    "I think we should!"


    "Haha, I also think we should!"


    Zhang Ye jumped back in fright. "Who''s gonna do that!"


    The next moment, Wu Yi, Zhang Zuo, Tong Fu, and the other male colleagues all piled forward onto Zhang Ye and shouldered him as theyughed loudly. Then, they tossed him up in the air!


    "Oh!"


    "Hip, hip, hooray!"


    "Oh!"


    "Hip, hip, hooray!"


    "Oh!"


    Zhang Ye was scared out of his wits. "Enough, that''s enough! That will do!"


    Everyone did not listen to him and continued tossing him up in the air as they cheered on!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Director Zhang!"


    Outside the office, some of the other department''s staff passing by from time to time heard and saw themotion, and couldn''t help butugh.


    A few people from the children''s channel were talking about the matter as well.


    "Have you heard about the viewership ratings?"


    "Of course I did!"


    "Don''t talk about that anymore, it''s too incredible!"


    "The cheering at Department 14 was so lively that it almost turned to chaos!"


    "They deserved the result."


    "Yeah, it hasn''t been easy for them during this period!"


    "Those people are really incredible. Back then, if it were any other team, even if they were the number 1 team in the variety show industry, would they dare im that they would be sessful again in circumstances where they were being besieged from all sides? Would they dare to say that they could still make aeback? Those circumstances were as good as being given a death sentence, but look at what they did. Not only did they bear the tremendous pressure, they even regained their honor of being the industry''s number 1, so that''s really impressive!"


    "Central TV Department 1��has reallymitted a very dumb act this time!"


    "They''ve let go of such an excellent TV program team in the industry for nothing!"


    ...


    Back there.


    Zhang Ye was put back down. When his feet touched the floor, he felt his legs turning to jelly. He stared at everyone and said, "You guys nearly killed me up there! Eh? Where''s my cell phone? Where did it drop to?"


    Zhang Zuo quickly brought it over to him. "It''s here, it''s here."


    When he took it back and nced at it, he realized that it was ringing. Zhang Ye quickly went to a corner and answered the call.


    It was from Hu Fei.


    Zhang Ye answered with augh: "Brother Hu, are you calling to bring me the good news?"


    Hu Fei said: "You should have found out about it already, so what good news can I still bring? Rather than bringing good news to you, we were all nearly petrified by you. You''ve really gone and gotten number 1?"


    "Yes, I did," Zhang Ye said casually.


    Xiao Lu''s voice could be heard over the phone. "You''re amazing, Teacher Zhang! When we found out about the viewership ratings for the third episode of A Bite of China, we went crazy!"


    Dafei also shouted: "Teacher Zhang, you have to treat us!"


    Zhang Ye said amused: "Didn''t I just treat you guys?"


    Hou Ge replied: "That was for the previous time, but you have to treat us again for this time!"


    "OK, I''ll treat you," Zhang Ye agreed delighted.


    Then, Su Na, his colleague from Peking University''s Chinese Department, called him.


    Su Na: "Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye: "Teacher Su."


    Su Na: "I''ll reserve that calligraphy piece of ''Spring in Qin Garden: Snow'' from you first!"


    Zhang Ye: "Huh? I was actually going to keep it for myself."


    Su Na: "Can you not be so stingy?"


    Zhang Ye: "That''s because it''s very meaningful to me, so I would like to keep it for myself. Hur hur, if you like, I''ll write another piece for you some other day. I''ll write whatever you want until you''re satisfied."


    Su Na was overjoyed. "It''s settled then! That''s great!"


    When other calligraphers wrote for people, they would usually go by the number of words or pieces, but for Zhang Ye, just by saying "until you are satisfied," he was already showing his deep generosity. Actually, Zhang Ye was always like that. He had never seen himself as a calligrapher before. While others may treat his calligraphy as treasured works of art, it was nothing more than just moving his hands and writing. No matter how much he had to write, it was still just an act of writing to him! Since it didn''t take much effort on his part, he agreed readily to it.


    After asking for the calligraphy work, Su Na could not helpmenting: "Previously, when you were frozen by Central TV Department 1, I was rather worried about you for a long time. But now I see that you''re still surviving quite well. You can really still turn everything upside down even if you have transferred to a documentary department. No matter where you go, you''re still the brightest star in the sky."


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Just let it go at that."


    A group of friends called him to give their congrattions.


    His mother also called him excitedly to confirm if the viewership rating of A Bite of China was real. She sounded quite pleased and was probably thinking that she could brag and show off to her neighbors again.


    Of course, there was apletely different scene ying out elsewhere.


    ...


    Central TV Department 1.


    Department 1''s Director Jiang Naixiong mmed the door behind him and knocked off from work!


    Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye had darkened expressions as they stood in the office of Central TV Department 1''s Deputy Director Jiang Yuan. There was a tea cup lying shattered on the floor and was likely to have been smashed by Jiang Yuan!


    "Who can tell me what just happened? Ah?" Jiang Yuan said furiously. "Can anyone tell me?!"


    Xu Yipeng did not say a word.


    Chen Ye wanted to speak but hesitated and shut his mouth.


    They had nothing to say and did not know what to say either.


    Jiang Yuan banged his hand on the table and said angrily, "Why would a documentary get such a viewership rating? Based on what could they possibly get such a viewership rating? Which of you can tell me why?!"


    No one could answer him.


    Meanwhile, the atmosphere within the Rise to the Dance program team turned gloomy!


    Why?


    Why??


    Everyone was asking themselves the same question. They hadn''t underestimated their opponent, they had given it their all, their promotions also saturated the market, their guests were some of the top-rated celebrities in the industry, they had the biggest television tform in the industry behind them and the investments into their program were also historically the highest just like The Voice!


    However!


    Why did they still lose?


    And they even lost so badly?


    They had been utterly defeated with no chance of hitting back!?

 Chapter 829: Making history again!

    <h4>Chapter 829: Making history again! </h4>


    Chapter 829: Making history again!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the evening newspapers, on the radio and TV, every media outlet was reporting about A Bite of China.


    "A Bite of China clinches top spot!"


    "Zhang Ye creates a miracle yet again!"


    "An insaneeback from the documentaries!"


    "Central TV Department 14 fires the starting pistol to signal theeback of documentaries!"


    "A Bite of China makes Rise to the Dance always the bridesmaid!"


    "A Bite of China is expected to break the record of the highest viewership rated TV show in thest five years!"


    "Spring has arrived for documentaries!"


    "An impossibleeback! A day of madness!"


    "A calligraphy of ''Spring in Qin Garden: Snow'' shocks the entire nation!"


    "Zhang Ye has carved his name into the annals of the documentary industry!"


    On the same day in the office, there were many people who hade to offer their congrattions. The previously unloved and uncared for Department 14 suddenly became the center of attention. Yan Tianfei and the people of Department 14 were unable to close their mouths for the entire day as they spent most of their time responding to the congrattions and smiling.


    "Old Yan, how amazing!" a deputy director of another channel said.


    Yan Tianfeiughed heartily. "It''s not too bad I guess."


    Another channel''s director said, "Even the most outstanding Department 1 of Central TV was ughtered by you guys. You''re exceptionally capable!"


    Yan Tianfeiughed and said, "That was just luck, just luck!"


    At the end of the day when it was almost time to head out, Yan Tianfei was even called over to the office of Central TV''s Deputy Station Head Zhou.


    "Old Zhou, you''re looking for me?" Yan Tianfei asked.


    Deputy Station Head Zhou''s mouth twitched slightly as he stated, "You guys have done quite well this time, extremely well, in fact. The station head evenplimented you guys in the meeting earlier." Pausing, he then continued, "Previously, regarding the money that Central TV Department 1 loaned from your department, I''ve already talked to them about it. You just need to look for Finance to let them know. The money will be returned to you before the end of the day. As for other matters, is there anything that your channel would like to request for? If there''s anything, just bring it up to the station. Oh right, do you have enough manpower?"


    Yan Tianfei understood him clearly, but did not really say much. "We have enough."


    Deputy Station Head Zhou asked, "What about the department facilities and equipment? If it''s not enough, just mention it to us at any time. I''ll arrange something for you."


    Yan Tianfei replied, "Everything is in good shape."


    Deputy Station Head Zhou''s attitude towards Department 14 was clearly different from before. Right now, no one could look down and ignore them anymore!


    At night.


    On the Inte, some media personnel and industry insiders were analyzing the reasons behind A Bite of China''s sess.


    "How does a documentary get so popr like that?"


    "This is something that''s totally unprecedented and unheard of!"


    "The HD video cameras yed a very key role here. Those scenes were extremely fine and detailed, thus the foods and the cuisine''s features seemingly gave off a refreshing aura. With the presentation done in an entirely new way, it was something the audience had never seen before in a documentary, so they all have approved of it!"


    "Not only that, even the subject that Zhang Ye covered in the documentary was very well chosen. What makes me admire Zhang Ye all this while is his vision and ability to understand the market. He''s so professional and has never imitated others before. Moreover, he also brought out the unique traits of China in the filming of this documentary. He has managed to present our country''s character and qualities through food, and that was the key reason for A Bite of China''s sess! Looking at those scenes and how it shows the diet and culture of the people, we can all feel the sincerity of Zhang Ye and his team''s efforts. If such a documentary does not get popr, then what would get popr?"


    "The subject is really great stuff!"


    "Did you guys realize yet? Many of the other documentary are based on science and educational subjects, while A Bite of China isn''t. A Bite of China is only documenting a story, using the simplest of ways to present it to the audience. It''s really well grounded. That''s why it resonates so well with the audience and can evoke memories of their most primitive desires of taste!"


    "This documentary is such a ssic!"


    "As a TV show, this is definitely at a world-ss level. Then as a documentary, A Bite of China is undoubtedly the best in our country''s history of documentaries! There is no dispute about that!"


    A Bite of China''s reputation was exceedingly good. It was so good that even a senior citizen at 90 years old or a nine-year-old child liked watching it. It was so good that even a few industry insiders whose rtionship with Zhang Ye hadn''t been good, and had even gotten to the point where they verbally sparred over the Inte, were publicly expressing their admiration for A Bite of China!


    As for Zhang Ye himself, he also spent some time analyzing the reasons why A Bite of China could seed. In his previous world, A Bite of China only got popr after a while. Its average viewership rating was also notparable to that of The Voice''s. But in this world, many things had changed. For example, the downturn of the market environment in which The Voice did not manage to earn viewership ratingsparable to that of Zhang Ye''s previous world. Whether it was the average viewership rating or the highest viewership rating, it wasrgely discounted whenpared to his previous world. This was caused by a lot of objective factors, such as online broadcasting which had cannibalized arge audience base here. It''s not like there was a drop in the audience numbers of those who watched The Voice, just that a part of the viewership ratings were shared by the online broadcast. A lot of these audiences did not watch The Voice on television but online instead, so the viewership ratings naturally became lower. While for A Bite of China, because of Zhang Ye''s affiliation with the show and the promotions done for it, factored in with theck of culture within this world''s domestic documentary industry, that had allowed the documentary to be "powered up" in advance!


    These were all reasons for its sess.


    ...


    8 PM at night.


    On Central TV Channel 14, A Bite of China started broadcasting.


    It was the fourth episode, "The Taste of Time."


    "For food, time is both a friend and an enemy."


    "Though there are many modern techniques for preserving food, the ssical methods of salting, air-drying, stewing and smoking can produce a unique vor very different from and even better than when the vor is fresh. Even to this day, Chinese people are still particrly fond of foods preserved with traditional methods."


    "In the autumn morning, the ancient Hn River runs through the wilderness��"


    ...


    Guangzhou.


    At an apartment building.


    A family of three were currently tuned to Channel 14. Their child was only nine years old.


    "Mom, it''s such a nice show to watch."


    "Yes, it''s really good, isn''t it?"


    "I feel like eating ham!"


    "Alright, Mom will order some for you online."


    "I want to eat it now."


    "But the markets are already closed right now."


    ...


    Tianjin.


    At a restaurant.


    "What program is this?"


    "It''s A Bite of China. Don''t you know about it?"


    "It''s really quite good. My appetite has increased just from watching it!"


    "I''ve already followed it for the past three episodes!"


    "Zhang Ye''s narration sounds really steady and mature. It''s nice to listen to!"


    ...


    Beijing.


    "The ser match is beginning!"


    "What are you still watching ser for! Let''s watch A Bite of China instead!"


    "Damn, don''t do that. You can catch up on it onler!"


    "That won''t do. It won''t be the same feeling! This sort of a documentary should be watched on the TV to gain the maximum emotional impact. Besides, the online broadcast will only be shown tomorrow, and I can''t wait a moment longer to watch it! You''ll know what I mean when you watch it. It''s particrly addicting! You won''t want to stop watching!"


    "Are you serious?"


    "Wow, the episode today is also very interesting. Let''s watch it quickly!"


    ...


    The next day.


    Sunday.


    Zhang Ye had just left his house when he got a call from Fan Wenli.


    "Director Zhang, are you going to work today?"


    "I''ve juste out and will be on my way to work."


    "I''m at the Guangwai area right now. My car broke down and I''m in a rush to get to the studio recording. Do you think you can give me a lift?"


    "Sure, send me your location."


    Around ten minutester, Zhang Ye arrived to pick up Fan Wenli. Her assistant stayed behind to wait for the tow truck to arrive while Fan Wenli hopped into Zhang Ye''s BMW. After she got in, she took off her face mask and sunsses.


    Zhang Yeughed. "Why were you so unlucky?"


    Fan Wenli said helplessly, "It''s been this way for the past few day already."


    "What happened?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Fan Wenli didn''t know whether tough or cry as she replied, "You have totally done me in this time. When we were recording Rise to the Dance, we all felt so confident about the show and even thought that we could sweep away at all the other shows. But then you came along with A Bite of China and forced us down into the supporting role."


    Zhang Ye said, "Ohe on, your show is also doing quite well in the viewership ratings."


    "It can''t bepared to you guys." Fan Wenli shook her head and stated, "We can''t even be considered the supporting role anymore now. It''s like we don''t really exist anymore."


    Zhang Ye did not know how to answer her, so he just remarked, "Anyway, you''ve already received your joining fee. Besides, a viewership rating of one-point-something percent is surely going to help you increase your poprity as well. Isn''t that still a very good oue? If my documentary had a ce for guests, I would definitely have invited you to join."


    Fan Wenli looked at him andughed, "Remember to contact me the next time you have a new project. You might not know about the situation in the Rise to the Dance program team now, but it''s really in a state of turmoil. A lot of people have been dealt a big blow because of you, and some of them are even hoping for the fourth episode of your documentary to suffer a drop in the viewership ratings!"


    Zhang Ye was all smiles at that. "Who knows? It might really drop."


    "I don''t think so," Fan Wenli replied.


    ...


    At Central TV.


    Department 14.


    The staff hade very early to work today even though it was not forced overtime. Everyone turned up in full attendance and earlier than they would have on a usual working day.


    When Zhang Ye arrived, he immediately heard everyone guessing about the viewership rating for the fourth episode.


    Zhang Ye was waiting to find out.


    Yan Tianfei was waiting to find out.


    The media was waiting to find out.


    The people at Rise to the Dance were also waiting to find out.


    This was after all a documentary program and the aplishments by it up until now was history in the making by Zhang Ye. However, it was also an unknown development and no one could predict how it would turn out.


    At Central TV Department 1, Xu Yipeng, Chen Ye, and the others had evil intentions as they hoped for A Bite of China to suddenly wilt in its performance. They were all anticipating for the fourth episode to not match up to its heaven-defying performance of the third episode. This was also the only chance in which Rise to the Dance could make aeback, because they knew that they had already given the show their all and there was no way to further bring the viewership ratings to next level. Therefore, the only hope they had was to wish for A Bite of China to falter!


    However, things did not develop the way they''d hoped!


    At 9:30 AM, the nationwide viewership ratings for the previous day were released!


    Department 14 was full of cheers!


    "Ahhh!"


    "This is too awesome!"


    "We''ve gotten number 1 again! It''s us again!"


    "Heavens, we-we''ve outdone The Voice?"


    "Yes, we''ve gone beyond that! We''ve really gone beyond that!"


    "It''s only the fourth episode! This is just the fourth episode!"


    A Bite of China was ranked number 1 nationwide!


    Its viewership rating was��2.46%!


    With this news, the industry was once again in an uproar!


    Not only was it due to A Bite of China not slipping up in the viewership ratings or that it was consistently popr, but because the fourth episode''s viewership rating had surpassed The Voice''s season finale highest viewership rating of 2.45%, which also happened to be the highest viewership rating in the five most recent years. Although it had only surpassed it by 0.01%, it was still a new record. This result had created a totally new legend!


    A Bite of China had strongly ascended to the top!


    Zhang Ye had broken the record and legend that he had set previously!


    The Inte was abuzz withmotion!


    The media also blew up!


    "The heaven defying Zhang Ye!"


    "Those who gain Zhang Ye can rule the world!"


    "After learning about the viewership rating for the third episode, I no longer had any doubts that A Bite of China would surpass The Voice. I thought it was just a matter of time, but I did not expect it to do so by the fourth episode! This is too fast! This is way too fast!"


    "Cheering for A Bite of China! Cheering for Zhang Ye!"


    "As a hardcore fan of Teacher Zhang Ye, I only wish to fucking shout out��anyone else!?"


    In an instant, all of Zhang Ye''s fans appeared!


    Big Saber Bro: "Anyone else?"


    ZhangYeNumber1Fan: "Anyone else?"


    ZhangYeNumber108Fan: "Anyone else?"


    Xu Yipeng was silenced.


    Chen Ye''s Weibo was devoid of any activity for two days now.


    Central TV Department 1 was terrified into silence.


    A lot of them were still asking that same question from yesterday which they likely had no answer for!


    Why?


    Just why did it turn out this way?


    ...


    Simrly, the Saturday variety shows were equally close to tears.


    Hebei Television.


    "Leader, our viewership rating has dropped significantly!"


    "By how much?"


    "Yesterday''s viewership rating was only 0.33%!"


    "This was all caused by A Bite of China! They have stolen our viewers away! We''re also at the 8 PM broadcast slot, so we were greatly affected by it! If it goes on like this, our show won''t be far from getting canceled!"


    "A Bite of China is out of control!"


    "I''m numb. Why did they choose to broadcast on Saturday as well! Isn''t it good enough to just stay as a back-to-back broadcast on Friday? Why did they have to go crazy and broadcast during the Saturday slot as well? Ah? Aren''t they ripping us off this way!"


    ...


    Zhejiang Television.


    At a newly formed program team office.


    "Little Tong, is the recording for the show done yet?"


    "It''s finished, boss."


    "OK, the broadcast slot that you guys have asked for previously has been arranged. It''ll be broadcast on Saturday at 8 PM starting from the week after next. I have high hopes for you all."


    "Boss, about that��about the broadcast schedule��"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "We would like to ask if there are still other avable broadcast slots on Sunday for our station?"


    ...


    Hubei Television.


    "Director, why did you reschedule our show to 8 PM on Saturday?"


    "Because that slot was empty and no one wants to take it."


    "Damn, then we don''t want to take it either!"


    "You guys have to believe in yourselves and have confidence!"


    "B-But we don''t have any confidence! The opponent is A Bite of China! To broadcast at the same time as them, how would we be able to get any viewership? Director, you can''t send us to our deaths like that!"


    ...


    A lot of people were cursing!


    A lot of people were in tears!


    No one wanted to broadcast at the same time as A Bite of China.


    Or rather, no one dared to broadcast at the same time as A Bite of China.


    This scene was ying out at many of the other television stations. Some program teams actively applied to dy their premiere episodes, while some television stations also reluctantly changed the broadcast schedule in order to protect their blockbuster shows. They had to purposely avoid the broadcast time of A Bite of China!


    Everyone was avoiding it!


    Everyone''s expressions changed the moment this was mentioned!


    Since when did a documentary which no one had ever ced any importance on be a TV show that could sweep the entire nation with amanding presence. They were basically invincible!

 Chapter 830: Celebrity Chat Group

    <h4>Chapter 830: Celebrity Chat Group </h4>


    Chapter 830: Celebrity Chat Group


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    A few dayster.


    Friday, morning.


    During work hours, Yan Tianfei''s secretary went to look for Zhang Ye.


    "Director Zhang, Director Yan wanted me to remind you not to forget about tonight''s National Television Awards ceremony." The secretary said smiling, "Director Yan says that you should dress formally for the event. You have two nominations, one for A Bite of China and another for The Voice, both of which have very high hopes of winning, so we can''t neglect your dress."


    Zhang Ye gave a smile to that and said, "Alright, I will."


    Ha Qiqi said, "We have formal suits here at Central TV."


    "Yeah, let''s pick one out for Director Zhangter," Zhang Zuo chipped in cheerfully.


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "Forget it, I''ll just wear the suit that I have on now. Director Yan will be going as well. I''m just the sidekick."


    The secretary suddenly whispered to him, "The station is currently holding a meeting to discuss this year''s Golden Microphone Awards. They are already studying the nominees. Director Yan believes that Central TV Department 1 definitely won''t push a nomination for you, so he has to be there to submit a nomination for you instead. It''s still the same as previous years; each station will nominate their candidates to fight for the three spots in the television hosting category of the Golden Microphone Awards. Winner determined by their skill."


    Zhang Ye asked, "I haven''t been working long enough to qualify for the three years criteria, right?"


    "But you have enough shows under your belt." The secretary replied, "You have Ghost Blows Out the Light, Lecture Room, Zhang Ye''s Talk Show, The Voice, and A Bite of China on your resume, so you''re already considered a veteran in this industry. That criteria of three years in the industry to qualify is not a rigid one and exceptions can always be made."


    When Zhang Ye had just debuted, he did so at Beijing Radio Station. That was also the ce where he got the very first award of his life, an award that was very important and meaningful to him��the National Broadcasting Neer Awards, also known as the Silver Microphone Award. It was only since then that Zhang Ye could officially be considered to have entered the industry and gotten on track in his line of work. After a year, it was time for the National Broadcasting Awards again. Zhang Ye was also anticipating this event, as no matter how many fields he had crossed over to before, his main profession stillid in broadcasting.


    The Golden Microphone Awards.


    ��A national level award!


    ��And also the most prestigious award in the broadcasting world!


    As long as one was still a host, they would definitely look forward to achieving this honor. This would be the highest affirmation to a broadcaster!


    Ring, ring, ring.


    It was a call from Dean Pan of Peking University''s School of Mathematical Sciences.


    Zhang Ye stepped away to answer the call. "Hello, Dean Pan."


    Pan Yang chuckled: "Professor Zhang, it''s almost the end of the year. It''s time for the academic awards to be given out. I''ve just received notice that the Chinese Academy of Sciences'' selectionmittee has approached Peking University to get your details and photo. They wanted me to inform you that you have been nominated for this year''s Nationwide Outstanding Contribution in Mathematics award. I will send you a formter, so just get it printed and fill in the details before sending it back to me. You have to ce importance on this matter as it is one of the most prestigious mathematics award in the country. About the Abel Math Prize that you rejected thest time, since that''s already in the past, there''s no point in talking about it anymore. But for this Nationwide Outstanding Contribution in Mathematics award, you have to ept it and let Peking University have something to be proud of!"


    Zhang Ye replied: "Another award?"


    "What do you mean by ''another''?" Pan Yang asked.


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said: "It''s nothing. I got it, Dean Pan. I will definitely cooperate this time, don''t you worry."


    Dean Pan stated with satisfaction: "Alright then, once the awards ceremony date has been set, I will contact you again. Our math team had a meeting just now and all of us did an analysis. We estimated your chances of winning to be very high, since if there was any major breakthrough in the mathematics field this year, it would only be your proof of Dale''s Conjecture. If they don''t give you the award, then no one else should be getting it."


    It was the end of the year and the awards ceremonies to be held were piling up.


    Zhang Ye worked on filling in the form and preparing a passport-size photo. By the time he was done, it was already noon. After he ate lunch, there wasn''t much work left to do, so he went online to check thetest Celebrity Rankings Index. He found his name and realized that his poprity score, which had not fluctuated much during the time he was out of the station for the documentary filming, had suddenly shot up in the past two weeks!


    From his original ce in the middle of the B-list rankings, he moved up by two spots all of a sudden. He was now considered to be a true frontrunner of the B-list rankings. In the B-list rankings, the poprity score separating each celebrity was veryrge. It was very difficult just to advance a spot, much less advance two spots within such a short period of time. Moreover, A Bite of China had only broadcast for four episodes. There still seemed to be room for improvement, so Zhang Ye was closing in on the A-list rankings now!


    This was the result of Zhang Ye''s preparations to ensure his sess!


    Before this, when Zhang Ye was frozen and restrained by Central TV Department 1, his poprity was at stake as he took preventative measures with the release of nts vs. Zombies, which barely helped him maintain his poprity level. Together with his poem, forfeiture of the Abel Math Prize, and a series of other moves, they earned him these past two months and allowed him to reorganize his strategy by making A Bite of China. In retrospect now, all of the hard work that Zhang Ye put in had not been in vain. A Bite of China did not disappoint him and had really helped him to reverse his situation in the most astonishing of ways!


    Zhang Ye''s poprity which had stagnated for a few months was now explosively making aeback. He was once again moving forward in his career. This was undoubtedly good news to him and it also made him extremely excited.


    This updated list of the Celebrity Rankings Index also had some changes other than his. Not mentioning those on the D- and E-lists, two months ago when a male singer in the C-list rankings was exposed to be lip-syncing in his concert by fans, it led to a conflict between the concert staff and some fans. That male singer even started scolding some people during the incident, revealed by the mediater on. In thistest ranking index, that male singer who was already hovering at the bottom of the C-list rankings had now dropped to the D-list and was unlikely to be making aeback anytime soon.


    There were also some changes in the B-list celebrity rankings, but it was not a great change overall. Chen Ye rose up one spot through Rise to the Dance, which scored viewership ratings of over 1% in two weeks, even if it did not perform to its potential. The couple of Fan Wenli and Chen Guang did not have much change to their poprity scores and maintained their ces, with one in the middle of the B-list rankings while the other was in the lower half. However, Zhang Ye was already slowly pulling away from them.


    As for the A-list and S-list rankings?


    There were no changes there. The same people still filled up the same spots, since at that level, it was extremely difficult to even climb one spot.


    Zhang Ye deliberately searched through the rankings to find out about some of his friends'' poprity scores.


    Yao Jiancai had a newly released movie which helped him grow in poprity.


    Zhang Yuanqi kept her ce in the S-list rankings with no one able to get close to her.


    Dong Shanshan was one of the fastest rising celebrity friends of Zhang Ye. With Do You Remember''s long-running broadcast and rather good viewership ratings, Dong Shanshan was already making her way to the forefront of the D-list rankings. She was still quite a few spots away from entering the C-list rankings, but it was not too far off anymore. This was the advantage of having looks and a figure, with Dong Shanshan having a better bearing as a celebrity. She had all the right qualities to be a celebrity. So as long as she had a good tform to perform on, she would definitely do it well. This was her natural-born advantage and other people couldn''t even start to envy this trait of hers even if they wanted to.


    That was about it.


    Zhang Ye checked around online for a long time before finally closing his web browser.


    Di di. The chat app alert on his cell phone suddenly sounded. He opened the app to take a look and found that it wasn''t a new message notification but an invitation notification to join a chat group instead.


    Group name: Goof Group


    Invited by: Summer Radish


    What?


    Who''s the one goofing around right now!


    Zhang Ye hit "reject" right away.


    But shortly after, the invitation notification came on again!


    Zhang Ye was speechless at this and pressed "reject" again.


    Then the invitation notification came for the third time. This time, it included a message: "Your sister! Teacher Zhang, hurry up and join the group already! I am Ning Lan!"


    Ning Lan?


    That Ning Lan?


    Zhang Ye was stunned. Of course he knew this name. It was the name of a very popr A-list female celebrity. In fact, he had only just seen the name on the celebrity ranking index a moment ago. Ning Lan had starred in no less than eight movies that grossed over 100 million RMB each. She debuted 10 years ago and had won one of the most prestigious national awards as the best supporting actress. The number of movies she was featured in since her debut were even more than Zhang Yuanqi''s, probably in the figure of around 50 to 60 films. She was well known in the industry as a workaholic who would take part in a lot of projects, while her poprity was built up gradually from all of these movies she did. That was also how she had managed to gain a unique status and poprity in the movie industry. Ning Lan was even Zhang Yuanqi''s best friend and they enjoyed a very good rtionship together.


    This time, Zhang Ye did not dare to reject the invitation anymore and just skeptically tapped "ept."


    All of a sudden, he was dragged into this chat called the "Goof Group."


    The group was rather lively.


    Huo Dongfang: "Who is this?"


    Dongzi: "Who did Sister Ning pull into the group?"


    Liao Henan: "I''m Your Daddy? Who are you?"


    Fan Wenli: "Ahem, that''s Zhang Ye."


    Chen Guang: "Damn, it''s Director Zhang! What a cheap thrill of a nickname!"


    Then, a notification was disyed in the chat: Administrator Ning Lan has renamed "I''m Your Daddy" to "Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye quickly greeted everybody with a "Hello, everyone." Then he went to check out the group members. It was somewhat disorderly as there were over 50 people in the group. It wasn''t a lot of people, but without an exception, each and every one of these people was a big shot in the entertainment industry. Zhang Ye had only seen Huo Dongfang and the couple of Fan Wenli and Chen Guang before. The members were, at the minimum, B-list celebrities. Within this group, there was also Zhang Yuanqi''s name disyed.


    There were no managers.


    There were no assistants.


    There was no one from the management agencies.


    This was a group purely consisting of celebrities!


    No matter who you showed this group''s participants to, it would definitely scare the shit out of them. It was too epic. Even if it were the most prestigious awards ceremony in the industry, they probably couldn''t gather so many big names together at once. Like that Heavenly King who had already semi-retired. He might not want to make a public appearance anymore. Yet his name was still quietly sitting in that list of chat group participants.


    Ning Lan sent a gloomy looking emoji and said: "It wasn''t easy to get Zhang Ye into this group. Attention, everyone, let''s wee our newest member, the famous host, producer, director, mathematician, literary schr, calligrapher, lyricist, andposer, Teacher Zhang Ye to our group!"


    Fan Wenli posted a smiley face. "Apuse!"


    Liao Henan: "Hur hur, wee."


    Dongzi: "Oh, so it''s Zhang Ye. Wee to the group!"


    "A Bite of China is awesome! My children and I are watching it every time ites on!"


    A lot of those who were online also popped up!


    Zhang Ye was ttered. "Thanks for weing me, everyone. What group is this?"


    Ning Lan exined happily: "This is our little social circle, a ce where we usually chat about anything under the sun. The members are all rather well respected people in the industry. This group has been set up for many years already. We don''t usually add new members here either."


    They didn''t usually add new members?


    Then why did they add me today?


    Zhang Ye knew that with his growth in poprity, he had also gained the qualifications to be part of this top circle in the entertainment industry. When he checked the member list again, he realized that a lot of the B-list celebrities were also not in here, like how there was no Chen Ye. Even this new host of the Spring Festival G was not qualified to join?


    Ning Lan hesitated for a moment, and then said in the group: "But it was really very difficult to get my hands on Teacher Zhang''s chat ID. By rights, with your reputation, it should be very easy to find out if I just asked around casually. But our chat admins and I went around asking all of our friends and still couldn''t find out anything. There was no way to contact you whatsoever. I even called a friend of mine at Central TV who''s a host there but still couldn''t find out anything. Teacher Little He said that although you''ve been with Central TV for half a year now, he has never seen you there before. It was only when Wenli and Old Chen came online that I managed to get your contact info. My point is, Zhang Ye, just how bad are your rtionships with others?"


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahaha!"


    The people in the group burst out intoughter!


    Another big name celebrity at this level with such terrible rtionships couldn''t be found besides Zhang Ye!

 Chapter 831: Seeking Zhang Ye’s help!

    <h4>Chapter 831: Seeking Zhang Ye''s help! </h4>


    Chapter 831: Seeking Zhang Ye''s help!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On his cell phone.


    The chat group notifications were going off like crazy.


    Chen Guang: "Director Zhang is so popr that he no longer has any friends."


    Little Dong (Dongzi): "In the past when they said that Zhang Ye wasn''t very sociable, I still gave him the benefit of doubt. So it seems the rumors are true after all, and it''s even worse than I expected? Teacher Zhang, I''d really like to know how you''ve managed to survive for the past two years!"


    Fan Wenli: "ughs*"


    Zhang Ye typed out unashamed: "I don''t really know, but there are always people who find me unlikeable and keep opposing me. They even try to bully me and that makes me so infuriated!"


    Ning Lan was quite speechless at that. "But why does it look like you''re the one who is bullying them instead?"


    Zhang Ye: "..."


    Chen Guang: "Hahahaha!"


    Fan Wenli also sent an eye-rolling emoji. "Who can bully you, Director Zhang? Once the people in the industry hear your name, they all avoid you immediately!"


    Zhang Ye just replied: "Oh, give me a break."


    Liao Henan: "What Wenli says is true. Teacher Little Han from Zhejiang Television is also considered one of the top hosts in the industry, but when I had a chat with her on the phone yesterday, she told me that her new show has been rescheduled. It shifted from the Friday primetime slot to ater time after 9 PM on the same day, all that just to avoid shing with A Bite of China''s broadcast. Even a big satellite station like Zhejiang Television is avoiding your documentary, and it should be the same for the other television stations as well."


    Huo Dongfang: "The future is ominous for Old Fan''s and my show."


    Zhang Ye was also quite embarrassed by this. Although he didn''t like Rise to the Dance, and he was also biased against Central TV Department 1 as well as Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye, towards an A-list celebrity like Huo Dongfang, he actually did not have anything against him. Even if they had only met once before, there were no grudges between them.


    Fan Wenli: "Old Huo, let''s ''get'' him next time."


    Huo Dongfangughed: "We must definitely do so."


    Naturally, Zhang Ye did not raise any objections to that.


    At this moment, Ning Lan said: "Zhang Ye, the next time you have a good show like this, if it''s a variety show, remember to save me a spot on your show. I''ve got a little brother in my management agency, one of the juniors who I get along better with, but he hasn''t been able to get a breakthrough all this while."


    Zhang Ye thought about it before replying: "Sure, but I don''t think I''ll be doing any variety shows for a while."


    Ning Lan: "There''s no rush. It''s all in the future. We can always talk about it againter."


    Zhang Ye: "Sure."


    Suddenly, Dongzi said: "Teacher Zhang, I would like to ask you for a favor too."


    Zhang Ye: "What is it?"


    Dongzi sent a blushing emoji and asked: "My cousin''s son who is around my age is in his third year of high school. He''ll be taking the college entrance exam next year and wants to apply for a university in Beijing, specifically Tsinghua or Peking University. I''ve asked around to see if something could be arranged, but have not heard anything favorable so far. Since you''re an associate professor at Peking University, do you think you could help?"


    Zhang Ye returned with all seriousness: "What are his results like?"


    Dongzi replied: "He has particrly good results, it''s just that his household is registered under a city in the northwest. The admissions quota for Tsinghua and Peking University over there is limited and can even be very low, so even if his results are one of the top, he still might not qualify."


    Zhang Ye asked again: "Which department does he want to apply to then?"


    Dongzi: "Any science departments will do, as long as he can qualify for either of the universities."


    Understanding the situation, Zhang Ye replied: "Alright then, as long as he''s not picky about the department and he can hit the cutoff score for Peking University next year, I''ll put in a word for him. I''ll get whichever department has more ces to reserve a spot for him. There won''t be a need to depend on the provincial quota for admissions that way then."


    Dongzi sent a grinning face. "Thank you so much!"


    Zhang Ye: "It''s nothing."


    Dongzi: "It''s not nothing. I''ve asked so many people but none of them could do anything for me."


    Zhang Ye: "It will still have to depend on him getting the results to qualify for the cutoff score. Otherwise, I wouldn''t be able to help either." If the results didn''t hit the cutoff score and there was no subject that the applicant particrly excelled in, then even if Zhang Ye were to make a rmendation, the Peking University admissions board would definitely not want to make a concession.


    Zhang Ye did not know Dongzi''s real name, but most people called her Dongzi or Dongdong, which was her stage name. She was a female celebrity who was more popr than Zhang Ye and ranked at the top of the B-list celebrity rankings, quite a few ces higher than him. She was around the same age as Zhang Ye, or could be a little older than him, but his impression of her was that she was baby-faced and looked a little young, like she was still in her teens. The group she led wasprised of a trio of girls and was considered one of the more famous idol groups in Chinese entertainment. Their main activities included singing, dancing, making movies, acting in television dramas, taking part in charity events, and many other things. Although their singing, dancing, and acting skills were average, this idol group had the looks, which was enough for them to seed. Together with their management''s relentless marketing, Dongzi''s group had be very popr throughout China and also made quite a name for themselves around Asia. Their fan demographics covered almost all of the men. There were also a lot of female fans!


    It was always good if you looked pretty!


    Zhang Ye was very envious of that. Just look at them, did they have to suffer and slowly climb up the poprity charts like him?


    He was envious of these celebrity idols, but little did he realize that many of these celebrity idols were also especially envious of him. For example, those from Dongzi''s group knew that even if they continued to work hard and promote themselves, no matter how popr they got, their fans'' attitude to them would just stay at the level of idolizing and fan mania. They would never ever be able to earn the deep respect and admiration that Zhang Ye''s fans gave to him��and these could never be earned with just their looks and figures!


    This was also the reason why Zhang Ye was added to the "Celebrity Goof Group" even though they didn''t usually add new members. In certain areas, Zhang Ye had really reached the peak of perfection. Even though most of the chat group participants were more popr than Zhang Ye, none of them dared to underestimate him. Even those celebrities who were the most proud and arrogant had to admit that they couldn''t do the things that Zhang Ye had done!


    Like forfeiting an award!


    Like beating up a leader!


    Like suing Central TV!


    Like scolding the SARFT!


    And in doing so, no one could do anything about his actions, so wouldn''t this be considered a skill as well? Moreover, to all the celebrities in the entertainment industry, this ability was extremely heaven defying!


    After chatting for about half an hour, Zhang Ye had already blended in with their group and it became easier to freely express himself. From time to time, some chat group lurkers or those who had juste online would join the chat.


    An A-list celebrity said: "We have a new member?"


    A certain top B-list celebrity: "Isn''t that Zhang Ye?"


    "Wee!" It was from a director who was in the B-list rankings.


    In this group, there were no ordinary people at all. Not even Chen Ye who was a host of the Spring Festival G could join this group, so it would be silly to say that any one of these participants were simple people. For example, this popr director was someone who Zhang Ye had long since heard about. He did not expect that he would actually pop up to wee him. Usually, a director''s job scope was kept to the behind the scenes things. Zhang Ye was also in this upation, so he understood very well that if a director could climb up into the B-list celebrity rankings, it would mean that he had a very big reputation. Although this director made movies, he would also sometimes take part in the acting by taking on the lead role himself. But without a doubt, his main source of poprity hade from the movies that he directed. In the domestic entertainment industry, he was one of the biggest name directors around, with very strong qualifications. One-fifth of the people in this group had worked with him before and one-tenth of the group were made popr by him.


    They were all big shots!


    Dongzi: "Teacher Zhang doesn''t have a management agency yet, right?"


    Zhang Ye: "Not yet."


    Dongzi: "Our agency is quite good. Someone got me to ask you if you would like to consider joining us?"


    Zhang Ye: "Sorry, but I have no ns at the moment. It''s easier to manage on my own. Besides, I doubt any agencies would dare sign me."


    Liao Henan: "You don''t even have a manager?"


    Zhang Ye: "Not for now."


    Liao Henan was exasperated by that. "You''re really��" He did notplete his thought.


    Chen Guang helped him speak up. "He''s never done things the usual way anyways. Wenli and I have already gotten used to it."


    Dongzi: "Teacher Zhang is really carefree, unlike the group of us. We have the burden of feeding our team and take into ount every decision that we make because of them. But Teacher Zhang has no such worries at all. I''m so envious of you."


    Zhang Ye: "I might have freedom, but everything is handled by me. I have to look for my own work and sign my own endorsements. When things happen, I still have to handle the emergency PR by myself, unlike you guys who have apany to back you up. There are so many things that I have to do on my own, so I don''t really have that much freedom either aspared to you."


    Fan Wenli: "The grass is always greener, I guess. But I still suggest that you get yourself a manager to handle matters for you. This wouldn''t restrict your freedom anyway. Just get a family member or a friend, as long as it''s someone you trust. When I just debuted, I had my younger sister take care of matters for me."


    Zhang Ye: "But the main issue is that I have no one in mind. I''ll think about it againter."


    Manager?


    This could be seriously considered since there wouldn''t be a management agency involved. As long as the manager was directly employed by Zhang Ye himself, he wouldn''t be restricted by anything. However, the question of who to appoint was still a problem. He would first have to get someone he trusted; he couldn''t just hire anyone he didn''t know. The candidate would have to be capable, have good insight, and also needed to have time on their hands. In his circle of friends, he could only think of Rao Aimin who would fit the bill as only she was free enough to do it. But that Old Rao was such a scammer. Back then, she said that she would entrust Chenchen to him for at most a month, but it had already been fucking half a year now and she was still not back yet. God knew what urgent matter she was dealing with. This made Zhang Ye writhe in anger.


    After chatting for a while more, Zhang Ye finally said: "I''ll be going off now. There''s still an awards ceremony to attend tonight, so I have to go prepare."


    "It''s that prestigious National Television Awards, right?"


    "A Bite of China will definitely win."


    "Good luck."

 Chapter 832: Lei Feng’s famous quote!

    <h4>Chapter 832: Lei Feng''s famous quote! </h4>


    Chapter 832: Lei Feng''s famous quote!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    The new episode of A Bite of China started broadcasting.


    At the same time, the National Television Awards ceremony was also convened. The most prestigious awards ceremony for television shows was not as grand as those awards ceremonies held for movies and music and it wasn''t usually broadcast live either, nor would it be broadcast at all. Therefore, even if the invited guests did dress up for the ceremony, they would note in full formal dress.


    Yan Tianfei arrived together with Zhang Ye, apanied by Assistant Directors Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo. They were all here to represent A Bite of China''s production team.


    "Old Yan!"


    "Hey, Old Yang."


    "Your Department 14 has gotten really popr this time!"


    "No way, how can we possibly be more popr than your Jiangsu Television?"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, it''s been a while. Have you prepared your eptance speech for the award?"


    "Hai, the award is not even confirmed yet."


    "Oh,e on. Your show stands the highest chance of winning."


    Yan Tianfei started chatting with his old friend.


    Zhang Ye was also exchanging a few words with some acquaintances he knew. When he spotted Dong Shanshan and Hu Fei, he went over to talk with them. He said with a smile, "Do You Remember has been nominated too?"


    Hu Feiughed. "It''s just a nomination."


    Dong Shanshan also smiled and replied, "For us, we''re just here to have fun. This is the most prestigious awards ceremony in the TV industry, so it''s good enough to just be nominated for the most popr television show award."


    Zhang Ye then eyed Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye. The executives of Central TV Department 1, such as Jiang Yuan and the others, did not attend the ceremony. Only the people in charge of the Rise to the Dance program team were in attendance. At this year''s awards ceremony, Rise to the Dance was still quite an opponent even though A Bite of China had outshone it. However, as A Bite of China was not a variety show, they did not have to worry that it wouldpete against them in their award category.


    The guests and nominees gradually arrived.


    There were people from Central TV and other provincial satellite television stations. This included numerous hosts, directors, and producers. A total of 300-odd people filled up the entire venue.


    Everyone got seated.


    The opening speech was made.


    Following, the ceremony advanced to the announcement of the awards.


    The ceremony''s host announced with a smile, "Before the awards ceremony begins, let me first introduce our very important guest presenter for today." Referring to the cue cards, the host said, "Let us wee the Deputy Chief of the SARFT��Madam Wu Zeqing! Wee, Chief Wu!"


    Wu Zeqing?


    Old Wu was here?


    Zhang Ye could not help but let out augh. Heh, this Old Wu did not even tell me that she was attending today''s ceremony as the guest presenter!


    The audience immediately broke out into enthusiastic apuse!


    As the apuse continued, Wu Zeqing stepped onstage with a smile, in a light-colored long qipao and high heels. She did not move too quickly or too slowly, but just walked at an appropriate pace. Wu Zeqing was naturally not afraid of being on stage. Instead, it was the ceremony host who felt a little nervous at the sight of Wu Zeqing. After all, this was not a supervisor like the others who did not have anything to do with him. This was the SARFT''s head, the person who was in charge of all the organizations, associations, and departments in the whole entertainment industry, covering news publishing, movies and TV show approvals, celebrity management, etc. The SARFT had the power to make decisions on any matters covering all those areas!


    The audience started to chatter.


    "Chief Wu came personally to attend the ceremony?"


    "What a high-level guest presenter."


    "Yeah, we''ve never had someone like that in the past ceremonies. At most a division head would be invited."


    "This is the first time I''m seeing this Chief Wu in person."


    Everyone had the same thought when they saw her: How beautiful she is. She was even more beautiful than those female celebrities who depended on their looks for a living. However, they only thought this way but did not dare say it aloud. If they were to praise a celebrity for being pretty, that would just be praise and would be considered apliment. But if they were to praise a leader of their overseeing agency, then it wouldn''t just be praise anymore. It would inevitably be called out as frivolity. So on an asion like this where anything could be gossiped about, no one dared to say the wrong things. With Chief Wu''s status, it was also not something they should remark about so casually.


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Then I will be announcing the results for the first award."


    Someone came up from offstage and handed her an envelope.


    Wu Zeqing read from it. "The 35th National Television Awards, winner of the Most Outstanding Contribution Award: Let the Wild Flowers Bloom!"


    This was a television show that broadcast on a provincial satellite station. Although its viewership ratings were only average, in terms of its artistic standards and influence, this show did very well. The key was that this show had broadcast for four full years and only ended its run in the middle of this year. Therefore, the most outstanding contribution award being given to them was no surprise to anyone.


    In the audience, a group of people were high-fiving each other and celebrating. One of them represented the group and went onstage to receive the award. "Thank you, thank you leads, thank you Chief Wu, thank you everyone!"


    Following that were the next awards.


    One��


    Two��


    Three��


    In this world, the awards for television shows and television dramas were separately held. There were many awards ceremonies held for television shows, like the Morning Light Awards and Huahe Awards. Some of them were held annually, while others were not held regrly. However, the awards ceremony that Zhang Ye was attending today was one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies in the industry and also one of the most authoritative. In this prestigious awards ceremony, the awards given out at the beginning were of course not the most important ones. For example, the Most Outstanding Contribution Award was actually just a constion prize. In the National Television Awards, the most important and coveted awards were only given out closer to the end of the ceremony.


    The first coveted award was announced.


    Wu Zeqing dered, "And the Best Interview Show winner is��Little He Says!"


    A lot of people were surprised at this result.


    Meanwhile, the program team of Little He Says was shrieking!


    "It''s us?"


    "It''s really us?"


    "Ah!"


    "Teacher He, quickly get on stage!"


    "Congrattions, Teacher He!"


    This was a show from Shanxi Television. In the aspect of viewership ratings, Shanxi Television was not particrly strong and could be counted as one of the lowest performing stations in the entire country. Therefore, when they were announced as the winner of the first coveted award of the National Television Awards, the program team of Little He Says was in total disbelief!


    Xu Yipeng looked at Chen Ye and said a few words to him.


    Chen Ye forced a smile, but appeared to be rather calm yet a little regretful. Before Chen Ye joined Rise to the Dance, he had been involved in an interview show too. This time, Chen Ye actually stood a very good chance of winning the award too, but unfortunately, it was not meant to be.


    At this moment, a lot of people were starting to feel very nervous, especially those program teams who had received a nomination. They were beginning to feel unsettled even though they knew beforehand that their shows would definitely not win an award.


    Then, the next award was announced!


    Wu Zeqing dered, "And the Best Children''s Show winner is��It''s the Holidays!"


    Somewhere in the audience, another wave of cheers rang out.


    "It''s us!"


    "This is so great!"


    However, this group did not sound as excited as the previous group, probably because in the children''s show category, It''s the Holidays had done remarkably well this year and had no others who couldpete with them for the award.


    Finally, it was time for the highlights of the night!


    Wu Zeqing announced, "The next award is Best Documentary."


    Yan Tianfei raised his head.


    Nervous, Ha Qiqi was clenching her fists.


    And heard Wu Zeqing dering with a smile, "And the winner is��A Bite of China!"


    Zhang Zuo got excited at that moment. "We''ve won it!"


    Although Ha Qiqi already knew that this award was in the bag, when she heard Chief Wu announce the results, her eyes still turned red and teary. She sniffed hard and huddled together with Zhang Ye and Zhang Zuo. This was the most prestigious award in the television industry and they had won it. Whether it was the viewership ratings or the award, they were now firmly at the top!


    Everyone around them was also apuding and congratting them. In actual fact, only the group of Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, Zhang Ye, and Yan Tianfei had any worries that this award was safely going to be theirs. Everyone else did not seem to be surprised since this was a documentary that had beaten all the variety shows of the country in the viewership ratings. If you all didn''t fucking win the award, then who would? All of the country''s TV shows were left kneeling, so you guys basically did not have anypetitors, OK?


    The hostughed and reminded, "Pleasee up onstage to receive the award."


    Zhang Ye politely said, "Director Yan, please go on our behalf."


    Yan Tianfei waved it off and said, "Teacher Zhang, you go, you go."


    After several refusals, Zhang Ye still ended up going onstage. When he received the award from Wu Zeqing, he nced at Old Wu and said, "Thank you, Chief Wu."


    Wu Zeqing smiled back politely and said, "You''re wee."


    They gave each other a look, but only they themselves knew what it meant.


    Zhang Ye carried the trophy and walked over to the microphone. "Thank you to my director, thank you to Central TV Department 14, thank you to my team, and thanks to myself." Some of the event staff suddenly tensed up when he was about to open his mouth again. Zhang Ye just gave them a sort of a smile and waved his hands at them. "Don''t worry, I''m done speaking."


    He left the stage and returned to his seat.


    A roar ofughter reverberated through the venue!


    The host was also amused at this. Everyone knew what had just happened.


    A year ago at the Silver Microphone Awards, Zhang Ye had used "Dead Water" to scold his leaders to no end. Then at the Shanghai SARFT''s press conference, Zhang Ye stood out with "The Answer." There were many other simr situations like that in which whenever there was a camera or he was at an awards ceremony, Zhang Ye would always stir up some incident. He certainly had a far-reaching reputation and was very infamous for his antics, so when the organizers and its staff saw Zhang Ye going on stage, they were prepared for the worse. Everyone was on alert as they feared that this guy would start something again. That was the reason for what had just taken ce and why Zhang Ye said those words earlier.


    After this minor incident, another two coveted awards were announced.


    Surprisingly, Rise to the Dance did not actually win this year''s Best Variety Show award. It was pipped to the award by another entertainment show that was more popr than theirs but worse in the viewership ratings; for these types of coveted awards, the viewership ratings were not always everything. What mattered just as much was the artistry of the show.


    Afterwards, the final award was announced!


    Wu Zeqing opened the final envelope and smiled when she saw the result. Then, she slowly proimed the winner word by word, "This year''s National Television Awards Most Popr Television Show Award goes to��The Voice of China!" Among all the coveted awards, this award was of the highest value. This was the award thatprehensively affirmed a show!


    Zhang Zuo pped his thigh and stood up to embrace Zhang Ye. "This is great, Director Zhang!"


    "It''s us again!" Ha Qiqi could no longer hold back her grinning!


    With two nominations, they had secured two awards. Without a doubt, Zhang Ye and his team were today''s big winners! Some people had predicted that they might only get one award, but as it turned out, they actually won two!


    Logically, this most important award of the night should have been Central TV Department 1''s glory, as after all, Central TV Department 1 was the tform that it was broadcast on. However, with the issue between Zhang Ye and Central TV Department 1, their conflict was already at a state where everyone knew about it. No matter how thick-skinned Central TV Department 1''s people were, they wouldn''t dare to go onstage to receive the award for the show.


    It was still left to Zhang Ye to go onstage.


    Wu Zeqing handed him the trophy. "Give a longer speech this time."


    Zhang Yeughed, "I don''t want to say too much. Didn''t you see how everyone was wary of me?"


    The organizer''s staff were amused by this.


    When the organizer''s manager��a middle-aged man��heard this, he alsoughed and just waved it off.


    The host chuckled and stated, "As the executive director and overall nner of the two shows A Bite of China and The Voice, you''ve already won two of the most coveted awards. Based on what I understand, this is a first in our awards history, so don''t worry about it Teacher Zhang. You should really make a longer eptance speech this time. We trust you."


    Zhang Ye replied, "The problem here is that I don''t even trust myself."


    The crowdughed!


    "Alright, I''ll speak some then." Zhang Ye looked at the trophy in his hands then at the audience. He spoke, "These two awards were not earned easily. Behind them were a lot of ups and downs that nobody else knows about. However, me and my bosses as well as my team all know very clearly that during the production phase, we all put in overtime, but not your standard definition of overtime. We literally lived at the office and in the wilderness, giving it our all every day for 24 hours."


    Many people knew about this, but it was the first time that Zhang Ye had talked about it publicly.


    A lot of them were silent at this.


    Zhang Ye said, "We even had colleagues who rushed to make progress even when they were sick, holding out for entire days without rest, and then finally fainting when they could no longer take it. They had to be carried away on a stretcher and taken to the hospital by an ambnce. I also know a few female colleagues who went trekking with us into the mountains and ended up with swollen feet so painful that they quietly shed a few tears. They did notin to me about any of these and did not drop from the team. At that time, I felt that I had to give them some answers; I had to be deserving of the trust they put in me." He waved the trophy in his hand and looked at the few people from his team. "Are you all satisfied with this answer?"


    Yan Tianfeiughed.


    Ha Qiqi quietly dried her eyes but was unable to stop herself from crying.


    Zhang Zuo excitedly put up his hands and gave a thumbs up over his head!


    Satisfied. Of course they were satisfied! Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the rest have never regretted their decisions. Now, they felt even more fortunate that they had decided to follow Zhang Ye to Department 14 back then. Other than Zhang Ye, who else could lead them to continuously be the top-rated television show in viewership twice in a row? No one else could it!


    Apuse was ringing out.


    Hu Fei was pping.


    Dong Shanshan was pping.


    How well said. When Zhang Ye was serious, he really could speak well.


    The host asked, "Teacher Zhang, you''ve already reached the peak of perfection when ites to making shows. I believe no one would disagree if I used that to describe you. Just how did you manage to do it? Do you have a secret? Like how you handle things? Or is it your philosophy as a person? Why don''t you share that secret with everyone here?"


    Zhang Ye did not even have to think before answering, "Well, the philosophy by which I conduct myself is: We should treat ourrades as warm as the spring, our work with the passion of the summer, individualism like the autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves, and the enemy��as cruel as the bitter winter!"


    This was a famous quote by Comrade Lei Feng which did not exist in this world, but Zhang Ye had casually brought it up here!


    Everyone had a shocked expression.


    Treat the enemy as cruel as the bitter winter?


    Some people looked at Xu Yipeng.


    Some people looked at Chen Ye.


    Slowly, more and more people started looking at the two of them.


    Xu Yipeng nearly cursed aloud at someone''s mother. Chen Ye also nearly vomited blood. Fuck! Why are you all looking at me! Why are you looking at us?


    These two bros could even get shot while lying prone!

 Chapter 833: The Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Invitation?

    <h4>Chapter 833: The Chinese Academy of Sciences'' Invitation? </h4>


    Chapter 833: The Chinese Academy of Sciences'' Invitation?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    News of the awards ceremony was revealed on the night itself.


    The results were published in many of the media outlets.


    "The winners'' list is out!"


    "Zhang Ye''s team has won two of the top honors?"


    "They deserved it. Other than them, no one else deserves to win it!"


    "Wah, this beautiful exec from the SARFT looks really pretty!"


    "Haha, have you all read Zhang Ye''s eptance speech already?"


    "Treat ourrades as warm as the spring? He so eloquent using the seasons! There''s spring, summer, autumn, and winter in it, so it''s hard to believe that it wasposed on the spot by Teacher Zhang!"


    "I like thest part of Zhang Ye''s speech. Treat the enemy as cruel as the bitter winter. Teacher Zhang Ye never behaves himself when giving speeches. Even in his eptance speech, he must take a swipe at his opponents as well!"


    "I heard that Zhang Ye still has a few more award nominations in the next few days."


    "I''ve heard so too. They''re for the academic awards and the Golden Microphone Awards?"


    "What an excellent year for Zhang Ye. Who knows how many awards he''ll win!"


    "Last year''s preparations were all for this year''s harvest. Teacher Zhang has finally exploded onto the scene this year!"


    "His poprity has already brought him to the forefront of the B-list rankings! With the way things are going, it''s just a matter of time before Teacher Zhang will enter the A-list rankings. Will it happen within the next year? Or the year after next? Anything is possible now!"


    Some celebrities had a greater limit to their potentials. At the beginning, many of them might rise quickly and be very popr, but after reaching a certain level, they wouldn''t grow any further. A few ssic examples would be the two or three celebrities in the current B-list rankings. If there were no special circumstances, it would be impossible for them to advance any further. This would then be their limit and they wouldn''t get any more popr no matter how hard they tried. They would still be considered as popr and have a rather fixed fanbase, but they weren''t likely to get any more popr than they already were. There were many such celebrities in the industry.


    However, the situation for Zhang Ye was entirely different. Even though he had never sung before, never starred in a television drama, and did not act as a leading role in movies, his poprity was already at such a level. That was why Zhang Ye''s potential for bing even more popr was undoubtedly more than the rest of his fellow celebrities. His limit was certainly not just at the B-list rankings!


    It should be at least at the level of the A-list rankings!


    Of course, this would definitely be a very difficult process. The gap between the A-list and B-list was not that easy to cross.


    ...


    A few dayster.


    On an afternoon.


    An awards ceremony of the academic world was convened.


    The venue of this year''s awards ceremony was at Tsinghua University''s auditorium. There was definitely an obvious difference between the academic field''s awards ceremony and the entertainment world''s. It was held in a simpler manner and without the spotlight from the media. Seated in the audience were mostly professors, schrs, and some students who were permitted to attend the ceremony.


    "Ah, Zhang Ye is here!"


    "That''s Zhang Ye?"


    "He''s too far away! I can''t see him clearly!"


    "Where is he?"


    "Over there! He''sing in, he''sing in!"


    Many of the Tsinghua University students turned to look at him.


    Zhang Ye had arrived together with the Peking University team today. Among them were Dean Pan Yang of the School of Mathematical Sciences, as well as some math professors and teachers. Three people from the Physics Department were here as well since there was also an award nomination for one of the physics professor today, though the hopes of winning were slim.


    For the others who came, there were some relevant personnel to wee and attend to them. But when the Peking University people arrived, no one bothered to wee them. It was as though they did not see them at all.


    Zhang Ye could only find someone to ask, "Bro, may I know where our seats are?"


    That Tsinghua University teacher looked at him and then pointed to the front. "Over there, in the third row." Then he walked away.


    A young Peking University math teacher felt aggrieved. "What kind of attitude is that? Are they still hosts?"


    However, Pan Yang was not bothered by this. He smiled and said, "It''s OK. Back during the college student recruitment, Little Zhang smashed quite a number of Tsinghua University''s cars and took back more than a dozen good students for Peking University. It''s quite normal that they still feel petty about that."


    A few of the Peking University professors and teachers didn''t know how to react as they looked at Zhang Ye.


    On their way in, many of the Tsinghua University teachers gave Zhang Ye and the group the cold shoulder, especially towards Zhang Ye. Some of the Tsinghua University teachers'' faces even turned cold when they saw him.


    Even Zhang Ye himself was puzzled. Why does this bro always make enemies wherever I go? Have I offended so many people before?


    Zhang Ye had indeed offended too many people, so much so that he could not remember most of them clearly.


    Shortly after, the awards ceremony began.


    Medicine Award.


    Biology Award.


    Physics Award.


    In the eyes of those working in the academic field, today''s awards were undoubtedly one of the most prestigious awards in the field. Of course, even if this was one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies to be held, it was still notparable to those top five categories of awards given out by the State Council at the State Science and Technology Prizes. It was onlyparable with the other awards below the level of the State Science and Technology Prizes. But these awards were among the most authoritative ones that were given out and were also essentially the highest honors a normal academic professional could get. As for those people who could win a State Science and Technology Prize, they were naturally not your average academics. They could only be veteran experts who had major contributions in the fields of research like the hydrogen bomb or military aerospace fields and such.


    The award winners were unveiled one by one.


    Some people were happy while others were sad. However, as they were all in the academic field, they did not act too surprised unlike the entertainment industry''s awards ceremonies. Everyone could control their emotions much better here.


    Finally, it was the Mathematics Award!


    A senior Fellow from the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced, "This year''s mathematics Award winner is��" He paused for a very long time before saying, "Peking University Math Department''s��Zhang Ye!"


    Everyone from Peking University immediately apuded in unison!


    "Professor Zhang! Congrattions!"


    "I could''ve guessed it''d be you!"


    "This is so great!"


    Pan Yang said, "Little Zhang, don''t think of taking the trophy away. You must leave it at Peking University, OK? I''ll find a good spot to disy it in the Hall of Honor!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and replied, "You can just take it if you want, but please don''t find a good spot for me. Why does it sound like you''re going to find a ce to hold ashes?!"


    The people of Peking University burst out intoughter.


    Zhang Ye went onstage to ept the award.


    An academic Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Sciences handed the award to him personally. "A young person''s abilities must be respected."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ve a lot to learn from the seniors."


    That Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Sciences narrowed his eyes and stated, "You are indeed good. Some of the old fogies and I think really highly of you. What do you think? Would you be interested in joining the Chinese Academy of Sciences for your future development?"


    Zhang Ye said rather surprised, "Join the Chinese Academy of Sciences?"


    The Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Sciences smiled and said, "You can give it some consideration first. Let''s talk again when we have a chance in the future."


    This kind of awards ceremony did not have a host nor any award eptance speech. There was only one microphone onstage, so when the Fellow was talking to Zhang Ye, he did not hold the microphone to speak into it. Therefore, no one else heard their conversation and thought that they were only exchanging some niceties.


    Offstage.


    Pan Yang asked, "What did Fellow Song say to you?"


    Zhang Ye replied honestly, "He asked me if I wanted to join the Chinese Academy of Sciences."


    "Ah?"


    "Chinese Academy of Sciences?"


    "Fellow Song invited you to join?"


    The professors and academics of Peking University were all taken aback!


    Pan Yang hurriedly questioned, "Are you sure he said the Chinese Academy of Sciences? Was he referring to one of the research facilities under the Chinese Academy of Sciences instead?"


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "I think he was referring to Chinese Academy of Sciences?"


    The Peking University people all looked at one another nkly. The Chinese Academy of Sciences had dozens of research facilities and hundreds of researchbs. These organizations wouldn''t be difficult to get in since they were mainly engaged in research only. However, if Fellow Song really did invite Zhang Ye to join the Chinese Academy of Sciences, then he was obviously not referring to those organizations. In all likelihood, he was inviting Zhang Ye to join the Chinese Academy of Sciences'' Math and Physics Division, one of the core divisions of the academy. Could he really be thinking of directly making Zhang Ye a Fellow?


    A 24 year old bing a Fellow at the Chinese Academy of Sciences?


    Damn!


    How could that be!?


    Thinking of this possibility, the people from Peking University felt a little light-headed!


    A young math teacher of Peking University asked anxiously, "Then how did you reply?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I didn''t say anything."


    Pan Yang probed, "Then what do you think?"


    Zhang Ye answered without even thinking, "I''m happy being a celebrity. Why would I join the Chinese Academy of Sciences?"


    An old math professor of Peking University nearly vomited blood at this. His beard was trembling from anger. "How could a celebrity bepared with a Chinese Academy of Sciences Fellow? Just look at your lowly expectations!"


    Zhang Ye did not like hearing that. "As celebrities, we''re also serving the people. However, the way of service is different. We aim at the culture and ideology."


    That old professor said angrily, "How can this bepared? Which Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is not respected by many?"


    Zhang Ye looked at him and said, "Pick a random person off the street and ask them whether he knows Fellow Song or me."


    The old professor: "..."


    A female Peking University math teacher didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Professor Zhang, you can''tpare it like that. I don''t even know what to say anymore."


    Pan Yang rolled his eyes in deep disapproval.


    Zhang Ye was also not definitive with his words. "Let''s talk about it again in the future."


    But this conversation with Zhang Ye felt like it had already fallen on deaf ears. Who in the history of the academic field would not get excited when they heard that they were invited to join the Chinese Academy of Sciences? That is the Chinese Academy of Sciences we''re talking about! Even Pan Yang as the Dean of Peking University''s School of Mathematical Sciences was not qualified for the title of Fellow. Yes, even he was not qualified to apply for it.


    Now that there was a chance, you actually say that being a celebrity is better than being a Fellow? What sort of thought is this?


    However, when they thought of Zhang Ye''s status again, some of the Peking University people shook their heads but remained silent. Some of the others could only sigh as a deep sense of helplessness hit them. It was a fact that he was a celebrity and had studied as a broadcaster in university. That was his main profession after all. To the Peking University teachers and professors, dealing in academics and education was the main profession for them. This was their life career and goal, but to Zhang Ye, this country''s most famous broadcast professional who had graduated from Media College, dabbling in academic research was��clearly more of being in the irrelevant business.


    Their positions were different.


    Their points of view were different.


    Therefore, their considerations would be different as well.


    Hai, there were so many people in the world who were willing to fight for all their lives in a mathematics career, but why did it have to be Zhang Ye��someone who only had the desire to be a celebrity��who solved this famous Dale''s Conjecture of the global mathematics world!

 Chapter 834: The respected teacher of the alma mater

    <h4>Chapter 834: The respected teacher of the alma mater </h4>


    Chapter 834: The respected teacher of the alma mater


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The awards ceremony ended.


    The audience dispersed and everyone gradually left the venue.


    Zhang Ye had not even walked out of the venue yet, but he was already surrounded by around eight reporters. At the other side, there were some professors who had won awards and were also getting interviewed, but only by a lot less reporters. They were mostly doing one-on-one interviews, as a majority of the other media reporters had focused their attention onto Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye just briefly answered them and then hurriedly squeezed past the crowd. "I''m sorry, I have something to get to. Next time, next time I''ll share more." He turned back and said to the Peking University team, "I''ll leave first." Saying that, he handed the trophy that he had not even held for long into the hands of Pan Yang. Since Peking University had asked for it, he could not possibly refuse them. Anyway, it was quite useless to keep it at home. In the future, if he wanted to show off, he could still get it back which would be all the same to him.


    Pan Yang said, "Why are you in such a hurry?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I have to rush to another awards ceremony."


    "There''s another one?" a math teacher from Peking University said in surprise.


    "It''s this year''s Golden Microphone Awards, held tonight," Zhang Ye said.


    "You''re quite busy. Alright then, quickly go." Pan Yang said, "Will there be a broadcast of the awards ceremonyter?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "It''ll be broadcast online."


    Pan Yang nodded. "I''ll watch it when I get back."


    When Zhang Ye made his way out, some of the reporters continued to chase after him.


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Please wait!"


    "This is already your third official award this year. Can you share your thoughts with us?!"


    "Do you have confidence in winning the Golden Microphone Award?"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, please don''t go! We''re going to the venue of the Golden Microphone Awards ceremony as well! Let''s head there together!"


    ...


    He did not bother to grab dinner and just made his way there. Zhang Ye drove straight to the venue of this year''s Golden Microphone Awards ceremony. The reason why he was in such a rush was because the ceremony for the annual National Broadcasting Neer Awards, also known as the Silver Microphone Awards, was always held before the Golden Microphone Awards opened. Zhang Ye knew that Dong Shanshan was nominated for one of these awards and had a very high chance of winning it. Naturally, he would like to be there early to support his former ssmate.


    However, by the time he arrived, the award ceremony for the Silver Microphone Awards had already ended.


    He coincidentally bumped into an ex-colleague, Tian Bin, at the entrance.


    "Old Tian," Zhang Ye greeted while still a distance away.


    A group of people who were having a smoke outside all looked over at him. Zhang Ye?


    Tian Bin stubbed out his cigarette and walked toward him. "You only just arrived? Look at the time!"


    "I had to attend an academic awards ceremony and it just ended not long ago," Zhang Ye responded.


    Tian Bin asked, "Did you win it?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Yes, I did. How did the Silver Microphone Awards ceremony go?"


    Tian Bin knew that he was Dong Shanshan''s ssmate. "Are you asking about Teacher Shanshan? She got it as well. The Silver Microphone Awards ceremony has just ended and it''s intermission right now. They''re rearranging the stage and setup while we wait for the Golden Microphone Awards ceremony to start. It will be broadcast live online. You were nominated this time as well, right? Let''s go. I''ll bring you in to find your seat first."


    Zhang Ye asked, "You''re not nominated?"


    "I''m not capable like you. I only came here to attend the ceremony as an audience member with a ticket." Tian Binughed and mentioned, "Oh right, the radio broadcast of Ghost Blows Out the Light finished a long time ago. When you have any more new works, remember to give me the authorizations to them."


    "That''s for sure, Zhang Ye agreed without any hesitation.


    When they entered the venue, it was densely packed with people. This ce was a lot bigger than the venues of the two previous award ceremonies he had attended. The upper and lower decks were estimated to be able to hold up to a thousand people. Other than the organizer''s staff and fellow broadcasters inside, many others who looked like they were students were attending too.


    "Eh, Zhang Ye?"


    "Aha, isn''t this Teacher Little Zhang?"


    He encountered some familiar faces.


    Wang Xiaomei: Beijing Radio Station''s radio host whom he worked with back then.


    Big Sis Cui: A staff member from Beijing Radio Station. She was an editor who worked with Zhang Ye and Tian Bin at the same office in the past.


    And there were also a few hosts who Zhang Ye got to know when he worked at the online television station in Shanghai previously.


    "Teacher Zhang, long time no see."


    "How''ve you been doing recently?"


    "I''m doing fine, but no matter how well I do, I still can''t bepared to you."


    "Come on, I''m just passing time while pretending to work and messing around."


    "You can mess around and still get your program to the number 1 spot in the nationwide viewership ratings?"


    When old friends met, it was inevitable that they would be excited, especially Big Sis Cui and some of his old colleagues. They were grabbing hold of Zhang Ye''s arm as they happily chatted. Zhang Ye also chatted idly with them for quite a while. In the end, Zhang Ye was finally able to get away after they scheduled to have a meal gathering someday. He looked around for a long time before he found the person he was looking for and walked quickly toward her.


    "Shanshan," Zhang Ye greeted.


    Seated in a row somewhere in the middle, Dong Shanshan was chatting with her friend. When she heard her name being called, she turned around and stood up while holding the trophy in her hands. "Why are you sote? The Golden Microphone Awards ceremony has already ended."


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "The Golden Microphone Awards were already given out?"


    "I''m just kidding." Dong Shanshan half-smiled.


    "I should have known. You scared me." Zhang Ye looked at the trophy in her hands. A year ago, he won the same trophy. "Congrattions on winning the Broadcasting Neer Award."


    Dong Shanshan was dressed quite sexily today. "Thank you, it was all thanks to you."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "I''ve still not had dinner yet, so why don''t you treat me tonight."


    "You''re the one who''s going to win the Golden Microphone Award and you''re asking a winner of a neer award to treat you?" Dong Shanshan red at him while smiling. "Do you think that''s appropriate?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Of course it''s appropriate. I think my chances of winning are very slim."


    "That might not necessarily be true. You should be one of the winners of the most prestigious awards in the hosting world since two of your shows have taken number 1 in the viewership ratings and already broke the records as well." After saying that, Dong Shanshan suddenly remembered something and immediately pulled at Zhang Ye. "Oh right, I nearly forgot. Come with me, I''ll bring you to meet someone."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Who is it?"


    "You''ll know when you see." Dong Shanshan smiled.


    Zhang Ye did not know what was happening and could only follow along with her.


    After squeezing past by twisting and turning through the crowd, Dong Shanshan brought him to an area near the back rows. He swept his gaze around and saw a group of students with a few middle-aged men and women among them.


    The person saw the both of them.


    Zhang Ye noticed that person as well.


    Su Hongyan smiled gently and pointed at him. "Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned as he dered, "Aiyo, Teacher Su!"


    Su Hongyan smiled. "Great, you still know who I am."


    "Listen to what you''re saying. How can I not know who you are," Zhang Ye replied.


    Su Hongyan asked, "Then why didn''t youe back to Media College for a visit after you graduated? You did not even give us a call, and to think that some of us teachers were still thinking about you. Look at Shanshan. At least she knows to call us or send a message to us during every Teachers'' Day."


    Zhang Yeughed dryly. "I''m not sessful yet, so I did not have the face to visit you."


    This person was the cultural education teacher who taught Zhang Ye and Dong Shanshan in Media College. Her lectures mainly centered on the introduction to the art of broadcasting. She was also their student counselor for a year. Hence, the teacher who Zhang Ye came in contact with most during his time at university was definitely Teacher Su Hongyan!


    A teacher who was in her forties and had a very nice demeanor.


    When the students behind Su Hongyan heard that, they looked at Zhang Ye in astonishment. Only then did they know that their famous senior in the entertainment industry was taught by Teacher Su!


    Su Hongyan shook her head. "You, stop giving excuses. You''re still not sessful? Your works have be popr all over the country, especially that poem which was very well written. What was it called? ''Saying Goodbye to Peking University Again''? Seems to me like your feelings for Peking University are deeper than your alma mater."


    "No, that''s not true!" Zhang Ye hurriedly waved his hands and said, "I''llpose a piece on ''Saying Goodbye to Media College Again'' when I get back tonight! I''ll deliver to you tomorrow!"


    Su Hongyan smiled and remarked, "Toote for that."


    Dong Shanshanughed.


    The students of Media College alsoughed.


    After a little joking around, Su Hongyan studied Zhang Ye from head to toe for a moment. Then she said, "I''ve been tracking your performance for the past two years. Since you were my student, I naturally paid more attention to you. To be honest, many of the teachers at Media College who taught you, including me, did not expect all this from you. Quite often, we would talk about you during our break time in the office. We remembered that there were a lot of students who were much better than you. Comparing results, you were always ranked near the bottom of the ss. Comparing looks and every other aspect, you were definitely at the bottom of the ss. The main problem was that you were too stubborn. I can still remember very clearly that in your freshmen year, when an English teacher made all the students in sse up with an English name, you refused to do so. The English teacher got so angry that he left the ss without teaching the lesson. Afterwards, when heined to the department, you still asserted your stand and refused to apologize. In the end, I had to put in a word for you to persuade him to not take it up with you."


    Dong Shanshan rted happily, "He still behaves the same way now. When he worked at the online television station in Shanghai, a colleague insisted that he fill in an English name in the job application form. But in the end, Zhang Ye just told that colleague off."


    Therge group of students from Media College at the back perked their ears up in curiosity. This was the first time they learned about Zhang Ye''s happenings from back then. They could not help shuddering with fear when they heard it!


    With such a character, he actually managed to graduate?


    With such a character, he could even be a celebrity?


    Su Hongyan marveled, "That''s why I was wondering howe, when there were so many others who were better than you in ss, it was you who somehow became the most sessful. For so many of the students we had high expectations of, some are still working in radio stations or doing odd jobs like being assistants, while a lot of the others have already left the industry and are no longer in broadcasting anymore. We really can''t be certain about some things."


    Zhang Ye ttered, "That I''m sessful today is all down to your great teaching."


    Su Hongyan brushed it off. "Ohe on, hur hur. How can I possibly teach such a bad-tempered student like you? In these two years since your debut, a lot of those industry peers you''ve offended haveeining to Media College saying, ''You guys shouldn''t have allowed that rascal to graduate,'' and other simr words. I''ve heard no less than five suchints already, so just think about how many people you must have offended. We thought that you were just being stubborn sometimes when you were still at school, and that you would slowly change after you entered society and worked. But who could have guessed that after two years, not only has your temperament not been restrained, it has gotten even worse with age!"


    Media College was the best institution in the country for a broadcast major. Many of the hosts in the industry were graduates of the school or were inextricably linked to it. As a result, Su Hongyan had plenty of updates from her news sources.


    Back then, in front of the teachers, Zhang Ye was still considered to be an obedient student. He would listen to whatever the teachers said. However, whether he followed their teachings or not was a different story.


    "OK, you''re already a big shot now." Su Hongyan smiled and said, "Although the journey was not too satisfactory, the result is still good enough." She gestured to the students behind her and said, "These are the students who I''m teaching this year. They''re all your juniors from Media College."


    Zhang Ye smiled and replied, "I saw them. They ''re all quite spirited."


    Following, Su Hongyan motioned toward Zhang Ye while facing her students. "This is your senior."


    "Senior!"


    "Senior, nice to meet you!"


    "Senior, let''s exchange our chat IDs!"


    "Senior, can you leave us your number?"


    The juniors started chattering away. All of them were very excited to meet Zhang Ye here today.


    Su Hongyan looked at Zhang Ye and Dong Shanshan and stated, "I introduced Shanshan to them just now. If my students need any help in the future, I''lle looking for the two of you."


    Zhang Ye happily said, "Sure, I''ll be at your service immediately!"


    Su Hongyan smiled and voiced, "Good, I''ll remember what you just said."

 Chapter 835: A staggering acceptance speech from a different world!

    <h4>Chapter 835: A staggering eptance speech from a different world! </h4>


    Chapter 835: A staggering eptance speech from a different world!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On Weibo.


    Someone had posted: Countdown to the Golden Microphone Awards.


    "Is it beginning soon?"


    "Is there a broadcast for it?"


    "There''s an online live broadcast and it''s going to start soon."


    "Give me a link! I''ll take a look!"


    "I heard that Zhang Ye was nominated for the award, so we must definitely watch this."


    "This timest year, Zhang Ye received the Silver Microphone Award for neers, didn''t he? Thinking about that poem ''Dead Water'' from back then and the mass boycott of Zhang Ye by his peers, a year has already passed in the blink of an eye."


    "Time truly passes by very quickly."


    "Does Zhang Ye stand a chance of winning the Golden Microphone Award?"


    "It''s going to be suspenseful since the guy has offended far too many people!"


    "Far too many? You should be asking if there is anyone he hasn''t offended yet instead!"


    "We''ll find out when we watch it. I''m more interested in hearing his eptance speech!"


    "Yeah, it''s always his eptance speech that stirs up trouble. Zhang Ye''s speeches have be a highlight to watch in the entertainment circle. It''s always earth-shattering!"


    Countlessizens turned their attention to this matter and went to the website to wait for the live broadcast tomence.


    ...


    Caishikou.


    Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    His mother said, "Lower the TV''s volume."


    "What for?" His father responded unhappily, "I''m watching the news."


    His mother humphed. "Our son is in the running for an award today and the live broadcast is starting soon. Why are you still watching the news?"


    His father turned off the television. "Is that so? Hurry up then, let''s watch the broadcast."


    "Chenchen." His mother called out into the room. "Help Grandma find the website that is broadcasting the Golden Microphone Awards. Grandma doesn''t know how to do it."


    After Chenchen set everything up, the three of them waited for the live broadcast to start.


    ...


    Elsewhere.


    At the awards ceremony venue.


    Zhang Ye was chatting with his juniors from his alma mater.


    "Senior, how can I be a good host?"


    "This question is too general. We''d have to talk about it in detail some day when we have more time."


    "Senior, please impart your experience to us."


    "Me? I''ve only got experience in offending people."


    Su Hongyan looked at her watch. "Let''s find a day then; the ceremony is about to begin."


    At this moment, a staff member from the organizers found Zhang Ye. "Teacher Zhang, it''s about to begin. Let me bring you to your seat. It''s over there."


    "Sure." Zhang Ye tentatively bid goodbye to Teacher Su and his juniors for now.


    Dong Shanshan did not move away but found an empty seat beside Su Hongyan and continued their conversation.


    After walking for about ten meters, the organizers'' staff member suddenly said in a hushed tone to Zhang Ye, "Teacher Zhang, the bosses told me to inform you that when you go onstage to receive your award, could you please not recite a poem for your eptance speech?" They were all wary of Zhang Ye by now.


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "You mean I''ll be receiving an award?"


    The organizers'' staff member coughed. "I meant that hypothetically."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Sure, I won''t do that then."


    When that staff member heard him agree to it, he obviously heaved a sigh of relief. "Of course it''s not confirmed yet, because we do not have the final winners'' list since it''s with the judge panel."


    When he got to his allocated seat, Zhang Ye was looking forward to the ceremony quite a bit. Regarding the Golden Microphone Award, he was anticipating it much more than the academic award and the coveted television show awards he had received earlier. This was because his main profession was still in the broadcasting field. It was also where his dreams started. A year ago at this ce, on this stage, the moment he received the Silver Microphone Award was the same time he officially stepped into the public eye. So for Zhang Ye, the Golden Microphone Award had a very different significance and it mattered a lot to him.


    To the right of his seat were two people who looked rather familiar to him. They were a good-looking man and woman who were also the nominated hosts for this year''s Golden Microphone Awards. From the looks of it, they were nominated by Central TV just like him.


    Zhang Ye looked at the two of them. "Hello, both of you."


    The two were chatting when they heard Zhang Ye call out to them and looked at him.


    "Mhm," one of them acknowledged.


    The woman nodded at him, but did not say anything.


    Then the two of them continued chatting with each other again. They did not talk to Zhang Ye and even seemed to be ignoring him on purpose.


    Zhang Ye was only thinking that since they all had nothing to do anyway, he might as well try to get to know them. No matter what, they were still in the same organization, but he didn''t think that he''d receive the cold shoulder from them. He could only smile and shake his head. Then, he looked at the male host on his left and found him a little familiar looking. If Zhang Ye did not get it wrong, he had seen this male host during his time at Beijing Television. They didn''t have any interaction before, but he roughly remembered his name to be Gao or something like that?


    "You''re Teacher Gao from Beijing Television, right?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Teacher Gao turned out to be much friendlier but also had not expected Zhang Ye to approach him directly. After all, in terms of fame, he was still quite far from Zhang Ye''s level. So he was a little surprised before he responded with a slight smile, "Teacher Zhang, you know who I am?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I think we''ve met before."


    "Yes, we met once during a meeting," Teacher Gao replied.


    After they exchanged a few words about their time at Beijing Television, Zhang Ye asked, "Who are those two?" He nudged his chin to the right to imply those two sitting there.


    Teacher Gao probably overheard their interaction earlier. So he gave a wry smile and said, "They''re your colleagues from work, don''t you know them?"


    Zhang Ye answered honestly, "I''ve seen them before but I don''t know their names."


    Teacher Gao didn''t know what to say regarding this and just introduced to Zhang Ye about his own colleagues from work. It felt a little odd, but as Teacher Gao knew that Zhang Ye''s social ties had never been good, he didn''t really find it too weird either. He whispered, "The man is Fang Gang and the woman is Xu Siyu. Both of them are famous hosts at Central TV Department 1, though they can''t bepared to you. But if they''repared to a small-time host like me, they''re still considerably more popr, especially Fang Gang. I''ve heard that both he and Chen Ye were considered for the host position of the previous Spring Festival G, but in the end, Chen Ye was chosen instead. However, Fang Gang doesn''t have low poprity and if there is an additional spot at the uing Spring Festival G, then he''ll be the most likely candidate to take over."


    "Oh, is that so?" Zhang Ye had a fuller picture now.


    They were also from Central TV Department 1?


    No wonder they ignored this bro!


    On the stage, the staff were testing the microphones. "Hello, testing. Testing one, two, three." After some adjustments, the staff announced to the entire venue, "Alright, the preparations areplete. We''ll be starting the ceremony in one minute. Would everyone cooperate and quiet down please?" Pause. "50 seconds to go."


    "Three."


    "Two."


    "One."


    The ceremony began and loud apuse rang out!


    The host who went on stage was one of the winners of the Golden Microphone Award in the television hosting category fromst year.


    ...


    After getting back to Peking University to put away the trophy, Dean Pan did not go home. Instead, he and a few colleagues ordered takeout and stayed behind in the office to watch the live broadcast of the Golden Microphone Awards.


    "It''s starting?"


    "It just started."


    "Yes, let''s see how Little Zhang does."


    "If he wins this again, Professor Zhang will have won four top prizes this year, two for his shows, one in the academic field, and one for his hosting?"


    "The Golden Microphone Award would not be that easy to win!"


    Zhang Ye''s parents and Chenchen were already waiting by theputer.


    At home, Ha Qiqi was watching the live broadcast on her phone as she ate.


    Yan Tianfei, Zhang Zuo, Little Wang, and a lot of the others from Central TV Department 14 were also simrly watching the live broadcast.


    Hu Fei, Xiao Lu, and the others from Beijing Television were also watching the live broadcast online. When Dong Shanshan won the Silver Microphone Award, they were the first ones to learn about the news. But the only thing they wanted to see now was whether Zhang Ye would be able to win the Golden Microphone Award.


    ...


    At the venue.


    There were over a thousand people here and the atmosphere was very passionate.


    The Golden Microphone Awards of this world were very different from Zhang Ye''s previous world. Over here, the Silver Microphone Awards had ten spots each for the television hosting category and radio hosting category. However, the Golden Microphone Awards only had three spots for each category. That meant that only three out of all the television hosts in the entire country stood a chance to win the television hosting category''s Golden Microphone Award. This made the value of the award extremely high and it was thusbeled the most coveted award of the television hosting world. There were some famed hosts who still hadn''t had a chance to get it as thepetition for it was very tough. There just wasn''t enough to go around for everyone. Aspared to Zhang Ye''s previous world, this world''s Golden Microphone Awards were much, much tougher to win.


    For most of the movie stars in the movie industry, there were all sorts of award ceremonies held in China and Greater China. Even though there were many award ceremonies, most of them were very recognized and of value. Each year, there would be at least seven or eight different best actors and actresses, and this wasn''t even including the actors and actresses in the supporting role categories. Moreover, there would also be a slim chance for many of these movie stars to have a shot at some of the international awards like at the Berlin International Film Festival and others simr to it.


    But for hosts?


    The highest honor for a host would be this��the Golden Microphone Awards!


    Each year, there were only three ces up for grabs and nothing more!


    As a result, for each year''s Golden Microphone Award winners, essentially everyone deserved it. The winners were all truly the most outstanding hosts in the industry and only they could ultimately outdo theirpetition and stand onstage to receive the Golden Microphone Award trophy. To every host, it was the ultimate honor to win it!


    Onstage.


    One of the winners of the previous year''s Golden Microphone Awards gave the opening speech and then proimed with a smile, "Well then, without further ado, let''s get back to this evening''s focal point. Let us now take a look at the Golden Microphone Awards nominees."


    The screen shed, and the names and photos of the nominees were disyed along with their organization.


    Central TV Department 1: Fang Gang.


    Central TV Department 1: Xu Siyu.


    Central TV Department 9: He Jianguo.


    Central TV Department 14: Zhang Ye.


    Beijing Television: Gao Xiang.


    Shanghai Satellite Television: Sun Haili.


    And so on.


    Central TV was the big brother of all the television stations, so it had a few more nominees than the other television stations.


    The screen was huge and was filled with a lot of text, introducing the work history and experience of the nominees.


    In the audience, quite a number of people started discussing.


    "Look at Zhang Ye''s introduction."


    "Hur hur, there are so many words."


    "Fuck, why is his introduction text so much longer than the other nominees?"


    "That''s because he has a thick resume."


    "That''s still too wordy."


    The cameras panned over to him as well.


    A lot of people had noticed that Zhang Ye had the longest introduction among the nominees. The others like Xu Siyu and Gao Xiang only had about two lines for their introduction, but Zhang Ye''s resume list was 11 lines long. In the list of nominees, his introduction was the most prominent one. Zhang Ye''s Talk Show had created a new field within the entertainment programs industry, The Voice had broken seven records, while A Bite of China had broken nine. And with Zhang Ye having worked at four or five different ces in the past two years, all of these key aplishments and experiences had no way of being summarized and disyed, so that was why Zhang Ye''s name stood out so prominently on the list.


    However, the two Central TV Department 1 hosts beside Zhang Ye did not seem to be bothered by this.


    Fang Gang said, "Siyu, you have a pretty good chance of winning."


    Xu Siyu waved it off and replied, It''s not possible for me. I''m not qualified enough.


    Fang Gang shook his head. "But you''ve already worked in the industry for five years. Isn''t there someone who got nominated all the same even though he has only entered the industry for two years?" Of course when he said this, he did so in a very low voice.


    But Zhang Ye still heard him since he was sitting just beside them after all. He nced over at the two of them.


    Seeing that Zhang Ye overheard them, Xu Siyu did not dare carry on the conversation. She knew that Zhang Ye and Fang Gang''s program team had an argument online before, so his attitude towards Zhang Ye was naturally more hostile. But she also knew that Zhang Ye was not someone to be trifled with, so she just remarked, "You''ll definitely win it this time."


    Fang Gang said, "That might not necessarily be true."


    Xu Siyu maintained, "You should''ve gotten itst year, but unexpectedly missed out. So they''ll definitely give it to you this year. There''s no one else deserving of it."


    Fang Gangughed. "You think I''ll get it, and I think you''ll get it, hur hur. Let''s just wait and see then."


    Xu Siyu said humbly, "There''ll definitely be one for you."


    On the stage, the host was reading out the names from the list of nominees. The members of the judge panel also started going up on stage. The final results were already decided and were sealed in the envelopes in their hands.


    After reading out the names, the host smiled and proimed, "Who do you think the Golden Microphone Award winners will be? Alright, we''ll be announcing this year''s Golden Microphone Awards for the radio hosting category. Please wee our guest presenter from the National Broadcasting Association, Vice President Sun Xi, who will announce the results."


    In the audience, a woman stood up and walked up onto the stage with a smile.


    Zhang Ye blinked several times and then asked Beijing Television''s Gao Xiang who was beside him, "Is there such an association?"


    Teacher Gao: "..."


    Zhang Ye asked, "I''ve never heard of it before. Was it just set up recently?"


    "��They''ve already been established for over 30 years," Teacher Gao replied.


    Zhang Ye could only respond with an "oh" to that.


    Teacher Gao added, "Almost all the radio and television hosts present here today are members of the Broadcasting Association. I also joined it the moment I debuted several years ago."


    Zhang Ye was a little embarrassed by now. "I''ve made a fool of myself, heh. Why didn''t I get invited to join?"


    This association was actually ssified as a non-governmental organization and had no barriers for entry other than requiring you to be working in the industry as a radio or television host. It didn''t matter if you had just debuted or if you were already a famous personality. You could still join the association at any point in time and was simr to an overseas entity like the National Association of Broadcasters. However, as one of the most well-known hosts in the country, Zhang Ye had actually never even heard of the name of this association before, so it was a rather curious thing to happen. [1.]


    But Teacher Gao was not really surprised by this. He said with extreme resignation, "When you just debuted, didn''t you use a poem to scold everyone in the industry by describing it as a bleak pool of dead water? Since you offended everyone back then, do you think that the Association would still want to invite you to join them?"


    Hearing this, Zhang Yeughed. "That''s rather true."


    Teacher Gao didn''t know what to say.


    Madam Sun Xi had already received the first envelope. It could be seen very clearly that, in the nominee area, a majority of the radio hosts felt very nervous. Many of the others working in the radio broadcast industry and in the audience also perked up their ears. Sun Xi could be seen slowly opening the envelope and taking out the results. She intentionally eximed, "Aiya!"


    The host quickly asked, "Who is the first Golden Microphone Award winner?"


    Sun Xiughed, "I didn''t have a good look at it yet."


    The host said, "Then why did you exim out loud just now?"


    "That was just a reflexive response," Sun Xi exined. Turning serious, she held the card in front of her and announced, "This year''s first Golden Microphone Award winner for the radio hosting category: Li Shuyun!"


    A few rows behind where Zhang Ye was seated, a woman pointed at herself in disbelief. "Me?"


    Sun Xi smiled and said, "Teacher Little Yun, it''s you. Pleasee onstage to receive your award."


    Congrattory apuse immediately resounded throughout the entire venue.


    Li Shuyun was so excited that the rims of her eyes became wet. "Heavens!"


    A colleague next to her congratted her. "Teacher Little Yun, go on up to the stage!"


    When she went up on the stage, Li Shuyun took the trophy from the guest presenter and grabbed a microphone too. The first thing she said was, "Is it really me? You guys are sure that you didn''t get it wrong, right?"


    The audience allughed at this.


    Only then did Li Shuyun finally give her eptance speech. "Thank you to the judges, thank you to my bosses, thank you Chief Li, and thank you to all the fans who have always been supporting me. I''m the radio host for Shanghai News Radio and I was very surprised to be nominated this time. I didn''t expect to win at all, so I didn''t prepare an eptance speech. I feel too excited now and a little incoherent, so please forgive me for that. In any case, thank you, thank you to my organization and the higher-ups who have always supported and groomed me."


    There was another round of apuse.


    Li Shuyun kissed her Golden Microphone Award trophy and left the stage excitedly.


    Teacher Gao said to Zhang Ye, "Teacher Little Yun is really quite good."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "I know her, I''ve heard her reporting the news before."


    Teacher Gao said, "A host of Central TV''s News Simulcast will be retiring in a few years'' time. I''ve heard that Central TV might be interested in inviting Teacher Little Yun over to groom her for the role. If it really works out, Teacher Little Yun might really have the chance to take over at News Simulcast."


    Following that, the second winner of the Golden Microphone Award for the radio hosting category was announced. It was another female radio host, a weather segment host from Central Radio Station. Prior to the awards, she was already one of the favorites to win, and it turned out to be true.


    The third winner of the Golden Microphone Award for the radio hosting category was given to a host from another radio station. He was 45 years old and could be considered a veteran in the field of broadcasting. He had waited ten years to win this award and finally got his wish. Onstage, he choked up with happiness several times as he gave a traditional eptance speech thanking his leaders and organization.


    By now, three radio hosting Golden Microphone Awards had been given out!


    Up next were the anticipated Golden Microphone Awards for the television hosting category!


    The host introduced a different guest presenter for this category. It was also a big shot who had groomed many of the famous hosts in the industry.


    Teacher Gao''s palms were sweating. "It''s time." Although he knew that he didn''t have much of a chance of winning an award, who wouldn''t anticipate that an upset could happen when the time came for the announcement?


    Fang Gang''s expression was fixed.


    Xu Siyu''s arms tensed up.


    After the guest presenter got onstage, he gave a speech for two minutes without mentioning anything about the awards. A lot of the nominees were so nervous that they unable to hold it in anymore. Then, the guest presenter suddenly opened the envelope without warning and directly announced the first winner. "I hereby announce the first winner of this year''s Golden Microphone Award for the television hosting category��Han Shaokai!"


    The apuse was enthusiastic!


    The winner came up onto the stage very quickly and looked very excited!


    Central TV Department 1''s Fang Gang looked a little disappointed at this.


    Xu Siyu and the other nominees also let out a sigh and then quickly offered their congrattory apuse.


    Regarding Han Shaokai''s win, no one was really surprised by it. He was already a regr nominee of the Golden Microphone Awards, appearing on the list almost every year but always missing out every time. But now, he had finally won. It showed just how hard he had been working and how much effort he had put in. How many hosts in the industry could work for 365 days a year without taking a rest? Han Shaokai was the only one. His improvisation skills on TV shows was also one of the best in the industry.


    Han Shaokai collected his trophy. "Thank you. I''m so excited to be standing here that I don''t know what to say. Is this real?" Then heughed and continued, "It looks like it''s real."


    Everyone graciouslyughed along with that.


    Han Shaokai gave his eptance speech in a very detailed manner. He read out all the names of the people he wanted to thank one by one, but as it was a live broadcast, there was also a time limit for the speech. At the end of his speech, Han Shaokai did not know what else to say anymore and just bowed before leaving the stage.


    Everyone apuded again and then stared back at the guest presenter nervously.


    The guest presenter went back to the podium and flipped open the next envelope. "Oh, this person is really great. He''s been an old friend of mine for more than a decade now, so I''m really happy to be able to read out his name here." He intentionally paused for a while before announcing, "The second winner is��Xiao Hang!"


    It was another veteran!


    In fact, it was a veteran host with 20 years of experience!


    Xiao Hang who was almost 50 years old still appeared to be in great shape. He did not look to be old and walked very healthily onto the stage. He looked like he couldn''t really control his emotions and gave a very emotional eptance speech. "When I first debuted 20 years ago, the TV shows back then were not as fanciful as what we have now��"


    Fang Gang couldn''t sit still any longer.


    Xu Siyu looked at him and whispered, "The next one is definitely going to be you."


    Teacher Gao threw up his hands in resignation and said with augh, "There''s only one spot left, but I know it''s not going to be me. Teacher Zhang, I think that it will either be you or Fang Gang." Knowing that he no longer stood a chance, Teacher Gao started to feel much more rxed.


    Zhang Ye did not say anything. The higher the expectations, the greater the disappointment. So he decided to just wait for the result to be announced.


    When Xiao Hang left the stage, the entire venue fell silent.


    It was finally ending!


    There was only one winner left to be announced!


    Who could it be?


    No one could predict it as they watched eagerly.


    Some people had their cell phones out as they browsed the Inte to check on Weibo and some forums. Those ces were also very lively with discussions at the moment.


    "There''s only one more to go!"


    "Why hasn''t Zhang Ye''s name been called out yet?"


    "It has to be Teacher Fang Gang for sure!"


    "Of all these nominated hosts here, other than Zhang Ye, Fang Gang has the most fame and poprity. Zhang Ye has offended too many people on this stage before, and since it''s still the same judge panel as thest time, would they let him win the award?"


    "If Zhang Ye does not win it, the people will surely curse them to death. They will know that it''s a clear act of revenge!"


    "Yeah, Teacher Zhang''s achievements are dazzling, so even if the judges don''t like him, they would have to consider that for a moment!"


    "Who knows how the judge panel will think. Anyone could still win it!"


    "Why didn''t anyone mention our Teacher Xu Siyu? She''ll definitely be the one who gets it!"


    The heated discussion online and offline was reaching a peak.


    The guest presenter had already opened the envelope and taken out the result card in it. Then he blinked at the result. Even the host who caught a glimpse of it wore aplicated expression as he also blinked several times.


    The entire venue was quiet.


    The guest presenter raised his microphone and announced, "The third and final winner of the Golden Microphone Award for the television hosting category is��Zhang Ye!"


    When his name was revealed, a lot of the nominees looked at each other!


    Zhang Ye?


    They really gave it to Zhang Ye?


    The Golden Microphone Award was really given to the most unpopr person in the entertainment industry?


    Fang Gang''s mood immediately hit rock bottom!


    Xu Siyu''s expression was also ratherplicated as she nced to her side.


    When the entire venue could finally react, apuse sparsely sounded. A lot of people who were in view of the cameras were seemingly pping their hands, but the strange thing was that the apuse was not loud at all. Compared to the earlier award winners, it was aplete 180. They did not give this winner the same response as they did for the others. It could be heard from the sparse apuse. In the field of hosting, Zhang Ye had offended too many people before. There were also a lot of others who did not like him.


    However, some pped very loudly, for instance Dong Shanshan, Su Hongyan, and Zhang Ye''s juniors from Media College.


    Dong Shanshan muttered to herself with augh, "Well done, old ssmate!"


    Su Hongyan was pping her hardest. "He''s really won it!"


    "Senior, you''re terrific!"


    "Yes!"


    "I''m impressed that he can even win after offending so many people!"


    "Our senior is indeed the best!"


    "Eh, where''s the apuse? Why aren''t the others pping?"


    "They''re not respecting him at all!"


    Beijing Television''s Teacher Gao looked very happy too. It looked like he was even happier than Zhang Ye himself, as he pped hard and said, "Teacher Zhang, it''s you!" Then, when he realized that everyone else did not seem too enthusiastic about the result and noticed that the apuse around him was quite scattered with most of the volume originating from him, Teacher Gao suddenly felt embarrassed by his own reaction. He turned to look around and didn''t know how to react to Zhang Ye''s poor poprity.


    Zhang Ye just smiled and stood up.


    The apuse gradually came to a stop as a lot of them were only pping perfunctorily; they looked like they were pping but there was simply no sound.


    Zhang Ye took everything in. Under the watchful gaze of everyone, he slowly strolled up onto the stage.


    That guest presenter handed the trophy to him and said, "Congrattions."


    "Thank you." Zhang Ye took it and then peered deeply into the shape of the glimmering golden trophy in the shape of a microphone. It felt rather heavy as he held it in his hand.


    The host also noticed the tepid atmosphere and quickly tried to warm it up by saying, "Teacher Zhang, you''re really doing welltely with A Bite of China sweeping across the country. I believe that a lot of people, like me, are especially looking forward to hearing your eptance speech."


    Unlike the others, Zhang Ye hadn''t at all prepared an eptance speech in advance. He has always been this way, rarely doing anything for matters that were not certain. Since he was not confirmed for the award yet, why would he make the effort to write a speech? Even though he was a little difficult to deal with, but wasn''t that just how Zhang Ye was? He always did such things without due preparation and spoke whatever came to his mind.


    The host and guest presenter stepped back a little and handed the stage over to Zhang Ye.


    Holding the microphone, he looked out into the audience and into the cameras. Zhang Ye was instantaneously filled with a myriad of thoughts. He knew that at this moment, other than the guests at the venue, there were also a lot of people watching the live broadcast. His parents, the program team of A Bite of China, Peking University''s staff, his group of a few friends, and even his former ssmates and teachers were watching him.


    What should he say then?


    Suddenly, he remembered Graham Moore, the screenwriter for the winner of the Best Adapted Screeny for The Imitation Game at the 87th Academy Awards. His eptance speech was still fresh in Zhang Ye''s mind. It was an extremely touching speech!


    With a smile, Zhang Ye looked over to the nominees'' area and opened his mouth. With that action alone, the staff from the organizers and judge panel broke out in cold sweat. "Fang Gang did not get toe on stage, Xu Siyu also did not get toe on stage, yet I could. This feels a little unfair!"


    At that instant, countless people looked over at them. Even the cameras panned over to them!


    Xu Siyu was dumbfounded!


    Fang Gang also nearly vomited blood!


    Damn! Why did you mention us? Why did you mention us?


    Teacher Gao nearly revealed his amusement at this. This Zhang Ye was really too wicked. Those two only ignored you just now, but you''re taking it up with them in this way? No wonder you could offend so many people! How could you possibly not!?


    Su Hongyan: "..."


    His juniors of Media College: "..."


    A lot of people were speechless right then and there.


    "Indeed!"


    "This is totally the style of Zhang Ye''s speeches!"


    "Fuck, this is the part I like to watch the most!"


    "When did Fang Gang and Xu Siyu offend Teacher Zhang? My sympathies to them!"


    "Shut up and listen!"


    Zhang Ye smiled again and said into the camera to everyone, "A lot of people feel that I do not deserve this award. They feel that I do not belong and that I do not fit in, that I am upromising and am not qualified to earn this highest award for a host. Just by listening to this tepid response, we all know how everyone feels about this!"


    Some people in the audience started mumbling to themselves.


    You only realized it now?


    A person like you should never win the Golden Microphone Award!


    A person with a temper like yours, it was already a miracle that you could survive for so long in the entertainment industry and in society. But you even won the award now? And it''s even the most prestigious award for a host? Has the judging panel gone mad?


    Zhang Yeposed himself and held the microphone even more tightly. "In this brief time here, I would like to say this. When I was in university, I went through a very confusing period of time. Because I felt weird and I felt different and I was stubborn. And I felt like I did not belong! I could feel that everyone was ostracizing me!" Saying that, he pointed to the podium at his feet and said in a voice that was getting louder, "And now I''m standing here, so I would like for this moment to be for that person out there who feels like they''re weird, or they''re different, or that they should be a little more flexible, that they shouldpromise, that they don''t fit in anywhere."


    Everyone in the audience became even more quiet!


    A lot of them were staring at him in astonishment!


    Su Hongyan looked at that student of hers who was not like the others. Some tears rolled down her cheeks uncontrobly in heartache.


    Zhang Ye pointed outward as his smile became even stronger. "Yes, you do. I promise you do. You do. Don''t be afraid, don''t be confused. Stay weird. Stay different. Stay stubborn and never give up!" He waved the trophy in his hand and proimed, "And then when it''s your turn, and you are standing on this stage, please pass the same message to the next person whoes along!"


    He turned around.


    And left the stage.


    He was still that different!


    He was still that unique!


    But on the faces of all the guests present, deeply shocked expressions were already hanging from their faces. A lot of them felt as though that sharp but stubborn voice of Zhang Ye had nailed them right in their core!


    With that speech, he had shocked the entire audience!


    This was Zhang Ye!


    The ever upromising Zhang Ye!


    One second��


    Two seconds��


    The apuse suddenly rang out!


    One person!


    Ten people!


    A hundred people!


    A thousand people!


    The thunderous apuse had drowned out the entire venue!


    TL Note:


    [1. National Association of Broadcasters - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Association_of_Broadcasters]


    What a long chapter, phew!

 Chapter 836: Reactions!

    <h4>Chapter 836: Reactions! </h4>


    Chapter 836: Reactions!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The apuse continued without end!


    When Zhang Ye walked off the stage, the apuse was still going on. More and more people were starting to apud!


    Many people from the upper and lower decks at the venue even stood up slowly from their seats to apud Zhang Ye!


    Su Hongyan wiped away some tears from the corners of her eyes. "This Zhang Ye!"


    A female student from Media College also cried out, "Senior, nicely done! Nicely done!"


    All his other juniors from Media College could also feel their blood boiling with excitement. After hearing Zhang Ye''s eptance speech, the blood in their bodies was surging with emotions, seemingly trying to break out of their bodies!


    Their senior was too cool!


    He was really too cool!


    Everyone who was present had their eyes turn red.


    A famous female host seated in the nominees'' area could not hold back her tears. She quickly turned her head to the side to face away from the camera and wiped away the tears in her eyes. Thinking back, she was also a high-spirited and energetic person, carrying her own ideals and pursuit of a dream. But somewhere along the way, giving in andpromising had seemingly be a part of her daily life. It had be her go-to response to survive in this industry. Only this way would it seemingly show that one had matured. It was the correct way to behave. However, Zhang Ye''s speech told her that there was another type of person in this world. There was actually someone who could travel that difficult path and climb to the highest stage full of battle scars to receive an award of the highest honor. All this withoutpromising or giving in!


    Zhang Ye did it!


    Moreover, in the near future, there would probably be other hosts as upromising as Zhang Ye who would walk up to this stage holding a Golden Microphone Award and spreading those words to pass down Zhang Ye''s ideals and persistence!


    On the stage today, Zhang Ye was looking gloriously radiant!


    This was the eptance speech of a host!


    This was a cry of his convictions!


    ...


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    His mother posted on Weibo excitedly: "Look! This is my son!"


    This was the son who she had taught as he grew up. At this moment, his parents were full of joy and pride!


    ...


    At Peking University.


    A math teacher who was watching the online broadcast marveled, "This Zhang Ye, just what kind of a person is he?"


    Pan Yang smiled and replied, "Him? He is an incredible person."


    Han Henian sighed. "A person who can say those words is indeed someone very incredible."


    ...


    At Beijing Television.


    Xiao Lu wiped her tears away as she cried. "It hasn''t been easy for Teacher Zhang in the past two years! It really hasn''t been easy for him! Although he did not mention anything about it, all of us know how much pressure Teacher Zhang had to deal with and how many hopeless situations he faced in the past. It''s been too hard on him!"


    Hu Fei smiled and said, "But Little Zhang has still managed to get through it all! He''s really amazing!"


    Hou Ge remarked excitedly, "That''s right! Teacher Zhang is the best!"


    ...


    Celebrity Goof Group.


    Fan Wenli posted a link of the online video to the group chat.


    Ning Lan said: "This is what a host is all about! A true host!"


    Chen Guang also appeared. "It''s rare to see a host like him in the country."


    Dongzi: "There isn''t any outside of the country like him either! This speech has really moved me!"


    Fan Wenli was touched by it as well and mentioned: "I listened to Zhang Ye''s speech four times over. I don''t even know why my tears started falling. Old Chen who''s beside me had a hard time trying to dry my tears for me. I can''t exin why, but it''s really overwhelming!"


    ....


    At a district in Beijing.


    In apletely normal family''s house.


    An 18-year-old high school student was watching the broadcast with his parents. After a long silence, he suddenly turned around and looked at his parents. "Dad, Mom, I''ve decided that I want to apply for Media College!"


    The mother was stunned. "Media College?"


    The boy nodded with determination. "Yes."


    His parents gazed at him. "You''ve decided?"


    The boy acknowledged and pointed at Zhang Ye on theputer screen. "I have a goal now. I want to be a cool host like him!"


    The father smiled and said, "That''s good. No matter what you want to do, your mom and I will support you."


    ...


    Outside Beijing.


    At a second-tier city. [1.]


    The cold wind was whistling at the side of an office building. The lights inside were still on. Many people were working overtime. The office was filled with the noise of keyboard typing and the mechanical sound of the photocopier.


    "Just another half an hour to go and we can leave work!"


    "Let''s work harder and finish up this proposal, everyone!"


    "Old Xu, has it been finished yet?"


    "It''s almost done. It''ll be ready soon."


    "Old He, it''s all up to you over there."


    "Supervisor Wang? Supervisor Wang?"


    This was just a very typical overtime day, but there was one person in the office who was incongruous to the rest. He wasn''t doing anything but staring straight at theputer screen and watching Zhang Ye give his speech on stage.


    "Yes, you do. I promise you do. You do.


    "Don''t be afraid, don''t be confused. Stay weird. Stay different. Stay stubborn and never give up! And then when it''s your turn, and you are standing on this stage, please pass the same message to the next person whoes along!"


    Wang He listened to it quietly without paying attention to the colleagues beside him who were calling out to him.


    "Supervisor Wang?" That person hesitated for a moment and then whispered to the person beside him, "What''s wrong with the supervisor today?"


    That female colleague also looked at him in wonder. Then she replied in a low voice, "I don''t know. He just became like this. I think he''s watching the live broadcast of the Golden Microphone Awards?"


    To them, Wang He was a very serious person when it came to work. His work abilities were very strong. He was also a very eloquent person. It was rumored that he had studied broadcasting before, which was why even though Wang He was still young and had only graduated for two years, he had already be the third-inmand of this smallpany with an annual sry of around 500,000 RMB. No matter whether it was his family or friends, or even his colleagues, they all considered him a sessful person with a promising future!


    At this moment, the online broadcast ended.


    Someone gathered up his courage and stepped up. "Supervisor? Are��you fine?"


    Wang He closed the web browser, then turned around and looked at that person. "I''m good."


    That person smiled and said, "Do you like Teacher Zhang Ye as well?"


    Do I like him? Suddenly, Wang Heughed. "I don''t like him at all. We were already on unfriendly terms while we were studying at university. I disliked him and he disliked me as well."


    Everyone was shocked to hear that. "Studying at university? You know him personally?"


    "He was my ssmate," Wang He revealed calmly.


    "Ah?"


    "Really?"


    "You and Zhang Ye were ssmates?"


    "Aiya! You were from Media College as well?"


    His colleagues were very surprised as this was the first time they learned of it.


    Wang He suddenly said, "Alright, everyone do well at your jobs." He thought for a moment before dering, "In the future, you guys must work hard. Thank you to all of you for taking care of me all this while."


    Work hard in the future?


    Thanks for our care?


    Everyone was stunned. What was the meaning of that?


    Following, under the dumbfounded looks on everyone, Wang He lowered his head to write something short. Then he knocked on his boss''s office door and went in to ce his resignation letter on the table.


    The boss was also stunned. "What''s the matter, Little Wang?"


    Wang He said in all seriousness, "Boss, thank you for all your guidance."


    His boss said, "This is too sudden. Why do you want to resign? Are you not satisfied with the sry?"


    "It''s not that," Wang He replied.


    The boss said, "Then is it because work is not smooth sailing for you?"


    "It isn''t that either." Wang He shook his head.


    The boss asked, "Then why are you doing this?"


    Wang He hesitated for a moment and then seemingly muttered to himself, "When I was still in university, my results were always among the best, whereas there was a person who was always ranked at the bottom of the ss. However, that person said something today that suddenly woke me up. When I offended someone at the television stationst year and got fired, I used it as an excuse to avoid going back to bing a host again. I packed my bags and returned to my hometown dejected, but fortunately earned your appreciation and got back to work, seemingly leading a better life than others. However, I''m actually not excited about it and did not feel any sense of aplishment!"


    His boss stayed silent.


    Wang He smiled and continued, "But today, that person''s words have instantly filled me with life again! He withstood such tremendous pressure and offended so many people, yet he could still be sessful today. So then, why can''t I do the same?! Based on what can I not do the same? I only found out now that my heart isn''t dead yet! That my blood hasn''t turned cold yet!"


    After hearing that, his boss gazed at him and smiled. "Do whatever you want to do. If you can''t survive anymore out there, you''re wee toe back here again."


    "Thank you." Wang He sincerely repeated, "Thank you."


    ...


    At the awards ceremony venue.


    The trophy presentation waspleted after Zhang Ye had taken his award. However, the atmosphere at the locale was still immersed in the eptance speech from earlier.


    Everyone began streaming out of the venue.


    Dong Shanshan went to look for Su Hongyan first.


    After his speech, Zhang Ye had squeezed past the surrounding reporters. When he saw Teacher Su and Dong Shanshan, he walked withrge strides to their side. "Did you drive here, Teacher Su? Shall I send you home?"


    Su Hongyan was about to say something when her cell phone buzzed. She received a message. The sender stunned Su Hongyan for a while. It was from one of her former students whom she had the greatest hopes for but also the one who turned out the most regretful!


    Wang He: "Teacher Su, how are you doing?"


    Su Hongyan: "I''m fine. I heard that you have already be a top-level executive back at your hometown? And your sry is also many times more than mine? Not bad, you''re doing well."


    Wang He: "I''ve resigned."


    Su Hongyan was taken aback. "Huh?"


    Wang He: "I don''t have Zhang Ye''s number, so if you see him, please help me thank him."


    Su Hongyan suddenly thought of something. "Are you��"


    Wang He: "I''ve booked a ne ticket to go back to Beijing on the day after tomorrow."


    Su Hongyan: "Are you?"


    Wang He: "I really would like to give another shot at a hosting career!"


    Pocketing her cell phone, Su Hongyan beamed with joy.


    Dong Shanshan was puzzled by this and asked, "Teacher Su, why are you smiling so happily?"


    Su Hongyan smiled and said, "Wang He ising back!"


    "Wang He? That Wang He from our ss?" Zhang Ye looked at her strangely. "I heard from Shanshan that that guy went back to his hometown, didn''t he? And he''s white-cor now too?"


    Su Hongyanughed and replied, "He just resigned a few minutes ago and has already booked a ne ticket back to Beijing. He wants me to thank you on his behalf."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Why is he thanking me?"


    Su Hongyan said, "Your eptance speech has ignited many people''s passion. I think he made the decision after listening to your speech. Hur hur, I knew that Wang He would not just give up on hosting so easily like that! In the future, you two will have another peer again."


    Zhang Ye smiled happily. "That''s good. I''ll be waiting for him."


    Zhang Ye''s speech had touched countless people!


    At the same time, it had also changed and affected the destinies and decisions of many people!


    Trantor''s Thoughts


    Legge Legge


    TL Note:


    [1. City tiers in China - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_in_China#The_tier_system]

 Chapter 837: 10 million followers on Weibo!

    <h4>Chapter 837: 10 million followers on Weibo! </h4>


    Chapter 837: 10 million followers on Weibo!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    That night, it was all over the news!


    Great Wall Daily News: "Golden Microphone Awards Announced".


    ��Han Shaokai, Xiao Hang and Zhang Ye were awarded the Golden Microphone Awards!


    Southern Entertainment News: "A Shocking eptance Speech".


    ��Zhang Ye wins the most coveted award in the television hosting field this year. An eptance speech that shocked the entire venue. Apuse continued for a full minute as the situation spiraled out of control, leaving many in tears!


    News Online: "The Beloved and Hated Zhang Ye".


    ��At the Golden Microphone Awards, Zhang Ye made such a strong and upromising speech that it touched many of the people at the venue. It made many of the audience realize that even without using a poem, he could still give an earth-shattering speech. At the same time, Zhang Ye was still the same as before, as the first line was already enough to roast Fang Gang and Xu Siyu, two famous hosts of Central TV Department 1. A camera even happened to coincidentally capture both their expressions at that moment. As such, Zhang Ye could be said to have offended yet more people again this time. Upon seeing this, we also didn''t know how to react and could not help but recall a saying: "It''s not difficult to offend someone in a day. The difficulty lies in offending someone every day." Zhang Ye is undoubtedly the type of celebrity who can make us love, hate, cry, andugh about him!


    "A Straight-Shooting Host"!


    "Zhang Ye''s eptance Speech: Never Give Up"!


    "To like Zhang Ye, there''s no need for a reason"!


    "The most tragic scene in history! Xu Siyu and Fang Gang get roasted out of nowhere"!


    "Staffer of a television station: ''I still don''t like Zhang Ye, but his speech left me with no choice but to give him my apuse''"!


    The news reports were in full swing!


    It reached a state of adding fuel to the fire on the Inte and was stirred up very early!


    "Teacher Zhang, you were really too fucking cool today!"


    "This speech is so freaking cool!"


    "I''ve listened to it for ten times! Ten times!"


    "I cried from listening to it! It''s just so touching!"


    "Teacher Zhang, thank you! I''ve always liked you, your poems, and the things you say. It always gives me energy and courage every time! You''re really awesome!"


    Zhang Ye''s fan club leader, Big Saber Bro, led a group of people to forward the speech like crazy and flood the Inte with it. Very soon, the video clip of Zhang Ye''s speech was bumped up to the front page!


    Top ten trending topics��


    Top five trending topics��


    Until it had reached the top spot for the day on Weibo!


    Many of theizens who were not interested in the Golden Microphone Awards also noticed this and clicked on the video to watch it. It was only after they saw the speech that they knew that such a thing had happened at the Golden Microphone Awards ceremony, and that they had actually missed the live broadcast!


    "Ah, how regretful!"


    "Dammit, I didn''t manage to watch the live broadcast!"


    "I''m going to chop off my hands! Why did I watch the basketball match earlier?!"


    "If I knew the Golden Microphone Awards would be so exciting, I would not have fucking gone out to watch a movie! Even if I had to face getting cursed to death by my wife, I would still have gone home to catch the live broadcast!"


    "I get the same vibes even from watching the video clip now! It seems like Zhang Ye has already surpassed the gods!"


    "This is what it means to be a celebrity! This is what it means to be a host!"


    "I''m a hater turned neutral. Today, I''m here to give a Like to Zhang Ye!"


    "Currently turning from neutral to a fan now��"


    "Currently turning from fan to hardcore fan now��"


    The number of Zhang Ye''s Weibo followers made another breakthrough as well. With the fan umtion gained by the long-term poprity of A Bite of China, Zhang Ye''s Weibo followers had now risen to an astonishing 10 million!


    10 million!


    In just a few months, it was already growing at an exponential rate!


    Some A-list celebrities only had slightly more than 10 million Weibo followers! Although the overall poprity of a celebrity should not just be based off the ranking on a single tform, it was still one of the criteria to be considered for poprity and would be calcted and taken into ount for the overall celebrity rankings!


    Without a doubt, after today, there would likely be some changes to Zhang Ye''s celebrity ranking again!


    ...


    On the street.


    Zhang Ye was driving Dong Shanshan home.


    His cell phone rang. It was a call from his parents'' home.


    "Little Ye." His mother said excitedly: "When are youing home?"


    Zhang Yeughed: "I''ll be back soon."


    His mother asked: "Are youing back to eat?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Yes, of course. I''m very hungry, but let me send Shanshan home first."


    His mother said: "Shanshan? That ssmate of yours? Why are you sending her home? Ask her toe to our ce for dinner. Your dad and I have already made dinner. Invite her over as well."


    "Sure, I''ll ask her." After hanging up, Zhang Ye looked in the direction of the front passenger seat. He could not control himself from stealing a nce at Dong Shanshan''s clothes tight against the seat belt. Then he asked, "My mom is asking you toe over to our ce for dinner. You wanna join us? It''s not far from here. Otherwise, you''ll be eating alone at home."


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "How do you know that I''m alone at home?"


    "Ah? There''s someone else at home?" Zhang Ye replied.


    Dong Shanshan asked, "How do you know that there''s someone else at my home?"


    Zhang Ye knew that her mouth didn''t speak much truth, so he just rolled his eyes and said, "Forget it, I should just drop you off on the roadside and let you walk back home by yourself."


    "Don''t you dare." Dong Shanshanughed and suggested, "Let''s go to your ce for dinner. Since Auntie has already invited me, if I don''t give her any face, that would be very ungracious of me."


    Very quickly, they reached his parents'' home.


    When they went upstairs, they saw his mother already waiting at the door. The door was opened long ago, probably because she was searching for Zhang Ye''s car from the window.


    "Dad, Mom," Zhang Ye greeted.


    When Dong Shanshan entered the house, she also smiled sweetly. "Auntie, Uncle."


    His mother stared at her for a long time. "Shanshan, you still look the same as you were in school. You''re still as pretty as ever."


    When Zhang Ye was in university, using the Beijing dialect to describe it, he was rather "short-fused." As his parents were often called to the school, his mother went there a few times. It was there that she met Dong Shanshan twice. Likewise, Dong Shanshan also had some impression of Zhang Ye''s mother whereas she had never met his father in person before. Probably because face mattered more for his father, he would never go to this sort of school meeting even if he was called to school by a teacher.


    His father also smiled and said, "Wash your hands and we can eat dinner."


    Dong Shanshan said, "Yes, Uncle."


    "Where''s that Chenchen?" Zhang Ye looked around.


    His father pointed to the master bedroom. "She already went to bed after eating dinner."


    Zhang Ye grunted, "Lazybones!"


    His mother smiled and said, "Chenchen got really tired. While your dad and I were making dinner, Chenchen answered seven or eight calls made to our home. You didn''t say, but Chenchen is really clever. She could repeat to us who the callers were and what they said. There was a call from your grandmother, two from your younger girl cousins, one from your elder girl cousin, and one from someone who was probably a reporter. I don''t know how that person got our home number, but Chenchen said that the person tried to trick and sound her out for a long time, only for her to hang up on them directly."


    His father also nodded in agreement. "The kid is smarter than most adults."


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "Oh c''mon, both of you. Don''t keep praising her. Who knows if that little kid will get big-headed again and go out on the streets to catch some criminals. If that happens, we''ll be in trouble."


    However, his mother liked Chenchen a lot and she did not like hearing that. "She doesn''t cause as much trouble as you do!"


    They started dining.


    Zhang Ye was stuffing food into his mouth.


    Dong Shanshan ate in a very reserved manner. She chatted as she ate, because Zhang Ye''s mother did not give her a spare moment to eat her food. She would ask a question every now and then.


    His mother asked, "Shanshan, how is your family doing?"


    Dong Shanshan said, "They''re doing pretty good."


    His mother asked, "You live in Inner Mongolia, right?"


    Dong Shanshan replied, "Yes."


    His mother asked, "Do you have a boyfriend yet?"


    Dong Shanshan said, "Hur hur, not yet."


    His mother stated, "Mm, it''s good that you don''t have one. In your profession, you should be careful when looking for a partner since the industry is a little moreplicated. It would be good if you could find someone working in the same industry as you, so that you''d havemon topics to talk about."


    Even his father couldn''t stand watching. "Can you talk a little less? Let her eat in peace."


    Dong Shanshan smiled brightly. "It''s fine."


    It seemed that his mother rather liked Dong Shanshan. After they finished eating dinner, his mother started to chat with her again.


    Finally, Zhang Ye came up with an excuse and got Dong Shanshan to go to his room.


    He disclosed, "That''s how my mom is. She''s a very talkative person."


    "Auntie is quite interesting." Dong Shanshan smiled.


    Zhang Ye gestured around his bedroom. "Make yourself at home."


    Dong Shanshan pushed aside the nket that was not folded at the bed''s end and saw male underwear underneath it. It seemed like it was worn before, but she did not say anything. She casually picked it up with her index finger and thumb and threw it aside.


    Zhang Ye felt his face flush and said in exasperation, "Don''t just throw my things around." He quickly went to pick it up.


    Dong Shanshan crossed her legs and looked around. "I''m quite surprised about your ce. It doesn''t look like the bedroom of a celebrity of your status at all."


    Zhang Yeughed, "That''s right. This bro is even poorer than you now. I heard that you have epted an endorsement deal? And quite a number ofmercial performances too? Beijing Television is quite good. They don''t enforce too many limitations on hosts unlike Central TV."


    Dong Shanshan mentioned, "That''s why I''m nning to buy a house soon."


    "Alright, I''ll go bum at your ce sometime then," Zhang Ye offhandedly remarked.


    Dong Shanshanughed. "Sure. You can stay over if you aren''t afraid of the paparazzi."


    Amused, Zhang Ye chuckled. "Then I better forget it."


    "Oh, right." Dong Shanshan told him, "Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I arranged a dinner party with a lot of my friends in the circle. I think there isn''t anyone in the group who is your enemy. There are men and women in it, so do you want to join us?"


    Zhang Ye puckered his lips. He sat down and said earnestly, "If you have that kind of time, why don''t you do something serious instead? Why are you celebrating a foreign festival? Come, Shanshan, let me expand your knowledge on the history of Christmas Day. A long, long time ago in the foreignnds, there was��"


    Dong Shanshan was almost rendered speechless by this. She interrupted, "That''s enough, I don''t want to talk about this with such a nationalistic person like you. Forget it, I knew that you would not want to join anyway, so take it as if I did not mention it to you." As she said that, she also giggled. "You''re still the same old you as back then. You''ll take it up with whomever mentions a foreign festival to you."


    Zhang Ye said with a grin, "I just can''t bear having grit in my eyes."


    Dong Shanshan sighed. "Of all our ssmates back then, who would have thought that you would be the one who''s the most sessful in the end. You even won the highest honor for a host this time. Do you still remember back then? When we did that survey as a joke, the greatest ambition of 90% of our ss was earning the glory of winning the Golden Microphone Award after our graduation. No one would have guessed that you would be the first person to achieve that. And you even did it in less than two years after graduation!"


    Zhang Ye softly said, "I was just lucky, I mean it."


    Dong Shanshan brought up, "Now that I suddenly thought of our ssmates, I wonder how they''re all doing, and what they''re doing. We should have a reunion someday."


    "Sure." Zhang Ye nodded as he also began reminiscing.


    The world had changed.


    Were those old ssmates of his still the same as before?

 Chapter 838: Appointed as the examiner?

    <h4>Chapter 838: Appointed as the examiner? </h4>


    Chapter 838: Appointed as the examiner?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Saturday.


    When Zhang Ye checked the Celebrity Rankings Index in the morning, his name had changed again as expected. He had quietly moved ahead by 1 spot as he slowly crept to the front of the B-list rankings. The rise this time did note easy and he only jumped a spot up as a fraction of the poprity score was gained from the poprity of A Bite of China, while therger part of it hade from yesterday''s awards and that eptance speech which had already been spread around the entire country.


    Zhang Ye''s poprity score was recently surging up due to the attention given to him by the media and the citizens. It was precisely because of moments like this that Zhang Ye could gain a great increase in his poprity score with everything that he did. By just adding a little fuel, the fire would burn brighter, so he took advantage of this rare opportunity to push his poprity further up. This was just like how the stock market functioned. Once a stock gathered enough momentum, its market capital would be greater. When its market capital got greater, the market perception would further drive the stock price higher. But if the stock price stopped rising, or even dropped, it would be extremely difficult to gather back that momentum to push it back up again. It was simr in the entertainment circle as well. Many of those celebrities who became popr overnight was based on this same concept, so that was why this current opportunity that Zhang Ye had was very rare.


    His fans were umting!


    His poprity score had gone up another level! It was getting higher and higher!


    Zhang Ye was in a good mood as he hummed a little tune while on his way to work. "O-o-o-o-h. Ysuo-o-o-o-o. That is the famous Qingzang ��"[1.]


    Oh alright.


    It doesn''t seem like he could go that high with his pitch!


    ...


    At Central TV.


    When Zhang Ye''s car arrived, a lot of staff from the other channels startedmenting.


    "Zhang Ye is here!"


    "I really didn''t expect that he would win this year''s Golden Microphone Award!"


    "Yeah, it''s just his first nomination and he''s won it despite all the pressure and doubt against him? I really thought that the judge panel would not give the award to such a controversial host no matter what."


    "But don''t you think that eptance speech really made your blood course with excitement!?"


    "Haha, I heard that after the awards ceremony ended, Central TV Department 1''s Teacher Fang Gang was left cursing his mother! Teacher Zhang Ye really is too ''naughty!''"


    "So what if he cursed his mother? Even the station heads could not suppress Zhang Ye, even the SARFT could not do anything about him, so what can Teacher Fang Gang and Teacher Xu Siyu do? At the most, they can curse at him under their breaths. They can only submit to their humiliation since they were unlucky enough to meet with this reckless character!"


    "Pfft, those two were really unlucky."


    "They must have said something bad and offended Zhang Ye when they were seated together earlier. Our department has loaned some HD video cameras and equipment to Zhang Ye before, so I''ve talked to him a few times before. I kinda know him and didn''t find his temper to be bad at all. He was quite polite and didn''t put on any airs either, so I found him to be quite well-mannered. But if you offend him, then he wouldn''t be that easy to talk to anymore."


    "Yeah, I''ve alsoe into contact with him once and had quite a good impression. Actually, he''s not really as much of a troublemaker as they make him out to be. One time, I was in the elevator and saw Zhang Yeing toward it from several meters away. I held the door for him. He quickened his pace and even thanked me after that. After speaking to him, I didn''t find him to be a bad-tempered person. Instead, I thought that he was someone who''s rather humorous and easy to get along with."


    Upstairs.


    Department 14''s office.


    Zhang Ye was still humming the little tune as he walked into his program team''s office. He was just about to greet his colleagues when he suddenly realized that there was no one around at Section 3. Theputers were on and there were a lot of documents on the table too, but there was no one here.


    Where is everyone?


    Isn''t it already time to start working?


    Could it be that I got here too early?


    When he just thought of that, he suddenly heard the shuffling of feeting from behind him. More than 30 colleagues of Department 14 came rushing up to him with Little Wang and Huang Dandan leading the pack. The two of them were holding a ratherrge cake in their hands as everyone sang a cheerful tune together.


    Ha Qiqi was there.


    Yan Tianfei also joined in.


    Zhang Ye was overwhelmed. "Whoa, I didn''t even know that it was my birthday." He didn''t usually celebrate his birthdays, but it wasn''t his birthday today anyway.


    "Director Zhang!"


    "This is a surprise!"


    "Haha, congrattions on winning the Golden Microphone Award!"


    "We''re also celebrating the winning of the two coveted television show awards for A Bite of China and The Voice!"


    "Surprise!"


    So it was for that. Zhang Ye only just realized what was going on. "Thank you, thank you."


    Yan Tianfei said with a smile, "We didn''t get to celebrate before this, but since everything came together, hur hur, they just spontaneously organized it. Since it is such a happy event, I definitely had toe and join in the fun as well. Teacher Little Zhang, the Golden Microphone Award that you have won this time has also brought a lot of pride to us at Department 14! In the future, when we introduce our department or have a recruitment drive, we can finally say that our department has a host who was awarded the highest honor in the industry!"


    Zhang Ye sighed. "I could only achieve this because of your guidance."


    "Ohe on, we''re a family yet you''re still saying such polite words." Yan Tianfei roared withughter. "Come,e,e. Slice the cake!"


    Everyone had discussed in secret to buy the cake and organize the surprise party for Zhang Ye, making him feel rather touched.


    After slicing the cake, everyone stood around and enjoyed it while chatting andughing.


    After the surprise celebration, everyone got back to work and continued with whatever they were doing.


    It was alreadying up to the new year. By the previously arranged work schedule, A Bite of China''s program team did not have much to do. It was also thest working day of the year before everyone went on a break for around seven days. By the time they needed toe back to work, it would already be January of the new year. This was the break that Zhang Ye had asked the department to give them.


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Director Zhang, where will you go during your break?"


    "I don''t know, probably just stay at home?" Zhang Ye replied.


    Zhang Zuo suggested, "It''s the new year soon. Why don''t we hold a celebration with just our program team tonight?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Sure, why don''t you guys organize something? I''ll sponsor the event."


    Little Wang eximed, "Director Zhang is so generous in aiding a worthy cause!"


    Zhang Ye patted his pockets and said, "I''ve only got a hundred yuan left anyway, so it''s fine as long as it doesn''t exceed that amount."


    "Yi!"


    "Psh!"


    His colleaguesughed and booed at him!


    Ring ring ring. A phone call came in.


    Zhang Ye read the caller ID and blinked several times before hurriedly saying, "You guys keep working. My teacher is calling." Then he went back into his office and answered the call.


    It was Su Hongyan''s voice on the other end. "Little Zhang, what are you busy with?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''m working overtime today, Teacher Su."


    Su Hongyan cheerfullyughed along. "There''s something I''m calling you about."


    "Please do tell."


    "It''s our Media College Entrance Exam. It has been brought forward by a bit. Are you going to be free? Come back to your alma mater and make a contribution."


    "What can I contribute to?"


    "If we offer to make you an examiner, would you want toe back?"


    "Examiner? Me?"


    "That''s right."


    "Whoa, am I even qualified?"


    "You''ve won the Golden Microphone Award. Why are you still afraid that you''re not qualified?"


    "I''m just afraid that I would hold up the examinees."


    "There are always alumni members whoe back as examiners or even as a teacher for the freshmen courses. There are many who are given the title of a teacher, so it''s no big deal in your case. This has been a tradition of our school since a long time ago. No matter how experienced we teachers are, it''s only in the area of academics and education. We have our limitations, so there are times where we need hosts like you who fight at the front lines to add your valuable experience here."


    "Sure, I understand."


    "Then it''s settled. Come by early tomorrow as there will be some other things to talk about when we meet."


    Trantor''s Thoughts


    Legge Legge


    TL Note:


    [1. ��ظ�ԭ: Referring to the Tibetan teau (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_teau). This song was written andposed in 1994 by one of the most famous and prolific Chinese musicians, Zhang Qianyi, and sung by Li Na for the television drama Heavenly Road. This performance made immediately made it a household song in China, andter spread to the world. It has be a must for many singers to sing it to show their singing capacity. Original Rendition: https://.youtube/watch?v=Wo5tRwkDYIw & Modern Rendition: https://.youtube/watch?v=kQ5oJGvgX6o ]

 Chapter 839: Appointed as Associate Professor at Media College?

    <h4>Chapter 839: Appointed as Associate Professor at Media College? </h4>


    Chapter 839: Appointed as Associate Professor at Media College?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On a cloudy Sunday.


    When he opened the windows in the morning, it was very smoggy outside.


    Smelling the unpleasant air, Zhang Ye coughed a few times and turned around to ask, "Mom, where''s my face mask? Help me find it please. I have an appointment in the morning and will need to go out for a bit."


    His mother replied, "I forgot where I put it."


    "Help me look for it please," Zhang Ye requested.


    "You''re a man. Why do you need to wear a face mask?" his mother mumbled.


    "The air is polluted." Zhang Ye said helplessly, "Don''t believe what the news is saying about Beijing experiencing a heavy fog today. That''s not fog but smog. When you and Dad go outter, remember to put on your face masks too. You must do it, alright?" He then looked at Chenchen who had just crawled out of bed and walked out of the room. "You too, did you get that?"


    Chenchen pouted. "Zhang Ye, you''re so slow."


    His mother grunted, "Your uncle''s behaving like ady."


    Zhang Ye: "..."


    His father said, "Just listen to our son. The weather outside isn''t good."


    "See that? It''s still a veteran party member like my dad who is more conscious of his surroundings!" Zhang Ye pointed out.


    After putting on the face mask and a pair of sunsses, Zhang Ye went downstairs and drove straight to Media College.


    Media College, whose actual name was the Communication University of China, was previously known as Beijing Broadcasting Institute. Thus, there were people who called it Broadcasting College or CUC, but were nheless still referring to it as Media College.


    As the leading institute for media education in China, Media College''s entrance exam would naturally attract many interested applicants each year. Moreover, this was not limited to only the broadcaster profession but also included broadcast editing, acting, and other rted media professions. Every year, the number of applicants would number several tens of thousands. As such, the interviews could not possibly bepleted within just a few days. It would take up to half a month toplete by conducting the examination in batches. Today was the first day of the entrance exam and also the busiest day.


    At Media College.


    The main entrance.


    When he arrived, he immediately saw the ce crowded with people. The examinees were there but a greater number of them were actually the examinees'' parents. Some female examinees were even apanied by five or six rtives. A lot of those who had their parents with them were female examinees from the provinces outside of Beijing. As their parents were worried about their pretty daughtersing to Beijing alone to attend the entrance exam, most of them decided toe along as well.


    Zhang Ye slowed his car down hoping to take a look at the bevy of beautiful girls. Since they were here to attend the Media College Entrance Examination, how bad could they possibly look? However, when Zhang Ye tried to see, he could only quietly retract his eyes.


    Your sister!


    The smog was so heavy that he couldn''t see shit!


    "Hey, look at that?"


    "Who is that person?"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s really Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "Wow, why is he here today?"


    After parking his car, as he was walking on campus, someone recognized Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye was strolling as he marveled at and reminisced about the changes back here at his alma mater. Then, when he realized that the surrounding examinees were all staring at him, he smiled and nodded at them.


    A girl was crouched on the ground and hastily trying to put on some makeup.


    When Zhang Ye passed by her, he said, "Don''t bother doing that. You''d still have to remove your makeup when you go in there."


    The girl was taken aback by this. "Ah?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Didn''t you read the requirements stated for the first round of examination?"


    The girl hurriedly asked, "We can''t even have light makeup on?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and replied, "Put on your makeup when it''s time for the second round instead." Then he walked off.


    The girl shouted from afar, "Thank you, thank you, Teacher Zhang, for the reminder!" She excitedly pulled at her friend who came along with her for the entrance exam. "Did you see that? Did you? Zhang Ye spoke to me!"


    The examinees were discussing intensely.


    "What is Zhang Ye doing here?"


    "And he''s here during the entrance exam period too?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Maybe he came back to visit his teachers?"


    "Surely not, right? They would be exceptionally busy today!"


    There were quite a number of media reporters who had been standing by on campus since 5 o''clock in the morning. They all saw Zhang Ye walking over, and perhaps due to their job nature, they also had a keener sense of awareness.


    "Zhang Ye is the examiner!" a female reporter from Beijing Times reflexively shouted!


    Everyone was in an uproar!


    "Examiner?"


    "Is that really true!?"


    "Zhang Ye will be proctoring the exam?"


    "Damn, why wasn''t this important news reported in advance!?"


    "Media College has invited Zhang Ye over?"


    "Aiyo, Teacher Zhang, wait up!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    All of a sudden, around six reporters were chasing after him!


    Seeing this, Zhang Ye knew that it wouldn''t be easy for him to get away if he got surrounded. He quickly turned and ran off, but when the reporters saw this, they pursued even harder. Seeing this, Zhang Ye ran even faster, and when those reporters saw this, they chased even harder. Seeing this, Zhang Ye ran even faster, and when those reporters saw this��


    Oh alright.


    Enough baloney.


    Su Hongyan had received a call from Zhang Ye earlier and was waiting for him at the entrance of a teaching block with a few colleagues. In the end, she witnessed a scene she found both amusing and awkward.


    "Hey, Teacher Su!" Zhang Ye ran over, panting hard.


    Su Hongyanughed. "You''re really popr, aren''t you?"


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "Don''t mention it. The way I''m being trained here is even harder than training for a marathon. If and when the entertainment industry has enough of me, I''ll go and be a professional athlete so that I can continue serving the people."


    A few of the reporters who had caught up heard this and were amused!


    "Hur hur, cut the crap." Su Hongyan motioned with her head. "Come on in, we''re just waiting for you."


    Zhang Ye turned around and told those reporters, "Sorry, bros and sisses, let''s do the interview at ater date."


    "Sure."


    "Go on and work hard first."


    "Remember to give me an exclusive interviewter!"


    "You ran really fast, Director Zhang!"


    "Aiyo, I''m exhausted from chasing after you!"


    Having reached his current status, Zhang Ye had already met many reporters of the industry by now. As long as they were entertainment reporters based in Beijing, Zhang Ye would almost definitely havee across them before. Even for those who were not entertainment reporters, Zhang Ye had seen a lot of them before, like those academic or literary journalists who Zhang Ye was very familiar with by now. Having met so many times by now, a lot of these reporters weren''t interviewing or surrounding Zhang Ye for the first time. asionally, they would even joke around with Zhang Ye a little to help improve their rtions with each other. They were already rather close in a way.


    Upstairs.


    As the entrance examination was scheduled forter, Su Hongyan decided to introduce to Zhang Ye the other examiners who were also taking charge of this broadcasting examination. The examinations for the other courses like television or directing were held on another floor.


    Su Hongyan said, "Little Zhang, this is Professor Qu Heng.


    Zhang Ye quickly put out his hand and greeted very humbly, "Professor Qu."


    Professor Quughed and said, "Hello, Professor Zhang."


    Zhang Ye replied, "Please, just call me Little Zhang. I dare not be addressed as a professor in front of you teachers."


    Professor Qu uttered, "Don''t stand on ceremony with us."


    Most of those present were professors and teachers during Zhang Ye''s time at the university. Even though some of them did not teach his ss, it was all the same to Zhang Ye as he did not dare to act too full of himself in front of them.


    However, Professor Qu still insisted on addressing Zhang Ye as Professor Zhang as he had a very traditional mindset. Since Zhang Ye was a lecturer at Peking University and an associate professor of its Math Department, then in Professor Qu''s opinion, even if Zhang Ye used to be a student of Media College, he was already standing at the same level as them now. Those who could serve would do so as teachers. It didn''t matter whether you were young or old. That was the reason why he wanted to address him properly.


    Su Hongyan introduced them one by one. "This is Teacher Xue, my colleague and a voice teacher. When you were still attending university, Teacher Xue wasn''t around yet, so you would not have met before."


    Zhang Ye stepped forward and held out his hand, "Teacher Xue."


    Teacher Xue was somewhat more casual. "Don''t mind me if I address you as Teacher Little Zhang."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Being addressed as teacher or professor by all of you is really making me feel awkward. I really don''t deserve this at all. Since I''m back at my alma mater, I should be considered a student again."


    Su Hongyanughed pleasantly and pointed at Zhang Ye. "This kid here will always act humble, so everyone, you don''t need to be overly polite with him. It will do if you just call him Little Zhang." When she finished introducing everyone, Su Hongyan said, "Even though I believe that everyone already knows him, I''ll still do this the proper way. This is Zhang Ye, a student I taught in the past." Pondering for a moment, she added, "He''s the most disobedient and worrisome student I''ve ever had!"


    Zhang Ye: "..."


    Everyone broke out intoughter. Seeing what Zhang Ye was like, they could already imagine his temper while he was still in school. It wouldn''t be surprising if he was a difficult student to handle, so it must have been really hard on Teacher Su.


    Finally, Su Hongyan briefed Zhang Ye on his responsibilities and purview as an examiner of the entrance examination.


    Zhang Ye browsed through the examinees'' information charts as he listened very carefully and seriously to the briefing. There were times when Zhang Ye liked to goof around, but for some matters, Zhang Ye could be very serious as well. When it came to something as important as an entrance examination which could implicate the future of an examinee, Zhang Ye would never joke about it. This was because he has been through the same path before. For those applying for the broadcast hosting course, there was a requirement to fulfill: Male examinees must not be shorter than 175 cm. Back then, Zhang Ye''s height was clearly not enough to qualify him, but they had somehow made a one-off exception at that time, and it had forever changed his destiny. Therefore, now that he had be an examinee, Zhang Ye would not make light of the job either.


    After understanding the procedures, the few examiners started chatting. Su Hongyan was also involved this time and her role was mainly to assess the cultural score of the applicants.


    It was half an hour to the start of the interview round.


    Su Hongyan suddenly called Zhang Ye over to the side.


    Zhang Ye was startled and asked, "What''s the matter, Teacher Su?"


    Su Hongyan said, "When I called you, I mentioned that there was something else. Since we have time now, let me talk to you about it."


    "What is it?" Zhang Ye asked curiously.


    Su Hongyan said, "What is your job scope over at Peking University?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "It''s just what you''d expect for both the Chinese and Math Departments. But I''m still in the middle of resuming my duties after my suspension was lifted, so I haven''t been given any sses yet."


    Su Hongyan voiced her understanding. "We had a meeting at the university yesterday to discuss you. This included inviting you to be the examiner as well as another thing, which the president wants me to discuss with you and seek your opinion on. What would you say if the School of Broadcasting wants to offer you a position as a visiting associate professor?


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded, "Associate Professor? Me?"


    Su Hongyan said, "It''s the position of visiting professor, so it doesn''t sh with your role at Peking University. It''s just a title for a temporary position. You cane and give a lecture or two when there''s a need. Any other matters need not be handled by you. But even if you have no time toe, you can just hold the title and that''s fine too."


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "I''m just a student here, so how can I��"


    Su Hongyan said, "Don''t keep harping on your past student status. You''ve already won the highest honor for a host and are now one of the most excellent hosts in the industry. In the past, when those alumni members who graduated and also won the Golden Microphone Award, they came back and held the title of professor. But since you''re still young, we decided on giving you the title of associate professor instead. As for you, don''t be too stressed. The university has already discussed this in the meeting, so as long as you agree to it, the matter is settled. It''s just your decision now."


    Zhang Ye was still in disbelief. "Why me?"


    "Because you''re the most suitable candidate." Su Hongyan said with augh, "Our Media College is the top-ranked institute for the broadcasting major, that''s without a doubt. But the other schools and faculties are rather mediocre. For example, the School of Acting? It''s not evenparable to the Central Academy of Drama, Shanghai Theater Academy, or Beijing Film Academy. What about the School of Directing? The School of Music and Recording Arts? There are also better institutes than us in those majors. We''re always losing out in the student admissions every year. But if you join us, the entire situation would surely be better. Not only are you a host, you''re also a TV director with two shows under your belt and have won the highest awards in the industry. In terms of entertainment shows and documentaries, who other than you would dare im that they''re the best? You''ve also acted andposed music, so your image and aplishments are the most suited to Media College. The decision to invite you to join us was made by our School of Broadcasting. But if you agree to join us, the School of Directing and School of Music and Recording Arts would definitely not object to you giving lectures for them. Even if you don''t wish to do that, it''s entirely up to you."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "This is a good thing and my honor as well. How can I not agree to it? I''m only afraid of giving more trouble to my alma mater, since you know that I''m rather unpopr with a lot of people."


    "That''s not much trouble at all. Do you think the school wouldn''t be able to protect you from that?" After Su Hongyan said that, she was muted by her own words. "Alright, it''s true that the trouble you get into can be rather messy at times."


    Zhang Ye smiled sheepishly.


    Su Hongyan dered, "It''s settled then. I''ll inform the university about this."


    Zhang Ye thanked, "Sure, it''s my pleasure."


    Since Teacher Su had made this request, Zhang Ye had no reason to reject her. If he could ept the offer from Peking University and take on the position of an associate professor there, how could he possibly reject his alma mater''s approach to make him a visiting associate professor here? There was basically no reason to reject them! And it was a good thing no matter how he looked at it!


    Associate Professor at Media College?


    He had gained yet another professorship now!

 Chapter 840: Fun at the exam hall

    <h4>Chapter 840: Fun at the exam hall </h4>


    Chapter 840: Fun at the exam hall


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that morning.


    The Media College Entrance Examination began.


    The so-called first round of exams was actually previously known as the primary exam round. The examiners would give a score ording to the examinees'' appearance, height, vocalization, recitation, etc. They would then select half of the examinees to enter the next round of evaluation. A long time ago, many of the student admissions at the art institutions only held the primary and secondary rounds for the entrance exam. Butter, as the applicant numbers rose, the requirements became stricter and the scope of evaluation also increased. That was the reason why there were the first, second, and third rounds of exams these days, with some institutions even implementing a fourth round of examination.


    At the third floor, the location of the broadcasting major exam.


    A Media College staff was calling out names in the corridor.


    "Examinee 001, Zhang Jiapei."


    "Teacher, I''m here."


    "Let me verify your exam admission pass."


    "Here you are."


    "OK, you may enter. You are the first examinee."


    The first examinee entered.


    Other than Zhang Ye, all the other interviewers were considerably more experienced. After they glimpsed that person, Su Hongyan and an examiner beside her had already started grading him ormenting on the examinee form that was on the table.


    That male examinee was a bit nervous. "Good morning, Teachers. My name is Zhang Jiapei and I''m 18 years old. I studied at Hunan No.17 High School and I live in��"


    Professor Qu interrupted, "We already have all your particrs here, so you don''t have to introduce yourself. Just briefly tell us why you wanted to apply for the broadcasting major?"


    The male examinee immediately replied, "It''s because I really likenguages and the arts. This has always been my dream and I don''t want to give up on it so easily. This profession not only makes me like it quite a lot, I''ve had this feeling for a long time��" He only finished after talking for a long time.


    Teacher Xue asked, "Which host do you admire the most? Let''s hear why you feel that way."


    The male examinee immediately answered, "The host I admire most is Teacher Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye smiled.


    Su Hongyan nced at him.


    The male examinee said, "The reason why I admire Teacher Zhang Ye is because he has the best personality among all the current hosts. I like his coolness, his calmness when dealing with matters, his courage to speak his mind, his mental fortitude that lets him stay unaffected even if the sky is about to copse. All of those qualities are worthy of learning from!"


    A whileter, the interview ended.


    The teachers wrote down the scores and made notes on their forms.


    Then the second examinee entered.


    "Good morning, Teachers!" It was a female examinee who looked very spirited and pretty.


    A young examiner who looked to be about five or six years older than Zhang Ye said, "Good morning. Please tell us what overall qualities you think a host should possess."


    The female examinee replied excitedly without even thinking, "I think that as a host, as an outstanding host, one should possess simr qualities to Teacher Zhang, who has a quick talking ability where he can rattle off five or six words a second without blinking, have strong mental fortitude, and regardless of whether it is a recorded or live broadcast, will still be brave enough to step up without a script. Also, they must be talented, and when faced with anyone in any environment or location, should have a mouth that can dominate the masses. They must not fear authority, have their own persistence and bottom line, while risking fighting it out with an unhealthy corporate culture. Also, they have to��"


    After she had finished speaking, Zhang Ye could not help chuckling. "I''m not as extraordinary as you''re making me out to be."


    However, the female examinee said, "But that''s the impression I have of you. I''ve always set very high standards for myself and you are my final goal!"


    Soon after, it was time for the third examinee.


    It was another girl, but she did not look as pretty as the previous examinee, though she was still quite good-looking and had a standout point with her height of 173 cm. Her first words of "good morning, Teachers" made Su Hongyan nod unconsciously. Her voice was quite good and sounded very clear and pure.


    It was Zhang Ye who posed the first question. "Student, let''s hear a recitation from you so that we can hear the specialty of your voice and the control of yournguage and sentences."


    "Yes, Teacher." The tall girl cleared her throat and recited loudly, "Up above the sea''s grey nd, wind is gathering the clouds. In between the sea and clouds proudly soaring the Petrel, reminiscent of ck lightning. ncing a wave with his wingtip, like an arrow dashing cloudward, he cries out and the clouds hear his joy in the bird''s cry of courage. In this cry��"


    It was "The Song of the Stormy Petrel."


    Zhang Ye smiled wryly at this.


    The other examiners also looked helpless at this, but they still attentively finished listening to her recital. After they asked a few more interview questions, they started to give their scores.


    Next up was the fourth examinee. This person was very young and from the birthdate written on the resume, he was only 16 years old.


    Su Hongyan weed, "Hello."


    That youth said in a serious tone, "Hello, Teacher!"


    Su Hongyan asked, "If you be a broadcaster in the future, what would be your goal? Is there any position that you would like to reach? Or perhaps a deeper pursuit into the arts?"


    That youth thought for a moment and said high-spiritedly, "Yes, there is. My goal is to win the highest honor as a host. I want to stand coolly onstage like Teacher Zhang Ye at the Golden Microphone Awards and let everyone in the country hear my voice!"


    Zhang Ye again?


    Yet another mention of Zhang Ye?


    After his interview, the teachers had a quick round of discussion.


    Teacher Xue smiled and asked, "Teacher Zhang, it''s already the fourth examinee, but they''re all your fans?"


    Zhang Ye quickly waved it off. "It''s only because they saw me sitting here that they said that. It''s just a coincidence that it happened this way."


    Su Hongyan shook her head and just continued writing down herments.


    Professor Qu suggested, "Let''s change the way we ask themter."


    "OK. It''s better that you ask the questions," Zhang Ye said.


    The fifth examinee entered under the examiners'' watchful eyes��an average-looking teen, but his features were all in proportion.


    "Dear Teachers, I''m Examinee 005, Sun Bonan," the examinee introduced.


    Professor Qu nodded. "Tell us briefly, um, other than Professor Zhang Ye here, which host do you like the most? And why?"


    The examinee was obviously taken aback. "Other than Teacher Zhang?"


    Professor Qu said, "Yes."


    The examiners were all thinking that surely this would be it.


    But in the end, they simply did not expect that this examinee was even more ruthless than them. "Other than Teacher Zhang Ye, I do not like anyone else! It''s because I think that only Teacher Zhang Ye can be considered a real host who is truly professional and above material interests!"


    Professor Qu: "..."


    Teacher Xue: "..."


    Su Hongyan: "..."


    The other examiners: "..."


    After that examinee''s interview, Su Hongyan pouted and said, "Is there any meaning to all this?"


    Teacher Xue alsoughed. "If that''s what the examinees feel, you can''t possibly make them say otherwise, right? You can lead a horse to water, but you can''t make it drink."


    ...


    Outside.


    A few of the examinees who had finished with their first round of exams were already walking out of the college gates.


    "Eh, aren''t you guys the examinees behind me?"


    "That''s right, how did you do just now?"


    "I don''t know, are you guys done with the interview too? What did they ask you?"


    "There was a question where they asked me which host I liked."


    "How did you answer that?"


    "Of course I said it was Zhang Ye!"


    "Man, I also said it was Zhang Ye. Back when someone saw Zhang Ye appearing on campus and how some reporters were chasing after him, they guessed that Zhang Ye would be one of the interviewers of this entrance exam for the broadcasting major. So I was already prepared when I entered the exam hall and saw him. If I did not say that I liked him, then who else would I say? Would I have said that I like Chen Ye? It''s not like I''m an idiot!"


    "What about you guys? Did you get asked the same question too?"


    "Yes!"


    "The questions are all simr."


    At this moment, an examinee who had just finished his interview walked up to them. "My question was not the same. The examiners asked me which host I liked the most other than Zhang Ye."


    "Ah?"


    "They can even ask that?"


    "Then how did you answer that?"


    That person smiled shamelessly. "I said that other than Zhang Ye, I do not like anyone else!"


    Everyone dropped to their knees at that!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Pfft!"


    "Bro, you''re really thick-skinned!"


    "You can even answer it that way?"


    Of course, these were just some small incidents that urred on the first day of the entrance examination. The examinees who followed came in all sorts of variations. Some of them performed outstandingly, some were so nervous to the point that they could not say anything properly, and some even said straight to Zhang Ye that they did not like his manner of hosting.


    To Zhang Ye, whether they were sucking up to him or said that they did not like his artistic style, he still looked at everyone impartially. He graded them ording to their personal qualities and conditions, and couldn''t possibly give them a good score just because they praised him.


    In his position as an examiner, Zhang Ye still handled the situation very responsibly.

 Chapter 841: An old classmate in trouble!

    <h4>Chapter 841: An old ssmate in trouble! </h4>


    Chapter 841: An old ssmate in trouble!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    From the morning until now, they had interviewed scores of examinees.


    "It''s already 12 PM?"


    "We should stop here for the morning."


    "Let''s grab lunch. There''ll be another session in the afternoon."


    "The batch of examinees from this morning was middling. I only found Examinee 026 to be quite eptable. I feel that she can be groomed further, but we still have to ascertain that during the second round of exams."


    "Examinee 051 was quite good too."


    "Yeah, there''s a special characteristic to his voice."


    Zhang Ye, Su Hongyan, and the rest of the examiners were chatting as they exited the examination venue. Elsewhere, the interviewers from the School of Directing, School of Acting, as well as the other schools, were also done with their morning sessions. They bumped into each other downstairs or in the hallways and gathered together to chat as they walked to the cafeteria.


    At this moment, eight or nine reporters ran toward them.


    "Director Zhang!"


    "You''re finally out!"


    "Please do an interview with us!"


    "We informed Media College earlier and the school agreed to let us interview you!"


    From the looks of it, the reporters had been waiting downstairs for him all this time so that they could catch Zhang Ye the moment he stepped out.


    Zhang Ye stopped dead in his tracks.


    Su Hongyan turned around and looked at him. "What''s going on?"


    "You guys grab lunch first." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ll head over there in a bit."


    Su Hongyan nodded and said, "Alrighty then."


    Teacher Xue reminded him, "We''re going to the smaller cafeteria. Therge dining hall isn''t open today."


    "Alright," Zhang Ye said.


    After the other interviewers left, the reporters stuck their cameras and microphones into Zhang Ye''s face and began to question him.


    A female reporter immediately asked, "Teacher Zhang, what was the reason for Media College inviting you back to your alma mater as an examiner? What are your thoughts of being appointed as an examiner here for the first time?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and replied, "I''ll definitely do a proper job and not overthink on other matters since my alma mater has put their trust in me by inviting me back for the entrance exam."


    A male reporter immediately spoke, "We''ve just received news that Media College has offered you a position as associate professor. Teacher Zhang, is this true?"


    Zhang Ye cleared his throat and said, "All of you are really very well-informed. I''ve only just heard about it myself, so I don''t know whether it''s a rumor or the truth. As such, I can''t answer that."


    A reporter next to the other mentioned, "If the news is real, then you''ll be the youngest associate professor in the history of Media College."


    Zhang Ye phrased his words very carefully. "I don''t know about that."


    A female reporter blinked several times and said, "Teacher Zhang, you''re being quite cautious with your words today."


    Zhang Ye was amused. "Is that so?"


    The female reporter eximed, "This isn''t your usual style at all!"


    A male reporter also said with his eyes lit up, "You can just say it freely. It''ll be fine!"


    "It''ll be fine for you guys." Zhang Yeughed. "But if I say what I want freely, then I''ll be in trouble. Do you really think that I''m not being cursed at enough?"


    The female reporter alsoughed and said, "Of course! It wouldn''t affect us since we''re just going to watch!"


    Zhang Ye gave a pleasant smile and said, "Come now, it''s almost the new year, so I better keep a low profile."


    After responding to a few more questions, Zhang Ye finally got away and went to the cafeteria for lunch.


    Sometimes, news traveled fast. He had just taken a few steps when the first of the reports were published!


    Online Entertainment Weekly Magazine: "Zhang Ye appointed as examiner for Media College''s entrance exam!"


    Daily News: "Shocking appearance by Zhang Ye on the first day of the Media College Entrance Examination!"


    Everyday Entertainment: "Zhang Ye rumored to be taking up the post of associate professor at Media College''s School of Broadcasting! "


    Online Entertainment News: "Media College throws Zhang Ye an olive branch, offering him a high sry to teach! "


    Theizens expressed their concerns.


    "An associate professor of Media College?"


    "Teacher Zhang is super capable!"


    "He''s great!"


    "Is the news true?"


    "Has it been confirmed? If it''s confirmed, then it would be really awesome!"


    "The youngest associate professor of two institutions of higher learning, Peking University and Media College?"


    "If Zhang Ye really bes an associate professor at Media College, then his status and hierarchy in the industry will be even higher!"


    "I have to say that Media College still has the foresight to approach Zhang Ye and get him to teach at their institution. He''ll definitely be able to attract a lot of fresh recruits since he can teach in the School of Broadcasting, School of Directing, and even in School of Music and Recording Arts! With his abilities and talent, I''m quite optimistic for the future of Media College. I really hope that Zhang Ye can produce some entertainment celebrities just like himself! It''s really rare to have someone like Zhang Ye in the entertainment industry!"


    "Supporting Teacher Zhang!"


    Of course, there would definitely be a lot of controversy too.


    There were also manyizens and people in the industry who were in doubt.


    "Let''s have a confirmation first of whether this news is true or not."


    "I''m not optimistic about Zhang Ye''s appointment. Has Media College gone crazy?"


    "They even dare to hire a person like him? Does Media College feel that they don''t have enough trouble?"


    "Don''t let Zhang Ye ruin the glorious reputation of Media College!"


    "What qualifications does Zhang Ye have to assume the position of associate professor in an arts institute like Media College?"


    ...


    In the afternoon.


    Some of the administrators of the School of Broadcasting came to find Zhang Ye. With the help of Su Hongyan, the matter of Zhang Ye assuming his new position was finalized very quickly. This was because the university had already held a meeting to discuss this and even drew up a detailed n of the lesson schedule. As a result, the discussion waspleted very quickly with the contract having already been prepared beforehand. After the sry was agreed upon, the matter was finally settled.


    "Professor Zhang, wee on board to Media College." After that, a few of the university''s administrators shook hands with Zhang Ye one by one.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s my honor."


    After he walked outside, his cell phone started ringing.


    Zhang Ye went off to the side to answer the call. "Mom, what''s the matter?"


    His mother said delightedly: "I saw on the news that Media College has invited you to teach there?"


    "It''s just a temporary post." Zhang Yeughed.


    His mother asked: "As an associate professor?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged: "Yes, as an associate professor. It''s already been confirmed and I just finished with the negotiations."


    "Good! Very good!" Then he heard his mother''s voice from the other end: "Old Zhang, the news is real! Our son has gained another associate professor title! And it''s even one from his alma mater!"


    He heard his father saying: "Invite our rtives over tonight to have dinner together."


    His mother immediately said: "Little Ye,e back earlier tonight. We''ll invite all our family members over!"


    "Hai, that''s not necessary," Zhang Ye said.


    His mother''s eyes widened. "Why is it not necessary? Being appointed as an associate professor is a big deal! We can''t treat it like it''s nothing!"


    Zhang Yeughed: "Alright then, I''ll listen to the two of you."


    Perhaps to his parents, gaining the title of an associate professor was even more impressive than getting the highest honor of some prestigious TV show awards. In the mindset of their generation, bing an associate professor was a big deal, so they were naturally very happy about it.


    A short whileter, his friends also called him.


    Dong Shanshanughed and said: "Congrattions, Professor Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye: "Thanks."


    "When can I attend your lecture?" Dong Shanshan asked.


    Zhang Ye said amused: "Oh c''mon, it''s just a temporary post. I should be the one attending your lecture instead."


    Dong Shanshan giggled. "Oh right, Wang He is back."


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "He''s already arrived?"


    Dong Shanshan acknowledged: "He arrived in Beijing this morning and gave me a call. Why? Did he not call you? I already sent him your number."


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "It''s not like you don''t know how the two of us were always bickering back in our college days. It''d be a wonder if he gave me a call now that he''s back in Beijing."


    Dong Shanshanughed lightly: "That''s true. However, very few of our ssmates are left in the industry and even most of them are struggling since our graduation. We should really keep in touch with one another as it''s quite hard for everyone. I guess you''ve also heard that Wang He offended someone in the industryst year. He had no choice but to give up on hosting and return to his hometown. Now that he''s back, he''ll definitely need to start from scratch again. However, I''m afraid that his situation isn''t that simple. It''s still uncertain if he''ll manage to resolve it or not. Hai, what a troublesome thing to have happened to him."


    "Is it very troublesome?" Zhang Ye had heard about it before, but he did not know the details.


    Who did Wang He offend back then?


    At that time, Zhang Ye had just started out at Beijing Radio Station and did not have many updates on everyone. Moreover, he also offended too many people back then and could hardly even look after himself. He only got in touch with Dong Shanshan again because he had to go to Shanghai for work and had coincidentally bumped into her on the ne. As for Wang He''s situation, he really did not know much about it.


    Dong Shanshan acknowledged: "It should be quite troublesome. Back then, Teacher Su also tried to help him out, but it wasn''t settled in the end, so you can imagine just how troublesome it is."


    Zhang Ye nodded and said: "Just let me know where I can help out."


    "Hur hur, great. I was only waiting for you to say that." Dong Shanshan said: "You should know how Wang He is, right? He definitely won''t ask you for help even if he is in trouble. Back then, even though I kept asking him, he still did not tell me about the matter in detail. However, I''m thinking that since we''ve all been ssmates for many years, even if he does not say it, we should not just leave him alone. If we can help him, then we must definitely help him, which is why I''m discussing this with you first."


    Zhang Ye replied: "I understand. Actually it''s just about having offended someone, right? Haven''t I offended a lot of people in these recent years? But I''m still doing fine, no?"


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "That''s why you''re the odd one out!"


    Exasperated, Zhang Ye said: "Can you be a little more particr with the terms you use?"


    Dong Shanshan said tly: "No, because you''re really an odd one."


    Zhang Ye said, "��Whatever."

 Chapter 842: Zhang Ye Enraged! (1/3)

    <h4>Chapter 842: Zhang Ye Enraged! (1/3) </h4>


    Chapter 842: Zhang Ye Enraged! (1/3)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    9 AM.


    Zhang Ye headed to Media College again for the second day of the entrance exam.


    "Professor Zhang, you''re here?"


    "Yes, Teacher Xue."


    "Professor Little Zhang, good morning."


    "Professor Wang, good morning to you too."


    "We''re colleagues now."


    "Yes, and I''ll still be depending on everyone''s care."


    When he arrived at the exam hall, the other examiners were all exchanging greetings with Zhang Ye. Yesterday, everyone still addressed him rather casually, with some calling him Little Zhang, while others addressed him as Teacher Little Zhang. But today, everyone seemingly added the title of Professor when they addressed him. Zhang Ye taking up the temporary position had been announced on Media College''s official website. A spokesperson of the school authorities even gave a media interview about it, which was the main reason why everyone addressed him a little differently now.


    Of course, when Su Hongyan arrived, she still called him Little Zhang. Even if Teacher Su tried to address him as Professor Zhang, he would not dare to be called that by her since she was his former teacher.


    The interview round started.


    They were kept busy all morning, a whole three hours.


    ...


    In the afternoon.


    They were finally done with the interviews.


    Su Hongyan did not say anything and just left the exam hall quietly.


    Zhang Ye was looking through his notes about the examinees and by the time he looked up, he could not see her anymore. He had intended to get lunch with Teacher Su at first, but he didn''t expect Teacher Su to move so quickly. "Eh, where did Teacher Su go?"


    A female teacher said, "Did she leave already?"


    Another examiner replied, "She seemed to have left after answering a call."


    Zhang Ye also stood up to leave. Curious, he looked around after he went downstairs and suddenly spotted Su Hongyan somewhere far away. There was another person with Teacher Su, a rather young man who was around Zhang Ye''s age. Although he couldn''t make out his features, from what he could see, that person should be rather good-looking. On top of that��he even seemed somewhat familiar?


    Is he?


    He instinctively walked over to them.


    From a distance away, he could hear Teacher Su''s conversation with that person.


    Teacher Su: "Sure, I''ll help ask around."


    That person: "Thank you. I''ve troubled you again."


    Teacher Su: "Have you ever not given me any trouble?"


    That personughed dryly.


    Teacher Su: "But I can''t guarantee anything. Although it''s been a year already, if the other party still wants to bite onto it, it''ll still be very difficult for you to find work in this industry."


    That person voiced, "I understand. I''ll just take it as ites. This is the most pressing matter that I want to settle now that I''vee back."


    Teacher Su smiled and said, "Actually, that old ssmate of yours has a bigger influence than me in the industry. You should''ve sought his help on this matter and exchanged some tips. After all, that kid has started bigger troubles than you and has offended much more people as well. In this aspect, he is definitely much more experienced than you. In the past two years, you could say that he''s been the most reckless person of all."


    That person shook his head and replied, "You must not tell him about this."


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye''sughter rang out. "Don''t tell who?"


    Teacher Su and that person were startled.


    Zhang Ye looked at that person at the same time that person looked at Zhang Ye. They stared at each other for at least two seconds.


    Zhang Yeughed. "I was just thinking who this familiar person could be. If it isn''t ssmate Wang He. What''s the matter? You came to Beijing but did not even bother to say hi to me? Not even a phone call? If it weren''t for Shanshan who told me, I wouldn''t have known that you were already back. What''s the meaning of this? Are you avoiding me?"


    Wang He chuckled. "Would I have to avoid you? Have we ever been on such good terms to warrant that?"


    Zhang Ye thought about it and then nodded with a chuckle too. "That''s true, we''re not really on good terms."


    Wang He nced at him. "You''re still that same old you, totally unchanged."


    "But you''ve changed," Zhang Ye said sarcastically. "I heard that you offended someone and then ran back to your hometown after that?"


    Wang He''s eyebrows twitched. He brushed it off with a sort of smile and said, "That wasn''t running away. What I did was beat a strategic retreat and reorganize my defenses."


    Zhang Ye seethed, "Oh alright, just stop bragging. If you ran away, then you ran away. What retreat and defense are you even talking about? You''re just sugarcoating it!"


    Wang He retorted, "Enough about me. Didn''t you also get banned by the SARFT! You were the top artist on the SARFT''s cklistst year!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "But they couldn''t keep me down, could they!? But what about you?"


    Wang He nced at him again. "Am I not back now?"


    The two of them said things one after another. After not seeing each other for two years, the first thing they did was to start with a fight. This scene seemingly brought them back to their days in university. At that time, these two also argued in such a way every day, bickering their days away. It was even a highlight of their sses.


    Su Hongyan had not forgotten this. When she heard them bickering, she felt like she was transported back several years. "You two!" She broke out into augh.


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye looked at Wang He and threw open his arms.


    Wang He alsoughed. He spread his arms and walked over.


    The two of them gave each other a great bear hug!


    Zhang Yemented, "We haven''t seen each other in two years. I kinda missed you!"


    Wang Heughed and said, "Without you around, there was no one for me to argue with. How boring it got for me too!"


    Zhang Ye dered, "It''s good that you''re back now."


    Wang He replied, "Yes, I''m finally back."


    Su Hongyan smiled happily and said, "Are you both done reminiscing about the old days?"


    Wang Heughed. "Yes, we are."


    "Let''s go and find a restaurant where can we sit and catch up," Su Hongyan suggested.


    ...


    There was a small restaurant just outside the back gates of Media College. It was slightly rundown and there weren''t many customers either.


    The three of them sat down and randomly ordered some dishes before starting to discuss the serious issues.


    Zhang Ye sipped the hot tea and said, "I overheard a little of what the two of you were talking about. Dong Shanshan also briefly shared with me what happened. Wang He, just what kind of person did you offend?"


    Wang He looked quite unwilling to share. "Let''s eat first."


    But Zhang Ye stated, "If I didn''t know about it in the first ce, that would be fine. But since I already know about it, then there''s no point in hiding it. Quickly tell me what happened. We can try to think of a solution together."


    Su Hongyan also urged, "Go on, Little Wang."


    Wang He pondered for a moment before exining, "It was an incident that happened back when I just graduated. At that time, a lot of television stations and other hiring businesses were already headhunting us before we graduated. Among our batch of broadcasting majors, my results were considered to be quite good since I was first or second in our ss, around equal to Dong Shanshan. Therefore, both of us found jobs before we even got our diplomas. I ended up going to Hebei TV, but of course, it wasn''t some high-flying department there. My results were good, but they weren''t the best among our faculty. We did not have any connections either, so to be able to just work in a television station as an host intern after graduating was already considered great. Many of the other Media College graduates could not even be a host intern. They were mainly running errands for their employers and wouldn''t get any screen time for at least year or two, so I was rather cocky at that time."


    Zhang Ye whined, "Get to the point and stop boasting. I was one of those graduates who you im to have been running errands."


    Wang He said, "Fine. The main issue happened after I started working. I was interning at the Hebei TV Headquarters for three months when my boss there felt that I had good overall potential, and transferred me to the Production Department that''s located in Beijing. There were quite a few well-performing shows on Hebei TV that were produced over at the office in Beijing. Many television stations ce their production departments and resources in Beijing since this location is convenient and has more ess to additional resources."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Who did you offend then?"


    Wang He said, "The head of Hebei TV''s Production Department located in Beijing, their leader Guan Yunhai. He''s also a station lead of Hebei TV, and is one rank lower than a deputy station head even though he''s on the sry scale of a deputy station head. You could say that he''s a leading figure in the television circle."


    Zhang Ye frowned. Someone on a simr level to a deputy station head?


    Su Hongyan added, "I met Guan Yunhai once before. He''s a highly qualified veteran who has worked at Central TV and Anhui TV before. It was onlyter that he went to Hebei TV and waster made the head of the Beijing Production Department. You should know who he is if someone mentions him in the industry."


    Zhang Ye nodded at that. He seemed to have heard of that name before too.


    Su Hongyan said, "I''d asked someone to put in a good word for Wang He back then, but before it could even happen, nothing was heard about the case anymore."


    Zhang Ye asked, "So what really happened? Did you uncover his family''s secret?" Thetter sentence was Beijing ng that roughly meant: "Did you steal his wife?"


    Su Hongyan understood and rolled her eyes. "You''re already an associate professor. Watch what you say."


    Wang He smiled bitterly. "You know what? It really has something to do with that, but it''s not me. His mistress was my boss, the head of our department and a former host. Although she''s already fallen out of the B-list rankings, she''s still rather pretty. When I first joined the station, I did not know anything at all. I didn''t know my way around to the people and only did what the lead ordered. After all, I was only an intern, so whatever the boss asked, I would just do it diligently. It was only after some time that she began trusting me. Once, when she attended a dinner function, she brought me along as well. I was just there to drive her around and whatnot, but when she had a drink too much, she gave me an address in her drunken state. It wasn''t her home address but somewhere else, so I just sent her there. Afterwards, I gained even more of her trust and she got me to pick her up many more times to go to that address. She even specifically told me not to tell anyone, and it was onlyter on that I found out that that was not Guan Yunhai''s ce but the home of another lover of hers."


    Zhang Ye was left almost speechless at this. "It''s thisplicated?"


    Wang He said, "You don''t say. There was one time when everything just came together and we got caught by Guan Yunhai. Me, that woman, her lover, and Guan Yunhai just found ourselves together somewhere. There was even a fight there, and it was only then that I realized that Guan Yunhai was her lover too. Don''t you think that I was really unlucky to have that happen to me? What has all this got to do with me? As a result, Guan Yunhai hated me because I was the one who always chauffeured my boss to her lover''s house. Moreover, as it involved such a secretive issue, Guan Yunhai did not make a big fuss out of it and just straight-up had me fired. He even released word in the industry that my character and work abilities were wed, so that meant whoever hired me would be going against him!"


    Su Hongyan shook her head. "What a corrupt person."


    Wang He gave a helplessugh. "Teacher Su, you''ve always taught at Media College, and the culture here is definitely different. But for many other ces, this is how it is. The industry is really messy andplicated."


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "Is that how you ended up in this situation now?"


    "Yes." Wang He threw up his hands in resignation. "After that, I tried to apply for several more positions at other television stations but without an exception, none of them got back to me."


    Su Hongyan said, "Television stations usually inquire with the previous employers of a host who makes a move from their previous jobs. They would then meet with a roadblock at Guan Yunhai''s side and wouldn''t risk hiring Wang He. Since he is not a famous host, there is no need for them to take this risk."


    After listening to all the details, the entire situation was quite clear to them.


    Zhang Ye remarked, "You can''t be a more innocent party when ites to this affair."


    "Right?" Wang He furiously shook his head. "But who can I go to for justice?"


    Suddenly, a call came in.


    Wang He had a look at his phone and said, "It''s from Shanshan."


    He answered it.


    Dong Shanshan''s voice could be heard saying: "Wang He, I''ve already asked for you."


    Wang He said: "Thanks, how was it?"


    Dong Shanshan sighed. "I''ve told Brother Hu and a department head over at Beijing Television about it. They were willing to give you a chance for an interview at the beginning, but thenter they said to forget about it. They said that your resume is not good as Hebei TV has given you a bad review."


    Wang He kept quiet for a moment. "Alright, I understand. Thanks, Shanshan. I''ll buy you dinner some other day."


    Dong Shanshan replied: "There''s no need for that. I wasn''t of much help anyway."


    "I''ll still have to." Wang He said: "I appreciate that you tried to help."


    Dong Shanshan said: "I feel that it''s better if you tell Zhang Ye about this. He has a much bigger influence than me, perhaps he can help you think of a way. If you don''t want to, I can help you speak with him. I briefly mentioned it to Zhang Ye over the phone yesterday, and he seemed quite worried about your situation as well, even though he might not say so."


    When Zhang Ye heard that, heughed and said: "Shanshan, are you making things up about me again?"


    Dong Shanshan was a little startled: "Yo, you guys are together right now?"


    Wang Heughed. "I bumped into him at Media College."


    Dong Shanshanughed: "Alright, then I feel more relieved. You can ask him for help. I''ll be hanging up now."


    They ended the call.


    Su Hongyan asked, "Beijing Television said no?"


    Wang He nodded. "Shanshan has already asked for me. They said no."


    "It''s already been a year. Why is he still not letting this go?" Su Hongyan frowned.


    Wang Heughed very helplessly. "He''s trying to get rid of me once and for all. It''s fine, I was already prepared for such a result anyway."


    Hearing this, Zhang Ye said, "OK, isn''t this just a small issue? I''ll help you handle it."


    Wang He looked at him. "Are you sure you can do it?"


    "Heh, what''s with that doubting tone? I''ve not having any of it. Just wait and see what I can do." Zhang Ye took out his cell phone and called Department 14''s Director Yan Tianfei.


    Du du.


    The call connected.


    Yan Tianfei: "Hello? Little Zhang, haha, I''ve just seen your news. How did it happen? You got appointed as an associate professor again? This time at Media College? Don''t forget to treat us when you''re back after the new year."


    "For sure," Zhang Ye agreed.


    Yan Tianfei asked: "What''s the matter?"


    Zhang Ye answered: "It''s about an old ssmate of mine, also from Media College. He''s been looking for a job as a host recently. Do you think you can make some rmendations for him? There''s no doubt about his abilities, I can guarantee that."


    Yan Tianfei granted without hesitation: "It''s not a difficult request, so sure, just send me his information. Since our department does not have a hosting position, I''ll help you ask around with the other departments of Central TV."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, thank you so much then."


    Zhang Ye also thought that this issue would be settled just like that, but the oue was totally beyond his expectations!

 Chapter 843: Zhang Ye Enraged! (2/3)

    <h4>Chapter 843: Zhang Ye Enraged! (2/3) </h4>


    Chapter 843: Zhang Ye Enraged! (2/3)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


    The interviews were finished.


    Some of the examinees left the campus full of confidence, while some female examinees could be seen walking away in tears. They clearly felt that they had not done well in their first round of the exam.


    Zhang Ye looked at his watch. The interviews today ended earlier than yesterday. It was only a little past 3 PM, so he went to find a quiet spot with no one around and took out his phone to call Yan Tianfei.


    "Director Yan."


    "Your phone was off just now?"


    "Yes. I was interviewing the examinees just now. You''ve received Wang He''s information, right?"


    "I''ve received it and also helped you ask around."


    "How was it?"


    "Did that ssmate of yours offend someone?"


    "Yes, he offended the head of Hebei TV''s Production Department located in Beijing, someone called Guan Yunhai."


    Yan Tianfei asked with some uncertainty: "Guan Yunhai? The Old Guan who has worked at Central TV before? I know him. No wonder, no wonder no one wants to hire your ssmate. I''ve asked a few people I know and all of them turned me down. It sounded like when they all called up to check on Wang He''s past employment, there was someone from Hebei TV who specifically told them not to use this person and said many bad things about him. Looks like your ssmate has gravely offended Guan Yunhai, but what on earth did he do?"


    Zhang Ye frowned and said: "It''s a littleplicated to exin."


    Yan Tianfei revealed: "Old Guan has arge influence within the circle and he''s also a veteran, so he knows quite a lot of people. As long as he has released word, then your ssmate''s issue won''t be easy to handle."


    "Not even with your influence?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Yan Tianfei said: "My influence is not greater than his. The few people whom I''ve asked wouldn''t want to offend Guan Yunhai for no reason. They feel that it isn''t worth it to do so for a rookie, since after all, Old Guan has worked at Central TV in the past and they all know each other as well."


    "Alright then, I understand, Director Yan."


    "Sorry I couldn''t help."


    "Hai, it''s fine. I''ll think of another way."


    "If it''s OK with him, why don''t you get him toe work at Department 14 first? Maybe he can do some narration work for the documentaries for a start?"


    "Let''s talk about it again, Director Yan. His specialty is not in this area and he probably wants to stay in the hosting field. Therefore, whether it''s now orter, this matter still has to be resolved first."


    They hung up.


    Su Hongyan also came out of the exam hall.


    "Little Zhang." Su Hongyan asked, "Is there news?"


    Zhang Ye was getting quite enraged by this. "I''ve asked my department''s director about it, but it''s still not working out. Those people are all unwilling to offend Guan Yunhai, so they''ve rejected our request. And it seems like Hebei TV is even releasing word on purpose against Wang He. If anyone hires Wang He, it means they''re going against Guan Yunhai. What kind of person is this!"


    Su Hongyan also appeared angry. "Such a vengeful person?"


    "What has this got to do with being vengeful?" Zhang Ye spieled, "This doesn''t have anything to do with Wang He in the first ce! He went around having an affair, but when his lover ran off with another man, he''s putting the me on Wang He? What kind of fucking logic is this?"


    A few examiners and teachers who were just passing by them all looked at Zhang Ye.


    Su Hongyan said in a speechless manner, "Keep it down. Don''t keep cursing at others. You''re an associate professor, so you should be more mindful of your behavior."


    Only then did Zhang Ye cool down a little. "Where''s Wang He?"


    "At my office." Su Hongyan turned around. "Let''s go to my office first then."


    At Su Hongyan''s office.


    Zhang Ye rted to Wang He what Yan Tianfei had told him.


    Wang He stated, "Alright, I won''t trouble you guys any longer. I''ll settle my own problem from here."


    "How are you going to settle it?" Zhang Ye asked him.


    Wang He kept quiet.


    Zhang Ye''s temper had never been good and he would often get impulsive easily. About this issue today, from first hearing of it till now, it had made him somewhat mad. If it were Zhang Ye himself who had offended Guan Yunhai, he wouldn''t have been bothered, since he had already offended too many people to begin with, so what was another one or two more. It wouldn''t make a difference for Zhang Ye, but it was different for Wang He. Wang He couldn''t even be considered as having debuted yet and was a total rookie in the industry, so that made the matter more difficult to handle. He couldn''t possibly go and take this all on himself either. He had no problems with that, but Guan Yunhai would never allow it. That Guan fellow had already fully pinned this on Wang He and was determined to force him out of the industry. This was a form of an even harsher ban. It was basically shutting him out of the industry with no chance of getting in at all!


    At this moment, Su Hongyan spoke up, "How about this? I''ve asked for Guan Yunhai''s number from a friend just now. Let me give him a call."


    Wang He quickly said, "Teacher Su, forget it."


    Su Hongyan dered firmly, "No, I won''t. You''re such a promising young man. Why should we let you be held in check just because of what Guan Yunhai says? Who does he think he is? Is there still any justice here?"


    Since it hade to this, Su Hongyan was also getting infuriated.


    Zhang Ye said, "Right, call him. I would like to see what kinds of excuses he cane up with!"


    They made the call over.


    Du du. The ringtone went for five or six times before being answered.


    "Hello?" It was the voice of a middle-aged man.


    Su Hongyan said: "Hello, is this Director Guan?


    "You are?" Guan Yunhai asked.


    Thinking about Wang He, Su Hongyan did not show much emotions and said calmly: "I am a teacher from Media College''s School of Broadcasting. Wang He is my student."


    There was silence for a few seconds on the other end of the call. "Oh, what is it?"


    Su Hongyan said: "My student worked at your station for a period of time. Back then, he had just graduated and was still inexperienced, so he might not have considered everything carefully before he did them and caused you trouble. As his teacher, I''ve already criticized him, so I hope that you would also let him off the hook since it''s already been a year. The child is much more mature and understanding now. Besides, he''s also one of the better students we teachers have identified, so about his work��"


    Guan Yunhai cut her off and said impatiently: "Wang He? I seem to have an impression of such a person, but hasn''t he already left his position here? So please don''te to me with his work problems."


    Su Hongyan replied: "But the reviews from your station about Wang He haven''t been good and a few other television stations are not willing to hire him because of this. He��"


    "Then that has nothing to do with us, right?" interrupted Guan Yunhai as he cut off Su Hongyan again. "We also have our set of procedures to follow at our station, so what has it got to do with me what the other stations think about him?"


    Su Hongyan''s eyes narrowed. "You''re also a leading figure with a lot of influence in the industry, so why are you taking this up with a child so aggressively for? It''s not easy for the child too." Pausing, she continued: "How about this, Director Guan. Are you free today? I will bring Wang He over. Let''s handle the issue after we talk about��"


    "You don''t have to bothering to discuss this with me." Guan Yunhai cut her off for the third time. "I''m very busy right now."


    Du du du!


    He ended the call!


    Su Hongyan''s expression turned into disappointment. "He hung up."


    Zhang Ye was so angry that he was amused. "You even got dissed by him?"


    Wang He said, "Teacher Su, I think it''s better if I find a way to solve this on my own. Don''t trouble yourself anymore." Seeing Teacher Su get disrespected because of his own issues made Wang He feel outraged and also made him feel like he owed her a lot.


    But Su Hongyan insisted, "I will involve myself with this no matter what! Let''s go, Little Wang. I will bring you to their office! We must settle this today! I don''t believe we can''t do anything about it!"


    Wang He immediately said, "I will go there by myself!"


    Su Hongyan voiced, "I will go with you."


    "I''ll go too!" Zhang Ye was already putting his jacket on.


    Su Hongyan looked at him and said, "Why are you going? You just skedaddle back home."


    Zhang Ye gazed at her with his eyes wide open. "How can I not go? I already said that I would help Wang He with this, so I must help out until it has been resolved. Isn''t that Guan Yunhai an idiotic bastard? Then we should go together and talk it out with him!"


    Su Hongyan red at him. "Give it a rest, will you? It''s better if you don''t go, because if you do, things will only get more difficult to handle. Just with that temper of yours, you would only give us more trouble over there. If you start getting into a shouting match with them, Little Wang''s case would never be settled and might even be unsolvable!"


    Zhang Ye responded, "Don''t you think I know how to behave myself? Am I someone who doesn''t know my limits? If this were my own problem, I would have already cursed him out over the phone, but didn''t I keep quiet just now?"


    "Don''t give me that." Su Hongyan said, "Just go back to doing whatever you needed to do."


    Finally, Su Hongyan brought Wang He along with her and left.


    Zhang Ye was speechless. He went back to the office and paced around with his hands behind his back for some time. In the end, he still decided to head to the parking lot with a sunken expression. Since he knew about it, even if they didn''t want him to go, he still must go!


    ...


    Half an hourter.


    Hebei Television''s Beijing Production Department.


    After looking for the location for a long time, he finally found his way and drove to the ce. However, before he could get out of his car, Zhang Ye saw something at the building lobby from his car window that left him furious. He did not even park his car properly, simply going right over the curb. Spinning the wheel, he left it there at the entrance of the building!


    Inside the lobby.


    There were two groups of people arguing!


    A staffer shouted, "We asked you all to leave!"


    Wang He held one of the security guards and said, "Why did you push her?!"


    "Unauthorized persons are prohibited to enter! Who allowed you two toe in here?!" That security guard pushed Wang He''s hand away.


    The other security guard captain rushed over with a baton, but did not use it on Wang He. Instead, he bumped chests as a challenge and stated, "We''ve already said, Director Guan is in a meeting and has no time for you two! Why are you still trying to enter?"


    Wang He roared, "Why did you push my teacher down?"


    More and more people from the television station gathered to watch.


    Su Hongyan tugged at Wang He. "Little Wang! Let go! Don''t fight anymore!"


    Wang He might usually seem very polite and amiable, but when something really cropped up, he could get quite ferocious too. He grabbed the security guard with one hand and said, "He can push me! But he can''t push you!"


    "What are you doing! Let go!" Su Hongyan was afraid things would get out of control and quickly tried to hold him back.


    Chief Chen, a supervisor at the station, said with a darkened expression, "Hurry up and chase them out. What are you still waiting for!?"


    Around eight security guards and a few male television station staff members came forward to surround them!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye rushed in with a murderous look!


    Su Hongyan was the first one to notice him. "What are you doing here? Didn''t I tell you to note? Whatever! Hurry up and hold Wang He back! Don''t let him start a fight!"


    Wang He''s one year of stifled anger had finally erupted today!


    However, Su Hongyan could not have expected that not only did Zhang Ye not hold Wang He back, he even threw his sunsses down to the floor and shouted, "Who fucking pushed my teacher just now!?"


    The lobby went quiet all of a sudden!


    Chief Chen was stunned!


    Several of the security guards were stunned!


    The other television station staff also froze in their spots!


    Zhang Ye?


    It''s Zhang Ye?


    Damn! What is this jinx doing here!?


    The several security guards who had surrounded Su Hongyan and Wang He to hold them back all took a step back unwittingly after they saw and heard Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye looked at Wang He who was grabbing a security guard and walked over with long strides. "Was it you!?"


    That security guard who was sweating bucketloads by now denied that it was him!


    Zhang Ye looked at another person. "Or was it you?"


    The other security guard was stunned and reflexively took a step back!


    Su Hongyan was seething with so much anger that she nearly died. These two students were really too worrisome to take care of, especially Zhang Ye. I was still hoping that you''d help me pull Wang He aside, but why are you even more rash than him! She quickly said, "No one pushed me! Stop it! I only tripped on my heels just now!"


    Zhang Ye said coldly, "Wang He, which one of them did it?"


    Wang He said with a dark face, "I did not see it clearly either!"


    Su Hongyan said angrily, "I really tripped by myself! Didn''t I already say so!?"


    Zhang Ye was having none of it. His entire body was emitting a murderous aura!


    With his martial arts, these security guards and the male staff would not be able to handle him even if they had help from the surrounding but powerless white-cor staff. Zhang Ye could take all of them on with his eyes closed. That was why everyone was shocked with fear with just Zhang Ye standing there, as his entire aura was totally different from everyone else''s!


    The key difference was Zhang Ye was already notorious for his behavior, having beaten up a leader, kicked a Korean celebrity, and also fought several ne hijackers before. All of those incidents added to his legendary status, so many of those security guards trembled at the sight of Zhang Ye. Their tough behavior earlier was only an act and also due to them having more people on their side. But when faced with Zhang Ye, they could not summon the same aggressiveness because they all knew that Zhang Ye really dared to fight for real! While they didn''t seem like they could take him on at all! Neither could they actually hit him!


    What was his status?


    This was a Peking University associate professor!


    He was someone who had just received the highest mathematics award given out in the country!


    He was Media College''s newly recruited visiting associate professor!


    He was the entertainment circle''s well-known hooligan!


    How could they fight him? There was no way to! Zhang Ye was no ordinary celebrity! This person could walk around in any of his capacities in the industry without fearing for his safety!


    They dared to take Wang He and Su Hongyan head on! But they would never dare to mess with Zhang Ye! Everyone knew how ruthless this desperado could get if he could even pilot and forcend a ne in a situation where there were no pilots at all!

 Chapter 844: Zhang Ye Enraged! (3/3)

    <h4>Chapter 844: Zhang Ye Enraged! (3/3) </h4>


    Chapter 844: Zhang Ye Enraged! (3/3)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The atmosphere suddenly turned tense!


    Many of the surrounding staff whispered among themselves.


    "Why is he here?"


    "He''s too ruthless to deal with!"


    "Aiyo, hurry up and inform the execs. Don''t let the situation escte into a real fight!"


    "Yeah, that Zhang Ye guy is always getting into fights!"


    "Is it because of Wang He''s incident?"


    "Don''t tell me that he and Wang He are ssmates?"


    "There might be this possibility too!"


    "Regarding the incident with Director Guan, hai, there''s nothing we could say at all!"


    "Should we call the police? Don''t let this get out of hand!"


    Wang He had worked here for quite some time back then. Although everyone feigned ignorance about Guan Yunhai''s affair, how could they do not know about that since it had been discussed so many times in private. However, no one expected Zhang Ye to actually get involved in this issue as well!


    If this was the office building of any otherpany, then there would be a possibility that those people would not have a clue about Zhang Ye''s past deeds. But since Hebei Television''s staff were also industry insiders themselves, how could they not know about what had happened in the past? How could they not know what sort of hooligan Zhang Ye was in the industry!?


    Wang He also shouted, "Who pushed my teacher? Step forward and admit it!"


    No one uttered a word.


    Chief Chen was the highest-ranking person at the scene. When he heard that, his face also turned white from anger. "Wang He, stop spouting nonsense. Who saw us pushing her? Ah?"


    Su Hongyan pushed at Wang He. "Alright, that''s enough!"


    Chief Chen said, "No one touched her in the first ce!"


    Zhang Ye stared at Chief Chen. "Who can prove that you didn''t push her?"


    Chief Chen: "..."


    Zhang Ye red at them. "Then you guys must have pushed her!"


    The surrounding people: "..."


    The security guards nearly cried. Aren''t you being too unreasonable!?


    Chief Chen pointed at them and said, "It''s office hours now and everyone is working. You guys are demanding to see Director Guan the moment you arrive and even want to go upstairs right away, but have you made an appointment to do so? Huh? Director Guan is upstairs, but do you know how busy he is? You think that you can just go up to see him as you like? You can see him whenever you want? Based on what! Whoever you want to see, go and make an appointment at the front desk first, then go wait in the corner for your turn!"


    Su Hongyan looked at him and said, "But did you even give us a chance to make an appointment?"


    "The moment we arrived, we were already chased off by all of you!" Wang He said, "And you even got a bunch of security guards to have us surrounded! What''s the meaning of this? Are you shielding yourselves from thieves?"


    Suddenly, there was a someone who looked like a client walking in from outside. After seeing a group of people in the lobby, he nced at them frequently as he asked a staff member to point him to where the elevators were. That staff gave him directions and that person walked toward the elevator, turning back every now and then to look. No one even asked him who he was. Further, that person was clearly here for the first time too, just like Wang He, Su Hongyan, and Zhang Ye.


    Su Hongyan pointed to the elevator and said, "Then what about that person? Why isn''t anyone stopping him?"


    Without looking back, Chief Chen simply said, "What person?"


    Zhang Ye spoke, "You''re doing this on purpose, aren''t you?"


    Chief Chen looked at Zhang Ye. "Will the three of you please leave!"


    Zhang Ye sneered. "I won''t leave today no matter what. What can you do about that?"


    Chief Chen was stunned as he did not expect Zhang Ye to be such a thug. "If you three continue to interfere with our work, then don''t me us for calling the police!"


    "Who are you trying to scare?!" Zhang Ye took out his cell phone. "Hurry up then, call the police! Or should I call for you instead? My teacher was beaten up by someone here! If I don''t get a proper exnation today, no one is to leave!"


    Got beaten up?


    Fuck, who beat up your teacher?!


    She just fell over by herself! Besides, she did not even really fall. She just tripped and wobbled a little!


    Chief Chen initially thought that a famous celebrity like him would surely be afraid of getting negative publicity. As long as he mentioned the police, Zhang Ye would definitely have to reconsider his behavior. But after hearing Zhang Ye''s response, Chief Chen nearly choked. Only then did he recall that this Zhang guy did notck any negative publicity in the first ce. Scolding people, beating up people, suing his own employer, what kinds of things did he not do before? Every now and then, plenty of negative news about him would surface, but look at him! Didn''t he still eat and sleep like usual every day? He basically did not care at all. Besides, the media had also seemingly gotten used to it! Hence, getting portrayed in a negative light might be a devastating blow to other celebrities, but to Zhang Ye, it didn''t hurt him one bit since it was already routine for him!


    Zhang Ye pointed upstairs and dered, "Cut the crap! Get Guan Yunhai toe down!"


    Chief Chen replied, "Director Guan is currently in a meeting!"


    "Then we will go up and find him!" Zhang Ye led Su Hongyan and Wang He to the elevator.


    Encountering such a person who didn''t care about anything, Chief Chen had a headache dealing with it. He quickly called out, "Guards! Guards, what are you still waiting for?! Stop them! Let me see who''s brave enough to let them enter!"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Who the hell do you think you are?"


    "This is our station!" Chief Chen shouted.


    When Su Hongyan saw that Zhang Ye was furious, she quickly held his arm back and said, "Little Zhang!"


    ...


    Upstairs.


    Guan Yunhai''s office.


    The secretary rushed in and said while panting, "Director Guan!"


    "What''s the matter?" Guan Yunhai was surfing the Inte in his office.


    He was a slightly tanned middle-aged man with a square face, but his eyebrows were very thin. From his looks alone, you would know that he wasn''t really someone you could easily talk with.


    "Something has happened downstairs!" The secretary anxiously exined, "I don''t know why, but Zhang Ye is here! They''re causing amotion in the lobby downstairs! Chief Chen and the others won''t be able to hold them back much longer!"


    Guan Yunhai asked with a dark expression, "Which Zhang Ye?"


    "It''s that Zhang Ye!" answered the secretary.


    Guan Yunhai said, "Why is he here? What has it got to do with him?"


    The secretary guessed, "I think he is Wang He''s��university ssmate?"


    Guan Yunhai said coldly, "He''s just an entertainer. Why is it so difficult to stop him? Get the security guards to chase them out! Why are they causing a ruckus here?! Don''t they know what kind of ce this is? Does he think that this is his house?"


    The secretary wiped his sweat away and said, "But��but Zhang Ye is no ordinary entertainer. He''s also an associate professor at both Peking University and Media College. If he insists on barging in here, Chief Chen and the others would not��"


    "I''ll say it again. Chase them out!" Guan Yunhai sneered, "I don''t care whether he is a professor or not! If they want to see me? Get them to make an appointment! And wait till I''m free!"


    The secretary snuck a nce and knew that Guan Yunhai was clearly very free now, but he obviously just did not want to see Zhang Ye and the others. He did not give them any face at all. Moreover, even if Zhang Ye had made an appointment, Guan Yunhai would still not care about him. Regarding Wang He, no matter who came, it would still be useless!


    The secretary nodded and said, "I understand, Director Guan."


    Guan Yunhai said, "If nothing works, just report it the police or call Superintendent Liu. I''m not free to see them!" He shook his head and proimed, "Who the hell do they think they are?!"


    "Understood!" The secretary obeyed his order.


    ...


    Downstairs.


    In the lobby.


    The secretary came down via the elevator.


    Zhang Ye was still arguing impatiently with Chief Chen and his group of people while Su Hongyan kept tugging at Zhang Ye beside him. One moment, she was arguing with Chief Chen and the others, the next moment she was restraining Zhang Ye, for fear that he could not maintain his calm.


    "Secretary Liu!"


    "Secretary Liu is here!"


    Someone shouted from the crowd.


    When Chief Chen heard that, he also looked over and hurriedly called out, "Secretary Liu!"


    Everyone knew that Secretary Liu had definitelye down on Director Guan''s instructions.


    Guan Yunhai''s secretary nodded at them, and then nced at the trio of Zhang Ye, Wang He, and Su Hongyan. "Director Guan is not free at the moment, so would you all please leave! If you want to see Director Guan, I''ll help you guys make an appointment, but I don''t know when Director Guan will have free time. When the timees, I''ll contact you all again!" His words did not sound wrong, but he delivered it icily!


    Chief Chen understood what the director''s intention was. He knew that they would not have to give any face to Zhang Ye too, so he said to Wang He, "Did you hear that? Please go back!"


    Zhang Ye said, "With such a bigmotion going on, Guan Yunhai still does not intend to show himself, right?"


    Chief Chen said, "The director has his own things to handle. Do you think he has toe out just because of some shouting by you guys?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Ha!"


    Su Hongyan took a deep breath and said, "We''re here tomunicate properly with him. No one intended toe here to cause trouble. Besides, if it were anyone causing trouble, then it was you all who started it first! You''re Director Guan''s secretary, right? Can you arrange for me to meet with Director Guan one on one? I would like to speak to him face to face!"


    Secretary Liu shook his head and replied, "Director Guan is not free."


    For the sake of her student, Su Hongyan stifled her anger and said, "Then is it fine for us to wait in the lobby? We''ll wait for Director Guan toe down."


    Chief Chen was getting impatient. "Didn''t I make myself clear? How many times have I said it? Do you really not understand or are you pretending not to understand?"


    Secretary Liu added, "It''s useless even if you wait here. Besides, our colleagues still have to work and with your presence here, it will affect us. If you really want to wait, please go out to the main entrance. You can wait anywhere you want outside of our premises. We won''t care about that."


    Zhang Ye was so angry that he startedughing. "We don''t even have the right to wait in the lobby?"


    Chief Chen pleaded, "Please leave!"


    The security guards also braced themselves and came up to surround them.


    Wang He clenched his fists as he took a deep breath while looking at Zhang Ye.


    Su Hongyan could no longer hold back her anger and shouted, "Who does Guan Yunhai think he is? Zhang Ye and I came to see him, but we can''t even get a meeting with him?"


    Su Hongyan was a veteran lecturer of Media College, while Zhang Ye was an associate professor at Peking University and also an illustrious person of the entertainment industry. If Zhang Ye really went to Hebei to meet your station head, even he wouldn''t try to avoid and not show his face to Zhang Ye, not to mention you are just the head of Hebei TV''s famed production department. No matter what, as a Peking University professor, a winner of the highest award for a host, and a big shot B-list celebrity, he should still have some importance to speak of!


    But you?


    You can''t even be bothered with us?


    Do you really think that highly of yourself?


    Honestly, if it wasn''t for Wang He''s issue this time, with just Su Hongyan''s status as a teacher, she couldn''t possiblye looking for Guan Yunhai by herself!


    Chief Chen said, "Guards!"


    But Zhang Ye did not move. "You don''t want to let us in, right?"


    Chief Chen repeated firmly, "I''ll repeat, please leave!"


    Zhang Ye looked at them. "Are you sure?"


    "Sorry, but we are very sure," Secretary Liu asserted, getting rather annoyed.


    "Then I''m sorry too!" Zhang Ye bluntly said, "I must get this resolved today!"


    Su Hongyan asked in a low voice, "What will you do?"


    "Let me make a call first." Saying that, he turned around and walked a few steps away. Then he sat down on the sofa in the lobby waiting area.


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    Chief Chen frowned. "What''s wrong with you?"


    Zhang Ye did not even pay any attention to him as he took out his cell phone to make a call!


    You''re noting out, right?


    Chasing us away, right?


    Alright!


    Du, du. After six or seven rings, the call connected.


    It was a woman''s voice at the other end. "Hello."


    Zhang Ye inquired: "Old Wu, are you busy?"

 Chapter 845: Let’s see which door I’m not allowed to enter!

    <h4>Chapter 845: Let''s see which door I''m not allowed to enter! </h4>


    Chapter 845: Let''s see which door I''m not allowed to enter!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The phone call was to Wu Zeqing.


    "I''m in a meeting."


    "I need to say something first even if you''re in a meeting."


    "OK, I left the conference room. Tell me, who has annoyed you again?"


    "Hebei TV''s Guan Yunhai. Do you know him?"


    "No, never heard of him."


    "He''s the head of Hebei TV''s production department located in Beijing. I heard that his rank is simr to that of a deputy station head."


    "Maybe I saw him before when I went on inspection, but I have no impression of who he is."


    Even if it were the deputy station heads of Central TV or Beijing Television, Wu Zeqing might not know all of them. Moreover, for someone who was only in charge of a production department at Hebei Television, even if his position was simr to that of a deputy station head, he was still not a ranking deputy station head!


    Zhang Ye exined to Wu Zeqing in a simple fashion the situation regarding Wang He.


    At the end of his exnation, Wu Zeqing said lightly: "It''s just this small thing? Alright, I got it. You''re over there right now, yes? Hand the phone to Guan Yunhai. I''ll speak to him."


    Zhang Ye said with a grimace: "I can''t hand the phone to him. They aren''t even letting us into the building!"


    Old Wu said: "You aren''t even allowed to go in?"


    "They''re not allowing us. There are like eight security guards chasing us away. My teacher was nearly pushed to the floor by them too. I was nning on sitting here in their lobby for a while, but looks like there''s someone alreadying over to shoo me away." Zhang Ye smiled as he looked at Chief Chen and the few security guards who were walking over.


    Wu Zeqing acknowledged: "Alright, I understand. I''ll send my secretary over to look for you three."


    Zhang Ye replied: "Alright."


    The call ended.


    Zhang Ye called out, "Teacher Su, Wang He,e over here and sit."


    Su Hongyan blinked several times then walked over and took a seat beside him.


    Seeing that, Wang He also followed and sat down.


    This made the people from the television station even more infuriated.


    Chief Chen gravely asked, "Wang He, are you bent on making trouble here and embarrassing everyone?"


    "It''s you guys who''re making us resort to this!" Since they didn''t give them any face, then Su Hongyan was not going to be nice either!


    Zhang Ye told him, "You better not fucking talk to us in that tone! I will make sure we get to see who the embarrassed ones are today!"


    Secretary Liu was already calling Guan Yunhai.


    "Director Guan."


    "Has the issue been handled?"


    "Zhang Ye and Wang He are still refusing to leave!"


    "Just chase them away!"


    "Surely we can''t resort to manhandling them, right? They''re just sitting on the sofa in the lobby. Do you think we should call the police or something?"


    "Then ignore them and just go about with your work! They''re at our television station. Can they still stir up trouble on our territory?"


    "Alright, Director Guan."


    "You can''t even handle such a simple issue! Do you have to report to me about everything?"


    "I''m sorry, Director."


    Secretary Liu hung up and then ordered, "Old Chen, just ignore them!"


    Chief Chen reacted by calling the security guards off and deployed a few of them to guard the elevators, with the others assigned to the stairways and other entrances. They were clearly afraid that Zhang Ye andpany would sneak upstairs.


    Seeing this, the surrounding staff who were watching dispersed.


    Only Zhang Ye, Su Hongyan, and Wang He were left at the waiting area in the lobby.


    Su Hongyan whispered, "Who did you call?"


    "A friend." Zhang Ye did not rify.


    Su Hongyan asked, "Then what do we do now?"


    Wang He also asked Zhang Ye, "Are we just going to sit here and wait?"


    "We''re waiting for someone." Zhang Ye pulled up his sleeve to check his watch. "It''s not far from my friend''s office, so it shouldn''t take long. When she gets here, it''ll be easier to handle the situation." As it wasn''t Zhang Ye''s personal issue today and it also involved the future of Wang He''s work prospects, there were a lot of limitations to how Zhang Ye could handle this. Otherwise, if it were the old him, he would''ve already barged his way in. Right now, he could only wait for someone who could conveniently handle this matter!


    Su Hongyan said with some doubt in her voice, "Then when your friend is here, can she really handle the problem? It feels like this television station is rather arrogant and that Guan Yunhai will not give face to anyone, whoever it is!"


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "If he doesn''t give face to my friend, then I''ll give in to him!"


    Su Hongyan said, "If she can really speak directly to Guan Yunhai, then get your friend to speak to him properly. The conflict earlier is not a problem. We should settle Wang He''s work issue first. That''s the priority."


    Zhang Ye replied, "Let''s just wait for her to get here first."


    In the end, it didn''t take long at all. They didn''t even talk about much yet when a woman in her thirties, dressed in a business suit, strode quickly in. Her looks were average and she wore a pair of sses. She wasn''t pretty but she wasn''t ugly. Her demeanor wasn''t too outstanding either. She was someone who would blend in with the crowd very well. That woman looked around the lobby. When she spotted Zhang Ye in the waiting area, her eyes were fully focused on him as she immediately walked over to them.


    Seeing this, Zhang Ye also stood up to greet her.


    "Teacher Zhang, I''ve arrived." Bai Li outstretched her hand while still a distance away.


    Zhang Ye did not dare act high and mighty, so he also stretched out his hand and shook her hand. "Hello."


    "My name is Bai Li."


    "Sister Bai."


    "You don''t have to be so polite. Just call me by my name."


    "You don''t have to be too polite with me either. Just call me Zhang Ye."


    The two of them exchanged pleasantries.


    Zhang Ye could see that Bai Li took him very seriously and was also very polite about things. From the look in her eyes, she still seemed to be having doubt, possibly because she couldn''t pinpoint the rtionship between Chief Wu and Zhang Ye.


    At this moment, Su Hongyan and Wang He who were close by came up to them as well. They were also sizing up who this person Zhang Ye had called over was. They found nothing special about her since she looked and seemed too normal. It was as though she were a white-cor worker of some smallpany. It even felt like she was one of those ostracized staff in thepany.


    Who is she?


    Is she capable?


    The two of them had their doubts but it did not show on their faces.


    Su Hongyan shook hands with her. "Hello, how should I address you?"


    Bai Li smiled. "My name is Bai Li."


    Zhang Ye introduced, "This is my university teacher, Su Hongyan."


    "Hello, Teacher Su," Bai Li greeted.


    Zhang Ye presented, "This is Wang He, my ssmate."


    Bai Li gently smiled. "Hello."


    While shaking hands with Bai Li, Wang He took the initiative and exined his situation. After all, this was all because of him. "Sorry for troubling you this time. To exin things, I had a misunderstanding with one of the Hebei TV leads here. If you know him, perhaps you could help me exin��"


    "I''ve already heard about it." Bai Li gently nodded.


    Wang He could not grasp what she was nning. "Then what is your view of this matter?"


    Bai Li said calmly, "Follow me. I''ll lead you upstairs." She patted Wang He''s shoulder.


    Wang He turned around to look at Zhang Ye and cast him a doubtful eye before following Bai Li.


    Zhang Ye also did not know how Bai Li would handle this, so he and Su Hongyan followed behind them. Actually, this was the first time that Zhang Ye had requested for help from someone. In the past, he had always handled all of his problems by himself.


    Outside the elevators, several of the security guards were alerted!


    "Zhang Ye is here!"


    "Why is there another person with them now?"


    "They''reing over!"


    "Hurry! Quickly notify the Chief!"


    One of the younger security guards immediately use his walkie-talkie to call for his other colleagues.


    A lot of the other Hebei Television staff who were in the lobby or passing by also looked over suddenly!


    The atmosphere over here had once again be tense!


    "Who is she?"


    "A woman came and joined them?"


    "Why are they still trying to go upstairs?"


    The people began whispering and pointing fingers.


    In the end, Bai Li brought Wang He with her and walked right up to the elevator.


    Several of the security guards hurriedly rushed over to the elevator door and said dutifully, "Please arrange for an appointment at the front desk before��"


    But unexpectedly, Bai Li seemingly changed into another person at that moment. Her tone became sharper immediately. "Where is Guan Yunhai?"


    The security guards were startled.


    Bai Li continued to say, "Where''s Zhou Gang? Get him toe out here!"


    Everyone was stunned!


    Zhou Gang?


    That was their second-inmand!


    She was calling him directly by his name?


    The security guards did not know how to respond as they looked at each other!


    Bai Li shouted, "Are they not going toe down here? They want to continue avoiding? Sure! I''ll go upstairs to look for them!" Turning to look at Wang He, she said, "Little brother, follow me! I''ll see who dares stop me today!"


    As she said that, Bai Li pressed the button for the elevator. Ding. The elevator door opened and she pulled Wang He inside and grandly stepped into it.


    Su Hongyan was quite startled as she quickly followed in as well.


    The several security guards were left stunned by Bai Li''s imposing manner and did not stop them. When they returned to their senses, the elevator had already gone up. They all looked at one another before quickly informing their chief as they rushed to head upstairs via the stairways.


    When the other television station staff saw this, they also ran up, hoping to witness themotion!


    ...


    On the second floor.


    The elevator stopped and the door opened!


    When they came out of the elevator, there were already a few television station staff members waiting for them outside. Quite a number of security guards also ran up here from the stairs.


    This floor was the office area.


    "All of you��" Just as some of those staff were about to say something, they were shocked into silence by Bai Li''s shouting!


    Bai Li aggressively yelled, "Who was it that didn''t allow my little brother to enter the building just now? Ah? I would like to see which door we aren''t allowed to enter! Is it this one?" Bai Li went up to the door of an office and pushed it open. She did not bother to be polite and just entered when the door was opened. There was someone in there who was typing something on theputer!


    That person was dumbfounded and did not understand what was going on.


    Bai Li turned around and followed up by opening another door to the second office. "Or is this where I can''t enter?"


    Inside, the employees who were working also stopped to look when they heard themotion!


    The security guards were dumbfounded!


    Su Hongyan and Wang He were also dumbfounded!


    Damn!


    Who the hell is she?


    After going in a circle around the office as though there were no one there, she went out and pushed open a third door. "Which door can I not enter? Is this the one?"


    When the door opened, the voices of a Hebei Television director discussing some matters with two other assistant directors came out. They were shocked!


    The doors on this floor were pushed open by Bai Li one after another. After she entered and circled around in each room, she would head to the next door. Finally, Bai Li pulled Wang He along and said, "Let''s go. To the next floor!"


    No one dared to stop her!


    No one dared to utter a word!


    This was the way of a person actingpletely unreasonable. It was too shocking!


    Wasn''t this just too fucking cool?


    Zhang Ye was also amused by this. Bai Li''s style was very much to his liking. He immediately took a much greater liking to her. He did not sense this at first, but this person was obviously the same type as he was!


    Trantor''s Thoughts


    Legge Legge


    Which character do you like best so far?

 Chapter 846: What’s that bitchy dowager doing here?!

    <h4>Chapter 846: What''s that bitchy dowager doing here?! </h4>


    Chapter 846: What''s that bitchy dowager doing here?!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Third floor.


    Bai Li pulled Wang He along and led the others up as well!


    Wang He was furiously wiping away his sweat.


    Su Hongyan looked at Zhang Ye with her mouth agape and asked, "What kinds of connections does your friend have?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and replied, "Solid connections."


    Su Hongyan said in a speechless manner, "Does everyone you know have a temper like this?"


    They followed close behind Bai Li and proceeded up to the third floor.


    By now, more and more people were gradually gathering to watch. The directors and hosts of the television station, the program team staff who were working, the security guards who followed behind, all of them were shocked by this scene and watched themotion from a distance away. Some of the staff who currently working in their offices were also interrupted by Bai Li''s forced entrance and turned around to see what was going on with stunned faces and looks of confusion!


    After leaving the second floor, Bai Li started barging into the offices on the third floor!


    She went up to the door that was closest to her. "Is this a door I can''t enter? Let me have a look at what''s inside. I want to know if there''s something in there that should not be seen!"


    The door opened!


    Three or four staff members working in the office stared with their mouths agape!


    Bai Li walked in brazenly while pulling Wang He along. Then they walked out very quickly and opened the next door. This was the door to a conference room which was soundproof and sealed off from the outside when the doors were closed. The people inside the room did not hear themotion outside, so when they heard the sound of the door opening up, it shocked those who were holding a meeting inside. Before they could react, Bai Li had already casually walked in without a care dragging along Wang He!


    She shouted, "Which other doors are we not allowed to enter?!"


    No one answered her!


    No one dared to answer her!


    One door!


    Five doors!


    Ten doors!


    One by one, the doors were pushed open by Bai Li!


    ...


    On the fourth floor.


    In an office.


    A staff had rushed into therge office area to report about something!


    "Chief Chen! Chief Chen!" that person yelled in panic.


    Chief Chen was handling a contract discussion with someone when he heard that. He asked, "What''s the matter? Can''t you see that I''m busy now? If there''s anything, talk to me about itter!" With so many things going on today, he had not had the time to do his work yet since he spent most of it just now dealing with those unimportant matters downstairs.


    But that person said, "Something has happened!"


    Chief Chen asked impatiently, "What happened this time?"


    That person said, "Wang He, Zhang Ye, and the others are making their way up!"


    "What?" Chief Chen was furious. "Didn''t I instruct you people to hold them off? How could they havee upstairs then?"


    That person quickly said, "There was an unknown woman who arrived afterwards and acted extremely unreasonable. She addressed Director Guan and Director Zhou directly by their names and made her way to the upper floors, entering every office she saw!"


    Chief Chen said angrily, "Why isn''t anyone stopping them? Don''t they know that this is Director Guan''s order?"


    "They can''t be stopped!" That person said, "Actually��no one has the courage to stop them!"


    Sometimes, a person''s bearing could really intimidate others. Like earlier when they were involved in a tussle with Su Hongyan and Wang He to chase them off, the moment Zhang Ye arrived and threw his sunsses onto the ground angrily, everyone in the lobbypletely fell silent. Simrly, Bai Li had such an imposing manner as well!


    Chief Chen said angrily, "Which floor are they on now?"


    "They''re already on the third floor!" that person answered.


    "Let''s go! Bring me to them!" Chief Chen immediately gathered some staff from the office and headed downstairs angrily. "Everyone,e with me! I want to see just what kind of a wave Wang He can make today!"


    ...


    At the end of the corridor on the fourth floor.


    In an office.


    Guan Yunhai''s secretary received a call.


    "Secretary Liu!"


    "Little Qu, what''s the matter?"


    "Something troublesome is happening downstairs!"


    "What''s happening again now?"


    "A woman led Wang He along with the others and barged up! They pushed opened all the office doors on the second and third floor one by one! The entire television station is in disarray!"


    "What did you say?"


    "Pleasee down quickly and have a look!"


    ...


    On the third floor.


    The television station staff spectators had already exceeded 50 people!


    "What''s the situation?"


    "Who''s that woman?"


    "Where are the heads? Quickly call the heads here!"


    "They''ve already been informed!"


    "That person is being too insolent! What exactly is going on?"


    "Don''t you know? Wang He has returned. It''s that host intern from back then. I heard that they got into an argument downstairs and had a sh with our security. Secretary Liu and Chief Chen both had to go downstairs to stop them from entering while Zhang Ye arrivedter! After that, the entire situation unraveled into what you''re seeing now!"


    To have someone barging in and causing such a greatmotion, everyone looked quite mad!


    "Let''s call the police!"


    "What the hell is going on!"


    "I''ve never seen such unruly behavior before!"


    "Why didn''t anyone stop them?!"


    "They''re stepping all over our heads!"


    Amid the controversy, Bai Li still went about doing whatever she liked as she led Wang He to cause a ruckus in the television station. She did not give face to anyone as she continued pushing open every door that she came across!


    At this moment, some shouts could be hearding from the crowd of onlookers!


    "Chief Chen is here!"


    "Chief Chen!"


    "Great, the Chief has arrived!"


    "Chief Chen, you''re finally here!"


    With one of the station''s backbones arriving, everyone''s spirit was lifted!


    After Chief Chen came down through the stairway, he immediately shouted, "Behaving atrociously at our station? Don''t you know what ce this is?! What are you all trying to do? Are you trying to cause trouble?" He went toward them with his group of people!


    Zhang Ye turned around and nced at them.


    Su Hongyan also noticed theming.


    "Where are they? Where?" Chief Chen yelled.


    A male staff member pointed and said, "They''re right at the front, Chief Chen!"


    Bai Li heard the shoutinging from behind her. She turned around slowly to take a look.


    When the seething Chief Chen saw her, he was greatly shocked. He stopped dead in his tracks, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead!


    Bai Li looked at him and asked, "Who was the one who shouted just now?"


    Chief Chen was sweating more and more profusely!


    Bai Li answered, "It''s me who is behaving atrociously here. What are you going to do about it?"


    Chief Chen wiped the sweat off his forehead with his sleeve and immediately toned down his voice. "Secretary��Secretary Bai! W-Why are you here?"


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    What was the matter with Chief Chen?


    Why did he suddenly wane like that?


    Secretary Bai?


    What Secretary Bai??


    Wang He was dumbfounded!


    Su Hongyan also looked stunned!


    No one could understand what was going on!


    Bai Li stared at Chief Chen and told him, "Don''t worry about why I''m here. I''m asking you this now. It was me behaving atrociously in your station! What''re you going to do about it?"


    Chief Chen did not dare say a thing. He was nearly in tears now. Fuck, what else can I do about it!


    Suddenly, Guan Yunhai''s secretary also arrived!


    Secretary Liu angrily led two security guards and rushed to the scene. It was a very serious matter that someone hade to the television station to make trouble and even managed to find their way to the upper floors. He was about to report this to the police for them to deal with. "Where are they? Who is��"


    He saw Bai Li and was stunned on the spot. "Secretary��Secretary Bai?"


    Secretary Liu was stunned. The curse words he was about to utter were forcefully swallowed back down. Then, his face turned pale and he started to sweat too!


    Holy shit!


    Why is it her?


    What''s that bitchy dowager doing here?!

 Chapter 847: The SARFT’s search warrant!

    <h4>Chapter 847: The SARFT''s search warrant! </h4>


    Chapter 847: The SARFT''s search warrant!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Everyone fell silent!


    The department heads were shocked!


    The director''s secretary was shocked!


    Naturally, all the other staff of the television station did not dare make a sound either. It was clear that these two leaders knew who the woman was. Moreover, even an idiot could tell that this woman was no ordinary person. Otherwise, Chief Chen and Secretary Liu could not possibly just keep quiet like this after she had caused such a ruckus in the television station!


    Who on earth was she?


    What sort of background does she have?


    Bai Li looked at Secretary Liu and said, "Were you yelling at me just now?"


    Secretary Liu panicked and replied, "No, no!"


    Bai Li stared at him for a while and said, "You look a little familiar."


    Secretary Liu exined nervously, "During the meeting at SARFT Headquartersst month, I��went along with Director Guan. And back when I was stationed at Hebei, I-I also had the honor of meeting you."


    Secretary Liu was also a secretary.


    But whenparing his status as a secretary to her status as a secretary, they were on apletely different level!


    Besides, as veterans of Hebei Television who had worked here for many years, they often came into contact with those from the higher management and would therefore know of this bitchy dowager''s other identity!


    A program director of Hebei Television who was in the crowd also recognized Bai Li. He did not say anything as he knew that he shouldn''t be making himself stand out in such a situation. It was better for him to keep as far away as possible for now.


    Bai Li was someone most people would probably not know about. Even for most of the hosts, directors, or people working in the television industry, they were unlikely to know her due to the difference in their statuses. But for anyone who had evere into contact with the higher management of the industry, they would definitely know who Bai Li was. She was the secretary of Chief Wu from the SARFT! More importantly, Bai Li was the niece of the head of Hebei Television, the daughter of their station head''s elder brother! Back then, when Bai Li was situated in Hebei, she could do whatever she wanted at Hebei Television! As long as it were those veterans who had worked for more than ten years at Hebei Television Headquarters, they should all have a deep impression of this bitchy dowager!


    Bai Li nced at the two of them but did not say anymore. Then she held out her hand to pull the stunned Wang He along with her. "Let''s go to the next floor!"


    Chief Chen did not dare speak.


    Crying inside, Secretary Liu bolstered himself and said, "Secretary Bai��"


    But Bai Li did not even bother with him and just headed upstairs!


    The television station''s building had four levels. On this level were the offices of the department heads and conference rooms. However, Bai Li did not care about this as she continued to push open the doors. "Let''s see, which door am I not allowed to enter? Is it this one?"


    She opened another door. "This one?"


    She opened the third door. "Or this one?"


    She barged into the fourth door. "How about this one?"


    Then, Bai Li stood still in the hallway. After looking around for a little while, she shouted, "My little brother came here to settle his issues. Teacher Zhang Ye is also here today. But they can''t even enter the building? You''re not even giving any face to our Teacher Zhang? What bullshit is this?!"


    It was only when everyone had heard this that they realized that from the very start, even though this woman kept calling Wang He "little brother," it was just a polite form of address. In actual fact, she was here for Zhang Ye!


    Secretary Liu quickly said, "Secretary Bai, no, that''s not true at all!"


    Bai Li stared at him and questioned, "Then tell me, how is it not true?"


    Secretary Liu was at a loss for words.


    Chief Chen tried to say, "Please calm down, Secretary Bai. This might just be a misunderstanding."


    Secretary Liu repeated, "Yes, yes, it''s just a misunderstanding! A misunderstanding!"


    Bai Li shook her head and replied, "I don''t think this is a misunderstanding. Where is your Director Guan?"


    "Director Guan��" Chief Chen was about to answer but stopped short of saying anything.


    "We''re not sure either." Secretary Liu immediately answered, "Also, I haven''t seen Director Guan today."


    Zhang Ye looked at him and remarked, "Didn''t you just say that Guan Yunhai was busy working upstairs? Didn''t you say that he was not free to see us? Why did it change to he''s not here now?"


    Secretary Liu: "..."


    Bai Li looked at her watch and said to them, "I still have a meeting to attend at SARFT, so I will wait for ten minutes!" Saying that, she opened an office door and said, "Teacher Zhang, Teacher Su, let''s go in and sit down while we wait." She seemed to be treating this ce like her own home, although it was indeed almost no different from her own home anyway since her uncle was the station head. If Bai Li could do whatever she wanted at Hebei Television Headquarters, would it matter at a branch located in Beijing?


    Su Hongyan and Wang He hesitated.


    But Zhang Ye did not worry about courtesy since he was a troublemaker to begin with. He walked in grandly and took a seat for himself.


    "Teacher Zhang, how many more episodes of A Bite of China will there be?" Bai Li smiled.


    Zhang Ye happily said, "Around ten more episodes. It should be scheduled to finish broadcasting before the Chinese New Year."


    Bai Li mentioned, "Oh right, we don''t have each other''s numbers yet, right?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "That''s right. Let''s exchange numbers."


    Bai Li said, "Here, this is my number."


    "OK, I''ve saved it."


    "If something like this happens again, you can immediately call me up."


    The two of them started to chat as though no one else was around.


    ...


    Elsewhere.


    Someone was currently on the phone.


    "Director Guan! Something bad has happened! Bai Li is here! She led Wang He and Zhang Ye upstairs and pushed open all the doors of the offices and conference rooms as well!"


    "Bai Li? That Bai Li?"


    "Yes, it''s Station Head Bai''s niece!"


    "What? Why is she here?"


    "Sh-she seems to have been called over by Zhang Ye!"


    "Why would Zhang Ye know her?"


    "I don''t know either. They''re on the fourth floor now and Secretary Bai is demanding to see you. Secretary Liu did not know what to do, so he quickly got me to call and inform you. What do you think we should do now?"


    "Where did you say I was?"


    "Secretary Liu said that he didn''t know whether you were in the office or not."


    "Mhm, that''s fine then. I understanding what''s happening now!"


    After Guan Yunhai hung up, his expression changed several times. He never expected for this matter to actually put Bai Li on alert. The others were mainly shocked by Bai Li because she was the station head''s niece, but Guan Yunhai was not concerned about that as his rtionship with Station Head Bai was rather good. They were not extremely close, but were still able to talk to each other fairly well. He believed that Station Head Bai would not touch him without any valid reason just because his niece had said something. But what left Guan Yunhai so fearful was her other identity!


    She was the secretary of that Chief Wu! This was the most crucial factor!


    Just why did Bai Lie here?


    Just how close was her rtionship with Zhang Ye?


    Just how much authority could she support Zhang Ye with?


    Guan Yunhai was not sure about the answers to these questions.


    He kept smoking while he thought over the entire situation at a very fast pace. Eventually, he made a decision. As he stubbed out his cigarette, he decided that he would not show himself and acted as if he did not know anything at all. If Bai Li was going to cause trouble, then let her cause trouble. He would just not show himself!


    If I don''t show myself, what can you do about it?


    Are you going toe here every day and make trouble?


    However, Guan Yunhai could not have expected that this decision of his was going to be a fatal one!


    ...


    On the fourth floor.


    Ten minutes has passed.


    Everyone was apanying Bai Li and waiting for Guan Yunhai. They all looked incredibly uneasy, especially Chief Chen and Secretary Liu. No matter what, the two of them couldn''t escape from here and had to sit around and wait.


    At this moment, Bai Li spoke, "It''s been ten minutes!"


    Secretary Liu hastily said, "Secretary Bai, Director Guan is��"


    "There''s no need to say anything. I fully understand!" Bai Li''s face sank as she walked to a corner while taking out her cell phone and making a call. Nobody knew who she was calling.


    Secretary Liu, Chief Chen, and the others all looked at one another.


    "Where''s Director Guan?"


    "I guess he''s prepared to not show himself."


    "Then what should we do?"


    "Let''s just hang around for a little while. What else can we do?"


    They were talking in the softest voices possible as they did not dare to speak loudly.


    However, just a few minutester, a statement suddenly arrived that caught everyone off guard, and even made everyone break out into cold sweat!


    SARFT Disciplinary Notice: The SARFT Party Committee and the Commission for Discipline Inspection have received a report regarding Hebei Television''s Guan Yunhai for suspected misbehavior that has seriously vited the Organization''s disciplinary code. The Hebei Television Production Department Party Committee Branch will be dealt with severely ording to the relevant provisions.


    Chief Chen was dumbfounded!


    Secretary Liu was dumbfounded!


    Even Wang He and Su Hongyan were dumbfounded as well!


    Commission for Discipline Inspection?


    And the order was even issued directly by the SARFT?


    Su Hongyan and many of those watching basically had no idea about the status of Bai Li. Therefore, when they heard about this news, they couldn''t react for a while!


    Who was this woman?


    Why does she wield such great power?


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    Guan Yunhai who was hiding somewhere in the station was also stunned!


    Why?


    How is that possible?!


    The SARFT and Commission for Discipline Inspection are going to investigate me?


    Back then, everyone at the television station branch knew about the affair between Guan Yunhai and his lover. After all, it was such a big case that some people had leaked the news as well. But he had never thought that someone would risk reporting him to the authorities. Even if it were reported, it should have been reported a year ago. Why would they wait until now to do it? Immediately, Guan Yunhai understood where the crux of the problemy! He knew that he hadmitted a mistake, a very grave mistake!


    Bai Li''s rtionship with Zhang Ye was even closer than what he had thought!


    Bai Li was not using her uncle''s title as her backing this time!


    She was handling the matter on behalf of the SARFT!


    She was working for Chief Wu!


    Guan Yunhai turned pale and felt his legs turn to rubber. He hadpletely misunderstood Bai Li''s status today. He thought it would be fine if he just avoided her for a while. He thought that it would be good enough if Bai Li just helped her friends vent their anger today. But it turned out to be moreplicated than he had believed. Bai Li was here today in her capacity as Chief Wu''s secretary!


    Shit!

 Chapter 848: The dust settles!

    <h4>Chapter 848: The dust settles! </h4>


    Chapter 848: The dust settles!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    When the news got out, the entire station was in disarray!


    "Is, is that real?"


    "Director Guan is going to be investigated?"


    "It''s over! Something big is going to happen! Something really big is going to happen!"


    "What do you mean by ''is going to''? It''s already happened!"


    "Isn''t that too soon? They''re really taking action immediately after they said that they would?"


    "Just who has Director Guan offended? And who is that person Wang He brought with him?"


    "Someone''s staging aeback!"


    "Why would all this happen if it was just about Wang He''s work profile?"


    Yes, it was exactly this small thing in which Guan Yunhai had shut out Wang He from getting any television station work that had turn into something much bigger and something no one could have expected. For Guan Yunhai and many others, this was just a matter of no importance. With Guan Yunhai''s status in the industry, whatever he said was the final word. What waves could a lowly Wang He make to trouble him? If Guan Yunhai wanted to quash him, then he would be quashed; if he wanted him out of his sight, then he wouldn''t be able to appear anymore. All of that power and authority were in Guan Yunhai''s hands. However, now that someone with an even greater authority than Guan Yunhai had appeared, the situation was suddenly reversed. It also went without saying that the same methods that Guan Yunhai employed against Wang He could be used on him!


    If you used your authority to silence others?


    Then you better be prepared that you''ll be quashed in the same way someday!


    If you y the game, you have to be prepared to be yed too!


    ...


    A few minutester.


    Guan Yunhai who had been missing all this while magically appeared on the fourth floor and stood in front of Bai Li, Zhang Ye, and the others. He was truly panicking this time!


    "Director Guan!"


    "Director Guan!"


    Secretary Liu and Chief Chen did not know what to do. The two of them could only feel a sense of anxiety at this moment. If Director Guan were investigated, it might even drag them down along with him. For example, money problems? Secretary Liu and Chief Chen likely would not be able to clear themselves from any of it. It would be a domino effect, so if Director Guan fell, it would surely be the end of them as well!


    Guan Yunhai didn''t bother with them and just walked straight up to Bai Li. "Lili, what''s going on here? When did you arrive? Why didn''t you give Uncle Guan a call since you wereing here? You could have let me know in advance so that I could reserve a table at a good restaurant and have a nice chat with you!" When Bai Li was younger, she had met Guan Yunhai several times, so they actually did know each other personally.


    Bai Li looked at him and said very calmly, "I was here since a long time ago."


    Guan Yunhai yed dumb and stated, "I was out on an errand just now and no one informed me of your visit."


    Bai Li said, "I don''t know about that then."


    Guan Yunhai replied, "I''ve just received the message. Why''s there going to be peopleing from the Commission for Discipline Inspection? Wh-what is going on? Lili, is there a misunderstanding somewhere?"


    Bai Li shrugged. "I was looking for you earlier, but you weren''t around. Therefore, from now on, this problem will no longer be under my jurisdiction. It doesn''t matter what you tell me anymore!" She looked at Zhang Ye and said, "Teacher Zhang, let''s go then?"


    "Sure." Zhang Ye stood up.


    Bai Li said politely, "You first."


    "Please, you first," Zhang Ye also spoke politely.


    Guan Yunhai was getting nervous. "Lili, Lili!"


    Bai Li did not turn around.


    Guan Yunhai desperately said, "Wang He, Little Wang!"


    Wang He looked at him, not knowing how to react.


    Guan Yunhai quickly said, "We might''ve had some misunderstandings between us back then, so why don''t we��"


    Bai Li interjected, "Let''s go, little brother."


    Wang He nodded and followed.


    Guan Yunhai was dumbfounded then and there, drenched in cold sweat!


    He knew it was over for him!


    If the Commission for Discipline Inspection were to investigate him, he would not be able to get away!


    Why did it be like this?


    Just why did it be like this?


    Guan Yunhai was deeply regretful. If he had not taken out his anger on Wang He back then, if he had allowed Wang He and the others toe into the building today, or even made an appearance when Bai Li arrived and asked for him, then he might still have a chance at making things right. However, he had missed all those chances, so there were no more ifs, ands, or buts about it!


    ...


    At the main entrance of the television station.


    Bai Li and the others were just leaving when staff from the Commission for Discipline Inspection arrived.


    Bai Li had already fulfilled her role in this issue. She had given a chance to Guan Yunhai by causing a ruckus here, but Guan Yunhai insisted on noting out to meet them, so there was nothing more she could do. Even if it weren''t Chief Wu''s instructions, Guan Yunhai was in the wrong to begin with. If you were at fault by having an affair first and then creating such a big mess out of it, even venting your anger on Wang He as a result, then when Zhang Ye led his people here to talk it out, you shouldn''t have not given him face or blocked him from entering. What did you say to them? Unauthorized persons are prohibited to enter? Outsiders are not allowed into the premises? Alright then, since you want to conduct everything so officially, then I can only handle this matter as business on my side! If you want to fool around and have affairs, then what else can you say now that you''ve been exposed?


    Downstairs.


    Bai Li said, "The problem is resolved, so I think it''s time for me to get back as well."


    Wang He shook Bai Li''s hand and said, "Thank you. I''ve really troubled you today. You came all the way to specially handle this matter for me. Can I buy you lunch or something?"


    Bai Li shook her head and smiled. "Don''t worry about it. Perhaps another time. You''re Little Wang, right? This is just a small issue, so you don''t have to thank me. Guan Yunhai will have a taste of his own medicine from today on. He won''t be able to find trouble with you anymore, so you can just go and look for a job without worries. If that''s still a problem, just look for Teacher Zhang and get him to contact me. I''ll arrange something for you. You may choose from any television stations across the country, just let me know where you''re interested in working at and it''ll be arranged. Even if you still prefer to stay at Hebei Television for work, that''s fine too. I can''t speak for other television stations, but if you just mention my name here at Hebei TV, I''m very sure no one would dare to find trouble with you!"


    Those were very strong words.


    But Bai Li was really qualified to im so!


    Wang He felt sincerely grateful and thanked her, "Thank you, Sister Bai. I''ll settle the issues of my work by myself. As long as Guan Yunhai is not blocking me, I''m confident of my own abilities."


    "That''s good then." Bai Liughed and said, "I think you''d do well too."


    Zhang Ye alsoughed, "Sister Bai, thank you for today."


    When Bai Li spoke to Zhang Ye, she did so with a sense of politeness. "Teacher Zhang, please don''t say that. I''m just doing what I should. This is just a small problem. There''s no need to thank me for it. There''s still a meeting at the office and the head is waiting for me. I won''t be staying around any longer then."


    Zhang Ye smiled and mentioned, "Sure, let''s have dinner together someday."


    "Sure, that won''t be a problem." Bai Li reminded, "I''ll say again, if something like this happens again in the future, just contact me directly. I''ll resolve it for you."


    Today''s case was a bit of an exception since it wasn''t a problem that Zhang Ye could have handled directly. It was only because of this that he had to look for Old Wu. He also did not wish to trouble Secretary Bai this way again, even though she said it was fine. So Zhang Ye simply agreed, "OK. Then let me see you off. Did you drive here?"


    "Don''t bother. My car is parked just beside the road." Bai Li said goodbye to Su Hongyan then immediately got into her car and drove off.


    The moment Secretary Bai left, the three of them spoke much more freely.


    Wang He looked at Zhang Ye. "Zhang''er, I won''t say too much, but I owe you one this time."


    "Ha,e on." Zhang Ye said amused, "What do you mean you owe me? When have you ever been so polite with me even when we were in university?"


    Wang He alsoughed. "You''ve really helped me big time, so I have to be a little polite no matter what. Besides, this issue of mine must have made you owe others a big favor as well, right?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head and replied, "Not really."


    Old Wu was his girlfriend, so there wasn''t any owing of favors there. Since Bai Li was Old Wu''s secretary, thening here to help Old Wu resolve some problems was within the scope of her job. Zhang Ye definitely had Bai Li to thank, but he didn''t owe her that big of a favor.


    Wang He said as he looked at the tail lights of Secretary Bai''s car, "Your friend''s connections are really damn solid!"


    Zhang Ye vaguely responded, "I guess so��."


    Wang He didn''t know whether tough or cry. "I''ve never seen such a show of force like today''s before. Sister Bai didn''t seem like much when she just got here, because she was just like any other normal person who didn''t look or feel prominent. But who could''ve guessed she''d end up being such a powerful person, able to stun everyone into submission with just her shouting. No one dared to stop her and just let her push open the doors one by one! I felt as though all of my anger has been vented! She was basically causing a ruckus as she liked!"


    Su Hongyan nced at Zhang Ye and said, "What does that Secretary Bai do?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Something along the lines of being their overseeing authority."


    "From the SARFT?" Su Hongyan asked.


    Zhang Ye affirmed tersely.


    Su Hongyan continued asking, "From the way she spoke, it seems like Secretary Bai is also rted to the head of Hebei TV? It even sounds like they''re very close rtives?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "That I don''t know about."


    Su Hongyan looked Zhang Ye up and down, then said, "You''re surviving well in this industry now, eh? Seems like you know quite a lot people as well? If I meet with any trouble in the future, I''ll definitelye and look for you."


    Zhang Ye heartily said, "For sure! Anything that concerns you concerns me!"


    Wang He beckoned with a hand, "Come on, let''s go. It''s my treat today. Let''s have something to drink!"


    "What, were you expecting me to treat? Let''s go!" Zhang Yeughed.


    Wang He smirked. "Do you have to find fault with everything that I say?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Of course."


    Wang He: "..."


    Su Hongyanughed, "You two!"


    ...


    When he got home at night.


    It was only when Zhang Ye called Wu Zeqing that he found out about Bai Li''s other status. She actually turned out to be the niece of the head of Hebei Television. It was no wonder she could behave as she wanted on their premises!


    "Secretary Bai has a good temperament," Zhang Ye praised.


    Old Wuughed. "She''s quite simr to you, right?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged: "Quite."


    Old Wu said: "But she''s not as hot-headed as you. At least within the organization, she still behaves as she should, unlike you who keeps lighting fires everywhere you go. It''s as though you feel there''s ack of people getting offended by you. If I did not send Little Bai over today, I was afraid that you would have gotten physical with them, hur hur."


    It was a little cold outside. Zhang Ye sniffed and said: "You''re thinking too much about what I might do."


    Old Wu said: "It''s cold out. Put on more clothes."


    "I know."


    "Are you still wearing just that jacket of yours again?"


    "How did you know?"


    "Don''t be smug. You might catch a cold and fall sick. It''s not as if you''re an idol, so why are you so worried about letting others see you wear that? Put on a down jacket when you get back."


    "I will."

 Chapter 849: Zhang Ye’s Talk at Media College!

    <h4>Chapter 849: Zhang Ye''s Talk at Media College! </h4>


    Chapter 849: Zhang Ye''s Talk at Media College!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    There were rumors on the inte.


    WeiboGossip#5: "Zhang Ye makes a hugemotion at Hebei Television".


    "��Someone has exposed that Zhang Ye brought some people with him to Hebei Television''s Beijing Production Department yesterday and made amotion there. It sent their entire workce into chaos with many involved in the conflict and even leading to an investigation on a head of a department. The trigger for this case is still unknown, with questions posed to those working at the facility not being answered as they stay tight-lipped on the matter."


    This piece of news did not attract too much attention.


    First off,pared to Zhang Ye''s previous incidents, this was just a small thing that would not register a blip on most people''s radar. It was not a headline that was as attractive as a documentary helmed by him that had swept the entire country''s viewership ratings. Secondly, this news was also unconfirmed and served more as a rumor. Even the mainstream media did not report on this news, with only that Weibo ount''s revtions the source of it. Therefore, the veracity of this news was taken with a pinch of salt.


    However, there were still some people who paid attention to it.


    "Teacher Zhang has stirred up trouble again?"


    "I wonder if it is real or not."


    "I think it should be real. A guy like Zhang Ye is really capable of doing such a thing!"


    "I guess it must be someone who has provoked him again. Don''t we all know what Zhang Ye is like by now? He has always done things ording to his own set of rules. It''s impossible that he would go and cause amotion at another television station for no reason!"


    "I also trust Teacher Zhang''s character. I like him so much!"


    "Previous poster, does Zhang Ye have any character at all?"


    Suddenly, a few industry insiders also voiced their opinions!


    For some reason, an old host who had already retired suddenly made ament: "It seems like there''s no bottom line for young people these days. How can there be so many people supporting someone like Zhang Ye? He can even be proimed as an ''artist'' by his bunch of braindead fans? Since when has the title of artist gone for so cheap? Since when did the Golden Microphone Awards give out their trophies so casually? A person like that can get the highest honor in the television hosting industry? He can get the highest honor in the academic awards too? And even win two of the highest awards for two television shows? What a joke! Are the judges these days treating awards like a child''s game? Are themon folk all idiots these days?"


    Some of theizens were having none of it.


    "Fuck, what the heck are you saying!"


    "Who''s the braindead one?"


    "Does that mean only you can be an artist? What kind of works have you produced in the first ce?"


    "I''ve watched the shows you hosted. It was all just lousy entertainment to satisfy yourself. Who the hell would bother watching it!"


    "If you think someone is good, you say that he is an artist, but if you don''t like them, they''re not an artist? What kind of logic is that? Based on what do you think you can control what usmoners like? I just fucking want to like Zhang Ye! I just fucking think that Zhang Ye is an artist! Can you do anything about me?"


    When this old host gave his criticism, a lot of people jumped out to critique Zhang Ye as well!


    Crosstalkedian Tang Dazhang''s Weibo: "I will never ever admit that a person like Zhang Ye is an artist. He''s too vulgar and undisciplined!"


    Someone from a television station: "I''ve been wanting to say this for a long time, but I also think that it''s just themon folk who are supporting him and find him to be good. But if you were to ask any industry insider, which one of them would admit that he''s an artist? He can fool the people, but the true measure of an artist is still set by the industry insiders. Only an industry peer would know whether a person is truly qualified to be called an artist or not, so what would ayman know?"


    The attacks on Zhang Ye were trickling in!


    ...


    Later that morning.


    Zhang Ye also saw thosements, but did not even bother with them. He was already used to having peers scold him every other day. It might even get ufortable if there wasn''t any criticism. After he finished breakfast, he put on a down jacket and sent Chenchen to school before heading to Media College.


    At the university.


    The moment he arrived, Su Hongyan found him.


    "Little Zhang."


    "Ai, Teacher Su."


    "There will be a broadcasting lectureter. Since you''ve just been employed by the school, I think it''s appropriate for you to make an appearance. The school has already discussed it. They won''t wait for next year to present you to everyone, so it''ll be done today instead! It''ll be a chance for you to greet everyone and officially meet them for the first time. Are you fine with that?"


    "Yep."


    "Great."


    "What time?"


    "9 AM? We''ll set aside 10 minutes for you to give a talk."


    "Sure."


    When Teacher Xue who was right next them heard this, she came up to them smiling. "It''s the first talk by Professor Zhang. I should go and listen in too"


    Su Hongyan chuckled, "Whoever''s free, let''s all go together. It''s also a show of support for Little Zhang."


    A female teacher agreed, "Sure."


    An associate professor also agreed, "Count me in."


    There was also a broadcasting teacher who said, "I heard that when Teacher Zhang gave his lectures at Peking University, no one ever skipped a ss of his. In fact, in every ss he gave, there weren''t even enough seats since students from other faculties woulde and crash the ss. It''s obvious that Teacher Zhang is very good at teaching, so I''m really looking forward to it."


    Zhang Ye replied humbly, "It''s only a meeting session with the students. Please don''t tter me like that."


    ...


    Very quickly, news of the talk spread to everyone!


    "Teacher Zhang is giving a talk today!"


    "It''s at the lecture hall, do you want to go?"


    "Of course we have to go! I''m a braindead fan of his!


    "I''m going too! It''s such a rare opportunity!"


    "Why are you guys still talking about it? Hurry up and go to the lecture hall to reserve your seats! But I doubt there''re any seats left anyways. The students from the School of Directing and School of Acting are going too!"


    "Ah? Then we better hurry up!"


    The students quickly ran over upon hearing the news. From freshmen to sophomores, even the upperssmen. All of them went to attend the talk!


    Media College.


    Lecture Hall 1.


    When Zhang Ye, Su Hongyan, Teacher Xue, and the rest of the others arrived, they were all startled by what they saw. The first thing they felt when they reached the hall was that it was way too active here. There were crowds of people gathered at the lecture hall entrance as they formed lines and tried to get in!


    "Stop pushing!"


    "Dammit, is there no more space?"


    "School of Acting majors! What are you guys doing here!"


    "Teacher Zhang has acted in movies before. Can''t wee and get some pointers?"


    "Wah! Zhang Ye is here!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Look, quick!"


    "Aiyo, I finally got to see him in real life!"


    "How handsome!"


    Some of Media College''s female students even screamed due to their excitement!


    For a B-list celebrity to have this sort of charm was no surprise at all.


    When a number of teachers saw this, they knew that the talk would be canceled if it went on like this, so they quickly went up to maintain the order. After ten minutes, they managed to control the situation and got everyone settled inside the lecture hall. At this moment, the entire lecture hall was filled with people, in the aisles and even in the hallways outside it.


    Su Hongyan, Teacher Xue, and a few other staff members from the School of Broadcasting did not want to take the seats from the students, so they just stood around near the doors.


    The head of Media College''s Academic Affairs was here.


    The dean of the School of Broadcasting was here.


    Finally, a vice president of Media College also entered the lecture hall with a smile.


    Clearly, the school''s authority had ced a significant importance on this first talk that Zhang Ye was going to give after his appointment. The most important reason they had for inviting Zhang Ye to join was exactly because they knew he had the capability and charisma to attract people. Staff from the school''s Office of Public Affairs also came along, carrying their camcorders into the hall.


    At this moment, Su Hongyan went up on stage and held a microphone to announce, "Students, please quiet down. Let us now invite Associate Professor Zhang Ye up on stage."


    Zhang Ye walked onto the stage and took the microphone from her. "Thank you, Teacher Su."


    Su Hongyan smiled and went back down. Although Zhang Ye''s talk was arranged on short notice, she never worried that Zhang Ye would not be able to do well.


    Clearing his throat, Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Hello, students."


    This was immediately followed by a round of enthusiastic apuse.


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m very honored to be standing here today and even more honored to be here as a teacher of Media College. Everyone should know that I was also a student of Media College a few years back. Therefore, being able to take an appointment here��or to say it better, being able toe back here��feels like a homing. Even though I''ve been working for the past two years, I feel as though I have never really left this ce. This is where I belong and I will never be able to leave it in my entire lifetime."


    The students apuded again!


    When Su Hongyan and some of the other teachers and administrators heard this, they also nodded and pped.


    Zhang Ye continued, "I only came here to have an official face-to-face meeting with everyone, but I did not expect it to be so grand. I feel really ttered by this. I believe everyone already knows that I will be a teacher at the School of Broadcasting starting today. You may address me as Teacher Zhang, Zhang Ye, or even Senior Zhang. We''re all family, so there''s no need to be overly courteous with me. I''m not rigid about things like that."


    In the audience.


    A student heckler shouted, "Can we call you Old Zhang then?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Sure you can."


    Everyoneughed.


    Zhang Ye looked at his watch and said, "We have six, seven minutes left, and I''ve said all that I needed to. Why don''t we have a Q&A session for the rest of the time. What does everyone want to know about? You may ask anything about the sses or even the arts. Since it''s our first meeting today, I''ll be more casual about it."


    When they heard that, more than a dozen people immediately raised their hands. There was even someone who stood up to raise their hand while jumping up and down!


    Zhang Ye just randomly pointed to the person who raised their hand the highest. "That student in the tenth row, furthest to the left. Yes, you."


    That person said excitedly, "Hello, Senior. What sses will you be teaching us in the future? Will you be around every day? Can we look for you at any time if we have problems?


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ve been brooding over it every day, but the sses will definitely be rted to broadcasting. If there''s a chance, I''ll give my email address to everyone to submit their questions to. I''ll try to reply to them one by one if I have the time to do so."


    Countless hands shot up again after that.


    Zhang Ye picked another person. "You, please."


    It was a third-year student. "Professor Zhang, I''m from the School of Directing. Will you only be teaching at the School of Broadcasting? Will you be teaching any directing courses? Almost every one of us have watched The Voice and A Bite of China and we would really like to learn from you, so I''d like to know if there''ll be a chance to do that."


    Zhang Ye looked into the audience. "This would have to depend on the administrators'' approval. I haven''t received any news about this yet, but if there''s a chance to do so, I would love to share my experiences with everyone."


    One by one, they asked questions.


    The atmosphere was really good, but time was almost up.


    So Zhang Ye said, "Let''s have thest question then. Let me see, OK, how about this student here?"


    He pointed at a girl.


    That girl pushed up her sses and hurriedly asked, "Teacher Zhang, I saw on Weibo this morning that quite a few industry veterans were criticizing you. They im that you were not qualified to be called an artist and that you''ve strayed off the artistic path. I''d like to know: What do you think being an artist should be about? If someone with your sorts of results and contributions still doesn''t make you an artist, then what would? When we all graduate, which path should we take? And how should we proceed? What if we keep getting ignored by the industry insiders, then what?"


    Zhang Ye looked at her. "That''s a rather deep question."


    Everyone perked up their ears to listen. They also wanted to know how Zhang Ye would answer this sensitive question.


    Thinking for a bit, Zhang Ye suddenly remembered those words that Guo Degang from his previous world had said. Heughed as he recited, "Then I''ll use the simplest of ways to answer you. Actually, what is an artist? Whoever lives the longest is an artist! In a group of 100 peers, if they all scold and curse at you, then all you have to do is to outlive the 99 of them and you will be the artist! When Tomb Sweeping Dayes around, you can stand at their graves and sing them a song of sayonara!"


    This exnation of being an artist by Zhang Ye dumbfounded the hundreds of students in the audience!


    Scolding and cursing?


    Whoever lives the longest?


    Outlive the 99 of them?


    Stand at their graves during Tomb Sweeping Day?


    And sing a song of sayonara?


    "Pfft!" One of the students started to burst outughing!


    Then followed by a second, a third, and a tenth!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, Teacher Zhang is so sarcastic!"


    One of the teachers nearly fainted on the spot!


    Su Hongyan facepalmed!


    Teacher Xue: "..."


    Media College''s head of Academic Affairs: "..."


    Media College''s vice president: "..."


    These words sounded really powerful, yet simultaneously also felt very wicked!


    Weren''t you just speaking seriously a while ago? Why did it take just a few lines for you show your true colors!


    Many of the Media College teachers and administrators didn''t know whether tough or cry when they heard this. They suddenly started worrying if inviting this guy here to be a teacher was really going to be fine.


    Just how many people would he offend on behalf of Media College!

 Chapter 850: Invitation to the Spring Festival Gala?

    <h4>Chapter 850: Invitation to the Spring Festival G? </h4>


    Chapter 850: Invitation to the Spring Festival G?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the same day, Zhang Ye''s talk at Media College was uploaded!


    The official website of Media College also posted a video clip of the talk. It was a way of promotion for the school, especially in this time when the entrance exam was being held. It was a big boost to them that Zhang Ye had chosen to join their institution, but of course, thest question that Zhang Ye had answered was edited out by the Office of Public Affairs as it should not be made public at all. But with so many students and teachers attending the talk earlier, there would surely be someone who recorded it with their phones. This incident was definitely not something that could be covered up.


    Captioned version.


    Full version.


    Graphical presentation version.


    They all appeared like mushrooms sprouting after the rain!


    "Then I will use the simplest of ways to answer you. Actually, what is an artist? Whoever lives the longest is an artist! In a group of 100 peers, if they all scold and curse at you, then all you have to do is to outlive the 99 of them and you would be the artist! When Tomb Sweeping Dayes around, you can stand at their graves and sing them a song of sayonara!"


    The views on these videos were exponentially rising!


    A lot ofizens were having such a goodugh at it!


    "No wonder he''s in crosstalk!"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye''s mouth is hriously sarcastic!"


    "Sayonara? Aiyo, I died fromughter!"


    "This sort of scolding has totally moved to a new level!"


    "That line will be a ssic. It''s something that only Zhang Ye coulde up with!"


    "This interpretation of what makes an artist is super cool!"


    "Hahahaha! This terrible nature of Zhang Ye is what I like most about him!"


    Answering to the verbal criticism of him by a bunch of older veteran industry insiders and peers, Zhang Ye hade up with this response to them. You guys said that he would never, ever be qualified enough to be an artist? But being young, he would almost definitely outlive all of you. When you''re all dead and unmoving, none of you will be able to criticize him anymore. At that time, wouldn''t he then be an artist? Who could still doubt and criticize him then? At that time, he could just sing whatever he liked in front of any one of your graves!


    You can bully the old but not the young!


    Zhang Ye used the most wicked of ways to beautifully epitomize those words!


    To a lot of Zhang Ye''s own fans, this was a justifiable retort and a reasonable counterattack. But to those who had criticized him earlier, this was undoubtedly a provocation and disrespect for the veterans!


    All of a sudden, anotherrge wave of scolding battles started again!


    All at once, the industry voices were calling out and denouncing Zhang Ye one after another!


    "Insolence! How extremely insolent!"


    "Strip him of his Golden Microphone Award!"


    "He''s totally disrespecting all of the industry veterans!"


    ...


    In the blink of an eye.


    It was already New Year''s Day.


    The new year had begun with a wave of scolding aimed at Zhang Ye, but on this same day, Zhang Ye had advanced yet another spot in the B-list Celebrity Rankings!


    His position had risen again!


    After winning a few of the highest awards, and with A Bite of China''s continued poprity in the broadcasts, Zhang Ye''s award eptance speeches and his talk at Media College both helped to push his poprity higher. This was a period of time where Zhang Ye was experiencing a major rise in his poprity with the continuous coverage of him and his news through shows, TV, the news, Inte, and many other outlets, all of which contributed to a stacking effect toward his poprity score. At this moment in time, nobody and no criticisms could stop the continued rise of Zhang Ye''s poprity. Even if he did not do anything else and justid around at home, his poprity would still continue to increase by the day!


    From morning, Zhang Ye was kept busy with answering calls.


    From an old colleague: "Teacher Zhang, happy New Year."


    "Thank you."


    It''s been a while. We should catch up over lunch someday."


    "Sure, let''s contact each other again about this. We can either eat at home or out, anything''s fine."


    Then, a call from Ha Qiqi. "Director Zhang, have a wonderful New Year."


    "Happy New Year to you, Sister Ha."


    "What are you busy with?"


    "Hai, I''m just sitting at home. I haven''t been up to anything for the past two days except for going online and scolding people."


    "You''re still arguing with them? Wasn''t that incident from a few days ago?"


    "They keep pestering me with their scolding, but since I''m bored with nothing to do at home, why should I just do nothing about it? So I scolded them back. It''s good practice, anyway, for a better year at work."


    "Damn, I really give it to you. You''re such a ''warrior.''"


    "Ah? Am I?"


    "Of course. You always get spirited whenever ites to scolding people."


    Next was a call from his other assistant director, Zhang Zuo. "Director Zhang, happy New Year to you and your family."


    "And the same to you. What are you doing? Are at home making your dinner meal?"


    "Of course not, I''m at the office clocking overtime today."


    "Oh? Didn''t I give everyone a break? And it''s January 1st today too, so there shouldn''t be any overtime?"


    "It''s because there isn''t enough manpower for the Spring Festival G, so a lot of departments sent their people over to help out. It was actually Old Ha who was supposed to go, but I saw that she was a little tiredtely, so I volunteered in her stead. There''s still over a month to go, but the rehearsals for the Spring Festival G has already started. There''s so many things going on around, so it''s kinda busy here."


    "Who''s the director this year?"


    "The director is Xiao Hu, same asst year."


    "What about Central TV Department 1''s Xu Yipeng? Didn''t they say that he had a high chance of bing the director for this year''s g?"


    "He''s still the assistant director but his is a hopeless case now. Don''t you know yet? Rise to the Dance''s recent viewership ratings have dropped below 1%. The show''s poprity keeps falling and it''s proven that even if Central TV tries to push him up, he still doesn''t have your ability. Oh yeah, Chen Ye is still the Spring Festival G host this year. The host positions have now maintained status quo for the past three g events already and still have not been refreshed. But there''s been a change to the director for thenguage performances segment. I guess they''re looking to make some changes to the show''s presentation since I''ve heard the new director was asking around to see if he could invite you and Teacher Yao Jiancai to perform a crosstalk. But his suggestion was immediately shot down by someone in the management when he suggested that. The rumors are that if it were only Yao Jiancai, it would be fine, but anything that was broadcast live must not have you in it. Hmph, no wonder the Spring Festival G is getting worse and worse by the year. If they continue on this way, there won''t be any viewers left at all!"


    Listening to Zhang Zuo ramble on for the longest time, Zhang Ye finally got a much better understanding about the situation concerning this year''s Central TV Spring Festival G. Actually, he already knew that he had no chance of appearing on this year''s Spring Festival G. Since he had taken Central TV to court and fell out with Central TV Department 1, what chances would he still have? He was long since prepared for this, so he did not concern himself much with the ongoings for the event. Now that he heard the update from Zhang Zuo, it seemed like this year''s Spring Festival G would be rather vibrant too.


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye also made a few calls himself.


    He gave a call to Hu Fei.


    He gave a call to Yan Tianfei.


    He also made some calls to his old bosses to offer them his New Year greetings.


    Later in the afternoon, his rtives started arriving.


    Zhang Ye went out to wee them. "Yo, First Uncle, First Aunt, Second Uncle, Third Uncle, Third Aunt."


    His first uncleughed and said, "Little Ye, whoa, you became even more handsome!"


    Zhang Ye said with augh, "Not bad, right?"


    "Brother!" His three sisters rushed into the house altogether. They had all rented a car together and were helping their grandma and grandpa over.


    Zhang Ye waved at them. "Everyone has arrived?" Then he quickly went forward to greet his grandparents. "Grandma, Grandpa."


    Their family''s youngest generation only had one boy, and now that he had grown up to be such a superstar, Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma was very happy to see him. "Ai, Little Ye,e quickly and let Grandma have a look at you!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Look all you like, Grandma."


    His grandma held onto Zhang Ye and did not let him go as she kept talking to him.


    His mother said, "We already said that we would go over to your ce instead since it''s so inconvenient for you two toe so far. Isn''t it troublesome?"


    His grandpa chuckled and replied, "That wouldn''t do. Who doesn''t know that there''s a celebrity in our family now? All of our neighbors and the children there know who Little Ye is and would definitelye over to our ce to have a look if they knew he was there. If that happened, could we still eat in peace? It''s better toe here instead."


    His third sister was already asking for someone the moment she got here. "Where''s Chenchen? Where''s Chenchen?"


    Zhang Ye pointed to the bedroom. "She''s in there ying games."


    His third sister called out excitedly, "Chenchen, Auntie is here. Come out quickly and greet everyone." She was even referring to herself as auntie now, but it wasn''t actually wrong since she and Zhang Ye were in the same generation of the family.


    "Hur hur." Before the door was even open, Chenchen''s humorlessughter could already be heard.


    His third sister pulled his second sister with her and ran into the bedroom to y with Chenchen. At times, a sudden loud chatter could be hearding from inside there.


    The eldest sister was considerably more mature among the young ones, so she came over to Zhang Ye and said with augh, "Brother, I saw that you''ve been scolding people again on the Inte for the past few days."


    Zhang Ye snickered. "Did you back your bro up then?"


    The eldest sister smiled and replied, "Of course. I joined in and scolded them too."


    "You''re a good one!" Zhang Ye dered, satisfied.


    His first auntughed and said, "Other than scolding people, Dandan has not learned anything from you."


    "Of course she has to learn that!" Zhang Ye said unashamedly. "As people, we always have to ensure that we have a skill or two. It''s good that she''s learned that, otherwise she might get bullied when she enters society."


    His mother seethed, "Alright, you. Don''t go around teaching them the wrong things."


    His grandma nced at her daughter and remarked, "What do you mean by teaching them the wrong things? If my grandson says that it''s good, then it''s good."


    His mother: "..."


    Everyoneughed.


    During lunch, everyone started to chat about the uing Spring Festival G.


    His second uncle asked, "Little Ye, are you taking part in this year''s Spring Festival G?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "Of course not. The host positions have long since been decided on and the program ns have also been finalized. I won''t be involved, and neither would they possibly invite me to attend it."


    His third aunt asked, "How about the other stations?"


    "Other stations?" Zhang Ye was slightly taken aback. "I don''t know about that."


    His third aunt said, "You''re too controversial and have sued Central TV before, and coupled with the strict criteria that they have in their organization, you definitely won''t be able to appear on Central TV''s Spring Festival G. But what about the other television stations'' Spring Festival Gs? Based on your poprity, you''re definitely qualified enough to appear on them. Some of the more popr televisionworks these days also have very good viewership ratings for their Spring Festival Gs. They''re at least twice as watched as your A Bite of China, since no television shows should ever be able to outdo a Spring Festival G''s viewership rating!"


    Zhang Ye said, "A provincial station''s Spring Festival G viewership rating might be high, but they do not necessarily want to invite me to appear on it. You say that my poprity is good and that I have the achievements to back me up, but my reputation is awful. These days, the provincial stations all broadcast their Spring Festival G live, so even though it may seem that they are very active in the scene, none of them would actually risk inviting me to appear on the show. Moreover, I''m still a staff member of Central TV."


    Just as he was talking about this, a call suddenly came in.


    It was from Dong Shanshan. "Have you eaten?"


    Zhang Ye stood up and walked toward his bedroom. "Yes, I''m having lunch at the moment."


    "I want to ask you something." Dong Shanshan said with augh, "Do you have any conflicts during the Spring Festival?"


    Zhang Ye was a little stunned. "Spring Festival? I''m on leave during that time."


    Dong Shanshan snapped her fingers at that. "It''s good as long as you have nothing scheduled. Is your contract with Central TV a hosting and program-based contract? You can''t work for other television stations in the capacity of a host and program director or nner, but that doesn''t mean that you can''t appear in your other capacities, like��as a crosstalk actor?"


    Zhang Ye said surprised, "What are you nning?"


    Dong Shanshanughed and said, "Beijing Television has just decided that they wanted to invite you and Teacher Yao Jiancai to join us for this year''s Beijing Television Spring Festival G. They got me to check with you and see what you think about it, but mainly wanted to know about your specific contract terms with Central TV to see if they could find a loophole. So then, are you interested?"


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Who decided on this?"


    "Someone from management."


    "Are you sure? Are you serious about letting me appear on a live broadcast?"


    "Of course we''re sure. The station head has already given her approval!"


    Beijing Television''s station head?


    That friendly-looking olddy?

 Chapter 851: A class reunion

    <h4>Chapter 851: A ss reunion </h4>


    Chapter 851: A ss reunion


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the morning of January 2nd.


    Media College''s ss reunion.


    Location: Suburbs of Beijing, Yizhuang.


    This was Dong Shanshan''s new ce, a small two-story terraced vi. Located near a park, the surroundings here was very quiet and secluded. There were few people seen around here in the neighborhood.


    Zhang Ye pressed the doorbell.


    The door opened, revealing Dong Shanshan''s incredibly beautiful face.


    When Zhang Ye saw the way she dressed, he remarked, "You''re still wearing a skirt in the middle of winter?"


    Dong Shanshan who was dressed rather sexily just smiled and said, "It''s been a long time since we''ve had a ss reunion, so I must make an effort to dress well. Come on in, it''s warmer inside."


    Zhang Ye asked, "How many of them have arrived?"


    "We''re just short of you." Dong Shanshan said, "The others are already here."


    Upon passing through the doorway, he came into the living room. Although the area could not bepared with those luxurious vis, it wasn''t bad either. The floor space of this vi was not big, but at least it had all the basic facilities that a vi should have. At the front was a small garden that was very eye-catching and would definitely look more attractive when the flowers and nts bloomed in spring.


    After walking in through the front door, a few figures appeared in front of him. They were watching television at the moment.


    Wang He smiled and stood up. "Yo, look who''s here?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and returned, "Who do you think is here?!"


    Beside Wang He, Ma Xufeiughed and pped the sofa''s arm, then came forward in wee. "Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye saw him and said happily, "Old Ma, you''re here too?"


    "I''ve always been in Beijing since our graduation, so why wouldn''t I be here?!" Ma Xufei went over and gave Zhang Ye a bear hug and then said, "We haven''t seen each other in two years already!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "So you''ve been in Beijing all this while? I thought you''d returned to your hometown! Why didn''t you keep in touch?"


    Ma Xufeiughed and said, "You are getting so popr now, so who''d try to contact you!"


    "Don''t wander off topic. Are you ming me indirectly?" Zhang Ye rolled his eyes.


    Dong Shanshan pointed at Ma Xufei and said, "I only managed to contact Old Ma a few days ago. He''s really difficult to find as his number has changed several times already."


    Ma Xufeiughed heartily at that. "I was busy with work, really busy with work."


    At this moment, another person walked over and lightly punched Zhang Ye''s chest. Then he said, "Zhang''er, you''re really popr now. I see your face on the news so much that I''ve gotten sick of it!"


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "Old He!"


    He Kui said, "Great, you still know me?"


    Zhang Ye quipped, "If you still didn''t show your face, I''d really have forgotten about you!"


    "You''re the one who hasn''t shown his face in forever!" He Kuiughed and added, "During the year we graduated, Shanshan, the others, and I organized a party. We were unable to contact you. And you were the only person who did not join us."


    Zhang Ye also lightly punched He Kui''s chest andmented, "You still look so fit!"


    He Kui replied, "Well, I''ve been training every day."


    From across the room, Yu Yingyi came up to him. She gently tucked her hair behind her ears and asked in a sweet voice, "Zhang Ye, do you know who am I? Can you still remember my name?"


    Zhang Ye nced at her with a smile and said, "I can even write your name out backwards, ssmate Yu Yingyi."


    Yu Yingyi blinked. "Not bad, you really still remember my name."


    Zhang Ye said, "Our ss only had so many people. Do you think I have Alzheimer''s? Also, how can I possibly forget a beautiful girl''s name? Even if it''s after 20 years, I will still remember your name, much less just two years."


    Yu Yingyi said in satisfaction, "You really know how to spin things!"


    "Have to." Zhang Ye smiled.


    Everyone sat together on the couch in the living room.


    Dong Shanshan announced, "Everyone is here today, but it''s just the six of us, so we can just consider it a mini ss reunion. I''ve tried to contact all the others, but some of them were uncontactable, while most of the others are not in Beijing anymore and therefore could not make it. We will organize anotherrge reunion some other day. As for today''s reunion, it''s nothing much except for us to catch up on our friendship together, while also having a housewarming for my new home."


    Ma Xufei pped andplimented, "Congrattions, school belle. Best wishes for your new home."


    "We must celebrate this for sure." He Kui smiled and said, "Besides, I think we should organize such activities more often since we have a ce to hold our reunions now."


    Dong Shanshan agreed without hesitation. "Sure, juste to my house whenever we have a reunion."


    Zhang Ye looked around and said, "The house looks quite nice. When did you buy it?"


    "I bought it a few days ago and moved in immediately. It''s a resale," Dong Shanshan answered.


    Zhang Ye smirked. "Weren''t you asking me to help you look for a house? I''ve been waiting for your call about it, but I didn''t know you already bought it. What a friend you are, ssmate Shanshan."


    Dong Shanshan''s mouth twitched and sheughed. Then she looked at him and said, "Ohe on, have you even had a moment''s free time in these past few days? You''ve been arguing with people on the Inte every day for how many days now? When I saw the way things were going, I thought I should just forget it and look for a house by myself."


    Zhang Ye: "..."


    Yu Yingyiughed loudly. "Zhang Ye is still that temperamental guy from before!"


    Dong Shanshan shook her head and said, "His temper is etched into his bones. I don''t think he can ever change that in his entire lifetime."


    "Stop ridiculing me. I still haven''t asked you how much this house costs." Zhang Ye quickly changed the subject.


    He Kui guessed, "It looks like it''s at least 10 million?"


    "Less than that." Dong Shanshan replied, "It''s cheaper out here in the suburbs and it only cost several million."


    He Kui tutted, "That''s still very expensive."


    Dong Shanshan smiled and exined, "I got a loan since I could only afford the down payment."


    Zhang Ye said enviously, "You sure are rich."


    Yu Yingyi nced at Zhang Ye and said, "As a B-list superstar, you can still say that Shanshan is rich? Aren''t you embarrassed?"


    "I really don''t earn as much money as her," Zhang Ye denied, waving his hands as he admitted honestly.


    Ma Xufei said in disbelief, "Who are you trying to bluff? Among all of us, you are supposed to be the richest."


    Dong Shanshan said, "I think Zhang Ye is not lying, but it''s not that he''s poor, it''s just that that he doesn''t have any intentions to make money. From the time since he debuted until now, he has never epted anymercial events and he''s the only such person in the entertainment industry. His ie mainlyes from his endorsement fees, and the fixed sry and bonuses as a host. It would be a wonder if he were rich, but me? My contract with Beijing Television is more flexible since I can ept amercial event every other day. With each event, I can earn about 100 to 200,000 RMB. That''s how I managed to pay off the down payment."


    He Kui said, "Wasn''t Zhang Ye like this in university too? The way he thinks and does things are always very different from others."


    Wang He said, "Anyway, both of you are really popr now. How much viewership did A Bite of China get?"


    "The viewership rating for thetest episode is not out yet," Zhang Ye responded.


    Yu Yingyi said, "We were watching it just now. It''s a really good show."


    A Bite of China was currently ying on the television in the living room. It was the rerun of thetest episode. Zhang Ye''s deep and maic voice was emitting from the TV.


    He Kui said, "I feel hungry just from watching this. What are we having for lunch?"


    Dong Shanshan pointed to the kitchen and said, "I''ve already bought the ingredients, so why don''t we all whip something up ourselves?"


    Yu Yingyi suggested, "Sure, I''ll be the main chef then."


    "OK, we''ll help you out."


    "As long as you guys don''t cause trouble."


    "Damn, are you looking down on us?"


    "Among us, I think only Old Ma and I know how to cook. As for the rest, it''s still a question mark right now."


    Everyone was very excited and could not stop talking since the long-awaited ss reunion had begun. Actually, while they were still at university, even though they met and attended sses together every day, they did not talk as much as they were talking now. Instead, it was after graduation that their rtionship became much closer.


    ...


    It was bustling in the kitchen.


    Yu Yingyi seemingly took it all on and chased the others out of the kitchen.


    With some free time, Dong Shanshan called Zhang Ye over to the side and said, "Where''s the contract?"


    "It''s here." Zhang Ye took out the contract from his bag and handed it to her.


    Dong Shanshan sat down and started flipping through the pages one by one. This was the contract signed by Zhang Ye with Central TV back then. As the contractual terms were quiteplicated, she had to carefully look through it bit by bit.


    About 20 minutester.


    Dong Shanshan flicked her finger on the contract in satisfaction and said, "Alright, I''ve understood it quite clearly. The contractual terms are more or less the same as what our station thinks. Your contract is more flexible and it definitely won''t be a problem for you to appear on Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G."


    Zhang Ye grinned. "Great."


    Dong Shanshan stated, "It looks like we finally have a chance to perform together on the same stage for once."


    "Huh?" Zhang Ye asked, "You''re the host?"


    Dong Shanshan nodded and said, "The station informed me about it two months ago. They reserved a host spot for me in this year''s Spring Festival G, so it''s considered a very good opportunity."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "The station seems to be rather supportive of you! You''re doing really well then."


    Dong Shanshan gave him a haughty, teasing look and replied, "If your temper were better and you didn''t offend so many people, you could also do whatever you wanted in any television station. Who wouldn''t support you then?"


    Zhang Ye threw up hands in resignation and said, "That''s the problem. This has always been my character."


    Suddenly, Dong Shanshan recalled something and was tickled by it. "Actually, that temperament of yours is also quite a good thing. A few days ago, I attended amercial event for a bigpany''s anniversary celebrations. After that, there were some issues with the agreed payment and they insisted on paying me 50,000 yuan less. Everyone ended up being unhappy after arguing over the matter for a long time. Later on, I don''t know where they got the news that you were my ssmate from university, but by the next day, they immediately paid up the rest of the money. From this, you should know just how bad your reputation is in the industry. There aren''t many who could stay calm upon mention of your name."


    At this moment, the rest of their ssmates who came over heard this as well and started teasing Zhang Ye.


    "Zhang Ye''s name is this useful?"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Alrighty then, I''ll make good use your name someday."


    "Right, the next time I go to a restaurant, I will mention your name and maybe I''ll get a discount."


    Zhang Ye said, "If you don''t mention my name, you would be charged 500 yuan, but if you do mention my name, you would be charged 1000 yuan."


    Dong Shanshan was amused by that. "Why do you have so little confidence in yourself?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "How can I still have any confidence when you''re all talking about me this way?"


    "Alright, alright, hurry up and deal with the proper matters first." Dong Shanshan said, "Go and confirm with Teacher Yao the proposal. After both of your schedules are confirmed, I will inform the station."


    "OK."


    Zhang Ye walked away from the others and gave Yao Jiancai a call.


    The call connected.


    "Old Yao, where are you?"


    "I''m at home, what''s the matter? Are we going to have a drink together?"


    "Maybe some other day, let''s discuss the serious matters first. Are you free this Spring Festival?"


    "We''ve already wrapped up filming for the previous movie, so I''m free during Spring Festival."


    "That''s good then. Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G has sent us an invitation, do you want to go?"


    "What act will we perform?"


    "It''s definitely going to be a crosstalk performance."


    "I''ll go if you''re going. It''s been some time since we have worked together!"


    "Alright, so it''s settled then?"


    "It''s no problem for me. It''s a good thing to appear on a Spring Festival G. And besides, Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G has one of the better viewership ratings among the provincial channels, so why wouldn''t I go, right? As long as you have a good piece to perform, I''ll definitely do it!"


    "You don''t have to worry about the performance, I''ll handle that."


    "It''s settled then!"


    To a celebrity like Yao Jiancai, there was no chance at all for him to appear on Central TV''s Spring Festival G because he was not popr enough. Old Yao''s current poprity was more or less at the level of Dong Shanshan''s, but he would surely be overtaken by Dong Shanshan soon. As for the other provincial channels'' Spring Festival Gs, they also celebrated it in very grand ways every year. Those celebrities who did well on those Spring Festival Gs could sometimes even attract a simr level of attention to those cast on Central TV''s Spring Festival G. But Yao Jiancai''s key problem was that his main profession was actor, not idol. In addition, he was also quite old and there were hardly any acts he could perform for the g, so how would he get cast on a Spring Festival G? By disying his acting skills on stage? No one would watch that. Then how about singing? He couldn''t sing either. Therefore, there wasn''t an invitation for Yao Jiancai to appear in any of the Spring Festival Gs.


    It was the same for Zhang Ye. Singing? His singing was not good, but what about his main profession as host? He was still mainly a variety show host and not the type of host who could do hosting for a Spring Festival G. Even if he hadn''t fell out with Central TV, they were also unlikely to get him to be the host of the Spring Festival G, much less get him to do a personal performance. What could he perform? A poem recitation?


    However, with Yao Jiancai and Zhang Ye grouped together, the situation has be entirely different!


    The crosstalk of this young and old pairing was just too famous!

 Chapter 852: Too much to drink!

    <h4>Chapter 852: Too much to drink! </h4>


    Chapter 852: Too much to drink!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the afternoon.


    Lunch was ready and the few of them were already starting to drink.


    "Yingyi''s culinary skill is rather good!"


    "I''m just average. Come and have a taste."


    "Come, I suggest we toast first."


    "Right, it''s rare for us ssmates to gather together, so we must definitely finish this first toast. There mustn''t be a drop left!"


    "You guys drink the white wine, while we girls will have the red."


    "OK, cheers!"


    "Cheers!"


    "Let''s have parties more often in the future. I really miss all of you a lot!"


    After a bite of the food, Ma Xufeimented, "Back then, our ss were full of talent. In the entire school, we had people who were able to do all sorts of things. He Kui had already entered the student council by the second year, while Yu Yingyi''s talent stood out since freshmen year. She was able toe up against anyone and surely had a performance lined up for her during the school''s New Year G. Then, there were also Wang He and Dong Shanshan, both top of the ss straight-A students who always either got first or second every year in school. They had already been shortlisted by television stations before they went on to finish their final year of school. Meanwhile, Zhang Ye was already a legendary figure in the school itself. He would always maintain a low profile and didn''t mix much with others, but at crunch time, he was someone who would challenge the teachers'' decisions. He was constantly criticized by the school authorities and had only managed to stumble towards graduation in the end. That Zhang Ye could sessfully graduate with his certificate was in my opinion a real miracle."


    Zhang Ye didn''t like what he heard. "Was I as bad as how you described me?"


    "It can only be worse, not better," Ma Xufei replied with augh.


    He Kui also said, "I wouldn''t have believed it if you told me that after our graduation, Zhang Ye would be the one who is doing the best among us. I thought that this guy would even find it hard to secure a job."


    Zhang Ye didn''t know how to react. "It was indeed difficult to find a job back then."


    Ma Xufeimented, "But you''ve still made it somehow."


    Wang He observed, "Of the students from our ss, I suppose it''s Zhang Ye who has gone the furthest in his career?"


    Yu Yingyi said, "Rather than just talking about our ss, even if we include the three sses before us at Media College, it''s still just Zhang Ye alone who has gone that far. He''s even gone back to our alma mater and gotten appointed as an associate professor there."


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "I''m just walking ahead of everyone by a little. It''ll be harder to go further in the future. If there are no significant changes, I believe I''ll have reached my potential as a top B-list celebrity. With my looks, how can I ever match you guys? I''m too limited by that."


    He Kui remarked, "Being the top of the B-list celebrities is already a very high position."


    Dong Shanshan asked, "I''ve only really been in contact with Zhang Ye for the past two years, so what have the rest of you been up to?"


    Yu Yingyi suddenly giggled and blinked a few times. Then she nced at Zhang Ye and said, "Well, I''ll likely be Zhang Ye''s colleague in a few more days."


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye was a little surprised.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and inquired, "You''re joining Central TV?"


    Everyone looked at Yu Yingyi.


    Yu Yingyi smiled and answered, "Yes. I''ve been working at an online video hosting site and doingmentary work for sports. I cover mainly basketball��both the NBA and CBA��while I also did some coverage on ser a few times. I think I can be considered to have a little fame within the industry and have also gained quite a lot of experience, so I contacted someone over at the Central TV Sports Channel and was given an interview chancest month which I did quite well at. When my contract with the online video hosting site ends next week, I''ll be reporting to Central TV Department 1 for my new job, so you guys must tune into Central TV Department 5 more often in the future. I might just be doing the coverage at that time."


    Zhang Ye congratted, "That''s great."


    Ma Xufei also quickly offered his congrattions. "That''s a good thing!"


    "The Sports Channel is a good ce," Wang He also said with a smile.


    Yu Yingyi shrugged and said with a smile, "This job of mine has its pros and cons. The pros are that thepetition is not so fierce since I''m a femalementator. In the field of sportsmentary, there aren''t too many women around. You can count them on your fingers and you would find only a few in the entire country who are considerably more well-known. Therefore, it wasn''t difficult for me to find this job as almost every ce would want me if I applied. But the cons are equally as much as the pros too. A woman in the sportsmentary field has limitations since I am not a professional athlete, so it takes more work for me to learn and research the professional terms used. You guys wouldn''t be able to guess how many matches I watch every day. I can''t get the names of any of the yers and coaches wrong, including the rules as well. If I were to say something wrong, there would beizens criticizing me the very next day saying things like ''See, I told you that a femalementator wouldn''t do. They don''t understand sports at all.'' So there''s a lot of pressure on me. Just like how Zhang Ye mentioned just now, it''s very difficult for me to advance any further even if I want to."


    Wang He looked at her. "Why did you choose to go into this profession?"


    "I guess it''s cause I like it." Yu Yingyi threw up her hands.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Yingyi has always liked watching ball games since university. She''s always watching the overnight games and drinking beer with the boys, so to have chosen a sportsmentary job is in my opinion not strange at all."


    Yu Yingyi said happily, "I would have liked to be doing television hosting like you guys too, but thepetition there is really too intense and I''m also not as beautiful as Shanshan, so I thought I''d just forget it." Saying that, she raised her ss and said to Zhang Ye, "Come, I will separately give a toast to Zhang''er. Since we''ll be working in the same organization soon, let''s keep in touch often."


    "Sure." Zhang Ye clinked sses with her and drank up.


    Dong Shanshan sarcastically remarked, "Yingyi, I suggest you steer clear of him at work. Almost no one at Central TV has not been offended by Zhang Ye before. Be careful that you get dragged in by him as well."


    Yu Yingyi also quipped, "Oh yes, then I better pretend to not know him."


    Zhang Ye: "..."


    Everyone wasughing along at that.


    The lunch partysted until past 4 in the afternoon, so they just continued on with dinner after that. As there wasn''t enough food, Yu Yingyi and Dong Shanshan went about to cook a few more dishes. They were finally done making dinner too.


    Wang He had a little much to drink and was speaking with a slur. "Le''s ''ave muh! We won''t go home ''til we''re drunk!"


    "Yes, if everyone gets drunk, just stay over at my ce tonight." Dong Shanshan had also had quite a lot of red wine and her face was extremely flushed. "I have a lot of rooms at my ce here anyway, so feel free to stay over. Those who drove here won''t have to drive back home then."


    Yu Yingyi suggested, "Why don''t we go sing karaoke?"


    Zhang Ye agreed without hesitation. "I''m fine with anything."


    Dong Shanshan snapped her fingers. "We can sing at my ce. My TV has a karaoke function included!"


    He Kui and Ma Xufei shouted, "Sing!"


    Zhang Ye volunteered himself. "I''ll take the first song!"


    They drank more alcohol as they sang, this time downing beer instead!


    ...


    At 9 PM.


    Everyone at the vi was moving around unsteadily from drinking too much.


    Wang He had gotten drunk early on and had gone to the bathroom to throw up. He Kui was a little better as he went to pat Wang He on the back as he threw up. But witnessing what Wang He had thrown up grossed him out and He Kui couldn''t control himself as he also threw up after Wang He was done.


    Ma Xufei was still on the mic, though it was better to describe him as howling rather than singing.


    Zhang Ye could no longer stand properly. "I''m tired from the singing."


    Dong Shanshan said with a breathden with the smell of alcohol, "All of you stay over tonight!"


    "Sure. Even if you want us to leave, we won''t be able to leave," Yu Yingyi replied in a drunken state with many bottles of beer in front of her. She probably had more to drink than any of the men today.


    Dong Shanshan divvied up the rooms by saying, "We''ll all stay in the rooms upstairs. Where''s He Kui and Wang��He?"


    Yu Yingyi answered, "In the bathroom throwing up."


    "They''ll both share a room." Dong Shanshan said, "Zhang Ye and Ma Xufei will share another��room. Yingyi, you sleep together with me. My bed is bigger so we can sleep on it even if we lie down horizontally."


    Ma Xufei said, "Let''s sing a little while longer!"


    Yu Yingyi grabbed a microphone and said, "Alright, I''ll sing with you."


    Zhang Ye couldn''t hold it any longer and hupped from drinking too much. He clutched Dong Shanshan and said, "I can''t drink any further. I have to sleep now. Is there anywhere I can bathe? I need a bath."


    "Is upstairs," Dong Shanshan slurred. "It''s in the bath��room upstairs. There isn''t one��in the one downstairs."


    "Alright. You guys keep going." Zhang Ye stumbled upstairs.


    Dong Shanshan told him from behind, "Rest early after you shower. We still have to go to Beijing Television for the Spring Festival G dress rehearsal tomorrow."


    "It''s tomorrow?"


    "Yes."


    "OK, I understand."


    Upstairs.


    In the bathroom.


    Zhang Ye had just taken off his clothes when Yao Jiancai called.


    "The dress rehearsal''s tomorrow?" Yao Jiancai proposed, "Then why don''t we do some short practice?"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Ah? Now?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Are we going to wait till thest minute then?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I haven''t even prepared what to say yet. I drank a little too much today."


    "That''s good timing. Alcohol will give you inspiration." Yao Jiancaiughed. "We still have toe up with a routine by tomorrow no matter what anyway, or else we would seem to unprofessional if we were to go for the rehearsal without any preparation, wouldn''t we?"


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "Alright then, let me think for a bit."


    After talking for more than ten minutes, they hadn''t actuallye up with anything at all. Zhang Ye was feeling too dizzy at the moment and sometimes didn''t even know what he was talking about. After hanging up, Zhang Ye stepped into the bathtub and soaked in it. He applied some body wash and closed his eyes, feeling extremely rxed.


    Outside, Ma Xufei''s singing had stopped.


    Zhang Ye stood up unsteadily from the bathtub and wash himself clean before drying his hair and body. Then he put on his underwear and stepped out of the bathroom. It was all dark, but he only roughly remembered that he had left the lights on before he went in to bathe, so he didn''t care much about this. His eyes were already closing and even the moonlight shining through the windows was spinning around. He slowly made his way to the bed and then flipped open the nket and snuggled right into bed.


    The bed was very soft.


    The nket was also very warm!


    Was this a battery-operated electric mattress?


    When Zhang Ye''s head hit the pillow, he fell almost immediately asleep. After a while, he felt as though the bed was really crowded like there was something on both sides of him. He turned around and put his hand over to the left side and smelled a light fragrance with his nose. It was like somebody was there.


    A shoulder jerked and moved around a little. "Cut it out."


    Hearing that, Zhang Ye impatiently turned and faced the other way. He ced his legs in a position that he found to be mostfortable andid down. But there was yet another hint of fragrance that he could smell, a fragrance that was quite different from the left side. The smell of alcohol was heavily mixed into this light scent.


    Then he also a voice over on this side.


    "Don''t push me. I can''t drink anymore��I said I can''t drink any��more, go find someone��else to drink with you!" This voice kept murmuring over and over again without stopping.


    In the end, the sound kept buzzing in Zhang Ye''s ears and it irritated him so much that he turned around again, annoyed, preferring to face the left side and sleep instead.

 Chapter 853: What a mess!

    <h4>Chapter 853: What a mess! </h4>


    Chapter 853: What a mess!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next morning.


    Daylight broke. No one knew what time it was. A cell phone had been ringing noisily somewhere, either on a bed or table, for some amount of time.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Suddenly, a sleepy female voice started mumbling.


    "Whose phone is that?"


    "Shanshan, Shanshan."


    "Your cell phone is ringing."


    On the other side of the bed, another female voice replied sleepily, "That''s not my cell phone''s ring tone. It should be yours. Quickly turn it off. Hu, I want to sleep a bit more."


    "It isn''t mine either."


    "Then whose is it?"


    "Just turn it off first."


    "Where is the phone?"


    The two of them were talking.


    Suddenly, another voice sounded from the bed, "Huh? That sounds like my cell phone. Who the hell is calling so early in the morning?!" Zhang Ye lifted up the nket that was covering his face as he ranted impatiently.


    Dong Shanshan shouted beside him, "Hurry up and turn it off. I need to sleep!"


    "OK," Zhang Ye replied subconsciously.


    Suddenly, the entire room went quiet!


    Yu Yingyi was immediately jolted awake at the other side of the bed. She felt shocked as she sat up straight from the bed and looked dumbfounded at Zhang Ye who slept together with her and Dong Shanshan in the same bed.


    Dong Shanshan also finally realized what was going on as she looked at Zhang Ye, then rubbed her eyes as though to confirm again.


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Zhang Ye?!"


    Zhang Ye was thest person to react. He looked shocked at Dong Shanshan to his left and nced at Yu Yingyi to his right. He was the most startled one among them and nearly fell off the bed in shock. He eximed in panic, "Aiyo, my god! Why are the two of you are sleeping in my bed?"


    Yu Yingyi nearly fainted. "That''s what I should be asking!"


    Dong Shanshan looked at Zhang Ye and said, "This is my bed!"


    "Didn''t you tell me to sleep in this room?" Zhang Ye stared.


    Dong Shanshan said in a speechless manner, "Who said you could sleep in this room? Yingyi and I were to sleep in my room. I arranged for you and Ma Xufei to sleep in another room. Didn''t youe up first and bathe?"


    Zhang Ye said very assured, "Yeah, I crawled into bed right after bathing. How would I know which room was for Ma Xufei and me? I thought this was our room."


    Dong Shanshan rubbed her forehead. "You mean you couldn''t even feel that there were two human beings in the bed? And you still had the cheek to crawl into the bed?"


    Zhang Ye defended. "But neither of you said anything when I crawled into the bed too, right?"


    Dong Shanshan returned, "Yingyi and I had too much to drink, so how would we know that someone had crawled into the bed after us?"


    "I drank a lot too and didn''t know that there were people in the bed either." Zhang Ye countered, "I fell asleep as soon as I hit the bed!"


    Yu Yingyi smacked Zhang Ye in annoyance and stated, "Aiyo, you''re really great, huh. I really have to give it to you." Then she told Dong Shanshan, "Shanshan, let''s stop reasoning with him already. Hurry up and put on our clothes!"


    The two of them were not wearing many clothes.


    But Zhang Ye had even less on.


    Only when Yu Yingyi mentioned it did Zhang Ye start to feel embarrassed. But he still gave a quick nce at the both of them and that set his heart racing, though he quickly curbed it by thinking other thoughts by looking in the direction of the foot of the bed. But there were also some rather inappropriate things that he saw lying over there, like a pair of stockings that were thrown there by someone, as well as red and purple underwear. Some were lying on top of the nket, some were on the floor, and there was also a piece hanging off the ledge of the foot of the bed. The other clothes were entangled within the nket where Zhang Ye''s feet were. He could feel the clothes there when he wiggled his toes.


    Zhang Ye withdrew his legs quickly and sat up to put on his clothes in a hurry. "Where are my clothes?"


    However, Dong Shanshan pushed him back down and said, "Stay under the nket for now and let us get dressed first."


    Yu Yingyi was putting her clothes on. However, with Zhang Ye still beside them, she could not stand up straight and wear her clothes in the open. She was grabbing hold of the nket to cover herself while putting on her clothes with the other hand.


    Noticing this situation, Zhang Ye simply covered himself with the nket and said, "You two go ahead and put on your clothes first."


    Initially, he thought that it would be total darkness under the nket and he would not be able to see anything. This action was also to tell Dong Shanshan and Yu Yingyi: You can put on your clothes without worry of me watching. But when he covered himself with the nket, he found out that he could still see through it judging by the light raysing in. Dong Shanshan was sitting at the other side of the bed while Yu Yingyi was in a half-sitting and half-bending position at the other end of the bed. She was still holding onto the nket but Zhang Ye could still see everything from where he was. It even looked like he could see everything more clearly than before.


    Fine, he decided to close his eyes instead.


    Zhang Ye had a rather good sense of consciousness this time.


    Thinking about it,st night''s matter was really too coincidental. Zhang Ye had talked on the phone groggily with Yao Jiancai for a long time before he went to bathe. Dong Shanshan and Yu Yingyi who he reckoned to be drunk as well did not know there was someone else in the bathroom, so they fell asleep after getting into bed. When Zhang Ye came out of the bathroom, he just lifted up the nket and crawled in without even thinking. At that time, he thought that the warm feeling he had was because it was an electric mattress.


    Hai, this was all fated.


    Next to him, he heard the two women gossiping about him.


    Yu Yingyi remarked, "This rascal is terrible."


    Dong Shanshan replied, "I think he did it on purpose."


    Yu Yingyi agreed, "Hmph, I think the same as you."


    Zhang Ye could no longer bear to listen. "Hey, can you two not be like that?"


    Suddenly, the thud of approaching footsteps came from outside the room. Then someone knocked on the door.


    Dong, dong, dong.


    "Shanshan? Yingyi?" It was Ma Xufei''s voice.


    Wang He also said, "Are you two awake yet?"


    Yu Yingyi was stunned. Then she said to the door, "I just woke up, what''s the matter?"


    Behind the door, Wang He said, "There''s a cell phone downstairs which I think is Shanshan''s. It was ringing for a long time, so I had a look at it and saw more than a dozen unanswered calls. I brought it up for Shanshan."


    Dong Shanshan immediately said, "ce it outside first. We haven''t put on our clothes yet."


    Wang He said, "Uh, alright then."


    Another set of footsteps could be hearding upstairs. Then, from outside the door, someone asked, "Where''s Zhang Ye?" It was He Kui''s voice.


    Ma Xufei answered, "I don''t know. I don''t remember seeing him sincest night. I went to bed after singing and didn''t see him beside me when I woke up in the morning."


    He Kui inquired curiously, "Then where did he go? His car is still parked outside."


    Ma Xufei asked, "Shanshan, Yingyi, did the two of you see Zhang Ye?"


    Yu Yingyi thought to herself, Of course we saw him. This guy was sleeping in the same bed as us for the entire night. "We didn''t see him."


    Dong Shanshanughed. "I think he took a taxi back home by himselfst night."


    Ma Xufei acknowledged, "I see. Alright then, what are the two of you going to do then? Shanshan, don''t you have something today? I recall that you told Zhang''er that you have a rehearsal today for the Spring Festival G?"


    Hearing that, Dong Shanshan was startled. "Aiyo, what time is it now?"


    Wang He said from the hallway, "It''s already 9.30 AM."


    "Oh no! Oh no! I''m runningte!" Dong Shanshan could no longer be bothered with Zhang Ye''s presence as she leaped off the bed. She jogged to the front of the wardrobe and pulled open it. Taking out a random skirt, she immediately slid it over her legs.


    When the people outside heard that, they said, "Then you should hurry up. Attending your job is more important. Us guys will just leave first. Let''s have another reunion some other day if there''s time. We''re all in Beijing anyway."


    "We''re leaving, Shanshan."


    "Yingyi, we''ll see you again at the next reunion."


    The three of them went downstairs and left.


    Yu Yingyi knew that Dong Shanshan was in pressed for time as the Spring Festival G was the biggest annual event of a television station. It was also the first time that Dong Shanshan got to be the host for a Spring Festival G, so no matter what, she must not be dyed any longer. After she put on her pants, she hastily handed some clothes to Dong Shanshan.


    "Is this OK?"


    "Anything is fine, anything is fine!"


    "Don''t worry about your hair, I''ll help you tob it."


    "Thanks, Yingyi."


    "Don''t worry about it. Hurry. I hope you can still make it on time."


    "I definitely won''t make it in time! The rehearsal was scheduled to start at 9 AM!"


    While Dong Shanshan was putting on her clothes, she remembered something. She looked at the direction of Zhang Ye who was still covered by the nket. "Don''t just sit there, get up quickly. Don''t you have to go to the dress rehearsal too?"


    Zhang Ye could only uncover his head as he coughed and quickly started looking for his clothes. In the end, he remembered that he''d left his clothes in the bathroomst night, so quickly went to the bathroom to change. After he put on his clothes and came out, Dong Shanshan and Yu Yingyi were also ready. When the three of them faced each other, Yu Yingyi felt the most embarrassed, followed by Zhang Ye, then Dong Shanshan. As Zhang Ye had slept in the same bed with Dong Shanshan before, even though he had a girlfriend now, it was not that embarrassing between them. However, Yu Yingyi was different. Having spent the night with their faces so close to each other, how could she not feel awkward?


    As Yu Yingyi was an easygoing person, after the awkward moment, she said, "Alright, we''ll settle the score with Zhang Ye in the future. Both of you hurry up and leave first!"


    Dong Shanshan quickly picked up her bag and said, "Alright, let''s go!"


    "Hurry!" Yu Yingyi urged.


    Dong Shanshan''s cell phone rang. She rapidly dragged Zhang Ye downstairs while she answered the call. "Hello, Brother Hu."


    Hu Fei questioned in a slightly angry manner: "Where are you?"


    Dong Shanshan said: "I''m about to arrive. I''m stuck in a traffic jam now because of an ident ahead. The cars aren''t even moving."


    "The dress rehearsal has started already. Everyone is waiting for you."


    "I''m sorry, Brother Hu, I''ll be right there!"


    "Hurry up, the execs are getting impatient!"


    Dong Shanshan really could lie without blinking an eye.


    Then, Zhang Ye''s cell phone started ringing as well.


    The moment he answered the call, the angry voice of Yao Jiancai surged out at him. "Little Zhang, you must have overslept, right? What time is it already? How many times have I called you? Why are you not here yet?"


    Zhang Ye used the same excuse as Dong Shanshan and said: "It''s a traffic jam��.A traffic jam! I''m about to arrive!"


    Yao Jiancai shouted: "What do you mean ''about to arrive''? I can hear the sound of your footsteps going down the stairs!"


    Zhang Ye said embarrassed, "Help me dy a little bit. I''ll be there very soon."


    "All the other celebrities and actors have already arrived. It''s just you left now. Some of the Beijing Television''s execs have alreadye over to ask me, but I don''t even know how to exin to them. Ai, you are making us seem too unprofessional. Besides, we haven''t even practiced our lines together, so how are we going to performter?"


    "Let''s do it spontaneously."


    "Anyway, just hurry up!"


    "Sure."


    As they had too much to drinkst night, they could not possibly drive in their current condition. As a result, Zhang Ye and Dong Shanshan decided to get a taxi and frantically rushed to the television station.


    Dong Shanshan was holding up apact to touch up her makeup in the taxi. She said, "I''m in deep trouble because of you."


    "Ah? Why are you ming me?" Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    "I will be getting chewed out by themter." Dong Shanshan said worried, "If anything goes wrong, I might just get excluded from hosting the Spring G Festival this time."


    Zhang Ye also knew that Dong Shanshan''s transgression this time was not exactly light. As she was still a neer and not a veteran host yet, how could she bete by almost an hour for such a major g rehearsal? This was really uneptable. Zhang Ye was fine with it since it wouldn''t make a difference to him. He didn''t have much of a reputation anyway, so what was the big deal even if he got therete? Furthermore, with his current status and diverse abilities in the industry, Beijing Television would definitely not take it up with him over such a trivial matter. However, it was different for Dong Shanshan. They wouldn''t dare reprimand Zhang Ye, but why wouldn''t they reprimand her?


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t worry about it. I''ll help you exinter."


    Dong Shanshan looked at him. "And how do you propose to do that?"


    "I''ll let you know when we get there," Zhang Ye simply said.

 Chapter 854: Crosstalk routine: I Want to Get on the Spring Festival Gala!

    <h4>Chapter 854: Crosstalk routine: I Want to Get on the Spring Festival G! </h4>


    Chapter 854: Crosstalk routine: I Want to Get on the Spring Festival G!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that morning.


    News regarding the Spring Festival G continued to get published.


    Thetest rumor online regarding the Central TV Spring Festival G show list was leaked. From the looks of the show list, it was rather authentic and unlikely to be made up byizens. This was most probably the actual show list for this year''s Spring Festival G.


    Songs:


    Sun Hang - "Homnd".


    Zhang Xia, Li Qixi - "A Taste of Home".


    Zhang Yuanqi - "In the Sunlight".


    Language Acts:


    Gong Qing, Ci Xiufang, Xiaohai - Sketch: "Why is it You Again?"


    Tang Dazhang, Li Yan, Guo Binzi (feat. 60 participants) - Crosstalk routine: "A Family Reunion".


    Theizens were ridiculing them in thements section down below.


    "Why is it always these familiar names?"


    "That''s right, the majority of them are the same people."


    "Sister Zhang is doing a solo this time? She''s not partnering with Grandma Zhang?"


    "A 60-person crosstalk routine? I''ve nothing I can say to that!"


    "Pfft, has Tang Dazhang brought his entire Crosstalk Society along to participate in the g? Is he moving his entire family over?"


    "What are they trying to do? 60 people doing a crosstalk together? Are there crosstalks done by so many people at once? Aiyo, why is it soical!? Was Tang Dazhang driven mad by Zhang Yest year? I''m not surprised that Tang Dazhang will be appearing on the G since he is a regr performer there, but how are they going to perform a crosstalk with 60 people? Are they forcefully trying toe up with something innovative? Is this even innovation? Wouldn''t it get messy with so many people performing on stage? Moreover, isn''t it meaningless to have so many participants? It''s not like we''repeting on who has more people!"


    "Who knows what Tang Dazhang and his people are thinking."


    "Why did the Spring Festival G program team even allow this to pass?"


    "The Spring Festival G is getting weirder and weirder by the year!"


    "Where''s Zhang Ye''s name? Why didn''t they include my favorite Zhang Ye?!"


    "Hur hur, our Teacher Zhang Ye did not even make it to the list. Central TV''s Spring Festival G simply must have not approached him. It''s too bad that Zhang Ye offended so many people, otherwise he might''ve really had the chance to appear on the Spring Festival G this year."


    "A 60-person crosstalk routine will simply be unbearable to watch. Tang Dazhang''s crosstalk routines are really not enjoyable to listen to at all. Every year, his opening line is always ''We meet again, my friends'' and that totally annoys me! They should have just invited Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai instead. Their crosstalk routines are so fucking fun to watch! I''ve already listened to ''I Will Reject the Three Vulgarities'' ten times!"


    "If Zhang Ye is not involved in the Spring Festival G, there''ll be nothing interesting to look forward to!"


    "That''s right, there won''t be any fights to see anymore."


    "Pfft, above posters, you''re really amazing."


    ...


    Beijing Television.


    At the rehearsal venue, the hall was packed with people. It was quite chaotic. There were lion dancers, people practicing acrobatics such as somersaulting, while some were facing away from the others and doing their vocal warm-ups. There were many familiar faces among them. A lot of them were celebrities who were frequently featured on television, although they were not very popr. The dressing and waiting rooms were all fully upied!


    When Zhang Ye and Dong Shanshan arrived, it was already 10 AM.


    Hu Fei and Yao Jiancai anxiously came over to them. "Little Zhang, Little Dong! Aiyo, you two have finally arrived. Hurry up, this way!"


    They went to a standalone waiting room.


    Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G had invited quite a number of big names this time. Zhang Ye might not the most popr celebrity among them, but he was definitely one of the more popr ones in this group of guests. With his current status, the television station would definitely not force him and Yao Jiancai to wait in the hall. Instead, they prepared a ce for them to practice separately from the others.


    Hu Fei was the assistant overall nner for Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G this year. As a result, he had a lot of work to handle at the location and was kept busy the entire morning. Beads of sweat ran down his forehead as he said, "You two are really something to drop the ball at such an important time. Don''t bother exining, the dress rehearsal is starting soon. Hurry up and get prepared!"


    Dong Shanshan heaved a sigh of relief. "It hasn''t started yet?"


    Hu Fei replied, "The equipment needed some additional tuning, so the rehearsal was dyed by an hour. If the two of you came another fifteen minutester, it would really have started and you wouldn''t be able to exin your way out of it."


    Zhang Yeughed. "See, our timing was perfect."


    Hu Fei stared daggers at Zhang Ye. "Don''t make me angry. Oh right, I informed Teacher Yao a while ago. Considering that we only invited the two of you to appear on the show at thest minute, we understand that time might be a little tight. Therefore, the execs have instructed that you may perform anything for today''s rehearsal and say whatever you like. As long as you use up the 11 to 12 minutes allocated to the two of you for the actual Spring Festival G performance, there won''t be a problem. We still have to confirm the actual duration allocated for it after we calcte the overall time during this rehearsal. Therefore, it''s still not toote to go back and fine-tune the crosstalk routine that you two have nned for the actual day."


    "They are so trusting of us?" Zhang Ye asked in surprise.


    Hu Fei returned, "You''re a former employee of our Beijing TV, so how could the station not know what you''re capable of? The execs are very assured of your creativity and spontaneity. When the final performance has been worked out, it won''t make a difference regardless of whether the station approves it today or on the actual day. Furthermore, we have to consider that a lot of people from the station are present today and there are also invited guests as well. The crosstalk routine by you and Teacher Yao is the main highlight of our Spring Festival G this year, so the station head wishes to keep it under wraps and doesn''t want reveal it in advance."


    "Alright, I understand." Zhang Ye knew what to do.


    Just say whatever we want?


    Then today would be an easy day.


    At this moment, the back door opened.


    "Director Chang."


    "Director Chang!"


    A middle-aged man led a group of people in from outside. Zhang Ye knew that this person was the executive director of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G this year��Chang Xiaoliang.


    Chang Xiaoliang nodded at Hu Fei first. "Old Hu, have you already informed Teacher Zhang and Teacher Yao?"


    "I''ve told them already," Hu Fei replied.


    Chang Xiaoliang greeted Zhang Ye. "Hello, Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye smiled and shook hands with him. "Hello, Director Chang. I''ve heard a lot about you."


    "Same here, same here." Chang Xiaoliang exined, "We gave you suchte notice this time because we only managed to get an approval from the station at thest minute."


    "It''s fine. Old Yao and I are only the icing on the cake for this event."


    "You two have provided us with timely assistance."


    "Please don''t put it that way."


    The two of them exchanged some pleasantries.


    In actuality, Chang Xiaoliang was not speaking without facts. Based on Zhang Ye''s present poprity and status, appearing on Central TV''s Spring Festival G might still be a little difficult, since that would depend on work rtionships, censorship rules, and other factors. Like atst year''s Spring Festival G, even Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi and veteran songstress Zhang Xia had nearly missed out from appearing on it. However, it was not an issue for Zhang Ye to get onto a provincial station''s Spring Festival G. He could basically choose between any television station''s g to appear on if he wanted. This time, the fact that he had chosen to appear on Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G was naturally helping them out. If you looked at the other provincial stations'' Spring Festival G, they had to spend a lot of money just to invite some A- or B-list celebrities to join their shows! To show their sincerity, an executive director of a g had even personally flown to Hong Kong to invite a big name celebrity who was based there. But what about Zhang Ye? He did not even ask about the appearance fee and just agreed after getting a call. He was basically giving face to Beijing Television Station, so Chang Xiaoliang also treated Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai with great respect.


    Likewise, Zhang Ye needed this opportunity. Though he was well qualified to appear on a provincial station''s Spring Festival G, the key was that no one dared to invite him. They feared that he would stir up trouble or that it would affect their interpersonal rtionships in the industry. No matter how popr Zhang Ye was, he still couldn''t appear on a provincial station''s Spring Festival G. Beijing Television had only dared to invite him because they were an old employer of his. Having spent much time working with him before, they had both fought and helped each other along the way. Therefore, the station was willing to put more trust in him than the other television stations since they had a deeper bond so to speak.


    As such, this was a win-win situation, with both sides taking what they needed.


    In the back, two assistant directors were criticizing Dong Shanshan as they looked at her in anger!


    One of them said, "Little Dong, what''s the matter with you? How could you drop the ball on such a big asion? We nned for the rehearsal to open at 9 AM, but look at what time it is now! Do you still have any discipline?"


    Dong Shanshan was just about to speak.


    However, Zhang Ye, who wasn''t too far away from them, interjected, "It was my fault."


    The two assistant directors looked at him in a rather stunned manner.


    Zhang Ye said in embarrassment, "I went to look for Shanshan this morning to ask her for some updates about the Spring Festival G and then had a discussion with her about the shows, so we got dyed as I had forgotten about the time. Actually, we could still make it on time, but because of a car ident that happened, we got stuck in traffic and camete."


    "Discussing the shows?" one of them questioned.


    Zhang Ye bluffed, "Well, we weren''t discussing the crosstalk routine, but just got engrossed in the discussion when we exchanged some views about skits. I thought that Shanshan should be able to perform well in a skit. Don''t they always have hosts these days who make guest appearances in a skit? Oh right, Shanshan and I were ssmates in university. During our school days, we always liked to discuss such things and couldn''t stop once we started talking about it."


    Chang Xiaoliang wondered, "Teacher Zhang can write skits too?"


    Zhang Ye said lightheartedly, "Just a little. We were just randomly talking about it."


    Chang Xiaoliang said excitedly, "I would really look forward to a sketch from you."


    "Ha, the show lineup has already been fixed, so we''d have to wait for next year," Zhang Ye said.


    Chang Xiaoliang nodded. "Sure, there''s still plenty of opportunities to work together in the future."


    The two assistant directors looked at Dong Shanshan and couldn''t say anything more. Zhang Ye had already volunteered to take all the me, so what else could they say? Surely they couldn''t start reprimanding Zhang Ye, right? He was an associate professor at Beijing University and Media College, had won the highest honor in hosting, and was a popr B-list celebrity. Moreover, Zhang Ye''s status as a TV show director would not be any lower than Chang Xiaoliang, a renowned g director of the industry. Zhang Ye was also the director of the current number 1 viewership rated show in the television industry. He was even someone who could speak directly to the station head of Beijing Television, so how were they qualified to reprimand him? As a result, Dong Shanshan was let off lightly from the big trouble that she had gotten into.


    Zhang Ye and Dong Shanshan nced at each other with a tacit understanding.


    Someone came in from outside again.


    "Director Chang, we''re starting the countdown!"


    "Is everything ready?"


    "Everything''s ready."


    "Good, the dress rehearsal will officially begin in ten minutes!"


    Then Chang Xiaoliang led his team quickly over to the stage area.


    Hu Fei turned around and said, "Teacher Yao, Little Zhang, your show will be scheduled at the beginning, roughly at the seventh or eighth spot. Someone will lead you to the stageter."


    Everyone dispersed.


    Only Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai were left in the waiting room.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Shall we practice our lines?"


    Yao Jiancai replied, "Didn''t they say we can just say whatever?"


    "Damn, are you really going to just say whatever?" Zhang Ye chuckled. "No matter what, we should still try to put on a good show."


    Looking at his watch, Yao Jiancai said, "It will be our turn to go on stage soon. Do you think we can still make it in time?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Then let''s just practice briefly."


    Yao Jiancai was suddenly amused by something he thought of. "Oh, have you seen Central TV''s Spring Festival G show list yet? Tang Dazhang is bringing his people from the Crosstalk Society to perform at the Spring Festival G."


    "What about that?"


    "What about that? It''s a 60-person crosstalk routine. Have you even heard of something like that before?"


    "Pfft! Are you serious?"


    "Have a look yourself! They im that they''re being innovative!"


    After browsing through the news for a while, Zhang Ye was amused by it for a long time. Zhang Ye suddenly remembered a segment from a ssic crosstalk routine from his previous world by Guo Degang.


    Zhang Ye looked at Yao Jiancai. "They said that we can say whatever we want for today''s rehearsal?"


    Yao Jiancai blinked several times. "They said they would be fine with it even if we said whatever we wanted."


    Zhang Ye grinned. "I understand then."


    "You''ve thought of a bit?"


    "Yes."


    "Oh, what is it called?"


    "��''I Want to Get on the Spring Festival G!''"

 Chapter 855: Dress rehearsal in progress!

    <h4>Chapter 855: Dress rehearsal in progress! </h4>


    Chapter 855: Dress rehearsal in progress!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Backstage, Zhang Ye told Yao Jiancai that he wanted to rest his eyes momentarily to sort out his thoughts. Instead, he was quietly opening up his game ring to ess the Merchant Shop where he bought two Memory Search Capsules. After eating them, he closed his eyes and began sorting out some of Guo Degang''s crosstalk segments in his memory.


    Frontstage, the dress rehearsal began.


    The music drifted all the way to the backstage and the g hosts'' voices followed soon after.


    "Happy New Year, everyone!"


    "I am Wu Sha."


    "I am Da Meng!"


    "And I am Dong Shanshan."


    "Here''s us wishing you a prosperous New Year!"


    ...


    Online.


    Other than Central TV''s Spring Festival G, the other provincial channels'' Spring Festival Gs were also garnering much attention. Some provincial channels'' Spring Festival Gs were more topical than Central TV''s Spring Festival G, and had an even more luxurious lineup too.


    For example, Mango TV.


    "Wow, Mango TV managed to invite Huo Dongfang!"


    "Sect Leader Huo is almighty!"


    "I heard they spent quite a sum of money on that! How generous!"


    "I heard that Central TV''s Spring Festival G originally wanted to invite him, but who could have expected that Sect Leader Huo would go over to Mango TV instead. Look at the show list, they even managed to get Teacher Big River toe out of his mountain seclusion too!"


    "Doing a count, there are three A-list and seven B-list celebrities so far!"


    For example, Liaoning Television.


    "Aiyo, it''s so dazzling that I''m going blind!"


    "Is Liaoning TV going all out this year as well?"


    "They even invited a Heavenly King? Hasn''t this Heavenly King already stopped attending gs since a long time ago?"


    "Right, he has been developing his career in Hong Kong all this time. This is going to be the first time that he''ll appear on a Spring Festival G in the Maind!"


    "Holy shit, the Heavenly King''s fans are already getting very excited!"


    For example, Beijing Television.


    "Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G has begun their rehearsals!"


    "Damn, why are Zhang Ye''s and Yao Jiancai''s names on the show list?"


    "What? Are you serious?"


    "Why would I lie to you? Go and see for yourself!"


    "Ah, it''s really true! This pair of seasoned partners were invited to appear on Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G?"


    "Hahahaha, I knew that Zhang Ye wouldn''t sit idle this year! Even though Central TV''s Spring Festival G did not invite him, there are still other television stations who will invite him!"


    "Isn''t Zhang Ye a staff member of Central TV?"


    "His contract is flexible, so it shouldn''t be an issue!"


    "Since Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai are teaming up, they will be definitely be doing a crosstalk routine!"


    "I''m really anticipating it!"


    "Fuck, I''m definitely going to watch Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G this year!"


    "Beijing TV is really awesome for bringing out a weapon of mass destruction like Zhang Ye. It will definitely be very lively at the provincial stations'' Spring Festival Gs this year. What an intense and close battle for views!"


    "That not necessarily going to be the case. Zhang Ye might be a top B-list celebrity but his poprity is still notparable to an A-lister."


    "Although his poprity cannot bepared to theirs, but the awesome thing about Zhang Ye is his shows. No matter how popr a Heavenly King or Queen and some A-list celebrities are, the most they can do when they''re on a Spring Festival G is just sing some songs or dance. There''s nothing special about those performances since they only depend on their poprity to attract the audience''s attention. However, it''s different for Zhang Ye since he performs in the most popr segment of thenguage shows. Who wouldn''t want to listen to crosstalks or watch a skit during Chinese New Year? Therefore, on such a special asion like the Spring Festival G, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai could definitely beat out three or four A-list celebrities. Even the Heavenly Kings and Queens are not their match. This was determined by the environment and atmosphere of the event. The stage of a Spring Festival G will forever be ruled by thenguage shows!"


    "Beijing TV has beautiful execution!"


    "It''s been such a long time since we''ve heard Old Zhang and Old Yao''s crosstalk routines! I''m definitely going to watch it!"


    "I wonder what kind of crosstalk the two of them will perform for this year''s rehearsal. Is there any great person who is at the rehearsal venue? Can someone do an audio recording of it for us?! Begging for a recording!"


    "Ditto!"


    "It''ll be great if we can listen to it early."


    At this moment, a Weibo user suddenly posted: "Shh, I''m at the venue now and the dress rehearsal has already started. The third show is being rehearsed now and it''s not too long until Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalk. If there''s an opportunity, I''ll secretly record a part of it and post it. Keep it a secret and don''t go spreading this around yet."


    "Wow!"


    "Thank you so much!"


    "My hero, please ept my worship!"


    "Be careful not to get found out!"


    ...


    Meanwhile, when the news of Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai performing a crosstalk for Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G was exposed, voices of doubt from the crosstalk world were growing! Then, some of the disciples of the crosstalk world''s leading figure, Tang Dazhang, and members of the Crosstalk Society started calling for a boycott. Afterst year''s crosstalk and skitpetition organized by Central TV, the denouncements and criticism by the crosstalk world against Zhang Ye had never stopped. It seemed like they were never going to give up doing so.


    One of Tang Dazhang''s disciples: "Beijing TV has stooped to a new low!"


    Tang Dazhang''s junior brother: "It''s definitely foolish to invite Zhang Ye to perform crosstalk!"


    An old artist of the crosstalk world: "Zhang Ye''s crosstalk is not innovative at all. It''s a degeneration of the art of crosstalk. Why would anyone actually invite him? This year''s Spring Festival G will surely have to depend on Old Tang''s crosstalk routine. Old Tang consulted with me on his routine. I''ve briefly seen it as well. It''s really quite good, so everyone can look forward to it."


    Theizens immediately started criticizing in response.


    "No matter what Zhang Ye does, you''ll always sing a different tune anyway."


    "A 60-person crosstalk routine? Forgive me if I''m not looking forward to it!"


    One of Tang Dazhang''s disciples who was ted to perform in the 60-person crosstalk routine for this year''s Spring Festival G posted: "Teacher''s crosstalk this year will be a really boisterous one. It''s also a subversive creation of his. There will even be a coboration with Jingyun Dagu actresses during the performance. Good or bad, you will know after watching it."[1.]


    ...


    Beijing Television.


    It was almost time.


    A staffer pushed open the door and said, "Teacher Yao, Teacher Zhang, it almost your turn."


    "OK." Yao Jiancai stood up and walked out of the waiting room with Zhang Ye. On the way to the stage, Old Yao handed his cell phone to Zhang Ye to show him the criticism on Weibo. "There''s really no end to it between the crosstalk world and you."


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "There''s even a Jingyun Dagu performance in Tang Dazhang''s crosstalk?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "It''s even going to with female actresses."


    "Alright then." Zhang Yeughed helplessly. "I guess they''ve won."


    While waiting for their turn behind the stage, the two of them continued practicing their lines. Actually, they were just doing simple practice as Zhang Ye would rarely follow his lines during a crosstalk routine. Sometimes, when he thought of a joke, he would just directly throw it out to Yao Jiancai. As Yao Jiancai was very experienced and had a strong foundation, he would always manage to follow through each time. The two of them matched very well with each other and were truly the seasoned partners they were.


    Up front.


    On the main stage, it was busy as arge-scale acrobatics performance went on.


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai were going to perform on a different stage that was smaller. As the next act was theirs, two microphones stands were already set up onstage.


    Dong Shanshan was also standing by to announce the next act.


    Nowadays, many of the Spring Festival G events employed two performance stages, a main stage and a secondary stage. As they were all broadcast live, many of the performances requiredrger props in greater quantities, and with just the brief moment of small talk by the hosts, there wasn''t enough time to change the stage setup for the next performance. Therefore, using two stages was definitely more suitable in such cases.


    There were quite a few people seated in the audience. Compared with those empty seats, the number of people seated here was definitely not as much. But there were still over a hundred people who came, like those from the approval board, the executives and staff of Beijing Television, and some of the more popr celebrities who had finished their dress rehearsals. They were all seated in the audience to watch the next dress rehearsals.


    In the audience, Zhang Ye could see his ex-colleagues like Hu Fei, Xiao Lu, Dafei, Hou Ge, and Hou Di. He also noticed some familiar faces like Executive Director Chang Xiaoliang and a friendly and kind olddy��the current station head of Beijing Television who Zhang Ye had crossed paths with when they worked on the "Quit Smoking" PSA from back then.


    Suddenly, the music stopped.


    The acrobatics performance on the main stage ended!


    The cameras focused over on Dong Shanshan as she started chatting with the male host beside her.


    The male host said, "The acrobatics performance just now was really exciting."


    Dong Shanshan replied, "That''s right, I was shuddering in fear as I watched them. I was really worried for them as they performed their stunts."


    The male host remarked, "Haha, they''re all professionals, so they definitely won''t have any trouble."


    Dong Shanshan smiled. "However, our next two performers always seem to get into trouble."


    The male host paused for a moment, then said, "If you have to put it that way, I won''t refute it."


    The station head and staff in the audience were allughing.


    The station head smiled and said, "Who wrote that into the script?"


    A deputy station head smiled as he shook his head.


    Chang Xiaoliang answered, "They decided on the script themselves. I only scanned through it once."


    Xiao Lu whispered to the person beside her, "It''s Teacher Zhang''s turn!"


    Dafei said excitedly, "I''ve been waiting for this all morning!"


    Hou Ge was waving his cell phone around as heughed andmented, "Look, those crosstalk world people are scolding Teacher Zhang again."


    Hou Di said, "I wonder what kind of segment Teacher Zhang will perform this year."


    "Today''s just a rehearsal to work out the show''s lineup duration. To keep the actual performance a secret, we''ve told them that they can say whatever they want when they go on stage. What they''ll be joking about will just be a ''fake performance,''" Hu Fei exined.


    Xiao Lu said in surprise, "Then wouldn''t it be boring to watch?"


    Dafei also lost his excitement and said, "Damn, why is it not the real performance used for the Spring Festival G?"


    Hu Feiughed. "If you want something interesting to watch, you have to wait until the actual day of the Spring Festival G."


    No one had noticed that someone in the audience had secretly ced their hand into their pocket, pressing some buttons blindly to activate the audio recorder. The person did not care whether it was going to be a real or fake performance. As long as it was Zhang Ye''s crosstalk, it would definitely be a mistake to not record it.


    TL Note:


    [1. Jingyun Dagu: storytelling in Beijing dialect with drum apaniment]

 Chapter 856: You’re really saying whatever just because we said you could say whatever?

    <h4>Chapter 856: You''re really saying whatever just because we said you could say whatever? </h4>


    Chapter 856: You''re really saying whatever just because we said you could say whatever?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Onstage.


    The spotlights shone. Everyone had their attention on the two who were about toe on stage.


    Although it was only a dress rehearsal today, all of the cameras, lights, stage effects, and staff were exactly as they would be for the actual Spring Festival G event to be held on the first day of the Spring Festival. Other than the audience being different, everything else was kept as it would be for the event. For Zhang Ye, this was his first time performing crosstalk at such arge-scale g, so he felt rather awed. It was the same for Yao Jiancai since this would be his first time appearing on a Spring Festival G and his first time rehearsing for it. Old Yao even appeared to be rather nervous at all of this.


    Apuse rang out.


    Xiao Lu, Dafei, and the others also made a lot of effort to p as loud as they could.


    Even the station head was smiling as she pped. The atmosphere at the venue was almost simr to that of the actual day of the Spring Festival G.


    Only then did Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai step up on stage, walking past Dong Shanshan and the male host. Dong Shanshan even gave him a smile as they passed each other. The earlier delivery of the hosts'' lines was not made known to Zhang Ye prior, as they made a subtle jab at Zhang Ye between the two performances.


    However, how would someone like Zhang Ye take this lying down just like that? No one had expected it, but he began his counterattack the moment he got on stage.


    Yao Jiancai had just positioned himself in front of the microphone and delivered his lines with a wide smile, as per his discussion with Zhang Ye earlier. "Happy New Year, everyone!"


    But Zhang Ye''s first sentence had already deviated from the script. He looked angrily to the left and the right and said, "Don''t be so anxious to do your New Year greetings. Where is the security team? Where''s the security team?"


    Yao Jiancai was stunned. "Why are you calling security?"


    Zhang Ye turned around and faced Dong Shanshan and the other host. "Take them away!"


    Everyone watching immediatelyughed when they heard this.


    Dong Shanshan adorably winked at him several times.


    The male host was taken aback a little as he threw his hands up to plead innocence.


    Yao Jiancai asked, "What have they done that you want them to be taken away?"


    Zhang Ye returned, "What did they mean by saying that ''those two always seem to get into trouble''? Who were they referring to?"


    Yao Jiancaiughed. "That''s right! We never get in trouble!"


    Zhang Ye spoke in a serious tone, "When we get introduced in the future, please remove the words ''seem to''!"


    "Ah? That means we always get into trouble?" Yao Jiancai sighed.


    Dong Shanshan giggled!


    The male host couldn''t hold in hisughter either!


    Everyone in the audience alsoughed.


    Chang Xiaoliang knew that this couldn''t have been prearranged and was definitely a spontaneous reaction from the two crosstalkedians. He couldn''t refrain from offering his praise. "His reaction was too quick, dropping those jokes on the spot onstage!"


    The assistant director added, "Teacher Yao also took the joke well. They''re indeed seasoned partners, so understanding of each other."


    Xiao Lu pped excitedly!


    After such an opening, Yao Jiancai finally became more rxed and was no longer as tense. He had been brought into performance mode by Zhang Ye''s joke, which made him feel a little ashamed of himself. He might be much older than Zhang Ye, but when they were onstage, he still had to depend on Zhang Ye to dictate their rhythm.


    Offstage.


    Someone from the approval board said, "Look at Weibo, there are people criticizing Zhang Ye right now."


    Another staff member said, "Yeah, even our Beijing TV was dragged in and criticized as well."


    "It''s that group of people who are siding with Tang Dazhang again."


    "Some people from the Central TV Spring Festival G program team have also joined in."


    "Those people really don''t know when to stop, do they?"


    "What does all this have to do with them? Does it affect them so much who we invite onto our show? Why do they care so much?"


    A lot of people knew in advance that today was just going to be a dress rehearsal, so Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai were just going to put on a "fake performance" and just randomly say anything they wanted. Even if they stood onstage and said nothing to just pass the time, or if they performed an old crosstalk they''d done before, all of it would be fine. The intention of the rehearsal was just to let them get a feel of the venue and duration of their performance, so there was no need to get all serious about it. As such, most of the people did not take this seriously either, with some of them checking their cell phones and others whispering to discuss Zhang Ye''s denouncement by the people from Central TV and the crosstalk world.


    But very quickly, everyone''s attention was pulled back to the stage. This was due to them realizing that Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai were actually doing a new crosstalk performance in all seriousness!


    Yao Jiancai reminded, "Don''t get distracted by other things and let''s give the audience our New Year greetings first."


    But Zhang Ye wore a listless look. "OK."


    Yao Jiancai looked at him and said, "Your greetings?"


    Zhang Ye mulled over it for a bit. "Mmm."


    "Are you still sleeping or what? So many people have already performed already and they were so exciting to watch too. Why do you still look so listless?"


    Zhang Ye smirked and then nudged his chin toward backstage. "You''re referring to the acrobatics from earlier?"


    "Yes, it was a really good performance."


    "What''s so good about that acrobatics performance? It''s only child''s y! I saw an acrobatics performance on Central TV''s Spring Festival G before. That''s what you call a performance!"


    Central TV''s Spring Festival G?


    Why are you bringing up Central TV''s Spring Festival G?


    Everyone was stunned.


    Yao Jiancai asked, "What did they perform?"


    Zhang Ye gestured wildly. "There was a girl who led a tiger around on stage. Then she held a piece of candy between her lips and the tiger came over with its mouth wide open to peck the candy away from her!"


    Yao Jiancai was shocked. "Ah? A tiger? Peck a piece of candy away?"


    "Yes."


    "Isn''t that really exciting to watch then?"


    Zhang Ye snorted. "What''s so exciting about it?"


    "But it should be really exciting to watch!"


    Zhang Ye cut him off. "What''s so exciting about that? I can do it too!"


    Yao Jiancai was taken aback by this im. "You can do it too?"


    "Yes, I can do it too!"


    "Then why don''t you do it and show us?"


    "I''ll do it if you insist." Zhang Ye raised his hand and beckoned for someone toe over. "Someone, please lead that tiger away!"


    The crowd was stunned.


    Yao Jiancai finally reacted and said, "Nonsense! I can also perform with that girl!"


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "I called dibs, so I get to do it first!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Who''s arguing with you?!"


    Everyone in the audience all burst outughing at this moment. "Hahahahaha!"


    So you were actually referring to yourself pecking the candy away!?


    Hou Ge and Hou Di were pping their thighs as theyughed!


    Executive Director Chang Xiaoliang was also keeled over inughter.


    The station head and several station executives alsoughed so hard that they couldn''t open their eyes!


    Yao Jiancai dered, "I think I get it. Have you been in a bad mood recently?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "It would be a wonder if my mood was good. Things have always been rough for me since I was young. I''ve never seeded in anything I did."


    Yao Jiancai said, "It takes time to be sessful."


    Zhang Ye gestured. "I''ve always been learning since I was young, always reading books."


    "That''s a good thing."


    "The ancients said it well. A book holds a face as smooth as jade."


    Yao Jiancai eximed, "Ah? What about the houses of gold?"


    Zhang Ye gave him a look. "What are the houses of gold?"


    "A book holds a house of gold."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Oh, what you''re saying makes sense too. Without a house of gold, where would thedies stay?"


    Yao Jiancai blurted, "Were you only aiming to get thedies when you were reading your books?"


    Zhang Ye looked at him as if he were a fool. "Of course, why else would anyone read?"


    Yao Jiancai was almost speechless by now. "Hey oh, so you were only reading because of that? Just what sort of books have you been reading!"


    "I''ll return them to youter."


    "When did I lend you any books?"


    Quite a number of people in the audience were having a great time!


    "Pfft��hahahaha!"


    "Don''t talk to me, let meugh it off for the next ten minutes!"


    "Aiyo, how amusing!"


    Weren''t they just supposed to be saying whatever?


    Wasn''t it supposed to be a "fake performance"?


    Why did these two churn out a new crosstalk performance then!?


    Dafei was furiously whistling in the audience, ignoring whoever was giving him looks!


    Zhang Ye sighed. "I wasn''t sessful when I was young, but even after growing up, I still wasn''t sessful."


    "What happened after you grew up?"


    "I''m not as capable and can''tpete with others. Just look at that one crosstalkedian who managed to get onto Central TV''s Spring Festival G." Zhang Ye then became more careful with his words. "But let''s not mention any names or say who he is."


    Yao Jiancai nodded. "Right, there''s no need to mention names."


    Zhang Ye stated, "It''s that Tang Dade who is about 1.8 meters tall and can fill up a box and a half with his ashes, 47 years old, male, and born on June 2nd. His citizen ID card number is 330��"


    Yao Jiancai jumped in shock. "Whoa! Didn''t you say not to mention any names? But you''ve even read out his citizen ID card number!"


    Aiyo! Everyone was cramping up withughter!


    Tang Dade?


    Tang Dazhang?


    Pfft! It''s starting again! Zhang Ye the Trickster was at it again!


    Zhang Ye said, "Just look at how famous that person is. He has fame and can earn money so easily. When he goes to the countryside to perform, he only needs to say a few words."


    "A few words?"


    "Yes, just a few words. For example, if he goes to Taiyuan, he only needs to sing ''Taiyuan, oh, Taiyuan, my hometown,'' then bow before getting off the stage and that''s it. But he''s actually not a Taiyuan native at all. So when he goes to Jinan, it''s the same thing as well. He sings ''Jinan, oh, Jinan, my hometown,'' then bows before getting off the stage again. He only needs to do that and he receives his payment. How easy can it get!"


    Yao Jiancai blinked and asked, "Then what if he goes to Jiamusi?"


    "It will be the same. ''Jiamusi, oh, Jiamusi, my hometown.''"


    "If he goes to ��rumqi?"


    Zhang Ye sang, "��rumqi, oh, ��rumqi, my hometown."


    Yao Jiancai pondered for a moment before trying to trick him. "What if he goes to Buenos Aires?"


    There were already some audience members starting tough!


    Zhang Ye was a little startled before he began to sing, "Bueno��Bue��Ahem��" Then, with a wave of his hands, he smirked and said, "Don''t worry, aedian like him won''t be able to go international!"


    Yao Jiancaiughed. "That''s true. It''s not possible with a crosstalk routine like that."


    "Don''t you look down on him. With that crosstalk routine of his, if he were to say it over and over for all of his life, do you know how many people would have already heard of it? Do you know how many prostate disease sufferers he has already cured?"


    "Ah? Prostate disease sufferers?"


    "When he''s performing crosstalk, he''s actually healing the sick. With that mouth of his, all prostate disease sufferers immediately piss their pants fromughing."


    "Ah?"


    "That''s why I don''t go and listen to Tang Dade''s live crosstalk routines."


    "Why not?"


    Zhang Ye spelled out, "Because I can''t swim! I would definitely drown on the spot!"


    At this moment, everyone in the audience realized that Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai must have seen those Weibo posts before they got up on stage!


    Xiao Luughed, "Wahahahaha!"


    Several of the cameramen were alsoughing so hard that they nearly cried!


    Hu Fei didn''t know whether tough or cry. When I told you and Yao Jiancai to say whatever you wanted, that wasn''t what I meant! It was just a figure of speech!


    But you''re really taking it seriously now?


    You''re really fucking saying whatever you want!?


    Zhang Ye was really letting himself loose this time. Since it was going to be a fake performance, then it wouldn''t matter what he said. As a result, he didn''t have to hold back. And frankly, he was just here to have fun today. He only needed to satisfy himself by saying whatever he wanted. On the day of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G, he would surely not be allowed to perform such a crosstalk, but if it were a private affair like now, who would care?


    However, unknown to everyone else at the venue, there was someone who was recording the whole thing.


    That person was trembling with excitement as he stood in the corner. He could never have expected that a fake performance during a dress rehearsal would actually be so full of content. He could no longer hold back and immediately posted the audio recording secretly onto the Inte!

 Chapter 857: Splendid!

    <h4>Chapter 857: Splendid! </h4>


    Chapter 857: Splendid!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On Weibo.


    A lot of people from the crosstalk world were still criticizing Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai. The ones who were doing most of the criticizing were a few of the veteranedians from the crosstalk world and the people from Tang Dazhang''s Crosstalk Society.


    An old crosstalk actor: "The crosstalk world will never acknowledge him!"


    The people who supported Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai came out to return the criticism.


    Suddenly, someone eximed, "Ah, an audio recording!"


    "What audio recording?"


    "What''s happening?"


    "Someone has posted an audio recording! It''s from Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G rehearsal!"


    "Oh, it really is! Damn, this is an audio recording of Teacher Zhang and Teacher Yao''s crosstalk!"


    "Aiyo, which hero posted it?"


    "Well done! I''ll go and listen to it now!"


    "Link please! Where did you guys get it?"


    "Hahaha, I found it too. I''m listening to it right now!"


    ...


    Those who were at the dress rehearsal hall did not know about the leak.


    The crosstalk routine was still going on.


    Zhang Ye calmly continued, "That''s why people say that crosstalk is a cure for all diseases. It was especially effective for those prostate disease sufferers."


    Yao Jiancai sighed, "Hai."


    "But for those who are interested in going and watching his crosstalk live, please take caution. As long as it is a venue hosting Teacher Tang''s crosstalk performance, there will usually be a sign at the entrance written in bold red letters: Nonmembers of the Swimming Association, please be extremely careful."


    Yao Jiancai chuckled. "This is the first time I''m hearing that you''d need to learn swimming first if you want to listen to a crosstalk routine!"


    Zhang Ye nodded his head seriously and replied, "Right, just like the high entry barriers to get into this industry, the entry barriers to listen to it are also very high. Crosstalk is an art that carries a high risk of danger." Some of the jokes were directly retrieved from his memory using the Memory Search Capsules while some of them were adapted and changed for use on the spot.


    Everyone in the audience was cramping up withughter!


    "Hahahaha!"


    Yao Jiancai shook his head and remarked, "That mouth of yours is too wicked."


    Zhang Ye said, "But his poprity is still very high."


    Yao Jiancai sighed. "With this kind of standard, how popr can he be?"


    "But he is. Previously, there was a woman who recovered from her prostate disease after listening to his crosstalk and presented a silk banner to Teacher Tang."


    "A woman? How can a woman suffer from such a disease?!"


    "Why not?"


    "Women don''t suffer from such a disease."


    "Anyway, she still got Teacher Tang a silk banner."


    "What kind of a silk banner?"


    "There were two big words written on it��Kinky Hands!"


    The entire audienceughed even louder!


    Yao Jiancai quickly corrected, "You mean Healing Hands!"


    Zhang Ye gave a long "oh" before saying, "Perhaps I remembered wrong then. I''m sorry that my knowledge is limited, but I just feel really envious of him."


    "Is that so?"


    "Yeah, he can use crosstalk to earn money."


    "Really?"


    "Moreover, this industry is really good too since the people in it are very united!"


    The crosstalk world was united?


    When everyone in the audience heard that, they started howling!


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    Although it was only a dress rehearsal, the staff and people from the approval board for the Spring Festival G were all very supportive. They truly enjoyed it and couldn''t help but shout out their feelings before bursting intoughter!


    ...


    In the outside world.


    Tang Dazhang''s home.


    Tang Dazhang had been rehearsing for his performance for the past few days at home. His house had quite a lot of people streaming in and out every day, as they all made the final sprint for the Spring Festival G performance.


    At this moment, an industry peer from the crosstalk world called.


    "Old Tang!"


    "Hur hur, Old Sun."


    "Get online quickly!"


    "I was just rehearsing with my disciple, what''s the matter?"


    "Zhang Ye''s crosstalk routine on Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G has been leaked!"


    "Ah?"


    "That bastard is scolding people again!"


    "What?"


    After Tang Dazhang hung up, his disciple and some colleagues who were with him also heard about the news. They all had sunken expressions as they went online to search for the audio recording. They wanted to know what exactly Zhang Ye had said at Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G dress rehearsal. Scolding? A Spring Festival G was a live broadcast event. How would he have the courage to scold people on it?


    How was that possible!


    At a different location.


    At the homes of several crosstalk world veterans, their telephones were also ringing.


    "M-Master Xu, Zhang Ye is stirring up trouble!"


    "What did he do?"


    "Go online and take a look!"


    ...


    At the venue of the performance.


    Yao Jiancai wasughing. "Heh."


    Zhang Ye stated, "The industry''s people are also kindhearted, always out performing good deeds!"


    "Performing what kinds of good deeds?"


    "For example, some years ago during that earthquake, the crosstalk world went out together to make a donation. Several veteran crosstalkedians brought their disciples and grand-disciples amounting to over a hundred people to the Red Cross. The leading veteranedian said, ''Even though we earn money very quickly and easily through our crosstalk, we are also limited by our earnings that cannot bepared to the tycoons who are worth millions and billions.''"


    Yao Jiancai nodded. "Indeed, that is very true."


    "''If we''re expected to donate 300 to 500 million, we really don''t have such money to speak of.''"


    Yao Jiancai waved his hands. "There''s no need for that much. It''s the thought that counts."


    "Right, three to five yuan is also a thought. We can''tpare to others."


    Yao Jiancai nodded. "That''s right, and there''s no need topare others."


    "Here, take this. This is the three yuan from me. Then another veteranedian followed behind saying, ''And here is my three yuan as well.'' Everyone was rushing to donate."


    Yao Jiancai was dumbfounded. "They really donated three yuan?"


    It was about the crosstalk world again!


    He was scolding the crosstalk world again!


    A lot of people below the stage suddenly jolted, especially Xiao Lu, Dafei, and the others who were most livened up,ughing the loudest!


    Zhang Ye pretended to grab something. "After making their donations, these people grabbed a dozen or so candles to light up and hold in their hands. They would give a fist pump to whomever they came across and shout ''stay strong'' to them."


    "Whoa, they donated three yuan and grabbed over a dozen candles? How can a person hold a dozen of those anyway?"


    Zhang Ye gave Yao Jiancai a strange look. "Not all of them were lighted. They only lighted one. They stowed the rest in their pockets."


    "Ah? They took them? Aren''t they making a profit then?!"


    A flurry ofughs rang out!


    At this moment, a staff member came running to look for Executive Director Chang Xiaoliang to inform him about the preparations made for the next performance on the main stage.


    "Director Chang, the preparations over there��"


    Before he could finish, Chang Xiaoliang cut him off without even looking at him. He raised a hand and said without looking at him, "If there''s anything you want to tell me, do itter. Let''s finish watching this performance first!"


    That person could only stand there and listen to the crosstalk performance as well.


    Zhang Ye said, "After a short while, a group ofborers came along and donated a thousand yuan each."


    "Whoa, that much?"


    "Those people from the crosstalk world gave a fist pump to them and shouted, ''Stay strong!''"


    Yao Jiancai sighed, "Hai."


    "Following that, a form teacher brought a group of elementary school students over and each of them donated 5000 yuan each!"


    "The elementary school students donated 5000 yuan?"


    "The crosstalk world people raised their candles and stood on both sides of them saying, ''Stay strong!''"


    Yao Jiancai rolled his eyes. "It wasn''t necessary for them to say all that."


    "Finally, a group of women came. They were special service staff from a cabaret and every one of them was dressed very beautifully."


    "Which profession is that!"


    "Each of them donated 50,000 yuan to the cause!"


    Yao Jiancai eximed, "They donated that much?"


    "However, the staff of the Red Cross showed them a disdainful look. They said right there, ''Take it back, we don''t want such dirty money!''"


    The people in the audience were listening earnestly, not sure what the gag was about.


    Zhang Ye followed up with, "In the end, those veteran crosstalkedians raged and shouted, ''What do you mean "dirty money"! That''s all our hard-earned money!''"


    When the punchline was delivered, everyone in the audienceughed madly!


    "Pfft!"


    "Hard-earned money?"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo! I can''t breathe! Can''t breathe!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    Yao Jiancai also supported the performance very well. "Oh, so they donated the majority of their money over there instead!" 30% teasing, 70% supporting��this golden rule of the crosstalk world was not to say that the fall-guy was more important than the leading role, nor that the role of the fall guy was more difficult to perform than the lead. What it expressed was that whether a gag could achieve its maximum potential depended on the support given by the fall guy. It took up a greater proportion of the form for sess. The better it was supported, the greater the effect of the gag!


    When everyone heard that, theyughed even harder!


    Over on the side, a few Beijing Television staff who were working and not watching the performance from the audience but could hear it were also clutching their stomachs, unable to control themselves fromughing. They dropped all the work they were doing and just looked over to the secondary stage area and listened to Zhang Ye''s scolding.


    Dong Shanshan and the male host were both roaring withughter!


    There were staff below the stage giving time cues to indicate that they still had 5 minutes to perform.


    Zhang Ye was actually constantly watching the clock and counting down. He would adjust his bits ording to the time. "Therefore, I also learned and took up crosstalk."


    Yao Jiancai smiled. "You also started doing crosstalk?"


    Zhang Ye said depressing, "However, it was only when I started that I realized how difficult it was to perform crosstalk. Thepetition in this industry was too intense and if you were to just go on stage with two people to perform a down-to-earth crosstalk, you certainly couldn''t outdo others."


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Why not?"


    "They''re full of tricks and surprises. Some crosstalkedian even invited a bunch of Jingyun Dagu actresses to go on stage with them and apany them."


    Yao Jiancai: "Ah? There''s even such a form of crosstalk?"


    Jingyun Dagu?


    Actresses?


    Immediately, everyone was reminded of Tang Dazhang''s Spring Festival G crosstalk routine!


    "All those actresses would be dressed in qipaos." Zhang Ye pointed to his own armpits. "And they are surely going to be very airy with the side slits opening up all the way to the armpits!"


    Yao Jiancai said in surprise, "Oh boy, then isn''t that the same as draping curtains over yourself anding out?"


    Zhang Ye clicked his tongue and pointed out in wonder, "I don''t know why, but it seemed like the tickets to the side stands sold particrly well!"


    "Hahaha!"


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    The crowd once again howled withughter!


    Yao Jiancai smacked his lips and replied, "Heh, I wonder if they''re there to see the Jingyun Dagu performance or see a show of thighs!"


    "Aiyo!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    Some people even got tired fromughing too much but could not stop at all!


    Zhang Ye sighed and spoke, "Later, a friend of mine told me that I couldn''t keep going on like this. If I wanted to be popr and famous, then I would have to at least get on Central TV''s Spring Festival G! Once I get onto their Spring Festival G, I will shoot to fame overnight!"


    Central TV''s Spring Festival G?


    Hu Fei was stunned!


    Yao Jiancai agreed, "Indeed."


    "He has a lot of connections and knew the director of Central TV''s Spring Festival G, so he introduced me to the director. But when the director saw me, he said that the show list had already been fully scheduled and that there was no ce for me anymore. So I was told to take on some work for the time being and do some cleaning or deliver box lunches. He even asked me to walk his dog! See, I even have to walk his dog now, how degrading!"


    "That is considered standard crew work."


    "I had to walk his dog every day, but the lousy dog would always stop after a few steps before going again. I was then led to a watch shop where I asked a watchmaker to have a look at why it stopped every few steps. I asked why it was happening. But the watchmaker said that it would be fine and to just apply some grease on it."


    "Hey! What does that have anything to do with applying grease!?"


    "After I got it fixed, the director was so happy. Hur, no one could fix that dog all this while, yet I managed to get it fixed. I was now his trusted aide and was told to stay close to him."


    Yao Jiancai replied, "That''s great."


    "So I waited and pondered over and over about which performance I could take. Heh, it seemed that there was a 400-person crosstalk routine I could take part in."


    "What? 400 persons?"


    This was clearly a swipe at Tang Dazhang''s Spring Festival G crosstalk routine!


    At once, everyone in the audience was getting more and more excited!


    Xiao Luughed loudly while pping her thigh!


    Dafei kept shouting, "What a wonderful performance this is! It''s splendid! Hahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye answered, "Yes, 400 persons."


    Yao Jiancai shook his head. "Impossible, there''s no such crosstalk at all."


    Zhang Ye looked at him. "Why not? What do you call a crosstalk performed by one person?"


    "Stand-up."


    "What about by two persons?"


    "Crosstalk."


    "And three persons?"


    "Group crosstalk."


    Zhang Ye said, "So then, what do you call a crosstalk between 400 persons?"


    Yao Jiancai asked, "What?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "It''s called a Spring Festival G crosstalk."


    "Is that so?"


    "Only Central TV''s Spring Festival G would have such a performance."


    Yao Jiancai sighed, "Hai."


    A Spring Festival G crosstalk?


    Everyone''s mouths were stiff fromughing. Aiyo, he was even making fun of Central TV now!


    Zhang Ye exined, "A 400-person mass crosstalk performance will gather crosstalkedians from all over the country in one location. The stage setup will consist of a mockup of a mountain on this side, a stream over here, with a pool over there. Then a helicopter in the sky will scatter 100 of those crosstalkedians, each of them wearing a parachute. When theynd they will wave at the audience. While another 100 of them will emerge from the waters here. Finally, a rickshaw will pull in with the lead standing in it. The first thing he says will be: ''We meet again, my friends!''"


    Wasn''t that Tang Dazhang''s catchphrase?


    Hu Fei was constantly smiling wryly. He did not know what he could say anymore. All he knew was that no matter what, he must never offend someone like Zhang Ye. This guy''s mouth was simply too harsh!


    "As the performance starts, everyone gets into their position. Then the lead of the crosstalk says, ''Please repeat this after me backwards. Year New happy a everyone wish to happy very are we.'' Everyone will say together after him, ''We are very happy to wish everyone a happy New Year!'' And with a bow, the crosstalk performance will finish."


    Yao Jiancai was stunned. "That''s it?"


    Zhang Ye excitedly pped his thigh. "I believe that I could do a performance like that too because even those dimwits could handle it!"


    Yao Jiancai replied, "That''s right."


    "Hahaha!"


    "Even those dimwits could handle it? Pfft!"


    "This is cracking me up!"


    Zhang Ye said excitedly, "I''ll do it, I''ll join this performance. Then the director told me that I couldn''t join the performance yet as all those 400 people had supporters. But if anyone quit, I could rece them. So I kept waiting and waiting, waiting for the opportunity that someone would quit so I could take their ce. There were so many things going on at the venue and I had to deliver the boxed lunches every day. One day at a rehearsal, attended by several thousand people, a woman had to give birth and created such a bigmotion. If you were about to give birth, you should have just stayed at home, why are you here attending the rehearsal with several thousand others?"


    "Right."


    "So I called for an ambnce and brought her out to the ambnce after the baby was born. When it was done, I came back and handled everything, including clearing up the ce. In the end, my chance came on that day."


    "What chance?"


    "The 400-person crosstalk routine of course. Didn''t I mention that there were 100 crosstalkedians parachuting out of a ne? One of their parachutes failed to open!"


    Yao Jiancai was startled. "Aiyo!"


    "Snap! But luckily��"


    "He was fine?"


    "��He died!"


    Yao Jiancai reeled. "Why would you say luckily if he died?"


    Yet another wave ofughter roared through the hall!


    Zhang Ye hastily said, "Seeing that it was really happening, I turned around and went to look for the director. I told him, ''Let me rece him, let me do it!'' But the director told me, ''You''re toote, the person who pushed him out of the ne has already reced him!''"


    Yao Jiancai eximed, "That''s too cruel!"


    "Aren''t they really cruel? They totally didn''t give me a chance, so I went to look for my friend to rant. I told him that this wasn''t working out, that all I have been doing every day was toiling for them. I even had to take care of the woman giving birth, yet they didn''t give me a chance at all! In the end, my friend told me, ''You''re not thick-skinned enough. If you want to be famous and get on the Spring Festival G, then you ought to be more thick-skinned. You have to be shameless, you know?''"


    Yao Jiancai replied, "Ah?"


    To get on the Spring Festival G?


    Have to be shameless?


    "Yi!"


    The reaction of the audience was sounding again! There was wildughtering from all directions!


    The station head had to facepalm as sheughed. "That Little Zhang!"


    A deputy station head was also cramping up fromughing beside her. It was full of references to the internal affairs behind Central TV''s Spring Festival G that were already quite an open secret in the industry. Zhang Ye''s remarks hadpletely triggered theirughter!


    Only to hear Zhang Ye ponder aloud onstage, "If I''m not shameless, how can I learn? When I think about it, it seems that I should learn from the woman who gave birth at the rehearsal hall. Hey, with thousands of people watching her give birth, I''m sure she has thick enough skin, right?"


    Yao Jiancai was taken aback but then startedughing. "Oh right, she''s thick-skinned enough."


    Zhang Ye fist pumped. "Right, I''ll go find her then! After asking around, I went straight to the hospital. When I got there, I found her sitting on her hospital bed crying. ''Aiya, sob sob, there were thousands of people who saw me at the Spring Festival G rehearsal giving birth!''"


    Yao Jiancaiughed. "Eh, so she knows to be embarrassed too?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "So I hurriedly tried to console her and tell her it wasn''t a big deal. I told her that there was someone who gave birth to a child in front of 20,000 people in Tiananmen Square during the celebration of the sessful Olympic bid!"


    Yao Jiancai was amused. "Yeah."


    "But in the end, when the woman heard that, she cried even harder and said, ''Aiya, that was me too!''"


    Yao Jiancai was dumbfounded. "Ah? It was also her?!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    Time''s up!


    The ending came at just the right time!


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai bowed to the audience while beaming!


    Suddenly, a flood of apuse andughter rang out and filled the entire hall!


    "Great!"


    "Well said!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "That''s so awesome!"


    "Aiyo, I nearly died fromughing!"


    "Well scolded!"


    The station head shook her head, not knowing if she should p for him.


    Chang Xiaoliang stood up apuding!


    Hou Ge, Hou Ge, Xiao Lu, and the others were even screaming as they pped!


    This crosstalk did not let anyone who was listening to it have apse in concentration. The entire act was full ofughing points!


    Zhang Ye exited the stage.


    Music started ying over at the main stage area as the secondary stage for thenguage performances was temporarily emptied.


    As they walked past each other, the male host quickly asked, "Teacher Zhang, Teacher Yao, what is the title of your crosstalk?"


    Zhang Ye answered with a smile, "I Want to Get on the Spring Festival G!"


    The male host immediately gave him a thumbs up. "I really have to give it to you!"


    "What a good title!" Dong Shanshan alsoughed when she heard it and gave Zhang Ye a thumbs up as well. "If this crosstalk of yours were to be broadcast, you''d surely make quite a few people from the crosstalk world die from anger!"


    Zhang Ye blinked at that. "Then would that count as me ridding the world of evil?"


    Yao Jiancai gave him a light push andughed. "Rid what evil, you! In the eyes of everyone, you''re the truly evil one!"


    The performance wasplete.


    Everyone was left wanting more!


    Although the people of Beijing Television knew it was only a rehearsal that would definitely not pass for the live broadcast on the actual day of the Spring Festival G, they still gave their most enthusiastic apuse. This apuse was dedicated to the exquisite art of crosstalk and also a sign of respect to the two teachers Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai!


    Splendid!


    It was really wonderful!


    This art form has totally been revived by Zhang Ye!

 Chapter 858: No one’s ever been a match when it comes to scolding!

    <h4>Chapter 858: No one''s ever been a match when ites to scolding! </h4>


    Chapter 858: No one''s ever been a match when ites to scolding!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the way to the backstage.


    Yao Jiancaiughed and said, "I got such a kick out of performing that segment."


    Zhang Ye was also tickled. "Yeah, it was a rare opportunity for us to say whatever we we liked. It''s been so long since we have scolded the Crosstalk Society. I got such a kick out of scolding them this time."


    "It''s a pity that it can''t get broadcast," Yao Jiancai said regrettably.


    Zhang Ye replied, "It''s no big deal even if it gets broadcast."


    Yao Jiancai rolled his eyes. "No big deal, my ass. If that got broadcast, our troubles would get even bigger. Remember what happened after we scolded the crosstalk world during the Crosstalk and Skit Competition with our three performances? That group of people kept criticizing us for an entire year because of it. If our performance today gets broadcast, do you think the furor it would cause would be small? Besides, who would willingly broadcast a crosstalk like that for us? It''s something that we could only say behind closed doors at today''s venue."


    Zhang Ye seethed, "Even if we stopped performing crosstalk, do you think they would stop scolding us?"


    "Mmm, that''s true." Yao Jiancai shook his head andughed. "I think the nickname of ''public enemy of the Chinese crosstalk world'' belongs to the both of us and we''ll never be able to clear ourselves of it in this lifetime."


    Zhang Ye said indifferently, "So what if we''re their public enemy. It''s just a small thing."


    Yao Jiancaiughed loudly. "You don''t feel it''s a big deal because you''re already used to all this."


    Suddenly, they overheard the voices of several staff members who were walking toward them. They sounded rather panicked, as if something had happened.


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes. "What''s the matter?"


    "Looks like something has happened?" Yao Jiancai also wondered, curious.


    However, when the two of them listened carefully, they realized that those people were actually discussing about the two of them.


    "Shit!"


    "It''s blown up this time!"


    "Why would it be leaked and get uploaded onto the Inte?"


    "Who the hell posted it?! Isn''t this stirring the pot?"


    "Theizens are already making a ruckus over it! I heard that they''re going to start with the scolding soon!"


    "Nonsense, how could they possibly not be scolding? I watched Teacher Zhang and Teacher Yao''s crosstalk backstage onscreen just now and they insulted both Central TV''s Spring Festival G and the crosstalk world''s people at once!"


    The few of them rushed past without noticing that Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai were there.


    Zhang Ye was surprised for moment, "What? It got posted online?"


    Yao Jiancai eximed loudly, "Who posted it?"


    The two of them and everyone at Beijing Television did not expect such a thing to ur!


    Over at the stage.


    Someone who had found out about the problem rushed to report it to the executives!


    Upon hearing that, an assistant director of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G broke out in cold sweat. "What?"


    Hu Fei was also stunned. "How did it get leaked?"


    Chang Xiaoliang was furious. "Who was the one who recorded the audio with their phone in here? Go and find out who it is!"


    Everyone started looking around trying to find that person, but how was that possible?


    Xiao Lu hesitated for a moment.


    Dafei blinked several times as he became worried for Zhang Ye.


    A deputy director of the Spring Festival G said, "If this crosstalk gets exposed to the public, even if people know that it won''t be broadcast on our Spring Festival G, there will still be a feud formed between the program teams of our Spring Festival G and Central TV''s Spring Festival G!"


    "Station Head."


    "Station Head! What do we do now?"


    Everyone looked at the station head for directions.


    The olddy appeared very calm as she looked at everyone. "Didn''t we already expect that such a thing would happen? Wasn''t that why we got Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai to give a fake performance? Wasn''t all of this done to prevent the real performance from being revealed beforehand? Since we were already prepared, what''s there to panic about? It''s not even the real performance."


    The rehearsals continued.


    The next performances gradually started.


    When the other station heads and staff heard that, they could only return to their seats while still feeling anxious. Some of them were watching the next performance, while some others were on their cell phones browsing Weibo to get immediate updates on the development of events!


    ...


    Online.


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s new crosstalk routine was already getting a lot of traffic! It was like many of theizens were on stimnts. As they listened to the crosstalk, they were shouting out in excitement. And as they shouted out in excitement, they posted theirments online!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "I can''t take it anymore! I''m dying ofughter!"


    "Even the prostate disease sufferers peed their pants?"


    "That was all our hard-earned money? Aiyo! Please let meugh a little longer! Hahahaha!"


    "How could it be so funny!"


    "Zhang Ye, Old Yao, I like the both of you so much!"


    "They''re indeed the best matched duo in the crosstalk world!"


    "Dammit, I''ve never heard such aical crosstalk before!"


    "That''s right. After listening to Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalk, I won''t be able tough anymore when I listen to the other crosstalkedians'' jokes! The standard of their crosstalk is leading the art by years!"


    "Tang Dazhang has been shot again!"


    "This isn''t just a gunshot. He was hit by an intercontinental ballistic missile!"


    "Pfft! I suppose Tang Dazhang has fainted at home by now!"


    "The scolding was too awesome! The scolding made me feel really good!"


    "Central TV''s Spring Festival G has also suffered Zhang Ye''s ''violent treachery''!"


    "Zhang Ye''s mouth is really the most sarcastic mouth in the entire country! Those who have offended him must have had all the bad luck from their past eight lifetimes befall on them all at once! They would be scolded until they vomit blood!"


    "Aiyo, this is too funny!"


    "With just one of his works, he has already shown who is better. That group of people from the crosstalk world only know how to scold Zhang Ye online, and their scolding is not even that great. They are constantly using the same old lines in different ways to say that ''we will not acknowledge you.'' But just look at how Teacher Zhang effortlessly produced a routine to return the scolding straight at them. Not only did he use it to scold them, he even littered it with so many jokes that the audience wasughing throughout its delivery. This is what being high level is about!"


    "Haha, speaking of scolding people, Zhang Ye is the grandmaster of it!"


    "Yeah, are there any people in the country who could outscold him? This bunch of crosstalk world members keep choosing to forget their lessons! They were already scolded by Zhang Ye like they were dogs in the crosstalkpetition previously, what about this time? You people still wish to provoke him? When have you ever seen Zhang Ye eat humble pie?!"


    "Damn, is Zhang Ye really going to say this at Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G?"


    "Will they allow this to be broadcast? Surely not, right?"


    "They would definitely not because this is definitely the fucking fake performance!"


    "Right, it must be a fake performance!"


    "Teacher Zhang just randomly gave a fake performance and it was more than enough to savage the crosstalk world!"


    "Hahaha, I''ll have to listen to it again!"


    "Me too, I can''t get enough of listening to it!"


    "I''ve already heard it three times! This really fucking vents all my anger!"


    "Zhang Ye is right, there''s hardly anyone who is a good person in the domestic crosstalk world!"


    "Scold! Scold! Scold! Scold! Come on!"


    This crosstalk routine had caused a very big stir on the Inte!


    ...


    At Tang Dazhang''s home.


    The group of crosstalk actors who were rehearsing and studying for their Central TV''s Spring Festival G performance all looked furious. Some of their faces had turned white, some had turned ck, and there was even some that had turned green!


    A crosstalkedian banged his hand on the table and shouted, "This is too much!"


    One of Tang Dazhang''s disciple said angrily, "They have no regard for the rules!" No regard for the rules!"


    Tang Dazhang muttered two names tersely. "Zhang Ye! Yao Jiancai!"


    "We can''t just let this go!" Someone said, "They''re standing over our heads and shitting on us!"


    Someone echoed, "Right, we have yet to settle the score with them! It''s definitely not settled yet!"


    Everyone was exploding with anger!


    They were not afraid. This crosstalk has given them too much of a scolding!


    But as for how they were going to settle the score with Zhang Ye, no one could give a definite answer!


    In the past, it was not like there were no one who would challenge them by publicly questioning and criticizing the crosstalk world, but under the lead of a few highly qualified veteranedians of the crosstalk world, those crosstalk organizations under them would just do as they were told. They would resort to boycotting, banning, or reporting a crosstalkedian to ensure that they wouldn''t survive in the art, because this world was basically dictated by just a few veteranedians. Being one of the leaders in the current crosstalk world, Tang Dazhang was now one of those who could call the shots!


    However, it was different for Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai!


    Yao Jiancai was an actor and it was not possible to control him!


    Zhang Ye was also the same. He did not need to perform in a small theater and neither did he attend anyrge-scalemercial events. His main profession was host, director and producer of shows, author, songposer, and even teacher. Even if all the people in their crosstalk world were to jointly report and boycott him, there wouldn''t be any significant impact. This oue had already been proven atst year''s crosstalkpetition. They had no means whatsoever to deal with Zhang Ye!


    A crosstalkedian suggested, "By saying ''that was all our hard-earned money,'' it constitutes nder! If we really want to blow up the matter, we can sue him!"


    "That''s right!"


    "Sue him!"


    "This is definitely nder!"


    The group was whipped up into a frenzy.


    Then, an 18-year-old disciple of Tang Dazhang''s nervously made a sudden and untimely remark. "Isn''t Zhang Ye awyer himself too?"


    The group of people looked at him at once.


    "So what if he''s awyer?"


    "We can still sue him!"


    "This bastard is such a hooligan!"


    But as they talked about it, everyone''s confidence grew weaker. Finally, no one mentioned fighting awsuit with Zhang Ye anymore. Why? Because even Central TV had fucking lost awsuit against Zhang Ye! Even if they felt that they were superior to other people, they definitely did not think that they were more capable than Central TV''s professional team ofwyers! The results of that fellow''s National Judicial Examination had shocked thew world by securing the first ever perfect score in the history of the examination!


    Tang Dazhang banged his hand on the table angrily. "How absurd! Is there no way we can deal with him?"


    After everyone brooded over it, they suddenly felt very frustrated. They really could not think of any way to subdue Zhang Ye! There were no ideas whatsoever!


    That young disciple of Tang Dazhang, the same 18-year-old who had just newly debuted as a crosstalkedian, was feeling extremely anguished. He really wanted to give a suggestion at this moment. Can we not fight Zhang Ye anymore? Even Central TV was not able to do anything to him and the SARFT was also unable to subdue him. For such a hooligan and shit stirrer of the entertainment industry, why can''t we just avoid him some and let everything be fine? Must we really fight it out with him? If we can''t afford to mess with him, then we can just avoid him, right?! The crucial point was that even if the entire crosstalk world were to band together, they would still be unable to do anything about him!


    So what was the point of fighting?


    There''s no way we can fight him!


    ...


    Very quickly, the news had spread everywhere!


    "Zhang Ye invited to Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G!"


    "Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalk causes a controversy again!"


    "Zhang Ye''s new routine for the Spring Festival G: ''I Want to Get on the Spring Festival G''?"


    "Aplete denouncement by the crosstalk world!"


    "Zhang Ye mocks Central TV''s Spring Festival G and the Chinese crosstalk world!"


    "Absoluteedy! Crosstalk at Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G dress rehearsal leaked!"


    "Zhang Ye''s crosstalk style shows up again!"


    "A massacre caused by a crosstalk! Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai dere war on the crosstalk world again!"


    The tabloids were collectively expressing and reporting about this "massacre." The reports were also quite simr in content: Zhang Ye has once again proven with his actions that no one has ever been a match for him when ites to scolding!

 Chapter 859: Voting for the most popular celebrity!

    <h4>Chapter 859: Voting for the most popr celebrity! </h4>


    Chapter 859: Voting for the most popr celebrity!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


    The rehearsal ended sessfully.


    The Spring Festival G''s production team held a meeting and began to analyze some of the issues that cropped up in the rehearsal.


    Chang Xiaoliang also went to look for Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai immediately.


    Yao Jiancai asked with concern, "Director Chang, is everything going to be alright since our crosstalk earlier was posted online by someone?"


    "The Station Head said it would be fine." Chang Xiaoliang smiled.


    Yao Jiancaiughed and said, "Then that''s great. Little Zhang and I were afraid we would cause trouble for the TV station because of this problem. If we knew that someone would record our performance, then we wouldn''t have said all that."


    Chang Xiaoliang asked, "Are you two prepared for the actual performance yet?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll have to go back and think over it, but I guarantee there won''t be any problems."


    "I hope the subject won''t be as sensitive as today''s performance." Chang Xiaoliang coughed and said, "Of course, the both of you are professionals, so I think you will know what to do without me telling you."


    Zhang Ye reassured him, "Don''t worry, we definitely won''t speak irresponsibly."


    Chang Xiaoliang nodded. "Alright then, I''ll be looking forward to your actual routine. When the performance is ready, you can contact me so that our production team can go through it once."


    When Zhang Ye left the television station, there were already reporters blocking the entrance.


    Originally, there were quite a number of reporters interviewing some of the celebrities and performing groups who had just exited the venue, but when they saw Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai, every one of them abandoned their current interviews and piled toward the two!


    "Zhang Ye hase out!"


    "It''s Yao Jiancai and Zhang Ye!"


    "Teacher Zhang, I''m from Huabei Entertainment Magazine!"


    "Teacher Zhang, can I ask a few questions?"


    "What''s the actual routine that you will be performing at the Spring Festival G?"


    "What was the reason for your attack on the crosstalk world again?"


    "Is your performance titled ''I Want to Get on the Spring Festival G''? Are you mocking Central TV''s Spring Festival G because they did not invite you? This year''s most popr celebrity poll organized by the official Weibo site is starting soon, how do you think you will be ranked?"


    "Teacher Zhang, please don''t go!"


    "Teacher Yao!"


    The reporters were hounding them like crazy!


    Zhang Ye dodged the questions. "Noment, noment for now."


    Yao Jiancai squeezed past the crowd as he said, "We have an agreement and a lot details can''t be revealed yet. If you want to know what the actual routine is, you can just tune in to Beijing TV when the timees! We definitely won''t disappoint anyone!"


    After a great struggle, the two of them finally got into a car.


    Yao Jiancai panted, "Where did you park?"


    Zhang Ye sighed. "I drank too much yesterday, so I didn''t dare drive here this morning."


    After starting the car, Yao Jiancaiughed loudly. "Since it''s still early, let''s go over to my house. It''s been a long time since we''ve had a drink together. Shall we have a round then?"


    "Let''s go!" Zhang Ye gestured.


    ...


    At the Yao household.


    In a small bedroom.


    Yao Mi had invited some of her old high school ssmates to her house for lunch. At this moment, the several of them were crying out in excitement as though they were injected with adrenaline.


    "Zhang Ye is so cool!"


    "Mimi, your dad is awesome too!"


    "That crosstalk was so funny! Let''s listen to it again!"


    "But we''ve listened to it three times!"


    Yao Mi checked through the news online and let out a curse. "Damn, my dad and Uncle Zhang have really caused an outrage this time. There are so many industry peers criticizing them that it looks like it''s getting out of hand!"


    Little Ling interrupted, "You make it sound like your dad and Zhang Ye have never caused an outrage before."


    Little Yuughed and said, "Yeah, as long as it''s a crosstalk performed by Zhang Ye and your dad, when have they not angered the masses? There were people denouncing, scolding, and reporting it!"


    Little Qing yelled, "I like Zhang Ye a ton!"


    Little Ling blinked. "Mimi, are we friends?"


    "Nonsense, what do you think?" Yao Miughed as she rolled her eyes.


    Little Ling immediately said, "If we are friends, then you should arrange for us to meet Zhang Ye someday!"


    "Right, right!"


    "Haha, that''s a good suggestion!"


    Her old ssmates all appeared to be anticipating it.


    Yao Mi equivocated, "It''s difficult for me to meet Uncle Zhang as he hasn''t beening to Peking University to teachtely."


    At this moment, they heard someone knocking on the door.


    "Eh?" Little Ling''s ears perked up.


    "My dad is back!" Yao Mi stood up.


    The house door opened.


    Yao Jiancai''s wife had opened the door. "You''re back? Eh?"


    Zhang Ye who was standing beside Old Yao smiled and said, "Sister, I''m here to visit you."


    Yao Jiancai''s wife beamed at once. "Come in,e in. Heh, this Old Yao sure doesn''t know how to be treat his guests. He should have informed me that you wereing over so that I could''ve made dinner."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Sister, it''s fine as long as there''s alcohol."


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Where is Mimi?"


    "She is chatting with her old ssmates in the bedroom," Yao Jiancai''s wife replied.


    From there, the bedroom door of Yao Jiancai''s daughter was suddenly opened by someone from inside!


    Then, a loud scream sounded!


    Followed by a second and third scream!


    "Ah!"


    "Ah!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s him in person!"


    Yao Mi''s old ssmates were so excited that their faces were flushed. Zhang Ye got scared from those ridiculously high decibel screams, thinking that someone''s foot had been stepped on!


    Yao Mi felt a bit embarrassed and smiled sheepishly. "Uncle Zhang."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Hi. Who are these friends of yours?"


    Without waiting for Yao Mi to reply, Little Ling was the first to step forward. "Teacher Zhang, we are Mimi''s old high school ssmates! Oh, Teacher Zhang! You''re my idol!"


    Little Qing also came over quickly. "We''ve just listened to your and Uncle Yao''s crosstalk! It''s really fantastic!"


    Little Yu said loudly, "Teacher Zhang, you''re really awesome. Can you teach me how to scold and curse people?!"


    Little Ling said right away, "I wanna learn too! Teach me!"


    Yao Jiancai was amused.


    Zhang Ye didn''t whether tough or cry as he had mixed feelings about this request. Consider the requests other superstars would get when their fans saw them. There would be requests for hugs, taking pictures together, asking to be in a rtionship, and so on. But when fans saw this bro, their request was to learn how to scold and curse people? What the hell?


    Yao Mi nearly fainted. "Can you guys learn something proper instead?"


    Little Yu giggled. "What do you mean by calling it improper? Scolding and cursing is also a type of talent and ability. If the English and Japanesenguages can be categorized into grades, then Teacher Zhang will definitely be ranked at the highest grade of ten if scolding and cursing also has a grading!"


    Little Ling directly bestowed a title on Zhang Ye by saying, "That''s true. Teacher Zhang Ye is definitely The Top Reviler of China! He will scold whomeveres at him, whether it''s one person or an entire group!"


    Zhang Ye asked exasperated, "Just why would you guys have such a terrible impression of me?"


    Yao Jiancai remarked, "Did you think otherwise?


    Everyone in the houseughed.


    At night, dinner was ready.


    Yao Mi''s old ssmates had originallye over for lunch at noon and were supposed to go home after that, but when they saw that Zhang Ye hade to visit, they decided to stay. Even though Yao Mi kept pressing them to leave for the longest time, her old ssmates simply feigned ignorance and clowned about in a bid to stay. In the end, against this shamelessness of theirs, Yao Mi could do nothing.


    Yao Jiancai''s wife served the dishes. "Try some of these, try them."


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "Sister, it''s been hard on you."


    "What are you standing on ceremony for? It''s been some time since you havee over." Yao Jiancai''s wife smiled at him.


    Zhang Ye said, "Hai, Old Yao is always doing movie shoots outside of Beijing and there''s only a few days when he''s back at Beijing. Our timing always shes, otherwise I would havee over sooner."


    Yao Jiancai smirked. "How can I be busier than you?"


    Zhang Ye said, "What can I be busy with? I''ve just been idle every day."


    "You haven''t been busy with the serious matters," Yao Jiancai said, "But you have been busy with scolding people every day. Didn''t you just finish fighting with Central TV Department 1 a while ago?"


    Yao Mi suddenly recalled something. She pped her thigh and eximed, "Oh right! This year''s most popr celebrity poll on Weibo is starting soon."


    Yao Jiancai wondered, "Why is it so early this year?"


    Yao Mi said, "It has happened around the Spring Festival every year."


    Zhang Ye also knew about this poll. It was a rankings list that was organized by the official Weibo tform. In the many years of holding it, this rankings list had be a traditional affair for all Weibo users to satisfy their self-entertainment needs. Duringst year''s poll, Zhang Ye also got onto the Weibo''s most popr celebrity rankings, but his result was just average and he had barely broken into the top 100 of the poll. However, there was another poll for the most unpopr celebrity rankings in which Zhang Ye dominated the list. He scored an overwhelming victory with an unbelievable amount of votes and won the most unpopr celebrity award. At that time, this news had even caused quite a stir.


    This year''s poll was going to begin again?


    Little Ling said immediately, "Uncle Yao, will you be pulling for votes?"


    "Count me out." Yao Jiancai smiled and said, "This poll was meant for the celebrity idols. I''m just a middle-aged old man and can''t possibly beat the others."


    Little Ling asked, "How about you, Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye dismissed, "I''d rather drink."


    "Come, let''s toast again." Yao Jiancai clinked sses with him.


    Little Lingughed and said, "I''ll just give my votes to the two of you first."


    Little Yu said excitedly, "I''ll go and have a look too. It looks like it has already started?"


    Little Qing replied, "Yes, it started at 6 PM today and ends tomorrow at 6 PM too."


    ...


    Online.


    The annual polls on Weibo had been ced on the website''s homepage for some time and had already been promoted for many days. At exactly 6 PM, the voting window officially opened!


    The Weibo users swarmed in!


    "It has begun!"


    "I''m here!"


    Holy shit, Huo Dongfang already has 1,000 votes? So awesome?"


    "Sect Leader Huo has been canvassing for votes since long ago!"


    "Haha, I will still vote for my Big Qi!"


    "Supporting Sister Zhang without hesitation!"


    "It''s not necessary for Sister Zhang topete in this, so I will give my vote to Sect Leader Huo. Rise to the Dance was so terribly beaten by A Bite of China and the viewership ratings has already dropped below 0.6%. A while ago, a domestic best actor award was also won by someone else with Sect Leader Huo missing out. I should give him a vote because I think he''s been really unluckytely."


    Thepetition for the most popr celebrity rankings poll was too intense!


    One moment, Zhang Yuanqi was in the first ce, then the next moment, Huo Dongfang''s votes would increase explosively, then another momentter, two Heavenly Kings were upying the top two positions, and yet another momentter, a famous Korean drama star who hade to Maind China to develop his career was dominating everyone else. With the rankings going up and down, the vote count was very close with no way to determine who was winning at the moment.


    Yao Jiancai did not get into the top 100, while Dong Shanshan was currently ranked at 97th ce. She had strong momentum in the poll, but was unsure if she could maintain her position.


    "How nail-bitingly close!"


    "The fans are amazing!"


    "Quickly vote for the Heavenly King! He''s going to get overtaken!"


    "Who dares to fight with my oppa for the top spot?"


    "Damn you, we will definitely fight for it! Give all our votes to Sister Zhang!"


    "Bring it on, who''s afraid of who! Fuck!"


    "Haha, Sister Zhang has 500,000 votes now!"


    "Awesome!"


    "Ah, the Korean has 510,000 votes! Did they manipte the votes? How could it increase by 10,000 votes in the blink of an eye? That fast? Even the Heavenly King and Queen have been overtaken by him!"


    "He''s at 520,000 votes already!"


    The fans were also starting to fight and neither could get the upper hand!


    However, when they clicked on the most unpopr celebrity rankings poll, manyizens were stunned by what they saw. Then everyone burst outughing!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "What the hell!"


    "Pfft, I already knew that would happen!"


    "As expected, there''s no suspense in this poll at all!"


    "This guy''s reputation is too terrible!"


    Zhang Ye''s name appeared impressively at the top of the most unpopr celebrity rankings. With a current vote count of��2.75 million votes!


    As for second ce?


    Second ce only had 21,000 votes!


    Zhang Ye''s votes were over a hundred times more than the second ce votes! And it was also five times more votes than that Korean celebrity who was currently at the top of the most popr celebrity rankings had.


    There was no suspense to the oue at all!


    It was apletely overwhelming lead!


    When all theizens saw the poll rankings, they were left "kneeling" to Zhang Ye!

 Chapter 860: Winning again!

    <h4>Chapter 860: Winning again! </h4>


    Chapter 860: Winning again!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Old Yao''s house.


    When Yao Mi and her ssmates saw that on Weibo, they couldn''t help but clutch their stomachs andugh nonstop at it.


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "I knew it! I just knew it!"


    Yao Jiancai''s wife asked curiously, "What are you allughing at?"


    Yao Jiancai put down his ss and looked over. "What''s the matter?"


    "Dad, Mom, guess what our Uncle Zhang''s ranking is?" Yao Mi giggled.


    Yao Jiancai''s wifeughed and said, "For which poll?"


    Yao Mi said, "For the most unpopr celebrity rankings poll, of course!"


    Yao Jiancai''s wife nced at Zhang Ye and replied with augh, "He must be in the first ce, am I right?"


    Zhang Ye: "..."


    Yao Mi pped her thigh andughed loudly. "Mom, you are so smart!"


    Yao Jiancai couldn''t help butugh. "How is your mom smart? For the most unpopr person in the domestic entertainment industry, who else could it be if it''s not Zhang Ye? Who else can bepared to him?!"


    Little Yu said, "Moreover, the vote numbers don''t just differ by a small margin, he has steamrolled his way to the top spot! 2.75 million��no, it''s already at 2.9 million votes! And it''s still increasing!"


    Zhang Ye was speechless. Then he seethed, "Is there any meaning to this lousy poll? There''s totally no purpose to it."


    Yao Jiancai disagreed, "Haha, how is there no purpose? This is the voice of the people. I for one think that this annual rankings poll organized by Weibo is a very authoritative one."


    Suddenly, Little Ling shouted, "Wow, Uncle Yao, your vote count is also increasing in the most unpopr celebrity rankings poll. It''s even increasing so rapidly that you��you are already at third ce!"


    Yao Jiancai was stunned and immediately let out a curse. "What lousy poll is this! There''s totally no purpose to it."


    Yao Jiancai''s wife quipped, "Old Yao, that''s not what you imed just now!"


    Yao Jiancai said depressed, "I was only dragged into this mess because of Little Zhang today!"


    Everyone was amused!


    Actually, Yao Jiancai should not have appeared on this rankings poll. Be it the most popr rankings or the most unpopr rankings, it all depended on the number of followers and the poprity of the celebrity''s Weibo ount. Yao Jiancai''s poprity on Weibo was just average and in normal circumstances, this would be none of his business. However, when that performance of "I Want to Get on the Spring Festival G" was leaked by someone in the morning, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai were suddenly pushed to the heart of many discussions. They were criticized by many people as well as the mainstream crosstalk world members. With that, Yao Jiancai''s also appeared on this dishonorable rankings poll!


    ...


    Online.


    As thepetition for the polls got more intense, a lot of celebrities also posted onto Weibo.


    Dong Shanshan: "Pulling for votes, pulling for votes, friends who are online, please give me your votes. Let''s see if I am able to enter the top 100 of Weibo''s annual most popr celebrity rankings. As for the most unpopr rankings poll, you may ignore it for my case. That''s Teacher Zhang Ye''s territory, so I won''t be fighting with him for it, haha."


    Dong Shanshan''s fans were also delighted to see that post.


    "Teacher Shanshan, is it alright for you to say that?"


    "Haha, you have conveniently made fun of your old ssmate at the same time!"


    "This is what ssmates'' friendship is about!"


    "I''m cramping up fromughing!"


    The leader of China''s most famous idol trio, Dongzi: "Pulling for votes in the most popr celebrity poll. Everyone, please vote for me, as well as for Teacher Zhang Ye. I asked for a favor from Teacher Zhang in the past, and to repay him, I hope that everyone can give your votes to Teacher Zhang, so don''t waste your most unpopr celebrity polling votes!"


    Dongzi''s fans were also very active.


    "Hahaha, Dongdong is so bad!"


    "Dongdong also came to add insult to injury! LOL!"


    "Eh, I just realized for the first time that Teacher Dongdong knows Zhang Ye as well!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye has helped Teacher Dongdong before? So it turns out that Zhang Ye is loyal to his friends. I must definitely vote for him then!"


    "Man, I always thought that Zhang Ye did not have any friends in the entertainment industry, but he actually knows Teacher Dongdong!"


    Dongzi was one of the members in the Celebrity Goof Group chat that Zhang Ye had joined. Her rtive wanted to apply to enter Peking University this year and she had asked Zhang Ye for a favor, which was how they got to know each other.


    Chen Guang: "Man, is Zhang Ye going to be first again this year? Amazing!"


    Chen Guang''s wife, Fan Wenli: "The annual most unpopr celebrity rankings poll on Weibo has already been reserved for Teacher Little Zhang. From now onward, I don''t think there will be anyone else who can get first ce in this rankings poll! Congrattions! Congrattions!"


    Zhang Ye''s celebrity friends from everywhere also joined in the fun.


    When theizens saw Zhang Ye''s friends behaving soically, they alsoughed madly at it!


    "Just look at Zhang Ye''s rtionships!"


    "Pfft, even his friends are making fun of him! Hahaha!"


    "He has gotten first ce again! Teacher Zhang, just how terrible can your reputation get?!"


    "Teacher Fan Wenli is right. This rankings poll will be upied by Teacher Zhang Ye for a long time toe. And if there are no surprises this year, Zhang Ye should be the first person in Weibo history to retain the crown of the annual most unpopr celebrity award! Teacher Zhang has broken yet another record!"


    "This is so fun!"


    "I''ll also go and vote for Zhang Ye!"


    ''Haha, count me in. I''d like to see how many votes Teacher Zhang can get in total!"


    "Pfft, it''s already 3 million votes!"


    "How awesome! This is too amazing!"


    "The universe can no longer hold Zhang Ye back!"


    "Everyone, let''s vote together! So be it if it''s the most unpopr award. Our Teacher Zhang has always walked off the beaten path anyway! If he wants to be a celebrity, then he''ll be the most unique celebrity in the entertainment industry! Even if he were to walk the antagonist''s path, he would be the most brilliant of antagonists! Who gives a fuck who your mother is!"


    "Well said!"


    "Haha, let''s start voting!"


    "It wouldn''t affect me to just watch themotion, I''m joining in too!"


    Many of those who disliked Zhang Ye nearly vomited blood when they saw this. Most of the people who voted for Zhang Ye really disliked him and had really wanted to criticize him. But with the antics of these celebrities and Zhang Ye''s fans, the entire atmosphere of the situation had somehow changed. It was obviously for the most unpopr poll, but Zhang Ye''s fans made it seem like it was a very honorable achievement instead! Everyone was proud of it, instead of being ashamed! No wonder! How the fans turned out depended on which celebrity they followed. These bunch of fans were the same as that Zhang guy. They just wanted to see the world burn!


    The votes reached 3.5 million!


    The votes reached 4 million!


    The votes reached 5 million!


    Towards the end, the vote count was getting totally lopsided.


    ...


    At midnight, thetest official Celebrity Rankings Index was updated too!


    Thetest rankings showed that there were no changes on the S- and A-list rankings, but there was a fluctuation on the B-list rankings!


    Zhang Ye had moved up another spot in the B-list rankings again!


    He was already fourth ce on the B-list rankings!


    All the umted poprity was from the recent episodes of A Bite of China and the leaked crosstalk performance from today, "I Want to Get on the Spring Festival G." Furthermore, the annual celebrity polls on Weibo helped him gain all sorts of poprity. With the recentrge increase in his poprity, coupled with today''s jump, he had advanced a spot again and was getting closer and closer to the A-list celebrity rankings!


    The fans cheered!


    "Quickly go and take a look!"


    "Teacher Zhang is so impressive!"


    "Damn, he''s about to enter the top three of the B-list rankings!"


    "Awesome!"


    "Zhang Ye''s poprity has risen again!"


    "When A Bite of China has finished broadcasting, he really won''t be far off from the A-list rankings anymore!"


    "The people of Beijing send their congrattions!"


    "The people of Guangxi send their congrattions!"


    Who would have thought this would happen!


    The poprity that Zhang Ye gained was basically earned from all his "scolding"!

 Chapter 861: Banning Zhang Ye from the Central TV annual staff party!

    <h4>Chapter 861: Banning Zhang Ye from the Central TV annual staff party! </h4>


    Chapter 861: Banning Zhang Ye from the Central TV annual staff party!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    The holidays were over and it was back to work again.


    Actually, the New Year holidays were only for a few days and everyone else was already back at work earlier. But as Zhang Ye had to attend his Spring Festival G rehearsals and attend to some misceneous matters, he applied for more time off and had just returned to the office today. At his level, with his poprity, it didn''t really make a difference whether he came to work a dayter or a day earlier anymore.


    At Central TV.


    At the Documentary Channel department.


    When Zhang Ye returned to work, Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others all came to greet him.


    "Good morning, Director Zhang."


    "Good morning, everyone."


    "We listened to your crosstalk performance from a few days ago. It made meugh so hard that I cried!"


    "Hur hur, it was just a fake performance."


    "That fake performance of yours was much more wonderful to watch than those real performances at Central TV''s Spring Festival G!"


    "Director Zhang, did you win Weibo''s most unpopr celebrity award again this year? I heard that the recorded votes were 50% more than what was castst year. You have set yet another record again!"


    It was very lively in the office.


    After chatting for awhile, Zhang Ye asked them for thetest updates of A Bite of China. After easily handling some of his work, he had nothing more that he needed to do. In the Documentary Channel, their workload was usually much greater at the start and tapered off close to the end. They would be very busy at the start, with most of the work concentrated at the filming stage and the promotional period after that. Once the show was broadcast and went on schedule, there wasn''t much for them to do anymore.


    It was close to the Spring Festival and everyone at the office was either chatting or ying games. They were all in a good mood.


    At this moment, Ha Qiqi looked at her watch and suddenly said, "It''s almost noon. Who wants to get changed into their formal attire?"


    "Me, me, me!" Little Wang raised her hand.


    Huang Dandan giggled. "Then I will get changed too."


    Zhang Zuoughed. "Isn''t it a little early still?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "It''s not early anymore. It will be official starting at 4 PM, so it''s better that we get changed earlier."


    Hearing that, Zhang Ye was a little stunned. "What''s starting?"


    Zhang Ye''s assistant, Little Wang, was startled and smiled wryly. "The Central TV annual staff party. Director Zhang, didn''t I tell you about it two days ago? Don''t tell me that you didn''t bring your suit?"


    Only then did Zhang Ye remember. "Hai, I forgot about it."


    Little Wang immediately said, "There''s still time. I''ll go to your ce to fetch your suit for you at noon."


    At the end of the (lunar) year, everypany''s annual party was held, some in early December, and others not until the end of January. Central TV''s annual staff party this year was held somewhere in between those dates, and ording to this year''s process, today''s internal party was held for all staff of Central TV, with the individual departments'' annual parties held a few dayster. However, due to the significantlyrge staff of the Central TVwork, most venues would not be able to hold so many people. Therefore, even though the annual party was "supposedly" held for all staff, the truth was that every department only had a quota of about a dozen or so seats. Including all the station executives of Central TV, this would cover the "entire" strength of Central TV.


    For arger department like Central TV Department 1, which had more leadership positions, their quota of about a dozen were essentially for the executives only. The other, lower rung staff would basically not have a chance to attend the party. However, it was different at their Documentary Channel as they did not have that many people. Including Zhang Ye, there were only a few executives, so the rest of the quota were left for the normal staff of the department. This was the advantage of being in a smaller department.


    Tong Fu said happily, "I heard that this year''s annual party will be very grand."


    "Yeah, it seems like they have arranged a lot of events for everyone." Little Wang was also looking forward to it. She had been working at Central TV for quite a number of years already, but had never had the chance to take part in the annual party before. She had only participated in the smaller annual parties held individually by the departments, but thanks to Zhang Ye this year, she was finally able to experience the Central TV annual party for once.


    Zhang Zuoughed and said, "If Director Zhang were to go onstage and perform, it would surely add more excitement to the event."


    Zhang Ye self-deprecated, "The problem is that no one has asked me to."


    "They would have to dare to ask first." Ha Qiqi didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    Outside, Yan Tianfei and his secretary walked into the office.


    "Little Zhang, you''re here?" Yan Tianfeiughed heartily.


    "Director Yan." Zhang Ye stood up and went over to him. He took a look at Old Yan and remarked, "Whoa, you look really spirited today."


    Yan Tianfei replied with augh, "I just had my makeup done. You guys remember to go and get your makeup done too after you have changed. The Number 1 and 2 Makeup Studios were specially opened up today for everyone to get their makeup done there."


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "It''s going to be that grand?"


    Yan Tianfeiughed. "This actually has a lot to do with you. Previously, Central TV was going downhill with our programming. Not only were we not getting much viewership for our variety shows, even News Simulcast suffered a great drop in their viewership ratings. That was why they did so muchst year, including hiring you. Whether it''s your The Voice or A Bite of China, they are both the number one viewership rated shows of their time slot. Our Central TV has already had such a low profile for so many years. Now that it has once again been truly recognized as the big brother of the industry, they must surely want to make the celebrations grander again. Of course, there are also other reasons for it, but this should be one of the highest profile annual parties that Central TV has held in many years."


    Little Wang sniggered, "Director Yan, so are we also going to hold our department''s annual party in ordance with the station''s direction?"


    Yan Tianfeiughed. "No problem!"


    His secretary alsoughed and said, "Director Yan mentioned earlier that we could vote on how to hold our department''s annual party and what prizes to have for the lucky draw. We will let everyone decide on it. Because of Director Zhang''s A Bite of China, our Documentary Channel is the richest department in all of Central TV now!"


    "Wow!"


    "That''s great!"


    "Long live Director Yan! Long live Director Zhang!"


    "I vote for a cell phone."


    "I prefer a cash prize since that is more practical, haha!"


    All of a sudden, everyone''s emotions were running high!


    Yan Tianfei said, "On the subject of lucky draws, this year''s Central TV''s annual party''s lucky draw prizes are really generous. There areptops, cell phones, cosmetics, all delivered here in boxes. It''s even rumored that there are several cash prizes worth 50,000 and 100,000 yuan or more."


    Little Wang was shocked. "A cash prize of 100,000 yuan?"


    Huang Dandan was dumbfounded. "Ah, that''s even more than my annual sry!"


    Yan Tianfei said happily, "Let''s see who''s lucky enough to win the top prize this year. I really hope it''s someone from our Documentary Channel!"


    "Hai, the chances are too low."


    "Yeah, there''s not much hope since there''s too many people in the pool."


    "But there''s still a small chance of winning."


    Everyone was enthusiastically discussing the lucky draw prizes. To an ordinary staffer, whatever performance and dinner there was, that was just a secondary concern. The majority of the people would only care about the lucky draw segment, as it was the only time they could get their hands on something practical, with everyone having an equal chance at winning. It only depended on luck!


    Later that afternoon.


    Everyone at Central TV was preparing for the annual party. In the hallways, elevators, and makeup studios, executives who were dressed formally in suits and ties or colorful and flowery dresses could be seen everywhere.


    "Sister Hong, you''re looking quite beautiful today."


    "Thank you."


    "Wow, Brother Liu is so handsome."


    "Well, clothes make the man."


    "Heh, this is my first time dressed in a suit."


    "I heard that today''s lucky draw prizes are particrly generous."


    "Yeah, I heard so too. I was just looking to change my cell phone."


    "I''m so looking forward to the annual partyter this afternoon!"


    Suddenly, more than a dozen people came into the Number 2 Makeup Studio to get their makeup done. The staff who had just gotten their makeup done wereughing and chatting happily as they prepared to leave, but when they saw the group that just entered, they suddenly hushed. Many of them blinked several times at the group and stayed quiet for a long time.


    "Uh, Teacher Zhang."


    "Director Zhang."


    Some of them politely greeted him.


    Zhang Ye smiled and nodded at them, then went to sit with Ha Qiqi and the others to have his makeup applied.


    Several of the female makeup artists looked over to Zhang Ye with a change in their expressions. With his reputation, even if those people were not frontline staff of the television station, they would have heard of his name before!


    After they left the makeup studio, the staff were abuzz.


    "So that is Zhang Ye? This is the first time I''ve seen him this close up."


    "You guys heard the crosstalk from a few days ago?"


    "What do you think? No one at Central TV does not know about it."


    "I heard that the station execs were all infuriated by it!"


    "Hur, how could they not be? Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai dragged Central TV''s Spring Festival G into their crosstalk and insulted it, so how could the leaders be happy about it?"


    "Actually, I thought it was nothing. Teacher Zhang still knows his limits. If you listened to it carefully, the crosstalk was mainly aimed at Tang Dazhang and the crosstalk world, as well as their mass crosstalk performance that was nned for Central TV''s Spring Festival G. As for Central TV''s Spring Festival G event itself, he only made a slightly snide remark about it which didn''t seem that much to me."


    "It was still a snide remark!"


    "But Zhang Ye has created two hallmark TV shows for Central TV that helped it regain the top position in the industry, and look at where that led. During The Voice, how did the station execs treat him? Weren''t they turning on him by forcefully trying to take his copyright from him? Then what about during A Bite of China? They kept obstructing him back then, and even with the heaven-defying viewership ratings of A Bite of China now, none of the station execs gave him any acknowledgment or said anything good about Zhang Ye. They did not even invite him to join the Spring Festival G. Not only that, the Spring Festival G production team even released news that they would not consider him for future gs. What was the meaning of that? If that happened to anyone else, they wouldn''t take it lying down either. To think that they wouldn''t even allow Zhang Ye to make some remarks to vent his frustrations?"


    "Hai."


    "We shouldn''t poke our nose into some of these matters."


    "Zhang Ye doesn''t spare anyone with hisments either. If he just gives in sometimes and apologizes, things wouldn''t get so tense and the situation wouldn''te to such a standstill."


    "If he gave in, then he wouldn''t be known as Zhang Ye."


    "Yeah, that''s right."


    "Stop talking about this and let''s go already. The admissions for the annual party will be starting soon."


    "Let''s go!"


    "I will surely win theptop prize today! Haha!"


    ...


    4 o''clock in the afternoon.


    After the makeup was applied and everyone changed into their formal wear, everybody gathered at the entrance of the party venue before the doors opened for them to enter.


    The entire event was held at Central TV, where an internal department had opened up a ce for everyone. It wasn''t the venue that was used for the Spring Festival G, but was probably a secondary or backup location for it as it was a ratherrge area.


    Yan Tianfei arrived.


    Little Wang was helping Zhang Ye adjust his suit.


    Finally, a staff member ran up to them to inform them that it was the Documentary Channel''s turn to enter. When Yan Tianfei gave his signal, everyone shuffled to the entrance of the venue with their passes hung around their necks.


    But suddenly, something happened.


    In this jubnt atmosphere, after two venue staff members noticed the Documentary Channel''s staff, they were slightly taken aback and strode up to them and held out their hands to stop Zhang Ye. "Sorry, please wait a moment." Then, they turned to Yan Tianfei and said, "Director Yan, the station executives have instructed us just now that Teacher Zhang Ye will not be allowed to attend this annual staff party!"


    What?


    Bar Zhang Ye from attending?

 Chapter 862: You can’t avoid seeing me today even if you want to

    <h4>Chapter 862: You can��t avoid seeing me today even if you want to </h4>


    Chapter 862: You can''t avoid seeing me today even if you want to


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the entrance of the party venue.


    Many people were stunned!


    Yan Tianfei''s face sank. "What did you say?"


    That staff member repeated, "Teacher Zhang Ye will not be allowed to attend the annual staff party."


    Ha Qiqi was extremely irritated by this. "Why not!"


    Zhang Zuo was also infuriated. "Why can''t our Director Zhang attend?"


    "It''s just something that the station heads have instructed." That staff member said, "We''re just following orders, so we don''t know the reasons. Sorry about it, Teacher Zhang, but we''ll be taking back your pass."


    Zhang Ye was amused by this. "And if I were to insist on going in?"


    Several of the staff members were startled.


    One of them said, "About that��"


    Zhang Ye calmly said, "Are you guys going to attempt to drag or carry me out?"


    One of the other staff members had already subconsciously taken a step backwards. Who hadn''t heard of the notorious Zhang Ye before!


    Yan Tianfei said loudly, "Get your manager out here!"


    Actually, one of the managers of the venue this year was watching them all this time from not too far away. He knew that this issue would be tricky to handle, so he had chosen to hide away for the moment. But seeing that an argument was about to break out over here, he couldn''t ignore it anymore and came over quickly. "Old Yan, what''s the matter? Why are you in such a bad mood?"


    Yan Tianfei replied, "What do you think!"


    That manager said, "I was also just notified a moment ago."


    Yan Tianfei''s temper was very well-known in Central TV. He did not intend to tone it down and was shouting loudly so that everyone around them could hear. "You could''ve informed us at any time, but chose to do so when we were just about to enter the venue? Who are you guys trying to impress? Who are you trying to repress?"


    That manager said, "The instructions are from the station heads!"


    "I don''t give a damn whose instructions those are!" Yan Tianfei directly scolded, "What is the meaning of doing something like this on such an asion? Who are you trying to shame here? Is this how things should be handled?"


    The manager said, "Old Yan, why are you shouting at me?!"


    Yan Tianfei pointed at him. "I will just shout at you as I like, so what!"


    That manager was getting angry too and started arguing with Yan Tianfei at the entrance!


    With their shouting, everyone''s attention was diverted to the incident. Many of the other department heads and staff had not entered the venue yet and were still gathered outside. They could see everything right in front of them. Even those Central TV staff who already went in had stuck their heads out to have a look when they heard the ruckus from inside.


    More and more people gathered to see themotion.


    Director Jiang Naixiong from Central TV Department 1.


    A deputy director from Central TV Department 5.


    Zhang Huo from Central TV''s Variety Channel.


    Everyone''s attention turned to this incident at once.


    "What happened?"


    "What is happening?"


    "Zhang Ye has been stopped outside the entrance."


    "Ah?"


    "I heard that the station has instructed that he''s not allowed to attend the event!"


    "It''s the staff party today, and takes ce only once a year. Surely they won''t do that, right?"


    "Why not? Can''t you see that they are almost fighting out there because of this!?"


    "Aiyo, looks like they really are!"


    "They''re really not allowing Zhang Ye to attend the party?"


    The staff were all whispering.


    Yan Tianfei roared, "Old He, don''t you y me for a fool. Little Zhang is the executive director and supervisor of Department 14''s only program team, so why can''t he go in? Ah?"


    That manager said, "Are you saying that I''m making this up?"


    But at this moment, Zhang Ye surprisingly removed the pass around his neck and threw it with a grin to one of the staff. Then, he turned to Yan Tianfei and told him, "Director Yan, forget it. I''m not attending the party if they don''t want me there. I can always go home and catch up on some sleep instead."


    However, Yan Tianfei eximed "This is not going to be an issue!"


    "Director Zhang, don''t go!" Ha Qiqi was also getting impatient.


    "Right, Director Zhang!"


    "If you leave, we''re leaving too!"


    "We''ll just not attend the party together!"


    "Fuck! Aren''t you guys oppressing us like this?!"


    The people from Department 14 were shouting and yelling!


    It wasn''t that Zhang Ye was in a good mood today. With his character, if he met with such matters, he would have already taken it head on by now. Zhang Ye wasn''t afraid to tear a hole in the sky and take all responsibility for any fallout if it only affected himself. But as this incident was specifically targeted at Zhang Ye, and since his own program team along with Yan Tianfei also stood up for him, he knew that he shouldn''t give them more trouble.


    However, Yan Tianfei grabbed Zhang Ye by his shoulder and stopped him from leaving.


    Seeing this, Zhang Ye was truly touched. With so many people standing up for him, there was no reason for Zhang Ye to take a step back anymore!


    Suddenly, a person appeared.


    An assistant of a deputy station head.


    That assistant also behaved rather self-importantly, talking loudly to the people around him as soon as he appeared. "Why are you all standing here and watching?! The event is about to start soon! Hurry up and go inside!"


    Only then did some of the staff start moving inside, though they walked in very slowly, turning back to look with every step they took as they were still curious about what would happen here.


    The assistant went up to the people of Department 14. "Director Yan, don''t you know what asion it is today? With so many people around, don''t you think we should save some face for ourselves?"


    Yan Tianfei looked at him coldly and said, "If I save face for you, then who would save face for me?"


    The assistant said, "This decision was made by the heads during a meeting. The reasons for it were simple. First, Zhang Ye did not get consent from the station and participated in the Spring Festival G rehearsal at Beijing TV, which is against regtion. Second, as one of Central TV''s staff, Zhang Ye insulted the production team of Central TV''s Spring Festival G and its performances, which is also against regtion. Considering that these two regtions were flouted, the station has meted out their punishment to Zhang Ye. His bonus for this month andst year''s end-of-year bonus will be forfeited, as well as having his basic sry reduced by one grade. He will also be internally disciplined and barred from attending this end-of-year party. That''s all!"


    Sry reduction?


    Bonuses forfeited?


    This punishment was considerably harsh!


    Moreover, a lot of the people around also understood quite well that due to A Bite of China, Zhang Ye''s bonuses were definitely of a different grade than a normal staffer''s bonuses. It was surely in the range of a six-figure or even seven-figure sum. To anyone in any department, this was surely a sizable sum of money.


    Yan Tianfei was just about to say something.


    But Zhang Ye was already responding, "I have three points to raise too."


    The assistant looked at him. "What?"


    "First off," Zhang Ye asked him, "Who are you?"


    Someone in the crowd couldn''t hold it in andughed.


    That assistant''s expression suddenly changed!


    Who am I?


    You don''t know who I am?


    That assistant felt intentionally slighted by Zhang Ye, but actually, Zhang Ye really did not know who he was. He could not even recognize most of the deputy station heads, much less an assistant of theirs.


    Zhang Ye said, "Second, my contract gives me the freedom to do whatever I want. I can participate in any performances at a provincial TV station''s Spring Festival G without needing consent from anyone. No one has the right to interfere with that. Third, all crosstalk routines are fictitious, so if you wish to say that I was pointing out our organization, then I can''t do anything about that either. But in the event that you insist that I was really insulting Central TV''s Spring Festival G and some of its performances, then that would just be my way and technique to present my routine. If you think that those are problems, I would like to pose the question back at you. The production team of Central TV''s Spring Festival G and some of the performances along with the performers have ndered me on Weibo and other public, online channels before, so would those be considered as going against regtion as well? Should they be punished too? There''s no reason that other people can''t smear my name by making unfounded usations against me, but I can''t casually make some remarks during a fake performance, right?! Isn''t this what we call a double standard?"


    Before he had performed the routine called "I Want to Get on the Spring Festival G," Zhang Ye did not actually n to use it for his fake performance at all. But with the continued scolding from the crosstalk world, and faced with criticism from some people at Central TV as well as their Spring Festival G production team''s "idental leak" that their event would never, ever invite Zhang Ye to perform at it, he finally decided to do that crosstalk performance. Having been trampled on publicly by all these people, he had no reason not to strike back!


    You can scold me, but I can''t say anything about you?


    Do you think you are kings or something?!


    That assistant said, "I will repeat it again: This is the station''s decision and whatever you say now does not matter to us. You are barred from attending the annual staff party!"


    Yan Tianfei confronted, "Why was I not informed about the station''s decision first?"


    The assistant said stiffly, "They might not have managed to inform you in time, but we''re informing you of it now!"


    Yan Tianfei replied, "I am Zhang Ye''s direct superior. You want to forfeit his bonuses? And discipline him too? Did you all even let me know about this beforehand? Did I agree to it? If I don''t agree, then no one shall be allowed to forfeit Little Zhang''s bonuses! None of you have the authority to prohibit an exemry employee from attending the annual staff party!" He repeated loudly again, "It doesn''t matter whose instruction it is!"


    If Zhang Ye was known to have the worst reputation in Central TV, then Yan Tianfei''s was undoubtedly the second worst. A lot of the old-timers of Central TV knew about Yan Tianfei''s temper and were not surprised by what he had just said. After all, it wasn''t as if Old Yan had never taken shots at the station heads before!


    In the crowd, there was a deputy director from Department 11 who was on rather good terms with Yan Tianfei. He was also the director who had allowed his department''s HD video cameras to be loaned to them for the filming of A Bite of China.


    After listening for a while, Deputy Director Cha also spoke up, "Assistant Hao, you shouldn''t me those from Department 14 for being so agitated. After all, this matter was indeed handled improperly. A Bite of China is currently the highest viewership rated show in the country and has broken so many records, even winning the most prestigious award for documentaries. Director Zhang has to be credited for all that no matter what. On the issue of disciplinary actions, getting criticized in a cirction is fine, but those things must be kept separate and his contributions must still be rewarded, right? The Spring Festival ising soon. Surely there''s no need to bar Director Zhang from attending the annual staff party, is there? That would be too cold and unfeeling."


    Another department''s supervisor at the back agreed, "Right, just how bad is this enmity that you''re denying him from attending the annual staff party? You even resorted to chasing him away here, in front of everyone?"


    Yan Tianfei did not have many friends, and Zhang Ye had even fewer. Therefore, only a few people from the middle and higher management who were in the crowd came forward to speak up for them, while the majority of the others tried to mediate the situation.


    A supervisor at Central TV Department 3 said, "Cut down on the arguing. This is difficult for everyone to witness."


    A head of the International Channel said, "Old Yan, Teacher Little Zhang, calm down, both of you. The heads are all in there. This argument won''t lead to anything good either."


    Central TV Department 1''s Director Jiang Naixiong and Deputy Director Jiang Yuan also emerged from the venue.


    Jiang Naixiong questioned, "Old Yan, are you making light of the punishments meted out by the station?"


    Yan Tianfei looked at him and said, "What does it have to do with you?"


    Even though Central TV''s Spring Festival G was broadcast on Central TV Department 1, it had nothing much to do with Department 1. Each year, the Spring Festival G would have it''s own independent program team made up of staff from the different departments of Central TV. There were even some staff who were contracted from external agencies.


    With those words, Jiang Naixiong was provoked. "How can you speak in that manner! The punishments were already meted out, but you''re all still arguing over it out here!"


    They gradually started to argue again!


    The situation outside the venue of the annual staff party was getting out of control!


    At this moment, Deputy Station Head Zhou got wind of the situation and came out with a dark look on his face. "What''s going on? What are you all arguing for? Look at the time now! Why aren''t you all going inside yet?"


    Yan Tianfei said, "It''s not that we don''t want to go in, it''s just that we''re not being allowed in!"


    Deputy Station Head Zhou frowned. "Who''s not letting you in?"


    Yan Tianfei dered, "By not allowing Little Zhang to attend the annual staff party, it''s as good as not allowing all of us from Department 14 to attend the party!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Right, we won''t participate!"


    Zhang Zuo shouted, "Wherever Director Zhang goes, we go!"


    "How unreasonable!"


    "We''ll stick together with Director Zhang!"


    "Director Yan is right!"


    "By not letting Director Zhang enter, it''s as good as not allowing us to enter!"


    With those words from Yan Tianfei, everyone from Department 14 had amon enemy to stand up to. Everyone also felt very aggrieved about the situation. This was really oppressing them!


    From behind, another deputy station head came out and said expressionlessly, "What are you all doing? What the hell are you all doing? Old Yan, you''re a veteran of the station, but why is your thinking and awareness socking?"


    Yan Tianfei said, "Indeed, my awareness is reallycking! Little Zhang has already been with Central TV for half a year now. I don''t think I need to mention how well his shows like The Voice and A Bite of China have done, but look at what happened. He still keeps getting plotted against by people internally at the station! Getting suppressed from everywhere! He has credit but no rewards, and he''s even getting punished in the end? When Teacher Little Zhang was still with Central TV Department 1, I couldn''t interfere. But now that Little Zhang is part of Department 14, I must definitely do something about it!"


    Everyone could see that Yan Tianfei was totally infuriated today. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have said all that during such an asion!


    Zhang Ye looked at them and said, "Actually, I''m fine with not attending this annual staff party. But it should not be handled this way. You are barring me from attending the event just because I made some satirical remarks about Central TV''s Spring Festival G in my crosstalk routine? Alright then! It''s fine that I get barred, but since that''s how it is, then we have to apply the same standards to everyone. There should be a lot of people from the station who have discredited me before, or doubted and criticized A Bite of China and our staff from Department 14. A lot of those people are also attending the annual party, right? Then I want all of them toe out right now! Every one of them should not be attending the party! Only then would it be fair, right? So get them out here now!"


    "That''s right!"


    "Why is it that others can scold us and get away with it?"


    "If there''s a punishment, then everyone should get punished together!"


    "Why are you guys only targeting us from Department 14?"


    "What did we do? We''ve done our jobs well but we''re still in the wrong?"


    "Weren''t there a lot of people who criticized us back then? I saw quite a few of them swaggering into the venue just now! But why are you excluding Director Zhang when it''s his turn to enter!"


    The people of Department 14 were raging.


    Zhang Ye looked at that deputy station head and the others who were blocking him from entering the venue. "Don''t stare at me that way. It was you who mentioned discrediting colleagues and sister channels first, so I just brought it up by the by." Saying this, he took out his cell phone and browsed through the Weibo archives one by one, naming people as he did. "Chen Hefei, employee of Central TV Department 1, publicly insulted the works of Department 14st December. Xu Dong, employee of Central TV Department 1,prehensively dismissed all works of Department 14 and verbally attacked them. Wu Xia��"


    Everyone look at one another not knowing how to react.


    Some of those whose names were mentioned by Zhang Ye were standing in the crowd with ghastly expressions.


    When he finished naming people, Zhang Ye said, "So how would you guys deal with those employees?"


    No one answered him, no one could answer him at all. When it came to arguing, clearly none of those present were a match for Zhang Ye!


    The incident was getting blown up. Many of the station heads could no longer pretend like nothing was happening. At this moment, the venue entrance was full of people watching and not going inside the venue! With the situation ying out this way, someone had to step in for sure. If it was not properly handled, it might incur the collective dissatisfaction of Department 14. On such a grand asion like the annual staff party, what would it look like if the director of the hottest performing Department 14 led his people to boycott? Refusal to enter the venue? This internal conflict was undoubtedly too big, and ignoring how the media would report it, the matter of who would take responsibility for this was the bigger question! Importantly, the current Department 14 was no longer the vulnerable Department 14 of the past. They were the department with the highest viewership rated show in the entire country now!


    Shortly, another station head appeared. He pulled Yan Tianfei to the side and spoke with him. This station head was on closer terms with Yan Tianfei and had a better rtionship with him than the others. Yan Tianfei did not speak to him impatiently, although his emotions still ran high!


    Deputy Station Head Zhou took this opportunity to head back into the venue.


    Inside, several of the heads held an impromptu meeting.


    "How should we handle this?"


    "Just chase Zhang Ye away! Who cares what he says!"


    "Do you think we can chase him off? The people at Department 14 are protesting very strongly against this, especially Old Yan!"


    "That Old Yan is getting too out of hand!"


    "The one who''s most out of hand is Zhang Ye. He''s even arguing against the decisions of the station? So what if we are punishing him? Do we still have to give him a reason? And still exin it to him?"


    "We should just ignore him. The production team of the Spring Festival G are discriminating against Zhang Ye because of that crosstalk. A few of the directors and nners have alle toin about him! We have to appease those people''s feelings too! Why are we barring him from attending the annual staff party? It''s simply because there are many who do not want to see him! Even though the Station Head did not say it explicitly, his impression of Zhang Ye shouldn''t be good either. No one wishes to spend the New Year with this person giving off such an unsettling feeling."


    "But what would happen if we don''t allow him into the venue? Old Yan and the others from Department 14 are having none of it! This affair will get blown up and it''ll no longer just be a problem of being unsettled anymore!"


    "Forget it, let''s just allow Zhang Ye to attend the party."


    "He won''t be performing anyway, so long as he doesn''t make trouble, it''ll be fine!"


    "I suppose that''s the only way for now."


    After about five minutes of discussion, the station finally relented and allowed Zhang Ye to attend the staff party.


    The atmosphere outside calmed down a little.


    And Yan Tianfei led his people in.


    Around them, many people were whispering.


    "They still relented in the end."


    "Fuck, I thought they would start a real fight."


    "The station barred Zhang Ye from attending because they did not wish to see him on this joyous asion. But that Zhang Ye doesn''t seem to get it and still insists on attending? If I were him, I would have turned around and left. I wouldn''t want to get hated on in such a way."


    "That''s why you can''t be a celebrity."


    "Zhang Ye is terrible too. He has the skill and talent, yet his rtionships are so poor! They barred him from attending just so that they did not need to see him. This is a never-before-seen situation and a first-of-its-kind punishment meted out by Central TV. Only something like that can happen on Zhang Ye!"


    As he passed by them, Zhang Ye''s ears pricked up and he heard their whisperings.


    A lot of people do not wish to see me?


    Heh, Zhang Ye''s eyes narrowed to a slit.


    You can''t avoid seeing me even if you want to!


    This bro is definitely not going to let you all have any peace today!

 Chapter 863: Winning 20 prizes in a row at the annual staff party’s lucky draw!

    <h4>Chapter 863: Winning 20 prizes in a row at the annual staff party''s lucky draw! </h4>


    Chapter 863: Winning 20 prizes in a row at the annual staff party''s lucky draw!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Everyone entered the venue.


    A soft and soothing piece of music was ying through the audio system.


    The venue for the annual staff party was very spacious as it was really a venue meant for gs. Only the audience''s seating arrangement had been modified. At the moment, it was set with round tables and chairs. A rough estimate would put the numbers at around close to 30 tables, with each one holding up to eight people. So there would be slightly more than 200 people present here today and the party could be considered rather grand. On both sides, there were even specially set up cameras recording the entire annual staff party, which was the grandest one to be held in recent years.


    "Where are we sitting?"


    "This way, please."


    "What about us from Department 3?"


    "Supervisor Zhou, Department 3''s table is in the second row."


    The venue staff were leading the guests to their tables to get seated.


    When Yan Tianfei and Zhang Ye led their department in, a person rushed up to them and led them to the side. "Department 14''s table is over here, pleasee with me."


    In the end, they didn''t have to walk far at all. That staff member had led them to the rightmost corner of the venue where a lone table stood. This position could only be described as isted and far away from the stage. Even a person with good eyesight would not be able to see the faces of anyone on the stage clearly from here. They would see at most a blurred figure and would surely have to look at the big screen next to the stage to know clearly what was happening on stage. There was no card on the table either. But very quickly, someone walked up from behind them and ced cards on two of the tables over here. They had clearly made ast minute change to their department''s seating location.


    Ha Qiqi held in her anger and asked, "This is where we are going to be seated?"


    "Yes," coughed that staff member.


    "Are there no other tables?" Yan Tianfei''s secretary asked with a dark expression.


    That staff member said, "Uh, it''s all been arranged and there''s no spare tables left." Then he turned around and left.


    Yan Tianfei waved it off and said, "Let''s sit down."


    Everyone took a seat and looked around them, looking extremely disgruntled.


    Their tables were surrounded by two walls. One of the walls was a solid wall, while the other was a doorway between the venue and an emergency exit. There was even winding into the venue from there that made it rather cold for them.


    Little Wang said angrily, "What kind of treatment is this?"


    Huang Dandan added, "This location is way too isted!"


    "I know now that we''re this unwee by the station!" Wu Yi said unhappily.


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s not you that they don''t wee, but me."


    They knew that Zhang Ye was speaking the truth. As the people at the station did not want to see him, they had decided to bar him from attending the annual staff party instead. Even though they had relented now and Zhang Ye was allowed to take part in the party, they didn''t want him to enjoy it infort. It could be seen from the change of Department 14''s table location to this isted corner, cing them so close to the emergency exit as if this were the only way that they could keep him out of sight and out of mind.


    Yan Tianfei said, "Teacher Little Zhang, don''t worry about the bonuses. Once the event is over, I will help you settle it. I dare them to forfeit your bonuses!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "It''s OK, Director Yan."


    But Yan Tianfei said, "What''s OK? Your year-end bonus alone already amounts to several hundred thousand yuan!"


    Yan Tianfei''s secretary added, "That punishment itself is already unreasonable!"


    "It''s really OK." Zhang Ye said, "Director Yan, I needed those words from you, but don''t trouble yourself with it anymore. If they want to deduct the year-end bonus, let them do it. But they ought to know that it''s not going to be that easy to take my money from me."


    Yan Tianfei was taken aback. "Oh?"


    Zhang Ye suddenly asked, "Oh yes, how will the lucky draw be heldter?"


    Ha Qiqi eximed, "Director Zhang, are you hoping to win something?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "I was just asking."


    "The chances are too low, especially for those grand prizes." Zhang Zuo shook his head continuously.


    Yan Tianfei''s secretary had attended quite a number of these staff parties before and knew much better. "It''s just a normal lucky draw format. Everyone has a chance at winning and the draws are held between each performance. Theputer will randomly select a winner to decide who wins the prize."


    Zhang Ye nodded in understanding.


    The others thought that Zhang Ye was only casually asking about it and did not take it to heart.


    After a while, the tables beside them also got seated.


    One of the tables was for the International Channel, while the other was for the Agriculture Channel, but at least their table positions were located closer to the center than Department 14''s table. When they saw Yan Tianfei and Zhang Ye, those people looked a little odd and hadplicated expressions on their faces. Based on Department 14''s outstanding results for this past year, they should have been seated further to the front, yet they ended up being ced at a corner over here. As it could be seen, results were not everything that mattered in Central TV. What was more important was to follow in the same direction as the executives.


    "Eh? Who is that?"


    "Someone from Central TV Department 5?"


    "There''s a neer at the Sports Channel? How pretty!"


    "I''ve never seen her before either."


    "I heard that her name is Yu Yingyi. She''s the newly hired sportsmentator and host for Central TV Department 5. She''s a rather well-known personality online."


    Outside.


    Everyone from Central TV Department 5 gradually arrived.


    Yu Yingyi was among them. When she came in, she immediately started to scan her surroundings. Her gaze fell on a table in the corner and she asked in a rather startled way to the colleague beside her, "Why are the people of Department 14 seated all the way over there?"


    That colleague gave a wry smile and said, "You were at the makeup studio earlier, so you did not see what happened. There was nearly a fight outside at the entrance just now and it''s already quite a surprise that they let those people from Department 14 into the venue, much less be seated over there."


    Yu Yingyi immediately asked, "What happened?"


    "It''s all because of that Zhang Ye." Her colleague exined the entire situation to her.


    After listening to it, Zhang Ye''s old ssmate was at a loss for words. In the past, Yu Yingyi often found out from the news and media how bad Zhang Ye''s rtionship with Central TV was, while Zhang Ye had also mentioned it himself before. However, as she had never seen it for herself, Yu Yingyi did not truly understand how bad it was. But now, she finally knew what it was like and realized that almost everyone at Central TV had very bad opinions of Zhang Ye. Hai, just how did this old ssmate of hers survive in the industry all this while!? As for Central TV, why would you people keep finding fault with someone who had produced two of the top viewership rated television shows in the country and was also the host and executive director of those shows! And just how unpopr could Zhang Ye be to get barred from attending the annual staff party in this period of the Spring Festival?


    Across the way, Zhang Ye also spotted her. She was dressed in a long red gown today that looked very beautiful and made her stand out from the crowd. Slightly startled by her attendance, Zhang Ye realized that Yu Yingyi had finally joined the Central TV Sports Channel officially. He took out his cell phone and texted her a message.


    Zhang Ye: "I saw you. Turn around and look at thest row."


    Very quickly, Yu Yingyi replied: "I already saw you earlier."


    Zhang Ye: "Then why didn''t you call out to me?"


    Yu Yingyi: "Didn''t you say to pretend to not know you?"


    Zhang Ye: "Damn, and you seriously pretended to not know me?"


    Yu Yingyi: "That was necessary!"


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    Yu Yingyi: "Hahaha."


    Just as he was happily chatting with his old ssmate, Zhang Ye suddenly and intuitively felt like he was being watched. He raised his head to look around and actually found some unfriendly gazes upon him!


    Central TV Department 1''s Jiang Yuan was staring at him coldly.


    And so was Xu Yipeng.


    Of the seven or eight people at that table, more than half were looking with disgust at Zhang Ye, muttering some words seemingly discussing him. From their expressions, it didn''t look like they were talking nice about him at all. There was also another table in the front row where some people were frowning and looking in the direction of Zhang Ye and Department 14''s table��those two tables generally consisted of staff from the Spring Festival G''s production team!


    Jiang Yuan said, "How could they seriously allow him in?"


    Xu Yipeng said, "Who knows what the management is thinking!"


    "That Zhang Ye! I''m eternally against him!" A nner of the Spring Festival G''s production team said, "No one says things like how he says! Why did he scold our Spring Festival G show?"


    A female producer of the production team stated, "That crosstalk definitely went over the line. I believe that no one here today wants to see him around either."


    Someone said, "Didn''t the Spring Festival G''s production team alreadyin to the station heads about Zhang Ye? His bonuses for this year have been forfeited anyway, and even if that isn''t much of a pinch to him, some justice has still been served."


    Another person said, "How is that considered as justice served? He should be fired outright!"


    "Stop talking about him already, it''s affecting my mood!"


    "Right, let''s not mention that bastard!"


    Actually, it wasn''t only them who were discussing this. With all thatmotion at the entrance earlier, who wasn''t talking about it! Some of those who had arrivedter and did not witness the incident quickly found out about it from others.


    At a table in the front row.


    This was the table where the station heads were seated.


    A staff member came to give them an update about the event proceedings. "Sir."


    Deputy Station Head Zhou asked, "How''s it going?"


    That person quickly replied, "All the arrangements have been made. We''ve ced Zhang Ye all the way in the corner in the back row."


    Several of the station heads turned around to have a look.


    A deputy station head made a noise in acknowledgment. "The Station Head will be here soon. He has also seen that Beijing TV Spring Festival G crosstalk and I heard that he was infuriated by it. So you better ensure that none of us will see Zhang Ye today."


    That person guaranteed, "You definitely won''t notice him."


    "Oh, the Station Head is here."


    "Go on and greet him."


    The station heads stood up.


    "Station Head."


    "Station Head."


    The Station Head gestured with both hands to calm them down and said with a smile, "Take a seat, quickly."


    With the leader''s arrival and the venue seated to capacity, the annual staff party officially began!


    There were three hosts taking charge of tonight''s staff party, two men and one woman. One of the male hosts was Central TV Department 1''s Chen Ye.


    Chen Ye said with a big smile, "Good evening to our leaders, and my fellow colleagues!"


    The female host said while also smiling, "Wee to the venue of this year''s annual staff party. I am your host, Jiajia."


    The other male host said, "I am Hao Dong!"


    Chen Ye followed, "And I am Chen Ye."


    Then they said in unison, "We''d like to wish every one of you an early ''Happy Spring Festival!''"


    Apuse rang out from the audience!


    Jiajia said, "Next up, let''s wee the Station Head onstage to make a speech!"


    The Station Head smiled and took the draft of his speech with him, walking slowly onto the stage. "Wee, everyone! Seeing everyone so spirited and vibrant, I feel very pleased. This year has been a brilliant year for Central TV as we have groomed so many talented staff and had many excellent TV shows emerge from our station. The results are very encouraging and for all to see��"


    By this point, the people of Department 14 could not help but start whispering.


    Huang Dandan dered, "Aren''t a majority of those excellent shows he''s harping about produced by Director Zhang!"


    "Yeah." Little Wang spat with disgust, "But so what? Director Zhang''s year-end bonuses were forfeited and he nearly couldn''t attend the staff party too. They even ced us all the way here in the back row!"


    Tong Fu said, "Of this treatment, I really have no words to describe it!"


    Chen Ye inadvertently nced over to where Zhang Ye was from the stage and felt rather good about it. It was all because of A Bite of China that Rise to the Dance was doing so badly in the viewership ratings even though it started off with good momentum. It was because of Zhang Ye''s show that their viewership ratings had been siphoned away, so how could the Rise to the Dance program team not hate him? Seeing the supposed hero that was Zhang Ye being relegated to a table in the corner, Chen Ye understood the station''s attitude about this issue. A lot of people could also see this clearly��no matter how capable Zhang Ye was, he would notmand an important position in Central TV! Zhang Ye frustrated people every day at Central TV so much that even the station heads could not bear to see him!


    You have offended the station heads.


    Offended Central TV Department 1.


    Offended the Spring Festival G production team.


    How could you still survive then? You can''t redeem yourself anymore!


    On the stage, the Station Head''s speech was almost over. Throughout, whether it was praise, recognition, or specific mentions of outstanding employees, he did not bring up Zhang Ye''s name whatsoever. Following that, another station executive gave a speech onstage. It was the same as earlier, with Zhang Ye''s name not being mentioned. It was as though everyone was purposely avoiding his name and did not want anything to do with him.


    The performance segment of the annual staff party officially started after that.


    Chen Ye announced, "For the first act, we have a tap dancing performance by Central TV Department 1!"


    Apuse thundered!


    The opening dance began!


    "Wow, it''s quite good!"


    "Haha, even Old Sun is participating?"


    "They''re dancing quite well!"


    "Great!"


    Everyone in the audience wasughing and cheering!


    This was what the annual staff parties were like. Many of the performances were not too professional and were full of mistakes. But since it was held in thepany of colleagues, it made it very interesting to watch and the staff participation was also very strong.


    Amid the warm apuse, the tap dancing performance ended.


    The station heads were alsoughing and pping, nodding in approval.


    Central TV Department 1''s Director Jiang Naixiong said with augh, "We''re not too bad, right?"


    Beside him, another department''s director said, "Not bad, not bad at all."


    "The kids rehearsed a month for that," Deputy Director Jiang Yuan remarked.


    At this moment, the hosts reappeared onstage.


    Jiajia, the female hostughed pleasantly and announced, "Alright, next up is the segment that everyone has been waiting for. It''s time for the lucky draw. We''ll be holding them after each performance. There are limited prizes, so let''s see who has the best luck!"


    "Right." The male host smiled and said, "So let''s have a look at the first round of lucky draw prizes. Please look over to the big screen next to the stage."


    On the big screen, the image of a bunch of prepaid gift cards appeared.


    The female host said in astonishment, "Wow, they are prepaid gift cards for an online shopping site."


    The male host said, "Each prepaid gift card has a value of 500 yuan and there are 20 cards to be won. It will be a one-time draw, so let''s see who can be the luckiest. Over to you, Old Chen!"


    Chen Ye smiled and said, "Alright, leave it to me then."


    Chen Ye was already standing in front of aputer off on the side of the stage. This was today''s lucky draw equipment, with theputer randomly picking out the prize winners.


    The system''s interface was shown on the big screen as well.


    Everyone in the audience was getting very excited!


    "It''s finally starting!"


    "It''s mine, it''s mine, it''s all mine!"


    "There''s a value of 500 yuan in it, that''s already quite a sum!"


    "Yeah, this year''s entry level prizes are already at such high quality? Then the prizester will be even better for sure!"


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "Let me win one of those cards! I didn''t get anything at all inst year''s lucky draw!"


    At Department 14''s table.


    Ha Qiqi said, "It''s time for a showdown of luck."


    Little Wang and a few others who were still annoyed by the earlier incidents were not paying much attention to the prizes.


    Zhang Zuo seethed, "We''re really down on our luck today. I doubt we''ll win anything."


    Yan Tianfei was not too concerned with it either. He was still figuring out how he should fight for Zhang Ye''s bonuses as he knew that Zhang Ye would not take this lying down just like he wouldn''t!


    Only Zhang Ye did not say a word and looked like he was tapping at something in midair. No one seemed to understand what he was doing.


    Ha Qiqi and the others looked at Director Zhang strangely for a while and then focused back on the stage.


    Game ring:


    Merchant Shop.


    Lucky Halo (Upgraded), activate!


    Zhang Ye did not hesitate at all and carried out a series of actions. He looked at his reputation points decreasing and did not even blink. Ever since thest time his reputation points were depleted, Zhang Ye had not used his game ring much. He had been amassing his resources and umting his reputation points all this while. After a long time, his poprity kept increasing and his reputation points right now had reached a terrifying amount. It was very high and more than enough to satisfy his usage requirements!


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    His reputation points were deducted at an rming rate of 100,000 points per second!


    Near the wings of the stage, Chen Ye was already pressing the lucky draw activation button with a big smile. "Alright, let''s begin!"


    The 20 screen slots were activated, with each one representing the lucky draw prize winners. At this moment, the images that were shing across each prize slot were photos and names of the staff. In the third slot, Ha Qiqi''s staff photo and name shed by for a split second before changing to someone else''s. The 20 lucky draw slots were independent of each other, therefore each photo and name that shed in each one was different from the others. The sequence was fully randomized!


    Everyone''s attention was focused on the big screen.


    Chen Ye held up his microphone and asked, "Shall we invite the heads to call for when to stop the sequence?"


    The female hostughed. "Then we must surely invite our Station Head to call for the first lucky draw prize."


    The Station Head smiled and picked up a microphone. "Let''s take turns calling to stop the sequence. Hur hur, let me do it first then." Looking at the big screen, he gently said, "OK, stop."


    Chen Ye immediately hit the stop button!


    The first winner of the prepaid gift card was drawn!


    But when they saw that it stopped at Zhang Ye''s photo, a lot of people were somewhat stunned by it!


    Pfft!


    Why did it turn out to be him!?


    Yu Yingyi was amused by this and covered her mouth as sheughed!


    Both Ha Qiqi and Little Wang also burst outughing in unison.


    Yan Tianfei couldn''t help butugh as well!


    The people of Department 14 were allughing!


    The first photo and name that appeared on the big screen was Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Zuoughed loudly anduded, "Director Zhang, congrattions!"


    "A good start, it''s a good start!" Yan Tianfei''s secretary also congratted him.


    Chen Ye''s face darkened and wondered how it could be so coincidental. Why did this guy pop up the more they did not wish to see him!


    That was what the other Central TV staff were thinking too. It was too much of a coincidence, but when they thought about it, even though the chances of winning were slim, it was still much better than the lottery. There were only a few hundred of them here today, so the probability of winning was definitely there, but it just coincidentally ended up with Zhang Ye winning it.


    Jiang Naixiong shook his head. What dogshit luck!


    The Spring Festival G production team were also frowning and speechless at this.


    The Station Head looked at the big screen and did not say anything and just handed the microphone to the deputy station head beside him.


    That deputy station head then proimed at once, "Stop!"


    Chen Ye reacted a momentter and immediately hit the stop button!


    The second prepaid gift card had a winner at that moment, but when the photo was disyed on the big screen, everyone was dumbfounded again!


    Holy shit!


    Why was it still Zhang Ye?


    How could there be so much of a coincidence?


    The deputy station head who had just called to stop the sequence was also stunned. He unconsciously handed the microphone over to the next deputy station head.


    Deputy Station Head Zhou took the microphone and said, "Stop."


    Chen Ye pressed the stop button.


    It was still Zhang Ye''s photo!


    Another station head said, "You can press stop now."


    The fourth slot also showed its result!


    Zhang Ye''s photo was once again disyed there on therge screen!


    "Stop!"


    ��Zhang Ye.


    "Stop."


    ��Zhang Ye.


    "Alright, stop."


    ��It was still Zhang Ye!


    The station heads took turns and consecutively shouted stop 20 times. Chen Ye also pressed stopped consecutively 20 times. Under the dumbfounded gazes of everyone, the first batch of 20 prepaid gift cards were all won by Zhang Ye!


    With this, no one could manage augh anymore!


    Not even the people at Department 14''s table could do so as they all stared at Zhang Ye with their mouths agape!


    What the fuck!


    What the hell happened?


    How could your luck be so damn good!


    The station heads'' expressions were all looking much worse than thest. The people over at the Spring Festival G production team''s tables also turned slightly green with anger. Motherfucker! You actually won all 20 prizes? How many drugs did you inject before you came out today!?

 Chapter 864: Winning 40 prizes in a row!

    <h4>Chapter 864: Winning 40 prizes in a row! </h4>


    Chapter 864: Winning 40 prizes in a row!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    An uproar broke out at the annual party''s venue!


    The employees were whispering to one another as everyone was stunned by the results of the lucky draw!


    "Zhang Ye''s on a crazy streak!"


    "He should have at least left one for us!"


    "His luck is too scary!"


    "It''s too amazing! This is the fucking first time that I''ve seen someone winning 20 prizes consecutively at this event. What''s the probability of achieving something like that?"


    "Fortunately, these prizes are not really considered big."


    "Yeah, there are still many prizes up for grabster."


    "Did something go wrong with the system?"


    "That might be possible!"


    "Pfft, why do I feel likeughing!?"


    "Me too. Just look at the expressions of those people on the Spring Festival G production team. Their faces are as dark as the bottom of a pot!"


    "The more they don''t wish to see Zhang Ye, the more Zhang Ye appears swaying in front of them. He even managed to appear on the big screen 20 times. You know, Zhang Ye nearly could not participate in the party because of everyone''sints about him!"


    Over there.


    Jiang Naixiong said in a low voice, "What the heck is going on!"


    "I don''t know!" Jiang Yuan said angrily, "Why is it all him?"


    Xu Yipeng from the Spring Festival G production team cursed. What an inexorable fellow! You can''t even leave people in peace during an annual staff party! Why is it all you?!


    Over at the heads'' table.


    Deputy Station Head Zhou immediately asked, "Did something go wrong?"


    When another deputy station head saw the Station Head''s expression, he was afraid that the Station Head would fly into a rage, so he immediately said, "Get a technician to take a look and settle it quickly!"


    On the stage, the female host coughed and said, "Looks like Teacher Zhang is on a roll today. I''ve never seen anyone win so many prizes consecutively after hosting so many annual parties!"


    The male host said, "I suppose there was some system malfunction."


    Chen Ye asked, "Then would the results be counted?" This question was asked in a slightly devious manner.


    When many of the Central TV staff in the audience heard that, they naturally echoed along with that opinion.


    "That''s right, it shouldn''t be counted!"


    "The system is faulty, so we should restart the draw!"


    "Let''s do a redraw!"


    "Yeah, let''s do it over again!"


    "The system malfunctioned, so it was an unfair draw earlier!"


    "Redraw!"


    With Chen Ye suggesting that possibility, coupled with the attitude towards Zhang Ye by people like the station heads, Central TV Department 1, as well as most of the Spring Festival G production team, those factors contributed to everyone joining in to protest against the results as those who did not win naturally hoped to have another chance at the draw.


    The Spring Festival G program team staff also said, "Let''s do a redraw!"


    However, the staff of Department 14 could not ept this!


    Ha Qiqi shouted, "You can still change the results after the draw is over?"


    "This is the first time I''ve heard of something like this!" Zhang Zuo immediately became furious. "What is the meaning of this?"


    Little Wang cried out, "Are you guys bullying us? You''re bullying us, right?"


    Tong Fu shouted, "If that''s the case, what the hell are you holding a lucky draw for? You can redraw after the results are decided, and if the draw results do not suit your desired oues, you can also redraw again? Then you might as well specify the prize winners beforehand! You can just give the prizes to whomever you like! We should just stop having a lucky draw!"


    Yan Tianfei''s expression turned cold as he looked up to the stage.


    Everyone was waiting for the station heads'' decision.


    The station heads began to discuss. Because of this system malfunction, the annual party was dyed for several minutes and caused an awkward silence onstage.


    Zhang Ye sneered in his mind but did not show it on his face.


    Perhaps not wanting to hold a discussion for too long or perhaps they considered that it was not worthwhile to mess up the entire annual party''s proceedings over Zhang Ye''s matter, they felt that it was unnecessary to cause any further dy over 20 prepaid gift cards of 500 yuan each, totaling only 10,000 yuan. The station heads made a decision and one of the heads nodded in the direction of the stage. He signaled with his hand indicating that the draw result was valid.


    Chen Ye''s lips twitched a little and he could only announce reluctantly, "Will the winnere onstage to receive the prizes?"


    Zhang Ye smiled as he turned his head and said, "Little Wang?"


    Little Wang immediately stood up. "OK, I will go and collect the prizes!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "That''s right, how could they even think of voiding the oue?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "They only dare to say that because it was Director Zhang who won it. If the people from the Spring Festival G production team won it, I don''t believe anyone would dare to ask whether the results were counted or not!"


    Wu Yi said, "What sort of people are they! The system malfunctioned and you are ming it on us?"


    The female host announced, "The next performance will be a group song performed by the Central TV Finance Department! Everyone, please give them a round of apuse!"


    With this minor incident over, everyone enthusiastically apuded and did not seem to take it to heart. In any case, the system malfunction would only happen that one time and there were still many other, bigger prizesing up.


    Little Wang returned from collecting the prizes with a handful of prepaid gift cards. "Director Zhang, here!"


    Zhang Ye did not take it and said, "Everyone, take one each."


    Little Wang eximed, "Is that appropriate?"


    "Just help yourselves to it." Zhang Ye smiled generously.


    Little Wang giggled. "Then I shall not stand on ceremony. Thank you, Director Zhang!"


    "Then I''ll take one also and not stand on ceremony with Director Zhang." Huang Dandan smiled as she took a prepaid gift card from the stack.


    The others did not make a move for them.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Leave me out."


    Since they did not want it, Zhang Ye didn''t persuade them. He just kept the remaining cards for himself and ced them on the side.


    Zhang Zuo smiled and said, "Although it was a system malfunction, it''s still a winning start! It''s a good omen!"


    "Look at our Director Zhang''s luck!" Tong Fu gave a big thumbs up. "It''s so awesome!"


    Yan Tianfei alsoughed. "By winning these 20 prizes, do you know how much misery you have caused to the people here!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Is that so?"


    Yan Tianfei said with augh, "You''ll know when you see their expressions."


    Zhang Ye had temporarily stopped the Lucky Halo''s usage when the lucky draw was done. Actually, if the value were to be weighed, then the amount of reputation points that Zhang Ye consumed was clearly too precious for that and could not be measured by money. The consumption rate of the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) was very high and not a small figure at all. Furthermore, what he got in return at the end were merely 20 prepaid gift cards with a total value of 10,000 yuan. This did not seem like it was worth it after all! Needless to say, this was a losing deal for sure!


    However, Zhang Ye did not think of it that way. To him, there were some things that he definitely needed to do and some faces that he definitely had to smack. The more the others did not want to see him, the more this guy wanted them to see him! This was the happiest and most enjoyable thing to Zhang Ye! He had always been a man who had risen above vulgar interests! His concept of something interesting was quite different from most people! The more unhappy that others felt, the more happy he would be!


    Therefore, could happiness be measured by money?


    It couldn''t!


    He wouldn''t feel a pinch no matter how many reputation points he needed to spend!


    The singing on stage was surging with emotion.


    "Let''s shout together!"


    "Let''s move forward together!"


    It was an extremely popr military anthem of this world. The people from the Finance Department probably rehearsed it many times as they were very synchronized and also sang quite well too. It garnered great apuse from those in the audience who also joined in the singing with wide grins.


    Off in the wings of the stage, the technicians were tinkering with theputer system.


    Chen Ye watched from the side. "How is it?"


    One of the technicians said, "It''s almost fixed."


    Chen Ye urged, "Hurry up, the performance will be ending soon!"


    That technician said, "The parameters were likely not set properly, let me reset it."


    When the performance ended, the system was fixed as well. They had managed to fix it just in time!


    "There definitely won''t be problem this time." The technician even tested it a few times to make sure that there were no problems. The results from the testing were all different and did not point to the same person.


    Chen Ye nodded and signaled to the other two hosts that he was ready over here.


    The curtains were drawn.


    The hosts reappeared on stage.


    The female host said with a bright smile, "Next, it''s time for the much anticipated lucky draw segment again."


    The male host looked at the screen and said, "Alright, let''s take a look at the prizes for the second round draw." The screen was already showing an image. "Oh, I believe Jiajia will definitely love this prize."


    It was cosmetics!


    An entire set of cosmetics and skincare products!


    The set consisted of a facial cleanser, facial cream, eye gel, CC cream, mascara, etc. It definitely wasn''t cheap!


    The female host said in anticipation, "These prizes are for usdies, so if you win, please remember to give it to me."


    The male hostughed. "I can''t do that. I''ll be giving it to my wife instead."


    "Just look at how stingy this person is," the female host observed.


    Everyoneughed.


    The female host said, "Then I can only hope that I have the luck to win it!"


    The male host said, "There are a total of 20 sets, so everyone will have their chance. Now, let me hand the microphone to Old Chen."


    Chen Ye took over the hosting. He smiled at the audience and said, "Next, I will still be overseeing the lucky draw segment. The previous system malfunction has been fixed by our technicians, so, everyone, please don''t worry that the system will go wrong again." After pausing for a while, he pointed at the screen and said, "Just to mention, the prizes for this round were suggested by Deputy Station Head Zhou''s wife. We also want to thank her for giving so many suggestions for the prizes tonight."


    Deputy Station Head Zhou, sitting in the audience, smiled.


    Some of the female staffers were already getting very excited!


    "Wow, this set of cosmetics is a very reputable brand!"


    "Everyone says that this brand is very good!"


    "Yeah, but it''s rather expensive and I could never bear to buy it in the past!"


    "A set like this will cost at least 3 to 4,000 yuan, right?"


    "This is just the smaller package, so it only costs around 3 or 4,000 yuan each. If it''s the big version, it will cost around 6 or 7,000 yuan! Deputy Station Head Zhou''s wife definitely knows her products well! I like this set of cosmetics!"


    "It''s mine, it''s mine!"


    "Get lost, I''ll definitely win it!"


    "I want to give a set to my wife too!"


    "That''s right. I remember that a few months ago my wife told me she wanted to buy a set of this brand''s cosmetics, but she could not bear to get it as it was too expensive!"


    Not only the women, even the men at the venue were all eager and excited. The second round of the lucky draw prizes were truly the bigger prizes of the night. Just one set alone would cost several grand!


    Over at Department 14''s table.


    Little Wang''s eyes lit up. "I like this! I like this!"


    "I''ve been waiting for this prize since the start," Huang Dandan said with excitement. "Too bad there''s only 20 sets to go around. I wonder if I can win it! Hocus pocus! Grant me a set, please!"


    Ha Qiqi said amused, "Then you''d have to look for Director Zhang."


    Huang Dandan chuckled. "Sister Ha, wasn''t it due the system malfunction earlier? I also would like to look to Director Zhang for this, but I think all his luck has already been used up."


    Ha Qiqi said, "That''s true."


    Wu Yi joked, "Who knows if system will malfunction again?"


    Off at the side of the stage, Chen Ye had already hit the activation button to start the lucky draw. Just like before, the staff photos started shing incessantly in the 20 lucky draw slots on the big screen.


    "Ah, that''s my picture!"


    "I saw mine too!"


    "It was just shing across!"


    "If only it had stopped there just now!"


    Everyone''s emotions were lifted higher and higher. As no one else other than Zhang Ye had won in the first round, everyone''s expectations of winning a prize in this round naturally became greater!


    Chen Ye looked towards the station heads'' table. "Sir, please."


    The Station Head gave a half-smile and then looked next to himself. "I''ll leave it to you all."


    A station executive said, "This is a prize chosen by Old Zhou''s wife, so why don''t you go first?"


    "Hur hur, alright then. I''ll call for the first winner." Deputy Station Head Zhou looked at the big screen and purposely waited for a while before shouting, "Alright, you may stop now!"


    Chen Ye immediately hit the button. "Let''s see who the first lucky winner is!"


    The result of the first lucky draw slot was out!


    A photo appeared boldly in that slot!


    When Chen Ye saw the photo, he immediately showed a shocked expression!


    Deputy Station Head Zhou was dumbfounded!


    Jiang Naixiong and Jiang Yuan were dumbfounded!


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    Central TV Department 5''s Yu Yingyi could not help butugh again. "Pfft!"


    Little Wang screamed, "Aiyo, what is this!"


    Huang Dandan was also shocked!


    Zhang Zuo was stunned and said, "This��"


    Wu Yi said with a dumbfounded look, "Holy shit, it''s Director Zhang again!"


    The first prize of the second round went to Zhang Ye again!


    Zhang Yeughed as he said, "Looks like my luck today is pretty good."


    Yan Tianfei also looked at him in a speechless manner and then shook his head. Heughed to himself for a long time, finding it all tooical. Zhang Ye was clearly the most unwee and unwilling to be mentioned person at the venue. When the heads were giving their speeches up on stage, they did not even want to mention his name and the names of the shows The Voice and A Bite of China. It was obvious what kind of attitude they had for Zhang Ye. But look at what happened. During the lucky draw, Zhang Ye was chosen over and over again as his photo kepting up on the big screen. This was too much of a mockery!


    Chen Ye felt a sense of restlessness from his pent-up feelings.


    All the station heads looked at each other in shock. Damn, just what the hell is happening? Why is it this bastard again?


    This guy''s luck is too damn amazing!


    Out of the few hundred people here, why was he the first winner who got chosen again?!


    The two male and female hosts were also in disbelief onstage!


    This silencested for about 20 seconds until the next station head called to stop the draw for the next prize. Everyone believed that the system had been fixed and that this was probably just a coincidence!


    They did not believe that he could possibly go on to win another 20 prizes again.


    That would be bullshit!


    Deputy Station Head Li: "Stop!"


    Chen Ye hit the button.


    The photo appeared��Zhang Ye!


    Everyone was stunned!


    Deputy Station Head Qi: "Stop!"


    ��Zhang Ye!


    Deputy Station Head Zhao: "Uh, stop!"


    ��Zhang Ye!


    Chief Chen said, "Stop!"


    ��Zhang Ye!


    Everyone: "��"


    The results for the 20 prizes were revealed!


    Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye!


    It was all Zhang Ye!


    Just like the first round, Zhang Ye had swept up all 20 prizes in the second round for himself!


    With this, even the Station Head was not looking too good anymore.


    Deputy Station Head Zhou was infuriated!


    Several of the station heads had expressions of disbelief on their faces!


    Fuck!


    What is going on?!


    What the fuck is going on?!


    The people in the audience went totally silent!


    The Central TV staff stared nkly at the big screen as ten thousand strings of "fuck you" shed across their eyes! Why?! Why was him again?! Didn''t the system get fixed already? How did it still turn out like this?!


    "Heavens!"


    "What is happening?"


    "This��this��"


    "Fuck, not even a single prize was left for us to win!"


    "Your sister, what the heck is going on here?"


    "Could it be that Zhang Ye''s luck is really that good?"


    "He could even win 40 times in a row at a randomized lucky draw? Luck your grandpa! How could this be a matter of luck!? Even if he saved the entire world from destruction in his previous life, he shouldn''t have such good karma!"


    "40 prizes! He has already won 40 prizes consecutively!"


    "Are there any other names in the pot other than Zhang Ye''s for this lucky draw?! Before the results were determined, the shing of those names onscreen suggested that it was a proper draw, so why did only one name appear when the sequence was stopped?"


    The surrounding seven or eight cameramen who were responsible for the recording the event were trembling in fear!


    It was insane!


    Could it get even any more insane than that?!


    Everyone onstage and in the audience were silent.


    At this moment, they could only hear a familiar voice speaking in thest row.


    Zhang Ye looked at his assistant as he smiled and said, "Little Wang, please go and collect the prizes."


    Little Wang said, "Ah?"


    Zhang Ye said, "We won the draw."


    "Got it!" Little Wang stifled her shock and quickly walked to the front. "Where are the prizes Director Zhang won?"


    Chen Ye: "��"


    Little Wang repeated, "Go on and hand it to us."


    Chen Ye said angrily, "There''re still some problems with the system, the prizes��"


    Little Wang had been Zhang Ye''s assistant for some time now and her temper had been influenced for the worse. She did not care who Chen Ye was and just said bluntly, "It''s your problem that the system has problems. I only know from the lucky draw results that Director Zhang is the winner of the prizes. The 20 sets of cosmetics and skincare products, it''s these right? I''ll be taking it away then." Saying that, Little Wang dipped down and picked up a box from the prize rack without waiting for anyone to answer her.


    Huang Dandan followed closely behind and picked up another box.


    Wu Yi went to take the third and fourth boxes, carrying two by himself.


    Under everyone''s gazes, the 20 sets of cosmetics packed inside four boxes were taken away by the people of Department 14.


    Everyone was staring at them with all kinds of expressions!


    Deputy Station Head Zhou''s hand was slightly trembling!


    Chen Ye was cursing in his heart!


    The people from the Spring Festival G production team had gone over to the station heads'' table to protest. Two assistant directors took the lead and raised their doubts at the results. They were questioning if there was a problem with the system that ran the lucky draw sequence!


    Several of the Central TV technicians were sweating profusely as they went onto the stage to retest the equipment.


    "How did that happen?"


    "It shouldn''t be like this."


    "B-But it does not appear to have a problem at all!"


    "Why did it always pick the same person to win then?"


    "It''s not like it''s impossible, but that probability is way too low!"


    "Let''s restart it and try again!"


    The female host immediately rescued the situation by announcing the start of the next performance.


    The curtains were drawn back up and the performance began.


    Zhang Ye opened up a box immediately after he got the prizes. He did not care about what the others thought nor bothered about the angry stares from the surroundings. He directly took out a few sets of the cosmetics and skincare products to give them away to his female colleagues. "Here, it''s for all of you, just take it!"


    Little Wang was overjoyed. "Ah, thank you, Director Zhang!"


    "Director Zhang is the greatest!" Huang Dandanughed heartily as she took a set and hugged it in her arms.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Sister Ha."


    Ha Qiqi coughed several times before saying, "I didn''t need the prepaid gift cards, but I will not stand on ceremony with you for the cosmetics." She took a set for herself as well.


    Zhang Ye added, "Director Yan, why don''t you take a set for your wife?"


    Yan Tianfei smiled and said, "It''s alright. She doesn''t usually put on makeup anyway."


    After taking some time to give out the prizes, he was left with about a dozen sets or so. Then, Zhang Ye just casually put the boxes aside.


    Through that all, a majority of the people present had been looking at Zhang Ye. Nobody was even paying attention to what was being performed onstage at this moment!


    A few older employees marveled at the series of events.


    "That''s who Zhang Ye is. No matter where he goes, he always stands out. He is the focus of everyone''s attention and no one can hold back that splendor of his!"


    "He''s such a godly person!"


    "How on earth did he manage to do that?"


    "Who knows!"


    "I only know one thing. All of this is too damn face-smacking!"


    "That''s right, the station heads even had a disciplinary meeting earlier to bar him from participating in the annual party, but that did not work and they had to ce him at a corner table instead. But so what? Even though he was banished to the corner, he''s still making everything circle around him! Everyone was running in circles around him!"


    "He is truly deserving of the nickname of ''Face-smacking Zhang''!"


    "Look at how the people from the Spring Festival G production team are blowing up over the matter!"


    "As someone who has fought awsuit with Central TV before, insulted the Central TV''s Spring Festival G, and was even avoided by the station heads, he somehow managed to win 40 of the prizes that were meticulously thought out for the Central TV annual party! How is that just face smacking? It seems like their faces were bashed so hard that they got swollen!"


    "There''s such a strange aura surrounding Zhang Ye today!"


    "You make it sound as if he was normal in the past!"


    "Fuck, indeed. He has always been such an abnormal person all the while!"


    "There''s no logical way to exin all his deeds!"


    This was also the first time that Yu Yingyi, Zhang Ye''s old ssmate from Media College, had witnessed his glory firsthand. She was astonished by it and felt that her old ssmate was really a little too awesome! If it were anyone else who won this many prizes, they would probably not dare to go and collect the prizes. It was more likely that they would take the initiative to ask if there was a malfunction with the equipment. But Zhang Ye? He directly instructed his assistant to "go and receive the prizes"!


    This was what was truly awesome about it!


    By saying that, he was basically smacking the faces of a lot of people from Central TV!


    Other than Zhang Ye, who else would dare to say such words at the Central TV annual party? Other than Zhang Ye, who would dare to cause such a mess at the Central TV annual party?


    In the entire entertainment industry, there was really no one else who had such an aura and charisma!


    All sorts of discussions were going on at the venue.


    However, Yu Yingyi turned a deaf ear to her surroundings as she lowered her head and took out her cell phone. With a wry smile, she texted Dong Shanshan: "Shanshan, I''ve finally witnessed Zhang Ye''s awesomeness today!"


    Dong Shanshan replied very quickly: "Has something happened again?"


    Yu Yingyi: "I''m attending the annual staff party right now and a lot of things have happened."


    Dong Shanshan: "Hur hur, it''s not like this is the first time you''ve heard of his awesomeness."


    Yu Yingyi: "Even though I knew about it previously, I never expected that he would be more awesome than what they mentioned on the news before! You aren''t here and did not see the looks on those station heads. Those bros'' faces all turned so green that they looked even greener than a cucumber!"

 Chapter 865: Winning endlessly!

    <h4>Chapter 865: Winning endlessly! </h4>


    Chapter 865: Winning endlessly!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    This is too ruthless!


    This is too cruel!


    Do you intend to fucking win all the prizes?!


    Those were the thoughts going through the minds of many Central TV employees at the moment!


    An emergency meeting was called on the spot at the party venue.


    "Is the system working properly?"


    "If it goes on like this, what''s the point of organizing a lucky draw!"


    "Could the system be hacked by someone?"


    "Hurry up and figure out what went wrong!"


    "Then will the prizes that were given out earlier still be counted? If not, should we recollect them?"


    "They have already taken the prizes away. How can we still recollect them?"


    "I suggest that we change the lucky draw regtions. Those who have won a prize before will have their names removed from the list and won''t be considered for the next draw."


    "It''s toote to change that now!"


    Jiang Naixiong, Jiang Yuan, and some of the directors of the Spring Festival G production team also came over to discuss. In light of the situation, many of the heads'' faces did not look too good. To them, if it were anyone else winning those 40 prizes, even if they were swept up by a single winner, it would have been fine and they would not be bothered by it. But why did it have to be Zhang Ye of all people! Why must it be this person who irked them the most and was a constant headache to them?!


    Many of the heads started to give their suggestions.


    Chen Ye also came forward to suggest a rotten idea. His n was full of ill intent. "I feel that it''s unfair to let Zhang Ye win all the prizes and cause the others not to have a chance to participate. Everyone will surely object to that, so why don''t we just void the earlier results and rece the system to do the redraw so that everyone will stand a chance to win a prize. This is also a way of being responsible to everyone. Looking at the bigger picture, I believe Zhang Ye and the others of Department 14 will definitely understand the decision."


    They would understand?


    Deputy Station Head Zhou nced at Chen Ye.


    Yan Tianfei and Zhang Ye had the worst temper in the whole of Central TV and you expect that they would understand? Don''t be nonsensical! If that happens, we can''t imagine what will happen! This year''s annual party was chaotic enough, yet you still seem to think that there''s not enough trouble?


    Although Deputy Station Head Zhou was extremely annoyed, he did not agree with Chen Ye''s proposal.


    The discussions reached a deadlock over here.


    Basically, everypany would conduct their annual party''s lucky draw events in different ways. Some smallerpanies might just pick out balls with the names of each employee written on them that were ced inside a box. As long as someone won a prize, that ball would be taken out of the pool and would not be included for the next draw after that. Somepanies might also useputers to run their lucky draw system and limit each person''s chance to winning only one prize. But in this world, Central TV''s annual staff parties did not have this limitation, possibly because they had more employees and the probability of winning was much lower. Therefore, the chances for someone to win twice, thrice, or even four times was almost nonexistent. As such, the lucky draw had always been held with the same regtions and had never been changed before. If the lucky draw regtions were to be suddenly changed at this moment, wouldn''t that look a little too intentional and reflect badly on them? Moreover, this sort of regtion change would require a change to be implemented into theputer software, and no one knew whether there was enough time to make the necessary changes to the software at thest minute.


    The performance onstage wasing to an end.


    Over at Department 14''s table.


    Little Wang kept looking at the front row. "It looks like they want to take back the prizes!"


    "They can still do that even after it''s been given out?" Huang Dandan stared forward angrily.


    Tong Fu said, "If it were a station exec who won 40 prizes consecutively, they would definitely not take back the prizes. I suppose they may even tter the exec by remarking that he has really good luck or something. But that''s not be the case for Director Zhang. Didn''t you guys witness the station''s attitude toward Director Zhang earlier? So they just might do anything that they think is right!"


    Ha Qiqi looked at Zhang Ye. "Director Zhang?"


    However, Zhang Ye did not mind. It did not matter to him whether the prizes were taken back or not. The reason that he was sitting here today was just to smack faces! He was here just because he wanted to cause trouble for this group of people!


    The performance ended.


    At this moment, the technicians suddenly eximed.


    "Aiya!"


    "We''ve found the issue! We''ve found it!"


    "So it was due to the built-in parameters that had a conflict!"


    "No wonder!"


    "The parameters had been reset just now!"


    Chen Ye went up to them anxiously and asked, "Can it be fixed?"


    That technician nodded and said, "Yes, it will be fixed immediately!"


    Jiang Naixiong said with a dark expression, "What''s wrong with you all? The annual staff party is such an important event and you didn''t check properly in advance? And only managed to find the problem after the lucky draw has been held for two rounds?"


    An assistant director of the Spring Festival G production team said coldly, "Hurry up and fix it!"


    The technician replied, "Yes, it will be done very soon!"


    A secretary reported this to the station heads. "The problem has been identified!"


    Deputy Station Head Zhou heaved a sigh of relief as they finally found the root of the problems. If this situation continued, their group of leaders and Central TV would have totally lost all their face!


    The male and female hosts onstage were also updated with the news.


    The female host said with a professional smile, "Everyone, please wait a few more minutes. Our system technicians have identified the problem in the lucky draw software and they''ll have it fixed very soon."


    The male host gave a smile to warm up the atmosphere and said, "How scary. So it was really a problem with the software instead."


    The female host smiled and said, "Yeah, it also gave me a scare. I was still wondering why Director Zhang had such heaven-defying luck. I nearly wanted to acknowledge him as my teacher."


    "Why do you want to acknowledge him as your teacher?" the male host asked.


    The female host replied, "To rub off on some of Director Zhang''s luck of course! I will no longer need to work and can just stay at home to y the lottery!"


    The male host was amused. "You must be daydreaming!"


    Everyoneughed.


    The station heads also couldn''t help butugh at that.


    The rxed atmosphere came back immediately.


    "So that''s the reason!"


    "There was a problem with the software!"


    "They have finally found the error."


    "I knew it! How could that possibly be down to luck!"


    "There''s definitely not going to be any problems this time, right?"


    "Then will the earlier results still be counted? Should we have a redraw?"


    "I''m pretty sure that will be quite difficult."


    "Forget it, the prizes only get better and better, so I don''t really care about the prizes that were given out earlier."


    "I guess there won''t be any redraws then. How can we still do a redraw when the prizes have already been given out?"


    "Bring it on. This time it''s really going to depend on luck!"


    "It looks like the next prize is going to be a cell phone?"


    "Wow, this is good! It''s exactly what I was waiting for!"


    "Bless me with a st of good luck!"


    The technicians finally resolved the issue. Everyone was no longer terrified after finding out about the reason. Everybody was once again eagerly anticipating the lucky draw prizes with excitement!


    Yu Yingyi was also relieved when she found out the reason.


    Yan Tianfei, Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, andpany alsoughed when they finally understood the reason behind Zhang Ye''s consecutive wins.


    Yan Tianfei''s secretary said to Zhang Ye with a smile, "Actually, shouldn''t the system malfunction that kept disying Director Zhang''s name be considered a kind of luck as well?"


    A minuteter.


    The technicians were sweating profusely. "It''s done! It''s been repaired!"


    Another technician said, "We can restart the lucky draw now!"


    Chen Ye asked, "Did you recheck it?"


    "Yes, we did." That person said, "It will definitely work this time!"


    After the female host onstage had a short exchange with the team offstage, she immediately said, "Alright, sorry to have kept you all waiting. The problem haspletely been resolved. Thank you to our colleagues from the Technical Department, you''ve worked hard."


    The male host smiled and said, "Let''s have a look at the big screen. I believe that many of us have been waiting this round''s prizes!"


    The big screen showed an image of the prize!


    It was a cell phone!


    This was thetest model of an American brand smartphone which was also the most popr high-end cell phone��the direct Chinese trantion of its name was "Yuanhe"![1.]


    There were a total of 20!


    The people in the audience were screaming excitedly.


    "It''s really a ''Yuanhe''!"


    "I want it so much!"


    "I''ve been thinking of changing my phone sincest year, but I don''t have the money for it!"


    "This is even thetest model, the Yuanhe 8V!"


    "There''s 20 of them! Nice!"


    "This year''s prizes are too good! The prize quantities are also more than the previous years!"


    "Please let me win one of those! It''s time for my old Yuanhe 6T to get reced!"


    "I''m still using the Yuanhe 5! I couldn''t bear to buy a new one all this time!"


    With the problem of the lucky draw software resolved, everyone was feeling more excited than ever!


    Zhang Ye looked up to the screen. He had also heard of this reputable brand before. It was a high-end smartphone that had one of the highest sales volumes in this world. If there was really a need forparison, it was probably equivalent to the status of the Apple iPhone from his previous world. They both had simr market dominance and was extremely popr with the consumers! The price was of course not cheap. It was even more expensive than an iPhone from his previous world. Thistest model of the Yuanhe 8V was priced in maind China at��8,999 yuan!


    It cost almost 9,000 yuan!


    Even the people from the Spring Festival G production team were greatly excited by this.


    "There won''t be anything for Zhang Ye this time!"


    "With 20 phones to be won, we definitely have some chance to win one!"


    "Hopefully I can win one of them!"


    "Yeah, that''s equivalent to one month of my sry!"


    "Let''s see whose luck is better this time, haha!"


    "After working so hard for the Spring Festival G, we should get to enjoy some benefits."


    "Hahaha, if it were up to me, those 20 smartphones would be given directly to our Spring Festival G production team!" Assistant Director Xu Yipeng of the Spring Festival G production team joked with his colleagues.


    The female host smiled and said, "Looks like everyone is really looking forward to it. Chen Ye, over to you now."


    Chen Ye who was standing near the wings of the stage smiled and said, "Alright, everyone has already seen the next prize, the Yuanhe 8V. Since we have already waited for so long, then without further ado, let''s get the lucky draw started." Saying that, Chen Ye hit the activation button just like before and the 20 slots on the big screen started to move.


    Everyone tensed up and hundreds of eyes stared at the big screen.


    Chen Ye looked at the station heads'' table, "Sir."


    The Station Head smiled and waved his hands. "You can''t keep getting the few of us to call for the stop. Why don''t we get our colleagues from the Spring Festival G production team to participate as well?"


    Deputy Station Head Zhou, overseer of Central TV Department 1, said, "Right, Old Xu, why don''t you guys do it instead?"


    Xu Yipeng gave a smile to the executive director of the Spring Festival G production team, signaling to give him the honors.


    The executive director declined several times politely, but finally relented and did not disagree anymore. "Alright then."


    The people in the audience stared without blinking.


    Little Wang sped her hands together and said, "It''s mine, it''s mine! It''s mine, it''s mine!"


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "I just changed my phone recently and like it very much, Director Zhang. So if I win this prize, let me give it to you in exchange for the cosmetics set."


    Zhang Yeughed, "Alright."


    When Huang Dandan heard that, she also said enthusiastically, "Uh, if I can win two of these, I will definitely give one of them to Director Zhang since I epted his prepaid gift card and the set of the cosmetics."


    Suddenly, the executive director of the Spring Festival G called out, "Stop right here!"


    Chen Ye hit the button and then looked at the screen.


    The station heads and the staff of the Spring Festival G production team also looked over at once!


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Three seconds.


    Total silence!


    Yu Yingyi, who was just taking a sip of a sports drink, suddenly spat everything out when she caught a glimpse of the screen!


    Deputy Station Head Zhou''s face crumbled!


    Jiang Naixiong wore an expression of shock!


    Xu Yipeng seemingly had his "tail" stepped on!


    The Spring Festival G production team also fainted right away!


    Zhang Ye!


    It was still Zhang Ye!


    Ha Qiqi was dumbfounded as she blurted out, "Holy shit!"


    Yan Tianfei''s secretary nearly vomited a mouthful of blood as well!

 Chapter 866: Winning 70 prizes in a row!

    <h4>Chapter 866: Winning 70 prizes in a row! </h4>


    Chapter 866: Winning 70 prizes in a row!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Everyone present was looking at the screen in disbelief, unable toprehend what they were seeing!


    "Heavens!"


    "Didn''t they repair the system? I thought they fixed it?"


    "What the hell is happening now?"


    "It''s Zhang Ye again?"


    "Fuck, I''m going crazy!"


    "Your sister, can we please have a different winner than him?!"


    "Start the next draw. I refuse to believe that it will still be him!"


    "Right, it must just be a coincidence. He won''t be the winner of the next draw for sure!"


    "Damn, if it''s Zhang Ye again, I''ll eat the table!"


    The Spring Festival G''s executive director had an odd expression showing.


    An assistant director next to him did not believe this would keep happening and immediately eximed, "I''ll do the calling. Stop!"


    Chen Ye hit the stop button.


    ��Zhang Ye!


    The Spring Festival G''s overall nner said, "Stop!"


    ��Zhang Ye!


    A female deputy nner of the Spring Festival G said, "Stop!"


    ��Zhang Ye!


    Xu Yipeng said with a nk face, "Stop!"


    ��Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye won all 20 prizes in the third round again!


    Those Central TV system technicians'' faces were dripping with sweat!


    At this moment, everyone instantly turned around and looked at Department 14''s table in thest row, each looking more terrified than the other!


    They were all dumbfounded!


    They were all stunned!


    Several of the station heads looked at each other and immediately felt a sense of regret that turned their intestines green. If only they''d insisted on not letting Zhang Ye into the venue earlier when they were outside. This wouldn''t have happened. It was a perfectly fine Central TV annual staff party, yet it was totally messed up by Zhang Ye into this state now!


    That Zhang fellow!


    Fuck you to your second grandpa!


    Are you purposely here to stir up trouble!?


    The female host was shocked for a long time as she stammered, "N-Next up, please enjoy the skit performance. Let us invite the��performers onstage."


    The performance began but hardly anyone was watching. Even the performers of the skit were also looking at thest row of tables where Zhang Ye was seated, thinking about what had just happened. Even though they had been preparing backstage for the performance, they could still hear what was going on out here in front. They all felt as though they were about to vomit blood!


    Little Wang said, "Director��Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "Little Wang, go and collect the prizes."


    Little Wang: "��"


    Ha Qiqi: "��"


    Huang Dandan: "��"


    Previously, Ha Qiqi and Huang Dandan mentioned that if they were lucky enough to win one of those cell phones, they would give one to Zhang Ye. But when the winners were drawn, your sister! Director Zhang won all the prizes for himself instead!


    Awhileter, another several big boxes were added to the pile at Department 14''s table!


    Ten minutester, the skit performance on stage stumbled to a close. The performance was just average and the audience were also not in the mood to watch anymore. When it finished, only a few people apuded as everyone''s focus was already on the next round of the lucky draw! They could see a lot of people busy trying to get the lucky draw round restarted.


    "Change the system, hurry up!"


    "Act quickly on it!"


    "Are you done yet?"


    "Test it again, do a final confirmation!"


    "Fuck, I refuse to believe it!"


    The technicians and the venue staff were running about to get the system reced. This was the instruction given by the station heads who were not having any more of this preposterousness!


    The Spring Festival G production team and some of Central TV Department 1''s people hated Zhang Ye to the bone. As they suffered with the additional workload, they were also cursing at all that had happened!


    "This Zhang Ye can really cause trouble!"


    "There''s an air of evil surrounding this affair!"


    "Did a backdoor program get installed onto theputer?"


    "Who knows? It''s probably so. That''s why the execs requested to change the system!"


    "Right, if it were infected by a trojan horse, recing theputer would solve the problem!"


    "All the prizes were won by Zhang Ye, so what are we still participating for!"


    "He still has not given a proper exnation for that ''I Want to Get on the Spring Festival G'' crosstalk, and the punishment meted out by Central TV on him has not even sunk in, yet he is already winning prizes at such a time? He even won 60 prizes? What the fuck is this!"


    "There''s something fishy going on!"


    "Right, there must something fishy going on with theputer!"


    Theputer system onstage was reced with a new one and the lucky draw software was also freshly installed onto it. It was just a simple program that could be executed immediately after some basic configuration.


    That technician said, "It''s done!"


    Chen Ye clenched his teeth and asked, "Are you sure?"


    The technicians smiled wryly. With all that had happened, they did not dare make any more guarantees. "It should be good to go."


    Honestly, in all their years of working, this was the first time that they did not know where the problemid. It was as if they had encountered a ghost this time!


    The lucky draw continued!


    The prize for this round was even more expensive, as it was thetest model of an ultrathin touchscreenptop with a stylus attached. It came with a keyboard cover which made up the entire bundle. If it had to bepared, it would be simr to the Surface Pro series by Microsoft in Zhang Ye''s previous world. Of course, there were many differences in the details, but the general functions were more or less the same, although it was more expensive, retailing at 13,999 yuan. This was a portable touchscreenptop and one of the high-end models avable. Compared to the limited edition model, it was the next best model with slightly lower specs.


    A total of ten!


    This time, it wasn''t 20 anymore!


    "The prizes are so awesome!"


    "I''ve been thinking about buying this type ofptop for several years! But I couldn''t afford it!"


    "The station must have spent a lot this time. Just look at all those expensive prizes by the box loads!"


    "But it doesn''t have any damn thing to do with us anyway!"


    "Will Zhang Ye win all of them again this time?"


    "I''m so sad!"


    "Please don''t say that!"


    "I''m not even looking forward to it anymore!"


    "Didn''t theputer get reced?"


    "I''m not looking forward to it even if they have changed theputer!"


    Chen Ye did not sound too enthusiastic as he announced, "Next up, the lucky draw will start again." Even though they had changed the system and felt that it should be a different result this time, after experiencing the first few incidents, Chen Ye did not dare guarantee anything for now. He hoped deep in his heart that it was not fucking going to be Zhang Ye again! Please, don''t let it be him again!


    At the same time, this cry of desperation was roaring in the hearts of many people as well.


    The station heads'' attitude was even more simple. As long as the winner was not Zhang Ye, anyone would fucking do!


    The lucky draw software was activated and the employee photos shed continuously on the screen!


    Chen Ye took a deep breath. "Sir."


    The Station Head did not even bother to participate anymore and just told the people beside him, "You all do it instead."


    One of the deputy station heads couldn''t even force himself to do so as he did not wish to be the one whose call to stop the sequence would end up making Zhang Ye''s photo and name appear on the big screen. That would be too unlucky. "Old Xu, why don''t you do it?"


    "Old Zhou, you should do it instead."


    The several station heads kept pushing the responsibility around, but no one wanted to be the first to call for a stop.


    Seeing this, Deputy Station Head Zhou bit the bullet and said, "Alright then, I''ll call first." Looking at the screen, he clenched his teeth and shouted, "Stop!"


    A lot of people did not even want to watch the screen anymore as they''d already had a bad experience with it from earlier!


    But the moment that the result of this lucky draw round was out, everyone in the audience was stunned and cheers suddenly rang out!


    "Wow!"


    "The result is out!"


    "It''s not Zhang Ye!"


    "Hahahaha! It''s not Zhang Ye! It''s really not Zhang Ye!"


    "Heavens, it''s finally not him anymore!"


    Deputy Station Head Zhou was overjoyed!


    Jiang Yuan pped his thigh happily as well. "It''s finally been fixed!"


    The Central TV staff were even so happy that they nearly cried!


    Chen Ye was also ovee by excitement. How wonderful! This was really too wonderful!


    The station heads were all smiles!


    The Spring Festival G production team was also in a joyous mood. "Changing theputer was really effective! Hahahaha! Finally, that Zhang guy is out of the way!"


    Ha Qiqi who was seated at thest row regretted, "What a pity!"


    Little Wang eximed, "How infuriating, why did they change theputer!"


    Zhang Ye was also quite surprised. But after thinking about it, even though the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) was many times more effective than the normal version he had previously, it was still not 100% effective.


    Everyone else was jubntly cheering.


    "Well done!"


    "My chance has finally arrived!"


    "It''s mine, it''s mine. The notebook is mine!"


    "Let''s see who dares to vie with me, hehe!"


    Although it was not them who were drawn for the prize, it still felt as though they had won the grand prize!


    "Oh right, so who has won the prize?"


    "This name��it''s Cao Bang?"


    "Eh?"


    "That''s not right, didn''t Chief Cao leave his jobst week?"


    After hearing the mixed reactions from those in the audience, Chen Ye and the others hurriedly made some inquiries. It was only then did they realized that they had made a mistake. The software program was written a long time ago and the staff list data was added in at that time as well. Since the departure of Cao Bang was unexpected and no one informed the system technicians to make the necessary modifications, his name still remained in the dataset. However, this was not the fault of the technicians, but rather, a coordination failure between the departments. As they were all too busy with the Spring Festival G, it was unavoidable that there would be some minor mistakes and imperfections in the nning.


    Since the issue with theputer has been solved and it was known that not only Zhang Ye''s name would be chosen for the lucky draw, any other problems could still be tolerated.


    After Chen Ye checked with the leaders, he held up his microphone and said with augh, "Sorry, but Chief Cao has just left his job, so this result will have to be voided and there will be a redraw again. Hur hur, as the saying goes, good things are worth waiting for, so would everyone please be patient and wait a little bit more?"


    The technicians made some changes to the system.


    Naturally, no one had any objections to that.


    "Let''s get back to the lucky draw!"


    "Bring it on, I''m all prepared!"


    "It will definitely be me!"


    A short whileter, Chen Ye said, "Alright, the lucky draw will begin again."


    The station heads looked at the screen as they chatted andughed. This time, nobody pushed the responsibility around.


    Deputy Station Head Zhou smiled and said, "Then why don''t I go first?"


    "Hur hur, go on then," the heads said.


    "OK. Then I''ll be the first to call it to a stop." Deputy Station Head Zhou threw his head back and shouted, "��Stop!"


    Chen Ye pressed the stop button.


    ��Zhang Ye!


    Deputy Station Head Xu said, "Uh, stop!"


    ��Zhang Ye!


    Deputy Station Head Li: "Stop!"


    ��Zhang Ye!


    Deputy Station Head Han said, "This��stop!"


    ��Zhang Ye!


    ��Zhang Ye!


    ��Zhang Ye!


    ��Zhang Ye!


    The world fell silent!


    Everyone at the venue no longer knew what was going on!


    Fuck your sister!


    Why the fuck did you make aeback again!


    One of the station heads was so vexed by this that he clutched onto his chest as he coughed, nearly suffering from a heart attack!


    At that instant, Jiang Naixiong, Jiang Yuan, Chen Ye, and everyone from the Spring Festival G production team even thought of rushing up on stage to smash that lucky draw system to pieces! Smash it to bits!!!


    Wasn''t it fixed?


    Didn''t the system get reced too?


    So were you making fun of us by doing all this then?!


    "Pfft!" Yu Yingyi who had been holding back herughter all this time could no longer hold back anymore as she burst outughing. She was probably worried that it would seem inappropriate tough like this, so she quickly covered her face and lowered her head over the table as sheughed away. In the end, she evenughed until her tears came out!


    ��Hahahahaha!

 Chapter 867: And the grand prize goes to!

    <h4>Chapter 867: And the grand prize goes to! </h4>


    Chapter 867: And the grand prize goes to!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    One.


    Two.


    Three.


    The Department 14 staff carried all ten of thetest model of ultrathin touchscreenptops back to their table box by box. Under the fiery gazes of everyone around them, even those from Department 14 were feeling a little embarrassed and turned a little red. At this moment, the area behind Department 14''s table was stacked full of prizes. Not even that area could hold all of it and two of the bigger boxes had to be pushed next to the emergency exit.


    There were simply too many prizes collected!


    It was like they had shifted the entire prize rack from the stage to where they were seated!


    "Why! Why!"


    "Even recing the system did not change anything?"


    "This��this is too much of an exaggeration!"


    "Zhang Ye must have cheated!"


    "Yeah, he must have resorted to tricks or something!"


    From behind, Ha Qiqi whispered, "Director Zhang, how did you manage to do that?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and simply replied, "It was just luck."


    Ha Qiqi responded, "Uh��"


    Zhang Ye was in fact not lying to her, since he really only depended on luck.


    Onstage, the next performance was already ending.


    The new round of the lucky draw was starting again.


    The big screen focused back to Chen Ye and he was seen reluctantly holding up his microphone to say, "Um, alright, let''s begin the next round of the lucky draw then. It will be a cash prize this time."


    50,000 yuan in cash!


    A total of two cash prizes to be won!


    Chen Ye said, "Then let''s begin."


    This time, it was the hosts who called to stop the draw sequence.


    The male host onstage said, "Stop."


    ��Zhang Ye!


    The female host nervously said, "Stop."


    ��It was still Zhang Ye!


    An uproar from the audience rang out.


    "It has happened again!"


    "Oh no!"


    "Just stop the lucky draw and everyone can go home to bathe and rest!"


    "I''m gonna faint!"


    Little Wang coughed and did not wait for Zhang Ye to say anything this time. She directly went up to the stage on behalf of Zhang Ye to collect the prizes and took them back to Department 14''s table.


    Everyone was feeling very listless by now!


    The Station Head was expressionless!


    One of the station heads was ying with his cell phone silently.


    Deputy Station Head Zhou lowered his head and just ate his food, although the chopsticks in his hands were visibly trembling!


    Face-smacking!


    This was too damn much of a face-smacking!


    A perfectly fine annual staff party was plunged into chaos!


    The most unpopr fellow in Central TV had be the lead of this party!


    Wasn''t this totally uneptable? This was totally uneptable, don''t you think?


    The majority of the people at the annual staff party venue were left gnashing their teeth in hatred of Zhang Ye, but they showed no temper as they could do nothing to stop him!


    Next up, two performances were lined up consecutively with the first one being an interactive show, while the other was a singing performance. These were also thest two performances for this year''s function. After that, the final lucky draw round that had today''s biggest prize would begin. However, at this point in time, no one had any expectations left for it.


    The shows were no longer interesting as the mood in the audience weighed heavily on the atmosphere of the event.


    Finally, thest performance ended and the annual party was about toe to a close as well. But before that, thest lucky draw round would still have to be carried out.


    The female host announced, "Next up, it will be the final prize for this year''s annual staff party. When I found out what it was, I had such a shock! I thought to myself just how wonderful and loving our bosses are, since the prizes this year are much too generous."


    The male host said, "What prize is that?"


    The female host said, "Please have a look at the big screen!"


    An image of the prize was disyed onscreen!


    Although there was only one, its value was almost the entire sum of all the prizes before itbined��it was a red packet prize of 288,000 yuan in cash!


    Everyone made a ruckus!


    "Oh!"


    "How generous!"


    "Dammit, that''s worth two years of my sry!"


    "The red packet prize this year is worth this much?"


    "I remember duringst year''s party that the red packet prize amount was only 80,000 yuan!"


    "I could do with that! Awesome!"


    "Our Central TV is loaded this year! We can totally feel the benefits of it!"


    "With so much money at stake, we gotta fight for it no matter what!"


    "And how are you going topete with Zhang Ye for it?"


    "Uh��"


    A lot of people got excited when they saw the amount for this year''s red packet cash prize. But when they remembered Zhang Ye, everyone quickly became dejected again! That''s right. With Zhang Ye around, would this cash prize still have anything to do with them at all?! If the lucky draw were to go on in the same manner as before, then without a question, Zhang Ye would still definitely win it!


    Ha Qiqi said excitedly, "Director Zhang, that is an enormous amount for a red packet prize!"


    Little Wang blinked. "If you win it, will you be sharing the prize with us?"


    "How do you think it should be shared?" Zhang Ye asked with augh.


    Little Wang coughed, "Just treat us to a meal of course!"


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands. "The draw hasn''t even started yet. Nobody knows who will win it."


    Suddenly, the Spring Festival G production team stirred and were not going to have things the way they were!


    One of the nners for the Spring Festival G suddenly stood up and shouted, "This way of holding the lucky draw is totally unfair! Theputer system must have been hacked by someone! No matter how many times the draw is done, it will always pick Zhang Ye! There''s basically no need to hold the lucky draw since all fairness has already been lost!"


    One of the assistant directors echoed, "Right, someone must be cheating!"


    Assistant Director Xu Yipeng proposed, "I suggest that we change the method of holding the draw!"


    Their words were all insinuated toward Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye raised his head and looked over to them, "Who did you say was cheating?"


    The Spring Festival G person looked back at him. "Whoever is winning the most must be the one cheating of course!"


    Ha Qiqi got up and shouted back, "Then tell us how he cheated! Let me say this: The Spring Festival period should be a happy asion, so don''t start using others without proof!"


    Should be a happy asion?


    Dog balls!


    Other than you all, who is happy around here?!


    The people of Department 14 and the Spring Festival G production team suddenly had a confrontation!


    Those from the Spring Festival G production team kept harping about how Zhang Ye must have cheated. "A trojan horse is not something that most people know about, and it is also very difficult to detect but can achieve the effect of ensuring that there is only one winner for every draw. Moreover, it''s useless even if they changed the system as the trojan horse might have already spread through thework and infected all the other systems!"


    When everyone heard that, theytched onto it as though they had smelled blood!


    "That''s right!"


    "It must be a trojan horse!"


    "All the systems must have been infected!"


    "I should have known!"


    "So that''s how it is! Otherwise, why would changing the system still prove ineffective!"


    "But when did it get nted into the system?"


    "Department 14''s office is also connected to the localwork, so how hard would it be to propagate the trojan horse?" said a person from Central TV Department 1''s Rise to the Dance program team sinisterly with the aim to sow discord.


    "Did they really cheat then?"


    "Damn, then the prizes from earlier should all be voided!"


    "Right, this is cheating!"


    "Return all the prizes!"


    The crowd were in a frenzy as those who had a grudge against Zhang Ye jumped out to use him!


    Meanwhile, the others who did not have a conflict with Zhang Ye just kept quiet and observed.


    Little Wang banged the table. "Who''s cheating!? Say it again if you dare!"


    Yan Tianfei''s secretary could no longer listen to such usations. "Why don''t you guys prove it then!"


    The argument escted with the people from both sides getting impatient with each other!


    Finally, the Station Head spoke up. He looked at Xu Yipeng and said, "Old Xu, did you mention that we should change the method of holding the lucky draw? How do you suggest we do that? How should we hold the lucky draw?"


    Those words undoubtedly set the tone!


    The people from Spring Festival G were jolted by it and understood clearly what the station''s attitude regarding this matter was!


    Xu Yipeng immediately exined, "I suggest that we do away with theputer and carry out the draw manually. That is the fairest way and wouldn''t be affected by whatever high-techputer viruses or simr things."


    "That sounds good!"


    "Right!"


    "Let''s do it the manual way then!"


    "Without aputer, we won''t have to worry about anyone cheating again!"


    "They should have done that from the beginning!"


    Everyone from the Spring Festival G production team agreed to it.


    After hearing that suggestion, the station heads also visibly became happier. So there was still such a way to do it, why didn''t they think in this direction earlier? Therefore, after the several of them discussed it, they finally nodded in agreement. Without seeking the views of others, they simply said, "Alright, it''s approved!"


    Deputy Station Head Zhou said, "Everyone, take off your employee passcardnyards and remove the card with your name on it, then ce that card into arge box. We will directly do the draw from it!"


    Chen Ye also smiled and thought that this was a good idea!


    By now, even a fool could sense that there was something wrong with the lucky draw segment. There must have been some tricks in theputer program, and even if there was no proof of this, it was a fact that needed no verification since it was impossible that someone could keep getting picked from among several hundred people and win so many prizes in a row! Now that the lucky draw method was changed, this problem would naturally be solved. A trojan horse? A virus? A bug in theputer program? All of that didn''t matter anymore! Even if the manual draw method were to have a problem, it would be a problem with the person responsible for doing the draw and not any other factors!


    Some staff in the audience were going around collecting all the employee passcards from people.


    One��


    Ten��


    One hundred��


    As they collected the cards, the staff did a verification before putting it into therge box. Someone had found this box and decided to use it temporarily for the lucky draw.


    When they reached Department 14''s table, Little Wang and the others were visibly unhappy at the beginning. They felt that the station heads and everyone else were obviously picking on them, even if they themselves knew that the lucky draw was definitely problematic as well. However, it was the station''s attitude towards them that left their hearts turning cold!


    But Zhang Ye appeared indifferent as he took off his pass to remove the card with his name on it before throwing it to the staff member who was collecting it. "There."


    When Little Wang saw this, she did not say another word.


    Ha Qiqi also took off her pass.


    Zhang Zuo, Tong Fu, Huang Dandan, and the others followed suit.


    After several hundred cards with names on it were collected, the function staff hurriedly nodded at the station heads.


    The lucky draw was going to begin again!


    "It''s goddamn 288,000 yuan!"


    "This time, it''s going to be fair!"


    "Right, it''s finally going to depend only on our luck!"


    "Haha, if I were to win, I wouldn''t have to work for two years!"


    "I''m willing to bet that all the other TV stations'' annual staff parties would not have a higher value red packet prize than ours!"


    "It''s gonna be mine, it''s gonna be mine!"


    "Abracadabra!"


    "This time, it should finally be my turn to win it!"


    "I''m so looking forward to it! Ahhhh!"


    Little Wang seethed, "Look at them getting all excited!"


    Huang Dandan snorted.


    The people of Department 14 knew very well that if the lucky draw were shifted from beingputer aided to a manual mode, it would really depend on each person''s luck and that there would be no more loopholes that could be taken advantage of!


    The lucky draw box was checked very carefully, with Chen Ye going through it once, and a few of the staff also taking turns to check. Finally, a station head also went up to ensure that everything was in order.


    After it was all confirmed!


    The entries were mixed up in the box!


    Chen Ye and the other male host held up the box to rock it back and forth, shuffling all the staff cards ced inside it. To tantalize everyone even more, they spent a full three minutes doing that!


    "Alright, we can start now!" The female host also came over to join them after the lucky draw box had been ced back onto the table. Everyone could see the entire process very clearly and knew that there was no possibility of cheating this time.


    "Who wille forward to take charge of the lucky draw?"


    "Station Head?"


    "Station Head, only you have the authority to take charge of this."


    "Right, it''s better if you take charge!"


    The hosts looked at the Station Head all smiles.


    The Station Head could not refuse them and walked up on stage with augh. "OK."


    Chen Ye suddenly remembered, "Oh yes, are we also allowed to ce our staff cards into the mix?"


    "Of course you can." The Station Head said, "Everyone can participate in the draw."


    The female host quickly said, "Oh, I nearly forget. I will put my card in as well!"


    The three hosts proceeded to throw their staff cards into the box and rocked it again to shuffle the cards inside.


    Not mentioning the hosts, even the station heads and department directors in the audience paid great attention to this prize. A cash prize worth close to 300,000 yuan wasn''t a small sum to them either. Much less to those general employees who ranked below them!


    Some people were not blinking at all!


    While others were staring so hard that their eyes almost popped out as they waited!


    "Hurry up!"


    "Let''s get the draw started!"


    "I''m not afraid of anyone if it''s down to apetition of luck!"


    Under the anticipated gazes of everyone, the Station Head gave a slight smile and raised his hand to put it into the box. Then, he started stirring the contents of the box and randomly grabbed a card inside.


    Jiang Naixiong watched with a pleasant smile on his face.


    Xu Yipeng''s eyes narrowed as he watched on anxiously.


    As the Spring Festival G production team''s staff were anticipating this draw for the grand prize, some of them were already nning to bring up something after the draw was done. They wanted to emphasize their point about how Zhang Ye could not win once they had switched over to the manual drawing method! That would mean that the ims of him cheating in those earlier rounds would undoubtedly be reinforced and they would then suggest to the heads for Zhang Ye to return all the prizes he had won before the lucky draw switched to the manual draw method!


    If they got their faces smacked hard by Zhang Ye?


    Then they must return the favor p by p!


    It was utterly silent in the audience.


    Only the sound of the cards colliding inside the box could be heard throughout the venue!


    Rustle.


    Rustle.


    Suddenly, the Station Head''s hand stopped.


    Chen Yeughed loudly and said, "It''s done! Looks like the results have been decided!"


    The female host smiled with delight and said, "Station Head, could you please announce the grand prize winner?"


    The Station Head chuckled as everyone at the venue kept their eyes on him. He withdrew his hand from out of the box slowly, holding a card between his index finger and thumb before flipping it into the palm of his hand. Then, he lowered his head to have a look at the name written on the employee passcard.


    One second��


    Two seconds��


    The Station Head suddenly went quiet and did not move a muscle!


    The female host said, "Station Head?"


    Chen Ye was also wondering what had happened, so he went up to take a look as well, curious. But the next moment, Chen Ye''s jaw dropped when he saw the name on the card!


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Who''s the winner?"


    "Why are you not saying anything?"


    "I''m so nervous that I could die!"


    The Station Head did not say anything but just turned the card around to the cameras.


    The big screen was showing the entire front of the card to everyone!


    Jiang Naixiong nearly fell off his chair!


    Deputy Station Head Zhou was seemingly startled!


    The people of the Spring Festival G production team were shocked!


    Yan Tianfei, Ha Qiqi, and the rest of Department 14''s staff also passed out in unison!


    The name written on the card was disyed very clearly.


    A Zhang!


    And a Ye!


    At this moment, everyone''s hair stood on end and they felt a chill pass through them. Then, as if they had discussed it beforehand, everyone turned to look at Zhang Ye who was at thest row with their mouths agape!


    Holy shit!


    Fuck!


    Why?!


    Why did you still get picked even though we switched to the manual draw now?!


    What is happening here? Just what on earth is happening here!?


    If they imed that the draw results using theputer could have been dictated by a trojan horse and aided someone to cheat, then this spontaneously implemented manual draw method was surely not supposed to lead to such a result!


    As such, each and every person in the crowd was now feeling somewhat dumbstruck!


    Restart the system?


    Change the parameters?


    Change theputer system?


    Change the personnel?


    It didn''t fucking matter what they changed!


    Whatever they changed to, it was still that damned Zhang Ye!


    All the prizes in this year''s Central TV annual staff party had been won by Zhang Ye alone!

 Chapter 868: Indeed worthy of a legend!

    <h4>Chapter 868: Indeed worthy of a legend! </h4>


    Chapter 868: Indeed worthy of a legend!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The annual staff party ended.


    Not long after the crowds emptied out of the venue, every department at Central TV exploded into chaos!


    "Something has happened at the annual party!"


    "Ah? What happened?"


    "Don''t you know about it yet?"


    "I''m not qualified enough to attend the party. What on earth happened?"


    "Zhang Ye has done something unexpectedly terrible again! He won all of the lucky draw prizes at the annual party for himself!"


    "Pfft, how is that possible!"


    "Haha, Old He, don''t joke around."


    "It''s true! Why would I lie to you guys! Dammit, if you guys had seen the situation right there, you would have known how amazing it was! It was really too amazing! Everyone''s jaw dropped! Especially the station execs and those people from the Spring Festival G production team who left the venue with dark expressions after the event! There should have been a closing speech by an executive at the end of the event but even that did not happen. After the lucky draw ended, everyone followed the execs and dispersed straight away!"


    Following, that person vividly exined what had happened.


    "Holy shit!"


    "Swept up all of the prizes?"


    "Is this the return of Face-smacking Zhang?!"


    "So such a tragic thing has happened at this year''s annual party!"


    "I feel bad for the station execs. This must have made them vomit blood!"


    "The station has only just meted out their punishment for him by making him forfeit his bonuses. But in the end, he has gained it all back by winning everything! I can feel my face swelling up just hearing about it! When the event was over, we did some calctions, and you know what? We realized that the station has suffered a greater loss when all is said and done! After deducting all of Zhang Ye''s bonuses, it amounts to less than what all those lucky draw prizes were worth! Just the grand prize of the red packet alone was worth close to 300,000 yuan. Not to mention that he also won another 100,000 yuan, as well as someptops, cell phones, cosmetics and��goddammit to his grandma! Not only did Zhang Ye not lose any money, he even earned a good sum out of the entire party!"


    "I should have guessed that Zhang Ye''s money would not be so easily taken away from him!"


    "Yeah, it''s only now that everyone at Central TV finally knows that it''s not easy to take Zhang Ye''s money! No matter how much you take away from him, you might end up paying it back many times more!"


    "Awesome!"


    "In Central TV, the only person I''m impressed with is Zhang Ye!"


    "He is the definition of a true warrior!"


    "Thinking about it now, even the popr Heavenly Queen, Zhang Yuanqi, who is such a big shot celebrity, has never been called a legend of the entertainment circle, yet Zhang Ye has already beenbeled by so many people with that title. But that is not without reason! Because he is truly a legendary person! His story and deeds are all truly incredible!"


    "When Zhang Ye gets angry, bloodshed will ur!"


    "But how did he actually manage to win all the prizes?"


    "I don''t know!"


    "For the earlier rounds which were drawn by theputer system, there definitely was a vulnerability or a trojan horse infection. But when they switched to the manual methodter on to pick the winner, I figured that Director Zhang must have really experienced a st of good luck!"


    "Did that really happen?"


    In the blink of an eye, the news spread to ten people, then to a hundred people, and soon everyone knew about it!


    ...


    Department 14''s office.


    Every staff member who attended the annual party returned with their hands full of stuff. Some of them were even carrying the items on their shoulders, as they transported all the prizes back to the office pack by pack or box by box.


    Ha Qiqi shouted, "Those who have nothing to do,e out and help!"


    Zhang Zuo said with shortness of breath, "Theseptops are so heavy! How is this even considered an ultra-thinptop?"


    Wu Yiughed and said, "Assistant Director, what you have there are five of theptops bundled with their essories! How can it not be heavy!"


    Some people rushed out to assist them in a rather startled manner. "Whoa, what is happening here?"


    Little Wang was enraptured. "It''s such a pity that you guys couldn''t go to the staff party! Director Zhang was so godly today!"


    "Sister Wang, just tell us what happened already!" A bunch of neers and veterans were already piling up around her. Seeing Director Zhang return with such a satisfied look on his face, they knew that something big must have happened. Otherwise, why did they hear about how the station heads did not allow Director Zhang to participate in the annual staff party before it even started, nearly causing everyone from Department 14 to refuse to participate as well. Director Yan and Director Zhang nearly even came to blows with the organizing staff over that, but how did it suddenly end up with everyone bringing back so many things after the annual party had just ended?


    Yan Tianfei did not bother to make conversation with the bunch of kids and patted Zhang Ye on the shoulder instead. He said, "About the station making you forfeit your bonuses, I will go back to them and help you fight for it. If they still won''t rescind the punishment, I will make it up to you by approving for a bonus to be paid out to you directly from our department''s funds. At the very most, I will quit as a director here but you won''t receive a single cent less than you deserve. I won''t let my staff be shortchanged this way!"


    Zhang Yeughed and patted the case containing close to 300,000 yuan in cash. "That''s not necessary, Director Yan. I have already made up for it with this, how have I been shortchanged? The one who is getting shortchanged is definitely not me!"


    Yan Tianfei and his secretary were amused upon hearing this. They also felt that it was really as Zhang Ye had put it. How have you been shortchanged? Not only were you not shortchanged, you even made a killing and got rewarded with an amount that could have included the bonuses for next year!


    "You sure are amazing!" Yan Tianfeiughed.


    Even the way that Yan Tianfei''s secretary looked at Zhang Ye was visibly different than before.


    This year''s annual staff party''s lucky draw was a real eye-opener for many of them. There is always someone out there that is better��you would never truly understand this saying until the day you meet someone like that! For some people, you could never imagine just how amazing they are!


    Little Wang and Huang Dandan finally finished giving their vivid ount of the entire event.


    Throughout the whole process, everyone would gasp every now and then, and were surprised or shocked by what happened.


    "Ah!"


    "Aiya!"


    "What happened after that?"


    "And then?"


    "Heavens!"


    "How''s that possible!"


    Yan Tianfei clocked out of work and left. Then, Zhang Ye turned around and announced, "The prizes are all here, so just pick one for yourselves to your liking and don''t stand on ceremony with me!"


    Everyone at Department 14 was delightfully surprised!


    A rookie said, "Are you sure, Director Zhang?"


    A female employee muttered, "But��but we shouldn''t really do that, right?"


    "There''s nothing to feel bad about." Zhang Ye waved it off generously. "Just take it, you have my permission!"


    "Wow!"


    "Director Zhang, I love you!"


    "Hooray, Director Zhang!


    "Thank you, Director Zhang!"


    "Director Zhang, you''re the light that guides our path! You''re the direction that we travel in!"


    "Director Zhang, Director Zhang beats the rest! Director Zhang, Director Zhang is the best!"


    They even came up with cheers to express their joy!


    Zhang Ye felt a shiver go down his spine when he heard that and quickly said, "Alright, alright, just hurry up and take something for yourselves. If you all keep teasing me, I''ll retract my offer!"


    "Don''t!"


    "I want the cosmetics!"


    "I''m fine with just a prepaid gift card!"


    "Leave one for me too!"


    Everyone came forward to grab something for themselves!


    Zhang Ye took one of the cell phones and handed it to Zhang Zuo, "This is for you. If you don''t want it, give it to your wife or kid. I won''t be able to use so many by myself anyway."


    Zhang Zuo smiled with embarrassment. "Alright then, I won''t refuse you."


    Zhang Ye gave Yan Tianfei''s secretary aptop. "Here, don''t stand on ceremony please. This was a prize anyway, so please share the ''burden'' with me."


    The secretary touched his nose awkwardly. "But it''s not appropriate for me to ept it."


    Zhang Ye took it back. "Then forget it. I''ll give it to someone else instead."


    "Heh, I was just being polite just now." The secretary snatched theptop back from him. "Haha, I''ll ept it for sure. Thanks so much then, Director Zhang! Director Zhang is really a loyal friend!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Everyone has helped me out a lot too, so this is well-deserved."


    Zhang Ye had always known how to treat the people who were closer to him. He would always speak politely to them and do all that he could for them.


    At this moment, the people of Department 14 were almost done taking their pick of the prizes. Actually, they knew their limits and did not aim for the cell phones andptops. Even most of the cosmetics products were not touched. They mostly took the prepaid gift cards which were fully given out by now. As for the other prizes like the cosmetic products, cell phones, andptops, they were still taking up a lot of space in the office and were there for everyone to look at.


    Zhang Ye encouraged them one more time to pick something for themselves, but as no one else made a move for the prizes, he did not say any more.


    Suddenly, a guest arrived at Department 14.


    A graceful female figure marched into their office''s main entrance and asked, "Is this Department 14?"


    Because of Zhang Ye, their department''s rtionship with others was very poor and they did not get many visitors either. Even on the station heads'' inspection visits, they would seek to avoid this ce as much as possible. As such, everyone looked at her with curiosity.


    Zhang Zuo was standing closest to her, so he looked at her and asked, "Yes, who are you looking for?"


    Someone in the office recognized her. Tong Fu said, "Hey, isn''t this Teacher Yu, the Central TV Sport Channel''s host andmentator?"


    A Central TV Department 5 host?


    What was she doing here?


    Only to hear Teacher Yu say smilingly, "I''m here to look for Zhang Ye."


    "Director Zhang is in here." Zhang Zuo stood aside and made way for her.


    Yu Yingyi casually greeted, "Hey, Zhang''er."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yingyi, you''re here? Weren''t you pretending to not know me?"


    Yu Yingyi grinned slyly. "That was when you did not win anything yet. Now that you have won so many prizes, why would I still need to pretend to not know you? Hurry up and give me a set of those cosmetics!"


    Zhang Ye gestured with his hands. "Please, help yourself."


    Yu Yingyi giggled. "Oh right, Shanshan said that she wants a set too. I''ll take one more for her?"


    "Sure!" Zhang Ye said.


    Everyone was a little dazed at this.


    Who was she? Why did she help herself to the prizes the moment she walked in? And she even took two sets of the cosmetics?


    Zhang Zuo blinked and asked, "Director Zhang, this is?"


    Only then did Zhang Ye realize their predicament, and quickly introduced her to them. "This is Yu Yingyi, Central TV Department 5''s newly hired host andmentator. She was also my schoolmate from university, my ssmate in fact!"


    It wasn''t much if she was just a schoolmate.


    But she was even his ssmate? Then their rtionship must be close!


    No wonder she could juste in and start picking the prizes straight away without standing on ceremony!


    Everyone was suddenly enlightened.


    "Hello, Teacher Yu!"


    "Teacher Yu, I''ve watched your sportsmentary before. I find it especially good!"


    "Yes, the sportsmentators these days are all guys and you''re that bright spot among all of them. It''s so umon! Moreover, yourmentaries are always especially professional!"


    "Will you be hosting a show soon?"


    Due to Zhang Ye, a few of the neers were quite enthusiastic to leave a good impression and started ttering Yu Yingyi.


    Yu Yingyi was quietly happily to hear that. She was still very aware of what she was worth at the moment. Although she had a little bit of fame in thementary circle where her industry peers mostly knew who she was, in therger organization that was Central TV, she did not stand out whatsoever. It could even be said that she was only as good as a rookie and was being praised only because of her rtionship to Zhang Ye. All of this, she knew very well in her heart.


    Yu Yingyi told that person, "Thank you. My recentmentary work would be for a international table tennis tournament that is being held overseas during the Spring Festival."


    Little Wang knew about the tournament and asked, "The World Table Tennis Championships?"


    "Yes, that''s the one," Yu Yingyi replied.


    Zhang Ye asked, "It''s held during the Spring Festival period?"


    Yu Yingyi smiled and said, "I think it will be held on the first day of the Spring Festival. It''s such bad timing, but I guess there''s no other way since the tournament was supposed to have finished at the end ofst December. But due to some problems, the arena was found to be unsuitable and had to be changed. Then, there were also other issues to settle because of that and there was no choice but to dy the tournament until the first day of the Spring Festival!"


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "Why didn''t they hold it on the eve of the Spring Festival instead?"


    "Don''t talk about it. At the beginning, the foreign organizer of the tournament was actually going to set it on the eve of the Spring Festival, but our national team''s coach and yers protested against that and pushed it back a day." After Yu Yingyi finished exining, she waved the cosmetics in her hands around and said, "Alright then, I''ve taken all I need, so I''ve got to get going now."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s hard on you then this Spring Festival. Remember to find time to watch Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G."


    Yu Yingyi smiled and said, "I will be overseas at that time, so we''ll have to see about that."


    She walked off with the clickety-ck of her high heels behind her.


    One of the neers who was looking at her for the longest time asked, "Director Zhang, does Teacher Yu have a boyfriend yet?"


    Zhang Ye threw his hands in the air. "I really don''t know about that."


    Little Wang teased, "What? You even dare to hit on Director Zhang''s ssmate?"


    "No, I was just asking. There''s also Beijing TV''s Teacher Dong Shanshan. Teacher Shanshan is even prettier and I''m her hardcore fan. Director Zhang''s ssmates are all like goddesses." That neer said with tears of envy, "If I knew that it was going to be like that, I would have applied to go to Media College all those years back!"


    Everyoneughed.


    The prizes from the Central TV annual staff party were given out to the staff from Department 14. Everyone got their hands on something. This made everyone very happy and it exuded out into the general atmosphere of the office!


    It was the same for Zhang Ye. His mood had just been middling for the past few days, but after today''s "fight," he inexplicably felt his enthusiasm and mood get better. He did not know why and could note up with a reason for this. As long as he got into an argument or fight with someone else, he would genuinely get really excited!


    Um.


    Could this be a form of mental illness?

 Chapter 869: Gifting!

    <h4>Chapter 869: Gifting! </h4>


    Chapter 869: Gifting!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the evening.


    Zhang Ye exited from Central TV and loaded up the boxes into his car before heading home.


    On the way back, while waiting for the green light, he took out his cell phone and browsed through his own family''s chat group. He had a separate chat group with his cousins from the maternal side of the family and when he opened the chat, he could see his cousins chatting happily and rather lively.


    The third sister: "Thattest model of the Yuanhe smartphone is especially good! I''m drooling!"


    The second sister: "Yes, yes! I''ve also seen it, it''s really beautiful!"


    The third sister: "I wish I could have one! But my parents won''t buy it for me! *cries*!"


    The eldest sister: "Stop dreaming. That cell phone is too expensive."


    The third sister eximed: "One of my ssmates has already bought it. I''ve tried it and it''s really awesome! It''s just really good! I asked her if she could lend it to me for a few days, but she refused! *cries again*!"


    Zhang Ye smiled while he typed: "What are you guys doing?"


    The eldest sister sent out a surprised emoji. "Wah, our brother is here."


    The third sister sent a very cute sticker. "Bro, why are you online today? How rare!"


    Zhang Ye: "Are you guys on break now?"


    The second sister: "Hehe, the holidays started some time ago."


    The eldest sister: "We''re so bored staying home and having nothing to do."


    Zhang Ye: "Great, if you all have nothing to do,e over to my ce."


    The eldest sister was surprised. "Ah? Now?"


    The second sister: "Bro, what do you want to tell us?"


    Zhang Ye: "Haha, you''ll find out when you guys get here. It''s something good!"


    The third sister asked anxiously: "What is it? Tell us first."


    Zhang Ye: "You''ll know when you get here, hurry up!"


    The eldest sister sent aughing emoji with its mouth covered. "OK, I will be right there."


    The second sister: "I''ll take a taxi there. Will you pay me back?"


    Zhang Ye: "Sure, juste over now."


    The third sister: "Ah, then I''ll take a taxi too, hehe! I wanna see what good thing you''re talking about!"


    Zhang Ye pocketed his cell phone and started driving home.


    Caishikou.


    When he was about to reach the district, he made a call home.


    Du du, the call connected. His father answered the phone. "Hello?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Dad, it''s me."


    His father asked: "Why aren''t you back yet?"


    Zhang Ye replied: "I''m at the entrance to the district. Can you and Mome downstairs to give me a hand? The annual staff party just finished and I have too many things in my car that I can''t carry up by myself. Get Chenchen toe down as well. Don''t keep letting her stay at home ying games. We should make her move around a bit more."


    "OK, I got it." His father hung up.


    Zhang Ye drove into the district.


    When he arrived downstairs and parked his car, his parents appeared at the entrance below the apartment block with Chenchen tagging along unwillingly.


    Zhang Ye got out of the car and opened up his car''s trunk and doors.


    His mother grumbled, "How big can the things be that you must make us alle down to carry them for you?"


    "You will know when you see it for yourself." Zhang Ye pointed. "It''s all in there. We have to carry everything up."


    When his parents looked inside the car, they were both dumbfounded!


    His mother cursed, "Damn, what the hell? Why are there so many things? Laptops? What are these? Cell phones? There are even cosmetics? Why is there another silver case here?" She was stunned. "Didn''t you take part in the Central TV annual staff party? Why did you go andmit a robbery instead?"


    Zhang Yeughed loudly. "These are all the prizes that I won!"


    His mother said in a speechless manner, "How are these prizes that you won. It seems more like you went on a shopping spree!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I asked my cousins toe over just now and they should be here soon. I wonder if they have eaten dinner yet. But why don''t you just prepare more food tonight."


    "All you know is how to order people around!" His mother rolled her eyes.


    Zhang Ye said happily, "It won''t be for nothing. Here, take this box. It''s for you and Dad."


    His mother grunted, "Do you think you can dismiss me with just a lousy box?" She took a few steps and looked down at the box, feeling rather curious about what was in it and pressed the locking mechanism to open it. However, right at that moment she opened it but just before it fully opened, she caught a glimpse of the many stacks of one hundred yuan notes inside it.


    His father eximed, "Why is there so much money!"


    His mother was shocked. "Did you rob a bank?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "These are all the prizes that I won during the annual staff party. The two of you can just help yourselves to whatever you fancy!"


    His mother was afraid that the box would be seen by other people, so she hugged it tight in her arms while grinning and carried it upstairs. She kept talking as they went upstairs. "Didn''t newspapers im that the rtionship between my son and Central TV is very bad? Those must be rumors. Look at these benefits given to Little Ye by Central TV. How nice of them! They gave him money and items not by pieces, but by boxes instead! Son, if Central TV''s welfare is that good, you should consider staying at Central TV for a few more years and participate in more of such annual staff parties!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "If I were to participate in a few more of such annual staff parties, I wonder how many people in Central TV would suffer from a heart attack! Just by this incident alone, I think the whole country''s TV stations would not dare to let me participate in their future annual staff parties at all."


    His father was taken aback. "What do you mean by that?"


    "Nothing, haha. Let''s move all of these upstairs, Dad." Zhang Ye started to bring out the things from his car.


    Pack by pack.


    Box by box.


    After moving around for more than 20 minutes, alternating between upstairs and downstairs, they finally brought all the things from the car up to the house.


    Inside the house, Zhang Ye was so tired that he was panting, as the majority of the prizes were carried up by him. "You two can look through everything and just take whatever you like. Do you need to change your cell phones? And there''s also theptops��eh!" Suddenly, Zhang Ye counted the items with a sweeping nce and remarked, "Why am I short of one cell phone? And also short of aptop?"


    His mother asked, "Did you leave them behind in the car?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and went directly to the bedroom, pushing the door open. "Chenchen!"


    He saw Chenchen acting surreptitiously while hiding something in the nket. When she saw that Zhang Ye and his parents had already entered the room, her little face showed an emotionless expression. She quickly pulled her hands back and said calmly, "Zhang Ye, what?"


    Zhang Ye stared at her. "What are you trying to hide?"


    Chenchen retorted, "I''m folding my nket."


    Zhang Ye was so angry that he was amused. "Come on you. If you are willingly folding the nket, the sun will rise from the west" He went over and pulled the nket aside. As expected, the missing cell phone andptop were in there!


    Zhang Ye was about to take them.


    But Chenchen immediately blocked him. "It''s mine!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Did I say I would give it to you?! You are only a primary school student. What''s the point of you having a cell phone! And aptop too! Is theputer at home still not enough for you to y with?"


    Chenchen said angrily with a dark expression, "You said just now that I could take whatever I liked!"


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted. "I was telling that to Grandpa and Grandma."


    Chenchen hugged theptop tightly and said, "I will not ask for New Year''s money from you this Spring Festival. I only want this."


    "You really know how to choose your gifts. How much could your New Year''s money be worth? These two items already cost more than 20,000 yuan together!" Zhang Ye didn''t agree to it. "No, if I give them to you, you''ll only be ying games every day. If you also start ying games during your lessons, won''t your teachers be calling your guardians for a meeting every day? By then, who would want to go and meet your teacher?!"


    Chenchen said unflinchingly, "I want theptop because I need it for studying and doing my homework. Zhang Ye, why are you so childish? Why are you always thinking about ying games?"


    Ha?


    Zhang Ye nearly vomited blood. That damned child!


    "Who is the one always thinking about ying games? Is it you or me?" Zhang Ye said in annoyance.


    Chenchen said, "You were the one who made nts vs. Zombies."


    Zhang Ye could not say anything to that.


    Even his motherughed after hearing that. She said, "The child only wants to use theptop to help her in her studies, what are you doing this for?"


    Zhang Yemented, "Her? Study? My ass!"


    His mother waved her hand and said, "Chenchen, Grandma will decide for you. That cell phone andptop are yours to keep, so study hard in the future and get a good result for your next semester."


    Chenchen acknowledged, "Thank you, Grandma."


    Zhang Ye could not do anything about that. "Mom, you''re always spoiling her."


    Meanwhile, Chenchen couldn''t wait any longer and started opening up the packages. She clumsily tore them open and powered on the cell phone as soon as she took it out. Then she opened up theptop box as well, busying herself greatly with everything that she was doing.


    Outside, the doorbell rang.


    Then someone knocked on the door. "Bro, we''re here, open the door!"


    His mother opened the door and said, "Oh, you guys arrived this quickly? Your brother just informed me that you''d being over, and you''re here already? Did the three of you meet toe here together?"


    "Hello First Aunt and Uncle." The eldest sister greeted them softly and said, "Nope, the three of us met up downstairs beforeing up. I arrived first and waited for them for a while."


    The third sister said impatiently, "Aunt, where''s our brother? Why did he make use here? I had to rush over immediately and did not get to watch tonight''s TV drama!"


    The second sister also said, "Yeah, he said there was something good?"


    Zhang Ye came out from the bedroom andughed heartily. "You''ve all arrived?"


    The second sister waved at him. "Bro!"


    Zhang Yeughed as he stepped aside and pointed to those boxes piled up like a hill in the living room. "Come in and have a look at what those are."


    The three of them had a nce.


    The third sister, Cao Mengmeng, was instantly shocked as she recognized them upon seeing them. "Holy shit! These are Yuanhes! It''s thetest model of the Yuanhe smartphone!"


    The second sister, Cao Tong, had already lunged forward in exmation. "Heavens! Am I dreaming or what? They''re really Yuanhes? There are over a dozen of them here? Ahhh!"


    Cao Dan, being the eldest sister, was supposedly the mostposed among them. However, when she saw those items lying all over the ce, she was instinctively shocked by them. "Bro, which shopping mall did you rob? Aren''t these Spring Festival goods too extravagant? This big pile of items here should cost at least 200,000 yuan, right? And that is thetest model of the ultrathin touchscreenptop, the most popr high-end portableptop that costs more than 10,000 yuan each!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Don''t bother asking me how I got these things. Go on, just take whatever you like. It''s almost the Lunar New Year, so just treat it as a New Year''s gift!"


    His third sister screamed, "Are you really giving them to us?"


    The second sister gulped and asked, "Are you sure I can pick anything I want? Can I have two then?"


    Zhang Ye was amused and said, "You can even take three if you want."


    "Ah, hooray for my bro!" His third sister screamed excitedly as she went in and scooped a Yuanhe phone up, hugging it into her arms and not wanting to let go. Thinking for a moment, she decided that she might as well grab aptop for herself too. "Wahhhhhh! It''s mine, it''s mine! These are all mine!"


    The second sister also behaved like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey. "Leave some for me!"


    "There''s no need to fight for them. Do you both have to go to that extent? That''s not how girls should behave." The eldest sister was more reserved than them as she gracefully walked up to the pile and reached for��six boxes of cosmetics, four cell phones and threeptops!


    The second sister: "��"


    The third sister eximed, "Pfft, Sis, you''re being too greedy!"


    Zhang Ye was also dumbfounded.


    With her hands full, Cao Dan could not hold anymore items and had to unwillingly unload some of them. In the end, she only took two boxes of cosmetics, a cell phone and aptop.


    The third sister had already unpacked the cell phone from the box and turned it on. She has even put her SIM card into it. "Bro, you''re great! I''ll give you 10,000 Likes!"


    The eldest and second sister also unboxed aptop and cell phone immediately to test it out!


    "Wow, this function uses such advanced technology!"


    "It even has iris recognition! Heavens!"


    "High end! It''s such a high-end model!"


    "Quickly post on Weibo and show it off!"


    After changing into the new "gear," the three sisters went crazy with delight!


    Zhang Ye did not forget about his paternal elder cousin as he called for a courier to pick up the items and send them to her, before calling to inform her.


    "Sis, the Spring Festival ising up soon and I might be quite busy until then. There''s still Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G to prepare for, so I probably won''t be dropping by at your ce. I''ve sent something to you and your family. Just remember to sign for the delivery," Zhang Ye said.


    His paternal elder cousin asked: "What are you sending me?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "You''ll know when it arrives, but it''s something that you will definitely like."


    Having already given out so many gifts, the house was still packed with more than half of the items he had won. He couldn''t even finish gifting all of them. But there was nothing he could do about it. After all, he was the one who had swept up all the cash and gift prizes from Central TV''s annual staff party!

 Chapter 870: The courier gets a great shock!

    <h4>Chapter 870: The courier gets a great shock! </h4>


    Chapter 870: The courier gets a great shock!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    That night.


    Suddenly, a news article was published on an obscure social media news blog.


    "An unnamed famous host of Central TV has gotten into trouble again!"


    The content was as follows: "ording to an unidentified insider, an unnamed famous host won close to 100 times consecutively during the lucky draw segment at Central TV''s internally organized annual staff party this afternoon. All of the prizes during the draw were won by him and the annual staff party dispersed on unhappy terms eventually!"


    At the beginning, this piece of news did not attract much attention because a social media news blog would not be as well publicized as the official media outlets. Furthermore, the news source was not reliable either. But as time passed by, more and more Central TV staff and industry insiders started replying and forwarding this news article, helping to verify the authenticity of it!


    Theizens couldn''t sit still anymore!


    "What?"


    "Swept up all the prizes?"


    "How did they conduct the draw?"


    "Surely that can''t be true?"


    "Who the hell could it be?! Who has such heaven-defying luck?"


    "Central TV? An unnamed famous host? Got into trouble again? Pfft, you still can''t link who it is with these three keywords? Is this your first time on the Inte?"


    "It''s definitely Zhang Ye!"


    "Pfft, it can''t be anyone else other than that guy!"


    "Yea, only a person like Zhang Ye could stir up such a bigmotion!"


    "This must be fake news, right?"


    "It really happened. I have a friend working at Central TV who participated in the annual staff party. He witnessed the entire thing with his own eyes and described the incident as��way too amazing! Everyone was shocked by it! Everyone, including the Central TV station execs, could only helplessly watch as Zhang Ye emptied the entire inventory of prizes for the annual staff party, taking them away box by box until the very end!"


    "What on earth happened?"


    "I heard that something happened just before the annual staff party began. The execs of Central TV had meted out a punishment to Zhang Ye because of the crosstalk routine ''I Want to Get on the Spring Festival G'' he performed during Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G rehearsal. That nearly prevented him from taking part in the annual staff party!"


    "So that''s what happened!"


    "Then with that temperament Zhang Ye has, he must have lost his temper right there!"


    "Hahaha, that hot temper of Zhang Ye is what I like most about him!"


    "But how did he manage to win everything?"


    "Who knows!"


    "Who cares how he managed to do that. What''s really disgraceful is Central TV''s attitude toward Teacher Zhang! So he had to smack their faces! And make some trouble for them!"


    ...


    At home.


    Zhang Ye was grabbing some food for Chenchen. "Hurry up and eat. Stop ying on your phone!"


    Chenchen ignored him. "I''m not hungry."


    "If you don''t eat, I''ll take it back," Zhang Ye said with a serious face.


    Chenchen could only pout and used her chopsticks to take a few token mouthfuls of food. Through all that, her eyes were staring fixedly at the screen of her new cell phone.


    It was also about the same for the three sisters who were seated at the dining table as they couldn''t take their hands off their new cell phones.


    At this moment, a phone call came in.


    Zhang Ye looked at the caller ID and saw that it was from Hu Fei. He stood up and walked away, standing closer to the kitchen where he answered the call with augh and said: "Brother Hu, you''re looking for me?"


    Hu Fei immediately said: "You shed with Central TV again?"


    "Hai." Zhang Ye said: "You''re really well-informed with your sources."


    Hu Fei said: "How am I well-informed? The news has already spread all over the Inte. It''s just that I''m not sure whether this news is fake, but hearing you say it this way, I''ll assume that it is real? You''ve really emptied the entire prize rack at the annual staff party?"


    Zhang Yeughed embarrassed. "More or less."


    Hu Fei asked: "How much is more or less?"


    Zhang Ye paused, then answered: "That means that I didn''t leave anything behind for them."


    Hu Fei: "��"


    "Ha," Zhang Yeughed.


    Hu Fei hesitated for a moment before suddenly saying with a tinge of apology: "Was it because of us that Central TV decided to mete out the punishments on you? If we knew that it would affect you so greatly, we wouldn''t have asked you toe onto our Beijing TV Spring Festival G and brought you all this trouble."


    "It has nothing to do with you all." Zhang Ye smiled and remarked: "When has there ever been a day that I didn''t fight with them? Even if it weren''t over the Spring Festival G issue, I would still be fighting with them over some other thing. It''s unavoidable, so if they want to fight, I will take them head on. Why should I be afraid of them?"


    Upon hearing that, Hu Fei subsided into helplessughter. "You''re an artist, writer, and the most popr TV show director in the country right now. Why are you always talking about fighting? I don''t think you will ever change your ways in this lifetime."


    Zhang Ye sardonically replied: "I''m just a bit open-minded about this. I can never walk the path of those refined and elite people. I have always been this vindictive��unwind my bicycle''s chain and I''ll crush your bicycle in return. Throw dirty water at my house and I''ll make sure to spread dog shit all over your house''s windows! Ha, you should stop criticizing already since you''ve known me for such a long time. This is how I will be for my entire life since I wasn''t born to live in the upper ss."


    Hu Fei shook his head andughed. "I really don''t know what to say. But thinking about it, Little Zhang, if you change your ways one day and cordially treat everyone with respect, I doubt I could actually ept that! Hahaha! Alright, since you''re fine, I feel at ease now. It''s fine as long as our side did not cause you too much trouble. Remember to quickly get the crosstalk routine ready for the Spring Festival G."


    "Don''t worry, there won''t be a problem." Zhang Ye guaranteed: "A Bite of China''s broadcast is almost ending, and once I''ve settled matters regarding it these next few days, I''ll get started on the crosstalk script. It''ll definitely be polished to perfection before Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G. That you don''t have to worry about since me and Old Yao are very professional. I''ve already informed Director Chang as well."


    Hu Feiughed and said: "I''m always reassured when you handle things."


    Zhang Ye said: "I still have a lot of prizes that I won from the annual staff party with me. Do you want something? Ask Xiao Lu, Dafei, Hou Ge, and the rest if they want some too. I''ll bring some things over to you guys."


    Hu Fei was amused. "Forget it, just keep whatever you won for yourself."


    Zhang Ye smirked. "So there''s something that I can''t sell even after promoting it?"


    Hu Fei smiled and said: "If you insist on making me ept it, I will take it."


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Alright, then please ept it with reluctance."


    "Whatever you say!"


    "I''ll get something for Hou Ge, Dafei, and the others as well. Then I''ll get a courier to send them over to you since I won''t be going over there for a few days at least."


    ...


    After lunch.


    Zhang Ye''s obsessivepulsive disorder was kicking in as he felt very ufortable just seeing the pile of items. So he simply decided that he would call up all his friends one by one to ask for their addresses, like Grandma Zhang Xia; Chen Guang; Fan Wenli; his old bosses at the online television station; some of his old ssmates; his beloved Teacher Su Hongyan at Media College; skit actress Ci Xiufang; Peking University''s Chinese Department''s Su Na and some other colleagues; his friends from the Peking University Mathematics Department; Yao Jiancai and his daughter, Yao Mi; and so on. These were all Zhang Ye''s closer friends to speak of.


    When the courier got to his house, Zhang Ye made his cousins help him write down all the addresses and names of the recipients. He was going to send at least one item to each of his friends. Some would receive the cosmetics while others would receive the cell phones. All of them were considered New Year gifts for them! For a lot of friendships, it required people to constantly keep in touch with one another.


    Just the consignment forms alone had to be filled in more than 20 times!


    It took them more than 20 minutes to fill in everything!


    Zhang Ye did note outside to show himself. He just stayed put in the bedroom and yed with Chenchen. All the form filling work was handled by his three cousins since they didn''t want to take Zhang Ye''s gifts for nothing.


    The courier who came to his house had his jaw drop when he saw the names on the consignment forms!


    Damn! Yao��Yao Jiancai?


    Damn! Zhang Xia?


    Damn! Chen Guang?


    Damn! Fan��Fan Wenli?


    Damn! Ci��Ci Xiufang?


    And holy shit, there''s even Zhang Yuanqi?!


    Every name on the consignment form gave the courier a great shock!


    What the fuck!


    What the fuck is with this household?


    Do their family members all have the exact same names as those celebrities? Or are they trolling? Were those addresses just written randomly by those three girls? Even though that courier was very experienced and knowledgeable, he was still so shocked by this situation that his hands were trembling!


    ...


    When everything was sent out, Zhang Ye began to feel more rxed.


    He had finally managed to gift everything!

 Chapter 871: Da Hong Pao becomes famous!

    <h4>Chapter 871: Da Hong Pao bes famous! </h4>


    Chapter 871: Da Hong Pao bes famous!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    As long as they were situated in the same city, the courier packages would have reached their destinations by now.


    His paternal elder cousin called. "Little Ye, I was still wondering what you''d sent to me. So it''s actually some cosmetics and a cell phone, and it''s even thetest Yuanhe 8V model?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "You''ve received it?"


    "Yes, I did." His cousin said: "This gift is too expensive!"


    Zhang Ye said: "It didn''t cost me anything anyway."


    His cousin said: "Alright then, Sis thanks you for it!"


    Zhang Ye said: "How is your blogshop doing?"


    His cousin beamed and said: "Ever since we put up your photos and that advertising taglinest year, our business has been doing quite well. It''s even getting better in conjunction with your poprity."


    "That''s great then." Zhang Ye said: "Just use my photos as you deem fit. I don''t have a management agency anyway, so there aren''t many restrictions."


    A whileter, Yao Jiancai texted him a message.


    Yao Jiancai: "Zhang''er, I''ve received your package."


    Zhang Ye replied: "Great."


    Yao Jiancai: "Haha, Mimi wants me to thank you on her behalf. That girl keeps holding onto that He-something cell phone and is ying with it. My wife has also opened up the cosmetics set that you gave her and tried the milk cleanser. She says it''s really good."


    Zhang Ye: "It''s great as long as she likes it."


    After that, Xiao Lu also texted him a message. "Thank you, Teacher Zhang!


    Dafei: "We''ve received the items! Mighty Teacher Zhang!"


    Hou Ge: "Director Zhang, early Spring Festival greetings to you! Thanks for the cell phone! It''s just really great to use!"


    Songstress Grandma Zhang Xia also called. "Thanks, Little Zhang."


    Peking University''s Chinese Department''s Teacher Su Na directly posted on Weibo instead and even attached a picture apanying it. The picture depicted the cell phone in its before unboxing state and after unboxing state. She said on Weibo: "Thank you to Professor Zhang for your New Year''s gift. I like it very much!"


    Zhang Yuanqi also received her gift.


    However, Old Zhang only sent him a message with two words: "Received it."


    Zhang Ye asked: "How do you like it?"


    Old Zhang: "I''ll make do with it."


    Lightly chuckling, Zhang Ye knew that this was Old Zhang''s true character in private, so he did not get too bothered by it. After replying to everyone, he put aside everything and quickly went to work.


    ...


    Stepping into the period just before the Spring Festival, Zhang Ye was suddenly swamped with work as his schedule was packed to the brim.


    Dinner gatherings��


    Year-end reviews��


    A Bite of China''s promotions��


    Advertiser feedback sessions��


    Throughout the day, he was kept on his toes.


    In the end, an incident even happened when night arrived. Tonight was the broadcast of A Bite of China''stest episode. Many of the home viewers were tuned into Channel 14 to watch the show as usual. As with previous broadcasts, A Bite of China always focused on food, whether they were ingredients or cuisines. However, today''s episode had an additional segment that focused on tea leaves. Even though the focus on tea leaves was not exactly unusual as it still stayed faithful to A Bite of China''s theme, the critical issue here was that no one seemed to have heard of this particr tea leaf that was featured.


    "There is a nameless monastery located in the Wuyi Mountains scenic area, where incense does not burn too brightly. On this morning, Huizhi, the young monk, wakes up as usual and goes with his senior brother to draw the water��"


    "Several tea trees of a lush green shade line the cliffs over here."


    "This tea in focus is called Da Hong Pao. Its leaves are wiry and have a greenish-brown appearance, with the resulting brew forming a clear and light amber tea. The most outstanding quality of this tea is its aroma that has a hint of orchid and lingers ubiquitously for a long time, with a distinctive terroir of ''rock.'' In addition, most teas have the benefits of refreshing and aiding thinking, elimination of fatigue, promotion of diuresis, clearing away and preventing heat, being antibacterial, having detoxification effects and preventing diseases, aiding digestion, helping in losing weight, and improving health and fitness. It may also prevent cancer, help lower cholesterol levels, and has anti-aging and other special effects."


    "The Da Hong Pao tea leaves canst through more than seven or eight infusions and still be very fragrant.


    After the episode was broadcast, there was a great reaction online.


    "Da Hong Pao?"


    "What tea is that?"


    "Oolong tea? Why have I never heard of it before?"


    "Your horizons are not wide enough!"


    "My horizons are not wide enough? Fuck you, I am a local of Wuyishan!"


    "Previous poster, I don''t think you are from the way you speak."


    "Fuck, my style was influenced by Zhang Ye, but I''m really a local here. There are many Wuyishan teas that are quite good and famous, but I''ve never, ever heard of this Da Hong Pao before!"


    "That''s right, I''m also a local and I''ve never heard of this tea called Da Hong Pao. My family have been tea merchants since my grandpa''s and parents'' time. If there was really a oolong tea called Da Hong Pao, I couldn''t possibly have not heard of it. There are only so many varieties of oolong tea and I can recite their names backwards easily!"


    "But that''s not what A Bite of China says."


    "Did they get it wrong?"


    "It can evenst seven or eight infusions and still be very fragrant? That must be bullshit! Any tea leaves would be tasteless after three brews!"


    "If it''s really as A Bite of China says, then won''t that tea be the number 1 tea in the country?! How can it be that good!? That even the locals do not know about it?"


    "Impossible. When Teacher Zhang makes a show, he''s always very care to fact check and surely would not make such a stupid mistake!"


    Online, the discussion about this was relentless as the debate intensified.


    A lot of those who did not like Zhang Ye were using this chance to attack him.


    "Zhang Ye only knows how to talk nonsense!"


    "Da Hong Pao? You must be joking!"


    "Is there even such a tea?!"


    "This show is too irresponsible with its ims!"


    "This is called cheating the viewers!"


    "How can a tea that grows on some wild mountain top be nice?!"


    Finally, some of the locals of Wuyishan and even the local tea merchants there started appearing on Weibo as well.


    One Fujian tea shop owner said: "Da Hong Pao? Excuse my ignorance, but I''ve really never heard of it."


    A merchant who deals with oolong tea in Wuyishan said: "Me neither. Does such a good tea really exist? If it''s really as good as the show ims and there are only several of those tea trees left, then with the excellent taste and aroma of the tea, wouldn''t it be worth an out-of-this-world price? So how could it be possible that no one knows about it?"


    An expert from the Chinese Society of Tea Science also came out and asked: "What tea is this?"


    Almost at once, A Bite of China had attracted a wave of criticism, being called liars along with ims that they were irresponsible. They even imed that they were broadcasting a fake segment and gave the show many simrbels too!


    ...


    At home.


    Yan Tianfei urgently contacted Zhang Ye.


    Over the phone, Old Yan sounded very anxious. "Teacher Little Zhang, have you seen what''s happening online yet? What''s this about Da Hong Pao? Is there really no such tea?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "They''re just ignorant."


    Yan Tianfei was taken aback by the response. "But those are local tea merchants speaking up. Do they also not know?"


    Zhang Ye exined: "Director Yan, I have never faked anything when ites to making shows. It''s not like you don''t know that already. There''s nothing that they can pick on regarding this tea; it''s just that there aren''t many people who know their stuff."


    Hearing that, Yan Tianfei felt somewhat relieved. "I should''ve known. Anything that you, Little Zhang, do has never disappointed anyone before. I understand. So we won''t need to hold an emergency PR session?"


    Zhang Ye replied: "I guess not? We''ll see how it goes, just leave it to me."


    Yan Tianfei said: "Alright then. It''sing up to the Spring Festival soon. Just bear the brunt for a little longer."


    Zhang Yeughed: "Of course."


    The debate was still going on online.


    This was the first time that A Bite of China was suffering from a crisis of confidence.


    The matter only had a turnaround the next day.


    A Bite of China''s viewership ratings were rising extremely high and the show was now considered a national documentary. Although any of its scenes could attract all kinds of attention, that unheard of tea called Da Hong Pao had attracted countless people''s attention this time. Quite a number of local tea merchants, and even the local Society of Tea Science and other national tea-rted organizations, had descended upon the Wuyi Mountains scenic area, with some of them rushing here by flying from miles away. The Wuyi scenic area managementmittee staff were rmed by all of this.


    Seeing this turnout, the Wuyi Mountains scenic area managementmittee staff could only lead those people into the scenic area. Actually, even most of the staff here did not know about the existence of these few trees. The trees did not really stand out much, so no one bothered with them or took them seriously since they were really miserable looking. Otherwise, why would they have sold the trees to Zhang Ye back then so agreeably and even took him for a sucker!


    The monastery was located.


    The tea trees were located.


    The tea merchants started to investigate, while the experts began examining. "These tea trees have to be at least a hundred years old! Or even older than that!"


    This fact shocked many of them!


    Previously, the monastery''s abbot had already packed most of the Da Hong Pao tea that they harvested in the past for Zhang Ye to bring back to Beijing. However, they still kept a little bit of it for their own consumption. The tea merchants and experts spoke with the monastery and somehow managed to get their hands on some of those Da Hong Pao tea leaves.


    After tasting the tea, all of them were greatly astonished!


    "Heavens!"


    "What kind of tea is this!?"


    "It''s really true! A Bite of China''s ims were true!"


    "This��this��"


    "It''s really a top-of-the-line oolong tea! On top of that, it even has an aroma that no other oolong tea has! It''s has such a full aftertaste! And it''s so pure! This has to be first-rate tea!"


    "Is there even such a gem in this world?"


    "Master, do you still have any of the tea left in your monastery? I''ll buy them all!"


    A monk of the monastery said, "We don''t have any more left."


    The tea merchants immediately approached the scenic area''s managementmittee. "Regarding these tea trees, we would like to buy them all. Just let us know how much you want for them!"


    Even those tea experts were getting excited!


    But when they heard what the scenic area''s managementmittee staff told them, a sense of disappointment came over them. "These parent trees have already been bought by Teacher Zhang Ye."


    "Ah?"


    "Why did it turn out like that?"


    "There''s not even a single one left that we can have?"


    "Aiyo, what a pity!"


    Everyone started howling with pained hatred!


    Little did they know that those people from the scenic area managementmittee were also almost in tears. Seeing how these merchants and experts reacted, they understood that the tea leaves were not just any ordinary tea leaves. Besides, one of their staff members was lucky enough to have tasted it just now and could still smell the tea''s aroma in their mind. But then, so what? They had already sold away all their rights to those trees! There was nothing left!


    This news quickly spread!


    After the experts and tea merchants went back, they could not stop praising the tea!


    Theizens were surprised!


    "What?"


    "Is it really that good?"


    "That can''t be, right?"


    "Why not? The people from the Society of Tea Science went onsite to examine them!"


    "So this im about Da Hong Pao is true then?"


    "Then why didn''t anyone know about it until now?"


    "Yeah, why is it that only those from A Bite of China''s program team know about it? And how did this name of Da Hong Paoe about? Who gave it that name?"


    "I will keep my reservations about this. Could those experts and tea merchants turn out to be shills?"


    "How can that be? There have been several waves of tea merchants and tea lovers who went to the site over the past two days! It should be real!"


    "But why was it that only Zhang Ye who knew about it and not anyone else?"


    On the third day of this incident, another major turning point surfaced!


    This turning point was one that even Zhang Ye did not think of.


    A professor from Fujian University who researched history discovered a historical record of Da Hong Pao from a rare Qing dynasty document. Although the document was badly damaged and missing arge chunk, it really mentioned words like "Wuyi Mountains," "Da Hong Pao," "tribute," and "Emperor." Due to the missing information, there was no description of the specific location and other relevant details. Therefore, this document did not attract the attention of anyone until now!


    This was an astonishing discovery!


    That professor uploaded the historical document online and posted: "As an associate professor of Peking University, I can''tment on Zhang Ye''s character. But in terms of knowledge and diligence, I trust him fully. Therefore, I went through a lot of information and finally found some evidence that can prove that the tea called Da Hong Pao truly existed. In fact, the earliest mention of it dates back to the Qing dynasty where a few isted words match closely with the introduction of the Da Hong Pao parent trees on A Bite of China!"


    This news immediately caused a huge reaction on the Inte!


    The tea merchants went into a frenzy!


    The tea experts went into a frenzy!


    The tea lovers went into a frenzy!


    "So it''s really true!"


    "Fuck, Da Hong Pao was really a tea used for tributes?"


    "It''s that famous? Even the emperors liked to drink it?"


    "How awesome! It''s really too awesome!"


    "What the fuck! Is it really that good?"


    "So it turns out that this Da Hong Pao was already amazing in ancient times!"


    "It''s a famous tea!"


    "There are only a few parent trees left in the entire country? Then how much would it cost per catty?"


    "Per catty? You fool! How could they be selling this by the catty! With this proof from the historical documents, they wouldn''t even sell it by the tael. It''s more likely it would be sold by the gram!"


    "Ah?"


    ...


    Zhang Ye who was at home was also stunned. There was still a difference between this world and his previous world. The historical direction of Da Hong Pao had developed differently. For example, there was no longer that inscription on the wall of the cliff where the tea grew, but a historical documentation of the tea had appeared in this world instead.


    The newspaper coverage of this subject was appearing everywhere!


    It was even talked about on News Simulcast!


    "Birth of a famous tea!"


    "The Da Hong Pao tea that was forgotten by history!"


    "Qing dynasty tribute ''Da Hong Pao'' shockingly reappears in this world!"


    "A tribute by A Bite of China to cultural heritage!"


    Da Hong Pao!


    Da Hong Pao!


    Da Hong Pao!


    This term appeared all over the news and on the Inte!


    At home.


    His parents were staring with their mouths agape as they watched the news on TV.


    Suddenly, his mother turned around and lightly kicked at a bag of tea under the coffee table. She pointed to it and asked dumbfounded, "Little Ye, that famous Qing dynasty tea that they''re talking about, could it��could it be this big bag of lousy tea that you brought home that one time?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "That''s the one."


    His father jaw dropped. "The one that you wouldn''t let us have more of after we had a cup of it?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "That''s right."


    His father asked again, "It was a drink for the emperors during the Qing dynasty?"


    Zhang Ye answered with amusement, "That might be possible, but I don''t know the details."


    "Aiyo, oh my god!" His mother was utterly shocked by that, then hurriedly bend down to take out the bag of Da Hong Pao carefully. That gentleness, that movement, that protectiveness was as if she were carrying her own baby. "Hurry! Hide this! Hurry up and hide it!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''ve already stored the bulk of it, so what you have there is just for our own consumption. Why are you hiding it?"


    His mother stared at him. "Nonsense, how can I not hide this?! Right now, we''re the only ones who have Da Hong Pao in this entire world! This is a treasure! A treasure that only emperors had the honor to drink!"

 Chapter 872: The astronomical price of the tea leaves!

    <h4>Chapter 872: The astronomical price of the tea leaves! </h4>


    Chapter 872: The astronomical price of the tea leaves!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Overnight, almost everyone knew of the name Da Hong Pao!


    However, there were naturally controversies as someizens did not acknowledge it.


    "Is it that nice?"


    "They must have exaggerated it!"


    "That''s right, why is the news all about Da Hong Pao?"


    "No matter how good it is, would it be better than Longjing?"[1.]


    "I think those people are all shills hired by Zhang Ye! What tribute? Bullshit!"


    "I heard that the most expensive Xihu Longjing fromst year''s harvest cost around 60 to 70,000 yuan per kilogram. No matter how expensive Da Hong Pao is, how can it be more expensive than Longjing? That is the best among all the famous teas!"


    "Right, they really know how to boast!"


    "Comparing oolong Tea with green tea, it''s still worse by a ton!"


    "Yes, green tea is the king among all the teas!"


    In the end, it didn''t take long before someone came forward to smack faces!


    On Weibo, a very famous tea merchant from the Zhejiang area posted: "I am willing to offer 100,000 yuan for 50 grams of Da Hong Pao tea leaves!"


    With that, theizens were all stunned!


    "What?"


    "100,000 yuan?"


    "To buy 50 grams?"


    "Fuck, how can that be?"


    "How can it be so expensive? It''s impossible!"


    But soon after, a CEO of a different tea enterprise made an offer and attached a contact number along with it. "This is my office number. Whoever has Da Hong Pao tea leaves can contact my secretary. I can offer 100,000 yuan for 30 grams. And there''s still room for negotiation. That''s all."


    "What the hell!"


    "Someone made an offer again?"


    "It''s even more expensive this time!"


    "100,000 yuan for 30 grams? That''s crazy!"


    Following that, requests to purchase the tea leaves came one after another!


    A Beijing real estate CEO: "I don''t have any hobbies other than drinking tea. I would also like to ask if anyone has Da Hong Pao tea leaves. I can give a good offer and don''t need much, just 10 to 20 grams will be sufficient. If you have it or if you know someone who has Da Hong Pao tea leaves, please contact me or make the introduction so that I can contact the other party directly."


    A toy merchant: "I offer 60,000 yuan for 10 grams!"


    A famous affluent second generation posted online: "I will offer 500,000 yuan for 100 grams!"


    "600,000 yuan!"


    "650,000 yuan!"


    A bidding war broke out and kept going.


    Finally, that affluent second generation got annoyed and tly made an offer. "I will also offer 650,000 yuan, but I only need 20 grams! Who has it? Contact me immediately!"


    This was the highest offer so far today!


    Theizens were dumbfounded by what they saw!


    "Is this what it''s like in the world of the rich?"


    "Fuck! Spending over 600,000 yuan just to buy some tea leaves? And it''s only for 20 grams?"


    "Impressive!"


    "Fuck that, who was just saying that Da Hong Pao wouldn''t be worth that much? Who was saying that no matter how expensive it was, it wouldn''tpare to the best Xihu Longjing? No matter how expensive Longjing is, it is still sold by the catty. But what about Da Hong Pao? It is fucking sold by the gram! This is a totally different level of pricing altogether! The price difference is too great!"


    "Whoever has a catty or two of Da Hong Pao would totally strike it rich, right?"


    "But no one hase forward yet, so it doesn''t seem like anyone has it."


    "Yeah, it''s so precious that you can''t buy them even if you do have the money!"


    "Where is all the Da Hong Pao?"


    "If anyone has those tea leaves, it would be Zhang Ye!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye doesn''t need money, so I guess he wouldn''t consider selling them."


    "That''s why the price has been spected to such an extreme!"


    "Zhang Ye is really sharp and has good vision! I''m still wondering how he was able to discover this long-lost tribute from so many years ago."


    "I''m still unsure if this is fake news or not!"


    ...


    The next day.


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    Early in the morning, there was someone knocking at the door. Some people hade to visit.


    His mother went to open the door and saw eight or nine people standing outside. "Uh? Who are you?"


    One of them said, "Hello, Big Sis. Is Professor Zhang at home?"


    "Little Ye is still sleeping at the moment." His mother sized them up curiously. "Why are you looking for him?"


    That person, a middle-aged man, smiled and said, "I have something to discuss. I''m the Head of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences'' Tea Research Institute. My surname is He." Then he introduced the person next to him, "This is the Vice President of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences." As for the other staff who hade along with them, he did not introduce them.


    People from the Academy of Agricultural Sciences?


    His mother was slightly taken aback as she had definitely heard of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences before. "Pleasee in quickly. Our house is a bit messy and has not been tidied up yet, so please don''t mind."


    Someone else from the group said, "Big Sis, we''re from the Fujian Provincial Government Administration Department."


    Following, yet another person said, "Hello, we are from the Wuyi Mountains scenic area managementmittee, excuse us for dropping by uninvited."


    Provincial government?


    Wuyi Mountains scenic area managementmittee?


    So they were three groups of people and not just one.


    His mother eximed, "Uh, pleasee in! I will go and wake Little Ye up."


    Ten minutester.


    Zhang Ye came out from the bedroom. Actually, Zhang Ye had already expected them to visit because the dean of Peking University''s Modern Agriculture Department had called yesterday evening to inform Zhang Ye that the Academy of Agricultural Sciences had contacted him and were hoping to get in touch with Zhang Ye to discuss some matters regarding the Da Hong Pao parent trees. He did not reject them, but neither did he expect that they woulde over so quickly the next morning. As for the other two groups of people, they were probably just tagging along.


    Everyone sat down as his mother boiled some water to make tea.


    Zhang Ye blinked and said, "Mom, brew some Da Hong Pao for the guests."


    "��OK." His mother could feel the pinch as she knew that the Da Hong Pao had already been spected to an astronomical price on the Inte!


    When those people heard that, they were unable to conceal their excitement any longer, eager to try out the tea.


    After steeping and brewing, the tea was served.


    The vice president of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences'' Tea Research Institute couldn''t wait any longer and stood up to say, "Big Sis, I''ll do it instead."


    His mother said, "Don''t trouble yourself. Please take a seat, everyone."


    The several of them immediately turned serious as they formally took a deep breath and raised their teacups to taste the tea.


    "Great tea!"


    "This is indeed a top-of-the-line tea!"


    This��taste spreads out the moment it enters the mouth!"


    "Good! Good! Very good!"


    In the house, sounds of surprised praise immediately rang out!


    The vice president of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences asked, "Professor Zhang, how did you discover the existence of Da Hong Pao?" To those from the Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhang Ye was a mathematician and was thus regarded as a person of science. They saw him as their peer, so when they addressed him, they naturally used Zhang Ye''s title obtained from Peking University''s Math Department.


    With the Qing dynasty document that the Fujian University professor found, Zhang Ye had better support as he smiled and said, "I read a lot and have seen more things than most people."


    The Head of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences'' Tea Research Institute nodded vigorously. "Teacher Zhang is no doubt someone who researches Chinese literature. You''re really experienced and knowledgeable."


    Zhang Ye said, "You''re ttering me. It''s just a coincidence."


    The vice president took another sip before looking at Zhang Ye and saying, "Professor Zhang, do you know why we''re here today?"


    "Surely you are not here to drink tea only." Zhang Ye shook his head, not really knowing why.


    The vice presidentughed and stated, "Then I''ll get straight to the point. The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences paid a visit to the Wuyi Mountains scenic area to investigate. We''ve already done the relevant research and that data has been sent back as well. The team that went there was also led by another vice president, so you can say that the academy is taking this very seriously."


    Zhang Ye just listened to him quietly.


    The vice president said, "After we conducted the fieldwork and surveyed the area, as well as doing a sample analysis on the few parent trees there, we were able to determine that those were indeed the Da Hong Pao trees described in historical documents that had disappeared for over a hundred years. Therefore, the Academy of Agricultural Sciences held an emergency meeting and established a research project. We would like to conduct an in-depth study on the parent trees on the premise that we would not affect its growth and development. On top of that, we would also try grafting and cultivating the tea tree so that we may propagate the nting of it. Da Hong Pao is too precious. It''s not only a testimony of history, it''s also the entire country and nation''s cultural heritage. So of course we hope for it continue into the future. Because the ownership of these parent trees lies with you, we definitely want to seek your approval first. Besides, we want to assure you that we won''t cause any damage to the parent trees in the conduct of this research. In fact, we will use our experience of agricultural science to ensure that the Da Hong Pao parent trees will flourish and grow even healthier, preventing pest damage, natural disasters, as well as other uncontroble factors from affecting it."


    The head of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences'' Tea Research Institute added, "The Academy of Agricultural Sciences values those parent trees more than you, so you can definitely rest assured if you leave them to us to protect."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Then what do I need to do?"


    The vice president said, "You don''t have to do anything, just giving us the authorization will be enough."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "OK, no problem."


    The people from the Academy of Agricultural Sciences were stunned as they did not expect Zhang Ye to agree so readily.


    "I''ve never refused to do my bit for the country and our citizens when it matters, such as passing down our cultural heritage. "Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You guys are right. The Da Hong Pao parent trees are the nation''s assets and culture, they do not belong only to me." After he said that, he quickly added, "Uh, though the trees belong to the nation, the tea leaves are mine."


    Everyone was amused.


    The vice president smiled and said, "The annual harvests of those parent trees are definitely yours, but for our research work, I would like to bring some tea leaves backter. 50, no, 20 grams should be enough."


    Zhang Ye agreed, "Sure."


    When the discussion with the Academy of Agricultural Sciences was done, it was time to speak with those from the Fujian Provincial Government Administration Department.


    That person from the Administration Department said, "Teacher Zhang, it''s like this. We have also held an emergency meeting and decided to set up a new scenic spot at the Wuyi Mountains scenic area which will be called the Da Hong Pao scenic area. It will be opened to tourists to help spread our tea culture."


    Zhang Ye heartily consented, "Sure, just do as you all deem fit."


    With the discussionspleted in the smoothest of ways, everyone was happy with the oue.


    Actually, all of the issues that they''d discussed today were already in ce back in Zhang Ye''s previous world. For example, in his previous world, there was also a Da Hong Pao scenic area in the Wuyi Mountains. Then, there was also the mass cultivation of Da Hong Pao seeds and cuttings that took ce back there, though the quality of such mass cultivated Da Hong Pao tea trees were less uniform and would never be as good as the harvests from the parent trees.


    ...


    On the same day.


    The country''s decision to do research on and cultivate Da Hong Pao was even reported on News Simulcast!


    This was also another way that Da Hong Pao had its status confirmed, even more so as it was an official affirmation from the country!


    "So it wasn''t fake news at all!"


    "Da Hong Pao is real and it exists!"


    "Even the country has involved itself in the research? They have ced such a great importance on the tea?"


    "Holy shit, it''s really a famous tea from the ancient days!"


    "A gram costs over 10,000 yuan? Well isn''t that really expensive!"


    At this point, no one had any more doubt about the authenticity of Da Hong Pao!


    TL Note:


    [1. Longjing tea - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longjing_tea]


    Hello Readers,


    Understand that some of you might be eager to share how the story develops, but please try to avoid posting spoilers in thement section. You can make a spoiler tag on the review section instead :)


    Happy reading everyone!


    Legge

 Chapter 873: A Bite of China ends! A shocking viewership rating!

    <h4>Chapter 873: A Bite of China ends! A shocking viewership rating! </h4>


    Chapter 873: A Bite of China ends! A shocking viewership rating!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Da Hong Pao has be famous!


    The calls were arriving one after another.


    That night, Zhang Ye was taking a dump in the bathroom when Hu Fei called.


    Zhang Ye answered and said: "Hey, Brother Hu. I''m still going through the crosstalk in my mind. Give me another two days. When A Bite of China wraps up, I will get the crosstalk proposal written properly for sure. I will definitely get it out in time."


    Hu Fei said: "I''m not calling to hound you over the crosstalk routine."


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "What is it about then?"


    "Nothing much. I''m just calling to give you my New Year greetings in advance," Hu Fei equivocated.


    "Oh, thank you." Zhang Ye said: "Have a happy New Year too."


    After dragging out the conversation for some time, Hu Fei finally said: "I heard that all of those Da Hong Pao trees have been bought by you? The country still had to inform you before they could start on their tea research?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled: "Brother Hu, if you have something to say, just say it. Why be so courteous with me?"


    "Alright, then I will just say it. Hai, but actually it''s not me." Hu Fei felt a little embarrassed and said: "You know the executive director of Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G, right? Director Chang usually enjoys drinking wine and tea. After he heard about this Da Hong Pao tea, he has been itching for a taste for the past two days. Hur hur, you might not know this, but Director Chang has asked me more than three times in the past two days about this matter. He knows that we were old colleagues and had a good rtionship, so he requested that I ask if you have any excess tea leaves to spare. If you do and are alright with it, can you sell a few grams to him? He doesn''t need much as he knows that the tea leaves have already been spected to over 10,000 yuan per gram. So it will be good enough as long as he can make a cup of tea from it, perhaps like three or four grams? Director Chang said that he will pay ording to the market price."


    Zhang Yeughed upon hearing that and said: "Come on, Brother Hu. Why are you mentioning the money? Are you putting me down? Aren''t they just some tea leaves? I''ll bring some for you guys when I go over soon."


    Hu Fei immediately said: "You''re truly a loyal friend! About the payment, we''ll talk about��"


    "If you still mention the payment, I won''t give you the tea anymore." Zhang Yeughed and said: "Anyway, it won''t be much, just five grams, but that should be enough to make a cup or pot of tea. Just don''t mention paying anymore. You can have a taste when the timees as well."


    Hu Feiughed heartily: "OK, then I won''t stand on ceremony with you."


    "It''s nothing," Zhang Ye said generously.


    A momentter, a call from the executive director of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G, Chang Xiaoliang, arrived. "Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye was still taking a dump. "Hi, Director Chang."


    "Thank you," Chang Xiaoliang said with gratitude.


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Please don''t be so polite with me. It''s just a small matter."


    Chang Xiaoliang stated: "To us tea lovers, this is a big matter. Have you seen how high the price has been spected online? Da Hong Pao is so hard toe by now that you can''t buy it even if you had the money since there is demand but no supply. Do you know many people would kill for a sip of it right now!"


    Zhang Ye replied: "It''s not that bad. If youe over to my ce, you can drink all you want."


    Chang Xiaoliang said: "Then I won''t mention paying, but consider that I owe you one."


    "You don''t have to do that, Director Chang," Zhang Ye said.


    They had only gotten to know each other recently and were not actually that close. Therefore, Chang Xiaoliang approached Hu Fei to convey the message on his behalf. But when he heard that Zhang Ye readily agreed to his request, Chang Xiaoliang felt a little embarrassed and decided that he must give Zhang Ye a call personally to thank him.


    Five minutester.


    Another call came in.


    It was Dong Shanshan. "Zhang''er, what are you doing?"


    Zhang Ye said bluntly: "I''m taking a dump in the bathroom."


    "Whoa, I was wondering why it was so smelly," Dong Shanshan joked.


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "You can even smell it over the phone?"


    "I need to discuss something with you." Dong Shanshan did not beat around the bush. "I would like to buy some tea leaves from you, can you give me a price?"


    Zhang Ye asked: "Hur hur, how much do you need?"


    Dong Shanshan answered: "Just five or ten grams would be sufficient. I can''t afford to buy too much since I still have to pay for my home loan."


    Zhang Ye wondered: "I didn''t know that you liked to drink tea."


    "It''s for a gift." Dong Shanshan said: "There''s a female manager at the station who has always taken extremely good care of me. The reason I was chosen to host the Spring Festival G was because she had suggested it, so I can be considered indebted to her. This manager of mine likes drinking tea and her birthday ising soon. I definitely must express my gratitude."


    Zhang Ye understood. "Alright, don''t talk about buying or not buying. How could I ask you to pay? I''ll give you ten grams for free. You can give it to whomever you like."


    "Thanks, old ssmate."


    "You''re wee."


    "Muuu-ah!"


    Over the phone, he could hear the sound of her lips smacking as she gave him a kiss.


    Zhang Ye was amused and hung up.


    However, right at the next moment, his phone rang again.


    This time it was from Yan Tianfei. "Little Zhang, what are you busy with? Are you resting now?"


    When he heard that, Zhang Ye replied: "I''m not resting yet. Director Yan, I''ll give you ten grams of Da Hong Pao tea leaves and bring them to the office tomorrow after I''ve packed them into smaller packages."


    Yan Tianfei was stunned. "How did you know that I was nning to ask you for the tea leaves?"


    Zhang Ye could not helpughing. "I''ve already gotten a few calls; everyone was asking about the tea leaves."


    "Hai, to think I was hesitating to call you for over an hour just now." Yan Tianfeiughed and said: "I should have just called earlier if I knew."


    Zhang Ye said: "Even if you did not say it, I was already nning to bring some for you tomorrow."


    Yan Tianfei immediately spoke: "OK, thanks. I''ll be trying out the tea that an emperor drank and see how it tastes. Oh right, I have a piece of calligraphy by a calligraphy master of our current generation. I''ve had it for some years now, so I''ll bring it over as well. Let me give it to you in exchange for the tea leaves."


    "There''s no need to, Director Yan."


    "That won''t do. That''s that then."


    Following that, a few more friends and rtives contacted him.


    Zhang Ye did not reject any of them. As long as they asked, he readily agreed to give them some tea leaves. However, it was definitely not that much and was limited to just five to ten grams per person. The tea was naturally very rare and precious to others since it could not be bought even with money, but none of that mattered to Zhang Ye as this fellow had brought the Da Hong Pao tea leaves back to Beijing from the Wuyi Mountains in a gunnysack. It was the entire stockpile of tea leaves that the monks at the nameless monastery had harvested over the years. Whether it was ten grams or a hundred grams of tea leaves, it was just a drop in the bucket to him. Even the excess spige from the gunnysack alone would weigh more than that. Just that little box that he had used to randomly keep the excess tea leaves and ced underneath the coffee table would have around 150 to 200 grams of Da Hong Pao in it!


    ...


    The next morning.


    At the office.


    When Zhang Ye arrived, he was immediately surrounded.


    Little Wang eximed, "Director Zhang, our A Bite of China is famous again!"


    Huang Dandan also said excitedly, "The country has even initiated a project because of it!"


    "This Da Hong Pao was discovered by our A Bite of China!" Ha Qiqiughed and said, "No matter what happens in the future, we have definitely leave a mark on history!"


    Tong Fu yelled, "Our work today will benefit all our future generations!"


    When Zhang Ye saw this group of people boasting about themselves to the skies, he was amused. "Our work today will benefit all our future generations? It''s not that great of an achievement! Alright now, stop bragging about ourselves like that."


    AD Zhang Zuo said excitedly, "At least the news surrounding A Bite of China will be surely soar over the next few days!"


    Ha Qiqi made a noise in acknowledgement. "The show will be ending after thest two episodes are broadcast in a few days'' time. I wonder what the viewership ratings will be."


    "How is Rise to the Dance doing now?" Zhang Ye asked curiously. That show had oncepeted fiercely with them and even tied in the viewership ratings for their premiere episodes.


    Zhang Zuoughed as he shook his head. "They have totally waned. Rise to the Dance''s season finale has just concluded and the viewership rating of thest episode was only 0.45%. Xu Yipeng and Chen Ye''s program team can be considered to have totally failed their objectives. I heard from a friend that Central TV Department 1 is already nning to disband their program team or rece the main bosses. Otherwise, who would bear the responsibility of their failure?"


    Ha Qiqi stated, "Letting Director Zhang go will surely be their lifelong regret."


    Zhang Zuoughed, "I bet they''re already regretting it!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t bother with them. We''re approaching the end of our documentary''s broadcast, so let''s just do the things we''re supposed to and see if we can rely on the momentum generated by our Da Hong Pao episode to rewrite the record of the viewership ratings again!"


    "Understood!"


    "Got it!"


    "We must do so, Director Zhang!"


    ...


    Several dayster.


    Thest two episodes of A Bite of China were broadcast on the Central TV Documentary Channel!


    "For the Chinese, the habit of eating breakfast developed during the Han Dynasty some 2,000 years ago. Since then, most Chinese people have eaten three meals a day. While breakfast has be an almost a universal custom around the world, in China, it has sparked a variety of lifestyles and philosophies."


    Next, the caption appeared.


    Finale: The Three Meals.


    Episode Director: Zhang Ye.


    In front of their televisions, many of the viewers who saw the captions on thest episode suddenly felt a sense of emptiness.


    "For city dwellers, breakfast has to be quick and easy. Tianjin people know this best of all."


    "They start with mung bean batter and spread it into a wonderful, round shape on the pan��thin and even without breakages. Eggs make it nutritious. Then they deep fry the batter until it''s golden brown. They''re fritters with fruit filling, tender on the outside and crisp on the inside, both sweet and salty. Two minutes is all that''s needed to enjoy them."


    "It''s human nature to want to enjoy good food. But everyone has different and sometimes opposing ideas about good food. We all make choices about what we eat. Today, the Chinese are seeing an amazing abundance of food, as well as extreme shortages of resources. If they turn to their ancestral wisdom for answers, they may find this advice. Big a mansion may be, but a bed is all one needs to sleep at night. Rich a man may be, but three meals a day are all one needs to live."


    The ending music started to y.


    A Bite of China ended![1.]


    ...


    At Central TV Department 14.


    It was already nighttime, but no one had left yet.


    The moment A Bite of China ended, the colleagues who were watching their own show in the office stood up together and started pping!


    Bba bba bba!


    "It''s ended!"


    "We were absolutely the best!"


    "Thank you, Director Yan!"


    "Director Zhang, you''ve worked hard!"


    "We''re the best!"


    "Oh! Let''s give a cheer for ourselves!"


    "We will surely enter the annals of history together with A Bite of China!"


    Little Wang who had not been seen around all this time suddenly appeared at the entrance of the office and started humming a tune. She pushed a small cart with a cake on it. There were even some candles lighted and ced on it.


    Yan Tianfeiughed loudly. "There''s even a celebration nned?"


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands. "I didn''t know about it either. They were the ones who organized it."


    Ha Qiqi said happily, "Director Yan, Director Zhang, please blow out the candles and cut the cake!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Is there any alcohol?"


    "Of course there is. We''ve already prepared everything!" Little Wang and Huang Dandan took out the alcohol as though they were performing a magic show!


    It was champagne!


    Yan Tianfeiughed and said, "I was still intending to not drink for a few days. But alright, I''ll make an exception today. Let''s celebrate together with everyone! Come, pour the champagne!"


    "Cheers!"


    "Cheers!"


    "Let''s celebrate the sessful ending of A Bite of China!"


    "Oh, hooray!"


    ...


    The next day.


    Thetest nationwide viewership ratings for television shows were released!


    A Bite of China used the viewership rating of itsst episode to shock the entire country once again! It had given those previously doubting voices and critics another loud p!


    Thest episode''s nationwide viewership rating was 2.98%!


    Little Wang screamed, "Ah!"


    Zhang Zuo was so excited that he nearly threw his mouse. "Oh my god!"


    "We''re too awesome!" Huang Dandan shouted loudly, "We''re simply too awesome!"


    The entire A Bite of China program team was screaming!


    Central TV was dumbfounded!


    The industry was dumbfounded!


    Everyone was stunned!


    Disregarding all those years when television enjoyed a monopoly on home entertainment, and after the birth of the modern Inte era in recent years, when had there ever been a television show that could achieve such a level of poprity? When had there ever been a television show that could achieve such a viewership rating? In this present market environment, they had in fact very nearly breached the 3% viewership rating mark of the old days!


    And it was even a documentary!


    Xu Yipeng was silent!


    Central TV was silent!


    Many of the industry insiders were also silent!


    They could use a thousand or ten thousand reasons to attack and criticize Zhang Ye, but this result that Zhang Ye achieved had truly left them with nothing to say!


    2.98%!


    2.98%!


    Looking at the viewership ratings charts, many of the industry insiders'' first reaction was: Has this world gone crazy?


    How can a documentary turn out to be so fucking popr?!


    [1. A Bite of China Season 2 Finale - https://youtu.be/7JL02LzfP8A]

 Chapter 874: The crosstalk routine is confirmed!

    <h4>Chapter 874: The crosstalk routine is confirmed! </h4>


    Chapter 874: The crosstalk routine is confirmed!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It was also crazy online!


    "2.98%! Your sister!"


    "This is too damn scary!"


    "About a decade ago when we still hadn''t transitioned fully into the modern Inte era and the main form of entertainment for people was still TV, it was possible for a show to achieve close to 3% viewership. However, in today''s Inte age where a TV is no longer an essential item for a family, the program team that could achieve such a viewership rating can only be Zhang Ye''s team and the person who could hit such a viewership rating can only be Zhang Ye!"


    "Let''s cheer for Zhang Ye!"


    "This has to be an unprecedented miracle in history!"


    "I suppose the other TV stations are already dumbstruck to witness something like this!"


    "That''s right! I had thought that the best a documentary could do is break 2% of the viewership ratings. But who could have thought that thest episode of A Bite of China would shock everyone again? Even though it was already so popr, the viewership ratings still rose so explosively?"


    "I love A Bite of China! It''s a really good watch!"


    "This is the best documentary in history!"


    "Is there a second season?"


    "Don''t end it! My family has already gotten used to watching the Central TV Documentary Channel every weekend!"


    "Pleading for a second season!"


    "Teacher Zhang, if there''s a chance in the future, please make a second season of the documentary!"


    "I really can''t bear to see A Bite of China end its run!"


    "I also can''t bear to see it end, but this should be Zhang Ye''sst show for Central TV. After the new year, his contract with Central TV will almost be up."


    Yao Jiancai posted on Weibo: "Congrattions to my old bro''s show for ending perfectly!"


    A local documentary director: "A Bite of China is probably going to be an insurmountable mountain in the history of documentaries. I wish Zhang Ye well and hope that he will get better and better in the future!"


    Dong Shanshan: "Congrattions, old ssmate."


    Yu Yingyi: "Zhang Ye��the most talented guy in the history of Media College. The best director of the hosting world, the best mathematician of the directing world, the best literary schr of the mathematics world, and the best host of the literary world!"


    Zhang Xia: "Congrattions to Little Zhang on hitting a new high."


    Fan Wenli: "Looking forward to Teacher Zhang''s crosstalk performance at Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G."


    The poprity of A Bite of China had also lifted the confidence of the entire industry regarding this kind of niche programming. On the day A Bite of China ended its broadcast, there were many television stations and productionpanies who submitted their documentary proposals and put forth their agendas. Some television stations were even announcing the broadcast times for their new shows. Guangxi Television would beunching a documentary called A Walk into Delicacy next week. Guangdong Television would start televising Vige Tastes next month. Meanwhile, Shandong Television would start filming a documentary called Gluttonous which they''d invested a huge sum of money into. All of them had wanted to ride on the momentum created by A Bite of China''s poprity.


    They naturally did not schedule their shows while A Bite of China was still broadcasting. Everyone knew that no matter how they shot their documentary, they could not possibly be on par with A Bite of China andpete with it. Therefore, after A Bite of China''s broadcast ended, numerous food documentaries wereunched one after another as their promotions spread like a wildfire.


    An expert referred to this period as the post-A Bite of China era.


    ...


    On this morning.


    At Taoran Pavilion.


    Wu Zeqing''s home.


    Old Wu, I''m here."


    "Come on in."


    "Where are the slippers?"


    "There''s no need to change into them, juste straight in."


    Inside, Wu Zeqing did not turn around to wee him. Instead, she seemed like she was fiddling with several big and small bags of clothing or something. Dressed in casual attire, Old Wu was wearing a pair of ck leggings and a gray knit sweater that made her look extremely gentle and elegant.


    Zhang Ye walked over to her and asked, "What are you doing?"


    "I bought you some clothes." Wu Zeqing took out a piece of clothing from its packaging and threw the packaging aside. She straightened the shirt and ced it against Zhang Ye''s body to see if it fit. Then she smiled and said, "Come, try this on."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Why did you buy clothes for me again?"


    Wu Zeqing replied, "I''m afraid that you won''t have any clothes to wear."


    "I did not even get to wear many of those clothes you bought for mest time," Zhang Ye remarked.


    Wu Zeqing said, "The new year ising and you didn''t even buy any clothes for yourself. If I don''t buy them for you, who will?"


    Indeed, ever since Zhang Ye went down the path of the entertainment industry, he had basically never gone to the mall. Zhang Ye could not do that as there were too many people around. In fact, the majority of his current clothes had been bought by Wu Zeqing. Old Wu would also frequently give him some skincare products, discount vouchers, or prepaid gift cards to him as she did not really use them for herself. At least half of these benefits for the SARFT''s director-level staff had gone into Zhang Ye''s pocket. Of course, Zhang Ye was previously the top artist on the SARFT''s cklist and was now on their watchlist as a person of interest. If people from the SARFT knew that their upper management benefits were being used by Zhang Ye, who knows how they would feel.


    It was a bit ironic in every case.


    "Alright, I''ll try them on." Zhang Ye then handed her a small box and said, "I brought you some more Da Hong Pao."


    When she heard that, Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Previously, I did not know what type of tea you brought for me, but I finally understood from the news the past few days. No wonder you reminded me over and over to not give it to other people. It was because this is a famous tea from ancient times and there are only a few remaining parent trees of it left in the world? It''s better that you to keep it for yourself. It''s a waste to give it to me."


    Zhang Ye dered, "Aiya, just take it and drink whenever you want. I still have plenty anyway. Even if you want a few catties of it, I''ll still give it to you. It''s really nothing much!"


    Just look at this guy. He was willing to give Old Wu those tea leaves by the catties, but when it came to anyone else, he would only do it by the gram.


    This was what you call a difference!


    Zhang Ye began trying on the clothes. He did not feel at all embarrassed to do so in front of Old Wu. Besides, he was wearing a pair of long johns anyway, so he just tried them on piece by piece. Old Wu was very meticulous as she bought two sets each of the coat, shirt, pants, and shoes for him. There were even two sets of long johns and socks too.


    They chatted as he tried on the clothes.


    "Has the documentary finished broadcasting?"


    "It just ended."


    "Then are you just waiting for the new year now?"


    "Hai, of course not. I still haven''t finished prepping for the Spring Festival G crosstalk routine."


    "It''s not ready yet?"


    "Not yet. I still can''t think of anything to say."


    "Nothinges to mind?"


    "Not really. It''s just that I don''t have the inspiration yet."


    "What do you mean by you don''t have the inspiration?"


    Zhang Ye exined, "In the past, when I performed my crosstalks, they were always based on my pent-up emotions, anger, or resentment. My crosstalks were always about scolding people, whether it was scolding the crosstalk world or Central TV''s Spring Festival G. But recently, I''ve finished scolding all the people who deserve to be scolded and finished fighting those who deserve to be fought. Everyone knew what I did and no one dared to pick on me anymore in the past few days. But that leaves me not knowing what I can talk about in my crosstalk routine now."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Why are you always thinking about conflict?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Because I''ve gotten used to it by now. If anyone tries to pick on me, I can easily scold them day and night in my crosstalk without repeating a single joke. But now that everything is fine and peaceful, it somehow makes it more difficult to say something. Beijing TV has been pressing me for the script as they have already carried out the second rehearsal for the G, but I''m still unprepared with the content. See this?" He pointed at his lips and said, "I''m so stressed recently that my lips are cracking."


    "I''ll apply some eye cream for you." Wu Zeqing headed up to the second floor and came back down with the eye cream very quickly.


    Zhang Ye continued, "I''m worried over that problem right now. Old Yao has also called me several times regarding it. My task now is to finish writing Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G crosstalk before the new year."


    Old Wu squeezed out some of the eye cream onto her finger and applied it gently for him. "Recently, I''ve seen some of theizens''ments about you. Many of them like your crosstalk routines and say that the routines are great at venting their anger. But there''s a small group that dislikes them. They feel that your crosstalk routines are too hostile and that you are always fighting with others through them."


    Zhang Ye said with embarrassment, "But that''s always been my style."


    Wu Zeqing looked at him andmented with a smile, "I''ve been meaning to ask you this, but can''t you perform a crosstalk without scolding people? I don''t believe you can''t do that."


    "Of course I can," Zhang Ye answered without even thinking.


    Wu Zeqing said, "So, why don''t you just perform a proper crosstalk routine this time?"


    "Perform a proper crosstalk routine?" Zhang Ye blinked several times.


    Wu Zeqing put the cap back on the eye cream container. She smiled and said, "Let everyone see that even without scolding people, you can still perform a great crosstalk routine!"


    Zhang Ye went silent and thought for a full minute about her words. Suddenly, he smacked his thigh and shouted, "OK! Just as you said! I will prove to them what I''m capable of! I''ll make the crosstalk world open their eyes! There is no crosstalk that I can''t say!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Is your fighting spirit back?"


    "Yes!"


    "Are you inspired now?"


    "Yes! I''ve already decided what the crosstalk will be!"


    Zhang Ye said that while picking up his cell phone to call Yao Jiancai.


    Du du. The call connected.


    Yao Jiancai''s voice sounded: "Zhang''er, what''s the matter?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Old Yao, I''ve thought it through! Let''s perform a proper crosstalk routine this time for Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G! We will criticize the problems in society and widen everyone''s horizons!"


    Yao Jiancai was stunned. "Perform a proper crosstalk routine?"


    Zhang Ye responded: "Yes!"


    Yao Jiancai asked doubtfully: "Are you sure you''re up to it?"


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted. "Why aren''t I? Don''t tell me you also think that I''m only capable of crosstalk routines that are used for scolding and smacking people''s faces?"

 Chapter 875: Zhang Ye pokes fun at the Spring Festival Gala! (First Half)

    <h4>Chapter 875: Zhang Ye pokes fun at the Spring Festival G! (First Half) </h4>


    Chapter 875: Zhang Ye pokes fun at the Spring Festival G! (First Half)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the eve of the Spring Festival.


    Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    The sound of firecrackers going off outside was heard all around as every household decorated their homes withnterns and streamers.


    By the time Zhang Ye drove there and arrived, it was already evening and the sky had turned dark.


    His third sister went up to the door. "Brother, why did you just arrive?"


    "Wow, our brother is here!" His second sister also ran over.


    His third aunt opened the door for him. "Little Ye,e in quickly. We were just talking about you!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and greeted, "Third Aunt."


    His third aunt said. "I still haven''t thanked you for getting Mengmeng such a good cell phone and even got her to bring me a cosmetics set. Thank you so much, Little Ye."


    Zhang Ye sighed, "Why are you still being so polite with me?"


    His mother emerged from the living room and asked, "Didn''t you say you''d be busy today?"


    Zhang Yeughed and replied, "I''ve finished all my work and the routine has been confirmed as well. There''s only the live broadcast left tomorrow, so I decided toe back to celebrate the New Year with everyone. Whoa, there''s this much food? We''re not eating yet?"


    His grandma said, "We''ll start very soon."


    "Grandma, Grandpa, happy New Year to the two of you." Zhang Ye put down the two boxes of Brain Gold in his hands. These were from the previous time that Wu Mo had given the health supplements to him. He had kept them in his car''s trunk ever since. It made it convenient for him to give them out wherever he went, so he didn''t have to worry about not being able to bring any gifts if he suddenly visited someone.


    His first uncle and aunt, second uncle and aunt��


    Zhang Ye made the rounds to give his New Year''s greetings to them. By the time he was done with everything, his throat had gotten extremely dry. So he sat down and drank a sip of tea. "Has the Spring Festival G started yet?"


    His eldest sister looked at her watch and smiled. "There''s still half an hour till it starts."


    His third sister suddenly said, "Brother, have you seen the newly posted statement by Central TV''s Spring Festival G?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "What new statement?"


    His second sister held up the cell phone Zhang Ye had given to her and showed him. "Here."


    "I was busy at Beijing TV all day today and didn''t keep myself updated on anything. Let me see." Zhang Ye lowered his head and looked, then read theizen''sments as well before understanding what was going on.


    Due to a not so good overall audience satisfaction forst year''s Spring Festival G which had invited a Korean celebrity, an incident where Zhang Yuanqi''s and Zhang Xia''s performance was scrapped, topped with thenguage performances being unfunny, as this year''s Spring Festival G approached, more and more people started criticizing the show and had very low expectations for this year''s Spring Festival G. It ended up with the Spring Festival G production team issuing an official statement on Weibo after getting provoked by all those negativements. They said that there had been someone with ulterior motives who was trying to ruin the Spring Festival G and so on in recent times, and that they would not dismiss the possibility of using thew to defend their interests.


    Someone with ulterior motives? They were clearly talking about Zhang Ye!


    However, after this statement was published on the official Weibo ount, theizens started criticizing even harder!


    "They''re talking about Zhang Ye, right?"


    "How many days has that incident been? Why are they still pulling it out to talk about it?"


    "Pfft, why do you all keep pinning the me on Zhang Ye? Everyone is saying that there is a problem with the performances and don''t find them enjoyable to watch, so that already says that the problem lies with the Spring Festival G production team! Why are you guys finding fault with Zhang Ye?"


    "Why is it that when something happens, Central TV will always me it on Zhang Ye? Isn''t he one of your hosts?!"


    "What does the criticism of the Spring Festival G have to do with Zhang Ye? Didn''t he only perform a satirical crosstalk many days ago?! Do you guys need to resort to using legal action on that? Don''t forget that Teacher Zhang is also awyer himself, so think about who you''re suing! Did you beat him in the previouswsuit to begin with? At that time, Zhang Ye had utterly destroyed your Central TV legal team all by himself!"


    "Everyone has been criticizing the Spring Festival G for many years. It''s already be a form of entertainment in itself. Why are you guys shifting the me to Zhang Ye now? How many times has Teacher Zhang been shot even though he''s just lying there and doing nothing!"


    "I''vee to realize that the current Central TV organization is bing very interesting. When a show doesn''t do well, it''s Zhang Ye''s fault. When a show does well, it''s Zhang Ye''s fault. Now that someone over here is scolding them, it''s the fault of Zhang Ye too. When someone over there criticizes them about their performance lineup, it''s still Zhang Ye''s fault. Pfft, Teacher Zhang will never be any good no matter what!"


    "Go on and fight it out, the contract won''tst much longer anyway."


    "I''ve been following Teacher Zhang''s conflict with Central TV for half a year now, but I''m still not bored of watching it! Haha!"


    At home.


    His second sister put down the phone. "Know what happened now?"


    Zhang Ye threw his hands up andughed. "Why am I involved again?"


    His second uncle said, "They are totally targeting you now."


    "That lousy Spring Festival G, I''m never watching it again in the future!" his grandma grunted.


    But Zhang Ye said happily, "Don''t be like that. I wasn''t actually nning to watch it, but since the Spring Festival G production team has given that statement, then I''ll definitely watch it closely. This bro will take on the role of that ''someone with ulterior motives'' as they said!" He had been worried that he wouldn''t have anything to keep him upied this Spring Festival Eve, but somehow this had happened.


    I was the one who led the criticism against you guys?


    Alright then, this bro will take the lead all the way to the end!


    ...


    At Central TV.


    At the Spring Festival G venue, everyone was busy with their assigned jobs!


    "Counting down to thest ten minutes!"


    "It''s about to begin!"


    "Camera 3, try it again!"


    "Lighting Team 7, get the lights in sync! What are you doing! Hurry up!"


    "Where are the hosts? Why are they still at the bathroom at this time! Call them back now!"


    The executive director gave his orders. Xu Yipeng and the other assistant directors also went about taking charge of their responsibilities. They all felt nervous while waiting in anticipation for today''s Spring Festival G to begin. They were nervous because this was going to be a live broadcast and there couldn''t be any screwups. Their anticipation was due to their satisfaction of their nned performances for this Spring Festival G that they wanted to present quickly to the audience and to let the higher-ups see that they could beautifully finish the job the organization entrusted to them.


    The hosts were on standby.


    Chen Ye made somest-minute adjustments to his red suit and looked very high-spirited. He was going to step onto this wonderful stage again today after Rise to the Dance had slipped in the ratings and poprity toward the end of its broadcast, which had affected his individual poprity greatly. Such arge-scale talent show had not helped him gain much poprity at all, so Chen Ye had definitely failed his objectives this past year. He had lost to Zhang Ye by too much. But that was fine, because Chen Ye still had the stage of Central TV''s Spring Festival G. This was something that Zhang Ye could neverpare with, in his opinion. With the current rtionship between Zhang Ye and Central TV, it was definitely impossible that Zhang Ye would ever have the chance to stand on this stage. And so, on this day, Chen Ye needed to present his best side to continue consolidating his position in the industry!


    They were all looking forward to the Spring Festival G quite a lot!


    ...


    Online.


    Theizens were also getting prepared.


    "It''s about to begin!"


    "Let''s see how this year will turn out!"


    "I actually still have some anticipation for it."


    "It''s almost time to start our criticism. It''s time for us mers to step forward!"


    "Haha, I''m here!"


    "Watching the Spring Festival G these days, it seems like criticizing the show is more enjoyable than watching it!"


    "Yeah, we created quite a number of jokes aboutst year''s show, so let''s see which mer will excel for this year''s show!"


    "Today is the once-in-a-year stage for us mers!"


    "I''m on standby!"


    "mer #3 is here as well!"


    "mer #11 reporting for ming!"


    "Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    Countless mers were gearing up and silently counting down to the start of the show!

 Chapter 876: Zhang Ye pokes fun at the Spring Festival Gala! (Second Half)

    <h4>Chapter 876: Zhang Ye pokes fun at the Spring Festival G! (Second Half) </h4>


    Chapter 876: Zhang Ye pokes fun at the Spring Festival G! (Second Half)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The countdown started.


    Three.


    Two.


    One.


    The Spring Festival G''s live broadcast officially began!


    A short, two-minute promotional video was broadcast at the start. This video was very elegantly shot but also very traditional in a sense. All the different industry frontline workers in their work uniforms appeared in this promotional video and finally boarded a packed train for the holiday season. Everyone then gave a fist and palm salute before several words appeared on screen��Spring Festival G.


    Music started to re. It was a piece of traditional folk music to which the performers came onto stage with in their beautiful stage costumes. There were people dancing the Uighur folk dance, the Dai folk dance, as well as the Mongolian folk dance.


    "Uh��"


    "Why do I have an ominous feeling about this?"


    "I do too."


    "A hodgepodge of performances? Fuck!"


    "Theposition of performers is tooplicated!"


    "This opening dance is already exuding the feeling of a ''Spring Festival G''!"


    "Has there been a year they did not do this? Hurry up and find something to criticize them about!"


    "mers, step up!"


    Some of the mers were already ready, but as the g had only just began, they were not in the groove yet. They could not find a good entry point and were unable to muster up a truly worthy criticism yet.


    At this moment, the Mongolian folk dance performers rotated to the front and the big screen behind them started showing some of Inner Mongolia''s locations. Each location was apanied with New Year photos of locals wearing traditional Mongolian deels on horseback, standing outside their yurts, or studying at school.[1.]


    "Where are the mers!"


    "Where are they?"


    "Say something!"


    "Where is everyone''s fighting spirit?"


    "Who will be the one taking the opening shot at the Spring Festival G!"


    Suddenly, an insult appeared on Weibo: "I''m from Inner Mongolia, I''m here. I wanna say this: I''ve been telling my foreign friends for many years that we don''t live in yurts, don''t ride horses, don''t bathe in milk, and don''t wear deels anymore. But after the Spring Festival G is broadcast, all my years of effort go down the drain."


    With this insult, everyone wasughing madly!


    "Ahahahahaha!"


    "Pfft! Hrious!"


    "What a goddamn professional mer!"


    "Just a look at that insult and I know it must be by a professional!"


    "Too awesome!"


    "This is the first me heading into the new year!"


    "Hahaha, Iughed so much my sides hurt!"


    "Aiyo, which mighty mer is this!"


    "Let''s see who posted that, it''s hrious!"


    In the end, when theizens saw this person''s name, theyughed even harder!


    "Pfft!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Fuck, it''s Zhang Ye himself!"


    "Rofl!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "So it''s Zhang Ye! I was still wondering whose fighting strength could be so fierce!"


    "Quick,e and see! Teacher Zhang has fired shots at the Spring Festival G again!"


    "I was saying that after the Spring Festival G production team issued such a strong statement obviously targeted at Zhang Ye, if he did not strike back at them, it just wouldn''t be his style!"


    "Teacher Zhang has also joined the ming army!"


    "Zhang Ye the Mighty!"


    "Teacher Zhang, well done!"


    The ming army immediately exalted at Zhang Ye''s participation!


    If it were any other mer''s insults, it might not have spread so quickly. But since this insult was from Zhang Ye, there was no doubt about how fast it would spread. Zhang Ye had such a vast number of Weibo followers at 10 million that before the opening dance on television was over, this insult of his had already propagated all over the Inte!


    ...


    Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His third sister yelled, "Hahaha, Brother, you''re so sarcastic!"


    His second sister alsoughed loudly. "Brother, you''re really serious about ming them?"


    "What a ssic!" His eldest sister was also giggling nonstop while browsing Weibo. "Our brother''s eloquence is still as amazing as ever! This insult was so professional. It found the perfect entry point and hit it spot on!"


    However, Zhang Ye did not really care about all that. This was the essence of theizens and mers from his previous world, so how could it not be good? How could it not hit the sweet spot?


    ...


    After the opening dance was over.


    The hosts took over the stage!


    Chen Ye who was dressed fully in red said, "The annual weing of a joyous festival!"


    The female host beside him said loudly, "The country celebrates together for the new year!!"


    Their hosting lines did not have much creativity and basically stuck to the traditional New Year greetings of past years. The only thing that was different from previous years was the stage, which was much grander and incorporated more technological elements this time.


    Very quickly, the second performance of the night started.


    It was yet another singing and dancing performance, with an emphasis on singing.


    A big shot singer came on stage and sang, "Oh, homnd, a brand new atmosphere!"


    A big name actor came on stage. "Year after year, a brand new look."


    A veteran singer sang loudly, "Themon folk very happy."


    A female soprano: "Let''s advance together with the Communist Party."


    This was a new songposed and written by an unknown person. It was the first time it was performed at the Spring Festival G.


    Theizens med it.


    "The lyrics have an overly proper energy!"


    "Fuck, isn''t there anything else they can perform?"


    "I''m almost falling asleep."


    "Could we not have such performances? Why does this year''s Spring Festival G seem so much more boring than previous years''!"


    "There are so many points that we can criticize that I don''t know where to start!"


    "It''s time for the skits!"


    "Anticipating thenguage performances!"


    The third performance weed this year''s g''s first skit.


    But when the audience began watching, they felt even more speechless.


    The skit was titled "This is a new policy." It depicted a rural farming family running into some problems and obstacles when they had to get something done. Their problems ended up being solved by the country''s recently approved new policy. As the skit came to a close, the performers got together and praised the new policy.


    Theizens had mixed reactions.


    "It''s nice, I guess."


    "Only the beginning was a little funny."


    "BS, how was it even funny? I was totally speechless throughout the skit!"


    "It was so boring! There''s nothing funny about it at all!"


    "What sort of a skit is this even?"


    "*faints*. It turned out totally different from what I had expected!"


    Then it was time for another song and dance performance which included the shouting of slogans. Afterwards, the time finally came for the first crosstalk routine of the night. It was exactly that mass crosstalk Tang Dazhang was leading his group of 60 people to perform, titled "Family Reunion"! It felt like the crosstalk routine used to be scheduled at ater time that was closer to midnight. But perhaps due to the great pressure from public opinion and doubt, the Spring Festival G production team made somest-minute adjustments and pushed forward Tang Dazhang''s crosstalk routine.


    Thenguage performance began.


    Tang Dazhang led his senior and junior brothers as well as his disciples and strode onto the stage.


    The moment he came on, Tang Dazhang smiled and waved at the audience as he said, "We meet again, my friends."


    The apuse in the audience was scant, but many of the audience members were amused when they heard that. It wasn''t because his words were funny, but because many of them were reminded of Zhang Ye''s joke in "I Want to Get on the Spring Festival G" that ridiculed Tang Dazhang.


    "Let us first wish everyone a prosperous new year!"


    The 60 people bowed and said in unison, "A prosperous new year!"


    "It''s a good day today."


    "Yes."


    "A year is just like a day."


    "That''s right."


    The crosstalk routine began. It started off with two people speaking, then when it entered the singing segment, the remaining crosstalk actors joined in as well. Some of them yed the erhu and sanxian, with a few female Jingyun Dagu actresses gradually joining in as well. The entire crosstalk performance was loud and filled with song and dance![2.]


    Theizens were dumbfounded by what they were watching.


    "Is this still a crosstalk routine?"


    "Why does it feel like it''s a singing show instead?"


    "How boring!"


    "There was only one funny point in the entire performance and it''s an old gag from several years back. There was also one joke that felt really familiar that I thought was adapted from something Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai did before!"


    "This is really a true family reunion! I pissed myself listening to that!"


    "They shouted the catchphrase so clearly, but it still wasn''t as good as I expected it to be!"


    "Tang Dazhang is getting on in years. He''s bing more and more irrelevant now and is already out of touch with times!"


    "This year''s Spring Festival G seems like it doesn''t belong in the same era as us. If someone told me I was watching a Spring Festival G from five years back, I might just believe them!"


    "I finally get why Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai were not invited to this year''s Spring Festival G. Teacher Zhang and Teacher Yao obviously do not have as great a political awareness as Tang Dazhang!"


    After several performances, many people had run out of patience!


    One by one, the mers started berating.


    Even Zhang Ye''s fan club leader, Big Saber Bro, joined in.


    Fan Yingyun: "On this night, every person in the country will be able to sleep peacefully. My mother will no longer have to worry about my insomnia!"


    But among all the insults, one of them didn''t seem to fit in with the rest. "Exciting, how exciting! This year''s Spring Festival G is the most enjoyable News Simulcast broadcast that I have ever watched in the entire twenty-odd years of my life. It has gotten rid of the customary newscaster reporting with the aid of imagery or video highlights, and reced it with a collection of songs, dances, skits, and video clips instead. It promotes the good policies of the party and simplifies it for theyman. The country is thriving and the people are prospering. This is a new creative breakthrough by the Publicity Department that will ensure the news reaches the minds of our people and helps to put into practice the Three Adjustments. It is definitely worth ourrades at the news publicity battlefront learning from!"


    Published on Weibo by: Zhang Ye.


    The moment the other mers saw this, they were astounded!


    "Damn, what a burn!"


    "Teacher Zhang has beautifully done it again!"


    "News Simulcast?"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Heh, it''s a proper g but you described it as a News Simulcast broadcast instead! Haha!"


    "This insult is way too godly!"


    "Looks like Teacher Zhang is going to offend yet another bunch of people tonight!"


    After several minutes, the hosts started pairing couplets in a light-hearted hosting segment.


    One of the hosts came up with the first half of the couplet. "The country is thriving."


    Chen Ye matched the second half. "The people are prospering."


    Right at this moment, Zhang Ye made yet another post on Weibo: "Good news, everyone, good news! Comrades who are able to finish watching this year''s Spring Festival G will definitely not experience any difficulties in theing year!"


    "Hahaha!"


    "Dying fromughter!"


    "That''s what you get for offending Zhang Ye! !"


    "Pfft, hahaha! I''ve decided to not watch the Spring Festival G anymore. All I need is to read Zhang Ye''s Weibo as we cross into the new year!"


    When the next performance ended, the hosting team reappeared again to thank the higher-ups and audience for their unwavering support over the years. They also thanked the Spring Festival G production team for their hard work on the show.


    At almost the same time, Zhang Ye''s insults started again. "Thank you. Everyone should also thank this year''s Spring Festival G production team for making us see our mistakes. As of this night, all of us owe the previous versions of the Spring Festival G our deepest apologies��we are sorry!"


    "We''re sorry? Pfft!"


    "Aiyo, I can''t take it anymore!"


    "Zhang Ye is too sarcastic!"


    "I''ve passed out fromughing too much at myputer! Hahahaha!"


    "Yeah, we all really owe an apology to the previous versions of the Spring Festival G! We shouldn''t have criticized them back then!"


    "Can you guys stop being so funny!"


    "Just look at Teacher Zhang''s caliber of insulting. The rest of you really aren''t a match for him!"


    "No shit, of course we can''tpare to Teacher Zhang when ites to dishing out insults!"


    "Amazing! At the critical moments, we still have to depend on Teacher Zhang!"


    A lot of the other mers epted this remark. "Indeed, Zhang Ye''s literary skill and eloquence are at the professional level. Compared to us amateur mers, he''s on a whole different level!"


    With that insult, the results were clear!


    Tonight, Zhang Ye stood with the public and joined sides with the ming army. He had even be the leading figure of the mers and threw out the insults incisively, bringing the standards to a new height, to a new realm!


    The Spring Festival G''s live broadcast continued.


    Zhang Ye''s insults also continued!


    Every word the hosts said could be caught by him, and every performances'' details had weak points that Zhang Ye could make fun of at length. A lot of the mers had already stopped their "duties" and were just watching Zhang Ye sling his insults during the entirety of the Spring Festival G. Of course, there were also some performances and artists Zhang Ye did not ridicule. People like Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Xia��and Ci Xiufang''s skit performance��were all spared. As long as it was someone Zhang Ye knew personally and had a good rtionship with, he did not say anything about them. This fellow has always been this way��.He''d always mix business and private!


    Everyone had a goodugh!


    Zhang Ye''s family members didn''t know how to react.


    His mother said, "Son, you''re not even touching the dumplings and only care about posting on Weibo? Why are you always engaged in such tomfoolery?"


    Zhang Ye answered in high spirits, "Did you only realize that now? I''ve always been like this!"


    His third sister, who only wished to watch the world burn, said, "Brother, how about another one! Insult them again!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve just posted one, go on and Like it!"


    "Understood! Hahahaha!"


    ...


    When the Spring Festival G ended.


    As the production team staff were about to check online for the audience andizens'' reactions to this year''s Spring Festival G, everyone��including the executive director, assistant directors, and other staff members��were all dumbfounded the moment they checked Weibo!


    What is this?


    What is all this?


    Everyone nearly vomited blood!


    Zhang Ye! Fuck your grandpa!


    You''re too damn wicked, you!


    Those hundred-plus ridiculing posts on Weibo made by Zhang Ye had utterly shocked the Spring Festival G production team! Over a hundred posts! You''re going to participate in Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G tomorrow, so you should be busy preparing for it right now. Yet as a big shot celebrity, you''re free enough to stay home to watch television and insult our Spring Festival G on the eve of the Spring Festival? Every member of the Spring Festival G production team cursed!


    This damned hooligan!


    The worst hooligan in the entire entertainment circle!

 Chapter 877: The run-up to Beijing Television’s Spring Festival Gala!

    <h4>Chapter 877: The run-up to Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G! </h4>


    Chapter 877: The run-up to Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It was the first day of the Lunar New Year.


    Morning.


    Theizens were still having a lot of fun.


    "I''ve beenughing the entire night!"


    "I''ve already reread the entire sequence of events from the beginning!"


    "Me too. I''ve reread all of Teacher Zhang Ye''s Weibo post from yesterday! Hahaha!"


    "Damn, what happened yesterday?"


    "What happened? I''m just a bypassing southerner who doesn''t watch the Spring Festival G."


    "You guys came toote, but you''ll understand after you read Zhang Ye''s Weibo! For several hours during the live broadcast of Central TV''s Spring Festival G, Zhang Ye made over a hundred of ridiculing posts regarding the show! It was really wonderful!"


    "What kind of mind does he have to be able toe up with those hundred-some posts?!"


    "Yeah, go and take a look! We were made to kneel due to his insultsst night!"


    "Zhang Ye''s temper is what I like most about him! He does not have any pretense at all! He just says whatever he likes!"


    "That''s right. Usually, for most top-rated B-list celebrities like him, which among them do not mince their words when speaking? But Zhang Ye is different; that guy is incredibly fearless!"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye!"


    "I really, really like him!"


    Those hundred-odd ridiculing posts made by Zhang Ye were quickly forwarded by theizens. Each and every one of those insults were the quintessence of wisdom from theizens and mers from his previous world against the Spring Festival G over many years. Not only did those insults stand the test of time, a lot of them were known by many in his previous world and would naturally be as popr and well-received in this world!


    Goof Group.


    This was the celebrity chat group that Zhang Ye had recently joined. At this moment, many of the celebrities were active online.


    Dongdong, a member of a popr domestic group, messaged: "Teacher Zhang, you really are brave enough to say anything! After reading your ridiculing posts fromst night, Ipletely take my hat off to you!"


    Zhang Ye typed: "Why would I be scared to speak?"


    Dongdong: "��OK then."


    A-list celebrity, Ning Lan: "Bro, you sure have guts."


    Fan Wenli interrupted: "Hur hur, you made it sound like he did not have guts in the past."


    Fan Wenli''s husband, Chen Guang, sent a smiley face. "This guy has always been like that. The things we never dare to say or find unsuitable to bring up can be repeated by him every day without any consequences whatsoever."


    Ning Lan said: "If I even dare to criticize the Spring Festival G once, there would probably be a lot of peopleing after me, much less posting more than a hundred times about it. Then my work schedule for next year would definitely be reduced by 20% and I''d probably lose my fans too."


    Huo Dongfang replied: "That''s why you aren''t Zhang Ye."


    Dongdongmented cheekily: "This is what we call the demeanor of a celebrity. The way that every celebrity speaks and does things is different. We definitely couldn''t say the same things that Teacher Zhang Ye says. Unless Sister Ning intends to be a female hooligan of the entertainment industry and get shouted at and beaten up by everyone wherever she goes?"


    Ning Lan: "Then I better not consider it at all."


    Zhang Ye sent a blinking emoji and asked: "Who''s the hooligan?"


    "Pfft!"


    "Who do you think?!"


    Everyone was tickled.


    Suddenly, one name appeared out of nowhere.


    Zhang Yuanqi: "Yo, Zhang Ye has joined the group too?"


    Ning Lanughed and said: "You''re finally online."


    Zhang Yuanqi: "I''m been too busy recently. The Spring Festival G has really tired me out."


    Dongdong: "Teacher Zhang joined the group some time ago. Sister Zhang, did you only learn of it now?"


    Huo Dongfang: "Sister Zhang, it''s been a while."


    An A-list actor said: "Hello, Sister Zhang."


    A B-list male singer: "Hi, Sister Zhang."


    Many of those celebrities who had not appeared recently popped up.


    Zhang Ye yed along and said: "Hello, Sister Zhang."


    After Zhang Yuanqi greeted all of them, she asked Zhang Ye: "Are you performing at Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G this year? Do well. I''m looking forward to your crosstalk routine."


    Zhang Yeughed, "Sure."


    Dongdong: "Teacher Zhang, break a leg!"


    Huo Dongfang: "Why isn''t anyone cheering for me?"


    Chen Guang asked: "Old Huo, you have a show tonight as well?"


    Huo Dongfang said: "Liaoning TV''s Spring Festival G has invited me to perform."


    Fan Wenli sent a smile. "I got invited to Hunan TV''s Spring Festival G. In fact, I''m already at the TV station now."


    Another big shot celebrity: "I''ll be making a guest appearance in a skit on Dragon TV''s Spring Festival G tonight."


    This was a group in which most of the entertainment industry''s big names were gathered. Except for a few semi-retired celebrities, the others were the most popr superstars as of now, so they naturally wouldn''t miss out on the Spring Festival Gs. Some celebrities with higher statuses and better luck could appear on Central TV''s Spring Festival G, and those who couldn''t would still be able to get a spot on the other provincial stations'' Spring Festival Gs.


    Zhang Yuanqi gave her well wishes to all: "Everyone, break a leg. Have an auspicious start to the new year!"


    "OK!"


    "Thank you, Sister Zhang."


    "The most intensepetition will start this night!"


    "There''s over twenty Spring Festival G events on the provincial stations, how can it not be intense!"


    "Let''s see which station will do better than the others this year."


    "I still think Liaoning TV and Hunan TV have the higher hopes as they invited more big shots to their shows."


    "Beijing TV is a candidate as well."


    "I have high hopes for Dragon TV because I''ll be there, haha!"


    ...


    At home.


    Zhang Ye was not familiar with many of the celebrities in the Goof Group and it could even be said that he did not know them at all. As he hadn''t had any dealings with them, he did not bother to start a conversation with them. Seeing that everyone was happily chatting, Zhang Ye silently closed the chat app instead. He set his cell phone to silent before throwing it onto his bed.


    Let''s practice a bit more again!


    It will be a proper routine this time!


    Taking out a sheet of A4 paper, Zhang Ye read through the speed recital lines written on it once. Then he closed his eyes and began rattling it off as he recited it without reading. Zhang Ye''s reciting speed gradually got faster and faster, but he would sometimes stutter in between the lines. Frowning as he shook his head in displeasure, he restarted from the beginning again.


    One time.


    Five times.


    Ten times.


    Since waking up at 7 AM, he practiced hard until 10 AM.


    Zhang Ye was putting a lot of hard work into this, having already practiced this for several days now. Actually, he didn''t have any problems with it except that he had high expectations of himself. Since he promised Wu Zeqing to perform a proper crosstalk routine to show those people what he could do, he had to strive for perfection without any drawbacks! This time he was prepared to perform a proper crosstalk routine by using other people''s doubt of him to smack their faces in response!


    The Three Vulgarities?


    Only knows how to scold people?


    Can''t even be considered crosstalk?


    Alright then, this bro will let you all have a listen to my routine this time by performing a traditional crosstalk routine that you bunch of people are best at! Do you people really think that I don''t know how to perform in your style? Today, I will follow a traditional crosstalk format and Spring Festival G''s crosstalk style to show everyone that I can still say it better than all of you!


    ...


    The day of the gs.


    The promotion rivalry for each provincial stations'' Spring Festival G was getting intense!


    Some of the provincial stations'' Spring Festival Gs were doing their promotions on the Inte and the updates about their Spring Festival G were seen everywhere on Weibo. There was even some advertising that a Heavenly King was going to withdraw from their Spring Festival G, yetter on, news was that the Heavenly King would not withdraw from the show. After that, the news of withdrawing and not withdrawing kept happening several times as it forcefully created a hype to attract attention. And some other provincial stations'' Spring Festival Gs invested a lot of money into buying advertisement spots at major discussion forums and online video hosting sites. Those advertisements could be seen almost everywhere. Anyways, each of them were trying to outshine the other as everyone was hoping to get off to a winning start on the first day of the new year. This also concerned the survival of the television stations and no one was going to back down!


    As the promotions were battling it out, theizens joined in.


    "I will definitely tune into Liaoning TV!"


    "I''ll watch whichever station''s Spring Festival G that Sect Leader Huo appears on!"


    "Central TV''s Spring Festival G this year was too crappy. I''m looking more and more forward to Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G now!"


    "I still haven''t decided on which station I should watch!"


    "You should watch Dragon TV as they had some rather good crosstalk and skit routinesst year!"


    "If we are talking about crosstalk and skit routines, then the top choice would definitely be Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G."


    "You''re right, Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G has invited Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai this year."


    "Oh,e on. Their crosstalk is famous for scolding people and the script is full of picking on and scolding others. He will only get a kick out of it by scolding from the start till the end. I also agree that Zhang Ye''s crosstalk routines are exciting, but how can it be broadcast at an event like the Spring Festival G?"


    "Uh, that is true. Zhang Ye''s crosstalk routine probably won''t even get broadcast, right?"


    "Yup, there are still some differences between a g crosstalk and other crosstalk routines."


    "But Zhang Ye can choose to perform a traditional crosstalk routine."


    "How can he know how to perform a traditional crosstalk? All his crosstalks are about scolding people!"


    "Oh, right! I just remembered!"


    "Then what can be done?"


    "What else can they do? All the Spring Festival Gs follow this style, so if the entire crosstalk is about scolding people, they definitely won''t allow him to perform the routine. He won''t even be able to pass the approval. Zhang Ye''s crosstalk style is only famous because it''s meant to be performed at a smaller theater. What people like to watch is him scolding people and smacking their faces. But if he suddenly did not scold others, then who would want to watch? Zhang Ye probably doesn''t know how to perform a proper crosstalk anyway. In any case, I''ve never heard Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai perform a proper and traditional form of crosstalk before!"


    "Then aren''t they done for?"


    "Now that you guys brought this up, I''m starting to feel disheartened!"


    "Yeah. Initially, I was also looking forward to it. Will Zhang Ye really behave himself when he performs the crosstalk for Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G? Will he follow in the footsteps of Tang Dazhang and his 60 people mass crosstalk, who shouted catchphrases all over the ce during the crosstalk at Central TV''s Spring Festival G? If he does, then who would watch it!"


    "That might really happen!"


    "Then Zhang Ye might as well not appear on the Spring Festival G at all!"


    "Agreed. Rather than performing such a boring traditional crosstalk, he might as well not perform at all. Just please don''t have something simr to that Tang Dazhang''s ''Family Reunion'' performance! Teacher Zhang and Teacher Yao bothmand a very high status in my heart! Don''t destroy that perfect image just because you want to get on a Spring Festival G!"


    "Right, they might as well not get on it at all!"


    "Traditional crosstalk routines have reached a low point and it''s impossible to walk out of it. Even if it were Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai performing a traditional crosstalk, the results would still be the same!"


    "Let''s just wait for tonight and see what happens."


    "Hai, we''ll know everything tonight!"


    Discussions were flying around everywhere, especially regarding the crosstalk piece that Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai were doing for this year''s Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G. The attention garnered was exceptionally high and close to the utmost! They were not like those newly established rookies and had been famous celebrities for some time now. Their reputation and names were very popr within the crosstalk world, having single-handedly reversed the downturn of the crosstalk industry back then. This was why everyone had very high expectations of Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai, so were worried for them this time!


    Zhang Ye''s fans were like that.


    Zhang Ye''s friends were also like that.


    Even Zhang Ye''s enemies were equally concerned about it.


    ...


    At Central TV.


    There was a concluding meeting today. When the meeting ended, everyone started chatting among themselves.


    The group of people from the Spring Festival G production team could no longer bear to not curse anymore. None of them had anything good to say about Zhang Ye due to the hundred-some ridiculing posts that hit the sore spot and pricked right through their hearts. Nobody could tolerate that!


    "That Zhang guy, let''s see how he performs during tonight''s show!"


    "Right, I also want to listen to his crosstalk so that we can me him as well!"


    "This fellow has the thickest skin that I have evere across! His crosstalk routines are clearly all about scolding people, yet he still has the cheek toe and criticize other people''s shows? I really have nothing I can say to that!"


    "Let''s see if he can afford to scold people tonight!"


    "He won''t be able to scold anymore. There''s still the approval board to get through before that."


    "If he can''t scold any people, then who would want to watch his crosstalk? Hur hur."


    Chen Ye.


    Xu Yipeng.


    Tang Dazhang.


    Central TV, the crosstalk world, and people from all kinds of industries and different jobs were now waiting to see Zhang Ye make a fool of himself!

 Chapter 878: Beijing Television’s Spring Festival Gala begins!

    <h4>Chapter 878: Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G begins! </h4>


    Chapter 878: Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G begins!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    After eating lunch at home, Zhang Ye produced two pieces of clothing out of nowhere.


    "Dad, Mom, these are for you," Zhang Ye said.


    His mother looked over and asked, "What is that?"


    His father frowned. "You''re wasting money buying things again?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s the new year so I bought some clothes for the two of you. A mink coat for Mom and a leather jacket for you. They are reputable brands. Put them on and see if they fit."


    "Don''t waste money buying such things in the future." His father was already used to not spending frivolously.


    His mother smiled as she took the coat from him. "How much did it cost?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Around 100,000 yuan."


    His mother was deeply shocked by that. "Whoa, are you crazy?! If you have a hundred thousand, why don''t you spend it on something better instead? You could have given me the money and I would''ve saved it up for you!" She threw the coat back to him and said, "Quickly return it and get a refund!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I was just kidding, it''s only a few thousand yuan. Alright, I still have to report to Beijing TV in the afternoon, so I''ll be leaving now."


    His mother asked, "Are youing home tonight?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll see how it goes."


    His mother asked again, "How about the second and third days of the new year?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I don''t know yet. It''ll depend on whether I''m busy or not."


    His mother grumbled, "Don''t keep running around outside during the New Year period. Can''t you just spend the new year at home? How many days have you been around at home in the past year? When youe home every night, it''s already past 10 or 11 PM and I can barely get to see you. When you left Beijing to shoot your show, it was for a few months at a time. And justst year, you stayed away from home beginning from the eve of the Spring Festival! You insisted on going to the venue of Central TV''s Spring Festival G to write songs for other people and even fought with a Korean which resulted in you spending New Year''s Day at the police station! So can you just not run around this year! Be good and stay at home!"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Aiya, I got it."


    His mother stared at him. "Drop that patronizing attitude! Why is it so difficult for our family to spend the new year together?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "OK, Mom, I got it."


    His father asked with concern, "How''s your preparation for the crosstalk gone?"


    Zhang Ye said casually, "It''s already done."


    "Then why did I still hear you preparing in your room just now? Muttering something to yourself in there?" his father said.


    Zhang Ye sighed. "Actually, there are no more problems, I was just refining it. The two of you can rest assured and just watch the show tonight."


    ...


    The live broadcast was getting close.


    The chattering online was also growing louder.


    When Zhang Ye arrived at Beijing Television, he bumped into several people from the G production team.


    "Eh, Teacher Zhang, you''re here?" an assistant director remarked.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Yes, I came early to prepare."


    The assistant director said, "Many people are discussing your routine for tonight. There seems to be a lot of controversy surrounding it."


    "Yeah, I saw that too," Zhang Ye said indifferently.


    The assistant directorughed and stated, "Many people feel that you can''t do a g crosstalk, and even if you can, you won''t do it well. Though there are still quite a lot of people supporting you. We were so amused when we saw what some of your fans said. They imed that even if you did not say a word onstage and started to munch on sunflower seeds with Yao Jiancai, they would still enjoy watching it!"


    A director''s aide said, "Teacher Zhang, break a leg."


    Another staff member said, "There''s certainly not going to be any problems regarding your performance."


    "Thanks." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ll be counting on your blessings."


    As he walked in, he greeted the people he knew. Then Zhang Ye found a waiting room and closed the door behind him as he started to deliberate on the crosstalk script again. This was his first time preparing a crosstalk routine in such a way. It wasn''t that he did not have the confidence, but rather that this crosstalk was too risky. Those previous crosstalks he performed all revolved around the crosstalks that existed in his previous world and he would at most add a few of his own ideas to it without changing the main through line. But the crosstalk that Zhang Ye was going to perform today was made up of different individual''s jokes put together. There were Guo Degang''s, his apprentice, Yue Yunpeng''s, and Wang Zijian''s bits, peppered with some of his own ideas as well. What he needed to do now was string them together into a single routine, which was a very difficult task to achieve. As a result, Zhang Ye had to put in a lot of effort and judgement this time around as he wasn''t very sure if he could perform this crosstalk routine well. Rather, to phrase it better, he wasn''t too sure if the audience would ept it.


    Around 2 PM.


    Yao Jiancai arrived.


    "Old Yao, you came at the perfect time."


    "You''re quite early, eh? It starts at seven in the evening, you know."


    "I''ve made some changes to our routine again."


    "Ah? You''ve changed it again?"


    "Somehow, I feel that something is missing and it doesn''t feel exciting enough!"


    "But it''s already very good."


    "Come, let''s go through it quickly."


    "Sure, whatever you say."


    Everyone at Beijing Television was kept busy by their work. The busiest period each year would probably be during the Spring Festival G on the first day of the Spring Festival, as it was a live broadcast after all. Naturally, there were some television stations that were not so busy; for example, Gansu Television, Shanxi Television, Jiangxi Television, and a few other stations. As their viewership ratings were just average and them not being the popr television stations around, they had nothing to vie for on this asion. To put it bluntly, their Spring Festival Gs were all prerecorded several days before. In this world, only Beijing Television, Hunan Television, Liaoning Television, Zhejiang Television, and the other,rger provincial stations would broadcast the Spring Festival G live. As they wanted to fight for the viewership ratings, they had to broadcast a live show.


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalk was no doubt one of the main highlights of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G this year. As the station nned to rely on them to pull up the viewership ratings, they were arranged to appear at the earlier part of the programming schedule. This was different from Central TV''s Spring Festival G as Central TV broadcast on the eve of the Spring Festival to coincide with the countdown to midnight. As a result, the main highlights of the g were all scheduled just before midnight. These were the differences between them and a provincial station''s Spring Festival G.


    A few hourster.


    A staff member came over to remind them, "Teacher Zhang, Teacher Yao, it''s time for your makeup!"


    Zhang Ye looked up at her and said, "Wait a while more, we''ll go over soon!"


    That female staff member said anxiously, "But it''s already 5:30 PM!"


    "There''s still something we need to deal with." Zhang Ye immediately got back into the discussion with Yao Jiancai. "Are we still going with this bit?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "There might not be enough time."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Then let''s take it out."


    Finally, the executive director of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G, Chang Xiaoliang, was alerted. He dropped the work in hand and rushed over in a hurry. "Why aren''t the two of you getting your makeup done and changing into your costumes? It''s almost 6 o''clock! We''ll be starting in an hour''s time!"


    However, Zhang Ye ignored his words and just said, "Director Chang, I was just going to look for you. I was going through the script with Old Yao just now and there are some things that we need to add in. I want to have a piece of music added to our performance and record two sets of narration now."


    Chang Xiaoliang was dumbfounded. "We don''t have time for all of that!"


    Zhang Ye insisted, "We must add in this segment no matter what."


    "Why would a crosstalk routine require music?" Chang Xiaoliang did not agree to his requests. "Wasn''t what was rehearsed previously already very good? The production team has already approved that, so we''re fine with it."


    Zhang Ye shook his head and said, "I haven''t been feeling too confident with our previous routine all this while, but I only just understood the reason. The ending is not enough to hold up the routine and that makes all the jokes seem too scattered. Therefore, I must add in this segment!" He exined his thought process to Chang Xiaoliang in a simple manner.


    When Director Chang heard that, he said, "Your changes came too suddenly and it''s hard to say whether they''ll work or not. Since nobody can see the end product and I''m also unsure of what overall effect it would add, how do you expect me to agree to your changes?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "It should be good."


    Zhang Ye added, "Director Chang, you have to believe in my professional standards!"


    Hu Fei and the others also rushed over upon learning about it. "What happened here?"


    Chang Xiaoliang said, "This issue is too serious. I must discuss with the heads first." He quickly left the venue to make a few calls. Aftermunicating for some time, he finally came back.


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai both looked at Director Chang.


    Director Chang clenched his teeth. "The heads have approved of the changes, so we''ll base it on your idea to perform the routine! The two of you really know how to make things troublesome for me."


    Yao Jiancai also wiped away the smile on his face and said, "Little Zhang is rarely as serious as now."


    Zhang Yemented, "We are striving for perfection."


    Chang Xiaoliang stated, "Hurry up and tell me what you need. I''ll get someone to arrange for it immediately!"


    A staff member said anxiously, "Teacher Zhang, Teacher Yao, please do your makeup first! You can discuss while having your makeup applied!"


    Zhang Ye apologized, "Sorry, I''ve made it quite troublesome for everyone."


    In the past, Zhang Ye''s crosstalk routines were all about scolding people. He would scold one person after the other. Beingical and face-smacking were good enough, and the routine did not have to be too artistic or exquisite. But this time, it was different as he wanted to perform a proper routine. He definitely had to polish it repeatedly and not have a casual attitude like before.


    The audience gradually entered the venue and got seated.


    As the start of the g neared, the atmosphere was bing tense!


    The staff of Beijing Television were fidgeting with anxiety too!


    "It''s starting soon!"


    "Where''s Director Chang? Where has Director Chang disappeared to?"


    "Director Chang is at the recording studio!"


    "Something happened with Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalk routine. I heard that there were somest minute changes and a lot of people are running around because of it. Hai, their crosstalk routine was arranged for the sixth performance of the night!"


    "Ah?"


    "Will they make it in time then?"


    "Who knows! Teacher Zhang Ye is always doing things like that!"


    "Hurry! Hopefully they''ll make it in time!"


    With the unexpected situation happening, Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G production team staff had their hearts in their throats!


    Counting down to thest 20 minutes.


    Chang Xiaoliang was back.


    An assistant director asked anxiously, "How are things going over at Zhang Ye''s side?"


    "They''re still getting to it. Let''s not bother with them anymore!" Chang Xiaoliang shouted, "Everyone, get into position!"


    A female assistant director stamped her feet. "That Zhang Ye! Seriously!"


    Counting down to thest 10 minutes!


    Counting down, 5 minutes to go!


    At 7 PM sharp, the live broadcast of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G officially began!


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    Liaoning, Hunan, Zhejiang, Shanghai, as well as the other provincial stations'' Spring Festival Gs began almost concurrently!

 Chapter 879: Crosstalk routine: Everything is Great!

    <h4>Chapter 879: Crosstalk routine: Everything is Great! </h4>


    Chapter 879: Crosstalk routine: Everything is Great!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It was getting lively on Weibo!


    "Wah, it''s starting!"


    "Come and watch Mango TV''s opening dance! It''s really good!"


    "Zhejiang TV''s broadcast is quite good as well!"


    "Beijing TV''s is average. The stage effects aren''t all that good!"


    "Mango TV is still the best at incorporating technology into their stage presentation! They''re so rich! Don''t you guys think their stage is almost at the level of Central TV''s Spring Festival G? They must have really invested a lot into it!"


    "Hunan is the best!!"


    Theizens immediately startedmenting with their opinions after the live broadcast started.


    There were even people who kept surfing through the channels broadcasting Spring Festival Gs and made a summarized evaluation on them!


    ...


    Zhang Ye''s family had organized a feast at their house today.


    Almost all of their rtives were here.


    His maternal grandma kept asking, "Why hasn''t Little Ye appeared yet?"


    His maternal grandpaughed and said, "What are you so anxious for? The first performance just started."


    "Little Ye is ted for the sixth performance." His mother poured some tea for them. "He''s going toe on very soon."


    Chenchen stared at the television, unblinking.


    His third sister sat there with Chenchen, stroking her head and saying excitedly, "Brother is appearing soon! Come on and appear quickly!"


    ...


    Beijing Television.


    Backstage, the staff were running in and out busily.


    "Hurry up, Teacher Zhang!" A person was urging him for the fourth time. "We''re already at the second performance! There''s just 15 minutes to go!"


    Zhang Ye was decorating some props a distance away and answered without turning around, "It''s almost done!"


    Yao Jiancai was also getting anxious beside him. "If it''s not ready, why don''t we push our performance back a little? Can we appear as the 10th performance instead? Or the 15th?"


    That staff member said, "That won''t do. The performances are all scheduled, so if we change anything, it will be totally messed up!"


    Zhang Ye was used to such situations. "Don''t worry, I''m almost done."


    ...


    The second performance began.


    Then the third and the fourth.


    The audience andizens expressed their opinions on the gs.


    "This year''s satellite channels are really giving it their all!"


    "Liaoning TV is impressive! The Heavenly King ising out now! Hahaha!"


    "This is an old song, but no matter how many times I listen to it, I can never get enough of it!"


    "Liaoning TV''s viewership rating is probably going to be the highest!"


    "Dragon TV is not bad either. Their fourth performance is a skit! Hahaha, quickly go and watch. I highly rmend watching it. The skit is very funny, or at least better than the Central TV Spring Festival G skit!"


    "Did you guys watch Zhejiang TV''s crosstalk routine? It''s on right now, but I think it''s not really that interesting. These two crosstalk actors were probably quite popr five or six years ago, but they''re quite irrelevant these days. Why does it seem like those crosstalk actors who were quite funny in the past always be irrelevant after they appear on a Spring Festival G stage?"


    "It''s inevitable. The crosstalk industry has been suffering in recent years and has long since reached a bottleneck. Moreover, a g crosstalk is very difficult to perform since it won''t be approved if there aren''t any implications, criticism of current affairs, or singing of praises about the homnd. Such a stage requires more elegance and artistic qualities in the routines as well. In the past, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai were two of the more watchableedians, but that might not apply to the Spring Festival G stage. When have you ever heard Zhang Ye perform a proper crosstalk routine anyway?"


    "Go and watch Dragon TV now. The highlight performance of the night is beginning soon!"


    "Is that so? I''ll tune in and have a watch then."


    "I won''t be watching that. I just want to wait for Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G crosstalk routine!"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai will being on anytime now! I have a feeling that Zhang Ye will not disappoint me!"


    "I don''t carry much hope for it."


    "Me too, but it''s still worth a watch. If it''s not good, I''ll just switch channels."


    "I wonder how many people are here today to watch Zhang Ye make a fool of himself. If his uing crosstalk routine is not performed well, just watch, there''ll definitely be countless peopleing out to criticize and ridicule him! It can''t be helped since Teacher Zhang has offended so many people in the past. Everyone is just waiting for him to slip up!"


    Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G was heading into its fifth performance at this point.


    "Soon! They''reing on next!"


    "I''m so nervous. Hopefully Teacher Zhang Ye''s illustrious name won''t be ruined on this stage today!"


    "Whether it''s Central TV or a provincial station, as long as it''s a Spring Festival G stage, it''s always been a crosstalkedian''s downfall in recent years. Whoever appears on one of these gs sinks into oblivion. It''s be universal now. Besides, it''s useless even if Zhang Ye joined this time since he doesn''t know how to perform a proper g crosstalk!"


    "Let''s just not watch it!"


    "Haha, or we could just tune into Liaoning TV."


    "There''s still something to look forward to if Zhang Ye scolds people. But if he''s not going to scold anyone? What''s there to look forward to?!"


    ...


    Beijing Television.


    Chang Xiaoliang spoke into a microphone and implored, "Are they ready yet?"


    Someone at the other end answered, "Teacher Zhang is ready! He''s headed to the frontstage!"


    "Hurry! It''s time for them to go on!" Chang Xiaoliang said loudly.


    At this moment, Beijing Television''s fifth performance ended. On the stage for thenguage performance, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai had managed to arrive just in time at thest second.


    When the Beijing Television people finally saw the shadow of their forms onstage, they heaved a long sigh of relief.


    Hu Fei wiped away his sweat. "They''ve finally made it!"


    Xiao Lu who was trembling nervously said, "What a scare they gave us!"


    Yao Jiancai was also panting a little as he quickly caught his breath.


    The cameras pointed to where the hosts were.


    Dong Shanshan, who was joyously dressed in red and smiling at the camera, said, "For the next performance, I believe that everyone who is watching their TV has been anticipating it for quite some time now."


    The male host smiled and said, "Yes, this next performance is not to be trifled with."


    Dong Shanshan: "A lot of the audience members have been anxiously waiting for it."


    The male host: "Then let''s quickly hand the stage over to the two of them."


    Dong Shanshan announced, "Please enjoy the crosstalk ''Everything is Great,'' performed by Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai."


    The cameras immediately cut to the two of them!


    A lot of theizens who were watching the TV at home felt their hearts turn cold!


    "What kind of a title is that?"


    "Everything is Great?"


    "Damn, so Zhang Ye is really going to do a traditional style crosstalk routine then?"


    "I know that it''s not going to be funny just by that title alone!"


    "It''s over! I have an ominous feeling about this!"


    "''Everything is Great''? Why am I reminded of Central TV''s Spring Festival G where Tang Dazhang''s group did their ''Family Reunion'' performance? If that''s how it is, then this will be really boring to watch!"


    "See? This is what a g crosstalk is! Every performer is the same and will always conform to the standards!"


    "Hai, I don''t look forward to this anymore!"


    "Why did it turn out like this? Teacher Zhang, please don''t do that!"


    Theizens'' doubts were getting stronger!


    At home.


    His parents, who also heard the title of the crosstalk for the first time, were slightly startled by it.


    Tang Dazhang was sitting in front of his television and tuned into Beijing Television as well.


    His wife beside him frowned. "What are you watching him for?"


    Tang Dazhang said, "I want to see how he''ll do this!"


    Master Xu, Master Lin, and many of those from the crosstalk world at odds with Zhang Ye had also switched to Beijing Television''s channel.


    And not to forget, Central TV''s Spring Festival G production team.


    "They''re onstage!"


    "Let''s see what he''s going to say!"


    "Ha, and he ridiculed us? Howughable!"


    "''Everything is Great''? Pfft!"


    "Whether it''s Central TV or a provincial station, whose Spring Festival G is not nned that way? Whose crosstalk is not performed that way? Do you still believe that you could have done it any other way? I would have liked to see that!"


    Songstress Zhang Xia said to her children, "Has Little Zhang''s crosstalk started yet? Quick, let''s take a look."


    Zhang Xia''s son replied, "Everyone on the Inte is saying that Zhang Ye''s crosstalk won''t be worth watching."


    Zhang Xiaughed. "We''ll see for ourselves."


    The couple, Chen Guang and Fan Wenli, had already turned their television on and were waiting for the crosstalk performance.


    Meanwhile, Yu Yingyi, who was currently overseas and had a table tennis tournament to coverter, took some time out to check on Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G live broadcast online.


    Zhang Ye''s fans.


    Zhang Ye''s friends.


    Zhang Ye''s foes.


    At this moment, all of them were watching Beijing Television!


    Actually, even Beijing Television''s own staff and their Spring Festival G production team were fully focused and staring at the stage. This was because Zhang Ye had decided to make ast-minute change to the crosstalk script and they no longer had any control of how it would turn out. Even they did not know what Zhang Ye was going to say!


    "Everything is Great"?


    Zhang Ye even changed the title of the crosstalk?


    These people from Beijing Television felt that they were about to get a heart attack!


    ...


    In the center of the stage.


    There sat a long table with two microphones on it.


    Zhang Ye walked onto the stage calmly with his seasoned crosstalk partner.


    "Good evening, everyone." Zhang Ye stood there smiling and said into the microphone, "Let us first wish everyone a prosperous new year!"


    Yao Jiancai sped his hands into a fist and palm salute and said, "Happy New Year!"


    Zhang Ye said, "May you achieve everything your heart desires!"


    The audience at the venue was still very enthusiastic, giving their most passionate apuse. Like theizens, they did not know what Zhang Ye would be performing in his crosstalk!


    Zhang Ye smiled pleasantly and said, "Let me introduce myself. My name is Zhang Ye and I''m a famous crosstalkedian, as well as a famous host. I''ve been a director before, worked on mathematical research, and also been involved in a wide variety of professions."


    Yao Jiancai smiled and said, "That''s right."


    Zhang Ye gestured to the man next to him. "Beside me is my partner."


    Yao Jiancai nodded. "That''s right. Why don''t you introduce me too?"


    Zhang Ye introduced, "Bite Building Materials, Teacher Bite!"[1.]


    This was a joke that had been used before, but no one was tired of hearing it. The entire live audience roared intoughter.


    Yao Jiancai reeled back. "Who bites building materials!"


    Zhang Ye blinked and spoke, "What?"


    Yao Jiancai corrected, "I''m not called that!"


    Zhang Ye replied with doubt, "Ah? You''ve changed your name?"


    "Why would I change my name?"


    "You''re no longer biting building materials? What are you biting then? Bricks?"


    Yao Jiancai roared in protest, "Why must I be biting anything at all! Do you want me to break all my teeth?!"


    The audienceughed even harder!


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahaha!"


    "This old pun has been revamped!"


    "I almost diedughing!"


    The opening bit immediately caught everyone''s attention!


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "It was just a small joke."


    Yao Jiancai said in annoyance, "Then introduce me properly."


    Zhang Ye reintroduced, "This is Teacher Yao Jiancai."


    Yao Jiancaiughed. "There''s no need for the honorific. I should be the one addressing you as Teacher Zhang instead. You''re a true blue Peking University teacher."


    Zhang Ye quickly waved it off. "Don''t call me that. I don''t deserve that title in front of you."


    Yao Jiancai replied, "But that''s how it should be."


    Zhang Ye continued to wave it off. "Please don''t, you''re being too polite."


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Then how should I address you?"


    Zhang Ye pondered for a bit. "Well, you can call me Master Zhang, Great Director Zhang, Great Professor Zhang, or Great Host Zhang Ye. Any of those would be just fine."


    The audience: "Pfft!"


    Yao Jiancai threw his head back and rolled his eyes. "Oh, and that''s not being too polite with you? Forget it, I''ll stick to addressing you as Teacher."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Although you guys might see me and Teacher Yao bickering all the time, we''re actually very good friends off the stage."


    Yao Jiancai chuckled. "That''s right, we''ve known each other for quite a while now."


    Zhang Ye gave a thumbs up. "Teacher Yao can im to be my mentor and good friend. If I were to give a score to Teacher Yao, I would give him a ten for sure!"


    Yao Jiancai quickly and modestly replied, "You''re too generous. Am I really that good?"


    Zhang Ye added, "But as for the remaining 9,990 points, I��"


    Yao Jiancai was stunned. "Ah? You mean a full score is 10,000 points?"


    Everyone in the audience burst intoughter!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Ahahahaha!"


    Wasn''t this still Zhang Ye''s same old style?


    Wasn''t he still able to perform without scolding others?


    How enjoyable!


    It was still as good as before!

 Chapter 880: Laughing like crazy!

    <h4>Chapter 880: Laughing like crazy! </h4>


    Chapter 880: Laughing like crazy!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Real-timements were being posted online.


    "Wow, it''s really quite good!"


    "What''s quite good?"


    "Zhang Ye''s crosstalk?"


    "You guys actually bothered to watch? Didn''t everyone say that there was nothing to look forward to?"


    "It has just started, but it still feels the same! It''s full of humor!"


    "Really? Damn, I should go watch!"


    "Hurry then. I was nearly fooled by those haters! Who said that it wouldn''t be good?"


    "It''s still the familiar Zhang Ye we''re used to. We just have to see how it goes from here!"


    Meanwhile, some of those from the crosstalk world scoffed at this.


    One of Tang Dazhang''s disciplesmented: "A g crosstalk''s difficulty lies in its punchlines. It depends greatly on its artistry and overall integrity of the entire routine. Just because a few bits were done well, it doesn''t mean the routine will be good. Even if the entire routine were scattered with all kinds of gags and jokes, if the entirety of it does not cause others to reflect on a subject, it''s still a failure!"


    Another crosstalk actor replied: "That''s right, which is why a g crosstalk is not at all easy to perform!"


    A disciple of Master Xu who had been scolded by Zhang Ye before said: "Zhang Ye is just depending on his wit now, but when ites to his crosstalk artistry being tested, he won''t be able to seed. If you guys don''t believe me, just watch. It will just be more and more unfocused, without adhering to a main theme."


    The points raised by these experts were definitely quite valid. In the past, Zhang Ye''s crosstalk themes only focused on scolding people, scolding the crosstalk world, or subverting the Three Vulgarities. Although the crosstalk world members did not like it, in all honesty, those works were still valid as crosstalk performances. At least the theme was clear and the routine was aplete one. But if it was just using some gags from here and there to piece together a routine, that would not be considered crosstalk, much less an even more demanding g crosstalk!


    ...


    At the venue of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G.


    The crosstalk routine was still proceeding.


    Yao Jiancai said, "I only deserve 10 points out of 10,000? Am I that lousy? Are you even praising me?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "What I mean is that you still have much potential for improvement."


    "Save it. You''re stepping on me this early into the festive season. Before we took the stage, it was announced that our crosstalk performance is titled ''Everything is Great''. So why are you steering away from the subject?"


    Zhang Ye looked left and right. "Everything is great for whom?"


    Yao Jiancai responded, "Us, of course! And the audience too!"


    Zhang Ye snorted. "Everything is great for all of you, but everything is not great for me!"


    The audience was entertained. What was going on with Teacher Zhang?


    Yao Jiancai asked out of concern, "Why, we''re celebrating the Spring Festival, so what''s wrong? Haven''t you been pretty fine all this while?"


    Zhang Ye gesticted. "All of you are really supportive of me today, but I had a really rough time in the past."


    Yao Jiancai sighed, "Hai, who hasn''t had a rough time?"


    "Before I did crosstalk and hosting, I did not even have a stable job."


    "Really?"


    Zhang Ye went on tirelessly, "I had just graduated from university back then and was job searching."


    "It''s the same for everyone."


    "Ever since I was young, I''ve had the dream of bing a ser yer."


    Yao Jiancai looked at Zhang Ye. "Not bad."


    "When I first went to apply to a team, the ser coach took a liking to me immediately. He said that I''m a million times more talented thanst year''s FIFA World yer of the Year, Lionel Messi!"


    Yao Jiancai eximed, "Whoa, then you must be a ser genius!"


    "Then he said afterwards that there were only two things that hindered my development in the sport."


    Yao Jiancai asked with interest, "Which two things?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "My left and right feet."


    Hearing that, the audienceughed like crazy!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Left and right feet?"


    "Aiyo, what the hell!"


    "This joke is so funny!"


    "How did Zhang Ye think of that, hahaha!"


    Yao Jiancai pretended to vomit blood. "Hai, then that just means you''re not cut out for it!"


    Zhang Ye said angrily, "I was disappointed too, so when I realized that there was no future for me in ser, I went ahead and applied for a privatepany instead. I sent out my resume and went for an interview, but without even looking me in the eye, the interviewer told me, ''I''ll give you a minute to leave an impression on me.''"


    Yao Jiancaiughed, "Yup, that''s how many interviewers do it."


    Zhang Ye said, "I instantly knew I could do that, so I walked up to him and whirled around to give him a great p! After that, I quickly turned around and ran away!"


    Yao Jiancai was startled. "Whoa, then you must surely have left a huge impression!"


    A great p?


    The live audience was in stitches!


    Zhang Ye said, "In the end, I passed my interview. The moment I stepped out of thatpany''s office, I received a call from that person inviting me back to thepany."


    Yao Jiancai sighed, "Hai."


    "I thought about it for a long time, but did not dare return!"


    Yao Jiancaiughed and said, "Yeah, you shouldn''t go back."


    Audience: "Hahahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye said in frustration, "I was disappointed again, so I went into a public bathroom and washed my face. I stared into the mirror and told myself, ''Zhang Ye, you must be strong. These little difficulties can''t set you back. Come on, be strong!''"


    Yao Jiancai nodded. "You can''t lose heart."


    Zhang Ye continued, "After cheering myself on, I felt much better and managed to calm myself down. When I came out the bathroom, I saw a mane out of the bathroom opposite mine."


    When he said that, Zhang Ye turned around with a look of horror.


    Yao Jiancai was stunned. "Ah? You were in the female bathroom all that time?"


    Some of the audience members were in tears fromughing!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Yi!"


    "Aiyo, I''m dying ofughter!"


    Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G hosts were also cramping fromughing too much at their corner!


    Dong Shanshan covered her mouth andughed hard!


    Zhang Ye rapidly said, "So I quickly took off!"


    Yao Jiancai agreed, "You had to."


    "A bunch of old women came chasing after me out of the bathroom. The one leading the chase even shouted, ''Catch him. That''s the man who kept talking nonstop in the female bathroom, making me too afraid toe out!''"


    Yao Jiancai was amused. "How unlucky can you get?"


    Zhang Ye said with anger, "I thought to myself that this couldn''t go on any further. I had to find a job and earn some money. But how could I do that? I had to spend some money first, right?"


    Yao Jiancai shook his head disapprovingly. "By ''gifting''?"


    "I spent quite a sum, but I was finally able to get myself a job at a state-owned enterprise in Beijing."


    "Is that so?"


    Zhang Ye happily rted, "This job of mine was really good. We didn''t need to work at all and the section chief, who I ''gifted presents'' to in order to get the job, often brought us out for meals. There were usually seven or eight of us and we would always order a tableful of dishes."


    Yao Jiancai asked, "What did you guys usually have?"


    Zhang Ye recited, "Steamedmb, steamed bear''s paw, steamed deer''s tail, roast duck, roast chicken, roast green goose, stewed pork, stewed duck, brown sauce chicken, bacon, century egg, hog maw, braised pork, sausage, assorted vegetables, smoked chicken with white cut tripe, eight treasure steamed pork, duck with glutinous stuffing, pot-braised pheasant, pot-braised quail, brined giblets, brined goose, pheasant, dried hare meat, meal wraps, whitebait, steamed frog legs, braised duck kidney, braised duck slices, cold-tossed duck strips, stir-fried aorta, braised eel, braised finless eel, catfish with ck beans, pan-fried carp, stewed softshell turtle, stir-fried carp, stir-fried shrimp, soft-fried pork tenderloin, soft-fried chicken, assorted innards, pot-stewed jackdaws, spicy fried rolls, sauteed mushrooms, sauteed fish slices, sauteed fish maw, sauteed fish fillets, meat fillets sauteed in vinegar��"


    This whole recital was the traditional speed recital piece, "The Imperial Feast List." All the audience members were dumbfounded when they heard that!


    The crosstalkedians who were watching the show on their televisions could only look at one another as they gasped at that recital!


    Anyone could do speed recitals, especially "The Imperial Feast List." This was considered a basic skill for crosstalkedians like them. Even most of the "straight man"edians could recite that, but what was astounding was none of them could recite it the way Zhang Ye recited it. His recital speed could easily be described as insane, as he sped through the entire list in one breath using the same speed he used for his advertising messages in The Voice!


    No one could replicate his style!


    It was the first time everyone had heard such a fast recital!


    Tang Dazhang felt a sinking feeling too. He did not expect Zhang Ye to be able to skillfullybine a traditional crosstalk''s speed recital into his performance like that, and even matched it to the speed that had astonished the country''s citizens back when they first heard it on The Voice!


    Rapturous apuse thundered!


    Bba bba bba!


    "Great!"


    "Well said!"


    "Amazing!"


    "This reciting speed, it''s as though he''s taking off from a runway!"


    The audience also had goosebumps from hearing the speed recital done at that speed! This speed was at least three or four times faster than any other crosstalkedian could muster!


    This speed recital was too astonishing!


    Onstage, Zhang Ye had finished speaking.


    Yao Jiancai said in surprise, "Why did you guys order so many dishes? How much would that even cost?"


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "Public funds!"


    Yao Jiancai suddenly realized what he meant. "Hai!"


    Hearing that, many of the crosstalkedians were stunned again. He was doing a satirical piece on officials paying for banquets with public funds?


    Yao Jiancai said, "Our country is cracking down on such practices! But you guys still dare to do that in defiance of the policy?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "We don''t only eat and drink, our chief often brings us along on vacation too. To Shanghai, Guilin, Suzhou, there''s no ce we won''t go."


    "You''re all burning the cash away."


    Zhang Ye looked at Old Yao and said, "But during our trips, I''ve seen some uncivilized behavior."


    Yao Jiancai asked, "What kind of uncivilized behavior?"


    "On some monuments and attraction signs, there are people who write things like ''XX, I love you'' or engrave their names on them like ''Yao Jiancai''��"


    Yao Jiancai quickly stopped him from going further. "I''m not involved! I don''t do things like that!"


    The audience burst outughing. "Hahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye stated, "I was just citing an example, don''t take it so seriously."


    "But it''s true that such uncivilized behavior exists!"


    "My sense of justice is quite strong, so I got really angry when I saw those inscriptions. I was so angry that I had to criticize them! It was outrageous!"


    Yao Jiancai nodded in agreement. "Right, you must definitely criticize those people!"


    Zhang Ye pondered for a second before picking up the fan from the table and using it as a pen to write in the air as he spoke, "Dearrade, I must criticize you! Why are you vandalizing the signs by putting your words on them? Do you have any ss? Are you a civic-minded citizen? How did your father bring you up? How did your mother bring you up? How did your grandpa bring you up? How did your grandma bring you up? How did your grandaunt bring you up? How did your eighth grandaunt bring you up?"


    Yao Jiancai was stunned by this.


    The audience wasughing themselves into a mess!


    "I can''t take it anymore!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, my tears are spewing!"


    Zhang Ye vented, "In any case, I wrote over a thousand words on the wall to criticize their behavior! They''re so infuriating!"


    Yao Jiancai stared at him. "A thousand words?"


    "But of course. Who asked them to be so uncivilized!"


    Yao Jiancai said in mock anger, "Others would only write a few words such as ''XX was here,'' but you wrote a thousand words? You''re even more uncivilized than them!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "How am I uncivilized? When our chief saw it, he evenmended me. He said, ''Little Zhang, you did well. When you see such uncivilized behavior, you must always point it out!''"


    The audience: "Hahahaha!"


    Yao Jiancai nearly fainted. "With a chief like that, you''d get into trouble sooner than you think!"


    Zhang Ye suddenly clicked his tongue and said, "Oh, you''ve got it spot on. Only a few dayster something else urred."


    "What happened?"


    "We went overseas for a vaca��no, I mean we went overseas for a work trip and encountered some pirates in the Caribbean."


    Yao Jiancai was startled. "Whoa!"


    "After the pirates boarded our ship, they took out their guns and demanded a ransom of 5 million!"


    "What did you guys do?"


    "We had to rely on the experience of our chief. He immediately sought out the captain of the pirates and said, ''It''s alright if you want a ransom of 5 million, but we require an invoice of 10 million!''"


    "Ah?"


    "The pirates cried at that and said that we definitely knew how to make money better than they did!"


    Yao Jiancai sighed, "Hai!"


    The waves ofughter at the venue kept drowning out the previous wave!


    "Hahaha!"


    "Issue an invoice for 10 million? Aiyo!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    As they watched up to this segment, the crosstalk world members fell silent.


    Several of those crosstalkedians who had publicly doubted Zhang Ye''s performance on Weibo earlier had disappeared from the tform.


    The audience was stoked as though they were high on adrenaline!


    Networking by "gifting"?


    Satire on publicly funded banquets?


    Irony of dealing with the uncivilized behavior of tourists?


    Bluntly highlighting the tricks resorted to for iming reimbursements?


    These were all the basic means in crosstalk to criticize the problems in the society! But they also required a very advanced technique to bring the point across!


    It was now that a lot of people finally understood that Zhang Ye had used his work experience to connect and interpret it into his crosstalk routine today. He had used various gags and jokes to satirize the misconducts happening in society nowadays! In addition to that irreplicable and astonishing speed recital��


    Who said that Zhang Ye doesn''t know how to do a g crosstalk routine?


    Who said that Zhang Ye couldn''t do a traditional routine?


    That''s bullshit, just like your grandma''s balls!

 Chapter 881: From talking to singing!

    <h4>Chapter 881: From talking to singing! </h4>


    Chapter 881: From talking to singing!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Weibo was blowing up!


    "What a fun watch!"


    "It''s so good that I''m crying!"


    "Zhang Ye is amazing!"


    "Quick, go and watch Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalk!"


    "Rmending Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G! It''s really good!"


    "Don''t watch Liaoning TV anymore, just go and tune into Beijing TV! Zhang Ye''s crosstalk is really awesome!"


    "He''s criticizing the problems in our society. Zhang Ye has done it beautifully!"


    "He even did it without scolding anyone the entire time! Yet it''s such a fun to watch!"


    "Zhang Ye is still Zhang Ye!"


    "Anticipating whatever''sing next! It''s only midway through the routine right now. I heard that Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G gave additional time to Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s routine at thest rehearsal, so we should be able to enjoy today''s crosstalk to the utmost!"


    "This is what a real crosstalk routine is!"


    "Right, just look at how Teacher Zhang fully utilizes irony to such a great effect. Whereas that bunch of so-called mainstream crosstalkedians only know how to shout catchphrases when they get on the Spring Festival G! Who says that humor and art cannot mix? Just go and have a look at Zhang Ye''s crosstalk routine! That should be a good lesson for you people!"


    The public praise of Zhang Ye''s crosstalk was bursting through the roof!


    Suddenly, more and more people were attracted after reading the onlinements.


    "I''ll go take a look!"


    "Beijing TV, right?"


    "I''m here, is it really that good?"


    "I never liked Zhang Ye''s crosstalk that only knew how to scold others. So there''s no scolding today? I''ll go have a watch then."


    ...


    At the venue.


    Chang Xiaoliang and several of the assistant directors were also getting very excited. They looked at each other and could see the gleams in each other''s eyes. They did not expect that Zhang Xiao and Yao Jiancai would be so on the mark today!


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Then what happened next?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "What else could have happened?"


    "Eh?"


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "After we returned, that chief was detained and interrogated!"


    Yao Jiancai was amused. "Heh, a person like that should have been detained and interrogated much earlier!"


    "Later, people from our section brought some things along and visited him."


    "Why would you guys visit him?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "To send our condolences to an official under detention and interrogation of course."


    The audience: "Pfft!"


    "Aiyo, Teacher Zhang, can you not be so funny?"


    "Send condolences to an official under detention and interrogation? Hahaha!"


    Yao Jiancai remarked, "He''s already been disciplined, why would you still want to send your condolences?!"


    Zhang Ye added, "In the end, I had some bad luck too and was implicated for sending a gift, so I got fired."


    "You deserved it."


    "After I lost my job, I felt very depressed. Beijing is such a big ce, so where could I call home? I suddenly thought of buying my own home."


    Yao Jiancai eximed, "But the property prices in Beijing are incredibly expensive!"


    "Yeah, so when I heard that a real estate expert was organizing arge seminar that covered how to time the market to get the best deal, I told myself that I had to go. I paid the registration fee and a bunch of us sat there listening. The expert droned on and on from 6 AM until 8 PM, analyzing the price trends."


    Yao Jiancai nodded. "That sounds like an expert."


    "At the end, he came to a conclusion on the best time to buy a property."


    Yao Jiancai was really eager to know. "When?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "��Two years ago!"


    Yao Jiancai blurted out, "Ah? Would I need you to tell me if the answer was two years ago?!"


    The audience were cramping up withughter!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Two years ago?"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Did he even have to speak for so many hours if it was just that?"


    Zhang Ye said angrily, "Exactly!"


    Yao Jiancai dered, "What kind of expert is that!"


    The audience felt rejuvenated listening to this. Recently, there had been many people who called themselves experts but only spouted nonsense and gave talks on just about anything. This satire by Zhang Ye was clearly aimed at this group of people!


    ...


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    His grandma was watching the TV happily and said, "Look at my grandson, he''s wonderful!"


    His grandpamented, "Well said! I''ve been scammed before by one those ''expert seminars'' as well!"


    The eldest sister eximed, "Our brother is really good!"


    Zhang Ye''s third aunt said to his mother enviously, "Sis, Little Ye will definitely be more and more famous from now on!"


    With her son not around now, his mother shook her head this time instead. "When he was jobless, I kept nagging him to find a job and hoped that he would be able to get ahead in life. But now, I don''t wish for him to get any more famous than he already is. It''s not good if he has to work so much and not be around at home. Hai, if he could just stay home and spend this new year without needing to run around outside, I would thank the gods."


    His second uncle said, "Little Ye is doing great things, that''s why he''s so busy. There are always future new years to celebrate at home, right?"


    His first uncle said, "That''s right, this is the time when the child is still striking it out on his own, so we must try to understand him better."


    ...


    Theizens were tired fromughing.


    "Hahahaha!"


    "How awesome!"


    "Yeah, he''s so goddamn good at this!"


    "It feels like Zhang Ye is leading the crosstalk world by a lot of years!"


    "Yup, he''s on a totally different level!"


    However, at this time, there were some crosstalkedians who couldn''t bear listening to thements any longer. They stepped forward and spoke up.


    One of Tang Dazhang''s disciples said angrily: "When did Zhang Ye get so many shills to support him? How much did he spend in all?"


    A junior brother of Tang Dazhang said: "What did you hear that was so good? This crosstalk is titled ''Everything is Great,'' but what about the content? From the beginning, it has been about negative things like not having a smooth career. This totally doesn''t match with the title!"


    There were also some industry peers andizens who disliked Zhang Ye stepping out.


    "That''s right!"


    "Everything is great in what way?"


    "Sounds more like everything is terrible to me!"


    Zhang Ye''s fans retorted: "It''s fine as long as it''s funny to listen to. Why do you people care what the crosstalk title is? So what if it''s called ''Everything is Great''?"


    However, when quite a number of viewers saw this, they also started to wonder about it.


    That''s right.


    Why was it called "Everything is Great"?


    Couldn''t find a job?


    Getting fired?


    Couldn''t buy a house?


    Yet everything is great?


    ...


    Onstage.


    Yao Jiancai asked, "So after that, you became a host and got involved in crosstalk?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "That was muchter."


    "Oh, so you did odd jobs in between?"


    "Thest job I had before hosting and crosstalk, was singing."


    Yao Jiancai said in astonishment, "Whoa, you can even sing?"


    Zhang Ye looked at him. "What''s with that? Do you doubt me?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "No, it''s not that. But having known you for all these years, I''ve never seen you sing before, isn''t that so?"


    The audience were staring wide-eyed at this im.


    "What''s that mean?"


    "Zhang Ye is going to sing?"


    "Aiyo, I must definitely listen to this!"


    "Does Zhang Ye know how?"


    Zhang Ye said smugly, "You just haven''t seen me do so yet. My singing really isn''t something I''d lie about."


    Yao Jiancai said with curiosity, "So what songs do you usually sing?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I like songs about family ties, like Zhang Xia''s ''Coming Home.''"


    "Aiyo, that''s a really famous song. It''s a ssic!"


    "Yeah."


    "You can sing that?"


    Zhang Ye suggested, "Why don''t I sing a simple line or two then?"


    The audience suddenly kicked up a row.


    "Yes!"


    "Yes!"


    "Haha!"


    Apuse rang out through the venue!


    Zhang Ye called for silence, motioning his hands down, and said, "But I will need some cooperation from all of you here. I want everyone to close their eyes when listening to me sing. Only if you close your eyes can you sense how well I can sing it and how simr it sounds to the original."


    Yao Jiancai said in surprise, "Ah? You can even imitate Zhang Xia''s voice?"


    Zhang Ye vowed, "Indeed. When you guys hear it, you will definitely be astonished and sigh��" His expression changed into one of enchantment. "��Ah, how wonderful, it sounds exactly the same. Zhang Xia lives again!"


    Yao Jiancai quickly stopped him. "She''s not dead! Not dead at all!"


    The audience, caught unaware by this unexpected bit and initially unable to react, broke out intoughter!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Zhang Ye is so mean!"


    "Pfft!"


    "Aiyo, I''m dying ofughter!"


    Zhang Ye nervously wiped away his sweat. "Ah?"


    Yao Jiancai corrected, "She''s still alive and well!"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Oh, is that so?"


    Yao Jiancai rolled his eyes. "Of course, the two of you even worked on a show togetherst year!"


    The audience wasughing uncontrobly. "Hahahaha!"


    When Zhang Xia��watching the TV at home with her family��heard this, she nearly spat out her drink!


    Zhang Xia''s son didn''t know what to do. "That Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Xia couldn''t stopughing. "Making fun of me? I''ll get even with himter!"


    "Coming Home" was a song from this world.


    Zhang Ye cleared his throat. "Alright, I''ll sing a few lines from it."


    "Go on and sing then, everyone''s waiting."


    Zhang Ye raised his hand and signaled. "Cue the music!"


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Nothing happened.


    Zhang Ye put his hand down and said, "Well, never mind then."


    The audience: "Pfft!"


    Yao Jiancai sighed, "Hai, why did you ask for it in the first ce!"


    Zhang Ye built up his emotions for a while before opening his mouth and singing, "Ah...it''s the New Year, our children areing home. Dong dong dong, the sound of knocking on the door��.Dong dong dong, the sound of knocking on the door��.Dong dong dong, the sound of knocking on the door��.Dong dong dong, the sound knocking on the door��.Dong dong dong, the sound of��"


    Yao Jiancai got impatient and pped Zhang Ye''s back and shouted, "Hurry up and open the door!"


    One of the audience members was smacking their thigh andughing hard.


    "Hahahahaha!"


    This song wasn''t supposed to be sung that way. The "dong dong dong" was part of the original lyrics but only had a small part in the song, but this was then repeated by Zhang Ye four times over!


    Yao Jiancai nearly fainted. "Her daughter is home and has been knocking on the door for a long time! You should be opening the door!"


    Zhang Ye blinked and said, "I can''t open the door. Can''t you see that I''m singing right now?"


    Yao Jiancai replied, "Hai! Is this called singing?"


    Zhang Ye''s singing voice could generally be described as average. He did not go off-pitch but his vocalization, breathing techniques, and such were all rather off, so he could at most be called an amateur at singing. Since the audience did not have much expectation for him and were only listening for fun, and Zhang Ye was able to subtly incorporate several funny gags into this singing segment of his crosstalk routine, the live audience and those watching at home were all tickled funny by it. There was no time for them to catch a breather, as quip after quip kepting at them. The rhythm was perfect!


    There were jokes.


    There was criticism of societal issues.


    There was the traditional speed recital.


    And there''s even singing now?


    This crosstalk routine might look messy with parts and pieces of content from all over the ce, but it was strung together and presented very well in the form of a series of events taking ce after Zhang Ye''s graduation from university. Except for the crosstalk title "Everything is Great" that had perplexed everyone. No one understood why he had titled it as such.

 Chapter 882: This is what a real crosstalk is!

    <h4>Chapter 882: This is what a real crosstalk is! </h4>


    Chapter 882: This is what a real crosstalk is!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Theizens''ments:


    "Hahaha!"


    "Zhang Ye sang so poorly!"


    "He''s only good enough not to go off-pitch!"


    "But it''s still very funny!"


    "Another song please!"


    "Right, please sing another song!"


    "It''s so rare to hear Zhang Ye sing!"


    The crosstalk routine on Central TV''s Spring Festival G was too difficult to stomach as many of those fans of crosstalk andnguage routines could not get excited about it. You could even say that they were deeply disappointed by it, and while they had also seen the other Spring Festival Gs'' crosstalk routines, they were still dissatisfied and felt the other routines were pretty boring. However, this particr crosstalk routine by Zhang Ye had in fact fired everyone up again. They could feel a shiver go down their spines after listening to it!


    Coupled with the festive atmosphere, everyone was feeling good!


    ...


    At home.


    His third sister asked with surprise, "Our brother knows how to sing too?"


    His second sister was lying on the sofa,ughing so hard she couldn''t sit up. "Aiyo��hahaha, our brother��how funny!"


    His motherughed. "How can he know how to sing? All he does is hum a few tunes at home."


    His father said, "It''s enough if he can sing a couple lines. It''s not like he''s a professional singer anyway, so he doesn''t need to sing well."


    ...


    At the venue of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G, the show was still broadcasting!


    Yao Jiancai remarked, "No wonder you went to do crosstalk after that. With your talent, you were still thinking about bing a singer?"


    Zhang Ye was having none of that. "Hey, what''s wrong with my singing?"


    Yao Jiancai asked, "What else can you sing?"


    Zhang Ye boasted, "As long as it''s a song about family ties, I can sing it!"


    Yao Jiancai belittled, "Oh, save it. The children came home from far away for the new year but you didn''t even open the door. What family ties are you talking about!"


    The audienceughed.


    "Hahaha!"


    "Old Yao''s holding the conversation really well!"


    "He''s truly deserving of being his longtime crosstalk partner. Their understanding of each other is so good!"


    "It''s so funny I could die! The ssic ''Coming Home'' has been totally ruined by the two of you just like that!"


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Then why don''t I sing another for everyone!"


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Which song?"


    Zhang Ye thought about it for a while before replying, "How about Grandma Song Hui''s ''Old Times''?" He turned to the audience and said, "As you did before, please close your eyes and listen. Close your eyes and feel it��ah, Song Hui lives ag��"


    Yao Jiancai hurriedly stopped him. "She''s not dead! This one isn''t dead either!"


    The audience were tearing up fromughing!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, goddammit, hahaha!"


    "Do his remarks have to be so caustic!"


    Zhang Ye stared with his eyes wide. "Ah? Not dead yet?"


    Yao Jiancai said nervously, "Geez, you''ve cursed two people in such a short span of time!"


    The audienceughed, "Hahahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "Alright then, I''ll just start singing."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Wait, wait. I''m gonna stop you there. If I remember correctly, ''Old Times'' isn''t a song about family ties."


    Zhang Ye looked at him like he was an idiot. "What do you mean it''s not?"


    "Is it?"


    "This is a song for a grandpa."


    Yao Jiancai said dumbfounded, "Grandpa? Where did you get that from!"


    "Well, listen carefully." Zhang Ye sang, "Like the river flows, the ages go��"


    Yao Jiancai nodded. "Yes, those are the lyrics of that song."


    Zhang Ye continued singing, "Time flies, and I think of you, Grandpa (yeye)��" Then he said, "See, ''I think of you, yeye.'' She''s thinking of her grandpa (yeye)! So isn''t this song about family?"


    Yao Jiancai nearly fainted. He said, "What do you mean ''I think of you, yeye''? She sings ''I think of you every night'' (y��y��)! The dark of night''s night!"


    "Pfft, hahaha!"


    "I think of you, yeye?"


    "Why don''t you sing about thinking of your grandma instead!"


    "Aiyo, I really take my hat off to Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye said embarrassed, "Is that so? Then I must have remembered it wrong. Let me try another. This song by Hong Hua is called ''Time.'' Everyone, please close your eyes and listen. Hong Hua��"


    Yao Jiancai immediately said, "That singer is still alive too!"


    Zhang Ye nced at him. "I know."


    Yao Jiancai replied, "I was afraid you''d kill off another one."


    The audienceughed, "Hahahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye signaled with his hand. "Music��." He waited for a while. "Never mind!"


    Yao Jiancaimented, "You just want to say that, don''t you?"


    Zhang Ye stated, "Before I start singing, I have to say something first. I especially dislike Hong Hua and will definitely criticize him the next time I see him. This song was written for his grandma, but he actually cursed at people in the song!"


    Yao Jiancai was stunned. "Curse at people? When did he curse at anyone?"


    The audience was also stunned.


    "Just listen." Zhang Ye sang loudly, "I suddenly think of childhood. The cane of your! Grand! Ma!" He enunciated the words "your grandma" very strongly!


    Yao Jiancai was speechless.


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "See, he cursed! What did he mean by your grandma! It''s normal for one to use canes when they get old, why did he have to curse!"


    The audience chortled.


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, I can''t take it anymore!"


    "Teacher Zhang, stop it, please stop it already! Hahahaha!"


    Yao Jiancai said in a speechless manner, "Eh, I think it''s only you who could hear it that way and say that it''s cursing!"


    Executive Director Chang Xiaoliang was tickled pink!


    Hu Fei, Dafei, Hou Ge, Xiao Lu, and the others Zhang Ye worked with when he was at Beijing Television allughed until their sides hurt!


    Zhang Ye was puzzled. "What''s the matter?"


    Yao Jiancai waved his hands. "Nothing, but I think it''s better for you to sing something else instead! Please don''t ruin other people''s ssics anymore!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Go ahead and request something. I''ll sing whatever you ask for!"


    Yao Jiancai asked, "You''ve been singing about children, grandpas, and grandmas, but do you have anything that is sung to parents?"


    Zhang Ye said at once, "But of course! Then let me sing a song about parents! This is an originalposition!"


    Yao Jiancaiughed. "Then I doubt it will be any good."


    An originalposition?


    The audience''s emotions had been stirred up to the highest point. They were wondering at this moment what kind of a gag Zhang Ye could still pull off. A ruckus gradually started!


    "Show us what you got!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Let''s see how he''s going to screw up this next song!"


    "Aiyo, he''s really good at making jokes!"


    "My mind is blown after listening to Zhang Ye sing! Ahaha!"


    The viewers in front of their televisions were alsoughing happily as they waited to see what gags Zhang Ye would pull out next!


    Standing in front of the microphone, Zhang Ye took a deep breath.


    One second��


    Two seconds��


    Three seconds��


    Zhang Ye held the microphone as he started singing in his not-so-perfect acape voice, "To my dear Mom and Dad."


    When the audience heard that, they began to heckle!


    "Oh!"


    "Oh!"


    "Haha, oh!"


    Everyone started answering him.


    Zhang Ye sang, "How are you two?"


    "Fine!"


    "Fine!"


    "Fine!"


    Everyone was joining in to answer him!


    The audience wasughing, feeling like they had finally managed to take advantage of Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye sang, "Have you been busy working?"


    "Busy!"


    "Busy!"


    "Busy!"


    Zhang Ye sang, "Are you healthy?"


    "Yes!"


    "Yes!"


    "Yes!"


    All of a sudden, a clear guitar melody filled the entire venue.


    The audience was startled and suddenly fell silent, not knowing what was going on.


    Yao Jiancai also became solemn.


    Zhang Ye held the microphone and slowly closed his eyes, quietly singing.


    "I''m in Beijing, it''s pretty good.


    "Mom and Dad, don''t you worry for me.


    "Though I''m bad at expressin'' things.


    "In truth, I''m��missing home."


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s voice sounded from the stage as a recorded narration yed.


    In reality, I''m not doing so good in Beijing.


    I don''t have many friends.


    And very few people like me.


    A lot of the audience members were shocked. This melody and narration caught them by surprise, making them unable to react. Some of them had unwittingly started to tear up.


    At home.


    His first aunt said in a startled manner, "This��"


    His grandma''s tears were also building up.


    His father and mother both stared at the television dumbfounded, unable to move.


    Zhang Ye opened his eyes and stared right into the camera that was broadcasting the scene live. He kept singing.


    "Does my dad go to work every day?


    "Please don''t go if they aren''t too strict.


    "With a lifetime of revolution work,


    "He deserves a good rest too."


    His father''s lips were trembling.


    Zhang Ye continued singing.


    "I bought a new coat for you, Mom.


    "Don''t be afraid to put it on.


    "Your son used to be real headstrong.


    "But now he''s wise."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "And all grown up."


    When his mother heard this, she could only watch her son on television as she started crying uncontrobly. "Little Ye has always been like this, taking on everything by himself! No matter what trouble he gets into, he will keep a smile on his face! He doesn''t want to tell us and make us worried! Always assuring us that he is fine! No matter what we ask him, he''ll assure us that everything is fine!"


    His second aunt also wiped her tears away and said, "That kid has always been this way since childhood."


    From the television, the narration sounded again.


    Dad, Mom, I''m truly fine.


    I''m��pretty good.


    Look, I got on the Spring Festival G, haha. I didn''t disgrace you two, right?


    Many eyes turned wet at the venue.


    Several of those who hade to Beijing to work and hadn''t seen their parents for several years broke down in tears.


    Chang Xiaoliang''s eyes turned red.


    Xiao Lu was crying.


    Hou Ge and Dafei were also crying.


    Only this group of old colleagues knew that Zhang Ye hadn''t had it easy for the past few years! And how much he had suffered!


    Zhang Ye sang.


    "Mom and Dad, please take good care of yourselves.


    "Don''t make your son worry about you.


    "This Spring Festival, I''m sure toe home.


    "OK.


    "That''s all for now."


    Narration:


    Mom, Dad.


    Everything is great for me.


    As long as you''re both safe and sound, everything is great for me, really.


    The guitar was still ying softly.


    Zhang Ye continued to sing even louder now.


    "Kindest regards.


    "Always and forever.


    "Kindest regards.


    "Always and forever."


    Many people were crying!


    No one had expected Zhang Ye''s crosstalk, which was filled with so many gags and jokes, to have such a twist at the end. It was a shot straight to the heart!


    So this was "Everything is Great"!


    Everyone finally understood the meaning of this crosstalk title!


    The song finished.


    The melody ended.


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai bowed deeply.


    Yao Jiancai could see that Zhang Ye was also looking rather emotional, so he lightly patted Zhang Ye on the back.


    Suddenly, many of those in the live audience stood up!


    Whether it was Central TV or any of the provincial stations, as long as it was a Spring Festival G live broadcast, the audience was not allowed to stand in suchrge groups as it would affect the camera shots and create confusion. This instruction had been given to the audience in the admission notice and also reiterated to them clearly.


    But everyone still rose from their seats!


    Ten people!


    A hundred people!


    Two hundred people!


    Every one of them was pping for Zhang Ye!


    Some were even crying as they pped with all their might!


    It was wonderful!


    Well said, well sung, wonderful!


    This is a real crosstalk!


    This is what you bloody call a crosstalk!!!

 Chapter 883: A textbook crosstalk routine!

    <h4>Chapter 883: A textbook crosstalk routine! </h4>


    Chapter 883: A textbook crosstalk routine!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    There was a continuous wave of apuse and cheers!


    At the venue of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G, the audience was extremely pumped up!


    "How can there be such a great crosstalk routine!"


    "So crosstalk can even be done in this way!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    There were already people in the audience starting to shout Zhang Ye''s name!


    Many of them could no longer control their emotions as a sense of admiration erupted!


    There was even a staff member from the production team who secretly took out their phone to call home.


    "��Mom."


    "Ah, son? Aren''t you busy at the Spring Festival G?"


    "Mhm."


    "Hurry up and get back to work then. Why are you calling me at this time?"


    "I-I''ve missed you guys."


    "Hur hur, we miss you too. It''s fine at home. Your dad and I are doing fine. We understand that you''re busy with work. Besides, it''s not like this is the first time you couldn''t make it home for the new year, right? It''s alright."


    "I''ll book a ticket home tomorrow!"


    His mother was stunned. "Ah? What did you say?"


    He wiped away his tears and said firmly, "Don''t worry. This new year��I will definitely spend it at home with you guys!"


    "That''s great! That''s really great! I''ll let your dad know! I''ll let your dad know!" His mother choked on her words and also started crying!


    A Spring Festival G''s live broadcast usually had a seamless continuation between performances without needing the performers to fully exit the stage. They simply cut to the cameras showing the hosts taking over or moved directly to the next performance. Yet at this moment, the production team was unable to do so. As the apuse was too overpowering and everyone was standing up and even cheering, if they cut straight to the next shot, the lively atmosphere would suddenly be too quiet. That would be too sudden a change in pace and mood, so they had no choice but to wait until the right time!


    They had never encountered such a situation before!


    This was something that had never happened at any of the other Spring Festival Gs!


    However, the Beijing Television Spring Festival G production team did not have anyints. This was because they knew that the audience was not purposely trying to disrupt the broadcast, but rather their behavior stemmed from the fact that the crosstalk routine was so marvelous!


    Apuse!


    Apuse resounded!


    On the other stage that was already set up, a magician could only force a smile. His magic show was lined up for the next performance, but at this moment, he felt extremely helpless.


    Your sister! Why did I end up going after him?


    With the emotions of the audience now, how can I still perform? Who would still care to watch a magic act?


    ...


    On Weibo, there was an explosion ofments!


    Theizens came online in a mad dash!


    "Fuck! Fuck!"


    "Quick, watch Beijing TV!"


    "It''s too awesome! It''s just too awesome!"


    "Zhang Ye is super charismatic! I love him to death!"


    "That was really fucking awesome!"


    "I cried!"


    "I cried too, how numbing!"


    "Even this old bro here has shed a few tears! That song really hit me in the feels!"


    "I''m��suddenly missing my mother a lot!"


    "At the start, I wasughing until I had stomach cramps. When it ended, tears were streaming down my face. Letting usugh before making us cry, this is the first time I''ve heard a crosstalk like that! This is truly the first time that something like this has happened!"


    "That song came on without any warning. At the beginning, Zhang Ye kept rting about his wondrous job seeking experiences. He shared how difficult it was to find a job in Beijing, and when he found one, he talked about how stressful work was. Then he touched on Beijing''s expensive housing prices and how the so-called ''experts'' could not be believed. He also shared how jobs were unstable along with other topics. Everything that he mentioned wasn''t great, and when everyone thought that his singing would be a joke like everything else before, he suddenly hit us with a song like that! That ''I''m in Beijing, it''s pretty good'' really made me tear up! How much bitterness and tough experiences were contained with the phrase ''it''s pretty good''''? Who could know!"


    "This is what you call resonance with your audience! God damn! I really love Zhang Ye!"


    "This songposed by Zhang Ye was basically a song about himself! He wasn''t performing but just singing it for his parents! He wants to tell them that everything is great!"


    "Teacher Zhang has sung what we all wish to say!"


    "How touching!"


    "Who still dares to im that Teacher Zhang does not know how to do a g crosstalk?"


    "Who? Step forward!"


    "The other provincial stations'' Spring Festival Gs now pale inparison!"


    "Yeah, which other g crosstalk can bepared to Zhang Ye''s ''Everything is Great''? They''re way off! They can''t even be mentioned in the same breath!"


    "I''ve been working away from home in a first-tier city for over a decade now. Through the years, I''ve gone through all kinds of suffering and done all sorts of jobs, but I''ve never once wept. However, today, Zhang Ye''s crosstalk has made me cry! Thank you, Zhang Ye. No matter what others think of you, no matter how many people hate and dislike you, you''re still the one who excels and stands out in the arts! Your position in the entertainment circle can never be reced by anyone! This is the first time I''vee across a celebrity like you. You''re amazing! Truly! You''re amazing!"


    "Teacher Zhang, there are people who like you!"


    "You still have us!"


    "Right, there''s still us!"


    "Rain or shine, we''re by your side!"


    "Rain or shine, we''re by your side!"


    "Rain or shine, we''re by your side!"


    Some of Zhang Ye''s fans were even crying as they typed out those words!


    There were positive cheers online!


    Praise was going around!


    Perhaps not even praise was enough to describe all that was going on!


    ...


    At present, the crosstalk world was silent.


    As Zhang Ye''s old rival, the crosstalk world had been at war with Zhang Ye for a very long time now. They''d gotten into far too many conflicts and had practically not won a single one of them. But even so, even though they were slightly prepared for this oue, they could not have expected that Zhang Ye would beat them so convincingly this time!


    There were no faults with the crosstalk routine this time!


    Crude?


    He did not even use one-liners like "I am your father" or "your wife is my wife"!


    Vulgar?


    The entire crosstalk had satirically pointed out many uncivilized behaviors in society!


    Tasteless?


    Thatst twist of a song was something that the crosstalk world had never done or attempted as well as Zhang Ye had!


    This was a textbook crosstalk routine!


    When several younger crosstalkedians who had always disliked Zhang Ye heard that song, they did not say anything more as they felt that they had lost. That foundation disyed in the speed recital, that talent exhibited through all those exciting bits, and that final song that made the entire audience cry. Other than Zhang Ye, there seemingly wasn''t another who could do it as well as he did! Even though they insulted him from the sidelines, they couldn''t help but admit that this person was��far too formidable!


    Tang Dazhang, who was at home with his wife, said to her, "Change the channel."


    His wife carefully ran her eyes over him and said, "OK."


    On this night, after this crosstalk, the crosstalk world turned especially quiet.


    ...


    Simrly quiet were the staff of Central TV''s Spring Festival G.


    An assistant director said while watching Beijing Television, "This��"


    Xu Yipeng''s expression had changed too!


    And those who had previously scolded Zhang Ye on Weibo and questioned the mismatch between the content and title of the crosstalk were speechless. They did not know what else they could say anymore!


    How could this be?


    How did Zhang Ye manage to create such a crosstalk routine?!


    Those who were itching to throw insults back at Zhang Ye''s crosstalk were all silenced!


    Even the executive director of Central TV''s Spring Festival G and the Central TV executives were lost in thought. They were forced to admit that Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s "Everything is Great" was truly a once-in-a-lifetime routine! They couldn''t help but think of how if they had invited Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai to appear on Central TV''s Spring Festival G, then they probably wouldn''t have invited so much ridicule had this crosstalk performance gotten broadcast on their Central TV''s Spring Festival G stage instead.


    But that was just a passing thought.


    With Central TV and Zhang Ye''s current rtionship, that was clearly impossible!


    ...


    Beijing Television.


    After leaving the stage, Zhang Ye saw Chang Xiaoliang waiting for him with the assistant directors of the production team quite a distance away. They were probably waiting for him on purpose.


    "Director Chang." Zhang Ye smiled as he greeted him.


    Chang Xiaoliang said rather excitedly, "I kept wondering to myself just then about how it would turn out!"


    Yao Jiancaiughed. "Surely it''s not that suspenseful. Little Zhang and I are both professionals and would only ask to change the content if we were sure of it."


    Chang Xiaoliang shook his head and said, "It''s not that. What I was wondering about was what if I had not approved of adding this song segment and stuck to the previous n, how different it would have turned out. It should still be good, but it would definitely not be as shocking as now! Both of you are amazing! Legendary! Truly legendary!"


    The assistant director in charge of the narration also said in a convinced manner, "With tonight''s performance, the two of you will surely take the highest spot in the crosstalk world now!"


    Zhang Ye quickly waved it off. "Please don''t say that."


    Yao Jiancai agreed, "Right, we don''t deserve that."


    Chang Xiaoliang asked, "A lot of people are asking: What''s the song''s title?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Hur hur, it''s called ''A Letter to Home.''"[1.]


    This was an old song by Li Chunbo, a master of bads from his previous world.


    "Inviting you and Teacher Yao to our Spring Festival G this time," Chang Xiaoliang said with a sigh, "Could be the most correct decision that we''ve made in all these years! Thank you! You both have worked hard!"


    Zhang Ye waved it off and smiled. "Come on, it''s not that exaggerated, Director Chang. You only invited us because you saw something in us. Since I promised to appear on the G, then I''d definitely do my best to put on the greatest show. This is how I''ve always done things. As long as I''ve promised, I''ll do it to the best of my abilities!"


    Yao Jiancai also smiled and said, "In our line of work, putting on a show is more important than anything, so it''s really nothing at all."


    Chang Xiaoliang replied, "Alright, I need to get back to work. Why don''t you two rest backstage. Oh right, go online and have a look too, haha."


    That assistant director also said happily, "It''s total chaos online!"


    ...


    Backstage.


    In the waiting room.


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai had juste back. When they took out their cell phones and went online to have a look, they were shocked. They did not expect everyone to be so supportive as well as crazy and passionate over their crosstalk!


    "Ahhh!"


    "I''m not gonna watch the other channels anymore!"


    "The crosstalk and skit routines on the other provincial channels aren''t even worth watching! They''re too boring!"


    "I''ll just stick to watching Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G!"


    "I''ve never heard a better crosstalk than that in my life!"


    "Zhang Ye, I have decided that I will be your brain-dead fan for life from now on!"


    "Teacher Yao, you''re so cool!"


    "I recorded that song earlier. I just listened to it again and started crying again!"


    "Thank you, Zhang Ye. I''ve decided that no matter what happens this Spring Festival, even if the sky should fall, I''ll definitely rush home to have a reunion dinner with my parents!"


    Yao Jiancai was very happy and satisfied. "The audience are recognizing our work."


    Zhang Ye breathed a sigh of relief, finally able to calm his mind. "That''s good. This is the first time I''ve done a crosstalk like that. I wasn''t too sure how it would turn out."


    "You weren''t sure? Oh,e on!" Yao Jiancaiughed and said, "To change half the agreed content of the crosstalk an hour before the live broadcast, adding in jokes, creating a melody and song, then, without any rehearsal or time to do a quick run-through of our lines, you still had the courage to go on stage for the live broadcast! I must take my hat off to that courage of yours! In the entire crosstalk world, the entire literary circle, and entertainment industry, who else besides you would dare to do something like that? If you can find me another person like that, I will kneel to you! This was a truly frightening experience for me today!"


    Zhang Ye ttered, "Didn''t I make it through the routine because of you, Teacher Yao? Without you as my partner, if I were to work with anyone else on this? I wouldn''t have dared to take such a risk either!"


    Yao Jiancaiughed. "I like what you''re saying!"


    Zhang Ye said, "You mean you''re taking me seriously?"


    "Ah? You mean you''re not?" Yao Jiancai saw red.

 Chapter 884: Sweeping aside all the other provincial stations’ Spring Festival Galas!

    <h4>Chapter 884: Sweeping aside all the other provincial stations'' Spring Festival Gs! </h4>


    Chapter 884: Sweeping aside all the other provincial stations'' Spring Festival Gs!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Zhejiang Television.


    The two veteran crosstalkedians the station had spent a fortune to invite were currently performing onstage.


    Theic: "What do you think happened at the end?"


    The straight man: "What happened?"


    Theic: "He picked up that bun and ate it!"


    The straight man: "Eh, didn''t he find that dirty?"


    One of the twoedians was on the same level as Tang Dazhang, while the other one who wasn''t much older than them was from Master Xu''s generation. In the crosstalk, they were considered to have a rather high status.


    The two of them were performing at their best. Their foreheads were dripping with sweat!


    The pressure of the Spring Festival G''s live broadcast was keeping everyone in the production team busy at the venue. A lot of them did not know what had happened and were clueless of the events that took ce in the outside world. Suddenly, a staff member of the production team noticed a problem. They had their own specialized tform for data analytics and real-time monitoring of the live broadcast.


    That person said in surprise, "Eh! Something''s wrong!"


    One of the directors close by looked over. "What''s the matter, Little Zhou?"


    That person said in a stunned manner, "Why did the traffic of our Spring Festival G suddenly drop by 23%? Th-that��can''t be possible!"


    Suddenly, a lot of people gathered around him.


    "What?"


    "That''s not possible!"


    "But thenguage act is going on right now!"


    "Right, the traffic should be rising instead!"


    "Where''s the data? Show me!"


    "How can that be? It really dropped that much?"


    "Ah?"


    The executive director of Zhejiang Television''s Spring Festival G was also rmed by this. They were very concerned about these datasets as it reflected the real-time performance of their Spring Festival G show. This would determine which part of the show had problems or other issues. It was with this data that they could determine the causes and make the necessary adjustments. It dropped by more than 20% in just a short time? That was clearly abnormal and very frightening. "What happened? What''s going on right now?"


    Hunan Television.


    Traffic about their Spring Festival G''s had also suddenly plummeted!


    5%!


    10%!


    It finally dropped by a total of 19%!


    There was also a substantial reduction in the number ofments. This drop was enough to terrify anyone! Even the dedicated discussion area that they set up for Mango TV''s Spring Festival G on their official Weibo ount felt like it was suddenly empty!


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Damn, what the fuck happened?"


    "No one likes to watch this show?"


    "That can''t be! Fan Wenli is singing right now! It''s Fan Wenli that we''re talking about here!"


    "Where are they?"


    "Fuck! Where did everyone go to? Who can answer me?"


    The production team was stunned!


    Actually, a lot of the other provincial stations had suddenly realized this rming situation. Their first instinct was that something huge must have happened at another provincial station''s Spring Festival G!


    Sure enough, that suspicion was quickly verified!


    Something had happened at Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G!


    "Everyone��has tuned into Beijing TV!"


    "What are they watching over there?"


    "The crosstalk routine."


    "But our station is also showing a crosstalk routine! Why would they need to switch over to Beijing TV?"


    "It''s Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalk routine on that channel!"


    These staffers of the Spring Festival G production teams were very busy with their own event, so of course they didn''t have the time to check out Beijing Television''s crosstalk routine. Since they did not know anything about it, they found it impossible and iprehensible! Why was this happening? Why? Did the audience go mad? Why did it seem like almost everyone had tuned into Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G! Why would the crosstalk routine be so popr just because it was performed by Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai!


    Liaoning Television was shocked!


    Hunan Television was stunned!


    Dragon Television was at a loss for words!


    Just because of Zhang Ye, just because of a crosstalk, how was it possible for that to pull down all the provincial stations'' Spring Festival G traffic by nearly 20% at once?


    How did he do it?


    There was no logic!


    Simr doubts were surfacing online.


    But that was quickly overturned by many groups!


    "Just watch it before saying anything!"


    "Listen to it first beforementing!"


    "Don''tpare the other Spring Festival Gs'' lousy crosstalks to ''Everything is Great''!"


    "In the past, I''ve always trash-talked Zhang Ye. I did not like performances like that ''Three Vulgarities'' crosstalk where he just kept scolding others without meaning. But after incidentally listening to ''Everything is Great,'' I''ve decided to support Zhang Ye for once. I don''t care how you people talk about him in the future, but for today, I won''t allow anyone to criticize Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye is so godly today!"


    "This must be the pinnacle of crosstalk routines!"


    Countlessizens were strongly supporting it!


    The entire Inte was filled with Zhang Ye''s and Yao Jiancai''s names, with Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G, and discussions about "Everything is Great"!


    It was very popr!


    Zhang Ye''s crosstalk was broadcast just a short while ago but word had already reached people around the country!


    The industry was shocked!


    Countless industry insiders were left with their mouths agape!


    Could a crosstalk routine really get this popr?! They truly hadn''t seen anything like this before!


    ...


    Beijing Television.


    Backstage, in the waiting room.


    Hou Ge, Dafei, and the others pushed open the door and entered. "Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye was furtively having a smoke, but when he saw peopleing in, he quickly tried to hide it. When he realized that it was his old colleagues at Beijing Television, he gave them a smile before picking up his cigarette to smoke again. "Why are all of you here? Are you all finished with your work already? Quick, have a seat."


    Dafei said, "Don''t bother, we still have to get back to our posts."


    Xiao Lu giggled and said, "We''re just here to tell you something. Teacher Zhang, you''re fantastic!"


    Hou Ge said, "Thatst song, I actually cried listening to it!"


    Yao Jiancaiughed and interjected, "I contributed to that too."


    Xiao Lu quickly said, "Yes, yes, yes! Teacher Yao did especially well in supporting the crosstalk!"


    "If it weren''t for Teacher Yao holding up his part of the exchange, Teacher Zhang wouldn''t have done so well!" Hou Di said sincerely, "We''ve known Teacher Zhang for several years now, so we know that when he talks, his mind jumps all over the ce. Especially when ites to crosstalk. He always changes the topic all of a sudden. Most people wouldn''t be able to react in time and would just let the conversation die off. Only Teacher Yao can work so seamlessly with Teacher Zhang. You two really are the ultimate pairing!"


    Yao Jiancaiughed, "Haha!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "That''s true, Old Yao and I are seasoned partners."


    After chatting for a while, Xiao Lu suddenly thought of something.


    Xiao Lu facepalmed and said, "Look at my memory, I nearly forgot! Brother Hu wanted me toe over to ask if thatst song''s name was called ''A Letter to Home.'' And if the lyrics and melody were allposed by you. Will there be any issues with the copyright?"


    Zhang Ye asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Xiao Lu replied, "A lot of people on the Inte are asking to listen to it again. They''re flooding our official website and have left thousands ofments requesting it, so the station would like to extract the song from the recording and upload it online."


    Zhang Ye understood and said, "I''m fine with that, just post it online."


    Xiao Lu dered, "Alrighty then, I''ll go and inform Brother Hu!"


    Since it was just by the by, Beijing Television did not think much about it and neither did Zhang Ye. If the audience wanted to listen to it, then just upload the song to the Inte!


    However, Beijing Television and Zhang Ye could never have expected that this decision of theirs would actually create a huge wave! Just after sweeping aside all the other provincial stations'' Spring Festival Gs, they were on their way to making the music industry break out in a cold sweat!

 Chapter 885: Getting on the Top Chinese Music Chart!

    <h4>Chapter 885: Getting on the Top Chinese Music Chart! </h4>


    Chapter 885: Getting on the Top Chinese Music Chart!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Beijing Television had very high efficiency!


    While the Spring Festival G was still broadcasting, "A Letter to Home" was posted onto the official website without any edits. Subsequently, someone from a music hosting site likely contacted Beijing Television to seek cooperation. Soon after that, "A Letter to Home" appeared on many of the major music hosting sites. Some music hosting sites even ced advertisements on their front page: "The concluding song of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G crosstalk ''Everything is Great''nds on HeeHee Music''s tform. Would you like to listen? Please give me your strongest support!"


    Theizens were pleasantly surprised!


    "Go and look!"


    "Holy shit, it''s been released!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye''s song!"


    "The title is ''A Letter to Home''? I can finally listen to it again!"


    "It''s true, I can listen to it!"


    "It''s so good!"


    "Dammit, I''m crying again!"


    "I feel like crying whenever I listen to it! How can there be such a deeply touching song like this?!"


    "This song is really well written!"


    "Keep pushing it up!"


    "I love this song!"


    "Pleading for Zhang Ye to release a single of it! A studio version!"


    "No, it''ll feel different if it''s recorded in the studio! It''s the live version that''s the best! These real emotions are just what I want to listen to! What a good song to listen to!"


    Theizens flooded over like crazy!


    ...


    Shanghai.


    At an upscale hotel.


    A Korean singer, Park Jaehee, and his maind China team were holding a meeting in a hotel room to discuss the uing concert and promotions for the new songs.


    "This is Jaehee''s first year in China, so we must make it a sessful year!"


    "The new song is great to listen to. The Chinese audience will definitely approve of it!"


    "Yea, Jaehee is picking up Mandarin very quickly and the song''s quality is very good too!"


    "What position did it get on this month''s Top Chinese Music Chart?"


    "Let me check.


    "Oh! We''re 10th! We''re in the top 10!"


    "This is great!"


    "It''s worth a celebration!"


    Everyone was rather excited as they felt pretty satisfied with the result!


    The Top Chinese Music Chart was an aggregated chart of the entire domestic music industry. In this era where physical media distribution was more or less phased out, digital distribution over the Inte was about the only way to go and was the standard model to follow. The Top Chinese Music Chart was thergest and most authoritative chart with no othering close!


    Zhang Yuanqi''s new song would vie for a spot on this chart!


    Fan Wenli''s new song would vie for a spot on this chart!


    Even an established singer like Chen Guang would also vie for a spot on this chart!


    This was a kind of publicity, honor, and affirmation for them. Every singer took this chart''s listing very seriously. It was a stage for them to fight it out in. An unknown amount of blood had already been shed!


    Zhang Yuanqi''s new song that was #1st month had dropped to #2 this month.


    A new single released by Fan Wenli did not do as well and only ced 13th. If she was a neer, that would no doubt be a surprising result. But with Fan Wenli''s status in the music industry, this result was really somewhatcking and not good enough.


    Meanwhile, Chen Guang was still as good as ever. Four of the songs from his new album had made it onto the top 20. One of them was ced third while the remaining songs ced ninth, 11th, and 19th respectively!


    Thepetition was very intense!


    However, on the second to none, most authoritative music chart of the domestic music industry, an uninvited guest suddenly appeared. In seemingly the blink of an eye, a song that wasn''t known by anyone had suddenly appeared on the chart!


    #100!


    #53!


    #21!


    #10!


    In the bat of an eye, it had squeezed past Park Jaehee''s new song!


    Park Jaehee''s team was just celebrating happily for getting into the top 10 when their joyful expressions suddenly crumbled a few secondster!


    "What is this?"


    "What''s going on?"


    "Is there a problem with the stats?"


    "''A Letter to Home''? What sort of song is this?"


    "Why is it right at tenth ce?"


    "The singer is Zhang Ye? Who is that? Is there such a person in the music industry?"


    Everyone was dumbfounded. The��the ranking was rising too quickly!


    And it still didn''t end as the song''s rank kept rising!


    #9!


    It beat Chen Guang''s song!


    Then it went to #8, then #7, then #6, looking invincible as it made its way up!


    Park Jaehee asked in shock, "Who is this person?"


    His manager said anxiously, "I don''t know that person! There''s no singer named Zhang Ye in the maind! There''s only a host called Zhang Ye!"


    One of the team''s staff eximed, "Why is this song so popr?"


    Someone cursed, "Fuck, this song is on fucking drugs!"


    A slightly older person in the team was moreposed. "To perform so well, it must be excellent in its own way. Since it has taken over our spot, we can''t really do anything about it. Let''s just have a listen and see if we can learn from it."


    Park Jaehee nodded earnestly and said, "Yes. I haven''t been in the maind for long and don''t understand the domestic music scene very well yet, so I would like to learn from it."


    The song was yed.


    Park Jaehee perked up his ears, wanting to learn why the song was so popr and hoping it would help him in his development in maind China in the future. As the saying goes: Only the capable can be teachers.


    "To my dear Mom and Dad."


    "Oh��oh��"


    "How are you two?"


    "Fine!"


    "Fine!"


    "Have you been busy working?"


    "Busy!"


    "Are you healthy?"


    "Yes!"


    "Hahaha!"


    A chaotic mixture of noise and chatter!


    Dogshit singing!


    And there were even screams that sounded out of nowhere!


    The team members were dumbfounded!


    Park Jaehee was also stunned!


    This��this is the singing style of China''s outstanding pop songs? This is what China''s current most popr pop music sounded like? Hearing all that noise in his ears, Park Jaehee suddenly burst into tears! The music here was way too unpredictable! Am I supposed to stay in such a country in the future to fulfill my dreams of being a musician?


    Mom!


    I wanna go home!


    ...


    Not only Park Jaehee, even many of the other musicpanies and singers were startled!


    A rookie Hong Kong singer stared at the Top Chinese Music Chart with his mouth agape. "What the fuck! Where did this bastard pop out from?"


    A female singer who was also paying close attention to the Top Chinese Music Chart nearly fainted. "''A Letter to Home''? Who sang this song? Why does it sound like he''s ughtering a pig?! A lousy song like that can even get on the fucking chart? I''m not well-educated, so please don''t try to fool me!"


    The music industry was shocked!


    The singing world was stunned!


    Many of the singers who had listened to this song were all crying out loudly in their minds: "From where did this lousy song emerge?!"


    ...


    However, theizens of maind China wereughing madly!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "I''m dying ofughter! Zhang Ye''s song has gotten onto the Top Chinese Music Chart!"


    "Aiyo, what the heck! He''s #5 now!"


    "Awesome! This is so awesome!"


    "A lot of people in the music industry still don''t know what''s going on! Hahahaha!"


    "That''s because they didn''t watch Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G! If they don''t know about the buildup from the crosstalk routine and don''t understand Zhang Ye as a person, then they obviously wouldn''t feel anything just by listening to this song!"


    "How amusing, Teacher Zhang has even barged into the Top Chinese Music Chart!"


    "When those people who don''t know the story behind it hear Zhang Ye''s ragged singing, their jaws are definitely going to drop! Hahahaha!"


    "Zhang Ye has added yet another profession to his resume��singer! And it''s even as a popr singer who has ced at the top of the Top Chinese Music Chart!"


    "I''m feeling an inexplicable sense of joy!"


    "Teacher Zhang has gone on to disturb the music industry again!"


    "The music industry is probably in a state of shock right now!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    All of a sudden, Zhang Xia appeared online.


    Zhang Xia gave a Like to "A Letter to Home" on Weibo and gave it high praise. "This is a bad. Normally, a bad is light and calm without too many ups and downs in pitch. But the emotions in this song kept surging forward like a torrential tide, especially when those narrative lines were spoken. It actually managed to present an image of all the emotions behind the song for me. Without a doubt, this is the most touching song that I''ve heard in recent years! But to touch on something off-topic, Little Zhang, about you ridiculing me in your crosstalk routine, I will remember it clearly and have a chat with you someday, hur hur."


    "Whoa, Grandma Zhang!"


    "Your evaluation is too high!"


    "This is the evaluation of a professional!"


    "Awesome!"


    "That was really well said!"


    "Grandma Zhang has also been touched by the song?"


    Suddenly, Chen Guang also appeared!


    Chen Guang posted on Weibo: "@ZhangYe, you''ve gotten onto the Top Chinese Music Chart! You even pushed my song down the rankings! So tell me, how should this be settled?"


    Fan Wenli who had just ended her performance on Hunan Television''s Spring Festival G also posted on Weibo: "Director Zhang sang so poorly. You''ll know that he''s an amateur just from hearing him sing. From the sound of it, you''d know that he can''t sing at all. The handling of his pitch, the way he artictes and the variations of his tone were all very amateurish! Yet this song actually made me cry just from listening to it! Even now, I don''t know why it can do that!"


    Theizens agreed.


    "Yeah!"


    "I cried too!"


    "It was so obvious that it was sung badly, yet��yet why was it so good to listen to?"


    A few minutester.


    No one could have expected that the Heavenly Queen would actually answer this question!


    In the music industry, Zhang Yuanqi had debuted much earlier than Fan Wenli and Chen Guang. She exined: "A lot of friends in the music industry must still be confused, right? Take a look at the crosstalk routine ''Everything is Great'' on Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G and you''ll understand what is going on. I''ve watched the crosstalk routine. This is the first time I''ve witnessed someone daring to sing like that on the stage of a live broadcast for a provincial station''s Spring Festival G. After listening to it, I was astonished and pondered for a long time. I found that the message conveyed by the music might be much simpler than what everyone is thinking. It''s just pure and sincere emotion. It doesn''t matter how the singing is, whether it has any technique and whether it is out of tune or if the voice cracks. Because of the sincerity and emotions in the singing, all the other factors have be unimportant. Zhang Ye''s ''A Letter to Home'' is exactly that kind of a song! You may say that Zhang Ye sang it very amateurishly, and may say that his vocalization is poor, out of tune, he doesn''t how to vary his pitch or use breathing techniques, and doesn''t have all the foundations that a singer should possess, but you definitely cannot deny that he sang this song��very well! His emotions helped him disregard all the technicalities of singing by ripping away everyone''s masks and defenses, singing straight to the heart!"


    "How awesome!"


    "Even the Heavenly Queen has listened to it?"


    "Wow! The Heavenly Queen is praising it too!"


    "The Heavenly Queen even listened to the crosstalk?"


    "That''s right. This song is deeply touching!"


    Following that, a few more musicians gave their evaluations.


    A famous lyricist andposer: "The lyrics of ''A Letter to Home'' might seem straightforward and sound just like a normal letter without any technical details. But that is where it truly is of the highest caliber!"


    A rookie singer: "We already know of Teacher Zhang''s talent in writing lyrics andposing music just from ''Wishing We Last Forever'' and ''Woman Flower,'' but today, ''A Letter to Home'' has renewed my understanding of Teacher Zhang. The emotions I felt in this song were indescribable!"


    A-list movie star, Ning Lan: "This is the best song I''ve heard this year! Strongly rmending this song. Those who have not listened to it should listen to it! But it''s best if you can watch the crosstalk routine all the way through!"


    Member of a popr domestic female group, Xiaodong: "After listening to it, I kept crying and suddenly had the thought of covering this song. But thinking about it, with Teacher Zhang''s version on Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G, I doubt that it will be possible to surpass the original version, which is deeply emotional. The more professional the singer is, the harder it will be for them to express this song well!"


    "A Letter to Home" had be very popr!


    A song sung haphazardly by a crosstalkedian had actually stormed into the Top Chinese Music Chart and reached such a high position. When many musicians and singers in the music industry learned about the truth, they didn''t know how to react!


    What the hell is this?


    Surely it can''t be done this way, right?

 Chapter 886: A Letter to Home causes a massacre!

    <h4>Chapter 886: A Letter to Home causes a massacre! </h4>


    Chapter 886: A Letter to Home causes a massacre!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    "Push it up!"


    "Let''s push ''A Letter to Home'' up the chart!"


    "It''s already #4!"


    "Right above it now is the best performing song in Chen Guang''s new album!"


    "Charge! Let''s shatter Old Chen!"


    "I''m here! Go to hell!"


    "Let''s destroy Teacher Chen Guang!"


    "Comrades, countrymen, charge!"


    "Get Zhang Ye to the top three!"


    "Right, get Zhang Ye to the top three! Hahahaha!"


    A group ofizens who only wanted to watch the world burn seemed even more excited than the person directly involved. They roared as they either left positivements for "A Letter to Home," gave it ys, or helped forward it to increase its poprity. Finally, with all of the noisymotion caused by the troll army, the song truly and miraculously "shattered" Chen Guang!


    #3!


    Third ce on the Top Chinese Music Chart: "A Letter to Home"!


    The trolls went wild with joy!


    "Wow!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "It''s a sess! It''s done!"


    "This is so cool!"


    "Pfft, can you guys not be such trolls!"


    "Aiyo, let meugh a little longer!"


    Initially, this group of people teared up because of the song and some of them even cried listening to it. But in the blink of an eye, when they saw an exciting opportunity for fun? When they realized they could stir up some trouble? These trolls seemingly changed into different people as their attitudes turned faster than the pages of a book! Every one of them jokingly called for a massacre on the charts with a domineering air!


    "Let''s destroy Sister Zhang next!"


    "That''s right! I don''t care who she is!"


    "Our target is the #1 spot!"


    "Our target should be the #1 spot for the month!"


    "No, let''s push ''A Letter to Home'' up onto the annual chart!"


    "Only the annual chart? What sort of low-level goal is that! We''ll push this song up into the Worldwide Music Chart! Push it up onto the American Billboard Chart! Let the Americans feel the passion and warmth of China''s bad!"


    "Right, let''s bring it to America!"


    "Gooooo!"


    "We''re headed for America!"


    "Push that son of a gun up!"


    When a lot of people saw this, they nearly fainted on the spot. "Fuck, can you all please stop showing off? Headed for goddamn America? Why don''t you push it out of the gxy instead! Or push it beyond the Milky Way?!"


    The trolls replied: "What a good suggestion!"


    The onlookers had no response


    It was a festive atmosphere on the Inte that felt just like the New Year. Eh, but it was really the New Year anyway.


    Beijing Television.


    In a waiting room.


    Yao Jiancai was highly entertained. "With that lousy voice of yours, you can still get onto the Top Chinese Music Chart on the day the song was released? Damn, it''s already #3! You''re already going into the music industry so soon after crossing over into the documentary industry as a director?!"


    Zhang Ye did not like hearing that. "Hey, what do you mean by my ''lousy voice''?"


    "Hahaha, what you''re doing is just making trouble for their industry," Yao Jiancai remarked.


    Zhang Ye boasted, "This is called talent, understand?"


    Yao Jiancai seethed, "Who are you trying to bullshit?"


    "Just look at Grandma Zhang Xia''sment, Sister Zhang''sment, Ning Lan''s highest rmendation. They''re all relevant and on the money!" Zhang Ye pointed out thements on Weibo.


    Yao Jiancai said, "Keep spouting your nonsense!"


    When he sang "A Letter to Home" earlier, Zhang Ye was in all seriousness. But after he left the stage, this fellow was back to his usual cheeky self.


    Since they were just idling about, the two of them started browsing through Weibo to kill their boredom.


    Yao Jiancai was suddenly amused by something. "Heh, someone is scolding you!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "There are always people scolding me."


    Yao Jiancaiughed. "But this time, their scolding is ingenious! Quick, take a look at it! Your song has brought you trouble again!"


    Initially, Zhang Ye was not bothered about it, but after he leaned over to have a look, he was at a total loss for words!


    Not only Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai, everyone else felt that way as this was not your usual onlinement, but a news report. It was an interviewment, and it was even an interview that was broadcast live!


    ...


    It was the first day of the Lunar New Year.


    The World Team Table Tennis Championships that was progressing overseas had ended. In the finals of the men''s team event, the Chinese team lost 2-3 to the South Korean team. With an extremely advantageous lead of 2-0, they eventually lost the match after surrendering three consecutive sets at the end. The final yer topete was the world #2, Han Li. He was not in the best shape and lost the crucial match point. This loss was extremely painful to China as they had won the men''s team event in the world championships for ten straight years. It was the first time in all those years that the trophy had changed hands!


    Thementator and host for Central TV in thispetition was none other than Yu Yingyi!


    When the men''s team championship was lost, many table tennis fans were furious!


    "Were they even ying table tennis?!"


    "Damn, there''s something suspicious about that referee!"


    "They yed so terribly today!"


    "I''m not watching this anymore! Making us feel like shit during the new year!"


    "If I would''ve known this was going to be the result, I wouldn''t have watched the table tennis match at all. I''d rather have watched the Spring Festival G instead!"


    "Thispetition met with some problems back then and was dragged on for so long until today''s finals. But in the end, they showed us such a result? I don''t even get it!"


    A lot of these people were in a bad mood due to the results.


    However, during the post-match interview, a scene yed out in front of them that no one could have expected.


    When the reporter interviewed the men''s team yer, Han Li, to ask him about the main reason for losing his match, Han Li''s reply amused everyone!


    Han Li said with outrage, "I''ve always had the habit of listening to music to relieve myself of any pressure before a match starts."


    That reporter was stunned. "Listening to music?" What did that have to do with losing a match? The reporter couldn''t understand.


    Han Li replied angrily, "I found a song that was at the top of the Top Chinese Music Chart, something called ''A Letter to Home''? I was in rather good shape initially, but after listening to this ''noise,'' I got really unsettled! What I want to know is, what''s up with the Top Chinese Music Chart these days? Is this still the most authoritative music chart in the country? Any song could just randomly appear on it?" He then stopped answering any more questions from the reporters and turned away, leaving together with his teammates and coach! On the screen, his teammate even patted him on his shoulder to console him.


    As this was a live interview, it was broadcast to everyone watching!


    Once this interview was broadcast, many of the trolls on Weibo wereughing madly!


    "Aiyo, what the heck!"


    "Isn''t this excuse too fucking far-fetched?"


    "You can me others even though you lost the match yourself?"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Teacher Zhang has been scolded by someone again!"


    "Look at what you people have done by pushing ''A Letter to Home'' up onto the music chart. Just see for yourselves what happened! You have caused trouble for someone! And made our country lose the match!"


    "What has that got to do with us!"


    "Aren''t you ming the toilet when you can''t shit!"


    Because this was an international tournament and due to it being a live broadcast, Han Li''s words caused a big sensation. Who wouldn''t know about it when it had been broadcast on television?


    Immediately, doubting voices came flooding in!


    "This idiot!"


    "This Han Li is always finding excuses! He did it previously as well!"


    "I''m so tickled from hearing that! What sort of crappy excuse is that!"


    "A loss is a loss, why would you me Zhang Ye for your loss?"


    Faced with great pressure from the public opinions, the national table tennis team had no choice except to issue a response.


    Very quickly, the national table tennis team''s head coach, Liu Yifeng, gave an interview.


    The female reporter asked, "Regarding Han Li''s post-matchments, what is your view on that?"


    Liu Yifeng replied calmly, "As far as I know, Han Li indeed has the habit of listening to music to rx before a match. As our athletes all have their own ways of relieving stress, there is nothing wrong with that. The yers are still young and speak bluntly, so it''s understandable since everyone is in a bad mood after losing the match."


    The female reporter probed, "Then do you mean that the reason for the national team losing is directly linked to ''A Letter to Home''?"


    Liu Yifeng said, "Han Li is a young person and is easily affected by external factors. Based on my understanding of him, when something that he dislikes suddenly appears like a certain song or whatever else, it definitely affects him. As for the other athletes, it''s also impossible for them not to get distracted as none of us are sages."


    The female reporter found it both funny and annoying. "Then do you mean that the reason for the loss is because of Zhang Ye?"


    After the tournament, Liu Yifeng learned of the origin of that song and who its singer was. He said, "I did not say that."


    But the female reporter thought to herself that it was clearly implied so.


    Liu Yifeng exined, "There are a lot of factors contributing to the loss of a match. Besides the external factors, we would reflect on ourselves as well."


    So the external factors were still the main reason!


    It was still "A Letter to Home" that caused your loss in the tournament?


    Coincidentally, the changing room door behind was opened at this moment. Another member of the table tennis national team was just entering, saying to his teammate next to him as he walked in, "That ''A Letter to Home'' is really infuriating! What a troublesome mess it has caused! Otherwise, we would have won this match easily!" He did not know the head coach was currently giving a live interview on television. After he saw them, he was startled and quickly left the room again, closing the door behind him.


    But what he said had been clearly broadcast to the public!


    The criticism immediately swarmed in!


    "What''s the meaning of that!"


    "I thought only Han Li alone was immature, but it seems like the entire national team is ming Zhang Ye now?"


    "Isn''t this too far-fetched?!"


    "Although many people are scolding Zhang Ye online, you guys should at least find a more reasonable excuse, right? What is this? Isn''t this making something out of nothing at all?!"


    "It was you who listened to the song willingly! No one forced you to listen to it!"


    "The table tennis yer is young and not sensible? But why is the head coach also being not sensible?!"


    "Yeah, Han Li always has this bad habit of pushing away responsibility. When he lost the match, shouldn''t you as a head coach criticize him instead of helping to make excuses? Helping the national team push away the responsibility? What sort of person are you! And to that yer called Li, we all heard what you said as well!"


    "Teacher Zhang has been shot again even though he did nothing wrong!"


    "This bunch of table tennis yers are such jokes!"


    After that, Han Li did not say another word.


    Liu Yifeng also did not give any exnations as he had probably alreadymunicated it to the reporters in the changing room. In the end, the rest of the yers on the team did not ept any further interviews either.


    ...


    The phone rang.


    It was from Yu Yingyi.


    Zhang Ye was just scolding "fuck their grandpas" as he answered the call.


    Yu Yingyi said: "Zhang''er."


    "Yes, it''s me," Zhang Ye said.


    Yu Yingyi blinked. "What is going on? You saw the live broadcast?"


    Zhang Ye snorted. "How could I have not seen it? They''re even ming me for not singing well? They lost their match just because they listened to my song? Then when Zhang Yuanqi, Chen Guang, and Fan Wenli sang well, why didn''t they go and listen to their songs every day and be the world champions! What the hell are they bullshitting about me?!"


    Yu Yingyi said, "I''m overseas right now and I''m still at the tournament''s arena. I''ve just finished my work and will return to Beijing tomorrow. Let me tell you something, this Han Li has always behaved like this. When he lost the matchst year, he imed that the table tennis paddle was no good. At the beginning ofst year when he lost to a Japanese yer, he said that the air in thepetition arena was not good."


    Zhang Ye was so angry that he was amused. "Then tell me who have I offended? Why am I always getting the me? Alright, let''s not talk about Han Li''s faults for now. Why are his other teammates also behaving this way? And even their head coach is behaving this way? It doesn''t make any sense at all! I really can''t let the matter rest just like this!"


    Yao Jiancai was entertained by this as he sat there beside him.


    His young buddy sure was getting unluckier by the day! Just singing a song could even cause such a "massacre," making a world #2 table tennis yer unable to y properly anymore!


    Thinking about it, there was no one else who could do something like this!

 Chapter 887: Zhang Ye, why don’t you take over the skit!

    <h4>Chapter 887: Zhang Ye, why don''t you take over the skit! </h4>


    Chapter 887: Zhang Ye, why don''t you take over the skit!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The incident blew up!


    A lot of people did not even bother watching the Spring Festival G anymore and rushed over to observe themotion!


    "''A Letter to Home'' sitsfortably at #3 on the Top Chinese Music Chart!"


    "Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s new crosstalk routine unanimously receives rave reviews!"


    "Men''s team match at the World Team Table Tennis Championships ends in defeat!"


    "The reason for Han Li''s loss?"


    "Head Coach Liu Yifeng supportive of Han Li!"


    "Teammates''ints of ''A Letter to Home'' broadcast live: ''Terrible to listen to! Loss was a result of the song''!"


    The online news was published one after another!


    Han Li was considered a very popr celebrity athlete. Although the attention and fame that a table tennis yer received definitely could not beparable to celebrities in the entertainment industry, if a celebrity athlete were sessful in their career, their poprity would be quite high as well. In Zhang Ye''s previous world it was the same, with examples like Yao Ming, Liu Xiang, Li Na, and several others.


    At this moment, Han Li''s Weibo ount was getting mentioned countless times.


    The national team''s head coach, Liu Yifeng, was also targeted by them. Even the national table tennis team''s official Weibo was flooded by theizens!


    "Do you people know how to give an interview?"


    "Come on, be a gentleman and don''t be shameful!"


    "I''m feel embarrassed for you all. You''ve disgraced yourselvespletely this time!"


    "You guys still have the cheek to scold Zhang Ye after losing to the South Korean team? I''m really fucking angered by all of you! Do you people think you have the right to scold Zhang Ye?! Do you know who Teacher Zhang is? He''s the leader of the Professional Korean Insulters! He has been fighting against the Koreans ever since he debuted! And he even fought with a Korean celebrity before! Zhang Ye always stood at the front lines during the scolding battles against them. On this same day a year ago, Zhang Ye even got locked up at the police station after he beat up Lee Anson, but countless people rushed to the police station to try to get Zhang Ye released! Do you know what that situation was like? Have you people witnessed something like that before? He has always been at the front lines scolding the Koreans! And has never lost before! Unlike you guys who me it on Zhang Ye''s song after losing the match! What sort of logic is that!"


    "I really take my hat off to you all. How can anyone criticize a song that is so touching?"


    "Go and watch ''Everything is Great''! You''ll understand after watching it!"


    However, those Weibo ounts remained silent.


    Liu Yifeng, Han Li, and the rest of the national team yers did not make any exnations or bother with them.


    ...


    Today was destined to be a night unlike any other night!


    The intensepetition among all the provincial stations'' Spring Festival Gs, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s new crosstalk routine that shocked the entire country, "A Letter to Home" that stormed into the Top Chinese Music Chart, the loss suffered by the men''s team in the table tennis championship, Han Li''s new excuse for losing his match, the silent agreement by the national table tennis team to support that excuse, the criticism from theizens, etc. This first night of the Spring Festival was incredibly active! However, perhaps finding themotion to not be big enough, another serious incident took ce at Beijing Television!


    Backstage.


    Somewhere near the conference room, a group of people fell into disarray!


    "Quick, call an ambnce!"


    "Aiyo, what''s happening?"


    "Dial 120!"


    "Teacher Qu Haiying has fainted!"


    "Don''t touch him! He might be having a heart attack! Don''t move him for no reason!"


    "Quick, get the heads here!"


    "This is bad! This is going to be real bad!"


    "Teacher Qu! Teacher Qu! Please wake up!"


    A momentter, Chang Xiaoliang led his team over in a hurry. "Why is this happening? Old Qu? Old Qu? Has anyone called for an ambnce? Why is the ambnce not here yet?!"


    Several of the Beijing Television heads also rushed over!


    A female staff member nearly cried from the anxiety. "There are not enough ambnces on call since it''s the first day of the new year. A lot of the medical personnel have already gone on vacation."


    Chang Xiaoliang decided, "Stop waiting! Get someone to drive and send Teacher Qu to the hospital! Hurry, hurry, hurry!"


    Hu Fei said loudly, "Check Old Qu''s pockets to see if there is any medicine for his heart disease! Give it to him first if there is!"


    "Right, right, right, the medicine!" Someone frantically searched for the medicine.


    After sending him away, Chang Xiaoliang''s heart felt very heavy as he said, "It''s too stressful."


    A deputy station head sighed, "Because of the Spring Festival G, everyone has been working tirelessly for too long!"


    "Teacher Qu has had heart problems all along!" Qu Haiying''s partner for an uing act said, "What are we going to do about the performance now? It''s going to start in an hour''s time!"


    A station head looked at Chang Xiaoliang and asked, "Old Chang, is it possible to find a recement?"


    Chang Xiaoliang immediately said, "Old Qu''s skit revolves around him. The skit waspletely created based on himself. It''s impossible to rece him with someone else!"


    A female assistant director stamped her feet worriedly. "It''s also toote for a recement now!"


    One of the production team staff suggested, "How about recing it with a backup act?"


    "Where are we going to find a backup act? Those performances that were not going to be used were all eliminated!"


    "Besides, there aren''t any skits among those preselected acts!"


    "Even if there was, it would be toote to get them here and start preparing!"


    "What should we do then?"


    "Our viewership rating was just soaring!"


    "That''s right. This is a live broadcast and we can''t allow it to be short a performance!"


    "We really have the chance toe out on top of the provincial stations'' Spring Festival Gs this year. This is something that Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G has never achieved before! This is the result that Zhang Ye and Teacher Yao Jiancai have fought to give us! If the finalenguage act is gone and we end the Spring Festival G early, then that would be such a pity. Most importantly, the showlist has already been confirmed, so there''s no way we can end the g early. Otherwise, what do we do for the acts thate after? Are we just going to broadcastmercials for at least ten minutes during the vacated slot?"


    "Why don''t we use a singing act to rece it?"


    "A singing act can onlyst for two or three minutes, we have to find at least three, four of those acts then! How are we going to find them? Where can we find them? This isn''t the way to handle it either!"


    The production team was plunged into chaos and everybody tried to get a word in!


    At this moment, Xiao Lu who was in the crowd suddenly made a casual suggestion. "Why not create another skit as a recement?"


    Spontaneously create a skit?


    Spontaneously create the props?


    Going straight onto a live broadcast without any rehearsals?


    What the hell are you talking about! Who can do something like that?


    A lot of them couldn''t be bothered with her suggestion.


    But when Chang Xiaoliang heard that, his eyes suddenly lit up��because he thought of someone!


    ...


    In a waiting room at the end of the corridor.


    Yao Jiancai asked, "What''s going on outside?" Why does it sound so chaotic? Did something happen?"


    But Zhang Ye ignored him and kept scolding people as he browsed through Weibo.


    "That''s enough, bro." Yao Jiancai was overjoyed. "You''ve been scolding for the past ten minutes, take a break."


    Zhang Ye said, "I won''t find it tiring even if I have to scold them for three straight days and nights. That bunch of bast��"


    The door was pushed open by someone outside. More than a dozen people came into the room in an instant. Among them were a station head, Chang Xiaoliang, Hu Fei, Xiao Lu, Dafei, and many of the directors and staff of the production team. The moment this group of people entered the room, they heard Zhang Ye��famous host, famous director, associate professor at Beijing University and Media College��cursing and swearing like a sailor. His words were really, really nasty and most people would not be able to swear like him!


    Chang Xiaoliang: "��"


    Hu Fei: "��"


    The station head: "��"


    Forget it. They just pretended they didn''t hear him.


    They did not even discuss it and unanimously took the decision to ignore it.


    Zhang Ye was shocked too and stopped his cursing. "Aiyo, Director Chang? Brother Hu? Deputy Station Head Song? What is going on here?"


    Chang Xiaoliang got straight to the point. "Teacher Qu Haiying had a sudden heart attack and was sent to the hospital."


    Yao Jiancai was stunned to hear that. "How is he?"


    Zhang Ye had heard Qu Haiying''s name before and knew that he was a pretty good skit actor.


    Hu Fei immediately said, "We just called to check on him. He just arrived at the hospital and has regained consciousness. He should already be out of danger, but he definitely won''t be able to make it for his actter."


    Zhang Ye heaved a sigh of relief and immediately said, "Thank goodness he''s fine."


    Chang Xiaoliang looked at Zhang Ye and said, "But there''s no one to perform the finale skit of Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G!"


    Zhang Ye was also anxious for them and eximed, "Then what should we do? Hurry up and think of a solution."


    "Director Zhang." An assistant director for Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G gazed at him and said, "Didn''t you say earlier that you came up with a skit?"


    Hearing that, Zhang Ye was surprised. "What are you talking about?"


    That person repeated, "A skit."


    Zhang Ye pointed at his own nose and asked, "Me?"


    That person said, "Yes."


    Zhang Ye stared with his eyes wide and asked, "Did I say something like that?"


    Chang Xiaoliang nodded. "Yes, you did."


    Bullshit!


    I''m a goddamn crosstalkedian, why would I create a skit? Do you think I''m crazy?!


    However, when Zhang Ye was about to say something, that assistant director made him swallow his words. That person said, "You were the one who said so. During the previous rehearsal, when you and Dong Shanshan werete, you mentioned that it was because the both of you were discussing a skit! Director Chang even remarked that if there were a chance, he would want to work with you on that skit next year! And you agreed as well!"


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded. Fuck, he seemed to have indistinctly��really said those words before!


    Chang Xiaoliang immediately decided, "We don''t have to wait for next year to work together anymore. Let''s do it this year, right now, today. Teacher Zhang, all of us can only rely on you now! For the finale skit��why don''t you take over?!"


    Me, take over?


    A skit?


    Zhang Ye nearly vomited blood!


    Dammit! Big bro, can you stop fooling around, please?! I''m a crosstalkedian, why would I be performing a skit! I did say so previously, but that was only because Dong Shanshan and I were runningte. I was simply making things up so that I could have a reason! Afterwards, I didn''t even remember that I had said it! So why are you all taking it so seriously now? Even asking me to perform a skit? Do you guys really think that I can do everything?!

 Chapter 888: Zhang Ye takes over for the skit!

    <h4>Chapter 888: Zhang Ye takes over for the skit! </h4>


    Chapter 888: Zhang Ye takes over for the skit!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the waiting room.


    A group of people were staring straight at Zhang Ye.


    Chang Xiaoliang said in a serious tone, "Teacher Little Zhang, we can only rely on you now!"


    Zhang Ye was nearly vomiting blood at this. "Director Chang, I really cannot do it!"


    "Little Zhang!" Hu Fei chipped in, "We all know how capable you are!"


    Zhang Ye smiled wryly and said, "If you want me to do a crosstalk, I won''t hesitate to agree. Old Yao and I will march up onstage to do another crosstalk for you guys. But it''s a skit we''re talking about, I''ve never done one before! I really can''t pull it off. Why don''t you ask someone else instead? See if there''s anyone else who has prepared a skit."


    Hu Fei said, "If you can''t do it, then nobody can!"


    Zhang Ye kept waving his hands around. "You''re thinking too highly of me, please don''t say that!"


    After Yao Jiancai heard everything, he helped Zhang Ye by stating, "We crosstalkedians and skit actors may look like we''re both in the line ofedy, appearing to tickle the audience with ournguage acts. But realistically, we are two very different upations and are clearly different things!"


    The deputy station head hurriedly said, "But the issue now is that there is no one else!"


    Zhang Ye added, "There''s not much time left either." He looked at his watch. "There''s just a little over an hour left now!"


    One of the staff on the Spring Festival G production team immediately said, "Didn''t youpletely make up ''Everything is Great'' at thest minute with just an hour to go before the routine? There was even music added and a rearrangement of the bits too!"


    Zhang Ye: "��But I haven''t properly thought out the skit yet and it''s still only a general concept for now. It doesn''t even have a script!"


    Yet another female staffer quickly responded, "When you did Zhang Ye''s Talk Show, you attempted a live broadcast without the aid of a script. Then, while you were still at Beijing TV''s Arts Channel, your Analysis of the Three Kingdoms show did not require a script either, isn''t that so? When have you ever prepared a script in advance? Haven''t you always just gone out and done your thing? Who in the industry has not heard of those deeds of yours before? Most of us in this room are your former coworkers and have worked with you before, so you can ask around and see if any of us have seen you getting on stage with a script."


    Hou Ge: "That''s right!"


    Dafei: "Yep, yep!"


    Zhang Ye: "��But we don''t even have the props prepared!"


    Chang Xiaoliang immediately said, "As long as they are simple props, just tell us how you want it and it will be done. The entire Beijing TV Spring Festival G production team is yours tomand!"


    Zhang Ye: "��But Dong Shanshan still has to host the g, I won''t have enough people to do the skit!"


    The deputy station head promptly decided there and then, "We have a backup host who can immediately take over her duties. I just need to make a call and Dong Shanshan will be here to help you with the finale skit!"


    Zhang Ye was going crazy!


    Your sister!


    Why do you guys have something to rebuke me with no matter what I say!


    You even have an answer for every issue that I''ve raised?


    Chang Xiaoliang said earnestly, "Teacher Little Zhang, our Beijing TV Spring Festival G is, for the first time, in the running to win the Spring Festival G viewership ratings and also the closest we are to getting first. Right in front of us is that result, yet something like this has cropped up at the eleventh hour. Do you think we can just take it lying down like that? I can''t!"


    An assistant director said, "I can''t either!"


    Hu Fei said, "I can''t ept it!"


    Another female director sighed, "Yeah. This is too hard to stomach!"


    Xiao Lu said, "We''re just a step away! Teacher Zhang!"


    Hou Di said hopefully, "Teacher Zhang!"


    Dafei said loudly, "Teacher Zhang, please do it for us!"


    A female assistant director said, "Yeah, Teacher Zhang, we''re all depending on you now!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang! Please do it!"


    "You can do it!"


    The group of people stood there and repeated his name!


    Zhang Ye''s ears were aching from this constant chanting of his name. He forced a smile. "You guys are totally bullying me with your numbers." Then he looked at Yao Jiancai.


    Yao Jiancai didn''t whether tough or cry as he shrugged and indicated that he couldn''t do anything about it either.


    The waiting room door opened again and another group of people came in!


    "Director Chang, how are we going to proceed?"


    "The station head was just pressuring us!"


    "Yeah, how should the props be prepared?"


    "There isn''t much time left, Director Chang. The entire production team has been plunged into chaos!"


    However, Chang Xiaoliang did not say anything and just kept blinking as he looked at Zhang Ye, waiting for him to give his answer.


    Zhang Ye was unsure of what to do at this moment. He was a born and bred Beijinger who grew up watching the channels on Beijing Television. He had worked here, fought here, and also gotten into trouble here. But even after all that, Beijing Television still held a special ce in his heart. Seeing such a huge problem take ce at their Spring Festival G, he did not feel good about it. As a result, he was at odds with himself as to what he should do!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang, there''s no time anymore!"


    The production team was getting more and more flustered.


    Zhang Ye suddenly heaved a sigh of resignation and looked at them. "Is there really no one else?"


    One of the female assistant directors was nearly crying from worry. "There''s really no one else!"


    Zhang Ye hesitated for a moment before saying, "But I''ve never performed a skit before, so even I can''t guarantee how it''ll turn out. Are you guys sure that you want me to take over even if the results are not guaranteed?"


    Chang Xiaoliang joyfully dered, "Whatever will be will be!"


    That deputy station head added, "As long as you can make it in time for the live broadcast and save the showlist, any performance is fine!"


    Zhang Ye shrugged his shoulders at Yao Jiancai and then looked at everyone. "Alright then, I''ll agree to it!"


    "That''s great!" Xiao Lu screamed.


    Dafei cheered and eximed, "Teacher Zhang is awesome!"


    Hu Fei regained his confidence with that. "With you stepping up, there won''t be a problem for sure!"


    Speaking of Zhang Ye''s character, everyone had to worry about it. This fellow was too hot-headed and would often go around stirring up trouble or scolding people. Everyone would choose to avoid him as he was a well-known hooligan of the entertainment circle! But when it came to Zhang Ye''s reputation and capabilities in the artistic field, he was known to be more than dependable. Everyone could rest assured as long as he was handling it! Even though Zhang Ye had never made or performed in a skit before, when everyone learned he was going to step in, they unconsciously sighed with relief!


    Chang Xiaoliang grabbed Zhang Ye''s hands and said sincerely, "Thank you so much!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''m just blindly going in to turn things around, so don''t thank me first. You may thank me after everything is done and the routine is performed on time."


    Chang Xiaoliang asked, "What do you need now?"


    "I need a little time to give some thought to the script," Zhang Ye replied.


    "Alright!"


    "Oh yes, I have to discuss things with Shanshan as well."


    "No problem!"


    ...


    The Spring Festival G was still going on!


    Every provincial station''s Spring Festival G show was still fighting it out for the viewership ratings!


    The industry watched every single move, wanting to know which provincial station''s Spring Festival G would be the ultimate winner. Last year, it was Hunan Television''s Spring Festival G that achieved the highest overall viewership rating, and the year before that, Liaoning Television won it, while another year before that, it was Dragon Television that led the way!


    Who would it be this year?


    Could it be Beijing Television?


    Some industry insiders started to discuss this topic.


    "I initially felt that it would be Liaoning TV''s Spring Festival G."


    "Yeah, they kicked it off with great momentum!"


    "But I''m not too sure now. Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G had Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai help them turn the tide! That seasoned duo''s crosstalk was incredibly enjoyable to listen to!"


    "A crosstalk routine has saved the entire station''s g!"


    "But we still have to watch on until the other shows are done. Nothing is confirmed as of yet."


    "If Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G wins, then it would truly be a miraculous night tonight!"


    "But no matter how it turns out, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai will definitely experience a poprity growth after tonight with their crosstalk routine! After all, this is a provincial station''s Spring Festival G broadcast on their satellite channel with so many sets of eyes watching! That incident with the table tennis national team from earlier should not affect Zhang Ye much either!"


    "After being held down for so many years, Beijing TV is finally set for a breakthrough!"


    "They''ve totally made the right move by inviting Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai to perform on their show! Using the poprity of this year''s Spring Festival G, Beijing TV should be able to increase their overall ratings for thising year. Why do the provincial stations ce so much importance on their Spring Festival G shows even if it means pulling out all stops? Because it''s a n for the long term! It''s a key step in a television station''s development!"


    But it was at this moment that several startling news headlines appeared!


    Entertainment Report: "Major crisis at Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G!"


    Online Tracer: "Qu Haiying rushed to Fuwai Hospital after copsing from heart attack!"


    Beijing Daily News Online Edition: "Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G finale act left hanging! Soon to be a major live broadcast incident!"


    What happened to Qu Haiying was too major to cover up, especially since it happened in conjunction with the critical juncture of the Spring Festival G live broadcast!


    Instantly, everyone was stunned!


    "Heavens!"


    "How could that happen!"


    "How is Teacher Qu now? How is he?"


    "I heard that he''s already out of danger!"


    "I''m d to hear that! I''m really d to hear that! But then what''s going to happen to Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G now?"


    "Beijing TV has met with big trouble again! This is a live broadcast for the Spring Festival G. If there isn''t an act to fill the gap, wouldn''t it cause a huge problem? Nothing like this has ever happened before!"


    "How unlucky!"


    "Yeah, I thought Beijing TV would do well this year!"


    "Fuck, this is bad!"


    "Something big has happened at Beijing TV again!"


    "They''re done for! They certainly won''t be getting number one! They''ve messed it up right at the final stretch!"


    "They won''t be fighting to be the viewership rating champion anymore, I guess? That''s secondary. They''ll need to deal this ring issue first. There''s about an hour left until Qu Haiying''s act is supposed toe on, right? How are they going fill this gap?"


    "The advantage that Zhang Ye and Teacher Yao Jiancai have fought so hard to gain has gone down the drain!"


    Theizens were in full gossip mode!


    Many of thoseizens discussing Han Li and the table tennis national team turned their focus to this when they heard the news! There was only an hour to go before the scheduled skit would go live. With the skit actor suffering a heart attack, everyone was extremely worried for Beijing Television, which had suffered a tumultuous setback!


    ...


    There was a heated discussion within the industry!


    "Are you serious?"


    "Aiyo, they''re done for this time!"


    "Yeah, even though they had help from Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalk, there''s no way for Beijing TV to get back on their feet this time. Viewership rating? I think the more important question is whether they can finish the show!"


    "Let''s see who gets chosen to rece the act!"


    "There''s no one else? I think they did not prepare any backup acts in their lineup!"


    "It doesn''t matter who gets chosen to stand in for the act, just look at the time!"


    "Right, the problem is that there isn''t any time left!"


    "If this amounts to a broadcasting issue, the punishment for Beijing TV would definitely be quite heavy!"


    "Let''s wait and see how Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G will handle this!"

 Chapter 889: The three greenhorns finalize their act!

    <h4>Chapter 889: The three greenhorns finalize their act! </h4>


    Chapter 889: The three greenhorns finalize their act!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Liaoning Television.


    Someone from the production team suddenly shouted, "Hey,e and see this! A big issue has cropped up at Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G!"


    "What happened?" asked a director from Liaoning Television''s Spring Festival G as he rushed over.


    That person said, "Teacher Qu Haiying''s skit won''t be happening anymore!"


    "Huh?"


    "What happened?"


    ...


    Dragon Television.


    The executive director stayed silent for a while before saying, "There''s no need to consider Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G in the running anymore."


    "Ah?"


    "What?"


    "Aren''t they leading strongly at the moment?"


    Some people still did not know about the situation.


    The executive director threw the cell phone showing the news headlines on it to one of his deputies. "They''re in deep trouble!"


    ...


    Zhejiang Television.


    "Director Xu, is the news true?"


    "It''s true. I just called a friend of mine at Beijing TV to confirm."


    "Then they''re gonna be in trouble!"


    "Right. At this time, where could they find someone to take over the showlist?"


    "Perfect, our closest rival is no more!"


    ...


    The outside world was in heated discussions!


    But in a waiting room at Beijing Television, it was exceptionally quiet. This ce should have been the focus of events, but at this point of time, even a pin drop could be heard loudly and clearly.


    Creak!


    The sound of a door opening broke the silence!


    Dong Shanshan walked in with a face of consternation. "What''s the situation?"


    Zhang Ye gave a wry smile to her. "Close the door first, close it!"


    "I have very weak mental fortitude. Please don''t scare me like that, Zhang''er!" Dong Shanshan closed the door as she spoke in an incredulous tone, "The two of us are going to perform a skit? We''re going to stand in for Teacher Qu''s finale skit act? Old ssmate, please don''t joke with me this way. Even if we were ssmates, should you really be scamming me like that?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Little Zhang was forced into it too. The deputy station head and executive director, along with over 20 others, all came begging Zhang Ye for his help!"


    Dong Shanshan nearly fainted from that. "But you still can''t promise them something like that!"


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands and said, "I don''t have any choice. They wanted me to do it no matter what!"


    Dong Shanshan dragged a chair over and sat down in front of Zhang Ye. "But it''s not like you don''t know what the two of us do. We''re formally broadcasting graduates, so how could we have performed any skits before! I wonder why they suddenly decided to find you as the recement? And they even dragged me in as well!"


    Zhang Ye coughed and said, "Didn''t we use that excuse that time we werete? We said that we were discussing a skit."


    Dong Shanshan: "��"


    She looked at Yao Jiancai. "Teacher Yao, you must say something about this! What are they trying to do?"


    Yao Jiancaiughed. "Since it''s already been decided, then the two of you will have to do it no matter what!"


    Zhang Ye suddenly turned his head to him and said, "What do you mean the two of us? Shouldn''t it be the three of us?"


    Hearing that, Yao Jiancai nearly suffered a heart attack. "What? You''re even dragging me in?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Of course. How can we perform a skit with only two people?"


    Yao Jiancai fainted. He had been enjoying themotion, but turned anxious right at the next second. "Damn, why did you promise them something like that! Quickly tell them that you can''t do it and ask to change it to someone else! I''ve never acted in a skit before either!"


    Hearing that, Dong Shanshan could onlyugh at their predicament. "This is great. A variety show host, a television drama actor and crosstalkedian, and a host-cum-math professor-cum-director. Even with the three of us put together, we''re amateurs no matter how you look at it. We don''t even have a script for the skit, yet we''re ted to go onstage for the Spring Festival G''s finale act. What''s more, the time��" She looked at her watch and eximed, "There''s only 58 minutes left!"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "It is what it is."


    Dong Shanshan could only look helplessly at this old ssmate of hers. "Zhang''er, I know that you''ve always had a lot of balls, but I never could have expected you to be this ballsy! With the three of us, do you really think that we can do it?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Even if we can''t, we must!"


    Yao Jiancai sighed, "Hai!"


    Zhang Yeposed himself before stating, "Shanshan, let me ask you this seriously. Are you capable of handling the skit?"


    Dong Shanshan hesitated for a moment and answered, "I don''t know."


    "Old Yao?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Yao Jiancai answered bitterly, "My main profession is acting. If you insist that I go on, it''s not like I can''t do it, but I can''t promise that it''ll be good. The main problem is that I''ve never acted in a skit before!"


    Dong Shanshantched on to his words and said, "It''s the same for me. I can do it if I''m forced to go onstage, but as for how it would turn out��only a ghost would know!"


    Zhang Ye abruptly said, "As long as you two are willing to go onstage, that''s good enough!"


    Dong Shanshan said in a speechless manner, "Can your standards get any lower than this?"


    Yao Jiancai questioned, "And where''s the script? Where''s the script for the skit?"


    The three of them immediately went silent.


    How worrisome!


    The three of them were all more worried than the other!


    Especially Zhang Ye, who was the most stressed!


    But suddenly, after thinking for a while, Zhang Ye smacked his thigh with great force and said with irritation, "I won''t believe that we can''t do it! Why can''t we handle this? Based on what reasons are we not going to make it?" He turned to Dong Shanshan and said, "Shanshan, you were our most outstanding student back then, taking part in activities andpetitions organized by the school and always doing well in them! Whenever the name of Dong Shanshan was mentioned in the past, even students from other faculties would likely have heard of you! Which of the broadcasting major teachers did not give you their highest approval? Isn''t it only a skit?! I don''t believe you won''t be able to handle it!"


    Dong Shanshan let out a small sigh. "A hero does not mention his glorious past, but anyway, alright, I''ll��give it a try, I guess!"


    Zhang Ye looked at Yao Jiancai. "Old Yao, you''re the one with the most experience among us. How many years have you been acting? You were already fighting it out in the industry before I was even born. The number of roles you have portrayed should number at least close to a hundred. For example, other than the father-inw roles you have yed, there''s also the father-inw role and the other father-inw role��.OK, I guess you haven''t taken on too many types of roles."


    Yao Jiancai: "��"


    Zhang Ye said, "But your acting skill is absolutely not a problem!"


    Yao Jiancai nced at him. "But of course."


    Zhang Ye said, "If I hand you a script right now, I don''t believe that you won''t be able to memorize it within the hour!"


    "The skit''s lines?" Yao Jiancai said confidently, "It''ll be quite short. I won''t even need an hour to remember everything!"


    Dong Shanshan added, "If it''s just lines, I won''t have a problem with it. I dare say that I can handle something as basic as that."


    Yao Jiancai looked at Zhang Ye. "You''re asking about us, but what about yourself?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Are you talking about the performance or the lines? If it''s about the performance, I have also acted in movies before." In fact, he had even "eaten" a lot of the Acting Skills Experience Books, so he remarked, "As for the lines, Old Yao, when have you ever seen me use a script whenever I host a show?"


    Yao Jiancai: "��I nearly forgot how crazy you are when ites to that!"


    Zhang Ye pped his hands hard. "So if that''s the case, do we still have any problems?!"


    Yao Jiancai was also getting pumped up. "Hell, let''s do it!"


    "Let''s go for it. We have to do it whether we''re ready or not!" Dong Shanshan also understood what was at stake.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Right, the three of us are gonna show everyone this time that even if we''re amateurs, we can still create a ssic skit! Let the three of us show them what we''ve got!"


    Yao Jiancai smacked his lips together and said, "A ssic skit? If we can get something out in time for the live broadcast, that would be good enough!"


    "That won''t do. I''ll either not do anything at all or do it to my best!" Zhang Ye dered.


    Dong Shanshan looked at him. "But what about the script?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "I''m still thinking about it."


    As they had too little time to prepare, their conditions for the skit were greatly limited!


    #1: The script had to be simple and the lines must not be overlyplicated!


    #2: They couldn''t depend on too many props. Everything had to be kept simple!


    #3: There would be three skit performers. Two men and a woman.


    #4: The skit must be enjoyable to watch!


    Combining all those conditions, they would be highly restricted to the type of skit they could perform!


    In Zhang Ye''s mind right now were all of his previous world''s Central TV Spring Festival G skits since its first broadcast. Although there were many bad skits there, there definitely would also be some ssic performances over the years, which had been picked out. Those ssics were so good that they contained numerous jokes and great humor!


    Which one should he use?


    That one? No, that would require them to have Scottish kilts as a prop and there wasn''t enough time to get them!


    How about that one? It wouldn''t do either, the props were too big and there wasn''t enough time for it either!


    Or should he choose that one? Not that either! The other two people''s lines were tooplicated. Dong Shanshan and Yao Jiancai were not like Zhang Ye. Within an hour, they would only be able to memorize enough lines for a normal skit, but anything more than that would not be possible for them. Besides, they didn''t really have an hour left anymore, and they still had to allocate part of the time to get in a dry run!


    But then there really weren''t many skits they could use!


    Almost to the point of none!


    Sweat beads were forming on Zhang Ye''s forehead. There wasn''t much time left anymore. If he had been informed earlier, if only he had a few more days, he could have prepared a lot of skits to be performed, yet now��


    He took out his cell phone to check the time.


    Instead, he saw the notifications from Weibo, which he identally tapped,unching the Weibo app.


    The first thing he saw was criticism.


    "Boycott Zhang Ye!"


    "What sort of lousy lyrics are those, it was terrible to listen to!"


    "For a song to cause our national team to lose their match, I''m totally bewildered!"


    "Zhang Ye is the scourge itself!"


    "I think that our national table tennis team was right toin. If it weren''t for that bunch of Zhang Ye fans helping push that song up the charts, our men''s team would not have lost the championship!"


    "Supporting the table tennis team!"


    "You guys have worked hard!"


    "I heard that an issue has cropped up at Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G. Haha, they deserve it!"


    "You people even dared to invite an entertainment industry hooligan like Zhang Ye to perform a crosstalk on your g? See, this is the retribution you get! This time, Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G has received more than they can handle! We don''t even know if that incident will be resolved yet!"


    Reading up until here, Zhang Ye suddenly had an idea!


    Hey!


    I got it!


    Wouldn''t that Central TV Spring Festival G skit from that year be a good choice?


    Remembering that, Zhang Ye suddenly got excited and banged the table. He immediately picked up a pen and grabbed paper to start writing the script for the skit. "Old Yao, Shanshan, I''ve thought of one already! Come over and see!"


    Yao Jiancai was stunned. "So quickly?"


    "What''s the skit about?" Dong Shanshan rushed over.


    Zhang Ye wrote it down as he spoke. This script was not written for himself since he did not have any use for it, but he had write out the lines for Yao Jiancai and Dong Shanshan to memorize.


    One minute!


    Two minutes!


    Zhang Ye rted the entire skit to them in double time!


    After hearing it, Yao Jiancai was truly shocked and astonished. "This��was written by you just now?"


    "That''s right! It was a sh of brilliance!" Zhang Ye said, ecstatic. "Hahahaha!"


    Dong Shanshan suddenly stretched out her hand and hit Zhang Ye''s head.


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "What are you trying to do?"


    Dong Shanshan said, "I wanted to see if you''d show your true colors."


    Zhang Ye was amused. "What, do you think I''m a monster or something?"


    "Even if you''re not a monster, you''re not far off from one!" Yao Jiancai said incredulously. "That was too damn fast!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Let''s stick to the problem at hand. Do you two think it''ll work?"


    Yao Jiancai chuckled. "If this doesn''t work, what would?"


    Dong Shanshan snapped her fingers. "This''ll do!"


    Zhang Ye said, "OK! It''s settled then!"


    The three greenhorns instantly clicked!

 Chapter 890: The skit makes its appearance!

    <h4>Chapter 890: The skit makes its appearance! </h4>


    Chapter 890: The skit makes its appearance!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Once the script was settled, Zhang Ye shouted out the door. Everyone was called in!


    Over a dozen people from the Spring Festival G production team crowded in, waiting for Zhang Ye''s instructions. The station head and executive director of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G, Chang Xiaoliang, had already given instructions to anyone without active jobs in the production team to fully obey Zhang Ye''smands and for every department in Beijing Television to give their fullest support to him. If necessary, they did not even need to seek Chang Xiaoliang or the heads'' permission and just do their best to help Zhang Ye, Dong Shanshan, and Yao Jiancai in making the skit the best it could be to turn things around!


    Zhang Ye quickly asked, "Who is in charge of props?"


    "Teacher Zhang, go ahead and say what you need!" Someone stepped forward.


    Zhang Ye said, "I need a set of office equipment that includes a desk, some shelves, and a sofa!"


    That person noted it down as he listened. "No problem!"


    "And these other things which I''ve written down as well." Zhang Ye handed a piece of paper to him.


    That person took it and scanned through it, then asked in a slightly stunned manner, "This is��?"


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Don''t ask, just follow what I''ve written. The props are very important, so you must arrange them properly!"


    That person replied at once, "OK, I''ll definitely get it done!"


    "How about the costumes?" Zhang Ye asked again.


    "Here!" A man and a woman stepped forward.


    Zhang Ye said, "I need these kind of costumes and this as well." He gave a list of the costume requirements to them and after handing down some other instructions, he said, "Thanks for all the help, everyone!"


    After receiving their instructions, they frantically went to do their duties. Everyone had rushed in and immediately back out of the waiting room as time was running low and everybody was anxious!


    The door closed.


    The room was quiet again. No one disturbed them.


    Zhang Ye, Yao Jiancai, and Dong Shanshan gathered together and started to go through the script as they raced against time. "Old Yao, you don''t have too many lines, but I have to mention some of the technicalities to you first. For example, here, your tone cannot be too harsh and it has to be a little more casual. And over here, your expression must agree with the lines. Let me demonstrate to you. Yes, that''s about it��.Shanshan, you have the most lines of the three of us. Whether this skit will be sessful or not will mainly depend on you. For example, here, here, and here, you must take note and keep your emotions in check. You can''t speed through your lines. There are also some lines that shouldn''t be delivered too slowly either��.And a skit is different from acting, so when we stand on the stage, we must always face the audience. We cannot have our backs or sides face the cameras��.Come, let''s go through our lines!"


    The three of them began to discuss and polish the script over and over again!


    Suddenly, a call came in.


    But Zhang Ye instantly rejected the call!


    Dong Shanshan said, "Turn off your cell phone."


    "I forgot to just now." Zhang Ye was just about to turn off his cell phone when it rang again.


    So Zhang Ye answered the call and immediately asked: "Who is this? I have some urgent matters to attend to. If there''s a problem, please call me backter��."


    However, a weak, middle-aged man''s voice sounded from the other end: "I''m Qu Haiying."


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "Aiyo, Teacher Qu?"


    Yao Jiancai and Dong Shanshan were also slightly taken aback as they looked over.


    "Aren''t you at the hospital now? Why are you still calling me?!" Zhang Ye said worriedly.


    Qu Haiying said: "I really couldn''t hold up at my end any longer, Teacher Little Zhang. I''ve heard everything from the production team. I''m so sorry for giving you trouble at such a time."


    Zhang Ye quickly said: "It''s no trouble, it''s no trouble at all!"


    Qu Haiying remained silent for a moment, then suddenly spoke: "For the finale skit act��I''m counting on you!"


    When Zhang Ye heard that, he suddenly felt even more pressured and said in a serious tone: "Teacher Qu, just take care of yourself. I''ll handle things here, so you can rest easy!"


    Qu Haiying said: "Thank you!"


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye gave a wry smile and said, "Our performance this time has to seed no matter what. Teacher Qu just called and said that he would be entrusting the skit to us!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Let''s give it our best shot then!"


    Dong Shanshan said helplessly, "This time, it seems like the stakes are really high!"


    Zhang Ye said firmly, "Our difficult task will begin soon. We have to take this on no matter what!"


    ...


    It was 40 minutes until their turn on the stage!


    The staff of Beijing Television were in turmoil!


    "Time is running out!"


    "How''s the progress?"


    "I heard that they''re already readying the props!"


    "Aiyo, is there still time for that?"


    "How about the script for the skit?"


    "I don''t know. No one saw any script and Director Chang probably did not see it either!"


    "I think they are rehearsing at the moment, so no one dares disturb them!"


    "Why are you even talking about the script? It would already be good enough if they can avert the present situation. How can you expect Zhang Ye to produce a good script for the skit with just an hour to go? If they can manage to go onstage and perform the skit, that''s already more than enough!"


    "We don''t even know whether they can make it in time!"


    "We can only depend on Teacher Zhang now!"


    "Yeah, whether we can tide over this crisis will all depend on Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    Although Chang Xiaoliang was at the venue directing the live broadcast, his mind was not focused there.


    Hu Fei was anxiously pacing in circles!


    Hou Ge, Dafei, and the others were praying silently!


    The production team was also feeling extremely tense but there weren''t much they could help with, except for readying the props and costumes to the best of Zhang Ye''s requirements. This was the only thing they could do right now!


    ...


    Another performance had finished broadcasting!


    Counting down to thest 30 minutes!


    At home.


    His grandma asked, "When is Little Yeing home?"


    His first aunt said, "He should be back soon, I think?"


    "Maybe not." His father was watching Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G and said, "Didn''t Mengmeng just say that something has happened over at the TV station?"


    His third sister said cheekily, "But that has nothing to do with Bro at all. He has alreadypleted his job there, no, I mean, he has excelled in his performance there today!"


    His eldest sister nodded, "Our bro was so awesome today!"


    ...


    Counting down to thest 20 minutes!


    The Inte continued having heated discussions!


    "The other provincial stations'' Spring Festival Gs have already started breaking out their finales!"


    "Yeah, this performance on Zhejiang TV is honestly good! The station''s poprity has risen again!"


    "That''s because Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G is no longerpeting with them anymore!"


    "Hai, it''s so unfortunate."


    "I''m still watching Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G and I feel that it''s pretty good."


    "What''s good about it? Qu Haiying can''t make an appearance and the finale skit is gone too. Actually, what I was most looking forward to on Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G were Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalk routine and Qu Haiying''s skit. I was ted after watching ''Everything is Great'' and felt very satisfied by that, but somehow the finale skit act got canceled? Then what is there left to look forward to?! It''s time to change the channel!"


    "I''ll change the channel too."


    "Yes, there''s indeed nothing left to look forward to!"


    "I''ll still watch Beijing TV, I want to see how they are going to turn things around!"


    "Yeah, I also wonder who they''ll get to stand in for this skit!"


    "Who can there be? There''s no one who can do it!"


    "Teacher Qu''s skits are very unique and his style is incredibly distinct. They are always great fun to watch, so who can rece Teacher Qu''s spot?! No one has the poprity and ability to do so!"


    ...


    Counting down to thest 10 minutes!


    The industry insiders'' attention was wholly focused on Beijing Television.


    "Is it going to start soon?"


    "So how are they going to resolve it? Can it really be resolved?"


    "I don''t know, there''s no news about it!"


    "I think it''s hopeless. If a live broadcast problem urs, they''re bound to be punished!"


    "All their efforts for Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G hase to naught this year!"


    Central TV employees had also tuned into Beijing Television.


    Especially the production team of Central TV''s Spring Festival G who hated Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G to the bone. During the rehearsal of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai had mocked the crosstalk routine of Central TV''s Spring Festival G, even naming their routine "I Want to Get on the Spring Festival G"! At that time, it had caused a lot of fans to cast doubt on Central TV''s Spring Festival G. They sincerely believed that the reason why so many people insulted and cursed Central TV''s Spring Festival G this year was because of Zhang Ye''s crosstalk routine on Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G opening the floodgates. Now that something had happened at Beijing Television, many of them were gloating at this unfortunate ident.


    "Retribution!"


    "It should be enough trouble for them this time!"


    "Let''s see how they''ll handle this!"


    "No one can help Beijing TV now!"


    Chen Ye was also watching Beijing Television.


    Jiang Naixiong, Jiang Yuan, and Xu Yipeng were watching as well.


    The director of Central TV Department 14, Yan Tianfei, was also extremely concerned about the situation there and wanted to call to Zhang Ye to ask for an update on the situation. But unfortunately, Zhang Ye''s cell phone was off.


    Countdown to thest 5 minutes!


    As it got closer to the given time, a lot of people were surprised that more and more people were changing their channel to Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G instead. Even many of Liaoning Television''s and Mango TV''s faithful audience tuned into Beijing Television. There was no reason other than purely wanting to witness the mess andmotion of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G!


    At this moment, everyone had turned their full attention to Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G!


    Everyone was wondering what would happen next!


    Would the live broadcast be cut?


    Would the g end early?


    Or would the hosts apologize?


    Counting down to the final minute!


    Thest performance before the finale skit had just ended!


    Countless people from every province and district in the entire country all had their eyes on Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G!


    "It''s almost time!"


    "It''s starting!"


    "Will they cut off the live broadcast feed?"


    "It''s finally time!"


    "Eh?"


    "Strange, why isn''t Dong Shanshan doing the introductions on thenguage act stage?"


    "I don''t know, she hasn''t been there since a while ago!"


    "Why did they rece her with another host in the middle of the live broadcast?"


    "Who knows what happened! Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G is really experiencing a wave of trouble!"


    "Stop talking already and just watch!"


    "I''m just waiting for the hosts to make the announcement!"


    ...


    Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G.


    Live on the scene of thenguage act stage.


    The audience was also getting worried. The issue was sorge that even the live audience knew about it. They were just like the home audience all around the country who were watching their televisions, staring unblinkingly at the male host and the new recement female host onstage!


    However, to everyone''s surprise, not only did the two hosts of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G not look panicked, they were even beaming!


    The male host smiled and said, "I was nerve-wracked just from watching the acrobatics act just now!"


    The female hostughed and said, "How is that considered nerve-wracking?"


    "Oh?" The male host looked at her.


    The female host gestured to the side and said, "The performance that is truly nerve-wracking is right at the end. There, those people who just left the stage a bit ago are back again for some reason!"


    The male host also looked over all smiles. "Is that so?"


    The female host said, "Please enjoy the skit: ''ying It Up''!"


    Are back again?


    Left the stage a bit ago?


    Everyone blinked, not understanding what was going on. What did they mean?


    The curtains were drawn!


    The cameras cut to the stage!


    The stage, arranged into an office setting, was unveiled in front of the audience!


    Also onstage was a person. When the audience saw this person, they nearly jumped out of their seats in shock. The people watching Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G on their televisions were also shocked. so much so that their jaws nearly dropped. In this moment, no one could believe what their eyes were seeing!


    "What?"


    "This��"


    "Holy shit!"


    "A-Are my eyes deceiving me?"


    "How could it be him? Why is it him?"


    "This is��"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "W-What is he doing there?"


    "Heavens!"


    "It''s actually goddamn Zhang Ye!"


    "Oh my god!"


    Each and every one of the audience members was dumbfounded!

 Chapter 891: Skit: "Playing It Up"! (Beginning)

    <h4>Chapter 891: Skit: "ying It Up"! (Beginning) </h4>


    Chapter 891: Skit: "ying It Up"! (Beginning)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    His third sister nearly fainted. "That''s our brother!"


    His mother stared with her mouth agape and eximed, "Holy shit! Why is Little Ye on stage!"


    His eldest sister said in astonishment, "Why is it our brothering on!"


    Chenchen''s jaw dropped!


    His grandpa and grandma were staring wide-eyed. "Little Ye is performing in a skit?"


    ....


    At Central TV.


    Xu Yipeng was shocked. "What?"


    Chen Ye was shaken. "What is he doing onstage?"


    "They must have messed up!"


    "Why is it him?"


    "Damn, what happened?"


    "Why did they use Zhang Ye as the recement?"


    Everyone from Central TV''s Spring Festival G was shocked by this scene!


    ...


    On Weibo.


    "Hey,e and see! Zhang Ye has reappeared onstage!"


    "Ah?"


    "Zhang Ye is going to perform in the skit!"


    "Is Beijing TV crazy?"


    "Why did they get Zhang Ye to turn things around? It''s only been an hour between the incident with Qu Haiying and now. How did they get this skit out on time?"


    "Quick, read the infobox at the bottom of the screen!"


    "What?"


    "Performers: Zhang Ye, Yao Jiancai, Dong Shanshan?"


    "Fucking hell!"


    "I was wondering why Dong Shanshan was not hosting just now!"


    "A host and two crosstalkedians. Those three amateurs are actually going to perform a skit? Damn, I''m a little confused. Who can pinch me so that I know they''re serious!"


    "Notify everyone at once!"


    "Yeah, everyone has got to know about this!"


    "Quickly tune into Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G. Something big has happened again!"


    "Zhang Ye ising on for the finale skit act!"


    "@TheWholeWideWorld! Go and watch it!"


    "Does Zhang Ye know how to act in a skit?"


    "Who knows!"


    "Surely Yao Jiancai and Dong Shanshan are not up to it either!"


    ...


    Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo were dumbfounded watching the TV.


    Fan Wenli and Chen Guang were dumbfounded watching their TV.


    When the famous skit actress Ci Xiufang saw that familiar figure appearing on Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G, she was also shocked. "Little Zhang? Him? Acting in a skit?"


    At this moment, everyone''s jaw dropped!


    Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G production team were sweating from the nerves. The staff who readied the props earlier had only managed to get everything prepared five minutes before the skit began. They then had to sprint up on stage to get the props set up and could only clear the stage when the hosts were introducing the start of the next act and the curtains were about to be drawn back up. It was a really close call. They nearly didn''t manage to make it in time!


    Chang Xiaoliang clenched his fists. "You''ve all worked hard! Great job!"


    "No sweat!"


    "We''re fine!"


    "It''s Teacher Zhang who has worked hard!"


    "Whether this will turn all out fine or not will depend on Zhang Ye!"


    "Break a leg, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang, we''re all depending on you!"


    Hu Fei, Hou Ge, Xiao Lu, and the others were trembling and their minds were very unsettled. This was the result of extreme nervousness!


    Anxiety!


    Anticipation!


    Unease!


    But all those emotions were not going to help with anything!


    For now, the stage could only be handed to the trio of Zhang Ye, Yao Jiancai, and Dong Shanshan!


    It was up to fate now!


    ...


    At the venue.


    The skit began!


    The audience couldn''t stay shocked. Before they could really react in time, they were already staring straight at the stage and subconsciously started pping. Loud apuse rang out promptly!


    Amid the apuse, Zhang Ye ran to the center of the stage. At present, he was a totally different person from when he performed the crosstalk routine. His expression had changed, his costume also different. He was now dressed in a very in sweater and jeans. As he ran out, Zhang Ye shouted, "It''s over, it''s over, it''s over! Something big has happened! Our office''s longtime director has unfortunately been swatted down like a fly and the higher-ups have dispatched another fly��I mean, a recement. A newly appointed official always makes drastic changes to an organization upon taking charge. Now that our manager has summoned me for a meeting, and I''ve always had my little faults, I guess my job is on the line. I''m doomed!"


    Appointed another fly?


    The venue''s audience snorted inughter.


    Several skit actors from a previous performance were backstage when they were stunned by what they heard. This skit''s setting and characters were painted out very clearly right from the get-go. A newly appointed director? A period of crackdown? Summoned by the manager? Job is on the line? And there was even a joke within this short introduction. Just by those words, the skill could be seen and the skit was clearly in a standard format and had a concept befitting of one! It was very well thought out!


    Who wrote this script?


    Was it Zhang Ye himself?


    The camera focused over onto an office desk. Only then did many people realize that there was another person sitting in the chair behind the desk, sleeping with arms propped up.


    Dong Shanshan, dressed in a business suit, was snoring with her head down.


    Zhang Ye warily looked at her and blinked several times, calling out softly, "Manager Ma? Manager Ma?"


    Dong Shanshan''s head swayed as she woke up. "Ah? Who is it? Yo, Little Hao,e in,e."


    Zhang Ye scratched his head and said, "Apologies for disturbing your sleep."


    Dong Shanshan lifted a teacup and sipped from it a few times. "It''s fine, I''ll get back to sleep again in a bit. No worries!"


    The audience:


    "Hahaha!"


    "Pfft!"


    A round of apuse rang out!


    Although there wasn''t muchughing, many of the audience members had their attention pulled into the skit!


    The audience settled down.


    Dong Shanshan crossed her legs and sat back, looking like the manager she was. She said, "Sit. So, has your family beentely doing alright?"


    Zhang Ye sat there timidly on the sofa, with both hands on his knees. "As of now, we''re still doing alright. But as for what''s toe��" He closed his eyes and said in resignation, "I''ll leave it to fate!"


    The audience were tickled pink again!


    Dong Shanshan nced at him. "I heard that you usually like to y some table tennis when there''s not much to do at work?"


    Zhang Ye was startled by that and quickly said, "I''ll reflect! I was too yful! ying table tennis harms others and myself. If I ever y table tennis again, I''ll break both my arms myself!" He imed out loud, "I, I, I reject prostitution! Gambling! And table tennis!"


    When he said that, the entire live audience was surprised for a moment before breaking out into heartyughter!


    This gag came so suddenly that no one was prepared for it. The entire audience wasughing like crazy!


    "Pfft, hahahahaha!"


    "Aiyo!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Reject table tennis?"


    "Why would you ce table tennis alongside vices like prostitution, gambling, and drugs!"


    If it weren''t for that earlier incident, the audience wouldn''t haveughed like they did. Because just an hour ago, Han Li and the national table tennis team had lost their match! They even publicly pinned the me for their loss on Zhang Ye at the post-match press conference! Saying that it was because of Zhang Ye that they had lost their match! At that time, a lot of people were amused by this reaction as they felt that the table tennis team were really ungraceful in defeat. What had Zhang Ye done? Why was it his fault just because they lost the table tennis match?


    Everyone had expected that this matter would blow over and just die a natural death. But beyond everyone''s expectations, within just an hour of the live broadcast of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G, Zhang Ye began sarcastically remarking about it aftering onstage. He was even doing it in the most outspoken of ways!


    The audience exploded withughter!


    Theizens were also roaring withughter!


    "This is so awesome!"


    "This is who Zhang Ye is!"


    "Yeah, this is exactly who Zhang Ye is!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Reject prostitution, gambling, and table tennis? Just how did hee up with all of that!"


    "I''m dying ofughter! Why did the national table tennis team have to offend him of all people! It''s not like you guys don''t know how much of a hooligan Zhang Ye can be! You just had to provoke him, didn''t you! Look, now you''ve attracted his attention and got made fun of by him! And it''s even happening at the Spring Festival G where the all the viewers in the country can see!"


    "I''m cramping fromughing!"


    "This grumpy temper is what I like most about Zhang Ye!"


    "This skit is really a surprise!"


    "Looking at how it''s going, this script is certainly written by Zhang Ye!"


    "Of course! Those lines are so sarcastic that I don''t think anyone else but him would think of them!"


    "I''m really looking forward to how it will unfold!"


    "My attention is drawn!"


    "@HanLi! You''ve gotten yourself into trouble now!"


    "@ChinaTableTennisTeam You''re all in trouble! Face-smacking Zhang has called all of you out!"


    Theizens were so excited it was like they were having an adrenaline rush!


    ...


    Abroad.


    At a hotel near thepetition grounds.


    After the tournament, the table tennis team headed back to the hotel for a rest. The coach and team members also held a meeting to discuss the problems that led to their loss. After the discussion was over, everyone went about doing their own things.


    "Alright, try to turn in early," Liu Yifeng, the head coach, said.


    Han Li was still harping, "If it weren''t for Zhang Ye''s song��"


    The head coach said, "If you saw that it was his song, you shouldn''t have yed it."


    A teammate said, "I''m sure Big Han didn''t know that it was sung by Zhang Ye!"


    Another teammate beside them did not say anything at all. He was watching the livestreams of the Spring Festival Gs on his cell phone. Suddenly, he clicked on the stream for Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G.


    A voice sounded!


    "I''ll reflect! I was too yful! ying table tennis harms others and myself. If I ever y table tennis again, I''ll break both my arms myself! I, I, I reject prostitution! Gambling! And table tennis!"


    Everyone in the room was shocked by that!


    "Who''s that?"


    "What are you watching?"


    "Reject table tennis?"


    "Fuck, who''s saying that?"


    Everyone from the table tennis team went over to take a look and were angered and surprised simultaneously!


    Zhang Ye!


    Your grandpa!


    What are you trying to say!


    ...


    On TV.


    The skit continued.


    Dong Shanshan smiled knowingly and said, "I''ll put it to you this way then. The newly appointed Director Yao, coincidentally, likes to y table tennis, hur hur. You know what to do, right?"


    "Manager." Zhang Ye had a bitter look on his face as he spoke, varying the loudness of his voice, "You''re putting me in a tight spot that way. I can at most control myself from not ying, but I can''t possibly control the director!"


    "Hahaha!"


    "Who''s asking you to control the director!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    The audienceughed loudly as they started getting more and more into the skit!


    Dong Shanshan was so angered that she could only roll her eyes at him. Then, she stood up and walked next to Zhang Ye. "Hao Jian, your understanding of a situation is terrible. The reason? Because you have no desire to advance in your career. Let me tell you, if you keep that attitude, you''ll just be an office drone all your life!"


    Zhang Ye''s face lit up as he stood up and said excitedly, "Really? Then I can be at ease! My job is safe after all!" He bowed deeply to her!


    The audience:


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, I can''t take it anymore!"


    "Zhang Ye looks so weak in that role! Hahaha!"


    "He''s acting really well!"


    "The two of them are acting really well!"


    Warm apuse rang out!


    Dong Shanshan had no recourse but to facepalm and point at him. "Hao Jian! Your hobby and the director''s hobby are the exact same, do you know how great an opportunity it is?" She fanned her hands upward. "This is the perfect chance to make your ancestors so proud that they''d rise from their graves! Aren''t you excited?"


    The audience cramped up withughter again!


    Zhang Ye blinked several times at her. "Where''s the excitement?"


    Dong Shanshan gave up and exined to him, "Come here and sit down. Look, in our department, only you know how to y table tennis. So if you can make the director happy by ying table tennis with him, wouldn''t you be the director''s fair-haired boy?"


    Zhang Ye did not understand. "Fair-haired boy?"


    Dong Shanshan snapped her fingers and looked at him, saying, "Zhang Xiaohe (a character from a novel of this world, simr to Wei Xiaobao from The Deer and the Cauldron of Zhang Ye''s previous world), who practiced martial arts with the emperor, what did he end up as in the end?"


    Zhang Ye blinked. "��A eunuch."


    "Pfft, hahaha!"


    "Eunuch?"


    "Aiyo!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    The audience wasughing again!


    Dong Shanshanpletely gave up on exining further and stood up. She said in a speechless manner, "Alright, you don''t have to understand." She took several steps toward her office desk and continued, "Starting today, the only job you have when youe into work each day is practicing table tennis. Drop the rest of your work. Prioritize!" Then she picked up her cup and drank some tea.


    Zhang Ye asked, "But I can''t just drop my work and y table tennis with the director every day." After a pause, he added, "Wouldn''t that make me a bootlicker (m�� p�� j��ng)?"


    Dong Shanshan put down her teacup and sat down heavily onto her chair. Then, crossing her legs and ring at him, she said in an almost northeastern ent, "Who''re you talking about? Who are you saying is a bootlicker?"


    "That''s not what I meant!" Zhang Ye hurriedly tried to exin himself.


    Dong Shanshan flipped her hair and said in an affected, high-pitched voice, "If you can do it, then do it! If not, then leave! Empty that position for me. Heh, I''ll tell you this." She said, enunciating every word and syble, "Our country! Has no shortage of people who know how to y table tennis!"


    Apuse sounded immediately from the audience!


    "Hahaha!"


    "Well said!"


    "Well said!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    The audienceughed loudly as they pped. Someone nearly even fell out of their seat!


    ...


    Abroad.


    Liu Yifeng and his coaches all had dark expressions on their faces!


    Han Li and his teammates were so angry that their faces turned green!


    Fuck!


    What the hell is this skit?!

 Chapter 892: Skit: "Playing It Up"! (Middle)

    <h4>Chapter 892: Skit: "ying It Up"! (Middle) </h4>


    Chapter 892: Skit: "ying It Up"! (Middle)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Weibo erupted!


    "Quick, tune into Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G!"


    "It''s too face smacking! This is too fucking face smacking!"


    "He''ll really say anything, hot damn!"


    "I really have to take my hat off to him!"


    "Teacher Shanshan, you''re my goddess! My dream lover! Why did you get influenced by Face-smacking Zhang and go down a different path? You won''t end up bing ''Face-smacking Shan'' in the future, right?"


    "Face-smacking Shan? Pfft!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Teacher Shanshan has been led astray as well!"


    "Bollocks, this is all because of Zhang Ye''s script!"


    "If those lines were not written by Zhang Ye, I''ll do a live broadcast of me eating shit!"


    "Standing on stage and using a skit to scold others openly, so much for the highest realm of scolding, don''t you think? The title of Face-smacking Zhang is really not for nothing!"


    "Yeah, scolding others using the tform of the Spring Festival G, I really can''t bear to watch any longer!"


    "In the past, I thought that Teacher Zhang''s level of scolding had already surpassed everything. Never could I have imagined that he could still one-up that!"


    "Han Li is an idiot!"


    "That idiot really had iting, provoking him for no reason!"


    ...


    At home.


    His third sister was already tearing up fromughing. As sheughed, she pped the sofa heavily with her hands, shouting in between every p, "How awesome! This feels so good! Scold them! Continue scolding them!"


    His third aunt didn''t know how to react. "This Little Ye!"


    His second aunt wiped her sweat away and said, "This is a live broadcast on national TV. Will Little Ye really be alright saying that?"


    His mother said, "Rather than a live broadcast on national TV, even if it were a global live broadcast, as long as someone provokes him, that rascal will stand on stage and scold them back. It''s not like you all don''t know his temper, right?"


    His second sister shouted, "Our brother is almighty!"


    ...


    Onstage.


    The skit was getting better.


    Zhang Ye anxiously walked over and exined himself, "Aiyo, Manager Ma, that''s not what I mean. I was just thinking, why would I be the director''s fair-haired boy if I yed table tennis with him? It''s not possible, is it?"


    Dong Shanshan raised an eyebrow and nced at him. "Not possible? Hehe, Hao Jian, I''ll treat you as one of my people! Let me show you how I, M�� J��ngj��ng (simr to m�� p�� j��ng), rose to where I am today!" Saying that, she snapped open theptop on her desk.


    Zhang Ye looked at theptop screen and said in astonishment, "Hobbies and interests chart of the leadership?"


    Dong Shanshan smiled slightly and said as she pointed her index finger up, "I''ll tell you this, I can clearly list out every leader''s hobbies, horoscope, blood type, and the eight characters of their birth times!" She pointed to the screen. "This one, likes fishing, so I dive into the water and hook fish after fish onto the end of his line!"[1.]


    The audience:


    "Hook fish after fish?"


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    Dong Shanshan pointed to the next one. "This one, likes to y mahjong, so I be the gunner (person discarding the winning tile) and throw the winning tile to him! This one, likes trinkets, so I took my great-grandfather''s ?ar��ra and strung it up to give him. This one likes me��" Startling herself, Dong Shanshan immediately closed theptop. "So as I was saying, Hao Jian��"[2.]


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Likes you?"


    "Aiyo hahahaha!"


    The audience wasughing very hard!


    Zhang Ye was also amused. "Hey, wait a minute. Why''d you close theptop when you just got to the important part? I most want to hear about that one!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Good one!"


    "Good one!"


    All of the audience were cheering with approval!


    Dong Shanshan beamed with pride and said, "All in all, do you now understand how I got to where I am?"


    Zhang Ye nodded vigorously and said, "I understand. That''s why I think you''re amazing, Manager. Your bootlicking skill flows through your blood!"


    The audienceughed, "Hahaha!"


    "Who''re you referring to? Just who''re you referring to?" said Dong Shanshan, who had just sat down, in an unpleasant tone. She pointed at him and grumbled, "That mouth of yours!"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "Ai, pey pey pey, why am I so bad at making conversation? I always offend people the moment I speak. I also wonder, during every meeting why does the leader only nod or smile at you. Could it be��because you''re pretty?"


    Dong Shanshan sat there, smiling smugly. "It''s not just that." She then looked at him. "Let me tell you. Meetings are all about skill. When the leader speaks, as soon as he expresses his opinion, I immediately go ''Hmm?''" She gave an exaggerated expression of doubt. "Then the leader thinks ''What''s with that? Are you doubting me or something?'' When he finishes his statement, without even knowing what he just said, I immediately follow with an ''Ohhhh!''" Then, her expression changed to one of realization as her mouth slowly opened wide!


    The audience guffawed, "Hahahahaha!"


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "I want the leader to feel that I have been baptized by his words, like I have reached enlightenment!"


    After she finished talking, Zhang Ye copied Dong Shanshan and poorly made an expression of epiphany like hers. "Ohhh!"


    "Pfft!"


    "How ugly!"


    "Pfft!"


    The audience cramped up withughter again!


    In the audience, a lot of the Beijing Television staff were also tickled pink. They were watching Zhang Ye''s skit as though they were in the audience too, as this was their first time watching it. There wasn''t enough time earlier to even do a full rehearsal of this act!


    Zhang Ye admired, "A single conversation with the wise overturns one''s philosophy!"


    Dong Shanshan said, "That''s why, Hao Jian, not only do you have to y table tennis with the director, you have to do it until the director only wants to y with you. Make it so that when he thinks of table tennis, he''ll think of you, and when he thinks of you, he''ll be itching for a game!"


    Zhang Ye said straight away, "I understand. You want me to establish an image of being an easily beaten opponent. So if I get beaten easily, I''ll be able to rise into management?"


    Dong Shanshanughed and said, "Far more than that." She pointed at the office desk and said, "Look at this, this office of mine could even be yours. Right, Manager Hao?"


    Zhang Ye hastily waved his hands in denial, "Aiyo, don''t say that, don''t say that, don''t say that!"


    Dong Shanshanughed again as she said, "Manager Hao!"


    Zhang Ye trembled. "Aiyo, don''t say that, don''t say that, don''t say that!"


    Dong Shanshan dragged him to the leather chair. "Manager Hao, Manager Hao, please have a seat, sit here!"


    Zhang Ye anxiously said, "No, no, no!"


    "Have a taste of what''s toe!" Dong Shanshan pressed him down into the chair.


    "No, no, no!"


    "Sit down."


    "Oh!"


    "Take your time."


    "Ohhhh!"


    Zhang Ye gave an expression offort.


    The audience were tickled. "Pfft!"


    Zhang Ye grabbed the chair''s arms, not knowing what to do anymore. "Aiyoo, let''s see what''s it like to be a leader. Aiya, this chair isfortable. No wonder you''re always sleeping in the office. If I ever get to this position, wouldn''t I be resting in peace then?"


    Dong Shanshanughed and said, "You can be in peace whenever and however you like it. Manager Hao?"


    Ring ring ring. A phone call came in.


    Dong Shanshan picked up the phone, "Hello, ah, it''s Director Yao? Oh, you''reing over now? Sure, sure. Aiyo, that''s great. Perfect, I have some good news here waiting for you!" She hung up and giggled. "The director will be here very soon!"


    Zhang Ye stood up. "That''s great! Eh, when hees, where should we y?"


    Dong Shanshan snapped her fingers. "I''ve prepared far in advance for you two!" She brought him to the side of the room where a simple table tennis table stood. "When the previous director was arrested, I threw the mahjong table away, ha. From now on, the two of you can y here and I can be the judge." She set up the with the specially made prop. "Haha, Hao Jian. This is no ordinary table tennis table for you. This is your stairway to sess!" She described it in a funny sounding northeastern ent.


    The audienceughed, "Hahahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye grabbed her hand. "You''re my ally, Manager Ma, no, Chief Ma!"


    Dong Shanshanughed slyly and said, "Aiyo, I''m not worthy! You tter me! Manager Hao?"


    Zhang Yeughed humbly. "It''s just a matter of time, Chief Ma!"


    Dong Shanshanughed even more humbly than him. "Aiyo, don''t be like that, don''t be like that. Manager Hao?"


    The two of them burst out into maniacalugh and shook each other''s hands, saying, "It''s a win-win! A win-win!"


    The audience was getting a kick out of watching the skit!


    "Their acting is really good!"


    "These two are really good at what they''re doing! Hahahaha!"


    At this moment, a piece of music yed.


    Dong Shanshan busily retouched her makeup.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye picked up a table tennis paddle and started practicing!


    One serve.


    Two serves.


    Three serves.


    Suddenly, a loud voice could be hearding from outside the office dering, "If I find anyone ying table tennis again in the future, I will punish them!"


    Dong Shanshan was dumbfounded.


    Zhang Ye was also stunned.


    The atmosphere onstage suddenly changed!


    The audience was entertained.


    "Hahahaha!"


    "It''s worth seeing what''s gonna happen from here now!"


    "This is what you get!"


    "The director has arrived!"


    At this moment, Yao Jiancai walked in, dressed in a suit, his hair moussed up. He carried a demeanor of a boss.


    The audience immediately gave their warm apuse to wee him!


    "Aiyo, Director Yao, what''s the matter?" Dong Shanshan anxiously went to greet him and desperately gestured at Hao Jian outside of the line of sight of the director!


    Zhang Ye clutched the table tennis paddle, not daring to make anyrge movements as he carefully hid it.


    At the moment, Yao Jiancai''s expression was very different from when he performed the crosstalk routine. His speech was very steady and very thick with emotion. "I don''t know, but someone learned that I like ying table tennis, so now some of the staff are practicing in the office during work hours! What kind of behavior is this?"


    Zhang Ye moved bit by bit, cautiously trying to clear the table tennis table by removing the from it.


    The audienceughed until they were out of breath!


    Dong Shanshan was still trying to cover up for Zhang Ye. "Aiyo, Director Yao, there''s nothing wrong with ying some table tennis."


    Yao Jiancai said sternly, "ying table tennis itself is not a problem, but if it''s used as a tool to please others, then that is an unhealthy trend!" He turned around and just managed to see Zhang Ye holding the table tennis.


    The audience burst outughing, "Hahahaha!"


    But Zhang Ye''s next action made the entire audienceugh even harder!


    Zhang Ye was in a state of shock as he reached out and wrapped the around his neck. Then he took one end of it and swung it behind him, using it as a scarf!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo!"


    "Well done!"


    "Well done!"


    The audience gave thunderous apuse!


    Yao Jiancai strolled over with his hands behind his back and gave him a sidelong nce. "A scarf?" He tugged at the item hanging around Zhang Ye''s neck and said, "And one with weights?"


    Zhang Ye quibbled, "The wind is strong. My mother was worried that it would get blown away."


    The audience roared, "Hahahahaha!"


    Dong Shanshan quickly came over to exin the situation. "Ai, this is an employee who has just joined our organization. Come, Director, let''s take a seat before talking." She flirtatiously grasped his arm and led him over to the sofa.


    Yao Jiancai sat down and looked at Dong Shanshan. He said, "Manager Ma, you''re a veteran here. Now that there are these problems in our workce, don''t you think you should lead by example and do something?"


    Dong Shanshan immediately sat up straight and said righteously, "I have lectured them! I told them even if they kept practicing, they couldn''t possibly rival you, Director Yao. You were the champion every single year at your former office!"


    "Hey, don''t tter me!" Yao Jiancai paused mid-sentence before saying, "��One year I only took second ce."


    These words made yet another group of people burst inughter!


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Old Yao, that''s really enough!"


    Having said that, Yao Jiancai sighed. "Actually, I''m not all that good at table tennis. How do you think I managed to be champion year after year?" He waved his hand from side to side and answered, "Because they let me!"


    Dong Shanshan ttered, "It can''t be. Didn''t you just say you took second ce one year?"


    Yao Jiancai nced at her and nodded. "I did." Taking a slight pause, he then added, "I was the deputy director that year!"


    The audienceughed until they were in stitches!


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, I really can''t take this anymore!"


    "Damn, this is so fucking funny!"


    "The jokes alle out of nowhere! Hahaha!"


    "I''m getting such a kick from watching this!"


    ...


    Offstage.


    At a workspace not far from stage.


    Chang Xiaoliang had notughed at all since the start of the performance. A lot of the others from the production team were also the same. But this was not because the skit was not funny, but rather because they had forgotten how tough. They could only stare in amazement at the onstage performing trio of Zhang Ye, Dong Shanshan, and Yao Jiancai!


    They were utterly surprised by it all!


    Chang Xiaoliang stayed silent for a very long time. He looked next to him and asked, "Are you guys really sure that the three of them have never acted in a skit before?"


    The assistant director gave a wry smile and said, "They truly haven''t done one before!"


    Chang Xiaoliang asked again, "Are you sure that this skit was prepared by Teacher Little Zhang just an hour before the skit''s scheduled appearance?"


    A female assistant director said, "Yeah, it was done within that hour''s time. I asked them too, but Teacher Zhang did not even prepare a script for the skit and came up with the entire concept on the fly!"


    "Then I only wish to know one thing right now!" Chang Xiaoliang spoke with more and more agitation and excitement. "Within an hour, the script was written and the lines were memorized; furthermore the three of them are total amateurs when ites to skits. There wasn''t even enough time to get a proper rehearsal in for it, so why��have they created such an exciting and good skit?!"


    The production team couldn''t respond.


    No one could answer those questions!


    Because they did not know why!


    To them, this was simply iprehensible!


    Asking Zhang Ye to turn things around was down to having no other way out. It was purely thest resort they had. And honestly, Chang Xiaoliang and the others were only hoping that Zhang Ye could use up all the time. But they never expected Zhang Ye to create such a ssic performance, because everyone knew that this was impossible! Yet when "ying It Up" was unveiled and acted, they could only react with astonishment! This act��was simply too professional! How was this supposed to be something that was made up at thest minute? How could these three people be amateurs who had never acted in a skit before? The characters, performance, lines, jokes, rhythm, approach, depth, everything was on point!


    This was a fucking skit worthy of being shown on Central TV!


    This is Zhang Ye?


    This is Zhang Ye when he gets serious?


    In the whole of the performing arts scene and entertainment industry, who else could do something like that!


    TL notes:


    [1. Eight Characters of Birth Time - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Pirs_of_Destiny]


    [2. ?ar��ra - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9Aar%C4%ABra]


    This is again a greeting for Happy Thanksgiving week!


    Thank you for your power stones!


    if you are reading on mobile, there is a ''me'' icon on the bottom of thetest chapter page where you can vote with your power stones. On desktop, it is easier, you can find it below thement button on the right side. On app, it doesn''t work yet, maybe after the update :)

 Chapter 893: Skit: "Playing It Up"! (End)

    <h4>Chapter 893: Skit: "ying It Up"! (End) </h4>


    Chapter 893: Skit: "ying It Up"! (End)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Online, amotion was brewing!


    The fans,izens, and troll army were thundering!


    "Who else is there?"


    "I wanted to say that too! Who else is there?"


    "How freakishly amazing!"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye is ridiculously amazing!"


    "Who was saying that they don''t know how to act in a skit? Is this what you call not knowing how to act? Are you kidding me?"


    "These three amateurs really managed to act out the skit!"


    "Yao Jiancai has always been typecast as the father-inw, so this is the first time I''m seeing him act like this. Although his aura as a boss is really strong, he still manages to keep it humorous! And Dong Shanshan is also a surprise. I''ve seen her on Do You Remember where it''s like she just guest stars as a host. Although she has plenty of airtime on that show, she didn''t seem to me like she had any ability. She has a good figure, good looks, and is pleasing to the eye. I always felt that she was just eye candy. I never expected that she would open my eyes today! So Dong Shanshan can let herself go to that extent! Her acting is great! She manages to deliver her lines really well too! That expression, the details in her movements, she''s fantastic! As for Zhang Ye, I guess I don''t have to say anything about him. Everyone should know this guy''s abilities already. Even if he ims that he can fly, I''ll still fucking believe him!"


    "Well said!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    ...


    Liaoning Television.


    The staff were mustering for the final stretch, preparing to wage a bloody battle at the end. All the provincial station''s Spring Festival Gs were scheduled simrly and were all at their finale or penultimate acts. This was where thepetition got the most intense and the difference between sess and failurey!


    "Quick, adjust the lights into position!"


    "We''re down to thest few minutes!"


    "Now that Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G has been affected by their incident, we have the best hopes ofing first in this year''s Spring Festival G viewership ratings!"


    "Everyone, focus! Don''t make any mistakes!"


    "Everyone is looking at us now!"


    Several of the directors of the production team busied themselves, personally takingmand of the jobs!


    Suddenly, one of the staff ran up to them in a fluster. "Directors! Directors!"


    One of the assistant directors looked at him. "What''s the matter?"


    The staff member said while panting, "The poprity of our Spring Festival G has suddenly dropped by a lot!"


    Everyone in the production team was stunned. "What?"


    "Why did it drop again?"


    "Didn''t it rise to quite a good level just now?"


    The staff member said bitterly, "All the viewers are tuning into Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G!"


    "Impossible!"


    "What about that incident that took ce at their station!"


    "Qu Haiying has been hospitalized, so what skit are they using for their finale act?"


    "Zhang Ye''s performance is also over, so why is their Spring Festival G still getting so much attention?"


    "With Zhang Ye''s performance already over, what can they still use to fight with? Just what is going on right now?"


    They did not want to believe it!


    That staff said with a bitter smile, "Because Zhang Ye��has fucking reappeared! Zhang Ye is the recement for the finale skit!"


    Everyone fainted!


    What?


    Zhang Ye has reappeared onstage for another performance?!


    ...


    Onstage.


    The skit continued.


    Director Yao, who was yed by Yao Jiancai, waved his hand and changed the subject. He said, "Alright, we''ve gone off on a tangent. Eh, Manager Ma, didn''t you tell me earlier on the phone that you had good news waiting for me? What''s the good news (h��o xi��ox��)?"


    Dong Shanshan was surprised for a moment but immediately smiled and said, "Ah, ha, yes, about that, that��" She clutched the armrest of the sofa, unable to sit still. All at once, she turned to Zhang Ye, clenched her teeth, and said, "The director''s asking you. What''s the good news?"


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded. "Ah? He''s asking me?"


    The audienceughed!


    Zhang Ye looked at Director Yao, his lips moving as he stalled for time. After holding it in for a long while, he finally said, "My surname is H��o, my name is H��o Xi��ox�� (news)."


    The audience was delighted. "Hahahahaha!"


    Yao Jiancai alsoughed and shook his head. "You''re H��o Xi��ox��?"


    "His mother gave him that name," Dong Shanshan said as she forced a hollowugh. "Haha, isn''t it a terrible name?"


    The audienceughed again!


    Yao Jiancai looked at him and said, "Then H��o Xi��ox�� was waiting for me. So why are you looking for me?"


    Zhang Ye was stupefied. "Ah."


    Yao Jiancai nodded and asked him, "So why are you looking for me?"


    "Ah?" said Zhang Ye, wooden.


    Dong Shanshan hissed, "The director is asking you! Answer! Him!"


    Zhang Ye equivocated, "Yes, wh-why am I looking for you? Oh, that''s right��." He pointed outside the room and stammered, "During work hours, yes, those people were always ying table tennis."


    Dong Shanshan who was in the role of Ma Jingjing breathed a sigh of relief and walked back to the sofa with a smile.


    Zhang Ye continued, "They''re constantly pinging and ponging when ying. The noise disturbs Manager Ma''s sleep."


    Crash! Dong Shanshan was just about to sit down on the sofa but was so shocked she fell to the floor on her butt!


    Zhang Ye hurriedly corrected himself. "��Writing of reports!"


    The audienceughed, "Pfft, hahahaha!"


    Dong Shanshanughed dryly as she got back up, "Ha, hur hur."


    Yao Jiancai grinned and tapped the sofa''s armrest, saying, "Oh, so you''re lodging aint with me? This youngrade has responded to the problem in a very timely manner, right after I''ve fully understood the entire situation."


    Dong Shanshan nced at Zhang Ye. "Wasn''t it unnecessary?"


    The audience reacted, "Pfft!"


    Yao Jiancai suddenly put his hand out and asked, "By the way, Manager Ma, I heard that there''s someone called Hao Jian in your department?"


    "Ah? Ah?" stuttered Dong Shanshan as she looked over to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye slowly raised his hand to cover half his face, taking a few steps backwards.


    Yao Jiancai said, "As far as I know, that young man is very capable at his job and is a good candidate for promotion. The organization has decided to push him into management!"


    Hearing that, Zhang Ye cried out in excitement, "Dah!"


    Dong Shanshan jumped from the sound.


    Yao Jiancai gave a strange look to Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye hastily exined, "Oh, I was just really happy for him!"


    The audience stifled theirughter.


    Yao Jiancai gave a slight smile and used the sofa as support to stand. Then he slowly strolled over to Zhang Ye, stating as he walked, "H��o Xi��ox��, you should really learn from Comrade Hao Jian." After he finished speaking, he was standing in front of Zhang Ye. He helped Zhang Ye remove the "scarf" from his neck as he said, "If you want to aplish something at work, you can''t take any shortcuts. All you can do is work hard and be down to earth."


    Zhang Ye was stunned.


    Dong Shanshan was sweating profusely.


    Yao Jiancai turned and walked to the table tennis table, cing one end of the "scarf" into the table. "Also, when you have nothing better to do, don''t go giving yourself a stage name." Then he walked to the other side of the table and slotted in the other end as well. After that, he pointed at Zhang Ye and said, "Otherwise, when the actual good news (h��o xi��ox��) arrives, you can''t even ept it. Wouldn''t that be sad."


    A round of apuse echoed!


    Zhang Ye lowered his head and finally spoke with honesty, "Director, my name is Hao Jian. I''m sorry, I was wrong!"


    "Enough!" Dong Shanshan stood up, walked over, and pulled him behind her. "Is this your fault? Director Yao, it''s my fault. If you have to me anyone, me me! It was through myx management that I slipped up and let him to take on a stage name!" She then looked at the table tennis table with an expression of shock. She bent down to touch it and said with a jolt, "Aiyo, oh my god! Is this a table tennis table? What''s it doing in my office? Why didn''t I know about it!"


    The audience went crazy!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "She''s really too good at ying dumb!"


    "Pfft, hahahahaha!"


    Director Yao''s expression suddenly changed as he raised his voice and said, "Enough! M�� J��ngj��ng! M�� p�� j��ng (bootlicker)! You ck sheep! The relevant departments already know of you and your behavior. I came here today to find out for myself just how bad it has gotten." Heughed coldly. "You have really widened my horizon! Getting paid by the country without working, taking shortcuts by pandering to your superiors! Await your just desserts!"


    He turned around and left!


    Dong Shanshan was panicking. She hurriedly chased after him and shouted, "Director Yao! Director Yao, I was wrong! Director Yao, please give me another chance!" She left the office as well.


    Only Zhang Ye was left onstage.


    Some of the audience members were nodding and wagging their fingers at the act.


    "This change was unexpected, but good!"


    "Yeah, the entire act wasplete with that part!"


    "Satirizing bootlicking was a very good concept! This is the subject matter of the moment!"


    "How exciting to watch!"


    "How''ll they conclude it?"


    "I don''t know!"


    "It''s ending soon. Let''s see Zhang Ye perform the final part!"


    "Yeah, the key lies in the conclusion!''


    The audience all sat up in focus.


    The home audience watching on their televisions were also waiting to see how Zhang Ye would end it!


    On the stage.


    Zhang Ye turned back to face the audience and soliloquized, "Something big has happened. Our Manager Ma has also been swatted down." He sighed, then condemned, "It''s not right to bootlick. Don''t always think of what the leaders want to hear, but of what the citizens need!"


    "Yeah!"


    "Right!"


    "Well said!"


    A wave of enthusiastic apuse sounded from the audience!


    When the live audience thought that that was it, Zhang Ye unexpectedly stayed onstage with something more to say!


    Everyone was also stunned by this. It wasn''t over yet? Wasn''t that the concluding statement the end?


    Zhang Ye looked at the live audience and suddenly said with eloquence, "I understand atst. I need to take this as a lesson. If I want to be apetent employee, I must��" His voice rose as he said loudly, "Reject prostitution! Gambling! And table tennis!"


    After he said that, Zhang Ye turned around and walked off stage!


    Not far from the stage, Hou Ge was just drinking a sip of water but had to spit it back out. "Pfft!"


    No one had expected Zhang Ye to end it like that!


    No one could have thought that Zhang Ye would still remember to insult others at the very end of the skit!


    Chang Xiaoliang: "��"


    Hu Fei: "��"


    Beijing Television''s deputy station head: "��"


    The entire audience burst out intoughter. Theirughter was like an explosion, reverberating throughout the entire venue along with their apuse!


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "How sarcastic!"


    "That was such a low blow!"


    "Aiyo, what the heck!"


    "This is the result of offending this guy!"


    "Aiyo, I''m dying ofughter!"


    "Zhang Ye is so damn funny!"


    "That hot temper is what I like about him, hahaha!"


    "I suspect that he did this entire skit just to deliver thatst line!"


    "Awesome! How awesome!"


    This was the true nature of Face-smacking Zhang! This skit todaypletely adhered to Zhang Ye''s proud heritage��using his works to deliver a message, using his life to scold people! And he even scolded them frankly and openly, in a fresh and refined manner! In the entire country, in the whole world, there wasn''t another person like him!


    He was very bold!


    He was too much of a hooligan!


    He was indeed worthy of being known as the most notorious fucking hooligan in the entertainment industry!


    ...


    Overseas.


    In the hotel where the national table tennis team was lodged.


    Han Li bellowed, "Zhaaaaaaang!"


    His teammate, Li Qi, smashed a cup onto the floor. "I''ll be at odds with him forever!"


    "At odds with him forever!"


    "Zhang Ye! Your grandma!"


    "You''re too goddamn wicked!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "You don''t have to go so far!"


    The team members were all banging on the tables!


    The head coach, Liu Yifeng, and those from the coaching staff were trembling in anger. They gnashed their teeth and shouted, "Zhang! Starting today! The sporting world will fight to the bitter end against you!"

 Chapter 894: The gratitude of Beijing Television’s Spring Festival Gala!

    <h4>Chapter 894: The gratitude of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G! </h4>


    Chapter 894: The gratitude of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At 10 o''clock in the evening.


    Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G sessfully came to an end!


    Backstage, Zhang Ye, who had just left the stage, joined up with Yao Jiancai and Dong Shanshan. The two of them were the first to finish the performance, but Zhang Ye followed closely behind them.


    "Little Zhang!" Yao Jiancai was very excited as he waved to him from afar and said, "Over here!"


    Zhang Ye was fiddling with his clothes as he gave a wry smile and said, "That really made me break out into a cold sweat!"


    Yao Jiancaiughed heartily, "Yeah, who would have thought that we could actually make it through our performance!"


    "And it was done perfectly too!" Dong Shanshan smiled and added, "I had such a kick acting in this skit today. I''ve only just realized that acting in a skit can be that interesting!"


    Zhang Ye said with bewilderment, "You''re addicted to acting now?"


    Yao Jiancai immediately said, "We can''t do it like this anymore in the future! I was so worried!"


    Zhang Ye replied, "In the future? If anyone asks me to do something like this again in the future, I definitely won''t agree to it!"


    Having consumed so much of their brainpower and been so nervous, when the three of them left the stage, they felt rather drained and tired! Zhang Ye was badly hoping that he could just find a corner and sit there to rest!


    As the three of them were talking, some figures appeared all of a sudden and walked toward them.


    10 people.


    20 people.


    30 people.


    50 people.


    Among the crowd were Hu Fei, Hou Ge, Hou Di, Xiao Lu, Dafei, some old colleagues, and leaders who had worked with him in the past. The executive director of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G, Chang Xiaoliang, a deputy station head, and four of the assistant directors of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G were also here. As for the other people, they were all from Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G program team, some of them from the makeup team, some from the logistics team, and some from the props team.


    Zhang Ye, Yao Jiancai, and Dong Shanshan were stunned.


    When the group of people walked up to them, no one said a word.


    Suddenly, one of them started to raise their hands, then two people raised their hands and apuse broke out without any warning!


    Chang Xiaoliang was pping!


    The station head was pping!


    Hu Fei was pping!


    Everyone gave their most enthusiastic apuse to the three of them with all their strength!


    Xiao Lu was so excited that she shed a tear. "Teacher Zhang! Teacher Yao! Teacher Shanshan! The three of you are really awesome!"


    "The skit was really wonderful!"


    "Thank you!"


    "Teacher Zhang, thank you!"


    "Teacher Shanshan, your acting was really good!"


    "You guys are fantastic!"


    Apuse!


    There was a continuous wave of apuse!


    The eyes of the staff of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G were filled with expressions of gratitude!


    The trio looked at each other before Zhang Ye said, "You are too polite, too polite. It wasn''t just because of the three of us that we could make it in time this time, but because of the collective efforts of everyone!"


    A female assistant director pped as she smiled and said, "If you were not here, no matter how much effort we put in, it would still be useless! This is not a matter of having more people!"


    Chang Xiaoliang went forward and grabbed Zhang Ye''s hands. "Teacher Zhang, you did great!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m just doing my part."


    Hu Fei found Dong Shanshan and told her, "Shanshan, well done!"


    Dong Shanshan smirked and said, "Brother Hu, I didn''t disgrace Do You Remember''s program team, right?"


    Hou Ge immediately said, "You''ve done us proud instead!"


    "You were amazing!" Dafei gave her a thumbs up!


    That deputy station head went forward to grab Yao Jiancai''s hands. "Teacher Yao, thank you!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "There''s no need to be so polite."


    But no matter what Zhang Ye andpany said, everyone still did not intend to stop and continued to express their gratitude. Almost the entire program team staff had gathered here to wait and thank them after the g was over, because this favor was huge!


    Thanking them?


    This was no longer just a matter of simply saying thank you!


    For Dong Shanshan''s case, it was easier to justify as she was a host of Beijing Television after all and was also a member of the Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G program team. When such a serious and unexpected situation happened to the Spring Festival G, it would be considered her duty to help turn things around. However, it was not the case for Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai. They had finished their performance earlier to great reception. During the time of their performance, they had swept away all thepetition from the other Spring Festival Gs and given a great boost to Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G. But after the incident happened, Chang Xiaoliang and the others came begging to them for help. Yet they promptly bit the bullet and promised to stand in for the skit. With just an hour, they had written the script for the skit, rehearsed and memorized the lines of the script, and gave instructions for the preparations of the props at thest minute. For all of that, how could a simple word of thanks be enough to express their gratitude for them? This was basically a favor that could never be returned!


    Suddenly, Chang Xiaoliang received a call. "Hello? Teacher Qu? Yes��yes��Little Zhang? He''s right beside me��.OK��.I will hand the phone to him."


    Zhang Ye looked over to him.


    Chang Xiaoliang handed him the cell phone and said, "It''s Teacher Qu."


    Zhang Ye quickly answered: "Teacher Qu."


    On the other end, Qu Haiying''s voice sounded noticeably better as he said: "I watched the skit just now. Teacher Zhang, thank you so much. Please give my thanks to Teacher Yao and Dong Shanshan as well."


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "I didn''t disgrace you, did I?"


    Qu Haiying alsoughed. "Your skit was better than mine! Actually, my worries were relieved just three minutes into your skit. I can now get surgery feeling at ease."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Surgery? Is it serious?"


    "It''s a small interventional surgery called a heart stent procedure. It''s nothing much," Qu Haiying said cheerfully.


    Zhang Ye immediately said: "Then I wish you a speedy recovery. I''ll go to the hospital and visit you some other day."


    Qu Haiying said, "Alright, let''s work together on a skit if there''s an opportunity in the future!"


    Zhang Ye agreed: "Sure, that would be my honor!"


    This was the first time that Zhang Ye went onstage for a skit. He wouldn''t know if he didn''t act in one, but the moment he acted in one, he found it truly frightening! It really wasn''t easy to act in a skit, so he had even more respect these senior skit actors now.


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye smiled and conveyed the message. "Old Yao, Shanshan. Teacher Qu wanted me to thank you on his behalf."


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "It''s enough to just thank you alone."


    Yao Jiancai added, "Everything in the skit was nned by you alone. The two of us did not actually help much at all."


    Today''s skit was taken from one of Central TV''s past Spring Festival Gs in Zhang Ye''s previous world where the Mahua FunAge Production performed the skit. It was titled "ying It Up" and starred Shen Teng and Ma Li as the main actors of the skit. Actually, this was not considered the best work of the Mahua FunAge Production and also not one of the best skits on Central TV''s Spring Festival G. It was definitely rather enjoyable to watch yet couldn''t really be considered a ssic. However, the reason that Zhang Ye chose this performance was purely because of its suitability. "ying It Up" might not be the most ssic skit but it was definitely the most suitable for today''s stage, more so than any of the other ssic skits from his previous world! So when he thought of this performance, he did not hesitate and instantly used it![1.]


    It was obvious it was very good just based on the reactions from the audience!


    It had done than better than expected!


    This event also made Zhang Ye understand a principle that many lesser works from his previous world might not end up bing lesser works in this world. Under the appropriate circumstances, they could be this world''s ssics! Just like today''s skit, "ying It Up"! This skit that wasn''t very popr in his previous world had actually been acted to an incredible level by the trio of Zhang Ye, Yao Jiancai, and Dong Shanshan! Even Zhang Ye could see while he was on the stage that many of the audience members wereughing so hard that they might''ve fainted at any moment!


    Of course, if there were some who nearly fainted fromughing, then there would also be others who nearly fainted with anger.


    For example��the national table tennis team!

 Chapter 895: The sporting world declares war on Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 895: The sporting world deres war on Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 895: The sporting world deres war on Zhang Ye!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the way home.


    Zhang Ye took some time to browse through Weibo. All he could see were rave reviews!


    "It''s a sure victory for Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G!"


    "Yeah, there''s no suspense to this at all!"


    "The other provincial stations'' Spring Festival Gs this year did quite well too, butpared to Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G, they''re still not good enough. Watching Teacher Zhang Ye singlehandedly turn things around, I really find him to be so fucking dauntless!"


    "Today''s Zhang Ye has blinded everyone!"


    "Be it the skit or the crosstalk routine, they were both extremely good!"


    "Zhang Ye''s status has risen again for me!"


    "This guy is so amazing that only he is worthy of the being called an ''idol''!"


    "Old Yao''s acting was very good too!"


    "I''ve be a braindead fan of Dong Shanshan!"


    "Tonight belongs to the trio of Zhang Ye, Yao Jiancai, and Dong Shanshan!"


    "''Everything is Great'' and ''ying It Up'' have made me remember this person named Zhang Ye. This passerby is now a fan!"


    Theizens were even more excited than Zhang Ye!


    At this moment, a call came in from a friend.


    It was the skit actress Ci Xiufang. "Little Zhang, what are you doing now?"


    Zhang Ye cradled the phone between his shoulder and ear and said: "I''m driving home at the moment. Teacher Ci, what instruction or advice do you have for me?"


    "Hur hur, how could I still advise you?" Ci Xiufangughed and said, "Previously, I only knew you were an outstanding crosstalkedian. But today, I realized that even if Ipare you to a skit actor based on the standards of a skit, you would still be one of the best skit actors around. Your acting was great and your skit was even better!"


    Zhang Yeughed heartily. "Thank you for your encouragement, Teacher Ci."


    Ci Xiufang suddenly said: "When will you write a skit for me?"


    "Ha, there will definitely be an opportunity for that," Zhang Ye said.


    Ci Xiufang said: "Then I''ll remember that you said so."


    Zhang Ye replied: "Sure, we''ll work together if there''s a chance."


    Regarding qualifications and poprity, Ci Xiufang was at least several levels higher than Qu Haiying. She was one of the several most popr skit actors in the country. Of course, it would be good if he could work with them, but Zhang Ye had no intentions of acting in a skit anymore in the near future. Today''s incident had already left him too frightened, too scared, and not knowing what to expect!


    ...


    Caishikou.


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    Zhang Ye had not even knocked on the door yet before the door was already being opened.


    "Brother! Our brother is back!" The door was opened by his second sister who probably had been waiting for him for a while now. When she saw Zhang Ye, she screamed excitedly.


    Zhang Ye entered the house and patted his second sister''s head. "Your loud voice scared me."


    The second sister shouted, "That''s because I''m excited!"


    However, at the next moment, he was weed by several even louder voices!


    "Brother!"


    "Little Ye is back!"


    "Aiyo! Little Ye!"


    His grandma, first uncle, and everyone else had not left yet, and were still around at home.


    His father said, "Everyone was waiting for you to get back."


    Zhang Ye was delighted by this. "Whoa, is this your way of weing a hero home?"


    Hearing that, his mother rolled her eyes at him. "You? Hero? Get changed into your slippers!"


    "Mom." Zhang Ye asked smugly as he changed into his slippers, "How was my singing for ''A Letter to Home''?"


    His mother grunted, "Not too bad."


    His second aunt covered her mouth andughed. "What do you mean not too bad? Your mother cried after listening to it."


    His mother red at her. "Hey, who cried?"


    His second aunt said, "Why don''t you just admit it?"


    Everyoneughed.


    His second uncle sighed. "Our Little Ye is so thoughtful. Just look at how well-written that song was! It was really good!"


    Suddenly, a tiny head squeezed out from the crowd. Chenchen walked up nonchntly and tugged at Zhang Ye''s arm while saying bluntly, "Zhang Ye, write a song for me as well."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "What are you joining in the fun for?"


    At this time, his grandma looked at him and said, "Little Ye, you''ve already written a song for your parents. Why aren''t you thinking of Grandma as well?"


    "I''m always thinking of you," Zhang Ye quickly said.


    His grandma said in all seriousness, "Do you have a song for your grandma?"


    Zhang Ye mumbled, "There should be one. I''ll have to think a little."


    "And me, me!" When his third sister heard that, she suddenly got excited as well and raised her hand, saying, "I want one too. Write a song for me as well, a song for your sister!"


    His second sister quickly agreed, "Yes, yes!"


    The eldest sister also concurred, "I agree!"


    Write a song for your grandma?


    Write a song for your sister?


    Why did that sound like cursing at someone?


    Zhang Ye said perfunctorily, "Alright, alright, everyone will get a song each in the future!"


    Upon hearing that, his third aunt suddenly blinked several times with an anticipating expression. "Little Ye, are there any songs to pay tribute to your aunt? Write one for your aunt too!"


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted!


    Pay tribute to your aunt?


    Why the fuck would there be any song to pay tribute to anyone''s aunt?!


    Why don''t I pay tribute to Third Aunt''s husband instead?!


    His rtives'' noisy chattering left Zhang Ye at a loss.


    Finally, his grandpa spoke up, "Enough with the talking already. After such a busy day performing his crosstalk and skit, the child hasn''t even had the time to eat yet. Let''s go home already and let Little Ye eat in peace before getting a good rest."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Grandpa is still the one who dotes on me the most."


    "Alright then, we''ll be going now."


    "We''lle over again another day."


    "Little Ye, quickly go and rest."


    "Bro, I''lle find you to y on the weekend!"


    Zhang Ye walked them out as he said, "Sure."


    His rtives gradually left and went back home.


    Zhang Ye was getting hungry, so he quickly got his mother to cook a bowl of noodles for him. He poured the leftover zhajiang sauce from yesterday into the bowl and gobbled down everything. After he finished eating, he expelled a breath in satisfaction, "Hu, that was good!"


    His mother grumbled, "Why didn''t you eat when you were hungry?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "Where could I find the time to eat? I intended toe home directly after the crosstalk routine, but who could''ve guessed that something woulde up again. I immediately got pulled in to help them out. When I realized that they really did not have any other way out and that there were no recements they could find, I could only bite the bullet and stand in for the performance!"


    His mother grunted, "You''re always showing off!"


    His father asked, "Is it alright to say those things you said in the finale skit?"


    "You''re referring to the things I said about table tennis? Zhang Yeughed and said, "It''s OK. If they can scold me, then why can''t I scold them back?"


    His father could only say helplessly, "Can''t you just stop offending even more people?"


    His mother did not like hearing that. "What do you mean by stop offending even more people? They were the ones who started the scolding first! I still think that my son has let them off too lightly!"


    His father said in a speechless manner, "This temper of Little Ye''s was all influenced by you!"


    "He''s my son, of course he''d take after me!" justified his mother.


    ...


    At the same time.


    Just as Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G was heatedly being discussed, the Beijing Television Spring Festival G production team received a call from a leader of the sporting world. He requested that they take down the video of the Spring Festival G on Beijing Television''s official website, delete all content rted to "ying It Up" and get the person involved to issue a public apology!


    Of course, the person involved was referring to Zhang Ye.


    Beijing Television had already expected that Zhang Ye would get into trouble, but no one expected it to be so soon!


    A brief meeting was held at the station.


    Afterwards, Chang Xiaoliang went to look for Hu Fei.


    Hu Fei then called Zhang Ye at once.


    ...


    At home.


    Zhang Ye was holding his cell phone and saying: "Which leader of the sporting world?"


    Hu Fei said: "The Sports Administration branch that''s in charge of table tennis."


    Zhang Ye asked: "Will the station be taking down the video?"


    "That''s not going to happen." Hu Fei informed Zhang Ye about the station''s stand. "We won''t delete it since there''s no reason, and we can''t delete it anyway. That''s why the station won''t be pulled into this matter. Since the Sports Administration is not our overseeing agency and we have no direct rtions to them, it doesn''t make a difference to us, but as for you��"


    Zhang Ye answered in amusement: "Then all the more it doesn''t make any difference to me."


    Hu Fei said helplessly: "You''ve really gotten used to all of this, huh? Anyway, just be careful. I think the sporting world definitely won''t let this matter rest easy!"


    Hu Fei was right.


    After the call, the sporting world immediately came attacking!


    First, it was a 1,500-word open letter from the national table tennis team denouncing him!


    "��Table tennis is a national sport, a healthy sport, a cultural heritage, and the pride of the nation��.The vulgar actions of some people greatly defaming the sport of table tennis in a public setting of a sordid performance is something that the national table tennis team will not ept, that the sports associations and the tens of thousands of table tennis lovers will not ept��.Such actions are an insult to table tennis and also to the art of skitedy��.We are now requesting that Zhang Ye apologize immediately and promise not to defame the sport of table tennis with furtherments and statements in the future!"


    Over a thousand words were used to denounce him, with each of those words sounding very harsh!


    This denouncement letter was posted right onto the national table tennis team''s official Weibo. Using an official Weibo ount to target a person for denouncement was something that was rarely seen!


    When a lot of people from the industry saw this, they were all taken aback!


    "They issued a response so quickly?"


    "The national team''s reaction is very strong!"


    "This is going to be a big problem!"


    "Yeah, with the way things are going, this matter might turn out not to be that simple! At least, it''s definitely not a small matter!"


    "The sporting world has really gotten serious!"


    "They really aren''t going to let the matter rest!"


    "I thought it would take at least a few days, but they''ve issued this ''letter of challenge'' just like that?"


    Theizens rushed to spread the news!


    "Quick,e and see!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "The national team has just updated their Weibo!"


    "Teacher Zhang is in trouble!"


    "Fuck, why are there so many things happening today? They''re alling wave after wave!"


    "I''m numb. They even want Zhang Ye to apologize?"


    "Can you guys be any more shameless!"


    "I have to fucking take my hat off to you all. It was obvious that your teammates were the ones who bombarded Zhang Ye during the live interview on television first. And that was still not the end of it. When your head coach, Liu Yifeng, was interviewed, all of you were still insinuating and suggesting on the side that it was Zhang Ye who lost you guys the match! When Zhang Ye decided that he was not going to have any of that and retaliated, you all actually got offended by it? You couldn''t ept what he said? Go fuck yourselves! Why should he apologize to you guys? You''re the ones who should apologize instead!"


    "That''s right. After you lost the match, instead of self-reflecting, you pushed the me onto a celebrity who had absolutely nothing to do with it? Do you think you can push Zhang Ye around like that just because he has bad social rtionships?"


    In an instant, everyone found out about the sporting world''s deration of war against Zhang Ye!


    In an instant, all of Zhang Ye''s fans appeared and stood forward. Some of the neutralizens who were observing themotion could not stand watching this any further and came forward to support Zhang Ye as well!


    "I''ve always criticized Zhang Ye in the past, but I will support him this time!"


    "Fuck! Bring it on!"


    "Who''s afraid of who! Come on!"


    "You want to dere a war? It should be us dering the war instead!"


    "Are we going up against the sporting world this time? Come at us then! We might not be good at many things, but we are definitely good at fighting! In the literary world, education world, Redology field, mathematics field, and hosting world, which have we not fought against before? Which have we not battled before? Bring it on! Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!" Big Saber Bro also appeared!


    Meanwhile.


    Zhang Ye, who was at home, chuckled.


    They''re here already?


    Great!


    This bro will face off against you all today!

 Chapter 896: Stop vilifying the national table tennis team, OK?

    <h4>Chapter 896: Stop vilifying the national table tennis team, OK? </h4>


    Chapter 896: Stop vilifying the national table tennis team, OK?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The open letter''s effect was huge!


    It got the people''s attention and everyone now wanted to know what was going on. A lot of those who were not involved also came to watch themotion. After disturbing the music industry several hours ago, Zhang Ye had now offended the sporting world as well! A lot of people found it both annoying and funny and felt that this fellow was too much of a warrior who could not rest on hisurels!


    How would this conflict turn out?


    Would Zhang Ye apologize?


    Who would the public side with?


    Everyone''s curiosity was piqued as the people observed the situation unblinkingly!


    When the open letter was published, it was followed by the appearance of countless athletes from the sporting world who also voiced their stand on the situation!


    Liu Yifeng''s Weibo: "I am seriously unable to take this lying down. Today, the national table tennis team must surely make its stand known! Otherwise, if we continue staying silent, we might get mistaken as easily pushed around! A vulgar and wicked artist like Zhang Ye should be severely boycotted! @ZhangYe! Apologize immediately!"


    "Ptui!"


    "Howughable! You guys were silent?"


    "Didn''t you guys already start scolding ''A Letter to Home'' during the live interview? After Han Li had his turn scolding it, his teammate took over the scolding, and after the teammate finished scolding, you took over the scolding. Every word that was uttered from your mouths were ndering Zhang Ye by pinning the me for the loss to the Korean team onto Zhang Ye. You guys were really ''silent,'' huh! If you call this staying silent, then what would it be like when you guys are not?! I suppose that would mean that you guys would be bombing Tiananmen then?"


    "Hahahaha! That''s a ssic reply, previous poster!"


    "This idiot!"


    "@LiuYifeng! If you don''t know how to make a statement properly, please get lost! Stop embarrassing yourself!"


    "Head Coach Liu, your actions are too disappointing today!"


    "You guys seem to be taking it for granted that you can criticize others, but when others do it to you, you won''t ept the criticism? I speak as a neutral party regarding this matter. Although I can find some fault with Zhang Ye''s skit''s lines, at the very least, Zhang Ye is much more gracious than you all. He did notin like a pussy after being criticized by others, or denounce others and insist that they issue an apology, nor did he appeal for his fans to resist the criticism. All he did was criticize back by himself! Unlike you all! Comparing you people and Zhang Ye, whether it is conducting yourself or handling affairs, he is far better than you people!"


    "Apologize, your sister!"


    Liu Yifeng had only just sent out this Weibo post, but thements below had already filled up with over 200 replies, scaring Liu Yifeng. After reading thements, he got so angry that his face turned green. Out of all thements below, none of them supported him and were criticizing him instead!


    It was cut and thrust!


    The war gong had sounded!


    National table tennis team member Li Qi posted: "Boycott Zhang Ye! Calling out to my fans to boycott all of Zhang Ye''s future shows from now on!"


    Very quickly, Zhang Ye''s fans arrived at his Weibo!


    "Hey, friend, where are your fans at?"


    "Are you on single-yer mode? Where are your forces that you called upon?"


    "We even purposely waited a minute but didn''t see anyone reply to your post, so we thought you might be lonely and decided to help you out instead. We reject zero replies. Don''t thank us, just call us the red scarves!"


    "ssmate Li Qi, would you like me to pretend to be your fan for a while? At least you won''t look bad this way. Otherwise, by appealing to your fans and having no response from anyone, wouldn''t that be really embarrassing?"


    How face smacking!


    When Li Qi saw this, he nearly vomited blood!


    At the same time, the national ser team''s current captain, Han Zhaoguang, appeared. He stood in firm solidarity with the national table tennis team. "Supporting Coach Liu Yifeng, supporting the table tennis team. Such matters really should not be tolerated and we should get angry if there is a need to get angry. Otherwise, no one would know where our bottom line is. That skit of Zhang Ye''s was really over the line! Even if Han Li criticized you a little during his interview, you shouldn''t be scolding table tennis this way!"


    Yet another ser yer posted on Weibo: "Giving my support to our brothers from the table tennis team! I''ve never liked that Zhang Ye, so we should just ignore him!"


    "Yo, who did I just see?"


    "Han Zhaoguang? You have the cheek to appear here?"


    "''Useless Feet'' has appeared!"


    "Hurry up and go back into hiding, stop disgracing yourself here. This fight here is between Teacher Zhang and the table tennis team, what has it got to do with you? Since when has the sporting world been so united?"


    "Come on, we''ll fight whoeveres!"


    "Yeah, we''ll fight whoeveres!"


    Second ce finisher of the previous Badminton World Championships: "@ZhangYe, please apologize to the table tennis team!"


    A little-known female tennis yer: "Sports are sacred. They''re glorious, they''re healthy, and they should not be vilified by others! I won''t be watching Zhang Ye''s shows from now on!"


    "Sports are sacred? Should not be vilified?"


    "Does that mean that Teacher Zhang Ye was born unconsecrated and can be vilified at any time?"


    "If the table tennis team vilifies Zhang Ye first, with the head coach and the team members ndering Zhang Ye, can you call that sacred behavior? Is that what you call being sacred? Bull fucking shit!"


    "You athletes are really united, eh,ing together to pester Teacher Zhang Ye? Alrighty then! Let''s see which side has more people!"


    "Zhang Ye doesn''t need someone like you watching his shows! In any case, I won''t be watching any of your matches from now on!"


    "Ditto!"


    "Ditto!"


    "You''ve been cklisted!"


    "Ditto!"


    When the number ofments with "ditto" ended, there were already over a thousand replies. A lot of those replies were also from genuine tennis fans too and they were serious about not watching this person''s matches anymore in the future!


    When that female tennis yer saw this, she was dumbfounded!


    People from the basketball team.


    People from the swim team.


    People from the track and field team.


    A lot of the athletes and coaches from the sporting world came out to show their support!


    But without an exception, when their Weibo posts were made, they were immediately met with endless scolding, condemnation, and ridicule from theizens! If they said a word, the troll army replied with a hundred words! If they scolded with a sentence, the troll army scolded back at them with a thousand sentences! It wasn''t like these sports stars did not have their own fans, but theirs only numbered a limited quantity. After all, a sports star''s poprity would definitely not beparable to that of an entertainment industry''s celebrity. The main issue here was that Zhang Ye''s "Everything is Great" and "A Letter to Home" touched a lot of people and converted many of them from neutrals to fans or haters to fans. Zhang Ye''s poprity at the moment was unbeatable and even many of the fans of those sports stars were unconditionally supporting Zhang Ye on this matter!


    A sports star who had been overly harsh with his post even saw his followers drop from 50,000 to 41,000! He had lost 9,000 fans in total!


    "Bunch of troublemaking clowns!"


    "Idiot!"


    "You wanna fight with numbers? Come at us!"


    "Did you guys think that you could shape public opinion just because a bunch of you came out to post on Weibo? Bullshit! Have a look at yourselves! Aren''t you disgusting?"


    "I like table tennis too, but the table tennis team is not right this time, so I will scold whoeveres!"


    "I won''t let you people have any peace today!"


    "Anyone who criticizes Zhang Ye today will get a piece of me!"


    "Denouncement? Alright then! Let''s see who''s going to denounce who!"


    "Idiot!"


    Countlessizens had rushed up in support of Zhang Ye!


    There were too many people! So much so that it was uncountable! It was as though there were a sea of people!


    The athletes who hade forward in support of the table tennis team did not expect this situation whatsoever and were dumbfounded. Looking at all those waves of scolding they were getting and their follower count on Weibo dropping, they finally managed to grasp the difference in quantity between their fans and Zhang Ye''s fans! It was in apletely different league! Even if all of their followers were added together, they might not exceed half of what Zhang Ye had!


    How could this be?


    Their hearts turned cold!


    The situation was too lopsided!


    At this moment, Han Li posted again on Weibo: "I started ying table tennis at 8 and got onto the team at 11. At 18, I officially debuted with the national team in my first match. The injuries I''ve had, the difficulties I''ve encountered, who among you could understand? Practicing in the winter cold with temperatures below freezing, practicing in summer heat with temperatures over 30��C. If I''m injured, I have to practice. Even if I''m sick, I still have to practice. What table tennis is to me is just like what my parents are to me. It has be my guiding belief in life and I will not allow anyone to insult it!"


    A few people from the sporting world stood forward.


    A coach from the field ser: "It''s very difficult for an athlete!"


    A coach of the table tennis team: "I watched Little Han grow up and have seen all the effort that he has put in all these years. This kid is really hardworking, just like all the other members of the national table tennis team. You all only see the glory they experience when they are ying their matches, not the hard work they put in behind the scenes. But now, it seems like there is someone who wants to vilify table tennis! I really do not know what such people are thinking!"


    Some of theizens startedughing in ridicule.


    "Stop talking! The more I read the grosser it sounds!"


    "I should be asking what you all are thinking instead!"


    "Are you the only ones who have given your lives to something? Are you the only ones who have worked hard? Does that mean Teacher Zhang has not worked hard? Does it mean that he has not given his life to something? Then what makes you all think that you have the right to criticize him!? Fuck!"


    "''A Letter to Home'' sung by Zhang Ye is the most touching song I''ve heard in recent years, yet you guys used it as an excuse and reason for losing the match? And even vilifying the song? Based on what! Why is it justified for you guys to vilify others but others cannot criticize you?"


    "You still lost the match after putting in so much effort? Then how shitty does that make you! Just look at how Teacher Zhang fights against the Koreans. When has he ever lost before!"


    The more that these people from the sporting world tried to support their own actions, the more it angered theizens who supported Zhang Ye!


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye''s Weibo status lit up as he came online!


    Zhang Ye posted: "Stop criticizing the table tennis team!"


    Liu Yifeng was stunned.


    Han Li smiled, thinking that Zhang Ye had finally shown himself!


    Zhang Ye''s fans were also stunned.


    "Teacher Zhang is finally here!"


    "Stop our criticizing?"


    "But why? Why should we stop criticizing them?"


    "Could he be thinking of apologizing?"


    "What?"


    "Please don''t say that!"


    "That''s not possible!"


    Others from the sporting world turned their attention over here in an instant. Every one of them was looking excited. Having gotten scolded by Zhang Ye''s fans for such a long time just now, they felt oppressed and wronged. Now that the person in question had finally shown himself and even asked his own fans to stop their criticism, it was clear as day that he had finally bowed to the pressure and decided to apologize! It looked like their sporting world''s influence was still there! The sporting world had banded together today with a full show of force and even a celebrity of Zhang Ye''s status could not take them lightly!


    On Weibo, it seemed as though time had stopped in that moment. Everyone was paying attention to Zhang Ye''s Weibo and could not understand why he told them to stop their scolding. Was he really going to seek apromise?


    However, what followed in Zhang Ye''s next Weibo post made all theizensugh like mad!


    Zhang Ye posted objectively: "Stop criticizing. Everyone, please stop criticizing. Don''t you all know how hard the table tennis team has worked? The team members insisted on taking part in the tournament even with a high fever of 62��C as they didn''t want to disappoint the fans and audience. They practiced their swings 40 hours a day even though they suffered aminuted fracture in both their wrists. They don''t behave arrogantly even though they have 30 billion fans around the world. Every year during the 29th and 30th of February, they even organize a charity match in which the 2 trillion US dors generated in attendance money get donated to Swiss children who cannot afford to attend school. Therefore, please stop vilifying our table tennis team, OK?"


    The head coach, Liu Yifeng, was dumbfounded!


    Han Li was dumbfounded!


    Those who hade in support of the sporting world were also dumbfounded!


    At that instant, all of them nearly vomited blood!

 Chapter 897: Zhang Ye’s combat strength shoots through the roof!

    <h4>Chapter 897: Zhang Ye''sbat strength shoots through the roof! </h4>


    Chapter 897: Zhang Ye''sbat strength shoots through the roof!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    "A high fever of 62��C?"


    "Pfft! Are you trying to boil an egg or something?"


    "They can still fucking train even after suffering aminuted fracture in both their wrists?"


    "Are there 40 hours in a day?"


    "How can there be a fucking 30th of February?!"


    "Hahahaha! Aiyo, I can''t take it anymore!"


    "How sarcastic! I''m dying ofughter!"


    "This is too fucking wicked!"


    Theizens were rolling around inughter! In an instant, this Weibo post was getting explosively forwarded!


    This was quite a well-known insult that theizens from Zhang Ye''s previous world used on EXO. Zhang Ye smoothly used it after making some slight modifications to it. The first impression one would have of it was that he was speaking up for the table tennis team in protest of the injustice they were suffering, but upon closer observation, every part of it was a goddamn insult!


    With Zhang Ye''s appearance, he had expressed his stand and signal very clearly. It was obviously impossible to make him apologize. Moreover, not only would he not apologize, he even continued to make fun of them happily, utterly ignoring the collective attacks on him from the national table tennis team and the people from the sporting world!


    The sporting world was furious!


    The table tennis team was furious!


    Liu Yifeng, Han Li, Li Qi, and the others almost fainted from anger. They had expected that Zhang Ye might not apologize, but they didn''t expect Zhang Ye to be so stubborn!


    Zhang Ye''s Weibo had once again sessfully ignited the mes of war. Countlessizens who supported him were making a huge ruckus online as if they were on steroids. Their voices were again starting to drown out the group of people from the sporting world who had jumped out earlier. There was criticism all around; the troll army was everywhere. Let alone this bunch of people from the sporting world, even Zhang Ye himself also frightened by it!


    "Supporting Zhang Ye!"


    "Keep up the scolding!"


    "Fucking bastards!"


    "Let''s go, who wants toe with me to flood Liu Yifeng''s Weibo?"


    "Me!"


    "I''ll go!"


    "Me too!"


    "Who wants toe with me to flood Han Li''s Weibo?"


    "I''ll do it!"


    "Count me in!"


    "I''ming!"


    "Fight it out with them!"


    Initially, Zhang Ye just intended to take on this bunch of athletes from the sporting world by himself. But he was not even able to get into battle mode, as after he had just posted the insult and before he got a kick out of it, this bunch of people from the sporting world were already "shattered" by the massive troll army. There wasn''t even a chance for Zhang Ye to step in!


    The troll army was too overwhelming!


    Han Li''s blog had already fallen to the troll army!


    Liu Yifeng''s Weibo was flooded withments of "idiot" by the troll army!


    Several of those athletes and coaches of the sporting world from earlier were not spared either. A badminton athlete who had his own sports brand was even flooded by the troll army on thements section of his online shop!


    The bystanders were dumbfounded by what they saw!


    "Holy shit!"


    "This bunch of people are too terrifying!"


    "How can there be so many people!"


    "Those table tennis yers too. They''ve already been pped in the face by Zhang Ye once on the Spring Festival G, so why did they still have to provoke him? Are they trying to find out whose side has more people? Why are you guys so funny? Do you think that by getting a bunch of athletes to support you, your numbers will be ''massive''? Can you see it now?! This is Zhang Ye''s main battlefield In the arena of Weibo, even an A-list celebrity might not be a match for Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye''s poprity is enormous!"


    "He''s almost pushing into the A-list already?"


    "Judging by the way everything is going today, he shouldn''t be far away now!"


    "This is already the showing of an A-list celebrity!"


    The word "tragic" could be used to describe the current situation. But of course, "tragic" would be referring to that group of people from the sporting world, such as Liu Yifeng, Han Li, a female tennis yer, the national ser team captain, and others who had their faces turn green from all the scolding!


    Meanwhile, when many of the current or retired athletes heard about the scolding that the table tennis team was getting, they immediately wanted toe over to help out. However, some of them came a bit earlier while others arrived a littleter. When the group that arrivedte saw what was happening, they were all dumbfounded!


    "The hell?"


    "What happened here?"


    "This��"


    After hesitating for a moment, the several of them blinked, not knowing what to do. Oh well, forget it, they would just pretend that they were not online!


    Why didn''t they go forward?


    Go forward, their ass!


    The main lead with the strongestbat strength did not really make a move and had only posted a ridiculing post on Weibo, but the group of people from the table tennis team, ser team, and basketball team had already been smashed to pieces by the troll army with no chance of hitting back, so what chance would thister group still have?! Whoever went up against him would surely end up sacrificing themselves for nothing!


    Brothers, take care!


    We were unable to help much, so we''ll be going first!


    It wasn''t only them. At this moment, a basketball star who was embroiled in the fighting was nearly in tears and intending to back off. But he had already denounced Zhang Ye publicly, so even if he wanted to leave, there was no chance to do so anymore. He was trapped and couldn''t leave even if he wanted to! Seeing such a great drop in the number of his Weibo followers, seeing the wave of criticism flooding into his Weibo and personal homepage, and even onto his own basketball team''s homepage, he was deeply regretting his actions! Damn! Why did I have to get myself involved in this? What has this matter of the table tennis team got anything to do with me? Why did I rush into this for?! Get Zhang Ye to apologize? But if he doesn''t want to apologize, what can we do about it? Can we gobble him up because of that? We are just a group of people from the sporting world, who are we to influence the matters of the entertainment industry?


    That badminton athlete who had his own online shop was also exploding with anger. Fuck, you all should just stick to your scolding, why are you all leavingints on my online shop?! Fuck, they''re even spamming negative reviews! Your sister! I''m gonna fight it out with you people!


    The situation was totally one-sided!


    Some of the genuine table tennis fans were also scolding them!


    A table tennis fan said in disappointment: "@LiuYifeng, just look around you, how many people are helping you guys? How many fans are speaking up for you? Today''s table tennis team was really too disappointing. Ignoring the fact that you all performed well below par in the match loss, you even found such a ridiculous reason as an excuse for the loss? Losing the match just because you listened to some song? Pushing the responsibility onto Zhang Ye? Today, you guys have lost the match and your fans!"


    He said the words that many fans wanted to say!


    Actually, even though Zhang Ye had a massive troll army and fan club behind him, and there was almost nobody who could outfight him on Weibo, the fact of the matter was that there were still many people who disliked Zhang Ye. His poprity was not as good as some might have think, so every time Zhang Ye started a fight with someone, a lot ofizens woulde out to scold Zhang Ye and the battle usually involved all those people. However, almost no one stepped forward today. Except for those athletes from the sporting world, there were basically no fans who came to help them. The reasony in that line��the table tennis team had lost the match and their fans this time!


    "That''s right!"


    "That''s how it is!"


    "This is not the first time Han Li tried giving excuses like that! We''re already tired of hearing them! ming the temperature for being too warm two matches ago? ming the temperature for being too cold at thest match? Then ming a song for being terrible to listen to this time?"


    "Even if Han Li is always pushing the me away, why as the national team''s head coach are you always speaking up for him? They lost their match just because they listened to Zhang Ye''s song? Do you think we''re idiots?"


    "He''s really treating us like idiots!"


    "No one is going to help them this time!"


    "They yed too awful in that match!"


    However, even in the face of the fans'' doubts, the national team''s head coach, Liu Yifeng, was still finding excuses. He replied on Weibo: "I admit that the results of the national team in recent years have not been too ideal. No one''s in a good mood after losing today''s match and we will take responsibility for it. But a lot of things are not as simple as you think. The oue of a match is often only a hair''s breadth difference. There are many factors that can affect the results. It isn''t always an issue of the yers'' performance. For example, a song, a disturbance in the crowd, or the temperature of apetition arena will all affect the yer''s performance. Besides, many of these are uncontroble factors and cannot be mitigated at all! We are denouncing Zhang Ye today not because we have lost of the match, but because of his public insults against table tennis as a sport! That is something we can''t ept!"


    "You all are still trying to push the me away?"


    "That''s really enough, all of you!"


    Han Li also spoke up: "We didn''t push our me away! We''re improving, but the opponents are improving as well! Nowadays, many of the weaker teams have hired China''s coaches and their abilities have significantly improved. This has resulted in others greatly underestimating their abilities!"


    Li Qi: "I lost a match today too. It''s not that I''m finding excuses, but the stadium overseas was totally different from our country''s facilities and the floor''s surface was too hard! A lot of the yers also encountered this problem and found it difficult to adapt!"


    A table tennis yer came forward and said: "That''s right, the stadium today was very bad and we pointed it out to the organizers before the match! If we go there again next year, their stadium will be rebuilt ording to the international requirements. At that time, there won''t be any problems anymore!"


    The national ser team captain, Han Zhaoguang, said: "It''s the same with ser. There are many factors contributing to the oue of a match!"


    Following, athletes from tennis, badminton, and a few other sports spoke up for them as well.


    But the fans were not convinced!


    "Don''t even mention ser, thank you!"


    "How many crucial matches have you guys lost in the past few years? In the past, we dominated the world of table tennis. But now? Even though we''re still the world #1, we''re always getting losses after every few winning games. If you lost, so be it. You should do some self-reflection and analyze the reasons for losing the match. But instead of that, all of you are constantly analyzing how others have affected you and analyzing those so-called unmitigable factors! Scram back to where you came from!"


    The fans voiced their opinions in great numbers!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye, who had already crawled under his nket, was starting to find it boring. It was so extremely boring. I haven''t even said much yet, but the troll army has already cleared the battlefield? When he saw those people from the sporting world starting to appear again after hiding cowardly for a long time, he knew that he could finally say something!


    Zhang Ye posted on Weibo again!


    Everyone was stunned and came together to observe!


    "There''s another post!"


    "Zhang Ye is here!"


    "Quick,e and see!"


    "What did he post this time?"


    Zhang Ye was the person in question today. The battle had started because of him. That was why every move of his was rather highly anticipated by everyone.


    Zhang Ye posted on Weibo: "On today''s live match, I was very honored to be singled out by the table tennis team after the tournament was over. When I saw the reasons exined by so many athletes for losing a match, I was suddenly enlightened and conveniently made an analysis of those reasons for losing a match and the factors beyond their control."


    The reasons are as follows:


    An analysis of the reasons in the sporting world (including table tennis, ser, basketball, badminton, tennis, etc.) for losing a match.


    A. Grounds factors:


    1. The grounds were too hard.


    2. The grounds were too soft.


    3. The color of the grounds were not suitable.


    Reading this, theizens cramped up withughter!


    "Pfft!"


    "Neither too hard or too soft would do?"


    "Han Li has really used this as a reason before in the past! Fuck!"


    "It''s even the fault of the grounds'' color?"


    "Aiyo! I have an inexplicable urge tough!"


    Liu Yifeng was stunned first, then exploded with anger at the next moment!


    Han Li, Li Qi, and the rest also started to curse!


    Even a fool could see that Zhang Ye was satirizing them!


    B. Weather factors:


    1. Snow.


    2. Rain.


    3. Hail.


    4. Not enough sunlight.


    5. Too much sunlight.


    6. Cold.


    7. Hot.


    8. Neither cold nor hot (enough to inconvenience the opponent).


    Reading the second point, theizensughed again!


    "Aiyo, I can''t take it anymore!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "I''m bursting withughter!"


    "What the hell is neither cold nor hot!"


    "It won''t do no matter how much sunlight there is?!"


    "Teacher Zhang, why are you so funny?!"


    "What a ssic! This is such a fucking ssic!"


    "Someone really used that reason two years ago at a match! This was not made up!"


    When many of these troll army "soldiers" who were spamming Weibo with criticism learned that Zhang Ye had posted on Weibo, they came over immediately as well. The moment they saw this, all of them burst outughing!


    C. Tournament venue factors:


    I. On-field factors:


    1. The referee helped the opponents.


    2. The referee did not help us.


    3. The opponents were too physically strong.


    4. The opponent''s technique was too good.


    5. The goalposts , basketball rim) helped them.


    6. The opponents performed insanely well.


    7. The added time was too short.


    8. The added time was too long.


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "I''m dying ofughter, aiyo!"


    "The referee did not help us? Pfft!"


    When the national ser team captain, Han Zhaoguang, read this, he nearly fainted!


    II. Off-field factors:


    1. Not on home field, affected by the atmosphere.


    2. On home turf, the pressure was too great.


    3. The spectators did not cheer for us.


    4. The spectators'' cheers were too loud.


    Theizens were already unable tough anymore!


    "Aiyo, what the heck!"


    "Hahahahahahaha!"


    "Fuck, I''m dying ofughter!"


    "Whatever the case, it''s always an issue!"


    Everyone from the sporting world exploded with rage!


    Zhang Ye!


    Fuck your grandpa!


    But the posts on Weibo were stilling. As there were too many words to write, Zhang Ye had to separate them into a few segments for posting!


    D. A bad lot was drawn:


    1. Strong teams were put into the same group, resulting in a group of death.


    2. Average teams were put into the same group. The burden of wanting to win was there but the pressure of losing was too heavy.


    3. Weak teams were put into the same group. Instead of showing respect to their opponents, they were caught off guard and slipped up.


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, that was so fucking well said!"


    "I''ve burst out intoughter! I really did!"


    E. Other reasons for losing a match (yer''s factors):


    1. "So and so" went for overseas training, so our key yer was kept out of the match.


    2. "So and so" returned from overseas training, but was suffering from jetg.


    "Pfft!"


    "I''m dying ofughter!"


    "Those reasons for losing a match sound really familiar!"


    "Yeah, they''re all based on true incidents!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    F. Other reasons for losing a match (overall factors):


    1. The was no air conditioning or heating in the hotel room.


    2. The air conditioning in the hotel room was too cold.


    3. The heating in the hotel room was too warm.


    4. The bus seats were notfortable.


    5. The team''s medical staff had poor medical skills.


    6. Zhang Ye''s song was terrible to listen to!


    Zhang Ye: "The analysis isplete. Don''t thank me, just call me Red Scarf."


    With that, the Weibo posting ended.


    When theizens read thest line of the Weibo post, those people who wereughing until they were nearly in tearsughed even harder until they were now in stitches!


    Zhang Ye''s song was terrible to listen to?!


    He was outright insulting them!


    These Weibo posts of Zhang Ye had basically scolded all of the sports in the sporting world!


    There was no vulgarity used at all!


    There wasn''t even any harsh vocabry in it!


    The entire post was written in a list format!


    But thisbat strength had fucking shot through the roof!

 Chapter 898: The sporting world brings in reinforcements?

    <h4>Chapter 898: The sporting world brings in reinforcements? </h4>


    Chapter 898: The sporting world brings in reinforcements?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On Weibo.


    The "Reasons for Losing a Match"ption that Zhang Ye posted spread across the Inte. Other than Weibo, it also spread like crazy on Tieba, major discussion forums, as well as major web portals!


    On the chat app.


    Celebrity Goof Group.


    A-list celebrity Ning Lan posted a screenshot to the group:


    An analysis of the reasons in the sporting world for losing a match.


    A. Grounds factors:


    1. The grounds were too hard.


    2. The grounds were too soft...


    When they saw it, the chat group participants burst intoughter!


    Huo Dongfang: Hahahahaha!"


    Xiaodong: "Pfft! Who made that?"


    Ning Lan: "Zhang Ye just posted it a short while ago. I diedughing. I really have to take my hat off to him for that mouth of his!"


    Chen Guang: "Sister Ning, you''re watching the battle too? Hahaha!"


    A few people who were clueless about what was happening asked: "What battle? What happened?"


    Fan Wenli: "Zhang Ye shed with the sporting world!"


    XiaoDong: "Ah?"


    Huo Dongfang: "He''s made his way to the sporting world this time?"


    All those in this chat group were top celebrities, either in terms of poprity, in terms of the most outstanding works in their fields. or in terms of experience. Every one of them would be considered stars of their respective fields. As it was the first day of the Spring Festival and a majority of them had been invited to participate in the provincial stations'' Spring Festival Gs, you could imagine how busy they were right now. Even so, Zhang Ye''s Weibo post could still spread within this group, much less other groups!


    This Weibo post had gone viral!


    Theizens all over the country were reveling at it!


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "I read it thrice andughed like a madman thrice!"


    "I can''t take it anymore! Aiyo!"


    "Zhang Ye is so amazing!"


    "Yeah, it''s really their goddamn fault to have offended him!''


    "Aiyo, why do I like Zhang Ye so much!"


    "Teacher Zhang has beautifully done it again!"


    "That mouth of Teacher Zhang''s is really motherfucking awesome!"


    "Watch and learn, people from the sporting world! Witness the level of our Teacher Zhang''s scolding! There isn''t a vulgar word or anything nasty! That''s what you call skill! But look at how you guys do it. Look at how you scold? Constantly rambling without making a point! All you know is how to cast doubt over and over again!"


    "Pfft, previous poster, you''re asking too much of them. Han Li, Liu Yifeng, and the others are just graduates of sports schools. Some of them never even finished their education! But what about Teacher Zhang? He''s an associate professor of both Peking University and Media College!"[1.]


    "Comparing scolding? In these few years, I''ve never seen Zhang Ye lose a scolding battle before!"


    "Yeah, that fellow has really never lost before, not even once!"


    "Today, Teacher Zhang has again again again again showed everyone that when ites to scolding, as long as he''s taking part, it doesn''t matter who the opponent is!"


    ��This excerpt from Weibo was also taken by Zhang Ye from his previous world. In this world, there had been countless ssic insults at ser and basketball, just like there had been in Zhang Ye''s previous world. He could just take any insult from his original world and it would be considered a ssic here. For example, the one he had just used was actually an insult targeted at ser, but after some tweaking and polishing, the effect of it was very stunning!


    Theizens were very excited!


    The moment it was unleashed, it became unstoppable!


    "Splendid! The scolding battle this time is really splendid!"


    "Let''s go, keep it up!"


    "Yeah, don''t let up on them!"


    "That''ll show them to keeping up with excuses and reasons! It might''ve been fine if you guys used some other excuses or reasons. But too bad for you this time. You people have chosen to say that it was because of Teacher Zhang''s bad singing? Bull fucking shit!"


    "Let''s flood them again!"


    "I''ll flood Han Li!"


    "I''ll lead the others to flood Liu Yifeng!"


    "I''ll head over to scold those people from the basketball team!"


    "OK, then we''ll go smash that badminton champion!"


    "Charge!"


    "Fuck you, bastards!"


    Realizing that they were under the imminent attack of another wave of the troll army, which was 2-3 times greater than the previous wave, those people from the sporting world started to panic. They were currently retreating slowly and could not hit back at all, but with that Weibo post by Zhang Ye, it had further grabbed them by their vulnerable spot and dealt them the fatal blow. There was totally nothing that they could do but to watch helplessly as wave after wave of the troll army flooded onto their Weibo homepage as though they were doing their Christmas shopping!


    A wave arrived and left after they finished their scolding!


    Another wave arrived and also left after their scolding!


    Then the first wave returned and left after their scolding!


    Followed by the second wave returning!


    The scolding battle had evolved into an organized partying system for the participants like they were going for a power grinding session!


    Liu Yifeng was angered and confused!


    Han Li and the other members of the table tennis team also grit their teeth!


    In the area of Weibo, perhaps only Zhang Ye''s fans and that massive troll army of his with nothing better to do could summon such organizational capabilities, with such unity and scale to form such cohesive teams!


    The spectators were also watching avidly!


    "The oue should already be determined, right?"


    "Haha, there''s no suspense to this at all!"


    "Is it going to end soon?"


    "How many waves of scolding has there already been? Are those people from the sporting world still holding up?"


    Ning Lan was watching.


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli weren''t asleep yet either, getting less and less tired as they watched, feeling more and more awake as they watched.


    And then there were also those from Beijing Television, like Chang Xiaoliang, Hu Fei, Hou Ge, Hou Di, and the rest from the production team of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G who had been observing the conflict since it started. After all, this all urred because of them. Zhang Ye had only performed the skit because he wanted to help them avert the situation of not being able to rece the finale performance, so they had to do their parts as well. As such, Chang Xiaoliang and Hu Fei both showed their support for Zhang Ye''s Weibo and publicly stated their thanks to Zhang Ye for saving the g this time, as well as giving an exnation for the lines used in the skit. However, their Weibo posts barely made any impact as everyone else was too caught up in the fighting! On this, they could only react with a wry smile. Whatever, it was better that this be left to Little Zhang himself to handle.


    Ha Qiqi stepped into the battle!


    Zhang Zuo stepped into the battle!


    Little Wang, Wu Yi, and many of the others at Central TV Department 14 who were already asleep woke up and powered on theirputers to join in after their colleagues informed them about the situation!


    Tong Fu was shocked. "Damn, they''ve really shed?"


    Huang Dandan said inside the office chat group: "Holy shit, I just found out about this! I went straight to bed after watching the skit!"


    Little Wang said angrily: "I''m here! Let''s kill them!"


    Wu Yiughed: "We were waiting for you guys. Quicklye and support Director Zhang!"


    Huang Dandan scolded: "That bunch of bastards are too much! They''re even demanding that Teacher Zhang apologize? Ptui! Why don''t you people go to hell! Director Zhang, we''reing!"


    They all swarmed into the battle!


    Tong Fu flooded Han Li''s Weibo: "Fucking idiot!"


    Huang Dandan rushed over to Liu Yifeng''s Weibo: "Damn bastard!"


    Wu Yi scolded: "Yeah, we''re scolding you, you fucking bastard!"


    Wu Yi and the rest thought that they were not well-known and that people would not recognize who they were, so they did not pay much attention to the way they spoke. But in actuality, their names were very well-known in the industry and anyone who was an industry peer who had watched The Voice and A Bite of China would probably know them. This was the program team of two of the shows that had continuously set so many records and taken number one in the entire country''s viewership ratings, as well as winning two of the most prestigious awards in the industry!


    At a television station.


    A rookie who had just entered the industry was currently working overtime. He looked at Weibo with a face full of shock, then turned to his colleagues beside him who had joined the station a year before him. "Brother Sun."


    Brother Sun smiled and said, "What''s the matter, Little Chi?"


    Dumbfounded, Little Chi pointed at Weibo. "Is this��the number one program team of our television industry?"


    "Are they?" Brother Sun had a look and couldn''t believe it either. He then cleared his throat and said, "Ahem, it looks like it''s them."


    Little Chi tactfully said, "Why are they not like what I imagined��well, a little different from what I imagined?"


    Brother Sun said, "You''ve just joined the industry, so you still don''t understand the situation. When you''ve hung around enough for long, you''ll get it. This team is indeed the number one program team in the industry, but in terms of their temperaments and characters, they''re really quite fucked up and are always following Zhang Ye around scolding others. Anyway, if you see them around in the future, I suggest that you steer clear of them!"


    Little Chi acknowledged, "Ah, I understand."


    On Weibo.


    The scolding battle continued!


    At this point, this could no longer be called a scolding battle anymore, as it wasn''t much of a battle, but a one-sided rout instead!


    There were also a lot of people hurling vulgarities around, but most of them had not been banned as no one bothered to report them and the Weibo administrators were too busy to handle these matters anyway. On Weibo today, it was a sea of scolding everywhere!


    The manager of the Weibo administrator ount was nearly in tears. At 11 PM, he was woken up and called back to the office only to witness wave after wave of scoldings. His team members nearly passed out from the workload!


    "We can''t handle all these requests!"


    "W-What should we do?!"


    "Have the users gone crazy today?"


    "We can''t ban them in time!"


    "They''re all crazy!"


    That manager did not say anything and just sat in front of hisputer. Using an internal management ount, he sent Zhang Ye a private message full of pleading words: "Teacher Zhang, sorry to bother you during your busy period. In the future, when you start a scolding battle, could you please tell your fans to watch their words? Otherwise, if their ounts get banned, that would be rather troublesome, wouldn''t it? It''s also very difficult for us to reactivate their ounts after that, so hopefully you can understand our perspective! Every time you have a conflict with someone, we have to work overtime. Our work hours have now be primarily scheduled around you, so it''s really hard on us! At least next time, if you are going on Weibo to fight again, could you please inform us in advance? We��would also like to prepare a little if we have to work overtime on that day." After sending it, he wasn''t even sure if Zhang Ye would see it.


    ...


    The sporting world''s members were retreating!


    Liu Yifeng and the table tennis team members'' retorts on Weibo were already sounding rather incoherent and even they themselves did not really know what they were talking about anymore. They were so angry that they were going crazy!


    Just when everyone was thinking that the scolding battle hade to an end, there was a twist!


    A leader of the Sports Administration appeared��that chief of that table tennis branch in the Sports Administration who had called Beijing Television earlier!


    When this Sports Administration chief appeared, he directly mentioned the SARFT''s review unit as well as three other handles, which were all leadership roles at the SARFT!


    There was a deputy division head.


    A department supervisor.


    And another division head!


    They were likely to be this Sports Administration chief''s acquaintances!


    That Sports Administration chief''s Weibo post said: "I''ve finally seen for myself the culture of the entertainment industry today. A celebrity leading a verbal abuse session against sports, and he''s even doing it so arrogantly? Is there no one to oversee and manage such behavior?"


    The people from the sporting world were exhrated all at once!


    "Bureau Chief Qian!"


    "Bureau Chief Qian hase!"


    "Chief Qian!"


    Their reinforcements had arrived!


    And it was even a heavyweight reinforcement!

 Chapter 899: It’s fine, carry on scolding

    <h4>Chapter 899: It''s fine, carry on scolding </h4>


    Chapter 899: It''s fine, carry on scolding


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Abroad.


    At the table tennis team''s hotel.


    The fatigue and gloom were suddenly wiped off everyone''s faces. They were all looking lively again. This was without a doubt due to the appearance of the Sports Administration chief who gave them a calming effect. After the chief had mentioned the relevant SARFT departments and personnel, they knew what they had to do now. This was their chance to fight back!


    Not as many people on our side?


    We can''t outscold you?


    But we can certainly report you!


    As they said, entertainment and sports really fell under the same family. It was clear now that there were dealings between the Sports Administration and the SARFT all along. Chief Qian being an executive would surely know a few of the people in the leadership roles within the SARFT!


    The situation would be reversed soon!


    Zhang! This time, we''ll make sure you apologize!


    "Let''s do it!"


    "Let''s follow Chief Qian''s lead!"


    "Yeah, let''s report that Zhang Ye!"


    "Let''s make an officialint about him!"


    "Haha, I don''t believe this won''t set him straight!"


    "With so many peopleining about him, the SARFT will definitely have no choice but to handle him!"


    Very soon, quite a number of people from the sporting world started typing out theirints, keeping up with Chief Qian''s pace!


    Han Li: "Making an officialint about Zhang Ye''s Spring Festival G skit, ''ying it Up''!"


    Li Qi: "Making an officialint about Zhang Ye''s Spring Festival G skit, ''ying it Up.'' The link to the video is here��." He posted together with an URL address.


    Liu Yifeng left aint right on the SARFT''s official feedback channel. "Zhang Ye publicly insulted table tennis as a sport, using his poprity and fame to purposely sway the opinion of the public and discrediting the sporting spirit. Shouldn''t there be someone to put him in his ce? We suggest that Zhang Ye receive aprehensive ban from performing at all outlets!"


    That tennis yer also left aint!


    That former badminton champion also sent in aint!


    Ten people!


    Twenty people!


    Thirty people!


    Seeing that the situation had reversed, more and more people from the sporting world joined the denouncing army, sending in their officialints regarding Zhang Ye''s skit, "ying it Up," which they viewed as a serious vition! A deliberate persecution of the national sporting spirit!


    The sporting world was gathering momentum!


    When theizens saw this, they raised their objections in condemning voices!


    "Fuck! What is this!"


    "What is this name-calling! You guys didn''t discredit the sporting spirit when you used Teacher Zhang''s song as being bad and the reason for the table tennis team''s loss in their match. But when Teacher Zhang retorted, you people are saying that he is persecuting the sporting spirit? What do you define as sporting spirit? It''s just something that''s designated for your own convenience, right? So that you all can say anything you want?"


    "Bunch of bastards!"


    "This is infuriating! What kind of people are they!"


    "I was just going to say! Is this the damn culture of the sporting world these days?"


    "They can''t outscold and outfight us, so they start roping in reinforcements? And startedining?"


    "What an ugly side the sporting world has!"


    "Fuck, let''s continue scolding them!"


    "Wait a little while longer. It''s getting a little troublesome now!"


    "Yeah, they''re all making officialints one by one. Teacher Zhang is going to be in big trouble from now on!"


    "Right, there''s even aint from a Sports Administration chief? This��"


    "The people from the SARFT that the Sports Administration chief mentioned must be people he knows personally. Together with so many people from the sporting worldining, even including some sports champions and coaches, how can the SARFT ignore this? They will definitely deal with Teacher Zhang Ye in some big way!"


    "What kind of punishment will they mete out?"


    "I don''t know, but could they really issue aprehensive ban on Zhang Ye from performing at all outlets?"


    "Surely this doesn''t call for such drastic punishment, right?"


    "Will they order Zhang Ye to apologize to the sporting world instead?"


    "Damn! That bunch of bastards!"


    The expressions of Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others all changed!


    The couple, Chen Guang and Fan Wenli, were also anxious and worried for Zhang Ye!


    At that moment, the scolding voices of Zhang Ye''s fans all stopped. They did not know whether they should continue or not. If they were to continue the fighting like this, they were worried that it would bring more trouble to Zhang Ye and cause him to receive greater punishment. What if the people from the SARFT were to investigate and noticed that it was really just as the sporting world had used��that Zhang Ye used his poprity and fame to sway public opinion?


    Seeing the weakening of theizens'' momentum, the sporting world''s people were allughing at them!


    At this moment, that chief from the Sports Administration made another Weibo post directed right at Zhang Ye. "@ZhangYe You have half an hour to make an apology!"


    Very quickly, Zhang Ye replied on Weibo: "Hur hur, and if I don''t?"


    The Sports Administration chief: "Go ahead and try."


    Zhang Yeughed: "Alright then, I''ll fucking go ahead and try!"


    With these words, theizens were shocked!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Teacher Zhang is so bold!"


    "Standing firm against a chief of the sporting world?"


    "Fuck me!"


    "Heavens! Teacher Zhang, calm down! Calm down!"


    "Yeah, be careful of what you say!"


    However, Zhang Ye was seemingly oblivious to it all. At home, he looked at this watch and then proceeded to post on Weibo: "It''s 11:20 PM now, so it''s 30 minutes right? Starting from now, there''s just 29 minutes and 30 seconds left!"


    Theizens were bubbling with excitement!


    "Awesome!"


    "How domineering!"


    "This is the Zhang Ye I like!"


    "What an animal!"


    "I''m getting excited! Teacher Zhang is so awesome!"


    "Teacher Zhang! You''re so cool!"


    Seeing this, the Sports Administration chief was stunned!


    Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo broke into cold sweats!


    Ning Lan was shocked!


    Fan Wenli drew in a sharp gasp!


    Many of Zhang Ye''s friends were so shocked that they nearly suffered a heart attack. Dammit, what are you trying to do!


    Elsewhere, those people from the sporting world blew up in anger. They had never expected Zhang Ye to be such a hooligan! Even with Chief Qian personally attending to this matter, this fellow still dared to continue fighting?! Zhang! Did you take a fucking dose of gunpowder today?


    The Sports Administration chief said in anger: "Alright! Alright! Alright!" He said that three times in a row!


    But at the next moment, he was left with no chance to say anymore as the troll army''s scolding suddenly flooded Chief Qian''s Weibo ount. The scolding from tens of thousands of people was so massive that it could be described as having blotted out the entirements section!


    "Scram!"


    "Is the sporting world ganging up to bully our Teacher Zhang now? Fuck off!"


    "Who cares if you''re an exec! Go fuck yourself!"


    "What are you trying to do acting all high and mighty! Get lost!"


    "Threatening Teacher Zhang? Who do you think you are!"


    "This is not the sporting world or your backyard, not everyone cares who you are! Your posturing this time around deserves a score of 0!"


    That moment of oppression they felt from before had all turned into rage now and they were pouring that rage back onto Chief Qian! Initially, the troll army was worried that this bunch of bastards''ints would bring trouble to Zhang Ye, so they did not dare say anything or scold anyone. But the moment they saw Zhang Ye standing up so firmly to the Sports Administration chief, the troll army felt the blood in their entire body starting to boil! If Teacher Zhang wasn''t afraid, then why should they be afraid?


    Fuck!


    Fuck them!


    Countlessizens surged forward!


    Some of the neutral onlookingizens who saw this also let out a curse before stepping forward as well: "Fuck, I can''t watch any longer! I''m going to help Zhang Ye!"


    "I''m going too!"


    "Count me in!"


    "Damn, they''re even making officialints?"


    "I can''t stand idly by any longer! You people were the ones who criticized Zhang Ye first, but did Zhang Yein? He didn''t say a single thing! He simply scolded back and that''s it! You people could have just scolded him back, but look at what you''re doing instead. Since you can''t outscold him, you begin harassing him? Start calling for reinforcements? Starting to gather people together to makeints? You bunch of goddamn sporting world members are just creating a disturbance! ming Zhang Ye for not singing well after losing a match. Comining to the SARFT when you can''t outscold others. I despise people like you the most!


    "Let''s go! Help Zhang Ye!"


    ...


    At home.


    Zhang Ye''s cell phone immediately rang!


    Zhang Ye answered: "Hello, Old Yao."


    Yao Jiancai''s voice was trembling with fright. "Why are you messing around with a chief from the Sports Administration!"


    "What''s the matter?" Zhang Yeughed and said: "I don''t care who he is!"


    "I really take my hat off to you!" Yao Jiancai said: "You''re too audacious! The Sports Administration may not be able to do anything to you, but the SARFT can. Aren''t you afraid of being banned again by them?!"


    Zhang Ye said: "I''m really not afraid of that at all."


    Yao Jiancai: "��"


    Zhang Ye added: "Even if they really ban me, with that Qian fe acting all high and mighty toward me, I would still have shot him down for it!"


    Suddenly, Yao Jiancai eximed: "Shit! Look at Weibo!"


    "What''s up?"


    "That person from the SARFT who was mentioned has responded!"


    Zhang Ye went to take a look and it was indeed as Yao Jiancai said.


    The official Weibo of the SARFT''s Feedback Department: "Received and pending."


    That deputy division head of a certain SARFT department: "We will investigate. If it is true, this matter will be dealt with severely! Such insulting behavior toward the sporting spirit will not be tolerated!"


    A supervisor from a SARFT department: "I''ve already seen theints and will push this up the chain for further action! A response will be issued to ourrades from the sporting world and this matter will certainly be dealt with properly!"


    Theizens were utterly exasperated!


    "Shit!"


    "Zhang Ye''s in big trouble!"


    "Theints have been epted and are pending review? Fuck!"


    "Bullshit! I should be fuckingining about those people from the sporting world instead! For insulting the spirit of music in a live post-match interview!"


    "Those involved clearly know each other!"


    "Yeah, they''re in cahoots! The decision will surely be in favor of the sporting world!"


    "This is really bad!"


    "Stop scolding already, we should not add to the troubles of Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "They''re such bastards! If you want a battle, then you should fight proudly. If you scold us, then we''ll scold you back. That''s how it should be, but you''re resorting to underhanded tricks now?!"


    "Is this the conduct of the sporting world? Is this what you call sporting spirit? I''mughing so hard!"


    "Bunch of bastards!"


    Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    Yao Jiancai was getting anxious over the phone. "Just look at that! You''ve gotten yourself into big trouble again!"


    Zhang Ye said calmly: "It''s going to be fine. I''ll make a call to check on things. I''ll have to hang up first."


    After the call ended, Zhang Ye scrolled through his contacts and called Wu Zeqing right away.


    Du, du, du, click.


    Zhang Ye said while blinking: "Old Wu, were you sleeping?"


    On the other end, Wu Zeqing said: "I was sleeping, but was woken by a call from the office."


    Zhang Ye said: "You know about it then?"


    Wu Zeqing acknowledged: "I''ve just heard about it, that you have a conflict with the sporting world?"


    "Yeah." Zhang Ye answered: "Those people from the sporting world are now lodgingints about me and even some chief from the Sports Administration surnamed Qian appeared on Weibo, acting all high and mighty toward me, so I chased him back to where he came from. Oh, then I saw the SARFT''s Weibo saying that theints have already been processed?"


    Wu Zeqing said: "Yes."


    Zhang Ye probed: "Then I?"


    Wu Zeqing asked: "What about you?"


    Zhang Ye exined: "What I mean is, what do you think I should do?" He wasn''t sure about Old Wu''s attitude on this matter, nor if this matter would be escted within the SARFT, so he wanted to seek Wu Zeqing''s views on it.


    But Old Wu''s answer made Zhang Ye very happy!


    Wu Zeqing said without hesitation: "It''s fine, carry on scolding."


    It''s fine?


    Carry on scolding?


    These words made Zhang Ye feel ted. "Alright then, I understand!"


    Wu Zeqingughed and said: "After you''re done scolding, rest early. Don''t go to bed toote."


    "OK," Zhang Ye answered.


    It''s still my Old Wu who is the most understanding!


    This was what he liked most about Old Wu. Regarding some matters, Wu Zeqing would never nag him. Whether it was about him scolding and offending people, or getting along with his peers, Wu Zeqing would never chide him for any of that. It seemed like whatever Zhang Ye did, Old Wu was always supportive of him, even if it was getting into a quarrel. For example, this situation right in front of them. If it were anyone else, they would surely nag a little and say things like "why are you getting into another fight with the sporting world," "why did you scold a chief from the Sports Administration," or simr words. But Wu Zeqing did not say any of that and just told him in a direct and calm manner, "It''s fine, carry on scolding!"


    This is Wu Zeqing!


    The goddess chief of the SARFT who he loved to the bone!

 Chapter 900: The spam flooding (crashing the bar) regiment goes on the warpath!

    <h4>Chapter 900: The spam flooding (crashing the bar) regiment goes on the warpath! </h4>


    Chapter 900: The spam flooding (crashing the bar) regiment goes on the warpath!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On Weibo.


    The situation was suddenly reversed again!


    With Zhang Ye''s firm stand against a chief of the sporting world, the SARFT got involved and started with the investigations!


    The sporting world was angered by Zhang Ye''s arrogance and yet another wave of coaches and athletes joined in. The Sports Administration chief had been rebuked, so being part of the sporting world, many of these people could no longer act like they did not notice. If they didn''t step up at this point in time, that would be a mistake in principle! Suddenly, countless elite athletes and coaches from the sporting world started to join the army of voices denouncing Zhang Ye! Finally, even the national ser team''s current head coach stepped forward!


    Then there was the national basketball team.


    A provincial badminton team.


    A municipal swimming team.


    The Chinese Skating Association.


    Everyone stepped forward!


    "Lodging an officialint against Zhang Ye!"


    "He''s too arrogant!"


    "You even dare to backtalk Chief Qian?"


    "I don''t believe that there''s no justice!"


    "Yes, continue lodgingints!"


    "@SARFT Hurry up and give us the results of your investigations!"


    "A hooligan like him has to bepletely banned!"


    "@SARFT You can just refer to the skit ''ying it Up'' and review the insulting Weibo posts that Zhang Ye made against sports. How can you not ban a person like him?"


    "Please give our sporting world an exnation!"


    "This has to be dealt with severely!"


    "And we demand a formal apology from Zhang Ye to the sporting world!"


    "Otherwise, we won''t let the matter rest!"


    "Won''t let it rest!"


    Zhang Ye had truly poked on a ho''s nest this time!


    Some of those in the troll army could no longer stand this and immediately started to scold back at the sporting world.


    But they were quickly stopped by others. "Stop scolding, stop scolding for now. We can''t create more trouble for Teacher Zhang Ye. Didn''t you guys see that the SARFT have stepped in and are investigating Teacher Zhang? If we were to charge to the front at this time, we''d just make things worse! Teacher Zhang only managed to get his ban lifted after having an incredibly difficult timest year. Surely you guys don''t wish to see Teacher Zhang get banned again, right?"


    "Stop for now!"


    "This is numbing. I''m so infuriated!"


    "When did we be those who needed to bow to pressure!"


    "I''m so mad!"


    "What do we do now?"


    "I don''t know!"


    "Can someonee up with a solution?! How can we help Teacher Zhang?"


    The fans were also forcefully stifling their anger!


    Ha Qiqi was so mad!


    Zhang Zuo, Little Zhang, and Wu Yi were also outraged!


    With the SARFT''s intervention, Chang Xiaoliang and Hu Fei also broke into cold sweat over the matter. What would Little Zhang do now? How would he handle this?


    The matter was blowing up. No one had expected this scolding battle to spread to such a scale. It even got to a point where it felt like it was almost earth-shattering! From January of this year, there had not been such arge scolding battle online like this one in which an entertainment industry''s celebrity faced off against the sporting world! At the moment, countless entertainment industry celebrities and insiders were watching the battle. For instance, Ning Lan, Huo Dongfang, Xiaodong, the Chen Guang and Fan Wenli couple, Central TV and other provincial stations'' staff, everyone wanted to see how this battle would y out and how it would end!


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye reappeared!


    However, his post on Weibo had once again stunned the world!


    Zhang Ye calmly posted: "@ChiefQian @SportingWorld It''s already been five minutes, there''s only 25 minutes left now! I''ve observed many of you popping up one by one and I feel that the message of my skit ''ying it Up'' was indeed spot on. But I can''t just let you all act, so I hereby announce that starting from now, it''s time to crash the bar!"[1.]


    Crash the bar?


    Crash Tieba?[2.]


    Everyone online was shocked!


    Nobody ever imagined that with so many famous athletesing forward in the sporting world, and with the intervention of the SARFT''s investigations, at such a critical juncture of the matter, at this moment of crisis, Zhang Ye would still choose to stand firm against them! And it was an even stronger and crazier form of standing up against them! Crash the bar? He was going to fight until his dying breath!


    Chang Xiaoliang fainted!


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli were sweating profusely!


    Ning Lan was shocked!


    Huo Dongfang was dumbfounded!


    A lot of the spectators were also stunned at this moment!


    Crazy!


    Damn, Zhang Ye has gone crazy!


    Zhang Ye followed up by specifying the target. "First stop, the table tennis team!"


    The troll army was suddenly bubbling with excitement!


    Zhang Ye''s fans'' blood was boiling!


    "Comrades, stand up now!"


    "Teacher Zhang has spoken. It''s time to battle!"


    "Battle!!"


    "Fuck their grandpas! Bring it on!"


    "I''ve been waiting for this moment for a long time now!"


    "Teacher Zhang! We''ve been waiting for this!"


    "Fuck them!"


    "Just point to the target and we''ll be there!"


    "Teacher Zhang is acting so extremely cool today!"


    "Now that Teacher Zhang has given his instructions, what else is there left to say!"


    "Fuck them!"


    "Let''s do it!"


    The battle began!


    It wasn''t some minor scolding battle anymore. This time, it was the real thing!


    Crash the bar! This was an operation that was very popr back in Zhang Ye''s previous world. Compared to the denouncements and scoldings on Weibo which didn''t affect anything, crashing the bar was an attack that was much more aggressive, with a greater harm and caused more damage! Usually, unless it was a deep hatred, most people would not choose this form of attack that carried such great harm. In addition, it consumed a great amount of manpower that most people could not gather together!


    But today, Zhang Ye had stepped forward!


    With his "crash the bar," it made countless people bubble with excitement!


    The Sports Administration chief and everyone from the sporting world were stunned. In a sh, a surge of anger rushed to their heads. Zhang Ye, we dare you!


    But he really did dare to do so!


    Zhang Ye''s fans also dared to do so!


    The table tennis team''s Tieba was suddenly invaded by Zhang Ye''s troll army. Less than ten seconds after Zhang Ye''s Weibo post, the table tennis team''s Tieba was in fact a mess!


    "Start the bar crashing!"


    "Squad 1 has arrived!"


    "Squad 2 reporting for duty!"


    "Squad 3 checking in!"


    "Squad 4 standing by!"


    "Zhang Ye''s fan club setting off for battle! Those not involved, please take a step back!"


    "Let''s fight!"


    "This is a battle for our dignity!"


    "Idiot Han Li!"


    "Idiot Liu Yifeng!"


    "Today, if God blocks us, we will kill God; if Buddha blocks us, we will kill Buddha!"


    "Follow my lead! Let''s attack the table tennis team''s Tieba!"


    Under the lead of Zhang Ye''s fan club leader, Big Saber Bro, the troll army went crazy as they rushed over in batches, creating spam threads in suchrge numbers that several hundred new pages were created almost at once and eventually finishing only after more than 10,000 new pages were created!


    A minute and a half!


    It only took a minute and a half!


    The table tennis team''s Tieba had fallen!


    The URL was no longer essible as the bar was crashed!


    The table tennis team''s Tieba owner and several of its moderators did not even have time to react and were already locked out. Those bros were all dumbfounded!


    The observingizens were also dumbfounded!


    Fuck!


    That was too fierce!


    What kind ofbat strength did they possess?!


    At this time, Zhang Ye made another post on Weibo: "Next stop, the ser team!"


    When they saw this Weibo post, the members and moderators of the ser Tieba started panicking!


    "Not good!"


    "They''reing for us!"


    "Damn, why us!"


    "Be careful! Everyone, be careful!"


    "It''s bad! They''re already here!"


    "Hurry up and turn on the restrictions! Hurry! Prevent all those sockpuppets from making posts!"


    "Set the permissions quickly!"


    The ser Tieba members were all anxious and didn''t care about their reputations anymore. Now that Zhang Ye''s army had them in their sights, one of their moderators immediately turned on the restrictions and prevented any sockpuppets from creating new threads on their Tieba. With that, the danger of their bar being crashed was averted.


    "It''s done!"


    "The permissions have been set!"


    "Hu, what a scare!"


    "We nearly got crashed, how dangerous!"


    "These animals are too aggressive. It''s only been a few seconds but more than 200 spam threads have already created? If the restrictions were put in ce a littleter, we would have been in danger!"


    Zhang Ye''s army was unable to attack their Tieba and most of the people could not make any new posts.


    Members of the ser Tieba heaved a sigh of relief.


    But the next second, something that horrified them happened��the restrictions put into ce a short while ago had been reset, not because of a hack, but due to an internal moderator''s actions!


    The troll army rushed directly into their backyard!


    The spectatingizens did not understand what was going on!


    The members of the ser Tieba were also confused and stunned!


    "What happened?"


    "Why did this happen?"


    "Fuck! Who turned off the permissions?"


    "Your grandpa! Who banned me?"


    "Ah, I''ve been banned too!"


    "Why are our own people getting banned!"


    Several of the ser Tieba''s administrators and moderators investigated amid the chaos and were shocked. Members of the Tieba were also in shock. None of them could believe what they saw!


    "Heavens! The barkeep��the barkeep has defected!"


    "What the fuck! Brother ck!"


    "ck, what the hell are you doing!"


    "Holy shit!"


    The barkeep of the ser Tieba was revolting!


    This information made countless people in the observing crowdugh like crazy!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Pfft!"


    "Something like this could even happen?"


    "Beautifully done! Hahahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, I''m cramping up fromughter! The barkeep can even revolt?"


    The ser team''s Tieba had one of thergest membership of all sports-rted Tiebas, but in face of the barkeeper''s revolt, Zhang Ye''s troll army and a variety of other reasons, the ser team''s Tieba was downed even faster than the table tennis team''s Tieba and was crashed!


    Zhang Ye''s Weibo: "There''s still another 20 minutes. Next, to the basketball team!"


    The sporting world''s people were furious!


    Han Li started scolding: "Zhang Ye, your grandpa!"


    Liu Yifeng roared: "You damned hooligan!"


    The Tiebas that suffered from the attacks should by rights not affect these athletes in the slightest; they just needed the servers to be fixed and reset. Everything would then return normal. But the fact of the matter was that these Tiebas were representations of their honor. For them, even if they did not suffer any physical harm, their reputation was lost. Zhang Ye and his fans were basically pping their faces slowly but heavily! How could they not be angry? How could they not be enraged?


    But in the face of Zhang Ye''s troll army, they could only watch helplessly!


    Not only Zhang Ye''s people, even many of the other Tieba members had joined this "crusading army"!


    "Members of the ''MMO'' Tieba are here to help out our friends from Zhang Ye''s fan club!"


    "''Dong Shanshan Supporters'' Tieba reporting for duty!"


    "All members of ''Cosmetics'' Tieba are here to assist our friends in need!"


    "Our friends from ''Zhang Ye''s Fan Club,'' thanks for your helpst time! We''re here to return the favor! Awaiting your instructions! Let''s kill them!"


    "When trouble urs at one ce, helpes from all quarters. ''Avant-garde Crosstalk'' Tieba is here to support Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye already had a lot of people on his side from the beginning, which was enough to blot out the sky, but with the endless support of allied Tiebas, their number were no longer countable. The number of people in their forces had breached the horizon!


    The badminton Tieba fell!


    The tennis Tieba fell!


    The swim team Tieba fell!


    The sports and physical fitness Tieba fell!


    The sporting goods Tieba fell!


    The sports drinks Tieba fell!


    One!


    Ten!


    Twenty!


    Thirty!


    Tonight, any Tieba rted to sports suffered the crashing of the bar!


    [1. Crash the bar: An action where Tieba users spam flood the message boards to cause trouble and vent their anger. Crashing the bar usually only affects the normal functioning of a Tieba board where proper threads are flooded down the list and prevents normal activities from taking ce.]


    [2. Tieba is made up of the characters �� (ti��, post/paste/stick) + �� (ba, bar/pub) essentially meaning "forum."]


    This is again again again again again again again again again a greeting for Happy Thanksgiving week! IRAS needs your power stones vote! How can we surpass the book ahead? -thinking-

 Chapter 901: Aiya, I’ve been hacked!

    <h4>Chapter 901: Aiya, I''ve been hacked! </h4>


    Chapter 901: Aiya, I''ve been hacked!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Tieba''s management office.


    Thepany''s technical department was a mess!


    "The baseball Tieba is not going to hold up any longer!"


    "Ban those ounts!"


    "Hurry, hurry!"


    "I''ve already banned a lot of them, but there''s too many!"


    "It''s finished, the baseball Tieba has been crashed too!"


    "Oh god, why are there so many people online!"


    "Quick, make another call and get all the technicians toe back!"


    "Boss, it''s the first day of the new year. A lot of them have returned home for the new year!"


    "Zhang Ye''s fans are too brutal!"


    "There are also many who''re just helping out! Why would the Cosmetics Tieba people join in for a conflict between Zhang Ye and the sporting world? C''mon, what has it got to do with them!"


    "It''s so chaotic! Everything has plunged into chaos!"


    "It''s the festive season, yet everyone''s gone crazy!"


    ...


    At this moment, several of the sports-rted Tiebas that were still standing had given up resisting.


    "Turn on the restrictions! Prevent the sockpuppets from posting!"


    "I can''t turn them on."


    "Why?"


    "They have a hacker!"


    "What?"


    "Seven of our moderator ounts can''t login anymore!"


    "Then, then what do we do?"


    "��Nothing."


    They simply surrendered!


    They had no way to fight in this battle at all!


    On Weibo.


    Zhang Ye continued with his countdown: "@SportingWorld, there''s just 10 minutes left. I''m waiting!"


    In the Celebrity Goof Group.


    Many of the celebrities were watching!


    Ning Lan: "Little Zhang is so domineering it''s like it''s ingrained into his bones!"


    Xiaodong: "Yeah, most people can''t even learn from him even if they wanted to!"


    Fan Wenliughed bitterly. "Director Zhang really wants to fight it out with the sporting world today! But looking at how he is right now, I''m afraid that no one can stop him!"


    Elsewhere.


    The people from the sporting world were shocked by Zhang Ye''s imposing manner, so all they could do now was keep mentioning the SARFT on Weibo.


    Li Qi from the table tennis team: "@SARFT! Look at what''s happening. Is the punishment still not being meted out yet?"


    The national table tennis team''s head coach, Liu Yifeng: "Leading his fans to make trouble, isn''t this illegal? Isn''t anyone going to do anything about it? Isn''t anyone going to do anything about it?"


    Han Li roared in anger on Weibo: "I call for aprehensive ban on Zhang Ye!"


    A defender on the national ser team named Tang Hechang shouted: "Boycott such undesirable artists!"


    But just after they finished making their stance known, their Tieba was crashed! Some of these athletes were not really popr and did not have their own Tieba, while those who were more famous like Han Li and Li Qi would have a Tieba dedicated to them, although the membership wasn''t that high and not too many people paid attention to it. But whatever it was, those Tiebas were not spared!


    Han Li''s Tieba was crashed!


    Li Qi''s Tieba was crashed!


    Tang Hechang''s Tieba was crashed!


    Tang��Dazhang''s Tieba was crashed!


    Crosstalkedian Tang Dazhang was originally calm and quiet, with everyoneughing about and chatting lightheartedly about Zhang Ye''s conflict with the sporting world, even posting a thread about it and livestreaming the conflict. Although they were at odds with Zhang Ye, with Tang Dazhang and the crosstalk world''s rtionship defined as his deadly enemies and often getting into quarrels, the matter today did not concern them. They did not take part in it either.


    But out of nowhere, the troll army appeared, and in the blink of an eye, Tang Dazhang''s Tieba was getting spammed!


    "What?"


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Ah!"


    "Why are they crashing our bar?"


    "Your conflict is with the sporting world! We did not argue with you guys today!"


    "Your sister!"


    Tang Dazhang''s fans were left in utter confusion!


    However, the fan club leader, Big Saber Bro, posted a thread right at the moment before the bar got crashed, leaving all the observingizensughing: "Apologies, Tang Dazhang and Tang Hechang''s names sounded too alike, so we mistakenly crashed your bar along with his! "


    Crashed the wrong bar?


    Pfft!


    Tang Dazhang''s fans nearly fainted!


    The spectatingizens cramped up withughter!


    The coteral damage suffered by Tang Dazhang''s Tieba caused it to be the most innocent victim in this historical bar crashing operation!


    At this time, Zhang Ye''s Weibo posted something again. "I want to say something. Today''s incident isn''t targeted at all the individual Tiebas and our friends participating in them. If we harmed anyone by mistake, I would like to apologize to you right here. But this operation still has to go on as I''m really unable to take this lying down! Alright then, there''s still three minutes left!"


    "Supporting you!"


    "Supporting Teacher Zhang!"


    "Yeah, we won''t take this lying down!"


    "Scolding us first and then demanding for us to apologize? Fuck!"


    "Supporting Teacher Zhang!"


    "Even a y figurine retains some heat!"


    The sporting world''s people were red in the face!


    What about the SARFT?


    Didn''t they say they would deal with this severely?


    Weren''t they going to review theints and give an immediate answer?


    Everything hade down to this, so why hadn''t anyone said anything yet!


    There were only two minutes left until the deadline set by Chief Qian was up!


    One minute left!


    30 seconds��


    10 seconds��


    5 seconds��


    Operation Crash the Bar also ended with this.


    Everyone was staring at the time and waiting for the SARFT to make an announcement!


    But then, then there were no more thens!


    Many of the people from the sporting world were mentioning the SARFT countless times in shock, but did not get any reply as theirints all sank into the sea!


    Liu Yifeng was stunned. "Why?"


    Han Li asked: "Why is this happening?"


    Li Qi said: "Didn''t��didn''t they say they were reviewing it?"


    No one knew what was going on!


    The deadline of the threat had passed and Zhang Ye was still unaffected!


    Famous movie star Ning Lan was surprised at this.


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli wore bewildered expression.


    The executive director of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G, Chang Xiaoliang, was shocked.


    Theizens were also astounded and uncertain about what was going on.


    "Huh?"


    "Nothing is happening?"


    "Everything is fine now?"


    "The SARFT��aren''t bothering with this issue?"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "There was nothing to be afraid of in the first ce, we were just scaring ourselves!"


    "Yeah, the lines in Teacher Zhang''s skit were written to satirize the bootlicking phenomenon these days. This performance carries a very deep meaning and also generates a positive message, so how can it have any problems?"


    "This is great!"


    "Teacher Zhang is fine!"


    "It was a false rm, a false rm!"


    "What about that Sports Administration chief?"


    "Oh yeah, where is he? Why has he disappeared?"


    "He was behaving quite insolently when he appeared, acting all high and mighty, making me think that he really had something up his sleeves!"


    "Didn''t you tell Teacher Zhang to try and see what would happen if he didn''t apologize? Teacher Zhang has tried that by now! So can I ask��what then?"


    At this point, the battle''s oue was decided!


    The strong voices of denouncement from the sporting world were met with a strong defeat. In this moment, quite a number of athletes quietly went offline.


    It was terrible!


    They had lost so terribly!


    The onlookingizens were all pping in appreciation of what they saw today!


    "That was so fun!"


    "Yeah, it was truly a battle worthy of being called a ssic!"


    "''ck New Year''s Day'' will definitely go down into the annals of history!"


    "My drama meter is peaking! If I can witness such an exciting scolding battle every day, I will die without regrets!"


    "Today, Zhang Ye has once again proven his fan''s cohesiveness!"


    "Zhang Ye was so domineering today! He crushed his opponents with just his momentum alone!"


    "How satisfying!"


    "This battle was well fought!"


    The battle ended.


    The Tieba authorities were currently cleaning up the mess from the battle.


    Weibo''s moderators had also started to delete a massive amount ofments with vulgarities in them.


    However, the coaches and yers of the national table tennis team who were the cause of all these events were utterly unable to ept the oue. They couldn''t figure out why the SARFT had suddenly gone quiet!


    No way!


    They couldn''t just leave it this way!


    This was not something they could afford to lose!


    Han Li said angrily from the embarrassment: "The SARFT are going to wash their hands of this? Then we will report this to the cyber police!"


    Li Qi''s eyes lit up. "Yeah, he instigated theizens into causing trouble and crashing so many bars. This is an act of Inte abuse, so the Inte Surveince Bureau will surely take on the case!"


    "Let''s make aint!"


    "Mention the Inte Surveince Bureau on Weibo!"


    The table tennis team''s people hurriedly went to make theirints!


    However, they would probably never know that the previous vition they had reported to the SARFT''s department was actually under the jurisdiction of Deputy Chief Wu��who was also Zhang Ye''s girlfriend. And now, the Inte Surveince Bureau they were making theirints to was headed by one of the world''s most famous hackers and cyber police officers, Officer Fan Yingyun��who was also the leader of Zhang Ye''s Fan Club! The earlier scolding battle and the spam flooding operation was basically led by this female cyber policewoman from the Inte Surveince Bureau! Fortunately, the table tennis team and everyone from the sporting world did not know of these facts, or else they might really have vomited blood for three days straight!


    When theizens saw this, they were angered once more!


    "They''re not done yet?"


    "Still makingints?"


    "Haven''t you people embarrassed yourselves enough already?"


    "What the hell!"


    "Teacher Zhang, be careful!"


    "This is no trifling matter! We''ve had scolding battles and spam flooding operations before too, but those were all incited and organized by theizens themselves. But this time, it happened under Teacher Zhang''smand, so if he gets called out for that, this may be a big deal!"


    "Ah?"


    "Then what should we do?"


    "Teacher Zhang, quickly delete your posts!"


    "Yeah, hurry up and delete those posts from earlier. Just do it!"


    "It wouldn''t help even if he deletes them! There''s a log for sure!"


    A lot of fans were starting to worry again.


    When Zhang Ye saw this, he did a little bit of work on hisputer with the aid of the Network Technology Experience Books he had eaten in the past. He modified some stuff here, then added some stuff there. Finally, with a nod of his head, he gave Yao Jiancai a call.


    "Old Yao, there''s something I need your help with."


    ...


    Very soon, Yao Jiancai''s Weibo suddenly posted: "Hello, everyone, this is Zhang Ye. Aiya, my ount was hacked by someone. What just happened anyway? @Weibo Please help me reset my password. I''ve already sent in a request."


    Following that, an ount under the official Weibo replied: "Hello, Teacher Zhang Ye. We just checked and saw that your ount was logged into from the United States. The password was indeed changed, so we will need to PM you to verify your identity and cell phone number to help you with the reset."


    Zhang Ye on Yao Jiancai''s Weibo: "Thank you. That is great, I can finally get back my Weibo ount! Also, I would like to say that I really condemn the theft. They''re way too brazen!"


    Hacked?


    You were hacked?


    Ning Lan: "��"


    Chen Guang was stunned!


    Liu Yifeng was dumbfounded!


    Han Li vomited blood!


    Chang Xiaoliang fainted!


    When everyone saw this statement, they nearly facepalmed themselves as ten thousand strings of "fuck you" shed across their eyes! Everyone couldn''t help screaming in their heads: "You''re even scorning the hackers now? Fuck, you''re the one who is brazen! No one else in the world is more brazen than you!"


    What a familiar scene this was!


    What a sense of dej�� vu this held!


    A celebrity''s exclusive excuse��getting hacked!


    No one in the sporting world had expected Zhang Ye to pull off such a ssic trick at this point of time! You were hacked? Then about thosements and insulting posts from earlier? Who else but you could have written them? Now that you''re done with the scolding and the matter has been put to rest, you''re fucking acting innocent by iming that you''ve been hacked? And you even said it with an "aiya"?


    Aiya, your sister!


    They were all outraged by the brazenness of Zhang Ye!

 Chapter 902: A-list?

    <h4>Chapter 902: A-list? </h4>


    Chapter 902: A-list?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    On the second morning of the Spring Festival.


    Having slept enough, Zhang Ye woke up naturally. He looked at his watch then pulled aside the nket, yawned widely, and shouted into the living room, "Mom, what''s for breakfast?"


    His mother''s voice came through the door.


    "You''re up?"


    "Uh-huh."


    "Breakfast is dumplings."


    "What''s the filling?"


    "Chives, do you like that?"


    "Hai, I''ll just make do with whatever."


    "What do you mean by make do with whatever? If you don''t want to eat them, then don''t eat!"


    After squabbling for a bit, Zhang Ye put on his socks and turned on his cell phone which he turned off the night before to charge. As it had been a chaotic night, there were too many updates and calls from his friends, so Zhang Ye didn''t bother keeping up with all that and simply turned it off when he went to bed. As a result, when he turned it back on, he suddenly received a flood of messages that were mostly sent to himte at night. Moreover, most of the messages sounded quite baffling to him and he couldn''t understand what was going on.


    Dong Shanshan''s text: "That was really unexpected from you yesterday, but congrattions anyway, old ssmate."


    Yu Yingyi''s text: "Zhang''er, congrattions in advance! I was watching the scolding battle throughout, you were awesome!"


    Yao Jiancai: "Why is your phone off? Hahahaha, you were awesome. This scolding battle was really not for nothing! Your poprity really was gained through all that scolding!"


    Hou Ge: "Teacher Zhang, congrattions in advance."


    Fan Wenli: "Although we still don''t know the exact figure, I''ll congratte you first anyway."


    Chen Guang: "After the data is confirmed, our The Voice program team should get together for a meal."


    Congrattions?


    What are they congratting me for?


    What''s this data they''re talking about?


    Zhang Ye did not understand and replied to them: "What do you mean by this? What are you guys talking about?"


    The others probably sleptte and weren''t awake yet, so there was no response from them even after a long time. As Zhang Ye did not wish to disturb them by calling them, he got out of bed to brush his teeth, then went to eat breakfast.


    Chenchen was ying games on her new cell phone.


    Zhang Ye sat down and pped her upside the head. "You only know how to y games!"


    Chenchen did not even bother with him and just said straight in the direction of the kitchen, "Grandma, Zhang Ye hit my head."


    Zhang Ye was angered into amusement. "You''ve even learned how to tattle on me now?"


    Chenchen looked at him. "��Hur hur."


    "What''s going on here?" His mother immediately appeared, holding a bowl of steaming hot dumplings as she red at him. "Don''t keep hitting the child''s head, or else I''ll beat you up."


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "She only knows to y games day in, day out."


    His mother''s next words left Zhang Ye with nothing to say. "That''s still better than you fighting with people every other day!"


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    His mother snorted, "Did you get into another shouting match with the sporting worldst night?"


    Zhang Ye made a terse noise in acknowledgment.


    Chenchen pouted. "Zhang Ye, you''re really childish."


    "See." His mother said, "Chenchen also knows how childish that was. You''re a grown-up, yet you aren''t as sensible as the child is and only know how to scold people!"


    Zhang Ye quibbled, "That''s part of my job requirements."


    The ttering of keys opening the door jangled. It was his father who just returned from outside.


    Zhang Ye looked over to the doorway. "Dad, where''d you go?"


    "I went to buy the newspapers." His father was holding a thick stack of newspapers in his hands.


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Did you go on a shopping spree?"


    His father removed his shoes after stepping into the house and said, "I usually buy the newspapers that have your news in them. When I saw more than 20 newspapers with your news in them today, I bought them all at once."


    Zhang Ye said, "Let me have a look."


    His mother nagged, "Finish eating first, the dumplings have already gone cold!"


    Taking the newspapers from his father, Zhang Ye stuffed a dumpling into his mouth and read the news as he ate. When he saw what was written, Zhang Ye was tickled and nearly spat out the dumpling in his mouth!


    "Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G wins the viewership ratings championship for the first time!"


    "''A Letter to Home'' earns an honorable spot on the Top Chinese Music Chart!"


    "Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalk routine, ''Everything is Great,'' receives rave reviews. Audience broke down in tears at the venue!"


    "''ying it Up'' targets the table tennis team!"


    "Thergest scolding battle of the year beganst night!"


    "Zhang Ye engages in verbal spar with the sporting world! An earth-shattering battle!"


    "Sports-rted Tiebas wiped outst night!"


    "Tang Dazhang''s Tieba caught in ''crossfire''!"


    "Zhang Ye ims: ''Aiya, my ount was hacked!''"


    "The ''ount hacker'' has once again ended up as the scapegoat!"


    "No punishments have been meted out by the SARFT yet!"


    All of these were the events from yesterday. The timeliness of news reporting by the traditional newspapers was not really that good. As Zhang Ye had performed his acts on Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G at night, the daytime newspapers were already published and distributed. Only the online media outlets quickly followed up with his breaking news while the traditional newspapers had to wait until this morning to summarize yesterday''s news.


    When the television was switched on, the news was reporting about Zhang Ye as well.


    "Last night, after being denounced by the crosstalk worldst year, the sporting world has now dered war on Zhang Ye as well. Numerous sports stars and coaches, such as Liu Yifeng, Han Li, Li Qi, Tang Hechang, and several others fired off one after another at him. The scolding battle spread all over Weibo and flowed over to several dozen Tieba forums��"


    Ring, ring, ring.


    His cell phone rang.


    It was the executive director of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G, Chang Xiaoliang.


    He quickly swallowed the dumpling in his mouth and answered the call while mumbling: "Hi, Director Chang."


    Over on the other end, Chang Xiaoliangughed heartily, in high spirits. "Hahaha, Teacher Zhang, you''re awake already?"


    Zhang Ye put down his chopsticks. "Ah, yes, I''m eating breakfast right now."


    Chang Xiaoliang got straight to the point. "The viewership rating for our Spring Festival Gst night is out!"


    "How did we do?" Zhang Ye actually knew already from the newspapers.


    Chang Xiaoliang said: "Without a doubt, we were first. It even exceeded the viewership rating of the second ce Liaoning TV Spring Festival G by a lot. In third ce and fourth ce are Mango TV and Dragon TV respectively, while Zhejiang TV was ced fifth."


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "That''s great then."


    Chang Xiaoliang asked: "Did you see the viewership ratings for your acts?"


    "Is it out yet?" replied Zhang Ye, interested.


    Chang Xiaoliang gave a sound of acknowledgment and sighed with satisfaction. "The viewership ratings of your two acts on Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G were the highest, even whenpared with all the other Spring Festival Gsst night. The nationwide viewership of ''Everything is Great'' was 3.77% while the nationwide viewership of ''ying it Up'' was 4.01%. They have broken all the records of the provincial stations'' Spring Festival Gs over the years! You might not know this, but when many of the industry insiders saw your viewership ratings, they were all shocked for a long time and regretted not inviting you to appear on their station''s Spring Festival G this year!"


    Zhang Ye was also frightened. "That high?"


    A popr show like A Bite of China could only achieve a highest rating of 2.98% in the nationwide viewership ratings, while Zhang Ye''s performance on the Spring Festival G had actually broken 4%. But it couldn''t bepared with those viewership ratings of over 10, 20, or even 30% on Central TV''s Spring Festival G. After all, even though it was harshly criticized by a lot of people, no matter how terrible the acts were to watch, Central TV''s Spring Festival G was still Central TV''s Spring Festival G. This status was something that could never be shaken by anyone. But among the provincial stations'' Spring Festival G, the viewership ratings of Zhang Ye''s two acts were considered very heaven-defying, sweeping aside all the other performances without any of theming close!


    "We are the champions of the viewership ratings!" Chang Xiaoliang eximed: "My objectives for this year can be considered to have beenpleted sessfully. I did not let down the station''s the trust and expectations they put in me!"


    Zhang Ye said: "Congrattions, Director Chang."


    Chang Xiaoliang was taken aback, thenughed and said: "Why are you congratting me? I should be the one congratting you instead."


    Zhang Ye recalled something and asked: "Oh yes, there was a group of people congratting me in advance this morning, what were they talking about? I reread those messages over and over but I still don''t get it."


    "Don''t you know about it yet?"


    "What should I know about?"


    "Have you not seen the Celebrity Rankings Index?"


    "Uh, I didn''t see it as I went to sleep immediately after the scolding battlest night."


    "Take a look then. I believe you won''t be too far off from the A-list rankings."


    "Huh?"


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye quickly browsed through the overall poprity scores of the Celebrity Rankings Index which was updated at midnight. The moment he looked at it, he could not find his name in the rankings at all. When he searched for his own name, a message appeared, saying, "Zhang Ye: Ranking pending."


    Pending?


    His ranking was not shown?


    Zhang Ye was suddenly enlightened. Only then did he realize why everyone was congratting him in advance.


    The ranking system of this world was fairly advanced and professional, with the system automatically recording the discussion poprity of each celebrity, the value of their work, the awards they won, and other factors to arrive at a base score that would then be converted into an overall score to rank them ordingly. But aputer system was still aputer system after all and there would be times when it would malfunction. For example, on more than one asion in the past, when some of the C- or D-list celebrities shot to fame overnight due to their appearance on Central TV''s Spring Festival G, it resulted in a direct jump for them onto the B-list rankings. When that urred, the system would have a chance of hanging due to an overlyrge increase of poprity scores causing the processing to peak and the system bing unable to handle the calctions. That was why this pending status was shown in ce when it happened. It would require human input the next day to assist the system to recalcte the scores to disy the most urate rankings.


    Anyway, a pending status was definitely a good thing. It meant that the poprity and exposure figures generated by Zhang Ye yesterday were too great. After the manual assessment, there would definitely be arge increase!


    Zhang Ye''s previous B-list ranking was at fourth ce, which he had just recently been promoted to, so the gap between him and third ce was still very wide. In the B-list rankings, especially at the top few ces, the poprity and fame required to advance to the next ranking was quite huge!


    How many ces would he rise with this massive increase in poprity?


    To third ce on the B-list rankings?


    Or second ce?


    Or could it be first ce?


    Perhaps even��


    Zhang Ye was extremely excited and did not dare to think any further. "Dad, Mom, I''ve got something to tell you. Haha, my poprity has risen again and there might even be an explosive increase this time!" He exined the situation to them.


    His mother was also excited. "Is that true?"


    Upon hearing this, his father said in a speechless manner, "You can even gain poprity by scolding people?"


    "Did you forget?" His mother interjected, "When our son went from the C-list to the B-list rankings, didn''t he do so by scolding others?"


    His father: "��It seems like that was the case."


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted. "I also performed in a crosstalk and skitst night that set new viewership rating records for the provincial stations'' Spring Festival Gs in recent years! Why are you both insisting that I always do it by scolding people?"


    Beside him, Chenchen ate a dumpling and looked up at him. "Hur hur."


    His mother asked, "So when will the rankings be out?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "They should be out soon. I''m sure that they''ll be released during the day."


    The more his mother thought about it, the happier and more excited she became. She said, "You were at fourth ce on the B-list rankings. If you continue moving up further, won''t you be really close to getting into the A-list?"


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    The outside world was also paying close attention to Zhang Ye''s poprity ranking!


    The media reporters'' concentration was at their maximum!


    Many of the celebrities in the entertainment industry also couldn''t tear their eyes away!

 Chapter 903: Becoming an A-lister!

    <h4>Chapter 903: Bing an A-lister! </h4>


    Chapter 903: Bing an A-lister!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On Weibo.


    The so-called "ck New Year''s Day" epic battle had ended, the Weibo poprity of it falling by quite a lot today. Of course, this also had to do with everyone staying upte to scold people and watching the spectaclest night. As it was still very early in the morning and the second day of the Spring Festival was a rest day, most people were still not up yet.


    "Is anyone around?"


    "Where are all the brothers and sisters who did battle together yesterday?"


    "*yawns* I just woke up."


    "Same. What''s up?"


    "Teacher Zhang''s poprity ranking is currently pending!"


    "Huh?"


    "Really?"


    "Holy shit, there''s going to be a breakthrough in his poprity then!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s poprity score is going to increase again? How much will it increase by?"


    "Of course his poprity score will increase. Just the crosstalk and skit acts alone have be very popr with the people. I have a link here for everyone to watch. It''s the viewership stats of all the acts on the provincial stations'' Spring Festival G yesterday. First and second ce are both Zhang Ye''s acts, and coupled with the entry of ''A Letter to Home'' on the Top Chinese Music Chart and the humorous Weibo insults that mocked the sporting world, which led to that earth-shattering battle with themst night, his poprity score will definitely experience a huge surge!"


    "Yeah, how many people in the country would not know Zhang Ye''s name by now? Moreover, it has reached the point where people not only know about his name, they also be his die-hard fans. For example, my attention on Zhang Ye before this was not worth a mention at all. I used to liked him, but did not pay much attention to him or follow his news daily. But now? Ever sincest night, I''ve started paying attention to Zhang Ye''s Weibo and joined his Tieba fan club to fight alongside him. I even kept refreshing for online news about him, and if I saw any news with his name on it, I would click on the link. When I saw anyone speaking ill of Zhang Ye, I would go up to them and scold them. I believe that was what many people were doing as well!"


    "Haha, yeah, me too!"


    "Zhang Ye was so cool yesterday!"


    "Right, this is the first time I''ve seen a celebrity with such a fucking domineering air to him! Standing firm against a sporting world chief and numerous sports star champions, he even won in the end! How awesome!"


    "What rank do you think Teacher Zhang will reach this time?"


    "Second ce on the B-list?"


    "I think he''ll be first ce on the B-list!"


    "That will be difficult. The second ce celebrity on the B-list rankings is currently Dongdong, team leader of the most popr domestic girl group. Her poprity score is very high. Furthermore, she gains additional poprity from the group''s poprity, so it won''t be that easy to surpass her."


    Theizens discussed this.


    ...


    Elsewhere.


    In the Celebrity Goof Group.


    Xiaodong sent a crying emoji. "Is anyone awake yet?"


    Soon after, Fan Wenli replied: "I just woke up."


    Xiaodong: "Looking for some moral support!"


    Huo Dongfang also appeared. "What''s the matter, Xiaodong?"


    About eight people gradually came online. "Why are you crying?"


    Finally, Xiaodong said: "Teacher Zhang Ye''s poprity score is currently pending and not disyed. He was fourth ce previously on the B-list whereas I''m second ce. I think I''m in danger! *cries*!"


    Fan Wenli: "*pats head tofort you*."


    Chen Guangughed and said: "That won''t happen, right? Fourth ce is still quite far from you."


    Xiaodong sent another crying emoji. "In the past, I thought it was quite far away and felt that it would be a long time before Teacher Zhang would catch up, but I really don''t think it''s that far anymore."


    Fan Wenli said: "Aren''t you all going on tour soon? When the album for the toures out, your poprity will definitely rise dramatically. You can then push for the A-list when you release your new songs next year!"


    Ning Lan was online too. "That''s right! Xiaodong, I believe in you!"


    Chen Guang: "Go, Xiaodong! I believe in you. Eliminate Zhang Ye."


    Huo Dongfang: "Go, Xiaodong! I believe in you. Eliminate Zhang Ye."


    Fan Wenli: "Go, Xiaodong! I believe in you. Eliminate Zhang Ye."


    A group of people followed along and gave their reply as well.


    Xiaodong quickly said: "Thank you, thank you, everyone, for your encouragement."


    Then, Zhang Ye appeared. He sent a long string of dots.


    Chen Guang immediately said: "Go, Zhang Ye! I believe in you. Eliminate Xiaodong."


    Fan Wenli: "Go, Zhang Ye! I believe in you. Eliminate Xiaodong."


    Huo Dongfang: "Go, Zhang Ye! I believe in you. Eliminate Xiaodong."


    It was that same group of people who replied before this.


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted!


    Xiaodong vomited at least three liters of blood!


    Xiaodong shouted: "You people are so two-faced!"


    Ning Lan: "Hahahahaha!"


    This chat group named Goof Group really lived up to its name.


    ...


    At home.


    His mother kept asking, "Is it out yet? Is it?"


    His father said in speechless manner, "Will you give it a rest? Aren''t you being a little too irritating?"


    "How can I not be concerned about this major event?" His mother stared at his father.


    Zhang Ye refreshed the rankings again, thenughed and said, "It''s not out yet, so let''s wait a little longer."


    Incidentally, he suddenly thought of Old Yao and Shanshan''s rankings, so he took some time to check them out. When he saw it, Zhang Ye was shocked for a moment. He realized that Yao Jiancai and Dong Shanshan''s poprity scores had surged too afterst night!


    The two of them were on the C-list rankings!


    It was easy to exin for Yao Jiancai as he had been in the industry for over 20 years. He was involved with crosstalk routines and acted in movies. That in and of itself was an umtion of poprity. This umtion was many times morepared to Zhang Ye, so it was only normal that Old Yao''s past works had umted enough poprity for him to be sessful in the present. But Dong Shanshan being promoted into the C-list rankings at this time made Zhang Ye quite startled. However, after careful thought, it was not actually that shocking either. Although Shanshan did not have many works behind her, her conditions were simply just too good! She was blessed with good looks and a sexy figure, especially that long pair of legs. Not many people in the entertainment industry couldpete with her on that. She was born with this advantage and was a good sapling for the entertainment industry. In the entertainment industry, a person''s figure and appearance would also be considered an individual''s abilities, so they weren''t considered something despicable or disgraceful at all. This was because the entertainment industry was different from other professions!


    Zhang Ye hurriedly made some calls to give his congrattions.


    Du, du, du. The call was answered.


    "Who is this?" Yao Jiancai still sounded asleep.


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "It''s me. I''m calling to congratte you. Your poprity has gone up again."


    Yao Jiancai said: "Little Zhang, haha. It has increased by quite a bit. I already saw thatst night and wanted to call you, but your cell phone was off!"


    Zhang Ye said happily: "Great. As the best duo, we''ve gained quite a lot this time. Shanshan did even better than us and has been promoted to the C-list rankings. Although her ranking is near the bottom of the list, she is still considered a C-lister now!"


    "I saw it." Yao Jiancai said: "She has a better prospect than us since she has the bearing of an A-list celebrity."


    Zhang Ye replied: "You make it sound like I don''t have that."


    Yao Jiancai burst intoughter. "What kind of a bearing of an A-list celebrity do you have?"


    Zhang Ye said: "I don''t have the looks, but it will still happen soon."


    Yao Jiancaiughed and said: "You can try to push your advance this year, but it''ll still depend on luck."


    "Yeah." Zhang Ye dered: "My goal for this year is to try to aim for the A-list rankings. In the past, countless experts and people from the entertainment industry said that my unconventional way of being a celebrity woulde to an end upon reaching the forefront of the B-list rankings, that I wouldn''t be able to advance any further than this. Ha, but I really don''t believe that shit!"


    Yao Jiancai said: "Let''s see how much you can rise after your pending status is confirmed. Is it out yet?"


    "It''s not, I''m still waiting��" Just as he said that, he suddenly heard his mother moring next to him.


    His mother, who was constantly refreshing her cell phone''s browser, shouted, "It''s out! Son! The ranking is out!"


    Zhang Ye was startled and said into his cell phone: "I think it''s out. I''ll take a look first. Bye."


    Yao Jiancai returned: "OK, I''ll take a look too."


    ...


    On Weibo.


    "It''s out!"


    "Zhang Ye''s poprity score has been released!"


    "Quick, go and see!"


    "What''s the situation now?"


    "What ce is he on the B-list rankings?"


    "Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit!"


    "Heavens!"


    "What''s going on? What are you holy shitting for? And why are you shouting heavens? Could Zhang Ye have really overtaken Dongdong?"


    "Come and see quickly! What the hell! This is crazy! This is totally crazy!"


    The Inte blew up in an instant!


    ...


    Celebrity Goof Group.


    Ning Lan: "It''s out!"


    Chen Guang also shouted: "The rankings index has been updated!"


    However, the many celebrities who saw the rankings were all shocked!


    Fan Wenli was dumbfounded. "This��"


    Chen Guang: "Holy shit!"


    Huo Dongfang gasped: "This is��"


    Xiaodong: "[emailprotected]*&$*)(*$)(@! ! !"


    ...


    At home.


    His mother was also shouting, "Son! Quick, take a look at this! Look at this!"


    His father came over and said, "Stop shouting, you''re disturbing the neighbors."


    "What''s the matter, Mom? How much did my poprity score increase by?" Zhang Ye quickly took out his cell phone to look at thetest updated B-list celebrity rankings and was stunned by what he saw!


    What does this mean?


    Why isn''t my name on it yet?


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "Mom, don''t know how to use a cell phone? It''s still not updated yet, my name isn''t there at all."


    His mother said ecstatically, "It is! It is!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned. Suddenly, he thought of a seemingly impossible possibility and immediately picked up his cell phone excitedly again and tapped on the A-list celebrity rankings!


    He browsed to the next page!


    And the next page!


    And further to the next page!


    Finally, he saw his own name at thest spot!


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded!


    He was totally dumbfounded without any mental preparation at all!


    The A-list?


    He had be an A-list celebrity just like that?

 Chapter 904: Becoming an A-lister even without a proper job?

    <h4>Chapter 904: Bing an A-lister even without a proper job? </h4>


    Chapter 904: Bing an A-lister even without a proper job?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Ha Qiqi''s house.


    After just waking up, she received a call from Little Wang, only to hear her shouting and yelling on the other end.


    Little Wang screamed, "Ahhh!"


    Ha Qiqi said in a speechless manner: "Who stepped on your foot?"


    "Director Ha! Director Zhang has be an A-lister!" Little Wang eximed.


    "What A-lister?" Ha Qiqi was startled.


    "An A-lister! You know, an A-lister!" Little Wang yelled.


    Ha Qiqi finally realized what was going on and asked in a stunned manner: "Are you saying that Director Zhang has gotten into the A-list rankings?"


    "Yea!" Little Wang was extremely excited. "He''s so awesome! He''s amazing!"


    Ha Qiqi immediately sat up and said in surprise: "How is that possible? Wasn''t he just fourth ce on the B-list rankings before this? How did he suddenly get into the A-list rankings?"


    ...


    Beijing Times.


    At the entertainment section''s editorial department.


    An exmation of "holy shit" loudly reverberated in the office!


    "Zhang Ye��has be an A-lister!"


    "Ah?"


    "What?"


    "That''s not possible!"


    "Did they make a mistake?"


    "Him? A-lister? How could he be an A-lister so quickly?!"


    "Fuck, let me see!"


    "This wicked wretch can also be an A-lister?"


    ...


    The people at Central TV also found out about the news instantly!


    Xu Yipeng was stunned!


    Chen Ye was stunned!


    Jiang Yuan was stunned!


    Those who were on the program team of the Spring Festival G were also stunned!


    "Zhang Ye be-became an A-lister!"


    "Uh��"


    "This��"


    Silence!


    Or rather, they were cursing in their minds!


    Even he can be an A-lister? He really became an A-lister? Is there any justice? Is there anyw? What has this fellow done? He had not done any proper work before at all. Taking into ount those current A-list celebrities in the entertainment industry, the majority of them were either singers or actors. Hosting was considered an obscure profession in the entertainment industry. Furthermore, Zhang Ye did not even do his main job as a host properly. Instead, he became a director, involved himself in the field of mathematics, took up positions as a university professor, piloted a ne, dabbled in calligraphy, wrote novels,posed poems, and even performed crosstalks? You have not done any proper work at all!


    You can even do it like that?


    You can even be a goddamn A-lister like that?


    ...


    The media was making a racket!


    The entertainment circle was making a racket!


    Thousands and thousands of people were also making a racket!


    When they saw the rankings, everyone''s first reaction was disbelief!


    Actually, wasn''t that the case for Zhang Ye too? Zhang Ye was even more shocked that he became an A-list celebrity than the media, theizens, and his colleagues. After working so hard for his goal, he had finally reached it just like that? Zhang Ye did not feel any sense of realism in this as he stood rooted to the spot for a long time, not even believing it himself!


    His motherughed loudly and said, "Son! You''re really an A-lister now! Although it''s only thest spot!"


    His father was also stunned.


    Chenchen came out and said, "Zhang Ye, do you need me to step on your foot?" Saying that, she actually stepped right onto his foot.


    "Why are you stepping on my foot?" Zhang Ye said speechlessly to her.


    Chenchen calmly replied, "I''m just letting you know that you aren''t dreaming."


    Pfft!


    This bad kid!


    Zhang Ye was angered into amusement. "Looks like I have to thank you then."


    Chenchen acknowledged, "You''re wee."


    Suddenly, the phones rang noisily!


    His mother''s cell phone rang first, followed by a lively ringing tone of Zhang Ye''s cell phone, then Chenchen''s cell phone also rang at almost the same time. The house phone in the living room rang as well!


    There was ringing sounds everywhere!


    His mother answered and said joyfully: "Hello��aiyo, Mengmeng��that''s right, that''s right, your brother has been promoted to the A-list. We just found out about it too��.Right, right��.Thank you��.Your brother is busy answering calls now, I''ll get him to call you backter��.Is your mom at home? She is? Get her on the phone��."


    His father picked up the house phone. It was from an old neighbor. "Hello? Brother Liu��.Yes, he''s an A-lister now��.Thank you, thank you, congrattions��.Let me thank you on Little Ye''s behalf��.Alright, OKe over to our home when you''re free!"


    Chenchen was talking to her ssmate on the phone. "Hello? Who''s this? Oh��ck Widow."


    Everyone was busy answering their phones.


    Zhang Ye moved far away from them and went back into his bedroom to answer the calls.


    The first call was from Dong Shanshan.


    Dong Shanshan immediately said: "Are you for real?"


    Zhang Yeughed heartily: "Maybe, probably, it''s most likely real!"


    Dong Shanshan said: "I saw your poprity score pending in the middle of the night and knew that you would definitely leap up in the rankings. I even sent a message to congratte you in advance, but who knew that you''d leap by this much? This is not just about jumping several spots in the rankings anymore, but a direct promotion into the A-list?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "You were very impressive too. You''re now a big shot C-list celebrity!"


    "That still can''t bepared to you." Dong Shanshan chuckled. "How many years has it been since any of the graduates from Media College have be an A-list celebrity? Three years? Or five years? Who could have expected that it would be you to achieve that!"


    Media College specialized in the broadcasting major, and in this specialty, they were ranked number one in the country without othersing close. But because of this, those who graduated from Media College found it difficult to gain any great achievements. It was not easy for a host to stand out in the entertainment industry as they were not mainstream celebrities. And in the other majors, such as singing, directing, and acting, Media College was unable topare with the Central Conservatory of Music, Central Academy of Drama, and Shanghai Theater Academy. But today, after a few years, Media College had finally produced another A-list celebrity. This undoubtedly made the students of Media College very excited!


    After hanging up with Dong Shanshan, many of his other friends called as well.


    His beloved Teacher Su of Media College was simrly excited.


    "Little Zhang, good job! You did great!"


    "It was all thanks to Teacher Su''s guidance!"


    "Knock it off. Which school or teacher can produce such a reckless celebrity like you? That''s all your own hard work!"


    "Man, why does it sound like you''re lecturing me?"


    "Hahaha. Kid, you''ve brought a lot of pride to our alma mater this time! Good! Very good!"


    "Thanks, Teacher Su."


    "President Hu contacted me earlier and wanted me to congratte you on behalf of the college."


    "Oh, then please give my thanks to President Hu!"


    A whileter, the people from Peking University also called!


    "Congrattions, Little Zhang!"


    "Thank you, Dean Pan!"


    "Our mathematics field has produced an A-list celebrity this time around! Hahaha!"


    "You can even count this?"


    "Why not? Aren''t you a Peking University math professor?"


    "��Yes."


    "Then of course it''s counted since you''re part of Peking University''s Mathematics Department!"


    "Uh, alright then."


    When the Chinese Department''s Dean Chang and Secretary Zhen called, they said something simr as well.


    "Little Zhang, congrattions to you. To think that a teacher from Peking University''s Chinese Department could be an A-list celebrity! When are you free toe back? We''ll hold a celebration for you when you''re here!"


    "Thank you, Dean Chang, I''ll treat everyone when the timees!"


    "I''ll hold you to your words then!"


    It could be imagined that when Peking University started its school term this year, the entrance of the Chinese Department would definitely have a banner hung with words like "A warm congrattions to Peking University Associate Professor Zhang Ye from the Chinese Department on being promoted to the A-list." Then the Math Department would hang a simr banner saying, "A warm congrattions to Peking University Associate Professor Zhang Ye from the Math Department on being promoted to the A-list"! Damn, hopefully they won''t end up fighting when that timees!


    The calls kepting!


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli called to offer their congrattions!


    A call from songstress Zhang Xia.


    A call from skit actress Ci Xiufang.


    A call from Qu Haiying who was hospitalized at the moment.


    Five calls!


    Ten calls!


    Twenty calls!


    Thirty calls!


    Finally, even Zhang Yuanqi gave him a call.


    She did not speak much, but it left Zhang Ye in a good mood.


    Old Zhang: "You''re alright."


    Zhang Ye: "Haha, I''m not bad."


    Old Zhang: "To be honest, I was rather surprised that you managed to get into the A-list."


    Zhang Ye: "I haven''te around yet from all that has happened either."


    Old Zhang: "Not bad, but you''re still far off from bing an S-list Heavenly King."


    Zhang Ye: "Hur hur, who knows? I might catch up to you by next year."


    Old Zhang: "Sure. I''ll be waiting."


    The news of Zhang Ye getting promoted to the A-list had shocked and startled lots of people!


    It was not very long ago that Zhang Ye was just a Media College graduate who could not find a job. He stumbled along in his journey, scolding his leaders, getting involved in fights, working on shows, piloting a ne, battling the global mathematics field, and arguing with the crosstalk and sporting worlds. The difficulties and hardships that he faced along the way could basically bepiled into a book as thick as three Journey to the West books, with an additional book of The Golden Lotus! But now, he was finally promoted to the A-list! This was an affirmation to all of Zhang Ye''s efforts over the past two years. He was d that he had chosen this path and had kept following it all the way until now!


    After finishing with all the calls, Zhang Ye breathed a sigh of relief as he finally got some time to call Wu Zeqing. "Old Wu, I''m an A-lister now."


    Old Wuughed and said: "I''ve already seen it."


    Zhang Ye said with a smile: "There''s nothing else. I just wanted to thank you. I still remember clearly how no one believed in me back then. Everyone thought that I would not be able to advance any further after I had reached the B-list rankings, that it was impossible for me to have an opportunity or the qualities to rise another level. But it was because of your encouragement that I persisted onward. Now that this bro has managed to persist thus far, I will still continue to move upwards as there are still the S-list and international stage that I want to get to. I won''t be stopping here for sure!"


    Old Wu said smilingly: "Then don''t stop. I, too, am especially looking forward to seeing how far you can go."


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "As long as you''re beside me, I can even aim for the skies!"

 Chapter 905: Zhang Ye’s live interview!

    <h4>Chapter 905: Zhang Ye''s live interview! </h4>


    Chapter 905: Zhang Ye''s live interview!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the same day, the news was out!


    The newspapers, television, and online media were all fighting to cover this piece of news!


    "Zhang Ye promoted into the A-list!"


    "Thetest Celebrity Rankings Index!"


    "The A-list Celebrity Rankings have finally been updated!"


    "Zhang Ye surprisingly breaks into the A-list!"


    "Can Zhang Ye maintain his ranking as an A-lister? Let us wait and see!"


    "A raffish celebrity creates a miracle that won''t be replicated by anyone!"


    "A journey: How Zhang Ye walked his path to fame!"


    "Zhang Ye: A prodigy not recognized by his industry peers!"


    "Feats or faults, leave it to the future generations to judge for themselves?"


    In fact, Zhang Ye was ascending to cloud nine looking at all these headlines!


    The A-list Celebrity Rankings had stayed unchanged for a long time. It had always cycled between the same few people moving up and down on the list without any new entries. After all, even if one were to shoot to fame overnight, they would at most get onto the B-list. This would be in the most extreme of circumstances where a celebrity shot to fame. But to get onto the A-list? This was something that required results, with a need for background and an umtion of poprity. A celebrity who shot to fame overnight would never be able to hold onto the status of an A-lister, which was why this ranking had been stable for such a long time. Most outsiders could never break into it!


    But today, Zhang Ye had broken the stalemate. A celebrity with average looks, someone who could never depend on his looks to make a living, this person had actually managed to stumble his way to a new height. In the eyes of many, this was a miracle. If it was just the B- or C-list rankings, this would have been eptable. But in the ranks of the A-list, which celebrity did not depend on their looks to make a living? Even if they depended on their talents and other factors, their looks were definitely still outstanding. This had be one of the prerequisites of the A-list, but with Zhang Ye''s appearance on it, it had surprised everyone. For someone who had just debuted for less than two years, someone who only looked a little better than average, he had somehow been promoted into the A-list?


    Although he was still rankedst.


    Although his poprity was still unstable as of now.


    In the afternoon, Zhang Ye received a call and left in a hurry.


    ...


    At Central TV.


    The heavens were kind today with clear skies.


    When Zhang Ye arrived, Yan Tianfei''s secretary was waiting for him at the entrance. The secretary was already walking up to wee him when he spotted Zhang Ye''s car arriving from afar.


    "Teacher Zhang, congrattions! Congrattions to you!" the secretary said.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Thank you very much."


    The secretary immediately said, "The interview will be done on Central TV Live News. Pleasee with me."


    Zhang Ye nodded and followed. "Alright. It won''t take long, right?"


    The secretary replied, "At most ten minutes, but it''s a live broadcast."


    "Alright, I understand," Zhang Ye said.


    The secretaryughed. "I was afraid that you wouldn''te."


    Zhang Ye shrugged and remarked, "If it''s a live interview with Central TV, why would I note?"


    Right now, Zhang Ye needed to solidify his position and poprity. Having just been promoted into the A-list, the neer clearly could notpare with the other A-listers as he wouldn''t have their foundations of fame. In the short term, he couldn''tpete with them, so there was no need to think about surpassing them. But for the people behind him, their poprity did not differ much from his. That previous A-lister Zhang Ye had reced was currently at the top of the B-list rankings, so it could be said that he might still return to the A-list at any time and push Zhang Ye back down the rankings. At this time, it was Zhang Ye''s most unstable and vulnerable period. He needed to solidify this ce he had fought so hard for!


    Since there was an interview?


    And it was even a live interview on Central TV?


    Then of course he had toe. Otherwise, that former A-list celebrity might juste up with something and Zhang Ye would return to the B-list the next day, bing the most short-lived A-lister in history.


    Besides, it wasn''t easy to secure this interview either!


    There were a lot of going-ons behind it.


    After receiving news of Zhang Ye getting promoted into the A-list, Central TV News Channel contacted Department 14 andmunicated with them, hoping to arrange for a short live interview with Zhang Ye. ording to convention, whenever a celebrity was promoted into the A-list, it was always considered a major event. Therefore, Central TV��being the big brother of television stations��couldn''t possibly miss out on reporting such news, so they would usually arrange for a one-on-one live interview with that celebrity on the day of. But the reason why this was dyed until the afternoon was mainly because of the rather awkward rtionship between Central TV and Zhang Ye. Having gone through awsuit, having fought and scolded each other, the people of the Central TV News Channel could not make the decision to do this interview. They had to urgently seek out the heads tomunicate their intentions and hold a meeting to discuss it. It took until the afternoon before this live interview with Zhang Ye was approved, although that would be considered a good thing even with all the setbacks.


    Suddenly.


    In front of him, his colleagues all appeared!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    Ha Qiqi, Little Wang, Tong Fu, and Huang Dandan were all here!


    Zhang Ye was surprised by them and said with a smile, "Whoa, why are you all back at work on the second day of the new year?"


    Ha Qiqi smiled. "We''re not. We knew that you were going toe for a live interview, so we came back specifically for that. We wanted to congratte you and to also cheer you on."


    Little Wang gave him a thumbs up and said in admiration, "Director Zhang, you''re so awesome! When I heard about you bing an A-list celebrity, I was totally stunned by the news!"


    "Director Zhang, treat us!"


    "Yeah, you have treat us!"


    "Treat, treat, treat!"


    "Zhang Zuo and Wu Yi will being over in a while too!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Alright, don''t leave then. After the interview is done, I''ll treat everyone!"


    ...


    The outside world.


    The news had long since been released.


    "Zhang Ye''s going to appear on Central TV''s live broadcast!"


    "What time?"


    "It''s almost time!"


    "Ah, then I must definitely catch it!"


    "Uh, didn''t Central TV and Zhang Ye have a falling out?"


    "But this is such big news. They still have to invite Zhang Ye for an interview no matter what. He''s an A-list celebrity now, a big shot in the entertainment industry, so how can he still be treated like he was before? Even if Central TV dislikes him, for such a big piece of news, they would definitely have to report it!"


    "It''s only a ten-minute live interview? Back when Huo Dongfang rose into the A-list, he gave an interview for half an hour! They even made a special program to cover him!"


    "But the key here is that it''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Pfft, with his rtionships, how can he possibly bepared to Sect Leader Huo?"


    "Hahaha, it''s already considered very good that he has ten minutes!"


    "Let''s see if Teacher Zhang can use this chance to solidify his position. The original A-lister who was knocked down to the B-list is hot on his heels. The difference in the poprity scores is just tens of thousands!"


    "Teacher Zhang, we''re cheering you on!"


    "You must definitely hold onto your position!"


    A poprity score difference of tens of thousands of points might sound like a lot, but at this level, it would be considered very little. It could just be the difference of one song, amercial, an interview, or an incident on Weibo. Their poprity scores were very close. Whoever would be in the A-list tomorrow was still an open question!


    The interview was about to begin!


    His parents turned on the television.


    Zhang Ye''s rtives and neighbors also tuned into Central TV News Channel.


    At home, Yan Tianfei switched on his television.


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli were watching.


    Zhang Xia was watching.


    Ci Xiufang was watching.


    Dong Shanshan was watching.


    Yao Jiancai was watching.


    Peking University''s Teacher Su Na was watching.


    Central TV Department 1''s Jiang Yuan, Xu Yipeng, and Chen Ye were watching.


    The peers of the crosstalk world were watching.


    Those from the sporting world were watching.


    Zhang Yuanqi and her manager were watching.


    Even Wu Zeqing was watching.


    Zhang Ye''s rtives, friends, colleagues, fans, even his foes, those who liked him, those who disliked him, many of these people were waiting and watching their televisions at this moment, waiting for Zhang Ye''s first appearance since getting into the A-list Celebrity Rankings. They wanted to know just what he would say after getting promoted into the A-list.


    ...


    On Central TV News Channel.


    Central TV Live News began its live broadcast!


    The host was a woman in her thirties. Her name was Zhang Ya, which was a rather strange name. She was a veteran host of Central TV who had even hosted News Simulcast for a period of time. She was also one of the few remaining people at Central TV who had never had any conflict with Zhang Ye. Therefore, her interviewing Zhang Ye today came as no surprise at all.


    A long table.


    And two chairs.


    The two of them sat facing each other.


    Zhang Ya put on her signature smile and announced, "We''re very happy to be able to invite my colleague to today''s Central TV Live News��wee, Teacher Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ya smiled and said, "Hello, Teacher Zhang Ya."


    "Speaking of, we were probably family 500 hundred years ago," Zhang Ya said with a smile.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Right, I heard of your great name long ago."


    Zhang Ya asked, "Oh? Teacher Zhang knows of me?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "I often watch your news shows, so in my mind, you''re just like the stars in the sky!"


    Zhang Ya said in surprise, "Wow, do I shine that brightly to you?"


    "Hai." Zhang Ye then followed with, "Whether there''s one star more or one star less, it doesn''t make any difference to me."


    "Pfft!" Zhang Ya, host who had anchored news shows, had always done her job with only two kinds of expressions, with a serious look or a professional smile! But today, in this process of the live broadcast, Zhang Ya had giggled because of Zhang Ye''s words!


    The people watching their televisions were also entertained!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, Zhang Ye is really amazing!"


    "It''s a live broadcast and he''s still talking that way?"


    "It feels like he''s performing a crosstalk instead!"


    "Of course! How can Zhang Ye''s interviews be like the others? Hahaha!"


    "I like this! I like him so much!"


    "That mboyance can onlye from someone like him!"


    His mother also said in a speechless manner, "That rascal, he isn''t afraid to say anything!"


    On TV.


    Zhang Yaughed for a long time before finally giving a helpless expression. "I''ve finally had a taste of Teacher Zhang''s eloquence today."


    "It''s just a joke, just a joke," Zhang Ye cracked.


    In fact, after being together at Central TV for so long, Zhang Ya and Zhang Ye wereing face to face for the first time officially. To say that this was her first humbling experience with Zhang Ye, that was really the truth and she really did learn a little from Zhang Ye. She had interviewed countless celebrities and done countless news reporting in the past. Even for the celebrities who had just risen into the A-list, she had interviewed two of them before. When those newly promoted A-listers came here to Central TV Live News, they would tend to be serious and polite, or keep thanking their fans and family. But this was truly the first time she hade across someone like Zhang Ye who immediately cracked jokes the moment he spoke. At that instant, she wasn''t too prepared and couldn''t help but lose herposure. She could only smile wryly as she thought of how Zhang Ye was really different from other stars!

 Chapter 906: I’m Unfamiliar with this World!

    <h4>Chapter 906: I''m Unfamiliar with this World! </h4>


    Chapter 906: I''m Unfamiliar with this World!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the recording studio.


    Zhang Ya smiled and said, "Teacher Zhang, let''s get serious now."


    Zhang Ye looked at her and said, "Did you think I wasn''t serious just now?"


    Zhang Ya: "��"


    Zhang Ye cleared his throat and said, "Fine, I''ll really be proper this time."


    Zhang Ya was holding a cue card in her hand as she gave a wry smile. "After your antics, I really don''t know how to host or what to ask."


    In front of her was Zhang Ye, who was also an excellent host himself. When these two hosts met, neither of them really knew who would be the one asking or answering the questions.


    "It''s fine, you can ask me anything." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Treat it like we''re chatting as friends. I''m a very casual person, so I wouldn''t know what to say if it gets too formal."


    Zhang Ya then said in a rxed manner, "Alright then, let''s just treat it as if we''re chatting as friends."


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure."


    Zhang Ya smiled and said, "Regarding the news that was just released this morning, you have officially been promoted to the A-list. I especially would like to know what your reaction was when you found out about it."


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands and said with a smile, "My first reaction was to look at the sun outside the window."


    Zhang Ya asked puzzled, "Did you feel that it would bring you a sunny warmth?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "Nope."


    Zhang Ya asked again, "Did you feel like you were glowing from the sun''s rays?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "It''s not that either."


    Zhang Ya asked in curiosity, "Then why did you look outside at the sun?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I was looking to see if the sun rose from the west today."


    Zhang Ya reacted, "Pfft! Just for that?"


    Zhang Ye nodded his head seriously and said, "Yes, that was it."


    The audience was also entertained!


    "That mouth on Teacher Zhang!"


    "If you were in disbelief, just say that you couldn''t believe it. Why are you talking about looking at the sun!"


    "Pfft, a Beijinger''s bad habit of speaking nonsense has rendered me speechless!"


    "Yeah, he never wants to speak properly and has to beat around the bush for some reason!"


    "What an informal interview this is!"


    "Haha, it''s quite good that they''re being informal. I like to watch Zhang Ye''s teasing!"


    At the recording studio.


    Zhang Ya said in amusement, "Looks like you were also very surprised by this news."


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes. I also read theizens''ments and watched the reports on television. Honestly, you might not believe this. You thought you guys were surprised? I was even more surprised than all of you. Such an unpopr person like me in the entertainment industry could actually push into the A-list overnight? If you were me, would you believe it?"


    Zhang Ya smiled and said, "If I were you, I wouldn''t believe it either."


    "That''s right." Zhang Ye said, "My feelings right now are the same. That''s why I really want to ask about something. Are you sure that there hasn''t been a mistake?"


    Zhang Ya smiled pleasantly and said, "We''re sure."


    Zhang Ye suddenly sat up straight and said with a smile, "Then that''s great, I can finally straighten my back. I didn''t dare sit up straight since I entered the recording studio as I was feeling guilty. I was afraid that someone would suddenlye in and drag me off in the middle of the broadcast, saying that there had been a mistake."


    Zhang Yaughed again for a long time.


    One question.


    Two questions.


    Three questions.


    Zhang Ya asked the questions while Zhang Ye answered them, asionally bantering.


    Very soon, the ten-minute duration was almost up.


    Zhang Ya received the time update by the technical director over her headset and said, "Since the moment you debuted, you seemed like you couldn''t fit in with this world and never got along with your industry peers. Up to now, despite all the doubting voices against you, you''ve endured and kept walking toward the stage of an A-list celebrity. I''m actually very impressed by that." Pausing, she added, "So, since we''reing to the end of our interview, do you have anything else to say to our audience? Or something you''d like to express? I''ll leave the rest of the time to you."


    It''s already time for the closing remarks?


    What should he say?


    What should he express?


    Zhang Ye suddenly thought of himself being in this other world and remembered his choice of choosing this path filled with disaster. He suddenly had some mixed feelings and for the first time, he organized his thoughts about his life and the situations he encountered. When he first came to this unfamiliar world, he went through many situations that forced him into silence; made him humble; left him disappointed; needed him to be brave; infuriated him; set him against the heavens; set him against the earth; and set him against other men. He had really been through a lot.


    He truly had something he wished to say.


    Hence, Zhang Ye turned to the camera and "looked" at all the viewers watching their televisions and uttered softly:


    "I''m unfamiliar with this world.


    "But this isn''t the cause of my silence.


    "I still have a lot of questions


    "about the south, my roots, hope, and about distance."


    Zhang Ya was stunned!


    "I''m unfamiliar with this world.


    "But this isn''t the cause of my despair.


    "I still have a lot of passion


    "for division, death, yesterday, and solitude."


    This��


    Listening to this, the viewers watching their televisions were all stunned!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said:


    "I''m unfamiliar with this world.


    "But this isn''t the cause of my deceit.


    "I still have a lot of candor


    "I can''t do without, or let go; yet lives, and loves."


    Zhang Ye smile slowly faded as he gently went on:


    "I''m unfamiliar with this world.


    "But this isn''t the cause of my ''loneness.


    "I still have a lot to demand:


    "I needfort; to share, get upset, and tell you."


    ...


    At home.


    His parents were watching the television in shock.


    When Chenchen��who was ying with her cell phone��heard Zhang Ye''s voice, she also raised her head to look for the first time.


    Zhang Ye''s voice sounded like it came from afar, yet it felt very near.


    "I''m unfamiliar with this world.


    "But this isn''t the cause of my coldness.


    "I still have a lot of feelings


    "for time, the white clouds, the night, and for destiny."


    ...


    At a vi.


    Chen Guang''s home.


    "I''m unfamiliar with this world.


    "But this isn''t the cause of my shirking.


    "I still have a lot I long for:


    "my dreams, memories, my failures, and desires."


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli looked at each other as they listened to Zhang Ye''s voice. For some reason, they suddenly felt very touched and were full of admiration for him!


    Good.


    This poem was really good!


    ...


    Somewhere in Beijing.


    Zhang Yuanqi''s home.


    Zhang Yuanqi and her manager, Fang Weihong, were watching Zhang Ye on TV. The two of them were chatting and munching on sunflower seeds a while ago, but had suddenly turned quiet for some reason.


    "I''m unfamiliar with this world.


    "But this isn''t the cause of my weakness.


    "I still have a lot of courage,


    "renouncing loss, the gods, the Heavens, and the Earth."


    Renouncing the Heavens?


    Renouncing the Earth?


    ...


    Wu Zeqing''s home.


    Zhang Ye''s deep voice resounded through the house.


    "I''m unfamiliar with this world.


    "But this isn''t the cause of my sorrow.


    "I still have a lot of delight:


    "I have my being, worth, uniqueness, and meaning."


    ...


    At Central TV Department 14.


    People like Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, Yan Tianfei''s secretary, and others who were waiting for Zhang Ye in their office said nothing and just stared straight at the figure speaking on TV.


    "I''m unfamiliar with this world.


    "But this isn''t the cause of my turmoil.


    "I still have a lot of angles


    "to move forward, look back, to leap, and stop to rest."


    ...


    At this moment.


    Thousands and thousands of viewers were staring at their televisions, listening in silence to Zhang Ye''s life.


    "I''m unfamiliar with this world.


    "But this isn''t the cause of my splitting.


    "I still have a lot of wholeness,


    "at the least, I must fulfill myself."


    About to recite thest stanza, Zhang Ye smiled again.


    "I''m unfamiliar with this world.


    "But this isn''t the cause of my selection to die or to live.


    "I still have a lot of choices;


    "By chance, of these two, neither of them were options."


    He finished reciting.


    Zhang Ya was listening to him with rapt attention.


    Atst, Zhang Ye smiled at the camera and host before saying, "That is all, thank you."


    The time was up.


    The live broadcast signal was cut.


    Zhang Ye got up to leave but suddenly heard apuseing from around him!


    Zhang Ya stood up and started slowly pping her hands.


    A few of the technical directors in the studio also came to their senses and apuded loudly for Zhang Ye!


    Everyone was dumbfounded by what they''d heard!


    They believed that these lines were definitely not prepared by Zhang Ye beforehand!


    That was why they were so dumbfounded by what they heard! As a result, they were pping their hardest for him, even forgetting about the conflict that existed between him and Central TV!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Thank you."


    Zhang Ya was very touched and felt a mix of emotions. She said, "Teacher Zhang, I''ve met a lot of people and celebrities before, and heard a lot about their life experiences as well. But I feel that you are the most wonderful person amongst them."


    Was it wonderful?


    It probably was.


    Zhang Ye shed a smile but did not say anything. That was because he did not know how to respond to her. There were too many things that he could not say, not even to his own family. In this world, only Zhang Ye alone knew that he was��truly unfamiliar with this world! He did not belong to this world at all!


    But there was something he would not waver on.


    He would continue to walk down this path without stopping, until he reached the highest point of this unfamiliar world!


    Original Text with Pinyin


    "�Һ�������粻��."


    "W�� he zh��ge sh��ji�� b�� sh��."


    "�Ⲣ�����Ұ�����ԭ��."


    "Zh�� b��ngf��i sh�� w����nj��ng de yu��ny��n."


    "�������кܶ�����."


    "W�� y��ji�� y��u h��ndu�� w��nt��."


    "���Ϸ�,�ʹ���,��ϣ��,�ʾ���."


    "W��n n��nf��ng, w��n g��l��, w��n x��w��ng, w��n j��l��."


    "�Һ�������粻��."


    "W�� he zh��ge sh��ji�� b�� sh��."


    "�Ⲣ�����Ҿ�����ԭ��."


    "Zh�� b��ngf��i sh�� w�� juew��ng de yu��ny��n."


    "�������кܶ�����."


    "W�� y��ji�� y��u h��ndu�� r��q��ng."


    "���ֿ�,������,������,������."


    "G��i f��nk��i, g��i s��w��ng, g��i zu��ti��n, g��i ��n j��."


    "�Һ�������粻��."


    "W�� he zh��ge sh��ji�� b�� sh��."


    "�Ⲣ��������ٵ�ԭ��."


    "Zh�� b��ngf��i sh�� w�� x��ji�� de yu��ny��n."


    "�������кܶ����."


    "W�� y��ji�� y��u h��ndu�� zh��ncheng."


    "�벻��,�Ų���,����ȥ,������."


    "L�� b�� k��i, f��ng b��xi��, hu�� xi��q��, ��i de q��."


    "�Һ�������粻��."


    "W�� he zh��ge sh��ji�� b�� sh��."


    "�Ⲣ�����ҹ¼ŵ�ԭ��."


    "Zh�� b��ngf��i sh�� w�� g��j�� de yu��ny��n."


    "�������кܶ�����."


    "W�� y��ji�� y��u h��ndu�� s��qi��."


    "��ο��,������,���ķ�,������."


    "X�� w��ij��, d��i f��nxi��ng, r�� x��nf��n, g��os�� n��."


    "�Һ�������粻��."


    "W�� he zh��ge sh��ji�� b�� sh��."


    "�Ⲣ��������Į��ԭ��."


    "Zh�� b��ngf��i sh�� w�� l��ngm�� de yu��ny��n."


    "�������кܶද��."


    "W�� y��ji�� y��u h��ndu�� d��ngq��ng."


    "Ϊʱ��,Ϊ����,Ϊ���,Ϊ����."


    "Wei sh��ji��n, w��i b��iy��n, wei ti��n h��i, wei ti��nm��ng."


    "�Һ�������粻��."


    "W�� he zh��ge sh��ji�� b�� sh��."


    "�Ⲣ�������ӱܵ�ԭ��."


    "Zh�� b��ngf��i sh�� w�� t��ob�� de yu��ny��n."


    "�������кܶ���."


    "W�� y��ji�� y��u h��ndu�� ch��ngj��ng."


    "������,�Լ���,��ʧ��,��ϣ��."


    "Du�� m��ngxi��ng, du�� j��y��, du�� sh��b��i, du�� x��j��."


    "�Һ�������粻��."


    "W�� he zh��ge sh��ji�� b�� sh��."


    "�Ⲣ�����ұ�΢��ԭ��."


    "Zh�� b��ngf��i sh�� w�� b��iwei de yu��ny��n."


    "�������кܶ��¸�."


    "W�� y��ji�� y��u h��ndu�� y��ngg��n."


    "������,������,������,���ŵ�."


    "B��x��n sh��, b��x��n shen, b��x��n ti��n, b��x��n de."


    "�Һ�������粻��."


    "W�� he zh��ge sh��ji�� b�� sh��."


    "�Ⲣ������ʧ���ԭ��."


    "Zh�� b��ngf��i sh�� w�� sh��lu�� de yu��ny��n."


    "�������кܶ�߰�."


    "W�� y��ji�� y��u h��ndu�� g��o''��ng."


    "�д���,�м�ֵ,�ж���,������."


    "Y��u c��nz��i, y��u ji��zh��, y��u d��t��, y��u y��y��."


    "�Һ�������粻��."


    "W�� he zh��ge sh��ji�� b�� sh��."


    "�Ⲣ��������ã��ԭ��."


    "Zh�� b��ngf��i sh�� w�� m��m��ng de yu��ny��n."


    "�������кܶ෽��."


    "W�� y��ji�� y��u h��ndu�� f��ngxi��ng."


    "��ǰ��,��ͷ��,����Ծ,��ͣϢ."


    "W��ng qi��n z��u, hu��t��u w��ng, hu�� ti��oyu��, hu�� t��ngx��."


    "�Һ�������粻��."


    "W�� he zh��ge sh��ji�� b�� sh��."


    "�Ⲣ������˺�ѵ�ԭ��."


    "Zh�� b��ngf��i sh�� w�� s�� li�� de yu��ny��n."


    "�������кܶ�����."


    "W�� y��ji�� y��u h��ndu�� w��nzh��ng."


    "����,��Ҫ��ȫ���Լ�."


    "Zh��sh��o, w�� y��o chengqu��n w�� z��j��."


    "�Һ�������粻��."


    "W�� he zh��ge sh��ji�� b�� sh��."


    "�Ⲣ������ѡ���������������ԭ��."


    "Zh�� b��ngf��i sh�� w�� xu��nze s��w��ng hu��zh�� sh��ngc��n de yu��ny��n."


    "�������кܶ�ѡ��."


    "W�� y��ji�� y��u h��ndu�� xu��nze."


    "����,������,������ѡ��֮һ."


    "G��ngqi��o, zh�� li��ng zh��, d��u b��sh�� xu��nxi��ng zh�� y��."

 Chapter 907: The battle for the A-list rankings!

    <h4>Chapter 907: The battle for the A-list rankings! </h4>


    Chapter 907: The battle for the A-list rankings!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Central TV.


    After Zhang Ye came out of Central TV Live News, he saw Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others already waiting outside for him.


    When they saw Zhang Ye, everyone congregated around him.


    Zhang Zuo said, "Director Zhang, I was caught in a traffic jam on the way here. Congrattions!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Thank you."


    Wu Yi hurriedly said, "We watched your live interview just now at the office. You did really well!"


    "That poem was really good!" Ha Qiqi sighed.


    Little Wang even said, "Director Zhang, I nearly cried listening to that poem!"


    Zhang Ye looked at his assistant and said in amusement, "Aren''t you a little too easily moved?"


    Department 14''s Huang Dandan replied, "It''s not because we''re easily moved, but that the poem was truly touching!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright, let''s head off now. I''ll be treating everyone to lunch. Let me call Director Yan to see if he has time to join us. We should all have a get-together."


    But Zhang Zuo suggested, "Director Zhang, if it''s a hassle, we can skip the get-together today. I think you should still have some matters to attend to for now. Who knows when the previous A-lister, Li Yu, might catch up to you again?"


    Little Wang, realizing the situation, agreed, "Yeah, that''s true!"


    Tong Fu said, "I just checked. Your poprity score and Li Yu''s poprity score are pretty close!"


    Ha Qiqi considered for a moment before saying, "Director Zhang, let''s just skip today''s meal and take a rain check. There''ll be plenty of opportunities for a get-togetherter. Now that Li Yu has been nudged down to the B-list, he''s sure to take action. He definitely won''t do nothing and there might still be a poprity battle to fight tonight, so you should be careful."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Let''s go. We should just do whatever we want to do. If I get nudged back down, there''s nothing I can do about it. If it''s mine, it''s mine. I can''t force the situation either."


    "I''m Unfamiliar with this World," the poem he had just recited, was thought to have originated from Bei Dao. But after some verification, it seemed like it wasn''t Bei Dao''s work at all. It was more likely that it was just a fan''s pastiche instead. As for who the original poet of this poem was, Zhang Ye couldn''t figure it out either. He loved this poem regardless, but had never been able to find a suitable asion to bring it out. However, he was able to fulfill that wish today and that made Zhang Ye feel like he was finally freed! He was like an alcoholic who had not had a drink in a month and was able to finally grab a bottle of Erguotou to drink to his heart''s content. As such, he felt like he had been set free from his chains, and at this moment did not really care about that battle for the A-list spot.


    He would just do whatever needed to be done.


    And say whatever needed to be said.


    And after that? Whatever goes!


    ...


    On Weibo.


    A lot ofizens were crying out and moring!


    "I like this poem so much!"


    "That''s right! I really like it!"


    "Why did the live interview end so quickly? Zhang Ye, say a few more words!"


    "Central TV News Channel didn''t allocate much time to Zhang Ye at all!"


    "If Teacher Zhang were toe up with such poems every day, how great would that be!"


    "I''m unfamiliar with this world. / But this isn''t the cause of my weakness. / I still have a lot of courage, / renouncing loss, the gods, the Heavens, and the Earth."


    "I was really touched! I was really touched by this!"


    "This poem is absolutely the best!"


    "The poem was really wonderful, but the key is that Zhang Ye''s life is wonderful in the first ce!"


    "That''s right. If this poem were recited by someone else, it would never have brought about the impact on me like it did when Zhang Ye recited it! Because this poem is talking about Zhang Ye and his life, so if it were any other? Who could have the same great of ups and downs like Zhang Ye has had in his lifetime? Zhang Ye''s path in the entertainment industry was truly much harder than anyone else''s! That he could journey to this point, I''m not the least bit surprised. No one knows more about determination than he does!"


    "This poem is really awesome!"


    "Teacher Zhang is really awesome!"


    After "I''m Unfamiliar with this World" was broadcast live, it immediately began to set off a wave on the Inte. There were not a lot of people who forwarded this poem, because most of theizens felt that if this poem were written text alone, it would be wholly unable to express the impact it had on them. As such, that short ten-minute interview on Central TV Live News was forwarded like crazy instead!


    10,000!


    50,000!


    100,000!


    Thements instantaneously filled up to the point of shooting through the roof!


    ...


    Hong Kong.


    Li Yu''s personal studio.


    "Hurry up!"


    "Send them a reminder again!"


    "We must get this taken care of by today! There''s no time left!"


    "If we don''t hit back today, our chances of getting back onto the A-list will only get slimmer and slimmer!"


    "Teacher Li, we have alreadymunicated with our partners in maind China. Regarding the micro movie, ''The Shooting,'' that you took part inst month, they''ve agreed to move the release date to today!"[1.]


    "Very good!"


    "That''s great! We''ve finally got that settled!"


    "There won''t be a problem then!"


    "We''ll definitely regain the A-list spot tonight!"


    "Right!"


    "That''s right!"


    "Let''s go! Everyone, let''s put in our best efforts!"


    Li Yu was a celebrity active in the Greater China region. He was a well-known actor and a Cantonese singer. He had debuted for over a decade already and had even received a prestigious domestic film award for best supporting actor. Of course, Li Yu was still best known for his singing. His poprity in Hong Kong was practically unmatched and he''d released over a dozen albums. Almost half of the songs he had released were well-known tunes that everyone could hum along to. He also had the title of "Little Singing God." The once big shot A-lister had ruled the A-list Celebrity Rankings for many years, even though he had not been able to break through any further in both the acting and singing fields. Thus, he just kept circling around at the bottom of the rankings, but had never dropped off from the A-list rankings before!


    But today, Li Yu had been reced in his A-list spot by Zhang Ye. His team was suddenly coveting the return of the position!


    This was a battle!


    A battle of life and death!


    It was a battle for honor!


    ...


    2 o''clock in the afternoon.


    The long promoted micro movie "The Shooting" was unexpectedly released in advance. It even premiered first on the Inte through an online video hosting site and was free to watch!


    This was a sequel to one of Li Yu''s previous movies!


    It was also Li Yu and hispany''s way of testing the waters of the micro movie art form!


    It was suddenly getting lively on the Inte!


    "Heavens!"


    "They''re premiering the micro movie so soon?"


    "That''s great! I''ll go and have a watch!"


    "I like Li Yu!"


    "A veteran A-list celebrity''s strength is definitely not something that a person like Zhang Ye who only knows how to scold people every day can match!"


    "They''re contending with each other already?"


    "Li Yu and Zhang Ye have sounded the gong for their poprity battle!"


    "''The Shot'' was a ssic! So the sequel is definitely a must-watch!"


    "Zhang Ye''s in danger now!"


    "Yeah, Teacher Li''s team has made their move!"


    Many of the Greater China citizens were practically in full support of Li Yu.


    "Who is Zhang Ye?"


    "I don''t know, I''ve never heard of him before!"


    "I only recognize Teacher Li Yu as an A-list celebrity!"


    "Tonight, the oue will be decided!"


    "Teacher Li, go for it!"


    The entire entertainment industry was watching!


    From a subjective perspective, there was no such thing as a higher or lower art form. Some people might like this celebrity, while the others might prefer that celebrity; this was very normal behavior. But objectively, Zhang Ye and Li Yu were actually two very different types of celebrities. Alright, actually Zhang Ye''s style was basically just different from everyone else and he had always been a unique one. Zhang Ye''s current poprity score on the poprity rankings was just a little higher than Li Yu''s, almost to the point of being negligible. The two''s overall poprities were nearly identical, with Li Yu being much more popr in the Greater China region, while Zhang Ye was ahead in maind China. Therefore, if they started contending, it would be very difficult to say who the eventual winner would be.


    The micro movie was released and only ran for 31 minutes.


    But the moment it was released, the reviews online were extremely good!


    "It''s really quite good!"


    "Ahhh, it was great!"


    "Li Yu is so handsome! My idol!"


    "It''s indeed a ssic! It continued the high quality of ''The Shot''!"


    "It''s such a good watch!"


    "Rmending it! Rmending it with everything I''ve got!"


    "The ending really deserves praise! What a turnaround!"


    "Hahahaha, Teacher Li is going to return to the A-list!"


    "Yeah, I have a feeling that might be so!"


    The views on the micro movie climbed at a very fast rate and it was trending highly as well!


    Last but not least, a lot of Li Yu''s good friends who were also big shot celebrities in Greater China came to support him too. They all rallied behind him and helped promote his new film, "The Shooting"!


    With that, there were even more people who went to watch it!


    "Wow, so many celebrities have appeared for Teacher Li?"


    "Teacher Li has a really goodwork!"


    "Much better than Zhang Ye''s!"


    "Pfft, thanks, Captain Obvious. You can randomly pick any celebrity in the entertainment industry and I''m sure theirwork will be better than Zhang Ye''s!"


    "Zhang Ye''s position is now up in the air!"


    "Yeah, the A-list will be changing again!"


    ...


    At a restaurant in the vicinity of Central TV.


    In the restaurant''s private suite.


    Little Wang was getting anxious. "What are we gonna do! What are we gonna do!"


    Huang Dandan was also anxious about the situation. "Why was Li Yu''s micro movie released ahead of time?"


    "They must have done it topete with Director Zhang!" Wu Yi said.


    Central TV Documentary Channel''s Director Yan Tianfei suggested, "Little Zhang, why don''t you go back first? We''re almost done eating anyway, so maybe you should get back to work?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "No need, let''s continue eating."


    Yan Tianfei''s secretary said anxiously, "You''re acting way too calm."


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands and said, "Didn''t Central TV Live News interview me just now?"


    The secretary said in a speechless manner, "That was just a ten-minute live interview. Besides, you only recited a poem. How do you expect that to be able topare to a movie by an A-list celebrity from Greater China?"


    ...


    Li Yu''s studio.


    The team members were nervous and busy with their work. There was even someone who was tracking Zhang Ye''s Weibo and followed any news regarding him so that they would be able to take countermeasures if he took action.


    Then, an hour passed. Followed by two more hours.


    But Zhang Ye didn''t move a muscle, doing absolutely nothing!


    "What''s going on?"


    "Zhang Ye did not post anything?"


    "No!"


    "He did not do any promotions?"


    "No!"


    "How can his team''s public rtions be so bad?"


    "Sis Xu, I heard that Zhang Ye does not have a team!"


    "Ah?"


    "He doesn''t even have a manager!"


    "Ah? Why didn''t his management agency assign one to him?"


    "He, he doesn''t have an agency either!"


    "What?"


    "That''s how it is."


    "��Are you serious?"


    "Yeah, everyone in maind China''s entertainment industry knows about this!"


    "No agency? And not even a team or a manager? Then how did he get all the way into the A-list? Did he fly up there? Never mind him, we''re almost definitely going to get our spot back! He just appeared on Central TV Live News for an interview and recited a��cryptic poem? Then he better forget about contending with us anymore!"


    "That''s right!"


    A lot of the people here did not really understand modern poetry, so they used the word "cryptic" to describe the poem.


    ...


    Goof Group.


    The messages kept popping up in the chat group.


    Chen Guang said excitedly: "The battle has begun!"


    Huo Dongfang: "@LiYu @ZhangYe Are you two online?"


    There was no response from Zhang Ye. He wasn''t online.


    But the seldom online Li Yu actually appeared this time. He was also one of the participants of this group. "Old Huo, looking for me?"


    Huo Dongfang: "Yu-zai, long time no see."[2.]


    Li Yu: "I''ve been very busytely, so I haven''t released any new works in a while. And since I dropped off the A-list, I had to quickly get my micro movie released in advance."


    Fan Wenli: "The micro movie is quite good. I''ve already watched it twice."


    Li Yu: "Thanks, Wenli."


    Ning Lan was also online. "Yu-zai, you''re really unlucky to have met with Zhang Ye this time."


    Li Yu said: "I know about Zhang Ye, he''s very popr in maind China."


    Xiaodong appeared too. "Both of you, do your best."


    Ning Lan asked: "Let''s hold a poll. Who does everyone think will win today?"


    Xiaodong: "I know both Teacher Zhang and Teacher Li, so I''ll abstain."


    Huo Dongfang: "I''ll stick with Yu-zai. After all, he''s brought out his micro movie as his ace in the hole!"


    Fan Wenli added: "Yeah, especially when it''s the sequel to the ssic movie, ''The Shot.''"


    Chen Guang said: "Director Zhang''s on thin ice."


    Ning Lanughed: "Yu-zai, I believe in you too." Then she wondered: "But why is Zhang Ye not taking any action? He wentpletely quiet after the live interview? And only recited a poem on it?"


    The people in the chat group were all chiming in with their opinions.


    Most of the people still believed that Li Yu would be able to reverse the situation today.


    But at this moment, Zhang Yuanqi actually made a rare appearance in the chat group. "Don''t underestimate his poems. They have always been one of Zhang Ye''s most powerful weapons!"


    "Yo, Sister Zhang!"


    "You think Zhang Ye can maintain his ranking?"


    "Zhang Ye''s poems might be powerful, but after all is said and done, they''re not mainstream."


    "Yeah, no matter what, a micro movie is still a movie. It''s the most mass-marketed and mainstream art form that the people would have no reason to reject."


    ...


    At night.


    With great anticipation, midnight arrived!


    Thetest Celebrity Rankings Index had been updated!


    But when everyone from the entertainment circle and the citizens saw the rankings, the results caught arge portion of them by surprise. Some people even had their jaws drop as they stared at the rankings!


    There were no changes to the list!


    The two of them had an increase in their poprity scores!


    But Zhang Ye was still on the A-list while Li Yu was still on the B-list. Furthermore, the previous poprity score difference in the tens of thousands had now been stretched by a bit more, to a difference of almost a hundred thousand points!


    This oue greatly shocked many people!


    How could this be?


    Why was it like this?

 Chapter 908: What do I know of determination? All I rely upon is stubborn endurance!

    <h4>Chapter 908: What do I know of determination? All I rely upon is stubborn endurance! </h4>


    Chapter 908: What do I know of determination? All I rely upon is stubborn endurance!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Li Yu''s studio.


    Everyone was still working overtime despite it already being midnight. They''d all stayed behind because they wanted to witness Teacher Li Yu''s reascendance to the A-list. They felt that it was because their team and Teacher Li Yu had underestimated Zhang Ye all along that it led to them slipping up and him leapfrogging into the A-list rankings and taking Li Yu''s position. They thought it was their mistake! So today, they became serious and paid close attention to their objective. They did all they could, even messing up their future work arrangements. They brought out their ace in the hole, releasing "The Shooting" ahead of its original schedule. They thought they had everything covered!


    Yet reality had given them a great big p!


    The rankings did not change!


    In fact, the poprity scores had even widened by a bit more!


    The studio manager said in shock, "Why?"


    Li Yu''s manager was so angry that his hands were trembling. "This is impossible!"


    "Teacher Li, he��"


    "Why was he still unable to catch up?"


    "This��this��"


    "Could there have been a mistake in the calction?"


    Everyone in the studio was unable to ept this oue!


    Including Li Yu himself, who sat there in shock for a very long while.


    ...


    Online.


    Theizens were also very surprised!


    "Zhang Ye won?"


    "Damn, he won just like that?"


    "Just how on earth did Teacher Zhang do it?"


    "Li Yu even released the micro movie he starred in! But as for Zhang Ye? What did Zhang Ye do? He only recited a poem on Central TV Live News?"


    "This result is too surprising!"


    "Fuck, I never expected this either!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s poprity has already reached such a state?"


    "He could actually use a poem to beat a movie?"


    "This is too goddamn barbaric!"


    ...


    The people from the literary world were also shocked by this fact!


    Just a poem, and it was just a simple modern poem, but it could actually fucking stand up to the poprity of a movie? Even if it was a micro movie, it was still a movie! It was still the sequel to a ssic movie that had earned over a hundred million RMB at the box office! That achievement in itself would have contributed a lot to the poprity scores! But it still wasn''t enough to finish off Zhang Ye? It couldn''t even finish off a poem of Zhang Ye''s?


    Damn!


    Since when did modern poetry have such a strong influence on people?


    Why were the poemsposed by the people from the Writer''s Association not as powerful then?!


    A lot of the literary world members were very perplexed by this, especially the poets. They almost vomited blood, thinking thatparison always ended up torturing people indeed!


    Zhang Ye wrote poems.


    They also wrote poems.


    But why was the attitude toward it and its influence on people on a totally different level!?


    ...


    The people from the entertainment industry were trembling in fear!


    "Why?"


    "Why didn''t Yu-zai move up in the rankings?"


    "That doesn''t make any sense!"


    "That micro movie was really good too!"


    "Yeah, it was wonderful! So why didn''t��"


    ...


    Only Zhang Ye''s friends and family were heaving sighs of relief.


    At home, Ha Qiqi didn''t whether tough or cry. "I got scared and worried for Director Zhang for nothing!"


    When Zhang Zuo, who had gone to a bar with an old ssmate, saw the results, he roared withughter thrice. In his state of happiness, he toasted himself and chugged his drink before wiping his mouth and saying, "So it was because Director Zhang already knew how it would end!"


    Several of his ssmates started conversing.


    "I really envy you."


    "Out of our group of ssmates, you''re the only one who is doing rather well now."


    "Zhang Ye is really great!"


    "Yeah, I love him!"


    Having had a few drinks, Zhang Zuo was also more talkative. "It''s all because of Director Zhang that I''m doing as well as I am now. If it weren''t for him bringing together our team, I wonder which TV station I''d have ended up at as someone''s assistant. How could I have possibly be an assistant director of the number one team in the industry? You guys don''t know this, but Director Zhang is truly capable and also a very loyal person to his friends! In my thirty-some years of life, I admire only him, really!"


    "Now that Zhang Ye is an A-lister, it would only get better for you guys in the future!"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye can consider himself solidified on the A-list now!"


    Zhang Zuo downed another ss before excitedly proiming in a slurred voice, "A-list, ma ass! We''re gonna head for the S-list from here! Towards da international S-list! We''ll destroy whoever stands in our way. Fuck, we dun care who it is!"


    ...


    In the Goof Group.


    The results had been published.


    Ning Lan: "What do you guys think of this?"


    Xiaodong sent a wry smile emoji. "What do I think of this? Well, I think Teacher Zhang Ye ispletely out of the ordinary! I''m not young anymore and debuted many years ago, but this is the first time I''ve witnessed someone use the influence of a poem tobat the poprity of a movie! And��it even won!?"


    Huo Dongfang: "I''m afraid that Yu-zai might not have a chance to regain his ce in the A-list rankings in the short term. Zhang Ye has firmly established himself there. I guess Sister Zhang does have a good eye for detail."


    A B-list actor suddenly appeared. "He only recited a poem? That''s really amazing! Hai, when will I get the chance to achieve what he did with such mboyance?! But I''ve really got to admit that sometimes, I''m really quite envious of Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    At this time, yet another big shot A-list celebrity who was rarely seen online appeared and simply said: "A-list celebrities, do take care. The wolf is here!"


    The wolf is here?


    Yes, a wolf had really entered the mix of the A-list celebrities now!


    And from a certain perspective, those words represented many of these heavyweight celebrities'' acknowledgment of Zhang Ye as an A-list celebrity for the first time ever!


    ...


    The next day.


    The news was published.


    "Zhang Ye establishes his ce in the A-list rankings!"


    "Li Yu regrettably defeated!"


    "I''m Unfamiliar with this World: Possibly one of most representative works of Zhang Ye!"


    "Using a poem to subvert the entire entertainment industry''s understanding of what is mainstream and what is not!"


    "A niche work that can turn the world upside down��Zhang Ye has done it!"


    "The brewing of a literary miracle!"


    "From today onward, no one would dare im, ''There is no ce for literature at the top of the entertainment industry''!"


    In the morning, Zhang Ye began inviting guests over.


    At noon, he invited his rtives over for lunch. At night, he brought his old colleagues from Beijing Television and the new friends he made from Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G out for dinner. Later in the night, he bought rounds for Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, Fan Wenli, and a bunch of other friends.


    It was the same the next day.


    And the day after next.


    Zhang Ye had treated all of his close friends and rtives to meals and drinks. To him, he felt that the reason he could stand here today was because of all their help and support. Now that he had finally established his ce in the A-list, he definitely had to hold a feast to give them his thorough thanks, as well as celebrate his own achievements.


    He drank continuously for a few days in a row.


    He treated all those who deserved it and thanked those who he was supposed to thank.


    On this day, Zhang Ye began to slow down and rx. He checked his Weibo and saw manyments left for him by his fans on his blog or within Weibo directly.


    "Teacher Zhang, my sincerest congrattions to you!"


    "We will walk with you all the way!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, your determination has given me strength!"


    "Yeah, you''re the celebrity I admire most of all. From you, I have learned so many things. I want to continue learning from you and stay determined on my chosen career path by enduring all the way until the end!"


    When Zhang Ye saw that, he thought for a moment before he started to type out a long passage of thankful words. "To my fans, and also to those who have ever helped me out before: Thank you, everyone. Those are the words I''ve wanted to say for a long time now, and it seems that I''ve said it many times before too. But as all of you know, which I believe that you all do, every time I say those words that have been repeated so many times, it has alwayse from the bottom of my heart. I am not great, nor am I excellent. I seek fame and wealth, I''m picky about what I eat, and also love toze around. I do not have the great character and sentiments of my forebears; I''m not even worthy of beingpared to them. All I am is just an ordinary citizen, an ordinary person like one you might pick out from the crowds on the street. Yes, that''s right. That person you pick out might just be me. We''re neither rted by blood nor bond, and you won''t find fame or wealth through me, but all of you have always supported me, fought alongside me, and scolded other people with me. You guys are the greatest. Really."


    After typing that, Zhang Ye posted his message.


    When a lot of the people saw this, they suddenly felt a tide of emotions surging within them!


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "Please don''t say that!"


    "We''re not great!"


    "Yeah, we just like you, that''s all! We just like battling alongside you and scolding other people!"


    A fledgling musician said: "Teacher Zhang, I wanted to give up several times during this journey of mine. But because of your greatness, your spirit, they made me gain the determination to stay on the path!"


    Zhang Ye''s fans were appearing all over the ce!


    Some of them were even tearing up!


    Zhang Ye continued to type: "I have nothing that I can repay your kindness with, so all I can do is give everything that I''ve got, to cheer everyone up and make all of you happy to your satisfaction. Perhaps this might not be much, but it''s the only thing I can do for all of you. You guys might not know this, but I''m not as determined as you guys think I am. I''m not the one who''s encouraging you, I''m not the one giving strength to you. In fact, all of you are the ones who are encouraging me and giving me strength. Otherwise, I couldn''t have traveled this far and stood here today."


    He thought about the times when his leaders suppressed him.


    He thought of the times when his peers scolded him.


    He thought of the times when he was attacked by theizens.


    Then, he asked himself, "Determination?"


    Zhang Ye forced a smile and typed out: "What do I know of determination? All I rely upon is stubborn endurance!"


    When that was posted onto Weibo, silence ensued!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s fans went quiet!


    Theizens who saw this Weibo post also stayed silent!


    Chen Guang sighed.


    Zhang Xia felt her heart get wrenched.


    Ha Qiqi, Little Wang, and the others could also feel their heartstrings being pulled.


    Zhang Ye''s friends all experienced a heavy heart from these words that Zhang Ye had written.


    In the past, when Zhang Ye was in front of his fans, friends, family, and the media, when had he not put up a brave front? He always acted like he wasn''t going to be pushed around and was always full of energy! But today, Zhang Ye had shown the most helpless side of himself to them!


    He had shocked many people!


    But at the same time, moved many of them!


    Suddenly, the fans started to voice themselves!


    "Teacher Zhang, we will stubbornly endure together with you!"


    "Right! We will always be by your side!"


    "Let''s stubbornly endure till the end!"


    "We will fight it out with them all the way!"


    Thousands of people!


    Tens of thousands of people!


    Hundreds of thousands of people!


    Zhang Ye''s fans were appearing from everywhere like crazy!


    Some of the female fans even cried as they typed their responses!


    "Stubbornly endure till the end!"


    "Stubbornly endure till the end!"


    "Stubbornly endure till the end!"


    When he saw this, Zhang Ye was very touched. At that instant, he could feel his blood pumping and stirring within him. Unable to stop himself, he impulsively typed out on the keypad: "Don''t worry. Even if the sky falls someday, I''ll definitely be thest one to fall! Alright, for my journey from here on out, let us stubbornly endure together��till the end!"

 Chapter 909: The Pollution Problem!

    <h4>Chapter 909: The Pollution Problem! </h4>


    Chapter 909: The Pollution Problem!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the eighth day of the Spring Festival.


    It was back to work again.


    Perhaps due to the setting off of firecrackers during the festive period, the air quality was not too good. Zhang Ye put on a face mask that was specially used for filtering out fine particles and went off to work very early in the morning.


    At Central TV.


    The Spring Festival was actually not over yet. The Central TV staff who came to work were still in a festive mood, with some of them discussing how much New Year''s money they had given out, some arranging to go out at night and have some drinks, and some others dragging their luggage to work. From the looks of that, they must''ve just gotten off the train that ran during the Spring Festival and transported passengers to Beijing.


    Suddenly, someone looked over.


    "Teacher Zhang?"


    "Morning, Teacher Zhang."


    "Congrattions, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Congrattions!"


    "Teacher Zhang, happy bted New Year. Hope you''ve had a good one so far."


    "Congrattions on ascending to the A-list!"


    A small group of people walked past Zhang Ye and greeted him.


    Central TV News Channel''s Zhang Ya was also walking over at this time. When she saw Zhang Ye, she smiled and waved at him.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Have a good New Year, too, thanks."


    Actually, after Zhang Ye had sued Central TV and caused chaos at the annual staff party, whenever most people bumped into him at work, they would usually try to avoid him as much as possible. They didn''t risk greeting or talking to him for fear of getting into trouble. But today, a lot of them were a lot more friendlier. This was due to Zhang Ye''s status being different from before!


    An A-list celebrity!


    Of all the Central TV staff, how many were at least an A-list celebrity?


    None!


    Not a single one!


    Zhang Ye was the one and only!


    If this were during the time when Zhang Ye had just arrived at Central TV, he would just be considered one of the more popr hosts of Central TV and maybe one of the several pirs of Central TV. But now, being known as one of some was no longer relevant. Right now, he was the most popr host in Central TV and the pir of the station! Although, it was unlikely that this pir would be supporting Central TV much longer. Everyone within Central TV knew that Zhang Ye''s contract with Central TV was going to end soon and that Central TV would definitely not be renewing his contract, nor would Zhang Ye be renewing it with them!


    Upstairs.


    Central TV Department 14.


    The Documentary Channel.


    Half the staff had already arrived at the office.


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Morning!"


    "Teacher Zhang, Director Yan is looking for you. He asked for you to see him in his office after you arrived."


    "OK." Zhang Ye waved in acknowledgment and put down his bag. Then he knocked on Yan Tianfei''s door and entered, finding him sipping tea at the moment. "Director Yan, you were looking for me?"


    Yan Tianfei sighed with pleasure. "This Da Hong Pao you gave me is delicious!"


    Zhang Ye sat down and said generously, "Haha, I will bring more for you next time."


    "Forget it, I can''t afford to drink this tea." Yan Tianfei waved it off and put down his teacup. He then said with a smile, "After the new year fully passes, you''ll almost be a free man."


    Zhang Ye sighed and said, "Yeah, it''s been quite quick."


    Yan Tianfeiughed and said, "Yeah, pretty quick. It''s almost been a year, eh? So, what are your future ns? What are you thinking of doing next? Will you still be working at a TV station?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "I haven''t actually thought about it."


    Yan Tianfei asked, "You''re an A-lister now, so aren''t lots of people waiting at your door to try to recruit you? Don''t you have any preferences for yourself?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head and smiled. "I really don''t have any. Anyway, it''s still going to be awhile before my contract finally runs out, so I would like to use this period of time to rest up. After joining Central TV and up till now, I have not had any time for myself. Since there''s no rush, I''ll just rest and think about it along the way. When the timees and my contract runs out, I''ll decide it then."


    Produce a show?


    Host?


    Sing?


    Act?


    Write novels?


    He had too many options to choose from, making it difficult for him to decide what to do next.


    Yan Tianfei nodded and said, "It''s important to contemte how you want to continue your journey. Thepetition is intense within the A-list. You could even describe it as brutal, so protecting your position there is considered a huge achievement. Moreover, you''re thinking of going even further than this, which makes it even harder for you. I think that it''s right for you to put some serious consideration into this."


    After chatting for a while.


    The secretary came in and said, "Director Yan, everyone has arrived."


    Yan Tianfei looked at his watch and said, "Alright, tell everyone to gather in the meeting room."


    In the meeting room.


    Everyone from Department 14 was here.


    The first thing Yan Tianfei announced was, "During the new year celebrations, Director Zhang treated us, but many you had gone back to your hometown at that time. Therefore, I would like to make use of this opportunity and have everyone give their congrattions to Director Zhang for getting promoted into the A-list!"


    Apuse thundered!


    Everyone was excitedly pping their hands!


    "Director Zhang, congrattions!"


    "Congrattions, Director Zhang!"


    "You''re amazing!"


    "Yeah, when I found out about the news in my hometown, I was totally dumbfounded!"


    "You''ve brought a lot of pride to our Documentary Channel again!"


    Those colleagues who did not spend the new year in Beijing were all giving him their congrattions.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Director Yan, it was just a small thing. Why are you bringing it up at the meeting?"


    Yan Tianfeiughed. "How many Central TV hosts have ever be A-listers? There''s practically no one. Besides, you even achieved it while you were a part of Department 14, so how can that be a small thing?"


    The meeting continued.


    He gave a summary ofst year''s performance and very quickly summed up everything. Yan Tianfei was not one to drag things out. Soon, they were touching on the job assignments for the uing year. "With the new year, the pressure on our department to perform will be enormous. As everyone knows, Director Zhang will be leaving us soon." Saying that, Old Yan smiled and said, "But the legacy that he has left for us is much too great. Using a documentary, he ruled over the nationwide viewership ratings for two straight months. That has now be a source of pressure for us as well as our motivation, spurring us forward."


    Everyone gave a wry smile at Zhang Ye. Yes, this hat was certainly too big for their heads and the results were too brilliant. In the future, after Zhang Ye left, what would they do? How could they shoot another documentary like A Bite of China? Thinking about if gave them with a splitting headache. But from a different perspective, this was a good thing. Since when had an unloved and uncared for documentary channel like them been able to attract so much attention from the audience? Essentially, Zhang Ye had helped themy a strong foundation before he left so that their path ahead would be much smoother!


    Yan Tianfei took out some documents and handed them to his secretary to pass out. "During the festive season, people set off firecrackers. It created a ton of smog everywhere. I''ve been coughing for several days and feeling bad because of that, but when I read some of the newspapers, they don''t seem be cing any emphasis on new terms like PM readings and such. As a result, a lot of citizens are not conscious of the need to protect themselves against this. I''ve noticed that the only ones who wore a mask to work were Teacher Zhang and Little Huang, right?"[1.]


    Huang Dandan coughed and said, "I''ve been having some breathing problemstely."


    Next to her, her boyfriend, Tong Fu, gave her a cup of warm water. "Drink up."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Is it serious?"


    "Cough, cough��" Huang Dandan coughed several times again. "It''s alright, it''s just a slight cough. Maybe a cold."


    Zhang Ye said, "The skies are getting smoggy, so everyone should wear a face mask."


    Yan Tianfei said, "Director Zhang is right, we should all take precautions. I have a few friends who are experts in the rted fields and they told me that this is a very serious problem that will cause great harm. Moreover, it''s a slow-acting chronic harm, so why are the media and government not cing any importance on this problem? Whenever the issue of pollution is brought up, it only receives superficial mentions from them? There''s too many concerns involved in this problem, like economic and societal factors that make it veryplicated. Therefore, after some thinking, why shouldn''t our Documentary Channel be the first to bring about the changes to this issue? We should create a documentary based on the pollution problem and bring the citizens'' attention to it. We have to make the enterprises contributing to the issue panic and pressure the environmental departments to govern this with more regtions so that we can get rid of the pollution problem! What do you guys think about that?"


    "That''s good!"


    "It''ll work!"


    "Whatever you say! We''ll do it your way!"


    "Right, please assign the tasks to us!"


    Yan Tianfei said, "Alright, our Documentary Channel''s first project this year has been decided. We''ll set up a program team and collect data, conduct interviews, and film onsite. As for the documentary''s executive director��hmm, let me think about who will be the most suitable for the role."


    Zhang Ye was amused. "Director Yan, are you already excluding me?"


    Yan Tianfei looked at him and said, "I of course know that you''re the most suitable for the role, but your contract will be up soon and I can''t possibly hold you back from leaving, can I?"


    Zhang Ye bluntly said, "Each day that I''m still at the Documentary Channel, I will keep working. I will leave only after I leave. Besides, I would also like to make this documentary investigating the pollution problem. I already have an idea in mind for it. I''m not going to ask for the role of the executive director, because I think either Old Ha or Zhang Zuo are more suitable for it. So just let me be in charge of the nning for the documentary."


    Yan Tianfei considered this for a moment before saying, "Alright! That''s fine!"


    ...


    The meeting ended.


    Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo came looking for him.


    Zhang Zuo said helplessly, "Director Zhang, if you''re not leading the team, how can we film this?"


    "Yeah." Ha Qiqi added meekly, "The two of us have always worked under you. We can''t handle the role of executive director."


    Zhang Ye replied, "When ites to work experience, the two of you are better than me, so why can''t you do it? I''ll be leaving soon, and I don''t even know if that will be before or after this documentary ispleted, so of course it has to be one of you who takes the role, haha. Besides, I was thinking of taking some days off to rest at home for a while and rx, so the interview and filming here can only be overseen by you two. Don''t worry, I''ll draft an outline of the interviews and shoot to let you two have a guideline on what to do. Just follow it and you''ll be fine. If you really encounter something that you can''t handle, or you can''t find a suitable candidate for the interviews, just wait for me toe back after my break and I''ll help out with that!"


    Only then did Zhang Zuo finally smile. "Sure. With you saying that, I can feel relieved."


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t worry, I won''t refuse to work. The outline will definitely be drafted by the end of the day."


    The two of them left.


    Zhang Ye''s assistant, Little Wang, brought in a cup of hot tea for him then went back out.


    Zhang Ye, now alone in the office, picked up a pen and closed his eyes to think for a long time. Finally, he started scribbling on the piece of paper!


    A documentary on the pollution problem?


    The first thing he thought of was that documentary film by Chai Jing that caused a great deal of controversy across the nation, the famous Under the Dome: Chai Jing''s Documentary on Air Pollution in China! It was also the first documentary in his previous world that brought suchrge-scale concern of the fearful problem of pollution to the attention of the citizens. It was the highly influential and controversial missing piece to the understanding of this subject.[2.]


    Naturally, Zhang Ye had to use it as his reference for the new documentary.


    He spent the entire day cooped up in his office to finish drafting the outline of the documentary!

 Chapter 910: The Landlady Auntie’s whereabouts!

    <h4>Chapter 910: The Landy Auntie''s whereabouts! </h4>


    Chapter 910: The Landy Auntie''s whereabouts!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    He happily slept in until it he woke up naturally. Since the outline of the documentary on air pollution was already given to the staff, Zhang Ye did not bother with the rest of the production or how they were going to shoot it. He had already applied for some time off and was preparing to sleep well. He did not wish to do anything at all in theing few days.


    His mother was making breakfast.


    His father was watching the morning news.


    His mother asked, "Up already?"


    Zhang Ye returned, "What are we having?"


    His mother replied, "Buns. I steamed them myself."


    Zhang Ye said, "OK, I''m gonna go out for a run first and eat when Ie back."


    His mother remarked, "Heh, you''re quite hardworking, aren''t you?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s just some exercises to build up my stamina and recharge myself."


    His father inquired, "Didn''t you take the week off? You might as well take a vacation and enjoy yourself."


    Zhang Ye said, "That sounds good too. I''ll think about it."


    Outside.


    Zhang Ye ran a longp around Caishikou and found it not satisfying enough, so he ran another twops and ended up at Guozixiang where he got recognized by someone at the bus stop. There were two girls shouting and yelling like they had gone crazy!


    "Look, it''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Quick,e and take a look, it''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Heavens! It''s really him!"


    Zhang Ye quickly adjusted his sunsses before running back the other way.


    The two girls chased him with all their might as the crowd grewrger andrger. In the end, it turned into a pack with at least a dozen people "jogging" together behind Zhang Ye.


    After bing an A-list celebrity, Zhang Ye could clearly feel that the treatment he was receiving was totally different from when he was just a B-list celebrity. When he left work yesterday and was behind the wheel stopped at a traffic light, he nearly got surrounded by the people who recognized him.


    After reaching home.


    Zhang Ye was panting heavily. "Aiyo, I''m so exhausted!"


    His father looked at him and asked, "What''s the matter? Why did you run so hard?"


    "Some people were chasing after me!" Zhang Ye quickly took a towel to wipe away his sweat and said, "Fortunately, this bro has been training and running from time to time over the past two years, or I would have really been surrounded by them!" Ever since he had learned Taiji Fist��alright, after eating the Taiji Fist Skill Books, he had gained a greater enthusiasm for training his body. At times, his training would be dyed when he got too busy with work. But once he had some free time, he would go for a run to keep himself active.


    "Chenchen, get up and eat breakfast!" Zhang Ye went to her room to wake her up.


    However, he found Chenchen still sleeping very soundly.


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye''s cell phone rang in the living room. He went out to check who it was from and saw that it was actually Rao Aimin calling him. He immediately answered and said angrily: "Old Rao, why was your cell phone switched off for the past few days?" He was very unhappy with Rao Aimin since he did not even address her as Big Sis Rao anymore, but instead directly addressed her as Old Rao!


    At the other end, thendy auntie''szy voice spoke: "Where''s Chenchen?"


    Zhang Ye snapped: "She is still sleeping. I tried to wake her but she won''t get up."


    Rao Aimin said: "Uh, it''s been hard on you, kid."


    Zhang Ye chuckled: "You telling me that, are you? Did the sun rise from the west today?"


    "And thank your parents on my behalf too," Rao Aimin added calmly.


    Zhang Ye said: "Alright, don''t talk about those useless things. When are youing back? Before you left, you said that you would be back within the month, or at most be gone for an entire month. Just look at which day it is already! Which year it is already! Every month I called, you always said that you would be back soon, so where did you go to? It''s already been more than six months!"


    Rao Aimin answered: "It will be soon for real this time. I''ll be back in Beijing in another two days."


    Zhang Ye paused for a moment, then asked in bewilderment: "Did something happen to you?"


    Rao Aimin said: "Just a minor matter."


    "But why do I feel that something is not right?" Zhang Ye had already gotten used to Rao Aimin''s venomous mouth which she would always use to deride him and not say anything nice the other times she had called. But what was wrong with her today? She acknowledged how it''s been hard on me and even thanked me?


    However, Rao Aimin sounded quite spirited. "I''m very good. In fact, I''ve never been better. Alright, I''m not going to chitchat with you any longer! I''ll be back in at most another two days." However, Rao Aimin''s next lines made Zhang Ye shudder with fear. "If I don''t make it back, take good care of Chenchen. My houses at Jiaomen will all go to you. That''s all, I''m hanging up now!"


    "Eh, what do you mean by that? Hello? Don''t hang up!"


    The connection was severed!


    Zhang Ye hurriedly called back but her cell phone was already switched off!


    Dammit!


    Don''t make it back?


    Take good care of Chenchen?


    The houses will all go to me?


    What''s the meaning of all that!


    Sensing something amiss, his mother quickly asked, "Was that Chenchen''s aunt? What''s wrong?"


    Zhang Ye quickly whispered, "I don''t know. She said she would be back in two days, but at the end of the call, she added that if she didn''t make it back, her houses at Jiaomen would all go to me and requested that I take good care of Chenchen!"


    His father was startled. "What happened?"


    "Why��why would she not make it back?" His mother was also badly shocked and said, "Was she just kidding?"


    His father immediately said, "Is she suffering from some illness? Did she go away to treat her illness for the past six months? Is she getting surgery?"


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Nonsense, I''ve never even seen her catch a cold. Even if I die twice from illness, she would still be alive!"


    "Pui!" His mother said angrily, "Why are you saying such inauspicious things during the new year?! Why are you talking about dying!"


    His father also said with worry, "Something serious must have happened to Chenchen''s aunt!"


    "It is definitely something big!" Zhang Ye said, "For a miser like Big Sis Rao who would even pick up a cent from the ground and wipe it clean before pocketing it, she is actually saying that she would leave me those dozens of small-sized apartments over at Jiaomen for free? Fuck! Something really serious must have certainly happened!"


    His mother: "��"


    His father: "��"


    Zhang Ye quickly searched through his cell phone''s contacts, saying, "That won''t do, I have to ask around!"


    If Rao Aimin had switched off her phone, then he would have to call up Old Rao''s junior brother, Lu Yuhu who was working at the Ministry of Public Security.


    However, when he called, that phone was also switched off.


    What was happening?


    What sort of situation was this?


    He made another call to Director Dong of the Inte Surveince Bureau, who was also the head of Big Saber Bro''s��Fan Yingyun''s��department. Back then, when Zhang Ye was sent to the police station after beating up Lee Anson at the Spring Festival G, it was Rao Aimin who got Lu Yuhu to contact the Inte Surveince Bureau''s Old Dong to let Zhang Ye seek refuge there.


    Du, du. The call connected.


    "Haha, Teacher Zhang, congrattions! You''re an A-list celebrity!" Old Dong said.


    Zhang Ye did not have time to thank him and immediately said: "Director Dong, can you contact Lu Yuhu?"


    Old Dong was dumbfounded. "Why? Can''t you get through to him?"


    Zhang Ye said: "His cell phone is switched off!"


    Old Dong sounded surprised and replied: "Alrighty then, I''ll help you ask around."


    Zhang Ye said: "Please help me ask around. I''m looking for him regarding some urgent matters!"


    However, he received a call back a few minutester.


    Director Dong said: "Sorry, I was also unable to get through to him. Who knows where he might have gone for a mission again. Their Ministry of Public Security is constantly very busy with something!"


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye couldn''t help but let out a curse as he felt very anxious. Although thendy auntie was very sharp-tongued, when he had just graduated from university and was without a job or money for food, it was Rao Aimin who helped him out. Now that she had suddenly left behind what was seemingly herst words, Zhang Ye''s heart was thumping furiously in anxiety!


    I don''t really have any guts, so please don''t scare me like that!


    Where on earth did you go?


    Finally, Zhang Ye went back into his room and closed the door behind him. Then he powered on hisputer and hacked into the airport, the train ticketing system, the car rental stop, the cell phone service provider, and some other websites, hoping to check up on Rao Aimin''s whereabouts. In his impulsiveness, Zhang Ye even hacked into the bank system to trace the bnce of Rao Aimin, to see which city she had used her bank card at. Since Zhang Ye was the most wanted hacker with the highest bounty in the world, this action was extremely risky for him. Even so, Zhang Ye still could not find any information. It was not that his hacking skills were bad, but because a lot of the websites and ess points were not under the samework. If he were to really check them one by one, it would be too much work for him to avoid all the firewalls and web security at any given time. If he really had to run an in-depth trace, it would take at least three to five days to track her down. Judging from Rao Aimin''s tone, her event was definitely going to happen within the next two days!


    What should he do?


    What should he do?


    Zhang Ye had no ideas left as he pushed open the bedroom door and scolded, "Where on earth did that Rao Aimin disappear t��" Before he finished, he quickly shut his mouth. "Chenchen, you''re awake already?"


    Chenchen looked at him. "What happened to my aunt?"


    His mother quickly signaled to her son.


    Zhang Ye justughed it off and said, "It''s nothing, it''s nothing. Your aunt called just now and asked whether you did your homework and how your learning is progressing. I told her everything was good."


    Chenchen could sense something was off as she stared at him and asked, "Where''s my aunt?"


    Zhang Ye stuttered, "She��will be back in another two days."


    "Let''s have breakfast!" His mother changed the topic as she smiled and said, "Come, Chenchen, taste the big buns that Grandma made and steamed."


    His father picked up his chopsticks and gave a bun to Chenchen with a smile. "Try it. It''s delicious."


    Chenchen didn''t move and simply stared unblinkingly at Zhang Ye. "Zhang Ye, where''s my aunt?"


    "Didn''t I already tell you?" Zhang Ye forced a smile and said, "She''ll be back very soon."


    "Have some buns, Chenchen." His mother smiled and said, "They''re going to turn cold."


    Chenchen''s expression sank and she jumped right out of the chair. She went over and tugged on Zhang Ye''s arm, ordering, "Zhang Ye! Bring me along to find my aunt!"


    This child was way too clever!


    Zhang Ye said, "Stop making a fuss."


    Chenchen shouted, "Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye tried to scare her. "I''ll get angry if you keep making a fuss!"


    Chenchen was not even listening as she continued pulling Zhang Ye''s clothes at the direction of the door while yelling, "Zhang Ye! Bring me to find my aunt!"


    This was the first time that Zhang Ye had seen Chenchen get so anxious!


    When his mother saw this, she could no longer pretend and felt her heart wrench as she teared up!


    Zhang Ye was also feeling a sense of uneasiness. "I would like to know where she is too. Where am I going to find her?!"


    Chenchen''s cries were getting louder and louder. "Zhang Ye! Bring me there!"


    "I don''t know where we can find her." Zhang Ye''s heart softened the more he heard her cries.


    Chenchen shouted, "Zhang Ye! Bring me along to find my aunt! Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye!" The child''s voice was turning hoarse from all that shouting!


    Thinking of Rao Aimin.


    Looking at Chenchen.


    Zhang Ye''s heart was wrenching!


    "Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye!"


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye clenched his teeth and pped his thigh. "Fuck! Alright! I''ll bring you along to find her! Even if she is hiding in the Sahara Desert, I''ll goddamn locate her!"


    Chenchen was finally quiet.


    "It wasn''t easy for me to get a few days off, do you think I have it easy?!" Zhang Ye turned around and said to his parents, "Dad, Mom, I''m gonna be out for a few days!"


    His mother asked anxiously, "Where on earth are you going to find her?"


    Zhang Ye said exasperated, "God knows where! I''ll think of a way!"

 Chapter 911: Searching for Rao Aimin!

    <h4>Chapter 911: Searching for Rao Aimin! </h4>


    Chapter 911: Searching for Rao Aimin!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that morning.


    Zhang Ye packed his luggage while continuing to call.


    The cell phones were switched off.


    They were still switched off.


    He could not get through to either Rao Aimin and Lu Yuhu!


    If it were anyone else, Zhang Ye would not have been so worried. For example, people like Dong Shanshan and Zhang Yuanqi would basically not get into any big trouble. Even if they did meet with some problems, their lives were not likely going to be in any danger. Rather, it was easier for a highly skilled person like Rao Aimin to get into trouble because of her involvement with the Chinese martial arts world, which many talented people were a part of. Zhang Ye had seen Rao Aimin''s martial arts before and they were really great. But as for how great her martial arts really were and what situation Rao Aimin��the Senior Sister of her generation in the Eight Trigrams School��was in, Zhang Ye basically had no clue whatsoever. He was not from that world after all.


    Chenchen quickly finished breakfast.


    His mother instructed repeatedly, "Be careful on the way and stay safe!"


    "I understand, Grandma." Chenchen nodded.


    His father also said, "Listen to Little Ye on the way and don''t misbehave."


    Zhang Ye added, "Right, you cane together with me, but before we go, let''s make it clear that you must listen to me on all things. Otherwise, I won''t bring you along, alright?"


    Chenchen was especially obedient today. "I got it."


    After packing. "Alright, let''s go!"


    His mother walked them out and said, "Come back quickly!"


    His father said, "Go search for Chenchen''s aunt thoroughly and make sure to bring her back!"


    "I understand. Don''t you two worry." Zhang Ye started the car and drove out from the district.


    On the road.


    Chenchen looked at him and asked, "Zhang Ye, where are we going to look for her?"


    Zhang Ye was also thinking about it. "Chenchen, before your aunt became your guardian, hadn''t you always been taken care of by the rtives on your father''s side? Would they know anything?"


    Chenchen shook her head and said, "My aunt has never spoken to them."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Then what about the others? Is there anyone else you know? What about Old Rao''s junior brothers and sisters?"


    Chenchen shook her head and said, "I don''t know how to get in contact with them!"


    "Where do they live?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Does the Eight Trigrams Palm have a sect headquarters? Where is it located?"


    "��I''ve forgotten."


    Even if she was clever, she was still just a nine-year-old child. It was impossible for her to know everything.


    Zhang Ye truly did not have any leads at all. He could not get in contact with any of those people he knew were rted to Rao Aimin and could not pin any hopes on Chenchen''s cluelessness either. If there was one thing that they knew, then it was only: Old Rao was not in Beijing.


    "Dammit, let''s go to the airport!"


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye thought of a way!


    Although it was an extremely terrible and unreliable way!


    ...


    At the capital''s airport.


    China Airlines'' ticket sales counter.


    Zhang Ye was so fully geared up with his sunsses and face mask that the China Airlines female employee could not recognize him immediately. It was only when it was Zhang Ye''s turn in line and he handed over his identification card that he got recognized!


    The female employee of China Airlines said with a face full of shock, "T-T-Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "I need two airne tickets."


    That female employee said excitedly, "Sure, sure! Aiyo, I have met an idol today! Teacher Zhang, congrattions on your promotion to the A-list. Also, I would really like to thank you for the time when the airne got hijacked. One of the air stewardesses you rescued back then is my older cousin. I haven''t had the opportunity to thank you until now!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You''re wee."


    The female employee was very talkative and could not stop speaking. "You may not know it, but after that incident, many of our air stewardesses would either carry your photo with them or hang your posters in the crew rest areas during a China Airlines'' flight. My cousin says that your photo can ward off any evil!"


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    Eh, why does it sound like she''s insulting me?


    Chenchen urged him, "Zhang Ye, get the tickets!"


    Zhang Ye remembered, "Right, right, right!"


    Only then did that China Airlines'' employee realize. "Alright, I''ll process it for you. As you are our honored passenger, you are entitled a free lifetime pass on our China Airlines'' flights. If you brought anyone with you, uh, don''t worry, that will be free too. Do you want tickets for today?" Actually, the lifetime honored passenger only applied to one person, but if that person was Zhang Ye, it did not matter at all for them to give an additional one or two more tickets. Even the CEO of China Airlines would not say anything to this.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Yes."


    The female employee smiled and said, "Which flight would you like to be on?"


    However, Zhang Ye''s next sentence made that female employee''s jaw drop!


    Zhang Ye dered, "Any flight!"


    The female employee was dumbfounded. "Ah?"


    Zhang Ye repeated, "Just get me on any flight!"


    Chenchen added, "Hurry up!"


    The female employee could not quite react in time. "Then, then where would you like to go?"


    Zhang Ye smartly said, "Anywhere!"


    Chenchen echoed, "Anywhere!"


    The female employee nearly fainted!


    Anywhere?


    Fuck, you can even be so random when ites to traveling? Aren''t you being too goddamn casual about it?!


    "If you''re not telling me where you''re going, how��how am I going to print the boarding pass for you?" The female employee stared with her eyes wide.


    But Zhang Ye said, "Whatever boarding pass you print for me, I''ll travel to that ce!"


    Chenchen said, "Hurry up!"


    At this moment, Zhang Ye opened up the game ring''s virtual screen and activated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded). There rested an angelic halo over his head that no one else could see as it emitted a pulsating glow that rippled outward. One pulse, two pulses, three pulses. His reputation points were dropping as fast as watering out of a running tap!


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    That''s right!


    Zhang Ye''s way was this: trying his luck!


    It sounded totally unreliable but this was the only way out now!


    The female employee dabbed at her sweat, not knowing how to handle this situation. If it were another passenger who said such a thing to her, she would ssify that person as a troublemaker. But the person right in front her was Zhang Ye, an illustrious A-list celebrity, an associate professor at both Peking University and Media College, a world-ss mathematician, a great poet, a literary schr, and even a hero who had previously rescued their China Airlines'' flight. He was a lifetime honored passenger of China Airlines!


    She hurriedly went to consult her manager.


    The female manager, standing not too far away, quickly rushed over to them.


    "Anywhere?" When the female manager heard that, she nearly fainted. "Teacher Zhang, please give us a destination that you would like to go to, or just tell us a location and we''ll print the boarding pass for you!"


    But Zhang Ye did not say anything in specific. "Just choose any destination for me."


    The female manager and employee were nearly in tears. "Are you bringing the child on a trip somewhere? How about going to Sanya? The weather there is very suitable for a trip right now."


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure!"


    The female manager eximed, "Yangzhou is not bad too and the environment is very good."


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s fine too!"


    The female manager asked again, "What about Guilin?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Anywhere is fine!"


    Dammit, Teacher Zhang, could you please stop making things difficult for us?


    This manager and the female employee had worked here for around five years. What kind of passengers had they not encountered? What problems had they not faced? But this was actually the first time they came across a person buying airne tickets in the way Teacher Zhang Ye did! They had never had such an experience before!


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    The Lucky Halo (Upgraded) was still in effect.


    The female manager had no other choice. Seeing how Zhang Ye was so insistent and the little girl beside him was also urging desperately, she could only say, "You just want to go anywhere for a rxing trip, right? Then we''re really going to print a boarding pass randomly for you, OK?" With that, she patted that female employee beside her and said, "Just print two boarding passes for anywhere!"


    That female staff was getting nervous!


    Randomly?


    How could she just print them randomly?!


    Her hand was shaking so badly that she even misclicked on the random destination. "Aiyo, I''ve made a mistake and clicked on Xinjiang instead. That is not a very famous scenic area, le-le-let me change it to another ce!"


    Unexpectedly, Zhang Ye suddenly said loudly, "That''s it! Don''t change it!"


    The female manager: "��"


    The female employee said, "You��you haven''t even asked where in Xinjiang you''re headed to!"


    "There''s no need to ask. It''s there!" Zhang Ye heartily said.


    The female manager: "��"


    The female employee was silent for a moment before saying, "Alright then."


    After getting the airline tickets, Zhang Ye deactivated the Lucky Halo.


    After receiving the boarding passes, Zhang Ye brought the child to line up at the security checkpoint and expectedly took the greenne. China Airlines was still very good to him by giving two first ss tickets!


    During the security checks, they had to reveal their faces to match the photos. When Zhang Ye removed his sunsses and face mask, the three security officers got quite excited!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Aiyo, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Are you going somewhere for business?"


    Actually, the security officers at the airport had seen more celebrities than they could count and would usuallye across at least one or two celebrities each day. But even that did not get them as excited as they were now. That was because Zhang Ye was different from other celebrities, especially in the context of an airport where he was simply a legend. Back then, this fellow was just an amateur when he piloted argemercial airliner to a safending, shocking every higher-up and airport employee who had concluded that the hijacked ne could not be saved. The security officers were also watching the situation closely that day and had a very deep impression of Zhang Ye because of this. The shocking scenes from that time were something they would never, ever forget in their lifetime. It was a very shocking memory make their blood boil!


    While going through the security checks, a female security officer even whispered into Zhang Ye''s ear, "Teacher Zhang, I''m a diehard fan of yours and really like you a lot!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Thank you."


    When the security officer next to her heard that, heughed and said, "Are you the only diehard fan here? Of all the people working at the airport, which of us are not fans of Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye engaged in a little bit of banter with them.


    Chenchen was not happy at this and tugged at his arm. "Zhang Ye, hurry up."


    "Alright, alright." Only then did Zhang Ye lead the child and walk off.


    When they reached the departure gate.


    Only now did Chenchen gaze at him with a doubtful face. "Zhang Ye, are you really sure of this? Can we really find my aunt by going to this ce?"


    "Didn''t we already agree that you would listen to me when we are out?" Zhang Ye rolled his eyes.


    Chenchen stared at him. "But I feel that you aren''t very reliable!"


    Zhang Ye smiled wryly. "In any case, I''ll try my best."


    Chenchen''s face darkened. "You promised me that you would find and bring my aunt back!"


    "Since I promised you, I''ll definitely do it!" Zhang Ye reaffirmed his confidence. "My luck has always been good. Trust your Uncle Zhang!"


    Trust him?


    Actually, this fellow did not even trust himself!


    Trying to depend on luck, just sheer, blind luck, would that really be OK?

 Chapter 912: Damn, we actually found her!

    <h4>Chapter 912: Damn, we actually found her! </h4>


    Chapter 912: Damn, we actually found her!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    9:30 in the morning.


    They boarded the ne.


    On this small ne, there wasn''t much distinction between the first ss and economy ss seating. Zhang Ye and Chenchen were seated in the fourth row, which was slightly further at the end of the first-ss cabin.


    "Fasten your seatbelt," Zhang Ye said.


    "OK," Chenchen replied.


    "Sit properly and don''t run aroundter," Zhang Ye reminded.


    "I know," Chenchen said impatiently.


    When most of the passengers had boarded the ne, the cabin door was closed.


    As Zhang Ye was wearing sunsses and a face mask, the people in first ss did not recognize him. They all had their heads lowered and were busy with their own affairs, some reading the newspaper while others were preparing to turn off their cell phones.


    A whileter, the ne took off.


    When the ne reached cruising altitude, an air stewardess walked out with two cups of hot tea and headed straight to where Zhang Ye was seated. She squatted down and smiled sweetly, saying, "Teacher Zhang, please have some tea." Although the other passengers could not recognize Zhang Ye, how would she not know who he was? All the flight attendants had a passenger list with them.


    Zhang Ye was surprised as he took the tea from her. "Oh, thank you."


    The air stewardess smiled at Chenchen. "Little kid, have some tea too."


    Chenchen nced at her and said, "I want to drink soda."


    Zhang Ye pped her upside the head and said, "Why don''t you just drink whatever you''re given?"


    "I want to drink soda." Chenchen frowned.


    The air stewardess immediately said, "Sure, no problem, Auntie will get it for you." Very quickly, the air stewardess served the soda and even brought along a plush toy. "Is this nice? It''s for you."


    Chenchen had a nce and just said, "Orh."


    Zhang Ye stared at her and said, "Say thank you."


    Chenchen said unwillingly, "Thank you."


    The air stewardess was smiling widely. "You''re wee."


    At this moment, some of the surrounding first-ss passengers looked over with a nk expression. Didn''t the ne just take off? It shouldn''t be time for the in-flight service yet. Why did she start serving drinks the moment she appeared? And even gave the little girl a toy? Eh, why aren''t we getting such treatment as well?


    However, what would make them faint even harder was only just starting.


    The moment that air stewardess left, another air stewardess came.


    This was a plumper air stewardess and the moment she came over, she headed straight to where Zhang Ye and Chenchen were seated. She squatted down with a smile and said, "Here, it''s quite cold on the ne, Auntie got a nket for you."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Oh, thank you."


    The plump air stewardess said, "You''re wee, this is my job." She even took the initiative to cover Chenchen with the nket and said, "This child is really beautiful, how old is she?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "She''s almost nine years old."


    A momentter, under the dumbfounded gazes of the surrounding passengers, a female purser in her thirties also came over.


    The female purser smiled and asked, "Is the child used to riding on a ne?"


    "It shouldn''t be a problem." Zhang Ye smiled.


    The female purser looked at Chenchen and asked, "Do you want something else to drink? Is the seatfortable? Is it cold? You can tell me if you have any needs."


    Chenchen suddenly spoke, "I want to take a look at the cockpit."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes at her. "Why do you want to look at that?!"


    Chenchen said, "I want to take a look."


    This child was overly curious!


    The female purser giggled. "You want to have a look at the cockpit? Alright, I''ll go and check with the captain first." She then walked away before returning a few minutester. She pped her hands together and said, "Alright, Auntie has spoken with the captain. I''ll bring you over now, but once you are inside, you mustn''t touch anything, OK?"


    Chenchen blinked several times and got up from her seat.


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "Sorry for troubling you."


    The female purser smiled and said, "It''s not troublesome, it''s no trouble at all."


    Looking at the purser leading the child into the cockpit from afar, the surrounding passengers were even more dumbfounded. Fuck, she''s even getting a tour of the cockpit? What kind of treatment is this? We are also first-ss passengers! Why haven''t we heard of such privileges in first ss?! They get handed drinks, receive a toy, and even get a tour of the cockpit?


    At once, everyone looked at that man wearing the sunsses.


    Who was this person?


    How can he be so privileged to get such treatment?!


    Unbeknownst to them, that person beside them was the one who had saved a China Airlines ne with hundreds of passengers and cabin crew in it. Other than allowing the child to get a tour of the cockpit, even if he were to ask to take over the first officer''s role for a while, no one would say anything since this person had really piloted a ne before!


    ...


    A few hourster, the nended.


    Outside the airport.


    Zhang Ye looked around the ce as he was unfamiliar with the surroundings.


    Chenchen asked, "Where are we going now?"


    Zhang Ye said in aposed manner, "Let''s hail a taxi first."


    Very quickly, they gged down a taxi and opened the door to get into it.


    The taxi driver spoke in nonstandard Mandarin, "Where do you want to go?"


    Zhang Ye stuck to his usual practice and activated the Lucky Halo immediately before telling the taxi driver, "Just go wherever!"


    "Where?" The cab driver turned around to ask.


    Zhang Ye repeated, "Just drive anywhere!"


    The cab driver nodded back at him, seemingly unsurprised. He did not ask any further and just drove off.


    Perhaps he had heard Zhang Ye wrong when he said "just go to wherever" and "just drive anywhere" or he misheard it as the name of a ce or somendmark instead, so he directly drove straight to that ce. Zhang Ye did not say anything and just sat in the back while holding Chenchen''s hand. This fellow did not have any objectives now as he simply kept the mindset of leaving it all up to fate for the entire journey. He could only take one step at a time!


    Awhileter.


    The taxi stopped at the curb. It seemed they were somewhere near a mall.


    The taxi driver said, "We''re here."


    Zhang Ye paid the fare and led Chenchen out of the taxi.


    The clouds here were rather low. It felt like they could be easily touched just by reaching out their hands. The sky was especially clear, a limitless span of blue. It was too beautiful.


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath and felt more refreshed than before.


    But Chenchen looked at him and asked, "Zhang Ye, what now?"


    Zhang Ye coughed and said, "Now?"


    Chenchen probed, "How should we proceed from here?"


    "Uh, wait for me for a while." Zhang Ye made a decision as he bent down slightly to remove his right shoe. He then activated the Lucky Halo again.


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    Next, with Chenchen looking at him suspiciously, Zhang Ye threw his shoe up into the air.


    Bada!


    The shoended on the ground with its toe tip pointed in a direction!


    Zhang Ye waved his hand excitedly and said, "Let''s go this way!"


    Chenchen: "��"


    Around them, some passersby were floored when they saw this. They wondered to themselves about just what the hell this idiot was doing. In this era, there were still people using the method of throwing a shoe to find their way? Did you just emerge from the remote mountains?


    They headed straight!


    They kept heading straight!


    They walked for a full 30 minutes!


    Chenchen could no longer walk any further. "Zhang Ye, are you sure this is the right way?"


    "Cut the crap and just follow me!" Zhang Ye became even more guilty the further they walked. And the further they walked, the less confidence he had. But he could not show it in front of the child, so he could only persevere and curse silently in his head!


    Fuck!


    Where the fuck was this ce?


    Why was it getting more and more remote the further they walked?


    "Zhang Ye."


    "Mmm."


    "Zhang Ye."


    "Stop calling my name."


    "Zhang Ye, are you dependable?"


    "How can I not be dependable?"


    "Then when are we going to reach the ce?"


    "Uh, about this��"


    Just when Zhang Ye was wondering how to answer her question, they reached a location that looked like it was a long-distance bus station. This bus station felt very different from the one in Beijing as there was not even a gate at the entrance. If they did not notice the sign, he really wouldn''t know that this was a bus station.


    Suddenly, they overheard three to five people dressed in Chinese tunic shirts talking.


    The several people did not deliberately lower their voices but they were not talking too loudly either. All of them were speaking with a northern ent.


    "Why isn''t the bus here yet?"


    "Let''s wait a little while more. It should arrive soon."


    "Why is the annual Martial Arts Conference organized by the National Martial Arts Association held at Tianshan this year? Although it''s a nice ce, it''s quite a ways away."


    "It was inevitable. Who knew that there would be such a big mess happening at this year''s Martial Arts Conference! It definitely has to be held at a remote ce!"


    "Have you guys heard about it?"


    "Yes, I''ve heard about it."


    "Who doesn''t know about that in the Chinese martial arts world!"


    "Hai, it''s Rao Aimin from the Eight Trigrams School again. That senior is much too ruthless!"


    "Hur hur, she is Rao Aimin after all."


    "Hey, the bus has arrived."


    "Let''s go, we''ll talk on the bus."


    A long-distance bus drove over slowly.


    But Zhang Ye and Chenchen were standing by the roadside in shock!


    Rao Aimin?


    The National Martial Arts Association?


    The Martial Arts Conference held at Tianshan?


    Zhang Ye said dumbfounded, "Holy shit! We really found her!"


    Chenchen was also stunned with her mouth agape. The little kid had been holding it in for a long time now before she finally said, "��You can even do that?"


    During the journey, Zhang Ye brought her to buy some airne tickets to anywhere, then hailed a taxi to bring them to wherever, and finally resorted to the method of throwing a shoe for directions, but all of those actions had actually managed to lead them to finding Rao Aimin!


    Zhang Ye erupted intoughter, "Hahahaha! Let me see who still dares to say I''m not dependable! I''ve said that my luck is good! Look! Look at it how turned out!"


    Chenchen pulled at him in panic. "Zhang Ye, the bus is leaving!"


    Zhang Ye finally reacted as he hastily pulled Chenchen by the hand and ran forward. "Let''s get on the bus first! We have to follow them!"

 Chapter 913: Grandmaster Rao Aimin!

    <h4>Chapter 913: Grandmaster Rao Aimin! </h4>


    Chapter 913: Grandmaster Rao Aimin!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the long-distance bus.


    Zhang Ye brought Chenchen with him up on the bus before paying for the tickets. Behind them, a few other passengers also boarded before the bus sluggishly started its engine and drove out of the bus station. The people dressed in Chinese tunic shirts sat in the middle row on the right side of the bus. They were talking among themselves and did not seem bothered by Zhang Ye and Chenchen''s presence. There were not a lot of passengers on the bus, so Zhang Ye did a quick scan and found two seats in the second tost row to sit down at. He did not dare to get too close to the group but did not want to be too far away either, so he just left an empty row of seats between themselves and the group.


    On the bus, those people deliberately lowered their volume, or perhaps it was due to the noise on the bus that made it sound like they were speaking softer.


    Zhang Ye leaned slightly forward and had to make a great deal of effort to hear what they were saying.


    "Bro Liu, you''re glowing! Your martial arts must have improved again."


    "Hahaha, Bro Li, you too."


    "I''m not as good. My foundations are poor and I''m not talented either. Back then, when I wanted to be a disciple under the Zhou Family Style, they did not ept me. They said to me that even if I were to continue practicing and trying, it would still be very difficult for me to be admitted. Hai, it''s already been six or seven years now, but it was really as they said. My boxing techniques have reached a teau."


    "Zhou Family Style?"


    "Bro Li, you''re fortunate that you didn''t get admitted into the Zhou Family!"


    "Yeah, I''m incredibly lucky. If I had been in this generation of the Zhou Family''s disciples, I would have encountered that crazy woman, Rao Aimin. I probably would have ran for my life if that had happened!"


    "Hur hur, you wouldn''t have been able to get away!"


    "Yeah, I couldn''t have gotten away, hai!"


    They were making small talk when the topic came back to Rao Aimin again!


    Chenchen anxiously perked up her ears to listen.


    Zhang Ye was also trying very hard to listen to what they were saying to analyze the situation!


    Zhou Family Style?


    Never heard of it!


    Perhaps it was a boxing style that originated in this world? Simr to the Hung Gar 1 mode of naming?


    From the tone of their voices, he could sense some fear in them, as though they were afraid of some impending event.


    "The Zhou Family has really attracted big trouble this time. Speaking of, it was all because of that match those years ago and that incident in which the incumbent sect leader, Old Master Zhou Tianpeng, fought and injured the younger sister and brother-inw of the current generation of the Eight Trigrams Palm''s eldest senior sister. The two of them suffered serious injuries and fell sick soon after that incident, then passed away one after the other a year or twoter. By right, in a normal tournament match, every participant is responsible for their own lives and whoever gets injured is down to their ownck of martial arts foundation. But that Old Master Zhou Tianpeng was, after all, one of the four grandmasters at that time and was a force to be reckoned with in the Chinese martial arts world. Even if he was up against two opponents, it was still a case of bullying the weak. Heh, but back to the point, he did it all because of his son. Hai, that is the power of a parent''s love I guess."


    Chenchen was stunned!


    Zhang Ye was also stunned by that. He could suddenly feel the little kid beside him trembling and when he turned to look at her, he couldn''t help feeling a pain in his heart. He hurriedly held Chenchen''s cold little hands into his!


    Rao Aimin''s younger sister and brother-inw?


    Then did that mean they were referring to Chenchen''s parents?


    So that was how Chenchen''s parents died?


    So there were actually so many things that happened all those years back?


    Grandmaster?


    Zhou Family Style''s Zhou Tianpeng?


    In this world, grandmasters actually existed!


    In Zhang Ye''s previous world, the usage of the term "grandmaster" was already almost nonexistent. Chinese martial arts had fallen behind, the talent pool had withered, and martial arts were long synonymous with the sport of martial arts, as well as with movies and novels of this genre. Although there were still a lot of martial arts schools and sses, they mainly taught only fancy moves and stances. There were evenpetitions purely focused on the performance aspect of such martial arts. There weren''t many martial arts masters who were recognized by the Chinese martial arts world anymore, much less be recognized as a grandmaster in the field.


    But it was clearly different in this world. They actually still had such a thing as grandmasters!?


    There were even four of them?


    And one of them was Zhou Tianpeng?


    Then what about the others?


    In front of them, another person of the Chinese martial arts world, sporting a mustache, vividly described, "Because of that, a deadly grudge between the Zhou Family Style and Rao Aimin was formed. Even after the intervention by many leaders of the Chinese martial arts world, including the current leader of the Eight Trigrams Palm, to help reconcile this difference, they were still unable to stop Rao Aimin from seeking revenge. She is truly a legend of the Chinese martial arts world, even daring to go against her master''s wishes by single-handedly fighting her way to the front steps of the Zhou Family''s headquarters. At that time, Zhou Tianpeng was on extremely good terms with another martial arts grandmaster, Chen Xi. ording to rumors, the two of them were having tea together when Rao Aimin fought her way there. Chen Xi intervened and wanted to reconcile the two''s differences by urging Rao Aimin to stop whatever she was nning. However, he did not expect that Rao Aimin would not give in and even went up against both of them by herself. What left the people of the Chinese martial arts world even more surprised was that not only did Rao Aimin not get disadvantaged by the numbers, she actually matched blows with them! She even made Zhou Tianpeng and Chen Xi sweat after taking them on for several dozen rounds!"


    "It''s a pity that she still got defeated at the end."


    "Yes, Rao Aimin still lost at the end. With the two grandmasters teaming up, who could have made it past three attacks from them? Yet Rao Aimin managed to battle them for a hundred rounds. Although she was seriously injured, she also injured Zhou Tianpeng! I did not witness that battle with my own eyes that year, but just thinking about it makes me shudder with excitement. From that day onward, the Chinese martial arts world weed its fifth grandmaster!"


    Hearing this, Zhang Ye was dumbfounded!


    What?


    The fifth grandmaster?


    Old Rao, that woman��was actually a grandmaster?


    Zhang Ye simply couldn''t believe it. He knew that Rao Aimin was incredible, possibly even to the degree of being able to use concealed power. He had witnessed Old Rao using her bare hands to split metal before, but never did he think that Rao Aimin could be a martial arts grandmaster, and even one of just five such grandmasters at the top of the Chinese martial arts world!


    That person was still rattling off, "What Rao Aimin did at that time shocked the entire Chinese martial arts world! Later, even Grandmaster Chen Xi admitted to his friends over a drinking session that if Rao Aimin had been born a male, he and Grandmaster Zhou Tianpeng would probably have only managed to fight to a draw with her! So you can clearly imagine how strong Rao Aimin is. From that day onward, no one in the Chinese martial arts world dared to mess with her. Also, Rao Aimin did not return to her martial sect after that. It was as if she had vanished from the martial artsmunity for good."


    "But in the past half year, this one and only female grandmaster of the Chinese martial arts world reappeared again!"


    "Yeah. At that time, it caused such a ruckus in the Chinese martial arts world. Rao Aimin had issued a challenge to the Zhou Family, but Zhou Tianpeng did not respond to it. I guess it was because he knew that he was no match for Rao Aimin, so he chose not to ept the challenge. But Rao Aimin was still the same old her from all those years ago. When she gets mad, no one can stop her at all. She went around the entire country challenging all the training halls and martial arts schools under the Zhou Family. How could any of these second or third generation disciples of the Zhou Family Style possibly be a match for a martial arts grandmaster like her? They wouldn''t be able to take even a single blow from her! Within half a year, the number of Zhou Family Style disciples injured by her numbered over a hundred and more than 30 training halls and schools closed down! Because there were already no masters who could stay standing to continue teaching! They were left with no choice but to close down!"


    Zhang Ye was getting shock after shock from hearing all of this. Only then did he realize that Old Rao was actually so amazing! When she said she would be back within a month, it was because she had gone to seek revenge for her sister. But the opponent did not respond to her challenge, so she spent half a year going around the country and bringing down their training halls and schools instead, going up against the disciples of the Zhou Family Style to force their sect leader out!


    Single-handedly, she challenged the entire Zhou Family Style?


    What sort of audacity was that!


    The sect leader of the Zhou Family Style could not even utter a word of objection?


    The members of the Chinese martial arts world just kept silent?


    Then, he heard those people speak again. "Several days ago, Zhou Tianpeng finally said something, likely because he was getting forced into a corner. If it went on like this, the Zhou Family Style would cease to exist. Therefore, Grandmaster Zhou found Grandmaster Chen Xi and all the martial sects, including those leading figures of the martial artsmunity and called for an early convening of the Martial Arts Conference this year. He sent out mass invitations to the martial artsmunity and arranged for the Conference to be held at Tianshan, even releasing word that he would settle the feud with Rao Aimin during the event. Needless to say, Rao Aimin will definitely show up at tomorrow''s Martial Arts Conference!"


    "Yeah, it will surely be interesting to watch when the timees!"


    "It''ll be super interesting. A battle of grandmasters? Who in the Chinese martial arts world does not want toe and witness this?"


    "The Conference this time is probably going to be the most attended in its entire history!"


    "Right, or else they wouldn''t have also invited people like us who don''t have any official recognition."


    "Hai, rather than say we were invited, it might be better to say that we came uninvited, hur hur."


    "We''re just here to observe the happenings and see how the grudge will be resolved. I heard that not only is Senior Rao Aimin the only female grandmaster of our current time, she''s also a peerless beauty."


    "I''ve heard that too!"


    "It''s sucks that Bro Tan could not make it."


    "Haha, he was really unlucky to have met with an ident at such a time and broken his leg!"


    "Yeah, his invitation card is still with me."


    Hearing everything from start till end, Zhang Ye could basically piece together the whole story and clearly understand what was happening. From the words of these people, he even knew why Rao Aimin had vanished from the martial artsmunity those years ago and ended up settling down in Beijing as andlord collecting rental. She did all of that to take care of Chenchen! It was because she wanted to bring up her sister''s child! Now that Chenchen had grown up and became more sensible, she put her in the care of Zhang Ye and returned to the Chinese martial arts world to avenge the feud from all those years back! Was that her reason for saying that line "if she doesn''t make it back"?


    The Martial Arts Conference was going to take ce tomorrow?


    Zhang Ye suddenly got very worried. Invitation letter? He didn''t have that! All he knew now was that thendy auntie was going to be there, but how would he and Chenchen get into the event?


    "Zhang Ye!" Chenchen said anxiously.


    Zhang Ye put a finger to his lips to shush her. "I know what to do."


    Chenchen kept tugging agitatedly at his arm. "Quickly think of something!"


    Zhang Ye thought hard for a while before he took a deep breath and said to Chenchen, "Sit here and don''t move. I''m going over for a bit." Saying so, he stood up and took a few steps toward the seats in front of them.


    Those several people were still chatting.


    Zhang Ye went straight up to them and gave a fist and palm salute. "Sirs."


    The few of them were taken aback. "Huh?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I identally overheard your conversation just now and realized that we''re going to the same ce. You''re all going to the Tianshan Martial Arts Conference, right?"


    One of the mustached youngsters asked suspiciously, "You are?"


    Zhang Ye gave him a fist and palm salute, saying, "My name is Chen Zhen 2 ."


    The other person blinked and looked at him.


    Zhang Ye said in a serious tone, "I am the disciple of�� Huo Yuanjia 3 !"


    Huo Yuanjia?


    Who is this Huo Yuanjia?


    Suddenly, the long-distance bus hit a bump and the thermos sk that they had put in theting on the back of the seats in front of them fell out in the direction of Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye did not move his body and with a flick of his ankle, he miraculously caught the thermos sk on the tip of his toe, kicking it straight back up. As it hung in the air, Zhang Ye casually grabbed it and passed it back to them with a smile. "You dropped this."


    Great agility!


    Nice moves!


    When the several of them saw this, they were immediately impressed. Those moves were not something that just anyone could pull off!


    The four of them stood up together at once and cupped their fists in a salute. "We''re pleased to meet you!"


    "So Bro Chen is also one of us!"


    "Good footwork!"


    Zhang Ye said humbly, "You''re being too generous with your praise."


    One of them asked, "So why did you greet us?"


    Zhang Ye made a noise of understanding then said, "It''s like this. I brought a child with me this time, but as she was throwing tantrums on the way here, my Tianshan Martial Arts Conference invitation letter was lost. I don''t know what else I can do, so I wanted to ask the four of you if you know whether I can enter the event without an invitation letter. Before I traveled here, my teacher had repeatedly reminded me to step out to see the world and gain some experience. But I lost the invitation letter the moment I stepped out, so if I were to go back just like that, I won''t have it in me to face my old teacher! Hai! Hai!"


    The four of them looked at each other.


    The mustached youth immediately broke out into a smile and gave him another fist and palm salute. "Bro Chen, how coincidental for you. One of the people in our group did note because he was admitted to the hospital." Saying that, he rummaged through his bag and found a letter which he handed over to Zhang Ye. "Here, I happen to have an extra one."


    Zhang Ye hurriedly asked, "Is this, is this appropriate?


    The mustached youthughed. "What''s inappropriate about it? We won''t be using this extra invitation anyway. Besides, only the name is written on the front side of the invitation letter and there is no photo ID on it. They will only check to see if you really have an invitation letter but won''t look at the names. You''ll definitely be fine using this to enter." There was something that they did not dare to say: It was even if they did check the names on the invitation letters, with their status in the Chinese martial arts world, no one would know them regardless. They were at most considered a fringe group of the Chinese martial arts world.


    Zhang Ye said, "Aiyo, then I must really thank you senior bros!"


    "You''re so polite!"


    "Don''t worry about it!"


    "We''re all from the Chinese martial arts world, so you don''t need to be so polite!"


    The attitudes of these four people toward Zhang Ye were still quite good. Due to Zhang Ye showing off a moment ago, they felt that he had really wonderful moves. Additionally, Zhang Ye''s expressions and manners left the four of them who were invited to this conference with no doubts that he was one of them too.


    From this, a fact could be proven.


    Life is just like a show, it''s all about the fucking acting!

 Chapter 914: Arriving at the conference venue!

    <h4>Chapter 914: Arriving at the conference venue! </h4>


    Chapter 914: Arriving at the conference venue!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On their way there, the five of them had a very engaging conversation.


    Zhang Ye brought Chenchen to sit in the seat behind them. They chatted about random topics and he conveniently fished for information about the Chinese martial arts world at the same time. He was basically clueless about everything regarding it right now.


    "Bro Chen Zhen, where are you from?"


    "The capital."


    "Aiyo, that''s a good ce."


    "Haha, it''s not too bad."


    "Those moves of yours were pretty impressive."


    "I''m just OK."


    "What style does your master teach?"


    "My master is Huang Feihong, and I learn��"


    "Eh, didn''t your say your master was Huo Yuanjia?"


    "Ah? Did I?"


    "You said so yourself just now."


    "Oh yes, Huang Feihong is my other master."[1.]


    "Wow, Bro Chen is practicing two forms of martial arts?"


    "I''m just dabbling in a bit of everything."


    Chenchen, who was listening to Zhang Ye make things up on the fly, could only roll her eyes and stay quiet.


    These men were very talkative and friendly.


    They were all non-affiliates, which was a nicer way of identifying those who did not belong to any sect or walked an unconventional path in Chinese martial arts.


    In the group, two of them were brothers rted by blood. Both were bald-headed men with domineering statures and looked like they practiced external styles. They looked like they probably packed a punch with their attacks too. One of them was named Liu Yiquan, while the other was named Liu Yizhang, and as their names suggested, the elder brother practiced fist-based martial arts and the younger brother practiced palm-based martial arts. As for the details, Zhang Ye did not probe any further, although it was unlikely that these names were given by their parents. They were more like nicknames than anything.[2.]


    There was another person called Li Quanneng who looked like he was quite skilled. Whether he was as all-around as his name suggested was something still to be seen.[3.]


    Thest person''s name was He Badao. Likewise, his name sounded simrly quite fearsome.[4.]


    They were all young people, even though there were some who looked rather old. Zhang Ye only found out that the oldest among them was thirty-one years old after he asked, while the rest were only in their twenties. This wasn''t surprising as there was a saying that went "fistfights favor the young and vigorous." This suggested that only the young ones in their prime were suited for hand-to-handbat, while the older ones would suffer a drop in their physical performance. Only practitioners of internal style martial arts might have it slightly better, like Grandmaster Zhou Tianpeng and Grandmaster Chen Xi, who continued to maintain and even improve their skill levels from their prime. Some grandmasters could still fight even after they turned ny. But for most of those who practiced external style boxing, how many sixty-year-olds could still be seen leading the charge?


    Liu Yiquan asked, "Bro Chen Zhen, is this your first time taking part in the Martial Arts Conference?"


    Zhang Ye nodded, "Yeah, it''s my first time here. You senior bros must be regr attendees of the Conference already, right? When we get there, I hope to seek your advice if there''s anything I don''t understand. Please don''t find me bothersome at that time."


    Liu Yizhangughed heartily. "Of course not, Bro Chen. No need to be so polite with us."


    He Badao smiled and said, "The four of us are just here to have fun. We only got invited because we knew someone on the inside, but when we get there, we''re only as good as any other bystander. It''s always like this for us every year."


    Zhang Ye gave a fist and palm salute, and said, "Then you''re all veterans of the event!"


    He Badao hurriedly replied, "We dare not im so!"


    Li Quanneng noted, "Bro Chen Zhen is still quite young but already so skilled. I believe he will surely be someone of stature in the future!"


    Zhang Ye repeatedly said, "I can''tpare to the four of you senior bros for sure!"


    Everyone spoke good things and dished outvish praises about one another!


    ...


    Soon, the five of them came to the topic of martial arts.


    Zhang Ye did not really know what to say, so he took some time to whisper to Chenchen, "When we get there, don''t run your mouth off. Listen closely to me and my instructions, understand?"


    Chenchen asked, "Zhang Ye, will my aunt be alright?"


    Zhang Ye consoled, "Don''t you know what your aunt is like? Even if anything were to happen to anyone else, she would still be fine. Let''s think about sneaking into the event first before we think of what to do next."


    Contemting this, Zhang Ye couldn''t help but bring up the interface of the game ring on his left pinky finger.


    The game interface appeared.


    Total Reputation Points: 2.1 billion!


    This was how many reputation points Zhang Ye currently had. It could be described as an astronomical figure. Back when he was just a B-list celebrity, the greatest amount of reputation points that Zhang Ye had gotten was only in the figure of several hundred million. But ever since he had experienced a boost in his poprity, more and more people started to learn about him and the influence of his works became greater as such. With A Bite of China, the Spring Festival G where he performed his skit and crosstalk, as well as therge-scale scolding battle that happened after that, his position in the Celebrity Rankings Index had risen into the A-list. With that, his reputation points umted in the game ring also broke above the staggering 2 billion figure. This was even the amount that he had left over after having used the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) several times on his way here!


    Now, to check on his inventory items.


    As he hadn''t been doing any lucky draws ofte, they were all the same old items.


    [ Difficulty Adjustment Die ] �� 1.


    [ X-ray Vision Eye Drops ] �� 1.


    [ Pause Game ] �� 1.


    [ Stamina Potion ] �� 10+.[5.]


    [ 1-Up ] �� 1.


    That was about it.


    Zhang Ye knew very well that Rao Aimin would stir up big trouble at the conference this time, but he didn''t know if he could be of any help to her.


    ...


    The journey took slightly less than two hours and the five of them chatted throughout. It felt like they had gotten very close and even had their arms around each other like brothers. Since they were all martial arts practitioners, it was definitely much easier to be friends. He Badao nearly even decided to acknowledge Chenchen as his god-daughter along the way! Zhang Ye also spoke up and said that if they visited the capital in the future, they could just call him up and he would take care of all their meals and amodation!


    The bus stopped.


    They reached their destination.


    After getting out of the bus, they led Zhang Ye on a hike for around two kilometers before they finally arrived��it was the venue of the Tianshan Martial Arts Conference!


    Only then did Zhang Ye realize that even though the conference was held at Tianshan, it didn''t mean that they were going up into the tarns or to the peak of the Tianshan mountains. That ce was a national tourist scenic area. For a motley group of people like them to go there, the scenic area''s management would probably not allow it. When they spoke about Tianshan, all it meant was the area near the Tianshan mountain range at the foot of the mountains. This ce had very good scenery and the snow-covered mountain caps could even be seen from far away.[6.]


    As they got closer to the venue, they saw more and more people.


    With a sweeping nce, he could see at least a few hundred people arriving at the same time. They were all lining up to get into the venue, which looked like arge holiday resort of sorts. This venue was probably fully booked by the National Martial Arts Association. Inside were many buildings that looked simr to inns. It was a great contrast to the scenery that they saw on their way here.


    At this moment, Liu Yizhang, Liu Yiquan, and the rest of their group met some familiar faces.


    "Hey, Bro Pang!"


    "Aiya, Bro Liu!"


    "You''re here too?"


    "Yeah, I just arrived!"


    "Come on, let''s go inside."


    "Let''s walk together, hahahaha!"


    On the way in, they introduced Zhang Ye to those people who had just joined them.


    While they were in line, Zhang Ye heard some interesting news that left him rather speechless.


    A youth, who had newly joined their group and wore a training outfit, sighed, "The Conference is tomorrow, but I heard that a few masters won''t be participating in it anymore."


    He Badao asked in surprise, "What happened?"


    Liu Yizhang said with his eyes wide, "Could it be that they met with their enemies on their way here?"


    "That''s not possible," Liu Yiquan mentioned.


    Zhang Ye''s and Chenchen''s ears perked up.


    That youth sighed and said, "Master Zhang of the Hidden Weapons School had traveled with his weaponry and got arrested when he went past the security check conducted by the railway police! Master Sun from an Iron Palm branch was extorted by someone on the way here and didn''t have any money left for the remainder of his travels. Then he got lost and is now wandering around Shaanxi on foot! Kongtong Sect''s second senior brother of the current generation will be flying overter as his earlier flight was canceled. He''s still stranded at the airport and leading the other passengers in a protest right now!"[7.]


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    Chenchen: "��"


    Liu Yiquan sighed loudly, "What is this world!"


    "Morality is no longer what it used to be!" He Badao said angrily.


    On their way here, Zhang Ye heard these people talking in such extravagant ways that he had somehow gained a newfound respect for those masters and experts of the Chinese martial arts world. But after this youth''s ount to them, the image of those martial arts masters waspletely shattered in Zhang Ye''s mind!


    [1. Wong Fei-hung or Huang Feihong was a Cantonese martial artist, physician, and folk hero, who has be the subject of numerous martial arts films and television series. He was considered an expert in the Hung Gar style of Chinese martial arts.]


    [2. Quan (ȭ) means "fist," and zhang (��) means "palm."]


    [3. Quanneng (ȫ��) means "able in everything."]


    [4. Badao (�Ե�) means "rule by tyrant" or "tyrannical."]


    [5. This was named "Strength Potion" during the Quit Smoking Campaign. It should be called a stamina potion instead.]


    [6. Tianshan - meaning the Mountains of Heaven or the Heavenly Mountains.]


    [7. It''s a 33 hour (3,071.1 km) travel by car to Tianshan from Shaanxi ording to Google :D]

 Chapter 915: All-out brawl!

    <h4>Chapter 915: All-out brawl! </h4>


    Chapter 915: All-out brawl!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Arrested by the police?


    Extorted by someone?


    Leading passengers in a protest?


    Oh my god, I''m floored! What sort of martial arts masters are these!?


    Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry. He thought to himself about why these martial arts masters sounded so ordinary. But giving it some thought, it was also true that this was unavoidable in such an era. If you took the train while carrying darts and throwing knives all over your person, how could you expect to not get arrested! By the time the Tianshan Martial Arts Conference ended, this fellow would probably still not be released as he would be detained for at least three days!


    ...


    In the Tianshan region.


    Somewhere.


    The people from the Eight Trigrams School gradually arrived!


    Lu Yuhu, Rao Aimin''s junior brother, was also in the crowd. He had handed over the cases that he was following to a colleague, turned off his phone, and rushed over to Tianshan without even applying for leave from his workce. At the moment, he was anxiously pacing around. As he was the least skilled of the current generation of the Eight Trigrams School''s disciples, all he could feel now was a sense of helplessness!


    What should I do?


    What should I do right now?


    At this time, another two people arrived outside. It was a man and a woman.


    Lu Yuhu went up to them, shouting, "Fifth Senior Sis!"


    "Little Junior Bro!" His fifth senior sister strode over to him.


    The senior brother beside her asked anxiously, "Where is Eldest Senior Sis?"


    Lu Yuhu said, "She''s in closed-door training!"


    His fifth senior sister said anxiously, "She clearly knows that this is an extremely dangerous ce, so why is she still so insistent oning!"


    Lu Yuhu sighed deeply and said, "Who can stop Eldest Senior Sis when she has decided on something?"


    His fifth senior sister observed their surroundings. "We only have this many?"


    One of the junior brothers who arrived early said, "This is all there is!"


    His fifth senior sister asked, "Where is our Eldest Senior Bro? And Second Senior Bro?"


    Lu Yuhu said angrily, "Don''t bring them up. A lot of people couldn''te because they have been pressured by Master. Eldest Senior Bro andpany even tried to force their way here! But they were held back forcefully at the training hall! None of them made it out!"


    Hearing that, every one of them fell silent.


    The group was made up of men and women, with most of them young people who were the current generation of disciples. When some of them heard about the Martial Arts Conference, they all started rushing over, starting from a few days ago. Some of them just made it here today, with no luggage and not even a change of clothes. It could be seen just how much of a hurry they were in to get here!


    "Why did Master do that?"


    "Master said that this was Eldest Senior Sis''s personal grudge that had nothing to do with the Eight Trigrams School, so he wouldn''t allow us to join her! He even said that Eldest Senior Sis has already left the Eight Trigrams School!"


    "Master, he��"


    "Eldest Senior Sis will always be our Eldest Senior Sis!"


    "Don''t me Master for this. He has no other choice! Eldest Senior Sis has angered too many people this time and flouted the rules of our martial arts world. She has forced the Zhou Family Style School into a corner, injuring so many of their disciples and masters, and overturning so many of their training halls and schools at the same time. There is a written rule in the National Martial Arts Association forbidding such behavior, so the motive of the Conference this time is basically targeted at her. They''re trying to gather the support of our entire martial arts world to denounce Eldest Senior Sis. Although our Eight Trigrams School is considered as one of therge sects, that is more because of the status we gained during the Qing dynasty. Our style has already weakened since then and Master does not wish to offend our entire martial arts world. If he did, then our Eight Trigrams School would definitely have no chance of survival!"


    "But that''s Eldest Senior Sis we''re talking about!"


    "Master has his considerations, so it''s not our ce to speak. But whatever it is, now that Eldest Senior Sis is in trouble, we definitely have to support her. I''ll try to contact the other disciples who are outside and see if we can get more toe! We can''t let Eldest Senior Sis battle on her own! Do they really think that the Eight Trigrams School can be easily pushed around?"


    "Don''t call the junior disciples. They won''t be of any help even if they came!"


    "Will it be OK with just this many of us?"


    "What else can we do? We can only take them head on!"


    The disciples of the Eight Trigrams School gathered together and started to discuss their strategy!


    ...


    In the evening.


    It was getting dark.


    At the Tianshan Martial Arts Conference, Zhang Ye had already sneaked into the venue with Chenchen using his invite. Only the organizer''s staff looked curiously at Zhang Ye who had brought a child along with him, but they did not say anything or even check his invite and allowed him into the venue. They arranged for them to check into an inn on the west side of the resort.


    The rooms were on the third story.


    Right after Zhang Ye put down their luggage, Liu Yiquan, Liu Yizhang, and the others came over.


    "Bro Chen Zhen, wanna grab dinner?"


    "Alright."


    "Do you drink?"


    "That''s a must!"


    "Hahaha, great, let''s have a couple drinks together!"


    "Let''s go!"


    They headed downstairs. The dining areas were located within thisrge holiday resort. When they got there, the restaurant was already full, so they had to wait more than ten minutes before they got a table that had been temporarily set up on the first floor''s lobby. After all, there were too many people and the seating both upstairs and downstairs were filled to the brim with at least several hundred people eating. But all they wanted now was a steaming hot bowl of rice, so it didn''t matter where they were seated.


    Sitting down, they ordered some dishes.


    Zhang Ye could hear the conversations of those around him from all the different sects and schools of the Chinese martial arts world. Some of them were drinking wine and talking especially loudly.


    "If Rao Aimin attends this Conference, then she better not think that she can leave standing!"


    "She''s bullying us as a more skilled martial artist. How is that the bearing of a grandmaster?"


    "Our brothers from the Zhou Family Style have had it hard this time!"


    "It''s already been half a year and their training halls and schools have all closed down one by one. Even if Rao Aimin is a grandmaster, she can''t break the rules like that. We definitely cannot forgive her and must seek justice for our brothers of the Zhou Family Style!"


    "Right, supporting Old Master Zhou!"


    "The Conference this time is basically a denouncement session aimed at Rao Aimin!"


    "Has anyone from the Eight Trigrams School arrived yet?"


    "They''re not here yet, but there''s nothing to be afraid of even if they are. How many people can they have?"


    "Haha, that''s right. With grandmasters like Zhou Tianpeng and Chen Xi taking helm, it doesn''t matter how many of their people are here! Rao Aimin wasn''t a match for the two grandmasters several years ago. Several yearster, she still won''t be a match for them. This time ''round, we can just sit back and watch how it ys out tomorrow!"


    "We from the Kongtong Sect will definitely be supporting Old Master Zhou!"


    "Our Iron Palm Sect will support Old Master Zhou too. Senior Rao Aimin has really gone too far this time!"


    "Let me thank all of you on behalf of the Zhou Family Style''s disciples!"


    "Bro Huang, don''t mention it!"


    "Yeah, if you thank us like that, you''re just treating us as outsiders. This sort of problem calls for our indignation, so of course we will be supportive! Or else it would end up with us witnessing Rao Aimin destroying the legacy of the Zhou Family Style!"


    Some disciples belonging to several other schools did not say anything and only ate.


    But some people started moring, shouting, and saying things like calling for the denouncement of Rao Aimin. From the looks of it, these schools had already reached a consensus with the Zhou Family before they arrived. Grandmaster Zhou Tianpeng''s social ties within the Chinese martial arts world had always been quite good. He was also a long recognized grandmaster of the Chinese martial arts world. With such a status and reputation, there were many martial schools that had a good rtionship with him. With such events happening this time, a lot of the martial schools did not hesitate in showing their support for Old Master Zhou.


    The food was served.


    Chenchen''s face was sunken and she did not even pick up her chopsticks.


    Zhang Ye had only just found out that so many of those who were participating in the conference this time were actually here to denounce Old Rao. This was obviously an extremely dangerous ce for her to be!


    One of the neers who''d joined their group said, "Senior Rao Aimin is in big trouble this time!"


    He Badao said in a low voice, "Let them say whatever they want, but we should not get involved."


    Liu Yiquan agreed, "It''s none of our business, so let''s just observe. This is a fight between the gods; it''s nothing we can take part in even if we wanted to."


    "This dispute entails details that are too murky for us," Liu Yizhang remarked.


    Li Quanneng raised his cup and said, "Let''s drink. Bottoms up."


    A lot of those who were eating quietly at the restaurant were people like Liu Yiquan, Liu Yizhang, and others who weren''t affiliated with any sect or school. There were a lot of these non-affiliates who did not belong to any traditional sect or school of the Chinese martial arts world. Some of their kung fu was blindly practiced by themselves and they did not even have a proper teacher to guide them. They were purely born out of an unorthodox background without any roots in the Chinese martial arts world. As a result, they had no say in most of the matters in it and just kept a low profile.


    They ate and drank their fill.


    But the shouting got louder and louder. Before long, even those seated on the second and third floors joined in.


    "Denounce Rao Aimin!"


    "Drive her out of our martial arts world!"


    "We can''t let her continue being arrogant like that!"


    "Right!"


    "Well said!"


    "Kill that bitch!"


    "Return our martial arts world its clear blue skies! Kill that bitch!"


    The Zhou Family Style''s disciples were especially rowdy after downing a few drinks and were getting even more agitated!


    Zhang Ye was bing irritated from hearing all those voices. Hey, are you guys finished? Zhang Ye also stared hard at those who kept shouting "bitch" and burned their faces into his mind. You guys are dead!


    Chenchen''s expression was even darker!


    Suddenly, a loud voice exploded not too far away from them!


    "Why is it so expensive?" It came from a table of seven youths. Judging by their clothing, they should also be non-affiliates.


    However, Zhang Ye was taken aback by the sight, because he had spotted a familiar face in that group. If Zhang Ye wasn''t wrong, that person was called Yan Hui. During the hijacking incident when Zhang Ye couldn''t hold his dder and had to go to the bathroom, it was Yan Hui who held back the hijackers briefly and prevented the passengers from getting hurt. He held them off until Zhang Ye returned. After the airnended, Yan Hui, along with some of the injured passengers and aircrew, were transported to the hospital. That was thest time Zhang Ye saw him, so it was really unexpected to bump into him here. Eh, but he suddenly remembered that back on the airne, didn''t Yan Hui use karate? Although his skills were not much to talk of, his character was pretty good and Zhang Ye''s impression of him was extremely good too. It looked like he had switched to practicing Chinese martial arts now? He was also here to participate in the Tianshan Martial Arts Conference?


    The restaurant waiter nced at them and said, "That is the price."


    Yan Hui''spanions shouted, "There''s just the seven of us, why would ite up to over 3,000 yuan for the bill?"


    Yan Hui said angrily, "You guys are out to ughter us!"


    Of the non-affiliates who came to attend the event this time, most of them were not rich to begin with. A bill of over 3,000 yuan was definitely too expensive for them. The other non-affiliates around them who heard this were also shocked. Even among those who belonged to a sect, some of them were rtively poor due to the fact that their sect''s training halls and schools were not earning as much as before.


    "Over 3,000 yuan?"


    "This��"


    "Who read the menu just now?"


    "I looked through it, but I don''t think there was anything this expensive in it."


    "Then how much would it cost for our table?"


    "I don''t know!"


    Amotion started in the restaurant.


    That waiter frowned and said, "The wine you ordered was expensive. Our restaurant fermented this wine ourselves and a jug of it costs 2,000 yuan. It''s all written on the menu, didn''t you see?"


    When they heard that it was the wine that was expensive, a lot of those people at the surrounding tables heaved a sigh of relief as they did not order it.


    Yan Hui said angrily, "What wine is this that it costs so much?"


    Another person said, "A jug costs 2,000 yuan?"


    Anotherpanion shouted, "Whose restaurant is this? I demand to see your boss!"


    A table of people at the other side of the room looked over.


    One of them who stood up was the Zhou Family Style''s fourth senior brother of the current generation of disciples. As he ranked number four in the Zhou Family Style, everyone usually greeted him as Fourth Bro Zhou. Fourth Bro Zhou said stiffly, "The Zhou Family Style School are part owners of this restaurant, so this is our property. Do you have any problems?"


    The restaurant was owned by the Zhou Family?


    When many of the people heard this, they dared not utter another word.


    Old Master Zhou Tianpeng''s reputation was too great within the Chinese martial arts world!


    Yan Hui also stood up. "You''re all scammers!"


    Fourth Bro Zhou sneered at him. "Don''te and eat here if you don''t have the money! What are you going off about for!"


    "You��" Yan Hui was infuriated.


    Hispanions beside him dragged him back and tried to calm him down. This was the Zhou Family Style School! They were arge sect in the Chinese martial arts world, and their sect leader was a grandmaster. Even if they had to close down a lot of training halls after Rao Aimin''s antics, their status as arge sect was still there. They definitely should not be messed with!


    The seven of them decided to swallow their pride and let it go.


    But at this time, a young man wearing a pair of sunsses indoors, at night, suddenly sprang up and said loudly, "The Zhou Family has gone too far!"


    It was Zhang Ye!


    Everyone was stunned.


    Liu Yiquan, Liu Yizhang, and the others were dumbfounded!


    Yan Hui and hispanions were also stunned! What?


    They heard Zhang Ye angrily say while he pointed at Fourth Bro Zhou, "Don''te if we don''t have the money? We all heeded Old Master Zhou''s invitation and came to the Martial Arts Conference this time to support the Zhou Family''s denouncement of Rao Aimin. Some of us came from the capital, some came from Shandong, and there were even some who rushed back from overseas and traveled thousands and thousands of kilometers to get here, all because we wanted toe here to support you! None of usined! But you guys? After sending out a mass invite to the martial artsmunity, it seems like their intention was just to cheat us of our meal money by ughtering us with exorbitant prices? Cheat us of our wine money? Not only are they asking us to support them, they''re even tantly making money off us? What motives do you have! Where is your conscience!"


    Listening to these words, Fourth Bro Zhou was in shock!


    Fuck, what did I say? When did I ever fucking mean it like that!


    When the surrounding people heard that, their expressions turned to anger at once and people stood up!


    "Yeah! What is the meaning of this?"


    "The Zhou Family invited everyone here to give you our support, so why are you still trying to cheat us of our money?"


    "The bill for a seven-person meal came up to over 3,000 yuan, isn''t that just like a scam?!"


    Fourth Bro Zhou quickly tried to exin, "That wine was meticulously fermented by our��"


    Zhang Ye instantly cut in, "This wine was meticulously nned by you guys! The bill for their table came up to 2,000 yuan for the wine, then for another table, it would be 2,000 yuan for the food! And another table would run up 2,000 yuan for the tea. No one can run from it! You''re the ones who''re doing all the talking anyway, so it''s just going to be whatever price you want to set it at! We were initially full of respect for the Zhou Family Style School and also held a deep reverence for Old Master Zhou. But today, we all have really been disappointed! Everyone here knows that the Zhou Family has been in an abject state for the past six months. You have closed down many training halls and your ie stream must have had a sharp decline. But you can''t just try to cheat us of our money because of that! Were your training halls and schools brought down by us? Why should we be paying for it? 2,000 yuan for a wine that you bought in bulk? It''s even more expensive than Maotai!?"[1.]


    When some of the people heard this, they had a sudden realization!


    "The Zhou Family is in need of money!"


    "No wonder!"


    "But we''re all on the same side. Surely you can''t scam us like this."


    "Right, why are you all cheating us of our money?"


    "How can there be wine bought in bulk that costs 2,000 yuan! That bro in the sunsses is right! This scam is way too obvious!"


    Everyone was slowly getting convinced the more they listened!


    Fourth Bro Zhou flew into a rage. "Which sect are you from?"


    Zhang Ye banged the table and shouted, "Which sect am I from? Listen to that! Just listen to that! If we''re not from any sect or if we''re from the small sects, we can only suffer the ughter of the Zhou Family! While those from therge sects get to eat and drink for free! This is a clear act of bullying! They are clearly targeting people like us from the small sects! Because our money can be easily cheated! Because we don''t have much foundation and talent, we''re a good pick for getting bullied! They can easily scam us of our money without much effort! Getting us toe support the Zhou Family Style School and using us a tool in their fight, we came without questions. When we got here, they want us to pay them for our meals, and we also have to pay without question! They want our support and want our money too! They''re taking us for idiots!"


    A burly man who was a non-affiliate also mmed his fist against a table. "Fuck!"


    A tipsy group of disciples from a small sect also jumped up in anger. "So what if you''re from arge sect! Do you think you can take us for idiots?"


    "Despicable!"


    "You people from the Zhou Family, what''s the meaning of all this?"


    "You guys are pushing it too far!"


    "You even dare to profit with such ill-gotten gains?"


    "Do you still have a shred of martial righteousness in you?"


    Liu Yiquan, Liu Yizhang, and the rest of their group also got angry. They followed Zhang Ye and stood up!


    Fourth Bro Zhou waspletely stupefied! Damn, what the fuck did I say? I only fucking asked you which sect you were from! All I did was ask that!


    At this moment, one of the bad-tempered senior brothers of the Zhou Family Style suddenly smashed the teacup that he was holding onto the floor. He was just frustrated by what was going on and wanted to vent!


    Crash!


    The cup was smashed to pieces!


    Then, Zhang Ye shouted furiously, "Smashing the teacup as a signal? You guys are even thinking of attacking us!?"


    After those words left Zhang Ye''s mouth, all of a sudden, many of the expressions on the faces of the non-affiliates and disciples of the small sects changed. They suddenly blew up in anger!


    "Son of a bitch!"


    "You guys are even thinking of attacking us?"


    "Attack us then!"


    "C''mon! Fuck! Let''s fight!"


    "Fuck you, Zhou Family!"


    That senior brother of the Zhou Family Style was dumbfounded!


    Fourth Bro Zhou was also dumbfounded!


    Fight?


    Smashing the cup as a signal?


    I''ll goddamn smash your second granny instead!


    Some of the people at Yan Hui''s table were already walking toward them, swearing at them as they approached the people from the Zhou Family Style!


    Suddenly, the group of people seated at the Kongtong Sect table stood up as well. They grabbed Yan Hui and held him back, saying, "This is the Tianshan Martial Arts Conference! Don''t make trouble here!"


    The unprepared Yan Hui suddenly stumbled and was thrown back.


    Zhang Ye roared, "Therge sects are hitting us! They''re all in cahoots! Fuck! Fuck them!" With that, Zhang Ye immediately led the charge forward. He found the person in the Zhou Family Style School who spoke ill of Rao Aimin earlier and brutally gave him a flying kick to the face!


    The non-affiliates and small sect disciples were so angry that they lost their heads too!


    "Fuck them!"


    "Motherfuckers!"


    "They were really going to attack us?"


    "They''re taking it too far!"


    "Dammit, I''m gonna take them on!"


    "A warrior prefers death to humiliation!"


    That person from Kongtong Sect who held back Yan Hui was dumbfounded. "Attacking? Who''s attacking anyone now? I was just��" Before he could finish, he had already received three punches to the face. "Aiyo! Who the fuck hit my face!"


    The Kongtong Sect people were suddenly infuriated!


    Two sects beside them who were on good terms with the Zhou Family Style School were also angered. They kicked aside their chairs and joined in the sh!


    Yan Hui rushed forward. "Get them!"


    The brothers Liu Yiquan and Liu Yizhang shouted angrily, "Therge sects are taking it too far with this bullying! If this can be tolerated, then what would be intolerable?!"


    He Badao roared, "You want to see who has more people? Would we non-affiliates have anything to fear when ites to that?"


    Li Quanneng had already sent a flying kick and downed a disciple of arge sect. "You want to scam us non-affiliates of our money? You should ask if I, Grandpa Li, am willing to be scammed or not first!"


    It was a mess!


    A free-for-all!


    Before the Tianshan Martial Arts Conference could even be convened, a huge brawl had broken out!

 Chapter 916: The shit stirrer of the Chinese martial arts world!

    <h4>Chapter 916: The shit stirrer of the Chinese martial arts world! </h4>


    Chapter 916: The shit stirrer of the Chinese martial arts world!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    "Fuck them up!"


    "Fuck!"


    "Charge!"


    "Beat them up!"


    "Charge! Fight it out with therge sects!"


    "You thieving small sects, don''t force me!"


    "You guys forced our hands first!"


    "Damn! Charge at them! Kill this group of non-affiliates!"


    At once, chaos broke out on all three floors of the restaurant, as pots and pans,dles and bowls came crashing to the floor. The tables were all flipped over one by one by the "martial artists"!


    It was a brawl!


    Close quartersbat!


    The restaurant waiter eximed, "Stop fighting! All of you, stop fight��aiyo!" He got punched and wounded in the crossfire!


    Yan Hui''spanions kicked him a few more times and said, "This is what you get for trying to run a scam! You deserve it!"


    The waited cried out, "Help!"


    Three people from the Iron Palm Sect rushed over at once. "Fuck!"


    After exchanging three blows, Yan Hui''s twopanions were beaten to the ground!


    Yan Hui suddenly sent a flying kick and brought down one of the opponents before he got kicked in the stomach!


    At this moment, the Liu Yiquan and Liu Yizhang brothers rushed over. "Who daresy a hand on our non-affiliates bros!" The two of them took on one each, and threw kicks and punches as they got embroiled into the chaotic melee!


    Therge sects were indeed therge sects. Their disciples'' kung fu was definitely of a higher standard, especially that Iron Palm opponent taking on Liu Yiquan. His kung fu was amazing and his Iron Palm movements felt like they were full of power!


    Liu Yiquan could only keep retreating as he got hit by several palm strikes!


    Zhang Ye arrived and said, "Bro Liu, I''m here!"


    Liu Yiquan called out, "Bro Chen Zhen,e and assist me quickly!"


    Zhang Ye bent down and picked up something braced under the legs of a makeshift table before rushing toward them!


    When that middle-aged man of the Iron Palm style heard that, he sent a palm strike behind him without even looking.


    But before his palm could strike anyone, a dark object had flown straight at his face and battered him!


    "Aiyo, fuck!" The Iron Palm disciple immediately fell onto the ground. He was nearly crying and had a bloody nose as he screamed piercingly, "Who the fuck threw that brick at me?!"


    Many of therge sect members were furious!


    "Shameless!"


    "Shameless to the extreme!"


    "How dare you use a hidden weapon?"


    "Scumbag!"


    "Take them out!"


    Liu Yiquan, Liu Yizhang, and the others were stunned! Damn! Bro Chen Zhen is too vicious!


    When the small sects and non-affiliates saw this, they learned from it and picked up the chairs around them to smash them into their opponents. Someone even picked up a pot of hot soup and sshed it at the Zhou Family Style''s disciples!


    "Ah!"


    "Fuck! Who poured that on me!"


    "I''m fucking scalded!"


    "Fuck! Pick up whatever you can find!"


    "Take them out!"


    The Zhou Family Style School and several of therge sect members went berserk. They also picked up some random items as weapons to fight against their opponents!


    There were some members of three to five small sects who originally had no intention of partaking in the fight, distancing themselves far from the fight when it broke out. However, an unidentified flying object came hurtling at them amid the chaos!


    "Aiyo!"


    "My head!"


    "Goddamn motherfucking Zhou Family!"


    "I won''t take this anymore! Charge them!"


    As a result, the non-affiliates and small sects added anotherrge wave ofbat strength to their side!


    On the second floor was a table with around nine Shaolin monks. The eminent monks were not bothered by the ongoing battle around them, as it seemed they had reached a very high state of cultivation and were very calm despite the happenings, continuing to dine as though the brawl did not involve them.


    Crash!


    A teacup smashed onto their table!


    The chief monk of the table smiled and said, "Amit��bha, do not be bothered."


    "Yes, yes."


    "That''s right, that''s right."


    "Haha."


    The other eminent monks also replied alike.


    Then, a leg of a chair came flying over and ttered into two of their tes of food.


    One of the eminent monks pressed his hands together and said, "Amit��bha, don''t be angry, don''t be impatient."


    "Don''t be angry, don''t be impatient."


    "Let''s eat, let''s eat."


    "That''s right, that''s right."


    They smiled again and continued with their meal.


    Next, a y pot half-filled with hot soup flew over. When the soup sshed onto the monks, they couldn''t carry on eating anymore!


    One of the eminent monks pressed his hands together devoutly and said, "Amit��bha, maintain our original mind."


    "That''s better, that''s better."


    "That''s right, that''s right."


    "Extremely correct, extremely correct."


    The monks still maintained theirposure and were not affected by what was going on.


    Suddenly, a disciple of arge sect came flying over. His whole bodynded onto and smashed their table into pieces!


    The chief monk said calmly, "Amit����I''ll Amit�� your grandpa!" He jumped up and roared angrily, "Kill those sons of bitches!"


    "Kill those sons of bitches!"


    "The small sects are running rampant! They''re really pushing it too far!"


    The eminent monks of the Shaolin Monastery joined the fray as well, so you could imagine how out of control the fight had spiraled!


    "You thieving bastard, watch out for my palm strike!" One of the Shaolin monks went straight for Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye was someone who had eaten over a hundred Fruits of Agility, so his reaction was extremely quick. He did not even have to break out his Taiji Fist and could just shift his body sideways to avoid the attack. As he avoided it, he reflexively used the brick in his hand to hit his attacker!


    The Shaolin monk grabbed his face and cried, "Aiyo!"


    Zhang Ye pulled back his arm just as a Zhou Family Style boxing specialist was about to sneak up on him. Zhang Ye smashed the brick into the face of this attacker, which made the man fall backwards as two of his front teeth came flying out and spun through the air!


    With that one action, he had hit both his targets!


    "Bro Chen Zhen, good one!"


    "Beautiful!"


    "Bro Chen Zhen was really majestic there!"


    "Good brick technique!"


    When Liu Yiquan, Liu Yizhang, He Badao, and the others saw this, they didn''t forget to cheer Zhang Ye on mid-fight!


    Fourth Bro Zhou of the Zhou Family Style School was stunned, as though exmation marks were written all over his face as he looked on with his jaw hanging!


    Even now, he still could not understand how this fight had broken out. How did they start fighting? In all this time, he had only managed to say three and a half goddamn sentences in total! The first two sentences were: "Don''te and eat here if you don''t have the money! What are you going off about for!", followed by half a sentence of "That wine was meticulously fermented by our��". Thest sentence was "Which sect are you from?" All in all, it was only three and a half sentences. He could swear to the heavens that that was all he said! Besides, even if he said them again now, those words should not have been considered offensive! Fuck! Then how did it fucking cause a fight to break out!?


    The facts had proven again that Zhang Ye''s mouth was too damn wicked. Wherever this fellow went, there would be no peace. The entertainment industry insiders'' evaluation of this person was truly spot on. He was just a goddamn hooligan, a downright shit stirrer. Whichever industry he went to, he would bring about bloodshed. Previously, in the literary world, the entertainment circle, and even the education world, those industry peers were all cultured people who were rather eloquent and could speak well. Whether it was this professor or that doctor, they had had more than enough arguments with Zhang Ye. But even so, those people still could not beat Zhang Ye a single time when it came to scolding! Now that this fellow had sneaked into the Chinese martial arts world��a ce where the level of education was generally not too high��for a person that even the Tsinghua and Renmin University professors and people of the crosstalk world could not outargue, this ce stood basically no chance!


    They were nowhere near a match for him!


    Now that this guy had arrived at the Chinese martial arts world, he was just like a wolf among sheep. With just a few words, he had caused internal strife at the Tianshan Martial Arts Conference. It had even spiraled so out of control that the fight could not be stopped even if anyone tried to stop it!


    Fourth Bro Zhou shouted out, "Everyone, listen to me, I�D"


    Suddenly, a punch was thrown at him!


    The unprepared Fourth Bro Zhou received a brutal punch to his right cheek, utterly infuriating him. He rolled up his sleeves and rushed forward saying, "Who the fuck hit me? Do you people think that our Zhou Family Style School are pushovers? How dare you people make trouble at the Tianshan Martial Arts Conference! If you want to fight, let''s fight! Do you think we all have anything to be afraid of?"


    Fourth Bro Zhou also rushed forward!


    Then a brick met his face!


    "Fuck!" Fourth Bro Zhou covered his face and cursed angrily!


    "Fourth Senior Bro!"


    "Get them!"


    "We will bloody you today!"


    "Right, we''ll bloody you!"


    Witnessing this scene unfolding in front of her, Chenchen was totally speechless.


    Zhang Ye was quite unreliable in a lot of the things that he did, but that mouth of his could definitely be relied on to be the most sarcastic in this world! What was supposed to be a martial arts conference attended by all the members of the Chinese martial arts world had now turned into a civil war even before the event was convened!


    In fact, the conflict was still growing!


    Another wave of the Zhou Family Style''s disciples arrived from outside!


    "What is happening?"


    "What''s going on?"


    "The hell, who hit me?"


    "Damn! Bros, get them!"


    When this group of people arrived, before they could even announce who they were or ask what was happening, they were already getting beaten up. They then immediately joined the fray without another word!


    The non-affiliates had even more backup arriving!


    "Bro Zhao, I''m here!"


    "Hold on, our bros are here to help!"


    "The Zhou Family is throwing their weight around and bullying us! This is outrageous!"


    "Outrageous! Kill them!"


    "Therge sects are too arrogant! We must get revenge today!"


    "Baldie, receive this palm strike from your grandpa!"


    "Fourth Bro Zhou, you have oftenmitted all kinds of evils! Let me rein you in today!"


    Who said that there were no highly skilled non-affiliates?


    A few of the non-affiliates who rushed over upon hearing the news turned out to be extremely skilled at kung fu. When Zhang Ye saw them fighting, even he was surprised as they all were seemingly on par with him. The Chinese martial arts world was truly filled with hidden dragons and crouching tigers. With this fight happening, all the experts started showing themselves! When a lot of them heard the shouting, they knew there was obviously some private grudge between the two groups. Therge and small sects, along with the non-affiliates, clearly had grudges that existed in the past. Everything just happened to spill over today!


    More and more people arrived!


    100!


    200!


    300!


    The restaurant was close to being torn apart!


    The battlefield was even extending out into the courtyard and outside the resort, the sounds of fightinging from everywhere!


    When Zhang Ye, who was never afraid of too much trouble, saw this, he shouted again, "Our small sect and non-affiliate brothers! Today''s oue is a matter of our honor! Will we just watch and allow therge sects to climb all over us?"


    "No, we won''t!"


    "No, we won''t!"


    "No, we won''t!"


    "No, we won''t!"


    Many of them were shouting like crazy!


    Zhang Ye roared, "Will we just watch our dignity get trampled under their feet like that?"


    "No, we won''t!"


    "No, we won''t!"


    "Definitely not!"


    Many were roaring in response!


    Zhang Ye yelled, "On the path of martial arts! Everyone stands equal! It has never been segregated betweenrge and small sects! Today is the day that we stand up to this! Today is the day that we shout to make our voices heard! If we don''t shout, there won''t be another chance! If we don''t shout, they will soon be sitting over our heads and shitting on us! Why are you bros still watching the fight from outside? What are you still waiting for? Roar if you see injustice! Take action when the timees! Do it with all your passion and hope!"


    "Let''s take action!"


    "With the Zhou Family bullying us, how much longer are we going to keep quiet and endure this?"


    "Kill them!"


    "Charge!"


    "Charge at them together with me, brothers!"


    With Zhang Ye''s speech, a lot of the onlooking non-affiliates and small sect members who were still hesitant earlier suddenly got pumped up, and roared as they charged forward!

 Chapter 917: Zhang Ye versus the Kunlun Taoist!

    <h4>Chapter 917: Zhang Ye versus the Kunlun Taoist! </h4>


    Chapter 917: Zhang Ye versus the Kunlun Taoist!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Outside, the sky had turned dark and the entire holiday resort was dark, except here at the restaurant which was still brightly lit. Cries calling for a massacre could be hearding from everywhere!


    A passerby asked in panic, "What''s happening in there?"


    A non-affiliate, who was injured and covering his bloody nose, said, "That bunch of bastards from the Zhou Family ganged up with all therge sects and started a fight against us non-affiliates!"


    "What? How could something like that happen? Bro, bear with it. I''ll go get reinforcements!" After the passerby heard that, he quickly rushed back to inform the others. "Something has happened! Something has happened!"


    On the way, as he ran back, he coincidentally bumped into a friend.


    This other person asked anxiously, "What''s going on over at the restaurant?"


    Short of breath, the passerby panted, "I can''t run anymore. You came at just the right time, quickly go back and inform the others! That bunch of bastards from the Zhou Family ganged up with all the otherrge sects to start a fight with all of us!"


    "What did you say?" The friend was shocked. "I''ll go call for reinforcements immediately!"


    At the entrance of an inn.


    Everyone came rushing out when they heard the ruckus.


    "What happened?"


    "Why did they start fighting?"


    "Who''s fighting who?"


    "Should we go and take a look?"


    "W-What serious event has just happened there?"


    At this moment, that passerby''s friend came running back with all his might. "Something has happened! Something has happened! That bunch of fucking bastards from the Zhou Family Style ganged up with therge sects to exterminate all of us!"


    Everyone was angered and surprised at the same time!


    "Ah?"


    "Exterminate all of us?"


    "Fuck your grandmas, Zhou Family!"


    "They''re pushing it too far! They''re really pushing it too far!"


    "Let''s fight it out with them!"


    "Fight them!"


    "Brothers! Call for help! Get your weapons, and let''s kill them!"


    "Exterminate all of us? I''ll fucking exterminate your entire n instead!"


    With the same message being passed down three times, it had already changed from a fight��to bing exterminating all of them!


    Instantly, another group of "reinforcements" set off as though they were on adrenaline. When they rushed into the restaurant and saw the people from the Zhou Family Style School and otherrge sects, they charged at them while angrily shouting "exterminate your entire n" as they attacked!


    This group of people randomly rushing in made many of those from therge sects jump in shock. They werepletely caught off guard as they suffered defeat after defeat and were left wailing. Their expressions were extremely shocked as they did not even know what had hit them. Fuck! Wasn''t this just about some non-affiliates thinking that the jug of wine was too expensive? Didn''t the fight break out because they got into a war of words over that issue? How did it be about exterminating an entire n? You people are looking to exterminate our entire n just because of 2,000 yuan? Have you people all gone insane from being too poor?!


    The people from therge sects were also furious. "We''ll exterminate all of you!"


    The non-affiliates shouted loudly, "We''ll exterminate your entire n!"


    The people from therge sects yelled in anger, "We''ll exterminate all of you!"


    The people from the small sects said angrily, "We''ll exterminate your entire n!"


    Both sides swore something as they fought!


    From talking to having a war of words to starting a fight and finally turning into an extermination of ns, the entire process took only ten minutes!


    A free-for-all!


    A chaotic free-for-all!


    Sounds of fighting could be heard everywhere and the fire of battle could be seen throughout the ce!


    The non-affiliates and small sects had a numerical advantage of about 2.5 to 1, but the people from therge sects had the advantage of superior skills. Even for some of therge sects'' most ordinary disciples, their martial arts skills were still very good. Even if two fists were no match for four hands, it would not be that difficult to hold out. Furthermore, there were many experts among therge sects who could probably take on five opponents at the same time!


    And Zhang Ye had encountered one of them!


    It was a Taoist from the Kunlun Sect![1.]


    Zhang Ye sparred with him for a while using his real skills and immediately knew that he was going to be a tough one. His opponent turned out to be trained in internal style martial arts as well, and his power was likely a little better than Zhang Ye''s. Zhang Ye had eaten over a hundred Taiji Fist Skill Experience Books, so he could be considered as one of the top few fighters in this pool of ordinary martial artists. It would not be much of a problem for him to take on 20 of them. But if he were to really meet with a real practitioner of the martial arts, he would not exactly be a match for that person. With just those few skill experience books, he could only be considered to have barely stepped past the doors of the Chinese martial arts world, or perhaps be at a slightly higher level than most. He certainly could not be considered to be at the master level. Moreover, Zhang Ye''s boxing techniques were not slowly trained by himself, but rather gained directly through the eating of all those skill experience books. His strength and stamina were also unable to keep up with his opponent, and his Taiji Fist only worked at times. All these key factors affected his overall ability. But fortunately, Zhang Ye''s 100 Fruits of Agility were unleashed to their greatest effect. His reaction speed was not slower than those real practitioners of martial arts, so even if he could not defeat his opponent with his attacks, it was still enough to deal with him for a while!


    Furthermore, he still had a brick in his hand!


    With a brick in hand, I own the world!


    "Watch my kick!" The Kunlun Taoist threw out a punch!


    Zhang Ye dodged agilely and cried out, "Watch my kick!" But he used the brick to attack instead!


    That Taoist dodged angrily. "Receive my palm strike!" But he aimed his kick at Zhang Ye''s privates instead!


    "Receive my roundhouse kick!" Zhang Ye dodged the attacks perilously as he shouted, but he did not move his leg and still attacked with the brick!


    The Taoist shouted loudly, "Fish Leaps Over the Dragon Gate!" Then he threw himself prone to dodge the brick attack!


    "Carp Skip-up!" Zhang Ye gurgled up a mouthful of phlegm and spat at him!


    When the surrounding people saw that, they nearly fainted!


    Roundhouse kick, your sister!


    Fish Leaps Over the Dragon Gate, your sister!


    Carp Skip-up, your sister!


    The moves that the two of you executed were totally different from what you had shouted!


    These two fellows were also from the martial artsmunity? Why was each of them more sly than the other?!


    Liu Yiquan, Liu Yizhang, He Badao, Li Quanneng, and some others were also engaged in battles with their "enemies" around Zhang Ye. When they saw the fight between Zhang Ye and that Kunlun Taoist, they broke out in cold sweats!


    They could do it like that?


    This had to be a meeting of two rogues!


    On the bus, they had chatted happily with Zhang Ye and felt that this "Bro Chen Zhen" was a very righteous person. From a nce, he could be assumed to havee from some righteous sect. But who would have expected that when this fellow got into a fight, he would actually be such a hooligan and use a brick to make sneak attacks, randomly call out his moves, and even spit at his opponent! This scene made Liu Yiquan, Liu Yizhang, and the group of people who came from an unorthodox martial arts background feel embarrassed! Why is Bro Chen Zhen''s martial arts even more unorthodox than ours?!


    When that Taoist had his clothes hit by a mouthful of phlegm, he flew into a rage. He was quite well-known in the Chinese martial arts world and was always reputed to be a vicious and devious person. When his name was mentioned, as long as it was someone in the martial artsmunity who had heard of his exploits before, they would definitely choose to avoid him. Even in normal circumstances when his fellow Kunlun Sect disciples sparred, no one would choose to be his opponent. He initially thought that he was already devious enough, but never did he expect to bump into someone today who was more devious than him!


    The Taoist shouted, "What style do you practice?"


    Zhang Ye threw a punch and questioned back, "What style do you practice?"


    The Taoist said loudly, "The style I practice is called the Kunlun Universe Palms!"


    Zhang Ye would naturally not reveal his background to anyone. He swung the brick towards the Taoist and said, "Then the style that I practice is called the Swimming Body Eight Trigrams Brick!"


    Upon hearing that, the surrounding people fainted all at once!


    One of the disciples of the Zhou Family Style School lost his concentration and was immediately floored by a punch and two kicks from two small sects'' disciples! After he copsed onto the ground, his mind continued to wonder about the skill that the sunsses-wearing youth proimed that he had used!


    They all knew about the Swimming Body Eight Trigrams Palm which was also known as the Eight Trigrams Palm!


    But what the fuck was the Swimming Body Eight Trigrams Brick!?


    Which sect''s martial arts have you evere across that train with fucking bricks?

 Chapter 918: The National Martial Arts Association steps in!

    <h4>Chapter 918: The National Martial Arts Association steps in! </h4>


    Chapter 918: The National Martial Arts Association steps in!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The situation was getting out of control!


    The organizers were startled as well!


    Chen Xi, the vice president of China''s National Martial Arts Association, the current leader of the Huashan Sect, and one of the five grandmasters of the current Chinese martial arts world, led arge group of people and hurried to the restaurant. In the group were a deputy sect leader of the Kongtong Sect, a leader from an Iron Palm branch, an eminent monk of the Shaolin Monastery, and a master from the Wudang Sect. All of them were, without an exception, famous figures within the Chinese martial arts world, and were also the backbone of their sects, even to the point of being the strongest in their respective sects. But Grandmaster Zhou Tianpeng of the Zhou Family Style School was nowhere to be seen. He was probably secluding himself in preparation for the big battle tomorrow at the Tianshan Martial Arts Conference!


    When this group of people got to the entrance of the restaurant, they werepletely stunned by what they saw!


    Liu Yizhang was keeping a disciple of the Zhou Family Style down with two hands, while his brother, Liu Yiquan, was furiously hammering at that Zhou Family Style disciple!


    He Badao and a Kongtong Sect disciple were rolling around on the ground, throwing punches and kicks at each other!


    Li Quanneng and Yan Hui were each holding a table leg in their respective hands, gotten from who knows where, chasing a group of four or five people from therge sects and hitting them with the legs. It was utter chaos!


    "Kill them!"


    "Senior Bro, save me!"


    "Hang on! You must hang on!"


    "Kill this bunch of non-affiliates!"


    "We must exterminate them all!"


    The most noteworthy duel was still between Zhang Ye and that Kunlun Taoist.


    Zhang Ye swung his brick. "Watch out for my Huashan swordsmanship!"


    The Huashan Sect leader, Chen Xi, fainted then and there!


    The Kunlun Taoist dodged away. "Have a taste of my Iron Palms!" Then he crouched and swept a kick at Zhang Ye!


    The eldest senior brother of the previous generation of the Iron Palm branch wobbled in ce when he heard that!


    "I''m going for your lower body!" The brick swung towards his opponent''s head!


    "I''m targeting your left!" The Kunlun Taoist threw a punch at his right!


    Zhang Ye shouted, "I''ll spit on your face!"


    The Taoist replied, "I''ll fuck your grandpa!"


    "I''ll fuck your grandma!"


    "Are you sick?"


    "Do you have any medicine for me?"


    "How much do you need?"


    "How much do you have?"


    "I''ll give you however much you require!"


    Zhang Ye spoke, "I''ll eat however much you have!"


    The Taoist asked again, "Are you sick!"


    "Do you have any medicine for me?"


    They did not exchange too many blows between them before transitioning into scolding each other with everything they had, even spitting at each other!


    The fighting made these people of distinction and leaders of the various martial sects within the organizers and Chinese martial arts world nearly vomit blood! What kind of fucking people did the Tianshan Martial Arts Conference invite this time!?


    That Taoist''s martial uncle was the Kunlun Sect leader. He was also in this group that had just arrived. At the moment, he was pretending not to have seen anything as he looked up at the sky��he could not afford to be embarrassed like this.


    Chen Xi roared, "Stop it! All of you, stop it!"


    Everyone who was fighting was incensed and crying out their killing intents, so why would they bother listening to anyone calling for them to stop?


    That eminent monk from the Shaolin Monastery was also stunned by the brawl, as he noticed a few of his junior brothers in the chaos with bruised and swollen faces. He called out loudly, "Junior Bro Jie Jiao? Junior Bro Jie Zao? Why did you all get involved in the fight as well?"[1.]


    A monk who was currently fighting a small sect''sbat expert shouted, "The small sects are taking this too far!"


    The eminent Shaolin monk called out, "Stop the fight and get over here! Stop fighting already!"


    Another Shaolin monk was still enraged as he spoke with a Henan ent, "Senior Bro, stay out of it! I must take care of these bastards today no matter what!"


    Their senior brother: "��"


    The usually mild-mannered Shaolin monks were all cursing and swearing!


    Chen Xi watched in astonishment. "W-What on earth happened?"


    "I don''t know!"


    "Why is everyone fighting?"


    "Aiyo! How are we going to handle this?"


    "In all the years of holding the National Martial Arts Conference, nothing like this has ever happened before!"


    "Terrible, this is truly terrible!"


    "Could it be that someone died, leading them to fight like this?"


    "It has to be!"


    At this moment, Fourth Bro Zhou of the Zhou Family Style School finally came running out from the chaos. His nose dripped with blood as he limped toward them. "Senior Bro! Second Senior Bro!"


    Second Bro Zhou was taken aback. "Fourth Junior Bro? Quickly, tell us what''s going on!"


    Fourth Bro Zhou was already on the verge of tears, though nobody knew if it was from the pain or because he was infuriated to such a state. "Those non-affiliates were unhappy about us selling our Nu''er Hong at an expensive price!"


    Chen Xi was stunned. "And then what?"


    Second Bro Zhou''s expression changed immediately. "Then did you guys kill someone because of that?"


    Fourth Bro Zhou nearly vomited blood at that. "Then we started fighting because of that!"


    The eminent Shaolin monk admonished, "But you can''t kill someone over that!"


    "Who did we kill!" Fourth Bro Zhou shouted.


    The eminent Shaolin monk was stunned. "No one died?"


    Fourth Bro Zhou protested, "Of course not!"


    A leader of a small sect asked, "Then how did it be like this?"


    Fourth Bro Zhou wiped away the blood from his nose and said, "The fuck I know! I only said a few words, telling them not to drink if they did not have the money. But it somehow ended up bing a fight! They were even shouting and calling for our entire n to be exterminated!"


    A Kongtong Sect deputy leader said dumbfounded, "All this was over a jug of wine? At a respectable event like the Tianshan Martial Arts Conference, you all actually got into such a massive brawl involving several hundred people?"


    Chen Xi: "��"


    The eminent Shaolin monk: "��"


    The Kunlun Sect leader: "��"


    They all nced at one another, embarrassed!


    Chen Xiposed himself then forced a voice out from his diaphragm. "All of you, stop!"


    Some of those involved in the brawl heard this and were startled when they turned to look. Seeing their sect leaders, masters, or martial uncles all here, they quickly stopped fighting.


    But some of the non-affiliates were still at it!


    Chen Xi closed his eyes and suddenly lifted a foot. Without using much strength, he stamped it down, and a loud crash reverberated. The entire surface of the floor seemingly shook. When he lifted his foot again, the concrete floor was deeply imprinted with his shoeprint! It was a very clear imprint too!


    Concealed power!


    This was made by concealed power!


    Among a hundred Chinese martial arts experts, only a few could train to such a level!


    "Stop fighting!" Chen Xi shouted.


    This time, everyone turned their heads all at once!


    Chen Xi did not depend on the one-sided story of Fourth Bro Zhou, but instead called over a few of his own Huashan Sect disciples. He listened to them as they rted the entire situation that led to the fight, but as Huashan Sect was also one of therge sects that partook in the fight against the small sects and non-affiliates, their side of the story naturally did not favor the non-affiliates!


    The people from the small sects and the non-affiliates were showing their anger at this, but did not dare say anything due to the domineering air of the grandmaster.


    However, in the crowd was someone who was not afraid of anything. At this moment, that youth wearing the sunsses once again "bravely came forward."


    Zhang Ye brought a stool with him and stood onto it, shouting, "Brother and sisters, fellow countrymen and elders, therge sects seem to be confusing right and wrong. Are we just going to say nothing?"


    With someone taking the lead, everyone who fought side by side earlier started raising a ruckus.


    "No, we won''t!"


    "No, we won''t!"


    "No, we won''t!"


    "No, we won''t!"


    There were hundreds of voices of men and women, all shouting loudly with their hands up in the air!


    Zhang Ye shouted, "Who were the ones who tried to scam us of our hard-earned money!"


    "The Zhou Family!"


    "The Zhou Family!"


    "The Zhou Family!"


    Zhang Ye shouted again, "Who were the ones who started the fight?"


    "The Kongtong Sect!"


    "The Kongtong Sect!"


    "The Kongtong Sect!"


    Zhang Ye bellowed, "We were scammed of our money and even got attacked by therge sects. Can we take this lying down?"


    "Definitely not!"


    "Definitely not!"


    "Definitely not!"


    The small sects and non-affiliates were emboldened by their numbers and their morale suddenly increased by quite a bit as well!


    When the group in the organizing party heard this, some of the small sect leaders and chiefs also showed signs of anger. Subconsciously, they were moving toward their own disciples to stand with them.


    A leader of a small sect said while stifling his anger, "The Kongtong Sect made the first move?"


    A deputy leader of the Kongtong Sect was taken aback and simply said, "About that��" Then he looked over to his own disciples.


    The disciples of the Kongtong Sect nearly went crazy!


    "Master, we really did not!"


    "It wasn''t us!"


    "Senior Bro was only trying to hold someone back!"


    Holding back? That counted as making a move!


    Chen Xi frowned and gave a look to the Kongtong Sect members.


    That Kongtong Sect senior brother in question was almost kneeling by now. "I, I was only trying to mediate the situation!"


    At this time, the youth wearing sunsses standing on a stool shouted, "2,000 yuan for a jug of Nu''er Hong? Did you use gold to ferment it?"


    Yan Hui shouted, "Did you use gold to ferment it?"


    Liu Yiquan roared, "Did you use gold to ferment it?"


    A junior sister of some small sect: "Did you use gold to ferment it?"


    Zhang Ye cried out, "Hand over the person guilty of hitting our people!"


    "Hand over the person guilty of hitting our people!"


    "Hand over the person guilty of hitting our people!"


    Everyone echoed him loudly in unison!


    Zhang Ye again cried out, "Hand over the person who fermented the wine!"


    "Hand over the person who fermented the wine!"


    "Hand over the person who fermented the wine!"


    Everyone echoed him loudly in unison again!


    Zhang Ye cried out for the third time, "Compensate us for our losses! Compensate us for our medical fees! Otherwise, we won''t let this rest!"


    "We won''t let this rest!"


    "We won''t let this rest!"


    "We won''t let this rest!"


    Everyone''s shouting was increasing in volume!


    The upper management of the National Martial Arts Association was facing a headache regarding this problem. If it were only one or two people, it would have been easy to settle. But since this was a matter of several hundred people making trouble, they could not handle it as easily. Although the upper management positions were mainly filled by people from therge sects, there were also many experts and talented people from the small sects too. The National Martial Arts Association grassroots'' positions were generally held by these people. If the issue was not handled properly, the entire Martial Arts Association might fall into disarray!


    Several of the upper management''s people were getting flustered. "What the hell is going on! There has never before been a situation like this at the previous Martial Arts Conferences! What is going on this year?"


    Chenchen''s hearing was sharp. When she overheard those people begrudgingly say all that, she could only give a silent "hur hur" in her head. That is because Zhang Ye did not attend the previous conferences, but if he did, you guys would have been in trouble long ago!


    But Fourth Bro Zhou retorted, "You people still dare to demand rpense?"


    Those wounded disciples from the Kongtong Sect added, "You''re all trying to shift the me!"


    This problem wasn''t easy to handle, as both sides pushed their own rhetoric. But it was obvious that the non-affiliates and small sects had the greater advantage in numbers!


    Finally, the National Martial Arts Association sent someone out to negotiate. He was a steward of the Martial Arts association and also one of the representative members of arge sect. He was the junior brother of the Huashan Sect leader, Chen Xi.


    This person''s name was Fan Wen.


    Huashan Sect''s Fan Wen stepped forward. "The responsibility of this issue lies with both sides as it takes two hands to p. Let''s put this matter to rest here and everyone can take a step back. Can''t we give the National Martial Arts Association some face?!"


    Zhang Ye said, "No way!"


    "No way!"


    "No way!"


    "No way!"


    Everyone was just blindly following at this point!


    Fan Wen''s eyes twitched. He looked at them and said, "A jug of Nu''er Hong for 2,000 yuan is indeed a little expensive. Why don''t we do this? I''ll make a decision here and waive everyone''s bill for the meal. The things that were smashed will be taken care of by our Martial Arts Association as well, so no one has topensate anything. How does that sound?"


    Zhang Ye said, "No way!"


    "No way!"


    "No way!"


    "No way!"


    Fan Wen was speechless at this. Then he said loudly, "Then what do you propose thepensation should be?"


    Zhang Ye shouted, "Make the person who started this apologize! Compensate us for our medical fees! Pay each of us 100,000 yuan! That is non-negotiable! Not a cent less! We will not ept if it''s a cent less!"


    "We won''t ept it!"


    "We won''t ept it!"


    "We won''t ept it!"


    "We won''t ept it!"


    100,000 yuan?


    Not a cent less?


    The people from therge sects were getting mad!


    "Bullshit!"


    "Despicable!"


    Huashan Sect''s Fan Wen was also furious, "That''s such an unreasonable demand! You people have absolutely no intentions on negotiating, right?! 100,000 for each of you? Bullshit! It would be more than enough topensate you 1,000 yuan per person!"


    Zhang Ye suddenly raised his hand and said, "��Deal!"


    Fan Wen was stunned!


    What?


    Deal?


    Under everyone''s dumbfounded gazes, Zhang Ye jumped down from the stool and said, "Let''s go, everyone!"


    The people from the small sects and non-affiliates suddenly dispersed when the order was given!


    Leaving a bunch of people from therge sects and National Martial Arts Association staring wide-eyed!


    Didn''t they say not a cent less?


    That they would not ept it if it were a cent less?


    Fuck all of your grandpas!


    Wasn''t that a non-negotiable request?


    1. Jie Jiao (�佾) means ''free from arrogance'' and Jie Zao (����) means ''free from impetuousness.''

 Chapter 919: The appearance of Rao Aimin!

    <h4>Chapter 919: The appearance of Rao Aimin! </h4>


    Chapter 919: The appearance of Rao Aimin!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the holiday resort.


    The sky was gradually getting darker. Various non-affiliates and others from the small sects were supporting each other as they made their way back to the inns. Some of them had injuries to their legs, some had injuries on their hands, and some also had their hair pulled out. But at this moment, everyone was very friendly and helping each other, propping one another up in support. After all, they were nowpatriots who had fought side by side. Moreover, speaking of the injuries that they had suffered, they definitely got off much lighter than those from therge sects. With two or three people against one, their opponents were definitely much more seriously injured than them!


    "What a good release it was!"


    "Right! It felt great!"


    "Having lived for so long, I''ve never felt as satisfied as I felt today!"


    "That''s right. Although my nose was punched and my ass was kicked twice, I still feel really wonderful. That bunch of people from therge sects have already bullied us for too many years! I finally vented all my pent-up anger on them!"


    "Same here!"


    "I''ve been wanting to beat up that Kongtong Sect bastard for a long time too!"


    "The Zhou Family''s Fourth Bro Zhou has always been a dishonorable character, so I took advantage of the chaos just now and kicked him. It felt so good!"


    "Hahaha, after beating up thoserge sects'' people, not only did we get a waiver for our meals, we even earned a thousand yuan''spensation for nothing. It would be great if such a good thing happens at every conference! I don''t mind even if I have to get beaten up every year! So even we non-affiliates can turn the tide! And we didn''t have to act in ordance with the will of therge sects for once!"


    Everyone was very excited.


    Elsewhere.


    Liu Yiquan took two steps forward and gave a fist and palm salute, saying, "Bro Chen Zhen, if not for you rushing to help me in time back there, I truly could not have handled that person. Thank you so much!"


    Zhang Ye also gave a fist and palm salute. "Don''t mention it, there''s no need."


    He Badaoughed heartily. "It''s all thanks to Bro Chen Zhen stepping forward!"


    Li Quanneng said, "Yeah, if not for Bro Chen, we would definitely have been scammed by them today! Once the grandmaster and thoserge sect leaders appeared, the rest of us would definitely not have dared to say anything, but just look at how Bro Chen Zhen showed no fear at all! Admirable, admirable!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Thank you, thank you."


    "Bro, your name is Chen Zhen?"


    "Thank you!"


    "Good one, Bro Chen!"


    "Thank you so much!"


    "If you go to Shandong in the future,e and look for me!"


    "If you ever go to Northeast China, I will buy you some wine!"


    "Considering Bro Chen''s martial arts style, uh, uh, it is really��very unique!"


    "Haha, it doesn''t matter whether Bro Chen used a brick or a wine jar, as long as he can win with it, it is a good weapon!"


    "That''s right, that''s right. Bro Chen''s skills, no, brick skills were truly godly!"


    Everyone gave their praise!


    Yan Hui and a few of his friends also stepped forward at this moment to give their fist and palm salutes. "Bro Chen Zhen, words can''t express our gratitude!" Then he turned around and said to all the non-affiliates and disciples of the small sects, "And to all the other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for today. If not for everyone helping us to seek justice, we would really have been scammed by them!"


    "Happy to help, happy to help!"


    "We''re all on the same side!"


    "After they scam you, they would scam us next!"


    "Right, helping others is equivalent to helping ourselves!"


    "Everyone has been injured, so let''s disperse for now."


    "Go back and rest. We''ll meet again at the Tianshan Martial Arts Conference tomorrow!"


    The non-affiliates gradually dispersed and left.


    When Yan Hui was about to leave, he turned around and doubtfully nced over in Zhang Ye''s direction.


    A friend beside tugged at him. "Let''s go-oh. What are you looking at?"


    Yan Hui blinked and said baffled, "Somehow, I find that person to be quite familiar."


    "That''s enough, hurry back to the inn. Aiyo, my arms! Help me to apply some medicated red flower oil on my arms in a while. Those bunch of bastards from therge sects were really aggressive in their attacks!"[1.]


    In the end, Yan Hui still did not manage to recall anything.


    Or rather, he never even suspected that it might be that person!


    ...


    Over at the restaurant.


    The moment these people left, Fan Wen''s face turned green with anger!


    The others from therge sects embroiled in the battle earlier were also unable to ept this oue!


    "Compensation?"


    "Why should wepensate them?!"


    "We are the ones who were seriously injured!"


    "No, we can''t just let the matter rest like this!"


    The disciples of therge sects started to make a scene.


    Fan Wen said, "I''ll go and stop them!"


    However, he was held back by the Huashan Sect leader, Chen Xi, who was beside him. "Forget it."


    Fan Wen said dejected, "Senior Bro, what the heck is this!"


    Chen Xi sighed and said, "Isn''t it only 1,000 yuan per person? The National Martial Arts Association will fork out this sum of money. It''s definitely better that we appease everyone''s anger first."


    The Kongtong Sect deputy leader said, stifling his anger, "But��"


    Chen Xi dered, "Has everyone forgotten what the purpose is of organizing the Tianshan Martial Arts Conference this year? Before the conference takes ce, there mustn''t be any screw ups. It''s more important to resolve the matter of Rao Aimin before anything else! That is what matters the most!"


    "Yes, Senior Bro."


    "That''s true."


    "Understood."


    The sect leaders and elders all looked at one another but did not speak further. Yet they somehow were left a certain feeling��it was as though they had been scammed by someone!


    ...


    At night.


    In the Tianshan region.


    At a certain location.


    "Senior Sis!"


    "Eldest Senior Sis!"


    "You''ve finally appeared!"


    "How is your condition right now?"


    Rao Aimin walked into the roomnguidly as she yawned. "My condition is quite good. Little Fifth, Little Sixth, Little Lu, what are the bunch of you here for?"


    Though they hadn''t not seen her in quite some time now, Rao Aimin was still the same as before. She neither put on weight nor slimmed down, and didn''t grow taller or became shorter; she was just the same old her.


    Lu Yuhu said anxiously, "How can we possibly note when you are in trouble!"


    His fifth senior sister said, "Eldest Senior Sis, you are in great danger this time!"


    His sixth senior brother said, "That''s right. The purpose of organizing the Tianshan Martial Arts Conference was to deal with you, how could you not understand that? We are here to give you our support and a helping hand!"


    His thirteenth junior brother said, "It''s a pity that Eldest Senior Bro and Second Senior Bro couldn''te! Master locked��"


    Lu Yuhu''s fifth senior sister red at him to stop him from saying any more.


    Rao Aimin nced at him. "That old man is still alive?"


    Everyone from the Eight Trigrams School: "��"


    Rao Aimin waved it off and said, "Alright, that doesn''t matter, but it''s useless even though you guys came here. You guys didn''t train properly, so what can you help me with? It''s pretty good if you don''t drag me back. Hurry up and get lost."


    "Eldest Senior Sis!"


    "Wherever you go, we go too!"


    "Right, if you''re going to the Martial Arts Conference tomorrow, then we''ll go together as well!"


    "Let''s fight it out with those people from therge sects!"


    "Fight them!"


    Rao Aimin nced at them and said, "They have hundreds of people, how are you guys going to fight them?"


    Suddenly, Lu Yuhu received a call right after he turned on his cell phone. He walked away to answer it. But when he returned, his expression had turned into one of bewilderment!


    His fifth senior sister looked at him and asked, "Little Lu, what''s the matter?"


    His sixth senior brother kicked his foot and said, "Say it!"


    His seventh senior brother asked anxiously, "Little Junior Bro, you have the bestwork amongst us, so what news did you just receive? Hurry up and tell us, what are you staring at?"


    Lu Yuhu said, "Shit, the people at the venue of the Tianshan Martial Arts Conference got into a fight!"


    When they heard that, everyone from the Eight Trigrams School was shocked!


    "What?"


    "They got into a fight?"


    "Who dueled with who?"


    Lu Yuhu didn''t know whether tough or cry. "It''s not about who dueled with who, it was more of a civil war! The people from therge sects fought with the small sects and non-affiliates. They were locked into a battle so fierce that they almost destroyed a three-story restaurant at the resort! Hundreds of people were injured! Even the National Martial Arts Association was alerted and had to step in to prevent the brawl from getting out of control!"


    His fifth senior sisterughed heartily. "Great fight! They deserve it!"


    His sixth senior brother was tickled. "To think they were even intending to deal with our Eldest Senior Sis together! Look at what''s happening now, they''ve gotten into infighting first!"


    "Man, surely that couldn''t have happened, right?"


    "How did the conference turn into such chaos when it has not even started yet?"


    "What was the cause of it?"


    "How can there be so many people fighting each other?"


    Lu Yuhu also found it difficult to ept this news because it sounded inconceivable to him. "It seems that the cause of the incident was due to the organizers selling overpriced wine and the Zhou Family turning out to be part owners of that restaurant as well. As a result, someone named ''Chen Zhen'' represented the non-affiliates and small sects by stepping forward to resist therge sects. That was how they ended up fighting!" Then he smiled and went on, "No matter what, the Heavens are really helping us!"


    His fifth senior sisterughed. "Right, even the Heavens can''t bear to watch any further!"


    His sixth senior brother said, "Chen Zhen? He sounds like he is not bad!"


    His fifth senior sister nodded. "Yeah, what that Chen fellow did was beautiful!"


    Lu Yuhu couldn''t help butugh. "The National Martial Arts Association wanted to band everyone together to deal with Eldest Senior Sis in order to exert pressure on her and even stood on the moral high ground to criticize her, but what happened in the end? The Martial Arts Conference has not even started yet and they are already fighting amongst themselves! Those people are really unlucky!"


    "Yeah!"


    "Well done!"


    "Which sect is this Chen Zhen from? How can he be so bold? He even dared to stand firm against therge sects?"


    "I''m not sure. My friend there did not say which sect he was from either."


    "What style does he practice?"


    "Uh, he said it was Swimming Body��Eight Trigrams Brick!"


    "What?"


    "Swimming Body Eight Trigrams Brick?"


    "What kind of a weapon did he use?"


    "��A brick."


    "Pfft! What the hell?"


    "Don''t tell me it''s closely rted to our Eight Trigrams School''s Swimming Body Eight Trigrams Palm?"


    "Closely rted, my ass! This two styles definitely have nothing at all to do with each other!"


    "This Chen Zhen sounds like a really interesting person. He must be talented!"


    "Where did this persone from? I must be on the lookout for him tomorrow!"


    Everyone from the Eight Trigrams School chimed in one after the other and started chattering away. Regarding the infighting over at the Tianshan Martial Arts Conference, they expressed that their present mood could only be described with one phrase: Let''s have another round of drinks!


    1. Red Flower Oil - https://imgur/a/Yl9nv


    2. We could do with some reviews here. It''s not getting much love :''( https://.novelupdates/series/im-really-a-superstar/ments


    3. Don''t forget to vote with your power stones!

 Chapter 920: Zhang Ye, Enhanced Edition! (Beginning)

    <h4>Chapter 920: Zhang Ye, Enhanced Edition! (Beginning) </h4>


    Chapter 920: Zhang Ye, Enhanced Edition! (Beginning)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Nightfall.


    Peace and quiet had finally descended upon the world.


    Thest non-affiliate from Shanghai who insisted on training his hard qigong downstairs at the inn was getting tired. He let out a shout before cooling down with the closing form, then proceeded upstairs back to his room to sleep.


    In Zhang Ye''s room.


    Chenchen called out, "Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye looked over and asked, "What?"


    Chenchen said, "Why were you so mean?"


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Was I mean?"


    Chenchen asked, "Zhang Ye, why is it that wherever you go, that ce would always suffer?"


    "I was just stepping in to help in the face of injustice, ha!" Zhang Ye boasted without shame, "Did you see your Uncle Zhang''s imposing manner when Imanded the masses earlier? Did you see it? That''s what you call appeal and charisma. How was it? They still had to agree topensate everyone''s medical fees at the end, didn''t they?"


    Chenchen pointed out, "Didn''t you ask for 100,000 yuan inpensation? Wasn''t it non-negotiable?"


    Zhang Ye chided her in embarrassment, "What 100,000 yuan? We should not be too greedy."


    Chenchen said, "Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye replied, "What?"


    Chenchen looked at him then asked in all seriousness, "Is this what they were talking about on television when they mentioned ''healthcare disturbance''?"[1.]


    Pfft!


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted!


    Healthcare disturbance, your sister! Could you put it any more scandalous than that?


    "You insolent brat, go to sleep already!" Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and said indignantly, "If you have the time, you should be learning to be good from your Uncle Zhang instead. Don''t always learn from your aunt." But after saying that, Zhang Ye''s face turned red. What good could she learn from him? Throughout the day, he had not really done anything good for her to learn from.


    Chenchen nodded in acknowledgment.


    After settling Chenchen down and watching her fall asleep in bed, Zhang Ye found a chair to sit down on and started rubbing his arms and legs in pain. He had received a few blows in today''s fight and it was really painful for him. With this fight, it also allowed Zhang Ye to gain aprehensive understanding of the Chinese martial arts world. He had now formed a general understanding of the conflicts that existed between the sects, the role that the National Martial Arts Association yed, the size of themunity, and the martial arts skills of this world. By contrast, he gained a better understanding of his own martial arts skills now. With his subpar skills, he realized that they weren''t really enough to do anything. Any one of those ordinary disciples from therge sects who''d trained every day since childhood would already be equal to Zhang Ye''s level. If they were more talented, like that rogue from the Kunlun Sect today, Zhang Ye would definitely not be able to take them on if they were to fight for real!


    His skills were still not at that level!


    The key issue was that his physical fitness could not keep up!


    As the Martial Arts Conference would officially be convened tomorrow, he didn''t know if Old Rao would make an appearance or not. In any case, he knew that the situation would not be good after listening to the conversations between thoserge sects'' disciples at dinner. Many of them were here to deal with Rao Aimin, and this made Zhang Ye feel very nervous. He did not know what the situation would be like tomorrow, but if any trouble urred, he would be of little help with his mediocre kung fu. Not only would he be of little help, he would also find it difficult to fend for himself. After all, this was the most important convention of the Chinese martial arts world. All the talented and reclusive experts, as well as sect leaders of the martial artsmunity, would be in attendance and every one of them possessed unique skills that were iparable!


    This won''t do!


    He had to improve his physical fitness!


    If not, he wouldn''t even be able to truly wield the power of those hundred-plus Taiji Fist Skill Experience Books effectively since his strength and stamina were limiting his abilities!


    Zhang Ye felt that he was like a child with extraordinary skills. Even with his impressive martial arts and deep set of skills, if his physical fitness wasn''t there, it would be impossible for him to beat an adult of simr standing. These objective conditions would be the decisive factors. This was the state Zhang Ye was in. A city dweller who went through a nine-yearpulsory education, a person who did not even do the dishes orundry, someone who could not even pass his PE sses; even if he had learned the Mncholic Palms, he could not have brought out the prowess of it! He might even twist his back![2.]


    As such, Zhang Ye was only left with one choice!


    It''s time for the lottery draw!


    He opened the game ring''s interface. It had been a long while since he had used the lottery functions of it. As such, when Zhang Ye saw the interface, he felt a strange sense of familiarity. He managed to quickly recall it, and with a slight hesitation, did not open the Lottery Draw (Two), but chose the lower grade lottery draw that only cost 100,000 Reputation Points per try. Because today, Zhang Ye only wanted to get the items from the Stats Category. As long as they could improve his physical fitness and build up his body''s foundations, he would ept whatever he got from the lottery draw. As long as his foundation was strong enough, he would be able to increase the proficiency of his kung fu!


    Here we go.


    It was time to give it a spin and see how his luck would turn out.


    100,000 Reputation Points were spent. To a person with close to 2.2 billion Reputation Points, this was just a drop in the bucket to him.


    The wheel began to spin. The lottery draw began!


    Once around��


    Twice around��


    Thrice around��


    Zhang Ye went to the bathroom and turned on the fan. He lit a cigarette, and after a few drags, the result of the lottery draw was out. The needle had actually stopped in the Stats Category slice. A Treasure Chest (Small) appeared. Zhang Yeughed as he opened it, hoping to test his luck. But when he opened the golden treasure chest, he found that there was nothing in it��it was empty and he had wasted his Reputation Points! Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry at this bad start! In the Lottery Draw (One), the chances of receiving an empty treasure chest were extremely low. He had only met with one such asion before in the many spins of the lottery draw. This was the second time.


    Again. Let''s give it another try.


    Without further ado, Zhang Ye tapped the lottery draw button again!


    The wheel began to spin!


    Zhang Ye did not really mind the oue of this round either. The first two draws were just to warm up. After the needle stopped, Zhang Ye had a look at the result and was very disappointed when he saw that it was a Consumption Category''s treasure chest. Although some rather good items had appeared in this category before and given Zhang Ye some really important help in the past, he did not feel that he needed these today. His target was the Stats Category''s Treasure Chest (Small). That was the most pressing matter right now.


    Since that was what he had gotten, he just opened it.


    He flipped open the treasure chest��out came a familiar item!


    Lucky Bread: Increases the yer''s luck stat for a duration of five minutes.


    Zhang Ye had gotten this item before and even earned the right to purchase a simr item from the Merchant Shop under the Special Category��the Lucky Halo. Actually, upon further thought, the luck effects of the Lucky Halo and Lucky Bread should be exactly the same as they were the most basic of luck enhancement items. Of course, Zhang Yeter earned the right to purchase the upgraded version of the Lucky Halo, which had now be the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) item.


    Zhang Ye smiled as this item was rather good too. It was good since he was unwilling to spend so many Reputation Points by activating the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) to draw in the Lottery Draw (One). This Lucky Bread hade at the perfect time!


    He ate it! The Lucky Bread was activated! Go!


    Zhang Ye immediately put the Lucky Bread to use!


    Lucky Bread in effect: Counting down. 4:59.


    Following that, Zhang Ye did not dare waste any more time and instantly started the next round of the lottery draw. He waited as the wheel spun round and round!


    One revolution��


    Five revolutions��


    The wheel began slowing down!


    Zhang Ye treated it seriously and was fully focused this time. His mind was also continuously predicting the position that the needle would stop at. Eh, it seemed like it was going to stop at the Stats Category?


    It''s gotta be it!


    Zhang Ye immediately put in the additional stakes. 100 stakes, 300 stakes, 500 stakes. Initially, he hesitated a while here, but he grit his teeth like he was gambling and thought, Fuck it! If we''re gonna y, let''s y big!


    1,000 additional stakes!


    Counting the original stake, the total was now 1,001 stakes!


    100 million Reputation Points! This was 100 million Reputation Points Zhang Ye had used up just like that!


    Fruit of Strength!


    Fruit of Strength!


    It must be strength!


    Zhang Ye kept wishing for it in his head. This was what he wanted the most right now and also what hecked the most!


    The wheel stopped and the needle was really pointing at the Stats Category! Zhang Ye took a deep breath and clenched his fists. Then he abruptly opened up the Treasure Chest (Small)!


    [Fruit of Stamina] �� 1,001: Permanently increases the stamina of the yer.


    It was not strength?


    But a Fruit of Stamina instead?


    Haha, this wasn''t too bad either!


    Zhang Ye was feeling excited all the same. There was no need to exin how important stamina was for a martial artist. This was one of the most basic foundations of physical fitness that Zhang Ye was desperatelycking. Every martial arts expert must have exceptionally good stamina that could be put to great use. For example, one could run farther than others when fleeing for one''s life.


    Of course, it would, without a doubt, be useful during a duel too!


    1. Violence against doctors in China (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violence_against_doctors_in_China). The phenomenon of Yi Nao (Chinese: ҽ��; literally: ''healthcare disturbance'') has been identified as a contributing factor in violence against medical personnel. Yi Nao is the organized disturbance of hospitals or medical staff, usually to obtainpensation for actual or perceived medical malpractice.


    2. Mncholic Palms - http://wuxia.wikia/wiki/Mncholic_Palms

 Chapter 921: Zhang Ye, Enhanced Edition! (Middle)

    <h4>Chapter 921: Zhang Ye, Enhanced Edition! (Middle) </h4>


    Chapter 921: Zhang Ye, Enhanced Edition! (Middle)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    He''d received 1,001 Fruits of Stamina!


    However, Zhang Ye did not have the opportunity to eat them yet. Because at this moment, the duration of the Lucky Bread was not over and there was still a bit of time left.


    0:59.


    0:58.


    Zhang Ye quickly started another round of the lottery draw!


    The wheel began to rotate!


    One revolution.


    Two revolutions.


    Three revolutions.


    To Zhang Ye''s surprise, the needle again looked like it was going to stop in the Stats Category zone. Of course, there was also a chance of it ending up in the Skills Category zone, so Zhang Ye purposely waited for a while until it was easier to judge before suddenly putting in his additional stakes!


    999 additional stakes!


    Counting the original stake, the total now was 1,000 stakes!


    At this moment, the duration of the Lucky Bread''s effectiveness was up!


    Although Zhang Ye knew that the luck effect of the Lucky Bread was quite good and had helped him get the category of items he needed, it was still just the most basic of luck effects. The luck effectiveness of the Lucky Bread was probably not enough to get Zhang Ye the items that he needed the most. He would require something at a higher level!


    As such, Zhang Ye did not hesitate to open up the merchant shop to activate the Lucky Halo (Upgraded)!


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    It was only activated for a short time.


    In the blink of an eye, the needle came to a stop!


    Only then did Zhang Ye turn off the Lucky Halo and reach out to open the newly drawn Treasure Chest (Small)!


    Golden beams of light glowed!


    The item in the treasure chest appeared!


    [Fruit of Strength] �� 1,000: Permanently increases the physical strength of the yer.


    Hahahaha!


    The item appeared!


    It was really the Fruit of Strength!


    Zhang Ye was very excited, and thought about how great the difference was between the upgraded and normal version of the luck items. Although it was a lot more expensive to activate, it proved to be extremely useful at this critical time! Of course, on the other hand, even the upgraded version of the Lucky Halo might not necessarily fulfill the user''s wants 100% of the time and would only increase the probability of the oue. For instance, previously at the Central TV annual staff party''s lucky draw, the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) had "failed" once there. Therefore, he could only depend on himself when it came to things, and the Lucky Halo should just be treated as an assistance method at most.


    He had done it!


    It was time to "eat" them all!


    Zhang Ye began to gobble down the Stats Category Fruits one by one!


    100!


    200!


    500!


    He chose to eat the Fruits of Stamina first. With every Fruit he ate, he could feel his spirit getting boosted slightly, while his feelings of weariness and fatigue were reduced by a little. Although it could not be seen with the naked eye and there was no detailed data, Zhang Ye instinctively knew that the Fruits of Stamina he had eaten were already taking effect. His stamina was rising substantially, no, rather, it could be said that it was rising at the speed of a rocket jetting into outer space!


    1,000 Stats Category Fruits, a full 1,000 of them! In the past, the most that Zhang Ye had ever eaten was probably the 100 Fruits of Agility and the effectiveness that the 100 Fruits of Agility brought to him was already astonishing enough, let alone 1,000 of them. Zhang Ye''s body was getting warmer and warmer. He felt that even if he were to run for 20 kilometers around Tianshan now, he would not feel tired at all as his whole body was currently overflowing with vim and vigor! He felt great!


    He finally ate thest fruit.


    Then, something happened all of a sudden.


    As Zhang Ye ate the 1,001st Fruit of Stamina, he found that there was no effect and felt nothing course through his body. Afterwards, a notification appeared from the game ring on his pinky finger.


    [System Notice: Stats Category Fruit usage limited to 1,000!]


    Fuck.


    It had hit the limit?


    He couldn''t eat them anymore?


    Zhang Ye was speechless, but after giving it some thought, he was not surprised by it. Yes, a 100 Stat Category Fruits had already had a very astonishing effect. But with 1,000 of them now, wouldn''t that have an earth-shattering effect? This could be the human limit!


    Man, he actually managed to max out a stat with the Fruit of Stamina?


    Zhang Ye savored his awesomeness for a bit then began eating the Fruits of Strength!


    100!


    500!


    Just like when he ate the Fruits of Stamina, Zhang Ye felt like his body was about to explode at any time. He could feel a surge of explosive power in his body that felt so explosive it was like it was about to explode in his body. This sort of explosiveness, or perhaps better described as a surge, could be felt as an unlimited amount of strength forcefully started filling up inside him. What was most critical was that he had eaten the 1,000 Fruits of Stamina beforehand. As stamina and strength were basically inseparable, theyplemented and boosted each other''s effects, causing this explosiveness to be even greater. He felt that even if he were to go and run 20 kilometers around Tianshan while demolishing all the old folks'' homes en route, he could still easily do it without losing breath!


    Alright, let''s cut the crap.


    In truth, this fellow did not know how strong he was right now.


    Zhang Ye thought of testing himself to find out, but shot down the idea for the time being as he wanted to go for one more draw. He was insatiable, wanting to bring his strength up to the highest limits!


    So what was there left now?


    Zhang Ye went quiet. Then he tapped the "start lottery draw" icon and activated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) at the same time, hoping for onest gamble!


    The wheel began to rotate.


    The needle started to spin.


    This time Zhang Ye did not hesitate at all and just put in the additional stakes like apulsive gambler!


    He added 899 additional stakes, totaling 900 stakes��this number was clearly worthy of remembrance, because Zhang Ye had eaten 100 Fruits of Agility in the past. Considering the upper limit of 1,000 for the basic Stats Category Fruits, deducting the amount that he had eaten before, he would need exactly 900 fruits this time!


    One revolution!


    Another revolution!


    And yet another revolution!


    However, the needle was slowing down as it approached the Special Category zone!


    Zhang Ye was shocked. Fuck, this bro does not want that now, please don''t give me this shit!


    It was getting closer and closer!


    Closer and closer!


    Ba da. The needle went past the Special Category at thest moment and caught nicely on the border of the Stats Category zone!


    Alright, let''s see what I got from the lottery draw this time!


    Please, bro, it has to be that item!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye was feeling extremely nervous, but it was unavoidable as there were 100 million Reputation Points at stake. If he received 900 Fruits of Strength or 900 Fruits of Stamina again, then it would all go to waste. He had already "eaten" those to the maximum level and could no longer "eat" them anymore. Even if he got 900 Fruits of Charm, it would still be a failure as that was useless to him at the moment!


    Hocus pocus!


    Give me what I want!


    When Zhang Ye opened up the golden treasure chest and saw the item lying inside, this fellow nearly went crazy!


    [Fruit of Agility] �� 900: Permanently increases the agility of the yer.


    Hahahahahahaha!


    I really fucking got it!


    Zhang Ye quickly turned off the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) that was using up his Reputation Points. He had already reached an extremely excited state and couldn''t express himself!


    Eat!


    Eat!


    Eat!


    He immediately ate all the Fruits of Agility one after another!


    His eyes grew brighter and brighter!


    Due to the special property of agility, the increase was not at a steady and constant rate like the Fruit of Stamina or the Fruit of Strength. The more he ate, the slower the agility increase became. This was because in the physiological structure of a person, the maximum limit would be a fixed value and it would be impossible to break through this human limit, otherwise��he would be an alien. As a result, Zhang Ye understood this very well. Actually, after he ate those 900 Fruits of Agility, he felt he could shoot up into the upper atmosphere of the Earth. Although the rate of increase became slower with every Fruit he ate, in actual fact, at this stage he was nearing the limits of reaction speed. Even if it only increased by a little bit each time, it was still a qualitative leap forward! The difference between the highly skilled experts was sometimes just this bit of reaction speed and this "bit" was enough to decide who would be the victor!


    He finished eating them all.


    He had also reached the limit for the Fruit of Agility with that. If he still got them from the lottery draw in the future, he would not be able to eat them anymore!


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath to calm himself, but waspletely unable to calm down!


    What did Chinese martial arts depend on?


    What was the most basic of qualities that a martial arts expert should possess?


    Not the moves!


    What mattered was the physical body!


    What were the most important aspects of the physical body?


    1: Strength.


    2: Stamina.


    3: Reaction speed.


    These three aspects!


    As for the current Zhang Ye, he had fucking maxed out after eating 1,000 Fruits of Strength, 1,000 Fruits of Agility, and 1,000 Fruits of Stamina!

 Chapter 922: Zhang Ye, Enhanced Edition! (End)

    <h4>Chapter 922: Zhang Ye, Enhanced Edition! (End) </h4>


    Chapter 922: Zhang Ye, Enhanced Edition! (End)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the bathroom.


    The weird soundsing from Zhang Ye were emanating from the inside!


    Chenchen was woken by that and tossed around several times in bed, but the weird sounds from the bathroom did not stop. She threw aside the nket and got up, shouting in her childish voice, "Zhang Ye, what are you doing?"


    Zhang Ye then came out from the bathroom, but was still wearing a silly smile on his face.


    Chenchen got even angrier. "Zhang Ye, why are you so childish?"


    Zhang Ye was in an extremely good mood, so he replied happily, "Haha, you''re awake? Chenchen, don''t address me as Uncle Zhang anymore from now on, you mustn''t call me that, alright?"


    Chenchen said, "I''ve never called you that before anyway."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "From now on, call me Iron Man."


    Chenchen: "What?"


    Zhang Ye confidently repeated, "Iron Man!"


    Chenchen was already returning to her bed. "OK, Iron Rod."


    Zhang Ye: "��Iron Rod, your sister! It''s Iron Man!"[1.]


    After putting the little rascal back to sleep, Zhang Ye reopened the game interface in reverie. Even though he had spent 300 million of his Reputation Points in the lottery draw this time, he did not seem affected by it and kept smiling. There was no reason for this other than that the Reputation Points were well spent. It was just worth it. Of all the Stats Category Fruits he wanted the most, he had gotten them all. Compared to all the lottery draws that he had done in the past, Zhang Ye had never had it as smooth as today!


    He checked his current Reputation Points.


    Remaining Reputation Points: Just under 1.9 billion!


    It was still a lot. This was still an astronomical figure��all the Reputation Points that had been umted by Zhang Ye for the past year were finally unleashed. This was going to be his metamorphosis!


    He made a few slight movements and could already feel that his current physical fitness was no longer what it used to be. Just an ordinary arm stretch felt unusual. Back when Zhang Ye ate the 100 Fruits of Agility, he also took a very long time to get used to the changes due to the sudden improvement of his reaction speed. Now that he had eaten 1,000 Fruits of Agility, Strength, and Stamina all at once, he definitely needed more time to refine his reflexes. Luckily for him, he had the experience of eating the Fruits of Agility the previous time and that left him more mentally prepared for it, helping him get used to it much quicker than before!


    He threw a few punches.


    He whipped a few palm strikes!


    Even his sneezing felt much more powerful than before!


    At present, Zhang Ye could even consciously determine that the 100-odd Taiji Fist Skill Experience Books could finally be controlled and unleashed to their potential now that his physical fitness had risen to a new level. It would no longer be ineffective at the critical junctures as he had finally understood why that used to ur. It was due to the fact that his body did not suit the wielding of this level of skill, therefore it was only effective at times. But everything was good now. With these 1,000 Fruits of Strength, Agility, and Stamina as his base, not only would he be able to control these 100-plus Taiji Fist Skill Experience Books, he would still be able to do it even if it was much more than that! At this moment, Zhang Ye''s physical potential was just starting to develop. He was now getting into the groove of bing a truly high-skilled martial artist, or rather, it was only now that he possessed the physical fitness of a person who had been training and improving their basic kung fu on a daily basis since childhood. In fact, his foundations might have even far outstripped those people!


    As for how skilled he might be?


    Or how deep his foundations ran?


    That was still unclear currently.


    When he thought about all this, Zhang Ye decided that he wanted to find out for himself. He put on a coat and eagerly headed downstairs.


    The cold wind was blowing like knives cutting his face. But perhaps due of the effects from the Stats Category Fruits that he had eaten, or maybe because of his excitement, Zhang Ye did not feel cold at all. He proudly strode out against the wind and stood in the courtyard, looking around for something.


    Oh, there it is!


    That''s the one!


    It was a very thick wooden signboard, on which the phrase "Wee, passing heroes" was written. It belonged to the inn and was around five centimeters thick. It was not hung up on anything and just left on the ground next to the inn.


    The thickness seemed fine and the hardness was also quite suitable, likely to be made of solid wood. Zhang Ye got ready to use it as a test subject to see how his physical fitness was now, and if he would be able topare to those truly skilled martial artists.


    Come on!


    Zhang Ye steadied his breathing and circled around the sign twice. This was to calm himself down, while warming up his body at the same time. Then he took a deep breath, and with a swift hand movement, an opening form of the Taiji Fist was easily conjured by him. His right hand moved across his body and his left hand retracted, all in one swift motion. Compared to when he could barely summon up the skill back then, it formed a sharp contrast. With that, Zhang Ye''s entire momentum waspletely different from before!


    In the dead of the night, he dared not shout his intent but simply did so in his mind!


    With a push of his hands, all the strength in his body seemingly gathered into his right palm in an instant. He took a step forward and suddenly expelled the force from his right palm and struck it into the wooden signboard, hard!


    Smash!


    A loud crash resounded!


    Splinters flew!


    Zhang Ye slightly grimaced in pain with that, but the moment his hands retracted, he was astonished to see that the thick wooden signboard was left with a deep palm impression. The top half of the wooden signboard was cracked apart and the word "wee" was split in twain!


    Zhang Ye looked at his right palm, dumbfounded, then looked back at the wooden signboard.


    Fuck!


    Was��was I the one who did that?


    He was in a slight state of disbelief. He subconsciously lifted his leg rather high and stomped down hard, only to hear a loud bang. The wooden signboard was once again broken further by therge force!


    Zhang Ye was surprised, as he knew that this was not some sort of Taiji Fist move, nor was it any specialized skill, but the effect of his current physical fitnessbined by his pure brute strength and stamina! Damn, has this bro be this awesome now?


    Just when Zhang Ye was secretly getting excited over himself, a cry suddenly came from the upstairs of the inn!


    "What was that noise?"


    "This is bad!"


    "There''s an assassin!"


    In an instant, the entire inn was brightly illuminated by countless lights!


    After the battle with therge sects tonight, many of these small sects'' disciples and those non-affiliates were on high alert. No one dropped their guard; they were all extremely sensitive to any movements around them!


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted when he heard that!


    An assassin?


    Assassin, your grandpa!


    At this moment, he couldn''t hide even if he wanted to!


    A lot of people had already rushed out to the entrance of the inn by now. Liu Yiquan and Liu Yizhang were also among them. Some of them were holding staves, some holding teapots. There were all sorts of weapons in hand, everything imaginable. There were even some who were still in their pajamas and holding a clothes hanger. Clearly, a lot of them had just randomly grabbed a "weapon" when they ran down here in haste.


    When they saw that wooden signboard, everyone was shocked!


    "This��"


    "What an exceptional palm technique!"


    "What kind of strength is that?"


    Then, many of them looked at Zhang Ye.


    He Badao asked, "Bro Chen Zhen, what happened here?"


    Yan Hui said in astonishment, "This wooden signboard was��"


    A female disciple of a small sect also asked, "Bro Chen, you were the first to get here. What on earth happened?"


    From the other side, the innkeeper and a few employees had also rushed over when they heard themotion. When they saw the splintered and cracked wooden signboard, they all started scolding and cursing!


    "Who was it?"


    "Which son of a bitch is so cruel!"


    "Th-This is solid old wood! It''s an item that''s been passed down for many decades at our inn!"


    "Who the hell did it? Step forward now! Which motherfucker was it!"


    The innkeeper was raging mad and kept crying out in anger!


    When Zhang Ye saw that over a hundred of these people were looking at him, he sighed in his mind. After that, he realized that there was no way to hide from this. He took a deep breath and suddenly roared angrily, "Therge sects are too shameless!"


    Everyone was stunned.


    Then, they became infuriated!


    "It''s the people from therge sects!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "Judging from the damage, it was obviously the work of the Iron Palm! And it''s likely to be one of the experts from an Iron Palm branch!"


    "What do they mean by this?"


    "Is this a demonstration?! Are they trying to show us something?!"


    "Look, the word "wee" has been split in half. They''re obviously trying to p our faces by saying that theirrge sects do not wee us at all! They want us to get the fuck out of here!"


    "Despicable!"


    "Therge sects are too despicable!"


    "Carrying out a sneak attack in the middle of the night, what kind of hero can they call themselves!"


    "This is infuriating! I''m furious!"


    Everyone started cursing!


    The innkeeper was also swearing nonstop, "Fuckingrge sects! I''ll fuck your grandmas!"


    The several inns located in the holiday resort were all independently operated by their owners. Therge sects and the non-affiliates had essentially been arranged to stay apart and were all housed at different inns. For example, the inn across from them was the base of severalrge sects.


    The shouting was so loud it woke those staying at the inn across the way.


    The windows were all pushed opened one by one as those people from therge sects peered out.


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Why are you guys shouting in the middle of the night?"


    "What happened?"


    With that, the non-affiliates looked over at once and stared at thoserge sect disciples angrily. The powder keg was on the verge of exploding!


    Finally, a Kongtong Sect senior brother who was involved in the fight earlier yelled at them in a strong northeastern ent, "What''re ya lookin'' at?"


    Liu Yiquan was infuriated. "You! So what!"


    Anotherrge sect''s disciple was peeved and said, "Look again, I dare ya!"


    The non-affiliates and small sect disciples shouted in unison, "Then we dare!"


    The people from therge sects shouted in unison, "What''re ya lookin'' at?!"


    The non-affiliates and small sect disciples shouted in unison, "You! So what!"


    The people from therge sects shouted in unison, "Look again, we dare ya!"


    The non-affiliates and small sect disciples shouted in unison, "Then we dare!"


    More and more people emerged, and more and more people joined in!


    The windows of therge sects'' people were all open now, while the people from the small sects and the non-affiliates gradually gathered in the courtyard aftering downstairs!


    "What''re ya lookin'' at?!"


    "You! So what!"


    "Look again, we dare ya!"


    "Then we dare!"


    From 12:10 AM onward, therge sects and those from the small sects with the non-affiliates kept at each other until it was past 2 AM. For a full two hours, everyone was pointing and scolding at each other in the cold wind!


    As the person responsible, and the only person who knew the truth, Zhang Ye felt a little guilty. He coughed and wiped the sweat off his forehead, feeling rather sorry for all this.


    Therge sects: "What''re ya lookin'' at?!"


    "You! So what!" Zhang Ye shouted angrily alongside everyone else!


    So, what is a hooligan?


    This is a goddamned hooligan!

 Chapter 923: The National Martial Arts Conference begins!

    <h4>Chapter 923: The National Martial Arts Conference begins! </h4>


    Chapter 923: The National Martial Arts Conference begins!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    On the day of the Martial Arts Conference.


    Beautiful snowkes were lightly floating down from the sky.


    Since morning, people were gradually arriving at the main venue located on a hilltop on the eastern side of the holiday resort. No one knew if this was part of the holiday resort itself, or if it was a different scenic area, but the scenery was extremely beautiful anyway. Birds and flowers��there were none of any of that! There was only a single pathway leading up and down to the peak where a wide tform stood. This ce was set up long ago by the organizers, with horizontal banners, a fight ring, plum blossom pirs, and assorted weapons. But upon a closer inspection, none of the weapons had live edges. The weapons were mainly just used for training and performances.[1.]


    A broadcast continuously sted from the top of the hill.


    "Wee, all members of the martial artsmunity, to this year''s Martial Arts Conference organized by the National Martial Arts Association. The event this time is proudly sponsored by Tianshan Holiday Resorts, Nu''er Hong Wine Enterprises, and Strong Brand Red Flower Medicated Oil."


    Other than therge area designated for the fight ring, the rest of the venue was divided into many sections as well.


    There was an area for the Huashan Sect.


    The Kunlun Sect.


    The Shaolin Monastery.


    The Wudang Sect.


    Therge sects had many disciples and members, with each having around 10 to 20 members turning up for the event, so they were allocated a separate seating area by themselves. As for the small sects, some only had one or two representatives, while the non-affiliates were here on their own, so there was no way to properly designate an area for them so all of these people were squeezed into one area.


    A lot of those who had just arrived immediately started to chat with others.


    "Hey, Old Wang!"


    "Yo, Old Chen!"


    "Why are you limping?"


    "My leg hasn''t healed yet, how''s your nose?"


    "It''s fine. I''ve already bandaged it."


    "Why were you sote? Didn''t we arrange to meet at 8 AM?"


    "Hai, don''t mention it. The inn that I was staying atst night was provoked by those people from therge sects. They even smashed the signboard of the inn, so a bunch of us from the small sects and non-affiliates got into an argument with them until 2 AM this morning! I did not get much sleep at all. I only just got up, but lot of people are still in bed right now!"


    "Haha, I heard about that!"


    "You know about it too?"


    "Of course! An argument in the middle of the night involving more than two hundred people, how could anyone not hear of that? The non-affiliates near me were thinking of going over to back you guys up. We even readied our weapons, but when we saw that it didn''t escte into a fight, we stayed put instead! Thoserge sect members are too despicable!"


    "Despicable to the extreme!"


    "They''re practically shameless!"


    "Come on, let''s head over there to get a seat."


    "Right, we won''t sit together with those from therge sects!"


    Those non-affiliates started their scolding immediately after they reached the venue. Some of those who were allocated seats at an area close to therge sects harrumphed as they carried and moved their chairs 100 meters away to keep their distance!


    When therge sects saw this, they just stared angrily and did the same by carrying their chairs in the opposite direction, keeping their distance from the non-affiliates and small sects.


    One side went left.


    The other side went right.


    Both sides marked a clear distinction between each other!


    At this moment, the sunsses-wearing Zhang Ye led Chenchen up the hill. Right when he arrived, a number of the non-affiliates and small sects'' disciples waved to him warmly, as though they knew him very well!


    "Chen Zhen!"


    "Bro Chen!"


    "Good morning, Bro Chen Zhen."


    "Are your injuries better? How''d you sleep?"


    Zhang Ye smiled back at everyone and greeted them.


    Some of the non-affiliates who had just arrived today still didn''t know about the events ofst night. They all looked at Zhang Ye with some uncertainty.


    A small sect''s junior sister who had bandages wrapped around her head met with an old acquaintance and immediately pulled him over to introduce him. "Senior Bro Sun, let me introduce you to Bro Chen Zhen. When we were bullied by the othersst night, it was all thanks to Bro Chen, who stepped forward chivalrously to lead us to battle against therge sects. Thente into the night, it was also Bro Chen who stepped up first and led everyone to scold back at therge sects'' members throughout the entire night. He''s a really nice person, and a really loyal friend!"


    When Senior Brother Sun heard this, he gave a fist and palm salute in admiration, saying, "Bro Chen Zhen, pleasure to meet you! I couldn''t make it here on time yesterday, so I wasn''t of much help. How shameful."


    Zhang Ye returned the fist and palm salute. "You''re too polite. I was just stepping in to help in the face of injustice!"


    A non-affiliate whose arm was bandaged up said, "Bro Chen Zhen, let me introduce a martial arts expert to you also!"


    Another small sect member who was also taped up with gauze said, "Old Bro Chen Zhen, this is Senior Liu from Dahu Medical Hall. He would like to get to know you too!"


    "Bro Chen Zhen��"


    "Bro Chen��"


    "Big Brother Chen��"


    "Sunsses Bro��"


    "Senior Chen��"


    Quite a number of people found their way over and some even addressed him as "senior."


    Chenchen looked around at all these people and was at a loss.


    Although this was Zhang Ye''s first time participating in the Martial Arts Conference��or perhaps to phrase it better, this was the first time that he''d sneaked into a martial arts conference through his acting skills��in just a single night, he had totally integrated into the circle, bing a mini-celebrity among this group of people and was very well respected by them. Thus, the facts had proven yet another point. If you''re a piece of gold, you''ll still shine brightly no matter where you are. But if you''re a stick, then you should be able to stir up some shit no matter where you go!


    Then, the Huashan Sect members arrived.


    Grandmaster Chen Xi led his people in. All his disciples were dressed in custom-made attire and they walked in a tight formation, making them look very professional. The only w was that some of the people in the group were limping or bandaged. Someone in the group even found a wooden stick from somewhere to use as a crutch as they walked in.


    Following them, over a dozen Taoists from the Kunlun Sect arrived. There were a total of 17 of them, but 15 had bruised and swollen faces. One of them even had his head wrapped in thick bandages.


    Next were the eminent monks of Shaolin Monastery who made an entrance by "strolling" into the venue. One of the eminent monks had his beard pulled off, one of them had a ck eye, and one of them kept his mouth closed and at times exposed his teeth to show two missing front teeth. It was an extremely tragic sight to behold.


    The sects all entered one by one into the venue.


    The National Martial Arts Association''s upper echelons were looking at everyone that arrived and could only be speechless at their appearances.


    Suddenly, another person walked up from the bottom of the hill.


    It was Master Sun, from one of the Iron Palm branches. He held a very senior position in the Iron Palm Sect!


    "Ah, Master Sun!"


    "Martial Uncle!"


    "Martial Uncle!"


    "You''re here?"


    "Didn''t you meet with some trouble on the way here?"


    A lot of the Iron Palm branches'' disciples were pleasantly surprised and came rushing over to his side.


    Yes, this was the highly skilled Master Sun who had been extorted and ended up getting lost in Shaanxi. Thanks to the help of fellow martial artists who rushed there to aid him, he finally managed to make his way here today!


    But the Iron Palm''s Master Sun did not answer them. When he arrived at the hilltop, he was dumbfounded by what he saw. Seeing the disciples of the Iron Palm branches all bruised, with swollen faces, then looking at the eminent monks of Shaolin Monastery who were missing a beard and two front teeth, and then finally seeing all the experts of the other sects limping and looking defeated, the entire venue seemed very tragic. Almost everyone here was in bandages. Master Sun could not react in time to this!


    Fuck!


    What on earth happened here?


    Why was everyone in such an abysmal state?


    Wasn''t today supposed to be the Martial Arts Conference? Or was this actually a gathering of the disabled instead!?


    For a brief moment, Master Sun wondered if he hade to the wrong ce!

 Chapter 924: The Eight Trigrams School arrives!

    <h4>Chapter 924: The Eight Trigrams School arrives! </h4>


    Chapter 924: The Eight Trigrams School arrives!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Master Sun said angrily, "What''s going on here? Why is everyone in such a sorry state?"


    When they saw an elder of their sect, the Iron Palm branches'' disciples startedining to him.


    "Martial Uncle!"


    "You''re finally here!"


    "There was a fight yesterday!"


    "The small sects and non-affiliates went too far!"


    "They even framed our Iron Palm Sect!"


    The several of them kept pointing in the direction of the small sects and non-affiliates.


    The people from the small sects and non-affiliates were having none of it. Clearly, it was you people from therge sects who colluded with each other to scam our money. Your Iron Palm Sect even came over for a sneak attack in the middle of the night, yet here you are trying to shift the me? In the blink of an eye, the small sects and non-affiliates all red at them. Several hundred sets of eyes were now staring down the Iron Palm Sect!


    Master Sun was furious and glowered back at them. He pointed at them and uttered a line that would probably get voted byizens as the most likely to trigger the next world war. "What''re ya lookin'' at?" He did not know what had happened yesterday, but as that was his usual way of talking, he just said it like how would have anyway.


    As a result, it escted the entire situation!


    The small sects and non-affiliates were suddenly angered and over a hundred people aggressively pointed back at him, saying in unison, "You! So what!"


    It was deafening!


    The reply was too uniform!


    It was so uniform that it felt like he was watching the 50th anniversary military parade!


    Master Sun, who had never witnessed such a strong show of force before, was startled. Fuck! What are you all trying to do? Did you people practice this beforehand? Why does it seem like everyone shot up!


    Therge sects were infuriated. They kicked aside their chairs and sprang up, then reflexively reacted by pointing at those several hundred people and shouting, "Look again, we dare ya!"


    Master Sun jumped again when he heard so many people behind him shouting back. He stared with his mouth agape at his sect''s disciples, as well as those from therge sects. Fuck, why are all of you able to do this so uniformly!?


    The non-affiliates pointed. "Then we dare!"


    Therge sects pointed. "What''re ya lookin'' at!"


    The small sects pointed. "You! So what!"


    Therge sects pointed. "Look again, we dare ya!"


    The small sects and non-affiliates pointed. "Then we dare!"


    There, they were at it again!


    Chen Xi covered his face in dismay!


    Those from the National Martial Arts Association were also getting quite fed up by this!


    At this moment, the Zhou Family arrived.


    Grandmaster Zhou Tianpeng and the Zhou Family Style''s disciples were thest batch of attendees to arrive at the venue. Probably due to the Zhou Family Style''s disciples being the center of conflictst night, they were the main targets of the non-affiliates, who "took care" of them. Their number of injured personnel was also much higher than the others. At least five people were limping, leading to theirte arrival in getting up to the hilltop. When the Zhou Family finally got up here, they were also left speechless by the scene unfolding in front of them. Zhou Tianpeng''s expression instantly became very strange!


    This��


    What the hell is this!


    Zhou Tianpeng stayed silent.


    Around him, there were sighs all around.


    "Hai!"


    "What''s going on with this year''s Martial Arts Conference!"


    "What a shame! What a shame!"


    "How did it end up like this!"


    "This is unwatchable! What a mess!"


    "Luckily this is just an internal meet and no outsiders are present!"


    A few high-ranking seniors of the Chinese martial arts world marveled at the happenings. When had any of the past Martial Arts Conferences not been a flourishing and vibrant event, with everyone showing a deep interest in the pursuit of a higher level of martial arts, exchanging blows and learning from one another. But why did this year''s conference devolve into such strife?


    "This won''t do. Where is the decency, where has all the decency gone to!" An 80-year-old veteran of the Chinese martial arts world could no longer watch. He was so infuriated that his mustache became ruffled as he said, "We have to teach them a lesson!" Then he pointed in a random direction, "All of you, shut up! Chinese martial arts emphasizes the self-cultivation of one''s body and moral character. It is important to train your breathing and calm your hearts, but you all��"


    The people over there reflexively reacted by pointing at him. "What''re ya lookin'' at!"


    The old veteran nearly fainted from anger, as his temper red too. "You! So what!"


    Everyone: "Look again, we dare ya!"


    The old veteran flicked his sleeves and roared angrily, "Then I dare!"


    The old veteran, who was just questioning about values, had immediately joined in the scolding battle at the next moment!


    Fan Wen: "��"


    Chen Xi: "��"


    Zhou Tianpeng: "��"


    After the National Martial Arts Association spent a long time trying to calm everyone down, even needing Chen Xi and Zhou Tianpeng to act, the crowd finally ceased all their unpleasant activities and gradually quieted down.


    After the farce, the venue was in total disarray. The main venue of the conference which had been neatly set up ahead of time was filled with scattered chairs and littered with spilled mineral water bottles.


    Zhou Tianpeng walked up into the fight ring and picked up the microphone that was ced in there. He tested the sound system before looking down at everyone below the ring. "I am Zhou Tianpeng, the incumbent sect leader of the Zhou Family Style School and the vice president of the National Martial Arts Association. I believe all of you should know me, so I won''t go into an in-depth introduction."


    Below the ring, some people gave him their support.


    "Sect Leader Zhou, who wouldn''t know you."


    "Yeah, do you even need an introduction?"


    "Haha!"


    Zhou Tianpeng smiled. "There are always new friends joining us for the first time."


    It could be seen that Zhou Tianpengmanded a lot of respect in the Chinese martial arts world. Even among those from the small sects and non-affiliates, there was no sign of any disrespect at this moment.


    Below the ring, Zhang Ye deliberately observed him for a while. He was a man in his forties or fifties, and did not really look to have an outstanding physique. Although he couldn''t be described as lean, he wasn''t considered burly either. He looked to be around 1.7 meters tall and probably weighed around 60 kilograms or so. In the chilly weather with cold winds blowing, he only wore a singleyered ck training robe that had the Zhou Family Style''s logo printed on it. Just standing there, his aura was very domineering and anyone would know immediately that he was a tough person to deal with.


    Was this what it meant to be a grandmaster in today''s world of Chinese martial arts? It was quite different from what Zhang Ye had imagined, mainly because he wasn''t really good looking. But when he remembered Rao Aimin''s sharp tongue and stingy character, Zhang Ye was still somewhat relieved. Compared to her, these Grandmasters Zhou Tianpeng and Chen Xi still had the demeanor of a grandmaster.


    Zhou Tianpeng then continued, "Dear friends who have traveled from afar, wee to this year''s National Martial Arts Conference. Before themencement of today''s event, there is a piece of good news that I would like to share with everyone." With that, he looked at Chen Xi and said, "Old Chen, why don''t you do it?"


    In the audience, Chen Xi waved it off and said with augh, "I''ll let you announce it instead."


    Zhou Tianpeng exined, "The National Martial Arts Association has always been fighting to get a special fiscal fund injection from the country, and it has finally been approved. The funding is substantial and will involve many aspects, like the restoration of the sect and school grounds, reimbursing travel expenses, and subsidizing the taxes involved in the opening of new training halls. All of the funding will be used in support of the building and protection of our Chinese martial arts world''s intangible cultural assets. As long as the sects and schools are registered with the National Martial Arts Association, everyone can enjoy this subsidy. If your martial sects don''t have a long enough history, or if the martial arts style being practiced is not officially recognized in the books, you may still apply for the funding, subject to our approval. If it doesn''t pass, don''t worry. Because the subsidy will still be given out without being a single cent less than needed. If the National Martial Arts Association doesn''t have enough funding, our Zhou Family will chip in the difference!"


    After that announcement, everyone suddenly got a little bit excited!


    "We have money now?"


    "This is great!"


    "It''s finally been approved!"


    "This is a real cause for celebration!"


    "Yeah, the government has finally loosened its purse strings!"


    "Grandmaster Zhou, how can we make you pay the expenses as well!"


    In the audience, Chen Xi smiled and added, "This issue, the National Martial Arts Association, Old Zhou, and I put in a lot of effort to make it work. It wasn''t easy, and Old Zhou contributed a lot to push this through. When we met up a few days ago, he said that if the money wasn''t enough to go around, he would fork out the additional amount."


    The martial artists in the audience immediately gave their gratitude.


    "Thank you, Grandmaster Chen!"


    "Thank you, Grandmaster Zhou!"


    "Sect Leader Zhou, thank you!"


    "Thank you for keeping us in mind! It''s really difficult to set up a martial arts training hall these days to bring in new disciples and to hand down our legacies! Not many young people have the determination to persevere!"


    "Yeah, although everyone seems to be doing well, it has also been really hard!"


    "Thank you!"


    Zhou Tianpeng smiled. "We''re all colleagues of the martial arts world; it''s only right to help each other out. Since the Zhou Family has a slightly better ie than most of the schools here, we must definitely take on the responsibility."


    Other than therge sects that were deeply rooted in society��like the Zhou Family Style School which had set up training halls all over the country, or a well-known sect like the Shaolin Monastery which had even be a national tourism spot��the smaller sects, which also coveredrge sects like the Huashan Sect, did not have much ie to speak of and were in fact very poor. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have fought so aggressively over such a simple thing as the meal money. When Zhou Tianpeng stepped forward with his offer, even those from the small sects and non-affiliates appreciated his good intentions!


    In the audience, the conference officially kicked off and moved onto the main event.


    ording to each year''s arrangements, the opening event always started with the various sects performing a demonstration of their martial arts.


    The first sect to do this today were the disciples of the Huashan Sect. Just over a decade ago, the Huashan Sect was not considered arge sect at all. But ever since Chen Xi reached the pinnacle and was recognized as a grandmaster, the Huashan Sect weed a period of expansion and quickly increased their number of disciples. In today''s demonstration, they chose to showcase their sect''s sword formation!


    At least a dozen disciples were involved.


    They went into the ring.


    They put on an borate sword dance.


    But what was meant to be a beautiful image was not so this year. Every one of the participants was wounded and bandaged, and looking at the dozen or so Huashan Sect disciples injured and limping as they brandished their swords, a lot of the martial artists below the ring formed the mental image of a grass mud horse galloping across their vision!


    Next up was the Shaolin Monastery. One of their monks sessfully performed the Iron Head skill with his head wrapped with bandages.


    Then it was the Iron Palm Sect''s turn as a disciple supported by a crutch demonstrated an Iron Palm routine, while rooted to the spot.


    This was immediately followed by the Kunlun Sect''s wounded, erm, heroes, who took to the ring.


    "Hah!"


    "Heh!"


    "He!"


    "Hoo!"


    Those bros were really putting in a lot of effort into their performances. However, it resulted in an ident at the next moment. One of the Kunlun Sect''s performers sprained his waist while going through their sequence and cried out with a loud "aiyo" as he sat down unable to move. His fellow disciples around him then started panicking because of this, before several people ran into the ring and carried him out. The Kunlun Sect''s performance had no choice but to cease. Meanwhile, the Kongtong Sect disciples, who were up next, limped into the ring in a hurry with their crutches to rescue things and started their performance.


    Zhang Ye could only roll his eyes.


    A proper event like the Martial Arts Conference had be like a post-earthquake relief donation site!


    Suddenly, the crowd stirred!


    "They''re here!"


    "Ah!"


    "Quick, look!"


    "They''re really here!"


    No one bothered to watch the performance anymore as their gazes all fell on the pathway leading up to the hilltop behind them!


    Chen Xi wore a dignified expression.


    Zhou Tianpeng was resting his mind with his eyes closed.


    Chenchen anxiously looked over!


    Zhang Ye and everyone else also turned around to see!


    There was only one thing that could make everyone turn their heads like this��the arrival of the Eight Trigrams School!

 Chapter 925: Rao Aimin’s appearance!

    <h4>Chapter 925: Rao Aimin''s appearance! </h4>


    Chapter 925: Rao Aimin''s appearance!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The Eight Trigrams School received a lot of attention from everyone.


    Under everyone''s gaze, the Eight Trigrams School''s disciples walked up one by one from the small pathway leading up to the hilltop. There were men and women, both young and middle-aged. All of them were wearing their Eight Trigrams School''s robes with a ck and white Eight Trigrams pattern printed on the front and back. It was an awe-inspiring sight.


    "They''re finally here!"


    "They really dared toe!"


    "Look, that''s the fifth disciple of this generation''s Eight Trigrams Palm, Song Jiao!"


    "The Eight Trigrams School''s Xu Fan is here too!"


    "Who is that? Why have I never seen him before?"


    "He''s the ninth disciple of this generation''s Eight Trigrams Palm. He''s called Zhao Yunlong. He doesn''t usually leave the training hall and I only saw him oncest year. He is extremely skilled in kung fu and not many outsiders know that!"


    "Why aren''t their eldest senior brother and second senior brother here?"


    "I don''t know."


    "It doesn''t matter whoes today, it''ll be useless!"


    "With only about a dozen of them, they still have the guts to make an appearance?"


    The people from the Chinese martial arts world were busilymenting as they pointed fingers at them, but when thest figure appeared, everyone reflexively withdrew their outstretched fingers and did not dare point anymore.


    Because Rao Aimin had arrived!


    Dressed in a very casual white training outfit and wearing a pair of normal-looking canvas shoes that could be bought for just 10 or 20 yuan, Rao Aimin appeared in front of everyone as she strutted in leisurely. It did not look like she was here to attend a Hongmen Banquet 1 , but rather like she was just going for a post-meal stroll on the streets.


    "It''s Rao Aimin!"


    "Ah?"


    "She is Rao Aimin?"


    "One of the current five grandmasters of our martial arts world?"


    "That''s her?"


    "This��"


    "So she really is that beautiful, damn!"


    "I thought the rumors were false!"


    Rao Aimin''s name could be heard everywhere in the Chinese martial arts world. Basically, no one would not have heard of her name since she was one of the five grandmasters left. Who would not know her? Whenever the martial artsmunity mentioned her name, they would talk about her in whispers, like it was some taboo topic. It wasn''t too much to say that one''s expression would change whenever her name was mentioned. However, there were only a few people present who had seen Rao Aimin in person before. The number of up-anding, rising stars of the Chinese martial arts world was nothing like in the past. As a grandmaster, Rao Aimin had disappeared for some years now, so even her fight with the two grandmasters that had shocked the Chinese martial arts world back then was not witnessed by many. The majority of those present were only seeing Rao Aimin in person for the first time.


    Liu Yiquan was very excited. "This is thetest grandmaster?!"


    Liu Yizhang could not hide his excitement either. "She has such an elegant aura!"


    Li Quanneng nodded his head firmly. "This is my exact mental image of a female grandmaster! Beautiful and elegant! I can tell that she is extremely skilled at kung fu just by looking at her!"


    Yan Hui, not far away, sighed in amazement. "This is the one and only female grandmaster of our era? And her kung fu is even at a higher level than Grandmaster Zhou Tianpeng''s and Grandmaster Chen Xi''s?"


    "Aunt!" Chenchen hurriedly tried to run over to her.


    However, she was pulled back by Zhang Ye. "Wait and see."


    Chenchen was not having any of that. "Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye whispered, "We agreed that you would listen to me when we are outside!"


    Chenchen did not resist any further.


    The main reason that Zhang Ye did not allow Chenchen to go over was because he was afraid something would happen due to the absolutely unusual situation today. It would be dangerous to let Chenchen go to the Eight Trigrams School''s side since there was so much uncertainty right now. So rather than that, he might as well just keep quiet and observe. It still would not be toote to act after that. He could save the trouble of not getting Rao Aimin distracted if she had to protect Chenchen while fighting someone else. That would only burden her, so it was better not to let Chenchen go.


    On the other side, many of therge sects were stunned!


    A few people who had seen Rao Aimin ore across her before forced a smile. Looking at the astonished crowd around them, they only shook their heads slightly and said nothing.


    "Senior Sister."


    "Senior Sister."


    "Eldest Senior Sister."


    When she arrived, the disciples of the Eight Trigrams Palm opened up a path for her.


    Rao Aimin who was right at the back of the group walked leisurely to the front.


    In the ring, the martial arts performance was still going on. The injured disciples of the Kongtong Sect couldn''t possibly stop their performance just because someone had arrived. They just carried on performing their boxing routine and put in much more effort than before.


    Rao Aimin looked up at those Kongtong Sect disciples who were swathed in bandages. Suddenly, she lowered her head as she reached into her pocket and felt around in it. Then she took out something from the pocket and threw it up into the ring.


    Jingle jangle.


    It was a one-yuan coin.


    The Kongtong Sect disciples in the ring were stunned.


    Numerous martial artists outside the ring were also stunned.


    What?


    What was the meaning of that?


    Rao Aimin turned around and told her juniors, "Spare them some change, everyone. They''re still performing in the streets even though they''re this badly injured. It must hard on them." After she said that, she turned to the people in the ring. "Broken physically but firm in spirit, that''s very good. I have high hopes for all of you. Will you guys be smashing any concrete blocks on your chests? Perform that, I love watching it."


    The Kongtong Sect people nearly fainted from anger!


    Smashing concrete blocks on the chest?


    I''ll smash your grandpa!


    Why do you have to be so sarcastic?!


    We''re in this state already, so who the fuck could still have a concrete block smashed on them!


    A deputy leader of the Kongtong Sect did not take this well. He quickly stood up and said, "Rao Aimin, you''re targeting our Kongtong Sect the moment you arrive. What do you mean by this?"


    Rao Aimin leered at him. "Are those people from the Kongtong Sect?"


    The Kongtong Sect deputy leader said, "Yes, they are!"


    Rao Aimin made a noise of acknowledgment and asked curiously, "When did the Kongtong Sect people start practicing square dances? Not bad. I was just wondering which professional square dancers they are to have sneaked into here. So they turned out to be Kongtong Sect''s disciples!"


    The deputy leader was getting frustrated and shouted, "Rao Aimin, don''t push it too far!"


    Rao Aimin looked at him and said, "That''s what I''m doing. What are you going to do about it?" She looked at his teeth and remarked, "Oh, so you''ve reced the front teeth I knocked out a few years ago? And they''re even gold teeth? How rich!"


    The Kongtong Sect deputy leader''s face flushed then lost color. "You��"


    The Iron Palm''s Master Sun said angrily, "Now is the time for the martial arts performances put on by therge sects. As a grandmaster, you ought to be more respectful to martial arts, and respectful to��"


    Rao Aimin interrupted him and pointed to the ring. "Do you call those limping moves a martial arts performance? I could watch a performance like that at any old folks'' home."


    Master Sun raged, "Are you picking a fight?"


    Rao Aimin said, "Would you like to fight? Sure then, I''ll fight you one hand tied behind my back!"


    Master Sun was just quick with his mouth, so when he heard Rao Aimin say that, he immediately fell quiet. He was considered one of the top few fighters in the Chinese martial arts world. If not, he wouldn''t be addressed as "master" wherever he went. But he knew the disparity between a master and grandmaster was vast as the distance between heaven and earth. Let alone Rao Aimin giving him a one-hand handicap, even if Rao Aimin fought without using her hands, he would still be unable to beat her!


    An eminent monk from the Shaolin Monastery asked, "Almsgiver Rao, do you intend to offend everyone from our martial arts world?"


    Rao Aimin replied in a nonchnt tone, "I''ve already offended many people in the past, so there''s no difference in offending another one or two sects. Do you have any opinions about that? If you do, why don''t we spar to settle our differences?"


    The eminent monk was rebutted by that. Of course he wouldn''t spar with Rao Aimin. Some years ago, their previous abbot of the Shaolin Monastery could not even take twenty attacks from her. Him? He could not even hold her for three attacks!


    The surrounding "martial artists" who were seeing this one and only female grandmaster of the Chinese martial arts world for the first time were quite startled. Their image of a martial arts grandmaster was instantly shattered!


    "So this is Rao Aimin?"


    "This is��a grandmaster?"


    "Uh��"


    "This��"


    "Why is this grandmaster kinda��"


    The brothers, Liu Yiquan and Liu Yizhang, wiped their sweat away.


    Li Quanneng and He Badao looked each other in the eye.


    Why was this female grandmaster totally different from what they had expected!


    Only Zhang Ye and Chenchen heaved a sigh of relief.


    Seeing this, Zhang Ye was no longer worried about her. Having not seen her in over six months, Old Rao was still behaving the same. She had not changed at all!

 Chapter 926: Zhang Ye steps into battle!

    <h4>Chapter 926: Zhang Ye steps into battle! </h4>


    Chapter 926: Zhang Ye steps into battle!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the Martial Arts Conference.


    The Eight Trigrams School got seated in the outermost area that was reserved for them. Rao Aimin led her juniors over and immediately closed her eyes in aposed manner, as though she was already getting ready for the uing duel. The Eight Trigrams Palm''s disciples did not disturb her.


    Everyone was well aware of the intention of today''s gathering, therefore the focus right now was all on the Eight Trigrams School, with lot of people casting nces at them every now and again. Secondary to that, they were also very curious about the legendary grandmaster of the Chinese martial arts world that was Rao Aimin. The Zhou Family Style''s disciples and masters were particrly staring at her more frostiness and hatred in their eyes. They did not intend to avoid giving death res to the Eight Trigrams Palm''s disciples. Some of the Zhou Family Style''s masters were carrying old battle injuries which preceded yesterday''s events and were clearly dealt to them by Rao Aimin��the Zhou Family Style''s training halls and schools all over the country had been challenged and defeated by Rao Aimin in the past half a year!


    The performances continued.


    Next was the Wudang Sect''s turn.


    Followed by the Qingcheng Sect 1 .


    Followed by South Wudang.


    Then the Xingyi Fist Sect.


    Afterwards was a small sect called the Flying Door Sect.


    And so on.


    Finally, it was time for the finale performance by the Zhou Family Style School.


    An hourter, the performances ended.


    An organizer from the National Martial Arts Association walked into the fight ring and raised the microphone to his lips and said, "Thank you to all the various sects and schools for their wonderful disys. Next, we will officially begin the next segment, the free sparring rounds. As per previous years, the match will be decided by individual skill, but do remember not to take it overboard. The matches will be held in ten separate sections, and the challenger can nominate any opponent they wish to duel. But the person being challenged may choose to decline the challenge. All matches will be refereed by the professionals from the National Martial Arts Association."


    It was finally time for the key segment!


    When they heard that, everyone''s spirits at the venue were jolted!


    This segment had been a standard event in every year''s conference. Most grudges and disputes between the martial schools, or personal grievances, were usually settled in this setting. With so many martial sects existing in the Chinese martial arts world, it was impossible that they would be wholly united. There were in fact countless disagreements between them. Naturally, they would need a setting to resolve those issues as the Chinese martial arts world did not allow anyrge-scale vicious battles to take ce between the martial schools. After all, they lived in a governed society. Of course, there were also other reasons for taking part in the duels. For example, for the neers to the Chinese martial arts world who were aiming to shoot to fame, this stage was naturally the best way to do it. In addition, for those expert martial artists who believed in their own strength, this was the best ce for them to make their name known!


    Right as the announcement ended, someone stood up.


    It was someone from South Wudang!


    That middle-aged expert stood up and gave a fist and palm salute. "I am South Wudang''s Liu Qing, and I would like to challenge the deputy leader of the Wudang Sect, He Yanqing. Would Deputy Leader He like to ept my challenge?"


    The Wudang Sect''s deputy leader sneered, "I''ve long since been waiting for you!"


    That person from South Wudang swept an arm out. "Please!"


    "Please!" The Wudang Sect''s deputy leader entered the ring.


    The grudge between the Wudang Sect and South Wudang was long-standing. At each annual Martial Arts Conference, they would always challenge each other, so no one was surprised.


    In the audience, other people gradually began standing up as well.


    "As the Qingcheng Sect''s Li Xiaonian, I challenge the eminent monks of the Shaolin Monastery to be my opponent!"


    "Who do you want to challenge?"


    "Any one of them!"


    "What big talk. Then let this old monk take you on!"


    "Please!"


    "Please don''t be too hard on me!"


    ...


    "I am the non-affiliate, Cao Liwei. Would you dare to take me on, Zhou Yunian?"


    "Haha, why would I not dare?"


    "Then bring it on!"


    "Let''s do this!"


    "We must definitely decide on a victor today!"


    ...


    "I''m just a neer of the non-affiliates, giving a challenge to any heroes here. Would anyone like to give me some pointers?"


    "I''ll do it!"


    "Thank you for your guidance."


    "You''re wee. I won''t hold back."


    "Sure!"


    "Please!"


    ...


    In the blink of an eye, nine of the ten sections divided for the matches were upied. There was one section still empty. No one said anything for the time being.


    A whileter.


    Someone finally said something.


    Zhang Ye could sense someone in the crowd not far away ring at him. He raised his eyes to look over and noticed a familiar figure.


    It was the Zhou Family''s Fourth Bro Zhou!


    He saw Fourth Bro Zhou''s provocative eyes staring at him. "Non-affiliate Chen Zhen, dare you exchange a couple blows with me?" After going back yesterday, Fourth Bro Zhou contemted the sequence of events ofst night. He knew clearly that he had only said about three sentences in the lead-up, but why did that end up with so many people getting involved in a brawl? It was clearly that non-affiliate named Chen Zhen who incited the situation. That mouth was so venomous that he could change something from ck to white. After getting lectured by a senior of the Zhou Family, Fourth Bro Zhou''s anger was all pent-up. As a result, he pointed straight at Chen Zhen who he deemed to be the leader of the non-affiliates and small sects forst night.


    The small sects and non-affiliates were stunned at this.


    Liu Yiquan''s expression changed slightly as he quickly said, "Bro Chen, this Fourth Bro Zhou might not be the most skilled amongst this generation of the Zhou Family Style''s disciples, but he''s still an above average expert!"


    Li Quanneng immediately added, "Be careful!"


    He Badao also said worriedly, "Don''t go if you can''t do it!"


    Everyone had seen Zhang Ye''s martial arts skills yesterday and were not too optimistic about his chances.


    But who could have expected that Zhang Ye would simply give a smile and say, "I''ve already been identified in person by name. It wouldn''t make sense if I didn''t go up then, right? Fourth Bro Zhou was such a bullyst night, trying to scam us non-affiliates and the small sects. But after meeting with our resistancest night, he even has the cheek toe and challenge me today? Should I not stick my neck out? If I don''t ept the challenge, wouldn''t that make him even more arrogant in the future?! Wouldn''t that be telling him that we''re scared? I must fight him in this match today! Even if I cannot beat him, I will take him on and take a chunk out of him! I cannot sacrifice the dignity of the small sects and us non-affiliates! We cannot let therge sects think that we''re easily pushed around!"


    When the people around him heard that, they started cheering in support!


    These words of Zhang Ye''s whipped everyone up into a frenzy, seemingly elevating his status even further!


    "Well said!"


    "Bro Chen! Nicely put!"


    "Fuck, that''s right!"


    "Yeah, we aren''t going to be pushed around easily!"


    "For our dignity! Fuck!"


    "Bro Chen, do well!"


    "Go for it!"


    "Fucking kill that Fourth Bro Zhou!"


    "Fucking kill that shameless man!"


    "Fucking kill the despicable viin that bullies the weak and fears the strong!"


    "If you''re so good, challenge me instead! Bullying a neer like Bro Chen doesn''t make you better!"


    "Fuck! Shameless!"


    Listening to the shouting from over there, Fourth Bro Zhou nearly fainted from anger. Fuck your grandpas! What the hell did I say? All I did was ask if he dared to exchange a couple blows with me! What was all that about me being a shameless maning out of nowhere? What was all that about me being a despicable viin about? Chen, you''re too goddamn wicked! That mouth of yours is simply so venomous that it is leaking with pus! I will make sure that you leave on a stretcher today! Otherwise I won''t be called Fourth Bro Zhou!


    Fourth Bro Zhou was extremely angry!


    The Zhou Family Style School''s disciples were also supporting him in full force!


    "Fourth Senior Bro, you can do it!"


    "Get him!"


    "That Chen Zhen is ridiculously infuriating!"


    Fourth Bro Zhou and Zhang Ye both came forward and walked up into the fight ring. This wasn''t some fighting tform that was set up with a wooden frame, but a demarcated area measuring 10 by 10 meters within the main fight ring.


    The organizer''s referee allowed the two of them into the area and said, "To reiterate, don''t take it overboard. We just need decide on a victor."


    Fourth Bro Zhou nodded while nursing his hatred.


    Zhang Ye said, "Understood."


    The referee asked, "Do either of you need any weapons? If you do, you may choose something."


    Fourth Bro Zhou looked at Zhang Ye and said, "I need one, how about you?"


    Zhang Ye nonchntly replied, "Then I''ll use something too."


    The referee pointed. "The weapons are over there."


    The weapons on the rack were all blunted.


    Fourth Bro Zhou had already chosen something as he went over to grab a sword. He gave it a few swings then switched to a different one that he was more satisfied with. He carried the sword back to the dueling area.


    However, Zhang Ye did not head over to the weapons rack. Under the watchful eyes of the referee and everyone else, he looked around until he spotted something. With a glint in his eyes, he walked away to a spot over 20 meters away, to a corner of the hilltop where he picked up a brick. Satisfied, he turned around and headed back to the fight area.


    The referee was startled. "That will be your weapon?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Yes."


    The referee was dumbfounded. "Are you sure of your choice?"


    "I am sure," Zhang Ye responded.


    Fourth Bro Zhou''s eyelids constantly twitched from anger. He felt extremely insulted.


    But the small sects and non-affiliates did not seem bothered by this. They had already witnessed Bro Chen Zhen''s brick techniquesst night, so they knew his main mode of attack��kinda followed this approach.


    "Go, Chen Zhan!"


    "Go, Chen Zhen!"


    "Bro Chen, you can do it!"


    A lot of people were cheering on Zhang Ye!


    Some of the other duels had already began and a lot of the others had their attention on the other nine areas. With the sudden cheering over on this side, all of their attention turned here. When they saw one of the participants holding a brick in the fight area, many of these martial artists'' jaws dropped!


    What sort of weapon is that?


    My god, why is it a brick?


    The Eight Trigrams School also looked over at this moment!


    "Chen Zhen?" spoke one of the junior sisters.


    Fifth Senior Sister Song Jiao said in astonishment, "That is Chen Zhen?"


    Sixth Senior Brother Xu Fan was stunned. "Damn, he''s really using a brick?"


    The ninth disciple, Zhao Yunlong, was speechless.


    One of the junior brothers eximed, "Is that really going to be his weapon?"


    Song Jiao asked, "Junior Bro, is it him?"


    Lu Yuhu was in a sort of daze. "I guess so."


    "What''s the matter?" Song Jiao wondered.


    Lu Yuhu said with some suspiciousness, "It''s nothing much, but I find that guy wearing the sunsses kinda familiar. I might be wrong, though."


    Rao Aimin still had her eyes closed and was not bothered by all these little distractions.


    In the ring, the duel was about to begin.


    The referee asked, "Are you both ready?"


    Fourth Bro Zhou stared hard at Zhang Ye and said, "I''m ready!"


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "I''m ready too."


    "Alright then." The referee raised his hand, then swooped it down. "Begin!"


    With that, the referee immediately retreated to the edge.


    ording to the rules of the Chinese martial arts world, Fourth Bro Zhou gripped the sword handle, de down, and gave a fist and palm salute. "Fight hard!"


    Opposite him, Zhang Ye returned with a slight fist and palm salute. "Fight hard."


    But sometimes, it only took an instant to decide the oue between winning and losing!


    Right after they finished speaking, Fourth Bro Zhou flipped his sword upright. But before he could even grip it properly, he was shocked to discover that a reddish object was already flying at him!


    It was a brick!


    Zhang Ye had shamelessly given this attack a pompous name. He bellowed, "Take my Brick Descending from the Heavens!"


    This attack was just a simple one, and Fourth Bro Zhou thought that he could dodge it. After all, when one had reached the level of an expert, their reaction speed and agility were at an elevated state. Let alone a brick, even if it were against a hidden weapons expert, in the readiness of abat situation, Fourth Bro Zhou was still confident that he could dodge a throwing knife. But just as he was leaning aside to dodge the attack, he realized that he was wrong!


    He could not dodge it at all!


    The brick was approaching too quickly!


    It was so fast that he thought he heard the whistling of the wind as the brick traveled at high speed and hit him right in the face. Fourth Bro Zhou could only avoid it to the point that the bridge of his nose would not get hit. He slightly turned his head but the brick still smashed hard into the left side of his face!


    "Ah!" Fourth Bro Zhou screamed in pain. His left face was momentarily depressed inward and his entire body tilted as he fell down to the floor on his sides!


    Many people were watching in shock!


    This!


    What kind of speed is that?


    What kind of strength is that?


    "You''re using a hidden weapon!" Fourth Bro Zhou shouted angrily and started to rise to his feet to fight.


    But before he could stand up, a shadow of a punch was already approaching his face!


    Thump! Itnded on Fourth Bro Zhou''s face again!


    The force was so great that Fourth Bro Zhou''s entire person twisted as he was thrown to the ground. With a heavy crash, he banged against the floor. Just listening to that sound alone showed how strong that punch was!


    The bruised and swollen-faced Fourth Bro Zhou was knocked nearly unconscious!


    With a brick and a single punch, he had already lost all of his fighting spirit!


    Zhang Ye did not even use a single kung fu move and only depended on the basic physical qualities of his body! Chinese martial arts were just like that. It was nothing like in the novels or the movies, where fights of a thousand rounds happened without much of a fuss. That was basically impossible, since a hundred rounds already sounded close to impossible, and that was even speaking in the context of a duel between experts. Most dueling matches in the ring were basically decided after a few punches or kicks, so how could there be a fightsting several hundred rounds?


    The referee was stunned. Everything had happened so quickly that he only managed to react just now. He hurriedly rushed over and shouted, "Stop, stop fighting!" Then he looked at Fourth Bro Zhou lying on the floor before he announced, "The winner: Chen Zhen from the non-affiliates!"


    The Zhou Family Style School''s disciples were furious!


    Meanwhile, those from the small sects and non-affiliates all raised their arms and started cheering!


    "Great!"


    "Great fight!"


    "Good punching!"


    "Good brick technique!"


    "Old Bro Chen''s brick technique has improved!"


    "Kill that shameless man!"


    "Beat up that despicable viin!"


    "Hahaha, how enjoyable! Good fight!"


    "The viin will definitely get what he deserves!"


    Liu Yiquan, Liu Yizhang, Liu Yiquan, and a few other people whom Zhang Ye had gotten close to were cheering the loudest!


    Chenchen looked at Zhang Ye in disbelief, as though in disbelief at how Zhang Ye could have gotten so strong all of a sudden!


    Amid everyone''s cheers, Zhang Ye gave a fist and palm salute in gratitude as he came out of the ring whileughing. "Thank you, thank you. I got lucky that the thieving bastard did not seed!"


    "Bro Chen, great showing!"


    "That felt so good!"


    "The thieving bastard will definitely lose!"


    "Evil will never prevail against good!"


    When Fourth Bro Zhou, who was lying on the floor, heard that, he almost vomited blood. He was so angry that he didn''t know what he could say. Clearly, that Chen fellow had resorted to a sneak attack! He even shamelessly threw a hidden weapon to hit his face!


    But as it stands?


    Why am I the despicable one?


    And shameless?


    And I''m even called a thieving bastard now?


    Fuck your grandma!


    Do you people still have any shame!?

 Chapter 927: Then I’ll listen to you people!

    <h4>Chapter 927: Then I''ll listen to you people! </h4>


    Chapter 927: Then I''ll listen to you people!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Fourth Bro Zhou was carried out of the ring via stretcher.


    Winners were crowned and losers vilified. That was how all matches ended in the Chinese martial arts world. Whoever was more skilled would have thest say. The loser didn''t have any right to speak.


    The duel ended just like that.


    The tenth match was thest to begin but the first to finish.


    The Eight Trigrams School''s disciples nearly fainted when they saw this.


    "So that is Chen Zhen?"


    "Uh��"


    "Isn''t his strength a little too great?"


    "Eleventh Bro, can your strength beat his?"


    "Man, that''s hard to say."


    "Is that an external style he''s using?"


    "I don''t know! He didn''t even use any martial arts moves!"


    "That''s right. I couldn''t even tell which martial school''s moves those were!"


    "Don''t tell me that there''s really a style called the Swimming Body Eight Trigrams Brick?"


    "��"


    Song Jiao, the fifth senior sister, evaluated, "Unless concealed power or some special type of kung fu was used, very few people in the entire Chinese martial arts world canpare to his strength. With normal training techniques, even if a person trains their entire life, their greatest strength would be no more than this!"


    Lu Yuhumented, "He''s an expert."


    Upon returning, Zhang Ye was surrounded by a group of people who gave him extremely good treatment.


    "Bro Chen, I didn''t know you had hidden talents!"


    "Please don''t say that."


    "That brick smash was wonderful!"


    "Thank you very much, thank you very much."


    The Zhou Family Style School''s Sect Leader Zhou Tianpeng did not look up at all. As for some of the older boxing specialists of the Zhou Family Style, their focus was not on these "brawls" between the juniors. At today''s Martial Arts Conference, only Rao Aimin was their cause of concern. She was their most formidable enemy!


    In the main ring, the duels gradually came to a close.


    The duels with both parties using weapons ended slightly faster while the unarmed duels took longer.


    In the match between both Wudangs, the Wudang Sect emerged victorious.


    The Shaolin Monastery came out on top in the match against the Qingcheng Sect.


    Victory was also decided among the non-affiliates.


    Today''s dark horse was a neer to the Chinese martial arts world. He had actually managed to defeat a rather well-known boxing specialist of the Chinese martial arts world. His win earned him some fame.


    Of course, Zhang Ye gained some fame as well. Actually, this fellow was famous sincest night. Who from therge sects did not know about "Chen Zhen"? Basically everyone hated him to the bone!


    Afterwards, someone else came forward to issue a challenge.


    "Qian Dong,e and have a match with your grandpa!"


    "Grandson, Grandpa ising!"


    "Who is Grandson calling?"


    "I''m calling you grandson!"


    "Whose grandson are you?"


    "I''m your grandpa!"


    The enmity between them clearly ran very deep. They cursed at each other as they walked up into the ring and even continued to curse at each other while dueling.


    "Grandson, take that!"


    "Receive this palm strike from your grandpa!"


    "Grandson, watch out for my attack!"


    "Your grandpa is watching out!"


    "Haha, my grandson got punched!"


    "Haha! Grandson, you''re only helping your grandpa scratch his back!"


    The referee didn''t know whether tough or cry while watching this.


    The National Martial Arts Association''s people were also speechless. They felt somewhat embarrassed as the Chinese martial arts world was opening up, standardizing, and taking the high-end route in the market. But those martial artists'' characters and educational qualifications were not in line with this market expansion. There were always some people who liked to scold others, or liked to fight with a brick, or liked to scold others and fight with a brick. They could not curb the behavior of such people, so could only turn a blind eye to it all.


    After some of the others went into the ring to duel, an unexpected person came forward. He was the Huashan Sect leader, Grandmaster Chen Xi''s junior brother��Fan Wen. He was the person whom Zhang Ye met with at the entrance of the holiday resort''s restaurantst night. Thepensation of a thousand yuan per person was "negotiated" by Zhang Ye and Fan Wen at the time.


    The moment Fan Wen stepped forward, he called out, "Little Bro Chen Zhen, it looks like you were born with superhuman strength and your martial arts are very good, so I was hoping to learn a little from you as well. Would you object to that?"


    "Ah?"


    "Steward Fan?"


    "Steward Fan has issued a challenge too?"


    "Senior Fan, take care of him!"


    Therge sects were getting excited. After watching the match between Zhang Ye and Fourth Bro Zhou, they werergely unsure if they would be a match for that Chen Zhen opponent, so they did not dare step forward to challenge him. Even the Zhou Family Style''s disciples were staying silent. With the Huashan Sect''s Senior Fan issuing a challenge, he could definitely beat that Chen Zhen.


    However, the people from the small sects and non-affiliates were outraged.


    "Isn''t this bullying!"


    "Senior Fan, how can you, as a senior, issue a challenge to a junior?"


    "You''re totally on a different level!"


    "Despicable!"


    Zhang Ye was tickled.


    When Fan Wen heard that, he said, "Alright then, since I''m your senior and older than you, then how about this, I''ll give you a one-hand handicap. We''ll exchange some pointers since I would like to see for myself what Little Bro Chen''s fighting, uh, brick style is like." The words "brick style" sounded very odd no matter how it was put.


    Liu Yiquan shouted, "Bro Chen Zhen, don''t go!"


    Li Quanneng hurriedly said, "That old man is really formidable!"


    "Yeah." He Badao said, "Fan Wen is an expert who is ranked in the top three of the Huashan Sect. He is also a prominent martial artist of the Chinese martial arts world! He''s a master martial artist! You''re not his match!"


    Liu Yizhang tugged at him. "Bro Chen, be cautious. A wise man does not fight when the odds are against him!"


    The other non-affiliates all said the same.


    "Don''t go!"


    "Don''t bother with him!"


    "This is bullying!"


    "They''re obviously targeting you!"


    "The Huashan Sect has always been in cahoots with the Zhou Family!"


    "That''s right! Don''t go!"


    After listening to all that, Zhang Ye gave a fist and palm salute to the surrounding people. "Thank you, everyone, for your kindness."


    Everyone sighed when they heard this, as they knew their words had fallen on "Chen Zhen''s" deaf ears. However, they were simply making a passing remark. At this sort of martial arts conference, there had never before been a precedent of anyone declining a challenge. That was because it was more embarrassing for a martial artist to refuse a challenge than to lose a match. Of the many duels each year, even if they clearly knew that they could not beat their opponent, they still braced themselves to face the challenge, all because there was no other way to it.


    Zhang Ye walked out from the crowd as he said, "I feel very ttered that a Huashan Sect senior is challenging me. I would also like to see for myself what the Huashan Sect''s martial arts are like!"


    Fan Wen smiled and gestured with his hand, saying, "Little Bro Chen, as you please!"


    Fan Wen walked toward the dueling area.


    As Fan Wen''s reputation was well-known, numerous people at the venue looked over. They were surprised that Fan Wen would actually spar with a junior. Hur hur, this Chen Zhen will surely have a hard time!


    The non-affiliates were still trying to talk him out of it.


    "Be careful!"


    "Don''t be rash, Bro Chen!"


    "Be cautious! Be cautious around him!"


    "Senior Fan is not easy to deal with!"


    "Don''t go!"


    Zhang Ye waved them off and said righteously, "Everyone, please don''t try to talk me out of this! I''ve already decided! Since therge sects want to use me as an example to warn others, I definitely can''t avoid it today. It doesn''t matter whether I advance or retreat. For the dignity of the small sects and us non-affiliates, what reason do I have to back away from this challenge? I have to fight even if I die!"


    Everyone was moved. They knew that Bro Chen Zhen was going to ept the challenge for sure!


    "Bro Chen''s heroism will reach the clouds!"


    "Bro Chen is a heroic man!"


    "Think carefully!"


    "It''s not embarrassing even if you don''t go!"


    Fan Wen was ready.


    The referee had already gone up into the ring.


    Zhang Ye suddenly looked around at the non-affiliates and pped his hands, saying, "Don''t talk me out of this. Everyone, please don''t do that��why are you all still trying to talk me out of it? Hai! Whatever, I''ll just listen to your advice then!"


    Saying that, Zhang Ye turned around and walked back to his seat.


    Everyone present was dumbfounded by what they saw!


    Liu Yiquan fainted!


    He Badao fainted!


    Fan Wen fainted!


    Everyone from therge and small sects nearly facented!


    Fuck, you really aren''t gonna fight?


    We were just being fucking polite with you, alright!?

 Chapter 928: Is the legacy of the Taiji Fist actually lost?

    <h4>Chapter 928: Is the legacy of the Taiji Fist actually lost? </h4>


    Chapter 928: Is the legacy of the Taiji Fist actually lost?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    With this episode, the venue''s atmosphere became rather awkward! Although the saying went: "Listen to advice and you won''t starve," weren''t you still too easily talked out of it by us? Didn''t you say that you would be fighting for the dignity of the small sects and non-affiliates? That you''d go into the fight even if you knew you would die? Weren''t you not going to give in to therge sects'' despotism? Your sister! Where exactly do your principles lie? Why did you choose to turn around just because others politely tried to talk you out of the challenge! You, you''re totally going against the grain of martial arts routines!


    Zhang Ye walked cool as a cucumber back to his seat. He did not consider this event to be of any importance.


    Liu Yizhang wiped away his sweat and said, "Bro Chen, w-why did youe back?"


    Contrary to expectations, Zhang Ye gave a look of astonishment and said, "Didn''t you guys tell me to walk away from the fight?"


    Liu Yizhang: "��"


    Liu Yiquan: "��"


    Li Quanneng: "��"


    Yan Hui: "..."


    We did try to talk you out of it!


    But no one was expecting you to agree so readily!


    But with Zhang Ye saying that, they could not find any other reasons to reply to him, because they had really shouted for him to walk away from the fight!


    Whatever!


    You win!


    The Eight Trigrams School''s disciples looked at one another.


    Song Jiao said with exasperation, "That Chen Zhen, why does it seem like he''s kinda shameless?"


    Xu Fan was also dumbfounded. "It''s not that he seems that way, but that he''s actually kinda shameless!"


    Zhao Yunlong said, "Take away the ''kinda.'' He''s just shameless!"


    Lu Yuhu said in a speechless manner, "Why do I find that person so familiar?"


    With the crowd there, they could not even see "Chen Zhen" clearly, much less spot a little girl like Chenchen.


    The Huashan Sect''s Fan Wen, who was already ready to go in the dueling area, furrowed his brows in anger. "Chen Zhen, do you intend to duel me or not? What''s the meaning of this?"


    Therge sects were angered too!


    Especially the Huashan Sect''s disciples, who felt that their martial sect''s senior had gotten yed, making all of them infuriated.


    When Grandmaster Chen Xi heard themotion over here, he also frowned and swept his gaze to Zhang Ye.


    "Shameless!"


    "Say so if you''re afraid!"


    "Hey Chen, I bet you''re just afraid to fight!"


    "You just can''t beat our Martial Uncle Fan! Stop finding excuses!"


    "If you''re skilled enough, you should step forward!"


    "Right, if you''re skilled enough,e out and fight!"


    "Chen Zhen, let me ask you a simple question: Do you have the courage to exchange blows with our Martial Uncle Fan?!"


    "Our master has already said that he''d give you an advantage, but you''re still afraid of taking on the challenge?"


    "Come out!"


    "Come out!"


    "Come forward if you''re so skilled!"


    The Huashan Sect kept goading him from their side!


    But Zhang Ye was unmoved. He was neither embarrassed nor nervous and waspletely untroubled by them. Instead, he started chatting, a smile on his face, with Liu Yiquan who was seated beside him. "Look at how wonderful the fight over at section three of the dueling area is."


    Liu Yiquan grunted, "Ah."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Which martial sect is that person from?"


    Liu Yiquan answered, "Uh, it looks like the Xingyi Fist."


    Another Huashan Sect disciple called out, "Not brave enough to challenge my martial uncle? Chen Zhen, do you have the courage to challenge me instead, then?! This won''t be considered bullying, right?"


    "Second Senior Bro!"


    "Go get him, Second Senior Bro!"


    "Destroy him!"


    "Right, destroy him!"


    "That Chen Zhen is super infuriating!"


    Yan Hui was afraid that he would be on the losing end, so reminded, "That is the Huashan Sect''s second senior brother. He''s one of the most outstanding disciples of this generation. Compared to the Zhou Family Style''s Fourth Bro Zhou, he''s way better than him, so you must be careful!"


    But as it turned out, Zhang Ye was still chattering away with Liu Yiquan, as though he had heard nothing. He even conveniently turned around to Yan Hui to ask, "Eh, Bro Yan, what style of martial arts do you practice?"


    Yan Hui: "��"


    The surrounding people: "��"


    The conversation went on until Liu Yiquan and Yan Hui could no longer keep a straight face, yet Zhang Ye was still as indifferent and calm as ever. This made Liu Yiquan, Liu Yizhang, and a number of the surrounding non-affiliates and small sect disciples feel extreme admiration for him! Bro Chen Zhen''s skin is really goddamn thick! This was also a skill that most people did not have!


    The Huashan Sect''s disciples shouted until their voices turned hoarse!


    Fan Wen was so angry that he just returned to his seat!


    The Huashan Sect''s second senior brother also looked extremely angry!


    But Zhang Ye remained in his ce. No matter how his opponents tried to draw him in, he did not step forward. Why would he want to duel? Earlier, in the match with Fourth Bro Zhou, Zhang Ye only did it because he had wanted to test his skills in a real fight. Moreover, after watching so many matches, he had gained a slight understanding of his personal power. He had also gained a deeper understanding of the entire Chinese martial arts world''s standards and the division of ranks for the experts, so why would he still bother with dueling anyone? It wasn''t like he was here to fight anyway! Oh, just because you guys shouted and tried to incite me, I must step forward to duel you guys? Do you think I''m an idiot? Do you know how much this bro is worth? This bro canmand an appearance fee of over a million RMB just by appearing in an interview. Can you people pay me such a sum?


    A fellow like Zhang Ye was not someone from the martial artsmunity anyway. All he knew was that he had to sneak into the enemy''s camp today to make a mess of things. But as for the rules of the Chinese martial arts world, or whatever honor or dignity, he did not care for any of that! As a result, he would naturally feel that this wasn''t something to be embarrassed about!


    Therge sects could watch no longer.


    "Forget about him!"


    "What kind of a hero is that!"


    "He''s a disgrace to our martial arts world!"


    He''s even afraid of epting a challenge?"


    "How infuriating! I''ve nevere across such a ruffian before!"


    "Why did the National Martial Arts Conference invite someone like him to participate?"


    "In so many conferences, there has never before been someone who didn''t ept a challenge! He is the first!"


    A lot of those from therge sects red at Zhang Ye with contempt, looking very ufortable with beingbeled together with him as members of the Chinese martial arts world. All of them were indignant at Zhang Ye for the Huashan Sect!


    The Huashan Sect leader, Chen Xi, spoke, "Quiet down, everyone."


    With that, all therge sects and Huashan Sect''s disciples did not utter another word. They looked up and realized that all the matches had ended and that there was no one else who came forward to issue a challenge to anyone!


    Everyone was startled and knew that the main event was starting soon!


    In the blink of an eye, the entire venue fell silent. They no longer cared about denouncing "Chen Zhen."


    Chen Xi stood up. "Is there anyone else?"


    No one answered.


    Chen Xi asked again, "Let me ask again, is there anyone else?"


    Still, there was no answer.


    Only then did Chen Xi nod his head and signaled with his hand for the ten National Martial Arts Association''s referees to get out of the ring and stand to the side. Then, quite a few National Martial Arts Association''s employees came into the ring to clear the area and put the weaponry back on their racks. A female employee picked up the brick that Zhang Ye had taken from somewhere and took a long, hesitating look around before she finally just threw it somewhere onto the ground.


    The second round of events at the Martial Arts Conference ended.


    Liu Yiquan looked up into the ring.


    Zhang Ye raised his head.


    Chenchen scowled.


    The Zhou Family Style''s disciples clenched their fists.


    The Eight Trigrams School''s disciples looked to the ring.


    "It''s beginning!"


    "It''s time for official business!"


    "How do you think they will fight to settle their differences?"


    "I don''t know!"


    "A battle of grandmasters, it''ll be really wonderful to watch!"


    "Yeah, it''s a once-in-a-lifetime battle!"


    "This year''s National Martial Arts Conference certainly won''t be like the ones before it. The events of today will be immortalized for future generations, and as witnesses to it, we truly should feel honored!"


    "How exciting!"


    "Let''s see how this feud will be settled!"


    "Supporting the Zhou Family! Grandmaster Rao has definitely crossed the line this time. She is openly provoking our martial arts world by upsetting the norms. The National Martial Arts Association definitely won''t let this go!"


    Amid everyone''s gaze, the incumbent leader of the Zhou Family Style School, Zhou Tianpeng, finally opened his eyes. His eyes were clear, as though he had been preparing a long time for this moment. It felt like a sharp sword suddenly being unsheathed. He stood up and strode toward the fight ring, then suddenly kicked off the ground andunched himself into the air beforending in the ring that was around 1.4 meters tall. He did this without any effort at all, butnded inside the wooden ring with a loud crash and violently shook it. The dust particles swirled up against the glow of the sun upon impact!


    "Great kung fu!"


    "Beautiful!"


    "Grandmaster Zhou''s skills have advanced greatly!"


    "He''s indeed worthy of the title of grandmaster!"


    For most jump andnd moves, this wouldn''t seem unusual in the eyes of a real expert. As they say, "Laypersons watch the buzz, while professionals examine the skill." But at this moment, the Huashan Sect''s Fan Wen was a little astonished. In his opinion,pared to the Grandmaster Zhou he had seen a few years back, even though Zhou Tianpeng had aged by a little, his martial arts skills did not seem to have regressed one bit. In fact, it even looked like he had improved. Reaching the level of grandmaster was the pinnacle of Chinese martial arts. But there was also a division of strength among the grandmasters. For example, their Huashan Sect leader, Chen Xi��who was also Fan Wen''s senior brother��would be considered the weakest of the five grandmasters when it came down to their martial arts skills. Meanwhile, Rao Aimin was the strongest of the five. Several years ago, Zhou Tianpeng was supposedly at the level between them, a little stronger than his senior brother but a little weaker than Rao Aimin. However, that was aparison from those days. Today, it was more difficult to determine who was the strongest of the grandmasters. Besides, how could people like him judge the martial arts of these grandmasters? There was no way he could assess their skills at his level. He could only get a general feel of how it might be!


    For instance, the way that Grandmaster Zhou Tianpeng made his appearance today clearly gave many people the feeling that his martial arts were much better than a few years back.


    It was probably the same for Chen Xi since internal style martial artists usually improved over time.


    The only unknown was whether Rao Aimin''s skills had regressed during this time. In the past few years, no one had seen Rao Aimin, nor knew where she had gone, nor what she had done. In the past six months of challenging the Zhou Family Style School''s training halls, it wasparable to using a cannon to kill mosquitoes. The Zhou Family Style''s disciples were obviously not worthy of Rao Aimin to exercise her efforts on and stood basically no chance against her. Therefore, Rao Aimin''s current martial arts skills were still a mystery to everyone, including to the two grandmasters Zhou Tianpeng and Chen Xi!


    The venue was enveloped in silence!


    Zhou Tianpeng was in the ring. His expression this time was no longer the same as when he had stood there earlier. The aura he gave off was utterly different from before. This time, he did not even hold a microphone and just projected his voice to speak. Even so, every word that he spoke was loud and crisp. No matter where someone sat, they could still hear him very clearly!


    Zhou Tianpeng said, "Dear friends and colleagues of our national martial arts world, the previous events have alle to an end. It is a little shameful to say this, but the next event has to do with me settling a personal feud with a certain someone!"


    "There''s nothing to be shameful about!"


    "Grandmaster Zhou, just announce it!"


    "Right, everyone is here as your witness!"


    The Kongtong Sect, the Huashan Sect, the Iron Palm Sect, and all the other martial sects were very supportive!


    Zhou Tianpeng nodded and said, "Alright, then I shall first give my thanks to everyone present. I am sure that everyone has already heard something about the cause of this issue. As a grandmaster, Rao Aimin has gone around abusing her powers against my juniors, bullying my Zhou Family Style''s disciples, and tearing down my training halls. This has brought about great losses to the Zhou Family! Ignoring economic losses, which are secondary, it has hurt our Zhou Family Style''s reputation. That is something I won''t tolerate!"


    Numerous shouts suddenly rang out from the audience.


    The Huashan Sect: "Supporting Old Master Zhou!"


    The Kongtong Sect: "Supporting Grandmaster Zhou!"


    The Kunlun Sect: "Supporting Vice President Zhou!"


    "Intolerable! No need to keep tolerating!"


    "The Eight Trigrams School has gone too far!"


    "Grandmaster Zhou is big-hearted and did not argue with you people in the past, yet you people still don''t know where to draw the line? Going around the entire country to bring down the Zhou Family Style''s training halls? If this can be tolerated, then what would be intolerable?!"


    "This is too despicable!"


    Many of those from therge sects were looking angrily in the direction of the Eight Trigrams School.


    The Eight Trigrams School''s disciples were irritated by this.


    Lu Yuhu shouted, "Have you people forgotten about the blood debt of my Senior Sister''s little sister and brother-inw?"


    The Huashan Sect''s Fan Wen said bluntly, "That was just a very normal match in which they willingly put their lives on the line."


    Song Jiao said furiously, "Quit your fucking bullshitting! Old Crook Zhou''s son hasmitted so many evil deeds and used martial arts to bully others. Our Senior Sister''s little sister had only agreed to a deathmatch with him to settle their feud. But when Old Crook Zhou saw that his son was about to meet his end, he interfered in the match to save him, dealing some injuries to my Senior Sister''s little sister and brother-inw. Let me ask you then, who were the ones bullying the weak there? Let me ask you again, who did not follow the rules of our martial arts world? How are you going to repay this debt?"


    The Huashan Sect''s Second Senior Bro harrumphed. "And who witnessed that?"


    A deputy leader of the Kongtong Sect scoffed, "Ridiculous. That''splete nonsense!"


    The Kunlun Sect leader said, "Grandmaster Zhou is a big-hearted man, how could he possibly do something like that? What you heard were just rumors within the martial artsmunity and should not be taken seriously. Even if Grandmaster Zhou had hurt those two, it must have been during a normal match. They died a yearter, so how can you ce the me on Grandmaster Zhou for their deaths?"


    Zhao Yunlong said angrily, "Sect Leader of Kunlun, don''t you dare pretend like you don''t know a thing! Don''t you know what concealed power is? When one gets struck by concealed power, their insides suffer irreparable damage!"


    Master Sun, from an Iron Palm branch, repeatedly shook his head. "Where''s the proof? The evidence? You keep addressing him as Old Crook Zhou. Do you have any manners?"


    Actually, no one could rte the event that happened many years ago too clearly and there were all sorts of rumors flying around. But whatever the truth, one could easily guess what had really happened. All they knew was that Zhou Tianpeng''s son was indeed not a good person and Zhou Tianpeng had also fought with Rao Aimin''s sister and brother-inw. As for the details, nobody really knew about them.


    The Eight Trigrams School''s people started arguing with therge sects!


    The small sects and non-affiliates did not say anything and only whispered among themselves.


    "Grandmaster Zhou''s son was indeed��"


    "Oh, I know. You don''t need to mention that."


    "My opinion about this is pretty close to the Eight Trigrams School''s version of events."


    "I heard that there were witnesses to the incident, but no one said anything about it afterwards."


    "Shhh, be quiet. Don''t let anyone hear you."


    "We can only specte among ourselves, but that person is still a grandmaster after all."


    "Why do therge sects seem so united?"


    "Who knows if they''d already discussed their stand before this!"


    "Let''s just watch how it turns out. Don''t talk anymore."


    "Yeah, it''s not something that we can really do anything about either."


    "It''s a fight between gods!"


    At the other end, the two sides were still arguing!


    Therge sects shouted, "Rao Aimin is a tumor within our martial arts world!"


    The Eight Trigrams School shouted back, "Old Crook Zhou is despicable and shameless!"


    "Bullying and injuring so many of the Zhou Family Style''s disciples, who is the shameless one here? If you''re so good, you should have brought this up to Grandmaster Zhou directly. Why did you have to injure so many of the Zhou Family Style''s disciples?"


    "Our Eldest Senior Sis has issued countless challenges to Zhou Tianpeng in the past half a year, but he dared not answer to her challenges due to his guilt! He did not even dare to step out of his hole. How else can she bring it up to him then? All those years ago, when Zhou Tianpeng injured our Senior Sister''s little sister and brother-inw, she went to confront the Zhou Family about it. When Zhou Tianpeng realized that the situation was not to his advantage, he even teamed up with the Huashan Sect leader to take her on and defeated her. So how can you still have the cheek to say that?"


    "That''s because Rao Aimin had nothing better to do. Her sister and brother-inw''s business had nothing to do with Grandmaster Zhou at all, yet she came looking for trouble. That in and of itself was already her fault foring to confront others with no good reason, so who cares if the grandmasters teamed up? If a thief breaks into your house, you''re not even allowed to retaliate?"


    "Bullshit!"


    The Zhou Family Style School''s disciples cut in, "That incident from all those years ago was due to her sister and brother-inw being less skilled, yet they still agreed to the deathmatch. Since they were responsible for their own lives, what else is there left to argue about!"


    The Eight Trigrams School''s disciples were so angry that they were trembling!


    Therge sects had the numerical advantage. With every one of them just saying something, it was more than enough to drown them out, and even the guilty could be presented as innocent. Moreover, judging from their unity, it seemed like those from therge sects had already discussed this prior to the conference!


    Over there.


    Chenchen was also trembling!


    Therge sects and the Zhou Family Style''s disciples were speaking about Chenchen''s dead parents without a care in the world, and some people even spoke with acrimony of them. There was also someone from the Zhou Family Style who said that they "deserved it for losing"!


    Zhang Ye''s face sank when he heard that. He clutched Chenchen''s little hand, but found that it was ice-cold as she clenched her fist tightly.


    Suddenly, the Huashan Sect leader stepped forward.


    Grandmaster Chen Xi walked up into the ring and looked down, speaking loudly, "Let me say a few words!"


    Only then did therge sects put down their hands, which they had been pointing at the Eight Trigrams School. They looked over and waited for this other grandmaster to speak. Chen Xi was representing the National Martial Arts Association as the organizer and also was in charge of this event today!


    They heard Chen Xi say, "Today''s National Martial Arts Conference was called in advance, mainly because we wanted to settle this issue between the Zhou Family and Rao Aimin. As a bystander, Irgely understand the entire situation. Right now, I would like to talk about the following with everyone. Has anyone here heard of the Taiji Fist from over a hundred years ago?"


    The Taiji Fist?


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes.


    The people below the ring were taken aback.


    "I''ve heard of it!"


    "Of course I''ve heard about it!"


    "I heard my master talk about it once before!"


    "Yeah. That''s a very famous internal style!"


    "A pity that it''s already been lost for over a hundred years!"


    Chen Xi looked at everyone and narrated, "There are still some historical records about the time when the Taiji Fist first appeared during the Qing dynasty. It pushed internal styles to a pinnacle at that time. Some of therge sects might not be strangers to this name, as a lot of masters and veterans from that time have passed down many legends and stories regarding the Taiji Fist by word of mouth. However, it was exactly this internal style, which had such a colorful history, whose legacy was lost over a hundred years ago. This intangible cultural asset of our martial arts world did not get passed down and it is a heartache both for me and for our martial arts world!"


    The Huashan Sect''s Fan Wen sighed, "Hai, what a pity!"


    The Kunlun Sect''s deputy leader also gave a light sigh. "How brilliant would the grandmaster of Taiji be at that time? But to this day, this martial arts style did not even get passed down to our time!"


    Liu Yiquan said excitedly, "They''re talking about Taiji Fist!"


    Li Quanneng could only sigh, "I''ve heard of it too. It''s such a pity!"


    Zhang Ye gave both of them a look but did not say anything.


    When the Taiji Fist was mentioned, the Zhou Family Style''s disciples also had looks of yearning on their faces!


    When an ordinary person hears about Taiji, they might not think of it as a fighting style. Many people did not even know what the Taiji Fist was. But within the Chinese martial arts world, everyone had long heard about the Taiji Fist. Some of the real experts and veterans in the martial sects all knew about the legend and brilliance of the Taiji Fist from all those years ago, and knew just how powerful this style of martial arts was. There had been many people who had tried to recreate the Taiji Fist from the written records and oral ounts of those who had witnessed it before, and if they could even recreate 10 to 20% of it, it would have been good enough. However, no one had been able to do it so far, because this was not a martial arts form that followed a strict form. It wasn''t like practicing sets that one would for external styles but an internal style martial arts that focused on the application of force, breathing techniques, and the flow of qi, which were all practiced differently from external styles. There was basically no way to recreate it to its original form by simply using bits and pieces of unconfirmed records. Therefore, many people gave up on doing so anymore and the Taiji Fist was just used as an example of a legendary martial arts style in the Chinese martial arts world to be passed down generation by generation. The martial artsmunity could only hear about the brilliance of the Taiji Fist but were regrettably unable to witness the rebirth of this style of martial arts!


    Zhou Tianpeng also revealed a slight tinge of regret. "Hai."


    Chen Xi continued, "The times now are different. Our martial arts world has entered a new chapter in its history. We have our own new set of rules and regtions, and the National Martial Arts Association will not tolerate those who break them. A feud between martial sects? Bullying others with martial arts? These are both prohibited activities within our martial arts world! We cannot allow the tragedy of the Taiji Fist to happen again and let those martial arts styles, which have existed for hundreds of years, slip out of our hands! Otherwise, we will be sinners to our national martial arts world. We will be sinners to our nation!"


    This speech stoked the anger of many people!


    "Right!"


    "Grandmaster Chen has put it very well!"


    "We have to protect our martial arts heritage!"


    "This is the legacy of our nation!"


    "The Taiji Fist has already been lost. We cannot allow the Zhou Family Style to disappear as well!"


    "By doing what Rao Aimin did, she is basically trying to force the extermination of their school!"


    "Compared to the injuries suffered by those Zhou Family Style''s disciples, the protection of our Chinese martial arts legacy is much more important! Rao Aimin is trying to end all these decades of the Zhou Family Style''s legacy! This is even more vicious than ending one''s family line!"


    "This is too much!"


    "Intolerable!"


    "We must definitely punish such behavior!"


    "Denounce Rao Aimin!"


    "Drive Rao Aimin out of our martial arts world!"


    "We can''t let her continue acting arrogant like that!"


    "Right, we cannot allow the Zhou Family Style to be the second Taiji Fist!"


    "Everyone, let''s stand together! Strip Rao Aimin of her martial arts!"


    "Destroy Rao Aimin!"


    Everyone was freely expressing their anger!


    Besides the Zhou Family, many of those from therge sects followed along and shouted!


    In the end, even those small sects who had much to gain from the subsidy that Zhou Tianpeng was offering, and a small group of non-affiliates, had unknowingly followed along and started shouting when they heard that!


    "Protect our martial arts heritage!"


    "Supporting Grandmaster Zhou!"


    "Drive Rao Aimin out of our martial arts world!"


    "The martial artsmunity has no ce for such a grandmaster!"


    "Right, our martial arts world does not need a grandmaster like that. Everyone, let''s stand united in denouncing Treacherous Rao!"


    "Denounce Treacherous Rao!"

 Chapter 929: Deathmatch! Zhang Ye makes his appearance!

    <h4>Chapter 929: Deathmatch! Zhang Ye makes his appearance! </h4>


    Chapter 929: Deathmatch! Zhang Ye makes his appearance!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The atmosphere was highly imposing!


    Almost everyone was standing against Rao Aimin!


    The Huashan Sect''s Fan Wen stepped forward and said, "We of the Huashan Sect hereby proim our support for Grandmaster Zhou to seek an answer for the injustice he has suffered!" Although Sect Leader Chen Xi did not say anything, his words earlier had clearly expressed his attitude. Including the two versus one match between the grandmasters those years ago, it was quite evident whose side Grandmaster Chen Xi and the entire Huashan Sect were on. Moreover, Chen Xi and Zhou Tianpeng were friends of many years.


    The Kunlun Sect leader stepped up and said, "The Kunlun Sect also expresses our support for Grandmaster Zhou!"


    The Iron Palm''s Master Sun came forward as well. "I also express, on behalf of our sect, that all the Iron Palm''s disciples present today will give our support to Grandmaster Zhou! Any who dare to break the rules are antagonizing our sect!"


    The Kongtong Sect deputy leader also came forward. "The Kongtong Sect will also be supporting Grandmaster Zhou!"


    "And us, the Maoshan Sect!" an old Taoist with a white beard shouted as he walked forward slowly.


    "And us, South Wudang!"


    "Us too, the Xingyi Fist!"


    "There''s also us from the Splitting Mountain Sect!"


    "And us, the Zhao Family Style!"


    "Count the Qingcheng Sect in as well!"


    "Don''t forget about us from the Shaolin Monastery!"


    Even the eminent monks of the Shaolin Monastery were taking sides in this feud!


    Zhang Ye looked at those people and observed them one by one. His eyes got narrower and narrower as he took in all their faces. Those who understood Zhang Ye would know that he was angry now!


    Up to now, all of therge sects had shown their support for the Zhou Family and some of the martial sects even warned that if anyone dared to prevent this denouncement of Rao Aimin, it would mean that they would be their sworn enemies! Some of the small sects like the Splitting Mountain Sect also joined their side and stood together with the camp led by Zhou Tianpeng! A lot of the other small sects and basically all of the non-affiliates did not express their opinions and just stood on the sideline. They stayed neutral as they felt they couldn''t afford to offend either party. The martial sects or training halls they represented were also wholly unqualified to take part in the affairs of this incident to begin with. On the other hand, there was no one who expressed any support for Rao Aimin, not a single person. There were only a solitary dozen or so disciples of the Eight Trigrams School standing there with her!


    Several hundred against a dozen or so?


    It was an overwhelming numerical advantage!


    Liu Yiquan sighed and said, "Grandmaster Rao is in trouble this time."


    "This was indeed a Hongmen Banquet!" Yan Hui remarked.


    Li Quanneng said, "She has made an enemy out of the entire martial artsmunity!"


    He Badao said, "Looks like Senior Rao will find it hard to get away today!"


    In the ring, Zhou Tianpeng gave a fist and palm salute to his supporters. "I, Zhou Tianpeng, give thanks to every one of you!"


    "Grandmaster Zhou, you''re being too polite!"


    "It''s only right!"


    "Denouncing that Treacherous Rao is everyone''s responsibility!"


    "That Rao Aimin intends to exterminate your entire Zhou Family this time. Who knows if she might do that next to our Iron Palm Sect!"


    "Right, this is a matter that concerns all of the martial artsmunity, so you don''t have to thank us for anything!"


    The Eight Trigrams School''s disciples were furious!


    Lu Yuhu said angrily, "If you want a fight, just fight! What''s with all that pompous reasoning!"


    Song Jiao rebuked, "All you sanctimonious people! Do you people really think you''re from some righteous sects? Ptui! You''re all just shit!"


    Zhao Yunlong let out a furiousugh. "What has the loss of the Taiji Fist''s legacy for the past over a hundred years got anything to do with your Zhou Family? You''re evenparing yourselves to the Taiji Fist? Do you people think you''re qualified to be held in such regard?"


    Suddenly, Rao Aimin opened her eyes.


    "Senior Sis!"


    "Eldest Senior Sis!"


    "They''re really pushing it too far!"


    "Those hypocritical viins!"


    Rao Aimin motioned with her hands for them to be quiet. She then looked up at Zhou Tianpeng. "Are you finished with your nonsensical talk?" Then she turned to Chen Xi. "Are you also finished with your nonsensical talk? Are we fighting?"


    Chen Xi''s expression sank a little!


    Zhou Tianpeng looked at her. "Of course we''ll be fighting today!"


    Rao Aimin said impatiently, "Then quit your bullshitting."


    Probably only a person like Rao Aimin, who was feared by everyone in the Chinese martial arts world, dared to speak in this manner to the two grandmasters, Zhou Tianpeng and Chen Xi!


    Zhou Tianpeng looked at her indifferently and said, "You were the one who issued the challenge, so the rules of the duel will naturally be decided by me. That fine?"


    Rao Aimin asked, "What do you propose?"


    Zhou Tianpeng''s next words astonished everyone. He said, "I propose a deathmatch!"


    Everyone at the venue jumped in fright!


    "What?"


    "A deathmatch?"


    "Ah?"


    "This��this��"


    "A deathmatch between the grandmasters?"


    The deathmatch was a practice that had been passed down over many hundreds of years. Even after society had entered an age governed byw, the Chinese martial arts world still engaged in this tradition. But unless it was some great enmity, almost no one would choose to settle things in such a manner, especially when it concerned a feud between two grandmasters. This was a huge event that had never happened before!


    Everyone was so shocked their eyeballs nearly popped out!


    However, Rao Aimin''s response to this astonished them even more!


    Rao Aimin did not even hesitate and just said, "Sure!"


    Instantly, Zhou Tianpeng was putting forward the rules of the match. "There are a lot of you from the Eight Trigrams School today, so don''t say that we''re bullying you with our numbers. For this deathmatch, let''s send out three people from each side. We shall duel together in the same ring!"


    Everyone was stunned!


    Zhang Ye''s expression changed!


    Three people representing each side? A duel involving six people?


    What kind of rule was this? Wasn''t it supposed to be a one-on-one match? Wasn''t this battle supposed to be between the Zhou Family Style''s leader and Rao Aimin? Three people? Which three people?


    At the next moment, the faces of all those Eight Trigrams Palm people wholly changed!


    Because Chen Xi had taken a step forward and stood quietly next to Zhou Tianpeng!


    Chen Xi was going to take part in the battle?


    Fuck your grandpa!


    "Despicable!"


    "Bastard!"


    "Aren''t you people ying dirty this way?"


    "Two grandmasters against our Senior Sis by herself?"


    "Shameless!"


    "Fuck!"


    The Eight Trigrams School''s disciples were raging!


    The non-affiliates outside the ring were also stunned. H-How could they do this? The Eight Trigrams School was right! This really was somewhat of a shameless proposition!


    Seeing quite a few of the conference participants stirring, Chen Xi could not help but exin, "Today is a one-off situation. Everyone here should know about Rao Aimin''s martial arts. If Old Zhou or I were to take her on alone, we certainly aren''t going to a match for her. Yet, we cannot just watch helplessly as she continues rampaging and bullying others. Her actions are threatening to end the legacy of the Zhou Family Style, so we have to go to such lengths today. This is very unbefitting of the title of grandmaster, but there are some things that must be done. After much hesitation, we decided that this would be for the greater good. After today, I will voluntarily resign as the vice president of the National Martial Arts Association!"


    Zhou Tianpeng frowned. "Bro Chen, you''re doing this because of our Zhou Family Style''s problems. If anyone resigns, it should be me!"


    Chen Xi gave a wave of his hand. "Don''t say anymore, Old Zhou. I''ve already decided!" Then he turned to the Eight Trigrams School and said, "We won''t be filling all three ces for the duel. It''ll be just me and Old Zhou representing our side!"


    Below, some of therge sects were shouting.


    "Grandmaster Chen, you don''t have to do what you said!"


    "Right, why do you have to resign?"


    "You''re suffering this humiliation on behalf of our martial arts world!"


    "That''s right! Treacherous Rao''s kung fu is more advanced! It''s not embarrassing even if it takes two grandmasters to take her on! You''re dishing out justice on behalf of the heavens, so of course you have to ensure that it gets served! It was Rao Aimin who issued the challenge first, and our martial arts world has its rules as well. The rules of the duel have always been set by those who get challenged, so there''s nothing wrong with that at all! Besides, only the two of you are participating. That''s already considered as giving them some leeway!"


    "Yeah, Grandmaster Chen, Grandmaster Zhou, the two of you are the real heroes here!"


    "You''d rather bear the infamy of teaming up than letting that treacherous bitch get away! That''s something that requires a lot of courage and strength to do! You''re both truly worthy of being the grandmasters of our time!"


    Many from therge sects were cheering them on for their actions!


    Some of the Zhou Family Style''s disciples were even holding back their tears as though they were suffering great heartache for the tremendous stress their sect leader was going through!


    Liu Yiquan: "��"


    Liu Yizhang gave a look to his brother. "Uh��"


    Zhang Ye was exasperated!


    He was truly exasperated!


    Rao Aimin was showing the exact same expression as Zhang Ye. "Looks like I did not guess wrong. You''ve been holed up outside for the past half a year and not daring to go anywhere, and when you finally epted my challenge all of a sudden, you clearly did not dare to take me on by yourself."


    Chen Xi sighed. "Just choose your representatives!"


    Lu Yuhu roared with rage, "Choose? Choose, my ass!"


    Xu Fan exploded in anger, "How are we going to fight this way?"


    Song Jiao said anxiously, "Eldest Senior Sis, let''s leave!"


    When she said that, a number of the Huashan Sect and Zhou Family Style''s disciples reacted the quickest. They blocked off the only pathway to get down the hill and said, "If you''re not fighting, don''t even think of leaving this ce today!"


    "Right!"


    "Denounce Treacherous Rao!"


    "Otherwise, we won''t let this rest!"


    "The challenge was proposed by your side! But you people are thinking of running away now?"


    The path was blocked off!


    The Eight Trigrams School was now a target for everyone!


    But Rao Aimin did not seem to mind. She narrowed her eyes as she looked at Chen Xi and Zhou Tianpeng, then with a tap of her toe, she also jumped up into the ring. "Alright, let me take on the two of you and practice some today!"


    "Auntie!" Chenchen, in the crowd, rushed to her.


    Zhang Ye pulled her back right away!


    Chenchen cried, "My aunt won''t be able to win if the two of them team up!"


    Zhang Ye muttered in a low and serious voice, "I know that."


    Not only did he know this, the Eight Trigrams School''s disciples knew it as well, as did everyone from the Chinese martial arts world who were present at the conference. No matter how skilled Rao Aimin was, she would still find it difficult to take on two people at once. It would be exactly like the time she took on Chen Xi and Zhou Tianpeng several years ago. She would at most be able to injure one of her opponents, but at high risk of getting injured herself. There was no chance she would emerge as the winner. Further, Zhou Tianpeng''s skills had improved again and Chen Xi was also not at the same level as he was before. No one knew about Rao Aimin''s kung fu, but even if she had improved as well, the circumstances were still the same. She couldn''t possibly beat two grandmasters. This was a feat that was impossible!


    Nominate three people for the battle?


    Lu Yuhu rolled up his sleeves in anger. "I will go and hold one of them off!"


    "Get back here!" Song Jiao stopped him. "Your kung fu is the weakest of everyone here! Like you would be able to hold them off! If we must go, it will be me and Sixth Junior Bro!"


    Xu Fan immediately stood up. "I''m ready!"


    "Don''t be rash!" An older disciple of the Eight Trigrams Palm said, "The opponents are both grandmasters! What can you two do even if you take them on? Hold them off? How many attacks can you hold them off for? A single blow? Or two? Perhaps three? Among us, our Fifth Senior Sis and Sixth Senior Bro have the best skills and even they can''t even hold them past three attacks! It''ll only drag down Eldest Senior Sis if you guys fight! She''ll get distracted by wanting to protect you guys! Don''t forget, this is a deathmatch we''re talking about!"


    Lu Yuhu cursed in frustration, "Dammit!"


    Zhao Yunlong said anxiously, "Then what should we do? What should we do?"


    Xu Fan clenched his fist in indignation and said, "If Eldest and Second Senior Bro were here, that would''ve been great! With the two of them taking on a grandmaster, they could at least hold them off for more than ten attacks!"


    "What''s the point of dying them for ten attacks!"


    "Eldest Senior Sis is more skilled Old Crook Zhou, but only by a little. They certainly couldn''t settle their differences within ten attacks. At the very least, Chen Xi has to be held off for 30 attacks! Even with Eldest and Second Senior Bro, we wouldn''t be able to do that! This, this is a doomed match! It was totally targeted at Eldest Senior Sis! They want to make sure that Eldest Senior Sis will lose this match! There was no intention of letting her leave this ce at all!"


    "Bastard!"


    "Let''s take them on!"


    "Take them on with what? They have several hundred people on their side!"


    "Then what can we do?"


    "Senior Sis! You should leave!"


    "Right, with your skills, no one can stop you! Don''t bother with us!"


    However, Rao Aimin stayed motionless and just stared straight at Zhou Tianpeng!


    The Eight Trigrams School''s disciples were getting worried and really had no way to deal with this. The entire Chinese martial arts world was now standing against them. No one was willing to support them!


    Zhou Tianpeng looked in the direction of the Eight Trigrams School and said, "Nominate your people!"


    Nominate what people?


    How could they possibly nominate anyone!


    It was useless whoever they nominated!


    To everyone at the venue, it was clear that this was a deathmatch of two grandmasters against one grandmaster. No one else would be allowed to interfere because no one could! Even all the martial arts experts in attendance, like the Iron Palm''s Master Sun or the Kunlun Sect''s Taoist Han, none of them could possibly hold off a grandmaster for more than ten attacks, let alone this new generation of Eight Trigrams Palm disciples! It wasn''t like there were no skilled experts who could take on a grandmaster. For instance, that eminent monk of the Shaolin Monastery who had long since gone into seclusion, and that highly elusive non-affiliate Taoist. There were still quite a few of these hermits of the Chinese martial arts world who could probably fight a grandmaster and hold them off for many attacks. Unquestionably, none of those who could do it were in attendance of the conference today. But even if they were, they would not likely stand with Rao Aimin!


    Therefore, the oue of the match was already decided!


    To say that they wanted to kill Rao Aimin today was probably a little over the top, but her keeping her skills was definitely something they wouldn''t allow. No one could or would help her!


    However, there was someone who refused to let this to happen!


    While the Eight Trigrams School''s disciples were anxiously circling around, a voice suddenly boomed, "Is this how the righteous martial sects and schools behave? Ha, today is such an eye-opener for me. Zhou Tianpeng bullied others and caused the loss of two lives, then exined that it was just a normal duel and how everyone was responsible for their own fates. But when someone else came to challenge your Zhou Family Style without even taking any human lives, and just injured a few disciples, it became a matter of treason and heresy? An outrage? The National Martial Arts Association has to step in to denounce people? And it''s even two versus one? You want to take her life too? Strip her of her martial arts? Fuck you people! What bullshit is this?!"


    He Badao said in shock, "Bro Chen!"


    Liu Yiquan was also stunned. "Bro Chen Zhen!"


    None of them expected "Chen Zhen" to actually say something at this point in time!


    "Bro Chen, you��" Yan Hui was also dumbfounded. At this moment, the entire Chinese martial arts world is denouncing Rao Aimin, so what are you trying to do here?


    "Bro Yan." Zhang Ye pulled Chenchen over and handed her to him. In the group, Zhang Ye trusted Yan Hui the most. Although Yan Hui did not recognize him, Zhang Ye definitely had not forgotten him. On the airne, they had gone through life and death together, so he knew what Yan Hui''s character was like. "Help me take care of the kid."


    Yan Hui was taken aback. "What do you intend to do?"


    A number of non-affiliates around them were also dumbfounded!


    "Bro Chen Zhen!"


    "Bro Chen, you..."


    Everyone was looking at him!


    Amid everyone''s dumbfounded gazes, Zhang Ye strode out from the crowd and unfastened the buttons of his down jacket. With a cold expression, he tore it away and flung it behind him!


    With those words, he had shocked the whole venue!


    Zhang Ye called out, "Nominate three people? There''s no need for that! Just the two of us will be enough!"


    With a lift of his leg, Zhang Ye went up into the ring!

 Chapter 930: Rao Aimin’s old flame?

    <h4>Chapter 930: Rao Aimin''s old me? </h4>


    Chapter 930: Rao Aimin''s old me?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the Martial Arts Conference''s venue.


    Everyone present at the ring was stunned!


    This martial arts conference was clearly organized as an effort by therge sects to denounce Rao Aimin. It was clearly an assault of several hundred people against her. It was clearly a situation in which the oue was fixed after the two grandmasters joined hands for the battle. To say nothing of Rao Aimin, even the Eight Trigrams School''s disciples would find it difficult to return home safely. It didn''t matter who stepped up; it was useless. With Zhou Tianpeng teaming up with Chen Xi, they had the greatestbat strength that the Chinese martial arts world could muster. But no one had expected that at such a critical moment, someone would actually side with the Eight Trigrams School and go up into the ring despite therge sects'' hostility!


    What did you say?


    The two of you would be enough?


    Has this person gone crazy?


    You''re gonna team up with Rao Aimin to take part in a deathmatch against the two grandmasters?!


    Liu Yiquan became anxious. "Bro Chen! Stop fooling around!"


    "Come back!" Liu Yizhang shouted too.


    Yan Hui was getting anxious. "Aiyo! What is going on here? What the hell is going on here?"


    He Badao shouted, "Damn, why the fuck did you go up into the ring? Are you drunk, Bro Chen Zhen?! Don''t spout such nonsense, ce down quickly! Quickly! This isn''t something that non-affiliates like us can be involved in! The opponents are two martial arts grandmasters. Wh-What are you going up there for!"


    Many of the non-affiliates and people from the small sects outside the ring were on rather good terms with Zhang Ye. Afterst night''s fight against therge sects, they had forged a good friendship, so when they saw this ur, they started panicking as well!


    "Holy shit!"


    "Chen Zhen, get back down here!"


    "Don''t try to y the hero! This isn''t the time for that!"


    "It''s useless no matter who goes!"


    "This is a deathmatch we''re talking about!"


    "Are you throwing your life away, Bro Chen Zhen?"


    The people from therge sects were angered by this. Some of the Eight Trigrams School''s disciples present today were quite skilled at kung fu. For example, the fifth disciple, Song Jiao, the sixth disciple, Xu Fan, and even Zhao Yunlong''s kung fu were eptable. But even they did not go up as they knew they would drag her down if they did. But why did you not know that?


    "What is that person trying to do?"


    "Isn''t he Chen Zhen?"


    "It''s him! It''s that shameless guy!"


    "Fuck, why did he go up into the ring?"


    "Yeah, when Senior Fan and the Huashan Sect''s senior brother challenged him just now, he wasn''t even their match since he was too afraid to ept their challenge. So why is he going up there now? Two vee two? You were too afraid to even ept a Huashan disciple''s challenge. How the fuck can you fight with grandmasters? Will you die if you don''t show off?!"


    "You''re really a fearless one!"


    "Isn''t he insulting everyone here by doing that?!"


    "Chen! You''re gonna die!"


    "Get the fuck down!"


    "Right, get the fuck down!"


    "As a nobody, why are you causing trouble!"


    "Amit��bha, Little Almsgiver, retreat!"


    Many people from therge sects spoke out, wanting to stop this farce!


    The Huashan Sect''s Fan Wen shouted, "This isn''t a match that you can be involved with! Get down!"


    A nobody interfered with the deathmatch involving three grandmasters, and he even wanted to participate in the match? This was an insult to many of therge sects'' members. If someone qualified had to enter the ring to fight, it should not be him! With his mediocre kung fu, he could not handle an attack from any one of the participants in the ring! In this crucial deathmatch that is about to take ce, are you trying to be the fly in the ointment? Take a look at yourself. Do you even think that you can take on grandmasters?


    Chen Xi looked at Zhang Ye.


    Zhou Tianpeng also stared at him. "Who are you?"


    The two grandmasters had such an authoritative gaze that most normal martial artists would not be able to handle looking at them. But Zhang Ye was oblivious to it and nonchntly uttered, "What does it concern you?"


    "Bastard!"


    "How can you talk to my master in that manner?!"


    The Zhou Family Style School was infuriated!


    Zhang Yeughed. "I''ve said what I''ve said. What can you do about it?"


    The Iron Palm''s Master Sun stepped forward and shouted, "I''ve said it already. Whoever dares to help Old Crook Rao will be an enemy of our Iron Palm Sect and we will oppose him to the bitter end!"


    Zhang Ye looked at him and asked, "Who do you think you are? Who does the Iron Palm Sect think they are?"


    Master Sun was furious. "You''re looking to die!"


    The Eight Trigrams School''s disciples were floored as they did not expect such a thing to happen. At this moment, the person who went up into the ring turned out to be that troublemaking non-affiliate fromst night!


    Xu Fan quickly said, "Chen Zhen, our Eight Trigrams School appreciates your kindness. But you are not their match and you won''t help much even if you fight!"


    Fifth Senior Sis Song Jiao said, "Pleasee down."


    Zhao Yunlong said anxiously, "This isn''t something that a non-affiliate can be involved in! Do you understand that?"


    However, Lu Yuhu was stunned. Hearing the words that were spoken by "Chen Zhen," looking at the appearance of that "Chen Zhen" behind his sunsses, the sense of familiarity strengthened and started surging within him!


    In the ring.


    When everyone thought that this person was just being ridiculously overconfident in himself, Rao Aimin''s words shocked everyone present so much that their jaws almost dropped. Everyone who gave the matter some thought had believed Rao Aimin to be one of the fighters who would definitely not allow an unknown, weird non-affiliate to cause trouble like this, and would definitely have chased him off. With Old Crook Rao''s bad temper and sharp tongue, she would probably have lectured him and not appreciated his kindness at all. However, everyone present was stunned when they heard Rao Aimin''s response!


    Rao Aimin nced at "Chen Zhen" and asked, "What are you doing here?"


    Rao Aimin recognized him at first nce. Ignoring the fact that Zhang Ye was wearing a pair of sunsses, even if he were to cover his entire head with something, Rao Aimin would still recognize him from his voice. After all, they were quite familiar with each other and understood one another very well.


    Zhang Ye snapped, "Why do you think I''m here?"


    "Who asked you toe here? Get lost." Rao Aimin raised her chin.


    Zhang Ye got angry. "Get lost, your sister. It was easy for you to leave without even saying a proper goodbye, and you didn''t even bother to call back much over the past six months. Tell me, who have I offended?"


    Rao Aimin replied, "I had important matters to handle. Didn''t I already tell you that?"


    "You said that you would be back in at most a month, but you, do you know what year it is already? Only you had important matters to handle? Like I don''t have important business to attend to?" Zhang Ye became angrier the more he listened. "Do you think that I''m not busier than you? Do you think I don''t have more on my te?"


    Rao Aimin scoffed and scorned, "You call ''fighting'' with people every day important business?"


    Zhang Ye said angrily, "You don''t need to worry about who I ''fight'' with. At least you can find me when you need me. But you? You actually disappeared for six straight months. Even better, your cell phone was turned off for the past two days. Tell me what you''re trying to do. If there''s a problem, you can just tell me. If not for my wit, I wouldn''t have even known where you''d gone. Let me tell you this, Old Rao! Only I could have found you. If it were anyone else, it would have been impossible to find you!"


    The two of them started arguing noisily in front of numerous members of the Chinese martial arts world as though no one else were around!


    Liu Yiquan was shocked!


    Li Quanneng was shocked!


    Yan Hui was shocked!


    Chen Xi was shocked!


    Zhou Tianpeng was shocked!


    The disciples of the Huashan Sect were shocked!


    The Zhou Family Style School was shocked!


    The people from therge sects were shocked!


    The small sects and non-affiliates were shocked!


    The Eight Trigrams School''s disciples also wore expressions of shock!


    What was the meaning of this?


    This man��actually knew Rao Aimin!?


    And from their tones, why did it sound like two exes talking?

 Chapter 931: Are 2,000 Taiji Fist Skill Experience Books enough?

    <h4>Chapter 931: Are 2,000 Taiji Fist Skill Experience Books enough? </h4>


    Chapter 931: Are 2,000 Taiji Fist Skill Experience Books enough?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The atmosphere at the venue was exceptionally odd!


    Everyone looked at one another nkly, shocked into confusion. The happenings in the ring were totally different from what they had expected. Even the "punctuations" appearing over their heads were different! Especially those unceremonious salutations that had came out of "Chen Zhen''s" mouth, those dumbfounded many of them!


    Old Rao?


    But you?


    Get lost, your sister?


    Although many of therge sects'' people present had responded to the call of the two grandmasters to denounce Rao Aimin, they at most dared to scold her as "Treacherous Rao." Beingbeled "treacherous" these days might not even be considered as being scolded anymore, especially in the era of the "motherfucker," which was easily heard anywhere on the Inte. It could not get any more elegant to be called "treacherous" in this case. After all, she was a grandmaster, and even a highly notorious grandmaster at that. She was a hooligan who''d spent half a year doing nothing but going around the country to bring down the Zhou Family Style''s training halls and schools. Even if they had fallen out with her, they did not dare act rashly, especially when this person was Rao Aimin. That was why, at this moment, many of therge sect members were greatly surprised and shocked by those words of that "Non-affiliate Chen Zhen"!


    You''re calling her Old Rao?


    And even saying "but you"? Your sister?


    Fuck, that was audacious!


    That was really too goddamn audacious!


    The Huashan Sect''s Fan Wen looked astounded!


    The Iron Palm''s Master Sun was also staring with astonishment!


    Even thoserge sect people who were very experienced and had seen it all could only react in that way, not to mention those from the small sects and the non-affiliates outside the ring. When they heard those words, they nearly knelt from the shock!


    Liu Yiquan almost fainted. "That''s a grandmaster he''s talking to!"


    "Why is Bro Chen Zhen speaking to her in that manner?" Li Quanneng asked in shock.


    "Could it be that he knows Senior Rao?" He Badao suggested in disbelief.


    "That''s impossible!" Liu Yizhang said.


    Yan Hui held Chenchen''s hand as he stared and pped, "Th-This makes absolutely no sense!"


    The others were also in shock!


    "Isn''t he a non-affiliate like us?"


    "Why did Bro Chen start scolding her the moment he went up! He even has the courage to scold a grandmaster?"


    "This��"


    "Just who on earth is this ''Chen Zhen''?"


    In the ring.


    Zhang Ye and Rao Aimin were not bothered by the spectators and kept bickering with each other.


    Rao Aimin said, "Get lost already. This is none of your business!"


    Zhang Ye replied, "It''s my business now!"


    Rao Aimin said, "With those skills of yours, this is not a ce for you to mess around!"


    Zhang Ye scoffed, "Ha, don''t you dare look down on my skills. Do you think you can defeat two grandmasters just by yourself? Someone has to help you hold off one of them no matter what. If your junior brothers and sisters can''t help you, then let me do it!"


    Rao Aimin did not outright refuse his offer, but just looked at him. "Are you sure you can do this?"


    Zhang Ye dered, "Even if I can''t, I must still do it!"


    "But this is a deathmatch!" Rao Aimin maintained.


    Zhang Ye said, "I know."


    Rao Aimin asked, "How are you going to fight then?"


    Zhang Ye snorted. "You don''t have to worry about that. I naturally have my ways!"


    Rao Aimin narrowed her eyes and looked at him again. "Let me ask you again: Are you sure you can do this?"


    Zhang Ye boasted, "I can as long as you don''t drag me down!"


    Rao Aimin stated, "It''s not of my fault if you die."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Just watch yourself."


    Zhang Ye understood Rao Aimin and Rao Aimin understood him. As the two of them were very familiar with each other, just by exchanging nces, they knew exactly what the other was thinking.


    The Eight Trigrams School section.


    Song Jiao said incredulously, "There''s actually someone in this world who dares to speak to Eldest Senior Sis in that way? This is��"


    Xu Fan was also stunned. "Why didn''t Eldest Senior Sis get angry?"


    Zhao Yunlong also expressed his exasperation. "What the fuck!"


    The Eight Trigrams School''s disciples knew Rao Aimin very well. Some of them even grew up under her care since childhood. They understood their Eldest Senior Sister''s bad temper and sharp tongue better than anyone else. As a result, this incident perplexed them greatly! No one dared to speak to Rao Aimin in such a manner!


    Chen Xi was bewildered as he stared at Zhang Ye.


    Zhou Tianpeng also frowned.


    At this moment, everyone present had only one important question in mind. They wanted to ask: Who on earth is this "Non-affiliate Chen Zhen"?


    Suddenly, Yan Hui was caught by surprise and Chenchen slipped from his grasp. He hurriedly chased after her. "Hey! Where are you running off to?!"


    Chenchen ran out from the crowd and headed straight in the direction of the Eight Trigrams School. She called out some of their names as she ran over. "Old Song, Old Xu, Old Zhao, Old Lu."


    The disciples of the Eight Trigrams Palm were dumbstruck!


    "Chenchen?"


    "Aiyo!"


    "Young ancestor, what are you doing here?"


    "It''s Chenchen!"


    "It''s really her!"


    The Eight Trigrams School''s disciples immediately rushed forward and brought Chenchen into their fold!


    Song Jiao rebuked, "How did youe here by yourself? It''s too dangerous here!"


    Chenchen pointed to the ring. "I came here with him."


    Xu Fan said startled, "You came here with him?"


    Zhao Yunlong could not understand, so he asked, "Why are you together with ''Chen Zhen''? Weren''t you in Beijing?"


    Now, if Lu Yuhu was still unable to recognize who "Chen Zhen" was, then he really would be an idiot. Lu Yuhu gave a wry smile. "That person��is not even called Chen Zhen!"


    "Ah?"


    "What?"


    "Who on earth is he?"


    "Little Junior Bro, do you know him?"


    "What''s his background?"


    The several of them fired questions at him.


    Lu Yuhu wiped the sweat off his forehead and said, "It''s not only me who knows him. I think all of you should know him as well!"


    Song Jiao asked in surprise, "We know him too?"


    Xu Fan said immediately, "How can that be!"


    Zhao Yunlong said, "Is there such a person in our martial arts world? I don''t have any memory of him!"


    Another Eight Trigrams Palm disciple asked, "Don''t tell me he''s some great person of our martial arts world?"


    "It''s not wrong to say that he''s a great person, but he isn''t a great person from our martial arts world!" As there were outsiders around them, Lu Yuhu did not explicitly say his name. "But it shouldn''t be! The man I know never learned any Chinese martial arts! He''s someone who should bepletely unrted to our group of martial artists! So what is he doing here!?"


    Yan Hui was taken aback by that. He suddenly recalled something after he overheard their conversation. He then immediately turned around and stared in disbelief at "Chen Zhen" in the ring. He finally recognized him as well!


    Damn!


    It''s him!


    I''ve been wondering who this goddamn familiar-looking man was!


    After finding out his identity, Yan Hui was even more shocked. Why were there always traces of him at every ce? When he thought of this person leading the non-affiliates to cause troublest night and the conflict that took ce before the National Martial Arts Conference was convened, Yan Hui could only feel thousand strings of "fuck" shing before his eyes!


    Liu Yiquan, Liu Yizhang, and the others who were a distance away were baffled!


    "Why did Chen Zhen''s kid run over there?"


    "The people from the Eight Trigrams School also know that kid?"


    "Ah? Chen Zhen and Rao Aimin actually know each other!"


    "What''s their rtionship?"


    "I recognize her. She''s the orphaned daughter of Rao Aimin''s deceased little sister and brother-inw!"


    "What did you say?"


    "That''s their kid?"


    "That kid from back then has already grown up this much?"


    "This��"


    Everyone from the Chinese martial arts world burst into an uproar!


    There was too much information. Everyone was getting more and more confused about the identity of "Chen Zhen." Why was he taking care of the daughter of Rao Aimin''s little sister? Why could Rao Aimin put the child in his care with such confidence? This was not as simple as just knowing each other!


    Zhou Tianpeng gazed at Little Chenchen for a long time.


    Chen Xi looked at Rao Aimin and Zhang Ye. "Have you two decided yet?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "Yes, it shall be a two-on-two match!"


    Chen Xi asked, "This was supposed to be a three vee three match. Are you sure you won''t need a third person?"


    "That''s not necessary!" Zhang Ye said.


    Rao Aimin did not say anything, but her attitude showed her acquiescence.


    Her attitude once again shocked everyone. What was the meaning of this? Was Rao Aimin really going to join forces with "Chen Zhen" to deal with Grandmaster Chen Xi and Grandmaster Zhou Tianpeng? She didn''t reject him? She wasn''t afraid that he would drag her down?


    Chen Xi did not expect this either!


    Zhou Tianpeng said, "Then let''s sign the agreement!"


    At once, a disciple of the Zhou Family Style handed up a copy of the "legal documentation" for the deathmatch from below the ring, so it was obvious that this document was prepared beforehand. He said, "With the signing, each participant will be responsible for their respective lives!"


    Zhou Tianpeng picked up the brush and wrote his name.


    Chen Xi picked up the brush after him and wrote his name with a few strokes.


    As they were martial artists whomunicated mainly through their fists, even though there were those who enjoyed calligraphy, it was clear that these two were not among that group. The pennings of their names were each more ugly than the other.


    Zhang Ye nced at the names in derision. When he picked up the brush, his entire aura changed. With a few lively and vigorous strokes, he wrote his name as well.


    He was open and aboveboard with this!


    It was signed: Chen Zhen!


    Rao Aimin also signed her name and nced at the name written by Zhang Ye. She said nothing.


    Zhang Ye''s calligraphy was so beautiful that it could not be described by just that word alone. The two characters were like a work of art. Within the lively and vigorous strokes, there was nock of strength and the ending stroke surged with a sense of carefreeness. This calligraphy had once again stunned the people present at the venue.


    Comparing Zhang Ye''s signature to theirs, Chen Xi and Zhou Tianpeng both looked somewhat disconcerted.


    The other martial artists were also a little lost for words. For a hooligan who had used a brick to make sneak attacks on other peoplest night, a nasty fellow who incited a fight for no good reason, damn, could his words be penned any more beautifully than this?! There was probably no one in the entire Chinese martial arts world who had better calligraphy than him, was there!?


    Theypleted the signing of the deathmatch agreement!


    The atmosphere immediately turned tense!


    A person from the National Martial Arts Association announced, "The deathmatch shall begin in 10 minutes! Please get ready!"


    Chen Xi sat down in the ring and closed his eyes.


    Zhou Tianpeng took a deep breath. He did not sit down, but stood there to let himself calm down gradually. His rate of breathing was also getting slower, only taking breaths once every ten seconds.


    Rao Aimin did the same.


    Every martial artist had their own set of qi flow techniques. Before the deathmatch today, they absolutely needed to adjust their mental state and physical fitness to the optimum level.


    Only Zhang Ye was different. This fellow did not bother with adjusting his fitness at all, because he had something else to do. When Rao Aimin asked if he was up to the task, Zhang Ye actually knew that he was definitely not up to it. At least in his present condition, he was certainly no match for the grandmasters. Although his physical fitness was enhanced respectively by each of the 1,000 Stats Category Fruits he had eaten, the grandmasters had a lifetime of training in martial arts as a foundation. They had the peakbat strength within the Chinese martial arts world. Even if theycked some aspects such as Zhang Ye''s agility, they wouldn''t be inferior by much. In addition, the grandmasters practiced an internal style of martial arts. Therefore, other than the physical aspects, almost all of their power came from the "inside." And there was also the iprehensible domain and attacks involving concealed power that Zhang Ye was a total amateur at. Even if he wanted to depend on brute strength to fight against them, he still knew that it was impossible to beat them no matter how confident he was!


    But Zhang Ye did not hesitate in getting into the ring and signing the deathmatch agreement!


    Because he was enraged!


    Because he knew that he still had the Taiji Fist to depend on!


    If 100 books were not enough?


    Then would 500 books be enough?


    If 500 books were not enough?


    Then would 1,000 books be enough?


    If 1,000 books were not enough either?


    Then fuck your mother!


    Surely 2,000 books would be enough!

 Chapter 932: The legendary grandmaster!

    <h4>Chapter 932: The legendary grandmaster! </h4>


    Chapter 932: The legendary grandmaster!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    A deathmatch!


    Nine minutes to go!


    The National Martial Arts Conference venue at the top of the hill fellpletely silent. No one dared to make a peep right now. Even if someone had an itchy throat and wanted to cough, they had to quickly cover their mouth to cough in the most silent way possible as they were afraid that they would cause a disturbance to the three grandmasters meditating in the ring.


    The blowing of the wind was the only thing that could be heard on the hilltop.


    As well as noises emitting from someone''s cell phone. Di di, da da da. It sounded like someone was ying a game. Carefully listening to the game music, it was thetest mobile version of nts vs. Zombies.


    Who was it?


    Fuck, who dared to y games at a time like this?


    And why was the game''s volume so loud?


    After looking around the crowd, everyone was shocked to realize that the sound originated from the fight ring itself. It turned out that "Chen Zhen" was actually ying the game on his cell phone, and as he was sitting quite close the microphone, the game sounds on his cell phone were amplified even louder!


    Liu Yiquan: "��"


    He Badao: "��"


    Yan Hui: "��"


    Chenchen: "��"


    The Eight Trigrams School''s disciples: "��"


    Will this guy really be able fight the grandmasters?


    This is a fucking deathmatch we''re talking about! You, a non-affiliate whose kung fu is mediocre and is surrounded by three grandmasters, have only a few more minutes left until it begins! You don''t even know if you will survive! So how can you still be in the mood to y games at such a time? Just how calm can you get!


    Just what kind of a person are you!


    Everyone was exasperated out of their minds by this behavior of his!


    Only Zhang Ye himself knew that his motive was not to y the game, but in fact use it to hide what he was really doing. Otherwise, if the crowd saw him tapping at the air, it would surely arouse suspicion. By this point, he had opened up the game ring''s merchant shop. He tapped on the Taiji Fist Skill Experience Book that he had received from the lottery draw a long time ago, though it looked to everyone else like he was tapping on his cell phone screen. Over the past two years or so, Zhang Ye had gradually bought over a hundred of these skill experience books. But to cope with today''s situation, he was ready to push it to the limit. He had almost 1.9 billion Reputation Points remaining, and the cost of each Taiji Fist Skill Experience Book was 1 million Reputation Points!


    Buy!


    Buy!


    Buy!


    He tapped on the buy button like crazy!


    Afterwards, he flipped them open one by one and the Taiji Fist Skill Experience Books dissolved into many glowing particles of light. The contents surged straight into his mind, bing a part of him. If anyone could see what Zhang Ye saw, they would certainly be shocked into dropping their jaw. With the countless glowing particles of light surging into his mind, image after image of the Taiji Fist''s moves shed through Zhang Ye''s mind. He could feel his strength burgeoning without end!


    100 books!


    200 books!


    300 books!


    With his actions getting faster, the tapping on his cell phone also grew louder.


    The people outside the ring were looking at him at their wits'' end.


    Some of therge sects'' disciples were gnashing their teeth in hate and nearly insulted someone''s mother!


    Eventually, Zhou Tianpeng, who was meditating with his eyes closed, could no longer bear with this disturbance. The corners of his eyes twitched several times and he opened them, fed up. "Do you have a screw loose?"


    Zhang Ye subconsciously responded the moment he looked up at him, "Do you have a screwdriver?"


    Zhou Tianpeng: "��"


    Everyone: "��"


    Chen Xi, too, could no longer pretend to not have heard and opened his eyes in frustration. With the game''s noisy sound effects and background music, how could he possibly still meditate in peace? So he walked over to Zhou Tianpeng and discussed in low whispers their strategy for the battle. In this deathmatch, they had to terminate all of Rao Aimin''s kung fu and were not allowed to make any mistakes. Otherwise, there would never be a day of peace after today!


    Chen Xi asked softly, "Who will you take?"


    "Let me handle Rao Aimin," Zhou Tianpeng replied.


    Chen Xi made a noise of understanding. "Then I will take care of that non-affiliate."


    Zhou Tianpeng asked, "Who on earth is that person anyway?"


    Chen Xi pondered for a moment before saying, "I don''t know and can''t judge either. But I have some memory of him fromst night. During his duel with a Kunlun Sect disciple, his skills were quite average as well as scummy. From the way that he is still ying games before the start of a deathmatch, he must definitely be just an amateur, so there''s nothing to fear about him."


    Zhou Tianpeng nodded. "I''ll test Rao Aimin''s skill first."


    Chen Xi said, "Alright, I''ll back you up whenever. Just be careful of Rao Aimin''s Swimming Body form."


    "I will," Zhou Tianpeng responded.


    The two of them saw only Rao Aimin as a threat and did not take "Chen Zhen" seriously. In the Chinese martial arts world, there were only a handful of experts. Which of those people did they not know about? Would there be anyone they couldn''t identify? But they had never even heard of this non-affiliate called "Chen Zhen" before, so there was really no point in taking him too seriously. For someone who would resort to using a brick in a duel and being such a young non-affiliate martial artist, even if he did start practicing martial arts when he was in his mother''s womb, he could never get three attacks in against Chen Xi. Moreover, this would be without Chen Xi using his concealed power.


    Everyone saw this deathmatch as a two-on-one match in practice. Rao Aimin would be taking on the duo of Zhou Tianpeng and Chen Xi. No one included "Chen Zhen" as part of the battle.


    Zhang Ye was still furiously "eating" the skill experience books!


    His hand was constantly purchasing the item!


    1,000 books!


    1,500 books!


    1,700 books!


    Finally, almost all 1.9 billion Reputation Points were spent. Zhang Ye did not bother spending whatever leftover points there were. At this moment, including the 100-odd Taiji Fist Skill Experience Books that Zhang Ye had eaten in the past, the total experience that he had summed to a terrifying 2,000-odd experience books! Zhang Ye''s mind was brimming with images of Taiji fish motifs 1 , a series of Taiji moves, and the breathing techniques for the moves. With his mind overflowing with information, he exited the game on his cell phone and closed his eyes as he hurriedly tried to organize his thoughts and take in all of the knowledge that he had gained from eating these skill experience books!


    The experience was too great!


    The amount of knowledge that he now had was shocking!


    With every bit absorbed, Zhang Ye''sprehension of Taiji reached a higher ne. While there were no changes to his physical fitness, which remained the same as after he had "eaten" those 1,000 Fruits of each stat category, his martial arts skill kept soaring! One level, two levels, three levels. This feeling was so great and wonderful that there were no words to describe it!


    There was still a minute to go before the start of the deathmatch!


    Atst, Zhang Ye opened his eyes. Even he did not know what ne his martial arts had reached by now. But as far as everyone else could see, there were no visible changes to Zhang Ye.


    Zhou Tianpeng and Chen Xi had gotten ready and each stood in a corner of the fight ring.


    Rao Aimin had also prepared herself to her best condition. She looked at Zhang Ye. "Can you?"


    Zhang Ye looked back at her. "Probably."


    Rao Aimin said quietly, "When the fighting starts, I won''t be able look after you."


    "That''s not necessary." Zhang Ye said, "Just concentrate on taking on Zhou Tianpeng. How many attacks do you need me to hold Chen Xi off for?"


    Rao Aimin nced at Zhou Tianpeng and said, "Thirty."


    Zhang Ye fell silent for a moment then said, "Alright."


    They took their positions.


    The four of them had chosen their spots to begin from!


    The Eight Trigrams School''s Xu Fan said anxiously, "Fifth Senior Sis, will that Chen Zhen really be of any help?"


    "Who knows!" Song Jiao eximed. "Why was he ying games before the start of the match? He must have a really bad gaming addiction! If I''d known that, I would''ve gone in his ce instead!"


    Zhao Yunlong looked at Lu Yuhu. "Isn''t that person too unreliable?"


    It was time!


    Suddenly, one of the National Martial Arts Association''s referees announced, "The deathmatch will now officially begin!"


    The entire venue immediately erupted!


    Therge sects started a rabidmotion!


    "Come on, Master!"


    "Grandmaster Zhou, you can do it!"


    "Do your best!"


    "Martial Uncle is almighty!"


    "The Zhou Family Style shall prevail!"


    "Grandmaster Zhou shall be victorious!"


    Several hundred voices rang out across the venue!


    When the Eight Trigrams School''s disciples saw this, they started shouting too!


    "Eldest Senior Sis, you can do it!"


    "Don''t hold back, Eldest Senior Sis!"


    "Beat him up!"


    "Be careful, Eldest Senior Sis!"


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye, who was also in the fight ring with them, seemed to have been forgotten.


    Zhang Ye did not mind. He just walked quietly to the southwest corner of the fight ring with his hands behind his back and did not say anything.


    Five seconds.


    Ten seconds.


    The cheering below the ring grew louder and louder, but it fell silent up in the ring. The opponents looked at each other, but no one made the first move!


    Suddenly, Zhou Tianpeng was the first to break the deadlock. Kicking off the ground, his entire person shot forth like a cannonball. With a shout, he smashed toward Rao Aimin with a punch that seemingly carried a ton of weight behind it!


    This was what it was like to be in a battle of grandmasters. Either they did not make a move, or, if they did, they would attack to kill!


    But no one expected that Rao Aimin would not move. She did not even blink or even put up a defense!


    The Eight Trigrams School''s disciples watched in fright!


    "Senior Sis!"


    "Eldest Senior Sis!"


    It wasn''t until the iing punch was an arm''s length away that Rao Aimin moved. Floating into Eight Trigrams footwork, she transferred into the kun stance 2 . Not only was she able to avoid Zhou Tianpeng''s punch, she even stuck fast to Zhou Tianpeng and threw a palm strike at him!


    Zhou Tianpeng blocked with his elbow and counterattacked with a kick!


    Rao Aimin seamlessly executed another Eight Trigrams footwork step to easily shift herself slightly behind Zhou Tianpeng before striking with her palm again!


    In a matter of seconds, the two of them had exchanged several blows!


    This was what it was like to be in a battle between grandmasters! It was spectacr!


    Many people in the audience forgot to breathe. They held their breaths as they fully concentrated on the fight in the ring!


    Chen Xi did not move.


    Neither did Zhang Ye.


    In fact, Chen Xi had been facing Rao Aimin all this while. Wherever Rao Aimin moved to, his feet would adjust in that direction in anticipation. He seemed ready to rush forward to help at any moment, but there was no reason to do so at this time. For now, he just wanted to see if Zhou Tianpeng could handle Rao Aimin with his greatly improved kung fu. If he could, then Chen Xi had no need to take action and aid him. That would save them some face. After all, a two-on-one match was not really something to be proud of!


    After three attacks, the two grandmasters were evenly matched.


    The disciples from the Zhou Family Style were getting excited.


    "Good!"


    "Master is awesome!"


    "Go, Master, go!"


    "Kill that Treacherous Rao!"


    The Zhou Family Style disciples and others from therge sects also gained a confidence boost from watching this!


    However, the fight was evenly matched after the first three moves. When Rao Aimin executed her fourth attack, all therge sect disciples who had just been cheering suddenly went quiet!


    Rao Aimin swivel stepped and immediately attacked with a barrage of Eight Trigrams Linking Palms!


    Zhou Tianpeng wanted to dodge this but could not, so he had no choice but to grit his teeth and take her head-on for three of the strikes. But by Rao Aimin''s third strike, Zhou Tianpeng was unable to hold off her attacks any longer. He yelled, having already shown his full strength, and mustered his concealed power into his right fist. This could burst apart Rao Aimin''s attack, so he repulsed her Linking Palms, which were also struck with her concealed power!


    Eight footprints could be seen clearly on the wooden floor of the fight ring. Two of them belonged to Zhou Tianpeng, who had made them while taking the hard blows from the attacks. The remaining footprints in the thick wooden floor belonged to Rao Aimin!


    If it were an attack directed purely at the wooden floor, a lot of the people present today could also leave their imprints. It was nothing less than needing enough strength to do so. But what had happened in the ring was entirely different. Zhou Tianpeng and Rao Aimin had not channeled any force into their feet and were just attacking each other. When their concealed power was transmitted into their opponents, there would naturally be a shockwave sent through the body of the person taking the attack. This was an astonishing sight for many of those who had not seen a battle between grandmasters before!


    Song Jiao shouted, "Eldest Senior Sis, follow up your advantage!"


    Xu Fan said excitedly, "Old Crook Zhou is no match for you!"


    Chenchen cried out, "Auntie, you can do it!"


    The non-affiliates said in astonishment:


    "Is this what it means to be a grandmaster?"


    "This��"


    "This is too scary!"


    "Heavens!"


    Meanwhile, the real martial arts experts looked apprehensive!


    The Huashan Sect''s Fan Wen gasped, "Grandmaster Zhou is not her equal!"


    The Iron Palm''s Master Sun was also getting anxious. "Grandmaster Zhou can''t go it alone!"


    "Rao Aimin''s skill is too great!" the Kunlun Sect''s leader eximed with a sunken expression. He had not expected that Zhou Tianpeng still could notpare to her after all these years!


    Zhou Tianpeng did not look too good!


    Even though Zhou Tianpeng was not exactly losing yet, after only a few attacks, many of the experts present could see that Zhou Tianpeng was not a match for Rao Aimin whether at moves or skill level!


    Rao Aimin was indeed still that past Rao Aimin!


    Even after disappearing for many years, she was still that legendary figure in the Chinese martial arts world. In a one-on-one fight, nobody was a match for her!


    Watching from his side, Zhang Ye could feel a tingle run down his spine!


    So Old Rao was actually this amazing?

 Chapter 933: Zhang Ye’s concealed power!

    <h4>Chapter 933: Zhang Ye''s concealed power! </h4>


    Chapter 933: Zhang Ye''s concealed power!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The Zhou Family was panicking!


    "Grandmaster Chen!"


    "Grandmaster Chen, what are you waiting for!"


    "Finish off that Treacherous Rao together!"


    "Attack her together!"


    "At this time, you can''t mind your honor!"


    "If Rao Aimin is allowed to continue acting that arrogant, our entire martial arts world is done for!"


    Rao Aimin remained calm and dealt another palm strike at Zhou Tianpeng. With that strike, Rao Aimin remained rooted in her spot, while Zhou Tianpeng stumbled back!


    The difference between them was obvious!


    Rao Aimin nced at him. "That all you got?"


    In the entire Chinese martial arts world, perhaps only Rao Aimin was qualified to speak so contemptuously to a grandmaster!


    Zhou Tianpeng''s face darkened as he was forced to turn to hisst resort. "Old Chen, back me up!"


    Even though Zhou Tianpeng had not yet given all his effort, he knew that Rao Aimin was holding back as well! Both of them were waiting to deliver their fatal blow to the other!


    Chen Xi, not too far away, sighed shallowly. He looked at Rao Aimin and said, "I''m sorry then! Watch out!" He knew that he had no choice but to attack!


    The Eight Trigrams School''s disciples suddenly looked horrified!


    Lu Yuhu cried out, "Eldest Senior Sis, be careful!"


    Zhao Yunlong said enraged, "Old Crook Chen ising for you!"


    Song Jiao yelled, "Eldest Senior Sis, be careful!"


    They were haunted by fear! If their Eldest Senior Sister took Old Crook Zhou alone, the chance of victory was enormous. But if Chen Xi joined the battle, then their Eldest Senior Sister would be in danger!


    The situation was suddenly reversed!


    The atmosphere became strained!


    The next moment, the Huashan Sect''s leader, Chen Xi, made his move. Darting forward, Chen Xi advanced three meters from his original spot. He was heading straight for Rao Aimin and Zhou Tianpeng!


    The Huashan Sect''s disciples said excitedly:


    "Come on, Master!"


    "Our sect leader will definitely win this!"


    "Everyone has a responsibility to exterminate Treacherous Rao!"


    Chen Xi closed in on Rao Aimin. With a yell, he showed an original stance of the Huashan Sect that had never been passed down to anyone outside of the school!


    In everyone''s anxious gaze, there were only Chen Xi, Zhou Tianpeng, and Rao Aimin in the ring. In the moment, even Chen Xi and Zhou Tianpeng had forgotten that this was a two-on-two match and there was still another person in the ring with them!


    Zhang Ye made his move. He lightly took three paces at a speed that was not fast, but had already drifted to Rao Aimin''s side. He slowly got into an opening stance that no one could recognize. At this moment, Zhang Ye''s bearing lookedpletely different from before!


    The crowd was stunned.


    Fan Wen said, "Chen Zhen?"


    Master Sun said, "It''s him!"


    Liu Yiquan hollered, "Bro Chen, don''t go!"


    Lu Yuhu said, "Y-You can''t block that!"


    Song Jiao eximed, "Quick, dodge that attack!"


    Chen Xi was stunned and changed the direction of his attack. He headed straight for Zhang Ye and drove his palm strike toward him. This palm strike was meant for Rao Aimin and had a great deal of force. The attack was extremely ruthless. Even after redirecting it at "Chen Zhen," he did not hold back. He was alreadymitted to the attack, so even if he wanted to stop, it was impossible to do so!


    You''re gonna get yourself killed!


    This is what you get!


    Chen Xi''s gaze turned ruthless as he found a clear purpose. Finish off Chen Zhen first, then join Zhou Tianpeng to deal with Rao Aimin!


    However, Chen Xi and everyone else did not expect "Chen Zhen" to still look so calm at this moment; there was no change in his appearance at all. He did not dodge, instead raising his hands in a seemingly slow manner, although it was actually a very fast motion!


    Zhang Ye raised his hands and flicked his wrists, forming a strange rhythm that alternated between fast and slow. He warded off Chen Xi''s palm strike with his wrist. For a second, it seemed like they froze there. Right afterwards, Zhang Ye pivoted. Swinging his wrist downward, his opponent''s strength was coolly negated with the move. That swinging of the wrist had somehow diverted all of his opponent''s momentum into thin air!


    The palm strike was stopped!


    Chen Xi was also stopped!


    It wasn''t like Chen Xi wanted to stop where he was. During the attack of his palm strike, he was in a constant state of motion. Just like a runner could note to a halt all of a sudden, he required a buffer and time toe to aplete stop! But the scene that yed out before Chen Xi''s eyes had surprised him. He had been stopped just like that even though he was moving very quickly before that. All of his strength was suddenly reduced to nothing as he lost all of his momentum, leaving him standing there!


    It was a very strange sight to behold!


    So strange that it felt unbelievable!


    Zhou Tianpeng was stunned!


    Rao Aimin''s eyebrows arched.


    Nobody in the crowd could react, all staring up at the ring with surprise!


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Grandmaster Chen, what''s the matter?"


    "Why did you stop?"


    "Wha-What just happened here?"


    "Who can tell me what just happened?"


    "Could it be that Grandmaster Chen was holding back? He was worried that he would strike him dead with just a single palm strike?"


    "Master! Don''t hold back!"


    No one could understand what they were seeing. They could only convince themselves that Chen Xi had held back, afraid that his attack would be too heavy on his opponent, so had decreased the strength behind his palm strike to minimize any damage!


    However, only Chen Xi, Zhou Tianpeng, and a small few Chinese martial arts experts present today could see clearly. Although they did not know what had happened, they knew that this was not a matter of Chen Xi holding back his strength!


    This was not good!


    This "Chen Zhen" was definitely not just some non-affiliate!


    The face of Fan Wen, part of the Huashan Sect, grew cold with fear. "Senior Bro, be careful!"


    When Fan Wen shouted that, many of the people from therge and small sects were stunned!


    Be careful?


    Be careful of what?


    Why would Grandmaster Chen have to be careful?


    But as it turned out, the next second, everyone understood exactly why Fan Wen had shouted those words of caution!


    Zhang Ye followed up with a move which was different from before. This time, he actively sought to attack with a very odd-looking set of moves. His palm struck out not in a straight line, but rather moved along an imaginary arc in midair. This palm strike started off slow but gathered speed while moving along the curved trajectory and pushed toward Chen Xi!


    It wasn''t a cross!


    It wasn''t a vertical chop!


    It was just a simple push!


    Logically, such a move would not have much offensive strength. Chen Xi blocked it with his own palm, which was imbued with some concealed power as he thought that he could use it to curb the enemy in one move. This was a move that was used to bully another since in most situations, a grandmaster would never apply concealed power when they came up against another internal martial arts expert who hadn''t achieved concealed power. With the concealed power applied, there was no way that a person who didn''t have it could block it. The fight would not go on any further than this! Meanwhile, Rao Aimin and Zhou Tianpeng were having an increasingly fierce battle. Zhou Tianpeng was already showing signs of defeat, so Chen Xi was anxious to aid him. As a result, he acted unreasonably by dealing an attackced with concealed power!


    Rao Aimin''s saw this in her peripheral vision. "Dodge!"


    Song Jiao shouted, "It''s concealed power!"


    Lu Yuhu cried out, "Shameless!"


    Zhao Yunlong cursed, "Old Crook Chen, how shameful you are!"


    The brothers, Liu Yiquan and Liu Yizhang, eximed, "Bro Chen, dodge that!"


    But Zhang Ye did not dodge, or rather, there was no time to do so. An unknown force made him push his hand out, carrying an unbroken and ceaseless strength along with it. All of this was done instinctively. Zhang Ye did not really have full control of it!


    Boom!


    The two palms collided in midair!


    Zhang Ye felt an enormous force explode out from his palms, then the corners of his mouth twitched and his entire person trembled as he stumbled back three steps!


    Looking at Chen Xi across from him, Chen Xi was also destabilized as he took arge step backward. His flow of qi was disrupted and his palm was covered with sweat!


    Chen Xi was stunned!


    Zhou Tianpeng and Rao Aimin, in the midst of battle, were also stunned!


    The several hundred martial sects'' disciples of the Chinese martial arts world were stunned as well!


    In a single exchange where they pitted their palm strikes against each other, Zhang Ye and Chen Xi were both injured!


    Fan Wen gasped!


    The Kunlun Sect leader''s heart skipped a beat!


    Song Jiao eximed in shock, "Concealed power!"


    Xu Fan said ecstatically, "That''s concealed power!"


    Lu Yuhu simply could not believe his eyes. His jaw dropped! How did he know how to use concealed power? How could he have possibly trained to such a level that he could use concealed power!?


    "Heavens!"


    "This��"


    "Who is he?"


    "Fuck! Who the heck is he!?"


    He Badao was utterly shocked!


    The people of therge and small sects, as well as the non-affiliates, were all stunned too!


    This was far too shocking. A non-affiliate whose origins were unknown actually pitted his skill against a Chinese martial arts grandmaster and did not lose. Further, both sides could even use concealed power!


    This was too fucking scary!


    Which crevice did this amazing "Chen Zhen" jump out from?!

 Chapter 934: How do you know Taiji Fist!?

    <h4>Chapter 934: How do you know Taiji Fist!? </h4>


    Chapter 934: How do you know Taiji Fist!?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The entire venue was in shock!


    A lot of people were so shocked that they could not even say a thing. They were having trouble epting all that was ying out in front of them!


    Even the currently fighting Rao Aimin said in disbelief, "What the fuck, how did a rascal like you learn to use concealed power? Are you on steroids or something?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "There are a lot of things you don''t know about me."


    Rao Aimin threw a palm strike at Zhou Tianpeng, then said, "Then I won''t be worrying about you anymore. I''ll leave that old Chen fogey to you!"


    "Wasn''t that what we agreed on from the start?" Zhang Ye watched Chen Xi closely, but did not make any moves. "You take one, and I take one! That''s what a two-vee-two is!"


    Those people who had encountered Zhang Ye and exchanged blows with him duringst night''s mass brawl were all breaking out into cold sweat now. They thought to themselves just how lucky it was that this guy had only used a brick to smash them yesterday. If he had used his attacks like he was today and attacked their heads, they probably would not be sitting here today!


    The Huashan Sect''s Fan Wen wore a solemn expression!


    The Huashan Sect senior bro who had tried to incite Zhang Ye to a duel earlier was now so embarrassed that he did not dare utter a word. In fact, he was very frightened by the turn of events and cursed in his mind with a lingering sense of fear. Fuck, if you could already use concealed power, why did you still bother to argue back and forth with us while standing together with those non-affiliates! Like any one of us below grandmaster level were a match for you? But you? You even scolded and hassled us? How could you be so devious!


    And that Swimming Body Eight Trigrams Brick?


    Eight Trigrams Brick, your sister! Fuck!


    Elsewhere.


    A lean non-affiliate looked at Liu Yiquan and the others, dumbfounded. "That guy traveled here with your group, right?"


    Liu Yiquan wiped at his sweat. "Yes."


    A female non-affiliate asked them woodenly, "How did you guys get to know him?"


    Liu Yizhang looked more aghast than anyone around him. "Me and my brother, plus Old He and Old Li, met him on the bus while we were traveling here. He had a kid with him and told us that he was also a member of the martial artsmunity. He said that he had lost his invite and asked if he could travel with us. He said his name was Chen Zhen and his master was someone named Huo Yuanjia? And there was also another master called Huang something?"


    Li Quanneng had a better memory. "Huang Feihong."


    "Right, that''s the name," agreed He Badao while nodding.


    One of the veteran non-affiliates said, "In our martial arts world, among the worthy experts, there is no one named Huang Feihong or Huo Yuanjia. Neither is there anyone called Chen Zhen! That must be a fake name! Him losing his invite must have been an excuse, since he probably did not even have one in the first ce. He was never invited to this National Martial Arts Conference!"


    Many of the non-affiliates did not seem too bothered by it. All of them could only think of one thing, the same thing: Oh my god! We actually traveled together with a Chinese martial arts expert? We actually fought fiercely alongside a martial arts expert who could rival a martial arts grandmaster, and took part in a massive brawlst night with him against our enemies? And even scolded alongside him?


    In the ring.


    Chen Xi looked imposing. "Who are you really?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "I am who I am."


    Chen Xi said, "Then which martial school do you belong to?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "None of them."


    Chen Xi asked, "What martial arts style do you practice?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Guess."


    In the other side of the ring, Zhou Tianpeng had lost a lot of strength, and it was getting more and more difficult for him to hold out. He was forced to shout, "Old Chen, get over here! I can''t hang on for much longer!"


    Rao Aimin rounded up the set of Eight Trigrams Palm''s moves. She was one of the Chinese martial arts world''s five grandmasters, and currently the most skilled disciple of the Eight Trigrams Palm. Even the leader of the Eight Trigrams School was slightly less skilled than Rao Aimin, as Rao Aimin had mastered all of the Eight Trigrams Palm''s techniques to the pinnacle!


    Chen Xi was getting impatient. "Step aside!"


    "No way." Zhang Ye smiled.


    Chen Xi said soberly, "You''re not my equal."


    Zhang Ye said, "You can''t do anything to me anyway. And if I try my best, I might even be able to injure you some!" In his game ring''s inventory, he still had the 1-Up item that he''d received a long time ago from the lottery draw. With two lives, he would naturally be more confident in such a situation!


    Chen Xi said with a dark expression, "This is none of your business. Why would you want to make our entire martial arts world your enemy?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Do you and Zhou Tianpeng represent our entire martial arts world? And even if you do, who cares if I make you two my enemy? This bro has offended many people, so it''s not like including our martial arts world amongst them would make any difference to me!"


    Chen Xi was enraged. "You talk really big!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Hur hur, that''s because you do not know me."


    That''s right, Zhang Ye was not actually talking big!


    In the audience, when Yan Hui and Lu Yuhu heard this, they didn''t know whether tough or cry. At the venue today, perhaps only the two of them really knew that "Chen Zhen" was speaking the truth. He really did not care if he offended the Chinese martial arts world, as this fellow had already offended too many peers from too many different industries. His nickname of "shit stirrer" was definitely not for nothing! He was a professional shit stirrer with 20 years of experience! The only thing they probably did not expect was that he woulde to stir shit in the Chinese martial arts world!


    Chen Xi took a deep breath, then suddenly spat out, "Then let''s give it a try!" He took arge stride forward and quickly got beside Zhang Ye, wanting to end the battle quickly. He could not drag it out any further!


    As a grandmaster, his immediate attack was filled with concealed power!


    Zhang Ye''s eyes narrowed. He met the attack with his palm and pinned it at Chen Xi''s wrist, twisting and squeezing.


    Chen Xi''s force in his palm was immediately reduced by a good half. With a low yell, his other hand turned towards Zhang Ye''s face!


    Zhang Ye ducked to dodge and managed to avoid the attack, but then saw Chen Xi changing his attack trajectory, shooting his palm down to smash against Zhang Ye''s shoulder. Zhang Ye could not avoid this, and neither did he intend to avoid it. Under everyone''s shocked gaze, he lowered his shoulder and went down on one knee, as though he were taking the palm strike on purpose. Surprisingly, he did not suffer any injuries. Then he straightened up and shrugged his shoulder up and returned the attack with an abrupt force!


    Chen Xi''s concealed powerced palm strike was unexpectedly bounced back by the shoulder''s motion and came back to bite him instead!


    Just what was this martial art style?


    Why did it feel so familiar?


    Chen Xi was shocked and was not having a pleasant fight at all!


    In the audience, a veteran master fighter from the National Martial Arts Association suddenly said, "That looks familiar! Why does that martial arts technique look so familiar?" Yet he could not pinpoint what it was!


    What could it be?


    Just what could this martial arts technique be?


    A lot of people were thinking!


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye and Chen Xi continued their match against each other in the ring!


    Chen Xi was superbly disying the Huashan Sect''s martial arts. Sinister and ruthless moves were the characteristics of their martial sect. It was a very difficult martial arts style to face!


    However, Zhang Ye''s coping of it astonished the spectators further and further!


    Zhang Ye did not make many moves, but every move he did make skillfully deflected all of the iing attacks!


    Repulse!


    Deflect!


    Thrust!


    Push!


    Yank!


    Sever!


    Elbow!


    Bump!


    Negating the force! Transforming the force! Applying the force!


    ced in a situation where his skills were inferior to his opponent, he still managed to fight on equal footing with Chen Xi!


    Lu Yuhu was excitedly cheering, "Amazing! So cool!"


    Zhao Yunlong rejoiced. "Great fighting!"


    Song Jiao shouted excitedly, "Beautiful! Very beautiful!"


    Xu Fan was amazed. "Great kung fu!"


    A female disciple of the Eight Trigrams Palm was in disbelief even now. "Damn! That guy is actually a match for a grandmaster! Wh-What is this kung fu!"


    It was obvious to everyone that Chen Xi''s martial arts were better than "Chen Zhen''s," but "Chen Zhen''s" martial arts were just too strange and unconventional. It was a totally different type of martial arts that did not follow any known form within the Chinese martial arts world, yet everyone knew that it was not randomly executed by the fighter. This was absolutely aplete style of Chinese martial arts, from its defense to its attacks!


    The Huashan Sect disciples were both astonished and angered!


    "Master!"


    "Come on!"


    "The Huashan Sect will definitely emerge victorious!"


    "Master shall emerge victorious!"


    Ten exchanges had gone by!


    Zhang Ye could not do anything to Chen Xi!


    But neither could Chen Xi do anything to him for the moment!


    Chen Xi was growing frustrated the more he fought. If it were his skills that were not a match for the opponent, there was nothing he could do. But the issue was that his skills were better than the opponent''s, yet he couldn''t do anything to him. This feeling was much too unbearable. He understood that the opponent''s martial arts style had an upper hand because he had never seen nore across it before, so he did not understand the basis of the moves. This was his reason for getting so frustrated. He felt like he couldn''t summon any strength at all. There were even a few times the opponent had negated all the force behind his attacks!


    Zhou Tianpeng was still shouting, "Old Chen!" He was losing ground in his fight!


    Chen Xi was frantic.


    Why?


    Why did this martial arts style feel so familiar when he had clearly never encountered it before?


    He could not understand! He could not understand no matter how he thought about it!


    Everyone in the crowd was gawking!


    "Why did it turn out like this?"


    "Why?"


    "My goodness, what martial arts style is that?"


    "How can there be such an awesome martial arts style?"


    "He clearly did not exert any strength, so how did he negate his opponent''s force?"


    "How did he manage to block that move?"


    "Eh, how did he bounce that attack back? Grandmaster Chen has not managed tond a single hit yet!"


    "This is too weird!"


    "Which sect''s kung fu is that?"


    Suddenly, an extremely experienced and old martial arts master in the audience eximed, "I realize now! I''ve figured it out!" Then he looked astounded!


    All of a sudden, the Kunlun Sect leader in the audience was also stunned. "How can it be! How is that possible!?" He had also realized what it was and wore a shocked expression!


    "Which school''s kung fu is it?"


    "Yes! It''s definitely that!"


    "That is what we call a force of four taels yielding a thousand catties!"


    "A bnce of yin and yang, hardness coupled with softness. It''s definitely that! It has to be!"


    Quite a number of therge sects'' leaders or elders had recognized it by now and were also dumbfounded when they realized!


    But most of the others still did not understand!


    "Ah?"


    "What is it?"


    "What kung fu is that?"


    "Why is everyone reacting like that?"


    Liu Yiquan, He Badao, and the other non-affiliates could not understand!


    The Eight Trigrams School''s disciples were also confused. What major events had they not witnessed before in the many years of their lives? Why were all of these veteran martial arts masters looking so horrified? What sort of kung fu made you react in such a way? What sort of kung fu has astonished you so much?


    Finally, the answer was revealed!


    As the saying went, those closely involved cannot see as clearly as those not. Chen Xi heard the shouting from outside the ring and something clicked in his head. He finally understood too. His expression changed greatly and he suddenly stopped attacking. He took a few steps back in extreme dread and gazed at Zhang Ye like he had seen a ghost. He stared at the stance that Zhang Ye was in and bellowed, "H-How do you know Taiji Fist!?"

 Chapter 935: The successor of Taiji Fist appears!

    <h4>Chapter 935: The sessor of Taiji Fist appears! </h4>


    Chapter 935: The sessor of Taiji Fist appears!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    "How do you know Taiji Fist!?"


    With those words, the entire venue fell silent!


    Liu Yiquan blinked several times. "Taiji Fist?"


    He Badao said in a daze, "What''s Taiji Fist?"


    Arge sect''s disciple said in confusion, "What fist?"


    In the crowd, people were subconsciously repeating the same few words. Then, all of a sudden, everyone was so shocked that they nearly facented. They only managed to react after a long while!


    "Taiji Fist?"


    "Holy fuck!"


    "What?"


    "What is Grandmaster Chen saying?"


    "The Taiji Fist that has been lost for over a hundred years?"


    "That''s not possible!"


    "How could it be Taiji Fist?"


    "Hasn''t Taiji Fist been lost for over a hundred years already?!"


    Everyone paled!


    The Huashan Sect''s Fan Wen was scared silly by the revtion. "This, this��"


    Everyone was so shocked by the im that their souls nearly flew out of their bodies!


    When an eminent monk of the Shaolin Monastery heard Chen Xi shout those words, he also instantly recognized it and cried out, "It''s really Taiji!"


    A lot of people did not believe it!


    They simply could not believe it!


    "Impossible!"


    "Taiji was lost long ago!"


    "It''s impossible for someone to know it!"


    "Right, it''s impossible!"


    "It doesn''t make sense for someone to know it!"


    "Then why are those masters so sure?"


    "Yeah, why are they so certain?"


    A deputy leader of the Kongtong Sect said with a sunken expression, "Over a hundred years ago, a martial arts expert suddenly appeared out of nowhere and used Taiji Fist to defeat the top experts of the Eight Trigrams, Xingyi, Shaolin, Wudang, Kunlun, Kongtong, Huashan, and 18 other martial sects that practiced external and internal martial arts styles. No one could stop him. But then the war started and the martial arts expert was never heard from again. Taiji Fist simply disappeared from this world. From then on, no other disciples or sessors to Taiji Fist appeared. In the many books and records that we still have, only those words that were spoken by that Taiji Fist expert all those years were recorded. They''re also the only clue our modern martial arts world has left of this legendary Chinese martial arts style. I believe that the records of many of therge sects would have this piece of history written in them!"


    Quite a few of those from therge sects started asking questions.


    "What words?"


    "Yeah, what words exactly?"


    The Huashan Sect''s Fan Wen looked over!


    The disciples from the Eight Trigrams School looked over!


    Many of the experts from therge and small sects looked over in unison!


    That Kongtong Sect deputy leader said pensively, "''Taiji Fist'' says to ''use your mind to move energy. You must get the energy to sink. It is then able to collect in your bones. Use energy to move your body. You must get the energy to flow smoothly. Your body can then easily obey your mind. If you can raise your spirit, you will be without worry of being slow or weighed down. Thus it is said: "Your whole body will be nimble and your headtop will be pulled up as if suspended." Your mind must perform alternations nimbly, and then you will have the qualities of roundness and liveliness. Thus it is said that you are to "pay attention to the alternation of empty and full." When issuing power, you must sink and rx, concentrating it in one direction. Your posture must be straight andfortable, bracing in all directions. Move energy as though through a winding-path pearl, prating even the smallest nook, meaning the energy is everywhere in the body. Wield power like tempered steel, so strong there is nothing tough enough to stand up against it. The shape is like a falcon capturing a rabbit. The dynamic is like a cat pouncing on a mouse. In stillness, be like a mountain, and in movement, be like a river. Store power like drawing a bow. Issue power like loosing an arrow. Within curving, seek to be straightening. Store and then issue. Poweres from your spine. Step ording to your body''s changes. To gather is to release and to release is to gather. Disconnect but stay connected. In the back and forth (of your arms), there must be folding. In the advance and retreat (of your feet), there must be variation. Extreme softness begets extreme hardness. Your ability to be nimble lies in your ability to breath.''"


    The members of the Chinese martial arts world present were getting more and more astonished from hearing that!


    Use your mind to move energy?


    Use the energy to move your body?


    To gather is to release?


    To release is to gather?


    W-Wasn''t that the set of fighting techniques "Chen Zhen" had just employed!


    The Eight Trigrams School''s disciples were dumbfounded when they heard that!


    Xu Fan was bbergasted. "Did that Chen Zhen really use Taiji Fist?"


    Zhao Yunlong let out a curse. "What the fuck!"


    Song Jiao said, "How can he know!?"


    Lu Yuhu, Yan Hui, and Chenchen were even more dumbstruck. They were the only people at the venue who knew of "Chen Zhen''s" real identity, so it added even more disbelief!


    Everyone was stunned at this revtion. This mental shock was even more shocking than when Chen Zhen had revealed that he could use concealed power!


    Because this was not just any other martial art!


    It was the Taiji Fist!


    This was the legendary martial art that had disappeared for over a hundred years!


    This was the martial arts that had beaten the entire Chinese martial arts world until no worthy opponents remained!


    Even Zhou Tianpeng who was currently fighting in the ring got distracted. When Chen Xi and he heard the words "Taiji Fist," their confidence was visibly shaken!


    Even Rao Aimin was so shocked that she gasped and shouted, "Rascal, is that the truth?"


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "What do you think?"


    Rao Aimin said, "How do you know Taiji Fist?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''ve always known it."


    Rao Aimin replied, "Then why didn''t you tell me, you rascal!"


    "I''ve told you before!" Zhang Ye was rather speechless at her reaction. "When you asked me back then, I told you that I knew Taiji Fist, but you said that I was bullshitting!"


    "Who the hell would know that you really meant it!" Rao Aimin countered.


    Zhang Ye said, "Now you know."


    When everyone heard "Chen Zhen" admitting this himself, they all gasped one after another. To them, and even to the entire Chinese martial arts world, this revtion was simply unbelievable. Just saying the Taiji Fist had reappeared in the martial artsmunity again was enough to send shockwaves throughout the entiremunity!


    Why did Taiji Fist make a reappearance in this world?


    Why did it have to be at this time of all times?


    The Huashan Sect leader, Chen Xi, felt as though he had been pped in the face. He had just made a speech at the National Martial Arts Conference using the story of Taiji Fist as an example to get his point across for not letting the Zhou Family Style follow in its footsteps. He said that they should not allow such precious intangible cultural assets to slip from their hands and be lost, thus using it as an excuse to attack Rao Aimin for the greater good of the Chinese martial arts world. But not soon after, just ten minutester, a non-affiliate who knew Taiji Fist had appeared in the ring!


    How face-smacking!


    And it was really amazing!


    So the legends of the Taiji Fist that had shocked the entire martial artsmunity before were not just legends!


    It was no wonder Chen Xi could not do any harm to his opponent even though he was obviously more skilled than him. So it turned out that his opponent was a practitioner of this style of martial arts!


    In the audience, Song Jiao could not longer hold it in. She seized Lu Yuhu. "Spit it out! Who on earth is that person?"


    Xu Fan was also bursting with curiosity. "Little Junior Bro! Don''t you know him? Hurry up and tell us!"


    "A Taiji Fist master who has trained to use concealed power? This��" A slightly older disciple of the Eight Trigrams Palm said, "Are any opponents below the level of grandmaster worthy of him? Even if his opponent were a grandmaster, he might still stand a chance of defeating them! The theory of Taiji Fist in and of itself was already meant to be used to curb a stronger opponent, using only a small amount of effort to push away something much heavier!"


    "Little Junior Bro!"


    "Hurry up and tell us!"


    Song Jiao said, "Because of Eldest Senior Sis''s terrible social ties, her reputation in our martial arts world is in tatters. Who wouldn''t avoid her if they could? So how did Eldest Senior Sise to know such a powerful friend?"


    Lu Yuhu was anxiously wiping sweat off himself. "Because��"


    Xu Fan said, "Because of what?"


    Lu Yuhu gave a wry smile. "Because that guy''s social ties are even worse than our Eldest Senior Sis''s!"


    Yan Hui who was beside them couldn''t agree more.


    "Ah?" Song Jiao was stunned.


    Zhao Yunlong was also stunned. "There''s someone who has a worse reputation than Eldest Senior Sis?"


    Around them, the disciples from therge and small sects, as well as the non-affiliates, could no longer hold it in either!


    "Who is he!"


    "Who the fuck can tell us who that is!"


    "A non-affiliate?"


    "How can such an expert not be affiliated with any of the martial sects!"


    "After apse of more than a hundred years, the sessor of Taiji is finally willing to show himself again?"


    "I have a feeling that the martial artsmunity will be plunged into chaos soon!"


    "Just who can he be?"


    "Eh, hold up!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "He''s familiar, he looks really familiar!"


    "Ah, now that you mention it, I think so too!"


    "Aiyo, why do I, too, find him quite familiar now? Like I''ve seen him somewhere before?"


    Liu Yiquan, Liu Yizhang, and the others who had been traveling together with Zhang Ye were startled. If no one had mentioned that he looked familiar, they wouldn''t have thought along that line. Now that they looked at him, this person truly looked familiar to them as well!


    They had definitely seen him before!


    They had definitely seen him somewhere before!


    Finally, Chen Xi said something in the ring!


    "After more than a hundred years, I''ve finally had the honor to see for myself this generation''s sessor of the Taiji Fist." Chen Xi then made a slight fist and palm salute ording to the Chinese martial arts world''s traditions. "Chen Xi, of Huashan''s Five Way Boxing 1 ." This was a form of respect to the opponent, as well as to the legendary martial art of the Taiji Fist.[1.]


    Zhang Ye looked up at him and slowly lifted his hand to his sunsses. He rested his hand on them for a moment before taking them off!


    Instantly, the entire hilltop fell utterly silent!


    Chen Xi was shocked!


    Zhou Tianpeng was also shocked where he was standing!


    Liu Yiquan was dumbfounded!


    He Badao stunned!


    Song Jiao was stunned!


    Everyone was stunned!


    They heard the young man standing in the ring say in a in manner, "Zhang Ye, of the Taiji Fist."

 Chapter 936: The shit stirring duo!

    <h4>Chapter 936: The shit stirring duo! </h4>


    Chapter 936: The shit stirring duo!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    When they saw this person.


    When they saw his face.


    When they heard his words.


    At the venue, countless people''s expressions turned to extreme excitement in an instant!


    "Wha-What did he say?"


    "He said��Zhang Ye, of the Taiji Fist!"


    "Zhang what?"


    "Zhang Ye."


    "What Ye?"


    "Zhang Ye."


    "What Zhang?"


    "��Go away!"


    A lot of people short-circuited for a moment!


    "Non-affiliate Chen Zhen" had just taken off his sunsses and was immediately recognized by the spectators. Even though these martial artists did not usually pay attention to entertainment news and celebrities as they wouldn''t possibly be sitting in front of their TVs every day to get ready to watch The Voice of China, it was impossible for most of them to not recognize this person standing before them. Because this person was famous nationwide! Even if they did not watch The Voice, they would still watch TV at times, right? Or had watched the Brain Goldmercial before? Or read the newspapers before? Or watched the news on TV before? Or watched Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G before? Or yed nts vs. Zombies before? Or had heard about the incident where a Korean celebrity got beaten up? Or heard their friends use those ssic catchphrases for scolding people before? Or, when worst came to worst, they surely would have heard about that airne hijacking incident that caused a sensation across the country, right? As long as they knew about any of those aforementioned examples, they would surely know him. This guy''s notoriety was incredibly well-known throughout the country! At most, some of them might be a little unfamiliar with him, but they definitely knew of him!


    Liu Yiquan called out, "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    He Badao said, thrilled, "Goddamn!"


    A female non-affiliate stuttered, "Teacher, Teacher Zhang?"


    "What''s going on?" the Eight Trigrams School''s Song Jiao eximed.


    Xu Fan eximed along with her, "Little Junior Bro, just what is going on here?"


    Lu Yuhu said with resentment, "I don''t know why Teacher Zhang is here today either! Actually, during this time when Eldest Senior Sis was away from Beijing, it was Teacher Zhang who had been taking care Chenchen."


    Only Yan Hui who was standing together with the Eight Trigrams School looked very epting of the situation.


    Zhao Yunlong noticed. "Bro Yan, you recognized him early on?"


    "That''s right." Yan Hui gave a wry smile. "Back during the airne hijacking incident, I fought alongside Teacher Zhang Ye. We worked together to defeat the terrorists, so I''m a little more familiar with him." Though he said that, Yan Hui had actually recognized him considerablyte. It was only when Zhang Ye had entered the ring that he managed to recognize him, but that wasn''t because Yan Hui was not alert, nor was it due to him not paying attention to the news as part of the Chinese martial artsmunity. It was simply because he had not thought along that line at all!


    Zhang Ye?


    A celebrity?


    An A-list celebrity in the domestic entertainment industry?


    He actually turned out to be the sessor of the Taiji Fist that had been lost for over a hundred years?


    In the ring, it was clear from Chen Xi''s expression that he knew Zhang Ye as well. "Why is it you!?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Why can''t it be me?"


    Outside the ring, a South Wudang disciple shouted, "It just cannot be you!"


    At the venue, there were indeed quite a number of people who had watched Zhang Ye''stest film. Everyone here was still quite interested in a martial arts flick like that. In that movie, they clearly remembered the moves that Zhang Ye executed as the viinous Taiji Fist grandmaster. It could easily be described as dogshit, as none of the moves were logical or made any sense at all. Back then, a lot of these martial artists would often bring it up as an after-meal subject and mock that multimillion-RMB film. It was just so unprofessional and was purely done for the onscreen effects. Even they could single-handedly take on at least five of those so-called Taiji Fist experts who appeared in the movie! But when they found out about Zhang Ye''s true identity here, today, that he was the actual sessor to the legendary Taiji Fist, every one of them could sense a grass mud horse galloping across their vision. And behind this lead grass mud horse, there were another 10,000 grass mud horses surging toward it!


    Deception!


    What a goddamn deception!


    You were obviously the Taiji sessor and had even mastered the usage of concealed power! But you being the only sessor of this legendary martial arts in this world, and as a Chinese martial arts expert, how could you be so shameless as to use some dogshit, fake-ass Taiji Fist moves to deceive the audience? Deceive the film buffs?


    Fuck, do you have a conscience, you?!


    Fuck, do you have any shame, you?!


    If the Taiji grandmaster from over a hundred years ago were still alive, he would surely be driven to the grave by you!


    You were faking all those moves!


    Outside the ring, the Zhou Family Style''s Fourth Bro Zhou roared angrily, "Isn''t your name Chen Zhen?!"


    "When one is away from home, doesn''t one go by several aliases?" Zhang Ye was unabashed, unashamed, and unembarrassed.


    Someone from the Huashan Sect said, "But on the deathmatch agreement, you signed off as ''Chen Zhen''! This is cheating! How can you still be considered a martial hero if you behave this way? How can you be considered a member of the martial artsmunity?"


    Zhang Ye looked at that person below the ring and boldly asserted, "Listen up, bro! I studied broadcasting in university, and my main profession is hosting. My side jobs involve me producing TV shows, performing crosstalks, writing calligraphy,posing poems, or if I go a little further, doing some mathematical research, or if I go even further, would bring me to guest starring in a movie!" Pausing, Zhang Ye smiled coldly at that person. "Who the hell is a member of your martial artsmunity?"


    That Huashan Sect disciple was at a loss for words!


    When everyone else heard this, they were also unable to snap back!


    "I didn''t have time to bother with you people earlier, but you''re trying to cast doubt on me now? Even bringing up the martial artsmunity to me? And being a hero?" Zhang Ye looked at those people from therge sects and said, "Two grandmasters of our martial arts worldying a trap and working on the inside with the National Martial Arts Association. Therge sects colluding together and marching into battle as one. All of this just to deal with a single femalerade? Do you people need your fucking honor! Don''t try to talk to me about whatever rules of the martial artsmunity. Zhou Tianpeng already made the first move several years ago by interrupting a fight and causing the loss of two lives. So what justification do you people have? Weren''t you people damn insistent on making sure that Old Rao didn''t leave this ce alive? The National Martial Arts Association, who should have presided over this case as judge, has also joined the fuck in to muddy the truth and assist in doing evil? Just tell me, what sort of a martial artsmunity is this? Is this what you call being heroes? Is this what a grandmaster is like? Fuck you people! The entertainment industry is a much cleaner ce than here!"


    The Eight Trigrams School''s Song Jiao cheered, "Well said!"


    Xu Fan also said excitedly, "Teacher Zhang! Beautifully said!"


    Zhao Yunlong cursed, "These bastards! Not a single one of them is a good person! Bullying our Eldest Senior Sis just because she stands alone? Even setting a trap by calling for a deathmatch? Ha! I bet none of you could have expected our Eldest Senior Sis to have backup!"


    Lu Yuhu clenched his fist and eximed, "Teacher Zhang, thank you!"


    "Right, Master Zhang, all of us fellow disciples of the Eight Trigrams School will forever remember your grace!"


    "Thank you for today!"


    "Thank the heavens you came here today!"


    "Thank you for your great kindness, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Your supreme grace and kindness will be returned someday!"


    The Eight Trigrams School''s disciples knew that if it weren''t for Zhang Ye being here today, their Eldest Senior Sis would definitely have stood no chance of winning! But now, that situation had beenpletely reversed! Their Eldest Senior Sister and a martial arts expert who practiced Taiji were fighting together in this deathmatch. It seemed like their chances of winning were increasing by the moment!


    Rao Aimin said as she fought, "Why are you guys thanking him? This rascal still owes me rent!"


    Zhang Ye said, a bit speechless, "Didn''t you say that you would waive it?"


    "Did I ever say so?"


    "Yes, you did. You even said that you would leave the apartments to me."


    "Hur hur."


    Right at this moment, Zhou Tianpeng was unable to dodge an attack and received a blow from Rao Aimin''s palm. He was struck so hard that sweat flew from his forehead!


    Disciples from the Zhou Family Style School and many of therge sects looked gloomy!


    Shit!


    This is bad!


    Judging from the way that Zhang fellow had spoken with Treacherous Rao, their rtionship was not just simply knowing each other; it was clearly much deeper than that!


    After engaging in some banter, Zhang Ye said to those in the audience, "To all my fellow colleagues of our martial arts world, youe fromrge and small sects. There''s also those who are not affiliated with any sects, but everyone is an adult and should know right from wrong, and understand what is good and evil. If any of you still have a shred of conscience and dignity left, touch your chest and ask yourselves this: Is it really necessary to align yourselves to this sort of martial arts association? If Zhou Tianpeng and Chen Xi are willing to hide the truth to deal with Old Rao this way, one of you might get handled this way some other day! Is there even any meaning for a bullshit association like this one to exist anymore? Are they worth pledging your allegiance to in a war?"


    A lot of those from the small sects and the non-affiliates went quiet. Zhang Ye''s words had motivated them into contemtion.


    The Huashan Sect''s Fan Wen shouted, "You better watch your words! Are you ndering the National Martial Arts Association? You have to answer to thew for that!" He had blurted this out!


    But Zhang Ye shot right back at him, "You''re talking about thew with me? Why didn''t any of you bring up thew when Zhou Tianpeng killed two people? Instead, why were you using the rules of the martial artsmunity when you talked of him causing their deaths? Do you even know what the goddamnw is, you! nder? Sue me then! Oh, but I think you don''t know that I have recently gained a license to practicew!"


    Fan Wen was literally choked back by his own words!


    The Iron Palm''s Master Sun said, "It was Rao Aimin who broke the rules first!"


    A high-ranking monk of the Shaolin Monastery said, "Today''s dispute has nothing at all to do with your Taiji branch of martial arts. Almsgiver, please stand down and notmit a mistake here!"


    Zhang Yeughed heartily. "Nothing to do with me? Then what the fuck has it got anything to do with your Huashan Sect, Iron Palm, and Shaolin Monastery? Did Old Rao beat up your mother or your father? Why are you people bouncing around here? Stop trying to bullshit me! Your martial arts are not good, yet all of you are here taking sides and forming cliques and blowing hot air! Blowing hot air in front of me? Do you people know what I do for a living? You wish to debate me? Sure, let''s decide on the topic then! Arguing or what? I can stand alone against several hundred of you at once! If I can''t beat all of you, I will take on your family names! Shall we try?"


    Therge sects'' disciples were shaken by Zhang Ye''s shamelessness!


    Yet no one came forward to debate him! This was a proper martial arts conference. Who the hell would want to argue with you over something like that! Of course, the most critical factor was that they knew in their heart of hearts that when it came to arguing, absolutely none of them were his match. This was what he did for a living in the first ce! Besides, they had witnessed for themselves the power of Zhang Ye''s eloquence at the resort''s restaurantst night! It was truly a representation of words being able to revive the dead! Looking at those wounded and limping people wrapped in bandages in attendance today, and then thinking back on yesterday, they realized that all this was the fucking consequence of Zhang Ye''s words, which kickstarted it all. Before the Martial Arts Conference was even convened, their forces were almost totally wiped out!


    Other than him, who else in the world could achieve something like that?


    What sort of talent was that?


    What sort of a mouth was that!?


    They had finally seen for themselves just how much of a hooligan Zhang Ye was. He was as terrible as the news and the Inte had described him! It was little wonder that he and Rao Aimin knew each other, and even had so much inmon. Fundamentally, these two people walked more or less the same path. Rao Aimin was a shit stirrer of the Chinese martial arts world, while Zhang Ye was a shit stirrer of the entertainment industry. If these two were not friends, then who would be friends?


    Today, these two notorious shit stirrers of their respective fields were standing together to face their enemies!


    So ask yourself, who in the entire world could match these two terrible hooligans!?

 Chapter 937: Zhang Ye’s speed!

    <h4>Chapter 937: Zhang Ye''s speed! </h4>


    Chapter 937: Zhang Ye''s speed!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    A deathmatch whose oue was decided from the start, a perfect trap that had been carefullyid out by the two grandmasters along with the variousrge sects of the martial artsmunity��this entire n was now thrown into disarray by Zhang Ye''s appearance!


    "Grandmaster Zhou is in danger!"


    "This is bad!"


    "What should we do?"


    "Master!"


    "Martial Uncle, be careful!"


    "Zhang Ye, you fucking meddler!"


    "You bastard!"


    In the ring, Zhou Tianpeng and Chen Xi knew that they were approaching a critical moment in the deathmatch!


    "Old Chen! Why are you still talking so much nonsense with him!" Zhou Tianpeng was already injured. "Take him out!"


    Chen Xi clenched his teeth. "Alright!"


    Zhou Tianpeng could no longer retreat any further and unexpectedly changed to a different set of fighting techniques. It was extremely vicious and do-or-die, giving up most of its defenses in exchange for killing blows!


    The deathmatch had finally reached the concluding stage of desperation, the instant between life and death!


    Chen Xi also went for it. He was no longer as cautious as before,unching a thunderous attack with Huashan''s Five Way Boxing techniques. Like a violent storm, he charged at Zhang Ye with heavy killing intent, as if a changed man!


    A low punch!


    A cutting fist!


    A high punch!


    Zhang Ye took them straight on, raising his hands to meet the punches as they came, and countered the attack''s momentum by shifting his center of gravity to negate his opponent''s first punches into nothingness!


    Deflect!


    Yank!


    Push!


    The more he fought, the more lucid it became for him. In his mind, a voice kept echoing:


    If the opponent takes no action, you take no action.


    But once he takes even the slightest action, you have already acted.


    Zhang Ye lowered his shoulder and followed through to do a Taiji pushing hand technique!


    Power seems rxed but not rxed, about to expand but not yet expanding. When my power finishes, my intent of it continues. First in your mind, then in your body. Your abdomen rxes and then energy collects in your bones. Spiritfortable, body calm��at every moment be mindful of this. If one part moves, every part moves, and if one part is still, every part is still. As the movement leads back and forth, energy stays near the back and gathers in the spine. Inwardly bolster the spirit and outwardly show ease. Step like a cat and move energy as if drawing silk. Throughout your body, your mind should be on your spirit rather than on the energy, for if you are fixated on the energy, your movement will be sluggish. Whenever your mind is on the energy, there will be no power, whereas if you ignore the energy and let it take care of itself, there will be pure strength. The energy is like a wheel and your waist is like an axle.


    The eight energies of Taiji!


    Four taels yield a thousand catties!


    With a muted crash, both Zhang Ye and Chen Xi were sent flying backwards!


    "Grandmaster Chen!"


    "Sect Leader!"


    "Master!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    Outside the ring, many people were crying out!


    Zhang Ye clearly suffered a greater injury and flew over two meters backward,nding heavily on the floor. Meanwhile, Chen Xi, whose martial arts were better, logically should have not been affected much. Yet he was still injured due to Zhang Ye''s counterattack, which was dealt after judging Chen Xi''s concealed power with his " listening power 1 ," causing them both to take injuries and fly backward. He fell and sprawled out in the ring!


    The Huashan Sect''s Fan Wen gasped, "Th-This is what Taiji Fist is?"


    How legendary!


    This was really too domineering!


    Chen Xi carp skipped up with a dark expression and returned to his feet. "Watch this move!" He came charging in for another attack. I''ll take your life while you''re in strife!


    Zhang Ye could feel his organs churning inside of him, but took a deep breath to quickly steady himself. He braced a hand on the floor and pushed himself back up. "Right on time!"


    The two of them once again started exchanging blows!


    A momentter, they were back at forcing each other into retreat!


    Chen Xi went back two steps!


    Zhang Ye went back four!


    Before he could even really catch his breath, Chen Xi was rushing straight for him again. A killing blow imbued with concealed power was headed straight for Zhang Ye''s abdomen. Those standing near enough could even hear the whistling of the wind as the attack was delivered!


    Zhang Ye blocked again. He kept some concealed power within his palm strike and went for Chen Xi''s wrists, pushing his hands downward. But Chen Xi burst out with a yell and forcefully held them up by using his shoulders to push upward, turning this into a test of strength! Zhang Ye could no longer avoid him, since Rao Aimin was only several steps behind him at this point. He couldn''t retreat anymore even if he wanted to. In these dire circumstances, he took to using a very well-known Taiji Fist technique at an extremely close distance�� neutralizing power 2 !


    As their movements were too quick, the spectators could not even clearly see what was happening. Zhang Ye fell backwards, while Chen Xi fell on his sides, only not falling all the way to the floor as he put his hands on the floor to support himself!


    Chen Xi coughed lightly!


    Zhang Ye was the more seriously injured one judging by how pale his face had turned!


    The exchanges were all-out blows. The two of them expended a lot of energy doing so. Concealed power wasn''t actually some kind of internal skill or internal strength like what you see in wuxia novels and the like. To put it inly, it was just the potential that one could achieve after pushing one''s body beyond its physical limits. Due to differences in the practicing of internal styles and qi flow techniques, the concealed power achieved would be different as well. Chen Xi''s concealed power was more vicious, while Zhang Ye''s Taiji concealed power was softer and more tenacious. Also, concealed power was not infinite but limited by one''s stamina instead. Under continuous attacks, not even a grandmaster could keep it up for long, much less peak martial arts masters!


    Chen Xi was visibly panting a little, but when he looked at Zhang Ye, he found that he was only panting as much as himself. Incredibly, he did not look like he had weakened at all!


    How was this possible?


    He could hang in there for this long?


    Chen Xi''s expression sunk even more. He could never have expected that his opponent would have such great stamina. Even if he was young, this shouldn''t be possible! Of course, he couldn''t possibly know that this was due to the effect of those 1,000 Fruits of Stamina. That Zhang Ye was able to continuously hold him off, and even injure him, was not purely down to his skill with Taiji Fist. The 3,000 Fruits of Strength, Stamina, and Agility had arge part to y in all of this!


    Rao Aimin suddenly asked, "Are you doing OK?"


    Zhang Ye clenched his teeth. "No problems!"


    If only he had a few more Reputation Points!


    If he could have eaten another 1,000 Taiji Fist Skill Experience Books? Or another 2,000 books? Or he could even have tried to get some Stats Category Fruits in the game ring''s Lottery Draw (Two) to see if it could further help him break through his limits of strength and stamina. The Lottery Draw (One)''s Stats Category Fruits had already reached their limit. There would be no effects even if he ate more of them. He had yet to try out the improved version of the lottery draw in regards to this, but logically, he should be able to get even better!


    However, he didn''t have many Reputation Points left anymore. Moreover, Zhang Ye had also achieved what he set out to do today. He wasn''t here to determine who was better against a grandmaster anyway. He only needed to help Rao Aimin hold him off!


    The most important characters in the ring were Rao Aimin and Zhou Tianpeng!


    As for the oue of the match, it depended on these two people''s duel!


    "President Zhou!"


    "Grandmaster Zhou!"


    "Master, watch out!"


    Suddenly, a scream rang out!


    The deathmatch was finally going to be decided!


    Zhou Tianpeng made a iling attack and missed, then Rao Aimin dealt a palm strike straight to his face! Zhou Tianpeng started bleeding from his nose and mouth, then took several unwitting steps backward. But his feet were clearly stumbling, and he was obviously hit so hard that he was concussed. He briefly lost consciousness!


    His defeat was decided!


    "Old Zhou!" Chen Xi was so anxious that he was fuming and wanted to rush over!


    But Zhang Ye blocked him!


    Chen Xi roared, "Move aside!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I won''t fucking move aside!"


    Song Jiao yelled, "Eldest Senior Sis!"


    Xu Fan shouted, "Terminate that Old Crook Zhou!"


    Lu Yuhu also yelled angrily, "A life for a life! Kill him!"


    This was clearly not something that an experienced policeman would usually say. But since the Chinese martial arts world had its own set of traditional rules, for any duels that urred or any deathmatch that took ce here, there had not been any known cases of police reports even when someone had died. Even though the martial artsmunity was no longer the same as in the past, the same rules still applied!


    In a deathmatch, life and death would be determined by fate!


    Rao Aimin stepped forward and raised her palm!


    At this moment, everyone at the venue held their breath!


    "Ah!"


    "Master!"


    "Dodge!"


    But suddenly, a twist of events arose!


    From the direction of therge sects, two swishes suddenly broke the silence and traveled in the direction of the dueling ring!


    Many people were stunned by this!


    Even those from therge sects were stunned!


    Lu Yuhu raged, "They''re darts!"


    Xu Fan shouted hoarsely, "Eldest Senior Sis, watch out!"


    Song Jiao yelled, "Scumbag! Motherfucker!"


    Who was it?


    Who threw the darts as a sneak attack?


    But there was no time to ask these questions!


    The darts were too quick. Even before the screams and shouts of the Eight Trigrams School''s disciples had faded, two blinding spots of lights were already flying into the dueling ring. Steady! Precise! Vicious!


    Rao Aimin was standing perpendicr to the path of the iing darts!


    While Zhang Ye had his back facing away from therge sects outside the ring!


    When he heard the words "sneak attack," Zhang Ye''s sweat nds exploded! His first reaction was to go to where Rao Aimin was, but the instant Zhang Ye turned around, he discovered that the two darts were actuallying straight for him! One was headed for his forehead! The other was aimed at somece slightly below his chest!


    This was bad!


    Zhang Ye was instantly angered! At this moment, the effects of those 1,000 Fruits of Agility showcased their powers. He clearly had his back facing the attack, and his face was only one meter away from one of the darts when he turned his head, but Zhang Ye somehow immediately figured out the trajectory of the darts as he crooked his head quickly to the right as the dart swooshed straight past him, brushing against several strands of hair on his head!


    A lot of the people were dumbfounded by this!


    Because��because that was simply too quick!


    Was he still human?


    Even a grandmaster might not be able to react like that!

 Chapter 943: Attacking Shaolin!

    <h4>Chapter 943: Attacking Shaolin! </h4>


    Chapter 943: Attacking Shaolin!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Five dayster.


    Mount Song 1 .


    The Shaolin Monastery.


    This was not a tourist area. The mountain was located in a separate area from the tourist spots. In the main hall''s backyard, a group of young monks were holding brooms and sweeping the floor.


    "Are Martial Uncle Jie Jiao and Jie Zao back yet?"


    "They just came back yesterday. I heard they got some fractures!"


    "Yes, they were badly injured!"


    "It''s a miracle they managed to get back. I heard that they were only released and did not get into much trouble after the abbot pressured the local authorities in Tianshan. The National Martial Arts Association helped out too. Otherwise, they might have even gotten sentenced for that day''s happenings. We live in awful society now, after all."


    "How did it end up like this?"


    "That Rao Aimin had beenmitting all kinds of evil. It was time to teach her a lesson!"


    "Shh, don''t speak carelessly. Others might hear you."


    "So what if I said that. I''m just speaking the truth!"


    "This issue is more or less resolved anyway."


    "What do you mean ''resolved''? Aren''t we going to take revenge for what has happened? Our martial uncles were beaten up too!"


    "I heard that we were in the wrong first."


    "Still, they shouldn''t have been so cruel!"


    "We''ll settle those scores at ater time for sure. Has Rao Aimine around yet?"


    "I heard that she''s still unconscious at the hospital!"


    "Hmph, I hope she never wakes up! And that Zhang Ye too! Even the Eight Trigrams School''s leader does not dare to have an opinion on this issue and announced that Rao Aimin would be expelled from the school a while ago, so why did a celebrity like Zhang Ye bring himself into the picture? So what if he''s a celebrity? Does being a celebrity give him the right to poke his nose into other people''s business? Why doesn''t he��"


    Suddenly, the bell in the mountains pealed!


    When they heard the first ring, everyone still looked normal and went about doing what they were doing. But when the bell pealed five straight times, the Shaolin Monastery monks'' expressions all changed!


    An enemy attack!


    It was an enemy attack!


    Everyone came rushing out!


    "What happened?"


    "What is going on?"


    "Why are we under attack?"


    "The bell of Shaolin hasn''t rung five times in a row in decades!"


    "What has happened?"


    "How can there be anyone who dares toe up into Shaolin and cause trouble!"


    Some of the people were panicking!


    Some of them were looking confused!


    And there were some who quickly picked up their staves, ready to take on the enemy!


    Suddenly, an angry roar from a warrior monk came from outside. "Zhang Ye is here! Zhang Ye is attacking us! Quick, go and get the Martial Granduncle!"


    What?


    Zhang Ye?


    The sessor to the Taiji Fist that had been lost for over a hundred years?


    "This is bad!"


    "It''s him?"


    "Hurry up and call the Martial Granduncle!"


    "Defend! Defend the grounds!"


    "Get into formation!"


    Before they even saw him, they heard him say, "Since the National Martial Arts Association cannot give me a satisfactory exnation? And the Shaolin Monastery cannot give me a satisfactory exnation? Then I''m gonna force out a satisfactory exnation!"


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Two muffled sounds and two warrior monks flew into the front yard with a scream!


    Zhang Ye had changed into pure white training clothes today and was wearing a pair of normal canvas shoes. He strolled into the premises of the Shaolin Monastery!


    The monks who did not know much martial arts had been sweeping the floor and gossiping earlier. But now, they were scared out of their wits and scampered away.


    "Zhang Ye, what do you want?"


    "The nerve!"


    "You dare attack Shaolin?"


    "How bold of you!"


    "Have you gone crazy?"


    The Eighteen Arhats formation was set up!


    Quite a few Buddhist monks 2 were raging at Zhang Ye from a distance away!


    Everyone was very surprised at this, as after five days of peace and quiet, they had thought the worst was over. No one had expected that someone would actually bring the fight to the Shaolin Monastery!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ve always had this much courage. Most issues only have two choices for me: I either handle them or I don''t bother with them at all. There has never been an issue of whether I dare or not!" He raised his foot and started to walk in.


    "Charge!"


    "Stop him!"


    "Don''t let him get into the main hall!"


    "Block him!"


    The eighteen warrior monks formed into the Eighteen Arhats formation and swarmed Zhang Ye!


    However, Zhang Ye did not even look at them. His eyes were already set on a hundreds of years old que inside the main hall. Slowly, step by step, he made his way in!


    A staff attack flew in!


    Zhang Ye moved his hand with a twist and a snap!


    A warrior monk fell to the ground crying in pain!


    Right after, the afterimages of two staves whistled past, one in the front of Zhang Ye, the other behind him!


    Zhang Ye did not look back. He raised a hand to use his index and middle fingers to pinch the staff attacking from in front. With a flick of his wrist, the staff held by the warrior monk in front of him shook violently and the monk lost his grip. Zhang Ye then gathered up a bit of concealed power and pushed the staff forward, hitting the warrior monk right in the chest, which sent him flying. Zhang Ye immediately twisted his fingers and flung the staff held between his fingers behind himself, straight into the face of the warrior monk standing behind him. That monk was also sent flying, with a bloody nose, and passed out from the pain!


    Yet another monk attacked Zhang Ye with a staff, the afterimages sweeping his lower body!


    Zhang Ye did not try to dodge. He just stepped on it with one foot. The tip of the staff was pressed down onto the ground, and with a shudder, that warrior monk was also sent flying!


    The Eighteen Arhats formation was reduced to only fourteen people in the blink of an eye!


    The monks of the Shaolin Monastery felt their blood run cold!


    They were not a match for their opponent!


    There was no way to fight him!


    "Don''t be afraid of him!"


    "Beat him up!"


    "Charge!"


    "We''ll stop him even if we have to die!"


    "Let''s charge at him together!"


    There were a total of 28 people who could fight. All of the warrior monks present attacked together at once!


    Zhang Ye made use of his "listening power" and used both hands to stop a barrage of punches from two warrior monks. Deflecting, he threw both monks to the ground. It was as though they had no control over their bodies anymore, but also as though they had been sent sprawling to the ground by the same force they had exerted in their attacks, resulting in them smashing their heads!


    A warrior monk who practiced hard qigong roared and attacked in a berserk fury!


    But the moment he arrived in front of Zhang Ye, before he could even see what Zhang Ye''s move was, all he saw was the sway of an afterimage hitting his body''s center of gravity. Afterwards, his entire person was thrown to the side, never to get up again!


    "Master!"


    "Assistant Instructor!"


    "Assistant Instructor!"


    The assistant instructor of the Shaolin Monastery''s warrior monks couldn''t even stand up to one strike from Zhang Ye!


    There was no way they could fight him!


    What was the point of fighting anymore?


    Although the martial arts of these Shaolin Monastery warrior monks was very good, and each one was even picked out of a hundred others, their opponent right now was someone who was an expert in Taiji Fist. This expert had also fully recovered from his injuries and was young and strong, a martial arts master at his peak! Unless there were between 100 and 200 people attacking him at once, there was no way they could deal with him!


    Five people!


    Ten people!


    Twenty people!


    In the blink of an eye, all of them were on the ground!


    A few people who had participated in the National Martial Arts Conference five days ago were once again surprised by Zhang Ye''s kung fu. This was because Zhang Ye had obviously just recovered from his injuries, yet his martial arts had gotten better than before��of course what they couldn''t know was that in the past few days, as long as he had umted 1 million Reputation Points, Zhang Ye would immediately purchase a Taiji Fist Skill Experience Book and "eat" it up!


    "We can''t do it anymore!"


    "We''re unable to hold him off any longer!"


    Quick, get the Martial Granduncle!"


    "Where is the Martial Granduncle?"


    ...


    In the inner courtyard.


    In some room.


    The eminent monks of the Shaolin Monastery, including the abbot, were all gathered here. They did not even bother going outside in the face of this crisis. There were all kinds of expressions on their faces.


    The abbot was silent!


    An eminent monk looked anguished!


    A Buddhist monk looked fretful!


    And in the corner sat a monk who seemed to be the center of focus right now. But he did not say a word. This person was very old, but still looked to be very healthy. He wore only the most simple andmon gray robes meant for the lowest level disciples, and had a head full of hair, all of which made him stand out. He might have been ordained as a monk before, or perhaps he had grown out his hairter on. But it was quite clear that everyone in the room was focused on him. They were also quite respectful of him!


    His name was Shi Wu.


    He was the most skilled person in the entirety of the Shaolin Monastery.


    The abbot suddenly looked at him and said, "Senior Brother!"


    Shi Wu shook his head.


    A Buddhist monk said anxiously, "Martial Uncle! Zhang Ye has already trained to the level where he can use concealed power. Moreover, no one is familiar with this Taiji Fist martial arts style. In the entire Shaolin Monastery��only you can take him on!"


    Shi Wu looked at them and replied, "I am not his equal."


    "But you haven''t tried yet, so how could you know?" said someone, gasping.


    Shi Wu exined, "By taking Chen Xi for that many moves, there isn''t anyone below grandmaster who is a match for him anymore." Taking a pause, he continued, "Even if I can fight on level terms with him, what then? The fault in this affair lies with the Shaolin Monastery. This is a sin caused by those who attended the National Martial Arts Conference. And the sneak attack? Surrounding their people? Hunting them down with the intent to kill? That was a blunder on the grandest scale! Now that they havee seeking an exnation from us, even if he were to bring the Shaolin Monastery to the ground, we could not raise a voice of objection against him!"


    The abbot said, "But the several hundred years of the Shaolin Monastery''s heritage, how can we��"


    Suddenly, a scream came from the outside!


    "Don''t you dare!"


    "Zhang Ye! Don''t you dare!"


    "Stop!"


    "Stop, I say!"


    Bam!


    There was a loud crash!


    "Ah!"


    "Abbot!"


    "Martial Granduncle!"


    "Zhang Ye has smashed our Shaolin Monastery''s que!"


    The Shaolin Monastery que that had been handed down for hundreds of years was now in pieces!


    What?


    The abbot was furious!


    The Shaolin Monastery was furious!


    "We''ll take him on!"


    "We''ll take him on!"


    "Zhang Ye''s taking it too far!"


    "We can''t let him leave!"


    The que of the Shaolin Monastery had been handed down for several hundred years. This was their identity, as well as their reputation. By smashing the que, this was as good as smacking their faces!


    Shi Wu''s expression changed slightly. He sighed again then suddenly said, "None of those who came back from the National Martial Arts Conference this time will be allowed to leave the mountains for five years while they meditate and reflect on their actions! For the rest of this year, the inner courtyard of the Shaolin Monastery will be locked shut! There won''t be any more recruitment of warrior monks as well!"


    "But why?"


    "Yeah, why!"


    "Martial Uncle!"


    "Martial Granduncle!"


    At this moment, the head warrior monk of the Shaolin Monastery, who usually kept to himself, finally spoke up, "Rao Aimin is currently unconscious. Chen Xi is seriously injured and won''t be able to fight again within the next half a year. Zhou Tianpeng has been maimed and won''t survive much longer. Meanwhile, of the other two grandmasters, one of them is overseas but his location is unknown; the other is already past 90 and has closed himself off from worldly affairs. In the entire national martial arts world, there isn''t anyone who can stop him, so what else can we do but shut our doors to the outside world? What can we do if we don''t submit? If we really make him angry again, do you want him toe back and take it up with us? By then, it may not be only the several-hundred-year-old que that gets demolished; it may be our entire Shaolin Monastery that gets leveled to the ground!"


    Hearing that, everyone fell silent!


    ...


    In the front hall.


    Zhang Ye dusted off his hands. In front of the many angered Shaolin monks, he turned around and strode off.


    He was extremely calm!


    As though no one were around!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "You��"


    "The Shaolin Monastery has be your sworn enemy!"


    Even though they shouted at him, none of them dared to make a move to stop him from leaving!


    Zhang Ye hade and gone like there was no one around. He coulde as he wanted, and leave as he pleased. Before he walked away, he even left some words for them. "Sworn enemies? Alright then, follow my Weibo to get thetest updates of my news. I wee you all to be sworn enemies with me at any time!"


    He even advertised before he left!


    The many monks of the Shaolin Monastery exploded with anger at this!

 Chapter 949: The battle of the agents!

    <h4>Chapter 949: The battle of the agents! </h4>


    Chapter 949: The battle of the agents!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the same night.


    He gave Zhang Yuanqi a call. The Heavenly Queen was acknowledged to have the best social ties in the entertainment industry. Zhang Ye did not have many friends and she was the only person he knew to have the means. If he wanted to find an agent as soon as possible, then it would definitely be the most convenient to contact Zhang Yuanqi.


    Du du.


    The call connected.


    "Hello, Sister Zhang, it''s me!"


    "Mhm."


    "What are you doing? Where are you?"


    "Home."


    "By yourself?"


    "Yes."


    "I''ve got something to tell you. There''s something I need your help with."


    "I''m listening."


    "I''m looking to hire an agent as fast as possible!"


    "Any requirements?"


    "I don''t have too many requirements and either gender is fine, but it''d be best if it''s a woman as it will be easier for me tomunicate with her. She should be capable of handling work, but it doesn''t matter whether she is very capable or not. Even if she''s a rookie, it''s fine. You know that my social ties are not that good, so I don''t have many demands for my potential agent''s poprity with others as long as she suits my needs. It''d be great if she has the same values as me so that I can save the trouble ofmunicating. And, uh, it''d be best if her appearance is not too shabby either, since she''ll be representing me, after all, and has to pull in the points in the looks department for me. I don''t have many demands regarding her figure either, but she must not look too bad. She should at least have a decent figure since she''ll need to appear in public sometimes on my behalf��"


    He rattled off a long string of demands.


    In the end, Zhang Yuanqi summarized his requests in a few words. "So a busty, beautiful woman, and nothing else matters?"


    Zhang Ye was slightly embarrassed. "��Right!"


    Zhang Yuanqi said: "Wait for my message then."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye confidently left the task to Old Zhang.


    The agent held a very special position in the entertainment industry. It could be said that they were the celebrity''s most intimate colleague and the most loyal representative. They could help the celebrity handle all sorts of matters, such as endorsements, advertisements, press interviews, and job arrangements. There was no need to emphasize how important an agent was. Every celebrity''s agent was either selected in the strictest way, or they were the celebrity''s most trusted rtives, like their mother, elder sister, or second aunt to begin with. Otherwise, they would have to be exceptionally capable like Zhang Yuanqi''s manager, Fang Weihong. She was a renowned, elite agent in the industry who had be famous long before she became Zhang Yuanqi''s manager.


    Actually, Zhang Ye could opt for thetter choice, but he found it unsuitable for his situation.


    Look for his rtives?


    His mother or one of his aunts?


    His paternal elder cousin or his maternal younger cousins?


    None of them would fit!


    His family members were just ordinary people who had not seen much of the world and were inexperienced in the things they might have to handle on his behalf. With Zhang Ye''s notorious reputation in the industry and him getting into trouble so often, he did not want to let his rtives handle his affairs for him.


    As for those highly reputed elite agents, he did not wish to hire them, and neither could he hire them. Many of the agents were directly contracted to the celebrities and would draw a percentmission from the celebrity''s earnings. For a person like Zhang Ye who had never epted anymercial appearances and was not likely to ept them in the future, which elite agent would want to work for him? Ignoring the fact that the agent would not be earning much, just the trouble brought about by Zhang Ye''s temper would be enough to keep them busy. A low sry, a pile of work, and they might even get cursed at by other people. Only an idiot would take a job like that!


    Hence, his favorite was still a rookie, who could at least help him handle some misceneous tasks. As for the other, more important matters? Zhang Ye could handle them by himself.


    ...


    The next day.


    Early in the morning.


    Zhang Yuanqi''s manager, Fang Weihong, sent him an email with a list of the candidates!


    Although Old Zhang''s temperament in private wasn''t too good, her efficiency in getting things done was still very high. Zhang Ye did not have to worry that she would forget about the favor that he had requested from her.


    More than ten resumes arrived in his inbox!


    Li Han: Female, 27 years old with 4 years'' experience in the industry.


    Han Fang: Female, 29 years old with 6 years'' experience in the industry. Former agent of Huo Dongfang.


    Zhao Minli: Female, 25 years old. Rookie with 1 year of experience in the industry. Very capable and had just left her previous position at amunication and media agency.


    Zhang Ye scanned through the resumes one by one and was very satisfied with every one of them. Actually, he did not really understand them as this was his first time doing something like this. He did not feel that anyone was worse than anyone else, which gave him with an even greater dilemma. Later, he even got his parents to help him look at the resumes together. As a professional agent, she''d also need to handle some parts of a celebrity''s private life. Therefore, Zhang Ye valued his parents'' opinions very much as they woulde across each other often in the future.


    His father pointed at one of them. "This person seems alright."


    "Come on." His mother disagreed and pointed to another person. "This one is better; she looks rather big-hearted. One look at her and you can tell that she''s a very capable person."


    Zhang Ye said, "That so?"


    His mother urged, "Check with her!"


    "Uh, alright." Zhang Ye agreed since he did not have any opinion either.


    Zhang Ye picked up the phone and called the candidates he had shortlisted.


    "Hello, is this Ms. Zhao Minli?"


    "Yes, this is she. May I know who''s calling?"


    "It''s Zhang Ye."


    "Ah, Teacher Zhang, hello, hello!" The woman on the other end of the line sounded very excited. "Sister Fang mentioned this to me. She asked me about my current job situation, as well as my opinion of you. I never expected that you would actually contact me. Let me introduce myself briefly then. I just left my position at my previous agency, so I have no contractual obligations right now. I can ept being contracted to you as an exclusive agent. You can put that as a term in the contract and I won''t have any problems with it."


    "I seldom eptmercial appearances. Are you OK with that?"


    "Ummm��how seldom is seldom?"


    "I basically never ept them."


    "Uh, that''s not a problem. Can we meet up to discuss this?"


    "Sure, let''s schedule a time."


    After chatting for a while, Zhang Ye felt quite satisfied with her.


    He then called the next person.


    "Hello, is this Ms. Han?"


    "Hur hur, are you Teacher Zhang?"


    "You can recognize my voice?"


    "I''m very familiar with your voice."


    "I''m looking for an agent, and Sister Fang rmended you to me. Before we discuss other things, I''d like to get to know you a bit more, and also find out if you have any requests."


    "I don''t have many demands, except that upon contracting, I would like to receive a higher percentmission, at 30% of the earnings."


    "Is that so?"


    "If you have a talent agency, the agency will assign you an agent while they take a percentage for themission. If I am your personal agent, I''d have to use my ownwork to get work done. Therefore, I would definitely need to receive a higher percentmission. As for the exact details, we can discuss further."


    "Sure."


    As he contacted the shortlisted agents, he did not know of the buzz that had started in the talent agency business!


    ...


    At a talent agency.


    "Hey, did you hear? Zhang Ye is looking for an agent!"


    "I just heard about it too!"


    "Now this is a good opportunity!"


    "Aiyo, I would like to apply too!"


    "Then you''d have to quit first. He''s hiring a personal agent!"


    "I don''t mind quitting. I''m mainly afraid that I''m not qualified enough."


    "There''s nothing good about being Zhang Ye''s agent anyways. Don''t you guys know him by now? He has never epted anymercial appearances, so there''s basically no money to be earned!"


    "I''d still be willing! He''s an A-list celebrity!"


    "Yeah, my career highlights would be glossed up and in the future when I say that I was once the agent of an A-list celebrity, who wouldn''t scramble to employ me? My resume would have thickened!"


    ...


    At a private gathering of some agents in the business.


    "So Zhang Ye is looking for an agent?"


    "Yeah, I heard Sister Fang Weihong helped him spread the word."


    "This is a very good opportunity!"


    "Yes, among the current A-list celebrities, only Zhang Ye does not have an agent yet. I wonder who will get the job! Hai, too bad my contract is tied to the agency. Otherwise, I would have applied too!"


    ...


    Almost everyone in the business knew about this now!


    This industry was neither big nor small. There weren''t many secrets in the industry, especially if it concerned an A-list celebrity like Zhang Ye. Every move of his would attract the attention of many others!


    At once, quite a number of agents in the industry tried to contact Zhang Ye or Fang Weihong. Their demands were gradually getting lower than thest!


    "I don''t have any demands!"


    "I am willing to take amission of only 10%!"


    "I can take 7%!"


    "5% for me!"


    "I don''t need anymission at all! A working sry will do!"


    The number of applicants increased by the second. In the end, they were almost fighting to outdo each other in terms of their demands. Everyone was using all means possible to try to secure this job!


    Zhang Ye did not expect that he would be so popr. Initially, he thought that no one would willingly be his agent since he did not eptmercial appearances and often got into a lot of trouble, but it seemed like he had underestimated his current fame. There were even some very prominent, established agents in the industry who found ways to contact him to reveal their intentions of willingly bing his agent, and also to express some of their requests to him.


    Zhang Ye was spoilt for choice!


    This is good!


    This one is not bad either!


    So who should be chosen?

 Chapter 950: A martial arts action star warns against Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 950: A martial arts action star warns against Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 950: A martial arts action star warns against Zhang Ye!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    "Zhang Ye looking to hire agent!"


    "Competition in the talent agency business heats up!"


    "Who will end up as Zhang Ye''s agent?"


    Online, some media outlets had also posted news updates about the situation. Some of the more meticulous reporters even made a chart of talent agents forparison in a special coverage of the business. They listed some of the current statuses and contributions of agents to celebrities like Zhang Yuanqi, Huo Dongfang, Ning Lan, etc., and took the opportunity tob through the standing of the talent agency business.


    Theizens were very happy.


    "Haha!"


    "Teacher Zhang has finally been enlightened!"


    "Quickly hire someone. Let''s see who''ll get chosen!"


    "Being Teacher Zhang''s agent won''t be an easy job!"


    "Yeah, it''s going to be quite difficult!"


    "With Zhang Ye''s social rtionships, the pressure on his agent within the industry will surely be the greatest! After every fight that Teacher Zhang gets himself into, his agent will have to handle the media. I doubt just anyone could handle that!"


    "They''d also have to be careful not to get beaten up!"


    "Pfft, that''s right!"


    "Teacher Zhang attracts too much hatred from within the industry!"


    Although some things were only meant to be jokes, no one could have expected those jokes to actuallye true!


    Though no one knew which private gathering it had originated from, nor who had leaked it, a piece of news posted online stirred up a huge reaction! A very popr martial arts action star had actually issued a warning publicly: Whoever dares to take the job as Zhang Ye''s agent would get "fixed" by him!


    Jiang Hanwei!


    An A-list celebrity in the domestic market!


    The best martial arts action star in the country!


    A famous movie star whose appeal at the martial arts movies'' box office was unparalleled. As long as it was a movie that he starred in, the box office earnings would be at least one hundred million RMB! He was the most famous kung fu star in the industry with no oneing close to him! Not only that, he was also a true martial arts expert who had won first ce in the National Youth Wushu Championships when he was just 16 years old. This was followed by many other martial arts awards as well, making him a big shot celebrity who actually knew real kung fu! In the A-list Celebrity Rankings, his position was also higher than Zhang Ye!


    As a big shot of the big shots, he had actually stated something like that so publicly. This left manyizens in disbelief after they found out!


    What did he mean by "fixing" whoever dares take the job?


    Did that mean he would beat up whoever became Zhang Ye''s agent?


    Jiang Hanwei was known for being quite temperamental, not like how Zhang Ye was, instead more hot-tempered. Since he''d debuted, he had beaten up many, many people. He had beaten up reporters, assistant directors, fellow celebrities on set, and some troublemaking fans in his time. As a result, everyone in the industry knew about Jiang Hanwei''s temper and most people would not risk angering him. He was a big brother of the entertainment industry after all!


    That was why theizens were shocked!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "What happened?"


    "Why did Jiang Hanwei suddenly pop out of nowhere?"


    "What is wrong with Teacher Jiang?"


    "W-Why is he picking a fight with Zhang Ye?"


    "This should just be a rumor, right?"


    "Yeah, I feel that way. Why would Teacher Jiang issue such a threatening statement?"


    "Yeah, from what I know, he shouldn''t have any animosity for Zhang Ye?"


    "Who can tell me what''s going on?"


    "Jiang Hanwei is being too overbearing, isn''t he? Fuck, what makes him think he can stop others from hiring an agent? What logic is that? Who does he think he is? The boss of the entertainment circle?"


    "That''s how he always behaves, handling everything like one would in a fight!"


    "He''s borne from a martial arts background after all. If he says he will ''fix'' someone, then that person will most definitely be ''fixed''!"


    "Fuck, do you think that Teacher Zhang is afraid of you?"


    "Who the fuck are you!"


    In an instant, theizens were seething!


    Perhaps even the person who started this did not expect it to blow up this much!


    Although the veracity of this news was still unconfirmed, the fans treated it as if it were real. On Weibo, Zhang Ye''s and Jiang Hanwei''s fans immediately got into an argument!


    Zhang Ye''s fans: "Motherfuckers!"


    Jiang Hanwei''s fans: "You motherfuckers!"


    Zhang Ye''s fans: "Do you people think you own the entertainment industry?"


    Jiang Hanwei''s fans: "Teacher Jiang must surely have an issue with that Zhang fellow. Since Teacher Jiang has said something like that, there must be a good reason. Are you people unconvinced?"


    Zhang Ye''s fans: "You all think you''re really awesome, don''t you?"


    Jiang Hanwei''s fans: "We''ve always been this awesome! You got a problem with that?"


    There were also many who came to mediate the situation!


    "Calm down, everyone!"


    "The news might not be true!"


    "There''s a lot of rumors flying around these days!"


    ...


    At home.


    Even Zhang Ye thought that the news wasn''t true, so did not take it seriously.


    But several phone callster, he began to think otherwise!


    Chen Guang was the first to call. "When did you offend Jiang Hanwei?"


    Zhang Ye was slightly taken aback, butughed. "You''ve been duped by the rumor too?"


    "You didn''t offend him?" Chen Guang said in surprise.


    Zhang Ye replied, "I don''t even know him, so how could I have offended him? At most, I''ve heard of his name and have seen several of his martial arts movies. That''s all."


    Chen Guang went silent for a moment, then warned, "Well, just be careful. He really walks the walk!"


    "Ha?" Zhang Ye found thisical.


    Next, Zhang Yuanqi''s manager, Fang Weihong called!


    The moment he answered the call, Fang Weihong asked, "Did you offend Old Jiang?"


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "I haven''t even met him before!"


    Fang Weihong mused, "I''m still helping you find an agent, but you''d better not hold out much hope for now. I think it will be difficult to find one in the near future."


    Zhang Ye was quite exasperated. "What do you mean, Sister Fang?"


    "Old Jiang is considered a big brother in the industry, and even though he has offended some people before, he has helped out many celebrities. Therefore, everyone acknowledges his position in the industry, and he''s also very popr with everyone. Now that he''s issued a warning against you and made this threat, it''s quite possible that you''ll really be in some trouble. As long as it''s someone in the industry, who would dare be your agent under such circumstances? You''d have to at least wait until this blows over. Do you really not know what happened?" Fang Weihong asked again.


    Zhang Ye returned, "Oh, so you mean this isn''t actually a rumor?"


    "What rumor!" Fang Weihong rted, "It''s already spread throughout the entertainment industry! Those words were shouted by Old Jiang at a party! And his original words were not even that nice. He didn''t say that he would ''fix'' your agent, he just said that whoever dares to be your agent will get beaten up by him!"


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes. "Is that so?"


    Fang Weihong sighed. "In any case, just be careful. He''s not someone to be trifled with. I still have some influence in the industry, so let me help you ask around first and see if this problem can be resolved amicably."


    But when Zhang Ye heard that, he spoke up, "It''s alright, Sister Fang. I''ll settle this myself!"


    Zhang Xia''s call came in!


    "Little Zhang, what''s happening?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Is it a rumor?"


    "I think it''s real."


    Yao Jiancai also heard about it!


    Dong Shanshan gave him a call as well!


    Zhang Ye''s friends were all quite surprised. They didn''t know why Jiang Hanwei had suddenly picked a fight with Zhang Ye, so all of his friends called to show their concern for him! This was because the person who had picked a fight with Zhang Ye this time was not some unknown. It wasn''t like those little-known athletes or crosstalkedians like Tang Dazhang who did not have many fans. This was a genuinely recognized A-list martial arts action star who was even more popr than Zhang Ye! In the entertainment industry, such public disagreements between A-list celebrities were virtually unheard of. But when they urred, the gravity of the situation would not be light!


    Before long, Zhang Ye started receiving updates from those talent agents he had contacted earlier!


    From the first person:


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "Hey, Ms. Xu."


    "I''ve fallen sick recently and feel quite bad, so I''ll be hospitalized for a while. Umm��let''s take a rain check on our meeting. I''m terribly sorry."


    "Oh, it''s fine. Your health is more important. Do take care of yourself."


    From the second person:


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "Yes?"


    "I''ve considered for a while, but I think that I won''t be able to qualify as your agent with my current skill set."


    "That''s fine."


    "My apologies."


    From the third person:


    "Teacher Zhang, I think I won''t be able to meet you in the afternoon."


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Teacher Jiang Hanwei''s position in the industry is too high, and I''m just a small-timer, so I��"


    "Understood, no worries."


    "I''m so sorry."


    Everyone was rejecting his offer now!


    None of them dared to take the job as Zhang Ye''s agent!


    Jiang Hanwei''s threat was too ruthless. For many of these talent agents, getting beaten up would be considered getting off lightly and it wasn''t as bad as it sounded. But realistically, it wasn''t going be as simple as just getting beaten up. They were more likely to get several beatings instead, or even not be able to make a living in the industry. Applying for the role of agent that they didn''t even know if they would get was simply too risky. And it might even cut short their talent agent careers? No one was willing to take the risk! If it were for the role of Zhang Yuanqi''s manager, then it wouldn''t matter. With Sister Zhang''s reputation in the entertainment industry, Jiang Hanwei would never dare to issue such threats. Even if he did, no one would care because Sister Zhang would most assuredly back them up! But it wasn''t the same for Zhang Ye. This fellow''s social ties were too poor, and he had few connections or friends to depend on. Compared to Jiang Hanwei, it was clear that Jiang Hanwei was the more oppressive figure! His words definitely held more weight!


    His parents also found out about this!


    His mother immediately flew into a rage. "Jiang Hanwei? I used to rather like his kung fu movies! That old bastard, based on what is he restricting my son from hiring an agent?"


    His father, usually mild-mannered, was also enraged. "Isn''t he taking it too far?"


    His mother said, "Keep searching, just continue looking for an agent! I doubt that he really dares to beat anyone up!"


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "The agents I shortlisted earlier have already rejected me for the interview."


    "What?" When his mother heard that, she cursed even more harshly, "Has my son goddamn offended you or something?"


    Zhang Ye was also thinking about this.


    Jiang Hanwei?


    A martial arts action star?


    A martial artist?


    Soon, he reached a usible conclusion. Zhang Ye went online to research Jiang Hanwei''s history. Everything was avable online and was no secret at all!


    Jiang Hanwei turned out to be a former disciple of the Huashan Sect, and was Fan Wen''s sixth disciple. He had studied under Fan Wen for three years beginning at the age of eight, but then left the sect due to some unknown reason and went into the world to fulfill his own ambitions. He was no longer a disciple of the Huashan Sect, but after he became famous, he donated quite the sum to the Huashan Sect for repairs. It seemed like he intended to rejoin the Huashan Sect back then, but they did not ept him back. Perhaps it was because they just didn''t want to take him back, or that something had happened all those years ago. Whatever the reason, it was unclear. But there were rumors that Jiang Hanwei''s current martial arts skills were even better than Fan Wen''s!


    A former disciple of the Huashan Sect?


    Zhang Ye sneered!


    So this was the reason!


    So this was the root cause?

 Chapter 951: Rao Aimin comes to visit!

    <h4>Chapter 951: Rao Aimines to visit! </h4>


    Chapter 951: Rao Aimines to visit!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the same day, the more the news spread, the more exaggerated it became!


    "I heard it was because Zhang Ye took a show from Jiang Hanwei!"


    "What? I heard that it was because Jiang Hanwei found Zhang Ye to be an eyesore and wanted to repress him a little!"


    "I heard someone say that it was because Zhang Ye had offended too many people and did not know the ''rules'' of the industry. After he reached his current status, he did not even pay his respects to Jiang Hanwei as one of the big brothers, so Jiang Hanwei decided to make things difficult for him!"


    "Stop making things up! Those are all rumors!"


    "Fuck, there''s too much information about this news now!"


    "Does anyone know what is going on? Does anyone have any information on what is really happening?"


    "I checked with a friend in the industry. He said that Jiang Hanwei really did say those words, but no one seems to know what kind of animosity they have!"


    "Is this true?"


    "It''s true and has been confirmed!"


    "Can''t you see how the involved parties did note out to refute the rumors?"


    "Yeah, if the news were wrong, someone would havee out to rify!"


    "Those applicants have all gone quiet! No one dares to be Zhang Ye''s agent!"


    The news was confirmed!


    Zhang Ye''s and Jiang Hanwei''s fans fought even harder!


    The entertainment industry had been quite peaceful recently, with no major events urring. As such, this dispute made it to the headlines! Be it themon folk or the media, everyone was delighted to know that there was a feud between these celebrities. Their enthusiasm for it was even greater than for the news of a Heavenly Queen epting a role on a new movie project and a Heavenly King releasing a new song. This was human nature. Everyone had a gossip side!


    The reporters were also flocking over in full strength!


    Zhang Ye could not be contacted!


    Jiang Hanwei could not be contacted!


    However, someone managed to contact Jiang Hanwei''s agent.


    "Hello, I''m a reporter with the Beijing Times!"


    "Oh, what''s the matter?"


    "Can you tell me what grudges Teacher Jiang and Teacher Zhang have for each other?"


    "Noment."


    "Wait, I��"


    Du du, the call was cut off.


    Then the cell phone of Jiang Hanwei''s agent was turned off.


    But the more it became like this, the more excited the reporters became. Their keen sense of news reporting told them that there was certainly much more to the story. The way it was handled confirmed the authenticity of the news even further!


    But as for Zhang Ye?


    How would Zhang Ye handle this?


    The reporters waited with bated breath!


    The atmosphere in the entertainment industry became very tense!


    An A-list celebrity publicly issuing a warning against another A-list celebrity!


    This was a fight between the gods!


    This had not been seen in many years!


    Numerous people from the entertainment industry were also waiting to see how Zhang Ye would react. After all, Jiang Hanwei was very special, his status illustrious and prestigious!


    Very soon, Zhang Ye made a response!


    This response left the entire entertainment industry in a state of shock!


    Zhang Ye had given a call to Yao Jiancai.


    "What''s the matter, Little Zhang?" Yao Jiancai asked.


    Zhang Ye got straight to the point. "Old Yao, you''ve been around the entertainment industry for many years, so you''re quite familiar with how it works. Help me spread these words to the industry!"


    Yao Jiancai was stunned. "What do you want to say?"


    Zhang Ye answered: "Just help me spread word of my response��.Say that I said, ''What are you acting all high and mighty for!''"


    Yao Jiancai was speechless. "What are you trying achieve!"


    Zhang Ye said: "Just say that!"


    "Are you sure?" Yao Jiancai asked nervously.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "I''m very sure!"


    Yao Jiancai was very familiar with this temper of his long-time crosstalk partner. "Alright then."


    Soon after, Zhang Ye''s words were spread throughout the entertainment industry!


    Fang Weihong was at a loss for words!


    Chen Guang was speechless!


    Fan Wenli gasped!


    The others in the industry were astounded!


    "What are you acting all high and mighty for!"��No one had expected Zhang Ye to use this fierce a method to start the war with Jiang Hanwei! They were really going fight!


    ...


    Elsewhere.


    Jiang Hanwei''s house.


    It was a vi. Jiang Hanwei was in the lounge discussing some fight choreography in a movie with two of the martial arts choreographers and a martial arts double on his team.


    His agent, Wan Yi, walked over and whispered some words to him.


    Jiang Hanwei bellyughed. "Great! Tell him to watch out!"


    Wan Yi nodded.


    "Brother Jiang, what''s the matter?" one of the martial arts choreographers asked.


    That martial arts double blinked several times. "Is it about Zhang Ye?"


    Jiang Hanwei mocked, "I''ve been in this business for over 20 years! But a rookie who has only been in the industry for 2 years dares to say such things to me?"


    Wan Yi asked, "Brother Jiang, just what is going on between you and Zhang Ye?"


    "Stop asking." Jiang Hanwei bluntly said, "This is a blood feud!"


    Wan Yi nodded. "I understand. I''ll inform the industry and use my social ties to guarantee that Zhang Ye won''t find anyone as his agent! No one will want to work for him!"


    Jiang Hanwei grunted in approval!


    Suddenly, a veteran from the actors'' union called.


    "Old Jiang."


    "Oh, it''s Old Bro Zhou."


    "I''m calling to sort things out."


    "Hur hur, then please stop talking."


    "Why are you picking a fight with Zhang Ye? Let it go, alright? I know Little Zhang''s agent, Little Fang, quite well. She asked me to help you two reconcile. You''re both big shot A-list celebrities, so don''t get so ugly. Otherwise, people willugh at us. If you two continue with this fighting, both of you will suffer."


    "Old Bro Zhou, you don''t know the whole story."


    "Old Jiang."


    "No need to speak further. Ha, I''ll buy you a drink when next we meet!"


    Following, another person called to mediate things. It was songstress Zhang Xia.


    "Little Jiang, it''s been awhile, right?"


    "Oh, Auntie Zhang. I think we haven''t met since that year''s Spring Festival G."


    "I know you and Little Zhang pretty well. Do things have to be like this? Give me some face and let it rest."


    "I really can''t do that."


    "No matter what, you can''t stop Little Zhang from getting an agent, right? Isn''t this unreasonable?"


    "Please don''t continue. It''s not that I don''t want to give you any face, but I really can''t do that no matter who tries to mediate!"


    Jiang Hanwei fended off all those calls for mediation!


    Just like he said, it was useless for anyone to try to mediate!


    Jiang Hanwei only wanted to make Zhang Ye looked bad! He had many things he couldn''t tell anyone because there were just too many things in the Chinese martial arts world that people did not know about. He had no way of saying it nor did he have the right to say it. Ultimately, he was just a former disciple of the Huashan Sect. As for why he dared to say such things to Zhang Ye, Jiang Hanwei naturally did not think that his own martial arts were better than Zhang Ye''s. In his opinion and based on rumors, the two of them would at most fight to a draw (in his own imagination), which was the best case scenario. Of course, as they had not encountered each other before, the actual events could turn out much worse. Who knew if Jiang Hanwei could even take ten attacks from Zhang Ye! But the problem now was that Jiang Hanwei did not n to fight Zhang Ye in the ring. There was no need for that!


    A duel?


    A fight in the ring?


    What day and age did they live in!


    However, Jiang Hanwei was not upromising. From a certain perspective, he was not rigid at all. He could not interfere with the affairs of the Chinese martial arts world nor help out in any way, but this was not the Chinese martial arts world. This was the entertainment industry, and he was one of the few celebrities with the highest of reputations! So why was there a need to duel Zhang Ye? This was not the ce to duel in the ring. Zhang Ye and he were both A-list celebrities, so they couldn''t possibly fight in the ring to decide the victor and make the person who lost admit defeat, right? This wasn''t some children''s game! This was awful society and the usual practices of the Chinese martial arts world were not really applicable here. Every profession had its own rules and regtions. In the entertainment industry, the fight depended more on one''s fame, reputation, aggressiveness, and savviness! Despite the fact that Zhang Ye had defeated all therge sects when their strongest were down, he would guarantee that the Zhang fellow would not get past him in the entertainment industry! He was confident that with just a word of his, Zhang Ye would bepletely quashed by him. At the least, he could make Zhang Ye be unable to find an agent!


    Your martial arts are great? You can fight? What''s the use of that!


    You may be very good at fighting, but can your agent fight well too?


    If I can''t beat you in a physical fight, Zhang Ye, then the dozens of brothers of my Jiang Hanwei Stunt Team will be more than enough to take care of your agent! Frankly, I will make your agent get into a small ident and get injured. Even if the policee, they would have nothing on me! Who would still dare to be your agent then? I will beat them whenever I see them! You think I''ve been involved in the entertainment industry for this long without anything to show for? Saying that I was acting all high and mighty with you? I''ll fucking act all high and mighty with you today then! I''ll dere my intentions clearly here!


    What can you do about it?


    ...


    Back in Beijing.


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    Very quickly, Zhang Ye received word of Jiang Hanwei''s message!


    "Just watch out?"


    Zhang Ye was tickled by that. He knew that he could not beat me, so he spread the word to deal with my agent instead? Make everyone afraid of applying for the job? But Zhang Ye had to admit that even though Jiang Hanwei''s move was nefarious, it was actually very effective. Up until now, there was no more news from those agents rmended by Fang Weihong whom he had contacted earlier!


    His mother was so angry that she scolded Jiang Hanwei the entire morning. Finally, she asked, "Son, is there any news regarding the agent position?"


    "No." Zhang Ye shook his head.


    His father frowned. "Not even a single applicant?"


    Zhang Ye responded, "Not even one."


    His mother said angrily, "Why are they all so easily scared off? How can there not be anypetition to be the agent of an A-list celebrity? There should at least be some people who are not afraid of trouble, right?"


    His father sighed. "That Jiang Hanwei can be very arrogant in the industry. I heard that he''s a veteran whose code of brotherhood is very strong, and he has beaten up several people in the past. He is simr to Little Ye in that he is the type of person who will beat someone up if he says he will do so. The applicants for the agent position are only trying make a living, so they do not see the need to take such risks. Who isn''t afraid of getting beaten up anyway?"


    His mother said angrily, "Does he have any regard for thew?"


    His father said, "People like them have plenty of underhanded methods they can use!"


    Suddenly, the doorbell rang!


    His mother shouted to the outside, "Who is it?"


    "Grandma, it''s me." It was Chenchen''s voice!


    His mother, who was raging a moment ago, immediately perked up. "Yo, it''s Chenchen!"


    Zhang Ye blinked!


    Rao Aimin and Chenchen were here!

 Chapter 952: Old Rao, why don’t you be my agent!

    <h4>Chapter 952: Old Rao, why don''t you be my agent! </h4>


    Chapter 952: Old Rao, why don''t you be my agent!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    Guests hade to visit Zhang Ye and his family.


    His parents opened the door to wee them. "Chenchen, did you miss Grandpa and Grandma?"


    Chenchen made a noise in affirmation, then asked, "Where''s Zhang Ye?"


    "Him? He''s getting changed in his room," his mother answered with a chuckle.


    Chenchen bounced to the small bedroom door and knocked on it with her little hand. "Zhang Ye,e out, I''m here."


    Zhang Ye''s voice came from inside the room. "Soon."


    Chenchen knocked on the door again and badgered, "Zhang Ye, hurry up."


    "I get it!" Zhang Ye was annoyed.


    His father looked at the woman standing at the door. "You must be Little Rao."


    For once, Rao Aimin showed a smile. "How should I address the two of you?"


    Over at Zhang Ye''s rented apartment, his mother had met her twice before, so she knew her. "Anything is fine. Our age gap is not really thatrge, so you just call us Big Bro and Big Sis."


    "OK," Rao Aimin said.


    His mother beckoned her in. "Come in,e in and sit."


    Rao Aimin had brought along quite a few fruits and gift boxes. "I heard from Chenchen that she gave you two a lot of trouble in the past six months. I didn''t know what to get, so I just got a little something for you."


    "Aiya, you didn''t have to bring any gifts. You''re too polite." His mother smiled and said, "When Little Ye was staying at your ce, he caused you a lot of trouble too. You even cooked for him and offered him free rent, so we''re very grateful to you as well. If not for your help back then, Little Ye would not have be this sessful."


    They exchanged some pleasantries.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye, who had just changed out of his pajamas into casual wear, came out from his bedroom. "Yo, Big Sis Rao, you''re here." He patted Chenchen, who had stood at the door for a long while, on her little head when he came out.


    They ate lunch at home.


    Initially, his mother had wanted to cook for the guests, but Rao Aimin insisted on doing it instead, so his mother did not stop her!


    His mother felt it was inappropriate. "How can we let our guest cook for us!"


    But Zhang Ye did not mind. "Haha, Big Sis Rao''s cooking is much better than yours."


    At first, his mother did not believe him, but when the tableful of dishes were served, she was convinced!


    The dishes were excellent in color, smell, and taste!


    His mother praised, "The food is delicious!"


    Rao Aimin said, "I just whipped up a few dishes, so please make do with them."


    Without any words, Zhang Ye and Chenchen vied for the te of red braised pork belly!


    "Zhang Ye! Don''t fight me!"


    "I must!"


    "This piece is mine!"


    "Eat that piece instead! Don''t mess around!"


    "But this piece is marbled! I love eating it!"


    "I love eating it as well!"


    "Zhang Ye! You''re not behaving like an adult!"


    The two of them always fought during mealtime. Everyone was used to it. Whether it was Zhang Ye or Chenchen, they had not tasted Rao Aimin''s cooking for almost half a year now. As such, they naturally couldn''t resist!


    His parents regarded the meal as secondary and mainly wanted to chat with Rao Aimin.


    As they chatted, they got around to Zhang Ye''s problems.


    His mother said in frustration, "That Jiang Hanwei! Don''t you think it''s infuriating! My son did not step on his tail, but he went around spreading the word that he wanted to beat up my son''s agent! Does that make any sense at all?"


    Rao Aimin looked at Zhang Ye. "Jiang Hanwei?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s that martial arts action star."


    "He sounds familiar." Rao Aimin said, "I think I''ve met him before."


    His mother was surprised. "You''ve met him before?"


    Rao Aimin tried to recall, then said, "Many years ago. I don''t really remember."


    Jiang Hanwei was part of the Chinese martial arts world. Even if he wasn''t a Huashan Sect member nowadays, he could still be considered as a non-affiliate, or more appropriately, had "set up" his own martial sect. He was currently doing even better than those people from therge sects, and had a big team of martial artists. Furthermore, Jiang Hanwei was a true martial artist himself and was very skilled as well. It could even be said that he was the most famous person in the entire Chinese martial arts world. Be it his kung fu or his poprity, they were all first-rate. As a result, Zhang Ye was not surprised to hear Rao Aimin say that she had once met him.


    His parents were, on the other hand, rather surprised to hear this, because to them, Rao Aimin was just an ordinary woman who owned a lot of apartments. She seemed to not even have a job and just relied on collecting rents for a living.


    Rao Aimin asked, "Did he really issue a threat like that?"


    Angered, his mother said, "Yeah, it''s true! That old bastard! Does he think that my son is a pushover?"


    "How is your son a pushover?" Rao Aimin nced at Zhang Ye.


    "Precisely!" His mother said, "Everyone knows that my son is not a pushover, yet he brazenly picked a fight. What do you think he''s thinking? Don''t you think he has nothing better to do?"


    Chenchen looked up and interrupted, "Zhang Ye, show him what you''re capable of."


    "Show him what I''m capable of?" Zhang Ye said in amusement, "He must show me what he is capable of first!"


    His motherined, "Little Ye wanted to hire an agent because he was getting too busy with work, but that idea has to be scrapped now. The applicants for the agent position are all too scared to take the role now because they''re afraid of getting beaten up! Jiang Hanwei''s exact words were: ''I''ll beat up whoever bes his agent!'' That was enough to scare off all of the potential applicants!"


    Rao Aimin said, "With his martial arts skill? Who can he beat up?"


    His father replied, "You might not know, but Jiang Hanwei is not just any martial arts action star. He''s really skilled and knows real martial arts, and is also very good at it, unlike some others who only know how to put on a show!"


    Rao Aimin did not say anything.


    Chenchen imed, "My aunt is more powerful!"


    His mother said, "In your eyes, your aunt is definitely powerful, but Jiang Hanwei is��"


    "That''s enough, Mom. Just drop it," interrupted Zhang Ye


    "What do you mean ''drop it''?" His mother rolled her eyes and said, "Can''t you see that I''m taking right now?"


    Zhang Ye pleaded, "Can you please talk about something else?"


    His mother said, "Why would I talk about something else?"


    Zhang Ye had no words.


    The person sitting in front of you is the grandmaster of grandmasters in the Chinese martial arts world. It sounds like a joke when you keep bbering about how Jiang Hanwei''s kung fu is very good in front of a real grandmaster. Not even Zhang Ye dared to boast about how powerful he had be when facing Rao Aimin!


    Chenchen asked, "Zhang Ye, why are you looking for an agent?"


    "To assist me in handling my work." Zhang Ye shrugged and said, "Your Uncle Zhang has be more famous now, so there are more people looking for me and giving me work. Even if I were superhuman, I couldn''t handle the workload by myself. But even if I could, it wouldn''t be good for me to handle it personally. It''s hard for me to reject them t out, so I need someone to represent me in the handling of these issues. Actually, there aren''t many important matters anyway. Frankly, it''s just to act as a shield for me."


    Chenchen suddenly came up with an idea. "Then why don''t you get my aunt to be your agent?"


    Zhang Ye blinked and smiled. "That would be great, but I''m afraid that your aunt won''t agree to it."


    Chenchen looked at Rao Aimin and said, "Aunt, you have nothing to do at home anyway."


    Rao Aimin looked at her. "Do I look that free to you?"


    Chenchen and Zhang Ye nodded at the same time!


    Rao Aimin couldn''t muster up a reply.


    Zhang Ye coughed and gave her serious look. "Honestly, Old Rao, why don''t you be my agent? I would now like to ceremoniously and formally extend the invitation to you!"


    In fact, a long time ago when someone brought up to Zhang Ye the subject of choosing an agent to help with his work, Zhang Ye had given it careful consideration. The first person who came to mind back then was Rao Aimin. First of all, she always stayed home with nothing to do and had a lot of free time on her hands. Second, she was very familiar with Zhang Ye and knew him very well, even to the point of having slept in the same bed several times. Third, Rao Aimin''s temperament, character, and values were nearly identical to his. The two of them were seemingly carved from the same mold��their opinions on many topics were basically the same. If Zhang Ye were to turn into a drop-dead gorgeous woman, then he would definitely be Rao Aimin. And if Rao Aimin were to be a handsomedy-killer, then��Alright, then that would definitely not be Zhang Ye!


    In short, Rao Aimin was Zhang Ye''s most preferred candidate without any othersing close. But he knew that Old Rao had too high a status for the job, being a renowned��a notorious grandmaster who happened to own many apartments. She did notck fame or fortune, so what was in it for her to be his agent? And that was why Zhang Ye asked for help from Zhang Yuanqi to help him find an agent at the beginning, as he did not know how to bring it up to Rao Aimin. But now that he had encountered an obstacle in Jiang Hanwei, who caused all those potential agents to turn down his offer, and since Chenchen had innocently brought up the subject, Zhang Ye went along with it!


    However, his parents thought otherwise even as he felt this was the most logical way to do it.


    His mom and dad recoiled at the thought.


    His mother said angrily, "What are you saying! Won''t you be bringing harm upon her!"


    His father said hurriedly, "That won''t do! Absolutely not!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Nothing will happen to Old Rao."


    "What do you mean by nothing will happen!" His mother said angrily, "That Jiang fellow has threatened to beat up whoever your agent is! Yet you still want to hire Chenchen''s aunt as your agent? The nerve you have! How can you allow such a gentle and beautiful woman to get beaten up in front of you?"


    Gentle?


    Was this woman all that gentle?


    She''s only friendly because our family has taken care of Chenchen for more than half a year, and she''s showing her appreciation for our kindness. If it were toward any other people, see if she would bother acting gentle! I doubt even their dogs would wee her at that time!


    Get beaten up?


    Yes, someone would get beaten up!


    But it was unlikely that she''d be the one getting beaten up!


    Zhang Ye ignored his parents and kept his eyes on Old Rao. "Just tell me, are you willing to do it?"


    Chenchen helped to persuade her. "Aunt, go ahead and take the position."


    Zhang Ye was thinking how this rascal was trying to find something for her aunt to be busy with so that her aunt wouldn''t need to keep a constant eye on her studies and homework all day long.


    His mother pushed him, not understanding why he was behaving so insensibly. She said to Rao Aimin, "Little Rao, ignore him! Let him slowly look for an agent by himself!"


    Rao Aimin smiled without saying a word.


    Zhang Ye repeated, "If you''re willing, just say yes. If not, then forget it. I won''t mention this again in the future, so just give it to me straight. Actually, if you be my agent, there isn''t really much that you need to do. You just have to help me answer some calls, and deal with some advertisers, the media, andmercial appearances. In any case, I ept nearly none of them, so you can just reject them all. You can stay with family and take care of your kid as you would. None of that would be affected. Oh right, I''ll also be giving you a part of my earnings, but of course, there definitely won''t be much."


    After a short silence, Rao Aimin spoke, not to Zhang Ye, but rather to his parents, "If it were a year ago, I would definitely have ignored him as I have no interest in being involved with the entertainment industry. But now that my younger sister and brother-inw''s issue has been resolved, my years-long burden has been lifted from my shoulders. Your son helped me a great deal, but I won''t borate on the details. I really owe him a monumental favor this time. And Chenchen being taken care of by your family for the past half a year is also another favor. I am normally an unreasonable person, but a favor must be repaid. It''s only proper."


    His mother was stunned. "But Jiang Hanwei is��"


    Rao Aimin said nonchntly, "Who does he think he is?"


    Zhang Ye was getting excited. "Old Rao, then do you mean?"


    Rao Aimin nced at him and said, "I will ept being your agent for now. When you find a more suitable candidate in the future, I will step down. I''ll just be your agent temporarily."


    "Hahaha, sure!" Zhang Ye was enthused and excited!


    He had done it!


    He had really done it!


    He really hadn''t expected Old Rao to agree to this!


    From here on out, they were going to proceed as a damn unbeatable team!

 Chapter 963: A subordinate in trouble!

    <h4>Chapter 963: A subordinate in trouble! </h4>


    Chapter 963: A subordinate in trouble!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    Zhang Ye only got home after 8 PM.


    His mother asked, "Why''d you just get back?"


    "I''ve took a friend out to sightsee." Zhang Ye felt exhausted. "We visited the Forbidden City 1 , Qianmen Street 2 , and the Summer Pce 3 . Quickly get me something to drink."


    His mother handed him a drink. "Who''s your friend?"


    "A friend from out of town." Zhang Ye did not borate.


    He essentially did nothing the entire day except apany his newly gained junior martial sister on a sightseeing tour of the capital. Besides, he could not really turn her down. Her parents were no longer around and she had traveled very far to look for him, even acknowledging him as "family" after that and addressing him as "Senior Bro." No matter how thick-skinned Zhang Ye was, he couldn''t just leave her alone. After all, it was true that there were only the two of them left in their generation of the Taiji branch of martial arts.


    His father lowered the television volume and looked at him, saying, "You ran around the country for a while a month ago, so why are you still not acting proper now that you''re back?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Alright, I''ll work properly tomorrow."


    His mother badgered, "Your poprity isn''t moving much."


    "Is that so?" Zhang Ye had not been paying attention to it recently.


    His mother said, "You''re still at the bottom of the A-list celebrity rankings. That''s what you get for not having any new works for the past month. If not for that car crash between you and Jiang Hanwei creating some buzz, that previous A-list celebrity, who is now first ce in the B-list rankings, would have overtaken you. Aren''t you worried?"


    Zhang Ye grunted. "OK, I know what to do."


    Back in his room, he gave the Celebrity Rankings Index a quick browse.


    Sure enough, his poprity score was almost falling off the A-list rankings again. This was mainly because Zhang Ye had not released any new works nor had any exposure for the past month when he went to attend the National Martial Arts Conference. Actually, it was only Zhang Ye who would dare to do something like this. If it were any other A-list celebrities who did not appear on the news for a month? Nor take part in any events, shows, or interviews that would give them onscreen exposure? That would be as good as digging their own grave! For a celebrity, having constant exposure to the public was something that was even more important than their lives!


    Moreover, thepetition at this tier was very fierce. If your poprity did not keep growing, it would just drop lower. Would any celebrities at this tier be easy to deal with? All of them had fairlyrge fan bases, so it wouldn''t be surprising if any one of them became famous overnight and jumped onto the A-list. That was why Zhang Ye''s position was still quite precarious and why he would definitely like to get out of this unstable position as soon as possible and keep increasing his poprity score. It wasn''t easy for him to get onto the A-list rankings, so he couldn''t just give it back so easily. As there were numerous B-list celebrities behind him eyeing him, he knew that he could not remain stagnant.


    He decided to go to bed first.


    When he rose in the morning, he would carefully n and look for something to do next.


    He fell asleep immediately when heid down.


    One hour.


    Three hours.


    Some time in the night, his cell phone suddenly rang!


    Zhang Ye subconsciously rejected the first call and went back to sleep. However, it rang again and Zhang Ye wondered to himself who could be calling in the middle of the night!


    He looked at his watch and saw that it was 3 AM!


    Then he looked at the caller ID and saw who was calling. Ha Qiqi?


    Zhang Ye became slightly more awake. If it were reporters or nuisances calling at this time, he would not bother with them at all. But as Ha Qiqi was his deputy who had always been aposed person, and now that Zhang Zuo and she were directing a new documentary on air pollution, Zhang Ye knew that Old Ha would definitely not call him at 3 AM if it weren''t something serious. And she''d even called twice?


    He immediately answered: "Sister Ha, what''s the matter?"


    Ha Qiqi said in a slightly listless voice: "Director Zhang, sorry for disturbing your sleep."


    "It''s fine. Please speak." Zhang Ye sat up in bed.


    "I��"


    "Just what is it?"


    Ha Qiqi said: "They didn''t want to tell you this, but I feel that I have to tell you about it no matter what." She paused and fell silent for a few seconds. "Can you make a trip to the hospital? Something has happened to Huang Dandan!"


    Huang Dandan?


    Tong Fu''s girlfriend?


    Zhang Ye hastily asked: "What happened to Little Huang?"


    "She was just diagnosed with lung cancer."


    Zhang Ye''s mind reeled as he sat on his bed in shock. "Impossible!" He threw aside his nket and got out of bed before asking in a raised voice: "Which hospital? Which ward? I''ll be right there!"


    He put on his clothes!


    He went downstairs and drove off!


    On his way there, Huang Dandan''s face kept appearing in his mind. He had a very deep impression of this subordinate of his. Little Huang didn''t start on The Voice''s program team, but rather was an employee of the documentary channel. When Zhang Ye went over, he chose her and her boyfriend, Tong Fu, along with some other employees of Department 14 and established the program team for A Bite of China. When they were filming A Bite of China, as female member of the team, Little Huang had followed their group of men and ovee the treacherous mountain hikes without a singleint. She was even tougher than most of her male colleagues, and from time to time, she could even liven up the atmosphere as the happiest person on the team. Everyone liked her presence very much!


    Lung cancer?


    Zhang Ye could not ept it!


    ...


    3:30 AM.


    At the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Cancer Hospital.


    When Zhang Ye finally arrived at the hospital, Yan Tianfei''s secretary had just arrived as well. The two of them went upstairs together and saw quite a few people around the ward. All of them were Department 14 staff!


    Ha Qiqi was talking to a doctor.


    Zhang Zuo and Wu Yi were clenching their fists in anxiety.


    Tong Fu was squatting by himself in a corner, in a daze and not speaking. The moment Tong Fu saw Zhang Ye, his nose wrinkled and his eyes suddenly welled with tears. "Director Zhang!"


    Everyone looked over!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Little Huang is��she''s��"


    Little Wang teared up as she had always the closest to Huang Dandan.


    Zhang Ye said loudly, "What the hell is going on?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "After you left yesterday afternoon, Little Huang started coughing violently when we were eating out for lunch. At first, we didn''t think much of it because Little Huang hadn''t been feeling well due to her month-long cold. Butter on, she suddenly choking and her face turned blue. We then realized it was serious and rapidly sent her to a small hospital nearby. After they examined her, the doctor advised us to transfer her to a different hospital. Only then did we learn that something was wrong! In the end, they had her sent here to the Beijing Cancer Hospital. She did her checkups andb tests during the day. A portion of the test results just came out!"


    Zhang Ye said angrily, "Why didn''t anyone tell me sooner?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Tong Fu and Little Huang said that you were busy and didn''t want us to tell you!"


    "Something this big has happened and you guys still want to keep it from me? You guys are something!" Zhang Ye was angered for real. He said to the physician, "Doctor, you''re positive that it''s��lung cancer?"


    The physician recognized Zhang Ye, but did not act surprised at seeing him at a time like this. He said, "We''ve diagnosed her on the whole. It''ll take until tomorrow morning for the rest of the test results toe out."


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath and asked, "What stage is it at?"


    The physician said, "The preliminary diagnosis shows that it''s at the early stage."


    Zhang Ye quickly asked, "Early stage? Then she can getpletely cured?"


    The physician hesitated for a second. "She first has to get surgery. After that, it''ll depend on the patient''s will to live. Just because the cancer is at an early stage doesn''t mean she be cured. It''s just that the five-year survival rate for early stage lung cancer is higher than at theter stages."


    Survival rate!


    These words were heart-wrenching to those present!


    Zhang Ye clenched his teeth. "She''s only in her twenties!"


    The physician sighed. "I know."


    "Little Huang doesn''t even smoke!" Zhang Ye said in a questioning tone.


    The physician nodded. "She doesn''t."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Does her family have any history of such a disease?"


    The physician said, "No."


    Agitated, Zhang Ye said, "Then how could she have lung cancer? That doesn''t make any sense at all!"


    That''s right!


    Why?


    No one in Department 14 could understand!


    The physician looked around at them. "ording to the clinical and pathological diagnoses, it is lung cancer. We can at most inform her family members that this is lung cancer with no known cause. We won''t tell them anything more than that. However, based on my clinical knowledge and some of the pulmonary tests, I can tell all of you this with certainty." He suddenly took out a few of the x-ray films andboratory reports and said, "I''m 90% certain that the cause of Ms. Huang Dandan''s lung cancer is due to the air pollution around us, or what we colloquially refer to as��smog! She doesn''t smoke nor have any family history of lung cancer, and is also very young. But she still has to breathe every day, every moment, and the pollutants in the air will follow her respiratory tract into her body and damage and infect her��this is the cause of the so-called lung cancer with no known cause!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Can you confirm that?"


    The physician nodded. "The number of simr cases have been multiplying in recent years." He pointed to a nearby ward. "Over there are two cancer patients who got admitted here today before your case. They had the same circumstances��they did not smoke, had no family history of cancer, and did not work in hazardous environments, but they still got diagnosed with cancer all the same. Tell me, why do you think that is? Besides, I checked and know that Little Huang''s hometown is in Shanxi. That province is known to be heavily polluted."


    The physician changed the topic. "It''s quitete. The other patients still have to rest, so don''t have too many people stay behind. Go home for now." He then walked away.


    He left behind a group of Department 14 staff who felt very angry!


    Air pollution?


    It was actually caused by the air pollution that they had been investigating for the past month!?


    The ward''s door opened.


    A female employee of Department 14 came out and wiped away some tears from the corners of her eyes. "Little Huang wants everyone to go inside."


    Zhang Ye immediately stepped into the ward. "Little Huang!"


    The lights were on inside the room. Huang Dandan was lying on the bed, her face haggard and pallid. She had an oxygen mask on to help her breathe. "Director Zhang, why are you here too? I''ve told them not to tell you about this."


    Zhang Ye said, "How can I not be here! Rest assured, Little Huang. Don''t worry too much. The doctor said that you''re at the early stage of the cancer, so you''ll definitely recover! We''ll always be by your side!"


    Little Wang said, "Right!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "We''re all here for you!"


    Wu Yi said, "Everyone will always be by your side!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Just rest up and don''t think about anything else. We wille and visit you every day!"


    Looking at Huang Dandan''s condition, everyone''s heart ached.


    However, Huang Dandan shook her head. "I can bear this. You don''t need to be by my side ore here."


    "Dandan!" Tong Fu was nearly in tears.


    Huang Dandan looked at everyone and suddenly said, "Can you guys promise me one thing?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Whatever you say!"


    Ha Qiqi quickly said, "However many requests you have, we''ll definitely give you our word!"


    Huang Dandan''s tone became very determined all of a sudden. "I overheard what the doctor said just now. Don''t worry about me. You guys must take my ce and produce the air pollution documentary. We can''t let the citizens stay in the dark. Don''t let the same thing happen to other people, alright?"


    "Dandan!" Little Wang teared up again.


    Zhang Ye straightened his face as he said through set teeth, "Alright, I promise! I will make sure that everyone gets to see this documentary!"


    "Thank you, Director Zhang." Huang Dandan fell asleep content.


    After the group left the ward, they went downstairs.


    Zhang Ye stood in the lobby and suddenly announced loudly to everyone of Department 14, "From today onward, from now onward, our Department 14 will fight to the bitter end against��air pollution!"


    "Fight it!"


    "Motherfucker!"


    "To the bitter end!"


    "To the bitter end!"


    The people of Department 14 were furious!

 Chapter 964: Barred from broadcast!

    <h4>Chapter 964: Barred from broadcast! </h4>


    Chapter 964: Barred from broadcast!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    7 o''clock in the morning.


    At Central TV.


    The other channels and departments were not at work yet. Many of their offices were still empty, but Department 14''s office was already working at full capacity!


    Every staff member was present!


    "Where''s the script?"


    "We''re making copies of it now! It''ll be ready immediately!"


    "Get the Ministry of Environmental Protection''s number!"


    "I have it here!"


    "Who''s going to interview Chief Xu?"


    "Me! I''ll go!"


    "Director Zhang? You''re going to handle it yourself?"


    "Yes!"


    "Then I''ll get it arranged for you immediately!"


    "Director Ha, the animated short is ready. Can you take a look to see if it''s OK?"


    An hourter.


    The Central TV employees gradually arrived for work. When those who passed by Department 14''s office saw what was going on inside, all of them, without an exception, froze in their tracks. They discovered that the people of the Documentary Channel were all seemingly different today. They were all busy working. No one was ying games or idly chitchatting. Each person seemed like a sharp sword, looking very persistent, tough, and angry!


    What was going on?


    Just what was going on?


    A curious person from Department 13 went over and asked, "Old Wu, what are you guys��"


    Someone who knew what had happened quickly pulled that person back. "Don''t bother asking. Something happened to their department''s Huang Dandan!"


    "What happened to her?"


    "Lung cancer."


    "What did you just say? How could that happen?"


    "Yeah, she''s still so young!"


    "How''d you know?"


    "I heard it from someone this morning. Apparently, it was caused by the smog!"


    "This��"


    "No wonder! No wonder the people of Department 14 are working so hard!"


    "Smog? Is the smog really that harmful?"


    "It can even cause lung cancer?"


    "Why didn''t I know about this? They didn''t report it on the news either?"


    "I know that the smog is pretty bad, but no one has ever told me that it could cause lung cancer? And how could the chances of it developing be so high? I saw Huang Dandan just yesterday!"


    "I don''t know."


    "Is the smog really that harmful?"


    In just one afternoon, the news had spread all around Central TV!


    Several heads of other departments came looking for Yan Tianfei to show their support.


    Some of the channels even suggested to hold a fundraiser for Huang Dandan out of goodwill, but were rejected by Yan Tianfei and Tong Fu. Huang Dandan traveling around the country to the regions most affected by the smog was an aggravating factor in the lung cancer developing. As a result, Huang Dandan''s case was considered a workce injury. Yan Tianfei had already gone to the relevant departments to check out the procedures to take. The medical expenses were all submitted so that Huang Dandan and her family wouldn''t need to have any additional burdens. Yan Tianfei had taken care of all this already.


    ...


    One day.


    Two days.


    Three days.


    The staff of Department 14 were all working harder than the other. Under this high intensity work pace, in only three days, they had finished thetter half of the documentary that spanned four episodes. Together with the work done in the previous month, the entire documentary waspleted!


    In the end, it was Zhang Ye who took on the responsibility of editing the show. He had edited out the parts which were most controversial and did not follow his previous world''s version of Chai Jing''s Documentary on Air Pollution in China. He also chose a different way of presentation for the broadcast and added in some of his own content. The overall edit made it quite different from the original as he was afraid that it would not pass for broadcast, which was why he had taken out the most controversial parts of it in the first ce, although not all of it could be edited out and had to remain in the final cut.


    On this day, the documentary waspleted!


    Ha Qiqi heaved a sigh of relief. "It''s finally done!"


    "I''m gonna pass out from exhaustion!" Zhang Zuo had nearly copsed.


    Little Wang said excitedly, "This is great. I''ll call Dandan and tell her!"


    Tong Fu asked anxiously, "Director Zhang, when can it get broadcast?"


    Zhang Ye asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Tong Fu said, "Dandan''s surgery is scheduled for next week, so I hope that she can get to watch it before then!"


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Alright, let me speak to Director Yan about this."


    Zhang Ye went to Yan Tianfei''s office and discussed the documentary with him. After Yan Tianfei finished watching the final cut of the documentary, he was extremely satisfied with it. He immediately submitted for approval in the hopes that they would be able get it out for broadcast by next week while they concentrated on the promotions this week!


    However, what no one expected was that the next day, the decision of Central TV was announced abruptly: Department 14''s The Pollution Problem does not pass muster and has been barred from broadcast. All rted work and promotions of the documentary would be stopped with immediate effect as well!


    Department 14 reacted explosively!


    Ha Qiqi mmed her hands on the table. "How could they make a decision like that!"


    Zhang Zuo red into the distance and said, "Why are they barring it from broadcast? Why?"


    Little Wang said, "What on earth happened?"


    Everyone was in disbelief. The many days of their efforts to rush out the documentary before Huang Dandan''s surgery was now met with Central TV''s decision to bar it from broadcast? There wasn''t even an option to make changes to it and was instead shut down upon submission?


    A decision like this was an extremely rare urrence!


    It had urred just a handful of times at Central TV!


    Yan Tianfei was furious and went to find the station head. When the people of Department 14 learned about this, they all followed Yan Tianfei!


    The Station Head''s office was packed with a lot of people!


    "Why?"


    "What regtions did we vite?"


    "This is a public service documentary!"


    "Station Head, why aren''t we allowed to broadcast the documentary?"


    Nobody could ept this!


    The station head who oversaw the approval board looked at them, frowned, and said, "I watched the documentary. If you people only mentioned that the smog was harmful, no one would have batted an eyelid. But why must the source of the smog be brought into it as well? Pollution caused by the burning of coal? Pollution caused by steel making? That isn''t going to be eptable!"


    Yan Tianfei said in annoyance, "Why not?"


    The station head said, "You''re asking me why not? Can the country not burn coal? Can the country not produce steel? What''s the point of bringing up those things? It will just create a very negative impact all around! If this actually triggers a societal upheaval or conflict, who will be responsible for it? You? Can you bear that responsibility? Even Central TV couldn''t bear this responsibility, much less you!"


    Zhang Ye came into the office from outside. "If we don''t mention the source of the air pollution, what is the point of making the documentary? What should we tell the audience? Tell them that the smog is harmful! That it is very harmful! That it is extremely harmful! But we have to keep the source of the pollution a secret, we can''t tell you about it. So don''t bother with taking measures against this. Even if the smog is heavy, you still have to breathe it in. Even if the smog is heavy, there''s nothing you can do about it! Is that how it goes?"


    The station head said in displeasure, "In your documentary, you imed that the smog was the cause of lung cancer. But do you have any scientific grounds for saying that? Do you? If you do, show it to me!"


    Zhang Ye looked at him. "A lot of the organizations that investigated this found that there is a corrtion between the degree of air pollution and the number of lung cancer cases!"


    The station head shook his head. "I''m asking you now, do you have any scientific grounds for saying that? What grounds do you have? A national report? Where is the report then? You said that the smog was the cause of lung cancer and a variety of other respiratory diseases, and could even cause pathological changes? You''re fearmongering! Everything these days has to be based on science!"


    Yan Tianfei shouted, "So many people died in the past in other countries due to smog. Tell me then, how did those people die?"


    The station head said, "I don''t know how they died, and neither do I care. All I know is that you people are fearmongering. There are some topics that people like you should never touch, even if it''s for a documentary that you''re doing! If it isn''t handled well, things will boil over!"


    Zhang Ye could not take this anymore. "Due to the smog, a lot of people have already died. Everyone can see this, yet you''re asking me to fucking provide you with evidence? Asking if we have any scientific grounds for our ims? Have you gone blind? Do I look like a scientist to you? Then let me ask you! Does traditional Chinese medicine have any scientific basis to it? Exin to me the scientific principles behind it! Exin to me the scientific purpose of taking someone''s pulse! Exin all of that to me!"


    The station head clearly had no answers to his questions, but he did not approve the broadcast of the documentary either!


    Further, the station issued direct punishment an hourter!


    The leaders of Department 14 have led others to cause trouble!


    Zhang Ye is suspended for a month!


    Yan Tianfei is suspended for a month!


    The entire Department 14 staff shall have their monthly bonuses deducted!


    Arge-scale punishment like this almost never happened at Central TV, but it seemed like the station was very determined in their way of handling things this time!


    Yan Tianfei mmed his hands on the table and cursed!


    The entire Department 14 also cursed!


    "Fuck!"


    "How could they bar the documentary from broadcast just like that?"


    "The statistics that we collected were all from professional institutes!"


    "Right, how did it be fearmongering?"


    Zhang Ye was exasperated!


    He had already taken great care dealing with this problem!


    Others might not know it, but he did. In his previous world, Chai Jing''s Documentary on Air Pollution in China had stirred up a lot of trouble, causing turmoil at almost every level of the country''s hierarchy. A lot of people had been shocked by the documentary and be afraid of the smog for the first time in their lives. But there were also a lot of people who had questioned it and relentlessly found ways to raise doubts against Chai Jing and her documentary!


    That was why Zhang Ye had been treading so carefully!


    Calling for capital reform? He did not include that!


    Calling for reduced coal usage? He did not include that!


    Statistics from foreign institutes? He did not include that!


    Above all, he did not call for any urgent economic restructuring of the nation!


    He had removed all of the controversial points of Chai Jing''s documentary so that he could make a purely public service documentary that would inform the citizens of the harmfulness of the smog and where the smog originated! Zhang Ye was careful, cautious, and on guard at every turn, but he never thought that the documentary would still get barred from broadcast!


    Little Wang said anxiously, "I told Dandan over the phone that the documentary has beenpleted. But now, what are we going to tell her? We won''t be allowed to broadcast it? We can''t get it out for broadcast?


    Tong Fu said angrily, "During the past few days that Dandan''s been hospitalized, she''s kept asking about the progress of the documentary. She��She��"


    Everyone fell silent. With Central TV issuing the ban, Department 14 had no way to broadcast it. This was the irond truth!


    What should they do?


    There was no way out!


    Director Yan was suspended!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Director Zhang, what should we do?"


    Ha Qiqi looked at him.


    Zhang Zuo looked at him.


    Everyone from Department 14 looked at him.


    Zhang Ye did not say anything. He walked back into his own office and called Wu Zeqing. After exining everything to her, he wanted to listen to her opinion.


    "You want my opinion?"


    "Yes."


    "Then I''ll tell you that it''s best not to broach this subject. It''s very sensitive so it''d be best to stay as far away from it as possible."


    "Alright, I understand."


    "But if you insist on it, you have my support."


    "Thank you."


    Old Wu''s words revealed a lot to him. At her level of work, she definitely came into contact with many people and knew many things!


    This was a minefield!


    Whoever touched it would be done for!


    Whoever touched it would die!


    The strong reaction from Central TV said it all!


    But!


    Zhang Ye had always believed that in the long passage of history, such matters could not stay hidden for long. No one might talk about it this year or next year, but what about a hundred yearster? Two hundred years?


    Someone would definitely have to be the first to do it!


    Someone would definitely have to make the sacrifice!


    Zhang Ye poured some tea he''d brewed for himself and took a sip of it before closing his eyes to think. He thought about it for a long time.


    He��was willing to be that someone!

 Chapter 965: Let me bear the burden of these criticisms!

    <h4>Chapter 965: Let me bear the burden of these criticisms! </h4>


    Chapter 965: Let me bear the burden of these criticisms!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the same day.


    The news was already reporting on this matter.


    "Zhang Ye''s new documentary has been banned!"


    "Nothing to follow up with after A Bite of China!"


    "A documentary on air pollution? Barred before broadcast!"


    "The decline of Zhang Ye?"


    "Central TV Documentary Channel no longer able to replicate the miracle of A Bite of China!"


    "Why did a public service documentary get barred from broadcast?"


    On Weibo, manyizens were not having any of it!


    "What is this?"


    "Barred from broadcast? Fuck! I didn''t even get to watch it!"


    "What is this about it getting barred before its broadcast?"


    "I''ve been looking forward to Zhang Ye''s new documentary all this while. Although this documentary was not directed by Teacher Zhang, it was still made by him. Why is it gone?"


    "Give me back my documentary!"


    "Central TV is so awful!"


    "I think there''s some news that you guys might be still be unaware of?"


    "What news?"


    One of the program team members of A Bite of China was diagnosed with lung cancer several days ago!"


    "Ah?"


    "What?"


    "Hai, she''s just twenty-something. Teacher Zhang did not n to be involved with this documentary initially as he was already about to leave Central TV. But he came back to take charge of it because that team member''s lung cancer was seemingly caused by the smog."


    "Surely that can''t be true?"


    "Can smog really cause lung cancer?"


    "Are you serious? Don''t scare me like that, alright?"


    "An employee of Department 14 has been diagnosed with cancer. Why is Central TV still barring them from broadcasting the documentary? They really aren''t sympathetic, are they? Would Teacher Zhang agree to that?"


    "This makes me want to watch the documentary even more now! The news has often talked about being more aware of the smog and saying that the air pollution is harmful. But why do they not exin to us why it is harmful? Or tell us how they''re going to govern and manage it? What''s the meaning of that! Everyone''s in a fog! They know that there is the smog, but no one knows what the hell it is! Was Teacher Zhang trying to tell us? And then got barred from broadcasting it?"


    This topic was heatedly discussed on the Inte!


    A lot of people were cursing at Central TV, but there were also a lot who did not know what had happened!


    In this world, the study of PM2.5 was still in its infancy. There were a lot of things regarding it that most citizens did not understand, with about 95% of them not even knowing that they should have the habit of wearing a face mask outside on a smoggy day. Nobody thought much of this issue and were not nervous about it. This was also the reason for Zhang Ye and Department 14''s urgency in making this documentary. But now it was all in vain!


    ...


    At Central TV.


    In the Documentary Channel''s office.


    It was almost time to knock off, but no one was preparing to leave yet. Everyone stayed behind and kept cursing and scolding. There were even some people who talked about wanting to quit their jobs!


    "This is too much!"


    "Dandan is gonna get surgery soon!"


    "How are we going to exin it to Dandan? How do we break this to her?"


    "We can''t just leave it as that!"


    "Right! We must think of a solution!"


    Ha Qiqi dropped something heavily onto the table and said, "I''ll go see the station head again!"


    "Let''s go together!" Zhang Zuo couldn''t stand it anymore either!


    "Let''s go together!"


    "Yeah, together!"


    Everyone responded angrily!


    They asked themselves if they had done anything wrong to deserve this!


    They asked themselves if any of their statistics were not obtained from a professional institute!


    But why did it end up with the station head using them in this way? And punishing them too? Why could they not inform the citizens of where the smog originated and how harmful it could get? Why couldn''t they let the citizens know the truth?


    They did not understand!


    So they were very angry!


    Across the room, Zhang Ye had juste out from his office.


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Come with us!"


    "Let''s go and see the head!"


    "I don''t believe that we can''t justify our position!"


    The people of Department 14 were in a state of frenzy.


    But then, Zhang Ye looked at everyone and said, "Don''t bother looking for him. There''s no point in doing so either. Without approval from the station, we''ll never get the go-ahead to broadcast our documentary."


    Ha Qiqi said, "But!"


    "No buts." Zhang Ye waved his hand. "It''s time to leave and go on home, everyone. There''s no need to contemte the documentary issue any further."


    Zhang Zuo stared at him wide-eyed. "Are you saying we should just let it be?"


    Zhang Ye said, "What else can be done? The footage has already been taken away by the station''s people."


    Little Wang could not believe that Zhang Ye was saying something like this. "Director Zhang, what''s with you? This, this isn''t your style. If this were the past, you''d definitely��"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''d definitely what? The station has already indicated to us that our documentary would cause more harm than good. I have nothing I can do, so we can only leave it as is for now. Everyone, let''s stop kicking up a fuss already and head on back home."


    Ha Qiqi was angered by this. She shouted, "Director Zhang! Then who''s gonna be responsible for Dandan''s cancer? Dandan''s beenying in her sickbed without airing a single grievance. All she wants is to prevent what happened to her from happening to anyone else! She just wanted our documentary to inform the citizens so that they''d know about the harmfulness of the smog! Yes, I ept that the station head''s words were right. Even if some of the statistics we obtained were genuine and from official institutes, but there are no scientific grounds to them! Statistics are just statistics and can only be used for scientific interpretation. They can''t be considered scientific fact! But even if it really turns out to be wrong, even if the smog is actually not harmful at all, we still want to make this matter public! We still want to scare the people into thinking! To make them learn about the smog and let them be afraid of it. Even if we have to face a lifetime of criticism, we''re willing to ept it!"


    "Right!"


    "All of us are willing to ept it!"


    "We''re not afraid of getting scolded! In the past year, haven''t we already been scolded a lot?"


    "Director Zhang, we cannot just let this be!"


    "This documentary is the fruit of everyone''sbor!"


    Zhang Zuo stared straight into Zhang Ye''s eyes. "You promised Dandan personally! You said that you''d make sure everyone gets to see this documentary!"


    Tong Fu clenched his fists. "Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye looked at all of them. "Are you guys finished?"


    No one spoke.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "OK, if you are, then head on home. Let''s not bring this up again. Go back home and pack up your feelings. We still have to prepare for the next documentary, maybe something about gourmet or animals. Any subject is fine."


    Ha Qiqi suddenly asked, "Is thising from the bottom of your heart?"


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands. "Then what do you want me to do?"


    "Director Zhang, I was wrong about you!" Ha Qiqi turned around and left!


    Zhang Zuo hesitated for a bit before giving a long sigh. He walked off as well!


    Zhang Ye abruptly said, "There''s something else. Right now, there''s a lot of attention on our documentary from the media and the people. There''s huge ruckus online, so we can''t just stay quiet and offer no exnation about it. We''ll apply to the management for a venue to hold a press conference regarding this issue. It''d be best if the venue is arge one so that we can fit in all the media outlets and reporters for the press conference. At that time, I will personally go onstage and give an excuse for the barring of our documentary from broadcast."


    Ha Qiqi did not even turn her head. "Got it!"


    Zhang Ye felt reluctant. "This will be very important."


    Zhang Zuo turned around and said, "I''ll write a report for it tonight."


    "OK." Zhang Ye nodded.


    Little Wang said angrily, "You still intend to clear it up? Give an excuse? What''s there to excuse! What''s there for us to exin! We did not do anything wrong in the first ce! Director Zhang, why, why are doing this!"


    Tong Fu looked at Zhang Ye. "Are you still the Director Zhang I know?"


    Little Wang pulled at Tong Fu. "Let''s go!"


    Gradually, everyone left the office!


    Everyone wore the same expression of disappointment!


    Soon, Zhang Ye was left in the office by himself.


    Outside, it had turned dark. Smog blotted out the moonlight. When he looked out through the window, the night looked gloomy in a rather depressed and somewhat lonesome manner.


    Zhang Ye quietly walked over to the office''s main door and closed it. Creak. The sound of the door closing was particrly loud in the silence of the office. He walked back in, and suddenly bent over and turned on aputer, then another, and a third one. Theseputers had previously been used to store the data for the air pollution documentary, but were wiped clean after the people from Central TV''s management came over in the afternoon.


    He turned them on.


    Typed on the keyboard.


    Zhang Ye performed a series ofplicated operations on them. If there were any technicians present, they would know that Zhang Ye was recovering the files and data that were still retained on the hard drives!


    Five��


    Ten��


    Twenty��


    Little by little, the data were restored!


    One by one, the sections of video and interview material reappeared on the screens!


    All of a sudden, Zhang Ye thought of those words Ha Qiqi uttered to him before she left. He couldn''t refrain from chuckling, and felt quite proud of her at heart. Make the people learn know about the smog? Let them know so that they would be afraid? Even if they had to face a lifetime of criticism, they would ept it?


    Well said!


    That''s my team!


    You''re all good people!


    However, this is no trifling matter. This is a major issue that will tear a hole in the sky! How could I let you guys face these criticisms? How could I let you sacrifice yourselves? All of you are still powerless right now. If you guys offend someone, or if someone tries to find trouble with you guys, how could you handle it? You have wives and kids, husbands and parents. When ites to handling the pressure from such criticisms, can any of you truly bear it?


    Forget it.


    It''s no coincidence that I''m not afraid of trouble, have never been afraid of offending others, and am always very controversial. So I don''t care if I''m charged with another count. I''m your boss. If anything happened, could I let you guys take the me? All of you have really underestimated me, Zhang Ye!


    So let me bear the burden of these criticisms instead.

 Chapter 966: The press conference begins!

    <h4>Chapter 966: The press conference begins! </h4>


    Chapter 966: The press conference begins!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    A few dayster.


    Saturday.


    On the day of the press conference.


    Morning, at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Cancer Hospital.


    "Dandan," Tong Fu said.


    Huang Dandan shook her head. "That''s impossible!"


    Beside her, Little Wang said with a sunken expression, "Director Zhang really said that."


    Huang Dandan said in disbelief, "Don''t you guys know what kind of person Director Zhang is?"


    "I know." Tong Fu grit his teeth and said, "But he''s really going to stop caring about this. He instructed us to not get involved nor bring it up again. Even when we wanted to go and protest against the heads a second time, he stopped us from going!"


    Little Wang said in resentment, "Our documentary definitely can''t make it to broadcast anymore as the footage has been deleted. The press conference will be held today, and we''ll be exining to the reporters and public the reason why the documentary was taken down. It''s 7 AM now. In two more hours, the press conference will begin!"


    Huang Dandan kept shaking her head.


    Tong Fu said, "I can actually understand Director Zhang''s decision. He will be leaving Central TV soon, so if he gets into trouble at this stage, it''ll greatly affect him. Since we already know that our documentary will likely offend a lot of people, nobody would want to get themselves involved in such a mess. Director Zhang also��"


    "Don''t speak any further!" Huang Dandan interrupted him angrily. "All of you, please leave!"


    Little Wang said, "Dandan, why are you��"


    Huang Dandan ignored her. "Please go back!"


    "Th-Then we''ll head on to work. Rest up and listen to the doctor." Tong Fu had no choice but to leave with Little Wang and another colleague who was also visiting.


    "What should we do?"


    "Just give Dandan some time alone."


    "Hai, she definitely can''t ept that either."


    "This time, Director Zhang is really��"


    "Don''t. Director Zhang has done a lot for everyone."


    "Let''s go back then. There''s still a lot of things to handle at the press conference venue."


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    At SARFT HQ.


    Wu Zeqing walked into the office building.


    "Eh."


    "Chief Wu!"


    "Chief Wu, good morning."


    "Ah, Chief Wu!"


    Many people were momentarily stunned. Today was Saturday, as well as public holiday. Besides, didn''t Chief Wu attend a meeting in Shanghai yesterday? Didn''t she originally n to return on Sunday? Then why did Chief Wue back to work today? Uh, did something happen at the office? Why wasn''t there any news of that then?


    The employees started gossiping.


    Soon, Wu Zeqing''s secretary, Bai Li rushed back in a hurry.


    In the office.


    Bai Li was quite surprised. "Chief Wu, what made youe back today? Wasn''t the meeting in Shanghai ted to end on Sunday?"


    Wu Zeqing said nonchntly, "There might be something happening today, so I came back in advance."


    Bai Li eximed, "What''s going to happen?"


    Wu Zeqing did not answer her. She just said, "If something happens today, tell me immediately. I will be in my office the entire day."


    Terrified, Bai Li said, "Uh, OK."


    Just what was going on?


    Even Chief Wu had toe back in anticipation of something?


    Was a disaster going to ur?!


    ...


    At Central TV.


    At the press conference venue.


    "I''m from the Beijing Times."


    "Oh, please enter."


    "I''m from the News Channel and this is my reporter pass."


    "Alright, please enter."


    "I''m with Tianjin TV."


    "Wee. Please enter."


    The reporters and camera operators were gradually admitted into the venue. Some of them were setting up their equipment and testing their video cameras, while others were exchanging words in twos and threes.


    "Why is it being held at such a big venue?"


    "I heard that there will be over a hundred reporters attending."


    "That many?"


    "Yeah. Department 14''s new documentary was rejected, so a lot of people are focusing their attention on them."


    "That''s true. We still don''t know the reason behind it."


    "We''ll probably find out in a while."


    "I heard that the entire Department 14 was punished and even warned!"


    "Due to what reason?"


    "Who knows! Isn''t it just a documentary about air pollution? How big of an affair could it be?"


    "It seems that the smog can cause diseases."


    "Come on, that''s all nonsense, no? It is the same as pesticides on vegetables. No matter how much you try to wash them away, the veggies won''t be 100% clean. There will still be some residue left in the vegetables. Even though the residue is poisonous, a small intake of it won''t affect the body, so nothing will happen. The issue of the smog is likely the same, and it doesn''t happen every day anyway. Today''s weather looks just fine to me."


    "Yeah, if the smog really is hazardous, the station would already have gotten us to investigate and do a report on it, but have any of you received instructions to do so in the past two years?"


    "Nope."


    "We didn''t get such instructions from our station either."


    "I did receive one, but our investigations showed nothing. The officials did not even give us a proper definition of what smog is. There were some simr cases overseas as well, but their circumstances should be different from our country''s. This PM2.5 issue was only brought up recently, in the past two years."


    Even a lot of the reporters working on the front lines had only a passing knowledge of it.


    This was the current state of this world''s knowledge and understanding of smog. It was a very different from Zhang Ye''s previous world. The people of this world were still at the preliminary stage of discovery regarding smog. Ignoring the fact of how hazardous it was, nobody even seemed like they knew if the smog was harmful to their bodies.


    Not far away.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others were busy working.


    But from the looks of it, everyone from Department 14 seemed to be going about their work very listlessly. There was no hint of the fire or anger from before. They all appeared to have be rather apathetic to everything.


    Zhang Zuo asked, "How many people have not arrived yet?"


    Wu Yi said, "Almost everyone is here. There''s just one or two who aren''t."


    "Then let''s get ready to start," Ha Qiqi said, expressionless.


    Beside them, several heads of Central TV walked by for an inspection. They looked at the staff of Department 14. "So how''s the preparation going?"


    Zhang Zuo looked upset. "It''s all done."


    Deputy Station Head Zhou said, "When it''s time for the Q&A session, don''t mention anything about getting barred or the like, as it doesn''t sound nice. Today''s press conference is mainly to give a proper exnation to the people concerned about this issue. Don''t bring up any unrted things, understand?"


    A different supervisor criticized, "In the future, don''tmit such a big mistake! Even Zhang Ye knows how severe this is, yet you people are still not over it?"


    The station heads then made their rounds once more, albeit not seriously, before leaving. With the footage deleted, there was no way they could broadcast it even if they wanted to. They did not believe this group of people could give them any more trouble.


    Once the station heads left, the look on the faces of the Department 14 people turned even more unsightly!


    A big mistake?


    What big mistake did wemit?


    Someone spoke up, "I think Director Zhang is still backstage. Can someone go and get him?"


    No one answered.


    Ha Qiqi just said, "Whoever wants to go, go."


    Zhang Zuo sighed, "Old Ha."


    Wu Yi gazed at Ha Qiqi. "It''s actually hard for Director Zhang too. Director Zhang is tired of it this time and does not want to fight them anymore. We have to try to understand."


    Ha Qiqi turned around and walked away to oversee the work elsewhere.


    Tong Fu walked up. "But he personally promised Dandan!"


    Zhang Zuo patted Tong Fu on the shoulder. "Little Tong, I know that you aren''t in a good mood, but the implications of this business are too great and aren''t things we can change. Director Zhang has difficulties as well."


    Tong Fu said angrily, "He can ignore it, but why must he stop us from taking this into our own hands?"


    Zhang Zuo sighed, "Hai."


    Suddenly, a silhouette appeared at the entrance!


    The people of Department 14 cried out in shock!


    "Dandan!"


    "Aiyo!"


    "What are you doing here?"


    "Why''d youe here instead of staying at the hospital?"


    "Your surgery''s soon!"


    Tong Fu was stunned!


    Ha Qiqi hurriedly ran over.


    Huang Dandan said calmly, "I just came to take a look."


    Ha Qiqi reprimanded, "The documentary has been axed, and Director Zhang''s not going to do anything about it. What''s there to look at? Go back quickly and get some rest!"


    Tong Fu was also very anxious about her. "Huang Dandan!"


    But Huang Dandan turned a deaf ear to them and stubbornly stood there without moving!


    It was time!


    The press conference was about to start!


    Backstage.


    There was only one solitary person here at this moment.


    For the past few days, not a single person of Department 14 knew what Zhang Ye was doing. After he got suspended, he just stayed at home and did not show his face at the office. No one called Zhang Ye either. It seemed like the entire team had be strangers with him overnight. A lot of them were still angry at him.


    Zhang Ye looked at his watch and lightly exhaled. He looked in the mirror and adjusted his shirt cor before he smiled and walked out satisfied and resolute!


    I''m not a stern person, nor am I a likeable character. I''m not one to have an exhaustive n, as I''m not a deep schemer. I don''t know how to behave in a way that everyone will agree and be satisfied with. My EQ is not high and my IQ is just the same. I often make mistakes and am sometimes impulsive. I have many shorings, though I know them all!


    You can doubt me!


    You can scold me!


    You can insult me!


    You can bite me!


    None of that matters to me!


    But if you don''t allow me to speak?


    Then that is uneptable!


    That is��truly uneptable!


    Do you people think that by deleting the footage, you can seal my lips?


    Do you people think that a documentary can only be shown on televised media?


    Hur hur, then I guess you people have never before witnessed a documentary being broadcast live at the venue, right?

 Chapter 967: Zhang Ye’s Documentary on Air Pollution in China!

    <h4>Chapter 967: Zhang Ye''s Documentary on Air Pollution in China! </h4>


    Chapter 967: Zhang Ye''s Documentary on Air Pollution in China!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Thud.


    The venue''s door was closed by the staff.


    This announced the start of the press conference!


    The reporters roused themselves and looked at the stage. They looked around for the host of the press conference or Central TV Documentary Channel''s supervisor.


    "It''s beginning!"


    "Where''s Zhang Ye?"


    "Where is he?"


    "Eh, why isn''t anyoneing out?"


    "Who''s hosting the press conference?"


    All of a sudden, the venue''s lights went out!


    Click!


    Click!


    Most of the lights turned off!


    Only a few of the dim stage lights remained lit!


    The venue instantly darkened!


    "Huh?"


    "What''s going on?"


    "Why did they turn off the lights?"


    "What''s the meaning of this?"


    "Hey, what are you guys trying to do?"


    The reporters were startled. Everyone started questioning Department 14''s staff about this. This setup bewildered them as they had never attended a press conference that was held in this way. Why did they turn off the lights?


    However, the employees of Department 14 were also startled by this. They did know understand what they were seeing. They hadn''t received any prior notice and wondered how the press conference could be held with the lights off.


    Wu Yi quickly said, "It''s probably a fault with the lighting system!"


    "Quick, go and take a look!" Yan Tianfei''s secretary was here as well.


    Little Wang said, "B-But I don''t think anyone''s backstage?"


    Someone else wondered, "The lighting was preprogrammed. I don''t think there''s a lighting technician around today?"


    "What''s going on then?"


    Ha Qiqi sensed that something was wrong!


    Zhang Zuo and the others also felt it!


    The next moment, however, a vertical beam of light abruptly shot down from above and illuminated the rostrum on the stage. In the dusk of the venue, this light was quite conspicuous!


    In an instant, the venue fell silent!


    Everyone looked up at the stage in surprise!


    From backstage, a silhouette slowly walked out.


    One step.


    Two steps.


    Three steps.


    "Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I turn on the light. I see the light shining and motes of dust, and sometimes even some irritating bugs flying toward the light."


    The man''s voice rang out before his face could be clearly seen.


    Zhang Ye walked up to the rostrum. He did not gaze at the stunned faces of the hundred-odd media reporters in the audience. He just stared straight up at the beam of light as he walked toward it until he came to a stop in the center of it. "But there''s something that I cannot see, the fine particte matter floating in the air. It''s smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter. It has a high refractive index which allows them to absorb arge amount of visible light, leaving us with a very low visibility of the ces surrounding us. In time, people began giving this phenomenon a name, which I think is called ''smog.''" He smiled and reached out to grab something, but grabbed only air. "I''ve always been very curious about smog and wanted to know what it really was. It''s right in front of me, yet I can''t see it."


    The venue was dead quiet!


    No one could react to what was happening before their eyes!


    This opening, this speech stunned everyone!


    Ha Qiqi stared, eyes wide!


    Zhang Zuo could feel goosebumps cover his body!


    Huang Dandan excitedly balled her fists!


    Little Wang''s eyes reddened, tears threatening to spill out!


    Director Zhang!


    You��


    Zhang Ye took two steps to reach an onstage master console that was set up beforehand and tapped on it. "There''s only one way that I can drag it into my sight."


    The big screen behind him lit up.


    A picture of an apparatus appeared.


    Zhang Ye smiled as he pointed at it. "This is a PM2.5 sampling apparatus that I borrowed from the Environmental Sciences Department at Peking University. Professor Wang from their department told me that this instrument is extremely precious and that there are only ten of them in Peking University, so they couldn''t loan it out. So I handed him a 68-yuan 1 bottle of wine and he immediately said that I could have the apparatus as a gift."


    A female reporter in the audience burst intoughter!


    A few other reporters couldn''t hold in theirughter either.


    Zhang Ye spread his hands and smiled as he said, "I''ve always thought that the smog was very mysterious and wouldn''t show itself to just anyone. Butter, I found that with an apparatus like this, which I exchanged for a bottle of wine, by cing a pristine sample of film in it, the smog would automatically show itself to me."


    The screen shed.


    One by one, photos featuring scenes of Zhang Ye''s daily life appeared.


    There was a timestamp.


    There was a location.


    There was a figure of the PM2.5 values at that second.


    Zhang Ye said, "This is from two days ago when I carried this apparatus around for 24 hours."


    Two days ago?


    So you did note to work for the past few days because you were doing this?


    At this moment, without exception, everyone from Department 14 looked deeply touched!


    Ha Qiqi almost sobbed! Director Zhang!


    Then, a shocking picture popped up!


    The reporters gasped in shock!


    "Ah?"


    "This!"


    "This is?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. He pointed at the screen and said, "This was the sample of film that was taken out at the end of the day."


    The film sample in the picture had turnedpletely ck!


    It was the same color as coal!


    "Why is it like that?" a female reporter asked in disbelief!


    "This��this is what the smog is?" A male reporter was also shocked!


    One of the reporters nearly jumped up. "Impossible!"


    Zhang Ye looked at him and said with a smile, "Yeah, I didn''t believe it at the beginning either. However, I went to look for my Peking University colleague, who is still that Professor Wang from the Environmental Sciences Department, and gifted him yet another bottle of wine, and had him help me analyze the sample that I''d collected. I wanted to know what was really in it."


    The picture changed.


    A densely packed group of chemical names appeared!


    Zhang Ye raised his hand and pointed at the screen. "These are the results of his analysis of the film sample. There are a total of 15 types of carcinogens, including the strongest carcinogen in the world, benzo[a]pyrene. Do you know how many times above the national standards it was measured at? It exceeded it by 14 times!"


    It caused an uproar!


    Carcinogens?


    Exceeded the standards by 14 times?


    Zhang Ye said, "I didn''t believe it, so I carried the apparatus around and went out again yesterday to do another test. Then I hurried back to Peking University to look for Professor Wang and had him help me analyze the film sample again. This time, the result was��the benzo[a]pyrene levels exceeded the standards by 17 times! I was astounded. I thought my initial test was wrong, but how could the results of the second test exceed the standards by an even higher figure? Professor Wang said to me, ''Professor Zhang, did you go shopping this time?'' I told him I did. Professor Wang replied, ''If you''d walked around a little longer, the result would have exceeded the standards by much more!''"


    Everyone looked up at the stage in horror.


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "I knew that Peking University had recently built aboratory. As all of you know, since I''m part of Peking University, I''m in a rtively favorable position for some things. So I spoke to Professor Wang and asked if I could volunteer myself for the Key Laboratory of High Concentration Particte Matter, and if they could measure my body for data so that I could better understand and inform the people of this. But Professor Wang shook his head and said that there was no way. So I asked why. I told them that I wasn''t afraid of this. Signing a liability waiver was fine too. If anything happened to me afterwards, I would not hold them responsible for it, so just let me do it."


    Everyone was rendered speechless. They didn''t think that Zhang Ye would actually risk his life like this!


    Continuing, Zhang Ye said helplessly, "Professor Wang hesitated for a long time before telling me, ''There''s no need for you to go inside the Key Laboratory of High Concentration Particte Matter. In fact, the outside air you breathe every day is much more polluted than the air inside theb!''" Looking at everyone, Zhang Ye said, "It was at that moment that I realized all of us are actually living inside ab that is constantly exposed. This is what the smog is, and that is who our enemy is. We can''t see it, but it''s all around us!"


    Many of the reporters were aghast!


    Many of them were also stunned by today''s presentation!


    Wasn''t this a press conference? Weren''t they going to exin why the documentary was taken down? Why did it be something like this? What was going on?


    Documentary?


    You''re actually showing a goddamn live broadcast of the documentary?!


    No one had seen anything like this before! These reporters had never even heard of something like this!


    On the other side of the venue.


    The emotions of the staff of Department 14 got a bit out of control!


    Tong Fu wished he could p his own face. "Director Zhang!"


    Wu Yi said, "This��"


    Little Wang wiped her tears away. "So it turns out that Director Zhang did this much in the past few days! And we didn''t even know about it! We didn''t know anything at all! I, I even spoke harshly to Director Zhang! I had thought, had thought that Director Zhang did not care about us anymore!" As Little Wang talked, her tears fell faster!


    A staff member said, "Goddamn me!"


    "I should have known!"


    "Yeah! When has Director Zhang ever been afraid of trouble!"


    "Why did he choose to do this by himself? Why didn''t he tell us about it? He even told us to stop kicking up a fuss over it? And told us not to be involved anymore?"


    Ha Qiqi''s lips were trembling. "He was afraid that he would get us into trouble! He intended to bear all of the criticism by himself! All of us��we have wronged Director Zhang!"


    "Director Zhang!"


    "I, I��"

 Chapter 968: A never-before-seen documentary!

    <h4>Chapter 968: A never-before-seen documentary! </h4>


    Chapter 968: A never-before-seen documentary!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    This was an unprecedented press conference!


    This was history''s first live premiere of a documentary!


    Zhang Ye calmly stood onstage and faced all the reporters who wore different expressions, his expression unchanging. "So how does the PM2.5 enter our bodies? How does it destroy our bodies from within? With the assistance from the experts at the Environmental Sciences Department of Peking University, we created a short video to exin."


    The big screen lit up.


    One after another, cartoon characters appeared onscreen.


    "Hello, I am a PM2.5. I have many siblings, such as the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and various heavy metals, all of which carry a sharp weapon. In the game of attacking humanity, we very rarely lose. At the first stage, the nostrils, nasal hair, and nasal discharge stop foreign objects from entering. 90% of the particles that arerger than 10 microns in diameter will get stopped here, but that won''t stop me. At the second stage, the throat in the upper respiratory tract has tiny hairs called cilia which beat in coordinated waves 20 times per second. But because of my lightness, the trachealis muscle��which contracts when irritated��will try to stop me, although that is not enough to defeat me. At the third stage, the lower respiratory tract has passages called bronchi, which branch out like a big tree and conduct air into the lungs. This is our favorite ski slope of all, as we fight our way in against the cells, lymphocytes, and others. As a side effect, humans suffer from various inmmations caused by us."


    This was an animation that they had prepared earlier to be used in the documentary.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others were once again shocked!


    The Central TV News Channel''s reporter was also rather startled!


    Weren''t all these resources already deleted?


    Didn''t Central TV send a team of people to take them away?


    Why do you still have it? H-How did you get them back?


    Only then did the staff of Department 14 realize just how much Director Zhang had done behind their backs! Director Zhang had begun nning for this press conference since the day the documentary was barred!


    "Ourrge force finally reaches the end of the branches of the bronchi, which is where the alveoli are. Humans have over 300 million alveoli in each lung. Once we block off these alveoli, they cannot breathe. But in here exists our most fearsome enemy��the macrophages. They are specialized to engulf and digest foreign substances, and are also known as internal scavengers. This is going be a tough battle. But we outnumber them, and our core is difficult to break down as well. Together with the heavy metal toxins, the macrophages find us hard to digest, so easily die. This is how the human immune system breaks down. We also have a group of warriors, the ultrafine particles measuring no more than 0.5 microns in diameter. They are able to prate right through the membrane of the alveoli into the bloodstream, damaging and constricting the blood vessels, which in turn causes increased blood pressure and leads to internal clotting. We can even make use of the pulmonary cirction to enter the core of the human body and carry out attacks against your heart, causing myocardial ischemic damage, arrhythmia, and heart attacks."


    "Shiver in fear, human!"


    "We''re in every breath you take!"


    The animation ended with the ringing of wild and savageughter!


    A lot of the reporters were holding their breath, too afraid to even breathe!


    How could it be like this?


    How can this be possible!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "While we were drawing up this animated short, a colleague of mine was present. She was extremely scared. She told me that she has a two-year-old at home, and asked how this would affect her child in the future. I wondered the same, so I went to ask Peking University''s Professor Wang about it. I said, ''Old Wang, shouldn''t we expose our children to the smog so that they start adapting to it? Isn''t there a saying going around these days? Don''t make your kids lose at the starting line.''"


    This made many of them want tough out loud.


    But a lot of the people in the audience could not bring themselves tough.


    Zhang Ye spread his hands. "Professor Wang told me that there was simply no basis for a statement like this. For every day that you''re exposed to smog, it will be a day of damage done to your body. There''s no such thing as adapting to it! So I asked him, ''What should we do, what can we do? And what about children?'' Professor Wang hesitated for a while before giving me a suggestion. He said that we could only reduce the number of times that we went out on smoggy days." Looking at the reporters in the audience, Zhang Yeughed and said, "I thought about that and felt that it wasn''t such a bad idea after all. At worst, we could just stay home during smoggy days. That would surely do, right?"


    That''s right.


    Just reduce the number of times you go out.


    The reporters listened carefully and thought about it as well.


    However, Zhang Ye spoke again. "Later, I realized that I had overthought things. I contacted our country''s Ministry of Environmental Protection and obtained some internal statistics."


    What statistics?


    The reporters were taken aback.


    Without warning, another short video started ying on the big screen!


    The music yed. It was a background track that sounded very heavy as a timepse of images shed on screen. It was the PM2.5 readings of various medium torge cities!


    Shijiazhuang:


    Days with air pollution in the past year: 267 days


    Tianjin:


    Days with air pollution in the past year: 189 days


    Shenyang:


    Days with air pollution in the past year: 192 days


    Taiyuan:


    Days with air pollution in the past year: 184 days


    Chengdu:


    Days with air pollution in the past year: 107 days


    One by one, astonishing numbers appeared before the crowd''s eyes!


    The reporters were all stunned. How was this possible? Had the smog already reached such a state? But why didn''t they know about it? Why couldn''t they feel it in their daily life?


    In this world, the people had a very limited understanding of what smog was. They really did not know what it was!


    Zhang Ye pointed at the screen and gave a wry smile, saying, "In many of the cities, the number of days per year that the air was polluted on arge scale was close to 50%, and in some ces, more than 50%. Don''t go outside? Unless we don''t work, don''t go to school, don''t go to the market, and don''t go shopping, how else can we avoid going outside? When I got ahold of this data, I found it quite perplexing and was also extremely surprised by it. Why? Because I did not understand why it was like this. Wasn''t smog only a thing that came up in the past two years? So why did it seem like the entire country was suddenly shrouded in it overnight? Why didn''t we have it in the past? Why didn''t I know about it in the past?"


    That''s right!


    There was no such thing as smog in the past!


    Zhang Ye''s words hit the bullseye. Everyone was thinking the same thing and could not understand it either. This smog seemed like it had suddenly dawned on them in the winter of two years past. There was no forewarning at all!


    But Zhang Ye''s next reveal made all the reporters at the venue gasp!


    Zhang Ye said, "Professor Wang told me that the smog had always been around. But I said that was impossible. Was I blind or something? Why didn''t I know about it before? Then, Professor Wang had me to go through some news articles from some years back."


    On the big screen, an image from a newspaper was shown.


    It was the front page news from ten years ago that appeared on the Beijing Times.


    There was an airne.


    And heavy fog.


    Zhang Ye said, "Professor Wang asked me, ''What do you see?'' I said, ''Fog, right?'' Professor Wang said, ''Have a look at the headlines of that day''s news.''"


    The image changed.


    Some more words appeared over the top of that image. The news headlines was revealed!


    "Massive dys at capital''s airport due to fog!"


    Fog?


    It was fog?


    The reporters were stunned. A chill originating from the bottom of their hearts spontaneously arose!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "In fact, since ten years ago, or even earlier, smog had already existed. But it was not referred to as smog at that time, but called��fog!"


    The reporters were horrified!


    Even the staff of Department 14 could feel a chill in their hearts after hearing this. Actually, they were involved in the production of this documentary from the beginning and had conducted interviews at many ces. They had created a lot of clips for the documentary and knew about all the things Zhang Ye was talking about. They already knew and understood the subject as they were the ones who''d handled it in the first ce. But for some reason, when they saw Director Zhang standing onstage and rting the story, they still felt the same shock as the reporters. It was in truth even more shocking than when they first learned of all this knowledge!


    This was Zhang Ye!


    One of the top hosts in the domestic industry!


    Organized, logical, controlled, appealing��he was just so good at all of it!


    The Department 14 staff had full reason to believe that even if their original documentary were to be broadcast, the effects after the broadcast would definitely not be as good how Zhang Ye was currently giving his speech! This was on apletely different ne! This was an oration expected of one of the top hosts in the country!


    It was extraordinarily charismatic!


    "Lung cancer," Zhang Ye suddenly said. "These words can terrify anyone. I never expected something like this to happen to someone close to me." He smiled and said, "I''ve always thought that only us smokers got lung cancer. But one day, I realized that I had it all wrong. I have a female colleague who''s a year younger than me. She''s the joy of our office and treats everyone very well. She''s also very motivated, and does not smoke, drink, or have any family history of the disease. However, she was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. I got very angry at that time and questioned the doctor, ''Why! What''d she do to deserve that! Do you know how old she is?'' The doctor said to me, ''I can only tell you that the lung cancer was the result of an unknown cause. But I formed an opinion that it was due to the air pollution''!"


    Huang Dandan''s tears fell.


    Ha Qiqi held one of Huang Dandan''s hand in hers.


    Little Wang held Huang Dandan''s other hand and cried together with her.


    Air pollution?


    Lung cancer?


    The reporters were once again shocked!


    This information that Zhang Ye had thrown out wrecked their perception of smog knowledge!


    Zhang Ye looked at them. "Therefore, I wanted to investigate this. I needed to understand where the smog came from! I wanted to find out who the responsible parties were!"


    Coal!


    Steel!


    Pollution!


    For the entire afternoon, without a script nor any assistance, Zhang Ye kept on talking about the subject.


    ...


    Outside.


    At a meeting room in Central TV.


    The regr meeting had just ended and the heads gradually vacated the premises.


    Oh right, is Department 14''s press conference over yet?"


    "Uh, I don''t think so."


    "It''s still not over?"


    "Uh-huh."


    "It''s already been over an hour!"


    "I don''t know."


    "Why is it taking so long?"


    ...


    At the venue.


    A spinning Earth appeared on the screen.


    Zhang Ye looked into the audience. "Thousands and thousands of babies are currently in their mothers'' wombs or being birthed. These rivers, skies, andnds should belong to them. We have no right to consume without restraint. We have no right to grumble without restructuring. We have the responsibility to prove to them that a world illuminated by energy can be both clean and beautiful."


    He faced the big screen.


    Focused on that rotating Earth.


    A smile hung on Zhang Ye''s face. "Every time I see this spinning in the dark of space, I feel a nameless attachment and warmth. Someday in the future, I''ll leave this world, but my family and children will still be living on it, so I''ll still be involved. That''s why I watch over it, just like I watch over you. That''s why I protect it, just like I protect you."


    The music faded out slowly.


    Further and further out.


    The press conference was over.


    Everyone sat in their seats, unable to move!


    Suddenly, Ha Qiqi started to p with all her might!


    Little Wang pped!


    Zhang Zuo pped!


    Tong Fu pped as hard as he could!


    In an instant, a round of apuse broke out!


    Every one of the reporters present at the venue stood up, feeling a sense of shock, confusion, and fear��and gave their most respectful apuse to this never-before-seen press conference!


    This was Zhang Ye!


    This was Department 14''s new documentary!

 Chapter 969: Stay true to yourself!

    <h4>Chapter 969: Stay true to yourself! </h4>


    Chapter 969: Stay true to yourself!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The lights came back on.


    The doors opened.


    The press conference ended and Zhang Ye walked off the stage.


    But none of the reporters left!


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang, please stay!"


    "Please ept an interview!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Please wait a moment! Wait a moment!"


    Numerous reporters piled forward in excitement. Several of the male reporters seated in the back rows even stepped over the chairs ahead of them to get to the front as everyone rushed forward in a frenzy!


    However, Zhang Ye did not answer any questions or ept any interviews. He just turned around and left through the backstage.


    Noticing this, the Department 14 staff in the back quickly went forward to hold off the reporters. They shouted, "Please go back. Everyone, please head back."


    When a few of the reporters saw this jostling, they knew they would not get to interview Zhang Ye today. They were highly aware that something big was about to happen, so they immediately turned around to find their colleagues who were filming the press conference and ran outside with all their might, carrying their video cameras and cameras with them!


    When some of the other reporters saw this, they came to their senses!


    "Let''s go!"


    "Hurry, hurry, hurry!"


    "Let''s return to the station!"


    "Quick, contact the editor-in-chief!"


    "Drive the car over here first!"


    This press conference, no, to be precise, this documentary was very astonishing, so they had to return to their office immediately to seek the opinions of their bosses. For breaking news of such scale, it was impossible that it would remain a scoop. It all depended on their speed now as theypeted to see who would get it published first and gain the advantage!


    But even though they were fast, they would definitely not be faster than those from the Central TV News Channel. This was because they did not need to drive back to their office at all. It was just right upstairs!


    As this documentary was ordered barred from broadcast by the Central TV heads a few days ago, the people of the Central TV News Channel clearly would not dare to act on their own. They quickly reported this matter to their superiors.


    With that, the whole of Central TV was stunned!


    Deputy Station Head Zhou pounded the table and jumped to his feet. "What? What did you say?"


    Deputy Station Head Li stared and said, "C-Can you repeat that?"


    The female reporter from the news channel said bitterly, "Zhang Ye has publicly released the documentary by presenting it in a live conference format! Th-This is the recording from the press conference."


    They watched it as quickly as they could.


    It was fast-forwarded.


    And fast-forwarded again.


    They took just five minutes to finish watching it!


    The station heads immediately paled!


    "What has gotten into Zhang Ye this time?"


    "He''s about to leave. Why is he still meddling?"


    "This is pissing me off!"


    "This is outrageous!"


    "He actually had the courage to say all that with all those reporters around?"


    "The documentary''s footage was deleted. But he, he turned it into a live conference?"


    "We cannot allow this to get broadcast!"


    "This was a press conference held by Central TV! We''ll be doomed if it gets broadcast!"


    "Go and tell the Station Head!"


    "Hurry!"


    "Let the Station Head know! Tell him that something terrible has happened!"


    ...


    Backstage.


    The employees of Department 14 stood in front of Zhang Ye.


    Huang Dandan looked at him. "Thank you, Director Zhang."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Since I promised you, I would''ve gotten it done even if the sky copsed. There''s no need to thank me for it. You must now recuperate and get ready for your surgery. I''ll be waiting for you to get back and help me in the future."


    "Director Zhang! I��" Tong Fu flushed.


    Ha Qiqi said, "We thought that you were��"


    Zhang Zuo said angrily, "Why didn''t you let us know about something so important!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "It''s just as you said. It''s precisely because this is such an important matter that I knew I had to bear the responsibility on my own."


    "We could have all borne it together!"


    "That''s right!"


    "We could have all borne it together!"


    "Why are you bearing this responsibility by yourself!"


    "You''re looking down on us, Director Zhang!"


    Everyone had something to say, but they were in fact all very touched. Before the press conference, everyone had given up all hope and even entertained the thought of quitting. But when they saw Zhang Ye appear onstage and give his opening speech in such aposed manner, it set their pulses racing!


    Director Zhang was still the same old Director Zhang!


    He had never let them down before!


    Zhang Ye looked at everyone around him. He spoke, "It''s not that I''m looking down on you guys, it''s just that it''s not necessary to drag all of you down together with me. I''ve always been unpopr and have offended so many people, so I''m not really bothered by it. But all of you are different. Every one of you still has a future in the industry, so why would I let you be notorious like me and get hated on? There''s no need since we''re a team. Haven''t our roles always been clearly defined? You guys are responsible for producing the documentary while I handle the offending!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Director Zhang, I''m sorry. Back then, I even��"


    "It''s me who should be sorry," interrupted Zhang Ye, "as I didn''t let you guys know about my n. Actually, when I heard everyone saying that you wanted to make this documentary public even if you had to face the music, I felt rather touched and proud, knowing that you guys didn''t disgrace me."


    ...


    At a newspaper firm.


    Everyone was up to their ears in work!


    A lot of them were on the phone, while many of executives and employees of the newspaper firm had surrounded a monitor, which was reying the footage from Central TV Department 14''s press conference!


    They finished watching it.


    A reporter who was present at the press conference said, "Chief Editor, c-c-can this be published?"


    Another reporter said, "Zhang Ye has revealed the source of our air pollution to be caused by the steel mills, gas stations, vehicle exhaust emissions, corporations polluting, and even coal-fired heating. I-If this gets published, wouldn''t it cause chaos?"


    Everyone was very uncertain about this and waited for the chief editor to speak.


    A deputy editor said, "This can''t be published, right?


    A different editor said, "So what if we know the source of the air pollution? Can we stop people from using heating? Can we ban all the steel mill production? Stop industrialization?"


    An executive of the newspaper firm had a different view. "When did Zhang Ye say that he wanted to stop industrialization?" When did he say that he wanted to stop people from using heating? If coal-fired heating causes pollution, we can just aim to reduce the burning of coal and increase the proportion of gas heating instead! For pollution caused by steel mills, we can order the standardization of environmental protection facilities, increase crackdown efforts on offending corporations, and encourage citizens to reportwbreaking corporations! For pollution caused by vehicle exhaust emissions, we can increase the penalties. We can issue fines to all those heavy vehicles that exceed the limits! How is that called being unable to do anything about it?"


    That deputy editor said, "But the citizens won''t think of it that way! They will surely call for theplete eradication of steel mills! And refuserge and heavy vehicles from entering into cities! The citizen are always ignorant. If they see this documentary, then��"


    "Alright, everyone, stop arguing." The chief editor finally spoke up.


    Everyone looked at him.


    The chief editorughed in extreme helplessness. "Honestly, I have gained a sudden sense of admiration for Zhang Ye. At least he dares to speak up and tell the truth. The whole truth and nothing but the truth!" After a short silence, the chief editor gave his orders. "Just report it. We''ll publish it as is! Hand the recording over to Old Hu. I will personally write the rough draft for this afternoon''s edition of the paper!"


    "Chief Editor!"


    "Why?"


    "Are we really going to publish it?"


    "Ah?"


    The chief editor suddenly looked at them. "Why not? Why can''t we publish it? Zhang Ye, as a host and documentary director, has done for us what we media personnel could not do. These kinds of reports should have been written by us in the first ce; it should''ve been us who exposed such news to the public. But look now, a documentary filmmaker has beaten us to it instead. Don''t you guys think it disgraceful? Well, I find it disgraceful! I find it extremely disgraceful! I know the higher-ups probably won''t approve of such reporting. But as journalists, we must sometimes have a backbone!"


    Everyone went silent.


    The chief editor said, "We should let the people know about this issue as they have the right to know!"


    A female editor smiled. "The chief editor is right. I''ve finally understood why there are so many people who like Zhang Ye. He reminds us of our past selves every so often. There is a popr phrase going around these days: ''Stay true to yourself.'' I suppose that Zhang Ye will never understand this phrase because everything he''s said and done these past few years has been true to himself. He has never forgotten, but most of us have probably forgotten ourselves."


    "Then let''s publish it!"


    "Fuck yeah, let''s do it!"


    "Right, you''re speaking as if we''re afraid of trouble!"


    "I will contact Old Hu immediately and get him to publish the video in full on the newspapers'' website!"


    "Chief Editor, let me help you with the first draft!"


    "Let''s do it! Let the sky fall! Zhang Ye''s there to hold it up!"


    The entire newspaper firm immediately got down to work!


    At the same time, the other newspaper firms and television stations were getting ready to publish the news!

 Chapter 970: Let’s clear up this day a bit, just a little

    <h4>Chapter 970: Let''s clear up this day a bit, just a little </h4>


    Chapter 970: Let''s clear up this day a bit, just a little


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    A video appeared online without any warning.


    The headline read: Zhang Ye''s Documentary on Air Pollution in China.


    Another headline read: "Department 14''stest documentary."


    And another headline read: "What exactly is smog?"


    It just started popping up this way.


    A lot of people were caughtpletely off guard!


    "What?"


    "The documentary?"


    "Didn''t it get banned?"


    "Yeah, didn''t Central TV ban it from being broadcast?"


    "What''s going on then?"


    "Didn''t they hold a press conference this morning to make an exnation about the ban? Then where did the documentarye from? This must be fake news, right? Is it clickbait? They''re just trying to lure us into reading the reports, right?"


    A lot of people did not believe the headlines as there has been too much fake news recently.


    But many of them still could not hold back from clicking. And when they did, they were stunned!


    "Damn!"


    "Look! Quickly, look!"


    "Look at what?"


    "It''s really true! This��this is Zhang Ye''s new documentary!"


    "How is that possible? It wasn''t even broadcast on TV!"


    "Go and take a look for yourself! It''s not a documentary that was meant for television broadcast at all! The documentary was released live at the press conference instead! Oh my god! Teacher Zhang is too amazing!"


    "Ah!"


    "What?"


    "Let me see, let me see!"


    The first batch of viewers just kept on howling excitedly like that!


    But when they finished watching the entire documentary that was filmed live at the press conference, whichsted over an hour, all of them got mad without exception. They could not believe it, as shock was written all over their faces!


    "How is this possible!"


    "Th-This is what smog is? These are the enemies that we''ve been facing on a daily basis?"


    "This is too shocking! Too shocking!"


    "This��this��"


    "Share it! Hurry!"


    "Right, we have to let everyone know about this!"


    "Old He, quicklye and see this!"


    "Old Wang, stop ying your games already. Have a look at this!"


    "Motherfucker! This is too much! These polluting enterprises have really gone too far!"


    "So that was why they banned it from broadcasting? Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!"


    "Start sharing it!"


    "Right, share it for Teacher Zhang!"


    In the blink of an eye, the Inte blew up!


    This documentary struck like a thunderbolt and lit up the Inte with a bang!


    On Weibo.


    "What''s the matter?"


    "What''s happening?"


    "What''s everyone watching?"


    "Why is everyone so excited? What happened?"


    "Let me have a look too."


    On the discussion forums.


    "What is this video about? Why is getting so many views?"


    "A documentary? Why did it get posted here? This is a stock trading forum."


    "Holy shit! This documentary��"


    "Heavens! Is this for real?"


    "Is this what smog is? Fuck their grandpas!"


    "So they''ve been keeping that from us all this time?!"


    "Fuck! I want to swear at someone! I really want to swear at someone!"


    On Tieba.


    "Why didn''t they tell us?"


    "Why didn''t they tell us before?"


    "If I had known, I would have worn a face mask!"


    "My wife died from lung cancerst year! Fuck!"


    At a filming location.


    A call from Fang Weihong suddenly came in. "Sister Zhang."


    Zhang Yuanqi said pleasantly: "What''s the matter?"


    Fang Weihong said solemnly: "There''s a video online that I think you should watch."


    Zhang Yuanqi: "Hmm?"


    Old Chen''s house.


    Chen Guang''s face was one of shock. "This��"


    Fan Wenli also looked somewhat pale. "This is the smog?"


    Chen Guang said, "It has��already advanced to such a stage?"


    Songstress Zhang Xia was at home watching this documentary. She watched it twice and fell silent.


    At Beijing Television.


    Dong Shanshan was stunned.


    Hu Fei wore a sunken expression.


    Hou Ge, Xiao Lu, and the others were all enraged!


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    Yao Jiancai''s wife gasped. "Why didn''t anyone ever tell us about something so terrible? Why?"


    Yao Jiancai gave a wry smile. "Little Zhang has ripped a great big hole in the sky this time!"


    Yao Mi said, "Why do you say that it''s ripping a hole in the sky? Teacher Zhang just reported the truth!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "It''s not like no one has investigated this before. There are also some people who know about this as well, so why must he go and spill the beans? This kid is an imbecile!"


    His wife disagreed with him. "Yes, he is stupid. No one is more stupid than him in the entire entertainment industry! That time when Lee Anson pushed a fan after the Spring Festival G, if it were anyone else, they would not have bothered stepping in. But Zhang Ye did! When Beijing Television''s Wang Shuixin caused Father Wei''s death, if it were anyone else, they would not have done anything. But Zhang Ye did! When the Japanese delegation visited Peking University and acted arrogantly, if it were anyone else, they would not have dared to say a word. But Zhang Ye did! He never had anything to gain out of any of that, and even caused many people to start scolding him! They''ve been scolding him from the year beforest untilst year, and then fromst year again until this year. You said that he is an imbecile? I totally agree! He is the stupidest person I''ve ever seen in the entertainment industry. But, but deep down in my heart, I just can''t help but admire and respect him! Do you know why I feel that way?"


    Views of the online video were increasing rapidly!


    Every refresh brought about an increase of a million views!


    There were two video hosting sites that even crashed from the heavy load of traffic, leaving their entire site crippled!


    This was an unprecedented kind of virality, as no other documentary had ever managed to create such a shocking and influential impact within an hour of its release! No, perhaps it wasn''t just for documentaries. Even for movies, music, or videos, none of them had ever hit such a level of craze!


    Central TV was angered!


    The entertainment circle was stunned!


    The entire country had been turned upside down due to this live documentary conference!


    Confusion!


    Panic!


    Anger!


    Madness!


    All sorts of emotions were spreading rapidly among the people!


    "@EnvironmentalProtectionMinistry Why didn''t anyone take control of the pollution issues? Why?"


    "Steel manufacturing corporations that have flouted thew, you all better own up!"


    "Right, you all owe everyone an exnation today!"


    "Who approved those heavy vehicles that failed the emissions tests and allowed them to be on the road?"


    "Requesting that the relevant departments thoroughly investigate this! Why should we pay the price for your irresponsibilities? What makes all of you think that you can profit off of our health? Teacher Zhang is right! You motherfuckers! What is that I smell in the air? It''s not the smell of smog, it''s the smell of the goddamned money from pollution!"


    The popce exploded in anger!


    An emotion rooted from the thoughts of getting deceived and having the truth withheld erupted!


    "Where can we buy face masks?"


    "They''re avable online!"


    "Remember to buy the protective face masks that Teacher Zhang emphasized in the documentary. If it''s just a normal cloth-type face mask, it won''t be effective no matter how manyyers it has. It won''t work at all!"


    "There''s a private steel factory near my ce that has broken thew. How do I report them?"


    "Didn''t Teacher Zhang already mention that?! Just report it to the police, as well as call the Ministry of Environmental Protection!"


    "Right, let''s report them all!"


    "If one person is not enough to make a difference? Then are ten enough? If ten are not enough? Are 10,000 enough? Fuck, I doubt nobody won''t care if so many of us report the vitions!"


    "Let''s all take action together!"


    "Motherfucker, we can''t let them go about flouting thew any longer!"


    "Smog! You motherfucker!"


    "Corporations contributing to smog! You motherfuckers too!"


    But at this moment, something happened that no one expected!


    "Ah, I can''t y the video anymore?"


    "What do you mean you can''t y the video anymore?"


    "I can no longer load the documentary on dot''s site!"


    "Damn! The video that was posted by the official website of Tianjin TV can''t be yed either!"


    "It''s been deleted!"


    "It''s the same for me. It says that the video has been taken down!"


    "What happened?"


    "Fuck!"


    "Someone has made a move!"


    "Zhang Ye''s Documentary on Air Pollution in China has been taken down!"


    Two hours after the incident started, the video was gradually deleted off the servers on a wide-scale. The reports by several mainstream media outlets regarding the documentary also disappeared suddenly!


    The citizens were enraged!


    Central TV Department 14''s people also exploded with anger!


    Ha Qiqi mmed the table. "How''d they take it down so quickly!"


    "It''s only been out for two hours!" Zhang Zuo said in anger.


    Little Wang said, "They''re totally bullying us!"


    But Zhang Ye was not surprised. He justughed it off and said, "Didn''t we already expect that? Then what''s the fuss about?"


    Tong Fu anxiously said, "But a lot of the people have yet to watch it!"


    ...


    The SARFT.


    Wu Zeqing''s office.


    Bai Li hurriedly ran in. "Chief Wu, something really has happened! At the press conference held at Central TV, Zhang Ye��"


    "I already know about that," Wu Zeqing said calmly.


    It was at this time that Bai Li finally knew why Wu Zeqing had rushed back a day earlier during an important meeting at Shanghai. She understood now what Chief Wu meant when she said that something might happen today! It was Zhang Ye again! So it was over Zhang Ye''s troublemaking again!


    Why?


    What was the rtionship between Chief Wu and Zhang Ye?


    Bai Li did not ask, and neither did she have the courage to ask. "That documentary''s been takenpletely offline!


    "On whose instructions?" Wu Zeqing looked at her.


    Bai Li hesitated before saying, "It was the instructions of Deputy Chief Chen who is at the meeting in Shanghai. It seems like he received a call from the higher-ups andter gave the order directly to all the online video hosting sites and TV stations."


    Wu Zeqing nodded. "I understand."


    Bai Li said, "Chief Wu, ma''am��"


    But Wu Zeqing did not say anything to her. Instead, she picked up the telephone on her desk.


    ...


    10 minutester.


    The Inte was still in an uproar!


    "How can they delete it?"


    "I haven''t even watched it yet!"


    "Isn''t this too much?!"


    "Ah! It''s back up!"


    "What?"


    "Yeah, the video is back online! We can watch it now!"


    "Aiyo, it''s been restored on dot as well! The documentary is back online!"


    "This is great!"


    "Wh-What on earth is going on here?"


    Everyone was confused!


    The employees of Department 14 were overwhelmed by this surprise!


    "It''s been restored?"


    "It really has been!"


    "What happened?"


    "Holy shit!"


    "Who''s helping us out?"


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others could not understand. How could they have any supporters?


    Zhang Ye was also taken aback, but soon realized who it was. A warmth overcame him, and he momentarily felt rather apologetic. He would not ever regret what he had done today as he did not implicate Yan Tianfei nor his subordinates from Department 14. But there was someone who had been supporting him from behind and fighting alongside him! Zhang Ye did not wish to drag her down, but he knew that this was not going to be possible, so he felt quite sorry for her.


    After he went back into his own office, Zhang Ye made a call.


    "Old Wu," Zhang Ye greeted.


    Wu Zeqing replied: "Mhm."


    Zhang Ye hesitated for a moment. "It''ll be fine if you can''t make it work. Just leave it."


    But Wu Zeqing smiled. "You''ve said it, and it has also been published, so how can we just leave it?"


    "But for you��" Zhang Ye was afraid that she would be held responsible.


    Wu Zeqing gently said: "Haven''t the responsibilities between us always been very clear? You''re in charge of the talking, while I''m in charge of letting you talk. Now that you''ve done your part, leave the rest of the battle to me."


    When Zhang Ye heard this, heughed. "Alright!"


    Wu Zeqing said: "But I can only help you fend them off for at most a day."


    "A day? That''s good enough." Zhang Ye looked outside. He looked at the downcast sky outside and said: "We can only do so much anyway. Let''s clear up this day a bit, just a little."

 Chapter 971: Breaking 100 million views!

    <h4>Chapter 971: Breaking 100 million views! </h4>


    Chapter 971: Breaking 100 million views!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    A call came in.


    It was from Zhang Ye''s former boss at Beijing Television, Hu Fei.


    Hu Fei: "Little Zhang, you are way too ballsy!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Not too bad, right?"


    Hu Fei alsoughed and said: "This time you''ve torn a hole in the sky!"


    "This was exactly what I wanted," Zhang Ye said.


    Hu Fei said: "I''m calling just to tell you that no matter what, your former colleagues at the BTV Arts Channel are all proud of you!"


    Zhang Ye was surprised. "Thank everyone on my behalf."


    But Hu Fei said: "It''s us who should be thanking you this time."


    ...


    On the Inte, themotion was still ongoing!


    "That''s too frightening!"


    "Is there anyone who has not watched it yet? Quickly share it with them!"


    "Ah!"


    "It''s gone! It''s gone again!"


    "Damn, why was it deleted again?"


    "What''s going on? Didn''t they restore the video just now?"


    "Why did it get taken down again?"


    "What are these people doing?"


    "Ah, it''s up again!"


    "It''s up again! It''s up again!"


    "Ah, it''s gone again!"


    "Ah, it''s up again!"


    ...


    At an online video hostingpany.


    In the general manager''s office that was responsible for liaisons.


    The phone kept ringing. Ring ring ring, ring ring ring.


    Director Yan picked up the phone with a smile and said in a friendly tone: "Hello, Chief Wang��.Yes, yes, yes��.OK, OK, OK��.You''re very right, we''ll take it down immediately��.OK��.OK��.There won''t be any problems��.We''ll handle it as the executives instruct."


    The call ended.


    Director Yan called his secretary over at once. "Quick, take down the documentary on air pollution!"


    The secretary nodded and went to get it done.


    A few minutester, the phone rang again.


    When Director Yan saw the caller ID, he quickly answered the call with a smiling face. "Hello, Division Head Sun��.Yes, yes, yes��.OK, OK, OK��.You''re very right, we''ll immediately restore the video��.OK��.That''s for sure��.We must give our fullest support to public service documentaries!"


    The call ended.


    Director Yan called his secretary over again right away. "Quick, restore the documentary!"


    The secretary grunted, "Yes."


    Ten minutester, yet another executive called!


    Restore it back!


    Take it down!


    Restore it again!


    Take it down again!


    Finally, Director Yan was enraged!


    Fuck your third uncle''s grandma! This is fight between you gods! Who have I offended to deserve this?!


    Simr situations urred at numerous online video hostingpanies and other media outlets. Some people even turned off their cell phones and went into hiding. Some of them put on two faces, trying not to offend anyone. Some were so frightened by the situation that they simply feigned illness and checked into the hospital!


    At this moment, the industry was in a state of extreme shock!


    A fight had started! The executives above them had started to fight!


    The entire country was turned upside down all because of a documentary!


    ....


    On the same day.


    It was as though some people had discussed beforehand as they suddenly popped out of nowhere together!


    A medical professor publicly issued a statement to condemn Zhang Ye. "Don''t get deceived by Zhang Ye. He ispletely misleading the public. He says that smog is rted to lung cancer? That smog can cause lung cancer? Science has not shown any links, so what is he talking about?! Isn''t that trying to deceive the people?!"


    "Fuck off!"


    "How much evidence has already indicated that there is a corrtion between smog and lung cancer? How many organizations have conducted research that show that smog is a possible cause of lung cancer? No scientific links? That''s right! Indeed, there are no organizations that have sessfully researched how smog causes lung cancer. But we''re misled exactly by people like you! By simply saying that science has shown no links that smog causes lung cancer, what signals are you trying to send to the people? The first impression that everyone gets is that there is nothing harmful about smog! That smog definitely does not cause lung cancer! You all are tricking people!"


    "Deceiving the people? The ones who are deceiving the people are the lot of you!"


    "You peoplee forward to make a statement when we have yet to bother with you?"


    "Idiots!"


    The people were enraged!


    Elsewhere.


    A scientist from the Chinese Academy of Sciences fired shots publicly at Zhang Ye. "It''s just scaremongering andplete nonsense! What''s the point of saying all this? What motives do you have? Have you thought of the consequences? The air pollution is an inevitable product of human development. It is the price to pay for societal development. We must definitely govern it, but how do we do it? Are we really going to stop the steel mills from operating? Do the people really have to stop using heating? Are we going to scrap all the cars? Do you want to revert back to a primitive society?"


    Another scientist from an atmospheric pollution research facility posted: "@Zhang Ye Stop talking nonsense if you don''t know anything. Governing and controlling the air pollution is not as simple as you think. There are manyplicated issues behind it. Right now, I am seriously doubting the motives for Zhang Ye to create this documentary!"


    A steelpany''s CEO posted on Weibo mockingly: "Zhang Ye is still driving his BMW X5, right? Get rid of your car first before talking to me about other things!"


    Theizens were fuming!


    Countless people immediately gathered around online!


    "Get rid of his car? Why should he need to dump his car!?"


    "What kind of fucking logic is that?"


    "Based on what you said, people who are calling for charitable activities to be performed would have to donate their houses first, don''t they? Are they all going to have to sell their houses away? So that they can devote themselves into a career of public welfare? Fuck!"


    "Why are there idiots like you in society?"


    "Let me tell you this! Teacher Zhang Ye is not a scientist. He is a documentary director and a host. Must hee up with a solution to solve the air pollution issue by himself? And he even has to find a way to do it so that everyone would ept it? Using the most proper way? Only then is he allowed to speak up? Only then can he announce the truth? Fuck you all! Isn''t that what you experts and scientists must think of instead? Zhang Ye has shown the truth behind the smog to all of us. Even though what he can do is limited, he has already done his best to dere war against air pollution. What about you all? I would like to ask just what you people are doing! You people are unable to think of ways to govern the air pollution ore up with any research findings, so you started to scold him instead and nitpick? Fuck you!"


    Thousands and thousands of criticisms came flooding in!


    Several experts and scientists were instantly stunned from being scolded!


    Immediately, another group of experts and academics came forward to cast their doubts on the documentary. They brought up ims of data fraud, baseless reports, and scaremongering. These usations were all targeted at Zhang Ye!


    But the next moment, they were drowned out by the criticism!


    Their entire screen was filled with criticism!


    Every time it refreshed, thousands more woulde flooding in!


    When someone jumped out to scold Zhang Ye, they would get scolded off!


    When another jumped out to scold Zhang Ye, they would get scolded off too!


    Zhang Ye''s fans and even majority of the popce were all standing on Zhang Ye''s side!


    Zhang Ye was unlike Chai Jing from his previous world. There was no dispute about his nationality and his documentary did not involve any foreign organizations either. Moreover, for a Professional Korean Insulter like Zhang Ye and his case of chasing away the Japanese delegates with his scolding, to say that he was an agent of some foreign powers 1 plotting to destroy China''s development? They would probably not believe it themselves either! Zhang Ye''s background was extremely clean; there was no disputing it! And most importantly, Zhang Ye''s poprity was much higher than Chai Jing''s in his previous world. He also had a much greater influence than her. Furthermore, the people of this world were basically uninformed about the smog, so even Zhang Ye had probably not expected them to give him their support with such little reservation!


    The documentary was taken down again.


    After a while, it was back up again!


    The views on the video were soaring!


    Five hours passed very quickly!


    To the shock and horror of the industry insiders, the total views of Zhang Ye''s Documentary on Air Pollution in China had already broken 100 million!


    This was insane!


    This was fucking insane!


    "Carry out strict inspections on the offending corporations that cause pollution!"


    "Hand over the murderers!"


    "Who are the ones sacrificing our lives to make money?"


    "We will not remain silent anymore!"


    "Hand over the murderers!"


    "Return us our white clouds!"


    "Return us our blue skies!"


    On this day, seven of the top ten Weibo hotly discussed topics were rted to either Zhang Ye, the smog, or Department 14!


    On this day, the regional centers 2 of the Ministry of Environmental Protection from all over the country received a total of 110,000 calls and over a thousandints lodged by the popce against the organizations that had vited the emissions standards!


    On this day, environmentalists and the people surrounded an organization that had issued fake emission level certificationbels for heavy vehicles, which had vited the emission standards and was exposed by the documentary. After a full three hours, they witnessed the CEO of the organization and a group of people involved in the case getting taken away in police vehicles!


    On this day, the people awakened.


    On this day, a lot of things happened.


    On this day, Zhang Ye raised his head up in the streets and felt that today''s sky��seemed a little more blue than before!

 Chapter 972: Who in these lands don’t appreciate you!

    <h4>Chapter 972: Who in thesends don''t appreciate you! </h4>


    Chapter 972: Who in thesends don''t appreciate you!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    At home.


    Breakfast was ready.


    Zhang Ye did not need to be woken up today. He had gotten up early by himself and washed up beforeing out to the living room. When the steamed buns and millet congee was served, he immediately sat down at the table and started eating heartily.


    "Mom, the congee tastes quite good!" Zhang Ye praised.


    His mother was rather speechless. "Why do you sound like you''re in a such a good mood?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s not too bad."


    His mother stared at him and said, "But everyone says that you''ve gotten into big trouble this time!"


    "I only spoke the truth, did what I wanted to, and did what I had to." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I have a clear conscience regarding it, so what do I have to be afraid of?"


    "Well said!" When his father heard that, he nodded vigorously. "That''s my son!"


    His mother rolled her eyes. "What''s so good about that? Just look at it." She picked up a dozen newspapers that she had bought just this morning and threw them onto the table. "That documentary of yours has caused chaos everywhere! Those corporations, the people from the relevant industries, and the experts, which of those people are not cursing at you now? With the way it''s going, in another three to five years'' time, everyone in the entire world will have been offended by you at least once!" Taking a breath, his mother continued, "But fortunately, your poprity still went up!"


    On top of the pile of newspapers that were thrown onto the table, a bright red headline read, "Zhang Ye''s Poprity Ranking Rises"!


    During yesterday''s midnight update of thetest Celebrity Rankings Index, Zhang Ye had used an unprecedented way of releasing his documentary to push himself off the bottom of the A-list Celebrity Rankings. In just one night, he rose up one ce and even got within distance of the next spot above his new ranking. He was now getting closer to Jiang Hanwei, the martial arts star who had been popr since over a decade ago. He might not even be that far off anymore! Jiang Hanwei had taken over a decade to reach his current position. Including the time he took to get into the industry, he might have even taken 20 years or more! But what about Zhang Ye? He only took two years to get to where he was today!


    What sort of notion was that?


    This was something that had dumbfounded the entire entertainment circle!


    In one night!


    In just a single night!


    Zhang Ye had gotten even more popr again!


    From a certain perspective, Zhang Ye''s Documentary on Air Pollution in China, which was released yesterday, had already greatly surpassed his previous documentary��A Bite of China��in terms of poprity and attention! Some industry insiders had given their evaluations about A Bite of China after it ended its broadcast run. They said that there would be no other documentary after A Bite of China that could surpass it, not even if it were another documentary made by Zhang Ye. However, in a short span of two months, Zhang Ye had used this new documentary to shock the industry and country again.


    Could a documentary even be released this way?


    Such a dogmatic public service documentary could even attract such topicality?


    Every point that it raised was too shocking!


    Every point that it raised was never seen before!


    ...


    At Central TV.


    Although Zhang Ye was suspended, he still came to work.


    Compared to the sensation and controversy caused by the documentary, Zhang Ye''s poprity ranking rise was no longer able to attract any attention. Today, everyone was still discussing that documentary. In their discussions, Zhang Ye''s name kepting up, as well as the name of Central TV.


    "I really have to give it to him!"


    "He even dares to publish that documentary without any scientific basis to back it up?"


    "Zhang Ye''s way of thinking is totally different from everyone else!"


    "But the way he put it yesterday sounded so convincing. I was there at the press conference and listened to Teacher Zhang talk about the subject onstage. It really terrified me so much that I''m unable to describe that feeling. I guess this is probably what it means to be charismatic. He''s really such a unique celebrity of the entertainment circle that I doubt there will ever be another like him! As of yesterday, I became Teacher Zhang''s fan!"


    "There are definitely some issues with what he has brought up. It''s just not scientific at all."


    "Then why are you still wearing a face mask today?"


    "Uh, I was scared into doing so."


    "And that is to Zhang Ye''s credit!"


    On his way to work today, Zhang Ye had a smile on his face. This was because he could see many people on the streets wearing face masks. He felt an indescribable feeling. Was it satisfaction? Or was it gratification? Zhang Ye just felt that his words had been effective in scaring the people awake, so perhaps that was the reason for the smile on his face. Even if he were to get more criticism, he believed it would be worth it.


    Yan Tianfei also came to work today.


    In the hallway outside Department 14, Zhang Ye and Yan Tianfei bumped into each other. When their eyes met, they both suddenlyughed out loud.


    Yan Tianfei said, "I knew that you would not let me down, Teacher Little Zhang."


    Zhang Ye said, "Thank you, Director Yan."


    "You''re wee," Yan Tianfei said.


    Zhang Ye said, "If it weren''t for you, the management would not have allowed me to hold the press conference."


    Yan Tianfei said cheerfully, "We''ve worked together for so long now. Do you think that I don''t know what you''re like? We have an unspoken understanding of each other."


    Zhang Ye had earlier asked Ha Qiqi and the others to request for approval from the management regarding the press conference. The reason he wanted to hold it was because the people and media had their concerns about it, so he wanted to give a proper exnation to them. But that reason to hold the press conference was actually quite far-fetched, and since Zhang Ye and Central TV''s rtionship was in such a bad state, why would they allow him to do it? Why would they need to give him face? So this matter was actually handled by Yan Tianfei. It was he who helped Zhang Ye fight for the press conference to be held. That allowed Zhang Ye the chance to stand onstage and deliver the documentary! Before the press conference, in all of Central TV, perhaps only Yan Tianfei knew what Zhang Ye might be nning. Just as Old Yan had said, there existed an unspoken understanding between the two of them.


    In the office.


    The colleagues all gathered around.


    Ha Qiqi said angrily, "Director Zhang, our documentary��was still deleted in the end!"


    Zhang Zuo added, "A document was issued from above to affirm your contributions toward public service, but the reason for taking down the video was that itcked proper scientific evidence."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Alright, I understand."


    Little Wang hesitated for a moment before saying, "Will you��get into any trouble? The people you have offended this time are all people who have much at stake. They will��"


    Zhang Ye said happily, "You make it sound like the people I have offended in the past were all just ordinary folk or something."


    When he said that, Little Wang gasped, but also grinned.


    This was Director Zhang. He would never let anything, no matter how big, bother him. He only cared about whether he could say what he wanted, but as for the consequences, he never considered them at all.


    The tone of events was set!


    It was set the moment the documentary was taken down!


    How intense would this game get? How serious had the matter be? What were the executives'' attitudes toward it? What were the relevant departments'' feelings about it? A lot of people still did not know as they could only get a glimpse into what was happening through the news reports. It was difficult to get an overall picture and discover the truth behind it. But there was one thing that everyone found out immediately, and that was the attitude of Central TV. A document released by Central TV caused amotion once more!


    On the same day.


    Central TV had called for an emergency meeting.


    After the meeting, Central TV made a decision and publicly indicated that they would disavow Zhang Ye''s documentary due to its imprecision. They made it clear that the release had nothing to do with Central TV and that it was Zhang Ye''s personal decision to do so. Finally, Central TV announced that they would terminate Zhang Ye''s one-year contract with them with immediate effect!


    In in speech, he was fired!


    Actually, Central TV was just afraid of trouble. They had truly been terrified by Zhang Ye and finally realized something. Freeze him? Ban him? Those actions were totally meaningless. As long as Zhang Ye remained in Central TV, this fellow could cause a million other problems for them. Furthermore, all those problems would be on an extremely shocking scale. Hold him back by keeping him with them? Fuck your grandpa! It''s better that you just hurry up and leave! Every second that we keep you, we''ll just be living in constant fear!


    This lunatic!


    This was the craziest guy of them all!


    Right now, Central TV just did not wish to see Zhang Ye a moment longer!


    But theizens were enraged!


    "What the hell?"


    "Firing Teacher Zhang at a time like this?"


    "Everyone knows that Teacher Zhang''s contract ising to an end and he will be leaving soon. But to fire him at this point in time? What''s the meaning behind that?"


    "They''re such fucking bullies!"


    "Fuck! What has Zhang Ye done to you guys?"


    "Central TV''s reaction is too extreme, isn''t it? No one at the top has said anything yet, but you people already can''t wait to draw a line between yourselves and Zhang Ye? Are you trying to ce all the me on him?"


    "I could turn a blind eye when Central TV wanted to forcibly take away the copyrights of The Voice! I could turn a blind eye when Zhang Ye was frozen! When Central TV transferred Zhang Ye to the documentary channel? I could still turn a blind eye to that! But I''m unable to do so anymore this time! Teacher Zhang should be allowed to leave in a ze of glory! He should be able to strut out of Central TV''s gates with his chest held high! By doing this, you''re making it look like Teacher Zhang has done something wrong! It''s like you''re painting him as a failure! What is this? What the hell is this?"


    "Damn, I''ll never tune into Central TV''s channels anymore!"


    Theizens'' reactions were very strong!


    It was the same for the people of Department 14!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "This��this��"


    "How could they do this!"


    "They did this on purpose!"


    But only Zhang Ye did not seem angry. Instead, he looked rather happy. "I was going to leave anyway, but I was waiting for my contract to expire. It''s great that it was terminated in advance, so it''s time for this bro to quickly find another job!"


    Ha Qiqi tly said, "I''ll quit too!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Me too!"


    Little Wang shouted, "Let''s all quit together!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Just continue working for now and wait for my message. If there''re any good projectsing up, I''ll contact everyone. At that time, we can whip up another storm and score another big one, haha!" With that, he turned around. "Alright, I''m off."


    After he packed his things.


    Zhang Ye leisurely walked out of the office.


    Outside Central TV, group of reporters were already camping there as they''d received the news in advance.


    "He''sing out!"


    "Zhang Ye ising out!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Were you fired?"


    "What do you have to say regarding this incident?"


    "I heard that you''ve already been banned?"


    "A lot of the TV stations that contacted you before to join them after your contract ran out seem to have all withdrawn their offers now? There''s no more news about it? Is it true that you have been banned again?"


    "What are you nning to do for your next project?"


    "If there''s no job thates knocking on your door, what will you do?"


    "Teacher Zhang, what is your opinion of Central TV?"


    "Do you feel very wronged over how things turned out?"


    "The documentary has been taken down and you were fired by Central TV too. What would you like to say most at this moment?"


    A lot of them were pointing their microphones and audio recorders at Zhang Ye while surrounding him and not letting him leave.


    Zhang Ye knew that if he did not give them a response here, he wouldn''t be able to leave. He turned around to look at the Central TV Tower, then looked at the reporters with a smile. "Who told you guys that I feel wrong? Who said that I feel bad because of this?"


    Today''s weather was a little odd.


    Clearly, spring had already arrived, but the skies were constantly downcast. There were even some snowkes drifting down gently, and mixed among them was some rain falling from the sky.


    It was snowing?


    It felt like a farewell to Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye smiled and suddenly thought of a poem from his previous world.


    He looked at the reporters, then looked up at the gloomy sky that seemed to be starting to clear up. Zhang Ye softly opened his mouth.


    "Vast snow clouds darken the skies.


    "The blowing north winds drive the geese and snow.


    "Worry not that close friends won''t appear on the road ahead.


    "Who in thesends don''t appreciate you?"


    This was Zhang Ye''s current mood.


    This was the poem he was gifting himself.


    " Sending off Dongda 1 " from his previous world had been changed to "Sending off Myself" by him!


    Zhang Ye then swaggered away.


    He left the group of reporters frozen in ce!


    Worry not that close friends won''t be on the journey ahead!


    Who in thesends��don''t appreciate you?

 Chapter 973: Zhang Ye’s apartment gets wrecked!

    <h4>Chapter 973: Zhang Ye''s apartment gets wrecked! </h4>


    Chapter 973: Zhang Ye''s apartment gets wrecked!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Today.


    Zhang Ye had officially departed from Central TV.


    The poem he recited when he left had caused a sensation throughout the country!


    When a video was released and the news reported about it, theizens, who were enraged by Central TV''s sacking of Zhang Ye just a moment ago, all started cheering for him in the next moment!


    "That was so cool!"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye was really cool there!"


    "Worry not that close friends won''t appear on the road ahead? Who in thesends don''t know about you?"


    "How domineering! Teacher Zhang''s brazenness just shot through the roof! Hahahahaha!"


    "Right, this is Central TV''s loss!"


    "Those idiots! Where else can you find celebrities such as Zhang Ye!? How could there still be people so anxious to suppress him all the time? Freeze him? Fire him? I''mughing so hard! What a useless bunch of idiots!"


    "I really like this poem a lot!"


    "Composing a poem when he departs from a job has be routine for Teacher Zhang."


    "How charming!"


    "This is who Zhang Ye is!"


    "That''s right, this is exactly who Zhang Ye is!"


    "Teacher Zhang! There must be someone in this world who understands you. Who in the world could possibly not appreciate a person and celebrity such as you?


    "We are all your close friends!"


    "Right, we all are!"


    "Teacher Zhang, thank you!"


    "Thank you, Zhang Ye, for letting us know the truth!"


    "We all know how much you have sacrificed for the benefit of so many people! We all will remember everything that you did! We are not eloquent as you, so there are some things which we do not know how to properly say to you. But if you see this, I would like you to know that a lot of people have always been extremely grateful to you. You''ve helped and inspired a lot of people��we salute to you!"


    "We salute to you!"


    "We salute to you!"


    "We salute to you!"


    In an instant, Weibo was filled with these four words!


    The "Salute to Zhang Ye" post on Weibo reached the front page and stayed firmly in the headlines. Numerous people followed up by posting theirments of "We salute to you" on Weibo as well!


    This showed the people''s gratitude for Zhang Ye!


    Since they couldn''t really do much for Zhang Ye, they could only express their gratitude to him.


    Expressing gratitude might seem like a simple gesture. But at times, the weight behind it was immense!


    ...


    At a newspaper firm.


    This was the first newspaper firm that decided to publish the video of Zhang Ye''s press conference and reported on it. At the time, they had a huge disagreement internally and there was an argument about the news for a long while. In the end, it was the chief editor who gave his approval to publish the news.


    The editorial department had already seen that Weibo post.


    The chief editor smiled at one of the editors and said, "Didn''t you say that the people were all ignorant?"


    That person looked slightly embarrassed.


    The other people from the editorial department kept quiet as well.


    The chief editor pointed at that Weibo post and said, "Just look at this. The people are actually not stupid at all. There''s no need for others to tell them who has treated them well or done things for them. They all know it themselves."


    A reporter sighed. "But Chief Editor, there are still some things that we cannot say without proper consideration, and not everything should be told to the people. Like the example of the smog news this time. You have seen for yourself. The entire country is in disarray, themotion online has blown up, and a lot of departments in the government offices had to call for an emergency meeting during the night. In the end, Department 14''s documentary was still taken down. The people might know the truth now, but a lot of officials were dismissed and many businesses got shut down. Meanwhile, Zhang Ye had to take on all the pressure himself and got fired, and someone might even take revenge against him. His future is probably over and he still has to bear the criticism from his doubters. Tell me, did Zhang Ye win? I don''t think he did. In fact, he has lost!"


    The chief editor thought for a moment, then looked at that reporter. He smiled and said, "At least this time, the truth has won, hasn''t it?"


    When everyone in the editorial department heard that, they gave it some thought.


    Yes.


    At least the truth has won!


    ...


    At a vi.


    At Chen Guang and Fan Wenli''s home.


    Chen Guang thumped the table and praised, "This poem was written so well!"


    Fan Wenli nodded. "But the trouble that Little Zhang has caused this time might only be beginning. The documentary has been taken down and he has departed from Central TV as well, so it looks like things ended, but it is actually far from finished. A lot of people are probably staying silent for now, but who knows when they''ll jump out to attack Zhang Ye again."


    Chen Guang said, "Hai, I''m actually very simr to Zhang Ye. I''m also very righteous and unafraid of trouble. But why am I not as popr as him?"


    Unexpectedly, Fan Wenli''s response stabbed into him like a knife.


    Fan Wenli giggled and said, "Because you don''t know how topose poems."


    Chen Guang could say nothing.


    Fan Wenli smiled and said, "He was clearly fired from Central TV. But in the end, Little Zhang used a poem to announce his departure to the world and left coolly like a winner instead, making the entire country''s people cheer for him. He is the only person in the entire entertainment industry who is so talented and has such charms. Can you evenpare?"


    Chen Guang coughed. "Forget it. I''ll just stick to writing my new song."


    ...


    At night.


    At home.


    The moment he opened the door when he reached home, his mother asked, "It''s time for you to look for another job?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You already know about it?"


    "You don''t say." His mother pointed at a stack of newspapers on the table and said, "I bought a newspaper by the by and there''s news about you. You''re still in the mood topose a poem?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Wasn''t leaving my job just a matter of time anyway? It''s fine that they made it sooner."


    His mother said, "I''m just afraid that it won''t be easy for you to find another job now!"


    "Never mind that. Things will eventually sort themselves out," Zhang Ye said indifferently.


    His mother asked, "I also heard that there are people looking to take revenge on you?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "Let theme! I''ll be waiting!"


    Having just said that, his cell phone started ringing.


    Ring ring ring, ring ring ring. It turned out to be Chenchen''s number. That little rascal had previously taken thetest model of a high-end phone from Zhang Ye and even made him buy her a SIM card afterwards.


    Zhang Ye answered the call. "What''s the matter?"


    On the other end, Chenchen''s voice sounded neither fast nor slow. "Zhang Ye, my aunt asked you to make a trip here."


    Zhang Ye asked: "What for?"


    Chenchen said: "Someone smashed the windows at your ce."


    Zhang Ye was startled. "Which ce?"


    Chenchen said: "The ce where your junior martial sister is staying."


    Only then did Zhang Ye manage to react. "What? Dammit! I''ll be right there!"


    The call ended.


    His mother asked anxiously, "What happened?"


    "It''s nothing. I have to head out for a while!" Zhang Ye did not exin to his parents nor did he want to let them know. He quickly drove away and headed straight for Rao Aimin''s ce.


    It was only a ten-minute drive.


    When he arrived, police vehicles were already parked downstairs.


    "Ah!"


    "Little Zhang is back!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "You''re finally back!"


    Many of the neighbors and residents who knew Zhang Ye from the time he lived here had gathered in the area and formed a crowd to catch a glimpse of what had happened. When they saw him, chatter broke out.


    Several of the policemen also looked at him.


    An old policeman called out, "Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye walked over briskly. "Hi, what''s going on here?"


    The old policeman asked, "You are the resident of the apartment?"


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Yes, I rent the ce."


    A momentter, he spotted Rao Aimin and his freeloading junior martial sister, Yang Shu.


    Zhang Ye shouted, "Are you alright?"


    Yang Shu asked, "Who are you referring to?"


    "You, of course," Zhang Ye said.


    Yang Shu said, "Oh, I''m fine."


    He was just d that no one was hurt. Zhang Ye looked up and saw that both the windows at his rental apartment werepletely shattered. It looked very serious!


    Zhang Ye immediately cursed, "Fuck their grandpas!"


    If it were any other public figures cursing and swearing openly in public, people would sure have taken videos of it and posted them online. It would definitely cause a heated discussion and some news too. But as it was Zhang Ye who did the cursing, the people around did not even have look surprised and just watched calmly. It would definitely be big news if it were any other celebrity who cursed, but since it was Zhang Ye? That would not even be news. Even if they sent videos of him cursing to the media outlets, no one would run a story on it.


    The policeman tried to cate him. "Teacher Zhang, please don''t worry. No one was hurt and there wasn''t much mary damage either. We have already caught the culprits and will investigate the matter properly!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "You caught the culprits?"


    "They are over there." The policeman pointed.


    Zhang Ye noticed three young men being handcuffed and led into police vehicles by the cops. From what he remembered, very few people would stroll around the area at night. In addition, the neighborhood was not in an enclosed location. There were several exits and the security guards did not conduct 24-hour patrols either. The three of them could have easily ran off after smashing the windows, so how did they get caught?


    Zhang Ye asked, "Were they caught by the neighbors of the neighborhood?"


    The policeman gave him a strange look. "No."


    A different young policeman gave an admirable look at a woman and said, "She was the one who caught them. When we arrived, two of the three criminals were already beaten unconscious and the other oneid on the ground, unable to get up."


    He followed that gaze to Yang Shu.


    Ah?


    It was Yang Shu?


    Zhang Ye was shocked. "You were walking around the neighborhood at the time?"


    Yang Shu looked at him and said, "No, I was at home."


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "Then how did you catch them?"


    Yang Shu pointed to the windows upstairs and said, "I was watching TV at home when the windows suddenly got smashed by someone. I looked out from upstairs and saw these three people trying to get away, so I jumped down and went after them."


    When the people around them heard that, they were all floored!


    What?


    You jumped out from the windows?


    Damn, how many floors is that!


    Zhang Ye nearly vomited blood. "Do you not want to live anymore?"


    Yang Shu exined, "There are those air conditioning units hanging out from the windows outside, so I used them to break my fall as I made my way down."


    Rao Aimin shook her head repeatedly and said, "This junior martial sister of yours is really reckless!"


    Yang Shu was puzzled and justified, "I had to catch them no matter what since they smashed Senior Bro''s windows. Otherwise, how was I going to answer to him?"


    Chenchen came over quietly and nced at Yang Shu. "Are you dumb?"


    Yang Shu stared at her. "You''re the one who''s dumb."


    "You''re definitely the dumb one!" Zhang Ye got angry. "They''re just 2 fucking window panes. I can buy four of those with 50 RMB! Are you out of your mind? You actually jumped down from such a high ce? What if you fell and broke your leg? Huh?"


    But Yang Shu said stubbornly, "I would still catch them even if that happened! What gave them the right to smash your windows?"


    Zhang Ye said, "You could have at least taken the stairs!"


    Yang Shu gazed at him. "If I went by stair, they would surely have gotten away."


    Zhang Ye was exasperated by her.


    Several policemen wryly smiled. One of them said, "Comrade, my dear��big sis, can you please act ording to your abilities the next time you y hero? What you did just now was really too dangerous! Y-You''re risking your life that way!"


    Yang Shu replied, "But I was acting ording to my abilities."


    The police were speechless.


    Hai, just what sort of person was this!


    Teacher Zhang Ye was already a wondrous enough person, but who could have thought that the resident in his apartment was also such a fucking wondrous person as well!


    You''re even brave enough to jump down from such a high floor?


    And actually fucking did it too? And you''re even fine after all that?


    The criminals with bruised and swollen faces were sitting inside the police vehicle and crying silently. They had truly been dumbstruck today. They just thought of escaping after smashing the windows and that was exactly what they did that. But they never could have expected that at the next second, someone would actually jump out of the windows and catch up to them, even giving them a good beating. The three of them still looked like they had seen a ghost!

 Chapter 974: Tang Bohu’s "Deathbed Poem"

    <h4>Chapter 974: Tang Bohu''s "Deathbed Poem" </h4>


    Chapter 974: Tang Bohu''s "Deathbed Poem"


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the neighborhood.


    The apprehended criminals started to shift the me.


    "Comrade Policeman! We''ve been wronged!"


    "That woman started beating us up the moment she jumped down!"


    "Yeah, see how badly she''s beaten us up! Arrest her! Quickly arrest her!"


    "Sh-She''s such a bully!"


    When these three people started protesting, before Yang Shu and the police could even react, the onlookers and neighbors used their spittle to drown the culprits! Some of these neighbors only arrived after Yang Shu had rounded up the criminals, but some of them had witnessed the entire scene unfold in front of them.


    A grandma said, "Ptui!"


    A grandpa said, "I saw you three little bastards throwing stones at Teacher Little Zhang''s windows. My apartment is right below Little Zhang''s ce and one of the stones nearly even hit my apartment windows. How dare you all im to be innocent? This is what you three deserve! You deserved to get beaten up by this youngdy! I''m an eyewitness to the entire situation! Comrade Policemen, it was they who did it! I saw it with my very own eyes! When that youngdy jumped down from above, the three of them wanted to fight her. In the end, they were all taken down by her!"


    "Right, I saw it too!"


    "These sorts of people ought to be shot!"


    "How awful!"


    "Smashing Teacher Little Zhang''s apartment windows? Why don''t you three go to hell instead!"


    "Yeah, Little Zhang is such a good person!"


    "Arrest them! Lock them up for eight to ten years! Don''t let them out!"


    "They were definitely sent here to retaliate against Teacher Zhang!"


    "That''s right! Teacher Zhang has revealed too much of the truth this time in his air pollution documentary. Too many people have been offended!"


    The crowd was in a frenzy as everyone pointed at those three people and shouted at them!


    The three criminals still protested.


    Zhang Ye looked at the three of them who smashed and broke his apartment''s windows, then sneered at them. He thought to himself that they should just be content with the oue for now. Don''t you three know who you bumped into? The person you encountered was a martial arts master who wasn''t too far from achieving concealed power, and also the true sessor to Taiji Fist. Oh, right! Perhaps you didn''t know this, but even though this apartment was rented by me, the owner of the apartment is staying just across the hall. You were trying to wreck a martial arts grandmaster''s property, so you should be counting your blessings for being able to sit there unscathed!


    Zhang Ye walked up to them. "Not happy about it? Shall we have a chat then?"


    The three criminals immediately wilted and dropped their tough act!


    "Close the car door!"


    "Quick, close the car door!"


    The incidents involving Zhang Ye beating up people had been reported in the news on more than one asion.


    A few of the police officers hurriedly tried to stop him. "Teacher Zhang, don''t lower yourself to their level. Please don''t lower yourself to their level." He turned around to the person in the police vehicle and said, "Quickly, start the car. Get them out of here for now!"


    The police car drove off but the crowd watching themotion still did not disperse.


    The police officers looked at Zhang Ye. "We questioned those three people just now, but they did not reveal anything at all. Teacher Zhang, can you try to remember if you have offended anyone? They clearly came here with a purpose since they already knew your address. This was a premeditated crime for sure, so we have to investigate their motives for carrying out the act."


    Zhang Ye nced at them, then said, "Who I have offended?"


    "Yes, please let us know in detail." A cop had already taken out pen and paper to take down notes.


    Zhang Ye simply nodded and said, "The Writers'' Association, the literary world, the Redology world, the education world, the mathematics world, the calligraphy world, the crosstalk world, the Koreans, the Japanese, oh, and the entertainment circle, the scientificmunity, the steel making industry, and the coal industry. I have offended all of them before on the whole and probably some other industries that I can''t remember right now."


    The police officers wiped at their sweat.


    The neighbors around them were amused. "Pfft!"


    Actually, the police were just following protocol when they asked him that question, but when Zhang Ye answered them, they eventually remembered something that made them not know whether tough or cry. This was Zhang Ye they were talking about. He was the hooligan of the entertainment circle. Just listen to the way this fellow had chosen his words when asked about who he had ever offended. He did not answer by saying what people he had offended or offering up any specific names. The moment he opened his mouth to talk about it, all the different types of industries,munities, or circles got mentioned! Yes. This fellow had really offended way too many people. There were so many that not only could they not remember who, even Zhang Ye himself could hardly remember them. If there was really a need toe up with a list of people he had offended, they might not be able toplete the list even if they were given three days and nights. The amount of people he had offended would number in the millions, if not the tens of millions. Asking Zhang Ye such a question was meaningless in the first ce!


    An old cop coughed and asked, "Then, to put it another way, who have you offendedtely?"


    Zhang Ye gave it some thought and said, "Probably someone involved in the incident regarding the air pollution documentary, I guess."


    The old cop acknowledged, "I understand."


    After a while, the rest of the police left.


    The neighbors around him cautioned Zhang Ye out of good intentions.


    "Teacher Zhang, you must be careful."


    "We will help you keep a lookout!"


    "Right, just be careful for yourself. They might be trying to take revenge against you!"


    "Those bastards!"


    "You have really offended too many people this time!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and gave a fist and palm salute to them. "Thank you everyone for your concern, thank you!"


    Back upstairs.


    Zhang Ye and the others came back upstairs to his rental apartment.


    Yang Shu said unhappily, "Senior Bro, I didn''t do anything wrong. Why did you criticize me?"


    Rao Aimin signaled Zhang Ye with her eyes and gestured her chin at Yang Shu.


    Chenchen looked at Yang Shu like she was looking at some fool.


    But right now, Zhang Ye could not bear to scold her at all. He stood beside one of the broken windows and peered down. At this height, even he could not guarantee that he would not get injured. Although his martial arts were much better than Yang Shu''s, he had never before jumped from such a height. He could not understand how it would feel to do that. Looking at his junior martial sister who he couldn''t really take seriously, Zhang Ye felt quite touched at this moment. She might be a little rash, dumb, and foolish, but when she encountered trouble, she was still rather capable at handling it! Speaking of which, she and he had be fellow disciples for just a few days, but look at what she was already doing for him. She was not careless at all, as she''d rather jump down from a height to ensure that she could capture those three criminals and give Zhang Ye an exnation.


    It was at this moment that Zhang Ye truly saw her as his junior martial sister!


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m not criticizing you. I was just worried that you''d get into trouble. If something like this happens again, you must be more careful. Don''t be rash anymore, understand?"


    Yang Shu nodded when she heard him say that. "I understand."


    Rao Aimin looked at him and said, "What is it? Is it really connected to the air pollution documentary?"


    "I''m quite sure it is," Zhang Ye said.


    ...


    Such news was definitely not going to be containable.


    Before long, the news was reporting on it and the Inte blew up again!


    "What?"


    "The windows of Zhang Ye''s home were smashed?"


    "Damn! Damn! Damn!"


    "They''re totally trying to provoke him!"


    "No, it is definitely a warning, a threat!"


    "Motherfucker, who the fuck is responsible for it?"


    "Nobody knows. The police station is still carrying out their investigation. I heard that the people involved were hired by someone to cause trouble, but they didn''t manage to find out who was behind it!"


    "It''s clearly connected to the air pollution documentary!"


    "Those bastards! The retaliation has already started this soon?"


    "Is Teacher Zhang alright?"


    "I heard that he''s fine. He wasn''t around when it happened."


    "The audacity of those people! Teacher Zhang, you must be very careful!"


    At this moment, a rather popr Weibo user with the handle of BigV said: "@ZhangYe Be careful. I just heard from some friends about this and it seems like there''s someone who has spread the word that they would be dealing with you soon. It might not only be a single person. I even heard that someone has explicitly said that you could start preparing your will in the meantime! I don''t know how true that is, but just be careful anyway."


    Theizens were getting anxious.


    "Then what can be done?"


    "Yeah, what can we do?"


    "Can Teacher Zhang really handle this by himself?"


    "Th-These people are way toowless!"


    "Prepare his will? Fuck!"


    "Do you guys think that the rumors are true? If it is, the police better be informed!"


    "Right, we need to quickly protect Teacher Zhang!"


    At the apartment.


    Zhang Ye''s friends started calling him anxiously.


    "Zhang''er, did your apartment get wrecked?"


    "It was only a few window panes."


    "Did you see what they said online? Someone spread the word that they would be dealing with you soon!"


    "I haven''t read that yet."


    "Quickly go and have a look then!"


    Zhang Ye went online and had a quick browse. He saw thosements and simplyughed it off. He immediately posted: "You people want to deal with me? I''ll be waiting."


    Following that, he threw out yet another Weibo post that stunned the entire country!


    A will?


    Hur hur.


    Zhang Ye typed coolly:


    "Those born in this world must sometime retire.


    "Why not return to thend o''th'' expired?


    "This world and the other are two the same.


    "It''s just wand''ring ''round in a foreign shire."


    The world-famous poem by Tang Bohu from his world, "Deathbed Poem," was thrown out by Zhang Ye!


    This was Zhang Ye''s attitude to the threats!


    It could be seen clearly from this poem!


    "How awesome!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "I give you a perfect score for this poemmmmmmmm!"


    "Why not return to thend o''th'' expired? It''s just wand''ring ''round in a foreign shire?"


    How domineering!


    How fucking cool!

 Chapter 975: Zhang Ye comes to the music industry?

    <h4>Chapter 975: Zhang Yees to the music industry? </h4>


    Chapter 975: Zhang Yees to the music industry?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    A few dayster.


    Everything was back to normal.


    The window panes at his rental apartment in Jiaomen were reced. After the police had finished investigating, they connected it to an official and a few corporations. In the process, Lu Yuhu had intervened and helped to expedite the investigations after Rao Aimin called him. Afterwards, the involved personnel were all either taken away or locked up. In the following days, no one else came to seek revenge against Zhang Ye. They could have been waiting for the right opportunity, or perhaps it was the brazenness of the "Deathbed Poem" that shocked them into inaction, or it might even be due to the attention from the media and citizens regarding the case that made them take a backseat for now and not dare to get on the bad side of Zhang Ye at this sensitive time.


    In any case, incidents as a result of the air pollution documentary gradually subsided.


    No subject could be heatedly discussed forever.


    The criticism lessened.


    The controversy lessened.


    The topicality dropped.


    The news no longer reported on it.


    Zhang Ye and that sensational Documentary on Air Pollution in China was not seen on the Weibo trending page anymore, while the video of the documentary''s press conference also disappeared from the Inte. It was as if it had never existed before.


    But a lot of people knew that even though the footage was gone, the legacy of Zhang Ye and his documentary would forever stay with the citizens. Everyone''s environmental awareness and their attention to the smog could no longer bepared to before. Before going out on the streets every day, whether it was going to school or going to work, the first thing that a lot of people would do was to open their windows to have a look at the skies. They would check their cell phones for the day''s PM2.5 index before deciding on how they would get to work, if they should go to the park, or whether to wear a face mask��all of this were a testament to Zhang Ye''s legacy.


    Some people might not feel grateful for Zhang Ye.


    Some might even scold him.


    But Zhang Ye did not care. To him, this oue was good enough.


    ...


    At home.


    Zhang Ye was still living his daily life as normal. These days were the most rxing he had had so far this year. He would go out for a jog after waking up, take a leisurely stroll in the neighborhood, and thene back home for breakfast. Sometimes when he felt like it, he would brew a pot of Da Hong Pao and enjoy the tea, watch television, go online, or water the nts. It couldn''t get any morefortable and rxing than this. He was a free man right now without a job to hold him down, so of course he could do whatever he wanted.


    While he was enjoying his freedom, his mother was having none of it.


    His mother criticized, "Hurry up and find a job already."


    "There''s no rush." Zhang Ye lowered his head and sipped some tea, even smacking his lips in satisfaction.


    His mother said, "It''s no rush for you, but I''m worried."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "And why are you worried?"


    His mother angrily took away the open Da Hong Pao tea box and locked it away in a drawer. She said in annoyance, "If you don''t go back to work soon, whatever tea leaves we have left at home will be used up by you! Do you know how much that cup of tea you''re drinking costs? Do you?"


    His father rolled his eyes.


    Zhang Ye was floored. "Oh, so you''re just worried about the tea leaves?"


    His mother said, "Enough with the drinking and get back to working."


    "Alright, alright, I know what to do," Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner.


    Look for a job?


    That was easier said than done!


    The situation that Zhang Ye was currently facing was quite simr to the previous time, yet a little different. Back when Zhang Ye had been banned, it was just like now. Nopanies dared to hire him and no television stations dared to employ him either. But the circumstances now had one difference. The attitude that the entertainment circle adopted toward Zhang Ye was very strange and ambiguous. A lot of the television stations wished to have him in their ranks and a lot of films wanted to have him in their casts, but no one dared to take this risk because none of them could grasp how the higher-ups viewed Zhang Ye. At this moment, there was no clear indication from any of the agencies or officials that they wanted to ban Zhang Ye. Even the SARFT did not say a word about it, yet Zhang Ye''s documentary was taken down and the news about him was controlled. These actions could not help but convey a certain attitude that left even the entertainment industry unable toprehend things, much less Zhang Ye himself. As a result, everyone just stuck to observing the situation for the moment.


    Zhang Ye called Rao Aimin. As his agent, she was now basically in charge of all work affairs rting to him.


    "Hello, Old Rao."


    "What?"


    "Has anyone contacted me about a job yet?"


    "There''s not a lot."


    "Isn''t that still a few then?"


    "A TV station was looking for you to take a behind-the-scenes role, but will not allow you to get onscreen. Are you willing to take that job?"


    "Why would I want to take that job!"


    "An animated film wants you to voice act for them, and the money is good too, though there''s one requirement. If there are going to be any problems or if the higher-ups disagree with your participation in the film, they will get someone to rece you and only pay you 10% of the agreed pay. Do you want to take that job?"


    "Take, my ass!"


    "Therefore, there are no offers."


    "It''s only these two?"


    "What did you think? There aren''t even any businesses looking for you!"


    "Damn, can I really be that unpopr?"


    "You''ve torn a hole in the sky this time. Even if there are people cheering and saluting you, do you think that those people from the filmpanies and TV stations would be convinced? Do you think they''re stupid? Right now, everyone is still trying to get a read on the ambiguous attitude from the higher-ups toward you."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye felt very helpless about the entire situation.


    In the past, Zhang Ye had nned not to do documentaries anymore after leaving Central TV or take any hosting jobs in the interim. Having done so for such a long time, he was beginning to get tired of it. Besides, it would be difficult to continue progressing as a host. From a purely popr point of view, he had already reached the pinnacle of his field. There would be limited developmental opportunities in it and the audiences probably preferred to see something new too, so Zhang Ye knew that he urgently needed to change. He wanted to try out something that he had never done in the past so that it could help him further his poprity. At the level of the A-listers, every step was filled with difficulty. If he were to solely rely on making shows and being a host, even if every one of the shows he hosted were extremely well-received, it wouldn''t make much of a difference to his poprity. As the entertainment industry of this world was quite simr to his previous world, he knew that there wasn''t a ce for a host among the Heavenly Kings and Queens. That level was not a ce that a host could just work hard towards, moreover, an average-looking celebrity like him?


    He had a bigger goal. He knew that he couldn''t stay in the same spot and rest on hisurels!


    He needed a change.


    But right now, more than needing to change, he needed to sustain himself first. If there wasn''t even a single job looking for him to be a host, whatever talk of changing or breaking out would just be empty talk!


    Ring, ring, ring.


    It was a call from Xiaodong.


    When Zhang Ye answered the call, he heard a few peopleughing happily. It was likely that all three members of the famous idol group of the country, Spring Garden, were on the line.


    Xiaodong said: "Teacher Zhang, thanks!"


    Zhang Ye wondered: "For what?"


    One of the other members of the group, Li Xiaoxian, said: "The demo of our new song has been released. It''s the one that you wrote andposed for us, ''Super Star.'' It was just released yesterday but has already been heard by over 10 million listeners! It''s at least two times more listeners than ourst album''s title track!"


    Amy giggled: "Heehee, the full version will be out in a few days."


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Congrattions to you girls then."


    Xiaodong took the phone. "Teacher Zhang, when the full version gets released, we might need you to record a short video to support us. It could be you offering us a congrattory message or perhaps you talking about your inspiration when writing the song. You must help us when the timees, OK?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "I can definitely do that for you girls, but I think it''s best not to use my video clip to promote you. I''m in big trouble at the moment, so I don''t want it to spill over to you."


    Xiaodong asked in worry: "About your air pollution documentary, is it really that serious?"


    Zhang Ye said: "I have yet to get a job offer still, so what do you think?"


    Xiaodong squeaked: "Uh��"


    Li Xiaoxian said: "If there''s anything we can help you with, just let us know."


    Zhang Ye replied: "No one can help me with this problem, hur hur. But I appreciate your kind thoughts."


    Online.


    Spring Garden''s new song had attracted quite a good response!


    "It sounds so nice!"


    "Xiaodong is too cute!"


    "I like Li Xiaoxian! She''s so graceful!"


    "The song is really good!"


    "When will the full version be released! I can''t wait anymore!"


    "This song''s melody is fantastic! Although there isn''t any intension, it sounds really vibrant! It matches up great with the style of Spring Garden! Who wrote the song? Was it by their exclusive songwriter, Qi Hailong? It doesn''t sound like it. This great a song does not sound like Qi Hailong''s work!"


    "Ah, it''s Zhang Ye!"


    "What Zhang Ye?"


    "Lyricist andposer!"


    "Damn, it was Zhang Ye who wrote the song for them?"


    "How unexpected! Teacher Zhang doesn''t usually write songs for just anyone. His songs are usually reserved and meant for people like the Heavenly Queen, Zhang Yuanqi! And he might not necessarily give her his songs either!"


    "But this song doesn''t sound like Teacher Zhang''s style?"


    "What kinds of styles do Teacher Zhang''s works not cover? Haha!"


    "True that. Zhang Ye is really a very awesome person!"


    "I heard that Zhang Ye has not found a job yet?"


    "I don''t know. I haven''t seen any news regarding him for a few days already."


    "Hai, the incident with the air pollution documentary this time has really affected him greatly!"


    "Hehe. Actually, with Zhang Ye''s talent, he can think about getting into singing. What do you guys think of my suggestion? Shall we drag Teacher Zhang into the music industry!?"


    "Your idea is good, but I think you''re overthinking things."


    "Pfft, with Zhang Ye''s lousy voice, how do you reckon that he''ll be able to sing?"


    "But he still managed to get onto the Top Chinese Music Charts once."


    "Wasn''t that owing to the special circumstances of Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G? That ''A Letter to Home'' depended on its emotional factor, lyrics, and the crosstalk to gain a ce on the charts. But if you really analyze Zhang Ye''s singing and voice, that song is really impossible to listen to. Moreover, Teacher Zhang isn''t really handsome either, so it''s definitely a no-no."


    "Yep. I can still ept a host with the looks of Teacher Zhang, but if he were to be a singer? I doubt that would work. The people won''t ept it, that''s for sure. And besides, Zhang Ye has always been aedic celebrity. Scolding others and talking nonsense are his trademarks. Can he stand on a stage quietly and finish singing a song? He definitely can''t!"


    "Stop talking about the impossible. Zhang Ye will never join the music industry as a singer."


    "Haha, I was just tossing the idea around, that''s all. Of course I know that Teacher Zhang won''te to the music industry as a singer!"


    "But if Zhang Ye were to reallye, the music industry would certainly be a very lively ce!"


    "Yeah! Wherever Teacher Zhang goes, trouble ensues! Everything that happened in the past can tell us one thing��no industry can stand up to Zhang Ye''s antics!"


    Just because of a new song by Spring Garden, theizens were all happily conversing!

 Chapter 976: A new job?

    <h4>Chapter 976: A new job? </h4>


    Chapter 976: A new job?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    That afternoon.


    Someone knocked on the door.


    Dong Shanshan hade to visit and even brought some fruit and health supplements with her.


    His mother beamed. "Hi, Shanshan, you''vee?"


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Aunt, Uncle."


    "Come in,e in." His father went to wee her. "Why did you buy so many things again?"


    His mother pretended to be unhappy and said, "I''ve told you before that you don''t need buy anything when youe visit. Child, why are you always so polite to us? Come,e on in."


    Dong Shanshan looked around, searching for someone. "Where''s Zhang Ye?"


    A voice came from the bathroom. "I''m sitting on the throne."


    Dong Shanshan covered her nose and said, "Hurry up. I have something important to discuss with you."


    "OK," came the reply from inside.


    As the weather warmed, Dong Shanshan dressed prettier. She was wearing a long skirt today and had tied her hair back in a simple ponytail. Her ck hair seemed to have been dyed, sporting brown highlights.


    As the door was not closed, an old neighbor standing outside stuck her head in to have a look.


    His mother blinked and said, "Third Sister?"


    The woman said in pleasant surprise, "Aiyo, it''s really Dong Shanshan!"


    Dong Shanshan turned around and smiled to her. "Hello."


    The woman came into the house uninvited. "I really like your show. Can I take a picture with you?" She took out her cell phone as she said this. "Old Zhang, take a picture for us."


    His father smiled and said, "Sure."


    Click! Click! The shutter sounded.


    Zhang Ye came out of the bathroom and said in amusement, "Third Aunt, howe you haven''t asked to take a picture with me?"


    The woman nced at him. "I watched you grow up from a baby. So what''s the point of taking a picture with you? I won''t disturb you guys any longer. I''ll be off now." She then clutched her cell phone and left in delight.


    Dong Shanshan had gotten very popr now as more and more people knew about her, to the point that they could already identify her by name. Apparently, a bigpany had recently approached her for a major endorsement deal. Inside of one year, her value had increased severalfold. Although Zhang Ye was much more popr than her, his social ties were obviously not on the same level as hers. Dong Shanshan had a clean background with no scandals nor stains on her reputation. Everypany would be willing to approach her, and she was the favorite of every television station that knew her, unlike Zhang Ye, whose reputation was stained and sullied and was an out-and-out troublemaker of the entertainment industry.


    After chatting for a bit in the living room.


    Zhang Ye led Dong Shanshan into his bedroom.


    He closed the door and sat down on the chair, pulling out a chair for her as well. But Dong Shanshan did not sit down on it. She smoothed her skirt before sitting down on the end of the bed.


    Zhang Ye asked, "You don''t have work today?"


    Dong Shanshan shrugged. "Don''t you know that Do You Remember is going to be taken off the air soon?"


    "Taken off the air?" Zhang Ye was stunned.


    Dong Shanshan exined, "Last year, when The Voice came out, it propped up the market for singing shows. But the audience''s demands also became higher along with that. Although Do You Remember and The Voice do not fall under the same category, it was inevitable that it''d be affected. Last month''s viewership ratings of Do You Remember dropped again. Although it has maintained the standard of around 0.75% of the viewership ratings, the station still decided to stop broadcasting. Brother Hu and the program team staff also felt the same regarding the decision. Nobody wishes to be stagnant. They all hope to make a new show so that we may make a push. Who doesn''t wish to get the number 1 spot in the nationwide viewership ratings at least once in their lifetime?"


    "Number 1 spot in the nationwide viewership ratings?" Zhang Yeughed and said, "That''s no easy feat."


    Dong Shanshan bluntly said, "That''s why I''m looking for you."


    Zhang Ye gave a wry smile and said, "You really think highly of me?"


    "That''s right." Dong Shanshan considered him. "We don''t have the talent to achieve it, but you do. If you could even get the number 1 spot in the nationwide viewership ratings and trample on all the variety shows with a documentary, who else should we look for but you? I''m here to invite you to make aeback and offer you a job as well."


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes. "Is this your station''s intention as well?"


    Dong Shanshan smiled. "Yes, so will you take the offer?"


    Zhang Ye said honestly, "But I don''t really feel like making another show."


    "Then what are you going to do?" Dong Shanshan said, "You still haven''t found a job yet, right? Can''t you tell the industry''s attitude toward you now? They''re all trying to keep as far away from you as possible. From what I know, no TV stations are brave enough to ept you, the ''Mess,'' since they''re all afraid of trouble."


    Zhang Ye asked curiously, "Then why do you guys have the courage to ask me?"


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "You know our Station Head, don''t you? The olddy said that when Beijing TV was faced with difficulties, it was you, Little Zhang, who buried the hatchet and came to turn things around. You stayed up day and night without sleep and came up with the Quit Smoking PSA. Now that you, Little Zhang, have met with some difficulties, there is no reason for us not to offer you some help��oh, those were her exact words." Then she said, "The Station Head is a very good person. She has actually always been meaning to invite you back to join us."


    Zhang Ye went silent for a moment. "Thank her for me."


    "You should thank her yourself. I''m not qualified enough to speak directly with the Station Head since I''m not as important as you." Dong Shanshan said, crossing her legs, "The management has said that if you agree to go back, you would be ced with the same old team of Brother Hu and the others to re-establish a program team for a singing show. But this time, we must make it a big affair. The funding will not be a problem, so long as you are handling it personally. They are willing to invest a lot of money into this. You''ll assigned as the executive director and executive producer. As for the hosts, we can have a man and a woman, so we can finally team up and appear onscreen together this time."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What if an order is issued for me to be banned?"


    Dong Shanshan replied, "If you can''t be the host, we''ll invite you as our guest."


    "What if I can''t even be a guest?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "We can give it a try first. If there''s really no way out, we can talk about it again when the issue has died down. The show can be pushed back for a month or two. The higher-ups can''t possibly keep their eyes on you forever, right? There''ll surely be a day when things pass." Dong Shanshan then used the tip of her high heels to nudge Zhang Ye''s slipper. "So how about it? Give it some consideration."


    This was a huge help indeed. With no one in the industry daring to involve themselves in this, Beijing Television had actually stepped up and offered him a position? It was even a rather good position and they were willing to dy the show just to wait for him? Just from the intention of this alone, Zhang Ye had to ept it. This was undoubtedly a timely assistance for him and he knew that Beijing Television was definitely taking a huge risk on him!


    However, it was difficult for Zhang Ye to change his mind once he had decided on something. He really did not want to be a host in the short term. However, if he was going to be the host or appear on camera, then it would be pointless for him to be the program''s executive director. A behind-the-scenes job was obviously not possible to support the minimal exposure required of an A-list celebrity.


    He considered for a few minutes.


    Zhang Ye said, "Shanshan, thank Brother Hu and the Station Head for me. I think I''d rather not cause any trouble for you guys."


    Dong Shanshan said, "You''re really not going to join us?"


    "Let''s forget about me being the executive director and host. But I''m willing to help with the nning of the show." Zhang Yeughed and said, "Don''t worry. I''ll ept the job as the producer. For you, Brother Hu and the Station Head, I''ll definitelye up with a good show for everyone."


    "Why don''t you reconsider it?"


    "There''s no need to."


    "You really do not want to team up with me as hosts?"


    "That''s not what I mean. It''s just that I''m getting tired of being a host. I have to put on a cheery face every time I go onstage, and I don''t even get to say what I really want to say. It''s really getting meaningless, so I just want to have a change of scenery for a while."


    "Then what will you do?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Alright then, inform me immediately when you have found a new job."


    "Why?"


    "I would like to see who would be so bold as to employ you."


    "Damn, listen to the way you''re putting it."


    "What? Isn''t that so?"


    Indeed.


    Who would be so bold as to invite him to join them at such a time?


    At present, it was very difficult for Zhang Ye to get an appearance onscreen as even any news rted to him was being controlled and restricted. Though he was a big shot A-list celebrity, what was the point of hiring him if he was unable to appear onscreen?


    Hai.


    What should he do?


    What could he do?

 Chapter 977: King of Masked Singers attacks!

    <h4>Chapter 977: King of Masked Singers attacks! </h4>


    Chapter 977: King of Masked Singers attacks!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the following two days, Zhang Ye kept thinking about what show he should make for Dong Shanshan and the others. He could easily list out many potential shows, but none were suitable once he gave it some serious thought.


    They wanted a singing show, but it was impossible for Zhang Ye to bring out many of the most sessful singing shows that he had. It wasn''t that he was reluctant to use them, but that he wanted to keep them for his own use in the future. Although Zhang Ye did not n to do any hosting work in the short term, it didn''t mean that he would stop doing it forever. He would still get back into it and bring out those sessful variety show one by one when the time came, so he needed to keep them for himself. As for the remaining second-tier singing shows, Zhang Ye found them to be unsuitable as well. He felt that he couldn''t bring them out as it might lead to only average viewership ratings. If that were to happen, Zhang Ye wouldn''t look good either, and he might also interfere with the ns of Dong Shanshan and Beijing Television.


    This was tricky!


    Which show should he use?


    Zhang Ye was in a dilemma as he paced around the house.


    His mother was getting annoyed. "You don''t have a job, so why are you still thinking about other people''s problems?"


    "Since they came looking for me, I feel that I should give them some help." Zhang Ye said, "She''s my ssmate, and Beijing TV has been quite good to me too."


    His mother asked, "What about your job then?"


    "I''m still looking." Zhang Ye gave her a perfunctory answer.


    His mother shook her head and said, "How many days has it been now? If you still don''t appear onscreen soon, everyone will forget about you."


    But his father said, "There''s no rush. Things will eventually sort themselves out."


    "You put it so lightly!" His mother stared and said, "How will things sort themselves out now? Everyone is pissed at my son after he offended that many people. How can it be sorted out? That lousy air pollution documentary would have been better off not made. His poprity might have soared, but his future is in shambles!"


    His father frowned. "The air pollution documentary was made for the good of the future. Why should he not have done it?"


    "Good of the future, my ass." His mother said in annoyance, "If it was for the good of the future, why is he still unable to get a good job right now? So what''s good about it?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Will the two of you knock it off? Don''t worry about me. I know what I''m doing."


    Back in his own room.


    Zhang Ye was also actually feeling unsure about the situation.


    Well, whatever. Let''s y a lottery draw first and get a change of perspective. The air pollution documentary had given Zhang Ye arge amount of Reputation Points recently. He had gained another bout of Reputation Points after having spent it all during the National Martial Arts Conference and no longer had to worry about running low. Time for the lottery draw!


    He brought up the game ring''s virtual screen with great familiarity.


    Should he y the Lottery Draw (One)?


    Or the Lottery Draw (Two)?


    Zhang Ye''s mind was actually not on this. He just yed the lottery draw to get a change of perspective. He wasn''t really thinking much and simply tapped on the Lottery Draw (One) without even activating the Lucky Halo.


    Purchase.


    Begin.


    The wheel began to spin.


    Without looking, he instantly bought some additional stakes!


    Total Additional Stakes: 500. He spent a total of 50 million on that. This was now considered small change to Zhang Ye. He was just ying the lottery draw for the sake of it.


    It spun and spun.


    The needle slowed.


    Ba da. The needle stopped in the Stats Category region.


    Zhang Ye was startled when he saw this. Please don''t. Why is it this again? He had received the Fruit of Stamina, Fruit of Strength, and Fruit of Agility from the Stats Category during the National Martial Arts Conference and had already maxed out his stats of these three Fruits in the Lottery Draw (One). To level up further in those three stats, he would have to try to get the Lottery Draw (Two) versions of the Fruits. If he were to receive them again in the Lottery Draw (One), that would be as good as a waste since those Fruits wouldn''t add any more stats for him. Even if he was just drawing for the sake of drawing this time, 50 million Reputation Points were still no small sum. If they went down the drain just like this, Zhang Ye would feel the pinch.


    The Treasure Chests (Small) appeared!


    Zhang Ye opened up the treasure chests in an uneasy mood!


    [Fruit of Charm (Voice)] �� 500: Permanently increases the yer''s voice''s charm.


    What?


    Fruit of Charm?


    Voice?


    Zhang Ye remembered that he had gotten this item in a past lottery draw. The very first time he received it, it was several Fruits of Charm (Eyes). After that, he received several Fruits of Charm (Voice). Although he didn''t eat many of them at that time and the effects were not that obvious, it was still somewhat effective.


    He had received it again this time?


    Eat! Eat! Eat!


    Without another word, he just ate them!


    One by one, he put the Fruits into his mouth!


    Finally, Zhang Ye gave it a try and said something, "Ah, ha, wu."


    As a result of that, even he himself jerked back a bit when he heard it. He could feel that his voice had clearly be quite different. The difference was even quite a big change. Although anyone who heard him talking would still know that it was Zhang Ye, his voice now included a rather maic tone. Compared to his previous dry and low voice, there was more depth and a greater three-dimensional feel to it! There seemed to be not much of a change, yet at the same time seemed like a huge change. So this was the effect of 500 Fruits of Charm?


    How awesome!


    This stuff is great!


    Zhang Ye was a celebrity and charm was naturally a very important attribute for him. Furthermore, a host like him depended greatly on his speaking abilities! For something like that, having more of it would never be too much. ording to the experience he had with the strength, stamina, agility variants of the Fruits, eating 1,000 Fruits should max out the stats?


    Alright, then let''s max it out!


    Thinking of this, Zhang Ye simply activated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) as he wanted to max out his stats using the Fruit of Charm (Voice). He just wanted to do so in advance, upgrading whatever stats that he could since all of these were definitely of use and likely to be of help in the future.


    The Lucky Halo was activated.


    A bright, pulsating glow rippled outward!


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    His Reputation Points were quickly dropping.


    Zhang Ye also quickly pressed the lottery draw and added 500 additional stakes to it!


    The wheel started spinning!


    The needle kept colliding against the wheel''s pegs revolution after revolution!


    Maybe the Lucky Halo went on strike today, or maybe it was normal circumstances. When the needle slowly came to a stop, it did not stop in the region of the Stats Category. Instead, itnded in the Skills Category!


    What?


    Zhang Ye gave a bitter smile and quickly deactivated the Lucky Halo.


    Thinking about it, even though this Lucky Halo was the upgraded version, it could only fulfill whatever Zhang Ye''s maximum luck potential was. It couldn''t help him achieve whatever results he wanted just because he wanted something very badly! Or get something specific that he asked for! That would not be realistic and Zhang Ye knew that he had expected too much.


    Ai, this lottery draw might just be a waste of Reputation Points after all.


    500 Treasure Chests (Small) appeared.


    Zhang Ye could do nothing but take a deep breath before opening them. However, when he saw the items inside, he was instantly stunned, unable to react and frozen in ce.


    [Singing Skill Experience Book] �� 500: Enhances the yer''s singing technique.


    Singing Skill?


    Also known as singing technique?


    Such a skill experience book actually existed?


    1 book��


    10 books��


    100 books��


    The 500 skill experience books were devoured by Zhang Ye. They dissolved into glowing light particles and the learning surged straight into Zhang Ye''s brain!


    First he received the Fruit of Charm (Voice)?


    Then he received the Singing Skill Experience Books?


    Fuck, where is this headed? Are you trying to make this bro be a singer?


    Although he didn''t max out his stats, it still wasn''t a small sum with 500 of each item. This was absolutely enough to qualify him as a professional singer, wasn''t it? He probably would not get to the level of Zhang Yuanqi, Chen Guang, or Fan Wenli, but it should be at least enough to bring him into the world of professional singers, right? Uh, although he wouldn''t actually know for sure since he had not tested it out. This lottery result had really made Zhang Ye''s jaw drop. He had just been ying the lottery for the hell of it, but who could have guessed that he would receive those two items?


    Singing?


    Be a singer?


    Zhang Ye had entertained this thought before, but his singing had never been good, not as a child and not now. Although he didn''t sound terrible, he had never practiced singing before either. Sometimes at home, he liked singing a little bit, but he knew that he didn''t really sing well. As such, he had dismissed this thought.


    But now?


    What was the meaning of this?


    This bro can finally be a singer too?


    Just this thought alone was enough to excite Zhang Ye. Damn, why can''t I sing? I''ve been a calligrapher, a mathematician, and even excelled as a crosstalkedian and skit actor, so why can''t I sing? Wasn''t this a great chance to have a change of scenery like he wanted? Uh, but how should he cross over? No one dared to let him appear onscreen at this point in time! He had no team to produce a music album either! Even if he could produce one, would the higher-ups allow him to release the album? It was too uncertain, but based on the current atmosphere, it was highly unlikely! Although there was no clear indication of a ban, but by not allowing Zhang Ye to appear onscreen, that was essentially the industry''s attitude on the matter. Someone in the higher-ups must have spread the word, but probably did not mention the word "ban" due to fear of negative feedback and bacsh by the citizens. But this was fundamentally no different from a ban��and that was the reason why Zhang Ye found himself in such circumstances that he couldn''t even get a job!


    Couldn''t appear onscreen?


    Couldn''t make mentions of his name?


    Couldn''t release any new works? Well, no one could know that it was him at least?


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye''s eyes lit up!


    I got it!


    How could I have forgotten about that!


    Zhang Ye suddenly remembered a show. After worrying over what show he would help Dong Shanshan and the others make and about his job situation, he finally thought of this show. He immediately felt himself brighten up. Alright, it shall be you!


    That''s right!


    There was no other show more suitable than this!


    Although Zhang Ye wasn''t sure he could truly sing yet, this fellow had always done things without a second thought. He would just do something once he thought of it. He was someone who would execute things immediately!


    He called Dong Shanshan right away.


    The call connected.


    On the other end, Dong Shanshan said: "Zhang''er, what''s the matter?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "I''ve thought of the new show for you guys."


    Dong Shanshan''s ears perked up. "Oh? What is it about?" Then she hurriedly turned to her colleagues who were noisily talking around her and said, "Quiet down for a bit. Zhang''er has thought of something for our next show."


    Hu Fei ran over. "I want to hear about it!"


    Xiao Lu said excitedly, "That''s great! We''ve been waiting for some time!"


    Dafei said, "Switch to speakerphone, Sister Dong."


    "Alright, I''ll put it on speaker." Dong Shanshan switched the call to speakerphone.


    Hu Fei said: "Little Zhang, we''ve been waiting for your call for many days."


    Everyone in the office quieted down.


    They were all looking at Dong Shanshan''s cell phone in extreme anticipation. This was because Zhang Ye was on the line. He was that legendary figure who used a documentary to sweep away the entire television show industry!


    Zhang Ye said: "It is ording to your requirements of arge-scale singing show that can fight for first in the viewership ratings."


    Hu Fei took a breath and asked: "What''s the show called?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and replied: "We''ll tentatively call it��King of Masked Singers!"

 Chapter 978: The return of Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 978: The return of Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 978: The return of Zhang Ye!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    At Beijing Television.


    In the program team office of Do You Remember.


    Hu Fei, Dong Shanshan, Hou Ge, Hou Di, Dafei, Xiao Lu, and the rest of the program team were seated in the office. They looked up at Zhang Ye, busily writing on a ckboard that he had pulled over as he spoke bombastically.


    Zhang Ye drew a picture on the ckboard. "The Do You Remember set can be reused, but we cannot scrimp on the funding for it. It still requires many changes, like the expansion of the stage. What we have right now is not going to work. We must change the overall atmosphere of the set to be darker as it is currently too bright. These changes won''t be terribly difficult as it should be quite simple to implement them without requiring us to do too much work. Then, about the production budget for the show, this time we will need at least 100 million as the base amount!"


    Everyone was dumbfounded.


    "Ah?"


    "100 million?"


    "Do we need that much?"


    Hu Fei was also very astonished by this figure and silently wiped at his sweat.


    Their Beijing Television was not considered an elite station among the provincial television stations. Their viewership ratings were quite good, but not actually that high. That was the reason why their variety shows were more conservative as they did not have as much money as Central TV. As such, they had never been willing to put such arge sum of money into their productions. When they heard the proposed figure of 100 million, everyone became a little flustered.


    Dafei asked, "Teacher Zhang, just what kind of show is this?"


    "Yeah, King of Masked Singers? We don''t really get it," Xiao Lu said.


    Hu Fei added, "How would they be masked? Who would be masked?"


    No such show had appeared in this world before, so everyone was confused by it.


    But Zhang Ye had forgotten this detail. "OK, I didn''t exin it clearly. Let me talk about the show''s content first. The core of the show will be to invite some celebrities, singers, actors, or hosts��perhaps even some athletes if necessary. The only requirement is that they must be well-known and can sing well. Then we get a designer to design some masks, headdresses, or costumes to cover up the faces and/or easily identifiable parts of these celebrities. We''ll have them face off against each other on the same stage, with the winner not required to unveil themselves and moving on to the next round, while the loser can choose whether or not to take off their mask. As for how the specific elimination and advancement system works, I will exin in detailter. At the same time, we''ll invite those heavyweights of the industry as judges and guests of the show. We can make them the guessing panel, where they''ll give their reviews and try to guess the contestants'' true identities!"


    Everyone was once again dumbfounded!


    A few neers on the program team were ck-jawed!


    King of Masked Singers?


    So that was what it meant to be masked?!


    Zhang Ye said, "The selling point of the show is this: If these celebrities were standing onstage, we would know who they are. But if they have a mask on, and we can only hear their singing voices, we would have to guess their true identities while enjoying their singing. That''s what makes it explosive!"


    Hou Di swiftly brought up a problem. "But a lot of singers have very special and unique voices."


    Zhang Ye replied, "We can ask them to slightly alter their way of singing, or to change their vocal cement a little, all of which can be easily achieved."


    Hou Ge raised another issue. "But won''t they be exposed the moment they speak?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "There are voice changers nowadays, which we can directly connect to the microphones. After the voice changer is in effect, even our own parents couldn''t recognize our voices."


    Hu Fei stood up agitatedly. "Celebrity face off? What if those singers who''ve been famous for a long time are concerned about losing to the newer singers? They might find it embarrassing and decide not to take part, no?"


    "Use the appearance pay and tempt them. Besides, I just touched on that." Zhang Ye said, "The loser can choose to keep their mask on and just depart from the stage. As long as their identity stays hidden, as long as the internal team keeps it confidential, no one will find out who they are. Regarding this point, we''ll need all of the staff to work together, but I suggest that only the director alone knows their true identity. We just won''t tell anyone else. And make them wear their mask during the rehearsals and recording! We must not allow their identities to be exposed! If we allow that to happen, our show''s selling point will lose its support! That is most definitely not eptable!"


    Zhang Ye''s exnation was already enough to form the structure of the show!


    Everyone listened in awe, looking at each other at times and seeing the surprise in each other''s eyes!


    A rookie gaped and asked, "In the past, singing shows have always had the structure of a talent show. We''ve always had amateurs taking to the stage to showcase themselves. But I have never, ever heard of celebrities taking to the same stage andpeting against each other before. Th-This is too big a sh! No one has ever done something so excessive before! Would anyone reallye and participate?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Don''t worry about that."


    Everyone gasped.


    A celebrity face off? Compete on stage? Only Zhang Ye would dare toe up with something like that! This idea had probably not even crossed the minds of others before! No wonder it required 100 million RMB in production fees. How much would it cost just to invite those participants? Then there was still the stage setup and the guessing panel of industry insiders?


    That would be too excessive!


    Wouldn''t he be going for broke this way?!


    This would surely turn the music industry upside down!


    A woman rookie said, "I-Is that really going to be alright?"


    Dong Shanshan suddenly raised her head. "I think it will be good!"


    Hu Fei suddenly pped his thigh. "Good? This will be great!"


    Instantly, many of the program team staff felt excited. Just imagining Zhang Ye''s description of the show and stage was already making their blood course!


    Whether it was creativity.


    Whether it was the scale of the show.


    Whether it was thepetition format.


    Whether it was the professionalism.


    All of them were unheard of in a variety show in the history of television shows!


    In the past, every show that Zhang Ye proposed could not be understood by others when they first heard the proposal, and they would always think that it would not work out. Like for Do You Remember. What was so good about a show that required people to remember the lyrics? Like for Zhang Ye''s Talk Show, what in the world was a talk show anyway? Like for A Bite of China, what kind of waves could a documentary set off? But as always, the results proved that Zhang Ye was right. His vision and knowledge were much greater than anyone else''s. He was light-years ahead of the industry!


    But today, when Zhang Ye brought up the King of Masked Singers show, almost no one doubted him. When they heard the summary of the show, they immediately knew that it was going to be spectacr!


    Hu Fei was in a great mood. Heughed heartily and pped Zhang Ye on the shoulder. "Sure enough, Teacher Little Zhang, we really needed you to take charge after all! You cane up with an idea for a show so easily. That''s what makes you different from everyone else! Who else in the entire industry could havee up with a show like that? Just how does your mind work!"


    Xiao Lu also eximed, "We can finally work alongside Teacher Zhang again!"


    "With you back, we''re all feeling very confident again!" Dafei went up and gave Zhang Ye a long-awaited bear hug. "We really missed you! Teacher Zhang, wee home!"


    Hou Ge went over. "Wee home!"


    Hou Di also gave him an emotional bear hug. "Teacher Zhang, we''ve waited for your return for a long time! Wee home!"


    Zhang Ye had gained his fame at Beijing Television, but was also driven away by Beijing Television. He had had his share of grudges, gratitude, and friends in this ce. Too much had happened in these two years.


    But now, Zhang Ye had returned.


    He had returned and brought with him a television show that could possibly set the entire country alight.

 Chapter 979: On fire even before the broadcast!

    <h4>Chapter 979: On fire even before the broadcast! </h4>


    Chapter 979: On fire even before the broadcast!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: - -


    King of Masked Singers.


    It did not exist in this world.


    This was a world-ss television show from Zhang Ye''s previous world that was extremely sessful and known throughout Asia. The original Korean version of the show swept the viewership ratings chart everywhere it was broadcast, unable to get dethroned by any other shows. It could be said that this was one of the representative works among variety shows. However, even though maind China''s domestic broadcast version of King of Masked Singers did quite well in the viewership ratings and was very popr with the viewers too, it was stillcking quite a bit whenpared to the original Korean version. It could be considered a show that didn''t trante well from a particrly sessful franchise, which was a pity.


    Zhang Ye had analyzed the reasons for this, and the reasons were probably numerous.


    For example, thepetition format: The Korean version required their contestants to reveal their identities upon getting eliminated, while the winner of one episode''s match would have to ept a challenge from a different singer the next episode, with the winner of the challenge taking the throne as the Masked King. There were a lot of differences in the details of the show. The Chinese version would have the winner of apetition reveal their identities and then retire from the overallpetition until the finals were held. In terms of the format, the Korean version was clearly more logical and interesting. Zhang Ye didn''t know the motives behind the change in the Chinese version, but he deemed it a failure.


    Another example was the masks: The Korean version went for full battle regalia, with the contestants covered from head to toe in a mask and costume. They were so well concealed that even if their own parents were standing in front of them, they would not be able to identify them. This undoubtedly increased the suspense of the identity and made it interesting by making it hard to guess their identity. Meanwhile, the Chinese version had masks that revealed too much of the contestants'' features, while the costumes were designed with aesthetics as the priority. Some of the contestants would have their legs revealed, some would have their arms revealed, some would have their double chins seen. Their close friends in the industry would not even have to listen to their singing to know their true identity, yet they had to act like they didn''t know and look like they were finding it difficult to guess who it really was. There was basically no point in designing it that way.


    And then there was the issue of the number of eliminated contestants. Korea had many more artists, while the domestic market in China was unable to muster up enough due to various circumstances. They could not implement an elimination of all contestants other than the winner as there were not enough artists in the country who could sing well. Even if there were, not everyone would be avable, and thus, the show''s freshness was not as good as the Korean version. This was something that Zhang Ye had considered too.


    Listing out all the pros and cons.


    He made the necessary changes and went mainly with the Korean version of the show, while retaining some standout points of the Chinese version. After all, each country''s situation was different and he couldn''t just copy it wholesale without changes.


    The amended changes were as follows:


    1. The winner would not reveal their identity.


    2. The losing contestant could choose whether to take off their mask.


    3. The number of eliminated contestants needed to be increased, but would be adjusted based on the number of contestants.


    4. The masks and costumes must conceal the entirety of the contestant.


    These changes were something that Zhang Ye was trying out, but he was still very confident. For such a highly popr show form his previous world, he couldn''t possibly give up on it just because the Chinese version was not produced too well. From the results of the Korean version of King of Masked Singers, this was definitely a variety show which had the potential to be popr in the entire country! The Korean version of King of Masked Singers even surpassed the viewership ratings of the Korean version of I Am a Singer! Just what kind of notion was that? And besides, even if the Chinese version of King of Masked Singers wasn''t produced too well, its viewership ratings were still very high. If there weren''t any other world-ss variety showspeting in the same time slot, the results would definitely have been even better! Even if a world-ss variety show was produced badly, its results were definitely not something that any other normal variety shows could match. It would still be spectacr!


    ...


    The program proposal was quickly submitted to the station.


    The director of Beijing Television was shocked!


    The station heads were also shocked!


    The moment they read the proposal, many of the heads of Beijing Television felt extremely excited. They had not expected that after the era of The Voice, during which singing shows were done to death, someone could stille up with something as original as this. The station heads only felt more relieved when they found out that it was Zhang Ye who put forward this proposal. They gave wry smiles as they thought of how Zhang Ye was without a doubt the best guy in the TV show industry. It was probably only Zhang Ye who could surpass Zhang Ye!


    The station immediately gave their approval!


    The program proposal?


    Approved!


    100 million?


    Approved!


    They did all that without objection!


    After the sess of Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G, the ambitions of the station grew. There was only one request and expectation of this show: Take the nationwide viewership ratings'' top spot!


    Beijing Television had always came up short in the area of variety shows. Once upon a time, many years ago, disregarding the nationwide viewership ratings'' top spot, the number of times they were ranked top in the daily viewership ratings could be counted on their fingers. And this was even due to those days having no other good shows scheduled. As for their results in the nationwide viewership ratings for variety shows? There was no way they couldpare! There was simply no ce for them in the top few spots!


    But right now, today, Beijing Television was feeling full of confidence. Everyone could feel a sense of simmering strength. They could all feel a sense of surety deep down inside!


    Because that person had returned!


    Because that legendary host who used to be part of their station had finally returned!


    ...


    Do You Remember''s program team.


    Hu Fei received the approval order and came back to the office. "The management has approved it!"


    "This is great!"


    "They''re really going to allocate us 100 million?"


    "Holy shit!"


    "This is the real deal now!"


    "If we mess it up, we''re going to be screwed!"


    "Don''t say such discouraging things! We have Teacher Zhang on our side!"


    "True, true, true! We have Teacher Zhang around!"


    Everyone was chattering excitedly. Every one of them here had, in fact, never been part of such arge-scale variety show before. Who would be content with working very hard every day on a show that would not get famous? But anyone would be willing to make a hit! And today, that chance had arrived!


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "Please don''t expect so much of me, everyone. I''m only here to help. Everyone needs to work hard on it together." He looked at Hu Fei and said, "Brother Hu, what are the expectations of the management?"


    Hu Fei smiled and said, "Nationwide viewership ratings'' top spot."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Which day do we broadcast on?"


    "Feel free to choose."


    "Time slot?"


    "Feel free to decide."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, I understand."


    They could get however much funding they needed; they could ask for any day and time slot for broadcast as they wanted. Such treatment was unprecedented. Almost everything was given the green light!


    Everyone knew that this was not due to the hard work that the Do You Remember program team had put in for the past year. It was purely based on the reputation of Zhang Ye as the best television program director and producer in the industry!


    Zhang Ye immediately started giving orders. "Let''s hurry up and make full use of the time. If the show can begin earlier, then let''s push it out earlier and not drag things out. Start publicizing the show and put up a front for now. But don''t reveal the content of the show. We''ll exin in detail when the production work is done, so as to prevent others from copying us. Dafei, take a few people with you and start identifying the suitable candidates. Then write up a list and invite them one by one. Remember to keep it secret!"


    Dafei replied, "Roger!"


    Zhang Ye looked at Hou Ge. "Hou Ge, there''s a lot of work to be done for the stage setup, so I''ll leave that to you. You must supervise it well and get the workers to quickly finish the task!"


    Hou Ge thumped his chest. "Leave it to me. Don''t worry!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Shanshan."


    Dong Shanshan smiled. "Here."


    Zhang Ye said, "The host this time shall be you, and the style��"


    Zhang Ye had a great presence. Wherever he stood, everyone would listen and wait for their instructions. But suddenly, Zhang Ye froze midway as he was talking. He looked at everyone in embarrassment and said, "Eh, I don''t think I''m the executive director this time."


    Dong Shanshan was amused. "You''ve finally realized?"


    Zhang Ye smiled sheepishly. "Hai, I was too used to it. I''m sorry about that, Brother Hu. You''re the executive director, so I think it''s better for you to delegate. I will just keep to my nning and not involve myself in other things."


    But Hu Fei said, "Your delegation was pretty good. This show is yours and the experience you have in organizing arge-scale variety show is more than mine. You''re still the most suitable candidate for the executive director position as well as the host��."


    "I mentioned it to Shanshan already." Zhang Ye waved his hands and said, "I''ll forgo the position of executive director since I''m involved in some trouble. It''s probably a bigger mess than you guys think it is, so it''s better not to have my name linked to the show''s executive director role. Whether our show can sessfully be allowed to broadcast is still a big question mark, so it''s better to have it this way. I''ll just handle the nning and earn amission through the copyright. If there are any other matters that I can help with, I will definitely do so. However, I must definitely not take the role of executive director."


    Everyone kept on persuading him.


    But Zhang Ye did not agree and still rejected them.


    First, he did not wish to cause any trouble for his old friends.


    Second, he had something more important that he needed to do!


    ...


    Before long, the news was released.


    Some of it was purposely publicized by Beijing Television, while some was unintended. Afterwards, news of Zhang Ye''s return to Beijing Television quickly gained wings!


    "Someone saw Zhang Ye outside Beijing TV!"


    "What?"


    "What do you mean by that?"


    "Zhang Ye''s going back to Beijing TV!"


    "For real?"


    "What do you mean for real? The news has already talked about it! Go and have a look for yourself!"


    "Zhang Ye''s new shownds on Beijing TV!"


    "Sources say it will be a singing variety show!"


    "Title yet to be decided, but production cost set for 100 million!"


    "Zhang Ye to be executive producer of new show, but not executive director!"


    "Beijing TV''s new show to be fully produced by Zhang Ye. Dong Shanshan confirmed as show host!"


    "Hahaha!"


    "After so many days, Teacher Zhang''s new show is finallying!"


    "Do You Remember is going to stop broadcasting? Teacher Shanshan''s influence is really great. Even Zhang Ye hase to produce a show for her! Why don''t I get to have such an awesome ex-ssmate!"


    "Support!"


    "I''m anticipating this to death!"


    "Why isn''t Zhang Ye going to be the host!"


    "I heard that it''s because he''s been banned from the industry! They won''t allow him to be onscreen!"


    "Just what kind of a singing show will it be? Please exin!"


    "But singing shows are already overdone. What is there to look forward to? Could it be the second season of The Voice? That can''t be, otherwise Zhang Ye himself would be the host, right?"


    "An entirely new show?"


    "As long as it''s made by Zhang Ye, I must watch it!"


    "Start broadcasting already! I can''t wait any longer!"


    "Yeah, the days without Zhang Ye in the variety show industry have been way too boring!"


    It was bustling online!


    A lot of people were making a racket and looking forward in anticipation!


    King of Masked Singers was on fire even before the broadcast!


    No, to be urate, the audience did not even know what the show was about or what it was going to be titled, but the show was already on fire before the broadcast!


    Why?


    There was no reason why.


    It was simply because this was Zhang Ye''s new show, that''s all.

 Chapter 980: Stop pretending to be an oil worker, you!

    <h4>Chapter 980: Stop pretending to be an oil worker, you! </h4>


    Chapter 980: Stop pretending to be an oil worker, you!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    A few dayster.


    At home.


    Zhang Ye received a call from Chen Guang.


    "Zhang''er, King of Masked Singers has invited me."


    "I know. I was the one who rmended you."


    "The show''s content has been exined to me by the production team. It sounds really good. It''s making my pulse race a bit. But I have some big concerns that are holding me back from joining."


    "You can sing so well. What do you have to worry about?"


    "Don''t you know how many people are in the music industry? Those neers are all better than thest at singing. Their vocals are so good, so how can I not be worried?"


    "They can even sing better than you?"


    "If we''re all going to be masked, then that might just be the case. Since we can''t depend on our poprity and our looks, we''ll purely be pitting our singing skills. Besides, the choice of song ys a very important role too. Hai, but you don''t know about singing, so I can''t really exin it to you. Forget it. I think I need to mull this over. If I can''t participate, I''m fine with being on the panel of guest judges. The production team has also given me that choice if I don''t choose to participate in the actualpetition."


    "Sure. Give it some consideration then."


    "Lemme ask you this. Will the show seed?"


    "This show is produced by me. Whatcha think?"


    "Alright, I understand."


    ...


    At Beijing Television.


    Thest episode of Do You Remember finished broadcasting. The actual recording waspleted a week ago, and the Do You Remember program team was officially renamed to the King of Masked Singers program team today. It still consisted of the original team as its base, but over a dozen other employees were transferred from other departments to join them as well.


    The King of Masked Singers program team officially began production work.


    In the office space, each person was working without rest.


    Hu Fei was making a call. A woman was on the other end of the line.


    "Teacher Li, I am Beijing Television''s Hu Fei."


    "Yes, hello, Director Hu."


    "Regarding what we discussed two days ago, have you made a decision yet?"


    "I''m still thinking. I''m not ready to make a decision yet."


    "If it''s about the appearance fee, we can still increase it some more."


    "Don''t misunderstand. It''s not about the appearance fee. I think this show is really good and personally I would like to join. But I''m afraid that the pressure would be too great on me, which is why I have some hesitation."


    "With your talent, you definitely won''t have a problem on this stage. You''re the first celebrity I called because I''ve always loved your songs."


    "Thank you, Director Hu. Then��"


    "Come join us. We''ll definitely keep your identity a secret!"


    "Well��fine."


    "Great. So it''s decided?"


    "Ai, I''m going to have to go all-out this time."


    He hung up.


    Hu Feiughed loudly. "I got one!"


    Dong Shanshan blinked. "That woman?"


    "Right, it''s that woman!" Hu Fei and she were speaking in riddles.


    When a few of the rookies on the team heard this, their curiosity was piqued. But they didn''t have the courage to ask who it was, although they knew that this woman was definitely someone extremely popr and a big shot from the expressions on Hu Fei''s and Dong Shanshan''s faces!


    Dafei suddenly eximed from where he was, "Brother Hu, I reeled in one as well!"


    Hu Fei hurriedly went over. "Who?"


    "That actor," Dafei said mysteriously.


    But Hu Fei seemingly understood and kept saying, "Good, good, good!"


    Dafei said, "But it''s only rumored that his singing is very good, as no one has actually heard him before. So I was a little worried and requested that he send us a demo."


    Hu Fei nodded and said, "Right, if it were a professional singer, that wouldn''t be necessary. But for celebrities from other industries, it''s better to y it safe by asking for a sample of their singing. Otherwise, if we spend money inviting them and it turns out that they can''t sing well, it wouldn''t be too appropriate to rece them at that time. It''d also be toote to do so."


    Dafei said, "Let''s listen to it."


    Hu Fei beckoned to everybody. "Come here, everyone. Let''s listen to it together."


    The program team staff all came over.


    The audio clip, which was simply titled "demo," was yed.


    Right at the start, a melodious male voice drifted out.


    "I once loved a woman.


    "Her smile, ever so innocent.


    "One day��"


    Everyone was astonished!


    "That was really good singing!"


    "This is great!"


    "Is this an actor? Isn''t this just like how a professional singer would sing?"


    "Who is this? Brother Fei, please tell us!"


    "Yeah, you''re making us so curious! Who is it?"


    "I can''t identify him by his voice at all!"


    Dafei simply smiled knowingly. "That''s ssified."


    Hu Fei approved, "It''s confirmed! This teacher has made the grade!"


    Dafei said, "Alright, I''ll go and contact him immediately!"


    Hu Fei reminded, "Remember to keep it a secret!"


    "Understood!" Dafei promised.


    One��


    Five��


    Eight��


    The number of approved celebrities kept growing!


    This greatly exceeded the expectations of the program team staff. They had initially thought that it would require a great deal of persuasion and talk to convince those celebrities to join. But as it turned out, when they exined the show''s internal workings to the celebrities, a lot of them became very interested upon hearing how the show worked. There was even a veteran singer who hadn''t appeared much in public for over ten years who agreed immediately when invited! The celebrities weren''t dumb. For some shows that were destined to have very little viewership, they wouldn''t join even if they were offered a lot of money for the appearance fee. But if they heard about a show they believed would get extremely popr throughout the country, even if the program team did not invite them, some of them would surelye looking for the program team instead. Even if the appearance fee was low, they would surely agree to join. And this King of Masked Singers by Zhang Ye was clearly such a show!


    "Brother Hu, I have a demo here for you to listen to."


    "Coming."


    "How is it?"


    "This is good! This sounds really clean!"


    "Then should I contact them?"


    "Who is this?"


    "A celebrity who came up through the ranks of a talent show."


    "Go ahead!"


    Suddenly, Dafei fell silent while holding a stack of papers of the rmended participants.


    "What''s the matter, Brother Fei?" a rookie named Han Qi asked.


    Dafei asked curiously, "Who rmended this person? Why is there only a contact number on it? There''s no name?"


    Han Qi was one of the few staff members of the program team who had ess to this rmendation list. "I don''t know, it wasn''t me." Turning to another colleague, she asked, "Brother Sun, did you put them in?"


    Sun looked over the list. "It wasn''t me."


    Hu Fei also came over to have a look. "Give them a call and ask who it is. The people on this list are all celebrities and big shots."


    So Dafei handed the paper to Han Qi. "I still have a lot to do here. You can handle it."


    "OK." Han Qi got very excited. The chance to have direct contact with a celebrity could count toward her qualifications. She immediately called the number.


    ...


    At home.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Zhang Ye''s other phone started ringing. This was the new cell phone he had gotten from the Central TV annual staff party''s lucky draw. Just a few days ago, he had slotted in a new SIM card he had just bought.


    Zhang Ye purposely disguised his voice and answered: "Hello."


    "Hello, Teacher. How are you?" On the other end, Han Qi spoke with caution.


    "Ah, I''m good."


    "I''m calling from the King of Masked Singers'' program team. Has anyone contacted you before this?" Han Qi somehow felt that this voice was very strange.


    "Yes."


    "Someone has already done that?"


    "Yes."


    "Apologies, but we don''t seem to have a record of your name. May I know who you are, sir?"


    "Just an ordinary person."


    "Uh, what''s y-your surname, sir?"


    "It''s confidential."


    "How old are you this year, sir?"


    "Not old."


    "What''s your upation, sir?"


    "I''m a worker."


    "Ah! You''re a worker?"


    "Yes."


    "Huh. Th-Then are you sure you were invited to participate on King of Masked Singers?"


    "Yes."


    "If you''re not a professional singer, we require that you send us a sample of your singing. Can you provide us with that, sir? You can just send it to our email."


    "Sure."


    "Thank you very much."


    "You''re wee."


    The call ended just like that.


    Zhang Ye smiled to himself. He wasn''t purposely trying to keep it from Hu Fei and Dong Shanshan, but had to do so because he needed to participate anonymously.


    A sample of his singing?


    Was this a screening?


    Then what song should he choose?


    Zhang Ye hesitated for a bit, then chose a song at random to record his sample. He did not have any professional equipment at home and did not know how to y any instruments either, so he chose to sing a cappe for the recording. At most, he might need to do some post-processing to it, but he could do that at home anyway. As this was just a sample clip, there wasn''t really a need to do any major fixes to the recording.


    After clearing his throat, he began.


    This was the first time Zhang Ye seriously tried to record his singing, so he felt rather diffident. But when he opened his mouth to sing, even he was taken aback by his own voice!


    ...


    Back at Beijing Television.


    The King of Masked Singers'' program team.


    Han Qi said in a speechless manner, "Who could have rmended him? Why did someone contact him?"


    "Did you find out who it was?" Hu Fei looked over.


    "He wouldn''t say!" Han Qi said angrily.


    Dafei was surprised. "Wouldn''t say?"


    Han Qi said, "He didn''t want to reveal anything at all. When I asked him what his profession was, he actually told me that he was a worker!"


    "Pffffft!" Xiao Lu, who was drinking some water, did a spit-take. "A worker?"


    Hu Fei didn''t know whether tough or cry. "The names on this list are all big shots. How can there be any ordinary workers on it? Was he just teasing you?"


    Han Qi said angrily, "That man was so awful. He spoke in a strange, gravelly voice, like he was afraid that someone would recognize him. It''s like he thinks he really is some big shot or something."


    Hou Di pondered this for a moment. "If he really did try to disguise his voice while talking, then he might really be a big shot. Perhaps he might actually get recognized easily if he speaks in his natural voice?"


    "Ah?" Han Qi was startled. "Are you sure?"


    Xiao Lu was cramping up fromughing. "Would a big shot call themselves a worker? This is clearly a prank on our Little Han! Hahahaha, I''m dying ofughter!"


    Han Qi started blushing and became even more angry. "I asked him to send us a demo. I want to hear for myself just what kind of a worker he really is!"


    A rookie suddenly said, "Oh, an email just arrived? Is it this one?"


    Han Qi quickly ran over and pointed at the screen while gnashing her teeth. "Yes, yes, yes, it''s him!"


    Hu Feiughed and said, "Come, let''s all have a listen."


    Dafei was getting very curious. "I really want to find out who this could be."


    "I wanna listen to it too." Xiao Lu scrambled over as well. "Heehee, which big shot is so yful that he''s willing to tease our rook?"


    Han Qi''s face was getting hot. "Sister Lu, please don''t ridicule me."


    Xiao Lu said, "Sure, sure, sure. Big Sis will help you denounce him. Will that do?"


    "Yeah!" Han Qi replied.


    Having encountered such a weird person!


    Everyone in the program team came over in delight upon hearing about this amusing incident.


    The rookie clicked on the email attachment and started ying the recording.


    There was no melody.


    There were no instrumentals.


    Everyone was surprised. Was it a cappe?


    However, when the singing started, everyone was shocked by the vocal weight and technique. As the tune yed, Xiao Lu got the goosebumps!


    "Land as pretty as a picture!


    "Our nativend built on the backs of steeds!"


    It was bel canto! But the voice was maic and sounded very young! What song was this? An oldie? But it couldn''t be. Otherwise, why hadn''t they heard of it before? Was it an original?


    Damn!


    Who was it?


    Which famous person of the music industry was this?


    The timbre of some singers'' voices was recognizable right at the first word they sang. Although this man seemed to be purposely disguising his voice, those seasoned vocals could not be concealed! Everyone in the program team had already heard quite a few demos submitted by the celebrities and professional singers. But they had to admit that this unknown big shot''s singing that was ying right now was definitely one of the best they had heard today!


    The vocals.


    The technique.


    The control.


    All of them were at the professional level!


    A lot of them were drawn into the singing as they listened!


    Hu Fei eximed, "Who is this!"


    Dafei shouted, "Damn!"


    Xiao Lu said, "This is a heavyweight contestant!"


    Han Qi stood there dumbfounded, ck-jawed. She didn''t expect this tight-lipped celebrity she was just on the phone with to actually sing this well!


    Following this, however, everyone was floored!


    The lyrics this man sang next made everyone feel like they were going to vomit blood!


    "Land as pretty as a picture!


    "Our nativend built on the backs of steeds!


    "How glorious it is to be an oil worker!


    "Wearin'' a hard hat and trav''lin'' the world!"


    Pfft!


    Pfft!


    Pfft!


    Everyone in the office burst outughing!


    "Snow from Tianshan falls overhead!


    "Facing the Gobi''s desert storms!


    "Greeting the rising sun on the banks of the Jialing River!


    "Sending off the sunset at the foot of the Kunlun Mountains!


    "Fearing nothing!


    "And no one!


    "Let it thunder and snow!


    "I offer oil to my homnd!


    "Wherever the oil is, that is where my home shall be!"


    Han Qi''s legs wobbled!


    Offering oil to the homnd?


    I''ll offer your little sister''s oil!


    "Fluttering red gs wee rosy clouds!


    "Heroes whip their horses of war along!


    "How glorious it is to be an oil worker!


    "Wearin'' a hard hat and trav''lin'' the world!


    "Erecting oil rigs in the vast grasnds!


    "Bottom of clouds cover the wells!


    "Underground crude oil meets the sky!


    "My nativend blooms with the gift of oil!


    "Fearing nothing!


    "And no one!


    "Looking over the world with our great ambition!


    "I offer oil to my homnd!


    "With oil for my homnd, my heart blooms happily!"


    The song ended.


    The demo finished ying.


    Everyone in the office was looking at each other!


    Suddenly, Hou Di pped his thigh and copsed onto the table, bellyughing. "Hahahahaha hahahaha!" He was sprawled out on the table, unable to get up!


    Dafei burst intoughter!


    Xiao Lu was crying withughter. "Aiyo!"


    Only Han Qi looked embarrassed. She nearly burst into tears!


    Hu Fei couldn''t help but pat Han Qi on the shoulder. "It''s been confirmed. You were the victim of a joke."


    Han Qi was angered to tears. "Brother Hu��"


    "Hahahaha!" Hu Fei couldn''t hold it in any longer and startedughing too.


    A worker?


    You''re a worker?


    Bull fucking shit!


    As a big shot celebrity and a professional singer with such good singing, why on earth are you pretending to be an oil worker!


    You even offer oil to the homnd?


    Why don''t you dig some coal for your homnd instead!


    At this moment, everyone had determined the nature of this voice''s owner!


    Just look at the other invited participants! Which one of them were not taking thispetition seriously? Which of the interested participants of their show did not send in a serious sample of their singing that would exhibit their best points? But this guy? Not only did he not give his name, he even imed that he was a worker? He even made up some song about offering oil to the homnd? Most importantly, he still fucking sang with such excellence?


    This was an old pro!


    This fellow was definitely a seasoned pro of the industry!


    But who could it be?


    Why couldn''t they figure it out from his singing?


    Dafei said, "Brother Hu, what do we do about this person?"


    Tears streaming down her face, Han Qi said, "Must we invite him?"


    "What reason is there to not invite someone who can sing with such skill?" Hu Fei said with excitement, "No matter who rmended him and whether or not he wants to reveal his identity, this man��must definitely be invited onto the show!"


    Han Qi groaned, "Ugh."


    Dafei nodded. "Alright, understood!"


    Han Qi spoke hesitantly, "Brother Fei, I��"


    Dafei made a decision and said with a snigger, "Little Han, you''ll be in charge of contacting this guy. We''ll leave it to you to call him, notify him, and take care of his costume from now on."


    Han Qi said tearfully, "Brother Fei, can you not?"


    "Hahaha, you can consider this to be part of your training!" Dafei said, "Usually, someone who''s such a hooligan has self-confidence, and is a very big shot in the industry. Getting few more connections will do you no harm. I''m doing this for your own good, Little Han."


    Han Qi was skeptical. "Seriously?"


    Dafei said solemnly, "Of course."


    Han Qi made a noise in acknowledgment and moped, "OK, alright. I''ll do my best."


    Due to the special nature of the show, every participant on King of Masked Singers would need to have a dedicated assistant to take charge of their makeup, costumes, masks,munication, and other rted tasks. But no matter how Han Qi thought about it, she felt like she had been deceived. Having been assigned to such an unreliable singer, she felt that her future was utterly bleak! But even she had to admit that this man''s voice and singing were really amazing!


    Just who could it be?


    Was there even such a person in the music industry?

 Chapter 981: Mask: The Clown!

    <h4>Chapter 981: Mask: The Clown! </h4>


    Chapter 981: Mask: The Clown!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    During the weekend.


    The promotions for King of Masked Singers were already progressing as nned.


    News of heavyweight big shots joining the show, being called a new variety show that would subvert all other singing shows, and all sorts of topics rted to the show were constantly generated as theizens grew more and more hyped!


    "Who''s joined the show already?"


    "When does it begin broadcasting?"


    "Quickly begin recording the show!"


    "I can''t wait any longer!"


    "Is Zhang Ye really not going to be the host?"


    "Will there be any A-list celebrities joining?"


    "Don''t leave us hanging!"


    "King of Masked Singers? This title leaves everything to the imagination!"


    "They''re really going to let established singerspete against each other on the same stage? To see who is better?"


    "Damn, that''s so ruthless!"


    "Isn''t Beijing TV taking things too far this time?"


    "Yeah, they might really have taken it a bit too far! But I''m still looking forward to it!"


    "That''s right, I really want to watch it! Chen Guang versus Fan Wenli? A Heavenly King verse a Heavenly Queen? Will such a situation really happen? I can''t bear it just thinking about it! Hurry up and start broadcasting already!"


    "The most interesting thing is that everyone will be wearing a mask, so no one will know who the person behind it is!"


    King of Masked Singers'' format and title gradually surfaced. Even before the show got broadcast, while it was still in the production stage, the poprity of this show was already greater than the numerous television variety shows that were currently broadcasting! There was more discussion about it than all the othersbined! A situation like this was typically not seen in the industry! When many of the industry peers saw this, they could only shake their heads and smile bitterly, or stare in amazement at the happenings.


    Envy?


    They had nothing to be envious about!


    Because Zhang Ye''s production was just too creative to begin with!


    ...


    Dragon Television.


    "We should have invited him to join us if we knew it would be like this!"


    "Yeah, this show is truly going to be spectacr!"


    "Just from hearing of it, I know it will be famous!"


    "Did you think that Zhang Ye would be so easy to recruit?"


    "That''s right. He only went over to help them produce the show because he has friends at Beijing TV and past ties with the station."


    ...


    Zhejiang Television.


    "Zhang Ye is content to just work behind the scenes?"


    "Who knows!"


    "He couldn''t possiblye up with such a good show and just give it up to Beijing TV so easily, can he?"


    "He can''t host even if he wants to, since the higher-ups'' attitude toward him is still uncertain. That air pollution documentary brought him a great deal of poprity and reputation, but it has also disrupted his career."


    "Hai, if only we had gotten this show instead!"


    "King of Masked Singers? Only a daring person like Zhang Ye woulde up with such a show!"


    ...


    Heated discussions regarding this topic started appearing online.


    It was widely discussed within the industry as well.


    At home, Zhang Ye was practically doing nothing. He had already finished his detailed pre-production work for the show and was essentially not involved with the rest of the production. Yesterday, Hu Fei had wanted to inform Zhang Ye about the identities of the masked singers who''d joined, but was turned down. Zhang Ye didn''t even want to hear or know about them. This was because he did not want too much pressure and distractions for himself. If he knew who the otherpetitors were, he would probably start overthinking things, so it was better to know nothing at all.


    Later that morning.


    Old Rao called.


    "Little Zhang,e over and babysit the kid."


    "Where are you going?"


    "To get a filling, tsk."


    "Do you have a toothache?"


    "It''s been hurting for two days now. Cut the crap and get over here on the double."


    "I''m still busy with my work."


    "You''ve been staying home every day with nothing to do. What are you busy with?"


    "Can''t I watch a movie? Get my junior marital sister to take care of her instead."


    "You talking ''bout that hothead? For only two smashed window panes, she risked her life by jumping down from this high a height. How can I be at ease letting her babysit my kid?"


    "True, she is a little hotheaded."


    "Get over here."


    "Fine, fine. I understand. You just go on ahead."


    After informing his parents, Zhang Ye headed straight to Old Rao''s ce.


    When he arrived, Rao Aimin was already gone. For some reason, Yang Shu was at Rao Aimin''s house as well. She was practicing her martial arts in the first story living room by herself, going "hoo ha, hoo ha," enraptured in her training!


    When she saw Zhang Ye, Yang Shu quickly cooled down with an ending stance. She took a deep breath and respectfully greeted, "Senior Bro."


    Zhang Ye smiled wryly. "You don''t have to be so polite. I''ve already said that you can just call me by my name."


    Yang Shu nodded. "OK, Senior Bro. Then can you lend me some money?"


    Ah?


    Asking to borrow money again?


    Zhang Ye said in exasperation, "I think it''s better for you to be more polite."


    Yang Shu said nothing.


    Zhang Ye asked, "You''ve run out of money again?"


    Yang Shu made a noise of acknowledgment. "I haven''t found a job yet."


    Annoyed, Zhang Ye said, "You can''t just keep staying at home doing nothing. What do you wish to do? Tell me."


    "I would like to spread the art of the Taiji Fist so that it may flourish and bring glory to my ancestors."


    "How will you spread it?"


    "I don''t know. I will listen to Senior Bro''s teachings."


    Why would you listen to me!


    This bro does not have such aspirations!


    However, Zhang Ye had only one junior marital sister, so he couldn''t just ignore her. He pulled out all of the cash in his wallet, totaling over 3,000 RMB, and gave it to her.


    Yang Shu didn''t treat Zhang Ye as a stranger, but rather as family. She took it and pocketed it. "Thank you, Senior Bro."


    At this moment, Chenchen came down from upstairs.


    Zhang Ye looked up. "What were you doing upstairs?"


    Chenchen gave him a look. "Zhang Ye, help me do my homework."


    Zhang Ye sneered. "I refuse."


    When Yang Shu heard this exchange, she said, "Senior Bro, teach me Taiji Fist."


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "We''ll talk about that another time."


    Chenchen said, "Zhang Ye, do my homework for me!"


    Yang Shu said, "Senior Bro, teach me some unarmed fighting techniques!"


    The two of them kept it up one after the other, giving Zhang Ye a terrible headache.


    The phone suddenly rang.


    It was his other cell phone that was ringing!


    "Alright, that''s enough! Be quiet!" Zhang Ye said impatiently, "I need to answer this call before I can listen to the two of you again. Do you think things are easy for me?!"


    Zhang Ye walked a distance away from them before answering the call.


    It was the same woman''s voice from a few days back on the other end of the line.


    Han Qi carefully said: "Hello, Teacher. I''m Han Qi from the King of Masked Singers'' program team. You can just call me Little Han. From now on, I''m your main liaison with the program team. If you require anything, you can find me anytime."


    Zhang Ye pinched his throat and said: "OK."


    Han Qi said: "Wee aboard. Then��the rules of our show state that every participant must fashion a mask, so do you have any kind of designs in mind that you would like? And what about your stage name? We will construct a mask ording to your specifications."


    Zhang Ye blinked a few times. "I need to think about it."


    Han Qi said: "Understood. You may call me anytime when you''ve thought of it."


    "OK."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye fell into deep thought.


    A mask?


    A stage name?


    He had to make sure to get it right as it was incredibly important.


    What should he use?


    What should he be called?


    Zhang Ye couldn''t think of one no matter how he tried, so he waved Yang Shu and Chenchen over. "Here''s a task for the two of you. Help me think of something. If you had tobel me as something, what would your impression of me be?"


    Chenchen chuckled. "A dummy!"


    Zhang Ye stared at her. "I''m gonna spank you."


    Chenchen looked at him. "But you really are a dummy."


    Zhang Ye harrumphed. "Answer me properly and I''ll help you do your homework!"


    Chenchen immediately changed her tune and replied, "A hero!"


    Dummy?


    Hero?


    Isn''t your turnabout too damn fast?!


    Why are you so fake!


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and looked to Yang Shu. "Junior Sis?"


    Yang Shu thought for a long time before saying, "I think that you have a chivalrous spirit for the country and its people."


    These words from his junior martial sister had actually embarrassed Zhang Ye some!


    Chivalrous?


    He was not worthy of the description.


    In truth, Zhang Ye had never had a high appraisal of himself. He did not feel that he was a hero, nor did he have anything to do with the word "chivalrous." He was just a celebrity who made peopleugh, earned some money with a clear conscience along the way, stepped in whenever he saw injustice, and scolded people if he was forced into a corner by them. He would make trouble from one industry to another, so he was actually a disliked personality who offended and angered many people wherever he went.


    Then why not this?


    His stage name would be "The Clown."


    If this world did not wish to let him say anything!


    If this world was unwilling to let him appear!


    If this world could not amodate his pride!


    If that is the case, then I shall transform into "The Clown." Donning my war robes, putting on my mask, changing my identity, I will turn everything upside down once more!

 Chapter 982: You want another song?

    <h4>Chapter 982: You want another song? </h4>


    Chapter 982: You want another song?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    Zhang Ye''s mask and costume had arrived. It wasn''t sent to his house because he didn''t give his home address to the station. Otherwise, they might spot it and easily identify him as a result. The address he gave to the King of Masked Singers program team was his eldest younger sister''s home address. The courier from Beijing Television had already reached her ce.


    His eldest younger sister''s call came in.


    "Brother, your package has arrived."


    "Thanks."


    "What''s in it?"


    "It''s a secret, hur hur."


    "You''re acting so mysterious. Shall I send it over to your ce?"


    "There''s no need. I''ll go there in a bit to collect it."


    By the afternoon, he had the package in his hands.


    When he reached home, Zhang Ye shut his bedroom door before opening the package. Then he took the items out one by one. There were actually quite a few, as all the gear from head to toe was ced inside.


    The mask.


    The clothes.


    The pants.


    The shoes.


    And a pair of gloves.


    Zhang Ye lifted the mask and ced it over his face to check if it fit. He looked in the mirror and was immediately quite satisfied with it. Zhang Ye had had a fair number of specifications for the mask, and gave Han Qi a list of design details to pass to the costume designer. This mask was not exactly made to look like the stereotypical clown with a red nose and sharp facial features. It had only one color. White, pure white. It did not have any special edges or fanciful stylings. It was the simplest and inest, pure white mask, but did not look in at all when put on. Instead, it represented a return to innocence and appeared elegant and refined.


    The Clown: this was how other people saw him.


    White: this was how Zhang Ye saw himself.


    A "clown" wearing a white mask. This was the inspiration behind Zhang Ye''s design.


    He also put on the costume. He was wrapped up from head to toe, and if he were to go outside now, absolutely no one would recognize him. Even he was unable to recognize himself, as all of the features and traits that distinguished him were covered up!


    Fantastic!


    This would do!


    He took off the costume and ced everything back into the package. Then a call came in.


    It was his other cell phone.


    "Hello, Teacher. It''s Han Qi."


    "Hello."


    "Have you received the mask and costume yet?"


    "Yes."


    "Does it fit? If not, I''ll get the designer to alter it."


    "It fits great."


    "Great. So it''s like this. Construction on the set has almost finished. We''ll be doing some simple mic and sound tests tomorrow here in the studio. We would also like to have a look at all the participating teachers in their costumes. This is, after all, meant to be televised, so we need to do a check beforehand. There might also be an audition. The station has ced a lot of emphasis on the show this time and the execs areing to inspect the production. If, if you''re free, sir, could you pleasee and attend?"


    "What time?"


    "Tomorrow afternoon."


    "OK."


    "Th-Then please call me when you arrive, sir. I''ll be waiting for you."


    "OK."


    An audition?


    This was not unexpected.


    Due to the special nature of this show, a lot of processes could not follow the standard operating procedures of previous shows. Especially for someone like him who would not even divulge his identity, how could he expect them to rest easy? He couldn''t possibly assure them with just a recorded sample clip of his a cappe singing. They would have to at least listen to a live performance of his. While he was at it, he could familiarize himself with the stage and meet the program team staff. That was what it was all about.


    Let''s do it then.


    He had been ready for a while now anyway.


    ...


    The next day.


    At 9 in the morning.


    King of Masked Singers'' program team staff were in full anticipation mode. Those who knew which celebrities wereing all felt excited, while those who didn''t know the identities of the contestants were all curious and looking forward to it.


    "Are they here yet?"


    "Five of them have already arrived!"


    "Where''d you arrange for them to go?"


    "They''ve all been put into different waiting rooms so that they wouldn''t bump into each other."


    "Good."


    "Brother Hu, when do we start?"


    "We can start now. Make theme out one at a time."


    "OK, I''ll go and arrange it!"


    "Be alert, the station heads might being to have a look."


    "Understood!"


    Everyone got down to business.


    They adjusted the audio as the band did their sound checks.


    After that, the first masked singer came onstage. He gave himself the stage name "Sunflower in the Starlight," and in ordance, his mask was designed to look like a cute sunflower. Other than Hu Fei and Dong Shanshan, basically no one else on the program team knew who this person was. In an instant, everyone''s gaze fell curiously upon him. He did not bring his agent or assistant along today, because it could have inadvertently revealed his identity. He came alone and walked to the band that the program team had invited. Aftermunicating a few simple words with them, he stood onstage.


    Although his face could not be seen through the mask, the moment he gripped the microphone, Teacher Sunflower in the Starlight''s stage presence immediately changed!


    The moment he opened his mouth, his voice shocked the entire studio!


    This song was titled "Hope," and was a very famous song in this world!


    The band members were under no pressure even though they did not have a prior discussion about the song with this masked teacher. They managed to sync up seamlessly to the meter and beat in no time at all!


    They were all professionals, so it was no sweat.


    Even though they were not familiar with the song, they could still easily y the apaniment to the vocals. This was because they were the "Miracle Wheels," a very famous band in the industry. Most television shows would find it very difficult to invite them onto their show, so it could be seen how much effort Beijing Television had put into the production of this show!


    ...


    Backstage.


    In a waiting room.


    Han Qi was waiting outside the room, restless and tense, unsure of what she was really feeling, though she mostly felt perturbed.


    Why is he not here yet?


    Where is he?


    She made another call. "Hello, Teacher. Have you arrived yet?"


    A voice came from the phone. "I have."


    Han Qi said: "Ah? Where are you?"


    That person said: "Turn around."


    She suddenly heard the voiceing from behind her.


    Han Qi turned around in consternation. "D-Did youe here wearing that?"


    The Clown said, "Yes."


    Han Qi had thought that she could finally see the man''s real face today and find out who he was. But she didn''t expect that he would make his way here while wearing his mask. "Uh, are you ready, sir?"


    "I''m ready anytime."


    Han Qi coughed. "Teacher Clown, are you a senior of the music industry?" She began trying to sound him out.


    "Guess."


    "Uh, you must surely be quite the big shot."


    "Not necessarily."


    "What''s your actual upation, sir?"


    "I''m a worker."


    Han Qi was speechless.


    You''re still saying you''re a worker?


    Can you stop pretending, please?


    She knew that it was impossible to find out anything. This person was much too evasive and obviously did not want to disclose any information. He clearly did not want anyone to find out his identity!


    But, but you still shouldn''t say that you are a worker just because of that!


    The two of them went into the waiting room and sat facing each other. The atmosphere was extremely awkward.


    The Clown did not say a word. It seemed like he did not enjoy talking much.


    Meanwhile, Han Qi did not know what to say. But as she didn''t want things to be so awkward, she attempted to make conversation.


    "Your mask is really beautiful."


    "Thank you."


    "You''re not too old, right?"


    "I''m not young."


    "Ah,st time you said you weren''t old, sir."


    "Really?"


    "Yes."


    "Oh, then I''m not old."


    Han Qi was on the verge of tears. Talking to this guy was nothing but a goddamn exercise in smoke and mirrors. She couldn''t tell which of the things The Clown said were true and which were false. Most importantly, he was still speaking in a gravelly voice, so how could she possibly guess who it was? She simply could not make out who he was!


    This deadlock went on for a good half hour.


    Suddenly, someone knocked gingerly on the door.


    Dong dong. They heard an employee say, "Han Qi, it''s time for the teacher to go onstage."


    "Alright!" Han Qi felt a great sense of relief. "Teacher Clown, it''s your turn."


    The Clown nodded. "Let''s go."


    In the corridor.


    Zhang Ye was walking out as someone came in.


    Coming in the opposite direction was someone wearing a mask. The figure appeared to be a woman''s.


    As Zhang Ye and she passed each other, the two of them gave each other a curious nce. There was a hint of scrutiny in their eyes. Those eyes, that figure. Zhang Ye felt a hint of familiarity. He believed he had probably seen this young woman before, and may even know her. But as for who she was, he could not tell. Upon further consideration, he realized that the stars he knew in the industry were not small-timers. It looked like thispetition was truly going to be a tough battle. In his first foray into the music industry, it had better not end up with him getting crushed within the first two rounds! That would be really embarrassing!


    The two of them stopped in their tracks with unspoken agreement, and then looked at one another.


    Han Qi wiped her sweat away and introduced them to each other. "This is Teacher Clown. And this is Teacher Sunset Glow."


    Wasn''t she pretty young?


    So why did she call herself Sunset Glow?


    Zhang Ye nodded his head in greeting.


    Sunset Glow looked at him. "Do we know each other?"


    Zhang Ye spoke in a gravelly voice, "I don''t know."


    Sunset Glow smiled. "How old are you?


    Zhang Ye lied without blinking. "Fifty, and you?"


    Sunset Glow said, "I''m fifteen."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Your upation?"


    Sunset Glow said, "I''m a student, and you?


    Zhang Ye replied, "I''m a worker."


    Sunset Glow had no response.


    Though they tried to sound each other out with all those questions, neither managed to identify the other.


    Both Han Qi and Sunset Glow''s Beijing Television assistant didn''t know whether tough or cry. Why were all modern celebrities like this?


    A worker?


    A student?


    Fifty?


    Fifteen?


    Would you two die if you ever stopped bullshitting?!

 Chapter 983: As a fifty-year-old pro driver, I am all smiles!

    <h4>Chapter 983: As a fifty-year-old pro driver, I am all smiles! </h4>


    Chapter 983: As a fifty-year-old pro driver, I am all smiles!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the King of Masked Singers stage.


    The set was not fully constructed yet, but it was enough to amodate the sound checks.


    There were many people seated in the audience, such as the station heads, channel directors, and Hu Fei, together with most of his program team. They had already auditioned five masked singers, and it was time for the sixth contestant. They had to take into consideration the live performances as well as other various factors to determine the order of appearances, to know which contestant would start in the first round or act as a recement in the second round. All of this were not yet decided, so it was particrly important today as they needed to understand each of the contestant''s strengths and characteristics in order to make a decision.


    Hu Fei lowered his head and jotted a few things down on his notepad.


    Contestant #1: Rmended as opener, has explosive high notes.


    Contestant #2: Rmended as opener, a big name celebrity.


    "How amazing!"


    "Yeah, these singers are way too impressive!"


    "I''ve got the goosebumps!"


    "This wasn''t even rehearsed. If it were the day of recording, how much more shocking would it get?"


    "Our show is gonna get super popr!"


    "Who''s the next contestant? Are they here yet?"


    "Yup."


    "The next one is ''The Clown.''"


    "Who''s The Clown?"


    "It''s that oil worker!"


    As soon as those words were spoken, the program team staff all snickered!


    "Pfft!"


    "So it''s him!"


    "Why did hee up with that name?"


    "Now I''m even more interested in him!"


    "Me too. I can finally see him in person!"


    "Observe him, everyone. See if you can identify who he is! Figure out just which industry seasoned pro he is!"


    During the past few days, "I Offer Oil To My Homnd" had spread throughout the station. The program team staff wouldugh until their stomachs hurt every time they listened to it. Even a few of the station heads didn''t know whether tough or cry after hearing it.


    In the meantime, a few of the station heads started conversing.


    A deputy station head asked, "Is this the celebrity who ims to be a worker?"


    Hu Feiughed and said, "Yes, that''s him.


    Another station executive said, "He sings really well, but that song��"


    Dong Shanshan was also seated with them. She smiled and said, "That was just an audition demo. He was just ribbing us. I''m sure he''ll sing a proper song for us today."


    The executive nodded. "Yeah, I''m quite looking forward to it."


    Suddenly, everyone''s gaze fell on a side door next to the stage.


    The door swung open and a white mask appeared before everyone''s eyes!


    He had arrived!


    The Clown had arrived!


    Some people even stopped blinking and tried to guess who he was from his shape, but drew a nk. Who could this be? He had a figure that was verymon and could match too many celebrities!


    When Han Qi saw that so many executives were present, she got a little nervous. "Teacher Clown is here."


    However, The Clown did not seem to be the slightest bit nervous. He took to the stage very gracefully and stood there while looking at everyone in the audience. He gave them a slight nod, but did not say anything.


    The station heads, Hu Fei, and Dong Shanshan scrutinized him.


    He walked in with great confidence!


    He stood there with great confidence!


    The first thought that they had was: This is definitely not a neer!


    As Dong Shanshan was the host, she took charge of this segment. She raised the microphone in her hands and said with a smile, "Hello, Teacher. Out of all the contestants, you''re the only one we have zero information about. You don''t need to tell us your name, but could you please briefly introduce yourself?"


    Zhang Ye felt very happy at seeing his old ssmate speak to him in such a serious manner without recognizing him.


    Zhang Ye was smiling to himself. He purposely spoke in a gravelly voice, "I am The Clown."


    He was especially cautious when speaking to Dong Shanshan. After all, they had been ssmates for a long time and knew each other very well. If he identally revealed anything, Dong Shanshan might begin to suspect who he really was. However, Zhang Ye was still rather confident in his acting chops as he had previously received quite a few skill experience books rted to acting.


    Dong Shanshan asked, "That''s all?"


    Hu Fei asked, "How old are you?"


    Zhang Ye didn''t even blink. "Fifty."


    Hu Fei felt his legs give. "Are you also a worker then?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Eh, how did you know?"


    Dafei wiped his sweat away. "Teacher, can you please stop teasing us?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "But I''m really a worker."


    The program team staff rolled their eyes in unison!


    Pretend!


    Go on and keep pretending!


    A station head said with a wry smile, "Since he does not wish to tell us, let''s not force him."


    A chairman looked at him, thenmented, "He must be a big shot in the industry. Otherwise, why would he be so cautious as to not even reveal his age?"


    The channel''s director nodded. "Makes sense."


    Dong Shanshan looked at Zhang Ye. "Then why don''t we begin?"


    The band was ready.


    The Miracle Wheels'' keyboardist asked, "Teacher Clown, what song do you intend to perform? We need to do some tuning."


    Zhang Ye looked at him. "An original."


    "An original?" That keyboardist was taken aback, but nodded and said, "That''s fine too."


    The drummer said, "Go ahead and sing. We can improvise."


    Zhang Ye said, "Are you sure?"


    The drummer smiled. "Of course, it''s no problem. We''re all professionals."


    There had just been two masked singers who had arranged their songs. Whether they''d sustained high notes or slowed down the song, even when it was performed differently from the original, the Miracle Wheels could still apany the performers. They were one of the best bands around, so how could they not do that? It was just improvisation. What was so difficult about that?


    The guitarist said, "Let''s hit it, Teacher."


    In the audience, everyone was engrossed by the happenings onstage!


    Hu Fei''s ears perked up.


    Dong Shanshan did not blink.


    Han Qi was also eyeing the stage, hoping to catch a glimpse of something that would reveal The Clown''s identity.


    A worker?


    You''ve been acting since the start!


    This time, I want to see how you can keep pretending!


    A love song? Or a rock song? Once you start singing, there will surely be something that gives you away. At that time, I will definitely be able to guess your true identity!


    A lot of people were thinking the same thing as Han Qi, as everyone wanted to guess the identity of this man. They couldn''t have it such that not even their internal staff knew who this guy was, could they?


    However, when The Clown starting singing, they realized that they were too na?ve in their thinking! They finally realized just how much of a seasoned pro they had encountered!


    Zhang Ye lifted the microphone in his hands and started singing with enthusiasm.


    "We workers have the strength and pow''r!


    "We workers have the strength and pow''r!


    "Working hard every single day!


    "Building all these high-rise buildings!


    "Laying railways for coal mining!


    "Reforming the world, we''ve changed it!"


    Two of Beijing Television''s heads were floored!


    The program team staff in the audience were all bowled over!


    "Machines are started: rumbling loud!


    "Raising our hammers: clink nk clunk!


    "Making plows: the production''s good!


    "Forging guns: to send to the front!


    "Heave ho, heave ho!


    "A red glow shines on our faces!


    "Our sweat drips down off our faces!


    "For what? For the revolution!


    "For what? For the revolution!"


    The Miracle Wheels'' band members'' jaws all dropped. Throughout, they could not even apany him with a beat. They just stared in astonishment at the masked singer onstage, feeling as though 10,000 grass mud horses were galloping past!


    Improvisation?


    I''ll improvise your sister!


    What the fuck is this song! How the fuck can we possibly improvise to that!


    But listening to that Teacher Clown''s voice, they couldn''t help but admit one thing��his singing was so fucking good! That voice was marvelous!


    The music stopped.


    Well alright, there wasn''t actually any music to begin with. The entire time, Zhang Ye had been singing a cappe. The Miracle Wheels, who had just bragged about their professionalism, ended up not even ying a melody.


    Zhang Ye finished performing.


    Everyone in the audience smiling wryly.


    It was another workers'' song?


    Yesterday was oil workers!


    And today? Railroad workers? Coal miners?


    Geez, friend, can you stop being so inspirational?!


    Can you please sing properly! How do you expect us to guess who you are this way?


    Hu Fei cleared his throat, looked at The Clown, and said, "Teacher, you sing great and very professionally. We all recognize your singing and strength, but about that, um, can you please switch to a different song? Can you sing something that is closer to your actual job? Are you a professional singer? Or an actor? Why don''t you do another song?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Sure."


    Hu Fei said, "Thank you."


    Everyone was once again in full anticipation as they believed he would finally sing something proper.


    Something rted to my job?


    Alright, then I have no choice but to reveal my real upation to all of you!


    Without even skipping a beat, Zhang Ye sang the next song loudly. The moment he belted out the first line, he made the 50 to 60 people present in the studio so angry they wanted to vomit blood!


    "As a fifty-year-old pro driver, I am all smiles!


    "I tend to get long-winded when talkin'' ''bout trucks!"


    Pfft!


    Dong Shanshan had her face in her hands and wasughing uncontrobly!


    Han Qi was floored!


    Hu Fei stared nkly!


    You''ve be a pro driver this time? And you''re even a fucking fifty-year-old pro driver? You even fucking all smiles about it?


    I''ll smile at your second granny!


    However, Zhang Ye was very into the song and painted a vivid picture.


    "Thinkin'' o'' when I was 18 ''n'' learned how to drive, oh.


    "Fid''ling with that foreign truck, I b''came an old hand.


    "Since, of course, I have yet to see a Chinese truck.


    "Praying to the moon and stars, praying for that truck toe! And, it did! Yo-o-o ho hey!


    "Our working ss wins glory for our country, hey!"


    Everyone felt numb and watched him in stupefaction.


    But the more Zhang Ye sang, the more enjoyment and excitement he got out of it.


    "Full of pride, I have the power!


    "Hey-hey-hey, hey-hey-hey.


    "Heh-heh-heya.


    "My-y-y country''s-a-and spans far and wide.


    "I drive my domestic truck merrily along.


    "In the blink of an eye, I''ve traveled all across China.


    "Load up all the construction material onto my truck, oh.


    "Night and day, no stops, hey!


    "Shipping grain, lugging steel,


    "Climbing mountains, crossing rivers,


    "I will take it into my own hands to build our China! Yo-o-o ho hey! Hey!


    "Even with 50 or 60 more years, I shall nevere to a stop!"


    "Hey-hey-hey!


    "Hey-hey-hey-hey!


    "Heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heyo!"


    With onest deep breath, Zhang Ye sang in a sustained line in his head voice, "I shall nevere to a stop!"


    He finished singing.


    The song ended.


    In the audience, very few people were left "standing" as everyone had been bowled over!


    Stop the truck!


    Hurry up and stop the truck, bro!


    Hats off to him!


    They trulymended him!


    Almost nobody could y dumb to his extent!


    Oil workers? Coal miners? Railroad workers? And this time, it was a truck driver? Even if you live for another 50-60 years, you shall nevere to a stop? Aren''t you going to drive yourself to death then!


    Truly, everybody was defeated by this masked singer who went by the name of The Clown!


    " I Offer Oil to My Homnd 1 "?


    " We Workers Have the Strength and Pow''r 2 "?


    " Pro Driver 3 "?


    What the fuck are all these songs!


    Did you have to go that far to hide your identity? Just who on earth are you!?

 Chapter 984: You have the cheek to call others weird?

    <h4>Chapter 984: You have the cheek to call others weird? </h4>


    Chapter 984: You have the cheek to call others weird?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Teacher Clown''s audition was over.


    Every employee in the studio found it both funny and annoying!


    A lovely King of Masked Singers.


    A lovely variety show.


    A lovely stage meant for the performance of pop music.


    But good god! It was fucking turned into a retirees'' concert for old cadres of the working ss, with songs talking about events before and after the revolution. Even if you sang a song from 10 to 20 years ago, we would still have considered it pop! But which era were your songs from? They were all songs from 50 to 60 years ago, perhaps even 60 to 70 years ago!


    Han Qi thought to herself how her dad had probably just been born when these songs hit the airwaves!


    How did you evene up with songs like that?


    You''re too good at making things up!


    The performance had knocked most of the audience dead. The previous five masked singers had also purposely tried to hide and disguise their real voices. One of them even sang their song entirely in a falsetto. But even so,pared to those before him, the way that this masked singer named "The Clown" had concealed his identity made the other five people''s methods not even worth mentioning! In order to hide his identity, he went as far asposing these three revolutionary style songs himself or with the help of someone else!


    He pretended to be a coal miner after pretending to be an oil worker!


    He pretended to be a trucker after pretending to be a coal miner!


    Would you be convinced by that?


    Would you?


    In any case, Hu Fei, Hou Ge, Hou Di, and the rest of the program team were all prostrating!


    They were convinced!


    A lot of them were actually kneeling in worship on the inside as they listened to the end of the song!


    Hu Fei looked behind him. "Sirs, what about him?"


    A deputy station head who was neitherughing nor crying said, "Why are there even such people?"


    A station chief coughed and said, "People involved in the performing arts are probably a little bit different, you know?"


    "There''s a lot of people in the performing arts," the deputy station head said, "but I''ve never seen one that takes it as far as him. In order to protect his identity, he pretended to be some retired old worker? And belt out revolutionary song after revolutionary song? Coming up with all sorts of tricks? He acted like he was a worker until it became a drama! He turned these working ss songs into a series! When he gets onto the actual stage, he better not turn into a textile or subway worker! Who could bear that?"


    Hu Fei was entertained. "Sir, that definitely won''t happen. When the day of recording arrives, he will definitely sing properly. I''m just curious as to who he really is."


    Another station head suddenly said, "Did you all forget? The contract."


    When everyone heard that, their eyes lit up!


    Right!


    The contract had yet to be signed!


    They still required him to sign it in person in order to participate!


    The Clown had already gone offstage.


    Hu Fei asked, "Are there any more contestants lined up?"


    Dafei quickly answered, "There are two more teachers who have just arrived, but they''re both still getting ready."


    "Alright, let them wait a bit." Hu Fei immediately called out to Zhang Ye, "Teacher Clown, a word, please."


    The Clown looked at him.


    Hu Fei held up the contract. "You must be an industry insider, so you must surely know that there is a requirement to sign a contract before you can appear on the show. Please look over it."


    The Clown acknowledged and walked over to them. He held the contract in his gloved hand and swept his eyes several times across the contract.


    Hu Fei said, "It just outlines the duties of the artist, such as attending the show''s recording on time��it''s the same as any other contract. The contract period runs until the end of the show''s broadcast. If you''ve verified that there are no problems, please sign your name here. Oh, by the way, it has to be your real name, else there''s no legality, and that wouldn''t do."


    Everyone was thinking that he would reject it.


    But this man wearing a clown mask did not even hesitate. He picked up a pen and signed his name in a few quick strokes.


    Hu Fei was taken aback.


    A few of the station heads were also taken aback.


    They grabbed the contract and squeezed together to look at it. Their jaws dropped.


    "This is?"


    "What name is this?"


    "I can''t read it?"


    "Th-This is your real name?"


    Although he did sign his real name, it was so mboyant none of them could read it.


    The Clown said, "It''s 100% my real name."


    He was not lying. He did indeed sign it as "Zhang Ye," which was his real name. But of course, Zhang Ye was a calligrapher too. Regr script? Clerical script? Semi-cursive script? Cursive script? He knew all of those. As long as he didn''t wish for anyone to read his handwriting, most ordinary folk would not be able to read it. And even if they wanted Zhang Ye to exin the characters he wrote down, he could easily tell them about the strokes that were written. His name and his signature would definitely match up!


    A deputy station head was bbergasted. "Teacher, you''re making things very difficult for us by doing this. If we don''t even know who you are, how can we pay you your appearance fees?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "Just take care of my meals."


    Take care of his meals?


    No need for any appearance fees?


    Damn, aren''t you too easy to fool? But it was true; the working ss had always had low requirements.


    They had no other ideas left anyway. Having encountered such a stubborn veteran, what else could they do? They couldn''t possibly deny him an appearance on the show, could they? With such good vocals, it would be a real pity not to have him! Besides, the man beneath the mask might really be some big name celebrity, and that would mean viewership ratings! Who would willingly give that up?


    The Clown walked off.


    Leaving only the program team staff whispering to one another.


    "Could he have really been a worker?"


    "The hell, you really believe that?"


    "Uh, how else could he have sung those songs with such enthusiasm?"


    "Who knows."


    "I still can''t figure it out!"


    "Yeah, those three songs have me befuddled!"


    "He''s way too good at faking it!"


    "We might really have to wait until the start of thepetition to find out what he''s truly capable of."


    "He hides himself really well. But is it worth it?"


    "He doesn''t even want the appearance fees? Perhaps he''s not actually a big name celebrity?"


    "God only knows!"


    However, when writing their evaluations, everyone still gave him very good reviews.


    Hu Fei wrote: Bel canto maestro.


    Dafei wrote: Rmended as opener.


    Dong Shanshan wrote: Able to sing old songs well, very unique.


    ...


    Backstage.


    In The Clown''s waiting room.


    Han Qi followed him back.


    "Teacher."


    "Hm?"


    "There are a few more masked singer auditions taking ceter. When everything is over, there will be an internal meeting."


    "Meeting the other contestants?"


    "No, no, it''s just showing everyone''s singing to each other so that everyone can have a listen. Of course, it will only be a small portion of the actual singing, just a few lines. That''s to allow the contestants to ''greet'' to each other with their vocals. Of course, if you don''t wish to make yourself known to them in advance, you may decline to partake in this internal meeting. We are more lenient about that. But out of respect for everyone else, if you do not wish to take part, you won''t be allowed to listen to their singing from the auditions."


    "OK."


    "So your decision is?"


    "I''m fine with that."


    "OK."


    Zhang Ye was fine with the arrangement. He had already done so much to conceal his identity. If someone could still recognize him, he would have to hand it to them. In truth, even if he did not hide himself this way, people were not likely to identify him. That was because Zhang Ye had only sung officially in public once before, during Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G where he performed "A Letter to Home." His singing then was done in a more "recitative" style and was considered casual, so the industry insiders all knew that he couldn''t really sing and would therefore not likely associate him to this current identity. As such, Zhang Ye was not afraid to let others hear his singing. In fact, he wanted to listen to the other masked singers to find out their strengths!


    Half an hour��


    One hour��


    Finally, the auditions for the masked singers who came over today were finished!


    Shortly after, Han Qi knocked on the door and came in. "Teacher, we''re ready!"


    Zhang Ye said, "OK."


    There was a television in the waiting room.


    Han Qi turned it on and changed some settings before an image appeared on the screen. This was clearly not a broadcast signal, but an internal one.


    Zhang Ye, with mask on, looked over.


    The first singer''s voice came from the TV.


    "The ni-i-ight''s cooled down.


    "The wi-i-ind''s died down.


    "But where, oh where, are you?"


    It was a woman''s voice!


    All the notes were sung in a falsetto!


    It might look like very easy to sing in a falsetto, but it was particrly difficult to control. It required a lot of skill, yet this woman''s falsetto was wless and would make anyone who heard it shiver!


    Zhang Ye looked at her name.


    Stage name: Petal Shower.


    Who was it?


    He could not figure out who she was just from listening!


    Following her, the next voice sounded!


    "The sun is my name.


    "Heaven is my faith.


    "The Earth is my refuge


    "Humanity is my enemy."


    It was a woman''s voice again!


    It was a very gentle and soothing female voice!


    Upon hearing it for the first time, it didn''t sound too special. But this voice was the type that became more pleasant the more you listened to it. It was the kind of voice that would slowly and lightly creep into your soul!


    It was wonderful!


    And who might this be?


    Looking at her stage name, it was Sunset Glow!


    So it was her! She had bumped into Zhang Ye earlier in the corridor. He felt that she should be someone he hade across before, although he could not recognize her.


    Next, a man''s voice rang out!


    This was the voice of that man called "Sunflower in the Starlight."


    "Oh!


    "Yiya, oh!


    "I don''t believe that my life is worse than others!


    "I don''t believe that I have no talent!


    "I don''t believe that I''m destined to be a lowly person!


    "I don''t believe that my songs will be left unanswered forever!"


    This was a song from this world, Zhang Yuanqi''s old song, "I Don''t Believe," although he made several arrangements to the score. His voice had very strong carrying power, and his high notes were very powerful!


    He was certainly going to be a formidable adversary!


    Moreover, Zhang Ye was positive that this man was a professional singer. This was because if he were an actor or a host, even with great talent and singing, he couldn''t possibly belt like that. This guy''s voice was like a well-tempered and highly polished de!


    Then the fourth contestant.


    Followed by the fifth.


    And the sixth.


    Zhang Ye was looking more and more helpless, thinking about how these contestants were much too fearsome!


    It wasn''t until he heard the seventh person''s voice that he felt a little relieved.


    This man''s stage name was "The Yak."


    Although he sang well, there were some ws that could be heard in his singing. There were some artiction issues and other details of his singing thatcked quite a fair bitpared to the others, so he likely wasn''t a professional singer. Or perhaps it was a neer to the music industry? Hai, but when it came down to the realpetition, nothing was certain. The live studio atmosphere, the audience demographics, the choice of song, the order of appearances, the actual performance, all of these would affect the final results. Zhang Ye would not venture say that this guy would definitely get eliminated until the oue was announced. Who knew? If he picked well and chose a song that resonated with the audience, then they might very well just vote for him.


    As a result, he knew not to disregard any of them!


    None of thepetitors would be easy to deal with!


    Zhang Ye memorized all of their names by heart. He also knew they were not the only contestants. They were just the tip of the iceberg!


    After the clips were yed.


    Han Qi looked at him with her beady eyes and blinked several times. "Teacher Clown, what do you think?"


    Zhang Ye stopped up his throat andmented in a gravelly voice, "They''re alright. The Yak is average at singing, but for Petal Shower to sing entirely in falsetto, she''s a little weird."


    Han Qi''s vision swam!


    Weird?


    You have the cheek to call others weird?


    Damn! Out of the entire group, you''re the weirdest one, OK?!


    ...


    Waiting Room #1.


    The voice of The Clown was reverberating through the room.


    "How glorious it is to be an oil worker!


    "Wearin'' a hard hat and trav''lin'' the world!"


    The masked man with the stage name, "Sunflower in the Starlight," was staring, ck-jawed!


    ...


    Waiting Room #2.


    "We workers have the strength and pow''r!


    "We workers have the strength and pow''r!"


    Petal Shower nearly fell off the sofa!


    ...


    Waiting Room #4.


    "As a fifty-year-old pro driver, I am all smiles!


    "I tend to get long-winded when talkin'' ''bout trucks!


    "Thinkin'' o'' when I was 18 ''n'' learned how to drive, oh."


    "Fid''ling with that foreign truck, I b''came an old hand."


    Sunset Glow was wide-eyed and tongue-tied!


    ...


    The people in the other waiting rooms were also reacting simrly!


    All these masked singers were dumbfounded by what they heard!


    Fuck!


    What the fuck are these songs?


    Who the fuck is this guy?


    Did youe here to hold a union meeting or what?!


    Could it be a veteran singer? Or an old performing artist who sang? But that voice did not sound like it! It didn''t feel that old! Damn, just what kind of a person did King of Masked Singers invite this time?


    "What a weirdo!" This was the evaluation of The Clown by all the other masked singers!


    They were also specting about the identity of "The Clown."


    A bel canto singer?


    Did he sing opera?


    Just like how Zhang Ye was curious about who they were!


    They were also extremely curious as to who "The Clown" was, as well as the identities of the other contestants!


    For this unprecedented variety show, no one knew theirpetitors, so maybe this was where the real funy!

 Chapter 985: A female celebrity in trouble

    <h4>Chapter 985: A female celebrity in trouble </h4>


    Chapter 985: A female celebrity in trouble


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Early in the morning, his parents had gone out to buy groceries.


    After washing up, Zhang Ye closed his bedroom door and stayed inside to make a list of songs. Although it was still some days away until the official recording of King of Masked Singers, he definitely had to make some preparations beforehand. Frankly, with so many songs in his head, he did not know which song he''d pick to sing when he got on stage.


    This song?


    No, it was too normal.


    That song?


    That wouldn''t do either as it was unsuitable for him.


    Or that song?


    Mhm, that song was alright, so he shortlisted it as a backup.


    After working at it for one full hour, Zhang Ye was still not finished with the song list and was forced toy the thought to rest for the time being. Since he did not have any inspiration today, he would stop thinking about it for now. He would decide on which song to sing at ater time. As such, he chose to practice his singing, as it was going to be his prime weapon. If his voice was not good and he did not sing well, it would be pointless even if he chose the best songs, since he wouldn''t be able to move the hearts of the audience. Together with his stage presence, the musical arrangement, and the control of the live studio atmosphere, all of those might affect the audience''s auditory and visual perception, which would then be reflected in the final score.


    He still had many things that he needed to practice in theing days.


    So it was better to take it slow.


    "Ah, woooo.


    "Ah, haaaah.


    "Ah, yi, yaaaah."


    He began doing vocal cord warmups to train himself. This was the same as martial arts. Just learning wasn''t enough. One would still have to practice diligently. Otherwise, though Zhang Ye had eaten 500 Fruits of Charm (Voice) and 500 Singing Skill Experience Books, he could not wield them effectively.


    Coupled with the audition at Beijing Television yesterday, he realized that there were many other masked singers with astonishing voices. The pressure on him was great, so naturally he would have to do more prep work. Zhang Ye knew that if he went onstage in his current shape, he would definitely not win. Those singers were the country''s cream of the crop, surely consisting of some professional singers who might already have been singing for ten or twenty years. This was something that Zhang Ye could notpare with.


    One day.


    Three days.


    Five days.


    He did not do anything other than practicing and refining his vocals every day during this period of time.


    The octave his high notes reached.


    How long his falsetto couldst.


    What the auditory feedback of his low notes were.


    How to control his breathing and whether his modtions were mellow.


    He had to understand everything. Through experimentation, Zhang Ye gained a deeper understanding of his voice and singing techniques during these several days. Only by knowing his true skill could he exert his strength to the fullest. That would allow him to capitalize on his strong points and minimize his shorings.


    ...


    The promotions for King of Masked Singers were in full swing.


    On this day, a call from Hu Fei arrived.


    "Zhang''er, we''re going to film the promo soon."


    "OK."


    "Do you have any suggestions?"


    "Since you''re the director, I shouldn''t be making any suggestions. But if you need me toe up with a tagline or something, that''s not a problem. As for how you want to film it, I''ll leave it entirely to you."


    "Are you really nning not to participate?"


    "Hur hur, didn''t I tell you already? I''d only be responsible for the pre-production. Brother Hu, I''ve been banned at longst, so why don''t you let me rest a couple days."


    "That won''t do. Let''s go together. You can give some advice while we''re there."


    "Where are you filming?"


    "Not too far away. Just around the Beijing area."


    "Well, OK."


    "This will only be a concept-based promo, so there''s no need for the contestants to personally take part. We n on creating an atmosphere like a martial arts conference, with masked experts from all walks of life facing off against each other in a battle to the death. We need the feel of experts fighting each other, so we''ve booked a training hall for the setting. The view over there is not bad, and the atmosphere is also suitable for what we want. We''ll head there first to get a feel for the ce and see if we can create the effect we want."


    "A training hall?"


    "Yeah, thatnd is owned by the ''Lian Family Style School.'' They''re a martial sect with a real martial arts lineage, unlike some training halls that hold deceptive recruitment drives and demand joining fees. They don''t usually wee outsiders. There''s an old film called Death Battle, have you watched it before? Thetter half of the movie was filmed there, so it''s quite a famous ce. The two houses that appeared in the movie became quite poprter on. Some tourists were even attracted by its fame to the point it nearly became a minor tourism spot. I heard that a film Ning Lan will be starring in will also be going there to do some on-location shooting in the next couple days."


    The Lian Family Style School?


    He didn''t know about them as he was not very familiar with the martial sects and schools of the Chinese martial arts world.


    "Forget it, Brother Hu. I think it''s better that I don''t go."


    "Ah? What''s the matter?"


    "If you''re going to a training hall, I won''t be joining you guys."


    "But why? We''re setting off tomorrow morning and can be back by evening at the earliest, so it wouldn''t really dy anything for you. Hey, you''re unemployed. What can be keeping you busy?"


    "It''s better that I don''t go."


    "Didn''t you just say that you would go?"


    "Man."


    Would he have to tell him that it was because he was a notorious figure in the Chinese martial arts world?


    Even if he told him that, Hu Fei wouldn''t believe it!


    Zhang Ye briefly discussed the concept for the promotional clip with Hu Fei and brought up some of his ideas before hanging up. Regarding the Chinese martial arts world, Zhang Ye''s current stand was: "If you people do not provoke me, I will not provoke any of you. Let''s just stay far away from each other so that we can save the trouble of finding each other an eyesore." He would not worry about the promotional video. Since the promo was getting produced, it meant the broadcast of the show was approaching. Zhang Ye had to make the best of it and practice his singing.


    He practiced his singing for yet another day.


    As well as wrote down a few concepts regarding some musical arrangements.


    He was certain he wanted to go onstage with original songs, so his workload was much greater than everyone else. He had to arrange many of the songs himself, or at leaste up with some ideas so that he couldmunicate them to the band members and music director who were invited to King of Masked Singers.


    ...


    The next day.


    Between 8 and 9 o''clock in the morning.


    Zhang Ye was still under the covers, sleeping, when he heard his cell phone beep nonstop. They were notifications from the chat app, with messagesing in one after another, waking him up.


    Who was it?


    Why would anyone send so many messages in a row?


    Groggy, Zhang Ye checked his cell phone. Oh, so the message notifications came from the Celebrity Goof Group, where almost all of the Heavenly Kings, Heavenly Queens, and A-list celebrities were members.


    Since he was already awake, he casually browsed through the messages.


    With over a hundred messages, Zhang Ye became more startled the more he browsed.


    The first morning message was actually sent by Ning Lan around ten minutes ago.


    Ning Lan: "Please help."


    Huo Dongfang: "What happened?"


    Xiaodong: "What happened, Sister Ning?"


    Fan Wenli: "What''s the matter?"


    A lot of people appeared and responded.


    Ning Lan sent a bitter smile emote and said: "We came to Lian Jia Gou for filming this morning. Due to a minor misunderstanding, someone in our filming team offended the Lian Family Style School. It blew up into a rather big affair and now our equipment has been withheld by them and they refuse to let us leave!"


    Huo Dongfang: "Lian Jia Gou?"


    Chen Guang said: "Old Ning, are you alright?"


    Ning Lan: "I''m alright for now."


    At this moment, Zhang Yuanqi appeared. "Have you called the police yet?"


    Ning Lan: "Already done. The police are here and are talking with them. But it looks like it''s gonna be pointless. We suggestedpensating them marily but they wouldn''t ept, so is there anyone here who can help us out? Please contact me, thanks."


    Zhang Yuanqi: "I''ll help you ask around."


    Ning Lan: "Hurry up!"


    Zhang Yuanqi: "Don''t rush me. I''m already making some calls."


    Everyone in the entertainment industry knew that Zhang Yuanqi and Ning Lan were close friends with a very good rtionship. Although Zhang Ye had never met Ning Lan��who was an A-list celebrity in the film industry��in person before, they had chatted together in the group quite often.


    Zhang Ye was still reading the chat history at the moment.


    Zhang Yuanqi: "I''ve checked with a few people for you, but they can''t do anything about it. The Lian Family Style School is a martial sect of the martial artsmunity whose unarmed fighting techniques are an intangible cultural asset. They don''t have much interaction with the outside world, and the martial arts teachers that I approached were unqualified to talk to them. Old Jiang is in their circle, right? I''ll help you @ him. He''s a member of the martial artsmunity, so he should be able to help out. @JiangHanwei." Then Zhang Yuanqi said: "If he''s not here, you can just call him."


    Xiaodong, who was on extremely good terms with Jiang Hanwei, added: "@JiangHanwei Uncle Jiang, Sis Ning has met with some trouble."


    Jiang Hanwei was also one of the chat members in the group, though Zhang Ye had not seen him say anything yet. Of course, this was partly due to the fact that Zhang Ye had recently joined the group.


    After seven or eight messages.


    Jiang Hanwei''s name finally came up. "I just saw this. I don''t really have any connections with the Lian Family Style and have not had any dealings with them before either. But I''ll make a call to help you ask around and see if they''re willing to give me some face."


    Ning Lan: "Thank you so much, Brother Jiang."


    Jiang Hanwei: "Don''t mention it. Let me try making a call."


    Jiang Hanwei was extremely skilled in martial arts, though his status was a little bit more aloof in the entertainment industry due to his big brother status. But he knew many people and was highly respected by them. But in the Chinese martial arts world, Jiang Hanwei''s reputation was not really that great as he did not belong to any martial sect or school. He was previously a disciple of the Huashan Sect, but waster expelled for reasons unknown. At most, he could be considered a former disciple of the Huashan Sect, although that wasn''t exactly much of a good reputation either. In the Chinese martial arts world, seniority and pedigree were emphasized with even more importance than in the entertainment industry. Even if the Jiang Hanwei Stunt Team had a sparkling reputation in the entertainment industry and around the country, many people in the real "martial artsmunity" refused to acknowledge him.


    A few minutester, sure enough.


    Jiang Hanwei said: "I called them, but they aren''t willing to give any face to me."


    Xiaodong was a warm-hearted girl. "Uncle Jiang, you have such a high status, yet they won''t even give you any face? What gives them the right to do that!"


    Jiang Hanwei said helplessly: "The Chinese martial arts world is different from the entertainment industry. The ''martial artsmunity'' is a more sealed off ce. There are more rules as well. Once you''ve vited their taboos, they might really take it to the bitter end with you. Ning Lan, I heard about your people stepping on their Heavenly Rock that was passed down by their ancestral founder. No wonder they risked their lives."


    Ning Lan sighed and said: "It was because one of our cameramen wanted to find a better angle to shoot from. But he didn''t know that the rock held significance, so he crossed the fence and stepped onto it. We apologized, but it was no use! Everyone is trapped here now! We can''t even retrieve our equipment!"


    Jiang Hanwei advised: "Try to think of another way. I have no means to handle this. I really can''t do much to help you."


    Fan Wenli said: "Even reporting it to the police doesn''t work?"


    Chen Guang: "But still, they can''t detain you like this!"


    Xiaodong: "Then what can we do?"


    Ning Lan: "The police is afraid to lock horns with them too. More and more of their sect members are gathering around now! Things look bad! Brother Jiang, you used to be part of the martial artsmunity. What do you think we should do?"


    Jiang Hanwei: "Even marypensation didn''t work?"


    Ning Lan: "It didn''t work, they wouldn''t ept!"


    Jiang Hanwei: "Such a problem is not easy to handle."


    Xiaodong: "@Everyone Does anyone have a solution? Please rescue Sister Ning!"


    This was thetest message in the group chat.

 Chapter 986: Zhang Ye steps in!

    <h4>Chapter 986: Zhang Ye steps in! </h4>


    Chapter 986: Zhang Ye steps in!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The Goof Group.


    This should be the coolest chat group that ever existed in the entertainment industry. Almost all of the big shot celebrities were in it, and any one of them could shake up the entertainment industry with just a stomp of their foot. This group was usually just a ce for shooting the breeze, but if anyone encountered trouble, they could seek help from the group. Those who could help would definitely try their best as they were always looking out for one another. After all, who wouldn''t have times of trouble themselves? These celebrities always seemed like they were doing well on the outside, but there were still times they were vulnerable and needed to band together.


    "Does anyone have a solution?"


    "Old Ning, you guys must control yourselves, you can''t sh with them. Those people from the martial arts world are not to be trifled with. Every single one of them is very skilled."


    "Who here can speak with the Lian Family?"


    "Is there anyone else online?"


    Ning Lan''s social ties within the industry were very good. Whenever her friends approached her for a guest role as a supporting character, she would always agree without hesitation and help out wherever she could. So as she ran into today''s problem, everyone was very concerned for her.


    Reading this, Zhang Ye could no longer "y dead."


    He sat up in bed and typed: "Are Beijing TV''s people there yet?"


    It was Zhang Ye?


    The people in the chat group were taken aback by his appearance.


    Everyone already knew about the conflict between Zhang Ye and Jiang Hanwei. But no one expected that the two of them would appear in the group chat at the same time.


    Ning Lan immediately said: "Are you referring to the program team of King of Masked Singers? They''re here too. They arrived shortly after us and got detained as well."


    Zhang Ye frowned. "They were detained too?"


    Ning Lan said: "The Lian Family Style''s people probably thought that they were also part of our group."


    Zhang Ye made a noise in understanding. "Then I''ll make a trip there."


    Ning Lan: "You''reing over right now?"


    Zhang Ye: "I''ll head over straight away!"


    Chen Guang asked: "Zhang''er, why are you going over there?"


    Xiaodong said in surprise: "You can help them out, Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye said: "We''ll see when I get there." Then he said to Ning Lan: "If that group of people tries to do anything to you guys, just mention my name!"


    Ning Lan was stunned. "Mentioning your name will work?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Probably."


    Ning Lan: "OK, I''ll wait for you. Thank you so much."


    Zhang Yuanqi reappeared and asked Zhang Ye: "You can resolve things?"


    Zhang Ye said: "More or less. I''m certain I can bring everyone and the equipment back safely."


    In truth, no one understood how Zhang Ye could have any influence over Lian Jia Gou. Even for a martial artist like Jiang Hanwei, the Lian Family Style was not willing to give him any face at all! And you''re talking about mentioning your name?


    Xiaodong was still quite worried, so she sent Jiang Hanwei a private message.


    Xiaodong: "Uncle Jiang, is there really no other way?"


    There was a moment of silence from the other side.


    Then Jiang Hanwei replied: "Didn''t that Zhang guy say he was going?"


    Xiaodong: "What use would it be even if Teacher Zhang goes? With that bad temper of his, what if he ends up fighting with them when he gets there? That would blow things up even more. All of those people know martial arts, and if they really beat up Teacher Zhang to a pulp, then��"


    Jiang Hanwei said: "Beat him to a pulp? That would be so wonderful."


    Xiaodong didn''t know how to react. "Uncle Jiang."


    Jiang Hanwei pondered for a moment. "Hur, the problem is that they''d have to be willing to act."


    Xiaodong didn''t understand. "Eh? What do you mean?"


    Jiang Hanwei did not bother exining. "Nothing."


    At home.


    Zhang Ye immediately rose out of bed and got dressed.


    His mother asked, "You''re up? Do you want breakfast?"


    "I can''t eat now." Zhang Ye said helplessly, "My coworkers ran into some trouble, so I have to go take care of it."


    At this moment, a call from Beijing Television arrived.


    It was Hou Ge. "Teacher Zhang, we ran into some trouble at Lian Jia Gou."


    Zhang Ye grunted. "I heard about it."


    "You''ve already heard about it?" Hou Ge was surprised.


    Zhang Ye asked: "Is Brother Hu there too?"


    Hou Ge said: "Yeah, all of us have been detained here."


    Zhang Ye said: "Tell everyone to wait for me to get there."


    Hu Fei had asked him yesterday to go with them to film the promotional video for the show, but when Zhang Ye heard that they were going to one of the martial sect''s training halls, he turned him down. He didn''t expect that he would still have to make a trip there in the end.


    Zhang Ye went out, got in his car, and drove straight for Lian Jia Gou.


    ...


    Later that morning.


    10:30 AM.


    Zhang Ye drove very fast at a high speed all the way and reached the location in no time at all. He got out of his car and asked for directions before striding off.


    Before he even got there, he could hear bickering.


    At the grounds.


    A film crew and a program team were surrounded by a group of people. Ning Lan''s film crew consisted of around 18 people, while there were less people from the Beijing Television team, numbering only around 12 people. Actually, the Lian Family Style''s people who had surrounded them numbered between 20 and 30 people and were roughly equal in numbers to them. They were all wielding club-type weapons. But Ning Lan, Hu Fei, and the others did not risk leading everyone else to break through because they knew their opponents were all martial artists.


    The Lian Family Style was absolutely not a small sect in the Chinese martial arts world. Their master had appeared on a Central TV science show several years ago, during which he performed his kung fu in the presence of an audience, and was recognized as a genuine martial arts master. Although their grounds and some of its facilities were made avable for lease to the public in recent years to supplement their ie, the Lian Family Style School was still the same old illustrious but reclusive sect of the Chinese martial arts world. Even if their opponents amounted to just ten people, Ning Lan and the others would still be unable to overpower them in a fight, much less force their way out!


    A person on the film crew said, "Return our equipment to us!"


    Furious, a Lian Family Style unarmed specialist said, "In your dreams!"


    That person on the film crew fumed, "We''ve apologized to you guys already. We understand that we were in the wrong as we did not know about the history of the Heavenly Rock, so how can you guys handle things this way? Just what do you people want?"


    Ning Lan tugged at that person on the film crew. "Director Wang, let''s refrain from saying too much."


    Director Wang said angrily, "But they''re really taking this too far!"


    The Lian Family Style disciples shouted, "We''ll talk about this when our master gets here!"


    One of the Lian Family Style disciples said, "Before our master gets here, no one is to leave!"


    Hu Fei was also getting irked. "Do you people know how to act reasonably?"


    Hou Ge said in frustration, "What does any of this have to do with us? Why are you surrounding us as well?"


    The Beijing Television team had really gotten themselves embroiled in an unfortunate series of events today. They had only just arrived and bumped into the film crew that was filming a movie here. As some of them knew each other, they went over to greet the film crew and chatted happily for a while. After all, they were by andrge from the same industry, and it was only polite to greet each other when they met. But who could have known that something would happen right at the next moment? Hu Fei, Xiao Lu, Dafei, and the others had all been surrounded from morning until now, deadlocked for the past few hours!


    The police were also here.


    Several of the local police officers were trying to smooth things over. "Forget about it and just let it slide, Master Chen. They''ve apologized to you all and even offeredpensation. You can''t keep them here forever, right? There has to be an end to all this."


    There was an unarmed specialist surnamed Chen who practiced the Lian Family Style.


    Master Chen seethed, "The Heavenly Rock was handed down by our Lian Family Style''s ancestral founder. It''s the symbol of our sect! It''s just as important as our name! They should have just stuck to their filming. We leased the ce to them, so we wouldn''t have kicked up a fuss as long as they did not damage anything. Besides, we even fenced the area around the Heavenly Rock! There was also a warning sign in ce! Yet they had to step on it! That''s the same as stepping on our heads! Can we take that lying down? Huh?"


    "Senior Bro, let''s not wait for Master to get here!"


    "Right, let''s beat them up before talking!"


    "This is so infuriating!"


    "Beat them up!"


    "Smash their equipment!"


    The Lian Family Style disciples were whipped into a frenzy!


    When the film crew heard that the disciples were going to smash the equipment, they got worried. "Don''t you dare!"


    The digital film was inside the cameras!


    If they got smashed?


    That would be a huge problem!


    Meanwhile, the Beijing Television team was also having none of it as their equipment was also being confiscated!


    Hu Fei said, "What are you people trying to do? What are you doing?"


    Hou Ge and Hou Di each rushed to stand in front of a female colleague to protect them!


    The police officers started to look uneasy. "Calm down, everyone, calm down! Don''t fight! Let''s talk about this without resorting to violence!"


    The Lian Family Style''s people said angrily:


    "What''s there to talk about!"


    "There''s nothing to say!"


    They tightened their grips on their weapons!


    When Ning Lan realized that things were going badly, and was getting out hand, she remembered Zhang Ye''s words. She had no choice but to use this as ast resort. She immediately shouted, "Zhang Ye is my friend!"


    Zhang Ye?


    Why was Zhang Ye''s name brought up?


    The film crew was shocked.


    The people from Beijing Television were also staring at her in shock!


    However, they were made even more ck-jawed by what happened next. When the Lian Family Style disciples heard those two words��Zhang Ye��they looked shaken and were instantly silenced!


    Huh?


    What was going on?


    Ning Lan also didn''t expect for those two words to be so effective. She immediately pointed behind her. "These friends are from Beijing TV and are all Zhang Ye''s coworkers. He''ll be here shortly too!"


    Some of the Lian Family Style disciples looked at each other.


    Someone stuck their neck out suddenly and gritted their teeth. "So what if Zhang Ye ising!?"


    "It doesn''t matter whoes!"


    "Right!"


    "Don''t you people even think about leaving this ce today!"


    "Even if Zhang Yees here in person, he''d still have to��"


    Ning Lan sighed.


    In the end, it didn''t work!


    But the next second, a voice abruptly came from behind everyone.


    "Even if Ie here in person, I''d still have to what?"


    Zhang Ye was here!


    Ning Lan turned around and said, "Little Zhang!"


    Xiao Lu said in surprise, "Teacher Zhang!"


    When the Lian Family Style disciples saw him, they all looked like they had just seen a ghost!

 Chapter 987: Why are they showing so much respect to Zhang Ye?

    <h4>Chapter 987: Why are they showing so much respect to Zhang Ye? </h4>


    Chapter 987: Why are they showing so much respect to Zhang Ye?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Zhang Ye arrived.


    The Lian Family Style disciples were cursing on the inside!


    Fuck!


    What is this gue God doing here!


    Shit!


    This is going to be bad!


    They were all in a subconscious state of panic. Although they had not participated in the recent Tianshan Martial Arts Conference, how could they not have heard of Zhang Ye''s notoriety!


    Hou Ge, Hou Di, and the others immediately ran up to him.


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "You''re here?"


    "They''ve confiscated all of our station''s equipment!"


    "What is this! Tell me what this is!"


    Han Qi and Xiao Lu stamped their feet angrily.


    Hu Fei also looked over. "Zhang''er."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Is everyone alright?"


    Hu Fei furrowed his brows as he looked at the martial artists. He said, "We''re alright for now, but they were nning to beat us up because of the argument we had. Even the police couldn''t do anything when they got here!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll handle it."


    Hu Fei said, "Be careful."


    Zhang Ye nodded.


    Ning Lan also came up to him.


    Zhang Ye locked eyes with her. As this was their first time meeting in person, they took the opportunity to size each other up.


    Ning Lan was worthy of being an A-list movie star. She was elegant and looked very pretty as well. But at present, her clothing was a bit odd. She was wearing robes in the ancient style. Her sleeve was torn apart at the shoulder, and was even smeared with mud and some "blood." This look was probably required for a scene in the movie.


    Ning Lan stretched out her hand. "Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye shook her hand. "Sister Ning."


    Ning Lan had gone through all kinds of difficulties in the industry. Even though she and the film crew were trapped here and their equipment had been taken away, she did not make a fuss. Instead, sheughed. "As per your instructions, I mentioned your name but it didn''t seem to have worked."


    She turned around and looked at the Lian Family Style disciples.


    Zhang Ye also looked at them. "The Lian Family Style?"


    Master Chen, who was the group''s leader, wiped the sweat off his forehead and said, "That''s us."


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "I think I heard someone say that even if I came here in person, I''d still have to do something? That thought wasn''t finished, so please go on and finish it."


    When they heard that, the disciples immediately fell silent!


    The Lian Family Style disciples were instantly dumbstruck and started sputtering!


    Zhang Ye stared at them. "You don''t even have that tiny ounce of respect for me, do you?"


    Respect?


    What respect did Zhang Yemand here?


    The Lian Family Style disciples had even ignored the police, while the calls from Jiang Hanwei and other people in the industry trying clear up the misunderstanding went ignored as well!


    The Beijing Television team could not understand!


    The film crew could not understand either!


    To them, Zhang Ye was just an A-list celebrity. But then again, Ning Lan was an A-list celebrity too. She was even much more popr than him, yet what use was that? In the martial artsmunity, they did not care about how famous you were as the two fields were in different domains with basically nothing inmon!


    However, the Lian Family Style disciples'' reaction confused everyone!


    There was a moment of silence from them.


    Eventually, Master Chen braced himself and stepped forward. He apologized, "My deepest apologies, Master Zhang. My junior martial brothers don''t know how to be polite. We didn''t mean in that way."


    Zhang Ye regarded him. "But it sounded to me like you really meant it that way."


    Master Chen gave him a nervous fist and palm salute. "We wouldn''t dare."


    Ning Lan was stunned.


    Hu Fei was wide-eyed and tongue-tied.


    Dafei, Xiao Lu, Han Qi, and the film crew were all dumbfounded!


    Damn! What was that supposed to mean? What was going on? The Lian Family Style disciples had just been furiously calling to rough them up. But when Zhang Ye arrived, why did they suddenly turn into different people? Why was their attitude toward Zhang Yepletely different from their attitude toward them?!


    Zhang Ye pointed to the people behind him and said, "These are my coworkers; Ning Lan''s my friend. Before I came over, I told Sister Ning that I would be arriving very soon. I told her that if there was any trouble, she could just mention my name to you. Oh, but now I''ve realized that I don''t evenmand that tiny ounce of respect. And you people were even nning to beat them up after they brought up my name? Alright then." He stepped aside to vacate the area, revealing the people behind him. Then he swept his arm toward the film crews. "Make your move. Do whatever you wanted to do."


    Master Chen was sweating profusely, and was truly trembling. "You must be kidding. Please don''t joke around like this."


    Zhang Ye solemnly replied, "I''m not kidding."


    Master Chen wiped at his sweat again.


    None of the Lian Family Style disciples ventured out!


    Make our move?


    Rough them up while you''re standing right here?


    Fuck, we haven''t lived long enough yet!


    Before Zhang Ye''s arrival, they could have done anything they wanted, such as scolding or beating them up, and no one could have said anything against that. That was because the Lian Family Style had the right to do as they wished since it was the film crew who offended them first. Even the police would not be able to interfere. This was simr to how the ethnic minorities had their own rules, culture, and traditions. You couldn''t just go about doing whatever you wanted and not respect their rules while in their territory. But now that Zhang Ye hade personally, they knew that they couldn''t back up their bluster. With Zhang Ye''s status in the martial artsmunity, if they did not show him this basic respect, then it would be their Lian Family Style who did not observe the rules. Of course, the crux of the matter was that even if a few dozen of thembined their strength, they still wouldn''t be a fucking match for him! Beat them up? That would be as good as digging their own graves!


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "I already know the issue. Whatever my friends here were in the wrong about, they''ve apologized and offeredpensation. Or maybe you people could request something you need since they were at fault. There would be no argument against that!" Zhang Ye had always been a reasonable man. "But wouldn''t beating them up be going overboard? A bunch of martial artists bullying a group of powerless people? There are even women among them! Are you not ashamed of yourselves?"


    The Lian Family Style disciples were afraid to utter a word, but neither did they have an excuse!


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "If you feel that their apology was not good enough, I will apologize to you all on their behalf since they are my friends." He then cupped his fists and bowed.


    Master Chen went to stop him, flustered. "Please don''t, please don''t!"


    Another Lian Family Style unarmed specialist hurriedly said, "There''s no need to do that!"


    "This isn''t your fault," a female unarmed specialist also said hurriedly. "Master Zhang, there''s really no need for you to do that!"


    They could not ept Zhang Ye''s apology, nor did they deserve it!


    But with Zhang Ye showing his sincerity, much of their anger had dissipated. They suddenly felt that Zhang Ye was not as unreasonable as the rumors going around the martial artsmunity made him out to be.


    All of a sudden, they heard footfallsing from behind them.


    Another person had arrived!


    It was a middle-aged man who was bald. He looked very tough but had quite a tender air about him.


    The Lian Family Style disciples instantly extricated themselves!


    "Master!"


    "Master!"


    "Master!"


    The man of the hour had arrived!


    It was the Lian Family Style''s master of the current generation!


    The film crew and the Beijing Television team were subconsciously nervous. When the master arrived, they thought there would be another twist of events. If the other party decided to be unreasonable, they would still be unable to leave this ce. Yet somehow, the next development made them once again unable to react!


    Zhang Ye looked at him and gave him a fist and palm salute. "Master Lian."


    The master of the Lian Family Style also looked at Zhang Ye. he gave a fist and palm and salute and said, "Master Zhang. A rare guest."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m here to resolve things for my friends and coworkers. They are justmon folk and do not know your rules. If they did anything wrong, let me apologize on their behalf."


    The master of the Lian Family Style refused to ept his apology as well and replied, "There''s no need, Master Zhang. I''ve already been informed about the matter. The Heavenly Rock was handed down by our Lian Family Style''s ancestral founder, and holds a great deal of significance to our Lian Family. But you are right; we cannot me the ignorant. In reality, it''s no big deal. Besides, how can we not show you respect, Master Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Then allow me to thank you on behalf of my friends."


    They could refuse to give face to Jiang Hanwei.


    But they could not afford to snub Zhang Ye!


    In the martial artsmunity, Jiang Hanwei''s status was on apletely different ne from Zhang Ye''s. Jiang Hanwei was a former disciple of the Huashan Sect, so even if he were an expert martial arts master, a former disciple was still a former disciple. His background was already tainted by that fact. Furthermore, some things that happened back at the Huashan Sect all those years ago had given some people in the Chinese martial arts world a bad impression of Jiang Hanwei.


    But Zhang Ye was different. First, his kung fu skills were out in the open for all to see. He was someone who had previously forced a draw against a grandmaster. In the entire Chinese martial arts world, Zhang Ye was without doubt the strongest person below the grandmaster level. With his superb kung fu, even if those present today and the master of the Lian Family style were to gang up on him, the few dozen of them would still not be a match for Zhang Ye. Second, Zhang Ye''s identity as the sessor to the Taiji Fist that had been lost for over a hundred years was held in very high esteem within the martial artsmunity. It had a whole other meaning altogether. Third, Zhang Ye had recently barged into the grounds of over a dozenrge sects in session and took them all down with astounding ease. Almost all of the sects of the Chinese martial arts world that could be counted asrge had their ques smashed by him. Even the Shaolin Monastery and Huashan Sect had suffered Zhang Ye''s violent wrath. Other than him, there was no one in the martial artsmunity with such a reputation. Even today, his legend was spreading throughout the martial artsmunity! However, even though there were many people denouncing him, as long as they did not have a blood feud with Zhang Ye, they would still prefer to avoid someone like him as much as possible.


    Afterwards.


    The master of the Lian Family Style nced at his disciples and reprimanded, "Master Zhang is a guest, but you''re all holding clubs. Is this the way we treat our guests?"


    When the Lian Family Style disciples heard this, they hurriedly put down their weapons.


    "We''re sorry, Master."


    "Uh-huh."


    "Our apologies, Master Zhang."


    Since they were being courteous with him, Zhang Ye also behaved politely.


    Zhang Ye said, "We should be the ones apologizing instead."


    An employee from the film crew was also quite enthusiastic to smooth things over. He came forward and said, "I''m sorry, Master Lian. We really didn''t know the story behind the Heavenly Rock. We''ll be sure to take note of it from now on. Tell us if you require anything for the training hall, or we could also fork out some money to help you renovate the ce? It looks like quite a few of the structures are getting worn down."


    The master of the Lian Family Style waved it off and said, "There''s no need for that. Since your side has apologized, consider things resolved. There''s no need to bring it up again. Besides, Master Zhang hase all the way here, so how could I ask you all forpensation?" Then he turned around and said to his disciples, "What are you doing still standing there? Return their equipment!"


    "Yes!"


    "Yes, Master!"


    Master Lian beckoned to Zhang Ye and said, "Shall we have some tea inside, Master Zhang? This way, please."


    Zhang Ye also gesticted. "You first."


    The two of them went inside to the innermost room.


    They left behind a group of dumbfounded people who were unable to ept what had just happened before their very eyes!


    Master Zhang?


    When did Zhang Ye be a master?


    What the fuck was that salutation?


    In addition, why was the Lian Family Style''s people willing to show this much respect to Zhang Ye?!

 Chapter 988: Martial Arts Master vs. Martial Arts Master!

    <h4>Chapter 988: Martial Arts Master vs. Martial Arts Master! </h4>


    Chapter 988: Martial Arts Master vs. Martial Arts Master!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In thepound.


    Inside the room, the tea had been brewed.


    Master Lian swept out his arm. "Please have a seat, Master Zhang."


    Zhang Ye said politely, "You first, Master Lian."


    "You are the guest, so you first," Master Lian said.


    Zhang Ye nodded and dispensed with the niceties. He sat down.


    Around them, a few of the Lian Family Style disciples were also present. But they looked quite nervous, or maybe they were being cautious, as they kept their eyes on Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "Don''t be so nervous. I''m just here to resolve things for my friends and coworkers. After I have my tea and finish filming the promo, I''ll leave immediately." He knew what sort of reputation he had, so he made clear his intentions to put them at ease. And it was true��he was not nning on causing any trouble today.


    The Lian Family Style disciples looked embarrassed.


    "It''s not that."


    "We aren''t nervous."


    "Yeah, we''re not."


    "You''re an honored guest, so we must show you hospitality."


    In truth, what they had just said was totally different from they were thinking!


    Not nervous?


    How can we not be fucking nervous?!


    Over a dozenrge sects��such as the Shaolin Monastery, Wudang Sect, Huashan Sect, Kunlun Sect, Emei Sect, Iron Palm Sect, and the rest��with a few centuries of history were all taken down by you. In the entire martial artsmunity, who would not be on tenterhooks around you? Whose hearts wouldn''t tremble if they saw you! For you to appear at our Lian Family Style''s grounds today, how can we not be nervous? How big-hearted would we have to be?! Just hurry up and leave already! Leave once you''re finished with your business! We are terrified into panic just at the sight of you!


    When a junior martial brother of the Lian Family Style was given a signal to leave by his senior brother, he stole a nce at Zhang Ye before quietly withdrawing from the room and going outside into the training hall.


    There were still several fellow disciples inside the training hall who did not know about the events that had urred outside.


    "Eh?"


    "Little Junior Bro?"


    "How''re things outside?"


    "Have those people been taught a lesson yet?"


    "Where''s Master?"


    Those disciples all asked about it.


    Instead, they witnessed their junior martial brother wildly gesticte while panting, "Quick, quick, quick! Don''t say anything! Just hide our training hall''s que!"


    A senior brother was taken aback. "What for?"


    A senior sister said with wide eyes, "Why hide the que?"


    The junior martial brother gave a bitter smile and said something shocking. "Zhang Ye is here!"


    Everyone in the training hall suddenly looked horrified!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Why is he here?"


    "Heavens!"


    "Quickly! Hide the que!"


    "Hide it! Hurry up and hide it!"


    All hell broke loose as every one of them started panicking!


    This was what Zhang Ye represented.


    His name was dreaded in the martial artsmunity!


    Meanwhile, the people inside the room did not know what was going on outside. Actually, Zhang Ye''s attitude was very clear and the issue was considered resolved. Both parties were very courteous to each other. There wasn''t much conflict either. However, due to Zhang Ye''s notoriety, several of those disciples took things into their own hands by hiding the que for safety''s sake. Honestly, though, they couldn''t be med for being overly cautious as it was always better to be safe than sorry. Zhang Ye''s reputation was simply too notorious. As someone who could take the Huashan Sect''s que and make it into beaded bracelets to give away, they couldn''t be med no matter how nervous they got!


    After three cups of tea.


    Master Lian suddenly said, "Master Zhang, I''ve long heard of your great name."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "My name isn''t all that great. It''s just infamous."


    The Lian Family Style disciples started sweating. Oh, so you know that yourself too, eh?


    Master Lian also smiled. "I''ve long admired the martial arts style of the Taiji Fist. We''ve heard a lot about the Taiji Fist since my master''s generation, but we''ve never had the opportunity to see it for ourselves. Since you have graced us with your presence today, Master Zhang, and this is a rare opportunity, I wonder if we could exchange a few blows and learn from each other?"


    Zhang Ye said, "You''re too polite, Master Lian. Of course I don''t mind exchanging a few blows with you."


    Master Lian was delighted and rose to his feet. "Then, Master Zhang, I look forward to it."


    Zhang Ye also stood up. "As do I, Master Lian."


    Master Lian instructed, "Clear the room."


    They did not go outside as there were too many people out there. Instead, his disciples quickly shifted the teapot, tea table, and assorted aside, then left the room in understanding. They knew full well that they were not allowed to stay behind to view this exchange between the two martial arts masters.


    They withdrew.


    Inside the room, the cleared space was about five or six square meters. It wasn''t big, but it was more than enough.


    Master Lian gave him a fist and palm salute. "Please, Master Zhang."


    "Please, Master Lian," Zhang Ye said.


    ...


    Outside.


    A lot of the Lian Family Style disciples were getting very curious.


    Thud. Thump. They had started fighting, and sounds of their exchange constantly came from inside.


    "Who do you guys think will win?"


    "Our master will win, of course!"


    "You really think so?"


    "Ahem, I guess our master will probably��"


    "There''s nothing to guess. It''s an 80% chance that our master won''t be a match for Zhang Ye."


    "It''s not an 80% chance, it''s a 100% that he won''t be a match for Zhang Ye."


    "Sixth Junior Bro, why are you praising the enemy and putting down our master?"


    "Do you guys really think that other than grandmasters, there''s someone who''s a match for Zhang Ye?"


    Five minutester.


    The sounds of fighting stopped.


    When the door opened, Zhang Ye and Master Lian walked out one after the other.


    "Master!"


    "Master!"


    The Lian Family Style disciples looked at them anxiously, wanting to know how it''d turned out.


    Zhang Ye said, "I must take my leave and go to my coworkers, Master Lian."


    Master Lian said, "If there''s any trouble, you cane look for me anytime."


    "Thank you."


    "Take care, Master Zhang."


    "No need to see me out, Master Lian. Goodbye."


    Zhang Ye left.


    Immediately, many of the Lian Family Style disciples gathered around their master.


    "Master!"


    "How was it?"


    "Who won?"


    "Who was the victor?"


    Master Lian looked over them. "We drew."


    They were shocked when they heard that.


    "A draw?"


    "Master, you''re that powerful?"


    "Even Zhang Ye was not your match?"


    However, Master Lian shook his head as he looked out at Zhang Ye''s retreating, distant figure. He smiled and said, "He did not even use 20% of his strength, while I''d given it my all. He was just giving me face and being polite." He then sighed and said, "Taiji Fist is indeed worthy of its reputation!"


    The Lian Family Style disciples fell silent at once!


    20% of his strength?


    Their master was not even a match for 20% of Zhang Ye''s strength?


    It was no wonder that he could single-handedly challenge over a dozenrge sects in session!


    There were differences between the various grandmasters too. Rao Aimin, for example. She could face two grandmasters by herself for a short period of time without being disadvantaged. Naturally, there were differences between individual martial arts masters as well. Zhang Ye, Yang Shu and Master Lian were both martial arts masters. But even if Yang Shu and Master Lian were to team up to take on Zhang Ye, they might not be able to take more than 30 attacks from him. Whether it was their moves, physical attributes, or their concealed power, the gap was simply too great!


    All of a sudden, Master Lian spoke, "Master Zhang''s associates are filming a promo today. Help them however you can. Sometimes, we only get to know certain people after we''ve met them. There''s no need to believe the rumors floating around out there. At the very least, I dare say that Master Zhang is not that unreasonable man he was rumored to be."


    Was that so?


    Was he really?


    The Lian Family Style disciples were still skeptical!

 Chapter 989: Why are you guys so afraid of him?

    <h4>Chapter 989: Why are you guys so afraid of him? </h4>


    Chapter 989: Why are you guys so afraid of him?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Outside.


    The people from Beijing Television and the film crew were all busy working.


    Their equipment had been returned. Actually, there were not many scenes left for the film crew to shoot. After getting a few more takes, they were finished filming for the day.


    "Cut!"


    "It''s a wrap!"


    "Great work, Director Wang."


    "You too, Sister Ning."


    The film crew started to pack up their equipment.


    Not too far away, Zhang Ye was strolling past at this moment.


    When the film crew saw him, the director and a few of the managers rushed up to him.


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "Thank you so much."


    "It was all thanks to you."


    "Thank you!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Not at all. I had to answer Sister Ning''s call for help. Besides, my coworkers were also trapped here. In the name of reason, I had to make a trip here today."


    Ning Lan also smiled and said, "If you hadn''te here today, Teacher Zhang, we really wouldn''t have known what we to do. It seems like only you can earn their respect. Others couldn''t do a thing."


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "The key is that they were willing to give me face. The truth is that we were in the wrong this time."


    The director said, "It was due our crew''s negligence. I''m quite sorry about that. We even caused trouble for you and your friends from Beijing Television."


    Zhang Ye said, "Think nothing of it. Everything is fine now."


    The film crew shouldered their equipment and left one by one.


    Ning Lan was thest person to leave. She looked at Zhang Ye. "So it really did help to mention your name."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I just happen to have some influence here. They were also willing to give me face."


    "Sure." Ning Lan smiled a beautiful smile, "When I encounter something like this in the future, I''ll know what to do. Mentioning your name, Zhang Ye, will be sure to help."


    Zhang Ye started and quickly said, "Don''t do that. You absolutely must not."


    Ning Lan was curious. "What''s wrong?"


    Zhang Ye said nervously, "In any case, just don''t mention my name. I don''t have that great an influence."


    Mention my name?


    You need to know where you are first of all!


    It might be alright if it''s at the Lian Family Style School or some of the other small sects in the martial artsmunity. Those ces are more than likely willing to give me face. But if you went to the Shaolin Monastery, Huashan Sect, or Kunlun Sect and mentioned my name? Then you''d be trying to die! The issue might have started small, but if you mention my name, the small issue will most assuredly get blown out of proportion!


    After a while, Ning Lan and the film crew left in a hurry to get to their next location.


    Zhang Ye then went to the Beijing Television team.


    They had already begun filming the promotional video and were currently blocking out the scene.


    When Hu Fei saw that Zhang Ye hade over, he asked, "You even have influence at this ce?"


    Zhang Ye gave a wry smile. "More or less."


    Xiao Lu grinned and shouted, "Teacher Zhang, you''re so cool!"


    "Yeah!" Dafei said, "You didn''t see what happened just then. It was so dangerous. But after you arrived, the Lian Family Style disciples just stayed silent. What the hell happened?"


    "What sort of title is Master Zhang?" Hou Ge was extremely curious.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s just a form of address, nothing more."


    Since Zhang Ye did not borate, no one could puzzle it out. Whatever it was, today''s incident had astounded all of them. How could Zhang Ye have more influence than Jiang Hanwei in the domain of the Chinese martial arts world?


    When the police officers standing a distance away were finally certain that there wouldn''t be any more trouble, they gave each other a look and had a quick word with the people from Beijing Television before turning to leave. They didn''t even greet Zhang Ye. Certainly, they knew who Zhang Ye was. But his reputation with the police was the same as it was in the Chinese martial arts world: It was very notorious! Those two verses of "Shut are the doors for humans, / Open is the entrance of a dog cage" and "No matter how heavy the iron shackles ng at my feet, / No matter how high you raise the whip" had pushed the police into the public eye a couple years ago. They had nearly drowned in the people''s vitriol. Zhang Ye had gone in and out of the police station a few times himself, so he had dealt with the Public Security Bureau on many asions. As such, whenever the cops saw Zhang Ye, their first reaction would be to stay as far away as possible, since they knew how awful this guy could be!


    The shooting for the promotional video began.


    Hu Fei asked, "Zhang''er, what do you think about this?"


    "It''s fine," Zhang Ye said.


    Hu Fei asked, "Do you have any suggestions?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m just a bystander, don''t ask me."


    Hu Feiughed and said, "With you, the director of the number 1 rated TV show in the country, standing here beside me, who else would I ask if not you?"


    In the end, Zhang Ye had no choice but to offer some advice. He made a few filming suggestions, but did not say more than necessary. Zhang Ye had high expectations for the King of Masked Singers. After all, it was a show he would bepeting in. But that was also why Zhang Ye did not want to get involved in the production too much. He wanted to give it some novelty since his uing battlefield wasn''t going to be behind the scenes.


    Half an hour.


    An hour.


    The filming followed a packed schedule.


    Zhang Ye was observing things from a distance with folded arms.


    Some Lian Family Style disciples were also nearby, stealing nces at Zhang Ye from time to time. Some of them looked at him curiously, while some of them nced at him cautiously. But regardless of what their expressions were, there was always some fear in their eyes. Each one stayed as far away as they could. No one dared to get too near to him.


    Many of those from Beijing Television noticed this, and it made them wonder even more!


    Xiao Lu could no longer hold it in. When she saw one of the Lian Family Style disciples, she suddenly went up to him and said, "Bro."


    "Ah?" The unarmed specialist was startled.


    Xiao Lu pointed in Zhang Ye''s direction. "Can I ask you something? Why are you guys so afraid of Teacher Zhang?"


    The unarmed specialist said in embarrassment, "We''re not."


    Xiao Lu asked, "Really?"


    The unarmed specialist wiped at his sweat. "We''re not afraid of him."


    Xiao Lu said suspiciously, "Oh, is that so? Then I must have been wrong."


    The Lian Family Style''s unarmed specialists could only smile bitterly in their minds. Not afraid? How could they not be afraid of him! In the Chinese martial arts world, who wouldn''t tremble at the mere mention of Zhang Ye''s name? Only people like you who did not know powerful Zhang Ye is would dare to speak to Zhang Ye in such a manner. If it were the Chinese martial arts world''s people, how many would dare to act rashly in front of him? Even thoserge sects with a deep-seated hatred for Zhang Ye might not necessarily dare to do so. They were constantly saying they wanted to denounce Zhang Ye, but how long had it been? Had any of therge sects taken action yet? They only dared to talk big!


    ...


    Heading to the metropolitan area.


    On the road.


    In the bus, the director was cursing at the cameraman who had stepped on the Lian Family Style''s Heavenly Rock. He had been scolding him the entire way back. "What the hell were you thinking?! Didn''t you see that they''d fenced it?"


    That cameraman looked down at the floor without speaking. He had been quite frightened.


    The director snapped, "If Sister Ning had not asked Zhang Ye for help, all of our equipment would''ve been written off! Someone might''ve even gotten hurt!"


    The cameraman said, "It, it was my fault."


    Ning Lan said, "It''s over, so let''s forget about it, Director Wang."


    The director said, "Frankly, however, although Teacher Zhang Ye''s reputation in the industry is not too good, but his influence is quite wide."


    Ning Lan owed Zhang Ye a rather big favor this time, so she wanted to help him out. She smiled and said, "Why don''t we add another character to our movie? And then invite Zhang Ye to y the part?"


    The director gave her a wry smile. "Do you think I don''t want to? If Zhang Ye had joined the film awhile back, the male lead''s role would''ve belonged to him for certain. But ever since the air pollution documentary scandal, who has the courage invite him aboard? He has offended too many people and those people he offended this time are all��Forget it, there''s no point in talking about it. I''m actually quite impressed with Zhang Ye, but being impressed is just that. As a director, I have to be responsible to thepany and investors who entrusted me with this movie. I must guarantee that the movie will get shown. If I asked Zhang Ye to join us in his current circumstances, who would be brave enough to show our movie?" He wasn''t some famous director. He was just a small-time director who hadn''t debuted for too many years. He had to consider what others thought of him.


    Ning Lan asked, "Is it that serious?"


    The director nodded. "Why else do you think Zhang Ye still can''t get any new work even though he''s an A-list celebrity? It''s because no one wants to risk inviting him."


    Well, whatever.


    It seemed like she couldn''t help him out this time.


    And so, Ning Lan did not say more.


    Di di di. Suddenly, the chat app on her cell phone beeped with a notification.


    When Ning Lan finally checked the messages, she discovered that there were quite a few new messages in the Goof Group. A lot of people had pinged her.


    Xiaodong: "Sister Ning, how''re things now?"


    Fan Wenli: "They didn''t hurt you, did they?"


    Zhang Yuanqi: "Are you there?"


    Huo Dongfang: "Old Ning? Why''d she go quiet? Might something have happened?"


    Ning Lan quickly replied in the group: "Thanks so much for your concern, everyone. The problem has been sessfully resolved. Everyone is fine, and the equipment was returned to us."


    Xiaodong: "Ah? That fast?"


    Ning Lan sent a smiley face. "Yep. When Zhang Ye came over, the Lian Family actually gave him face and returned our equipment to us without another word!"


    A movie star asked curiously: "Zhang Ye?"


    Chen Guang: "Zhang Ye really went over?"


    Xiaodong: "They really gave face to Teacher Zhang?"


    Ning Lanughed and said: "Not only that. When he first arrived, those people from the training hall immediately fell silent. Even the Lian Family Style''s Master Lian treated him very politely. But as for why, I''m not quite sure either. Anyway, I owe Zhang Ye a favor now and have to find a way to repay him, hur hur."


    A lot of the big shot celebrities in the Goof Group had not expected this. Many of them wanted to ask Jiang Hanwei what exactly was going on. That was because, in the entertainment industry, it was Jiang Hanwei who probably had the most ties with the martial arts world, so he should know why. But when they remembered the conflict between Jiang Hanwei and Zhang Ye, they knew it wouldn''t be right to ask him. Therefore, they could only assume that Zhang Ye knew someone in the Lian Family since they couldn''t think of any other possible reasons.

 Chapter 990: The name of Zhang Ye is worth a 150 million!

    <h4>Chapter 990: The name of Zhang Ye is worth a 150 million! </h4>


    Chapter 990: The name of Zhang Ye is worth a 150 million!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    A few dayster.


    The promotional video for King of Masked Singers was aired.


    The premiere was scheduled for broadcast on Beijing Television on Saturday at 8 PM. When the promotional video was aired, it immediately took the Inte by storm. A lot of the viewers had their appetites whetted again!


    "Take off your halo.


    "Put on a mask.


    "Return to the battlefield newborn.


    "A gathering of the strong, no need for names. Fight a fair contest through music.


    "A legend needs to be witnessed.


    "Perfection can only be achieved through conquest.


    "Set off a musical storm with your true power.


    "King of Masked Singers.


    "I''ming!"


    Impressive imagery!


    A surge of visuals amid literature and art!


    And then there were the lines that set people''s pulses racing!


    This promotional video that onlysted for around 40 seconds left everyone with a deep impression!


    Widespread discussions started on Weibo.


    "It''s finally beginning!"


    "Every show Zhang Ye produces makes people champ at the bit!"


    "The promo was really blood pumping! Take off your halo and put on a mask? So who will appear on the show this time!"


    "No one knows. Beijing TV hasn''t revealed any names this whole time!"


    "I heard that they''ll all be A-list celebrities!"


    "Are you serious?"


    "Any celebrities in the A-list or above are the top names in the country. Will they really shed their identities and put on a mask to verse otherpetitors? Winning is deserved, but if they lose, that would be so embarrassing! And if they lose to some newbies in the music industry? Then it would look even worse for them!"


    "That''s why I''m looking forward to it!"


    "Do you guys think there will be any movie stars joining?"


    "Yes, of course! A lot of movie stars can also sing great!"


    "Hahaha, they''re crossing over to perform. That''s what''s most exciting about the show!"


    "I really can''t wait for this show to start!"


    "I''ve been waiting for a month already! Hurry up and broadcast it!"


    "The only regrettable thing is that Zhang Ye is not the host! This is his show, but he ended up getting banned. He couldn''t involve himself as the host and executive director! How damned maddening!"


    "Dong Shanshan is also pretty good."


    "Yeah, I quite like Teacher Shanshan too."


    Soon after, a list was published!


    King of Masked Singers'' crew:


    Executive Director: Hu Fei.


    Executive Producer: Zhang Ye.


    Music Director: Bai Yuanfei.


    House Band: Miracle Wheels.


    Host: Dong Shanshan.


    Guessing Panel Guest Judges: Chen Guang (famous domestic singer), Zhang Xia (famous songstress), Amy (member of popr idol group Spring Garden), Chen Yidong (famous variety host), Yao Jiancai (famous crosstalkedian), Wang Zhuishu (famous lyricist andposer).


    The list was revealed.


    The viewers burst into an uproar!


    They already knew about some of the people on the list, such as Zhang Ye being the executive producer and Dong Shanshan being the host. But they had never heard any news of most of the other names on the list!


    Bai Yuanfei?


    Chen Guang?


    The Miracle Wheels?


    These were all famous people from the music industry!


    "Even the Miracle Wheels were invited?"


    "How cool is that! They''re one of the best bands in the country currently!"


    "The music director is Bai Yuanfei?"


    "Boss Bai received an overseas music achievement award justst year!"


    "Yeah, it was for his work in the development of our country''s music industry. A lot of it was to the credit of Boss Bai. He also has very high artistic standards. For him toe and take the role of music director for King of Masked Singers, the show''s professionalism and degree of excellence will be elevated to another level!"


    "Why did Chen Guang join as a guest judge?"


    "Damn, I was hoping to see Old Chen wearing a mask!"


    "Hahaha, Old Chen must be scared and unwilling to take the stage!"


    "C''mon! In the music industry, among the male singers, how many people canpare with Old Chen? In terms of singing and poprity, Chen Guang is top-ss. Would he even need to participate?"


    "Grandma Zhang Xia will be there too!"


    "Yeah, there''s definitely a need for the presence of a bel canto singer!"


    "I like Amy!"


    "The one that surprises me most is Yao Jiancai. Hahahaha, Old Yao has actuallye to do a TV show too. There''s no doubt he did so because of Zhang Ye. It''s not like anyone has been able to get him on their shows in the past. I adore Old Yao so much! The crosstalks he did with Zhang Ye were all perfect. They''re the perfect duo that appears only once in a century! With him as a guest, the studio atmosphere would surely be enlivened. Hai, if only Zhang Ye could also be on the guessing panel as a guest judge too. That would make things even more wonderful!"


    "They''re all big names!"


    "This guest lineup is so cool!"


    "Wouldn''t Beijing TV have spent a lot on this?"


    "I don''t know, but isn''t that to be expected?"


    "Has the title sponsorship been finalized yet? How much are they getting for it this time?"


    Subsequently, just as theizens were discussing this, news regarding the title sponsorship of King of Masked Singers was released. This announcement once again set everyone off talking!


    After several rounds of bidding, the title sponsorship of the show was won by a veryrge, domestic beverage corporation! The exclusive title sponsorship fee: 150 million RMB!


    "What?"


    "How much?"


    "Holy crap, 150 million yuan?"


    "This is insane!"


    "This, this has broken another record!"


    "Heavens!"


    "It''s even more than The Voice?"


    "The Voice only got only 100 million for the title sponsorship fee!"


    This title sponsorship fee was really too frightening!


    When the industry heard about this news, it also caused quite a sensation. Domestically, there had not been any variety shows that had ever sold a title sponsorship for such a terrifying figure. However, when they found out about the details, a lot of the industry insiders could only wryly smile without saying a word. They heard that in the bidding war for the title sponsorship of King of Masked Singers, it was a knock-down, drag-out fight with more than a dozenpanies taking part at the beginning. They bidded until the end when the three remainingpanies were unwilling to give up and nearly even came to blows!


    How did it end up like this?


    Why was it able to get such a high price?


    Even the other variety shows had a lot of big names on their shows. Although the guest lineup could not bepared to the King of Masked Singers'' guest lineup this time, they were still quite good. For example, a recentrge-scale singing talent show broadcast on Dragon TV had a title sponsorship of merely 50 million RMB. And that was even with all of their invited guests being more popr than Dong Shanshan. But why was King of Masked Singers able to sell theirs for 150 million RMB? How could they do that?


    Some people could not understand.


    But some clearly understood.


    It was probably because of one name.


    Not the name of a guest.


    Not the name of the host.


    And not the name of a participating celebrity.


    It was the name of Zhang Ye.


    To many advertisers, Zhang Ye''s name alone was worth the 150 million RMB! As long as Zhang Ye''s name was in the executive producer''s role in the crew, they would be willing to spend that much money!


    Since Lecture Room started, Zhang Ye''s path in the television industry officially began. Then, he moved on to make Zhang Ye''s Talk Show, The Voice, and A Bite of China, proving on more than one asion his production skills. He was currently regarded by everyone as the best producer in the industry!


    The genre of show Zhang Ye worked with?


    It didn''t matter!


    Who would be directing the show?


    It didn''t matter!


    Who would be the host of the show?


    It didn''t matter!


    As long as it was Zhang Ye who produced the show, that was all they needed!


    Even a food documentary like A Bite of China that did not have a host could go on to top the nationwide viewership ratings. Moreover, it topped those nationwide viewership ratings over a dozen times in a row, so what else could be more important than him? Zhang Ye''s name was the greatest guarantee! Having gone through the days of not being shown any interest when the idea for The Voice was hatched, and the low regard for A Bite of China before its broadcast, Zhang Ye had shattered people''s expectations over and over again. He had nowe to this point in time when no one would ever doubt his production skills. To put it inly, even if this fellow produced a shit show, there would still be someone willing to pay for the title sponsorship and believe that the show would be popr. This was what you called star power.


    Therefore, for them to have managed to secure this 150 million in title sponsorship money, other than the advertiser being optimistic about the show and their trust in the appointment of the celebrity guests, more of it was to the credit of Zhang Ye''s name! As a show that had yet to be broadcast, it was getting hyped to a ridiculous extent and was being talked about nonstop by the viewers every single day. Together with Zhang Ye''s name on it, there was almost no chance for the viewership ratings to do badly. The advertiser was not dumb. With such a channel publicizing their brands, they simply couldn''t let such a good opportunity slip out of their hands without a fight. So the title sponsorship fee was naturally pushed even higher!


    It had broken all records!


    The record for the highest title sponsorship fee for a domestic variety show was once again broken!


    Importantly, this was just the exclusive title sponsorship fee. There were still many remaining advertisement spots, so with everything added together, it might even cross 300 million RMB in total. And this was not yet taking into ount the exclusive online broadcast rights fee!


    ...


    After the announcements.


    At an industry dinner party.


    "Did you hear about the title sponsorship fee for King of Masked Singers?"


    "Yes, I did."


    "It''s insane!"


    "This is a good thing. Zhang Ye has broken the record for the title sponsorship fee once again. With the standard raised, it will only get better for future shows, since the general title sponsorship fees across the industry should raise as well."


    "Old Li, you''re overthinking things."


    "Ah?"


    "No matter how many times the record is broken for the highest title sponsorship fee, it''s got nothing to do with us."


    "That''s right. A show that our station just made went to lobby for title sponsors with heaps of confidence, but was only offered 10 million RMB in the end. The title sponsors even reeled off a long list of conditions."


    "Yeah, it''s the same for us too."


    "Ai, it''s not easy at all."


    "Just look at King of Masked Singers. I''d be lying if I said I wasn''t jealous of them!"


    "There''s no point in being jealous. There''s only one Zhang Ye around. No one else''s gonna get the same treatment as him!"

 Chapter 991: The first song has been decided!

    <h4>Chapter 991: The first song has been decided! </h4>


    Chapter 991: The first song has been decided!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Under public attention.


    The countdown to the recording of King of Masked Singers begun.


    There were three more days.


    There were just three days remaining.


    ...


    At home.


    On this morning.


    Zhang Ye was feeling unwell after getting up from bed. He felt a little dizzy, but was more bothered by a tickle in his throat. However, he did not think much of it. It might have been due to the added pressure in recent days or the long duration that he''d spent practicing that led to him catching a slight cold. He believed that he would recover after taking some medicine.


    His mother, who had made prepared breakfast, suddenly said, "Son."


    Zhang Ye said, "Ah?"


    His mother smiled and said, "I discussed things with your dad yesterday. We''re nning to sightsee and vacation in Hainan for a while. The two of us haven''t really traveled much all these years."


    His father, who wasn''t too keen on going, asked, "Are we really going?"


    "Didn''t we already agree to it?" His mother stared hard at his father.


    Zhang Ye found them funny and said, "Go on then. It''s good to get out and have some fun."


    His mother made a noise in agreement as she looked at him. "Will you be paying for us?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Of course! I must!"


    His mother said, "Great, shall we book the tickets then?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Go ahead. Go and have fun with Dad. I''ll take care of all the expenses."


    "Will you be fine staying at home by yourself?" His father was a little worried.


    His mother sneered, "Our son is a grown-up. Does he still need you to worry about him?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Don''t worry about me. If I get hungry, I''ll order something to eat. I won''t starve to death."


    His mother said, "We''ll be back in a couple weeks. And you better find a job quickly."


    "OK, I will," Zhang Ye responded.


    His mother was the impatient type, who would act as soon as she made a decision. In that sense, Zhang Ye had inherited a part of her character. After booking the airne tickets and the hotel, his parents packed their luggage and headed for the capital''s airport to catch their same-day, afternoon flight. They left just like that!


    At night.


    Zhang Ye cooked a packet of instant noodles for dinner, then took some medication for his cold before turning in early for the night.


    When Zhang Ye got up from bed the next day, he nearly fell down on the spot. He was feeling a bit dizzy, and his legs were a little wobbly. Only now did he realize that his cold had gotten worse, and that he even had a fever!


    Damn!


    No way, right?


    Why are you chaining me up at this key point in time?


    Zhang Ye didn''t know what to do. He was scheduled for a rehearsal today at Beijing Television, where he was supposed to discuss the songs with the musicians and the arrangements. But Zhang Ye probably couldn''t go anymore in his current condition. So he took The Clown''s cell phone and called Han Qi, his liaison, to apply for time off.


    Han Qi was very worried when she heard. "Teacher, are you alright?"


    "I''m fine."


    "We start recording the show tomorrow. This��"


    "I''ll be able to make it tomorrow."


    "You''re one of the contestants scheduled for the first round, so it''s toote to make any changes at this time."


    "I know that."


    "Let me visit you. Where do you live?"


    "There''s no need."


    "Th-Then please get some bed rest. It won''t make much of a difference to discuss tomorrow''s rehearsal."


    "OK."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye struggled and crawled out of bed quick as he could. He ransacked the drawers and found a bunch of cold and fever medicine and popped them all in one go before lying back down to sleep. He was hoping to recover from the cold quickly. Otherwise, it would be really stupid if it affected tomorrow''spetition.


    Many outstanding singers hade topete on the stage of King of Masked Singers. Although Zhang Ye did not know their names, but when he saw their stage presence and heard their voices, he knew that every one of them was going to be a strong foe. Even if Zhang Ye faced thepetition in his best condition, he might not necessarily win, much less if he had to perform when he was down with a cold. He could not even guarantee that he would not be eliminated in the first round, so he was feeling rather anxious!


    He had to recover as soon as possible!


    If he lost in the first round, and was forced to reveal his identity, how could he advance in this industry in the future?


    But things don''t always go as nned. Sometimes, the more you hope something will get better, the more it gets worse!


    ...


    Friday.


    On the day of the recording.


    The interval between this world''s recording of a television show and broadcast was much shorter than Zhang Ye''s previous world. Due to having a live audience at the recording studio, it was impossible to keep a lot of news andpetition results a secret. They would be leaked to the public. Therefore, in consideration of the possibility that, if the interval between recording and broadcast was dragged on for too long, the show''s intended effect would be affected. As such, the King of Masked Singers program teampressed the interval even further by recording the show on Friday and then broadcasting at 8 PM on Saturday. The entire turnaround time was only a day, but even though there was enough time to do it this way, there was no allowance for any problems to arise. Everyone had to be extremely careful and focused, because if there were any recording idents or problems, they would be unable to get the episode to air on the following day. That would then be a massive problem!


    Around 5 in the morning.


    It was still dark out.


    Beijing Television''s King of Masked Singers program team had all arrived.


    Inside the recording studio, the entire ce had been renovated. Anyone would be astonished once they saw the stage, lighting, studio, and heard the audio system, as they were all the best that anyone could get in the industry. The program team, which secured the 150 million RMB in title sponsorship, had also reinvested a lot of that money back into the show. They were essentially willing to dump any amount of money into it. They would either not make a ssh, or they would amaze everyone with their show! Beijing Television''s executives were also very cooperative on their part. This was the most important show for Beijing Television this year, without any other shows evening close. so the station''s and program team''s efforts were fully concentrated on it!


    "Brother Hu, Teacher Sunset Glow has arrived!"


    "This early?"


    "She wasn''t too satisfied with the rehearsal yesterday, so she changed part of the arrangement and wanted toe rehearse with the band one more time. She''s already in the second rehearsal room!"


    "That''s fine. The official recording will begin at 1 PM. Let''s hurry and get our preparations done!"


    "OK!"


    "Understood!"


    "Eh, where''s Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    "He didn''te?"


    "He''s here. I just saw hime in after getting out of his car when I went downstairs."


    "Is that so? But I didn''t see him."


    "I didn''t see him either. Maybe you were mistaken?"


    "It was a BMW X5, the car that Teacher Zhang drives."


    "Let''s not worry about Teacher Zhang for now. The biggest variable right now is Teacher Clown. Where''s Han Qi?! Little Han! Has Teacher Clown arrived yet?"


    "He''s here! Little Han went to bring him here!"


    "Has he recovered?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Go and check it out! If Teacher Clown does not make it for the recording, that''d be trouble! There''s no way we could find someone to rece him at this time!"


    Backstage.


    Outside the rehearsal room.


    The Clown again arrived wearing his mask. No one saw when he came in either. When Han Qi came out to bring him in, The Clown had already changed into his costume. His mask already covered his entire face!


    Han Qi said in surprise, "Teacher Clown, you''ve recovered?"


    The Clown was silent for a moment before saying, "I''m��alright."


    The moment he spoke, that hoarse and broken voice was immediately unveiled!


    Han Qi was stunned. "Sir, your��"


    A little whileter, the rehearsal room door opened.


    When Sunset Glow emerged from inside and saw that man in the clown mask standing at the door, she was startled for a moment before giving him a smile with her eyes from under the mask. She had heard The Clown singing those working ss songs in the video clips and was also extremely curious about his identity. She wondered what kind of wondrous song this "50-year-old driver" with a beautiful voice would perform this time, so she tried to explore the enemy''s ns. "Teacher Clown, what song did you choose to perform?" she said with a purposely disguised voice, as she did not wish for her true identity to be exposed.


    The moment The Clown spoke, she also got stunned.


    The Clown said in a hoarse voice, "Haven''t��thought of��it yet."


    Sunset Glow said, "Your voice��"


    The Clown spread his hands. "A��serious��cold."


    Sunset Glow immediately said, "Don''t talk anymore. The less you can speak, the better. Have you gone to the hospital yet? Did you get a cortisone injection 1 yet? No, your case is too serious! Even a cortisone injection is useless!"


    Han Qi stamped her feet in worry. "W-What can we do now!"


    Suddenly, Hu Fei, Hou Ge, Xiao Lu, and the others rushed over. When they heard about the condition of The Clown''s voice, their expressions changed slightly for the worse, and everyone fell silent.


    Dafei clenched his teeth and said, "Let''s get a recement, Brother Hu!"


    Hu Fei said, "How''re we to make any changes? It''s toote for that!"


    Xiao Lu eximed, "This is bad!"


    "The show''s gonna start recording this afternoon!" Hou Ge was getting anxious.


    However, The Clown just looked at them and smiled. He was obviously very sick but his mental state seemed to be much more better than theirs. "I''m��fine. I can still sing."


    Han Qi said anxiously, "But how can you sing like that!"


    The Clown ignored her and went straight into the rehearsal room. "Let''s��rehearse��" A coughing fit consumed him.


    When he walked in, everyone looked at him and found that his footfalls were a little light and swaying!


    When the Miracle Wheels'' band members saw him, their hearts pounded.


    The music director, Bai Yuanfei, immediately came forward. "Are you alright?"


    The Clown smiled. "Yes."


    Bai Yuanfei nodded. "Then, let''s rehearse."


    The Miracle Wheels'' drummer said, "How can you sing in that state? You''ll definitely be eliminated even if you insist on singing!"


    The guitarist sighed and said, "You sing bel canto, The Clown, but you can''t possibly sing��"


    "Pop��songs or rock, I can��sing them all," The Clown said.


    The guitarist said, "You really can''t sing like this!"


    The Clown said staunchly, "Even if I can''t��I must!"


    Lose?


    Elimination?


    Zhang Ye was not afraid to lose. If he really lost, so be it. He was not a sore loser. But what he couldn''t ept was that he did not even have the courage to get onstage. Having worked for so long in the industry, what sort of difficulties had he not encountered? What cmities had he not been through? He could lose, but even if he lost, he still wanted to lose while standing onstage!


    This was who Zhang Ye was!


    He had a bit of the wolf in his bones!


    The word "retreat" didn''t exist in his dictionary!


    When he thought of all this, Zhang Ye suddenly knew what song he was going to sing today. The melody and lyrics of a song naturally surfaced in his mind!


    He wanted to tell the audience.


    Who he was!


    Where he came from!


    And where he wanted to go!


    Zhang Ye immediately picked up pen and paper and started to write out the song.


    When Music Director Bai Yuanfei and the musicians saw this, they were in disbelief.


    Bai Yuanfei gasped and said, "Y-You''re even thinking of singing an original?"


    Zhang Ye nodded.


    The bassist facepalmed and really had to hand it to Zhang Ye. "You''re still thinking of singing an original in your current state? This is too hard. Why don''t we choose something simpler instead?"


    The guitarist also disagreed with Zhang Ye. "Besides, the audience might not even be convinced by it. How many people would ept a song that they''ve never heard before? How many would ept it after only hearing it for the first time? That''s still a question mark. Your voice is already not up to mark today, so if you still insist on taking such a risk, you''ll definitely get eliminated!"


    But Zhang Ye just looked at them with determination and handed them the score. "My��first��song��must be��this one!"

 Chapter 992: A madman!

    <h4>Chapter 992: A madman! </h4>


    Chapter 992: A madman!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Beijing Television.


    Behind the closed doors of the rehearsal room.


    Guitar strums��


    Bass strumming��


    A song''s melody repeated over and over.


    Except there was no singing!


    That was because Zhang Ye was no longer able to sing. The condition of his voice had gotten so serious that he had almost lost his voice, though he could still speak. But when he sang, half of his vocalization could not be heard at all! Even so, he still hummed along and tried his best to coordinate with the band.


    They finished rehearsing the first song.


    Then followed up with rehearsing the second song.


    After two hours, the band members and program team staff felt sorry for the sight of the man wearing a clown mask standing onstage who looked like he was on the verge of copsing.


    Bai Yuanfei couldn''t bear it anymore. "Alright, that''ll do!"


    However, Zhang Ye said, "Ba-and, let''s do it one more time��."


    Bai Yuanfei was fretting over him. "You''re already in this state, so don''t push yourself! Go to the hospital!"


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "I''m fine. Let''s try��again." He even got down from the stage to discuss things with the band''s guitarist. He pointed out some issues. "I��want��cough��cough��guitar here��.I don''t want other��instruments." Then he pointed to another part and said with much difficulty, "I will sing��a cape here."


    The guitarist hurriedly said, "I got it, I got it. Please��please don''t speak anymore!"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Let''s do it one��more time. Sorry for the trouble."


    Once.


    Twice.


    And yet again.


    This had always been Zhang Ye''s way. He set very high standards for himself and would never allow any shorings in his pursuit of the arts. Even in his current poor health, he still had to carry on to the best of his ability.


    Bluff his way through?


    Make do?


    Not pushing himself to the limit?


    That was not his style!


    Han Qi, who was seated in the audience, unwittingly started to tear up.


    The rehearsal ended.


    Han Qi quickly rushed onstage to help The Clown down and quickly returned to the waiting room. "The station called for a doctor, who''s arrived!"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Thank��you."


    Her heart aching, Han Qi said, "Please��please don''t speak anymore."


    Right after they left, Hu Fei arrived with a group of people!


    Hu Fei said in worry, "How was it?"


    Bai Yuanfei forced a smile and said, "We''re done rehearsing."


    The guitarist looked very touched. "I''ve nevere across person as hardworking as him! The healthypetitors only rehearsed two songs seven or eight times yesterday, but he rehearsed two songs 23 times despite being sick! I''ve really never seen a person like him before! He''s really risking his life that way!"


    Hou Ge asked, "Can he sing? Will he be able to go onstage?"


    Dafei said anxiously, "We''re going to start recording very soon!"


    Bai Yuanfei pondered for a moment. "Don''t worry. He can definitely take the stage. Even if the sky falls, with the type of person he is, he''ll remain standing onstage to finish singing before copsing!"


    ...


    Besides The Clown, the other five singers scheduled for the first round were ready to go.


    In the waiting room of Sunset Glow.


    Sunset Glow asked, "How''s The Clown doing?"


    Her liaison sighed and replied, "I heard that he just finished rehearsing, but that he just couldn''t make a sound."


    "That''s such a shame."


    Her liaison said, "Yeah, he''ll definitely get eliminated."


    ...


    In the waiting room of Petal Shower.


    Her liaison asked, "Teacher, how do you feel?"


    "I''m feeling great," Petal Shower smiled. "I can''t wait to start."


    Her liaison said, "That''s great then. We''ll crush the other singers for sure this time!"


    Petal Shower suddenly asked, "I heard that one of the masked singers has fallen sick?"


    Her liaison acknowledged, "That''s right. It''s so serious that he''s having difficulty vocalizing. The rules state that two people will get eliminated in each round, so he''ll definitely be one of the two today. He might not even be able to finish performing his first song, much less the second."


    The otherpetitors had also heard about The Clown''s health and felt that it was unfortunate. Even though they found the songs the man had sung a bit weird, his singing was still very strong. There was no one else who could sing better than him in bel canto. Ordinarily, he would be a very formidablepetitor. But now that he had lost his voice aftering down with a serious cold, it was obvious that it would be a fatal blow to him. Whether or not The Clown would be going onstage to perform, his chance at moving on to the next round was as good as gone!


    ...


    In the infirmary.


    Zhang Ye was waiting here.


    Han Qi said anxiously, "Doctor, please take a look at him, please!"


    Zhang Ye was sweating profusely and beads of sweat were trickling down his forehead. No one could see his face underneath the mask, but it was obvious that he did not look good!


    The doctor frowned as he made his way over. "Open your mouth."


    Zhang Ye did as he was told.


    "Say ah."


    "Ah."


    "Push your tongue down."


    The doctor took out a thermometer and ced it into Zhang Ye''s mouth. Then he wore his stethoscope and moved the chestpiece around Zhang Ye''s chest. At this moment, the thermometer beeped to signify it was done taking his temperature. The doctor retrieved it from his mouth to check.


    A fever of 40 degrees!


    The doctor looked rmed!


    Han Qi paled a bit as well!


    Hu Fei and some others on the program team pushed the infirmary door open and came over. Even Dong Shanshan, who had just finished doing her makeup, rushed over in a hurry when she heard about the emergency over here.


    Dong Shanshan asked, "How is he?"


    "Doctor," Hu Fei asked, "is he going to be alright?"


    WIthout a second thought, the doctor suggested, "Get a substitute. It''s impossible for him to go onstage in this state!"


    Hu Fei gasped. "How serious is it?"


    The doctor showed the thermometer at them. "He has a fever of 40 degrees, a severe viral cold, inmmation of the tonsils, and even has pneumonia symptoms. What say you?"


    "What?"


    "It''s this serious?"


    "This��"


    "Then he really isn''t going to be OK!"


    The doctor looked at Zhang Ye andmanded, "The ambnce is just outside. You must immediately follow me to the hospital to get treatment. Don''t even think of taking the stage. That is impossible!"


    Zhang Ye shook his head and said, "There''s nothing wrong��with me!"


    The doctor said furiously, "You''re in that state and you still say that there''s nothing wrong with you? Anyone else who has a fever as bad as yours wouldn''t even be able to get out the bed, yet you can still get here for the rehearsal? You even managed to rehearse for over two hours? You don''t want to live anymore, do you?"


    Only now did everyone realize the shape The Clown was in when rehearsing just now!


    They heard a determined voicee from behind the clown mask. "I''m fine."


    The doctor said angrily, "Follow me to the hospital right away!"


    Hu Fei also knew that this couldn''t continue, so he promptly said, "Teacher Clown, you��"


    "I can go on. You don''t have to say��more," interrupted Zhang Ye.


    The doctor lost his temper and shouted, "You can''t even stand straight right now! And you have nearly lost your voice! Go onstage? What stage!"


    Zhang Ye looked at him. "Give me��a cortisone shot!"


    The doctor said, "An injection probably won''t improve your health!"


    Zhang Ye said weakly, "Give me��shot!"


    He was frequently losing his voice when speaking now. As a result, there were some words that didn''t evene out. It made his speech sound a bit broken, Although, everyone still understood what he was trying to say!


    "Teacher Clown!"


    "You��"


    Zhang Ye waved his hands to stop them from talking!


    The doctor gazed into Zhang Ye''s eyes. "Are you sure?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Do it!"


    The doctor had no other choice. "Let me tell you this first. As you''re in grave condition, if you are injected with corticosteroids, the damage and side effects will be much greater than on others!"


    Zhang Ye said a single word, "Understood!"


    The doctor grit his teeth. "Alright!" He then turned around. "Don''t crowd around in here. Everyone, please go outside."


    Hu Fei and the others hesitated, wanting to speak, but eventually left the room.


    However, Han Qi did not depart. She stayed behind with Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye loosened his cor some and exposed his neck.


    The doctor prepped the medicine and adjusted the dosage.


    Han Qi stood right next to him, biting her lip, not saying a word.


    Five minutester.


    "Are you ready?"


    "Yes."


    "I''m going to inject you now."


    "OK."


    The doctor pinched Zhang Ye''s neck and soon started injecting the shot with care.


    Zhang Ye''s eyelids twitched as he felt a sudden gush of intense pain. He was the type who was most afraid of going to the hospital. Ever since childhood, he would look scared whenever someone brought up "the hospital." As such, he would self-medicate at home whenever he was sick. But this time, he couldn''t do that. He needed to have a voice to sing!


    After the injection was administered.


    The doctor helped massage his muscles.


    Awhileter, the doctor asked, "Try to make a sound, please."


    Zhang Ye attempted to sing a line. "Land��as pretty as��a picture��"


    His voice was still not back!


    The doctor shook his head. "It didn''t work."


    Han Qi hurriedly said, "Forget it, Teacher, just forget it!"


    But Zhang Ye put forth, "It''s slightly��better! Give me another shot!"


    The doctor said angrily, "You think this is an IV drip? We''re talking about injecting you with steroids here! Do you know what side effects this could cause? Just one shot is enough to make you suffer!"


    "Shoot me up again!" Zhang Ye yelled.


    The doctor clenched his teeth. "It''s none of my business if something happens to you!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Do it!"


    A second injection was administered to him!


    This injection was even more painful than the previous one. Zhang Ye''s hands were even trembling. The pain did note from being pinched, but rather spread from his throat to his chest!


    The injection was done.


    Zhang Ye was sweating even more profusely. After he rested for a while to let the steroids take effect, he tried to sing again, "Land as pretty as a��picture!"


    It was much better!


    But still not enough!


    He couldn''t hit the higher registers!


    Zhang Ye closed his eyes. "Another!"


    Han Qi immediately deterred, "No! You absolutely must not!"


    Zhang Ye looked tranquil. "Again!"


    Han Qi shouted, "Teacher!"


    Zhang Ye yelled without any exnation, "Do it!"


    The doctor did not argue this time. In silence, he looked at the man in the clown mask, turned around, and picked up the syringe.


    Han Qi could not watch any longer. She turned around and ran out after opening the door. Hu Fei had already gone back to the stage to oversee things, but quite a few of the others had remained outside the infirmary.


    Hou Ge, Xiao Lu, Dafei, and the others were all waiting there.


    "How are things?"


    "Can he sing?"


    "What''re things like, Little Han?"


    Han Qi didn''t utter a word. She just squatted down and started crying!


    "Little Han!"


    "You��"


    Everyone looked each other in the eye and suddenly felt their hearts grow heavy!


    A short whileter, the doctor pushed open the infirmary door and came out.


    Everyone gathered around him in haste!


    "Doctor!"


    "Is he better?"


    "How is Teacher Clown?"


    The doctor scanned the group and proimed, "If something happens to him in the future, don''t call me! I''ve treated a lot of celebrities before, as well as given them cortisone shots, but this is the first time in my entire life that I''ve encountered a madman who''s not afraid to die! Just what kind of person has your program team invited this time?"

 Chapter 993: The show begins!

    <h4>Chapter 993: The show begins! </h4>


    Chapter 993: The show begins!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the King of Masked Singers recording studio.


    The audience was already seated; the recording was about to begin.


    Presently, the first judge walked onto the stage and took a seat, followed by the second one, then the third.


    "Wow, it''s Chen Guang!"


    "It''s Chen Guang!"


    "Grandma Zhang Xia is here too!"


    "Hahaha, Old Yao!"


    "Why did Old Yao style his hair into a pompadour 1 ? Did he grow out his hair?"


    "Amy!"


    "Amy! I love you!"


    "I''ve finally seen her in person!"


    The recording did not begin yet. Yao Jiancai and Chen Guang were both smiling and waving at the audience.


    Amy was chatting with Zhang Xia. The two other judges, Chen Yidong and Wang Zhuishu, were also sharing augh, discussing thepetition that would be taking ce soon. It was not just the audience who was looking forward to the start of this show; even the judges were greatly anticipating it as they did not know who the participating masked singers were. Would any of their old friends bepeting on the show?


    At this moment, Dong Shanshan, who was dressed in a women''s suit, stepped onto the stage. Her fashion today was different from before. She not in her usual sexy short skirt or long dress. Instead, she was dressed in a more gender-neutral, more conventional petite suit today, with her hair up, and even wore a pair of golden-rimmed sses. This style hadpletely changed her air, and was in consideration of the show having only one host, so it would be unsuitable if Dong Shanshan dressed in the way she used to. That wouldn''t help her solidify her stage presence, as the clothes of a host had to befit the stage. All such details were carefully observed in their production.


    Quite a few of the male audience members started screaming.


    "Shanshan! She''s so beautiful!"


    "She looks really pretty in those clothes!"


    "Yeah, it really suits her nicely!"


    "She''s got ss!"


    The atmosphere in the studio was heating up!


    The staff were doing their final preparation work in the recording studio.


    Hu Fei madest checks with his team. "Lights?


    A lighting technician replied, "OK!"


    Hu Fei asked, "Cameras?"


    "Camera 1 OK!"


    "Camera 2 ready!"


    "All cameras on standby."


    Hu Fei said, "Shanshan, do a mic test."


    Dong Shanshan blew into the microphone. "Hello, hello, OK!"


    The Miracle Wheels also went onstage. They had done their sound checks earlier and only needed a final confirmation check.


    Everything was ready.


    Hu Fei nodded and said, "Alright then. All departments, take note. The one-minute countdown begins now!"


    30 seconds��


    20 seconds��


    10 seconds��


    It was time!


    The recording began!


    A camera jib crane captured the panoramic view of the studio!


    The stage lights twinkled as countless spotlights suddenly focused simultaneously on a door. The door opened up and a woman in a suit, wearing a red mask, slowly walked out. Her high heels clicked with every step she took. In no time at all, she elegantly stood at center stage.


    The woman raised her microphone and spoke into it, and a very shrill voice came out. It was obvious that this was being resynthesized through a voice transformer. "Wee to Beijing Television''s Mystery Music Show, brought to you exclusively by Bright Fruit Cocoa��King of Masked Singers!"


    The audience instantly rose from their seats with cheers and apuse!


    After the advertising messages consisting of a few hundred words were read, the woman turned around all of a sudden and hooked her hand behind her head. By the time she turned around again, the mask she had been wearing was off. She gently put on a pair of golden-rimmed sses and exposed her beautiful face to everyone.


    "I am your host, Dong Shanshan!"


    Her voice was now back to normal!


    With this opener, the audience was instantly stoked!


    A mask.


    A synthesized voice.


    The reveal.


    This is what King of Masked Singers is about!


    At the guessing panel.


    Zhang Xia smiled. "Interesting."


    Amy pped. "This is fun!"


    Chen Guang''s heart was beating very fast. "I''m anticipating this more and more."


    Wang Zhuishuughed. "Old Chen, do you think we''ll bump into any old friends here?"


    "Definitely," Chen Guang said, "but we may not recognize them."


    ...


    Backstage.


    Zhang Ye was hooked up to an IV drip in the waiting room.


    Han Qi stayed right beside him and helped him keep the bag aloft.


    The recording had already started. In the waiting room was a TV he could use to watch the entire recording.


    "You can go back, Little Han."


    "No thanks."


    "I''m fine, really. Can''t you tell?"


    "Please stop talking."


    "That''s why I''m saying you can go back. Come back and call me when it''s almost my turn. I would like to rest for a while by myself, that OK? Don''t make me talk anymore."


    "��Alright."


    Han Qi had no choice but to leave for now. She went out and closed the door behind her.


    Only Zhang Ye was left in the waiting room. Now, he finally clutched his chest. He could feel a pain in his chest as he took several deep breaths and coughed. He couldn''t help but smile bitterly to himself at his current situation. He knew that this was not pain from pneumonia but the acting up of his old injuries. He did not know if it was because of the cortisone shots, or if he had caught a cold this time because of a lowered immunity stemming from his old injuries, or if it was due to the inmmation of his wound, which in turn aggravated his old injuries, but he was feeling extremely ufortable right now. His lungs hurt even just breathing!


    In the end, he still could not escape from the injuries he''d received during the National Martial Arts Conference two months ago. Initially, he was quite alright. But as those injuries were internal and were received from Grandmaster Chen Xi''s concealed power attacks on him, followed by the concealed power injuries that he suffered when he went on a consecutive rampage against the dozen overrge sects, the injuries were there all the while. Injuries like these required time to heal, and they might even kill him if they were serious. Rao Aimin''s younger sister and brother-inw had died a year after suffering internal injuries caused by Zhou Tianpeng''s concealed power attacks on them. And it wasn''t just him who was affected. Rao Aimin herself carried some internal injuries, while the Huashan Sect leader, Chen Xi, was even worse off. It was rumored that he hadn''t been seen in public for over two months. A lot of people had suffered rather serious injuries during that intense battle!


    Old injuries.


    A cold.


    A fever.


    This was Zhang Ye at his weakest. It was also the time when he was in the worst shape, yet he was immediately about to take part in the firstpetition round of King of Masked Singers. Having been thrown into such circumstances, Zhang Ye was forced bite the bullet. Because he was the type of person who never believed in fate!


    He wanted to sing.


    So today, he wasn''t going to let anyone stop him!


    ...


    In the studio.


    A smile hung from Dong Shanshan''s face, and she said in a steady rhythm, "This singer, the first to make an appearance, has a very clean voice and wide vocal range. Let us wee��King of Oddity!"


    King of Oddity?


    What kind of name was that?


    Everyone stared at the door curiously.


    At the guessing panel, the judges had already started to make guesses.


    Chen Guang smiled and said, "King? Of Oddity?"


    Yao Jiancai blinked and said, "Could this be Zhang Ye?"


    Zhang Xia was tickled pink.


    Amy nearly burst outughing!


    Zhang Ye?


    Just because there was the word "oddity" in the name, it has to be Zhang Ye?


    These two people were indeed long-time partners. All they did was mock each other!


    That remark was also picked up by the cameras, but everyone knew that Old Yao was just kidding.


    "Wow!"


    "He''sing out!"


    "That costume is so cool!"


    "Oh!"


    Dong Shanshan walked away from center stage and stood in a corner of the wings.


    The first masked singer came out onto the stage. His mask was quite peculiar, with nearly every color of the rainbow, while the mesh he wore covered his entire head and even hid his neck! He took a few steps forward and stood in the middle of the stage.


    The famous variety host, Chen Yidong, said in shock, "How are we supposed to guess like this! We can''t even see their hands since they''re wearing gloves!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "We can see their socks though."


    Wang Zhuishuughed and said, "Are you going to identify them from their socks?"


    Amy was already curiously leaning forward just to get a tad bit closer. "Who could this be? There''s not a single clue as to who it is!"


    Zhang Xia was also analyzing the singer. "Are they tall?"


    The lights abruptly dimmed.


    The entire studio quieted as everyone stared at the singer in anticipation.


    The music yed. A very yful melody rang out!


    King of Oddity closed his eyes and started swaying his head. He wasn''t nodding to the beat of the music, instead thrashing his head from left to right!


    Then, his legs started moving too!


    He was dancing to the music, except that this dance looked quite funny!


    His voice immediately came out the moment he opened his mouth to sing!


    "Ya ain''t doing good.


    "But ya ain''t sayin'' so.


    "I think you''re,


    "Truly an idiot.


    "Ya say, ya say.


    "I say, I say."


    When everyone heard the short rap intro at the beginning of the song, they immediately knew what song this was. It was a rtively popr song in recent years, titled "Idiot," and was originally performed by a female Taiwanese singer. However, King of Oddity''s performance of this song differed from the original. The tempo was clearly faster, and there was more portamento 2 to it!


    The first verse of the song finished.


    The audience immediately started apuding!


    Zhang Xia concluded, "It''s a young man!"


    Chen Guang said, "Right, he''s definitely not above 40!"


    Amy solemnly stated, "It''s a man."


    Wang Zhuishuughed and looked at her. "I can make that out too, y''know!"


    As King of Oddity sang faster, the studio''s atmosphere became increasingly lively!


    The rhythm was great!


    It made everyone tempted to sing along!


    Chen Guang evaluated, "This guy is great at performing live. He''s probably a professional singer!"


    Zhang Xia shook her head. "Not necessarily."


    Wang Zhuishu sighed and said, "He sings really well, but who could it be?"


    Amy suddenly said with a start, "Aiyo! Could it be that, um, that, what''s his name again?! Qiqi? The Taiwan Music Awards winner?"


    Wang Zhuishu denied her. "No. I''ve written songs for Qiqi before, and this singer''s figure does not look like his."


    "I think, I think!


    "I think, I think!


    "Ya are, ya are!


    "Truly an idiot!"


    The song ended!


    Everyone was apuding in the studio!


    Amy was also pping in excitement. "Great! That was great!"


    Zhang Xia''s evaluation was very high too. "Are there any singers in the industry whose portamento and sense of rhythm are so good?"


    Wang Zhuishu said anxiously, "Who could this person be!"


    The audience was guessing as well.


    "I like him so much!"


    "That was really nice to listen to!"


    "Is this guy a singer? Or an actor?"


    "Are there any actors who can sing this well?"


    "I don''t know anyone who can!"


    "He does sound a little familiar, but I can''t remember who it is!"


    "Aiyo, I''m so anxious. Please just reveal his face. When does the identity reveal happen? I really really want to know who this guy is!"


    "He has to lose before he reveals his face!"


    "Ah, then I guess I''d better forget about it."


    "The first singer''s this good?"


    "This is so exciting!"


    "This show''s better than I''d imagined!"


    "Yeah, I initially thought that I could guess their identities as soon as I heard them. Cuz they''re all famous, y''know? Shouldn''t this be super easy? It was only after I heard them that I realized it waspletely fucking impossible to guess who it was!"


    "Who''s the next singer?"


    "Who''s next?"


    King of Oddity smiled and bowed before leaving the stage.


    Dong Shanshan returned to the stage and said, "The next contestant has a very beautiful sounding name and a very beautiful mask. Let us wee��Petal Shower."


    ...


    Backstage.


    There was a knock on the door.


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath. "Come in."


    Han Qi came in. "Teacher, you can start prepping now. We''re on the second contestant, while you''re the fifth to go on. We have at most 15 minutes."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "OK."


    Then he stood up and pulled out the intravenous needle from his arm.


    Let''s do this!

 Chapter 994: The Clown takes the stage!

    <h4>Chapter 994: The Clown takes the stage! </h4>


    Chapter 994: The Clown takes the stage!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the studio.


    "When will the moon be clear and bright?


    "With a cup of wine in my hand, I ask the clear sky.


    "In the heavens on this night.


    "I wonder what season it would be?"


    This was Petal Shower''s performance of Zhang Yuanqi''s song. To be exact, she was singing a song that was written for Zhang Yuanqi by Zhang Ye!


    As soon as she started singing, the entire studio audience was in shock!


    Zhang Ye could also hear her singing, from the TV in the waiting room. Petal Shower was still singing in falsetto for the entire song. Almost no one else would risk singing that way! This was because the pitch changes while singing in falsetto were too minute and would make it sound too monophonic. A lot of the syble enunciations in falsetto were not easy to control, in addition. But Petal Shower''s vocals and her handling of the technique were very special. Her falsetto was truly different from all others!


    This was her absolute killer move!


    A few of the guessing panel''s judges were also shocked by her performance!


    When it was over, Dong Shanshan came onstage together with the first performer, King of Oddity. The three of them stood at center stage and faced the guessing panel.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Judges, what do you think?"


    Zhang Xia praised, "Petal Shower''s rendition of the song was very good!"


    Petal Shower bowed slightly and used the microphone fitted with the voice transformer to say, "Thank you, Grandma Zhang."


    Zhang Xia blinked. "You''re addressing me as grandma, so does that mean you''re quite young?"


    Petal Shower said, "Isn''t ''grandma'' your official title?"


    The audienceughed.


    Amy was startled and said, "Are you Sister Yuanqi? You''re using that falsetto on purpose to throw us off? So that we won''t be able to recognize you?"


    When Petal Shower heard that, she immediately imitated Zhang Yuanqi''s posture and physical mannerisms.


    The audience was tickled.


    Zhang Xia instantlyughed and said, "You''re definitely not Yuanqi. Yuanqi isn''t this yful."


    Chen Guang looked at King of Oddity. "Do we know each other?"


    King of Oddity looked back. "More or less."


    Chen Guang asked another question, "Do you have my cell phone number?"


    King of Oddity kept silent for a bit. "Yes."


    The audience burst into an uproar!


    Amy walked over to snatch Chen Guang''s cell phone. "Give me your cell phone! I wanna browse through your contacts!"


    Chen Guang''s hair stood on end. "I want to look through it, but I can''t seem to recognize him! There are over a hundred people involved with music in my contacts!"


    Next, it was time for the live voting round.


    Thepetition format was divided into two rounds. In the first round, six contestants would face off in separate one-on-one singing duels, with the winners advancing to the next round to fight for the spot of Masked King. Of the three defeated contestants, one would be chosen to be ced on the safe list and remain in thepetition while the other two would be eliminated. The eliminated contestants could then either choose to reveal their identities or not do so and just leave the stage. Two contestants would be eliminated per episode. This was how cruel thispetition format was!


    Dong Shanshan pushed her gold-rimmed sses up and announced, "Can everyone please pick up their voting devices and vote for the contestant you like most?"


    The voting started!


    On the big screen behind them, both of the contestants'' tallies rose.


    There were a total of 500 judges in the studio and a total of 500 votes to be cast.


    The audience voted excitedly, their eyes glued to the big screen!


    Finally, the tallies stopped!


    King of Oddity: 137 votes.


    Petal Shower: 362 votes.


    One voter abstained from voting. That vote was invalidated!


    Dong Shanshan said with a smile, "I hereby announce: The first contestant to advance is��Petal Shower!"


    Petal Shower bowed slightly and nced in the direction of the judges.


    Chen Guang was looking right at her. Their eyes briefly met before both quickly looked away.


    Dong Shanshan said to King of Oddity, "Let''s have King of Oddity proceed backstage to rest and prepare for the next round."


    King of Oddity did not show much of an expression. He nodded slightly to the judges and audience before leaving the stage.


    Some of the audience members were happy with the result while some were feeling regret.


    "I really like King of Oddity!"


    "I still think that Petal Shower sang better!"


    "Her singing was incredible!"


    "This is so fun! This show is much more interesting than The Voice!"


    "Hahaha, you can''t put it that way. Compared to The Voice, this is a different genre. But I agree that this is super exciting indeed! I''d also like to know where the fuck this group of people who can sing so well jumped out from. Which big names are behind the masks?"


    "Petal Shower has to be a big name!"


    "That''s right!"


    Onstage.


    The second group''s singing duel began.


    Sunflower in the Starlight vs. Sunset Glow.


    Piercing screams once again rang out in the studio!


    "The sun is my name."


    "Heaven is my faith."


    "The Earth is my refuge."


    "Humanity is my enemy."


    An amazing voice filled the studio!


    ...


    The Clown was in the studio by now and was waiting behind the door.


    Hu Fei deliberately rushed over and asked, "How are you?"


    Han Qi hurriedly said, "Director Hu, don''t make the teacher speak."


    Hu Fei nodded and looked at The Clown. "Just do your best. It doesn''t matter whether you win or lose, that''s not important anymore. That you''ve endured til now to go onstage is good enough, honestly."


    Dafei also came over. "Yeah. If you can''t continue singing, just walk off the stage. That''d be fine; no one would me you."


    The Clown smiled but did not speak.


    In truth, none of them knew that The Clown''s present health was far worse than they could imagine. It wasn''t as simple an issue as a cold or a fever. He''d been injured by a grandmaster''s concealed power attacks, as well as the attacks by the martial arts masters and disciples from over a dozenrge sects. Right now, Zhang Ye was very weak physically.


    He could hear the roar of the audience from here.


    The voting had begun.


    "Sunset Glow!"


    "Sunset Glow!"


    "Sunflower!"


    "Sunflower!"


    Everyone was shouting the names of the singers they supported!


    Zhang Ye, however, was not paying any attention to it. He did not have the energy left to care about the other contestants'' results. Just trying to stay standing was already sapping him of all his strength.


    Finally, the voting ended!


    He heard Dong Shanshan announce, "Let us congratte Sunflower in the Starlight!"


    Sunset Glow had lost, and lost by a very small margin, only a mere dozen votes or so!


    At this moment, the recording inside the studio temporarily halted.


    Dong Shanshan verified something with Hu Fei through her earpiece.


    "Director."


    "Yes."


    "Is the next contestant able to make an appearance?"


    "He''s fine."


    "OK, I understand."


    The audience and judges in the studio looked curiously at Dong Shanshan, unsure of what was happening.


    The recording continued.


    Dong Shanshan said, "Our next contestant is feeling a little unwell today, but he still insists oning out to perform. Let us wee��The Clown!"


    The Clown?


    Zhang Xia was taken aback.


    The audience turned to the direction of the door and pped enthusiastically!


    Behind the door.


    Hu Fei said, "You can do it!"


    Han Qi, who felt sorry for him, encouraged, "Teacher, you can do it!"


    Dafei clenched a fist and held it up. "Come on! Teacher Clown!"


    A female employee added, "Hang in there and finish the song!"


    "You can definitely do it!" someone else said.


    Many people from the program team were moved by The Clown''s tenacity and unbending will. They knew deep down that someone who could take three cortisone shots would definitely not be a normal person. This was someone who wanted to get on stage even if it risked his life! They did not know why this person went so far to do this, why he was so hungry for the stage, why he did not fall even though it was clear that he was already on the verge of copse!


    The light came on!


    The door opened!


    Zhang Ye touched his mask and then walked forward slowly, step by step. The closer he got to the stage, the more determined his steps became!


    Apuse rang out again!


    "Wow."


    "That''s a really nice mask!"


    "The Clown?"


    "What''s with the way he''s walking?"


    "Is he really that sick? Why''s he still pushing himself to go on stage then!"


    "Man, it seems like it''s really quite serious!"


    "Can he even finish singing one song in that condition?"


    "I don''t know."


    When the audience saw him, they started whispering. Some of them even pointed in the direction of the stage.


    The person wearing the mask of a clown was taking a long time to walk the 20-odd meters to the center of the stage.


    Zhang Xia frowned. "Can he really do it?"


    Chen Guang said, "I heard that he has a fever and a very bad cold."


    Amy was taken aback. "Ah?"


    They were also singers and had encountered such situations themselves. They knew exactly what it felt like to sing in such a state, and judging from this person staggering onto the stage, it didn''t look like it was just a simple case of a fever and bad cold!


    Chen Yidong said, "This is going to be difficult for him."


    Wang Zhuishu said, "Let''s hope he can persevere to the end of the song."


    In each of the waiting rooms, the other five contestants were watching him on TV.


    At the center of the stage.


    Zhang Ye finally reached it and stood there. He gently closed his eyes.


    The lights shut off!


    The studio quieted down instantaneously!


    The notes of a flute suddenly drifted across the studio.


    It was followed by a few notes from a polo.


    The music started, but Zhang Ye did not move nor did he open his eyes.


    Persevere to the end of the song?


    He had been hearing simr words countless times since he''d made his way here from backstage. Did you guys misunderstand something? Do you think that I took three cortisone shots and came here carrying my old injuries just because I wanted to finish singing the song regardless of whether it was good or bad? Not only will I finish singing it, I will sing it well too!


    So what if I lose my voice?


    So what if my old injuries have acted up?


    Those are not reasons!


    I won''t look for any excuses, and I don''t need anyone''s pity. All this while, I''ve walked alone, by myself. So I cannot falter here. Because I know that if I did, no one would help me up. As such, I can only keep walking, onwards and onwards, to the ce I want to reach��this is probably the reason why I''m standing here!


    The dazzling lights were shining from every direction!


    The cameras were aimed at him.


    The audience was watching him.


    The guessing panel was watching him.


    The other five contestants were watching him.


    Beneath the mask of The Clown, a pair of eyes opened without warning. That sorrowful and hoarse voice from under the mask suddenly resonated through the entire studio!


    "I am a wolf thates from the north.


    "Padding through the boundless wilderness.


    "The mournful northern wind blows by.


    "The slow sand brushes by."


    Chen Guang was stunned!


    Amy froze!


    Zhang Xia was shocked!


    What song was this?


    Why hadn''t they heard this song before?


    A wolf?


    A wolf thates from the north?


    Zhang Ye had already thrown him entire self into the song. He was not performing with the spirit of aloofness that the original version of "Wolf" had. He was using his imperfect voice to sing who he was right now! A wolf, an injured wolf! An injured wolf that still wanted to move forward!


    Zhang Ye raised the microphone.


    "I can only clench my cold, cold teeth!


    "Respond with two long howls!


    "Not for anything else!


    "But for the beautiful ins found in legends!"


    This was the portrayal of him today!


    It was also the portrayal of him after several years in the entertainment industry!


    He was tired!


    He was scarred and wounded!


    But he had to keep walking!


    Amy was mesmerized!


    Zhang Xia was dumbstruck!


    Meanwhile, Chen Guang had his eyes firmly fixed on him as though he wanted to rush onto the stage to take off the mask and find out who he was!


    Mournful!


    Wintry winds!


    Clench your cold, cold teeth for the beautiful ins found in legends?


    The ins that you have in mind��What are they like? Is it worth pushing yourself to stand onstage in that condition and sing with that hoarse voice of yours?


    Even Yao Jiancai, a music industryyman, was moved!


    The judges all knew that this man must have a story to him. However, no one other than him would know what this story was or understand it!


    Zhang Ye sang on, his eyes drooping heavily.


    "I am a wolf thates from the north.


    "Padding through the boundless wilderness.


    "The mournful northern wind blows by.


    "The slow sand brushes by.


    "I can only clench my cold, cold teeth.


    "Respond with two long howls.


    "Not for anything else!


    "But for the beautiful ins found in legends!"


    All of a sudden.


    The Clown faced the sky as he howled.


    "Awooooo!"


    He was mimicking the call of a wolf!


    This sustained howlsted for a good nine seconds!


    The studio atmosphere was instantly raised!


    Chen Guang stood up. This was the first time he''d done so today while listening to a song being performed!


    Amy did not stand up, though she did clutch her head and exim, "Oh my god!"


    Zhang Xia was beyond curious. "Who on earth is this!"


    Zhang Ye simply stopped caring about the state of his voice. Cracking? Trembling? Unable to hit the high notes? Breaking? Loss of voice? He did not care about any of that! The thought of not being able to continue singing or his voice suddenly disappearing did not even enter his mind!


    "Not for anything else!


    "But for the beautiful ins��found in legends!"

 Chapter 995: The Clown wins!

    <h4>Chapter 995: The Clown wins! </h4>


    Chapter 995: The Clown wins!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The music stopped!


    Apuse rang out from everywhere!


    Many of the audience members were fired up!


    "That song''s unbeatable!"


    "It''s too damn nice to listen to!"


    "Could that participant be Chen Guang?"


    "Pfft, Old Chen is sitting right there at the judges'' panel!"


    "Then how can his singing be this good! And that song was so amazing. It sounded like it was specially written for the condition that he''s currently in! Which entertainmentpany is this big shot from?"


    "I don''t know!"


    However, there were also those who were not convinced by his performance.


    "The song was alright, but his voice is terrible."


    "Yeah, his singing wasn''t good."


    "In any case, I don''t feel it."


    "Was his singing good? I don''t think so."


    "Maybe it''s because it''s my first time listening to the song, but I didn''t feel anything special. I still think that the previous singers sang much better, and that this guy''s singing isn''t good enough."


    No single work could appeal to everyone.


    The audience had many differing opinions regarding The Clown''s performance.


    But there were only cheers from the judge panel.


    Chen Guang shouted, "Great!"


    Amy pped with all her might. "Fantastic!"


    "Is there such a person in the music scene?" Zhang Xia was also getting very excited.


    Yao Jiancai liked the song very much as well. "Who is it!"


    Chen Yidong nced to his side. "Even if Chen Guang went onstage with a serious cold, he wouldn''t necessarily sing better than him, right? He was already greatly disadvantaged by losing his voice due to the cold, but The Clown has infused that greatest w in his singing into the song. I must admit that it made the entire performance just spectacr!"


    Chen Guang said frankly, "I definitely can''t sing as well as him. At a concert three years ago, I sang while I was down with a cold and it turned into a hell of a mess!"


    Wang Zhuishu nodded and said, "Still being able to sing this well even after the voice has been affected by a cold, there shouldn''t be too many people in the music industry who can achieve something like this!"


    They were all left guessing!


    Yet they didn''t even know where to start guessing from!


    ...


    Backstage.


    In King of Oddity''s waiting room.


    King of Oddity looked at the producer in the room and pointed at the TV. He said, "Are you sure this guy was the one who sang that ''as a fifty-year-old pro driver, I am all smiles'' song?"


    The producer gave a wry smile and nodded.


    King of Oddity was floored!


    Damn!


    I really believed that you were a bel canto singer!


    How did I fall for your nonsense!


    ...


    In Sunset Glow''s waiting room.


    Sunset Glow got the goosebumps listening to the performance. "That was a really good song!"


    So this was who the real Clown was!


    So this was what his true style of singing was!


    This fellow had indeed just been putting on an act back then!


    ...


    Onstage.


    The man in the clown mask lowered the microphone, bowed slightly, and turned around before walking slowly offstage. Before he could leave the stage, Han Qi and two Beijing Television employees were already running over to support him. But The Clown waved them off by gesturing that he did not need any help.


    He had finished singing.


    This song was called " Wolf 1 " and was performed by Chyi Chin 2 in his previous world.


    Zhang Ye felt very good and mustered up an exhausted smile. He felt that even if his voice was at its best, it wasn''t likely that he could have performed the song better than he had. He did not know how the judges felt or how the audience would judge him, but he was very satisfied with it himself.


    In the wings.


    Han Qi was going crazy. "Teacher, you sang so well! It was so good!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Thanks."


    Dafei also came over after being astonished by what he heard. He even said with some disbelief, "You could still sing that well even with your voice in that state? If there weren''t any problems with your voice, how well would you have sung?"


    Onstage.


    Dong Shanshan spoke, "Next, let''s invite today''sst contestant, who has a very tough?sounding name. Let''s wee��The Yak!"


    Zhang Ye had seated himself near the stage.


    As he still needed to go onstage in a little while, he did not return to the waiting room.


    The Yak appeared from the other side of the stage.


    The Yak wore a cow mask, with horns, and looked very cute.


    This was Zhang Ye''s opponent this round.


    The audience apuded!


    Awhile back, Zhang Ye had listened to The Yak''s performance on some video clips. His evaluation of him was that his singing was not bad, but it was only at an average level. He should be considered the one with a weakest singing among all the others in the first round. But since this was apetition, nothing was decided until the very end. No one knew who might suddenly decide to show their prowess and light up the venue. In the music industry, singing did not mean everything as it was only a foundation for sess.


    The stage lights shut off.


    The performance began.


    "Deep emotions, as water, like smoke.


    "Bring me before your very eyes.


    "You are drifting between the clouds."


    Although the Yak was named The Yak, the song he performed was rather emotional and did not match the mask, which had a wild look with a hint of cuteness.


    "I don''t know where you came from.


    "Nor am I clear ''bout where you''re headed.


    "The mes of passions.


    "Whoosh. Extinguished."


    The song he was singing wasn''t incredibly mainstream, but it was still very nice to listen to and a treat to hear. An adult man in a yak mask singing a love song was a stark contrast and also quite eye-catching.


    All of the people''s attention was on The Yak.


    Even Han Qi and the program team staff watched with interest.


    Meanwhile, no one noticed that Zhang Ye was sweating even more profusely now. Even though he was sitting in a chair, he was already struggling hard to hold it together. He wasn''t listening to The Yak''s performance anymore. He had opened up the game ring''s inventory to retrieve a Stamina Potion instead. This was an item he had received a long time ago. There were still over a dozen bottles left in the inventory. Back when he was working overnight to help Beijing Television with their Quit Smoking PSA, he had depended on this potion to help him pull through the night. Now that Zhang Ye was unable to hold himself together for much longer, he had no choice but to chug a bottle of it.


    The potion took effect very quickly.


    Part of his stamina was immediately restored. He could sit straight at least.


    The Yak wasing to the chorus of the song when a mistake was suddenly urred. His falsetto cracked but he recovered from it very quickly.


    What kind of singing performance was the most difficult?


    A live performance was the most difficult! Because you never knew what might happen, and you could never redo things. Be it good or bad, you only had one chance!


    The song ended.


    The performance finished.


    The audience members were still very absorbed in the performance and were apuding enthusiastically!


    "Great!"


    "That was so touching!"


    "This guy has a very identifiable voice!"


    "Great song! It was really nice!"


    Of course, there were also some in the audience who thought that it just an average performance.


    Dong Shanshan reappeared onstage. "Alright, let''s invite The Clown back onstage."


    A momentter, The Clown returned to the stage and stood with The Yak, each on either side of Dong Shanshan.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Judges? If you were to vote, who would you vote for?"


    Zhang Xia grabbed the opportunity. "Let me speak first. Needless to say, The Yak sang quite well even though his falsetto cracked, right? But his overall performance was very good."


    The Yak nodded. "Thank you, Teacher."


    Zhang Xia said, "Onto The Clown next. I don''t really know what to say about him. I''m sure that he has a very high artistic level, and he''s definitely a big shot judging from the way he moves, as well as his posture and onstage presence��"


    "That might not be the case. I feel that he could be a neer," interrupted Wang Zhuishu.


    Zhang Xia asked, "Can a neer sing that well?"


    Wang Zhuishu replied, "The neers these days are all really amazing."


    Chen Guang added, "I think that he might not be a part of the music scene and could be a movie star instead? Because the other contestants have clues that we can make our guesses from, and there are still some possible candidates thate to mind. But as for this guy here, I simply have no memory of anyone like him!"


    Famous variety show host Chen Yidong spoke up, "If I voted, I would vote for The Yak."


    The Yak bowed ever so slightly to express his gratitude.


    The Clown just stood there calmly.


    Chen Guang stayed silent for a second. "From an artistic point of view, The Clown''s performance was absolutely wonderful and I would evaluate his rendition of the song to be perfect. On a personal level, I''m also fully in support of The Clown. But from a professional point of view, my vote must still go to The Yak even though there were some minor mistakes in his performance too."


    The Yak bowed to show his thanks.


    Wang Zhuishu gave it some thought. "I''d vote for The Yak."


    The Yak bowed again. "Thank you, Teacher."


    Yao Jiancai dered, "I don''t understand what being professional or unprofessional is. All I know is that The Clown''s song touched me, so I''d certainly give him my vote!"


    Zhang Xia hesitated for a bit and sighed. "I guess I''d vote for The Yak."


    Han Qi was getting anxious in the wings. "Have the judges gone blind?"


    One of her colleagues said, "Yeah, I also think that The Clown sang very well!"


    A different colleague said, "They''re analyzing it from their professional point of view. The Clown sang well and the song is good too, but there were too many mistakes in every line that he sang."


    Han Qi said angrily, "But Teacher Clown has a cold!"


    The colleague sighed, "Hai, but this is apetition."


    Han Qi could not ept this, she really could not ept it!


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye, onstage, did not say anything.


    Dong Shanshan said, "Well then! Audience members, please pick up your voting devices and vote for the singer you like."


    The critical voting round began!


    But what made Han Qi''s blood run even colder was that The Clown''s vote count immediately fell behind the moment the voting started!


    The Yak: 20 votes!


    The Clown: 11 votes!


    Their vote count kept rising!


    The audience members were exchanging words among themselves.


    "Who should I vote for?"


    "The Clown for sure!"


    "The Clown''s song was so touching!"


    "But he made singing mistakes��the judges said so."


    "Yeah, the judges are still the professionals at the end of the day."


    "I should just vote for The Yak then."


    "Although The Yak''s singing did not move me as much, his singing was still very good. At least there weren''t as many issues with his singing."


    "I don''t think that The Clown made any mistakes. I believe he used what''s called ''artistic license''!"


    The Yak: 70 votes!


    The Clown: 61 votes!


    The Yak was leading all the way!


    Han Qi urged, "Go up! Go up!"


    Perhaps someone heard her pleas. The Clown''s tally actually started catching up bit by bit.


    The difference was only eight votes.


    Then it became five.


    Then one.


    At the final moment, the voting ended.


    The Yak: 217 votes!


    The Clown: 219 votes!


    The remaining voters abstained from voting; several dozen votes had not been cast. That made it the biggest group of audience members to abstain from voting today.


    The Clown won!


    A narrow victory of two votes!


    Han Qi was thrilled and heaved a sigh of relief!


    He won!


    He really won!


    At least there wouldn''t be any more worry that he would get eliminated today, but as for bing the Masked King of this first episode? Judging from the audience''s enthusiasm and the judges'' emphasis on the professionalism of one''s singing, Han Qi and the program team staff knew that The Clown would definitely not be able topete for the position of the Masked King in the first episode. Since the judges valued voice quality greatly and the audience also ced a great deal of importance on having a wless voice, even if The Clown still had stamina left to take the stage for his next song, it was impossible that he would clinch the round with his already badly strained voice!

 Chapter 996: A last-minute song change by The Clown!

    <h4>Chapter 996: Ast-minute song change by The Clown! </h4>


    Chapter 996: Ast-minute song change by The Clown!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the waiting room.


    Han Qi said, "We''re already through to the next round."


    Zhang Ye nodded.


    "No matter how you perform the next song, we can still proceed to the second episode. Teacher, why not consider not performing the second song tonight since your health is��"


    Zhang Ye smiled at her.


    Han Qi said, "The second round battle for the crown of the Masked King will be taking ce immediately. ording to the broadcast order, the elimination round for the three singers who were defeated will take ce first. However, today''s recording order was changed, so we''ll record the battle of the Masked King round first. You''re ted as thest of the three to appear onstage, but if you really can''t bear it anymore, let''s just give this round up. I''llmunicate this to the production team since we won''t get eliminated even if we withdraw now."


    Zhang Ye did not say anything.


    Han Qi''s earpiece crackled. "Ah, it has already started!"


    Petal Shower''s figure appeared on the TV as Dong Shanshan handed her the stage. The moment Petal Shower appeared, the audience suddenly rippled with excitement. This was because her previous performance left a deep impression on them and they liked her very much. Hence, the atmosphere exploded right as she took the stage!


    Han Qi sighed and said, "It definitely wouldn''t be a problem with your skill. We''ll battle them after you''ve recovered from your cold." She took a pause. "S-So rest a little longer. I''m gonna head out."


    Zhang Ye gave a noise of acknowledgment.


    The doors closed.


    No one else was left in the room.


    Zhang Ye weakly propped himself up and watched the TV.


    "When did we start putting on a fa?ade?


    "When did we start forgetting to tell the truth?


    "When did we start forgetting how to love someone.


    "When did we start forgetting how to admit we were wrong."


    Petal Shower was performing a rock song that required her to sustain her falsetto. The range on her falsetto was simply extraordinary, and her technique was well-honed too. Her voice waspletely different from Zhang Ye''s voice that scattered through the registers. It was a very clear tone, and she could hit her falsetto range as and when she wanted to!


    The audience had truly never heard someone sing in such a way. It was quite refreshing!


    Waving hands!


    Screaming!


    The atmosphere in the studio was heating up!


    Next, it was Sunflower in the Starlight''s turn to take the stage.


    "Bom!


    "Bom!


    "Bom!"


    It was a fast-paced English song!


    The high notes were very strong! It was highly lethal!


    The moment he opened his mouth, he sang in a high pitch and with great explosiveness throughout his performance!


    Watching the TV, Zhang Ye could see that a lot of the audience members were so pumped that they stood from their seats. From inside the waiting room he even seemed to hear the faint sound of screaminging from the studio!


    Then Zhang Ye looked away and turned off the TV.


    The room suddenly became quiet, simr to what Zhang Ye was feeling at the moment.


    When Zhang Ye stood onstage after his performance and faced the judges''ments about the weaknesses in his singing, he did not say anything. Right now, he did not want to say anything either.


    After he drank another Stamina Potion, he finally mustered up enough strength to open the game ring interface.


    He activated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) with much difficulty.


    His Reputation Points were starting to decrease rapidly.


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    He tapped on the Lottery Draw (One).


    He straight away added 500 additional stakes to the 100,000 Reputation Points per spin of the lottery draw.


    The wheel began to move.


    The needle started spinning.


    One revolution.


    Three revolutions.


    Five revolutions.


    Zhang Ye looked calmly at the wheel as the needle came to a rest in the Skills Category region. When he opened the golden treasure chest, the item majestically appeared from within.


    [Piano Skill Experience Book] �� 501: Increases yer''s piano skill experience.


    It turned out otherwise indeed.


    Zhang Yeughed at himself, a self-deprecating chuckle.


    The lottery was not omnipotent and the Lucky Halo did not necessarily help him achieve whatever results he wanted as it did not have sapience. It was only a tool that could help increase his luck stat. Zhang Ye was thinking of getting some sort of medicine to treat his cold or an item to treat his injuries from the lucky draw. However, Zhang Ye was not even sure if the lottery draw system had anything simr to the items he wanted, so he did not hold out hope that he would really win them so coincidentally. He had only intended to give it a try so that he could stop wondering if it would happen at all.


    This wasn''t too bad.


    This was a rather good oue, actually


    Zhang Ye consumed all the experience books.


    The door opened.


    Han Qi and a program team producer walked in. "Teacher Clown, it''s almost your turn to go onstage. Can you hold together? If not, then this round��"


    Zhang Ye stood up. "I''m fine, let''s go."


    Han Qi quickly said, "Let me help you."


    "There''s no need." Zhang Ye shook his head.


    On the way to the studio, he reached into the game ring''s inventory once again. This time, he took out five Stamina Potions and gulped them all down!


    Very good!


    He could still hang in there!


    Zhang Ye smiled. He was suddenly full of fighting spirit!


    Along the way, he saw a lot of the program team staff.


    Hu Fei was being astonished by Petal Shower''s and Sunflower''s passionate singing. When he saw The Clown, he immediately turned around and asked with concern, "Are you going to be alright?"


    Han Qi answered for him, "The teacher will be fine."


    Hu Fei nodded. "Just try your best."


    Hou Ge said, "You already performed amazingly."


    Dafei added, "Don''t force yourself. The oue isn''t that important anymore."


    In reality, it was not that the oue was unimportant, but that there was no suspense.


    Han Qi had listened to the two contestants'' performances, as had Hu Fei, Hou Ge, and the others. Judging from the audience''s expressions and outpouring, it was quite clear that today''s Masked King would definitely be either one of them. As for whether Petal Shower or Sunflower was better, that was still hard to say. Anyway, it definitely wouldn''t be The Clown. Be it his health, voice, or the audience and judges'' judgment, it was unlikely that they would let him, a singer whose voice was not in a good state, take the throne of the Masked King in this first episode. It was already made clear in the previous round between The Yak and him. Although The Clown''s performance had moved many of the audience members and judges, he still just barely won and nearly got eliminated.


    Hu Fei reported the time, "Get ready. There''s only a minute left."


    Music Director Bai Yuanfei also came over, wishing to have ast-minute discussion with Zhang Ye, "Since your body can''t handle it, lower the song by an octave and don''t sing the high notes. Just finish singing the song. That''ll be enough."


    Zhang Ye smiled.


    Try my best?


    Don''t force myself?


    Just finish singing the song?


    Zhang Ye suddenly said something in his hoarse voice that shocked the program team staff. "I''m terribly sorry, but I''d like to switch songs."


    Everyone was stunned!


    Bai Yuanfei eximed, "What?"


    Hou Ge nearly toppled over. "Switch songs?"


    Hu Fei was also panicking. "Why would you switch songs at a time like this? You''re about to go onstage!"


    "Teacher!" Han Qi was also stunned!


    No one knew what The Clown was thinking!


    Bai Yuanfei said, "It''s toote for that! There isn''t an arrangement; the band isn''t prepared either. Who''ll y your apaniment if you take the stage like this? You didn''t even rehearse it! Y-You''re taking a huge risk!"


    At this moment, the Miracle Wheels band members came over.


    The guitarist said, "Switch songs?"


    The drummer said, "That''s not actually necessary, right?"


    You stand no chance of bing the Masked King now, so why would you do that?


    Your health and voice are in this state. Why are you still trying so hard?


    Zhang Ye bluntly asked, "Do you have a piano?"


    Bai Yuanfei was taken aback. "We do."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "That''s enough."


    What''s the meaning of this?


    You even know how to y the piano?

 Chapter 997: I am a beautiful, beautiful wild rose!

    <h4>Chapter 997: I am a beautiful, beautiful wild rose! </h4>


    Chapter 997: I am a beautiful, beautiful wild rose!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the studio.


    Host Dong Shanshan announced, "Let''s wee our next singer��The Clown!"


    Apuse sounded.


    The Clown came out onstage looking very lonely.


    Chen Guang sighed. "This is the worse time toe onstage."


    Wang Zhuishu nodded. "The two contestants before him should''ve squeezed the atmosphere dry!"


    Amy asked, "Who do you guys think will be the Masked King?"


    Zhang Xia pondered and said, "Petal Shower''s chances of winning are the greatest."


    Chen Yidong disagreed, "Just based on the first round of songs alone, Sunflower is definitely going to be the Masked King!"


    Zhang Xia said, "Petal Shower handled some parts of her singing really well."


    "Who canpare with Sunflower''s tenor?" Chen Yidong said.


    The judges all had differing opinions and started disagreeing with each other, yet no one mentioned The Clown.


    The audience did not keep him in mind either.


    The two contestants before him had both performed passionate, fast songs with high notes. They were songs that fired up the atmosphere, which was why many in the audience were still clinging to the earlier performances.


    "Aiya, Sunflower''s singing was so intense!"


    "I still like my Petal Shower!"


    "Haha, when did she be yours?"


    "Anyway, I''m already a diehard fan of Petal Shower!"


    "Do you know who she is?"


    "I don''t know. That''s why I''m curious!"


    "Eh, The Clown has already taken the stage?"


    "He won''t be able to sustain his voice anymore, so he''s more like a supporting act in the first battle to be Masked King."


    "He only advanced because he got a lucky win."


    "Yeah, the Masked King will definitely be either Petal Shower or Sunflower."


    "Obviously. Must we spell it out?"


    "Hur hur, seems like these two people have stage names rted to flowers?"


    "All that''s left to see now is which ''flower'' has the greater skill!"


    The lights suddenly dimmed!


    When the audience and judges finally realized that the next performance was about to begin, they were surprised to discover that the house band had already left the stage!


    Where had the band gone?


    Where was everyone?


    All of a sudden, they realized The Clown was sitting in front of a piano.


    Ah?


    ying the piano and singing at the same time?


    Everyone froze!


    Chen Guang, Zhang Xia, and the others were also surprised!


    They had all seen The Clown''s state and knew that it couldn''t have been faked. He was indeed quite sick and had to force himself to stay standing, but what was this? In that state of his, why would he still want to y the piano himself? ying the piano was unlike ying a keyboard. It was pressure sensitive 1 and required strength to y it properly! You already have no hopes of fighting for the throne of Masked King, so what are you trying to do? What are you thinking?


    No one in the crew or judging panel could understand!


    The audience was also unable to understand!


    You pushed so hard to finish your previous song! Why are you trying so hard for the second song as well?


    The judges and audience, and even the program team''s staff, knew one thing though. If you could get on this stage, you must at least have some level of fame. At the minimum, you had to be someone that a lot of people knew. To be able to get to that level, you couldn''t possiblyck a stage to perform on. Even if you gave up today, there would still be other tforms and stages weing you with open arms, so why are you risking your life like this! Just why?!


    However, no one knew this one thing.


    There were no other stages for the man under The Clown''s mask to perform on!


    Banned!


    Frozen!


    Suppressed in the news!


    Ostracized by industry peers!


    Jobless!


    Old injuries acting up!


    A serious cold!


    It was the worst period that he was going through, as well as the time he felt the most vulnerable!


    No one appreciated him!


    He had sunk to a supporting act!


    The piano sounded.


    A flowing, watery melody reverberated throughout the studio.


    The judges were stunned!


    The audience was stunned!


    The piano''s melody carried sadness, a sorrow that silenced the entire studio!


    The spotlights shone down on him.


    Everyone''s gaze fell to where he sat.


    Zhang Ye yed the piano oblivious to all around him. The melody flowed from his fingertips ceaselessly with every note representing a part of his sadness. He should have been the most beautiful thing in this world, he should have been the most beautiful wild rose 2 in this world. But right now, he could only wear a mask and hide all of himself beneath it. In this ce where no one appreciated him, he would sing a song that perhaps only he knew, with that hoarse voice of his!


    "These days, seasons fly by, flowers bloom aplenty.


    "Winds wander, clouds float by, nature shut behind the door.


    "To be plucked uneasily, I slowly realize.


    "Bloomed already, but no oneing ispletely expected."


    Han Qi was stunned in the wings. "Teacher��"


    Music Director Bai Yuanfei was watching ck-jawed.


    Zhang Xia was stunned!


    Amy could feel herself getting the goosebumps all over her body!


    This��


    Zhang Ye closed his eyes and sang softly.


    "In the night, I''ll sway with the wind and rain.


    "When I see the break of dawn, I''ll shed some tears.


    "I''m a beautiful, beautiful wild rose.


    "Not letting spring arrive in vain.


    "Blossoming til it''s dark, infatuating passersby.


    "As I calmly watch myself wither away."


    Wild rose?


    A withering but beautiful wild rose?


    Chen Guang stood up impassioned!


    Zhang Xia stood up!


    Amy and the other judges all stood up in a frisson of excitement!


    This��


    This song��


    Zhang Ye continued ying and singing with his eyes still closed.


    "I''m a beautiful, beautiful wild rose.


    "Hating the Heavens for being unfair.


    "Plucked of my buds.


    "Stripped of my heart.


    "Sadly given away as just a rose."


    Plucked of his buds?


    Stripped of his heart?


    Sadly given away as just a rose?


    Han Qi stared nkly at the stage, not knowing when her tears had started falling. She tried to wipe them away but found that she couldn''t stop them from flowing!


    Many of the audience members watched the stage, hypnotized, feeling felt like someone had pierced through their hearts!


    The figure sitting at the piano looked very sad and lonely.


    However, there was a hint of a smile on his face when he finally opened his eyes. His singing was still as rough and hoarse as before. But this time, he didn''t even have the strength and voice to hit the high notes anymore, yet this represented the current Zhang Ye. Having had his hands and feet bound, getting his mouth muzzled, this was the current him!


    "Ground''s my bed, sky''s my nket, meteors are my tears.


    "At times awake, at times drunk, the geese have made their return.


    "In turn happy, in turn sad, the spring''s light isn''t bright.


    "No regrets, no burdens, sweet dreams drift away like the stream.


    "Willingness is a patch of color adorning the world.


    "But unwilling to touch on what is right and wrong.


    "I''m a beautiful, beautiful wild rose.


    "Not letting spring arrive in vain.


    "Blossoming til it''s dark, infatuating passersby.


    "As I calmly watch myself wither away."


    Blossoming til it''s dark?


    Even if no one were to appreciate him?


    Even if no one found him?


    Even if he was withering away?


    Listening to this, Zhang Xia''s eyes reddened.


    Why are you still smiling?


    Why are you still smiling at this time?


    Suddenly, the piano music stopped!


    The man sitting at the piano was out of strength. The hand he was using to y the piano was no longer able to y theplex melody as it became more and more sluggish. He was forced to simplify the melody and use the simplestbination of notes to apany his singing!


    "I am a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful wild rose!


    "Hating the Heavens for being unfair.


    "Plucked of my buds.


    "Stripped of my heart.


    "Sadly given away as just a rose."


    There were no high notes, but those hoarse and sad vocals cut deep into everyone''s hearts!


    Han Qi was crying!


    Xiao Lu was crying!


    A lot people were crying!


    The emotions of many of the audience members exploded at this moment!


    The entire audience stood up!


    The atmosphere had hit a fever pitch!


    Supporting act?


    No!


    No!


    You''re the true lead!


    You''re the most beautiful "flower" of all today!

 Chapter 998: Birth of the first Masked King!

    <h4>Chapter 998: Birth of the first Masked King! </h4>


    Chapter 998: Birth of the first Masked King!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The music stopped.


    The performance ended.


    Suddenly, someone in the audience shouted, "The Clown! The Clown!"


    Another person shouted along, "The Clown!"


    Han Qi was wiping her tears away while shouting, "Teacher Clown!"


    Amy raised her arms over her head and shouted, "The Clown!"


    Xiao Lu screamed, "The Clown!"


    Executive Director Hu Fei clenched his fists tightly in the wings!


    It was fantastic!


    This song was fantastic!


    This guy was��fantastic!


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    The shouting increased and slowly became more simr!


    Such a scene was nearly impossible to describe in words!


    Eyes now open, Zhang Ye was stunned for a bit. He stood up from the piano and struggled a little to bend forward slightly in the direction of the judges and audience. It was supposed to be a bow. Zhang Ye did not expect that his song would stir up such a huge mor in the studio as all he wanted was to express his inner feelings. He did not even expect that anyone would understand the things in the song because it was not a popr song with the masses in his previous world. Not everyone knew this song, and there were also some people who disliked it. The Midday Sun performed the original version; Wang Bao was the songwriter and wrote the piece with a piano apaniment. The version that Zhang Ye sang was an adaptation from the original version with some modifications of his own. For example, thest verse with the "beautiful, beautiful, beautiful" repetition was implemented by Zhang Ye based on his understanding of the song. It was subsequently covered by Han Hong, and her version was the one that most people had probably heard.


    Zhang Ye liked this song greatly when he was still in his previous world. As he was neither handsome nor had great qualifications, those who knew that he wanted to join the entertainment industry were always persuading him to give up the thought. It was only when he had joined the entertainment industry that he had a much deeper sentiment for this song. Everyone liked garden roses and thought that they were the most beautiful flowers of all. However, he knew that he was not a garden rose. He was just a wild rose shrub that thought of itself as very beautiful, yet went unnoticed by all around him.


    So he wanted to switch songs for this performance. Even if he sang badly, he still wanted to change songs at thest minute.


    The crowd was very excited.


    They were shouting.


    They were screaming.


    Some of them were even crying.


    Apuse thundered as everyone stood up!


    Are they��apuding me?


    Are they��crying for me?


    When Zhang Ye saw this, he suddenly felt quite touched. He wanted to use a poem to express himself like he used to but knew that he couldn''t do so.


    Dong Shanshan returned to the stage. "Let''s thank The Clown for his performance."


    Zhang Ye nced at her.


    Dong Shanshan''s smile seemed a bit unnatural. "Please wee Sunflower in the Starlight and Petal Shower back to the stage��." She then stopped.


    A lot of the audience members were momentarily stunned when they realized that the host was crying.


    Petal Shower was the first to get back on the stage. When she saw Dong Shanshan crying, she immediately went to pat her on the shoulder and gave her a quick hug.


    Dong Shanshan smiled while wiping away her tears as she said into the microphone, "I''m sorry that I got a little emotional." She turned to look at Hu Fei, off in the wings, and said, "Director, please edit this part out."


    Hu Fei raised his hand and gave her a thumbs up. He didn''t me her at all, insteadforting her.


    Dong Shanshan apologized, "Please pardon me for being unprofessional."


    By now, Sunflower in the Starlight had alsoe back onto the stage. He patted Dong Shanshan on the shoulder in encouragement like a senior would.


    Zhang Xia spoke, "It''s alright, Shanshan, I cried too. There''s only one thing that I want to know right now." She stared straight at that man in the clown mask and asked, "Who are you?"


    The Clown did not say a word.


    Zhang Xia fired off, "For someone who''s in such bad shape, with a fever and cold, you can still sing like that and put in so much feeling into it. If you told me that you weren''t a professional singer, I certainly wouldn''t believe it. But I really can''t think of anyone who matches you in the entire music industry!"


    Wang Zhuishu said, "Maybe it''s because of his cold that his voice changed. That''s why we can''t tell who it is! Or could he be a neer? But how can there be a neer who''s like him!"


    The judges'' thoughts were scattered!


    Someone had previously thought that he was from the acting industry, but that thought wavered now!


    Another felt that he could be a big shot from the music industry, but they soon hesitated about that thought too!


    Who was it!


    Who the fuck was this guy!


    The audience also had an important question right now. They really wanted to find out the identity of the man underneath the mask!


    By this point, Dong Shanshan had rposed herself. "Before the final voting starts, would our panel of guest judges please cast their votes first. Who do you think should be crowned as the Masked King tonight?"


    Wang Zhuishu gave it some thought and answered, "I think I''ll probably still vote for Petal Shower! Her singing was very good and her technique was wonderful. It''s practically without any faults!"


    Petal Shower bowed.


    Chen Yidong said, "I''ll vote for Sunflower in the Starlight. Combining the two rounds of singing, I feel that he truly deserves to be the first Masked King."


    Sunflower nodded and said into the voice-transforming microphone, "Thank you, Teacher Chen."


    Han Qi clenched her fists tightly in the wings.


    Why?


    Why is it not The Clown?


    What the hell are you guys thinking!


    Before, Han Qi did not really like this clown person. Since their first interaction, The Clown been constantly teasing her. Everyone thought that he was some experienced but very mischievous veteran of the music industry. But as she came to know more about The Clown, she becamepletely moved by him. She felt that it was very fortunate for her to be the only liaison in the program team for The Clown and was very honored by this as well!


    He was a wild rose!


    A flower that was different from everyone else!


    The audience also made some subtle criticism.


    "What the heck!"


    "Are those two deaf?"


    "They should totally have voted for The Clown!"


    "The Clown''s song was amazing!"


    "I think the same. It''s so good that it''s beyond description!"


    "You can''t say that! Sunflower sang better!"


    "I still prefer to support Petal Shower."


    It was only normal to have differences in opinions. It was impossible for everyone to think the same. Music itself was perceived based on each individual''s opinion and life experience. People who listened to the same song could not possibly have the same emotions about it at the end. Perhaps only those who have had simr experiences could understand Zhang Ye''s "Wild Rose."


    Then, Chen Guang spoke.


    Chen Guang looked at the three masked singers. "On a professional basis, I would definitely choose between Sunflower and Petal Shower. Their voices, singing techniques, and appeal cannot be faulted; they''re impable. In the first round, I made my decision following this set of standards even though I really liked The Clown''s first song, ''Wolf.'' But right now, I would like to apologize."


    Apologize?


    What are you apologizing for?


    The judges were taken aback.


    The audience were also startled.


    Chen Guang said loudly, "To im that I was judging on a professional basis was totally unprofessional of me! My decision might be a little willful and rash of me, but I can''t not be rash. If I were to vote, I would definitely, definitely, definitely��cast this vote for The Clown and only The Clown! There''s no why! There isn''t a need for a why either!"


    Han Qi was pleasantly surprised!


    Someone was supporting him!


    Someone was finally supporting Teacher Clown!


    Yao Jiancai also spoke up, "Let me say this first: I do not fully know what being professional or unprofessional is, nor am I a person from the music industry, nor have I dabbled in music before." He smiled and said, "If my long-time crosstalk partner were here, his evaluation would probably be more professional than mine. But I can only follow my heart, so if I chose, my choice would be the same as Old Chen''s. I would 100% cast my vote for The Clown without any hesitation! I don''t know how good his voice is, and I also don''t know how well it was sung. All I know is that this song, ''Wild Rose,'' has moved me! This song has totally said what I wanted to say."


    Amy stood from her seat and cleared her throat. "I hereby announce that from today onwards, I have be a fan of The Clown!" She looked at The Clown and said anxiously, "Who are you? I really, really like you a lot!"


    The Clown gave her a slight bow.


    Zhang Xia said, "I will also cast my vote for The Clown this time. Singing well requires a good voice, good technique, and all kinds of other factors. But ultimately, music has to be able to move people, and feelings are above all that. Petal Shower and Sunflower have both achieved that, but The Clown has undoubtedly done it best today with his song. His second performance essentially disregarded all the so-called technicalities and techniques of singing and was of such a high level as well. This sort of infusion and projection of emotions, this turning of the disadvantage of a bad vocal condition into something that helped make the song even better, it''s absolutely not something that can be learned. This has surpassed any techniques around!"


    The judges finished with their evaluations.


    Dong Shanshan said, "Well then, let the voting begin. Will the 500 audience members please consider who you think is best and cast your votes so that we may witness the crowning of our first Masked King."


    Han Qi felt extremely nervous.


    Many of the program team staff were debating.


    "I like The Clown!"


    "Me too!"


    "He tried so hard!"


    "I just wish that the voting would end quickly so that The Clown can get off the stage and rest."


    The audience had already picked up their voting devices and started to cast their votes!


    On the big screen, the tallies were beingpiled in real-time!


    Petal Shower was at 10 votes��20 votes��30 votes!


    Sunflower''s votes were also increasing very quickly. 20 votes��30 votes!


    "Rise higher!"


    "Ah, Sunflower''s votes went up!"


    "Oh, Petal Shower''s in first ce!"


    "The Clown! The Clown!"


    "The Clown has taken the lead! He''s in the lead!"


    "He got overtaken!"


    Thepetition was very intense!


    The judges looked at the screen in astonishment!


    The audience was staring at the same thing, not blinking. A lot of them were chanting for their favorite singer''s stage name!


    The three contestants'' stage names in the standings kept switching positions, each recing the other''s at the top. A lot of people expected this, but could not predict who would end up as the final winner of this round. The suspense was too great to bear!


    Finally, the voting phase ended!


    Dong Shanshan immediately said, "The voting stops now!"


    On the big screen, the tallies suddenly stopped. Those who did not vote within the time limit were considered to have abstained!


    Everyone looked at the big screen!


    Sunflower turned around!


    Petal Shower leaned sideways and looked!


    Han Qi nced at the big screen nervously!


    Only Zhang Ye did not turn around. He stood there veryposed, or maybe he only had enough strength to remain standing.


    The results were out!


    The Masked King was crowned!


    The crowd was instantly stoked!


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    Han Qi was so emotional that she started crying again. She screamed and hugged a male colleague next to her. "He won! Teacher has won! " Sobbing, she smiled through her tears.


    That male colleague on the program team coughed in embarrassment. "Congrattions."

 Chapter 999: A few words from The Clown!

    <h4>Chapter 999: A few words from The Clown! </h4>


    Chapter 999: A few words from The Clown!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The Clown won!


    Apuse rang out in the studio!


    The judges were also cheering for him!


    The Clown raised his voice-transforming microphone to say a few words.


    His first words were: "Thank you."


    His next words came after some thought: "Thank you."


    Zhang Ye had braced himself and taken the stage to perform. He never considered singing just well enough, no, he wanted to do his best on every song he sang, to rte all that he wanted to say, and to finish doing the things that he wanted done. Just like the time he released the documentary live at the Central TV press conference by himself, he did it to the best of his ability. Even if hended himself in a tight spot because of his actions, he did not care as the consequences were unimportant to him. He was the same today, not thinking about winning some spot as the first Masked King. He personally knew that he was in very bad shape too and that he was very lucky not to have been eliminated in the previous round. So when he saw some of the audience members crying, when he saw that many of them were moved by his song, and when he realized that he had actually been voted as the first Masked King of the show, Zhang Ye honestly felt��very good.


    His face was covered!


    His voice caught!


    But there were still people who understood him!


    His voice could still be heard by others!


    This was good.


    This was really very good.


    And so he wanted to thank them.


    As such, he said thank you twice.


    Apuse thundered!


    "Great!"


    "You''re the best!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "You sang so well!"


    With that, Zhang Ye exited the stage.


    There was still another segment to be recorded, the elimination round to send away two contestants before the first episode''s recording of King of Masked Singers could be concluded. In the next episode, the rules of thepetition were different from the Chinese version of King of Masked Singers. The Masked King would not have to reveal their identity, but that position was also not going to be theirs forever. The Masked King from the previous episode would still have to participate in the next episode''spetition and could even get eliminated from it. Meanwhile, the two contestants who were eliminated from the first episode would be reced by new masked singers topete in the show''s new episode! However, Zhang Ye no longer had any strength to watch the rest of the recording. He was utterly exhausted after having spent all his energy onstage!


    Han Qi and many of the program team staff surrounded Zhang Ye to help him off the stage.


    "Teacher Clown."


    "How are you doing?"


    "You sang so wonderfully today!"


    "Will there be a vehicleing to pick you up? Why don''t you let Little Han send you back instead?"


    Zhang Ye thanked them for their kindness but did not let anyone see him off. After everyone left, he found a ce to change out of his costume and even took off his socks. Then he took his bag with him before activating Invisibility (Upgraded) and departed from Beijing Television.


    In the vicinity of the parking lot.


    "Eh, Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    "Teacher Zhang, you''re here?"


    "Brother Hu and Teacher Shanshan were looking for you earlier."


    "Yeah, when they saw your car parked here they looked for you for a while, since you didn''t answer your phone when they called. So you were here watching the recording all this time? Are you leaving now?"


    A few of his former colleagues spotted him out here.


    Zhang Ye smiled and nodded at them but did not open his mouth and speak. He was afraid that he would give himself away.


    Those coworkers of his did not notice anything unusual about it. Back when they were working in the same office, Zhang Ye was not someone who really liked to talk much. It was only when the topic of work came up, or if there was a quarrel or fight with other people that he had nock of words to say. So no one thought much of it nor was there anything for them to contemte.


    "Take care then."


    "Goodbye, Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye waved goodbye to them and caught his breath before struggling into his car. After fastening his seat belt, he took out another Stamina Potion from the game ring''s inventory and drank it. He managed to perk himself up and drove back home in a hurry.


    ...


    Back at home.


    Zhang Ye copsed into his bed and coughed a couple times. He could feel his cold bing less severe. It might have been due to the cortisone shots that he had received at the Beijing Television infirmary taking effect, although his chest throbbed and he could feel slight shoulder and middle back pain in the ces he had been injured!


    But Zhang Ye was smiling.


    He had been crowned Masked King!


    That was enough for him! It was worth all the pain and injuries he endured!


    Perhaps because Beijing Television had finished recording the show, Zhang Ye''s cell phone suddenly started ringing. His cell phone was still in his pants'' pocket as he hadn''t taken it out since he''d gotten back home. He had to prop himself up while he looked for his pants that he had changed out of. He retrieved the cell phone from them. He took a look at the caller ID and saw that it was Yao Jiancai calling.


    Zhang Ye cleared his throat to try to make himself sound as normal as possible.


    He answered the call.


    Yao Jiancai greeted: "Zhang''er, what''s up?"


    Zhang Ye replied: "I''mzin'' about."


    "What''s with your voice? Why do you sound so sleepy? Are you in bed?"


    "Yeah, I just got back and hit the sack."


    "I didn''t see you at the recording studio today. Why didn''t youe? Haha, I saw a really amazing singer today. He sang so wonderfully!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Really?"


    "You''re the executive producer right? C''mon, share with me, who''s that guy? You must definitely know something. Don''t try to fool me."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "I honestly don''t know. I didn''t follow up with or participate in the production work at all."


    "Heh, I thought that you''d know for sure. You didn''t hear that guy''s song, but it was so good that I can''t describe it in words. Also, nobody had ever heard the songs he performed before. Perhaps his talent agency had them written specifically for him before thepetition, so going along that line, a neer would definitely not enjoy such privileges. He must be a big name, and it''s definitively a big name who''s a supporting pir of their agency. That''s why he could enjoy such treatment from them! They''re all good songs and I believe it would cost quite a bit to even buy the copyrights to them."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "I guess so."


    Yao Jiancai said: "Oh well, I''ll let you get back to sleep. I''ll ask around some."


    He hung up.


    Soon after, Zhang Xia also called.


    The moment the call connected, Grandma Zhang said: "Little Zhang, I have just two questions for you. Who is Petal Shower? Who is The Clown?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said: "Old Yao just called me as well to ask about this. I really don''t know as I''m only in charge of the overall production. I did not oversee any other parts of the show and did not participate in those roles either."


    Zhang Xia did not believe him. "That''s impossible. Even you do not know?"


    "I really do not know." Zhang Ye lied without blinking.


    "Alright."


    Zhang Ye suddenly remembered something. "Oh right, Grandma Zhang. Did Sunset Glow get eliminated?"


    Zhang Ye felt that Sunset Glow was someone that he knew personally, and Petal Shower also felt somewhat familiar to him, although he couldn''t be sure. As for Sunflower in the Starlight and the other contestants, Zhang Ye did not have any idea about them because he probably did not know them, but it could also turn out that he was familiar with them. Nothing was certain here.


    Zhang Xia replied: "Sunset Glow did not get eliminated."


    "Thanks."


    Old Yao.


    Grandma Zhang.


    I''m sorry about this, but I really have to keep it from you two for now. I will apologize to you two at ater time.


    No one knew that Zhang Ye had anonymously joined the King of Masked Singerspetition, not even his parents and Old Wu were informed about it, so he wasn''t nning on telling anyone else!


    The main issue here was that he was afraid that if he lost, it would be too embarrassing for him!


    He had thought about it before, that if he were to lose, he wouldn''t reveal himself and would just exit the stage!

 Chapter 1000: Hero and Zero!

    <h4>Chapter 1000: Hero and Zero! </h4>


    Chapter 1000: Hero and Zero!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    It was a Saturday.


    Early in the morning, the Inte stirred with activity!


    "It''s going to be broadcast soon!"


    "My King of Masked Singers ising!"


    "I wonder if Zhang Ye''s new work will create yet another miracle in the viewership ratings. After all, the show isn''t directed by Zhang Ye this time, so everything is still a big unknown!"


    "I''m just waiting for tonight. I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "Who are the first episode''s contestants? Did anyone attend yesterday''s live recording?"


    "I heard that the first episode''s Masked King is someone called Petal Shower!"


    "Ah? Why did I hear that it was someone called Water Buffalo who became the first episode''s Masked King instead?"


    "Is there even a contestant called Water Buffalo?"


    "Damn, are you people for real? Who''s telling the truth and who''s lying? Can someone please give it to me straight!"


    "In any case, those who went to the live recording said that the show is very, very good!"


    "Really?"


    "It shouldn''t be too bad. It''s Zhang Ye''s creation after all."


    "Will there really be big shots joining the show to sing?"


    "I don''t know!"


    Online news was always a mixture of truth and lie. Some people who had not even gone to the live recording would confidently tell others just who the Masked King was and who had been eliminated in this episode''s recording. In the confusion, theizens could not tell truth from fiction, so they had no choice but to wait until the night to find out during the premiere episode!


    ...


    Later that morning.


    Jiaomen.


    Rao Aimin''s house.


    Chenchen was doing her homework. "Old Yang, how do you do this question?"


    Yang Shu looked at her. "Solve it yourself."


    Chenchen said unhappily, "Tell me how to do it."


    Yang Shu shook her head. "Your aunt won''t allow that."


    Chenchen said in annoyance, "Zhang Ye always helps me do my homework."


    "I can''t control what Senior Bro does," Yang Shu said, "but I can''t help you do your homework because that''s only going to do you harm."


    Chenchen: "��"


    These days, all of Yang Shu''s meals were taken care of by Rao Aimin. The only condition for this arrangement was that Yang Shu had to tutor Chenchen every day. Yang Shu was a very dedicated and serious person, and would carry out what she promised. She really was keeping her eyes on Chenchen to supervise her and tutor her, although she definitely would not help her do her homework.


    Bang bang bang.


    Suddenly, someone knocked on the door!


    Chenchen looked to the door and asked, "Who is it?"


    Zhang Ye''s weak voice came from outside. "Open up!"


    Yang Shu instantly became spirited and ran over. She opened the door and greeted him joyfully, "Senior Bro!" However, she was startled at the sight of her senior martial brother.


    Zhang Ye looked very pale and seemed like he was on the verge of copsing. It was as though he would die the very next second. When Zhang Ye saw his junior martial sister, his legs turned even weaker as he wailed, "Help me stand! I can''t stay upright anymore!"


    Yang Shu was horrified. "Senior Bro, what happened to you?"


    Zhang Ye cried, "I can''t take it anymore. Quickly let me lie down!"


    Yang Shu was extremely anxious. She quickly propped Zhang Ye up and led him carefully into the house. She hurriedly helped him to the sofa in front of them toy him down. "Stay strong! You must stay strong!" Yang Shu was getting really anxious as she knelt down to remove Zhang Ye''s shoes and quickly covered him with a nket.


    Chenchen blinked several times as she looked over. "Zhang Ye, what''s with you?"


    Lying on the sofa, Zhang Ye whined, "I''m gonna die. I can''t make it. Where''s Old Rao? Call Old Rao out now." His breathing was very shallow and he seemed about to die.


    Chenchen: "��"


    Yang Shu''s eyes reddened, "Senior Bro! Senior Bro, you must hold on! I-I''ll go and get Master Rao immediately!" Then she shouted upstairs in panic, "Master Rao! Master Rao,e down quick! My senior bro isn''t gonna make it! Quickly save my senior bro!" She looked at Zhang Ye again and asked, "Who injured you? I-I will get revenge for you!"


    Revenge?


    Avenge your sister!


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and said, "This bro isn''t dead yet!"


    Footfalls thudded from upstairs. Rao Aimin came trotting down the stairs. "Why the shouting?"


    Yang Shu cried, "Master Rao, pleasee quick! M-M-My senior bro isn''t gonna make it!"


    When Rao Aimin saw Zhang Ye lying on the sofa wailing, she was amused. "What is going on here? Who crushed you?" Yang Shu did not know Zhang Ye that well, but how could Rao Aimin not know him? She and Zhang Ye had known each other for a very long time and she knew exactly what this fellow''s style was. When she saw him behaving in that manner, she knew that he was definitely not in any serious trouble. She made her way over to him and nudged him with a foot. "Stop ying dead. You a piece of broken porcin?"


    Zhang Ye groaned but did not move.


    Yang Shu said anxiously, "Please take a look at my senior bro!"


    Rao Aimin shook her head as she sat down on the sofa and prodded him. "Go on, scooch in."


    Zhang Ye obediently shifted closer to the backrest of the sofa.


    Rao Aimin reached out and took his pulse. Eight or so secondster, she scanned Zhang Ye. "Your old injuries, eh?"


    "I''m not going to make it." Zhang Ye groaned and whined still.


    Rao Aimin asked, "Didn''t your injuries get better, kid? Who did you fight recently?"


    Zhang Ye insisted, "No one."


    Rao Aimin sneered. "Impossible!"


    Zhang Ye realized he might as well tell her. "A few days ago, I sparred and exchanged several dozen moves with the master of the Lian Family Style."


    Rao Aimin looked at him. "You haven''t even fully recovered from your old injuries yet you still went to spar with a martial arts master? You even exchanged several dozen moves? You''re suicidal! Serves you right!"


    Zhang Ye was exasperated. "My colleagues and friends had been detained by their people. When I went over to sort out the problem, they gave me face and immediately released them upon my request. After that, their master said that he would like to spar with me, so how could I turn him down? Where would I show my face if I did that! Hurry up, Old Rao, get me treated quickly!"


    Rao Aimin told him, "Go to the hospital and get a checkup first."


    However, the instant Zhang Ye heard the word "hospital," he panicked. "I''m not going there! I''m telling you this right now: I''m not going to the hospital!" Hey there even deader than before.


    Yang Shu said anxiously, "Senior Bro, just listen to Master Rao!"


    "I absolutely will not go!" Zhang Ye said firmly.


    Chenchen pouted. "Zhang Ye, you''re such a coward."


    Zhang Ye stared at her and said, "Who''s a coward? It''s just that I''m too famous. If I go to the hospital, it would definitely cause a stir, understand? Forget it, a little kid like you wouldn''t understand even if I exined it to you."


    Chenchen smirked. "Hur hur."


    No matter what anyone said, Zhang Ye would never go to the hospital.


    He''d slept from yesterday until today and had almost recovered from his cold and fever. The most serious issue he currently faced were his internal injuries. He would still face this situation again in next week''spetition if his internal injuries were not properly treated, and everything would be in vain. As his parents were on vacation, there was no one at home to take care of him. Zhang Ye could no longer bear with it, so he decided to head straight to Rao Aimin''s ce, knowing that she knew traditional Chinese medicine and massage 1 .


    Rao Aimin said in a speechless manner, "Rascal, are you bingpletely dependent on me now?"


    Yang Shu said anxiously, "Master Rao!"


    "Alright, alright," Rao Aimin said. "I''ll help you on ount of you getting the injuries because of me." She then walked away and found pen and paper to write down a prescription for a traditional Chinese medicine. She handed it to Yang Shu. "Little Yang, go and pick these herbs. I''ve already written down the items and quantities that I need."


    Yang Shu took it from her. "OK!" She turned around and said, "Senior Bro, I''ll be back immediately! You must hold on!"


    Zhang Ye waved his hands. "Hurry up! Take a taxi there and back! Don''t go by the Third Ring Road. I got caught in traffic there when I wasing here!"


    Yang Shu ran out of the house!


    She mmed the door closed!


    Zhang Yeid there and made yet another request. "Old Rao, I''m hungry. Can you make some red braised pork for me? Oh yes, and chicken soup too. I must nourish myself a bit!"


    Chenchen: "��"


    Rao Aimin: "��"


    Zhang Ye asked again, "Do you have any chicken wings? If you don''t have any, can you go to the market to buy some and cook some red braised chicken wings for me? I haven''t eaten those in a very long time."


    Chenchen said angrily, "Zhang Ye, why are you so weak?!"


    "These are internal injuries we''re talking about. I can''t move at all." Zhang Yemented, "I haven''t eaten anything in a day. There''s no one to take care of my meals either."


    Chenchen: "��"


    Rao Aimin: "��"


    Zhang Ye was just going to impose himself here and lie on the sofa without moving. No matter who tried to pull him away, he would not get up. He just kept groaning and whining while asking for things to be done.


    This fellow actedpletely differently on and off the stage.


    Sometimes, the difference between a hero and a zero was just down to a difference of circumstance.

 Chapter 1001: King of Masked Singers premieres!

    <h4>Chapter 1001: King of Masked Singers premieres! </h4>


    Chapter 1001: King of Masked Singers premieres!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    At Old Rao''s house, the ce was full of the smell of medicinal herbs.


    Zhang Ye yelled while lying on the sofa, "Is it done yet?"


    Yang Shu speedily answered, "Senior bro, it''s almost ready, it''s almost ready!"


    Zhang Ye howled, "Hurry up! I can''t take it anymore!"


    "Master Rao, please hurry!" Yang Shu urged from the kitchen.


    Rao Aimin shouted across the living room, "If you make another sound, trust me, I will throw you out! Concocting the medicine requires proper heat! What are you so anxious for! It''s still being bubbled!"


    Zhang Ye stopped pestering Rao Aimin out of fear and turned to Chenchen, who was doing her homework. "Chenchen, fetch me a ss of water. I''m thirsty, so be quick."


    Chenchen said, "Not gonna."


    "In that case, I won''t help you do your homework in the future!" Zhang Ye harrumphed.


    Chenchen became flustered. "Zhang Ye, are you really that weak?!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Get me some water."


    Chenchen begrudgingly went to get the water for him and nearly even had to feed it to him.


    Zhang Yey there all rxed and gulped down two mouthfuls. Then he said, rather displeased, "Why is the water cold? Bring me warm water next time, understand?"


    Chenchen got annoyed and ran to the kitchen toin, "Aunt! Who does Zhang Ye think he is!"


    But Yang Shu said, "Senior Bro''s old injuries have rpsed and he''s a sick person now. Why are you arguing with him?"


    Chenchen was exasperated. "But he''s such a bully!"


    From the living room, Zhang Ye shouted again. "The food isn''t done either? Why is it taking so long! I''ve been hungry for a whole day! Does anyone care about me?"


    Yang Shu immediately replied, "Senior Bro, I''ll serve you the food!"


    Only Zhang Ye''s junior martial sister would readily be at his beck and call to take care of him.


    "Senior Bro, sit up and eat."


    "I can''t move."


    "I''ll feed you then."


    "My junior martial sis is the best."


    "Open your mouth."


    "Mmm, the chicken wing is not too bad."


    "Try some of the red braised pork."


    "Mmm, it''s good too, but a bit salty."


    "Ah, a little salty? Then what should we do?"


    "Forget it, I''ll make do with it."


    Rao Aimin could not stand watching this any further and took a few steps out of the kitchen and said to Yang Shu, "Ignore him. This fellow''s just trying to score some pity points! Just ce the food on the table. I''ll see if he wants to eat or not!"


    Chenchen added angrily, "Old Yang, don''t care for him!"


    But Yang Shu did not listen to them as she continued spoon-feeding Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Yey therefortable as a lord, opening his mouth and swallowing the food, then opening his mouth again with the next spoonful already waiting for him. After they finished eating lunch, the medicinal herb concoction was ready. His junior martial sister spoon-fed him again. But after just two mouthfuls, Zhang Ye cried out that it was too bitter and refused to drink anymore.


    "Senior Bro!"


    "This is not something a human can drink!"


    "If you don''t drink it, how can you heal your injuries?!"


    "What''s inside this?!"


    "A soil dragon."


    "What''s that?"


    "An earthworm."


    "The hell! Are you guys trying to poison me!"


    With great difficulty, Zhang Ye finally finished drinking the medicine. Rao Aimin then began to treat him externally. She gave him a traditional Chinese massage to help with his qi and blood cirction. But with just two massage rubs, Zhang Ye cried out again.


    The entire time the sun was shining, there was not a moment of peace in the house as every one of them took care of Zhang Ye!


    It wasn''t until evening that this fellow finally ceased his antics. This was because the King of Masked Singers'' premiere episode was about to begin!


    Zhang Ye had taken over the whole sofa and upied it by himself, lying there with his legs up. Be it Rao Aimin, Chenchen, or Yang Shu, they could only move some chairs over and sit beside him.


    On Beijing Television, themercials ended.


    Yang Shu said, "It''s starting!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Turn up the volume."


    ...


    His first uncle''s house.


    His first uncle and aunt brought out a fruit tter.


    In the living room, Zhang Ye''s three cousins were all sitting there watching the television. They had arranged to meet up today to watch the King of Masked Singers'' premiere episode together as it was a new show nned by their cousin.


    "Wow, it''s starting, it''s finally starting!"


    "The first contestant has appeared!"


    "What? King of Oddity? What sort of name is this!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "Ah, he sang so well!"


    "The pitch changes were really nice!"


    "Who is he?"


    "Greater China''s Cui Long?"


    "It''s not him, it''s definitely not him! The figure doesn''t look like him at all!"


    "Then could it be CAK?"


    "The voice sounds super simr!"


    The three cousins were excited and astonished by what they were watching.


    His first uncle and aunt were seated near them and nced at the screen. With this, they were immediately hooked on the show and joined in with their own guesses.


    ...


    Peking University.


    In one of the female dormitories.


    Yao Jiancai''s daughter, Yao Mi, did not go home for the weekend, instead staying in her dorm together with a few of her roommates to watch the broadcast of the King of Masked Singers. The more the merrier, they thought. Somehow, they''d gotten ahold of a 29-inch LCD TV, and they''d even hooked it up to an antenna in their dorm. There were a total of 11 people in the room, and all were watching the television in excitement, some of them even singing along.


    "It''s good! It''s so good that I''m crying!"


    "I really love Petal Shower!"


    "There isn''t anyone else in the music industry with such a falsetto!"


    "Who exactly is she?"


    "The panel of guest judges couldn''t guess either?"


    "Mimi, hahaha, your dad has spoken!"


    "Your dad sure is funny! He definitely deserves to be a big shot in the crosstalk world!"


    "It''s sad that our Professor Zhang isn''t around. It would be even more exciting to watch then!"


    "When will Teacher Zhange back and teach us again? Has he really been banned? Did the air pollution documentary affect him that greatly? How could they ban Teacher Zhang!"


    ...


    Media College.


    At the teaching staff''s quarters.


    Su Hongyan, once Zhang Ye''s student counselor, was also watching the show on Beijing Television with some of her colleagues.


    "This is really great!"


    "Their singing is much more professional than those on The Voice!"


    "It''s gotta be. The selling point is different. The selling point of The Voice of China was its grassroots contestants, while for King of Masked Singers, the contestants are already famous singers, so of course their skills aren''t the same! Frankly, the creativity of this show is great. Only someone like our Media College''s Professor Little Zhang cane up with a show like this!"


    "Sunflower sang well!"


    "He''s quite good, but I still prefer Sunset Glow. How did she lose to the others? Will she get eliminated? Who''s gonna be crowned Masked King at the end of this episode?"


    ...


    It blew up on the Inte as well!


    Overwhelming exmations and responses started appearing all over Weibo!


    "This is really worth goddamn waiting for!"


    "So this is King of Masked Singers!"


    "Damn, it''s 10,000 times better than I expected!"


    "So this is what this show is all about! This group of people can really sing well, right? I bet they''re all professional singers. And A or B-list big name celebs?"


    "Who knows who King of Oddity is!"


    "I really like King of Oddity too. His voice is really pleasant and his singing is pretty good, butpared to Petal Shower and the others, he doesn''t quite measure up. Petal Shower and Sunflower, on the other hand, are gods!"


    "Four contestants have already appeared onstage! And each one is more amazing than thest!"


    "The next person ising on right now!"


    "The Clown?"


    "I heard a rumor that he was this episode''s Masked King?"


    "That can''t be! Probably a rumor?"


    "Right, someone even said that Water Buffalo was the Masked King. Your sister''s the water buffalo! There''s not even a fucking contestant named Water Buffalo!"


    "Look at how he''s walking! He can''t even stand straight!"


    "Is he sick?"


    The broadcast now cut to a different scene at an earlier time.


    It was showing the moments in the infirmary.


    Zhang Ye probably did not even know that while he and the program team staff were in the infirmary, someone had actually lugged a video camera in and recorded many of the scenes that had urred inside!


    A fever of 40 degrees!


    A severe cold!


    Inmmation of the tonsils!


    "Give me a cortisone shot!"


    "Are you sure!?"


    "Do it!"


    "Give me another shot!"


    "Shoot me up again!"


    "Do it!"


    Three shots!


    A total of three shots!


    The man in the clown mask did not even make a sound!


    The scene cut again, back to the moment when The Clown appeared onstage!


    At this moment, everyone who was watching the program in front of their televisions gasped in shock. Some of the music industry insiders were also surprised by this!


    A madman!


    This person must be insane!


    "This��this��"


    "He''s really risking his life!"


    "Why''s he still singing when he''s like that? How can he even sing?"


    "Yeah, he''s definitely not going to be the Masked King. Those must''ve been rumors."


    "True. It''s hard to walk around or even speak with a voice like that, much less sing a song! Can he even make any noise? He won''t finish singing, right?"


    "How could he possibly finish singing in that condition!"


    It wasn''t just The Clown who had behind-the-scenes footage edited into the show. There was also behind-the-scenes footage for the other masked singers. For instance, Petal Shower when she was rehearsing her songs and Sunflower''sments on the other singers'' performances while he was in his waiting room. But clearly, The Clown''s behind-the-scenes footage was more shocking than the others''. The program team definitely knew this, so they purposely edited this scene in.


    However, when The Clown took the stage and started singing, a lot of people got a great shock!


    Petal Shower''s falsetto had shocked them!


    Sunflower in the Starlight''s tenor had shocked them!


    Sunset Glow''s gentle and soothing voice had shocked them!


    But those werepletely different from the shock The Clown thrust upon them. The Clown''s song shocked them because it was pure and resonated with their souls!


    "I am a wolf thates from the north.


    "Padding through the boundless wilderness.


    "The mournful northern wind blows by.


    "The slow sand brushes by."


    Everyone''s had a dream before.


    Everyone''s pursued those dreams before.


    But for the sake of that grasnd, that dream, a person like The Clown faced the biting winds while wounded and continued limping forward. No one could say that they had gone that far themselves!


    So they were shocked!


    Touched!


    "Who is he!"


    "This guy has such stage presence!"


    "A wolf thates from the north?"


    "Doesn''t that sound so cool?"


    "Does it sound that great? I think it''s just average."


    "Me too. I''m not really moved. And his voice is too hoarse!"


    "That''s why it''s good!"


    "What do you guys know! This singing is filled with so much emotion!"


    "The song itself is good too! What song is this, goddammit! Why haven''t I heard before?"


    ...


    At Old Rao''s house.


    Zhang Ye watched his onscreen self and had mixed feelings about it.


    Yang Shu was fascinated by the song. "This song is really good, really!"


    Rao Aimin did not say anything. Actually, she seldom watched television shows, but ever since she became Zhang Ye''s agent, she started paying attention to them.


    Chenchen pointed at the television and said, "Just look at him!"


    Rao Aimin said, "He insists on taking the stage while badly sick. This perseverance and resilience is not something that just any ordinary person possesses. This man''s not bad."


    Zhang Ye was ted when he heard.


    Hehe.


    Good enough.


    Yang Shu immediately said, "My senior bro is also someone with strong perseverance!"


    Rao Aimin nced at Yang Shu and pointed to Zhang Ye, who was lying crooked on the sofa like a slob. "You talkin'' ''bout this guy?"


    Yang Shu was stumped. She wanted to speak up but hesitated and hung her head in silence, apparently rather embarrassed by him.


    Zhang Ye couldn''t defend himself.

 Chapter 1002: The King of Masked Singers is on fire!

    <h4>Chapter 1002: The King of Masked Singers is on fire! </h4>


    Chapter 1002: The King of Masked Singers is on fire!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On TV.


    The Clown had narrowly defeated The Yak.


    Theizens started an endless debate.


    "Was there even a need to think? Of course the vote goes to The Clown!"


    "It actually got decided by just a few votes?"


    "This song that The Yak performed was much worse than The Clown''s!"


    "Yeah, what were the live audience members thinking!"


    "Even a fool should be able to deduce which was the better song. How could The Clown have nearly lost this round? "


    Next up, the three defeated contestants proceeded to the elimination round and battled each other.


    The three contestants were: King of Oddity, Sunset Glow, and The Yak.


    This segment was recorded after Zhang Ye had left the studio that day. He had not watched it yet and was naturally interested as he stared unblinkingly at the television.


    King of Oddity kicked off the elimination round of performances.


    He stuck to his beautiful portamento technique and rap, and he performed well.


    After him was Sunset Glow.


    "Do you remember what we used to have?


    "Holding hands and living simply.


    "We weren''t yet 18 then.


    "But we''d still speak our minds to each other."


    It was a love song.


    A slow but tasteful love song.


    In this second round of performances, Sunset Glow performed rather stunningly. There were no higher pitches, none at all, but she still managed to capture the hearts of many in the audience!


    The three contestants took their turns and finished performing.


    Eventually, the results of the voting came out!


    Sunset Glow easily remained in thepetition while The Yak and King of Oddity were both eliminated!


    "Take it off!"


    "Take it off!"


    "Take it off!"


    The live audience all stood up and started shouting!


    Chen Guang also stood up!


    Amy also said excitedly, "Who are you!"


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "You can choose to reveal your identity, or you can choose to exit the stage with your mask on."


    King of Oddityughed a little and thought for a moment. Then he grabbed his mask and took it off with everyone''s attention on him.


    When the television audience saw the face beneath the mask, many of them were startled!


    Chen Guang was stunned. "Little Chi?"


    King of Oddity smiled and said, "Hello, Senior Bro."


    Amy also knew him personally. "Oh my god! How could it be you!"


    Chi Yi! It was Chi Yi, who was from the same agency as Chen Guang!


    The Inte also blew up!


    "Damn! It''s our Chi Yi!"


    "Why is it him?"


    "Man, that''s a C-list celebrity!"


    "In the music industry, Chi Yi was considered quite a big name some years ago. When he first debuted, he was known as a pretty boy to many and had also won an award for best song! He had a glorious past and surely counted as one of the top 30 people in the music industry at that time. Butter, for reasons unknown, he stopped releasing albums and switched to acting in movies. Although he was also very popr in the film industry and is a C-list celebrity now, a lot of people still felt it sad that he did not continue his singing career!"


    "Why would he be participating in this show?"


    "Has Chi Yi gone back to singing?"


    "He sang really well! His singing is as good as before!"


    "Ahhh, my Little Chi!"


    This was an extremely popr celebrity idol!


    What''s more, Chi Yi was a C-list celebrity as well!


    After the astonishment faded, everyone thought of something. For someone who was so popr and good at singing, and had been even a professional singer, if this was any other singing show, he definitely would have been saved for a muchter appearance. But on the stage of King of Masked Singers, Chi Yi had actually been eliminated in the first episode? What the fuck?! Then who the hell could the remaining masked singers be?! Thinking of this, the audience''s curiosity suddenly erupted!


    King of Oddity turned out to be Chi Yi!


    Then who was the other one?


    Who was The Yak?


    The camera cut to The Yak.


    Dong Shanshan asked, "You can choose to reveal your identity, or you can��"


    "I choose not to reveal my identity," said The Yak before Dong Shanshan could finish.


    The audience was taken aback.


    Amy asked anxiously, "Why not?"


    Zhang Xia persuaded, "I don''t think it matters much as those who reveal their identities are definitely not considered losers. There aren''t any losers at all here today. Also, we really wish to know who you are."


    Wang Zhuishu added, "You sang really well!"


    But The Yak did not say anything.


    Dong Shanshan nodded and said, "OK, we respect your choice."


    The Yak bowed to the audience and then mysteriously departed from the stage just like that, still wearing his mask. Perhaps no one in the audience would ever know who this man was.


    Theizens were all vexed.


    "Reveal your identity, dammit!"


    "*faints* Why didn''t he reveal himself?"


    "How very suspenseful!"


    "Who could that guy be?"


    "*flips table* I''m so pissed!"


    Everyone could only feel that way. If the contestant did not want to reveal their identity, there was nothing they could do about it!


    "It''s time for the next round!"


    "Right, it''s time to battle for the first episode''s Masked King!"


    "Who do you guys think has the best chance of winning?"


    "Sunflower of course!"


    "Definitely Petal Shower!"


    "Right, it''s basically just between these two. Although I also like The Clown, his voice is really not in good shape. It sounds quite hoarse, and judging from the earlier voting by the live audience members, The Clown stands no chance."


    "But why are there people saying that The Clown was crowned the first episode''s Masked King?"


    "That''s not possible."


    "It''s probably just a rumor."


    "When he''s like that, how can he fight for the throne of the Masked King?"


    "Yeah, whether he can even sing his next song at all is questionable."


    ...


    At Old Rao''s house.


    Zhang Ye had been through the final round of this episode''spetition and already knew the results, so he didn''t have much interest in thetter part of the show. As he watched, his eyes began to droop and he fell asleep unknowingly.


    By the time he opened his eyes again, it was already the next morning. He had fallen asleep on the sofa, and someone had covered him with a nket. The sky was bright and the chirping of birds drifted in from outside.


    Zhang Ye got up from the sofa and went to the bathroom. He could feel that his body was in much better condition now. It seemed that Old Rao''s medicinal herb concoction was actually quite effective, and he didn''t drink it for nothing.


    The front door opened.


    Yang Shu came back carrying some things.


    "Senior Bro, you''re up?"


    "Where''d you go?"


    "To buy breakfast for you."


    "Oh."


    "By the way, here''s today''s newspapers."


    Zhang Ye felt rather happy deep down inside. It was worth taking in this junior martial sister of his. Just look at all that she had done. "Where''s Old Rao and Chenchen?"


    "Master Rao took the kid out for morning exercises," Yang Shu replied.


    Zhang Ye nodded then flipped open one of the newspapers.


    "Chi Yi participates in King of Masked Singers!"


    "King of Masked Singers'' premiere episode! Chi Yi gets eliminated!"


    "The Clown crowned first Masked King!"


    "''Wild Rose'' search term trends to top spot!"


    "King of Masked Singers'' premiere episode a hit! Trending #1 on Weibo! "


    "Who is The Clown? "


    "Spection on Petal Shower''s identity! "


    The newspapers were all full of news regarding King of Masked Singers!


    While eating breakfast, Zhang Ye browsed through Weibo and realized that there were also an overwhelming amount of discussions online!


    "That was so fun!"


    "King of Masked Singers'' first episode was so damn interesting!"


    "Much love to Petal Shower!"


    "Much love to The Clown. I love him so much!"


    "The Clown was so cool. Thatst song, ''Wild Rose,'' made me cry for real!"


    "Me too. ''I am a beautiful, beautiful wild rose.'' I was totally pulled in and have already listened to it more than 10 times. Each time I hear it, I shed some tears!"


    "Poor Chi Yi!"


    "Chi Yi is supposed to be a really good singer and very popr too. How did he get eliminated!"


    "The Yak is such a coward! He was too scared to even show his face!"


    "Yeah, what a cheat! Even now, no one knows who he is!"


    "When will the next episode be broadcast? Hurry up! I can''t wait! I wanna continue listening to The Clown sing! His songs are so amazingly touching!"


    "The next Masked King will definitely be Sunflower!"


    "Get lost! It''ll definitely be our Petal Shower!"


    "Who''s the most popr right now?"


    "A poll shows that most people are interested in The Clown."


    "The Clown? He only won because of luck."


    "Nonsense! Go and check out today''s Top Chinese Music Chart!"


    Zhang Ye decided to do so. He found out that on the music industry''s authoritative Top Chinese Music Chart, seven out of the top ten spots were taken by songs that were performed on King of Masked Singers!


    #10: King of Oddity''s "Idiot."


    #9: A new song by a big name of the music industry.


    #8: Sunflower in the Starlight''s "Like Smoke, As Water."


    #7: Sunset Glow''s "My Past Lover."


    #5: The Clown''s "Wolf."


    #4: Petal Shower''s "On a Little Night Like This."


    #3 was the song that Zhang Ye wrote andposed for Spring Garden��"Super Star." This song had already been charting for some time.


    Number 2 was also another song performed by Petal Shower.


    Then, impressively, at first ce was "Wild Rose"!


    Even on the monthly rankings of the Top Chinese Music Chart, although "Wild Rose" had only charted for a day since getting publishedst night, it had already shot up on the monthly chart to 11th!


    In only a single day!


    In the short span of barely a day!


    "Wild Rose" had been shared and rmended like crazy!


    Zhang Ye was sitting in the apartment and eating breakfast when he suddenly heard the tone-deaf singing of some men floating in from outside the windows. "I''m a beautiful, beautiful wild rose. / Hating the Heavens for being unfair."


    There were already people who knew how to sing the song!


    So you could imagine just how quickly the song had propagated through the masses!


    Even Zhang Ye himself had not expected this. A slightly more niche song from his previous world had such a great influence and spread so quickly over here. Such news was very encouraging to him. Together with the newspaper articles and looking at the heated discussions online, Zhang Ye could already feel it clearly.


    King of Masked Singers was on fire!

 Chapter 1003: Rankings and viewership ratings!

    <h4>Chapter 1003: Rankings and viewership ratings! </h4>


    Chapter 1003: Rankings and viewership ratings!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that morning.


    His mother called him.


    "Son, what are you up to?"


    "Oh, I''m at Old Rao''s ce. How''s your trip with Dad going?"


    "It''s quite nice and cozy here in Hainan. Oh right, I watched that new show of yours."


    "Haha, so how was it?"


    "It''s fantastic! Your dad could not get enough and rewatched it."


    "Which contestant do you like on the show?"


    "I like Sunflower in the Starlight."


    "Uh, what about dad?"


    "Your dad likes Petal Shower."


    "��"


    "Son, what''s the matter?"


    "Ahem, nothing. Ai, enjoy your vacation."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye didn''t know how to react. He initially thought that at least one of his parents would like The Clown. But as it turned out, neither of them mentioned him. He did not even have a chance to brag a little. What a failure! But that was just the first episode. Besides, his physical and voice conditions were not optimal during the recording of the episode. Zhang Ye was not worried at all since there were still plenty of opportunities to showcase himself in the future. As long as he did not get eliminated from the show, he would be able to bring out the songs he wanted to sing one by one.


    Which song should he sing for the next episode?


    An emotional song?


    A happy song?


    A song using his head voice?


    Or something touching that would stir the hearts of the viewers?


    He had to prepare two songs. What a headache that was!


    Zhang Ye paced up and down Old Rao''s living room as he started thinking and nning for the next round ofpetition. Now that he did not have any work or activities to keep him busy, he focused all his effort and time on the King of Masked Singers because this was his only way out after much brooding. He was left with no choice but to hide behind a mask and use a different method to roam the world with his pride.


    Yang Shu looked at him and asked, "Senior Bro, are you feeling better?"


    "I guess," Zhang Ye instinctively replied as he continued pacing.


    At this moment, keys jangled from outside. Old Rao was back!


    Yang Shu turned around and immediately opened the door. "Master Rao, Chenchen."


    Rao Aimin grunted. "Where''s Zhang Ye?"


    Yang Shu said, "Senior Bro? Isn''t he right here��" She turned around to point, but he was not there anymore. Zhang Ye was no longer pacing around the dining table.


    "Eh? He''s not up yet?" Rao Aimin looked to the sofa.


    She saw Zhang Ye lying on the sofa, groaning and whining like he was about to die.


    Zhang Ye pleaded, "Old Rao, get me a cup of water."


    Rao Aimin said, "Fuck off."


    "But I''m thirsty."


    "Get it yourself!"


    "Chenchen, get it for me. I can''t move."


    Yang Shu''s jaw dropped!


    ...


    Within the industry.


    At a television station.


    "If we had known��even if we had to pay 30 million RMB for the breach of contract back then��we should still have headhunted Zhang Ye from Central TV to join us! I''m sure that Central TV would''ve let him go for 30 million RMB!"


    "Hai, it''s useless to say anything now!"


    "Zhang Ye''s ideas are really creative!"


    "Yeah, just him alone would be enough to sweep aside all of the production teams in the industry!"


    "The King of Masked Singers is definitely gonna catch fire and will most likely subvert many of the things that we already know!"


    "Yeah, just look at today''s Top Chinese Music Chart. It''s ludicrous. I have quite a few friends in the music industry and heard that there was an uproar there too. Songs performed on the show, which were broadcast justst night, actually charted on the Top Chinese Music Chart today? And many of the songs were covers too? They even upied seven of the top ten spots on the chart? This is simply unbelievable. In the past, we had to go everywhere just to promote a new song. Thepanies would even have to throw money around in order to get an interview or get on a variety show. But now? They''ve achieved the same thing with just a TV show? And it even went further than that?"


    "The ratings for ''Wild Rose'' are too scary!"


    "Who is this Clown person?"


    "I don''t know! Which big name in the music industry is he? He even managed to sing that well while sick?"


    "''Wild Rose'' has already stormed through the charts. It''s already #1 on the daily Top Chinese Music Chart today. In a few more days, I suppose the monthly #1 spot is as good as theirs. How scary! This is insane!"


    "What a subversive variety show!"


    "Hai, Beijing TV has really gotten the most out of it this time!"


    "There''s no helping it. Zhang Ye is a Beijing local, after all! Dammit. With him there, who the hell can still vie with Beijing TV?"


    "Has the viewership rating for their show been released yet?"


    "Not yet, but it should be out sometime soon."


    "Let''s see what their viewership turns out to be first."


    "Surely it won''t be breaking another historical record, right?"


    ...


    At an entertainmentpany.


    "Little Xiao."


    "Director Zhou."


    "Did you watch the King of Masked Singers?"


    "I did."


    "What are your thoughts on it?"


    "The contestants on the show are indeed very strong. I think that I may have identified one of them, but I''m not very sure. As for the others, I don''t know since I really couldn''t guess who they were."


    "You''re ourpany''s highly prized neer. I have quite a good rtionship with the King of Masked Singers'' Executive Director Hu Fei and alreadymunicated with him. You can go and try out for the show."


    "Do you think I''m good enough?"


    "You''re also a professional singer, so you need to have confidence in yourself. This show will definitely be popr; rather, it has already be very popr. Manypanies are eyeing for a slice of this pie right now and they''re all vying to send their celebrities to the show. If we don''t act quickly, we likely wouldn''t have another chance."


    "Alright, I''ll do as you say."


    ...


    At Beijing Television.


    In the King of Masked Singers'' program team office.


    A lot of people from the other program teams came by to "visit."


    "Old Hu, you guys were really impressive this time!"


    "Hai, not really."


    "Your show has already be so popr, yet you''re still being so humble? Hurry up and treat us already. You must definitely do so. We won''t show up if the restaurant is too low-ss!"


    "Hur hur, let''s wait until the viewership ratings are out. It looks like the show is very popr, but we still don''t know how the results will turn out."


    "Come on, you. The online discussions are already so overwhelming, and everyone in the industry is talking about your show. If your viewership rating is bad, I''ll twist my head off and give it to you."


    "Then I''ll be hoping you''re right."


    Previously, they were the program team for Do You Remember. Although that show was quite good too back then, but all it was was quite good. Hu Fei and the program team staff had never enjoyed such treatment before. A deputy station head and a station executive even made a visit to their office and sat around for a while before heading back to their own office for the day. Quite a few of their Beijing Television colleagues also came by to congratte them, while a lot of media reporters bombarded the program team with calls.


    Hou Ge said excitedly, "We''re famous!"


    Hou Di proimed, "I can''t believe we got to see a day like this!"


    "I feel like I''m living a dream." Xiao Lu was still getting used to this. "Did any of you receive any calls? I got two calls this morning from the other TV stations, looking to headhunt me. They offered me an annual package of 500,000 yuan! I was totally shocked! I''ve never even seen 500,000 yuan in my lifetime before!"


    Dafei eximed, "Damn, why didn''t anyone headhunt me?!"


    Xiao Luughed and quipped, "''Cause you''re ugly."


    Dafei: "��"


    Everyoneughed.


    Hu Fei smiled and said, "Actually, we shouldn''t be getting so carried away. For those of us who''re involved, we know that this is all to the credit of Teacher Zhang."


    Han Qi gave a wry smile and said, "Teacher Zhang is just too amazing."


    Han Qi was a neer who had just transferred to the current program team. During the few times that Zhang Ye hade over, she had only seen him from a distance and did not have an opportunity to speak with him. At her level, she felt that she was not qualified to speak with him yet. This was Zhang Ye they were talking about, a big shot A-list celebrity and a very famous figure in the industry. As a result, she could only watch from afar even though she was a diehard Zhang Ye fan. However, Han Qi did not know that she had already interacted with Zhang Ye many times.


    Suddenly, hasty footfalls came running!


    One of the program team employees rushed into the office and shouted excitedly, "It''s here! The viewership ratings are out!"


    Hu Fei quickly said, "How did we do?"


    Hou Ge immediately tensed up. "How much did we get?"


    Xiao Lu said anxiously, "What''s our nationwide ranking?"


    When that person handed the viewership ratings chart to Hu Fei, everyone instantly gathered around him!


    "Let me take a look!"


    "Don''t block me!"


    "How much did we get?"


    "Just how much is it?"


    Then, the numbers on the form appeared before everyone''s eyes!


    When they saw the numbers, shock jumped onto the program team''s faces!


    The nationwide viewership ratings for the King of Masked Singers premiere episode was��2.51%!


    They were the #1 show nationwide!


    They led by double the #2 show''s viewership rating!


    The office fell silent.


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Suddenly, ear-piercing screams rang out!


    "Ahhh!"


    "Number one! We''re number one nationwide!"


    "Holy shit! 2.51%!"


    "It''s really be popr this time! Our show''s really a hit!"


    "Heavens!"


    "This is ridiculous!"


    "It''s even higher than The Voice''s premiere episode rating?"


    "Oh my god!"


    Han Qi jumped for joy!


    Xiao Lu was shrieking with excitement!


    Cries of joy!


    Cheering!


    The office devolved into chaos!


    Hu Fei suddenly said, "Quick, inform Little Zhang about this!"


    Dafei quickly replied, "Let me do it. I''ll give Teacher Zhang a call!"


    Beijing Television burst into an uproar!


    The industry was shocked by the viewership ratings!


    This was just the premiere broadcast!


    The first episode of the show!


    But this episode has already fucking achieved a viewership rating of 2.51%? What does this mean? Do you all intend to fucking break the 4% mark? How can it possibly be so high?!

 Chapter 1004: The Clown gets called out?

    <h4>Chapter 1004: The Clown gets called out? </h4>


    Chapter 1004: The Clown gets called out?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Old Rao''s house.


    Zhang Ye was still ying dead on the sofa when he received the call.


    "Dafei, it''s out?"


    "Yeah! It''s out!"


    "How much?"


    "2.51%!"


    "Ah? How much again?"


    "The premiere episode''s viewership was 2.51%!"


    "Is that figure from a draft report?"


    "It''s not! This is the actual viewership rating! Teacher Zhang, we''ve gotten first nationwide. Our premiere episode has taken the number one spot in the nationwide viewership ratings! You''re so incredible!"


    Dafei called his coworkers over to the phone.


    Xiao Lu ran over and shouted into the phone: "Teacher Zhang, you''re so amazing! So, so amazing! Hurry over. Brother Hu says that he''ll be treating us to a meal, and the Station Head has announced that they''ll be holding a celebratory banquet just for our program team, right after they gave us a letter ofmendation and published it to the entire station! We''re justcking your presence now!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I won''t be joining you guys today. I still have some things to attend to."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye kept quiet for a second before suddenly bellyughing!


    #1 nationwide?


    2.51%?


    Another record has been broken!


    In fact, Zhang Ye wasn''t too sure how the show would perform before it was broadcast. It wasn''t because he was not confident, but just that he was unable to put his finger on it. After all, the King of Masked Singers back in his previous world did not have that great of a viewership rating. It only managed around 1 to 2% tops. Zhang Ye had studied the shorings of the show closely in order to make the changes to the version in this world. Thus, he could not predict the results until the final moment when the results were released. From the looks of it, the viewership this time really did not disappoint him. In fact, it even exceeded the expectations that Zhang Ye had set for it by a great deal. It looked like the King of Masked Singers that he had made revisions to had been epted by everyone. This was no doubt a boost to Zhang Ye, as even though he was neither the executive director nor the host, he was still part of the show. If the show became popr, Zhang Ye''s poprity would get higher as a result.


    He immediately went to check the Celebrity Rankings Index, hoping to see how much his poprity score had gone up by. He felt that it would surely be a sizable amount. However, when he checked the list, he was shocked to discover that his poprity score was actually dropping, although it was still within the A-list.


    Damn!


    What was happening?


    Then, with a jolt, Zhang Ye facepalmed as he suddenly remembered that he was performing with a mask on, and no one knew that it was him who joined thepetition. Therefore, it was impossible that he would be credited with any poprity as Zhang Ye. Having not been onscreen for some time and without a job, the A-list celebrities ranked behind him had started catching up relentlessly while Zhang Ye''s poprity score was sliding back. Zhang Ye could only smile helplessly at this. After his fever yesterday, he was probably feeling a little mixed up right now, but that didn''t really matter. He would just have to leave this issue of his poprity score aside for now. He was sure that on the day that he revealed himself, all of that umted poprity woulde back to him. Thinking of the arrival of such a day, Zhang Ye could no longer control hisughter as he wondered when he would achieve that explosion in poprity. But first, he would have to continue singing and not get eliminated midway through the show.


    Tired fromughing, Zhang Ye took a breather and suddenly realized that everyone in the apartment was looking at him.


    Rao Aimin was looking at him.


    Chenchen was also staring at him.


    Zhang Ye rubbed his face. "Why you lookin'' at me?"


    Rao Aimin narrowed her eyes. "Rascal, you''re quite full of energy when you''reughing, aren''t you?"


    With that, Zhang Ye immediately copsed back onto the sofa and said weakly, "It''s thest gasp."


    Rao Aimin sent a kick flying at him!


    "So you were only pretending earlier?"


    "Aiyo, what are you doing!"


    "Get up!"


    "Don''t kick, don''t kick!"


    Chenchen shouted angrily, "Zhang Ye, you''re so shameless! I thought that you were actually seriously injured! I even went to get you a cup of water! You...why are you not behaving like a proper adult!"


    Zhang Ye got chased around the apartment. "I''m always the one being ordered around! Can''t I be the one to order you guys around for once? Aiyo, Old Rao, you''re hitting me for real? Do you think I won''t retaliate? Do you think that I can''t beat you? You''re more seriously injured than I am."


    However, the facts had already proved that even if Rao Aimin''s injuries have not recovered, even if her injuries were more serious than Zhang Ye''s, he still couldn''t beat her.


    This fellow was actually much better, his injuries under control and regaining 40-50% of his stamina. He now had the foundation of a martial arts master, and his strength and stamina levels were maxed out after having eaten all those level 1 Fruits from the lottery draw. Once his injuries were alleviated and did not affect him as much, Zhang Ye''s resilience and recovery rate would naturally be different from normal people''s.


    ...


    Medicinal herb concoction three times a day.


    Traditional Chinese massage twice daily.


    By the second day, Zhang Ye could already do some simple exercises.


    By the third day, the rasp in Zhang Ye''s voice started to disappear.


    By the fourth day, Zhang Ye attempted singing two high notes and could practically hit them, except that he couldn''t sustain them for long. If he did, his voice would end up trembling due to his vocal cords tightening.


    By the fifth day, the side effects from the cortisone shots had almost subsided.


    The doctor was right about the severe side effects of a cortisone shot, let alone the fact that he had received three shots. Even for someone with Zhang Ye''s physique and condition, it still took him five days to recover from it. If it were a normal person, they would probably have taken more than a month to recover their voice.


    His body was back to normal for now.


    His voice had just about recovered.


    However, Zhang Ye was still undecided on what songs to sing, and with the second episode''s recording of King of Masked Singersing up, he was starting to panic, too. Everyone knew that he was someone who always set very high standards for himself, so he would be much more stringent when it came to choosing a song. He couldn''t even be a little unsatisfied with it.


    Which songs should he choose?


    He had absolutely no idea whatsoever!


    Reuse the song he had rehearsed before he switched songsst time? No good!


    Or should he bring out a ssic?


    ...


    At this moment, a heated discussion erupted online!


    "It will be Saturday in another two days!"


    "They''ll be recording tomorrow, right?"


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "King of Masked Singers is so good!"


    "I love The Clown the most!"


    "Who do you guys think will be crowned as the second episode''s Masked King?"


    "Petal Shower!"


    "Sunset Glow sang really well too! It''s just that a lot of the audience members could not understand!"


    "It''s definitely going to be Sunflower, without a doubt!"


    "Eh, why didn''t anyone mention The Clown?"


    "He''s already been crowned as the first episode''s Masked King. And besides, everyone knows that his crowning was not exactly well-deserved. He only got it because he was being opportunistic."


    "Ah, what do you mean by that?"


    "Can''t you tell? For someone as sick as him, everyone would surely pity him. A lot of people voted for him out of sympathy. Didn''t any of you realize that? The Clown''s singing and voice were totally appalling, even though he was really suffering from a cold too, which we won''t talk about. His technique actuallyid in his lyrics, iming he was some wolf from the north looking for some beautiful ins, or how he''s a beautiful, beautiful wild rose but for the unfair heavens. He only won on the technicalities of his song lyrics which he used to apply to his circumstances at that moment. It''s no surprise that he won the vote to be Masked King. But he definitely has no chance in the second episode."


    "Finally! There''s someone else who noticed it! I also noticed it!"


    "Yeah, those two songs by The Clown were good, and I wondered who wrote them too, but I can''t help but feel that it wasn''t a proper victory. He only did it by gaining pity points!"


    "Is that so? I thought it was quite a proper win."


    "That''s because you''re still too young to understand."


    "That''s quite true, to be honest. You can even say that The Clown''s performance that day was the worst of the six participants, but his lyrics were good and he totally took advantage of that. If he really were to sing another song, even if he didn''t have a cold and his voice was in the best possible shape, he still couldn''tpare to Petal Shower and Sunflower. He probably wouldn''t evenst in apetition against Sunset Glow and The Yak!"


    "Um, that''s what I think too."


    "There are two possibilities now. One is that The Clown''s voice has not recovered yet and he''ll continue ying the sympathy card but the audience does not get convinced. That would mean he is almost guaranteed to get eliminated. The second is that The Clown''s voice has recovered and he performs to his best. But without the sympathy card, how many people will actually like his songs and singing? Rather than talking about his chances of bing the second episode''s Masked King, I think The Clown will find it hard to even stay in thepetition."


    On the Top Chinese Music Chart.


    "Wild Rose" was already sweeping aside every other song on the charts.


    #1 on the daily chart!


    #1 on the weekly chart!


    #3 on the monthly chart, but already making its way up to first ce!


    The performance of "Wolf" was quite good and did well on the charts too.


    But what was surprising was that in the official poll created by Beijing Television''s King of Masked Singers program team, the support for The Clown was dipping.


    First: Petal Shower.


    Second: Sunflower in the Starlight.


    Third: Sunset Glow.


    The Clown was ranked fourth.


    Followed by the eliminated King of Oddity, who wasn''t too far behind The Clown.


    A lot of people had been affected by the discussions, or rather a lot of them had the same opinions regarding The Clown and felt that he had won the first episode only because he got lucky.


    Some negative news also sprung up after that.


    "How far can The Clown go just by relying on sympathy?"


    "Sources im that recement masked singers on the King of Masked Singers'' second episode will include a talented singer!"


    "The Clown facing elimination?"


    "Wild Rose sweeps the charts, The Clown sweeps the floor!"


    "A singingpetition or a songwritingpetition?"


    "ying the sympathy card on King of Masked Singers gets called out byizens!"


    "The Clown: A sh in the pan?"


    "The Clown revealed: Might be an unknown rookie!"


    When a person gets popr, gossip will fly.


    With the King of Masked Singers so popr now, it was difficult to avoid the doubting voices. But these doubting voices from the media and people regarding The Clown was something that was still rarely seen. In the era of spection, lies, and sympathy cards, people were getting even more sensitive to it. Together with people fanning the mes behind these ims, everyone started believing it the more they heard them. They thought that it was rather true, since if it weren''t for those lyrical verses that resonated with everyone''s emotions at that time and gained their sympathy, who would have actually cast their vote for him? Perhaps the King of Masked Singers'' program team also had such thoughts. Frankly, a lot of people did not even bother listening to The Clown''s voice or heard anything special in his voice. Everyone was purely moved just by the lyrics of those two songs.


    "I just dislike people who try to gain sympathy this way!"


    "Yeah, it''s so disgusting to watch!"


    "Didn''t he just get those good songs because of hispany? It''s not like he really has the talent to win!"


    The opinions were getting more and more skewed!


    ...


    Zhang Ye found out about this news and these opinions the night before the recording was about to take ce.


    Depending on lyrics?


    Trying to gain sympathy?


    He just smiled and did not get bothered by it.


    He settled his mind then continued to select songs.

 Chapter 1005: The Clown’s two songs!

    <h4>Chapter 1005: The Clown''s two songs! </h4>


    Chapter 1005: The Clown''s two songs!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Friday.


    At around 8 in the morning.


    Near the side door of Beijing Television''s main building, Han Qi was standing alone at a spot she felt would not be eye-catching. She looked around from time to time and seemed to be waiting for someone.


    Not too far away, Xiao Lu and Dafei were chatting andughing as they walked over.


    "Eh, Little Han?" Xiao Lu was surprised to see her here.


    Han Qi smiled and said, "Sister Lu, Brother Fei, good morning."


    Dafei wondered, "What are you doing here?"


    Han Qi blushed and said, "I-I''m waiting for Teacher Clown."


    Dafei asked, "The Clown''s rehearsal is scheduled for 9 AM, right?"


    Han Qi nodded. "Yes."


    Xiao Lu smiled and said, "Then you better hurry. The other singers finished rehearsing yesterday except for Teacher Clown." Her smile then withdrew and she said with mncholy, "The public opinion during the past two days hasn''t favored him much. A lot of people are already doubting The Clown for not winning thepetition properly, saying he relied on the lyrics to remedy his situation and even chastised him for trying to gain pity points. We will start recording the show in the afternoon. When he takes the stageter, he''ll definitely face a great deal of pressure and the audience will probably be affected by public opinion during the voting."


    Han Qi said angrily, "What do they mean ''relying on lyrics''? They don''t know a thing!"


    "Just be a bit more attentive in regards to that. Also, the condition of Teacher Clown''s voice is another problem, so follow up with him on that." Then Xiao Lu and Dafei went into the main building.


    Han Qi was left feeling both angry and worried.


    It was really infuriating!


    What would those media people know!


    What would thoseizens know!


    How could they criticize Teacher Clown?


    Han Qi continued to look around as she waited for her target. She was here to "intercept" The Clown today. He had always been either appearing at the station or in front of her without getting noticed every single time, so Han Qi decided that she would juste out to the entrance to wait for him. She really wanted to know who the man behind The Clown''s mask was. She was confident that with her past interactions with him, if The Clown stood in front of her, she would be able to recognize him as quite a few of The Clown''s distinct traits came to her mind.


    Celebrity.


    Professional singer.


    Charming.


    Short haired.


    Around 30 years of age?


    In front of her, a celebrity and two of his assistants were walking over.


    Han Qi immediately locked her eyes on him. No, not him. This man was invited toe for an interview today. Eh, another person wasing, but it wasn''t him either. He was a host at Beijing Television.


    In the end, she did not manage to spot The Clown, but instead saw her idol.


    In the parking lot, Zhang Ye got out of his car and walked straight toward the building.


    On his way over, there were quite a few people who greeted him.


    "Aiya, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Hello, Teacher Zhang."


    "Good morning, Teacher Zhang."


    "Good morning, Director Zhang."


    Not only the King of Masked Singers'' program team, even the other departments and program teams'' staff who saw Zhang Ye were friendly to him. The King of Masked Singers that Zhang Ye produced had allowed Beijing Television to achieve the top spot in the nationwide viewership ratings of television shows for the first time ever. Even if they were not staff from the King of Masked Singers'' program team, they still felt extremely excited. Due to the domino effect, the other program teams experienced a slight viewership increase for their shows. This proved that the King of Masked Singers was leading Beijing Television to move onto a bigger stage and journey to bing a leading provincial satellite station. Naturally, a lot of the Beijing Television staff were willing to recognize Zhang Ye''s merits because everyone knew that if it were not for Zhang Ye''s contributions, even with the skill of all the program teams in Beijing Televisionbined, it was impossible that they coulde up with a show that performed so outstandingly.


    Zhang Ye smiled and nodded at them.


    He arrived at the entrance in the blink of an eye.


    Han Qi was already extremely nervous. She straightened instantly and mustered up her courage to greet him. She did not have any expectations that Zhang Ye would reply to her. "Teacher Zhang, good morning!"


    When Zhang Ye heard that, he was surprised for a moment. Only then did he see Han Qi, to whom he smiled and said, "Morning to you as well." Then he went upstairs without saying anything else.


    But Han Qi got very excited!


    Teacher Zhang spoke to me! He spoke to me!


    She was truly a diehard Zhang Ye fan and was the type who would argue with anyone if they said bad things about him online. She was in a very terrible mood today due to Teacher Clown''s situation, but when Zhang Ye greeted her with a "morning to you as well," her mood immediately improved and she became much more spirited!


    So she continued waiting.


    Why hadn''t Teacher Clown arrived yet?


    10 minutes.


    20 minutes.


    30 minutes.


    It was almost 9 AM and time for the scheduled rehearsal, but The Clown was still not here yet.


    Han Qi quickly called The Clown, but no one answered the phone. As such, she had no choice but to call to Music Director Bai Yuanfei. She anxiously said: "Teacher Bai, Teacher Clown has not arrived yet, and as he might not be feeling too well, do you think we can arrange something regarding the rehearsal��."


    On the other end of the line.


    Bai Yuanfei said in surprise: "The Clown? But he''s already here, isn''t he?"


    Han Qi eximed: "Ah?"


    Bai Yuanfei said: "We''re already rehearsing."


    He already arrived?


    What the hell!


    When did you even arrive?


    Don''t tell me you can teleport?


    Han Qi nearly fainted as her attempt to intercept The Clown ended in vain. The Clown was simply too mysterious. Could it be that he had entered from the back door or through the cafeteria''s stairway entrance? Why are you doing things so randomly! Han Qi''s curiosity almost exploded. Like a lot of the viewers in the country, she really wanted to know who The Clown was! Why wouldn''t he show his face? Why did he have to hide his identity so carefully? Was there any reason why he couldn''t show his face? That not even the program team staff could know about it? Uh, could it be that he was very, very��ugly?


    She immediately set herself thinking.


    Who were the ugly celebrities in the entertainment industry?


    Crosstalkedian Tang Dazhang?


    Korea''s Lee Anson?


    Or those athletes from the sporting world?


    Whatever it was, in Han Qi''s eyes, those who had scolded Zhang Ye were all ugly.


    See, this is what you call a diehard fan!


    ...


    In the rehearsal room.


    This was a rather big set allocated to them by Beijing Television. Other than musical instruments, there were cameras set up around the ce. Some rehearsal scenes would probably end up being edited and broadcast in the episode. The entire time after the masked singers arrived at Beijing Television would be fully recorded, unless the contestants personally requested for them not to do so. For example, not cing any cameras in the waiting room. If that happened, the program team would respect the singers'' wishes like what The Clown had just done.


    By the time Han Qi came over, The Clown had indeed already arrived.


    Music Director Bai Yuanfei said, "Let''s rehearse once more."


    The Miracle Wheels nodded.


    The house band lineup for today was magnificent, with about eight old folk music teachers invited as well.


    Han Qi did not go over to disturb them. She just found a seat in the audience and listened attentively.


    The music started ying.


    The band members looked at the score given to them by The Clown and started ying the apaniment.


    The Clown was wearing his mask and standing on stage, humming softly along with the music. "Hmm, mmm, hmmm��" He practiced his song by humming in a nasally voice the entire process.


    Han Qi''s heart skipped a beat.


    Shit!


    The teacher''s voice had not recovered yet!


    They finally finished with the rehearsal of the first song after a long very time.


    The Clown said, "Thanks for helping me, teachers."


    Han Qi was surprised. Eh, listening to Teacher Clown''s speak, he sounded like he was in better shape thanst week. He even spoke with his disguised voice? He was purposely hiding his voice? Or was it because his voice had not fully recovered yet?


    Bai Yuanfei said worriedly, "Is everything gonna be fine?"


    The Clown nodded. "The song is a bit difficult, so I can''t do a proper practice run."


    The band guitarist asked, "Was it because of the side effects from the cortisone shot? You really risked your life. With three shots, even the gods would not be able to bear with it!"


    The drummer sighed while shaking his head.


    The Clown said, "That''s why I have to save my voice for the actual performance."


    "Alright." Bai Yuanfei said, "We''ll rehearse this way for now. You don''t have to sing; it''s fine to just hum along. Try your best to maintain your stamina. Let''s start with the rehearsal of the second song!"


    However, the second song went beyond their expectations as they spent almost two hours before just barely getting through the rehearsal. Every one of the band members were extremely tired from it.


    What song was this?


    Why was it soplex?


    Was this even necessary?


    Could it be that his voice was unable to recover in time, so he decided to use the apaniment to make up for it? Using the music''s charm to cover his mistakes?


    Hai. The band members no longer held much hope for The Clown in this round of thepetition!

 Chapter 1006: The Clown vs. Petal Shower!

    <h4>Chapter 1006: The Clown vs. Petal Shower! </h4>


    Chapter 1006: The Clown vs. Petal Shower!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


    The recording was about to begin.


    Backstage, the contestants started to draw lots to decide the order of their appearances and opponents in the first round. There were two recement masked singers here, whose names and strength were unknown. As such, everyone ced a great deal of importance on this draw due to their results being affected by who their opponent was and in which order they would appear onstage. This was in direct rtion to whether they could still remain on this stage or if they would advance further.


    In The Clown''s waiting room.


    The door opened.


    Han Qi and some of the program team staff came in.


    "Teacher, it''s your turn," Han Qi said nervously. She was hoping that The Clown would draw a good lot, the best being number six and would mean that he would be thest to sing.


    The Clown reached his hand into the box.


    The camera focused onto him immediately.


    At the same time, the other contestants could clearly observe the ongoings at The Clown''s waiting room in real time


    Sunflower in the Starlight had drawn number three.


    Petal Shower was number one.


    New recement masked singer "God of War" had drawn number four.


    These were the results of the draw so far: Sunflower''s opponent was to be God of War. During the drawing process that was shown live from God of War''s waiting room earlier, all the other contestants saw how God of War practically broke down. At first, the man''s voice sounded rather cheerful, but he ended up eximing "no, no, no" for the longest time after the draw. This was because anyone who had watched the first episode of King of Masked Singers would know exactly how strong an opponent Sunflower was. One was Sunflower, the other was Petal Shower. They were both opponents that no one wanted to be matched against!


    It was now The Clown''s turn for the draw. Everyone was glued to their TV.


    The Clown''s hand withdrew from the box, holding a small ball in his hand. The numbered side of it was then turned to the camera.


    Number two!


    He had drawn number two!


    He would be the second one to appear on stage and his opponent was��Petal Shower.


    Han Qi simrly broke down as well. No! No! No!


    He would be appearing at the beginning and his opponent was going to be Petal Shower. This was the worst lot that could be drawn!


    In the waiting room of the other recement masked singer who had not drawn lots yet, he let out a long sigh of relief after seeing The Clown get matched with Petal Shower. That would mean that Sunset Glow had been confirmed as his opponent. Petal Shower was currently the contestant with the most poprity in the prediction poll on the official website. Hundreds of thousands of people had voted that she would be crowned the second episode''s Masked King, with Sunflower in second ce with 110,000 votes. This was the reason why no one was willing to fac off against these two in the first round; they had already gained a good standing in poprity. Even if they made some mistakes and did not perform up to their potential, the live audience voters might still cast their votes for them as there would be emotion involved in their decision. Competitions have always dered themselves to be fair, but how could there possibly be absolute fairness?


    The door closed.


    The program team staff left the waiting room.


    Han Qi said in panic, "What should we do now!"


    But The Clown did not say a single word. Petal Shower was indeed a strong opponent, and he honestly did not wish to face her for his first song today, yet this was exactly what happened.


    The studio issued an announcement to start the countdown to recording.


    Han Qi was in despair.


    Petal Shower enjoyed a very good reputation while The Clown was attracting doubt from too many people!


    They could not win this!


    There was no way they could win!


    When the house band and the program team staff found out about this matchup, they pitied The Clown. They knew there was no chance he could fight for the throne of the Masked King now and thought that he should be thinking of how to remain in thepetition instead.


    ...


    The studio was packed.


    The audience gazed at the stage in excitement as recording began!


    After Dong Shanshan took the stage and recited a string of advertising messages, she smiled at the guessing panel. "Judges, after the first episode, do you have any guesses on who the contestants are?"


    Zhang Xia smiled and said, "I have no idea who''s who."


    Amy giggled and said, "Even at the moment when King of Oddity took off his mask, I still could not believe it. With the costumes wrapping them up so tightly and wearing a mask, who could guess who they are? But Sunset Glow''s voice sounds a little familiar to me, so I''ll just continue observing for now."


    Backstage, Sunset Glow was watching the television. When she heard that, she raised a half-smile.


    This is not good.


    Did Amy really recognize me?


    I''ve already deliberately changed the tone of my vocal register.


    Chen Guangughed and said, "I''ll observe a bit more today."


    Dong Shanshan asked, "Judges, are there any contestants you have a good feeling about?"


    Wang Zhuishu smiled and said, "I still have my money on Petal Shower."


    Chen Yidong said, "I think Sunflower is good. He has a great chance of bing the Masked King today."


    Chen Guang added, "If we''re talking about singing, Sunflower and Petal Shower really do have the greater chance of bing the Masked King. But this is apetition after all, so it''s hard to tell."


    Zhang Xia nodded. "Petal Shower is very good. I feel like I definitely know her."


    Yao Jiancai looked at Chen Guang and joked, "Old Chen, could your wife havee to join thepetition?"


    Chen Guang''s eyes twitched as he replied hurriedly with a smile, "I still believe that Petal Shower is Sister Zhang."


    Amyughed. "That''s possible too!"


    Everyone was making wild guesses. In truth, a lot of people really weren''t thinking about the contestants as any of those famous big names in the music industry. They were all still confused.


    After the atmosphere warmed up, thepetition got underway.


    The audience was also getting more and more excited.


    "Hurry up!"


    "Petal Shower! Petal Shower!"


    "I wonder what kind of song Sunflower will sing today. I like him so much!"


    "Eh, why didn''t any of the judges mention The Clown?"


    "I guess the program team must have informed them before the recording started."


    "Yeah, the voices of doubts are getting stronger and they''re all about the validity of The Clown winning Masked King on thest episode. No one really dares to bring up how he went onstage sick and could still sing in that way anymore. The judges probably know it themselves too that they were only moved by The Clown''s songsst week out of sympathy due to how the lyrics were befitting of the circumstances. Didn''t Grandma Zhang Xia and Chen Guang also say that if it were really down to singing technique, other than the two recements today, the best would definitely be either Petal Shower or Sunflower?"


    "The Clown was indeed just being opportunistic."


    "The first episode''s Masked King should have been Sunflower."


    "Ohe on, it should have been Sunset Glow."


    "Hur hur."


    "Let''s see how it goes this episode then!"


    "Eh, it''s starting!"


    People in the audience were debating endlessly about their favorite singer or who they supported. However, The Clown''s name was starting to get mentioned less and less.


    Dong Shanshan''s voice reverberated through the studio. "Let us wee our first performer today��Petal Shower."


    Immediate apuse rang out!


    "Wow!"


    "She''s the first one to perform!"


    "Petal Shower, I love you!"


    "This is great! The first one to sing is our Petal Shower!"


    Quite a few people were shouting and screaming, raising the intensity in the studio!


    During the first episode when the contestants were underneath masks and had yet to sing a song, people had no idea how good they were. When the contestants first appeared on stage, the apuse was lukewarm at best. However, this time was different as everyone had watched the show once. In fact, there were even some people in the audience who were attending the recording for the second time. The atmosphere was clearly different thanst time.


    Under everyone''s attention, Petal Shower walked onstage.


    Apuse thundered once again!


    "You got this!"


    "Come on!"


    "You''re the true Masked King!"


    Just from this reaction alone, it could obvious how popr Petal Shower was!


    Even the program team staff and the other contestants who were backstage and ted to appearter could only smile wryly to themselves. She was already this popr after singing just two songs in the first episode?


    How could they stillpete with her?


    They should just crown her Masked King straight away!


    However, they were willing to admit that Petal Shower was indeed a strong foe. Thinking of this, all the other masked singers felt some sympathy for The Clown for having drawn today''s worst lot!


    The lights dimmed.


    The bowed notes of a violin floated through the air.


    The audience hushed, with some of them closing their eyes to listen.


    Petal Shower gripped the microphone and opened her mouth softly.


    A gentle falsetto drifted out!


    It was her signature technique on this stage, as well as the audience''s familiar sense of shock!


    "Lies repeated a hundred times.


    "In return, just a false promise.


    "A mask that''s been worn a lifetime.


    "Why can''t I be the person I want to be?"


    The audience knew from the moment they heard it!


    This was "Face"!


    It was a very slow and touching song!


    Amy forced a smile and said, "How nice. She''s singing it better than me!"


    Zhang Xia looked at her. "It''s not like you to sing endearing songs in the first ce."


    Amy said to convince her, "There''s almost no one in the music industry who can sing like this. The range of her falsetto is enormous, so I''m a 100% sure that Petal Shower is a professional singer. She''s most definitely a big name too!"


    Wang Zhuishu agreed, "That''s right. And I have a feeling that this woman must be such a big name in the music industry that we couldn''t even start imagining it. But as long as she doesn''t speak with her normal voice, there''s no way that we can guess who she is!"


    Yao Jiancai was enjoying the singing. "Whoever faces her is really down on their luck."


    Chen Yidong said, "As long as Petal Shower does not make any mistakes, it''ll be difficult for anyone to beat her. Her falsetto is so amazing that I don''t think there''s anyone who has a better technique than hers!"


    Petal Shower sang a cappe.


    "Ugly.


    "A pretence.


    "This is��


    "What my face��is."


    The performance ended.


    Petal Shower lowered her microphone and took a slight bow in thanks.


    Apuse immediately rang out!


    Even the backstage contestants were pping for her!


    The audience was screaming from every corner!


    "It''s so good!"


    "I used to not like this song, but Petal Shower sang it really well!"


    "That''s what a charming singer can do!"


    "She''s definitely going to win!"


    "Yeah, there''s no need to listen to the next contestant!"


    "Right, it doesn''t matter whoes next!"


    "Petal Shower!"


    "Petal Shower!"


    Petal Shower''s performance today was as good as herst one. There were no mistakes and no voice cracking, although it wasn''t as stunning as her first performance in thest episode. Perhaps this was due to the choice and genre of the song, but she still managed to perform it up to her level and it was still as enjoyable to listen to! But the most crucial point was that the entire song was sung with a varied falsetto, which further increased the charm of the song. After all, none of them had ever heard of anyone who would dare to sing like this. Due to it being very difficult to sing in falsetto, not too many singers had the capability to do so, nor would they dare to do something like this live! Due to such curiosity, this rendition of "Face" by Petal Shower had once again infected the studio!


    Whether it was the audience?


    The judges?


    The backstage contestants?


    Or the program team staff?


    None of them felt that she could lose!

 Chapter 1007: A song without lyrics!

    <h4>Chapter 1007: A song without lyrics! </h4>


    Chapter 1007: A song without lyrics!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The studio was filled with the sound of apuse.


    The first song had raised the atmosphere to the highest point. None of the other participating singers hoped that they would be the next to appear, but The Clown was already standing at the door.


    Han Qi gave a bitter smile. "Teacher."


    The Clown grunted in acknowledgment.


    Han Qi hesitated, then said, "Let''s aim for the next song instead and focus on that. Don''t try so hard on this song and preserve some of your stamina forter. After all, your voice has only recovered a little and you still can''t perform to the best of your ability. We just need to ensure that you don''t get eliminated."


    The Clown smiled but did not speak.


    Dafei came over. "It''s your turn soon."


    The Clown nodded.


    Executive Director Hu Fei took some time to go over. He was worried about The Clown''s voice and even more worried that the recent public opinion would strike a blow to him. "How do you feel?"


    The Clown said, "Great."


    Hu Fei sighed. "Ignore what the media is saying."


    The Clown said, "Alright."


    Hu Fei said, "Ignore them and don''t let it get to you. Just sing the best that you can."


    The Clown shook his head. "I don''t mind what they''re saying on the Inte and news."


    "Right, just sing as you would usually sing. Your lyrics are your greatest weapon, so you can''t just toss them aside. It''s also a part of your strength," Hu Feiforted.


    The Clown smiled and said, "I do understand that."


    When the program team staff heard this, they felt relieved.


    He was indeed worthy of being someone from the entertainment circle as his mental fortitude seemed to be much stronger than most people. Even with so much pressure stemming from the public, he was able to easily brush it aside. This was something that most other people could do!


    Good on you, Teacher Clown!


    Don''t let the gossip get to you!


    Even if you lose today, no one will take you lightly!


    From the stage, Dong Shanshan filtered in. "Then, let''s wee our next contestant��The Clown!"


    The Clown exhaled, took a step, and walked out onto the stage at his own pace.


    Han Qi felt a heavy sense of frustration as she watched The Clown walk off toward the stage. He was doomed even before he could take the stage or utter any lyrics. This feeling deted her!


    The audience was stunned!


    Right now, many people were watching in shock as The Clown slowly walked onto the stage.


    "What?"


    "The next one up is The Clown?"


    "Damn, why is it him?"


    "Can he get any more unlucky than that?"


    "Yeah, if it were any other opponent, The Clown might still somehow advance to the next round, especially if it was either of those two recement masked singers since no one knows how well they can sing yet. But now that his opponent is Petal Shower, whatpetition is left? His voice has not recovered yet, right? Even if he were to bring out another two sensational songs, or if hispany wrote him another two songs with lyrics that could move the Heavens, it''s not likely that anyone would get convinced likest time."


    "This round really boils down to their skills."


    "It''s no use even if The Clown''s voice has recovered!"


    "I really do like his lyrics, though. I was here for thest episode''s recording and gave him my vote at that time, but if I were to disregard the meaning behind the lyrics, I doubt that The Clown could even clinch third ce!"


    "He''s even being called out in the media right now."


    "The previous Masked King should not have been him."


    The audience was pointing at the stage and making lots of noise.


    However, Zhang Ye was seemingly unaware of the situation. He quietly walked to center stage and closed his eyes as though he did not hear anything. He had witnessed this sort of spectacle too many times before, so much that he could not even count the number of times it had happened.


    Chen Guang looked at him and sighed.


    Zhang Xia said, "Things are very disadvantageous for The Clown."


    The pressure from public opinion was too great and was practically the death sentence for The Clown.


    The lights dimmed.


    This was the signal that the next performance was about to begin.


    Petal Shower did not return to her waiting room. She watched him from the wings.


    Backstage, Sunset Glow, Sunflower, God of War, and the other contestants were also watching TVs without blinking. They were actually rather curious about what song The Clown would be singing today.


    The music started.


    The notes of a piano yed.


    But it wasn''t Zhang Ye ying the piano today, because this song was too difficult and Zhang Ye would not be able to concentrate on ying and singing simultaneously. Even during the rehearsals, he did not practice the singing as he was afraid that his voice would be unable to hold up��yes, he was really going to challenge such a difficult song today!


    The title of the song was disyed on the teleprompter overhead the stage.


    Opera, Dedicated to Love.


    The judges blinked.


    The audience could not understand either.


    Opera?


    What is this?


    Never heard of it. Are you going to sing another original? Do you intend to win us over with your lyrics again?


    All of a sudden, right as the piano yed the melody, The Clown opened his mouth.


    "Ooooooo.


    "Aaaah, uaaaaahh.


    "Aaaaaah, oooh, aaaah."


    The judges were shocked!


    The audience was shocked!


    The other contestants were also shocked!


    When these vocals came out, a lot of people could feel themselves getting the goosebumps!


    It was falsetto!


    The Clown was actually singing in falsetto too!


    Holy shit! Did The Clown actually intend topete against Petal Shower through the falsetto?


    No way! There was absolutely no way! He would definitely just be singing in falsetto for the first two verses before switching back to his normal voice!


    Petal Shower looked up to the stage at The Clown in surprise and could not react!


    "Aaaaahhh.


    "Aaah, ahhhh.


    "Aaaaaahh, ahhh, ahhh."


    There were no signs of his normal voice at all!


    It was all in falsetto!


    The audience was dumbfounded from listening to this!


    Zhang Xia was also dumbfounded. "This, this singing, this falsetto��"


    Amy squealed, "How is this possible!"


    Wang Zhuishu was also dumbfounded!


    Chen Guang was dumbfounded too!


    Right after Petal Shower finished performing, some people were saying that there wouldn''t be another person who could sing in falsetto the way she did. But just a few minutester, a great p was buffeted across their faces with a loud smack!


    Another person had appeared!


    And it was even a person who could also wield his falsetto technique in such a superb manner!


    The best aspect of Petal Shower''s varying falsetto range was its exquisiteness!


    But The Clown''s falsetto was better in terms of vocal weight. It won in terms of carrying power and emotion and carved into everyone''s hearts like a sharp knife. It left everyone unprepared for the shock they were receiving!


    What was going on?


    Just what was happening?


    Han Qi and the program team staff were in simr states of disbelief!


    No one had expected that The Clown would sing this way, nor could they have expected that he had such a good falsetto! This was terrifying! This singing technique was simply terrifying!


    Zhang Ye continued singing.


    "Aaaaaaaaah.


    "Ahhhhhhhhhhhh.


    "Ahhhhh, ahh."


    All of a sudden, he raised the pitch of his falsetto so high that it felt like it had pierced through the roof!


    Hearing this, the audience found it hard to hold their feelings in any longer!


    "Oh my god!"


    "This, this��"


    "Can it get any more amazing than this?"


    "Heavens!"


    "What about the lyrics?"


    "Where are the lyrics?"


    "Yeah, why are there no lyrics? How can there be no lyrics?"


    Zhang Ye was still singing.


    "Aah, aaaaah.


    "Ahh, ahhhhhh.


    "Aaaaaaaaah, ahhhh.


    "Ahhh, ahhh."


    There was only one "ah" word on the teleprompter!


    The audience was once again shocked by The Clown''s choice of song!


    There were no lyrics!


    This was a fucking song without any lyrics!


    The house band musicians were dumbstruck!


    Music Director Bai Yuanfei looked like he was at a total loss for words!


    They finally knew why The Clown had not opened his mouth to sing during the rehearsal. They finally knew why The Clown only hummed through the song when rehearsing. It was because this fucking song had no lyrics in the first ce!


    Was there even a song like that? Could a song��really have no lyrics? There wasn''t any sort of a song in this world, not a single one. But in Zhang Ye''s previous world, this song titled "Opera, Dedicated to Love" truly did not have any lyrics. The original version was performed by famous Russian singer, Vitas 1 , and was simply known as " Opera 2 ." Later, it was covered by Terry Lin 3 on the music show I Am a Singer. His performance shocked the entire audience and he got a very good result!


    And today, Zhang Ye had brought this famous song from his previous world and presented it here on this stage!


    It did not just shock the audience!


    It terrified everyone in the audience!


    Because no one in this world had ever before heard a song with no lyrics!


    Everyone knew current public opinion basically doubted The Clown''s win in the first episode, saying he used the meaning of his lyrics to win and that it was not a proper victory!


    But today, The Clown hade onstage once more and actually sang an entire song with no lyrics. This was clearly a response to those people��this was clearly a face smacking!


    And it was even a very harsh p!


    His singing was simply amazing!


    There were no lyrics in it whatsoever, but why? How could this singing floating through the studio stir up image after image in their minds?


    Why?


    Why did they get the goosebumps from listening to his singing?


    The audience was terribly shocked!


    Especially when The Clown suddenly paused, then continued singing in a falsetto that increased in pitch for a good five to six seconds, even incorporating some portamento!


    With that, many in the audience could not longer hold it in and started to stand up while screaming!


    They were going crazy!


    The audience had gone crazy!


    Meanwhile, Hu Fei nearly passed out onto the floor!


    Before The Clown went out on stage, Hu Fei tried tofort him as he was afraid The Clown would be affected negatively by public opinion on how he had used lyrics to win. The Clown''s response to Hu Fei and the program team was still very fresh in their minds. He had stated very firmly that he did not mind it at all.


    Everyone who heard him say that had believed him at the time!


    But now, the program team staff nearly vomited blood!


    Didn''t mind?


    Didn''t mind, your sister, fuck!


    You minded it a whole fucking lot, alright!?

 Chapter 1008: Who on earth is this!

    <h4>Chapter 1008: Who on earth is this! </h4>


    Chapter 1008: Who on earth is this!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    There were two versions of this song that Zhang Ye was familiar with.


    One of them was the original sung by Vitas 1 .


    The other was by Terry Lin 2 , who made some changes to it.


    These two singers had a very wide falsetto range, although their singing styles werepletely different.


    Today, Zhang Ye did not imitate either of their versions. This was because, simr to the differences between those two, Zhang Ye''s falsetto was different from Vitas''s and Terry Lin''s. If he had purposely imitated their style, he would only be at a disadvantage and cause this song to lose its essence. Therefore, Zhang Ye also adapted it to suit himself and used his own style to interpret this song. His falsetto voice was even firmer and more carrying than Terry Lin''s and Vitas''s techniques, so he tightened the control of his high notes so that they would not sound too breathy. But he had to push his falsetto out and let it soar to the skies!


    This song was too difficult!


    Even for Zhang Ye, he had to expend all of his energy just to fully concentrate and focus on the singing. As a result, he had his eyes closed for the duration of his performance without even looking at the judges or audience once.


    "Aaah, aaah, aaah, ahhhhh.


    "Ahhhhhhh, ahhhhhhh.


    "Ahhhh, aaaaaahhhh.


    "Ahh, ahhhhhhh."


    He did not look at anyone.


    But everyone was watching him in utter shock!


    Zhang Xia saw an image of a dancer dancing and their sweat dripping on a stage that was within a grand and majestic pce.


    Amy also pictured an image. It was a forlorn, empty alleyway without any signs of people other than a person injured all over whose clothes were stained with fresh blood. That person had thrust their chest out and was gazing up at the moon and singing.


    In the audience.


    A female audience member felt like she was in an endless expanse of greenery, not knowing where to go or which direction to head toward. All of a sudden, singing drifted towards her from afar. She started running with all her might toward it. As she ran and ran, she saw herte mother waving at her while smiling and calling for her to return home. She suddenly started to cry and couldn''t stop!


    The Clown''s singing felt like it was saying something. It felt like it was stirring up all kinds of emotions about love onto this stage!


    Dedicated to Love.


    This was exactly what the song was about.


    It was as though he was telling everyone that even if they were scolding him or if he didn''t have an audience, he would still give his all and dedicate himself to the stage!


    "Ahhhhhhh, ahh.


    "Ahhhhhhh, aaaah.


    "Ahhhh, ahhhhhhh.


    "Aaaaaahhhhh, ahhhh."


    All kinds of images were conjured up in the minds of many of the audience members!


    Han Qi saw it!


    Hu Fei saw it!


    Yao Jiancai saw it!


    Petal Shower saw it!


    Sunflower saw it!


    Sunset Glow saw it!


    The audience also saw it!


    So they were shocked! So they were moved!


    There were no lyrics!


    Not a single verse!


    However, even though this song had no words, it felt like it said thousands of words. In fact, it conveyed more than what thousand of words could say!


    Several of the judges suddenly recalled the criticism in the news and online. They were suddenly very angered and felt that it was extremely insulting! Would a singer who could sing such a song need to rely on using lyrics to gain sympathy?


    How could that be!


    How could that be possible!


    So what if there weren''t any lyrics?


    He could still shine in radiant splendor!


    That was the charm of music!


    That was this singer''s charm!


    ...


    Backstage.


    In Sunflower in the Starlight''s waiting room.


    Sunflower watched the television and did not say a word.


    ...


    In Sunset Glow''s waiting room.


    Sunset Glow abruptly turned to the side and gave a wry smile to the camera inside the room. "If he makes it to the next round, I wouldn''t want to face him."


    ...


    In God of War''s waiting room.


    God of War looked helpless.


    What sort of people were these!


    Who the fuck was this group of freaks!


    ...


    In the studio.


    The music stopped.


    In the middle of The Clown''s a cappe falsetto, he ended the song amid sorrow and love. He sustained the falsetto for a very long time and in a very high pitch. As it came to the end, it got lower and softer until there was no sound.


    Silence.


    It was so silent it was scary.


    It wasn''t until The Clown raised his head and bowed in thanks that the audience knew the performance had ended!


    Apuse then seemingly thundered with a sudden explosion!


    The audience was shouting his name in a frenzy!


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    This was a song that could move people!


    This was an unprecedented song!


    Other than shouting, they could not find another way to express their emotions!


    Dong Shanshan came onstage. "Let''s invite our previous singer, Petal Shower."


    Petal Shower walked slowly up onto the stage and nodded at The Clown. Her eyes were locked on him as though she were hoping to discover a clue to find out who he was!


    The Clown nodded back at her.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Will the panel of judges��"


    "I don''t know how to describe what I''m feeling right now! The Clown, you''re so wonderful!" Amy did not wait and stood up before Shanshan could finish speaking.


    The Clown gave a slight bow and said, "Thank you, Teacher Amy."


    Amy quickly waved it off and said, "Don''t you call me that. I don''t deserve to be addressed as a teacher in front of you."


    Wang Zhuishu waspletely convinced. "He definitely has to be a big shot in the industry! There''s no doubt!"


    The Clown smiled but did not respond.


    Dong Shanshan said, "Oh, Teacher Wang, who do you think he is?"


    Wang Zhuishu said dejectedly, "The problem is I don''t really know who this big shot is! I don''t even have a potential candidate in mind!"


    Chen Yidong said, "When he sang ''Wolf'' and ''Wild Rose'' in thest episode, he was in very bad shape and had lost his voice. Still, he managed to sing those songs in such an astonishing way. At that time, I was already wondering how good this guy''s singing would be if his voice had recovered. I finally heard it today! He''s really amazing! Seriously��you''ve really shocked me today!"


    The Clown''s voice came from underneath the mask and went through the voice transforming microphone. "Thank you."


    Zhang Xia suddenly said, "But there''s no such person in the music industry!"


    The judges looked to Zhang Xia.


    Zhang Xia analyzed, "Petal Shower sang her female falsetto to a perfection. Although I can''t guess who she is because she did not reveal any of her real voice, I at least have some candidates in mind and it''s possible to make a guess. However, I really can''t guess who The Clown is. I''ve been in the music industry for a few decades now, yet I''ve never heard of any male singers who could sing in falsetto like this. There just isn''t anyone I can think of. So I guess, yeah, I can only guess that this man is probably not part of the music industry."


    Yao Jiancai said in surprise, "You mean to say that The Clown is not a professional singer?"


    Amy instantly shook her head. "That''s impossible. Can an amateur singer sing that well? If so, then professional singers would die out." This was how she was. She wasn''t afraid to use whatever descriptions she liked.


    Zhang Xia said, "I can only guess."


    Wang Zhuishu asked, "Just who are you!"


    The Clown smiled without saying a word.


    Wang Zhuishu asked, "Can you tell us your age? Let''s narrow down the range of our target."


    Dong Shanshan quickly stopped the discussion. She smiled and said, "Teacher Wang, the contestant will not be answering any questions that are too specific. You must rely upon your own guesses."


    Chen Guang spoke up, "Then can I ask a not so straightforward question?"


    Dong Shanshan nodded.


    Chen Guang thought for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Are you above or below the B-list?"


    The audience was immediately energized!


    The judges felt that this was a very good question and pricked up their ears.


    As Dong Shanshan was not sure if this question was eptable, she quicklymunicated with the program team staff through her earpiece.


    However, The Clown was already answering the question.


    The Clown said calmly, "Above."


    The entire studio flew into an uproar!


    At least a B-list celebrity?


    In other words, he was at least a B-lister?


    Petal Shower looked at him with interest!


    Chen Guang was dumbfounded!


    Zhang Xia gasped!


    The masked singers backstage were also extremely shocked!


    They thought that King of Oddity, who had been eliminatedst episode, was a big name since he was a C-lister. But who could have expected that The Clown, who hadn''t been recognized by anyone and even thought by some to be a neer, would turn out to be an even bigger name, at least a B-list celebrity! Everyone was stunned by this revtion!


    The audience was making a ruckus!


    "Who is it!"


    "At least a B-lister? There''s over several dozen possibilities!"


    "But the range isn''t thatrge either!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "Is he really a B-lister?"


    "He might even be an A-lister?"


    "Heavens! He''s that much of a big name?"


    Dong Shanshan was stunned too. Clearly, she did not expect this either!


    Amy instantly got excited. "Above the B-list��that''s a very small range of possibilities. S-So why can''t I guess who you are!"


    The Clown smiled. He thought to himself that of course they couldn''t guess who he was.


    Yao Jiancai gave Chen Guang a look. "Are you Chen Guang''s twin brother? And the one onstage is the real Old Chen? You guys are just teasing us, aren''t you?"


    Chen Guang didn''t know whether tough or cry. "I''m an only child, Brother Yao."


    Zhang Xia said, "Besides you, who else can sing as great that?"


    Chen Guang gave a wry smile. "I don''t know. Even if I go all out with my falsetto, it''s quite impossible for me to sing better than him. Controlling my falsetto is not a strong point of mine."


    At least a B-list celebrity?


    A falsetto that has reached the peak of perfection?


    Who is it!


    Who the fuck could this big shot be! Goddammit!

 Chapter 1009: Voting!

    <h4>Chapter 1009: Voting! </h4>


    Chapter 1009: Voting!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It was almost time for the voting segment.


    This was the most anticipated part of the show.


    Dong Shanshan''s hosting style was improving. She could take control of a situation and her hosting had be very good as well. After all, she was someone whose grades were much higher than Zhang Ye''s during their Media College days among their entire ss. A lot of people constantly focused on Dong Shanshan''s looks, her figure, and her long legs, but neglected to consider her skills as a professional host. On the stage of King of Masked Singers, she knew quite well that she was just a supporting role and acted as a link between the event proceedings and flow of the show. As a result, she neither had to steal the show nor the lines. But when it came time for her to speak, she would definitely not allow others to ignore her.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "I can see that a few of our judges are confused."


    The audienceughed. In reality, they were confused too!


    Wang Zhuishu said, "Yeah, I have no clue at all!"


    Chen Yidong said, "It''s the same for Petal Shower. I can''t figure out who she is!"


    Yao Jiancai gloomily said, "Is this a singing show or a game show? I''m not good at using my brain and my head is already swelling from all that thinking."


    Dong Shanshan told them, "To improve your concentration and refresh your mind, please drink Bright Fruit Cocoa." Then she winked at the camera and emphasized, "It''s free of preservatives too!"


    With the title sponsor of the show being Bright Fruit Cocoa, she promoted it very naturally and seamlessly. The judges and audience found it funny.


    It was time for the judges to vote.


    Chen Guang dered, "I''ll not vote. There''s no way to make a choice."


    Zhang Xia also found it very difficult. She said, "Both of them sang in falsetto and had wless performances. It is indeed hard to choose. I won''t be surprised no matter who wins today."


    Amy immediately said, "I like The Clown''s performance more. I became his fanst episode, and I really like him so much. Even though The Clown''s song did not contain any lyrics, I imagined a lot of images because of it. His voice and the song were so vivid that it brought all those images to mind. From the difficulty of the performance and song, The Clown''s ''Opera'' is undoubtedly the more stunning performance for me."


    The Clown said, "Thank you."


    Wang Zhuishu thought for a long time before saying, "I''ll still give my support to Petal Shower. Although The Clown has moved me as well, I still prefer the way that Petal Shower expressed herself with her singing."


    Petal Shower''s mask concealed her face quite closely, with her entire head covered up so well that no one could even tell what hairstyle she wore. It was the same for her expression too. They could only see from her eyes that she was probably smiling. "Thank you, Teacher Wang."


    Yao Jiancai expressed, "I think that The Clown is a little bit better."


    Chen Yidong said, "Petal Shower is good too. Hai, it''s so difficult to choose from between the two of them."


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Then let''s leave the final voting to the 500 audience members and let them decide the winner." Looking into the audience, she said, "Everyone, please pick up your voting devices to cast a vote for your favorite performance today."


    The audience immediately got down to action.


    Some of them voted without any hesitation at all.


    Some of them were hesitating and couldn''te to a decision for a very long while.


    "It''s too difficult to choose!"


    "Yeah, the two of them were incredible today!"


    "If the two of them had gone against any of the other singers, I would definitely have voted for them. Why did these two big names have topete against each other so early in the first round! How am I supposed to vote?"


    "They both sang so great!"


    "Agreed. Their ability to sing in falsetto is too close to call. Both of them are wonderful!"


    "Then we can only judge based on the songs that they sang."


    "Hai, I suppose I have to go with my gut then!"


    "I still think that The Clown''s singing was more breathtaking!"


    "I think so too. A song with no lyrics? There''s really no one else who can sing like this!"


    "Petal Shower''s singing was so full of emotion. Personally, I still prefer her."


    Allpetitions were like this. Everyone had their personal preferences. Even for the best singer or song, it was impossible that everyone would like it due to everyone being different. For example, age, gender, and experiences would all create differences in the personality and perception of a person. This is verymonce.


    Backstage.


    Several of the masked singers who hadn''t appeared on stage yet took a vote as well.


    The producer who was apanying them asked for their opinions. "Who do you all think will win?"


    Sunset Glow pondered the question for a moment. "The Clown."


    Sunflower in the Starlight shook his head. "It could be either one of them since they''re both so equally matched."


    God of War did not hesitate. "The Clown."


    The other new recement masked singer called Lord Peacock said, "I''m optimistic about Petal Shower."


    In the studio.


    The voting had already begun!


    The judges were all staring at the screen.


    Han Qi, who was standing in the wings, was getting extremely anxious as she clenched her fists so tightly that her nails cut into her flesh. She was shouting in her head, The Clown! The Clown! It has to be The Clown!


    However, The Clown did not turn to look at the screen. He did not seem like he cared.


    It was the same for Petal Shower. She gazed forward and did not turn around.


    Their mental fortitude and stage presence were very strong. Just by their attitude, people would not believe it even if they were told that the two of them were not big shots. They indeed had the demeanor of a big shot, unlike those new singers who would often try to show off their talent or make amotion when they became too focused on the result.


    The audience was shouting the names of the singer they supported!


    "Petal Shower!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "Petal Shower!"


    "The Clown!"


    5 votes!


    10 votes!


    100 votes!


    Their two tallies were very close and evenly distributed!


    Without a doubt, this was definitely the most intense pair of contestants for this episode''s matchup. The two of them had given a near perfect performance for everyone!


    Finally, the voting ended!


    The results were disyed on the big screen!


    When the audience saw the result, they eximed in surprise!


    The judges were astonished too!


    Petal Shower''s tally: 241 votes!


    The Clown''s tally: 259 votes!


    Everyone thought that their tallies would probably be quite close or even separated by only one or two votes. But towards the end of the voting, The Clown''s tally gradually pulled away from Petal Shower. In the end, he led Petal Shower by 18 votes!


    The Clown won!


    Petal Shower immediately apuded. She looked at The Clown and gave him a gentle hug with open arms.


    Zhang Ye hugged her back for courtesy''s sake.


    Suddenly, he heard Petal Shower whisper to him, "I won''t lose next time."


    Zhang Ye was stunned.


    Eh?


    This voice?


    When the masked singers spoke into the microphone, the signal sent back would be transformed by a voice transformer before getting transmitted over the speakers. But of course, their voices would not be changed during the performance as that would sound very strange. But when they spoke, the program team staff would make some adjustments to their microphones. That was why Zhang Xia kept saying that she had not heard Petal Shower''s real voice before. However, when Petal Shower whispered into Zhang Ye''s ear, it was not said through the microphone. It was just her voiceing from directly underneath her mask and not transformed through the voice transformer. Perhaps she hadpletely forgotten about disguising her voice.


    It sounded familiar!


    This voice sounded really familiar!


    Zhang Ye had felt that there was a very high chance that Sunset Glow was probably someone he knew. But when he heard Petal Shower''s real voice, he was sure that he definitely knew this woman!


    Who was it?


    Which friend was she?


    His mind went nk all at once!


    When he realized that they definitely knew each other, Zhang Ye was afraid to speak. He just nodded and smiled to express his understanding. He was afraid that if he opened his mouth, Petal Shower would instantly recognize him, although he was confident that nearly no one could guess who he was on this stage as almost no one would think to link him to this character.


    This felt extremely nice!


    Offstage.


    The moment Zhang Ye came off the stage, he saw a dark figure rushing toward him!


    "We won! We really won!" Han Qi was eximing incoherently in her excitement!


    Zhang Ye felt his heart warm. "You''re more excited than I am?"


    Han Qi said, "But of course! The singer you won against is Petal Shower! She had the highest fanbase among all the masked singers! Nobody in the media and audience thought that you would get through to the next round! Everyone was doubting you! So how can I not be excited! How could I not be excited! This, this is so unreal!"


    When the program team staff saw The Clown, they gave him a thumbs up raised high in the air!


    Music Director Bai Yuanfei looked at Zhang Ye, and smiled and nodded at him.


    The Clown was astonishing today!


    The audience''s understanding of The Clown had been flipped on its head!


    This was The Clown after his voice had recovered?


    This was his true skill?


    No, that was not it. He still had not fully recovered yet. As someone who came down with a bad cold, fever, and inmmation of the tonsils and even took three cortisone shots, how could he possibly recover so quickly? If he had really recovered, then why did he not sing during the rehearsals? Instead, he saved his energy so that he could use it onstage? From that, it could be assumed that The Clown''s voice was still not in the best shape!


    With this thought, a lot of people were stunned by this conclusion they had arrived at.


    Damn!


    Could he perhaps be even more amazing than that?


    Could he perhaps still sing better than that?

 Chapter 1010: The Clown’s second song!

    <h4>Chapter 1010: The Clown''s second song! </h4>


    Chapter 1010: The Clown''s second song!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Backstage.


    In the waiting room.


    When Zhang Ye came back, he turned around and asked, "Water?"


    Han Qi was caught off guard. "Huh?"


    Zhang Ye cupped a hand and raised it to his mouth.


    Only then did Han Qi understand what he meant and quickly went to get a bottle of mineral water for him.


    When Zhang Ye finished drinking the water, he didn''t say a word.


    Han Qi said, "Teacher, for your next song��"


    Zhang Ye shook his head and pointed at his throat, then waved his hand to signal that he could not say anything right now. In truth, it was not that he could not talk, it was just that he wanted to let his throat rest to the fullest extent. Having sung "Opera," his voice had reached its limits. If he sang it a second time, he might not even finish the song. Singing in falsetto was very tiring and caused the muscles in his nasal cavity and throat to tighten up. Moreover, he had only just recovered from his illness and stabilized his old injuries.


    Han Qi understood, then got anxious. "Then what about your next song?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and gave her a thumbs up, indicating that she need not worry.


    He would not fight a battle that he wasn''t sure of winning. As he had already anticipated this situation, he had arranged the order of his songs this way. The second song''s style was decidedly unlike the first song''s. Otherwise, there would be no way for him to sing it. There was still about an hour''s worth of rest left, and he felt that he could use it to recover.


    ...


    In the studio.


    Thepetition was continuing.


    Sunflower Under The Starlight had already stepped out on stage.


    "Set ame!


    "I''m burning!


    "I wanna see blood flowing!


    "Set ame!


    "I''m burning!


    "I wanna send souls flying!"


    Sunflower had chosen a rock song and performed simr to the way he had in the first episode. The only difference was that this song was not as thrilling as his previous two. The audience was still very excited, but seemingly not as excited as they were during the first episode.


    Next, it was one of the recement singer''s turn to appear on the stage.


    A very tough-looking masked singer appeared before the audience.


    God of War!


    His mask had a postmodern style of design and incorporated many different artistic elements in it. With a ck-gray color as the foundation, he looked like a singer with very explosive power.


    He looked just as his name suggested.


    The moment when this person opened his mouth to sing, a high pitch voice sounded out.


    "Oh!


    "You''re the sun in my life!


    "Lighting my path forward!


    "Giving me endless power!"


    By rights, if the audience was seeing a new contestant appear for the first time, they should anticipate it a great deal. But for some reason, today the audience''s reaction was not that great. Everyone was surprised and still apuded, but it did not match up to the masked singers'' expectations.


    Some of the audience members even started talking about something else.


    "Who do you guys think The Clown is?"


    "I really don''t know!"


    "For those male celebrities above the B-list, who else could sing so swell other than Chen Guang and those Heavenly Kings?"


    "That ''Opera'' was damned fucking godly!"


    "Yeah, who the fuck has ever heard a song without lyrics?"


    "I''ve fallen in love with him!"


    "Me too! The Clown is amazing!"


    "I''m looking forward to his next song!"


    "Indeed. And his voice has almost returned to normal. We couldn''t tell from thest song since it was sung in falsetto, but if he sings using his real voice, we''ll definitely know who he is!"


    God of War finished singing.


    The voting began.


    Sunflower in the Starlight received 222 votes!


    God of War had 177 votes!


    About a hundred members of the audience abstained and did not cast a vote!


    Sunflower in the Starlight won but did not seem too happy about it.


    God of War gave a bitter smile since he could obviously feel that some of the audience members were not paying attention.


    Then it was time for thest pair of contestants toe onstage.


    The first toe out was the other recement singer, Lord Peacock. Surprisingly, he sang a bad song that was very pleasing to the ears as well as very popr.


    The next to take the stage was thest singer for today, Sunset Glow. She maintained her style with the choice of a very calm song that she performed rather beautifully. Her performance today was even better than in the first episode.


    "A song of yearning.


    "Full of bitterness.


    "A scene of loving.


    "Full of sadness."


    Sunset Glow had an overwhelming victory in the final vote!


    Sunset Glow: 302 votes!


    Lord Peacock: 115 votes!


    There were still over 80 people who had abstained!


    The program team staff could only smile wryly.


    Zhang Xia looked to the judges next to her. "What''s going on today?"


    Chen Guang had figured it out. "The first pair''s match was so spectacr that the audience''s emotions have all been released."


    Amy smiled and said, "Everyone has stopped paying attention to the other matches as they are trying to guess who The Clown is. After all, he revealed that he''s at least a B-list celeb, which has decreased the range of possibilities."


    Chen Yidong coughed and said, "I''m already browsing through the list."


    His cell phone screen was illuminated and showed thetest Celebrity Rankings Index on it. He was scrolling through all the celebrities on the B-list and trying to match someone with The Clown.


    If even the judges were doing so, what could be expected of the audience!


    Everyone had been shocked by The Clown''s non-lyrical song!


    The filming of today''s show was done ording to the broadcast order. Next up would be the elimination round. Of Petal Shower, God of War, and Lord Peacock, only one could remain on the show.


    Petal Shower was the first to perform. But after she stuck to using her stunning falsetto to finish singing the song, there was no doubt about the winner.


    God of War sang with all his might.


    Lord Peacock did not hold back either.


    However, Petal Shower still clinched the victory with an absolute advantage. There was no other oue as she had the highest support base among all the contestants on King of Masked Singers, and her singing was wless as well. Unless a heaven-defying big name singer came along, it would be very difficult to shake her.


    "Take it off!"


    "Take it off!"


    "Take it off!"


    The audience shouted in unison!


    God of War hesitated for a while.


    Dong Shanshan looked at him. "God of War, please make your choice."


    Eventually, God of War smiled and simply took off his mask.


    When the audience saw who he was, they eximed in surprise!


    "Brother Howling!"


    "It''s Brother Howling!"


    "Damn, it''s him!"


    "I totally didn''t expect that!"


    "Ah!"


    "I thought that it was his voice earlier when I heard it!"


    Brother Howling was a nickname given by theizens. His real name was Li Dongguo, a somewhat obscure name. But this man wasst year''s champion on a singing talent show that rode on the coattails of The Voice''s poprity. Due to his singing style belonging to the type of screaming in which his voice would frequently explode in the extreme pitches, theizens gave him this nickname. Since he was a very talented singer who came through the ranks of a talent show, a lot of people recognized him to be an elite singer. No one had expected that he would actuallye onto the King of Masked Singers'' stage!


    "So he''s still not good enough!"


    "Brother Howling got eliminated immediately in his first appearance? He couldn''t even make it past this episode?"


    "Who said that he was an elite singer?"


    "The professionals did!"


    "Hai, not everything stands up toparison!"


    "Yeah, I did not think this way in the past and felt that Brother Howling was a fantastic singer. But whenpared with people like The Clown, Petal Shower, and Sunflower, he''s still not at their level. Is this the difference between an amateur and a professional singer?"


    "God of War had the explosiveness, but the firmness of his voice is leagues away from Sunflower''s control of his!"


    "But Brother Howling is a champion who came up through the ranks of a talent show! How could he have lost so terribly?"


    "What about Lord Peacock?"


    "Take it off!"


    "Take it off!"


    The audience started to shout again!


    After some time, Lord Peacock also chose to take off his mask!


    "Wu Hefan!"


    "Ah!"


    "It''s him!"


    "It''s Wu Hefan!"


    "Damn, wasn''t he overseas? When did hee back?"


    Wu Hefan was another very popr celebrity. He was a professional singer who had won the Best Neer award in the Greater China region two years ago and was nominated for the Most Popr Celebrity awardst year. He was dashing and was one of the best-looking people in the music industry. However, his singing and performance abilities had never been acknowledged or gotten the attention of the audience. This was due to the fact that he had always been singing rtively mainstream and catchy songs.


    "So Wu Hefan can also sing quite well!"


    "Yeah, I really did not expect for him toe andpete!"


    "Aiyo, if I knew it was him, I would have voted for him instead!"


    "Damn, he''s my prince!"


    "Our Wuwu got eliminated just like that? Nooooo!"


    A lot of the female audience members'' hearts were shattered by this reveal. Many of them stood up and started shouting Wu Hefan''s name.


    But Wu Hefan justughed it off as he raised his microphone and said, "Actually, I am only here to participate and learn from my seniors. After this contest, I can say that I''ve indeed learned a lot from them." Then he gave a wry smile and said, "They really are amazing. I lost fair and square and have no objections."


    Amy said in regret, "Little Bro, I knew it was you the moment you opened your mouth and sang."


    Wu Hefanughed and said, "Hello, Sister Amy."


    Amy looked very young, just like the other members of Spring Garden. However, they definitely were not as young as they looked.


    Amy sighed, "What a shame."


    Wu Hefan was fairly cheerful. "It''s alright, Sister Amy."


    Amy said, "You chose the wrong song today. With your talent, you can easily sing much better than that."


    Dong Shanshan suddenly smiled. "Actually, there''s still a chance for the eliminated contestants to make aeback."


    Amy was taken aback. "Ah?"


    Both Brother Howling and Wu Hefan looked at her.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Before the grand finals begin, there will be a revival round for the eliminated contestants topete for a spot in the grand finals."


    Wu Hefan grinned. "I''ll be back."


    At once, Amy replied, "All the best, Little Bro. You can definitely do it!"


    Chen Guang said, "All the best to you too, God of War. Your vocals are really good. Let''s talkter if there''s a chance."


    When Brother Howling heard that, he got very excited as Chen Guang had always been his idol. "Thank you, Teacher Chen. I''ll be very honored to hear your advice!"


    Chen Guang quickly said, "It''s not so much giving advice to you, but rather for us to learn from each other."


    The contestants exited the stage.


    Then it was time for the second episode''s battle for Masked King!


    Thinking of this, the judges were invigorated.


    Some of the audience members shed their inattentiveness and concentrated fully on the next segment!


    It was here!


    It was finally here!


    If the unmasking round was just a sideshow for many of the audience, then the following round was clearly the main event!


    The Clown would be appearing onstage again!


    And no one could guess what song he would be singing this time around!

 Chapter 1011: I wanna walk from south to north!

    <h4>Chapter 1011: I wanna walk from south to north! </h4>


    Chapter 1011: I wanna walk from south to north!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the studio.


    Everyone was waiting in breathless anticipation!


    The house band took their ce and was joined by a group of folk musicians.


    Intrigued, Chen Guang said, "Folk music?"


    Amy wondered, "And what is he going to sing?"


    Zhang Xia had already stopped talking. She was carefully observing the stage and waiting for The Clown to start singing.


    Famous host Chen Yidong sat up straight. "I''ve been waiting for him for a long time. It''s finally his turn again. As long as he uses his real voice, we can match it against those celebrities on the B-list and above, and we''ll most likely guess who he is. I don''t even wish to find out who Petal Shower and Sunflower are anymore! All I want is to know who The Clown is!"


    Famous lyricist andposer Wang Zhuishu, who had a list of names in front of him, said, "For those on the B-list and above, ruling out all the female celebrities and those who cannot sing, there are only a few dozen possibilities left. I don''t believe that I can''t find out who he is. Even if he continues to hide or change the tone of his voice, there has to be a limit to how much he can do it. He can''t possibly change it too much." But unbeknownst to him, he had already excluded that man right from the start.


    Yao Jiancai interjected, "What if he''s actually a woman?"


    Amy burst outughing, "Crossdressing?"


    The Clown walked onstage.


    Instantly, the sound of apuse flooded the entire studio!


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    "It''s The Clown!"


    "Hurry up and sing! I''ve been waiting for him!"


    "Me too. Ever since his match with Petal Shower in the first round, I haven''t had any interest in anything that happened afterward. Sunflower didn''t manage to perform up to his potential either!"


    "The key is that we know he''s at least a B-list celebrity now, so that''s really intriguing!"


    "Right, who could it be!"


    "Let''s just listen to him sing first. He''s recovered from his cold, and his voice seems to be back too. We couldn''t hear him properly earlier because he sang in falsetto, but once he starts singing in his real voice, we''ll definitely get a hint of who he is."


    "Yeah, let''s listen first."


    "We have find out who he is, or else I won''t be able to sleep!"


    "That first song called ''Opera'' was wonderful!"


    "Rather than wonderful, it was spectacrly scary, OK?!"


    "Yeah, even the godly Petal Shower was crushed by him!"


    The contestants backstage were thinking the same.


    Petal Shower was waiting with her eyes closed.


    Sunflower in the Starlight was staring at the TV.


    Sunset Glow did not blink as the names of a number of male celebrities popped into her mind, but all were shot down by her one by one.


    Center stage.


    Zhang Ye gripped the microphone as he nced over to the judging panel and the audience. From the unbridled stares of the crowd, he could read many things. Everyone was waiting for him to start singing to find out who he was. A smirk emerged from the corner of his mouth beneath the mask. Do you guys really think that you''ll be able to identify me? Do you really think you can hear my voice and guess who I am?


    The spotlights sparkled.


    Everyone was focusing on him.


    Zhang Ye could already feel himself falling in love with this stage.


    Here, no one recognized him.


    Here, no one knew who he was.


    He hade alone and would leave alone. This was a really great feeling!


    The music yed!


    First, the notes of a dizi gently floated in.


    Next, a guzheng melody harmonized with it.


    They were obviously folk music instruments, but the tune that yed was clearly rock, its rhythm standing out!


    Just this intro alone was enough to give the audience a high!


    Startled, Chen Guang said, "This is rock?"


    Amy was stunned. "Surely not? Folk music paired with rock?"


    "It''s definitely rock!" Chen Guang himself was a rock singer and he''d definitely know it if he heard it. He was absolutely sure that this was a rock song, which was the reason why he was startled. He had never heard of someone using a rock rhythm in folk music, and there wasn''t even a drummer or guitarist ying? Weren''t the folk musical instruments just for supporting apaniment? They were used for the main melody instead?


    Could it even be yed this way?


    Could rock actually be done in such a way?


    Deng deng deng.


    Deng deng deng.


    Deng deng deng, deng di, deng deng.


    Under the gaze of over a thousand sets of eyes, The Clown tightened his grip on the microphone and ced it close to his mouth.


    His voice instantly resonated through the studio!


    "I wanna walk from south to north.


    "I wanna walk from day til night.


    "I want people to look at me,


    "But not know who I am."


    It was really rock!


    He was really singing a rock song!


    You want everyone to look at you, but not know who you are?


    The audience was stunned!


    "If you see me a li''l tired,


    "Please pour me a bowl of water.


    "If you''ve fallen in love with me,


    "Then please nt a kiss on my mouth."


    The title of the song was disyed on the screen overhead the stage.


    " Fake Monk 1 ."


    What song was this?


    It was another song that no one had heard before?!


    What the fuck! From where did you get so many originals?


    The judges were all going a bit crazy!


    Especially Wang Zhuishu, who was a famous lyricist andposer in the industry. He knew a lot of people and as long as it was a slightly more well-known lyricist orposer in the scene, he knew them. Just from the beginning of this song, he knew that it was absolutely not a simple piece and definitely not a song that could be written by a neer. So what was going on? Just what on earth was going on with these songs that would give anyone who heard them the goosebumps!?


    "I have this pair of feet and legs. I have this far and wide journey.


    "I want the all of everything, but not hate or regret.


    "If you wanna love me, don''t fear regret!


    "Cuz one day I''ll be going far away!


    "I don''t wanna stay in one ce,


    "Nor want others to follow me."


    Chen Guang was about to erupt. "Just who the hell is this!"


    This song was so good!


    The lyrics were so good!


    The Clown had already performed three songs on this stage, but the one that Chen Guang liked best was the one he was currently listening to. Although it was his first time listening to it, Chen Guang could already feel the rock ''n'' roll blood in him surging with excitement!


    Wang Zhuishu quickly scanned through the list of names. "Which guy is it? Which celebrity could it be?"


    Amy asked anxiously, "Have you found out yet?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Is there anyone that matches his profile?"


    Chen Yidong was also checking who could sing from the list of celebrities on the B-list and above. "Li Yu? No, it''s definitely not him. Old Huo? It''s not his voice either! Old Li? But he''s currently on tour in Hong Kong! Who! Who is he!"


    Wang Zhuishu said in exasperation, "Why don''t any of these names match!"


    The Clown used his explosive and impactful voice to continue singing.


    "I wanna walk from south to north.


    "I wanna walk from day til night.


    "I want people to look at me,


    "But not know who I am."


    The audience was infected by the music!


    This song was exceptionally fit for the stage!


    Everyone could see him but did not know who he was!


    With "Fake Monk," he had once again shocked the audience!


    A lot of those in the audience no longer knew how to describe their current feelings!


    The Clown was still singing. In fact, his voice was getting even higher. His real voice was different from that of his falsetto. It was not as clear, but when used in this song, it was the perfectbination!


    "I just wanna see how pretty you are,


    "But not know you are suffering!


    "I wanna obtain Heavens'' rains, but with none of your tears.


    "I don''t wanna believe there are really demons, or fight anybody."


    The Clown walked forward a few steps and pointed upward.


    "Don''t try to figure out just who I am,


    "And don''t try to see through this lie of mine."


    Every word in The Clown''s lyrics seemed to be sung to them, but also felt like they were sung for himself!


    In the waiting room, Petal Shower eximed, "He''s singing great!"


    Sunset Glow said in astonishment, "He can even sing rock?"


    The already eliminated God of War who had came through from a talent show was also convinced now. Losing to someone like that was nothing to be ashamed about. Suddenly, he felt a little lucky that he had faced a slightly less capable Sunflower today. If he had been matched against The Clown in the first round, he might even have lost 500 to 0 during the voting! That would truly have been embarrassing and he might not have had the courage to take off his mask if that had happened!


    Freaks!


    These were truly a bunch of freaks in the music industry!


    Especially The Clown, who was the freakiest of the freaks!


    Amy was already standing up, pping the table in front of her and shouting, "Aiyo! Just which senior came to this stage to tease us?"


    The Clown sang with a smile.


    "La.


    "I want people to look at me,


    "I want people to look at me,"


    The music came to a stop.


    It was silent onstage.


    With a pause, The Clown closed his eyes and used his slightly maic voice to sing in a cappe:


    "I want people to look at me,


    "But not know��who��I��am."


    He sustained thest few notes before breaking off!


    The song ended!


    The Clown straightened and smiled, slightly bowing.


    A burst of cheers erupted!


    "Ahhh!"


    "Bravo!"


    "I love him to death!"


    "Me too!"


    "Isn''t this song just fascinating?"


    "How does he sing so well!"


    "Who the hell is The Clown! Why can''t I figure out who he is even after listening to his real voice!"


    "I want to know so badly that I''m gonna go crazy!"


    "His falsetto is unmatched, and his real voice is this amazing too?"


    "The main thing is that his song is good too! It''s really good!"


    "The Clown! I dare you to take off your mask! Do you dare!"


    "Aiyo, damn! I really want to know who the fuck he is!"


    Backstage.


    Petal Shower was nodding in approval and pping!


    God of War, who had already taken off his mask, was also pping. He pped so hard his palms turned red. "Bravo! This song is so perfect!" Then he looked at the camera and said to himself, "I''ll definitelye back in the revival round! It would be such an honor to share a stage with this godly senior!"


    Han Qi was shouting excitedly inside the studio, "The Clown! The Clown!"


    The audience was screaming.


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    The Clown had left the stage.


    Dong Shanshan retook the stage. "Thank you for performing, The Clown."


    She had wanted to calm the audience down before inviting the second contestant toe out onstage. The next contestant was Sunflower in the Starlight, who was already waiting in the wins.


    However, the audience''s emotions could not be calmed at all.


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    A lot of people were still screaming!


    Dong Shanshan had no choice but to keep quiet and wait for the audience to calm themselves down.


    Sunset Glow, who was third in line to take the stage to battle for Masked King, smiled wryly when she saw this. The Clown was much too popr. How could they possiblypete against him?


    A song without lyrics!


    And a rock song!


    At least for today, the stage belonged to The Clown. With those two songs, there was basically no question about who would be crowned as the Masked King today!


    Among the present audience members, at least half of them had already be fans of The Clown!


    The skills required to sing the song with no lyrics?


    The spirit and idea behind "Fake Monk"?


    Even if Zhang Yuanqi had worn a mask ande onstage, she might not necessarily have been able to beat him today!

 Chapter 1012: The Clown’s live rendition of ’Our Villagers’

    <h4>Chapter 1012: The Clown''s live rendition of ''Our Vigers'' </h4>


    Chapter 1012: The Clown''s live rendition of ''Our Vigers''


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    After leaving the stage.


    The Clown walked off with the audience cheering him on.


    Han Qi was almost jumped in excitement. "Teacher! That was a really great song!"


    With his performancesplete, Zhang Ye could finally talk without hesitation. "It wasn''t too bad. I think I did alright." He felt rather satisfied.


    The song was not that easy to sing. In fact, it would be easier to sing some other songs that required the belting of high notes. In contrast, this song''s high notes were not that obvious and there weren''t many pitch changes either, so that made it very difficult to sing and would require a greater skill to execute well.


    It was a song that didn''t exist in this world. But in Zhang Ye''s previous world, "Fake Monk" was a very illustrious song by Cui Jian 1 . It was a decades-old song and enjoyed quite the high status within rock music and music industry. It was known by virtually everyone, andter often performed by many people on various variety shows and singing talent shows as one of the more ssic songs around. Celebrities like Tan Weiwei 2 , Phil Chang 3 , Jeff Chang 4 had all covered it before, even Yu Qian 5 . It could be seen from this alone just how important and enchanting this song was to people of that era


    Zhang Ye also liked "Fake Monk" a lot. The original version of the song used folk music instruments for its apaniment as well. As one review had praised, Fake Monk had gone against tradition in the name of tradition with its apaniment. Zhang Ye retained this arrangement as well as adding in some other things ording his own understanding before presenting the song on this stage.


    On the way back to his waiting room.


    A continuous stream of program team staff were giving him the thumbs up.


    Some of them even approached him to ask for a photograph.


    "Teacher, can we take a picture together?"


    "Please take a picture with me, Teacher Clown."


    "I like you so much!"


    "That song was great!"


    The song had touched quite a few people, especially the older ones who had a rush of emotions evoked from listening to the song!


    Thinking of those songs The Clown sang during the audition in front of the program team, everyone nearly vomited blood!


    How glorious it is to be an oil worker?


    As a fifty-year-old pro driver, you are all smiles?


    Bullshit!


    That was all just pretentious shit!


    This was the real Clown!


    This was who The Clown really was!


    While Zhang Ye took a few pictures with the employees here, Sunflower in the Starlight''s voice came from the stage behind him. His song selections today didn''t seem that good as he couldn''t perform to the best of his ability.


    "Living in this tedious world.


    "What am I meant to do?


    "Vastness, loneliness,panionship."


    However, a lot of the audience were still happy with Sunflower''s performance and trying to guess who he was.


    As Zhang Ye was not exactly considered as part of this world, and he wasn''t too familiar with the people here, he gave up on trying to guess. At least he was quite sure that he wasn''t familiar with who Sunflower was, although nothing was definite since they were all wearing masks. So on this point, Zhang Ye himself did not want to confirm anything.


    ...


    10 minutester.


    "We''re here,


    "Dancing in the wind."


    Sunset Glow also finished singing.


    The apuse was enthusiastic!


    There were cheersing from everywhere in the audience!


    Dong Shanshan came onstage at this moment and said, "Let''s wee The Clown and Sunflower in the Starlight back onto the stage."


    Sunflower, who had been waiting in the wings and listening to Sunset Glow''s performance, returned to the stage very quickly.


    Meanwhile, The Clown made his way back from the waiting room and took a bit longer to get back.


    As Sunset Glow was thest contestant to perform, the judges started giving their opinions about her singing first.


    Zhang Xia said in astonishment, "I''vee to realize that Sunset Glow''s singing is really amazing. She has performed perfectly to her potential. I listened to those two songs in pure satisfaction!"


    Sunset Glowugh lightly and said, "Thank you, Grandma Zhang."


    Wang Zhuishu agreed, "Sunset Glow seems to be the type of singer who slowly warms up as her voice silently starts to infect us. When you first hear her sing, it doesn''t seem like much, but it really does get much better every time we listen to it. It can really touch people''s hearts, so that''s really good. I''vee to rediscover Sunset Glow today, and I believe that she''s definitely a professional singer!"


    Chen Guang added, "Sunset Glow''s weapon is not belting out high notes but sentiment and subtlety. There aren''t many like her in the music industry."


    Amy stared hard at her and had a niggling feeling that she was very familiar. "Do we know each other?"


    Sunset Glowughed. "Guess."


    Amy said in annoyance, "The problem is that I can''t guess at all!"


    The audienceughed.


    Yao Jiancai could sense something, so he said with a chuckle, "Amy, from what she''s saying, I think the two of you must know each other."


    Amy said, "I already have a candidate in mind, but I can''t be sure!" She stared at Sunset Glow and said, "Are you the person I''m thinking of?"


    Sunset Glow shook her head. "I don''t know who you''re thinking of."


    Amy looked at her and said, "I''m very close to that person, so close that we''ve even shared the same skirt before. But that person''s voice isn''t as low as yours and her singing style is different too. Did you change your vocal register on purpose?"


    Sunset Glow stopped answering and justughed.


    Amy immediately said, "That won''t do. I better give her a call now and see if she answers!"


    Amy then took out her cell phone on the spot and dialed a number.


    Du du du.


    Du du du.


    After five or six rings.


    Amy set her phone down in shock. "She didn''t pick up! Could you really be her?"


    Zhang Xiaughed and said, "Stop speaking in riddles. Just tell us who it is."


    But Amy did not speak.


    Next was Sunflower''s turn.


    Chen Yidong was still praising Sunflower as usual, with only the utmost praise for him.


    But Zhang Xia said, "Sunflower still sang very well, but I''ll reserve my opinions on his song choices for today."


    Sunflower chuckled and just nodded.


    Amy analyzed, "From his ent, I think he''s a singer from Hong Kong."


    Wang Zhuishu said, "Yeah, I feel the same. There''s a 70 to 80% chance. Although his ent isn''t that obvious, the pronunciation habits of singers from Greater China are very difficult to change."


    Amy bluntly questioned, "Are you a singer from Hong Kong?"


    The synthesized voice of Sunflower sounded. "The director won''t allow me to tell."


    The contestants'' answers were all very conservative as they did not want anyone to so easily guess who they were.


    Finally, the conversation shifted to The Clown.


    Dong Shanshan asked, "Do our judges have anything to say about The Clown''s performance?"


    Chen Yidong said, "There''s nothing much left to say. All I can say is that I''m convinced!"


    Wang Zhuishu smiled wryly and said, "He''s definitely an excellent singer! The two songs today were good in both lyrics and melody, but the singing was even better. There''s absolutely nothing to pick on! It was amazing!"


    Amy asked anxiously, "Teacher Clown, which industry senior are you really? Can you stop teasing us like that? Just hurry up and let us know already!"


    The Clownughed.


    Amy quickly asked, "Then can I ask you a question?"


    The Clown thought about it for a bit before nodding.


    Amy pointed at herself and asked, "Do we know each other?"


    The Clown hesitated for a moment then gently nodded.


    "We do!?" Amy scratched her head. She was going crazy. "Who on earth are you!"


    Chen Guang quickly followed up, "Then do we know each other?"


    The Clown coughed and then nodded again.


    Chen Guang was going crazy too. "Among the people I know, there''s not a singer who has a style like yours! I''m generally quite familiar with all the Maind China singers, but there are some singers from Greater China I don''t know. Could it be that you''re from Hong Kong?"


    Zhang Xia waved it off and said, "That can''t be. How can he be with that kind of an ent?"


    Chen Guang said, "He might have deliberately hidden his ent?"


    Amy also said in surprise, "Oh yeah, he might really be from Hong Kong! We might know each other, but there''s also a possibility that we don''t know each other well?" Then she asked The Clown, "Are you a celebrity from Greater China?"


    Wang Zhuishu asked, "Where are you from?"


    Chen Yidong also continued questioning, "Right, where is your hometown? Can we ask that?"


    Everyone was looking at The Clown, wanting to know the answer!


    Dong Shanshan was about to help him fend off the questions.


    But no one could have expected that The Clown would raise his microphone and start singing through the voice transforming microphone in Cantonese!


    "My ol'' home, hey, is right in this hamlet!


    "I was born and raised here in this hamlet!"


    The people in the audience were floored!


    But the more The Clown sang the more animated he be.


    "Though our vige isn''t much, we have hills, rivers, and forests.


    "The vigers are friendly and everyone gets on well.


    "So many things have happened inside this hamlet.


    "Thinking back on them, it''s speshly funny.


    "If you friends are in-ter-est-ed, I can show you, show you around, and have you meet our vigers!"


    Amy burst outughing!


    Chen Guang was floored!


    Zhang Xia, Yao Jiancai, and a few others cramped up withughter!


    Beside him, Petal Shower''s shoulders were shaking uncontrobly. She was obviouslyughing beneath her mask as well!


    Your ol'' home is right in this hamlet?


    Does Hong Kong even use the term hamlet at all?


    Get lost! Just get lost! Who wants to meet your vigers!


    And besides, doesn''t your Cantonese sound too non-standard?


    The audience was doubled over inughter!


    "Aiyo, I can''t take it!"


    "You can evene up with these sort of things on the fly?"


    "I''m dying ofughter, hahahahaha!"


    "Bro, what are you trying to do, imitating a Hong Konger like that!


    "Pfft! I can see right through you and know that you don''t have a rural residence!"


    "Why is The Clown such a tease!"


    "Who is he really?"


    "I don''t know!"


    The program team staff were also amused. They thought to themselves about how these people did not see for it themselves when this person sang that "as a fifty-year-old pro driver, I am all smiles" song. He was truly an out-and-out troublemaker who could reallye up with all kinds of nonsense! He pretended to be a worker once, and now, he''s even pretending to be a citizen from Hong Kong?


    Zhang Xia said with augh, "He''s definitely not a singer from Hong Kong!"


    Amy had to take her hat off to him. "Senior, don''t pretend anymore. Really, stop pretending already!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "If that''s the ent of a Hong Kong singer, then I''ll be flying out to Australia for a concert tomorrow! That Hong Kong ent of yours was way too pretentious!"


    Amyughed, "Hahahahaha!"


    Chen Yidong said, "This personality of his has confused me even more!"


    Amy said whileughing, "Yeah, this makes it even harder to guess who he is!"


    A Cantonese version of " Our Vigers 6 " from Zhang Ye''s world had tickled the judges and audience funny here!


    Finally, the voting began!


    The audience picked up their voting devices.


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "Sunset Glow!"


    "Sunflower!"


    A lot of people were shouting the names of the contestants that they liked.


    When the judges and contestants looked at the real-time tallies on the big screen, they couldn''t help but give a wry smile. Right from the start, the difference between tallies pulled away!


    The Clown was far ahead!


    In the end, the results were decided!


    Sunset Glow: 142 votes.


    Sunflower in the Starlight: 101 votes.


    The Clown: 257 votes!


    The second episode''s Masked King was crowned!


    It was still The Clown!


    The Clown continued to hold the title of Masked King!


    The audience erupted into cheers!


    The judges stood up and gave him their apuse!

 Chapter 1013: The Clown gets popular!

    <h4>Chapter 1013: The Clown gets popr! </h4>


    Chapter 1013: The Clown gets popr!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Saturday.


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    Today, Zhang Ye came over right after picking up his parents from the airport after they returned from their Hainan vacation. His grandparents had asked for their children to gather today for a meal as they missed them, with the food already prepared. In truth, Zhang Ye was nning to send his parents home first to sort out their luggage and rest for a while beforeing over, but their flight was dyed. When they finally arrived, it was already five in the afternoon. Then, he got recognized at the airport by some fans and was trapped there for a long time. With the protracted dy, Zhang Ye was forced to go over right after picking up his parents.


    "Brother!"


    "Little Ye."


    "Grandma, First Uncle, Little Sis."


    "Why are you sote?"


    "Hai, the flight got dyed."


    "First Aunt and Uncle, how was the Hainan trip?"


    "Hur hur, it was quite good. The air there was particrly refreshing."


    "First Aunt, I''ll take your luggage for you!"


    "Look at our Dandan, she''s bing more and more sensible."


    The entire extended family had essentially gathered by now. The moment they met each other, they started prattling and babbling on.


    Zhang Ye greeted his grandpa and grandma, then enjoyed some time chatting with them. Shortly after, his three sisters approached him all atwitter.


    His third sister giggled, "Brother, are you still unemployed?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Yeah."


    His eldest sister blinked and said, "Why haven''t you caused any trouble then?"


    "Cause what trouble?" Zhang Ye asked, not understanding.


    His second sister said, "In the past, during times like these, you would alwayse out to scold and bombard those people who had offended you. It''s not your style to keep quiet like this!"


    Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Just why do you three have such a terrible impression of me? Why would I scold people without a valid reason? I''m no longer the same as before."


    His third sister looked down her nose at him. "C''mon, you?"


    His grandma tapped her in disapproval. "Young girl, how can you speak to your older brother in that manner?"


    His third sister shouted, "Quick,e and see. Grandma''s ying favorites again!"


    Everyoneughed.


    Zhang Ye was currently the most precious child at home. If his parents even dared to say a bad thing about Zhang Ye in front of his grandparents, they would re at them, much less his three sisters.


    Zhang Ye was also quite enjoying these rare family get-togethers. Thepetition yesterday had really tired him out. Not only had he worried about his vocal chords, it also took a lot of his concentration. He appreciated getting a rare chance to rx like this.


    Dinner was ready.


    They split into two tables as there were too many people.


    His first uncle suddenly asked, "Little Ye, I heard that the show you produced is getting quite popr these days?"


    His third sister immediately said, "It is not just quite popr, it''s very popr!"


    His mother swallowed a mouthful of food and said, "You don''t say. The singers they invited this time are incredible! Their singing is each better than thest. I think that Sunflower and Petal Shower are pretty good!"


    His first aunt said, "I like Sunflower too!"


    His second aunt said, "Their songs are tooplicated, so I prefer Sunset Glow."


    His eldest sister spoke up, "The Clown''s very good too. He was voted to be the Masked King in the first episode."


    His second sister shook her head and said, "The Clown isn''t that good. The media''s talked about how he won in spite of his talent."


    His third sister suddenly banged the table. "Aiyo, I nearly forgot. The second episode of King of Masked Singers is about to start. It''s already 7:50! Quick, turn on the TV!"


    "Oh yeah, let''s watch it!"


    "Yeah, we nearly forgot about it with all that talking just now!"


    "Little Ye, who will be Masked King today?"


    "Hur hur, watch for yourselves."


    "It''s definitely going to be Petal Shower."


    "I think it''ll be Sunflower."


    "Sunset Glow''s chances are quite high too!"


    Almost everyone in the family had watched the show, and they all had their own favorite singers they supported.


    The only thing that made Zhang Ye feel dejected was that no one seemed to be supporting The Clown. This fellow felt quite helpless as he was wondered if it was because of the songs he selected being a little too non-mainstream? That the song''s target audience was too niche? Should he attempt a more mainstream song for the next episode then? Speaking of which, as he was not considered to be someone from this world, all the songs that he brought out had never been heard before by the people of this world. This was his disadvantage, as well as his advantage. He had to slowly figure it out with every step that he took, without having any past experience to fall back on when choosing. Selecting which song to perform was very much like a test to him.


    He would wait and observe what happened today.


    To see what the reaction was after today''s episode.


    ...


    On Weibo.


    It was whirling online.


    "It''s about to begin!"


    "Holy shit, Petal Shower''s poprity has reached 300,000 votes!"


    "That''s too fearsome!"


    "She''s been chosen internally as the Masked King for this episode, right?"


    "More or less. The disparity is too much!"


    "Did any news get leaked? Who got eliminated? Who took off their masks?"


    "The Clown is sure to get eliminated, yeah?"


    "There''s no hope for him anymore. There''s been too much negative press about him, with both the media and people bombarding him."


    "Actually, I feel that The Clown is decent. Although his singing wasn''t that good, that was due to him performing with a cold. We should to try understand that."


    "He only became Masked King because of the pity votes cast by people like you! So what if he had a cold? This is apetition. It has to be fair."


    "Let''s see how it goes. It doesn''t matter what The Clown does in this episode. Everything will depend on the performance of my Petal Shower!"


    Suddenly, a Weibo user appeared.


    That person posted with a chuckle: "I''ll tell you guys something unfortunate. The Clown has retained his crown as the Masked King for this episode."


    "Pfft!"


    "Can you please stop teasing us?"


    "That''s impossible!"


    "Don''t go around spreading rumors!"


    "Anyone can be the Masked King except The Clown. He''s been criticized so badly it''s impossible for him!"


    However, someone else appeared out of the woodwork. "The Petal Shower you guys thought would be the favorite was eliminated by The Clown in the first round. Ai, just watch for yourselves, I don''t have the heart to strike you guys with another blow."


    "Are you kidding?"


    "For real?"


    "Even if The Clown resorted to his previous tricks or sang a song with even better lyrics, it''s still impossible that the audience would buy it a second time."


    "I don''t believe it!"


    "Fuck, I also don''t believe it!"


    "Petal Shower''s poprity has exploded, with Sunflower in hot pursuit behind her. Even Sunset Glow''s poprity is much higher than The Clown''s, so how can it be possible for him to be the Masked King!"


    "Don''t believe the rumors."


    "Don''t believe the rumors+1!"


    "Don''t believe the rumors+1000!"


    Nobody believed it.


    Then the second episode of King of Masked Singers was broadcast for everybody''s viewing pleasure!


    The first contestant to sing was Petal Shower.


    "Wow!"


    "My Petal Shower ising on!"


    "She''s gonna sing, she''s gonna sing!"


    "Ahhh, I love listening to her singing!"


    "It''s still her style of singing!"


    "I love her to death!"


    "Masked King, she must definitely get crowned as this episode''s Masked King!"


    "It has to be her!"


    "The Clown is next?"


    "Hahaha, it''s so unlucky for him!"


    "Yeah, there''s no more suspense in this matchup!"


    Online, wave after wave of exmations erupted as theizens all praised Petal Shower''s singing.


    Next, The Clown took the stage.


    When The Clown began to sing, Weibo fell silent without warning!


    "Ahh, ahh.


    "Ahhhhh, ahh.


    "Ahhhhh, ahhhhh.


    "Ahhhhh, ahh."


    ...


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His three sisters were dumbfounded!


    His parents, uncles, aunts, and everyone else''s hairs stood on end when they heard him sing!


    "This!"


    "H-His cold is gone?"


    "Why doesn''t this song have any lyrics?"


    "Aiyo, I can''t handle this. I''m getting the goosebumps!"


    "What''s going on? What''s with this song?"


    ...


    Zhang Yuanqi''s house.


    A couple of her good friends in the scene hade over for a dinner party.


    Thetest episode of King of Masked Singers was ying on the television, and they were analyzing it.


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled and said, "Who do you girls think Petal Shower sounds like?"


    Ning Lan, sitting cross-legged, said, "I can''t tell since I''m not involved in the music scene."


    The Heavenly Queen''s manager, Fang Weihong, swirled her ss of red wine. "This show is quite popr, and is very fun to watch. Sister Zhang, you can tell who she is?"


    Zhang Yuanqiughed. "I have a rough idea of who she is, but I can''t be sure."


    Then they heard different singing drift from the television.


    At the start, they were not paying much attention to the show as they chatted among themselves. But gradually, their conversation came to a halt.


    Fang Weihong was dumbfounded!


    Ning Lan looked at the television in shock!


    Zhang Yuanqi was slightly stunned as she turned to look at the television!


    "Ahhh, ahhhh.


    "Ahhh, ahhhh."


    The voice filled the entire room!


    Fang Weihong eximed, "Who the heck is this! Oh my god!"


    Ning Lan was also in extreme shock. "Can this singing be any better than it is already?"


    Fang Weihong asked, "Which song is this?"


    Zhang Yuanqi replied, "There''s no such song in the music industry!"


    "It''s an original?"


    There were no lyrics!


    Not a single line!


    But they werepletely caught off guard by the images that were conjured up in their minds!


    ...


    A lot of theizens on Weibo were going crazy!


    Many of those who had called out The Clownst week for using lyrics to gain pity points were now feeling as though their faces had been pped swollen. This was done on purpose! This man was definitely fucking with them on purpose!


    "A song without lyrics?"


    "Holy shit!"


    "He sang it to such a godly level!"


    "So this is what The Clown''s real voice sounds like?"


    "Dammit, this song made me cry!"


    "Is it that good? Howe I don''t feel that way?"


    "I didn''t feel anything either, but his singing was amazing!"


    "Didn''t feel anything? You have to calm yourself when listening to this song. I was also moved by it. This song is simply an enjoyment to listen to! Who said that The Clown needed to rely on lyrics to win? Fuck their granny!"


    "This face smacking is ruthless! I can already feel the pain on those media people''s faces!"


    "This song is fantastic!"


    "Not even a single line of lyrics?"


    "Who is this guy? Who is he?"


    Manyizens threw a fit in an instant!


    ...


    Within the music industry.


    At an entertainmentpany.


    A vice president was eating with hispany''s staff and some fellow industry professionals. When they heard that voiceing from the television in the room, they were all dumbfounded!


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    The vice president shouted, "Little Li, go and check who that is! You must figure out who he is! If he''s not contracted to anypany, make sure to sign him to ourpany at all costs!"


    The secretary, Little Li, hurriedly replied, "Understood!"


    But it didn''t take long before the question asked by the panel of judges was shown on television.


    "Are you above or below the B-list?"


    "��Above."


    The table of people went quiet.


    The vice presidentughed bitterly. "Never mind. Don''t bother trying to find out who he is. It''s impossible that a big name who''s at least a B-lister like him would not have apany."


    A musician in the industry and seated at the table gasped. "Which famous person in the music industry went topete on the show?"


    King of Masked Singers was very popr!


    It was so popr that many of those in the music industry��whether they be established singers or neers, including even the Heavenly Kings and Queens��were watching the show on TV!


    A lot of people were shocked by the "Opera" The Clown had sung!


    But without exception, no one was able to guess who The Clown really was!

 Chapter 1014: Becoming famous!

    <h4>Chapter 1014: Bing famous! </h4>


    Chapter 1014: Bing famous!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The tables had turned!


    Countless people who were previously calling out The Clown and showing disdain for him fell silent when "Opera" was performed. The media outlets vomited blood at the turn of events! Quite a few people were touched by this song, while there were many others who did not get affected by it. But even those who did not like this song could not say that this man''s singing was not good. His falsetto had reached the stage of perfection!


    "B-list?"


    "There are only a few possibilities on the B-list and above!"


    "Fuck, who is this guy!"


    "I think I''ve be a fan of his!"


    "Me too!"


    "From hater to fan! He''s amazing!"


    "Ah, The Clown won!"


    "He beat Petal Shower!"


    "Poor Petal Shower!"


    "Yeah, if Petal Shower had faced any of the others, she would''ve won!"


    "Could The Clown have really been crowned Masked King?"


    "Quick, quick, quick! When will The Clown sing his next song?"


    The show continued.


    However, the audience seemed to have been affected by the lyricless song. A minority of the audience was not even interested when the other contestants came on nor cared about the identity of whoever was taking off their masks. They were simply waiting to watch The Clown sing his second song!


    Finally, the second episode''s Masked King battle began.


    The Clown was the first to perform!


    He was using his real voice this time!


    "I wanna walk from south to north!


    "I wanna walk from day til night!


    "I want people to look at me!


    "But not know who I am!"


    The moment "Fake Monk" was performed, it made quite a few viewers'' pulses race!


    "It''s someone famous!"


    "This definitely has to be a famous person in the music industry!"


    "I don''t like this song. It doesn''t sound good."


    "It''s clearly very good!"


    "I like this song a lot! It''s so good on a spiritual level!"


    "Me too, I love this song to death!"


    "Petal Shower was unexpectedly sent into the elimination round, and Sunflower did not fulfill his potential either with a very average choice of song today. There''s no one else who canpete with The Clown on today''s stage!"


    "''Fake Monk'' is a good song!"


    "This song alone can sweep everyone aside!"


    "He put so much emotion into his performance!"


    "I''m not so smitten with the song. Although the lyrics were very well written, the melody was run of the mill. But for some reason, when The Clown was singing this song, it kinda got to me. If I was at the studio, I would definitely have voted for him! This guy is super charismatic!"


    ...


    Within the music industry.


    Quite a few key decision making people were shocked!


    On a phone call:


    "Old Hu, go and watch Beijing TV!"


    "What''s the matter? I''m recording a new song right now."


    "Go and listen already. Thetest episode of King of Masked Singers is really godly!"


    "Who''s godly?"


    "The Clown!"


    "With that voice of his, how godly can his singing possibly be?"


    "Go and listen to it then! Listen to what his voice sounds like after he recovered from his cold! When did such an experienced veteran appear in the music scene! Go listen to it and tell me if he''s one of our old friends."


    ...


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His mother and aunts did not feel much for this song.


    But his father and uncles were mesmerized.


    His second uncle said, "This song��is so well-written!"


    His third sister suddenly shouted, "I''m defecting!"


    "Ah?" His eldest sister did not get what she meant.


    His third sister replied, "I''m not gonna give my support to Petal Shower anymore. From today onwards, I will support The Clown!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You can understand this song?"


    His third sister said, "I don''t understand it, but I like it anyway!"


    His eldest sister said, "I like ''Opera.'' His singing is so amazing. Brother, who is he? Hurry up and tell us!"


    "I don''t know either," Zhang Ye said happily.


    his second sister said, "You must know who he is!"


    Zhang Ye smiled but did not say anything.


    His father suddenly spoke up. "Little Ye."


    Zhang Ye turned around. "Yes?"


    His father said, "Get two tickets to the live recording of King of Masked Singers for your mom and me."


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "What for? Do you n to go and watch?"


    His father nodded.


    His mother immediately said, "Right, get us two tickets!"


    This was his mother''s usual behavior. Zhang Ye was already used to it. But his dad, who was a calmer and more traditional person, had almost never asked for anything from Zhang Ye before. Since his dad surprisingly made such a rare request today, he naturally agreed to it.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright."


    His third sister''s eyes lit up. "Brother, I wanna go too!"


    Seeing this, his second sister went over and tugged Zhang Ye''s arm and said coyly, "Brother."


    His eldest sister coughed and also said a little embarrassed, "Me too."


    They tugged at Zhang Ye for a long time before he finally smiled and said, "Alright, alright, everyone will get a ticket each."


    As the matter of the tickets was settled, the Masked King battle on the television came to an end as the three singers finished with performing.


    His family immediately shifted their attention back to the TV, wanting to see who would be crowned Masked King this episode. But they got a surprise instead!


    The Clown opened his mouth to sing again!


    This was a song he came up with on the spot!


    ...


    "Are you a singer from Hong Kong?"


    "Where is your hometown?"


    Theizens were made speechless at the next moment!


    Their jaws dropped as they saw The Clown raise his microphone and singing passionately into it.


    "My ol'' home, hey, is right in this hamlet!


    "I was born and raised here in this hamlet!


    "Though our vige isn''t much, we have hills, mountains, and forests.


    "The vigers are friendly and everyone gets on well.


    "So many things have happened inside this hamlet. Thinking back on them, it''s speshly funny. If you friends are in-ter-est-ed, I can show you, show you around.


    "And have you meet our vigers!"


    This Cantonese song blinded everyone who heard it!


    A group of people were doubled over inughter!


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, I can''t take it!"


    "How can he be so funny?"


    "Where is this joker from?"


    "Can he really be a celebrity that''s above the B-list?"


    "Pfft, judging from his manner, this fellow is probably bullshitting! You even proimed yourself to be from Hong Kong? Hong Kong, your sister! Aren''t you just making things up! Hahahaha, I guess he''s lying about being at least a B-lister too!"


    "That''s also possible. There isn''t any celebrity above the B-list who matches his profile!"


    "Masked King!"


    "The Clown has been crowned Masked King!"


    "Amazing!"


    "He really deserved the win this episode!"


    "Yeah, The Clown was truly without equal today!"


    "I''m looking forward to the third episode!"


    "The next episode will be even more exciting!"


    "Yeah, Petal Shower and Sunflower were not in good shape this episode, but they''ll definitely fight back in the next episode!"


    "That was really exciting!"


    "Why I can''t find ''Fake Monk'' online?"


    "''Opera'' can''t be found either! What''s going on here?"


    "They''re originals, so they can''t be found online."


    "Ah?"


    "Does The Clown intend to sing his originals for the entirepetition?"


    "No way, right? Hispany or his musician friends should''ve only written these four songs that were good enough for him perform onstage. Once there are no more originals left to use, he''ll have to start covering the songs of other singers."


    The broadcast ended.


    Night fell.


    But the discussions online and in the homes of the country''s people did not stop.


    ...


    The day after.


    Sunday.


    The viewership rating for the second episode of King of Masked Singers was out!


    It was a figure that would send the industry into an uproar again��2.98%!


    At Central TV.


    Department 1.


    Director Jiang Naixiong was silent.


    Scowling, Jiang Yuan lost his temper with his subordinates. "How many episodes has our new show been broadcasting for already? Huh? Why are you all just unable to bring up the viewership ratings for it? Just have look at the viewership ratings for yourselves! Ah?"


    The Department 1 staff did not dare make a sound.


    There''s nothing we can do even if the viewership ratings are poor!


    It was all because of your insistence on fighting thatwsuit with Zhang Ye and freezing him that led to this!


    If our station had not forced him away, the King of Masked Singers would definitely have been ours! What''s the point of ming us now?


    On the Top Chinese Music Chart.


    The songs that were performed on the King of Masked Singers were doing brilliantly on the chart!


    The Clown''s "Opera" and "Fake Monk" had already climbed up to the top three spots of the daily chart, while Petal Shower and Sunset Glow''s songs from yesterday''s television broadcast had climbed into the top six spots!


    The songs were on fire!


    The entire music chart had almost be wholly upied by the King of Masked Singers'' songs!


    The entire music industry''s attention was now focused on King of Masked Singers!


    And the most unexpected thing was that The Clown''s Cantonese song he performed at the end of the episode called "Our Vigers" had also shot up to the top 15 songs on the daily rankings. Many of theizens were repeatedly ying it,ughing as they listened to it each time! The song was hrious! It was totally a prank!


    At home.


    Zhang Ye''s poprity score was still slipping on the Celebrity Rankings Index.


    In contrast, his Reputation Points in the game ring were increasing rapidly. It seemed that with ncing minute, his Reputation Points would shoot up. Since no one knew that he was The Clown, the poprity gained by The Clown would naturally not be added to his name. But the game ring did not have this limitation. Everyone who liked The Clown would give Zhang Ye additional Reputation Points without fail!


    This was great!


    He would just carry on like this!


    It looks like this bro''s decision to cross over into the music industry was the right one!

 Chapter 1015: Zhang Ye proposes! (First half)

    <h4>Chapter 1015: Zhang Ye proposes! (First half) </h4>


    Chapter 1015: Zhang Ye proposes! (First half)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Monday.


    In the morning, his parents arranged to have a day out at the Summer Pce with two neighbors.


    Zhang Ye was bored and stayed home to practice his songs over and over again. As Mother''s Day fell on this weekend, he incidentally thought about the song for this week and if he should perform one that transmitted a message of love for mothers. However, he did not have a specific idea of what to sing yet since there were still five days to go, and there was no rush to decide that quickly.


    He checked the show''s official website.


    The Clown''s poprity has leaped to first ce!


    First: The Clown (470,000 votes)


    Second: Petal Shower (410,000 votes)


    Third: Sunflower in the Starlight (320,000 votes)


    Fourth: Sunset Glow (290,000 votes)


    Although The Clown had jumped from fourth to first in the poprity poll, the gap was actually not that much. Besides, Zhang Ye had won the crown of the Masked King twice in a row. His momentum was ruthless, which made it difficult for him tog behind in thepetition.


    Quite a few people were leavingments on the official website.


    "Who does everyone think will get crowned as Masked King in the third episode?"


    "The Clown, of course. I love his songs so much!"


    "I doubt it''ll be him."


    "Yeah, he''s already gotten it twice."


    "Right, everyone knows how strong he is and will therefore have higher expectations. The audience might be disappointed if he doesn''t perform his next song perfectly, or if his chosen song is not that great, or maybe even if his next song is not another original. Considering all that, it''s gonna get quite difficult for The Clown for the rest of thepetition."


    "We can''t expect that every one of his songs are originals and that they''ll be that good, can we?"


    "Then does that mean Petal Shower''s chances are better now?"


    "Sunflower and Sunset Glow have some hope now."


    "They''re all pros and can sing really well, so that makes it really difficult to say who''ll win."


    Reading the reviews, Zhang Ye turned things over in his mind. He thought that theizens were correct. In his current position, it was indeed very difficult for him to make any additional progress as no one person could keep getting crowned as Masked King forever. It wasn''t a matter of singing skills, but the expectations of the audience. However, luckily for this fellow, he still had a trick up his sleeve. A very ssic song from his previous world had yet to be revealed by him and was meant to be a backup. From the looks of it, he had to choose a more generic song this time��perhaps one that everyone would like the moment they heard it?


    Which song?


    It was really difficult to choose.


    All of a sudden, his cell phone rang.


    The caller ID disyed: Wu Zeqing.


    Zhang Ye broke into a grin and answered immediately. "Old Wu."


    The gentle voice of a woman came from the other end of the line. "Hur hur, you sound like you''re in a good mood?"


    "Haha, more or less," Zhang Ye said. "Isn''t today Monday? What''s the matter? Not working?"


    "I just got back from a business trip and took a day off to rest."


    Zhang Ye knew that she had gone on a business trip for many days. It was rted to the aftermath of the air pollution documentary. At that time, Wu Zeqing had helped him hold off endless pressure from all sides and kept the air pollution documentary online for an extra day or two. She''d offended a lot of people and then left Beijing on a business trip. He didn''t need to ask to know for sure that she must have gotten implicated in this matter. "Did the air pollution documentary cause you a lot of trouble?"


    Sheughed. "It''s already been settled. It wasn''t too troublesome."


    On these official matters, Zhang Ye did not know much. But since Old Wu said it was already settled, then it must have really been settled. Unlike Dong Shanshan who was always deceptive, Old Wu would give it to him straight.


    Zhang Ye felt reassured. "You''re at home?"


    "Yes."


    Zhang Ye asked: "I''ll go over to look for you then."


    "Sure. What would you like to eat?"


    Zhang Ye bluntly said: "Deep-fried mandarin fish and sauteed pig''s kidney. You know how to cook them?"


    "Yes."


    "Alright, wait a little for me," Zhang Ye said.


    "OK, then I''ll go and buy the groceries."


    Having not seen Old Wu in a while, Zhang Ye was very much so looking forward to seeing her again. He took a shower and changed his clothes, then groomed himself in front of the mirror for the longest time before finally going downstairs to his car and driving off.


    Perhaps due to the morning rush hour, there was a small traffic jam outside.


    Before a traffic light intersection, more than a hundred vehicles were stopped and could not move.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye heard a man singing from a car beside his that had its windows rolled down. "I wanna walk from south to north! / I wanna walk from day til night!"


    Has "Fake Monk" really be this popr?


    It''s only been two days and there were already people who knew how to sing it?


    But then again, big bro, the traffic is all snarled, and you''re still thinking of going from the south to the north? I''d bow to you if you could even make it to the traffic lights up ahead! But there was still a chance that you might be able to go from day til night!


    All the best!


    ...


    At 10 AM.


    Taoran Pavilion''s East Gate, Old Wu''s ce.


    In the vi, Wu Zeqing was sitting on the sofa and reading the papers.


    The door opened. When Zhang Ye entered the house, he immediately took a look at his girlfriend. The weather was getting warmer and warmer, and Old Wu was dressed in a more rxed qipao today. It wasn''t the type of long qipao she wore in the spring and autumn, but the short version of it. The color was very in, but at the hem of the qipao above her knees, a pair of supple thighs were exposed and looked particrly alluring. The chest region fabric in the top half of her qipao looked like it full to bursting.


    Zhang Ye swallowed hard. "Old Wu."


    Wu Zeqing turned to him and said with a smile, "You''re here?"


    "There was a traffic jam, otherwise I''d have gotten here even earlier." Zhang Ye walked over. "What are you reading?"


    "News regarding King of Masked Singers." She pped the newspapers in her hand.


    "You''ve watched the show too?"


    "I have. It''s quite good."


    Zhang Ye blinked and asked, "Who do you like?"


    "The Clown and Petal Shower, I guess. They''re both pretty good."


    Zhang Ye was very happy.


    Look at this, just look at this!


    It was still his girlfriend who had good insight!


    Sitting down on the sofa, Zhang Ye took the newspaper from her. "Let me have a look." After flipping through a few of the pages, he didn''t feelfortable enough. He turned his head and nced at Old Wu''s thighs, then coughed and unceremoniouslyid down onto them. Half of the back of his head was cushioned by the qipao, while the other half was lying directly on her thighs. His left ear vaguely touched her skin and he could feel the cooling smoothness and softness of it.


    Howfortable!


    Zhang Ye was enjoying it to the fullest extent.


    Wu Zeqing did not say much and just smiled. "What have you been up to recently?"


    Zhang Ye read the newspaper while lying down. He remarked, "I''ve just been staying at home."


    Wu Zeqing said, "There aren''t any TV stations willing to hire you?"


    "Yeah," Zhang Ye replied.


    Wu Zeqing gave a noise of acknowledgment. "I''ll make some arrangements for youter."


    "There''s no need to, there''s really no need. I''ve worried you enough already, and even given you a lot of trouble. There''s no need to bother yourself with this problem for the time being. This bro can solve it by himself." Zhang Ye put the newspaper down and looked up at her. He did not manage to immediately see Wu Zeqing''s face. From his angle, all he could see was Old Wu''s dress protruding out in the region of her chest, and his view of her face got blocked. "I''ve been doing something that''s been keeping me quite busy, so I can''t actually find time to deal with other work. But as for what it is exactly, I''ll keep it a secret for now. Haha, you''ll know about it in time anyway."


    "Really?"


    "Just watch what I can do. Have I ever let you down before?"


    "Alright, I''ll wait and see then."


    Since Zhang Ye wanted to keep her guessing, Old Wu did not continue with a line of questioning.


    This was how the two of them had interacted for the duration of their rtionship.


    Keeping it simple.


    Trusting each other.

 Chapter 1016: Zhang Ye proposes! (Second half)

    <h4>Chapter 1016: Zhang Ye proposes! (Second half) </h4>


    Chapter 1016: Zhang Ye proposes! (Second half)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Before noon.


    A little after 11 AM.


    Zhang Ye was still lying across Wu Zeqing''s thighs with his shoes off. He was jiggling his arched legs and browsing Weibo on his cell phone with one hand. He would turn his head to the left for a bit, and after he got tired in that position, he would nudge his neck upward. His neck, ears, and face were all resting on a soft surface that felt far morefortable thanying on a pillow. Zhang Ye was enjoying it so much that his eyes were just a thin line.


    That was how good it felt!


    That was how blissful it was!


    Old Wu was conversing with him all this while.


    "The issues with the air pollution documentary have almost blown over."


    "OK."


    "But you should stay low for a while. You''ve offended too many people this time, so some time needs to pass."


    "No problem. I was already mentally prepared for this."


    "The new policies have be much stricter, so take caution. Be it writing poems or novels, it will be best if your works don''t involve too much pessimistic content or mention things like ''death'' or ''massacre'' in the title of the poem."


    "New rules?"


    "They''re not out yet, but it should happen sometime soon."


    "Alright, I understand."


    "Is Ning Lan your friend?"


    "Ah? I guess so. I do know her."


    "She''s wrapped up filming for her new movie, and it''s been sent in for review. But it was not approved due to some scenes viting the policies."


    "Then what can be done?"


    "We''ve already told them to cut those scenes."


    Mostly, it was Wu Zeqing who did all the talking while Zhang Ye listened. There were some matters that not even the talent agencies of celebrities could know about, but Zhang Ye would get firsthand information of it ahead of time. He was the only person in the entire entertainment industry who had such a privilege.


    As he listened, Zhang Ye''s neck got tired from theying and he switched to a different position. This time he blinked before turning his head to face Old Wu''s stomach, rolling his body over as well. With that, his face was now directly facing her qipao''s slit and his eyshes reflexively stirred as they came into contact with the fabric at the slit. This was how close he was to her.


    His heart was pounding.


    He also started breathing a little faster.


    He now felt Old Wu shift. Then her long hair cascaded down and fell next to his ears and face, making him itchy.


    Old Wu bent over and said, "Alright, it''s time to make lunch."


    Zhang Ye said, "There''s no hurry. Let me lie here a bit more."


    Old Wu did not say anything.


    This made Zhang Ye even ballsier.


    Afterying there for another five minutes and having finally seen enough, Zhang Ye got up from her legs and sat up on the sofa. He breathed in through his "burning" nose and felt a little heated.


    Wu Zeqing slowly stood up. "Go wash your hands and wait for lunch."


    Zhang Ye said, "I can help you cook?"


    "There''s no need." Old Wu headed to the kitchen and got down to business.


    It was an open kitchen on the first floor. Zhang Ye''s gaze did not leave her. He simply switched to a different spot on the sofa and faced the kitchen as he stared at Old Wu, who was busy cooking. Having not seen her in a while, Zhang Ye really missed her quite a bit. He felt that it was not enough no matter how much he looked at her. After looking at her face, he looked at her hands; after looking at her hands, he looked at her legs; after looking at her legs, he looked at her feet; after looking at her feet, he looked back up at her hair. It felt to him that every part of her was just too beautiful.


    How he loved her!


    How he really wished to marry her!


    Zhang Ye remembered asking Old Wust year about getting married in the next year. She had not rejected him at the time, and it was now the next year. His thoughts were suddenly aroused again. Wu Zeqing was definitely someone he wouldn''t find anywhere else in his entire life even if he tried his hardest. If he did not hurry, she might get away from him at some point in the future! Although Wu Zeqing was much older than him and was in the civil service, Zhang Ye was an A-lister now. Moreover, he had many statuses, such as associate professor at Media College and Peking University, poet, writer, famous host, famous TV show director, famous TV show producer, famous crosstalk actor, and so on and so forth. So he should be quitepatible with her, right?


    The only thing was that there would be a conflict of interest.


    Zhang Ye was from the entertainment industry.


    And Old Wu happened to manage the entertainment industry.


    Upon reflection, there were certainly a lot of problems with this. Would the SARFT allow it? Would Old Wu''s family agree to it? Even Old Wu herself, would she agree to it?


    Zhang Ye was utterly clueless and was in a bind.


    Would it work out?


    Would it not?


    Would it work out?


    This problem weighed heavily on his heart for a long time.


    Suddenly, a delicious smell reached his nose. Only then did he realize that the food was served.


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Lunch is ready. Let''s eat."


    When Zhang Ye saw the food, he eximed as he walked over, "Wow, just looking at it makes my mouth water!"


    "Have a taste." Old Wu undid her apron and ced it on the back of a chair. Then she sat down. "I don''t usually eat kidney flowers 1 , so I seldom cook them. Try how they taste."


    Zhang Ye grabbed some of the piping hot kidney flowers with his chopsticks and blew on them for a while before eating them. "Hoo, it''s delicious!"


    This cooking was the best!


    How could it be so delicious?


    During these days his parents were away at Hainan, Zhang Ye would either order takeout or cook himself a simple meal of instant noodles, whichever he could make do with. That made him lose interest in eating recently as he did not have an appetite for whatever other food he came across. But when he sampled the food cooked by Old Wu today, he nearly burst into tears. It was so delicious it was worth crying over!


    He gobbled up the food at once and rambled as he ate, "It tastes great! Whoo��it''s so delicious! The deep-fried mandarin fish is delicious too! Hoo��it''s so savory!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled gently. "Eat slowly."


    "I can''t." Zhang Ye did not listen as he ate even faster. Eventually, he realized that he was almost full, whereas Old Wu had barely touched her food. "Eat some too, Old Wu."


    "I will," Wu Zeqing said as she ate her portions slowly.


    Zhang Ye sighed and said, "If only I could taste your cooking every day, how nice would that be?"


    Old Wu said as she slowly ate her food, "You cane over to eat anytime."


    Zhang Ye looked at her. "You''re usually busy working, and I have many things to handle too, so it''s not easy to find a day where both of us have free time. Besides, even if we were free, it still isn''t appropriate toe by your house so frequently. What happens if the neighbors see us? How would you exin it if your rtives and friends came to visit?"


    A strong desire suddenly overcame him.


    Zhang Ye readied himself as he picked up some kidney flowers with his chopsticks and put them into Old Wu''s bowl. He did not know where he found the courage, but he said very suddenly, "Old Wu, why don''t we get married?"


    Wu Zeqing was startled, then broke into a half-smile.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Shall we?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Is this a proposal?"


    "Ahem, yes, it is," Zhang Ye said.


    She pointed at the kidney flower in the bowl with her chopsticks and said, "This is the first time I''ve seen someone use a kidney flower to propose."


    Zhang Ye felt extremely embarrassed!


    Other people would either use a diamond ring or roses to propose. At the very least, he should have followed that ssic scene in the movies of breaking off the pull tab of a soda can to use as a ring for the proposal, right? But just see how great Zhang Ye was to even try to propose with some kidney flowers! In fact, this fellow did not think or n much at all. He was someone who did something whenever he felt like it. Despite being quite witty most of the time, he was actually quite a dense person when it came to romantic affairs.


    "About that, um��" Zhang Ye just grinned as he did not know what else to say. Should he go out to buy a ring ande back afterwards? But that would be toote!


    Wu Zeqing did not say a word.


    Zhang Ye was quivering inside.


    Old Wu lowered her head to continue eating. She picked up the kidney flower from her bowl and put it into her mouth. After chewing a little, she swallowed it, then ate some rice. A momentter, Wu Zeqing looked up at him.


    She calmly spoke, "OK."


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "Ah? What do you mean by OK?"


    She said, "Didn''t you propose to me?"


    Zhang Ye said in a startled manner, "Yes?"


    Wu Zeqing replied, "So I''ve agreed to it."


    Aiyo!


    You''ve agreed?!


    Zhang Ye could feel the blood in his entire body coursing hotly. He used his pinky to pick his ear and said in disbelief, "Old Wu, can you say that again?"


    Old Wu smiled. "I''ve agreed to it."


    Zhang Ye mmed his chopsticks onto the table, at a total loss for words!


    He had acted on impulse today and did not have any hope of achieving anything definite. All he had was only the strong intent in his mind, which was what made him propose. For anyone who was even a little prepared, they would never propose with kidney flowers. But he could never have expected that Old Wu would actually say yes! At this moment, even that mouth of Zhang Ye''s that could bring someone back to life was unable to muster up any words to express himself!


    Hahahaha!


    He did it!


    His proposal was a sess!


    Whoever said that roses had to be given when proposing?


    A kidney "flower" was still a flower!

 Chapter 1017: A Masked Singer’s identity is exposed!

    <h4>Chapter 1017: A Masked Singer''s identity is exposed! </h4>


    Chapter 1017: A Masked Singer''s identity is exposed!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Friday.


    On the day of the recording.


    In the morning, while his parents were still sleeping, Zhang Ye strolled downstairs, bought breakfast, and brought it home. Then he woke his parents up for breakfast, even humming a little ditty as he did.


    Our people!


    Are so happy today!


    He had been humming this tune for several days now.


    His mother wondered, "What''s gotten into you?"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Wha?"


    His mother said, "You''re like apletely different person these days, buying breakfast and doing theundry. Did something happen to you? Tell us if you have any problems so that your dad and I can mentally prepare. I''m so unused to seeing you this hardworking out of the blue."


    Zhang Yeughed. "What problems could I possibly have? Mother''s Day ising up, so of course I''ve got to do a little something for you."


    His mother did not believe his drivel. "Is it money you need? I still have some money in my ount. Tell me if you need to borrow some. Don''t feel embarrassed."


    His father nodded and said, "Right, your mom is rich."


    Zhang Ye was floored. "Why would I need to borrow money?"


    His father said, "There''s no shame in asking."


    Zhang Ye saw red. "I don''t feel ashamed!"


    His mother asked, "So how much do you need?"


    "I need��why would I need anything? You two have confused me." Zhang Ye did not know what to say or how to react. He spoke, "Alright, you two should eat breakfast quickly. I have to go to Beijing TV now to see how the production is going. I''ve already told them about your ticket requests, so you two can head over right after breakfast."


    "Alright, we understand."


    "I''ll get going first then."


    "You really don''t need any money?"


    "��I really don''t need any!"


    He shut the door behind him.


    Zhang Ye was both amused and annoyed as he headed downstairs to drive off to the office.


    But before he could drive out of the entrance to the neighborhood, he received a message on his cell phone. He received a 10,000 RMB transfer from the ount with thest four digits of XXXX. This ount number looked quite familiar and probably belonged to his mother.


    Zhang Ye really had to take his hat off to her!


    She was serious about lending him the money?


    He was currently unemployed and had never taken anymercial appearances, so didn''t have too much money, but at the same time, he didn''t exactly spend money! He wondered to himself just howzy he was in his parents'' eyes. All he had done was by breakfast and do theundry for two days, but his parents were already starting to get suspicious of him?


    Where could he seek redress from?


    He had just been really happy for the past several days since his proposal had seeded, with Old Wu agreeing to marry him. Even when Zhang Ye was promoted to the A-list, he did not feel as excited as now. This was Wu Zeqing we were talking about here, the wife he had been dreaming of all this time. By achieving it just like that, he felt like he was dreaming. Even though the details of wedding nning, how to introduce their parents, and of when exactly to get married had yet to be decided, the decision to get married was already set in stone. Old Wu could no longer slip out of his grasp. As such, Zhang Ye felt the load on his mind being lifted. He was now full of energy and had never been so full of fighting spirit before! This sort of attitude naturally affected his daily life. It even ended up making his parents misunderstand him!


    Some people would give presents or money during Mother''s Day.


    But not only did he not give anything to his mother, he even received a sum of money from her.


    Hai, whatever, he should just ept it. Since it was a token of love from his parents, Zhang Ye shamelessly epted it. It just so happened that his car needed some maintenance, so the money woulde in handy.


    ...


    At Beijing Television.


    In the rehearsal room.


    Zhang Ye had long since changed into The Clown''s mask and costume.


    "Musicians."


    "Hi, Teacher Clown."


    "Teacher Clown, you''re here?"


    When they saw The Clown, the band members went up and greeted him with great enthusiasm.


    The Clown choked his voice and said, "You guys aren''t busy, are you?"


    The guitarist said, "No, Teacher Petal Shower''s rehearsal isn''t for another hour. Although we finished rehearsing with her yesterday, she said that she still needed another round or two of rehearsals to help her get into the rhythm."


    The Clown said, "Then can you give this hour to me?"


    The guitarist smiled and said, "Sure."


    The Clown said, "I would like to rehearse another two songs."


    He handed the scores to them.


    Music Director Bai Yuanfei and the band members were stunned.


    Curious, Bai Yuanfei asked, "Didn''t you rehearse two songs yesterday?"


    The Clown said, "I would like to add two more songs as backups since I haven''t decided which songs to sing yet. I''m still considering."


    "You really are striving for perfection." Then Bai Yuanfei looked to the band members.


    The band members thought for a while before readily agreeing, "No problem, let''s do it!"


    Among the masked singers, only The Clown had truly gotten to know the band members. Be it "Wild Rose," "Wolf," or "Fake Monk," all those songs suited their tastes quite well. Since they had all started out by dabbling in rock music, and since only The Clown had performed a rock song on this stage, they naturally felt that they had something inmon.


    In the audience, Han Qi watched them nervously.


    The rehearsal began.


    During this rehearsal, The Clown once again did not sing the lyrics and just hummed along to the music. He mainly wanted to get a grasp of the rhythm to refine any details and problems with the arrangement. Zhang Ye was the type of singer who liked to do things spontaneously and would habitually surprise and shock the audience. As a result, he did not like to reveal the lyrics beforehand as that would make his performances meaningless. To the other singers, this sort of rehearsal was simply unbelievable. How could he just go onstage without even singing once? Only a person with such strong self-confidence as Zhang Ye would dare to do that. Back when he was still hosting, this fellow was famously known as a madman. He even had the courage to go on a live broadcast without preparing any lines or script to speak from. There was no one like him in the entire industry!


    An hourter, Petal Shower arrived.


    Zhang Ye ceded the rehearsal room to her.


    Following, Sunset Glow came to do her sound checks.


    Just when everyone was preparing for the afternoon''s recording session, something happened in the outside world that no one could have expected. Zhang Ye, along with the other masked singers and the King of Masked Singers program team, were dealt a sudden blow!


    A masked singer had revealed his identity!


    ...


    The origin came from Weibo.


    After King of Masked Singers became popr, many people started guessing who the masked singers were.


    The Clown, Petal Shower, Sunflower, and Sunset Glow had continually dominated thest two episodes of the show, and had undoubtedly garnered the most attention from the audience as well. Theizens were all guessing as to who they were.


    "I really can''t figure out who The Clown is!"


    "He''s the hardest to guess!"


    "At least a B-lister? But there''s no one that matches!"


    "He might only be joking and is probably not a B-list celebrity."


    "Could Petal Shower be Zhang Yuanqi?"


    "No."


    "How is the singing of Spring Garden''s Xiaodong?"


    "Uh, she sings very well. But since I haven''t heard Xiaodong singing these types of songs before, the chance of her being Petal Shower isn''t that high."


    "Sunflower in the Starlight has to be a singer from Hong Kong."


    "Right, I''m 90% sure about that as well."


    "A Hong Konger who can sing this well? Li Yu?"


    "It''s possible!"


    "Or it could also be Li Nianhe!"


    "Li Yu was a big name A-lister in the past. Although he has dropped to the B-list now, he is still extremely popr. Would he havee topete? Surely not, right?"


    "He hasn''t sung any Cantonese songs yet, so we still can''t identify him from his voice."


    Everyone made all kinds of guesses.


    Finally, someone went straight to Li Yu''s Weibo to ask if he was Sunflower. In truth, there were severalizens who went to ask some of the other Hong Kong singers if they were Sunflower. Their guesses did not focus on Li Yu alone. Perhaps even thoseizens did not expect Li Yu to actually reply on Weibo.


    Li Yu posted on Weibo: "You could even guess that?"


    He actually admitted to it!


    This came without any warning!


    With that reply, it exploded online!


    The media reacted like they had been injected with adrenaline!


    "It is Li Yu!"


    "Damn!"


    "Sunflower is Li Yu!"


    "A former A-lister?"


    "W-What a big name!"


    "Oh my god! They even managed to invite Li Yu to the show?"


    "He must be the most famous singer on King of Masked Singers!"


    "That''s impossible. If he really is Li Yu, with his talent, if there aren''t any other big shots of the music industry like Zhang Yuanqi or Chen Guang on the show, shouldn''t he be crowned Masked King every episode? Would he even have anypetition? So why has he note within reach of Masked King even though the third episode is about to air?"


    "Are you dumb? That''s because he hasn''t sung any Cantonese songs yet!"


    "Yeah, Cantonese songs are what Li Yu is best at!"


    "He can still perform on par with those singers by singing Mandarin songs. If he had sung Cantonese songs instead, the throne of Masked King would definitely have been his!"


    "I''m really looking forward to it!"


    "It''s really Li Yu!"


    "Ahhh, I''m a braindead fan of his! I will definitely support him!"


    "I''ll be attending the recording today as I won a ticket from a lucky draw. Hahahaha, no matter what song Li Yu sings, I''ll vote for him! I''ve always liked his songs and movies a lot!"


    Awhileter, Li Yu posted on Weibo again. "I''ll perform two songs to my best for everyone today. Thank you for your support!"


    The fans went crazy!


    "That''s for sure!"


    "We''ll definitely give our support!"


    "My idol, I love you!"


    "Teach them a lesson!"


    "Right, teach them a lesson!"


    "The Masked King''s crown will surely be yours!"


    "We''ll all vote for you!"


    "So it''s Sunflower who is the hidden god-tier contestant!"


    "So will there be any suspense in this uing episode?"

 Chapter 1018: Petal Shower gets mad!

    <h4>Chapter 1018: Petal Shower gets mad! </h4>


    Chapter 1018: Petal Shower gets mad!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    This hade about too suddenly!


    It came so suddenly that even the King of Masked Singers program team was caught off guard!


    Hu Fei immediately flew into a rage. "What the fuck is he thinking!"


    Hou Ge said angrily, "What is Teacher Li Yu trying to do?"


    Dafei could not understand either. "W-Why did he admit to it just like that? No one really said anything much at all! Everyone was just wildly guessing! No one could have been so sure that Sunflower was him!"


    Xiao Lu''s expression shifted. "Isn''t he trying to make trouble then? We told them before the show went into production that the contestants are not allowed to expose their identities! Even if others can guess it, they can''t admit to it until the moment they take off their mask. It''s written in the contract and the contestant is obliged to cooperate. What the hell is Teacher Li trying to do!"


    "This��"


    "This will be tricky to handle!"


    "How can we deal with this? We can''t hide it anymore!"


    "Can we say that his ount was hacked? Would anyone believe that?"


    "Aiyo, he''s totally making trouble for us! We''re about to start recording!"


    "Is Sunflower really Li Yu?"


    "Yes."


    In reality, most of the program team staff did not know who Sunflower was. But after they saw the Weibo post and then looked at how Hu Fei, Hou Ge, Dafei, and some others reacted to it, they knew that it had to be true. Sunflower in the Starlight was definitely the famous singer and movie star from Hong Kong who had been popr for many years, Li Yu!


    Hu Fei yelled, "Is Sunflower here yet?"


    "Not yet," the employee who was assigned to liaise with Sunflower replied.


    Hu Fei immediately picked up his cell phone and contacted him.


    The call went through, but it was Li Yu''s assistant who picked up the phone.


    Hu Fei bluntly said, "Assistant Xu, please inform Teacher Li Yu to delete his Weibo post. It''s not toote to remedy the situation. Let''s try to do whatever we can to turn this situation around as much as we can!"


    Assistant Xu said, "But why?"


    Hu Fei exined matter-of-factly, "Our show''s selling point is that all of the contestants are masked. It''s also stated in the contract that they are not allowed to reveal their identities to anyone. Otherwise, how can we still make the show? If everyone already knows about Teacher Li Yu''s identity, what''s the point of wearing a mask? Can we still produce the show that way? This will greatly affect the show''s recording and broadcast. Besides, it''s also unfair to the other contestants since with Teacher Li Yu''s status and reputation in the music industry and with him being established, how can the other contestants possibly hope topete against him? Would they even need to sing anymore? Teacher Li Yu might even get crowned as Masked King in every episode from now on!"


    No one production would always be smooth sailing. There were always shows that encountered celebrity problems, people acting like a diva, finding fault with little things, or arguing. A lot of these problems were unpredictable, but if they happened, it could usually be resolved with somemunication. However, the program team and Li Yu''s assistant were unable toe to an agreement.


    After Assistant Xu listened to his speech, she said, "Director Hu, first things first, it was the fans who guessed Teacher Li Yu''s identity and not us who actively volunteered the information. Teacher Li Yu has never been one to speak against his conscience or to ignore his fans. Even if you want him to lie, he won''t be able to do it, which was the reason he admitted to it. Second, you said that it would affect the show, which I agree with. However, it is a positive effect here. With Teacher Li Yu''s reputation, your show''s viewership rating will definitely increase! So I don''t understand what it is you''re unhappy about?"


    With that, Hu Fei flew into a rage!


    What sort of pretense is this!


    Do you think we''re stupid?


    Hu Fei said, "Don''t you talk to me about that. Our program team decides how the show is designed and how the arrangements are made. Am I the director or are you the director? Delete that Weibo post immediately!"


    Assistant Xu said, "I can''t make that decision. I can only inform Teacher Li Yu about it, so I don''t know how things will turn out. I''m hanging up then!"


    Du du.


    The line was suddenly cut!


    Hu Fei''s face darkened as he let out an angry huff.


    Next to him, Hou Ge had heard everything. He said angrily, "If he doesn''t want to cooperate, then let''s just disqualify him!"


    Dafei said, "Right, it was Li Yu who vited the contract first!"


    Hu Fei looked at them and said, "How can we disqualify him? It''s going to be such negative press that it''ll certainly affect the viewership rating!"


    "Isn''t he getting too cocky?" Xiao Lu said, "I actually used to have quite a good impression of Teacher Li Yu! How can he do this! He''s really being too disrespectful to the others like this!" She held up her cell phone''s screen which was disying Weibo and said, "Look, not only did Li Yu give away his identity, he even publicly asked for votes and for everyone to support him. Isn''t that as good as asking the audience who will be here today to vote for him? This, this��"


    Music Director Bai Yuanfei and the house band''s members rushed over upon finding out.


    When Bai Yuanfei heard what happened, he said, "The way I see it, we might as well cancel the recording today and just crown him as Masked King. We won''t even need to record the show from now and just give him the trophy for the finals as well!" Bai Yuanfei did not care about Li Yu''s status at all as he also was a very big name in the music industry. "The idea behind the show was to wear a mask, andpare who can sing better without caring for an individual''s poprity or looks. Now that that Sunflower has revealed himself, he''s even asking for votes! Whatpetition is left!"


    If Hu Fei had known this was going to happen, he would never have invited Li Yu onto the show!


    Bai Yuanfei said, "Now that the other contestants have found out as well, I don''t even know how to exin to them. Director Hu, why don''t you talk to them instead."


    Suddenly, Xiao Lu cried out, "There''s an outcry on the Inte as well!


    Everyone''s heart pounded as they jogged over to have a look.


    ...


    Online.


    There was a constant stream of news updates!


    "Sunflower''s real identity exposed!"


    "Li Yu joins the King of Masked Singers!"


    "King of Masked Singers'' cut and dry champion��Sunflower in the Starlight!"


    In the short span of an hour, just one single hour, the poprity of Sunflower in the Starlight on the official website had soared from third ce to first!


    Sunflower: 1.1 million votes!


    The Clown: 670,000 votes!


    Petal Shower: 540,000 votes!


    Li Yu was already way out in the lead!


    This was how popr he was. This was the result of his fans swarming in with their support!


    Most important, there were many of Li Yu''s good friends in the industry who helped him drum up support.


    A famous movie star from Greater China said: "Haha, so Li Yu has gone topete in King of Masked Singers, and he''s actually Sunflower. He sings really well, so everyone, please give him your support."


    Another celebrity said: "Teacher Li, I''m cheering you on. And here I was thinking about why Sunflower could sing so well. So it turned out that it was you. Thatpletely answered my question. Since you didn''t take it seriously the first two episodes, I believe you''ll be serious in the third episode? Who canpete with you then? Remember to get crowned Masked King as much as possible!"


    Quite a few celebrity friends voiced their solidarity for Li Yu.


    And in turn, it created even greater support for Sunflower. His poprity votes kept rising!


    Meanwhile.


    Li Yu''s fans started something.


    "Go Teacher Li!"


    "Love you to death!"


    "What was wrong with thest two episodes? Why wasn''t Li Yu crowned as Masked King?"


    "There must be some conspiracy on the show, right?"


    "Does the live audience there even know how to appreciate music? How could they crown The Clown as Masked King? Who is he to deserve that? Can he evenpare to Teacher Li Yu?"


    "Sunflower sang really well!"


    "Right, The Clown, Petal Shower, and the others are nowhere good enough!"


    "That Sunset Glow is nothing either. I don''t even get it. How did she beat Teacher Li Yu by so many votesst week? That must have been because Teacher Li Yu did not take you guys seriously!"


    "Hahaha. Now that we know Li Yu is Sunflower, do you guys think he''ll be Masked King for every episode from now?"


    "Definitely!"


    "That''s a must! Teacher Li Yu is incredibly popr!"


    The opinions were totally skewed.


    The people were also giving him their support.


    Sunflower in the Starlight was garnering more and more support!


    But this action of Li Yu''s had created a negative impact on the King of Masked Singers. He was basically destroying the show that they all had worked so hard to make! His action was all for his own selfish purposes in a bid to create an advantageous situation for himself. But for the show and the other contestants, what he did was full of malice!


    ...


    But there were also people in the industry who were understanding of the situation.


    At an entertainmentpany.


    Fang Weihong found Zhang Yuanqi. "Sister Zhang, Sunflower is Li Yu?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "I heard that it."


    Fang Weihong spread her hands. "He admitted it himself? What does that mean?"


    "It means that Old Li cannot afford to lose," Zhang Yuanqi replied.


    A female celebrity from the samepany who was beside Zhang Yuanqi added, "He did not get crowned as Masked King for two episodes now, so Li Yu couldn''t bear that any longer and decided to expose himself in hopes that it would aid him in bing the Masked King? But would the program team allow that? Ever since Teacher Li dropped off the A-list celebrity rankings, he has been a bit anxious to make himself famous again. He must intend to make use of this show to get back into the A-list? Since King of Masked Singers has gotten really popr, his team must have given him that idea, I guess?"


    Fang Weihong shook her head. "Even if they know he''s up to no good, there''s nothing they can do. With his poprity, as long as he doesn''t sing badly, he''ll certainly be the Masked King. Unless the other contestants cane up with spectacrly outstanding performances or also give away their identity, there isn''t really any way they canpete against him."


    ...


    At Beijing Television.


    In the dressing room.


    Chen Guang frowned, "What''s there left to do now that this has happened?"


    Wang Zhuishu grunted, "Is he really Li Yu?"


    Chen Yidong was having his makeup done by a makeup artist. "Perhaps it won''t affect the show as much as we think? The live audience members might not necessarily be Li Yu''s fans."


    In the dressing room next to them.


    Zhang Xia kept shaking her head. "Looks like we''ll be weing a new Masked King today."


    Amy said, "I really couldn''t tell from Sunflower''s singing that it was him!"


    Backstage.


    In a small conference room.


    Hu Fei, Hou Ge, and the others had gathered the show''s contestants except for Sunflower for a meeting.


    When they all got there, Hu Fei immediately apologized, "Sorry about this, everyone. I did not handle this problem well, so let me first apologize."


    Sunset Glow''s light voice came from under her mask. "Are we still carrying on with thepetition?"


    Hu Fei sighed. "We''ll still go ahead and record the show, that''s for sure. We''ve also considered disqualifying Sunflower from the show. But the fallout of that would be too great, which we know the station will definitely not approve of."


    A new recement masked singer asked, "Then does that mean we deserve this?"


    It was a man''s voice. His stage name was Yesterday''s Daylily and he had a yellow flower on his mask. It was both quite unique and odd at the same time.


    Hou Ge quickly said, "That''s not what we mean. We understand that this is very unfair to all of you as contestants, but��"


    The other new recement masked singer was a woman.


    Her stage name was Spinach.


    Spinach said, "Could we get Teacher Li Yu himself to back out from thepetition then?"


    Hu Fei said, "He''s currently staying in his waiting room andpletely unwilling tomunicate with our people."


    Yesterday''s Daylily said, "Isn''t he cheating this way?"


    Dafei, influenced by Zhang Ye, was more straightforward with his speech. "Right, he''s cheating! And we can''t do anything about it!"


    Petal Shower did not say anything.


    Sunset Glow was just listening.


    The Clown was drinking tea and thinking about something else.


    Yesterday''s Daylily said, "This is a variety show where we pit our talents against each other. It''s either we win or we lose. Does he have to go that far with those underhanded methods? And he''s even a big name A-lister?"


    "Former A-lister," Spinach corrected. "He was knocked off the list by Teacher Zhang Ye."


    Yesterday''s Daylily snorted. "Serves him right. With his behavior, he can''tpare to Zhang Ye at all. They''re on totally different levels."


    The two of them were not very big names in the entertainment circle, or might even be neers to the industry, but they talked about this matter without any care or scruples.


    Hu Fei apologized again, "I''m so sorry."


    Spinach said, "Director Hu, it''s not like this is your fault."


    Yesterday''s Daylily added, "We''re just unhappy with his unscrupulous methods. We''ll definitely record what we must, but his behavior has broken the rules of the show. Is there no way we can make him answer for it?"


    Hu Fei did not say anything.


    Petal Shower finally spoke up.


    When she opened her mouth, what she said shocked everyone at the table. "The program team can''t disqualify him? And Sunflower won''t take the initiative to pull out of thepetition?"


    Hu Fei said, "Well��"


    Petal Shower nodded and went on, "Alrighty then, why don''t we just eliminate him instead?"


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    Eliminate?


    Get who eliminated?


    Sunflower? Li Yu?


    Damn, who can possibly do that? He''s already revealed who he is! Even if he sings like shit, there will still be people in the audience voting for him!


    Petal Shower tacked on, "When we draw lotster, I''ll switch lots with whoever gets matched against Sunflower!" Petal Shower then got to her feet and left the conference room.


    Sunset Glow looked at her and giggled.


    Spinach gasped.


    Yesterday''s Daylily was too stunned to react.


    Hou Ge, Hou Ge, Dafei, and the others looked at each other!


    Eliminate Li Yu?


    That would of course be the best way out!


    But then, could that really happen? Would Petal Shower be able to do that? Could she really beat Li Yu who had already revealed himself? Fine, even if there was a one percent chance of that happening and Petal Shower really won, what about the round after that? Li Yu would surely still win in the elimination round! Who could stop him?


    The Clown also chuckled. He was bing more and more certain that Petal Shower was an old friend of his. Her temper was exactly what he liked!

 Chapter 1019: Showdown!

    <h4>Chapter 1019: Showdown! </h4>


    Chapter 1019: Showdown!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Beijing Television.


    In the recording studio.


    The audience gradually arrived and entered the studio.


    Zhang Ye''s parents and three sisters did not have to line up to get in. Xiao Lu had gone out to bring them in via the staff entrance. She politely invited them to the back row where it was less conspicuous. She even gave each of them a bottle of water and some snacks.


    Zhang Ye''s third sister said, "Thank you, Sister Lu."


    Xiao Lu smiled and said, "You''re wee."


    his second sister asked eagerly, "Sister Lu, is Sunflower really my Li Yu?"


    "Li Yu is yours?" his eldest sister said in annoyance.


    His second sister said, "But I''m his fan!"


    Xiao Lu simply acknowledged, "It''s him. Didn''t he already say so himself?"


    His second sister pped her own thigh and eximed, "That''s great! I didn''te here for nothing then!"


    His third sister shouted, "I like Li Yu too! He''s so handsome!"


    His eldest sister said, "Didn''t you say that you support The Clown?"


    His third sister replied, "Hehe, I''ve defected."


    Zhang Ye''s father said, "Xiao Lu, go on and get back to your work. There''s no need to stay here with us."


    Xiao Lu said, "Alright then. You can find our staff anywhere, so if there''s anything you need, just approach one of them." Just as she was about to leave, she spotted some peopleing in and holding LED cards with Li Yu''s name on them.


    She immediately went up to them and said, "Hey, you guys can''t bring that in!"


    Those girls were very unhappy to hear that.


    "Why!"


    "You can use the contestant''s stage names, but not their real names. If the cameras capture it, it will mislead the audience."


    "How would it mislead the audience? Everyone already knows that Sunflower is Brother Li Yu!"


    "This won''t do. You guys can''t bring the signs in."


    "Why are you being so troublesome!"


    "If you''re here to attend our show, please respect our show''s rules. Otherwise, we have to right to deny entry to you."


    "I''m going to bring it in. What about it? Who are you trying to scare!"


    A squabble broke out.


    Several employees and security guards immediately ran over to take control of the situation.


    Just one post from Li Yu on his Weibo had caused so much trouble to the program team''s work. A well-nned King of Masked Singers was now screwed up by him from the inside out!


    ...


    In a backstage hallway.


    The other program team staff also had a squabble, this one with Li Yu''s assistant.


    Hou Ge asked, "When are you all going to delete that Weibo post?"


    Assistant Xu was being quite unreasonable about it. "Are you all just going to keep harping on that?"


    "You all have already affected the show from being recorded normally!" Dafei said angrily. "Just because of one person, the program team is now busy putting out fires. The other contestants were also badly affected by this. It''s you who needs to get this clear. This show does not belong to you all, nor is it here to serve one person! Can you guys give some respect to others?"


    Assistant Xu pointed at him and said, "Young man, don''t speak to me in that angry tone. When I started out in the entertainment industry, you weren''t even born yet. Do you think that the appearance fee that your show is paying us is a lot? Teacher Li only agreed to join the show because he thought you all were sincere. He doesn''t usually participate in these Maind China variety shows. The viewership that Teacher Li alone can bring to your show is greater than everyone elsebined!"


    "You broke the rules!"


    "Teacher Li is helping your show get more popr!"


    Their argument got fiercer and fiercer, with both sides'' tempers ring!


    The employees on the program team felt a little grossed out by such behavior. They really could not ept that Li Yu could suggest that they were doing this for the good of King of Masked Singers and their program team when it was so tantly obvious that he was just using them for his own gains by viting the rules with underhanded methods and asking for votes!


    Wasn''t this too hypocritical?


    A former A-list celebrity would actually resort to something so despicable?


    All of a sudden, Hu Fei came walking over from afar. "Don''t bother trying to reason with them. It''s about time to start recording, so let''s get down to work!" He did not even look at Assistant Xu as he led the others away.


    Hou Ge said angrily, "Brother Hu, aren''t they pushing it too far like that?"


    One of the staff members said, "I just heard from my friend that Li Yu''s team has been buying and running PR campaigns to help promote their cause. There were already several media outlets predicting that the overall champion of King of Masked Singers would be him. All those reports were due to them dumping money to create hype! They even bought and ran campaigns here at Beijing TV!"


    It was no wonder the media had reacted so quickly!


    It was no wonder the public opinion had switched over to Li Yu so one-sidedly!


    Hu Fei told them, "I''ve already reported this to the station. From now on, Beijing TV will no longer have any dealings with Li Yu and his team!"


    However, that would be something for the future.


    But right now?


    What were they going to do about the show right now?


    Now that they had arrived at this point, they could no longer use any unseemly means to kick Li Yu off the show. They were forced to let him continue taking part in the recording. Even if he were to take the crown of Masked King for every episode from now, they would still have to continue recording the show as usual. Li Yu and his team had probably ounted for this, which was why they were so daring and unscrupulous in their methods!


    ...


    The drawing of lots began.


    The contestants were all sitting in their individual waiting rooms and watching their TVs.


    The first person to draw lots was Sunflower in the Starlight. But after knocking on his door for a long time, no one responded until the female producer shouted from outside, "It''s time for the drawing of lots!"


    The door immediately opened with that.


    Assistant Xu allowed her and the cameraman to go in.


    The female producer was furious. So you people were inside all this time? Then why didn''t you open the door just now? Why did you act like you didn''t hear us? What kind of people are these!


    Sunflower''s mask was already on and he was no longer indifferent as before. When the cameraman came into the waiting room, Sunflower''sughter rang out. "Am I the first to draw lots?"


    The female producer said, "Yes, please draw lots to decide your order of appearance."


    "OK." Sunflower put his hand into the box and took out a ball.


    Number 2!


    It wasn''t exactly a good or a bad position.


    The female producer nodded, then turned around to leave without saying another word.


    The other contestants could observe the entire process on their televisions.


    Yesterday''s Daylily let out a quiet curse.


    Spinach''s face sank. She startedining incessantly to the employee assigned as her liaison. She was not worried as this part would not be broadcast.


    Sunset Glow was silent.


    Petal Shower was calmly drinking from her thermos, possibly something she had brought to soothe her throat. With the mask covering her face, any expressions she made could not be seen.


    The Clown was just as calm.


    Before long, the draws to decide the order wasplete.


    Number 1: Spinach.


    Number 2: Sunflower in the Starlight.


    Number 3: The Clown.


    Number 4: Petal Shower.


    Number 5: Sunflower.


    Number 6: Yesterday''s Daylily.


    Spinach was on the verge of tears.


    First to appear?


    And her opponent was going to be Li Yu?


    There was practically no chance of winning. For a moment, she even thought about not going onstage. What battle could be fought against Li Yu, an elite singer who had cheated?


    However, someone pushed opened the door to her waiting room not long after.


    It was someone wearing a flower mask.


    Petal Shower extended the ball in her hand and said with a smile, "Wanna switch?"


    Ah?


    We''re really switching?


    Spinach was startled. She thought that Petal Shower had just been making a passing remark back in the conference room!


    The camera linked to the internal transmission cut to the scene in this room.


    The other contestants could all see this!


    When Sunflower saw this, his eyes narrowed. What was the meaning of this? Switching their order of appearance? Petal Shower intended to meet me in the first round? He found it a little funny and let out augh. He already knew about Petal Shower''s singing. She could sing very well and her falsetto was very good too. However, she was at most as good as him. Now that he had revealed himself, and with the media talking about it, he knew that no one could beat him in this episode, in the next episode, and even the following episode. Even if the other contestants revealed themselves, he didn''t feel that he would lose. He believed that he was the contestant with the best fanbase on this stage.


    When the program team staff saw this, they did not say anything. There were no rules stating that the contestants could not change their order of appearance. They just needed the contestants themselves to agree to the change.


    Spinach stood up quickly. "Big Sis, is this, is this really alright?"


    Petal Shower nodded. "It is, although my number isn''t that good either. Do you still want to switch?"


    Petal Shower''s number was matched against The Clown.


    However, when Spinach heard that Petal Shower wanted to switch numbers, she immediately nodded furiously like a chick pecking at seeds. "Yes, yes, let''s switch!"


    "OK." On camera, Petal Shower and Spinach switched the little balls with their numbers.


    Spinach said gratefully, "Thank you, Big Sis."


    "You''re wee." Petal Shower twirled her hair and tookrge strides while walking away without any hesitation.


    Everyone knew that Petal Shower had been angered. However, no one thought that she would win because they all felt that her opponent was too strong. Further, her opponent''s identity had been revealed as well.


    ...


    In The Clown''s waiting room.


    Han Qi was also very angry.


    Today''s main attraction should have been The Clown. Teacher Clown had taken the throne of the Masked King in two consecutive episodes and his poprity was the highest as well. In this third episode, he was initially the favorite to win. But with that stunt from Li Yu, the people''s attention immediately shifted to him instead. No one cared about the other contestants anymore, whether it was The Clown, Petal Shower, or Sunset Glow. They had all be supporting characters to Little Yu, as everyone was shouting that Li Yu was the true Masked King!


    Han Qi said aggrieved, "If Sunflower gets eliminated, that''ll be such a face smacking!"


    The Clown chuckled, "Yeah."


    Still, Han Qi got discouraged again. "However, that''s going to be impossible."


    The Clownughed. "It''s not impossible."


    Han Qi said, "Do you think that Teacher Petal Shower can win?"


    The Clown thought for a moment before answering, "I don''t know who she is, but I have an inkling of who she might be. If, and I''m saying if she is the person I think she is"��He then paused��"then the serious her will definitely win!"


    Han Qi was surprised at this. "Really?"


    Zhang Ye nodded.


    But the prerequisite had to be that Petal Shower was that woman.


    Could it be her?


    Zhang Ye stood up. "Come, recording hasn''t started yet, so let''s go to the studio to watch."


    Han Qi said, "I heard that Petal Shower has made ast-minute change for her choice of song. I wonder if the band can amodate her."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Then all the more reason we ought to cheer her on."


    The other contestants had the same thoughts as him.


    Sunset Glow, Spinach, and Yesterday''s Daylily also went to the studio to watch. Faced with Li Yu''s despicable behavior, they no longer cared about their victory or defeat against each other. They were all hoping for a miracle, that Petal Shower would beat Li Yu, then for Li Yu to make some mistakes in the elimination round and get eliminated as a result!


    But what were the chances of that?


    Ai, none of them wanted to think about it.

 Chapter 1020: Petal Shower…surpasses the gods!

    <h4>Chapter 1020: Petal Shower��surpasses the gods! </h4>


    Chapter 1020: Petal Shower��surpasses the gods!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the recording studio.


    The recording had not started yet; the equipment was still being tested.


    But in the audience, a lot of people were already starting to warm up.


    "Li Yu!"


    "Li Yu!"


    "Li Yu!"


    "Li Yu!"


    Someone shouted!


    As a result, a number of others joined in and shouted!


    Zhang Ye''s second and third sisters stood up and shouted along with the others. Before Sunflower in the Starlight even sang or appeared onstage, his poprity was already through the roof. There were also many in the audience who were not Li Yu''s fans, but when they saw what was going on, they got influenced by the atmosphere and started anticipating him as well. They were beginning to think that Sunflower would definitely be the Masked King today and thought that none of the other contestants couldpete against him.


    "He''s really popr."


    "Right, that''s Li Yu we are talking about!"


    "Looks like Petal Shower, The Clown, and the others will just be filling in today."


    "This former A-lister is indeed deserving of his reputation!"


    "Why isn''t it starting yet?!"


    "Will Li Yu be singing Cantonese songs today?"


    "If he sings in Cantonese, he''ll have no match!"


    Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, Yao Jiancai, and the other judges had already taken their seats at the guessing panel and were whispering among each other. Although they knew exactly what had happened, as well as how Li Yu was a sore loser, they were still very ufortable with his underhanded behavior that was as good as cheating. With the trouble that you stirred up, how can the others continuepeting? Who canpete for the Masked King against you? Will there be any point to thispetition? It might as well be an individual stage for you to perform on?


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Have the lots been drawn already?"


    Zhang Xia said, "Seems so."


    Chen Yidong smiled and said, "The first to perform will be Spinach, followed by Sunflower."


    Amy spoke up, "It''s no longer that order. I heard that Petal Shower swapped ces with Spinach. She''ll be the first to perform now."


    Chen Guang was startled. "Huh?"


    The others did not know about this either.


    Zhang Xia was taken aback. "What''s happened?"


    Amy coughed. "Seems like Petal Shower has gotten angry!"


    Angry?


    She initiated a challenge against Sunflower?


    Indeed. With Li Yu''s antics, who wouldn''t get angry!


    Chen Guang smiled wryly.


    Zhang Xia said, "She wants to stop Sunflower from being crowned as the third episode''s Masked King? By bringing him down?"


    Wang Zhuishu sighed, "Her courage is admirable, but Petal Shower''s just about as talented as Sunflower. Although I''ve always liked her, I''m still not optimistic about her chances against Sunflower. Who can beat Sunflower today? Petal Shower won''t be able to do it; The Clown''s even further out of the equation." Then he turned to the camera and said, "Please edit this part out."


    Suddenly, Dong Shanshan walked onto the stage with a smile after exchanging some quick words with the program team staff through her earpiece.


    When the audience saw this, their cheers loudened!


    "He''s about toe on!"


    "It''s starting!"


    "Li Yu!"


    "Li Yu!"


    Dong Shanshan said amid the cheering, "Wee, everybody, to the King of Masked Singers brought to you by our sponsor, Bright Fruit Cocoa." She bent her knees and gave a yful curtsy to the audience. "I''m your host, Dong Shanshan."


    Along with the explosive viewership ratings and the show bing a hit, Dong Shanshan''s poprity soared. But today, it seemed like no one was paying any attention to what clothes or sses Dong Shanshan was wearing and what hairstyle she had. There was only one thing on everyone''s mind: What song would Sunflower be singing and how he was going to get crowned Masked King!


    After a string of advertising messages.


    Dong Shanshan handed the stage over. "Then let''s invite our first singer today��Petal Shower."


    Petal Shower walked out onto the stage.


    A few of the other contestants were standing in the corridor leading to the stage.


    Spinach said, "Big Sis, all the best!"


    Yesterday''s Daylily said, "Please defeat Sunflower!"


    Sunset Glow and The Clown were watching Petal Shower from behind.


    Zhang Ye felt that Petal Shower had turned into a different person today. It felt like she was full of fighting spirit and that the anger suppressed within her was about to explode at any moment!


    This was something to look forward to!


    You had better not lose to him!


    The audience still apuded for her.


    "It''s Petal Shower."


    "Her singing is quite good."


    "But it''s only her falsetto that is good. How else can shepare to my Li Yu?"


    "True that. Li Yu is a singing god in Greater China!"


    "Yeah, there are only a handful of domestic singers who can be mentioned in the same breath as Li Yu. But I think it''s unlikely that those people woulde andpete on King of Masked Singers."


    Zhang Ye spotted where his parents were sitting in the audience.


    His father had a serious expression on his face.


    His mother and sisters were very excited and shouting about something, but Zhang Ye was too far away to hear them clearly.


    The lights dimmed.


    The studio suddenly fell silent.


    However, not everyone knew how to respect others. In the middle of the audience, a few girls were waving their LED boards and actually shouting Li Yu''s name when Petal Shower took to the stage!


    "Brother Li Yu!"


    "Sunflower, go for it!"


    "Li Yu, I love you!"


    Then they started to giggle andugh.


    Executive Director Hu Fei''s expression darkened!


    The band had no choice but to stop and dy the start of the musical apaniment.


    A program team employee immediately ran over and gave them a warning!


    In the wings, Li Yu''s assistant gave a slight smile as she didn''t find anything wrong with it. Look at this! This is what Teacher Li Yu''s poprity is all about. In his presence, it will be useless no matter whoes!


    Zhang Xia frowned.


    Amy kept shaking her head.


    What kind of behavior was that? Their impressions of Li Yu got worse!


    Spinach said angrily, "Aren''t they trying to stir up trouble?"


    Yesterday''s Daylily said, "All this happened because of Li Yu''s Weibo post!"


    However, Zhang Ye could see that Petal Shower was not affected by this. She stood at center stage and closed her eyes. Then, all of a sudden, she raised her microphone! With the ruckus urring in the audience and with the studio not exactly quiet, no one expected Petal Shower to start singing in a cappe!


    "Have you ever seen the sun rise?


    "It''s warm and cozy.


    "When one day you see someone singing into the sunrise,


    "Well, that might just be me."


    In an instant, everyone in the studio fell silent!


    Zhang Xia was taken aback!


    Amy nearly jumped!


    Wang Zhuishu was dumbfounded!


    Waiting in the wings, Spinach, Sunset Glow, and Yesterday''s Daylily were all dumbfounded!


    The music yed!


    Petal Shower sang loudly.


    "Have you ever seen the blue skies?


    "They''re clear and they''re real.


    "When one day you see someoneughing under the blue skies,


    "Well, that might just be me."


    It was her real voice!


    Petal Shower was using her real voice!


    Even Sunflower, who was in his waiting room, was a little shocked!


    This voice could truly be described as a keen de. When the first word was sung, it stabbed right into the hearts of the audience, followed by thrust after thrust. This voice was very special!


    And it was powerful!


    It was a kind of power that most female singers did not possess!


    Zhang Xia figured out who she was!


    With this voice and singing style, there wasn''t anybody else like her among the female singers in the music industry!


    It was her!


    She actually came to the show!


    Everyone''s hair stood on end as they got shocked. All of them thought that Petal Shower could only sing well in falsetto and that it was her greatest weapon. But when Petal Shower started singing with her real voice, many of them were unprepared for the shock!


    How was that possible?


    It turned out that her real voice was even better than her falsetto!


    So Petal Shower had not been serious all this while!


    She had just been "ying around" all along!


    Even Li Yu''s fans who were causing trouble earlier were dumbfounded by what they heard!


    Petal Shower was singing higher and higher.


    "Have you ever seen the dark clouds?


    "They''re thick and gloomy.


    "When one day you see someone roaring under those dark clouds,


    "Well, that might just be me."


    The audience was so stunned their jaws dropped!


    Zhang Ye''s parents gasped!


    Zhang Ye''s three sisters went ck-jawed and forgot themselves!


    How amazing!


    This singing was unparalleled!


    Zhang Ye closed his eyes and could feel goosebumps rising all over his arms!


    Spinach and Yesterday''s Daylily had been stunned for a while already!


    Meanwhile, onstage, Petal Shower went another octave higher!


    "Have you ever seen the sunset?


    "It''s dusky and quick to vanish.


    "When one day you see someone shouting theirst cry into the sunset,


    "Well, that might just be me.


    "No, that''s definitely me!"


    Suddenly, her voice jumped another octave!


    "Ah!"


    "Oh, ah!"


    "Oh!"


    "Ah, oh!"


    "Hey, ahh!"


    "Oh, ahhh!"


    Anger!


    Tenacity!


    Despair!


    Petal Shower''s cries took this song to its climax!


    Many of the audience members could feel their bodies drenched with sweat!


    It was spectacr!


    It was wondrous!


    Right then and there, the audience erupted!


    Many of them stood up!


    Many of them began to scream!


    "That''s Me" was not considered a popr song in the music industry but had blossomed because of Petal Shower''s cover. She sang it in such a godly manner!


    No one was a match for today''s Petal Shower!


    She had surpassed the gods with this song!

 Chapter 1021: Petal Shower vs. Sunflower!

    <h4>Chapter 1021: Petal Shower vs. Sunflower! </h4>


    Chapter 1021: Petal Shower vs. Sunflower!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    "Petal Shower!"


    "Petal Shower!"


    "Petal Shower!"


    "Petal Shower!"


    The excitement in the studio was hitting a fever pitch!


    Many in the audience were shouting her name!


    Petal Shower did not say anything. She just bowed and exited the stage.


    Zhang Xia openlymented, "That was fantastic! There''s only one such female singer like her in the music scene!"


    Yao Jiancai quickly asked, "You''ve recognized her?"


    Zhang Xia smiled and said, "I''m quite certain of it."


    Chen Yidong said, "But her voice doesn''t sound familiar to me. Why can''t I tell?"


    Wang Zhuishu had also more or less guessed who she was. He was astonished. "She changed her vocal register on purpose and made her voice sound different." He looked to Zhang Xia and said, "Is it really her?"


    Zhang Xia said in amusement, "Don''t ask me, ask Old Chen."


    Then, the judges looked over to Chen Guang.


    Chen Guang scoffed and threw his hands up, saying, "I don''t know anything. Why would you ask me?"


    Amy said excitedly, "There''s something to look forward to now! It''s gonna be difficult to predict who wins and loses!"


    Wang Zhuishu gave a wry smile and said, "Yeah, Petal Shower just showcased her specialty. If we considered just this performance, no one could beat her except The Clown since he''s always so unpredictable. Since no one can predict what he''s going to do, we shouldn''t count him out." The vague meaning to this was not spelled out clearly, but Petal Shower had turned in a heaven defying performance with this song. However, with Li Yu exposing himself and with so many fans supporting him, it would be difficult to predict how the audience would vote in the end.


    In the corridor to the backstage.


    Petal Shower was returning.


    Spinach said excitedly, "Big Sis, y-you were amazing!"


    Yesterday''s Daylily said, "That was so cool! Senior Sis, could it be you?"


    Petal Shower looked at him. "You are?"


    Yesterday''s Daylily said, "I''m a neer to thepany. Uh, if I haven''t misidentified you, we even dined together at Dongzhimenst month."


    Petal Showerughed. "Oh, it''s you."


    Yesterday''s Daylily was shocked. "So it''s really you then? Aiyo!"


    But Spinach still could not recognize her. She hurriedly asked, "You are?"


    Sunset Glow didn''t seem to have figured it out either and was looking at her deep in thought.


    The Clown did not say anything and ignored them. He already knew who she was, so he was even less inclined to speak as he was afraid that he would get recognized.


    Onstage.


    Dong Shanshan was saying, "Let''s wee our next singer��Sunflower in the Starlight!"


    At this, the audience raised another racket!


    "Ah?"


    "Li Yu is next?"


    "He''s facing off against Petal Shower?"


    "Aiyo, this is so exciting!"


    "Uh, this��"


    "Brother Li Yu, you can do it!"


    "Li Yu!"


    "Li Yu!"


    "Let''s go! Li Yu will definitely win!"


    Many of Li Yu''s fans were screaming their hearts out!


    Sunflower walked onto the stage slowly as the crowd cheered him on. There was a sense of heaviness in his stride. After he came to a standstill, he took two deep breaths. Petal Shower''s amazing performance had pressured him too much. He really had not expected that Petal Shower could sing a rather unknown song so well. It was an incredibly heaven defying performance and whoever took the stage afterwards to face her would have it quite hard. If this as before, Sunflower knew that he would have lost to her for sure. But it was different today, since everyone knew who he was. With his poprity, as long as he could perform up to par, he would definitely be the Masked King!


    Sunflower was convinced of it.


    Besides, he had chosen a song that would tter him today!


    The lights dimmed.


    The music started ying.


    The title of the song appeared on the disy overhead the stage: "Mother Said."


    "It''s a Mandarin song?"


    "Why isn''t he singing a Cantonese song?"


    "Li Yu is definitely saving that for the finale! Haha!"


    "It''s almost Mother''s Day, so this song is a good choice too!"


    "But isn''t it a rather niche song?"


    "Anything that Li Yu sings is good. So what if it''s niche? The song that Petal Shower sang was even more niche!"


    The audience was getting quite enthusiastic.


    However, when Spinach and Yesterday''s Daylily saw the title of the song, they felt even more contempt for Li Yu. He had broken the rules, cheated by soliciting support, and even chose this sort of song to resonate with the audience on Mother''s Day? He could really resort to any kind of method just to be the Masked King? How could he still have the cheek to sing a song about a mother''s love!


    Sunflower sang.


    "Mother, oh mother.


    "I''ve always kept your words in mind.


    "I finally understand why you told me to be wary of those around me.


    "Mother, oh mother.


    "I''ve always kept your words in mind.


    "You said that life is like an abyss that none of us can escape."


    This was a very gloomy song.


    It portrayed the singer''s sense of confusion.


    "Loneliness.


    "I''ve gotten used to it.


    "Hurt."


    "I''ve suffered it.


    "Can you tell me those words again?


    "Mother, where are you right now?"


    In the studio, some people started to cry.


    Zhang Ye''s mother also felt a little touched and kept sniffling.


    Zhang Xia, Amy, and the others nodded lightly. Disregarding everything else, Sunflower''s singing was really one of the best in the music industry. The potency of his high notes was striking, and his technique was good. He could consciously control his voice to insert a slight sobbing tone, which made his singing particrly catchy!


    The song ended.


    Apuse rang out through the studio!


    "Li Yu!"


    "Li Yu!"


    "Li Yu!"


    A lot of youngdies were so moved by the song that they screamed as they shed tears!


    As today was Mother''s Day, this song had clearly resonated with the audience!


    Sunflower was very satisfied with himself. He smiled to the audience while waving at them and bowed to show his appreciation.


    Dong Shanshan went back onstage and invited Petal Shower back on as well.


    Finally, the tensest moment arrived. The voting was about to take ce!


    Spinach watched, not blinking.


    Yesterday''s Daylily got butterflies in his stomach.


    Hou Ge, Xiao Lu, Dafei, and others from the program team were all looking in that direction too. They were also looking forward to the results of the voting, but could not do anything to help. None of them wanted Sunflower to win and were wishing that he would get eliminated in this episode. Otherwise, if Sunflower really became Masked King for every future episode, King of Masked Singers would end up a personal stage for him to build up his poprity. That would defeat the purpose of having their contestants appear in masks!


    But then, could Petal Shower really beat him?


    Could she really beat Li Yu''s poprity?


    And so, the judges would y their roles to their greatest effect.


    Zhang Xia said, "I like Petal Shower''s performance. The only word that can describe her singing today is ''perfect!''"


    Yao Jiancaimented, "Although Sunflower''s song was nice to listen to and the sentiment behind it is just right, it''s just too pessimistic and depressing. I also prefer Petal Shower''s ''That''s Me,'' especially thatst verse with the st cry.'' It was the best! To be honest, I''ve never heard someone who can sing this well!"


    Amy expressed, "Comparing the two of them, Petal Shower''s performance was the more outstanding one today."


    The judges unanimously preferred Petal Shower.


    Petal Shower nodded in thanks.


    Sunflower remained silent. He did not seem to care what the judges were saying as he still did not think that he would lose, so he let them say whatever they wanted.


    However, when the voting began, Sunflower''s expression finally changed!


    The moment it started, Petal Shower went into the lead!


    It was not much, just seven votes!


    Li Yu''s fans in the audience were infuriated!


    "What the heck!"


    "Do you people even understand music?"


    "Give your votes to Li Yu!"


    "Give them all to Li Yu!"


    "Li Yu!"


    "He should be the Masked King!"


    Li Yu''s fans red up as his vote count soared!


    Sunflower overtook Petal Shower and went into the lead by more than 20 votes!


    The program team staff looked peeved!


    Spinach and Yesterday''s Daylily stamped their feet in frustration!


    The judges''ments were very professional. To be fair, Petal Shower''s singing was really leaps and bounds better than Sunflower''s. But due to Li Yu''s despicable tricks, many of those present in the studio disregarded the point of voting. They no longer cared about the singing and whether the song performed was good. Some of these audience members were even explicitly supporting the person and not the performed piece. No matter what Li Yu sang, they would give their votes to him!


    Sunflower looked at the tallies and smiled.


    Petal Shower did not even turn around to look at the votes.


    Fortunately, there were still plenty of people in the audience who were rational.


    Zhang Ye''s eldest younger sister said, "I''m definitely voting for Petal Shower!"


    His father said, "Right."


    His mother disagreed, "But Sunflower sang very well."


    His third sister said, "I didn''t like Li Yu''s song as it was too pessimistic. Why does it paint everything in life so darkly? Why must we be cautious of the people around us? Although I like Li Yu, I still think that Petal Shower sang better today!"


    The burst of votes from Li Yu''s fans was only temporary. For that moment, a lot of people gave their votes to Li Yu, but it could not gather enough momentum!


    Petal Shower had sung too godly!


    She was so amazing that some of Li Yu''s not terribly diehard fans defected and voted for Petal Shower instead!


    Both their tallies kept rising!


    Finally, the results were out!


    Dong Shanshan said, "I hereby announce that the winner is��Petal Shower!"


    Petal Shower: 252 votes!


    Sunflower: 248 votes!


    It was only a difference of 4 votes!


    Petal Shower had won!

 Chapter 1022: ’Life’s More Than the Grind’!

    <h4>Chapter 1022: ''Life''s More Than the Grind''! </h4>


    Chapter 1022: ''Life''s More Than the Grind''!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    This result shocked many people!


    Sunflower''s expression darkened!


    Assistant Xu was dumbfounded!


    Spinach was so astonished that she nearly screamed out loud!


    Yesterday''s Daylily and the employees on the Beijing Television program team nearlyughed out loud!


    She won?


    She really won!


    What a release! This was a great way to vent their anger!


    "Li Yu lost?"


    "That''s impossible!"


    "Who on earth is Petal Shower!"


    "Sunflower revealed himself, yet he still couldn''t win?"


    "Why didn''t he sing a Cantonese song!"


    "If he sang a Cantonese song that he''s skilled at, he would definitely have won!"


    "Yeah, Sunflower probably intended to save that song for the battle for the Masked King? How could he have known that he would run into a freak like Petal Shower! And make an early exit?"


    "It''s over! Li Yu can''t fight for the crown of the Masked King in this episode!"


    "He''ll definitely make it through the elimination round, though, so he has to wait until the next episode."


    "Ai, he underestimated his opponents!"


    "But there''s really nothing to argue over about this win by Petal Shower!"


    "If Li Yu had sung a Cantonese song, Petal Shower probably wouldn''t have won."


    A lot of the audience members were giving their objective evaluation of the oue.


    But a lot of Li Yu''s fans did not ept this result.


    "What the heck!"


    "There''s a conspiracy!"


    "Do they even understand music? How did they vote?"


    "It was clear that Li Yu sang better! Why does it seem like no one understood that?"


    "Just like Teacher Li Yu had sung in his song, life really is like an abyss. We''re surrounded by so much darkness that even if we try our hardest, no one gives us any recognition!"


    "I''m pissed off!"


    "How could Petal Shower win?"


    "My heart aches for Brother Li Yu!"


    Seeing that Li Yu had lost, some of his female fans were heartbroken for him and crying!


    Crestfallen, Sunflower left the stage in a terrible mood!


    A few of the judges looked at each other, finding it rather funny.


    Executive Director Hu Fei felt very happy!


    Deliberately nning for this to happen? To checkmate everyone? And even spending money on a PR campaign in the media? And openly soliciting votes on Weibo? But as it stood?


    He had lost in the first round!


    This was truly a p to the face!


    This was truly painful!


    Zhang Yeughed. That was beautifully done. Leave the rest to me.


    The uproar in the studiosted for five minutes.


    After Dong Shanshan finally maintained a semnce order, she said, "Let''s wee the next contestant��The Clown."


    The Clown was the third to appear and was matched up against Spinach.


    This dragged everyone''s attention back to the stage.


    Petal Shower did not return to her waiting room. She stood with Spinach, Yesterday''s Daylily, and the others in the wings and waited to see The Clown''s live performance. They were all very curious about this mysterious singer who had taken the throne of the Masked King twice before, curious about his unguessable identity. There was not even a candidate they could think of. It was as though this godly person had suddenly appeared out of nowhere in the music industry, so much so that even Petal Shower dreaded him a great deal.


    Amy pped. "It''s The Clown''s turn!"


    Yao Jiancai had been looking forward to this and said, "Is he going to sing yet another original?"


    "I''m not sure." Zhang Xia stared at the lyrics teleprompter but did not yet see the title of the song disyed.


    The audience looked to the stage.


    Spinach was nervously observing The Clown.


    The Clown walked over to the house band and exchanged a word with them.


    Bai Yuanfei was taken aback. "You''re really going to choose this song to perform?"


    The Clown gave a determined, affirmative grunt.


    The guitarist said, "This song is too monotone and isn''t a good choice."


    The Clown smiled. "It''s fine. I''m choosing it."


    The house band replied, "OK."


    This song was one of the four songs Zhang Ye had chosen. Before this, he was still undecided on which to perform, but he could now make a decision.


    Looking at the stage.


    Zhang Ye''s mother eximed in surprise.


    His father turned to her. "What''s the matter?"


    His mother pointed at The Clown. "Nothing much, but Little Ye also seems to have that pair of shoes he''s wearing."


    His father said, "Oh, really? I hadn''t noticed."


    His mother said, "I bought them for our son. They''re pretty expensive."


    His second sister added, "Of course, celebrities usually wear brand name stuff since they''re all loaded."


    None of them cared, nor did they think anything of it.


    The studio quieted.


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    The lights slowly dimmed.


    A nursery rhyme-esque melody yed by a harmonica floated into the air.


    Zhang Ye stood at center stage with his eyes closed and smiled. He did not know why he was smiling. Thinking about Sunflower''s "Mother Said," which Zhang Ye had heard for the first time, he could honestly say that he really didn''t like the song. Life was an abyss? Life was about suffering? Be wary of others? Get used to loneliness?


    Why was it like that?


    This wasn''t what life should be about.


    This isn''t what a mother''s love should be like.


    At least, my mother''s love is not like this.


    Zhang Ye thought of how his mother was stingy, long-winded, and loved bragging. He would never forget his first day at university when his mother went with him to report to the campus. She carried so many big and small suitcases along with her while looking for Zhang Ye''s dorm room with him and even helped him fit the bed sheets, pillowcase, and nkets. When she realized that the bed sheets were not properly fitted, she took them off and fit them again.


    After that, his mother''s eyes inexplicably reddened.


    Zhang Ye had attended Media College in Beijing and he would be back home every weekend. It wasn''t actually that bad since he was allowed to go home. Even Zhang Ye himself was looking forward to his time away from home and did not feel unsettled by having to stay away from home for the first time in his life.


    But his mother very nearly cried.


    Study hard��she left after saying those words.


    At that time, Zhang Ye felt that his mother was just making a fuss.


    Zhang Ye did not understand what his mother had felt even when he was in his final year at university. But just now, as he stood on this stage, realization dawned on him. Zhang Ye understood what had gone through his mother''s mind at the time and understood what his mother had meant by "study hard."


    The guitar strummed.


    It drifted through the air with a youthful spirit.


    Zhang Ye opened his eyes and sang in a gentle voice 1 that resonated through the studio.


    "Mother sat at the door,


    "Humming to flowers and kids she''d cared for.


    "Although it has been years,


    "I still recall her tears.


    "Those dark and gloomy years,


    "That tenacity and those fears.


    "At the door before departing,


    "Mom looked into my eyes, imparting."


    The drums kicked in.


    Zhang Ye sang.


    "''Life''s about more than just the grind; poetry and distant fields we can find.


    "''You were born into this world with bare hands; to strive for that sea you cast off fromnds.''"


    In the audience, his mother was stunned!


    The judges were stunned!


    The audience was stunned!


    You''re singing a song rted to your mother as well?


    Life''s about more than just the grind? Poetry and distant fields we can find?


    These lyrics��


    His third sister put a hand over her mouth. "Oh my god!"


    His eldest sister said excitedly, "This song is so beautiful! How can this type of song exist!"


    During the rehearsal, The Clown had just hummed through it. So the house band was hearing The Clown sing the lyrics for the first time as well. They were instantly moved!


    The Clown smiled.


    "She sat across from me,


    "Head down, bidding farewell.


    "Although it has been years,


    "I still recall her tears.


    "Times of those joyful beams,


    "Times of those vows and dreams.


    "Parting beside the street,


    "She hugged me tight and said,


    "''Life''s about more than just the grind; poetry and distant fields we can find.


    "''You were born into this world with bare hands; to strive for that sea you cast off fromnds.''"


    His mother''s eyes suddenly reddened!


    Amy looked deeply touched!


    Zhang Xia was affected by the images conjured by the song!


    An audience member was half-listening to it when all of a sudden, she covered her mouth and started crying. She had been brought back to her teenage years when she insisted oning to the capital city to chase her dreams. Her father had strongly disagreed and locked her up at home. Not even a hunger strike could change his mind. But she would never forget when her mother quietly unlocked her door one night and handed her an already packed suitcase along with 2,000 yuan. She told her, "Your dad fell asleep, so hurry and leave. If you don''t make it in Beijing, juste home."


    This was what a mother was!


    The greatest person in the world!


    The Clown had a very gentle tone that was not intended to show off his singing. It was as though he were reading a story, narrating at an appropriate clip. But it was exactly this in singing, coupled with those poetic lyrics, that somehow managed to bowl them over and make their hearts flutter a bit!


    The story was still moving forward.


    The Clown was still singing.


    "I''ve traveled far and alone."


    "Now I have a kid of my own.


    "He is growing day by day,


    "And will leave home someday.


    "Watching as he grows up,


    "Watching him toughen and look back.


    "I know that there will be a day,


    "I''ll smile to him and say."


    All of a sudden, The Clown jumped octaves.


    "''Life''s about more than just the grind; poetry and distant fields we can find.


    "''You were born into this world with bare hands; to strive for that sea you cast off fromnds.


    "''Life''s about more than just the grind; poetry and distant fields we can find.


    "''You were born into this world with bare hands; to strive for that sea you cast off fromnds!''"


    Faith.


    Hope.


    Dreams.


    Love.


    Legacy.


    They were all mentioned in this song!


    Spinach smiled bitterly.


    It was her turn next, but could she win?


    With this guy singing this song, how could she possibly win!


    Many people were even more astonished because they had thought that Sunflower''s defeat by Petal Shower was already quite face-smacking, but none of them expected for The Clown to take the stage after that and give another vicious facep! Sunflower''s song had been about life''s abyss, darkness, loneliness, and hurt. But The Clown had outright rejected him by attacking him with his song!


    Life''s about more than just the grind!


    Poetry and distantnds we can find!

 Chapter 1023: The Clown admits defeat!

    <h4>Chapter 1023: The Clown admits defeat! </h4>


    Chapter 1023: The Clown admits defeat!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The music stopped.


    The song ended.


    The Clown bowed and turned to walk off the stage.


    There wasn''t any screaming in the studio nor the explosive atmosphere like after Petal Shower had performed. There wasn''t even any shouting like after Sunflower in the Starlight''s performance. This was a reflective song, one that was not sung in hopes ofpeting on this stage. However, a lot of people in the audience suddenly started to silently stand up.


    One p.


    Two ps.


    Han Qi was pping as she wiped away her tears!


    Music Director Bai Yuanfei was pping with a smile on his face!


    Hu Fei, Hou Ge, Dafei, Yao Jiancai, Amy, Chen Guang, Zhang Xia, and everyone else were pping!


    It became a round of constant apuse that didn''t stop for a long time!


    Some of their eyes were brimming with tears.


    While some of them had a sad look in their eyes.


    This song had given them such a swirl of emotions that it was very difficult to speak or scream to express what they were feeling inside. Those who had simr experiences were moved by the song, whereas those who hadn''t gone through such a stage in life and had been affected by Sunflower''s gloomy and dark "Mother Said" were now baptized by this "Life'' More Than the Grind." They felt like their lives were suddenly brightened by an influx of indescribable emotions that felt veryforting.


    "The Clown is so great!"


    "I like him, I like him so much!"


    "Me too! His songs are just so full of feeling!"


    "But this song was neither intense nor lively. Will others be able to understand it?"


    "Uh, this song is not exactly suitable for apetition and was not a good choice."


    "I don''t care about others. In any case, I understood it and I think it''s wonderful!"


    "I can''t use words to describe how much I love The Clown. In my eyes, he poured in every ounce of his emotions into singing this song!"


    The audience was chattering away.


    A wry smile hung from Chen Guang''s lips. "He''s sung so many songs, but no one can identify him from his voice?"


    Zhang Xia shook her head. "I can''t think of who he might be!"


    Amy said irritated, "I can''t tell from his voice either!"


    Yao Jiancai spread his hands and said with augh, "If you people from the music industry can''t identify him, then I definitely can''t guess who he is."


    There were no deafening high notes.


    There was nothing uncontrolled in his technique.


    The Clown used his extremely maic voice to tell a story without any hint of showing off.


    This song was so advanced!


    This singing was so advanced!


    " Life''s More Than the Grind 1 " was performed by Xu Wei in Zhang Ye''s previous world and Gao Xiaosong was the songwriter, with both the melody and lyrics written by him. Zhang Ye had not nned on singing this on today''s stage and had prepared it as a backup piece. But when he took the stage, he could not suppress the thought of it. He just suddenly wanted to sing this song, so he sang it.


    In the waiting area.


    Petal Shower, Spinach, and the others were all there.


    As the apuse did not stop, Dong Shanshan did not invite the next singer onstage even though she was already there herself. She was simply waiting for the atmosphere to calm down.


    The Clown returned to the waiting area.


    Petal Shower looked deep into his eyes. "That was amazing."


    The Clown changed his vocal register and said, "Thank you."


    Sunset Glow looked at him. "I really liked that song. Can I cover it?"


    The Clownughed and said, "Sure."


    Spinach smiled bitterly. "You, you guys are too good! Godly seniors, please lead the way for us!"


    Yesterday''s Daylily asked, "Teacher Clown, which big name in the industry are you?"


    The Clown chuckled. "I''m just a newbie in the music industry." He really wasn''t lying.


    But how could others believe him? In fact, they were floored!


    A newbie?


    Stop pretending already!


    To Spinach and Yesterday''s Daylily, The Clown and Petal Shower both belonged to the type of singers with elite singing skills, even if they hadpletely different singing styles. It was very difficult to judge who was better and more of a case of beauty being in the eye of the beholder. Butpared to themselves, these two teachers would definitely annihte them in a singingpetition.


    Spinach pulled a long face and said, "I don''t want to go out on stage anymore."


    The Clown smiled and said, "Sing well and you''re sure to win."


    Spinach said, "Please don''t try tofort me. Who can beat you after that song?"


    Yesterday''s Daylily suddenly said in amusement, "Teacher Clown''s song was such a divine stab!" He could not prevent himself from bursting intoughter. "Aiyo, I''m dying ofughter!"


    Spinach, Sunset Glow, and Petal Shower burst intoughter as well.


    Indeed. This stab was really too vicious!


    A coincidence?


    Bullshit! What coincidence?


    How could there be such a coincidence? Sunflower had just finished singing a song about how life was dark and a grind, and then you came along and sang about how life''s more than just the grind. The Clown must have definitely done this on purpose!


    Li Yu is probably in his waiting room, his face green with anger!


    "Teacher Petal Shower is also amazing!"


    "Yeah, she straight up prevented Li Yu from advancing to the next round!"


    "Hai, but Li Yu will still be able to make aeback next episode."


    "Yes, he won''t be stopped in the elimination round."


    "If he sings a Cantonese song, then��"


    "Yeah, it''s difficult to say who''ll end up as the eventual winner if that happens."


    "Li Yu is really good at Cantonese songs."


    The masked singers were on quite friendly terms as they chatted. Li Yu''s backstabbing had led the other contestants to be wholly united against him and they grew close as a result.


    ...


    Onstage.


    The audience was still apuding.


    Dong Shanshan had no other choice but to smile and speak into the microphone, "Shall I tell everyone a joke?"


    Only then did the apuse lessen.


    Dong Shanshan said, "There was once a host who wanted to tell a joke to her audience, but the audience did notugh. That''s all. That''s the joke, so let''s wee our next contestant��Spinach!"


    The audience was tickled.


    "Pfft!"


    "What a bad joke!"


    "How is that a joke!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    But with that interruption from Dong Shanshan, the audience was drawn away from the emotions brought on by the song.


    Spinach took a deep breath. "I''m going on!"


    The Clown said, "Break a leg."


    Yesterday''s Daylily looked at her with sympathetic eyes. "Just do your best."


    Spinach forced a smile and quickly walked onto the stage.


    The music started.


    The melody was very familiar.


    When Zhang Ye heard it, he got slightly surprised and then smiled.


    Spinach sang softly.


    "To my dear Mom and Dad. How are you two?


    "Have you been busy working? Are you healthy?


    "I''m in Beijing, it''s pretty good.


    "Mom and Dad, don''t you worry for me."


    It was "A Letter to Home," which Zhang Ye had sung at Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G.


    The audience was stunned!


    She was singing really well!


    She was singing it incredibly well!


    Zhang Ye, Yesterday''s Daylily, and the others had not expected that Spinach could sing so well either. Her singing style was very silky, her crystal-clear voice sounding fantastical. When she sang "A Letter to Home," it feltpletely different from Zhang Ye''s version. It carried a unique vor!


    After the song was over, some of the audience were in tears.


    Soon after, The Clown was invited back onstage.


    Dong Shanshan smiled. "Let''s first have the guessing panel of judges say a few words."


    Chen Yidong was the first to speak. "Spinach''s singing and voice were quite good. The emotions were on point and I was moved when she sang thatst part of the song. Butpared to The Clown, she''s probably not at his level yet."


    Spinach humbly bowed. "Thank you, Teacher."


    Zhang Xia asked, "Spinach, have we ever worked together?"


    Spinach coughed. "Yes."


    The audience gasped.


    Zhang Xia immediately probed further. "Was it at that gst year?"


    G?


    What g?


    Nobody could understand what she meant.


    Spinach smirked and said, "The director isn''t letting me answer."


    "Alright, I get it." Zhang Xia said, amused, "So it really is you. No wonder you can sing this well."


    But Chen Guang was not in the know. "Who is she?"


    Amy said, "Grandma Zhang, please tell us."


    Zhang Xia smiled and said, "I can''t say who she is aloud, but I can give you a hint. This youngdy is not considered as someone from the music industry or someone with a musical background." Then she told Spinach, "You sang very well, and us two are like old friends. But if I had to vote, I would still vote for The Clown. Please don''t me Grandma."


    Spinachughed and said, "It''s fine, Grandma Zhang."


    The judges'' attitudes were very obvious.


    The audience felt the same.


    Spinach was indeed not bad. She could sing well, her song was good, and her singing touched people. But The Clown''s song had already reached a level where it couldn''t be distinguished between good or bad. He had sung to another ne!


    ...


    In the waiting room.


    Sunflower watched the television, utterly uninterested in the results. He knew that The Clown would definitely win. In the next round, Sunset Glow was certain to get through as well. Then only he, Spinach, and Yesterday''s Daylily would be left topete in the elimination round. Since it came down to that, he knew that he would still be able to win even without singing. Therefore, he was not worried at all. He was in a terrible mood right now and had not expected that things would turn out this way, nor that Petal Shower would perform so exceedingly well.


    He had not managed to fight for the position of Masked King today!


    Then he''d just have to leave it for the next episode!


    Or the episode after that!


    In any case, he still had plenty of future chances. He would stop underestimating his opponents'' talent in the future and sing the Cantonese songs he was best at to sweep everyone aside!


    ...


    In the studio.


    Dong Shanshan nodded and said, "Alright, please get ready to vote."


    There wasn''t much suspense to the voting, though.


    The Clown was going to win this for sure.


    In the wings, Hu Fei started talking with his coworkers.


    Dafei asked, "Brother Hu, do you think that Spinach can eliminate Sunflower?"


    Hu Fei shook his head. "There''s no chance of that."


    Hou Ge added, "Even if Spinach excels, she''s still not a match for Li Yu. Moreover, there are so many Li Yu''s fans in the studio today."


    Xiao Lu said, "Yeah, don''t expect too much from Spinach and Yesterday''s Daylily. Even if Sunset Glow somehow loses and goes into the elimination round, she still won''t be a match for Li Yu. He is a tenor singer and his next song will definitely be a Cantonese one. Even if Petal Shower went up against him again, I think it would still be difficult to beat him!"


    Han Qi came over. "Then wouldn''t Sunflower still act smug onstage tomorrow? He''s so annoying!"


    Dafei said, "Then what should we do? Petal Shower defeating Li Yu even when he had all the advantage was already a miracle. Other than Petal Shower and The Clown, who amongst the other contestants can stop him?"


    But a voice shocked everyone!


    The Clown suddenly spoke up and his words dumbfounded everyone in the studio!


    "Please wait a moment." The Clown lifted his microphone as he said with a chuckle, "Spinach sang admirably this round. If the voting begins, I''m afraid that the votes would be too disproportionate and I would lose badly. So why don''t we skip the vote and I admit defeat instead!" Then he looked at Dong Shanshan and asked, "I am allowed to admit defeat, right?"


    Dong Shanshan was stunned!


    Hu Fei was shocked!


    Zhang Xia, Yao Jiancai, and the other judges were surprised!


    In the waiting room, the look on Li Yu''s face became one of thunder!


    The audience eximed!


    Han Qi was dumbfounded!


    Petal Shower and Sunset Glow were stunned!


    Spinach nearly fainted on the spot!


    Admit defeat?


    You''re admitting defeat?


    A secondter, realization dawned on many people!


    He was doing this on purpose!


    He was definitely doing this on purpose!


    Petal Shower had gotten rid of Li Yu in the first round!


    And now, The Clown wanted to follow up on it by taking him on in the elimination round!?


    Dammit!


    Have you gone crazy?


    Isn''t this as good as going for broke?

 Chapter 1024: A sudden turn of events!

    <h4>Chapter 1024: A sudden turn of events! </h4>


    Chapter 1024: A sudden turn of events!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On Weibo.


    Li Yu''s fans were allughing happily.


    "Have they finished recording the show yet?"


    "I have no idea."


    "Brother Li Yu is definitely going to be the Masked King."


    "Right, recording might have already ended."


    "Just based on Teacher Li Yu''s reputation alone, who can best him?"


    "Ah, I really wanted to attend the recording and listen to Brother Li Yu sing!"


    The media was still plugging this news.


    Many of the PR campaigns that Li Yu''s team had spent money on were still bombarding the public space with news.


    "No suspense as to who will be the third episode''s Masked King!"


    "Li Yu: The darling of the music industry!"


    "Sunflower has been holding back in thepetition all this time!"


    "A Sunflower that sings Cantonese songs is unbeatable!"


    "Only a matter of time before Li Yu returns to the A-list!"


    "Sunflower''s poprity to usher in a career high if he bes grand champion of King of Masked Singers!"


    The spection in the outside world was getting intense.


    Even the onlookers started to believe that Li Yu would definitely be this episode''s Masked King.


    But unbeknownst to them, Li Yu had already lost the right topete in the third episode''s battle for the Masked King. Neither did they know that the recording studio was currently in chaos!


    ...


    At the studio.


    The Clown''s words had shocked everyone!


    Dong Shanshan forced herself to calm down and said, "You want to admit defeat?"


    The Clown nodded. "That''s right."


    Dong Shanshan asked, "Are you sure?"


    The Clown said, "I''m quite sure."


    "There aren''t any rules about this, so I can''t make the decision. I''ll need to ask the program team." Dong Shanshan immediately looked to Hu Fei and the others in the wings.


    Many of the audience members stood up looking confused.


    "Why is he admitting defeat?"


    "Afraid that you''ll lose by too much? You must mean to say that you''re afraid you''ll win by too much!"


    "Why did The Clown do that?"


    "He clearly sang really well!"


    "This song can easily sweep Spinach aside!"


    "Yeah, The Clown would definitely have won. So why did he admit defeat?"


    "Didn''t all the judges only have good things to say about him?"


    "This fellow must have gone crazy, right?"


    "If he admits defeat now, he''ll have to go into the elimination round and take on Sunflower. Sunflower will definitely sing a Cantonese song, and then wouldn''t The Clown get eliminated? Then he''ll have to take off his mask!"


    "Yeah. Although I also want to know who The Clown is, it''s just the third episode. I don''t wish for him to be eliminated so early in thepetition!"


    His mother was also stunned. "What''s going on?"


    His eldest young sister said anxiously, "I don''t know."


    A lot of people were confused by what was going on.


    But some people understood exactly what was going on.


    Hu Fei and the others could vaguely guess what The Clown was thinking. When The Clown decided to admit defeat, it set their pulses racing with excitement!


    Li Yu had be a ticking time bomb that could bring everyone down with him. The program team could not wait to get rid of this cancerous tumor. But during their earlier discussion, they had concluded that among all the contestants, only Petal Shower and The Clown had a chance to put up a fight against him and that it was impossible for the others to win. Even though Petal Shower''s and The Clown''s chances of winning were very slim, with Petal Shower performing exceedingly well and eliminating Sunflower in the first round, the program team staff thought that this was the best possible oue and a miracle as well. They had not expected that anyone would be able to kick him out of thepetition in the uing elimination round.


    But The Clown came forward!


    No one could have known this would happen!


    Hou Ge said excitedly, "Teacher Clown!"


    Dafei stammered, "This, this��"


    Xiao Lu was extremely touched. "How righteous! Teacher Clown has such strong sense of justice!"


    Han Qi was panicking. "No! He absolutely must not do that!"


    Another staff member said, "What if The Clown loses? Then��"


    "He''s nning for it to be a deathmatch!"


    "We''re not talking about the first round here! This is the elimination round! Whoever loses will get eliminated!"


    "He''s going all out!"


    "The Clown is quite interesting!"


    "How brave would you need to be to do that?"


    "Fucking hell! This is super exciting!"


    "Director Hu, what should we do?"


    "Director Hu, everyone is waiting. How are we going to handle this?"


    The program team staff congregated and were inplete disarray!


    On the stage.


    Spinach experienced the mostplicated of feelings as she finally understood what The Clown meant when he said "Sing well and you''re sure to win" before her turn to take the stage. At the time, she thought that The Clown was justforting and encouraging her as he was afraid that she would be too nervous. But she understood now that even before she''d gone onstage, The Clown nned to concede the match. The Clown knew that Spinach was definitely not a match for Li Yu, so he wanted to take him on by himself!


    Before thepetition started, Petal Shower had said it.


    Why not just stop Li Yu from advancing to the battle for the Masked King?


    Why not just get Li Yu eliminated from the show?


    No one took her words seriously then. But now, they were getting closer and closer to realizing those words, especially after The Clown announced that he would concede his match!


    They''ve gone mad!


    One was Petal Shower, who clearly knew that her opponent was Li Yu, but still switched spots with Spinach!


    The other was The Clown, who clearly knew that Li Yu would sing a Cantonese song to the best of his abilities in the elimination round, yet still took the risk of possibly revealing his identity by admitting defeat so that he could knock Li Yu out in the elimination round!


    These two were lunatics!


    These were two lunatics who had very strong self-confidence and were fearless!


    Spinach quickly said, "Teacher, I��"


    The Clown waved it off andughed.


    Dong Shanshanmunicated through her earpiece, "Alright, alright, I understand."


    The program team staff hade to a decision.


    At once, everyone''s eyesnded on Dong Shanshan.


    Amy was so anxious she was already standing. Honestly, she really liked The Clown a lot and did not wish for him to go up against Li Yu. If that were to happen, The Clown would be more or less done for!


    Li Yu''s assistant was staring from the wings.


    Dong Shanshan spoke, "The program team has decided: They will allow the contestant to admit defeat."


    Everyone flew into an uproar!


    The audience blew up!


    Dong Shanshan announced, "I hereby announce that the winner of this match is��Spinach!"


    No one apuded.


    Seeing this, The Clown started pping very hard and gave Spinach a thumbs up. Then he raised his hands and gestured for the crowd to give her their apuse.


    With that, apuse started to ring out in the audience.


    Spinach hurriedly bowed to give her thanks.


    However, Li Yu''s assistant could not ept this!


    Assistant Xu went straight to Hu Fei and the program team and sought them out. "What is the meaning of this? Does the show have a rule about being allowed to admit defeat? Isn''t this messing things up? He clearly did that on purpose!"


    Hu Fei looked at her. "Are you the director?"


    Assistant Xu choked.


    Hu Fei shouted, "This is our Beijing TV show! Do I need you to tell me what to do?"


    Li Yu and his team''s arrogance had infuriated the program team staff beyond recognition. It was our show to begin with! You people breached the contract by taking the liberty of revealing who he was, broke the rules, used underhanded methods to ask for votes, and paid for PR campaigns! Yet you still have the balls to use us of messing things up? Breaking the rules?


    Fuck off!


    Who the fuck do you think you are!


    Did you think this show belongs to you? That you could do whatever you liked?


    Assistant Xu was also angered and wanted to argue with them!


    Hou Ge called over the security guards. "Throw her out of here!"


    Dafei said, "Who let this person in? This is a workce for our employees and restricted for non-staff. Guard this ce closely in the future and don''t just let any Tom, Dick, or Harry enter!"


    Tom, Dick, or Harry?


    I''m Li Yu''s assistant!


    In the music industry, who doesn''t talk to me courteously and politely?


    Assistant Xu was furious. "Great, great, just watch!"


    Xiao Lu spit out, "What an asshole you are!"


    Assistant Xu said angrily, "Who are you insulting?"


    Xiao Lu pointed at the assistant''s nose and said, "I''m insulting you!"


    What sort of a television station was this?


    What sort of a program team was this?


    Assistant Xu yelled, "You''re going to speak to me like this? Ah? Do you believe I won''t expose you to the media!"


    Xiao Lu stalked toward her like a little tigress and said, "Go ahead and expose us! Do it!"


    Dafei sneered, "You''re fortunate that Teacher Zhang Ye is not around today. If he were around, with that temperament of his, you''d probably leave this ce on a stretcher!"


    They were all Zhang Ye''s old colleagues. In fact, their behavior and temperament were not like this in the past. Even if they were faced with some annoyance, they wouldn''t havembasted someone like they had now. Further, this person was even a former A-lister''s assistant. It was only after they had been around Zhang Ye for a long time that they had changed a fair bit, so it was inevitable that they got influenced by some of Zhang Ye''s bad habits. They might not have even been aware of this themselves.


    So perhaps this was where Zhang Ye''s unique charmsy.

 Chapter 1025: ’I Really Hate You’?

    <h4>Chapter 1025: ''I Really Hate You''? </h4>


    Chapter 1025: ''I Really Hate You''?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the waiting area.


    As soon as The Clown and Spinach came back, they were surrounded by Yesterday''s Daylily, Petal Shower, and Sunset Glow.


    Petal Shower said in shock, "Are you serious?"


    The Clownughed. "Yeah."


    Sunset Glow gasped. "How sure are you that you can win?"


    The Clown shook his head. "I don''t know."


    "You don''t know but you still did that?" Yesterday''s Daylily had to take his hat off to him in admiration.


    Petal Shower thought for a moment before saying, "If Sunflower''s first song had been a Cantonese one, I probably wouldn''t have won. I''ve checked with Bai Yuanfei and Sunflower''s second song is gonna be a Cantonese one, so be careful." She had always known that in order to eliminate Sunflower today, it would take more than her alone because she could only face off against Sunflower in one round. She needed someone else who could sing as well as her to finish the job. But Petal Shower did not make this clear as she could only ask this of herself, not the others.


    She did not expect that someone would understand her intentions.


    And all the more did she not expect that someone to be The Clown!


    This man had always felt especially mysterious to Petal Shower. He seemed familiar, like he was someone she knew, yet was somewhat unfamiliar because she had no impression of anyone like that at all.


    The Clown was quite calm. "I will."


    Spinach clenched her teeth and said, "You must win!"


    The Clown chuckled, "OK."


    Could he win?


    Zhang Ye wasn''t sure, but he was also toozy to think about it. He just found Sunflower to be unpleasing to the eye and so wanted to knock him out. This was Zhang Ye''s style. Even with a mask on, his attitude was the same as before. If this fellow saw something that he didn''t like, he would have to get involved. Could there be anything more enjoyable than this in life?


    ...


    In Sunflower''s waiting room.


    Assistant Xu came rushing back in anger.


    The camera in the waiting room was turned off as they requested not to be filmed.


    Assistant Xu said, "That Clown did it on purpose!"


    Sunflower grunted. "I know that."


    "If he goes to the elimination round, his next opponent would b-be you?" Assistant Xu said in worry.


    But Sunflower simply smiled. "Do you think that I''ll lose today?"


    Assistant Xu said, "But the first round��"


    Sunflower said, "I''ll be singing in Cantonese for my next song."


    Assistant Xu immediately rested assured!


    Cantonese?


    Then the win would be a sure thing!


    Even if The Clown was a amazingly talented singer, he wouldn''t be able to use a Mandarin song in today''s'' setting and atmosphere to beat Li Yu, who was going to sing a Cantonese song. As the news had already spread, many of those who came to attend today''s recording had the mentality that they would be listening to Li Yu sing a Cantonese song. With such anticipation, there would surely be an outpouring of emotion once Li Yu appeared onstage. At that time, it wouldn''t matter who took the stage!


    ...


    In The Clown''s waiting room.


    On the television, the match between Sunset Glow and Yesterday''s Daylily began.


    Han Qi came back in all angry. "Teacher, you''re taking a huge risk!"


    The Clown smiled. "It''s not that bad."


    Han Qi said anxiously, "But this is Li Yu we''re talking about! He''s the biggest name of all the contestants here!"


    The biggest name?


    That wasn''t true now, was it?


    Zhang Ye chuckled but did not say anything.


    Everyone thought that Sunflower was the biggest name of all the contestants on King of Masked Singers. But in reality, nobody, not even the program team, knew that this unknown Clown was actually a much bigger name than Sunflower!


    Comparing who was more popr?


    Would I be afraid of you?


    Zhang Ye even had the confidence to say that if he were to take off his mask and reveal his identity, even if he were to sing " The Hottest Ethnic Trend 1 ," he could take the throne of the Masked King. But there was no meaning to that. Zhang Ye did note here topete with poprity; he was not here to swagger before others. The point of the show was for the celebrities to cast aside their poprity and reputation topete solely on talent. But of course, he didn''t dare take off his mask at this time. He was afraid that it might halt the broadcast of the show. As such, when faced with an arrogant Li Yu who had resorted to using his poprity to beat the others, Zhang Ye despised him.


    I didn''t use my poprity against you, yet you want to use you your poprity to stifle me?


    It had been Zhang Ye who personally knocked Li Yu off the A-list Celebrity Rankings.


    So Zhang Ye found it rather amusing.


    Hmm, which song should I choose?


    Which song would be most suitable?


    Zhang Ye started pondering. He had prepared a total of four songs today, and "Life''s More Than the Grind" was just used. Now there were three songs remaining.


    That one?


    Or that one?


    Should hebat him indirectly?


    Or sh with him head on?


    He was a little undecided as it was difficult to make a choice.


    So he simply gave up on thinking. Zhang Ye turned his attention to the television to watch the match between Sunset Glow and Yesterday''s Daylily.


    He didn''t feel anxious, but Han Qi said in panic, "Teacher, what are you doing?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Watching their match."


    Han Qi said in disbelief, "We''re faced with elimination yet you''re taking things at your own pace? What if we get eliminated in the next round? Have you thought of which song you''ll sing? I heard that you rehearsed four songs?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Let''s think about it when the timees."


    When the timees?


    But it''sing right up!


    Han Qi gave up. She truly believed that The Clown didn''t have much of an advantage. If she were to be blunt about it, today''s stage was Sunflower''s home field. Even if The Clown could sing a little better than Sunflower, he still couldn''t beat him, unless he was like Petal Shower who could crush him with both her song and singing skill!


    Singing skill?


    Everyone knew that The Clown had that!


    But as for the song choice?


    What song could take on the Cantonese song that Li Yu was going to sing?


    ...


    Sunset Glow and Yesterday''s Daylily finished singing.


    The voting began.


    The results were decided very quickly.


    Unsurprisingly, Sunset Glow won by a huge margin!


    Yesterday''s Daylily was not surprised. He smiled sadly as he congratted Sunset Glow.


    This match was very exciting to watch and the audience got quite a bit of enjoyment out of it. But when they thought about how the elimination round wasing up, much of the audience got distracted once again.


    Sunflower?


    The Clown?


    Yesterday''s Daylily?


    Of those three, two had to leave the show? Only one of them could remain?


    How cruel was this! Can this episode get any more exciting than this?


    The Clown and Sunflower were currently the two contestants with the highest poprity. In the eyes of many, these two were supposed to be fighting for the crown of the Masked King and were both capable enough to do that. But today, these two had ended up fighting for the right to "survive" on the show? One of these two had to be eliminated? This development came out of left field!


    The elimination round was about to begin!


    The audience was getting so excited it was like they were on an adrenaline rush!


    "It''s starting!"


    "The first round is over! It''s time for the elimination round!"


    "Li Yu!"


    "Li Yu!"


    "Li Yu will prevail!"


    "There''s no suspense to this! We don''t even need to watch!"


    "Haha, Li Yu''s going to perform the songs he''s best at!"


    "Cantonese songs!"


    "Come and sing the Cantonese song!"


    "Yeah, we''ve been waiting so long!"


    "We came here today just to see Li Yu sing in Cantonese!"


    The studio was heating up.


    Many of Li Yu''s fans were waving their fluorescent glow sticks to cheer on their idol!


    At the panel of judges.


    Zhang Xia asked, "Who do you guys think will win?"


    Chen Yidong smiled and said, "Definitely Li Yu, I guess."


    Wang Zhuishu thought about it. "Actually, I''m hoping that The Clown will win. But I can''t think of a reason why Sunflower would lose. He has the advantage of being in just the right ce, at just the right time, and as the just right person."


    Amy was worried. "The Clown is in danger!"


    Yao Jiancai did not quite understand. He asked, "Didn''t Petal Shower beat him just now?"


    Chen Guang exined, "Sunflower will be singing a Cantonese song. As a Hong Kong singer, him singing in Cantonese and Mandarin are two totally different things!"


    Yao Jiancai simply said, "Oh, so it''s like that."


    Onstage.


    Dong Shanshan raised her cue cards and recited some advertising messages. Then, with a smile, she said, "Next we head into the elimination round. Let''s wee our firstpetitor��Sunflower in the Starlight!"


    Cheers erupted instantaneously!


    "Li Yu!"


    "Li Yu!"


    "Li Yu!"


    He was incredibly popr!


    Even before he started to sing, a lot of those in the audience were already standing!


    Then, the title of the song was shown on the teleprompter screen overhead. When some of the audience members saw it, they screamed even louder!


    This was a purely Cantonese song!


    It was a love song!


    It was one of Li Yu''s representative works!


    "I Really Hate You."


    Lyricist: Xu Fei.


    Composer: Li Yu.


    This was Li Yu''s debut song. Back then, the song wasn''t terribly well-known but held a very special meaning for Li Yu. He performed this song at almost every concert. Since then, many fans gradually became familiar with the song and also started liking it!


    "This is great!"


    "I love listening to this song!"


    "Li Yu''s maiden work! I''m looking forward to it!"


    "There''s no hope for The Clown now!"


    "That''s right!"

 Chapter 1026: The Clown vs. Sunflower!

    <h4>Chapter 1026: The Clown vs. Sunflower! </h4>


    Chapter 1026: The Clown vs. Sunflower!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Onstage.


    The man with a sunflower mask took to the stage slowly.


    There were screams and shoutsing from the audience, each one louder than thest!


    Zhang Ye''s mother said, "I rather like this guy."


    His father nodded. "Mhm."


    His second sister said in anticipation, "His Cantonese songs have always been great!"


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!" His third sister held her breath.


    The music yed and the studio turned quiet. The audience was very cooperative and amodating toward Sunflower. Those girls who had been making a racket during Petal Shower''s performance were now covering their mouths, afraid that they would cause a disturbance and affect their idol.


    Cello strings.


    Piano keys.


    A familiar melody floated on the stage.


    Many in the audience were so familiar with this song that they started humming along to it in their heads.


    Sunflower raised his head and gripped the microphone.


    "I really hate you.


    "Those memories��


    "I really hate you.


    "Have forgotten me."


    A female fan looked enchanted!


    A lot of people had closed their eyes to listen to the song. They were enjoying it to the utmost!


    It was wonderful!


    This was what a Cantonese song should be!


    Previously on this stage, only The Clown had performed a Cantonese song. It was done informally as he sang something about a "hamlet" or something, talking about the "vigers" and "goats and cows." At that time, his singing pronunciation was rather inurate and had badly shocked many people. Thus, the Cantonese song Sunflower was presently performing would be considered the first true Cantonese song to be sung on King of Masked Singers. Compared to Zhang Ye''s previous world, Cantonese songs upied half of the industry''s market share here and wasn''t considered a niche market. The reason that no one had yet to sing a Cantonese song on this stage was not that Petal Shower and the others thought Cantonese songs niche, but that they couldn''t sing them. Performance of these songsrgely depended on the singer''s hometown. If there were any signs of bad pronunciation during the song, it could easily cause the listeners to lose interest in the entire performance.


    But as Li Yu was a born and bred Hong Konger, there was no need to talk about his pronunciation. Moreover, he had started out singing Cantonese songs, and more than 80% of his released albums were in Cantonese. Since this was his livelihood, it would be a wonder if he couldn''t sing it well. The audience was very receptive to his performance!


    At the judging panel.


    Chen Yidong praised, "Great singing."


    Amy agreed, "It is pretty good."


    Li Yu was considered a veteran in the entertainment industry. When everyone learned he was going to perform a Cantonese song, they all knew that it wouldn''t be bad even without listening. He had the ability to sing well, and the song was good too.


    Zhang Xiamented, "There''s no surprise here."


    Chen Guang stated objectively, "It''s good, but I''ve heard him sing this song too many times and it''s always much the same. It''s not a song that can really raise our spirits."


    Wang Zhuishu said, "Sunflower today seems?"


    Zhang Xia replied, "Yeah, he''s fairly average."


    Yao Jiancai turned around to look at the audience''s warm reception and said, "But the audience seems to be buying it."


    Yes, a lot of the audience members were convinced by the performance. As long as it was Li Yu singing, they''d think it was good. They did not care about whether the tenor of this song was appropriate or if the particrs of the singing were handled well.


    On the stage.


    Sunflower knew it himself. He had been affected by the previous round, thinking that he should be fighting for the throne of the Masked King today. But with Petal Shower stopping him, he was in an awful mood and rather upset as well. He regretted not singing the Cantonese song he was best at in his first appearance, which would have ensured his victory. He had underestimated his opponents. These thoughts kept running through his head even while he was performing, and it definitely affected how well he was doing. But fortunately for Sunflower, he was very experienced and had a good singing technique. That was enough for him to handle today''s situation. As he got to thetter half of his performance, he actually sang better!


    "I hate you, hate you, I hate you.


    "Why can''t I forget the past.


    "When you said you loved me,


    "It was so beautiful.


    "Why did you leave me in the end?


    "I really hate you.


    "Those memories��


    "I really hate you.


    "Have forgotten me."


    Some of the female audience members were screaming at this point!


    They stood up and pped, thrashing their fluorescent glow sticks!


    Several of the judges on the guessing panel were stunned by this. They hadn''t expected that Sunflower could readjust his emotions and handle thetter half of the song so exquisitely. If they had to give him a score, they would give him 85 points out of a 100 for this performance. This was a very good performance, much better than the Mandarin song he had performed!


    Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, and the others looked at one another.


    This was the end for The Clown!


    He didn''t stand a chance!


    Sunflower was relying on his poprity with the audience. Even the Mandarin song he sung averagely almost evened out with Petal Shower''s amazing performance, although he narrowly lost at the end. With this "I Really Hate You," The Clown''s chances of winning had nearly fallen to nil. No one was optimistic about his chances.


    ...


    Backstage.


    In the waiting room.


    Zhang Ye was listening to Sunflower''s performance, not speaking.


    "I Really Hate You"? He didn''t like this song either. Perhaps his values were far too different than Li Yu''s, and they were two people who didn''t go well together. So Zhang Ye stopped focusing on listening.


    Now that he was by himself in the waiting room, he found his bag and took out his cell phone which he kept on silent mode. He had wanted to check theizen''sments about the contestants but saw some unread text messages that his mother had sent to him instead.


    His mother: "Son?"


    His mother: "Where are you? Why don''t I see you anywhere?"


    His mother: "Didn''t you get here really early today?"


    Zhang Ye immediately replied: "Yeah, but I''m busy right now."


    Very quickly, his mother texted back: "Did you get the money?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Yes. Thanks, Mom. It was quite an achievement to get 10,000 yuan out of you."


    His mother: "You rascal, don''t spend it recklessly now. When you find a job, you must pay me back. It''ll be a loan to you for now. By the way, Mother''s Day ising soon, but you don''t have to worry about buying me anything. I don''t need anything, and I don''t like anything either. Consider that as a heads up in case you''re thinking of nning something, got it? Also, if you have the time to do that, quickly find a job. Go out andwork some more, ask around too. If there''s still nobody who wants to hire you, then screw those idiots ande back and rest at home. You won''t have to do anything anymore! You can even save yourself their ipetence!"


    Zhang Ye felt his heart warm. "I understand."


    His mother: "OK, I''m gonna stop talking now. Your dad and I are listening to Sunflower sing and I think it''s pretty good."


    Behind him, the door opened.


    Han Qi came into the room. "Teacher, you''re almost up."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye ced his cell phone back into his bag and exhaled. Then he turned around and walked out.


    Sunflower had finished singing, but the thunderous apuse in the studio could still be heard backstage.


    Han Qi was very nervous. "You can do it, Teacher!"


    Hu Fei saw The Clown approach. "The Clown, break a leg."


    Dafei cheered, "Teacher, go get him!"


    Xiao Lu added, "You''ll definitely do well!"


    Petal Shower looked at him.


    Sunset Glow nodded at him.


    Spinach raised her hand and gave him a thumbs up from not too far away to cheer him on!


    However, inparison to that overwhelming apuse in the studio for Li Yu, everyone''s cheers for him felt underwhelming.


    Could he win?


    A lot of the program team staff sighed.


    Today''s Li Yu had turnedpletely shameless!


    Paying for PR campaigns in the media!


    Exposing himself!


    Asking for votes!


    Causing trouble!


    And he even performed his breakout song!


    Unless The Clown had an even more astonishing song, he wouldn''t stand the ghost of a chance ofpeting against Li Yu. What could he possibly do?


    So did Zhang Ye have such a song?


    The answer was a resounding yes!


    He definitely had one! In fact, he had many!


    The other times he was onstage, Zhang Ye had performed some of the less mainstream songs in thepetition. But this did not mean that he didn''t know how to sing mainstream songs. He just didn''t bring them for the audience to hear because he thought it wasn''t time for that yet. But today, Zhang Ye did not n to hold back anymore. He was ready to bring one of them out topete against Li Yu!


    Which song should he choose?


    He considered the song that Li Yu performed.


    Cantonese?


    "I Really Hate You"?


    Instantly, Zhang Ye made a decision!


    That one!

 Chapter 1027: The Clown’s Cantonese song!

    <h4>Chapter 1027: The Clown''s Cantonese song! </h4>


    Chapter 1027: The Clown''s Cantonese song!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Onstage.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Let''s wee our next singer��The Clown!"


    Apuse rang out.


    "He''sin''."


    "It''s The Clown."


    "How unlucky of him to have to appear after Li Yu."


    "Haha, it doesn''t matter what he sings now."


    "Li Yu sang really well."


    "But of course. That''s his signature song."


    "Li Yu is still the best when he sings in Cantonese!"


    "No one can sing Cantonese songs on this stage except for Li Yu. That in and of itself is an overwhelming advantage for him. Even if The Clown performs exceedingly well like Petal Shower did today, it''s unlikely that he''ll win in this round like she did in the previous one. This round will be decided by the type of song, and even if The Clown sings really well, a lot of people won''tpare his song to Li Yu''s Cantonese song. There''s no way topare them as they are totally different styles andnguages. Since there''s noparison, it won''t matter who sings better. No one will be able to distinguish whose singing was better, so the only thing left topare is their poprity. And how many people in the studio today don''t know Li Yu? Who wouldn''t spare him some face!"


    "Then is The Clown definitely going to lose?"


    "Of course."


    "He can only me himself for admitting defeat just now."


    The audience was apuding, but it did not sound very enthusiastic and felt more like a symbolic wee. Although there were still a lot of people who were not Li Yu''s fans looking forward to The Clown''s performance and wondering if he would be singing yet another original, the oue of this round was already very obvious to many of them.


    Li Yu did not return to his waiting room and just waited around at the holding area. He looked at The Clown and sneered internally. He even admitted defeat on purpose so that he could try knock me out in the elimination round?


    Alright then!


    Bring it on!


    What kind of Mandarin song are you going to sing this time? I''m all ears!


    The Clown took the stage and walked straight to the house band.


    The band looked at him and asked, "Which song will it be?"


    The Clown replied, "The third song we rehearsed."


    Music Director Bai Yuanfei was shocked. "Are you sure?"


    "I''m quite sure." Zhang Ye smiled.


    The band''s guitarist said in a speechless manner, "Why are the songs you choose always the ones we don''t feel optimistic about? Of the four songs you rehearsed, it was the other two songs we were optimistic about. So why did you choose these two songs to perform?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Because you guys haven''t listened to me sing it yet."


    Indeed, The Clown had just hummed along to the melody during the rehearsal. He did not actually sing.


    The drummer said, "Are you sure?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It must be this song!"


    Bai Yuanfei nodded. "OK, you''re the singer, you decide."


    After changing scores, the band did a little warmup.


    The audience became confused when they saw that.


    Looking at the stage, Zhang Ye''s father asked, "What''s the matter?"


    His eldest sister wondered, "Could he have only just decided which song to sing?"


    His mother replied, "Can you even do that?"


    His eldest sister said, "Generally, no one does that because it''s too risky."


    At the judging panel.


    Zhang Xia sighed and said, "If The Clown gets eliminated, it would really be such a pity."


    Amy felt that this discussion of theirs would not be aired, so she did not hold back. "More importantly, it''s unfair. This isn''t a music and singingpetition anymore. With Sunflower''s antics, it has turned into a poprity contest."


    Chen Guang said, "The Clown has a chance to win."


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Oh? How?"


    Chen Guang said, "He can also reveal who he is by removing his mask onstage."


    Amy gave a bitter smile. "The Clown would never do such a thing!"


    Chen Guang spread his hands. "That''s why he won''t win. Under the premise that Li Yu had already exposed himself as a Hong Kong singer, and with this atmosphere, it''s almost impossible for him to win if he uses a Mandarin song to verse Li Yu."


    Amy said, "There''s no hope for him then."


    Everything was ready onstage.


    The band nodded to The Clown.


    The lights dimmed.


    Everyone instantly focused their attention on The Clown.


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    The music did not start yet because The Clown was still adjusting his breathing.


    Several of those female fans of Li Yu''s started shouting again without warning.


    "Hurry up!"


    "Why isn''t it starting yet?"


    "Let''s go, Brother Li Yu!"


    "Li Yu is the best!"


    In the silence of the studio, those voices cut through the air!


    When they finished shouting, they looked at each other andughed!


    In the wings, Li Yu was smiling.


    Backstage, Assistant Xu was gloating.


    However, the judges frowned.


    Some of the nearby audience members looked at them in disgust!


    Zhang Ye, though, was in no rush to begin and did not seem to hear themotion. He was no longer bothered by the oue. All he could think about was his mother''s messages from earlier. He couldn''t refrain from raising his head and looking in the direction of where his parents were seated. He couldn''t quite make them out in the distance, but he still managed to locate where they were sitting.


    His parents were looking at him as well.


    At this moment, he suddenly felt a pang of guilt.


    As Zhang Ye was in a good mood these days, he had helped them buy breakfast for two days and did theundry twice. But in the end, his parent''s behavior nearly made Zhang Yeugh. They thought that there was something wrong with him? They thought that he was in need of money? They thought that he had something to ask of them? And they even quickly transferred 10,000 yuan to him?


    It was truly a very funny incident.


    But right now, Zhang Ye could not muster up a smile at all.


    He felt very guilty about how little his contributions to his family were. That just by doing a few minor chores at home, his parents felt overwhelmed by his actions. Thinking back on things, Zhang Ye felt very embarrassed as he suddenly thought that he had not been a good son. All of a sudden, he felt like he had a lot of things that he wanted to say!


    The music started.


    It was very soft guitar strumming.


    The title of the song was projected onto the teleprompter screen.


    The moment when they saw the title of this song, many audience members were stunned!


    " I Really Love You 1 "!


    Zhang Xia was stunned!


    Chen Guang was surprised!


    Petal Shower and Spinach were both taken aback!


    Li Yu was dumbstruck and a dark expression spread across his face!


    The audience stared and their jaws dropped!


    "I Really Hate You"?


    "I Really Love You"?


    Zhang Ye was facing his parents. He gently raised his microphone. The moment he sang the first line, everyone in the studio��including the program team, judges, contestants, and the audience��were dumbfounded. They could not believe what they had just heard. Some of the audience members even jumped out of their seats in shock!


    The Clown sang softly.


    "Those hands that cannot be beautified.


    "Forever warming me from behind.


    "Nagging but still caring for me.


    "I''m guilty of not seeing your love."


    Amy screamed, "Ahhh!"


    Zhang Xia stared, ck-jawed!


    Chen Guang stared wide-eyed!


    Petal Shower said in a speechless manner, "What?"


    Spinach said in a daze, "He, he��"


    Hu Fei was dumbfounded!


    The audience was also dumbfounded!


    A Cantonese song!


    The Clown was singing a Cantonese song as well!


    And why did his Cantonese sound so fucking standard?


    Why?


    Oh my god!


    Oh my god!


    Everyone in the studio looked like they had seen a ghost!


    The band ying the apaniment was shocked!


    The Clown closed his eyes and sang.


    "Absorbed in music she did not like.


    "But a mother''s love never dies.


    "With tenacity and joy, I strive.


    "To return your love atst.


    "Your lessons and gift still warm my soul.


    "Looking after me withoutint."


    Suddenly, the guitar apaniment stopped!


    Half a secondter, the drumbeat kicked in as the guitar apaniment came back along with the bass and drum set all at once. The music exploded through the studio!


    The entire studio was shocked!


    Everyone felt like their blood was erupting with energy!


    The Clown pointed into the audience.


    "It''s you!


    "With those loving eyes!


    "You taught me to face the future with grit!


    "You urged me not to quit when I fell down!


    "I can''t exin how to return your love!


    "Your immense love is endless!


    "So, please, permit me to say ''I really love you!''"


    Dad.


    Mom.


    I''m not too good with words and don''t know how to express myself that well. I can talk a lot with other people. When I meet my friends, I can chat with them day and night. If someone offends me, I can scold them for three days and nights. But in front of you two, I sometimes can''t even speak a single word. I don''t know what to say or how I should express myself.


    But��


    I really love both of you!


    I, I really love both of you!


    In the audience, his mother suddenly burst into tears. For some reason, she had started to cry!


    Zhang Xia was also in tears as she looked at her pair of aging hands. Tears streamed down her face for whatever reason. When she reached up to wipe them away, she realized that her tears were increasing even as she tried to wipe them away.


    In the studio, a lot of mothers were crying!


    Many children clenched their teeth!


    They did not know what was happening to them, just that they thought this song was amazing!


    It was really great!


    Zhang Ye continued singing.


    "Those hands that cannot be beautified.


    "Forever warming me from behind.


    "Nagging but still caring for me.


    "I''m guilty of not seeing your love.


    "I still recall your loving hands.


    "Taking care of me unchangingly.


    "My dream has finallye true; I hope I can share the glory.


    "Your lessons and gift still warm my soul.


    "Looking after me withoutint."


    The music stopped!


    And exploded again!


    Zhang Ye sang loudly.


    "It''s you! With those loving eyes!"


    At this moment, a lot of people could not help but stand from their seats and wave the fluorescent glow sticks in their hands to the rhythm. A lot of them were shocked and had tear stains on their faces. No one could believe that The Clown could actually sing such a song!


    "You taught me to face the future with grit!


    "You urged me not to quit when I fell down!


    "I can''t exin how to return your love!


    "Your immense love is endless!


    "So, please, permit me to say ''I really love you!''"


    Screams!


    Apuse!


    He was about to upend the studio!


    Suddenly, the music stopped again.


    There was no sound at all!


    The audience unconsciously stopped pping and covered their mouths. Hypnotized, they stared at The Clown onstage as the entire studio went eerily quiet!


    The Clown raised his microphone.


    Dad.


    Mom.


    Thank you.


    Thank you for bringing me up.


    Thank you for teaching me right and wrong.


    I��


    I..


    The Clown raised his microphone again and lowered it again.


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Everyone was looking at him.


    The Clown raised his microphone for the third time:


    "So please permit me��


    "��to say.


    "''I really love you.''"

 Chapter 1028: Professional face-smacking athlete!

    <h4>Chapter 1028: Professional face-smacking athlete! </h4>


    Chapter 1028: Professional face-smacking athlete!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The Clown''s final line in a cappe unleashed an outpouring of emotion from many in the audience!


    Some of them started crying!


    Some were desperately holding back their tears!


    They all understood the song as its lyrics had triggered tears in many of them. The Clown was not singing "I really love you" or "I''m telling you that I love you very much" or even "do you know that I love you." What he sang was: "Please permit me��to say��''I really love you!''"


    Please permit me!


    It waspletely different from telling you!


    It waspletely different from asking to say it!


    "Please permit me" had an apologetic tone that carried a sense of guilt!


    Especially during thatst line The Clown sang in a cappe. He had raised his microphone twice and lowered it twice because he could not manage to sing it. It wasn''t until the third time that The Clown raised his microphone that he was finally able to sing it! That kind of emotional struggle, that sense of guilt and reservedness were all thoroughly portrayed in this moment. This was no longer a matter of singing skill anymore, it was a sublimation of emotions!


    There was no pretentiousness to it!


    There was no affectation!


    It was all natural!


    The emotions he disyed throughout the song were so real that everyone found it hard to believe! No one knew that The Clown''s parents were actually seated in the audience!


    The music started and ended with a cappe.


    The Clown lowered his microphone and bowed deeply.


    The performance ended.


    His mother stood up crying!


    Zhang Xia also stood up in tears!


    Apuse erupted!


    Cheers rang out!


    "That was great!"


    "That was so unbelievable!"


    "It was a Cantonese song! It was actually a Cantonese song!"


    "The Clown wanted topete against Li Yu with what he''s best at!"


    "I don''t know what to say! Oh my god! Isn''t this song too good? And it''s even an original? Who the fuck wrote this song? Who wrote it?!"


    "Earlier, I thought that Li Yu would win. But I''m thinking differently now!"


    "Me too! Who said that The Clown would lose?"


    "There are two songs I''ve listened to this year that have made me cry. The first one was ''A Letter to Home'' that Zhang Ye sang on the Spring Festival G stage; the other is this one. I''m not attracted by the singing, but by the lyrics and emotions poured into the song. It was so great and so amazing!"


    "Is this who The Clown is? Everyone has underestimated him!"


    "I have no words! I can no longer express what I''m feeling!"


    All of a sudden, someone shouted, "The Clown!"


    Then shout after shout sounded!


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    The shouting was syncing up!


    The voices were getting louder!


    Zhang Ye walked off the stage.


    Han Qi rushed over to him.


    Spinach, Sunset Glow, and Yesterday''s Daylily, and the others went up to him together!


    Her cheeks stained with tears, Han Qi eximed, "You''re incredible! That was fantastic!"


    Looking shocked, Petal Shower said, "How''d you do that?"


    Sunset Glow stared at him and said, "There are only two possibilities as to why he can sing a Cantonese song so well. The first possibility is that the singer already knows Cantonese, so he naturally wouldn''t have a problem with thenguage. The second possibility is that if he is a singer who doesn''t know Cantonese, he sings this song repeatedly and continually. He would have to listen to the original version hundreds to a thousand times and then practice it dozens to hundreds of times to be able to have such a good pronunciation! Teacher Clown, you''re way too astonishing! How''d you manage to do it?"


    Though she''d been in thepetition for a long time now, this was the first time that everyone heard Sunset Glow talk so much. She was usually a reserved person who didn''t talk much.


    Yesterday''s Daylily said anxiously, "Yeah, h-how did you manage to do it?"


    The Clown did not answer. He justughed it off.


    Dozens of times?


    Hundreds of times?


    Surely it was even more than that!


    This song was extremely famous in Zhang Ye''s previous world. All those songs he had sung would not have the reach and influence that this song possessed even if they were all grouped together. How could Zhang Ye have only listened to it several hundred times? He would sing this song every time he went out for karaoke and would hear it at all kinds of ces from time to time. If it were any other Cantonese song, Zhang Ye would probably not know how to sing them because he really did not know Cantonese. He could only understand some simple sentences and his pronunciation was not good, in addition. But if it was " I Really Love You 1 ," he could handle it without any problems! It would be impossible to get the song wrong!


    In truth, Zhang Ye had not intended to use this song. It wasn''t that he didn''t like this song, but because this song would seriously make him look like a bully! He had wanted to use a song that was mainstream, yet how was this considered a mainstream song? It had already surpassed the boundaries of mainstream. It was a well-known ssic in his previous world! But if Li Yu wanted to y dirty? If he wanted to bully others by using his poprity? Then Zhang Ye had no choice but to bring this song out! Moreover, Mother''s Day was approaching. He had really wanted to sing this song so that he could convey some words to his parents. There were some things that Zhang Ye could never say to them under normal circumstances. Since he could not say them, then he would use this stage and song to tell his parents!


    The crowd was still apuding!


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    In the waiting area.


    Li Yu''s face turned green with rage. He never expected that The Clown would choose to sing a Cantonese song! Not only him, no one else expected it either! Logically, as Li Yu was a Cantonese singer from Hong Kong, it was normal for him to sing a Cantonese song. Since that was his mother tongue, he could sing such songs almost effortlessly and had been doing so for a decade now! Even if they thought with their feet, no one should have used a Cantonese song versus Li Yu in the crucial elimination round!


    But that was exactly what The Clown did!


    And his Cantonese was not even any worse than Li Yu''s!


    It was too professional!


    His pronunciation was too standard!


    Even if it were Li Yu who went out to sing, it wouldn''t get any better than this!


    Why?


    What the fuck was this?


    How did he know how to sing a Cantonese song?


    Li Yu had no way to understand it! No one could understand it!


    Could this person really be a singer from Hong Kong? But that was impossible! That was absolutely impossible!


    Everyone had thought that The Clown would not win because they had taken today''s atmosphere and circumstances into ount. Everything was advantageous for Li Yu and nothing indicated that The Clown, who sang in Mandarin, could secure a victory. This was because Cantonese and Mandarin songs were two different musical genres that could not bepared. As long as they could not bepared, even if The Clown''s singing were better and he performed exceedingly well, things would be meaningless. A lot of the audience members would support Li Yu based on their feelings because of his poprity!


    But what shocked everyone was that The Clown had fucking sung a Cantonese song!


    And even the title of the song was smacking Li Yu''s face!


    The Beijing Television program team staff saw that The Clown had left the stage and were looking at him in astonishment, as if they were seeing some kind of kind!


    It''s simr circumstances to yourst song!


    He sang about how life was dark and a grind?


    While you sang about how life''s about more than just the grind?


    He sang a Cantonese song!


    You also sang a Cantonese song!


    He sang "I Really Hate You"!


    And then you fucking sang "I Really Love You"!


    Fuck your big brother!


    Are you a professional face-smacking athlete?


    Are you nning to bash his face so hard that it bes swollen?


    This is pping him to his fucking death!

 Chapter 1029: Double play!

    <h4>Chapter 1029: Double y! </h4>


    Chapter 1029: Double y!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the wings.


    Yesterday''s Daylily sighed and said, "It''s my turn."


    Spinach cheered, "Break a leg, Brother Daylily."


    "What kind of name is that?" Yesterday''s Daylily said, "Hai, do I even need to go onstage?"


    Spinach smiled and said, "You can''t make it through regardless, so let loose and sing."


    Yesterday''s Daylily looked at her, speechless. "Are you trying to console me?"


    Spinach nodded. "Well, yes."


    Yesterday''s Daylily almost burst into tears. "Thanks a lot."


    It took a lot of effort for the audience to calm down.


    Then Dong Shanshan immediately announced that the next contestant take the stage.


    Yesterday''s Daylily took a deep breath and strode out onto the stage. He knew that he definitely stood no chance today. Whether it was against Sunflower or The Clown, they were both much better singers than he was. Moreover, the two of them had already umted a lot of poprity on this stage. As a result, Yesterday''s Daylily let himself go since this was hisst song on the stage. All he wanted now was to show the best side of himself.


    Going into the performance with this thought, he managed to do much better than expected when singing his song!


    The judges were surprised.


    The audience was also surprised.


    Even Yesterday''s Daylily did not expect it. He had sung his second song much better than his first, surpassing his usual level!


    The elimination round performances ended.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Alright. Now let''s wee Sunflower and The Clown back on stage."


    Sunflower and The Clown returned.


    When the audience saw them, they gave them a thunderous round of apuse!


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "Li Yu!"


    "Li Yu!"


    The shouting started again!


    Dong Shanshan maintained order. "Hur hur, everyone, please calm down. Shall we have the judges give theirments? Who are you cheering for in this round? Who do you think will make it into the next episode?"


    The judges were silent for a bit.


    Dong Shanshan named one of them. "Teacher Yao?"


    Yao Jiancai chuckled and said, "I''m just ayman, so I can''t make any professional judgments here. Let''s listen to what the other teachers have to say first."


    Zhang Xia spoke, "I''ll talk about Yesterday''s Daylily first. I still can''t recognize who you are, but I think that you should be somewhat well-known in the music industry. You were a little nervous during the first song and overly cautious about making mistakes, so you didn''t manage to perform to your potential. But for the second song, you sang very well and the choice of song was good as well. You gave me the feeling that you''re like a younger version of Chen Guang and full of potential."


    Yesterday''s Daylily bowed his head. "Thank you, Teacher Zhang Xia, but I don''t deserve to bepared to Teacher Chen."


    Zhang Xia thought for a moment. "Then, for Sunflower in the Starlight, a lot of people already know who you are. For you to be sing like that, Ipletely expected it. But of course, it did not manage to surprise me as a result. I believe that you did not manage to perform to your best today. As for The Clown, I still have nothing else to say besides the fact that you''re outstanding. This "I Really Love You" truly made me cry. Thanks to you and the team behind you for writing such a song!" She was speaking without bias and on the performance itself.


    But Amy''sments were more skewed. "If I were to choose, I would definitely pick The Clown. Whether it''s his singing or the song, they raised the bar over the other two performers. And I was disappointed with Sunflower''s performance today. Although it was nice to listen to, it did not reach that quality I was looking for!"


    Sunflower did not say anything.


    The Clown kept quiet as well.


    Actually, Sunflower did not perform as poorly as Amy had said. It was because of Li Yu''s behavior and extreme methods that Amy didn''t have a good impression of him. How could you expose yourself outside the show? Paying for PR campaigns? Asking for votes? Using your poprity to muzzle the other contestants? Alright then, us judges can do the same to you and restrain you on the show! Haven''t you heard the saying "only the official is allowed to light the fire"?


    Some members of the audience were not having any of this.


    "What the heck!"


    "What are you saying!"


    "Li Yu sang so well!"


    "What lousy song was The Clown even singing!"


    "Is there something wrong with your hearing?"


    "What kinds of judges are these? Are you sure they''re professionals?"


    "Ptui!"''


    Some of Li Yu''s fans were annoyed by the judges''ments!


    Chen Guang did not care about themotion in the crowd. He asked, "The Clown, are you actually a singer from Hong Kong?"


    Wang Zhuishu also asked, "Are you?"


    When The Clown sang the Cantonese version of "Our Vigers," his pronunciation was not too standard. It was even so funny that it made a lot of people double over withughter, and no one thought that he was a Cantonese singer. But with today''s song, he had confused everyone again!


    Who could he be!


    Just where was this singer from?


    Chen Yidong stared at The Clown. "Can you give us some clues?"


    Amy asked as well, "You mentioned that you were at least a B-lister? Is that true? Also, where are you really from?"


    They were very curious!


    They were so curious about who this man was that they would die to find out!


    The Clown thought for a moment before raising his microphone and singing.


    "My home''s in the northeast!


    "On the Songhua River!


    "There are hills and dales covered with soybeans and sorghum 1 !"


    He could switch between two different ents!


    The judges and audience fainted!


    Bro!


    Could you please stop messing around?


    Just stop it!


    What the heck was even happening!


    You were just a Hong Konger, and now you''ve be a northeasterner!?


    Everyone had to take their hat off to this person. They werepletely taken in by this person''s ability to sing spontaneously about anything, and he could even do it so convincingly!


    Dong Shanshan didn''t know how to react as she stood beside him.


    What sort of person was this?!


    Why does he never say anything truthful?


    Sunflower''s eyes underneath his mask were staring coldly at The Clown!


    Yao Jiancai looked at him curiously. This person was really too wondrous, wasn''t he? In the entertainment circle, other than his long-time partner Zhang Ye, was there another person who was like this?


    Dong Shanshan quickly said, "Alright, let''s begin the voting. As this is the elimination round and there can only be one contestants who stays in thepetition, everyone should consider their votes carefully before casting them!"


    In a heartbeat, the atmosphere turned tense!


    Sunflower looked into the audience.


    The Clown did not say a word.


    "Give it to Li Yu!"


    "Give it to The Clown!"


    "''I Really Love You,'' that''s the best song I''ve ever heard!"


    "Do you even know Cantonese?"


    "The lyrics were shown on the big screen, can''t you read?"


    "''I Really Love You'' is the only song that I fell in love with immediately after hearing it! It''s goddamn amazing! It even suits the asion well! Mother''s Day ising up! These two songs of The Clown''s were incredibly touching! I could hear from his performances that he truly sang them from the bottom of his heart! I used to think that The Clown was very godly during thest two episodes, but I''ve realized that he''s even more godly in this episode!"


    "I liked that ''Life''s More Than the Grind''!"


    "Hurry up and vote already!"


    "Ah, Li Yu''s ahead!"


    "What?"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "Li Yu!"


    The audience members were nearlying to blows!


    Zhang Ye''s father didn''t really know how to operate the voting device. He was getting on in age after all, so it was difficult for him to pick up something new. As a result, he handed the voting device to Zhang Ye''s eldest sister and said, "Dandan, help me to vote."


    His eldest sister said, "Sure. Who do you want to vote for?"


    His father didn''t hesitate. "The Clown!"


    His mother also said, "Help me too."


    "Who do you want?" His eldest sister looked at her.


    His mother said, "The Clown."


    His third sister eximed, "What? You''re all voting for The Clown? Then me too!"


    His mother said seriously, "Even if Zhang Yuanqi were toe today, or whichever Heavenly King, I would still give my vote to The Clown!"


    His second sister said, "Me too! I was actually here to support Li Yu, but when those two Cantonese songs were sung, it was too obvious who sang better! The difference between those two songs is too obvious!"


    "I Really Hate You"?


    It was just a petty love song.


    But "I Really Love You"? This was a song about a great love!


    The tallies were ever changing!


    Sunflower had taken the lead and never relinquished it!


    The Clown was in second.


    Yesterday''s Daylily was inst ce.


    10 votes��


    50 votes��


    100 votes��


    When Li Yu saw this, he heaved a sigh of relief. He thought to himself how his poprity was still holding up. No matter what The Clown sang, he shouldn''t lose. He used to be an A-lister after all, a big name who was famous throughout the country, so how could he possibly lose to an anonymous singer whose identity no one knew?


    However, when the voting wasing to a close, Li Yu expression finally changed!


    The Clown was catching up!


    Then, The Clown overtook him!


    Li Yu''s expression instantly darkened!


    What was happening?


    What the hell is this?


    Keep voting for me!


    All of you, give me your damn votes!


    What the hell are you people doing? Just what?


    Hurry up!


    Hurry!


    The Clown, on the other hand, did not turn to look at the big screen and just stood there quietly.


    Close to the end, Li Yu was too scared to watch. His dark look was facing the audience and he was really panicking now. He had chosen to offend Beijing Television and the other singers by revealing himself, which had led to this situation, all because he wanted to get to the throne of the Masked King and be the grand champion of the show. He had wanted to use King of Masked Singers to garner more support and make his return to the A-list Celebrity Rankings! But right now, even he himself did not know why he wasn''t in the versus round for the crown of the Masked King. Instead, he was actually facing the risk of elimination? How could this be possible?! This��this didn''t make any fucking sense!


    Finally, Dong Shanshan announced, "Alright, voting has ended!"


    The entire studio fell silent!


    A lot of people looked angry!


    But many others were gasping!


    "The winner is��" Dong Shanshan announced, "The Clown!"


    Instantaneously, apuse filled the studio!


    Sunset Glow felt excited!


    Spinach was screaming!


    Hu Fei shouted, "Great!"


    Han Qi was so excited she nearly cried. "He won! He won! Teacher Clown has won!"


    My god!


    This was too unbelievable!


    Petal Shower took the first round while The Clown handled the second round!


    It was a double y!


    The two of them had killed off Li Yu!


    The task that had seemed impossible to everyone had beenpleted by Petal Shower and The Clown! The Beijing Television program team staff did not know what to say!


    Some of them could not believe it!


    Some of them were dumbfounded!


    Assistant Xu, who was backstage, almost smashed the things around him! Son of a bitch!


    Onstage, Li Yu couldn''t breathe!


    Why?


    How did this happen?


    Petal Shower?


    The Clown?


    Who the fuck are you people?!


    Dong Shanshan suddenly said, "Teacher Sunflower, Teacher Yesterday''s Daylily, sorry, but you have been eliminated. The two of you did quite well, and the judges have given both of you theirments. Right now, you can choose whether to reveal yourself or not. Would you like some time to think?"


    Sunflower''s face stayed under the cover of his mask.


    Dong Shanshan had to ask again.


    Sunflower said, "I choose not to take my mask off!" He stormed off the stage without even making a speech!


    How embarrassing!


    How face smacking!


    Right now, Li Yu no longer had any face left to reveal himself!


    His face had been smacked "swollen"!

 Chapter 1030: Troublemaking fans!

    <h4>Chapter 1030: Troublemaking fans! </h4>


    Chapter 1030: Troublemaking fans!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Sunflower left the stage dejectedly!


    When many of Li Yu''s fans saw this, their hearts broke!


    "Brother Li Yu!"


    "Li Yu!"


    "How could you eliminate Li Yu?"


    "This is such a shady show!"


    "They were trying to take down Brother Li Yu!"


    "Unfair! This is unfair!"


    Some of his diehard fans were having none of it. They started shouting and screaming as though they were intent on causing trouble!


    When Hu Fei and the program team staff saw this, they could only shake their heads lightly. This was indeed a case of a celebrity having fans of simr temperament. Li Yu''s integrity was already questionable as he had started doing things unscrupulously. In order to fight for the crown of the Masked King to garner poprity for his status, he resorted to underhanded methods. Looking at his group of fans, it seemed that many of their characters were the same as his. They did not know of the severity of their actions, nor did they care about respecting others.


    The program team staff then thought about Teacher Zhang Ye.


    Looking at Teacher Zhang''s fans, they didn''t usually show much support for him in normal times. Whenever he met with trouble, his fans would always appear to gloat at him first by fooling around and ridiculing him. But once Teacher Zhang encountered real trouble, his fans would always gather their support and contribute their strength without a moment''s hesitation. This was because they knew what respect was and could differentiate between the severity of an incident. They understood when it was right to make jokes or fool around and when not to do so. They knew better than anyone!


    This was where they were different!


    And this was the only difference between their fanbases!


    ...


    Yesterday''s Daylily took off his mask!


    The judges were all shocked!


    "It''s you?"


    "Hey, so it''s you!"


    Chen Guang knew him.


    Amy also knew him, but was not really close.


    Yesterday''s Daylily was not exactly a rookie in the industry. He had debuted in the music industry around four years ago but hadn''t made much of an impact so far. He wasn''t that well-known but was given some songs to sing for a few movies and television dramas in the past year. Lucky for him, those projects were very well-received and his songs became popr along with them. Perhaps not many would know his name, but if there was any mention of those songs, most people would immediately recognize them!


    "I''ve heard his songs before!"


    "I like him!"


    "His singing''s actually not that bad."


    "Right, it was simply because his opponents were too strong that he got eliminated!"


    Many of the audience members gave him their apuse!


    However, Li Yu''s fans started booing, with a lot of them noisily leading it. Beijing Television could only send someone over to give them a warning!


    In the wings.


    The Clown had just returned.


    Petal Shower, Spinach, and the others met up with him over here.


    Petal Shower put out her hand. "Nice teamwork?"


    The Clown shook her hand. "Nice teamwork."


    Spinach eximed, "You two were really shocking!"


    The Clown and Petal Shower both shook their heads andughed.


    That was Li Yu!


    That was fucking Li Yu, goddammit!


    He was knocked out the show just like that by these two people? He got eliminated?


    Especially The Clown, who faced the former A-lister who specialized in Cantonese songs. This��this��just who the hell was this guy? He managed to bring Li Yu to the point where he didn''t even dare take off his mask?


    Actually, if The Clown had beat Li Yu by just singing normally, Li Yu might not have ended up leaving the show in such a way. After all, he hade onto the show to garner more support. If he had taken off his mask, that would surely have helped him gain more poprity even though he had lost thepetition. But as things turned out, Li Yu did not take off his mask. There was no way he could do it, because The Clown had really been too much of a jerk! First, he took a hit while he was down. Then came another two blows! "Life''s More Than the Grind" and "I Really Love You" had given Li Yu a hard p one after the other! He even destroyed him with a Cantonese song, the area Li Yu was supposedly most skilled in! If it were someone else, they would have chosen not to take off their masks too!


    How could they!


    Just why would they want to take off their mask?


    Han Qi came over. "Teacher!"


    The Clown looked at her. "Hey."


    Xiao Lu came up to them in astonishment. "Teacher Clown, did you really win?"


    Han Qi was finding it difficult to express herself. "I��you��"


    Dafei also came up to them. "''I Really Love You'' made Little Han cry again! In fact, it also made me crying. It was so good, that song was so damn good!"


    Han Qi and Dafei often listened to songs, but had never cried because of one. They never once thought that anyone could possibly cry because of listening to a song. It wasn''t until they heard The Clown perform live, and after listening to Petal Shower''s and the others'' performances, that they finally understood that listening to people sing live was a totally different experience. The song, "I Really Love You," that The Clown had performed today was earth-shattering!


    Sunset Glow suddenly asked, "Did your agency write this song for you?"


    Zhang Ye did not say anything. He justughed.


    Spinach said in amazement, "What kind of a musician can write a song like that?"


    Petal Shower suddenly said, "Could Zhang Ye have written them for you?"


    Zhang Ye was startled and couldn''t help letting out a chuckle, although he still did not say anything.


    Sunset Glow said, "Yeah, Zhang Ye is very good at writing songs, but he doesn''t write them for just anyone." Then she looked at The Clown and said, "Well, it''s fine if you don''t wish to tell us. We won''t ask anymore."


    They had a lot of guesses, but none of them could have expected that the man standing in front of them was Zhang Ye himself!


    Not far away, Dong Shanshan could be heard saying, "Next up, let''s head into this episode''s battle for the Masked King."


    ...


    An hourter.


    The recording of the show ended.


    At some point in time, Zhang Ye, who had already changed out of his costume and taken off his shoes and mask, was walking around among the program team staff.


    Many of the staff greeted him.


    "Eh, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Why didn''t we see you around all this while?"


    "Did you watch the recording today? It was wonderful!"


    "Petal Shower was the Masked King in episode three!"


    "You know, The Clown stood a chance as well."


    "Teacher Zhang, I think Director Hu was looking for you."


    Show recording was a very busy process and there were a lot of things to handle, so no one really took note of Zhang Ye and did not think much of his sudden disappearance or appearance.


    In an office.


    Zhang Ye found Hu Fei and went inside. When he came in, he saw that his parents and cousins were around as well. Obviously, Hu Fei brought them over from the studio after the recording ended.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Brother Hu."


    Hu Fei pointed at him. ''Your parents have been looking for you for the longest time, but you couldn''t be found anywhere."


    Zhang Ye said, "I was watching the recording studioside the entire time. Mom, Dad, let''s go."


    His parents stood up and said their goodbyes to Hu Fei.


    Hu Fei smiled and said, "Auntie, Uncle, feel free toe by often." Then, he turned to Zhang Ye''s cousins. "Come by whenever you want to watch a live recording of our show. Hur hur, there''s no need to bother your cousin in the future, juste and look for me and I''ll bring you in." Such treatment was not even afforded to the assistant directors. In the entire program team, only Zhang Ye''s family members would have such preferential treatment. No one could raise any objections against it.


    His third sister eximed, "Thank you, Brother Hu!"


    Zhang Ye raised his chin and said, "What? Just once is enough. Do you really think you''ll being here every episode?"


    His second sister pouted. "Brother, you''re really petty!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Do you think that other people do not need to work? Stop giving them unnecessary trouble."


    Hu Fei said in amusement, "Don''t listen to him. If you all wish toe, juste. I am the boss, and the entire program team listens to my decisions!"


    The sisters cheered!


    Then they left the office.


    His mother eximed, "I got such a kick out of watching the performances!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s not too shabby, right?"


    "It was great!" His mother had experienced many emotions today. "Especially when The Clown sang that ''I Really Love You.'' Aiyo, I just bawled." Then she nced at her son and shook her head. "Look at him, then look at you. When will you sing something like that for your dad and me?!"


    His third sister teased, "With that lousy voice my brother has, even if he tries to sing, would you want to listen?"


    His mother nodded in seriousness. "True. I guess he better not sing then."


    His family allughed.


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes again and tapped his third sister on the head. "How dare you trample over me?"


    When they were about to reach the exit, they could suddenly hear arguing.


    People were squabbling outside the door!


    There were over a dozen young men and women shouting and screaming outside!


    "This is such a shady show!"


    "You people rigged the results!"


    "This episode''s Masked King should have been Li Yu!"


    "How can you eliminate Brother Li Yu?"


    "Ah! This is pissing me off!"


    "We need an exnation today!"


    "When Brother Li Yu left the stage, he was so crestfallen! You people were such bullies!"


    "Get your boss out here right now!"


    "Right, call your boss out here!"


    These dozen or so people blocked the staff exit and did not budge for anyone. With them there, none of the staff could leave!


    A few employees on the King of Masked Singers program team staff were trying to talk sense into them.


    "What are you doing?"


    "This is a staff zone!"


    Someone had called the security guards and they came over.


    When the security guards were about to chase them away, Li Yu''s fans started shouting!


    "Don''t you dare touch me!"


    "The security guards are hitting us!"


    "Someone,e here!"


    "Are there any reporters?! This program team is shady as fuck!"


    They werepletely shameless!


    More and more people had gathered by now!


    It didn''t matter if anyone came to chase them off or talk with them!


    His third sister said, "What kind of fans are these?"


    His eldest sister shook her head. "These people are so awful."


    His father knitted his brows. "Right when we''re about to go home too?"


    Nobody could leave. Some of them were pointing at the door, while others could not hold back fromining angrily.


    However, that group of Li Yu''s fans did not seem to hear anything and linked arms to blockade the exit. "If you people don''t give a proper answer to Brother Li Yu, don''t even think of leaving today!" It was the same bunch of people who had created trouble during the recording.


    No one could do anything. Such irrational fans were the most difficult to deal with!


    Zhang Ye could no longer sit back. He squeezed through the crowd and pushed forward.


    His mother was taken aback. "What are you trying to do?"


    His father said, "Little Ye!"


    Beijing Television staff spotted Zhang Yeing to the front and made room for him. "Teacher Zhang, look at them. Aren''t they just trying to make trouble?!"


    Being shady?


    Even if there were someone being shady, it would be Li Yu!


    Here, in full view of the crowd, Zhang Ye made his way to those diehard Li Yu fans who had formed up a human chain to block the exit.


    When they saw that it was Zhang Ye, all of them were stunned and instinctively took a step back.


    Zhang Ye simply stood there and stared at them without saying a word.


    "You!"


    "Uh��"


    "Cough, ahem."


    Those people immediately lost their hostility.


    A boy in the group tried to speak. "Brother Li Yu was��"


    Apanion next to him quickly pulled at him. "Let''s go."


    The boy said angrily, "Why do we need to leave?"


    That person whispered, "That''s Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye.


    The hooligan of the entertainment industry that everyone was afraid to encounter!


    Causing trouble? Beating someone up? Scolding others? He had done all of that before!


    They knew that they could be unreasonable with other people because they were sure that Beijing Television''s security would not riskying a hand on them, and neither would the staff in front of them try to do so. But Zhang Ye was different. If he decided to get rough, he would even curse at the president!


    "This isn''t over!"


    "W-We''ll talk about this another time!"


    "Just you wait!"


    A few of them acted tough and shouted a few threats before turning tail!


    Zhang Ye turned around to his parents and three sisters. "Alright, let''s go."


    A bunch of the bottlenecked staff didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    "Thank you."


    "Thank you, Teacher Zhang."


    "Teacher Zhang stillmands the most respect around here."


    "Director Zhang, thanks for your hard work."


    "Haha, your appearance still works best!"


    They had shouted at the troublemaking fans, called security, and even threatened to involve the police, but none of that worked. In the end, when Zhang Ye came over and stood there, the fans left without uttering another word!


    His third sister blinked hard, then giggled. "So your reputation really is that infamous, huh, Brother?"


    Zhang Ye had no response. What are you even saying!


    When the staff around them heard that, they broke into fits ofughter!


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahaha!"

 Chapter 1031: The third episode is broadcast!

    <h4>Chapter 1031: The third episode is broadcast! </h4>


    Chapter 1031: The third episode is broadcast!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Saturday.


    Evening.


    The third episode of King of Masked Singers was about to be broadcast.


    After thest two episodes'' build up, the show was getting more and more popr. Those who had not noticed or viewers who were not optimistic about the show at first were now attracted to it with the massive amount of talk the show had generated. Coupled with Li Yu revealing himself before this episode was recorded, the discussions on Weibo had exploded since yesterday after everyone knew that he waspeting in the show. With today''s official broadcast, it had pushed the show to its highest point on the trending lists!


    "It''s starting!"


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "My Brother Li Yu!"


    "Someone mentioned that Li Yu got eliminated?"


    "Damn, you really believe that?"


    "Haha, it must be a rumor."


    "Even if Brother Li Yu did not get crowned as Masked King, he definitely wouldn''t get eliminated. Are you stupid? How can you believe that?"


    "That''s right. There isn''t even anyone who can eliminate as a talented singer as Li Yu on this stage, unless it''s someone on the level of Zhang Yuanqi, Chen Guang, or Fan Wenli!"


    However, when they saw that Petal Shower won her match against Li Yu, many people went crazy for a moment. It was totally unbelievable!


    "What?"


    "Goddammit!"


    "Petal Shower won?"


    "This��"


    "There''s really no doubt about her victory!"


    "Petal Shower must have been on adrenaline today!"


    "Uh, I think I know who Petal Shower is. At the very least, it should only be a select few candidates!"


    "Petal Shower''s singing was wonderful!"


    "Sunflower cannot be med for this loss."


    Still, there was no one who felt that Li Yu would get eliminated.


    Then, it was The Clown''s turn to take to the stage.


    "''Life''s More Than the Grind''?"


    "Pfft, isn''t this face smacking?"


    "Fuck!"


    "Damn, The Clown is way too mean!"


    "Yeah, Li Yu just lost, but he''s kicking him when he''s down?"


    "Aiyo, I''m so entertained by this song!"


    "Does he need to be so ruthless?"


    But they had yet to find out that the even more ruthless event was about to ce.


    The Clown admitted defeat!


    A lot of the people were dumbfounded by this decision!


    "Admit defeat?"


    "What''s he nning?"


    "Oh my god!"


    ...


    Within the music industry.


    At a recordingpany.


    Many people''s expressions changed.


    "The Clown intends to go into the elimination round?"


    "H-Has he gone crazy?"


    "He hasn''t gone crazy! He wants to verse Li Yu!"


    "Isn''t that crazy? He has no chance of winning against him!"


    "Unfortunately, he already did."


    "How do you know?"


    "Yesterday''s industry news. I heard that Li Yu''s hand was forced to the point that he didn''t even take off his mask and left the stage in dejection!"


    "That''s impossible!"


    "I don''t believe it either. Could it be a rumor?"


    "Hur hur, just wait and see then."


    ...


    At a talent agency.


    Today, many people were watching King of Masked Singers while working overtime. It was not that they werezing around, but that they had been tasked by their boss to do so. Ever since the premiere, this show was no longer treated as just a simple entertainment show. It had be an industry benchmark and a case study to follow.


    "When did such a person pop up in the music scene?!"


    "Who is this Clown guy?"


    "Can we sign him?"


    "How mysterious!"


    "We don''t even know which celeb he is!"


    "I''ve already contacted some of my friends at Beijing Television, but their mouths are all zipped shut and they won''t reveal any information. It''s possible to guess who the other singers are as there are some likely matches, but there are zero details when ites to The Clown! If we want to sign him from his previous agency, we''ll have to establish his identity first!"


    ...


    On Weibo.


    "''I Really Hate You''?"


    "Li Yu has finally sung a Cantonese song!"


    "Yeah, he''s finally used his trump card!"


    "Haha, he''s definitely going to win!"


    "The Clown was too confident. He should be dumbstruck now, right?"


    "Li Yu sang well!"


    "Yeah, Li Yu performed well!"


    "Ah, it''s The Clown''s turn!"


    "What''s this song about?"


    "Fuck! ''I Really Love You''? Is he trying to contradict Li Yu?"


    "When was there ever such a song? Is this yet another one of his originals? Where did he get so many originals! Who could''ve written all those songs for him?"


    "Oh my god!"


    "It''s a Cantonese song!"


    "It''s a fucking Cantonese song!"


    "The Clown ispeting against Li Yu with a Cantonese song?"


    "Heavens!"


    "Is he crazy?"


    "When ites to singing Cantonese songs, who can beat Li Yu?"


    "Yeah, how many years has Li Yu been singing Cantonese songs? Does he think it''s funny to do the same? Isn''t this a joke?"


    "Stop chatting. Listen to it!"


    "This song��this song��"


    It suddenly went quiet online!


    When the viewers listened The Clown''s performance on television, they were all stared and their jaws dropped!


    "It''s great!"


    "Holy shit, it''s so good I''m crying!"


    "Please permit me to say ''I really love you''?"


    "This singing��my fuck!"


    "Can, can the song be any more amazing than this?"


    "It''s time to vote!"


    "He won!"


    "The Clown won!"


    "Li Yu really got eliminated? Fuck, I still thought that that was a rumor!"


    "Is The Clown even human?"


    "There''s really no question about him winning!"


    "By performing this song, how can he expect anyone topete against him?"


    "He can''t really be a Hong Kong singer, right?"


    "Uh, your home''s in the northeast? On the Songhua River? He said that he is a northeasterner?"


    "Pfft, do you guys really believe that?"


    "This dude is full of bullshit!"


    There was an explosion ofments on Weibo!


    The results of the third episode''spetition exceeded everyone''s expectations. In no time, the Inte was filled with discussions rted to this episode of King of Masked Singers. Whether it was on Weibo or the forums, they were simrly flooded with messages!


    ...


    The next day.


    The viewership rating of King of Masked Singers was out!


    The third episode had once again ushered in a significant increase to the viewership rating and was steadily climbing!


    The staff of Beijing Television were bursting with joy. Meanwhile, the King of Masked Singers program team staff were just as excited, and their celebratory cheers could even be heard in the hallway outside their office!


    The Top Chinese Music Chart was also updated!


    On this day, the Top Chinese Music Chart was once again dominated by King of Masked Singers!


    #1: The Clown''s "I Really Love You."


    #2: Petal Shower''s "That''s Me."


    #3: The Clown''s "Life''s More Than the Grind."


    From the fourth to the twelfth ce, more than half of the songs were from King of Masked Singers.


    Although Petal Shower became the third episode''s Masked King and it was her first time getting the title, the number one song on the Top Chinese Music Chart still belonged to The Clown. In fact, it was far ahead based on the statistics. "I Really Love You" had even shot up directly to the fourth spot on the monthly chart, with the second and third spots also belonging to The Clown at this moment. They were "Wild Rose" and "Opera," respectively, both of which had charted for more than a week now. ording to this momentum, there was no doubt that "I Really Love You" would take the ce of the monthly number one. It might even storm onto the annual chart! Petal Shower followed closely behind. No one else on the entire chart was a match for these "masked series" of singers!


    It was too popr!


    The show, its singers, and the singers'' songs had all be extremely popr!


    Even a lot of the well-known musicians and producers in the industry were tongue-tied and wide-eyed!

 Chapter 1032: The Ugliest Celebrities Rankings!

    <h4>Chapter 1032: The Ugliest Celebrities Rankings! </h4>


    Chapter 1032: The Ugliest Celebrities Rankings!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Monday.


    Zhang Ye woke up early.


    Zhang Ye browsed thetest Celebrity Rankings Index and saw that his poprity had dropped a little again. Actually, it was not considered a drop as the poprity scores still rose. However, if it rose too slowly or remained constant, then with the other celebrities'' overall poprity scores rising, it caused his poprity to appear like it had dropped. Although King of Masked Singers was created by Zhang Ye single-handedly, he was not credited as the show''s executive director nor was the host. He did not even appear onscreen. As a result, even though King of Masked Singers became popr throughout the country, the poprity it gave to Zhang Ye was limited. On this point, he was not surprised and even felt that it was expected, so he did not treat it as something serious at all. As long as he did not go down in the rankings, things would be fine.


    Zhang Ye turned his attention to the other celebrities.


    Amy''s poprity had soared.


    Yao Jiancai''s poprity had soared.


    And it was the same for Chen Guang as well.


    The judges who were part of the guessing panel on King of Masked Singers all experienced an increase in their poprities due to the show''s vast exposure and viewership. This was the most prominent for Dong Shanshan. As the show''s solitary host, her position was a special one. Although she did not have many lines in the entirety of the show, she gained the greatest increase in her poprity score!


    It was the same for the contestants who had revealed their identities.


    After "King of Oddity" was eliminated in the first episode, his poprity kept rising and there were constant inquiries for him to take onmercial appearances. There was even talk about how his value had increased by 50%. "Yesterday''s Daylily," who revealed himself two days ago, also saw a surge in his poprity. In today''s morning news, it was revealed that he was going to hold a nationwide concert tour, and his talent agency was already promoting it heavily. Before this, Yesterday''s Daylily''s poprity would at most enable him to hold a medium-sized concert in a first-tier city like Beijing. But now, he was talking about holding a nationwide concert, though the attendance numbers were still in question.


    What about The Clown?


    Petal Shower?


    Sunset Glow?


    As far as they were concerned, everyone knew that once these people took off their masks to reveal themselves, there would definitely be an explosion in their poprity. It would assuredly be much more than all the contestants whose identities were already revealed put together. And their poprity was still umting right now. As for who the final winner would be, it all depended on thetter part of thepetition to see who could remain until the end and be crowned as the grand champion of King of Masked Singers in the grand finals!


    In any case, the show had made a lot of people even more popr than they used to be.


    Of course, there was also an exception, Sunflower Under The Starlight��Li Yu.


    Li Yu also gained an increase in his poprity, although it was not enough for him to get back onto the A-list Celebrity Rankings. Based on Sunflower''s poprity and momentum before this episode, if Li Yu had revealed his identity onstage, his poprity should logically have experienced the greatest increase. But no one could have expected the factors of thepetition to change so unpredictably. Who could have thought that Li Yu would lose so badly after Petal Shower and The Clown worked together to "team kill" him? The Clown was even the most vicious of all, kicking him while he was down, then repeatedly "kicking" his face so badly to the point that Li Yu wouldn''t even remove his mask and just left the stage quietly. His Weibo had remained inactive ever since. This incident affected his poprity greatly and had paid the price twice over. Not only did his poprity not increase by much, his reputation was tarnished as well. He was now getting farther and farther from the A-list rankings and was unlikely to make aeback anytime soon.


    That about summed it all up.


    Zhang Ye was still in a good mood and was humming a tune in bed.


    Di di.


    The chat app notification on his cell phone sounded.


    Someone had mentioned him in the Goof Group.


    Ning Lan: "Boss Zhang, are you still unemployed?"


    Zhang Ye sent a smiley face. "I''ve been sitting idle at home."


    When he looked at the chat history, he saw that a lot of messages had umted. Although this group consisted of the Heavenly Kings and Queens, as well as A and B-listers, it was always very active with the chat members constantly shooting the breeze. As Zhang Ye was not much of a chatty Cathy, he had muted the group some time ago.


    Ning Lan: "Sister Zhang was looking for you."


    Zhang Ye wondered: "Hm? What''s the matter?"


    Zhang Yuanqi popped out. "I''d like to ask you about someone."


    Zhang Ye typed: "Ask away."


    Zhang Yuanqi: "Who''s The Clown?"


    Zhang Ye got anxious for a moment and lied: "I don''t know either."


    Ning Lan: "Aren''t you on the program team?"


    Zhang Ye: "I was only in charge of pre-production. I didn''t take part in the production itself."


    Zhang Yuanqi: "@ChenGuang What about you, Old Chen? Do you know?"


    Chen Guang also appeared. "I''m just a judge. If Director Zhang doesn''t know, all the more I wouldn''t know. I''ve also been trying to guess who The Clown is. Actually, the entire music scene is trying to guess who he is!"


    Fan Wenli showed up. "Does anyone have any idea at all? I''m also curious."


    Spring Garden''s Xiaodong: "Hehe, Sister Fan. Tell us the truth, did you go on King of Masked Singers?"


    Fan Wenli: "I didn''t."


    Ning Lan harrumphed. "Liar!"


    Fan Wenli: "��"


    Chen Guang tried to change the subject. "Xiaodong, did Li Xiaoxian from your group go on the show?"


    Xiaodong: "How would I know?"


    Chen Guang: "You don''t even know about your team member?"


    Xiaodong: "And you don''t even know about your wife."


    Chen Guang: "Pfft!"


    Ning Lan: "Boss Zhang, did you write those songs for The Clown?"


    Zhang Ye blinked several times. "No."


    Ning Lan: "Is that so? @HuoDongfang Was it yourpany''s Old He who wrote the songs?"


    Huo Dongfang appeared as well. "I don''t think so? Old He rarely writes songs for people he doesn''t know."


    Zhang Yuanqi: "What if it''s someone he knows? All of The Clown''s songs were each better than thest. It''s impossible for them to havee from nowhere, right? Quick, please tell me if any of you know who The Clown is."


    Chen Guang: "Tell me too. I''m already nning to work with him!"


    Ning Lan: "Old Huo, are you The Clown?"


    Huo Dongfang: "Ah? What are you talking about!"


    Xiaodong: "Eh, why do I get the feeling that Sect Leader Huo is guilty? Could it really be you?"


    Huo Dongfang: "��"


    There were all sorts of guesses and random usations.


    Then, a big shot actor said: "Stop talking about The Clown. Old Li is still in this group, so let''s leave some face for him, hur hur."


    "Hai, Old Li sure was unlucky."


    "Forget it. Let''s not talk of it."


    Everyone stopped speaking about it. Although a lot of them felt that Li Yu had indeed handled the situation improperly, they would still leave some face for him. However, they knew that Petal Shower and The Clown were not to me for getting mad over the issue either.


    "Eh? There''s a poll on Weibo again?"


    "Oh, it''s that!"


    "Haha, it''s time for that poll again?"


    "What poll?"


    "There''s a link posted. See for yourself."


    Zhang Ye tapped it in curiosity. Weibo''s front page popped up onscreen with a headline that was extremely eye-catching. It turned out to be a celebrity attractiveness rankings poll held by Weibo, simr to the annual Most Popr and Unpopr Celebrity Awards poll that was also organized by Weibo around the Chinese New Year period.


    There was always a lot of attention on these two polls each year.


    At 12 noon, the domestic celebrity attractiveness rankings poll officially began!


    The chat messages in the Goof Group were flooding in.


    Xiaodong: "Who participated in this pollst year?"


    Huo Dongfang: "Ning Lan wasst year''s champion, with Sister Zhanging third while I was ranked eleventh? Or was it twelfth?"


    Ning Lan was a little embarrassed. "Mypany helped to boost my votes to create hype back then as I had an uing movie. Please don''t mention it anymore."


    Zhang Ye asked naively: "You can even do that?"


    Ning Lan: "What did you think?"


    Zhang Ye: "This industry is a real mess."


    Xiaodong: "Pfft! Teacher Zhang, you''re also part of the industry, alright!"


    Chen Guang reminded everyone: "Hur hur, how can Director Zhang possibly be in the same industry as us? Have you ever seen a person as carefree as him in the entertainment industry?"


    Ning Lan: "I''m not going for it this year. Old Chen, why don''t you help your wife contend for it? It would do her poprity good."


    Chen Guang: "She has no chance. I think I have a better chance."


    Ning Lan: "Dream on! I think you''re better off contending for the Ugliest Celebrities Rankings."


    Chen Guang: "��"


    Zhang Ye asked: "There''s even an ugliest category?"


    Ning Lan: "Of course there is, Boss Zhang. You really don''t pay much attention to the entertainment industry''s affairs, do you? Although it''s not an official ranking, there''s always been a great deal of interest in it. The winner''s sure to make a few headlines."


    Zhang Ye mocked himself. "I''ve been busy fighting people at all times since I''ve entered the entertainment industry. Where would I have the time to pay attention to any of these things?"


    At this, everyone cramped up withughter!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "That''s true!"


    "In the entertainment industry, the only person I''ll submit to is Zhang Ye!"


    "Yeah, when''ll you change that temper of yours!"


    ...


    In the afternoon.


    His parents had made lunch.


    Zhang Ye was browsing Weibo while eating at the same time.


    His mother asked, "Can''t you eat normally? What are you so distracted with?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I heard that there''s a ranking poll that''s quite the talking point, something about a ''Beautifulest Celebrities Rankings'' poll that ranks celebrity by their looks. I wanna see if I''m in the rankings."


    His mother rolled her eyes. "Why don''t you eat instead."


    His father was speechless for a second. "What looks do you have?"


    When Zhang Ye finally found the poll, he saw that he was indeed not in the rankings. There hadn''t been much attention on him recently, and he had barely had any public exposure as well, so his topicality naturally decreased.


    On the Beautifulest Celebrities Rankings poll.


    First: Zhang Yuanqi (720,000 votes)


    Second: Hu Xue (650,000 votes)


    Third: Petal Shower (610,000 votes)


    A Heavenly King was fourth.


    And Huo Dongfang was seventh.


    Dong Shanshan had actually gotten into the rankings as well and was ranked 17th.


    Hu Xue was a female C-list celebrity who looked very pretty, but she wasn''t considered very popr. Obtaining such a spot in her first appearance in the rankings was probably the result of getting outside help like what Ning Lan had donest year. What surprised Zhang Ye was that Dong Shanshan and Petal Shower had also appeared in the rankings. Dong Shanshan being in the standings was understandable since she was quite beautiful and was currently the host of the highly popr King of Masked Singers. But what about the third ce Petal Shower? She had not even shown her face yet, so how could the audience know whether she was good?looking? Could it be that everyone had already guessed who Petal Shower was? But that wasn''t possible!


    Then, Zhang Ye moved his hand and tapped on the Ugliest Celebrities Rankings poll to browse through it.


    As of 12:30 PM.


    The rankings were as followed:


    First: The Clown (990,000 votes)


    Second: Zhang Ye (710,000 votes)


    When Zhang Ye saw the rankings, he mmed his chopsticks onto the table and nearly cursed out loud!


    His mother was shocked. "What''s the matter? You''re in the rankings?"


    Zhang Ye went green with anger!


    "Let me see." His mother took his cell phone and looked. She chuckled. "The Ugliest Celebrities Rankings poll? You''re in second ce? Pfft! This isn''t too bad. It shows that the people''s attention is still on you. Although you don''t have a job right now, your fans are still thinking of you."


    Zhang Ye fumed, "What''s the use of this kind of attention!"


    His mother pointed at the screen. "Alright, alright, you''re merely in second ce. Isn''t there someone who''s preventing you from bing first?"


    At the mention of this, Zhang Ye almost burst into tears!


    Your sister!


    First ce is also me!

 Chapter 1033: Someone provokes The Clown!

    <h4>Chapter 1033: Someone provokes The Clown! </h4>


    Chapter 1033: Someone provokes The Clown!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Goof Group.


    The big names in the group were engaging in intense conversation.


    "Sister Zhang is in first ce now."


    "But she''s not leading by much."


    "Little Hu is catching up too? Oh, that''s right, she''s promoting her new show right now."


    "Haha, quick, go and take a look at the Ugliest Celebrities Rankings poll."


    "Ah?"


    "Aiyo, Boss Zhang has gotten onto the list again!"


    "In the Most Unpopr Celebrity Awards poll a few months back, Zhang Ye took first ce without a doubt. Pfft, and now he''s in the Ugliest Celebrities Rankings poll too? Second ce? Not bad, not bad."


    "I''m dying ofughter."


    "Boss Zhang''s social skills are terrible!"


    "Who told him to offend that many people!"


    "Yeah. Just two days ago at Beijing Television, he drove away those fans of Old Li''s as well?"


    "Why is The Clown also on the poll? He''s even in first ce?"


    These people sounded rather happy.


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and typed: "Don''t bother me. I need some quiet time."


    This has gone too far! Why do I always end up on the negative polls? In the past, it was OK since the worst that could happen was me taking first ce. But look at this now! I''ve taken both first and second ce!


    ...


    On Weibo.


    Theizens wereughing nonstop!


    "Zhang Ye has appeared once again!"


    "Hahahaha, there are always bits of Teacher Zhang in these polls!"


    "I nearly pissed myselfughing!"


    "Why did everyone give their votes to Zhang Ye? Teacher Zhang might not exactly be handsome, but he still looks decent and is considered average!"


    "Teacher Zhang has offended too many people. Just look at thosements of many of Li Yu''s fans, all scolding him and voting for him. They''re even calling on others to vote for Zhang Ye in the Ugliest Celebrities Rankings poll, so it''d be a wonder if he didn''t have a ton of votes. But I''m not surprised that Teacher Zhang got second since those diehard fans of his are all people who enjoy such polls and would surely have voted for Zhang Ye as the ugliest celebrity. That''s just how his fans are, treating Zhang Ye more ruthlessly than others would, haha. But why would The Clown be in first ce? That''s something I can''t work out!"


    "The Clown purposely conceded so that he could head into the King of Masked Singers elimination round to knock Li Yu off the show. That alone is enough for all the hate, so how would Li Yu''s fans not answer the call?"


    "That''s true."


    "Besides, the idea of a clown 1 is already pretty ugly!"


    "Actually, I''ve done some analysis and found that The Clown is likely not good?looking either. Why? Here''s my exnation. We''ve stated before that The Clown mentioned on the show that he''s at least a B-list celebrity. But after specting for the longest time and with all theparisons, there wasn''t anyone on the B-list and above who could sing that well or even someone who matches his figure. Coupled with him singing those lines of ''My ol'' home is right in this hamlet'' and ''My home''s in the northeast,'' we know that his words are untrustworthy. Rather, we should consider him a nonsensical person who isn''t even a B-lister to begin with. Therefore, I have reached my conclusion. A person who can sing this well and has such good songs but still isn''t at least a B-list celeb? He''s managed to stay unnoticed by the audience all this while? There can only be one reason for this. His looks are probably not that good, or perhaps even ugly, so even if he could sing great, no one bothered to listen to him. Thus, he went unnoticed all this time!"


    "Godly analysis!"


    "Good reasoning!"


    "Right, that''s very logical!"


    "Wow, you''re right!"


    "Holy cow, godly prediction there. Give us your name!"


    "Name yourself! This thread will definitely go viral!"


    When this analysis was posted, a lot of those who read it felt that it was a very justified and on point argument.


    As a side effect, The Clown''s votes increased even further. By 1 PM, The Clown was far in the lead in the Ugliest Celebrities Rankings poll!


    Meanwhile, the Beautifulest Celebrities Rankings poll was still a very close and intensepetition.


    "The Clown has already secured first ce!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Yeah, there''s no more suspense to the results!"


    "If there''s anyone who could catch up, only Zhang Ye has a chance!"


    "Teacher Zhang, we''re cheering you on!"


    "Go, go, go, The Clown!"


    "Let''s see which of them will get ranked as ugliest!"


    ...


    At home.


    Zhang Ye nearly vomited blood a few times as he browsed through the Weiboments!


    Fight for the ugliest?


    Fight, my ass!


    They''re both fucking me!


    Who the hell came up with this poll? Could they be any more mean than this? Who in the world voted for me? Could they be any more awful than this?! His own fans, Li Yu''s fans, the fans of those celebrities he had offended, all of them were rushing to vote for him. Zhang Ye had no words!


    And yet, someone decided it was the perfect time toe and provoke him!


    Due to the masked singers not being able to reveal their true selves, Beijing Television had even prepared some verified Weibo ounts based on their stage names. However, these ounts were not really used much other than the times some of the singers used them to say a few words of gratitude after they were eliminated.


    Out of the blue, someone posted on one of these Weibo ounts.


    The Weibo name was: Masked Singer "Flowing Time."


    Those who had watched King of Masked Singers until the third episode would know that "Flowing Time" and another contestant were the recement singers for the fourth episode. They had been given a special introduction in a clip of the next episode''s preview. In the clip''s introduction, Flowing Time had left the deepest impression on everyone. The narration introduced him as someone who only came onto the show after great efforts by the program team to invite him. He was a very famous singer in a niche genre in the industry and had very few rivals in his field. As such, after the audience had seen the preview, a lot of them started guessing as to who Flowing Time was.


    But today, Flowing Time had fired a direct shot at The Clown: "I''ve been a good friend of Li Yu''s for many years. After watching the third episode, I can''t help but say a few words. Is this a tag teampetition? How could Petal Shower and The Clown take turns like that? There was even a need to admit defeat so that he could get into the elimination round? Is such behavior even allowed in the rules? And Petal Shower and Spinach switching their appearance orders, isn''t that horrible?"


    This Weibo post resonated with quite a few of Li Yu''s fans!


    "Those two bastards!"


    "Right!"


    "This is going too far!"


    "It was a tag team tactic!"


    "Brother Li Yu was cheated by them!"


    "Especially that Clown, he''s vile!"


    "Well said! Supporting Teacher Flowing Time! There''s finally someone who''s willing to put in a fair word for Brother Li Yu! I can see that The Clown is not a good person. Just look at how he''s already first ce on the Ugliest Celebrity Rankings poll!"


    "Li Yu lost in such an unfair manner!"


    "Teacher Flowing Time, please avenge Brother Li Yu!"


    "Right, kill The Clown!"


    "Destroy him!"


    Of course, more of the reactions were questioning voices.


    Quite a few people who saw the post were shaking their heads.


    "Li Yu broke the rules by paying for PR campaigns and revealing himself. If you want to criticize others, why don''t you criticize that so-called good friend of yours of many years instead?"


    "Li Yu is clearly a sore loser."


    "After asking for all those votes, he still lost?"


    "I don''t think that Petal Shower and The Clown went overboard!"


    "That''s right. Li Yu was in the wrong to use his poprity to crush the other contestants. Howughable. Why are there still people trying to seek justice for him?"


    "Haha, someone who doesn''t side with reason has made an appearance!"


    "No wonder he''s good friends with Li Yu! These two people are cut from the same cloth! They can''t even differentiate between right and wrong? Or are they pretending not to know?"


    In reality, the problem Li Yu caused had been resolved some time ago. After Beijing Television broadcast the third episode, a statement was released to announce that Li Yu had breached his contract, thus his agreed upon joining fee would be reduced by half. On top of that, Beijing Television''s higher management also expressed that they would no longer coborate with Li Yu. Li Yu''s team had yet toment on the matter.


    The media reported this.


    The fans discussed it.


    But no one expected that someone woulde and "defend" Li Yu at this time. It was even one of the recement masked singers scheduled for the uing episode!


    It could be seen from this that Flowing Time and Little Yu''s rtionship was especially good. And Flowing Time posted on Weibo again. "What''s happened has happened and whatever''s said won''t matter, so I won''t harp on it. @MaskedSingerTheClown Dare youpete honestly against me in the next episode? Dare you ept my challenge?"


    Theizens were puzzled.


    "Who''s that?"


    "He''s talking this arrogantly?


    "Hur hur!"


    "Could it be another big shot?"


    "That might be possible!"


    "This person should be a somebody."


    In the end, the Weibo of Masked Singer Petal Shower showed that she came online. She replied: "I don''t think it''s nice to send a Weibo like this, is it? An honestpetition? You make it sound like the match we had was not honest. If you''re unhappy for Li Yu, let''s meet onstage. What''s the point of saying all this?"


    The conversation stopped at that.


    The reason for that was because the posts on Flowing Time''s Weibo were deleted very quickly after that. The same happened for Petal Shower''s Weibo, so obviously, Beijing Television intervened. Such negativity and infighting among the show''s contestants were definitely not something they wanted out in the open. These Weibo ounts were all officially registered by Beijing Television, so they naturally could delete any posts or take back the singers'' ess rights.


    But theizens had already taken screenshots of the exchange.


    Instantly, another uproar broke out on Weibo!


    "Flowing Time wants to challenge The Clown!"


    "Yeah, the next episode is gonna be exciting!"


    "Who could Flowing Time be?"


    "He''s definitely a famous singer in the industry!"


    "Haha, the next episode''spetition is going to be intense as well!"


    "Where does Flowing Time''s confidencee from?"


    "Li Yu''s good friend? Li Yu has too many friends, but if it''s someone who is very close to him, there seems to be only one person? Could it be his sworn brother, Zhao Qiquan?"


    "Ah?"


    "Teacher Zhao Qiquan?"


    "Aiyo, that might be possible!"


    "Their tempers are also alike. The two of them are of the same mind!"


    "I was wondering how he could be so bold. But if it''s Zhao Qiquan, then that''s just how he is!"


    Zhao Qiquan.


    A famous Hokkien 2 singer.


    In this world, Hokkien songs were considered a very niche market in the music industry. Not many people sang them and there weren''t a lot of good songs either. However, there were still famous Hokkien singers around. If there had to be one representative of Hokkien singers, then Zhao Qiquan would definitely be the first person toe to mind! In the genre of Hokkien songs, Zhao Qiquan indeed had no rivals. He was even very popr as a Hokkien singer and had arge score of diehard fans from the region!


    Could it be him?


    If it was him, it would be really difficult to say who would win and lose!


    The Clown had been singing for three straight episodes, and starting contestants who made it this far into most singing shows would enter an audience appreciation fatigue period. The audience would know the style of the singer and how well they could sing by this point, so there was nothing fresh for them to look forward to. Unless you could step it up in your singing, ore up with something novel, it would be very difficult to impress the audience. But it was exactly at this time that the iing contestants had an advantage since the audience had not seen them before. As a result, as long as they could perform good enough, the audience would love them!


    And since Zhao Qiquan was obviously a supporting pir of the Hokkien music scene, there were no doubts about his singing. There was also no one who couldpete against him in this market, making him a unique personality in the industry!


    ...


    It waste afternoon when Zhang Ye found out that somebody had openly challenged him.


    The Goof Group also discussed this event.


    Ning Lan: "Is it really Zhao Qiquan?"


    Huo Dongfang: "It''s probably him. I heard from a friend that Zhao Qiquan sidelined all activities this week and said that he would being to Beijing, so it should be him."


    Xiaodong: "Big Brother Zhao is quite the rash person!"


    Chen Guangmented: "But he''s a very strongpetitor."


    Zhang Yuanqi said: "In the area of Hokkien music, it''s all about Old Zhao. If the audience truly gets impressed by his performance, The Clown might not be able to beat him."


    When he read that, Zhang Ye chuckled in spite of himself.


    I can''t beat him?


    Bullshit!


    Zhang Ye was in a terrible mood today. Yes, if it anyone ced first in the Ugliest Celebrities Rankings, they wouldn''t be in a good mood either. And now that someone hade to provoke him over an obviously unreasonable matter, how could Zhang Ye not get angry!

 Chapter 1034: Getting his hands on his girlfriend’s house keys!

    <h4>Chapter 1034: Getting his hands on his girlfriend''s house keys! </h4>


    Chapter 1034: Getting his hands on his girlfriend''s house keys!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Tuesday.


    Early in the morning.


    Zhang Ye had set his rm the day before. When he woke up, the first thing he did was check on the Weibo organized Beautifulest and Ugliest Celebrities Rankings polls. The voting had ended and the results were published!


    The Ugliest Celebrities Rankings polls:


    First: The Clown (10.7 million votes)


    Second: Zhang Ye (8.85 million votes)


    Third: Zhao Xiaoyan (2.7 million votes)


    There were no changes to the rankings whatsoever. All that had changed was the number of votes, with the numbers increasing from before. Whether it was the first ce Clown''s votes or his own votes in second ce, the tallies were several times higher than the third ce''s votes. There was essentially no suspense to the oue!


    Theizens were still gloating over it.


    "Hahaha!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s ranked firmly in second!"


    "I love what I''m seeing!"


    "So The Clown still ended up in first ce?"


    "This result is defying allmon sense!"


    "Who voted for him? Damn, why are there so many votes?"


    "I did!"


    "I contributed 10 votes to The Clown from my household!"


    "I contributed seven votes to my idol, Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "I registered several ounts and gave all my votes to The Clown!"


    "Pfft, do you guys have nothing better to do?!"


    The Clown''s name was really a hot topic now. Ignoring he was attractive or not for now, at least there were people who knew about him and paid attention to his happenings and thus gave him their votes. This was also a reflection of The Clown''s current level of fame. This was not previously seen on Beijing Television''s King of Masked Singers'' official website when the show''s contestants'' poprity polls were held. The individual singers had each gotten hundreds of thousands of votes over several days at the beginning, which rose up to the millionster on. This was because the reach of Beijing Television''s official website was small, and it was not essed by everyone. But it was a different case for Weibo since virtually everyone had ess to it. A singer who had not taken off their mask and who nobody knew could garner this many votes? This was a miracle that would never be replicated!


    At home.


    The main person involved in that poll was getting unhappy with the oue and got up from bed listlessly.


    His mother was sweeping the living room floor. "Eh, why are you up so early?"


    Zhang Ye mumbled in response.


    "I haven''t made breakfast yet," his mother said.


    "I''ll go out and eat then." Zhang Ye yawned and went into the bathroom to brush his teeth.


    His mother made a sound in understanding and said with a smile, "What''s the matter? Are you still angry over the Ugliest Celebrities Rankings? Don''t be bothered by it. They''re all just having fun. Besides, this clearly shows that your poprity has not dropped."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''d rather it dropped a little."


    He changed clothes and went downstairs to get his car.


    On the road, he called Wu Zeqing.


    Du du du, du du du.


    After four or five rings, the call finally connected.


    Zhang Ye: "Old Wu, are you up yet?"


    Wu Zeqing: "I''m awake now."


    Zhang Ye: "Were you still sleeping? It''s about time to go to work, isn''t it?"


    Wu Zeqing: "Yes."


    Zhang Ye: "What time are you leaving?"


    Wu Zeqing: "At eight, but I''ll be eating breakfast first."


    Zhang Ye: "Don''t bother making it. I''ming over now. I''ll get you something on the way."


    He heard a graceful sounding yawn. "Alright, I''ll get changed then."


    When he reached Old Wu''s house, it was just a quarter past seven.


    In the vi.


    Wu Zeqing was already up and watering the nts in the yard.


    Zhang Ye ran in. "Quick, eat it while it''s hot. I got held up on the way here when someone recognized me. The breakfast stall''s boss insisted that I give him a signature and even asked me in disbelief why a famous celebrity like me would eat breakfast. I didn''t even know how to answer him."


    Wu Zeqingughed gently and set the things in her hands down. "Alright, what did you buy?"


    "Soy milk and fried dough sticks, and there''s also a tray of buns. Have whatever you like."


    "You haven''t eaten either?"


    "Not yet. I just got up too."


    They started eating.


    The two of them sat at the table and shared the food.


    As Zhang Ye ate, his gaze fell on Wu Zeqing''s face. He was happy just to see her. "How''s the taste? I bought this from that roadside stall on Taiping Street."


    Wu Zeqing nodded. "It''s pretty good." Then she smiled and looked at him. "If you''reing over in the morning next time, you don''t have to go out of your way to bring me breakfast. There are quite a few people who can recognize you even if you have your sunsses on, so juste over. There''s food at home, and I can always make breakfast for you."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "How would that do? You have to go to work early every day, so don''t make yourself any busier than you have to. I''m just twiddling my thumbs at home nowadays anyway, so I have plenty of time."


    After breakfast.


    It was 20 till 8 AM.


    Wu Zeqing suddenly said, "How do I look today?"


    She was dressed in a bog standard gray women''s suit over a white dress shirt.


    Zhang Ye took a look, smiled, and said, "You look fine."


    "Does fine mean middling?"


    "Hai, you look good no matter what you wear."


    "Why don''t you help me to choose something to wear then?"


    "Sure!"


    "I don''t even know what I should wear to work these days."


    "Let me think for you. I''m a professional!"


    Zhang Ye volunteered himself and went upstairs with Wu Zeqing. He went to her wardrobe and searched through it, even lowering his head to a drawer and opening it. In there, he saw undergarments of all kinds of colors before coughing and quickly closing it.


    But Wu Zeqing did not mind and sat down next to him, smiling and watching him.


    A momentter, Zhang Ye took a pair of pants off their hanger and walked over to Wu Zeqing, gesturing to her. "How''s this? It''s also gray, but it''s slimmer than the one you''re wearing. Those pant leg openings are wider and look ungainly. It doesn''t seem all that put together."


    Wu Zeqing nced at it. "OK."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Here, change."


    When Zhang Ye was about to leave the room to let Wu Zeqing get changed, he was startled to see that Old Wu had already taken her belt off with a click after taking the pants from him.


    Ah?


    She''s taking it off just like that?


    Zhang Ye got nervous and instinctively turned away. "I won''t look. Please change."


    "OK."


    He could hear rustling behind him.


    Zhang Ye could not resist the thought of turning around. Then he remembered that he had sessfully proposed to her, so what would it matter if he turned? If Old Wu did not avoid him or say anything, why couldn''t he just watch?


    It would be such a waste to not look!


    After a moment''s struggle, Zhang Ye turned around.


    He even tried to cover his actions. "You''re done?"


    Her new pair of pants were up to her fair and supple thighs, although they weren''t fully put on yet and just slightly above her knees.


    "Almost," Wu Zeqing said.


    Zhang Ye blinked.


    Wu Zeqing finally put her belt back on.


    Zhang Ye snapped his fingers. "These pants look good!"


    Wu Zeqing walked to the mirror on the front of her dresser and took a look. Then she smiled and said, "Yes, this is pretty good. I''ll wear this." She nced at her watch and turned around, saying, "Alright, I''ve got to get to work. Anyter and I''ll bete."


    Zhang Ye said, "Hurry up then."


    "That''s right," Wu Zeqing said as she suddenly walked to her nightstand. She pulled open the drawer and took out a set of keys for Zhang Ye. "These are the keys to my house. Whenever you wish toe over, you won''t need me to open the doors for you anymore." She pointed at arge number of keys at the top of the set and said, "This is for the main door, this is for the gate to the yard, this electronic one is for the garage, this one is for the master bedroom on the second floor, and this is the master key for the cabs, although I don''t usually keep those locked."


    Key to her house?


    Zhang Ye held the keychain in his hand. "Are you serious about giving this to me?"


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Why?"


    "Nothing." Zhang Ye smiled. "Then I''ll tuck them away."


    Wu Zeqing said, "OK. Don''t rush to get a job. Take a break for a while."


    Zhang Ye said, "Thanks."


    Wu Zeqing said, "If you''re still sleepy, you can sleep here before you leave. You can sleep in the other room or my room, whichever one you prefer. I''ll be leaving now."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I won''t see you off, then. If someone spots me sending you to work early in the morning, I bet the entertainment industry will blow up!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Alright."


    This was no joke.


    If someone found out that Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing were going to get married?


    The SARFT would be thrown into disarray!


    The entertainment industry would be tossed in chaos as well!

 Chapter 1035: Teaching Taiji!

    <h4>Chapter 1035: Teaching Taiji! </h4>


    Chapter 1035: Teaching Taiji!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the morning.


    After Old Wu had gone to work, Zhang Ye stayed at her home and started thinking about which songs to sing on the show. He had toe up with two songs for the uing episode and practice them, as well as get a sense of how they''d do.


    There were some songs that were indeed good songs and ssics, but they were unsuitable for him as everyone''s voice was different. There were just some things in singing that you couldn''t control. The timbre of vocal registers was also different, leading to a different type of feel which would determine whether that song was suitable for him or not. Zhang Ye had to try singing first before he would know. It was fortunate that Old Wu''s vi had good sound instion. He didn''t need to worry that anyone would hear him. He could just sing as he desired, and even if he screamed, no one would care. Unlike at home. If he were to sing a little louder than normal there, the neighbors upstairs and downstairs would surelyin.


    This song sounds fine.


    Well, this song seems good too.


    He decided on a tentative four songs that he was quite satisfied with for the time being. As he could feel his voice tiring, he walked out of the vi and locked up before driving off. Since he had nothing to do at home, he decided to drive over to Rao Aimin''s and Yang Shu''s ce to have a look. He realized he hadn''t been there in quite some time.


    Jiaomen East.


    When he drove into the neighborhood, he was stunned by what he saw.


    In the neighborhood''s public square, over a hundred people stood in formation and were holding stances. There were all kinds of people in the dense crowd, with elderly men and women ounting for at least half the numbers. There were also young and middle-aged men and women, and some parents even brought their ten-year-old children with them. The district''s public square was veryrge but was almost entirely packed by these people. This formation of people was asrge as you could imagine it to be.


    What''s going on?


    Is there a multi-level marketing meeting taking ce?


    Or is it a za dance event?


    Then Zhang Ye spotted Yang Shu. Yang Shu was standing in a stance that was different from the others. She stood facing everyone and was shouting somemands at them. asionally, she would gesture like she was demonstrating something.


    "Rx your shoulders! Don''t tense them up!


    "Uncle Sun, your stance is wrong!


    "Auntie He, don''t keep your knees so straight!


    "Little Wang, your stance is too rigid. Loosen a little! That''s it!


    "Come on, everyone, copy my stance!"


    Yang Shu shifted stances.


    The crowd tried to imitate her.


    "Do as I do."


    "Teacher Yang, is this correct?"


    "That''s correct, Little Zhou. Well done."


    "Master Yang, what about me?"


    "You''re a bit off. Continue to work hard."


    "Alright!"


    Only now did Zhang Ye understand what was going on. These people were all shadowboxing, which was a simplified form of Taiji Fist. He was rather dumbfounded and rapidly parked his car. When he got out of his car, he observed them from afar for a short while. Every previous time Zhang Ye came here, he would get recognized by people and they would walk up to greet him. After all, Zhang Ye had lived here for quite some time and was considered a part of themunity. However, no one recognized him today, probably because no one noticed him in the first ce. They were all practicing Taiji under Yang Shu''s guidance. Some people would take their child and leave the square from time to time to bring them to school. At the same time, people from other neighborhoods woulde over and join the crowd, making the number of people gathered here increase!


    Ding.


    Behind him in the building''s foyer, the faint sound of the elevator arriving could be heard.


    Chenchen''s voice suddenly rang out, "Zhang Ye, what''re you doing?"


    Zhang Ye turned around and saw Rao Aimin dragging Chenchen as they came out of the foyer. He immediately said in surprise, "I was watching them practice. What''s going on here?"


    Rao Aimin was clearly about to send Chenchen to school. "It''s been going on for many days now. That junior sister of yours started teaching those people how to do Taiji some time ago. At first, it began with just one or two people learning from home. Then, two dayster, even people from the nearby neighborhoods were attracted to her. Quickly take her in hand. Estate management has alreadye to me several times. If this carries on, the neighborhood''s public square will be out of space soon."


    Zhang Ye wondered, "How did she get so many people?"


    Rao Aimin tilted her chin upward toward Yang Shu. "Did you forget about your apartment''s windows getting smashed? When Little Yang jumped out from upstairs to chase after the crooks and took the three of them on all by herself, many of the neighbors witnessed it. On that very night, someone approached Little Yang to learn kung fu from her. She taught him a few moves and then it ended up like this, with more and more people joining."


    Zhang Ye was secretly surprised. "She seems quite charismatic, doesn''t she?"


    "Within one kilometer, there had better not be anyone who speaks ill of your junior sis. If they do, they''ll get ganged up on and scolded by a bunch of people." Rao Aimin nced at him. "Even your influence in this area is no match for her anymore. Alright, enough talking. I have to send this kid to school."


    Rao Aimin led Chenchen away.


    Zhang Ye quickly called out, "I''ll be eating lunch at your ce at noon!"


    "Yeah, yeah," Rao Aimin said impatiently.


    Chenchen yelled to Yang Shu, "Old Yang, I''m going to school."


    As Yang Shu turned to look and wave at her, she spotted Zhang Ye. Taken aback, a look of embarrassment appeared on her face as she busily instructed the crowd of people. She coughed, then shouted to them, "Alright, that''s all for today. Go back home and practice on your own what you learned today. If you can''t grasp the gist, practice more and you''ll be fine. If you really still can''t get it, you maye back and find me tomorrow. That''s all then."


    "OK!"


    "Thank you, Teacher Yang!"


    "Little Yang, thanks for the hard work."


    "Master Yang, thanks for all your work."


    The crowded started dispersing and went their separate ways. Some of them were even sharing their experiences as they left.


    Yang Shu timidly walked over to Zhang Ye. "Senior Bro."


    Zhang Ye said expressionlessly, "Let''s go upstairs and have a talk."


    Upstairs.


    In the apartment.


    The moment they entered the apartment, Zhang Ye put on a stern face and criticized, "Taiji Fist is a martial arts meant for fighting. In this modern era, a lot of the other martial arts are being promoted as something to practice for the strengthening of one''s body and mind. But as to what it really is, I would have expected you of all people to know better! Strengthening of one''s body and mind is just a secondary effect. Taiji Fist''s primary goal is to inflict hurt on others and stop an enemy''s attack. There were so many people downstairs just now, but did you question if any of their characters and minds are suitable to learn the art? Were you just going to teach any person that came along? How could you do that? What if you teach them and they use what they learned to go out andmit evil? There were so many of them. Did you test them one by one?"


    Yang Shu lowered her head. "I was just teaching them some simple moves, not real Taiji."


    Zhang Ye said, "You call that simple? The set of moves you taught included techniques that could hurt others. Besides, with so many elderly uncles and aunties learning, you actually risked teaching them? What if something happens to them while they''re practicing what you taught them? Are you going to take responsibility? That set of moves is totally unsuitable for older people! Something will surely happen if they keep practicing it!"


    Yang Shu lowered her head even further and didn''t make a sound.


    Zhang Ye got angrier as he went on, pointing at her and saying, "You''re really daring, huh, not even discussing something this important with me?"


    Yang Shu muttered, "But you weren''t around."


    "Oh, so you can run wild just because I''m not around?" Zhang Ye said, "Luckily, I came back today and found out early. If I came back a month or soter, there''d surely be trouble!"


    In Zhang Ye''s previous world, the Taiji Fist that people poprly knew about was the simplified version of the original. It could be said that it was almost no different frommon aerobic exercises and was indeed practiced to strengthen one''s body and mind. There weren''t any techniques that contained any lethality and they all existed in many styles 1 , like the Yang forms and Chen forms. But none of these techniques were considered true Taiji Fist since the true form was an internal style, the purpose of which was to stop an enemy''s attack, and had a deadly lethality. Anyone who did not have a martial arts background and was too advanced in age would only hurt themselves if they blindly practiced an internal style. Of course there were exceptions, but for most people, this was definitely not a good thing. Practicing an internal style was absolutely not simple! That was the reason why a lot of internal style martial artists did not teach the people outside of their schools. Even if they did, they had to see who the person was and judge if they had the moral character to learn the martial art.


    Yang Shu did not speak.


    Zhang Ye was afraid that she would not know the seriousness of the matter, so he rambled on for over half an hour. "Don''t go around teaching other people anymore. Today will be thest time!"


    Rao Aimin came home from sending her kid to school.


    She pushed the door open and came in after hearing the yelling. "Whoa, you''re still on about it?"


    Yang Shu finally raised her head. "I was just hoping to spread the art of the Taiji Fist, that''s all."


    "There are many other ways to spread the art!" Zhang Ye reproached, "You''re too anxious to achieve that and brought harm to others in the process!"


    "I''m not!" Yang Shu bit her bottom lip, feeling aggrieved.


    Rao Aimin smacked her lips and mediated, "Alright, alright, it''s not that big a deal. But Little Zhang is right. You shouldn''t be teaching internal style martial arts to people so easily. It''s not that we''re keeping this knowledge to ourselves and refusing to share with others, but that learning an internal style can be quite harsh. If it isn''t practiced properly, it can cause one''s body a great deal of damage." Then she added, "But I''ve also seen the set of moves Little Yang was teaching, and they''re very simplified. Although, some of the moves, even if not to the extent of causing harm, are still not suitable for the middle-aged and elderly to learn since the movements are too sweeping."


    Yang Shu looked at her. "Then, Master Rao, how can we further simplify Taiji Fist so that we can teach it to everyone?"


    Rao Aimin spread up her hands. "It''s not like I know anything about your Taiji branch of martial arts. There''s only the two of you in this world that know Taiji Fist, so why are you asking me?"


    Yang Shu immediately looked to Zhang Ye. "Senior Bro."


    Zhang Ye said, "What?"


    Yang Shu said, "You must know."


    Zhang Ye said in exasperation, "Why would I know?"


    "Can you help me simplify the moves of Taiji Fist?" Yang Shu said seriously, "I would like to let everyone learn it. Just look at our neighbors, all of them really enjoyed practicing it!"


    Zhang Ye sat down on the sofa without replying.


    "Senior Bro." Yang Shu quickly poured him a cup of tea and brought it to him with great respect. "Have some tea."


    Zhang Ye took it from her and drank.


    Yang Shu said, "I understand what you were trying to tell me just now. I was too anxious and I realized that I was wrong. Senior Bro, please guide me."

 Chapter 1036: Hiring a female bodyguard!

    <h4>Chapter 1036: Hiring a female bodyguard! </h4>


    Chapter 1036: Hiring a female bodyguard!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Giving him tea.


    And pouring water.


    Yang Shu kept herself busy while she helplessly watched Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye knew that his junior martial sister had a one-track mind and was a somewhat rash person. If there was something she had made up her mind about, she would see it to the very end no matter what anyone had to say. Thinking about it, it was her life''s goal to glorify the martial art of Taiji Fist. After arriving in Beijing and depending on him for so long, all she could do was stay at home doing nothing and also asionally borrowing some money from Zhang Ye. Yang Shu probably felt dejected with nowhere and nohow to expend her energy. With people suddenly recognizing her, all the neighbors and even people from the nearby neighborhoods were nowing to learn Taiji Fist from her. They even kept addressing her as Teacher Yang or Master Yang, so Yang Shu certainly found value in this and also saw it as a way to promote Taiji Fist to the entire country, and perhaps even to the world. Naturally, she was being very diligent about it.


    "Senior Bro!


    "Senior Bro.


    "Please teach me.


    "Senior Bro!"


    Zhang Ye was just about to speak.


    However, Rao Aimin smirked and said, "Even if you beg him, it might not necessarily lead to anything. He has to first know how to go about doing it."


    Are you trying to goad me?


    Hur hur!


    Do you think I''ll fall for that?


    Hmph! Alright, I''ll really fall for it!


    Zhang Ye stared at her. "Hey, who says that I don''t know how?"


    Yang Shu''s eyes lit up. "Senior Bro, you really know how?"


    If it were anyone else, they would probably not know how to go about handling this. It would not only require a lot of time to n to simplify a set of internal style boxing techniques into something that could be practiced by the ordinary people, but would also require time to continuously refine and tweak it. Without spending three to five years, it would be impossible toplete the simplification. This was because it wasn''t purely about simplifying the moves. After doing that, there was still a need to bring it in line with the essence of Taiji Fist and reflect the discipline behind it. Therefore, it was an especially difficult task, especially if a person was a master Taiji Fist martial artist. As they were already at a more advanced stage, it would be very difficult for them to see what the ordinary people were seeing.


    But it was different for Zhang Ye since he was from another world. In his previous world, Taiji Fist had long since been simplified into countless versions. Whether it was the 42-form Taiji or the 24-form Taiji, Zhang Ye had seen it all. He even knew that the earliest 24-form Taiji, which was introduced in 1956, had used the Yang-style Taiji Fist as its basis for simplification. Further, the country was involved with its implementation at the time. Led by the Sports Administration in 1979, another version was introduced, the 42-form Taiji, which also used the Yang-style Taiji Fist as a basis but added the essence of other Taiji Fist styles. These were the two forms of Taiji Fist mainly practiced by the people in his previous world.


    So he decided that he would teach her.


    There was nothing to hide anyway.


    Zhang Ye got to his feet and said, "Watch carefully."


    Yang Shu immediately widened her eyes in interest.


    Rao Aimin narrowed her eyes and also watched with great interest.


    "This is the 24-form Taiji Fist!" Zhang Ye then demonstrated the opening stance!


    First form: Initiation.


    Second form: Part the Wild Horse''s Mane.


    Third form: White Crane Spreads Its Wings.


    Fourth form: Brush Knees and Twist Step.


    He executed the movements in a flowing motion!


    Yang Shu was dumbfounded by what she was seeing!


    Rao Aimin''s eyes narrowed even more.


    Zhang Ye continued, "Next, this is the 42-form Taiji Fist!"


    Initiation!


    Grasp the Sparrow''s Tail, Right Side!


    Single Whip, Left Side!


    Raise Hands!


    As he went through the stances, he finally reached the closing stance.


    Zhang Ye asked Yang Shu, "How much can you remember?"


    Yang Shu replied, "I''ve memorized everything!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned. What? She had memorized everything? Did she need to be so full of herself? He said in disbelief, "Then show it to me. I want you to show me both the 24-form and 48-form sets."


    "Yes, Senior Bro!" Yang Shu seemingly turned into another person and looked sharp. She demonstrated both sets without missing a thing!


    Only then was Zhang Ye convinced.


    This was what talent was. It wasn''t worth it topare people.


    Yang Shu said excitedly, "Senior Bro, was that OK?"


    Zhang Ye''s eyebrows rose a little as he nodded and said, "It was very good."


    Suddenly, Rao Aimin looked at Yang Shu and said, "Are you interested in learning from me? Transfer to the Eight Trigrams Palm? I can guarantee that you will achieve the usage of concealed power within half a year."


    Yang Shu was stunned. "Ah?"


    Zhang Ye panicked. "Hey, hey, hey, what''s the meaning of this, Old Rao? Are you trying to steal my people?"


    Rao Aimin smiled and said, "Your junior sister is a very talented person and quite suitable to learning the Eight Trigrams Palm. Her foundations are there and she has also attained great understanding, so it''s not a problem for her to start learning the Eight Trigrams Palm now."


    Even though Zhang Ye wasn''t that fond of his freeloading junior martial sister and would talk to her impolitely at times as well as order her around, Zhang Ye would definitely not allow Old Rao openly trying to steal her from him. "There are so many disciples in the Eight Trigrams Palm School, and only two left in Taiji, so why are you trying to steal her from me? Have you no heart?" He immediately said to his junior martial sister, "Don''t listen to her and continue practicing Taiji Fist. There''s no point in learning some random lousy fist and palm techniques."


    Rao Aimin looked at him. "Who are you saying has lousy fist and palm techniques?"


    Zhang Ye stared at her and said, "Whoever tries to steal my people!"


    The two of them nearly got into a fight.


    Yang Shu quickly said, "Senior Bro, Master Rao, please don''t argue. Master Rao, thank you for your kindness. Taiji Fist was handed down through my family, so I definitely wouldn''t learn any other martial arts."


    Zhang Ye nodded his head firmly. "That''s the right way!"


    Even if Rao Aimin''s social ties were extremely poor in the Chinese martial arts world, she was still a grandmaster. Besides, other than Chenchen, she had not taken any disciples of her own yet. When he learned that Old Rao was eyeing Yang Shu, Zhang Ye was truly afraid that his junior martial sister would get stolen away. It wasn''t easy for him to get a fellow junior martial sister, was it?


    Rao Aimin stopped trying and turned away. "You can look for me anytime if you want to learn the Eight Trigrams Palm. Oh right,e over for lunch this afternoon."


    Yang Shu said, "Thank you, Master Rao."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What are we having for lunch?"


    "You''re not invited!" Rao Aimin strolled off.


    Zhang Ye had no response.


    Later that morning.


    Zhang Ye taught some more simplified Taiji Fist sets to Yang Shu.


    Yang Shu virtually did not need him to repeat his demonstrations as she could almost always remember the routine after observing it just once.


    Zhang Ye was fully satisfied and felt that Yang Shu was bing more and more pleasing to the eye. "That''s about it. Take some time to digest what I''ve taught you. As for how you want to teach it to others or which sets to teach, I don''t care. You can decide by yourself."


    Yang Shu gave a fist and palm salute to him and said sincerely, "Thank you, Senior Bro!"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "We are both practitioners of Taiji, so why are you still being so polite with me?"


    Yang Shu nodded solemnly. "Alright, then I won''t be so polite with you." Then she looked at him and said embarrassedly, "Senior Bro, can you lend me some money again?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "You''re broke again?"


    Yang Shu said, "Yes."


    Zhang Ye said, "You didn''t collect any money for teaching Taiji Fist?"


    Yang Shu said, "They all liked Taiji Fist a lot, so I-I was too embarrassed to collect any money from them."


    "Then how can you ask money from me?"


    "Didn''t you say that I didn''t have to be so polite with you?"


    "Did I say that?"


    "Yes, you said that just now."


    "I''ve already forgotten."


    "Senior Bro."


    "Fine, fine. I got it already. Here, take it."


    "Thank you, Senior Bro."


    Seeing her in such a miserable state, Zhang Ye couldn''t bear refusing her. When he thought about that, he took out all of the money in his wallet, which totaled over 10,000 RMB. "Alright, I''ll give all of this to you."


    Yang Shu furiously waved it off. "I don''t need that much."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m not sure when I will being over again, so just keep it for now. Remember, if you run out of money or meet with any troubles in the future, let me know"


    Taking the money from him, Yang Shu nodded. "Senior Bro, you''re really nice."


    Zhang Ye said indignantly, "Cease with the niceties. They''re useless against me. You should find a job in your free time. You have to be able support yourself before you can teach others about martial arts."


    Dispirited, Yang Shu said, "I''ve interviewed, but nobody needed me."


    Zhang Ye asked curiously, "What kind of job did you interview for?"


    "A bodyguard position," Yang Shu said.


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "Ah?"


    Yang Shu spoke angrily, "When they saw that I was a woman, they did not even give me a chance for an interview."


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "As a Chinese martial arts master, why would you need to interview to be a bodyguard? Who could hire you? Even the head of state wouldn''t have such a privilege, no?" His junior martial sister probably did not think of it that way. But Zhang Ye knew that with Yang Shu''s skills, she would belong to the top of the Chinese martial arts world. She also practiced Taiji, and could even be considered the most authentic sessor to Taiji Fist in this world, yet she wanted to be someone''s bodyguard? How shameful would that be!


    Yang Shu said, "But I only know kung fu and nothing else." She then thought of something. She blinked and asked, "Senior Bro, do you have a bodyguard?"


    Zhang Ye said in bewilderment, "What are you nning?"


    Yang Shu pleaded, "Let me be your bodyguard!"


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "Will I be protecting you or the other way round?"


    Yang Shu''s excitement faded. "That''s true. Your skills are so much better than mine, so you won''t need anyone protecting you. Then I''ll just keep looking and see if anyone requires a bodyguard."


    Pfft!


    You''re still thinking about being a bodyguard?


    Zhang Ye could no longer bear to listen and waved her off. "Come on! With your status, how can you think about bing a bodyguard for others? Even if you don''t feel ashamed, I feel ashamed for you! What about this? You can be my bodyguard and I''ll call for you whenever I have any activities or matters to handle. You just need to shield me from the fans and reporters. As for your sry, I''ll pay you 50,000 RMB a month for the time being, though that figure may rise in the future. That''s right, do you know how to drive? Have you learned how?"


    Yang Shu immediately nodded. "Yes!"


    Zhang Ye decided, "Alright, it''s settled then. In the future, you''ll just need to drive and shield me from people. But of course, I won''t call for you every day, so you can do whatever you need to as usual, since I won''t need you for most situations. Open a bank ountter and I''ll transfer your sry to you every month."


    Yang Shu was very happy. "Understood, Senior Bro!"


    A celebrity with Zhang Ye''s status would usually have bodyguards and a full-time chauffeur. Even if they did not hire anyone themselves, their talent agencies would still arrange it for them.


    Today, Zhang Ye had finally gathered a full team of his own.


    His agent was a Chinese martial arts grandmaster?


    And his bodyguard and driver was a Chinese martial arts master?


    In the entire entertainment industry, there was truly no one else who could assemble such a team!

 Chapter 1037: Recording the fourth episode!

    <h4>Chapter 1037: Recording the fourth episode! </h4>


    Chapter 1037: Recording the fourth episode!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Friday.


    In the morning.


    On the day of recording the fourth episode of King of Masked Singers.


    On the way to Beijing Television, Zhang Ye sat in the car with his heart in his mouth. It was Yang Shu''s first time chauffeuring and bodyguarding today, and she was feeling quite nervous as well.


    "Hey, hey."


    "What''s the matter, Senior Bro?"


    "Drive slowly!"


    "OK, Senior Bro."


    "Hey, don''t drive on thene markers!"


    "Yes, Senior Bro."


    "Turn right, turn right here!"


    "Understood."


    "Are you sure you have a driver''s license?"


    "Yes."


    It was obvious that Yang Shu was the kind of driver that had not touched a car since obtaining her driver''s license. Furthermore, she was an extremely reckless driver just like her rash nature. She would keep driving straight at an extremely fast speed and was a typical example of those women drivers who would send a shiver down one''s spine.


    They arrived at their destination.


    However, there were quite a few reporters clogging the entrance. Perhaps they had received some news or they had just been waiting there, but when they saw the car, around seven reporters immediately piled toward it.


    "It''s a BMW X5!"


    "It''s the bulletproof version!"


    "That''s Zhang Ye''s car!"


    "Quick, quick, quick!"


    As the car was blocked from entering, Yang Shu had to park outside.


    Zhang Ye said, "Get out and shield them off for a bit."


    Yang Shu immediately got out of the car. "Please, could all of you make way! Make way!" Yang Shu was dressed in a ck suit and even wore a pair of sunsses at Zhang Ye''s request. She was dressed as a typical bodyguard.


    Zhang Ye also got out of the car.


    A male reporter immediately raised an audio recorder and asked loudly, "Teacher Zhang, King of Masked Singers is getting very popr these days. As the executive producer, you deserve the credit. Would you ept an interview with us at Beijing Times?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and waved it off. "I just did the pre-production. I haven''t contributed much to the show itself, so let''s drop the interview. But you guys can arrange one with Director Hu Fei."


    A female reporter squeezed her way over to him. "Director Zhang, theizens voted you into second ce a few days ago in the Ugliest Celebrities Rankings poll. What are your thoughts on this?"


    Zhang Ye walked forward while smiling. "I feel lucky that I didn''te in first ce."


    The reportersughed.


    "The Clown got first ce. Do you know anything about this contestant?"


    "I have no idea."


    "Can you reveal anything about The Clown to us?"


    "I don''t know anything."


    "The recement singer, Flowing Time, has issued a challenge to The Clown. Who do you think will win?"


    "Thepetition hasn''t even started yet. How would I know? Alright, I have to go to the program team now to discuss some things, so let''s end it here?"


    When Yang Shu heard Zhang Ye say that, she immediately took two steps forward and cleared a path for him. "Please make way, thank you."


    A reporter had wanted to squeeze his way past her, but when Yang Shu held him arm that was holding a microphone, that burly male reporter looked dumbfounded as he got pushed back by her. Another reporter wanted to rush up, but Yang Shu used the same move to stop that person.


    Inside a two-meter radius, no one could get close to Zhang Ye!


    All the reporters were dumbfounded!


    Who was that woman?


    Did Zhang Ye hire a bodyguard?


    And why was she so strong?


    When he reached the television station''s entrance, several security guards ran over to block the reporters and allowed only Zhang Ye in.


    Zhang Ye turned around and told Yang Shu, "You can drive back. I''ll probably finish in the afternoon or evening, so pick me up when the timees."


    Yang Shu nodded. "OK!"


    A number of reporters got curious and quickly snapped some pictures of Yang Shu. Had Zhang Ye hired a beautiful female bodyguard? This was news too!


    In the television station''s courtyard.


    Hu Fei and Xiao Lu saw what had happened.


    "Zhang''er." Hu Fei waved at him.


    Zhang Ye walked to him. "Why are there so many reporters out there?"


    Hu Feiughed and said, "The show is very popr. I was trapped out there for a long time too."


    Xiao Lu chuckled, "Director Zhang, did you hire a bodyguard? What a beauty!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "She''s a friend of mine. Since she was sitting idle at home, I hired her to be my bodyguard."


    Xiao Lu wondered, "Can a woman be a bodyguard too? Does she have the skills?"


    "Her skills?" Zhang Ye said, "Against ordinary people, she could hold off more than 20."


    Xiao Lu eximed, "That''s such an exaggeration!"


    Hu Fei alsoughed. "More than 20 people?"


    A woman?


    And such a beautiful woman?


    Hu Fei and the others did not believe it!


    Zhang Ye just smiled without saying anything. There was no need to exin anything to theseymen. Even if he exined, they would not understand. Yang Shu was no ordinary bodyguard. Most celebrities whose bodyguards were tall and well-built��or knew some karate, taekwondo, or martial arts, or might even be retired soldiers��could not take even three attacks from Yang Shu. She was the genuine sessor of the Yang-style Taiji Fist, an internal style master who was more legitimate than Zhang Ye.


    Hu Fei said, "Let''s go in and talk. So, that day some of the contestants used our official Weibo ounts to make those posts, that was something we hadn''t expected. When we finally got around to taking emergency actions to stop it, it was already toote."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s fine. Just treat it as promotion."


    Hu Fei looked at him. "Do we need to tell the masked singers to stop posting with their Weibo ounts?"


    "There''s no need." Zhang Ye said, "It''s unnecessary, so let the contestants settle it themselves."


    Hu Fei snapped his fingers. "OK, I''ll take your advice."


    Although Hu Fei and the King of Masked Singers program team had produced a lot of shows, the scale of those past shows had always been very small. They had never taken part in a project that had such a huge investment and had never produced a dominant show with such high nationwide viewership ratings before. Only Zhang Ye had experience doing so, even on more than one asion. As such, Hu Fei went to Zhang Ye for his opinions on a lot of matters. Having known each other for so long, there wasn''t really anything to be embarrassed about. Everyone wanted this show to seed!


    ...


    An hourter.


    As Zhang Ye finished his work, Hu Fei and the program team staff started getting busy with theirs. So Zhang Ye disappeared from sight and changed into The Clown''s costume and mask.


    After a phone call, Han Qi rushed over.


    "Aiya, Teacher Clown!"


    "I''m sorry I waste."


    "The band is waiting for you."


    "OK, I''ll head over straight away."


    He had already rehearsed one song yesterday and needed to rehearse the second one this morning.


    On the way over, Han Qi rambled on.


    "That Ugliest Celebrities Rankings thingy was pure nonsense."


    Zhang Ye smiled.


    Han Qi said angrily, "You haven''t even revealed your face yet, so how could they mess around like that? How could they vote you to first ce in the polls? And it''s even in some Ugliest Celebrities Rankings?! They have really gone too far!"


    They bumped into Dafei and Hou Ge.


    Dafei stood still. "Teacher Clown, you''ve arrived?"


    The Clown greeted him.


    Dafei said, "Please don''t be bothered by that poll."


    Hou Ge added, "It''s just theizens joking around."


    Han Qi said, "Just joking around?! That was downright insulting!"


    The Clown said, "It''s fine."


    The masked Sunset Glow happened toe out of the rehearsal room at this exact moment.


    The two of them saw each other and exchanged a few words.


    "The Clown?"


    "Hello."


    "Are you actually unattractive looking?"


    "In any case, I''m not handsome."


    "Oh, I''m not pretty either."


    Han Qi was wondering why Sunset Glow would straightforwardly ask someone whether they were unattractive. But when she heard her next words, she realized that Teacher Sunset Glow was taking a different tack tofort The Clown.


    The impact of the poll that was organized on Weibo a few days ago was still huge. Many people had participated in it, which was obvious from the millions and tens of millions of votes cast. Zhang Ye had gotten second ce in the Ugliest Celebrities Rankings poll, but everyone already knew that he was quite an unconcerned man when it came to such things. Moreover, he had frequently featured as one of the front runners in many of these negative rankings before, so everyone was used to it. But as it was The Clown''s first time in such a poll, everyone was unsure whether he had the mental fortitude to cope with the result. After all, not everyone could be as carefree as Zhang Ye. For example, if it were any other male or female celebrity who gained this title of being the ugliest, they would have long since cursed and sworn.

 Chapter 1038: An unforeseen situation at the venue!

    <h4>Chapter 1038: An unforeseen situation at the venue! </h4>


    Chapter 1038: An unforeseen situation at the venue!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The door closed.


    The rehearsal room cleared out.


    The Clown started rehearsing.


    "Teacher, you''re still not going to sing the lyrics?"


    "Yeah."


    "Alright then, let''s begin."


    "Thanks, everyone."


    The reason why Zhang Ye kept insisting on not singing during rehearsal was that he did not want to consume too much of his emotion and fervor. He was the type ofpetitor who would always do things spontaneously, which required him to be in the right condition to perform well. Sometimes, the more times a song was sung and the more focused one was, the easier it was to lose the original feeling for the song. That would only lead to a worse live performancepared to what was practiced during rehearsal. No singer could keep singing a song with fully invested emotions since they would get sick of it if they sang it too many times. So Zhang Ye needed to restrain himself as he hoped to leave his best performance for the actual stage.


    Music Director Bai Yuanfei and the Miracle Wheels band members were used to this. However, when they got the score and saw the title of the song, they nced at The Clown.


    Eh, this song?


    It''s something worth looking forward to!


    Half an hourter, they finished rehearsing after practicing the song about four times. Zhang Ye did not waste any time as the next contestant was still waiting their turn. After thanking the band, he got ready to leave the rehearsal room. When he opened the door, he saw an unfamiliar man wearing a mask and resting on the sofa outside. His mask looked very simr to Zhang Ye''s own mask. It was a very artistic, silvery mask and even had some ethnic cultural elements emzoned on it. It was clear that the mask had been meticulously created by the designer. His costume was very colorful and eye-catching as well.


    Who was it?


    Could it be Flowing Time?


    As Zhang Ye studied him, the other person did the same.


    That person stood up and looked straight into The Clown''s eyes. "You should''ve seen what I posted on Weibo, right? You even admitted defeat just so that you could eliminate Old Li. Was there really a need to go that far?"


    It was Flowing Time.


    Zhang Ye chuckled.


    Flowing Time said, "I don''t like you."


    Zhang Ye grunted.


    Flowing Time said, "You''re a Mainder, right?"


    Zhang Ye still did not say anything.


    Flowing Time said, "Since when did it be popr for Maind singers to sing Cantonese songs? Were you deliberately trying to knock Old Li out? We''re all fellow industry peers. Did you need to be so extreme? You didn''t even leave some face for him? Or leave some leeway for yourself? I also sing minoritynguage songs. If you''re so capable, why don''t you sing another Cantonese songter?"


    Zhang Ye gave him a look. "Are you done talking?"


    Flowing Time said, "Yes, for now."


    Zhang Ye curved two fingers up, one after the other. "First, I''ll decide by myself if I''ll sing a Cantonese song or not and what song I will sing. I don''t need you to tell me that. Second, if you''re here to defend Li Yu''s actions, feel free to do so. But there''s no need for so much nonsense. Let''s leave it all on the stage." He turned around and walked away.


    Flowing Time shouted after him, "Sure! Let''s meet on the stage!"


    When they walked far off, Han Qi, who was beside Zhang Ye all this while, said angrily, "Is that guy crazy?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Who knows?"


    Han Qi said, "Li Yu''s punishment has already been decided. He was the one who didn''t abide by the rules and interrupted our show''s progression. Does he even think he has a case here?"


    Zhang Ye threw his hands up.


    Han Qi asked, "Is that really Teacher Zhao Qiquan?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Since he said that he sings minoritynguage songs, then he might just really be Zhao Qiquan. A lot ofizens were guessing that it''s him. Teacher, I''ll be cheering you on. Beat him!"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Mm."


    ...


    Online.


    There was a press release with a picture attached.


    "Zhang Ye''s Mysterious Female Bodyguard!"


    "Wow!"


    "What a beauty!"


    "Yeah. Although I can''t see her face clearly since she''s wearing those sunsses, from her profile and that figure, she must definitely be a beauty. Did Teacher Zhang hire a bodyguard?"


    "A female bodyguard? Is she just for show?"


    "Who knows? I heard that Teacher Zhang''s newly hired agent is also a very beautiful woman!"


    "Teacher Zhang has offended too many people. I guess it was about time for him to get a bodyguard."


    "All I care about right now are the results of King of Masked Singers'' fourth episode!"


    "Who on earth is The Clown?"


    "The industry is still guessing as well. No one knows who he is!"


    "Flowing Time has challenged him. If it''s really the Hokkien singer, Teacher Zhao Qiquan, then it will surely be interesting to watch. It would be even more wonderful if they end up fighting!"


    "I wonder what song The Clown will be singing today."


    "I''m so looking forward to Flowing Time''s performance!"


    "I still prefer Petal Shower!"


    "Haha, I''ll be headed to the studio soon for the recording."


    "Ah, does the previous poster have a ticket?"


    "Yeah, I got it through mypany."


    "I''m so jealous of you!"


    "You gotta stream from the studio!"


    Even before the show''s recording, it had drawn the attention of the people!


    As long as it was a topic rted to the King of Masked Singers, it would be hotly discussed!


    ...


    In the afternoon.


    At Beijing Television, the drawing of lots began.


    Before long, the matchups and appearance sequence for today were set.


    The order of appearance was as followed:


    First: Spinach


    Second: Flowing Time (Recement masked singer)


    Third: Marshal Persona (Recement masked singer)


    Fourth: The Clown


    Fifth: Petal Shower


    Sixth: Sunset Glow


    It was not yet time for the audience to be admitted into the venue. There was still plenty of time until then.


    As such, Executive Director Hu Fei decided to organize a simple tea party at a small backstage dining area and invited all of today''s contestants. Afternoon tea was served with some snacks, even including red wine. "This is the first time that all the contestants have gathered together. Let me briefly introduce our two new recement singers. This is Teacher Flowing Time, and this is Teacher Marshal Persona. So then, everyone please feel free to have some tea and chat, hur hur. This part will not be broadcast anyway."


    Marshal Persona was the first to greet everyone. "Hello, everyone. I''m a neer. Nice to meet all of you."


    From his voice, he didn''t sound that young. He was perhaps in his 30s or 40s?


    Flowing Time smiled and said, "You don''t sound like a neer."


    Marshal Personaughed but did not say anything.


    Petal Shower looked at Sunset Glow. "The two of us are facing each other today."


    "Please go easy on me." Sunset Glow smiled shyly.


    Petal Shower smiled and said, "I was about to ask you the same. I''m not in too good a shape today."


    Sunset Glow looked off to the side. "Then today''s main event will have to be between The Clown and Flowing Time."


    The Clown simply shrugged it off.


    Flowing Time chuckled, saying nothing.


    When the others heard that, they also looked at those two. Everyone already knew about the provocations by Flowing Time on Weibo and wanted to find out who would be the better singer between the two of them. But as they were not matched against each other, they would not get to meet each other in the first round. So the prerequisite was that the two of them had to get through the first round before they could meet in the second round.


    Outside.


    In the recording studio.


    The audience had started to line up in advance to get into the studio.


    "Wow, the venue is so big!"


    "The set design is really nice."


    "This is all Zhang Ye''s creation. I heard that Teacher Zhang personally decorated the set."


    "It''s just somehow better with Zhang Ye taking part in the production. He''s currently the country''s best television show director and producer after all."


    "Ah, is that Dong Shanshan?"


    "It''s her, it''s her. She''s testing the microphone?"


    "Where''s Petal Shower?"


    "And where''s The Clown?"


    "Don''t bother looking for them. They''re definitely backstage."


    Suddenly, arge group of people arrived from outside. They all seemed like they knew each other and were even wearing the same outfit, which had apany''s name printed on it. A rough estimate put about 70 to 80 people in the group. When they opened their mouths to speak, they were all talking in Hokkien!


    The audience members around them all turned to look at them.


    Many of the program team staff were momentarily stunned.


    With The Clown attending the tea party, Han Qi was left with nothing much to do. So she came over to the studio to help out with work. However, when Han Qi witnessed this, she started to feel a little panicked and went to look for Dafei immediately.


    Han Qi tugged at him. "Brother Fei!"


    Dafei turned around. "What''s the matter, Little Han?"


    Han Qi pointed to the audience. "W-Why are there so many Fuzhounese?"


    When Dafei saw this, he also found it a little odd and went to check with someone. Only then did he learn what was what was going on. He said to Han Qi, "They''re from apany based in Xiamen and are a second-tier advertising sponsor for our show. They had asked for some tickets from us, so Brother Hu allocated 70 to 80 tickets for them. We originally thought that they were going to organize a lucky draw to give away the tickets, which was what they had imed as well. We hadn''t expected that theirpany employees and families woulde to Beijing for a meeting. They decided to organize a tour while they were in Beijing and now they''re here. The majority of the employees are from Xiamen, and they speak Hokkien over there."


    Han Qi asked, "Then will they be allowed to vote as well?"


    "Of course," Dafei said.


    Han Qi was badly worried now. She ran off to look for The Clown. When she got there, the tea party had just ended. "Teacher Clown,e with me, quick. There''s something urgent!"


    Back in the waiting room.


    The Clown asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Han Qi said, "There are nearly a hundred people in today''s audience who speak Hokkien!" She rted the matter to him and asked, "What should we do now? If Flowing Time is really Teacher Zhao Qiquan, then he''s one of the best Hokkien singers around. Wouldn''t those hundred votes go to him almost by default? How could anyonepete with him if that''s the case? Just think about it. If the abilities of two people are on par and the 500 audience members vote equally for each person, that will give them each 250 votes. Even with a slight deviation, ten votes would already be a huge margin, not to mention a hundred votes. But fortunately, Hokkien songs are slightly more niche. Other than this hundred people from the Xiamen sponsorpany, the rest of the audience members would probably not��"


    All of a sudden, someone knocked on the door.


    Han Qi went to open the door.


    Xiao Lu was standing outside. She quickly said, "I won''t be going inside. Just let Teacher Clown know that apany from Chaoshan with roughly 40 to 50 people has arrived. They came to Beijing for a meeting a few days ago. The program team hadn''t expected that these two groups woulde to the recording session together. I''ll be going as I still need to inform the other singers. We''ve made a mistake in our nning by not properly arranging for the attendees."


    Han Qi was a little confused. "What''s about thepany from Chaoshan?"


    The Clown spoke, "Teochew is a branch of the Minnguage. There''s about a 60-70% simrity."


    Han Qi eximed, "What?"


    Xiao Lu sighed. "That''s the issue I''m talking about."


    The Clown said calmly, "I understand."


    "We''re terribly sorry," apologized Xiao Lu before leaving in a hurry.


    "How can that happen!" Han Qi said, "Those 70, 80 people are already enough to mess the results up, but now there are another 40, 50 others? Wouldn''t that be over a hundred people in total? Wouldn''t today''s stage be Flowing Time''s home field then?"


    Previously, the program team had been very particr with the audienceposition. For example, when it came to age demographics, they would not only get young people to attend. They would invite people of all ages from their teens to their 50s. As for gender, it would basically be half-and-half with at most a 10% difference. As for thenguage they spoke, this was not a consideration at all. Since this was the Maind, they couldn''t possibly bring in half the audience from Hong Kong and the other half from the Maind just to show that they were fair to the Cantonese singers. Moreover, Cantonese songs were quite mainstream and well recognized by Mainders, so there was no need to do that. As such, what was happening today was indeed unexpected. No one had expected that such a coincidence would happen, that so many people who spoke Hokkien woulde to attend the recording! And from the apologetic attitude of Xiao Lu, it was crystal clear who Flowing Time was. He was definitely a Hokkien singer!


    The other contestants gradually learned about it as well.


    Petal Shower did not say anything.


    Sunset Glow simply acknowledged that she understood.


    Spinach had the biggest reaction. She felt she didn''t need to take the stage anymore!


    A lot of people were wondering if all of this was nned by Flowing Time himself. Could he have happened to know the CEOs of those twopanies? So he got them to ask for more tickets for people to cheer him on? And that was why he dared to openly challenge The Clown on Weibo even though he had already been crowned Masked King twice?


    Was that how it was?


    No one knew!


    In any case, the other contestants could only be sure of one thing: In these circumstances, it was going to be too difficult for anyone to beat Flowing Time!

 Chapter 1039: Who is his opponent?

    <h4>Chapter 1039: Who is his opponent? </h4>


    Chapter 1039: Who is his opponent?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the recording studio.


    All of the audience had taken their seats; the cameras were about to start rolling.


    Dafei found his way over. "Brother Hu, some contestants have expressed their views on the matter."


    Hu Fei sighed. "What did they say?"


    Dafei smiled wryly. "Last time it was Li Yu, now it''s Flowing Time. One of the masked singers said that if she were allowed to bring people from her hometown to attend the recording, she could even beat Petal Shower and The Clown!"


    "Brother Hu, what do we do now?" Xiao Lu came back after informing the contestants.


    Hu Fei said remorsefully, "What else can we do? All we can do is record. Since everyone has arrived and they''re from our sponsors, we can''t possibly chase them off, right? We only have ourselves to me for not rifying and asking clearly what they needed the tickets for when they requested them. We just assumed that they would use it for a nationwide lottery event. If it was that, the gender and geographical demographics would''ve been more evenly distributed. Hai, we can only me ourselves for being inexperienced at handling such arge singing variety show like this one. That''s why it led to a series of consecutive problems urring like it had. It was all due to my negligence. If Zhang Ye had been appointed as the executive director, such things would not have happened! If I had known that it would be like this, I would have made him ept the position of executive director no matter what. I''d have just stuck to being the executive producer and supervised from the side! That would have been so much easier!"


    Dafei immediately said, "We can''t me it on you. We don''t have the necessary experience either."


    Xiao Lu wondered, "Has Director Zhang gone missing again?"


    "He probably went back?" Dafei turned and looked around.


    Hu Fei said, "Let''s just go ahead and record. Things can''t be changed no matter what. I''ll personally go and talk to the contestants after we finish recording. Come, we''ll start record in one minute."


    ...


    Apuse rang out through the studio!


    "Hello, everyone."


    "Wee to this episode of King of Masked Singers!"


    "I''m your host��Dong Shanshan."


    Many in the audience started to scream in excitement.


    And a lot of the guys were wolf whistling.


    This scene was not nned by the program team beforehand. They had not requested for the audience to p and scream to enhance the recording effects, but was rather the most authentic representation of the atmosphere in the studio. As Dong Shanshan had gotten very popr now and the King of Masked Singers bing the top rated show in the nationwide viewership ratings, everyone was very excited that they coulde attend the live studio recording where they could also vote to determine the "life and death" of the contestants. Their emotions were running high right from the start.


    Dong Shanshan was still wearing that ck women''s suit and those gold-rimmed sses.


    After a string of advertising messages, Dong Shanshan looked at the audience and said with a smile, "I saw on the Inte that a lot of people are asking me why I keep wearing the same outfit for every episode."


    Quite a few audience members looked at her curiously.


    Dong Shanshan said, "It''s because the program team does not have any money!"


    In return, the audience heckled her!


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    "Hahaha!"


    No money?


    You''re the richest program team in the country right now, alright?


    Hearing that, Dong Shanshan looked at Yao Jiancai, who was seated at the judging panel, and said with a smile, "What a familiar sound this is! Teacher Yao, are they jeering at you?"


    The other judgesughed.


    Yao Jiancai pointed at Dong Shanshan. This Little Dong is even making fun of me now?


    The host had a bigger part in the recording of today''s episode. It was rare for Dong Shanshan to get the opportunity to say more than a bit during the opening speech, even though it was just a few lines. "I know that everyone has been waiting. Now, let''s hand things over to the contestants, so please wee our first singer onto the stage��Spinach."


    The contestant was ready and waiting in the waiting area.


    The audience started apuding!


    "She''sing out!"


    "It''s Spinach!"


    "She''s the first one today?"


    Spinach came onto the stage feeling a little unhappy. But she managed to recover from it very quickly after a few deep breaths while she stood onstage. Then she nodded at the band to signal that she was ready.


    The music yed.


    She began to sing.


    It turned out that Spinach chose a song that was based heavily on opera music and was aptly titled "Chinese Opera." There were parts of the song where it was sung in the controlled pitch style of Peking Opera 1 . When these notes went higher, the audience responded excitedly with round after round of apuse!


    When she finished performing, Spinach bowed and exited the stage.


    Chen Guang eximed, "This?"


    Wang Zhuishu was also stunned. "She is?"


    "Now you know who she?" Zhang Xia said with a smile.


    Chen Yidong said, "I think I''ve got it!"


    "It''s her?" Amy seemed to have recognized her as well.


    Zhang Xia enjoyed a good rtionship with Spinach, and they had worked together a few times as well. So Zhang Xia figured out who she was during the previous episode while the other judges finally guessed her identity today.


    Yao Jiancaimented, "Her singing is quite good."


    Zhang Xia smiled and said, "When she gets older, she''ll definitely be even better."


    Onstage, Dong Shanshan said, "Let''s wee our next contestant��Flowing Time."


    The audience immediately cheered and screamed enthusiastically. Compared to the reception when Spinach came onstage, it was louder by several times, especially in two areas where there were about a hundred people. Many of them were wearing the same outfit and were cheering in Hokkien for Flowing Time. Maybe they had also read the online news, but a lot of them probably assumed this person was Teacher Zhao Qiquan.


    Amy looked into the crowd. "They''re all speaking in Hokkien?"


    "Why are there so many of them?" Yao Jiancai eximed.


    Zhang Xia knew a little about this as she had heard from the program team staff before recording began. "They''re employees from one of the sponsors." Then she filled them in on the situation.


    Chen Guang said, "There are this many of them?"


    Chen Yidong said, "It''s gonna be very difficult for the other contestants to win."


    "It''s far more than very difficult." Amy said in a speechless manner, "If it''s really Teacher Zhao who hase onto the show, then the results are already set, aren''t they? He practically has over a hundred guaranteed votes!"


    They thought the audience was too one-sided this time. Did theye and attend the recording session solely because of Flowing Time?


    Flowing Time took the stage.


    Apuse sounded once again.


    In the end, Flowing Time slowly pressed his arms down to signal the audience to be quiet and finally halted the apuse.


    Flowing Time smiled. At the same time, the music started.


    Everyone was looking at him and waiting for him to open his mouth.


    "Please look at me.


    "Is this the person you loved so deeply?


    "Why, when you were in your hardest times, did she turn to go?


    "Please look at me.


    "Is this the friend you trusted so much?


    "Why, when you were down on your luck, did he never look back?"


    It turned out to be a Mandarin song!


    It was that very famous song called " Please Look at Me 2 "!


    The audience was very excited!


    "It''s in Mandarin?"


    "Shouldn''t he be singing a Hokkien song?"


    "Could it be that he is not Zhao Qiquan?"


    "That''s not right, just listen to his ent!"


    "His Mandarin has a Hokkien ent to it!"


    "That''s right, it''s indeed so!"


    "It really sounds like it''s from that area!"


    "It''s really Zhao Qiquan!"


    "This is awesome! His singing is so wonderful!"


    "Looks like there''s something to look forward to today! Teacher Zhao has really joined the show!"


    "Haha, The Clown has met his match this time!"


    The cheers of those Xiamen and Chaoshan people were especially deafening. The majority of them were Zhao Qiquan''s fans and loved listening to Hokkien songs!


    When Spinach saw this from the wings, she felt only a sense of powerlessness.


    When he finished performing, Flowing Time bowed in thanks. He was clearly quite pleased with his performance today.


    Spinach was then invited back onto the stage by the host, Dong Shanshan.


    The judges beganmenting.


    Zhang Xia said, "They were both great, truly great."


    Wang Zhuishu said, "I felt very satisfied listening to those two songs. They were quite enjoyable."


    Chen Yidong said with a smile, "I like Spinach''s performance more, and I think I have guessed who you are as well."


    Spinach nodded in thanks.


    Yao Jiancai said, "I prefer Flowing Time''s performance more as I feel that he sang with deeper feeling."


    "Each of them has their individual strong points, so it''s really difficult to judge who was better." Chen Guang looked at them and said, "Hur hur, let''s leave this difficult decision to the audience."


    The styles of their songs werepletely different with no ovepping qualities, so it was really quite difficult to say whose singing was better. Spinach was superior in terms of her clearer voice that had more carrying power, while her operatic parts had a very special feel to it. Meanwhile, Flowing Time was superior in terms of his experience and the control of his voice, and the projection of his emotions was quite good as well. Therefore, the judges considered the first match quite even. Even if Flowing Time was slightly better, the difference was not that great. But when the voting started and the oue was shown, the judges fell silent!


    The voting ended!


    Spinach: 107 votes!


    Flowing Time: 381 votes!


    Flowing Time emerged victorious!


    The difference was much too great!


    Almost all of the audience had given their support to Flowing Time!


    The program team staff looked at each other in dismay.


    The other contestants who were in their waiting rooms looked downhearted!


    Clearly, the audience has already recognized Zhao Qiquan through his slight ent and voice even though he had not sung a Hokkien song yet. He had only demonstrated a bit of his Hokkien ent through his Mandarin pronunciation, yet he had nearly four times more votes. With an advantage this overwhelming, if Flowing Time actually sang a Hokkien song, who would be his match?


    This "home field advantage" he had was simply too great!

 Chapter 1040: ’I’m Ugly But Tender’

    <h4>Chapter 1040: ''I''m Ugly But Tender'' </h4>


    Chapter 1040: ''I''m Ugly But Tender''


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It was time for the next matchup.


    Marshal Persona vs. The Clown.


    Yao Jiancai said, "This episode''s battle for Masked King is going to be a difficult one."


    Zhang Xia agreed, "That''s right."


    Chen Guang said, "Let''s watch how this match will turn out."


    Amy said, "Let''s see which other two contestants will advance to battle Flowing Time for Masked King."


    Wang Zhuishu asked, "Who is this Marshal Persona?"


    Chen Yidong said, "His mask looks really good."


    Marshal Persona had alreadye onto the stage, dressed in an overpowering, martial outfit that grabbed everyone''s attention.


    ...


    Backstage.


    Zhang Ye did not get affected by anyone and was getting ready for his turn onstage. He closed his eyes and did some Taiji breathing exercises to calm his mind. No matter who his opponent was, no matter where the audience was from, all he needed to do was to sing to his best.


    It was just that simple, no?


    His impulsiveness gone, he was now in great shape.


    A momentter, Han Qi knocked on the door and came in. "Teacher Clown, Marshal Persona is almost done performing."


    After two seconds, Zhang Ye opened his eyes and stood up. "Alright, let''s go."


    Ahead of them was the waiting area. Surprisingly, Flowing Time was standing there with his arms folded. No one knew if he was there to watch Marshal Persona perform up close or if he was waiting for The Clown.


    Flowing Time looked at him. "I''ll be waiting for you in the battle round."


    The Clown nced at him.


    Flowing Time said, "But from the look of things, you might find it hard to advance."


    Somber, Han Qi looked to the stage.


    Marshal Persona''s smoky voice was extremely charming to listen to.


    He was singing.


    "Years after we''re no longer together,


    "I still can''t forget your warmth.


    "You said you weren''t good-looking enough for me.


    "Well then,


    "I''ll let you go."


    He finished singing.


    Many audience members were intoxicated by his performance.


    "He''s such a strong singer!"


    "He''s absolutely an impressive singer!"


    "What a disy!"


    "Great!"


    The judges were also pping as they found it to be quite a good performance.


    Zhang Xia said, "Have any of you recognized him?"


    "His voice sounds familiar." Chen Guang was thinking hard.


    Dong Shanshan announced, "Next, let''s wee��The Clown!"


    Yao Jiancai was taken aback. "The Clown is going up against Marshal Persona?"


    Amy said, "It won''t be easy for The Clown today since he''s facing two great opponents! If he goes through to the battle round, Flowing Time will be there waiting for him. The immediate problem is that he might not even be able to win in the first round."


    Zhang Xia made a noise in agreement, then analyzed, "Since it''s already the fourth episode, unless he cane up with something extremely surprising, everyone knows how well he can sing. Although the audience still likes him, there''s nothing fresh to expect from him. They would also have higher expectations for his performances. Him and Petal Shower progressing to this point in thepetition has actually made it more difficult for them to move on. Let''s see what he''ll sing today, since that''s gonna be the crux of the matter."


    Chen Guang said, "Getting first ce in Weibo''s Ugliest Celebrities Rankings has surely affected him, in addition. At least, I think that some of the audience might change their view on him."


    Amy turned to him. "That''s just a poll for fun, isn''t it? No way it''ll be that bad, right?"


    Chen Guang said calmly, "Because you''re pretty, you don''t understand how average-looking people like us find it hard to survive the entertainment industry. It''s incredibly difficult."


    Amy replied, "Aren''t you doing rather well now?"


    Chen Guangughed bitterly, "But you didn''t see how much we went through to get to where we are."


    Yao Jiancai was deeply moved. "In this industry, even if we work five to ten times harder than some people, we might not be afforded the same opportunities."


    Zhang Xia sighed. "I can understand."


    Amy, Wang Zhuishu, and Chen Yidong fell silent.


    The Clown slowly walked out and onto the stage.


    Han Qi was cheering in her head, Go, Teacher Clown! Go!


    Petal Shower went to the waiting area.


    Sunset Glow also went.


    The two of them did not expect each other to be thinking the same thing.


    Sunset Glow asked, "What are you doing here?"


    Petal Shower answered, "Any song that The Clown sings should be listened to live."


    Sunset Glowughed. "Agreed."


    Petal Shower offhandedly asked, "Is The Clown really not good-looking?"


    Sunset Glow said, "Yup. When I asked him this morning, he said that it was so."


    "Who do you have your money on?"


    "The Clown. He always manages to surprise us."


    The audience''s response was very different from the two contestants''!


    Some were cheering!


    Some were booing!


    "It''s finally The Clown''s turn!"


    "I''m looking forward to it!"


    "What are you looking forward to? The image of my prince has been shattered!"


    "Yeah, I had imagined The Clown to be very handsome!"


    "You haven''t even seen him yet, so how would you know he''s not?"


    "Someone online analyzed it and pretty much determined that he''s indeed just average. I prefer a more handsome male singer!"


    "Me too."


    "I actually quite liked The Clown, but I can''t bring myself to like him now! I''m all about the looks! Sob!"


    "Marshal Persona is a handsome man for sure!"


    "That''s right! I''ve already decided to give my vote to Marshal!"


    "I still can''t decide. Is The Clown really that ugly?"


    The girls especially could not ept the fact that The Clown was not a handsome guy. All of them were caught in a dilemma.


    The lights dimmed.


    But The Clown did not start singing.


    This was a habit of his that everyone knew about, so the crowd fell silent.


    Flowing Time was watching him from the wings. This was his first time listening to The Clown sing live.


    The judges and audience were also looking at The Clown.


    Zhang Ye stood onstage and took in everyone''s attention. For a moment, he did not know how to sing. Aplex swirl of emotions seemed to roil within him! His journey so far had been very difficult. Others could see some parts but not all. Zhang Ye had grit his teeth and walked step by step to get here. As he was just average-looking, he had nearly tripped right at the start without getting into the entertainment industry. Due to his mediocre looks, he had experienced countless criticism and doubt, as well unfair treatment! There were even people who would judge his personality and character based solely on his appearance! He had seen this on more than one asion. Some Korean celebrities got praised as kind and good people by their fans, who would go crazy all because the celebrities said hello, even though the fans didn''t know whether their idols had gotten stic surgery. Meanwhile, Zhang Ye, who had gotten into a fight over a bullied fan, and scolded others as he sought justice for the people, had done a lot for others. He had done so much, truly, yet no matter what he did, he would always incur the wrath of others!


    Why?


    Why was it like this?


    Zhang Ye raised his microphone and looked down as he rested it near his mouth 1 .


    The soft and gentle strings of a guitar thrummed.


    "In the nightly wilderness of my dreams, I stand a proud giant.


    "But every morning, before the bathroom mirror, I realize I''m living on the razor''s edge."


    When everyone read the title of the song, they were stunned!


    Chen Guang was stunned!


    Amy looked shocked!


    The audience also looked startled!


    This��


    This song��


    Zhang Ye closed his eyes and sang.


    "In a jungle of reinforced concrete, in a life of being ordered around,


    "I think about the gulf between dreams and reality."


    Please believe me!


    Everyone, please believe me!


    I am not a bad person!


    I, Zhang Ye��really am not a bad person!


    Suddenly, he opened his eyes and looked at the audience. He looked at all of them as he thumped his chest. Then, he used his shocking voice to sing loudly to everyone.


    "I''m ugly,


    "but I am so tender.


    "Cold on the outside,


    "passionate inside.


    "That''s who I am!"


    Listening to this, Chen Guang rose to his feet!


    "I''m ugly,


    "but I have music and beer.


    "A little lowly,


    "a little fearful,


    "but I''ll never cower!"


    Amy was screaming, "Oh my goodness!"


    Spinach was dumbfounded in the wings. "What the fuck!"


    Sunset Glow looked at Petal Shower in astonishment. "This��"


    Even Flowing Time was stunned!


    The audience was also stunned, to the point they even forgot to cheer and p. How could this be! How could he still have such a song?!


    Today, Zhang Ye was particrly sincere and couldn''t control the emotions in his voice. Some of his pitch changes were all over the ce as he didn''t even try to control his voice! That was because this was a song he had wanted to sing for a while now, because this song contained all the things he had always wanted to say!


    Yes.


    I am not handsome!


    In this entertainment industry filled with all kinds of handsome men and beautiful women, I''m not at all considered good-looking. I might be a TV host, but there are times when I really do not know how to express myself. I do not know how I should tell you what I''m feeling inside. I, Zhang Ye, have never harmed anyone nor ignored my conscience. I''m willing to give my all for you guys. I can go through all kinds of hardship for my country and fellow people, but I just don''t know how I should tell you!


    I can dig my heart out for all of you to see!


    Would you like to see it?


    I truly can dig my heart out for you to see!


    It''s red, really, and scalding!


    Do you guys get it?


    Do you��understand?


    "Every morning,


    "at the edge of the city,


    "I wear a lonely mask.


    "But in the nightly


    "wilderness of music,


    "I turn into a heartfelt, roaring giant.


    "On a stage that stretches forever,


    "on the other side of not being understood,


    "Ie alive with ego and dignity."


    All of a sudden, Zhang Ye grabbed the shirt over his chest, held onto it for dear life. He grabbed it with so much strength that it was like he was trying to dig his heart out.


    "I''m ugly,


    "but I am so tender.


    "Dull in the day!


    "Eternal at night!


    "That''s who I am!


    "I''m ugly,


    "but I have music and beer!


    "Sometimes soaring!


    "Sometimes humble!


    "But always good at waiting!"


    Yao Jiancai had at some point clenched his fists!


    Chen Guang''s eyes had reddened without him knowing. All the things he wanted to say had been said for him by The Clown. This song had given voice to his innermost feelings so much that wanted to rush up on stage with a microphone and sing along!


    The audience was getting pumped up!


    On the big screen, the cameras captured several male audience members crying as well!


    This was not done for the effect of the show, and they definitely weren''t people recruited by the program team. They were crying from the live atmosphere in the studio and The Clown''s heartbreaking voice. It made those who were in the same boat lose control of their emotions!


    Yes! They were ugly and lowly!


    But they were really tender and would never cower!


    The girl who had said that she was someone who judged others based on their appearance was now wiping away her tears. "I only like handsome guys. I don''t like celebrities who aren''t good-looking, have never, and definitely won''t ever! But can anyone tell me what''s going on with me right now? Why do I like The Clown so much!"


    Suddenly, the music stopped.


    The entire studio fell so silent you could hear a pin drop!


    Zhang Ye raised his microphone and, singing in a cappe, his voice reverberated through the studio.


    "I''m ugly,


    "but I am so tender.


    "A little lowly,


    "a little fearful,


    "but I''ll never cower."


    Flowing Time was silent.


    He had been silent ever since The Clown sang his first line. He asked himself if he could have won if he had used that Mandarin song versus The Clown.


    The answer was no!


    He realized that he would probably not have won!


    No one could beat The Clown and his song!

 Chapter 1041: Winning!

    <h4>Chapter 1041: Winning! </h4>


    Chapter 1041: Winning!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The performance ended.


    Suddenly, a few female audience members stood up.


    "I love you, The Clown!"


    "I''ll love you no matter how ugly you are!"


    Apuse rang out through the studio!


    Screams came from all ces!


    "This is so good!"


    "This song is so amazing!"


    "What a good song this is!"


    "I''m ugly, but I am so tender?"


    "I want to learn this song! I must learn it!"


    "The Clown surprises us every time!"


    "Yeah, I thought that The Clown wouldn''t do well this week. When I read a lot of thements by industry insiders and other people, they were all talking about how he had done too well. Now that we were into the fourth episode, the audience would no longer feel that he was fresh. That would only make it harder and harder for him to proceed and possibly even put him on the decline. But after listening to him sing today, I find that all thosements are bullshit! How could The Clown not be good enough? Is this what you call not good enough? Is this what you''d fucking call a decline?"


    "Each of his songs gets better!"


    "What I most admire about The Clown is that he tells a story through each of his songs. And, the stories are always about himself and fit the situations to a T!"


    "How surprising!"


    "Where did all those songse from?"


    "I don''t know. Damn, who on earth wrote them for him?"


    "Even a master lyricist andposer like Wang Zhuishu, who is on the judging panel, could not possiblye up with so many earth-shattering songs in such a short span of time, could he? Could it be that Wang Zhuishu, along with Zhang Ye and a dozen of those famous songwriters, fucking wrote all those songs for him? And they''re even tailor-made for him and the situations that he''s in? That''s impossible! If it were that way, why hasn''t anyone recognized him yet?"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    The shouting came wave after wave!


    This song that hade from Zhang Ye''s previous world was the famous ssic by Zhao Chuan, " I''m Ugly But Tender 1 ," and it had shocked everyone in the studio. A ssic would always be a ssic. This song that had stood the test of time in Zhang Ye''s previous world was also capable of shocking people here now that it had been brought to this world!


    The host came back onstage.


    Dong Shanshan smiled. "Let''s wee Marshal Persona back to the stage."


    Marshal Persona came back up to the stage and gave The Clown a nod.


    The Clown nodded back to greet him.


    Dong Shanshan looked over to the guessing panel. "Judges, what do you think?"


    Chen Guang opined, "My eyes turned red just now. After four episodes of King of Masked Singers, this is the first time I''ve felt my eyes turn red in the studio. I don''t have much to say. This song affected me deeply. Marshal Persona sang well today. In fact, he sang especially well. However, The Clown''s performance can only be described with two words: absolutely perfect!"


    Amy said, "Earlier, Teacher Chen and Teacher Yao told us about how people who don''t exactly have outstanding looks have it almost impossible in the entertainment industry. Although I personally feel that Teacher Chen and Teacher Yao are both quite handsome, after I finished listening to your song, I experienced a lot of emotion. I won''t say anything more as there isn''t much else to say." She spread her hands and said, "I just like The Clown very much, so much that I can''t use words to describe my like!"


    Zhang Xia talked from a technical point of view, "Marshal Persona is a very good singer and is veryprehensive technically. I can tell from his singing that he has a very strong foundation and should be a professional singer. His status in the music industry should also be quite high."


    Marshal Persona smiled.


    Zhang Xia said, "As for The Clown, I really do not know who he is. There''s no one I can match him to. Listening to his song today, it felt a little different from his previous two songs. There are even some parts where even the average person would think they could hear a mistake. Like the trembling in his voice? The crack in his voice? But I don''t think that''s what it is!"


    Wang Zhuishu said, "Correct."


    Zhang Xia continued, "The way The Clown sang today was by using his emotions to drive the music. He used his raw emotions to sing and transmitted his innermost feelings to everyone through the music. I''ve already said this once before, but this is such a high standard and not something that every singer can hope to have. This song''s difficulty lies not in its high notes or other aspects, but in its expression of emotion. Handling this emotional nuance is truly difficult and I personally believe that I couldn''t sing this song either. There can only be two oues when singing this song. Either it gets sung really badly or it gets sung really well, of which The Clown belongs to thetter category! Even if the pickiest person faced The Clown''s song today, they wouldn''t be able to nitpick a thing! It''s that good, just that good!"


    The Clown nodded to express his thanks. He wanted to say "you''re ttering me," but suddenly remembered that he might say it with an ent since this was amonly used phrase in the Beijing region. So he did not dare to say it since he was afraid that he would get recognized immediately.


    Yao Jiancai said, "If I were to vote, I would also vote for The Clown. It''s just that simple!"


    The judges were donementing.


    Dong Shanshan followed up with, "Alright, we''ll proceed to the voting now."


    The voting began!


    The audience picked up their voting devices!


    Marshal Persona looked at the audience, as did the judges. Actually, no matter what theirments were, it was all useless since the voting depended entirely on the audience. They had to be convinced of a contestant''s performance. Just like in the previous round where Flowing Time and Spinach were at a pretty simr level of singing with an unclear difference, the audience did not see it that way and voted for Flowing Time in a one-sided affair. The right to vote and decision-makingid in the hands of the audience!


    When the voting began, the conclusion became obvious!


    When a lot of the people saw the real-time tallies on the big screen, they eximed!


    The Clown: 10 votes.


    Marshal Persona: 1 vote.


    And then.


    The Clown: 45 votes.


    Marshal Persona: 9 votes.


    The difference was toorge!


    There was basically no suspense as to how it''d end!


    In the end, when the final tallies were counted!


    The Clown''s total votes: 377 votes!


    Marshal Persona: 123 votes!


    Dong Shanshan announced, "The winner of this match: The Clown!"


    The Clown bowed in thanks.


    Marshal Persona apuded the winner.


    The moment he got off the stage, The Clown was surrounded by people!


    Xiao Lu was bbergasted. "Teacher, you were so awesome!"


    Dafei said sincerely, "You sang great up there!"


    Meanwhile, Flowing Time had gone backstage at some point in time and was nowhere to be found.


    Han Qi was beyond excited. "Teacher Clown! Why didn''t you use this song for the next round? With it, you definitely wouldn''t have lost to Flowing Time, even against a hundred-plus Hokkien speaking audience members!" She was both happy for The Clown and bemoaning the disadvantage he had!


    This song was incredible!


    But what about the next round?


    Flowing Time had challenged him!


    Even if Teacher Clown had done well in this round, when he faced Hokkien singer Flowing Time in the next round, he would still not have a good chance of winning. In Han Qi''s opinion, this huge killer move should have been used as ast resort. But Teacher Clown had brought it out in the first round!


    However, Zhang Ye simply smiled, not saying a word.


    The next round?


    He had a song up his sleeve for the next round!

 Chapter 1042: Flowing Time vs. The Clown!

    <h4>Chapter 1042: Flowing Time vs. The Clown! </h4>


    Chapter 1042: Flowing Time vs. The Clown!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On Weibo.


    Someone broke the news.


    "The Clown won!"


    "Seriously?"


    "Yes, seriously! I''m at the fucking recording studio right now! The program team took everyone''s cell phones, but this bro has two of them! I''m in the bathroom secretly connecting to the Inte!"


    "By how many votes?"


    "300 votes to 100. The gap was massive!"


    "What! The Clown has been singing amazingly for four episodes now! How does he continue to be so awesome?"


    "This, this isn''t scientific!"


    "He wasn''t just awesome! The Clown was godly today. I won''t spoil for you guys, so watch it on TV tomorrow and find out for yourselves! Oh yes, Flowing Time also won his first round match. He won by a huge margin and steamrolled Spinach! And there was an unexpected incident that happened today. Your sister! When I saw the people attending the recording, almost all of them spoke Hokkien. I was dumbfounded. After I asked around, I found out that they were the employees of the show''s sponsors from Xiamen and Chaoshan. There are close to two hundred of them! I''ll reveal a little more. Flowing Time''s identity is as good as confirmed. He''s the g bearer of Hokkien songs��Teacher Zhao Qiquan! Even though he sang a Mandarin song during the first round, we could still hear his ent!"


    "Almost all of the audience are Hokkien speakers?"


    "Damn, then what''s there left topete on!"


    "What are these circumstances?!"


    "Flowing Time will definitely win today!"


    "What''s wrong with Beijing TV?"


    "Who knows! What a terrible mishandling of things!"


    These Weibo messages were deleted soon after they were posted.


    No one really knew if the messages were deleted by the person themself or if Beijing Television found the person and made them delete them.


    ...


    At the television station.


    In the waiting room.


    Zhang Ye was watching thepetition through the TV.


    Flowing Time was the first person to proceed to the battle round while The Clown was the second to get through. The fight for thest spot in the battle round was about to begin.


    Petal Shower vs. Sunset Glow.


    In the previous episodes, Petal Shower had directly or indirectlye up against Sunset Glow. Based on prior experience, Petal Shower''s chance of winning was up to 90% and she held a big advantage. Petal Shower performed very well onstage today as she once again went back to the type of falsetto that she had used in the first and second episodes. As she sang entirely in falsetto, her voice sounded ethereal. Although she did not sing to her third episode''s godly level, it was still remarkable and she did quite well. Essentially, she had performed the song to her usual level.


    That was how the judges saw it.


    That was what the audience thought as well.


    Zhang Ye also felt that Petal Shower would win.


    But when Sunset Glow went onstage and raised her microphone, a lot of people were stunned!


    It was still a slow song like before.


    It was a love song.


    But the Sunset Glow today was just too amazing. Be it her singing skill, voice, or song selection, it gave everyone apletely different view of her. It was a heaven-defying performance and she ced herself in a fantastic position!


    This was what it was like being a singer. Talent was only one factor; the ability to perform onstage was another. For example, Zhang Ye was the type of performer who always did things spontaneously. Normally, his singing would probably be average. But when he got into the right mindset, he was able to perform exceedingly well. Today, Sunset Glow was undoubtedly in this frame of mind as well. She had sung a very ssic oldie called "How Often Does the Sun Set in the West" to a very godly state. She had been tepid in her performances so far and had been keeping rtively quiet for the past three episodes. But in the fourth episode''s recording, Sunset Glow had finally broken out!


    Even Zhang Ye was utterly convinced after listening!


    In the wings, Petal Shower was apuding Sunset Glow!


    When the results came out!


    Petal Shower: 218 votes!


    Sunset Glow: 281 votes!


    Sunset Glow won her match against Petal Shower to be the third person to get through to the battle round!


    This was something no one had expected. But when they listened to this matchup''s performances, it was still within reason. Someone had analyzed that even if The Clown were to go against Sunset Glow in the first round, it would have been very difficult to decide a victor between the two songs and who would win or lose. In thispetition, it was not only The Clown and Petal Shower who knew how to sing. Those who could appear on this stage were all people who could suddenly burst onto the scene someday. In fact, everyone was more or less at the same level!


    And the key reason that many people had analyzed the potential matchups before today''spetition was that there was too much attention on Petal Shower. Ever since the first episode, discussions about her had never stopped. After three episodes, the audience had be all too familiar with her singing, style, and choices of song. This led to their anticipation lowering. Instead, it was Sunset Glow who had never excelled so far to suddenly perform so well. This surprised the audience greatly!


    Thinking of this, a lot of people were feeling even less optimistic about The Clown''s uing performance. Like Petal Shower, there was too much attention given to The Clown in the previous episodes. He was in the same situation as Petal Shower was earlier. Moreover, today Flowing Time also held the "home field" advantage in the studio!


    The first round ended.


    There was a 15 minute intermission between rounds.


    By rights, the next round should have been the elimination round in which two contestants would be knocked out. But soon, the singers received a notification.


    Han Qi knocked on the door and came in. "Teacher."


    Zhang Ye looked at her. "What''s the matter?"


    "Please get ready." Han Qi said, "It''s gonna your turn soon."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Now?"


    Han Qi nodded and said, "Teacher Petal Shower has a bit of a stomach ache, so the program team decided to record the battle round first. That''s why it''s gonna your turn soon."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright."


    He was ready at any time.


    Han Qi cheered, "You can do it!" In reality, she was feeling quite aggrieved and was not confident at all. If it were normal circumstances, she would feel that The Clown wouldn''t lose today. But the problem was that the circumstances were not normal. At least a small half of the audience present today spoke Hokkien. Under such conditions, how could The Clownpete against Flowing Time? Even if he sang really well, it would still be a Mandarin song and the audience might not like it!


    ...


    In the studio.


    The judges were also notified of the schedule change.


    Dong Shanshan went up onstage and told the audience, "There has been ast-minute change of ns. We''ll be moving up the recording of the battle round."


    With that announcement, the atmosphere in the studio immediately changed!


    "They''re going straight into this week''s battle for the Masked King?"


    "Flowing Time is returning to the stage soon?"


    "This is great!"


    "I''ve been waiting for some time!"


    "Flowing Time is going to face off against The Clown?"


    "I''m looking forward to it!"


    "What''s there to look forward to?"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Just look over there and you''ll know. There''s no suspense to the results of this battle round!"


    Many of the audience members looked over.


    They saw two groups of many people in the audience wearing the same outfit and shouting in Hokkien. Some of them were cheering while others were shouting Flowing Time''s name. When they heard that Flowing Time and The Clown were going toe back onstage next, the atmosphere at their spot in the audience immediately grew frenzied. Many of those who came to attend the recording today were waiting for just this moment. The challenge that Flowing Time had issued to The Clown had caused quite amotion throughout the country and everyone was waiting to see how it would turn out!


    The cameras started rolling.


    The battle for the Masked King has begun!


    The host''s voice resounded, "Let us wee��Flowing Time."


    A round of apuse rang out!


    "Flowing Time!"


    "Go for it!"


    "Teacher Zhao, you can do it!"


    "Can you sing a Hokkien song please?"


    "Don''t sing Mandarin songs anymore!"


    "Flowing Time, I love you!"


    Flowing Time came out onto the stage with a smile. When he saw the audience''s expressions and heard their screaming, he got into a great mood and became very confident as well, although this was no longer a matter of whether he was confident or not. On today''s stage, it almost felt like he had home field advantage. Flowing Time didn''t think that he would lose at all, nor was there any reason to think so. It was just impossible for him to lose since he was the only Hokkien singer here today. He already had an overwhelming advantage, so all he had to do now was sing well and the title of Masked King would safely go to him!


    Just a while ago, The Clown''s performance had indeed left him stunned.


    Later, Sunset Glow''s performance had greatly surprised him.


    If he had sung a Mandarin song, Flowing Time felt that he definitely wouldn''t have beat the two of them. The two of them were in excellent shape today, but it would totally be a different story if he sang a Hokkien song! Even without counting those numerous audience members in the studio who could speak Hokkien, Flowing Time still had his own reasons to be confident. Although the Mandarin song he sang in the first round was very good, that was not his true talent. As a Hokkien singer, his forte was in singing Hokkien songs. His talent was totally different when singing in these twonguages. It was like he was twopletely different people!


    Trantor''s Thoughts


    Legge Legge


    Vote with your power stones~~ Thank you!

 Chapter 1043: ’Strive Hard to Succeed’! (First Half)

    <h4>Chapter 1043: ''Strive Hard to Seed''! (First Half) </h4>


    Chapter 1043: ''Strive Hard to Seed''! (First Half)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Onstage.


    The music started ying.


    Flowing Time''s stage presence was already entirely different from his first round''s performance. The moment the music started, he skipped along to the rhythm as he danced yfully for a bit. Compared to his previous song, he was able to let himself go. This was who he really was!


    "Ignore me.


    "Squinty eyes.


    "Hey, ho, hey."


    Flowing Time sang loudly!


    Authentic Hokkien spouted out with every line!


    When the audience heard, they immediately got pumped up. A lot of them were waving fluorescent glow sticks in their hands along to the beat.


    At the judging panel.


    Amy looked next to her. "Is it Teacher Zhao Qiquan?"


    Zhang Xia smiled and said, "He has to be!"


    Wang Zhuishu nodded. "I can confirm that he''s definitely Old Zhao. I''ve known him for many years, but I haven''t had much contact with him for the past two years. I never expected that industry veteran Old Zhao woulde and join King of Masked Singers. This will be interesting. It''s been a long time since I''ve heard him sing, but he''s as passionate as ever!"


    Chen Guang also nodded firmly. "There''s such a huge difference when Flowing Time sings a Hokkien song instead of a Mandarin song!"


    Chen Yidong praised, "It''s indeed wonderful!"


    Yao Jiancai was delighted from listening to the performance. "Is this what the top Hokkien singer is all about?"


    How legendary!


    How cool!


    This song was called "Squinty Eyes." Not many people had heard of it before, because Hokkien songs were less mainstream in this world and there were only a few well-known ones. Flowing Time probably considered how if he sang those well-known Hokkien songs that he had sung so many times whenever he got featured on television shows and in his concerts, everyone would probably be sick of them. It would no longer bring any excitement to the audience, so perhaps it was due to these considerations that he chose this song.


    The audience members who understood Hokkien were bought right into this performance!


    These people loved watching King of Masked Singers. Among them, there were some who liked The Clown, and some who were fans of Petal Shower, Sunset Glow, and the others. But now that there was suddenly someone singing Hokkien songs on the show, it brought a warm and familiar feeling to them, and they would definitely give their full support to him. Right now, be it The Clown or Petal Shower, they were both forgotten by these people!


    This was human nature and easily understandable. For example, when you meet your fellow people in your hometown, you would not feel anything different and might even feel annoyed sometimes. But if you went to a different city and suddenly heard someone speaking your hometown''snguage on the buses or in the streets, you would surely be ovee by a surge of affection!


    There was a man among them who was dressed differently from the employees. He obviously had the air of a boss and was likely one of the advertisers'' upper management or even their CEO. He was probably a fan of Zhao Qiquan as he was currently standing and pping with all his might!


    The atmosphere was great!


    Some of the audience members who did not understand Hokkien also got energized from listening. Although there was anguage barrier, they could still look at the tranted lyrics shown on the second teleprompter disy behind the contestant. This teleprompter disy was not meant for the contestants but the audience to look at. Some of the Hokkien words could not be tranted word for word, and there were even some verses that were very difficult to trante into Mandarin, so only a transliteration was possible.


    "Squinty eyes.


    "Smiling guise.


    "Ohh��ohh!"


    When he wasing to the end of the song, Flowing Time even started dancing.


    This "Squinty Eyes" was sung almost to perfection by him. From the song, his singing skills, to the musical arrangement, everything was wless!


    Although there were some people from Xiamen and Chaoshan who felt that this song''s lyrics were just average, and that Flowing Time should have sung one of his more well-known songs, they were still quite satisfied that they could listen to a Hokkien song at the live recording of King of Masked Singers.


    The song ended!


    Everyone stood up and apuded!


    "Good!"


    "It was really quite good!"


    "Experience still counts for a good showing!"


    "I''m beginning to like Hokkien songs!"


    "Me too! It was pretty good!"


    Even some of the audience members who did not understand Hokkien also came to be interested in Hokkien songs. This was because either only Cantonese or Mandarin songs had been performed on this stage; everyone had heard them too often. So today, the audience was quite curious when someone suddenly sang a Hokkien song. They enjoyed it greatly!


    Flowing Time bowed and went offstage with a smile.


    When the audience saw this, they gave their most enthusiastic apuse to him once more!


    Flowing Time did not return to the waiting room. After he left the stage, he waited in the wings as he still needed to go back onstage after The Clown and Sunset Glow were done performing. Flowing Time kept his eyes peeled in the direction of the waiting area as he was quite curious about what song The Clown would sing this time topete against him for this episode''s Masked King!


    At the judging panel.


    Zhang Xia asked, "What do you guys think The Clown''s and Sunset Glow''s chances are?"


    Wang Zhuishuughed dryly and said, "They probably don''t stand a chance."


    When Chen Yidong turned around and saw those Hokkien audience members whose enthusiasm had not subsided yet, he alsoughed. "I think so too. How are they going topete with him this way?"


    He had practically brought all of his extended family along!


    A third of the people in the studio spoke Hokkien!


    Chen Guang analyzed, "Actually, Sunset Glow still has some hope. Her form is very good today and she has maintained a low profile in each of thest three episodes, so the focus on her is lower than The Clown and Petal Shower''s. The audience also seems to be looking forward to her performance, but as for The Clown��this round is much too difficult for him."


    Amy added, "Unless he cane up with some weird surprises again!"


    In the waiting area.


    Zhang Ye listened as he watched without saying a word.


    Han Qi was anxiously stamping around. Judging from the audience''s reaction, Teacher Clown was definitely done for. If this were a normal recording like any other day, Han Qi would have been fine with things as long as The Clown was not eliminated. It was not like he had to be the Masked King every episode��that would be quite impossible��since he had already won it twice. Today was different. Flowing Time had issued the challenge and news of it had spread all over the Inte. If Teacher Clown lost today, who knew what Flowing Time would say? He was here to seek justice for Li Yu after all!


    Han Qi did not like Flowing Time as she felt he had been hyping up the incident for his own benefit. Although he had some status in the industry, he was still just a minoritynguage singer. His poprity was considered high, and he hadn''t appeared on television for a long time. Before this episode''s recording, Flowing Time had challenged The Clown directly. He even used the excuse of seeking justice for Li Yu to attract news and discussion interest onto himself. At the studio, he provoked The Clown through speech on more than one asion. Now that there were many audience members who could speak Hokkien attending the recording, Han Qi couldn''t help but suspect that this was all nned by Flowing Time!


    How despicable!


    He was just using The Clown to increase his own poprity. Did Teacher Clown offend you or something?


    Li Yu was one!


    Zhao Qiquan was another!


    There were really all kinds of people in the entertainment industry!


    Han Qi angered the more she thought about it.


    But The Clown did not have much of a reaction. No one knew what he was thinking about.


    Dong Shanshan''s voice sounded, "Next, let''s wee��The Clown!"


    Dafei came over and said, "Break a leg, Teacher."


    Xiao Lu apologized, "I''m sorry, Teacher Clown."


    The program team felt quite apologetic as they believed it was their negligence that led to this match between The Clown and Flowing Time starting off in an extreme state of unfairness!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s alright."


    He slowly walked out onstage.


    Petal Shower had recovered a little and came over as soon as she could.


    Sunset Glow and Spinach were also standing in the wings.


    Everyone knew that it would be very difficult for The Clown to defeat Flowing Time!


    Flowing Time was already breaking out into a smile underneath his mask. He was very rxed as he gazed with great interest at The Clown, onstage. He knew that he already had this round in the bag.


    The audience was also discussing, as well as pointing at The Clown.


    "It''s The Clown turn now!"


    "It''s time to decide who the victor is between the two of them?"


    "Actually, the result is obvious!"


    "The Clown won''t win."


    The lights turned off.


    The studio grew quiet.


    Chen Guang and Amy sat up straight. Even though they knew that The Clown did not really have a chance of winning, they still couldn''t help but look forward to his second song of the day!


    Everyone focused their attention on The Clown!


    Everyone was paying attention to every move he made!


    Zhang Ye looked at the judges, then the audience. From the looks in their eyes, he could see many things.


    I can''t beat him? These were the words Zhang Ye had heard most today. Someone mentioned it right in front of him, and he also overheard others who said it in their private conversations. He also knew that Flowing Time had home field advantage today as many of audience members could speak Hokkien. But Zhang Ye never once thought he would lose. He could afford not to fight for the crown of the Masked King today. But you, Zhao Qiquan, if you want to use me as a stepping stone to climb higher? You wish to use me to elevate yourself? Then of course I''m not going to let you have your way! You want to step on me by resorting to those petty tricks? You think you can beat me by getting some audience members who speak Hokkien?


    You have really underestimated me, Zhang Ye!


    I''ll show you what you get for underestimating me!


    All of a sudden, Zhang Ye''s entire aura changed!


    Zhang Xia was taken aback.


    Petal Shower looked bewildered.


    Flowing Time frowned.


    The music started ying!


    This melody was still a song no one had ever heard of before. When they saw the title of the song, it was also a song that they hadn''te across before. "Strive Hard to Seed"? It was obviously an original!


    Flowing Time smiled when he saw the title!


    Strive hard to seed?


    What are you striving hard for?


    How are you going to strive hard?


    This is not something you can seed at just by trying hard! You sure are na?ve! Alright then, I''d like to see how you are going to strive hard and how you are going to seed!


    A Mandarin song?


    Or a Cantonese song?


    Hur hur, sing whatever you want!


    The Clown raised his microphone lightly.


    Then, when The Clown sang the first verse of the song, Flowing Time received a bolt!


    The Clown sang.


    "Don''t despair when you''re in the mourn.


    "Don''t be afraid when you''re forlorn.


    "Passing time without any hope,


    "Every day going down to tope.


    "A person without a soul is like a scarecrow."

 Chapter 1044: ’Strive Hard to Succeed’ (Second Half)

    <h4>Chapter 1044: ''Strive Hard to Seed'' (Second Half) </h4>


    Chapter 1044: ''Strive Hard to Seed'' (Second Half)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Holy shit!


    Holy shit!


    Holy shit!


    When The Clown opened his mouth to sing, everyone was dumbfounded!


    Flowing Time was so shocked he nearly fell down!


    Amy stood up in shock!


    Wang Zhuishu was stunned!


    Hu Fei and Xiao Lu''s jaws dropped!


    In the wings, Petal Shower, Sunset Glow, and Spinach nearly lost their footing!


    The studio audience went ck-jawed!


    It was Hokkien!


    It was a Hokkien song!


    What was going on?


    What the fuck was happening?


    How could The Clown possibly know how to sing a Hokkien song? This was impossible! I-It was just impossible! When did he learn Hokkien? Who, who could''ve written all those songs for him?!


    The Clown did not even look at how everyone reacted or the expressions on their faces. He just sang loudly and fluently in Hokkien.


    "Life is like the waves on the sea.


    "Sometimes up, sometimes down.


    "Good luck or bad,


    "We still must continue to work.


    "Thirty percent Heaven''s will!


    "Seventy percent hard work!


    " Strive hard to seed 1 !"


    Oh my god!


    Amazing!


    It was so goddamn amazing!


    The audience members who could understand Hokkien felt like they had seen a ghost. It was quite expected that Flowing Time would sing a Hokkien song because Flowing Time was Zhao Qiquan. He was a professional Hokkien singer and had been singing Hokkien songs for over a decade. But who was this Clown person? Who the fuck was this guy? How could there be someone else who could sing Hokkien songs in such a way? And be it his voice, singing, or vocal technique, all of them was even slightly better than the best Hokkien singer, Zhao Qiquan? This��this��


    And where did this song pop out from?


    Even though it was their first time hearing it, why was the melody so good? And the lyrics were good as well?


    The Clown continued singing.


    "Don''t despair when you''re in the mourn.


    "Don''t be afraid when you''re forlorn.


    "Passing time without any hope,


    "Every day going down to tope.


    "A person without a soul is like a scarecrow."


    One!


    Ten!


    A hundred!


    Many of the audience members started standing up!


    Especially those who understood Hokkien��they had the greatest reaction out of everyone. Many of them were waving the fluorescent glow sticks in their hands madly as they watched, dumbfounded!


    This song was incredible!


    It was so good!


    "Life is like the waves on the sea.


    "Sometimes up, sometimes down.


    "Good luck or bad,


    "We still must continue to work."


    Flowing Time''s face turned green from anger!


    When the nearby Spinach saw the look on Flowing Time''s face, she burst outughing.


    When Sunset Glow noticed Spinachughing, she let out a giggle as well. Looking at The Clown who was onstage and Flowing Time who stood in the wings watching, she had to give props to The Clown!


    Chen Guang was impressed!


    Zhang Xia was impressed!


    Yao Jiancai was impressed!


    The program team staff and everyone present were all impressed!


    They didn''t know what words they could use to describe The Clown with anymore!


    The Clown pointed to the ceiling and sang.


    "Thirty percent Heaven''s will!"


    Dong dong!


    "Seventy percent hard work!"


    Dong dong!


    "Strive hard to seed!"


    Along with the beat, the audience got fired up!


    Amy yelled, "Why does he even know Hokkien?!"


    Wang Zhuishu said, "Who knows!"


    Chen Guang said in amusement, "This person has truly brought us surprise after surprise, over and over again. By the way, who was the one that said The Clown would definitely lose this round?"


    Zhang Xia smiled and said, "You were."


    Chen Guang coughed, "Did I? I didn''t say that."


    Yao Jiancaiughed heartily. "Old Chen''s trying to go back on his words. Stop denying it!"


    Chen Yidong said in a speechless manner, "Who would have thought that he could sing in Hokkien and have such an original song lineup as well! Aiyo, I''m really impressed. Who in the world is he?"


    As they listened to the song and chatted among themselves, they could not help but look to Flowing Time. Just by the shocked expression seen in Flowing Time''s eyes behind his mask, they knew he could not have expected that The Clown would actually sing a Hokkien song even in a hundred lifetimes!


    It truly was a matter of striving hard to seed!


    Everyone had underestimated The Clown!


    In the previous episode, they could feel the pain on Li Yu''s face!


    In this episode, they could feel the pain on Flowing Time''s face!


    Han Qi was extremely excited as she waved her hands with all her might and screamed from the wings. Everyone thought that The Clown would surely lose, but who could have guessed that he would bring out this song!


    "Life is like the waves on the sea.


    "Sometimes up, sometimes down.


    "Good luck or bad,


    "We still must continue to work.


    "Thirty percent Heaven''s will!


    "Seventy percent hard work!


    "Strive hard to seed!"


    Flowing Time was already cursing in his head. He still did not wish to believe that The Clown was really singing a Hokkien song. It was unlike the Cantonese songs that many people knew how to sing. As there were more good Cantonese songs around, those who liked listening to Cantonese songs would more or less know how to sing a few lines as well as pronounce the lyrics quite urately. Flowing Time had sung in Hokkien, which was considered as a minoritynguage. Moreover, there weren''t many Hokkien songs that were especially popr in this world!


    So how the fuck did you manage to know how to sing this one?


    You can even goddamn sing something like this?


    Fucking hell, aren''t you too multi-talented?!


    You must be doing this on purpose!


    On the stage.


    The Clown finished performing.


    The audience erupted into cheers and apuse!


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    The audience members who understood Hokkien were shouting the loudest!


    When Flowing Time saw this, his heart skipped a beat. He knew that he might actually lose today. The home field advantage he was relying on had turned into The Clown''s advantage! He had intended to step on The Clown to win thepetition, but who could have known that The Clown would p him soundly instead! Flowing Time really regretteding onto this stage. He didn''t gain much poprity and, from the looks of it, might even lose the initial poprity and status he had had!


    Although there were winners and losers on this stage, with even Petal Shower losing before, it was really no big deal. However, the current situation Flowing Time was in was different. He provoked The Clown by challenging The Clown to verse him. In the end, as a g bearer of the Hokkien music scene, he got smacked in the face by a foreigner who sang in Hokkien? What sort of feeling was this? Just thinking about it made it unbearable for him to watch!


    How could it just be painful for his face?


    It was so painful that it felt like his balls were being crushed!


    As Flowing Time thought about it, his face flushed red and green!


    Zhang Ye quickly walked off the stage.


    Petal Shower gave him a thumbs up!


    Spinach raised both her hands and gave him two thumbs up!


    Sunset Glowughed dryly. "It was Flowing Time''s misfortune to have bumped into you!"


    Spinach nudged her chin in a certain direction. "Teacher Zhao is almost in tears! Teacher Clown, you were so ruthless. That was really ruthless, hahahahaha!"


    Today''spetition had been quite exciting!


    Someone wanted to die while others wanted tough.


    Everyone was even more baffled by The Clown now. The urge to go onstage and pull his mask off grew even greater as everyone wanted to find out exactly who The Clown was!


    You can sing Mandarin songs?


    You can sing Cantonese songs?


    You can even sing a northeastern-ented song?


    And now? You can even sing a fucking Hokkien song?!


    Where did you learn all these from? Where did all these songse from?

 Chapter 1045: An extra round!

    <h4>Chapter 1045: An extra round! </h4>


    Chapter 1045: An extra round!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The Clown had exited the stage.


    It was the next contestant''s turn to go on.


    However, there were still some people in the audience discussing him in astonishment.


    "Zhao Qiquan didn''t turn out to be such a big deal after all!"


    "Just who is the true Hokkien singer between the two of them?"


    "The Clown sang much better than Flowing Time!"


    "Yeah. Without aparison, no one would have known. But the moment they both sang a Hokkien song, I got shocked!"


    "So it turns out that Zhao Qiquan, the so-called best Hokkien singer, is only so-so. It''s not that his singing is good, but that there''s too littlepetition in the Hokkien music scene. Not many people sing Hokkien songs, but once any of those elite singers sing in thenguage, any one of them would be better than him!"


    "That''s not really how it is. It was only because The Clown was so good that it made it seem like it."


    "Right, the guy''s incredible. How does he know how to sing everything!"


    "He has already sung pop songs, rock songs, folk songs, a song without lyrics, songs with lyrics, a Cantonese song, a northeastern-ented song, Mandarin songs, and even a Hokkien song!"


    "This is a singing show, but why does it feel like I''m watching a martial arts film instead? The Clown is really versatile and skilled in so many areas! Hahahaha! I''m dying ofughter!"


    "That was really enjoyable!"


    "This episode''s gonna be wonderful!"


    "This is what a professional singingpetition should be. The Voice pales inparison!"


    "It''s Sunset Glow''s turn now!"


    "Right, Sunset Glow is also a fearsomepetitor today!"


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Now, let''s hand the stage to Sunset Glow."


    Sunset Glow went onstage.


    The audience was very amodating as they immediately quieted down.


    Sunset Glow nodded to express her gratitude. Then she looked at the band and nodded at them, signaling that she was ready to start.


    In truth, in this round of thepetition, The Clown''s and Sunset Glow''s chances of winning were very slim. It was very difficult for the two of them topete against Flowing Time as he probably had an 80% chance of winning. This was because Flowing Time was a Hokkien singer and a lot of Hokkien audience members had turned up for today''s recording. But when The Clown sang "Strive Hard to Seed," he ruthlessly reversed the situation and utterly broke up Flowing Time''s chances of bing the Masked King. Further, with those two Hokkien songs performed, Sunset Glow as the remaining singer performing a Mandarin song actually gained an advantage. This was because the audience''s curiosity had been dulled, and the hundred-plus votes from the Hokkien speaking audience were allocated between The Clown and Flowing Time. With such subtle changes to the circumstances, Sunset Glow instead became the one with the highest chance of bing the Masked King among the contestants!


    "You asked me,


    "Why I never cower.


    "You asked me,


    "Why I never panic."


    After just two verses, all the judges revealed astonished expressions! Was Sunset Glow on steroids today? Her form was spectacr. It looked like she had already familiarized herself with this stage. She did not feel nervous anymore and was able to let herself go. Perhaps this was what you call ate bloomer? No wonder even Petal Shower was taken down by her during the first round!


    Once the song finished, the studio thundered with apuse!


    A lot of people were moved by the gentle and soothing voice in Sunset Glow''s singing. This song was originally a rock song and was a song that had shot a male rock band to fame. Now, Sunset Glow had arranged it and used a quiet and womanly voice to sing the song. Be it the audience or the judges, none of them had ever heard anyone sing the song like this. It was extremely original and everyone was very impressed with it!


    The audience was faced with a dilemma!


    "This is too difficult to choose!"


    "Yeah, who should I vote for?"


    "They are all super great!"


    "Sunset Glow was so incredible! I didn''t pay much attention to her before, but I could never have expected that she would be such an amazing singer!"


    "Sunset Glow should probably win this!"


    "Yes, she has really good chances of bing the Masked King!"


    "The interpretation of the song was very well done!"


    "It looks like The Clown will perish together with Flowing Time today. The two of them fought such a battle and the victor has been decided, but Sunset Glow should benefit the most from their fight!"


    "Let''s see what the judges are going to say."


    "I still haven''t decided who to vote for."


    Dong Shanshan went onstage.


    The Clown and Flowing Time were also invited back to join her.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Wow, I''m really enjoying today''spetition." She gestured to her rear. "This is the first time that I''ve realized that live singing can really make one sweat." She looked at the judges and said, "I wonder what the judges think. Teacher Zhang Xia?"


    Zhang Xia smiled. "In fact, I was sweating too just now."


    A smile hung from Dong Shanshan''s lips. "You did too?"


    Zhang Xia nodded and said, "When I listened to Sunset Glow''s singing, I enjoyed it to the point of sweating. But when I listened to The Clown''s singing, I was��sweating with shock!"


    Everyoneughed!


    Indeed, a lot of people were shocked just now. No one could have expected him to sing a Hokkien song so fluently the moment he opened his mouth. At that time, even the Miracle Wheels band members, who were ying the live apaniment for his performance, were shocked. This was because The Clown did not sing the lyrics during the rehearsal beforehand. Hence, all of them thought that it was going to be a Mandarin song!


    Zhang Xia thought for a moment. "If I were to vote, I would vote for Sunset Glow today. She was fantastic!"


    Sunset Glow bowed. "Thank you, Teacher!"


    Chen Guangughed and said, "The Clown is the singer I most admire today. I never thought that he would still have that sort of song. But if we are judging from pure singing skills and fine details, I would probably vote for Sunset Glow."


    The Clown nodded.


    Sunset Glow bowed again. "Thank you."


    Yao Jiancai chuckled, "I would vote for The Clown. I can''t give any professionalments here. I just feel that "Strive Hard to Seed" was just that good!"


    The judges expressed their opinions.


    Four of them supported Sunset Glow while two of them supported The Clown.


    Standing next to them, Flowing Time was left hanging. Only Wang Zhuishu, whom he knew from long ago, praised him a little and even that was just a symbolic gesture. The other judges did not even bring him up in theirments. Actually, this was probably the best oue for Flowing Time. Whether the singing, lyrics, or melody, Flowing Time knew that he was far inferior to The Clown''s Hokkien song. If the judges really used their professional point of view to analyze, Flowing Time would be even more disgraced. As the best Hokkien singer, he would have been even more embarrassed!


    Then the voting began!


    The tallies for each of them kept changing!


    The audience''s shouts and expressions kept changing as well!


    "Ah, The Clown''s votes went up!"


    "Sunset Glow is in first ce now!"


    "Give your vote to Flowing Time!"


    "Aiyo, vote!"


    "Sunset Glow!"


    "The Clown!"


    The voting ended!


    But Zhang Ye did not even turn around to look because he did not have the thought ofpeting for the title of Masked King in mind today. Nobody could be the center of attention all the time. He had to asionally give the chance to other people. Besides, he was already making preparations for the King of Masked Singers'' grand finals by keeping a low profile. If he kept being the center of attention and the height of poprity and brought out all his killer moves this early on, how could he handle the grand finals of thepetition?


    As a result, he felt great. This fellow was here today to teach Flowing Time a lesson, and his objective had been met!


    However, when the voting ended, he realized that the audience looked surprised. Dong Shanshan also dyed announcing the results!


    What was going on?


    What has happened?


    Did Sunset Glow win?


    The audience was stunned.


    The program team was stunned.


    The host was also stunned.


    "Uh��"


    "This��"


    Zhang Ye couldn''t help but turn around to have a look. He was also slightly taken aback by what he saw!


    Flowing Time: 36 votes!


    The Clown: 232 votes!


    Sunset Glow: 232 votes!


    They tied!


    The Clown and Sunset Glow''s tallies were exactly the same!


    Dong Shanshan giggled and looked over to Hu Fei and the program team staff offstage. "This is the first time such a situation has arisen. We never expected that there would be a tie, so let me seek the program team''s views on this."


    Offstage.


    The program team staff gathered together to discuss this.


    Flowing Time was the most tormented person onstage. His tally was so low that he could not bear to look on any further. It was really, really appalling to look at. Just choose a winner already and end it quickly. Why are you all still making me stand onstage with everyone? Are you people trying to ridicule me? Can''t youe to a decision more quickly?!


    The audience:


    "Flowing Time lost so terribly!"


    "Pfft, he was the one who started the moring and provoked The Clown a few days ago. But in the end, the oue turned out like this? He still intended to seek justice for Li Yu? I''m already feeling embarrassed for him!"


    "To the victor go the spoils!"


    "Flowing Time is no match for The Clown!"


    "Yeah, it''s useless even if he practices another few years since these two singers are on totally different nes."


    "I never expected a tie."


    "I thought that Sunset Glow would win for sure."


    "That''s right. Even the majority of the judges were supporting Sunset Glow."


    In fact, Zhang Ye himself was not prepared for this result. He also thought that Sunset Glow would be crowned this episode''s Masked King. But he couldn''t have expected that the audience would give him so much face. Zhang Ye was hoping that they would stop discussing any further and just dere Sunset Glow as the winner of this episode. He was willing to forfeit this round automatically. But he definitely could not say that as it would be showing disrespect to Sunset Glow. Thest time he lost on purpose was because he was targeting Li Yu. But he couldn''t do that again as Sunset Glow would definitely not agree with it!


    A few minutester.


    The oue of the discussion was decided!


    Dong Shanshan received the program team''s instructions through her earpiece. "Mhm��mhm��yes, I understand." Then she smiled and announced, "Since who bes each episode''s Masked King is quite important as it affects the order of appearance in the grand finals of King of Masked Singers, our program team has decided to implement an additional round!"


    The audience got excited the moment they heard!


    "Wow!"


    "An extra round?"


    "Haha, that''s great!"


    "We get to listen to another two songs!"


    "I bet Sunset Glow will win!"


    "My bet is on The Clown! That guy''s abilities can''t be fathomed!"


    Dong Shanshan looked at the two contestants and asked, "Do you two have any problems with that?"


    Sunset Glow was in excellent condition today and she was highlypetitive too. She nced at The Clown, then nodded and said with a smile, "I don''t have any problems with that!" It looked like she wanted topete with The Clown to see who was better.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said in return, "Then I have no problems with it either."

 Chapter 1046: Deciding the tiebreaker match song!

    <h4>Chapter 1046: Deciding the tiebreaker match song! </h4>


    Chapter 1046: Deciding the tiebreaker match song!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the recording studio.


    The program team hammered out some details regarding the tiebreaker match.


    Then, Dong Shanshan received the information through her earpiece and announced the rules for the tiebreaker with a perfect smile on her pretty face, "The tiebreaker match will begin soon. Due to the show''s time constraint, each contestant will have two minutes of performance time. After they finish performing, six of the judges on the guessing panel will vote to choose this episode''s Masked King."


    The judges could vote?


    Have the rules changed?


    Chen Guang said with augh, "We hold the authority today."


    Amy was also quite happy since they did not used to have the right to vote.


    They understood the program team''s intentions. The team must have wanted to prevent the show from progressing too monotonously, always following the same rules. Otherwise, the audience would get sick of watching it. They could make use of this tiebreaker match to make an adjustment and let it be a rule to follow in the future. If a tie happened again, they could use today''s rules to decide on a winner.


    Dong Shanshan looked at The Clown and Sunset Glow. "Our two singers?"


    Sunset Glow said, "OK."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I understand."


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Then would the two of you please start prepping now."


    The two of them nodded and left the stage.


    The cameras stopped rolling.


    Dong Shanshan told the audience, "We break for 15 minutes."


    Although the actual broadcast would seamlessly continue into the tiebreaker, at the live recording, there would definitely be a need to allocate some time for the contestants. As they had only prepared two songs today, and the need for a third song was due to unexpected circumstances, it was absolutely necessary to give The Clown and Sunset Glow some buffer time. It was easier for Sunset Glow as most mainstream songs would not be a problem for the band. They could easily y her apaniment without much practice. But as The Clown''s song selections were a little more troublesome since he was always singing originals, the tiebreaker match presented more difficulties for him.


    Zhang Ye did not seem to mind as he was prepared to give up the title of Masked King.


    Perhaps Sunset Glow could already see it. She suddenly stopped in her tracks in the corridor and turned around to look at him. "You don''t seem too keen on winning today."


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s not true."


    Sunset Glow said seriously, "I can sense it."


    Zhang Ye felt a little embarrassed. A woman''s intuition was really not something that should be trifled with. In truth, he did not treat the tiebreaker too seriously and was nning to just sing a random song. After all, Sunset Glow was probably someone he knew personally. Since she was in excellent shape today, he did not wish topete against her for the title of Masked King.


    Sunset Glow said, "I want a fair and square match. Can you oblige?"


    Zhang Ye did not say anything.


    Sunset Glow looked into his eyes and said, "Don''t you concede to me."


    Zhang Ye gave a wry smile. "I would never."


    "Good." Sunset Glow nodded. "See you onstage."


    Zhang Ye replied, "Yeah. I''ll give it my best shot!"


    Sunset Glow was happy. "I hope you''ll walk the walk. I don''t care for being the Masked King if you just hand it on a tter to me." Then she went to find Music Director Bai Yuanfei to discuss her song for the tiebreaker match.


    In The Clown''s waiting room.


    Walking in, Zhang Ye felt a little embarrassed. Since Sunset Glow had put it so bluntly, what could he say? He also started to feel like he was disrespecting this stage and Sunset Glow!


    Concede?


    Go easy?


    Actually, were they really any better than each other? Even if he did not hold back, he might not be able to beat Sunset Glow today. The thought he had was already belittling others in and of itself. Zhang Ye was a person who could ept criticism and was also critical of himself. Alright, I''ll sing properly this time then. Whoever wants to be crowned Masked King this episode will have to depend on their individual talents!


    But which song should he sing?


    He had not prepared another song in advance!


    Immediately, Zhang Ye turned serious. Giving it some thought, the songs sung in this episode''spetition were too impressive and the audience''s emotions had been brought to a high by the performances. If he had to choose a song for this tiebreaker match, Zhang Ye would not want to sing a fast song or one with high notes. He''d prefer to sing a rather calm song.


    Dong dong.


    Someone knocked on the door.


    Zhang Ye said to the outside, "Please enter."


    Three people came in from outside. They were Han Qi, Hu Fei, and Dong Shanshan.


    When he saw Dong Shanshan, Zhang Ye became nervous. Every time he met Dong Shanshan in the program team''s workspace as The Clown, his entire person would be wary. Because she was not just anyone, but his university ssmate of four years. In addition, after graduation, they had lived and worked together as colleagues, so Dong Shanshan knew Zhang Ye very well. He did not even dare to cross his legs in front of her as he was afraid she would recognize him instantly. As a result, his speech and actions all had to be "uncharacteristic" of him. For example, he folded his arms in a way which he usually did not.


    Dong Shanshan said, "Teacher Clown."


    The Clown looked at them.


    Dong Shanshan asked, "Sunset Glow is just about done preparing and will be ready anytime. If you need more time here, we can still dy a bit more."


    Hu Fei said, "If not, we can also leave the tiebreaker match''s recording for after the elimination round is done. In any case, we skipped past the elimination round and went straight to recording the battle round just now."


    The Clown said calmly, "It''s alright."


    Dong Shanshan confirmed with him, "Are you sure?"


    The Clown nodded.


    Dong Shanshan looked at Hu Fei. "Director Hu, shall we proceed as nned?"


    "Yes," Hu Fei acknowledged.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Then I''ll speak freelyter."


    Hu Fei said, "Sure. Thanks for the hard work."


    Dong Shanshan looked at The Clown as she blinked and said, "You can continue preparing for now. We''ll await your word, then?"


    Han Qi said, "Teacher, you can do it!"


    The Clown nodded and gazed at Dong Shanshan and the others as they left.


    As the door was not fully closed yet, he could hear Hu Fei talking to Dong Shanshan. "Teacher Shanshan, I saw the info on your ID card and know that your birthday is next month. What would you like as a present?"


    Dong Shanshan replied, "There''s no need for that, Brother Hu."


    "Then why don''t we organize a birthday party for you?"


    Dong Shanshan seemed to want to refuse him. "There''s really no need to. Actually, my birthday is not��"


    "Hur hur, that won''t do," Hu Fei interrupted. "This is what our department''s usual practice is. You''re not exempt."


    The door closed.


    He could not hear the voices anymore.


    Zhang Ye was stunned. Dong Shanshan''s birthday? Next month? How could that be?


    He immediately looked at the calendar, and thenughed. He facepalmed and silently cursed himself for being so harebrained. It was already that day? He had almost forgotten about it! He even forgot to send her his well-wishes! As her old ssmate of many years, an old friend, and an old colleague, he really did not deserve to be called all that!


    He was hoping to gift her a song now.


    But which song?


    Zhang Ye could not think of anything, but he remembered the lottery draw. So he simply opened the game ring''s virtual screen and activated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded). In Lottery Draw (One), he added 500 additional stakes!


    The wheel began to spin!


    Spinning and spinning��


    It spun and spun��


    Finally, it stopped in the Skills Category region!


    Gold Treasure Chests (Small) appeared!


    [Guitar Skill Experience Book] �� 500: Increases yer''s guitar skill experience.


    Guitar?


    How convenient.


    Piano? Guitar? He was now equipped with these two performance skills!


    After he deactivated the Lucky Halo, he narrowed his eyes to a slit.


    Guitar.


    Guitar.


    Why not that song?


    Alright then, that song it is!

 Chapter 1047: Happy Birthday, Ms. Dong!

    <h4>Chapter 1047: Happy Birthday, Ms. Dong! </h4>


    Chapter 1047: Happy Birthday, Ms. Dong!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Around the stage.


    Scattered voices were sounding from all around in the audience.


    "Why isn''t it starting yet?"


    "Hurry up, I can''t wait anymore."


    "Good things are worth waiting for, haha. Don''t worry!"


    "It''s already been 10 minutes? Just 5 more minutes and it''s gonna start!"


    "I''m really looking forward to the tiebreaker match between those two!"


    "Speaking of performance ability, Flowing Time really isn''tparable to The Clown and Sunset Glow. It''s really exciting to see them both fighting for the crown of Masked King in this episode!"


    "I can''t wait to see how it turns out!"


    "Who do you guys think will win?"


    "If we''re talking about their form, Sunset Glow is totally unbeatable today!"


    "The contestant''s form isn''t everything. Do you guys still remember thepetition''s first episode? The then Clown was so sick, and his voice had deteriorated so badly as well, so how could he be in good shape? Yet he was still crowned Masked King in the crucial first episode! The Clown has always been someone who''s really unpredictable!"


    "Are theying on yet?"


    The audience was getting excited and eager for the next match to begin.


    Everyone was waiting for The Clown and Sunset Glow to take the stage.


    In the wings, Petal Shower and Spinach were also watching.


    Spinach asked, "Sister Petal Shower, who do you think will win?"


    Petal Showerughed and said, "I''m more optimistic about Sunset Glow''s chances today, but I''d like to hear what The Clown will sing."


    Spinach''s eyes lit up. "Me too. I just want to hear what he''ll sing this time."


    Dong Shanshan checked her watch and felt that it was almost time to begin. She went onto the stage in advance and had a short exchange with a few staff members to brief them on the things to look out forter.


    Dong Shanshan said, "Hand the microphones to the contestants at the waiting area in a bit."


    The staff said, "Got it, Teacher Shanshan."


    Dong Shanshan said, "Those of you who are standing here, move a little to your right. You''re blocking the third camera''s view."


    "OK."


    "Understood."


    After everything was set, Dong Shanshan stood there to catch a breather. She suddenly remembered Hu Fei''s words and could not help but reveal a helpless smile. On the way here to the stage earlier, Xiao Lu and Dafei also seemed to be preparing for her "birthday" next month. The two of them did not put it clearly but were trying their best to find out what kind of things she liked. They were probably trying to prepare a gift for her. However, Dong Shanshan was too embarrassed to let them know that the actual day of her birthday was not next month.


    It was today!


    Today was the actual day of her birthday!


    Not many people knew this!


    Because of a mistake made during her birth in which her parentspleted her birth registrationte, the birthday shown on her household register and ID card waste by a full month. But as particrs were already exposed and her birthday was also posted for all to see online, no one knew that it was her birthday today and everyone believed it to be next month. In fact, in recent years, Dong Shanshan stopped exining. She had always been the carefree type and since others thought that her birthday was on that day, she''d just let it be. Besides, she also felt quite helpless about it.


    Her earpiece crackled.


    "All departments, attention. All departments, attention. The contestants are ready and standing by."


    "Ten seconds and counting down."


    Dong Shanshan adjusted her suit and nudged her gold-rimmed sses upward.


    "Three��"


    "Two��"


    "One��"


    Instantaneously, a glittering smile appeared on Dong Shanshan''s face as she announced, "Next, we''ll be heading into the tiebreaker match. Let''s wee��The Clown!"


    Screaming came from the audience!


    "The Clown!"


    "Break a leg!"


    "I love you!"


    "I''m so looking forward to this! I''m really looking forward to this!"


    "What song will he be singing? Will it be a Cantonese or a Hokkien song?"


    "Eh? Where did the band go?"


    The Clown walked onstage in his usual unhurried pace.


    Chen Guang noticed it first. "Where''s the band?"


    Amy was startled. "Oh yeah, why isn''t the band there?"


    Everyone was dumbfounded when they saw The Clown walk toward where the house band should have been and pick up an electric guitar from among the musical instruments!


    Spinach said in surprise, "A guitar?"


    Petal Shower did not expect this either. "He even knows how to y guitar?"


    Wang Zhuishu said, "What''s this supposed to mean?"


    Yao Jiancai asked with interest, "Is he going to sing and y at the same time?"


    Zhang Xia gasped. "He''s quite brave. He''s going to be ying and singing at the same time on this stage?"


    Singing and ying a guitar at the same time without any apaniment might be workable in street or pub performances. But on a grand stage like this with such arge audience, this way of singing and performing was much too risky. It wasn''t something most people could handle!


    Dong Shanshan was stunned by this too. After she handed the stage to him, she went off and looked at The Clown curiously.


    The Clown had taken his seat onstage. He sped the guitar and adjusted himself while one hand strummed the strings to check the tuning.


    Everyone focused their attention on him!


    No one knew how he was going to sing or what song he''d be singing.


    Sunset Glow unwittingly made her way to the waiting area to look at The Clown onstage.


    Zhang Ye shifted in his seat, then smiled.


    He wanted to dedicate this song to a certain someone today, a very important person to him and was someone he liked a lot, someone who used to give him butterflies.


    He could still remember the first time they met. It was during an English ss in university. It would be a wonder if Zhang Ye, someone who got into Media College by tossing a pen to answer his English tests'' multiple choice questions, could understand the English sses in university. The teacher had distributed a set of papers on that day, which gave him such a headache that he was crying out in his seat with worry. That made the female student seated right in front of him turn around. She looked at him and smiled. Zhang Ye could remember that smile with perfect rity. Even today, he still couldn''t forget that smile of hers.


    It was very sweet.


    And very beautiful.


    Zhang Ye smiled.


    As he strummed the guitar, a dulcet melody took to the air.


    Chen Guang was stunned. "A bad?"


    Amy wondered, "Is he singing a bad this time?"


    The next moment, they were no longer talking.


    The Clown started singing softly.


    "Ms. Dong.


    "You''ve never forgotten about your smile.


    "Even if you''re just like me, eager to get senile.


    "Ms. Dong.


    "When your lips curl downward, it''s so pretty.


    "Like the pure water under Anhe Bridge in the city."


    Dong Shanshan froze!


    The judges and audience also froze!


    Ms. Dong?


    Which Ms. Dong?


    Amy instinctively nced at Dong Shanshan!


    Many of the audience also instinctively looked toward Dong Shanshan!


    The Clown smiled as he continued ying and singing.


    "Ms. Dong.


    "I, too, am aplicated creature.


    "Saying one thing, reying it inside as a feature.


    "Ms. Dong.


    "Time flew by that night at Gulou.


    "Stranger, please give me a Lanzhou 1 ."


    On the day after their English ss, that female student was very patient as she exined the questions to him one by one. In fact, thinking about that right now, Zhang Ye had not really taken in anything she''d said on how to answer those questions. He only cared about looking at her while replying with "mhm''s" and "ah''s." But that female student still patiently exined things to him and even assured him that English was actually very simple. That was likely the most they had ever talked during their days in university. After their second year, there wasn''t too much interaction between them.


    Zhang Ye knew that they were people from two different worlds.


    One was a fairy from heaven.


    The other was just an earthly mortal.


    But somehow, the two of them became best friends after graduation. She confided in him that she did not wish to get married and shared many other things with him. To others, she was someone who liked tough and didn''t speak truthfully to people. But the person they knew was not the real her.


    I know the real her.


    Strong.


    Carefree.


    With many stories to tell.


    Zhang Ye closed his eyes and sang.


    "So, Ms. Dong, all those things may not be true.


    "You aren''t a schoolgirl with no stories to look to.


    "Befriended a wild horse, but there''s no prairie in my home.


    "This makes me feel despair, Ms. Dong."


    A lot of people were covered in goosebumps!


    They were uncontrobly brought back to their days of youth!


    Chen Guang said, "This��"


    Wang Zhuishu''s jaw dropped and he stared. "Wh-Who is he singing this for?"


    In the wings, Sunset Glow and Petal Shower were looking at Dong Shanshan in shock!


    Dong Shanshan was stunned, her eyes reddening as she gazed unblinkingly at the young man singing onstage. All sorts of images were suddenly conjured up by her mind''s eye!


    They shed in front of her eyes one after another!


    Touched!


    Dazed!


    Shocked!


    Zhang Ye also experienced a lot of emotions. He remembered the times they were on campus when their group was chatting and fooling around. He remembered the times after graduation when that female student brought up those memories of their times on campus. That female student''s expression at that time looked a little nostalgic and sentimental, or perhaps it was a look of sadness?


    Zhang Ye continued ying and singing.


    "Ms. Dong.


    "You closed your book, and started talkin'' ''bout the past.


    "You said to let the first half of life be, tomorrow''s still atst.


    "Ms. Dong.


    "You know I''ve shared enough goodbyes.


    "And on one May morning, I finally lost sleep likewise.


    "So, Ms. Dong, all those things may not be true.


    "You aren''t a schoolgirl with no stories to look to."


    Tears were somehow rolling down Dong Shanshan''s cheeks!


    Is this song for me?


    The Clown!


    Do��you know me?


    The Clown sang in a cappe.


    "Befriended a wild horse, but there''s no prairie in my home.


    "This makes me feel despair, Miss Dong.


    "So, Ms. Dong, all those things may be true.


    "Who''s gonna go out of their way tofort that ignorant young man?


    "I wanna be like you, ignore all those reasons.


    "Cheer up.


    "Ms. Dong."


    The thrumming of the guitar fell silent.


    The Clown''s hands stopped moving.


    He suddenly looked in the direction of Dong Shanshan and sang:


    "Happy birthday.


    "Ms. Dong."


    The strumming of the guitar came back.


    The melody and voice resonated throughout the studio!


    When they heard thest verse, a lot of people were suddenly enlightened!


    Hu Feiughed and said, "So it''s not a song for Teacher Shanshan."


    Xiao Lu wiped her sweat away and said, "Yeah, I also got a fright. I thought that The Clown and Teacher Shanshan knew each other!"


    People in the audience also heaved sighs of relief.


    "Dong Shanshan''s birthday is next month, right?"


    "That''s right, it''s next month!"


    "Then that song isn''t for her!"


    "I knew it! But that still gave me such a scare!"


    However, when Dong Shanshan heard thest verse of The Clown''s song, she had a totally different reaction from everyone else. Dong Shanshan''s hair stood on end at that moment as she was dumbfounded with an astonished expression! No one should know it. There were not many people who knew when her actual birthday was! At this moment, Dong Shanshan was almost sure that The Clown definitely knew her!


    Happy birthday?


    How did you know!


    How did you know that today is my birthday?!


    Who are you really?


    The Clown!


    Just who the hell are you?!

 Chapter 1048: Who is the Masked King this episode?

    <h4>Chapter 1048: Who is the Masked King this episode? </h4>


    Chapter 1048: Who is the Masked King this episode?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    He finished singing.


    The Clown put down the electric guitar and bowed before exiting the stage.


    Only then did the audience''s apuse gradually sound. Many people had not evene around from the images brought about by the vocals, but the song had already ended!


    Just two minutes. That was how short it was.


    "I haven''t had enough of it yet!"


    "Why is this song so good!"


    "I like it so much!"


    "Me too, I love this song to death!"


    " Ms. Dong 1 ? Who was The Clown singing this for?"


    "Who is Ms. Dong?"


    "It doesn''t sound like his lover, but it''s definitely someone very important to him!"


    "This song has such a good feel to it. This bad really brought me back to the time when I was still in school!"


    "Although I don''t know what some of the verses mean or what the story behind it is, I''m sure that the Ms. Dong he is singing about would definitely understand. It''s really good."


    "Whose birthday is it today?"


    "Me! It''s my birthday today!"


    "Is your surname Dong?"


    "No, my surname''s not Dong, but my second maternal aunt''s husband''s is."


    "Get lost! Who''s asking about your second maternal aunt''s husband!"


    The stage was emptied.


    The audience was in heated discussion.


    The judges were also exchanging their opinions.


    Zhang Xia said, "This song is actually��how should I put it?"


    Chen Guang shook his head. "It''s not easy to describe."


    Wang Zhuishu added, "Let''s talk about thister, it should be Sunset Glow''s turn now? Eh? Where''s the host? Why hasn''t anyone announced the next contestant?"


    Sunset Glow was already on standby behind the door.


    However, Dong Shanshan was still standing offstage in a daze. It was as though her soul had left her body as she stood there thinking about something. She even forgot to announce the next contestant.


    Xiao Lu ran over. "Teacher Shanshan!"


    Dong Shanshan turned around. "Ah?"


    Dafei didn''t know how to react. "What''s the matter with you?"


    Xiao Luughed and said, "The Clown has finished singing."


    Only then did Dong Shanshane around. She immediately went back onstage and said, "Let''s wee our next performer��Sunset Glow."


    Dafei whispered to Xiao Lu, "The song that The Clown sang, could it really have been dedicated to Shanshan?"


    "No way." Xiao Lu blinked and said, "Teacher Shanshan''s birthday is next month. The dates just don''t match."


    Sunset Glow took the stage.


    The house band also came on.


    Zhang Ye did not go far. He stayed just offstage to listen to Sunset Glow''s performance. Sweeping his peripheral vision, he realized that someone was watching him. He turned to look into the distance.


    It was Dong Shanshan!


    Zhang Ye smiled and looked away.


    He was very satisfied with today''s song and had been very serious when he sang it. He modified some parts of the lyrics like "fell in love with a wild horse" into "befriended a wild horse." Then, there was the part of "extinguishing your cigarette and reminiscing about the past" that got changed as Dong Shanshan did not smoke, as well as that ending verse of "happy birthday, Ms. Dong." He had sung it ording to his personal style, not the original version by Song Dongye or Zuo Li''s cover of "Ms. Dong." He had performed this song based on what he felt in his heart.


    Sunset Glow''s performance had begun.


    "That day, we said nothing to each other.


    "Standing at the bus stop, you frowned.


    "When suddenly, I felt the urge to grab your hands.


    "Yet, I did not.


    "I did not."


    It was another love song!


    It was still as good a listen!


    It was still as exquisite as before!


    The Sunset Glow today had truly performed in a godly manner. It was as though she had been enlightened and suddenly had a breakthrough. Her entire scope of singing skills was fully embodied into this performance!


    Even Zhang Ye couldn''t help himself and wanted to shout about how good it was!


    The song ended!


    The apuse continued for a long time!


    Zhang Ye was also smiling and pping the wings.


    Dong Shanshan had gone back onstage at some point in time. "Let''s wee The Clown back to the stage."


    Zhang Ye strode out and made his way up.


    Dong Shanshan still behaved very professionally. She kept a smile on her face and did not look at The Clown a second longer than required. "The tiebreaker match hase to an end. What do our judges have to say? Or perhaps we could also proceed straight to the voting. Remember, your votes will decide who bes the Masked King this episode. Please choose carefully."


    Yao Jiancai nodded. "Understood, Ms. Dong."


    Dong Shanshan said, "Please vote then, Mr. Bite."


    The judgesughed.


    The audience egged them on.


    Bite Building Materials. This was the name Zhang Ye had given Old Yao during their crosstalk when he teased him.


    After some bantering, it was time to get to the main event.


    Wang Zhuishu started thementing. "I feel that Sunset Glow performed really well today. There''s nothing I can find fault with at all, it''s just that good. Whether it''s her singing or emotion, it was all on point. The Clown''s previous two songs were also especially good. But that third song called ''Ms. Dong,'' I feel that it''s not as good as the other two when ites to the lyrics and melody. Of course, that''s just my opinion. As I am a lyricist andposer, I''m very picky on these two aspects. I understand that it''s not easy for an original to do well, not to mention that every song you''ve performed thus far has been an original. Since it''s everyone''s first time listening to them, you''re usually at a disadvantage, especially in apetition. But since you performed it on this stage, I have to evaluate it objectively."


    The Clownughed.


    Dong Shanshan looked at Wang Zhuishu. "Then who do you choose?"


    Wang Zhuishu said, "I''ll be giving this vote of mine to Sunset Glow!"


    Sunset Glow bowed in thanks.


    The Clown pped next to her.


    Chen Guang spoke up, "Let me say a few words as well. This bad is a rather quiet one and usually wouldn''t require an electric guitar. But I can understand why The Clown would choose to y and sing simultaneously. It''s due to the stage and set being quiterge with a lot of audience members, and in this atmosphere, an acoustic guitar wouldn''t be able to sustain the performance. That''s why he chose to use an electric one. But, even though he restricted the noise to a very low level and controlled the vibrations when ying, I still found it to be too noisy. Perhaps I was the only one with this issue, so I shall reserve my feelings on it. I''ll also give my vote to Sunset Glow."


    Sunset Glow gave her thanks.


    The Clown nodded and pped.


    Chen Yidong said, "I think the guitar part was alright. He yed really well and I can ept the change from an acoustic guitar. I do not think it''s a problem at all, although I couldn''t really understand the song. So, I''m sorry, but I''ll be voting for Sunset Glow."


    Out of the six judges, Sunset Glow had gained three votes!


    The audience began to bellyache.


    "What''s this?"


    "Why are they all voting for Sunset Glow?"


    "Damn, I liked ''Ms. Dong''!"


    "Me too! It''s such a good song!"


    "What do you mean you can''t understand?"


    "The evaluations of the judges had all been great, but I think that they''ve finally reached their limit this time! It''s too unprofessional!"


    "If Sunset Glow gets another vote, she''ll win!"


    "Honestly, I don''t care who wins. I feel that both of them performed incredibly. But if you say that the song, ''Ms. Dong,'' is not good? Then I''ll definitely disagree with you!"


    Many in the audienceined!


    However, the tiebreaker match''s votes were for the judges to decide, not them.


    At this moment, Zhang Xia said, "Maybe it''s because I''m old, but I don''t really understand what ''Ms. Dong'' is trying to express either. Also, the song is somewhat mellow. The other bads I know are like that too, but in the current setting, the song is definitely at a disadvantage. So I''ll also vote for Sunset Glow. She definitely deserves to be the Masked King today!"


    Four votes!


    Sunset Glow had won!


    It was Yao Jiancai''s turn to speak. "''Ms. Dong'' is a rather nice song. Butpared to The Clown''s previous songs, it was indeed a littlecking and couldn''t showcase his technique as much. Although I''ve been supporting The Clown all this time and like him a lot too, I''ll also be voting for Sunset Glow today."


    5 votes!


    Sunset Glow bowed. "Thank you, Teacher."


    But for reasons unknown, Sunset Glow showed no trace of happiness or excitement. Her eyes turned to The Clown and seemed to contain a tinge of unhappiness.


    The Clown smiled wryly.


    What are you looking at me for?


    What''s up with that gaze of yours?


    Afterwards, thest judgemented.


    Amy was silent for a while before suddenly saying, "Before, even if I had a different opinion from the other judges, our general understanding was still quite simr. But that isn''t the case today." She stood up, a little agitated, and protested for The Clown, "I know Sunset Glow and have confirmed who she is. Logically, I would vote for her since we''ve known each other for many years. But I''m really can''t do so today. My vote will definitely and absolutely, a 100%, be given it to The Clown! There''s no two ways about it!"


    When many in the audience heard this, they suddenly started pping for Amy!


    Amy looked at the judges next to her. "So what if he used an electric guitar? ying a bad on an electric guitar is not something that nobody''s done before![1.] This song was not nice? How can that be? By the time I listened to the third verse, I could feel goosebumps rising all over me." She rubbed her arms. "And they''re still there now!"


    Bba bba bba bba!


    The audience''s apuse boomed again!


    Chen Guang lifted his arms and pressed them down and said with augh, "Calm down, calm down."


    Zhang Xia added, "To each their own. That''s quite normal."


    When Amy heard that, she sat down and said, "Yes, bads are not considered mainstream, and most people would not use a bad in a singingpetition either, but this ''Ms. Dong'' is no ordinary bad. The Clown''s singing also wasn''t ordinary at all, so I really can''t ept this result."


    Wang Zhuishu smiled and said, "But it''s five against one."


    That''s what the rules were.


    With five out of six judges saying that "Ms. Dong" was just ordinary and with Sunset Glow already as today''s Masked King, whatever Amy said had no effect on the oue at this point.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Then let''s congratte Sunset Glow for taking the crown of Masked King this episode!"


    Sunset Glow gave her thank you speech.


    The Clown had already quietly departed from the stage.


    Looking at Amy, Zhang Ye smiled inside. He rather liked this girl as she spoke without qualms and seemed even more headstrong than him. In fact, Zhang Ye could ept this result. It wasn''t that he was worse than Sunset Glow, but that he knew that back in his previous world, "Ms. Dong" wasn''t an instant hit. Sometimes, after listening to it several times, one would start thinking of their own "Ms. Dong." Afterwards, they would start falling in love with this song until it got out of control. This was why Zhang Ye did not mind the result. If he had really wanted to be the Masked King today, he wouldn''t have chosen to sing this song.


    It was fine if the judges didn''t like it.


    Even if the audience didn''t like it, that was alright too.


    As long as Dong Shanshan liked it��that was all that mattered. As long as Dong Shanshan could understand it, it was good enough. Today, this song was meant for Dong Shanshan alone!


    Happy birthday.


    Ms. Dong.

 Chapter 1049: Zhang Ye, you’re The Clown, aren’t you?

    <h4>Chapter 1049: Zhang Ye, you''re The Clown, aren''t you? </h4>


    Chapter 1049: Zhang Ye, you''re The Clown, aren''t you?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


    Recording continued into the elimination round.


    In his waiting room, Zhang Ye called Yang Shu.


    "Hello, Little Yang."


    "Senior Bro."


    "Come and pick me up."


    "Alright, I''ll be there immediately."


    He had nned to leave after he finished recording his parts, but with Yang Shu saying that she''d be there immediately turning into half an hourter, he got a call from her. She sounded embarrassed.


    "Senior Bro."


    "Are you here?"


    "No, I��I''m still stuck on the road."


    "Where are you?"


    "Xizhimen Interchange."


    "Wow, how''d you end up all the way at Xizhimen Interchange?"


    "I got lost."


    "But you dropped me off here this morning!"


    "But weren''t you giving me directions this morning?"


    "Use the built-in GPS!"


    "Uh, I don''t know how to use it."


    This junior sister of his was way too unreliable!


    Whatever! She cane whenever she arrives. I''ll just wait.


    Zhang Ye was forced to stay behind to watch thepetition between Petal Shower, Spinach, and Marshal Persona. Among the three of them, two would be eliminated. It was very cruel, but those were the rules. In the end, Petal Shower won to almost no surprise. Petal Shower was feeling a little unwell today, probably because her menstrual cycle had arrived as she had beenining of stomach cramps earlier. She was in average shape, but no matter how average she was, she was still a strongpetitor. She couldn''t possibly lose at this stage.


    Marshal Persona did not reveal himself and exited the stage, keeping the audience in suspense.


    Spinach chose to take her mask off. At the moment of the reveal, gasps of astonishment filled the studio!


    It was a very pretty youngdy!


    She wasn''t old and looked to be around twenty, maybe even younger!


    Liao Yiqi!


    It was Liao Yiqi!


    "Wow!"


    "It''s her!"


    "What the!"


    "H-How does she know how to sing?"


    The judges had already figured out who she was, but many audience members hadn''t!


    Liao Yiqi. She was the granddaughter of a famous Peking opera master, a professional Peking opera singer. Liao Yiqi was also very well-known and had even gone on the Central TV Spring Festival G before, but of course that was to perform Peking opera! No one had expected that they would see her on this stage. Wasn''t this crossover too huge of a leap? A Peking opera singer singing pop songs? And she even sang quite well?


    All the judges gave her a standing ovation!


    The entire studio audience also stood up and cheered for her!


    "Liao Yiqi!"


    "Liao Yiqi!"


    "Liao Yiqi!"


    Spinach''s eyes reddened. She was very touched and sped her hands together to thank everyone. She said, "Thank you, thank you, teachers. Thank you, everyone, thank you!"


    Zhang Xia smiled and said, "There''s still the revival round! We''ll be waiting for your return!"


    Liao Yiqi, also known as Spinach, looked at the judges. "I definitely will!"


    This reveal had greatly surprised everyone and left them in disbelief!


    Meanwhile.


    Yang Shu finally arrived from the upper side of Xizhimen Interchange. She called Zhang Ye to tell him that she had arrived.


    In his waiting room, Zhang Ye was just about to get changed and leave. But there was a knock on the door and in came Sunset Glow.


    Zhang Ye was startled. "What''s up?"


    Sunset Glow gazed at him. "Didn''t I say to not go easy on me?"


    Zhang Yeughed dryly. "I didn''t."


    "If you''re like that, what''s the point of me grabbing the title of Masked King?" Sunset Glow said coolly. She wanted to be the Masked King at least once, but why did it now feel like she had been given the win?


    Zhang Ye finally understood why Sunset Glow had seemed a little unhappy despite getting crowned as the Masked King. So this was the reason. He said at once, "You became the Masked King today based on merit. Did you think that I didn''t sing seriously?"


    Sunset Glow quietly nodded. "Your song was simply average."


    But Zhang Yeughed. "That might not be true."


    Sunset Glow looked at him with some doubt.


    Zhang Ye tacked on, "You don''t believe me? Then let''s wait and see." So many people felt that "Ms. Dong" was just average? They even thought that I was holding back? You guys are really funny. Would I need to do that? Forget it. It doesn''t matter what I say now. Let''s just wait till after tomorrow''s broadcast and we''ll know how this song does. Zhang Ye, in truth, did not agree with the judges'' evaluation of the song. He was waiting to smack them in the face. But of course, it might be his face getting smacked. He couldn''t say for sure since it was a different world after all, so who knew?


    20 minutester.


    Zhang Ye had quietly sneaked out of Beijing Television. He found his car in the parking lot and opened the door to the front passenger seat and got in.


    Yang Shu looked at him cautiously. "Senior Bro."


    Zhang Ye said, "Drive."


    "OK." Yang Shu quickly started the engine.


    As they drove, Zhang Ye started criticizing her and also taught her how to operate the GPS. Then he continued scolding her.


    Yang Shu listened in silence.


    Later, when Zhang Ye realized that she probably couldn''t recognize the roads because she had arrived in Beijing recently, he stopped chiding her. He started humming a ditty in a good mood.


    Yang Shu gave him a furtive nce, then heaved a sigh of relief.


    Yang Shu might act impetuously around others, but she was still very afraid of Zhang Ye.


    At this moment, a call came in!


    This was a call that Zhang Ye was rather unwilling to pick up right now!


    It was Dong Shanshan!


    Zhang Ye cleared his throat and answered with a chuckle: "Hello, Shanshan. What''s up? Who won today? I didn''t get to watch thetter half of the recording since I went home."


    The voice on the other end stayed silent for a moment.


    Dong Shanshan then said: "Go on, keep pretending."


    Zhang Ye faked surprise and said: "Ah? Pretend about what?"


    Dong Shanshan probed: "You''re The Clown, aren''t you?"


    "Whoa!" Zhang Ye said in surprise: "What are you talking about? The Clown? You must really have a rich imagination!"


    Dong Shanshanughed and said: "If it''s not you, then who is it?"


    Zhang Ye said: "How would I know who it is? I would like to know too. Hey, why''d you even guess that it was me? It''s not like you don''t know what my singing sounds like, right?"


    Dong Shanshan rolled her eyes and said: "You can even fly a ne, so who knows if you could suddenly sing too? I wouldn''t be surprised if you did!"


    Zhang Ye couldn''t deny this.


    "So tell me. Don''t lie to me!"


    Zhang Ye coughed and said: "It''s really not me."


    Dong Shanshan said coldly: "Today at the studio, thatst verse of ''Ms. Dong'' was to wish me a happy birthday. If it wasn''t you, who would it be? Who else knows that it''s my birthday today?"


    Zhang Ye pretended to be taken aback. "Huh? It''s your birthday today? Isn''t it next month?"


    "You don''t know?" Dong Shanshan blinked.


    Zhang Ye said: "Why would I know? Have you ever told me when your birthday is?"


    Dong Shanshan thought for a moment and suddenly felt uncertain. "I haven''t told you before."


    "Then that settles it!" Zhang Ye said: "Since I don''t know, does that mean The Clown knows you? Could he be a rtive of yours?"


    Dong Shanshan said in a speechless manner: "I don''t have any friends or family who can sing that well! There''s only you who''s worth being suspicious about. Are you sure that it''s not you?"


    "It''s not me," Zhang Ye lied without even blinking.


    With Zhang Ye standing his ground, Dong Shanshan got confused. She said: "Alrighty then, I probably guessed wrong. I''ll go think about who it could be."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye could finally sigh a breath of relief and heughed. Dong Shanshan had indeed not told him her birthday, but that did not mean that Zhang Ye did not know. When they were in college, Dong Shanshan had told one of her close friends that her birth date had been registered wrong. Zhang Ye was nearby at the time and identally overheard it. As he had liked Dong Shanshan at the time, he remembered this quite well. However, he had never given Dong Shanshan a birthday present in all these years.


    Haha.


    Keep guessing, just guess whoever you want.


    In any case, this bro will never admit to it!


    Yang Shu said, "Senior Bro, we''re almost there."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged her and said, "Pull over to the curb and help me get some cigarettes. There''s no more at home."


    "OK, Senior Bro," Yang Shu responded.


    All of a sudden, his phone rang again.


    Dong Shanshan said: "Are you sure that it''s really not you?"


    Zhang Ye said anxiously: "It''s not."


    Dong Shanshan gave a in sound of understanding and said: "Swear to me. If it''s really you, you won''t be able to get breakfast when you want to buy some, and all the cigarettes that you buy will turn out to be fake, the same for any alcohol that you have��"


    She rambled on for a minute about this.


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded!


    Fuck!


    You''re too ruthless!


    "Hurry up and swear to it!" Dong Shanshan urged.


    Zhang Ye stemmed his tears and said: "Alright, I''ll swear to it."


    Only then did Dong Shanshan hang up.


    Yang Shu parked the car. "Senior Bro, what cigarettes do you want?"


    Zhang Ye was about to burst into tears. "Forget it. I don''t want them anymore. Let''s head back."

 Chapter 1050: ’Ms. Dong’ is a hit!

    <h4>Chapter 1050: ''Ms. Dong'' is a hit! </h4>


    Chapter 1050: ''Ms. Dong'' is a hit!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Saturday.


    The fourth episode of King of Masked Singers was broadcast!


    All over the country, countless people waited at their televisions and tuned into Beijing Television to catch the broadcast. As the show went on, a lot of people were getting excited and astonished by it. There were many discussions happening online as well!


    "It''s starting!"


    "Wow, Spinach''s singing is quite good!"


    "Someone revealed that she is Liao Yiqi!"


    "Ah? The Peking opera singer? Surely not?"


    "It''s true. Just listen to her singing. It really sounds like her!"


    "It''s Flowing Time''s turn!"


    "Damn, there''s already no need to guess anymore based on that ent. It''s definitely Teacher Zhao Qiquan!"


    "He''s the best singer in the Hokkien music scene! So he can also sing in Mandarin this well?"


    "Haha, wait till he sings a Hokkien song. Then you''ll know just how amazing he really is!"


    "It''s The Clown turn now!"


    "Let''s see what he''s gonna sing!"


    "The country''s ugliest celebrity, lol."


    "That poll was so funny! I keepughing each time I see it!"


    However, when The Clown''s first song began, a lot of them could no longerugh.


    ...


    At a recordingpany.


    "Don''t be like this, OK?"


    "Brother Liu, can you please listen to my song?"


    "There''s no need to. You won''t make it. Thepany won''t sign someone like you."


    "Brother Liu! Give me a chance, I��"


    "Don''t tell me any more. I''ve already made it very clear to you, so just leave already. You don''t have the looks, so my advice to you is to not take this route. You won''t make it in this industry."


    The young man silently left the recordingpany. With the dark night sky hanging overhead, he walked on feeling quite lost. He did not know where to go and how he should continue on from here. That was already the thirdpany he approached. Every time he sent a demo to the recordingpanies, he would always get invited for an interview. However, when they saw him in person, thosepanies all turned him down without an exception. This was all because he did not have good looks nor the face of a star!


    He liked music. In fact, he liked it so much that he felt that it was as important as his life. However, there was an insurmountable wall in front of him that he could not breach!


    He had no way of doing so!


    He really did not know what else he could do!


    Give up?


    Or maybe he should just forget about it?


    Suddenly, he heard a voice singing.


    The young man stopped in his tracks and looked toward a street food stall. When he saw the singer on the TV and heard his singing, he was shocked.


    "I''m ugly,


    "but I am so tender.


    "Cold on the outside,


    "passionate inside.


    "That''s who I am!"


    The singer on TV put a hand over his chest.


    "I''m ugly,


    "but I have music and beer.


    "A little lowly,


    "a little fearful,


    "but I''ll never cower!"


    The people who were eating at the street food stall were all dumbfounded when they heard the song. They could only stare in shock at the television.


    The young man was also stunned in his tracks. Suddenly, a gush of tears poured from his eyes.


    By the time the song finished, the young man''s fists were tightly clenched. He wiped the tears off his face, then turned to walk off toward a bright light in the distance. His footfalls contained an unprecedented determination!


    Thank you, Mr. Clown!


    I know what I have to do now!


    ...


    On Weibo.


    "How spectacr!"


    "Damn! This song is bursting with greatness!"


    "I''m ugly, but I am so tender?"


    "I cried listening to it!"


    "Holy shit, I was the same!"


    "I can''t stop crying. Goddammit, what song is this!"


    "It''s such a nice song!"


    "He came up with this song right after he got voted as the Ugliest Celebrity?"


    "The champion, he''ll definitely be this episode''s champion!"


    "Don''t forget that there''s still Flowing Time."


    This "I''m Ugly But Tender" created a huge shockwave online. Countlessizens joined in the discussion as many of them were touched and inspired by the song!


    Soon after.


    When it was time for the battle for Masked King, everyone was once again shocked!


    "Flowing Time really is Zhao Qiquan!"


    "This Hokkien song is great!"


    "Of course! This is Zhao Qiquan we''re talking about!"


    "This is the easiest singer to guess by far!"


    "Let''s see how the matchup between him and The Clown will go. Have you guys noticed that a ton of people in the audience are speaking Hokkien? Just listen, they''re all cheering in Hokkien!"


    "Yeah, what''s with that?"


    "Then won''t Zhao Qiquan win for sure? Will there be any suspense to the results?"


    Then The Clown sang.


    "Don''t despair when you''re in the mourn.


    "Don''t be afraid when you''re forlorn.


    "Passing time without any hope,


    "Going down every day to tope,


    "A person without a soul is like a scarecrow."


    Theizens were dumbfounded!


    The audience was dumbfounded!


    The industry insiders who were watching the show were also dumbfounded!


    It was Hokkien!


    The Clown could also fucking sing a Hokkien song?


    And it was even an original that no one had ever heard of?


    "This is bad for Flowing Time!"


    "How painful!"


    "Pfft! I''m dying ofughter!"


    "Teacher Zhao Qiquan''s fine reputation will be destroyed today!"


    "He has as good as fallen to The Clown!"


    "He''s worse than The Clown, yet he still mored for a match against him. Seems like he''s the fool this time!"


    "This ''Strive Hard to Seed'' sounds like an extremely good song!"


    "Godly tune! An absolute godly tune!"


    "He sang it so well!"


    "Where does he get all his songs from?"


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    Zhang Yuanqi was currently on the phone with her manager, Fang Weihong.


    "Are you watching King of Masked Singers?"


    Fang Weihong said loudly: "I''m watching it. Who on earth is The Clown!"


    "I was just about to ask you: Have you found out who he is yet?"


    Fang Weihong said: "I totally can''t find anything. You''re not the only one who is concerned about this��everyone else in the industry wants to know who he is as well. But there are no clues to follow at all, and now he''s even singing a Hokkien song too? He''s a singer who knows how to sing Hokkien songs? This has widened the scope even further! The clues are too confusing! I suspect that The Clown is deliberately confusing the public because he''s afraid that he''ll get recognized. He''s purposely trying to mislead us!"


    They werepletely confused!


    ...


    At a recordingpany.


    A vice president of thepany made five calls in a row.


    "Check! Check thoroughly!"


    "But��"


    "No buts! I want an answer as to who The Clown really is!"


    "President Qi, I really can''t find out. I-I''ve already asked everyone!"


    "Then ask again! I don''t believe that he broke out of some stone. Who in the industry would not know a singer as amazing as him? How can that be possible?! I want to know everything about him. If he doesn''t have a contract with any recordingpany, we''ll sign him immediately. If he''s already contracted to one, then we''ll steal him away at all costs! Can''t you see? This man has the makings of a king!"


    "I-I understand!"


    ...


    On TV.


    The voting for the episode''s Masked King began!


    Theizens were either anticipating it or feeling nervous. Many of them were "shouting" for their favorite singer''s name online. When theizens saw that the final results indicated a tie between The Clown and Sunset Glow, and with Dong Shanshan announcing the implementation of a tiebreaker match, they got excited!


    "Awesome!"


    "We can get to listen to another two songs now!"


    "Go, The Clown, go!"


    "Sunset Glow, you can do it!"


    Afterwards.


    The Clown went on stage.


    The studio was filled with a song that became extremely popr for several years back in Zhang Ye''s previous world, "Ms. Dong."


    The Clown strummed his guitar as he sang.


    "Ms. Dong.


    "You''ve never forgotten about your smile.


    "Even if you''re like me, eager to get senile.


    "Ms. Dong.


    "When your lips curl downward, it''s so pretty.


    "Like the pure water under Anhe Bridge in the city."


    ...


    The next day.


    Sunday morning.


    The air quality today was quite good. When Zhang Ye looked out the window, he saw white clouds and a blue sky.


    Zhang Ye stretched his back before getting out of bed. Seeing the rather rare blue sky, he was feeling quite satisfied as he had yed a part in contributing to it. Although he had been castigated and hated by a lot of people after the reveal of Zhang Ye''s Documentary on Air Pollution in China that eventually led to his soft ban, Zhang Ye did not feel a tinge of regret whenever he saw a sky like today''s.


    After breakfast, he went to read up on Weibo.


    He was stunned to find that there were many critical voices on his Weibo notifications.


    For a person like Zhang Ye who often offended people on arge scale, his first reaction when he saw these critical voices was to wonder whether they were all aimed at him. This was because out of all thoserge scale scolding battles that happened on Weibo, the forums, or Tieba each year, 60-70% of them were targeted at Zhang Ye. He was feeling a little guilty, but this bro hadn''t really stirred up any trouble recently, had he? I haven''t even appeared much in public, no? When he read more carefully, he realized that the online criticism was not aimed at him!


    "The Clown lost? Go fuck yourselves!"


    "Were those judges all blind?"


    "Do you all know music? How can ''Ms. Dong'' not be nice? Oh my god!"


    "I really have to give it to those judges on the guessing panel!"


    "Amy was the only one with taste!"


    "I could not hold myself back after I listened to this song once yesterday and yed it on repeat over 20 times through the night! Over 20 times! How could the judges not vote for The Clown? I really have nothing to say to that!"


    "That song was really great!"


    "There should be a version of a ''Ms. Dong'' in everyone''s heart as well! But clearly, there''s nothing at all in the hearts of those judges!"


    "The Clown sang really well! Why wasn''t he crowned Masked King this episode?"


    "I like Sunset Glow too and I feel that she performed incredibly in the most recent episode. But I have to admit that for the two songs at the end, it was The Clown who sang better!"


    "''Ms. Dong'' was judged to be not good by Chen Guang, Zhang Xia, and the others. I''m speechless!"


    "The entire song tells a story!"


    "I don''t know who The Clown was singing it to, but when I heard the song, my tears fell. No matter who thatdy is whose surname is Dong, I would also like to wish her a ''Happy birthday, Ms. Dong!''"


    Countlessizens were refusing to ept the result. They were allining on Weibo, and some of them were even flinging abuse at the oue!


    There were also sudden changes on the Top Chinese Music Chart!


    The daily music chart''s ranking had been published!


    Some people felt that Sunset Glow''s second song should have been ranked first. However, that song was only ranked in third ce. Some people thought that The Clown''s "I''m Ugly But Tender" should have been in first ce. However, that song was only ranked in second ce. "Strive Hard to Seed" was ranked fourth on the daily music chart!


    As for which song was in first ce?


    It was actually "Ms. Dong"!


    And it was even far ahead of the second and third ce songs!


    This song had been a hit sincest night. And today, it got even more popr, so popr that things got out of hand. All over the Inte, people were discussing this song and the controversy of why The Clown had not be the Masked King in the most recent episode!


    ...


    Old Chen''s house.


    Fan Wenli had already made breakfast. "You misjudged it, didn''t you?"


    Chen Guang looked at his phone and couldn''t help but give a wry smile. "I''ve been face smacked, right?"


    "Yes," Fan Wenliughed.


    Chen Guang rubbed his cheeks and could somehow feel a little pain.


    At other locations.


    When Wang Zhuishu saw the Top Chinese Music Chart''s rankings, he was dumbfounded!


    Chen Yidong was speechless.


    So was Yao Jiancai.


    And Zhang Xia.


    This ranking had caught thempletely off guard!


    That "Ms. Dong" which none of them had thought well of turned out to be the most talked about and widespread song of the songs sung yesterday! Now, they could not deny it even if they wanted to. This was because the market''s reaction to a work was the most direct and fastest judgment of all!


    They had misjudged the song!


    They had truly misjudged the song!


    This Clown was way too scary!

 Chapter 1051: Attention and speculation from the industry!

    <h4>Chapter 1051: Attention and spection from the industry! </h4>


    Chapter 1051: Attention and spection from the industry!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this Sunday morning, the lyrics of "Ms. Dong" and discussions about it could be seen all over the Inte. All over the country, anydy whose surname was Dong suddenly became popr without any warning! On the music tform that was working with Beijing Television, the single sung on the show, "Ms. Dong," had already broken 10 million ys. And this was merely 12 hours after the broadcast! The song Sunset Glow sang in her match against this "Ms. Dong" had only garnered about 2.1 million ys. It was almost a five times difference!


    "Thank you to The Clown for singing such a touching song!"


    "This is my favorite song of the year!"


    "My wife''s surname is Dong!"


    "My girlfriend''s surname is also Dong. I finally know how I''ll be proposing to her. I''ve already bought a ring, so I''ll just sing this song for her tomorrow. Wish me luck, everyone!"


    "Congrattions!"


    "Good luck, bro!"


    "Best wishes!"


    Back at home.


    Even Zhang Ye found this turn of events a little unexpected. He knew that "Ms. Dong" was a good song that could be easily overlooked, but he did not think that it would be so well-received in this world.


    Suddenly, his cell phone''s text message tone beeped.


    It was from the phone meant for The Clown.


    An unfamiliar number. "Hi, this is Sunset Glow."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback, but replied: "Hi."


    "I got your number from the program team. I just wanted to let you know something. I take back what I said to you yesterday at Beijing TV."


    "No worries."


    "I''m not being polite here. Rather, I listened to ''Ms. Dong'' 7-8 times in a row yesterday. It really is a good song."


    "Thanks."


    "If the tiebreaker had been decided by audience vote, then you would have been yesterday''s Masked King."


    Zhang Ye immediately replied: "Not for sure."


    "For sure."


    "It''s really not for sure. That song I sang was never meant to be apetition song."


    "A good song is a good song. It has nothing to do with whether it''s suitable for apetition."


    "Perhaps."


    "I''m looking forward to your songs next episode."


    "Same here. I''m looking forward to yours too."


    Sunset Glow sent: "See you next week."


    "See you next week."


    Their text message conversation was very simple, but Zhang Ye was starting to learn more and more about Sunset Glow''s behavior and character. In his mind, a vague figure was starting to appear that would match Sunset Glow. He had already more or less guessed who Petal Shower and Sunset Glow were. They were both people he knew, and one of them was even a rather close friend of his with whom he had a lot of dealings with. However, Zhang Ye knew that even though he could guess their identities, they would never be able to guess his. He had put up too many smoke screens, so even if there were anyone in the industry who did an extremely detailed analysis, they still wouldn''t find out who he was. They would never even start to suspect him.


    Zhang Ye chuckled and felt that this was really quite interesting and fun.


    In the Celebrity Goof Group, there was a flurry of activity today.


    Ning Lan: "@ChenGuang @FanWenli Old Chen, Old Fan, are you two around?"


    Chen Guang appeared. "I just woke up." Then he sent a yawning emoji.


    Ning Lan: "Do you have any tickets to the live recording of King of Mask Singers? Help me get five of them. A few of my friends who would like to attend the studio recording have approached me for help."


    Chen Guang: "Five tickets?"


    Ning Lan: "Yep, the more the better."


    Chen Guang said: "I might still be able to get one or two tickets, but it''s gonna be difficult to get five or more of them."


    Huo Dongfang sent a nose-picking emoji. "I want three tickets too. A few rtives from my hometown came to visit and said that they really wanted to attend the live recording. Old Chen, I''m depending on you."


    Another movie star said: "I want a ticket too. Are there any left?"


    To be a part of this celebrity chat group, everyone had to be at least a B-lister. In the industry, every one of them was more highly revered than thest. If they themselves wanted to attend the recording, Beijing Television would more than wee them to do so and make all the necessary arrangements for it to happen. But as they wanted to get the tickets for their friends instead, they found it harder to approach the television station. First, it was unnecessary to do so. Second, a favor owed to a television station was not so easily repayable. It just wasn''t worth all that trouble to get a few tickets.


    Chen Guang: "Do you guys take me for a scalper?"


    Fan Wenli spoke: "Hur hur, it''s no use approaching Old Chen for help on this anyway. He doesn''t have that great an influence. Isn''t Zhang Ye in the group as well? Why don''t you guys ask him instead?"


    Xiaodong: "I''ll help to @ZhangYe for you guys."


    Ning Lan said: "Oh yeah! I''ve totally forgotten about Zhang Ye!"


    At home, Zhang Ye heard this notification on his cell phone. He opened up the group chat and replied without hesitation: "Sure, I got it. You need around 10 tickets, right?"


    Ning Lan: "Correct."


    Huo Dongfang: "Will it be a bother? If it is, then forget it."


    Zhang Ye: "It''s nothing."


    Zhang Ye then made a call.


    A whileter, he typed: "I''ve arranged for them. I''ll leave a number here for you guys. 138XXXXXXXXX. Get your friends to go to the studio on Friday and call this number. Someone wille out to bring them in afterwards."


    Ning Lan sent a smiley face. "Thanks, Zhang''er."


    Huo Dongfang: "Thank you very much."


    In Beijing Television, Zhang Ye could be considered rather influential. Although he did not really take part in the current production run of the show and was really more of an executive producer in name, everyone knew how much Zhang Ye''s words were worth with the program team. His words were as important as Executive Director Hu Fei''s!


    Ning Lan: "King of Masked Singers has gotten really popr these days."


    Zhang Ye said with augh: "Sister Ning, are you interested in joining thepetition?"


    Ning Lan: "Haha, forget about me. My terrible voice? I haven''t sung in such a long time."


    Xiaodong: "Teacher Zhang, you haven''t been gaining much poprity recently. You''ll soon be reced if it goes on like this."


    Zhang Ye simply sent a "yeah."


    Xiaodong: "Why don''t you try to release an album? I know a few people in recordingpanies who could tailor-make some songs for you. You can just release it online since being banned or not won''t matter."


    Zhang Ye sent a neutral face emoji.


    Ning Lan was amused. "He can''t even sing!"


    Huo Dongfang also said: "I''ve heard Zhang Ye''s ''A Letter to Home'' before. It''s rather good. But as for cutting an album��uh, I think it''s better not to think about that. I think it''s pretty unlikely that''ll happen. Cough cough." He was already putting it out quite tactfully.


    Xiaodong said: "He won''t be able to sing live for sure, but it might be worth a try in the recording studio. At worst, he''ll have to record a song multiple times. If it doesn''t work the first time, try another ten times. If ten times don''t work, try twenty times. There''ll surely be a few times when it''s good enough. Besides, they can also tune his singing to sound better than it is. Technology''s so advanced nowadays. They can even fix someone''spletely out of tune singing."


    Zhang Ye: "Thank you, Xiaodong. But I''ll pass."


    Xiaodong: "OK, but if you need anything, feel free to ask me. There''s always a way no matter how badly you sing, so don''t worry."


    Zhang Ye was smiling on the inside. "Sure."


    Zhang Yuanqi suddenly appeared: "Hello,rades."


    "Whoa, what a rare guest."


    "Sister Zhang, hello."


    "Sister Zhang is here?"


    "You''re up this early?"


    A few familiar names were joking around with her.


    Zhang Yuanqi said: "I''m still in bed right now. Xiaodong just PMed me and suggested that we get the other two members of Spring Garden into this group as well. One of them is Amy, the other is Li Xiaoxian. I''m here tomunicate this and see what everyone thinks. We can have a vote to decide."


    The Goof Group could be considered a very famous group in the whole of the entertainment industry. Not just anyone could join it, as there were many big names and elites of the industry in it. The group didn''t really invite anyone to join, and there were only several dozen people who were members of this group. Zhang Ye was thest person to have joined the group before this.


    Xiaodong cheekily said: "Since they''re my good friends and my teammates, I''ll abstain from speaking."


    Although that was what she said, Zhang Ye received a PM from Xiaodong very soon after.


    Xiaodong secretly said: "Teacher Zhang, please help!"


    Followed by four pitiful expression stickers in a row.


    Zhang Ye was amused. "Alright, I know what to do."


    Xiaodong sent a crying emoji. "Thank you!"


    Zhang Ye then said in the Goof Group: "I''ll allow it. Amy''s poprity is getting higher and higher these days, and I believe it''s also just a matter of time for Li Xiaoxian. With friends as good as these, we must get them into the group ASAP!"


    Huo Dongfang said: "I also feel that it''s OK."


    Chen Guang: "After Amy appeared on those episodes of King of Masked Singers, she indeed became more popr. She also has a great character; I''ve spoken to her privately a few times. I find her to be quite friendly, so I''ll definitely support her. As for Li Xiaoxian, there''s even more nothing to say. We already know her identity. I suppose everyone here has realized as well?"


    Ning Lan: "I don''t have any problems with it either. We can let them join."


    Quite a few people gave their opinions and a majority of them felt that it was OK.


    Zhang Yuanqi said: "Alright, I don''t have anyints either. So let''s invite them in."


    Before long, a group notification appeared.


    Zhang Yuanqi has invited Amy into Goof Group.


    Zhang Yuanqi has invited Li Xiaoxian into Goof Group.


    "Let''s wee the newbies!"


    "Wee!"


    "A warm wee to you!"


    Everyone was very friendly. Even a Heavenly King appeared to wee them.


    Amy was stunned. "My god, is this the legendary group I''ve heard about?"


    Ning Lan said happily: "It''s the Goof Group."


    Li Xiaoxian said quietly: "Hello, seniors."


    Amy: "Ahhhh, I''ve finally been admitted into the Goof Group! How exciting! Ah, Sister Zhang! Ah, Sister Ning Lan! Wow, even Teacher Zhang Ye is here!"


    In the Spring Garden, the most well-known member definitely had to be their leader, Xiaodong. Compared to her, even though the other two members were very popr as well, they were behind her by quite a bit. As a result, the number of big names in fields other than music that Amy and Li Xiaoxian knew personally could not really be considered that many and their contact with those people was not that great. Xiaodong had pushed for them to join the group mainly because she wanted to help themwork some more. If they could be familiar with these people, they would definitely have it easier in the future. Like the time Ning Lan and her team were encircled by the martial artists. Zhang Ye had gone to help her after she sent a message for help in the group. They were all about looking out for one another.


    Ning Lan was one of the group administrators and would usually join in the conversation whenever there was one. Zhang Yuanqi and some of the other Heavenly Kings and Queens might have been the most popr celebrities in the group, but as their time was very limited, they didn''t usually appear to chat in the group. So a lot of the matters were handled by Ning Lan.


    Ning Lan said: "Amy, Xiaoxian, if there''s any trouble you girls meet with in the future, just holler at us in the group. Don''t be shy."


    Amy: "Got it."


    Li Xiaoxian: "Thank you, seniors."


    Huo Dongfang asked: "Amy, who is The Clown?"


    Amy: "Um, I don''t know too."


    Ning Lan asked: "Does Xiaoxian know?"


    Li Xiaoxian said: "I''m not sure either."


    Ning Lan: "Old He was asking me today if I knew who The Clown was. I bet he was trying to scoop him up for thepany."


    Chen Guang: "Old He? You mean the chairman of yourpany?"


    Ning Lan: "Yeah. A lot of people in the industry have now set their sights on the trio of The Clown, Petal Shower, and Sunset Glow. The other two contestants'' identities have been more or less confirmed. Only The Clown does no one have any clue about!"


    Zhang Yeughed, then closed the chat app.

 Chapter 1052: A Children’s Day singing contest?

    <h4>Chapter 1052: A Children''s Day singing contest? </h4>


    Chapter 1052: A Children''s Day singing contest?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Wednesday.


    June 1, Children''s Day.


    Early in the morning, Zhang Ye was sound asleep when he suddenly felt someone prodding him.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Unh."


    "Zhang Ye, get up!"


    "Eh?"


    "Get up!"


    His arm was being shaken violently.


    Zhang Ye couldn''t continue sleeping. When he opened his eyes and saw that it was Chenchen who came, he frowned and made a shooing motion with his hand, seething, "Leave, leave." Then he turned around and went back to sleep.


    Chenchen was so angry that she went toin, "Grandpa, Grandma, Zhang Ye iszing around in bed!"


    His mother went into his room angrily and shouted, "Chenchen is here! Hurry and get up so that you can take the child out to y!"


    Zhang Ye said in annoyance, "y what?"


    His father also came in and said, "It''s Children''s Day today. Get up quickly."


    Zhang Ye sighed, "What about Old Rao? Why don''t you get Old Rao to take her instead?"


    "You have two interviews scheduled, and there''s also an award presentation this afternoon. Didn''t Chenchen''s aunt be your agent? She''s already gone out to handle all that for you, so how would she have any time today? She brought the child here early this morning and mentioned that it was Children''s Day, so she wanted you to take Chenchen out to y." His mother grumbled, "Get up already."


    At this, Zhang Ye was no longer annoyed. "Alright, alright, I''ll do it."


    He got out of bed, went to wash up, then ate breakfast.


    Chenchen seemed pretty excited as she kept urging him to hurry up.


    "Zhang Ye, brush your teeth faster.


    "Zhang Ye, eat faster.


    "Hurry up."


    Zhang Ye had a terrible headache from her nagging. "Where do you want to go? Why the rush?"


    Chenchen said, "I want to go to the haunted house at the amusement park!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Going to an amusement park on Children''s Day? You really don''t think that it wouldn''t be crowded?"


    His mother stared at him and said, "What''s with all your nonsense? Hurry up!"


    "Fine, fine, fine. We''ll go to the amusement park, OK?"


    A little after 8 AM.


    They arrived at the Beijing Amusement Park.


    In Zhang Ye''s previous world, this amusement park had closed down several years ago. But in this world, the amusement park was still in operation. It was so packed with visitors that the sea of people in front of them was blocking their view of where the ticketing office was located.


    They lined up to buy the tickets.


    After passing through security, they entered the park grounds.


    Zhang Ye stretched his hand out. "Hold onto my hand."


    Chenchen took his hand. "Where''s the haunted house?"


    "It should be somewhere up ahead." Zhang Ye wasn''t in a great mood as it was very hot today. In the middle of summertime, he was wearing a surgical mask, hat, and aviators. If it were anyone else, who wouldn''t feel hot?


    When they reached the haunted house, they had to stand in line for almost an hour before they could get in.


    The entrance was right in front and all the screams of the children could be hearding from inside.


    "Ah!"


    "Mommy!"


    "I don''t wanna y here anymore!"


    "That scared the crap out of me!"


    "Sob sob sob!"


    Some were even crying as screams rang out.


    Zhang Ye looked at Chenchen and smiled. "You better not end up cryingter."


    Chenchen smirked. "Hur hur."


    Then, Zhang Ye led her into the haunted house. It was also his first time visiting one.


    After only eight steps in, a skeleton fell from above and dropped right in front of Zhang Ye and Chenchen. It was springing up and down in front of them.


    Zhang Ye immediately got the goosebumps all over as his shouts nearly pierced the roof of the haunted house. "Aiyo, what the hell!"


    Deadpan, Chenchen nced at him. "Zhang Ye, are you sure you''ll be OK?"


    Zhang Ye shouted, "Quick, move along! Keep going!"


    As someone who would even tremble in fear when he went to a hospital, how could he possibly enjoy this experience!


    But just as they took a few steps forward, a figure with a protruding red tongue suddenly jumped out next to them and let out a chilling scream!


    However, Zhang Ye screamed out even louder than him. "Holy shit!"


    His scream nearly scared the employee dressed up as a demon out of his wits. Damn, Big Bro, is it really necessary for you to scream like that? You scared the shit out of me!


    Inparison, Chenchen was pretty calm. She looked at that "demon" with a red tongue and pointed at him, saying, "This tongue doesn''t look real at all. I could see straight away that this was made from cotton. And look at this." She pressed the red tongue and said, "It''s so dirty. Just how many days have you not washed this tongue?"


    The employee speechless.


    Chenchen pointed out, "Next time, remember to use one that is made of rubber. It''d be more realistic than this."


    The employee stayed speechless.


    When they continued forward, there was yet another terrifying scene!


    Something covered all in hair was striding step by step toward them!


    Zhang Ye was frightened so badly that he kept screaming wildly.


    But Chenchen just blinked her eyes and walked over to it. She pushed aside the disgusting?looking hair several times to reveal the shocked face of a female employee.


    Chenchen nodded at her and said, "You''re scarier than those people we met earlier on."


    The female employee said, "Eh?"


    Chenchen asked, "Is your pay higher than theirs?"


    The female staff said nothing.


    Chenchen: "How much do you get paid?"


    The female staff still didn''t respond.


    After a trip through the haunted house, Zhang Ye''s face had paled beyond white. He still couldn''t get over it for the longest time aftering out and kept walking in ces where the sun was shining, avoiding any ce that was dark and shaded. It was not that he had no balls, but because he was just afraid of things that shocked and scared people.


    But unknown to them, the staff in the haunted house were all feeling like they were going to vomit blood. They really had never seen a child like this before. She was clearly not brought up by a normal family. How did they know that? There was no need to ask this, of course. Have you fucking seen any normal child go and uncover a demon''s hair and ask how much she was paid when they saw a ghost walking toward them? Have you witnessed something like this before?


    Actually, Zhang Ye was also wondering how Chenchen could be so brave. She was too scared to sleep alone at night, but she was braver than anyone else once they were inside the haunted house. Even Zhang Ye nearly had his soul scared out of him, but this little kid could still find the time to mock the staff? Did youe all the way to the amusement park just to do that?


    Zhang Ye asked, "Did you have fun?"


    Chenchen nodded and said, "It''s not too bad."


    Zhang Ye said, "What do you mean by not too bad!"


    Chenchen said, "Zhang Ye, you''re such a weakling."


    Zhang Ye said angrily, "Don''t ask me to bring you out to this awful ce again in the future!"


    Chenchen said in a serious manner, "Don''t you know that they''re all just pretending?"


    "Of course I know that!" Zhang Ye said angrily.


    Chenchen let out a hur hur. "Zhang Ye, you''re such a coward."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and harrumphed, "I''m a coward? You just haven''t seen this bro pilot a ne! That''s what you would call a big asion. What do you know?"


    Chenchen pouted and turned to look at a shop that was selling things. She pointed at the shop and said, "Zhang Ye, I want ice cream."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Keep dreaming."


    "Go buy it for me."


    "Buy it yourself."


    "You buy it for me!"


    When an old couple who had brought their grandson out to have fun saw this, they could not help but criticize Zhang Ye with a few choice words.


    The olddy said, "Boy, if the child wants to eat, just go and buy it for her."


    The old man said, "Since it''s Children''s Day and they only get to enjoy one such holiday, you should give into her."


    The two of them walked away after that.


    Zhang Ye was at a loss.


    "Alright, alright, you''re the king today." Zhang Ye forced himself to go and buy ice cream for her. "But let me say this first. After Children''s Day, I won''t go so easy on you!"


    Chenchen ignored him and continued to eat the ice cream. She kept flicking her eyes around like she was scoping out what to do next.


    All of a sudden, sounds of a festive atmosphere drifted over from up ahead. It seemed to be an event. A host was onstage talking at the moment. Several hundred people were around the stage!


    It sounded like there was some sort of a singing contest?


    And there were even prizes?

 Chapter 1053: ’The King Sent Me on Mountain Patrol’!

    <h4>Chapter 1053: ''The King Sent Me on Mountain Patrol''! </h4>


    Chapter 1053: ''The King Sent Me on Mountain Patrol''!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the amusement park.


    More and more people gathered around a stage set up on the southern side of the park.


    The host was a young and pretty woman. Although she was not exceptionally beautiful, she still looked good nheless. From the way she spoke, she was definitely a professional broadcast host too. This was the upation that Zhang Ye held. So, when faced with a fellow peer, he would know from feeling alone. Beaming, she raised her microphone and announced, "Good day to all the parents and children here today. I am the host of Central Radio Children''s Channel, Yuan Meng. You can call me Little Yuan or Little Meng."


    Some of the people in the crowd actually knew her.


    "Ah, Yuan Meng?"


    "Central Radio Children''s Channel?"


    "I know her!"


    "Yeah, I always let my kid listen to her show!"


    "I''ve only ever heard her voice in the past. I didn''t think that Yuan Meng would look so pretty as well."


    "What event are they holding here? Why is there a band and all those instruments?"


    Everyone was very interested.


    Yuan Meng smiled and said, "We''re holding a live broadcast here for the June 1st Children''s Day Special. The signal will be broadcast in-sync through our radio station." Looking at her watch, she said, "We''ll be starting in about another 15 minutes'' time, so I hope everyone will cooperate and join the singing contest that we''re holding here today. It can be the children taking part alone, or teamed up with their parents as a group. We have invited a professional band to y for today''s event as well, and there are even three music teachers from the Central Conservatory of Music here to judge the contest. Every participating family will stand to win a prize, with the top three prizes even grander, so we hope everyone will participate enthusiastically."


    The prizes were all ced behind her on the stage.


    The three judges were also beckoning with their hands and calling for everyone to join.


    "A singing contest?"


    "There are even prizes to be given out?"


    "Wow, it''s going to be live radio broadcast?"


    "Really? It will be broadcast live on Central Radio Children''s Channel?"


    Zhang Ye had a look at the equipment and the workers at the venue and knew immediately that this was truly a setup for a live broadcast. He used to work in a radio station, so of course he would know.


    A lot of the children started to shout in excitement.


    "It''s Big Baby Bear!"


    "Mom, I want that!"


    "Dad, let''s join the contest!"


    "I wanna join too!"


    "Alright, alright, let''s participate!"


    "Let''s go and register!"


    "We''re going to register too!"


    "Are we really going to be on a live radio show?"


    "We can sing any song that we want? Then I''ll join too!"


    The parents and their children were all very enthusiastic.


    But Zhang Ye was not really interested. He had already been on countless live television broadcasts, to say nothing of a live radio broadcast. Besides, if a channel like Central Radio Children''s Channel wanted a celebrity like Zhang Ye to appear on their show, they would have to pay a fee for his appearance.


    "Let''s go," Zhang Ye called out to Chenchen.


    But Chenchen did not move.


    Zhang Ye turned around. "What''s the matter?"


    Chenchen raised her arm and pointed at the top prize on the stage. "Zhang Ye, I want that."


    Zhang Ye said in annoyance, "Do you even know what the name of that thing is?"


    Chenchen nodded. "I know. It''s Big Baby Bear."


    The prizes were quite good. The first ce prize was a plushie of one of the characters in one of this world''s children''s cartoon. It was pretty big and even seemed like it was a limited edition collectible that couldn''t be bought with money.


    Zhang Ye wondered, "I thought you didn''t like to watch cartoons anymore?"


    Chenchen looked at the other children who were all grabbing their parents'' arms like spoiled brats. A lot of them seemed like they wanted to win that limited edition Big Baby Bear.


    Chenchen also tugged at Zhang Ye''s arm. "Zhang Ye, I want that too."


    Zhang Ye was amused andughed, "What? You want it just because the other kids want it as well?"


    Chenchen nodded. "Win it for me!"


    Zhang Ye gave her a look. "You know how to sing?"


    "I do."


    "Really?"


    "I just can''t sing well."


    "That means you don''t know how!"


    "��Oh. Do you know how?"


    "Hur, do I know how? Why are you so funny? What do I not know! But what''s so attractive about this contest? Do you know how much of an appearance fee I canmand? If you want me to sing, you''d have to fork out at least a million or two. Would I have to be so desperate over just a lousy bear?"


    Zhang Ye was not bragging in this case. He was really worth that much these days.


    Zhang Ye tried to pull her away. "Let''s leave."


    Chenchen did not move. She stood there looking at a family beside her.


    A little girl who looked about five years old was shamelessly making a scene in front her parents. "Daddy, Mommy, I want Big Bear! I want Big Bear!"


    Her father smiled bitterly and said, "But Daddy and Mommy can''t sing well."


    The little girl was nearly crying. "I don''t care, I want Big Bear!"


    Her father gritted his teeth and said, "Alright, since my daughter has spoken, Daddy has to do it somehow. I''ll go register!"


    The little girl cheered, "Yay, Daddy''s the best!" She even kissed her father on the cheek.


    Her mother patted her husband''s chest and covered her mouth as sheughed. "Don''t embarrass yourself when you''re up there."


    The father thumped his chest and dered, "For our daughter, I don''t mind being embarrassed!"


    Chenchen looked at them without blinking.


    That little girl noticed Chenchen looking at her. She looked back curiously and said, "Big Sis, do you want Big Bear too? You can ask your daddy to join the contest." She pointed at Zhang Ye.


    Chenchen said, "I don''t have a daddy."


    The little girl was surprised by this and said, "But everyone has a daddy."


    Chenchen looked at her and expressionlessly said, "I don''t have one."


    When the girl''s parents heard that, they quickly pulled their daughter back and hurriedly said to the man in sunsses beside Chenchen, "Sorry about that, sir. You know how kids are. We''re really sorry!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s fine."


    The mother asked out of curiosity, "Her parents?"


    Zhang Ye was silent for a moment, then whispered, "They''ve passed away."


    The mother was taken aback and said, "Oh, look at me, why did I ask! I''m sorry!"


    Chenchen did not say a word.


    Zhang Ye looked into her eyes and when he thought about her situation, he suddenly felt very sorry and bad for her. He knelt down and said to Chenchen, "About that Big Bear, do you really want it?"


    Chenchen nodded. "Uh-huh."


    Zhang Ye snapped his fingers. "Alright." He then stood up and said, "Even if I have to risk everything, I''ll definitely win Big Bear for you!"


    Instantaneously, this fellow was eager to fight!


    He seemed to change into a different person as he strode up to register for the contest!


    A few minutester.


    The live broadcast began.


    Yuan Meng stood onstage and announced, "Good day, everyone. You''re listening to Central Radio Children''s Channel. I''m your host, Yuan Meng. I''m currently out at Beijing Amusement Park, where we are holding a spectacr singing contest. Over here, we have 13 groups signing up for the event, and we will be starting��"


    At the same time, the radio broadcast started.


    ...


    Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    His father was tidying up the room when he found an old radio.


    He asked, "Do we have any batteries in the house? Triple-As."


    His mother clicked her tongue. "Why are you fiddling with that?"


    His father said, "I want to see if it''s still working. Otherwise, I''m gonna throw it away."


    He tried tuning into a few radio stations.


    Then he said, "It''s still in working condition."


    His mother suddenly said, "Wait, that station earlier was Central Radio Children''s Channel? Are they broadcasting live from Beijing Amusement Park? Didn''t Little Ye bring Chenchen there? A singing contest?"


    His father turned up the volume. "Let''s have a listen! Do you think Little Ye and Chenchen will take part?"


    His mother''s lips curled upward. "With our son''s terrible voice, what can he sing?"


    ...


    At the venue.


    The first family was already performing onstage.


    "Little bunny, be good,


    "Open the door.


    "I will not, I will not // open the door."


    This was a nursery rhyme that Zhang Ye had sung before on a radio broadcast, At that time, it received a resounding response and a lot of people learned how to sing it as well.


    This family could only sing it rather averagely, but they received rapturous apuse nheless!


    Those three teachers from the Central Conservatory of Music also smiled and apuded them.


    Then it was the second group''s turn to perform.


    Then the third.


    The father of the little girl who spoke to Chenchen earlier was the seventh to go onstage. He was very nervous as his hands trembled while holding his microphone. After all, all those people who were taking part in the contest did not have any prior experience of being on a live radio broadcast, and every other group disyed a simr anxiety when it was their turn to go onstage.


    The little girl shouted, "Daddy, I''m cheering for you! Daddy, go for it!"


    When he heard his daughter''s cheering, the father straightened up and raised his microphone to sing along with the band''s apaniment.


    He sang very terribly.


    He even went off-key.


    But the little girl kept pping and shouting, "Daddy, you''re great!" She held her mother''s hand and said, "Mommy, Daddy''s really great!"


    Her motherughed and said, "Yes, your daddy is the best!"


    Chenchen looked at the girl and her mother without saying a word.


    Zhang Ye could not watch this any further, so he purposely patted Chenchen on her head and said, "It''s my turn, haha. Watch me."


    Chenchen looked at him. "Are you sure you can do it?"


    Zhang Yeughed loudly. "Just you watch, kiddo."


    Yuan Meng looked into the crowd and said, "Let''s wee the eighth group onstage."


    Zhang Ye pulled Chenchen to the position closest to the stage and left her there as he walked up to the stage with a big smile. When a lot of people in the audience saw him dressed in that outfit, they looked at him strangely. Who would cover themselves with a surgical mask and arge pair of sunsses on a warm summer day like this?


    Yuan Meng also gave him an additional once-over before passing the microphone to him.


    The band asked him, "What will you be singing?"


    Zhang Ye took off his surgical mask. "Just give me a beat and I''ll be fine." He walked over tomunicate some details with the few of them.


    The band was actually not that professional to begin with, so they were rather confused when they heard his instructions.


    What do you mean?


    You''re even thinking of singing an original?


    Who do you think you are?


    Chenchen looked at Zhang Ye up on stage.


    Beside her, a small hand grabbed hold of her hand. "Is that your daddy?"


    Chenchen turned her head and realized that it was the little girl from earlier. She answered, "No."


    Some people were looking at the sunsses-wearing young man on the stage.


    "Eh?"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "That guy looks so familiar!"


    "Ah, you''re right!"


    The stage was prepared.


    Zhang Ye stood there and thought back to when he didn''t know how to sing. He cleared his throat and deliberately adjusted his voice away from The Clown''s voice pattern. Then he saw Chenchen looking at him and started feeling a little sad. Chenchen, don''t be sad. Your parents are no longer around, but don''t you still have your aunt? Don''t you still have me? I may not be your father, and neither do I know how to be a father, I really don''t. But I can assure you of this: As long as you need me, I''ll always be by your side!


    Believe me!


    I definitely will be!


    So, please, cheer up!


    The music started!


    A folk music apaniment started ying!


    Zhang Ye raised his microphone and stunned everyone the moment he opened his mouth to sing 1 .


    "The sun winks at me." He looked and blinked several times at Chenchen!


    "Birds are singing songs for me. I am a very hard-working and unclingy little genie." He pointed to him own chest.


    Everyone was taken aback.


    What?


    What song was this?


    An original? Did you write it yourself?


    The host, Yuan Meng, was also dumbfounded!


    Zhang Ye walked to the front of the stage and put his hand into a flower basket. From it, he picked out a flower.


    "Don''t ask me where I''m from.


    "Or ask me where I am going.


    "I want to pick the prettiest flower,


    "To offer to my little princess!"


    He stooped down and ced the flower in Chenchen''s hair. He pulled Chenchen and led her up onto the stage as well. Then he bent down and, amazingly, lifted Chenchen up on his left shoulder with astonishing strength.


    Chenchen was terrified!


    Zhang Yeughed and said in a loud voice, "Aiyo, I nearly forgot!


    "The king sent me on mountain patrol.


    "Through the mortal realm, let me take a stroll.


    "Beating my drums.


    "Sounding my gong.


    "Life is full of the feel of rhythm.


    "The king sent me on mountain patrol.


    "To capture a monk as his dinner roll.


    "This mountain stream is so sweet that I don''t envy couples or immortals!"


    And then, suddenly, the audience broke into cheering!


    The children were getting excited!


    The parents were also mesmerized from listening to the song!


    It was really good!


    The song was perfect!


    The three judges were stunned!


    The band was also dumbfounded!


    Dammit, this is just a children''s singing contest held for entertainment''s sake. What''s with this song of yours? Isn''t this song too professionally written?


    ...


    Back at home.


    His mother said in surprise, "Hey, hey, hey. This voice?"


    His father said in astonishment, "Is that our son''s voice?"


    His mother said, "Did he really bring Chenchen onstage?"


    ...


    At a music productionpany.


    A department manager was just listening to the radio as he had nothing much to do. Suddenly, when this song was yed, another assistant manager and he were both stunned!


    "This song?"


    "Who''s that?"


    "It''s not very well sung, but the song is��"


    "Have you heard this before? What song is that?"


    "I''ve not heard of it before. Could it be an original?"


    ...


    At the venue.


    Zhang Ye raised his microphone to Chenchen''s mouth. He knew that Chenchen was a smart girl.


    Chenchen looked at him, then opened her mouth awkwardly to say, "The sun winks at me. Birds are singing songs for me."


    Zhang Ye took it from there andughed, "I am a very hard-working and unclingy little genie.


    "Don''t ask me where I''m from.


    "Or ask me where I am going.


    "I want to pick the prettiest flower,


    "To offer to my little princess!"


    Then Zhang Ye plucked out another flower and swiftly put it into Chenchen''s hair again!


    Chenchen suddenlyughed.


    She wasughing very happily.


    This was the first time Zhang Ye had seen herughing in such a way. It was really the first time that it happened!


    When he saw that, his singing became even more enthusiastic. He was already singing and skipping around mischievously. That bobbing motion of his head was especially funny.


    It was obviously very funny to watch, but the parents of that little girl from earlier could notugh at all. They knew that the sunsses-wearing young man was not the girl''s father and that her real parents had already passed away. Their eyes reddened a little and they couldn''t hold back their tears anymore!


    It was quite touching to see!


    But they felt a sense of admiration even more!


    Zhang Ye, who had Chenchen bouncing up and down on his shoulder, wasughing and singing.


    "The king sent me on mountain patrol.


    "Through the mortal realm, let me take a stroll."


    Chenchen followed along and sang.


    "Beating my drums.


    "Sounding my gong.


    "Life is full of the feel of rhythm.


    "The king sent me on mountain patrol.


    "To capture a monk as his dinner roll.


    "This mountain stream is so sweet that I don''t envy couples or immortals!"


    Apuse rang out!


    Cheers were erupting from the audience!


    This song had sent the atmosphere of the entire audience to its highest point!


    This was not a children''s song. At least, it was not like a nursery rhyme that was sung to children. The song carried a great meaning of the unconditional love between family members that even the adults could understand and be touched by it!

 Chapter 1054: Rave reviews!

    <h4>Chapter 1054: Rave reviews! </h4>


    Chapter 1054: Rave reviews!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The song ended.


    "Great!"


    "Great singing!"


    "It was so nice to listen to!"


    "This song is so well-written!"


    "How awesome!"


    "Yeah, there is brilliant talent among the people!"


    "A random parent who went up on stage is this amazing? I''m impressed!"


    Everyone apuded loudly. Many of the children were also pping with all their might!


    Suddenly, someone who was staring intently at Zhang Ye''s face shouted, "Damn, what do you mean by there is brilliant talent among the people? Is, isn''t that goddamn Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    "Ah, he really looks like him!"


    "What do you mean he looks like him? It is him!"


    "It really is Zhang Ye!"


    "Holy shit, Zhang Ye is here!"


    "What?! I was wondering how a normal parent could write a song!"


    The audience erupted into shouting!


    A lot of people in the amusement park rushed over upon hearing the news.


    The host, Yuan Meng, was stunned. "Teacher Zhang?"


    The band and music teachers from the Central Conservatory of Music were also shocked!


    By now, Zhang Ye had taken off his aviators knowing that it was pointless to wear them. When the people saw that it was really him, screaming again came from the crowd.


    "Zhang Ye has made an appearance here!"


    "Quick,e and see!"


    "Oh my god, I''ve finally seen Zhang Ye in person!"


    "This is my first time seeing an A-lister!"


    The stage was surrounded by arge crowd of people!


    Yuan Meng was very happy as she did not expect that she would meet a big shot like Zhang Ye while doing an outdoor live broadcast show. This was like the pie in the sky falling down, and it would definitely pull up her show''s listenership ratings. "Teacher Zhang Ye, would you like to say something to the live audience and radio listeners?"


    Zhang Ye plucked Chenchen off his shoulders with a smile and patted her head. "Hai, I won''t say anything much or dy everyone''s time. I was just bringing this kid out to y today. Since she said that she wanted that first ce prize, how could I say no? Even if I had to risk my life, I would still have to win it."


    Yuan Meng asked, "What''s the title of this song? How could it be so good?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s called ''The King Sent Me on Mountain Patrol.'' Hur hur, I''ve written it just for my king."


    "You mean this girl is your king?" Yuan Meng looked at Chenchen with a smile.


    Zhang Ye replied happily, "Yes."


    Yuan Meng said, feeling a little moved, "You''re so good to your daughter."


    Zhang Ye waved it off and said, "Hai, all parents are the same."


    Chenchen said, "Can you give me that Big Bear already?"


    Embarrassed, Yuan Meng said, "But there are still four more groups to go."


    Chenchen gave an "oh" in disappointment.


    "Alright, please proceed with the contest." Zhang Ye led the child off the stage. The moment they left the stage, they were surrounded by a group of people asking for his autograph. As he couldn''t reject them, he signed for them one by one.


    Shortly afterwards, the contest finished.


    After the three judges and the band had a round of discussion, the results of the top three were soon decided!


    Zhang Ye had gotten first ce!


    It was not because of his fame or some preferential treatment. Anyone who heard that song would know that first ce was definitely his. His song was really good and was even an original. Moreover, this was also his first time performing it in public, so who else should get first ce if not him?


    The prizes were given out after that.


    Zhang Ye smiled as he received the prize and then stuffed it into Chenchen''s arms. "Here, I won it."


    Chenchen instantly grabbed the Big Bear, which was nearly as tall as her, into her arms.


    At the moment, the little girl who had talked to her earlier was holding her parents'' hands as she stared fixedly at the Big Bear in envy. She could not help but approach. "Big Sis, your daddy treats you real well."


    Chenchen said helplessly, "I''ve already told you that he''s not my daddy."


    The little girl nodded, then gulped. "Then, then can I touch Big Bear for a little bit?"


    Chenchen looked at her and then ced the Big Bear into her arms. "I''ll give it to you."


    The little girl eximed in surprise, "Ah? Really?"


    Her parents quickly said, "No, no, that won''t do!"


    Chenchen said, "This is just a toy for little kids to y with. I don''t y with such things, so you can have it."


    Big Bear was so big that the little girl couldn''t quite wrap her arms around it, so she fell the ground with a heavy thud. However, joy lit up on her face as she said, "Thank you, Big Sis! Thank you, Big Sis!"


    Chenchen tugged at Zhang Ye''s arm and said, "Zhang Ye, let''s go."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What do you want to do next?"


    Chenchen pouted and said, "You''ve been recognized by others, so how can we still have fun with anything?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Alright, me it on me. Let''s go home then."


    "Zhang Ye."


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Sing that again."


    "Yes, my king."


    At the amusement park, several hundred people were taking pictures and recording videos of the young and old duo with their cell phones. The adult was holding the child''s hand as they left the amusement park, singing as they walked out of the ce.


    "The king sent me on mountain patrol!


    "To capture a monk as his dinner roll!


    "This mountain stream is so sweet that I don''t envy couples or immortals!"


    ...


    On Weibo.


    There was a heated discussion happening!


    An article on Weibo titled "Zhang Ye''s surprise appearance at the Central Radio Children''s Channel live broadcast event" immediately started trending and the song yed on the radio was posted as well.


    Numerousizens also posted threads on Weibo and shared their pictures from the event.


    "I got Zhang Ye''s autograph!"


    "Come and see! We bumped into Teacher Zhang at Beijing Amusement Park!"


    "Video clip of Zhang Ye''s singing on stage! Come quick!"


    Picture after picture!


    Video after video!


    This song titled "The King Sent Me to Mountain Patrol" was trending all over Weibo!


    "It''s so incredible!"


    "Zhang Ye is indeed Zhang Ye!"


    "Haha, Teacher Zhang released a new song?"


    "Why didn''t he distribute the song over the Inte or through publishers? There weren''t any promotions either? He just went up onstage to sing after chancing upon a minor singing contest? Isn''t this a little too carefree? Uh, why do I seem to think that the fellow wrote that song on the spot?"


    "Since when did Zhang Ye have a kid?"


    "That little girl is a rtive of his or the child of his friend, right? I know who she is."


    "I know her too. That little girl previously led a group of her ssmates and cracked thergest burry case that startled the nation!"


    "That''s right, it''s her!"


    "Pfft, I remember too now!"


    "I wonder why her parents are not with her, but it seems that Zhang Ye asionally takes care of her and sometimes takes her to and from school. He has also attended her school''s parent-teacher meetings. That was reported on the news before."


    "This song is really funny, hahaha!"


    "I don''t think it''s funny. I find it very touching instead."


    "Me too! I was really touched by the song!"


    "The person I respect the most in the entertainment industry is Zhang Ye. Although the fellow is always insulting people, picking fights, starting trouble, and constantly kicking up a fuss, I believe that everyone in the entertainment industry isn''t what they seem like on the surface, except for Zhang Ye. I really believe that to be true. He is truly a good person who wouldn''t hesitate to speak up about right and wrong."


    "My son also listened to that song and he really likes it!"


    "It''s Children''s Day today. I must give a Like to Zhang Ye!"


    "Yes, Teacher Zhang Ye is a very good person."


    "Yeah, he treats kids really well."


    "Even though she''s not his own daughter, he still treats her so well and specially wrote a song to make her happy. My impression of Zhang Ye has changed now, and I''ll try my best not to criticize him in the future."


    "It''s so full of positive energy!"


    "It''s so full of Teacher Zhang''s spirit!"


    "This song is really amazing!"


    The remarks online were all positive!


    Theizens were all giving rave reviews to Zhang Ye and his song!


    It was probably due to the alignment of many factors, but "The King Sent Me on Mountain Patrol" had incredibly squeezed into the Top Chinese Music Chart within just two short hours!


    It was ced at #7 on the daily chart!


    It even pushed one of Sunset Glow''s songs down the rankings!


    And the numbers kept increasing with more and more people listening to it!


    With the Children''s Day festivities in full swing, this song became popr very quickly!


    #6��


    #5��


    #4��


    A dark horse emerged and appeared against all odds on the Top Chinese Music Chart that had been mainly upied by songs from King of Masked Singers for the past few weeks!


    Many of the industry insiders were dumbfounded by what they saw!


    However, most of them were already used to it. This was Zhang Ye, and one would never be able to measure him throughmon sense. Even if everyone thought that something was impossible or would not do well, when it got handled by Zhang Ye, he wouldplete it with earth-shattering results. There was no logic in how he did things and no amount of logic could be used to exin it!


    For a time.


    This song was heard all over the streets and on the radio stations!


    It was so catchy that some people even learned how to sing it after just listening to it three or four times!


    ...


    In a neighborhood.


    "Daddy, hurry up and learn this song!"


    "But Daddy doesn''t know how to sing."


    "I don''t care! You must learn it!"


    "But why?"


    "Because I''m going to be your king!"


    "Hahaha, alright, alright. Daddy will learn it just for you!"


    ...


    People in the entertainment circle also started talking about it.


    Zhang Xia posted on Weibo, "Rmending a song to everyone. ''The King Sent Me on Mountain Patrol'' is a really nice song to listen to."


    Chen Guang replied to her post below: "Grandma Zhang has already listened to the song? Haha, I''ve also just finished listening to it. It is indeed quite good. I only just found out that Director Zhang can even write songs of this genre. He''s impressed me again. But Director Zhang''s singing is still as terrible and he can''t control his breathing that well. I''ve got to give him some pointers soon!"


    Xiaodong: "@ZhangYe Teacher Zhang, can you seriously practice your singing to be better? Although, the song''s really good and I found it quite enjoyable. If I were to cover it, please don''t charge me a copyright fee!"


    Fan Wenli: "''The King Sent Me on Mountain Patrol'' is already #3 on the Top Chinese Music Chart! Congrattions, Director Zhang!"


    Dong Shanshan: "What a nice song!"


    Amy: "Teacher Zhang, you''re amazing! Please write a song for us again!"


    This song also received rave reviews from the industry!


    Of course, quite a few people also ridiculed Zhang Ye''s singing. Be it "A Letter to Home" or "The King Sent Me on Mountain Patrol," these two songs were the only times Zhang Ye used his true identity to perform in public. They all felt that Zhang Ye''s performance had no singing skill to speak of at all!


    When the people saw that, they were also amused.


    "Haha, his singing is really a little terrible!"


    "So Teacher Zhang also has his shorings!"


    "It''s just a children''s song. What singing skills are needed!"


    "It''s not like Teacher Zhang''s a professional singer. Not going off-key is already pretty good!"


    "Eh, I have an idea."


    "What is it?"


    "Do you guys think that those songs sung by The Clown on King of Masked Singers were written by Teacher Zhang Ye? If not, where could he have gotten so many originals?"


    "That might be possible!"


    "Right, that''s really a possibility!"


    Soon after, Zhang Ye''s Weibo was updated.


    He posted: "Thank you, everyone. Thank you to all my friends and fellow peers for your support. This song was only meant to cheer up the children. I did not expect that it would cause such a bigmotion. It was really unexpected that the song could even get to #3 on the Top Chinese Music Chart. You all have given me such a shock, haha. Anyway, I will use this song to wish all the children in our country a happy Children''s Day!"

 Chapter 1055: King of Masked Singers gets investigated!

    <h4>Chapter 1055: King of Masked Singers gets investigated! </h4>


    Chapter 1055: King of Masked Singers gets investigated!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    At home.


    Zhang Ye scarfed down his meal.


    Chenchen had finished lunch much earlier and was ying "The King Sent Me on Mountain Patrol" on her cell phone. She went over to Zhang Ye''s mother and held the phone out in front of her. "Grandma, Zhang Ye wrote this song for me."


    His mother patted her head and smiled. "It''s such a nice song."


    Chenchen turned around. "Grandpa, Zhang Ye wrote this song for me."


    His father nodded enthusiastically. "It''s great. Granny and I both listened to it on the radio just now."


    Chenchen said, "You can hear me singing in it as well."


    His mother smiled. "You sang much better than Little Ye!"


    Chenchen nodded. "Yup."


    Zhang Ye was rolling his eyes at everything they said. "Don''t you guys feel bad making such lies?"


    His mother shot him a look. "With that lousy voice of yours, how can you be better at singing than our Chenchen?!"


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands. "Alright, but can I eat in peace?"


    "What ce is it at now?" his father asked.


    "You mean on the Top Chinese Music Chart?" Zhang Yeughed and answered, "I think it''s almost reached second."


    His mother said in astonishment, "How many hours has it been?"


    Zhang Ye analyzed, "It''s Children''s Day today, so the momentum from that is pushing it up. I think it shouldn''t be a problem for it to get first ce by tonight, but I doubt that it can muster up a fight in the monthly chart''s top rankings. The fifth episode of King of Masked Singers will be broadcast in another few days. At that point, there will be another flurry of songs released."


    However, that was already good enough. The drop in his poprity after so many days without being in the public eye had been turned around a little bit.


    A phone rang.


    It was Chenchen''s cell phone.


    Chenchen answered her phone. "Aunt."


    Rao Aimin: "Did Zhang Ye take you out to y?"


    Chenchen said: "We went to Beijing Amusement Park and even sang a song together."


    Rao Aimin: "Did you enjoy yourself then?"


    Chenchen said: "I guess it was alright."


    Zhang Ye interjected: "Only alright?"


    Chenchen handed her cell phone to him. "Zhang Ye, my aunt is looking for you."


    "OK." Zhang Ye took the phone from her and said: "Sorry to have inconvenienced you, Old Rao. Have you epted the award yet?"


    It sounded rather chaotic on Rao Aimin''s end, so she was probably outside somewhere. "It''s been withdrawn."


    Zhang Ye said: "Ah?"


    "I don''t know what''s with this bunch of bastards. They withdrew your award at thest minute and changed the recipient to someone else. It seems like they received some instructions from above or something."


    A man''s voice sounded over the phone: "Hey, why are you swearing at us?"


    Zhang Ye heard Rao Aimin say: "What''s wrong with me swearing at you people? You made mee all the way here to ept the award, then changed the recipient to someone else on the spot? You people might have nothing better to do, but I have many things to handle on my end!"


    When the man heard this, he felt a little guilty. "Big Sis, why is your temper even more terrible than Zhang Ye''s?"


    Zhang Ye''s and Rao Aimin''s temperament were very simr. The two of them always did as they liked and would scold others the moment they disagreed with something.


    Zhang Ye said: "Calm down, cool your jets. It''s fine. If they''ve withdrawn the prize, so be it. Come back quick. The kid''s waiting for you."


    Rao Aimin said: "Alright, I''ll head back soon. But let me give them another piece of my mind first!"


    Just before the call ended, Zhang Ye heard Rao Aimin say: "Call your organizer''s manager out! Are you people taking us for fools?"


    The award was not actually an important one, but neither was it pointless. It was still considered an officially recognized award in the Beijing municipality called the "Lifetime Contribution Award to Variety Shows." With King of Masked Singers bing so popr, Beijing Television had fought hard to get this award for Zhang Ye. As the value attached to this award was not really that great, Zhang Ye had sent his agent to collect the prize on his behalf. However, he did not expect it to be withdrawn at thest minute like this. Based on his time in the entertainment circle, Zhang Ye knew that there was something behind this decision. Perhaps this was done to send a signal of some sort.


    Sure enough, it happened.


    A few minutester, there was a sudden change in the Top Chinese Music Chart!


    "The King Sent Me on Mountain Patrol" was removed and its poprity score was locked. Even though theizens could still ess the song from various channels, the poprity score of the song would no longer increase. It had disappeared from the chartpletely.


    A lot of people on Weibo were stunned by the development.


    "What happened?"


    "Why is ''The King'' no longer on the charts?"


    "Did its poprity ranking drop all of a sudden?"


    "That can''t be! It was in second ce! And almost in first ce! It can''t possibly just drop off from second ce to outside the top hundred spots!"


    "I''ve tried searching for it, but ''The King'' is no longer in the top hundred!"


    "What the hell? What''s with this turn of events?"


    "Was there a mistake with the statistics calctions?"


    "What happened? Can anyone exin this?"


    "Comrades, I''ve just received news that there was supposed to be an official award presented today in Beijing called the ''Lifetime Contribution Award to Variety Shows.'' Teacher Zhang was ted to receive it, but just a moment ago, the recipient was switched to someone else. It seems like they received notice from the Ministry of Culture to prevent the award from being given to Teacher Zhang, and his agent even got into an argument with the organizers."


    "This��"


    "A ban?"


    "The smog issue still hasn''t blown over yet?"


    "What was supposed to happen still couldn''t be avoided, huh?"


    "Dammit!"


    "Would King of Masked Singers be affected by this then?"


    "Who knows!"


    "Teacher Zhang is in the news again!"


    "The Brain Goldmercial has been taken down as well!"


    "What?"


    "I have a friend working at a television station and I just got notified about that!"


    "But why?"


    "No reason was given. There was just an order to change themercial and redo it. The meaning couldn''t be simpler! It just means that Zhang Ye''s scene in themercial has to be cut!"


    "''A Letter to Home'' has disappeared from the Top Chinese Music Chart as well!"


    "Damn, those are both good songs!"


    "It''s not an issue with the song. It was clearly taken down because of the singer!"


    The bad news kepting.


    At home, Zhang Ye''s phone was blowing up!


    His mother said in shock, "Why are they suddenly targeting you?"


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "This should have happened much earlier, but it just got dyed."


    His mother said angrily, "How can you be this calm?"


    "I was long prepared for this," Zhang Ye replied.


    Yes, he already knew about this long ago as Wu Zeqing had warned him about it.


    All this time, all these days, Zhang Ye was being soft banned. Although there was no official statement about his status from any agencies, the truth was that Zhang Ye had already been banned for about a month or two. But due to the controversy at that time and the topic still being fervently discussed in the public sphere, this matter was not explicitly picked on during that sensitive period. If Zhang Ye had continued maintaining a low profile, this problem should have blown over in another month or two with Old Wu around. That would have been the end of the issue and Zhang Ye would have been able to stand up anew to do whatever he wanted to do. But today, Zhang Ye, who had been quiet for over a month, hade out with a new work. It even managed to shoot up to the top of the Top Chinese Music Chart at the double with momentum that was a force to be reckoned with. This was what attracted the current response from the authorities.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    The Clown''s cell phone rang.


    Han Qi spoke in a flustered tone: "Teacher, can you make a trip down to the television station now?"


    Zhang Ye disguised his voice and said: "Did something happen?"


    Han Qi said: "An executive from the Beijing Ministry of Culture and directors of some associations came for an inspection, so Director Hu got me to contact you. The other contestants are also on their way over now."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged: "I''ll be right there."


    ...


    At Beijing Television.


    In a meeting room.


    Petal Shower, Sunset Glow, and Flowing Time, along with two other recement masked singers, were present. They were all wearing their masks and seated in the meeting room when The Clown finally arrived.


    Before long, Hu Fei also came into the meeting room with a group of people trailing behind him. They came in one by one until a dozen or so people in suits were inside the room. Finally, a deputy station head of Beijing Television who apanied them throughout also arrived.


    Hu Fei said, "Let me introduce all of you."


    There was an honorary chairman from a television association.


    There was a director from a certain cultural institution.


    There were some enforcement officials from the Beijing Ministry of Culture.


    Then, one of the leaders of the delegation smiled and said, "I''m very honored today to meet all of the show''s contestants. This show you''re doing is fantastic and I love watching it as well. However, there are some problems that I have to point out regarding some of the contestants'' choice of song. I find them a little negative and not exactly helping to spread positive energy to the audience. Since this show has be so popr all over the country with over tens of millions of people watching the show, we have to pay more attention to what goes on it. The management of the SARFT is already preparing a censorship control system regarding song titles, as well as drama series and film titles. In the future, we''ll all be following this system to carry out our enforcement of the rules. I think this is a good thing as there really is a necessity to make the censorship control system stricter. This is a kind of respect for our culture, as well as a guiding our citizens down the correct path."


    He rattled on and talked about many things.


    After that, the group of people moved off and continued with their inspection.


    The deputy station head went with them while Hu Fei, Hou Ge, Xiao Lu, and the others stayed behind.


    Flowing Time asked, "Director Hu, what''s the meaning of this?"


    A new recement masked singer said, "We don''t even have the freedom to choose what we want to sing anymore?"


    Sunset Glow added, "If we''re talking about songs with positive energy, how many love songs would be considered positive? Aren''t they unnecessarily limiting a great deal of songs that we can sing? We won''t even be able to sing love songs from now on?"


    Hu Fei fluttered his hands. "It''s not that bad. Everyone, just pay a bit more attention to your choice of songs for this episode and everything will be fine. Don''t choose something like what Li Yu chose and everything should work out."


    Petal Shower said, "We won''t even be able to sing children''s songs now, much less love songs."


    Flowing Time agreed and said, "Zhang Ye''s song has already been taken off the Top Chinese Music Chart."


    Hou Ge said, "That was strictly targeted at Director Zhang, not you guys."


    Petal Shower gave him a look. "Those people from the Beijing Ministry of Culture and the associations are probably here for Zhang Ye as well, aren''t they?"


    Hu Fei sighed.


    Flowing Time asked, "Was this move initiated by the SARFT?"


    Hu Fei answered, "It''s not the SARFT this time."


    Flowing Time heaved a sigh of relief. "That''s not so bad then."


    One of the recement masked singers said curiously, "Why isn''t the SARFT leading the crackdown this time? In the past, banning artists and program censorship have always been the SARFT''s business, hasn''t it?"


    Hu Fei thought about it, then shook his head. "We''re not sure about that either. Whatever it is, everyone should just take note of this matter. It''s Children''s Day anyway, so it might not be a bad idea to sing some children''s songs for this episode."


    Children''s songs?


    The contestants looked at each other.


    Meanwhile, The Clown sat there, having not said a word since the beginning of the meeting.


    He did not know what to say at all. He wanted to apologize but was unable to say that. This entire affair started because of him as he had offended too many people the previous time. This was why even though Wu Zeqing was holding down the fort over at the SARFT and they did note to trouble him, there were still other departments and their leaders trying to prevent Zhang Ye from rising again!


    This was all very logical.


    This was all within his expectations.


    No matter how he thought about it, everything pointed to this oue. Zhang Ye himself knew this too. Although Zhang Ye looked very calm and was not exactly bursting with emotion, this thought he was holding inside him made him feel quite disappointed and exhausted!

 Chapter 1056: The Clown sings a children’s song?

    <h4>Chapter 1056: The Clown sings a children''s song? </h4>


    Chapter 1056: The Clown sings a children''s song?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Friday.


    On the day of recording.


    Since morning, a lot of unverified news appeared all over the Inte.


    "Zhang Ye faces yet another ban!"


    "The King of Masked Singers program team gets investigated!"


    "King of Masked Singers to stop broadcasting soon?"


    "With the introduction of new regtions, all songs in vition will be banned!"


    "King of Masked Singers in an awkward position!"


    "Guidance and suggestions from the Ministry of Culture to variety singing sings: Promote positive energy and boycott pessimistic and negative musical pieces."


    "The SARFT yet to make a statement!"


    Theizens were getting very anxious.


    "Are they really going to stop the broadcast?"


    "Impossible. This must be fake news."


    "They can''t stop such arge show just like that!"


    "But there''s no doubt that King of Masked Singers has been implicated in a sticky situation!"


    "I heard that the contestants were called up individually for talks!"


    "Have you seen Li Yu''s Weibo yet? He had sung about his mother telling him of the hopelessness of life, and then there''s that ''I Really Hate You.'' Now though, he has to step forward to make an apology and even dere that he is fully supportive of the authorities'' guidance and suggestions and that all his works from now on will contain positivity."


    "This Old Li! He''s so spineless!"


    "He has no other choice since the general environment''s like this."


    "I wonder if King of Masked Singers can carry on recording as usual today!"


    "Yeah, the contestants might be greatly affected by this!"


    "The Clown seems to have been called out and criticized as well!"


    "Petal Shower and Sunset Glow were called out and criticized too. They''ve also performed love songs onstage that seem to have crossed the regtions'' line."


    "What the heck are they trying to do!"


    For the past two days, this matter was constantly being discussed online. Everyone was worried that King of Masked Singers would really be taken off the air.


    ...


    Later that morning.


    At Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery.


    Han Qi was already calling him for the third time.


    "Teacher Clown, you''re still not here yet?"


    "I have something to do, so I''ll be running a littlete."


    "I''ve already drawn the lots on your behalf. You''ll be the sixth contestant to go onstage today."


    "OK, thank you."


    "Th-Then, please hurry and don''t be toote."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye, dressed all in ck, found his way and walked forward.


    For some reason, when he woke up this morning, Zhang Ye suddenly thought ofing here to chat with Old Wei. He did not know why; he just wanted toe.


    There were some reporters and cameras in front.


    Zhang Ye immediately recognized them to be employees from the Central TV News Channel as he had met the host once before. When he saw them, Zhang Ye did not go over but stood in a distant, inconspicuous corner.


    Other than the portrait of the deceased and the birthday on Old Wei''s tombstone, a line inscribed on it: "When some people live, they are already dead. / When some people die, they are still alive." This was from the poem Zhang Ye had recited at Father Wei''s funeral. After Old Wei passed, this line served as an epitaph inscribed on his tombstone to apany him on his journey of eternal sleep.


    Besides the reporters and cameras stationed around the tombstone, 20 to 30 students were standing there.


    "Father!"


    "Father Wei!"


    "Sob, we miss you!"


    "Father Wei, we''re doing very well right now. You don''t need to worry about us anymore. My second mock exam results were very good. The teacher said that I would definitely qualify for Peking University. I''ll be taking the college entrance examination in a few days'' time and I''ll definitely work hard to do well. By the way, Tongtong has already been assured of a ce in a university. He was your favorite back then and he did not disappoint you at all!"


    "Father, pleasee back to us!"


    "We really miss you so much!"


    Some of them were crying out to the tombstone, while the others did not speak at all and just covered their mouths as they cried.


    It was Old Wei''s birthday today and the children brought many things to pay their respects to him.


    When the Central TV News reporter heard what the children said, she quietly turned around to wipe away her tears. "��With that, we havee to the end of our report here."


    They finished packing their equipment.


    The television station staff left and were gradually followed by the children.


    Zhang Ye, who was still standing far away, decided to slowly make his way over at this time. Standing in front of the tombstone, he smiled and said, "Old friend, I''m here to see you. How are you doing?" Then he sat down and smiled at the tombstone. "I did not bring anything with me today, but I guess there''s no need for it either, really. Just look, so many of your children have been thinking of you, and so many people miss you. With them bringing you so many offerings and things, you must definitely be living a good life on the other side."


    The cemetery was quite peaceful.


    Zhang Ye was the only one around and he muttered to himself.


    "I really envy you, really. Haha, you don''t know how popr you''ve be. You''re respected by many and your name has been immortalized for the ages. But I know that you definitely do not care about that because you''re different from me in that you don''t covet riches or fame. Look at me now. I have it far worse than you. There are people criticizing me every day, with some wanting to censor me and others trying to step on me. By the way, this bro has been banned yet again. Even when I sang a children''s song, people were whispering and pointing their fingers at me.


    "I''ve been shrouded in an especially bad aura these past two days. I''m not afraid that you''llugh at me, so can you tell me what I''m slogging so much for? Hur hur, I don''t even know what I''m doing all this for anymore! You must be enjoying yourself since there''s definitely no air pollution in Heaven. Oh yeah, there probably aren''t traffic jams either? You can cause as much trouble as you like in such a vast ce. How wonderful would that be? But just look at where I am. Before I even rise up, my head is struck. Any little thing that I do, people nitpick and tell me what to do. Do you think this is interesting? It''s way too fucking uninteresting! But I still have to continue moving forward. I''m not as carefree as you, leaving just like that without even saying goodbye to me.


    "Old Wei, do you think I''m a huge failure? Everyone says that I''m sessful, but why don''t I feel that way? Please don''t find me annoying, Old Wei. I''m only able to say these words to you. I''ll feel better when I let everything out. Then I''ll have to go and perform after this!"


    Ring ring ring. His cell phone rang again.


    Han Qi was calling again.


    Zhang Ye did not take the call. He waved the cell phone at the tombstone and said with a smile, "See? Everything is about work, and they''re hounding me again. Alright, I''ve said enough to you. I''lle back to see you again when I''m free. Oh yes, don''t worry about your daughter, Wei Ying. She''s doing quite fine and has gotten quite a good job as well. I''ve given her my number, so if there''s anything she needs help with, I''ll definitely help her out. With me around, you can rest assured."


    He stood up.


    Zhang Ye was about to walk off, but he suddenly stopped in his tracks and turned back for ast nce. "I''m leaving now."


    ...


    At Beijing Television.


    In the King of Masked Singers'' recording studio.


    Recording had long since begun and four contestants had already finished performing.


    Onstage, Flowing Time was currently singing.


    "The king sent me on mountain patrol!


    "To capture a monk as his dinner roll!"


    He was performing Zhang Ye''s song that had gotten really popr over the past few days.


    Hu Fei said anxiously, "Is The Clown still not here?"


    Hou Ge looked at Han Qi. "What''s going on?"


    Han Qi also said anxiously, "He should be here soon, he should be here soon!"


    "It''s gonna be his turn next." Hu Fei said, "Pester him a bit more."


    When Han Qi was just about to make the call, an employee rushed over from elsewhere and said, "The Clown is here and is waiting in the waiting area. We can continue to record normally!"


    Hu Fei nodded. "Great!"


    Han Qi heaved a sigh of relief. The Clown had been a very punctual and polite person and had never beente before. So she was unsure as to what was going on with The Clown today.


    Could it be that the investigation had left him unsure about what song he should sing?


    Anyway, what was The Clown''s first song going to be today?


    Han Qi immediately checked the title of the song. When she saw it, she was a little stunned.


    Eh?


    This title is a children''s song?


    It was going to be another children''s song?


    Three contestants had already sung a children''s song today!


    Han Qi suddenly felt a little disappointed and helpless!

 Chapter 1057: ’I’m a Small, Little Bird’!

    <h4>Chapter 1057: ''I''m a Small, Little Bird''! </h4>


    Chapter 1057: ''I''m a Small, Little Bird''!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the studio.


    Flowing Time''s performance ended.


    The audience gave an enthusiastic round of apuse, but the discussions weren''t as enthusiastic as they looked on the surface.


    "Great song."


    "Yeah, it sounded good."


    "But I feel that something''s missing!"


    "All the songs are children''s songs today!"


    "Yeah, we already heard three such songs. The new recement masked singer sang the first one, followed by Sunset Glow, and then Flowing Time. The other recement masked singer''s song added an excerpt of a children''s song to the end of his performance as well, except that he slightly arranged the melody. That was the only hint of creativity I saw today. Even though it was very enjoyable to listen to, this is too much. It''s good that there''s positive energy, but isn''t this too goddamn positive, don''t you think?"


    "What can they do other than this? The contestants have been called out individually and criticized!"


    "Not only on King of Masked Singers. It''s the same story for other singing shows."


    "Hai, is there not a single contestant with the backbone to stand against it?"


    "Who''d wanna step forward? They''d just be sticking their necks out if they did that!"


    "Do you think everyone is like Zhang Ye?"


    "Speaking of Teacher Zhang, I''m really starting to miss him. If Teacher Zhang were herepeting, he would surely be wonderful to watch. He definitely wouldn''t be afraid of the Ministry of Culture or some television association!"


    "Haha, that''s right. That''s just how Zhang Ye is!"


    "That''s totally spot on. Sometimes, I criticize Zhang Ye too. But having not seen him for some time now, it feels like I''m missing a part of myself. Do you guys think I''m insane?"


    "Sucks that Zhang Ye isn''t taking part."


    "Teacher Zhang has been thoroughly banned. Who knows how long it''ll be before he can make aeback."


    "Hai, showbiz without Zhang Ye is as good as boring!"


    "It''s The Clown turn now!"


    "He''s thest one to perform in this first round!"


    "Let''s see what he''s gonna sing."


    Dong Shanshan''s voice reverberated, "Let''s wee the final contestant��The Clown."


    The audience erupted into apuse. Everyone still had great expectations for The Clown.


    The Clown went onstage.


    The title of the song was disyed on the teleprompter screen at this moment.


    "I''m a Small, Little Bird"?


    When the audience saw this, they were left speechless.


    "Hell."


    "It''s another children''s song?"


    "A small, little bird? This is definitely a children''s song!"


    "I''m sick of listening to them!"


    "Can they not sing children''s songs anymore? Please!"


    "Why did those people from the television association have to butt in and cause all this trouble! A proper singing show has been forced to this state? These singers too. Why isn''t there anyone with some backbone?"


    "How weak!"


    "Yeah, will no one step up and shout back?"


    "This is actually pretty good. You guys just haven''t seen how the other singing shows reacted. The songs on those other shows are basically all the same."


    "Hai. Even today Zhang Ye is remembered. He who refused to return to Jiangdong 1 !"


    Backstage.


    The contestants who had finished performing were all seated in the tearoom.


    Flowing Time, who had just returned from the stage, nced at the television but did not say anything.


    A new recement masked singer said, "The Clown is also singing a children''s song?"


    "'' I''m a Small, Little Bird 2 ''?" Sunset Glow blinked.


    Petal Shower sulked, "What can we sing other than children''s songs? It''s the safest choice we have!"


    The other recement masked singer sighed. "We''re the focus of attention right now, so it''s best that we take the necessary precautions."


    At the panel.


    The judges were also giving each other looks.


    Another children''s song?


    Hai.


    Chen Guang smiled wryly.


    Zhang Xia and Amy wore neutral expressions.


    Even they were finding today''s episode pointless.


    The lights dimmed.


    The music started ying.


    Some of the audience members had lost concentration and had let their minds wander off after they saw the title of the song.


    Without warning, The Clown began singing. With him singing, a lot of people froze on the spot and were taken by surprise!


    "There are times I feel like I''m a small, li''l bird.


    "I wanna fly,


    "but no matter how I can''t fly high."


    Everyone was stunned!


    It wasn''t a children''s song!


    Holy shit!


    This was not a children''s song!


    It was a fucking rock song!


    In the tearoom, the look in Petal Shower''s eyes shifted!


    Flowing Time''s eyes widened in shock!


    This song��


    These lyrics��


    The audience perked up in an instant!


    The Clown''s eyes held gloom and despair.


    "Perhaps I''ll one day perch on the branches,


    "Yet the hunters I''ve incurred.


    "Only when I flew into the blue sky did I discover that I had nothing upon which to rely."


    What to do when born under evil stars;


    Before I could even rise,


    I was beaten unwise.


    A worn-out hat covering my face,


    I cross the busy marketce.


    In a old shipden with wine jars��


    floating down the brine 3 .


    He was really annoyed!


    He was downright disappointed!


    The Clown''s voice trembled. "Every time the dead of night arrives, I can never fall asleep."


    He pointed at his chest and thumped it. "Is it only my tomorrows that won''t ever get better, is that my keep?


    "What''s the future hold?


    "Exactly who could know?


    "Whether happiness is just a legend,


    "I''m forever unable to find and show."


    Chen Guang was gnashing his teeth listening to the song!


    Yao Jiancai was stunned!


    Amy was also deeply shocked by the few lines The Clown had sung. She didn''t even notice that her mouth was hanging agape in an inelegant manner. She just kept listening while looking like that!


    The Clown suddenly sang louder.


    "I''m just a small, small, little bird!


    "I wanna fly and soar, but I just can''t fly high!


    "I''m searching and finding, looking for and seeking a warm bosom in which to lie!


    "Does this request seem too hard to apply?"


    Many in the audience suddenly stood up!


    "This is so great!"


    "Oh my god!"


    "The Clown! The Clown!"


    The audience was getting extremely excited!


    In the tearoom, the other contestants were surprised by this!


    Flowing Time said, "He''s really willing to sing something like that?"


    Even a fool could tell that other than the title of the song resembling a children''s song, the rest of it had nothing to do with being a children''s song!


    The Clown closed his eyes.


    "All you who know my name, you doing well, by the by?


    "The world''s such a small ce.


    "We''re destined to have no escape, no space.


    "When I''ve had my fill of fickle feelings,


    "When you decide to fight for your ideals,


    "The pressures of living and the dignity of life, which has more appeal?"


    To me, the most important thing is dignity!


    To me, it''s even more important than life itself!


    But I''ve already given my best!


    I''ve really given my very best!


    I don''t ask for much. All I want is to work in peace, to find a ce that suits me and epts me for me. But why can''t I find it? Why have I been unable to find such a ce in all this time?


    Is it really that difficult?


    Is this request really so difficult to fulfill?


    Han Qi was in tears listening. It was as though The Clown''s song contained some sort of spell that made her tears flood down her face. She did not know who The Clown was, nor did she know what The Clown''s story was. But she was sure that it was a story full of sadness, anger, and loneliness!


    Teacher Clown.


    Just who are you?


    How much have you gone through to be able to sing a song like this!


    The Clown suddenly jumped an octave.


    Was he lost?


    Or was it a cry for help?


    Maybe he was asking this world a question?


    "I''m just a small, small, little bird!


    "I wanna fly and soar!


    "But I just can''t fly high!


    "I''m searching and finding! Looking for and seeking! A warm bosom in which to lie!


    "Does this request seem too hard to apply?"


    The Clownughed at himself. Then his voice softened as he conveyed his disappointment at the industry. He sang like he was asking the world a question, "Does this request. Seem too hard. To apply?"

 Chapter 1058: For dignity!

    <h4>Chapter 1058: For dignity! </h4>


    Chapter 1058: For dignity!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Did this request seem too hard to apply?


    Petal Shower fell silent!


    Sunset Glow fell silent!


    The judges fell silent as well!


    After he finished performing, The Clown took a deep breath and bowed to the audience. Then he turned around and calmed himself. Feelings of disappointment and anger were written all over his back!


    The audience roared!


    Based on what they saw and heard, The Clown''s song and his singing weren''t even good. The song did not have any showy high notes or any portamento techniques. He did not even care about his stage presence or the atmosphere and just quietly stood there singing, telling a story, a story about himself.


    The sheer power of the song was immense!


    It resonated deeply with the crowd!


    " I''m a Small, Little Bird 1 ."


    Some of the audience members started crying when they thought of their experiences!


    Some others clenched their fists angrily when they recalled their past!


    The studio erupted into thunderous apuse!


    "He''s so cool!"


    "The Clown is so cool!"


    "It''s really good! He sang really well!"


    "I don''t know how to describe it!"


    "Someone really stepped forward!"


    "Damn, who was saying earlier that this was a children''s song? Come out! I promise that I won''t beat you up!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    A lot of people started chanting his stage name, soon joining in unison!


    Dong Shanshan walked onto the stage and looked deep into The Clown''s eyes before announcing, "Let''s wee Flowing Time back to the stage. Next is the voting."


    Flowing Time gave a bitterugh!


    Why the fuck is it me again?


    Why am I always being ced next to him in such critical moments during a battle?


    Flowing Time really did not wish to go up on stage as he knew that it would be meaningless whether he went up or not. In this first round of performances, it was impossible for Flowing Time to beat The Clown no matter what. Even he himself did not have any hopes of winning. In fact, he had also been moved by the song, but he concealed it very well and did not let show his eyes it. For a slight moment, he was very impressed with the song. He was not impressed by The Clown''s singing but by the person who wrote it.


    Yao Jiancai could not wait to speak. "I''ll leave the professionalments to the other teachers since I can''t make any professional judgments when ites to music. But I want to give my vote to The Clown. It definitely has to be him!"


    Chen Guang said, "I''m voting for The Clown."


    Zhang Xia: "The Clown."


    Amy: "The Clown."


    Wang Zhuishu: "The Clown."


    Chen Yidong: "I''ll vote for The Clown too."


    The judges did not say more than what was necessary as they were at a critical juncture where the relevant associations were conducting arge scale boycott of negative and pessimistic music pieces. They couldn''t say anything at all since no matter what evaluation they gave, it would still be seen as wrong. This was because "I''m a Small, Little Bird" was a song full of negative energy. There was not a trace of positivity in it! However, they did not try to avoid the matter and used the most straightforward way to express their opinions!


    They just gave their votes to The Clown!


    They gave no reason for their choice!


    The audience voting began and ended very quickly.


    The Clown: 422 votes!


    Flowing Time: 78 votes!


    The Clown won!


    ...


    Offstage.


    Hou Ge said with a wry smile, "Brother Hu, when The Clown submitted the song, it was without any lyrics. We still thought that this would be a children''s song and didn''t think much of it, but who could have expected��"


    Dafei said worriedly, "Can this part be broadcast?"


    Hu Fei looked at the two of them. "Why not?"


    Dafei said, "But didn''t those associations��"


    Xiao Lu also asked, "What if theye here and find fault with us? Will we be able to handle them?"


    At this, Hu Fei suddenly said, "I also used to feel that we should follow the guidelines from the relevant organizations and make sure that ''positive energy'' songs are sung. But when I heard The Clown''s song, I suddenly had a change of heart! Find fault with us? Let theme then! Zhang Ye''s the most troublesome person of all, but we still hired the biggest troublemaker in the entertainment industry to be our program''s executive producer. Why should we be afraid of attracting any other trouble?"


    Dafei chuckled, "Alright!"


    Xiao Lu also got excited all at once. "Understood!"


    Suddenly, Petal Shower came over.


    Hu Fei started and looked at her.


    Petal Shower said, "Director Hu, since we''re currently in the intermission, I came over to look for you about something."


    Hu Fei said, "Just speak. What''s the matter?"


    Petal Shower solemnly said, "I''d like to change my second round song."


    Dafei was taken aback. "Change your song? At this time?"


    Petal Shower nodded. "Yes."


    Sunset Glow also walked over from afar. When she saw Petal Shower, she was surprised as well. Then, without saying anything to her, she walked up to Hu Fei and said, "Director Hu, I''d like to change my second song."


    Xiao Lu eximed, "You want to change your song too?"


    Hu Fei looked at the two of them. "Can you tell me why?"


    Petal Shower thought for a while. "For the sake of dignity."


    Sunset Glow looked at her and nodded. "For dignity."


    Xiao Lu said anxiously, "But it''s toote for that now. We''re already��"


    "OK!" Hu Fei cut her off. "I''ll approve it!"


    Xiao Lu groaned, "But, Brother Hu, this��"


    Hu Fei dismissed herint with a wave of his hands. "It''s settled. Please get ready!"


    ...


    In the waiting room.


    Zhang Ye came back alone and sat down on the sofa. He drank some water and continued to stay silent. He had sung all that he wanted to say about his past few years of experiences and plights. But for some reason, he was still unable to calm down on the inside. Instead, he was angering even further!


    He felt a cell phone''s vibratione from his bag.


    Zhang Ye looked over and dug out the offending cell phone. It was his personal cell phone, and the caller ID was disying the name of Wu Zeqing''s secretary: Bai Li.


    He picked up.


    Zhang Ye said: "Hello?"


    Secretary Bai immediately said: "Is this Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye said, "This is he."


    "Chief Wu is away on an overseas business trip, so it''s not convenient for her to contact you. She wanted me to pass you the message that she already knows about what''s going on here and that she''ll handle it as soon as possible. I''ll also be helping to sort out the issue regarding your two songs and��"


    Zhang Ye interrupted: "I don''t care about my affairs. Secretary Bai, you all may ban ''A Letter to Home'' and ''The King Sent Me on Mountain Patrol'' as you wish. I''ll ept it without grudges. I was already mentally prepared for all of this. It''s also fine if you want to withdraw the Brain Gold advertisement and any of my other works. I can deal with all the trouble that I''ve caused on my own. If I can''t handle it, I''ll ept the consequences! But what has this got to do with King of Masked Singers? What has this got to do with the other singers in show business? Can''t you all leave the contestants in peace? Can''t you all leave a way out for the television variety industry''s workers who are battling on the front lines? Can''t you guys do that?"


    Secretary Bai hurriedly replied: "Teacher Zhang, you''ve misunderstood, you''ve really misunderstood. The matter this time was really not handled by us at the SARFT. We wrote up a guiding white paper rted to musical and film work directives, but it was definitely not supposed to be like this. I assure you that this was not our original intent, and that this was just the Beijing Ministry of Culture making things up by themselves! It was just those television associations talking nonsense! We definitely did not issue such guidelines regarding musical pieces! We did not ask for all songs to only spread inspirational messages or positive energy!"


    Bai Li did not know what the rtionship between Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing was even now. But she understood quite clearly that the rtionship between them was definitely very close. That was why Bai Li spoke to Zhang Ye in a very polite manner, approaching him very professionally from her official standpoint. She spoke to Zhang Ye in the same way she would speak to Chief Wu.


    Secretary Bai said: "Teacher Zhang, I''ll handle this matter from here on out, and I''ll get it taken care of immediately. The lower-downs are much too outrageous! Leave this matter to me!"


    She ended the call.


    A knock on the door followed.


    Zhang Ye tucked his cell phone away and said to the outside, "Pleasee in."


    Han Qi, Xiao Lu, and a few others came into the room. "Teacher Clown."


    "What''s the matter?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Xiao Lu replied, "It''s nothing. W-We''re just here to see you."


    Worried, Han Qi asked, "Teacher, are you alright?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "I''m fine."


    Han Qi said, "Your condition today aspared to the previous times��I''m afraid��"


    Today, The Clown was indeed different from before. Han Qi and the program team staff felt an ominous feeling about it and were afraid that The Clown would start having negative thoughts and do something irrational due to those associations takingrge-scale actions to ban music pieces. Maybe he would withdraw from thepetition?


    The program team staff were trying very hard for the longest time to find out what he was thinking.


    Zhang Ye took a while before he finally understood their worries and concerns. Then heughed.


    Withdraw from thepetition?


    Don''t worry, I won''t do that!


    Even if the sky is falling, I won''t run away!


    Besides, the sky hasn''t even fallen yet, right?


    When he thought about this, Zhang Ye froze.


    His works were taken down!


    Hismercial was taken down!


    Getting banned!


    His musical pieces got restricted!


    Several associations all came pointing their fingers at him!


    If it were anyone else, they would probably have quit at such a time. Even a y figure would retain some fire, let alone such a notorious figure like Zhang Ye. Who in the entertainment industry didn''t know about that foul temper of his? But with everything turning out this way, Zhang Ye suddenly realized that while he was angry and disappointed, he still believed deep down inside that everything would work out!


    Only then did he realize that he was never a pessimistic person to begin with. He was more of a natural fighter. He might feel dejected, lonely, and hopeless at times, but he would never shirk from a battle he had to fight!

 Chapter 1059: ’The Internationale’!

    <h4>Chapter 1059: ''The Internationale''! </h4>


    Chapter 1059: ''The Internationale''!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Three contestants asked for ast-minute song change!


    An hourter, the fifth episode''s elimination round of King of Masked Singers officially began recording.


    The three contestants who advanced into the battle round were Petal Shower, Sunset Glow, and The Clown. The remaining contestants of Flowing Time and the two recement masked singers had all lost in the first round.


    Onstage.


    One of the recement masked singers was singing "The Colors of Youth" loudly.


    "Don''t expect too much of some people.


    "Don''t be too stubborn with some things.


    "Maybe someday, we''ll look back on the past.


    "And you''ll realize that some things can''t be changed."


    The audience''s eyes lit up!


    "It''s not a children''s song!"


    "This is great!"


    "I was so sick of listening to all those children''s songs today!"


    "What''s going on? Why did they started singing this type of song as well?"


    "This should be a pessimistic song, right? Right?"


    "They were all affected by The Clown! Everyone is finally angry! They''re just singing as they should now. What censorship? What guidelines? They''re not going to listen to them anymore!"


    "We''re finally listening to a proper song!"


    "The song that The Clown sang was not for nothing. Everyone has been awakened!"


    "All those lousy associations know is how to give arbitrary directions!"


    "That''s right. A nice, world-ss variety show was nearly wrecked by their meddling!"


    The elimination round ended and Flowing Time managed to keep his ce in thepetition with a Hokkien song.


    Next up was the fifth episode''s battle to be Masked King.


    The first contestant to take to the stage was Petal Shower, followed by Sunset Glow.


    The two of them had also changed the songs they were to perform. They stuck to their previous approach in thepetition and sang in their same respective styles. The audience wasrgely enjoying their performances as theypletely differed from their performances in the first round.


    Sunset Glow finished her part of the recording.


    Dong Shanshan went up on stage and announced, "Next up, let''s wee thest contestant��The Clown."


    However, even before the audience could apud, a group of people suddenly arrived and interrupted the entire recording process. Eight or nine people dressed in suits had barged right into the studio!


    Xiao Lu was startled and immediately went to stop them. "What are you people trying to do!"


    The leader of the group was a middle-aged man who said coldly, "I''m from the Television Show Association!"


    Dafei also went over. "We''re in the midst of recording a show!"


    "I don''t care about that!" Another middle-aged man said, "We were here two days ago and made the guidelines very clear at that time. And what''s happening here and now? You didn''t listen to a single word we said, did you?"


    The people from the association were here!


    No one knew how they received the tip, but they rushed over immediately to deal with things when they found out about the discordant factors that had urred during the recording of King of Masked Singers.


    Hu Fei was angry. He strode forward and confronted them. "This is a recording studio! Unauthorized personnel are not allowed in here! Whatever you have to say, you have to wait until we''re done recording!"


    That person from the association said, "You don''t have to record the show anymore!"


    "What do you mean?" Hu Fei sneered.


    Behind them, an executive from Beijing Television rushed over after hearing about this interruption.


    The middle-aged man from the association said firmly, "We stated the guidelines clearly the other day. Are you all deliberately trying to cause trouble? Alright then, let''s see whose backing is stronger!" He turned to his secretary and said, "Issue an order to the relevant departments, then get in touch with Director Zhou and immediately notify him about this!"


    The secretary said, "Understood!" Then he stepped to the side to make the call.


    The Beijing Television executive asked, "Old Hu, what''s going on?"


    Hu Fei did not know how to answer him.


    Sunset Glow, who had just finished her song, was frowning.


    Petal Shower''s face sank.


    The judges on the guessing panel looked over.


    Zhang Xia frowned. "Those people are from the authorities?"


    Amy said, "What are they doing here at a time like this? Will recording still continue?"


    Wang Zhuishu said angrily, "The cameras are still rolling. How can they just charge in like that? What is happening? Even if they''re higher-ups from the authorities, there''s no need for such behavior, is there?"


    The audience was not having any of this either!


    "Fuck!"


    "These bastards!"


    "They''ve reallye?"


    "Fucking hell, what are they doing!"


    "Are they here to cause trouble?"


    "That''s what I''m wondering too. It''s just singing. Why are they making this so difficult!"


    "It''s over. We won''t be able to finish the recording today."


    "What the hell is going on!"


    "How infuriating!"


    "Are they really going to impose all those regtions on the music industry? Aren''t they a little too hell-bent on that?"


    "This move doesn''t make any sense at all!"


    "The people won''t even have the right to listen to the music they like anymore?"


    "Do we really look like such pushovers to them?"


    "We have our own thinking process and we know how to judge right from wrong. We don''t need you people poking your nose into our business!"


    "They''re taking us for ves!"


    "Ai, don''t bring that up. We''re just a bunch of powerless folk, a bunch of shitty workers. How can we possibly stand up to them!"


    Dong Shanshan looked down into the audience.


    Over there, the group of people from the association were arguing with the program team!


    Flowing Time walked over.


    The two recement masked singers also appeared there.


    But right at that moment, a shadowy figure suddenly took the stage as if no one were present. The figure stood in front of the microphone stand and adjusted it, then looked over to Music Director Bai Yuanfei and the band.


    They instantly understood.


    Bai Yuanfei hesitated for a moment before nodding.


    Straight away, a drumbeat kicked


    The guitar strummed!


    Hu Fei, Xiao Lu, Dafei, and the others from the program team were stunned. Music? Where did the musice from? They looked over to the source of the sound and realized that The Clown was standing on the stage!


    Petal Shower was stunned!


    Sunset Glow was startled!


    Flowing Time widened his eyes a bit and stared!


    Meanwhile, those people from the association were angered.


    "What is that?"


    "Get him off the stage!"


    "Why is he still singing!"


    The audience was caught off guard too. No one knew what The Clown was nning or what he was going to sing. But for some reason, when that passionate music started ying, excitement surged through the crowd!


    Then The Clown opened his mouth!


    With that, the studio was shocked!


    The first sound that came out when his mouth opened was a roaring high note!


    The Clown pointed to the ceiling and screamed 1 .


    "Arise!


    "ye pris''ners of starvation!


    "Arise!


    "ye wretched of the Earth!


    "For justice thunders condemnation:


    "A better world''s in birth!"


    Arise?


    Prisoners?


    Arise?


    Condemnation?


    The program team staff were dumbfounded!


    Petal Shower and Sunset Glow were staring with mouths agape!


    The audience felt the rush of hot blood course through them!


    What was this song?


    Just what the fuck was this song?


    Someone looked at the teleprompter screen!


    "The Internationale"?


    Rock?


    The Clown was singing loudly and angrily in a high pitch. He had never sung in such a way on this stage before. Today was the first time he was doing so. It was as though he wanted to use this song to sing the anger in his heart!


    "No more tradition''s chains shall bind us!


    "Arise, ye ves, no more in thrall!


    "The Earth shall rise on new foundations:


    "We have been naught; we shall be all!"


    The faces of those people from the association darkened as they got infuriated!


    However, the live studio audience was brought to a blood boiling high from listening to the song!


    The Clown pointed at them and sang loudly.


    "''Tis the final conflict;


    "Let each stand in his ce.


    "The International working ss / Shall be the human race!"


    The Clown raised one of his hands high in a clenched fist 2 ��the universal symbol of industrial workers all over the world!


    International?


    "The Internationale"?


    The International Workers'' Association?


    This was a song of the workers?


    This was a song for ordinary folk like them?


    Chen Guang was visibly moved!


    Amy was listening in disbelief!


    The Clown sang loudly.


    "We want no condescending saviors


    "To rule us from their judgment hall;


    "We workers ask not for their favors.


    "Let us consult for all."


    No one can help us!


    But neither do we expect a savior toe forward!


    We have ourselves!


    We have weapons!


    Arise!


    Don''t be afraid!


    Arise!


    People who are like me!


    The Clown screamed.


    "To make the thief disgorge his booty


    "To free the spirit from its cell,


    "We must ourselves decide our duty,


    "We must decide, and do it well."


    Suddenly, a middle-aged man in the audience raised his hand high and disyed the gesture of the International Workers'' Association, then stood up silently!


    A young man beside him also proudly raised a fist as The Clown did earlier as he slowly stood up as well!


    Then a third person!


    Followed by a tenth person!


    A fiftieth!


    A hundred people!


    The Clown sang loudly.


    "''Tis the final conflict;


    "Let each stand in his ce.


    "The International working ss / Shall be the human race!"


    Chen Guang stood up and raised his right hand!


    Amy stood up and raised her right hand!


    Wang Zhuishu!


    Yao Jiancai!


    Petal Shower!


    Sunset Glow!


    They all raised their hands in a clenched fist!


    Han Qi also raised her right hand. She was bursting with emotion and could not help herself, having been influenced by the mood in the studio.


    Dafei raised his right hand proudly!


    Xiao Lu slowly brought her hand up as well!


    A hundred people!


    Three hundred people!


    Five hundred people!


    At this moment, no one in the studio was sitting down!


    Even some of the backstage staff stood up with their right hands raised as hot tears welled up in their eyes!


    The Clown sang loudly.


    "How many on our flesh have fattened;


    "But if the noisome birds of prey


    "Shall vanish from the sky some morning,


    "The blessed sunlight still will stay."


    All of a sudden, without anyone leadership, without anyone saying a word, and with the entire audience seeming to have discussed it beforehand, everyone started singing loudly along with The Clown.


    "''Tis the final conflict;


    "Let each stand in his ce.


    "The International working ss


    "Shall be the human race!"


    Petal Shower was singing!


    Sunset Glow was singing!


    Bai Yuanfei was singing!


    Chen Guang was singing!


    Zhang Xia was singing!


    Amy was singing!


    "''Tis the final conflict; / Let each stand in his ce.


    "The International working ss / Shall be the human race!


    "The International working ss / Shall be the human race!"


    The nearly thousand people present were singing with raised right fists!


    If someone witnessed such a scene, they would be deeply shocked. This shock was something that simply could not be described in words. The source of this shocking scene originated from something known as dignity!

 Chapter 1060: A battle for music and dignity!

    <h4>Chapter 1060: A battle for music and dignity! </h4>


    Chapter 1060: A battle for music and dignity!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    " The Internationale 1 " also existed in this world!


    There was also a song for the International Workers'' Association in this world!


    But it didn''t sound as passionate or indomitable as this version!


    This song was " The Internationale 2 " from Zhang Ye''s previous world. It was the most famous song of the international Communist movement. The Soviet Union had used it as a national anthem, and it was even an openly acknowledged Communist song. You could even find traces of "The Internationale" within the melody and lyrics of China''s national anthem. Historically, this song carried a great significance for the past generations and had left its mark all around the world. And Zhang Ye had sung just that song. It was the rock version by the domestic Chinese rock band, Tang Dynasty 3 !


    Positive energy?


    There should be no other song with more positive energy than this song!


    Although it was no longer that era anymore!


    Although many young people had forgotten!


    Although this song had gradually exited stage left from history!


    Its spirit was still around!


    Its dignity was still around!


    Its anger was still around!


    Zhang Ye believed that this was a peaceful and orderly world. He loved this new world that split away from his previous world. But there existed some ck sheep he could not tolerate and some forms of oppression he had to resist!


    Banning pieces of music across the board that carried any hint of negativity?


    He could not ept it!


    Love songs were also considered songs that spread negativity?


    He could not ept it!


    So he rose up!


    And along with him, everyone in the studio rose up!


    As Flowing Time looked at The Clown onstage, he suddenly felt a sense of respect for him. The song had awakened many of his memories. He suddenly remembered that he had his pride too and that he should also rise up to resist!


    For music!


    Or maybe for dignity!


    ''Tis the final conflict!


    ''Tis the final battlefield!


    They had no room for retreat!


    The song ended but no one sat down!


    The expressions of the association members were as ugly as they could get. They could not say anything, because in this atmosphere and situation facing everyone''s anger, they did not risk saying another word more. The middle-aged man who was leading the group looked at his colleagues behind him as their group exchanged looks before they quietly left the ce in defeat.


    When those troublemakers left, recording of the show continued.


    The results of the fifth episode''s voting came out very quickly!


    Petal Shower: 21 votes!


    Sunset Glow: 18 votes!


    The Clown: 461 votes!


    It was an overwhelming victory!


    The Clown became the Masked King in the fifth episode with a dominating number of votes!


    Earth-shattering apuse, cheers, and screams instantly rang out in the studio!


    ...


    Sunday.


    King of Masked Singers was broadcast.


    "Ah?"


    "Why is it all children''s songs?"


    "How boring!"


    "Aiya, it''s The Clown''s turn!"


    "''I''m a Small, Little Bird''? This song is really great!"


    "It''s such a nice song!"


    At the start, everyone was watching the show without expecting much. But when The Clown''s performance of "The Internationale" came on, everyone was shocked!


    "Arise!


    "ye pris''ners of starvation!


    "Arise!


    "ye wretched of the Earth!


    "For justice thunders condemnation:


    "We have been naught; we shall be all!"


    ...


    At a music productionpany.


    It was veryte, but a lot of people were still working overtime to help several singers cut some of their new albums'' songs that did notply with the regtions.


    "Quick, everyone. Let''s work a little harder on it."


    "But how are we supposed to change this line in the lyrics?"


    "Director Li, the singers are protesting strongly against this!"


    "Actually, I also feel that this part is quite good. If we have to change it, then we might as well change the entire song!"


    "Do we have to do it this way from now on?"


    "Yeah, do all the songs have to be like this in the future?"


    "If all the songs are this simr, how can we still call this music?"


    Everyone had very strong opinions about it, and they even had the impulse to just quit!


    Suddenly, a female employee in the office space shouted, "Hey! Come and watch this!"


    "Watch what?"


    "What''s the matter, Little He?"


    "Quick, watch King of Masked Singers!"


    "We''re in a tight squeeze and you''re watching TV? Their show is definitely facing the same problems as we are since all pieces of music are being restricted now. The restrictions they have are even stricter than ours, so what''s the point of watching their show when it''s expected that their performances will all be either revolutionary songs or children''s songs?"


    "Yeah, do your work."


    "Aiyo, guys! Juste here and watch!"


    Everyone was wondering what was going on as they eventually gathered around her.


    When "The Internationale" yed onstage; when The Clown''s angry shouting roared through the studio; when the entire audience, all the judges, and staff members in the studio slowly rose up with their right fists raised!


    Thepany''s staff were stunned and their jaws dropped!


    Hot blood coursed through their veins!


    "Someone hase forward!"


    "Someone in the music industry has finallye forward!"


    "The Clown?"


    "What a good song ''The Internationale'' is!"


    "He''s fighting for the truth?"


    Suddenly, an employee threw down the stack of documents in his hands and said, "Dammit, I''m not changing this anymore! Is there any meaning to it if we end up making a crappy piece of music after making the changes?"


    Three people!


    Five people!


    Ten people!


    All of them put down the tasks they had on hand!


    ��..


    At Zhang Yuanqi''s house.


    Watching the show on television, she was left speechless by what she saw.


    Fang Weihong''s chin was trembling as she watched the show. She was neither a nationalist nor someone who liked getting angry. As an elite manager in the entertainment industry, she had gotten used to such situations and seen past all of it. But today, when she heard The Clown''s "The Internationale," Fang Weihong did not know why or how, but her usually weak fist was clenched so tight that her fingernails were digging into her palms, and she was nearly bleeding!


    She could feel the blood coursing through her veins!


    ...


    On Weibo.


    A highly respected veteran artist in the music industry finally said something!


    It was a domestic veteran singer who was from the same generation as Zhang Xia. In fact, he had even debuted several years earlier than her. He hade from an art troupe and had a military background. He was the famous singer Cui Haiquan!


    Cui Haiquan: "Regarding the recent implementation of the new regtions for works of music, I will neither acknowledge nor ept it. This is as good as strangling the life out of the music scene! This is basically going to kill the music scene! Musicians, please don''t remain silent anymore! Musicians, this is ourst line of defense! Musicians, please rise up!"


    Theizens were greatly shocked!


    "Another person hase forward!"


    "It''s Grandpa Cui!"


    "Grandpa Cui is amazing!"


    A few minutester!


    Zhang Xia and a group of veteran singers jointly issued a response: "Arise, ye musicians! Arise, ''tis the final conflict! From now on, we will never take a step back!"


    Chen Guang spoke up: "Arise, ye singers!"


    Fan Wenli spoke up: "Please rise up, China''s musicians!"


    Xiaodong, Amy, and Li Xiaoxian issued a response as a group: "Please rise up for thest shreds of our dignity as musicians! Please rise up and fight together with us!"


    A lyricist: "Arise, ye musicians!"


    Aposer: "Arise! We can no longer retreat!"


    Ten!


    Twenty!


    Fifty!


    "The Internationale" had united the entire music industry!


    The Heavenly Kings spoke up!


    The Heavenly Queens spoke up!


    The musicpanies spoke up!


    Each and every one of the musicians stood up!


    This was the first time people in the music industry had ever responded in such a united manner!


    This was a battle!


    A battle for music and dignity!

 Chapter 1061: Victory for the musicians!

    <h4>Chapter 1061: Victory for the musicians! </h4>


    Chapter 1061: Victory for the musicians!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The music industry raised a furor!


    The people from the television industry were shocked by what they were seeing.


    "The music industry is at war with the associations!"


    "How fierce!"


    "It''s making my blood course with passion!"


    "Good showing, brothers!"


    "They really spoke up. There are this many of theming forward? All of the veterans, singers, rookies, lyricists, andposers in the music industry havee forward?"


    "This is an event that will definitely go down in the annals of history!"


    "Just what will the final oue of this battle be?"


    "Dunno. Now we see how the authorities react!"


    "It''s definitely going to be hard to deal with. If it were just one or two people, it might not be so bad. But with thisrge group that even includes some of China''s veteran singers, influential singers from the Political Department''s Song and Dance Troupe, and the Heavenly Kings and Queens protesting against the ban on musical pieces, how could they handle it? I think this is going to be difficult to answer since the most important factor is still the SARFT''s attitude on the issue. But they haven''t issued a response to this yet!"


    This was a big event in the music industry!


    With the involvement of so many celebrities, the news had spread far and wide!


    Theizens were very excited!


    "Just one song is enough to cause such huge trouble?"


    "I have to give it to The Clown!"


    "Which celebrity could this fellow be!"


    "Fight! Fight! Fight!"


    "Supporting our musicians!"


    "They have my support too!"


    "I must really give a Like to the music industry this time!"


    Many people were paying constant attention to the developments as this issue was getting way too serious. If it was not properly handled, it would cause a major shakeup!


    ...


    Elsewhere.


    Bai Li was currently on the phone with someone.


    "Hello, Secretary Bai."


    "Director Han, I''ve finally managed to reach you."


    "I''ve been away for a meeting the past few days and just got back today."


    "Have you heard yet?"


    "Of course I''ve heard."


    "What''s going on over on your side? Why did you guys suddenly decide to roll out a ban on musical pieces? Who approved the decision? Who agreed to it?"


    "Wasn''t the SARFT going to introduce something simr? And weren''t the directives going to be announced very soon as well?"


    "We have indeede up with a new white paper listing some music and film work directives, but when did we state it in a way like you? When did we say that we would not allow the broadcast andposition of music pieces that don''t generate positivity? Have you even seen our documents? Do you all know what the intent of the white paper is? We simply wanted to standardize some regtions, not call for restraint or a ban without valid reasons! What has it be now? Look at how things have turned out. Many musicians refuse to ept it. Did you guys consider the consequences of your actions? Did you think of the negative impact caused by your mishandling?"


    "Secretary Bai, the SARFT has its considerations and we have ours. After all, the scope of our work is different, and besides��"


    "Are you sure you still want to go on about this? Fine, let me tell you this then. This matter was entrusted to me by Chief Wu personally. She''s still overseas at the moment and cane back on today''s flight. If my words are ineffective, fine. But when Chief Wu gets back tonight, maybe I should get her to contact you personally? Would that be better?"


    At this, Director Han anxiously said: "How could I make Chief Wu personally call me?" He gave a bitterugh and said: "Secretary Bai, please don''t get me into trouble."


    Bai Li said: "The SARFT is very unhappy with how the Beijing Ministry of Culture has handled things this time. It''s not that I''m trying to get you into trouble; it''s your own people who are messing things up! We only have one request right now, and that is to call for an immediate withdrawal of the guidelines that you all announced earlier, as well as those so-called directives by the relevant associations! When the finalized white paper is published by the SARFT, any new regtions introduced will be done in consideration of the SARFT''s directives!"


    Director Han said: "That''s not really for me to decide."


    Bai Li was annoyed. "Alright, I''ll get someone who can make the decision on your behalf then!"


    ...


    An hourter.


    An executive from the Ministry of Culture was startled!


    This executive was not from the local department of the Ministry of Culture, but a more senior leader above them!


    Perhaps it was Bai Li or someone else from the SARFT who hadmunicated it to him. But it was only then that he realized that the so-called guidelines issued by the local department below was from some hearsay and actually very imprecise due to the fact that the SARFT had not officially passed down their directives yet. But because of the local department''s authoritarianism, the other associations had misunderstood and treated the guidelines like an imperial edict by rushing to implement those orders. This resulted in an irreversible situation!


    That executive spoke with the SARFT for a very long time.


    These two organizations carried out a simple but in-depth discussion of the incident.


    In the end, that executive from the Ministry of Culture made a call to the local Beijing office that started this trouble and chewed them out!


    "It wasn''t easy for our country to get such a high-quality domestic variety show produced. Why are you all causing all this trouble for me now! Don''t you all want our domestic works to be sessful? Don''t you hope that our domestic works can wade into the international market? You''re even insisting that all music pieces should only spread positivity? Music is a form of art, and the expression of art is very diverse! Why do they all have to generate positive energy? If you don''t even have this bit of tolerance or artistry, how can you continue to be part of the business of cultural undertakings?"


    "Sir, we��"


    "Withdraw all those guidelines pronto!"


    "Yes, alright, we understand!"


    "If this happens again, I want you to pack up and get out!"


    "We''re sorry, sir! We misunderstood the policies! We will not repeat this mistake again. It, it was really a misunderstanding this time!"


    "Leave such matters to our SARFT colleagues in the future. Did you all have nothing better to do than get involved in this affair?! Aren''t you just stirring up trouble!"


    In this world, the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture and the SARFT was without a clear boundary. Some responsibilities ovepped, while some were distinct. However, most of the decision-making on policies regarding the entertainment industry stilly with the SARFT.


    "I-I understand!"


    "I''ll say this again: It better not happen another time!"


    "Yes, sir! There won''t be another time!"


    As the executive from the Ministry of Culture was very understanding and had a good rtionship with Wu Zeqing, the issue was resolved very quickly. Actually, even if this rtionship with Wu Zeqing did not exist, he would still have to handle such matters. It was due to the strategic failure of his staff at the local office and their misunderstanding of the policy resolutions that led to such a strong bacsh. The entire music industry was angered as a result, so he had to say something even if he did not wish to interfere. If things went on like that, then it would really spiral out of control and cause a huge mess. He had to handle it no matter what. He couldn''t possibly let one bad apple spoil the whole barrel. The Ministry of Culture had always been very open-minded about things and seldom interfered with the SARFT''s business!


    Before long, the guidelines from earlier were withdrawn!


    There was no exnation or rifications made!


    There weren''t any signs that this would happen!


    They were withdrawn just like that!


    Theizens soon took notice.


    "Aiya!"


    "The directives have been withdrawn!"


    "Quick, look at this. The guidelines from earlier are gone!"


    "Did they identally delete them?"


    "It''s impossible that they''d identally delete them!"


    "Then does this set the tone?"


    "It''s set! It''s definitely been set!"


    "Wow, there''s an exec from the Ministry of Culture who gave a Like to ''The Internationale''!"


    "Another exec from the Minister of Culture liked it!"


    "Damn, you''re right!"


    Everyone was shocked to find out that The Clown''s "The Internationale" had received several Likes from a few executives of the Ministry of Culture''s upper management on their Weibo verified ounts.


    One of the executives even left ament. "Hur hur, this is a great song with great lyrics. I was reminded of things from long ago and felt a little touched. I''m really fond of those memories from that time."


    The SARFT also issued a statement not long afterwards to appease the musicians. It rified that the guidelines from before were not introduced by them and that their designated standards would only restrict some song titles and other works that were too vulgar and implied death. There was no intention of arge-scale nket ban on music pieces and films! In reality, it wasn''t that the SARFT or the Ministry of Culture''s upper management were seeking topromise on those measures. From the start, they didn''t intend to introduce them at all. It was all blindly caused by those below them!


    They set the tone!


    Theizens were stunned!


    The musicians cheered at once!


    And just a few minutester, Zhang Ye''s "A Letter to Home" and "The King Sent Me on Mountain Patrol" returned to the Top Chinese Music Chart and continued to rule the rankings!


    Unsurprisingly, the #1 spot went to "The Internationale"!


    "The Internationale" seemed to have steamrolled straight to #1 on the Top Chinese Music Chart''s daily chart and even to #1 on the monthly chart!


    Yes, #1 on the monthly chart!


    In just a single day!


    It charged its way right up to first ce on the monthly chart in just a single day!


    This was an extremely rare urrence in the history of the Top Chinese Music Chart!


    But The Clown managed to do it!


    This song did it!

 Chapter 1062: The grand finals approach!

    <h4>Chapter 1062: The grand finals approach! </h4>


    Chapter 1062: The grand finals approach!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Han Qi called The Clown.


    "Teacher Clown!"


    "Hello."


    "We won! We won!"


    "Yeah, I already knew."


    "You''re incredible! That song of yours is incredible! I can''t believe that they really gave in!"


    "I can''t take the credit. This was due to the persistence and hard work of the entire music industry."


    "But it was your song that roused the musicians!"


    "Surely I''m not that great."


    "But you really are that great!"


    The guillotine hanging over the head of the music industry had finally been lifted. The music industry was cheering and jumping for joy, celebrating their win. But maybe it was better to say it was music and dignity that won!


    Netizens made countlessments.


    "We won!"


    "The higher-ups are still pretty open-minded about things!"


    "I have a feeling that ''The Internationale'' will be a legend!"


    "With this story, the song should already be considered a legend. Have you ever seen a piece of music that has such great appeal and influence?"


    "A legendary song, and a legendary person!"


    "But just who could The Clown be?"


    "Hurry up and take off your mask! The suspense is killing me!"


    "When will the grand finals of King of Masked Singers take ce?"


    "Yeah, I can''t wait either. The Masked King these days is always either Petal Shower, Sunset Glow, or The Clown. It''s always them fighting for the throne every episode. The new recement masked singers aren''t really a match for them at all. So I believe that the grand finals should be held quite soon?"


    "Who do you guys want to see take off their masks the most?"


    "The Clown!"


    "Fuck, of course it has to be The Clown!"


    "Right, only his identity still remains a mystery. No one has managed to guess it yet!"


    On that night.


    The King of Masked Singers program team suddenly announced that the next episode of the show would kick off the revival round of thepetition. Whether it was the contestants who started in the premiere episode or the recement masked singers, all of them would be entered into the revival round as long as they had not been crowned Masked King before. Meaning that even those who still remained in thepetition, as long as they had not been crowned Masked King before, would be required topete against the contestants who had been eliminated for the remaining spots in the grand finals, which would be broadcast live. A total of five episodes had been broadcast so far, in which The Clown had taken the throne of the Masked King thrice, Petal Shower once, and Sunset Glow once. That meant that only the three of them could advance straight into the grand finals of thepetition.


    ...


    The program team contacted Spinach.


    "Teacher Spinach, the revival round will begin soon."


    "Alright."


    "Please get ready."


    "I can''t wait."


    ...


    "Teacher Marshal Persona."


    "Hello."


    "We''ll be recording the revival round next week."


    "OK, got it."


    ...


    "Teacher King of Oddity."


    "Is it beginning soon?"


    "Yes, recording will start next week."


    "Alright. How many spots will there be in the grand finals?"


    "Other than The Clown, Petal Shower, and Sunset Glow holding three spots, three remaining spots are up for grabs."


    "Understood."


    ...


    Many of the eliminated contestants received this update from the program team. Some of them were anticipating it, some were nervous about it, and others were worried about it. But without an exception, all of them immediately went to prepare after receiving notification of this news. This was their final chance, and they all wanted to make the best of it!


    Zhang Ye also received a call.


    But this call was about something different.


    Hu Fei said, "Teacher Clown, the issue has been resolved. We want to thank you for doing so much for the show. If it wasn''t for you, the restrictions wouldn''t have been lifted, and there wouldn''t have been any meaning to the grand finals!"


    "There''s no need to thank me; I didn''t do much."


    "The revival round will be held next week, and the grand finals the week after that."


    Hu Fei had called The Clown''s cell phone number. So Zhang Ye had to deliberately disguise and change his vocal register when speaking. He said: "So soon?"


    "We initially nned for it to happen after six or seven episodes were broadcast. But the disparity in talent is too great for the next recement masked singers topete against. So the program team called for a meeting where we decided that we wouldn''t be adding any more recement masked singers and instead move the date of the grand finals forward."


    "I see."


    "You won''t need to do any prepping for the revival round. The main thing that I want to talk about is the details of the grand finals. These grand finals will be broadcast live nationwide, and the location will change as well to arger venue. The voting format will also be changed to a public vote, that is to say, the television audience can also take part in the voting. On top of that, the grand finals will have two rounds, with the second round being an individual performance. Meanwhile, we have designed the first round with a segment where a contestant will perform with a guest partner. The contestants can invite a good friend of theirs and get them to put on a mask as well, then sing together on stage. This is an important segment because if the guest partner is not suitable for thepetition, the contestant might not be able to advance to the second round and end up getting eliminated. That''s why you''d need to prepare well for this and hopefully invite a professional singer. The more popr the guest partner is, the better. It would also help to garner more votes for the contestant."


    This was Hu Fei''s decision.


    Zhang Ye had provided him with a program structure that had several formats for the grand finals. For example, in the Chinese version of King of Masked Singers in his previous world, two contestants were paired up into groups and the groups would verse each other in a knockout format. However, Zhang Ye knew that this format would not make the show exciting to watch, so he added another one that was simr to the format of the finals of I Am a Singer. He left that for Hu Fei to decide, and clearly, he had chosen thetter. This was quite a good choice since it would add to the viewing experience and anticipation of the audience.


    "OK."


    "Do you have any other questions? I can answer over the phone."


    The Clown asked, "Are there any limitations to the choices of song?"


    "There are basically no limitations. You can sing anything you want."


    The Clown asked further: "For the group segment, can we choose to sing alone and not invite a guest?"


    "Sing alone?"


    "Is that allowed?"


    Hu Fei shook his head. "That''s definitely not allowed. As the show rules are set that way, you can either invite one or two guest partners. But they have to at least sing together with you."


    "OK, I understand."


    "That''s good then. We''ll see you in the grand finals."


    "Alright, I''ll prepare well."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye was in a quandary.


    A celebrity guest partner?


    If the performance wasn''t good enough, they might get eliminated in the first round? Then there wouldn''t be a chance to take part in the battle round for the overall Masked King of the grand finals? This was a little troublesome to handle. His troubles stemmed from him not wanting anyone to find out about who he really was. If no one knew who he was, then how could he possibly invite anyone? Who could he invite?


    His social ties within the entertainment circle was already abysmal, and he didn''t know that many people either. There were even fewer choices if he needed someone who could sing. Zhang Xia? She was already on the guessing panel of judges. Chen Guang too. It would be impossible to invite them. How about Fan Wenli? Old Fan was even more impossible! Xiaodong? She was probably going to be someone else''s guest partner.


    Who could he find?


    Someone was friends with him?


    And had to sing well?


    They even had to be a big name?


    There was no one!


    As he thought about it, it seemed like there was no one suitable among the people he knew!


    Zhang Ye lit a cigarette and pondered for a long time but came up with nothing. This celebrity guest partner was simply too important. It directly affected whether or not he could be the Masked King of the grand finals, so he definitely had to consider everything carefully! Hai, if only he had known. He wouldn''t have put this suggestion into the n in the first ce. This was as good as shooting himself in the foot.


    There were only two weeks left!


    What should he do until then?

 Chapter 1063: A candidate to be the celebrity guest partner!

    <h4>Chapter 1063: A candidate to be the celebrity guest partner! </h4>


    Chapter 1063: A candidate to be the celebrity guest partner!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Next Saturday.


    In the evening.


    The television was on and tuned into Beijing Television.


    His mother was sitting on the sofa and chomping on melon seeds. "Why isn''t it starting yet?"


    "Little Ye, is today the revival round?" his father asked.


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, and next week will be the grand finals."


    His mother asked, "Who will be revived today? Hurry up and tell us!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "How would I know? I wasn''t at the recording yesterday, so we''ll find outter as we watch. I feel that Spinach has got quite a good chance though."


    His mother said, "That King of Oddity from the first episode is quite good too!"


    Ring ring ring. His cell phone rang.


    Zhang Ye answered: "Sister Xiaodong?


    Xiaodong immediately asked: "Teacher Zhang, whatcha up to?"


    "Hai, just watching TV at home," Zhang Ye said.


    "Ummm, it''s almost time for the college entrance exam. Did you not get selected to be a question setter this year?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said: "I wasn''t called up this year. They originally said that I would be asked to do it again, but with all the negative publicity surrounding me recently, and coupled with the questions that I set atst year''s Beijing college entrance exam being a little too difficult, the examinees and their parents started protesting against my appointment two months ago. They were all afraid that I would be the national examination question setter this year, so I ended up not getting appointed. Actually, I don''t really want to go too. It''s really a thankless task."


    "Then about that matter I brought up to you regarding my rtive?"


    Zhang Ye said: "It''s always been on my mind, and I''ve already asked around for him. As long as your rtive''s score passes the Peking University cutoff grade, he''ll be guaranteed an admission spot for any major that he chooses!"


    This was a favor that Xiaodong had asked of him when he first joined the Goof Groupst year. He hadn''t forgotten all this while and had already helped her ask around. When it came to favors that people asked of him, Zhang Ye had always made sure to do the best he could.


    Xiaodongughed happily. "Thanks, Teacher Zhang."


    "Don''t mention it. It was no trouble at all." Then, he suddenly remembered the rules of the grand finals and how he didn''t have a guest partner yet. He offhandedly asked: "Oh right, Sister Xiaodong, do you have any ns next Saturday?"


    Xiaodong was taken aback. "Next Saturday? Isn''t that day the night of the King of Masked Singers finale?"


    Zhang Ye coughed and said: "Yes."


    "Won''t you be present at the venue that day? I have something to do that day, so I''ll be going too."


    Zhang Ye understood immediately. "Oh, so it''s like that."


    Xiaodong asked: "What about that day?"


    "It''s nothing. I was just wondering."


    Turned out, Xiaodong was going to be at the grand finals.


    Actually, Zhang Ye had already figured it to be so, but he wanted to make sure.


    Who else was there then? There were only a few other people who he knew who could sing!


    The revival round began.


    Spinach, King of Oddity, Flowing Time, Marshal Persona, and several other contestants who had either been eliminated or not taken the throne of the Masked King before were all taking part in this episode, with the exception of Li Yu��Sunflower in the Starlight. Due to what had happened, Beijing Television excluded him after vowing never to work with him again, so only Li Yu was not present today.


    This week''s episode was intense and passionate.


    The audience had already gotten to know some of the contestants whose identities have been revealed. At the same time, there was a lot of suspense for those who had not taken off their masks yet, with the identities of a few contestants still remaining a mystery!


    ...


    "The whistling winds!


    "Sailing through the waves!


    "When will my heart rest easy!


    "Vast skies and widends!


    "The corners of the world!


    "But where are you, my dear!"


    Spinach''s (Liao Yiqi) song shocked the studio!


    Compared to her previous performances, Spinach''s progress was obviously a big leap forward. Zhang Ye also heard about how Grandma Zhang Xia had personally given her some guidance to help her polish her technique so that she could bring out the best points of her singing. The song she was currently singing may have also had a little to do with Zhang Xia''s suggestions to her.


    Sure enough, it was quite effective!


    She sang this song really well!


    ...


    "Aiyoyo.


    "Are youing?


    "Heyoyo.


    "Where are you?"


    Yesterday''s Daylily did not perform too well today. He had chosen an older folk song to sing and even rearranged it, but it did not manage to catch the attention of the audience.


    He was probably going to miss out on the grand finals.


    ...


    Performance after performance.


    All of the contestants gave their very best!


    They threw out all the tricks they had left, all for a ticket to the grand finals!


    In the end, the results were out.


    On TV, Dong Shanshan announced:


    "The first contestant to advance to the grand finals is��Flowing Time!"


    A round of apuse rang out.


    Flowing Time had the most votes out of all the contestants.


    "The second contestant to advance to the grand finals is��King of Oddity!"


    King of Oddity got very excited and threw his hands into the air!


    "The final contestant to advance to the grand finals is��Spinach!"


    When Spinach heard, she cried there on the spot!


    She was crying!


    They were tears of joy!


    She had said that she would be back, and now, she had reallye back!


    With that, the three tickets to advance to the grand finals had all been assigned. The others would miss out on the night of the grand finals, and the eliminated singers gave their blessings and encouragement to the three who made it. They wished for them to carry a part of their desire into the grand finals and hoped that they would get a good ce and gain fame along with it!


    The revival round was over.


    But the show was not done yet. In the closing minutes, a video introduced the finale. It introduced thepetition format, how it would be broadcast live nationwide, and the first round segment involving a celebrity guest partner for each contestant. There were even a few gimmicky catchphrases thrown out to increase everyone''s anticipation of the grand finals.


    A voiceover sounded.


    "Sunset Glow''s heavyweight celebrity guest partner to aid her in the grand finals!"


    The video onscreen cut to the back of a woman who was wearing a mask. But as her back was facing the screen, the viewers were unable to recognize who she was.


    "Petal Shower''s big name celebrity guest partner from the music scene is someone that no one does not know of."


    The picture onscreen was oveid with the words "mystery guest"!


    Following, the celebrity guest partners for Spinach, Flowing Time, and the others were confirmed. Due to the show having been recorded just the day before, the program team had contacted the contestants on the day of after they had made it through to the grand finals to confirm their celebrity guest partners andmunicated everything in detail.


    The gender of Spinach''s celebrity guest partner was unknown, with the image unclear after being pixted. Only an introduction was made, which did not reveal the person''s identity at all.


    It was the same for Flowing Time and King of Oddity!


    Gimmicky catchphrases were used!


    Smokescreens were put up to mislead!


    But it was undeniable that this really whetted the appetites of many who were watching. After the introductions were done, everyone was guessing who the invited celebrity guest partners were! They were extremely curious!


    ...


    Back at home.


    His mother wondered, "Why wasn''t there an introduction for The Clown''s celebrity guest partner?"


    "Yeah, he was the only one who didn''t have an introduction for his guest partner," his father wondered as well.


    Zhang Ye gave a wry smile and thought to himself, That''s because this bro doesn''t know who to invite yet!


    At this moment, a call arrived.


    It was The Clown''s cell phone.


    When Zhang Ye saw that, he immediately went into his own room and answered with a disguised voice: "Hello."


    Han Qi asked immediately: "Teacher Clown, have you managed to invite your celebrity guest partner yet?"


    Zhang Ye stayed silent for a moment. "Not yet."


    Han Qi said anxiously: "There''s only a week left until the live broadcast of the grand finals. The program team kept urging me to contact you many times. This��"


    Zhang Ye said: "Give me a little more time. I''ll definitely find someone."


    Han Qi said: "Alright, alright. Please hurry then. You really have to get it done as soon as possible. How can someone like you who can sing so well be unable to invite any friends of yours toe? You must be asking for a lot, aren''t you?"


    Asking a lot, my ass!


    This bro really doesn''t have that many friends to begin with!


    Before long, the news spread all over the Inte.


    On Weibo.


    "Who could Sunset Glow have invited? Why''s it so mysterious?"


    "That back looks a little familiar!"


    "If she''s the person that everyone''s guessing she is, then could she have invited our goddess Xiaodong?"


    "Wow, are you sure?"


    "That would be wonderful!"


    "Petal Shower seems to have invited a big name as well!"


    "Could it be an A-list celebrity?"


    "I heard that an A-lister has really been invited onto the show this time."


    "Who, who?"


    "I don''t know. The biggest name on this stage should have been Li Yu. But he''s no longer an A-lister anymore, so could there really be an A-listering?"


    "I can''t wait!"


    "Eh, what about The Clown?"


    "That''s right, we didn''t see anything regarding The Clown''s celebrity guest partner, right?"


    "Why didn''t they make any mention of it?"


    "I''ve heard something about that. It seems like The Clown''s celebrity guest partner has not been decided yet."


    "Surely not, right? He was the among the first batch of contestants to be confirmed for the grand finals. How long has it been since then? The grand finals are next week, but he still hasn''t found a partner? Could it be that there''s no one he can choose? Or maybe he couldn''t get anyone toe onto the show? If that''s the case, that''d mean that The Clown lied when he said that he was at least a B-lister. He''s probably just some artist who''s not that famous. Although he''s really shot to fame, since he does not know any fellow big name artists, he couldn''t invite any of them onto the show."


    "That''s quite possible."


    "Fuck, can he really be that pathetic?"


    "Even if he does not know any big names, he should at least know a few small-timers. Why can''t he get them?"


    "If he really invites a small-timer as a celebrity guest partner, wouldn''t it be as good as giving up on the crown of the Masked King? This is the grand finals we''re talking about. The others have all invited big names who''re at least B-listers, or if worstes to worst, C-listers. It''s been rumored that there''s even an A-listering onto the show, but I don''t know if that''s true or not. If The Clown invites some unknown artist to support him, it''d be awkward if no one knows who that person is when they go onstage. He might even get eliminated right in the first round and lose his qualification to battle for the throne of the Masked King!"


    "That''s true."


    At night.


    Zhang Ye was lying in bed and getting ready to sleep. He kept this problem over in his head, unable to fall asleep. So he started browsing his Weibo and saw thosements. He suddenly sat up on his bed and rolled his eyes!


    I''m not famous?


    I don''t know any big names?


    Hey, don''t make me mad!


    All of a sudden, Zhang Ye thought of someone. Then he started thinking about how he should broach the subject and in what way he should do it. He knew that this person would be extremely difficult to invite!

 Chapter 1064: Convincing the Heavenly Queen!

    <h4>Chapter 1064: Convincing the Heavenly Queen! </h4>


    Chapter 1064: Convincing the Heavenly Queen!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Zhang Ye got up at five in the morning and started walking around in his room with his hands behind his back. He walked from his room into the living room, then from the living room to the balcony, all the while trying to think of ideas.


    His mother yawned as she opened her bedroom door and came out. "Whoa, what are you doing?"


    Zhang Ye turned around and said, "Thinking of something."


    His mother looked at the clock. "This early?"


    Still in his pajamas, his father also came out to have a look. "What are you doing up so early? Do you want to have breakfast?"


    "No thanks. Don''t worry about me. Go back to bed," Zhang Ye said.


    The other contestants had invited very capable guest partners for King of Masked Singers. Although there wasn''t a publicized list, Zhang Ye could just about guess who would be there. They were all B-list big shots, so if he wanted to take the crown of the Masked King in the grand finals, the guest partner he invited would be an extremely crucial factor. He already had a candidate in mind. Of all the people he knew, only she was still avable as a choice to him.


    Yes, that person was Zhang Yuanqi!


    The famous Heavenly Queen of the pop music scene and film industry!


    This fellow had been stirred up by theizens''ments that said that he did not know any big name stars! If that was the case, then he would just need to find one to prove them wrong!


    An S-list superstar!


    The one of very few at the top of the entertainment circle!


    How should he ask her?


    How should he invite her?


    If it were anyone else, they''d definitely not be able to get her to agree!


    They wouldn''t even have needed to consider it. An S-list celebrity like her would never agree to take part in a singingpetition show. If she won on it, it would have been expected. But if she lost, that would be embarrassing. She also didn''t need to take part in the show, because at her level, not many things could move her anymore. As such, the biggest celebrity the program team had on their contestants'' invitation list when King of Masked Singers started its production was Li Yu, the front runner of the B-list Celebrity Rankings. They did not try to invite any A-list celebrities, much less an S-list Heavenly Queen. Beijing Television and the program team knew that those people would never agree to join their show!


    The same was true in Zhang Ye''s previous world. It would be almost impossible for the current, most popr Heavenly Kings and Queens to join any singingpetitions. Like Faye Wong, would it be possible that she would join one? Or Andy Lau, would that be possible either?


    This didn''t even need to be touched on!


    But luckily, Zhang Ye managed toe up with an idea very quickly. He didn''t know if it would work, but with a sparkle in his eye, he quickly returned to his bedroom. He immersed himself into remembering those songs from his previous world that were considered ssic male?female duets. Finally, he chose two of them and started writing the lyrics and musical notation down. Other people might not understand Zhang Yuanqi, but he did. She was someone who was especially nice and friendly to other people in public, but was in fact irascible in private. He knew that Zhang Yuanqi''s greatest weakness was that a good song would appeal to her more than anything else.


    He kept himself busy with the songwriting until 9 AM, when he finally finished it.


    Zhang Ye picked up The Clown''s cell phone and called Fang Weihong.


    Du du. The call connected.


    Zhang Ye spoke very carefully and switched to a gruff voice. "Hello."


    Fang Weihong said: "Hello, who is this?"


    Zhang Ye: "Is this Zhang Yuanqi''s manager, Fang Weihong?"


    "This is she," Fang Weihong said.


    "This is The Clown." He got straight to the point.


    Fang Weihong was stunned. "The Clown? The Clown from King of Masked Singers?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Yes."


    Fang Weihong immediately said: "We''ve been trying to find a way to contact you all this time. Sister Zhang has been particrly hoping to get to know you and has mentioned it to me several times already. What is it that you''re calling me for?"


    "I have something that I would like to seek Teacher Zhang''s help for."


    "What is it? Can I pass the message along? Or do you want to contact Sister Zhang directly?"


    "Well, why don''t we do it this way? I''ll send two songs over first."


    "Songs?"


    "Yes."


    Fang Weihong was worthy of being an elite manager of the industry. When she heard him say that, she could almost immediately guess what he wanted. "Are you calling about the King of Masked Singers'' grand finals? Are you thinking of inviting Sister Zhang to be your celebrity guest partner?"


    "Does Teacher Zhang have time?"


    "I''m not too sure about that. I have to check."


    "OK, I''ll send the songs over first then."


    "Alright��then. I can only help you ask. But whether it''ll work, I can''t guarantee. By the way, don''t you have a lot of friends in the music scene? Why would you approach Sister Zhang for this?"


    "Why does everyone think that I have many friends?"


    Fang Weihong chuckled at this.


    That''s true.


    It''s not like that was a guaranteed thing.


    Just like that Zhang Ye who had a pretty good rtionship with Sister Zhang. He was very popr and experienced, but his social ties were just terrible. There was hardly anyone in the entertainment industry who liked him.


    Fang Weihong said, "OK, I''ll speak to Sister Zhang about this."


    "Thank you."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye quietly waited for the oue.


    Ten minutes��


    Half an hour��


    One hour��


    However, Fang Weihong''s call did not arrive. Instead, it was Zhang Yuanqi who contacted him. She did not contact him on The Clown''s cell phone, but on his personal phone''s chat app.


    Di di.


    Zhang Yuanqi: "Show yourself."


    Zhang Ye was startled, then replied: "I''m here."


    "Did you write those songs for The Clown?"


    Zhang Ye gulped.


    "He just sent me two songs and I''ve taken a look at them. I think they''re really good, so tell me the truth, did you write all of his songs for him?"


    Zhang Ye yed dumb. "Nope."


    "Are you friends with The Clown? Are you two on very good terms? I have to spend so much effort just to get you to write me a song, yet you''ve written so many of them for The Clown in such a short period of time?"


    Zhang Yeughed and typed: "It''s really not me."


    "He invited me to appear as his celebrity guest partner in the grand finals."


    "Oh, is that so?"


    "What are your views on that?"


    "I don''t know. Go if you like, don''t go if you don''t want to."


    "When will you write another two songs for me?"


    Zhang Ye coughed. "Let''s talk about that some other time."


    "Who exactly is The Clown?"


    "I''d like to know as well."


    Zhang Yuanqi said stiffly: "Alright, I''m off."


    Zhang Ye typed: "Bye."


    Afterwards, Zhang Ye continued to wait. He was really unsure if he could invite Zhang Yuanqi, so he could only try to do it this way. If it really didn''t work, at most he would just go ahead and reveal his identity to her. Based on his rtionship with Old Zhang and his reputation, he believed that he would still be able to convince her to join him on the show.


    In the afternoon, Fang Weihong''s call finally arrived.


    Fang Weihong immediately spoke when the call connected: "Is it convenient to ask about your identity?"


    "Can I keep it a secret for now?"


    "It''s like this: You should know that with Sister Zhang''s status, she doesn''t usually take part inpetitive variety shows. Although you''re good at singing and Sister Zhang alsocks some good duet songs, but��"


    "I know that."


    "That''s why I''d like to ask you about your identity. Sister Zhang''s exact words were: If it were any of my better friends, I''d definitely help out. But if this is just a case of working together, then��"


    "Is that how it is?"


    "Do you know Sister Zhang?"


    "��I know her."


    "Are you close with her?"


    "��I am."


    On the other end of the line, Fang Weihong was surprised by this response.


    They really knew each other?


    And they''re even quite close?


    Fang Weihong was a little unsure. She couldn''t just take the other party''s words at face value as this was not a trivial matter, after all. So she asked: "Sorry for asking you so abruptly, but what does Sister Zhang like to drink?"


    The Clown answered: "��Wine."


    Fang Weihong was taken aback: "She seldom drinks."


    The Clown said: "She often drinks."


    Fang Weihong fell silent. Zhang Yuanqi had always been guarded whenever she was in the public eye and was the same even among her normal friends. As such, there were some things about her that no one would know from the news or hearsay from the industry. There really weren''t many people who knew that Old Zhang liked to drink, and Fang Weihong was one of the few who did. So when Fang Weihong realized that The Clown did not fall for her trick when she tried to fool him, she understood that The Clown really knew about this!


    She was sure of it!


    This person definitely knew Sister Zhang well!


    Who was he?


    Just who could it be?


    Fang Weihong wanted to ask, but hesitated and eventually stifled her curiosity. "Alright, I understand. I''llmunicate this to Sister Zhang, so wait for my news."


    "OK, thank you."

 Chapter 1065: Mysterious partners!

    <h4>Chapter 1065: Mysterious partners! </h4>


    Chapter 1065: Mysterious partners!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the other end.


    After hanging up, Fang Weihong called Zhang Yuanqi.


    Zhang Yuanqi was running in her home gym. When she saw her phone ringing, she stopped the treadmill and used a towel to wipe away her sweat before tossing it aside. Then she picked up the phone. She was clearly very curious about The Clown''s identity and why he had thought of inviting her to be his guest partner.


    "Sister Zhang."


    "Did you find out who he is?"


    "I didn''t manage to find out anything as he didn''t want to tell."


    "Oh."


    "But he knows you."


    "How well does he know me?"


    "He should be a friend of yours and seems pretty close to you."


    "Oh? Did he im so himself?"


    "When I tested him by asking what drinks you liked, he said that you liked to drink wine. But when I tried to fool him by iming that you don''t drink, he didn''t fall for it."


    "��Pretty close to me?"


    "That''s for sure. How many people know that you like to drink daily?"


    "Not many."


    "Is there anyone who matches up with The Clown?"


    "No one who can sing as well as him."


    "Are you sure?"


    "I''m sure."


    "Then who could he be!"


    "I''ve got no idea."


    "Then what about the King of Masked Singers'' grand finals? Will you go?"


    "Give me The Clown''s contact number."


    "Are you really nning on going?"


    "Hur hur, I should do him this favor since he''s an old friend of mine. I wanna see him when he shows his face at the venue. I want to see just which friend of mine can sing so well yet keep this secret so well hidden."


    They hung up.


    Zhang Yuanqi kept quiet for a long while before she turned to look for pen and paper. She flipped her nner open to a nk page and scribbled some names on it. Then she shook her head and crossed them out. She wrote down another two names but shook her head and crossed them out as well.


    ...


    The next day.


    Beijing Television.


    The set for the rehearsal had already been arranged for. Han Qi and some of the program team staff were currently waiting there, with the band also standing by. They were just waiting for the leads to arrive now.


    This was not the original recording studio but a bigger set that was arranged for separately and could amodate more than a thousand audience members. The stage had been redesigned, and it looked much more magnificent than the previous one. It incorporated a lot more advanced equipment that had been designed to the highest standards as specified by the program team. The live broadcast set was specially designed for the show. Beijing Television had started nning for it ever since they''d known the King of Masked Singers premiere episode''s viewership rating. To ensure that the show would be produced to perfection, they invested a lot into it regardless of the cost. They had been very "lowkey" in the variety show industry for far too long. As it was not easy for them to get this chance to change things, the station definitely didn''t want to miss this opportunity!


    Hu Fei walked over. "Are they here yet?"


    Han Qi checked her watch. "They should be here soon!"


    "Who could The Clown have invited as his guest partner?" Dafei asked curiously.


    Han Qi smiled wryly. "I don''t know. Teacher Clown didn''t say."


    Xiao Lu said, "We''ll find out in a while when they arrive."


    The Clown was the first to arrive. As usual, he was already in his costume with his mask on.


    Then, just a few minutester, The Clown''s celebrity guest partner arrived. She walked up to them with her high heels click-cking. When they heard that and looked to her, all they could see was a person in a red mask!


    Hu Fei was taken aback.


    The program team staff blinked in surprise.


    Zhang Ye disguised his voice and said, "You''re here?"


    A woman''s voice came from beneath the mask. "Yes."


    Zhang Ye noticed that Old Zhang had also deliberately lowered the tone of her vocal register. If he didn''t know who she was, he probably wouldn''t have been able to figure out her identity.


    Hu Fei greeted, "Hello, I''m the executive director of King of Masked Singers, Hu Fei."


    The masked woman shook hands with him. "Hello."


    Hu Fei said, "Can I ask? Who might you be?"


    The masked woman said, "I''m not anyone famous, so I won''t be giving my name."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes.


    You''re not famous?


    Even if we don''t mention this stage, are there any celebrities who are more famous than you in the entire country?


    Dafei said, "Then how should we address you?"


    The masked woman thought for a moment before answering with augh, "Just call me Wild Rose."


    Wild Rose?


    The title of that song sung by The Clown?


    Hu Fei asked, "Then when can we begin rehearsing?"


    Wild Rose said, "Anytime."


    Hu Fei looked to the person standing next to her. "Teacher Clown?"


    The Clown said, "Anytime."


    Hu Fei said, "Alright, let''s get started then."


    Han Qi immediately led them inside. "Teachers, this way please." She was studying Wild Rose so intensely that she kept looking at her every now and then. But even after looking for a long time, she still could not guess who she was. Not famous? Unwilling to give her name? Afraid that no one would recognize her? Could Teacher Clown really be what theizens imed him to be? That he was just lying about himself being a B-list celebrity? So he didn''t actually know any famous celebrities? And so got a rando to be his guest partner?


    The Miracle Wheels band was already waiting for them.


    As well as Music Director Bai Yuanfei, several professional musicians, and piano teachers.


    The Clown handed the music score to the band and then gave them some instructions. Following, Wild Rose also went over tomunicate with the band for a bit. She listed one by one the things she needed for some parts of the song regarding the rhythm and pauses. At this point, everyone still did not know how Wild Rose would sing.


    Then the rehearsal began.


    When she opened her mouth to sing, everyone in the studio was stunned!


    The Clown was the first to begin.


    Wild Rose followed after him.


    Everyone already knew that The Clown''s singing was very good. As a result, they expected that even if The Clown''s invited guest partner was not famous or might even be a neer, her singing would surely not be too bad either. But nobody expected that Wild Rose would give such an earth-shattering performance. When she sang, her voice stunned everyone!


    They only needed to rehearse it once!


    It was wless!


    It was so professional!


    After they exited the stage, Xiao Lu rushed up to The Clown and asked, "Teacher, who is she?"


    The Clown smiled and said, "If she doesn''t want to say, I must keep it a secret as well."


    Xiao Lu asked with wide eyes, "Is she really an unknown female singer?"


    The Clown did not say anything.


    Next to them, Dafei added, "Many neers have really good singing nowadays. It''s just that there''s either no opportunity for them or they only have average looks, so they can''t get famous. In reality, there''s plenty of people who can sing very well in our country."


    Xiao Lu said, "Oh, so that''s why."


    But Xiao Lu still felt that this woman did not look like a neer from any angle!


    I''m not well-educated, so please don''t try to fool me!


    The Clown asked, "Is the melody alright?"


    Bai Yuanfei said, "Yes!"


    Hu Fei nodded. "It''s quite good."


    The Clown said, "Then we''re good?"


    "Yes!" Hu Fei approved of it and said, "I''m looking forward to your two''s performance on the night of the finale. Oh right, there''s still the second song. Would you like to rehearse itter as well?"


    "Sure," The Clown said.


    When Wild Rose heard, she said, "I have something to do. If it''s alright, I''d like to leave."


    Hu Fei was stunned. Why was she in such a hurry? What was so important? Didn''t she just arrive a bit ago?


    But Zhang Ye knew that she was indeed a busy person. It was quite ttering that she took an hour out of her day to rehearse with him. He said, "Thank you very much."


    Wild Roseughed. "You owe me a favor."


    Zhang Ye said, "OK, I''ll be sure to return the favor."


    "I''m leaving now." Wild Rose turned around and left without saying anything more.


    The program team staff looked at Wild Rose''s receding figure, then at The Clown. They felt that these two people were a little strange. They were at this stage, so surely there wasn''t a need to hide who they were, was there? Weren''t they trying too hard to maintain their mysteriousness? They kept themselves so secretive that not even the program team staff knew who they were. How could they go about the promotions now? Hai, they were still hoping to analyze and deduce The Clown''s identity based on his invited celebrity guest partner. If they knew who his friend was and which circle they belonged to, his identity should get more obvious as the possibilities would be reduced even further. But it looked like they had overthought things. Since it was like this, they could only respect the contestants not wanting to reveal their identities. There wasn''t much they could say about it. Thepetition''s grand finals would be in another few days anyway, so they could still find out when the time came for them to take off their masks. They were also very curious about the identities of this pair of mysterious partners!

 Chapter 1066: The grand finals arrive!

    <h4>Chapter 1066: The grand finals arrive! </h4>


    Chapter 1066: The grand finals arrive!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The grand finals were approaching.


    The huge promotional campaign for King of Masked Singers was also in its final stages. Whether it was televisionmercials, online video hosting site advertisements, newspapers, or advertorials, they spared no efforts in the show''s advertising.


    The discussions online were also in full swing.


    "Have you guys seen the new promo?"


    "I''ve seen it, I''ve seen it!"


    "Haha, Sunset Glow''s invited celebrity guest partner looks so familiar!"


    "The Clown''s partner has been decided as well!"


    "Why was The Clown''s guest partner skimmed over with just one line?"


    "Yeah, there wasn''t even a back revealed or the likes, nothing at all. What''s going on here?"


    "The exact words used were ''invited a mysterious guest partner.'' Who is this mysterious guest partner? There weren''t even any words like ''heavyweight'' or ''famous'' attached to the introductory lines."


    "Could it be that the guest partner isn''t someone famous?"


    "That might be possible."


    "Damn, could our resourcefulizens really have guessed right?"


    "Is The Clown really not that famous? Are all the people that he knows just C or D-list celebrities? That''s why they didn''t even know how to write the introduction and just used ''mysterious guest partner'' instead? And simply gloss over it?"


    "Surely not, right? I was still looking forward to it quite a bit."


    "Then that''d be really bad for The Clown."


    "That really is bad. If the guest partner is not someone famous, how can fight for the throne of the Masked King?"


    "If this is how it is, then I expect Petal Shower to win even more."


    "I''m more optimistic about Sunset Glow''s chances!"


    "I''m Flowing Time''s braindead fan!"


    "The overall situation is indeed disadvantageous for The Clown. Although ''The Internationale'' brought him a great deal of poprity and supporters, there are also many people who do not like the song. The controversy surrounding it is pretty big."


    ...


    Back at home.


    Call after call came in.


    Zhang Ye had not been cking these past two days. Many people were looking for him, mostly for the same reason.


    His old colleague, Ha Qiqi.


    "Director Zhang, can you get us a few tickets?"


    "How many do you need?"


    "Our group from the Central TV Documentary Channel would all like to go, so they''ve appointed me as the representative to ask you about it. I guess about a dozen tickets or so should be enough."


    "Sure, that won''t be a problem."


    "Thanks, Director Zhang."


    Then it was his rtives'' turn to call.


    "Little Ye."


    "Oh, Third Uncle."


    "A few of my colleagues would like to attend the grand finals of King of Masked Singers. Can you get us a few tickets?"


    "Of course."


    "Just three tickets would suffice."


    "Sure, I''ll get them for you."


    Finally, even Dong Shanshan came looking for him.


    "Zhang''er, help me to reserve five tickets, alright?"


    "Damn, you''re the host and you''re asking me?"


    "Hur hur, the tickets for the grand finals are too sought after, with so many people waiting to get one. I can get one or two tickets, but five''s too difficult. You have greater influence than me in the program team, so do me this favor, please?"


    "Sure, I got it."


    "I''ll treat you to dinner some other time."


    "You keep saying that, but I''ve never been treated by you before."


    "I''ll definitely treat you this time."


    "Alright, I''ll take your word for it."


    After handling these trivial matters, Zhang Ye went back to practicing his songs.


    He had been practicing the songs he lined up for the grand finals for two full days. For this reason, he even deliberately found a ce where no one could disturb him, leaving early in the morning and onlying homete at night. He tirelessly practiced over and over again until he had lost count of the number of times he had sung them. However, he still felt that it was unsatisfactory and even practiced until he nearly lost his voice. Only then did he quickly stop and rest for a while. After eating some instant noodles, he thought about it again and finally realized where the problemy.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t sing well!


    It was just that Zhang Yuanqi had sung too well!


    Having eaten all those Singing Skill Experience Books, Zhang Ye thought that he had be invincible by now and would not be inferior to anyone else when it came to singing. But after listening to Zhang Yuanqi''s sample of the song, he realized that he was the frog in the well. Actually, even if Zhang Ye were topare himself to the likes of Petal Shower and Chen Guang, he still probably couldn''t sing better than them. He might be a little better in certain areas, but there were also many areas that he did not do as well as them. Zhang Yuanqi''s singing had shocked him plenty and made Zhang Ye feel that he couldn''t hold the stage alongside her. This was his stage to begin with, but with Old Zhang supporting his act and after hearing a sample of her singing, Zhang Ye knew that he would be the support act instead if it stayed this way. Other people might not be able to hear it, but he could feel it. This definitely wouldn''t do!


    What should he do?


    He couldn''t ask Old Zhang to sing badly on purpose, could he? That would be such a loss of face!


    The only way was to raise his own level. The grand finals would only be held this once and there was only going to be one winner to speak of. It was even a live broadcast, so Zhang Ye definitely had to give it his all!


    He immediately brought up the game ring''s virtual screen. He had so many Reputation Points now that he could just use them as he liked. He didn''t have to worry about not having enough for now.


    He activated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded)!


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    He immediately tapped on Lottery Draw (One)!


    Additional Stakes: 500!


    The wheel began to rotate!


    The needle started moving!


    One revolution��


    Two revolutions��


    Three revolutions��


    It stopped in the Skills Category region.


    The Treasure Chests (Small) appeared.


    [Musical Arrangement Skill Experience Book] �� 501.


    Musical arrangement?


    He received this item from the lottery draw?


    Zhang Ye was taken aback but was still pretty satisfied with it. In the past, the arrangement his songs mostly followed were the original arrangement of the songs in his previous world. There were some slight variations, but there wasn''t too much. His songs were still mainly based on the arrangement he listened to, and he needed to adhere to the opinions of the band. After all, Zhang Ye was not a professional in this field, so there were some arrangements he could only leave to the band and music director to decide. If he could arrange his own songs, then things would definitely be different. He would be able to experiment more daringly and freely by adding in all the aspects that he liked. Being able to arrange his own music would also make the songs better suited to his style and allow him to perform them even better!


    This was good stuff!


    He was going to eat it!


    Zhang Ye started studying the books one by one.


    Next, he began his second round of the lottery draw.


    He added an additional stake of 500 just like before.


    The Lucky Halo (Upgraded) was once again activated as well!


    One revolution��


    Two revolutions��


    The needle came to a stop!


    It was the Skills Category region again!


    [Singing Skill Experience Book] �� 501: Enhances the yer''s singing technique.


    He had received this skill experience book before, the exact same one. It was precisely because of this skill experience book that Zhang Ye was able to make a qualitative leap in his singing, and it was exactly what he needed most right now as well.


    Zhang Ye immediately started studying them without hesitation.


    He had received 500 booksst time and 501 books this time. It wasn''t until he "ate" thest book that a system message sounded from the game ring!


    He had maxed out on the skill!


    There was no way to learn any more!


    This was a simr case like the Fruits of Strength and Fruits of Stamina, of which 1,000 Fruits were the maximum amount he could eat. As he could not learn from thatst skill experience book, it could only go to waste.


    After he deactivated the Lucky Halo, Zhang Ye immediately gave it a try. He tried singing that song again, which he had sung so many times that he was starting to get sick of it. As expected, the effect was entirely different now. Even Zhang Ye himself was surprised at this, although the improvement in his singing was not as obvious as after the first time he had eaten the books. Because, as he gained more of the skill, the effect of the skill experience book would be less obvious. But no matter what, they were still 500 books and they effectively maxed out his level for this item gained from Lottery Draw (One). It was still an improvement, albeit a minor one. Moreover, Zhang Ye''s singing skill that had been upgraded was not just in one single aspect. It included improvements to his portamento, technique, breathing, etc. This was considered an overall upgrade! Everything rted to his singing skills were improved!


    He stayed up for yet another night.


    Trying out his singing.


    Arranging the music.


    Repeating it over and over again.


    Then continuing to practice the songs.


    Eventually, his parents could no longer look on.


    "Little Ye, you must take a break. What are you doing that''s keeping you up night after night?" His mother said, "Why are you risking your life like that?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "I''m helping someone write a song. Don''t worry about me. Just go to sleep, Mom and Dad."


    His father pointed to the sky outside. "Your mom and I have already had enough sleep. Look at what time it is. It''s light out."


    Zhang Ye replied perfunctorily, "OK, I''ll go to bed in a bit."


    His mother nagged, "Quickly!"


    "I know." Zhang Ye buried himself into his work again.


    The fellow always behaved this way. He always wanted to do his work to his very best, or at least to the best of his abilities. Otherwise, he would keep doing it over and over, repeating it until he got it perfect. Perhaps he was a perfectionist deep down. Further, this grand finals were extremely important to him.


    It wasn''t until the day before the grand finals that Zhang Ye managed toplete things. He had a meeting with Old Zhang over the phone, as well as with Bai Yuanfei and the band afterwards.


    Bai Yuanfei was astonished. "Did you arrange the music all by yourself?"


    Zhang Ye said: "It''s not too bad, right?"


    "This is something that even the most professional arrangers would barely be able to do, don''t you think? How about the dance choreography and costume effects, have you thought about those yet? I think the duet between you and Wild Rose can have a little more visual effect. I can reveal to you that the other contestants have all given considerable thought to effects like visual presentation and fog machines. It''s going to have a great visual impact for sure. I''m not really well-versed in this area, but we have professionals who can help you design something on our team, do you want to��"


    "That''s not for me," Zhang Yeughed. "I''ll just sing normally."


    Bai Yuanfei said: "But you''d be disadvantaged for sure."


    Zhang Ye said: "It''s fine. I don''t like all those fanciful effects anyway."


    Bai Yuanfei said: "Alright, I understand."


    "You have my gratitude for all your hard work."


    With this, Zhang Ye was fully prepared for the grand finals!

 Chapter 1067: The live broadcast begins!

    <h4>Chapter 1067: The live broadcast begins! </h4>


    Chapter 1067: The live broadcast begins!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Saturday.


    On the day of the grand finals.


    Though it was only a bit after three o''clock in the afternoon,rge groups of people were already lining up outside of Beijing Television. Some of them were distributing bottled water, some were distributing clothes, while others were distributing LED lightboards. Everyone was behaving in a very orderly manner as they began preparations to show support for their favorite contestants tonight!


    "Where are Teacher Flowing Time''s fans?"


    "Gather over here, please!"


    "Fans of Petal Shower,e quickly. We''re distributing clothes over here!"


    "Everyone, let''s standardize our outfits to show our support for Little Sunset (Sunset Glow)!"


    "Are there any fans of Teacher Clown around? You guys can get free bottles of water over here!"


    "There are still three avable LED lightboards for King of Oddity. Are any of you going to be seated in the front rows? Those who are seated near the front rows, pleasee and get one. Since the cameras focus there, those who are seated at the back, please don''t take the LED lightboards."


    "King of Oddity posted on Weibo that if he can gain a spot in the top three, he would sign autographs for his fans at the venue after thepetition ends. Everyone will get one!"


    "Ah? Are you serious?"


    "Then how many will he have to sign?"


    "Teacher Flowing Time posted that if he gets crowned as the grand champion on King of Masked Singers, he''ll move up his new album''s release date and hold a fan meeting with everyone this week. He''s hoping that everyone can give him their support and vote for him!"


    "I''ve already instructed everyone at home to vote for Flowing Time tonight!"


    "Sunset Glow has also been canvassing for votes in advance. She started a lottery on Weibo two days ago! That''s how I got my admission pass for today. Someone even won thetest model of aptop!"


    "The celebs have all poured in a lot of money for this!"


    "Yeah, the celebrities are all trying their best to get votes."


    "Only The Clown''s Weibo has been inactive. He never posted anything!"


    "Damn, why isn''t Teacher Clown asking for votes?"


    "Who knows!"


    "As they said, he''s probably not very famous and the celebrity guest partner he''s invited should also be quite an unknown neer, so why isn''t he worried? All the more he should be asking for votes in advance!"


    At the live broadcast venue.


    The program staff were having a hectic time.


    "Check the equipment again!"


    "There''s a bit of a problem with Camera 5!"


    "Equipment team, handle it!"


    "There''s only three hours left!"


    "Are the contestants and their celebrity guest partners here yet?"


    "They''re all here except for The Clown''s celebrity guest partner!"


    "Wild Rose isn''t here yet?"


    "Not yet."


    All the contestants had arrived in advance along with their guest partners.


    However, The Clown''s celebrity guest partner was the exception. By rights, everyone should have already reached the venue since this was such an important live broadcast event. But Wild Rose was still nowhere to be seen, and they were only missing her presence as of now.


    Han Qi rushed to find The Clown. "Where''s your partner?"


    The Clown said evenly, "She has a busy schedule. Don''t worry."


    Han Qi didn''t know how to react. "You''re really calm, aren''t you? Could you call her and hurry her up? There''s not much time left."


    The Clown shook his head. "There''s no need."


    He understood Old Zhang quite well as she was the same type of person as him. Since she had agreed to do something, she would definitely do it well. So there was no need to hurry her. After knowing each other for some time, there was some trust between them.


    A distance away.


    Flowing Time and King of Oddity overheard.


    Flowing Time said, "Only The Clown''s partner isn''t here yet?"


    Flowing Time''s partner sneered, "What''s with this diva behavior? We''re rehearsing soon. Is she going to make all of us wait for her?"


    In a room close by.


    King of Oddity was also not too happy to hear this. "What''s going to happen now? Are we going to go ahead with the rehearsal?"


    The program team employee said, "We''re not going to wait. Let''s rehearse."


    King of Oddity''s partner smacked his lips and said, "These newbies are behaving too ridiculously!"


    Just as he said that, the program team received an update: Wild Rose has arrived!


    The rehearsal began!


    In reality, it was not really a rehearsal but simply something for everyone to go through the motions to find their positions. For example, they had to know where the cameras were located and where to stand when they went up onstage. They had to run through the general process once.


    The contestants and celebrity guest partners gathered next to the stage all at once.


    When Zhang Ye saw Sunset Glow, Petal Shower, and Spinach, he nodded at them in greeting. Then he nced at the partners beside them. Although they were all wearing masks, their figures looked very familiar. The other contestants and their partners also exchanged greetings as they scrutinized each other. Zhang Ye was naturally one of those whom everyone had their focus on. Many of the contestants and their partners were sizing him up.


    Then Wild Rose finally arrived,te.


    Flowing Time''s partner nced at her and shook his head slightly.


    Petal Shower looked at Wild Rose and blinked several times.


    Even though she waste, Wild Rose showed no timidity at all. Instead, she smiled gracefully. "I''m sorry. I got caught in a traffic jam on the way here. Let''s get started."


    Dafei said, "Alright. Now that everyone is here, we can begin the rehearsal!"


    Sunset Glow and her partner were also looking at Wild Rose with eyes full of spection.


    Was she really a neer?


    She didn''t look like it!


    Her voice sounded somewhat familiar?


    But it also felt like she had deliberately changed the tone of her vocal register?


    If she was a neer, why would she need to deliberately change her voice? Was she afraid that someone would recognize her?


    ...


    The sky was gradually getting darker.


    The time for the grand finals was approaching.


    Zhang Ye''s parents and several of his rtives also came to attend the recording and were currently lining up with their admission passes. The audience members were already getting admitted into the venue. They were verifying their admission passes and performing security checks at the front gate.


    His mother eximed, "Why are there so many people?"


    His eldest sister smiled and said, "It''s the King of Masked Singers'' grand finals, and it''s even going to be broadcast live, so of course there''s going to be a lot of people."


    His third sister called out, "Why are the people up ahead not moving? I can''t wait!"


    His third uncle said, "What are you so anxious for? We''ll definitely get in."


    His third aunt said, "It''s not like the seats will run away. Be patient."


    Almost all of Zhang Ye''s family members were here today. If not for his grandparents'' legs being not as strong as before, coupled with their high blood pressure making them unable to be in crowded ces for long, the two seniors would probably havee as well.


    Not far away, Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, Little Wang, and the others were also standing in line.


    "It''s so hot."


    "It''s not our turn yet?"


    "The security check is taking too long."


    "Let''s patiently wait. If it wasn''t for Director Zhang, we wouldn''t have even gotten the tickets. How many people do you think have a chance to watch the grand finals at the venue? We''re very fortunate."


    This was the King of Masked Singers'' grand finals!


    It was a feast for the music and television show industry!


    Attention from the industry insiders, the entertainment industry, the entire country''s audience, and even the authorities were all focused here tonight!


    ...


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His grandpa and grandma turned on the television.


    "Has it started yet?"


    "Not yet."


    ...


    His paternal aunt''s house.


    His paternal elder cousin and her best friend who ran a blogshop together had been waiting at their TV for a long time.


    "Who do you like?"


    "I like all of them."


    "I only like The Clown, hehe."


    ...


    At Peking University.


    Many Peking University students who weren''t on break yet were using the Inte in their dormitories to ess the live broadcast on the television station''s website. Some students even brought back a TV set from somewhere and hooked it up to an antenna to watch the live broadcast.


    "It''s about to begin!"


    "Hurry and tell everyone!"


    "I have a TV in my dorm. Whoever wants toe here and watch, hurry up!"


    "We must support the show that was produced by Professor Zhang!"


    ...


    The audience was shown in!


    The stage was ready!


    The countdown to recording had begun!


    It was getting more and more rowdy online!


    "There is only one show tonight��King of Masked Singers!"


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    "Supporting Petal Shower!"


    "I love Sunset Glow the most!"


    "Flowing Time!"


    "Flowing Time!"


    "Let''s go, The Clown!"


    "Every one of them has a chance of winning tonight!"


    "I''m looking forward to the crowning of the grand champion of King of Masked Singers!"


    At 8 PM.


    Under everyone''s attention, the live broadcast of King of Masked Singers'' finale began!

 Chapter 1068: Spinach in the lead!

    <h4>Chapter 1068: Spinach in the lead! </h4>


    Chapter 1068: Spinach in the lead!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The live broadcast signal came on!


    Dong Shanshan appeared on the television screen!


    Amid the cheering and screaming, Dong Shanshan descended from above. She was, in fact, sitting on a tform that was being lowered from the rafters. The stage was covered with fog and mesmerizing lights were shining. "Wee to the King of Masked Singers, brought to you exclusively by Bright Fruit Cocoa. We''re in the theater of the live broadcast of tonight''s finale, and I am your most lovable, beautiful, sexy, and slightly artistic host��Dong Shanshan!"


    A burst of opening remarks.


    The audience''s apuse thundered!


    Countless people were waving their LED lightboards and screaming in excitement!


    Dong Shanshan''s current poprity was much different from before. On the LED lightboards the live audience members were holding up today, other than for the contestants, many had Dong Shanshan''s name on them. Some people were attending the event today just to support Dong Shanshan. They were all her diehard fans!


    The tform was finally lowered down onto the stage.


    Dong Shanshan elegantly walked off it and said as she strode onstage, "It''s the night of the grand finals, and we''ll see the most exciting battle between experts in this theater tonight. The grand champion of King of Masked Singers will emerge here tonight. The rules of thepetition are very simple: The winners and losers will be decided by our live viewers. When thepetition begins proper, the contestant''s number to vote for will be disyed onscreen. Cast your votes and choose your grand champion so that they may be crowned Masked King tonight!"


    The venue was changed.


    The stage setup was also changed.


    Zhang Xia was seated in the audience in the first row.


    Chen Guang, Amy, Wang Zhuishu, and the other judges were also seated in the audience. For tonight''s live broadcast, they were not tasked withmenting and were only here to watch the show.


    Thepetition''s rules for the grand finals had long since been leaked. The result of today''spetition was no longer just for the live audience to decide, but for all viewers. The voting channel would be opened right from the first performance of the first round. Whichever contestant cedst in the celebrity guest partner round would immediately get eliminated and not be able to advance to the next round. Voting would only close after thest contestant performed their song in the second round. The contestant with the highest number of votes at the end would then be crowned Masked King, and the results for the first and second rounds were equally important as the votes were cumtive Further, the program team had nned for a segment during which the contestants could take off their masks at any time between the first and second rounds, meaning they could reveal their identities without needing to wait until the end of the show to do so!


    A King of Masked Singers'' discussion thread was created on Weibo.


    "They''re about to begin!"


    "Who''ll perform first?"


    "They go ording to the number of times that they''ve been crowned Masked King."


    "Then the first person should be Spinach? She gained entry via the revival round and came in third."


    "Who do you guys think will be eliminated in the first round?"


    "Other than Petal Shower and The Clown, I think everyone else is in danger of being eliminated!"


    "Haha, ce your bets!"


    "The betting''s open! I''ll bet on Flowing Time getting eliminated!"


    "My bet is on Spinach."


    At the venue.


    Thepetition had not yet begun, but the atmosphere was exploding and chaotic!


    Zhang Ye''s parents, his uncles and aunts, as well as everyone else were all influenced by this atmosphere!


    Dong Shanshan announced loudly, "As of now, the voting channels are open. Let''s wee today''s first performer onstage��Spinach! And her guest partner��Celery!"


    Dong Shanshan immediately exited the stage.


    The onstage lights switched to a different style.


    The audience was also very cooperative as they immediately turned quiet.


    Suddenly, a voice singing in a cappe rang out!


    Spinach stepped out onto the stage!


    "You said the snow was pure.


    "I said the skies were dark."


    Another woman''s voice followed.


    "I said our dreams were forever green.


    "You said your soul was gray."


    This song became very popr in the past two years and was one of the top ten most requested songs during karaoke. But when it was performed by the two of them, it sounded like it upstaged the original. They actually added some operatic elements into it and the song seemed to have a heavy feel of Peking opera to it. It was especially enjoyable to listen to.


    The dancers came out onto the stage, all of them dressed like Peking opera singers!


    This was a ssic example of a "traditional meets modern" performance!


    Old Zhang had already gone to change into her costume. Zhang Ye was watching the TV alone in his waiting room and nodded approvingly. He rather liked this song that Spinach was performing today.


    All of a sudden, without any warning.


    Spinach''s partner was sustaining a high note when she ripped off her mask!


    When the audience managed to react, they were stunned!


    Chen Guang pointed to the stage. "Han Ke?"


    Zhang Xia smiled. "That''s my old friend''s granddaughter!"


    Han Ke, a C-list celebrity and the granddaughter of Han Aiguo, a famous singer of the older generation in China. Han Aiguo was on the same level as Zhang Xia and a friend of hers who debuted together with her. At the same time, Han Aiguo and Liao Yiqi''s grandfather were good friends of many years, so Han Ke and Liao Yiqi practically grew up together as best friends. This was why no one found it unexpected that Han Ke would be on the stage today, even though they were surprised!


    Spinach smiled and also took off her mask. In fact, she had already taken off her mask, and everyone knew who she was already. But when her face was unmasked, the audience still cheered her on with screams and apuse!


    The viewers watching their TVs at home were also very excited!


    "It''s Han Ke!"


    "Han Ke really came onto the show?"


    "They''re no doubt childhood friends! How supportive!"


    "I like Han Ke a lot!"


    "She was a child star, and I especially liked those TV dramas that she acted in when she was young! She''s still as pretty even after growing up! I''m fairly sure it''s only because of Liao Yiqi that she''s here. If it were anyone else, she probably would not agree toe onto the show as a celebrity guest! After all, she hasn''t sung for the past one or two years!"


    "Let''s vote!"


    "Right, let''s quickly vote!"


    "Vote for Spinach!"


    "I''m going to vote for Spinach just because of Han Ke!"


    "Haha, I''m doing this for Han Ke too!"


    At the bottom of the screen, the tally was being calcted and disyed in real-time.


    In an instant, Spinach''s tally had jumped to the top��with 870,000 votes and almost breaking a million! Meanwhile, the remaining contestants who had not yet performed also received some votes, although they didn''t get much.


    The live audience was shouting.


    "Liao Yiqi!"


    "Liao Yiqi!"


    "Han Ke!"


    "Han Ke!"


    The duo of Spinach and Celery was really not to be underestimated.


    When it came to the end of their song, Spinach''s tally had reached 990,000 votes. She was in first ce for the time being with a rather eye-catching result!


    Dong Shanshan came back onto the stage. "Hello, Little Liao. Hello, Little Han."


    Han Ke raised her microphone. As she had already taken off her mask, the backstage crew switched off the voice transformer on her microphone. She greeted Shanshan with her real voice, "Hello, Sister Shanshan."


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Long time no see."


    Han Ke giggled and said, "Yeah, Sister Shanshan has be even more beautiful."


    The two of them clearly knew each other. In the past, they had both done an endorsement for the same product and filmed amercial for it. Sometimes, this was just how small the industry was.


    Dong Shanshan said happily, "So you''re here tonight to support your best friend?"


    Han Ke nodded and looked at the audience. She said, "When Little Liao called me about this, I was actually filming outside of Beijing. After she told me the details, I rushed back without another word. It goes without saying I would''vee back even if the sky was falling."


    This episode, once a duo finished performing, they were allowed to say some words onstage. They could either have a short chat or canvass for votes; anything was fine. It was not as restrictive as the past episodes. However, Spinach and Celery did not really talk about anything else. Perhaps they were embarrassed about asking for votes, so the two of them just bowed to the audience and left the stage after a few words.

 Chapter 1069: Out of control grand finals!

    <h4>Chapter 1069: Out of control grand finals! </h4>


    Chapter 1069: Out of control grand finals!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the front row.


    Zhang Xiamented, "Little Liao sang very well today."


    Chen Guang also said, "Yeah, she really did quite well."


    Amyughed and said, "Ever since the revival round, Spinach has transformed into another person. It''s like she''s suddenly been enlightened. She''s a surefire favorite to win today."


    Wang Zhuishu said, "I think she''ll do well too."


    On thest stage, Spinach''s poprity was not considered particrly high. At the least, it was quite far off from Petal Shower and The Clown''s level of poprity. But ever since the revival round, Spinach had started to really umte a good deal of poprity and left an impression on many in the audience. They all started to like her. Although the celebrity guest partner Spinach had invited was not that famous and was just a C-list artist like herself, they sang the song wonderfully.


    Following their performance, the next contestant came out!


    The second person to take the stage was Sunset Glow!


    By rights, Sunset Glow should have appeared muchter. After all, she had been crowned the Masked King once. Although she wouldn''t have gotten a better spot in the appearance order than The Clown, she could still have chosen between appearing as the second tost or third tost contestant. But as she probably had some considerations regarding her song and the atmosphere in the studio, Sunset Glow chose to be the second contestant to go on stage.


    On the stage, a familiar tune started ying!


    Zhang Ye also found it very familiar. It turned out to be "Super Star"!


    The audience was screaming.


    "This song?"


    "Sunset Glow is really that singer?"


    "This song is the best!"


    "Where''s her celebrity guest partner?"


    "Yeah, where''s the celebrity guest partner?"


    There was only Sunset Glow onstage.


    The masked Sunset Glow raised her microphone and sang.


    "Praising your smile,


    "Your knitted brows break my heart.


    "I cannot notice me,


    "I only feel what you feel."


    Suddenly, the stage was covered in fog!


    With a loud rumble, all the lights went out!


    When the lights came back on, another masked woman had appeared onstage. When she opened her mouth to sing, the theater was stunned for a moment before erupting into thunderous apuse!


    "Wherever you go,


    "Bring my soul along with you.


    "It''s captured in your spell,


    "What use is leaving it?"


    Her celebrity guest partner had taken the stage as well!


    This voice sounded all too familiar!


    Zhang Ye smiled.


    Zhang Xia smiled.


    Many of the audience members knew this voice as well!


    But what was even more surprising was yet toe. The lights went out again, with only a few columns of light remaining. The effect was especially artistic.


    Vaguely, Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, and the others discovered someone standing up beside them.


    The audience also saw this. From out of the blue, Amy had taken out a mask and worn it over her face, then strode forward and made her way up onto the stage as well. With a smile, she stood alongside Sunset Glow and the other celebrity guest partner!


    Their three voices chorused in unison!


    "You''re a zap, you''re my light, you''re my only fairy tale.


    "I love just you. You are my super star.


    "You decide, I abide. There is nothing better here. Loving just you. You are my super star."


    The audience went crazy!


    No one had expected that Amy would also go up onstage!


    Sunset Glow chose to remove her mask at this point in time. When it was off, the face of someone who looked particrly quiet was revealed��Spring Garden''s Li Xiaoxian!


    Next to her, one of them removed their mask as well��Amy!


    Thest person to take off her mask was Sunset Glow''s celebrity guest partner��Xiaodong!


    All the members of Spring Garden had assembled!


    This lineup was a really powerful one!


    At their televisions.


    The home audience was also taken by surprise.


    "It''s really Xiaoxian!"


    "Sunset Glow is Li Xiaoxian!"


    "Damn, for real?"


    "I didn''t believe it when theizens analyzed who she might be!"


    "I always thought that the singing of Spring Garden''s trio was just so-so. They''ve always sung group songs that talk about lovey-dovey subjects, so I didn''t hear anything special. I never expected Li Xiaoxian''s singing to be so good! She can also sing good by herself! So this isn''t just some pretty girl group; they really have the skills to back themselves up!"


    "Vote for her!"


    "Yes, vote!"


    Spring Garden was the country''s most popr girl group with no othersing close. The group was so popr that all of its members were practically B-list celebrities and worth a lot. If the three members were separated individually and looked at, they might not be much. But when these three B-list celebrities joined together, their influence was absolutelyparable to that of an A-list star!


    Zhang Ye''s three sisters were also screaming and shouting from their seats in the audience.


    When they finished singing, the entire ce was chanting their names!


    Sunset Glow (Li Xiaoxian) lifted her microphone and said, "Thank you. Thank you, everyone. And thank you to my two sisters who are here to support me. I was actually very nervous for today''s grand finals, but I feel much better with them standing here with me. Hello, everyone, I am Li Xiaoxian!"


    Apuse and screams rang out once more!


    "Xiaoxian!"


    "Xiaoxian!"


    "Xiaoxian!"


    Li Xiaoxian said, "I really didn''t think that there would be so many people who like me." She smiled. "I wasn''t confident at all about joining King of Masked Singers, and I felt really perturbed. I was afraid that I would be too embarrassed if I lost, so I didn''t let anyone know that I was joining the show at the beginning. I was too scared to tell anyone about it."


    Amy grumbled, "You didn''t even let me know."


    Xiaodong said with a giggle, "You''ve kept it under wraps quite well."


    Li Xiaoxian blinked. "Sorry about that, my sisters."


    Xiaodongughed. "It''s fine, you''re forgiven." Then she looked at the audience and into the cameras. "Everyone, remember to vote for our dearest Xiaoxian."


    Amy suddenly pointed her microphone at the audience. "Did Xiaoxian sing well today?"


    The audience was unanimous. "Yes!"


    Amy asked, "Should you vote for her?"


    The audience replied, "Yes!"


    Amy and Xiaodong were trying their best to get votes for Li Xiaoxian.


    Everyone noticed that Sunset Glow''s tally was currently soaring. It shot up to two million votes, double that of Spinach''s tally. She had reced Spinach and was in first ce for the time being!


    The third contestant to appear onstage was King of Oddity!


    He had revealed his identity already, so everyone knew who he was. But when the crowd saw himing onstage with his celebrity guest partner, they were still surprised for a bit!


    Their costumes were too extravagant!


    They were both wearing golden robes!


    They were even wearing bejeweled crowns that looked extremely expensive on their heads. These were definitely not provided for by Beijing Television and were probably rented by their talent agencies!


    Their song was titled "The King''s Sorrow"!


    The audience was startled!


    "How much did they spend on that?"


    "Wow, they''re so stunning!"


    "I must vote for them just based on their costumes!"


    "They''re so willing to spend on their outfits!"


    "How extravagant!"


    "Awesome!"


    "This visual impact is so great!"


    They began singing. The entire song felt like some sort of stage y with a lot of people taking part in the performance. At times, people woulde out for a dance. At other times, a chorus woulde out and apany the main singers!


    When they were a minute and a half into the song, King of Oddity''s celebrity guest partner took off his mask!


    Li Yue 1 !


    A famous singer from Hong Kong!


    A B-list celebrity!


    When her identity was revealed, King of Oddity''s tally rocketed up. King of Oddity was not considered a very popr singer in the music industry, or at least was not known as a great singer. However, it was different for Li Yue. She held a lofty position in the pop music scene, and she was very popr and worth a lot!


    The song ended.


    When Zhang Ye saw King of Oddity''s tally, he was startled and frowned a little. King of Oddity had almost managed to catch up to Sunset Glow with over 1.8 million votes now and was already ahead of Spinach by a mile. In truth, Zhang Ye felt that Spinach''s group sang the best among the three groups that went first. The song Sunset Glow had sung was not exactly suited for apetition as it did not allow her to showcase her singing skills. As for the King of Oddity''s "The King''s Sorrow," he sang average. He clearly made several mistakes and his form today was not really that good. But why did the results of the voting turn out this way?


    Zhang Ye realized that something was wrong!


    This had deviated from the premise of the show!


    When King of Oddity and Li Yue started asking for votes, Zhang Ye felt this feeling even stronger!


    King of Oddity said, "I hope that everyone can vote for me. Thank you."


    Li Yue smiled and said, "King of Oddity''s next album is about to get released, and the album will be titled King of Oddity. Although he doesn''t want me to reveal too much, I still want to say this."


    King of Oddity looked at her and tugged at her.


    However, Li Yue insisted on speaking. "He has decided that all the proceeds for the King of Oddity album will be donated to charity, which will be used to aid children. When I heard about it, I felt really touched. For a singer who is so kind-hearted, he totally deserves your votes!"


    King of Oddity quickly waved it off. "I''m just doing something that''s within my power."


    The apuse from the live audience wouldn''t end!


    "Donating everything?"


    "Is he serious?"


    "King of Oddity is such a kind-hearted person!"


    "Yeah, he definitely deserves praise!"


    "It''s rare that a celebrity can be so charitable. There really aren''t many like him!"


    "That''s so nice of him!"


    "Supporting King of Oddity!"


    "Just by thatmitment of his, I must support him!"


    "How generous!"


    But there were also doubters.


    "Wasn''t there some negative news coverage about King of Oddity some years ago? Something about him verbally abusing a reporter after drinking? Cussing out a waiter? He even beat someone up in the past? What''s with this about donating his album sales to charity now? What''s with him making this deration on this asion? Is he trying to get more people to vote for him? Why do I find him so pretentious?"


    "Those are just rumors. How can you believe all that?"


    "King of Oddity is a very nice person. He''s willing to donate all of his album''s proceeds. Why don''t you do the same if you can!"


    "Passerby transforming into a fan!"


    Zhang Ye had also heard of that news regarding King of Oddity. He did not know if they were true, but at least on today''s stage, King of Oddity felt like two different persons on and off stage. His talk and attitude were entirely different, and that left Zhang Ye unable to distinguish how he really was. In his opinion, it was a good thing to contribute to charitable causes. But to use that as a tactic to ask for votes on this asion, it didn''t seem to be in good taste!


    Meanwhile, King of Oddity''s tally kept climbing!


    Right after he announced that he would be donating to charity, his tally shot above Sunset Glow''s!


    Over 2.3 million votes!


    King of Oddity was in first ce!


    And his tally was still continuing to rise!


    Hu Fei was very happy.


    The program team''s staff were also beaming.


    This was because they were constantly receiving news updates of the show''s viewership rating and the constantly increasing number of people tuning into the show. So they were not exactly bothered by these developments.


    Only Zhang Ye fell silent.


    He suddenly thought that he should have intervened in thepetition''s grand finals format and rules, and that he should have participated more actively in the show''s production.


    It seemed out of control now!


    The tallies no longer had anything to do with the performance itself!


    Whoever invited the more popr celebrity guest partner?


    Whoever had the more extravagant costume?


    Whoever gave the most touching speech?


    All of that would decide who would get the most votes?


    This was not the original vision that King of Masked Singers had!

 Chapter 1070: The Clown’s turn to take the stage!

    <h4>Chapter 1070: The Clown''s turn to take the stage! </h4>


    Chapter 1070: The Clown''s turn to take the stage!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At TVs.


    There were numerous sets of eyes focused on Beijing Television.


    "King of Oddity is first, while Sunset Glow and Spinach are second and third, respectively!"


    "This is so intense!"


    "Did King of Oddity really sing that well? How is his tally so high?"


    "He did say that he would donate to charity, after all!"


    "Isn''t that way of canvassing for votes a little disingenuous of him?"


    "Yeah, it''s too phony. But people still buy into it!"


    "I don''t like King of Oddity''s way of canvassing for votes. If we''re talking purely about the songs, Liao Yiqi (Spinach) should be in first ce! If not, it should be Sunset Glow instead!"


    Many people understood how things ought to be.


    But more people who were confused seemed to be around.


    Some people did not care about what you did and only cared about what you said. If you said it well and put it beautifully, iming to do all sorts of extravagant things, then everyone would think that you were good. Furthermore, King of Oddity''s outfit was indeed overly extravagant and his invited guest partner was also a big name B-lister. Coupled with his deration to donate to charity, it waspletely within reason that he had such a tally. But as for how he had performed, it probably did not matter any longer.


    However, when it came to the next contestant''s turn, a lot of people finally understood what it meant when people said that there was always someone who could do something better!


    ...


    The next contestant to appear was Flowing Time!


    He was the famous Hokkien singer��Zhao Qiquan!


    Flowing Time sang one of his own Hokkien songs but the lyrics had been changed by him. His part in the song was sung in Hokkien but his partner''s portion was sung in Mandarin! His partner''s singing was not very good and could even be considered amateur. He barely managed to stay on-key, although his intonation wasn''t too bad overall. His singing voice was also fine but if it were really to be assessed, then it couldn''t be considered good at all. Anyone coulde along and probably sing more professionally than him.


    At the beginning, the audience was even feeling somewhat disappointed.


    But when they came to the end of the song, Flowing Time''s guest partner ripped off his mask!


    With that, the audience became so excited that they jumped to their feet!


    "Holy shit!"


    "Jiang Hanwei!"


    "It''s Jiang Hanwei!"


    "Old Jiang got invited onto the show?"


    "Indeed! Flowing Time has well-connected friends in the entertainment industry!"


    "Even Old Jiang is here?"


    "Damn, there''s really an A-lister on the show!"


    "Yeah, I heard someone mention it before. I thought it was just a rumor!"


    "King of Masked Singers has finally managed to invite an A-lister!"


    "This is so awesome!"


    "Old Jiang sings pretty good!"


    Jiang Hanwei!


    A famous martial arts star!


    The number one star of martial arts movies!


    A famous A-lister from China!


    Jiang Hanwei had sung the theme songs for his movies before, but he was not a true singer and only did so in the capacity of a guest or as a side job. So he wasn''t going to be aplete professional at singing. However, his poprity was still a force to be reckoned with. In fact, he probably did not even need to sing. He could just show his face and the votes would stille in! Zhao Qiquan did not have this kind of influence. His poprity was not considered to be that widespread, but it was different for Jiang Hanwei. He was a true-blue A-list celebrity who was not ranked at the bottom of the A-list rankings!


    "Let''s vote!"


    "There''s no need to think any further! Let''s just vote for Flowing Time!"


    "I''m Old Jiang''s diehard fan!"


    "Old Jiang must be the most famous celebrity among all the invited guest partners!"


    After they finished singing.


    Dong Shanshan went back onstage. "I had not expected that Teacher Jiang would be here."


    Jiang Hanweiughed loudly as he pped Zhao Qiquan on the shoulder. "I had toe and give my support since this old friend of mine invited me. Everyone, please remember to vote for Old Zhao and vote generously. If Old Zhao is crowned as the grand champion of King of Masked Singers, I promise to reveal Old Zhao''s wife to everyone!"


    Flowing Time gave a wry smile. "Must you be so hard on me?"


    Dong Shanshan was surprised. "Teacher Zhao got married?"


    Flowing Time coughed, "Yes."


    Be it the live audience or the people watching on TV, all of them flew into an uproar!


    "What?"


    "Didn''t Old Zhao get divorced just the year beforest?"


    "He got married again?"


    "With who?"


    "Why wasn''t there any news about it?"


    "Holy shit, what the hell have the paparazzi been doing?"


    "Hurry up and tell us! Who is Old Zhao''s wife?"


    Jiang Hanwei suddenly added, "Haha, I can divulge this right now: Old Zhao''s wife is also a celebrity, and you all definitely know who she is!"


    All at once, everyone''s curiosity was piqued!


    Jiang Hanwei said with augh, "I promise on Old Zhao''s behalf that as long as he gets crowned as the grand champion, I''ll expose her to the world! May I do that, Old Zhao?"


    Flowing Time said helplessly, "Alright, alright, I give."


    The media present at the venue went on high alert!


    Jiang Hanwei shouted, "Hurry up and vote. I''ll be counting on all of you!"


    Flowing Time bowed slightly as he went off the stage with Old Jiang.


    The audience at the venue was screaming nonstop.


    "Jiang Hanwei!"


    "Jiang Hanwei!"


    "Jiang Hanwei!"


    There was hardly anyone shouting Flowing Time''s name. Most of them were directed at Jiang Hanwei. No one present today had not watched Jiang Hanwei''s movies before. Almost everyone here was a fan of his!


    Immediately, the TV audience started voting!


    500,000!


    1 million!


    2 million!


    3 million!


    Flowing Time''s tally went over 3 million votes!


    He had firmly taken first ce!


    He was far ahead of everyone else!


    Zhang Xiaughed and said, "This Old Jiang really knows how to get the votes."


    Amy had returned to her seat by now. "He''s in first?"


    Wang Zhuishu suddenly looked to his left and right. "Eh, where''s Old Chen?"


    "I don''t know. He was still around just a while ago." Chen Yidong was also puzzled.


    The next minute, they were surprised to see a familiar figure appearing on stage. This person was wearing the same outfit as Chen Guang had when he was seated beside them earlier. The only difference was that he was now wearing a mask!


    It was time for the next group''s performance!


    They were "Petal Shower" and "Humble Light"!


    Petal Shower sang, "Why aren''t you leaving yet?"


    The Humble Light faced her and sang, "I wanna watch the sea with you here."


    This was a song by Chen Guang and Fan Wenli!


    It was originally a duet sung by them!


    By this point, the audience knew who they were even if they had not yet taken their masks off!


    Petal Shower was Fan Wenli!


    Humble Light was Chen Guang!


    "I guessed long ago that it was Old Fan!"


    "It''s really her!"


    "I like her! I really, really like her!"


    "I knew it had to be her!"


    "Hahahaha, Old Chen is a judge!"


    "Giving the couple who perform together a Like!"


    "Their singing is wonderful!"


    "Old Chen and Old Fan are so impressive!"


    "The two biggest names in the music industry have joined together, and they''re even a couple with great understanding. On this stage, who else besides The Clown will be a match for this pair?"


    "Even The Clown might not be able to beat them!"


    "Right, The Clown''s invited guest partner seems like a neer."


    The performance ended!


    Everyone stood up and apuded them!


    Dong Shanshan walked onto the stage with a smile. "So Petal Shower''s actually Teacher Fan Wenli! No wonder you sang so well. I am a fan of yours."


    Fan Wenli smiled and said, "Thank you, Shanshan."


    Dong Shanshan looked at Chen Guang. "Teacher Chen has always been a judge on the guessing panel. I understand that the program team had also invited you to join thepetition, so why didn''t you choose to participate?"


    Chen Guang chuckled. "I was considering it, but my wife told me out of the blue one day that she was going topete on King of Masked Singers to challenge herself. I thought it was better that I didn''t join since I was really afraid that it would be too embarrassing if I lost to her on the show."


    The audience was tickled!


    They chatted for a while but did not ask for any votes.


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli had always been like this. Even if you requested that they shout "quickly vote for me" to the television audience, they would not do it.


    When Zhang Ye saw their tally, he frowned again.


    Flowing Time was still in first ce with 3.8 million votes.


    King of Oddity was in second ce with 3 million votes.


    Petal Shower had taken over third ce with 2.9 million votes.


    The audience was stunned.


    "How can this be?"


    "She''s only in third ce?"


    "Old Chen and Old Fan sang so well!"


    "Yeah, this song should be the best sung one today, followed by Spinach''s song. But why is Petal Shower merely in third ce? And why is Spinach inst ce?"


    "Was it simply because she did not ask for people to vote for her?"


    "It shouldn''t be like this."


    "I didn''t vote for Petal Shower because I already knew that she was Fan Wenli and guessed that Chen Guang would be her guest partner. Their performance had nothing to look forward to!"


    "Yeah, there was more to look forward to in Flowing Time''s performance. Who could his wife be?"


    "No one was able to guess who Flowing Time''s and King of Oddity''s guest partners were!"


    "Petal Shower and the others were given too much attention during the course of thepetition. So there''s nothing fresh and exciting to look forward to with them."


    "But Petal Shower sang really well!"


    "The other contestants publicized performing charitable acts or exposing their love life. They even invited some big names and spared no efforts in canvassing for votes, so how could Petal Shower and Spinach possiblypete with them? There''s nothing wrong with these tallies. If they really want to catch up in the rankings, there''s still a chance to do so in the second round where they''ll be performing solo!"


    "Hopefully, Petal Shower can catch up. I feel that she deserves to be the grand champion!"


    A lot of people were very surprised by this tally.


    Including Zhang Ye, who was quite unhappy.


    If Petal Shower and Spinach had truly sung badly, he likely could have epted this. But the issue here was that both of them had sung outstandingly. From a professional point of view, they were the two groups who had performed the best today. Hence, Zhang Ye could not ept that they were not higher in the rankings!


    It was his turn next!


    It was time for him to take the stage!

 Chapter 1071: ’Love of a Lifetime’!

    <h4>Chapter 1071: ''Love of a Lifetime''! </h4>


    Chapter 1071: ''Love of a Lifetime''!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the waiting area.


    Dafei quickly said, "Teacher, it''s your turn."


    The Clown nodded. "OK."


    Xiao Lu asked Wild Rose, "Are you ready?"


    "Yes," Wild Rose answered inly.


    As per procedure, Xiao Lu reminded them, "Teachers, you must not get nervouster no matter what. Cameras 2 and 3 are located at the front and the two of you must face the cameras at all times, although you shouldn''t look into them. Eh, where are the in-ear monitors?" The program team staff and she were treating Wild Rose like she was a real neer.


    The Clown said, "I don''t need it."


    Wild Rose said, "I don''t need it either."


    Xiao Lu gasped. "All, alright then."


    Singers who usually sang in a recording studio would be used to wearing an in-ear monitor. A lot of singers who performed live were also used to wearing them as they were still very effective for listening to their own voices and the music. This gave a better effect and also prevented a desynchronization in the singing with the rhythm of the song. After all, the propagation of sound in such arge venue was usually dyed, so if their awareness of it was not that sharp, a problem would arise where the singing and music were not in sync. Only those singers who were especially professional and adept at live performances would not require such earpieces.


    Wild Rose was clearly thetter.


    While Zhang Ye was an exception��because this fellow did not know how to use a earpiece at all. Whether it was in the past or right now, he had never worn one in the first ce.


    It was almost time to take the stage.


    The Clown''s tally was still at the very bottom with only 200,000 votes. This was because the others had finished performing. He was the only one who had not gone onstage to perform, so his tally was naturally inst ce.


    Dong Shanshan''s voice sounded.


    "Next up, let''s wee thest pair of contestants."


    "The Clown!"


    "Wild Rose!"


    Cheers erupted!


    Many people were waiting for thisst pair of contestants!


    "It''s time for The Clown''s performance!"


    "It''s finally his turn!"


    "Both Sunset Glow and Petal Shower have revealed themselves. There''s only him left now!"


    "Yeah, it''s only The Clown''s identity that we don''t know!"


    "Hurry up and show yourself!"


    "I''d also like to see who on earth his partner is!"


    "Is it really a neer?"


    "Even if they''re not a neer, they shouldn''t be a very well-known celebrity, right?"


    His mother sat up straight. "It''s The Clown''s turn!"


    His third sister''s eyes were glimmering. "I was waiting for him."


    Ha Qiqi said, "I''ve always liked The Clown."


    Zhang Zuo said, "Haha, I also like him quite a bit."


    There were also countless viewers staring fixedly at their televisions!


    After Fan Wenli and Li Xiaoxian finished performing, they returned to their seats offstage and were looking up in wait for the start of The Clown''s performance. They were also anticipating the reveal of his identity as no one could guess who The Clown was all this while! As all the others had revealed themselves, their guess was that The Clown was also likely reveal himself to increase his tally in the first round. If he did not put in more effort in the first round to help close the gap, then it would definitely be very difficult to catch upter!


    The fog machine was turned on


    The stage was covered in fog. Nothing on it could be seen.


    At the same time, the music started ying. It was a little sad and ethereal.


    After the fog dissipated, The Clown was standing at center stage. He was by himself.


    Listening to the melody, Zhang Ye closed his eyes and reminisced about the times with Old Zhang. He experienced a ratherplex mix of emotions. The first time he met Old Zhang was two years ago. He could still remember with great rity how Sister Zhang looked very cheerful and friendly on television back then. She was kind and pleasant to everyone and never put on any airs. Zhang Ye believed it to be real at the time. In the end, someone pressed his doorbell that night. When he opened the door and took a look, Zhang Yuanqi was standing right there at his apartment''s door. She spoke in a cold manner and was even drunk. Thinking of it, Zhang Ye found it hrious and his impression of Old Zhang as a female goddess was shattered on the spot. Since then, the two of them had be good friends. Whenever Old Zhang had time, she woulde over to drink wine with him and tell him about things she could not tell others.


    Sometimes, Zhang Ye questioned himself as to whether or not he liked Old Zhang.


    He didn''t know.


    He probably did like her, right?


    If Old Wu had not agreed to be his girlfriend or if Old Wu had not appeared in his life, he was unsure if he would''ve tried to woo Old Zhang. Sometimes, fate was really unpredictable. So when he learned that Zhang Yuanqi was going to sing a duet with him, the first song that came mind was this song. Zhang Ye wanted to sing this song with her even though she did not know that The Clown was him. He just really wanted to sing it!


    He opened his eyes and raised his microphone 1 .


    "The past has passed and won''t return to now.


    "Scarlet leaves long buried in the dirt."


    Wild Rose was the first person to be taken aback. When the two of them were rehearsing earlier, The Clown did not sound like he did now!


    Zhang Xia was also shocked by his voice. Why did she feel that The Clown''s singing was even better than before?!


    A Cantonese song?


    He chose a Cantonese song?


    Those two lines pulled the audience into the music!


    The audience could feel inexplicable sorrow and seemed to see an image of life and death!


    "The start and end can''t be changed, anyhow.


    "My faraway lover drifting beyond the clouds."


    He jumped an octave up.


    "The sea of woes rolls with love and hate.


    "It''s hard to escape this world''s fate."


    Zhang Ye reached into the distance to grasp at something but was unable to grab anything.


    "In love, but each other we must avert.


    "Perhaps I should believe this is fate."


    There was no apuse!


    There were no cheers!


    Everyone in the audience was carefully controlling their breathing lest they affected him and the song!


    Zhang Xia sighed, "This is what you call singing!"


    When Wang Zhuishu heard Zhang Xia''sment and realized it implied something more, he could not help but nce at her.


    Yes, this was what singing was about. The King of Oddity''s and Flowing Time''s performances could only be called performances, while The Clown''s performance was what one would call real singing!


    It was overwhelming!


    This was a real singer who did not need to add any gimmicks into his performance!


    All of a sudden, a woman''s voice sounded from afar.


    "Ahhh, ahhh."


    The audience turned their heads in surprise!


    Wild Rose had appeared behind the audience and was standing on an elevated tform. As she sang, her eyes stayed on the stage while she walked over to it step by step.


    Her voice was amazing!


    A single vocalization covered countless people in goosebumps!


    Some of the audience members probably thought that it sounded nice but did not feel anything more. However, there were many professionals present here today and a lot of them were stunned by this singing!


    Zhang Xia got quite the fright. "Who is she?"


    Fan Wenli broke out in a cold sweat. "Th-This is��"


    Chen Guang, Xiaodong, Li Xiaoxian, Amy, and the others were also shocked. This voice, this singing, this breathing technique! Even the fluctuation of the intensity in her emotions was sessfully conveyed within her vocalization!


    This was good beyond measure!


    Just who did The Clown invite?


    Their fellow peers in the music industry were also dumbfounded watching their televisions!


    Just The Clown alone was astonishing enough!


    And now, there was another person like that in Wild Rose?


    These two were fucking exceptional singers!


    How could the others have a chance with these two singing together?


    The Clown looked toward Wild Rose. "Lovers, once gone, never shalle back."


    Wild Rose sang softly, "Disappearing love."


    The Clown closed his eyes. "Sitting alone, I stare past this world all ck."


    Wild Rose was nearing the stage. "Hope to see you again."


    "Though the flower may wither."


    Wild Rose sang sadly, "Wishing only��"


    "It will bloom back."


    Wild Rose looked at The Clown. "For you."


    "The love of my life seems to be��"


    "Waiting��"


    "Beyond the clouds."


    Wild Rose sang, "I hope."


    Wild Rose walked onto the stage!


    The two of them were facing each other, no more than five meters apart!


    Their voices suddenly harmonized.


    "The sea of woes rolls with love and hate!


    "It''s hard to escape this world''s fate!"


    The two of them walked toward each other slowly and reached their hands out at the same time. It was like they were trying to grab hold of each other''s hands, yet when their fingertips came within touching distance, Wild Rose''s hand trembled with hesitation as she withdrew it.


    The Clown reached further out toward her, then clenched his fist as he started withdrawing his hand as well.


    Despite being at such close proximity!


    They couldn''t close the distance between them!


    These few centimeters felt like the furthest distance in the world!


    Now they closed their eyes.


    "In love, but each other we must avert.


    "Perhaps I should believe this is fate.


    "The sea of woes rolls with love and hate.


    "It''s hard to escape this world''s fate.


    "In love, but each other we must avert.


    "Perhaps I should believe this is fate."


    A lot of people were deeply engrossed in the song!


    This was the charm of music. The song had given many people a vivid experience of a life and death romance in just three minutes, hooking them in and never letting go!


    Yao Jiancai asked anxiously, "Who the heck is she!"


    Beside him, Zhang Xia said in astonishment, "This voice sounds really familiar!"


    Fan Wenli looked over and said, "I also find her voice very familiar!"


    Xiaodong eximed, "It can''t be, it can''t be her, right?"


    Chen Guang could guess who Xiaodong was referring to. "That''s impossible. Who here is qualified enough to invite her? With her status, would shee andpete?"


    Fan Wenli said, "The song''s too short! I can''t truly identify who she is by her voice!"


    Amy yelled, "Why are they still not showing themselves? The suspense is killing me!"


    The audience suddenly shouted.


    "Ah!"


    "She''s going to take off her mask!"


    "She''s about to take it off!"


    "Who could it be?"


    "Who is this woman?"


    A lot of people opened their eyes wide in curiosity!


    Because at the final moment when the song wasing to an end, Wild Rose ced her hand on her mask and was very close to revealing her mysterious identity!


    But unfortunately, her hand stopped right there.


    Because The Clown had walked up to her and given her a slight shake of his head.


    Wild Rose did not say anything but dropped her hand.


    The audience regretted this deeply.


    "Aiyo!"


    "Take your mask off already!"


    "Why isn''t she taking it off anymore?"


    "What''s going on?"


    "She was about to take off her mask!"


    "Why is she not taking off her mask? Everyone else has revealed themselves!"


    "What is The Clown thinking?"


    "Does he really intend to wear the mask for the entire duration of thepetition?"


    "Damn, isn''t he overdoing it by a little too much?"


    "They''re still not going to reveal themselves? I''m just afraid that when they get eliminated after the first round, they won''t even have a chance to show who they are even if they want to! This is the best time to show themselves and ask for votes!"

 Chapter 1072: I’m a newcomer!

    <h4>Chapter 1072: I''m a neer! </h4>


    Chapter 1072: I''m a neer!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the audience.


    Zhang Ye''s father sighed, "What a nice song this is."


    His mother said, "This woman sang really well!"


    His eldest sister was shocked. "Yeah, who is she?"


    His third sister anxiously said, "I don''t know! Why didn''t she take off her mask?"


    "The Clown stopped her!" His second sister pped her thigh and eximed, "This song is so good! It didn''t feel fake, nor was there much mboyance to it. It was purely singing. It was so damn awesome!"


    A duet and a solo were two different concepts. They werepletely different!


    The difficulty of singing a duety in the cooperation between the singers and the "control" of the atmosphere. In fact, the majority of duets were not suited forpetitive singing. As such, some of the contestants before them chose to make use of musical instruments to control the atmosphere by putting on electronica the moment they went onstage and using it to pump up the atmosphere. Some others chose to use their performances to control the atmosphere by wearing resplendent outfits like they were staging a y, and adding a dance segment to give the audience a stronger visual impact! But The Clown and Wild Rose''s song was all about controlling the stage with their voices and using their singing to excite the audience! This was clearly much more difficult, as even the husband and wife pair of Chen Guang and Fan Wenli could not cooperate to this level in their earlier performance!


    The music ended.


    The audience were at a loss for a moment, then suddenly erupted into apuse!


    Hearing the apuse and seeing everyone around them standing up from their seats, Zhang Ye was having fun singing. He felt fulfilled with his performance today and could im to have sung to perfection. He managed to use his own style to sing all that he wanted to say and express. Furthermore, Wild Rose''s partnership with him was even better. The two of them seemingly had an unspoken understanding of each other even though their characters and approach to handling things were totally different. For some reason, they resonated very well together on a spiritual and artistic level. Perhaps this was why these two people who were from twopletely different worlds could end up as the good friends they were.


    Voice?


    Rhythm?


    Cooperation?


    They were wless in all aspects!


    This was a very famous ssic from Zhang Ye''s previous world called "Love of a Lifetime" that was used as the theme song of A Chinese Odyssey. Zhang Ye had heard of it when he was young but did not have any strong feelings about it. However, when the song was used in the movie, it brought out a different side to the song that sounded quite good. However, he had never had the urge to sing this song. It wasn''t until the grand finals when he invited Wild Rose to be his partner that Zhang Ye suddenly thought of this song. It was like it had infected him��he really wanted to sing it. For this reason, Zhang Ye stayed up many nights just to practice the pronunciation of this song''s Cantonese lyrics so that he could sing it today! Thinking about it now, it was worth all the effort he put in. He did not fail this song regardless of how the results would turn out.


    Dong Shanshan walked back onto the stage with a smile. "Hello, teachers."


    The Clown and Wild Rose both smiled.


    With the live broadcast camera in front of them, the attention of the entire country''s audience was focused on them.


    Dong Shanshan looked at them and said, "I don''t know how I should greet the two of you right now, because you two have yet to reveal your identities, so I wouldn''t know who you are."


    Wild Rose smiled as she raised her microphone and said, "I was nning to reveal my face."


    Because she did not take off her mask, the vocoder on her microphone was still on.


    Curious, Dong Shanshan asked, "Then why didn''t you?"


    Wild Roseughed and said, "You have to ask him."


    Dong Shanshan looked at The Clown. "Oh?"


    The Clown did not answer.


    In fact, Zhang Ye and Wild Rose hadmunicated about this issue beforehand. She was not too inclined to take off her mask during the performance itself as she did not want to destroy the artistic integrity of the performance, which Zhang Ye agreed with. So the two of them did not n to take off their masks from the start. Zhang Ye did not know why Wild Rose would suddenly change her mind about this. Perhaps she was afraid that he would lose out too much in the voting, but Zhang Ye managed to stop her from doing so. On this stage, Zhang Ye''s only intended to sing well. He knew that if Wild Rose had taken off her mask, thepetition would probably end early with Zhang Ye gaining a great advantage. But that was not what he wanted.


    He wanted to win!


    He wanted to win fair and square!


    Comparing poprity?


    Comparing acting chops?


    Comparing misery?


    Comparing charitability?


    What was the meaning in that!


    Zhang Ye did not wish for his show that he brought over from his previous world to be like this!


    So The Clown raised his microphone to his mouth as he looked to the singer next to him. "Today, I would like to thank Teacher Wild Rose for taking time off to support me. My deepest gratitude." The vocoder made him sound very strange.


    Wild Roseughed and said, "That''s what friends are for."


    The Clown looked at the audience. "Next, I would like to thank my parents and family. They''re also here today, but I wonder if they liked my song."


    Dong Shanshan said in surprise, "Oh? Aunt and uncle are here too?"


    Hu Fei, who was giving instructions offstage, was stunned.


    Dafei and Xiao Lu were also a little taken aback.


    What?


    The Clown''s family members are here?


    That''s impossible! The Clown did not request for any admission passes to the grand finals from them!


    All the admission passes that were given out had gone through their hands, so they naturally wouldn''t remember wrong. Many of the contestants'' rtives were attending the grand finals today, like Spinach''s aunt and uncle, King of Oddity''s mother, and Li Xiaoxian''s siblings. The program team had allocated the best tickets for them and arranged for them to be seated in the front rows. However, The Clown''s family members were definitely not included in this list!


    Hu Fei asked Dafei, "Did you give them passes?"


    Dafei replied, "I didn''t."


    "Little Han, did you give them passes?"


    Han Qi stuttered, "It wasn''t me either! I don''t know anything!"


    A lot of people in the audience started looking around!


    "The Clown''s parents?"


    "Who are they?"


    "Who are his parents?"


    "We should be able to figure out his identity if we can spot them!"


    "Where are they?"


    Zhang Ye''s parents were also searching.


    His mother turned to check behind her and to the sides. "There''s no one?"


    His eldest sister also searched for a long time. "No one stood up."


    His father wondered, "Are his parents seated in the front row?"


    His mother stretched her neck to have a look. "They''re not up front either."


    At this time, Dong Shanshan questioned, "Teacher Clown, Teacher Wild Rose, I believe that there are many people who are curious about who you are, including me. In five minutes'' time, the voting channels will be suspended. Are the both of you really not nning to reveal your faces and let everyone see who you really are?"


    The Clown said, "It''s not necessary."


    Dong Shanshan blinked. "Then do you want to ask for votes?"


    The Clown calmly said, "It''s not necessary."


    Dong Shanshan did not know what else to say. "Th-Then alright, we will respect the teachers'' choice. Let''s have them head backstage for a short break. We''ll return after these messages."


    The TVs cut tomercial break.


    Dong Shanshan was sweating from the stage lights as they were too hot. She immediately went offstage to get her makeup touched up. Three makeup artists ran over to assist her. The other members of the staff quickly tidied up the stage.


    When they were heading off the stage, Wild Rose, who was walking ahead of The Clown, asked without even looking back, "Are we really not going to reveal our identities?"


    The Clown made a noise in the affirmative.


    "Not going to ask for votes?"


    "No."


    "You know, this song was never suitable for apetition."


    "I know."


    "What if we lose?"


    "I''ll ept it."


    Wild Rose suddenlyughed. She turned around and looked at him for several seconds. "I finally believe that you''re really my old friend. I don''t have many friends with a temperament like yours. I think I know who you are now, although I''m not very sure because the person I know shouldn''t know how to sing."


    The Clown spread his hands, not replying.


    The staff led them to the front row.


    Fan Wenli, Chen Guang, Li Xiaoxian, Xiaodong, Jiang Hanwei, Zhang Xia, and the others were all seated there. This special zone was reserved for the contestants and judges. When the two of them came over, all the contestants and judges stared at them en masse as they took their seats beside them.


    Amy spoke up the fastest. "Big Sis, who are you?"


    Wild Rose looked at her and chuckled, "Guess."


    Flowing Time (Zhao Qiquan) said, "You should have taken your mask off."


    King of Oddity agreed, "Yeah."


    Wild Rose acknowledged him.


    Jiang Hanwei asked suspiciously, "Do we know each other?"


    Wild Rose purposely disguised her voice and said, "No, I''m a neer."


    You''re a neer?


    How is that possible!


    The singers nearby nearly fainted!


    Especially Flowing Time and the other veteran contestants. They were even more at a loss for words. Damn, if you are a neer, then aren''t we dead meat?

 Chapter 1073: The Clown on the verge of elimination?

    <h4>Chapter 1073: The Clown on the verge of elimination? </h4>


    Chapter 1073: The Clown on the verge of elimination?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    During themercial break.


    Some of the audience took a bathroom break.


    Some of the staff made use of this time to check the equipment.


    Li Xiaoxian (Sunset Glow) looked at Wild Rose, who was seated beside The Clown, and asked, "Big Sis, do you know who The Clown is?"


    Wild Rose smiled and said, "I don''t know, but I have someone in mind."


    Xiaodong quickly asked, "Oh? Who?"


    Fan Wenli added, "Do we know him?"


    Wild Rose nced at The Clown, then looked back at them. "Hur hur, the person I''m thinking of, you guys definitely know him. Also, I think you should be quite familiar with him."


    When The Clown heard that, his eyebrows twitched a little.


    Amy eximed, "Surely not, right? We''re very familiar with him?"


    Fan Wenli said with a frown, "Why do I have no memory of someone like that?"


    Zhang Xia said, "Just who could it be?"


    Wild Roseughed and said, "It''s only a guess. I might be wrong."


    Chen Guang didn''t know how to react. "If you''re not even sure of who The Clown is, why did you agree toe in support?"


    Wild Rose smiled without saying another word.


    The others could not figure out if she was telling the truth or lying.


    Liao Yiqi (Spinach) had not said anything all this time. Her celebrity guest partner, Celery, was talking her ear off, probably worried about her current tally of votes. After all, the numbers were not really ideal.


    The host finished touching up her makeup.


    The program team counted down to the return of the show.


    Three��


    Two��


    One��


    Themercial break was over. The show''s broadcast signal came back on!


    Dong Shanshan beamed as she announced, "Wee back to tonight''s finale of King of Masked Singers." She pointed down. "At the bottom of your screens, you can see the numbers to call for each contestant. Please support and vote for your favorite contestant so that they might be tonight''s Masked King. Your votes decide if they will remain or leave after the first round. The contestant thates inst won''t continuepeting tonight. Only five will remain in the battle for the Masked King in the next round. And now that our six contestants have all finished performing, let''s bring the real-time tallies up onto the big screen behind me and have a look at the current rankings."


    In an instant, the entire venue went quiet.


    The TV audience also seemed to be holding their breath!


    Spinach looked up!


    Fan Wenli took a deep breath.


    Flowing Time and Jiang Hanwei were smiling so widely they were squinting.


    King of Oddity looked rxed as he knew he would be safe from elimination with his current tally.


    "Who''s in first?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Are the results out yet?"


    "Who''ll be the first one to get eliminated?"


    Zhang Ye also looked up at the screen.


    With a sudden sh, the tallies appeared on the big screen and updated in real time. The votes were changing every second as the numbers jumped.


    When the audience saw the rankings, there was an uproar in the venue!


    First: Flowing Time


    Second: King of Oddity


    Third: Petal Shower


    Fourth: Sunset Glow


    Fifth: Spinach


    Sixth: The Clown


    Fan Wenli said in surprise, "What?"


    Zhang Xia couldn''t believe it either. "The Clown is sixth? He''s in thest ce?"


    Wild Rose gave The Clown a look.


    The Clown did not react.


    Amy cried out, "What''s with this result?"


    Flowing Time shook his head. That''s what he gets for acting aloof and not wanting to take off his mask!


    King of Oddity was also smiling on the inside. He knew that The Clown had sung very well, and he admitted that the best song that he has heard today was The Clown and Wild Rose''s "Love of a Lifetime"! They had indeed sung much better than the other contestants by far. However, it seemed like that didn''t affect anything at all since how many in the audience would look at their performance from a purely professional point of view? Most people just listened and watched the performances for the fun of it. If you did not take off your mask or ask for votes, and chose not to have any gimmicks to interest the audience, then who would want to vote for you?


    Xiaodong was also finding it difficult to understand. "Even if The Clown isn''t in first ce, he shouldn''t be in thest ce! There was clearly nothing wrong with his song at all!"


    Li Xiaoxian frowned and said, "I just cast a vote for Teacher Clown on my phone. He and Teacher Wild Rose really sang this song well, so how could��"


    Even Dong Shanshan, who was currently onstage and facing the cameras, looked a bit startled when she saw the rankings. She hadn''t expected to see such a result either!


    Zhang Ye''s mother was enraged. "What the hell!"


    His father could not keep watching. "How are these people even voting?"


    His eldest young sister said in shock, "The Clown and Wild Rose sang so great! They should be in first ce! But why is their tally so low? This is impossible!"


    Ha Qiqi gasped. "Isn''t that too low?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "No one wants to vote for The Clown? I might not be a professional, but even I could hear that The Clown and Wild Rose sang much better than the others!"


    Others in the audience held opposing views.


    "I''m giving my vote to Flowing Time anyway."


    "Me too, I just want to know who his wife is. Hahaha!"


    "The Clown and Wild Rose sang well, great, even. But who would know who they are since they were unwilling to take off their masks? They''re probably just some unknown artists who are afraid to show their faces in the first ce. Maybe they''re scared the audience won''t recognize them? Then we might as well give our votes to the celebrities we know. King of Oddity is a good choice to support since he has intents to support charity."


    "Right, King of Oddity seems like he has a good character."


    "I voted for Zhao Qiquan."


    "Likewise, but I''m doing so because I''m giving face to Jiang Hanwei."


    "Old Jiang has already done so much to get votes for Flowing Time, so we must definitely give him face! Hehe!"


    In the previous episodes of thepetition, the contestants were not allowed to speak or ask for votes after their performances, or even take off their masks midway through. There were also no celebrity guest partners at all. But the rules were changed in today''s grand finals, and the oue was clearly very different from before. The program team had not anticipated this, and they also did not think too much of it when Flowing Time and King of Oddity were asking for votes from their supporters. But at this moment, when they saw The Clown''s tally, Hu Fei, Hou Ge, and the others suddenly realized that something was not right. This development had gone beyond their expectations and design of thepetition format. It had gone utterly off track from their original vision of thepetition!


    ...


    In the outside world.


    On Weibo.


    The fans of the contestants were calling for support and votes everywhere.


    "Please vote for Flowing Time! Thank you!"


    "Where are King of Oddity''s fans? Go vote for him!"


    "Let''s push King of Oddity up the rankings together! Don''t let our big brother fight this battle alone!"


    "Where are Old Fan and Old Chen''s diehard fans? Let''s give our votes to Petal Shower together!"


    It was bustling online.


    People calling for support everywhere, and some even offered to sell their votes. This was because every phone number could only be used to vote once, so many diehard fans of Flowing Time, King of Oddity, and the others were offering to buy votes for the contestants they supported. Although this behavior was prohibited, it was in fact very difficult to enforce.


    Only Spinach and The Clown did not experience much support from their fans.


    For Spinach, it was because she was not that well-known. As for The Clown, it was because no one knew who he was.


    But there were also fans of The Clown who were very angry.


    "Why is he in thest ce?"


    "The hell!"


    "Are they all deaf?"


    "Can you people not hear the difference between good and bad?"


    "You guys should be voting for The Clown!"


    "This is a singingpetition! It''s not about outdoing each other with gimmicks!"


    "Are you kidding me? How can The Clown best?"


    ...


    At the venue.


    Dong Shanshan checked the remaining time. "We''re only two minutes away from the end of the first round."


    By now, the front runners were leading by a lot of votespared to those behind them.


    Spinach, fifth ce: 1.27 million votes.


    The Clown, sixth ce: 1.26 million votes.


    There were only 11,000 votes between them!


    There were still two minutes left!


    It would be impossible for them to catch up to those in the lead in such a short time. The eliminated contestant would be either Spinach or The Clown!


    Spinach looked toward The Clown and let out a sicklyugh.


    The Clown looked at her in return.


    Dong Shanshan said, "There''s still a minute until voting closes. The voting is getting more and more intense."


    The Clown had 1.28 million votes!


    Spinach was also at 1.28 million votes!


    Their two tallies were tied!


    Counting down: ten seconds, five seconds, three seconds��


    A lot of people were tensing up with nerves!


    All of a sudden, Dong Shanshan announced, "OK, the voting window has closed!"


    Instantaneously, the tallies on the big screen stopped changing!


    Countless home viewers and the live audience immediately looked at it!


    Fifth: The Clown


    Sixth: Spinach


    The difference between their two tallies was just 220 votes!


    Spinach was eliminated and would not advance into the battle round!


    Hu Fei heaved a sigh of relief.


    Xiao Lu patted her breast. "I was scared to death!"


    Han Qi''s heart nearly jumped out of her chest. "How close! He nearly got eliminated!" Then she got furious and wondered, How could that have happened? Why did it be like this?


    The Clown!


    Wild Rose!


    How could these two singers nearly get eliminated?


    Are all of you deaf? Are all of you so easily deceived by those gimmicks rather than listening to their singing?!

 Chapter 1074: The Clown loses his title chances?

    <h4>Chapter 1074: The Clown loses his title chances? </h4>


    Chapter 1074: The Clown loses his title chances?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Theizensmented on end!


    "Spinach was eliminated!"


    "The results are out!"


    "It was way too close for The Clown!"


    "Yeah, he''s a favorite to win the title tonight. In fact, he''s the favorite to win, so how did he nearly get eliminated in the first round? This doesn''t make any sense!"


    "Liao Yiqi was eliminated?"


    "Damn, I was supporting Spinach!"


    "Spinach sang so much better today!"


    "Right, Spinach absolutely sang much better than Flowing Time and King of Oddity! At least today, at least this round, Spinach absolutely should not have been eliminated!"


    "It''s their fault for not trying to get votes."


    "Right, I think it was only Spinach and The Clown who didn''t canvass for votes!"


    "Ai, Spinach was already the contestant with the lowest poprity on this show. It was to her disadvantage as suchpetitions still depend on one''s fame to be sessful. I feel so much pity for Spinach!"


    "She should have asked for support and votes!"


    "Exactly, both her and The Clown miscalcted!"


    At the venue.


    Dong Shanshan had already announced the results.


    She looked down at Spinach from onstage. "We''re quite sad and sorry to see that Teacher Liao Yiqi will be leaving this stage early tonight. Could you say something for everyone before you go?"


    Spinach stood up and walked onstage.


    Dong Shanshan handed the microphone to her.


    Spinach forced a smile. "Thank you, everyone. Getting here, reaching the grand finals, I''m very happy with my performance, really."


    In the audience.


    Quite a number of Spinach''s fans stood up.


    "Spinach!"


    "Little Qi, we''re cheering you on!"


    "Cheering you on! You''re the best!"


    "We love you!"


    Some fans were already in tears.


    Several grown men were wiping tears away as they held up LED lightboards with Spinach''s stage name on it. They were holding them high with all their strength, like they were trying to raise the boards into the sky!


    When she saw this, Spinach could no longer control her emotions. Her eyes reddened as she said, "Thank you. Thank you, all of you." Pausing, she bit her lip and said, "I''m sorry that I wasn''t able to make it to the end." Spinach was a very cheerful person in private and usually had a lot to say. However, the Spinach on stage was not as talkative as she was in private. Just like before, she did not really touch on how she was feeling even after she had been eliminated, much lessin about anything.


    When they heard Spinach apologizing, the fans felt even worse!


    A lot of them started crying and their hearts went out to her!


    Spinach exited the stage.


    The other contestants also left and went backstage to prepare for the next round of thepetition. Only Wild Rose, Xiaodong, Chen Guang, Jiang Hanwei, and the other celebrity guest partners remained behind in the audience as they were not involved in the next round ofpetition. Their work here was done for the day.


    Backstage.


    The Clown did not say anything on the way over.


    Fan Wenli looked at him. "You should have been first in the first round."


    Li Xiaoxian was no longer wearing her mask. "We were just discussing that if the results were based only on the songs, you''d definitely have gotten first ce."


    Flowing Time and King of Oddity did not say anything. They were already heading back to their own waiting rooms to change costumes. Their makeup artists were already waiting for them.


    The Clown looked at both Fan Wenli and Li Xiaoxian. "Thanks."


    Fan Wenli said, "You''ll definitely catch up in the second round."


    The Clown chuckled but did not speak.


    Fan Wenli and Li Xiaoxian also headed back to their waiting rooms.


    The Clown was by himself now. He was just about to open the door and go inside his waiting room when he heard footfallsing from behind. He turned around to look and saw that it was Liao Yiqi who hade backstage.


    "Teacher Clown."


    Zhang Ye looked at her. "Teacher Spinach, you''re looking for me?"


    Liao Yiqi asked, "Did I not sing well?"


    Zhang Ye firmly shook his head. "It''s not that; you sang great. If I''d voted, I would not have given my vote to Sunset Glow or Petal Shower. I would have voted for you."


    Liao Yiqi said, "Is that so?"


    Zhang Ye reaffirmed, "Yes."


    Liao Yiqi smiled wanly and said, "Then why are our tallies so low?"


    Zhang Ye did not answer her, nor did he know how to answer her.


    "I can''t ept it," Liao Yiqi suddenly said. "I really can''t ept it."


    Zhang Ye waited for her to continue.


    Liao Yiqi took a deep breath. "I don''t have another chance to sing. So Teacher Clown, I''d like you to do me a favor. You must be crowned Masked King. Can you do that for me?"


    Zhang Ye said, "With you gone, I''m the one with the lowest tally amongst the five remaining contestants."


    Liao Yiqi was silent for a moment. Then she looked up and said, "I''d like to know if there really is no recognition for those of us who just want to sing in peace."


    Zhang Yeforted, "You''re still young. There''ll still be a lot of chances in the future."


    Liao Yiqi said, "But right now, my beliefs have been shaken."


    Zhang Ye understood. He knew exactly what Spinach was feeling at this moment. He was furious about her elimination from thepetition. He felt that it was unfair and also found it unbelievable. Not counting his duet with Wild Rose, Zhang Ye felt that Spinach''s song was the best one out there tonight. Surprisingly, she performed much better than the husband and wife pair of Chen Guang and Fan Wenli. Because of that, Zhang Ye did not know how he couldfort her when he was faced with this young singer who had juste of age.


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Zhang Ye suddenly spoke, "Don''t be shaken. Believe in yourself, and believe in what you have always thought is right."


    Liao Yiqi did not say anything. She was hesitating and looked lost.


    Zhang Ye looked at her. "About what you''ve asked of me, I''ll give you my word."


    Liao Yiqi was startled by his words.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "So if I be the Masked King, if I be the grand champion, you must promise me that you''ll continue to believe. There''s nothing wrong with singing in peace, OK?"


    Liao Yiqi''s eyes finally lit up. "OK!"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Then it''s a deal."


    Turning around, Zhang Ye pushed open the waiting room door.


    Inside, the makeup artists and wardrobe assistant were having a conversation.


    The female makeup artist said, "Well, I suppose that''s it for The Clown."


    The male makeup artist said, "Both he and Spinach acted too high and mighty. I can tell that they''re neers at a nce. They''re still not used to the pace and rules of the entertainment circle. Even though such shows say that they only listen and judge the music, how many people would know how to do that? This currentpetition format totally depends on the viewers'' votes. How many votes can they get with just their singing alone? They definitely have to incorporate other ways to gain more support. Flowing Time and King of Oddity were fine examples of how it should be done. Their talent agencies must have strategized it for them, using those gimmicks to gain votes that other contestants would have needed to gain with two songs."


    The wardrobe assistant sighed and said, "Honestly, The Clown has already fallen out of the race for the Masked King."


    The female makeup artist said, "Yeah, the tallies'' differences are toorge. There''s no way he can catch up."


    "The Clown has an advantage, though."


    "That''s right."


    "His advantage is that he has not taken his mask off yet. He still has a chance to do so in the second round and gain an explosion of support. But if he insists on keeping his mask on, then he''s really done for! He won''t even be able to fight for the top three spots!"


    The three of them were chatting.


    Zhang Ye closed the door behind him.


    Only now did they realize that The Clown hade back. They did not know whether he had overheard their conversation, but the three of them looked a little guilty.


    "Uh��"


    "Teacher Clown."


    "Let''s do your makeup."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged them and sat down at the makeup table without a word!


    All of a sudden, he was full of fight. He refused to have his beliefs shaken today!

 Chapter 1075: The second round of the grand finals!

    <h4>Chapter 1075: The second round of the grand finals! </h4>


    Chapter 1075: The second round of the grand finals!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Themercial break ended.


    The live broadcast cut back to the theater.


    After the elimination of Liao Yiqi, thepetition entered its climax. The countless domestic viewers watching their televisions could even smell gunpowder in the air. The atmosphere of thepetition was intense!


    "What a longmercial break!"


    "It''s starting!"


    "Dong Shanshan is so damn beautiful!"


    "Her poprity has taken off due to this show."


    "True. Dong Shanshan, Petal Shower, Sunset Glow, The Clown, all of them have be really popr!"


    "How can you say that The Clown is popr? He was nearly knocked out of thepetition!"


    "Isn''t there still the second round?"


    "He won''t be able to catch up even in the second round."


    "I now believe that The Clown might really be a neer."


    "Yeah, he doesn''t even know the basic rules and behavior of show business."


    "Not necessarily. The Clown might know that it''ll affect his votes if he doesn''t take off his mask, canvass for votes, or let his celebrity guest partner reveal herself, and that it puts him at a disadvantage. Nheless, that''s what he''s chosen to do. Maybe it''s in his principles to win fair and square. Could this be a possibility?"


    "Get over it."


    "Do you think that everyone thinks like that Zhang Ye fellow?"


    ...


    Onstage.


    Dong Shanshan looked into the camera and announced, "Wee back to the show. And now, let''s have our staff reopen the voting channels. The second round of thepetition has begun!"


    In the second round, which was also the final round, only one song remained for each contestant to perform. Their final song would decide their oue and spot in thepetition. Although there was still one more chance to perform alone after being crowned as Masked King, the prerequisite was winning.


    The voting channels were opened!


    The real-time tallies were shown on the big screen!


    First: Flowing Time, 3.51 million votes


    Second: King of Oddity, 2.68 million votes


    Third: Petal Shower, 2.35 million votes


    Fourth: Sunset Glow, 2 million votes


    Fifth: The Clown, 1.3 million votes


    The difference was too great!


    The Clown had already fallen behind right at the beginning!


    Han Qi kept quiet, a dark look on her face.


    Hu Fei was not in a good mood either. He felt that he had done The Clown wrong this time, as well as Spinach. Hu Fei had even purposely gone to look for Spinach to offer his apologies to her a bit ago. The format of thispetition was a mistake on their program team''s part, and Hu Fei felt that he was responsible. However, Spinach did not seem like she was in the mood to talk. Hu Fei could see that Liao Yiqi had been dealt quite a blow, so he got even more worried about The Clown. He was afraid that he would not be able to withstand this pressure. The Clown was the contestant who had be the Masked King the most times so far. He was clearly the favorite to win and be the grand champion, yet he had now fallen all the way to thest ce. This disparity was too much for anyone to ept!


    But there was nothing they could do. The results were set in stone. The Clown had almost no chance of bing the champion. They couldn''t stop thepetition now, nor could they change the rules at thest minute. All they could do was let thepetition keep progressing!


    A nocked arrow must fly! 1


    Beijing Television''s Head and several station heads had alle to watch thepetition in person and were seated in a remote corner in the theater. After all, this was Beijing Television''s most popr variety show in their history of existence. The entire television station''s attention was on the team, and everyone had very high hopes for the show.


    With Dong Shanshan''s announcement, the final round of thepetition began!


    The audience fell silent!


    Li Xiaoxian (Sunset Glow) came onto the stage!


    "I''ve always been told I don''t understand lyrics,posing, or singing!


    "I''ve always been told I don''t understandfort,ughter, or living!


    "I''ve always been told I don''t understand passion, women, or romance!


    "I''ve always been told I don''t understand restraint, flexibility, or smarts!"


    It was a rock song!


    Sunset Glow was actually singing a rock song!


    This song had once been performed by a female contestant on The Voice. But when it was sung by Li Xiaoxian, the style of the song was entirely different. There was very deep emotion within the singing as Li Xiaoxian used a restrained voice with feminine quiet to sing that rebellious shouting of the rock spirit!


    "Who told you I can''t sing!"


    The entire audience perked up!


    Scream after scream rang out!


    Xiaodong and Amy gave each other a look and broke out into gratified smiles.


    Their Spring Garden group was the most popr girl group in the country, but had always been mired in controversy. A lot of people called their singing into question and believed that they depended on their appearances to be sessful. They''d heard so much criticism about themselves over the years but had never been able to give a proper response to those critics. But today, Li Xiaoxian had stepped forward. She had used the identity of Sunset Glow to let everyone know that they could also sing well, and that they could sing songs that people thought they couldn''t! More importantly, they could sing well!


    When her performance was over, Sunset Glow''s vote count immediately soared!


    The audience could see the constant change in her tallied votes from the real-time update on the big screen.


    It increased by several hundreds of thousands of votes, and she surpassed Petal Shower in the rankings!


    Li Xiaoxian''s solo song required all of her singing skills that Sunset Glow was well-known for!


    The next contestant was King of Oddity!


    "Child.


    "My child.


    "How could I have a future without you?


    "Child.


    "My child.


    "Dad will wait for your return!"


    This was a charity single that had been released for an anti-human trafficking campaign. The original version had ten celebrities singing in it, and two of those ten were currently seated in the audience. One of them was Grandma Zhang Xia, the other was Jiang Hanwei. This was a song many people had heard before, and it immediately evoked a lot of memories.


    Frankly, King of Oddity''s singing was just average. He specialized in singing portamento, but this technique did not at all suit some songs. However, he had added someplex portamento and pauses into the song that made it sound a little too over the top. Yet somehow, the audience was touched and bought into it!


    Before the song ended, King of Oddity''s votes had increased by more than 500,000. It shot up by much more than Sunset Glow''s increase, and his tally was now nearly even with Flowing Time''s!


    Some in the audience kept pping.


    "Great song!"


    "How nostalgic it is to hear this again!"


    "It looks like King of Oddity is really here to help charity today!"


    "Yup, that''s how all celebrities should be. Everyone should follow King of Oddity''s example!"


    "Just based on this charity theme song, I will vote for King of Oddity!"


    "I''ve already voted for him, so I can''t vote anymore."


    During the first round, most of those watching the show had cast their votes. As a result, there wasn''t as much of an increase in the tallies during the second round aspared to the first round where the tallies changed by 1 to 2 million votes per contestant. The uptick of votes for each of them in the second round was only in the region of several hundred thousand. This was expected due to the votes being cast earlier on. This was also the exact reason why all the contestants, other than The Clown, had chosen to take off their masks during the first round. Everyone knew that such a situation would ur, so they took off their masks early on to try to gain an advantage over the others. Otherwise, their chances of winning would have been minimized if they waited until the second round to do so. Unless someone sang an extraordinary song stunningly, there was almost no realistic chance of them bridging the difference in votes. This reason was why the program team and everyone else believed that The Clown had already lost his title chances.


    There weren''t enough votes!


    And it would only lessen toward the end of the show!


    ...


    The tally was constantly changing.


    When Li Xiaoxian saw it, she gave a dryugh.


    Xiaodong was speechless. King of Oddity had performed this song about average, but how did he get so many votes? It seemed like Xiaoxian would not even stand a chance of getting ced in the top three.


    Zhang Ye had changed into his other costume and had had his makeup done. He watched the TV in the waiting room and shook his head slightly.


    This again?


    He was ying the charity card again?


    He was even starting to overuse this gimmick?


    Was there no end to this?


    Zhang Ye did not object to charity, so of course he wouldn''t oppose it. But to do this on such an asion, wasn''t it too obvious what his objectives were? To put it bluntly, this was as good as moral abduction. He was using means other than singing to get the audience to want to vote for him! Li Xiaoxian had sung great even if she wasn''t in her best shape today. She still managed to showcase arge part of her strengths in her performance, yet she did not get as many votes as King of Oddity did?


    Immediately, Spinach''s words echoed in her mind.


    Is there really no recognition for those of us who just want to sing in peace?


    Zhang Ye was silent.


    Then he clenched his fists tightly!

 Chapter 1076: Wild Rose’s mask falls off!

    <h4>Chapter 1076: Wild Rose''s mask falls off! </h4>


    Chapter 1076: Wild Rose''s mask falls off!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    King of Oddity stepped down from the stage and returned to his front row seat.


    "Congrattions."


    "You''re guaranteed to finish in the top three."


    "If it''s close, you might even get first ce."


    "Haha, your tally will be moving into first ce soon."


    Jiang Hanwei and a few others offered their congrattions.


    King of Oddity was also looking at his own tally. He got very excited knowing that he would be surpassing the first ce Flowing Time in a moment. As a singer who was still considered half a neer to the industry and not really that popr yet, King of Oddity was pleased to have achieved such results in the King of Masked Singers'' grand finals. Sunset Glow had finished performing, so it should be impossible for her to catch up to him. Although The Clown had not yet performed, as his tally was too far behind, he could be left out of consideration for the top three ces, in which King of Oddity was pretty much assured a spot!


    He might even get second?


    There were three divisions in the ranking based on the tallies disyed on the big screen.


    The first and second ce votes were very close.


    The third and fourth ce votes were quite simr.


    Thest rung of the rankings belonged only to The Clown, whose number of votes was falling far behind.


    "It''s Petal Shower''s turn!"


    "Let''s see how Old Fan does with her song."


    "This performance is too important for Old Fan."


    "Who will get crowned Masked King?"


    "Flowing Time''s chances are the best! He''s leading by too much in the voting!"


    Gradually, the number of people discussing The Clown lessened. Some of those who supported him were left cursing and protesting for him. But as this was apetition, and with the live tallies disyed openly, they had no recourse but to continue watching thepetition. Their attention was instead focused onto the battle between Petal Shower, King of Oddity, and Flowing Time.


    Fan Wenli went onstage.


    Chen Guang was watching her from the seats with a smile.


    A lot of people were also watching her in anticipation.


    Sure enough, Fan Wenli did not disappoint.


    "Piercing lights hang overhead.


    "I can hear the calls the crowd led.


    "I stand at center stage, the only ce I can, endlessly singing with a sweet smile spread.


    "The sky is so blue.


    "The water is so clear.


    "How white the clouds are.


    "The people are so kind.


    "Love is so pure.


    "How beautiful this world is."


    All of a sudden, Fan Wenli raised her voice!


    "But I don''t wanna sing!


    "I don''t wanna sing today!


    "I just wanna let the loneliness eat me away!


    "I don''t wanna sing!


    "I just don''t wanna sing!


    "Those rotten lyrics that ain''t worth a thing!"


    The earlier duet had limited much of Fan Wenli''s singing from being showcased. But in her solo performance, she was not bound by anything. She was able to let go and put all of her emotions and feelings into her singing. The title of this song was "I Don''t Wanna Sing." It was an alternative rock song that Chen Guang wrote in his early days when he was in his most down-and-out period. This song meant a lot to Chen Guang, as well as Fan Wenli.


    Zhang Xia stood up and pped!


    Xiaodong, Li Xiaoxian, and Amy also stood up and pped!


    Petal Shower''s tally rocketed up!


    3.2 million!


    3.5 million!


    3.6 million!


    She surpassed King of Oddity and Flowing Time to take first ce!


    The rankings instantly changed!


    Petal Shower was in first ce!


    Flowing Time was in second ce!


    King of Oddity was third!


    "Petal Shower!"


    "Petal Shower!"


    "Great song!"


    "Let''s go Petal Shower!"


    The audience was shouting her name!


    Li Xiaoxian (Sunset Glow) was delighted. "Sister Fan will definitely be the champion!" She and The Clown were already out of the race, but she was hoping that Fan Wenli could at least be the champion of thispetition. It wasn''t that they were both women, or that they had a good personal rtionship. It was because Li Xiaoxian felt that Fan Wenli had sung much better than both Flowing Time and King of Oddity!


    Yao Jiancai said happily, "Congrattions."


    Chen Guang smiled and said, "Old Zhao has not sung yet."


    As Flowing Time''s guest partner and a friend of many years, Jiang Hanwei chuckled. "Old Zhao still has a killer move lined up for hisst song. Just watch."


    Zhang Xia said curiously, "Oh?"


    Onstage, Dong Shanshan announced, "Let''s wee the next contestant��Flowing Time!"


    Flowing Time took the stage.


    Soothing music yed.


    However, what came on over the sound system was not a singing voice but Flowing Time speaking. "Today is the one-hundred-day anniversary of my marriage to my wife. I would like to thank her for staying with me through the most difficult period of my life and encouraging me. I have written a special song for today''s grand finals as a present for her."


    Hu Fei''s face sank!


    The program team staff looked at each other!


    During the rehearsal, this part was not mentioned, and he was not supposed to have made a speech. Why was he not singing, and instead, using an opening speech to set up the atmosphere? Usually, having speech within a song was fine. It wasn''t like it was prohibited. But the program team felt that there was something very wrong with Flowing Time''s speech. He was once again trying to y the emotional card and use it to canvass for more votes. If Flowing Time had mentioned he''d give this speech during the rehearsal, Hu Fei, as the executive director, would definitely not allow him to add it to the performance. But who could have expected that he would resort to a fait apli instead of mentioning it to them in the first ce!


    Flowing Time sang.


    "Dearest wife.


    "Please hold me tight.


    "Without you, I can''t live.


    "Without you, I won''t survive."


    Seated in the audience was Wang Zhuishu, an aplished professionalposer and lyricist. He had written many songs, so when he heard this song and its lyrics, he knew right off the bat that Flowing Time did not really know how to write songs. The lyrics were middling, although the melody was decent.


    Zhang Xia nced at Jiang Hanwei.


    Xiaodong, who was sitting quite close to Jiang Hanwei,ughed dryly.


    Was this the killer move you mentioned?


    This song��


    Ai, I''d rather not talk about it.


    Jiang Hanwei was an outsider to the music industry, not someone who did music professionally. As such, the professional singers and musicians seated around him did not really say much about this.


    But what surprised them was that the audience had actually bought into Flowing Time''s gimmick!


    Because of that opening speech in which Flowing Time mentioned that he was gifting the song to his wife!


    "What a good man!"


    "My impression of Flowing Time has changed for the better!"


    "It''s not easy on him either."


    "Yeah, all that bad press about him in the past. Ai, I guess I could let it slide. I should vote for him just for this song of his, or else I won''t feel good."


    "Flowing Time is quite sentimental!"


    "When he got divorced, Old Zhao''s ex-wife posted on Weibo alleging that he had beaten her up. I suppose that was just a rumor. Old Zhao has a great character and is also pretty gentle."


    "This song sounds really touching."


    "Who on earth is his wife?"


    "I really wanna find out! Quick, let''s vote for him. Didn''t Teacher Jiang Hanwei say? As long as Flowing Time bes the grand champion, he''ll reveal the details of their marriage!"


    "That''s right, that''s right!"


    The tally kept changing!


    Zhang Xia was dumbfounded!


    Chen Guang and the others were also stunned!


    The song was not over yet, but Flowing Time''s tally had caught up to Petal Shower''s!


    By the time the song was over, he had surpassed her tally with an astonishing 4 million votes. This number made those professional singers and guests'' jaws drop. Even Yao Jiancai had to have some admiration for Zhao Qiquan. Although the song was not that good, he really knew how to spice things up to get the votes. His gimmicks kepting one after another. From his first song onward, he was in total control of the audience''s emotions. He had nned it all out, from start to finish. Clearly, his emotional card had struck a chord with the audience better than King of Oddity''s charity card. Most critically, everyone still did not know who his wife was. This anticipation left them wanting more!


    After his performance.


    Flowing Time came down from the stage.


    Jiang Hanwei stood up and gave him a hug. "Haha, you sang well!"


    "Thanks." Then Flowing Time walked to Fan Wenli.


    Fan Wenli also gave him a hug and smiled.


    Li Xiaoxian stood up as well. "Congrattions."


    "Thank you." Next, Flowing Time went over to Wild Rose.


    Such hugs were quitemon to see in theaters. It was a form of congrattions and encouragement.


    Flowing Time bent forward a slight bit and already had his arms out.


    However, surprising many people, Wild Rose did not even get up from her seat. She just put up a hand. "Don''t mind me. You didn''t sing too bad. Hurry up and sit."


    Flowing Time was taken aback too.


    Damn! She was not giving any face to him at all?


    The live broadcast cut to Flowing Time''s hugs with the other contestant and guests. But in a twist of fate, this moment was captured by the cameras, leaving the cameraman to sweat nervously. He yanked the shot away from them, but that scene had already been seen by everyone. No matter if it was the live audience or the home viewers, everyone was taken aback.


    "Pfft!"


    "Who is this woman?"


    "How face smacking!"


    "She''s not even returning the gesture to the grand champion?"


    "Who are you referring to as the grand champion? Thepetition hasn''t ended yet."


    "It''s already over, OK?"


    "Yeah, the Masked King has already been decided. It''s definitely going to be Zhao Qiquan!"


    "It doesn''t matter whether The Clown goes up on stage or not anymore."


    "Hahaha, this Wild Rose is interesting. I''m very curious about who she is. It looks like what theizens said about both her and The Clown were right. They''re definitely neers who don''t know how to y by the rules!"


    "Wild Rose has offended Flowing Time!"


    Some of Flowing Time''s fans were cursing at this.


    "Fuck."


    "Who is this woman!"


    "She''s so disrespectful!"


    "Why''s a neer like you getting all arrogant!"


    Flowing Time also looked a little unhappy. He was irate but maintained the smile on his face. He didn''t seem like he minded it at all. Then he went over to Jiang Hanwei and had a few words with him before sitting down.


    Xiaodong and Amy looked at Wild Rose in amazement.


    Zhang Xia and Fan Wenli were also staring at her.


    Dong Shanshan announced, "Next, let''s wee thest contestant��The Clown!"


    Apuse sounded.


    In reality, it was just encouraging apuse. The gap between the tallies was toorge. The only person who could catch up to Flowing Time now was Petal Shower, but even that didn''t seem too likely anymore. The difference was already more than 300,000 votes, while The Clown, in thest ce, was still at his previous tally of just over a million. He was behind Flowing Time by almost 3 million votes!


    How could he possibly catch up?


    It was totally impossible!


    As a result, the championship was practically in Flowing Time''s hands. Thest song of thepetition had lost all meaning since it didn''t matter whether The Clown sang or not!


    Some of the audience members sighed sadly.


    "The Clown should have ced much higher than this."


    "Yeah, that should absolutely not have been a problem with the strength that he has."


    "Ai, he deserved it for being so stubborn. Who told him to not take off his mask?"


    "It''s not that he doesn''t want to do it. I''m sure it''s because he and Wild Rose, who he invited, are both little-known, so no one would recognize them even if they took off their masks. If they did, it might cause a reverse effect instead, so they might as well try to keep it mysterious."


    "You''re right! But that''s why Flowing Time will win. His reputation was already quite big to begin with, and he even got A-lister Jiang Hanwei to be his guest partner!"


    "Showbiz is still very dependent on one''s poprity."


    "The Clown didn''t lose for no reason."


    "He''s just a neer, so he can still slowly work his way up."


    The Clown had already stepped onto the stage.


    But right at this moment, an ident urred!


    Wild Rose''s hair was a little messy, so she put her hand behind her head and straightened it a little. But, intentional or not, the mask on her face loosened and thudded onto the floor!


    Her mask fell off!


    A perfectly sculpted face was exposed to everyone''s sight!


    When Jiang Hanwei heard themotion, he instinctively turned his head. He was just about to bend down to pick up the mask for Wild Rose like a gentleman would when he saw her face. He was immediately stunned!


    Zhang Xia was stunned!


    Li Xiaoxian was stunned!


    Flowing Time was stunned!


    Hu Fei was stunned!


    The program team was stunned!


    The entire live audience was so shocked that their jaws dropped to the floor!

 Chapter 1077: ’Exaggerated’ brought to life!

    <h4>Chapter 1077: ''Exaggerated'' brought to life! </h4>


    Chapter 1077: ''Exaggerated'' brought to life!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It went quiet!


    There was dead silence in the theater!


    There was also dead silence at home!


    When Wild Rose saw that everyone was looking at her, she chuckled and bent down to pick up her mask. "Aiyo, my mask fell off. I''m sorry about that, hur hur."


    Zhang Yuanqi!


    It was the Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi!


    The entire ce was shocked!


    Or rather, the ce was dumbfounded!


    Zhang Xia was startled. "Yuanqi?"


    Xiaodong stared hard. "Sister Zhang?"


    "Sister Zhang, it''s you!" Amy and Li Xiaoxian simply could not believe it!


    Fan Wenli didn''t know whether tough or cry. "And I was just wondering who could have sung so well!"


    Jiang Hanwei said in surprise, "What are you doing here?"


    Flowing Time was sweating nervously now and looked embarrassed. He had wanted to give a hug to Wild Rose earlier, but was rejected with a simple response from her. Flowing Time had been infuriated by her rejection, but now, he could not even get angry. With Zhang Yuanqi''s status in the entertainment industry, even if she did not ept his hug and had criticized him on the spot, he would still have to stand there and take the abuse.


    Why was it her?


    Why was it Zhang Yuanqi?


    How could The Clown have possibly managed to invite her!


    How could The Clown have possibly moved the Heavenly Queen with his invitation!


    In an instant, the ce blew up!


    A lot of people had only just returned to their senses!


    "Holy shit!"


    "Oh my god!"


    "It''s Sister Zhang!"


    "It was her who sang ''Love of a Lifetime'' just now?"


    "Goddamn!"


    "This is too insane!"


    "How could Sister Zhang take part in apetitive show? It''s impossible!"


    "Did The Clown invite her? Who on earth is The Clown! He even managed to invite Sister Zhang?"


    "A neer? Who the fuck said that they were neers? Huh?"


    "Is Sister Zhang a neer? Can you guys not be so funny?"


    "I''ve realized that we were wrong; we''ve made a colossal mistake! Who said that they didn''t take off their masks because they were unknowns? Huh? Who said that? The Clown is amazing! He even invited Sister Zhang to be his celebrity guest partner? What kind of a person is he?"


    Everyone was so shocked that they were unable to get a hold of themselves!


    Han Qi''s jaw dropped!


    Even Hu Fei, Hou Ge, Xiao Lu, and the rest of the program team staff went ck-jawed. They did not know who Wild Rose really was either! The Heavenly Queen hade to King of Masked Singers?


    Backstage, Spinach was watching the show on TV in shock!


    Li Xiaoxian could no longer bear it and asked, "Sister Zhang, why didn''t you take off your mask earlier then? If you had done it��"


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled. "He wouldn''t let me."


    Fan Wenli said in surprise, "Why not?"


    Zhang Xia said, "Yuanqi, who on earth is he? He could even convince you toe?"


    Amy said, "Both of you should have taken off your masks in the first round!"


    No one knew what The Clown was thinking. If Zhang Yuanqi had taken off her mask and revealed herself in the first round, The Clown would surely have been crowned champion, without question. No matter if it was King of Oddity using his charity card, or if Flowing Time had invited Huo Dongfang or Jiang Hanwei and yed the emotional card, all of those would have been meaningless. As long as Zhang Yuanqi was standing beside The Clown, he would definitely have been the champion tonight!


    Yao Jiancai and Zhang Xia looked at The Clown who was already standing onstage!


    The live audience looked at him!


    The TV viewers looked at him!


    It was the second round now and thest song of thepetition. How can you still catch up? Even if Sister Zhang''s identity has been exposed, you still can''t catch up!


    You clearly could have won!


    You clearly could have taken a huge lead in the first round!


    But why?


    Just why didn''t you?


    All eyes fell on The Clown.


    Onstage.


    Zhang Ye stood there quietly.


    He was dressed in a suit, all in white, and looked particrly clean and quiet at present. Spinach''s words kept ying in his mind, echoing over and over again. When he saw Spinach getting eliminated, Sunset Glow falling behind in the rankings, and Petal Shower being unable to fight Flowing Time''s tally even though she had sung so well, Zhang Ye couldn''t help but think of what he had gone through in the past. Without a face, without a background, and without anything to speak of, all he had was a burning passion and his determination. But journeying down this path was so difficult and such a struggle that no one would be able to see or understand it!


    Determination, is it wrong?


    Hard work, is it wrong?


    Why do you guys only see the fancy things in life?


    Why don''t you even nce at the people working slowly and steadily?


    Can''t you all see me?


    Can you really not see people like us?


    Everyone was asking Zhang Ye why!


    But in Zhang Ye''s heart, he was also asking everyone why!


    I''m not going to take off my mask!


    I''m not going to canvass for votes!


    I''m not doing any gimmicks!


    I just want to sing in peace!


    Is that not allowed?


    Why can''t I do that?


    The music yed!


    The notes of the piano flowed like water!


    It sounded rather heavy!


    It sounded rather sad!


    Zhang Ye suddenly opened his eyes and looked at the other contestants, the live audience, the live broadcast cameras. With anger and questioning, he raised his microphone 1 .


    "You only see the brightest of stars in the starry night sky.


    "In a crowd you adore the one with the hottest stories, the moste by."


    The audience was stunned!


    Zhang Xia was stunned!


    Zhang Yuanqi was also stunned!


    This song��


    Zhang Ye lightlyughed. "Who doesn''t long to stand at the center of the stage."


    He looked up at the lights around him. "The halo shining only for me.


    "After the show''s over and the curtainse down, who cares what you think,


    "and who cares what you do then?


    "Exaggeration is not a crime.


    "It can fill an empty and tedious lifetime.


    "Those prying eyes, that gossiping mouth, they spice up every get-together''s downtime."


    In the audience, those who had been talking and criticizing The Clown for not understanding how to adapt suddenly fell silent. They could not say anything at all!


    Zhang Ye''s voice went higher as he made a mocking gesture!


    He was questioning them!


    He was questioning all of them!


    "Do we really have to exaggerate?


    "Whether it is right or wrong, false or true?


    "Comparing style, image, and value!"


    Zhang Ye pointed at everyone and sang loudly.


    "Who would speak their mind?


    "Who would speak their mind?


    "As long as the picture is shocking!


    "As long as the story blows up in kind!


    "Flowing out of my mouth is mocking,


    "hyperbole, andughter aligned!


    "Only at night before the mirror can I secretly tell the truth unrefined!"


    Zhang Ye nowughed insolently and rudely. It was augh of ridicule and derision!


    King of Oddity''s face had turned green from anger!


    Flowing Time''s face was at once flush red and flush white!


    King of Oddity''s and Flowing Time''s fans in the audience were also angered!


    "What is this!"


    "He''s obviously implying something!"


    "Damn, who''re you trying to criticize?"


    "This Clown is awful!"


    "He''s exactly the type of person I dislike!"


    "I don''t like him either. Why is he using our Flowing Time for no reason!"


    However, The Clown''s voice rang out again!


    Zhang Ye sang to those in the audience.


    "Whether you like me


    "or don''t like me,


    "that is your choice!"


    Those people who had been talking ill of The Clown were stunned!


    "I''m just hoping to voice myself sometimes and catch your ear.


    "Since I sang the first note of my musical dream,


    "I have never given up here!


    "There are too many obstacles from myself, circumstances, and onlookers.


    "Good or bad, I have bear it."


    Zhang Ye sang high.


    "So I want to sing a song of praise!


    "And in the song set my emotions aze!


    "Though there''s many options, how many good songs are there that can move people and give them feeling?


    "Do we really have to exaggerate?


    "Whether it is right or wrong, false or true?


    "Comparing style, image, and value!


    "Who''s the big winner!


    "Who''s the big winner!


    "As long as the picture is shocking! / As long as the story blows up in kind!


    "Flowing out of my mouth is mocking, hyperbole andughter aligned. / Only at night before the mirror can I secretly tell the truth unrefined!


    "Ahhh.


    "Ahhhhh."


    Chen Guang could no longer help himself and stood up. "Great!"


    Absorbed in the music, Fan Wenli said, "Now this is singing!"


    Zhang Yuanqi sighed and said, "Now this is a musical genius, as well as a musical madman!"


    For some reasons, Li Xiaoxian''s eyes reddened.


    Everyone had been shocked by this song!


    They were in disbelief that there could be this sort of song! How could anyone sing a song like this! He was a natural-born singer! The Clown really was the favored Son of Heaven! He seemed to have been born just for this industry! Even genius singers like Fan Wenli and Chen Guang felt a little envious of him! A singer like you should''ve already be world famous. So why? Why was someone as lucky as you��


    However, The Clown''s next line dumbfounded them once again!


    Zhang Ye shook his head and pped his hands.


    "The lucky one is not me.


    "Because the path I''ve chosen is very tough!


    "If I''m remarkable but can''t stand out enough,


    "I must at least make sure there''s no one else like me!"


    Canvassing for votes?


    Resorting to gimmicks?


    They could make speeches better than they could sing?


    Using charitable acts as a weapon?


    Morally abducting the audience?


    Should I also do the same?


    Do I really have to learn from all that to win?


    Zhang Ye suddenly raised his voice and went into his head voice. He grabbed his chest tight and poured all his confusion, doubt, and anger into song.


    "Do we really have to exaggerate?


    "I too grappled with it in my heart!"


    He pointed at himself, jabbed his chest.


    "When I was working hard on my own,


    "did anyone see me?


    "Would anyone know?"


    For a song, I did not sleep for two days!


    I always try my best in everything I do!


    I''ve really worked my tail off!


    But did you guys see?


    Did you know?


    The audience was falling into low spirits!


    They suddenly felt something heavy tie up their hearts, something that made them want to cry!


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye seemed to go crazy. He shout-sang.


    "Singing until my thoughts dissolve!


    "And until my throat goes hoarse!


    "You can say that I am enthralled!


    "That I''ve gone crazy!


    "But if I can''t be carefree, how can I call myself a singer?


    "Ahhh!"


    He pointed at the camera, at all of the audience members. He shouted with a staunch and stubborn look in his eyes, "Look at me shining for you-u-u-u-u-u-u-u!"


    Spinach cried!


    Li Xiaoxian could no longer hold back her tears and they rolled down her cheeks!


    They did not know why they were crying, they really did not know why!


    But as they watched and cried at The Clown''s onstage mournful shout-singing, many other people started crying their hearts out as well!


    All of the live audience stood up in shock!


    The home viewers got the goosebumps from listening to the song and stood up in shock as well!


    Zhang Ye pointed at the audience and yelled.


    "Whether you like it or not,


    "please ept me graciously!"


    All of a sudden, his voice soared an octave higher!


    Yelling!


    Screaming!


    Fury!


    "As the next moment is when I''ll sparkle for you-u-u-u!


    "HEEEEEEEYYYYY!"


    Look at me!


    Please, all of you. Look at me!


    I am The Clown!


    I am singing for every one of you!


    The ce exploded!


    Everyone went insane!


    Everyone stood up as though they had gone mad and were screaming like crazy!

 Chapter 1078: Shocking the world!

    <h4>Chapter 1078: Shocking the world! </h4>


    Chapter 1078: Shocking the world!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Things got out of hand!


    The ce blew up!


    The entire live broadcast venue was reverberating with The Clown''s scream of madness at the end. All that oppression, confusion, rage, and determination were let out with that final scream. He blew up entirely and screamed to the point that his lungs almost tore apart. The artistry and soul of this song from beginning to end were all assimted into thisst outburst!


    The entire song.


    All of the lyrics.


    Every part of his singing.


    It could only be described as shocking!


    Fan Wenli was shocked!


    Zhang Xia, Xiaodong and the rest were also taken aback!


    What kind of song was this?


    What kind of person was this?


    Li Xiaoxian was already in tears. She raised her hand high and gave a thumbs up!


    In the staff area, Han Qi was also crying. She was covered in goosebumps and was so emotional that she did not know how to express herself. All she could do was vent in the most primitive of ways by shouting, "The Clown! The Clown! The Clown!"


    In the audience.


    His mother stood up and shouted, "The Clown!"


    Zhang Ye''s three sisters literally jumped out of their seats. "The Clown!"


    Ha Qiqi shouted, "The Clown!"


    Zhang Zuo raised both his hands and shouted loudly, "The Clown!"


    A male audience member screamed, "The Clown!"


    A female audience member was in tears and saying, "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    One person!


    A hundred people!


    A thousand people!


    The shouting was bing more and more united!


    The shouting was getting louder and louder!


    Suddenly, someone in the audience shouted out something different that caused everyone to follow suit!


    That person shouted, "Cham-pi-on!"


    "Cham-pi-on!"


    "Cham-pi-on!"


    "Cham-pi-on!"


    "Cham-pi-on!"


    His mother was shouting!


    His father was also shouting!


    The audience was shouting like crazy. With this song, the previous performances by Flowing Time, Petal Shower, and King of Oddity had all been thrown to the back of everyone''s minds. None of those songs mattered anymore!


    Onstage, Zhang Ye''s voice had gone hoarse. Even after the music had stopped, he was still deeply immersed in the emotions of his singing. It was the shouting that brought him back to reality. When he saw the sea of people in the audience standing up and chanting his stage name, mixed with calls of "champion," Zhang Ye froze for a moment. He suddenly understood why he was able to persevere up till now.


    Hu Fei sighed, "He''s really, really great!"


    Xiao Lu wiped away her tears and said, "Why, why am I reminded of Teacher Zhang!"


    Hou Ge said, "Yeah, these lyrics also made me think of Teacher Zhang. He''s just like The Clown, always encountering those difficult situations along the way and getting ignored by people. Others may not know and simply criticize him. But those who have ever worked with Teacher Zhang know! Do they even know how much hard work Teacher Zhang puts into making his shows? Have they seen it for themselves? Whether it''s Teacher Zhang or The Clown, both of them really have not had it easy!"


    Dafei said, "The lyrics were so well-written!"


    This song was called "Exaggerated."


    The original was Eason Chan''s Cantonese version 1 , but Zhang Ye chose to sing Terry Lin''s Mandarin version 2 for his performance. These two versions were both very good songs and he liked them very much as well. However, the meanings behind them were pr opposites. He had chosen to sing the Mandarin version because it expressed the exact situation that he was in now, and it was also what he had been hoping to say all these years!


    In all fairness, this was not a song that one would be amazed with when they first heard it. At least, Zhang Ye did not feel this way when he first heard the song. Whether it was the Mandarin or the Cantonese version, he did not feel much for either of them and could not remember the lyrics either. In fact, he did not even know what the songs were trying to convey. The melody was also not that beautiful. But when he listened to it for the fifth time, and then the tenth time, he suddenly felt very surprised by it. Afterwards, it was only a matter of falling in love with the song.


    This was the type of song that slowly became nicer with time. But today, Zhang Ye made it popr almost immediately due to the atmosphere, setting, and message behind it!


    Zhang Ye walked off the stage.


    Using the window of time before he returned to his seat, Amy looked at Chen Guang and asked, "Teacher Chen, if you had joined thepetition and faced The Clown onstage, who do you think would win?"


    She did not mean it maliciously.


    Amy really was just being curious.


    For those at today''s taping, if they mentioned the two best singers present at the venue, the best would definitely be Zhang Yuanqi. But second best would not be Fan Wenli, Zhang Xia, Li Xiaoxian, nor Xiaodong. It would be Chen Guang��this was not Amy''s personal ranking of them, but the long epted opinion of the public and the industry.


    Chen Guang smiled wryly. "I wouldn''t want to think about that."


    Amy did not understand. "Ah? What do you mean?"


    Fan Wenliughed and said, "What Old Chen is trying to say is that he wouldn''t want to be standing on the same stage andpeting against someone like The Clown." Then, she gave Chen Guang a look. "Afraid you''d lose?"


    Chen Guang rolled his eyes but did not answer.


    Would he lose?


    Chen Guang did not know.


    He only knew one thing. To beat The Clown��it would be extremely difficult!


    Especially this song The Clown sang today called "Exaggerated." Even if it was Zhang Yuanqipeting against The Clown, she might not be able to beat him. The Clown was really insane today. This song was insane. His singing was insane. Everyone who was here today was seemingly baptized from head to toe by this song! This was the charm of song, the charm of music. But most importantly, it was the charm of the singer. Chen Guang questioned whether he could sing this song as well as The Clown if it had been given to him. That final scream at the end was a mixture ofplex emotions and not something that just anyone could sing!


    He could not do it.


    Fan Wenli could not do it.


    Li Xiaoxian could not do it.


    Flowing Time could not do it.


    Even Sister Zhang would probably not be able to do it.


    That scream could only havee from The Clown!


    ...


    In the outside world.


    Shock had also descended upon everyone watching at this moment!


    Among the viewers who were watching the King of Masked Singers grand finals on their televisions, nine out of ten were stunned by what they saw!


    They hadn''t been interested in listening to The Clown''sst song originally, thinking that the results had already been decided. Every one of them knew that The Clown would not have a chance of being crowned champion anymore. But when Wild Rose''s mask fell off, when "Exaggerated" yed on TV, almost all of them got a shock!


    They had been shocked by "Exaggerated"!


    They had been shocked by The Clown''s determination and anger!


    "Quick, tune into the live broadcast!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "The Clown has blown his top!"


    "This song is just too goddamn awesome, isn''t it?"


    "Oh God, I''m going crazy from listening to this!"


    "What''s this song called? Goddammit!"


    "It''s called ''Exaggerated''!"


    "How can there be such an awesome song in this world! It''s even an original? Today''s the first time it''s been sung? Fuck, who the hell wrote this song for him!"


    "It''s thest song of the finals? Ah! Quickly go and vote!"


    "Oh right, voting is still ongoing!"


    "I already voted for Flowing Time. What do I do now?"


    "My vote has been cast as well. I fucking gave it to King of Oddity! Fuck, curse these hands of mine! If only I had known, I wouldn''t have voted so early on! I would definitely, 10,000%, have voted for The Clown! I can''t even take back my vote now! No, I can''t just let this be. I''ll go get my parents'' cell phones to vote!"


    "Hurry, everyone!"


    "We don''t have much time!"


    "Comrades, give your votes to The Clown!"


    "If a singer like him were to cest in thispetition, that would really be too deplorable! That would be an insult to the entire music industry!"


    "I''m here!"


    "I''ve voted!"


    "Damn, do we need you to tell us? I''ve voted already!"


    "I''m gonna call my sister and brother to get them to vote as well!"


    "Just based on this song, I don''t care who The Clown turns out to be after he unmasks himself. I will fucking be his braindead fan for life! For life! With this post as my witness!"


    "Count me in!"


    "Count me in too!"


    "Since ''The Internationale,'' I''ve been a diehard fan of The Clown. But with this ''Exaggerated,'' I''m going to turn into a braindead fan from now on!"


    "No impulsiveness, no exaggeration, no bluffing! The Clown is the only true singer!"


    "He''s the only person to sing with all his soul on this stage!"


    There was an explosion ofments on Weibo!


    The industry insiders were blowing up with excitement!


    "Exaggerated" had shocked the world!

 Chapter 1079: The grand champion is born!

    <h4>Chapter 1079: The grand champion is born! </h4>


    Chapter 1079: The grand champion is born!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the venue of the grand finals.


    The Clown walked back to his seat in the front row.


    Amy came over and asked anxiously, "Teacher, which famous figure are you, really? Can you stop teasing us like this? I beg of you, please tell me! I''m dying of curiosity!"


    Xiaodong stared at The Clown.


    Li Xiaoxian and the others were also looking at him.


    The final song had been performed. However, The Clown still did not take off his mask. A lot of people were very curious but also very worried about The Clown at the same time. There was not much time left as it was thest performance in the battle for the grand champion. Since this was the final sprint, why are you still not taking off your mask? What are you still waiting for? It''ll be toote to reveal yourself when the results are announced! You still have some time to increase your number of votes if you reveal your face now!


    Flowing Time was feeling rather nervous as he looked at The Clown.


    King of Oddity was feeling the same, his fingers continuously fidgeting and tapping his thigh. Clearly, he was not as calm as he looked.


    They naturally did not wish for The Clown to reveal himself!


    This song had actually impressed the two of them. Although the lyrics were scolding them, they were still impressed with it!


    Wang Zhuishu asked, "Who are you?"


    The Clown still did not answer.


    He had promised Spinach!


    Is there no recognition for those of us who just want to sing earnestly?


    Zhang Ye wanted to tell her that this path was not a dead end and that she could still continue journeying down it!


    Therefore, he was very insistent on not revealing his face!


    "Teacher?"


    "Famous person?"


    "Say something?"


    The Clown smiled and shook his head in silence.


    Amy huffed and tried again to change his mind.


    Li Xiaoxian tugged at her. "Don''t."


    After listening to the song "Exaggerated," they understood Teacher Clown''s character. He definitely would not change his mind once he had decided on something. Li Xiaoxian clearly understood that before the results were announced, The Clown would surely not take off his mask. There was no reason, but she just knew that it would be like this.


    Dong Shanshan appeared back onstage.


    She checked the remaining time before announcing, "Now that the final song has been performed, we''re only three minutes away from the end of the voting. The voting window will close in three minutes!"


    In the audience.


    His mother quickly said, "I''m going to vote as well. Mengmeng, how do I vote? Help me vote, quickly!"


    His third sister took the cell phone from her and asked, "Who do you want to vote for?"


    His mother said, "For The Clown, of course! Do you even need to ask? This young man sang so well! His parents are also here today, and they''re seated here in the crowd with us. How can we allow his parents to witness him gettingst ce despite singing so well? Just how heart-wrenching would that be! Hurry up and vote!"


    His father nodded firmly. "Well said. Mengmeng, take my cell phone too."


    His third sister went right into action. "OK, I''ll help the two of you to vote!"


    His second sister said loudly, "I voted for The Clown too. Is there still time to catch up? There''s probably not enough time for that, right?"


    His eldest sister pped her thigh and said, "The difference in the votes from earlier was just too much! If it was just a difference of a few hundred thousand votes, he could definitely catch up. But the difference was 2 to 3 million votes! So how can he possibly catch up?"


    His second sister pped her forehead and said, "Oh no, oh no! My idol won''t be crowned grand champion!"


    At the venue, many of the audience members were rushing to vote as well!


    There were less than 3 minutes left!


    Dong Shanshan announced, "Alright, let''s take a look at thetest tallies. Can we have our staff pull it up on the big screen? Thank you."


    These words made everyone even more nervous!


    When they heard, everyone immediately looked up!


    Zhang Yuanqi looked at the screen with narrowed eyes!


    Zhang Xia stared with wide eyes!


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli did not blink at all!


    Everyone''s attention focused on the big screen!


    The television viewers were also watching intently!


    Li Xiaoxian clenched her fists!


    Backstage, Liao Yiqi (Spinach) took a deep breath, as she was so nervous that her hands were trembling!


    The Clown''s liaison, Han Qi, had already closed her eyes. She was afraid to even peek. sping her hands together and facing the big screen, she kept chanting some words that the staff around her could not understand. She sounded like she was praying!


    Only King of Oddity and Flowing Time felt a little rxed. When they heard that The Clown would not be taking off his mask, they feltpletely at ease and heaved a long sigh of relief. To them, as long The Clown did not take off his mask, he would have no chance of winning today even if Zhang Yuanqi''s identity had already been exposed. The main issue here was that Zhang Yuanqi''s mask had fallen off toote, during thest few minutes of thepetition before the final song began. It would not help The Clown much even if she was the Heavenly Queen!


    First ce should stay with Flowing Time!


    King of Oddity''s position in the top three was also guaranteed!


    Xiao Lu said, "What a shame."


    Dafei sighed. "It was a bit toote. If it happened a little earlier��hai!"


    Hou Ge said, "He really had the ability to be crowned the champion, but it was too little, toote!"


    Following that, the tallies were disyed on the big screen!


    When they saw the results, the entire venue fell dead silent!


    First:


    Flowing Time, 4.01 million votes!


    Second:


    The Clown, 3.56 million votes!


    Third:


    Petal Shower, 3.21 million votes!


    Amy was dumbfounded by the results!


    Fan Wenli and Chen Guang looked at each other in astonishment!


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled!


    Xiaodong screamed, "Oh my goodness!"


    The audience suddenly boiled over with excitement!


    Many people jumped up in shock!


    His parents got very excited!


    Zhang Ye''s three sisters wore shocked expressions!


    Zhang Xia, Yao Jiancai, and the others were all staring at the screen in disbelief!


    "He''s catching up!"


    "Fuck, The Clown is catching up!"


    "He''s catching up from a million votes behind!"


    "His votes tripled?"


    "Ahhhh!"


    "Are you serious?"


    "The difference is only 400,000 votes! It''s only a difference of 400,000 now!"


    "Oh my God!"


    "This is crazy! This is fucking crazy!"


    Flowing Time was so shocked that he nearly fell out of his chair!


    How is that possible!


    Just how is that possible!


    How could he have caught up?


    There''s no reason for him to have caught up!


    Jiang Hanwei was stunned and his jaw dropped!


    King of Oddity and his guest partner were also stunned!


    It��it was just impossible!


    There were only 90 seconds left to go!


    Flowing Time''s tally had already stopped moving. It seemed to have stopped at 4.01 million votes while The Clowns'' tally was still surging up at an incredible rate!


    3.60 million!


    3.70 million!


    3.80 million!


    Dong Shanshan froze onstage!


    No one thought The Clown would actually catch up!


    No one thought The Clown would actually achieve a feat that even the gods might not be able to achieve!


    There were still 40 seconds to go!


    There were still 39 seconds to go!


    The entire audience stood up!


    A lot of people could not take this excitement and were so nervous that their hearts nearly burst from their chests!


    Countless viewers watching TV started screaming. They were witnessing a miracle right now!


    3.85 million!


    3.90 million!


    3.95 million!


    Counting down to thest ten seconds!


    Backstage, Spinach was finding it hard to stifle her emotions as she rushed back into the theater!


    Han Qi looked at the tally on the screen, and tears rolled down uncontrobly!


    Dumbfounded, Hu Fei gazed at the screen!


    Everyone looked at the screen with stunned faces!


    3.98 million!


    Five seconds!


    Four seconds!


    3.99 million!


    4 million!


    4.01 million!


    4.02 million!


    At this moment, the voting ended!


    Looking at the final results of the voting, everyone was stunned. Then, they suddenly screamed and cheered!


    "He won!"


    "He won!"


    "He really won!"


    "The Clown is the Masked King!"


    "Ahhhhhhh!"


    "Masked King!"


    "Masked King!"


    "Masked King!"


    "Masked King!"


    "Masked King!"


    The audience started chanting in unison!


    Even the ceiling was almost blown away!

 Chapter 1080: Gu Cheng’s ’Life Fantasia’!

    <h4>Chapter 1080: Gu Cheng''s ''Life Fantasia''! </h4>


    Chapter 1080: Gu Cheng''s ''Life Fantasia''!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the stage.


    Dong Shanshan announced loudly, "The grand champion of the first season of King of Masked Singers is��The Clown!"


    All the cameras focused on The Clown!


    All the guests and audience members stood up to p for him!


    Han Qi cried as she hugged Xiao Lu, who was next to her, and shouted, "We''ve won! We''ve won!"


    Spinach''s tears were also flowing. Teacher Clown! Thank you! Thank you! You''ve really carried out your promise to me! I will continue journeying down this path. From now on, I won''t waver again!


    A miracle!


    This was a crazy miracle!


    The Clown had managed to jump fromst ce with slightly over a million votes to first ce with his final song and in thest few minutes of voting. There had never before been such a turn of events at any of the other singingpetitions! Never!


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    King of Oddity felt a sense of bitterness.


    Flowing Time was crying out "impossible" over and over again in his head!


    He should have been the champion!


    The grand champion was supposed to be him!


    But why did it end up like this?


    Why did so many people vote for The Clown?


    This influence, this appeal, this singing, they couldn''t havee from someone who was just an unknown!


    Who are you?


    Just who the hell are you?


    Suddenly, a female audience member shouted, "Take off your mask and reveal yourself!"


    Instantaneously, many others joined with her!


    All of the audience started chanting in unison!


    "Reveal!"


    "Reveal!"


    "Reveal!"


    "Reveal!"


    Then, even the guests followed along and chanted!


    Zhang Xiaughed and said, "Reveal!"


    Amy said loudly, "Reveal!"


    Fan Wenli said, "Reveal"


    Li Xiaoxian said, "Reveal!"


    Zhang Yuanqi was keeping a close eye on The Clown, who was walking away.


    Zhang Ye exited the stage and went backstage to change costumes. He still had another song left to perform as thepetition allowed the grand champion to get one final performance!


    Dong Shanshan looked slightly excited onstage. She said loudly, "Today, the first grand champion of King of Masked Singers has been born. We''re extremely excited to witness the birth of a legendary singer. Perhaps he might have been an unknown singer that few know of. Perhaps he might have been a bright and shining star. We don''t know who he was, but we all want to know who he is. We all want to see what the face beneath The Clown''s mask looks like, and to know what sort of a person he is!"


    The theater fell silent!


    The home viewers were staring at their TVs with hanging jaws!


    Dong Shanshan said loudly, "Now the chance has finallye after waiting so long. The Clown will be taking his mask off very soon. I know you''re all as anxious as I am, but please give Teacher Clown a minute to get changed. He still has one song left to perform. Later, during the song, The Clown''s identity shall be revealed!"


    ...


    Weibo was blowing up!


    The King of Masked Singers'' thread was flooding withments!


    "He really won!"


    "He''s finally going to reveal himself!"


    "Quick, go and watch Beijing TV!"


    "The Clown is going to reveal his face soon!"


    "I freaking wanna know who the hell this saint is!"


    "He''s really amazing! Amazing!"


    "What? The Clown was crowned champion? Didn''t he have no chance? I stopped watching just now! What happened? What happened during thest few minutes?"


    "Previous poster, just go and cry yourself to sleep!"


    "Something big happened during that time! The Clown totally turned the tide with his efforts!"


    "Holy shit! Seriously? He could even catch up in those circumstances? Who on earth is he?"


    "That''s what we wanna know too!"


    "Your question is being asked by people all over the country right now!"


    ...


    Within the industry.


    The music industry.


    Whether it was the neers, the active singers, or even the retired musicians, all of them were rmed at this moment. They all had their televisions switched on and were currently staring intently at the screen!


    "Did anyone manage to guess who he is?"


    "No!"


    "No one was able to guess at all!"


    "Who is he, where did he get his songs��nobody knows!"


    "He''s about to reveal himself!"


    "Wait for him to finish changing his costume!"


    It was not only the people from the music industry!


    People from other professions in the entertainment industry were also watching their televisions in amazement!


    Huo Dongfang was watching!


    Ning Lan was watching!


    Tang Dazhang was also watching!


    ...


    The viewership rating kept soaring!


    The viewership rating for King of Masked Singers at this point in time had reached a historical high. Even when The Clown was singing "Exaggerated," the viewership rating was not as high as this moment!


    Backstage.


    The waiting room door opened.


    Zhang Ye had changed into his costume and was about to walk out!


    However, the staff who were standing and waiting outside were all surprised when they saw him!


    Han Qi was stunned!


    Xiao Lu was dumbfounded!


    Dafei nearly fainted on the spot!


    Xiao Lu pointed at The Clown''s outfit and cried out, "A-Are you gonna wear that?"


    Dafei said, "Did you change into the wrong outfit?"


    The Clownughed. "No, this is the correct one."


    Han Qi said anxiously, "B-But how can you wear that? How can you wear something like that!"


    However, The Clown said, "This is it. Let''s go already!"


    Along the way, all the staff who saw him were also startled, without an exception. They all stood there and watched him, dumbfounded, then turned to stare at each other with odd expressions!


    At the venue.


    The piano yed!


    The music was starting!


    The audience was very confused by this.


    "Where is he?"


    "Why isn''t anyoneing out yet?"


    "Did they y the music too early?"


    "Where''s The Clown?"


    "Eh, why is there music ying?"


    Nobody was sure of what was going on.


    In the audience, his mother was blinking and wondering what was happening.


    His father peered at the waiting area.


    Right at this moment, before even appearing on stage, The Clown''s voice rang out through the venue. It was him speaking. He was speaking against a musical backdrop!


    "There are always people asking me why I came to this stage. There are always people asking me what is it that I''m trying to achieve. Today, I will happily answer those questions. The reason why I came here and those songs that I chose were all for a dream that I have. A ratherughable, but very great dream."


    The Clown''s microphone was already connected to the sound system!


    He was walking over from backstage!


    The mood of the audience was once again lifted. Everyone pricked their ears up to listen!


    With the piano apaniment, The Clown''s voice drifted out from all sides as he recited.


    "Put my visions and dreams


    "in a slender seashell.


    "Wind my roof wove of willows


    "with the long song of the summer cicada.


    "I tighten the stays, the wind blows the sail through the morning fog.


    "And I''m off,


    "without aim,


    "drifting through the blue sky."


    The audience was stunned by what they were hearing!


    What was this about?


    A poem?


    A��poem?


    Zhang Xia''s expression changed!


    Jiang Hanwei''s pupils dted!


    His mother suddenly stood up. "This��this��"


    Zhang Ye''s three sisters were also dumbfounded!


    A lot of people''s jaws dropped!


    The Clown smiled.


    "Night is a valley,


    "the day a mountain peak.


    "Sleep! I close my eyes


    "and the world falls away.


    "The horse of time


    "copses.


    "The yellowtail waxwing


    "builds a nest in my carriage.


    "I want to keep roaming the world��


    "To deserts, jungles, the remotest spots.


    "I impress my footprints, like seals into the earth


    "and the world


    "mingles into me."


    The Clown''s voice was getting louder and louder!


    The outline of his figure could be seen. He raised his leg and stepped up onto the stage!


    The audience started eximing in shock!


    They were confused by what The Clown was wearing!


    He was in his pajamas!


    The Clown had worn his pajamas onto the stage!


    He was even barefoot!


    No one had dared to dress like this before!


    This was a live show!


    People from all over the country were watching!


    Why aren''t you wearing something more proper?


    Why are you dressed so casually?


    What are you nning to do?


    What will you be singing?


    The Clown stood onstage and looked at everyone with a smile.


    "I want to sing


    "a human song


    "that ages from now


    "will chorus through the universe."


    Everyone was stunned with their mouths agape!


    All of the audience and guests, as well as all the staff at the venue, had seemingly gotten their tails stepped on as they nearly jumped up in shock!


    You��


    You��


    You''re��


    Trantor''s Thoughts


    Legge Legge


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gu_Cheng

 Chapter 1081: The Clown takes off his mask!

    <h4>Chapter 1081: The Clown takes off his mask! </h4>


    Chapter 1081: The Clown takes off his mask!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Flowing Time gasped!


    Different expressions were shifting and running across King of Oddity''s face!


    When "Life Fantasia" from The Clown''s world was recited, a lot of people felt as though their sweat nds had suddenly exploded! This was a poem they had never heard before. It was such a ridiculously good poem that many people became very engrossed in listening to it! However, the reason for their shock was not because of how good this poem was. What shocked them was totally unrted to this poem''s literary and artistic standards!


    It was because this poem had suddenly reminded them of someone!


    At this moment, everyone watching on TV and those at the venue all thought of one man!


    Zhang Xia said anxiously, "Is he?"


    Amy said, "Surely that can''t be, right?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Holy shit!"


    Chen Guang stared with wide eyes and said, "That''s impossible!"


    Xiaodong also shouted in astonishment, "It can''t possibly be him! It''s absolutely impossible!"


    No one believed that The Clown could be that man!


    Who are you?


    Just who are you?


    The music suddenly started ying gently.


    The title of the song was already disyed on the teleprompter screen: " I Am What I Am 1 "!


    When everyone saw this, they were stunned!


    "I Am What I Am"?


    The Clown smiled as he walked around the stage barefoot.


    Standing at center stage barefoot, it felt very cooling andfortable. The pajamas he had on gave him a very rxed sense of unparalleled coziness. It was as though all his disguises and burdens had suddenly been dropped and he could finally get back to being himself again in front of everyone!


    It was such a good feeling!


    Ever since he was banned, he had never felt so happy!


    Being secretive? Hiding here and there? This was not actually something he enjoyed. He wished to stand in the light and sing to the entire world!


    This was the real him!


    This was who he really was!


    The Clown lifted his microphone.


    He started singing softly.


    "Happiness is that there''s more than one way to be happy.


    "The greatest blessing is that everyone is the pride of the Creator."


    The tform below him started to rise!


    Bit by bit, it took Zhang Ye higher!


    One meter��


    Five meters��


    Eight meters��


    Before long, The Clown was standing at the highest point in the venue, ten meters up in the air where he could see everyone!


    Dressed in his pajamas and standing barefoot, he sang loudly as though he had seemingly forgotten himself.


    "There''s no need to hide.


    "I live for the life I appreciate.


    "No need for a disguised side.


    "In the bright corner I''ll wait!"


    The audience was stunned when they heard!


    Xiaodong, Fan Wenli, and the others were also stunned!


    No hiding?


    No disguising?


    Waiting in a bright corner?


    You��


    You��


    At this moment!


    The Clown suddenly raised his hand and ripped off his mask. Flinging it, the mask flew outward. A face that shocked everyone was exposed onscreen!


    The eldest young sister shouted, "Ah!"


    His second sister screamed!


    His third sister''s mouth was hanging there like she had forgotten how to scream!


    Ha Qiqi, who was in the audience, was dumbfounded!


    Zhang Zuo was dumbfounded!


    Spinach looked at him in shock!


    Han Qi was dumbfounded as she sat there unable to move!


    It''s you!


    Why is it you?


    How could it possibly be you!


    At this moment, the venue erupted!


    At this moment, everyone watching on TV went crazy!


    This was really crazy!


    Looking at that very familiar face, everyone went insane!


    The Clown suddenly exploded with a high note!


    Who am I?


    You''re all still asking who I am?


    I''m not anyone else!


    Lose the honorific.


    The surname is Zhang.


    He screamed as he looked up and pointed to his chest and sang loudly.


    "I am what I am!


    "A firework of different colors!


    "The broad sky and open seas!


    "I''ll be the strongest bubble as I please!


    "I like what I am!


    "May the wild rose blossom at ease!


    "Even in a lonely desert,


    "Blooming in in sight, unhurt!"


    Banning?


    Censoring?


    Criticizing me?


    Insulting me?


    Bullying me?


    It doesn''t matter! It really doesn''t matter at all!


    Even if there is only one person looking at me, even if there isn''t a single person left! I still won''t retreat and let this world change me!


    I am what I am!


    No matter where I go, I am what I am!


    Like that stubborn wild rose that blooms in the desert.


    Can you all understand that?


    Can you all see that?


    In the audience, his mother suddenly cried as she pointed at the stage and shouted, "That''s my son! My son!"


    His father also teared up a little!


    So earlier, when The Clown had said that his parents were here too, he was actually referring to them!


    His mother was choking back her tears. "It hasn''t been easy for Little Ye! It really hasn''t been easy at all!"


    His third sister shouted, "Brother!"


    The eldest young sister and second sister were also so excited that they were unable to get ahold of themselves!


    Currently, all of the audience''s reactions were simr to theirs!


    Shock!


    Enthrallment!


    Astonishment!


    Disbelief!


    It was Zhang Ye!


    The Clown was actually Zhang Ye!


    The Clownughed!


    Heughed without restraint!


    "How happy I am,


    "Enjoying life in a ss house."


    He pointed to the sky and sang loudly.


    "And telling the world!


    "What it''s like to be bright and open!"


    A sustained note made the entire audience stand up!


    Screams!


    Apuse!


    Everything else was drowned out in an instant!


    A lot of people were crying!


    A lot of people were shocked!


    The man who insisted on singing when he had nearly fainted on the stage due to a fever during the first episode��that was Zhang Ye!


    The man who sang "The Internationale" with anger when he was faced with censorship from several television associations��that was Zhang Ye!


    At this moment, many of The Clown''s songs floated uninhibited into the minds of the audience!


    I am a beautiful, beautiful wild rose! / Hating the Heavens for being unfair!


    I''m ugly, / but I am so tender!


    Arise! / ye pris''ners of starvation! / ''Tis the final conflict!


    You only see the brightest of stars in the starry night sky!


    Zhang Xia cried out, "It''s Little Zhang!"


    Xiaodong shouted, "Oh my god!"


    Zhang Yuanqi was the first person to guess that The Clown might have been Zhang Ye. But when she saw The Clown take off his mask and the face behind it, she still found it unbelievable!


    Dong Shanshan was dumbfounded!


    High up in the air!


    The Clown pointed at himself.


    "I am what I am!


    "A firework of different colors!


    "The broad sky and open seas!


    "I''ll be the strongest bubble as I please!


    "I like what I am!


    "May the wild rose blossom at ease!


    "Even in a lonely desert,


    "Blooming in in sight, unhurt!"


    It was too shocking!


    This song had turned the theater upside down!


    This song was written with Zhang Ye in mind!


    Every single word was about him!


    Many of the audience members were waving their arms and screaming for Zhang Ye!


    Countless viewers watching TV were shouting and yelling in shock and going crazy for Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye closed his eyes.


    He lowered his voice.


    "Even in a lonely desert,


    "Blooming in in sight��unhurt."


    The entire audience stood up!


    It was as if everyone had agreed beforehand that they should stand up in unison!


    Han Qi covered her mouth and cried. She had already lost count of the number of times she had cried today. It was really touching. She was captivated by his unique charm! So much so that she couldn''t free herself!


    Han Qi suddenly raised her hands and shouted, "Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye!"


    In an instant, cheers erupted throughout the venue!


    A female audience member shouted in tears, "Zhang Ye!"


    A male audience member bellowed, "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    The audience had gone out of control!


    The audience had gone insane!


    This night belonged to The Clown!


    This night belonged to Zhang Ye!!


    Trantor''s Thoughts


    Legge Legge


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslie_Cheung / https://youtu.be/873fnUmJQzU?t=1m15s


    Do you all know about Leslie Cheung? Comment away!

 Chapter 1082: A national sensation!

    <h4>Chapter 1082: A national sensation! </h4>


    Chapter 1082: A national sensation!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Old Rao''s house.


    The live broadcast of King of Masked Singers was showing on the television.


    Yang Shu, sitting on the sofa, was staring with her mouth agape!


    Rao Aimin was stunned!


    Chenchen was also so shocked that her jaw had fallen to the floor!


    Yang Shu said "Th-This is my senior bro?"


    ...


    At Peking University.


    It was almost summer break. The teachers from the Chinese Department were having a dinner party.


    When "I Am What I Am" was performed on television in the restaurant''s private room, when The Clown who was on screen suddenly ripped off his mask, the entire room fell silent. Before the song was finished, no one moved their chopsticks. Everyone looked like they had seen a ghost as they kept staring straight at the television!


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "It''s Professor Zhang!"


    "How could The Clown turn out to be him! Damn!"


    ...


    At the SARFT.


    In Old Wu''s office.


    Secretary Bai Li pushed open the door and came into the room. "Chief Wu, something has happened!"


    "What''s the matter?" Wu Zeqing was working overtime to handle some documentation work. When she heard Bai Li, she did not even look up as she continued writing something calmly with her head lowered.


    Bai Li said in horror, "Zhang Ye is on TV!"


    Only then did Wu Zeqing slowly look up. "Oh?"


    Bai Li said anxiously, "Take a quick look at King of Masked Singers!"


    Wu Zeqing picked up the remote control and immediately turned on the television.


    The figure of Zhang Ye appeared on screen!


    Then Wu Zeqingughed. "OK, I see."


    But Bai Li could notugh at all, because Zhang Ye was currently on the ban list. As the tone had been set long ago, these people were supposed to be restricted from appearing onscreen for a certain amount of time! But who could have expected Teacher Zhang Ye to take on another persona and appear on the most popr, currently running variety show while hiding behind a mask? Further, he revealed himself during the live broadcast. This was something that no one had expected at all!


    ...


    At an entertainmentpany.


    Fang Weihong stared at the television in shock!


    A lot of her surrounding colleagues were also stunned!


    Today, they were waiting for The Clown to take off his mask and were discussing whether they would be able to poach him to theirpany. The proposal was already written and the offer had been decided on as well. All that was left was for The Clown to reveal his true self. As long as they knew who he was, they could find and approach him!


    But when Zhang Ye''s face appeared behind the mask, their office fell silent!


    Silence!


    Then, Fang Weihong threw the proposal straight into the trash can and said, "There''s no need to try to poach him anymore." Since it is him, there would be no talent agency that could ever poach him even if he was a free agent!


    Her colleagues gave bitter smiles as they knew that their proposal was written in vain!


    It was Zhang Ye?


    The Clown fucking turned out to be Zhang Ye?


    Oh my god!


    What''s happening with this world?


    They felt as though that this world had gone crazy in this moment!


    ...


    On television, the live audience was screaming in excitement!


    On Weibo, the reactions were about the same as well!


    A fan club that had kept a low profile ever since their idol went silent suddenly came alive and appeared again. This fan club that had previously made people tremble in fright countless times in the entertainment industry was called��Zhang Ye''s fan club!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s Teacher Zhang!"


    "Oh my god!"


    "Comrades, so Teacher Zhang did not disappear after all!"


    "Fuck, when did our Old Zhang pick up singing?"


    "I''m so surprised! This is so fucking surprising!"


    "How could it be Zhang Ye! Goddammit!"


    "I''m so shocked!"


    "Is this for real? Is this really happening?"


    "I love you to death, Teacher Zhang! I''ve been wondering why The Clown''s bad temper felt so familiar!"


    "I should have known! He even admitted defeat just so that he could eliminate Li Yu? How many people like him are there in the entertainment industry who dare to fall out and pick a fight with someone like that!"


    "I''ve only been a braindead fan of two people in my entire life. One is Zhang Ye and the other is The Clown. In the end, the two of them are actually the same person! Can you guys imagine the shock? Can you? This is too unbelievable! Teacher Zhang, I love you to death! You''re fantastic! You''re really fantastic!"


    The acting leader of Zhang Ye''s fan club, Big Saber Bro, who had disappeared for a long time, suddenly appeared again!


    Big Saber Bro: "Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst! Brothers and sisters! Follow my lead!"


    In an instant, Li Yu''s and Flowing Time''s Weibo were filled with condemning voices!


    Previously, they had not known about The Clown''s identity. But now that they knew who he was, they definitely had to seek an exnation about the issue from back then. If they did not receive one, then they would scold them until they gave one!


    Elsewhere.


    Manyizens were shocked by what they were seeing.


    "Fuck!"


    "Zhang Ye''s fan club has been revived!"


    "They''ve started their insulting again!"


    "These people are fucking warriors just like Zhang Ye!"


    "Hahahaha, I haven''t witnessed such a sight in such a long time. It feels pretty nostalgic to me!"


    "Yeah, an entertainment circle without the presence of Zhang Ye''s fan club is definitely iplete. After such a long time without seeing them banding together for something, I really do miss them!"


    "This Zhang Ye is amazing!"


    "I thought that Teacher Zhang didn''t know how to sing? Was he just pretending in the past?!"


    "How devious of him! He''s way too devious!"


    "That''s right, I''ve never before seen someone as awful as him!"


    "But it''s really such a nice song! I''ve realized that I''ve also be a braindead fan of Zhang Ye''s! What should I do!"


    ...


    At the King of Masked Singers'' venue!


    The song ended!


    The live broadcast was still ongoing!


    The entire venue was still going crazy!


    Thousands of audience members began chanting Zhang Ye''s name in unison as the atmosphere reached its climax. There was no way to calm them down!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Cham-pi-on!"


    "Cham-pi-on!"


    The live broadcast wasing to an end!


    Dong Shanshan was not feeling any calmer than the audience. She raised her microphone and said loudly with a smile, "Thank you, everyone. With Teacher Clown''s song over, the King of Masked Singers grand finals hase to a perfect ending. Tell me, do you guys still wish to watch and listen to these teachers'' performances again?"


    The audience shouted:


    "Yes!"


    "Yes!"


    "Yes!"


    Dong Shanshan announced loudly, "If so, I would like to send out an invitation to everyone on behalf of Beijing Television and the King of Masked Singers program team. King of Masked Singers will be holding a live concert next Saturday night! Contestants like The Clown, Petal Shower, Sunset Glow, Flowing Time, King of Oddity, and Spinach, whom you all like so much, will be appearing at the live concert! Then, I wee everyone to join us for the event! At that time, let us witness the glory together!"


    There was still more?


    There was still going to be an episode showing the live concert?


    When the audience heard, they became exceedingly excited!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Fan Wenli!"


    "Liao Yiqi!"


    Everyone was madly shouting the names of the contestants they liked!


    Counting down: three, two, one!


    The live broadcast signal was shut off!


    The night of the King of Masked Singers'' finale had officiallye to an end!


    Zhang Ye, who had just gotten off from the stage, was immediately surrounded!


    Yao Jiancai chided him with augh, "You sure are good, Little Zhang! Why didn''t you tell me you joined thepetition? You''re a real puzzle! A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma!"


    Zhang Ye felt a little embarrassed. "Ahem."


    Fan Wenli smiled and said, "Director Zhang, it''s been a while."


    Zhang Ye was amused and said, "It hasn''t been that long. We meet each other every week."


    Chen Guang asked with great surprise, "Were all the songs that you sang onstage written by you?"


    "Yes." Zhang Ye grinned and said, "Please excuse my poor writing."


    Zhang Xia pointed at him and said, "You''re just great! I never expected that it would be you! You even pretended to be a northeasterner? Pretended to be a Hong Konger? And even pretended to be Hokkien?"


    Zhang Ye said awkwardly, "Grandma Zhang, that was because I didn''t dare to reveal myself. The air pollution documentary problem hasn''t been dealt with yet. I''m still banned, unlike all of you."


    At this moment, Dong Shanshan suddenly rushed down from the stage to question him.


    "You!" Dong Shanshan shouted at him loudly.


    Zhang Ye rubbed his nose. "Yo, if it isn''t Teacher Shanshan."


    Dong Shanshan pointed at him and said, "When I called you that one time, I asked you if you were The Clown. You even denied it back then and swore that you were not him, didn''t you?"


    Zhang Ye smiled sheepishly. "Did I? I''ve forgotten already."


    Li Xiaoxianughed and said, "Was that song of yours really dedicated to Teacher Shanshan?"


    Xiaodong eximed, "Didn''t they exin it online? That Shanshan''s birthday was not on that day?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "We''ve been ssmates for so many years and were even seated in front and behind of each other, so how could I not know when her birthday is? Her recorded date of birth on her household register is the wrong date."


    Dong Shanshan rolled her eyes. "Then why did you im that I never told you about it before?"


    Zhang Ye said innocently, "But it''s true that you never told me about it. I only knew because I overheard when you were telling another ssmate back in school."


    Dong Shanshan asked, "��Then how did you suddenly learn how to sing?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "That''s a secret."


    Zhang Yuanqi also walked up to him and said with a smile, "How many favors do you owe me this time?"


    Zhang Ye replied nervously, "Isn''t one more than enough?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "I guessed it was you."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "But you weren''t very sure about it."


    "Right, because I''ve heard you sing on the spot before," Zhang Yuanqi said.


    Zhang Xia also remembered the day Zhang Ye wrote "Woman Flower" and sang it on the spot for her and Yuanqi backstage during the Spring Festival G. They really did not find anything ttering about his singing skill and voice at that time. Coupled with "A Letter to Home," which he sang on Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G, no one had expected that Zhang Ye would know how to sing. This was also the reason why no one thought of him as a possibility! As such, when everyone saw The Clown after he took off his mask, that shock was really too great to handle!


    Over there!


    The Beijing Television staff also rushed up to him all at once!


    Dafei shouted, "Director Zhang!"


    The moment Hou Ge came up to Zhang Ye, he gave him a bear hug. "How could it be you!"


    Xiao Lu came over!


    Hu Fei came over!


    Han Qi also excitedly ran up to him!


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "You were so amazing!"


    "We were trying to guess who The Clown was! Why is it you! How could it possibly be you!"


    "Did you really win?"


    "I was wondering who could have written so many heaven-defying ssics!"


    Han Qi''s eyes reddened a little as she got very excited at seeing her idol. "Teacher Zhang, I like every one of your songs! I love them to death!"


    Zhang Ye looked at her and said with a smile, "Thank you, Little Han. Thanks for all your hard work these past several days." Then he gave the group a fist and palm salute. "Everyone, I''m sorry that I had to hide this from you. I was afraid that if my identity was exposed, the show would be dragged down by me, so I had to keep it a secret. If there''s anything that I did wrong, I''ll treat everyone to dinner as an apology at ater time! Haha!"


    All of a sudden, someone wrapped their arms around Zhang Ye''s waist and lifted him up!


    Then a lot of people from Beijing Television surrounded Zhang Ye and raised him up high!


    They threw him up in the air!


    They caught him!


    They threw him up in the air again!


    They caught him again!


    "Cham-pi-on!"


    "Cham-pi-on!"


    "Cham-pi-on!"


    Today!


    He was a national sensation!


    Trantor''s Thoughts


    Legge Legge


    Let''s start easing towards the next arc...no hangovers..and keepmenting!

 Chapter 1083: Zhang Ye’s latest celebrity ranking?

    <h4>Chapter 1083: Zhang Ye''stest celebrity ranking? </h4>


    Chapter 1083: Zhang Ye''stest celebrity ranking?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Sunday.


    At his parents'' house, Zhang Ye slept all the way until 10 in the morning.


    After he had sent his parents home from thepetition venuest night, he headed straight to bed and dozed off immediately for a full 11 hours of sleep. Over these past few days, he had be incredibly tired. It was much too tiring having to do the production, choose his songs, arrange music, practice his singing, record the show, and attend the live broadcast. He was just like a warrior who did not know what fatigue meant. Throughout the duration of thepetition, he even experienced staying up for two days and nights in a row, as well as not sumbing to a fever of 40��C! It had been two months, and now thepetition was finally over. When the tension he had been experiencing was released, he was immediately ovee with a heavy sense of fatigue that made him sleep until now.


    His cell phone had run out of battery.


    He rolled over and plugged it into the charger before turning his phone on, all without stepping out of his bed.


    There were quite a few notifications of missed calls and messages received on his cell phone''s disy.


    His old colleague, Ha Qiqi: "Director Zhang! Me, Zhang Zuo, Little Wang, and everyone else all saw the moment you got crowned champion onstage. Great job! Congrattions!"


    Central TV Department 14''s Director Yan Tianfei: "Teacher Zhang, you''re really not being a bro here. Why didn''t you let me know about such an important thing? Haha, I couldn''t get through to you, so I''m sending you this message to congratte you. I thought that you''d really stopped doing things after getting banned and were really going to behave yourself from now on, hur hur. But seeing that you''re back now, I''m relieved! You''re still the same old Teacher Little Zhang that I knew, always going around and stirring up trouble every other day!


    His university ssmate, Yu Yingyi: "Old ssmate, you''re really on fire now! In the entire entertainment industry, you''re the most popr one of all! When are you going to treat us to a meal? Quickly set a date! I can''t wait!"


    His old colleague, Tian Bin: "Old Zhang, do you intend to ascend to the Heavens!"


    A-list movie star, Ning Lan: "Did you have to make such a big ssh?"


    His friends and colleagues all came to congratte him and express their shock at the same time!


    Zhang Ye was lying in bed and smiling as he read the messages, replying to them one by one.


    For the entire morning, the Inte, newspapers, and news broadcasts were all reporting about The Clown and Zhang Ye, as well as King of Masked Singers. Admittedly, Zhang Ye''s position was slightly more awkward since he was currently soft banned without any official statement or rification from the authorities. Any news reports regarding him were also greatly controlled. However, yesterday''s live broadcast had caused such a big stir that there was no one who did not know about it anymore. So the media couldn''t possibly avoid not mentioning Zhang Ye''s name and not report about it even if they wanted to!


    "Curtains fall on King of Masked Singers: The Clown crowned champion!"


    "Inconceivable! King of Masked Singers'' The Clown''s true identity!"


    "The Clown turns out to be Zhang Ye!"


    "The Clown''s ''I Am What I Am'' send shockwaves through audience!"


    "Zhang Ye performs another astonishing crossover!"


    "Ayman sweeps away the music industry!?"


    "King of Masked Singers to hold live concert next week. Zhang Ye''s appearance still unknown!"


    "Our reporter inquires over the phone; authorities yet to make statement!"


    "Zhang Ye��entertainment industry''s professional ''shit stirrer''!"


    "Watch out, music industry musicians! Herees Zhang Ye!"


    People throughout the country were still in a state of shock!


    Fan Wenli had also taken her mask off yesterday, as did Li Xiaoxian. But as their identities had long since been spected by theizens, there didn''t exist an element of surprise. However, no one had been able to guess The Clown''s real identity all this time. Then there was also the fact that the name of Zhang Ye itself had always been a focal point, and his status was unlike Fan Wenli and Li Xiaoxian''s, who were professional singers. A host, director, mathematician, and someone who meddled in the Chinesenguage had been crowned the grand champion of King of Masked Singers by taking down a series of professional singers like Fan Wenli, Li Xiaoxian, Zhao Qiquan, and many others. This made many of the industry insiders want to vomit blood! This was too unreasonable! Zhang Ye, did you intend to st off from Earth?


    Any topic rted to Zhang Ye had always been this hotly debated!


    He was truly the most wondrous person in show business. No one could predict what he would do next. Ever since his debut, everything he did would always shock a group of people!


    Just look!


    It was no exception this time!


    ...


    Outside, the door opened.


    His parents came home in aughing mood.


    Zhang Ye quickly got out of bed and strolled into the living room. "Dad, Mom, where did you go?"


    "You just woke up?" His mother was grinning from ear to ear. She ced the stic bags in her hands down. "Your dad and I went grocery shopping. I must cook some good dishes for you in the afternoon to celebrate!"


    His father nced at his wife and said, "What grocery shopping? Your mom went out early this morning to brag. She reached the market at 8 AM and started bragging the moment we bumped into every neighbor we saw. Look at the time now. It''s already 11 AM."


    His mother was having none of it. "What''s wrong with me bragging about my son!"


    His father threw his hands up and said, "Alright, alright, I didn''t say that it was wrong."


    His mother harrumphed. "My son is so popr. Why am I not allowed to tell others about it?"


    His father pursed his lips at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Mom, just go ahead and tell anyone you like; no one will stop you. Let''s quickly eat lunch. I''m getting hungry already. I haven''t had anything much to eat at all."


    His mother immediately said, "Wait a bit, wait a bit. It''ll be ready soon!" Just before stepping into the kitchen, she suddenly turned around and asked, "By the way, son, what''s your poprity score now? Where are you ranked?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Oh, I would have forgotten if you hadn''t mentioned it."


    His mother urged, "Quickly go and check! You were at thest two ces on the A-list rankingsst time, but it should have changed by now! Go check and see how many spots you''ve advanced!"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright."


    In recent days, his poprity score had been at a standstill while the celebrities behind him had kept increasing their poprity and were catching up to him. Like Li Yu, who had exposed his own identity on King of Masked Singers. He was close to returning to the A-list Celebrity Rankings once again. Meanwhile, Zhang Ye, who hadn''t been appearing much onscreen and had few new works, had dropped to thest two spots on the A-list rankings. He was in a very precarious position. Yesterday''s unmasking was a turning point for him as he finally did not need to worry about dropping back down to the B-list rankings. He would definitely advance in the rankings although he did not know by how many positions he would advance.


    He quickly went back to his room and powered on hisputer.


    Zhang Ye typed in the address to the official website of the Celebrity Rankings Index and loaded the page.


    But the page could not load.


    "Please try again."


    This notification was all that was on the page.


    Zhang Ye refreshed the page.


    The page was still unable to load!


    What was happening?


    Why couldn''t he ess the site?


    He immediately went onto Weibo to check. Be it theizens or the industry insiders, everyone was confused about what was going on.


    "The Celebrity Rankings website is not loading?"


    "I''m experiencing the same thing. Is there something wrong with my connection?"


    "It''s not your connection. The site has been inessible since midnight."


    "Eh?"


    "But that''s not possible."


    "This is the official website! Nothing like this has ever happened before!"


    "Yeah, what''s going on?"


    "This has never happened in the past!"


    "What''s their technical team doing? We''re at a crucial point in time right now!"


    "I was hoping to check out Fan Wenli''s poprity ranking!"


    "I was waiting to see Zhang Ye''s! He was about to drop off the A-list rankings thest time I checked!"


    A lot of those in the entertainment industry were also waiting. The influence of King of Masked Singers was so widespread. Its songs dominated the Top Chinese Music Chart, and the poprity score gain it gave was also astonishing. Those involved in the show would always check their own rankings the following day to see if there were any changes in their rankings and how much their poprity scores had increased by. Even the celebrities and people from the talent agencies who did not have anything to do with the show would also check. They wanted to know if those who were on the show would have any changes in their ranking and whether they would be overtaken by them in the rankings!


    Poprity was the lifeblood of a celebrity!


    And this Celebrity Rankings Index was the lifechart of the entertainment industry!


    ...


    This issue was also being discussed in the Goof Group.


    Ning Lan: "It''s still not out yet? It''s still not loading?"


    Huo Dongfang: "I don''t know, perhaps something happened."


    Chen Guang sent a sweating emoji. "On my lovely wife''s request, I''ve been waiting up all night in the hopes of checking the rankings. I can wait no longer, so it''s time to sleep."


    Xiaodong appeared. "Hahaha, Brother Chen. You''re truly a model husband!"


    Amy: "I''m waiting for our Xiaoxian''s ranking toe out. Hurry, hurry!"


    A male star said: "This has never happened before in the many years it''s existed, so what''s going on today?"


    ...


    Noon.


    12 o''clock sharp.


    There was finally an official announcement!


    It was an announcement that dumbfounded the entire entertainment industry and the public!


    The announcement was as follows:


    Exnation regarding the temporary inessibility of the Celebrity Rankings Index Website:


    Due to the rising influence of a certain variety show in recent times, the data statistics of the Rankings Index have been affected to a certain extent. In addition, the poprity score of a certain celebrity has seen fluctuation on too wide of a scale. The amount of data collected has exceeded more than what our systems can handle and this caused a temporary outage to our system. At the moment, our technical team is stepping in to rectify it as soon as possible. We sincerely apologize for inconveniencing everyone. We will be making another announcement when the Rankings Index is updated and returns to service.


    A certain variety show?


    Wouldn''t that be King of Masked Singers?!


    A certain celebrity?


    Wouldn''t that be Zhang Ye?!


    When this announcement was made, everyone was dumbfounded!


    On Weibo.


    "What?"


    "Zhang Ye''s poprity score has greatly fluctuated? And it even crippled their systems?"


    "Pfft, are they serious?"


    "Why is it that everything that goes wrong has to do with Zhang Ye, hahaha!"


    "Holy cow, just how much did Teacher Zhang''s poprity score increase by! It even fucking crippled their systems?"


    "That''s nothing strange with that. When The Clown took his mask off yesterday, that was an instantaneous moment. Because of that, the system would have to transfer all of The Clown''s poprity score from the previous month or so to Zhang Ye. Perhaps the data for that really did overflow! Pfft, Teacher Zhang is really great. He even brought down the Celebrity Rankings Index that had been operating fine for so long!"


    "I''m cramping up fromughing!"


    "Teacher Zhang is so mighty!"


    "Teacher Zhang is so impressive!"


    Suddenly, someone posted the poem that Zhang Ye recited atst night''s grand finals!


    "Life Fantasia."


    Especially thosest few lines. No matter how you looked at it, it was got the blood going!


    Many of theizens hadn''t read Zhang Ye''s poems in a long time, but it was still as domineering, earthshaking, and moving as ever.


    I want to sing


    a human song


    that ages from now


    will chorus through the universe.


    Theizens started posting in thements below.


    "I like Zhang Ye so much!"


    "His poems are always so awesome!"


    "His songs as well!"


    "Earth no longer has a ce that can contain Zhang Ye!"


    "Congrattions, Teacher Zhang. You''re already sting out into the universe!"


    "The Celebrity Rankings Index website could even get crippled? I really have to take my hat off to Zhang Ye!"


    The people in the industry didn''t know how to react!


    The website crashed?


    It was Zhang Ye''s fault?


    Damn, just how much did your poprity score go up by this time!

 Chapter 1084: The first concert of its kind in the industry!

    <h4>Chapter 1084: The first concert of its kind in the industry! </h4>


    Chapter 1084: The first concert of its kind in the industry!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    The Celebrity Rankings Index website was still down.


    Theizens were continuing to gloat over this problem.


    "@ZhangYe!"


    "You made a huge mess!"


    "All the celebrity rankings have been wiped out because of you!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, you''ve caused trouble again."


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Pissing myselfughing, this is so funny!"


    "Every time Zhang Ye does something, the entertainment industry experiences an earthquake!"


    "I just like how this fellow always causes trouble wherever he goes!"


    As the cause of the problem, Zhang Ye could only wryly smile!


    What are you guys mentioning me for?


    What the fuck has this got to do with me?


    Quite a number ofizens were "ming" him for it, but of course they were just joking.


    The one thing that relieved Zhang Ye was that none of his music industry peers had scolded him this time around!


    Wang Zhuishu''s Weibo: "During the run of King of Masked Singers, my favorite singer was Petal Shower. But the one who sang best was definitely The Clown. That''s something that anyone would admit!"


    A female musician: "Zhang Ye is really the favored Son of Heaven! His music literacy is so good that you''d never believe that he isn''t even a professional singer yet."


    A lyricist: "No one has ever dared to sing only originals on any singing show. Only Zhang Ye would dare to do something like this! He''s incredible. In the field of writing lyrics, there shouldn''t be anyone who is a match for him!"


    In the past, whenever Zhang Ye crossed over to a new industry, there would always be people calling him out. So those people from Zhang Ye''s fan club were gearing up for a fight, ready to take on the industry peers in the music scene. But to their surprise, there was not even an opportunity to do so as no one scolded Zhang Ye at all! Instead, there was only praise all around!


    ...


    At around 2 in the afternoon, the official website of the Celebrity Rankings Index was finally partially restored after being down for close to 40 hours.


    The updated celebrity rankings were published!


    Countlessizens and entertainment industry insiders anxiously came to check!


    Fan Wenli''s name glittered at the front of the B-list Celebrity Rankings. She was already in second ce on the B-list rankings after her poprity score had increased by an unknown amount!


    There were also changes to Li Xiaoxian''s ranking. She shot to the middle of the B-list!


    Spinach, Liao Yiqi, reached the front of the C-list rankings!


    Flowing Time, Zhao Qiquan, also experienced quite an increase to his poprity score!


    As the only host of the show, Dong Shanshan was almost within reach of the B-list!


    Chen Guang, Yao Jiancai, Zhang Xia, and the others also skimmed some poprity off of King of Masked Singers. Their poprity had also grown, although it was not as much as those who took part in the show as contestants.


    Only Zhang Yuanqi''s ranking did not change, but that was because she had already reached the top. Being an S-list Heavenly Queen, this increase to her poprity score might have been arge increase for others, but it was only considered a minor change for her. Of course, it wasn''t negligible, but it wasn''t really that much either.


    Everyone was happy!


    For the celebrities who took part in King of Masked Singers, the celebration and revelry this time was all to the credit of Zhang Ye alone. Whether it was from the perspective of the show''s production or the copyright of the show, this entire show was essentially Zhang Ye''s baby. Using his show and the production to gain their current poprity, even if Flowing Time did have a conflict with The Clown and shed with Zhang Ye''s fan club after thepetition ended, he didn''t have anyints��all for that reason alone. He could me The Clown, but there wouldn''t be any pointing of fingers at Zhang Ye!


    On Weibo.


    "Fan Wenli has risen in the rankings so quickly!"


    "That''s really fast! She''s already second ce on the B-list rankings?"


    "She could even get to this position by purely singing? I guess it''s only Fan Wenli who could do something like that, right?"


    "Haha, Old Chen had better work harder. He''s been overtaken by his wife!"


    "Li Xiaoxian is really fearsome too!"


    "Spring Garden is gonna blow up!"


    "Yeah, all of the Spring Garden members are now B-list celebs. Put them together and there would simply be nopetition! They deserve to be called the #1 girl group! Definitely one of the top ten in Asia!"


    "Eh, where''s Zhang Ye''s name?"


    "Damn, you''re right!"


    "Why isn''t Zhang Ye''s name listed?"


    "There''s no sign of him on the rankings at all!"


    "I''ve also checked! His name really isn''t there!"


    Theizens all rushed to lodgeints with the official website in an instant!


    In the end, another announcement was made.


    "Exnation regarding Zhang Ye''s celebrity ranking: The system is currently undergoing maintenance to repair the statistics to recalcte Zhang Ye''s poprity score. Our technical team will strive toplete the maintenance within the week."


    Only his ranking was not fixed!


    The system was not fully repaired yet!


    "It''s still not done?"


    "I''m just waiting to see Zhang Ye''s ranking!"


    "I''m also waiting for it."


    "They will get it fixed within the week?"


    "Isn''t the King of Masked Singers concert scheduled for this Saturday? Are they going to wait until then to calcte all of his data at once?"


    "Anything that involves Zhang Ye always ends up a mess!"


    "Zhang Ye has probably created history in the entertainment industry with that, hasn''t he? Pfft!"


    "I''m really looking forward to this weekend''s concert!"


    "I wonder what songs Zhang Ye will sing."


    "Me too! I can''t wait!"


    "Looking forward to seeing Fan Wenli''s performance!"


    "How I wish I could attend the concert!"


    "How can we get tickets? Or do they only give them out through a lottery?"


    "Are there scalpers selling any?"


    The topic gradually changed to the weekend concert!


    Countless viewers were anticipating it highly as there had never before been a concert like this. This was going to be an unprecedented concert that no other variety show had put on before. It wasn''t that the other singing shows did not want to hold one, but that they were not popr enough to do so. King of Masked Singers was the first to hold one and had booked an entire stadium that could hold tens of thousands of spectators!


    It was the first in the industry!


    The first in the entire country!


    Beijing Television invited everyone from all walks of life to join in the celebration!


    Of course, there was also a small issue here that everyone was worried about.


    ...


    Beijing Television.


    Hu Fei asked, "Have you guys sent it upstairs already?"


    Hou Ge nodded. "Yes, but the SARFT did not make a singlement."


    "Not a word?" Hu Fei was startled.


    Hou Ge gave a wry smile. "Nothing."


    Dafei blinked several times. "Then would that mean that Teacher Zhang can take part in the concert and it''ll be fine? Is this how we should understand this?"


    Hou Ge shook his head. "How would I know?"


    Hu Fei felt that this was strange and was wondering about it. "Have you guys realized? In this past year, the SARFT''s toward Little Zhang has changed a lot. They barely touch him anymore? Just think about it. I think the SARFT also did not issue any statements regarding the air pollution documentary incident? What''s more, the air pollution documentary even managed to stay online for a few days! And there was that time when those associations issued a joint statement to make those changes but were chased away by Little Zhang with ''The Internationale.'' The SARFT did not say anything and even criticized those associations for cooking up those nonsensical guidelines. All these incidents don''t add up."


    Xiao Lu added, "Now that you''ve brought it up, that''s true."


    Hou Ge said excitedly, "Then does that mean that Teacher Zhang''s ban has been lifted?"


    Hu Fei replied, "Not necessarily. Who knows? Since no one has said anything against it, we''ll just go ahead with the concert arrangements! Everyone, start getting down to work. We must do well and make this first concert of its kind a sess! Let''s make it beautiful! We''ll have the perfect finale for King of Masked Singers! None of you are allowed to screw this up!"


    ...


    Back home.


    Zhang Ye received a lot of calls to thank him.


    The first call was from Fan Wenli.


    "Thanks, Director Zhang."


    "What are you thanking me for?"


    "Your show, of course. Who else would I be thanking if not you?"


    "Hur hur, you''re wee."


    "See you at the concert this weekend."


    Then came Liao Yiqi''s call.


    "Thank you, Teacher Zhang."


    "You''re wee, Student Spinach."


    "Hehe, I''ve mooched off of you this time. My poprity has grown by so much. An advertisingpany just approached me to give me an endorsement and offered me 3 million RMB straight up. I was stunned since I was never worth that much in the past."


    "3 million isn''t that much. You''re really popr now, so I think you can still push for more."


    "Eh?"


    "Just take my advice."


    "Alright then, I''ll listen to you."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye smiled.


    Since his poprity score hadn''t been calcted yet, he stopped thinking about it. It was better to do something fruitful, like choosing a song for the concert. He definitely had to be well-prepared for it even though it was no longer apetition. Although he had already been crowned the champion, he was still not going to be sloppy about things. As long as it was rted to work, Zhang Ye would take it seriously.


    Which song then?


    For this final song, what should he sing?

 Chapter 1085: Piano playing coming from the room!

    <h4>Chapter 1085: Piano yinging from the room! </h4>


    Chapter 1085: Piano yinging from the room!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    The King of Masked Singers concert was getting hyped up!


    Be it within the industry or to the audience, everyone was looking forward to that day. They were also anticipating what kind of finale The Clown, Petal Shower, Sunset Glow, Flowing Time, King of Oddity, Spinach, and the others would perform for the concert!


    In the morning.


    Zhang Ye got up and ate breakfast.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    The Clown''s cell phone was ringing.


    Zhang Ye was startled at first, then answered it. "Hello, Little Han?"


    On the other end of the line, Han Qi said: "Good morning, Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Why are you still calling me on this cell phone?"


    Han Qi said in embarrassment, "Ah, I got used to it and didn''t notice. Teacher Zhang, Director Hu wanted me to inform you that the concert this weekend will proceed ording to n. You can take part in the concert since the SARFT did not raise any objections."


    "Alright, I understand."


    Han Qi said: "We found it quite strange. We were already prepared for an inquiry by the SARFT on this matter, but surprisingly, nothing came of it in the end."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Isn''t that good?"


    Han Qi asked: "Have you decided on the song that you''ll be singing? When can you start rehearsing?"


    Zhang Ye thought about it. "I haven''t decided yet. I''ll contact you again within the next two days."


    Why didn''t the authorities say anything?


    They did not know what the reason was, but Zhang Ye did.


    His mother looked at him. "Are they pressing you for the song that you''ll be singing at the concert?"


    Zhang Ye grunted in affirmation.


    His mother asked with interest, "Are you ready? What song will you be singing? Are you going to sing another song for me and your dad? That ''I Really Love You'' was quite a good song."


    Zhang Ye coughed and said, "Probably not? I still haven''t decided on what to sing after thinking about it allst night. I still need to give it some thought." However, Zhang Ye wanted to handle something else right now. He had to take his mind off the concert for a while. "Dad, Mom, I need to go out after lunch. I won''t being home for dinner tonight."


    "Where are you running off to now?"


    "I''m going out to buy a piano."


    "Do we have any space for that at home?"


    He had something that he wanted to do.


    It was something that was very important to him.


    ...


    Later that morning.


    In a piano shop without many customers.


    The shop was rather empty. Other than the female manager, there was no one else around at the moment.


    A young man wearing a pair of sunsses and a surgical mask pushed open the door and walked in. "Hello, do you have a piano for sale? I''m looking for a decent one."


    The female manager nonchntly looked up and suddenly screamed, "Ahhhhhhhhhh!"


    Zhang Ye was frightened. "Whoa, what''s the matter?"


    The female manager seemed to have seen a ghost. "Zhang Ye! You are Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You can even recognize me like this?"


    The female manager blurted out, "I''ve been following King of Masked Singers every week! I can recognize you even if you turn to ashes!" Then, probably realizing that it sounded a little inappropriate, she quickly said, "Aiyo, I love you to death! You sang so well! You want to buy a piano? You don''t have to pay! I''ll give you a piano for free! You can choose from any of the pianos in the shop."


    Zhang Ye waved her off. "How could that do?"


    The female manager said in embarrassment, "It''s alright, just��let me take a picture with you to put in our shop. Consider it promotion for us."


    Zhang Ye smiled at that and said, "How about this? I''ll pay for the piano and also take a picture with you, that OK?"


    The female manager immediately said, "That would be great. Is the piano a gift for someone or yourself? Let me rmend you the best piano we have in our shop. Although it''s a bit expensive, but hai, it''s not like you''re poor or anything. Come,e. What do you think of this piano? It''s a high-end one; I wouldn''t sell it to just anyone." Whether she was usually this talkative or just excited to see him, Zhang Ye didn''t know. He just listened to her chatter away anyway.


    Finally, he selected the piano he wanted.


    "Where should I deliver it? Please write down an address for us."


    "You don''t have to deliver it. I need it today, so can you get someone to help me tie it up on my car?"


    "Ah? What kind of a car do you have?"


    "A BMW X5."


    "But there''s no way to fit it in there."


    "Just secure it on top of the car."


    "How can that do? Your car will get scratched."


    "It''s a bulletproof car. You won''t be able to scratch it."


    "Uh, th-then I''ll get someone to give it a try."


    The female manager knew that a big shot like Zhang Ye would not be willing to let others know his address, so she wasn''t exactly surprised at this and immediately went to find someone.


    ...


    Evening.


    6 PM.


    Wu Zeqing had just gotten off from work and was walking out of the office building.


    "Chief Wu."


    "You''re leaving?"


    "Chief Wu, take care."


    "It''s been hard on you, Chief Wu."


    Wu Zeqing nodded at them with a smile. "You guys knock off early when you finish working."


    A department supervisor walked quickly to her and said with an anguished look, "Chief Wu, about the list for the concert that was submitted by King of Masked Singers��"


    Wu Zeqing waved it off and said, "It''s already been decided. Don''t bring it up anymore."


    The supervisor said nervously, "But Chief Chen seems to��"


    "If he has any problems, get him toe and look for me," Wu Zeqing said calmly.


    "Oh, alright then."


    Secretary Bai Li quickly caught up with her. "Chief Wu, you can''t drive your car today, right? I''ll send you home."


    Wu Zeqing nodded. "OK."


    In the car.


    Bai Li blinked and said, "What are you having for dinner tonight?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "I''ll just go home and fix something up for dinner. Since I''m eating alone, I can make do with anything."


    Bai Li instinctively asked, "You''re still single?" Then she realized her slip of the tongue. "Oh, look at me, I always ask about things that I shouldn''t be asking. Please don''t take it to heart."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "You''ve been working for me for a year. Why are you still so restrained?"


    Bai Liughed and said, "Because you''re the boss."


    They arrived at Wu Zeqing''s ce.


    Bai Li said, "I''ll be going then, Chief Wu."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Alright, thank you."


    She turned around and walked into the vi''s yard in her high heels. She had a nce at the flowers in the yard and thought that they looked quite beautiful. Walking to the front door, she took out her keys to open the door and bent down to change into her slippers.


    It was the same thing every day.


    It was the same routine every day.


    Opening the door.


    Changing into her slippers.


    Opening the refrigerator.


    Making dinner.


    Except something different happened today!


    The moment Wu Zeqing closed the door, she could hear piano yinging from upstairs!


    She didn''t have a piano at home!


    There shouldn''t be anyone in her house!


    Old Wu looked up to the second floor and was stunned for a moment. Then she headed straight for the upstairs.


    The sound of the piano was very soothing.


    The melody sounded really nice too.


    All of a sudden, a voice softly drifted out in the room.


    It was a man''s voice!


    It was a very clean male voice 1 !


    "I have loved, and also lost.


    "Tasted the sweet and tart parts of love.


    "Escaped from the irony of fate.


    "I know what I want.


    "There is an indescribable state.


    "Created by all emotions thereof.


    "Why ponder the meaningless cost?


    "What in this world is there to be proud of."


    Wu Zeqing walked up the stairs.


    The sound of the piano was getting closer and closer!


    The singing was also getting closer and closer!


    The man sang loudly.


    "If I''m without you,


    "I keep my eyes on the distant peaks!


    "But miss the turn on the track!


    "Suddenly I looked back!


    "I found you waiting for me, you were always there!


    "I searched down in the seas of pitch ck!


    "And ignored the meandering rivers!


    "When I found myself going against the tide!


    "You were at my side, pushing me on!"


    The door to the study was ajar.


    Wu Zeqing stood at the door. Seeing the man at the piano, she didn''t know what to do for a moment. Where did the pianoe from? What was with this song?


    The man sitting at the piano was Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye continued to y.


    "I know that I am very rich.


    "Because love fulfills all.


    "Every hole in my life.


    "You''ve filled them with your sincerity.


    "Right now.


    "From this moment on.


    "I want to hold you in my arms.


    "And give you twice the affection.


    "I want to sing a love song dedicated to you!


    "So please listen!"


    Old Wu.


    This song is dedicated to you!


    Actually, I''ve wanted to sing you a song since a long, long time ago. But there just wasn''t a chance to do so. I will only ever sing this song for you. Thank you for not leaving me when I was most down and out. Thank you for always staying by my side!


    As everyone knows, I''m not someone who usually speaks seriously and I don''t know how to express what I really want to say. There are some things that I just can''t put into words.


    So, please, let me sing for you!


    Zhang Ye sang in the tenor range.


    "I kept my eyes on the distant peaks!


    "But missed the turn on the track!


    "Suddenly I looked back!


    "I found you waiting for me, you were always there!


    "I searched down in the seas of pitch ck!


    "And ignored the meandering rivers!


    "When I found myself going against the tide!


    "You were at my side, pushing me on!"


    ...


    Outside the vi.


    A neighbor opened their window in shock.


    Ady driving home stopped her car in the neighborhood and rolled down the window with a stunned look!


    Who''s ying the piano?


    Who''s singing?


    Why haven''t I heard this song before?


    It sounds really nice!


    Isn''t this song way too good?


    Thatdy and several of the closer neighbors were visibly moved by what they heard!


    Just who are you?


    Who��are you singing for?


    Trantor''s Thoughts


    Legge Legge


    <3


    1. Terry Lin (Subbed) - https://youtu.be/lgyjGc_T5mw


    2. Ang Chang (Subbed) - https://youtu.be/m3jLpSXWq2Q

 Chapter 1086: Old Wu wants to attend the concert too?

    <h4>Chapter 1086: Old Wu wants to attend the concert too? </h4>


    Chapter 1086: Old Wu wants to attend the concert too?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the neighborhood.


    It echoed with the melodious notes of a piano.


    The piano is one of the very few instruments that do not require a power source or connection to any audio equipment to be heard inside arge enclosed space or concert hall. Of course, it would have to be a grand piano meant for such venues to achieve that. On this note, both the cello and the violin cannot achieve the same sound amplification of a mechanical percussive transmission 1 . Although the piano that Zhang Ye bought was an upright piano, its sound amplification was still quite outstanding. However, once in an open space, the sound of the piano would diffuse a little.


    Several neighbors in the vicinity of Old Wu''s vi could vaguely hear a man singing. Although the singing could not be heard further out in the neighborhood, the faint sound of a piano ying still managed to float out to their ears.


    The security guards at the neighborhood''s entrance turned around in shock!


    The residents of the neighborhood stopped in their tracks!


    A lot of people were attracted to the sound of the piano and got enchanted by it!


    He finished singing.


    The sound of the piano gradually drifted away.


    Everyone was looking around for the source of the music.


    "Where did ite from?"


    "Which house did the yinge from?"


    "Was it a sound system?"


    "No, it must''ve been yed on an actual piano!"


    "Who could be so talented?"


    "Does our neighborhood have someone so talented?"


    ...


    At Old Wu''s residence.


    In the upstairs study.


    After he yed the final note, Zhang Ye took his hands off the keys and put the fallboard down. Then he smiled at Wu Zeqing.


    Wu Zeqing looked at him. "What''s the title of this song?"


    Zhang Ye said, "''You Were Always There.''"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Is it for me?"


    "Yes. What do you think of it?" Zhang Ye wasn''t sure if Old Wu liked it.


    Wu Zeqing smiled and asked, "I like it very much. When did you learn how to y the piano? When were you able to sing that well? Hmm?"


    Zhang Ye gave a heartyugh and said, "Hai, please don''t mind those small details."


    "Did you just buy this piano?"


    "Yep. I bought it this morning, then drove it here. It was really quite heavy and nearly crushed my car. Fortunately, I own a bulletproof car and the frame is a special make as well."


    "You didn''t get someone to deliver it?"


    "I was afraid that they might know where you live."


    "So you carried this piano into the house and upstairs all by yourself?"


    "Yeah, this weighs nothing."


    Zhang Ye started boasting.


    Wu Zeqing pointed at the upright piano. "A piano that weighs three to four hundred pounds, and you carried it up here all by yourself?"


    "Of course." Zhang Ye boasted shamelessly, "Even if it were two pianos stacked on top of each other, I could still carry them up here." These words of his were merely meant for boasting.


    In reality, it had taken all of Zhang Ye''s strength to carry in this piano that weighed 300-odd pounds. This was even with him having martial arts and already maxing out on the Fruits of Strength and Stamina from the Lottery Draw (One). It was just that Old Wu had not seen how much effort it took for this fellow to carry it in earlier, so he started bragging about being able to carry two pianos by himself now. 700, 800 pounds? Even if this fellow had used his concealed power, he still would not be able to carry them. Besides, concealed power was not meant to be used in such a way. It was an instantaneous kind of power that could only be used for destroying, not for carrying things.


    Wu Zeqing smiled.


    Zhang Ye probably thought that he had bragged by too much, as he quickly changed the subject. "Old Wu, have a seat. Are you angry at me about this matter?"


    Wu Zeqing saw that his cor was slightly crumpled, probably from carrying the piano earlier. It was also a little dirty, so she reached out and straightened it for him and patted off the dust. "Why would I be angry with you?"


    Zhang Ye stood still and let her adjust it for him. "Because I didn''t tell you that I went to participate in King of Masked Singers. Actually, it''s not that I didn''t want to tell you. In fact, I had wanted to tell only you about it. In the end, I was just too embarrassed to bring it up after a long hesitation the other day. The main issue was that I''d never sung before. As it was my first time singing onstage and this being such a hugepetition, it would''ve been really embarrassing if I lost by the second episode. So I thought it might be better not to say anything about it at first and only tell you about it after I became the champion. So here I am, immediatelying to seek your forgiveness after I got crowned grand champion. I practiced the song that I just sang for you for a very long time."


    Wu Zeqing said gently, "I couldn''t be any happier for you, so why would I be angry with you? You''re really in the limelight this time. Not bad, you didn''t make me ashamed."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "That''s true."


    "Take off your shirt. I''ll wash it for youter since it''s dirty," Wu Zeqing said.


    "OK." He did not stand on ceremony.


    "Are you hungry?"


    "Not yet."


    "We''ll eat in a bit?"


    "Sure."


    "Then do something for me first."


    "Oh? What is it?"


    Wu Zeqing did not say anything and searched around the study. She took out the four treasures of the study 2 and immediately began to grind the ink. Then she said, "Write down the lyrics of the song that you just sang for me. I can''t remember them after listening to them just once. When you''re done writing, I''ll hang it and read it at my own leisure."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "That''s not a problem."


    "I''ve prepared the ink."


    "How would you like me to write it?"


    "How many scripts do you know?"


    "I can write it in regr, semi-cursive, clerical, or cursive script."


    He thought about saying how he could also write in " Microsoft YaHei 3 " if he wanted to, but Old Wu would surely not understand what he meant by that.


    Old Wu smiled and said, "How about semi-cursive. I like your semi-cursive."


    "Alright!" Zhang Ye immediately began writing.


    A set of lyrics was written down in a free-flowing motion.


    Wu Zeqing held up the Xuan paper for it to dry and took a look. The more she looked at it, the more she liked it.


    As she gazed at the calligraphy, Zhang Ye looked at her. Since it was summer, Old Wu was dressed lightly and looked especially elegant in the thin, ssic qipao. The more he looked at her, the more he liked her.


    All of a sudden, Old Wu looked up and said, "Oh yeah, I''ve got something to tell you. Your ban will officially be lifted today. Although the SARFT won''t be issuing any notices or documentation about it nor will there be any announcements to the public, there won''t be a restriction on any news and shows rted to you anymore. In fact, your ban was scheduled to be lifted soon, but King of Masked Singers expedited the process. You''ve caused such a big ruckus that they were unable to keep the ban on you for longer, even if they wanted. So they might as well use the opportunity to lift your ban. Even though there are still some people in the organization who are opposed to it, I''ve taken care of them, so it''s not going to be a big deal. And there might be some flexibility given to the air pollution documentary. With some editing, I think there could be some hope that it gets re-released to the public. I will be following up on this matter."


    He had been unbanned?


    This bro had regained his freedom?


    This was no doubt the happiest news Zhang Ye had heard in recent days!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Thanks, Old Wu."


    Wu Zeqing said, "You fought for this. It has nothing much to do with me. You''ve been crowned grand champion of King of Masked Singers and even took your mask off during the live broadcast. Did you think you would stay banned after all that? Furthermore, your songs were very good too. That''s one of the most crucial factors as you have quite a few songs that were full of positivity. For example, ''Strive Hard to Seed,'' ''Life''s More Than the Grind,'' and ''I Really Love You.'' All of those songs were a great help in changing your image. So there''s no need to thank me as you were the one who grabbed this opportunity. Without this show, you might have needed to wait at least another month or two before your ban was lifted."


    Zhang Ye blinked and said, "''The Internationale'' is also a very inspirational song."


    He personally liked the song a lot!


    On that day, he vented most of his anger after he sang it!


    On that day, the feeling of having everyone stand up and sing loudly along with him was just so satisfying!


    Wu Zeqing looked at him. "Don''t mention that song. Do you know how big of a mess it created?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright, I understand. I won''t sing it much in the future."


    Wu Zeqing asked, "How are your preparations for the concert going?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Hai, I still haven''t decided what song to sing yet."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Take your time, there''s no need to hurry. Any song that you sing will definitely be good."


    Zhang Ye especially liked hearing that and could feel a warmth in his chest. He really had nevere across a woman like Old Wu before. It was as though Old Wu found whatever he did to be good and would always give him her support. Furthermore, Old Wu would never broach further on a subject if it was something he did not wish to speak about or preferred to keep secret. She always gave him a lot of space and respect in that regard. She was always beside him, supporting him and encouraging him on his journey.


    Wu Zeqing suddenly asked, "Do you have any tickets for the concert left?"


    Zhang Ye was surprised. "Of course. Why?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "I would like to attend in person and listen to you sing."


    "You really want to go?"


    "Yes, I want to go there in my own personal capacity."


    "Although the broadcast is on Saturday, the recording is scheduled for Friday afternoon. You don''t have to work?"


    "I''ll take the day off. My fiance will be staging a concert. Even if the sky falls, I must go."


    Just look at the way she put it!


    Zhang Ye loved hearing it!


    "Alright! I''ll get a ticket for you. It''ll definitely be a front row seat!"


    "That''s not necessary. I''m fine with sitting wherever."


    "That won''t do. You won''t be able to see me if you''re seated too far away."


    Thinking about how Wu Zeqing would also be there on that day to listen to him sing, Zhang Ye was suddenly quite looking forward to it. At the same time, he also felt a little more nervous about it. He suddenly thought of a song and knew exactly what he would be singing at the concert.


    It was a very nice song.


    It was a song about one''s ideals.


    Trantor''s Thoughts


    Legge Legge


    1. Pianos are considered both percussion and string instruments.


    2. Ink, inkstone, paper, and ink brush


    3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_YaHei

 Chapter 1087: The concert begins!

    <h4>Chapter 1087: The concert begins! </h4>


    Chapter 1087: The concert begins!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Friday.


    In the afternoon.


    There was a sea of people at the Beijing Stadium.


    "Where are the Fan Wenli fans?"


    "Zhao Qiquan''s fans, please gather under the billboard!"


    "Over here!"


    "Here!"


    "Come with me!"


    "Where are the Zhang Ye fans?"


    "Coming!"


    "We''re here!"


    "Hurry, it''s time to distribute the items!"


    "Glow sticks for everyone! They''re free!"


    "Don''t buy from those people out there. They''re so expensive!"


    Even before entering the stadium, the bustle outside was spectacr. Vehicles had already upied all of the underground parking garage spots and roads around the venue. There were no more free spots and the roads were no longer essible other than the one that was leading west toward the suburbs. The roads in the other three directions were jam-packed. At the entrance, it was as though the entire poption of Beijing''s merchants and peddlers were gathered here. There were people selling celebrity posters, glow sticks, scalped tickets, and even the King of Masked Singers contestants'' "genuine" autographs. The media outlets'' vehicles also arrived one after another!


    It was a flurry of activity!


    The ce was heating up!


    ...


    On Weibo.


    Theizens also made a racket.


    "Who still has tickets for the concert?"


    "It''s beginning soon! I can''t wait!"


    "Haha, I''m already at the venue and waiting to get admitted."


    "Previous poster, bragging like this will only end up with you getting beaten up!"


    "How I wish I could go and watch them perform live! Especially Zhang Ye''s songs. Why do I like him so much! I wonder what song he''ll sing today!"


    "Our Xiaoxian is quite good too!"


    "Everyone knows that Zhang Ye is good at writing songs, but I''m still finding it difficult to ept that the guy can also sing this well!"


    "It''s impossible to measure a person like him withmon sense."


    "He was born to be a star!"


    "You''re wrong. Zhang Ye wasn''t born to be one."


    "Yeah, he was never meant to be a celebrity at all. He had to fight so hard to be where he is now. This has been a very difficult journey for Teacher Zhang Ye, and everyone knows that! I wonder how he has managed to survive for this long! I heard that the SARFT has not said anything either this time and allowed Zhang Ye to take part in the concert. Does that mean that Zhang Ye has been unbanned? I''m so happy for him!"


    "Yeah!"


    "The ban has finally been lifted!"


    ...


    Inside the stadium.


    The singers had already arrived for some time.


    There were not only Zhang Ye, Fan Wenli, and those other singers who had taken part in the King of Masked Singerspetition. Even Chen Guang, Zhang Xia, Amy, Celery, and several other celebrity guests were also backstage and getting ready for the concert. They too would be taking part in the concert today.


    Executive Director Hu Fei said, "We''ve been preparing for this concert for quite some time now. We practically started preparing for it since the broadcast of the first episode and had the stadium booked since that time. The entire country''s attention is on us now, so I hope we can make this industry''s first concert based on a variety show a great sess. I''ll leave all that to you, so let''s execute this beautifully." With a pause, he reminded them, "By the way, there''s something else to note. It wasn''t reported on yesterday''s weather forecast, but this morning''s forecast predicted that there could be rain today. So, everyone, please be aware of this possibility."


    Hou Ge came over to look for him. "Director Hu, we need you over at the stage."


    Hu Fei nodded, then said to the other staff members, "I''m going to the front for a bit. If there''s anything urgent over here, ask Director Zhang for advice. He can take charge of the things here."


    Xiao Lu replied, "Yes, sir!"


    Han Qi replied, "Understood!"


    Everyone responded in kind, thinking it was a matter of course.


    However, Zhang Ye did not seem to care for anything right now. He lowered his head and continued texting.


    Zhang Ye: "Are you here yet?"


    Wu Zeqing: "I just arrived. There was a traffic jam."


    "Zhang Ye: "Are you lining up to get in yet?"


    Wu Zeqing: "Yes, I''m passing through security now."


    Zhang Ye: "Let me get someone to bring you in."


    Wu Zeqing: "There''s no need. Don''t rm too many people. Most of your staff knows who I am, so it''s better for me to keep a low profile. After all, I''m here in my own personal capacity today."


    Zhang Ye: "OK."


    Chen Guang came over. "Director Zhang, who''re you chatting with?"


    Zhang Ye looked up and smiled. "What''s up?"


    Fan Wenli looked at her husband. "Stay away. Don''te over here and try to pry any information from us."


    Chen Guang yelled, "Must I, Wenli?"


    Li Xiaoxian also smiled. "We belong to different camps today."


    Amy rolled her eyes. "Teacher Chen, let''s give our best and sing well today. We''ll stamp them down!"


    Chen Guang harrumphed. "Alright!"


    Zhang Xiaughed and shook her head. "You people."


    Today''s opening song was going to be an explosive and attention-stealing showdown between the contestants and the celebrity guests. Each side was a team, the contestants'' team versing the celebrity guests'' team. Everyone was looking forward to this matchup. Just look. Even before going onstage, thepetitiveness from both sides was picking up.


    Half an hourter.


    People gradually filled the stadium.


    In the blink of an eye, the seats were packed with over ten thousand people!


    Some of the audience members were shouting their favorite celebrities'' names, some were holding up LED lightboards and waving them around, while others were bursting into songs performed on King of Masked Singers.


    "Sunset Glow!"


    "The Clown!"


    "Flowing Time!"


    "Petal Shower!"


    "I am what I am! / A firework of different colors!"


    "Why is the concert still not beginning?"


    "I can''t waaaait!"


    The scenes were very chaotic!


    The audience was reaching a fever pitch!


    Wu Zeqing finally got into the stadium at this point in time. She found her way to the second row of front row seats and checked her ticket to find her seat. As she made her way across the row, she smiled warmly. "Excuse me,ing through."


    But a little ways in, someone called out to her.


    It was a middle-aged married couple.


    "Hey! President Wu?"


    "President Wu!"


    The couple looked at her, startled.


    Wu Zeqing turned around in confusion and asked, "You two are?"


    Zhang Ye''s mother stood up excitedly. "I am Zhang Ye''s mother!"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Oh, it''s Auntie."


    His father asked, "Why are you also here?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Well, I''m off today. So I came to watch the concert."


    "Aiyo, thank you so much for taking care of our Little Ye. You''ve helped him a lot. We''ve been wanting to visit you to express our thanks, but we just didn''t have the chance to do so," his mother said.


    Wu Zeqing said, "Auntie, you''re too kind."


    His mother immediately said, "Sit here with us, sit. Little Ye gave us three tickets, but we have an empty seat now because his cousin was unable to make it."


    Wu Zeqing thought over the offer for a moment, then smiled and sat down. "Alright."


    His mother was very enthusiastic. "President Wu, wait, I should be addressing you as Chief Wu instead."


    Wu Zeqing immediately said, "Don''t call me that, Auntie. You can just call me Little Wu."


    "That would be so inappropriate."


    "It''s not."


    "Hur hur, can I really call you that?"


    "Of course."


    And so, Wu Zeqing started chatting together with Zhang Ye''s parents, talking andughing throughout their conversation.


    Taking some time out, Wu Zeqing quietly sent a message to Zhang Ye. "I''ve found a seat, I''m sitting together with your parents."


    Very quickly, she got a reply. "Ah???"


    Wu Zeqing: "Hur hur, I''ve wanted to meet your parents for a while now. What a coincidence. I won''t be replying anymore. I want to chat some more with your parents."


    Zhang Ye: "*sweats* OK."


    At this moment, the host, Dong Shanshan, came out!


    When the crowd saw her, they gave her warm apuse immediately!


    "She''s here!"


    "It''s starting!"


    Dong Shanshan announced, "Wee, everyone, to King of Masked Singers, brought to you by our sponsor, Bright Fruit Cocoa. I''m your host, Dong Shanshan. How are all of you?"


    The audience cheered in response!


    After a slew of opening remarks, the main event finally kicked off.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Backstage today, there was so much going on. Two groups of people nearly shed, with one side iming that they could sing really well, while another side imed that they could sing even better. They bickered so much that when I was asked to give my opinion on who was better, I was too scared to answer. I believe that we should let our audience decide!"


    shed?


    Hahaha!


    The audience chuckled!


    Dong Shanshan said, "Next, let''s wee the All-Stars onto the stage to perform '' I Believe 1 '' for everyone!" She handed over the stage.


    Apuse thundered!


    The music started ying!


    Spinach, Liao Yiqi, took her microphone and went out onto the stage. "I wanna fly to the sky, walk beside the Sun. The world waits for me to change it!"


    At the other end of the stage, Zhang Xia appeared and sang, "Never been afraid of others seeing my dreams. Here, I can make it happen!"


    Back on other side, Fan Wenli strode onto stage. "Laughing loudly, let''s walk side by side. Isn''t happiness everywhere!"


    At the other end, Amy appeared. "Casting off all worries, I stride forward bravely. Now I am taking center stage!"


    Li Xiaoxian: "I believe I''m me, I trust tomorrow!"


    Celery: "I believe that youth has no limits."


    Zhang Ye appeared. "Whether sunset at the beach or the crowded streets, it''s the prettiest paradise for me."


    Chen Guang sang loudly, "I believe in freedom. I believe in hope! I believe I can reach out and touch the sky!"


    They sang altogether.


    "With you by my side!


    "Life is more exciting!


    "Every moment so wonderful!


    "I do believe!"


    The contestants were in one group!


    The celebrity guests were in another group!


    They sang one line one after the other as they appeared and took the stage!


    The two groups of people were apparentlypeting, trying to outdo and outsing the person before them!


    The atmosphere in the stadium sh ignited!


    Screams!


    Shouts!


    Clouds darkened the skies as the multicolored glow sticks started toe to life!


    This song was the theme song for The Voice. Back then, Zhang Yuanqi, Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, and Fan Wenli sang it together. Zhang Ye wrote this song!


    Trantor''s Thoughts


    Legge Legge


    I Believe - https://youtu.be/OIVBozo3fTk

 Chapter 1088: ’Vast Horizons’!

    <h4>Chapter 1088: ''Vast Horizons''! </h4>


    Chapter 1088: ''Vast Horizons''!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The audience reached a fever pitch!


    In the open-air stadium, the screaming sounded like it was piercing through the upper atmosphere!


    "Awesome!"


    "What a star-studded event!"


    "All of them sang great!"


    "The song was well-written in the first ce!"


    "That''s for sure. This song was written by Zhang Ye himself!"


    "Chen Guang''s singing is a force to be reckoned with!"


    "I still prefer Zhang Ye a bit more."


    "The two of them don''t have the same style. Old Chen is better at explosive singing while Zhang Ye focuses more on emotional singing."


    "Get lost. Zhang Ye is also very good at explosive singing. Can anyone replicate thatst scream in ''Exaggerated''?"


    "If you wanna put it that way, then Old Chen is also good at emotional songs!"


    "Fuck, what are you two arguing for?"


    "Haha, as to which of those two can sing better, they have to fight it out onstage for us to find out. We won''t know from the song that they just sang."


    The first song ended.


    The audience apuded them!


    Zhang Ye''s mother was also furiously pping in the audience. "Great! Great! C''mon, son!"


    His father gave her a tug and chin-nodded in Wu Zeqing''s direction. "Calm down a little, will you?" He was reminding her that the executive of the organization that oversaw the entertainment industry was sitting beside her.


    But his mother did not care. "Little Wu, who do you think sang better?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Zhang Ye sang the best."


    His mother said happily, "Oh, you think so too?"


    Wu Zeqing replied, "Mhm. I like his songs very much and feel that every one of them is good."


    At that, his mother grabbed Wu Zeqing''s hands with a sense of familiarity and felt that she was bing more and more pleasing to the eye. She started chattering to her again. "Did you know? This kid''s music genes alle from me!"


    Wu Zeqing nodded. "Yes, I can see that."


    His father nearly vomited a mouthful of blood.


    Onstage, it was time for Fan Wenli''s performance.


    When she came out onstage, the apuse went up by several decibels!


    "Petal Shower!"


    "Petal Shower!"


    Everyone was still used to chanting her stage name!


    The next to take the stage was Flowing Time.


    Followed by Spinach.


    Sunset Glow.


    And King of Oddity.


    The singers came out one after another!


    The screaming and shouting at the venue came wave after wave!


    They were midway through the concert when the skies turned even gloomier. Dark clouds blocked the moon and faint roars of thunder could be heard. It seemed like it was going to rain.


    Right at this moment, The Clown took the stage!


    Many of the audience members were shaken!


    Some of them were very tired from pping so much. But when they saw Zhang Ye, they started apuding again, crazy over him!


    Some of Zhang Ye''s diehard fans even stood up and waved Zhang Ye''s LED lightboards excitedly as they screamed his name!


    His mother eximed, "It''s my son''s turn! My son!"


    His father stared at the stage without blinking.


    Wu Zeqing watched him as he walked onto the stage, quietly waiting for his performance today.


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    Fan Wenli and Chen Guang came to the front of the stage.


    Liao Yiqi silently came out as well.


    Zhang Xia, Li Xiaoxian, and Amy did the same.


    When everyone saw each other, they smiled at one another.


    "What are you guys doing out here?"


    "The feels aren''t the same backstage."


    "I''m curious about what song he''ll be singing."


    They were all looking forward to hearing Zhang Ye''s song today, so they came to the front to listen. This was because every song Zhang Ye sang was a song that they had never heard before. It was always going to be a surprise for them!


    ...


    Zhang Ye was already standing in his spot onstage.


    Eight, nine cameras were focused on him!


    Over ten thousand audience members were looking at him!


    Zhang Ye swept his eyes over them and spotted Wu Zeqing in the crowd. He also saw his parents, Fan Wenli and Chen Guang, Grandma Zhang Xia, and the many pairs of eyes of the audience!


    All of a sudden, the music yed.


    Snowkes started drifting around.


    These were "snowkes" generated by the machine at the side of the stadium.


    A lot of people were mesmerized by the effect of the snowkes floating around.


    But then, a voiceover yed through the stadium.


    A man''s voice: "Zhang Ye, you won''t be able to be famous the way you are."


    Another man''s voice: "This path is not suitable for you, please go back."


    A woman''s voice: "You want to be a celebrity with that temper of yours? Who would like you? Ha!"


    A middle-aged man''s voice: "Zhang Ye, you''re fired. Go pack your things and leave!"


    The lonely snowkes gently drifted down!


    Wu Zeqing was stunned!


    Zhang Ye''s parents were stunned!


    Zhang Xia was stunned!


    Fan Wenli was stunned!


    Han Qi''s eyes reddened!


    Just those few lines of the voiceover were enough to stun everyone!


    Zhang Ye opened his eyes and reached out. He tried to grab some of the snowkes but was unable to catch any.


    He sighed, then lightly sang 1 .


    "Tonight, I saw snow drift through the cold sky.


    "With a cooled off heart, I drifted far away.


    "Chasing you in the storm.


    "Can''t tell shadows apart in the fog.


    "You and I in these vast horizons.


    "Can we change?"


    This is what my life has been.


    Today, I will sing it out for all of you to listen to.


    He took two steps forward and looked at everyone as he sang.


    "Many times, I''ve been scorned and ridiculed.


    "But never have I abandoned my ideals.


    "In a fleeting trance.


    "I felt something was missing.


    "Unaware, it faded away.


    "My passion."


    The choir apaniment sang, "Who understands me?"


    Who can understand him?


    Which of us here��can understand him?


    Li Xiaoxian gasped!


    Flowing Time fell silent!


    Listening to him sing, Amy was dumbfounded!


    Zhang Ye suddenly sang loudly.


    "Forgive me for always loving freedom and indulging.


    "I''m afraid I might fall someday too.


    "Discarding one''s ideals.


    "Anyone can do.


    "Why would I be afraid if it''s just you and me?"


    The audience had forgotten how to speak!


    They had forgotten how to p!


    Everyone was just staring dumbfounded at the onstage Zhang Ye.


    At this moment, the voiceover began anew.


    A man''s voice: "Give it up, you won''t be able to make it!"


    Another man''s voice: "Hurry up and go back home!"


    A woman''s voice: "Ha, how far do you think you can make it to with what you have?"


    A middle-aged man''s voice: "You want to say whatever you want to say? You want to sing whatever you want to sing? Do you think you make the decisions around here? Art? Don''t talk to me about art! Just hurry up and kick yourself out of here! Let me tell you this: A person like you, no one in the entire entertainment industry would ever take a liking to you!"


    The audience''s mood was restrained to the extreme!


    His mother felt a niggling sense of uneasiness!


    Zhang Xia and the others also felt like there was something heavy weighing on their chests!


    They knew that these were the past events Zhang Ye had experienced!


    But the very next moment!


    The music soared!


    The guitar sped up the tempo!


    The drums also turned up the heat!


    Zhang Ye''s expression changed as he pointed up to the sky suddenly and sang.


    "I am still who I am!


    "Forever singing as I please!


    "Wherever!


    "I go!"


    With that, the stadium erupted!


    His father stood up from his seat!


    His mother stood up with tears in her eyes!


    Wu Zeqing stood up as well!


    Every one of the audience members started screaming wildly!


    They had been moved!


    They had been stunned!


    Liao Yiqi''s tears flowed without end. "Well done! Teacher Zhang, good on you!"


    Zhang Ye shout-sang.


    "Forgive me for always loving freedom and indulging!


    "I''m afraid I might fall someday too!


    "Discarding one''s ideals! Anyone can do!


    "Why would I be afraid if it''s just you ''n'' me!"


    You all can insult me, underestimate, or even scold me. All of that is fine!


    Just give up on me!


    But I won''t give up on myself!


    Even if everyone in this world discarded their ideals!


    Zhang Ye suddenly turned to where Wu Zeqing was and looked into her eyes.


    "Discarding one''s ideals, anyone can do!


    "Why would I be afraid if it''s just you and me!"


    He smiled.


    And then she smiled.


    Even if there were only the two of them left on this road.


    At least I still have you!


    At least you''ll still be right by my side!


    Trantor''s Thoughts


    Legge Legge


    The song you''ve (probably) been waiting for!


    1. https://youtu.be/vxTICrwS89g


    Didn''t realize, but happy Songkran to our Thai readers!

 Chapter 1089: Do you guys really want to keep listening?

    <h4>Chapter 1089: Do you guys really want to keep listening? </h4>


    Chapter 1089: Do you guys really want to keep listening?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The audience in the stadium was going crazy!


    "This is Zhang Ye!"


    "This is who he is!"


    "Zhang Ye! I love you!"


    "The Clown, you''re the best!"


    "You still have me!"


    "Right, you still have us!"


    "We''ll walk together with you down this road!"


    "Count me in!"


    "There''s me too! Count all of us in!"


    "Why would I be afraid if it''s just you and me!"


    I am still who I am!


    Forever singing as I please!


    These couple of lines in the lyrics had made everyone''s blood surge with passion!


    This was a song by Beyond. This was a song from Zhang Ye''s previous world that could be considered one of the most ssic and greatest songs of all.


    It was called " Vast Horizons 1 ."


    ...


    Outside the stadium.


    In a nearby neighborhood.


    "Hear that? What''s that sound?"


    "It''s going to rain soon. Let''s hurry and get back home."


    "Uh, what''s this shouting that''sing from that direction?"


    "The stadium? Is there a match going on today?"


    "That noisy? Why is it so loud? Who''s shouting over there?"


    "Did you guys forget? That''s the recording ''studio'' for the King of Masked Singers concert!"


    "Damn, what happened over there?"


    "I don''t know, but it does sound like a lot of screaming."


    "Does it have to be so electrifying?"


    ...


    The sky was getting heavier.


    The dark clouds were growing and rain was drizzling.


    There was no forecast of rain during yesterday''s weather report, so the program team did not full preparations for such an event. They immediately deployed some employees to set up several temporary parasols to cover the equipment.


    The stadium was not specialized to handle concerts, but as time had been too tight for them to get a proper ce, they had to make do with this venue. In the entire stadium, only part of the grandstands facing the stage were sheltered. Meanwhile, the rest of the grandstands and the stage were all in the open air. As many of the equipment was not waterproof, they were forced take emergency measures to protect them. However, that would only be effective under light rain conditions.


    But they were really unlucky to meet with such trouble today.


    The wind started picking up!


    The rain became heavier too!


    The audience hurriedly took out their umbres and put on their raincoats.


    "It''s getting heavier!"


    "Quick, go and take shelter!"


    "What''s with this weather!"


    Some people in raincoats insisted on staying where they were.


    A lot of the audience members seated in the front ran back a few rows. There was arge zone there where they could take shelter from the rain for a bit.


    His parents had not brought umbres with them today.


    His motherined, "How could it rain just like that!"


    His father said, "The weather reports are getting more and more inurate these days!"


    Beside them, Wu Zeqing took out an umbre from her bag. "Auntie, Uncle, take this umbre and share it." Then she opened it up and handed it to them.


    His father said, "No, no!"


    His mother did not ept the offer either. "Shelter yourself!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "I don''t need it. If it gets too heavy, I''ll head back for shelter."


    "How can that be fine!" His mother did not expect Chief Wu to be so polite.


    Fortunately, Xiao Lu came running over right at this moment. "Auntie, I have a raincoat over here. I''ll give it to you and go look for another. If there are extras, I''ll get more for you!" She didn''t bother with other people, nor could she care too much about them. But since these were Teacher Zhang''s parents, she must definitely look after them properly. There was a rtionship here, after all.


    His mother said, "Aiya! Thank you then, Xiao Lu."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "That came at just the right time. Let Uncle have the raincoat. Auntie and I can share the umbre." She leaned closer to Zhang Ye''s mother and held up the umbre.


    His mother reached out to take the umbre. "Let me hold it."


    Wu Zeqing said, "There''s no need. You don''t have to be so polite with me."


    Backstage.


    Recording had temporarily been suspended.


    The singers and program team staff were all looking for a ce to take shelter from the rain.


    Hu Fei asked loudly, "How''s it looking? Can we still record?"


    Hou Ge ran over and said, "It''s possible since the cameras are all waterproof, but the instruments and performers are not. With all that rain and wind out there, it''s impossible to sing!"


    Fan Wenli looked at the sky.


    Zhao Qiquan shook his head. "I''m afraid this rain won''t be stopping anytime soon."


    Over there, Zhang Xia, Amy, Li Xiaoxian and a few others were all standing under a temporary sunshade tent to hide from the rain.


    Zhang Ye came up. "How many songs are left?"


    Hu Fei was holding an umbre and said, "There''s still three or four songs left for the set. We were only slightly more than half-done with the concert schedule. There''s still a choir that we invited to perform, as well as the group closing song that all of you were scheduled to sing."


    Xiao Lu returned. "Brother Hu, the rain is getting heavier."


    Hu Fei clenched his teeth and said, "Let''s wait a little longer!"


    After five more minutes.


    The weather did not look like it would get any better.


    King of Oddity shook his head and said, "We can''t sing anymore. The weather won''t allow us to do so."


    Zhao Qiquan (Flowing Time) added, "I think we should cut the recording short. They can''t y music out there anymore. Furthermore, the rain has already gotten so heavy. How can we still sing? Let''s quickly disperse the crowd and get everyone home."


    Amy sighed, "It''s true. We can''t carry on recording."


    Zhang Ye looked over at the audience and saw that no one had left yet.


    Hu Fei said, "Then��"


    "Let''s wait a while," interrupted Zhang Ye.


    Hu Fei looked at Zhang Ye and nodded. "Alright, let''s give it another five minutes."


    Zhao Qiquan frowned and wondered why they still bothered to wait. The weather was clearly not going to clear up!


    King of Oddity also gave a slight shake his head. Who could sing in this bloody weather? There might be a bit of a shelter in the grandstands, but no ce on the stage could shield them from the rain!


    However, the program team staff did not have any objections to waiting. With Zhang Ye''s words already spoken, it was as good as Hu Fei saying them himself. Whenever even Hu Fei could not make a decision on something, he would usually seek Zhang Ye''s advice.


    Soon after.


    The rain did let up a little but still did not stop.


    Chen Guang also spoke up, "We really won''t be able to sing if it goes on like this."


    Xiao Lu anxiously said, "Brother Hu, Director Zhang."


    Dong Shanshan was holding an umbre and talking to the audience from the stage at this moment. "Would everyone please wait for a bit. I have to seek advice from the program team on how to proceed."


    At this time, Xiao Lu hurriedly walked up to the stage and whispered some instructions to Dong Shanshan.


    Dong Shanshan nodded. "Alright, I understand." Then she looked at the audience and said, "I''m terribly sorry, but this sudden downpour was not something that we had anticipated. We were not prepared to handle such weather, so we sincerely apologize on our part. We can''t continue recording, so the concert will end here. Please get ready to leave the stadium and remember to give way to each other."


    When they heard this, many of the audience members started shouting!


    "But why?"


    "The rain''s not that heavy; it''s only a moderate shower!"


    "We still wanna listen!"


    "So few songs have been performed!"


    "Can''t we have a few more songs?"


    "We''re fine!"


    "Right, we don''t want to go!"


    "It was so good! Let us have another song!"


    Several dozen audience members were already starting to stream out of the stadium.


    However, a majority of the audience did not move. They stared at the stage without blinking, some of them sitting in their seats in their raincoats or carrying umbres!


    Dong Shanshan urged, "Please start exiting the stadium. We''re truly sorry about today. Recording will stop here because the musical instruments cannot be yed in the rain, so it isn''t possible to perform anymore. You all can see for yourselves that the stage is open air. We also did not wish for this to happen."


    "Sing a few more songs!"


    "We really haven''t had enough yet!"


    "I came up from Shanghai just to attend this concert!"


    "Just one song would do. Must we end it like this?"


    "We don''t need any musical apaniment. Just sing a cappe!"


    All of a sudden, someone led a chant.


    "Petal Shower!"


    "Petal Shower!"


    "The Clown!"


    "The Clown!"


    "Flowing Time!"


    "Flowing Time!"


    They all chanted the stage names of the contestants!


    The audience was eagerly waiting for them to appear back on stage. This concert had excited them so much that hardly any of them were willing to leave!


    Dong Shanshan was out of ideas. "We''re really��"


    From out of nowhere, Zhang Ye came up onto the stage. "Hand me the microphone."


    Dong Shanshan looked at him and then handed him the microphone. Seeing that he was without an umbre, Dong Shanshan wanted to shield him from the rain.


    However, Zhang Ye fluttered his hand in refusal. He did so because he saw many people in the audience who were still out in the rain. Since they didn''t have umbres, he didn''t want to be shielded by one.


    The rain was soaking Zhang Ye''s shirt.


    Dong Shanshan had no choice but to hand the stage over to him and went back down by herself.


    Facing the audience, Zhang Ye stood in the rain and said, "We can''t carry on recording. The cameras have already stopped. No one can predict the weather, but we were in the wrong too. Please give me some face and quickly go home. It''s too cold out here, and the rain is getting heavier as well. It''s a shame about the concert, but��"


    "But we really want to continue listening!" a middle-aged man shouted.


    A girl yelled, "We''re not afraid of the rain! Really!"


    A mother said, "My kid loves to watch your show. Can we have a few more songs to listen to?"


    Zhang Ye said loudly, "But today''s weather��"


    Suddenly, a little girl of around nine years old somehow made her way up onto the stage. She probably came up via the side stairs, which the staff forgot to watch due to the rain bing heavier.


    The little girl was holding a kids'' umbre with floral patterns on it and walked straight up to Zhang Ye''s side.


    Zhang Ye was startled by her, not knowing what she doing up here. He was just about to tell her that his ce was restricted to non-authorized personnel when the little girl pushed the umbre toward him.


    The little girl was very short and trying very hard to stand on her tippy toes to get the umbre over Zhang Ye''s head.


    Zhang Ye was taken aback by this action and quickly knelt down.


    When a few staff members saw this, they ran over in panic to lead her away.


    But Zhang Ye put his hand up at them to stop them froming over.


    The little girl finally managed to shield Zhang Ye with the umbre. "Brother, please. Can you please sing a few more songs? I will shield you and not let the rain get on you."


    The umbre was very small and could only shield one person at most.


    In the blink of an eye, the girl''s clothes were wet.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Then what will we do about you getting wet?"


    The little girl said determinedly, "I''m not afraid of that!"


    Zhang Ye took the little girl by her hand and pushed the umbre back over her head. "Do you really��wish to keep listening?"


    The little girl nodded vigorously. "Me, my parents, and my brother, we all like you! And we also like Sister Petal Shower and Sister Spinach too!"


    Zhang Ye smiled then. He turned to the audience and looked at the stubborn audience members who were still sitting there. He suddenly asked, "Do you guys really want to keep listening?"


    "Yes!"


    "Yes!"


    "Yes!"


    In an instant, the shouting thundered!


    It even drowned out the rumbling of the thunder!


    Zhang Ye smiled again. "Everyone''s not afraid of getting wet?"


    "No!"


    "No!"


    "Afraid, my balls!"


    Everyone shouted in unison!


    Zhang Ye smiled for the third time. He carried the little girl down the stage and returned her to her mother. Then he went back onstage and looked around it for something.


    Xiao Lu was stunned. "Director Zhang, what are you doing?"


    Han Qi also asked, "What are you nning on doing?"


    The Miracle Wheels band also said, "The rain is so heavy. You��"


    Hou Ge added anxiously, "The cameras have already stopped. We''re not recording any more today! You don''t have to��"


    Stopped recording?


    Won''t be broadcasting this?


    What did all that have to do with him?


    The audience was still here!


    The audience had not left yet!


    If they are not afraid, why should I be afraid?


    If they are not leaving, how can I leave?


    Trantor''s Thoughts


    Legge Legge


    1. https://youtu.be/vxTICrwS89g


    Happy Songkran to our Thai readers!

 Chapter 1090: Singing three songs in a row!

    <h4>Chapter 1090: Singing three songs in a row! </h4>


    Chapter 1090: Singing three songs in a row!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    "Director Zhang!"


    "What are you doing?"


    "We really cannot keep performing in these conditions!"


    "The rain''s too heavy! How can we sing?"


    "Have you gone crazy?"


    "Teacher Zhang, you can''t really intend to��"


    Backstage, a lot of people were frantically trying to dissuade him.


    When they saw Zhang Ye grab an acoustic guitar ced there, the program team, contestants, and celebrity guests all had a look of incredulity on their faces. They knew that Zhang Ye really meant to go onstage and perform. On this windy and rainy day, he was really going to go onstage and sing!


    What are you trying to achieve?


    Why are you doing this?


    Zhang Ye did not say anything and simply strode onto the stage. By the time he finished setting up the microphone stand, he was soaked from head to toe. Then he started ying the acoustic guitar and a melody floated out!


    In the midst of the pouring rain, Zhang Ye''s voice reverberated through the skies!


    The first line of his song stunned the crowd!


    What am I trying to achieve?


    I''m not trying to achieve anything!


    He sang loudly 1 .


    "Inside of my heart, I once had a dream.


    "To make you forget all of your anguish with my singing.


    "Brilliant starry night, who is the true hero?


    "It''s ordinary people who inspire me the most."


    The audience was stunned!


    Everyone was stunned!


    The next second, screams came from all over the stadium!


    He was singing!


    Zhang Ye was singing!


    He really did not leave!


    He really came back on!


    Zhang Ye sang and yed at the same time.


    "No more hate, and no more pain.


    "Now if only throughout the world of man love reigned.


    "Let''s use our songs to gain your sincere smiles.


    "And bless you with an extraordinary life from now on.


    "Seize every second and minute of life!


    "Spare no effort chasing after our dreams!


    "Without wind and rain, how can you see a rainbow!


    "No one can seed at it with just one go!


    "Seize every single inspiration in life!


    "Enthusiastically embrace your beloved friends!


    "Let sincere words, and tears of joy!


    "Ebb and flow and swirl in our hearts!"


    The Miracle Wheels band were all staring with dropped jaws!


    They swore that they had never heard The Clown sing this song before during his rehearsal sessions. When did you write such a song? You can juste up with a song as and when you like? You can just start singing something the moment you open your mouth?


    Han Qi shouted, "Great! Fantastic!"


    Hu Fei suddenly grabbed hold of Hou Ge. "The cameras! Are the cameras on and recording this?"


    Hou Ge turned to look at the cameras that were facing the stage. "They''re on! Two cameras are on!"


    Hu Fei yelled, "Turn them all on! All of them!"


    Hou Ge said, "All?"


    Hu Fei shouted, "Hurry up!"


    Hou Ge immediately said, "OK!"


    When the song ended, the apuse was thunderous!


    It was clearly raining!


    The rain was very loud!


    The acoustic guitar that Zhang Ye was ying did not have enough volume to be heard in such a noisy environment!


    Yet the apuse was so loud! It was at least twice as loud as when most of the singers performed before the rain! This happened because the audience was moved. Because someone was willing to stand out here in the wind and rain and sing for them! To them, celebrities were all very precious figures. Especially an A-list star like Zhang Ye. They were even more precious than most. Everywhere they went, they would have bodyguards surrounding and protecting them!


    But Zhang Ye was not like that!


    He was really singing for them!


    He was sincerely singing for them!


    Even if he was drenched by the downpour!


    Wu Zeqing showed a happy smile.


    His mother was also very excited. "That''s how my son is! That''s how he is!"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Your son was born with a special kind of charm. Many people find it odd that others would like a celebrity with a temperament like his. But for me, I think those people who don''t like him are odd."


    Zhang Xia gave a wry smile. "What a nice song!"


    Chen Guang was also getting a little pumped up listening to him!


    The audience was chanting:


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    Brilliant starry night.


    Who is the true hero?


    You''re the hero today!


    At least to us, you''re everyone''s hero today!


    The next second, the guitar melody switched up!


    Zhang Ye did not even take a breather for more than a minute. He sang 2 .


    "ck coffee is a little strong.


    "I just need the lightness of soda.


    "Daydreaming during this heat wave.


    "I dreamed that I became a rainbow.


    "I have the urge to start running.


    "With you here, even falling down is fine.


    "I will chase my dreams without fear.


    "Our sweat records our glory.


    "There are all kinds of characters in a movie.


    "And every one of them has a dream of their own.


    "Negativity on the big screen just isn''t shown.


    "I wanna hold your hands in the rain! And! Wait! For! The! Rainbow!"


    In the rain?


    Wait for the rainbow?


    The audience instantly cheered!


    Zhang Ye pointed at the little girl who came up onto the stage earlier to give him an umbre and pointed at everyone as he sang.


    "You say I am your superhero!


    "As well as your asional guest punching bag!


    "I''m perfectly happy to ept this honor!


    "To be the firefly by your side!


    "Ah, oh, ai!


    "So if I really am your superhero!


    "Let me sing you this love song at this time!


    "Love blossoms with a little understanding!


    "I''ll be the hero you''re the proudest of!"


    The audience chanted in unison.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    This was the second song!


    No, that''s not right!


    Counting "Vast Horizons," this was his third song in a row! Further, he was singing in this heavy rain without even taking a break!


    A few of Zhang Ye''s fans felt their hearts ache and cried!


    "Rest for a while!"


    "Teacher Zhang, rest for a while!"


    "The rain is too heavy!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    A lot of people were shouting!


    Hu Fei also said anxiously, "Quick, go and tell Zhang Ye to take a break. He better not have something happen to him!"


    The physical exertion on a person during a rainy day was veryrge. To go all out and be singing like the way that he did, even a man of steel would not be able to take it. During the first episode of King of Masked Singers, Zhang Ye had nearly copsed due to a high fever and "cold." At that time, he really gave everyone on the program team a huge scare!


    However, the very next second!


    The melody of the guitar in Zhang Ye''s hand changed again. He started ying and jumping around at the same time!


    Once!


    Twice!


    Thrice!


    His ying sped up!


    The melody sped up!


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye used a very high-pitched voice that a normal singer would usually not be able to reach and scream-sang 3 .


    "I won''t get tired at all!


    "I have danced for three days and three nights!


    "I''ll get drunk just drinking soda in this state!


    "Oh!"


    Hu Fei was dumbfounded!


    Spinach was dumbfounded!


    All of the audience members were also stunned. But right afterwards, the atmosphere reached a high!


    A lot of people were pulled along by the rhythm of the music and started screaming and jumping as well!


    Zhang Ye yed the guitar andughed loudly at the same time:


    "There''s no way I''ll get exhausted!


    "I wanna dance another three days and three nights!


    "I feel so light that I believe I can fly!"


    All of a sudden, the Miracle Wheels drummer rushed up onto the stage and took his seat. He started ying a beat!


    The Miracle Wheels guitarist roared withughter. He could not use the electric guitar in this circumstance, so he grabbed another acoustic guitar and went up on stage as well!


    Zhang Ye sang loudly.


    "Join in along with me!


    "Jumping from morning till night!


    "You won''t lose out being happy!


    "Don''t even think to refuse!"


    The stadium hit a fever pitch!


    Screaming wasing from every directions!


    "Three days, three nights, into thete night, dancing without a stop!"


    "Three days, three nights, into thete night, staying up with just music!"


    "Three days, three nights, into thete night, all that''s left is sweat!"


    "Three days and three nights, into thete night! Ba ba ba! Ba ba ba ba ba!"


    Zhang Ye shouted at the top of his lungs!


    The pitch of his voice went higher with every syble he sang!


    "I won''t get tired at all!


    "I won''t get tired at all-l-l-l!


    "I won''t get tired at all-l-l-l-l-l!"


    " True Heroes 4 "!


    " Superhero 5 "!


    " Three Days and Three Nights 6 "!


    Performing three songs in a row, Zhang Ye left the audience in a state of utter shock!


    Trantor''s Thoughts


    Legge Legge


    Concert-in-progress:


    True Heroes - https://youtu.be/8muHAPkljwQ


    Superhero - https://youtu.be/a4mFO9q8aVc


    Three Days and Three Nights - https://youtu.be/zx01za5NGbY

 Chapter 1091: Please put your hands up and wave them for me!

    <h4>Chapter 1091: Please put your hands up and wave them for me! </h4>


    Chapter 1091: Please put your hands up and wave them for me!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The rain continued to fall!


    The wind was still blowing!


    But the atmosphere in the stadium had somehow reached its highest point!


    "Ah!"


    "This is so good that I could die!"


    "Zhang Ye is so awesome!"


    "Where did he get all those songs from!"


    "Yeah, how did he write all that!"


    "Could he have written them beforehand? Or did hee up with it spontaneously?"


    "Damn, surely he couldn''t have made that up on the spot, could he?"


    "Then why does every line in the songs fit the atmosphere here so well?"


    "Who knows!"


    "This is what you call genius!"


    "I love him to death!"


    "A singer like that, a guy like that, how could anyone not like him!"


    "Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye!"


    On the stage.


    Zhang Ye was already experiencing shortness of breath as he made his way down the stage. However, he did not look like he was tired at all. In fact, he kept smiling even though the raindrops were hitting his face. It was like he was totally unaware of it.


    Han Qi was getting anxious. "Teacher Zhang, rest for a bit!"


    Zhang Ye waved her off and said in a hoarse voice, "Do you have water?"


    "Yes! Yes! I''ll go get it!" Xiao Lu ran off to get some water.


    Fan Wenli came up to him with an umbre. "Director Zhang, you''re like this." She gave him a thumbs up and continued, "Whether it''s your singing, personality, or character, I''m really impressed by you."


    The other singers and guests looked deeply at Zhang Ye.


    They all knew that recording wouldn''t continue anymore, so there was no need for them to perform. The cameras had been stopped, so even if you continued to sing, there wouldn''t be anyone other than the ten thousand-odd audience members at the venue watching. Was there a need to continue singing? Was there a need to do so much?


    Zhang Ye was feeling extremely thirsty, and he gulped down three mouthfuls of water.


    Han Qi and Xiao Lu stood around him with umbres as they used towels to wipe his face and hair, wet from the rain.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''m different from you guys. All of you are better qualified and started at a better position than me. About my matters, Old Yao should know them the best."


    Yao Jiancai was also present today. When he heard that, heughed and said, "Back when Little Zhang and I were banned, we couldn''t get any work and could not even take anymercial appearances. You could say that we were left with no options at all. Do you guys know what we ended up doing? We went to join the Crosstalk and Skit Competition. At that time, the stage was much smaller than this ce that we''re at now. There were also much fewer people in the audience, probably around a hundred to two hundred at most. We knew very well that Central TV might cut our scenes in the broadcast, but we still practiced day and night without rest and took our crosstalk performance very seriously. Every joke segment was rehearsed and tweaked so many times. You wouldn''t know how it felt, but as long as there was a single audience member watching, we would definitely do our best and put on a good show."


    Zhang Xia was silent.


    Chen Guang was silent.


    Liao Yiqi, Zhao Qiquan, and the others were also silent.


    Yao Jiancaiughed and said, "So after that time, Little Zhang and I changed a lot. Picking what shows to appear on? Acting like big shots? Both of us know very well that we were not qualified to do so."


    But now, they could do so.


    They were qualified to be picky!


    They could behave like big shots if they wanted to!


    However, the motivation they experienced during those days was something they would never forget for the rest of their lives. When they were at their wits'' end, when everyone had left them for dead, when they were faced with so many sets of cold and doubting eyes offstage, someone had actually shouted their names in excitement, cried for them, and cheered them on. It was like a wisp of fire in the ice ins that was so heartwarming. From that, they knew they had not been totally given up on yet and that there were still people waiting for their return! That kind of feeling just couldn''t be described with words. It was truly an unforgettable experience for them!


    During our most difficult times, all of you apanied us by encouraging and supporting us.


    So now that you guys wanted to continue listening to us sing?


    How could we not sing for you!


    What reasons could we have for not wanting to sing for you!


    Zhang Ye picked up his microphone and smiled. Then he went up onto the stage again.


    Looking at his receding figure, Fan Wenli, Amy, and the others suddenly felt in awe of him!


    The audience was screaming.


    "He''sing!"


    "Zhang Ye ising back on again!"


    "He still hasn''t left! He hasn''t gone yet!"


    Apuse rang out all of a sudden!


    Round after round of apuse. Some people even threw aside their umbres to p with all their might!


    Hearing the apuse and seeing the excited crowd, Zhang Ye suddenly thought of many past incidents. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.


    Then, he raised his microphone.


    Zhang Ye crooned 1 :


    "Once again, I drowned in the sound of apuse.


    "You looked so excited in front of me.


    "In the dark,


    "the world has seemed to have stopped turning.


    "Our hands are not needed for our hearts to embrace."


    The audience froze!


    Is this song��written for us?


    Are you��singing this song for us?


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye walked off the stage and strode toward the audience. Then he took out some foldable umbres and raincoats he found backstage and opened up one to hand to a female audience member who was sitting there in the rain and constantly shouting Zhang Ye''s name.


    That teenage girl was startled, and she immediately teared up. "Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye handed the umbre to her and sang:


    "If I get lost in the storm one day.


    "I know that you will heal the pain and ay it."


    He handed another umbre to a middle-aged audience member.


    "Perhaps our worlds are always going to be a bit unique.


    "But I know that you will stay with me through the bleak and shrieking storm!"


    The teenage girl covered her mouth and started crying!


    He walked another two steps before giving out a raincoat to a couple who was here with their child.


    He did not open an umbre for himself!


    He did not put on a raincoat for himself!


    Zhang Ye just sang loudly.


    "Please raise your hands and wave them again for me!


    "Then I will know just where you are standing!


    "Life passes in a hurry!


    "I hope we can share our glories!


    "I hope our dreams will never fail!"


    Pandemonium spread through the crowd!


    Some of them started crying!


    Someone raised their hands and waved them about!


    Followed by a second person!


    10 people!


    100 people!


    1,000 people!


    "Please raise your hands and wave them again for me!


    "Then I will know just where you are standing!


    "Perhaps one day I''ll get too old to sing or to walk!


    "But I will still offer you my sincerest smile!"


    All of a sudden, Zhang Xia led the way and walked over as well!


    Fan Wenli!


    Liao Yiqi!


    Chen Guang!


    Amy!


    Li Xiaoxian!


    All of them gradually followed as well!


    They each held an umbre in their hands and walked toward the audience. Then they handed them to the audience members who were still standing in the pouring rain and exposed themselves to the weather in the process of doing so!


    A male fan was overwhelmed by this. "No, I can''t ept this!"


    But Fan Wenli did not say anything and just gave the umbre to him.


    Then.


    Zhao Qiquan!


    King of Oddity!


    And all of the other singers also followed along!


    Zhang Ye continued singing.


    "Much thanks for going through thick and thin with me.


    "Thank the Heavens


    "that I have you to understand me.


    "I''m grateful that we can still smile


    "through our tears.


    "Although we must treasure every single moment we have together!"


    The rain overhead seemed to have stopped.


    Zhang Ye looked up and found that there was an umbre over him.


    He continued walking forward and another umbre opened for him!


    With every step that he took, another umbre opened up over his head!


    Zhang Ye did not know why, but his hands started trembling and his eyes also reddened from out of nowhere.


    Fan Wenli, Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, Amy, and the others hade forward and were standing together with Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye sang loudly.


    "Please raise your hands and wave them again for us!


    "Then we will know just where you are standing!


    "Life passes in a hurry. / I hope we can share our glory. / I hope our dreams will never fail!


    "Please raise your hands and wave them again for us!


    "Let us keep the love burning in our hearts!


    "Perhaps one day I''ll get too old to sing or to walk!


    "But I will still offer you my sincerest smile!"


    This was thest song of the day!


    It was thest song on King of Masked Singers!


    But this was not the end yet!


    Believe me, anytime you guys need me.


    I will surely be there!


    I will definitely be there!


    Everyone was waving their hands!


    Everyone was waving their hands for them and shouting their names over and over again!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Fan Wenli!"


    "Li Xiaoxian!"


    "Zhao Qiquan!"


    "Zhang Xia!"


    "Chen Guang!"


    This song had elevated the concert to new heights!


    A single person had made a stadium of 10,000 people wave their hands for him!


    Trantor''s Thoughts


    Legge Legge


    1. For Everyone Who Knows My Name - https://youtu.be/CK6mMl5035U


    If you noticed the URL, I think this means it''s sung by CKtalon. Please ask him to do a live performance for you all

 Chapter 1092: Celebrity Rankings Index maintenance completed! Zhang Ye’s ranking!

    <h4>Chapter 1092: Celebrity Rankings Index maintenancepleted! Zhang Ye''s ranking! </h4>


    Chapter 1092: Celebrity Rankings Index maintenancepleted! Zhang Ye''s ranking!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Saturday night.


    Today was the broadcast of the King of Masked Singers'' closing concert!


    Those who did not have the chance to attend the live recording were all waiting at their televisions. They switched their channels to Beijing Television and were nervously looking forward to the start of the broadcast. They were anticipating it so much because they really wanted to listen to Zhang Ye, Fan Wenli, Li Xiaoxian, and the others'' sing again, especially since it was a live concert as well as the farewell concert of King of Masked Singers. As some of the singers did not take off their masks to reveal themselves until the grand finalsst week, everyone was still left wanting for more. They were nervous because everyone knew that there was a sudden downpour in Beijingst night and that the concert venue was in an open-air space!


    So how could they sing?


    How did they manage to record?


    Would they stop the concert halfway through?


    The show started broadcasting.


    The singers made their appearances one by one.


    Sure enough, a light spattering of rain could be seen on television screens halfway through the concert. There was also a very strong wind gusting!


    Dong Shanshan announced onstage that recording would be cut short.


    "As expected!"


    "Why didn''t they carry on recording!"


    "Uh, it ended just like that?"


    "Surely not, right?"


    "I haven''t heard enough yet!"


    "How can this be? Has it really ended?"


    "I''ve been waiting the entire week and they only sang those few songs?"


    "It can''t be helped. The rain was really too heavy."


    "Right, we have to be understanding too and not me them for it."


    However, just when everyone started discussing this and when many of them were about to change the channel or turn off their television, they suddenly heard a singing voiceing from it. It stunned everyone!


    ...


    "True Heroes".


    "Inside of my heart, I once had a dream.


    "To make you forget all of your anguish with my singing."


    ...


    "Superhero".


    "You say that I am your superhero!


    "As well as your asional guest punching bag!"


    ...


    "Three Days and Three Nights".


    "I''m won''t get tired at all!


    "I have danced for three days and three nights!"


    ...


    Old Zhang''s home.


    Ning Lan and Fang Weihong were also here today.


    Watching Zhang Ye on the television ying and singing simultaneously in the rain, they were all stunned!


    Fang Weihong couldn''t help but say, "This is really nice to listen to!"


    Ning Lan eximed, "Those songs were all written by him?"


    Zhang Yuanqiughed and said, "Ning Lan, I think there will be a threat to your spot in the Celebrity Rankings Index this year."


    "Hmm? Ning Lan blinked and said, "Surely Zhang Ye couldn''t be on such a heaven-defying streak, could he? My poprity gained this year should be quite good. I have taken seven movie projects, and I''m now at second ce on the A-list rankings. Zhang''er''s poprity ranking is still not updated since the system is still undergoing maintenance. Even if they include all the songs that he sang today, he couldn''t possibly jump straight from the bottom two ces of the A-list to the front few, could he? No one has ever done that before!"


    Fang Weihong, who also seemed very optimistic about Zhang Ye''s chances, said, "There was no such precedence before, but that doesn''t mean that it won''t happen. You can''t usemon sense with him!"


    ...


    At Peking University.


    Summer break had arrived, but a lot of the students did not go back home. It was not that they were unable to get hold of the bus tickets, but that many of them wanted to stay behind to finish watching King of Masked Singers!


    At the moment, uproars urred in many of the dormitories!


    Many students were screaming one after the other!


    "That was so exciting to watch!"


    "Ahhhh!"


    "Professor Zhang is so cool!"


    "I can feel my blood coursing through my veins in excitement!"


    "Me too! I had an eargasm!"


    "How exhrating! That was so damn exhrating!"


    ...


    When thest song was performed, the emotions of every single viewer around the country watching on Beijing Television reached a crazy high!


    "Much thanks


    "for going through thick and thin with me.


    "Thank the Heavens


    "that I have you to understand me.


    "Please raise your hands and wave them again for me!


    "Then I will know just where you are standing!"


    Zhang Ye''s fanbase numbers exploded!


    The most direct indicator was the number of followers on his Weibo, which had already reached an rming 25 million people. In the few days after Zhang Ye had taken off his mask during the King of Masked Singers grand finals, his follower count on Weibo had increased by about a million per day. It could be said that this growth was defying the heavens to the extreme!


    "Zhang Ye, you''re fantastic!"


    "Teacher Zhang, we should be the ones thanking you! It was you who went through thick and thin with us! It''s you who understands us!"


    "As long as you''re around, we''ll raise our hands and forever wave them for you!"


    "Right, forever!"


    "What an impact!"


    "Why wasn''t I present that day?!"


    Back at home.


    Zhang Ye was currently on the phone with Hu Fei.


    Zhang Ye said in surprise: "Why did it get broadcast?"


    Hu Feiughed and said: "How could we not include such impactful scenes?"


    Zhang Ye said nervously: "I thought you stopped recording?"


    "We did say so at first. But when you opened your mouth to sing, I quickly got the staff to turn on all the cameras." Hu Feiughed and said: "If this part had been lost, it would have been such a shame."


    Zhang Ye gave a wry smile and said: "The musical apaniment was not clear enough and the noise from the rain was so loud that it affected the microphone''s reception. My singing was also just average, so I''m not satisfied with how I did."


    Hu Fei said: "Look at how the stadium was at the time. There were so many people who were moved by the performance, and you''re still saying that it''s only average? Everyone, including me, felt that it was very good. I can guarantee that even if you had recorded the songs in a studio, you would not be able to get such a good atmosphere like we had from the live audience. The musical apaniment could be improved on and the environmental noise like the rain could be removed, but we won''t be able to replicate the same kind of atmosphere and impact it had on the audience. Therefore, this is already the best version there is!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "I guess. You''re the executive director, so your say is what matters."


    ...


    On the same night.


    At 12 AM.


    Weibo buzzed with activity.


    "It''s almost out!"


    "Are thetest celebrity rankings out yet?"


    "Not yet."


    "I wonder if Zhang Ye''s name will be there after the rankings are refreshed today."


    "It hasn''t been fixed yet? Didn''t they say it would be out by this week?"


    "Yeah, it''s already Saturday. Why hasn''t it been updated yet?"


    "How much will Zhang Ye''s poprity score increase by?!"


    Many of Zhang Ye''s fans were waiting at theirputers and constantly refreshing the ranking index. They really wanted to know what Zhang Ye''s ranking was now!


    It wasn''t only Zhang Ye''s fans.


    There were alsoizens from everywhere else.


    And those industry insiders from the entertainment industry.


    Everyone was getting really curious because Zhang Ye''s performance on King of Masked Singers was simply too shocking. The show had created yet another viewership legend with the published nationwide viewership rating of the grand finals'' live broadcast standing at 3.89% and setting a new record in the process. Coupled with several billion views online throughout the entire run of the show, it could be said that the majority of people had watched the show. Together with the farewell concert, everyone was wondering just how popr Zhang Ye had gotten!


    At 12:05 AM.


    The rankings were suddenly updated!


    There were exmations throughout Weibo!


    "The rankings are out!"


    "The updated rankings are out!"


    "It has been updated!"


    "Zhang Ye''s name is in there!"


    "The rankings have been fixed!"


    "Holy shit! Quickly have a look!"


    On thetest Celebrity Rankings Index, Zhang Ye''s ranking had vanished from thest two ces on the A-list rankings!


    He overtook one person!


    He overtook five people!


    He overtook ten people!


    Jiang Hanwei.


    Huo Dongfang.


    Zhang Ye jumped past all of them in one leap!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s name glittered at the third spot on the A-list Celebrity Rankings. There were only two people ahead of him. One of them was a superstar who was ranked first on the A-list and the other was Ning Lan, who was ranked second!


    He had reached the top of the A-list rankings!


    Zhang Ye had reached the top of the A-list rankings in the span of one night!


    He was nearing the S-list Heavenly Kings and Queens in front of him!


    No one had experienced such an explosive one-time surge in their poprity before. At the level of the A-list Celebrity Rankings, the difference in the poprity scores that separated each position was enormous. Some people might be able to jump from the E-list to the C-list celebrity rankings overnight, but the poprity score difference for such a jump would probably not evenpare to the difference in poprity scores between thest and third tost ces on the A-list Celebrity Rankings! At the level of the A-listers, every step taken was fraught with difficulty! It would require a massive leap in poprity in order to surpass the person ahead in the rankings. As such, before the appearance of Zhang Ye, there hadn''t really been any major changes in the A-list Celebrity Rankings for many years!


    But now the wolf arrived!


    On this night, Zhang Ye''s ranking moved up by more than 10 spots!


    Theizens were shocked.


    "Oh my God!"


    "Third? He''s ranked third in the A-list rankings?"


    "Zhang Ye has entered the ranks of the superstars?"


    "Holy shit, that was too fast! That was too fucking fast!"


    "Dammit! Zhang Ye is really too heaven defying!"


    "The difference between an A-list celebrity''s poprity score can be huge and on apletely different level. A celebrity at the bottom of the A-list rankings would at most be considered a big name or big shot. Only the top three A-list celebrities are considered superstars! And yet, Teacher Zhang reached that spot in just one night? I''m floored!"


    "This is too frightening!"


    "Teacher Zhang has ascended to the thrones of the superstars!"


    "How long has it been since he was promoted to A-list? And now, he''s almost reaching the top?"


    "Ahhhh!"


    The industry was also in a state of shock!


    They had thought about how Zhang Ye''s poprity might surge by a lot, and that it might even be an unprecedented kind of surge. But still, they never expected it to increase by so much!


    Third in the A-list rankings?


    A domestic superstar?


    This was simply unbelievable!


    China''s ranks of superstars had actually ushered in a "raffish"...host!?

 Chapter 1093: The Superstar’s Crew!

    <h4>Chapter 1093: The Superstar''s Crew! </h4>


    Chapter 1093: The Superstar''s Crew!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Early in the morning.


    The weather was clear and there were clouds drifting across the sky outside the window.


    Some people went to bed earlyst night and did not know about what had happened after midnight. It wasn''t until this morning when they woke up that they realized that something big had happened in the entertainment industry. It was already everywhere in the newspapers!


    "Zhang Ye joins ranks of superstars!"


    "Third ranked A-list celebrity!"


    "Shooting to fame overnight! An unprecedented rise!"


    "The poprity score that took the entire rankings system down!"


    "Zhang Ye''s ban lifted!"


    "King of Masked Singers: Zhang Ye''s best move!"


    "Zhang Ye returns!"


    "Zhang Ye''s friends offer congrattions!"


    "Many in industry speechless and have yet to express thoughts!"


    It was also as lively over on Weibo!


    "What?"


    "Zhang Ye rose to third in the A-list rankings?"


    "Damn, what happened while I was asleep?"


    "Congrattions, Teacher Zhang! This is such exciting news!"


    "Zhang Ye the Mighty!"


    "Teacher Zhang, work harder and move up further, to the S-list!"


    "Pfft, I think it''s better to forget about the S-list. He only just experienced a breakthrough in his poprity, but it hasn''t stabilized yet. Let''s wait for Teacher Zhang to consolidate his position first. Only then will he be considered to be among the superstars."


    "This is so awesome!"


    "So there are actually so many people who like him?"


    The country was still in a state of shock!


    Everyone was discussing this turn of events, be it on the television, newspapers, or online. Even in the streets, the discussions were all about Zhang Ye.


    ...


    At his parents'' house.


    Zhang Ye was actually quite calm at this moment.


    His phone had woken him up early in the morning and it hadn''t stopped ringing since.


    His old ssmate, Yu Yingyi:


    "My superstar ssmate, how are you?"


    "Ha! Are you poking fun at me?"


    "Can I ask you how you''re feeling right now?"


    "I just feel like sleeping for a while longer. I''ve been tired out by all that has happened in recent days."


    "You''ve gotten really popr now. You''re the most popr host in the country right now. There has never been a professional host who has ever reached the level you''re at now. This has never before happened in the history of hosting either. Haha, you''ve really done the bunch of us old ssmates proud this time, and also brought glory to us broadcast hosts!"


    "Whoa, are my contributions that great?"


    "Of course, so you should treat us to a meal."


    "Hai, was that what you were really after, woman!"


    Ning Lan''s call:


    "Congrattions."


    "Thank you, Sister Ning."


    "Please have mercy on me. You''re right behind me in the rankings."


    "Oh,e on. I can''t possibly surpass you."


    "You say that. I''m just afraid that you''ll suddenly pass me the moment I take my attention off you. I''ve decided to take on another two film projects this year. The momentum of your poprity is way too strong."


    "I''m still far behind you in terms of our poprity."


    "It''s not that great a difference anymore. Are you trying to blindside me and then suddenly deal me a heavy blow?"


    "Damn, am I such a person?"


    "Did you think you had a good reputation? Haha!"


    Liao Yiqi.


    Chen Guang.


    Fan Wenli.


    Yao Jiancai.


    Dong Shanshan.


    Zhang Zuo.


    Ci Xiufang.


    More than a dozen friends called to offer their congrattions.


    After a full hour of receiving calls.


    Zhang Ye was no longer feeling sleepy. He hummed a ditty and got out of bed to wash up. Looking out into the living room, he shouted twice and found that his parents were not home. His mother had probably dragged his father out somewhere to boast. He smiled at the thought of that but was actually already quite used to it. Then he checked the fridge and took out some leftovers to reheat for breakfast.


    What was different about being a superstar?


    To him, it didn''t feel like there was any difference.


    Just look, he still had to eat leftovers.


    He was not exactly prepared for this surge in his poprity either. He might seem rather calm now, but he was really not prepared for it. He had suddenly reached third ce on the A-list rankings? If this had happened to anyone else, they would also be in for a shock. Thinking back now, Zhang Ye had set a goal for himself this year to see if he could climb up into the A-list rankings. But he never thought he would only need a few months to get there. And who would have thought that he would even make it to third ce after just another few months of being on the A-list rankings! He had as good as jumped several rungs, each time further than thest. It was no wonder that the industry insiders andizens found it difficult to ept since even Zhang Ye himself was quite stunned by it!


    At this moment, Rao Aimin called.


    To return a very big favor, Old Rao had now taken on the role of Zhang Ye''s agent. Although Old Rao had quite an unreasonable personality, did many things quite half-heartedly, and also possessed a sharp tongue, she still handled many of Zhang Ye''s matters diligently. At least, she had never let him down when it came to his work.


    Old Rao: "What are you up to?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "I just finished eating."


    "You''re still in the mood to eat? I haven''t slept a wink sincest night!" Rao Aimin immediately started scolding: "Did you have nothing better to do than go onto King of Masked Singers? Why did you have to go and sing? Now that you''ve be so popr, I''m starting to get all kinds of inquiries. Do you know how many calls I''ve taken in these past few days? Huh? Over 200! Seven film crews invited you to take part in their productions, eight television stations wanted to cooperate with you on some shows, nine musicpanies were hoping to sign a contract with you, and 60-plusmercial performance leads came knocking on your door. There were also some other calls which I don''t really remember anymore!"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said: "It was hard on you, hard on you."


    Rao Aimin said impatiently: "Are you gonna take any of those offers?"


    "Not for now. I want to rest up for a period of time first." Zhang Ye said: "Besides, I haven''t thought of what I want to do next, so let''s wait it out for now."


    "Alright, I understand then." Rao Aimin even instructed at the end of the call: "Don''t get any more famous than you already are. It''s good enough. Don''t overdo it."


    Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Eh?"


    Rao Aimin suggested: "If you''re free and have nothing to do, go and scold more people and get into more fights. Make yourself less popr. Alright, I''m hanging up!"


    Zhang Ye said: "It''s only for a while. It''ll get better as soon as the poprity dies down."


    An agent requesting for her celebrity client to not get too famous? To go and scold more people? Get into more fights? What the fuck, what kind of requests were those? In the entire industry, perhaps only Rao Aimin would say something like that!


    However, Zhang Ye was not angry about this. Old Rao was never really an agent to begin with. She was just an amateur agent who did things ording to the mood she was in. He got Rao Aimin to be his agent simply for the reason of "protection." He had made too many enemies and offended too many people. If he had appointed someone else to be his agent, Zhang Ye would definitely be worried about them. What if something were to happen or his enemies wanted to take revenge? If that happened, Zhang Ye would have brought harm onto others. But if it was Old Rao, he wouldn''t have to worry. She had more or less fully recovered from her injuries by now, so not even several dozen people would be able to get close to her. Further, she could help Zhang Ye turn down some work as well. This made things much simpler for Zhang Ye. Otherwise, he would have had to handle everything and answer all the calls by himself. Even if there were 25 hours in a day, it wouldn''t be enough, so he could only trouble Old Rao with this for the time being.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    It was a call from his junior sister.


    Yang Shu said: "Senior Bro, do you need me around today?"


    "I don''t. What are you nning to do?"


    "Then I won''t go over to your ce. I''m teaching shadowboxing now."


    "Don''t get into trouble with the Urban Management Bureau 1 ."


    "Ah, OK."


    Right now, Zhang Ye''s team was simply a motley crew of people.


    The four of them could basically bebeled as the oddest team of people in the entire entertainment industry.


    The star, Zhang Ye: The publicly acknowledged most wondrous person in the entertainment industry.


    The agent, Rao Aimin: A martial arts grandmaster without a proper job. A well-known hooligan of the martial arts world who hopes daily for Zhang Ye''s poprity to drop.


    The bodyguard-cum-chauffeur, Yang Shu: A rash woman who only thinks of making Taiji Fist famous again. Often found giving out pamphlets to the elderly in the closest neighborhoods and asking them to take up Taiji shadowboxing, dealing a blow to the town square dance group that was just starting to get popr!


    Logistics, Wu Zeqing: The only normal person among all of them.


    Hai.


    This was what made up a superstar''s crew. Sometimes, Zhang Ye even felt that it would be too embarrassing to speak of this to others.


    It would be a long road ahead.


    There was still much left to do.

 Chapter 1094: Zhang Ye’s request for leave!

    <h4>Chapter 1094: Zhang Ye''s request for leave! </h4>


    Chapter 1094: Zhang Ye''s request for leave!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that morning.


    His parents were still not home yet.


    He watched television.


    Listened to music.


    It felt like a pretty good way to spend his time.


    Zhang Ye was ready to give himself half a month of break and not take on any jobs for the moment. He would just not bother with anything and rest up for a period of time. Every time he had a major breakthrough in his career, Zhang Ye would do this afterwards. It could be said that this was a habit of his, and the media and citizens had also gotten used to this casual attitude of his. Further, now that Zhang Ye had sessfully gained entry into the ranks of the superstars, he would need to rest for an even longer period of time. As the saying goes, to rest is to prepare for a stronger challenge ahead. After he had taken a long enough break, he would go back and continue causing a stir in the entertainment industry. He still needed to think of a way to get to the top of the A-list rankings, so how could he not recharge first?


    Ring, ring, ring.


    The calls kepting. There were reporters seeking interviews and advertisers who bypassed his agent to get in touch with him directly to invite him to take somemercial filming. Zhang Ye rejected all of them.


    He decided to make an announcement on Weibo.


    Zhang Ye: "Applying for half a month''s leave. I will not be taking any work in this period of time so that I can get some rest. If there are any urgent matters, please contact my agent."


    After he posted it, Zhang Ye called Wu Zeqing.


    "Old Wu, where are you?"


    "I have a meeting today in the suburbs."


    "You''re so busy on a Sunday too?"


    "Is something the matter?"


    "I miss you. What time will you be back from the meeting?"


    "It should end at around 3 or 4 in the afternoon, but I need to go back to my parents'' ce first. They arranged a blind date for me again, so I need to go back to sort it out them."


    "They''re still arranging blind dates for you? Have you told them about us yet?"


    "I''ve brought it up before but did not mention who you were. I told them that I have a boyfriend and that he has a sessful career. I also mentioned that you have quite a good character and are a little younger than me. My mother was quite alright with it and did not say anything, but my father was pretty against it. He did not even ask who you were and just objected to it, so I''ll still need to work on him a little."


    "Hai, that''s tough."


    "Let me get everything settled here first before I bring you to formally meet my parents."


    "Alright, give me a call tonight after you''re done with everything."


    "OK."


    A blind date?


    He would have to seize the chance and quickly marry Old Wu. That was what mattered the most!


    After hanging up, he continued browsing through Weibo and was met with a bustle of activity.


    Countlessizens had replied to his post!


    "Applying for leave again?"


    "Pfft, Teacher Zhang is so wilful!"


    "With your poprity soaring, now''s the best time to make more money. Why are you applying for leave at such a crucial time?"


    "In all of showbiz, only Teacher Zhang would do something like this!"


    "Hahaha, isn''t this how he''s always been?"


    "Not approved!"


    "Right, your leave is not approved!"


    "I won''t agree to it either!"


    "Rejected!"


    "The reason for your leave request is inadequate!"


    "Rejected! Rewrite your application!"


    "Heehee!"


    Quite a number of people started bantering.


    When Zhang Ye saw this, he didn''t know whether tough or cry. You guys aren''t even allowing me to take a leave of absence? If I don''t take some time off to rest and spend time with my girlfriend, she''ll run off soon!


    He posted an update to his request for leave. "I''ve nearly forgotten what my girlfriend looks like. I would like to go and see her, so please approve of my leave."


    This was a very famous reason to request leave in Zhang Ye''s previous world.


    When this was posted, a lot of the media personnel and fellow industry peers were taken aback!


    "Ah!"


    "Zhang Ye has a girlfriend?"


    "Who is it? Who is it!"


    "Damn, this is big news!"


    "There was no news about this before though?"


    "When did it happen?"


    Suddenly, a lot ofizens started disproving him.


    "Don''t listen to his crap!"


    "Teacher Zhang just likes to brag and talk nonsense!"


    "Hahaha, this leave request has really tickled my funny bone!"


    "Pfft, Teacher Zhang. Are you really in such a miserable state? You even forgot what your girlfriend looks like?"


    "I don''t believe it!"


    "The issue here is that you need to have a girlfriend first!"


    "What is Zhang Ye''s criteria for a partner?"


    "Right, don''t brag anymore. Tell us your criteria and we''ll help introduce someone to you."


    "Do you want someone pretty?"


    "Long or short hair? Big or small eyes?"


    "Teacher Zhang, could you be requesting leave to go on a blind date? I''m cramping up fromughing!"


    "My sister is really pretty. Let me matchmake the two of you!"


    "What are the things you''re looking for? Tell us!"


    Zhang Ye''s request for leave post had suddenly attracted a lot of attention. He was currently very popr and there was a lot of attention on him. But no one expected Zhang Ye to throw out a poem at the next second. A lot of people who saw it were shocked. The beauty of this poem was simply too intoxicating!


    Zhang Ye''s Weibo:


    Carrying an umbre, all alone.


    Pacing up and down this long, long


    rainy alley on my own.


    I yearn to meet


    a girl who is like the lc,


    resentful and downbeat.


    She has all


    the colors of the lc,


    the fragrance of the lc,


    the sorrow of the lc.


    Wistful in the rain,


    wistful and halting,


    she paces down this deserted, rainy alley,


    holding an umbre


    just like me,


    and just like me she


    silently trudges,


    aloof, sullen, and brooding.


    Silent she approaches,


    nearing and casting


    a nce like a heavy sigh.


    She drifts past


    as if just a dream,


    as if just a hazy dream, downcast.


    As if a lc


    passing through a dream,


    this woman passes by my back;


    She silently goes far, farther,


    and reaches a toppled fence,


    leaving this rainne.


    In the rain''s mournful song,


    her colors wash away,


    her fragrance dissipates.


    Gone, washed away, even her


    eyes that heavily sigh,


    her hrymose.


    Carrying an umbre, all alone.


    Pacing up and down this long, long


    rainy alley on my own.


    I yearn to meet


    a girl who is like the lc,


    resentful and downbeat.


    Theizens were dumbfounded at reading it. Damn, he really could justpose a poem on a whim!


    Yet, this was really, incredibly beautiful!


    The woman described in this poem was truly beautiful!


    All at once, thements blew up!


    "This is the most artistic request for leave that I''ve ever seen!"


    "My heart aches for Teacher Zhang!"


    "The woman who''s like a lc has already gone far ahead. Teacher Zhang, hurry up and chase after her!"


    "Approved!"


    "Approved!"


    "You can take your leave now!"


    "Teacher Zhang, we''ll allow you to go on your break!"


    "Hurry and go!"


    "Go for it!"


    A woman who crossed paths and then headed off into the distance had captivated a lot of theizens. They did not know which unlucky girl Zhang Ye had set his eyes on, but they definitely had to be supportive of such an important encounter of love!


    Only a few people from the literary circle could not resist criticizing Zhang Ye. Their literary upbringing was clearly much higher than themon folks!


    Someone from the Writers'' Association sighed: "What a good poem! But to use such a good poem in a ce like this! Isn''t, isn''t this too great a waste!"


    A person from the CFLAC 1 said angrily: "How could the beauty of this poem be so simple? There''s clearly a much deeper meaning to it! How could Zhang Ye use something so grand as his request for leave?"


    "What a waste of talent!"


    "I''m so angered that Iugh!"


    "This Zhang Ye! Having all that talent but using it so carelessly! He pisses me off!"


    One of his poems had once again generated heaps of controversy!


    Zhang Ye actually understood much better than them that this was not a poem about a girl. It did not just refer to a lc girl, but more about the vague hopes and desires of a person. But to Zhang Ye, Wu Zeqing was currently all of his hopes and desires.


    In his eyes, Old Wu was that lc girl.


    What can anyone do about that?


    Bite me?

 Chapter 1095: The strangeness of the Lucky Halo!

    <h4>Chapter 1095: The strangeness of the Lucky Halo! </h4>


    Chapter 1095: The strangeness of the Lucky Halo!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the suburbs.


    In a conference hall.


    During the meeting''s intermission, Wu Zeqing suddenly overheard the people beside her whispering while holding their cell phones. There were mentions of Weibo, Zhang Ye, poetry, and something about a request for leave?


    She went online to check.


    The poem "Rainy Alley" appeared before her eyes.


    The colors of the lc.


    The fragrance of the lc.


    A girl who is��like the lc?


    She read this poem five times over before breaking out into a grin. A lot of people around her were stunned from reading this poem as well.


    Her cell phone rang.


    It was a call from her family.


    "Zeqing."


    "Dad."


    "What time will you be back this afternoon?"


    "4 or 5 PM."


    "Alright, drive safe."


    ...


    Noon.


    Back at home.


    Zhang Ye''s parents called to say that they were at a rtive''s ce and would not being home for lunch. Zhang Ye ended up eating leftovers again for lunch. He sighed to himself at the sorry state of things. He looked at his watch and saw that it was still too early for Old Wu''s meeting to have finished. Moreover, she still had to go back to her parents'' ce in the evening, so it would have to be at least 8 PM before he could get to see her today.


    So what should he do in the afternoon?


    As a matter of fact, this fellow did not really have any hobbies at all. Ever since he''d graduated, he had always been working, day in and day out. Even when he took leave from his work, he did not really know what to do.


    It''s time for the lottery then.


    Zhang Ye had so many Reputation Points right now that it was even shocking to him.


    He activated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) and chose the Lottery Draw (One) option to y. He decided to ce 1,000 additional stakes to see if he could get any new items!


    100 million Reputation Points were spent just like that!


    The lottery draw began!


    The wheel started to spin!


    Soon after, the needle came to a stop in the Skills Category region!


    [Go Skill Experience Book] �� 1001.


    Go 1 ?


    What would I need this for?


    Zhang Ye was speechless. Had the Lucky Halo lost its effect? But thinking about it, simr situations had happened too. The luckiness effect of the Lucky Halo was not 100% effective. Out of a few hundred times, there would be an asional, ineffective urrence. So he wasn''t too bothered by it. He started to study the Go Skill Experience Books as he "ate" them one by one. When he came to thest skill experience book, a familiar looking notification popped up, just as he had expected. He had encountered this before!


    The Go skill has been maxed out!


    He was unable to learn it any further!


    Zhang Ye decided not to y Lottery Draw (One) anymore. Since he hadn''t tried his luck in Lottery Draw (Two) for quite a while now, he decided to spend another 100 million Reputation Points on it.


    He opened the Lottery Draw (Two) interface.


    A familiar looking slot machine appeared.


    This was the lottery draw that required 10 million Reputation Points per try. If he ced nine additional stakes, that would expend 100 million Reputation Points immediately. But Zhang Ye did not feel the pinch anymore since he had a ton of Reputation Points.


    The draw began!


    The slot machine started cycling!


    One by one, the icons slid past the screens!


    Then it slowed, slowing and slowing!


    Zhang Ye''s Lucky Halo (Upgraded) was still activated. He did not mind what items he would get from the draw as long as it didn''t turn out to be empty. Otherwise, these 100 million Reputation Points would go down the drain.


    The slot machine came to a stop. The result came out!


    Skills Category Treasure Chest (Medium)!


    The medium-sized golden chests were about twice as big as the small chests. When he opened them up, the Skill Experience Book inside turned out to be muchrger than the ones in the small treasure chests. It seemed that this was the first time Zhang Ye got a skill experience book from Lottery Draw (Two). But when he saw the name of the skill experience books, he was dumbfounded!


    [Go Skill Experience Book] �� 10.


    Your sister!


    It was still Go?


    He immediately gave it a try and flipped open the first skill experience book. The book dissolved into glowing light particles and surged directly into Zhang Ye''s mind. He could clearly sense that his skill had leveled up, and there was no system notification to say that it couldn''t be learned. It looked like his previous guesses were right. For the Lottery Draw (One)''s Skill and Stats Category items, some of them would max out at a hundred, while some would max out at a thousand. But in Lottery Draw (Two), the erged skill experience books in the medium-sized treasure chests would still continue to increase his experience. However, that increase would no longer be exponential and the effect lessened the more he "ate" them. The 1,000 smaller Go Skill Experience Books that he had just studied cost the same as the 10rger ones, at 100 million total Reputation Points each. But the 10rger skill experience books clearly did not have as great an effect as when he "ate" the smaller ones.


    This was actually quite normal. To cite an example: A weightlifting beginner could easily go from lifting 25 kg to 50 kg. But to get to lifting 75 kg from 50 kg, it would only get more difficult. Then, to get from lifting 100 kg to 125 kg, it would be even harder. Once it got close to human limits, it would almost be impossible to achieve. The great thing about Lottery Draw (Two)''s prizes was that it could allow the user to continue increasing the skill level even though the base limits had already been reached. It might seem like the growth rate was negligible, but the actual growth was not the same. This was a really important discovery!


    Stamina?


    Strength?


    This meant Zhang Ye could still get to a higher level in those stats!


    Zhang Ye was rather happy to have gained a further understanding of the game ring. But still, he felt that this skill experience book for Go was a bit of a scam. Oh right, the Lucky Halo was still activated.


    Just as he was about to deactivate the Reputation Points sucking item, he heard a shuffle of footsteps at the door. With a swish, an ad pamphlet was slotted in through the gap at the bottom of the door.


    He deactivated the Lucky Halo and walked to the door to pick up the pamphlet.


    Xuanwumen Go Club?


    Recruiting members?


    y for free for two hours by showing this pamphlet?


    Zhang Ye suddenly realized that there was something going on. Logically, the Lucky Halo would not usually fail. Moreover, the Lucky Halo he was using was an upgraded version, so the effects should be much stronger. Even if it had failed to work properly once, it shouldn''t happen twice in a row. Further, someone had even handed out a Go club pamphlet through the door?


    Could there be some deeper meaning to this?


    Since he did not have anything to do, he immediately decided that he would head there to have a look.


    ...


    Later that afternoon.


    Xuanwumen.


    As it wasn''t far away, Zhang Ye slow jogged over so that he could get some light training in as well. But as he got recognized by people three times along the way, he quickly turned into the alleyways to hide from the attention. Very soon, he reached his destination.


    A traditional air exuded from the Go club building that spanned two stories.


    He pushed opened the door and entered the building. It wasn''t arge ce and felt more like a cafe.


    An old man sat at the reception desk.


    "Hello, young man."


    "Hello."


    "Is this your first time here?"


    "Yes. This pamphlet says that I can y two hours for free?"


    "Let me take a look, please? Oh yes, you can y for free. It''s on the second floor."


    ck, ck. He could hear the clink of the Go stones being yed upstairs.


    Zhang Ye went upstairs to take a look but saw that there weren''t too many people at the club. Those who were here were basically just the elderly, so he took off his sunsses. Since his fanbase did not include the elderly, he thought that it would be fine to just wear his surgical mask as he probably wouldn''t get recognized by anyone here. If he had been wearing his aviators inside, it would have made him stand out even more.


    He found a spot where no one was at and sat down. Then he startedying out the stones based on a game record 2 .


    Zhang Ye had learned about Go way back then. Of course, he didn''t learn it professionally. He only joined thosepulsory interest-based sses where they made you learn activities like Xiangqi 3 , badminton, and ser during elementary and middle school. For some reason, he chose to learn about Go back then. It was because of those sses that he had gained a basic knowledge of Go, although his knowledge was just on how to y it. Though he''d read many game records, he still couldn''t grasp many of the basic concepts and wasn''t exactly interested in the game either.


    Five minutes.


    Ten minutes.


    He sat there by himself. No one came to look for him to y him, nor did he go to anyone seeking to y them. He simply wanted to find out what was going on with the Lucky Halo today.


    Suddenly, someone came upstairs.


    He turned to look and saw an old man in his fifties. He was wearing in a Chinese tunic suit and dressed very smartly. His eyebrows were pretty bushy, and he looked like he had quite the temper.


    When he arrived, the people in the Go club immediately stopped ying.


    "Yo."


    "Teacher Changhe."


    "What a rare guest!"


    "What brought you here today?"


    "Did you argue with your daughter again? Haha!"


    "Or did you get chased out of your house by your wife?"


    The several old men were definitely old acquaintances from the looks of it, bantering the moment he arrived.


    That old man who was addressed as Teacher Changhe scowled and rolled his eyes. "You all better keep it down. Do you think I won''t ughter all of you on the Go board? Who wants to have a go? Come on, I''ll let you have a handicap of three stones!"


    A middle-aged manughed and said, "We wouldn''t dare to y against you even if you gave us a handicap of five stones. Who hadn''t heard of your great name all those years ago, Changhe 9-dan?"


    Teacher Changhe did not like what he was hearing. He harrumphed, "You make it sound as if no one knows who I am now!"


    An old man said in amusement, "You have students everywhere, and so many of them are even national yers. I''m sure the entire world knows who you are. Does that sound better to you? There''s a popr saying that goes ''a good man does not harp on past glories.'' You''ve been retired for so many years. Why are you still sopetitive?"


    Teacher Changhe said with augh, "But I''m still stronger than the several of you old fogies. You tried so hard all those years ago and still couldn''t make it as professional Go yers. At most, you''re known as dominant yers among amateurs!"


    9th dan?


    A Go 9-dan?


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. There was actually such a highly skilled yer in this small Go club?


    A 9th dan is one of the highest honors in the Go world. Even if one was old or retired, a 9th dan''s strength was still at the level of a professional and would definitely be considered a person of distinction in the Go world. What was such a high ranking person doing here in a small, amateur Go club like this one?


    Changhe 9-dan said, "I''m not going to continue bantering with you all. I still have something to handle here. Where''s Old Lu? We arranged to meet at this time, so where is he?"


    "Old Lu just left."


    "Ah?"


    "I think his wife fell sick."


    "That old fogey! I told him that I had something important to discuss with him! How can he dy me like this!"


    "What''s the matter, Teacher Changhe?"


    "Nothing, it''s nothing."


    Changhe 9-dan was looking pretty unhappy.


    Where else could he go to find someone at a time like this?


    Suddenly, he nced over in Zhang Ye''s direction. "Eh? Who''s that young man?"


    An old man looked over. "We don''t know him. He just came in a short while ago, I think he''s here to y Go? But he didn''t approach anyone to y against and has just beenying out stones from a game record all this while."


    In this Go club that basically consisted of only the elderly, a young man walking into the premises naturally caught their attention. However, no one went over to interact with him.


    Changhe 9-dan walked over to him and had a look at the Go board. His curiosity was piqued and he took a closer look at it. His eyes lit up. "Why have I nevere across a game record like this one before?"


    Zhang Ye looked up at him and said with a smile, "I was cing them down willy-nilly. I forget where I saw it."


    Of course he wouldn''t havee across it before. That was because this game record was from a match between two Go masters from Zhang Ye''s previous world. Zhang Ye was just reying that match.


    Changhe 9-dan sat down across from him and scrutinized him "You''re a beginner?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "More or less."


    Changhe 9-dan asked, "How good are you?"


    "I''m OK, I guess," Zhang Ye said conservatively.


    The several old men in the Go club were all amused at this reply. OK? How confident!


    Changhe 9-dan narrowed his eyes. "Alright, let''s y a match."


    Zhang Ye thought a little. "Sure."


    "I''ll let you have a handicap of two stones. Come on!" Changhe 9-dan took the whites stones for himself.

 Chapter 1096: Zhang Ye’s blind date?

    <h4>Chapter 1096: Zhang Ye''s blind date? </h4>


    Chapter 1096: Zhang Ye''s blind date?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the Go club.


    The atmosphere livened up.


    "Quick, let''s go and watch."


    "Changhe is ying."


    "I haven''t seen him y Go in a very long time."


    "I''ll go and watch as well."


    "Why is he ying against a young man?"


    "I don''t know."


    The game began.


    Zhang Ye was given a handicap of two stones. He did not say anything and just smiled as he started ying his first moves 1 .


    Changhe 9-dan made his move. "How should I address you?"


    Zhang Ye yed a knight''s move 2 . "You can call me Zhang."


    Changhe 9-dan followed up with another move. "Where do you stay?"


    "At Caishikou." Zhang Ye yed a diagonal move 3 .


    Changhe 9-dan''s eyebrows jumped as he said, "Oh, that''s not far away. I live in the area as well. Not bad, you''re pretty good. Let me test you further."


    Clink.


    Clink.


    The stones were ced down onto the board very quickly.


    The two of them were seemingly ying a fast game, taking very little time to think in between each move.


    As Zhang Ye was given a handicap of two stones, he naturally had the greater advantage and that manifested right from the beginning of the game. However, Changhe 9-dan was a professional and had even stood at the top of Go world before. By the midgame, he had gradually wed back from his disadvantage, exciting the nearby spectators.


    "What a great move!"


    "This move is really beautiful!"


    "Teacher Changhe is still as skilled as ever!"


    Changhe 9-dan even chatted as he yed. "Haha. Compared to those past years, I''m no longer as skilled. I''m getting on in age and my mind can''t function as fast as before."


    An old neighbor of hisughed and said, "The main issue is that your temper has grown and your y has be less steady as before."


    Someone who did not agree with that said, "Butpared to his previous ying style, Teacher Changhe''s attack has be much stronger."


    An old man had a look at the Go board, then said, "This young man is pretty good. For an amateur to y so well against Changhe is already quite something. If he puts in more effort and practices, he might even be able to turn professional!"


    "That might not be the case."


    "Right, don''t forget that he was given a handicap of two stones."


    "The gap between them is still pretty wide."


    "This young man has potential."


    There were all kinds of evaluations.


    The first match ended.


    Without even the need for addingpensation 4 , Zhang Ye had lost.


    But Changhe 9-dan was very happy. "That was a very enjoyable game. In recent years, other than professional yers, there have rarely been any amateurs who can y so well against me."


    Zhang Ye smiled.


    Changhe 9-dan''s interest was piqued. "Come,e, let''s y another game. I will give you a handicap of two stones as usual."


    Although Changhe 9-dan was very familiar with the old neighbors here, he seldom yed with them. This was because the difference in their levels was so huge that even giving a handicap would not resolve the issue. He would usually y Go with his disciples instead or go on Inte Go servers to look for his old friends who were professional Go yers to be his opponents. But to him, the feeling of ying online by clicking on a mouse was clearly not as good as the real thing. So now that he had met this young man who couldpare to him, he naturally would not allow him to leave.


    They started a new game.


    Changhe 9-dan won again!


    Zhang Ye was not bothered by this either. It was as if he was not being serious at all.


    However, the others around definitely did not think of it any other way. They thought that this young man had already given his all in order to achieve such results against a former 9th dan Go master.


    After three rounds, Changhe 9-dan banged on the table andughed heartily. "Alright, young man! You''ll do." Then, amid everyone''s confused gazes, Changhe 9-dan pulled Zhang Ye toward the exit. "Let''s go! Come with me!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "To where?"


    "To my ce."


    "Are we still going to y?"


    "No, we won''t be ying anymore. Haha!"


    "Uncle, I still have something to attend to."


    "Whatever it is that you have, you need to postpone it. I''m depending on you to save the day!"


    Zhang Ye was at a loss for words. Without even knowing what was going on, he had been dragged to the entrance of a courtyard house 5 by the old man. Once inside, he didn''t see anyone else in the courtyard and was unsure if the entire ce belonged to the old man''s household. Very quickly, he was then dragged off into the northern house by the old man.


    In the house.


    A middle-aged woman preparing some vegetables looked up, slightly startled. "You''re back?"


    Changhe 9-dan said with augh, "I''m back. Are you preparing dinner?"


    Li Qinqin looked at Zhang Ye. "Is this young man Old Lu''s son? That''s not right. I saw himst year. He doesn''t look like that?"


    Changhe 9-dan waved her off. "Don''t talk about that Old Lu. He''d too unreliable, standing me up at the Go club. There, didn''t I still manage to find this young man at thest minute? We even yed two rounds of Go together and I found out that he''s quite good. I would consider him to be one of the better amateur yers around. It''s just a shame that he''s a bit old. If he were 16, 17 years old, I would definitely have taken him as my disciple."


    Li Qinqin grumbled, "You''re always doing things like that. Look at him. He doesn''t even know what''s going on and you''ve dragged him here. You''re really something."


    Zhang Ye gave a wry smile. "Auntie, what is going on?"


    Li Qinqin apologized, "Child, please go back. This has nothing to do with you."


    "Why''re you making him leave!" Changhe 9-dan waved her off. "Never you mind. Our daughter will be back soon. Just make dinner. I''ll take charge of this myself."


    Li Qinqin didn''t know how to react. "You do that."


    Changhe 9-dan said, "So what if I do? I just dislike that guy our daughter found for herself."


    Li Qinqin shook her head and said, "You don''t even know who he is."


    "Isn''t it enough knowing what his job is?" Changhe 9-dan grunted, "Anyway, I won''t agree to it. I''ll definitely foil her ns!"


    Zhang Ye was confused by what was going on.


    Changhe 9-dan''s next line scared the living daylights out of Zhang Ye. "Kid, when my daughter gets back, I''m arranging for you two to have a blind date. Do have a good chat with her."


    What?


    A blind date?


    Why would I have a blind date!


    Zhang Ye was floored. "I already have a girlfriend."


    Changhe 9-dan said, "Uh-huh, that''s fine. My daughter definitely won''t have eyes for you anyway."


    Zhang Ye was floored again. "Uncle, why doesn''t that sound right at all to me?"


    Li Qinqin blinked. "Young man, what''s your job?"


    Zhang Ye took off his surgical mask.


    Li Qinqin said curiously, "Why do you look a little familiar?"


    Changhe 9-dan looked at him and nodded approvingly. "Mhm, your looks are average but you''re ssy. Otherwise, why would there be a saying that those who y Go don''tck for ss? So what do you do for a living?"


    Man, you two really don''t know who I am?


    Zhang Ye had to nonchntly say, "I''m a teacher."


    Li Qinqin probed further, "What subject do you teach?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Mathematics."


    "A teacher? That''s not bad!" Changhe 9-dan nodded and said, "You even teach mathematics? No wonder you could y Go so well. Mathematics and Go are interrted. I know some math professors from Peking University who are also quite good at Go."


    Bro, I am from Peking University!


    Li Qinqin studied Zhang Ye, then said, "It''s just that he''s too young."


    Zhang Ye made to leave. "I really can''t do this, so I''ll be leaving."


    But Changhe 9-dan grabbed him. "Get back here. Do you know how beautiful my daughter is? Huh? Let me tell you this! If you leave now, you''ll regret it forever! You are a Go yer as well. Don''t you know the traditions of our Go world? In times of trouble, aid arrives from all over. You must know that, right? Sit down. No matter what, you must have dinner before you leave. What if, and I''m saying what if, my daughter really likes you? Then that would be a blessing that you''ve earned through your previous eight lifetimes! Of course, that likely won''t be the case." Beaming with joy, he could not help but continue, "You do not know how outstanding my daughter is. She is beautiful, she works as��"


    In the end, Zhang Ye was persuaded to stay.


    Or rather, he had been held back by force.


    Zhang Ye was starting to feel ill at ease and was almost in tears. I''m having a blind date? If this gets out and Old Wu learns about it, I''ll die without knowing how I died! Are you trying to get me into trouble?!


    This Lucky Halo is really too much!


    I''ve totally been scammed!


    This is simply��


    All of a sudden, footfalls came from the entrance of the courtyard.


    Li Qinqin''s eyes lit up. "Our daughter is back!"


    Changhe 9-dan gave Zhang Ye a wink and said, "Perform well and act natural. When you see what my daughter looks like in a while, don''t get too shocked. She''s really beautiful!"


    The footsteps were getting closer and closer.


    The silhouette of a person was visible in the courtyard.


    Li Qinqin went up to her with a smile. "You''re back?"


    Changhe 9-dan asked, "Where did you park your car?"


    The woman smiled and said, "I parked it at the entrance of the alley."


    Then, when the woman spotted Zhang Ye inside the house, she was stunned!


    When Zhang Ye saw the woman standing outside the house, he was stunned as well!


    Holy shit!


    Old Wu?


    1. Zhang Ye ys ck, Changhe ys white | https://senseis.xmp/?Handicap | https://senseis.xmp/?Komi


    2. ��/F��i/Keima - a stone cement which makes an ''L'' shape. Often referred to in English as a "knight''s move", as it mimics the movement of the knight piece in chess. | https://senseis.xmp/?KnightsMove | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shape_(Go)


    3. ��/Ji��n/Kosumi - a move ced at a point diagonally adjacent to another of one''s own stones where the adjoining intersections are unupied. | https://senseis.xmp/?Kosumi | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shape_(Go)


    4. ��Ŀ/Ti�� m��/Komi - a bonus in score given to white aspensation for going second. There is no agreement on what komi ought to be, but ismonly in the range of 4.5 to 7.5 points. Komi almost always includes a half point for breaking ties. | Area Scoring - https://senseis.xmp/?ChineseCounting | Territory Scoring - https://senseis.xmp/?JapaneseCounting | https://senseis.xmp/?Komi


    5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courtyard_house | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siheyuan

 Chapter 1097: This is my boyfriend!

    <h4>Chapter 1097: This is my boyfriend! </h4>


    Chapter 1097: This is my boyfriend!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the courtyard house.


    The two of them stared at one another and saw the shock in each other''s eyes. Zhang Ye could not have expected that the woman who came in would turn out to be Old Wu even if he were told this a hundred times over!


    What was this?


    What was going on?


    Zhang Ye''s jaw dropped!


    Wu Changhe patted Zhang Ye on the shoulder and pointed at the woman who just came in. With a smile, he introduced, "This is my daughter, Wu Zeqing. What do you think? She''s good, right? Hur hur, look at you, you''re all dumbfounded at seeing her. I was just warning you a moment ago." He was clearly very pleased and proud, thinking that Zhang Ye had been stupefied by his beautiful daughter. "My daughter is a civil servant. She''s an official, and an important leader at that, hahaha. Guess which organization she''s from. Hmm?"


    "Eh?"


    Wu Changhe asked again, "Guess! I''m sure you won''t be able to guess!"


    Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry!


    Guess?


    I won''t be able to guess, my ass!


    We''ve known each other for a long time!


    Wu Changhe did not even wait for Zhang Ye to guess as he simply announced the answer. "Haha, my daughter is currently an executive at the SARFT. As for what position she holds, you two can talk about it in detail afterwards. I won''t go on further about it." Then he looked at Wu Zeqing and said, "My daughter, this is Little Zhang. A young and promising man who can y Go as well as him at his age is rarely seen. He''s considered quite outstanding when ites to the ranks of the amateur yers. I only met Little Zhang by chance today and yed a few games with him. It felt great ying against him! Although he paled inparison to me, and I beat him by quite arge margin even though I gave him a handicap of two stones, he was still quite outstanding. Oh, and can you guess what his job is? Take a guess."


    y Go?


    Just met each other?


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "What''s his job?"


    "A teacher! He''s a university professor!" Wu Changheughed and said, "What a good job that is! Can you guess what subject he teaches? Hmm?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Chinese."


    Wu Changhe shook his head. "Nope, he teaches mathematics."


    Zhang Ye wiped his sweat away and said, "About that, I��"


    Wu Changhe was an impatient man. "Don''t be so wishy-washy. Quickly shake hands and get to know each other, hurry."


    Shake what hands?!


    Zhang Ye did not know what to say anymore.


    It was Wu Zeqing who put out her hand first, in a gentle manner. "Hello, Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye forced a smile. He had no choice but to shake her hand in return. "Hello."


    Li Qinqin pulled her daughter into the house. "Don''t stand out here. Let''s talk inside. Zeqing, how long ago was it since you came back home? You shoulde back to visit us more often."


    "I''m too busy at the office and can''t get away sometimes." Wu Zeqing nced at Zhang Ye and said, "Feel free to sit and make yourself at home."


    Eh?


    Their daughter''s attitude wasn''t too bad?


    It seemed like her attitude had changed?


    Li Qinqin looked at her daughter with great surprise.


    Wu Changhe was quite happy as he thought that his daughter would be very resistant to the idea of this blind date. "That''s right, have a seat. Make yourself at home and don''t stand on ceremony with us!"


    Sweat started beading at Zhang Ye''s forehead. "Alright."


    The atmosphere was very awkward!


    At least Zhang Ye felt that way!


    So this is your father?


    So this is your mother?


    So this is your house?


    Holy shit!


    Only now did he realize what had happened, and it wasn''t that the Lucky Halo that was ineffective. Instead, it had "coincidentally" helped him to meet his future father-inw. Further, as luck would have it, he was dragged along by his future father-inw who needed him to step in for someone else to go on a blind date with his daughter! Thinking about it now, he remembered that Wu Zeqing had mentioned on the phone that she would be going back to her parents'' home in the evening as her father had arranged another blind date for her! But he could never have expected that the man who came for the blind date would turn out to be him. Just what the heck was this! This was way too dramatic!


    Zhang Ye really was not mentally prepared at all. If he knew that he would being to Wu Zeqing''s home today, he would have bought things and gotten some gifts no matter what. He had never expected that his first time visiting Old Wu''s home would happen under such circumstances that would leave anyone at a loss!


    The four of them sat down.


    Li Qinqin brewed a pot of tea. "Come, have some tea. I''ll go make dinner."


    Wu Changhe said, "Yes, just chat among yourselves. Don''t worry about us." Even though he said that, he did not move away and continued to sit beside them.


    Wu Zeqing looked at Zhang Ye and said with a smile, "You can even y Go?"


    Zhang Ye coughed and said, "I learned a little when I was in school."


    Wu Changhe added, "He''s very good."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "No, no. It''s just a hobby and I''m only an amateur."


    "Look at Little Zhang. He''s so modest," Wu Changhe praised.


    Li Qinqin rolled her eyes at her husband. "Don''t disturb them. Come and help me with dinner."


    Wu Changhe said, "You do it. I want to have a little chat with the young ones."


    "Auntie, why don''t Ie and help you?" Zhang Ye swiftly stood up.


    Li Qinqin immediately smiled and said, "No need. You two can carry on talking. The food has already been made and dinner will be served in a bit."


    Frankly, Old Wu''s character was closer to Li Qinqin''s. She was gentle and took after her mother in the looks department, with their eyes and nose looking exactly alike. Of course, she also inherited some behavioral traits from her father. For example, she was quite authoritative when it came to work, like him. Old Wu might be gentle, but she was never meek.


    Before long, dinner was ready.


    Wu Zeqing went to help her mother bring the dishes out.


    Wu Changhe asked Zhang Ye in a low voice, "How is it? My daughter''s not bad, eh?"


    Zhang Ye nodded firmly. "She''s really good!"


    The dishes were served.


    Wu Changhe said loudly, "Actually, my daughter cooks very well. Even her mother cannotpare to her culinary skills. She can make any kind of dish and they''ll all be delicious!"


    Li Qinqin said with augh, "If you don''t like to eat something, don''t eat it."


    Wu Changheughed heartily. "How can that do? Come, Little Zhang, try your auntie''s cooking. Oh yes, what do your parents do?"


    Zhang Ye sat up straight and said in a serious tone, "My parents are ordinary workers."


    Li Qinqin said, "Mmm, that''s good. Thebor workforce consists of the most honorable people."


    Wu Changhe nodded. "In fact, we''re just an ordinary family as well and are not fussy about such things. We''re not insistent on looking for someone who is a government official. Or someone rich. Or require them to be from a family ofparable status. Our family does not have such a mindset as we are very casual people, you know?" He looked at Zhang Ye and said, "We''re mainly looking for someone who has a good character and a stable career, like being a teacher. Then, of course, my daughter has to like him as well and they should share something inmon. That''s all that matters."


    Zhang Ye did not dare utter a word.


    Wu Zeqing did not show much of an expression and continued to eat.


    Wu Changhe looked at his daughter. "My daughter, what do you think of Little Zhang?"


    Wu Zeqing nodded. "He''s quite good."


    Li Qinqin was taken aback. "What do you mean by he''s quite good?"


    "I''m quite happy." Wu Zeqing smiled.


    Li Qinqin gasped in surprise. She felt that her daughter was behaving differently today. In the past, whenever she had a blind date, she would not even turn up to meet the person. When it got unavoidable and she had no choice but to meet them, she would alwayse up with some excuse, like being needed back at the office, before leaving quickly. So why now was she inviting Little Zhang to have a seat and telling him to make himself at home? She even said things like how she was happy with him? This had never happened before! Did the sun rise up from the west today?


    Wu Changhe was also very surprised. "Oh? Then��there''s a chance to progress further?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled as she scooped some food for both her parents. She said, "Dad, you really know how to choose someone. From a sea of a billion people, even if you narrowed down the range to only Beijing, there are still more than ten million people to choose from. In the end, you just had to bring the most unlikely guy back here."


    "Hmm?" Li Qinqin blinked several times.


    "What do you mean by that?" Wu Changhe was also confused.


    Wu Zeqing pointed at Zhang Ye and said, "The two of you really don''t know who he is?"


    Zhang Ye gave a hollowugh.


    Wu Changhe said, "I know. He''s Little Zhang."


    The elderly couple really did not watch much television nor paid any attention to the matters surrounding the entertainment industry.


    Li Qinqin suddenly stared at Zhang Ye. "I found him somewhat familiar right as he came in. It''s, it''s like I''ve seen him somewhere before."


    Wu Zeqing put down her chopsticks and said with a smile, "Then let me reintroduce him to you. The gentleman before you is indeed a university professor. That''s not false. It''s also true that he teaches math. But the two of you definitely do not know that he holds a title at Peking University and that he is an associate professor in the Math Department."


    Li Qinqin was startled. "Peking University? Didn''t you used to be the vice president of Peking?"


    Wu Changhe stared with mouth agape. "Associate professor? How can there be such a young associate professor at Peking University?"


    Wu Zeqing continued, "At the same time, he''s also a lecturer in the Chinese Department at Peking University and holds the title of Visiting Associate Professor at Media College. He''s as real an academic as you can get." She then paused when she saw her parents'' stunned faces. She added, "By the way, he still has some other identities as well. For example, he''s a calligrapher, a famous radio host, a famous variety show director, a famous documentary director, a famous singer, a musician, an actor, a famous poet, a famous author, awyer, and so on and so forth."


    Wu Changhe jumped to his feet!


    Li Qinqin asked in surprise, "Th-The two of you already know each other?"


    They had figured out who this man was!


    Someone who held all these titles in all the nation��there could only be one!


    The next moment, Wu Zeqing held onto Zhang Ye''s arm very naturally and introduced him calmly to her parents, "This is Zhang Ye, my boyfriend."


    Li Qinqin opened her mouth wide. "Ah?"


    Wu Changhe panicked. "What did you say?"


    "This is your boyfriend?" Li Qinqin didn''t know whether tough or cry!


    They finally understood why their daughter had said those things that didn''t make sense to them earlier! From the millions of people in Beijing, Wu Changhe had actually dragged his daughter''s real boyfriend whom he had always objected to to their home for a blind date with his daughter! What was the damned probability of that?


    Wu Changhe nearly vomited a mouthful of blood!

 Chapter 1098: I will give you a handicap of two stones!

    <h4>Chapter 1098: I will give you a handicap of two stones! </h4>


    Chapter 1098: I will give you a handicap of two stones!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    This was too dramatic!


    And it was too unbelievable as well!


    How could there be such a coincidence?


    Even in television dramas, there wouldn''t be such a fucking coincidence!


    In an instant, Wu Changhe flew into a rage as he banged on the table and pointed at Zhang Ye. "So you''re the rascal that duped my daughter? You still have the cheek to sit here? Huh?"


    Zhang Ye sat there in a daze. "Huh? Didn''t you tell me to make myself at home?"


    Wu Changhe said furiously, "What makes you think that this is your home? Go back to wherever you came from! Get up, get up right now!"


    Zhang Ye wiped his sweat away and stood up obediently.


    Wu Changhe pointed at him and said, "You got me good, you rascal. Did you n all of this? You knew that I would be going to the Xuanwumen Go club today? Did you go in advance to lie in wait after my daughter tipped you off? Then insist on following me home, leading to this situation? Huh? Was it you?"


    Feeling wronged, Zhang Ye said, "Bro��no, Uncle, I didn''t even know where you lived and Old Wu has never even mentioned to me who you are, so how could I possibly know that you were going to the Go club today? And it just so happened that Uncle Lu''s son whom you were looking for did not show up? It''s not like I''m a fortune teller or something. Besides, I did not insist on following you home. It was you who dragged me here. I didn''t even know what was happening!"


    Wu Changhe said angrily, "You''re still denying it?"


    "But it was really you who dragged this young man here," Li Qinqin spoke fairly. "When Little Zhang found out that he was here for a blind date, he even wanted to leave. But you blocked the door and refused to let him go."


    Wu Changhe didn''t say anything.


    It was clear that this was just a coincidence!


    Li Qinqin muttered to herself, "Could it really be fate?"


    Wu Changhe yelled, "What fate!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Dad, let''s eat for now." Then she pulled at Zhang Ye for him to sit down and continue eating.


    Wu Changhe said, "Do you think I still have an appetite?"


    But Wu Zeqing was still as calm as ever. She even gave some food to Zhang Ye. "Try this. My mother is also very good at making chicken wings. She taught me all my culinary skills."


    "Oh." Zhang Ye had a taste and said, "Mmm, delicious!"


    Wu Changhe shouted, "I won''t agree to this anyhow! I won''t allow it!"


    "Keep it down." Li Qinqin smacked her lips and said, "Little Zhang hase as a guest. Besides, after all''s been said and done, you were the one who dragged him to our ce."


    Wu Changhe quibbled, "I was deceived by him!"


    Wu Zeqing looked up. "Dad, can you sit down and eat for now? We''ll return to this after dinner. We can''t solve anything on an empty stomach, don''t you think?"


    Wu Changhe sat down angrily. But he did not take another bite of food as he was not in the mood to eat anymore. He had found Zhang Ye to be pretty pleasing to the eye before this. After all, there weren''t that many young people who would put in the effort to y Go. But at this moment, Wu Changhe found Zhang Ye to be very unlikable no matter how he looked at him. He wished that he could grab a rolling pin and chase him out of the house!


    Wu Zeqing''s mother did not have any negative feelings for Zhang Ye. On the contrary, she seemed to be quite interested in him.


    Li Qinqin looked at him. "Little Zhang, the two of us don''t usually watch television and couldn''t recognize you just now, but we''ve heard a lot about you on more than one asion. Your reputation precedes you, so I was really curious about you and have always wanted to meet you. But I never expected that we would meet under such circumstances."


    Zhang Ye said respectfully, "It''s an undeserved reputation that was given to me by the public. Auntie, I''ve actually wanted to pay you a visit for a long time, but there hadn''t been an opportunity to do so. If I knew that I would be here today, I would have brought something along. I feel bad that I didn''t get gifts."


    Li Qinqin asked, "How many people are in your family?"


    Zhang Ye said, "There''s only my parents and me."


    "You don''t have any siblings?"


    "I''m an only child."


    "How did you get to know my daughter?"


    "The first time we met was on a ne. Old Wu invited me to teach at Peking University when she was still the vice president. That was quite a while ago."


    Li Qinqin blinked. "How long have you two been together?"


    Zhang Ye coughed and said, "About a year."


    "We didn''t even know about it." Li Qinqin gave her daughter a look.


    Wu Zeqingughed. "How would I dare let you two know when Dad is like this?"


    Li Qinqin smiled. "That''s true."


    Wu Changhe raged and addressed her by name, "Li Qinqin, whose side are you on?"


    Li Qinqin replied, "I think Little Zhang is quite good. I don''t know much about the entertainment industry nor do I know any of those celebrities. But I''ve still heard of Little Zhang''s name many times before. Even though he is young, he has many aplishments. Moreover, I heard that Little Zhang helped out a lot with Little Mo''s and Little Chubs'' (Fat Sis)panies. It''s all because of his help that theirpanies managed to do well. Didn''t they mention that during ourst meal together? They were especially thankful to Little Zhang, saying that if not for him, theirpanies would have gone bust! Little Zhang has given his best and really done a lot for our family."


    Zhang Ye was extremely touched!


    He did not expect that Wu Zeqing''s mother would actually speak up for him!


    Wu Changhe said angrily, "I''m telling you, I will dere this first: I will not ept this, definitely not. So what if he is very aplished? No matter how aplished he is, he is still someone in the entertainment industry! Don''t you know what sort of people are in that industry? There are hardly any good people in there! That industry is just a messed up ce! The age difference and earnings are both not issues here. But no matter what, she mustn''t get married to someone in the entertainment industry! Are you trying to push our daughter into a fiery pit of suffering?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Then you can think of him as a university professor."


    "I can''t do that." Wu Changhe said, "That is not his main career!"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Aren''t you making things difficult for me this way? When I said that I found someone, you told me that you were not fine with it. Alright, now that you''ve brought someone back and I epted him, you''re telling me no again? Dad, I can make my own decisions and know what I''m doing. If it''s someone I like, no one can talk me out of it."


    Wu Changhe said angrily, "Why are you so na?ve? Don''t you know what kind of reputation this Zhang Ye has? His character is already questionable. How can you marry a person like him?"


    At this, Zhang Ye could no longer just listen quietly.


    Zhang Ye''s eyebrows jumped as he interrupted, "Uncle, I won''t say anything if you criticize me on other matters. But if you say that my character is questionable, I won''t ept it."


    Li Qinqin looked at Zhang Ye in surprise.


    Wu Changhe had a bad temper, but so did Zhang Ye.


    There were issues that he could back off on.


    There were issues that he could give in to.


    But some things, he had to speak up when something needed to be said!


    Wu Changhe stared at him. "You won''t ept it?"


    Zhang Ye said slowly, "It''s not that I don''t respect my elders. But if you say that my character is questionable, I must definitely take it up with you. I can''t pretend that I didn''t hear it."


    The two of them immediately started to quarrel!


    They had quite an exchange of words, but neither of them was willing to give in!


    Li Qinqin quickly mediated by saying, "There''s no problem with Little Zhang''s character. He saved a lot of people during the ne hijacking incident back then. Didn''t you also say it just now? That he ys Go exceptionally well. You''ve said that those who can y Go well never have bad characters."


    Wu Changhe sneered, "He ys well? You really believe the words that I casually said? By that skill of his and me giving him a two stone handicap, I can still beat him by 6 points and above without needing to wrack my brains. His Go skill is so lousy. How well could he possibly y! Judging by his Go technique that was full of rashness and unsteadiness, it would be a wonder if his character can be good!"


    Wu Zeqing put down her chopsticks and wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin in an even manner. "Enough. Little Ye, let''s go."


    Li Qinqin said, "Stay awhile longer and eat more."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "If we continue eating, these two will soon start a fight. Little Ye and I will go back."


    However, Zhang Ye was not about to leave just yet. "That won''t do. We have to clear up this matter about my character first. Uncle, I can sense that you''re deliberately targeting me."


    Wu Changhe couldn''t help butugh. "You still don''t want to admit that you y a lousy game of Go?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Does that mean that a person who can y Go well will automatically have a good character?"


    "Of course. Go is a kind of self-cultivation. Those who exploit others by taking advantage of the situation and people with questionable characters would never be able to y it well." Wu Changhe grunted.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright then, let''s use Go to sort it out. We''ll y another match. Are you fine with that?"


    Wu Changhe was amused. "You still want to y against me? You''re far from as good as me! Even if you practiced for another 50 years, you still won''t be a match for me! You couldn''t beat me even if I gave you a handicap of two stones!"


    However, Zhang Ye''s next line stunned everyone in the house!


    Zhang Ye said, "This time around, let me give you a handicap of two stones!"


    There was a Go board with specialized seats in the house. Having said that, Zhang Ye walked right over and sat down. He took the white stones 1 and looked at Wu Changhe. "Go ahead."


    You''re giving me a handicap?


    Of two stones?


    Wu Changhe nearly burst outughing!


    Li Qinqin gave a bitterugh. "Little Zhang, your uncle here was ranked as a 9th dan in Go back in his day."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Auntie, I know that."


    Wu Changheughed in anger. He sat down heavily on the side of the ck stones. "Alright, you think that you can beat me just because I didn''t y seriously just then? Haha!"


    Zhang Ye said with a smile, "What a coincidence. I wasn''t ying seriously either."


    The atmosphere became really tense!


    The conflict between these two escted!


    Li Qinqin knew that she could not dissuade them, so she did not say any more and spectated. She was no stranger to Go. Although she was not good at ying, she still knew how to watch a match of Go.


    It was the same for Wu Zeqing. She quietly walked to the rear of Zhang Ye. She understood Go as well, of course.


    Wu Changhe didn''t try to be polite nor have the bearing of a one-time 9th dan professional yer. He grabbed two ck stones and pped them down on the Go board with a sneer. "You''re giving me a handicap of two stones, right? Good! Let''s see how you''re going to y!"


    Li Qinqin frowned. "Changhe, what are you trying to do?"


    Wu Changhe said, "He was the one who spoke arrogantly first and gave me a handicap of two stones. I''m just abiding by his wishes." He said to Zhang Ye, "Come, let me see what you look like when you get serious!"


    Taking the white stones, Zhang Ye''s expression had already changed. It was apletely different look from the way he was while at the Go club in the afternoon. It was as though he had totally be another person now.


    Clink!


    Zhang Ye ced his stone!


    Wu Changhe nced at him as heughed and ced his stone too.


    Knight''s move.


    A move followed.


    Horizontal stretch 2 .


    cement 3 .


    Another knight''s move.


    Followed by another move.


    Extension 4 .


    As he yed, Wu Changhe kept mocking, "What lousy moves. Do you even know how to y? You even want to make a diagonal move over here? What''s the point of doing that? Have you ever seen any professional yers y like that? You''re a total amateur!"


    But gradually, Wu Changhe''s words lessened until he did not have anything to say.


    Li Qinqin was stunned!


    Wu Zeqing suddenly smiled!


    That "diagonal move" that Zhang Ye made just now had made Wu Changhe break out in a cold sweat!


    Holy shit!


    What kind of move was that?


    This way of ying had rarely been employed by anyone in the past!


    Wu Changhe''s expression changed.


    ...


    Two hourster.


    Their matchsted a full two hours.


    Zhang Ye ced thest stone down with a loud clink.


    Wu Changhe''s face had turned green from anger!


    How could that be possible!


    Just how could that be possible!


    Li Qinqin also looked at Zhang Ye in disbelief!


    He lost!


    Wu Changhe had actually lost!


    And he even lost after given a handicap of two stones!


    Zhang Ye said, "You were saying earlier that those who can y a good game of Go would surely have a good character? So it looks like my character isn''t that bad after all, huh?"


    1. ck stones go first, white stones go second. Essentially, going second means you''re at a disadvantage from the start.


    2. ��/B��ng/Narabi - A Japanese Go term, is a specific type of stretch (solid extension) in which neither the stone extended from nor the extension touches other stones. | https://senseis.xmp/?Narabi


    3. ��/Di��n/oki - A cement is a y inside the opponent''s group, mostly but not necessarily on a vital point, weakening the group.


    A cement is disconnected from one''s existing stones from one''s group; to seed it should be difficult to defend against. It''s more of a clever y than a spective invasion. | https://senseis.xmp/?cement


    4. ��/Ch��i/hiraki - An extension is a big opening point that extends an existing configuration of one or more stones along the side, leaving several spaces between the yed stone and the existing stones. It outlines potential territory towards the edge and/or blocks the opponent''s extension. | https://senseis.xmp/?Extension

 Chapter 1099: Arranging a battle against his future father-in-law!

    <h4>Chapter 1099: Arranging a battle against his future father-inw! </h4>


    Chapter 1099: Arranging a battle against his future father-inw!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the house.


    The three of them were stunned by Zhang Ye''s Go skill!


    You won?


    How did you manage to win?


    Nowadays, Wu Changhe was admittedly no longer thatmandeering Changhe 9-dan from 20 years ago. His Go skill had regressed and he was already way off from the peak of his prowess. Go might seem like it was a game that many middle-aged people and the elderly yed. But in fact, the top yers in the world were all young people. At least, there weren''t many that were past the age of 40. However, if one used to be an elite yer in the Go world, they would still be an elite yer now. Even if their skills had regressed, it would still not be easy to beat them. They were still regarded to be at the professional level and definitely not just at the level of those who had recently turned professional. Even if Wu Changhe had underestimated his opponent by not being serious at the start, this should still not have happened! It still did not make any sense at all!


    Giving a handicap of two stones?


    And he still won?


    For a professional Go yer, this was as good as demolishing your opponent!


    Because for a professional Go yer, there shouldn''t be talk about giving handicaps at all. Although there was a difference in each person''s skill, the difference would never call for giving a two stone handicap. What was the difference indicated by two stones? That would probably be the difference between a high level amateur and a low level one, or the difference between a professional Go yer and a high level amateur Go yer!


    Li Qinqin said in astonishment, "Little Zhang. Y-Your Go skills are so advanced?"


    Wu Changhe angrily banged on the table and stood up. "How devious! You rascal, you''re too devious! So you were only pretending this afternoon when we yed each other? You were only trying to lower my defenses around you!"


    Zhang Ye said, "In any case, I''ve won."


    Wu Changhe said angrily, "What do you mean you won! If I had known you were at the level of a professional Go yer, I would have yed properly against you! I wasn''t being serious at all just now!"


    Zhang Ye spread his hands. "It''s your problem that you were not serious. I still won anyhow."


    "You despicable rascal!" Wu Changhe raged. "You did that on purpose! You must have done that on purpose! Moreover, do you know how many years it has been since I''ve dabbled in a handicap game? That was a sneak attack! A sneak attack!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes.


    Wu Zeqing said with augh, "Dad, are you a sore loser now?"


    Wu Changhe stared with eyes wide. "Me? A sore loser? Haha, what a joke! If I were to y him seriously, would I possibly lose? My daughter, you''re looking down a little too much on your father! At just the mention of my name in the Gomunity, who wouldn''t be afraid of me? If this rascal didn''t pull a fast one on me, he wouldn''t have won even if I gave him a handicap of five stones!"


    Five stones?


    Give me a handicap?


    Hur hur!


    Zhang Ye sneered!


    Li Qinqin also rolled her eyes at her husband. "Alright, enough with your bragging."


    "You think that I was bragging? Huh?" Wu Changhe said exasperatedly, "Look at this boyfriend that our daughter found. Haven''t you seen? He''s so devious! I will never approve of him! She can look for any other person, but she must never find a boyfriend like him! He has a questionable character. Let me say this again: His character is too questionable!"


    Li Qinqin smacked her lips and said, "He yed against you fair and square, and even gave you a handicap of two stones. What do you mean by he''s devious? The way I see it, it''s your skill that has dropped. You were not a match for him."


    Wu Changhe was getting annoyed. "I wasn''t ying seriously! If I had, he would surely have been scared to death!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Alright, alright, you weren''t being serious just now." She pulled at Zhang Ye. "Let''s go. Dad, Mom, we''ll be leaving now."


    Wu Changhe stopped them. He pointed at Zhang Ye and said, "What''s the matter? Running away after you''ve resorted to dirty tricks? Don''t run away if you are so good!"


    Li Qinqin tugged at her husband. "That''s enough."


    Zhang Ye had wanted to leave with Old Wu, but when he heard that, he stopped in his tracks and turned around. "I won''t leave then. If there''s anything you''re unhappy about with respect to the game, you can set the rules and I''ll ept them."


    Wu Changheughed furiously. "Alright, kid! You''ve got balls!"


    Wu Zeqing pulled at him. "Little Ye."


    Wu Changhe said, "Come on, let''s battle it out!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Let''s do it!"


    Wu Changhe said loudly, "Come on then!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright!"


    However, how could Li Qinqin and Wu Zeqing let them y against each other? These two were already on the verge of fighting. No matter who won, it would still cause a fallout. The two of them hurriedly tried to stop them!


    Li Qinqin pulled her husband away and said, "You''re a good yer, alright? You''re a really good yer."


    Wu Changhe fumed, "He couldn''t beat me in the first ce!"


    Zhang Ye was now unhappy. "But I already did."


    "That''s because you resorted to dirty tricks!" Wu Changhe said angrily.


    Wu Zeqing also held Zhang Ye back. She didn''t know how to react and said, "Why are you trying to argue with my dad? Let''s go already." She dragged Zhang Ye out to the courtyard.


    In the end, the two of them continued to argue from either side of the door.


    Wu Changhe shouted, "Get back here. Let''s y another match!"


    Zhang Ye rushed back into the house. "Alright, I''m up for it!"


    "I''ll give you a handicap of three stones this time!"


    "No need! How ''bout I give you a handicap of four stones!"


    "I''ll give you a handicap of five stones!"


    "I''ll give you a handicap of six stones!"


    "I''ll give you a handicap of ten stones!"


    "I''ll give you a handicap of twenty stones!"


    Eventually, the handicap went up to 200 stones!


    The two of them started talking big. In Go, each yer would have at most 181 stones to y, so how could they possibly give a handicap of 200 stones! They were basically just bragging to the skies!


    Li Qinqin was floored. "You two are really something!"


    Finally, Wu Zeqing managed to pull Zhang Ye away.


    Just before he stepped out of the courtyard house, he heard Wu Changhe shout, "If you''re that great, let''s battle again tomorrow! I''ll show you what Go is all about! Are you up for that?"


    Zhang Ye turned around as he was being dragged off. "Sure, I''ll be back tomorrow!"


    Wu Changhe said, "You''re a whelp if you don''t show up!"


    ...


    Outside.


    In the alley.


    Wu Zeqing''s face was covered with sweat from pulling Zhang Ye away from the argument. She did not usually exercise much and did not have much strength either, so having to pull Zhang Ye out of the house took a big toll on her.


    "Oh, you!" Wu Zeqing shook her head and smiled.


    Zhang Ye harrumphed, "Old Wu, it''s not that I''m not giving you face today. But if your dad wants to use me of having a questionable character, I won''t take that lying down."


    Wu Zeqing changed the topic. "Since when did you know how to y Go?''


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve always known how to."


    "You can even beat my dad?" Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Although, he really wasn''t being serious today either. He started that game very casually and allowed you to gain an advantage. It was only because of that that you managed to narrowly beat him."


    Zhang Ye said, "Even if your dad got serious, I still won''t lose!"


    Wu Zeqing said, "That would have to be under the condition of having no handicaps." She took his hand. "Let''s go. We didn''t even have a proper meal. When we get back, I''ll cook for you. After that, let''s y a round of Go as well."


    "You can y too?"


    "I''ve been ying ever since I was seven years old."


    "How good are you?"


    "So-so, I guess."


    ...


    A short distance away in the house.


    Li Qinqin startedining to her husband, "Look at you. Why did you have to argue with the children?"


    "It was him who started it first!" Wu Changhe sat down and took a sip of tea. He was still quite fired up from earlier. "How dare he pretend to be an amateur in front of me? He was too devious!"


    Li Qinqinughed and said, "I saw his skill just now too. Even if you had been serious and did not give him a handicap, you might not necessarily beat him. Zeqing''s boyfriend this time is really something. He''s just as legendary as they reported in the newspapers. He''s such an astonishing person. I just wonder why his Go skill is so advanced. Logically, it''s not something that can be practiced with just one or two years of y. As a celebrity, where does he find time to practice Go? But I heard that the mathematical conjecture proof that he proposed has almost been verified. He should be the greatest mathematician in the country now, and also a globally recognized world-ss mathematician. With the interlinked rtionship between Go and math 1 , it''s still within reason that he can y so well. This Little Zhang is really such a marvel. It''s no wonder that our Zeqing, who usually sets her sights really high, would like him. I heard that he also got into singing a while ago? I think he even became the champion? And he''s already a superstar in the country? It seems like he''s really good at everything."


    Wu Changhe stared at her. "Did you get duped by him too? He''s not good! Not even close!"


    Li Qinqin said, "Alright, alright, he''s not good. You''re the best, hur hur."


    This meeting today was truly too funny.


    Thinking about it, Li Qinqin couldn''t help but find it funny. How could there be such a huge coincidence in the world?

 Chapter 1101: Changhe 9-dan gets utterly demolished!

    <h4>Chapter 1101: Changhe 9-dan gets utterly demolished! </h4>


    Chapter 1101: Changhe 9-dan gets utterly demolished!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that morning.


    In the study on the second floor of Old Wu''s house.


    "Old Wu, I''ll be using yourputer for a while."


    "Go ahead."


    "You''re really not going to the office today?"


    "I''ve already asked for the day off, so I won''t be going and will be resting today."


    "Yeah, don''t exhaust yourself. Let the people below handle things for now."


    "I''ll leave you to whatever you''re doing. I''m going out to buy some groceries so that I can whip up something good for you when noon rolls around."


    "Alright, thank you so much."


    Wu Zeqing went back to her bedroom to get changed.


    When Old Wu left, Zhang Ye turned on theputer immediately. This was not theputer that Wu Zeqing usually used. Thatptop was kept in her bedroom. Thisputer in the study was just an extra one. Other than themonly used programs, it was basically clean and did not have much software installed on it.


    He connected to the Inte and loaded a web page.


    He downloaded a software client from the Online Go Server.


    After installing it, Zhang Yeunched it and had a look. The interface was very clean and professional looking. It was worthy of being the country''srgest Inte Go server. It was split into many different sections, including the beginner section, the amateur section, the professional section, the practice section, the free y section, and even had an events and tournament mode. Zhang Ye logged on to the server as a guest and found that he could only ess the beginner section. So he typed in some information to register an ount.


    What should he call himself?


    Alright, I''ll just go with "YE." This was the romanized spelling of his Chinese name "��."


    After hepleted the ount registration, he managed to gain ess to most of the sections in the server.


    In the public chat box, there were quite a lot of people "shouting."


    "Someonee to the amateur section!"


    "Amateur 5-dan 1 yer LF 2 simr level opponent!"


    "LF teachers for instruction."


    "LF good yer with good connection speed. No handicap!"


    "Haha, I''ve won three in a row and got promoted in rank!"


    "There''s a live broadcast of a professional match in the afternoon. Who''s watching?"


    "Not me. Today''s match won''t be interesting as those two pros are both neers, so there''s a limit to how good they are. Tomorrow''s match between Daqi and Liu Di 7-dan is the match to watch!"


    "I have to say, Old Liu is no longer as strong as he was back when."


    "Yeah, he''s getting old."


    There were many people online and the server was bustling with activity. The atmosphere in here was also quite good.


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    After breakfast, Wu Changhe asked his wife, "What did that kid say?"


    Li Qinqin said, "What else can he say? If you don''t want him to be here, do you think he woulde over?"


    Wu Changhe harrumphed, "If he ever calls again, don''t answer. His character is much too awful!"


    "I don''t see that at all." Li Qinqin shook her head.


    Wu Changhe scorned, "That''s because you don''t have enough social experience. Let me tell you this: We mustn''t let our daughter mix with him too much. Quickly continue looking for a few more candidates that we can introduce to her. How dare he try those dirty tricks on me? He even dares to sneak up on me while I had my defenses down? Does he take me, Changhe 9-dan, to really be a weakling? He must not know that even I am afraid of myself when I get serious! Just because he beat me once by sneaking up on me, he''s getting all arrogant? He even dares to find his way up to my house now to challenge me? Fancy that! How very impulsive! If it weren''t for our daughter''s sake, I would definitely have made hime over. I would ughter him in a 10-game match and leave him without a win. Don''t you believe me?"


    Li Qinqin rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say."


    Wu Changhe stood up and strolled back inside the den. He powered on hisputer and said, "Don''t disturb me. I''m going online to see if I can find an opponent to y against."


    Theputer turned on.


    He went online.


    Then signed into the Online Go server.


    As Wu Changhe was quite old, he wasn''t too familiar with operating aputer and was still using " two-fingered typing 3 ."


    Li Qinqin brewed a pot of tea for him as usual.


    Wu Changhe sipped the tea and hummed a Peking opera tune as he bobbed his head around while searching for yers on the server.


    All of a sudden, he received a message from someone on his friends'' list who probably saw hime online.


    Beep beep.


    Sun Minqi: "Teacher Changhe, you''re online today?"


    Wu Changhe hunt-and-peck typed: "Oh, it''s Little Sun."


    Sun Minqi: "Are you free now? Could you give me an instructional game?"


    Wu Changhe smiled and said: "Sure, I was just looking for an opponent."


    Sun Minqi said excitedly: "I''ll wait for you to set up a room then. I''ll go look for you there."


    Wu Changhe quickly got a room set up with a password. Other yers were allowed to ess this room to view the match, but not allowed to y against him. Only the person with the password was allowed to do so. This was what wasmonly known as a "private game" on the Inte Go servers. Then he sent the password to Sun Minqi and his opponent joined the game very quickly.


    The battle was about to start.


    With this matchup, many of theizens on the server were attracted to the game.


    "Wow, Table 288 in Zone 2! Quicklye and see this!"


    "It''s Changhe 9-dan vs. Sun Minqi 3-dan!"


    "A battle of Go pros!"


    "Is it an instructional game?


    "It''s probably a serious match!"


    "Is that so? Then we must definitely go over and watch!"


    "Changhe 9-dan? A god of the Go world!"


    "Yeah, he once stood at the top of the Go world. The current number one and number five yers in the World Go Ratings List were both his disciples once!"


    Wu Changhe clearly often came online to y Go and had manyizens following his games. When the game began, theizens received a notification and came over to watch immediately!


    The number of viewers soared!


    100!


    500!


    1,000!


    There were also a few professional yers'' ounts that appeared in the viewers list in the room. These yers were all the more well-known ones among the currently active professional yers!


    The Go match began.


    Wu Changhe would be ying second as he took the white stones.


    Sun Minqi, who took ck, would start the y.


    This match went by quickly, due to Sun Minqimitting an error that a pro shouldn''t have made around the 30th move. Wu Changhe seized on this and pressed him hard. In the end, Sun Minqi was forced to resign midmatch.


    The viewers eximed endlessly.


    "What a beautiful match!"


    "Teacher Wu is still as good as ever!"


    "Yeah, a master is a master. He ys so steadily!"


    "Actually, if Teacher Changhe had continued to y in professional Go tournaments, he would definitely still be a very high level pro. I wonder why he decided to retire."


    "Amazing!"


    "I had fun watching!"


    Wu Changhe started to give his opponent an exnation of the game through rey. "Over here, why did you make this move?"


    Sun Minqi typed: "It was a mistake."


    Wu Changhe: "It would have been better to go this way."


    "Thank you for your guidance," Sun Minqi said earnestly.


    Back at home.


    Wu Changhe wasughing loudly. "Fill the teapot, fill it up!"


    Li Qinqin came over with a thermos. She said with a smile, "Did you win?"


    "But of course!" Wu Changhe was very happy.


    Li Qinqin asked, "Who did you y against?"


    Wu Changhe said, "Sun Minqi, Little Sun."


    Li Qinqin said, "Little Sun hasn''t been ranked all that high this year. He''s been average."


    "Haha, it''s not that he''s bad, it''s that I''m too good," Wu Changhe bragged. "If I took part in a pro tournament, I''m sure that I could still y as I did 20 years ago. Do you believe me?"


    Li Qinqin reluctantly said, "Of course I believe you. Is that good enough for you?" She followed up with, "But I wonder who it was that got defeated by an amateur yesterday even though he had been given a two stone handicap."


    But Wu Changhe didn''t even seem to hear these words. "I''ll continue ying. This time, I''m going to find a higher level yer. Otherwise, it won''t be fun to y!"


    On the server.


    There were a lot of people who were asking to y him. Some were amateurs, while others were professionals.


    Wu Changhe justughed as he started picking who he wanted to y next. The number ofizens who came to view the game also increased!


    But right as Wu Changhe was deciding on who to y against next, he suddenly saw that someone hade in to take Sun Minqi''s ce after Little Sun had left the room. It wasn''t a viewer but a yer who had taken the seat across from him. However, Wu Changhe remembered that he had set a password for the room, so an outsider couldn''t have just taken the seat like this. Could Little Sun have given this yer the password then? This Little Sun, how could he be so unparticr like that!


    Who was this person?


    YE?


    It wasn''t a real name?


    The fellow Go yers were all getting thrilled.


    "Someone''s here!"


    "There''s another yer!"


    "Who is it?"


    "I don''t know."


    "His registration date is today?"


    "Damn, who could this be? Did Teacher Changhe send the invite?"


    A lot of the spectators were startled.


    YE spoke: "Teacher Changhe, please instruct me."


    When Wu Changhe saw this, he decided not to kick YE out. He thought that if it was someone that Little Sun had invited, then they should not be too bad. So he decided to go ahead with the game.


    The two of them clicked the "Ready" button.


    The game began!


    YE took ck and went first.


    Wu Changhe smiled as he used the mouse to ce his stones.


    Five moves.


    10 moves.


    20 moves.


    In the beginning, Wu Changhe did not sense anything.


    The Go yers spectating also did not seem to have noticed anything.


    It was just a verymon opening, and a verymon way of ying. There wasn''t anything new or unusual about the moves, and it even felt a little boring to watch. This game was just too by the book with neither side getting an advantage. But when ck reached the 23rd move, things changed!


    It was a beautiful move!


    So beautiful that it astonished the viewers!


    "Holy shit!"


    "What a great move!"


    "Wow, this is a good one!"


    "This move by the ck stones is so powerful!"


    This unrestrained move had allowed the ck stones that were almost dead in the upper left corner toe back to life!


    Wu Changhe was very surprised and tried to rectify the situation!


    But after another two moves, he realized that there was nothing he could do about it. He could only clench his teeth and calmly step back from the deadlocked situation in the upper left corner. He would just have to attack in the middle so that he could set up his opening 4 in advance!


    However, YE did not fall for it. As he had gained the tempo, he yed right in the lower right to take on Wu Changhe''s white stones!


    His attack was extremely ruthless!


    It was extremely aggressive!


    Wu Changhe was caught off guard and had to try to turn things around again!


    Move after move!


    YE kept pressing harder and harder!


    Wu Changhe was slowly being pushed back!


    Even before they reached the endgame, Wu Changhe''s opening was taken apart when YE ced another stone down on the central region of the board. Wu Changhe stared at the screen with a dark look. He stared at it without blinking and thought for a full ten minutes before giving up and resigning!


    YE was victorious!


    The room flew into an uproar!


    "YE won?"


    "Fuck!"


    "Changhe 9-dan lost?"


    "This��this��"


    "How ruthless! Which godly person is this YE?"


    "Yeah, which Go pro''s alt is this?"


    "Damn, weren''t these territorial battles just so beautiful?"


    A lot of the people were simply in disbelief!


    This was because to them, Changhe 9-dan was already the highest peak to conquer. Although his Go skill had already regressed by a lot, he still should not have lost this badly to an unknown person, right? He didn''t even manage to make it to the endgame? He resigned right in the midgame? H-How could this be!


    Wu Changhe broke out in cold sweat!


    He immediately went looking for Sun Minqi. "Little Sun, who did you give the password to?"


    Sun Minqi was still reying the match he had just had with Wu Changhe. He waspletely confused by this question. "Ah? Teacher Changhe, what password? But I didn''t give it to anyone?"


    Wu Changhe quickly typed: "Then who is this YE?"


    Sun Minqi said: "I, I don''t know. What YE?"


    Only then was Wu Changhe convinced that Sun Minqi did not know anything about this. This YE person that suddenly went into the match room was not invited by Little Sun at all!


    Then who are you?


    Who the fuck are you?

 Chapter 1111: Just who could this godly person be?

    <h4>Chapter 1111: Just who could this godly person be? </h4>


    Chapter 1111: Just who could this godly person be?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    He snorted!


    What are you doing? You said that we would y again some other time after agreeing to end thest match yesterday as a draw. Oh, you''re already going back on your word? You won''t y me anymore? You even kicked me out of the room? What have I said? Why did you have to kick me?


    Don''t make me mad!


    You''re pushing your luck!


    You want to challenge myputer skills?


    Do you think this bro''s world-ss hacker skills are meant for messing around with you?


    On the other end.


    Old Wu''s parents'' courtyard house.


    Wu Changhe could be heard shouting nonstop!


    "Who wants to y against you! I''m going to kick you out!"


    "Whoa, you can stille back? I''ll just have to kick you again!"


    "Hahaha, keep being cocky! Go on, keep at it!"


    "Damn, why am I not the administrator anymore?"


    "Damn! You little bastard, how dare you kick me?"


    "Are you trying to y dirty with me! I''ll fight it out with you!"


    Li Qinqin pushed open the door in a speechless manner. "What''s with you?"


    Wu Changhe said furiously, "That rascal Zhang is ying dirty with me! How dare hee looking for trouble! I''ll show him what he gets for disrespecting me!"


    Li Qinqin said in amusement, "He''s looking for you again to y Go? Then just y him for a little while."


    Wu Changhe rolled his eyes. "Why would I y him? Who wants to y him! He''s not worth my time, understand?"


    Li Qinqin smiled but did not say anything.


    Not worth your time?


    You''re clearly just saying that because you can''t beat him!


    ��


    Theizens also learned about this!


    They all came over to watch when they heard what was going on, and all bent overughing!


    "YE and Wu Changhe are fighting again!"


    "Do they have to be this funny?"


    "What''s with this YE? Why did hee here again today?"


    "Why is he so insistent on targeting Changhe 9-dan?"


    "How did he manage to steal the administrator''s role?"


    "Who knows? Pfft, this person is so funny!"


    Wherever Wu Changhe went, YE followed. These two started an epic chase!


    ��


    At the SARFT.


    Wu Zeqing was in her office.


    Secretary Bai fast walked in. "Chief Wu."


    "Yes?" Wu Zeqing looked up.


    Secretary Bai hesitated a little before saying, "It seems like your father has met with some trouble. There''s someone on the Inte who''s arguing with him. It''s been going on for two days."


    Wu Zeqing asked a few probing questions before powering on herputer to take a look at the Go server. She then had augh and said, "OK, I see."


    Secretary Bai blinked and said, "Why don''t I get someone to check out who that YE��"


    Wu Zeqing waved it off and said with a smile, "Don''t worry about them."


    "Uh, alright then," Secretary Bai said.


    ��


    At China Qiyuan.


    A lot of people could not help butugh at the happenings.


    But the disciples of Wu Changhe who were gnashing their teeth in hate.


    Hu Liang remarked angrily, "Teacher, get him! Fight it out with him!"


    Chen Ying, Xu Han, and the others all looked at him but did not say a word.


    Fight it out with him? Even Xiang Rong 9-dan could not beat him! Fight? What fight! This person''s Go skill was just too crazy. Other than Xiang Rong 9-dan, who else would be a match for him?


    The Qiyuan''s president, Dan Donghe came over. He was also at a loss for words when he saw what was going on. "Why are they at it again? Didn''t they y all of yesterday? Which jinx has Brother Wu offended!"


    Suddenly, a professional 8th dan yer pointed at theputer screen and said, "Teacher Changhe went offline!"


    Beside him, a professional 5th dan female yer clicked with her mouse and said, "No, he''s not offline. Teacher Changhe switched over to the Xiangqi server!"


    "Xiangqi?"


    "Pfft! Teacher Changhe has been forced to the Xiangqi server?"


    Dan Donghe shook his head andughed.


    The Go server and the Xiangqi server were both operated by the samepany and were essible using the same ount. The only difference was that their login pages were different. But the ount status of those on the friends list could still be seen, like which server they were currently ying on, which room they were in, and even if they were in an active match at the moment.


    The next moment, everyone discovered that YE had actually followed him over!


    When those at China Qiyuan and many of theizens realized this, they all headed into that room to watch the fun!


    Now, even the Xiangqi yers were rmed. This was because Wu Changhe was also known to be a good yer in the Xiangqi world. Although his achievements here could not bepared to that of the world of Go, Wu Changhe was one of the very few who could y both Go and Xiangqi at the master level. This was a rare phenomenon in the history of both games. Even now, Wu Changhe''s Xiangqi skill was maintained at a very high level. His skill might not be at the same level as that of a grandmaster, but it was stillparable to a master. In the past, he had even dabbled in many of the Xiangqi world''s tournaments. This was why Wu Changhe was also very well-known within the Xiangqi world. Some of the professional Xiangqi yers who had just debuted would not even be a match for him!


    ��


    Inside the room.


    Wu Changhe and YE wereing face to face for the umpteenth time!


    Wu Changhe was almost going crazy. "Rascal, why do you keep following me around? Ah?"


    Zhang Ye typed: "To y Go."


    Wu Changhe harrumphed. "You''re not worth my time!"


    Zhang Ye said: "Then take back what you said the other day."


    Wu Changhe said: "Why would I do that? I''m not taking back any words!"


    Zhang Ye said: "Then let''s decide things on the board of Go."


    "I''m not ying you!"


    "Then take back what you said!"


    "I''m not taking them back! Let me tell you this: you definitely have a questionable character!"


    "Theny the terms."


    A moment of silence ensued.


    Suddenly, Wu Changheughed loudly and said: "If you want me to take back what I said, fine! Why don''t we y a game of Xiangqi? Do you dare?"


    Xiangqi?


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. But at the same time, he was very happy about it. "Sure!"


    ��


    Li Qinqin could no longer watch on. "You couldn''t beat him at Go. And now, you''re challenging him to Xiangqi? Is there any meaning to that?"


    "Of course there is!" Wu Changheughed heartily. "I think this is going to be particrly interesting! If I don''t show this kid something, he''s going to get all arrogant!"


    Li Qinqin rolled her eyes and said, "Your Xiangqi skills are at the pro level. How do you expect him to be able to y against you?"


    "I don''t care about that!" Wu Changhe said, "He wants to win over my daughter? He''ll have to get past me first!"


    Li Qinqin shook her head and said, "You''re really intent on bullying others!"


    Wu Changhe harrumphed, "What do you know! This is my way of testing him!"


    Li Qinqin pursed her lips and said, "How''s this a test? You''re only doing this because you lost to him at Go and have nowhere to hang your head."


    Wu Changhe pretended not to have heard her. He immediately hunt and pecked at the keyboard and sent a message to Zhang Ye: "Hurry up already. We''re starting. Faster! Faster!" He was finally feeling spirited again!


    If I can''t beat you at Go!


    Then I will make sure to thrash you at Xiangqi!


    Hahaha!


    On the other end, YE clicked the "ready" button!


    The gamemenced!


    ��


    Theizens eximed.


    "Wow!"


    "Yesterday was Go. And today it''s Xiangqi?"


    "Pfft, what fun this is!"


    "Teacher Changhe can finally vindicate himself today!"


    "Yeah, Teacher Changhe''s Xiangqi is very advanced too!"


    "YE has been tricked. He probably does not know that Teacher Changhe''s Xiangqi skill is at the level of a pro as well!"


    "Hur hur, Wu Changhe is even going to move first."


    ��


    Indeed, Zhang Ye really did not know that Wu Changhe''s Xiangqi skill was at the professional level.


    Moving the horse. 1


    Shifting the cannon.


    Advancing the soldier.


    But after ying for a while, he suddenly let out an exmation when he realized something was up.


    Hey! This standard of y is pretty good! Only then did Zhang Ye realize that Wu Changhe could actually y so professionally. He realized that Comrade Changhe was actually trying to trick him, so he immediately focused and continued ying on!


    Trying to trick me?


    You''re overrating yourself!


    If you had yed me yesterday, I might really not be able to beat you!


    But today? Hur hur! You''re as good as walking into my direct line of fire!


    Zhang Ye didn''t expect that the five skill experience books from Lottery Draw (Two) could actually be put to use so quickly!


    "Come on!"


    "Whoa, you''re sending out your chariot already? Watch this!"


    "Haha. I''ve got your horse''s leg hobbled 2 , haven''t I? Jump! Why aren''t you jumping!? 3 "


    ��


    At China Qiyuan.


    At the beginning, no one really gave much thought to the game since everyone knew that Wu Changhe was an expert in Xiangqi. But when they got to the middlegame 4 , everyone was dumbfounded!


    Chen Ying was taken aback. "This��"


    Xu Han was wiping away his sweat. "Damn!"


    Hu Liang could also see it. "Teacher Wu is at a disadvantage? How''s that possible!"


    Beside them, there were quite a few Xiangqi pros who also came to watch the game. At first, they thought it was a game of Go being yed. But when they came over, they saw it turned out to be a Xiangqi battle. Further, it was an extremely high level game!


    At this point, those people from the Xiangqi world were also stunned!


    "Fuck!"


    "Who could he be?"


    "Why is he so good?"


    "He can even y Xiangqi?"


    "This is bad! That was a bad move by Teacher Changhe!"


    "Aiyo, this horse is done for!"


    Indeed. With the next move, Wu Changhe''s horse was captured and taken by YE!


    "This formation was really well-nned!"


    "Yeah, Teacher Changhe has been tricked by YE again!"


    "That move earlier by YE was actually just a diversion!"


    ��


    At the courtyard house.


    Wu Changhe had started off the game with a big smile on his face. Itter turned into a slight smile before he turnedpletely expressionless, and then finally looked like he was about to vomit a mouthful of blood!


    The gamested only half an hour!


    Check!


    When YE moved his cannon, Wu Changhe was checkmated!


    Li Qinqin was also dumbfounded from watching. "This Little Zhang, he''s��"


    Wu Changhe was so angry that he was trembling. He typed: "Again! I dare you to y again!"


    "You''re up for another game?"


    "Best of three!"


    "Sure."


    The second game was won by YE. It took one hour.


    "Again!"


    "Isn''t it supposed to be a best of three?"


    "Do you even know how to y Xiangqi? Any proper official tournament states that a match is decided in a best of five!"


    "Oh, OK."


    In the third game, YE won. It took 45 minutes.


    "Again!"


    "But I''ve already won three times."


    "A pro match requires a best of seven!"


    "Oh, so it''s like that."


    "Come on!"


    "OK."


    In the fourth game, YE won in 50 minutes.


    For the entirety of the daytime, Wu Changhe yed ten games against Zhang Ye, not believing that this was happening. In all ten games, Wu Changhe lost. He even lost all of them very quickly and easily!


    Wu Changhe was dumbfounded!


    China Qiyuan''s people were dumbfounded!


    The observing yers were also dumbfounded!


    Yesterday, Wu Changhe had been utterly demolished in Go!


    But who could have thought that today in Xiangqi, Wu Changhe would get utterly demolished once again by YE!


    Just what sort of person was he!


    Which fucking godly person was this!?


    They were all so shocked that they didn''t know what to say!


    ��


    At the courtyard house.


    Wu Zeqing came back to her parent''s ce after work.


    The moment she entered the house, she saw Wu Changhe with a dark look on his face and not saying a word. Every now and then, he would even bang on the table out of anger.


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Dad, what''s going on?"


    "You dare to ask? You have the cheek to ask me that?" With her question, Wu Changhe got even angrier!


    Li Qinqinughed and said, "Your dad lost again."


    Wu Zeqing said, "Isn''t that very normal?"


    Li Qinqin shook her head and said, "This time, he lost to Little Zhang in Xiangqi. Out of ten games, he did not even win once. Just look at how he''s throwing a tantrum now, hur hur."


    Wu Zeqing was taken aback. "Little Ye knows how to y Xiangqi as well?"


    "He more than knows how to y it," Li Qinqin said with a giggle. "This boyfriend of yours is really no ordinary guy."


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiangqi#Pieces


    2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiangqi#Horse


    3. The horse does not jump as the knight does in international chess. Zhang Ye hobbled/trapped Wu Changhe''s horse.


    4. The opening in Xiangqi is basically the first 10-15 moves by each person, that is, 20-30 moves in total.

 Chapter 1112: An artificial intelligence issues a challenge to humanity!

    <h4>Chapter 1112: An artificial intelligence issues a challenge to humanity! </h4>


    Chapter 1112: An artificial intelligence issues a challenge to humanity!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    It was another morning.


    An entertainment circle without Zhang Ye was always going to be missing that bit of liveliness. Although there were still countless celebrities involved in all kinds of news and scandals, those were mainly either hyped up by theirpanies to promote a new film or show, or the headlines themselves being hyped up when in fact the news was nothing that interesting. It was alwayscking that realism and impact that Zhang Ye brought when he was active. He would so often start some trouble that was so shocking that it would send everyone into panic. Everything was definitely more exciting when he was around.


    On Weibo.


    "Is Zhang Ye still on break?"


    "It''s only been three days."


    "Ai, I''m starting to miss him already!"


    "Me too! I wish that Teacher Zhang would return soon and create yet another masterpiece!"


    "I wonder what Zhang Ye is doing right now."


    "Could that fellow be sleeping every day?"


    "What about that girl who is like the lc? How''s it going with her?"


    "@ZhangYe! Wake up!"


    "@ZhangYe! Wake up!"


    "@ZhangYe! Don''t sleep anymore!"


    In the end, someone kicked off a mass mention of Zhang Ye, with a lot of people gleefully joining in. In an instant, several hundred people on Weibo started to @ZhangYe to make this fellow get up from bed.


    But unknown to them, Zhang Ye had awakened long ago.


    ��


    Back at home.


    7 AM.


    After breakfast, Zhang Ye eagerly went back to his room and logged on to the Online Go Server again.


    Then a call from Wu Zeqing came in.


    "Old Wu?"


    "You''re awake?"


    "Yes, I am. I''m getting ready to y Go."


    "You still want to y?"


    "Yeah, I have nothing to do anyway."


    "Don''t y anymore. My dad is starting to get frustrated. If you keep beating him, I think he might really get into a fight with you. Don''t overdo it."


    "Ah? Surely not, right?"


    "Why not? When I got back yesterday, I heard my dad cursing you for the entire night, hur hur. Oh yes, my mom wants me to ask you something. She wonders if you''d be interested in joining a pro Go tournament. A Go celebrity is also a celebrity; they get a lot of attention too. My mom asks if you will consider it for a moment?"


    "No thanks."


    "Why is that?"


    "With my level, I can only asionallye up against someone like your dad, who''s a retired pro."


    "Have some faith in yourself. You''re very good."


    "Forget it. I''ll just stick to the entertainment industry and make an honest living there instead."


    "True. Alright then."


    "Old Wu, what about the two of us?"


    "It won''t be an issue with my mom. But as for my dad��"


    "I''ve won so many games against your dad. Is he still not going to recognize and ept me? Then wouldn''t I have done all that for nothing?"


    "It''s not for nothing. This time, you''ve really changed the way that my parents perceive you. My dad may be cursing you very fiercely, but I can see that he has been moved. As for my mom, she rather likes you too. How about this: I''ll bring you to my parents'' ce again in a few days'' time."


    "Sure."


    "Then you rest well today. I need to get to work."


    The call ended.


    He has been moved?


    Zhang Ye smile slightly, thinking about how there was finally some progress, atst.


    He wasn''t at all thinking of bing some Go celebrity. Although it was good to have another title, and would contribute to the course of his career as well as add some shine to his resume, the intensity of the tournaments was too high with too muchpetition and spanned too long a duration. Every day for the entire year, they would be required to train andpete against one another. All those professional and world rankings were actually earned by sacrificing one''s time. Zhang Ye did not have such time to do something like that. If it were not for the matter with Wu Zeqing, and his differences with Wu Changhe, he would probably not have touched Go and Xiangqi at all in his lifetime. These sports celebrities might look very glorious and positive, and also gain the respect of many, but it was simply too high of a price to pay. Besides, Zhang Ye had always thought that his Go skill was mediocre. He couldn''t even beat a retired pro who couldn''t y in professional games and had even nearly lost to him too, so why would he want to join any pro tournaments? Wouldn''t he be looking to get abused then? Even if he got matched against a pro 5th or 6th dan Go yer, he probably still couldn''t win!


    Suddenly, the door opened.


    His mother came into the room. "Oh, you''re not ying Go today?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "No, I''m not ying anymore. I won so much that I got bored."


    "Keep bragging, kid!" His mother naturally did not take his words seriously. She said, "If you have nothing to do, get changed quickly. Come with me and your dad and do some grocery shopping. Your three sisters will being over this afternoon to have fun."


    "Bring me to the market with you?"


    "Yeah, that''s right."


    "What if I get surrounded by people at the market?"


    "If you get surrounded, then so be it."


    "Whoa, you''re really throwing me out there huh?"


    "It wasn''t easy for me to have such a famous son. Why aren''t you allowing me to unt you?"


    "Alright then!"


    "Hurry up, we''re leaving!"


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    At China Qiyuan.


    Exceptionally more people came here today.


    President Dan Donghe, Xiang Rong 9-dan, Li Yi 9-dan. It was especially crowded here at the Go association. Basically, all those who were called celebrity professional Go yers were here. The remaining professional yers who were not that highly ranked also gathered around. Everyone had looks of incredulity on their faces!


    Chen Ying said in shock, "Is the news true?"


    "Yeah, th-that can''t be impossible!" Xu Han said in a stunned manner.


    Dan Donghe said sternly, "I''ve just received the news. It''s true, the news is indeed true. This will be reported on the news very soon!"


    No one cared about YE anymore!


    They also stopped caring about the dispute between YE and Changhe 9-dan!


    That was because at this moment, the world of Go was facing a battle of life and death. Everyone was unable to react to the news. They were evenpletely unprepared for it because this news hade about too suddenly!


    "Chen Chi 9-dan lost?"


    "How could he have lost!"


    "That''s impossible!"


    "How could that thing possibly win against Chen Chi 9-dan?"


    "Could it have been a one-off?"


    "It definitely did not get lucky. It won two games in a best of three. Chen Chi lost two games in a row."


    "Heavens��this��"


    "I just called Chen Chi and asked him what was going on. He didn''t say much except to warn us to be careful! I could hear that he sounded very defeated!"


    Wu Changhe just arrived, walking rapidly. "Is it true?"


    Li Yi 9-dan sighed and said, "Yes."


    Wu Changhe''s expression darkened. "Old Dan, I want to look at that game."


    Xiang Rong 9-dan spoke, "I would like to see it too."


    Dan Donghe nodded. "I''ve already requested for it. They''ll be sending it over soon."


    Soon after, the game record was sent.


    Chen Ying volunteered, "I''ll recreate the match."


    She operated theputer and recreated the match from the first move on the big screen.


    Everyone''s face turned sullen the longer they watched. The atmosphere in the entire Qiyuan fell into a very oppressive tension!


    ��


    At home.


    His three sisters arrived.


    Zhang Ye was unaware of these developments in the outside world.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "What made you girls want toe over today?"


    His eldest younger sister smiled. "We came to look for you to y of course."


    "Brother, aren''t you on break now? The three of us are on our summer break, and we''re bored to tears," his second sister said with a giggle. "How boring!"


    Zhang Ye was amused by them. He pointed at the cab behind him and said, "You all came at the right time. I have nothing to do today either. That''s right! After the show''s recording ended a few days ago, Beijing TV handed out a lot of freebies to us. I also received some gifts from other people. Things like VR headsets and perfumes, just take whatever you like. Since you''re here today, there''s no need to be a stranger. Just tell me whatever you want. As long as it''s something that I have, you can take it if you like it. There''s no need to be polite��" Before he finished speaking, Zhang Ye looked back and was stunned.


    His third sister was already holding a pile of boxes in her arms. "These are all mine!"


    His second sister was panicking. "Damn, leave some for me! And leave some for Big Sis as well."


    His eldest younger sister said, "I want the perfume. Don''t take it from me!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Can you guys be a little more polite? Can you?"


    In the end, his three sisters stared at him in confusion. "Didn''t you insist for us to not hold back?"


    "But you should still have listened to me and let me finish. Oh, look at this. Even before I finish speaking, everything is already gone?" Zhang Ye didn''t know how to react. "Are you bandits raiding a vige?"


    His parentsughed at that.


    His mother said, "Take as much as you want. Little Ye doesn''t have any use for them anyway."


    "Yes, ma''am! Thank you, Auntie!" His third sister yfully gave a military salute to her.


    Zhang Ye couldn''t do anything about them and just shook his head. He turned on the television with the remote control as he wanted to watch the news. Although he was taking a break from work, he still saw the need to keep up with the entertainment industry and society''s news and affairs.


    However, when the television turned on, the news that was currently being reported on TV stunned Zhang Ye!


    On Central TV News Channel.


    The anchor: "An artificial intelligence named Peter that was developed by an Americanpany has shockingly made its debut by defeating the American-born Chinese Go yer, Chen Chi 9-dan, two to zero in a match that ended at 5:10 AM Beijing Time. At the same time, the artificial intelligence Peter officially issued a challenge to humanity. ording to information our reporters gathered from China Qiyuan, Peter''s developmentpany has already sent out official letters of challenge to the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean professional Go yers. The reason they chose Go was that it was acknowledged as the most difficult andplicated board game. It is also a game that represents humanity''s wisdom. Could a machine''s intelligence soon surpass the wisdom of humans? This is destined to be an unprecedented battle!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned!


    Peter?


    An AI?


    A challenge to all humanity?


    Go?


    Damn!


    Wasn''t this that famous AlphaGo 1 from his previous world?


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AlphaGo

 Chapter 1114: Zhang Ye’s contribution!

    <h4>Chapter 1114: Zhang Ye''s contribution! </h4>


    Chapter 1114: Zhang Ye''s contribution!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    At China Qiyuan.


    Reporters were swarming the outside!


    They came from all over the ce, from the television stations to the newspaper firms to the online media outlets. Right now, China Qiyuan was the focus of discussions all over the country. Even the equivalent organizations in Japan and Korea were watching China Qiyuan''s actions very closely. After all, China led Go in Asia. In the top ten of the world rankings, half of them were taken by Chinese citizens. The remaining ces were then made up of those yers from Japan and Korea!


    "Is President Dan around?"


    "Is Xiang Rong 9-dan here?"


    "I''m from Central TV. Could you grant us an interview?"


    "I''m from Beijing TV. Could you let us have an interview with Changhe 9-dan!"


    "If Shinji 9-dan loses, will we also send a representative?"


    "Is Xiang Rong 9-dan confident in winning?"


    China Qiyuan was bursting with people!


    "Please wait!"


    "The yers are holding a meeting right now!"


    "Don''t squeeze! Please be patient!"


    The staff were all busy attending to the media reporters.


    Inside.


    Dozens of professional Go yers gathered around in a gloomy atmosphere. After Chen Ying had recreated the match, and with the analysis given by Xiang Rong 9-dan and Li Yi 9-dan, everyone finally finished studying the game between Peter and Chen Chi 9-dan. As a result, they were all shocked by the "intelligence" of Peter!


    Xu Han 8-dan eximed, "This is so ridiculous!"


    "He really knows how to consider his moves!" Tian Weiwei paled!


    Hu Liang 7-dan could not believe it. "This is impossible!"


    Li Yi 9-dan gasped and said, "But these moves should only be possible if a human yed. A machine would never be able to make them, so how could this AI manage to do it? This simply cannot be done through big data analytics!"


    "Will Shinji 9-dan be able to win?"


    "I don''t know!"


    "Everyone is still in a state of confusion!"


    "Yeah, no one knows anything about Peter!"


    "We don''t have enough understanding of the program. But using all the game data from the Inte and television broadcasts, it has all the information it needs about the other world-ss Go yers!"


    "How does it work exactly?"


    "How can they say that it has intelligence?"


    Everyone was in disbelief!


    In those two games of Go, they saw many frightful insights that convinced many of them that this AI could really think like a human. Further, the thought process was even more detailed than a human could muster, with the considerations of every move much moreprehensive! This was too scary!


    ��


    Back at home.


    After lunch.


    Zhang Ye called Wu Zeqing.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Has the Gomunity met with some trouble?"


    Old Wu confirmed, "My dad has gone to China Qiyuan for an emergency meeting to discuss the strategic countermeasures to take. If Shinji 9-dan wins, it''ll be fine. But if even he loses, then that will be problematic. Right now, the Qiyuan is also quite in the dark about the developments. Without any technical data and a blueprint of how Peter operates, no one has any idea of what kind of machine it is. The enemy is in the shadows while everything about my dad and the other Go yers is known, so that makes it a very tricky situation.


    Zhang Ye replied, "If it''s about that, I might know a little."


    "Oh?" Old Wu said.


    Zhang Ye thought about it for a moment and said, "How about this? I''ll send you some information about what I know of AI. It might not necessarily be correct, but it should be good enough for reference."


    Old Wu said, "Alright, I''ll forward that to my dad."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye went online and found the match between Chen Chi 9-dan and Peter. After studying it for a long time, he managed to get an idea of the inner workings of the program.


    His third sister pushed open the door and came in. "Eh, Brother, what are you doing?"


    Zhang Ye smiled, typing and saying, "I''m writing a document."


    "Aren''t you on leave from work for half a month?" His eldest younger sister also came into the room.


    Zhang Ye said, "Hai, I''m helping someone with something."


    ��


    At China Qiyuan.


    Dan Donghe was getting interviewed.


    Meanwhile, Xiang Rong 9-dan declined to get interviewed. He sat there and continued to analyze the game between Peter and Chen Chi 9-dan, at times shaking his head, at times frowning.


    A distance away.


    Wu Changhe received a call.


    "Daughter, I''m busy right now."


    "Dad, I sent you some information. Take a look at it."


    "What information?"


    "Little Ye sorted out the working principles of Peter."


    "Him? What could he possibly know!"


    "Take a look at it first, alright?"


    "Is the information reliable?"


    "Have you forgotten what Little Ye does? He''s a world-ss mathematician and allputer programs are based on binary, so don''t you think it''s reliable? In this area, he''s the real professional. Depending on a world-ss mathematician''s research information is better than listening to a group of Go yers analysis of a program, isn''t that right?"


    "Alright, I''ll take a look then."


    After hanging up, Wu Changhe downloaded the document onto his cell phone.


    Soon after, Dan Donghe came back. He was exhausted from handling the interview with the several dozen reporters. This was because he was unable to give them a proper conclusion about the meat of the matter.


    Everyone gathered again.


    Wu Changhe suddenly said, "Come, everyone! Take a look at this!"


    "Ah?"


    "What is it?"


    "Teacher, what''s the matter?"


    Everyone looked to him.


    Wu Changhe said, "Someone sent me a document regarding that P-whatever thing''s working principles." He handed it to his disciple Tian Weiwei. "Put it up on the big screen for everyone to see."


    Tian Weiwei immediately said, "Yes!"


    Everyone was skeptical.


    "Working principles?"


    "Did someone manage to analyze them?"


    "Is it real?"


    "How can it be so fast?"


    Dan Donghe''s eyes lit up. He hurriedly strode over and said, "Brother Wu, who sent it to you?"


    Wu Changhe scowled and said, "Don''t ask about that. It''s just someone who works with math."


    The document was quickly shown on the disy!


    Everyone looked up!


    Xiang Rong also looked up at the screen!


    Peter.


    This is an AI program written for Go.


    It mainly consists of four parts:


    1. Policy Network: Picks likely moves to y at every step.


    2. Fast Rollout: Has the same goal as 1. A rollout policy that is 1,000 times faster but less precise under certain conditions.


    3. Value Network: Learns to look at a board state, and predicts who is likely to win.


    4. Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS): Combining the three parts above, it forms aplete program.


    The main theory behind it is deep learning. Deep learning refers to multyer neuralworks and its training. Ayer of neuralworks can take in arge number of inputs, and through a nonlinear method to obtain appropriate weights, finally obtain a final output score. It works just like biological brains. Using an appropriate matrix, multipleyers are connected together, forming a neuralwork "brain," allowing forplicated maniption, just like how humans process image recognition. It has two "brains." It uses these two neuralwork "brains" to y Go. These brains'' neuralworks are simr to how image search engines search for images. They begin with the multipleyers to handle the Go board''s positions and deal with it like a picture ssification website. Through a filter, a 13yer policy neuralwork will analyze the setup presented. Theseyers are able to ssify and reason logically.


    The first brain: Move picker.


    The second brain: Position evaluator.


    And so on and so on!


    It was a 2,000-word report. It looked like a research paper and was written highly professionally.


    Many of the professional Go yers were dumbfounded. There was many professional jargon they did not understand at all. They could only guess, but they gained a rough idea of what Peter was!


    Xiang Rong 9-dan asked in shock, "Who wrote this?"


    President Dan Donghe quipped, "Brother Wu, you even know an expert like this? Which mathematician is he?"


    "Why do you care who he is?" Wu Changhe did not understand a thing anyway. "So is it of any use?"


    "Of course it''s of use!" Chen Ying was the most excited of them all. Not only was she a top female Go yer, she was also an academic. She was a Tsinghua math student. "This analysis and information is incredibly important! This has exposed how Peter works! If it''s true, then this AI can''t think like how the Americans bragged. It can''t think at all. It just makes people believe that it can think. Its core is still based on data processing!"


    Two "brains"?


    Deep learning?


    They finally knew!


    They could finally see Peter''s true face!

 Chapter 1115: Humanity vs. Artificial Intelligence (Start)

    <h4>Chapter 1115: Humanity vs. Artificial Intelligence (Start) </h4>


    Chapter 1115: Humanity vs. Artificial Intelligence (Start)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    The AI, Peter, was once again dominating the news throughout Asia!


    The cause of this was China Qiyuan''s revtion of Peter''s operating principle, a magnificent analysis report over a 1,000 words that was written in great detail. At the end, the author of the report was also indicated. It was signed as: An anonymous mathematician who does not wish to reveal his name.


    Theizens were stunned!


    "So that''s what it is!"


    "It actually ys Go in this way!"


    "Thinking? Bullshit! Who are the Americans trying to bluff!"


    "Those Americans really love bragging too much!"


    "Who wrote this report?"


    "This is so awesome!"


    "It''s only been a day?"


    "An anonymous mathematician who does not wish to reveal his name?"


    "Thank you for contributing to the cause of humanity!"


    "An unsung hero!"


    Both domestic and international experts were very surprised. After going through a lot of reverse verifications, they discovered that 90% of this analysis report was true and reliable! In just a short span of a day, and after just two games of Go, Peter''s operating principle had been analyzed? Who could have done it?


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    Li Qinqin was very shocked. "Changhe, was this analysis conducted by the Qiyuan?"


    Wu Changhe mumbled, "Ah, er��"


    "The only person who studied math at the Qiyuan should be Chen Ying, right?" Li Qinqin was doubtful.


    Wu Changhe said, "Why do you care who analyzed it?"


    Li Qinqin said, "I just want to know. So who was it?"


    Wu Changhe scowled and muttered, "That Zhang kid!"


    "Little Zhang wrote it?" Li Qinqinughed. "I knew it. How could the people at the Qiyuan possiblye up with something this impressive. With one nce, I knew that this report was written by some career academic. What do you think now? I told you Little Zhang wasn''t bad, right? And you''re still displeased with him. Look at how concerned he is with your problem. He immediately got to work and researched the problem when he knew that you all met with trouble. He''s even this thorough when the task was supposed to have been done by others!"


    Wu Changhe stared at her and said, "Has that kid cast a spell on you or something? Why do you keep speaking up for him!"


    Li Qinqinughed and said, "Hur hur, I wonder that too. I like him no matter which side of him I see."


    ��


    The Japanese were watching the developments very closely.


    "It''s finally been figured out!"


    "So that''s how it is!"


    "Shinji 9-dan''s chances of victory has increased by another percentage point!"


    "Thanks to the Chinese!"


    ��


    The Korean Gomunity was the same.


    "This report has proven very valuable!"


    "So that''s what it really is!"


    "The Chinese mathematicians are really awesome!"


    ��


    Over in America.


    Thepany that developed Peter was thrown into disarray at the same time!


    The management flew into a rage and gathered up the program''s core developers!


    "Who was it? Who leaked the information?"


    "Goddammit!"


    "How did the Chinese get their hands on the information!"


    "It''s alright. Even if they know how Peter works, they can''t win all the same!"


    "But what I want to know is, how the hell did they find out? How?"


    Everyone looked at one another in silence.


    But what the Americanpany would never be able to figure out was that other than them, there was actually someone else who had seen a simr AI program that could y Go. And that someone was Zhang Ye��a person who couldn''t truly be considered someone from this world.


    ��


    A dayter.


    Noon.


    Zhang Ye had a room booked in a restaurant for a lunch date with some people.


    Dong Shanshan, Yao Jiancai, Chen Guang, Fan Wenli, Xiaodong, Amy, Li Xiaoxian, Zhang Xia, and most of the other guests and contestants from King of Masked Singers had been invited. There were also a few others that Zhang Ye had informed but were unable to make it as they were busy with work.


    "Come. I said that it would be my treat today!" Zhang Ye said as he arranged for the guests to get seated.


    Dong Shanshan sat down and crossed her legs. "Don''t worry. No one is going to fight you over the bill today."


    Yao Jiancaiughed heartily. "Yeah, we''ll be helping ourselves."


    Chen Guang flipped open the menu and remarked, "Let''s see, what''s the most expensive item in here."


    "There''s no need to scrimp for Director Zhang," Fan Wenli chorused after her husband.


    Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Can we hold back a little? I''m just a sried employee, and it''s not easy to earn money, so please don''t overdo it. Just order enough to eat, please."


    Dong Shanshan nced at him. "You''re a domestic superstar. Why are you still so stingy?"


    Xiaodong giggled and said, "Yeah, amongst all of us here, you''re the one who''s the most popr. Since everyone took time out of their schedules to celebrate for you, you better not be thinking of trying to save money today!"


    Li Xiaoxian was rtively quiet. She did not speak much and justughed.


    Everyone was talking andughing, and the atmosphere was great.


    Suddenly, Dong Shanshan called a waiter over to get him to turn on the television.


    Amy asked, "What''s going on?"


    Dong Shanshan said, "Don''t you all know? Today is the first time that an AI challenged a human. The battle''s about to begin."


    Yao Jiancai pped the table. "That''s right, I nearly forgot!"


    Zhang Xia smiled widely and said, "I''m rather looking forward to it as well."


    Xiaodong said, "Haha, I dare not speak about other areas. But when ites to intelligence, a machine would never win against a human. We don''t even need to watch!"


    Li Xiaoxian said, "That''s not necessarily true."


    Chen Guang agreed. "Yeah, the Americans came bearing down so menacingly this time. If they weren''t confident about it, they wouldn''t have dared to issue a challenge to all humanity."


    The television was turned on.


    Central TV Sports Channel.


    The image was one of the live broadcast of the match from thepetition venue in Tokyo. Thepetition had not started yet, but Shinji 9-dan had already made his appearance. The international referee was speaking to him, and there were no spectators around them. This was to ensure absolute silence during the game, so there would only be the referee 1 and yers present.


    From the Central TVmentary box, Yu Yingyi''s voice rang out. "We can see that the match will begin soon."


    Zhang Ye said, "Yingyi went too?"


    Dong Shanshan said, "Yeah, she''s the host."


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Who''s she?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "She''s mine and Shanshan''s uni ssmate. We were in the same ss, and she''s currently a host with Central TV Sports Channel. I never expected that Yingyi could y Go as well."


    Yu Yingyi was actually just the host. Her main duty today had nothing to do withmentary.


    The person in charge of that was Chen Ying 7-dan, who was sitting beside her. She was a pretty female Go yer.


    10 minutester.


    The match began!


    As the best Japanese Go yer, Shinji 9-dan was veryposed today. He picked the ck stones and started the game calmly. As his opponent was an AI, it could only disy its moves onscreen. Since traditional Go yers were still used to ying physically at a proper Go board, Peter required a representative to be the middleman to input Shinji 9-dan''s moves after he made them. Then, when Peter responded with its move onscreen, the middleman would ce a stone on the physical Go board at the corresponding position��the middleman was a Caucasian person who was a representative from Peter''s developmentpany.


    Dong Shanshan and the others ate as they watched the game.


    Some of them could understand what was happening, while those who didn''t could only rely on thementary.


    Zhang Ye was actually quite concerned about this match too, even if he felt that this matter had nothing to do with him.


    Five stones.


    Ten stones.


    Twenty stones.


    As the game progressed faster and faster, Zhang Ye''s frown became more and more obvious.


    Li Xiaoxian put her chopsticks down. She eximed, "How amazing!"


    Amy blinked and asked, "Who''s amazing?"


    Xiaodong knew that Li Xiaoxian knew how to y Go. "Who has the advantage?"


    "PETER!" Li Xiaoxian said.


    On TV.


    Yu Yingyi said, "Teacher Chen Ying, what do you make of this move?"


    Chen Ying 7-dan said in shock, "Shinji 9-dan has miscalcted his move. It seems like this game will end early!"


    Yu Yingyi said in surprise, "It''s going to end this soon?"


    Sure enough, a short whileter, Shinji 9-dan finally resigned from the game after spending a long time thinking and bing frustrated and annoyed.


    The referee immediately came over to confirm his decision.


    Yu Yingyi eximed, "My goodness! We see that Shinji 9-dan has resigned from the game!"


    Chen Ying 7-dan said, "If Peter can even beat Shinji 9-dan, then this would be really too frightful!"


    Yu Yingyi said, "We''ll be showing the second game between Peter and Shinji 9-dan tomorrow at the same time. Let''s hope Shinji 9-dan catches up in the next game!"


    Thepetition was based on a best of three!


    If he were to lose again tomorrow, Shinji 9-dan would officially lose!


    Later, during the post-match conference, Shinji 9-dan answered some of the reporters'' questions looking rather dejected. He was clearly distracted!


    When it was time for the American representative to say a few words, he was clearly very excited and spoke loftily.


    Xiaodong could no longer watch. "This American is too arrogant!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Even Shinji 9-dan could not win?"


    Chen Guang said, "Could there really be no one who can defeat them?"


    "There''s still another game tomorrow. Let''s not speak too early," Li Xiaoxian said.


    Zhang Xia said, "If it still doesn''t work out, we still have Xiang Rong 9-dan around."


    ��


    At this moment, all the attention throughout Asia was focused on this battle of the century in Tokyo!


    "Did we lose?"


    "Shinji 9-dan lost?"


    "How could that be!"


    "This��we couldn''t even win?"


    "Could it be that Shinji 9-dan was unable to y to his potential?"


    "That shouldn''t be the case!"


    "Damn, we''ll have to wait for tomorrow!"


    "Right, we''ll definitely win tomorrow!"


    "If not, there''s still Park Yuhee 9-dan, and also Xiang Rong 9-dan!"


    "That''s right, Peter cannot possibly win every time!"


    "Humans can''t possibly lose to an AI!"


    "Intelligence is thest bit of dignity that we humans have!"


    "Humanity will prevail!"


    "Humanity will prevail!"


    This game of Go had ignited the fears of many people. On this day, countless people started panicking. They suddenly felt a chill in the depths of their hearts and were feeling a little afraid. If humans were to lose to AI in a test of intelligence, then��that was something that was totally unimaginable to them!

 Chapter 1116: Humanity vs. Artificial Intelligence (Middle)

    <h4>Chapter 1116: Humanity vs. Artificial Intelligence (Middle) </h4>


    Chapter 1116: Humanity vs. Artificial Intelligence (Middle)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In China. On the Inte.


    Things were blowing up.


    On this day, countless people were posting promations of "Humanity Will Prevail!" across the Inte. Everywhere, in workces, hotels and bars, from the streets to the alleys, discussions were being had about this war between humans and machines. If it was chaotic before, now nearly everyone knew about it! The reason for this was because a lot of people did not believe it at first. They felt that it was just a gimmick arranged by the Americans, spending money to arrange for a showcase match between Peter and Chen Chi 9-dan as a fancy way of hyping up the promotion for their artificial intelligence program. But now, even Shinji 9-dan had lost in unexpected fashion!


    He couldn''t lose again!


    If he lost the next game, then everyone would lose!


    Shinji 9-dan could not afford to lose any more!


    Humanity could not afford to lose either!


    ��


    With the public''s attention.


    The second game showdownmenced!


    Many countries across Asia were broadcasting the game live!


    In Tokyo, countless foreign and domestic reporters had gathered outside thepetition venue. They were all waiting for the final moment!


    A diagonal move!


    A knight''s move!


    A horizontal stretch!


    A push through 1 !


    The gamested for a full five hours!


    Back at home.


    Zhang Ye''s father had been watching the game the entire afternoon.


    His mother was forced to watch alongside her husband without any knowledge.


    "Aiyo, this move isn''t good!


    "Push through!


    "Don''t retreat 2 !


    "Make a knight''s move over there!"


    His father was watching excitedly whilementing on the game like ayman would to a professional. He was actually not good at all. He was just watching for the fun of it.


    However, the only person who really knew about Go at home did not even bother watching the game.


    Zhang Ye was listening to music in his room. After watching the match between Shinji 9-dan and Peter yesterday, he did not pay any further attention to the match. This was because he felt that Shinji 9-dan''s level was just average. Even the seemingly on steroids "WuChanghe" from the other day was better than him. And what exactly was Wu Changhe''s level? He was a professional yer retired for over 20 years who probably had not even retained half his skill from back then. Since Shinji 9-dan was not any better than him, it would have been a wonder if he could actually win against the AI. This program was definitely not as simple as everyone thought it to be. It would be very difficult for any Go yer to win against it. Or at least to Zhang Ye, aputer program that hadpiled all the data of the Go yers and the millions and millions of games yed would already make it unfair for any human yers to y against.


    Indeed, a cry from his father rang out from the living room!


    "He lost!"


    Shinji 9-dan had lost!


    He suffered a terrible defeat, 2-0!


    On TV, Commentator Chen Ying looked horrified!


    Host Yu Yingyi said in pity, "It was only a difference of five points! Only five points!"


    Chen Ying gave Yu Yingyi a look but did not say anything else.


    Only five points?


    Isn''t a difference of five points already a lot?


    And throughout the game, PETER had been constricting Shinji 9-dan''s y! If it weren''t for Shinji 9-dan taking a defensive strategy right from the start, would he have lost by just a five point difference? In this game, the machine had taken the advantage almost from the start. Up until the end, Shinji 9-dan did not even get a chance to turn things around!


    The Japaneseizens blew up!


    "No!"


    "That''s impossible!"


    "He lost?"


    "How could this be?"


    Theizens in China were also gripped by the developments!


    "Humanity has lost?"


    "That was a really bad loss!"


    "What''s with Shinji 9-dan! Did he even get serious?"


    "That goddamned AI!"


    "This is as good as giving the Go world a p to its face!"


    The reason why Go was so highly praised by so many people was that it was the mostplex and most challenging board game around that only humans could y. But now, a machine had suddenly appeared from nowhere and issued a challenge to all of humanity. Then, it won twice in a row against Chen Chi 9-dan and Shinji 9-dan, which subverted the mindsets of a lot of people. It also crumbled the firm beliefs of many professional Go yers and amateurs. The appearance of Peter had struck a heavy blow to the international Go world!


    There was news all around!


    "Shinji 9-dan swept!"


    "Will machines rule over humans in the near future?"


    "Will intelligence no longer be just a privilege of humans?"


    Some experts also imed that this development would be a good thing. The reason they gave was that the appearance of Peter would raise the entire standard of y in the world of Go. This was because if they poprized the game through the program, every Go enthusiast would be able to y against a world-ss Go "yer" anytime they wanted. Xiang Rong 9-dan could not possibly be there to y with theizens every day. Shinji 9-dan could not possibly be there to y with every Go enthusiast either. But Peter could. An AI could. This would undoubtedly train many professional Go yers and raise the overall standard of y of the game.


    However, the opinions of these experts were very quickly refuted by Wu Changhe, Dan Donghe, Chen Ying, and many other professional Go yers!


    Raise the standard of y in the world of Go?


    Bullshit! This was obviously a disaster for the Go world!


    If you were matched against a human yer like yourself in a game, even if you lost, you would probably not mind it. You would think that you still stood a chance of winning in the next game. Even if you lost countless games, you could ept that it might be because your opponent had performed too well. However, that was a kind of performance that you could imagine and know to be within the limits of a human being. You would be able to admit that you were not better than this person, but that would not be enough to affect your love for this game. That was where the charm of gamesid.


    On the contrary, if your opponent was just a cold and emotionlessputer ying the same game, you might lose once, twice, a thousand times, or even ten thousand times. But when you finally realize that even after you have put in every effort that you could in your entire lifetime and still not beat this opponent, that all humans would not have a chance of winning against it, then at that time, who would still want to y such a game?


    If they were to really allow the machines to dominate the Go world''s highest powers, it would definitely lead to a terrible ending. In the future, there would be fewer and fewer people ying this game called Go, leading to its inevitable extinction!


    That was too frightening an oue!


    It was also the reason why so many of the Go world''s professional yers were stepping forward!


    Because there was no longer a path of retreat, they had to step into battle!


    ��


    On the same night.


    The Koreans came forward!


    The best yer of the Korean Go world, Park Yuhee 9-dan, called for a press conference. He announced that he had epted Peter''s challenge and would battle against it in Seoul the day after tomorrow!


    Park Yuhee!


    Ranked second in the world of Go!


    Park Yuhee''s appearance once again lifted the hopes of many people!


    "Go for it!"


    "You must definitely win!"


    "Humanity will prevail!"


    "Park Yuhee will prevail!"


    "Show that machine what we can do!"


    "We can''t lose anymore!"


    "If you win, you''ll be the hero of the Go world!"


    "Please save the Go world!"


    The Koreans were extremely confident and were all showing their support for Park Yuhee!


    Park Yuhee had even pushed away two uing professional tournaments to focus on his preparations for the match. It could be seen just how much importance he ced on the artificial intelligence program!


    The Korean media and television stations'' promotions for the match that would be held two dayster went into full swing. The mediabeled this match as "The Battle for the Salvation of Humanity"!


    But as it goes, the greater the expectations, the greater the disappointment!


    On the day of the first game, no one expected that it would turn out this way.


    With the full attention of all of Asia, Park Yuheemitted a mistake during the middlegame in the first round of the match. As long as one was human, there would always be mistakes. Even Xiang Rong 9-dan was not an exception to that. However, Peter did not have that problem. The machine made no mistakes. Not long after moving into the middlegame, Park Yuhee was forced to resign!


    The next day.


    The second game.


    Park Yuhee started the game in full pursuit. He dominated with a three-point advantage right from the beginning. But when they got to the middlegame, a beautiful "push through" move by Peter disrupted the opening setup of Park Yuhee''s stones. Park Yuhee was left struggling and unable to turn things around from there. In the end, after adding thepensation, he actually lost by ten points!


    Two to zero!


    Peter was victorious again!


    It was awful!


    It was just too awful!


    At the post-match press conference.


    The American representative raised the microphone and said happily, "Peter is the most perfect and advanced version of an artificial intelligence program that we have developed. We''re confident that it can defeat every human Go yer around!"


    When it was Park Yuhee''s turn to speak, he held the microphone for a very long time while hesitating. Finally, he just said, "I''m sorry that I disappointed everyone." He then left the stage dejectedly and offered no otherments!


    Everyone fell silent!


    Immediately, Asia turned its attention to China.


    1. ��/Ch��ng/De - To push or poke through. | https://senseis.xmp/?PushThrough


    2. ��/Tu��/hiki - Drawing back, pulling back, or retreat. | https://senseis.xmp/?PullingBack

 Chapter 1118: Approaching YE for help?

    <h4>Chapter 1118: Approaching YE for help? </h4>


    Chapter 1118: Approaching YE for help?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    Zhang Ye opened the door with his keys when he came back. "Dad, Mom, what''s the matter?"


    His mother pouted. "Your dad is upset."


    "About Xiang Rong 9-dan''s loss?" Zhang Ye asked.


    "Yeah." His mother said.


    He saw his dad looking annoyed as he had a sip of tea and said, "Just what in the world is that stupid machine? Why hasn''t anyone been able to teach it a lesson yet?"


    His mother said, "It was such a pity. He only lost by a little bit!"


    His father said angrily, "If they yed again, Xiang Rong 9-dan would definitely be able to win!"


    Able to win?


    That might not be the case.


    Zhang Ye could see very clearly that this AI called Peter was very rigorous in its decision making. Anyone wouldmit a mistake as long as they were human, but Peter was not human and almost wouldn''t make any mistakes. For every move it made, it could meticulously predict the most beneficial position to take through big data analytics and the use of its two special "brains." Just this alone was already an advantage that was too great and beyondparison for humans. Furthermore, it even had a massive set of game data to support it. The Americans had probably reconfigured Peter''s settings before the match against Xiang Rong 9-dan to cope with his ying style ande up with the best strategy to ensure the highest chance of victory. So, even if Xiang Rong 9-dan were to y another game against Peter, he still might not be able to win against it. Although on the surface, the difference did not seem that bad.


    The television was still on.


    A post-match press conference was being held.


    Xiang Rong was seated up on stage. His first words were, "I''m sorry."


    Xiang Rong had lost, and a lot of the reporters looked discouraged.


    "Teacher Xiang, could it be that you were unable to y to your potential today?"


    "Why didn''t you rest for a day before continuing with the second game?"


    "Could it be that there is really no one who can win against the AI?"


    "Master Xiang, what did you really mean when you said those words in the pre-match interview?"


    All the reporters immediately raised their equipment in anticipation.


    Afterwards, it was time for the representative of the Americans to be interviewed.


    This man was called Smith. The moment he went up, he spoke arrogantly in Mandarin, "Today is a memorable day because an artificial intelligence has triumphed over the wisdom of humanity!"


    Quite a few reporters in the audience booed him.


    "Get over it!"


    "Aren''t you pontificating a little too early!"


    "There are still plenty of smart people around!"


    "You dare call that Peter thing intelligent?"


    Nobody acknowledged this, and neither did they want to acknowledge it!


    Smith waved them off in response and announced, "Our ims remain the same as before. Peter will ept a challenge from anyone. In the field of Go, no one will be a match for Peter! Thistest AI that ourpany has developed is way beyond what any human yer in existence can achieve. We''re not afraid of any challengers. The current world number one who is also the publicly acknowledged best Go yer has suffered a defeat at the hands of Peter. It is now our turn to be challenged. If there is anyone who thinks that they can defeat Peter, let them issue us a challenge. We will not turn anyone down!"


    After saying that, Smith left the stage.


    Countless people raised objections in condemning voices on Weibo!


    "What is he acting all high and mighty for!"


    "Damn, this is infuriating!"


    "This American has a death wish!"


    "There are so many top Go yers in China! Why should we be afraid of him?"


    "Let''s get him! Fuck him!"


    "What about Li Yi 9-dan?"


    "What about Liu Hong 9-dan?"


    "Isn''t he totally holding us in contempt!"


    "Right, all of them should go for it and have a simul match 1 against it!"


    "The opponent is a machine and does not have any limitations of stamina or mental fatigue. So it will always be in the best form to y. What''s the use of having a simul match against it? Even Xiang Rong 9-dan has lost!"


    "Is there really no one else left?"


    "There are so many people with great intelligence in Asia. Don''t tell me there''s no one who can win against it?"


    In Japan.


    "Even Xiang Rong 9-dan couldn''t beat the AI?"


    "Humanity has lost!"


    "Go is done for!"


    "Yeah, Go is done for!"


    In Korea.


    "There must still be someone else!"


    "Right, didn''t Xiang Rong say it himself? That he''s not thest line of defense!"


    "Who else can step forward?"


    "We can only look to the Chinese now!"


    "But I don''t think there''s anyone else left in the Chinese Go world that stands a chance of winning?"


    Citizens from all over Asia burst into an uproar!


    This was especially true for the Go enthusiasts and professional yers in Asia, as they were all unable to ept this result and the prospects of the Go world heading towards destruction from here on out. If aputer became the strongest yer in the Go world, it would really be the end of Go. No one could ept such a setback as it felt like one part of humanity''s culture was getting ughtered. Today, it was Go. But tomorrow, it might be Xiangqi. Then the day after, it could be mathematics. Someday, they might just set their sights on the arts. When all the industries had been dominated by artificial intelligence, how would humans be able to survive?


    There was no retreating any further!


    Someone had to step forward!


    Many celebrities gradually appeared and gave a show of support as well!


    The famous singer, Chen Guang: "Come on, people, don''t let the machines get so arrogant!"


    The A-list movie star, Huo Dongfang: "I don''t believe there''s no one left!"


    A Heavenly King said: "Xiang Rong 9-dan is right! Don''t look down on humans!"


    Famous girl group leader, Xiaodong: "Are there any Go experts left?"


    The famous A-list celebrity, Ning Lan: "We can''t let the dignity of humanity get tarnished in this generation of ours! I refuse to believe that there''s no one left who can do it!"


    Although Xiang Rong 9-dan lost, it stirred the fighting spirit in a lot of people!


    Humanity had not lost yet!


    Humanity must not lose either!


    ��


    On the same night.


    The public was in chaos!


    There were news reports everywhere!


    "Has humanity lost?"


    "An era of AI dominance upon us?"


    "The Go world''s No. 1 loses!"


    "Where is humanity''sst line of defense?"


    "Japanese citizens hold a demonstration to protest AI!"


    "Three Korean pro Go yers announce retirement!"


    "The impending decline of Go!"


    "Challenging the dignity of humanity!"


    "Who shall be the ''savior''?"


    At China Qiyuan, newspapers were scattered all over the table.


    When Dan Donghe saw this, he screamed, "Clear away all the newspapers!"


    The interview had ended, and the reporters had also left, leaving China Qiyuan''s people standing there looking beaten and terrible. Everyone was in a very bad mood and did not know what to say.


    Chen Ying 7-dan asked anxiously, "What can we do now?"


    "We''ll issue a challenge to it!" Hu Liang said.


    Xu Han 8-dan said, "But who''s going to challenge it? Who can we send?"


    "Let''s request a simul match!"


    "Right, we''ll all take turns to y!"


    "No, we''ve already lost too many matches! We can''t lose again this time!"


    "We can''t have a simul match! That would make us humans look even more powerless!"


    "We have to snatch victory in one fell swoop! We must win the next time we y!"


    "How can we win?"


    "The opponent could even defeat Master Xiang!"


    It was a messy spectacle as everyone was getting confused and flustered by the events!


    Wu Changhe gave Li Yi 9-dan a nce and said, "Little Li!"


    Everyone looked at him immediately.


    Next to Xiang Rong, Li Yi 9-dan was the strongest yer in the Qiyuan.


    However, Li Yi 9-dan just gave him a look and said immediately, "I can''t do it. Even Old Xiang lost to it. I definitely couldn''t win against it!"


    President Dan Donghe turned his attention to yet another active 9-dan yer. "Liu Hong!"


    Liu Hong 9-dan also said immediately, "I also can''t win against it!"


    Dan Donghe said, "Even if you have a 10% chance of winning, you still have to step up to the challenge!"


    Liu Hong gave a wry smile. "I don''t even feel like I have 10% chance of winning!"


    They were all professional Go yers and had witnessed Peter''s strength for themselves. As such, they had an idea of its capabilities and knew that it was impossible for them to win against it. If there was anyone capable of winning against Peter, it would have been Xiang Rong 9-dan. But since Master Xiang had lost��


    "You''re too afraid to even step up to the challenge?" Wu Changhe was furious.


    Dan Donghe said loudly, "Whoever is confident of restricting Peter''s ystyle, step forward now!"


    No one came forward!


    Nobody moved!


    "There''s no way to restrict it!"


    "It''s aputer and its ystyle is not fixed!"


    "Right, it does not even have its own style!"


    "Even Master Xiang could not win. There is no one in the entire Go world who can equal Peter!"


    Dan Donghe was also panicking now. He was not the kind of person to take an offensive stance and initially did not want Xiang Rong to ept the challenge. That was because he knew that their chances were really slim. If Xiang Rong had not yed against Peter, even if it would be a loss of face, they would at least still be able to preserve the dignity of humanity. But now that even Xiang Rong had lost, they did not have any other choice and could only step up to the challenge. They had to win!


    Was there no one else left?


    Was there really no one else left?


    Suddenly, Chen Ying thought of something. She froze for a moment before shouting, "We still have a champion! There is someone! There is at least one more person who has the chance of defeating Peter!"


    Everyone looked at her!


    "Who?"


    "Who is it?"


    "Little Chen, tell us quickly!"


    Chen Ying said something shocking. "Did you guys forget about him? That guy called YE!"


    Suddenly, everyone realized who it was and thought of him!


    YE!


    Yes!


    That YE!


    Li Yi 9-dan pped his thigh and said, "Right, he''s an amazing yer. When I yed against him, I had to resign in the middlegame!"


    Xu Han also said excitedly, "That''s right, that''s right. Even Master Xiang could only manage a draw with him!"


    Chen Ying said, "If there is anyone other than Master Xiang who can go against that Peter, then it can only be that YE!"


    Everyone nodded in full agreement as they had witnessed YE''s skill!


    Dan Donghe banged the table and said, "It''s him then! How could I forget him! How could I have forgotten about him!"


    Liu Hong 9-dan said, "But we don''t even know who he is!" He then turned to look at Wu Changhe.


    Instantly, everyone at the Qiyuan stared at Wu Changhe. In here, only he knew who YE was. From the words that YE had said to him, everyone could see that the two of them had a conflict. They couldn''t be med if they thought that there was a huge grudge between them!


    1. https://senseis.xmp/?SimultaneousGo

 Chapter 1119: The Go world’s last line of defense!

    <h4>Chapter 1119: The Go world''sst line of defense! </h4>


    Chapter 1119: The Go world''sst line of defense!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At China Qiyuan.


    Everyone''s hopes were kindled!


    YE!


    This was thest straw that they could clutch at!


    Wu Changhe grunted, "Why are you all looking at me?"


    Chen Ying asked anxiously, "Teacher, who is YE, really?"


    A 6-dan yer said, "Teacher Changhe, he''s the only one who can step up to the te!"


    Wu Changhe scowled and said, "But he''s just an amateur!"


    "A person who can y to a draw against Little Xiang, so what if he''s an amateur?" Dan Donghe said, "Brother Wu, hurry up and tell us. Don''t hide it from us anymore! There''s no one else besides him!"


    Li Yi 9-dan asked, "Who is he?"


    Wu Changhe sighed and shook his head. "Believe me, you all definitely won''t want to know who he is."


    Dan Donghe said, "But what choice do we have now?"


    Wu Changhe was silent.


    Dan Donghe said, "Brother Wu!"


    "Teacher!"


    "Teacher Changhe!"


    "Please tell us!"


    "We can only send him!"


    "Just because there''s a grudge between the two of you, you can''t��"


    "Right, if you can''t convince him to join, we''ll do it!"


    "That''s right. If the two of you have a conflict, there''s no need for you to ask him. Let us do it instead!"


    Wu Changhe did not like hearing that. He was always concerned with his honor, so he stared at them with wide eyes and said, "He has a grudge against me? He would have to dare to hold a grudge against me first! I can''t convince him to join? Are you all kidding or something?! If I point east, that kid would never walk west. Do you believe that? Ah?"


    Dan Donghe smacked his lips. "Is there any point in boasting about something like that?"


    "Me? Boasting?" Wu Changhe said angrily, "That kid would be more than willing to get into my good books. Do you think I''m bullshitting you? That kid was the one who supplied us with the research information rted to that P-thingy!"


    Everyone was shocked!


    "Eh?"


    "It was him who gave us the information?"


    "No wonder!"


    "He''s a mathematician?"


    "No wonder he''s so good at Go!"


    When Dan Donghe heard that, he got even more excited. "So it''s like that? That''s great! That''s really great! He knows that AI program so well and even has the skill to draw with Little Xiang. Based on all that, our chances of winning will be even greater if we can convince him to represent us. Brother Wu, please tell us quickly who this mathematics expert is?"


    Chen Ying asked, "Is he from Peking University or Tsinghua?"


    Wu Changhe was forced to reply, "Peking."


    "Peking University?"


    "Could it be Old Pan?"


    "It can''t be him!"


    Then, Wu Changhe reluctantly uttered a name.


    When this name was spoken, everyone was dumbfounded!


    All of them knew who he was!


    There was no one who didn''t know this person!


    "What?"


    "Holy fuck!"


    "It''s him?"


    "How could it be him?"


    "Oh my God!"


    Curses and expletives flew through the air!


    Nobody, none of them, wanted to believe it!


    The man who had swept aside the entire China Qiyuan several days ago turned out to be him?


    ��


    At home.


    Zhang Ye''s father was asking him to check for news updates on the Inte.


    His father asked, "Has anyone offered to challenge the AI yet?"


    "Not yet."


    "Why hasn''t anyone stepped forward yet!"


    Zhang Ye smiled wryly. "If even the top Go yer could not win against it, who else would stand a chance?"


    "Xiang Rong 9-dan said that he was not thest line of defense!"


    Zhang Ye threw his hands up. "In any case, there''s no one offering to challenge it yet."


    Regarding this war between humans and machines, Zhang Ye was pessimistic. He thought the entire time that no one would win against Peter as it was apletely different artificial intelligence system from its predecessors.


    His mother said, "Since Xiang Rong 9-dan said that there was someone else, there must be someone else."


    "That''s right!" His father also deeply believed that there would be someone who could win against the AI.


    When they still found nothing after checking for a long time, his father got even angrier. "Don''t check anymore. I''m going to go out for a stroll. This is so infuriating!"


    So his parents went out for a stroll together. Before they left, they were still rambling on about this matter.


    The whole of Asia was now watching with their eyes wide as they waited for a hero to step forward and trample on the AI named Peter!


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye shook his head.


    There was still someone?


    Who else could there be!


    It would be useless no matter who came forward!


    He returned to his room to listen to music. He never felt that this issue had anything to do with him.


    Awhileter, there was a sudden knocking at the door.


    Zhang Ye was startled. Did his parents forget to bring their keys? Why were they back so soon when they had just stepped out a moment ago? He opened his bedroom door and walked out to the living room. "Who is it?" Then he opened the front door.


    When he saw what was outside the door, he got a scare!


    There were over a dozen people squeezed outside in the corridor. The two who were standing right at the front of the group were Wu Changhe and Li Qinqin. As for the others, Zhang Ye did not know a single one of them. Getting a sense of the situation, Zhang Ye decided not to open up security gate. How could this fellow open it up for them!


    Damn!


    They''ve even found their way to my doorstep now?


    Zhang Ye said warily, "Uncle, why did youe to my ce? We yed Go together, but I didn''t cheat or y dirty against you. For heaven''s sake, I won our games fair and square, OK! Are you trying to pick a fight? You even brought along this many people to back you up? You can''t do this! Are you being a sore loser?"


    Wu Changhe was made speechless.


    As was Li Qinqin.


    The same went for Dan Donghe and the others.


    Without waiting for them to exin, Zhang Ye pointed at them and said, "Don''t do anything foolish. Let me warn you, I know kung fu. Not even eighty or a hundred people can get near me. Hurry up and turn back. If you try to get close, I will really injure you! When that happens, it won''t look good on anyone! Don''t me me for not warning you!"


    Wu Changhe said angrily, "Open the door!"


    Zhang Ye grunted, "I''m not opening it!"


    Wu Changhe was starting to get anxious. "Open up!"


    "Do you think I''m that stupid to open the door?" Zhang Ye rolled his eyes at him.


    Dan Donghe came forward and said, "Professor Zhang, we came here today for a reason."


    "Of course I know you all are here for a reason!" Zhang Ye sized him up as he smirked and said, "It''s not that I want to criticize you, oldrade, but why are you socking in yourmon sense and awareness? I''d let it pass for those young people standing behind foring here to start a gang fight. But you are already in your fifties or sixties, what are you joining in the fun for! With that physique of yours, who can you beat up? I''m afraid that your high blood pressure will shoot up if I just cough out loudly! Hurry up and turn back. Otherwise, I''m going to call the police!"


    Dan Donghe nearly fainted!


    Xu Han said anxiously, "We are not here to start a gang fight!"


    Zhang Ye stared at him and said, "What do you want then? A one on one?"


    One on one?


    One on one your sister!


    What kind of math professor are you! Why are you always only thinking about fighting!


    Li Qinqin quickly said, "Little Zhang, don''t get it wrong. They''re here to discuss something with you. Why would you think that they are here to start a fight? Open the door first. With Auntie here, they wouldn''t dare toy a finger on you. I will hit whoever dares to pick on you!"


    "I''m just afraid that I will injure them instead." Zhang Ye''s tone started loosening up a little as he still gave face to Old Wu''s mother. Then, he could only open up the door for them. "Auntie, pleasee in."


    Li Qinqin entered first.


    The others behind her also gradually entered with Zhang Ye''s unfriendly gaze on them.


    After closing the doors.


    Zhang Ye wondered and asked, "Auntie, why did so many of youe to my ce for?"


    Li Qinqin nudged at Wu Changhe and said, "You speak."


    Wu Changhe was so angry that he turned his head away. "I''m not talking to him!" He was still upset over what happened earlier.


    Zhang Ye was really getting confused.


    What is going on here?


    What is this turnout all about?


    Then when he looked closer, he recognized another person amongst the crowd. He pointed at Chen Ying and said, "Eh, weren''t you the person on television for the past few days..."


    Chen Ying''s eyes lit up. "You know me?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yeah, you were the one beside Yu Yingyi!"


    The one beside...


    Chen Ying was left speechless for a long time.


    Dan Donghe said, "Let me say it. Professor Zhang, I''m the current President of the China Qiyuan and my name is Dan Donghe. Since you can y Go so well, you probably should know me."


    Zhang Ye blinked and was in a daze as he looked at him.


    Everyone could tell from this expression that Zhang Ye had clearly never heard of him before.


    Dan Donghe felt a little embarrassed. He had forgotten that he was facing apleteyperson who even took Xiang Rong 9-dan for a newbie. "Alright, it''s fine even if you don''t know me. Anyway, I still represent the entire China Qiyuan." Then he pointed at the people around him and said, "These are all the current top professional yers of the Go world in our country. I don''t think that you would know them, so I won''t bother with introducing them to you one by one."


    Zhang Ye was baffled. "What you are looking for me for?"


    Dan Donghe asked, "Do you know about the challenge by the artificial intelligence to the Go world?"


    "Of course." Zhang Ye said, "I''ve watched it on television."


    Dan Donghe said, "Even Xiang Rong 9-dan has lost."


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Yeah, and then?"


    "We are here for that matter." Dan Donghe spoke seriously.


    It suddenly dawned on Zhang Ye. "Are you all looking for me to help with the advertising? To propagate the message out to the masses over Weibo? To see if there are any Go experts who are willing to stand up to PETER? You all are expecting too much. Even the Go world''s top yer has lost, so who else can still win against that artificial intelligence? There''s no use even if ask me for help with the promotion of that matter. Oh yes, didn''t that Xiang Rong 9-dan already say it? That he was not humanity''sst line of defense and how there was someone else other than him. Why don''t you all get him to look for that person instead?"


    "Advertise?" Wu Changhe was totally exasperated by that reply!


    Chen Ying opened her mouth and said, "Yes, Master Xiang is not humanity''sst line of defense."


    Zhang Ye threw his hands up and said, "Yeah, then you guys should go and look for that person. Why did you alle to my ce for? I''m not well-liked by people. Even if I advertise, there won''t be many people responding to it. Of course, if you insist on me helping with the advertising, I could still give face to auntie and do it for you all. I can also not charge any advertising fees since we are all friends."


    "Little Zhang, are you pretending not to understand or do you really not understand?" Li Qinqin was at a loss whether tough or cry.


    Zhang Ye blinked several times. "Understand what?" He really did not understand.


    Li Qinqin looked at Zhang Ye and said, "Thatst line of defense that Little Xiang was referring to was you!"

 Chapter 1120: For humanity’s sake, I am willing to accept the challenge!

    <h4>Chapter 1120: For humanity''s sake, I am willing to ept the challenge! </h4>


    Chapter 1120: For humanity''s sake, I am willing to ept the challenge!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the house.


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded by what he heard!


    The Go world''sst line of defense?


    What?


    Me?


    He was tickled at once. "Auntie, are you joking?"


    Li Qinqin gave a wry smile and said, "I''m not."


    Zhang Ye pointed to himself and said with a smile, "I''m just ayperson to Go and a hick amongst hicks. When did I ever be thest line of defense for the Go world? You are so funny."


    Chen Ying directly said, "Professor Zhang, we need your help!"


    Even though Hu Liang 7-dan got crushed by Zhang Ye a few days ago, he knew that he had lost convincingly. He spoke up, "Professor Zhang, you are the only person who can help us now!"


    Xu Han said, "Please, help the Go world!"


    "Professor Zhang!"


    "Pleasee forward and y against the AI!"


    "Only you are good enough to beat it!"


    "Professor Zhang!"


    "We''re earnestly asking for your help!"


    "The survival of the Go world lies in your hands now!"


    Immediately, all the professional Go yers in the house gave him pleading looks!


    Zhang Ye quickly waved it off. "Whoa, can you guys not scare me like that? What is all this about me saving the Go world? Aren''t you thinking too highly of me?" He found it both a little funny and ridiculous. "Don''t you all know the level of my y? Why would youe looking for me? My Go skills might be quite alright, but they''re only average at best. Aiyo, you people are really funny." He immediately looked at Wu Changhe and pointed at him. "If you don''t believe me, just ask Uncle. I nearly even lost to him even though he''s just a has-been who retired from the game 20 years ago. I just barely managed to y him to a draw!"


    What?


    A has-been?


    Who the hell is a has-been! You better get it straight!


    Wu Changhe became annoyed on the spot. "You rascal��"


    "Changhe, stick to the topic!" He got pulled back by Li Qinqin.


    "This is so infuriating!" Wu Changhe could only sit down and sulk.


    Many of the professional yers were feeling very helpless. They were thinking in their minds that Zhang Ye was indeed just like what the rumors said about him. The way he spoke was really too sarcastic. It was little wonder then that this fellow offended so many people in the industry!


    Zhang Ye pointed at Wu Changhe. "See, Uncle agrees to it as well, doesn''t he? I really don''t have such a high level of aplishment in Go. You''re all professional Go yers, right? Any one of you here would be able to thrash me in a game!"


    Thrash you?


    Any one of us?


    Chen Ying said bitterly, "But the problem now is that everyone who is present here has already been thrashed by you!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "Ah?"


    Xu Han sighed. "Almost all of us here have already yed against you."


    Hu Liang said rather embarrassed, "That time, it was us ying against you on our teacher''s ount."


    Zhang Ye said in a startled manner, "What?"


    "It means," Chen Ying said, "that our teacher only yed you in the first two games. We were the ones who yed against you for the remainder of the games. All of China Qiyuan''s top Go yers were defeated by you that day!"


    Wu Changhe was not the one ying?


    It wasn''t him?


    Zhang Ye immediately recalled the games from that day. It felt like the skill of "WuChanghe" had improved with every game that he yed, and he had found it rather strange at the time but did not give much thought to it. He thought that the has-been Go yer was experiencing a revival of sorts and had managed to regain part of his past skill. But when he heard what they had to say, Zhang Ye''s face turned green with anger!


    He immediately pointed at Wu Changhe and said angrily, "Uncle, you yed dirty against me!"


    Wu Changhe''s face reddened from embarrassment.


    Zhang Ye said angrily, "So you found helpers to y on your behalf! Aren''t you being too evil! That''s basically cheating! Cheating!"


    Wu Changhe rolled his eyes. "What helpers! I was just testing your skill, understand?"


    Zhang Ye was infuriated. "And there I was thinking that something felt amiss. I was wondering why you were getting stronger and stronger with every game. It was like you on steroids or something! So you had been scamming me all the while! So it wasn''t you who yed against me! Uncle, how can you behave this way! And you even insisted that I had a questionable character? Aiyo, what the heck!"


    Wu Changhe felt somewhat guilty but pretended not to have heard him.


    And so, Zhang Ye looked at the group. "But you guys still should not be approaching me for this. Thatst person I yed against was rather good too and I didn''t manage to win that game. Since I couldn''t win, how could I be qualified to challenge Peter?"


    Dan Donghe said with a bitter smile, "Do you know who you were ying against in thatst game that day?"


    Zhang Ye said in a daze, "Who?"


    Dan Donghe said, "Xiang Rong 9-dan!"


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "What?"


    "So now you understand why we came looking for you?" Dan Donghe said.


    Xiang Rong 9-dan?


    The world''s number one Go yer?


    I yed against him that day?


    And we even drew?


    Zhang Ye could not process this sudden revtion and his mind went nk. That was because this fellow had always thought that his Go skills were just average. However, now that there was suddenly a group of people who came to inform him that he was actually an expert at Go, who would be able to ept something like that?


    Holy shit!


    Am I really that awesome?


    Is this how good I really am?


    Chen Ying said sincerely, "Professor Zhang, you were the first person who managed to urately research how the AI''s data processing and operating principles worked. This shows that you have a greater understanding of the AI than any of us. You also have the Go skills to rival Xiang Rong 9-dan, so your chances of winning are definitely higher than ours! Now that Master Xiang has lost, we can only approach you for your help. We can''t look for anyone else, nor is there anyone who can challenge Peter! You are the only one left!"


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath and said, "You guys think too highly of me. Actually, it''s useless even if I have a deeper understanding of that AI. What''s the use of that? We still won''t be able to defeat it. This machine is clearly not as simple as you think. You guys don''t understand this, but that machine is not something that can be defeated by humanity!"


    Li Qinqin said, "Little Zhang, just give it a try!"


    Zhang Ye wiped his sweat away and said, "Auntie, there''s no need for that. If even Xiang Rong 9-dan could not win against it, I wouldn''t be able to either!"


    Li Qinqin said, "You are different from Little Xiang. You''re a world-ss mathematician who also has an understanding of AI. Your Go skills are not any weaker than Little Xiang''s, and you''re also hailed as the smartest person in the world who onlyes along once in a hundred years. You are at the top in literature, hosting, crosstalk, mathematics, calligraphy, and music. There''s no other person in the entire world who is smarter than you! This is publicly acknowledged by all the professionals and industry insiders!"


    Zhang Ye was overwhelmed. "Auntie, you really think too highly of me. If we are on the matter of other subjects, I might still be able to handle it. But I''m really no match for that PeterGo!" He knew that it would be very difficult for him to win. No, it should be said that it was basically impossible for him to win. From the beginning, he had not intended to get involved at all!


    Hu Liang said loudly, "Please help the Go world!"


    Xu Han said, "No matter how it turns out, we will still owe you a favor, alright?"


    "If you don''t ept the challenge, the Go world is really done for!"


    "We can only depend on you!"


    "Professor Zhang!"


    "For the sake of humanity, please ept the challenge!"


    "Please ept the challenge!"


    "We don''t have anywhere else to retreat to!"


    "Humanity does not have a ce to retreat to either!"


    For humanity''s sake?


    Bullshit!


    Then what about me?!


    I would only be asking for a thrashing if I step forward!


    Zhang Ye kept waving them off. "I really can''t do it. Please find someone else. It''s not that I don''t have a sense of responsibility, but this is really beyond my abilities."


    Dan Donghe cried out with a long face, "Professor Zhang!"


    Chen Ying fretted, "You''re the only one left that the Go world and humanity can depend on. If you don''t ept the challenge, there won''t be anyone left to stop Peter!"


    Zhang Ye waved it off firmly. "I really can''t do it!"


    Seeing this, everyone started sighing.


    "We''re done for!"


    "This is the end for the Go world!"


    "What can we do then?"


    "There''s nothing else that we can do!"


    Wu Changhe suddenly stood up and said, "Kid,e with me!"


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye said.


    Wu Changhe pushed open the first door he came upon. It was Zhang Ye''s bedroom. Zhang Ye followed him in. Wu Changhe closed the door behind them.


    There were only the two of them in here.


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "Uncle, don''t try to persuade me. I really can''t do anything about that AI��"


    "Kid, if you can defeat that machine, I will allow you to get together with my daughter!" interrupted Wu Changhe as he looked Zhang Ye straight in the eye.


    Zhang Ye was stunned. Then he turned around, opened the door, and walked out of the room.


    Wu Changhe was dumbfounded. What was the meaning of that? Why did he just walk off like that?


    But the next second, he nearly fainted on the spot!


    He heard Zhang Ye saying loudly, "For the sake of the honor of humanity! I will fight it out with that fucking PeterGo bastard!"


    Everyone outside was stunned!


    Chen Ying eximed, "You''re willing to help us then?"


    Hu Liang said excitedly, "That''s great! That''s really great!"


    Dan Donghe could not hide his excitement either. "Professor Zhang, you will forever be remembered by all of humanity! The Go world will remember you! On behalf of the Go world, we owe you this favor!"


    Zhang Ye waved it off in a serious manner and said righteously, "There''s no need for that, President Dan. Aren''t you looking down on me a little too much? This is a matter of our honor as humans and concerns our national cause as well, so how can I just stand by and do nothing? How can I possibly not even have the conscientiousness to take up this responsibility? Hur hur, I just wanted to test everyone. I wanted to know how determined the Go world was. Indeed, I wasn''t disappointed at all. Everyone has not given up yet! Alright then, I''ll ept this challenge and y against that PETER!"


    When everyone heard this, they were in awe of him!


    The way that Chen Ying, Xu Han, and the others were looking at Zhang Ye had done a 180!


    What a good "matter of our honor as humans"!


    What a good "concerns our national cause"!


    "Thank you!"


    "Professor Zhang, thank you so much!"


    "Your grace and kindness will not be forgotten!"


    "No matter how it turns out, the Go world shall owe you a huge favor!"


    "Professor Zhang is the greatest!"


    "Kill off that goddamn PeterGo!"


    Everyone responded loudly!


    Hearing Zhang Ye''s barrage of rhetoric, only Wu Changhe was left nearly vomiting a mouthful of blood!


    Our national cause?


    A matter of our honor as humans?


    Your sister!


    You''re obviously doing this just to woo my daughter!


    Shameless!


    This kid is way too shameless!

 Chapter 1121: An uproar at the press conference!

    <h4>Chapter 1121: An uproar at the press conference! </h4>


    Chapter 1121: An uproar at the press conference!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Night had fallen.


    His parents had just returned from their stroll. They opened the door and came back into the house.


    "Why is there still no news?" his fatherined.


    His mother closed the door. "There are so many people in Asia, so there must definitely be someone who can step up to the challenge. Why are you so anxious about it?"


    His father said angrily, "How can I not be anxious? They''re bullying us to our doorsteps!"


    "Eh? Where''s Little Ye?" His mother went to look for him.


    From his room, Zhang Ye''s voice sounded out, "I''m in my room."


    His mother asked, "Did someonee to our house? Why is it so messy?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, yes."


    His father asked, "What are you doing?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m busy with something. I''ll talk about itter."


    His father acknowledged, "Then go do whatever you need to do."


    In Zhang Ye''s room.


    Zhang Ye faced hisputer and studied the game records between Peter and Xiang Rong 9-dan, Shinji 9-dan, and the others. After China Qiyuan''s people left his ce, he had been reviewing the game records over and over again. As Sun Tzu said, if you know your enemy and yourself, you''ll find naught in fear for a hundred battles 1 . He would definitely have to do his research before stepping into battle. But the more he studied the games, the more he discovered just how powerful Peter was. Every move that Xiang Rong and the others made seemed to have been predicted by the artificial intelligence. Some yers could think ahead by two or three moves, while others could n ahead by four or five moves. But it felt like Peter went far beyond that, simply because it was aputer!


    How could he y against it then?


    How the fuck was he going to y against it?


    Zhang Ye was already pessimistic about the Go world''s battle against Peter in the first ce. He still felt the same way about it now and did not have any confidence in winning. This fellow had never liked fighting an unsure battle, but he could not avoid it this time. For those words that Wu Changhe had said to him, for Wu Zeqing, he had to do it no matter how difficult it was!


    What should he do then?


    Perhaps there was only one way to it!


    Zhang Ye lowered his head and looked at the ring on his left pinky finger. The look in his eyes hardened as he immediately brought up the virtual screen to y the lottery! Thest lottery draw hadn''t been too ideal after he had drawn five Xiangqi Skill Experience Books. Even though they came in handyter, they were not items Zhang Ye needed urgently. For his lottery draw this time, Zhang Ye was hoping the Lucky Halo would work more effectively as he did not need anything else other than the Go Skill Experience Books!


    He activated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded)!


    Then tapped on Lottery Draw (Two).


    He ced the additional stakes!


    The lottery draw began!


    Together with the usage of the Lucky Halo, over 100 million Reputation Points were spent!


    Two minutester, a loudugh came from Zhang Ye''s bedroom!


    "Hahahaha!"


    Even the Heavens are helping me!


    The Heavens are helping me!


    The prize was drawn!


    It was the higher level Go Skill Experience Book, a total of ten of them!


    Zhang Ye immediately studied them all!


    Come on, PeterGo!


    Let''s see how this bro is gonna demolish you!


    For this lottery draw, Zhang Ye''s luck had exploded forth!


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    Something big happened online!


    "Other than Master Xiang, who else is there from the Qiyuan?"


    "Just Li Yi 9-dan!"


    "Yeah, only Li Yi 9-dan is the next highest ranking yer."


    "But he''s only the world number four! If even the top three ranking yers in the world lost, then wouldn''t it be more unlikely for the world number four to win?"


    "What else can they do?"


    "Yeah, who else can they send?"


    "Surely they can''t just admit defeat like that, right?"


    "Of course not! They must not admit defeat no matter what!"


    "I think Liu Hong 9-dan can do it!"


    "No, they won''t be able to. None of those people would be able to go against Peter!"


    Just as everyone was crying with worry, China Qiyuan sent out a breaking news announcement. They unterally proposed to challenge Peter!


    Everyone had been waiting for this news for a long time. When they saw that the Qiyuan had finally made a response, some people got extremely excited while others shook their heads pessimistically.


    "They''ve responded!"


    "The Qiyuan has responded!"


    "They''ve finally said something!"


    "Who is it?"


    "Who''s going to represent them and y?"


    "Li Yi 9-dan?"


    "Liu Hong 9-dan?"


    "Why did they not say anything!"


    "Quick, they''re going to broadcast the press conference live!"


    "Which channel is it on?"


    "It''s simultaneously broadcasting live on Central TV News Channel and Central TV Sports Channel!"


    "Quickly turn on your TVs! Hurry, hurry, hurry!"


    Many people went to turn their televisions on!


    ��


    Back at home.


    Zhang Ye''s father pped his thigh. "The Qiyuan has sent someone out as their representative!"


    His mother took notice as well. "Turn on the TV!"


    "It''s on, it''s on!" His father watched eagerly.


    His mother said in anticipation, "Let''s see who their so-calledst line of defense is going to be."


    ��


    At a vi.


    Fan Wenli said with augh, "I heard that someone has epted to the challenge."


    "Is that so?" Chen Guang immediately said, "Let''s have look!"


    ��


    At the Heavenly Queen''s house.


    Ning Lan was visiting today. "Eh, Sister Zhang? Are you following that matter regarding the Go world as well?"


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled. "Surely I have to pay attention to some news and current affairs, don''t I?"


    ��


    At a Go club somewhere in Beijing.


    "Aiyo, they''re holding a press conference now!"


    "Are they going to challenge the AI?"


    "The Qiyuan didn''t chicken out! Nicely done!"


    "Who will they be sending?"


    "Li Yi 9-dan?"


    ��


    In Japan.


    "The Chinese have responded?"


    "What''s the point of that!"


    "Yeah, there''s no one left!"


    "There''s no one else from the Go world who can do it!"


    ��


    In Korea.


    "The Chinese are still going for ast-ditch attempt?"


    "Let''s wish them luck, but I don''t have high hopes."


    "They''re definitely going to send Li Yi 9-dan to try their luck, right?"


    "But then how would they win?"


    ��


    At China Qiyuan.


    The venue of the press conference.


    The ce was so packed to the brim that there weren''t enough chairs to seat everyone. The staff added another dozen chairs for the members of the media. Outside the door were some reporters from the smaller newspaper agencies and tabloids that had not been officially invited to attend. They were all stopped outside as the venue was getting too overcrowded!


    The entire country had its attention on this press conference!


    Go enthusiasts from all over Asia were watching with wide eyes!


    Central TV began the live broadcast of the press conference!


    The live signal was synchronized to the actual event!


    On the stage, the Americans and members of China Qiyuan had all arrived. A few of the key personnel got seated, and there was a microphone attached to the front of each of their tables.


    The Qiyuan''s president, Dan Donghe, lowered his head slightly to speak into the microphone, "Dear members of the media, regarding the furor surrounding the ''war between humans and machines,'' I believe that everyone already knows about it. Right now, I would like to officially announce on behalf of the Qiyuan that we will be issuing a challenge to Peter!"


    Immediately, apuse sounded from the audience!


    The American representative chuckled for a bit before saying, "Alright, we ept the challenge. We will be returning to our country in three days'' time since Peter has other, more important research to handle, and we won''t be able to stay here indefinitely either. As the results have already proven, Peter''s intelligence is much greater than humanity''s since it has already won against three of the top yers in the Go world. We''ll still ept the challenge, but this will be thest time that Peter will ept a challenge from the Go world!"


    Dan Donghe looked at him. "Peter''s intelligence is greater than that of humanity''s? Isn''t it too early to make such a statement?"


    The American representative said with augh, "Alright then, I''ll wait until after the match is over before repeating that."


    "I''m just afraid that you all won''t have the chance to say it." Dan Donghe was at war of words with him.


    That American said, "Then let''s just wait and see."


    Everyone from the American side was amused. This was because they were extremely confident about Peter and knew that no humans would be able to win against it!


    The time for the challenge match was set!


    It would happen tomorrow!


    The venue would be China Qiyuan!


    But as for who would be representing the Qiyuan, no one knew. This was thest chance to make a stand, so they really could not afford to lose. So everyone was very concerned about who would be sent into the ring this time!


    A female reporter asked, "Can we know who you will be sending out as the representative for the match?"


    A Beijing Television reporter asked, "Xiang Rong 9-dan is the strongest yer in the international Go world. Do we really have someone we can send out?"


    Dan Donghe said, "Of course!"


    "Who is it?"


    "Yeah, who is it?"


    "Which Go master are we talking about?"


    All the reporters were staring with wide eyes!


    The television viewers pricked up their ears!


    Dan Donghe calmly said, "The Americans have developed an AI that they im surpasses humanity''s wisdom and intelligence. Therefore, they used this world''s mostplex game, Go, to challenge all humans. But as everyone knows, Xiang Rong 9-dan''s Go skill might be very advanced, but he is not the smartest person in the world. Coincidentally, the current smartest person in the world who onlyes along once every hundred years lives in China. He even lives in Beijing!"


    The Americans did not understand!


    But when those words were said, the reporters in the audience reacted like they had their tails stepped on. Many of them reacted there and then with stunned expressions and stood up immediately!


    The smartest person who onlyes along once every hundred years?


    Could it��


    Could it��


    Damn! Surely not, right?


    Don''t tell us it''s that fellow!


    Please don''t tell us it''s that fellow!


    Then they heard Dan Donghe loudly announce, "The person we''ve chosen to represent the Go world and challenge Peter is the world famous mathematician��Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye?


    Who?


    The Americans snorted as they did not know who this person was.


    However, the reporters in the audience were all greatly shocked!


    The entire venue fell silent!!


    1. https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Sun_Tzu#Chapter_III_%C2%B7_Strategic_Attack

 Chapter 1122: The final battle of the war between humans and the machines!

    <h4>Chapter 1122: The final battle of the war between humans and the machines! </h4>


    Chapter 1122: The final battle of the war between humans and the machines!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Zhang Ye?


    Which Zhang Ye?


    Was it that Zhang Ye?


    After a full two seconds of silence, there was a sudden uproar at the press conference venue. Nobody could believe what they had just heard and was shocked by this news. The foreigners might not know who he was, but how could they not know about him. This person was simply too well-known to them. In their country, no one had not heard of Zhang Ye''s name. But no one could have expected to hear it spoken from the mouth of China Qiyuan''s president at such a venue and in such circumstances!


    Zhang Ye would represent them and y?


    Have you gone crazy?


    Or have we gone crazy!?


    ��


    In front of the television.


    His parents were dumbfounded by what they heard!


    His mother said in a daze, "Old Zhang, who did he say it was?"


    His father said dumbfounded, "He said��Zhang Ye!"


    "Holy shit!" His mother nearly jumped up from her seat. "It''s our son? Little Ye is representing the Go world for the challenge? He was thest line of defense they were talking about?"


    His father was floored. "With our son''s lousy Go skills, how would he know how to y!"


    ��


    At Old Yao''s house.


    Yao Mi''s mouth was hanging wide open. "Did he read the wrong name?"


    Yao Jiancai was so shocked that his jaw almost fell off. "He didn''t read it wrong! He was really referring to Zhang Ye!"


    Yao Jiancai''s wife asked, "Is it someone else with the same name?"


    "How many mathematicians are called Zhang Ye?" Yao Mi said, "Besides, to be publicly acknowledged as the smartest person toe along only once a hundred years, there''s no other person than Teacher Zhang! Dammit! Goddammit!"


    Yao Jiancai nearly vomited blood. "That guy even knows how to y Go?"


    His wife was also shocked. "Could they have gotten it wrong?"


    ��


    At the Heavenly Queen''s house.


    Zhang Yuanqi was stunned!


    Ning Lan was stunned and scared out of her pants. "What? Zhang Ye? That fellow is even getting involved with the Go world now? Isn''t he on a two-week break? Why did he appear again? Why does everything have something to do with him? Pfft! I really have to take my hat off to him! Teacher Zhang just can''t stay idle for too long!"


    Zhang Yuanqi asked, "He can y Go?"


    "Who knows!" Ning Lan eximed.


    ��


    At the Rao house.


    Rao Aimin was watching the television when she got a surprise.


    Yang Shu was also at her ce today. She eximed, "It''s Senior Bro!"


    Chenchen said in a speechless manner, "Aunt, you are going to get busy again."


    Rao Aimin said, "This Little Zhang, why is he always stirring up things for me!"


    As Zhang Ye''s agent, the media was sure toe looking for her.


    ��


    All of the Chinese audience was shocked!


    It also went crazy online!


    "Did I hear it wrong or did he say it wrong?"


    "You didn''t hear wrong!"


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Holy motherfucking shit!"


    "Why is it him?"


    "When did Teacher Zhang be a part of the Go world?"


    "As a host and an entertainment celebrity, why would he go and y Go? Does he intend to be a Go celebrity too? The issue here is whether Teacher Zhang can do it or not, since even Xiang Rong 9-dan lost!"


    "Has China Qiyuan gone crazy?"


    "Who knows which of their fucking brain circuits got wired wrong!"


    "They could have gotten anyone to step up for this challenge, but it never should have been Zhang Ye!"


    "Teacher Zhang is simply too omnipresent!"


    We''ve only gone a week without hearing about him, but Teacher Zhang is popping up again and catching our attention?"


    "I admit that Teacher Zhang is smart and his ability to learn is strong. He always manages to get to the top of every field that he dabbles in. He''s probably the smartest person in the world right now! But this is Go that we''re talking about!"


    "Does he even know how to y Go?"


    "Who knows!"


    Theizens found it totally uneptable!


    The citizens from Japan and Korea were also dumbfounded!


    They basically did not know anything about Zhang Ye, nor did they recognize him at all. But with the Inte so advanced, they could easily do an online search and find out everything there was about him!


    The Japanese:


    "A Chinese superstar?"


    "What? It''s him?"


    "Was he the guy who verbally abused our countrymen at Peking University?"


    "Isn''t he a celebrity from the entertainment industry?"


    "It''s that bastard? I''ve heard about him!"


    "Damn, why did they get him to represent them?"


    The Koreans:


    "I know him!"


    "He''s the person who beat up Lee Anson!"


    "Right, he''s a hooligan of the showbiz industry in China!"


    "Are China Qiyuan''s people crazy? Why did they get ayman to represent them to y Go?"


    "This is thest time that Peter will ept a challenge! It''s thest chance for the Go world to turn things around! Yet they''re treating such an important match like a child''s game?"


    "It''s over. The Go world is doomed!"


    "He definitely has no chance of winning against it! They''re sending him to his death!"


    ��


    The outside world was causing an uproar!


    It was the same thing at the press conference venue!


    During the live broadcast, a reporter immediately raised some doubts.


    That female reporter raised her hand and asked, "President Dan, did you get it wrong? Why would you ask ayman to y in this important match?"


    Dan Donghe said, "Believe me, we know very well what we''re doing. It''s precisely because this is an important match that directly affects the honor of the Go world that we''re asking Professor Zhang for his help. We cannot afford to lose, nor can we lose again! We will do our best to take on the AI this time!"


    A male reporter said, "But Zhang Ye is an outsider to Go!"


    Dan Donghe retorted, "Who says that ayman would not know how to y Go? Professor Zhang is publicly acknowledged as the smartest person toe along only once in a century. As for his achievements in the other fields, I believe everyone already knows about them without needing me to exin further. If everyone doubts his Go skills, then I can assure all of you here that Professor Zhang knows how to y Go. And based on what I know, he learned when he was young."


    The reporters didn''t know how to react!


    He learned Go when he was young?


    I, too, fucking learned Go when I was young!


    Would that be of any use? Would that help with anything? The opponent was an artificial intelligence program that defeated Xiang Rong 9-dan and Park Yuhee 9-dan!


    Dan Donghe looked into the audience. "Are there any more questions?"


    A reporter from Shanghai Television raised his hand. "Do we stand a chance of winning?"


    Dan Donghe said, "That will depend on Professor Zhang! But no matter what the oue is, we still want to thank him for stepping forward boldly for the Go world! That is because this matter has nothing to do with him. Professor Zhang is already famous and does notck money or fame. He has no reason to get involved, but for Go and for the honor of humanity, Professor Zhang had chosen to step forward without any hesitation. Therefore, we definitely must be grateful to him!"


    When the Americans heard this, they finally understood who this person was that China Qiyuan had gotten to represent them!


    Ayman?


    He was not a professional Go yer at all?


    He was not even considered an amateur yer?


    The Americans were extremely tickled!


    You Chinese are totally looking down on this artificial intelligence program of ours!


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    His mother pulled her son out of his bedroom.


    Zhang Ye cried out, "What''s going on, Mom?"


    His mother stared at him. "Are you representing the Go world andpeting against the AI?"


    "Yeah. Eh, didn''t I tell you two already?" Zhang Ye blinked.


    His father yelled, "When did you say anything about that!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I must have been busy and forgot about it. Didn''t I say that someone came to our house earlier? They were people from China Qiyuan who came over to ask me to ept the challenge and help the Go world."


    His father eximed, "And you agreed just like that?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yeah, I did."


    His mother was floored. "You epted the challenge just because they asked you to? You sure are audacious! You only picked up some beginner Go when you were in elementary and middle school, and now you have the courage topete against the AI?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''ll just have to give it a try, I guess"


    His father asked, "The match will take ce tomorrow?"


    Zhang Ye nodded.


    Ring ring ring. His cell phone rang!


    It was Chen Guang.


    "Old Chen, what''s the matter?"


    "What do you think is the matter! What are you thinking, Director Zhang!"


    "Ha, you heard about the news already?"


    "Of course! Are you sure you can do it?"


    "I have to. I''ll try my best and fight them!"


    Then Dong Shanshan called.


    "Zhang''er! Was what was announced at the press conference really true?"


    "It''s true."


    "You''re really going to challenge it?"


    "Yeah, that''s right."


    "When did you learn how to y Go?"


    "During elementary school. I''ve always known how to y."


    "I could never have expected that the Go world would invite you!"


    "I did not expect this either."


    The calls came one after another.


    Zhang Ye''s group of friends, including Yu Yingyi, Zhang Xia, Yao Jiancai, Xiaodong, Ning Lan, and Ha Qiqi, were all startled as they called him to confirm the news!


    The press conference ended!


    Rao Aimin''s cell phone exploded with calls from the media!


    It was the same thing over at China Qiyuan!


    On Weibo, many experts were starting to openly question the announcement!


    On the same night, news started spreading everywhere!


    "Zhang Ye to represent Go world to fight the final battle!"


    "The fourth Go yer to represent humanity is Zhang Ye?"


    "Zhang Ye vs. Peter!"


    "The fourth battle in the war between humans and machines��Zhang Ye steps up!"


    "China Qiyuan''s shocking decision!"


    "Zhang Ye has once again be the talk of the town!"


    "Can humanity regain its honor?"


    "Just how good is Zhang Ye at Go? "


    "Humanity''s strongest brain versus the most powerful AI: Who will be the winner?"


    The outlook was very pessimistic!


    Not even Zhang Ye''s fans believed in him, much less the professionals and media!


    "Teacher Zhang, can you stop fooling around?"


    "Why don''t you do something proper instead?"


    "You''re even getting involved with the Go world now?"


    "Pfft, didn''t you say you were on a break?"


    "I can already picture how Teacher Zhang will look after suffering a miserable defeat!"


    Even though there was doubt and pessimism, one thing was without a doubt:


    The future of Go?


    The honor of humans?


    Now, all that fell onto Zhang Ye''s shoulders!

 Chapter 1123: The match begins!

    <h4>Chapter 1123: The match begins! </h4>


    Chapter 1123: The match begins!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning, a sea of people formed up outside China Qiyuan.


    Several thousands of people had gathered around like they were out on a tour.


    The entire street was blocked off and the traffic police department had to dispatch emergency manpower to carry out traffic control. Traffic on both sides of the road had to be rerouted to a different location.


    "It''s starting soon!"


    "Damn, why are there so many people here?"


    "This is crazy!"


    "Of course, it''s Zhang Ye who''s going to battle against the machine!"


    "It''s the final battle of the war between humans and machines! Who wouldn''t want toe and watch!"


    "Even if we humans lose today, we still want toe and see it for ourselves!"


    "Zhang Ye! You can do it!"


    "Bring down that PeterGo!"


    "I only ask that Teacher Zhang does not lose too badly!"


    There were people all around, grouping into crowds and upying the entire street!


    Some of these people lived in the area and hade down to join in the bustle. There were also some people who traveled from afar with cards in their hands to show their support. There were all kinds of slogans written on them and some were especially funny.


    ��Cheering Face-smacking Zhang on!


    ��Teacher Zhang, don''t mess this up!


    ��Teacher Zhang, don''t get face smacked!


    ��Zhang Ye, are you sure you can do it?


    There were also dozens of students from some school carrying a horizontal red satin banner that had the words "Warmly celebrating the arrival of Teacher Zhang Ye to the Go world!" written on it.


    The reporters were also here!


    Some of them had already headed into the building, while others were setting up their equipment outside.


    A female reporter from the Beijing Television Sports Channel reported, "Hello, everyone, I''m currently at the main entrance of China Qiyuan. In front of us, we can see that the venue is filled with many of our citizens. In another hour at this ce, we''ll be bringing to everyone the war between humans and machines, where the world''s most advanced artificial intelligence program will take on the world''s smartest person in a century! Today will be coverage of the first game of Peter vs. Professor Zhang''s match. As for who will emerge victorious, please stay tuned to the live broadcast brought to you by BTV-Sports Channel. Look forward to the coverage!"


    The image onscreen cut back to the studio.


    At the BTV-Sports Channel''s live studio.


    The male host said, "Alright, thanks for the report by our field reporter, Little He." He then turned to the person next to him and continued, "Teacher Li, what are your views on today''s match?"


    Li Nian, a famous Gomentator.


    Li Nian said, "Today''s game is going to be very difficult to y."


    The male host said, "Yes, Peter has already disyed its extremely strong and advanced Go skills. After Xiang Rong 9-dan''s defeat to it, no one else in the world dared to im that they would be able to defeat it. However, much to our surprise, China Qiyuan has actually invited Professor Zhang to participate in this match under such circumstances."


    Li Nian said, "Yes, I''m curious about that as well. Because up until now, no one has ever seen Zhang Ye y Go before. No one knows how good he is, so it''s really impossible for me to estimate his chances of winning. We can only slowly analyze his y during the match itself. I believe that many of us, including me, would especially like to find out just how good Zhang Ye is as the smartest person in the world."


    "Yes, how good Professor Zhang is is still a question mark."


    ��


    At China Qiyuan.


    In the spectator room.


    Zhang Ye was meeting Xiang Rong 9-dan in person for the first time.


    Zhang Ye shook hands with him. "Hello, Teacher Xiang."


    Xiang Rong said, "Hello, Professor Zhang. Let me give you a simple talk about my understanding of Peter. First, it is really very intelligent, so don''t see it as just aputer. I believe you know that better than me. I tried to test it out with a move when I yed it and found that it does not respond like a normal AI would. Second, no matter howplex the boardyout gets, it will not have much of an effect on it. So if you''re going first, I wouldn''t suggest that you pick a diagonal opening fight 1 against it. And then, you must also remember not to let the game drag out for too long. Finish it as quickly as you can, since ying for too long will affect your strength and stamina greatly. That would make you more error-prone but would not affect Peter at all as it does not get limited by those factors. That is also its most terrifying advantage."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "I will remember that."


    Dan Donghe also came up to him. "Professor Zhang, you must keep calm. Start the game calmly and get the first advantage!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, I''ll try my best."


    Wu Changhe came over at this time as well. "Your advantage is that the AI does not have your game data. It doesn''t know what your style and standard of y are, so you can use that to your advantage and surprise it. It''s almost starting, and you better not mess this up!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I understand, Uncle."


    A female professional Go yer brought over a cup of hot tea. "Professor Zhang, please have something to drink."


    "Ah, thank you." Zhang Ye took it from her.


    Li Qinqin asked him in concern, "Have you had breakfast yet?"


    "I''ve eaten already, Auntie," Zhang Ye said.


    Li Qinqin said, "Today''s game will surely be long. Do pay attention to your energy level."


    Hu Liang 7-dan cheered, "You can do it!"


    Xu Han 8-dan encouraged, "Professor Zhang, you can do it!"


    Chen Ying 7-dan said, "We''re depending on you! You must win this!"


    Everyone was shouting their encouragements to him!


    Zhang Ye said loudly, "Alright, I''m going then."


    Everyone anxiously sent Zhang Ye off with their gazes as he walked out.


    Before he left the room, he walked past Wu Changhe, only to hear him whisper, "If you lose, don''t even think about stepping into my house! Hear that?!"


    Zhang Ye was floored!


    Fuck!


    Do you have to be so ruthless?


    With that, he also became nervous!


    In the game room.


    Everything was set and ready.


    The American representative was already here. They were just waiting for the reporters from Central TV Sports Channel to leave the room.


    When Zhang Ye''s old ssmate, Yu Yingyi saw him, she came up to him and greeted, "Professor Zhang, hello."


    The camera also pointed at him!


    Zhang Ye said, "Hello, Yingyi."


    Yu Yingyi said slightly perturbed, "How confident are you today?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I don''t know, but I will do my best."


    Yu Yingyi checked her watch and said, "I actually still have many questions for you, but I don''t think we have the time for that anymore. I''ll be in thementary room waiting for your good news."


    The live broadcast signal was cut.


    Yu Yingyi put down her microphone and said with a bitter smile, "You''re really here, huh? Did you really have toe just because China Qiyuan invited you? Why didn''t I know before that you knew how to y Go?"


    Zhang Ye was amused. "There''s still a lot that you don''t know about me."


    Yu Yingyi said, "No matter what, please do well. Don''t let the machines have a chance to look down on humanity!"


    "Don''t worry," Zhang Ye replied.


    Yu Yingyi went off. She still had to partner with Chen Ying for thementary portion of the coverage.


    Zhang Ye slowly made his way to the yers'' seats and sat down on his side of the table.


    Beside him, three staff members of the American team were doing theirst checks on Peter. Soon, everything was ready, and the American representative nodded at them before taking the seat across from Zhang Ye. He would be representing Peter to "replicate" his moves.


    The countdown began at three minutes.


    The two international Go referees each went to confirm with Zhang Ye and the American representative if they were ready.


    The American representative nodded his head.


    Zhang Ye gestured with his hands to indicate that he was ready.


    Outside.


    The live broadcast signal was being televised across the country!


    Even some of Asia''s broadcasters were simulcasting the coverage!


    This match could really be hailed as one that gained worldwide attention!


    The countdown timer:


    Three.


    Two.


    One.


    The game began!


    1. https://senseis.xmp/?DiagonalFuseki


    Happy Mother''s Day!

 Chapter 1124: Zhang Ye really knows how to play Go!

    <h4>Chapter 1124: Zhang Ye really knows how to y Go! </h4>


    Chapter 1124: Zhang Ye really knows how to y Go!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Watching TV.


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    Almost all of Zhang Ye''s uncles and aunts, his cousins, and the rest of his family were here today.


    His third sister said, "Brother''sing on!"


    His father gasped, "It''s starting!"


    His aunt said nervously, "Can Little Ye really do it?"


    His mother said, "He better not get crushed by thatputer the moment he starts ying. That would be so embarrassing for me!"


    ��


    Chen Guang''s home.


    Old Chen and Fan Wenli had been waiting and watching the TV for a while.


    Chen Guang was nursing a beer as he watched the coverage. "Do you think he can do it?"


    Fan Wenli didn''t what to say. "God only knows!"


    ��


    At Ha Qiqi''s house.


    The old colleagues were gathered here today.


    Zhang Zuo said, "The game is starting, it''s starting!"


    Little Wang yelled, "Director Zhang will prevail! Get that Peter!"


    ��


    Zhang Ye''s friends were all watching the live broadcast of the game!


    Theizens were also making a big ruckus online. This battle between Zhang Ye and the artificial intelligence had been in the headlines for quite some time!


    "Please don''t lose too terribly!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you can do it!"


    ��


    At the venue.


    They guessed the stones 1 to pick who would go first.


    Zhang Ye was assigned White and would be ying second.


    Very quickly, Peter yed its first move.


    When the American representative saw the move on theputer screen, he picked up a ck stone and ced it at the corresponding position on the Go board with a clink.


    Zhang Ye almost didn''t hesitate as he smiled and picked up a white stone to ce on the board.


    Peter went again with its next move.


    Zhang Ye thought for a moment and then responded.


    It was very quiet in the room. Other than a few cameras, there were only the referees and some staff members around. No one made a peep. There was a veryrge room outside that was used as the spectator room. Many of the executives of China Qiyuan and the reporters, along with the professional Go yers, were watching the game from there. It was equipped with a big screen that clearly disyed every move that was made on the Go board. After each move, they would all break into whispers of discussion with one another.


    Hu Liang said, "Peter''s opening looks very stable."


    Xu Han said, "Professor Zhang too. It''s a very conventional start."


    Dan Donghe nodded and said, "Little Zhang used to like to open a game with unconventional moves, but it looks like he has taken our advice this time. He''s adopted a different approach."


    Wu Changhe was staring at the Go board, fully focused, and did not speak at all.


    Li Qinqin was clenching her fists as she watched nervously.


    This match could really be called one that concerned the life and death of Go. No one could not care about it!


    Clink.


    Zhang Ye ced a stone down, ying his seventh move.


    A battle for the corner began!


    In thementary room.


    Yu Yingyi said anxiously, "Teacher Chen, what''s happening on the board?"


    Chen Ying 7-dan exined, "During the opening, Peter went first. So it would certainly have an advantage. Both their opening moves follow a very traditional way of ying and is considered very conservative. But what we''re seeing right now is a watershed moment and the next move they make will be very critical!"


    Yu Yingyi looked at the screen and suddenly said, "Peter has made its move!"


    Chen Ying''s expression shifted. "It yed a horizontal stretch? This move by Peter shows a very strong offensive desire. Does it intend to take down the corner for itself? Or was it just a feint?"


    Zhang Ye made his move!


    It was a knight''s move!


    Yu Yingyi was surprised. "Zhang Ye ignored Peter''s move? But why?"


    When Chen Ying saw it, she was astounded. "Great move! It truly is a great move! Professor Zhang has finally shown his hand! He did so without any hesitation too! He''s going for the attack now! Peter has lost the initiative and will have to respond to that move first. Otherwise, Professor Zhang will gain control of the framework over there. Indeed, Peter has responded! Oh, that move was really too wonderful. Professor Zhang has caught up by at least three points with that move. If we include thepensation, Professor Zhang has actually gained a slight advantage!"


    Yu Yingyi was stunned. "What?"


    Zhang Ye?


    Gained an advantage?


    On BTV-Sports Channel.


    The famousmentator, Li Nian, had also been stunned. "This move is really beautiful! This knight''s move is very bold and creative. What we''re seeing is Professor Zhang pushing Peter into making reactive moves only. It can only give up onpleting that framework in the corner and contend for the territory with Professor Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye made another move!


    Peter fought back!


    Zhang Ye made yet another move!


    These few moves were a dazzling blur to everyone!


    In the spectator room, everyone broke out into apuse!


    President Dan Donghe was leading the praise. "Great! Good one! Very good!"


    Xu Han said excitedly, "That was great, Professor Zhang!"


    "Get it! Pursue and attack!" Hu Liang was also getting excited!


    "Awesome! This is so awesome!"


    "Professor Zhang is indeed Professor Zhang! He doesn''t stick to convention at all!"


    "This time, it will be Peter having a ''headache''!"


    "Impressive, Professor Zhang!"


    Although the oue was not decided yet, being able to put Peter on the back foot had given a lot of hope to everyone!


    However, Xiang Rong continued watching the game indifferently. He did not say anything. He knew that it was still too early to be happy and that Peter''s skills had yet to be truly demonstrated.


    In the room.


    Zhang Ye did not take his opponent lightly, although he was pretty confident about himself. If he yed to a draw against Xiang Rong, and now that he had gained another 100 million Reputation Points'' worth of Go skill experience, he should probably be able to win against him. However, Xiang Rong 9-dan had probably also not given his best when he yed against Zhang Ye that day. As such, it was still an open question as to who would win between the two of them. Zhang Ye considered every one of his moves very carefully. When there was an opportunity to attack, he would not show any mercy. But if there was no chance to do so, he would not attack blindly either. This was because he knew that he mustn''t make a mistake!


    A blunder?


    A miscalction?


    This was the greatest difference between a human and a machine, and also the greatest disadvantage for humans!


    Clink.


    Clink.


    Another three moves went by.


    Zhang Ye and Peter were making moves tit for tat, neither of them willing to give up on this territorial contention!


    The expression on the American representative''s face didn''t look so good anymore. He was also feeling a little shocked inside. He couldn''t have expected that there would still be such a good yer around in the Go world. Other than Xiang Rong 9-dan, Shinji 9-dan, and some of the other professional yers, there was someone who had such good Go skill? But why hadn''t he appeared before? Why had he been an unknown all this time in the Go world? After a moment of shock, he forcibly calmed himself down. It would be alright. No matter who came along, it wouldn''t matter. That was because he and his team believed in Peter! Peter would never lose!


    The battle in the corner reached a deadlock!


    When everyone thought that the fight would have to continue, Zhang Ye suddenly blinked and ced a stone in the middle of the board and very calmly opened up a path right there!


    Come.


    Let''s see what you''ve got.


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes and looked at theputer.


    This time, there seemed to be no response from it. It went into the longest period of "thinking" since the start of the match.


    In thementary room.


    Yu Yingyi said excitedly, "Peter still hasn''t made its move yet. It''s been ''thinking'' for a very long time!"


    Chen Ying smiled. "Peter is currently crunching the data. This is where it gets ratherplicated. Professor Zhang did this on purpose by making a move that created a very open game. But as the middle part of the board is also very intertwined with the corner, if Peter does not consider its options carefully, it might just throw the entire game away!"


    On BTV-Sports Channel.


    Li Nian eximed, "Good one! Peter has to make a difficult decision now! That was really clever! I never expected that Professor Zhang would be able to y such a beautiful game of Go!" Looking into the camera, he said, "Dear viewers, if you are watching the live broadcast and were worried like me about whether Zhang Ye knows how to y Go, then I can confidently say this to everyone: He knows how to y Go. Not only does he know how to y, he''s even at the level of a grandmaster!"


    Watching on TV.


    A lot of people were dumbfounded from watching!


    Some of the audience who could y Go had already seen the level of Zhang Ye''s y and were all very startled by it!


    For those who did not understand Go, when they heard the exnation from the host and Gomentator, they were also very shocked!


    The Inte exploded!


    "Holy shit!"


    "What have I seen!"


    "Zhang Ye has the advantage?"


    "He''s at the level of a grandmaster?"


    "God, this fellow really knows how to y Go! The fuck!?"


    People from all over the country were stunned to the extreme!


    1. ����/Nigiri - to decide who would y as the ck stones. | https://senseis.xmp/?GuessingTheStones

 Chapter 1125: Capturing race!

    <h4>Chapter 1125: Capturing race! </h4>


    Chapter 1125: Capturing race!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Everyone knew that Zhang Ye was smart!


    Everyone knew that Zhang Ye was capable!


    But in Go? No one had ever seen him y the game before!


    That was why before this, no one had any idea at all about how good Zhang Ye was at Go. They only knew that he could probably y, but definitely did not know how well he could y. Thus, everyone had a pessimistic view of things after the press conference the other day. They didn''t think that there was a chance of winning at all. But now, they knew. Through the words of the host and thementator, they realized that Zhang Ye''s skills were definitely able to match the artificial intelligence program for this war between humans and machines. Further, he had even gained a slight advantage at the start of the match!


    His eldest younger sister eximed, "Our brother is so amazing!"


    Zhang Ye''s mother said with wide eyes, "Didn''t Little Ye only attend a few Go sses during elementary and middle school?"


    His father smacked his thigh in realization. "So this was why China Qiyuan got him to represent them!"


    Elsewhere.


    Fan Wenli was dumbfounded. "Director Zhang really can y!"


    Chen Guang said, "Damn, and I was wondering why he dared to ept the challenge!"


    At the Yao household.


    Yao Jiancai said in a speechless manner, "That Little Zhang, how does he know everything!"


    Yao Mi eximed excitedly, "Teacher Zhang, you can do it! Defeat that machine! Defeat it!"


    This final battle between humans and machines was also broadcast live on the Online Go Server. The tform''smentator was shocked as he shouted, "Look, PeterGo is getting pressed back! It''s been thinking for 20 minutes without making a move! This is incredible! Face-smacking Zhang is so incredible! He has once again shown his amazing talents to all of Asia. He has given humanity a glimmer of hope in beating an AI! Those moves on the Go board are indeed at the level of a professional! With this, Face-smacking Zhang has announced to the world that he truly lives up to the title of the smartest person to appear in a century! He is definitely the person with the highest IQ in the world! No one else evenes close!"


    As a mathematician, his Go skill would undoubtedly not be bad. But at most, it should only be not bad. For him to be able to y the game to the highest level was practically impossible. This is because Go requires arge amount of time and practice to umte skill and experience, and requires a person to fully invest their heart and mind into the game. So what was happening right now was something that was not exinable by Zhang Ye''s status as a renowned mathematician!


    There was only one way to exin it:


    Zhang Ye was just too smart!


    It would have to be that innate talent and intelligence of his!


    This match was definitely worthy of being known as the battle between humans and machines. Theizens who had doubted whether Zhang Ye could really represent humanity and y in this match were all keeping quiet now. He was absolutely qualified to do so!


    ��


    In the room.


    More than 20 minutes had passed.


    Finally, Peter stirred and made a move in response!


    Seeing this move it made, Zhang Ye frowned. For the first time today, he was set deep into thought.


    Peter''s reply was not actually very strong. It could even be said that it was just a normal move. But on second nce, one would discover that the position its ck stone was yed on was actually a very critical one and extremely difficult to deal with. If Zhang Ye were to apply pressure and go up against it, he might be opening himself up to getting exploited, and the corner of the board would then be put into danger. But if he were to leave it alone, he would definitely start getting restricted from his next move onwards. For now, the only better option avable to Zhang Ye was a position on the first line from the right. It would be more secure to y his move here. But just as he was about to raise his hand to ce the stone, he suddenly hesitated and felt that something was wrong.


    A trap?


    Yes, it was a trap!


    After thinking four moves ahead, he could deduce it immediately!


    What a good move!


    This move has really left me in a dilemma!


    Zhang Ye once again turned silent as he started thinking about it. This was truly to be expected from an artificial intelligence. He had witnessed the true strength of his opponent now. Moreover, as the game progressed and the situation on the board got even moreplicated, the AI''s ability to calcte its options to a greater degree of precision would give it a greater advantage. In the current situation, Zhang Ye had entered into attrition warfare against PeterGo!


    In thementary room.


    Yu Yingyi asked curiously, "Has Professor Zhang encountered a difficult choice for his next move?"


    Chen Ying 7-dan was also very puzzled. "If it were me, I would definitely y my move at right-5."


    "Yeah, there''s a possible point over there." Even a hobbyist like Yu Yingyi could see it.


    Chen Ying 7-dan said, "So I don''t know what Professor Zhang is considering��.Eh, wait a second. There seems to be something more to that move by Peter!"


    In the spectator room.


    Many of the professional yers were pointing at the screen and discussing. A lot of them could not understand why Zhang Ye had fallen silent, thinking that this should not be happening.


    Only Wu Changhe spoke up. "Right-5 is not an option."


    Xiang Rong 9-dan looked at the board and nodded in agreement.


    "Why?"


    "Even if right-5 is not a good position, he could y at right-6, right?"


    Wu Changhe shook his head. "It''s a trap." He picked up aser pointer and pointed it at the screen to exin to everyone. "If he ys right-5, the machine will make its move over here. Then, that Zhang kid will only be able to y a horizontal stretch. When the machine makes its move here, he would have to follow up again. Once the machine extends here, he''ll have no options left. He''ll have lost the initiative at the territory in the corner immediately. So this is a trap."


    A lot of people suddenly realized this as well!


    Hu Liang 7-dan said in worry, "What if Professor Zhang falls for it?"


    "Yeah," a professional 5th dan female yer said anxiously, "what if he falls for it?"


    Xiang Rong answered, "He wouldn''t fall for it!"


    Wu Changhe nodded in agreement to Xiang Rong''s statement. Although he didn''t think much of Zhang Ye and disliked him very much, he still recognized Zhang Ye''s skill as a professional Go yer. Otherwise, why would China Qiyuan approach an outsider like him and specially go to his house to persuade him rather than sending a professional yer from within their own ranks! It was precisely because the people here could not even recognize this trap that they were sitting in this room while Zhang Ye was the one who represented them and yed in the challenge match! Zhang Ye''s Go skill was much better than theirs!


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye yed his stone on the board!


    He made a " cut 1 " that no one had expected wasing!


    Wu Changhe nodded approvingly.


    Xiang Rong 9-dan sighed. "He didn''t fall for it, but he has lost his advantage."


    Wu Changhe said, "There''s nothing he can do. His opponent is being too difficult. This response is already very good."


    Zhang Ye was ying very conservatively. Actually, he had several strategies that he could use, but he chose to go ahead with the safest style of ying, even though it would lead to him losing an advantage of two or three points. The main issue here was that his opponent had yed a really clever move, and Zhang Ye did not have that good of a way to deal with it.


    The machine was indeed very strong!


    So strong that Zhang Ye could feel himself getting mentally drained!


    Chen Ying frowned. "Why did he y that move? He could have��Oh, I know! The point at right-5 was a trap. It might have looked like a cake, but it must never be eaten!" She immediately brought up a virtual screen to demonstrate to the audience for their understanding. "Over here, the stones will lose their initiative if this happens. So Professor Zhang has no other options. Oh, Peter has made another move again. This move looks really familiar. It''s a ''push through'' at this position. This is a move that Xiang Rong 9-dan usesmonly and is his ystyle. With those two moves, Professor Zhang will find it difficult to continue from here. Peter has caught back up on its disadvantage in points!"


    The television viewers and Go yers watching experienced a sinking feeling in their hearts.


    Things had been turned around too quickly!


    But then again, that was exactly where the charm of Goy!


    It was all quiet in the game room. Even the international referees were nervously watching the game.


    Zhang Ye''s eyes narrowed as he yed a " stretch 2 "!


    Peter made a " reach around 3 " move!


    Zhang Ye yed a "stand"!


    Peter went for a "horizontal stretch"!


    In the following moves, neither party could get an advantage over each other!


    A stone of Zhang Ye''s was captured!


    Very quickly, Peter also had a stone captured by Zhang Ye!


    The situation on the board was stuck in a stalemate as both yers yed really wonderful moves. The exchange made many of the professional Go yers and amateurs watch in shock and surprise!


    Capturing Race - https://senseis.xmp/?CapturingRace


    1. ��/Du��n/Kiri - A cut is a move preventing a connection, or an existing situation where stones are prevented from connecting. Usually the term applies to stones which are in direct contact. | https://senseis.xmp/?Cut


    2. ��/Ch��ng/nobi - A y directly next to another stone of the same color to create a line of at least two stones. | https://senseis.xmp/?Stretch | Different from horizontal stretch/narabi (which is a specific type of stretch)


    3. ��/B��n/hane - A move which "reaches around" one or more of the opponent''s stones. | https://senseis.xmp/?Hane

 Chapter 1126: Zhang Ye’s Divine Move!

    <h4>Chapter 1126: Zhang Ye''s Divine Move! </h4>


    Chapter 1126: Zhang Ye''s Divine Move!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Both sides were out to kill!


    It was a game that became a heated confrontation!


    The game had entered into the middlegame and almost half of the board was filled with stones!


    Hu Liang 7-dan shouted, "Come on, Professor Zhang!"


    A 5th dan pro cheered, "Destroy Peter!"


    "Go, go! Bring it down!" Xu Han 8-dan roared.


    Even Wu Changhe could not help but yell, "Go on! Attack!"


    Although they knew that Zhang Ye could not hear them, the spectator room was still filled with loud cheers of support. They all knew that at this point in time, the battle had entered into the most critical stage!


    Zhang Ye made a "diagonal move"!


    Peter yed a "stand"!


    Zhang Ye followed with a "bump"!


    Peter made a " bamboo joint 1 " with his stones!


    Zhang Ye yed an "approach"!


    Chen Ying 7-dan remarked, "This is so intense! Both sides are locked in an intense struggle! Professor Zhang was the second to y and is at a slight disadvantage. But in terms of momentum, he''s no worse than the AI. The mes of war have shifted back to the corner. I wonder who can grab the initiative this time. Who can surround the other and take the territory? Oh, Peter has made its move. It went in for a strong attack! If it grabs hold of the corner territory, there wouldn''t be much hope left for Professor Zhang in this game. Will Professor Zhang allow it to seed? Look at that, Professor Zhang is fighting back! What a good horizontal stretch! Professor Zhang''s horizontal stretch has forced Peter into the most awkward of positions! Is he going to be able to seize the initiative?"


    The television viewers could feel their blood boiling!


    Zhang Ye''s father stood up. "Come on, son!"


    His mother shouted, "Little Ye! Attack! Attack! Attack!"


    His third sister was also shouting Zhang Ye''s name!


    Countless people were feeling extremely pumped up!


    Every one of them was shouting Zhang Ye''s name!


    "There''s a chance of winning!"


    "We really have a chance of winning!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Kill it! Don''t be afraid!"


    "Get that PeterGo!"


    "Victory shall belong to humanity!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang, bring out your true abilities!"


    "Show them what you can do like how you''ve always done to your peers in the past!"


    On the Go board.


    Peter responded with its move.


    Zhang Ye''s expression did not change as he calmly ced his next stone down.


    Peter attacked again!


    The white stones were at a disadvantage, but Zhang Ye still remained indifferent. He gracefully picked up a white stone and tapped it down onto the board with a very nice and crisp clink.


    Yu Yingyi said worriedly, "Has White''s initiative been taken away?"


    Chen Ying 7-dan exined, "Professor Zhang just lost a little bit of the advantage, but that''s OK. There are still chances to regain itter on. In fact, Professor Zhang might have made this move on purpose!"


    "On purpose?" Yu Yingyi said in surprise.


    Chen Ying 7-dan nodded and said, "Yes, Professor Zhang might''veid a trap for Peter by deliberately opening up a weak point over there. We see this very often in matches between top pro Go yers. It''s a very advanced type of opening that only masters would dare attempt. I wonder if our viewers have noticed Professor Zhang''s expression? He looks very rxed and calm."


    Yu Yingyi nced at him and found that it was true!


    The television viewers became more confident when they saw how he acted!


    Indeed, Zhang Ye was serene. He did not look like someone who had just lost the advantage. On the contrary, he seemed to be exuding a feeling like he had everything under control!


    Yu Yingyi said very excitedly, "So that''s how it is!"


    Chen Ying 7-dan said, Now, the situation on the board has entered into the final stage. I have a feeling that Professor Zhang is setting up for a very big move in this game. Look, the white stones have been forced into a corner again by ck. They''ve been surrounded all around. But simrly, the ck stones'' hold on the board is now very weak, so it has to relinquish its control. This could be the situation that Professor Zhang had been waiting for. That opening he set up earlier might just have been waiting for this moment to arrive!"


    In the spectator room.


    Li Yi 9-dan''s fists were clenched. "Little Zhang is on the counterattack!"


    Hu Liang said, "He''s been waiting so long for this!"


    Xu Han said in anticipation, "What kind of big move will Professor Zhang being up with next?"


    "Is he going to turn defeat into victory?" someone said in disbelief.


    A female Go yer said, "Can that happen? Is there a chance for that?"


    A male Go yer pointed at the screen and said, "Look at Professor Zhang''s expression. He looks like he still has a big move nned that he hasn''t brought out yet. I know about the things that he has done in the past, and everyone should probably know about it too. He''s the type of person who would never bring out his trump card until the veryst moment. There have been so many of his peers that had their faces smacked swollen in this way in the past!"


    "That''s right!"


    "Can he win?"


    "Aiyo, my heart can''t take this!"


    Xiang Rong 9-dan, Wu Changhe, Dan Donghe and the others were all staring with wide eyes at the screen. The oue of the game was almost decided. They were at the final showdown of the battle. None of them dared to blink as they were afraid they would miss the epic moment!


    Do it!


    Hurry up and do it!


    What was the meaning of that opening strategy and the show of weakness just now for?


    Let us witness it, let the machine witness it, and let the entire poption of Asia witness it!


    The viewers watching on TV were also staring wide-eyed!


    Some of them stood up!


    Some of them got excited!


    Some of them were waiting in anticipation!


    At this moment on their screens, Zhang Ye''s hand reached into the Go bowl 2 !


    The American representative looked at the terribly calm Zhang Ye across from him and suddenly felt a sense of panic as well. You''re holding something back? What are you nning on doing? Where will you ce this next stone? For a moment, he could feel himself sweating nervously. He kept looking all over the Go board for a position where Zhang Ye might still have a chance of survival!


    Where was it?


    Just where could it be?


    Which position had Peter neglected to take into ount?


    Chen Ying 7-dan also stood up excitedly. She ignored the reminder from the earpiece that the director gave and said loudly, "It''sing! Professor Zhang has picked up his white stone! He''s going to make a move now! Today, Professor Zhang has shown his standard and yed to a very high level that showcased the grandeur of humanity! If he wins, he''ll immediately be the hero of the Go world! He''ll be the hero of all humanity! Watch this, Professor Zhang has raised his white stone and is ready to ce it down. I believe that he has been waiting for this chance for a very long time. He wants to decide the oue now and let the AI know who the true overlord of the world is. Where will Professor Zhang ce this decisive stone? This stone is a matter regarding the honor of humanity. Which lethal point will it strike the AI?"


    The people watching the live broadcast from Japan were buzzing with excitement!


    The viewers from Korea were stirring as well!


    At this moment, countless sets of eyes from all over Asia were staring fixedly at Zhang Ye''s hand. It was as though it was the hand of God!


    Chen Ying 7-dan said loudly, "We''re going to witness a miracle at the next moment! Let us watch together as the moment arrives! He''s making the move! Teacher Zhang is making his move! Where will this white stonend? Where will this white stone that deals a fatal blow to Peternd? Ah��he still not cing it down on anywhere yet. He''s pulling his hand back!"


    Instantly, it felt as though the entire world had gone quiet!


    Everyone in the room fell silent!


    Zhang Ye looked at the international referee and beckoned to him. He said in an embarrassed manner, "Um, I resign."


    The American representative fainted!


    Yu Yingyi fainted!


    Chen Ying fainted!


    Wu Changhe fainted!


    Li Qinqin fainted!


    The Japanese and Korean viewers fainted!


    Everyone throughout Asia very nearly breathed theirst breaths at that moment!


    Goddammit, you motherfucking bastard!


    Where was the motherfucking big move that you promised us?


    Where was the agreed on Divine Move that you were talking about?


    But as it turned out, he actually had nothing up his sleeves?!


    Divine Move - https://senseis.xmp/?KamiNoItte | https://.youtube/watch?v=5FNOouojjOQ


    1. ˫/Shu��ng/takefu - The name, like the ''knuckle'' on a stick of bamboo,es from the strength of the connection. It is normally impossible to cut through it. | https://senseis.xmp/?BambooJoint


    2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_equipment#Bowls

 Chapter 1127: Face-smacking Zhang gets serious!

    <h4>Chapter 1127: Face-smacking Zhang gets serious! </h4>


    Chapter 1127: Face-smacking Zhang gets serious!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At thepetition venue.


    The international referees came forward to verify the match.


    Then, the thinner of the two referees announced, "The first game goes to Peter."


    Thepetition was based on a best of three. If Peter won the next game, the challenge would end immediately.


    The American representative smiled as he wiped the nervous sweat off his forehead and cursed himself for overthinking things. He did not shake hands with Zhang Ye and headed straight to the ce the press conference would soon be held.


    Zhang Ye did not pay attention to him. He gave a final look at that uglyputer before turning and leaving the room and headed for the spectator room.


    In the spectator room.


    When this fellow returned, he was immediately surrounded by a bunch of top Go yers!


    Wu Changhe stared at him and said, "Where was the big move?"


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "What big move?"


    Wu Changhe impatiently said, "Didn''t you have a big move up your sleeve?"


    Zhang Ye wore a look of confusion. "What big move did I have up my sleeve?"


    Xu Han 8-dan said in a dumbfounded manner, "Didn''t you purposely set a trap for Peter?"


    "Ah? What are you all talking about?" Zhang Ye could not understand a word they were saying.


    A trap?


    Big move?


    Where am I supposed to pull that out from for you all!


    This AI is too powerful. I already said that I wouldn''t be able to win against it! But you all insisted on making me y against it. Hai, I''m so embarrassed now! Zhang Ye was also feeling very dejected. This fellow had always been called "Face-smacking Zhang" by others, and he had always been the one who pped others'' faces. But who could have expected that he would be the one getting smacked in the face this time! I knew it! I knew that even if I had drawn a few more skill experience books from the lottery draw, it would still be useless. As expected, this was totally not a matter of skill!


    Chen Ying 7-dan returned from thementary booth. When she stepped in, embarrassment was written all across her face. "Sorry, I, I went overboard during the live broadcast."


    The group of pro yers were beyond speechless. All of them had been impassioned by Chen Ying''smentary and thought that Zhang Ye really had some big move left to y!


    But as it stood?


    He could not even muster up a fart!


    Li Qinqin sighed and said, "Little Zhang, you''ve worked hard."


    Zhang Ye said with a sardonic chuckle, "Auntie, how have I worked hard? I didn''t even win the game, so I feel pretty bad."


    Xiang Rong 9-dan looked at him and said, "You''ve already done great. At the least, I think that you did much better than me. If we had gotten someone else to y, they could not have yed as well as you. No matter what, whether you win or lose, we''re very grateful to you for standing up for the Go world."


    At this, everyone else came to realize it too.


    Professor Zhang had epted the challenge for their sake. Even if he lost, they shouldn''t be ming him. It was never his problem to begin with in the first ce!


    "Professor Zhang."


    "You did a fine job."


    "It''s fine even though you lost."


    "Right, it''s not the first time that we''ve lost anyway, hai."


    "Your opening was brilliant!"


    "Yeah, no one''s been able to make PeterGo so passive! You were the first one to manage it, and this was also the closest that we humans havee to achieving victory!"


    "There''s still another game tomorrow."


    "Right, there''s still a chance."


    The professional yers all spoke one after another.


    Dan Donghe was silent all this while.


    There''s still a chance?


    Even though they said that, which one of them really believed what they were saying!


    They could all see that Professor Zhang had given his best but still lost to Peter. For tomorrow''s game, would there be any difference whether they yed or not? Based on today''s performance, they knew that they would not be able to win tomorrow. They could see too many things in today''s game. This was the limit of how well humanity could perform, but was there even a limit to how far PeterGo could go? They could not see! Yes, there were just no limits!


    Li Qinqin consoled, "Don''t be too pressured and just y as you would for tomorrow''s game."


    Zhang Ye gave a wry smile. He thought about how every one of them was cing their hopes on him, and how so many of themon folk were looking at him, so how could there be no pressure on him? The pressure was simply too great!


    What if I don''t win tomorrow? Then what?


    Would I no longer be able to face everyone?


    Would I not be able to marry Old Wu anymore?


    Motherfucker, this goddamned PeterGo!


    Who the fuck designed this bastard of a thing!


    ��


    On Weibo.


    Theizens were all wailing!


    "Thatmentator is such a scammer!"


    "Yeah, she said it so seriously that I took her word for it!"


    "And in the end, when Teacher Zhang said ''I resign,'' I nearly fell to my knees!"


    "It''s useless to say anything now! We''ve lost again!''


    "Even Teacher Zhang could not win against it!"


    "Zhang Ye was just ayman to begin with, so why would you guys expect him to win?"


    "Ai, I''m really looking forward to tomorrow''s game as well. It''s going to just be a formality, though. I can see it already. This PeterGo is really too fucking pro!"


    "Is there really no one who can beat it? Not even a single game?"


    "Go is done for!"


    "In a hundred years from now, this game probably won''t exist!"


    The atmosphere was getting extremely pessimistic. Or rather, it had already be extremely hopeless!


    No one thought that humanity would stand a chance of making aeback!


    ��


    Later that afternoon.


    Back at home.


    The game hadsted for several hours and it was almost past lunchtime.


    When Zhang Ye got home, all of his rtives rushed to him.


    "Brother, you''re amazing!" his third sister said, giving him a look of adoration.


    Zhang Ye smiled bitterly. "I lost and you''re saying I''m amazing?"


    His eldest younger sister said, "But your opponent is an AI that even defeated Xiang Rong 9-dan. It''s already heaven defying enough that you could fight it that well!"


    "It''s still a loss." Zhang Ye wasn''t feeling great about it.


    His father came over. "Prepare yourself for tomorrow''s game!"


    His mother said, "Yes, demolish it tomorrow!"


    Demolish it? I would love to do that!


    But how could I possibly achieve it?


    His first aunt said, "Don''t lose heart, you''ll be fine!"


    His third uncle said, "Right, you''ve only lost one game. There are still two games left!"


    Zhang Ye forced a smile. "After ying Go for the entire morning, I''m feeling a little tired. I''m going to lie down for a bit."


    His mother said, "Quickly get some rest then."


    Zhang Ye went into his bedroom andid down on the bed immediately after closing the door. Hearing the chatter of his rtives outside every now and then, he felt really helpless and depressed about the game.


    It wasn''t that this fellow could not stand to lose, nor was he someone who could not withstand a blow. Ever since he debuted in the entertainment industry, he had stumbled many times as he went through a lot of difficulties along the way. But he had never lost heart before. Besides, Zhang Ye still hasn''t lost yet. They were only one game into the best of three. But what made Zhang Ye feel very helpless was that he had no idea how to deal with PeterGo. He knew that even if he were to y tomorrow, he would still not be able to win!


    This was the most frustrating thing of all!


    Which was why he could not raise his spirits!


    Damn, why doesn''t this bro use his hacking skills to bring it down? And let that bastard of a thing go up in smoke? Fuck, wouldn''t that be a little too mean? Besides, the Americans would surely have the most secure andtest technologies to protect it against such attacks. He might not necessarily have a chance to hack into it! Should he try the lottery again? But it wouldn''t work no matter how many times he yed the lottery. PeterGo''s dataset was just toorge. During today''s game against Zhang Ye, PeterGo had yed moves in the styles of Xiang Rong 9-dan, Shinji 9-dan, Li Yi 9-dan, and anyone else who had yed against it. Therge dataset it had could also enable it to correctly predict Zhang Ye''s every move. This was no longer a difference in skills but the difference between a human brain and a machine! On this aspect, the machine had a crushing advantage over humans. Combined with the two "brains" that gave PeterGo its analytical power, the Americans were actually correct in their ims. This artificial intelligence could really be said to be "thinking" from a different perspective.


    The amount of information he had was not as much as the opponent had!


    His speed of calction was not as fast either!


    And the precision of his calctions could not bepared either!


    Then why the hell was he stillpeting? How could hepete?


    In the public.


    A lot of experts were analyzing this war between humans and machines!


    A Gomentator: "Zhang Ye excels at the game but is stillcking by too much whenpared to the machine."


    A scientist: "Humanity is doomed to fail in this war!"


    A former national master Go yer from Japan: "Not optimistic about tomorrow''s chances!"


    Ring, ring, ring.


    A call from Wu Zeqing came in.


    When Zhang Ye saw the caller ID, he hesitated for a moment before rejecting it.


    But his cell phone rang again the next second.


    Zhang Ye bit the bullet and answered.


    "Hello."


    "Why didn''t you take my call?"


    "Hai, I can''t face anyone right now."


    "You only lost one game and you''ve be like this?"


    "The issue is that I''m not confident for tomorrow either."


    "You can win. I believe in you."


    "Even I don''t believe in me."


    "But I do."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback.


    He heard Wu Zeqing say: "I watched today''s game, and I feel that you had a problem while ying. At Go, I''m not anywhere close to as good as you all. But when we were at my ce, I watched many of the games you yed. I felt that you held back a lot today and were trying to y too carefully throughout the entire game. It was totally different from the carefree style you had while you were ying at my ce."


    Zhang Ye said helplessly: "My opponent was too strong. I had to y more conservatively against it. What''s more, I was ying under pressure from my opponent for most of the game."


    Old Wu said: "I always believe that ying Go should be approached as how one lives their lives. Whatever type of person you are, you should be that way and y ording to your style. You can''t change it. y conservatively? ying carefully and taking a steady approach? Building up your base with every step? That''s not who you are at all! It''s not in your nature to y that way. That''s why you might have held yourself back by doing so. I still find you cooler when you yed the way you did against my dad, China Qiyuan, and Xiang Rong 9-dan while we were at my ce."


    At your ce?


    I didn''t even know that I was not facing your dad at that time!


    If this bro knew that my opponents had all been 9-dan yers and were among the top 20 yers in the world, I would''ve pissed my pants. How could I have yed as carefreely as I did!


    Zhang Ye said: "Uh, will that really work?"


    "Just give it a try," Old Wu replied.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright, I''ll take your advice then."


    Old Wu said: "As for the other factors, you can only depend on yourself to figure them out. I can''t help with that."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye gave it some thought for quite a while. Old Wu had indeed made a very reasonable argument. He had been too nervous today and was only thinking about not making any mistakes and errors. He just did not want to lose. As a result, he couldn''t open up a path on the board for himself. He would probably give a try during tomorrow''s game.


    But even that was still not enough. It was not enough to ensure a victory!


    He still couldn''t ovee the critical issue. He still hadn''t found the key to deal with PeterGo!


    There had to be a way!


    There must be!


    But what was it?


    Where did PeterGo''s weakness lie?


    All of a sudden, he heard the sound of the televisione in from the living room.


    It was the earlier press conference at China Qiyuan. Zhang Ye had left the premises right after the match and did not take any interviews. He did not join the press conference either, but the American representative had taken part in it.


    He could hear what the American was saying. "The smartest person toe along in a century? And that was all he could do? Then I shall look forward to the second game of the match between Peter and him."


    All he could do?


    That was all he could do?


    Zhang Ye chuckled!


    You want to posture with me, eh?


    The thought of marrying Old Wu if he could win the match? The thought of fighting for the honor of humanity? The thought of fighting for the honor of the Go world? Zhang Ye shoved all those thoughts to the back of his mind!


    Sure!


    This bro will take it to the bitter end with you!


    I''ll show you bunch of foreigners just why they all call me "Face-smacking Zhang"!

 Chapter 1128: Found its weakness!

    <h4>Chapter 1128: Found its weakness! </h4>


    Chapter 1128: Found its weakness!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    "The Americans are too arrogant!"


    "Damn, you even imed that that was all Teacher Zhang could do?"


    "That''s because you people haven''t witnessed how he awesome he can be when he''s in form!"


    "When Teacher Zhang was out there ughtering everyone, was he not better than you?"


    "You only scored a victory over Teacher Zhang in Go! What''s so great about that! Do you have to get this arrogant? If you''re so great, why don''t wepete in other categories! Teacher Zhang was not a pro Go yer to begin with anyway!"


    "That''s right!"


    "Do you darepete in math?"


    "Do you darepete in calligraphy?"


    "Do you darepete in piloting a ne?"


    "Face-smacking Zhang would be able to demolish you people in any other aspect! Fuck!"


    There was a heated discussion about this topic and all kinds of noisy chatter in the news.


    Some of the people who were angered by the foreigners gradually started cheering for Zhang Ye.


    Others were still as pessimistic as before regarding the match. Whatever reason there was now, it could not erase the fact that Zhang Ye had indeed lost the first game.


    ��


    At home.


    Zhang Ye ate three bowls of rice in one sitting for dinner.


    His father said, "Eat more to replenish your stamina!"


    His mother said, "Right, you still have to fight it out with Peter tomorrow!"


    His eldest younger sister scooped some food for him. "Brother, have more meat."


    "Thanks." Zhang Ye did not refuse whatever they offered.


    His fighting spirit had been reignited. Wasn''t it just a lousyputer? He always believed that this was just something that was created by humans. No matter how good it was, it wouldn''t possibly have the same wisdom as humans did. Even if it was better in many aspects and possessed aputational and analytical ability that humans could never reach, it would definitely still have a weakness somewhere. So all he had to do was find out what PeterGo''s weakness was and score a victory in tomorrow''s game. He could not afford to lose and had to at least even the score tomorrow so that he would stand a chance of winning!


    Weakness?


    What was it?


    What was the weakness?


    After dinner, he received a few calls from his friends.


    Yao Jiancai: "Zhang''er, finish off that Peter!"


    Zhang Ye: "I will."


    Yao Jiancai: "You can do it, we''re all standing behind you!"


    There were also some friends who tried to persuade him to throw in the towel. They told him that since he was not a part of the world of Go, it was nothing disgraceful even if he had lost the game. It was already a very great result that he could y against PeterGo as well as he did!


    But Zhang Ye did not say anything.


    Throw in the towel? There was no such phrase as "throw in the towel" in his vocabry!


    Back in his bedroom, Zhang Ye turned on hisputer and again studied the day''s game against the artificial intelligence. He recreated the entire game three times over! From the looks of it, there were indeed some inuracies in his moves that ought to have much better alternatives to handle Peter''s y. Of course, it was useless to say all this in retrospect since whatever mentioned wouldn''t change anything. It was impossible for humans to have a foolproof n while ying under such intense circumstances.


    Besides, there was no such thing as a foolproof n in Go since the game was just tooplicated. There would be times when you think that a move would be great after taking everything into consideration. But a dozen movester, it might turn out to be a bad one. Conversely, you might have yed a bad move earlier which would turn out to be a good move by the middlegame when you suddenly realize that it had a decisive effect on the overall board state. All of it was possible due to theplexity of Go!


    He studied the game for a full two hours.


    The more he analyzed it, the more he could not find any weakness in Peter''s game. It seemed like every move it made was done to restrict Zhang Ye''s y. It always held a slight advantage over him across the whole board and was always a step ahead of Zhang Ye. With the exception of one move made early in the game, which was the only time that Zhang Ye had managed to restrict PeterGo''s y. Hence, Zhang Ye focused on this move for a very long time.


    Why did I go into the lead at this move?


    Why couldn''t Peter predict this move?


    The more that Zhang Ye thought about it, the more he wondered why. Logically, it shouldn''t have happened. The AI''sputational power was so strong and could predict so many moves ahead, shouldn''t it be able to predict that move of his as well?


    Zhang Ye''s keen sense of awareness told him that the breakthrough might lie right here!


    After some thought, Zhang Ye called Wu Changhe''s house.


    It was Li Qinqin who answered the call. "Hello?"


    "Auntie, it''s Little Zhang." Zhang Ye said: "Is Uncle home?"


    Li Qinqin said: "He''s around, let me get him."


    A momentter, Wu Changhe''s voice sounded: "What do you want?"


    Zhang Ye immediately said: "Uncle, there''s something I need to discuss with you. I was analyzing the ''knight''s move'' I yed against Peter in the corner during the opening. Do you remember it?"


    When Wu Changhe heard that it was about proper business, he said with a rare showing of patience: "I remember that. It was your only move that allowed you to gain an advantage in the game. Even Peter could not predict that."


    Zhang Ye asked: "Why wasn''t Peter able to see it?"


    "Why?" Wu Changhe was a little taken aback. "Actually, none of us could predict those moves of yours during the opening as they were all very unorthodox. It was only after you made that knight''s move that we realized the intention of your opening sequence, but we''ve never seen anyone use that joseki 1 before. That was probably why Peter fell for it since it was unable to predict that you would make such a move. You could basically consider that a surprise move."


    "No one has used it before?"


    "Yeah, that''s right."


    "Are you sure?"


    "Of course I''m sure. I''ve yed Go for many years."


    A nonstandard joseki?


    How is that possible!


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye immediately went through a lot of game records online. Indeed, he really could not find any simr josekis to the one he had yed! As everyone knows, Go has many types of josekis and sayings 2 . There are so many kinds of them that they had long been agreed on and analyzed thoroughly by everyone. When Wu Changhe told Zhang Ye that no one has seen that joseki before, it surprised him greatly. That was because this joseki was a very standard way of ying and wasmonly seen in games yed in Zhang Ye''s previous world. If he did not remember wrong, it should have been first yed by a Go master some time during the ''90s. After many years of trial and error, as well as being yed in many different matches, a fixed pattern of y had been formed.


    But in this world, no one had seen it before?


    Due to theck of such data, PeterGo couldn''t calcte and predict the moves?


    After being stunned for a few seconds, Zhang Ye banged his desk and stood up!


    I got it!


    I know what Peter''s weakness is!


    Zhang Yeughed, "Hahahahaha!"


    His mother opened the bedroom door and went in. "What''s the matter? Have you gone crazy?"


    Zhang Ye immediately put on his clothes and said, "Mom, I can''t talk now, I need to go out for a while!"


    Zhang Ye went out to his car and drove straight to China Qiyuan.


    Why did he head there? Why did he head there? Because this ce kept the mostplete information on Go!


    ��


    At China Qiyuan.


    It was past 9 PM.


    Compared to the crowd during the day, it was a little quiet at the Qiyuan at night. Most of the lights were already off!


    When Zhang Ye arrived, there were only a few employees working in the Qiyuan. Seeing that it was Zhang Ye, they opened the door and let him in. He quickly went to the Go association and pushed the door open!


    There were still some people in there.


    They were Chen Ying 7-dan, Xu Han 8-dan, and five other professional yers. They were grouped together and looked like they were discussing the day''s match between Zhang Ye and Peter.


    Xu Han: "It''s really too strong."


    Chen Ying: "How can we beat it?"


    When they heard the noise behind them, they turned around.


    "Eh?"


    "Professor Zhang?"


    "What are you doing here?"


    The several of them were stunned.


    Zhang Ye immediately yelled out, "Quick, give me a hand! I need all the pro Go yers'' past game record information and josekis of this world!"


    Xu Han was stunned. "All the matches? All the josekis?"


    Chen Ying said in a daze, "Why do you need them?"


    A 5th dan yer said, "All the matches? That would be more than several hundred thousand or millions of games!"


    "I need to learn them! Quick, give me a hand!" Zhang Ye looked around and asked, "Where is the library? Hurry up, bros! We don''t have much time!"


    The several of them got even more shocked!


    Learn them?


    Learn them right now?


    Damn, it is already toote! The second game of the match will begin tomorrow! Even if anyone were to give ast-minute push, they would not do it asst minute as you are doing now!


    1. https://senseis.xmp/?Joseki


    2. https://senseis.xmp/?GoProverbs

 Chapter 1129: The Go masters from a different world!

    <h4>Chapter 1129: The Go masters from a different world! </h4>


    Chapter 1129: The Go masters from a different world!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The library was bustling with activity immediately.


    Some of the information in this ce had been entered into theputer and those that had not been were avable on paper.


    Xu Han said, "Are you serious about this?"


    Zhang Ye ordered, "As long as there''s a possibility that Peter has the data, I want them all!"


    Chen Ying gasped and said, "That would be over a million records!"


    "Even if there are over ten million records, I want them!" Zhang Ye said.


    Xu Han gave a bitter smile as he powered on aputer. "Part of the information you need is on here. Have a look at them."


    Zhang Ye instantly sat down. Xu Han had opened up a document on theputer that was titled "1980-2000 International Go Tournaments (ssified Information)"!


    Zhang Ye only said, "I want all the records from before 1980 and after 2000 too! Along with the international tournaments, I want records of all the games yed in our country, Japan, and Korea!" He then whipped back to looking at the screen as he continued going through the game records page by page. The speed at which he went through them was astounding!


    On each page, the games were recorded with details of the yers'' names, the exact date it was yed, and the endgame state. The order of each move was notated by a number written at the grid location of the game record 1 .


    One page!


    Ten pages!


    Twenty pages!


    Within ten seconds, Zhang Ye had finished going through the game records.


    Then he continued reading without a reduction in his browsing speed!


    The professional yers were dumbfounded at seeing this.


    A 6th dan yer said, "What can you learn by looking at the game records like this?"


    "You won''t be able to remember anything that way," Xu Han said, dabbing at his sweat.


    None of them could understand what Zhang Ye was trying to do!


    When she saw Zhang Ye keeping quiet, Chen Ying grit her teeth and said, "Let''s get the information for Professor Zhang. He definitely has his reasons for doing so. We have to put up ast stand since we''re at the point of no return. Do we have any other choice? We can only trust Professor Zhang''s judgment! Try to look for as much info as you can!" She immediately headed off to search for more information!


    "But��"


    "Hai, fine!"


    The several of them got down to business!


    Soon after, stacks and stacks of documents were ced in front of Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye said as he browsed through them, "This is not enough, bring me more!"


    Zhang Ye then bought numerous Memory Search Capsules from the Merchant Shop through his game ring. Then he closed his eyes and used the Memory Search Capsules to imprint all of the information that he went through earlier into his memory. This was his fastest way of memorizing things and something that no one else in this world could do except him!


    It was already 11 PM!


    Quick!


    Hurry up!


    Zhang Ye was not willing to waste even a second of his time as he focused all his effort here. As he was in a race against time, he had to try to remember as much information as he could!


    Xu Han''s hands were getting tired as he carried a big stack of documents over. "There''s still all of these, is it enough?"


    "It''s still not enough!" Zhang Ye said.


    Xu Han said, "They''re still not enough?"


    Chen Ying stared into Zhang Ye''s eyes and said, "Have you really thought of a n?"


    Zhang Ye looked at them and said in a serious tone, "Trust me, I found a way to defeat it!"


    Everyone was stunned!


    "What?"


    "Really?"


    "Are you serious, Professor Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye said, "What I need now is information. The more the better!"


    Chen Ying got excited. "Alright! Alright! Just focus on reading! Leave the rest to us!" She quickly picked up her cell phone and made a call. "Hello, Hu Liang! Quicklye down to the Qiyuan to help out! You''re sleeping? Stop sleeping! Get up and inform the others as well! Hurry up!"


    Xu Han hesitated for a long time before stomping his foot. "Damn! I won''t be leaving today either! As long as you can beat PeterGo! I will do anything that you tell me to!"


    The several of them started calling for reinforcements!


    "Hello, Old He, quicklye to the Qiyuan!"


    "Little Chen, stop sleeping! Come to the Qiyuan!"


    "Come quickly, Professor Zhang has found a way!"


    Before long, several cars drove into the Qiyuan''spound!


    10 people��


    20 people��


    More and more people were arriving!


    "What''s the matter?"


    "What exactly is going on?"


    "It''s thiste. What are you all trying to do?"


    "Don''t ask! Help gather information!"


    In the end, even President Dan Donghe and Wu Changhe were rmed. They also hurriedly drove back to the Qiyuan in the middle of the night. When they heard that Zhang Ye had found a way to defeat Peter, the two of them were in disbelief!


    He found a way to beat it?


    And he''s doing somest-minute studying?


    W-Why did it sound so unreliable no matter how they heard it!


    Wu Changhe said in a speechless manner, "Little Zhang, are you sure you can do it?"


    Zhang Ye didn''t open his shut eyes and ignored him.


    Wu Changhe said angrily, "Hey this kid!"


    Dan Donghe was silent for a moment, then he looked up and suddenly said, "Everyone, please put in some overtime and listen closely to Professor Zhang''s instructions! Give him whatever he needs! Whatever he needs!"


    A deputy chairman objected, "But by doing this��"


    "I will take responsibility if anything happens!" interrupted Dan Donghe. He took out a key and passed it to an employee beside him. "There''s still some information avable in my office. Bring it out for Professor Zhang!"


    "Yes!" That employee slowly turned around.


    Dan Donghe shouted, "Get moving!"


    "Ah, yes!" Then the employee sprinted away!


    Dan Donghe nced in Zhang Ye''s direction as he muttered to himself, "I really hope that you have found a way."


    The Qiyuan''s lights were all switched on!


    The atmosphere turned unknowingly tense!


    Throughout the night, a lot of people were running about trying to fetch more information for Zhang Ye. After he finished reading some of it, they would take it away and bring over a fresh batch of documents! No one believed that Zhang Ye could really finish reading them all and learn everything within a night. What was Go? It was an extremely time-consuming sport. For most who wished to step out from under the wings of their teachers, they would require at least a few years of learning. Even for those several genius master Go yers who existed in the history of Go, it was unheard of that they could be invincible after just a night of learning!


    From experience, this was not something that would work out!


    Logically, this was also impossible to achieve!


    But everyone unconditionally carried out Zhang Ye''s requests. Because they no longer had a ce to retreat to. In this moment, they would rather believe in a miracle, that the smartest person of the century would be able to bring about a miracle in the Go world!


    Time was ticking away.


    Actually, they did not know that Zhang Ye was not actually learning, but eliminating. He was not trying to learn from all these game records and josekis. He just wanted to know which to avoid using!


    PeterGo''s analytical ability and "decision making" were actually based on the massive amount of umted information and dataset that it had. It kept a record of all the world''s top Go yers, professional Go yers, games, and josekis, and could y any of Xiang Rong 9-dan''s special moves at any time or easily resolve Shinji 9-dan''smonly used moves. It was only because of its massive trove of information that Peter obtained its superb Go skills. This was actually the strongest aspect of the artificial intelligence that humans could not hope to achieve. But at the same time, this was also the AI''s Achilles'' heel. Right now, Zhang Ye has discovered it!


    The Go josekis of this world?


    The Go techniques of this world?


    I''ll just not use any of them!


    Xiang Rong?


    Shinji?


    Park Yuhee?


    Li Yi?


    Liu Hong?


    Chen Ying?


    I''ll just not use any of their techniques!


    I''ll avoid all the josekis and ystyles that everyone has used before. This bro will use those moves and josekis that do not belong to this world to y against you!


    Do you know Gu Li?


    Do you know Nie Weiping?


    Do you know Li Changgao?


    Oh, that''s right.


    All of you definitely do not know Ke Jie!


    1. https://senseis.xmp/?Kifu

 Chapter 1130: The second game of the war between humans and machines!

    <h4>Chapter 1130: The second game of the war between humans and machines! </h4>


    Chapter 1130: The second game of the war between humans and machines!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next morning.


    It was getting closer and closer to the start of the game.


    On the Central TV Sports Channel: "The focus on the war between humans and machines has reached an unprecedented level of attention after yesterday''s game. This match has had the most attention, trendiness, and viewership rating in the history of Go. In another hour, our station will continue the live broadcast of the second game of the match between famous math professor Zhang Ye versus the artificial intelligence program Peter. Will Peter continue to be victorious and win the final game, or will Professor Zhang turn defeat into victory and even the score to bring us to a third game? We''ll see you at 9 AM on Central TV Sports!"


    On Weibo, a number of people were showing their support for Zhang Ye.


    Famous A-list movie star Ning Lan posted on Weibo early in the morning: "Zhang''er, you can do it!"


    Central TV Documentary Channel''s Ha Qiqi: "Director Zhang, show them how awesome you are!"


    Crosstalk actor Yao Jiancai: "Everyone, let''s cheer for Zhang Ye!"


    Singer Liao Yiqi (Spinach): "We must definitely show our support for Teacher Zhang''s match!"


    A lot of people were waiting and watching TV. Although the live broadcast had not started yet, somementators and experts were analyzing yesterday''s game in the live broadcast studio.


    An expert: "We can see that Zhang Ye was always on the back foot."


    The host: "Then does that mean it will be very difficult for him to win today as well?"


    The expert: "It looks to be that way. But I''ll still support Zhang Ye. He is the Go world''sst line of defense! We can''t lose!"


    The host: "Then let''s cheer for Professor Zhang, for Go, and for humanity!"


    ��


    The public was heatedly discussing this as well!


    Reporters had surrounded China Qiyuan!


    Some of the citizens even organized a spontaneous cheerleading squad and were screaming loudly outside the Qiyuan!


    However, it was pretty quiet within the Qiyuan, and the atmosphere inside could only be described as gloomy.


    Dan Donghe asked, "What time is it?"


    "It''s 8 o''clock," Chen Ying said tiredly.


    Hu Liang asked, "Should we wake Professor Zhang up?"


    Li Qinqin, who had just arrived, said, "Let him sleep awhile longer. You guys too. I heard that you were busy all night. Go home and rest."


    "We''re not tired, ma''am," Xu Han said as he paced up and down.


    Zhang Ye had studied the information until 6 in the morning before going off to get some rest. As the game was ted to begin at 9 AM, he had to reserve three hours of rest to recharge himself and replenish his stamina and mental fitness. As for the professional Go yers and Qiyuan staff who had assisted Zhang Ye throughout the night, they did not yet leave to go home. All of them stayed behind and nervously stood around with wide eyes. Today''s game was extremely important to them!


    Awhileter.


    Someone suddenly shouted, "Professor Zhang is up!"


    Zhang Ye yawned as he walked in. "Good morning, everyone."


    "How did you sleep?" Li Qinqin asked anxiously.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Quite well."


    Dan Donghe said, "You only slept for two hours. You should sleep a bit longer."


    "No need, two hours is enough for me." Zhang Ye''s mental state was great. His constitution was different from most ordinary people as he could recover after resting for just a little.


    Wu Changhe had also gone to catch some z''s at one of the Qiyuan''s rest areas. As the game was about to start, he fast walked over. "You in good shape? Think you can win?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''ll give it a try."


    He had done all that he needed to do. Although Zhang Ye did not have the time to memorize all the game records, a majority of the crucial games were photocopied into his mind.


    He had said that he would give it a try yesterday as well, but still lost in the end.


    When they asked him again today, he was still saying that he would give it a try?


    Everyone looked at him with pessimism.


    Dan Donghe patted his shoulder and said, "Just do your best!"


    Li Qinqin added, "Don''t be too pressured. It''s alright even if you lose."


    Zhang Ye said, "OK."


    Dan Donghe looked at his watch, then turned around to the staff and said, "Let the reporters in."


    The reporters were allowed in.


    The Americans were already in the Qiyuan.


    The American representative said to his assistant, "Have you booked the ne tickets?"


    His assistant said, "They''ve been booked. The tickets are for tonight''s flight, but the match is still��"


    The American representativeughed and said, "We''ll be done today. Do you guys think that Zhang Ye can take a game?"


    At this, the Americansughed and eased into a very rxed mood. "Our product has be famous. If we can sweep the Go world with a perfect record, more people will be asking to cooperate with us. Quite a fewpanies have already contacted us, in fact."


    The American representative nodded. "Very good. A perfect record? It will definitely be a perfect record! Peter will not lose even one game, nor will it be allowed to lose! We will create a legend!"


    The pregame interview began.


    Numerous reporters surrounded the American team.


    The Xinhua News Agency: "I heard that your ne tickets have been booked for a flight for tonight?"


    The American representative nced at him and did not dodge the question. "Yes."


    From the Beijing Times: "If Professor Zhang wins today, then the third game��"


    "That won''t happen," interrupted the American representative.


    A female reporter said, "You sound very confident of that."


    "That''s right." The American representative said, "The match is as good as decided because Peter is the most advanced AI ever. Its analytical and thinking abilities are not things humans can possiblypete with. The entire world should have noticed Peter''s strength by now. I can assuredly tell you that in the entire world of Go, nobody can win against Peter, whether it''s today or in the future. The only thing that could beat Peter would be a simr kind of AI."


    A male reporter probed, "What kind of projects will Peter take part in in the future?"


    A young reporter asked, "Will Peter continue to challenge the intelligence of humans?"


    A lot of the reporters were following the American representative closely and asking all sorts of questions.


    Whereas not too many people went to interview Zhang Ye.


    It could be seen that even though a lot of people were cheering for Zhang Ye, they were doing so because they stood on humanity''s side. But with respect to the oue of the match, not too many were optimistic about Zhang Ye''s chances.


    Zhang Ye and the Qiyuan''s people overheard the Americans'' conversation.


    Yu Yingyi and some of the reporters from the Beijing Times were interviewing Zhang Ye.


    Yu Yingyi raised her microphone and asked, "Is there anything you would like to say?"


    Zhang Ye answered with a chuckle, "Yingyi, help me to pass a message to the Americans."


    "What message?" Yu Yingyi said in surprise.


    "Tell them to change their flight date." Then Zhang Ye slowly made his way to the game area and went up to the two international referees. He pointed at theputer and said, "I want to y directly against this thing."


    The two referees were stunned. "What do you mean?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I want to y directly against it. There''s no need for a middleman to help ce the stones."


    There was no need for the stones and a Go board?


    You want to y directly against theputer?


    Zhang Ye''s request immediately attracted a lot of astonished looks!


    The international referees went to seek the Americans'' consent.


    The Americans could not understand what the opponent was thinking. Didn''t you members of the Go world always like ying Go using real stones and a Go board? Weren''t you all ustomed to the touch of the stones?


    The American representative nced at Zhang Ye. "We have no objections."


    Wu Changhe stopped Zhang Ye. "What are you trying to do?"


    Xiang Rong 9-dan also came over. "Why do that?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I like to y against my opponents face to face."


    The machine that Peter resided in was a very normalputer equipped with a mouse and keyboard. However, Zhang Ye did not know whether there was any more advanced technology inside of it. He went over to take a seat as he looked up and stared at Peter''s screen for a long time.


    A tense feeling descended upon the venue!


    Somehow, the stakes had been raised!


    An employee said, "Interviews will end now. Can we please have the reporters leave?"


    The reporters looked back with every step as they departed.


    The people from China Qiyuan also gave a final look to Zhang Ye before they headed out to the spectator room next door. From here, they watched the big screen with all kinds of expressions on their faces!


    The live broadcast had already begun!


    There were still two minutes to the start of the game!


    The Qiyuan went quiet!


    Theizens went quiet!


    ��


    Zhang Ye''s father clenched his fists and said, "Son!"


    His mother stared at the television and said, "Come on, you can do it!"


    Zhang Yuanqi was alone at home. She was drinking wine as she was caught the live broadcast on TV.


    Dean Pan Yang of Peking University''s School of Mathematical Sciences: "Little Zhang, it''s all on you!"


    Yao Jiancai: "It''s all over if you lose again!"


    Fan Wenli: "Will he win?"


    Chen Guang: "I feel that Zhang Ye is a little different today."


    Wu Zeqing reached her workce. When she entered the office, she said to Secretary Bai, "I have work to do in the morning. If anyone looks for me, schedule them for the afternoon." Then she turned on the Online Go Server''s live broadcast and waited quietly with arms folded.


    Every citizen in the country was watching television at this moment!


    Many Japanese and Korean citizens were also focused on this game!


    Counting down:


    Three��


    Two��


    One��


    The international referees started the game timer.


    The second game of the match began!


    Zhang Ye was all smiles today. He was feelingpletely different from yesterday''s cautiousness and seriousness!


    Come on.


    I''ll let you witness the fruits of this bro''s overnightbor!


    I''ll let you witness the special techniques of the 9-dan Go yers from this bro''s previous world!

 Chapter 1131: A strange opening that dumbfounds everyone!

    <h4>Chapter 1131: A strange opening that dumbfounds everyone! </h4>


    Chapter 1131: A strange opening that dumbfounds everyone!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    During the live broadcast.


    Central TV Sports Channel''s host, Yu Yingyi, announced loudly, "The match has begun. Professor Zhang is going to y first as the ck stones while Peter takes White. Now then, let me introduce our guestmentator for today, the currently highest ranked female Go yer in the world, Chen Ying 7-dan. Let''s wee her."


    Chen Ying said, "Hello, everyone."


    Yu Yingyi said, "For today''s game, do you, Teacher Chen, have any predictions on how it''ll turn out?"


    Chen Ying said, "It''s hard to predict, but this is a do-or-die battle for Professor Zhang."


    Yu Yingyi looked at the screen curiously. "We can see that even though Professor Zhang is ying as ck, he has not made his first move yet. No one knows what he''s thinking about right now. Teacher Chen, does Professor Zhang have a strategy in ce for today''s game?"


    Chen Ying said, "I don''t know what Professor Zhang''s strategy is, but ording to our earlier analysis, he should mainly be adopting a careful and steady approach. After all, his opponent is a machine and itsputational power is too strong. It doesn''t allow us any room for mistakes. If we want to win the game, we''ll first have to make sure that every one of our moves can stand up to scrutiny. Otherwise��"


    At this moment, Zhang Ye took control of the mouse and clicked on the Go board on theputer screen with a smile.


    Yu Yingyi said, "Professor Zhang has made his move!"


    When Chen Ying saw it, she eximed, "What?!"


    The Americans were stunned!


    Those in the spectator room were also stunned!


    Wu Changhe nearly cursed out loud. "What the heck is he doing!"


    "This, this��" Li Yi 9-dan gasped!


    Hu Liang was close to tears. "What kind of a blunder is that?"


    Xu Han panicked. "Isn''t Professor Zhang messing around this way! What in the world is this?"


    A female pro yer shrieked, "Is Professor Zhang not fully awake yet? How could he make a move like that?"


    Even Xiang Rong 9-dan was stunned!


    The home viewers who knew how to y Go were all scared out of their wits!


    In the focus of the live broadcast camera, Yu Yingyi eximed in surprise, "Teacher Chen, w-why haven''t I seen an opening like this before? What kind of ystyle is this? What kind of strategy does he have?"


    Chen Ying nearly fell out of her chair. She was thinking to herself how it was not only Yu Yingyi who hadn''t seen this before, even she herself had never fuckinge across something like it either. "For this opening, we''ll have to watch and see how it goes from here. From the looks of it, Professor Zhang did not make a mistake with that move. But as for what kind of opening 1 this is, I do not know. In the entire development of Go up until now, there shouldn''t be anything left to talk about when ites to openings. The conventional ways of ying and board shapes have been generalized. For anything that falls outside of those, we just call them unconventional openings. But I can confirm that there isn''t this type of opening in the consolidated list of unconventional openings either. Professor Zhang''s first move was yed slightly above the board side star point at 11-5. Th-This is just too unexpected."


    Yu Yingyi said, "Look, Peter is also clearly wondering about that move. It still hasn''t responded with a move yet."


    Zhang Ye''s first move had shocked everyone!


    However, he didn''t seem like he was aware. Instead, he crossed his legs and wiggled his toes carefreely. He was even tapping his finger rhythmically without a care in the world against the mouse in his hand. It didn''t feel like this was a critical match that would decide the life and death of the Go world. It was as though he was ying the game from home or something.


    The Americans startedughing mockingly after the sense of shock faded!


    What ayman!


    He is totally such ayman!


    Do you even know how to y Go? Making a move in that position for your opening?


    What kind of ystyle is this? Are you trying out a suicidal opening? Ha!


    Soon, Peter replied with a move!


    Yu Yingyi quickly said, "Peter has made its move!"


    Chen Ying 7-dan exined, "Peter has made a move at the bottom of the board. This is a very good response. If Professor Zhang does not take defensive action, he''ll immediately fall very far behind right from the start of the game. I still don''t understand why his first move was ced there. But what I know for sure is that ck''s second move definitely won''t repeat the same��"


    Before she finished.


    Zhang Ye lightly clicked the mouse and ced another stone!


    Chen Ying was dumbstruck. "This...a 6-4 point? What kind of ystyle is this?"


    Some of the Go yers on the Inte were going crazy!


    "Holy shit!"


    "Is this even a coherent opening?"


    "This has got to be a fucking suicidal opening!"


    "What is Professor Zhang thinking?"


    "He''s making blunders right at the start?"


    "This opening of his is just too goddamn unconventional! It''s the fucking most unconventional opening of unconventional openings there are! What on earth is he trying to do?"


    "I''m gonna cry!"


    "This is just too unconventional!"


    "He''s going to lose this game as well! If Peter grabs hold of the position, it''ll be over!"


    If even the amateur Go yers could see it, then the pro yers understood even better!


    Wu Changhe was ready to curse. "Did this kid forget to take his medicine?"


    Li Qinqin said, "Who knows if Little Zhang might have a purpose?"


    Liu Hong 9-dan said, "What purpose could he possibly have? He''s walking on a knife''s edge! Besides, there has never been such a way of ying ever before in the many centuries of Go!"


    Hu Liang paled. "Peter has yed its stone!"


    "It''s over!"


    "It really yed at that position as expected!"


    "Professor Zhang has been forced into passive y!"


    But when they looked at Zhang Ye, they noticed that he did not have an expression that looked like he had made the wrong moves. Instead, he was grinning. Almost without needing to think, he yed his third stone.


    The Americans were smirking and sneering, but those smirks quickly froze!


    Wait!


    This��


    What is going on here?


    Chen Ying didn''t know how to react either. "Professor Zhang has yed another 6-4 point move? This way of ying has really never been seen before. If that''s what it is, then��Eh? Wait a second, why does this opening look a little familiar?" She suddenly froze, then cried out, "Isn''t this the '' three star points in a row 2 '' opening? But he pushed the three star points up and in by two coordinate points?" She suddenly got excited. "Professor Zhang is not ying randomly! He is definitely not ying randomly for this game''s opening! This��this��Peter has to stop him! If Professor Zhang can join up the ''three star points in a row,'' the upper side of the board will be his to take!"


    Xiang Rong''s expression suddenly changed. He said, "He did that on purpose for his opening!"


    Dan Donghe pointed at the screen. "Look at that, Little Zhang is��"


    After just a few moves, everyone suddenly realized that this opening was much too fearsome. It could even be described as devious!


    Peter also realized this and immediately went back to stop it!


    But it was already toote!


    Zhang Ye ced down his stone for ck''s fourth move.


    In order to wreck its opponent''s n, Peter''s fourth move had to be ced at the 5-4 point in the upper right corner!


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye thought for a moment, then quickly ced his fifth move at the 6-4 point in the lower right corner of the board!


    Peter''s fifth move came in with a piercing attack!


    Zhang Ye smiled and turned it aside!


    Peter immediately ran out of steam!


    The audience was shell-shocked!


    Yu Yingyi was stunned. "This y!"


    No one had expected it to be this way!


    The present array of stones on the Go board dumbfounded them all!


    Chen Ying became so excited that she could feel her blood coursing through her veins. "This is brilliant! Brilliant!" She exined to the viewers, "After White''s knight''s move on move four, if ck had continued to upy and join up with the upper right corner''s 6-4 point to form a fighting shape in response, White would''ve just had to make arge knight''s move to cut him off for its fifth move, and the ck stones in that area would have been snubbed. Instead, Professor Zhang turned his attention to taking the 6-4 point at the lower right side. He seems to be intending to construct another ''three stars in a row'' at the bottom of the board. After White''s fifth move attack, ck did not immediately take a position on the side of the board because he wanted to leave the opponent with a dilemma: If Peter chose to y on the sides of the board, which are not efficient for scoring, in order to break Professor Zhang''s setup, then so be it. Professor Zhang could always continue to build up in the upper right corner and take all three corners under his control! If Peter is not willing to take this loss, then Professor Zhang would be able to form the shape that he desires! If Professor Zhang really manages to connect the desired shape that he wants, and which we still have no idea of what exactly it is, even if we haven''te to that part of the game yet, I would still imagine it to be absolutely terrifying!"


    It went quiet!


    The entire Qiyuan was silent!


    Chen Ying stared fixedly at the screen and said, "How will Peter choose to proceed? What will Peter do now?"


    One minute.


    Three minutes.


    Five minutes passed.


    Peter made apromise!


    It could onlypromise as it did not dare to take the risk!


    Sunken expressions were on the faces of the Americans!


    Many of the professional Go yers in the spectator room cheered at this moment. It was as though they had finally released all of the pent-up stress from these recent days!


    Xiang Rong 9-dan cheered, "Great y!"


    Wu Changhe couldn''t conceal his excitement either. "Good! Alright! Great!"


    "This is so awesome!"


    "Professor Zhang, that was a good one!"


    "I''ve got the goosebumps!"


    "My heavens!"


    "Professor Zhang is so awesome!"


    Chen Ying continued saying loudly inside thementary booth, "Peter is now at a disadvantage! It has been taken advantage of by Professor Zhang greatly in less than a dozen moves at the start of the game! This is a really unconventional opening that has never been seen before! What an unconventional opening! What kind of ystyle is this? What on earth is it?"


    ��


    Zhang Ye''s mother said dumbfounded, "Little Ye is in the lead?"


    His father shouted, "Thatputer program has been tricked by our son!"


    Chen Guang said, "What the!"


    Yao Jiancaiughed heartily, "Hahahaha! You''re really something, kid!"


    The same boisterous reactions were seen online!


    "He''s in the lead!"


    "Teacher Zhang has gained the initiative!"


    "Fuck, Peter has been tricked in less than a dozen moves!"


    "What kind of ystyle is that?"


    "Teacher Zhang really is a fucking goddamn genius!"


    "Don''t get happy too soon! The game isn''t over yet!"


    "Right! Let''s continue to watch!"


    "Don''t fucking tell me that Teacher Zhang might really be able to win against that AI?"


    ��


    A ystyle that no one had ever seen before!


    An opening that no one had ever witnessed before!


    There were also many others who were wondering what in the world they had seen!


    Even Xiang Rong, Wu Changhe, Li Yi, and the others were confused by it!


    If Zhang Ye could hear thementary outside the game room, and if he could see all the heated discussions by theizens, he would surely answer them with one line: This is what you call the " Apollo Opening 3 "! It was a famous and old unconventional opening from his previous world! Naturally, the people of this world would never havee across it before!


    https://senseis.xmp/?StrangeOpenings


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuseki


    2. Sanrensei (A variation of https://tinyurl/y99ow)


    3. https://senseis.xmp/?GanSiyang

 Chapter 1132: An inconceivable way of playing: The Cosmic Style!

    <h4>Chapter 1132: An inconceivable way of ying: The Cosmic Style! </h4>


    Chapter 1132: An inconceivable way of ying: The Cosmic Style!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In Japan and Korea.


    Some of the Go websites were holding a simulcast of the game.


    "Nani?"


    "Quick,e and see this!"


    "This opening is super godly!"


    "The Chinese have shown their might!"


    "The AI is losing really badly now!"


    "That''s impossible. Didn''t that guy called Zhang Ye suffer a miserable defeat yesterday?"


    "Just watch and you''ll understand!"


    Shortly after the game started, and in less than a dozen moves, Peter had been forced into apromise and had to give up several points just like that. What did this mean? Anyone who knew a bit of Go would most definitely be astonished!


    In all the centuries of recorded Go history and even further back, in its development until the modern times, all the different types of strategies had already been analyzed and studied thoroughly. All the different ystyles had already been seen before as well. Unless it was a game between a pro Go yer and an amateur one, there wasn''t much likelihood that arge disparity would grow between the two sides within just a dozen moves. Even if there was, it wouldn''t be so clear-cut. It would only start showing itself gradually as the match progressed. If such a great disparity really showed up within just a dozen moves, it would go without saying that it was sure to be a game between an expert and a beginner.


    But Peter was clearly not a beginner. Much to the contrary, it had defeated the top three Go yers of the world, so that made it even more astonishing to everyone!


    It didn''t even take a dozen moves!


    Zhang Ye had done it in less than ten moves!


    This upset a lot of people''s understanding of Go!


    Some people even thought, If anyone could sessfully learn this ystyle of Zhang Ye''s, then wouldn''t they be invincible in terms of the opening of a Go game?


    But little did they know they had misjudged it.


    The Apollo Opening 1 . Even in his previous world, this opening was not that popr. In fact, hardly anyone still used it. It was almost never yed anymore because this type of opening had been researched and analyzed by many people. All of its variations and ways to fight it had been thoroughly explored. Moreover, the Apollo Opening had several fatal ws. It was never seen as a mature or stable opening. But why did Zhang Ye dare to use it? Because this world has never seen it before. Therefore, they wouldn''t know how to crack it!


    Zhang Ye was harassing Peter like this specifically because it had no records of this opening!


    Indeed, this strange opening had allowed him to gain an advantage right at the start of the game!


    Zhang Ye followed up in hot pursuit as he immediately made an attack next!


    Peter defended against the move.


    Zhang Ye took the chance to upy a position.


    Peter could only bump in response.


    However, he did not manage toplete the Apollo Opening. Because of Peter''spromise, he did not manage to get to the final killing move. But Peter''spromise had created an opportunity for Zhang Ye.


    In thementary booth.


    Yu Yingyi said excitedly, "Professor Zhang still has an utter advantage!"


    Chen Ying 7-dan had been feeling quite tired as she had not slept for the entire night. But with this game''s opening, she was injected with energy, as if given an adrenaline shot. She yelled, "Yes! After another five moves from both sides, Professor Zhang is still pressing Peter with his y! Peter is in a very passive state. It has no way to deal with this for the time being!"


    Yu Yingyi said, "So if they continue to y, will he win?"


    Chen Ying replied, "Hmm, you can''t put it that way. Peter''s standard of y has already been witnessed by everyone. It once reversed a disadvantage on the board and emerged victorious. Also, we''re only in the opening. What''ll happenter is difficult to predict. There''s also something that we ought to pay attention to. See, Peter might have lost quite a few points over here and here in the opening, but this opening by Professor Zhang is not that good either. We still have to see how it develops from here. ck''s fifth move, there, is still very vulnerable to being attacked."


    Then, less than two movester, Zhang Ye suddenly hesitated.


    He tapped the table as he considered his options for a while before ying.


    In response, Peter made a good move by extending one of its frameworks. It helped Peter counterattack and was a very clever move. It was so clever that even many of the Go yers watching TV could not help but praise it!


    Chen Ying''s expression shifted. "Good move! Peter''s absolute strength can be seen in this move alone! It was no fluke that it could defeat so many of the world''s top Go yers. Now that Professor Zhang''s attack has been defended against, Peter is unleashing a counterattack! It is Professor Zhang who will be finding it difficult from here on out!"


    The American representative heaved a sigh of relief and smiled.


    The atmosphere turned tense once again!


    Zhang Ye clicked his tongue. It looked like he wouldn''t be able to finish off PeterGo with just the opening. That would be too unrealistic.


    Zhang Ye had to counter with a stand.


    Then, Peter yed its next move in the corner!


    Chen Ying said with a sinking voice, "It''s Peter''s turn to y its opening! After this position here has been upied, Professor Zhang''s position over there is not going to be easy to expand. Although Professor Zhang is still ahead in the scoring, his opponent is catching up in the momentum. If he doesn''t handle the situation well, he might just throw away that lead!"


    Both sides yed their stones.


    It could be seen that Peter no longer needed the long thinking time that it took to consider its moves during the opening. It was ying fluidly now and had entered into the part of the game it was good at and most familiar with. Peter did not need much processing time as it rapidly made its moves. All of them were quite strong ys that caused a lot of trouble for Zhang Ye!


    Wu Changhe said, "This is bad!"


    Dan Donghe said anxiously, "The momentum has swung the wrong way!"


    Xiang Rong 9-dan said, "Let''s see how he''s going to deal with this! We''re now headed into the critical part of the game!"


    Hu Liang yelled, "Come on!"


    Yes, it hade to yet another critical juncture!


    Zhang Ye''s choice here was going to be very important. If he chose to fight Peter in the corner, he was bound to lose badly as his opponent had finished setting up its opening. But if he were to avoid fighting in this corner, it would be very difficult to yter on. Zhang Ye''s opening was not exactly that good and its weaknesses were already starting to show.


    Everyone at the venue was waiting in anticipation!


    The home viewers were also waiting!


    How would he y from here?


    Where would Zhang Ye y his next move?


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes. If he took Peter head on, things would not be any better than it was yesterday. In this case, considering that Peter''s Go y was at the peak and how it could process far more variations than humans, he would inevitably lose to Peter''s data if he yed on like this. It might start ying some of those moves by Xiang Rong 9-dan or the like, then predict Zhang Ye''s ystyle with big data analytics on his moves. Zhang Ye couldn''t get dragged along by PeterGo anymore. This bro will not give in and y those moves you''re familiar with!


    OK!


    Let''s do this then!


    I''ll show you what I''m capable of!


    Zhang Ye gripped the mouse, then chuckled as he yed his move!


    This stone was actually yed on the upper side at a high position 2 !


    Peter was probably stunned. It made a knight''s move in return.


    Zhang Ye calmly clicked the left mouse button and ced another stone on the Go board at a position that no one could understand!


    For a moment, countless people were once again dumbfounded!


    Wu Changhe cried out, "Dammit! What is he trying to do this time?"


    Xu Han stared dumbstruck. "This��What kind of move is this?"


    "What kind of ystyle is this?" Hu Liang asked as he looked to Xiang Rong 9-dan.


    Xiang Rong looked at the screen as he shook his head while smiling wryly. "I''ve nevere across a move like this either."


    Chen Ying exined in surprise, "What is this? The choices that Professor Zhang made are beyond everyone''s expectations. Those two stones seemed to be yed with the intent of controlling the center of the board!"


    Even Yu Yingyi could see that something was wrong. "Why didn''t he fight for the corner?"


    The fellow Go yers watching TV were floored!


    "Fuck!"


    "What sort of a strategy is that?"


    "What kind of a new fucking ystyle is that?"


    "This has absolutely got to be a blunder!"


    "You don''t intend to fight for the corner?"


    "What''s the point of fighting for the center?"


    "Seeking Death Style?"


    "Incoherent Style?"


    "Why do you keep ying moves that are so illogical!"


    Zhang Ye''s mother was also getting anxious, "What''s going on with Little Ye? Are his moves no good?"


    His father said, "Those couple of moves were impossible to understand!"


    "Ah?" His mom was starting to get nervous about the board state.


    No one could understand it!


    The fellow Go yers could not understand it!


    And probably the rest of the professional Go yers around the world could not understand it either!


    In Go, practical benefits arergely focused upon in y. That is to say, the mainstream way of ying would be to start off on the third line for the opening so that territory could be built up at the sides of the board and the corners. Everyone usually yed this way. Most victories were usually decided upon by the fight for territory at the sides and corners where the most hotly contested divisions on the Go board were. This was the most researched and studied area in Go!


    As a result, these couple of moves by Zhang Ye had simply left everyone feeling incredulous!


    An opening that focused on surrounding the center? Ignoring the corners? Aren''t you an oddball for ying these moves!


    What are you doing?


    Do you mean to give up?


    Then why don''t you just resign? Why do you have to��


    No one could sense the danger, not even Peter. There was no such ystyle in its dataset. This was something that no one had ever seen before!


    Peter was still ying its moves ording to the usual logical process!


    Zhang Ye calmly ced a stone at another high position. This high position stone was actually not fighting for the corner territory. In fact, it had nothing to do with it at all. It was still surrounding the framework in the center of the board. Or perhaps, Zhang Ye was trying to surround the entire Go board!


    This time, Peter hesitated for two minutes before ying its next move.


    Zhang Ye smiled. Then he ced another stone at yet another high position without even thinking!


    I know that you must have nevere across such a ystyle!


    Now that my opening isplete, let''s have a good game!


    Chen Ying was unable to give any furthermentary. She could not at all understand what was going on!


    To many of the top professional Go yers in the spectator room, they could only look at the screen in confusion. Seeing the stones being yed move after move, they were all puzzled!


    Peter countered with an extension!


    Zhang Ye yed at yet another high position!


    Peter bumped!


    Zhang Ye pushed on with his high position!


    A "three star points in a row" was joined up!


    After several dozen more moves!


    There was suddenly no reaction from Peter!


    At this moment, a lot of people finally realized that something was wrong!


    Yu Yingyi said in surprise, "This��What is going on?"


    Chen Ying was so astonished that she had broken out into a sweat. "Why has Peter been pinned down? What is happening? Just, just what is happening in the center?"


    She was dumbfounded and couldn''t understand what had happened. Meanwhile, Peter seemed to have been relegated to a passive state!


    Hu Liang eximed, "Heavens above!"


    Xu Han stared with wide eyes. "How? How did it turn out this way?"


    Many pro yers were stunned!


    Theizens also started crying out!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "My titanium dog eyes have been blinded!"


    "What am I seeing here?"


    "Is��is this some kind of sorcery?"


    "What kind of spell did Zhang Ye cast?"


    "He has regained the lead! Zhang Ye has PeterGo pinned down again!"


    Before this, they had thought that those careless moves of Zhang Ye''s would definitely have thrown his entire opening into disarray. They felt that he would definitely suffer a crushing defeat to Peter. Because in their opinion, as long as Peter firmly upied the corner frameworks, there should have been no surprise to this game. In the dozens of moves yed so far, they had seen for themselves just how messy Zhang Ye''s opening had be and could not see a proper style to it. But at some point in time and after one of his moves, they discovered to their sudden horror that the one who was forced into a dead end turned out to be Peter! They didn''t know how or when, but more than half of Peter''s stones were suddenly surrounded by a "big" that Zhang Ye had "cast" over the board. The other half of its stones were also blocked out by Zhang Ye. Peter''s framework and territory in the corner were gradually surrounded by Zhang Ye instead!


    This "big" was simply terrifying!


    It could encircle the inside!


    And it could also defend the outside!


    And if Peter tried to invade, Zhang Ye would be able to kill off its approaches immediately!


    For the rest of the time, Zhang Ye wouldn''t even need to fight against Peter. He could just spend his moves on weaving an even tighter!


    Two stars in a row!


    Three stars in a row!


    Four stars in a row!


    This never before seen ying style had shocked everyone!


    1. https://senseis.xmp/?GanSiyang


    2. Fourth line on the Go board refers is referred to as "high" https://senseis.xmp/?KnowYourLines

 Chapter 1133: Peter gets dealt a blow!

    <h4>Chapter 1133: Peter gets dealt a blow! </h4>


    Chapter 1133: Peter gets dealt a blow!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Fellow Japanese and Korean Go yers were going crazy!


    "What have I witnessed?"


    "Go can even be yed like this?"


    "How amazing! The Chinese are incredible!"


    "Just what kind of genius would it take to be able to think of ying this way?"


    "I''ve never seen it before! I''ve really never seen something like that before!"


    "I have a hunch that this method is going to create a new style of ying!"


    "How can there be someone so strong?"


    "He, he''s really not a pro Go yer?"


    On the live broadcast.


    Chen Ying 7-dan eximed, "I''ve got it!"


    Yu Yingyi quickly asked, "So how''d he do it?"


    Chen Ying quickly turned to operate theputer in front of her. "Switch the view and have a look over here. Let''s go back a few moves��a little further back��OK, right here. This was the critical juncture that we talked about earlier where everyone was waiting for Professor Zhang to make his move. If it were any other yer, they would definitely have chosen to attack this corner here. Or if not, they would y at this position here. But Professor Zhang did not choose either of those moves. Look at this, everyone. He yed his stone over here, and then another one over here!"


    Yu Yingyi could not understand. "What does that mean?"


    Chen Ying said, "Professor Zhang was setting up his frameworks! Ever since this move here, Peter stepped into the maze that is Professor Zhang''s frameworks! All of us had been taken in by Professor Zhang as well! It wasn''t until this move that we finally saw that Peter had seemingly realized something. But it was already toote! Professor Zhang had alreadypleted his setup! All of theter moves were centered around the ck stones from earlier! Every move he made seemed quite casual and not carefully considered, but they were actually all very well-thought-out moves. For example, ck''s 23rd move could only be ced in this position. There''s no room for deviation at all!"


    Yu Yingyi asked, "But what''s behind Professor Zhang''s decisions to y those stones at those ces?"


    "Influence," Chen Ying said.


    Yu Yingyi was taken aback. "Influence?"


    Chen Ying was finding it hard to believe too, but it was right before her eyes. "To y high approach moves, using strong attacks that are supported by the bnce of the board''s situation��that''s the essence of Professor Zhang''s ystyle!"


    Li Qinqin praised, "How did he think of that!"


    Wu Changhe said excitedly, "Good! That was a good one, kid!"


    Li Yi 9-dan said in shock, "This way of ying is amazing!"


    Dan Donghe remarked, "He''s really a genius! This is what a true genius is!"


    When Tian Weiwei saw this, he kept quiet. He was once hailed as the genius who would seed Xiang Rong in the Go world. The public had very high expectations of him and often extolled him as well, so much so that even Tian Weiwei himself felt that he was really a Go genius. But as Tian Weiwei witnessed today''s game, he realized that he was probably nothing. In the face of Zhang Ye, no one could im they were a genius!


    So this was Zhang Ye?


    This was who the smartest person in today''s world was?


    In the past, Tian Weiwei only had two idols. One of them was Wu Changhe, the other was Xiang Rong. But today, he added another person to that list of people he idolized!


    Having seen this game, no one could not be moved!


    Li Yi.


    Liu Hong.


    Xu Han.


    Many pro Go yers were asking themselves what they would do if they were sitting across from Zhang Ye. If this game had been between Zhang Ye and them, they would definitely have resigned by this point in the game!


    ��


    Back to the game.


    Peter''s went deep in the tank!


    Five minutes!


    Ten minutes!


    There was no sign of activity from it!


    The Americans looked surly and sullen!


    "Dammit!"


    "How could this be happening!"


    "Don''t worry, believe in Peter!"


    "Yeah, Peter will definitely have a way to deal with this!"


    On the other hand, Zhang Ye looked carefree. He knew that his ystyle had stunned Peter!


    This ystyle had a very cool name, the Cosmic Style, and was pioneered by Takemiya Masaki. Of course, Takemiya Masaki preferred to refer to it as the "Natural Style," but everyone was ustomed to calling it by the former name. The Cosmic Style was very famous in Zhang Ye''s previous world and was different from the Apollo Opening. It was a more perfected style of y and had made great contributions to the Go world. This way of ying was highly popr at one time and was even usedter by quite a few top yers in key international tournaments. As for the people of this world, they naturally would not have seen it before


    This style was extremely difficult to y and would require more than just a high approach in the opening to work. It was also very demanding of the yer and could even be considered harsh on them, as it would require a yer to have a very strong awareness of the overall board state and be skilled at setting up an opening!


    Of course, due to the strong attacks made in the game''s opening, Zhang Ye''s Cosmic Style of y was not in perfect shape, and there were still some weaknesses in it. But this was how Go was. No one could y perfectly. As long as he could deal Peter a blow, Zhang Ye would aplish his goal.


    Yu Yingyi said, "Peter has still not made its move!"


    Chen Ying said loudly, "That''s because it''s discovered just how fearsome this style is! It needs to fight back! Although it might not look like the much difference in their scores, Peter is losing to Professor Zhang by too much in terms of influence!"


    ��


    Beijing Television.


    The Gomentator cried out, "The scale of victory has tipped toward us! This is amazing! Professor Zhang is incredible today!"


    ��


    On the Online Go Server.


    Thementator was howling, "PeterGo has been stunned! It has been sorely beaten by Professor Zhang! I can already see that the dawn of victory is upon us! This is the closest that humanity hase to victory in the war between humans and machines! I don''t know how to describe what I''m feeling! Professor Zhang, you can do it!"


    ��


    On a Korean webcast.


    A Korean 8th dan Go yer was exining, "Peter has met with unprecedented trouble! This is the first time its getting pushed to such an extreme by humanity!"


    ��


    The game timer was ticking.


    Half an hour had gone by!


    Since half an hour ago, Peter hadn''t shown any signs of activity!


    This time, it was Peter that was faced with an extremely important decision to make!


    Zhang Ye yawned. Looking at how there was no response from theputer, he was starting to get impatient. He even forgot that he was currently on a national broadcast. He settled his hands onto the keyboard and sent a message.


    Everyone was startled.


    Yu Yingyi stared at him. "Eh, what is he doing?"


    Chen Ying blinked and said, "Professor Zhang is typing something?"


    Yu Yingyi quickly said, "Let''s switch to the feed in the game room!"


    Everyone who was watching the broadcast on TV saw what Zhang Ye typed!


    Zhang Ye: "What are you doing? The flowers are wilting as I wait!"


    Everyone was floored!


    The host was floored!


    The Americans looked angry!


    The eyebrows of the American representative jumped!


    The two international referees had an impulse to vomit blood. The two of them looked at one another and did not know if they should stop Zhang Ye. For good reason, there are rules in a Go tournament that prevent a yer from affecting their opponents. But it was a different case here as the opponent was just aputer. It was impossible to affect it at all.


    Zhang Ye typed another message. "Hurry up, did you fall asleep?


    "Bro, give up and resign if you can''t do anything. Don''t force yourself.


    "We''re all waiting!


    "Did you crash? Why don''t you try restarting!"


    Everyone who saw didn''t know how to react!


    Resign?


    Restart?


    Why''re you arguing with aputer!

 Chapter 1134: Zhang Ye’s Hand of God!

    <h4>Chapter 1134: Zhang Ye''s Hand of God! </h4>


    Chapter 1134: Zhang Ye''s Hand of God!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    There wasughter all around Weibo.


    "Pfft!"


    "This is cracking me up!"


    "Why is Zhang Ye always spouting nonsense like that!"


    "Hahahaha, hasn''t he always been this way?"


    "His Go skills are really just like him! Full of rubbish and not adhering to convention!"


    "Only he could have a mouth like that. Why are you arguing with aputer? This guy is really too annoying! But today, we must support him. We have no choice!"


    "Go for it!"


    "We can''t afford to lose any more!"


    "Yeah, if we lose this game, it''s over for us!"


    "It all rests on Zhang Ye!"


    "As long as we win, I''ll be his braindead fan forever!"


    "I am already turning from just a passerby to a fan! He''s ying amazingly!"


    "Fuck, is Zhang Ye on steroids today? Why is he ying so well?"


    "Yeah, he''s like apletely different person from yesterday! It''s like he gained a ''great empowerment'' overnight? Just what kind of weird moves are these!"


    In the game room.


    The Americans finally blew up. Their representative lodged a stern protest to the international referees, using Zhang Ye of interfering with Peter''s y.


    The international referees considered it for a moment before deciding to give Zhang Ye a warning.


    Zhang Ye put up his hands to express his innocence.


    Peter was still "considering" its next move.


    Those on humanity''s side were getting excited and enthusiastic!


    On the live broadcast.


    Yu Yingyi said excitedly, "Today''s Zhang Ye is totally different from yesterday''s!"


    Chen Ying 7-dan suddenly said, "Now, I can reveal a secret to everyone who is watching on our live broadcast. Justst night, Professor Zhang suddenly came to the Qiyuan to search for some information. Some of us helped him find all the game records of top yers in recent years from both national and international matches. Professor Zhang ended up looking through all of them for the entire night!"


    Yu Yingyi said in shock, "Teacher Chen, do you mean that Professor Zhang only used one night''s of research to improve his Go skill to the point where he seems like a totally different person from yesterday?"


    Chen Ying reflected, then said, "I don''t know."


    "That doesn''t make sense!" Yu Yingyi was in disbelief.


    When home viewers heard that, they were stunned speechless!


    Chen Ying thought for a bit before giving a wry smile. "Perhaps that''s the difference between a genius and a normal person. Peter haspletely underestimated humanity. It probably never thought that there would be a person like Professor Zhang who exists amongst us humans!" Her tone changed as she remembered the lesson from yesterday. "But Peter has not lost yet. I think it might still have a chance. The next move it makes will be an extremely crucial one! Let''s see how it''s going to respond!"


    The clock was ticking.


    Zhang Ye still had plenty of time on the clock, while Peter had already used up much of its allocated time. In this "war between humans and machines," the game rules followed the Chinese rules 1 of Go, with apensation of 7.5 points being used. Each yer would be given two hours of game time, as well as three 60-second blocks, with any yer automatically given a loss if they exceeded the time limit 2 . Zhang Ye had used just over 30 minutes in total for his thinking time, while Peter had already used up one hour and twenty minutes.


    Zhang Ye astutely realized that Peter had yet another weakness. It had an advantage in data processing and analytical power as aputer, and it did those at a meticulous level that humans would never be able to achieve. But when it was faced with aplex board state, this became a burden on the artificial intelligence. The precision of the program seemingly did not allow it tomit any errors, so a slightly moreplex board state would immediately cause it to enter into a long state of processing. This state had happened several times, and Peter would only make its move after having considered all possible scenarios. Of course, the American developer of Peter would have set some rules for Peter''s time allocation function. But even so, between itselfmitting errors and the choice of time usage, the artificial intelligence would never be able to have the same determination and judgment as a human yer!


    Finally, Peter made its move!


    On theputer screen, Peter''s stone was yed!


    Chen Ying said loudly, "Oh, Peter has yed its move! This is a very profound choice! The position that it yed on is actually right within the '' that Professor Zhang has cast!"


    Zhang Ye took a look and responded with a move of his own.


    This time, Peter did not hesitate��horizontal stretch!


    Zhang Ye forcefully attacked.


    Peter bumped.


    Zhang Ye smiled. That was a good one, that was a really good one!


    It was well worth it to use that long period to think through all the variations, even though it paid for it with time. It looked like Peter has seen some of the mysteries behind Zhang Ye''s Cosmic Style. As the opening sequence was not yed in the Cosmic Style, this had be the weak point in Zhang Ye''s ". And it was precisely here that Peter came attacking, with the fight imminent the moment it made that move. Peter had sessfully forced Zhang Ye into a direct confrontation. He could no longer peacefully build up his frameworks!


    Zhang Ye responded with a move.


    Peter yed a pincer 3 move.


    Zhang Ye yed an approach.


    Peter forced an atari.


    Zhang Ye thought for a bit and decided to let go of the ck stone.


    Peter captured it.


    With that, the board state immediately changed!


    Yu Yingyi eximed, "This is bad! His stone has been captured!"


    Chen Ying also said, "That''s not good. The board state seems rather bad now. With that ck stone captured, the entire framework has been messed up. If Peter wins the battle on this side, the entire corner will be surrounded. If it chooses to use that as a base to attack down the middle, even with the two sides that Professor Zhang has, it''ll be very difficult to predict who wins. Professor Zhang was the first to move, so he has to deduct 7.5 points for thepensation. It''s really difficult to say how the board state will swing!"


    The board state developed tension yet again!


    Peter used its powerful analytical functions to fight its way out!


    The Americans were all apuding this internally. As expected, they knew that Peter would not lose!


    Alright!


    Well done!


    Finish him!


    Don''t give him any more chances!


    Attack him down the middle!


    Zhang Ye blocked!


    Peter continued pushing in!


    Zhang Ye yed a counter pincer 4 !


    Peter approached on the right side!


    The people in the spectator room felt discouraged and downhearted!


    They felt like they were falling from Heaven to Hell!


    Hu Liang cried out, "The corner has been taken by Peter!


    Xu Han said in disbelief, "The framework in the middle has been invaded too! It''s over, this time it''s really over!"


    "Professor Zhang should never have allowed that ck stone to be captured!" a professional 5-dan Go yer shouted.


    But Li Yi 9-dan said, "He had to allow it! He had no choice!"


    Liu Hong 9-dan facepalmed and expressed in frustration, "Professor Zhang''s structure has been broken through!"


    On the two sides at the bottom of the board, Peter''s stones were actually not dead yet. Zhang Ye''s stones hadn''t fully surrounded the white stones and only held arge influence over the area by spreading out across the board. But if y went on like this, once Zhang Ye lost to Peter at the top of the board, the center would be broken through as well! Then territory at the bottom would, as a result, have its influence stripped away. This was what was often called a "domino effect" in Go. Right now, Zhang Ye was faced with a very dangerous board state!


    Theizens were getting anxious.


    "Are we going to lose?"


    "We were still unable to do it after all?"


    "Dammit!"


    "The structure has been broken!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you must do something!"


    "Hold on!"


    "Keep holding on, Teacher Zhang! You must not cave in!"


    Although it was only the middlegame, victory would be decided within these few moves!


    Zhang Ye suddenly fell silent.


    In the spectator room.


    A lot of the pro yers started giving advice even though Zhang Ye could not hear them!


    A pro 7th dan yer said, "Cut off White''s 67th move!"


    Hu Liang replied, "That won''t work! He would be forced to his death over there!"


    Xu Han shouted, "There''s still the center left to y for!"


    Li Yi said, "There''s nothing there! The group''s effectively dead!"


    Liu Hong clenched his teeth and said, ''Little Zhang has no other options left!"


    Wu Changhe red at the screen. He had no ideas left either!


    "Little Xiang!" Dan Donghe said anxiously.


    But Xiang Rong 9-dan did not say a word.


    Dan Donghe knew from this nonresponse that it was bad!


    Zhang Ye no longer had the initiative!


    Peter had managed to make a desperate reversal!


    What could they do?


    Just what could they do?


    Were they really unable to win?


    Was humanity really going to fall to the artificial intelligence?


    The Americans showed smiles. They knew they were going to win! They were going to win this game for sure! No matter where Zhang Ye yed, the center would be broken through within ten moves. At that time, Zhang Ye would definitely not be able to turn things around!


    Chen Ying was exining the board state to the viewers. "If Professor Zhang attacks, this area will have to be given up. If��" After exining eight or so different scenarios that Zhang Ye could take against the opponent, Chen Ying paled. She now realized that no matter where Zhang Ye yed, there would be no way of turning things around!


    There was no way!


    Truly no way!


    Watching TV.


    His mother roared, "What are you doing, son! Weren''t you about to win?"


    His father said with a dark expression, "Things have reversed!"


    Some Go yers turned off their televisions.


    "Dad, why did you switch it off?"


    "I''m not watching anymore."


    "But why! It''s the critical moment!"


    "Zhang Ye can''t win."


    With the board state as it was, no one believed that Zhang Ye could make aeback!


    Even the gods would be powerless in this situation!


    The atmosphere was depressing!


    Through their TVs, countless people were watching Zhang Ye, who had fallen silent!


    But all of a sudden, everyone was baffled when they saw a smile break out on Zhang Ye''s face!


    Smiling?


    What are you smiling about?


    Chen Ying was taken aback!


    The Americans were startled!


    Wu Changhe, Dan Donghe, and the others were also dumbfounded!


    No one knew why Zhang Ye could break into a smile at such a time!


    Following, everyone saw Zhang Ye pick up a ck stone from the Go bowl.


    Chen Ying said, "Professor Zhang is going to ce his stone!"


    Everyone was staring fixedly at him!


    Everyone was holding their breath!


    Zhang Ye was still smiling. He felt that this was really too terrible of a coincidence. He almost could not contain his joy! The position in the corner looked exceedingly familiar. So while he looked like he had fallen silent just now, Zhang Ye had actually taken a Memory Search Capsule secretly to search through his memory for the Go game records that he had read in his previous world. There was almost no such thing as an identical Go game in the world. This was because there were too many possible games 5 that could exist. But there could be simrities in parts of a formation in a game!


    Like this losing position!


    Even Zhang Ye could see that he was losing. He did not think that he could turn things around. PeterGo was really too strong!


    But right at this moment, a game record suddenly surfaced in his mind. It was from a game Gu Li 6 yed at the peak of his career. Zhang Ye felt that he had seen the formation in the corner of the Go board somewhere before. Now that he had a detailed look at the game record, it was not just familiar looking anymore!


    It turned out to be almost the exact same thing!


    At the time the game was yed, Gu Li was ying as ck too!


    Gu Li had been forced into this same unyable corner as well!


    It was the same board state!


    It was the same choice!


    Then, peak Gu Li ced a stone on the Go board. It was this stone that shocked countless people, and it was this stone that everyone hailed as the most magnificent move 7 !


    Zhang Ye picked up a ck stone and gently raised his hand before cing it at that position!


    Chen Ying eximed, "He has yed his stone! Professor Zhang has yed his stone! Over here��eh, why did he y it there? If he yed it here, then should Peter attack it, it would��"


    After this move was yed, everyone was puzzled!


    No one had expected that Zhang Ye would y it there, that he would put it at such an improper position. In this short time, no one could see what Zhang Ye''s intent was!


    Chen Ying said in disappointment, "It''s over. This move definitely cannot be called a good one. Professor Zhang has probably been forced into a corner and has no way to fight back��" But all of a sudden, Chen Ying was dumbfounded. She seemed to have realized something, so she took another look at the board.


    With that examination, Chen Ying froze up!


    She was so surprised she nearly leaped out of her seat. "This! This! Oh my God!"


    Yu Yingyi said with a stunned voice, "What''s going on?"


    Chen Ying got so excited that she almost went crazy!


    "A magnificent move!


    "Professor Zhang has actually yed a magnificent move!


    "No! It''s not a magnificent move!


    "This is��this is the Hand of God!"


    1. https://senseis.xmp/?ChineseRules


    2. https://senseis.xmp/?Byoyomi | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_(board_game)#Time_control


    3. ��/Ji��/hasami tsuke - In a corner opening, in response to the approach move of W1, B2 or a nearby move is a pincer, because it "pincers" the approaching stone from the other side (the Japanese term �ϥ��� hasami means "scissors"). | https://senseis.xmp/?Pincer


    4. ����/F��n ji��/hasami kaeshi | https://senseis.xmp/?CounterPincer


    5. https://senseis.xmp/?NumberOfPossibleGoGames


    6. https://senseis.xmp/?GuLi


    7. ���� https://senseis.xmp/?ExcellentMove

 Chapter 1135: Victory!

    <h4>Chapter 1135: Victory! </h4>


    Chapter 1135: Victory!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It was too sudden!


    Zhang Ye''s move came like a bolt from the blue!


    Just when everyone thought that Zhang Ye was at his wits'' end and had lost the match, he suddenly ced his stone on the board. And then, countless people in front of their televisions saw Chen Ying jump to her feet and heard her scream!


    Hand of God?


    What Hand of God?


    Everyone was shocked silly!


    Did you get it wrong?


    Hasn''t it already ended?


    Didn''t Zhang Ye lose?


    The viewers were confused, and even those who truly understood Go did not get what they were looking at immediately. They were nowhere near as skilled!


    But the professional Go yers were making an uproar!


    Hu Liang said in a daze, "What?"


    Xu Han said, "I-Is this a possible move?"


    Everyone stared fixedly at the screen in utter disbelief at what they were seeing!


    All of a sudden, Wu Changhe roared, "It''s possible!"


    Dan Donghe also cried out, "It''s really possible! It''s really possible!"


    Heavens!


    The Hand of God!


    Fuck, this was truly the Hand of God!


    After a moment''s shock, screams suddenly sounded from the spectator room!


    "Ahhh!"


    "Heavens!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "Professor Zhang has��"


    "Is he on steroids or something?!"


    "Holy motherfucking hell!"


    "Good! Alright! Alright! Alright! Great!"


    "My God! What have I seen?"


    "This is a fucking earthshakingly magnificent move!"


    Everyone went crazy!


    It really felt like they had gone crazy!


    Afterwards, many of them looked to Xiang Rong!


    "Master Xiang!"


    "Master Xiang, this game��"


    Xiang Rong 9-dan finally spoke. No one noticed that he had clenched his fists so tightly that his nails were cutting into the flesh. "Professor Zhang��is about to turn things around!"


    A female yer''s eyes abruptly reddened!


    A few other yers were also brimming with tears. Faced with this magnificent move, they were no longer able to control their emotions!


    Li Qinqin said in a stunned tone, "Changhe!"


    Wu Changhe grabbed his wife''s hand excitedly and said, "We are��going to win!"


    The Americans were dumbfounded!


    How could there be a move like this?


    How could there still be a chance of survival for Zhang Ye?


    ��


    Beijing Television.


    The Gomentator shouted, "Unbelievable! This is simply unbelievable!"


    ��


    The Online Go Server.


    Thementator eximed, "It''s the Hand of God! Professor Zhang has broken out! He could y the Hand of God in such a hopeless situation! It''s such a beautiful move! It''s so elegant! Friends! Please remember this moment! Please be sure to remember this moment! This game will enter the annals of Go! This will be the greatest game of Go this year! This will be the greatest game in the entire history of Go! Thousands of yearster, people will probably have forgotten Xiang Rong''s and Shinji 9-dan''s name, but they will never forget about Zhang Ye''s Hand of God that saved the Go world! History will remember it! This will be the greatest victory for humanity!"


    ��


    In Korea.


    The officialmentator screamed until his voice cracked!


    "It''s possible!"


    "It''s been confirmed as a possible move!"


    "The Chinese have yed the Hand of God!"


    "Incredible! Unbelievable!"


    ��


    In Japan.


    "The corner position has been brought back to life!"


    "Even though it clearly looked like a deadlock, the Chinese have brought it back to life!"


    "The corner territory has made aeback! Even the center has been brought back to life!"


    "That Chinese yer is amazing!"


    "Peter is done for!"


    "He really is the smartest person in the world! How did he think of such a move!"


    ��


    With some of thementators'' analysis and shocked expressions of the hosts, everyone gradually realized the beauty of Zhang Ye''s y. It could even be called a stroke of genius! He had barged his way out of a deadlock! A lot of people got the goosebumps from watching!


    Watching TV.


    His parents stood up!


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli stood up!


    Yao Jiancai and Yao Mi stood up!


    A lot of people couldn''t help themselves and stood up from their chairs and sofas!


    Chen Ying 7-dan was giving rousingmentary. "Just how will it end! Just how will Peter handle this move! Faced with Professor Zhang''s Hand of God that came out of the blue, what can Peter do? Can it turn things around like it did earlier? Can it maintain its unbeaten record?"


    Everything went quiet!


    Everyone fell silent!


    It was all quiet online!


    The people watching in front of their televisions also went quiet!


    Everyone was waiting for the oue!


    The Americans still believed that Peter would not lose even though Zhang Ye''s Hand of God had shocked them! The American representative was screaming loudly in his head, Go on! Finish him! You have to have something! You''re aputer! You''re the most advanced AI in the world!


    However, they could not see the internal processing going on inside Peter right now!


    Peter was stunned!


    It was stunned yet again by Zhang Ye''s move!


    Knight''s move: Win%, unknown.


    Horizontal stretch: Win%, 2%.


    Cut: Win%, 6%.


    Five minutes!


    Peter was silent for a full five minutes!


    Zhang Ye was looking at the screen with a smile on his face.


    Suddenly, a notification popped up on the screen!


    " Peter has resigned from the game 1 ."


    The Americans nched!


    Everyone else erupted when they saw this!


    Yu Yingyi yelled, "He has won! Peter has resigned!"


    Chen Ying 7-dan''s tears were almost falling as she shouted, "Faced with Professor Zhang''s Hand of God! Peter had no way to turn the tables! We''ve won! We''ve won!"


    Hu Liang threw the things in his hands into the air and screamed, "We''ve won!"


    Xu Han was so emotional that he could not say anything. He pointed at the screen with trembling lips!


    It hadn''t been easy!


    It really hadn''t been easy!


    Shinji 9-dan had lost!


    Park Yuhee had lost!


    Xiang Rong had lost as well!


    This was the final battle of the war between humans and machines and the final stand of humanity at the edge of a cliff. No one had expected that Professor Zhang would actually even the score after losing the first game, forcing Peter to resign in the middlegame! Professor Zhang had turned things around in a game that no one was optimistic about!


    An unexpected opening!


    An inconceivable way of ying!


    Coupled with the final strike that was the Hand of God!


    It was wonderful!


    He had won beautifully!


    The international referees were also shocked at the sight. The Hand of God that was just yed made the two of them break out in a cold sweat. They came forward to confirm the results after assessing the board state.


    The game had finished!


    In the second game of the final battle between humans and machines: Zhang Ye won!


    The score was 1-1!


    Everyone dispersed from the venue.


    Zhang Ye smiled as he stood up and left.


    The American representative yelled with a dark look, "Change the flight date!"


    His assistant softly replied, "OK."


    They had booked their flight for tonight. But now it was obvious that they had to change their flight date!


    Zhang Ye left the game room before he raised his arms and stretched. Then he discovered that a lot of people were rushing out from the spectator room across the way!


    Wu Changhe!


    Hu Liang!


    Xu Han!


    Dan Donghe!


    Everyone came running out!


    "Professor Zhang!"


    "Professor Zhang, well done!"


    "You''re the best!"


    "Beautifully done, Professor Zhang!"


    "Thank you! Thank you!"


    "We''ve won! We''ve really won!"


    Some wereughing loudly!


    Some were pping with all their heart!


    Some were shouting Zhang Ye''s name!


    Some were evenughing and crying at the same time!

 Chapter 1136: The press conference!

    <h4>Chapter 1136: The press conference! </h4>


    Chapter 1136: The press conference!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At home.


    His father shouted, "He won!"


    His mother eximed, "Little Ye won the game!"


    There was a knock at the door. When his mother went to answer it, over 20 neighbors came rushing into the house. Every one of them looked even more excited than Zhang Ye''s parents!


    "Congrattions!"


    "Old Zhang, Old Cao, the two of you have brought up a good son!"


    "Little Ye won so beautifully!"


    "I don''t even know what to say! I was sweating just watching it!"


    "It was so thrilling! And wonderful!"


    "Little Ye has done everyone proud!"


    "I knew he could do it!"


    "Who asked the Americans to look down on Little Ye! Who asked them to look down on humans! Hahaha! They have encountered a god this time! Those idiots!"


    "How face smacking!"


    "Ahahaha!"


    "I can already feel the pain on those idiots'' faces!"


    ��


    At the Rao household.


    Chenchen yelled, "Zhang Ye won! He''s stolen the thunder again!"


    Rao Aimin pursed her lips and said, "That kid has got some dogshit luck!"


    "What do you mean by dogshit luck?" Yang Shu did not like hearing that at all. "My senior bro has really got Go skills!"


    Rao Aimin grimaced. "He''s always doing things unconventionally. Why won''t he just stay at home and be good? Why did he have to go off to the Go world and steal their thunder? Do you know who has to handle the reporters when theye looking for him?"


    ��


    At the SARFT.


    In Old Wu''s office.


    Wu Zeqing smiled as she picked up the phone and called Secretary Bai. "Hello, it''s me. Let the relevant offices know to give an additional push for the positive promotion of today''s war between humans and machines."


    Then, she called her mother.


    The call connected.


    It sounded very chaotic over there with all the screaming and shouting.


    "Mom, how are things?"


    "Little Zhang is wonderful! He''s brilliant!"


    "Has my dad''s impression of him changed for the better?"


    "Hur hur, your dad is so excited that he can''t even say a thing. You just didn''t see it. But when Peter lost, your dad was shouting the loudest��Hey, why are you grabbing at my phone?"


    Wu Changhe''s voice came through. "My daughter, don''t listen to your mom''s nonsense. It''s just a draw with the score tied at one to one. That kid hasn''t won yet!"


    Wu Zeqingughed and said: "Sure. After he wins tomorrow''s game, I''ll officially bring him back home as my boyfriend for a meal?"


    Wu Changhe said: "We''ll talk about it again if he really wins."


    ��


    On TV.


    The live broadcast was still going on!


    Quite a few experts were analyzing the game that had just been yed. "Professor Zhang yed with the spirit of humanity today. From the first stone that he yed in the opening, he was leading Peter by the nose. The brand new and highly creative ystyle at the end even stumped Peter greatly. This is the biggest difference between humans andputers, and also the biggest reason why Professor Zhang could defeat it. This is because humans can get extremely creative under pressure, while machines can only passively learn their craft! Today is a memorable day because Professor Zhang gave a valuable lesson to the Americans, as well as the AI that was imed to be smarter than humans!"


    At another television station.


    Thementator said, "Let''s take another look at the final move, by Professor Zhang. It was really the work of a genius and so beautiful that no words can describe it! We''re all clueless as to how Professor Zhang could have thought of a move like that at that moment. But this stone that descended from the Heavens has saved the Go world! Without a doubt, this is clearly the most valuable of moves in the history of Go! This is truly deserving of being called the Hand of God!


    "Ah, the press conference has started, so let''s switch to that. It looks like Professor Zhang has made an exception and epted today''s postgame interview!"


    ...


    At China Qiyuan.


    The venue of the press conference.


    The American representative sat on stage as usual. Zhang Ye and several people from China Qiyuan were seated beside him.


    The reporters lifted their cameras and microphones as they asked questions to the American representative.


    "May we know the reason for Peter''s loss today?"


    "Didn''t you all say that yourpany''s AI wouldn''t lose to humans?"


    "Are you all still confident about tomorrow''s game?"


    The American representative answered all of their questions in a single breath. No one knew if he was putting on a front since he had looked very sullen in the game room. But right now, he had a very calm expression as he said, "We took an unexpected loss today. Perhaps it was because we did not tune the AI properly and that there were some bugs in the programming. As for the actual reason, we''ll go back and check thoroughly. We''ll definitely get it fixed before tomorrow''s game. Peter will not lose to humans in Go, and I still stand by my word. About tomorrow''s game, we''re very confident that Peter will definitely win after it has been tuned and configured properly."


    A female reporter from Beijing Television asked, "In your previous interview, you mentioned that your ne tickets were booked for tonight''s flight. I wonder if��"


    The American representative''s assistant said with a dark look, "We''ve already changed our flight and will give our best for tomorrow''s game."


    A reporter from a newspaper firm asked, "May we know your evaluation of Professor Zhang?"


    The American representative nced at Zhang Ye and said, "We do admit that there are indeed some geniuses in this world, but I still think the same as before. It will be the era of artificial intelligence from now on!"


    After dragging things out for a long time, they refused to admit to their defeat!


    In the end, the reporters no longer wanted to ask him any more questions. They directed all their attention to Zhang Ye.


    The reporter from Beijing Times smiled and asked, "Professor Zhang, didn''t you say that you wouldn''t ept any interviews after yesterday''s game?"


    Zhang Ye got closer to the microphone and said, "That''s right."


    "Then why are you here today?" asked the reporter from the Beijing Times.


    Zhang Ye candidly replied, "Because I won today!"


    The reporters burst outughing!


    Then, quite a few people started apuding!


    Zhang Ye was indeed Zhang Ye. He would never beat around the bush whenever he spoke. If he lost, he would not ept any interviews. But since he had won, of course he would make an appearance and show off a little. Wasn''t this normal?


    Dan Donghe smiled and felt that Zhang Ye was bing more and more pleasing to the eye!


    A female reporter asked, "How do you feel aftering out on top in today''s game?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "I feel great!"


    Everyoneughed again.


    The Americans wore solemn looks.


    Yu Yingyi came forward and asked, "Professor Zhang, do you have anything you would like to say?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and answered, "I would like to say this: The most advanced AI in history? That was all it could do!"


    These were the words that the American representative had said in yesterday''s press conference. Zhang Ye returned the favor!


    The reporters apuded!


    "Nice!"


    "Well said!"


    As they were all humans, they would naturally take Zhang Ye''s side. Moreover, the Americans were far too arrogant and disrespectful in recent days, disgusting everyone with their behavior. However, Peter had won every one of its games, even defeating Xiang Rong 9-dan, the number one in Go. So there was really nothing they could argue about. It wasn''t until today when Zhang Ye evened the score that a lot of the reporters could finally release all their pent-up anger!


    Sure enough, Face-smacking Zhang was the better yer between the two of them!


    Although this fellow was usually annoying, had a sharp tongue, and offended many people, he had never been soft or disappointed anyone when it mattered most!


    Zhang Ye had many foes, and some people present had once been offended by him. A lot of people felt that he was too difficult to handle as he always stirred up trouble and often smacked people''s faces. More importantly, no one had yet to teach him a lesson. This fellow was just too fearsome and notorious a troublemaker in the country. But today, as everyone united with Zhang Ye, they suddenly realized that Face-smacking Zhang was a very reliable guy. Seeing how he was face-smacking the Americans and the artificial intelligence, the satisfaction they got felt amazingly good!


    Online.


    Fan Wenli posted on Weibo: "Congrattions to Director Zhang for taking this game!"


    Xiaodong: "How exhrating! That was so exhrating!"


    Yao Jiancai: "Zhang''er, you''re sting out of the universe!"


    Li Xiaoxian: "Wishing Teacher Zhang sess in taking the next game as well!"


    Zhang Xia: "By winning today''s game, Little Zhang has finally saved face for humanity. I hope that everyone can criticize him less from now on. It hasn''t been easy for Little Zhang either, hur hur."


    The press conference ended.


    Awhileter, Zhang Ye walked out of the Qiyuan.


    However, there were huge crowds of people who had surrounded the entire main entrance!


    Hundreds of people!


    No, it was thousands of people!


    A dense crowd of people were holding up banners and chanting Zhang Ye''s name!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    The crowd was very excited!


    Everyone felt impassioned!

 Chapter 1137: New tactics?

    <h4>Chapter 1137: New tactics? </h4>


    Chapter 1137: New tactics?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    Zhang Ye returned home for lunch.


    Downstairs of his family''s apartment, he saw his old neighbors lining the streets to wee him. An old uncle in the neighborhood even brought out two strings of firecrackers that were meant to be used for his child''s wedding tomorrow. The moment Zhang Ye arrived, the crackling of the firecrackers made him feel rather touched.


    "Little Ye, well done!"


    "Show the Americans how great you are!"


    "Thrash that PeterGo!"


    "We''ll cheer you all the way!"


    "You have to win tomorrow''s game too!"


    At home.


    When he entered the house, the aroma of cooked food attacked his nose.


    He looked at the dishes on the table and eximed, "This much food?"


    His father said excitedly, "Son! Eat! Eat your fill, you still have a lot to do tomorrow!"


    "Mom wants to reward you, so sit down quickly and have something to eat." His mother was grinning from ear to ear.


    Zhang Ye said, "Thanks."


    His mother turned on the television with a smile. The news reports were all about her son.


    The news of Zhang Ye''s victory over the artificial intelligence had spread throughout the country. Even in Asia, a lot of the Japanese and Korean Go yers who paid attention to the developments of the event were shocked by what had happened. No one had expected that someone could still represent the Go world as its g bearer and battle against Peter after the losses suffered by Shinji, Park Yuhee, and Xiang Rong. Most importantly, the person was not even a professional Go yer or a member of the Go world, but a celebrity from the entertainment industry? In any case, this victory was so timely that it had given an invaluable boost to the Go world!


    Everyone was looking forward to tomorrow''s game with much anticipation!


    Tomorrow would be the final game of the match between Zhang Ye and Peter, and someone had created a poll to vote for the winner on Weibo!


    8%!


    20%!


    40%!


    Those who voted that Zhang Ye would win kept increasing!


    Of course, there were also quite a few people who felt that Peter would win!


    "Zhang Ye will prevail!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang is almighty!"


    "That might not be the case."


    "Why?"


    "Zhang Ye got lucky winning today''s game. If not for the Hand of God at the end that suddenly turned things around, he would''ve lost for sure. He can''t possibly guarantee that he''ll be in today''s top shape for every game. Besides, Peter has already figured out a solution to deal with the ystyle that Zhang Ye calls the ''Cosmic Style.'' After inputting it into the program, if Zhang Ye uses that style again tomorrow, he might not even be able to y his opening since they''ll already be prepared for it!"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye only won today because he took Peter by surprise with his odd y. We don''t know what could happen tomorrow, hai."


    "Then what can be done about it?"


    "Unless Zhang Ye cane up with another new ystyle tomorrow!"


    "New ystyle?"


    "How can it be that easy?!"


    "That''s right, the Cosmic Style and that entirely new opening are amazing enough. It probably took Zhang Ye quite a while to think of them, so how could hee up with so many new styles! And isn''t everyone overestimating Teacher Zhang a little too much? Did you guys forget something? Teacher Zhang isn''t a pro Go yer!"


    "Uh��"


    "That''s true!"


    A lot of people started worrying. When they realized this, everyone lost some of their excitement. Although they had won today, the score was still tied at 1-1. If they lost again tomorrow, everything would have been in vain. No one knew if Zhang Ye had any ns left for tomorrow. If there were none, then wouldn''t he lose miserably just like he had in the first game?


    ��


    After lunch.


    The phone rang. It was a call from thendline of Wu Zeqing''s parents'' home.


    Zhang Ye answered: "Hello?"


    Wu Changhe''s voice came through. "Do you need any more game records and information? If you need them, I''ll get someone to send them to your ce."


    Zhang Ye said with augh: "There''s no need for that, Uncle. I saw enough yesterday."


    Wu Changhe said in a lukewarm tone: "Do you need anything else then? Quickly bring it up to me if there''s anything."


    Zhang Ye said: "Thanks, Uncle. Uh, I don''t need anything for the time being."


    "Aren''t you going to prepare for tomorrow''s game?"


    "I am."


    "What do you think your chances of winning are?"


    "No idea."


    "Heh, are you sure you''ll manage?"


    "I really don''t know, but I''ll definitely give my best anyway."


    "It wouldn''t do if you did not give your best. Remember what I said regarding my daughter, understand? If you lose tomorrow, don''t ever think about stepping into our house again! Hmph!"


    "Damn, are you burning bridges already? Didn''t you just put your arm around my shoulders and praise me this morning!"


    "Did I?"


    "Yes! You did!"


    "Stop messing with me. In any case, I''m telling you that you better give your very best for tomorrow''s game! Thrash that machine! Send it to its death!"


    "Yes, sir."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye smiled. He no longer disliked Wu Changhe and felt that this oldrade was actually quite lovable. At least he cared a lot about Go and the Go world. Perhaps this was a passion that grew from deep down inside. Zhang Ye could sense that even though Wu Changhe and Dan Donghe''s generation had retired, and their Go skills no longerpared to any of the active top pro yers, who could easily defeat them, the sentiments they held for Go were still as strong as before. In fact, it had even be stronger. Zhang Ye could never understand this sort of feeling because he did not really like Go that much. But this did not stop Zhang Ye from stepping forward for them.


    Uncle, don''t worry!


    I will help you to protect the dignity of the Go world that you want to safeguard!


    I will help you to regain the honor that the Go world has lost!


    Not for anything, but only because��if I lose, you won''t let Old Wu to marry me!


    ��


    After informing his parents, Zhang Ye went back to his room. He naturally would not waste any of the time he had today. In fact, he was already running out of time!


    Zhang Ye made a hastyst-minute effort yesterday as he practically went through most of the games in this world and memorized them. He was not learning from them, but rather eliminating possibilities. All of that was just to find out what kind of data Peter was missing in its dataset. But today, Zhang Ye needed to organize from the beginning some of the best ys 1 , magnificent moves, Hand of God moves, andplex josekis that he had seen before from the games between the Go Masters of his previous world. Thankfully, even though Zhang Ye was not very interested in Go back then, he had been forced to go through a lot of game records by his teacher. He also watched quite a few games yed in tournaments on television, so the information he had was still enormous!


    Come, let''s do this!


    He bought a lot of Memory Search Capsules in one go!


    Then Zhang Ye closed his eyes and fell into a long "sleep."


    Zhang Ye already had a rough n in ce for the morrow''s game. It was obvious that he could no longer use the Apollo Opening or the Cosmic Style. The Americans were not stupid and would obviously input that information into the AI. Furthermore, he heard that Peter also had the ability to learn and would reinforce its knowledge through the games that it yed. Therefore, Zhang Ye needed to find some new entry points to y against Peter in the third game. Fortunately, he had discovered a few new weaknesses in Peter during today''s game. For example, he could make something out of the error tolerance levels of the AI itself. But he wouldn''t know how effective it would be, since this was something that he could only find out after he tested it against Peter tomorrow.


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    Three hours.


    The discussions in the public were reaching an intense level!


    News of the game was also appearing all over the ce!


    But Zhang Ye was oblivious to all of it as he immersed himself in the sea of Go!


    1. A �ֽ�/sh?uj��n/tesuji is a clever y, the best y in a local position, a skillful move, a special tactic. Tesujise in all forms and shapes, some are more known than others.

 Chapter 1138: Zhang Ye plays the first of the three most complex josekis!

    <h4>Chapter 1138: Zhang Ye ys the first of the three mostplex josekis! </h4>


    Chapter 1138: Zhang Ye ys the first of the three mostplex josekis!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    The final game of the battle was looming. It was the third and deciding game of the match between Zhang Ye and Peter. There was still an hour to go before the game would begin. Countless Go yers were watching TV, and even many of those who did not know how to y the game were also watching the live broadcast nervously.


    However, everyone who was waiting received some bad news first.


    In the pregame interview, the Americans suddenly made an announcement.


    The American representative faced the camera and said with a smile, "After an entire night of tuning by our technical team, the rted bug has been fixed. Furthermore, I have some news that I can reveal to everyone. Our AI has received another round of upgrades, or rather, Peter has always had this function built into it. But due to certain considerations that we had, we did not activate the plex operations'' mode. After yesterday''s game, we admit that we probably did underestimate Professor Zhang. But it won''t happen again today as we have configured Peter with a brand-new approach to the game. That Hand of God move from yesterday also won''t be unpredictable to Peter. To put it simply, Peter''s calctions, analysis, and prediction functions have been raised by around 15% with this new mode activated!"


    A reporter asked in surprise, "What are Peter''s chances of winning today?"


    The American representative said, "We have done some testparisons of the current version of Peter with its previous one and found that the upgraded Peter has a winning rate of 99.99%!"


    Everyone burst into an uproar!


    "Upgrade?"


    "What?"


    "What the fuck, it can still be upgraded?"


    "And its level was raised by this much?"


    "All this just to deal with Zhang Ye?"


    "That''s so evil! Why didn''t they make this announcement yesterday? They''re only saying this just as the game is about to start? Are they trying to catch Professor Zhang off guard?"


    "Is this for real?"


    "Then won''t we lose for sure?"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye only won that game yesterday with some luck!"


    The Inte was abuzz!


    The Qiyuan''s people were panicking as well!


    Immediately, the news reports on TV were filled with talk of Peter''s upgrade!


    At China Qiyuan.


    Dan Donghe, Wu Changhe, and the others went looking for Zhang Ye!


    Hu Liang said anxiously, "Professor Zhang, have you seen the news?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I did."


    Dan Donghe said with a sunken expression, "About the upgrade, what do they exactly mean by that?"


    They were not in this field, so they did not understand how it worked.


    "To put it inly, they''ve just delimited a part of Peter''s functionality." Zhang Ye exined to them, "It''s just like aputer, where the performance of a processor is usually not pushed to the extreme. The designers will deliberately limit its functionality to ensure that it canst longer while maintaining a reasonable performance. To surpass that limit, they can choose to overclock it, which is what the Americans are doing right now. Although it is much moreplicated for an AI to be ''overclocked,'' the principle is essentially the same."


    Wu Changhe asked in annoyance, "Would its performance really be raised by 15%?"


    "Probably so, but who knows if it''s the truth or not since it''s the Americans talking." Zhang Ye shrugged and continued, "They might be trying to scare me, but it could easily be true."


    Scare you?


    How could that be possible!


    No one believed this to be the reason as they understood things. Even if the Americans were not familiar with you, they would surely have researched you online, no? Did you think that they wouldn''t go around to find out about you? They could''ve easily pulled anyone in the whole of China aside and still managed to find out that you, Teacher Zhang, have never been afraid of anything! Piloting a ne, beating up an executive, scolding the SARFT, which of those affairs did not involve you?


    Li Yi 9-dan said loudly, "We have to treat it as a serious im!"


    "Yeah!" Chen Ying came over. "We can''t underestimate our opponent, Professor Zhang!"


    Wu Changhe tugged at him. "If it''s really as the Americans im, and that P-whatever thingy''s performance was indeed raised by 15%, then how sure are you of beating it?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "I''ll find out when I y it."


    Xu Han didn''t know how to react. "Aren''t you being too carefree!"


    Hu Liang said, "Yeah, Professor Zhang. You have to at least give me some assurance!"


    Zhang Ye spread his hands up and said, "It''s not that I don''t want tomit to an answer. The issue is that I don''t even which area of Peter''s functionality has been ''overclocked.'' Did they increase its analysis speed? Or did they increase the analysis power? Without ying against it, how am I supposed to answer you? So let me y against it first."


    Liu Hong 9-dan said nervously, "You can do it!"


    "Yeah, you can do it!"


    "Professor Zhang, show us the elegance you disyed yesterday!"


    "The honor of the Go world is in your hands!"


    Everyone was shouting encouragement to him.


    Only Wu Changhe knew what was really going on. What honor of the Go world? What dignity of humanity? All of that is just bullshit. This rascal is only doing this for my daughter. So Wu Changhe looked at Zhang Ye and said, "Kid, if you win this game, I''ll organize a celebratory feast for you at my house tonight!"


    At that, Zhang Ye became more spirited. "Alright."


    Li Qinqin had a better way with words. "Even if you lose, you cane over."


    Zhang Ye was just about to say OK.


    But Wu Changhe grunted, "What''s the point ofing over if he loses!"


    Dan Donghe did not know of the deal between Zhang Ye and the Wu family, so he said in a speechless manner, "Brother Wu, why are you such a snob? You won''t even treat him? If you''re not treating, then I''ll do it!" He turned to Zhang Ye and said, "Professor Zhang, no matter what the result is, I''ll hold a feast for you tonight. Don''t bother with going over to his ce!"


    Zhang Ye smiled but did not say anything.


    Wu Changhe rolled his eyes. Don''t go to my ce and go to yours? You''d need to have a daughter as pretty as mine first!


    It was almost time.


    Chen Ying had already headed into thementary booth.


    Zhang Ye exhaled and stepped forward to graciously enter the battle. He had rejected the pregame interview today, so he only entered the game room after the media had left. He knew that there was no point in making any extravagant ims for this game. They''d have to decide things with their actions to determine who would win and lose!


    The referees were standing by.


    The Americans watched as Zhang Ye entered the room and showed a hint of fear at his arrival. Admittedly, they had been boasting a little about Peter in the interview. All they said about Peter''s upgrade or his chances of victory were just empty talk for now. When faced with the only person that had won against Peter, they had to be very careful. He was the reason why they had made an exception and taken the risk to upgrade Peter. That was also their affirmation for the smartest person in the world! They no longer had that unshakable confidence from before and were afraid that Peter would lose again!


    Zhang Ye sat down again today in front of theputer as he took control of the mouse.


    The broadcast cut to the livementary coverage.


    Yu Yingyi was dressed fully in red today, with a very joyous and celebratory feel. It was as though she was openly making known her hopes of humanity winning today''s game.


    Yu Yingyi had be very popr recently due to this important event in the world of Go. The originally niche strategy board game TV show had started to gain a following from all over Asia. This went on until China Qiyuan announced that Zhang Ye would be representing humanity to challenge the AI, which caused the show to blow up even more. Even Yu Yingyi, who was just a sports host, had her value rise along with the attention gained. A lot of people had only gotten to know her through this war between humans and machines. Then they also found out that she was an old ssmate of Zhang Ye''s from college. With Zhang Ye being so popr and famous these days, everyone in the entire country know him. Perhaps it was just a case of "love me, love my dog," but Zhang Ye''s fans were very supportive of Yu Yingyi. With that, her career officially went on the rise as well!


    Yu Yingyi smiled. "Hello, everyone."


    Chen Ying looked perturbed as she forced a smile and said, "Hello, everyone."


    Yu Yingyi said, "In another five minutes, the third game of the war between humans and machines will begin. Yesterday''s game was wonderful to watch. That Hand of God is probably still reying in many of our minds, and a lot of people are pinning their hopes on Professor Zhang''s performance today. But before the game was scheduled to begin, we received news that Peter received an upgrade to its functionality. The Americans im that Peter''s functionality has been raised to the max that will allow its thought process to work in a more epassing way?"


    Chen Ying took over and said, "Yes, and that''s one of the highlights of today''s game. Earlier, in the waiting room, I asked Professor Zhang what this upgrade really meant. Professor Zhang used the term ''overclocking'' to describe it to me." She made a simple exnation before going on to say, "As for how much Peter has improved as a result of its upgrade, we do not know yet. We can only analyze it slowly as the game progresses. Then, for the second highlight of this game, it''ll be whether Professor Zhang is going toe up with yet another new ystyle. In yesterday''s game, Professor Zhang surprised everyone by ying the self-named ''Apollo Opening'' and the ''Cosmic Style'' to achieve an effective result. It fired up those of us watching. I wonder if Professor Zhang can reproduce that blitzing form again today!"


    Three.


    Two.


    One.


    The international referee gestured.


    Yu Yingyi said loudly, "We can see now that the game has started. Peter is ying ck today and will go first."


    Chen Ying said in worry, "Professor Zhang is ying as White and going second. In the opening, there''s a chance that he might be pulled into Peter''s rhythm, so it will be very difficult to y in the manner he did yesterday."


    Yu Yingyi stared at the screen and said, "Peter made a move very quickly."


    Zhang Ye responded very quickly as well.


    After four moves, an opening had formed on the board.


    Chen Ying exined, "Peter is ying very steadily. This is one of the conventional openings for ck and also one that has the highest rate of winning. Its attacking game is very strong and belongs to one of the more aggressive openings. It looks like Peter is nning to end this quickly? How will Professor Zhang reply?"


    Hearing this, the home viewers became even more worried!


    Today''s viewership rating on Central TV Sports Channel was heaven defying. After yesterday''s victory, today''s viewership rating nearly doubled. It wasn''t only Zhang Ye''s close friends and rtives, but also those who yed Go who tuned in to watch. Even the crosstalk actor, Tang Dazhang, and Zhang Ye''s other longtime foes could not help but watch the live broadcast!


    All the Go clubs in the country were packed to the brim with people!


    Millions and millions of people turned their attention to this remarkable battle!


    At the venue.


    Both sides had already yed six moves each. Things were not too intense yet, nor did the board state beplex. It would be considered a very normal opening. However, that was where the normality stopped.


    Zhang Ye looked at the board and thought for a time. Then he grinned.


    Upgraded version?


    Just what was being upgraded in you? I''ll test you out!


    He clicked the mouse and immediately created a "rge knight''s move enclosure 1 " with his stone.


    Chen Ying was slightly startled. "You don''t see this move too often."


    Yu Yingyi was taken aback. "Was that not a good move?"


    Chen Ying stared at it for a very long time. "It''s not that it''s not good. But there doesn''t seem to be a very clear intent to have a rge knight''s move enclosure'' over there. I''m not sure what Professor Zhang is considering."


    The board state in the bottom corner suddenly turnedplex!


    A white stone on the 5-3 point?


    A ck stone on 4-3 for a corner approach?


    The white stones that created arge knight''s move enclosure?


    Although there were only three stones, there was something odd about it!


    ��


    In the spectator room.


    Everyone was watching in shock and surprise!


    Hu Liang asked, "Why did he make that move?"


    Xu Han blinked and said, "What is Professor Zhang nning now?"


    "Who knows what he''s thinking?" Wu Changhe was not happy with the move. "He clearly could''ve gone for a better joseki than that. Why didn''t he choose to use the ''3-1 joseki'' or a ''knight''s move approach''?"


    Xiang Rong 9-dan suddenly said, "He seems to be testing theputer."


    "Testing?"


    "Professor Zhang, don''t y with fire again!"


    "Aiyo, why am I trembling so much just from watching this?"


    "What is Professor Zhang trying to do?"


    Many people could not understand Zhang Ye''s move. It couldn''t be called bad, but neither was it that good. Everyone felt that Zhang Ye''srge knight''s move enclosure was very strange!


    However, Zhang Ye was still beaming.


    At the next second, countless people watching the game on TV and those from the Qiyuan all froze. Peter had actually fallen silent. It did not respond even after a very long time!


    Chen Ying 7-dan asked curiously, "Eh, what''s with Peter?"


    Dan Donghe said, "What''s going on?"


    A professional 5th dan yer asked, "Why is it not ying?"


    Li Qinqin did not quite understand either. "Is that move so difficult to handle?"


    The Americans were also taken aback!


    Zhang Ye looked at theputer screen as his eyes narrowed. Peter''s silence had given Zhang Ye a sort of answer. It was indeed very strong. So it did sense that something was wrong, eh?


    Hur hur.


    You must not have seen this way of ying before, right?


    Let me tell you what this is called then. It''s called the " Great nt Joseki 2


    ."


    In my previous world, this was one of the three mostplex josekis to y!

 Chapter 1139: The astonishing variations of the Great Slant Joseki!

    <h4>Chapter 1139: The astonishing variations of the Great nt Joseki! </h4>


    Chapter 1139: The astonishing variations of the Great nt Joseki!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Ten minutes went by!


    But Peter was still not making any moves!


    With both parties allocated two hours of game time, Peter only had an hour and forty-five minutes left on its timer. A precious dozen minutes had been wasted on just this one move!


    The two referees gave each other baffled looks.


    The Americans were unable to sit still any longer. They kept looking in the direction of the machine, afraid that there was some bug with the code that led to Peter freezing up. But when they checked the machine''s status lights, they found nothing wrong with it, nor was there an error. This showed that Peter was working normally and that it was just "thinking." Further, it was "deep in the tank."


    Why?


    What the hell was going on?


    Why did it just stop making moves?


    No one could understand what Peter''s hesitation was!


    Perhaps only Zhang Ye knew. This joseki was known as one of the three mostplex josekis in his previous world because it was one of the hardest to y. That was because the Great nt Joseki had too many variations. To say that it was infinite would be an exaggeration, but it was definitely not as easy to resolve as others would think. There were just too many ways to y it. Furthermore, with every new y made, there would be many more choices of y appearing. If one was not careful, the entire game would be lost!


    It could be used to kill the opponent!


    Or it could kill oneself!


    This was what the Great nt Joseki was, an extremely dangerous joseki to y. Even in Zhang Ye''s previous world where most of this joseki''s variations were studied in depth, the top yers in the Go world would not freely resort to ying it during a critical tournament. If they were careless with just one move in the sequence, they might even end up hurting themselves rather than the opponent. This was not something that hadn''t happened before!


    And today, Zhang Ye had to take this risk. He had to test out this weakness of Peter''s that he found out about yesterday!


    Yu Yingyi said in a speechless manner, "Peter seems to have slowed down? Didn''t they say that it was given an upgrade? Why does it seem like it was even better before the upgrade happened?"


    Chen Ying was not willing to draw a quick conclusion. "Perhaps there''s something more to the move?"


    "Something more to it?" Yu Yingyi asked.


    Chen Ying said, "I don''t understand it either, but since Professor Zhang yed that move, there should be some kind of deeper meaning to it. Besides, Peter taking so long to process this move and not y should also prove that this move is not that simple." She was a little dismayed and felt that her Go skill was stillcking by too much. It had been like this since yesterday''s game. For this battle between these two grandmasters, she could barely understand any of the moves with her skill level.


    So she said, "I''m not skilled enough, but it seems like this position is another crucial point. Is there a producer around? Can we check if we can invite Teacher Xiang Rong to join us?"


    Soon after, Xiang Rong 9-dan actually came over.


    Yu Yingyi said, "Hello, Teacher Xiang."


    Xiang Rong nodded in greeting and sat down.


    Chen Ying immediately asked, "Master Xiang, I really don''t understand this move of Professor Zhang''s. Can you please exin it to our viewers?"


    Xiang Rong nodded.


    Chen Ying sighed.


    But Xiang Rong went on to say, "Then let me say this that I actually don''t understand this move either."


    Chen Ying was floored!


    Yu Yingyi fainted!


    The home viewers were also floored!


    The atmosphere turned really awkward. But then, Peter stirred!


    "It''s made its move!" Yu Yingyi shouted.


    Peter cut across 1 therge knight''s move enclosure!


    When Zhang Ye saw this, he smiled and responded instantly!


    Afterwards, Peter went silent again!


    It wasn''t until five minutester that Peter yed another move.


    But Zhang Ye did not even stop to think and replied with a bump!


    Peter pondered and went deep in the tank a third time!


    A cut across?


    An open battle?


    Alright then, I''ll y along with you!


    Zhang Ye looked utterly rxed.


    By now, if the pro Go yers still could not tell what was going on, then they shouldn''t be pros!


    Xiang Rong was to first to look surprised. "What arge nt that is!"


    Chen Ying was also dumbfounded. "How fearsome! This is too fearsome!"


    Yu Yingyi could not understand. "Just what is happening?"


    Chen Ying was so astonished she was sweating. "I had thought that Peter''s cut across move was a very good one at first since it could advance or retreat from there. But from the looks of it, that move has dragged Peter down into the quagmire! Professor Zhang''s follow up has forced Peter with no choice but to fight it out! What''s more, the variations increase with every move. If Peter responds with a horizontal stretch, Professor Zhang can counter it. It''s impossible to make any predictions after that as they are all variables. But if Peter gets into the corner and Professor Zhang chooses to forcefully attack, he would gain the ko threat 2 after another three moves. With so many variables, it''s impossible to see who will gain the upper hand. Besides, even if one side gains the initiative, the variables over here will still exist. There will still be a chance for the other to counter that! Th-There is simply a myriad of variations!"


    Yu Yingyi said dumbfounded, "Peter made a wrong move?"


    Chen Ying said, "It shouldn''t have cut across therge knight''s move enclosure. If it had yed a horizontal stretch��"


    "Peter did not y wrong," Xiang Rong interrupted.


    "Eh?" Chen Ying looked at him.


    Xiang Rongughed and said, "When the stone that led to Professor Zhang''srge knight''s move enclosure being formed was yed, the setup wasplete. I only understood just now why Peter had been thinking for so long. Come and look at this." He grabbed aptop and reyed the moves on it. "If Peter ys a horizontal stretch here, the oue will still be the same. Professor Zhang could''ve yed over here and things would still be as dangerous as it is now."


    Chen Ying said in surprise, "Then what about a diagonal move?"


    Xiang Rong said, "It could do that. But Professor Zhang would follow up, and Peter would y over here with Professor Zhang fighting back in response. If we did an even more detailed analysis of the board state, it would get even moreplex! Or an underneath attachment 3 over here would also be a way to cope with that move. If it were yed this way, then followed by this move, Professor Zhang would probably end up ying over here before Peter counters it. The variation, in this case, would not be that great anymore and it would also be a simple way of avoiding the joseki. But if the setup gets broken, Peter would probably have to take a two or three point loss and be down in the score. I believe that with Peter''s upgradedputational power, it would definitely not choose that oue. Between an uncertain oue and a bad oue, it would definitely not choose thetter!" Taking a pause, he then added, "Perhaps there might also be a better way to avoid this problem? But as the board state is tooplex, it would require a long time to analyze it before we can determine how to best y the moves. It would take much effort to work out all the different possible variations. I''m afraid that it would take more than a year to do that!"


    A year?


    Yu Yingyi was stunned on the spot!


    Chen Ying gasped!


    Xiang Rong said in admiration, "Professor Zhang is indeed a genius. This is definitely a new type ofplex joseki. Every new step in the sequence brings along a frightening amount of variations!"


    Chen Ying suddenly asked, "But why does Professor Zhang seem like he does not need to think through his moves? Look, every move in response is yed after an instantaneous judgment. He does not hesitate at all!"


    Xiang Rong gave a wry smile. "I don''t know."


    Yes, he really did not know why!


    At the other side.


    The Qiyuan''s people were also astonished!


    Hu Liang''s mouth was agape as he said, "A new joseki?"


    "This is tooplex!"


    "Damn, I''m going to go crazy watching! Th-This is way too messy!"


    "There are too many ways to y this joseki! But most of them would lead to a dead group 4 forming. Once a wrong choice has been made, they will be doomed! How did Professor Zhange up with this joseki?"


    "Holy shit, Professor Zhang has yed some miraculous moves again!"


    "Why does he not need to think it through?"


    "Oh, you''re right! How does he do that?"


    "With every branch of variations, there ought to be several hundred to thousands of moves possible. Even the goddamnputer has been confused by it! Even an upgraded AI was made to think for a long fucking time! So why does Professor Zhang not even need to think? Moreover, he can just y any move and it leaves Peter with several dozen choices of moves to make?"


    "Could he be moreputerized than theputer is?"


    No one knew how Zhang Ye did it!


    Logically, such a fearsome joseki that even managed to confuse Peter should also befuddle Zhang Ye a bit. He should also have a headache over how to y it!


    If Peter could talk, he would probably be cursing right now!


    Why?


    There was no why actually.


    If Peter''s "brain" contained all the records of this world''s Go games?


    Then Zhang Ye''s brain also contained many of the games from his previous world. No one in this world knew or researched the Great nt Joseki, one of the three mostplex josekis that had been studied extensively in his previous world. Some of the key variations of the joseki were already imprinted into Zhang Ye''s mind, so why would he need any time to consider his moves!


    You can depend on data?


    Hur hur! So can I!


    1. ���/ku�� du��n/tsuke-koshi - Cuts by striking across the knight''s move, away from the supporting ck stones. | https://senseis.xmp/?TsukeKoshi


    2. �ٲ�/Jie C��i/k��date - Ko threat may refer either to one of the moves in a ko fight, or to a move which will only be valuable if yed during a ko fight. | https://senseis.xmp/?Ko


    3. ��/tu��/shitazuke - https://senseis.xmp/?UnderneathAttachment


    4. ����/S�� Q��/shini - https://senseis.xmp/?Dead

 Chapter 1140: Zhang Ye plays the second of the three most complex josekis!

    <h4>Chapter 1140: Zhang Ye ys the second of the three mostplex josekis! </h4>


    Chapter 1140: Zhang Ye ys the second of the three mostplex josekis!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Things were in full swing online!


    Zhang Ye''s Great nt Joseki had dumbfounded countless people!


    "Beautiful!"


    "That was so godly of Teacher Zhang!"


    "This fellow has managed to pull something off again!"


    "Hahaha, Peter can''t react anymore!"


    "This joseki probably has more than several thousand variations!"


    "Peter is still thinking! Adding the time it took for its earlier moves, it has already used up half an hour of its clock. This strange joseki must not be in its database of game records!"


    "Zhang Ye is amazing!"


    "Take the game in one fell swoop, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Who was it that said yesterday that Teacher Zhang would not be able toe up with another style?"


    "Any casual move by Zhang Ye is an earth-shattering move!"


    "In terms of face smacking, I have to give it to Zhang Ye!"


    "Yeah, that guy''s brain is totally moreputerized than theputer!"


    There was exhration all around!


    Everyone could again see hope in winning a game!


    Finally, Peter yed. It was a very strong move!


    Zhang Ye thought for two minutes before responding!


    Peter slipped back into thinking mode again and yed its stone after another four or so minutes!


    Zhang Ye bumped on his turn!


    Peter thought again for a minute before ying its stone!


    A lot of people watching TV had been dazzled. It was wonderful!


    Commentator Chen Ying said, "The corner of the board is seeing a heated confrontation between the two yers. Neither of them can pull back now! It''s just do or die from here! The number of possible variations is increasing as well. We can''t figure out who has the upper hand. But if we judge by the time left on each yer''s clock, it''s clear that Professor Zhang has used up less time. Meanwhile, Peter has spent longer thinking and has already used up a quarter of its allocated time!"


    Xiang Rong 9-dan said, "If Peter does not quickly break the structure apart, it will have an even harder fight waiting. It has been mired here for too long by Professor Zhang!"


    Chen Ying said, "Peter has stopped again. Let''s see what kind of reply it cane up with this time��.Oh, Peter has yed! This is a very beautiful move!"


    Peter bumped!


    Just this move alone caused Zhang Ye to be relegated into a passive state!


    Zhang Ye replied!


    Peter attacked again!


    Zhang Ye yed a cut!


    Peter called an atari!


    After another eight moves have been exchanged, the board state in the bottom left corner drastically changed!


    Xiang Rong said stonily, "Peter has broken through the structure."


    Chen Ying looked disgusted!


    Yu Yingyi said in surprise, "Broke through?"


    Chen Ying gasped and said, "Not only has it broken through, Peter has practically surrounded the territory in this corner of the board. Professor Zhang''s stones are all dead!"


    "What?" Yu Yingyi said in shock.


    Xiang Rong said, "This is the worst possible scenario. In localized battle, Peter has already showcased its extraordinaryputational power. Today''s upgraded version of Peter is obviously far superior, with many of the localized territories being handled very well and reinforcing their attacks as well. Professor Zhang has clearly suffered a huge loss over here. He had actually been trying to drag Peter into a battle, but the oue turned out for the worst. Not only did Peter manage to get away, it even gained an advantage of more than a dozen points! It won''t be easy at all for the white stones! Professor Zhang''s joseki y is very strong, but Peter''sputational ability is even better!"


    Over a dozen points?


    Gaining an advantage of two or three points in the opening was already considered very advantageous and rare. But in just a short time, he was already behind by over a dozen points? All of the white stones in the corner were as good as dead?


    The Qiyuan''s people all looked as pale as sheets!


    Hu Liang cried out, "We''re done for!"


    Xu Han said bitterly, "The gap has opened up!"


    "How can he still y like this?" Li Yi 9-dan was sweating in worry for Zhang Ye.


    Wu Changhe said angrily, "I said that we couldn''t let the kid try out those tricks of his! But he still didn''t pay heed to my advice!"


    "What do we do now?"


    "He''s behind by too much. How can he catch up?"


    "An upgraded Peter is really this strong? If it were before, even if it could manage to break through the structure, it would not be possible for it to grab an advantage of over a dozen points in such aplex board state!"


    When the Americans saw that state of the board, they heaved a sigh of relief and looked relieved. Although it had taken some time, which was not to their expectations, the end result was something they were willing to ept. Peter had gained an absolute advantage, and it was still just the opening!


    The American representative looked over to Zhang Ye, who was seated not too far away, and thought to himself, Now you know just how strong Peter is after getting an upgrade? No matter what moves you try today, no matter what kind of new ystyles youe up with, Peter can analyze all of them and not get led by the nose!


    It would only get simpler from here!


    All they had to do was not let up on the attack!


    The Americans were confident that victory was in their hands!


    The Qiyuan''s people were all feeling extremely nervous!


    The television viewers were also getting jittery!


    Only Zhang Ye''s expression was different from theirs. The camera at the venue suddenly zoomed in on Zhang Ye and discovered that he was actually smiling. It was as though he did not mind that he had fallen behind by more than a dozen points. He was simply indifferent to it all!


    Chen Ying said, "We can see that Professor Zhang looks calm andposed!"


    Xiang Rong narrowed his eyes. "He should still have other ideas!"


    But the Americans did not think that Zhang Ye would be able to make aeback. In their opinion, the remainder of the game would only serve to be Peter''s killing field!


    In the game room.


    Zhang Ye was indeed calm andposed. This was something he expected. He knew that the Great nt Joseki couldn''t contain Peter and force it intomitting any errors. On the contrary, ying this joseki was more disadvantageous for himself as he did not have theputational power that Peter had. He knew that he wasn''t a match for Peter in any localized battles. Even if he had all that research information about the Great nt Joseki from his previous world, it was only meant to aid him to a certain extent. With Peter seeing all of the moves that were advantageous to him, there was hardly anything that Zhang Ye could do about it.


    He was using the opportunity to test it out, and he found out what he wanted to!


    The artificial intelligence had really been given an upgrade! So it had itsputational depth increased and its analytical power fine-tuned to be more precise? The magnificent move and new opening that were yed yesterday had really sent the Americans panicking then? So they had to increase Peter''sputational depth in this area as they wanted it to crack any of Zhang Ye''s new ystyles? They wanted to be able to predict every of Zhang Ye''s moves? Like the Great nt Joseki, it was probably cracked due to the increase inputational depth, wasn''t it? Thinking of this, Zhang Ye smiled again. Hur hur, it looks like you people have done this in vain. This upgrade is probably going to be the biggest mistake on your part!


    They wanted to predict all the possible solutions? It''s possible that your machine might really be able to achieve that!


    But have you forgotten that there''s a price to pay for that? And that price is��time!


    He looked at his own clock.


    And then had a look at Peter''s clock.


    It had already used up 40 minutes? Very good! Thene and give this next one a try too!


    Chen Ying said, "Oh, Professor Zhang has made his move!"


    Xiang Rong was taken aback. "Upper left?"


    Chen Ying added, "Professor Zhang has given up on the lower left and yed his next move in the upper left. Peter did not take any time to think and immediately responded!"


    But Zhang Ye ced his next stone down with a smile!


    Then Peter went deep in the tank once again!


    Xiang Rong was surprised at this. "This!"


    Chen Ying was also stunned. "This��"


    Five minutes!


    Ten minutes!


    Peter didn''t "budge" an inch!


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye was beaming and crossed his legs. He looked as rxed as could be.


    The Americans were enraged!


    The television viewers blew up!


    The pro Go yers of China Qiyuan were floored!


    "Again?"


    "This again?"


    "What is it this time!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "How is it yet another goddamnplex joseki?"


    "What the hell is this!"


    "Goddammit! How did hee up with yet another one!"


    "This is tooplicated! I feel like vomiting blood just seeing it. Fuck!"


    "If it were me going up against Professor Zhang, I would have flipped the table already! He''s too sly. After thatrge nt, he hase up with yet another one?"


    "What is this one called?"


    "Who knows! I''ve never even seen it before!"


    Dan Donghe looked at Wu Changhe in shock. "Have you seen this before?"


    Wu Changhe gave a wry smile and shook his head. "I''ve never ever seen it before, but this is really tooplex! At first nce, I can already see that there are over a dozen variations to y! This is��"


    Li Yi said angrily, "Isn''t Little Zhang asking for it? He suffered such a crushing defeat, so why doesn''t he learn? Why is he still trying those tricks of his?"


    Dan Donghe suddenly said, "That might not be it. Look, the one having trouble dealing with it is definitely Peter!"


    Peter was still silent!


    15 minutes had already passed!


    The Americans red at Zhang Ye. They really wished to go up to him at this moment and finish him off!


    Are you done or what?


    You''re still not finished yet?


    What the fuck is this kind of ystyle!


    Are you doing this on purpose?


    Yes, in fact. Zhang Ye was doing this on purpose!


    The Magic Sword Joseki 1 ��the second of the three mostplex josekis from Zhang Ye''s previous world!


    1. https://senseis.xmp/?MagicSword

 Chapter 1141: Playing all three of the most complex josekis!

    <h4>Chapter 1141: ying all three of the mostplex josekis! </h4>


    Chapter 1141: ying all three of the mostplex josekis!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    With the Magic Sword out!


    The board state became a quagmire!


    Online, many Go yers felt as though their heads were about to explode!


    "Holy shit!"


    "I can''t look at this anymore!"


    "This is too confusing!"


    "My brain fucking hurts!"


    "How on earth do you solve something like this?"


    "Where does Zhang Ye get so many weird moves from!"


    "If I were Peter, I would definitely fucking want to kill him!"


    The Great nt Joseki had exhausted countless people as they tried to make out its depth. Those endless possibilities and variations would perhaps even confound top yers like Xiang Rong, Li Yi, and others. In the end, Peter had a hard time climbing out of it before immediatelying face-to-face with the Magic Sword Joseki. Just what kind of an experience was this? What was for sure was that this was definitely a "fuck my life" kind of moment! It was fortunate that Zhang Ye was facing a machine with no emotions. Otherwise, if a human were sitting across from him at this time, that person would probably fight him physically after the game, regardless of whether they won or lost. This was too fucking mean!


    The Magic Sword Joseki: one of the three mostplex josekis to y in Go back in Zhang Ye''s previous world. Compared to the other 3-4 point josekis 1 , the Magic Sword Joseki was the mostplex and difficult one to y against!


    After Zhang Ye''srge knight''s move, Peter became unresponsive!


    Chen Ying said in surprise, "Peter has gone into the tank again. It has already been 15 minutes and no move has been made yet. Is this Professor Zhang''s strategy? Will it really work?"


    Xiang Rong was also a little speechless. "What a strange game this is!"


    Chen Ying agreed, "Yes, this joseki might not look like anything much at first nce as there are only four stones in the corner. But it is simr to therge nt from earlier. On a more detailed look, it seems like there''s no solution to it! With this joseki yed, it is truly time for these two yers to have their skills tested. We simply can''t predict how this will end!"


    The time left on Peter''s clock was dwindling!


    Its clock disyed just over an hour!


    The Americans were getting anxious. They were all screaming inside their heads.


    Get him!


    Fuck him up!


    Increase your advantage!


    Everyone was waiting. They were waiting for Peter to make a choice and respond to the move. But as they could not see any expression, nor was there any expression to show, no one really knew the status of Peter!


    However, they could all see Zhang Ye''s expression. He looked veryfortable even though he was behind by more than a dozen points. He was looking unexpectedly calm!


    The Americans clenched their teeth!


    But everyone else was feeling reassured!


    Zhang Ye''s calmness had given them a lot of confidence!


    Li Qinqin said, "Can he make aeback?"


    Hu Liang said, "Professor Zhang seems confident of it!"


    Xu Han gave a wry smile and said, "We must think of it that way!"


    Everyone wanted to see how this joseki would be yed out. As it was tooplex, many of them had already given up on analyzing it, so they quietly waited as they watched!


    Peter had 58 minutes of left on the clock.


    Finally, it made its move!


    Peter cut across Zhang Ye''srge knight''s move and began open battle!


    Zhang Ye smiled and ced his stone, ying a "reach around" on the outer side!


    Peter went silent once again!


    Five minutester, Peter yed a stretch above Zhang Ye''s stone!


    Zhang Ye didn''t even think and went straight for a corner position!


    Peter went deep in the tank again!


    Chen Ying apuded and said, "How wonderful!"


    Yu Yingyi was dizzy. "I can''t understand anything that''s going on!"


    Xiang Rong exined, "Professor Zhang has more of the initiative. Although it might look like he did not think much before ying his moves, all of his moves are quite beautiful. It seems like he ising up with the best responses to every move that his opponent is making in theplexity of this joseki. He''s truly a strong yer!"


    Chen Ying said worriedly, "But the board state that''s about to unfold looks like it''s going to be a matter of choices. And the choice to be made here is very important, so I wonder how Peter is going to handle it!"


    Peter moved again!


    Zhang Ye blinked and replied!


    Chen Ying cheered, "Good move! Professor Zhang, what a good move!"


    But Xiang Rong said, "That''s a joseki trap 2 ."


    Chen Ying was startled. "A joseki trap?"


    Xiang Rong nodded.


    After a slight analysis, Chen Ying broke out in a cold sweat. "It''s really a joseki trap! Professor Zhang is trying to lure Peter in!" She thought to herself how he could be so crafty!


    However, Peter did not fall for it. It yed an extension!


    Zhang Ye bumped.


    This time, Peter was obviously faster in processing and retreated with its move, purposely staying away from it!


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes. He went for a push-through move against Peter''s expectations!


    They were engaged in a closely fought battle!


    It was thrilling!


    This was not a real battle, and there was no smoke and fire. But on this small Go board, it felt like two grandmasters were crossing swords and spilling blood!


    Xiang Rong said, "Peter has no way out. It can only face the fight! It''s even more so for Professor Zhang, but this should be what he wants and probably why he yed that joseki in the first ce! The circumstances are the same as therge nt joseki from earlier. Only one can survive, so unless the other falls, no one can get out. The only thing is we don''t know who will remain standing at the end!"


    In the spectator room, people were shouting and cheering!


    "You can do it!"


    "Charge!"


    "Professor Zhang, go for it!"


    But very quickly, their expressions changed!


    Just as Zhang Ye''s white stones were bashing his opponent, Peter yed a wonderfully magnificent move!


    After three minutes of thinking, Peter applied pressure in the corner and cut off Zhang Ye''s momentum straight down the middle!


    Zhang Ye frowned. His expression of helplessness was captured by the cameras.


    The Americans apuded Peter''s move!


    Alright!


    Beautiful!


    That was very well executed!


    Meanwhile, those who were siding with Zhang Ye could only sigh in unison!


    Zhang Ye made his next move!


    Peter attacked again!


    Zhang Ye yed a horizontal stretch!


    Peter chased after him!


    When Zhang Ye knew that nothing woulde out of this, he gave up and got out of the entanglement.


    Xiang Rong sighed. "Peter has broken through again!"


    Yu Yingyi asked anxiously, "How is Professor Zhang doing then?"


    Chen Ying answered, "Professor Zhang has suffered another great loss. The series of exchange in the upper corner has led him to lose at least another ten or more points. Then, there is another group of five or six stones that have been surrounded and are dead!"


    Dead?


    Another group was dead?


    Yu Yingyi despaired!


    When the television viewers heard that, they also lost all hope!


    They had been down by over a dozen points. And now, they were down by yet another dozen points? Adding them together, wouldn''t they be at around a 30-point deficit? What else was there left to y for!


    They were going to lose?


    There shouldn''t be a way to y on, right?


    Chen Ying 7-dan said sadly, "Professor Zhang is very much so in danger. Although I''m also rooting for him to win, based on the board state, there''s almost no hope."


    Xiang Rong also felt the same. "If it were me, I would''ve resigned by now."


    Resign? That would mean conceding the game!


    Even Xiang Rong was saying this, so it could be seen just how hopeless things was for Zhang Ye!


    However, Zhang Ye did not do so!


    Not only did he not concede, Zhang Ye still looked as calm as ever as he continued ying. This time, he yed his move right in the third corner where there were already some stones setup!


    Peter immediately replied with a cut!


    Zhang Ye pushed deeper!!


    Peter did not allow it!


    Zhang Ye forced his way in!


    Peter pushed him back!


    With the Magic Sword Joseki cracked, the remainingputation for the moves weren''t that difficult for Peter. It was starting to y efficiently again and almost did not waste any time. Every move waspleted within a minute, while it was Zhang Ye''s turn to be deep in the tank.


    The board state proceeded to the middlegame!


    The two sides exchanged another eight moves in that corner!


    Although Zhang Ye was still fighting, everyone else thought he was just trying to hold on!


    The Americans were confident of their victory. Some of them had already looked away from the y. They didn''t think that there was any need to watch as the result had been determined!


    The Great nt Joseki?


    The Magic Sword Joseki?


    Peter cracked them one after the other and showcased how strong its Go skills were!


    They believed, in fact, everyone believed, that Zhang Ye was at a dead end. They didn''t think that he had any moves left to y!


    But right when Peter yed a move at what everyone thought was a great position, Zhang Ye suddenlyughed!


    It finally happened!


    I knew that you would y this move!


    Without any hesitation, Zhang Ye pushed!


    At the beginning, no one saw anything particr about it.


    But when Peter went deep in the tank again after the Great nt Joseki and the Magic Sword Joseki, everyone suddenly felt that something was wrong. A bad premonition hit them!


    Xiang Rong was startled as he shouted, "It''s here again! Professor Zhang is doing it again!"


    Chen Ying looked dumbfounded as she just stared in shock at the board!


    What in the world!


    Again?


    You''re doing it again?


    Hu Liang''s legs wobbled!


    Xu Han was floored again!


    Wu Changhe and Dan Donghe were speechless.


    When they noticed the fearsomeness and shamelessness of Zhang Ye''s move, everyone silently put that bastard Zhang Ye onto their cklists!


    They knew that they would never want to y against him in the future!


    They would absolutely not do something like that!


    If they yed him, they would probably end up vomiting so much blood that they would die of blood loss!


    What kind of move was this?


    What kind of ystyle was this?


    Americans were only average at Go and were barely seen in international tournaments. Even if there were any, they would have Chinese or Korean ethnicity. But that did not mean that Americans did not know Go. Since the team members could issue a challenge to all humanity on behalf of Peter, they definitely understood Go! When they saw that move by Zhang Ye, and Peter going deep in the tank yet again, the reactions of the Americans could only be described as "what the fuck!" In their heads, they were cursing at all 18 generations of Zhang Ye''s ancestors!


    Why don''t you just die!


    Are you finished yet? Fuck!


    After the first one, you still had a second?


    After the second one, you''re now ying a third?


    What is this?


    Just what the hell is this?


    All of the American team members were raging, but Zhang Ye maintained his calm.


    The Avnche Joseki 3 ��the third of the three mostplex josekis from Zhang Ye''s previous world!


    1. https://senseis.xmp/?34PointJosekis | https://senseis.xmp/?Joseki | AlphaGo''s analysis of this joseki https://.facebook/photo.php?fbid=1635983276436237&set=pcb.1635990279768870&type=3&theater


    2. ƭ��/pi��n zh��o/hamete - Referring to a trap in joseki, typically a tricky but incorrect y that requires skill to refute. | https://senseis.xmp/?Hamete


    3. https://senseis.xmp/?NadareJoseki

 Chapter 1142: You’re done here, it’s my turn!

    <h4>Chapter 1142: You''re done here, it''s my turn! </h4>


    Chapter 1142: You''re done here, it''s my turn!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The Go yers were all stunned!


    Theizens were jumping for joy!


    "Aiyo, I''m dying ofughter!"


    "Pfft!"


    "Requesting to view Peter''s ''phobias'' stats!"


    "Did PeterGo crash?"


    "How does Zhang Yee up with suchplex josekis at the snap of a finger!"


    "It''s already the third one! This is already the fucking third one!"


    "Just how many does he have left?"


    "Who knows!"


    "Could he possibly make aeback?"


    "There shouldn''t be anything left to y for in this game, right?"


    "Is Teacher Zhang spiting the Americans on purpose?"


    Five minutes!


    Ten minutes!


    Fifteen minutes!


    Peter seemed to have crashed!


    Zhang Ye smiled and looked at the screen. Ever since the start of the game, he had not shown any trace or eptance of a loss. He was either just very calm or wore a smile on his face that no one could understand. No one knew what Zhang Ye intended to do and felt that he was just trying to mess up the board state on purpose. But they all had to admit that Zhang Ye really knew how to make trouble for Peter. Just with those three extremelyplex josekis that no one had ever seen before nor replicable by anyone in the Go world, Zhang Ye had done something to Peter that no one before him could manage. Let alone being able to make Peter "vomit blood," they could not even cause it any trouble. Further, Zhang Ye had won yesterday''s game fair and square!


    Wu Changhe sighed, "This kid, what''s the point of constantly ying those josekis? Even after taking all that trouble to y them, he was still killed off by that P-whatever its name was thingy! Does he even know the difference in scores? He can''t catch up!"


    Hu Liang thought so too. He yelled at the screen, "Professor Zhang, why don''t you at least try to catch up! This kind of joseki is tooplex! You might find yourself getting entangled in it!"


    "Is he going to lose?"


    "Aiyo, I''m dying from the anxiety!"


    "Professor Zhang, show your might!"


    "Do something like that Hand of God you yed yesterday!"


    With this Avnche Joseki yed, everyone felt like they were breaking down. But there was nothing that they could do since he had yed it!


    Zhang Ye could understand why they felt that way. He had brought out all three of his previous world''s mostplex josekis, all of them within just one game. This was not even seen before in his previous world at any of the official tournaments, and it was practically impossible for something like this to happen. How would most professional Go yers react when they saw the Magic Sword Joseki? The Avnche Joseki? The Great nt Joseki? They would all be pissing their pants already! It was certainly not something that they would y, and if any one of theseplex josekis made an appearance in a game, it would be a feat! So for three of them to appear within one game? That would surely be the death of them!


    If that was how a world with these three josekis already in existence would react, then it wasn''t necessary to speak of just how a world that had not seen them before would react!


    The threeplex josekis have all been yed!


    This was a fucking hell game!


    There shouldn''t be another Go game asplicated as this one, ever!


    Of course, the appearance of these three josekis was a result of Zhang Ye''s deliberate guidance. It was easier to ept that the Magic Sword and Great nt Josekis had been yed as the conditions to form the patterns were simpler. But the Avnche Joseki was much moreplicated and would rarely appear due to being much more conditional than the other two. After Zhang Ye''s failure with the Magic Sword Joseki, he had to purposely bring the game over to the structure in the other corner. Relying on a bit of experience and luck, as well as his slight understanding of Peter''s cognitive principles, Zhang Ye was finally able to lead Peter into the trap!


    Come on!


    Have a taste of this!


    The time left on Peter''s clock was slowly dwindling!


    The live broadcast camera zoomed in on the digits of the clock as they counted down��there weren''t even 30 minutes of left on its clock. Only 26 minutes were showing on the clock! Even though they were in the middlegame, and though Peter was leading by quite a bit, it had very little time left on the clock!


    In contrast, Zhang Ye still had an hour and thirty minutes left!


    When there were just 25 minutes left on Peter''s clock, it made a move!


    Peter yed a push 1 !


    Zhang Ye went with the flow and fought it!


    Peter countered!


    Zhang Ye called an atari!


    Peter gave up on the stone!


    Zhang Ye captured a ck stone!


    Two movester, Peter called an atari on the side of the board!


    Zhang Ye did not allow it!


    Peter thought for a good five minutes before cing a stone, which was a crucial move!


    Chen Ying could not help but say, "Beautiful!"


    Yu Yingyi said, "Peter seems to be ying much faster!"


    Xiang Rong said, "Yes,pared to earlier, it''s much faster!"


    Zhang Ye did not have a good way to deal with this move yet, so he had to retreat from there.


    But Peter pressed on!


    That resulted in Zhang Ye countering with an atari on his next move!


    This move of his was weed by apuse and cheers from those in thementary booth, as well as everyone else who was watching the match!


    Chen Ying said, "Good! Great!"


    Xiang Rong was taken aback as he realized that Zhang Ye did not suffer a loss this time. Not only did he not suffer a loss, he even captured a stone and regained a few points against all odds!


    The Qiyuan''s people were astonished!


    This was the first time that Zhang Ye had made Peter taste defeat in a fight in the corners. But whatever this meant, they were not in the mood to think about it. Neither did their attention deviate to that as the battle on the board was so intense that no one was considering other things!


    Only Zhang Ye eyes shifted as he kept smiling!


    Perhaps due to its earlier mistake, Peter went deep in the tank for another four minutes before ying its next move, then thought for another 3 minutes for its next move!


    Zhang Ye did not seem to need to think and yed spontaneously!


    Peter yed a horizontal stretch!


    Zhang Ye preemptively grabbed a position!


    Peter hesitated for a moment before rushing to fight for it!


    Zhang Ye then yed a very unusual ghost move 2 !


    Peter considered its moves for another three minutes!


    Chen Ying suddenly said, "Peter is about to break the joseki!"


    Xiang Rong did not say anything.


    Sure enough, Peter''s next move attacked straight in. With that, the deadlocked battle in the corner came a temporary end, and Peter sessfully escaped. But unlike the previous two times, perhaps due to its internal configuration for time rules, many of its moves were hastily yed without much thought at all. This led to Peter escaping the fight in the corner only after taking a loss of four or five points!


    Yu Yingyi quickly asked, "How are things?"


    Chen Ying smiled and said, "This time, Professor Zhang has yed the joseki sessfully!"


    "What?" Yu Yingyi was pleasantly surprised. "That''s great!"


    Xiang Rong continued and immediately poured cold water on that by saying, "But Peter still has an advantage in the other territories. There''s also still a 25, 26 point difference in the score!"


    Yu Yingyi fell silent!


    25 to 26 points?


    The game was entering thetter half!


    Chen Ying sighed. "It won''t be easy to catch up. It''s almost impossible!"


    The mood dipped a little. This corner fight might have been won, but it was unable to affect the entire battle. Professor Zhang might have yed splendidly here, but it did not affect the overall board state much!


    The Americans heaved a sigh of relief.


    They''ve finally won!


    A loss of four or five points? That was fine, it was totally eptable. As long as they could break the joseki, it was all fine and they would definitely be able to take this game! Subtracting thepensation, they still led by 25 to 26 points? There was still more than half the game left to be yed, so it would be very difficult for them to throw the game! Their advantage was clear as day!


    The Americans representative smiled as he looked at Zhang Ye.


    Come!


    What other moves do you have left?


    Huh? What do you have left?


    However, one of the Caucasians in the group got startled. He looked shocked as he tugged at the representative and pointed at theputer in a fluster!


    Chen Ying also realized it!


    She shouted, "Something''s wrong! Something''s off!"


    Yu Yingyi was taken aback. "What is it?"


    Chen Ying excitedly pointed at Peter''s clock. "Take a look at that! Look at Peter''s remaining time!"


    Yu Yingyi eximed, "Two minutes and twenty-two seconds?"


    Xiang Rong''s eyes lit up. "Peter only has two minutes left!"


    The Americans could feel their hearts dropping. This was bad!


    Meanwhile, the Qiyuan''s people blew up!


    Li Qinqin said in shock, "Two minutes! Two minutes more and the main time will end. Every move after that will have to be yed within one minute! Peter is out of time!"


    Hu Liang said, "Even two hours are not enough?"


    Dan Donghe exulted. "It was all spent on dealing with Professor Zhang''s three josekis!"


    Xu Han gasped, "What is Professor Zhang trying to do?"


    Everyone looked at one another and could see the shock in one another''s eyes!


    The three josekis were yed, but Zhang Ye''s n was not to use them to win the game. It was not so that he could fight against Peter. His objective since the start was to make Peter run out of time! But would that still be possible? With such a great deficit of points, could he catch up? What moves did Zhang Ye have left?


    In an instant, the atmosphere chilled!


    The home viewers were also looking at their television screens in shock!


    The American representative panicked but quickly forced himself to calm down. Impossible! He couldn''t catch up! Even if Peter did not have much main thinking time left and could only use one minute for the overtime after the main time was over, it could still control the overall board state. Besides, with two of the corners already lost, how can you y on? It was toote for that!


    Aeback?


    Not even God could achieve that!


    Chen Ying''s voice was getting very loud. "The board is in a very delicate state! Peter has the advantage and is almost in a winning position, but it has used up most of its main time! It won''t be able to make any more in-depth decisions! Is there a way to y on? Can Professor Zhang turn things around? Has this been what he was waiting for all along? What killer moves does he have left that he hasn''t shown us? Right now, the entire pride of the Go world is in his hands!"


    That''s right!


    Zhang Ye had been waiting for this moment!


    He looked at theputer and smiled. We Chinese have a traditional saying called "You''re done here, it''s my turn." After hogging the limelight for so long, I guess you should be done here?


    It''s my turn!


    This bro will give you a lesson today!


    I''ll show you another famous ystyle from my previous world!


    1. ѹ/Y��/oshi | https://senseis.xmp/?Push


    2. https://senseis.xmp/?BloodVomitingGame

 Chapter 1143: Go can be played this way?

    <h4>Chapter 1143: Go can be yed this way? </h4>


    Chapter 1143: Go can be yed this way?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the Xuanwumen Go Club for the elderly.


    A group of elderly people was getting impatient.


    "He has fallen behind by too much!"


    "Yeah, so what if he has more time?"


    "I''d rather he exchange some of that time for points. He''s behind by 25, 26 points as we enter the middlegame. Even a miracle can''t save him!"


    "Agreed."


    "It will be very difficult to continue ying!"


    ��


    Back at home.


    His father was getting very anxious. "What should he do? What should he do now?"


    His mother said loudly, "Aiyo, keep quiet and sit down! Keep watching!"


    His father said, "How can I stay seated? He''s losing by so much!"


    ��


    At Old Rao''s house.


    Yang Shu said eagerly, "Why isn''t Senior Bro getting anxious?"


    Rao Aimin nced at the television. "Him? He''s just trying to act cool and mysterious."


    Chenchen asked, "Aunt, will Zhang Ye win?"


    "How can he win?" Rao Aimin pursed her lips. Although that was what she said, Old Rao''s eyes were still glued to the game on the television.


    ��


    The state of the board was approaching the most crucial period!


    The board was also in a most dangerous state!


    China Qiyuan''s people were all waiting to see just what Zhang Ye was nning. Some of them were clutching their chests with racing hearts. They were simply unable to watch any further!


    A professional 5th dan female Go yer covered her eyes. "I''m can''t watch!"


    A 6th dan youth yer next to her turned his back to the screen, moaning as he did, as if it would help to ease the tension. But in the end, it wasn''t useful at all. So he stuck both his index fingers into his ears, afraid that he would hear Zhang Ye suddenly resign!


    "Come on!"


    "Professor Zhang, you can do it!"


    "Come on!"


    "May God bless you!"


    "Heavenly Father, please let us win! I beg of you!"


    The people at the Qiyuan started shouting. This might well be their final cries!


    At present, whether it be the Americans, the Qiyuan''s people, or the home viewers, nobody believed that Zhang Ye stood any chance of winning. But none of these people knew that they were about to witness a sensational game!


    On the live broadcast.


    Zhang Ye smiled and made a move. He ced a white stone in the corner which Peter had taken with a move after he had yed the Magic Sword Joseki!


    This move was very surprising!


    So surprising that even Xiang Rong was taken aback!


    Xiang Rong 9-dan said, "What?"


    Chen Ying even shouted, "Oh my God, what is Professor Zhang trying to do?"


    Yu Yingyi did not dare to speak. She just stared nkly at the screen!


    Chen Ying felt incredulous. She could not understand Zhang Ye''s intent. "This corner was where that fight took ce. Professor Zhang has clearly lost the area, with his stones mostly surrounded by Peter''s ck stones. Not too many of Professor Zhang''s white stones are still alive! But we''re seeing Professor Zhang''s white stone has once again rushed in for an attack. What''s the meaning of this? Suicide? A sacrifice? Or has he made a mistake!"


    A mistake?


    Everyone paled!


    He was behind by so much, and he made a mistake?


    Peter probably did not expect that Zhang Ye would venture an attack here. Perhaps due to ack of time, Peter yed its move at the very next second!


    Peter yed a stand against the attack!


    Zhang Ye bumped!


    Peter called an atari!


    Zhang Ye did not allow it!


    Then Peter went with a horizontal stretch!


    Chen Ying was despairing. "The white stones are sinking deeper and deeper. Professor Zhang is also falling further and further behind in points. That mistake was a fatal one and has put him in a worse state than before!"


    Wu Changhembasted, "What the heck is he doing!"


    Li Qinqin said in surprise, "That isn''t like Little Zhang!"


    Xu Han remarked, "What is he doing? Why''d he go for that corner?"


    Hu Liang shouted, "Those white stones are practically dead! How can he prevent it?"


    At this point, Peter had run out of main time, his clock reaching zero!


    Zhang Ye yed a cut!


    Peter''s overtime period began!


    In these types ofpetitions, one wouldn''t lose after their main time was used up. Instead, the game would enter into y that was simr to "blitz." This meant that every move Peter yed would have to be made within one minute. Otherwise, if it exceeded this duration and used up the three allocated one-minute overtime periods, the referee would automatically give Peter the loss based on the rules!


    10 seconds.


    30 seconds.


    50 seconds.


    Peter hurriedly yed a reinforcing move.


    Zhang Ye yed a descent!


    Chen Ying said loudly, "Why is he still attacking over there?"


    Yu Yingyi said sadly, "He''s basically giving away his stones for nothing!"


    This was where Peter had marked out its territory, and though Zhang Ye''s stones hadn''t been fully captured, they weren''t far from it. But now, Zhang Ye was ying more and more stones at this location, sacrificing them with every move he made. This was something that even aywoman like Yu Yingyi could understand, but why did it seem like Zhang Ye could not?


    The home viewers were also appalled!


    "We''re done for!"


    "This time, we''re utterly done for!"


    "Teacher Zhang has lost it!"


    "Damn, he''s almost 40 points behind now, isn''t he?"


    Zhang Ye was seemingly unaware of it all, and after thinking for five minutes, he yed again. He still had time left, so much time that he could y at ease.


    Peter yed its next move with three seconds left in its overtime period!


    The Americans looked at one another with smiles on their faces!


    The two international referees were somewhat speechless!


    But a miracle happened at the very next second!


    Without any warning, Zhang Ye suddenly countered with a white stone thatnded on a position no one had expected!


    Things instantly became tense!


    Peter was stunned!


    The timer counted up very quickly!


    Peter was forced to y!


    Zhang Ye smiled as he lightly clicked the mouse��atari!


    With that, many people looked shocked!


    Xiang Rong cried out, "He''s pressing to capture those live stones with adder 1 !"


    Chen Ying looked like she had seen a ghost!


    The Qiyuan''s people and Go yers watching the TV were also dumbfounded!


    Forcefully trying to capture the live stones through adder?


    This was too crazy!


    This was too overbearing!


    As it turned out, Zhang Ye''s earlier series of "blunders" were all made to kill off this ck stone of Peter''s. In their eyes, this was something only a madman would attempt! The price to pay was too great! If anything went wrong, it would lead to doom! It would lead to a very bad end!


    Peter couldn''t do anything but give up on that stone!


    Zhang Ye captured it!


    Then Peter yed!


    Zhang Ye attacked from the outside!


    Peter was taken aback and hurriedly retreated!


    Then the most critical stonended on the board!


    Zhang Ye smiled as he clicked the mouse again and called for atari once more. The Magic Sword Joseki that had almost been surrounded by Peter''s white stones had now been used by Zhang Ye against the AI. This took Peter byplete surprise!


    The Americans were stunned!


    Chen Ying was dumbfounded!


    Everyone watching the game was shocked!


    Zhang Ye captured yet another stone. Normally, the loss of this stone should have been eptable since Peter was so far ahead. It shouldn''t have mattered much at all!


    But that was not the case this time!


    This stone was different from the others!


    When Zhang Ye took that second ck stone for himself, even the international referees were shocked to the point that their jaws dropped. They stared fixedly at Zhang Ye as though he was a god of some sort!


    Hu Liang eximed, "Holy shit!"


    Xu Han shouted, "What the fuck!"


    Wu Changhe was shocked!


    Dan Donghe looked astounded!


    They had all witnessed an unbelievable sight!


    The stones came alive!


    Zhang Ye''s dead group in the corner had been revived!


    Countless people were looking at the Go board, but none of them could believe what they were seeing!


    Sacrificing stones?


    Suiciding them?


    Forcefully trying to capture live stones using adder?


    And the dead group got revived!


    This��this was a divine miracle!


    This��this was pure sorcery!


    They were all overwhelmed by Zhang Ye''s offbeat ystyle!


    Even many of the top pros were seeing this for the first time. It could be yed this way? Go can even be yed this way?!


    1. ��/zh��ng/shich�� - Adder is a technique for capturing stones. At each step the attacker reduces the defender''s liberties from two to one. | https://senseis.xmp/?Ladder

 Chapter 1144: Humanity wins!

    <h4>Chapter 1144: Humanity wins! </h4>


    Chapter 1144: Humanity wins!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The living group 1 died!


    And the dead group got revived!


    This was the famous "Zombie Style" from Zhang Ye''s previous world. The ystyle was the im to fame of the representative figure of the Go world, Lee Sedol 2 !


    There was no such ystyle in this world, and no one has ever seen something like it before. So you could imagine the shock they received when they saw Zhang Ye''s dead group get revived. The Zombie Style was a very different ystyle and strategy that yers would resort to in times of adversity. This sort of strategy required a higher standard of y than the Cosmic Style. It not only required the yer to have an awareness of the overall board state and ability to force an attack, but also required a strong understanding of dead groups, a strong concept of thickness and thinness, as well as have good control of the pace of the game. A yer would need to be exceptional in all of those areas to be able to y the Zombie Style. This sort of extraordinary ystyle was also practically unwieldable even by those top yers who had studied the Zombie Style!


    Chen Ying could feel herself going crazy. "He has captured two living stones with a strongdder! Professor Zhang''s white stones in the corner havee back to life! Oh my god! This is truly a stroke of genius!"


    Xiang Rong said excitedly, "That was quite beautiful!"


    Chen Ying shouted, "Peter did not foresee this move! It didn''t see iting at all!"


    Yu Yingyi asked, "What''s their score difference now?"


    Xiang Rong did a quick calction. "Including thepensation, he''s only behind by about 17 or 18 points!"


    After Xiang Rong spoke, Chen Ying remarked, "This is a miracle! It''s truly a miracle!"


    From a difference of over 30 points, he had caught up to just being slightly behind by a little over a dozen points. Calling it a miracle was quite right, as this was truly unbelievable!


    The Americans were panicking!


    Why?


    Why hadn''t Peter prevented that?


    This shouldn''t have been the case! It was impossible!


    Peter was running on an upgraded version of the program! There shouldn''t have been anything that it couldn''t predict! Suddenly, the American representative nced at Peter''s clock. He nched and understood what was going on! Peter was out of time! It didn''t have any time to do an in-depth analysis before ying its moves!


    Shit!


    They''d been had!


    The Americans only understood at this moment how important time was for Peter. They only just realized that they had all fallen for Zhang Ye''s trickery right from the start. Ever since the Great nt Joseki appeared, they had slowly been walking into Zhang Ye''s trap! Zhang Ye had been waiting for just this moment. The three josekis he yed had only one objective: to make Peter use up its time!


    Watching from home, many viewers stood up!


    China Qiyuan''s people were also shouting in excitement after being surprised!


    Li Qinqin said anxiously in a loud voice, "Can he catch up? Can he really do it?"


    Wu Changhe said, "I don''t know! I just don''t know!"


    Dan Donghe was staring hard at the screen while his palms were sweating profusely!


    Hu Liang''s heart was pounding. "Just about a dozen more points! There are only about a dozen points left to catch up on!"


    "Keep going!"


    "Go Professor Zhang!"


    "You can do it!"


    "Yeah! You can do it! You can do it!"


    "Get after it!"


    "Quick! There''s almost no time left!"


    Some professional Go yers were even shouting at the top of their lungs!


    Peter went deep in thought again!


    Two��


    Three��


    At thest second, Peter yed a move straight down the center!


    Zhang Ye replied with a checking extension!


    Peter retreated!


    Zhang Ye did not let up and continued attacking with his next move!


    Then Peter yed a good move. A stone was ced squarely at a critical position and helped the ck stones gain a lot of influence in the center of the board where it could advance or retreat easily!


    But Zhang Ye did not bother responding to that move and instead yed a move near the bottom left corner. He set his sights back on the almost dead Great nt Joseki!


    The American representative shot to his feet!


    Hold it off!


    Peter!


    You have to hold it off!


    Chen Ying immediately yelled, "It''s back!"


    Yu Yingyi felt fired up just watching. "Professor Zhang has started another fight!"


    "Will there be another miracle?" Chen Ying''s voice was getting louder and louder. "Can it happen again? We can see here that Professor Zhang has begun a siege! What is he nning?"


    Peter ignored him and continued taking control of the center!


    But Zhang Ye''s next stone prated behind the enemy lines!


    Peter was taken aback and rushed back to cut!


    Then Zhang Ye cast a stone away by cing it inside the dead group!


    Chen Ying was surprised. "What?"


    Yu Yingyi was panicking badly. "Why did he do that?"


    Peter did not hesitate and captured Zhang Ye''s white stone!


    The Americans cheered on the inside!


    Alright!


    Well done!


    However, Zhang Ye just smiled and calmly yed on.


    Peter yed a strong horizontal stretch!


    Zhang Ye yed a descent!


    This descent shocked a lot of people!


    The Americans broke out in cold sweats!


    Peter retreated!


    Zhang Ye went for the kill!


    Although he had one of his stones captured, little did anyone know that Zhang Ye''s objective was not in that position at all. It was a joseki trap yed to open up a position elsewhere. Besides, Zhang Ye only had one objective in mind: to force the living stones into adder 3 ! He wanted to swallow all of the ck stones over here!


    By the time Peter reacted, it was toote!


    Zhang Ye called an atari and captured a stone first!


    Peter counterattacked!


    Zhang Ye brushed it aside and yed a hard bump!


    Peter reinforced the empty positions!


    Zhang Ye called an atari again and took another stone!


    A lot of people could feel their blood racing as they watched!


    The Qiyuan''s people were shouting in shock and surprise!


    "Good!"


    "Well yed!"


    "Heavens! Very beautiful!"


    "Professor Zhang, attack!"


    They would enter to the endgame soon. The Go board was getting very crowded as the positions to y on lessened!


    Peter wildly counterattacked around the perimeter, seemingly without any considerations!


    Zhang Ye blocked!


    Peter struggled and went all out with its next move!


    Zhang Ye smiled as Peter yed a hard attachment 4 from above!


    Right after, Zhang Ye countered with an atari!


    If Peter were a living person, it would surely look wan and pale!


    When Peter''s third stone in the great nt area was captured, those at the venue and watching on TV were so shocked they could not speak!


    They came back to life!


    About seven white stones came back to life within the dead group!


    ��


    On the Online Go Server.


    The onlinementator was dumbfounded. "Incredible! What an incredible way of ying! What beautiful captures! Professor Zhang has captured three ck stones in a row withdders! These captures have allowed a portion of the white stones to be revived! Oh my God! This ystyle has to be described as a fantasy! It''s literally unheard of!"


    ��


    Beijing Television.


    The host said in shock, "What''s the difference now?"


    Thementator looked even more shocked than the host. Due to the fact that he was a pro Go yer, this situation unfolding before him felt impossible. "There''s no difference anymore!"


    The host was taken aback. "No difference?"


    Thementator gasped and said, "There isn''t a difference anymore! Zhang Ye is only down by a point or two!"


    The host was stunned. "What?"


    ��


    A female Go yer screamed, "Ahhhhh!"


    Wu Changhe eximed, "He has caught up! He''s really caught up!"


    Dan Donghe''s shouts were even littered with curses. "Great showing! That was a fucking great showing!"


    "Professor Zhang!" Hu Liang roared.


    Li Yi shouted, "We''re nearly there!"


    Liu Hong 9-dan said, "You''re only two points behind! Only two points! Catch up!"


    Xu Han led the cheering. "Let''s go!"


    Everyone responded with cheers!


    "Let''s go!"


    "Let''s go!"


    "Catch up!"


    "Professor Zhang, make aeback!"


    Li Qinqin''s eyes were reddening!


    Could he do it?


    Could Little Zhang really do it?


    ��


    In the game room.


    The game was in its closing stages!


    Without making any sense, after Zhang Ye revived that small area of white stones, he no longer battled over there. Instead, he went for the center and attacked right away!


    Peter yed a push-through!


    Zhang Ye forcefully attacked!


    Peter reinforced its structure!


    Zhang Ye attacked again!


    Chen Ying stood up. She could no longer sit still!


    Xiang Rong''s breathing was getting more rapid!


    The Americans were staring straight at the board with wide eyes!


    It was almost ending!


    It was going to finish soon!


    Peter made use of its advantageous opening framework in the center to surround two of Zhang Ye''s white stones!


    Zhang Ye neither panicked nor rushed as he started fighting back from the inside!


    Peter yed a stone to reinforce its attack!


    However, Zhang Ye bumped it back. Next, he yed a yed a knight''s move and the Zombie Style reappeared. It had unexpectedly revived three white stones in the right corner this time as he continued his attack from the opposite direction!


    Peter''s reinforcing y was toote!


    Zhang Ye continued attacking as the revived white stones started to surround the ck ones!


    Peter fell silent!


    It was too quick!


    It was way too quick!


    Chen Ying finally reacted after three seconds as she looked at the Go board in shock. All of a sudden, tears flooded down her cheeks and she could not stop herself from crying!


    Yu Yingyi got frightened. "What''s the matter? Teacher Chen, what is it?"


    Xiang Rong''s hands were trembling!


    Yu Yingyi said in panic, "Teacher Xiang? Teacher Chen? What''s happening?"


    Chen Ying sobbed, "We''ve won!"


    Yu Yingyi was startled. "What?"


    Chen Ying cried, "We woooooon!"


    Yu Yingyi froze!


    1. https://senseis.xmp/?Alive


    2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Sedol


    3. ��/zh��ng/shich�� - Adder is a technique for capturing stones. At each step, the attacker reduces the defender''s liberties from two to one. | https://senseis.xmp/?Ladder (etymology on this page should be ignored)


    4. ��/P��ng/tsuke - The contact y or attachment is a move which is yed in immediate contact with (that is, directly next to) a stone of the opponent (without being in such a rtionship with a friendly stone). | https://senseis.xmp/?Attach

 Chapter 1145: A hero is born!

    <h4>Chapter 1145: A hero is born! </h4>


    Chapter 1145: A hero is born!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    We won?


    We really won?


    When they heard that on the Central TV Sports Channel live broadcast, all of the television viewers sprang up from their seats and stared at the screen in shock, watching as Zhang Ye and Peter yed out the endgame 1 . It wasn''t over yet, and many people were still unsure whether Chen Ying 7-dan''s ims were true!


    One stone.


    Five stones.


    Ten stones.


    Zhang Ye kept smiling.


    But Peter''s moves were getting more and more pathetic as it started making more and more mistakes!


    The moment the match ended, the two international referees fast walked over to verify the game!


    The Americans were pale as a sheet of paper!


    The room fell eerily silent!


    ��


    Japan.


    "The game''s over!"


    "It''s ended!"


    How was it?"


    "Who won?"


    ��


    Korea.


    "What are things like?"


    "How did it go?"


    "Hurry up and announce the result already!"


    ��


    Over in China, people were even more interested!


    "Has he won?"


    "Quickly announce the result!"


    "Damn, what exactly is the result?"


    ��


    In the game room.


    As this was a very crucial match, the international referees had to verify the game several times before finally giving each other a look. The older referee of the two gave a slight smile.


    The camera focused on him!


    Thousands and thousands of people were watching him on their televisions!


    They heard the older referee announce, "In this game, Zhang Ye is victorious!"


    2-1!


    Zhang Ye had won!


    Humanity won!


    And he even won by more than 20 points!


    In the endgame, Zhang Ye took an overwhelming victory by making aeback from more than 30 points down to win the game by over 20 points. It was truly a miracle!


    Yu Yingyi shouted, "We''ve won! We''ve won!"


    Chen Ying was still sobbing. "Congrattions, Professor Zhang! This is a historic victory for the Go world! Professor Zhang has helped the Go world safeguard the honor of humanity! He is amazing! Professor Zhang was amazing today! This has got to be the highest level of Go achieved by humans! This has got to be the most unforgettable match of the entire international world of Go! After three days ofpetition, Professor Zhang has defeated the AI by a score of two to one! Professor Zhang has used the most practical of actions to show machines and those arrogant Americans that humans are unbeatable in Go!"


    Arrogant Americans?


    The director quickly cautioned Chen Ying through her earpiece!


    But Chen Ying was already feeling so fired up that she could no longer contain herself. How could she be bothered with using the proper courtesy? She could only use shouting to express herself!


    ��


    At the Xuanwumen Go Club for the elderly.


    A middle-aged man threw the game record in his hands into the air!


    An old man looked at the screen all atremble. He was crying!


    "We''ve won!"


    "Zhang Ye has won!"


    "Victory is ours! It''s ours!"


    ��


    At home.


    His mother let out an excited shout!


    His father couldn''t contain his excitement either!


    "My son won!"


    "Little Ye defeated theputer!"


    ��


    At Old Rao''s house.


    Yang Shu shouted so loudly that the entire apartmentplex could hear her!


    "Senior Bro wooooon!"


    Rao Aimin rolled her eyes. "That kid really won?"


    ...


    At the SARFT.


    Wu Zeqing called Secretary Bai over with a smile.


    "Chief Wu?"


    "I''ll be treating everyone for lunch."


    "Ah, alright."


    ��


    At Old Yao''s house.


    Yao Mi yelled, "He snatched victory from the jaws of defeat! Oh my God!"


    Yao Jiancai''s wife said, "Little Zhang really did it!"


    "He''s ascending!" Yao Jiancai''s jaw dropped!


    ��


    The live broadcast was still filming!


    Chaos reigned at the venue. The moment the result was announced, someone pushed open the door to the game room from outside. Then China Qiyuan''s people started streaming in. Wu Changhe, Li Qinqin, Dan Donghe, Li Yi, and Liu Hong were all looking pleasantly surprised!


    Zhang Ye stood up and waved at everyone.


    He was instantly surrounded by the group of excited people!


    Wu Changhe asked loudly, "What are those josekis called?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "They''re the Great nt, Magic Sword, and Avnche Josekis."


    Dan Donghe asked, "What about that ystyle at the end?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s called the Zombie Style."


    "What a great Zombie Style! What a great Zombie Style!" Wu Changhe''s voice was trembling with excitement. No one could stopughing. "Hahahahahaha!"


    Li Qinqin said, "Little Zhang, you''re the best!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It was quite a close call; I nearly lost the game. Fortunately, I did not disgrace everyone."


    All of a sudden, in the focus of the live broadcast camera.


    Hu Liang took a step forward and grabbed Zhang Ye!


    Xu Han swiftly followed!


    Tian Weiwei also rushed over!


    Over a dozen young people lifted Zhang Ye up at once. No one knew if they had discussed this beforehand or thought of it spontaneously.


    Zhang Ye was startled by this. "Hey, hey, hey, take it easy! Take it easy!"


    But they ignored him and suddenly tossed him high!


    Zhang Ye was scared out of his wits, but everyone was cheering!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    They threw him into the air!


    Then they caught him!


    Then they threw him into the air again!


    Many of the pro yers expressed their excitement in their own way!


    "We''ve won!"


    "We''ve really won!"


    A few female yers off to the side were wiping their tears away as they cried with joy. They felt too emotional and did not know how to describe their feelings. Perhaps only by crying could they show their most sincerest of feelings. It was probably also the most direct response they could muster! A lot of people were crying!


    Even Dan Donghe couldn''t help but tear up a little when he saw this!


    No one could control their emotions!


    Because it was so incredible they couldn''t control themselves!


    Shinji 9-dan!


    Park Yuhee!


    Xiang Rong!


    All of the top Go yers had fallen to this artificial intelligence. Just as humanity was staring at a crushing defeat, Zhang Ye stepped forward and single-handedly saved the Go world after much difficulty. Witnessing this scene, not only did the blood of those in the Go world race, even the television viewers felt fired up and passionate!


    Theizens started flooding the servers with theirments!


    The flood ofments was so great that it could even turn the Heavens upside down!


    "This is so awesome!"


    "Zhang Ye, you''re so cool!"


    "Damn, I didn''t like him that much in the past, but today, I''ve turned from passerby into fan! I''m even going to be a diehard fan!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang has shown his prowess again! I knew he wouldn''t be pushed around so easily! Who is Zhang Ye? When has this fellow ever been at a disadvantage?! An AI? And it''s even an upgraded version? So what if it has been upgraded! Didn''t it still get its face smacked swollen by Face-smacking Zhang all the same! Look at the faces of those Americans!"


    "This release feels so good!"


    "This is so fun!"


    "No one else could do something like this! Zhang Ye is amazing!"


    "There hasn''t been anyone like Zhang Ye in showbiz for the past 500 years, nor will there be another person like him in the next 500 years!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang has left Peter in tears in China!"


    "Zhang Ye is indeed the better of the two!"


    "My idol! Zhang Ye is definitely going to be my idol for life!"


    "I want to learn Go!"


    "Me too, I''m suddenly very interested in it!"


    "Although I don''t know how to y Go, tears were inexplicably rolling down my cheeks from watching the game and listening to thementary on TV! It was so exciting! Teacher Zhang is a real blessing to mankind. Everyone, please don''t criticize him in the future! Otherwise, if we encounter this kind of situation again in the future, who would want to step forward for us? Who could turn things around like Teacher Zhang has done? Other than him, no one''s capable of doing so! Don''t you guys agree?"


    "Agreed!"


    "Well-spoken! There''s nothing wrong with it!"


    "Right, let''s not criticize him in the future!"


    "Just based on this war between humans and machines, I will support all of Zhang Ye''s future works!"


    "Teacher Zhang was really fucking cool today!"


    "Today, Zhang Ye is the hero of the Go world!"


    1. https://senseis.xmp/?Endgame

 Chapter 1146: How lonely it is to be invincible!

    <h4>Chapter 1146: How lonely it is to be invincible! </h4>


    Chapter 1146: How lonely it is to be invincible!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Outside the Qiyuan.


    Firecrackers popped. Nobody knew who had lit them, but several strings of firecrackers went off one after another. It sounded like the new year hade again.


    Faint shouts could also be heard.


    "Face-smacking Zhang is almighty!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang is almighty!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang is almighty!"


    "Go back home, you Americans!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    The crowd waiting at the entrance were in a celebratory mood!


    Inside.


    Zhang Ye''s phone was blowing up with calls!


    His eldest younger sister''s call:


    "Brother! You were so awesome!"


    "Haha, that''s of course!"


    "I would like to learn Go too, teach me."


    "Man, you don''t have the talent, so you should forget about it."


    B-list singer Xiaodong''s call:


    "You were incredible!"


    "Haha, I guess I wasn''t too bad."


    "Damn, who could have thought that you would really win against the AI! The group of us were all watching the live broadcast. Amy, Xiaoxian, and I were dumbfounded from watching!"


    He received over a dozen calls!


    His friends and rtives each took turns to bombard his phone with calls!


    After hanging up on thest call, Zhang Ye was feeling quite happy. He was suddenly ovee with emotion and sang.


    "How lonely it is to be invincible.


    "How empty it feels to be invincible.


    "Standing alone at the summit, the cold wind continues to blow past.


    "Who can understand my loneliness!"


    The more he sang, the more excited he became.


    "How lonely it is to be invincible.


    "How empty it feels to be invincible.


    "She who hides beyond the horizon, can you hear what I have to rte!


    "My loneliness!


    "Endless loneliness!"


    Zhang Ye did not even notice that there were still some reporters and cameras nearby. He just sang a song from his previous world called " Invincible 1 "!


    The reporters were dumbfounded by what they heard!


    A cameraman nearly burst outughing!


    How arrogant!


    This fellow was too good at putting on a show!


    A middle-aged reporter suddenly looked to the cameraman and asked loudly, "Did you get that? Did you record the singing?"


    That cameraman was stunned and quickly checked the camera. "Oh, it was recorded!"


    "That''s great!" The reporters were all excited!


    No matter what conduct that was, it was still Zhang Ye''s new song!


    ...


    At the press conference venue.


    Everyone had arrived.


    Zhang Ye was led over together with the Qiyuan''s people, as well as the American team members.


    The press conference was about to begin, and it was thergest one held over the span of the three games. Almost all of the media outlets that could attend were present. The mainstream Chinese media, television stations, and quite a number of Japanese and Korean reporters, along with some Caucasian reporters from either Europe or America, were all gathered here.


    The sea of reporters took to their seats and stared in anticipation as they waited to ask their questions. Some of the reporters could not wait anymore and shot off a barrage of questions!


    Dan Donghe pressed both hands down to quiet the crowd. "Can you please ask one by one?"


    An assistant from the Qiyuan pointed at a reporter whose hand was raised.


    That person stood up and asked the American team, "Peter has lost, so the AI you imed would surpass the wisdom and intelligence of humans couldn''t win in the end. So then, will your side admit that the AI is inferior to the wisdom and intelligence of humanity? Or do you all still insist you are right?"


    The American representative said, "I firmly believe that it will be the era of AIs from now on. Today''s loss was just a minor setback to the long road ahead. It''s not that big a deal at all. We''re also very grateful to Professor Zhang for showing us that humans are that skilled. We hadn''t believed it was possible. Moving on, we will continue to work on and develop our research on Peter''s artificial intelligence! Peter will only get stronger and stronger from here on out!"


    Another reporter asked, "Will you all try to challenge Professor Zhang again?"


    The American representative said with a sunken expression, "Yes, we will certainly challenge him again. For example, we are currently developing Peter''s Xiangqi functionalities and believe that it won''t be too long before everyone gets to see it. Compared to Go, Xiangqi is also a rather difficult type of strategy board game. If Peter can defeat humanity in that, then��"


    He no longer mentioned anything about Go!


    The Americans had changed the subject to Xiangqi!


    The reporters were surprised by this. Just as they were about to continue questioning, Zhang Ye spoke up!


    Zhang Ye undoubtedly lived up to his nickname of Face-smacking Zhang. He interrupted with augh, "Sure, I can actually y Xiangqi too."


    The American representative almost fainted!


    Several of the American team members nearly vomited blood!


    Fuck your second uncle!


    How the fuck do you know everything!


    Why don''t you just die!


    Why don''t you just go and die!


    The Americans were left speechless in the end. They no longer mentioned anything about Xiangqi!


    The reporters burst outughing in their heads


    Yu Yingyi was amused in the audience!


    Li Qinqin and the others were also in stitches. There was really no one else like Professor Zhang! But there was indeed nothing wrong with what he said. Everyone had witnessed Zhang Ye''s Xiangqi skill before and it was really quite advanced!


    In the cheerful and light-hearted atmosphere of the venue.


    A female reporter stood up. "Hello, I''m a reporter from Xinhua News. Teacher Zhang, you have represented the Go world today and protected its honor by unwaveringly ying out a wonderful game to turn defeat into victory. It left a lot of people covered in cold sweat from watching, but everyone is happy for you. You are indeed worthy of being called the smartest person in the world now!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Thank you, but you think too highly of me."


    A female reporter asked, "What do you think of everyone proiming you as a hero?"


    Zhang Ye immediately waved it off and kept his smile. He said, "I''m not a hero, I''m really not one. There are many heroes in the Go world, some you can see and others that you don''t know about. Everyone here has a dream and has a sincere passion for Go. It''s a feeling that most people probably wouldn''t understand. I couldn''t understand it either in the past, but after being around the Qiyuan''s people over the past few days, I''ve gained a deeper insight." He looked at the Go yers from the Qiyuan and said, "There are some people here who retired many years ago but still have the Go world''s considerations at heart. They would step forward the moment the Go world faced any trouble. Some of the young yers here even studied game records at the Qiyuan until 1 AM. Some of them have had glorious pasts, while others have stayed unknown to those outside the world of Go. But it is these people who have supported the Go world to this stage step by step, so if there are any heroes to speak of, it should be them!"


    Many of the reporters were stunned.


    Zhang Ye pointed to a man. "Dan Donghe. He made his debut at age 16 and became a world champion in 1984 at the International Go Tournament!"


    Apuse thundered!


    Dan Donghe teared up as he stood and bowed.


    Zhang Ye pointed at a second person. "Wu Changhe, once the world number one in Go, led the national team to achieve a historic first in iming three sessive championships. He retired in 1995!"


    Wu Changhe gave a soft sigh as he stood up and bowed.


    All of the audience was apuding!


    Zhang Ye said, "Zhao Hui, an 8th dan Go yer. With his teammate seriously sick and absent from an international match, he took it upon himself to step up and face the Japanese team and won the match decider. He retired in 1998!"


    Zhao Hui was starting to cry, but he held back his tears and stood up ramrod straight!


    Zhang Ye said, "Li Qi, a 7th dan yer, previously ranked in the top 20 of the world, and retired in 2005. After his divorce, he volunteered to assist in training the national team for over a decade. In that time, he trained many batches of pro Go yers who have gone on to excel in the world stage from behind the scenes! Even now, he has not remarried!"


    Li Qi slowly stood up with pride!


    The audience kept apuding!


    Li Qi''s ex-wife cried as she watched the television.


    Li Qi''s daughter was choking back her tears. "Dad!"


    Li Yi.


    Xiang Rong.


    Chen Ying.


    Zhang Ye introduced them one by one.


    The reporters were moved. All of them stood up and gave their loudest round of apuse! There were many names they had never heard, nor did they know who those people were. But when they listened to Zhang Ye introduce each of their stories, none of the reporters interrupted him nor showed any signs of impatience. They were all very touched, and a few young reporters felt fired up as their emotions surged. There were even two female reporters who could not help but wipe the tears from the corners of their eyes. Their hearts were filled to the brim with emotion!


    After he finished introducing them.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m only ayman who has yed three games, so I''m really nothing much inparison. They are the true heroes of the Go world. Please give them a round of apuse!"


    The reporters gave another thunderous round of apuse!


    When the viewers watching TV saw, they were all moved!


    Well said, that was really well said!


    They are the heroes!


    No, all of you are the heroes!


    1. Invincible - https://youtu.be/-Ijz0TJbsqI

 Chapter 1147: The eternal line of defense for humanity’s wisdom!

    <h4>Chapter 1147: The eternal line of defense for humanity''s wisdom! </h4>


    Chapter 1147: The eternal line of defense for humanity''s wisdom!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Half an hourter.


    Zhang Ye''s speech ended.


    With that, the press conference was also done.


    The press conference this time felt more like Zhang Ye''s oratory ceremony. The reporters had only asked him one question, but what followed was a long talk by Zhang Ye. He knew what to say and knew what the reporters wanted to know, so he just said everything in a single breath. After all, he and the media had been in such regr contact that they understood each other perfectly. Sometimes, there was even a tacit understanding of amon enemy, such as right now.


    Apuse was sounding for the umpteenth time. Not counting those domestic reporters, even China Qiyuan''s people and the foreign reporters were standing up to apud Zhang Ye!


    Chen Ying was feeling some admiration for him.


    Dan Donghe was very pleased.


    Yu Yingyi learned quite a lot from Zhang Ye''s speech.


    Everyone was pretty convinced by Zhang Ye. They knew that it wasn''t idental that he could arrive at where he was today and could sense it from the speech that he had just given. On the contrary, they rather disliked the American team who spoke pompous words and had a condescending attitude toward the wisdom of humanity and Zhang Ye, insisting on their belief that Peter would win for sure. However, even after the results were confirmed, they still seemed like they were not epting their defeat. Not being able topete in Go, they shifted their talk to taking on the Xiangqi world instead and tried to justify why Peter had lost during the entire press conference. Compared to Zhang Ye''s speech, it was really on a different level. Zhang Ye had not spoken about himself at all and never once took credit for the oue. Instead, he talked about the veterans and novices of the Go world, as well as the staff working behind the scenes, hailing them as the true heroes!


    He was good at speaking?


    His emotional quotient was high?


    That was absolutely untrue!


    The foreign reporters might not know him well, but which Chinese reporter did not understand what kind of person Zhang Ye was? Who would dare to im that Zhang Ye had a high emotional quotient? If anyone did, they would be the first to get spat on by the others! Zhang Ye''s emotional quotient was definitely not high, but the words he spoke all came from his heart. In these days, he had really taken a liking to these lovely people who gave their heart and soul to Go.


    Humans were emotional beings. This was unlike machines and perhaps the reason Zhang Ye could win against Peter. And on this point, even if the artificial intelligence were to get developed further and have itsputational ability increased and sped up, it would still not be able to learn a thing like emotions.


    Everyone dispersed.


    The media gradually left to head back to their office to quickly prepare for the news release!


    Dan Donghe brought along some people from the Qiyuan and found Zhang Ye. "Professor Zhang, thank you!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s what I should do; don''t be so courteous."


    Dan Donghe tried for the umpteenth time to invite Zhang Ye. "Are you interested in taking up Go? From today onward, your world Go ranking should be number one!"


    Hu Liang 7-dan said, "Come join us, Professor Zhang!"


    Xu Han said, "Yeah!"


    Xiang Rong 9-dan also sincerely invited him. "I''ve been thinking of retiring for some time now too. I''m already getting old and starting to lose focus whenever I y. pBut our country''s young yers are not fully mature yet. Tian Weiwei stillcks experience and his ystyle is not stable yet. He can''t stand up on his own yet, so I must hold the fort for now. If you do join us, I''ll be able to take a step back atst."


    "Yeah, Professor Zhang. You are so skilled at Go, it would such a pity if you don''t join the national team!" Chen Ying said with augh, "If you join us, our national team would dominate everyone else for the next ten years at least!"


    This was not drivel. In fact, dominating for just ten years was at the lower end of the estimates. If Zhang Ye were to lead the national Go team, together with Xiang Rong and Li Yi 9-dan, there probably wouldn''t be any opponents who could match them. Be it Japan or Korean, be it Shinji 9-dan, Park Yuhee, or anyone else, even if Xiang Rong 9-dan were to retire suddenly, Zhang Ye alone could carry the team and not let them fall.


    Zhang Ye quickly waved it off. "I''ll pass. But if Peter makes aeback in the future, just give me a ring. I''lle right over."


    Everyone was disappointed.


    A Go genius who only came along once a century, the only person who was capable of taking over Xiang Rong 9-dan''s position, had actually turned out to be an amateur? He wasn''t even considered a professional Go yer. This made them all feel a little frustrated. Comparisons really were torturous, and this was certainly the first ever such case in the history of Go!


    Dan Donghe knew that Zhang Ye''s heart was in a different ce, so he didn''t try to persuade him any further. He said, "Wherever you might end up in the future, you will always be part of our Qiyuan. If there''s anything you need, just let us know!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Sure."


    "Let''s go to my ce for a meal then." Dan Donghe still remembered what he promised earlier.


    Zhang Ye grunted and did not know how to reject his invitation.


    As a result, Wu Changhe, who had been silent all this while, suddenly rolled his eyes and said, "Old Dan, what do you mean by going to your ce for a meal?"


    Dan Donghe said, "Didn''t we already agree on that?"


    "Who agreed with you?" Wu Changhe harrumphed. "This kid ising with me. I still have something to settle with him afterwards."


    Dan Donghe was having none of it. "I said it first, I asked him toe over first!"


    Wu Changhe said, "Who said that you asked him first? I arranged it with him 800 years ago!"


    Dan Donghe said, "Were you even born 800 years ago?"


    "Why do you care when I was born?" Wu Changhe bickered, "I was born before you, in any case!"


    The two of them started arguing.


    Everyone else didn''t know whether tough or cry. They hurriedly tried to calm them down.


    In the end, it was Li Qinqin who took Zhang Ye by his hand with a smile. "Let''s go, Little Zhang. Come to Auntie''s ce for a meal." Then she looked at Dan Donghe and said, "Old Dan, I already made food at home."


    "Alright then, Sister-inw," Dan Donghe had to agree. "Professor Zhang, I''ll treat you to a meal another day then."


    "Sure." Zhang Ye did not say anything else. "I''ll be heading off then."


    Hu Liang said, "Let''s y a practice game some other day."


    Zhang Ye said, "No problem."


    Xiang Rong said, "Let''s have an exchange sometime. We never finished the game game we started."


    Zhang Ye smiled, "Sure, at ater date."


    "Take care, Professor Zhang!"


    "You did a great job!"


    "Thank you!"


    "If you need any favors in the future, just let us know!"


    Everyone waved goodbye to Zhang Ye. Having spent time together over the past few days, Zhang Ye had taken a liking to this group of people who loved Go so deeply, so how could they not change their opinion of him? The rumors regarding Zhang Ye had painted him in a bad light as someone with a bad temper and a vile person who liked scolding people. So they had initially stayed a distance from him even though they respected him. At times, they would even feel uneasy in his presence. But the short time they had together allowed them to understand Zhang Ye better and realize that those rumors were just that, rumors. To those he considered his own, Zhang Ye always treated them very nicely and with a good temper. As a superstar, he never put on any airs around them and could also y Go very well. This made them unable to feel jealous even if they wanted to be jealous of him. They thought of Zhang Ye as a friend now.


    ...


    On the way to Old Wu''s parents'' ce, the newspapers and news reports were starting to appear all over the ce!


    "Zhang Ye trashes Peter!"


    "In the war between humans and machines, humans have prevailed!"


    "The ultimate explosion of humanity''s wisdom!"


    "AI still inferior to wisdom of humanity. Zhang Ye proves the point once again!"


    "The savior of the Go world: Zhang Ye!"


    "The American team has been sent packing!"


    "Zhang Ye''s press conference speech: The unsung heroes of the Go world!"


    "Zhang Ye says, ''I know how to y Xiangqi too!''"


    "Peter will suffer from a phobia of ''Zhang Ye'' from here on out!"


    "We have reason to believe that as long as Zhang Ye is around, thest line of humanity''s wisdom will never be broken through! We should be grateful that a genius like Zhang Ye exists in our world!"


    Zhang Ye was once again on fire!


    Just a short half a month after King of Masked Singers, Zhang Ye''s poprity was once again off the charts!


    There were only cheers in the media!


    The citizens were also full of praise!


    "How awesome!"


    "This is Face-smacking Zhang!"


    "Hey, Americans, I just want to ask if you have conceded defeat yet?"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Zhang Ye was so godly today!"


    "I just like the absurdity of Zhang Ye!"


    "Yeah, Teacher Zhang''s talent and intelligence are really too fucking absurd!"


    "If I were those Americans, I would be crying myself home! And I probably won''t ever be returning back here ever again!"

 Chapter 1148: Love comes to fruition!

    <h4>Chapter 1148: Lovees to fruition! </h4>


    Chapter 1148: Lovees to fruition!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


    At a courtyard house in Xuanwumen.


    When they entered the northern building, Li Qinqin asked him warmly, "Little Zhang, what would you like to drink?"


    "Anything is fine, Auntie," Zhang Ye smiled and said.


    Li Qinqin said, "Please don''t say that. We have all kinds of drinks here at home that you can choose from."


    Zhang Ye replied, "I''m really fine with anything."


    Wu Changhe nced at his wife. "Just get him a cup of hot water."


    Li Qinqin stared at him. "How can we serve him hot water?" She then turned to Zhang Ye and said with a smile, "That''s right, we actually do have some good tea at home. I heard that just a single gram of it can fetch a price of 10,000 yuan. I don''t know if it''s true or not, but it''s what everyone is saying. Besides, you can''t get this tea from anywhere. My daughter brought it back some time ago for us to have a taste. Why don''t you have some!"


    Wu Changhe put out his hand to stop her. "Hey, that Da Hong Pao is for us!"


    Li Qinqin rolled her eyes at him. "You''ve almost finished all of it already, so why don''t you let Little Zhang have a taste."


    Wu Changhe''s eyes twitched. "We still have some superior Longjing around! Use that!"


    Li Qinqin did not listen to him. "I''ll just make tea with Da Hong Pao."


    Wu Changhe reminded her, "Don''t use too many tea leaves! We don''t have much left!"


    What?


    Da Hong Pao?


    Zhang Ye was a little taken aback but did not say anything.


    Li Qinqin went off to brew the tea, leaving Zhang Ye and Wu Changhe to stare at each other in awkward silence.


    Zhang Ye tried to strike up a conversation. "Uncle, is this courtyard house part of your family''s property?"


    When they were at the Qiyuan, Wu Changhe acted rather chummy with Zhang Ye after he had won the game. But after they returned home, he went back to his uncaring attitude, probably because he still bore a grudge from when he was utterly demolished by Zhang Ye in online Go. He said, "Who else could it belong to if not my family?"


    Li Qinqin said as she boiled the water, "Changhe earned some money back when he was ying Gopetitively. The value of money at that time was much better and property prices were not expensive, so we bought this courtyard house, as well as a few apartments, some antiques, and calligraphy works. Your uncle is very interested in collecting things like antiques and the such. In recent years, with antiques and property prices rising, we''ve managed to make quite a bit of money. We''re actually just your average family."


    Wu Changhe asked, "Is our daughter not back yet?"


    "I called her already." Li Qinqin said, "She said that she would knock off earlier today, so she should be back soon. Since you two have some free time, why don''t you y a game of Go?"


    Zhang Ye was fine with that. "Sure."


    But Wu Changhe said in a speechless manner, "Who wants to y him!"


    Li Qinqinughed and said, "Are you afraid of losing?"


    "Me? Afraid of losing?" Wu Changhe let out a furiousugh. "I''m telling you, Li Qinqin. It''s just that I''m getting on in years. Thinking back to when I, Wu Changhe, was dominating the world of Go for over ten years, was there anyone who dared to challenge me? It''s not that I''m bragging, but even I myself would be afraid to face the Go skill that I had at my peak. If I were to return to that era, would a mere AI be a threat to me? Who knows who would win and who would lose!"


    Li Qinqin pursed her lips. "Say what you like."


    "What do you mean?" Then Wu Changhe looked at Zhang Ye and said, "You just haven''t witnessed how good I was back then, you know?"


    Zhang Ye hemmed and hawed as he listened to the boasting.


    At this moment, the door in the courtyard creaked and footfalls rang out.


    Wu Changhe smiled and said, "My daughter is back!"


    Zhang Ye stood up and turned around.


    Wu Zeqing, who was dressed in a skirt, stepped lightly into the house. She looked at Zhang Ye and smiled. "How about it? I said that you could do it, right? You won today''s game beautifully. It was even better than yesterday''s game."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I had to."


    Wu Zeqing asked in concern, "Have you eaten lunch yet?"


    "Not yet. The interview got dragged on into lunch time," Zhang Ye said.


    Wu Zeqing said, "Let''s eat now, I''ll cook." Then she pointed at Zhang Ye''s attire and said with a smile, "Don''t wear such light-colored clothes when you go on camera next time. It doesn''t look good on screen. You''d look better dressed in ck."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright."


    Wu Changhe fumed at that. "Daughter, you didn''t even say a word to me or your mother after stepping into the house. Is this kid your world?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. She was holding something in her hand and waved it around to her father. "How can that be? I bought edible bird''s nest for you and Mom. I got someone to help me bring it over from Indonesia by air."


    "That''s more like it." Wu Changhe took it from her.


    Li Qinqin walked up, taking short strides. "Come, the tea is ready. Come and have a taste."


    Wu Zeqing asked, "What type of tea?"


    Wu Changhe said angrily, "Your mother is such a wasteful woman. She brewed tea using the Da Hong Pao tea leaves that you gave me that time. Whoa, didn''t I say not to use so many tea leaves? Are you crazy? Why did you put in so many tea leaves? Isn''t that a little too much?"


    Li Qinqin pouted and said to her daughter, "Look at how stingy your dad is. He wouldn''t allow others to touch his tea leaves. When I said that I wanted to let Little Zhang try some, he became unhappy."


    "But it''s so expensive!" Wu Changhe said in distress.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Auntie, I can just have some other tea."


    Li Qinqin wouldn''t allow it. "That won''t do. You definitely have not tried this before. Try it, it''s a really good tea. I heard that even those CEOs and celebrities couldn''t get their hands on it. This tea is even more valuable than gold."


    Wu Zeqingughed helplessly and said, "Mom, how can he not have tasted it before."


    Li Qinqin was taken aback. "Did you give some of it to Little Zhang too?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled gently and said, "I didn''t give him any. In fact, he was the one who gave me the tea leaves. Those Da Hong Pao parent trees on Wuyishan are all his private property. You can only find two types of Da Hong Pao in the market at the moment, and they are either fake or gifted by Little Ye."


    Wu Changhe was stunned. "What?"


    Li Qinqin was stunned too. "Those tea trees belong to Little Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye said in embarrassment, "I bought them while I was on vacation there a while ago."


    "Heh, and I was even showing off in front of Little Zhang." Li Qinqin was amused. "So these are his tea leaves. It''s really a very good tea! Your dad could never bear to drink it!"


    Wu Zeqing said, "If you like the tea, get Little Ye to bring some more over."


    Li Qinqin waved her off and said, "That''s not necessary, this tea is too expensive. It''s just like drinking gold."


    But Wu Changhe looked at Zhang Ye as his eyes lit up. "Why would we not want it! Bring a few more catties 1 over. He can''t drink all that by himself anyway, so don''t let it go to waste."


    Zhang Ye was speechless.


    Li Qinqin smiled and said, "Why are you so rude?"


    Wu Changhe got angry at the very mention. "My daughter has already been duped by him, so why do I have to be polite with him? Even if we uproot his Da Hong Pao parent trees and nt them in our yard, it still wouldn''t be enough to appease my anger!"


    Zhang Ye cleared his throat. "Uncle, what do you mean by dupe?"


    "You are a dupe!"


    "How have I duped her?"


    "In any case, just bring a few catties over!"


    "A few catties? A few catties? Even I don''t have that much of it!"


    "I don''t care!"


    "I''ll bring you half a catty."


    "Two catties!"


    "300 grams!"


    "1.5 catties!"


    "350 grams at the most!"


    The two of them started bickering again!


    Wu Zeqing and Li Qinqin were smiling off to the side.


    Even though they were arguing, things feltpletely different from the first time Zhang Ye came to their house!


    It was obvious that Wu Changhe had silently approved of the rtionship between Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing from the way he spoke, even though he wasn''t exactly willing to ept it.


    An hourter, lunch was ready.


    As they were eating, Wu Zeqing tested the waters by asking with a smile, "The two of you already know about Little Ye and I. So then, I guess that''s how it is?"


    Wu Changhe groaned as he ate lunch without saying a word.


    But Li Qinqin was very happy. "Little Zhang is quite good, I rather like him."


    Wu Zeqing said, "That''s great then."


    Li Qinqin probed further, "When are you two getting married? Have you decided on a date yet?"


    "Not yet. Aren''t we seeking both your opinions right now? I haven''t visited Little Ye''s family either. I think I''ll have to make a trip there soon," Wu Zeqing said.


    Li Qinqin said happily, "You aren''t young anymore and have been single for so many years. Your dad and I are also pretty anxious about you. You two can just decide on a date; there''s no need to seek our opinions. Your dad and I will not have any objections."


    Wu Changhe rolled his eyes.


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Dad, you don''t have any objections either?"


    Wu Changhe said angrily, "Of course I have objections! But would that matter to you!"


    "Then that means there are no objections." Wu Zeqing nodded and said, "Alright, I understand. I will discuss thister with Little Ye."


    Zhang Ye was ovee with happiness!


    It had not been easy!


    It really had not been easy!


    The love between this bro and Old Wu has finallye to fruition!


    1. 1 catty = 500 grams (half a kilo)

 Chapter 1149: The Celebrity Rankings Index is updated!

    <h4>Chapter 1149: The Celebrity Rankings Index is updated! </h4>


    Chapter 1149: The Celebrity Rankings Index is updated!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    After lunch.


    Zhang Ye insisted on clearing the dishes.


    "Little Zhang, take a break."


    "Auntie, let me do it!"


    "Just leave it there, I''ll clear them."


    "No, no, leave it to me!"


    "Aiya, why are you being like that!"


    "Where''s the sink?"


    "There''s one in the house and another in the yard."


    "Alright, you can go rest for a bit. Leave it to me!"


    He stood in the yard and did the dishes. Zhang Ye was not one to usually do chores at home as his mother handled all of that. Old Wu also did not let him touch any pots and pans when he was at her ce. But now that he was visiting Old Wu''s parents'' ce for the first time as Wu Zeqing''s official boyfriend, Zhang Ye definitely had to impress them a little. It didn''t matter if he could clean them properly or not. It was the least he could do to show his sincerity and bearing. He was slow at washing the dishes, but he did it very seriously.


    Li Qinqin nodded slightly in approval beside him.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Auntie, in the future, if you need any chores done or have anything you need, just give me call. I''ll be at your service immediately."


    Li Qinqin smiled and said, "OK."


    Suddenly, the wind outside picked up.


    Li Qinqin looked up. "It''s going to rain soon. Let''s get inside."


    Zhang Ye quickly finished washing the dishes. "OK."


    Back in the house, Wu Changhe and Wu Zeqing were chatting as they watched the news.


    Wu Zeqing said, "This turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the Go world."


    Wu Changhe said, "Yes, what a close call. It was almost like we were caught between life and death at that moment!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "It was really quite dangerous. If the AI had won, Go would start going downhill as a sport. But the Americans clearly never thought that there would really be a person in this world who could face the AI. After Little Ye''s win, it''s likely that Go will start thriving and get better from here. The news just reported that Go sses for children have been filled up for summer break. This is the start of something new."


    Wu Changhe grunted, "That kid has at least done something human for once."


    Even Wu Changhe had to admit that it was Zhang Ye who saved the Go world this time!


    On the TV, they were reying Zhang Ye''s win against Peter. Suddenly, it switched to a different scene and a song came on.


    "How lonely it is to be invincible.


    "How empty it feels to be invincible."


    Wu Zeqing was startled!


    Wu Changhe and Li Qinqin were startled as well!


    Pfft!


    What kind of song was that!


    Zhang Ye said dumbfounded, "Damn, when did they record this?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Did you sing it?"


    Zhang Ye was floored and replied, "I was just singing it at the Qiyuan after winning the game. Why did they record that? And they''re even broadcasting it on TV now?"


    This song made a lot of peopleugh hard!


    Everyone was rolling on the floorughing on the Inte!


    "Teacher Zhang released a new song!"


    "Quickly watch TV!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "What lousy song is this!"


    "Aiyo, I can''t take it!"


    "How lonely it is to be invincible?"


    "What a great song!"


    "Pfft, this song is indeed Teacher Zhang''s style!"


    "What a jokester! He''s so cocky!"


    "What''s the title of this song? I''ve been brainwashed by it!"


    "Requesting review of the Americans'' phobia!"


    "Teacher Zhang is indeed invincible! Who can understand him!"


    "Now that Zhang Ye is at this level, it really does get a little lonely!"


    "She who hides beyond the horizon? Who is ''she''?"


    "Yeah, who was Teacher Zhang singing the song for?"


    When the video clip was released, it got forwarded countless times. "Invincible" went viral and became an instant hit. The lyrics that went "she who hides beyond the horizon" also got discussed by countless people. Everyone was trying to guess who "she" was!


    Watching the television.


    Wu Changhe grunted, "What a show off!" Go is not a game that is particr about employing masterful moves, but focuses on the strategy, stability, and intense discipline of one''s behavior. That was why Wu Changhe and many of the Qiyuan''s people couldn''t understand why a rash and showy person like Zhang Ye could y the game so well. That in itself didn''t make any sense! But Wu Changhe did not seem to realize that his own temper was not any better!


    Wu Zeqing chuckled. "I don''t think it''s a bad thing. When it''s time to keep a low profile, he keeps a low profile. But when it''s time to let loose, he does so."


    Zhang Ye liked what he heard. "Old Wu knows me so well!"


    Li Qinqin looked at him and said, "Little Zhang, what''s your poprity ranking now?


    "Uh, I didn''t pay attention to it." Zhang Ye said, "I''ve been so busy ying Go for the past few days that I forgot to check."


    Li Qinqinughed and said, "Since you won the game today, there''ll definitely be arge increase in your poprity."


    Zhang Ye immediately checked the Celebrity Rankings Index. He still found himself in third ce on the A-list rankings, sitting close behind Ning Lan, who was in second ce. Although there were no changes in the rankings, Zhang Ye''s poprity score was almost even with Ning Lan''s. He had almost caught up to her. Needless to say, there was a boost to his poprity yesterday after he won against Peter in the second game of the final battle between humans and machines. And today, Zhang Ye won again to defeat Peter by a score of two to one. No one knew if there would be any more changes to the poprity ranking!


    Thinking of that, Zhang Ye started to greatly anticipate how it would turn out. His original intent was only to help the Go world, and also to gain the acknowledgment of the Wu family regarding his rtionship with Wu Zeqing. The matter of how much his poprity could increase by was not even on his mind as Go was just a niche sport, while Go yers were only considered small-time celebrities. For example, Xiang Rong 9-dan, the Go world''s number one who was also a public figure to speak of. He should be the most morous celebrity in the Go world at the moment, but was only an E-list celebrity in the poprity rankings. As for the rest of the professional Go yers, they were even less popr and famous. They probably wouldn''t even rank among the E-list celebrities!


    But Zhang Ye was clearly an exception. Just a single victory in Go had brought him such a massive increase in poprity. That was because many people paid attention to the war between humans and machines!


    Would his poprity soar again?


    This was really such a pleasant surprise!


    ��


    At night.


    The moment he reached home, it started raining.


    His mother greeted him. "Son, did you get caught in the rain?"


    "No." Zhang Ye smiled.


    His father strode out from the bedroom. "Little Ye, you yed well! You yed really well in today''s game!"


    Zhang Ye said with augh, "I guess so. Whoa, did someonee over? Why is it so messy?"


    His mother said, "It was our neighbors. They came over in the evening, and everyone was praising you. They said that you were going to get popr again and might even overtake Ning Lan this time!"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "Who knows."


    His mother asked, "Are they refreshing the rankings at midnight?"


    "Yes."


    "OK, I will wait for it then!"


    "Hey, you better hurry off to bed. It''ste."


    "I''m so happy today that I can''t sleep!"


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Speak of the devil and he will call.


    It was Ning Lan. Zhang Ye answered.


    Ning Lan immediately said when the call connected: "Hey, Teacher Zhang, you didn''t y fair!"


    Zhang Ye asked: "What''s up?"


    Ning Lanughed and said: "Just look at your poprity score. You imed you were going on a two-week break. How did I fall for your lie! All of us have been slogging so hard every day and night, yet our poprity only creeps up by a little bit. But when ites to you, you have it so good. You take a two-week break from work and your poprity is still going up every other day. The way it is increasing really makes no sense at all! I''m about to be overtaken by you!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "That might not necessarily happen."


    "Today''s rankings haven''t been updated, but I think it will be difficult for my poprity score to increase by much." Ning Lan said sadly, "I''ve been cast in three movies this year, but my gained poprity is not even close to what you''ve gained by ying Go in the past three days. You are really doing things differently, huh? I can only take my hat off to you. Do you know what the people in the industry are saying about you? They say that your luck is so good that you can get popr even without doing anything."


    Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry. "What do they mean by without doing anything? It''s just that you don''t know this, but I was nearly annihted by that Peter. I was this close to losing!"


    Ning Lan said: "I will congratte you first then, although I''m still clenching my teeth in hatred, haha!"


    Zhang Ye quickly said: "Don''t congratte me yet. It might not increase by much."


    "Don''t worry, you will definitely overtake me," Ning Lan said.


    That same night.


    There were also reports in the foreign news.


    The Japanese media: "Chinese genius defeats an AI!"


    The Korean media: "The Go world could be weing a hundred years of glory!"


    The American media: "The most advanced AI in history was dealt a shocking blow by humanity!"


    On Weibo.


    A lot ofizens were waiting.


    "It''s almost midnight!"


    "Are the rankings updated yet?"


    "Not yet!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s poprity has gone up way too fast. King of Masked Singers only just ended and his poprity is soaring again? I wonder how much his poprity will increase this time!"


    "Well, Teacher Zhang is truly very capable after all!"


    "Being invincible is indeed lonely!"


    People were waiting to find out!


    Zhang Ye''s close friends and rtives were waiting to find out!


    Everyone in the entertainment industry was also waiting to find out!


    Everyone was concerned about how much Zhang Ye''s poprity would rise by. This was because it was the first time in history that someone could gain poprity from such a niche activity like Go. For show business, this was rather refreshing. So the industry insiders wanted to see if they could learn a thing or two from Zhang Ye''s sess. Since they were all in the same industry, everyone had to keep learning from one another. But many of them also knew that Zhang Ye''s sess model was not replicable!


    Midnight arrived!


    The Celebrity Rankings Index was updated!


    Theizens got excited.


    "It''s here!"


    "It''s time!"


    "Has it been updated yet?"


    "Quickly!"


    "Is it out yet?"


    "Did Zhang Ye overtake Ning Lan?"


    After a dy of two minutes, the rankings were suddenly updated!


    When they saw the A-list celebrity rankings, everyone online suddenly became silent!


    Theizens were astonished!


    The industry insiders were tongue-tied!


    Even Zhang Ye and his parents couldn''t react!


    His poprity score had shot past Ning Lan''s score. Not only that, Zhang Ye even overtook and reced that A-list celebrity who used to be in first! The first and third ces might only be two spots apart, but it was an entirely different concept altogether. Even the treatment of each one''s status was an earth-shattering difference!


    The top A-list celebrity!


    ��This was the result that Zhang Ye had achieved in the Go world over the past three days!


    A lot of industry insiders were greatly shocked by how insane Zhang Ye''s achievement was!


    This is Go we''re talking about!


    This is only a fucking game of Go!


    How does this make any fucking sense at all!

 Chapter 1150: A global mathematical conjecture proved!

    <h4>Chapter 1150: A global mathematical conjecture proved! </h4>


    Chapter 1150: A global mathematical conjecture proved!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Early in the morning.


    In the Goof Group.


    Xiaodong: "Ahhh."


    Amy: "Teacher Zhang has reached number one in the A-list rankings already? Holy shit!"


    Li Xiaoxian: "We just saw! Did something so serious happen in the night?"


    Chen Guang: "Yeah, Zhang Ye''s poprity score has shot him into first ce."


    Huo Dongfang: "Hur hur, I learned of it during the night."


    A director: "Congrattions, Little Zhang."


    A famous male actor: "Outside of the S-list, Zhang Ye has reached the top!"


    Ning Lan also appeared, clenching her teeth in hatred. "@ZhangYe! Hurry up and show yourself, stop sleeping! Only a red packet can appease my broken heart!"


    Xiaodong: "Hehe, Sister Ning has been overtaken."


    There were red packets in this world too. However, they only became popr in recent months. Although the specific interface and functions were a little different from Zhang Ye''s previous world, the concept was essentially the same.


    When Zhang Ye woke up, he saw the messages in the chat group. He smiled and immediately sent out some red packets 1 .


    "Wow!"


    "Heree the red packets!"


    "Snatch them!"


    The chat group stirred with activity


    Ning Lan has received your red packet!


    Xiaodong has received your red packet!


    Zhang Yuanqi has received your red packet!


    So Zhang Yuanqi had been lurking all this while!


    In just a few seconds, all the red packets were snapped up by them. Then everyone was furious!


    Zhang Yuanqi: "Your sister!"


    Ning Lan: "Your sister!"


    Xiaodong: "Your sister!"


    Huo Dongfang: "Your sister!"


    Amy called out: "How can there be such a stingy person!"


    Li Xiaoxian: "My data! I''ve suffered a loss this time!"


    Everyone received a red packet of only one cent!


    A smile on his face, Zhang Ye typed: "Thanks, everyone."


    Zhang Yuanqi said: "You''re at the top of A-list rankings and you''re still unwilling to give out generous red packets? You''re not going to have a bright future, hur hur. Ning Lan, finish him off and get back your spot!"


    Xiaodong: "Sister Ning, finish him off!"


    Amy: "Sister Ning, finish him off!"


    Huo Dongfang: "Sister Ning, finish him off!"


    They copypasted the same message as they thought that Zhang Ye was way too stingy!


    After bantering a bit with them, Zhang Ye was in a rather good mood. These past three months had brought thergest ever boost to his poprity. When he had first entered the A-list celebrity rankings, he struggled to stay in them before finally settling near the bottom of the rankings. Then, he suddenly shot up the charts to reach the front spots after revealing his identity on King of Masked Singers. And now, after ying three games of Go, he suddenly found himself at the top of the A-list celebrity rankings. It was a very surreal experience for him. Initially, he had only set a target to get into the A-list rankings at the beginning of the year. Who could have expected that he could achieve this terrific a result? From the looks of it, it seemed like he was only a step away from the S-list rankings!


    But of course, that was just what it looked like.


    This next step up was really going to require a great effort to achieve!


    Zhang Ye was still too far away from the coveted throne of the S-list. It was different from the A-list rankings and was a whole different world and battleground. For example, Ning Lan, who had once reached the top spot of the A-list rankings, only managed to hold on to that position for three months. She couldn''t maintain her ranking or take another step forward. That was because even though it might seem like it was only a step away, this step was actually way too big. It was as though a cliff were separating these two ranking lists. There was once someone who remained stuck in the first ce of the A-list rankings for several years. But in the end, that person was unable to advance forward. Now that Zhang Ye was in this position as well, it would probably be the same for him too. He was still too far away from the S-list. Zhang Ye might not even be able to hold on to his first ce in the A-list rankings during the next few days!


    The previous first ce celebrity of the A-list rankings was now in second ce and was going to overtake him soon. Zhang Ye barely passed him with a microscopic difference in the poprity scores. He could probably catch back up with just a song, half a movie, or two Weibo posts!


    His mother had made breakfast.


    His father had bought a stack of newspapers home.


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "Why did you buy so many copies?"


    His father ced the newspapers on the table. "All these newspapers wrote about you."


    His mother said smugly, "My son is at the top of the A-list celebrity rankings. Which newspapers would dare not report about him?! They''d have to dedicate the front page to our son!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "How could I possibly get on the front page? It would already be quite good if I manage to get on the headlines of the entertainment sections."


    Almost all of the entertainment section headlines belonged to Zhang Ye today. Other than one newspaper firm that was probably not on good terms with him and had deliberately pushed his news further down, all the other newspapers published Zhang Ye''s picture in full color, along with a distinct headline on the first page of the entertainment section.


    "Zhang Ye Reaches Top of A-list Rankings!"


    "Does Zhang Ye have any hope of breaking into the S-list within the next two years?"


    "Zhang Ye takes unusual path on his journey of poprity!"


    "''Invincible'' Storms into Major Music Charts!"


    "Getting to the top of the A-list rankings: Perhaps this might be a short-lived high?"


    The family ate breakfast together while flipping through the newspapers.


    When his mother finished reading the final copy of the newspapers, she seethed, "What do they mean by a short-lived high?"


    Zhang Ye exined, "The person behind me has almost caught up. The gap between us is shrinking very quickly."


    His mother said anxiously, "Then you''ll have toe up with some new works quickly!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll just see how it goes. You can''t force new works out because of something like that, and neither can it be rushed. Getting to this to this level of poprity has already surpassed my expectations."


    His father gave a deep nod. "Our son is right. He can''t just mess around for the sake of increasing his poprity."


    His mother said, "But what if they catch up to you?"


    "If they catch up, so be it. At most, I''ll just have to catch back up again in the future." Zhang Ye smiled.


    These days, Zhang Ye was battle-hardened after going through so many ups and downs in the entertainment industry. He had grown from a neer into a veteran of sorts. Having seen so much and gone through so many experiences, he was now moreposed than ever, although he would still let fly a curse or two at times and go into a rage. But that was something which was impossible to change since it was ingrained in his character. His temper had be much better as well. At the very least, he was no longer as impatient as before in the way he did and said some things. There were some issues he definitely would not back off on, but there were also some things that could not be rushed.


    However, the more he wasn''t anxious about it, the more things developed in that direction!


    As Zhang Ye finished eating breakfast, his phone started ringing!


    On the caller ID: The Dean of the School of Mathematical Sciences, Pan Yang.


    Zhang Ye answered: "Hello, Dean Pan, you''re looking for me?"


    Dean Pan sounded a little excited. "Yes, that''s right!"


    "What happened?" Zhang Ye said in surprise.


    When his parents heard that, they looked over.


    Dean Pan said loudly: "It''s a great piece of news!"


    Zhang Ye: "Oh?"


    "Professor Zhang, I now represent the Dale''s Conjecture verification team to officially inform you that the proof you wrote has been fully validated after a year of checks by many of our world-ss mathematicians!" Dean Pan was so excited that his voice went hoarse. "Dale''s Conjecture has been solved by you! It has been solved by a Chinese mathematician! You''re not just a world-ss mathematician anymore! You can now be considered one of the smartest world-ss mathematicians! You''re just too fantastic! Professor Zhang! You''ve brought glory to us!"


    It had been proven?


    The verification was finallyplete?


    Zhang Ye could not sit still. "I''ll be right over!"


    "OK! OK! We are all waiting for you!" Dean Pan said: "We''ve already notified both the foreign and local media that we will be holding an official press conference this afternoon!"


    Zhang Ye had waited for this day for too long!


    Peking University had also waited for this day for too long, and so had China!


    One of the most difficult mathematical conjectures in the world had been proven by Zhang Ye, a mathematician from China. It was an extremely meaningful day for the global mathematics world. And to Zhang Ye, this would definitely be one of the most memorable events in his life as well. Before Dale''s Conjecture had been verified and proven, he was approached to be a recipient of an international math award. That would mean to say that even if there were any mistakes found during the verification process that would disce the entire proof, they were still willing to give him the award. From that, it could be seen just how highly regarded and difficult Dale''s Conjecture was to the global mathematics world. But after a year of work by an international team made up of dozens of mathematicians, the proof was finally validated. This contributed to a major increase in Zhang Ye''s poprity and reputation. A world-ss mathematician had now be a preeminent world-ss mathematician!


    Just by adding the word "preeminent," the difference in meaning between the two titles immediately became poles apart! All of those preeminent mathematicians of the world and those who came before were considered treasures of humanity 2 . They were all historical legends. And today, Zhang Ye had also stepped up to that most glorious throne of the mathematics world!


    He was now coronated with honor!


    1. http://blog.wechat/2016/01/27/we-chat-about-wechat-5-red-packets-wechats-secret-weapon-in-payments/


    2. Simr to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_Human_Treasure

 Chapter 1151: Can you be a little bit more mindful!

    <h4>Chapter 1151: Can you be a little bit more mindful! </h4>


    Chapter 1151: Can you be a little bit more mindful!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At 9 in the morning.


    On Central TV News Channel, Beijing Television News Channel, Jinshi Morning News Broadcast, and a dozen other television stations, every one of them simultaneously announced an important piece of news: "We interrupt this broadcast with a news update. Our station''s reporters have just received news about the proof to one of the famous Math Problems that had caused quite a sensation throughout the field of mathematics. There has been now been a major breakthrough, with an updateing from the World Mathematics Association''s Dale''s Conjecture verification team. A press conference will be heldter today at 1 PM Beijing time in Peking University. Our station''s reporters will be following up with details when the event begins and update our viewers on thetest developments!"


    They did not say everything in full.


    Nor was it thoroughly exined.


    But that announcement alone was more than enough!


    Themon folk were not stupid. How could they not know what this was about?


    Then, Zhang Ye''s army swept across Weibo!


    "Heavens!"


    "Oh my God!"


    "Zhang Ye''s proof has been validated?"


    "It''s been confirmed?"


    "That''s really awesome!"


    "Teacher Zhang has really freaking be a preeminent world-ss mathematician!"


    "Has there ever been a preeminent world-ss mathematician who hailed from China? There have only been a handful of world-ss mathematicians, right? And most of them are dead now!"


    "I don''t know. There wasn''t any ssification like this in the past, so there was no suchbel as a ''preeminent world-ss mathematician.'' After it was implemented, China has only had Zhang Ye who has beenbeled as such. But nowadays, as long as a mathematician can solve a major math conjecture or make an important contribution to the global field of mathematics, they are conferred the title of preeminent world-ss mathematician. That title is definitely in the bag for Zhang Ye! There shouldn''t be more than 40 people in the entire world who have obtained the title! While those who have this title and are still alive shouldn''t number more than 20!"


    "How exciting!"


    "Yeah, our country''s mathematics world shall have a major figure from now on!"


    "Teacher Zhang is going to be on fire again!"


    "Hahaha, he was already barely holding on to the first ce on the A-list celebrity rankings and was almost going to be surpassed. In the end, everything just worked out nicely and Teacher Zhang is finally going to be able to gain a foothold in his ranking! This time, he is definitely going to gain a lot of poprity again. I just wonder if it would allow him to start breaking into the international celebrity''s poprity ranking list!"


    "Let''s wait for the press conference then, it''s all only guesses for now!"


    "What do you mean it''s all guesses? Even a fool can see what''s going on!"


    "Yeah, why else would they hold a press conference for?"


    "Congrattions, Zhang Ye!"


    "This is really Zhang Ye''s year, isn''t it? Haha!"


    ...


    Peking University.


    The students were already on vacation, so there shouldn''t have been much people around at the school.


    But when Zhang Ye drove over, he saw a crowd of cheering people the moment he reached the school gates. There were some people in the crowd that he knew and some that he didn''t!


    When they saw the car arriving, everyone rushed forward and surrounded it!


    When Zhang Ye stepped out of the car, Dean Pan immediately gave him a bear hug. It was an extremely tight hug as he patted Zhang Ye on the back thumpingly. It was obvious that Old Pan was extremely happy today!


    Pan Yang said, "Congrattions!"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Thank you."


    Han Henian also came forward to give Zhang Ye a hug. "Congrattions, Professor Zhang!"


    This was Zhang Ye''s former love rival, but that was already a thing of the past. "Thank you, Teacher Han."


    Xin Ya, Old Wu''s best friend, also came up to him. "I won''t be hugging you, but congrattions anyway!"


    "Same to you." Zhang Ye said with a smile.


    Xin Ya said in a smiling way, "What has it got to do with me? You''re from Peking University while I''m from Tsinghua University."


    Zhang Ye said amused, "Professor Xin, why are you still so narrow-minded about things?"


    Xin Ya rolled her eyes. "You just can''t say anything good, can you? Can''t you see that I''m just making a joke? Now that you have reached the pinnacle, it has given an invaluable boost to our Chinese mathematics world! Who wouldn''t be happy for you?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Thank you."


    Over there, a British female mathematician named Jennifer came forward with a smile. She gave him a hug and said, "Congrattions, my Chinese friend!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Thanks, my British friend."


    Wang Yiming.


    Fellow Wan of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.


    A young German mathematician.


    A French mathematician that Zhang Ye knew from before.


    And so on and so forth. There were too many of them and they were all present here today to apud Zhang Ye!


    "Zhang, you are really awesome!"


    "I wee you to visit Germany and be our guest!"


    "My friend! You''re a great mathematician!"


    "Congrattions! I knew that your proof would definitely be proven right!"


    Many reporters have also gathered around, and the number was only getting more and more. A lot of them rushed over to the school immediately after receiving news about this and had wanted to get first-hand information about the matter. There were even many foreign faces within the reporters, including the Japanese and Americans!


    However, Zhang Ye did not take any interviews. The press conference was scheduled for the afternoon, so of course he could not talk about it right now. Therefore, he followed Dean Pan and the others into Peking University and left the reporters waiting outside.


    On the way in.


    Xin Ya said, "In this past year, we''ve all really been tired out badly. It''s not too bad for us since we''re stationed in Beijing, but for those in the verification team who are from other countries, they keep having to fly around. They would head back to their own countries for a few days beforeing back here to continue on the verification work again. Don''t even think of not giving a treat today, you have to make it up to us for our suffering!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "That''s of course, it has been hard for everyone."


    That French mathematician smiled and said in English, "Zhang, I hear that you''re a big star in China. My wife likes Miss Zhang Yuanqi a lot and her movies are really very popr back in my country too. Can you help me to get an autograph from her? I think my wife would definitely be very happy if you could!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and patted him on the shoulders, "No-pra-bo-lem!"


    The French mathematician was dumbfounded. "What pra-bo-lem?"


    Xin Ya was left speechless by that. She tranted for them and said, "He just means ''no problem''."


    A Russian mathematician who was a burly manughed when he heard that. "Zhang, you better not speak in English. Your English standard is really too atrocious!"


    Everyoneughed.


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Don''t talk about me, you''re not any better yourself."


    The Russian mathematicianughed heartily.


    At this moment, Fellow Wan found him. "Professor Zhang, are you interested to join us at the Chinese Academy of Sciences?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback for a bit. "Someone has already asked me that before."


    "I know." Fellow Wan said sincerely, "I heard that you rejected the offer, so I''m here to invite you again."


    Zhang Ye thought about it for a moment before saying with a wry smile, "Let me think about it again."


    Fellow Wan could only say, "Alright, I''ll be waiting for your news then."


    As there were a lot of people here, Fellow Wan did not speak further about this. The Chinese Academy of Sciences was an academic institution. It was different from thosepanies or television stations which could use money to attract people to join them. To be able to get admitted into the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the most important prerequisite was ability. The second thing would be that one would have to join willingly. This was not something that could be forced.


    ...


    1 o''clock in the afternoon.


    The press conference started on time!


    A dense crowd of Chinese and foreign reporters had already filled up the entire venue. There were a lot of video cameras set up for a live broadcast, as countless cameras shed clickingly across the floor.


    Zhang Ye sat down at the middle of the stage.


    Fellow Wan, Dean Pan, Xin Ya and those mathematicians of the verification team were all gathered beside him!


    In front of the television, the viewers were already unable to wait!


    "How many press conferences has Zhang Ye attended in these past few days already!"


    "He has been hogging all the news headlines across the country in recent days!"


    "That''s so impressive!"


    "Quickly announce it!"


    "Yeah, we''re all waiting!"


    Zhang Ye''s parents were watching in anticipation!


    His rtives were also waiting excitedly in front of their televisions!


    Then, there was also Ning Lan, Xiaodong, Li Xiaoxian, Chen Guang, Fan Wenli, Yao Jiancai, Zhang Yuanqi, Wu Changhe, Li Qinqin, Rao Aimin, Yang Shu...


    Although they could already guess what it was about!


    Although there was already no suspense to it!


    But for some reason, everyone was still waiting eagerly in front of their televisions, just so that they could see and hear it for themselves!


    Fellow Wan adjusted the microphone before announcing loudly, "This morning, we have finally wrapped up the validation work for Dale''s Conjecture. I hereby officially announce on behalf of the verification team that Zhang Ye''s proposed proof has been fully validated without any errors!"


    In an instant, the sound of apuse broke out!


    The Chinese reporters were apuding with everything they had!


    The foreign reporters also gave a round of enthusiastic apuse!


    The pping went on for a very long time. Itsted for a full minute before gradually stopping. Many of the foreign mathematicians were even standing up and giving Zhang Ye the thumbs up! For the past year, Zhang Ye had barely taken part in the verification process as he was the one who had originally proposed the proof, so it wasn''t proper for him to get personally involved in it. But at the very least, he would still spend some time to go down to verify some key parts of the proof. After such a long period of contact, these foreign mathematicians had generally gotten to know Zhang Ye better. Even the two American mathematicians who had had a conflict with Zhang Ye before were already having a very harmonious rtionship with him. As such, they spared no effort in sending him their blessings and congrattions!


    It was time for the Q&A session.


    A female American reporter raised her hand.


    Pan Yang who was chairing the conference pointed at her. "Thisdy here."


    The female reporter asked, "Mr. David, can you tell us why the verification process for the proof to Dale''s Conjecture has taken so long toplete? Why did it drag on for a year?"


    A trantor repeated the question in Mandarin.


    The American mathematician, David, clearly knew this reporter. "Miss Denise, you might not be familiar with the verification process for a mathematical conjecture. It is very tedious work and requires a lot of meticulous going through. What''s more, Dale''s Conjecture is different from the other mathematical conjectures in that it is one of the major Math Problems of the mathematics world. As such, the workload would definitely be much greater. Luckily, Zhang has provided us with very clear forms and detailed notes about it. That has greatly cut down the amount of time that we needed to validate the proof. Otherwise, it would have taken much longer toplete. Zhang Ye is really very great." He looked at Zhang Ye, then said, "He is one of the youngest, most talented and greatest mathematicians that I have ever seen!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and nodded at him to express his thanks.


    Comrade David was indeed nice!


    Then, a barrage of the reporters'' hands shot up again!


    Pan Yang pointed out at a French reporter.


    The French reporter said, "Professor Zhang, there are people who say that the validation of the proof to Dale''s Conjecture is a very historical moment in mathematics. They also imed that you''re the hero who saved the Chinese mathematics world by allowing the Chinese mathematicians to have a renewed chance of being seen by the world again. ording to what I know, there are already five to six mathematics organizations who have actively sought out Chinese mathematicians to join their new projects or research in the past year. All of that was undoubtedly to your credit. I interviewed a young mathematician earlier and he said that you were the mathematics world''s hero. What do you have to say to that?"


    That was indeed the truth. In recent international mathematics projects around the world, there has really been quite a number of Chinese mathematicians taking part in them. If anyone imed that this wasn''t because of Zhang Ye, even a fool would not believe that!


    Fellow Wan looked towards Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye did not even think it through and directly answered, "I''m not a hero, I''m really not one. There are many heroes in the mathematics world, some of whom you can see and others that you don''t know about. Everyone here harbors a dream and has a sincere passion for mathematics. Speaking about the past, there have been countless mathematicians in China who have done a lot. In the future, there will also be many young mathematicians appearing who will lead the world forward. It was our predecessors who have supported the mathematics world up to this stage step by step, and it will be down to the future generation to lead the Chinese mathematics world forward step by step. Who am I in all of these? I''m not anyone at all. If there are any heroes to speak of, it should be them instead!"


    His words were concurrently tranted!


    When then French reporter heard that, he immediately stood up in awe and started pping!


    The German reporter beside also pped hard!


    Those other foreign reporters who heard it were also praising it inside their hearts!


    But the bunch of Chinese reporters nearly fainted onto the ground!


    Fellow Wan: "....$%^&*() !"


    Pan Yang felt like vomiting blood!


    Xin Ya also very nearly fell off from her chair!


    The viewers in front of the televisions were left looking confused!


    Those words...why did those words sound so goddamn familiar, huh?


    Fuck, didn''t you say something simr to this during yesterday''s press conference for the war between humans and the machines? And it even fucking sounded like the original speech from then?


    Everyone had to take their hats off to him!


    They were really left kneeling to him!


    Just what kind of an asion did you think this was? This was a press conference that was going to be broadcasted to the entire world!


    Can you be a little bit more mindful!


    Can you fucking be a little bit more mindful!

 Chapter 1152: The only dual faculty professor in Peking University!

    <h4>Chapter 1152: The only dual faculty professor in Peking University! </h4>


    Chapter 1152: The only dual faculty professor in Peking University!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Theizens nearly pissed themselvesughing!


    There were all kinds of bashing on Weibo!


    "That Zhang Ye!"


    "How could he still joke around at a setting like that?!"


    "Pfft, how can he be so funny!"


    "Hahahahaha, that shameless behavior is what I like most about him!"


    "Aiyo, how amusing!"


    "Teacher Zhang is such an oddball!"


    "Yeah, if it were anyone else, who wouldn''t speak mindfully on such an asion? Who wouldn''t get nervous and speak cautiously? But just look at him, he even dares talk that much bull in front of the whole world. Didn''t he say the exact same thing at the press conference yesterday after the war between humans and machines! Weren''t those words what he said about the Go world too? He really isn''t afraid that the global mathematics world would get pissed and strip him of his title! I''m already trembling just from hearing it! Only Zhang Ye could do something like this!"


    "Hai, this isn''t even anything serious!"


    "It''s not like Zhang Ye has not done anything more ridiculous than this before!"


    "Haha, that''s just how he is and I''ve got used to it!"


    "If Teacher Zhang were to start behaving seriously, then that would be too uninteresting!"


    "I like him!"


    "Teacher Zhang has brought glory to our country! So don''t pick on him over such minor things!"


    "When has a live broadcast involving Zhang Ye not ended up with him causing a big incident? When has he not scolded others? He did not even write a poem or scold anyone this time, so let''s just be content. Teacher Zhang has toned it down a lot!"


    "Pfft, I''m actually unable to refute the previous poster!"


    There were all kinds of reactions to the speech. But overall, everyone was able to ept what happened. If it were any other celebrity or mathematician who said something like that, they would definitely be cursed to death or get doubted by countless people. However, since it was Zhang Ye who did this, everyone realized that they had already gotten used to it and weren''t the least bit surprised. Those who facepalmed or vomited blood due to what happened all ended upughing at it in the end.


    Half an hour.


    An hour.


    The live broadcast of the press conference had concluded.


    The press conference was broadcast live across the country. At the same time, it was also ryed very quickly throughout Asia and the international scene!


    For such huge news like Dale''s Conjecture being proven by a Chinese mathematician, it was impossible that it would not get reported at the international level. There was only issue the issue of how much coverage each country would give to it!


    Everyone dispersed.


    Xin Ya pulled Zhang Ye aside as she rolled her eyes at him and said, "Can you be a little more mindful of that lousy mouth of yours?"


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "Ah? What''s the matter?"


    Dean Pan also came up to him. "What do you think is the matter!"


    Wang Yiming didn''t know whether tough or cry. "We really have to give it you!"


    "What about me?" Zhang Ye was confused.


    Xin Ya stared at him and said, "Didn''t you realize that when you answered the first reporter''s question, your answer sounded somewhat familiar? Huh?"


    When Zhang Ye thought about it, it dawned on him. "Yes, yes, it really does feel a little familiar!"


    Han Henian gave a wry smile and reminded him. "At the Go press conference yesterday... "


    Only then did Zhang Ye realize it. He facepalmed and eximed, "Aiya, I think I already used that speech yesterday. Heh, no wonder it felt so familiar. I was wondering why I was speaking so fluidly!" He really did not do it on purpose. This fellow had been too busy recently and everything wasing together at once. With so many reporters questioning and interviewing him, he would even sometimes forget what he had just answered with. "Hai, great wits have short memories!"


    "Pfft!"


    "Who would refer to themselves as a great wit?"


    "Never mind, it''s already been broadcast. Let''s just leave it as is."


    "Yeah, your reputation stinks anyway, so no one will care."


    Many of the local mathematicians present started talking about this among themselves.


    Zhang Ye could not keep listening and cleared his throat. "Why would my reputation stink? That reporter asked me if I was a hero. Surely, I can''t say that I am one and ask them to quickly kowtow to me, right?"


    Everyoneughed in derision!


    Who would want to kowtow to you!


    Dean Panughed and said, "Alright, stop with the bantering already, Professor Zhang. I still have some proper business that I need to speak to you about."


    "What is it?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Dean Pan gave a heartyugh. "It''s about something good!"


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "If it''s something good, I''m all ears."


    Dean Pan said, "Alright then,e with me."


    After everyone else left, Dean Pan and some heads of the Math Department headed back to their faculty. They went into someone''s office where Pan Yang looked around in a drawer before taking something out of it. Then he handed a document to Zhang Ye and said with a smile, "Have a look at this."


    When Zhang Ye took a look, he was startled. "An application for a promotion to professor?"


    Dean Pan nodded. "That''s right."


    This professorship was unlike the previous professorship!


    Zhang Ye was already an associate professor in Peking University''s Math Department. But this application was a rmendation to promote Zhang Ye to a full professorship in the Math Department. There really was a big difference between being an associate professor and a full professor. Be it the pay, qualification, or status in the profession, these two positions couldn''t be lumped together. Furthermore, this was a full professorship at the Math Department of Peking University. How many full professors were there in the entire School of Mathematical Sciences? There was practically none who were younger than 45!


    Zhang Ye was feeling a little embarrassed. "Hey, is this appropriate?"


    Dean Pan said, "If you think you''re ready, I''ll submit the application. I''m not sure if it''ll get approved, but this was unanimously decided by us at the School of Mathematical Sciences after we had a meeting."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "My associate professorship at that time was also a one-off exception, wasn''t it? I''ve only assumed that position for a year, but I''m up for another promotion to full professor? Won''t the others gossip about this? I''m only 25 years old. Which university has a 25-year-old associate professor in their ranks? Not to mention a 25-year-old full professor at Peking University?"


    Dean Pan simply said, "If you think that it''s not appropriate, let''s just drop it."


    "Don''t! Don''t mind me!" Zhang Ye panicked. "Old Pan, since you''ve already brought out the application form, how can you just take it back like this? Submit it, of course you must submit it! Would I be afraid of people gossiping about this? If I was bothered about people talking bad about me, I would have died 200 times in the past few years!" This statement was actually quite true.


    Old Pan?


    Dean Pan rolled his eyes!


    Zhang Ye joyfully said, "Then it''s set!"


    Dean Pan said, "We still have to see if the higher-ups agree to it or not."


    "You are such a reputable person, so how won''t the heads of the school agree to it?" Zhang Ye felt that Old Pan was quite loyal, and would think of him if something good came up. The title of a full professor was going to be more practical and useful than anything else!


    ��


    Later that afternoon.


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    The moment he reached home, his mother stopped him and chided him!


    She even wished she could pull him by the ear. "Why weren''t you more mindful of your words at such an important asion? You can even copy your own thank you speech? Are you intending to drive me to my grave?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It just slipped my mind, alright?"


    His mother pointed at theputer. "Look at the people online. They''re all ridiculing you, and several experts have already criticized your actions. They said that your attitude toward academia is not correct and that you were just fooling around!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and shrugged. "I have so many enemies. If I don''t get criticized by eighty to a hundred people each day, I might even think that the sun rose from the west. If they want to criticize me, then just let them do it. Why should we care about them? By the way, Mom, Dad." He looked at his parents and announced to them, "They''re looking to promote me to a full professor at Peking University!"


    His parents eximed in astonishment!


    His father said excitedly, "Has it been confirmed yet?"


    His mother stared and her jaw dropped. "Are you serious?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yes, but it hasn''t been given yet. I assume that there shouldn''t be any problems."


    His mother said anxiously, "Don''t assume things like that! This is an important matter, so has it been confirmed or not yet? Don''t make me and your dad happy for nothing!"


    "I''m quite certain it''ll be given," Zhang Ye said.


    His mother instantly beamed with pride. "Good! Good! That''s great! I must quickly tell your grandpa and grandma about it!" As she spoke, she went over to the telephone and picked it up and made a call. "Hello, Mom��ai��have you seen the news? That''s right. The conjecture has been proven. Little Ye is now a preeminent international mathematician. Also, inform Dad and the others that Little Ye is going to get promoted to full professor at Peking University��.It''s true! Why would I lie to you!"


    In the media, there were already some news reports that were gathered from the grapevine!


    Over here in China, no news could stay hidden for long. Everything was linked and theplex web of rtionships was just too intertwined. There would always be some people who were just very well-informed about things!


    At 5 o''clock in the afternoon!


    Peking University finally made a public announcement. "Zhang Ye has been appointed as a full professor at Peking University''s School of Mathematical Sciences!"


    But to everyone''s surprise, that was not the end of it!


    Peking University: "Zhang Ye has been appointed as an associate professor at Peking University''s Chinese Department!"


    After being part of the Chinese Department for two years, he had also been promoted to an associate professor from his lecturer role?


    A full professor of the Math Department?


    An associate professor at the Chinese Department?


    He had now be Peking University''s only dual department professor?

 Chapter 1153: Sitting firmly at the top of the A-list!

    <h4>Chapter 1153: Sitting firmly at the top of the A-list! </h4>


    Chapter 1153: Sitting firmly at the top of the A-list!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    News of Zhang Ye was once again carpet bombarding the country!


    This was happening for the umpteenth time over the past few days!


    "Zhang Ye gets promoted to full professor!"


    "China''s Youngest Full Professor!"


    The youngest math professor in history emerges!"


    "Peking University''s Astonishing Act!"


    "Peking University''s Chinese Department confers the title of Associate Professor to Zhang Ye?"


    "The first dual department professor in Peking University''s history!"


    "An unprecedented urrence: A 25-year-old bes a full professor!"


    "At press time, Peking University has yet to issue a statement!"


    A glowing honor has been bestowed onto Zhang Ye!"


    "Together with his title of visiting associate professor at Media College, Zhang Ye is perhaps the person with the most professorships in the country!"


    The Goof Group blew up.


    Ning Lan: "Professor Zhang, time toe out and distribute red packets!"


    Xiaodong: "Professor Zhang, time toe out and distribute red packets!"


    Huo Dongfang: "Professor Zhang, time toe out and distribute red packets!"


    Zhang Ye did not send a one-cent red packet this time, instead giving out a big one!


    Amy was the quickest to im hers and got the highest amount as well. "Wow, thank you, boss!"


    Zhang Ye sent a smiley face.


    Ning Lan: "Haha, thank you, Professor!"


    Xiaodong: "We''re rich! Congrattions, Professor Zhang!"


    Huo Dongfang: "I''ve lost count of how many times I''ve congratted you these past two days. If we include you being a visiting associate professor at Media College, this is your third professorship title! Not to mention showbiz, even in the academic and education fields, there isn''t anyone who has more professorships than you do!"


    Zhang Ye sent an embarrassed emoticon and said: "Thanks, everyone."


    Xiaodong said in a depressed way, "What''s important here is that Teacher Zhang doesn''t even conduct any lessons!"


    Li Xiaoxian: "Pfft, that''s indeed so!"


    Xiaodong said wryly: "This is what makes me so speechless. A teacher who doesn''t even conduct lessons was actually promoted to a full professor in the Math Department, and an associate professor in the Chinese Department. I don''t even know what to say anymore. Thinking back to when I had just graduated, I was thinking of bing a graduate student, but I didn''t manage to make it! But inparison?"


    Fan Wenli: "Congrattions!"


    Chen Guang: "Treat us!"


    Online.


    Theizens also found this to be ironic and ridiculous!


    "A full professorship?"


    "Impressive!"


    "Peking University has really made an exception for him?"


    "I feel that Teacher Zhang deserves the full professorship at the Math Department since it was he who solved Dale''s Conjecture. But as for the associate professorship over in the Chinese Department? What''s with that? Has this guy even been giving any lessons?"


    "I think he hasn''t been there for a year already!"


    "Pfft, that''s right!"


    "In any case, congrattions to Professor Zhang!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang has gained another few titles for his list!"


    "If this goes on, no one will be able to stop him in the future!"


    "Yeah, Teacher Zhang''s qualifications are almost surpassing the Heavens. He''s adding on to his titles and protective charms one after another. But what can we say about that? He is really that capable after all!"


    "This calls for a celebration!"


    "Rejoice and spread the word!"


    At home.


    Very soon, Zhang Ye received a call from Chang Kaige.


    Chang Kaige: the dean of Peking University''s Chinese Department.


    "Dean Chang." Zhang Ye quickly asked: "What''s this about my appointment?"


    Chang Kaige said with augh: "Are you talking about the title?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Yes, I didn''t even receive any news about that and I''ve suddenly be an associate professor?"


    Chang Kaige said: "Everyone already knows about your contributions to the cultural world. How many good pieces of work have youe up with over the years? I heard that the textbooks are going through a review and update. Who knows if your essays and poetry might also be included in them this time? So what''s the big deal with conferring you the title of associate professor in the Chinese Department? Is that too much for you?"


    Zhang Ye said feeling rather awkward: "The important thing here is that I''ve never really conducted any lessons."


    "Giving lessons is not a measure of how knowledgeable one is." Chang Kaige said supportively: "We''ve long been thinking of appointing you as an associate professor, but the pressure at that time was too great. When you were still around at Peking University, that scolding incident involving the foreign dignitaries had a great effect and caused a lot of anxiety for everyone. So they suppressed and downyed the incident at that time. But now that you''ve already been restored to your duties at Peking University and with the momentum brought along by your proof of Dale''s Conjecture, the Chinese Department went ahead with the application for you to be appointed as an associate professor. We submitted the application together with Old Pan, and to our surprise, the school heads handled this matter specially and approved of it right away."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "The school heads?"


    Chang Kaige knew what he was thinking. He advised: "That affair happened so long ago. They suspended you from duty because they had no choice. So you should understand how it is by now? Other than a few people, whether they are the school heads, teachers, or students, they all of see you as one of our own. Therefore, don''t feel so bad about it anymore. If you''re free,e back often to have a look around and teach some sses. Besides, I believe that the school heads approved of your appointment to associate professor mainly because they also wanted to make it up to you for that time."


    That decision back then to suspend Zhang Ye had caused a very great difference of opinions!


    Some teachers thought that Peking University had handled it well and that a teacher who led students to scold others should definitely be suspended. Some teachers felt that it wasn''t the right thing to do as Zhang Ye had contributed a lot to Peking University after all. Besides, he had done it for the students while the Japanese dignitaries had also behaved quite idiotically. They were at fault in the first ce. After Zhang Ye''s departure, this incident died down gradually. It wasn''t until the incident at the previous student recruitment exercise that everyone was reminded of Zhang Ye''s good side again.


    If it weren''t for him, those college entrance exam schrs would all have been taken away by Tsinghua University! It was Zhang Ye who came charging and smashing cars, snatching the students back while bearing the brunt of the scolding! At that moment, a lot of the teachers and school heads who did not used to like Zhang Ye no longer had any reason to speak ill of him!


    The way he handled that incident was very generous and chivalrous!


    He was dedicated to Peking University!


    Zhang Ye immediately said: "Dean Chang, please don''t say that. That incident was down to my personal behavior, and I know that I didn''t act in the right way. But I''ve said what I''ve said, and even if it happens again, I would still scold them all over again. I''ve never spoken badly about our Peking University in any situation before, so why would I want to me them for anything then? Am I such a petty person?"


    Chang Kaige nodded in agreement. "Then I have no worries."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "In any case, thank you."


    "There''s no need to thank me, I didn''t do much at all." Chang Kaige said: "Teacher Su and Old Zeng are always talking about you. Find a day when you''re free and let''s meet up someday."


    Zhang Ye said: "Let''s not wait for someday. We should go with the flow rather than try to force things. Let me treat everyone tonight!"


    Chang Kaige replied: "Alright, then we must definitely have something good since you''re treating!"


    "No problem!" Zhang Ye said happily: "I''ll invite Dean Pan and the others as well then?"


    Chang Kaige said: "You''re the boss! We''ll show up as long as you invite us!"


    Zhang Ye said: "Sure!"


    For such a happy asion, Zhang Ye definitely had to treat everyone. He immediately made some calls and invited several teachers from the Math Department and other departments of Peking University that he knew. Whether it was Su Na or Professor Zeng, he hadn''t seen them all in a very long time. Now that he could meet them again, they definitely had to enjoy a good meal together!


    ��


    On the same night.


    At midnight.


    The Celebrity Rankings Index was updated!


    Zhang Ye''s name was still clearly at the number one spot of the A-list rankings. He did not budge from it at all while the gap between second ce was slowly widening! The validation of the proof to the mathematical conjecture had reallye at the right time. It allowed Zhang Ye to gain a proper foothold on his shaky poprity and helped him sit firmly at the number one spot. It seemed like it would be very difficult for him to fall off from there in the short term unless Ning Lan and the other person were to experience a simr explosion in poprity like Zhang Ye had today!


    But how many Zhang Yes were there in the entertainment industry?


    What he had done was not something that just anyone could replicate!

 Chapter 1154: Zhang Ye’s Asian Popularity Ranking!

    <h4>Chapter 1154: Zhang Ye''s Asian Poprity Ranking! </h4>


    Chapter 1154: Zhang Ye''s Asian Poprity Ranking!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Over the next two days, Zhang Ye was so busy with treating all of his friends, bringing them around to enjoy a good meal, that he didn''t go back home at all. In recent days, he had caused quite a big stir. First, he prevailed over PeterGo. Then, his proof of Dale''s Conjecture was finally validated. On top of that, he was appointed as a full professor at Peking University. He also secured his foothold of the number one spot on the A-list celebrity rankings. With all thating together and adding in the previously umted events, the results could finally be seen now. The entire country''s media outlets were making mention of Zhang Ye''s name without stop for a few days. This pushed his poprity up by quite a lot, which led to many celebratory feasts!


    For example, with China Qiyuan.


    For example, with his extended family.


    For example, with friends like Yao Jiancai, Chen Guang, and the others.


    For example, with his colleagues from Peking University.


    And for example, with Rao Aimin, Yang Shu, and Chenchen.


    How many meals was that already?


    Later on, Dong Shanshan, Yu Yingyi, and the group of his old ssmates also arranged to have a meal together with Zhang Ye to throw him a party. But as Zhang Ye was really unable to squeeze any time out from his schedule, they settled for having breakfast together.


    At Dong Shanshan''s vi.


    His old ssmates were all seated around the dining table and staring at the fried dough sticks and soy milk on the table, not knowing whether tough or cry.


    Zhang Ye said, "Eat, eat, don''t stand on ceremony with me. I just bought them, so have it while they''re still hot!"


    Dong Shanshanughed and said, "Why would we stand on ceremony with you for over some lousy breakfast?"


    Yu Yingyi rolled her eyes. "This is the first time I''m seeing someone treat others in this way!"


    Wang He also said in a speechless manner, "Zhang''er, aren''t you ying us for fools like this!"


    Ma Xufei fumed while ring, "I object! I strongly object to this!"


    He Kuiughed from beside them.


    "Hai, I really haven''t had much time recently, and you guys are also going to be busy with your own work next week, so we could only decide on this morning to gather together like this. I have other appointments nned for this afternoon and tonight. Since we''re all old ssmates and know each other quite well, what''s there to be so formal about. Don''t dismiss breakfast as not fitting of a feast. Soy milk and fried dough sticks are really expensive too," Zhang Ye exined as he rubbed his temples. He had been drinking so much these past few days that his brain was hurting.


    Yu Yingyi sighed. "Alright, we''ll just have to make do. Squeezing a meal out of Professor Zhang is already an achievement. He''s indeed quite busy these days, and I can testify to that."


    Zhang Yeughed. "Right?"


    He Kui rolled his eyes. "You two are singing the same tune now, eh?"


    Yu Yingyi said happily, "That''s right. Just doing thementary work for those three games that Zhang''er yed helped me gain quite a lot of poprity, although this girl might not beparable to ssmate Shanshan yet. But amongst the country''s sports hosts, I''m considered as one of the more popr ones, haha. In the future, if there are any sports events that you all would like to attend, just let me know. Big Sis will help to get the tickets for you guys. It''s not that I''m trying to brag, but with just a phone call from me, everyone is pretty much willing to give face to me."


    He Kui said enviously, "Right now, it seems like only the three of you are doing well."


    Zhang Ye, Dong Shanshan, and Yu Yingyi were the three referred to, of course.


    Yu Yingyi said, "Compared to Zhang''er, who dares say that they''re doing well."


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "Ha, don''t you guys tread on me like this."


    Dong Shanshan drank some soy milk and gave him a look. "You''re at the top of the A-list. Another step forward and you''ll be in the S-list rankings. What ns do you have?"


    "Hai." Zhang Ye shook his head. "I''ve not thought of any yet."


    Dong Shanshan blinked several times. "You''re probably going to get into the international rankings, right?"


    Zhang Ye spread his hands. "I''m not even popr on the international stage, so I can''t climb onto that list for sure. I don''t even have any works that are known on the international scene, so I''ll just take it step by step."


    S-list.


    Asia.


    International.


    There was still a long road ahead!


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    The news of Dale''s Conjecture being proven was gradually spreading across Asia.


    The Japaneseizens.


    "What?"


    "Why does this name sound so familiar?"


    "Zhang Ye? Isn''t that the man who yed Go?"


    "Oh yes, it''s that guy from the war between humans and machines!"


    "No wonder! So he''s really a mathematician!"


    The Koreanizens.


    "Dale''s Conjecture has been solved?"


    "When did it happen?"


    "Long ago? So it was him who solved it!"


    "Why is this guy so good?"


    "Is he really the smartest person in the world?"


    ��


    That night.


    A major incident happened again in the Chinese entertainment industry.


    Almost without warning, and to everyone''s surprise, when the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index was updated, Zhang Ye''s name appeared on the Asian C-list rankings!


    The Asian Celebrity Rankings Index. This was not a celebrity ranking list under the jurisdiction of China and the SARFT. It was overseen by a different authority and was a list of rankings that one wouldn''t be able to get into if they did not have a certain level of influence around Asia. Every person that was in the rankings were well-known stars in the Asian countries and the index was segmented into four grades. They were respectively:


    Asian S-list rankings.


    Asian A-list rankings.


    Asian B-list rankings.


    Asian C-list rankings.


    The statistics used in the rankings were not based solely on the number of fans that one had. Otherwise, with the poption of China being sorge, any random B-list celebrity would easily be qualified to be called a big shot around Asia. This rankings index was not that superficial. The number of fans one had was still the main statistical data��that was definitely necessary, of course. But there was also the status of whether their works won any awards, their qualifications, as well as howrge their influence around the Asian region was. Combining all of those statistics, it would make it very difficult for someone to gain a ce in the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index. This was especially true for celebrities from China and Japan. Currently, the celebrities in the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index were mainly Koreans!


    For example, Korean star Lee Anson, who was sent flying by a kick from Zhang Ye, was in the rankings. He was in the Asian C-list rankings!


    Lee Anson was actually very popr back then in China, although he was sent packing afterwards due to that incident. However, the base of his poprity was still there. Coupled with him doing quite well back home in Korea for the past two years, and having many fans in Japan and other Asian countries who loved him, those statistics made him a big shot as an Asian C-list celebrity! In contrast, although Zhang Ye was very well-known by everyone back in China and enjoyed a high level of poprity, he was still rtively unknown in Asia. He had never released any major works that were propagated into the Asian region, so his influence in the region was much more limited!


    But this time, Zhang Ye had suddenly made it into the rankings!


    And it wasn''t just at the bottom of the Asian C-list rankings. He had appeared in the middle of the rankings!


    There was a celebration across Weibo!


    Zhang Ye''s fans cheered!


    "Damn!"


    "He has made it to the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index!"


    "He''s finally there!"


    "Teacher Zhang has blown up!"


    "It was definitely due to the Go incident and the mathematical conjecture being proven!"


    "Yeah, I was wondering why with Teacher Zhang''s poprity in the country, he still hadn''t made it onto this index. Look at Ning Lan and Xiaodong of Spring Garden, they''ve been in the Asian rankings all this time. So why was there nothing from Teacher Zhang? And now, I see that he has finally started his chapter in Asia!"


    "Hahaha, congrattions!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s been having a year to remember since a few days ago!"


    "Teacher Zhang can finally be more popr outside of the country! This is worth being happy and congratted for!"


    "Asian C-list rankings? Isn''t that a little low?"


    "It is a little low. Ning Lan is behind Zhang Ye by a little within China, but she''s already a B-lister in Asia. Uh, but we can''t really put it that way since Sister Ning''s movies have always done very well in Asia. Along with being screened domestically, the box office earnings throughout Asia are also quite good. So of course she has an advantage there! As for Teacher Zhang''s works, they''re basically only known within the country, so there aren''t too many people from the other Asian countries who know about him!"


    "You still call that poprity of his low? Don''t forget that Teacher Zhang has beaten up a Korean celebrity and scolded those Japanese dignitaries. Don''t you remember the stir it caused back then? Just how badly had he been boycotted by those two main countries in Asia at that time? The Asian media was basically unwilling to report any news about him at all. So now that he has made it into the Asian C-list rankings, you should know just how heaven defying Teacher Zhang has been! He''s totally unstoppable!"


    "He''s truly awesome!"


    "Tossing flowers in celebration!"


    "This is going to be an extremely important step for him!"


    "Starting today, Zhang Ye is an Asian star!"


    The fans sent in their congrattory messages!


    The media outlets were fighting to get their first reports out!


    Zhang Ye''s friends and family also called to congratte him!


    He had been getting so many such calls these days that he lost count of how many times he had been congratted. It felt like everyone was constantly congratting him one after another every other day!

 Chapter 1155: Establishing Zhang Ye’s Studio!

    <h4>Chapter 1155: Establishing Zhang Ye''s Studio! </h4>


    Chapter 1155: Establishing Zhang Ye''s Studio!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Several dayster.


    Zhang Ye finally had some free time.


    The news couldn''t possibly revolve around him every day. After a few days of hype by the media, everything returned to normal. That was because an even more important event was approaching!


    The Beijing Olympics!


    There were a little more than two weeks to go before the Olympic Games began!


    This was going to be the singlergest event in recent times for China. The media outlets had been reporting this for the past few days. They reported on things like who would be the invited guests for the opening ceremony, who would make up the contingent for Team China in the games, which sports stars could not participate due to injuries, and so on and so forth. The Olympics atmosphere was getting hyped up. Although there was still some time until the start of the Olympics, one could clearly sense that there were more and more foreigners around the streets. There were people of all nationalities around.


    In all of China, Zhang Ye was perhaps thest one who knew about this. This fellow had only happened to catch a glimpse of the news this morning before finding out about it with a shock!


    Zhang Ye wore an exaggerated expression of surprise. "Beijing Olympics?"


    His father looked at him and asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Zhang Ye said, "They''re holding it in Beijing this year?"


    "Yeah!" His mother said, "Didn''t they bid for the rights many years ago?"


    Zhang Ye simply nodded when he remembered that this was no longer his previous world. Too many things had changed over here, like the bidding rights for the Olympics and the year that it would be held. Back in his previous world, the bid to be the host country had since long been won, and the Beijing Olympics had been sessfully held.


    His mother asked, "Oh, don''t you have a ssmate working at the Central TV Sports Channel?"


    "Yeah, Yu Yingyi," Zhang Ye said.


    His mother smiled and said, "See if she can get us some tickets for the events."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll ask her. You''re interested in going and watching?"


    His mother said, "Of course we have to go and watch. It was not easy to win a bid to organize the Olympic Games. Since it''s being held in our country, shouldn''t we go and give our support? Aren''t you going?"


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands. "Why would I go and watch it! It''s not like you don''t know about the rtionship between me and the sports world."


    His mother smacked her lips and said, "That''s true. Which industries have you not offended?"


    After the table tennis interview incident, and the resulting scolding battle and skit that called upon the "rejection of prostitution, gambling, and table tennis," the fight between Zhang Ye and the sports world reached a fever pitch. Many of the sports world''s executives, coaches, and athletes gnashed their teeth in hatred of Zhang Ye. This was well-known to everyone.


    Zhang Ye sat on the sofa and watched the news for a while. After he had a look at some of the famous athletes of this world, he stopped paying attention to the news. He did not really know most of them anyway. He turned to thinking about what he should be doing next. Zhang Ye was feeling a little overwhelmed after his poprity had soared so quickly in recent times, making him the top A-list celebrity in the country, as well as breaking into the Asian C-list rankings. However, he knew that he would have to take it step by step from here. This little bit of achievement was really iparable to what his target was. The road ahead was a very long one, and he was still too far away from bing an international celebrity.


    What should he do next?


    Which direction should he work towards?


    Zhang Ye was still undecided. As such, he drove to Rao Aimin''s ce after he finished eating breakfast. He wanted to ask Old Rao if there was anyone who wanted to work with him recently.


    At Old Rao''s ce.


    The moment Zhang Ye stepped into the house, he was given a tongueshing!


    Rao Aimin pointed at him and said, "I''m telling you, kid, I''m quitting as your agent. Go find someone else who wants this shitty job. Are you trying to tire me out? You''re just staying at home with nothing to do and idling around as you like. Meanwhile, I have to take calls for you even when I go to the bathroom! Do you want to die?"


    Chenchen walked in. "Zhang Ye, you''ve angered my aunt."


    Zhang Ye said nervously, "What''s going on?"


    Rao Aimin slid her cell phone to him. "Just look at how many calls I''ve taken in these past few days."


    Zhang Ye had a look at it and also thought that it was a little too much. There were more than a hundred calls. He quickly put on a cating smile and said, "Big Sis Rao, I know it was hard on you. Can''t you see that I''m here now because I care about you? Here, take this Brain Gold supplement regrly." He ced the Brain Gold on her coffee table and said, "Oh yes, has there been any suitable work for me recently?"


    Rao Aimin said, "Yes."


    Zhang Ye''s eyes lit up. "What kinda work?"


    Rao Aimin pointed at the bathroom. "The toilet broke, get it fixed!"


    Zhang Ye was speechless.


    At this moment, Yang Shu opened the bathroom door. "Ai, Senior Bro, you''re here?" She wiped her hands clean and said, "Master Rao, the toilet has been fixed."


    Chenchen gave her a thumbs up. "Old Yang, well done."


    Rao Aimin said, "Look at Little Yang! And then look at yourself! Other than posturing for the media every day, what do you know? If you keep stirring up all thatmotion, who is going to handle the fallout for you? Won''t they juste calling me for answers? You''re pretty habitual in giving out my number to whoever you like!"


    Zhang Yemented, "But you''re my agent."


    "Just hire someone better qualified already," Rao Aimin said.


    Zhang Ye said, "Please endure it a little. I know it''s been hard on you."


    Yang Shu immediately said, "That''s right, Master Rao. It isn''t easy for Senior Bro either, so please help him out." At all times, Yang Shu was on his side.


    Rao Aimin eximed, "Then do you think it''s easy for me?"


    Zhang Ye said, "How about I give you a higher percentage of the earnings?"


    Rao Aimin howled, "Have you ever taken anymercial appearances? How much money can you earn in a year? Depend on your earnings? Then I''d have starved to death ages ago!"


    Zhang Ye gave a wry smile and said, "If you quit now, where on earth am I going to find an agent? I don''t know that many people, and I don''t trust them either."


    Rao Aimin said, "In any case, I''ve already got too much on my hands!"


    Suddenly, his cell phone rang.


    It was a call from Ha Qiqi.


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Ai, Sister Ha."


    "Where are you?"


    "I''m at a friend''s ce. What''s the matter?"


    "Everyone has quit their jobs and ns to go join up with you."


    "Ah?"


    "Will you take us in?"


    "What happened? Come over first!"


    Twenty minutester, a group of people gradually arrived at Rao Aimin''s house.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, Little Wang, Wu Yi, Tong Fu, and some others were all from Zhang Ye''s old team. The longest serving member had worked together with him on The Voice, while the more recent ones worked on A Bite of China and the Documentary on Air Pollution in China together with him. This was the best program team in the TV show industry!


    Zhang Ye wondered, "Why did everyone quit?"


    Zhang Zuo replied, "Old Ha and I did not renew our contracts after it ran out, so we were considered to have left by ourselves. Little Wang was sacked over a minor matter. The higher-ups skipped over Director Yan''s authority and got her fired."


    Little Wang said angrily, "I only rebuked someone from Central TV Department 1!"


    Wu Yi said, "I resigned out of anger!"


    Zhang Ye looked at the others.


    Tong Fu said, "Since everyone left, I followed suit."


    Little He added, "I prefer working with Director Zhang, so I resigned too!"


    "Director Zhang, we''ll listen to your n!"


    "Yeah, we''ll all listen to you!"


    "There''s no way we can continue working there! All of us used to be on your team, so the higher-ups are always picking on us! They kept making things difficult for us and treated us with a bad attitude. Who would want to tolerate their behavior!"


    Everyone startedining!


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "But you all are the industry''s best program team. How can they just let you guys leave like that?"


    Ha Qiqi said bitterly, "Director Zhang, not many people know about us even though we are the industry''s best program team. To put it bluntly, how can we still im to be number one if you''re not on the team?"


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "Take a seat and tell me more."


    Chenchen waved to them. "Old Ha, Old Zhang, Old Wu."


    Zhang Zuo smiled and said, "If it isn''t our Little Leader."


    Little Wang said joyfully, "Ah, Chenchen has grown taller!"


    Chenchen replied, "Mmm, I guess I did."


    Zhang Ye introduced everyone to his assistants. "Some of you might have seen them before and some have not. This is Rao Aimin, my agent. This is Yang Shu, my bodyguard." Then he introduced Ha Qiqi and the rest of the others one by one to Rao Aimin and Yang Shu. "When you weren''t around for those six months, I had some trouble juggling my show''s production work and taking care of the child. At that time, I brought Chenchen with me to Central TV where everyone helped take care of her. They all treated Chenchen quite well."


    Rao Aimin acknowledged him and said lightly, "Stay for the afternoon. I''ll make lunch."


    Ha Qiqi quickly said, "Sister Rao, there''s no need to trouble you."


    However, Zhang Ye said, "Don''t stand on ceremony with her. Old Rao is a very good cook. You''ll all regret it if we don''t stay for lunch."


    "We? Did I say that I want you to stay for lunch?" Rao Aimin said.


    Zhang Ye pretended not to have heard her. He turned to ask Tong Fu, "How did Huang Dandan''s surgery go?"


    Tong Fu smiled and said, "She''s recovering quite well. She even kept saying that she wanted toe and join you, but I stopped her."


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s good. She should rest up for now, so don''t let her get back to work yet."


    Little Wang said fervently, "Director Zhang, let''s pull off another big one this time!"


    "Whoa." Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Are you nning on robbing a bank?"


    Little Wang coughed and said, "We can do something on a smaller scale too. We''re jobless anyway. If you don''t take care of us, we won''t have anywhere left to go."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Didn''t I say this before? If you all don''t have anywhere to go in the future, juste look for me and we can n something. I was so looking forward to you alling and join me. It''s not easy to build another team that has such a deep bond and understanding. It''s Central TV''s loss that they did not keep all of you in thepany. Let me do a headcount. One, two, three, four, five��There''s a total of 13 people. Good, so almost the entire team is here."


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "Basically everyone on the old team is here."


    Tong Fu raised his hand. "And some from the new team."


    Zhang Ye decided, "Alright, I''ll take everyone who wants to join me!"


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Then what are we looking at doing?"


    Zhang Zuo asked, "Yeah, what should we do?"


    They all knew Zhang Ye well. There was a very strong friendship and trust after working together for such a long time. This was not purely about tapping on the interests that each one of them could offer. The reason why everyone came to Zhang Ye the moment they left the Central TV Documentary Channel was not because they had nowhere to go. There were endless people in the industry trying to poach them, yet they were all here because they still wanted to work with Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye was quite happy that his old team that had swept through the entertainment industry was now reunited. When he thought about Rao Aimin''s earlierints of being too busy, Zhang Ye suddenly had an idea. This idea was probably one that he had in mind since a very long time ago!


    Zhang Ye suggested something astonishing. "Let''s set up a studio!"


    Ha Qiqi was taken aback. "A studio?"


    Zhang Zuo said in surprise, "Aiyo, that is a good idea!"


    "Right, all the A-list celebrities have their own studios!" Wu Yi said.


    Little Wang pped her hands and said, "I''ll join!"


    "Me too!"


    "Count me in!"


    "Haha, and me too!"


    "Follow Director Zhang''s lead! And he''ll give you meal to eat!"


    "A studio is a great idea!"


    "I''ve been waiting for a long time for this day!"

 Chapter 1156: Hiring a bodyguard for the studio?

    <h4>Chapter 1156: Hiring a bodyguard for the studio? </h4>


    Chapter 1156: Hiring a bodyguard for the studio?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Owning a studio was a sure sign of being an A-list celebrity. Some of the top B-list celebrities would also set up their own personal studios as long as they could afford to maintain one. This was equivalent to a small talent agency that would handle artist rted affairs like promotions and PR work. For those slightlyrger celebrity studios, they would even incorporate production and distribution functions. The only difference was that an agency was responsible for multiple artists, whereas a celebrity studio usually serviced a single celebrity. This was the main difference between the two.


    Zhang Ye asked Rao Aimin, "Big Sis Rao, what do you think?"


    Rao Aimin spoke like ayman, "What''s the use of opening a studio?"


    It would be of great use," Zhang Ye quickly replied.


    Rao Aimin asked, "What sort of great use?"


    "The great use is of course��" Zhang Ye paused and turned to Ha Qiqi. "Uh, what sort of great use?" He was unable to exin what it was good for.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others were floored. How could you not know when you were the one who suggested it?


    You''re an Asian celebrity, but why are you still so ignorant?!


    Little Wang was perceptive of the situation and immediately exined, "Big Sis Rao, the idea of opening a studio is so that everyone would be working around Director Zhang to support him. We would all be working towards the same goal. As for the kind of work it handles, it may include things like being the contact point for people who are interested in having Director Zhang make amercial appearance, or having specialized personnel discuss ande up with solutions in the event of emergency PR. There would also be people handling requests for media interviews and other simr activities, so you wouldn''t be required to take on such tasks in the future. Since you''re Director Zhang''s agent, you''d only be required to handle the important issues at hand. All the other minor details and work can be delegated to us to handle. As for who would handle which areas of work, we''ll discuss that at ater time."


    Zhang Ye repeatedly agreed, "That''s right, that''s right. In any case, you won''t have to do much in the future. There won''t be anyone chasing or calling you up every other day."


    Rao Aimin sneered. "Why should I believe you?"


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "That''s really how it is! Why would I lie to you!"


    "I''m already been tricked into it by you once," Rao Aimin said.


    Zhang Zuo also persuaded, "Sister Rao, with us sharing the workload, our efficiency will be much higher."


    Tong Fu said, "Actually, Director Zhang should have already set up a studio long ago. In all of show business, he''s the only A-list celebrity who does not have an agency or studio!"


    Wu Yi nodded and said, "Yeah! Once he has a team to support him, Director Zhang would no longer need to personally handle any emergency PR or issue any public statements himself! He is an Asian celebrity now, so if he still doesn''t have a studio to deal with his affairs, he won''t be able to cope once the workload gets heavier! If some foreign projectse along or the foreign media approaches him, he wouldn''t be able to handle them with that English of his. It would be for the best if we could have a dedicated trantor to handle all of this. Of course, it would take some time for the team to slowly improve."


    Zhang Ye said to Yang Shu, "Little Yang, what about you?"


    Yang Shu said without thinking, "Wherever Senior Bro goes, I go."


    "Good." Zhang Ye nodded. "Then that''s that!"


    An agent.


    A bodyguard.


    A chauffeur.


    An assistant.


    A videographer.


    A secretary.


    A director.


    A technical director.


    Business operations.


    Counting all that, a team had practically been fully assembled!


    His old group of team members were all very skilled and were basically aplete team that transferred straight over from the television station. They were not missing any roles that aplete program team would have. After they transferred over to the studio, there shouldn''t be any drastic changes to their roles. At the very least, their job functions in the team would still be unique. Since this was the same team that produced, promoted, and did the public rtions for The Voice and A Bite of China, they did not need to waste any time to get to know each other. They were already quite familiar with one another!


    Since everything clicked, the matter was settled!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Since we''ve decided to establish a new studio, I''m not sure about how we should get things rolling. If anyone has any suggestions, please bring it up."


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Where will the studio be located?"


    "Yeah, we have to rent a ce for the office and get the business registration done as soon as possible." Zhang Zuo said, "But the rental prices for office space these days are not cheap."


    Zhang Ye''s eyes fell upon Rao Aimin.


    Rao Aimin gave him a look. "What are you looking at me for!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Old Rao, do you have any spare apartments?"


    Rao Aimin pursed her lips and said, "No."


    "That can''t be." Zhang Ye pointed out knowingly, "Isn''t that duplex not rented out yet? The one on the top floor with over 200 square meters of floor space."


    Little Wang eximed, "There''s such a big ce?"


    Wu Yi said in surprise, "Sister Rao owns another apartment?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "All the units in this apartment building belong to her. This is quite a good ce as the units are dual-purpose apartments that we can use to register as ourpany''s address."


    Rao Aimin immediately said, "Dream on, kid. How much are you going to pay me?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t mention money. That could hurt our friendship!"


    Rao Aimin rebutted, "Don''t mention friendship. That would hurt my money!"


    Zhang Ye was left with no choice. Seeing that she was not willing to give in, he could only say, "Alright then, will it do if I rent it from you at the market rate? I''ve nevere across someone as stingy as you!"


    "You should have said so earlier." Rao Aimin looked around and found a key. She threw it to him. "Take proper care of the ce. Don''t damage my apartment!"


    Zhang Ye and the others headed upstairs to view the unit.


    When they opened the door, they astonished by what they saw!


    Although the unit was not considered big, there were two floors of around a hundred square meters each. It was renovated very well and had a little bit of European style furnishing in it. All of the furniture was also new. Once the beds and cabs in the bedrooms were cleared and reced with desks, the office would almost be fully equipped without needing any further renovations. Since their studio would only be operating with about a dozen employees for the time being, they did not require too big an office, like those housed in an office building.


    Little Wang praised, "This ce is good, this ce is good!"


    Ha Qiqi also liked it a lot. "There''s more than enough space!"


    Zhang Zuo smiled and said, "Then let''s go ahead with the n. Starting from today, ourpany''s name will be known as ''Zhang Ye''s Studio''?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes!"


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Do we still need to hire any more staff?"


    "What roles do we need?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Tong Fu coughed. "We still require bodyguards, don''t we?"


    Yang Shu said, "Aren''t I the bodyguard?"


    Tong Fu said, "Uh, I''m afraid that one bodyguard is not be enough for Director Zhang. He has offended too many people, after all. Now that he has gotten this popr, if he were to meet with any trouble while participating in public activities, or if the fans get too passionate, or if he gets surrounded by too many reporters, something could easily happen to him."


    Ha Qiqi nodded. "Right, so should we hire another two bodyguards?"


    Yang Shu didn''t like the sound of that. She frowned and said, "With me around, who could get near my Senior Bro?"


    Little Wang blinked. "Sister Yang, don''t tell me you know kung fu?"


    Yang Shu gave a slight smile. "I know a bit of Taiji Fist."


    Little Wang said in amazement, "Really? Like the one in the movies?"


    Yang Shu scoffed. "The Taiji Fist that you see in the movies are all fake. If you want to learn it, I can teach you. I''m giving lessons daily in the neighborhood below our apartment. Do you want toe? It''s free to join. Taiji Fist is a superior type of martial arts. Not only can it strengthen the body, it also can��" She rattled on and on. Sheunched into a sales pitch on Taiji Fist like what she had been saying to the elderly in the neighborhood every day.


    Little Wang said, "You''re that awesome?"


    Yang Shu smiled and said, "My senior bro is even more awesome."


    It was obvious no one understood what she meant.


    Wu Yi asked curiously, "Senior Bro? This form of address��"


    Zhang Zuo guessed, "You graduated from Media College too? Are you Director Zhang''s junior at school? Eh, when did Media College start giving martial arts lessons? I''ve never heard about that!"


    Yang Shu said, "Huh? What junior at school?"


    Zhang Ye interrupted, "Alright, there''s no need to recruit any more bodyguards. She''s enough."


    Everyone gave Yang Shu a skeptical look but did not say anything more.


    What could such a small woman possibly do?


    None of them knew how strong Yang Shu was at this point in time!


    Unbeknownst to them, now that Zhang Ye''s Studio had been established, the role of bodyguards was going to be the least of their concerns!


    With Zhang Ye, Yang Shu, and Rao Aimin around, would there be any in this world who would dare barge in? Even if a martial arts grandmaster were toe attacking, they would arrive standing but leave the ce on a stretcher. Zhang Ye''s Studio was a much safer ce than the Huashan Sect, Shaolin Monastery, and all otherrge sects. Be it the name of Rao Aimin or Zhang Ye, they were both fearsome existences in the martial arts world who would send anyone running!

 Chapter 1157: The studio officially opens!

    <h4>Chapter 1157: The studio officially opens! </h4>


    Chapter 1157: The studio officially opens!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Several days passed.


    Zhang Ye''s Studio was officially registered and opened for business.


    Although the ce was not big and there were not a lot of employees yet, with Zhang Ye''s reputation staked on it, thepany immediately became one of the biggest celebrity studios the moment it started operating.


    Zhang Ye''s parents came to visit.


    Little Wang served them tea and hot water. "Auntie, Uncle, have a seat.


    His mother looked around. "Good, very good."


    His fathermented, "Yup, it''s a pretty nice ce."


    "Where''s my son?" His mother asked.


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Director Zhang went out to pick someone up. I''ll show you around."


    His mother nodded. "Alright, let''s go have a look around!"


    Zhang Zuo asked, "By the way, Auntie, shall we light some firecrackers? So that there''ll be a more festive air for the opening?"


    His mother waved him off. "There''s no need. Little Ye doesn''t like it so boisterous, so it''s fine as is."


    "Grandpa, Grandma." Chenchen skipped over.


    "Ai, my little Chenchen. Did you miss Grandma?" Zhang Ye''s mother took Chenchen by her hand with a wide smile. "Come,e upstairs with Grandpa and Grandma and have a look."


    The first floor was the reception area. There was a sofa, a television, a kitchen where meals could be made, and even a ratherrge bar. Behind it, the wine cab was stocked to the brim with liquor bottles. This cab was newly installed by them, and the entire ce was dazzling. There was also a small conference room that had been modified from an existing guest room and was separated from the rest of the area. On the second floor, there were a few standalone office spaces. Everyone would be working from here in the future. The phone and inte connectionworks had also all been wired in.


    Most worth mentioning was the balcony on the second floor. In the entire apartmentplex, only the duplex on the top floor had this feature. The balcony was over ten square meters, so it wasn''t small at all. It was resurfaced with a freshwn, and they had ordered some customized swings that were installed just this morning. Long rattan benches were ced out on the balcony as well. Looking out from the balcony, one could see the city down below and the endless sky hanging overhead. It wouldn''t be a problem if they were to hold an asional gathering out here. The view from here was gorgeous.


    Soon after, Zhang Ye returned with Yao Jiancai beside him.


    Little Wang quickly said, "Teacher Yao, hello!"


    "Teacher Yao!"


    "Teacher Yao is here?"


    Yao Jiancaiughed and said, "Hello, everyone!"


    Little Wang said, "Director Zhang, Auntie and Uncle are both here. They''re out on the balcony upstairs."


    "OK, I got it." Zhang Ye was all smiles. "Old Yao, how''s my ce?"


    "It''s pretty awesome!" Yao Jiancai said, "It''s quite cozy here and much better than my agency, that''s for sure." He then turned to the bar. "Whoa, you''ve got this much alcohol here? Shall we open a bottle?"


    Zhang Ye pointed at the drinks. "Just have whatever you like, don''t stand on ceremony with me."


    Little Wang was still employed as the office assistant in the studio. "Which bottle should I open?"


    "The cheapest one!" Zhang Ye said.


    Yao Jiancai was speechless.


    At this moment, another group arrived outside!


    Dong Shanshan and Yu Yingyi came in with augh.


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Yo, we have distinguished guests."


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "You didn''t even invite us to your studio''s opening?"


    "Hai, I hadn''t nned on inviting anyone at all. I only sent a message to all my friends to inform them about it." Zhang Yeughed and said, "I didn''t expect that you''de!"


    Yu Yingyi said in amusement, "Since we know about it, of course we''d have toe over to congratte you."


    Dong Shanshan said to the delivery person outside, "Just ce the flower basket outside the door. Yes, that''s it, thank you."


    There were two flower baskets, one each from Dong Shanshan and Yu Yingyi.


    Yao Jiancai stretched out his hand and said, "Teacher Shanshan."


    "Teacher Yao, it''s been a while." Dong Shanshan smiled and shook hands with him.


    "This is?" Yao Jiancai had seen the sportsmentator before but couldn''t remember her name.


    Zhang Ye introduced, "This is a ssmate of mine and Shanshan''s. Gorgeous Beauty Yu, Yu Yingyi."


    Yu Yingyi smiled and said, "I dare not call myself ''gorgeous.''"


    Dong Shanshan said amused, "But you are fine with ''beauty''?"


    "Of course." Only then did Yu Yingyi finally shake hands with Yao Jiancai. "It''s our first time meeting, Teacher Yao. Nice to meet you. I''ve watched all of yours and Zhang''er''s crosstalks no less than five times. I stillugh every time I watch them. The two of you are definitely the best crosstalk partners in the industry!"


    Yao Jiancai chuckled, "You''re too nice. Little Zhang and I only went to take part in the crosstalkpetition after we were forced into a dead end."


    Suddenly, even more people arrived.


    "Is it here?" The trio of Xiaodong, Li Xiaoxian, and Amy came in wondering if they got the right ce.


    Zhang Ye immediately went up to greet them. "Whoa, you''re all here?"


    Xiaodong smiled and said, "Teacher Zhang, congrattions."


    Zhang Ye gave them a fist and palm salute. "You too, you too."


    Amy said, "Our flower basket has been ced outside the door."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye said, "Just leave it there."


    Xiaodong pointed behind herself and got someone to carry in a box of items. "I brought you a box of red wine."


    Amy giggled and said, "Sister Xiaodong has collected all that for many years. She''s not even willing to open a bottle for herself."


    Xiaodong waved it off. "It''s a gift for Director Zhang, I must be willing to give it out!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You''re this generous? Thank you."


    Li Xiaoxian covered her mouth andughed. "Sister Xiaodong means to say that since you have your own studio now, we''ll being over often to have a drink. So she might as well store the wine here."


    Zhang Ye said, "So you''re taking this ce to be a storage ce for your wine now? Ha, I get it. Feel free toe over anytime; I''ll certainly wee you. Treat this ce as your own from now on."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Alright, I''lle over to have a drink every day then."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "I wasn''t talking to you."


    Everyoneughed.


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli were both overseas, so they specially called to offer their congrattions. Even though they were not here, they sent over some gifts that were pretty heavy. Then, there was also Grandma Zhang Xia. She couldn''t find time toe over today, so she purposely got her son to send over a flower basket. There was even calligraphy that was written by Grandma Zhang herself. And Ning Lan, the skit actress Ci Xiufang, Central TV Documentary Channel''s Yan Tianfei, Beijing Television''s Hu Fei, China Qiyuan, and so on and so forth. In the end, there was even a flower basket sent by the Heavenly Queen, Zhang Yuanqi. The official Weibo of Zhang Yuanqi''s Studio also posted a message: "Congrattions on the establishment of Zhang Ye''s Studio."


    Zhang Ye''s Studio also set up its own Weibo and got a verification tag for the ount.


    For some other industry insiders who were not that close or well acquainted with Zhang Ye, they also offered their congrattions online.


    "@ZhangYeStudio."


    "Congrattions, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Wishing yourpany''s business sess in scaling new heights!"


    "Hoping you flourish and expand throughout the world."


    "Rich blessings for a smooth sailing business."


    There were a few of these messages, while the rest were all replies and likes by theizens!


    All of Zhang Ye''s good friends in the industry that could be seen had been seen. It might seem like there were a lot of them, but it was really only those few people. He didn''t really have any friends in the entertainment industry. Any C- or D-list celebrity probably had a much better socialwork than he did. Whenever someone''spany was established, or whenever someone got married, they could easily invite over half of the entertainment industry to attend. But this sort of turnout could never happen to a fellow like Zhang Ye!


    Oh, actually, it shouldn''t be put that way.


    Zhang Ye felt that if he were to die someday, he could almost definitely attract the entire entertainment industry to turn out for his funeral, and the number of wreaths that he would receive would probably line all the way from his house to Tiananmen Square!

 Chapter 1158: The first big project!

    <h4>Chapter 1158: The first big project! </h4>


    Chapter 1158: The first big project!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    That night.


    Zhang Ye wasying down on the balcony outside the studio and stargazing. He poured himself a ss of red wine. There was a cool light breeze blowing. Eh, but there were just too many mosquitoes.


    With a team of his own now, Zhang Ye no longer had to worry about how a lot of things were run. He felt rxed and at ease now, but had one small regret��he had spent too much! The rental, the renovations, the equipment, the utilities, and the payroll, Zhang Ye had to pay for all that out of his own pocket. With such arge family to support now, he would surely have to improve further from here. He could only bring everyone together and slowly move forward now!


    What should he do next?


    After resting for so many days, it was time to start work again!


    The window opened and Chenchen''s head popped out. "Zhang Ye, I''m going to bed."


    "Go on then," Zhang Ye said.


    "Tell me a bedtime story," Chenchen said.


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Go, go, go get Yang Shu to tell one to you."


    Chenchen pouted. "Zhang Ye, you''re sozy." Then she turned around and went off.


    Ha Qiqi also poked her head out and said with a bitter smile, "Director Zhang, why are you still lying around? We''re almost dying from being so busy."


    Zhang Ye sat up. "Hey, I thought that you all had already knocked off. What are you guys still doing here?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Our studio has just opened for business, so there are a lot of people trying to contact us. They''re looking for you to cob on movies, TV series, or are trying to ask you for a song, or ept somemercial appearances. We received so many calls that we lost count. But so far, there has been nothing that caught our eye. There was an offer to y the second male lead with a pay of 10 million RMB, but we''re totally uninterested in that."


    Zhang Zuo also stuck his head out the window. "Director Zhang, at least give us some direction. Just what kind of projects are you looking to work on?"


    Zhang Ye said, "A big project."


    "What would you call a big project?" Zhang Zuo questioned.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "The bigger the better, of course!"


    At his level, he could already be considered one of the top few celebrities in the country. Although he still couldn''tpare to those Heavenly Kings and Queens, he was at the level where he could choose which projects he wanted to take. In the industry, there were those who picked their jobs based on the amount of money offered and would work for whomever paid them more. Then, there were those who picked their jobs based on rtionships. If they had a good rtionship with the crew, they''d help out over there. Meanwhile, Zhang Ye mainly based his decisions on whatever would bring him more poprity. Whichever project was bigger, whichever one that would allow him to gain more poprity, he would definitely prefer those over the others.


    Suddenly, he heard Little Wang shouting, "Director Zhang! Director Zhang!"


    Ha Qiqi was startled. "What''s the matter? What is it?"


    Little Wang came running over. "There''s a big project! It''s a huge project!"


    Zhang Ye said, feeling rather interested, "Do tell."


    Little Wang panted, "Someone has asked you for a song!"


    Zhang Ye immediately lost interest. He shrugged and said, "Didn''t I say that I don''t casually write songs for others unless I have a really good rtionship with them?"


    Little Wang said anxiously, "This one''s different!"


    Ha Qiqi looked at her. "How much are they offering?"


    Little Wang said, "I don''t think they''re paying anything."


    Zhang Zuo didn''t know how to react. "They''re not paying and want Director Zhang to write them a free song? Do you know how much one song of Director Zhang''s can fetch? Even if it were Sister Zhang, she wouldn''t ask Director Zhang to write her a song for free!"


    However, Little Wang''s next words shocked everyone!


    Little Wang said loudly, "It''s the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games 1 that is asking for the song! It''s for the Olympic theme song! They said that it would be used during the opening ceremony of the Olympics!"


    "What?"


    "What did you just say?"


    "The Olympic theme song?"


    "Holy shit!"


    "That''s really a big project, fucking hell!"


    "Aiyo, did they really approach us?"


    Little Wang said, "Yes, really!"


    Everyone became very excited!


    It was for the Olympics!


    It was for the Olympics that was held once every four years!


    The Olympics that would be broadcast live all over the world!


    Wu Yi said loudly, "Director Zhang, you must take this job! Even if they aren''t paying, you must take the job! This will greatly affect your poprity!"


    Ha Qiqi said excitedly, "It''s going to add very good credentials to your resume! If you take this project, you won''t have to worry for the rest of your life! I could never have expected that we would be approached with such a huge project so soon after our opening! How many people arepeting to get on the Olympic opening ceremony, and still, they wouldn''t get a chance at something like that!"


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes. He hadn''t expected that the Organizing Committee woulde looking for him. He raised some doubts about the offer. "We''re slightly less than two weeks away from the opening ceremony of the Olympics, aren''t we? Hadn''t everything already been nned long ago for the opening ceremony? They can''t possibly be starting to prepare for it at thest minute. How many years ago was it since they won the Olympic bid? How can they possibly be thrown off bnce in their nning at a time like this?"


    Zhang Zuo was startled. "Yeah, the rehearsals are already about to begin."


    Little Wang said, "I don''t know about that. I, I didn''t ask."


    Zhang Ye asked again, "Did they only mention that they wanted me to write a song?"


    "Yes," Little Wang replied.


    Zhang Ye said, "They didn''t mention anything about me singing it?"


    Little Wang said, "I��don''t think they did."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Are you sure that the call was from the Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games?"


    "I''ve already verified it with them. The caller was the head of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games," Little Wang said.


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, then let them know that since this is not a small matter, I will need some time to consider it."


    Little Wang was dumbfounded. "Consider?"


    Wu Yi nearly fainted. "You still need to consider for an offer like that?"


    "Director Zhang, this is too good an opportunity to be missed!" Zhang Zuo was also nearly driven mad. "This is the Olympics we''re talking about! The opening theme song for the Olympics! What is there still left to consider? If you miss this chance, it would really be a big loss. Our country is probably only able to host one Olympic Games in the near future. This is the only chance where we can showcase ourselves to the entire world! Aiyo, just��just what are you thinking?"


    But Zhang Ye said, "Little Wang, just tell them that."


    "OK." Little Wang could only helplessly obey the orders. She left to make the call.


    Then, Zhang Ye said to everyone, "It''s not that I don''t wish to take on the project. For a huge project like this, even if I have to suffer a big loss, I would still take it on. But think about it for a moment. It doesn''t mean that I would get to sing the song even if I wrote it. If I were to promise them so quickly, then when I finish writing the song for them and don''t get to sing it during the opening ceremony, who will I go to for answers?"


    Zhang Zuo analyzed, "Surely not, right? Since they came looking for you, that would mean that they want you to sing it too, isn''t that so?"


    Zhang Ye waved his hands and said, "There''s nothing impossible about that. After being in the industry for so long anding across all kinds of people, you can see from the news that I have always been getting into fights over such incidents. How many people have I scolded? For things like this, I am more experienced than any of you. We can''t make any promises in a hurry, so just drag it out a little for now. I believe that something has cropped up over on their side, so they needed to change the song at thest minute. Otherwise, based on my rtionship with those from the sports world, do you think they would lower their heads ande to me for help? There''s definitely something going on here."


    Ha Qiqi was convinced. "Director Zhang has a valid point there."


    Wu Yi said anxiously, "But what if��"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Yeah, don''t let the opportunity slip away!"


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "Just wait a little and see how it goes. If it''s really ours, this chance will never get away. Buting back to the point, if there''s really no song to be sung at the Olympics, even if they don''t want me to sing it, I would still write one for them. This is a matter of national affairs, and this bro is not such a narrow-minded person. It wasn''t easy for China to organize an Olympic Games. The next time it happens again would probably be decades to a centuryter. We can''t allow it to fail in the hands of our generation."


    He would still fight for what was needed!


    He still had to do what was necessary!


    This had always been how Zhang Ye handled things!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright, it''s time to knock off. Everyone has worked hard today."


    After everyone left, Zhang Ye stayed around. Heid down outside on the balcony and flipped on a coloredmp. Then he picked up a score and twisted the felt-tip pen in his hand before writing down a few words.


    " You and Me 2 ".


    Eid Mubarak, everyone!


    & all the best to your World Cup teams!


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beijing_Organizing_Committee_for_the_Olympic_Games


    2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_and_Me_(Olympic_theme_song)

 Chapter 1159: Zhang Ye is going to the Olympic opening ceremony!

    <h4>Chapter 1159: Zhang Ye is going to the Olympic opening ceremony! </h4>


    Chapter 1159: Zhang Ye is going to the Olympic opening ceremony!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    There were already stories in the news!


    At Jiaomen East, Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Little Wang was holding several copies of newspapers in her hands and shouting, "Here are today''s papers!"


    Everyone gathered around her while Zhang Ye also came over to have a look.


    "Olympic Opening Ceremony Rehearsal Dyed!"


    "A major problem might have befallen the Olympic opening ceremony!"


    "Last-minute change of singers and theme song for opening ceremony!"


    "Jiang Hanwei not destined to perform opening theme song?"


    "Who willnd the Olympic opening theme song?"


    On the Inte, theizens were also extremely surprised by the news!


    "How did something like this happen?"


    "It''s already so close to the start of the Olympics!"


    "The foreign Olympic contingents are already gradually arriving to Beijing!"


    "Why did the theme song suddenly get changed? What was wrong with the previous one? I thought that they had already confirmed that it would be performed by Jiang Hanwei and Shu Han? Damn, wouldn''t Old Jiang and Sister Shu have worked in vain then!"


    "I wonder what''s going on?"


    "They''re changing the lineup and song so suddenly?"


    "Is there still time for that?"


    "Then who''s going to take over?"


    "This is going to be a very lucrative job. There''s definitely going to be a lot of people eyeing this chance!"


    "Yeah, heads will probably roll when everyone contends for the song!"


    The citizens were very concerned. After all, this was the first time that China was hosting the Olympics. It would be the only time in history that this was happening, so who wouldn''t want it to be carried out wlessly?


    The entertainment industry''s artists were also very concerned. Who could take the stage to sing the one and only opening ceremony theme song for the Olympics? This was incredibly important for an artist, especially those who harbored thoughts of stepping into the international stage. The lure was too enticing!


    At the studio.


    Ha Qiqi eximed, "So something really did happen!"


    The moment she finished speaking, there was a knock on the door.


    Little Wang went to answer it. Then, she got a shock. This was because there were seven or eight people standing outside the door in suits. At a single nce, it was clear that they were officials. She didn''t know most of them, but there was one person in the group she recognized immediately. This person was very famous!


    ��Li Ke!


    He was one of the most famous film and television directors in China. This "one of" did not refer to being one in dozens, but one in only four people. When mentioning Chinese film directors, he would definitely rank within the top three. Even on the international stage, Li Ke''s works had pretty good results. Right now, the post he held was the executive director of the Olympic opening ceremony!


    "Is this Zhang Ye''s Studio?"


    "Yes."


    "We''re from the Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games."


    "Ah, pleasee in."


    Little Wang led the group of people inside.


    Zhang Ye also walked up to them slowly.


    Li Ke smiled and stretched out his hand. "Director Zhang, I''d been looking forward to meeting you."


    Zhang Ye shook hands with him. "I wouldn''t dare to call myself a director in front of you, Director Li."


    Li Ke was also in the Celebrity Goof Group. He asionally joined in the conversations, and the two of them had chatted as well. Although they hadn''t met, they were not exactly strangers either.


    Then, Zhang Ye noticed that the famous lyricist andposer, Wang Zhuishu, was also part of the group. "Old Wang?"


    Wang Zhuishu and Zhang Ye had known each other through King of Masked Singers and their rtionship was considered alright.


    Wang Zhuishu gave a wry smile. "Teacher Zhang, you''re really something!"


    Zhang Ye yed dumb. "Ah? What about me?"


    Wang Zhuishu said helplessly, "Let me make some introductions first. This is Qi Yihai, the vice president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games."


    Qi Yihai smiled and said, "Teacher Zhang, I''ve been looking forward to meeting you for a long time."


    Zhang Ye smiled back. "If I knew that President Qi was visiting today, I would have gone downstairs to wee you!"


    Li Ke joked, "So you wouldn''t have gone to wee us if it was just me?"


    "Haha, of course I would have, of course I would have," Zhang Yeughed.


    Afterwards, the rest of the people were introduced. Other than one person who did not seem too friendly, probably because he was from the sports world, the others all greeted Zhang Ye politely. If it were just a normal celebrity, there wouldn''t be a need to be so polite. However, as they hade to Zhang Ye for a favor, and with his status different from other normal celebrities since he held three professorships from two universities, everyone had to politely greet him as "Professor Zhang" or "Teacher Zhang." They wouldn''t address him as "Little Zhang" or directly by his full name.


    After a simple exchange of a few words, Zhang Ye got the studio employees to move upstairs, leaving Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and Little Wang behind with him. Ha Qiqi was now in charge of externalmunications for Zhang Ye''s Studio, while Zhang Zuo was in charge of the internalmunications. Meanwhile, the reason for Little Wang staying behind with them was because she had to serve drinks to the guests.


    Everyone got seated.


    Wang Zhuishu said, "Director Zhang, have you reached a decision yet?"


    Zhang Ye blinked. "What decision? Oh, I remember. You mean about the song!"


    Wang Zhuishu rolled his eyes.


    Zhang Ye said, "May I ask why you all approached me?"


    The vice president of the organizingmittee looked at him. "Teacher Zhang, I won''t hide this from you. There were some problems with the theme song for the opening ceremony. There''s a problem with the personnel, as well as with the song. I won''t go into detail, but suffice it to say that all the songs that were previously lined up have been rejected. We feel that the lyrics and the melody werepletely unsuitable for performing at this sort of an international stage. Like for one of the songs, Chinese elements were too heavily emphasized. This should have been a good thing since it would showcase the charms of our country. But then, it kind of felt unsuitable for the Olympics. After much deliberation, our Organizing Committee feels that we should have something that is a little more international sounding. But there has been nothing suitable so far, and we have already dragged this on for too long."


    Wang Zhuishu added, "I wasn''t able to help either. I''ve already written seven or eight drafts for proposal, and so have some of our country''s other musicians. A song that is more international sounding is what''s making this so difficult. The score for the music is not easy to create, so that''s where the problem lies. We were all out of ideas. Then,ter, when Director Li mentioned you, I suddenly remembered that writing songs is a specialty of yours. So Director Li and I rmended you to the Organizing Committee."


    Is writing songs my only specialty?


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I can sing well too." His words carried a double meaning.


    Wang Zhuishu simply nodded.


    Li Ke smiled but did not say anything.


    An executive from the sports world frowned.


    But it was Qi Yihai who spoke, "I know that. My daughter is a fan of your singing. She likes you so much that she doesn''t even listen to me anymore, hai."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Did I just get implicated in something that I don''t know about?"


    However, Qi Yihai said, "I don''t like her chasing after celebrities and idols, but you''re an exception. I''ve always admired Teacher Zhang''s principles concerning major issues."


    Zhang Ye did not know how to respond to that.


    So he listened to Qi Yihai continue, "We''re getting closer and closer to the day of the opening ceremony. There isn''t much time left. Director Li and Teacher Wang told me that if anyone coulde up with a new song in a short period of time, then it would only be you, Teacher Zhang. I agree with what they said, so that''s why we came over today to pay you a visit. We wanted to know if you cane up with a song for us. Our requirements for the song is that it has to sound like it was written for the international stage in mind, has to have a nice melody, be able to spread positive energy, and also showcases the bearing of our country."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Your requirements are not simple."


    Qi Yihai said, "That''s why we came looking for you."


    Wang Zhuishu asked, "Director Zhang, do you think you can do it? It''s really urgent!"


    Zhang Ye thought about it and told Little Wang, "Little Wang, go to my office and take out the document from the first drawer on the right. Bring that to me."


    "OK!" Little Wang very quickly returned with what he wanted.


    Zhang Ye gripped the score and ced it on the table. "Everyone, please have a look at this song."


    What?


    There''s already a song?


    Damn, isn''t that too fast! We know that you''re the quickest draw around, but isn''t that still way too fast! Are you a machine gun or something?


    Everyone was very surprised. Even Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo did not know about it!


    "You and Me"?


    Wang Zhuishu took the score and immediately started humming!


    Qi Yihai, Li Ke, and the others watched and listened to him very seriously!


    Ten minutester.


    Everyone was stunned!


    Li Keughed. "Good! It''s really good!"


    An organizingmittee official praised, "This is great!"


    Wang Zhuishu banged the table. "This is it! This totally sounds like a theme song that was tailored for the Beijing Olympics!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Well, I did write it specifically for the Olympics."


    Wang Zhuishu had no reply.


    Zhang Ye asked with a smile, "President Qi, what do you think?"


    Qi Yihai gave him a thumbs up. "It''s impable! Teacher Zhang is really as good as everyone says!"


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s good then."


    Qi Yihai was also a smart person. He looked at him and said, "Teacher Zhang, we definitely want this song. You won''t have written this in vain. Just tell us what requests you might have."


    Zhang Ye said, "I only have two requests. No, I shouldn''t say that they''re requests since this is a national affair. I only have two wishes. The first one is that I hope to be the one to sing this song since I believe that I should be the one to sing my own song. I could perform it to the best that way. Second, I hope that I am allowed to pick the partner for the part of the female duet."


    The person from the sports world immediately said, "No way!"


    Zhang Ye looked at him and vaguely remembered from the introduction earlier that his surname was Qian. He was a chief of some bureau it seemed.


    Chief Qian said, "The song performers have already been decided. It will definitely be performed by Jiang Hanwei and Shu Han. The two of them rehearsed the opening theme song for a very long time."


    Zhang Ye said, "But hasn''t the song been switched now?"


    Chief Qian looked at him. "We still have to consider the two teachers'' feelings."


    Zhang Ye asked in return, "If you wish to be considerate of the teachers, I can understand that. You can handle that however you deem fit, but don''t use my song to do it. You sound like you''re taking things for granted from the way you speak."


    "Did I ever say anything like that?" Chief Qian was also getting annoyed. "These Olympics are a matter of national importance. It''s a diplomatic mission, so can''t you just write a song for someone to sing? Can''t you even make a small sacrifice for the country?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I can make sacrifices for sure. For my country and its people, I can do a lot of things. Furthermore, it won''t just be paying lip service like what you''re doing. Everyone knows how much I have done in the past, so don''t resort to using moral coercion to pressure me! Why do I have to be the one to do everything and still be the one making sacrifices? Why is it that some people do not have to do anything and still get to bask in the glory of others? In the end, I still have to be insulted like I did something wrong?"


    Chief Qian raged, "You!"


    Ha Qiqi quickly held Zhang Ye back. "Director Zhang!"


    All of a sudden, they started arguing. This had always been Zhang Ye''s style. No one present found this to be odd. They all knew just how ill-tempered Zhang Ye could get, and there was nothing they could do about it.


    Qi Yihai looked at the two of them helplessly. "I also know about the disagreements between Teacher Zhang and the sports world from back then. So it''s still going on? Hur hur."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I suppose it''s not over yet. Please forgive me, President Qi. I don''t mean any harm, but it''s just that I''m rather blunt and offend people easily."


    Qi Yihai thought to himself, Was that being blunt? It sounded more like every word was cutting! However, Qi Yihai''s impression of Zhang Ye was still pretty good. He wasn''t a member of the sports world and had been assigned here to lead themittee. He also knew about the cold rtions between the sports world and Zhang Ye, but that was none of his business, and he wasn''t bothered by it either. What he needed to do was just to ensure that the Olympics would be properly organized and that the opening ceremony could be carried out without a hitch. That was all.


    Li Ke was on Zhang Ye''s side regarding this matter. "Director Zhang''s singing is much better than Old Jiang''s, and he''s also more popr than Old Jiang."


    Chief Qian reiterated, "But in terms of international poprity, Teacher Jiang is much more well-known, and his movies are also quite influential overseas. This is an international stage, so we have to consider all these factors. And his partner for the song, Shu Han will definitely��" He started gesturing.


    Li Ke did not like hearing that. "Chief Qian, I think I''m the executive director here?"


    After getting snubbed, Chief Qian flushed red with embarrassment!


    Zhang Ye also spoke at this moment. "President Qi, you can make the decision?"


    "Of course I can," Qi Yihai said.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "If the Organizing Committee is really against it and doesn''t find me suitable to represent our country on stage, that is fine. Just take the song, and we''ll carry on with our lives as they were. It''s all fine. This is my country''s Olympic Games, so long as I can make a contribution, I won''t ask for anything more than that."


    Chief Qian said, "President Qi!"


    Another person on the Organizing Committee said, "President Qi, we��"


    Qi Yihai gave Zhang Ye a look and suddenly said with a smile, "Alright then. Just by those words of yours, I will fulfill your two wishes. Director Li, what do you think?"


    Li Ke said, "I don''t have any objections."


    Qi Yihai said, "Alright, I will let the higher-ups know about this, so it''s settled!"


    Zhang Ye stood up and put out his hand. "Let''s work well together."


    Qi Yihaiughed heartily and shook his hand. He said, "You''ll have to start making preparations immediately. With the time extension, we''re only three days away from the rehearsal for the opening ceremony."


    Chief Qian looked annoyed!


    The other Organizing Committee members looked at one another!


    Let Zhang Ye sing the Olympics opening theme song? Isn''t that as good as pping the face of the sports world! Who didn''t know that Zhang Ye had scolded arge number of coaches and athletes of the sports world? He even deliberately used a skit to insult them. But now? He was going to represent the sports world and perform onstage? Would that work out? Hai, whatever. Since President Qi had decided, it was all set. They just had to make the opening ceremony happen, and everything would be decided in the best interests of the country.


    Meanwhile, those people from Zhang Ye''s Studio nearly screamed from the excitement!


    He had done it!


    He had really done it!


    Director Zhang was going to represent the country and take to the stage for the Olympic opening ceremony!

 Chapter 1160: International Superstar Lillian!

    <h4>Chapter 1160: International Superstar Lillian! </h4>


    Chapter 1160: International Superstar Lillian!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the same day.


    The news was leaked.


    "Olympic Opening Ceremony Song Confirmed!"


    "Zhang Ye to open the Games with a rendition of the theme song!"


    "The Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games unanimously agrees to use Zhang Ye''s song!"


    "Zhang Ye joins the opening ceremony to rece Jiang Hanwei and Shu Han!"


    "The Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games has verified the authenticity of this news!"


    When theizens saw these headlines, all of them expressed their disbelief!


    "Teacher Zhang?"


    "Damn, surely not, right!"


    "How can it possibly be him!"


    "I don''t believe this!"


    "I don''t believe it either, it can''t be him!"


    "I have a friend working with the Organizing Committee. I heard that this matter has been confirmed, and their management already held a meeting to approve Teacher Zhang''s song. He''ll be the one performing it as well!"


    "Pfft, but don''t they know about his rtionship with the sports world?"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye is going to open the games with his performance? Can it get any more ironic than that? Would those people from the sports world agree to this? I was thinking earlier how this slice of pie couldnd in anyone''s te but Zhang Ye''s. After that fearsome war of words with the sports world during the new year, there hasn''t been much of suchrge-scale scolding battles in showbiz! Goddammit, what kind of song could Teacher Zhang havee up with to make the Organizing Committee decide this?"


    "Who knows!"


    "This is going to be really interesting!"


    "Yeah, we''ll have a good show to watch again, hahahaha!"


    "I feel that Zhang Ye is quite a suitable candidate for this!"


    "Why?"


    "Because Go can also be generally considered as a form of sports? Teacher Zhang is the greatest Go yer in the world right now, and he can also sing well, so it''s very normal for him to get chosen!"


    "Uh, there''s a point to that."


    "Did Professor Zhang turn on the ''hogging the headlines'' mode again?"


    Immediately, some of those athletes who were involved in the scolding battle against Zhang Ye awhile back started protesting!


    The head coach of the table tennis team angrily expressed on Weibo: "How can they use someone who is so disrespectful to sports as the singer of the opening theme song? I simply cannot understand this!"


    A table tennis yer: "Uneptable!"


    A badminton yer: "Zhang Ye is representing the country and singing? This must be a mistake!"


    But afterwards, the table tennis team''s head coach deleted that Weibo post, perhaps because the Organizing Committee had talked to him?


    Actually, they couldn''t be med for feeling so shocked!


    Even Zhang Ye''s friends and rtives were finding it hard to believe!


    A phone call from his mother came chasing after him for answers!


    "Little Ye!"


    "Mom."


    "Did you get asked to perform the Olympics opening theme song?"


    "Hur hur, yes."


    "Has it been confirmed?"


    "Of course."


    "Aiyo, that''s great! You''re my good son!"


    "So I''ll be quite busy during this time and probably won''t be home for a while."


    "That''s fine! No problem! Just do what you need to and quickly finish the song. You''ll need to practice too, so please don''te home until everything is done! You must sing well at the opening ceremony! It''s on the world stage!"


    "I understand."


    Ning Lan also called him in shock!


    "Sister Ning."


    "Zhang''er, are you serious?"


    "The Olympics theme song you mean? It''s true."


    "How did you do it?"


    "They didn''t have a song, so they came to look for me to write one."


    "Will you be performing it as well?"


    "Yes, probably because they were moved by my charm, haha."


    "What charm do you have! By the way, my new movie will be screening soon. Do help me to advertise it a little on your Weibo when the timees."


    "No problem."


    Chen Guang''s call:


    "Just what song do you have?"


    "Haha, it''s a secret."


    "You''re really too fearsome, I suppose Jiang Hanwei must hate you to the bone now!"


    "You say it like he didn''t hate me before this."


    "I am just in shock. How could it be you!"


    The calls kepting in from his friends. While everyone was in disbelief at the news, they were also very happy for him. That was because everyone knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to perform a song for the Olympic opening ceremony in their own nation. There likely wouldn''t be another such chance in several decades. Even the Heavenly Kings and Queens did not get selected; even a veteran like Jiang Hanwei whose socialwork spanned far and wide in the industry was not chosen. All of that showed just how fierce thepetition was to perform the theme song. This was not something that could be achieved with just poprity and social ties. Sometimes, it also needed some luck, and Zhang Ye happened to get the role!


    The Go battle!


    The mathematical conjecture!


    King of Masked Singers!


    There was no doubt that those three battles had led Zhang Ye to where he was right now!


    If Zhang Ye did not know how topose songs, if he did not use his astonishing singing skills to be the champion of King of Masked Singers, if he didn''t make an appearance during the war between humans and machines, if there wasn''t an announcement that Dale''s Conjecture had been proven by Zhang Ye and spread his name across the world a little, then it could probably be said that this chance to sing the theme song at the opening ceremony would not havee his way. None of those factors could be missing from the equation. It was all down to Zhang Ye slowly building up his poprity and fame that helped the Organizing Committee to decide to use him in the end!


    This was perhaps what luck was about!


    This was also the result of Zhang Ye''s hard work all this time!


    The Olympic opening ceremony. There was without a doubt thergest tform that Zhang Ye would ever perform on so far. Although it was only one song, it was enough. This was the best chance to show himself to the entire world!


    ��


    Later that afternoon.


    In the studio.


    Zhang Ye was alone in his office browsing through some information. He was currently trying to choose a partner to sing with, someone who would be sharing the Olympic stage and performing the song alongside him. Back in his previous world, that version of " You and Me 1 " performed by Liu Huan and Sarah Brightman was simply too amazing. Zhang Ye''s singing style was quite different from Teacher Liu Huan''s style, but he was also quite inclined to finding a foreign female singer to perform with. Only then would the charm of this song be brought out. But the problem was that Zhang Ye did not know anyone. He did not know who he could look for!


    Joss?


    Molly?


    These were the more well-known female singers of this world!


    But thinking about them, Zhang Ye could only shake his head and strike them off his list of choices. These two people did not have a clear attitude towards the Chinese. One of them was less mainstream and was rumored to be hard to get along with, so he would surely have to avoid getting such international celebrities. Zhang Ye would not dare to invite them no matter how popr they were. He had to y it safe first and foremost. His ideal choice would be someone who liked the Chinese, followed by their poprity and singing skills. But it wasn''t easy to find international celebrities who were friendly towards the Chinese these days.


    Who should he look for?


    Who would be the most suitable?


    After browsing for a long time, a name finally appeared in front of Zhang Ye''s eyes.


    The office door opened.


    Ha Qiqi said anxiously, "Director Zhang, the Organizing Committee is rushing us again."


    Zhang Zuo stood up and said, "They called three times and were asking if you had anyone in mind. The day of the rehearsal is almost here, and it''s a race against time!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I''ve picked someone."


    Ha Qiqi blinked. "Who?"


    Everyone looked over!


    Zhang Ye calmly answered, "Lillian."


    Everyone was shocked!


    "Huh?"


    "What?"


    "Who did you say?"


    Zhang Ye repeated, "I said, Lillian."


    Ha Qiqi gave a dryugh and said, "Director Zhang, are you joking with us?"


    Zhang Ye said slightly irked, "I''m not joking."


    Zhang Zuo was dumbfounded. "Which Lillian?"


    "The most famous Lillian in the world of course." Zhang Ye said.


    Everyone was speechless.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "What''s the matter? Is there a problem?"


    Little Wang wiped her sweat away. "W-Would we even be able to invite her?"


    Wu Yi said, "This woman you''re talking about is too much of a big shot!"


    Zhang Zuo said with a forced smile, "She''s not only too much of a big shot. She''s simply too��This woman you''re talking about ranks in the top twenty of the international superstars!"


    Everyone thought that Director Zhang was being too bold!


    But what Zhang Ye said next left them unable to rebuke him. "It''s not like we''re the ones who will need to spend money to invite her, right? We have the Organizing Committee for that. Let them invite her, let them spend the money, what do we have to worry about!"


    Everyone was floored!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s settled then. Make the call!"


    Ha Qiqi had to acknowledge him. She turned around to make a call to the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games.


    As expected, when the person over at the Organizing Committee heard it, they reacted in exactly the same way as them!


    The person from the Organizing Committee said: "Who did you say?"


    Ha Qiqi replied: "Director Zhang says he would like to invite Lillian."


    The person from the Organizing Committee nearly vomited blood!


    Lillian?


    What the heck!


    Are you trying to bankrupt us!


    1. https://youtu.be/03FiOS4WMmk


    Some might like it, some might think it''s pretty normal, some might not like it...but this is it


    I prefer the next one :)

 Chapter 1161: ’Beijing Welcomes You’ makes its debut!

    <h4>Chapter 1161: ''Beijing Wees You'' makes its debut! </h4>


    Chapter 1161: ''Beijing Wees You'' makes its debut!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Not long after.


    A call from the Organizing Committee arrived.


    Vice President Qi Yihai immediately said: "Teacher Zhang, pick someone else."


    Zhang Ye said: "Lillian is the most suitable person."


    "This person you picked is too difficult to get." Qi Yihai kept shaking his head. "We don''t have the budget for that. It''s really difficult to invite an international superstar like her."


    Zhang Ye said: "Can''t you y the emotional card?"


    Qi Yihai said: "She might not buy it."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "What about the sentimental card?"


    Qi Yihai thought about it. "You''re suggesting that we use her grandmother as a reason?"


    Zhang Ye said: "I''m not suggesting that. This is the job of the Organizing Committee. I am only offering some advice, that''s all. I don''t care about the other things, nor do I have power to do so."


    Qi Yihai couldn''te up with a reply.


    Lillian was British and around the age of thirty. She was a famous singer and actress, as well as one of the top two international stars. Almost no one would not know who she was at the mention of her name. Even Zhang Ye, who was not from this world originally, had heard of her name on multiple asions over the years, so it was obvious just how famous she was. Compared to someone like Zhang Ye who couldn''t even make it out of Asia, her poprity was way, way higher than his. She was definitely a legend in the industry!


    Worth mentioning was the fact that Lillian''s paternal grandmother was Han Chinese. Although Lillian had the standard British look, she had a quarter Chinese blood flowing in her. This was the reason why Zhang Ye chose to invite her. Although Lillian didn''t seem like she came to China often, nor had she held any concerts here before, ording to reliable sources, she knew how to speak Mandarin. It was rumored that she could speak up to eightnguages, so it was even rarer to have someone like her. Of course, no one really knew whether this rumor was true. It could just be the media cooking up news. The media these days said whatever they wanted. If you could say "yes," or "baka," they would immediately im that you were proficient in many differentnguages.


    They spoke a little more.


    Finally, Qi Yihai was left with no choice. "Alright, we''ll try. But I can''t guarantee anything. We can only try our best to invite her!"


    Zhang Ye said: "Thanks."


    Qi Yihaiughed. "But I have a small favor to ask."


    "What is it?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Qi Yihai said, "Can you write us another song to be used for the promotion of the Olympic Games?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Isn''t there already one? The one that was performed together by the six celebrities?"


    Qi Yihai said, "Yes, the promotional song was released some time ago, but it didn''t have that great an effect. Its propagation was so-so and not many people have heard it. We studied why it was like that and believe that it was down to the content of the song, so we hope that you can write us another one. This time, we want it to be better and more effective. We''ve contracted close to a hundred influential celebrities in the country to perform this song together in a music video."


    Zhang Ye asked: "When do you need it by?"


    Qi Yihai said: "The sooner the better."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright, I will get it to you by the afternoon."


    Qi Yihai was stunned. "But it''s already afternoon."


    "I know," Zhang Ye said.


    Qi Yihai was very happy. "Alright, that''s what we admire about Teacher Zhang the most. You''re always so efficient. You''ve given us a great deal of help this time, so let me thank you on behalf of the Organizing Committee!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "I''ll be waiting for your good news too then."


    "Alright!" Qi Yihai said.


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye got to work.


    A promotional song?


    Which song should he use?


    It looked like there was only that one?


    ��


    An hourter.


    The Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games received the musical score from Zhang Ye via fax.


    After the professional music team and officials of the Organizing Committee saw it, they all apuded and praised it. Almost immediately, it was decided that they would use this song!


    "How awesome!"


    "Yeah, does he not need any inspiration to create a piece of music?"


    "He really can write any kind of song!"


    Very soon, the organizingmittee got started with the production work for the promotional song''s music video. It was obvious that they couldn''t get close to a hundred celebrities into the recording studio to film the music video. That would be too chaotic, and also impossible to schedule. After all, they were all big name celebrities in the country and were very busy with work. Therefore, the music video was filmed in batches. Every person or group would record a short segment before it got edited together in post-production. This was a diplomatic mission, so it was specially handled and arranged. The celebrities were also very amodating and got down to work without objections. Everyone was giving their best for the Olympic promotional work!


    And so, a music video that included scores of celebrities only took a day and a half toplete. All of it was done before the opening ceremony rehearsal!


    On TV.


    Online.


    On the radio.


    They were all ying a song called " Beijing Wees You 1 "!


    Lyrics: Zhang Ye.


    Composer: Zhang Ye.


    Xiaodong: "Greet another rising sun, the air a brand new, fun one."


    Li Xiaoxian: "Changing air but constant interest, tea''s full for everyone."


    Amy: "Our doors are always open; we''re waiting to embrace you."


    Shu Han: "A hug and we''ll be close as glue, this ce you''lle to love."


    Zhang Ye: "Beijing wees you, we''ve got everything ready for you."


    Chen Guang: "The flowing charm is full of spirit and energy."


    Fan Wenli: "Beijing wees you, so let''s share a breath under the sun."


    Zhang Xia: "And write a new beginning on thisnd."


    There were the new generation singers.


    There were the Heavenly Kings and Queens.


    There were the veteran singers.


    Gathering so many big names together to sing the same song was something that had never happened before. It was the Beijing Olympics that brought them together!


    The people who heard it all shouted in satisfaction!


    "Great song!"


    "This is so good that I''m gonna die!"


    "This song is such a ssic!"


    "Yeah,pared to that promotional song called ''Be Victorious,'' this is so much better. The feeling of the song is also good as it portrays our intent to wee guests from all over the world!"


    "The lyrics and melody are by Zhang Ye!"


    "Awesome!"


    "I''m looking more and more forward to watching Zhang Ye''s performance during the opening ceremony!"


    "I wonder what song he''ll sing?"


    "I don''t know, they''re keeping it a secret!"


    "Yeah, the lockdown on the news this time is really strong. What''s more, we don''t even know if the song will be sung by Zhang Ye alone or as a duet with someone else. In any case, I''m anticipating it!"


    On this day, "Beijing Wees You" spread all across the country!


    Whether it was the lyrics, melody, or the array of stars singing, this song had reached an unprecedented high. Riding the wave of hype surrounding the Olympics, it immediately took the number one spot across all the major music charts. It was simply unstoppable. In a short period of time, the music video had been watched 600-700 million times!


    Then, almost without any warning!


    A piece of news that would excite anyone was released!


    An announcement was made concurrently on News Simulcast, Xinhua News, and the official website of the Olympic Games Organizing Committee: "The international superstar, Lillian, has epted the invitation of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games. She will be arriving in Beijing a day before the opening ceremony and will be performing the theme song with Zhang Ye during the Olympic opening ceremony!"


    Screams!


    Astonishment!


    Craze!


    The people were all getting excited!


    "Ahhh!"


    "My God!"


    "Lillian? That Lillian?"


    "I''m a braindead fan of Lillian! Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit! Lillian will being to Beijing? She''ll be performing with Zhang Ye?"


    "How''s that possible!"


    "The Organizing Committee is so awesome!"


    "Yeah, they''re so great!"


    "Even Lillian has been invited?"


    "Lillian, my goddess!"


    "Hey, hey, hey! They''re really upping the stakes this time!"


    No one did not know Lillian!


    This news was too shocking and exciting to everyone. Lillian would be attending the Beijing Olympic opening ceremony. She was being so respectful!


    Compared to the people''s enthusiasm, the local show business was kind of stunned. They were all aware of how famous Lillian was but had never worked with her before. In the past, there were Chinese entertainmentpanies who had wanted to invite her to the Maind to hold a concert, but those invitations did not even get a response! Li Ke, one of the country''s most famous directors, even invited Lillian to guest star in one of his movies. It was only a guest role that would take at most a day of filming and paid 40 million RMB, but Lillian still rejected it.


    This was an international superstar!


    A person whose presence was revered by all!


    And now that she wasing to China, the first person she''d be working with turned out to be Zhang Ye? This made many of Zhang Ye''s foes in the industry burn with hate!


    However, Zhang Ye, who was at the center of it all, remained quite calm. After all, he couldn''t truly be said to be from this world. He had never heard Lillian''s songs when he was young, nor watched her movies. He only caught up on those when he got here, so it was very difficult to grasp the admiration that people from the industry had gradually developed for her. That was why his feelings for her weren''t that strong. But if he was going to work with Angelina Jolie from his previous world, he would probably be excited to no end. That was because he grew up watching her movies, and his admiration for her had gradually developed over a decade or two!


    Thus, Zhang Ye was very calm when Qi Yihai called.


    "It''s settled!" Qi Yihai said.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "Alright, thank you for your hard work, President Qi!"


    Qi Yihai gave a bitterugh. "We spent a lot of effort this time and specially flew a team over to Britain to speak to Lillian and her talent agency. The process was extremely difficult, so I won''t talk too much about that. But the good thing is that we managed to invite her, although she can''t take part in the opening ceremony rehearsal tomorrow due to a scheduling conflict. She can only arrive one day before the actual opening ceremony, so I hope there''s enough time for you two to get things sorted out before then."


    Zhang Ye said: "There''ll be enough time. We''re both used to performing live, so that won''t be a problem for us. But of course, she''ll have to learn the song first."


    Qi Yihai said: "That''s for sure. We''ve already sent the song to them. Or rather, if it weren''t for this song of yours, Lillian''s team would probably not have agreed to it so readily. They were also very happy with it. Since she can''t make it tomorrow, it won''t be necessary for you to join in the rehearsal either. We''ll just head straight into the opening ceremony performance. The stage has been set up. We''re just going to wait for the performance now. I''m really starting to look forward to the opening theme song performance on the day of, so don''t disappoint us!"


    1. Beijing Wees You - https://youtu.be/kYuYWOOtPt0

 Chapter 1162: Before the opening ceremony!

    <h4>Chapter 1162: Before the opening ceremony! </h4>


    Chapter 1162: Before the opening ceremony!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Ten dayster.


    There was only a day left until the Olympic Games began!


    On the streets and alleys of Beijing, more and more foreigners could be seen walking around. They were all touring the Forbidden City, Summer Pce, and other tourist attractions. The foreign contingents had started arriving some time ago and checked into the Olympic Vige. Under the constant bombardment by the media, the atmosphere surrounding the Olympics had reached its peak. There was practically no other news being reported other than the Olympics, like thetest updates on the athletes and the opening ceremony.


    It was likewise in the foreign media.


    The South Korean media: "Ahn Yoonhee suffers an injury in training and could miss the Beijing Olympics!"


    The Japanese media: "Famous swimmer Obata chosen as the contingent''s g bearer!"


    The North Korean media: "The mothend''s contingent vows to surpass China and America in the gold medal tally for first ce!"


    The English media:


    Lillian to attend the Beijing Olympic opening ceremony!"


    The Canadian media: "The most beautiful woman in Britain, Lillian, will be performing the Olympic theme song!"


    This was a day that belonged solely to the Olympics!


    The entire world had their eyes on Beijing!


    ��


    In the Olympic Vige.


    At the main stadium of the Olympics.


    After many workers finished remodeling the performing stage, they added some final decorations and confirmed that everything was in ce. On the enormous big screen, some unrted visuals were disyed to test the camera angles and equipment. Judging from the tense atmosphere, they were in full preparation mode for the main event.


    But Zhang Ye was totally at ease. He sat in the audience and took a call.


    "Son, get hold of a few more tickets!"


    "Didn''t I already get them for you and dad?"


    "It''s not enough. Big Sis Zhou from the neighborhood came to me and asked if she could have one too."


    "Heh, do you think I''m selling cabbages in the market? Even I can''t get so many tickets for myself."


    "Try to ask for a few more. Everyone would like to attend the opening ceremony. And there''s your Auntie Chen and Auntie Li too. All the neighbors came to ask me, so how can I not get the tickets for them?"


    "Oh, alright. I will try to ask for more."


    "Oh, and get Lillian''s autograph as well!"


    "I haven''t even met her in person yet, and I''m not sure what time her flight will arrive either."


    "Just ask for it!"


    "OK, I understand."


    A little whileter, he received a few more calls.


    Liao Yiqi called.


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "Ai, ssmate Spinach."


    "Can I ask you for a favor?"


    "Don''t put it that way. Just tell me what you need."


    "Can you can me an autograph from Teacher Lillian?"


    "Oh damn, you want one too?"


    "Yeah, I''ve liked her for many years!"


    "Sure, I''ll ask for you when I get the chance."


    "Thank you so much! Haha, let me buy you a meal someday. Just choose the ce!"


    Then Grandma Zhang Xia called, asking for the same thing.


    "Grandma Zhang."


    "Little Zhang, has Lillian arrived in Beijing yet?"


    "I don''t think she''s here yet."


    "Can you get me an autograph?"


    "Whoa, you want one too?"


    "My granddaughter likes her very much, almost to the point of being fanatical. She asks me every day, so I really have no choice but to ask on her behalf. You''re the one who can get closest to Lillian, so of course I have to ask you."


    "Sure. I''ll get one for you."


    "Thank you, hur hur."


    This was not the first time he was receiving these calls. Over the past ten days, he had been taking countless calls from his friends on his cell phone or on the office line at his studio. Most of them were regarding the international superstar, Lillian. This led Zhang Ye to discover in shock that he had so many friends and their families who were Lillian''s diehard fans. For example, Yao Jiancai''s wife, Chen Guang''s eldest niece, Amy, as well as his own three sisters. It could be seen just how charming Britain''s most beautiful woman was. This made Zhang Ye look even more forward to working with her. He wanted to see just what kind of a person this legendary international superstar was.


    Executive Director Li Ke led a group of the staff past him.


    Zhang Ye greeted him and asked, "Director Li, has she arrived yet?"


    Li Ke looked at his watch. "She should be here soon. Her flight arrived two hours ago, so she''s probably already on the way."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright, I''ll go for a smoke then."


    Li Ke said in a speechless manner, "This ce doesn''t allow smoking. I need to go handle some work, so I''ll tell you when she''s here. The duet that you two will be performing is the most important segment of the opening ceremony, so it must be perfected by today. We''ve readied a ce for you two to rehearse. I''ll be off now."


    Zhang Ye waved goodbye and got up to head out of the stadium.


    Outside, there were people working everywhere, as well as security personnel deployed. Together with arge number of volunteers, it wouldn''t be nice if he lit a cigarette here. So he walked on. Some of the volunteers secretly came looking for Zhang Ye to get his autograph. There were also some workers who quietly came over to take pictures with him. Other than times when Zhang Ye had urgent matters to attend to, he would rarely reject such requests. Once he satisfied everyone, he put on his sunsses and found an empty corridor.


    He looked to the left, then to the right.


    There was no one around. Great, this ce would do!


    Zhang Ye took a cigarette and a box of matches out. He struck a match and lit the cigarette before starting to smoke in satisfaction. This fellow had been constantly talking about how he wanted to quit smoking and drinking, but that was just pure talk. He had never, ever taken any action to do so. He had smuggled in the matches with much effort. The security checks whening into the Olympic Vige and Stadium did not allow any lighters to be brought in. They were very strict with the checks, even on those who were working here. Zhang Ye already knew all this as he had been here several times, so he just stuffed the matches inside the cigarette pack. After all, the security personnel would not really check him so thoroughly since he had status. That was the only reason why he managed to smuggle it in.


    Suddenly, he heard footsteps from behind!


    Zhang Ye quickly flicked the cigarette away and extinguished it under his feet. This was not something to be proud of at all in the first ce. If Zhang Ye was exposed to have been smoking in the Olympic Stadium even though he knew it was against the rules, it would surely be sensationalized in the news. He was just about to leave when he realized that the click-ck of the high heels was beside him.


    "Hey."


    A woman''s voice sounded.


    Was she calling out to him?


    Zhang Ye turned his head as a reflex and was surprised. It was a very tall Caucasian woman whose auburn hair was very conspicuous. She didn''t look very old but was not young either. She had a pair of sunsses on that were even more oversized than Zhang Ye''s, so he couldn''t really make out her exact age.


    A foreigner?


    Which country''s athlete was she?


    Or could she be a foreign coach?


    Zhang Ye looked at her and stammered in his broken English, "Y-Y-You are c-c-calling me?" He pointed to himself.


    The ginger woman smiled and said, "Yes."


    Zhang Ye blinked and said, "How��helping��you?" Even his grammar was a mess!


    The redhead was taken aback. "What?"


    Zhang Ye was still throwing out what he was trying to express word by word. If a foreign athlete needed help, he couldn''t just ignore it. But this fellow''s English could only be described as atrocious. It was so broken that not even a Chinese citizen would be able understand him, let alone a foreigner!


    While Zhang Ye was figuring out which words to use, the redheaded foreigner said something very surprising!


    She smiled and said in the Beijing dialect 1 , "I say, bro, your English isn''t all that put together. I think it''s better that you stick to using Mandarin. You must be a Chinese friend, right?"


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded!


    The redheaded woman elegantly took out a cigarette and waved it at Zhang Ye. "It''s nothing, actually. I just wanted to see if I could borrow a light since I saw you smoking. My lighter was nipped during the security checks."


    Dumbfounded, Zhang Ye threw his matches to her.


    The ginger woman caught it in midair. "Haha, thank you."


    After she lit her cigarette, she leaned back against the wall and started smoking. Then she threw the matchbox back to him.


    Zhang Ye caught it, but he was still in a state of shock. It was like he had seen a ghost. Can you imagine a Caucasian woman speaking the Beijing dialect fluently? Damn, your Pekingese is even better than mine! Nipped? You even know how to use that word?


    Was this woman some kind of god?!


    Zhang Ye was shocked beyond belief!


    1. The Beijing dialect (Pekingese) is very simr to Mandarin. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beijing_dialect

 Chapter 1163: Hello, fellow smoker!

    <h4>Chapter 1163: Hello, fellow smoker! </h4>


    Chapter 1163: Hello, fellow smoker!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the corridor.


    She was smoking gracefully while holding a cigarette pack between her fingers. Zhang Ye nced at the words on it but did not know what brand it was. It was likely that this was a foreign brand for women as the cigarettes looked very slim.


    Zhang Ye lit up another cigarette and said, "Did you grow up in Beijing?"


    The redhead turned to look at him. "No, but my Chinese teacher is from Beijing."


    "I see." Zhang Ye said in admiration, "You really learned it well."


    The redheaded womanughed. "I guess. I do have some talent fornguages."


    Zhang Ye gave her a thumbs up.


    Now she asked, "Are you an athlete?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "No, I''m not."


    "A volunteer?" she asked.


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "I''m not that either. I''m just nobody to be concerned about."


    She said, "Are you a local?"


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s right."


    "I can hear it," she said with a smile.


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "If I didn''t see you and just heard your voice, I would''ve thought that you were a local too."


    She smiled.


    The two of them began to chat, lulls here and there.


    Fellow smokers enjoyed one of the most intimate rtionships in the world. Be it men or women, young or old, it was not a rtionship that was separated by geographical boundaries. Once they came together, even without having to say a word, they would instantly know if the other person needed a cigarette or a light with just a simple gesture to which the other person would unconditionally provide. After that, they would be thick as thieves and puff as they talked about everything under the sun.


    They finished smoking their cigarettes.


    The Caucasian woman shook the cigarette pack in her hand. "Do you want to try mine?"


    Zhang Ye did not stand on ceremony with her. "Sure, I''ll have one." As he took one, he passed his cigarettes to her. "Have you tried this before? It''s flue-cured tobo."


    The Caucasian woman took a cigarette from him like it was the most natural thing in the world. "I haven''t. I''ll give it a try. When I start work in a while, I won''t have time for a cigarette break. I better have a few more while I still have the chance."


    "You''re right about that." Zhang Yeughed.


    The two smokers were each more hardcore smokers than the other as they lit up another cigarette.


    But midway through their second cig, the fire rm above them suddenly red, perhaps due to the corridor being filled with too much smoke!


    Ring ring ring ring ring ring!


    It was followed by the distant shouting of employees and security guards!


    "Huh?"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Where''s the fire?"


    "What''s happening?"


    "It''sing from Zone 2!"


    Zhang Ye and the redheaded woman were caught off guard. They had not expected that the fire rm would be so sensitive. When they heard distant footfalls sprinting over, the two of them instantly gave each other a look of understanding before turning and diving into a janitorial closet!


    Zhang Ye mmed the door shut!


    The redhead stubbed out her cigarette.


    They could hear footsteps outside the closet!


    The redhead put her finger to her lips. "Shh."


    Zhang Ye understood and nodded. He also did not wish to get caught red-handed as this was not something to be proud of.


    They could hear sullen voices outside the door!


    "Who was it?"


    "Who was smoking in here?"


    "Don''t they know that smoking is not allowed in the stadium? How did they bring a lighter in? What was security doing! What if something serious happens as a result of their carelessness?"


    "Find the person! They definitely wouldn''t have gotten too far!"


    "Aren''t they trying to make trouble like this!"


    Hearing the scolding outside, Zhang Ye was too embarrassed to make a sound.


    When the footfalls trailed off, the redheaded woman asked, "Are they gone?"


    Zhang Ye pressed his ear against the door and listened. "They''re gone."


    The redheaded woman smiled and said, "We nearly got caught by them."


    Zhang Ye said, "The rm went off with just a few cigarettes? How can this piece of crap be so alert? When did the rms in this country be so sensitive?"


    "Next time, let''s find a ce with a window. This wouldn''t have happened if the smoke dispersed outside." The redhead smiled at him. "I''ve got to run. Do you wanna meet up for a smoke in a bit?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yeah, but why don''t I give you the matches?"


    The redhead said, "How could I possibly? Why don''t we do it this way? Let''s arrange to meet again at this ce in two hours? I reckon I''ll be busy until night. I sure won''t be able to bear it if I don''t smoke a few."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright."


    After the fellow smokers set a time to meet, they departed and went their own ways.


    Zhang Ye pretended like nothing had happened as he strolled back to the stage. When he got back, someone came looking for him anxiously!


    It was Assistant Director Zhou from the opening ceremony program team. "Professor Zhang, where did you go?"


    Zhang Ye blinked and said, "I went to the bathroom just now."


    Assistant Director Zhou hurriedly said, "Let''s go, they''ve already arrived!"


    "Who''s arrived?" Zhang Ye had totally forgotten.


    "Teacher Lillian''s team!" Assistant Director Zhou pulled Zhang Ye along as they quickly walked toward the other end. "Her team arrived a long time ago, and everyone is waiting for you!"


    Zhang Ye said evenly, "I''ve also waited for them for a long time, so why can''t they wait awhile for me? Director Zhou, we don''t need to be in such a rush."


    Assistant Director Zhou didn''t know whether tough or cry. "You''re really great. I think you might be the only person in the world who''s not taking things with Teacher Lillian seriously!" He knew what Zhang Ye was like in that he was way too good at offending people, so he reminded him out of worry, "I''m telling you, Professor Zhang. This coboration was only made possible because the various parties have all spent a great deal of effort on making it happen. It was not easy to get Teacher Lillian toe to Beijing. We don''t care if you offend other people, but please don''t ever, ever offend our foreign guest!"


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "Listen to what you''re saying. Am I that kind of a person?"


    Assistant Director Zhou thought to himself who else would be that kind of person if you were not!


    In an office.


    When they opened the door, the room was full of people.


    The Chinese side consisted of Executive Director Li Ke and the officials of the Organizing Committee. Meanwhile, the other side were all Caucasians and probably from Lillian''s team. However, Lillian herself was nowhere to be seen.


    Zhang Ye came in. "Director Li."


    Director Li grumbled, "Did you go and smoke just now?"


    An Organizing Committee official said, "Professor Zhang, were you the one who caused the rm to go off earlier?"


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "Ah? What rm? I don''t know. I was just in the bathroom and didn''t hear any rms. What happened?"


    The person from the Organizing Committee said skeptically, "It wasn''t you?"


    Zhang Ye yed dumb and said, "What about me?"


    "Oh, it''s nothing then." The person from the Organizing Committee dismissed him with a wave.


    Li Ke said, "Let me introduce you. This is Teacher Lillian''s team." He was also meeting them for the first time, so he could only give a brief introduction.


    At this moment, the door opened again!


    A redheaded woman walked in.


    Immediately, a Caucasian woman from their side asked her something in English, probably about why she had been gone for so long.


    The redhead smiled and said in English, "It wasn''t easy finding the bathroom."


    Then, the redheaded woman saw Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye saw her as well.


    When the two of them spotted each other, they were stunned!


    A person from the Organizing Committee smiled and pointed at Zhang Ye, speaking in English, "This is Teacher Zhang Ye, who will be performing with Teacher Lillian." Then he introduced her to Zhang Ye as well. "This is Teacher Lillian. Would you like to get to know each other a little?"


    Zhang Ye took off his sunsses with a nk expression.


    The redhead also took off her sunsses!


    A jaw-dropping, stunning face that made everyone stare in astonishment was revealed. She had auburn hair, a tall figure, and big eyes with a color of European origins. Her skin was also frighteningly fair, although it was not the kind of delicate fair skin that Asians had, but the kind that was unique to Caucasians. Most worth mentioning was the view of her chest. There was once a study thatpiled the statistics of countries with the biggest women''s breasts sizes around the world. Britain topped the list and was indeed worthy of its reputation, as could be seen here!


    This was the most beautiful woman in Britain?


    This was one of the top international superstars in the entertainment industry?


    It was her?


    It actually turned out to be her!


    Lillian stretched her hand out with a smile while she continued to look at him.


    Zhang Ye could not help butugh as he stuck out his hand and shook her hand.


    A thought cropped up in their minds.


    Hello, smoking buddy.

 Chapter 1164: Because I’m his mother!

    <h4>Chapter 1164: Because I''m his mother! </h4>


    Chapter 1164: Because I''m his mother!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    On the day of the Olympic opening ceremony.


    There was wave after wave of excitement online!


    "Cheering y''all athletes on!"


    "Go for first ce in the gold medal tally!"


    "Eagerly awaiting the opening ceremony!"


    "Lillian, my goddess!"


    "This is going to be Lillian''s debut performance in China!"


    "There are only two more hours to go! I can''t wait!"


    "Lillian! I love her so much!"


    "Hey, didn''t we forget about Teacher Zhang?"


    "Why should we care about Teacher Zhang! Even if you don''t follow that guy, he''ll still stir up something big every now and then, and you can see him on the news every other day. But it''s different for Lillian. This is her first timeing to China to perform. It''s going to be a historic moment!"


    "Pfft, that''s true."


    "I''m still looking forward to hearing Zhang Ye''s new song."


    "They kept it under wraps really well. No one knows what kind of song they''ll be singing."


    "Lillian seems to have just arrived in Beijing yesterday. I wonder if they can pair well together? I''m very worried about them."


    "I''m also very worried. But what I''m worried about is that bad temper of Zhang Ye''s. Hopefully, he won''t end up fighting with Lillian''s team. We all know that when Zhang Ye flies into a rage, he doesn''t give a damn about anyone!"


    "Dammit, previous poster, don''t jinx it!"


    "Now that you brought it up, I am starting to get a little worried!"


    ��


    At the venue of the Olympics.


    Little did they know, Zhang Ye and Lillian were getting along splendidly.


    The two of them were in a lounge with a window that had ess to the open air. As this ce was in a very remote area of the Olympic venue and everyone was busy with the ongoing events at the main arena, hardly anyone came over here. The lounge''s window was open at the moment, and smoke was constantly dispersing out from inside.


    Zhang Ye had a cigarette in his mouth as he pointed at the music score and said, "Let''s do it ording to how we did it in yesterday''s rehearsal."


    Lillian held a cigarette between her fingers and said, "Alright, maybe I''ll go an octave higher over here."


    "You''re still going higher?" Zhang Ye said, "I guess that''s fine, but I''m not going an octave higher. My next register up doesn''t sound good, although I can still reach it if I want to."


    Lillian nodded and said, "Then it''s settled. After our smoke, let''s run through it once more."


    Zhang Ye said, "OK."


    On the day of the opening ceremony, in all the years of the Olympics, probably the only ones who dared to smuggle in matches and secretly smoke at the stadium were Zhang Ye and Lillian!


    ��


    In the Olympic Vige.


    As there was still plenty of time left for the athletes to proceed to the stadium where the opening ceremony was to be held, the athletes from the various countries stayed in their respective apartments to chat, train, or rest.


    At the Chinese table tennis team apartment.


    "They''re definitely ruining the theme song by letting Zhang Ye sing it."


    "His singing is so terrible to listen to!"


    "I wonder why they let him sing a duet with Lillian!"


    "Just watch! If he ruins the song, it''ll reflect so poorly on our Chinese people!"


    At the Chinese gymnastics team apartment.


    "Why is everyone on the Inte talking about the theme song that Zhang Ye and Lillian will be singing?"


    "Because Lillian is an international superstar!"


    "Actually, Zhang Ye isn''t bad either."


    "What do you mean he''s not bad? He''s totally a hooligan!"


    Many of the athletes and coaches who were involved in the scolding battle with Zhang Ye were grumbling andining. The skit on Beijing Television''s Spring Festival G, "ying it Up," had caused many of those in the Chinese sports world to be Zhang Ye''s "enemies for life." They would not be satisfied if they did not criticize him some!


    ��


    The Central TV live coverage had already begun!


    There were a total of three people in the live coverage studio and one of them was Yu Yingyi. If Yu Yingyi''s poprity had not soared because of the Go war between humans and machines some days ago, she would not have had the opportunity to take part in this Olympic live coverage event. At most, she would have been assigned to conduct interviews on the ground rather than being ced within the live coverage studio as one of the hosts.


    The famousmentator, Zhao Zhi, said, "We can see that every country''s leader has entered the venue."


    Yu Yingyi smiled and said, "ording to the information we received, the Beijing Olympics has the highest participation of world leaders in all the years that the Olympics have been held. It is also going to have the highest number of countries around the world who are broadcasting the Olympics on television and giving the most coverage of events in the history of the games. That is the beauty of sports and the charm of the Olympics!"


    It was getting closer and closer to the opening ceremony!


    The stadium was filled with several tens of thousands of people, and nearly all seats were upied. This was astonishing and pumped everyone up! It was the first time that China was hosting the Olympics. As a first time host, they warmly weed every country''s delegation to the country. With so much attention from the whole world focused on them for the first time, this was not something that they had experienced before. The Chinese were all hoping that this Olympics would go down in the annals of history!


    Zhao Zhi said, "Today is a historic moment!"


    Anothermentator said, "Yeah, I''m already getting excited."


    Yu Yingyi said, "Let''s switch to a view of the grounds, where we will be interviewing the live audience."


    They switched over to the cameras on the ground.


    A Central TV reporter appeared on camera.


    He smiled and said, "Thank you to our hosts in the studio. I''m currently at the National Stadium, which is the main venue of the Olympics. Everyone can see that the seats are full. Over here, the majority of the audience are locals. But we also have some foreign friends who specially came from overseas to support their countries'' athletes. I will now interview some of them to understand what their expectations for this opening ceremony are." He turned around and walked into the audience.


    The cameraman followed.


    The live broadcast was being televised across the country.


    The Central TV reporter pointed his microphone at a foreign woman and said, "Hello."


    She was part of a group that consisted of other foreigners. When they saw the camera, they immediately waved and screamed madly at it.


    The reporter asked in English, "What do you look forward to most during the opening ceremony?"


    That foreign woman immediately yelled, "Lillian! Lillian, of course! She''s my idol for life! I love her!"


    The Central TV reporter found a Chinese young adult next. "Hello."


    The young adult faced the camera nervously. "Hello."


    The Central TV reporter asked, "The opening ceremony is about to begin. What do you wish to see most?"


    The young adult answered without any hesitation, "I only wish to see Lillian!"


    The reporter asked, "Why?"


    The young adult gave a shy smile and said, "Because she is my goddess! I''ve listened to all of her songs and watched all the movies she acted in!"


    The reporterughed and said, "It looks like you are a diehard fan of hers. Alright, thank you."


    After that, the Central TV reporter interviewed a few more people.


    "Lillian!"


    "Lillian, of course!"


    "I''m only here to see Lillian!"


    As expected, everyone talked only about Lillian!


    ��


    The people watching the live broadcast on TV were amused.


    "I only want to see Lillian, no one else!"


    "Did you expect that I would want to see Zhang Ye? We''re already bored of him! Haha!"


    "How can Teacher Zhangpare to our Lillian!"


    "You can ask a hundred people and they''d all tell you that they''re here to see Lillian as well."


    ��


    At the stadium.


    The Central TV reporter smiled into the camera and said, "It looks like this most beautiful woman from Britain is far too popr. I''ll keep asking around to see if there''s anyone with a different answer."


    He found an auntie to interview.


    The auntie was on her cell phone, her head down.


    The Central TV reporter walked up to her and said, "Hello, auntie."


    She was taken aback. "Hmm?"


    The reporter asked, "Who do you most look forward to seeing during the opening ceremony?"


    The auntie answered, "Zhang Ye."


    That Central TV reporter was jarred by her answer. "Great, we finally have someone saying something different. So why are you looking forward to seeing Zhang Ye? Is it because you''re looking forward to hearing his new song?"


    The auntie said, "Nope."


    The reporter probed, "Then is it because his duet partner is Lillian?"


    The auntie said, "Nope."


    The reporter asked dumbfounded, "Then why are you looking forward to seeing him?"


    The auntie looked at him as though he were a fool of some sort. "Because I''m his mother!"


    The reporter stumbled and nearly fainted!


    The audience watching the live coverageughed hysterically!


    "Aiyo, I can''t take this anymore!"


    "Hahahahahahaha!"


    "How funny is that!"


    "Can it be any funnier than this! Pfft!"


    "This freaking answer is going to be such a ssic line!"


    "I nearly pissed myselfughing!"


    "Hahahaha! I''m in stitches!"


    In the live coverage studio.


    Zhao Zhi said in a stunned manner, "Is she really Professor Zhang''s mother?"


    Yu Yingyi stopped holding back herughter. "Yes, I saw Auntie when I was attending university. After this many years, she still looks as young as ever."


    When the audience heard that, theyughed even harder!


    Just how coincidental could it get!


    In a stadium with several tens of thousands of people, the reporter had actually interviewed Zhang Ye''s mother and even asked such a silly question!

 Chapter 1165: An Olympic theme song that astounds the world!

    <h4>Chapter 1165: An Olympic theme song that astounds the world! </h4>


    Chapter 1165: An Olympic theme song that astounds the world!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His rtives nearly copsed fromughter.


    His first uncle said, "Look!"


    His second aunt said, "Big Sis is on TV!"


    His third uncle said, "It''s Central TV''s live coverage of the opening ceremony!"


    The interview segment was recorded and went viral on social media. Many of themon folk were amused every time they watched the gif due to the reply, "Because I''m his mother." This caused Zhang Ye''s mother to be a meme just an hour before the Olympic opening ceremony was tomence. She enraptured everyone and nearly dampened the serious atmosphere surrounding the Olympics!


    They were indeed mother and son!


    Each was funnier than the other!


    Theizens wereughing so much they couldn''t close their mouths. They were loving this!


    ��


    But this minor episode was not enough to distract from the main event.


    An hourter, the Olympic opening ceremony finally began!


    The entire world was watching it unfold on the live broadcast!


    The entire audience stood up!


    Everyone had their hands in the air!


    "Five!"


    "Four!"


    "Three!"


    "Two!"


    "One!"


    As the entire audience counted down with the sunset to wee the arrival of the night sky, it was lit up by countless fireworksunched into the sky! This was not the Beijing Olympics that Zhang Ye was so familiar with back in his previous world and was an entirely new opening ceremony over here. There were no fireworks that formed the footsteps "walking" in from a distance 1 , but a new choreography that consisted of golden stars exploding open in the night sky before extinguishing and then reigniting!


    The golden stars rose higher and higher!


    Every ignited firework exploded with a circumferencerger than the one before it!


    The 3D effect was incredible and the visuals were stunning. Just this fireworks show at the start of the opening ceremony amazed the entire world''s audience!


    The audience at the stadium had an even more intense experience. Just looking up into the sky, they could see dazzling, huge, golden stars exploding one after another over their heads!


    Now the music yed!


    The Olympic theme song''s melody floated through the stadium!


    A light flickered to life in the middle of the stadium that had just turned dark. The spectators were stunned to discover that there was arge model of the globe that wasn''t there before. There were a myriad of colors on it, depicting the oceans, continents, and countries of the world. It looked exceptionally beautiful under the lighting and was even spinning slowly without pause. There were two shadowy figures standing on a stage atop the globe. When the light worked its way over to them, their faces were illuminated for everyone at the stadium, as well as all over the world, to see.


    Zhang Ye was standing on the left!


    Lillian was on the right!


    Piercing screams echoed throughout the stadium!


    In the audience, Zhang Ye''s parents were staring fixedly at the stage!


    Zhang Ye''s three sisters jumped up from their seats to wave and cheer!


    The hosts on Central TV''s live broadcast stopped talking!


    All over the world, people who were watching TV also went silent!


    At center stage!


    Zhang Ye and Lillian stood atop the globe and looked at each other and smiled.


    Zhang Ye''s hand was trembling a little, not because he was nervous, but because he was excited. He had never before been on such a big stage with so many people listening to him sing. All he could see around him were lights, cameras, and tens of thousands of shadowy figures. He could not see their faces, but he knew that the entire world was watching him at this moment. He also knew that many of them were waiting to see him make a fool of himself. However, the more it was this way, the better his state of mind became and the more fighting spirit he had.


    He lightly raised his microphone and shook everyone with his Mandarin singing!


    "You and me, from one world.


    "We are family.


    "Travel, dream, a thousand miles.


    "Meeting in Beijing."


    He was singing in the tenor register!


    His range went very high!


    The live audience was startled!


    The home viewers were also dumbfounded!


    They had never heard Zhang Ye sing like this before, they really had not!


    Even Li Ke and his program team who were in the wings were stunned by the singing. Even during the rehearsals, they did not hear Zhang Ye sing it so well!


    Zhang Ye smiled as he raised his other hand in a weing gesture.


    "Come together.


    "Put your hand in mine.


    "You and me, from one world.


    "We are family."


    The stadium exploded!


    Shouts!


    Apuse!


    Screams!


    All kinds of sounds were mixed together!


    Then, Lillian raised her microphone. When she sang in English, she pushed the atmosphere to its peak again. It gave countless people watching TV goosebumps!


    "You and me, from one world.


    "We are family.


    "Travel, dream, a thousand miles.


    "Meeting in Beijing.


    "Come together.


    "Put your hand in mine.


    "You and me, from one world.


    "We are family."


    The two of them looked at each other.


    Then Lillian sang again.


    Simultaneously, Zhang Ye raised his microphone.


    "You and me, from one world.


    "We are family."


    They harmonized!


    Lillian had switched to singing in Mandarin!


    The foreign audience was stunned!


    The stadium audience went crazy!


    The two of them smiled as they sang.


    "Travel, dream, a thousand miles.


    "Meeting in Beijing."


    Lillian sang in English, "Come together."


    Zhang Ye sang in Mandarin, "Put your hand in mine."


    They sang together in English.


    "You and me.


    "From one world.


    "We are family!"


    The atmosphere hit a fever pitch!


    "Ahhh!"


    "This is so awesome!"


    "Lillian sang in Mandarin!"


    "Zhang Ye actually sang in English!"


    "It''s so good I''m crying!"


    "They sang so well!"


    With this song, they had astounded the entire world!


    ��


    The Britishizens.


    "How moving!"


    "That Chinese singer is really good!"


    "Was the song written by him?"


    "What''s his name?"


    ��


    The Japaneseizens.


    "The lyrics were really well written!"


    "It''s no wonder Lillian would ept the invitation to take part in the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics!"


    "This song is absolutely world-ss!"


    "Zhang Ye? Isn''t that the Go yer?"


    ��


    The Thaiizens.


    "How nice!"


    "I never expected there to be such a nice opening theme song!"


    "It''s really quite nice!"


    ��


    On Central TV''s live broadcast.


    The famousmentator, Zhao Zihao, said, "How wonderful. Teacher Zhang Ye and Teacher Lillian''s duet has officiallymenced the start of the Beijing Olympics. This is the first time on the international Olympic stage that China has been heard. This is the Beijing Olympics. We have arrived!"


    Yu Yingyi also eximed, "This is so amazing!"


    ��


    There were only cheers from the Chineseizens!


    Many of the overseas audiences and media were also full of praise!


    The song?


    The performance?


    Their singing skill?


    The lyrics?


    It was all impable!


    With this, the athletes and coaches from the sports world who had a feud with Zhang Ye and were grumbling about him singing the Olympic theme song no longer uttered a word! It was at this moment that many people realized why the Organizing Committee had chosen Zhang Ye for the performance. They finally understood why the organizingmittee had chosen to use Zhang Ye''s song, "You and Me," despite the opposition of those in the sports world!


    That was because the opening theme song could only be this!


    No other song could top this!


    Both Zhang Ye and Lillian had performed the opening theme song brilliantly!


    1. https://youtu.be/lQchkyWef18?t=27m45s

 Chapter 1166: Soaring in the Asian popularity rankings!

    <h4>Chapter 1166: Soaring in the Asian poprity rankings! </h4>


    Chapter 1166: Soaring in the Asian poprity rankings!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The opening theme song ended!


    The apuse in the stadium was deafening!


    As there were still many performances lined up behind them for the opening ceremony, Zhang Ye and Lillian hurried off the stage. When they reached backstage, staff from the Organizing Committee and program team were already waiting there for them.


    Bba bba bba bba!


    Someone led the apuse for them!


    "You sang wonderfully!"


    "Nothing elsees close to this song!"


    "It sounded much better than during rehearsal!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you''re great!"


    "Teacher Lillian, thanks foring here from so far!"


    "On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I thank you for being here!"


    "You''ve both contributed a near perfect opening theme song for the Beijing Olympics!"


    "Professor Zhang, Teacher Lillian, you did a great job!"


    Actually, most of the Organizing Committee''s staff were here for Lillian. They had already received news that she would be flying away from Beijing tomorrow. As an international superstar, Lillian''s schedule was packed to the brim, and she was already practically booked well into the next year. This was why they were very grateful to her for pushing back her work to specially fly to Beijing to sing in the Olympics.


    Lillian and the supervisor shook hands. "It''s my pleasure."


    The supervisor from the Organizing Committee said, "I hope we can work together again in the future."


    Lillian smiled and said, "Sure."


    As there were still many events lined up and work left to be done, the staff members departed very quickly. The opening theme song, "You and Me," was the most important segment and had kicked off the opening ceremony to a good start. Many of the Organizing Committee''s people heaved a sigh of relief knowing that the work left was just going to get easier from here. They knew that the Beijing Olympic opening ceremony would surely finish without a hup. They should be able to hold a satisfactory performance for the entire world to see!


    They could hear the musicing on in the stadium from backstage.


    There were still going to be performances by troupes, an all-starbined singing segment, speeches to be given, the Parade of Nations 1 , and so on and so forth.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Shall we go to the front to watch the ceremony?"


    Lillian shrugged. "I''ll be leaving on a flight tomorrow. This is my first time visiting China, so I would like to go visit some ces."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Whoa, you''re leaving this soon?"


    She said, "Yeah, there''s still a lot of work waiting for me."


    Zhang Ye said, "But I haven''t even managed to y host to you."


    Lillian said, "Why don''t you rmend a few ces that look pretty at night?"


    "What''s the point of rmending?" Zhang Ye said, "I''ll bring you around instead! It''s not like you know anyone here."


    Lillianughed. "Sure, then I''ll follow you around?"


    Zhang Ye snapped his fingers and said, "Leave it to me. I''m really familiar with the ce."


    Lillian said with some anticipation in her voice, "Alright. Let me get changed first."


    "I''ll get changed as well, so I''ll see you in a bit. I''m going to take you all over the '' Four-Nine City 2 '' for your enjoyment." Zhang Ye didn''t intend on going around in this stage costume of his either.


    An hourter.


    The opening ceremony was still ongoing, and there were still fireworks beingunched.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye and Lillian had already gone to Gulou, Wangfujing and Tiananmen Square 3 during this time.


    Zhang Ye had changed into a casual outfit of a T-shirt and shorts. In the dark of the night and with his sunsses on, there was almost no one who could recognize him. Lillian had also changed into her casual wear. She was in a long, white dress and wearing ck, eight-centimeter stilettos. But even though it was just an ordinary long dress, it still looked absolutely stunning on her. With her figure that was even better than a model''s, and matched with her ming auburn hair and Caucasian appearance, everyone would definitely do a double-take when they saw her.


    "What a beautiful foreigner!"


    "Damn, it''s a goddess!"


    "Ah, is that Lillian?"


    "What? Lillian?"


    "Heavens! What is she doing here?"


    "Is that Zhang Ye beside her?"


    "Teacher Zhang! My prince!"


    There really were some people who managed to recognize them!


    Five bodyguards and staffers on Lillian''s team immediately came over to stop anyone from getting too close. Zhang Ye and Lillian had no choice but to hurry elsewhere. With such a famous international superstar beside him, there would be no way to move around after being spotted.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You''re too famous in this country."


    Lillian gave him a look and said, "I think you''re the one who''s more famous."


    "Compared to you, what am I?" Zhang Ye shrugged.


    Lillian chuckled. "Is that so? Well, at the least, I''ve heard of you overseas."


    At this, Zhang Ye was stunned. "Hah? You''ve heard of me?"


    Lillian lit a cigarette and started smoking in the car. Sheughed and said, "Yes."


    Curious, Zhang Ye asked, "Where''d you hear about me?"


    Lillian replied, "My grandmother mentioned you once. She''s from Beijing, and I learned my Mandarin from her. She has been paying attention to you all this time."


    Zhang Ye was ttered. "Thank your grandma for me."


    "Sure, I''ll pass the message along when I get back." Lillian smiled. "If you evere to Britain, remember to phone me. I''ll definitely take care of you. You''re the first friend I made in China."


    Zhang Ye responded in kind, "OK. If youe to China again, I''ll arrange everything for you. It was a little too rushed this time, so I couldn''t really bring you anywhere fun."


    Lillian said, "You must."


    "That''s right, please help me sign a few autographs."


    "Huh?"


    "I''ve been asked to request for some."


    "So you''re doing all this with a motive?"


    "Of course. I can''t just take you around without getting something in return, can I?"


    "Hahaha, OK."


    It was getting veryte.


    After getting the autographs and exchanging their numbers, the two fellow smokers cemented their friendship and parted ways. Neither of them knew when they would meet again.


    It could be soon?


    Or it could be a long time from now.


    But they would definitely meet again. Zhang Ye was very confident of that. That was because he knew that he would definitely get to her level someday. He would surely step out from Asia and onto the international stage to stand at the top of the entertainment industry��this was what his goal and beliefs had always been.


    ��


    On the same night.


    The opening ceremony ended.


    The news gradually reported on it.


    "A Perfect Opening Ceremony!"


    "An opening theme song that earned the praise of the world!"


    "Lillian and Zhang Ye dazzle and appear hand in hand!"


    "Host''s slip of tongue whilementating!"


    "The different styles of each nation''s delegation!"


    "Lillian and Zhang Ye spotted smoking at Gulou!"


    "Eyewitnesses say that Zhang Ye and Britain''s most beautiful woman were seen at Wangfujing!"


    "The start of a friendship between Lillian and Zhang Ye?"


    Theizens werementing on things as always.


    "Lillian''s a smoker too?"


    "You didn''t know? Lillian has always been a smoker."


    "The photos are proof. Pfft, these two standing by the roadside and smoking make for the perfect picture!"


    "So Teacher Zhang brought Britain''s most beautiful woman out sightseeing? I''m so jealous!"


    "I guess Zhang Ye''s poprity is going to grow again this time?"


    "It sure will. He has sung for the entire world!"


    "It looks like Zhang Ye has reaped the greatest benefit this time at the opening ceremony! He''s really too lucky. If it weren''t for the Olympic opening ceremony requiring a song change with only a few days to go, the theme song would never have be Zhang Ye''s to sing. Then, all the more he wouldn''t have had the chance to team up with Lillian for it!"


    Midnight passed.


    The Chinese Celebrity Rankings Index was updated.


    The majority of the rankings did not change much. Yu Yingyi, who was one of the hosts for the opening ceremony, moved up several ces in the rankings, while a few celebrities who were part of the all-star singing segment experienced a big boost to their poprity scores. Other than them, Zhang Ye was the one most worth mentioning. He was still in first ce on the A-list rankings, but his surge in the poprity score had left the person in second ce far in his wake. He was getting closer and closer to bing a Heavenly King of the S-list rankings!


    However, Zhang Ye''s greatest poprity change was on the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index!


    The moment the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index was updated, a lot of people werepletely dumbfounded!


    Zhang Ye, who had only been in the middle of the Asian C-list rankings, had gone on to be a forerunner on it within one night. He was not far from the Asian B-list rankings! What did this mean? It meant that with just one song at the Olympic opening ceremony, in just those four minutes required for the song to be performed, Zhang Ye''s poprity score in the Asian region greatly soared!


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_Games_ceremony#Parade_of_Nations


    2. Beijing is also known as the Four-Nine City. The imperial city had four gates: Tiananmen, Dianmen, Xianmen and Donganmen. Meanwhile, the inner city of Beijing had nine gates. They were Zhengyangmen, Chongwenmen, Xuanwumen, Chaoyangmen, Fuchengmen, Dongzhimen, Xizhimen, Andingmen and Deshengmen.


    3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulou_and_Zhonglou_(Beijing) | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wangfujing | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiananmen_Square

 Chapter 1167: The crowd goes ballistic!

    <h4>Chapter 1167: The crowd goes ballistic! </h4>


    Chapter 1167: The crowd goes ballistic!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    It was the first day of the Olympic Games.


    The staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio were in a celebratory mood the moment they arrived at work. The studio was established with the core mission and aim of pushing Zhang Ye to a further and higher ce in the industry. Everything was centered around Zhang Ye''s poprity and image, which was why when Zhang Ye had been selected to sing the Olympic opening theme song after the studio had just been operating for a few days, and with his performance with Lillian being very sessful, it helped him leave a good impression on the world''s audience and get all around praise from many people. With that, his poprity in China, as well as Asia, soared. This made the studio staff extremely excited and full of hope for the future.


    The business operations were also starting to get busy.


    The phone lines in the studio were ringing nonstop. Some of the calls were from television stations or reporters seeking interviews, and some were invitations to coborate on all kinds of projects.


    A little after 9 in the morning.


    Zhang Ye arrived at work.


    Ha Qiqi and the others immediately gave him a status report. The tabted data and information were given to Zhang Ye with very detailed statistics. This was the advantage of having a team. "Director Zhang, your Weibo followers increased by a million overnight. ''You and Me'' was really sessful. The live performance music video has already reached number one on the Top Chinese Music Chart, and the second ced song, ''Beijing Wees You,'' is also your song!"


    Little Wang eximed, "Mighty, Mighty Director Zhang!"


    Wu Yiughed and said, "Your ranking also went up in the Asian poprity charts!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Yes, a lot of the foreign media has mentioned Director Zhang''s name in their reports as well. This is quite a historic breakthrough for us, even though it''s unlikely that the foreigners will be your fan with just one song. But at least it''s good that you''ve shown yourself on the world stage for a start."


    Zhang Ye had a look at the statistics and said with augh, "Great work, everyone."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Your reputation now is great. All the news reports about you at the moment are fairly positive, so I suggest that we build up your reputation during this period. We have to strike while the iron is hot in order to turn around that past negative image of yours. That will help the media and public change their impression of you."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Why do that?"


    Zhang Zuo replied, "We analyzed earlier during a meeting that your next target would definitely be to reach the S-list rankings. Only by getting into the highest rankings domestically and bing a Heavenly King can you continue progressing further in the Asian and international scene. Therefore, our target for you is to first get to the top within China. ording to past information, all of those who manage to get into the S-list and be Heavenly Kings and Queens have one thing inmon. That is, their reputation and public image are all fantastic without an exception! For example, Zhang Yuanqi and the other Heavenly Kings and Queens. It applies to all of them. That was why we concluded that the prerequisite to reaching the S-list rankings was that, and exactly what you''recking in and also where you''re unable topare to against the Heavenly Kings and Queens. We can work hard toward that target from now on, although it''s unlikely that you''ll reach that level anytime soon. But at least we can see whether you can go further with a better reputation and image."


    Having a team was just different.


    Zhang Ye nodded in agreement. "OK, that makes a lot of sense."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Then let''s head in this direction with our PR campaigns? If there are any charity or public service events to attend, you''ll have to amodate them for us."


    "Sure, just decide as you will." Zhang Ye did not have any objections.


    After confirming his direction for the short term, everyone started getting to work.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye made his rounds in the office before subsequently looking at his watch and leaving to drive off.


    His image? Alright then, he would have to watch his public image a little more carefully during this period of time then!


    ��


    On the live broadcast of the Olympics.


    There was global coverage worldwide.


    The first day of events had already begun.


    The Chineseizens were getting extremely excited. Everyone was looking forward to Team China''s performance at the Beijing Olympics.


    During every previous Olympics, Central TV Sports Channel''s viewership rating would outdo all the other programs by arge margin. During this period of time, everyone would only pay attention and have eyes for the Olympic Games. Further, it was even held in Beijing this year in their own backyard. As the hosts, everyone''s enthusiasm was even greater than it had ever been. There were people who were camping at their televisions, and some who took time off from work to attend the events!


    On Weibo.


    "Looking forward to the first gold medal!"


    "Who will get the first gold?"


    "Come on, athletes!"


    "There are so many events with a gold medal up for grabs today!"


    "Haha, the fencing event has already started!"


    "The qualification round for shooting has started as well!"


    "I predict that we''ll get at least two gold medals on the first day!"


    "There''s a chance of getting three gold medals too. There are a lot of events that we''re good at on this first day!"


    The media was also busy doing a gold medal analysis for China!


    Shooting?


    Fencing?


    Or would it be some of the other events?


    A lot of those in the media had prepared their reports beforehand. All they were waiting for was for Team China to score their first gold medal on this first day of the events before publishing their news reports!


    ��


    At the live coverage studio of the Olympics.


    The shooting event was taking ce.


    Commentator Zhao Zhi said, "Dear viewers and friends, we''re about to begin with the Women''s 10-meter Air Rifle event 1 . China''s athletes, Qi Xue and Li Chen, ced first and third respectively in the earlier qualification round to qualify for the finals. In the next round of thispetition, the first Beijing Olympic gold medalist will be crowned. Can the Qi-Li duo take the first Olympic gold for Team China? Let''s wait and see!"


    A former Olympic champion, Zhang Chuxia, was also present in the live coverage studio.


    Zhao Zhi said, "Thepetition is starting!"


    Zhang Chuxia shouted, "It''s the first shot,e on!"


    "Good one! Qi Xue has shot a 10.2 2 ! Oh, Li Chen has made a mistake on her first shot. She has only scored 9.2 points for her effort. But that''s fine, there''s still a chance!"


    The second shot.


    The fifth shot.


    The eighth shot.


    After several more shots, the results were wilder than anyone''s expectations!


    Li Chen was performing very badly today and was no longer in the running for a medal. Meanwhile, Qi Xue had fallen to third ce aftermitting a very serious mistake on one of her shots. She was now 2.1 points away from the first ce!


    Zhao Zhi said, "Things aren''t looking too good!"


    Zhang Chuxia said, "Let''s see how thest few shots go. The team has been too nervous!"


    "You can do it, Qi Xue! All the way!"


    Whoosh!


    After the shot was taken, everyone gasped loudly!


    It was over!


    The gold medal was no longer possible!


    In the end, Qi Xue could only manage a bronze!


    Zhao Zhi said, "What a pity!"


    Zhang Chuxia sighed, "Hai, the pressure was too stressful."


    Watching TV, the home viewers were also crying out in pity!


    ��


    In the next few hours.


    The mood of the viewers and China''s delegation could only be described as being down in the dumps!


    They lost the shooting gold medal!


    They lost the fencing gold medal!


    They also lost the swimming gold medal!


    "First Gold Still Not Here!"


    "What is wrong with the Chinese team?"


    "Only Hope of First Day Gold Rests on Weightlifting!"


    "Go for it!"


    "Come on, this is our backyard we''re talking about!"


    "Don''t be too stressed, just do your best!"


    "Our weightlifting team should be the favorites for gold, right?"


    "Yes, this event should not have any surprises!"


    "Come on, get the first gold already! Let''s give everyone a boost to their spirits!"


    ording to the preliminary statistics, Central TV Sports Channel''s Olympics coverage had already reached an astonishing 43% viewership! That was to say, for every 100 televisions in the country, close to half were tuned in to the live broadcast of the Olympics. The viewership ratings of the Olympics coverage in other countries around the world were very good as well and were maintained at a very high level everywhere. If they were to trante the ratings to individual viewership numbers, this would probably be the highest rated Olympics meet in history!


    And because of that, all the more the Chinese viewers were looking for that gold medal to boost their morale!


    There was only weightlifting left!


    They had to win gold!


    ��


    At night.


    On the live broadcast.


    Amentator said, "We''re going to bring you the live coverage of the Men''s 62 kg weightlifting event next. Li Jiaxi, the defending world champion who is representing China, will be taking on the other athletes very soon. In this event, the Chinese athlete has the absolute strength to win. But he still has to be very wary of the North Korean athlete, who is expected to be a strong rival!"


    Thepetition venue was packed to bursting.


    There were a lot of Chinese gs in the stands and wave after wave of cheers could be heard from the crowd!


    Zhang Ye was wearing his sunsses as he arrivedte for the event. He had quietly sneaked in through the staff entrance.


    His third sister waved. "Brother!"


    His second sister eximed, "Aiyah, why have you only just arrived?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "I was blocked at the entrance by reporters. Has it started already?"


    "Soon," his eldest young sister said with a sunken expression. "This is thest chance to get a gold medal today. I hope nothing goes wrong!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Don''t worry, he''s got this."


    His first uncle and aunt said, "Little Ye, get seated quickly."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye sat down.


    He had actually been at the Olympic venue the entire day. He first brought his parents to watch shooting before taking Chenchen to catch fencing afterwards. In the end, there were no gold medals won in those events. Zhang Ye was also getting very anxious. Although the country''s obsession with getting gold was somewhat extreme, this was still apetition after all, so who wouldn''t wish to win a gold medal here?


    Zhang Ye shouted, "Come on!"


    The people around him also started shouting.


    "You can do it!"


    "Go Li Jiaxi!"


    "Get our first gold medal!"


    "We''re depending on you!"


    The live broadcast cameras suddenly turned to face Zhang Ye.


    In the live coverage studio, both of thementators wereughing.


    "Hur hur, they''ve given Zhang Ye a profile shot. We can see that Teacher Zhang has also brought his family to watch the events. Oh, there''s someone there wearing a hat. If I''m not wrong, that should be the singer, Han Fang. Eh, Director He is here too? Look. He''s nodding at Zhang Ye. Looks like our celebrities are also very concerned about the Olympics."


    "It''s starting. They''re going to begin with the snatch 3 !"


    "The first one up is the South Korean athlete."


    "The second to go will be the Australian athlete."


    After several people, it was finally the Chinese team''s turn!


    "Oh, it''s Li Jiaxi''s first lift and he''s already trying for 162 kg!"


    "Let''s see how this goes. Come on! Li Jiaxi! You can do it!"


    "Good one, now lift it up!"


    "Great!"


    The entire venue was cheering!


    Zhang Ye shouted, "Good showing!"


    The three sisters were also shouting excitedly!


    "Oh, the North Korean athlete upped the weight to 166 kg and has seeded in lifting it as well!"


    "Li Jiaxi will also be attempting 166 kg this time, but the snatch is not what he''s good at. Let''s see how this one goes��.Oh! He did it! He seeded!"


    The crowd erupted into apuse again!


    The twomentators'' startled and surprised reactions made the viewers watching the live coverage feel extremely jittery as well!


    When the snatch waspleted, Li Jiaxi and the North Korean athlete tied on weight lifted and advanced into the clean and jerk tied for first ce!


    Li Jiaxi''s first clean and jerk ended unsessfully before he managed a 190 kg lift on his second attempt!


    Meanwhile, the North Korean athlete actually requested to lift a weight that seemed impossible for him on his third attempt��190 kg. In all his previouspetitions, he had never attempted such a weight!


    Zhang Ye''s third sister cursed, "I hope it drops and crushes his feet! Crush his feet!"


    Zhang Ye said to her, "Whoa, you''re really ruthless!"


    The third lift was also going to be the North Korean athlete''s final lift. He only had this one chance to seed!


    The North Korean athlete grappled with the bar and brought it up to his chest. The enormous weight was pressing against him so heavily that he was trembling. It was obvious that he was almost about to give way. But suddenly, the North Korean athlete exerted his strength and jerked the bar over his head. However, his hands were not steady and his legs kept wobbling about. After bracing for a moment, he dropped the bar onto the ground!


    Thementator said agitatedly, "He didn''t hold still!"


    The former weightlifting champion said, "We''ve won, we''re the champion��"


    But at this moment, the North Korean athlete suddenly jumped up excitedly and let out a howl onscreen. He rushed off the stage to his coach, and they shared a hug!


    Thementator said in surprise, "What happened?"


    The former weightlifting champion said in disbelief, "What? The referees gave a single red light and two white lights 4 for the result. Did he seed? The North Korean athlete managed the lift? If the North Korean athlete also seeded in lifting 190 kg, then with their attempts being the same weight and his body weight being lighter than Li Jiaxi''s, he would get the victory!"


    The crowd at the venue was stunned!


    The Chinese team''s coaches were also stunned!


    One of the coaches was so mad that he immediately went to appeal the result. However, the weightlifting event for this Olympics did not allow for appeals. The referees sent the Chinese coach back to where he came from.


    Thementator said, "What an extremely odd call that was!"


    The former weightlifting champion said, "Yeah, it''s simply unbelievable!"


    Thementator said, "But Li Jiaxi still has a chance! If he can manage to lift 191 kg for his final attempt, he''ll still be crowned as the champion! Go Li Jiaxi! Come on, Team China!"


    All of the pressure was now on Li Jiaxi!


    The next second, Li Jiaxi took to the stage with the entire crowd cheering for him!


    Standing in front of the bar, Li Jiaxi roared to encourage himself. Then he squatted down and gripped the bar. He clenched his teeth and adjusted his breathing!


    Up!


    Thementator said, "Good one, now bring it up!"


    The former weightlifting champion shouted, "Come on!"


    Thementator said loudly, "Bring it up! Bring it up!"


    Li Jiaxi cleanly jerked and raised the barbell over his head. But as it was incredibly heavy, his legs slightly gave way under him. For a moment, he did not manage to stand still. After he adjusted his footing a little, he held the position. He trembled as he held the bar over him and stayed in that position for two seconds!


    The crowd went crazy!


    Zhang Ye said, "He''s won!"


    His eldest younger sister''s eyes were brimming with tears. "He''s won! We won!"


    The director and singer in the stands also stood up and yelled!


    Thementator became even more excited. "He''s won! Li Jiaxi managed to withstand all that pressure and seeded! He withstood��" Thementator was suddenly stunned. "What? Wait a moment. What''s happening?"


    The entire venue fell silent!


    The referees seemed like they were discussing something!


    Then the North Korean athlete and coaches jumped for joy and hugged as they cheered!


    The Chinese athlete, Li Jiaxi, stood there looking stunned!


    For his lift, two of the three referees gave a red light!


    It was a failed lift!


    This lift did not seed!


    The referee team consisting of an Australian, a South Korean, and a Canadian had given a judgment that dumbfounded everyone!


    The North Korean athlete had won the gold medal!


    Li Jiaxi could onlye in second!


    Third ce went to an Australian athlete. This was also a breakthrough for Australia in weightlifting!


    The Chinese coaching team was enraged as they rushed up to the referees!


    The crowd was furious as they started yelling angrily!


    "Motherfuckers!"


    "What the hell are they doing!"


    "What kind of judgment is this?"


    "Are you all ying dirty now?"


    The Central TVmentator also eximed, "What''s going on here? Can anyone tell me what''s going on?"


    The former weightlifting champion said angrily, "This has got to be an incorrect call! This doesn''t make any sense at all! Let''s see how their negotiation goes. The Organizing Committee''s people have joined in the discussion as well!"


    At the referees'' panel in the venue, the referees were whispering to each other!


    The Australian referee kept waving his hand!


    The South Korean referee also looked like he was saying something.


    Finally, the oue was decided. The referees did not change their decision!


    The North Korea athlete roared and beat against his chest to show that he was the champion!


    Li Jiaxi could only walk off the stage silently. His eyes reddened as tears flowed down his face!


    Thementator said, "A man does not cry easily! But at this moment, our Olympic hero is crying here in Beijing. We don''t know what we can say anymore!"


    The former Olympic champion said, "This is too unreasonable. If the referees were being strict and insisted that Li Jiaxi''s lift was against the rules, then that lift by the North Korean athlete would be a 100 percent against the rules too! It just doesn''t make any sense to have different standards for different athletes! What''s with that? What are the referees doing?"


    Thementator sighed. "The results have been decided. We must ept this oue!"


    But the former Olympic champion said, "I can''t ept this! If this was because of us not being good enough, then such a result would be fine. If we have been erratic in our performance today, we can also let that go. But tell me, what''s with this? I really can''t ept something like this! I believe that many others are feeling the same too!"


    The live coverage was still being broadcast!


    There was still the medal ceremony to be heldter on.


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye stood up and pointed at the referees, yelling, "Idiots!"


    This voice was so loud that it was deafening within the enclosed area of the arena!


    That famous television drama director, He Qidong, also stood up when he heard that. "Idiots!"


    The singer, Han Fang, scolded, "Idiots!"


    Zhang Ye''s second sister: "Idiots!"


    His third sister: "Idiots!"


    More and more people started standing up!


    More and more of them pointed at the referees and scolded them in anger!


    At this moment, all the Chinese in the stands were enraged!


    The infamous "Peking University Scolding" was now echoing in an Olympic setting!


    That Australian referee looked over to the stands, knowing that the crowd was scolding them. However, he just smiled and did not say anything. The South Korean referee also had an indifferent look, while the other referees also behaved like nothing had happened. After thepetition ended, they even started chatting andughing with one another.


    This behavior made the Chinese people even angrier!


    They clearly had something against the Chinese team!


    For a time, the scolding in the stands got even louder!


    "Idiots!"


    "Idiots!"


    "Idiots!"


    When Zhang Ye''s eldest younger sister saw Li Jiaxi crying, she nearly cried as well. "This is so infuriating! I''m so pissed off! Isn''t that as good as bullying? They can''t do things like that!"


    What kind of temper did Zhang Ye have?


    This fellow was someone who would blow up at the slightest provocation!


    He hated this sort of injustice the most in life. "These foreign bastards!"


    Not far away from him, Director He Qidong said, "They''re doing this on purpose!"


    This judgment call was simply too tant. There was basically no way it could have been an incorrect judgment!


    "Fuck their grandpas! How dare they act in this way? Alright then!" Zhang Ye turned around and stomped off. He simply said to his uncle and auntie, as well as his three sisters, "I''m going outside for a bit!"


    "Where are you off to?"


    "Brother?"


    His three sisters were also quite taken aback by this.


    In the blink of an eye, Zhang Ye had walked out of thepetition venue.


    If it were a matter of skills, it would have been fine!


    If this Olympics were held in another country, then so be it!


    But this was Beijing! This was the Beijing Olympics!


    In our territory and on our doorsteps, did you all think that I would fucking let you bully us? Fuck all of you!


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSF_10_meter_air_rifle#World_Championships,_Women


    2. Every scoring ring is 5 mm wide and sub-divided in 0.5 mm (�� 0.1719 MOA) increments in 10 "subrings". Like the other scoring rings the maximum of 10.9 is derived from an additional set of 10 "subrings" within the center 10-point circle, increasing in 0.1 point value as the rings approach the center of the target.


    3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snatch_(weightlifting)


    4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_weightlifting#Official_procedure

 Chapter 1168: The referees get beaten up!

    <h4>Chapter 1168: The referees get beaten up! </h4>


    Chapter 1168: The referees get beaten up!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Meanwhile.


    Some countries were celebrating their victories.


    Some countries were reflecting on their results.


    But the Chinese delegation and themon folk of the country were all enraged by the Men''s 62 kg weightlifting event. Even most of the media outlets in China were annoyed at the results!


    "China ends first day of events without gold medal!"


    "The Chinese delegation repeatedly misses out on gold!"


    "An incorrect call in weightlifting?"


    "Li Jiaxi painfully loses the gold medal!"


    "Team China''s gold medal stolen by referees!"


    "A failed appeal? Did the refs go blind?"


    "The Australian referee had already made an incorrect call against a Chinese athlete four years ago! "


    "Four years ago, it was Ding Lei. This time, it''s Li Jiaxi?"


    "Just how has Team China offended this Australian referee?"


    The weightlifting medal presentation had not even begun yet, but the news reports were already spreading everywhere!


    Central TV''s live coverage had switched from the venue to broadcasting the live coverage studio. The scene of the audience scolding "idiots" in unison at the venue was really unsuitable to continue being shown on live television.


    The venue was very chaotic.


    The weightlifting team''s head coach had already gone to the Organizing Committee''s officials to lodge aint. This Olympics was organized by them, but to have the foreign referees so tantly and deliberately make such misjudgments on the first day of the events, who could bear it?


    They were clearly smacking their faces!


    They were clearly smacking China''s face!


    The first day events of the Olympics had ended. When the many coaches and athletes of the different sports for Team China heard about this incident, they all went to watch the rey of the weightlifting event. Then many of them started to step forward in anger!


    The table tennis team''s main yers posted on Weibo: "Li Jiaxi deserved to be the champion!"


    The badminton team''s assistant head coach criticized sternly: "Li Jiaxi did not lose because of himself or his opponent, but because of the referees!"


    The men''s weightlifting team''s coach: "Strongly questioning this decision!"


    And celebrities from all over spoke up too!


    Yao Jiancai''s Weibo: "This is goddamn match fixing!"


    Huo Dongfang''s Weibo: "This corruption is too tant, isn''t it?"


    Chen Guang''s Weibo: "What the hell is this?"


    Famous director, Li Ke: "This is the Beijing Olympics! Do you have any respect for us? Shouldn''t they ban these types of referees?"


    Grandma Zhang Xia: "Why couldn''t they initiate an appeal against the decision?"


    The Chinese athletes were all criticizing it!


    The celebrities were all criticizing it!


    Theizens were also criticizing it!


    "Bastards!"


    "How can they be such bullies!"


    "Did they gang up on us?"


    "I''m so angry! That was such a shocking and maddening decision!"


    "Four years ago, there were already issues raised about some of the referees deliberately targeting our Chinese team. At that time, the relevant organization penalized them for their actions. So why is it that a portion of those people can still appear in the Olympics ref pool? How can they tantly cheat the Chinese team of its chances like this? Who gave them the authority to do something like that? Who allowed this to happen and condoned their actions that have seriously damaged the spirit of sportsmanship? Such referees should be banned for life!"


    "Fuck! This is really making me want to beat someone up now!"


    "Even an idiot can see that we were the ones who should have won!"


    "Thatst lift was a proper one! There was nothing wrong with it!"


    "Well scolded, Zhang Ye! They''re really a bunch of idiots!"


    "I also saw Zhang Ye leading the scolding on the live broadcast!"


    "What''s the use of scolding them? The gold medal has already been lost! This is too difficult to stomach!"


    "When Li Jiaxi cried on the live broadcast, my wife cried along! This is too depressing! My heart aches for him!"


    This incorrect call was very controversial!


    Whether it was the Chinese delegation or the citizens, none of them were having it!


    Some foreign media outlets also gave a very objective assessment after watching thepetition.


    A British media outlet reported: "Unable to understand the decision behind the Men''s 62 kg weightlifting event. It looked like the winner should have been the Chinese?"


    In the Spanish media: "A huge controversy in the weightlifting event. After viewing the slow-motion reys, the North Korean athlete''s lift at the end clearly ran afoul of the rules. Meanwhile, the Chinese athlete''s lift was thought to be a good one after analysis by several professionals. All of them said that there were no issues with it and that it should not have been faulted."


    The Portuguese media: "In the finals of the weightlifting event, the referees made a big mistake. However, the gold medal has already been awarded and won''t be changed!"


    The Russian media: "After four years, the Chinese weightlifting team has again fallen victim to the same Australian referee in the finals of a different weight ss!"


    A lot of the foreign media also expressed their shock and disbelief at the matter. This sort of a clear-cut incorrect call could only bemitted by an amateur referee. How could something like this happen in the Olympics?


    But the award ceremony was already over!


    The gold medal winner could not be changed!


    That was this world''s rules for the sport of weightlifting!


    Yet at this time, the Australian media continued adding fuel to fire!


    An Australian media outlet said openly: "The Chinese audience is making a spectacle of themselves in the stadium by verbally abusing the referees. Such behavior makes us very worried about this year''s Beijing Olympics. The oue of thepetition cannot be changed, and this is what it means topete in a sporting event. The results are unpredictable, so why don''t they try to ept it and learn from their mistakes?"


    After thepetition.


    An Australian reporter interviewed the Australian athlete who won the bronze medal.


    The athlete shook his head and expressed, "I''m very disappointed with the behavior of the Chinese today. They dyed the proceedings of thepetition for so long just because they couldn''t take a loss. I think we should be the ones protesting instead!"


    That made a lot of people even more furious!


    On Weibo, there were wave after wave of criticism!


    "They even want us to just ept it?"


    "Fuck your grandpa!"


    "The Australian ref deliberately made a bad call against us and they''re asking us to learn from our mistakes?"


    "Fuck your grandpa!"


    "Ptui!"''


    "What dogshit is this!"


    "Ahhh! I''m so mad!"


    "I''m gonna blow my top!"


    "They''re being way too arrogant!"


    The incident blew up!


    But other than cursing and swearing, the athletes, coaches, and citizens could do nothing about it. They were all full of pent-up anger that could not be released anywhere!


    A simr scene had happened four years ago. At that time, after the gold medal was lost, the incident died down after some time. Could the same thing happen again at this year''s Beijing Olympics? The referees would just be let off with a pointless warning and punishment before everything went back to how it was?


    Of course, this affair was not over yet!


    Even if everyone else agreed to it, Zhang Ye wouldn''t!


    ��


    Night had fallen.


    But the lights were still shining brightly within the Olympic stadium.


    Zhang Ye used his special staff pass that was issued to him for yesterday''s opening ceremony to gain ess to the ce through the staff entrance. He strode into the area where the crowds were not allowed to enter. Even though thepetition events for the day were over, this ce was still restricted!


    Across from him at the exit of the stadiums, five referees were walking out.


    The leader of the group was that Australian referee who took charge of the weightlifting event earlier. Beside him were the other foreign referees involved in today''s event!


    "#$%^&*()."


    "...%$^&*()!"


    They were saying something, probably in English, but Zhang Ye could not understand them as they spoke very fast. Well, with that English of his, he probably would not understand even if they spoke slowly.


    The Australia referee was beaming.


    The South Korean referee had a calm look on his face.


    Beside them, there was a referee who looked a little worried.


    All of them wore different expressions and were heading out of the stadium toward Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye did not even look at them as he slowly strode in their direction swinging his arms. He was even humming and singing the song "Beijing Wees You."


    The atmosphere felt really normal.


    The workers and volunteers who were passing by did not sense anything peculiar either. It was the same for those weightlifting referees. The Australian referee suddenly took a look at his watch before saying something in English to the others. The five of them nodded and quickly picked up their pace. They probably had to rush off somewhere as there was still a lot of work to be done postpetition.


    But right as they were passing Zhang Ye!


    They were passing him but did not make it past him!


    Zhang Ye was still humming the tune when he suddenly stuck his leg out. The Australian referee, who was walking very quickly, didn''t even have time to react and tripped. He lost his bnce and felt like his body''s weight was arrested as he fell forward! He yelled while iling about, hoping to grab onto something. As a result, he grabbed onto the South Korean referee beside him and pulled him down as well! Then another referee, who was behind them, knocked into Zhang Ye''s shoulder "identally." He felt a very strong impact collide with his shoulder as he fell over with a horrified look andnded on top of the other two referees without warning!


    The Australian referee''s face smashed against the ground. His nose instantly started bleeding!


    The South Korean referee fell over as well and his arm snapped against the ground. He clutched it and shrieked in pain!


    The third referee fell onto his back!


    The fourth referee was knocked into a table next to him!


    After the fifth referee fell down, he even got crushed under two other referees who were clearly heavier than 80 kg. His eyes rolled back as he nearly fainted from the pain!


    One second!


    In just a mere second!


    As they passed each other, only Zhang Ye made it past them while the five referees cried out loudly as they found themselves sprawled out on the ground. None of them stood back up!


    It was too fast!


    It was really did happen in just the blink of an eye!


    It was so strange it was scary!


    When many of the volunteers and workers, as well as some of the other foreign referees and athletes around them, heard their screams, many of them either looked over to see what was going on or rushed over!


    "Damn!"


    "What happened here?"


    "The weightlifting referees got beaten up!?"


    Several female volunteers screamed!


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye''s figure had drifted away. All that was left of the incident was a chaotic crowd that had gathered around the five weightlifting referees wailing in agony!

 Chapter 1169: The surveillance footage gets brought to light!

    <h4>Chapter 1169: The surveince footage gets brought to light! </h4>


    Chapter 1169: The surveince footage gets brought to light!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It was extremely chaotic onsite!


    The five referees were lying on the ground all swollen and bruised. They were wailing and in so much pain they could not get back up on their feet. All of them had been stunned by the fall!


    "Ah!"


    "Fuck!"


    "My leg!"


    "Help! Help!"


    The Australian referee was crying out for help.


    However, just as the volunteers and Chinese athletes around were about to instinctively help him up, they realized who he was and stopped in their tracks. Instead, they took out their cell phones to record the dumbfounded weightlifting referees!


    "The refs got beaten up!"


    "They''re the referees from the weightlifting event!"


    "Quick,e and see this!"


    "Record it!"


    "Damn, who did this?"


    The security guards came running over as well!


    Some employees on the Organizing Committee also rushed over!


    "What''s going on?"


    "How did something like this happen?"


    "What went on over here?"


    "Hurry, help them up first!"


    "Where''s the medical staff? Let them have a look!"


    "They''re fine, they didn''t suffer any fractures!"


    More and more people gathered. Even some of the media arrived to take a look!


    Everyone who saw it could only feel a sense of shock and disbelief. This was an Olympic venue, a ce with the highest security. How could something like this have happened? How could do it? Who could be so brazen? Who could be so bold!


    The media was dumbfounded!


    The Organizing Committee staff were dumbfounded!


    The local and foreign athletes were dumbfounded!


    Beating up referees at an Olympic venue? No one hade across something like this before!


    ��


    Back at home.


    His parents were cursing at the television!


    His father said, "Good thing we didn''t go watch the weightlifting event tonight, else I''d have been so pissed off!"


    His mother said, "Those foreigners are such bastards! How dare they pick on us in our backyard? Who gave them the guts to do that? Who gave them the authority?"


    The criticism on the Inte was still going on!


    The entertainment industry was criticizing it!


    The Chinese media was criticizing it!


    Theizens were criticizing it!


    "Is there no ce to reason this out?"


    "These people should just die!"


    "Brothers, let''s dox 1 those fes!"


    "Someone''s already identified those five refs!"


    "Fuck, who wants to go with me to confront them?"


    "Fuck! Let''s go fucking beat them up!"


    "Yeah, we won''t take this lying down!"


    "Count me in! I''ll go as well! I''ve really been enraged today!"


    "Go? How are we going to go? That is a restricted area in the Olympic grounds. Can any of you even make it inside?"


    "So we''re just going to do nothing about it then?"


    Ever since the weightlifting event finished, the people cursed and scolded, for a full hour. But all of a sudden, countless news reports appeared. It hade so suddenly all theizens were caught unawares. Everyone was tongue-tied!


    "Five weightlifting referees assaulted!"


    "An unexpected incident in an Olympic stadium!"


    "Referees fall and injure themselves, or perhaps it was caused by someone else!"


    "Police Investigating!"


    "Could the surveince footage shed a light on what really happened?"


    "Just what happened in the stadium?"


    On Central TV Sports Channel: "Oh, we have just received a piece of news��"


    Beijing Television: "An incident has taken ce in an Olympic stadium. Let''s take a look at a video footage!"


    A video recorded at the scene was shown!


    The five weightlifting referees who were earlier on television in all their swagger looked miserable in the video clip. Some of them were bleeding from the nose, and some of them had bumps on their heads as all of themid on the ground crying out in pain!


    With this, it became very lively on Weibo!


    In an instant, the video clip was Liked over 200,000 times!


    Theizens were so delighted they seemed to be weing the new year!


    "Wow!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "This is too awesome!"


    "Serves them right! They fucking deserved it!"


    "What goes aroundes around! Who does Heaven forgive?"


    "What a release! This is such a goddamn release!"


    "Aiyo, I''mughing like crazy! This feels so good!"


    "Damn, the referees got beaten up in an Olympic stadium? I thought that ce was out of bounds to the regr people? Who beat them up then? Just what is going on here? Let me Like this a million times first before I go check it out!"


    "Could it have been a volunteer who did it?"


    "Haha! All I want to say is, well done!"


    "Which hero did this? Let us prostrate in worship to that person!"


    "That was too goddamn brilliant!"


    "This is the greatest piece of news I''ve seen this year!"


    Yao Jiancai Liked the Weibo video. "Haha!"


    Zhang Xia gave it a Like too!


    Zhang Yuanqi''s manager also hit Like!


    Huo Dongfang Liked it!


    A Heavenly King Liked it!


    A certain Heavenly Queen posted a winking emoticon in response!


    The Beijing Times forwarded the post!


    The official Weibo of a Beijing district police station Liked and forwarded it before immediately deleting all traces of both!


    The people did not have much qualms about their reactions to the incident, but the entertainment industry celebrities and officials had to be careful about what they did or said. That was because they were public figures and anything they said could be seen as wrong. But they were also using their own methods to express their attitudes regarding the incident!


    Zhang Ye''s father was startled. "The referees were beaten up?"


    His mother yelled in approval, "Well done! Well done!"


    How truly satisfying!


    The incident made so many people feel very happy!


    Although there were also many experts and media putting on a show by stepping forward to criticize such actions, the general public was not bothered. Everyone was just intrigued by who could have done this and if it was done by one of the volunteers or workers. Or perhaps, one of the Chinese athletes or coaches?


    The foreign media was also giving a lot of attention to this matter!


    "Police investigating and checking surveince footage!"


    "ording to eyewitness ounts, no fighting in the stadium!"


    "Injured referees lodgeint to Organizing Committee!"


    "Were they beaten up? Or was it just an ident?"


    "The truth shall be revealed soon!"


    ��


    Later that night.


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Zhang Ye drove back here hastily. When he came in through the door, he saw that Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others were actually still in the office. They were all chattering and watching television.


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Whoa, working overtime?"


    Ha Qiqi quickly said, "Aiyo, Director Zhang, why did you get back thiste?"


    Zhang Zuo said in a good mood, "We just saw some news that made all of us so happy that we don''t intend to go home yet."


    "This wouldn''t be included in the overtime pay, right?" Zhang Ye said stingily.


    "Why are you bringing up overtime pay, Director Zhang? You''re too much of a penny-pincher." Little Wang said joyfully, "Have you watched the news yet? Something big has just happened! Those weightlifting referees got injured!"


    Zhang Ye shrugged and said, "Of course I know."


    Wu Yiughed heartily. "They''re currently investigating which hero did it!"


    "That was so cool!" Little Wang said, "I hope the surveince cameras did not manage to record anything. Otherwise, that person might get into trouble. If it''s an athlete from our country, they''re likely to get banned frompeting."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Don''t worry, an athlete didn''t do it."


    Ha Qiqi immediately said, "Director Zhang, quickly go and give the Weibo post a Like. We''re currently working on gaining you a good public image, so you shouldn''t miss out ontching onto an opportunity like this."


    Zhang Zuo nodded. "That''s right, you should say a few words on your Weibo or at least post a status update."


    But Zhang Ye waved it off. "No need."


    "Why not?" Ha Qiqi was taken aback.


    Suddenly, the scene on Central TV''s live broadcast changed. It was still showing a recap of today''s Olympic Games events before it cut back to the studio. Then the host said, "We interrupt this broadcast to report that we have just received an important update on the injured referees. We have gotten our hands on footage that will reveal what happened at the scene."


    The video footage was shown on the broadcast!


    The country''s citizens were jolted!


    "Who did it?"


    "Quick, let''s have a look!"


    At present, the number of people watching and waiting in anticipation was uncountable.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others also crowded around the television.


    Then, the figures of five referees appeared in the surveince footage, the exact ones who had been injured in the incident. They could be seen walking in a hurry and were even chatting and joking with one another. The next second, a key figure appeared in frame. As the two sides approached each other, right as they were passing each other, what happened was not as described by the news involving a violent beating or a fight scene as imagined by everyone!


    It happened in a sh just as they passed each other!


    The young man in the surveince footage maliciously stretched out a leg to trip one of them!


    The next instant, the country''s citizens were dumbfounded as they saw the five referees chaotically fall to the ground!


    The young man had his hand in his pockets and even sounded like he was humming a song. The surveince footage then got a close up shot of the young man, leading to everyone in the country reacting like they had their tails stepped on!


    Ha Qiqi turned around in shock!


    Little Wang shrieked!


    Zhang Zuo and Wu Yi also stared in shock at Zhang Ye, who was standing behind them!


    It was Director Zhang!


    The person in the footage was actually Director Zhang!


    Everyone in Zhang Ye''s Studio nearly fainted!


    Ha Qiqi stood up by supporting herself with the table. "Director Zhang, it was you?!"


    Zhang Zuo was nearly in tears. "Director Zhang, didn''t we already agree on generating a positive public image for you? We just talked about it this morning!"


    Zhang Ye was also feeling a little embarrassed. "I was too impulsive."


    Ha Qiqi said angrily, "No, you did it knowingly!"


    Zhang Ye gave a hollowugh. "You all should already know this temper of mine. I won''t do it again."


    Everyone in the studio could only give each other looks and sigh. Alright then, it looked like they would really have to get back to work and put in some overtime. They should have known better that it wouldn''t be that easy being a part of Zhang Ye''s management team. Everyone in Zhang Ye''s Studio smiled bitterly as they prepared to wee the impending storm!


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doxing#Human_flesh_search_engine

 Chapter 1170: The Leg of God!

    <h4>Chapter 1170: The Leg of God! </h4>


    Chapter 1170: The Leg of God!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    His parents were watching the news in high spirits.


    "It''s been revealed!"


    "They''re showing the surveince footage!"


    "Eh, doesn''t this person''s back look a little familiar?"


    "Damn, isn''t that Little Ye!"


    His parents were stunned!


    In the Olympic Vige.


    Many of the athletes and coaches were watching the live broadcast as well.


    "Beautiful!"


    "That was such a godly trip!"


    "Ah!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Fuck, it''s Zhang Ye!"


    All over the country, scenes of people getting dumbfounded were ying out. When they saw that figure of a person and Zhang Ye''s face, when they saw that malicious leg stick out, everyone wore a look of shock at first before it turned to one of amusement. Everyone realized that they were not surprised at all. The person who did it was Zhang Ye? That was perfectly within expectations for him. Zhang Ye had more than enough past cases when it came to such disreputable behavior. He had always been a person whom everyone hated and loved at the same time!


    Weibo exploded once again!


    But this time, theizens were all one-sidedly giving their Likes to Zhang Ye!


    "Aiyo, what the heck!"


    "It''s Teacher Zhang!"


    "Ahhh! It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "This is cracking me up!"


    "I was wondering who had the balls to attack the referees in an Olympic stadium!"


    "Yeah! I was rather shocked to know that there was a hero who took things into their own hands! So it turned out to be Teacher Zhang!"


    "I''ll give him a Like! I''ll give Teacher Zhang a year''s worth of Likes for that!"


    "I''ve watched the video five times. It''s so awesome!"


    "That leg trip was simply perfect!"


    "Tripping five people over with a leg! Oh my god! How did Zhang Ye manage that?"


    "Who knows! That leg trip was just too godly, damn it!"


    "How shocking! This is the goddamn Leg of God!"


    The leg he stretched out in the video was too wicked and too precise. It was like he had used aputer to urately work out the required force and execution angles as he lightly tripped one of them to send all five referees sprawling out onto the ground. It really dumbfounded countless viewers. Even many of the foreigners had been shocked by this video clip. If there was a tripping event in the Olympics, then this person would definitely deserve to be the champion. Have you ever seen anyone who could trip five people with just a light swipe of their leg? This leg was simply��


    Yes!


    It was the Leg of God!


    As Zhang Ye had yed that amazing "Hand of God" during the "war between humans and machines" against PeterGo, the audience got their inspiration from there and aptly gave a resounding name to this move��the "Leg of God"!


    It was so awesome!


    It was quite the release!


    "Teacher Zhang is so impressive!"


    "As expected of Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye, I just love that fiery temper of yours!"


    "Zhang Ye is so domineering!"


    "I''ve always scolded Zhang Ye in the past, but I must give him a Like today!"


    "There''s nothing to say. That leg trip was too good!"


    "Zhang Ye put his leg out and tripped them for our nation!"


    "He tripped them with such style! You can see how good he is just from that trip alone!"


    "Hahahaha! I knew it must be him! Who else could do something like this other than Zhang Ye? No one else would have the guts besides him!"


    "This is what I call a real man!"


    "Just with that trip alone, I''ll only be convinced by Zhang Ye in showbiz!"


    "Aiya, don''t cause any more trouble. Why aren''t you guys worried for Teacher Zhang? The police are investigating the affair. This is very serious, so Teacher Zhang better not get implicated somehow!"


    "Previous poster, stay calm."


    "Haha, what are you so worried about!"


    "Zhang Ye has done so many things in the past that are even more extreme than this, but have you ever seen that fellow get into any trouble? He''s still doing as well as ever! It''s not like he''s beaten anyone up. He only tripped one of them, what''s the big deal? Teacher Zhang has been through a lot, so don''t worry about him. He knows what he''s doing. Do you take him for a pushover?"


    "But it''ll still affect his image."


    "Does he have an image to begin with?"


    "But if the foreigners start criticizing him��"


    "You''re so funny, big sis! This is Zhang Ye we''re talking about! When has Zhang Ye ever been afraid of anyone criticizing him? He''s just like a rock in the privy��hard and stinky!"


    "Alright, I''ll stop worrying."


    There was a heated discussion on the Inte!


    Though to be more urate, everyone was delighted at the reveal!


    Meanwhile, the media reports could not possibly be so se. Even if some of the Chinese reporters were apuding this action, they couldn''t write that in their reports!


    The Chinese media: "Zhang Ye appears in surveince footage!"


    The British media: "The culprit is the singer of the Olympic opening theme song?"


    The Australian media: "Shock! Indignation! Objection!"


    The South Korean media: "Was the Chinese superstar retaliating?"


    The Canadian media: "Unbelievable! A never before witnessed behavior!"


    The Chinese people were not surprised as they all understood Zhang Ye very well!


    But the foreigners were very dumbfounded. No one could imagine that the Chinese celebrity who had represented Beijing to sing at the opening ceremony with Lillian would actually trip someone over like this!


    What the hell was that?


    What kind of a person was he?


    And what did he fucking sing in the opening theme song?


    You and me, from one world. / We are family!


    From one world, your sister!


    We are family, your sister!


    Why was what you sang and what you did an entirely different thing altogether!


    Now that they listened to the song again, it really made many of the foreign media and athletes unsure about how to react!


    When those injured weightlifting referees saw the video, they finally understood why they had been injured and how they had fallen down. They became so indignant they immediately lodged aint and protested to the higher-ups. They requested for the assant to be seriously punished so that they could be given a fair answer!


    However, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games did not show any indication of issue them with one and only said that the matter had already been referred to the police.


    Sensing that the Organizing Committee was not proactive on the issue, the five referees became furious!


    But if they stopped to think for a bit, they were the ones who had deliberately done something as insulting as making an incorrect call in an event at the Beijing Olympics that caused the Chinese team to lose a gold medal. That had affected the Chinese athletes physically and psychologically. The citizens were also angered that this decision was not made in the spirit of sportsmanship. Now that something has happened to you all, you''re demanding that the Organizing Committee give you a fair answer? You are demanding for an exnation to be given? Does that make any sense! Aren''t you all expecting a little too much! Do you all think that the world revolves around you?


    Further, this issue had nothing to do with the Organizing Committee!


    Who was Zhang Ye?


    A coach? He wasn''t!


    An athlete? He wasn''t!


    He wasn''t even a worker here!


    Zhang Ye was not under their jurisdiction at all. He wasn''t an official of the Olympics and had onlye to perform the Olympic opening theme song as a guest, so anything after that had nothing to do with them. If they really wanted to say anything, then he would at most be considered as a normal audience member. What authority could the Organizing Committee possibly have over him?


    So those referees could only pin their hopes on the police!


    A lot of people were also curious about how the police would handle this matter!


    ��


    In the studio.


    There was a knock on the door, and they saw four police officers standing outside.


    Little Wang''s expression changed. "You all are?"


    The old policeman who was in charge showed his credentials and said sternly, "Hello, we''re from the Chaoyang District Police Station, is Zhang Ye around? We would like to ask him some questions."


    Zhang Ye walked up to them. "I''m here."


    The old policeman nodded at him. "Hello. Regarding the incident that took ce at one of the Olympic venues today, we have identified that you were involved after checking the surveince footage. Is that correct?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It was me."


    Ha Qiqi immediately said, "Please talk to ourwyer about this. We won''t be answering any questions for now!"


    But Zhang Ye waved her off. "It''s fine." Then, he said to the police officers, "Ask away."


    The old policeman said, "Thank you for your cooperation."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s my duty."


    The old policeman asked another question. "At 8:10 PM tonight, did you go to Olympic Venue No. 3 because you lost your way? Or did you go there for other reasons?"


    Zhang Ye answered honestly, "I went there to look for the five referees, of course."


    "Director Zhang!" Ha Qiqi tugged at him.


    The old policeman acknowledged him and turned to the policeman beside him who was recording the statement. "He lost his way."


    That young policeman nodded and recorded it.


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    The studio staff: "��"


    The old policeman looked at him. "In the surveince footage, you were seen sticking your leg out. Was it intentional? Or unintentional? Did you trip over something on the ground? And lost your bnce thus making you stick your leg out to steady yourself?"


    Zhang Ye spoke the truth, "I definitely did it on purpose. I was there for them."


    "OK." The old policeman turned to the younger policeman and said, "He tripped over something at the time, so he stuck out his leg as he tried to regain his bnce."


    The young policeman recorded the statement.


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    Ha Qiqi: "��"


    Zhang Zuo: "��"


    Five minutester, the police were done with their questioning.


    They had recorded a statement that waspletely different from what Zhang Ye answered!


    The old policeman said, "There wouldn''t be any criminal liability for this issue. Those referees did not suffer any serious injuries. It was mostly just scraped skin and the like. The surveince footage wasn''t that clear either. At most, you''d be asked to cough up the medical expenses aspensation, but that wouldn''t cost much anyway. Alright, if there are any new developments to the case, we mighte over again or ask you toe down to the police station to assist with the investigation. Since we''re done questioning, that''s all for today. We won''t be disturbing you all any longer. We still have other matters waiting for us to handle when we get back."


    Ha Qiqi hurriedly said, "Let me see you all off!"


    "There''s no need," the old policeman said with a smile.


    Ha Qiqi whispered, "Thank you."


    The old policeman waved at her. "We''re just doing our jobs. There''s nothing to thank me for. We''re off then."


    As Ha Qiqi was the head of external affairs in the studio, she walked the police officers downstairs and saw them off from there.

 Chapter 1171: International Buzz!

    <h4>Chapter 1171: International Buzz! </h4>


    Chapter 1171: International Buzz!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the studio.


    The calls came one after another.


    Everyone in the studio was busy handling the media reporters while Zhang Ye took calls from his family and friends. The affair had blown up and no one did not know about it!


    Zhang Ye held his cell phone to his ear. "Mom."


    His mother praised: "Son, that was a good beating you gave them!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "Not bad, right?"


    "What''s so good about that!" At the other end of the line, his father apparently snatched the phone for himself and said: "You are a member of the Party. How can you go around beating up people again? And they''re even Olympic referees?"


    Zhang Ye gave a hollowugh and said: "But I didn''t beat them up."


    His mother snatched the phone back from his father and said: "Don''t listen to your father''s griping. When he heard that the referees were injured, he happily apuded it and cheered. He only got anxious after he saw that it was you in the surveince video. Ignore him, you did a great job! We can''t get pushed around by them like this!"


    Zhang Ye replied: "Got it."


    "Will you be fine?"


    "What could possibly happen to me?"


    "Alrighty then."


    Then Ning Lan called.


    Ning Lan asked: "Did you really manhandle them?"


    Zhang Ye replied: "Let me make this clear: I did not use my hands on them."


    "It''s the same even if you used your legs!"


    "Cough cough."


    "You''ve gotten into big trouble this time."


    "Ha, being unafraid of trouble is in my nature."


    "I really have to give it to you!"


    Another call came in, this time from the songstress, Grandma Zhang Xia.


    Zhang Xia asked, "Don''t you want to make it in the international scene?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I want to."


    "You want to? Then why are you still always getting into trouble?"


    "Don''t worry about me, I know what I''m doing."


    "Oh, you! I don''t even know what to say about you anymore."


    Zhang Ye''s friends called him out of concern as they were afraid he had gotten himself into deep trouble this time. But at the same time, they were really impressed by his courage to do something like this. If it were anyone else, they wouldn''t have done something that wouldnd themselves in this kind of trouble, more so for a person of Zhang Ye''s stature. What mattered most to those in the entertainment industry was their own reputation, especially those who wanted to advance in the international scene. This incident would definitely stain his reputation for the rest of his life and would not be forgotten by anyone. It was already very difficult for Zhang Ye to advance to the top of the domestic entertainment industry with his qualities, so it would be even harder to get to the top of the Asian rankings and advance in the international stage. And yet, he still created this big of a mess? Wasn''t he just making things difficult for himself? Wasn''t this as good as putting obstacles on his future career path?


    But how did Zhang Ye see it?


    He didn''t care at all. He just went ahead and did it!


    Just by that alone, they had no choice but take their hats off to him!


    ��


    Before long, the findings of the police investigation were released!


    Chaoyang District Police Station: "Through our investigation, the suspicious man who appeared in the surveince footage taken at the Olympic venue was indeed Zhang Ye. The preliminary judgment of the police department is that Zhang Ye entered the Olympic venue to return the staff pass as he did not have the opportunity to do so after the opening ceremony ended the day before. In there, he got tripped by an unidentified object on the ground just as he was walking past the five foreign weightlifting referees. Afterparison with the surveince footage, Zhang Ye does appear to have lost his bnce at that moment and kickstarted a domino effect where the five foreign referees fell to the ground after one of them was tripped by him.


    And on and on it went.


    The findings of the investigation went over 300 words!


    But the conclusion was summarized in just a word: ident!


    When the findings of the investigation were made public, many of the local citizens greatly praised it!


    "Giving a Like for the Chaoyang Police!"


    "Hahahaha! Well done!"


    "The police are serving the people!"


    "They know how to spot right from wrong!"


    "That''s right, it was just an ident!"


    "This case was judged wonderfully!"


    "That''s right, that''s right! It had nothing to do with Teacher Zhang!"


    "They''re exceedingly right! I know that with Teacher Zhang''s character, he would definitely not injure the referees at the Olympics venue on purpose. Teacher Zhang would never do something like that!"


    "Correct, he''s a triple faculty professor of Peking University and Media College. He''s an out-and-out intellectual."


    "That''s right, that''s right. Teacher Zhang is a teacher of the people and a member of the Party. How could he possibly do such a thing? We can''t malign a good person. The police have finally cleared Teacher Zhang''s name."


    "The injustice has been redressed!"


    "A teacher of the people would not beat people up!"


    "Hai, the truth finallyes out. Teacher Zhang was wronged!"


    "My tears are overflowing! I''m so happy for Teacher Zhang!"


    The people were talking about how righteous the oue of the investigation was.


    But in reality, all of them wereughing their asses off on the inside!


    The injustice was redressed?


    They were happy for him?


    A teacher of the people would not beat people up?


    Bull fucking shit!


    Everyone knew in their heart of hearts that even an idiot could see that this was done by Zhang Ye on purpose. He wouldn''t do something like that? If he wouldn''t do something like that, then who would! This was exactly the kind of thing he loved doing! But nobody spoke what they thought. Instead, all of them were protesting this injustice against Zhang Ye, "feeling" deeply indignant about the misunderstanding that other people had of him!


    Yao Jiancai''s Weibo: "��"


    Xiaodong''s Weibo: "��"


    Huo Dongfang''s Weibo: "a��"


    When many of those in the entertainment industry saw this, they nearly fainted!


    That''s enough!


    That''s really enough!


    Can you all not be so funny!


    In all of China, who does not know what kind of person Zhang Ye is!


    However, some foreign reporters actually got fooled by the findings of the Chaoyang District Police Station''s investigation. Several foreign media outlets started reporting about this news.


    The English media: "All a misunderstanding."


    The Russian media: "The findings of the police investigation show that this is not a criminal case."


    The Portuguese media: "Let''s turn our focus back to the Olympic events."


    But more of the foreign media did not believe it!


    Especially the Australian and South Korean media. They reacted to this news in a frenzy. The American media, which naturally sided with their allies, also joined in themotion and criticized the investigations angrily!


    A misunderstanding?


    An ident?


    Who are you trying to bluff!


    Only an idiot would believe that!


    The referees who got beaten up were even angrier as they did not agree with the oue of the investigation!


    The Australian media: "Hand over the assant! He must be severely punished for his actions!"


    The American media: "The American delegation demands an exnation from the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games!"


    The South Korean media: "The assault on the South Korean referee cannot just go unpunished. Requesting that the Interpol take over the investigation!"


    When the Chineseizens saw this, they rolled their eyes. What Interpol? Do you think this is a terrorist attack?! The American delegation even wants us to give an exnation? Do you treat yourselves as Interpol?


    However, there were also some Chinese media outlets that joined in the fray.


    A small tabloid: "The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games should give an exnation to the International Olympic Committee 1 !"


    An online media outlet: "Zhang Ye has really gone too far! "


    A Chinese expert: "Fighting violence with violence never works! It only serves to worsen the conflict!"


    A schr from the education field even resorted to scaremongering: "If the case of the injured international referees does not get handled properly, China will suffer a loss of respect in the international arena. The Beijing Olympics will be aughing stock!"


    A lot of people were supporting Zhang Ye!


    A lot of people were also scolding him!


    Each side had their views and reasoning!


    On the first day of the Olympic Games, all of the domestic and foreign media outlets, along with the people, were in an uproar. All of this was because of Zhang Ye, because of what he had done!


    It was an unprecedented urrence!


    Zhang Ye had sessfully stolen the headlines from the Olympics!


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Olympic_Committee

 Chapter 1172: A shocking statement from the Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games!

    <h4>Chapter 1172: A shocking statement from the Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games! </h4>


    Chapter 1172: A shocking statement from the Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    Public opinion was divided.


    "What kind of experts do they think they are!"


    "They''re even criticizing Teacher Zhang?"


    "When the gold medal was taken away from us due to that incorrect call, why didn''t any of them step forward?"


    "Yeah, all they know is how to talk crap!"


    "But Zhang Ye still shouldn''t have tripped those referees."


    "Zhang Ye only knows how to bring down our country''s image!"


    "Get lost! Never mind that the foreigners are criticizing him, even our own countrymen are also scolding him now?"


    A scolding battle began!


    Countless people were engaged in a fiery war of words!


    The lights in Zhang Ye''s Studio were all on as everyone worked overtime to handle the emergency PR. There was someone using the studio''s official Weibo ount to make rifications, while others contacted local PR agencies that they were familiar with in an attempt to divert the public''s attention. They were hoping that it could limit the amount of negative press brought upon Zhang Ye by this incident.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye received an important call from the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games. It was also the first time a leader of the Organizing Committee was contacting Zhang Ye regarding this incident. The person on the other end of the line was the vice-president of the Organizing Committee, Qi Yihai. He sounded quite serious over the phone.


    Qi Yihai said: "Professor Zhang."


    Zhang Ye simply replied: "President Qi."


    Qi Yihai said: "Do you know how big of a mess you''ve created?"


    "I know," Zhang Ye said calmly.


    Qi Yihai sighed and said: "The phone lines here at Organizing Committee are blowing up withints as well as inquiries from the foreign media. Even the International Olympic Committee is questioning us."


    Zhang Ye said: "This is down to my personal conduct and has nothing to do with you all."


    Qi Yihai said: "How can it not have anything to do with us? Did you really think that you were just an audience member? Did you think that you were just representing yourself? You were invited by us to be the Olympic opening ceremony''s main lead and represent China by singing onstage. Every action of yours represents China and the Olympic image! But you were really great, huh? Did you think of the consequences before you did that? Look at the public''s opinion right now. The foreign media is scolding you, while the local experts, academics, andmentators have also criticized you. Even if it''s not for anything else, shouldn''t you at least think about your own reputation? Attacking referees on the first day of the Olympics? I''ve really never heard of something like that happening before!"


    Zhang Ye spoke in a casual tone: "Are you done talking?"


    Qi Yihai said: "Yes, I''m done!"


    "Then it''s my turn to speak." Zhang Ye''s voice turned cold. "You''ve never heard of referees getting attacked before? I''ve also never heard of such tant and malicious decisions being made against the Chinese on the first day of the Olympics!"


    Qi Yihai was stumped!


    Zhang Ye said loudly: "The gold medal that was supposed to be ours was lost because of a malicious call by the referees, and we weren''t even allowed to appeal or change their decision due to the regtions. So you all shouldn''t be asking me whether I thought about the consequences! You all should be asking whether those referees thought about it!"


    Zhang Ye''s voice rmed everyone in the studio.


    Everyone looked over in shock as they listened to Zhang Ye talking to the official from the Organizing Committee.


    Qi Yihai said: "We could''vemunicated and resolved this matter with the relevant associations. You can''t just beat up people and try to be a hero!"


    "I''m not trying to be a hero, nor am I a hero," Zhang Ye said in seriousness while holding his cell phone to his ear. "Look at the other Olympics and look at the Olympics that we''re organizing. I don''t know where the problem lies, and I don''t know why our countrymen are so disliked by other countries, but how many ''mistaken calls'' in the history of the Olympics were resolved? How many cases were given an exnation in the end? Negotiate? Protest? What''s the use of that?! I can''t control the things that happened in the past, but do you think I can just pretend not to see what happened in front of my eyes? I can''t do that!"


    Qi Yihai said in a low and serious voice: "Your leg has helped themon folk to vent their anger, but what about you? Look at how many people are criticizing you."


    Ha Qiqi looked over.


    Zhang Zuo and the others looked Zhang Ye in the eyes.


    They heard Zhang Ye bluntly speak: "I''m fine with that. I''ve always believed that the people need an asional hero and that someone would have to step forward when there''s a need. I can be the hero they need when one else is willing to do so. Even if being that ''hero'' does not make me look good or causes me to get criticized for a lifetime, I''m fine with that, I''ll��just ept it!"


    When he heard that, Qi Yihai suddenly went quiet. He suddenly realized that he could not retort to that and even felt quite impressed.


    You''ll just ept it?


    He knew how much that sentence from Zhang Ye meant!


    Qi Yihai realized that they had acted like a clown regarding this matter!


    Consequences?


    Effects?


    Responsibility?


    Pressure from the public''s opinion?


    They were being too overly cautious and had too many considerations. Faced with Zhang Ye''s "I''ll just ept it," Qi Yihai could not say another a word!


    After hanging up, Qi Yihai suddenly smiled.


    He wanted to assuage the anger of the people even if it meant that he would be criticized for a lifetime?


    So this was Zhang Ye?


    Seeing was truly believing!


    ��


    The next day.


    The second day of the Olympics.


    Early in the morning, Zhang Ye was already awake. Or rather, he did not sleep much at all. He went out early to buy breakfast for those who were still working overtime in the office.


    "Come, let''s have breakfast."


    "Thank you, Director Zhang."


    "Good morning, Director Zhang."


    "You guys go ahead and eat breakfast. I need to get something done!"


    Everyone had traces of tiredness on their faces.


    Zhang Ye was touched by the sight but also felt bad. Because of his stubbornness, he had brought trouble to the people around him many times. Sometimes, even though Zhang Ye felt that he had a clear conscience about the things he did, he would feel somewhat apologetic whenever he thought of his friends, rtives, and colleagues around him.


    Theizens were still arguing online!


    The foreign media was still denouncing Zhang Ye!


    Doubting voices were everywhere as all usations got directed at Zhang Ye!


    But at this moment, something happened that the local media and people could not have imagined. A sudden announcement shocked the world!


    The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games issued a statement:


    After a study of the regtions, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games has decided to unterally overturn the rule of having no appeal process in the weightlifting event (only applicable to the Beijing Olympics).


    After the Organizing Committee and the relevant international referees'' associations held an emergency meeting, we have decided the Australian referee, Cooper, will be banned for life while the South Korean referee, Man Gyu, along with four other weightlifting referees will be suspended for two (2) years as punishment.


    epted the appeal by the Chinese delegation with regards to the Men''s 62 kg weightlifting event. After thoroughmunication and discussion, Li Jiaxi will be awarded the gold medal, with the North Korean athlete''s medal changed to silver.


    The three rulings shocked the entire world!


    The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games had made its move. This action stunned countless people!


    Theizens were all stunned!


    "What?"


    "Holy shit!"


    "This is too assertive! This is too fucking assertive!"


    "Oh my god! Is this��is this true?"


    "When have we ever been so assertive!"


    "They unterally changed the regtions?"


    "Li Jiaxi has been awarded the gold medal after the appeal went through?"


    "The gold medal has been returned to the rightful champion?"


    "Ahhhhhh!"


    "Is that for real?"


    "Holy shit! Holy shit! The Beijing Organizing Committee has handled this beautifully!"


    "What is happening here? How could our Organizing Committee have possibly done something like that? Can someone tell me this is really happening? Am I dreaming or what?"


    "Damn, I''m crying!"


    "Me too, why can''t I stop crying?"


    "Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games, you are absolutely the best! You are so awesome!"


    "Here''s a Like for you from the people across the country! Well done!"


    "I''m so excited that I don''t know what to say!"


    "Thank you! Thank you!"


    "Thank you, Zhang Ye! Thank you, Beijing Organizing Committee!"


    "You''re all heroes! All of you!"


    The Chinese weightlifting team was dumbfounded!


    Li Jiaxi was crying tears of joy. He immediately posted on Weibo to thank his mothend!


    Many of the Chinese athletes Liked the post!


    Many of the coaches apuded and cheered!


    Many of the citizens were simply in disbelief!


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Ha Qiqi was stunned. "This��this!"


    Zhang Zuo eximed, "What''s going on?"


    Zhang Ye was also stunned at what he was seeing. He did not expect this either.


    A call came in. It was from Qi Yihai!


    Zhang Ye hurriedly picked it up. "Hello, President Qi!"


    Qi Yihai said smilingly: "Have you seen the statement?"


    "Yes, holy shit! What are you all trying to do?" Zhang Ye asked dumbfoundedly.


    Qi Yihai said: "What do you mean by what are we trying to do? You were the one who stirred this up first. After my call to you yesterday, I thought for a very long time. Then, I conveyed everything that you said to me word for word to the higher-ups in a meeting. You saying that ''even if you get criticized for a lifetime, you''d just ept it'' was enough to leave us unable to criticize you any further. Professor Zhang, we can also do what you were willing to do. Since you weren''t afraid of getting criticized, then our Organizing Committee will not be afraid of getting criticized either! We''re the Organizing Committee for the Beijing Olympics, so how can we allow our athletes to get bullied in an Olympics held in our own backyard, in our own country? You''re right. Isn''t it just about getting criticized? Isn''t it just about being doubted by the world media? We''re not afraid of that either! We also ept it! When the people need us, we can be that ''hero'' too!"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Thank you."


    Qi Yihai shook his head and said: "No, we should be the ones thanking you. Anyway, both you and our Organizing Committee will now have to bear the me for the rest of our lives. When people speak of the Beijing Olympics in the future, there will definitely be countless foreign media outlets calling this the darkest Olympic Games ever. Beating up referees? Unterally changing the regtions? Switching the medal results? I think we will probably be remembered and criticized by a lot of people for the rest of our lives. You better be mentally prepared for it."


    But Zhang Ye bellyughed. "You all are the ones who should be mentally prepared. I''ve already been scolded by enough people tost three lifetimes for the things that I did in the past few years, so what am I afraid of?"


    Qi Yihai was tickled. "That''s true. A heavy debt would not burden you any further."

 Chapter 1173: The sports world’s friendly attitude towards Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 1173: The sports world''s friendly attitude towards Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Chapter 1173: The sports world''s friendly attitude towards Zhang Ye!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games had made an earth-shattering move. A public statement issued by them pushed the entire Beijing Olympics into the public''s consciousness. Going by the regtions of this world, the Olympic organizer had the authority to make certain changes to the rules or mete out punishments as they deemed fit. But no one could have expected that they would really enforce it. Even the Americans in their role as the world police had never changed the rules in any of their Olympic events like this. Moreover, this change was even made to the advantage of China itself. This was what made it even more shocking for everyone!


    Zhang Yuanqi gave a Like!


    Yao Jiancai gave a Like!


    Zhang Xia gave a Like too!


    There were only cheers throughout the country!


    Everyone was overjoyed with this decision!


    "This should have been how it was!"


    "Yeah, it should have been this way at the beginning!"


    "Well changed and well punished!"


    "Hahaha, banned for life? Well done!"


    "Let''s see who still dares to deliberately target us during our Olympics!"


    "This is such an important statement! I never expected that our country would do such a shocking thing! Even now, I can''t believe this is happening!"


    "It happened!"


    "It really happened!"


    Cheering?


    Jumping in joy?


    Just these words alone were unable to describe the current feelings of the Chinese people. After suppressing their pent-up anger for a day, they could finally vent it all. They were all flowing with happiness from head to toe! When they were faced with such incorrect calls and deliberate malicious decisions in the past, there was nothing they could do about it. Other than protesting, it was still only protesting. Then what? After that, everything would remain the same. The protests did not change anything. But this time, they were the organizers of the Olympics in Beijing. As the saying goes, every dog has its day. The wheel of fortune keeps on turning. Now that it was China''s turn to hold the Olympics, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games used a world-shocking public statement to inform everyone: This is our take on things!


    They could feel a sense of pride!


    But at the same time, the foreign media started criticizing the actions!


    The English media: "What? What is happening?"


    The American media: "The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games has made a shocking and uneptable decision!"


    The South Korean media: "Strongly protesting the organizers for siding with their own people!"


    The Japanese media: "Unbelievable! This is the darkest moment in the history of the Olympics!"


    The Australian media: "Banned for life? Changing the medal results?"


    People across the world also reacted fiercely!


    Especially those in Australia, South Korea, and several other countries!


    The Australians.


    "Shit cunts!"


    "The Chinese are too despicable!"


    "How can they handle things this way!"


    "Where''s the sportsmanship? Where''s the Olympic spirit?"


    "Unterally changing the regtions, an action like this is just too despicable!"


    The South Koreans.


    "They skipped over the referees and changed the gold medal winner?"


    "How could they suspend our weightlifting referee!"


    "I''m so mad about this!"


    "The Chinese decision has made us furious!"


    "It''s a conspiracy!"


    The Canadians.


    "They''re abusing their authority to benefit themselves!"


    "This decision has an even more negative impact than the referees getting beaten up!"


    "What are the Olympics organizers doing!"


    "I strongly object to this!"


    "This decision is a joke!"


    The foreign media and citizens were scolding as well! There was no longer much attention given to the referees being injured in the Olympic venue. The focus of the public''s opinion had turned to the statement issued by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games. Everyone was now discussing and questioning the action it took!


    Many of the foreign Olympic delegations and athletes were having none of it as they protested to the International Olympic Committee. The athletes from the Australian delegation were the fiercest in leading the protest and even threatened to collectively withdraw from the Games. Perhaps due to pressure or some other motives, the International Olympic Committee also came forward to dere: "Regarding the organizer''s unteral decision, we hereby express our puzzledness and condemnation of their actions!


    When many of the countries'' delegations had this statement from the International Olympic Committee to back them up, their criticism became even louder!


    However, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games ignored them and did not withdraw their statement. They even held the make up medal ceremony for the Men''s 62 kg weightlifting event the next day before the Olympic events began. In the presence of the media reporters from every country, the Chinese athlete, Li Jiaxi, was awarded the gold medal. Faced with all kinds of pressure from the public''s opinion, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games still went about doing things their way. The officials from the Organizing Committee also clearly indicated to the media present that their decision would remain unchanged!


    Their decision was set in stone!


    Everyone was left helpless by the Beijing Organizing Committee''s forceful stance. As they were not the organizers, it did not matter how much they protested or cursed. The final decision on this issue was still up to the organizer at the end!


    The Olympics would still continue!


    Thepetition would still go on!


    And the Australian delegation was definitely not going to back out from the Games either!


    ��


    That afternoon.


    Zhang Ye was humming the song "Beijing Wees You" as he walked into the Olympic venue. He was here to return the work pass that he was given previously and to settle the issue of the "ident" involving the referees.


    The events held in the morning had already ended while the events scheduled for the afternoon had not begun yet.


    Some of the foreign athletes were warming up and practicing. When they saw Zhang Ye, many of them could recognize him!


    "Look!"


    "It''s him!"


    "Goddammit!"


    "I really want to teach him a lesson!"


    Arge, muscr Australian swimmer angrily at Zhang Ye. He looked like he wanted to charge at him but was stopped by his teammates!


    A group of foreign referees were also glowering at Zhang Ye!


    It looked like they were trying to put on a show of force against Zhang Ye?


    Zhang Ye ignored them as he slowly walked over.


    The Australian and South Korean swim referees continued to stare at him!


    Zhang Ye nced at them and was kind of irritated by their stares. When he walked past them, he suddenly stopped in his tracks and stretched out his leg!


    The foreign referees were given a huge scare as they jumped away in fright as though they had gotten their tails stepped on. Everyone saw the video yesterday and had a deep impression of Zhang Ye''s "Leg of God." When they saw him stretching out his leg again, they were just like birds getting startled by the mere twang of a bow 1 ! One of the Australian swim referees even tripped over his own feet and fell to the floor!


    "What are you doing?"


    The referees all looked infuriated!


    However, Zhang Ye lowered his head and knelt down to adjust his shoces before getting up to walk away.


    Tying his shoces?


    The foreign referees nearly vomited blood. They knew that he did this on purpose and were furious. At the same time, they felt a little embarrassed. He was only tying his shoces and did not do anything to them, but they were so scared they nearly shat their pants, with one person even falling to the ground!


    Fuck!


    This person was too wicked!


    Many athletes and referees looked at Zhang Ye and gnashed their teeth in hatred!


    How could Lillian, the most beautiful woman in Britain, have performed on the same stage with such a hooligan!


    Not far away off in front of him, many Chinese athletes and coaches came face to face with him. When they saw Zhang Ye, they were a little stunned!


    Zhang Ye noticed them as well.


    Some of them were from the swim team?


    Some of them were from the diving team?


    Zhang Ye did not say anything and just walked over. He had been locked in a fierce struggle with the sports world during the scolding battle back then. As so many of the athletes and coaches were scolded by him at that time, the rtionship between the two sides has always been poor. When Zhang Ye was appointed to perform in the Olympics opening ceremony, many of those from the sports world had protested against it. That was why Zhang Ye did not n on greeting them. He just pretended not see them as he walked past.


    But even though he ignored them, they said something!


    A female swimmer smiled as she waved to him. "Professor Zhang."


    Zhang Ye was stunned and instinctively replied, "Hey."


    Beside her, a diving coach warmly nodded his head at him. "Good afternoon, Teacher Zhang."


    "Ah, good afternoon," Zhang Ye said dumbfounded.


    "Where are you heading?"


    "The police asked me toe and settle yesterday''s matter."


    "Will you be alright?"


    "Hur hur, I''ll be fine."


    Along the way, as long as a Chinese athlete or coach encountered Zhang Ye, they would greet and acknowledge him. There were even some very enthusiastic athletes who came over to make small talk with him.


    Zhang Ye was really unprepared for this.


    It seemed like the domestic sports world had suddenly changed their attitude towards him overnight!

 Chapter 1174: Zhang Ye’s Olympic commentary!

    <h4>Chapter 1174: Zhang Ye''s Olympicmentary! </h4>


    Chapter 1174: Zhang Ye''s Olympicmentary!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the fourth day of the Olympics.


    After three days of scolding by all the different parties, the issue began to subside.


    Zhang Ye, who was sleeping inte, finally woke up at 11 AM. After he got up, he went straight out to the living room and saw his parents watching the Olympics on TV.


    "Dad, Mom, how many do we have?"


    "We just got another one today."


    "And in total?"


    "Six gold medals."


    "That''s not much, is it?"


    "Yeah, the performance this year is just average. We threw away our chances in several of the events."


    "Hai."


    "Do you want to eat something?"


    "No, I''m going back to the studio to have a look."


    "Oh yes, the swimming finals will be happening in a few days. Get us a few extra tickets."


    "Uh, I''ll try."


    Noon.


    At Zhang Ye''s studio, everyone was busy working.


    When Zhang Ye arrived, Zhang Zuo, smiling, came to him with several documents for him and discussed the work that had been done over the past few days. "Director Zhang, the issue of you tripping the referees has more or less been resolved. The police pretty much leaned toward our side and have already settled it for us. The suspended referees have also returned home and did not make anyments regarding the incident. We were lucky the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games issued that statement this time. That diverted away all of the heat on you and subsequently lightened the impact of the incident."


    Zhang Ye browsed through the documents. "Good."


    Zhang Zuo pointed at it and said, "This is your poprity score curve over the past few days. Your domestic poprity score has increased by quite a bit again. Although you''re still in first ce on the A-list rankings, your poprity score has been rising very quickly. This chart over here shows your Asian celebrity ranking, where you''ve also experienced an increase in your score. We''ve analyzed the main reason for this to be because of arge number of people around Asia who got to know about you through that incident. Regarding your international ranking, as they only publish data for celebrities who are at least an international C-lister, we can''t find out more. But ording to our analysis, it is definitely trending up as well. If your poprity in the country and Asia constantly keeps rising, there''s no reason why there wouldn''t be any changes in the international rankings. But for now, there''s no indication of that. In summary, the situation for you now is pretty good overall. Not only did you not get burnt this time, you even increased your visibility on the international scene. I guess we can still consider that a blessing. The only issue is your reputation. I don''t think we can really turn that around in the short term."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Alright, I got it."


    Little Wang also came over. "Director Zhang, these are invitations to coborate on projects that we''ve received in the past few days."


    "OK, let me have a look at them." Zhang Ye went through them.


    Having a team was really very efficient. There was always going to be someone around to help him deal with things like poprity analysis and project negotiations. This saved Zhang Ye a lot of worry and greatly improved his work productivity.


    Ha Qiqi came down from upstairs. "What project would you like to take on next?"


    "I haven''t thought of it yet." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "What do you guys suggest?"


    Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo gave each other a look.


    Ha Qiqi said, "We had a discussion about this, actually. During these two weeks the Olympics are held, anything we try to do will probably end up being insignificant. Nothing can take attention away from the Olympics, after all."


    Zhang Zuo said, "Why don''t we ept some advertisement campaigns rted to the Olympics then? We can earn some money from that and also rub off a little on the Olympics hype."


    Zhang Ye threw his hands up and said, "Have you guys been watching any TVtely? The ad campaigns have all gone to the athletes. Their contracts were probably negotiated several months in advance, so do you think that there will be anything left for me? After all, I''m not an athlete, so I''m not really going to have a chance. We should think of something else."


    Wu Yi said, "How about producing a new show? That''s our rice bowl, after all."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What offers do we have?"


    Wu Yi said, "Only a few not so popr satellite channels approached us. But after we took a look at their proposals, we didn''t find them to be too ideal."


    Little Wang giggled and said, "Director Zhang, how about releasing a new song? We can shoot a music video to try for the charts and help increase your poprity. I really like your songs. They''re all so good!"


    Produce a show?


    Shoot a music video?


    Hold a concert?


    Take on an acting project?


    Do an advertisement campaign?


    Everyone was throwing out all kinds of ideas onto the table.


    But Zhang Ye still did not make a decision. He always had very high standards for the kind of work he would take, so there were more considerations he had to think about. An athlete had a limited sporting lifespan, and their peak when they were in their best physical andpetitive state would onlyst a few years. This was the same for a celebrity too. He always believed that there was a time for everything. If he waited until he was older and missed the opportunity, he wouldn''t be able to do those things again even if he wanted to. For example, when he did Ghost Blows Out the Light on radio in the past, the audience were all very receptive to it and all of them only had praise for the program. But if Zhang Ye spent another one or two months doing nothing but telling supernatural ghost stories on radio nowadays, that would obviously not work out and the audience would probably not look forward to it either��this was what it meant by "a time and ce for everything." So he always considered every job offer that he received very carefully as he wanted to ensure that he would be able to provide as much variety to the audience as he could give.


    So what could he do during this Olympic period?


    Or should he wait until the Olympic Games were over to decide?


    While he was thinking about it, the doorbell suddenly rang.


    Little Wang went to answer the door. "Eh, Teacher Yu?"


    The visitor was Zhang Ye''s old ssmate, and a current host at Central TV Sports Channel, Yu Yingyi.


    "Hi." Yu Yingyi waved and smiled.


    The studio staff were also very friendly toward her. All of them knew that she was Director Zhang''s good friend and ssmate from his university days, so they wouldn''t treat her like they would treat a client.


    Little Wang went to pour some tea for her.


    Zhang Ye beckoned for her to take a seat. "What brings you here today?"


    Yu Yingyi smiled and said, "I just came to visit my old ssmate. Am I not wee?"


    "How could that be? Since I have nothing much to do anyway, why don''t we chat over a drink? Beer or Chardonnay? Merlot or whiskey? I have everything here," Zhang Ye said joyfully.


    Yu Yingyi rolled her eyes. "Who wants to day drink with you? I''m here for business. I still havementary to do when I get back in the afternoon. It''s the Olympics period. Do you really think that I''m that free?"


    Zhang Ye knew that she''de with an agenda. "Tell me about it then, I''m listening."


    Little Wang brought the tea over.


    Yu Yingyi was not bothered that the tea was still hot. She brought the teacup up to her mouth and blew at it before drinking. After she put the teacup down, she looked at Zhang Ye. "Didn''t you say you have nothing much to do these days?"


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Yeah, why?"


    Yu Yingyi smiled. "I have an offer, do you want to ept it?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Tell me about it first and I''ll consider it."


    "Look at how careful you''re being." Yu Yingyi giggled. "Would I try to harm you? It''s definitely something good. Why don''t you promise me first and I''ll tell you more about it."


    Zhang Ye curled his lips. "I can''t do that."


    Yu Yingyi grumbled, "If you don''t promise me first, I won''t tell you about it."


    Zhang Ye gestured to the outside of the reception room. "Little Wang, please see our guest out."


    Yu Yingyi got anxious. "Heh, are you really going to chase me out like this? Alright, alright, I''ll tell you."


    Zhang Ye smiled but did not say anything.


    Yu Yingyi''s next words stunned him!


    Yu Yingyi looked at him, "Do you want to be an Olympicmentator?"


    "Don''t joke." Zhang Ye waved her off.


    "What do you mean by joking?" Yu Yingyi said, "It''s true. Central TV Sports Channel has suddenly decided to recruit an outside host andmentator. Do you want to take the role?"


    Zhang Ye was startled. "Are you serious?"


    "Why would I lie to you?" Yu Yingyi gave him a look.


    Zhang Ye was quite happy. "This sounds like an interesting job, but why did you guys decide to approach me?"


    Yu Yingyi said, "Because you''re really popr at the moment."


    Zhang Ye said, "But my rtionship with Central TV is not good."


    "I don''t care about that. This time, it''s Central TV Sports Channel that''s inviting you to join us. Whatever fight and disagreements you have with Central TV Department 1 and the station heads have nothing to do with us, right? When you were battling against PeterGo, our department was giving you the most positive of coverage and promoting you throughout the entire event. We don''t have any enmity with you and also did not take part in the scolding battle against you with Department 1, right?" Yu Yingyi said.


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "I don''t remember that."


    Yu Yingyi didn''t know how to respond.


    Zhang Ye looked at her. "Are your guys'' viewership ratings doing badly?"


    Yu Yingyi became very embarrassed. "How did you know?"


    "If the viewership rating goals had been met, how could the Sports Channel possibly risk inviting me to join as a host? You have to know, my reputation has never been good before, and it''s even worse at Central TV." Zhang Ye understood the situation very clearly. "Was it due to the gold medal tally being too low in recent days that led to the viewership ratings dropping?"


    Yu Yingyi gave a bitterugh. "Dropping? The viewership rating for our live coverage on the first day was over 40% and even reached a high of 50%. Later on, after the fuss that you kicked up, and with the statement issued by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games, a lot of the subsidiary news had stolen away the attention from our coverage. Coupled with the decreased amount of gold medals and Team China performing below average, the viewership ratings plummeted. Do you know what the internal estimates for today''s ratings are? The off-peak viewership rating went as low as 25%! And the peak estimate was only 37%!"


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s not too bad then. A Bite of China and The Voice only managed how much in the nationwide viewership ratings? It''s at most 10% of what you guys are getting!"


    "But this is the Olympics." Yu Yingyi said angrily, "It''s even the Beijing Olympics, so how can youpare it with those reality shows? It would definitely be much higher rated than your shows."


    She then took out a contract.


    Yu Yingyi pushed it to him. "Have a look at the contract that we prepared for you."


    Zhang Ye said with augh, "I''m toozy to flip through all that. Just tell me, what do you guys expect from me?"


    Yu Yingyi said, "Nothing much. As long as you''re willing to join us, everything can be discussed. What the station wants now is for our channel to increase the ratings. During thementary, you can freely express yourself as you like as long as it''s within certain limits, just don''t go beyond the boundaries. We''re just about ten days away from the closing ceremony. You''ll be paired as my partner, and there might also be retired athletes or coaches joining us for thementary segments. We''ll be in charge of the show every day from 1 to 4 PM. All the other time slots will be handled by the othermentary teams. We won''t have to worry about those, so the actual working time isn''t really that much on average."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Where will we be working from?"


    Yu Yingyi said, "At the live coverage studio in the Olympic grounds."


    Zhang Ye asked, "When do I start?"


    Yu Yingyi said, "Tomorrow."


    Zhang Ye nodded. Then he looked through the ss partition and pped his hands.


    Little Wang came into the room and said, "Director Zhang?"


    "Get me a pen," Zhang Ye said.


    "OK." Little Wang brought one over very quickly.


    Zhang Ye lowered his head and signed the contract. Then he pushed it back to Yu Yingyi with a smile. "Is that all?"


    Yu Yingyi took the contract. "Aren''t you at least going to read it?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I trust you well enough, don''t I?"


    "Alright, I get it. I better hurry back and let them know about this." Yu Yingyi smiled happily and said, "Come over early tomorrow. I''ll familiarize you."


    Zhang Ye said feeling amused, "Do I really need to be? When I started doing live broadcasts, you hadn''t even joined Central TV."


    "Whoa." Yu Yingyi quipped, "This young man talks really big. Let''s see what you''re capable of tomorrow then."


    After she left, Zhang Ye also came out of the reception room.


    Little Wang had obviously let everyone else know about the contract.


    Ha Qiqi quickly asked, "Director Zhang, what''s going on?"


    "What is that contract about?" Zhang Zuo asked in a startled manner.


    Everyone crowded around him.


    Zhang Ye calmly exined, "Oh, Central TV Sports Channel has invited me to take part in their live coverage for the Olympics as a host andmentator. I''ll be starting work tomorrow."


    Everyone screamed excitedly!


    Ha Qiqi said in surprise, "What?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Such a good deal exists?"


    "This is great, this is great!" Little Wang said joyfully.


    Zhang Ye alsoughed. "Yeah, so how can I not take this job, right?"


    Earlier, he was thinking about what he wanted to do next. But there was no need to think anymore. During the Olympics, nothing would garner more attention than the Olympics itself. The live coverage of the Olympics on Central TV Sports Channel was a show that had the craziest viewership ratingspared to any other show!


    He had put in so much work for The Voice, and what was its nationwide viewership ratings? At most 2% or so! At most 2% or so!


    He had given so much effort for A Bite of China, and what was its nationwide viewership ratings? At most 3% or so!


    But for the live coverage of the Olympics?


    The nationwide viewership ratings would easily start off with at least 30% as the base ratings and it could get even higher than that. This was not evenparable to what he had achieved so far, so he definitely had to take this job. Furthermore, he would treat it very seriously and put in the effort to make sure it worked. If he could do well here, it would probably help boost his domestic poprity rankings by a very great deal. Besides, as Zhang Ye had never done any sportsmentary before, he really liked the idea of having a fresh challenge. Regarding this point, the citizens were also very receptive to it. It was as though everyone really enjoyed watching Zhang Ye cross over into all the various types of professions!

 Chapter 1175: Zhang Ye commentates the Olympics (Part 1 of 5)

    <h4>Chapter 1175: Zhang Yementates the Olympics (Part 1 of 5) </h4>


    Chapter 1175: Zhang Yementates the Olympics (Part 1 of 5)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    It was the fifth day of the Olympics.


    Zhang Ye practically pulled an all-nighter by himself in the studio to research his new role for today. He had listened tomentary for an event from thest Olympics while his desk was littered with all kinds of information, such as the detailed schedules and rules of each event, the referees'' judging criteria, the world records for the events, the athletes'' best results, the likelihood of someone winning a medal, etc. Zhang Ye had spent the entire night going through the thick stack of information prepared for him by his staff. If one wanted to go on a live broadcast tomentate the Olympics, it wouldn''t be possible without a foundation. Zhang Ye knew that he had to at least do some basic research to be ready for it. Since he epted the job, he wouldn''t go into it without making preparations.


    The phone rang.


    It was his mother. "You didn''te home yesterday night?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Ah, I was kept busy at the office."


    His mother asked: "Why didn''t you call then? Are youing backter?"


    "Probably at night. I have some work to handle during the day." Zhang Ye said with augh: "Oh, mom, remember to watch the Olympics live coverage this afternoon at 1. Let Dad know too."


    His mother wondered: "What for?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Haha, you''ll know after watching."


    In the morning, the official Weibo of Zhang Ye''s Studio also posted an announcement.


    @ZhangYeStudio: "Everyone, please remember to catch the live coverage of the Olympics this afternoon at 1 PM. There will be a surprise in store."


    Theizens were also unsure of what this meant.


    "The Olympics live coverage?"


    "What surprise?"


    "I don''t understand. What do they mean?"


    "Are they doing a promotion for the Olympics? I heard that Central TV Sports Channel''s viewership ratings these days have dropped a lot. Several key people at Central TV are panicking, and the hosts are also reminding everyone to pay more attention to the developments of the Olympic Games. After all, this is the first time our country is hosting it. It wouldn''t look nice if the ratings are too low."


    "Ai, that''s because our performance this year isn''t that good."


    "Yeah, I didn''t really pay much attention to it."


    "I''m still watching. No matter how badly they''re performing, I''ll support our athletes!"


    "I wonder what Zhang Ye''s Studio is hinting with that announcement?"


    Everyone felt rather confused.


    Just before noon.


    In the Olympic grounds.


    Zhang Ye arrived at Central TV''s live coverage studio. The morning''s events had ended and there was a short break at noon. The staff were all eating box lunches, with some of them eating and reading their transcripts simultaneously as they prepared for the afternoon''s events.


    "Yingyi," Zhang Ye greeted.


    Yu Yingyi lightly pushed aside her box lunch and looked up. "You''re here? Have you eaten?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Not yet."


    Yu Yingyi immediately called out, "Get Teacher Zhang some food too."


    A staff member quickly brought over a box lunch for him.


    "Thanks." Zhang Ye didn''t say anything else and immediately pulled over a chair to sit down. Then he began eating with relish.


    When a lot of the people in the studio saw Zhang Ye, they gave him several more looks as it was their first time meeting a legendary figure like him.


    Yu Yingyi also gave him a look. "You''re such a big shot. Why are you still eating box lunches like the rest of us?


    Zhang Ye was amused and waved around the box in his hands. "Why can''t I eat this? The food provided here is already quite good. Back when I was filming on location for A Bite of China, we didn''t even get something like this. We were always freeloading off of the locals, and those millet pancakes were so hard to chew that we couldn''t even get them down our throats with water, hur hur. If you think that this box lunch is bad, you guys would probably have starved to death if you went along with us for those shoots."


    Yu Yingyiughed. "I always thought that you led a pampered life."


    "Oh,e on." Zhang Ye said with augh, "I''ve only been going through hardship all these years."


    At this time, the executives of the Central TV Sports Channel arrived.


    One of the executives said pleasantly and cheerfully, "Teacher Zhang, we''re depending on you this time."


    Zhang Ye held the box lunch in his left hand and extended his right to shake hands with the executive.


    Then they had a simple exchange regarding theter work matters.


    The executive asked, "Has Little Yu briefed you yet? Are you familiar with the requirements of your role?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "More or less."


    Another executive said nervously, "Don''t take it so lightly, Teacher Zhang. We''re depending on you to help increase the viewership ratings. You''ve never done any sports hosting before, so you''ll becking much of the foundation." He quickly took out arge stack of documents. "This is an overview of the events taking ce this afternoon and the rted information. There''s a list of who the previous gold medalists were and what the best records for each event are. It''s all written in here. Please take a look so that you won''t get it wrongter."


    Zhang Ye took the documents from him and flipped through them. Then he returned them to him and said, "There''s no need for these. I''ve already memorized all of the information and statistics rted to the Olympics."


    Yu Yingyi was taken aback. "How did you memorize it?"


    "I just did." Zhang Ye said, "In all the time that I''ve done hosting, I''ve never needed a script."


    The people around also looked at Zhang Ye in disbelief. Everyone in Central TV knew that Zhang Ye had never depended on using scripts before, but this was not exactly like the shows he''d done in the past. This was live coverage for the Olympics, and it involved a great amount of statistics that were just too detailed to be memorized. And then, there were a whole lot of foreign names involved, so who could possibly remember all of that information? Not even a professional sportsmentator like Yu Yingyi could do it!


    Yu Yingyi asked in distrust, "Who is the world record holder for the Women''s Hammer Throw?"


    "Irina."


    "And the distance?"


    "81.05 meters."


    "Who had the best result in the Men''s Pole Vault this year?"


    "Robert, with a height of 6.1 meters."


    "In the Women''s Bnce Beam, who is ranked eleventh in the world?"


    "Japanese athlete Toyama Yoko."


    Someone quickly went to check in disbelief!


    "Eleventh?"


    "Who is it?"


    "Holy shit!"


    "It''s really Toyama Yoko!"


    Only silence could be heard.


    Then, Yu Yingyi cried out, "You''ve really memorized everything?"


    Everyone looked at Zhang Ye like they had seen a ghost. Him memorizing the world record holders or the best results of the year was eptable. That was because those disciplines were some of the most popr and anticipated events. But how the fuck did he remember so clearly who the world number eleven was in the bnce beam? How could this memory of yours be so good!


    Zhang Ye simply shrugged and finished up thest bit of his lunch. "What did you think I was doing spending the entire night awake? I am a professional host, so don''t doubt the foundations of my professionalism."


    Yu Yingyi didn''t know whether tough or cry. "But aren''t you being way too professional like this! Does that mean that I''m just an amateur?"


    Everyone here was utterly convinced!


    The executive gave him a thumbs up. "Professor Zhang is indeed worthy of his reputation. He is indeed the smartest person toe along in a century. I''ve truly broadened my horizons today. We were still worried that you would be unfamiliar with doing live coverage for sports, but it seems like we were worried for nothing. You''re truly such a great professional! Amazing!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Don''t say that. I''m just performing my duty so that I can get paid. Since I''ve already epted the role, I''ll definitely want to do it well. Don''t worry about it. If you guys have any suggestions, you can mention them to me as well."


    The executive nodded and said, "We might have been covering the Olympics too traditionally, too old-fashioned, too outdated. The expectations of the audience these days are getting higher and higher, so the things they like are different from the past. We''ve analyzed that other than our country''s delegation not performing to their potential, those factors are also part of the reason why the viewership ratings kept dropping. We''ve invited you this time as we also wish to make some changes and implement some new ideas to thementary."


    Zhang Ye nodded in acknowledgment. "I understand."


    By appointing Zhang Ye as an Olympicmentator, the Central TV Sports Channel was taking an enormous risk. They had discussed it for an entire day during their meeting before finally making this decision! This was a very bold attempt, but what would it lead to? Nobody knew!

 Chapter 1176: Zhang Ye commentates the Olympics (Part 2 of 5)

    <h4>Chapter 1176: Zhang Yementates the Olympics (Part 2 of 5) </h4>


    Chapter 1176: Zhang Yementates the Olympics (Part 2 of 5)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At noon.


    Everything was set up and ready in the live coverage studio.


    The professional athlete invited by the Central TV Sports Channel had arrived. It was the former table tennis Grand m winner 1 ��Bao Han. She had been retired for many years.


    "Sister Bao." Yu Yingyi nodded at her.


    Bao Han smiled and said, "Teacher Yu."


    The two of them hadmentated together many times and were very familiar with each other.


    But when Bao Han saw that there was another person sitting in the live coverage studio, she was taken aback for a moment. She clearly knew who he was because it was just impossible not to know him. In all of China, who did not know the famous Zhang Ye? But it was obvious that Bao Han had not expected Zhang Ye to be here today. The retired athletes who appeared on the show to providementary were usually only participating as guests. Sometimes, it would be her, sometimes it would be other people, and there was also a chance that they would make ast-minute switch. This lineup was often not fixed, so she didn''t know about the changes to the internal arrangements of Central TV Sports Channel''smentators and other affairs. It was also likely that Central TV Sports Channel had not informed her beforehand due to the awkwardness surrounding the situation. After all, the table tennis team was the cause of the battle between Zhang Ye and the sports world that had shocked the nation.


    Zhang Ye nodded at her.


    Yu Yingyi quickly said, "The three of us will be teaming up for today''s show."


    Bao Han acknowledged her and looked at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye looked back at her.


    Bao Han smiled and went forward with hand reached out. "Hello, Professor Zhang."


    "Hello." Zhang Ye stood up to shake her hand. "There''s still about half an hour before we go live. Shall we get to know each other a little first? That will help us work betterter."


    Bao Han said, "I already know you pretty well."


    Zhang Ye was surprised. "Oh, are you?"


    "Yes, we have argued on Weibo before," Bao Han said with a smile.


    Zhang Ye said, "Ah? Did we?"


    Yu Yingyi was taking a sip of water and nearly choked. "Cough, cough!"


    Bao Han said helplessly, "Yes, we did. When you dered war on the sports world during the new year, a few hundred of us responded and scolded you back. But as it was, none of us could outscold you at all. That''s why I said it''s not our first time interacting. You don''t even know how aggravated we were over that matter at the time. But we shouldn''t bring that up again and just let bygones be bygones. Just for that ''Leg of God'' that you ''yed'' on the first day of the Olympics, we''ll write off all the unpleasantness from before. That trip of the referee was such a release! You''ve scolded us once, but also taken the me for us once, so that makes us even." Only now that she realized they were in the studio, so she asked, "Ah, the cameras are not recording this, are they?"


    The camera operatorughed and said, "No."


    Bao Han wasn''t good-looking, but her temperament was rather interesting.


    Yu Yingyi was really afraid that the two woulde to blows, but it looked like she had been worried for nothing.


    "Then shall we go through the script together?"


    "OK."


    The two women exchanged whispers with each other.


    Zhang Ye did not take part in the exchange since he did not have any lines.


    ��


    It was almost time.


    Zhang Ye''s mother turned on the television. "It''s starting."


    His father said, "What did our son mean by that?"


    "Who knows? He only said to watch the Olympic live coverage in the afternoon, that''s all," his mother said.


    His father nodded. "Then let''s just watch it."


    ��


    At Old Yao''s house.


    Yao Mi shouted, "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    Yao Jiancai asked, "What''s on in the afternoon?"


    "Ping pong. It''s the women''s quarterfinals match," Yao Mi said.


    Old Yao''s wife said, "Oh, that''s not interesting. It''s a guaranteed win."


    "But we still have to watch it." Yao Mi said, "That''s the result everyone is expecting as well. But if no one watches it, then how bad would the viewership ratings for the Beijing Olympics be?"


    Yao Jiancai said in amusement, "Alright, let''s watch!"


    ��


    Zhang Ye''s first uncle''s house.


    The fall semester hadn''t started yet, so the three sisters had gathered here.


    "Wow, it''s starting."


    "Time to watch the Olympics!"


    "It''s the table tennis event today."


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    A lot of others had also turned on their televisions.


    Some people were watching the live coverage on their cell phones in the subway.


    Some people had secretlyunched their web browsers to watch the Olympics at work.


    But of course, there were also many others who did not really pay attention to today''s events. They did not think that would be any surprises, and since it wasn''t the finals yet, there was less attention given to it.


    The live coverage began!


    After the introductory music yed, the cameras cut to the live coverage studio.


    Yu Yingyi appeared on screen. "Wee, everyone, to the Olympics live coverage studio. I am Yu Yingyi, and the women''s table tennis quarterfinals match will be starting in five minutes. The match will be between the current world number two, China''s Sun Linlin, and the current world number thirteen, Japan''s Kaki Aoi."


    The openingmentary did not seem any different than before.


    But with the following introduction, all of the viewers watching TV burst into an uproar!


    Yu Yingyi smiled and said, "First, let us introduce today''s guest that everyone should know, Bao Han."


    The camera cut to her.


    Bao Han waved. "Hello, everyone."


    Then Yu Yingyi said, "Next up, we have a new guestmentator who will be joining me to cover the Olympics live from today onwards, the famous host��Zhang Ye."


    The camera cut to him.


    Zhang Ye''s smiling face appeared. "Hello to our viewers and friends."


    His mother pointed at the television dumbfounded. "Little Ye!"


    His father was stunned. "It''s Little Ye!"


    His eldest younger sister eximed, "Ah!"


    His third sister shouted, "It''s Brother! Brother''s on TV!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "What?"


    Yao Mi got extremely excited. "Teacher Zhang has be an Olympicmentator?"


    Old Yao''s wife sat down. "This will be interesting! I''ll watch as well!"


    Everyone on the Inte went crazy as well!


    "How could this be?"


    "Damn, did I see that wrong?"


    "How did Zhang Ye go and be amentator?"


    "Well, he''s already a host to begin with!"


    "But this is sportsmentary we''re talking about. He has no experience in this!"


    "Isn''t he on very bad terms with the sports world? Why did they invite him onto the show? And he''s even going tomentate on table tennis?"


    "This looks like it''s going to be really interesting!"


    "Everyone, quicklye and watch. Zhang Ye is going tomentate for the Olympics, my God!"


    "Are you serious?"


    "Yeah! It''s true! The live coverage is happening right now!"


    "No wonder Zhang Ye''s Studio sent out a Weibo post like that!"


    "Teacher Zhang has a new job!"


    "This is a huge job! How surprising!"


    "Damn, quickly go and watch!"


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    "We must watch it just because Zhang Ye''s on it!"


    The news spread from there like wildfire.


    The media was surprised!


    Theizens were surprised!


    Everyone was astonished, bewildered, confounded by Zhang Ye''s appearance!


    A lot of people who weren''t intending to watch the afternoon match were now turning on their televisions at the same time. This was the appeal that an A-list celebrity had. Without needing to say anything, just by showing themselves or having their names mentioned, it would be able to attract countless sets of eyeballs. This was one of the reasons why Central TV Sports Channel had taken the risk to invite Zhang Ye tomentate for them. An A-list celebrity like this always meant a high viewership rating! But of course, whether they could hold the viewers'' interest and retain them by keeping them watching would have to depend on the ability of thementator.


    The attention that the live coverage was getting soared!


    Everyone wanted to see how Zhang Ye''smentary would be different from others''!


    In fact, even the staff of the Central TV Sports Channel wanted to know. The few executives and most of the staff along with the camera operators were all eagerly paying attention to the live coverage studio.


    The cameras cut to thepetition venue.


    Yu Yingyi said, "Alright, the match has started."


    Bao Han said, "Seems like Sun Linlin''s form today will be pretty good."


    "Is that so?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Bao Han said, "Yes, she looks very excited for today''s game, and her body is quite rxed as well."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then let''s wait and see."


    1-0.


    5-0.


    7-1.


    11-2.


    Sun Linlin used just four minutes to take the first game!


    It was too fast!


    It was too easy!


    Yu Yingyi said, "Great showing!"


    Bao Han smiled and said, "Sun Linlin''s form is in great shape."


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "This is my first timementating and I was prepared to do this for at least an hour. But why does it look like the match will be decided in 20 minutes?"


    Yu Yingyi smiled. "There are practically no opponents who are a match for the Chinese table tennis team nowadays."


    But Zhang Ye said, "They definitely still have opponents."


    "Eh?" Yu Yingyi was startled. "There are still opponents?"


    Japan?


    South Korea?


    Bao Han also gave Zhang Ye a look as she wondered what he was going to say.


    Zhang Ye looked at them curiously and said, "Isn''t it quite obvious? The Chinese table tennis team only has one opponent, the ITTF 2 . From the minimum height of the ball toss, to the red and ck sides of a racket, then changing the size of the ball, and the change from the 21-point to 11-point scoring system, all of those were introduced to make it more difficult for the Chinese team to win. But it doesn''t seem like any of those changes were effective. I wonder what the ITTF will try to pull off next."


    Bao Hanughed. "Pfft!"


    Yu Yingyi was tickled pink as well.


    The home viewers.


    "Hahaha!"


    "The only opponent they have is the ITTF?"


    "I''m cramping up fromughing!"


    "As aedian, this guy is too professional!"


    The second game began.


    Yu Yingyi said, "Sun Linlin will be serving."


    "It''s no good, she faulted." Bao Han said, "The quality of this service was not good."


    Kaki Aoi scored a point with the return serve.


    However, Zhang Ye loudly apuded. "Beautiful!"


    Bao Han was floored. "Ah?"


    Yu Yingyi asked in surprise, "Teacher Zhang, whose side are you on?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Of course I''m with Team China."


    "Then why are you apuding and calling it beautiful when the other team scored a point?" Yu Yingyi said in a speechless manner.


    Zhang Ye''s reply left everyone speechless. "It''s exactly because of that that I''m hoping for our Chinese team to drop a few more points. That would give the other countries'' athletes the illusion that they have a chance of winning against us. Otherwise, if we keep ying like this, I''ll be afraid that table tennis might get removed from future Olympics!"


    The camera operator cramped up inughter!


    Bao Hanughed out loud on camera!


    The viewers were also roaring withughter!


    "Hahaha!"


    "I''ve got to give it to this fe!"


    "What a joker!"


    "Is it alright tomentate this way?"


    Before long, the match was brought to an end.


    Sun Linlin was victorious and raised her racket in celebration!


    Bao Han said, "Linlin looks very happy with her performance."


    Zhang Ye added, "Yes, but she''s actually not feeling happy about it. She''s just acting like she is. Otherwise, that would make her opponent look really bad. Sun Linlin is an excellent athlete and knows how to be considerate to her opponent. I guess that''s what you''d call Olympic spirit and good sportsmanship. Today, everyone should know of this athlete named Sun Linlin. This act of celebration with her racket in the air is really too touching!"


    Bao Han: "��"


    Yu Yingyi: "��"


    She was truly happy about her performance, alright?


    When did she ever mean it the way you described!


    Touching? Your sister!


    Where the heck are you getting that idea from!


    1. A Grand m is earned by a yer who wins singles crowns at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and World Cup.


    2. International Table Tennis Federation

 Chapter 1177: Zhang Ye commentates the Olympics (Part 3 of 5)

    <h4>Chapter 1177: Zhang Yementates the Olympics (Part 3 of 5) </h4>


    Chapter 1177: Zhang Yementates the Olympics (Part 3 of 5)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


    In the table tennis stadium.


    Sun Linlin was wiping off her sweat when her teammates and coaches surrounded her.


    A teammate said, "Good showing!"


    Sun Linlin said confidently, "I just yed like I normally would."


    The women''s team head coachughed and said, "Linlin, you''re going viral!"


    Sun Linlin said in a stunned manner, "Huh? How can that be?"


    "You''re really going viral!" Her teammates alsoughed loudly.


    "Hah? But it''s just the quarterfinals, not the finals!" Sun Linlin was very confused. What did they mean by she was going viral? I''ve won the championship many times, but I''ve never gone viral all those times. Table tennis had always been a strong event for China, so winning first ce was always expected. The people were so used to it that they didn''t really care anymore.


    "Check it out online!"


    "Go and watch the rey of your match!"


    In the yers'' lounge, Sun Linlin nearly fainted after watching her own match on her teammate''s cell phone!


    Her teammate said in amusement, "How was it? The viewers were totally tickled by it!"


    Sun Linlin said with a wry smile, "Who could have expected that Zhang Ye would go to the live coverage studio and poke fun at me."


    Her teammate burst intoughter. "Zhang Ye''smentary was so cool. He stung the ITTF with his sarcastic remarks and praised us so much. About that ''ying it Up'' skit he performed, I''ve decided that I''ll forgive him!" She snatched her cell phone from Sun Linlin. "Haha, I''m going to watch this again. It''s so funny!"


    ��


    Several matches featuring the Chinese team''s yers ended. Although China did not really do well at the World Team Table Tennis Championships, especially the men''s team, their dominance in the Men''s and Women''s Singles was still quite obvious. They hardly needed any effort to win a match.


    In the live coverage studio.


    Yu Yingyi smiled and said, "Well, we''vee to the end of ourmentary for today."


    Bao Han said, "Here''s to next time, viewers and friends."


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "Goodbye."


    After they were done, other events scheduled forter would be handled by the othermentators.


    When the cameras stopped rolling, Yu Yingyi syed her upper body out on the table,ughing with her head buried in her hands.


    When Bao Han saw herughing, she couldn''t hold it in either and startedughing loudly as well. "Professor Zhang, yourmentary was too far from routine. You made both me and Teacher Yuugh on the broadcast!"


    Yu Yingyi raised her head. "I did notugh during the broadcast, alright? I held it in until the end beforeughing. Aiyo, I really have to take my hat off to you. I''ve never heard anyonementate a sports event like that!"


    At this moment, several of the Central TV Sports Channel''s executives came over.


    "Professor Zhang!"


    "Hey, Chief Wang."


    "Well done!"


    "So I may continue speaking like this in the future?"


    "Yes, just do it this way! Although there were some parts that might be a little controversial, the audience responded very well to it!"


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes, you''ll know when you check online!


    They had been in the studio all this while and did not even go to the bathroom, so of course they wouldn''t have checked out the online reviews.


    It wasn''t even a matter of the audience responding well anymore!


    Other than a minority of the people calling it controversial, the entire country was praising it to the heavens!


    Theizens were all Liking it!


    "That was so fun to watch!"


    "The match was whatever, but thementary was wonderful!"


    "Hahaha, I keptughing as I watched!"


    "Zhang Ye is hrious!"


    "I''ve never heard anyonementate like that!"


    "Yeah, it really caught my attention!"


    "It was clearly going to be a predictable and boring match, but the coverage made it otherwise with Zhang Ye''smentary! That was amazing!"


    "I''ve got to give a Like for thismentary!"


    "Having gotten used to those traditionalmentaries, this one is a breath of fresh air!"


    "Zhang Ye is indeed Zhang Ye. Boring sportsmentary can even be entertaining with him around!"


    "Central TV Sports Channel has really gotten the right person to do it!"


    "I was wondering what the point of getting Zhang Ye tomentate for the Olympics was at first. I always thought that there were only those few ways of presenting such events. But after I watched hismentary, I''ve realized that I was wrong. Among all the sports hosts andmentators in the country, Zhang Ye''smentary unique to him."


    "Will Zhang Ye be a permanent guestmentator for the Olympics?"


    "Damn, I must definitely watch it every day then!"


    "Yeah, it''ll be much more interesting with himmentating!"


    "Pfft, the sarcasm about the ITTF was totally on point!"


    Ning Lan''s Weibo: "Hahahaha, this is the first time I''veughed through an entire table tennis match!"


    Xiaodong: "In genuflection of Teacher Zhang!"


    Li Xiaoxian: "Teacher Zhang''smentary was really awesome!"


    The table tennis national yer, Sun Linlin, also posted on Weibo. "@ZhangYe Professor Zhang, I��my celebrations after winning the match were a genuine reflection of my mood. It wasn''t an act."


    Theizens were allughing.


    "Hahaha!"


    "Sun Linlin is almost in tears!"


    "Don''t exin anymore."


    "Linlin, just ignore that fellow. He was doing it on purpose!"


    Of course, there were also some voices that disagreed. However, most of those were flooded over by the people!


    "It''s not good at all!"


    "What would the foreigners think if they saw? They''d be scolding us again!"


    "Previous poster, you''re an idiot!"


    "Who cares what the foreigners say!"


    "Yeah, this is our domestic live coveragementary, so of course their opinions would lean towards to the local audience! They definitely would have to side with our people and team. What do you think the other foreign countries are saying in theirmentaries? An Australian friend of mine told me that their Australianmentators were all making sarcastic remarks about the Chinese team. Zhang Ye was already pretty mild about it. Did he said anything that crossed the line?"


    "I agree! There was literally no fault with Zhang Ye''smentary today!"


    The Chinese media also joined in the fun.


    "New Commentator for Olympics!"


    "Zhang Ye''s debut in sportsmentary!"


    "A fresh style of hosting that leaves all citizens wanting for more!"


    "Following The Olympics: A different kind ofmentator!"


    "Zhang Ye uses practical actions again to prove that he is the most irreceable host in the country!"


    "Stringing witty lines together, Zhang Ye transforms into aedian!"


    A lot of people wereughing at the headlines.


    They even described him as having transformed into aedian?


    This fellow was already aedian to begin with!


    All in all, Zhang Ye''s debutmentary for the Olympics received praise from everywhere. Even Yu Yingyi and Sun Linlin managed to rub off his fame a little and increased their poprity score and fame by quite a bit.


    In this world, the sportsmentary scene had been stuck in the past for too long. It had alwayscked the excitement and emotional ups and downs, preferring to stick to the same tried and tested methods of presentation. Whenever the audience caught game coverage, they were only interested in watching the match itself. It didn''t matter who thementator was, so that had already lost its meaning. But this time, Central TV Sports Channel made a bold attempt to change that and it had really caught the eyes of everyone. As everyone watched the match, they could also thoroughly enjoy the wit and humor of thementator. This clearly increased the watchability the match!


    On the same day.


    The viewership ratings came out!


    When they received the viewership ratings table, wave after wave of cheers and screams rang out from Central TV Sports Channel''s office area. It really felt like they were celebrating the Chinese New Year!


    The viewership ratings had blown up!


    Especially for the afternoon session of the Olympic live coverage, which had received the highest viewership rating!


    The data showed that the viewership rating for that time slot had reached an astonishing 44.3%. Remember, the previous day''s viewership rating for the Olympics had already dropped to around 30% or so! With just one day''s worth ofmentary by Zhang Ye, it had pulled many viewers back in front of their televisions. This result and statistic was something that not even the Central TV Sports Channel''s executives had expected. This was a result that had practically dumbfounded everyone!


    And this was only the beginning!


    Could it get any higher?


    Could they break another record again?


    They were looking forward to it, and the audience was looking forward to hearing Zhang Ye''smentary again the next day!

 Chapter 1178: Zhang Ye commentates the Olympics (Part 4 of 5)

    <h4>Chapter 1178: Zhang Yementates the Olympics (Part 4 of 5) </h4>


    Chapter 1178: Zhang Yementates the Olympics (Part 4 of 5)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Noon.


    The Chinese delegation had won 13 gold medals so far. In the finals of the various events held yesterday night and this morning, the Chinese athletes had performed astonishingly well. Several of the gold medals were expected while a few hade as surprises. The dominance of the Olympic host was finally starting to show. The good results that suddenly starteding over the past two days also stirred up the excitement of the people around the country. Their passion and interest in following the Olympics were now bing stronger and stronger.


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His grandmother said loudly, "Hurry up and switch on the television."


    His grandfather said in annoyance, "It hasn''t even started yet."


    "It will soon, so just switch it on first. We don''t want to miss anything," his grandmother said anxiously.


    His motherughed as she went over to turn the television on and switch it to the Central TV Sports Channel.


    His three sisters also gathered around.


    "Mengmeng, don''t squeeze in here!"


    "I wanna sit in front!"


    "Aiya, you little rascal."


    "It''s time for Brother''smentary! I''ve been waiting a whole day for this!"


    "Where are the melon seeds? I want to much on them as I watch."


    It was the weekend today and a rare get-together for the family, but everyone was only interested in watching the Olympics.


    At Old Yao''s house.


    Yao Mi got a bunch of her schoolmates from Peking University''s Chinese Department to gather at her ce.


    "It''s about to begin."


    "Mimi, where''s your dad? I want to get his autograph."


    "He went out for amercial appearance. Why would you want his autograph? Let''s watch Teacher Zhang''smentary. Did you guys watch hismentary yesterday? Hahahaha, it was really funny!"


    "I did, I did!"


    "How could we have not watched it? Heehee!"


    "Teacher Zhang is really awesome!"


    "True, he''s our teacher after all!"


    "I wonder how Teacher Zhang willmentate today."


    All over the country, simr scenes were ying out.


    Countless Chinese citizens were waiting in full anticipation for today''s events. First, because the events held were the more popr ones, and second, because of Zhang Ye''s interestingmentary!


    ��


    The live broadcast began!


    The Olympic live coverage started!


    It was the finals of the Men''s 10m tform Diving!


    Yu Yingyi smiled and said, "Hello, everyone. Thepetition will be starting soon. Let us first introduce today''s guestmentator, my old ssmate, Zhang Ye. We also have with us former world champion, Li Yang, who was on the Chinese diving team."


    Zhang Ye said, "Hello, everyone."


    Li Yang spoke with some stiffness in his voice, "Hello, viewers and friends."


    Yu Yingyi said, "In today''spetition, a highlight we''ll be looking forward to seeing is whether Chen Xing can defend his title. If Chen Xing can win the gold medal, he would achieve the triple crown in this event at the Olympics."


    Zhang Ye said rationally, "Actually, everyone has always been too focused on the gold medals. Back when the interest in the Olympics fell, it was due to ack of gold medal performances by our athletes. However, I feel that it shouldn''t be that way. Every one of the athletes present has put in a lot of sweat, blood, and tears to get here. Every medal, every result, every wonderful moment should deserve our apuse as well. This is what makes sports so beautiful in the first ce."


    Li Yang immediately followed with, "That''s right. I feel that Professor Zhang''s words were well said."


    The event began.


    The athletes from the various countries gradually arrived topete for the gold medal in this event!


    The Australian athletemitted a huge mistake the moment he came up. After the run-up, he didn''t manage to push off the tform properly, which led to him not having enough time to execute his movements. It ended up with him belly flopping!


    Sploosh!


    The sound of a loud ssh!


    The water sprayed upwards!


    Yu Yingyi said, "Oh, the Australian athlete has made a mistake!"


    Li Yang frowned and said, "That shouldn''t have happened. It''s very rare to make such a rookie mistake in the finals of an event. The Australian athlete does not look like he''s in a good form today."


    The American athlete was the next to go. Incredibly, he also screwed up his dive!


    At the moment of entry into the water, he got careless and sent the water sshing two meters high!


    After the American athlete got out of the pool, he shook his head with a very dark expression!


    Li Yang said, "What''s going on today? Everyone seems like they aren''t in form?"


    Yu Yingyi also said in surprise, "This is a really rare urrence that we''re witnessing."


    Li Yang said, "It''s Chen Xing''s turn. His first dive will be a standard dive."


    Yu Yingyi said, "Good one, that was a perfect dive!"


    "That was really good!" Li Yang said, "Chen Xing should be in first ce now. His score wouldn''t be bad."


    Zhang Ye did not interrupt throughout the proceedings. His hosting andmentary style wasn''t to just stick in a word or two every now and then. He preferred not to speak unnecessarily. But if he did, he would make sure it was good enough to amaze!


    The scores were given!


    Yu Yingyi was stunned. "What? Why is it so low?"


    Li Yang was also surprised. "What''s going on? That score is too low. It''s definitely not a score that Chen Xing should get for a dive like that. What''s with the judges? Oh, three of the judges have given him a low score. After dropping two of the scores given, one of the low scores were used to calcte the final score. That''s why Chen Xing''s score is low for his first dive! If this is the case, that would mean Chen Xing is only in third ce after the first dive? That''s pretty unbelievable!"


    They did not know which country those judges were from, but it was obvious that they were trying to lower the Chinese athlete''s score!


    Theizens started cursing.


    "What the heck!"


    "Again?"


    "What the hell are they doing!"


    "Those idiots! Are they blind?"


    "It''s so obvious that it should be a higher score!"


    "Why isn''t Teacher Zhang saying anything!"


    Yu Yingyi seemingly "knew" what theizens were thinking. She turned her head to ask, "Professor Zhang, what do you see of this?"


    Zhang Ye pondered for a moment before saying, "I''m very touched."


    Touched?


    You''re feeling touched again?


    You were touched by the table tennis yer''s celebrations yesterday too. You''re not actually feeling that emotional! Tell me just what there is to feel touched about!


    Li Yang said dumbfounded, "How are you touched?"


    The home viewers pricked up their ears and concentrated on listening.


    Zhang Ye sighed emotionally, "These Olympics have really touched me. I am not touched by those athletes who have tried so hard but failed to win a medal. Instead, I am touched because those judges and referees who are blind in both eyes are determined to carry out their duties!"


    Yu Yingyi held herughter in. "Pfft!"


    Li Yang nearly burst outughing!


    The viewers were all startled for a moment beforeughing uncontrobly!


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Blind in both eyes?"


    "Aiyo, fucking hell, this fellow is too sarcastic!"


    "Savage! Hahahaha!"


    "I''m so tickled!"


    "If we''re talking about who has the sharpest mouth in the world, I will have to fucking give it to Zhang Ye!"


    "He doesn''t even have to use any vulgarities when ites to scolding people!"


    Following that, Zhang Ye began a series of face-smacking antics. This fellow had now gotten into the groove of being amentator. He was getting better and better at it!


    Several of the foreign athletesmitted mistakes again!


    Meanwhile, the Chinese athlete maintained his high standard and performed a perfect execution again for his second dive. This time, the judges finally give a high score as two of the lower scores got dropped!


    The third dive.


    The fourth dive.


    Chen Xing was leading all the way. There was no longer any suspense for the results.


    For every mistake that the foreign athletesmitted, Zhang Ye let out a loud cheer!


    Zhang Ye said, "Watching our Chinese athlete dive is really boring. He doesn''t even make a ssh when he enters the water. But look at the Australian, South Korean, and American athletes. Every time they go into the water, they''re always making waves. This is just like wild pigs crossing the river. It''s so fun to watch!"


    Theizens.


    "Making waves?"


    "Wild pigs crossing the river?"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Let meugh at this for ten minutes please!"


    "This guy is too vengeful!"


    "I just fucking love this entric style ofmentary!"


    On this day, Zhang Ye once again brought out the various jokes regarding the Olympics from his previous world!

 Chapter 1179: Zhang Ye commentates the Olympics (Part 5 of 5)

    <h4>Chapter 1179: Zhang Yementates the Olympics (Part 5 of 5) </h4>


    Chapter 1179: Zhang Yementates the Olympics (Part 5 of 5)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The seventh day of the Olympics.


    It was finals of the team table tennis match.


    11-4.


    11-3.


    11-7.


    Yu Yingyi called out, "Great one, we''re now leading 1-0 in sets yed!"


    Bao Han was here today as the guest again. "As long as we can continue ying with this momentum, there shouldn''t be any problems!"


    Yu Yingyi said, "Our national yers are still as dependable as always. Their y is so beautiful."


    Zhang Ye said, "There are now many foreigners who have demonized our way of ying table tennis. Oh, look! The cameras have cut to a pair of foreigners who seem to be father and son. What do you think they''re whispering about?"


    Yu Yingyi instinctively replied, "What?"


    Zhang Ye said, "That kid must definitely be asking, ''Dad! What kind of sport is table tennis?'' To which his father would probably pat him on the head and say, ''Silly kid, table tennis isn''t a sport. It''s a form of Chinese sorcery."


    Yu Yingyi: "��"


    Bao Han: "��"


    Zhang Ye said, "We always talk about how we can''t find 11 yers who can y ser out of 1.3 billion Chinese people. We''re really too harsh on them for that. Look at how it is overseas. Out of 6 billion people, they can''t even find four people who can y table tennis."


    Yu Yingyi held in herughter. "Pfft!"


    Bao Hanughed and said, "That''s because our training system is pretty much perfected. All of our current national yers were trained from a very young age. Every step they took to get here has been extremely arduous for them. They''ve been pushed beyond the type of training that normal people are able to handle. That''s why they''re standing at the top and have thestugh."


    The match was over!


    The final score was 3-0 for an easy win!


    Yu Yingyi said, "It''s over."


    "Congrattions to Team China, you''ve all done well!" Bao Han looked visibly excited.


    "It''s time for the press conference and the medal presentation ceremony." Yu Yingyi smiled and said, "Congrattions to Team China for standing up to the pressure to once again stand at the summit. We''re really happy for them. They should finally be able to get some time off to rx for a bit after thispetition."


    But Zhang Ye said, "They won''t be able to."


    Yu Yingyi said, "Eh?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "There''s still an even more difficultpetition that''sing up after this."


    Bao Han was taken aback. "There isn''t anything else. We''re already done with the singles and team events."


    "Yeah." Yu Yingyi said, "We''ve made a clean sweep of the medals at the Olympic table tennis events. What ''more difficultpetition'' are you talking about?"


    Zhang Ye looked at them and said, "After they get back, they still have to fight for the national championship to determine who''s the number one."


    Yu Yingyi: "��"


    Bao Han: "��"


    National champion!


    So did he mean that the Olympics were just a warm-up match?


    However, Zhang Ye''s words made sense as well. This left Yu Yingyi and Bao Han unable to refute him!


    ��


    The eighth day of the Olympics.


    At the archery arena.


    Yu Yingyi said, "What''s going on? South Korea has called for an appeal!"


    The guestmentator, a former female archer, said, "A reshoot?"


    Yu Yingyi said, "They''ve misfired yet another arrow!"


    The former female archer said, "What? They''re appealing again?"


    Zhang Ye said, "At the archery arena of this year''s Olympics, a new event called ''Appeal'' has been created. The South Koreans have an absolute chance of bing the champion!"


    Yu Yingyi held back herughter. "Pfft!"


    "Oh God, the Chinese team has won!"


    "We won, we''re the champions!"


    "Unbelievable! The men''s archery team has created Olympic history!"


    "The team captain, Wu Yun, looks very emotional right now! Oh, he took off his top and undershirt too! He''s letting out a roar!"


    "The South Korean team is protesting; they''ve gone to appeal again? Oh, they''reining about our Chinese team''s shirt removal gesture!"


    Yu Yingyi and the former archer were speaking one after the other.


    Zhang Ye bluntly said, "What''s wrong with removing his shirt to celebrate? Can''t he get excited? What''s there to fuss over? If you guys had won, you''d have taken off your pants!"


    Taking off their pants?


    Yu Yingyi was floored!


    ��


    On the ninth day of the Olympics.


    It was the Men''s 10,000m run.


    "It has started."


    "There''s an interesting piece of trivia about this race. We can see that three of the runners on the Canadian team look exactly the same. That''s because they''re triplets."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then we''re in danger."


    "Why?"


    Zhang Ye said, "If the three of them ran a portion of the race each, we''d definitely have no hope of winning."


    Yu Yingyi couldn''t think of a good reply.


    ��


    The tenth day of the Olympics.


    In the stadium of the swimming finals.


    Yu Yingyi said, "The cameras are now showing the rest areas. Our Chinese swimmer, Sun Qi, is currently warming up."


    Zhang Ye said, "Why is he holding a thing that looks like a wheel? Oh, Sun Qi is going to wreak havoc in the seas 1 ."


    Wreak havoc in the seas!


    Do you think he is Nezha!


    Yu Yingyi said, "Professor Zhang, that''s just a warmup apparatus."


    Zhang Ye said, "The cameras are now showing the inside of the stadium. Look at that person sitting there with a staff pass hanging around his neck."


    Yu Yingyi asked, "Who is that?"


    The othermentator said, "That''s a lifeguard."


    Zhang Ye said, "He looks so lonely sitting there with his chin resting on his hand. I bet he''s thinking about his life. ''What''s the reason for my existence?''"


    Yu Yingyi held in herughter. "Pfft!"


    The race began.


    "Go for it!"


    "This is so intense!"


    "Come on, Team China!"


    "We''ve won!"


    "It''s a gold medal! A gold medal!"


    "Sun Qi, you did well! Nicely done!"


    Yu Yingyi and the othermentator got so excited they looked like they were going to jump up from their seats.


    Ten minutester.


    The national anthem yed. Soon, the medal presentation ceremony was over.


    Sun Qi looked very excited as he bit his gold medal. Suddenly, he got off the podium and jogged toward another zone to hug his coach and teammates. Then, on therge screen disy, he apparently took something from his teammate. It wasn''t clear what it was, but it looked like a small box or something simr. After that, he strode forward, taking long strides.


    Yu Yingyi was startled. "What is Sun Qi doing?"


    The swimmingmentator said, "Eh, over there is?"


    The next second, everyone understood what was going on!


    They saw Sun Qi walking up to a woman and excitedly putting his gold medal around her neck. Then he got on his knees and took out a little box that opened to reveal a diamond ring!


    Yu Yingyi smiled and said, "He''s proposing!"


    She was the women''s swim team''s Li Xiaoxiao. In the previous Olympics, she was a bronze medalist in a 400-meter swim. Sun Qi and Li Xiaoxiao''s rtionship was no secret. Everyone knew that they were together, but no one had expected that Sun Qi would propose to his girlfriend after winning the gold medal. He was even doing this in an Olympic stadium and in the focus of many live broadcast cameras!


    Li Xiaoxiao covered her mouth in surprise and started tearing up!


    Yu Yingyi was feeling very happy for them. "This is such a heartwarming scene!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Li Xiaoxiao has said yes. Sun Qi is putting the ring on for her!"


    "That''s great, I wish them all the best!" Yu Yingyi said.


    Zhang Ye suddenly said, "Their union has resolved yet another universal question for humanity."


    Huh?


    Yu Yingyi was taken aback. "What universal question?"


    Zhang Ye said, "If his mother and fiancee fall into the sea at the same time, who would he choose to save first."


    Yu Yingyiughed on the broadcast!


    The staff and camera operators in the studio alsoughed out loud!


    When the TV viewers heard that, theyughed until they doubled over!


    ��


    Over the past few days of the Olympics, everyone had beenughed senseless due to Zhang Ye''smentary. A clearly intensepetition that was supposed to stoke up the excitement of the people was constantly taken down another path with those randomments by Zhang Ye!


    "This is unbearable!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, I can''t take this anymore!"


    "I really have to take my hat off to that mouth of Teacher Zhang''s!"


    "He''s such a jokester! I''m so entertained!"


    "Thismentary is really on a godly level!"


    "I really like Teacher Zhang so much!"


    "The Olympics areing to an end and I''m starting to feel reluctant to see Zhang Ye go. Will they invite Zhang Ye tomentate for other sports andpetitions in the future? If Zhang Ye is thementator, I''ll goddamn watch it even if it''s for a Chinese ser match!"


    "Right, me too!"


    "How awesome! This fellow is always hogging the limelight wherever he goes!"


    "He now has another qualification as a sportsmentator on his resume!"


    The viewership ratings for the Olympics live coverage was constantly hitting new highs!


    44%!


    48%!


    51%!


    Finally, it even reached 54.3%!


    Other than the efforts put in by the Chinese Olympic delegation, Zhang Ye would absolutely be able to im credit for setting such a mythical and legendary viewership rating. He had yed the biggest role in making this happen!


    The domestic media was full of praise!


    "The Chinese delegation has amassed 25 gold medals!"


    "Zhang Ye''smentary wins the unanimous approval of the people!"


    "Zhang Ye has added a different vor to the Olympic Games!"


    "A nationaledian is born!"


    "An official of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games expresses: For the next Olympics, I hope to see Zhang Ye take the role of amentator again!"


    "The Olympic live coverage sets a historical record in viewership!"


    "Zhang Ye''s domestic poprity score soars yet again!"

 Chapter 1180: Zhang Ye’s first music video single?

    <h4>Chapter 1180: Zhang Ye''s first music video single? </h4>


    Chapter 1180: Zhang Ye''s first music video single?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Several dayster.


    The Olympics sessfully came to an end.


    Zhang Ye was also finished with hismentator role afterpleting his job sessfully. On the way back, he was even stopped by several people a few times.


    The first one was at a traffic junction. The moment he got there, he was stopped by a female traffic cop.


    The female traffic cop kept looking at him. "Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye said rather nervously, "Officer, did I vite any traffic rules?"


    The female traffic cop said, "Please show me your driving license."


    "Here." Zhang Ye quickly took it out and added, "I didn''t drink any alcohol."


    The female traffic cop held him there for a long time as she spoke to him.


    Zhang Ye kept trying to exin, "I really didn''t run the red light. If you don''t believe me, you can check the traffic cameras. I really didn''t do anything wrong."


    The female traffic cop was starting to feel a little embarrassed. "I know that. I just recognized your car from a distance and was hoping to get an autograph from you." To someone who managed the traffic as part of their work, Zhang Ye''s license te and car model was clearly not a secret.


    Zhang Ye was both floored and amused. "Hai, you should have just said so. You gave me such a fright." Then he happily signed an autograph for her without hesitation.


    The female traffic cop was delighted. After Zhang Ye left, she started bragging about it over the police radio.


    "I got an autograph from Zhang Ye!"


    "Ah? Where?"


    "At the junction of Zixin Road."


    "Going where?"


    "South."


    As a result, Zhang Ye was soon stopped again, at the third junction as he went by another female traffic cop who had sped over quickly on her motorbike.


    Was it another traffic vition?


    Zhang Ye panicked a little as he frantically pulled to the side.


    The female traffic cop got off her motorbike and knocked excitedly on the BMW''s window.


    Zhang Ye rolled down the car window.


    The female traffic cop said, "Teacher Zhang, can I have an autograph?"


    Zhang Ye was speechless.


    This was the scariest way of asking him for an autograph that Zhang Ye had evere across.


    Finally, he was stopped when he arrived at Old Rao''s neighborhood.


    Before Zhang Ye became famous, he had lived here for some time. Later, his work studio was established here. Many of the neighbors here knew him well.


    "Ah, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Zhang Ye is back!"


    "Little Zhang, are you done with being amentator?"


    "We watched all of the events that youmentated."


    "Yeah, it was so damn funny."


    "You got even more famous."


    "Thementary for the closing ceremony was really good too!"


    Zhang Ye gave them a fist and palm salute and said with a smile, "It was all thanks to everyone''s support."


    Everyone had something to say.


    "Of course we''d support you."


    "Who else would we support if not you?"


    "You''re the most well-known person toe from our neighborhood."


    "Yeah, you were born as one of us, so you''ll die as one of��eh, that doesn''t sound right."


    With that, everyoneughed happily.


    ��


    Upstairs.


    Rao Aimin was not home today and had probably brought Chenchen out somewhere.


    Yang Shu wasn''t in either and had probably gone off somewhere to distribute pamphlets to spread the name of Taiji Fist.


    Thus, Zhang Ye made his way back to the studio where he received a chart depicting the growth of his poprity score both domestically and overseas during the Olympics period. He nodded approvingly as he went through the statistics.


    Zhang Zuo said, "This is for the domestic market."


    Zhang Ye said, "OK."


    Zhang Zuo said, "These are the statistics for Asia."


    Zhang Ye said, "Umm, it''s quite good."


    Ha Qiqi said, "And an indication chart of how well your reputation is right now. All of the statistics have shown a positive growth."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright, thanks for all the hard work in the past few days."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "We didn''t do much. All of it was mainly down to your good performance as amentator."


    Zhang Zuo said, "Right, the viewers really approve of it. Even the media and officials have acknowledged your breakthrough contribution to thementary field. With your social rtions in the industry, to have so many people publicly acknowledging it is a very strong affirmation of your work. Anyway, this role of yours as an Olympicmentator has brought arge increase to your poprity. Although you''re still quite a distance away from reaching the domestic S-list rankings, the difference is no longer as great as before."


    Zhang Ye said in satisfaction, "Let''s take it slowly then. We should always learn to walk before we run."


    His goal was definitely to aim for a spot on the Chinese S-list celebrity rankings this year. However, Zhang Ye did not expect that he could surmount this obstacle by just relying on the Olympicmentary that he did. That would be wishful thinking on his part.


    An Olympic theme song.


    An Olympic promotional song.


    An Olympicmentary role.


    The few jobs he took turned out to be quite good as the results he gained from them were rather impactful. He was quite satisfied with the way things were. As for the remainder of his journey, he would have to take it step by step.


    Ha Qiqi asked, "What ns do you have next?"


    "What do you guys suggest?" Zhang Ye sought their opinions.


    Everyone chipped in with their ideas.


    Take an acting project?


    Produce a television show?


    Film amercial?


    Release a new song?


    It was all the same old things.


    Zhang Ye thought for a moment, and then said, "Why don''t we release a single first? A music video single."


    Little Wang pped her hands in agreement. "Yes, yes, you''ve never filmed a music video or released a single before."


    Zhang Ye was now more keen to try out activities that he had never done before. Doing something different often helped him increase his poprity much faster, and he had benefited from doing it many times in the past. Like formercials, he had filmed or produced too many of those. If he were to continue doing the same thing, the results it would bring would definitely not be as good as before. This applied to other activities as well. For example, acting in a movie. If you acted well as a daughter-inw in one, two, or three films, you would probably be more popr than anyone else for such a role and no one would be able to y it better than you. But then, you''d be typecast soon after and your poprity would eventually teau. This was not what Zhang Ye wanted. What he needed to have was a well-rounded development that could bring him to greater heights. So it was more important for him to keep pushing out new activities that would bring greater novelty and surprise to the audience. If that happened, his poprity would rise faster.


    But there weren''t any big projects to take on at the moment. And as a singer, he had not even released an album or music video single of his own, so that really did feel rather uneptable.


    Since he would have to release one sooner orter, why not do it now?


    Ha Qiqi asked, "What do you need us to do?"


    "Which publisher should we work with?" Wu Yi asked.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Let''s talk about thatter. Having worked hard for so many days, let''s all take a few days'' break and get some good rest. This will also be a good time for me to think about the music video single, but there''s no rush for now."


    Zhang Zuo said in amusement, "Aren''t you able topose a song as and when you want? Do you even need to think about it?"


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "This will be my first single, so I definitely have to n carefully and not be too casual about it. Let me give it some thought."


    To other celebrities, all they probably wanted was a good song for themselves. They would only need to find a good production team or invite some celebrities to make a guest appearance in their music videos, and then with some packaging and publicity, get their single ready for release and make an attempt on the ranking charts. But Zhang Ye''s aim was clearly higher than that. He did notck any good songs. What hecked was a medium to project a feeling across to the audience. Besides, a song and a music video were two entirely different concepts. A music video would require the visuals to match the song. This was even more difficult than producing just the song. Whenever he did something, Zhang Ye''s character would always dictate that he do it to the best of his abilities. Otherwise, he wouldn''t do it at all. At the very least, he would have to be satisfied with his efforts.


    What song should he choose?


    How should he sing it?


    Who would they invite?


    All of these had to be nned properly.


    Zhang Ye swept his hand out. "Alright then, everyone. Go ahead on your few days of break."


    "OK."


    "We''ll wait for your news then."


    "Are you serious about giving us a few days'' break?"


    "Thank you, Director Zhang."


    "I''ll stay here and put in overtime then. We cannot leave the office unmanned."


    "Alright, Old Wu. Thanks for the hard work."


    "Heh, I''m just doing my part for everyone."


    Although the studio was recently established, everyone had been old colleagues for many years. All of them had weathered the storm and fought on the same side. So the esprit de corps in the office was very good, and everyone behaved like they were friends.


    Zhang Ye walked to the bar and poured himself a ss of wine as he gave some thought to the music video.


    At this moment, Dong Shanshan called.


    Zhang Ye picked the phone up with a smile and affected: "Hello, Teacher Shanshan."


    "Hello, Teacher Zhang." Dong Shanshanughed and said: "Are you done with your work?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Yeah, now that the Olympics have ended, I have nothing left to do. What''s the matter? I''m at my studio. Do you want to call Yingyi and the others over for a drink?"


    Dong Shanshan said: "Why would you want to drink so early in the morning? I''m calling to check whether you''ll be free the day after tomorrow."


    "Yes, why?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Dong Shanshan smiled. "School will be reopening soon. Many of our ssmates talked about wanting to go back to campus to visit the teachers and have a look at the ce where we fought our battles and lived our lives."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "I agree with them. It''ll be good to do that."


    Dong Shanshan said: "We''ve graduated for several years but have not been back before this because we were too embarrassed that we hadn''t found our sess yet. But everyone has been working hard for the past two years and have more or less gained some achievements by now. So we came up with the idea of having this ss reunion and hopefully gather the people from our ss."


    "Can you contact everyone?"


    "I can only try, although most them have already been notified."


    "Alright, I definitely don''t have any problems attending the reunion."


    "Then it''s settled. I''ll go and contact the rest now."


    "Sure, I''m starting to miss everyone too."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye gulped down the entire ss of wine.


    Going back to his alma mater?


    Reuniting with his old ssmates?


    Suddenly, he was quite looking forward to it!

 Chapter 1181: Zhang Ye gets into another fight!

    <h4>Chapter 1181: Zhang Ye gets into another fight! </h4>


    Chapter 1181: Zhang Ye gets into another fight!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Saturday.


    Morning.


    Dong Shanshan purposely called Zhang Ye to remind him.


    Dong Shanshan said: "It''s time to leave your house."


    Zhang Ye replied: "I know, it''s the ss reunion, right?"


    "I was just afraid that you would forget about it. Alright then."


    "I''ll be right there."


    "See you at the old teaching area, the ce where we used to attend sses."


    "Got it."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye brushed his teeth and washed his face. Then he got changed.


    His mother said, "You''re wearing that?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "What do you expect me to wear?"


    "I''ve already found something for you." His mother took out a suit.


    Zhang Ye sighed, "I''m only going there to visit my teachers and old ssmates. It''s not like I''m taking part in the school reopening ceremony, so why would I wear something that grand? Whatever, I''m leaving."


    ��


    At 9 in the morning.


    At the main entrance of Media College.


    It was not the first day of school yet as official sses would begin a few dayster. But there were quite a number of students starting to return back to school from their hometowns. Students with their luggage could be seen all around. They would break out into chatter and jokes whenever they bumped into fellow ssmates along the way.


    "Where did you go for the summer holidays?"


    "I went on an overseas trip, what about you?"


    "I stayed at home and watched the Olympics."


    "I watched it too!"


    "Eh, why did they cordon off the main entrance with security tape?"


    "Are we not allowed to enter?"


    "There''s a film crew shooting, so we have to wait."


    "Eh? What are they filming?"


    "I think it''s a movie. I saw Ning Lan just now."


    "Wow, where is she? Where is she?"


    "We can''t go in through the main entrance. Let''s take the rear entrance."


    Many of the students were stopped at the main entrance. They waited there for some time and were joined by more and more students who had just returned to school. All of them stood there ssy-eyed as they waited to be allowed back into the school. There was hardly anyone who would choose to go by the rear entrance as Media College had a prettyrge campus. The main entrance and rear entrance were basically at opposite ends of the school, so getting there would take at least 25 minutes. Further, most of the students were lugging aroundrge and small bags filled with their belongings.


    On the opposite side of the road.


    Yu Yingyi was walking over with a young man.


    All of a sudden, a car pulled up beside them. The car window came down to reveal Zhang Ye in a pair of sunsses. "Old Wang?"


    Yu Yingyi looked over and said to Old Wang, "See, speak of the devil."


    "Zhang Ye!" Old Wang pointed at him andughed loudly.


    Zhang Ye got out of the car and said, "Where have you been for the past two years?"


    Old Wang smiled and said, "Just getting by and supporting my family."


    Old Wang was also ssmates with Zhang Ye and the others. Back then, his older looks earned him the nickname of Old Wang among their ssmates. After calling him that for so many years, Zhang Ye had forgotten his real name.


    Another person headed toward them.


    "Yo, who''s this we have here?" A rather pretty woman walked over gracefully.


    Yu Yingyi said in surprise, "Aiyo, Xiaoqian."


    Xiaoqian waved at them. "Yingyi, Zhang Ye, Old Wang, long time no see."


    Old Wang had wooed Xiaoqian back when they were still attending university. When he saw her, his eyes immediately lit up. "Xiaoqian, you totally disappeared after our graduation. What have you been busy with?"


    But Yu Yingyi, who had been in contact with her, said, "What does she have to be busy with? She''s leading the tai tai 1 life now. After graduation, she worked as a broadcast host for half a year before marrying into a rich family."


    "What rich family?" Xiaoqian said helplessly, "Don''t talk nonsense, alright? I''m now a full-time housewife taking care of my children every day. It''s driving me crazy. See, when I heard that there will be a ss reunion, I agreed to it immediately." Then she gave Zhang Ye a long look before saying, "Nice, you''ve be handsome."


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "But of course."


    Old Wang bellyughed. "He''s far more than just handsome. Our Boss Zhang is flourishing now that he''s gained a ce in the Asian scene."


    Xiaoqian was ovee by emotion. "Yeah, who''d have thought that the fellow who wasst in our ss would turn the entire entertainment industry upside down in these past two years. Honestly, if you had asked me who would be able to make it amongst those of us in our ss, I would have thought that it would be Shanshan, Wang He, or maybe even you, Old Wang. But as for Zhang Ye��I wouldn''t have freaking believed it at all." She went over and pinched his arm and touched his face. "Just what steroids are you on?"


    Having not met up in several years, everyone was teasing each other the moment they met again.


    Suddenly, a barrage of scolding voices came from the school entrance!


    Zhang Ye looked over, "Eh?"


    Xiaoqian and Old Wang also looked over. "What''s the matter?"


    "They''re doing some filming over there?" Yu Yingyi said.


    There were two students over there who seemed to have taken some pictures with their phones. As a result, a staff member from the film crew went over and pointed at them while berating, "What are you all doing? Can''t you see what''s written on the sign? No photography!"


    One of the female students meekly said, "We didn''t take any pictures."


    "Hand over your phones!" the film crew staff member said with a dark look.


    A middle-aged woman from the film crew added, "Don''t stand around here watching. Look away, we''re filming right now."


    It looked like the cameras had stopped rolling over there.


    Ning Lan was seated in the break area.


    The director and several of the main cast members looked like they were discussing their script.


    When a few of the students saw that, they grabbed their luggage and prepared to enter the school gate.


    The same person from the film crew immediately pointed at them and gave them a hard look. "What are you all doing! We''re filming, can''t you tell! All of you, wait there! Who allowed you toe in!"


    A student said, "But didn''t the cameras stop rolling?"


    "Who told you that? Are you the director?" The film crew staff member was speaking very rudely.


    Another student pointed at the school and said, "But the director and actors are resting. We''ve been waiting here for an hour."


    A person from the film crew who looked to be the assistant director came over at this time. He shouted, "Go around to the rear entrance and stop crowding around here watching! Use the rear entrance!"


    "But our dorms are right in the front."


    "The rear entrance is too far away."


    "You''ve stopped filming, so why can''t we go in?"


    "How can you be so rude?"


    "We''re just trying to return to school, is there anything wrong with that?"


    "Yeah, we''ve been waiting for an hour too."


    The students were all muttering now.


    Some of the parents who had sent their children back to school also started pointing at them.


    The assistant director said loudly, "I''ll repeat this again! We''re filming right now. No unauthorized personnel will be allowed in. Don''t you know how to follow the rules? It''s not like there''s only one entrance to the school!"


    The students and their parents were very unhappy about this!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye and his ssmates walked over!


    From within the crowd, Zhang Ye''s voice resounded, "Just go in this way! Let''s see who tries to stop us!"


    Yu Yingyi was startled!


    Xiaoqian hurriedly tried to pull him back but was unsessful in doing so!


    The Media College students were all startled and turned around to have a look!


    The students'' parents also looked over in shock!


    The film crew''s assistant director and staff member were angered. Who''s that? Who''s so audacious? They immediately looked around to see who shouted. Then they were stunned!


    A distance away.


    Ning Lan, who was seated under a sunshade, narrowed her eyes.


    The male lead of the film, a B-list celebrity named Zeng Wei, frowned. "Why are they arguing over there?"


    The female supporting actress looked over to the school gate. "Whose voice was that? It sounds so aggressive? How dare someone try to trespass into the filming location. Who do they think they are?"


    Ning Lan blinked. "I have an ominous feeling about this."


    Zeng Wei was taken aback. "Sister Ning, what''s the matter?"


    Ning Lan said helplessly, "That voice, why does it sound so familiar?"


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tai_tai

 Chapter 1182: The two extremes of the entertainment industry!

    <h4>Chapter 1182: The two extremes of the entertainment industry! </h4>


    Chapter 1182: The two extremes of the entertainment industry!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the main entrance of Media College.


    Many of the students were surprised.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s Professor Zhang!"


    "Our senior is here!"


    "Senior!"


    "Hi, senior!"


    Many of the students were referring to him affectionately as their "senior." Zhang Ye could be considered the most famous figure to have graduated from Media College. Many of the teachers would often bring him up during their lessons as an example to motivate everyone. Um, but of course, there were also times when they used him as an example of how not to behave.


    That assistant director came up to him. "Teacher Zhang, what''s the meaning of this?"


    Zhang Ye nudged his chin out in defiance, "And what''s the meaning of you blocking everyone from entering?"


    "We''re in the middle of filming a movie," the assistant director justified.


    Zhang Ye said, "If you want to film, do it to the side! Why are you blocking the entrance!"


    The assistant director pointed to the other side and said, "This scene will include a shot using this as the background, so we cannot have anyone standing around here. What if the scene gets messed up?"


    Zhang Ye said loudly, "I don''t care about that! You find a way to handle it yourselves!"


    The assistant director was enraged. "How can you be so unreasonable?"


    Zhang Ye pointed at the students and said, "The students have just returned to school with their luggage and are standing at the school gates waiting to enter, yet you people are here stopping them from going in. So who are the ones being unreasonable here!"


    The assistant director said furiously, "We''re filming here and have already informed the school!"


    Another person from the film crew came up saying, "We''re not finished filming the scene yet, so we can''t have anyone standing around over here!"


    Zhang Ye said, "What''s the big deal with your filming? This is Media College, a ce for students to attend sses. Don''te here and disrupt the students'' daily lives. You can film all you want, but how can you block the entrance and not allow the students of the school to enter? Do you think your film crew is that big a deal!? You''re even trampling on the people who rightfully belong here?"


    The students also started shouting!


    "Right!"


    "What''s the big deal about your shoot?"


    "Coming up to us with that arrogant tone of yours, are you people trying to bully us!"


    "We''re just trying to return to school, is there anything wrong with that?"


    "They even wanted to take away the students'' phones just now!"


    "Hmph, stop acting all smug!"


    That assistant director said, "If you all have anything that you''re unhappy with, get the school authorities to talk to me!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I am the school authority!"


    Zhang Ye: Associate Professor of the School of Broadcast Hosting at Media College.


    The assistant director choked on his words, but firmly got out, "Professor Zhang, this is a movie funded by Taiqi Films. We''re on a tight schedule and tight on time, you��"


    Taiqi Films, thergest film and televisionpany in the country!


    Just this name alone was enough to cause anyone in the entire entertainment industry to cower!


    And yet, Zhang Ye pulled away the cordoning tape that the film crew had put up. "I don''t fucking care whose movie this is!" Then he said to the students, "Just go in through here!"


    The students and their parents rowdily entered!


    "Oh!"


    "Let''s go!"


    "We can finally go in."


    Two of the film crew''s staff were infuriated. They went over and tried to prevent the students from entering!


    At this moment, the Leg of God appeared again!


    When Zhang Ye''s outstretched leg came out, the two staff members immediately staggered and fell t onto the ground!


    "Little Li!"


    "Little Zhou!"


    "How can you hit them?"


    The film crew''s staff were having none of it. Over twenty people ran over!


    But Zhang Ye did not look bothered. He pointed at the gate and yelled, "Keeping in! Let me see who dares to block anyone from doing so!"


    The school authorities had been alerted as well. Quite a number of teachers came rushing over to the entrance.


    "What''s this?"


    "Professor Zhang, what''s going on here?"


    "Aiyo, why is there fighting?"


    From their rest area, the film''s main cast finally came over.


    Ning Lan shouted, "All of you, stop!"


    A person from the film crew said, "Sister Ning, he''s pushing it too far!"


    "How can we continue filming?" the assistant director said angrily.


    Ning Lan looked at Zhang Ye speechlessly. The two of them were very familiar with each other and also on very good terms in private. "Zhang''er, give me some face, will you? We should be done after two more scenes. It won''t take more than ten minutes. I''ll speak to the students afterwards and apologize for inconveniencing them, alright?"


    But Zhang Ye said, "Not even for a minute. Now''s the peak period for students returning to school. What''s the meaning of blocking the way into the school like this? Sister Ning, it''s not that I''m not giving you face. But just based on those people''s attitudes, I will not budge for anyone!" He pointed at the assistant director and said, "Do you guys want to leave by yourselves or would you rather that I show you all out?"


    "Heh, did you wake up on the wrong side of bed?"


    "Yes!"


    "Why are you shouting at me?"


    Several of the Media College teachers who learned about the situationined as well. "They''re blocking the way just because of their filming? They even yelled at the students?" And so, the teachers did not feel that Zhang Ye had done anything wrong this time.


    A parent said, "Those people were really threatening just now!"


    Another parent harrumphed, "They have no manners at all!"


    The usations were getting louder and louder as the film crew starteding under pressure!


    Finally, their director said, "Let''s go."


    "Director!"


    "This��"


    "We''re stopping the shoot already?"


    The film crew''s staff were all asking questions.


    The director said with a sunken expression, "How can we continue filming with things like this?"


    Giving in to the pressure, the film crew finally packed up and left. The pressure from the students and school authorities was only secondary. The main cause was actually Zhang Ye. He was known to be a really stubborn and difficult person to deal with. He did not even give any face to Ning Lan. When Zhang Ye red up, he really did not care about who was on the other side.


    When the film crew left, the students broke out into cheers!


    "We can finally go in!"


    "Thank you, senior!"


    "Senior, thanks!"


    "You were really fearsome!"


    "Your voice is so domineering!"


    The students had endless admiration for him. This was really a case of seeing is believing! They''d only heard stories of Zhang Ye doing amazing things. But when they finally witnessed Zhang Ye getting mad in person, the feeling they got was totally different from hearing those stories. Professor Zhang''s domineering image was so satisfying to see!


    Taiqi Films.


    A famous director.


    Ning Lan as the lead actress.


    All of those names were quite famous!


    Not just anyone would dare to step forward to speak up for the students like this!


    Old Wang was dumbfounded!


    Xiaoqian didn''t know how to react. She turned to ask Yu Yingyi, "Is he always like that?"


    "He''s always like this." Yu Yingyi said helplessly, "It''s not like you''ve never read about his news these past few years. He''s always getting into fights with people. Today''s situation is one of the better ones since they didn''t actuallye to blows."


    Xiaoqian said, "I guess I now understand why people are so easily offended by him. I just wonder why he can do so well in the entertainment circle with that temper of his."


    Yu Yingyi gave a wry smile. "I wish I knew too."


    Zhang Ye had juste back to the group after handling the problem. He answered the question with the most pretentious of statements, "Because of justice!"


    Old Wang rolled his eyes. "Oh,e on!"


    Di di di.


    Di di di.


    The notifications from his chat app kept sounding.


    Zhang Ye took out his cell phone and had a look. There were a lot of notifications from the Goof Group chat in which Ning Lan was chiding Zhang Ye.


    Ning Lan: "This fellow is driving me to my grave!"


    Ning Lan: "Disloyal friend! How can he turn on me just like that!"


    Ning Lan: "@ZhangYe! Show yourself!"


    Huo Dongfang sent a smiley face. "What''s with the two of you?"


    Xiaodong blinked. "What''s the matter, Sister Ning?"


    Fan Wenli: "Pass the popcorn."


    Amy: "I''m just gonna sit here and watch."


    Ning Lan sent a flood of messages describing Zhang Ye''s "crimes" in detail.


    Finally, Zhang Ye appeared. He sent a silly and adorable sticker of a kitten repeatedly blinking its eyes.


    Ning Lan was somewhat amused even in her anger. "You dare show yourself? And act cute?"


    Zhang Ye sent another simr sticker.


    Ning Lan replied with an enraged emote.


    Zhang Ye sent an innocent-looking cat sticker.


    Ning Lan replied with a gif of someone getting beaten up.


    The two of them started resorting to arguing with these stickers. It amused the other celebrities in the chat group when they realized that the argument between these two wasn''t going to go out of hand after all.


    For those who did not understand them, they might have thought that these two had really fallen out. But anyone who knew better would know that the two of them would never fall out over a small matter like this. After all, it was Zhang Ye who went by himself to rescue Ning Lan when her film crew was surrounded by a group of martial artists and stopped from leaving.


    However, Zhang Ye would definitely have offended all of the others in the film crew. Hai, since this was not the first time it had happened, everyone had gotten used to it.


    In the entertainment industry, there were two extremes.


    The first extreme was Zhang Yuanqi''s friends. She had the greatestwork of friends in the entertainment circle!


    The other extreme was Zhang Ye''s foes. He also had the greatest number of enemies in the entertainment circle!


    These two extremes would probably not be surpassed by anyone within the next ten years!

 Chapter 1183: A song called ’To Youth’

    <h4>Chapter 1183: A song called ''To Youth'' </h4>


    Chapter 1183: A song called ''To Youth''


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the school.


    In a garden near the old teaching area.


    When Zhang Ye, Yu Yingyi and the others arrived, they saw many familiar faces around. Zhang Ye could recognize some of them immediately but was unable to recognize most of the others. A few years was not that long to speak of, but neither was it a short time. However, that was more than enough to change a person on the inside and the outside.


    Zhang Ye greeted them from afar, "Fes!"


    "Zhang''er!"


    "Aiyo, herees our big star!"


    "Yu''er is here too!"


    "Xiaoqian!"


    "Ah, Old Wang!"


    "I''ve missed all of you so much!"


    "Haha, He Kui!"


    "Whoa, Wang He, didn''t you go back to your hometown?"


    "I came back long ago. I''m back to hosting again."


    "Ah? Didn''t you offend someone in the past?"


    "Zhang Ye found someone to help me resolve that issue."


    "Good, that''s really great!"


    "Old Zhou, how did you put on so much weight?"


    "Hehe, the pressures of life did me in."


    "You''re under so much stress and still eating that much? I nearly couldn''t recognize you!"


    Since Wang He, Ma Xufei, He Kui, Yu Yingyi, Dong Shanshan, and Zhang Ye had often been attending parties held at Dong Shanshan''s vi, there was nothing much to catch up on between them. As for the remaining old ssmates they had lost contact with for "many" years and not seen for a long time, they were naturally more excited to see each other again. Everyone hugged one another the moment they met. Some of them put their arms around one another''s shoulders and started chatting, while others who had misunderstandings in the pastughed when they saw each other as they thought back to those petty grudges they held when they were still in school.


    Zhang Ye was also very excited. After hugging one person, he hugged another. "Liu''er, you''re looking as spirited as ever!"


    Liu Tieughed heartily. "I''m not as spirited as you are. I''ve been reading a lot about you in the newspapers, getting into fights with people. Why are you still so hot-headed like when we were still in university?"


    "I abhor evil, can''t help it." Zhang Yeughed.


    Ma Xufei asked, "Oh yeah, what just happened at the main entrance?"


    "Yeah, it sounded like there was a disturbance over there." Wang He asked, "Was there a fight?"


    He Kui said, "I heard it too. Wasn''t a film crew doing a shoot over there? Are there fight scenes in ''A Youthful Campus''? Why didn''t I hear about them?"


    At this moment, Dong Shanshan walked over from afar.


    "Wow!"


    "Goddess!"


    "The school belle is here!"


    "Shanshan!"


    During their school days, Dong Shanshan was one of the leading figures of the school. It was the same even after their graduation.


    Seeing how the guys were all rushing up to wee her, Yu Yingyi and Xiaoqian jokingly scolded, "Bunch of rascals, all dazed at the sight of a beauty!"


    Liu Tie asked, "Are they still filming at the main entrance?"


    Dong Shanshan was wearing an especially eye-catching dress today. Sheughed and said, "How could they still be filming? The film crew has been chased away by someone''s scolding."


    Wang He was startled, "Ah? Why''s that?"


    Dong Shanshan said, "I think it was because they were blocking the main entrance."


    He Kui said in surprise, "Damn, who would dare to chase them away?"


    "Ning Lan is part of that film crew, and they''re headed by a big name director too." Ma Xufei said dumbfounded, "Who''s crazy enough to chase them away with their scolding?"


    Dong Shanshan gestured with her chin, thenughed and said, "Who else do you all think has the balls to do so?"


    Yu Yingyi and Xiaoqian covered their mouths andughed nonstop while looking at Zhang Ye.


    It was only then that everyone realized!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Zhang''er, you scolded them away?"


    "Did you have gunpowder for breakfast beforeing over?"


    "Dude!"


    "Hahahaha, awesome!"


    "If I knew that something like this had happened, I would have gone to take a look!"


    "I missed the show!"


    "I''ve already experienced for myself Zhang''er''s temper. He''s still as domineering as before!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Oh,e on, stop bringing that up. I''ve been offending more and more peopletely. I don''t even know what might happen to me in the future."


    Liu Tie said, "They even dared to block people from entering through the main entrance, so I don''t think you were wrong in scolding them away. Ai, the students these days are really too meek. If we had been stopped from entering during our time, us bros would fought against them!"


    Ma Xufei cut him off. "Stop boasting, will ya?"


    Liu Tie said, "How am I boasting? When the people from the Education Commission sat in and observed our sses in our second year, they kept criticizing our ss adviser for no good reason. Who was it that took water balloons from the dorms and pelted them?"


    Wang He said, "Holy shit, that was you?"


    Dong Shanshanughed and said, "Oh, that unresolved case from all those years ago?"


    Liu Tie coughed. "Well, about that, I only filled the balloons up with water."


    "Then who threw it at them?" Everyone was getting curious. This event caused such a sensation at the time.


    Liu Tie pointed his chin to the person next to him. "That would definitely have to be someone as stupidly brave as Zhang Ye. Who would dare to do that other than him?"


    Zhang Ye gave a dryugh. "Well, we were young and impulsive."


    Xiaoqian rolled her eyes. "You again?"


    Yu Yingyiughed loudly. "We''ve finally cracked the case. You''re lucky no one found out at the time. Otherwise, you two would probably not have graduated."


    The group started chatting and reminiscing.


    The cool breeze felt good.


    And the ground was sprinkled with fallen leaves.


    "Back then, we were really happy."


    "The gossip of whoever got together with whoever was enough to keep us entertained for an entire day."


    "This path feels really familiar."


    "How can it be unfamiliar? Thest time we saw each other after taking our graduation photos and before going our separate ways was right on this path. I remember clearly that it was the evening and the sun was almost setting. The sunset that day was an especially beautiful one too."


    "Yeah."


    "I''ll never forget that day either."


    "What a pity that not all of us are here. We''ve only managed to gather this many of us."


    Many of them fell silent.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Where''s Li Lian?"


    Xiaoqian hesitated for a moment. "She''s divorced and uncontactable."


    Ma Xufei asked, "What about Orange?


    Old Wang paused for a brief moment before saying, "Orange was arrested for embezzling public funds. It was a prettyrge amount, so I doubt he''ll be released anytime soon. When I went to visit him at the beginning of the year, half his hair had gone grey." He stopped talking.


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "How can that be!"


    Old Wang said, "Shit happens."


    Dong Shanshan said, "Is anyone in contact with Little Qiu?"


    No one spoke.


    Yu Yingyi looked at Liu Tie. "Didn''t you attend high school with Sister Qiu? You two should still be in contact, right?"


    Liu Tie pondered for a second. "She won''t let me tell anyone."


    "Just what is it?" Dong Shanshan probed.


    Liu Tie finally said, "Little Qiu��she was in an ident several years ago that broke both her legs. Her husband is pretty good to her and has been taking care of her for the past two years."


    Xiaoqian covered her mouth as her eyes reddened. "How can that be!"


    Dong Shanshan said dumbfoundedly, "Little Qiu and I learned dancing together. She''s always fond of moving around and would drag me to the field to practice our foundations. We even promised each other that we would perform together in the future on thergest stage in the country��."


    Liu Tie said, "She��can''t dance anymore."


    Zhang Ye bent over and picked up a leaf from the ground. He brought it to his mouth and started blowing on it a few times. But he didn''t create any music with it. "Sister Qiu taught me how to y music with a leaf and wanted me to y something while she danced to it. But I was really stupid at the time and couldn''t do it even after practicing for a long time."


    Xiaoqian wiped away her tears.


    There was silence.


    Suddenly, some gigglesing from around them.


    A group of teenage boys and girls appeared with a number of musical instruments and ced them at the bottom of the stairs.


    "Let''s keep moving our stuff."


    "I''m so looking forward tomencement."


    "Me too, heehee."


    The teens went back upstairs.


    Zhang Ye clutched the leaf and somehow walked over. He ced the leaf he couldn''t y onto the stone table and looked at it for a short while. Then he turned around and sat down on the steps. He took one of the acoustic guitars the teens had just put down and suddenly started strumming.


    Dong Shanshan looked over.


    Liu Tie looked over.


    Their twenty-odd old ssmates also looked at him.


    Zhang Ye closed his eyes and a song drifted out.


    "Perhaps we won''t see it again.


    "That golden sky where we bid farewell.


    "Some people are destined to never meet again.


    "Those once green and young faces.


    "I pick up a windmill palm''s frond.


    "And ce it on the natural te rock.


    "In memory of the youth that has passed by


    "And the innocent promises of which we talked."


    Yu Yingyi''s hands trembled. She could not control herself all of a sudden and went over to pick up a violin from a case lying on the floor while holding back her tears. Then she started ying it gently!


    Wang He also went over and grabbed the wind chimes!


    Xiaoqian sniffed!


    "The wind now sings.


    "Singing a song of the ces it''s been to.


    "In the darkness,


    "a flower blossoms for you.


    "The moment you turn around,


    "a smile beautiful as the sunset''s crown.


    "It once blossomed in the spring of our youth."


    The clumsy ying of the wind chimes.


    The out of tune violin ying.


    The teens came running back downstairs when they heard the music. Who? Who touched our instruments? Those are meant for our performance tomorrow! But when they came downstairs in anger, they were stunned by what they saw. Or rather, they were in shock!


    Dong Shanshan, wearing a red dress was moving around in the wind!


    Stepping around, she held her dress with one hand and broke into a dance!


    Zhang Ye''s voice was full of sorrow.


    "Perhaps we won''t see it again.


    "That golden sky where we bid farewell.


    "Some people are destined to never meet again.


    "Those once green and young faces.


    "I pick up a windmill palm''s frond.


    "And ce it on natural te rock.


    "In memory of the youth that has passed by


    "And the innocent promises of which we talked."


    The red dress was swirling!


    Dong Shanshan danced faster and faster!


    This sorrowful beauty deeply moved the teens!


    "The wind now sings.


    "Singing a song of the ces it''s been to.


    "In the darkness,


    "a flower blossoms for you.


    "The moment you turn around,


    "a smile beautiful as the sunset''s crown.


    "It once blossomed in the spring of our youth."


    Dong Shanshan was crying as she danced. She could feel herself bing one with the song!


    "Mmmmm��


    "Mmmmm��


    "The youth that has passed.


    "The innocent promises that we made."


    Yu Yingyi was crying!


    Xiaoqian was crying!


    The song " To Youth 1 " had left them sobbing uncontrobly!


    1. To Youth - https://youtu.be/W8SzvYfn1bU

 Chapter 1184: Shooting the music video together!

    <h4>Chapter 1184: Shooting the music video together! </h4>


    Chapter 1184: Shooting the music video together!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The song came to an end.


    But the melody still seemed to be reverberating through the air.


    Dong Shanshan stopped dancing. "What''s this song called?"


    Zhang Ye said, "To Youth."


    Dong Shanshan nodded. "That''s a good title."


    This was a song of Han Hong''s, and it was written andposed by Leng Wanwan. Back in Zhang Ye''s previous world, this song was very popr and sung by a lot of people. However, perhaps due to ack of promotion, this song didn''t manage to be a ssic. However, Zhang Ye still liked it very much. To him, the song "To Youth" could be considered one of his few favorite songs from his previous world. And carried by today''s emotions, he finally brought this song to this world.


    The teens nearby were all visibly moved and finally came back to their senses.


    "Ah!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Dong Shanshan!"


    "Yu Yingyi!"


    They got recognized!


    It was only then that Zhang Ye and the others realized there were others around.


    Zhang Ye smiled as he returned the guitar to them. "Sorry about that, I was just borrowing your instrument for a bit."


    Yu Yingyi also returned the violin to them and said gently, "Thank you."


    One of the girls waved it off. "Alumni, you don''t have to stand on ceremony."


    One of the boys said in admiration, "Just use them as you please, it''s fine."


    "Alum, how do you sing so well!"


    "Yeah, I was crying listening to it."


    "Alumna Shanshan, you danced really well!"


    "This is unbelievable! Truly unbelievable!"


    The sophomores were talking excitedly.


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s all credit to Shanshan''s dancing and Yingyi ying the strings so well."


    Yu Yingyi who was still immersed in the sadness of the song was a little annoyed by Zhang Ye''s words. "What do you mean ying the strings? It''s called a violin, alright? But I have to say that I''m no professional. I only learned it for two years in school. I''m just an amateur, so it was lucky that I didn''t ruin the song."


    But Zhang Ye said, "You really yed great."


    Yu Yingyi sighed, "I just went with the flow."


    A girl admired, "All of you were amazing!"


    After the students moved everything away, Wang He sighed, "This song is basically about us. I really fucking miss our buddies we might never see again!"


    Liu Tie said, "Thanks, Zhang''er. You even wrote all of us a song for remembrance."


    Dong Shanshan said, "How I wish Little Qiu could hear this as well."


    Zhang Ye suddenly said, "She will."


    Xiaoqian asked, "Are you going to release this song?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Of course. Not only am I going to release it, I even want to shoot a music video for it. I''ve been thinking of releasing a music video for a new single for the past two days, but I couldn''te up with anything at all. But I''ve decided now."


    Ma Xufei said, "That''s great!"


    Old Wang said, "You must release this!"


    Xiaoqian said, "We''ll be waiting to listen to the official version!"


    However, Zhang Ye said, "There won''t be an official version."


    Wang He was taken aback. "But why?"


    "The way we it sang today is more or less the official version," Zhang Ye said with augh. "So I will need everyone''s help. Let''s do this together and release that music video."


    Xiaoqian asked, "You want us to be in it?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes. Shanshan will dance, Yingyi will y the strings, Wang He will chip in with the chimes, and everyone else will have their parts as well. All of us must be in it."


    Xiaoqian said, "Are you sure we''ll be able to do this?"


    Yu Yingyi found it both funny and embarrassing. "With my amateur ying, embarrassing myself in front of our ssmates is OK. But now, you want me to y the violin in your music video too? Aren''t you afraid of getting scolded by others?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s exactly our group that I want in the music video. If I invited a group of professionals, the song wouldn''t be about our youth anymore, would it? It''s exactly because this is our school and we''re at this ce with our group that it''s going to work. I''ll go back and get the team ready. Then we can shoot the music video here tomorrow. What do you guys say?"


    "Hell, what do you think?"


    "Come on then, let''s do it!"


    "Would we be afraid of you?"


    "What''s there to be scared of!"


    "With your reputation, we might even be able to have some of your fame rub off on us and get recognized in public."


    "Yeah, let''s make use of your reputation to gain some fame."


    Everyone agreed instantly!


    Dong Shanshan said, "Then let me go and improve on the dance a little."


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "No, you mustn''t. Just dance like you did today."


    "But I was just randomly dancing, I didn''t even know how I danced." Dong Shanshan said, "I just went by feel."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then just dance ording to your feelings when we do the shoot. Honestly, your dance really stunned me. If the music video does not have your dancing in it, it would definitely be much less interesting." Dong Shanshan''s dance was what led Zhang Ye to make the decision to shoot a music video for this song. Back in his previous world, "To Youth" did not have an apanying music video and the song was also not famous enough that everyone knew about it. This was the reason why Zhang Ye wanted to give it a try. He wanted to know if this image that shook him would also gain the recognition of the people, and possibly allow this song to discover a different light in this world!


    Xiaoqian agreed, "That''s right!"


    Yu Yingyi also praised, "Shanshan, you don''t know how beautiful you looked just now."


    Dong Shanshan threw up her hands. "Alright, since you guys don''t mind it, I won''t either. It''s not my first time working with Zhang''er anyway."


    Yu Yingyi quipped, "Yes, you two are thicker than thieves."


    Xiaoqian giggled and said, "Zhang''er even wrote that ''Ms. Dong'' song."


    "Was that for me?" Dong Shanshanughed.


    Wang He said, "Who else would it be for?"


    Yu Yingyi harrumphed, "Others might not know your birthday, but would we not know? It was the actual day of your birthday when that King of Masked Singers'' episode was recorded. Zhang''er even added the phrase ''happy birthday'' to the end of ''Ms. Dong,'' so who else could he have written it for other than you? Ai, Zhang''er, when are you gonna write a Ms. Yu? We''re such old ssmates, so you better not practice favoritism, alright? You can''t just write a song for Shanshan and not for us."


    Xiaoqian added, "I want one too."


    Ma Xufei said, "And me."


    Zhang Ye said, "Whoa, please spare me."


    Dong Shanshan helped him smooth things over. "Oh right, Boss Zhang. How are we going to split the profits?"


    Ma Xufei asked, "Yeah, how?"


    He Kui joked, "Haha, you''d have to pay us an appearance fee."


    Zhang Ye did not hesitate at all. "We''ll do it however you guys want to."


    "Boss Zhang is really generous!" Liu Tie gave him a thumbs up. "But we''re just joking with you. We''re doing this together. There''s no need bring up the issue of money."


    Xiaoqian said, "I don''t need it either."


    Everyone was now saying there was no need for it.


    Dong Shanshan spoke, "I have a suggestion. Excluding repaying the production and publicity budget, whatever the music video earns, let''s donate all the proceedings to Little Qiu to get her legs treated."


    Zhang Ye smacked his thigh and eximed, "Yeah! That''s settled then!"


    Wang He gave two thumbs ups. "That''s a good suggestion. We didn''t know about it before, but since we know now, we must do our part for her. I don''t have much money, but I do have strength!"


    "Well said!"


    "Count me in!"


    "Let''s all chip in a part of our strength to help Sister Qiu stand on her feet again!"


    Zhang Ye, seemingly wanting to take it all on, said, "Leave this to me. We''ll let Liu Tie bring all the money that the music video earns to Little Qiu. If she can''t get it treated in China, she can always go overseas. If she still can''t get it treated overseas, then she can get prostheses. There are disabled athletes who have lost both their limbs taking part in the Special Olympics 100-meter race. All of those athletes can run faster than us, so I don''t believe that Little Qiu won''t be able to stand up! I don''t have many friends, but it shouldn''t be a problem to get a rmendation to a foreign specialist hospital for treatment. Leave this to me!"


    "That''s right!"


    "Yeah, let''s do it!"


    "For Little Qiu!"


    "For Sister Qiu!"


    In an instant, everyone was full of fighting spirit!


    For amon goal, these young adults had gathered together again and were shouting catchphrases of what they wanted. This was very nostalgic, and every one of them harbored an inexpressible emotion within their hearts.

 Chapter 1185: A smashing release!

    <h4>Chapter 1185: A smashing release! </h4>


    Chapter 1185: A smashing release!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Several dayster.


    A promotional poster was put out.


    A red dress made up the bulk of the poster''sposition and color.


    "The music video of Zhang Ye''s first single to get a smashing release today!"


    "Countdown: 1 hour."


    Theizens kept posting on the Weibo of Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    "Hurry up!"


    "The publicity has been going on for days already."


    "Why hasn''t it been released yet?"


    "It''s Zhang Ye''s first single, I can''t wait!"


    "Judging by the poster, it already looks like it''ll be awesome."


    "Just wait a little longer, it''sing soon."


    "Damn, there are this many people waiting for it to be released?"


    "But of course. Teacher Zhang has never released a single in such a grand manner before, and it''s even a music video. Before this, ''The King Sent Me to Patrol the Mountains'' was recorded on the radio program, then ''Beijing Wees You'' was performed with an all-star lineup, while ''You and Me'' was a duet with Lillian that was edited out from the Olympics opening ceremony performance. All those can''t be considered actual music videos, so now that we''re finally getting a proper one, of course I have to support it. I will sacrifice everything else and wait for its release!"


    "Just based on Zhang Ye''s reputation, I''ll watch it."


    "Regardless, I''m also looking forward to it."


    "I heard that he shot the music video with his ssmates."


    "Li Xiaoxian is also releasing her single today. I''m talking about Sunset Glow from King of Masked Singers."


    "Ah? Spring Garden''s Li Xiaoxian is going solo?"


    "Surely not, right? She''s only releasing a single. Even their group leader, Xiaodong, has done it before."


    "Ah, check this out!"


    "What happened?"


    "Li Xiaoxian''s release date for her single has changed!"


    "Pfft, are you sure?"


    "The date was set in stone a month ago."


    "Yeah, wasn''t it scheduled for today?"


    Theizens suddenly discovered that the reason given for Li Xiaoxian''s change in her release schedule was that they had encountered some technical difficulties at the publishing stage. That was why they had to change the release date to next week.


    Then, a young C-list singer''s agent also dyed their new album''s release date. It wasn''t dyed by long, just two days, and the reason given was that their publicity department had gotten the dates mixed up.


    A music industry insider posted on Weibo: "Are they trying to avoid Zhang Ye?"


    Another industry insider posted with augh: "Looks like no one is willing to fight it out with Zhang Ye during the same promotional period."


    None of the industry insiders andizens believed the reasons given for the dys.


    "Bullshit, what mix up of dates!"


    "They announced it two weeks ago and it''s suddenly a mix up now?"


    "If they''re avoiding Zhang Ye, just say so. Is it that difficult to admit?"


    "Haha, just look at Teacher Zhang''s rtions with others. This single that he''s releasing has reallye too suddenly. It''s not only us, even a lot of the music industry insiders were caught by surprise!"


    "Well, they don''t really have a choice but to avoid it."


    "Yeah, surely they wouldn''t want to go head to head with Zhang Ye, right?"


    "Well, I reckon that even Chen Guang would do the same."


    "Do you guys think Zhang Ye will sweep the charts this time?"


    "That''s almost definite, isn''t it? During King of Masked Singers, which songs of his didn''t make it into the charts?"


    "But it''s different this time. It''s going to be a music video, so we''ll have to see the artistic value and how well it matches with the song. Zhang Ye may be good at writing and singing songs, but making a music video��"


    The scheduled time for release was nearing.


    Counting down:


    Five minutes.


    Three minutes.


    One minute.


    Zhang Ye''s fans went onto the exclusive online video hosting site releasing the music video for "To Youth."


    More came from the industry itself to check it out. Almost everyone involved with music hade to have a look for themselves what Zhang Ye''s music video single would look like. They were incredibly curious about it.


    The music video was released!


    A mellow scene appeared on screen.


    A gentle autumn breeze blew past. The leaves on the trees were rustling. A hand appeared on screen grasping a fluttering tree leaf. Then, the hand brought the leaf up towards the mouth and the person started blowing on it. But there was no sound.


    It was Zhang Ye''s face.


    The camera zoomed out and a lot of people started walking towards the screen from a distance. They finally gathered at the center of the shot.


    A lot of viewers were taken aback.


    It was a school campus?


    This was Media College?


    Zhang Ye''s alma mater?


    ��


    At a house somewhere.


    Qiu Yumei wasnguishing in bed. There was no spirit in her eyes.


    Her husband asked, "Want some more?


    Qiu Yumei replied, "I''m not eating any more."


    "Do you want some water?"


    "I''m not thirsty."


    Her husband said nothing as he covered her with a nket. He turned around and sat down in front of theputer to put on some music for her to listen to. To his surprise, he saw Zhang Ye''s music video!


    He reflexively clicked on it. "Little Qiu!"


    Qiu Yumei did not open her eyes. "Huh?"


    He pointed at theputer in excitement and said, "It''s your ssmates, Zhang Ye, Liu Tie, and everyone else!"


    The song yed.


    "Perhaps we won''t see it again.


    "That golden sky where we bid farewell.


    "Some people are destined to never meet again.


    "Those once green and young faces."


    Qiu Yumei suddenly opened her eyes. She was stunned!


    Zhang''er!


    Shanshan!


    Yingyi!


    Tie-zi!


    Old Wang!


    You guys! You guys��


    ��


    At a work site.


    A young man wearing a hard hat was covered in mud. He said loudly, "Let''s seize the time we have left. There are only a few days left, so let''s hurry to meet the deadline. I''ll request bonuses for all of us once we''re done!"


    However, there were a few workers who were still watching something on their phones a ways away. They were very focused on whatever it was.


    What''s this?


    On their cell phones during work hours?


    The young man strode up to them. Just as he was about to say something, he was startled!


    "I pick up a windmill palm''s frond.


    "And ce it on natural te rock.


    "In memory of the youth that has passed by


    "And the innocent promises of which we talked."


    It was Zhang Ye?


    Shanshan?


    Wang He?


    The young man was dumbfounded!


    ��


    In a street.


    At the entrance of a grocery store.


    The crowd of people had stopped in their tracks and were all pointing at a woman holding a basket in her hand. That woman looked a little old, like she was in her 30s, but she was not actually that old. There was still a hint of beauty hidden beneath her gaunt and pale face!


    "The wind now sings.


    "Singing a song of the ces it''s been to.


    "In the darkness,


    "a flower blossoms for you."


    The basket in the woman''s hands dropped to the ground.


    She held the cell phone ying the music video and held her head in her hands as she squatted down and started crying!


    "The moment you turn around,


    "a smile beautiful as the sunset''s crown.


    "It once blossomed in the spring of our youth."


    ��


    The music video ended.


    Several lines appeared at the end of it.


    "To the youth that we will someday no longer possess!


    "To the old friends we once stood side by side with!


    "Where are all of you now?


    "Are you��doing fine?"


    The music video was pretty short, but it felt quite long.


    Countless people finished watching it with a sense of shock!


    The totally unprofessional sound of the violin, the totally wrong way of ying the chimes, the sorrowful voice, the long dress fluttering from the dancing, every image was just too shocking to them!


    Zhang Xia posted on Weibo with a sigh: "How wonderful!"


    Li Xiaoxian''s Weibo: "This is what art is."


    An industry insider: "Dong Shanshan''s dance was the sublimation of the entire song and music video! That red dress was simply stunning!"


    A big shot of the entertainment circle: "The person ying the violin is that host from the Central TV Sports Channel, right? It sounds so amateurish and she probably didn''t learn the instrument for long, but why am I so touched? Perhaps this is what youth means. Perhaps being youthful means that one will never be perfect! It''s a really stunning music video!"


    The reviews from the industry were very good!


    Thements from theizens were even better!


    "This is really awesome!"


    "I cried listening to it!"


    "Me too! I can''t calm down!"


    "Zhang Ye, you''re marvelous! Dong Shanshan, you''re marvelous! Yu Yingyi and everyone else, you''re all marvelous!"


    "If only I was born a few years earlier! It would have been nice if I were in the same ss as Zhang Ye, Dong Shanshan, and the others! I''d really like to know what their story was!"


    "This song is to die for!"


    "I cry every time I listen to it!"


    "My ssmates, where did they all go!"


    "I''m starting to miss my ssmates too!"

 Chapter 1186: Earning rave reviews!

    <h4>Chapter 1186: Earning rave reviews! </h4>


    Chapter 1186: Earning rave reviews!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Goof Group.


    Several big names of the music industry were discussing the music video for "To Youth."


    Fan Wenli: "This music video will definitely seed and do very well."


    Chen Guang: "Zhang''er''s undoubtedly good at what he does."


    But Amy said: "This time, Shanshan helped him a lot. Without Shanshan''s tearful dance, this music video wouldn''t have gotten as much attention as it did. Just look at the reactions on the Inte. Thements blew up and everyone is saying how captivated they were by Dong Shanshan''s dance. I watched it five times and felt shocked every single time!"


    Fan Wenli said: "In the past, everyone always referred to Dong Shanshan as just a vase. They always said that she could only depend on her figure and looks to make it in the industry, but this music video has shut many of them up. Dong Shanshan will definitely be a big name in the future as well."


    Xiaodong said with augh: "Luckily I got Xiaoxian to dy the release of her single."


    Li Xiaoxian was a little annoyed at that. "I was hoping that I couldpete against Teacher Zhang."


    Amy sent a sulking emote. "Oh,e on, how could youpete against him? It''s Zhang Ye''s song. Anyone who goes head to head against it would just die. There''s no one who could go against him and win, unless it''s Sister Zhang."


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye appeared.


    Zhang Ye: "@everyone"


    "Wow, the star himself is finally here."


    "What?"


    "What''s with the @everyone?"


    "You''re getting arrogant, aren''t ya!"


    "Zhang''er, the music video was really good. Congrattions!"


    After Zhang Ye thanked them, he said: "Does anyone here know a good orthopedic institution overseas?"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "An overseas hospital?"


    "A hot-blooded youth like you asking about this, did the sun rise from the west today?"


    Zhang Ye said: "I''m asking for a friend. She got in an ident two years ago and can''t stand anymore."


    When they read this, no one made any more jokes.


    "No, I don''t know any."


    "I do know a medical practitioner overseas, but they don''t specialize in orthopedics."


    "Does anyone know someone? Help link Zhang Ye up if you do."


    At this moment, Zhang Yuanqi appeared.


    Zhang Yuanqi: "Send me some information about your friend''s general condition."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback, then immediately said: "Alright, thanks."


    Soon after, she said: "I''ve spoken to my assistant. Get your friend to contact her and she''ll help arrange everything for you. This is her number, 136XXXXXXXX."


    Zhang Ye: "Much thanks!"


    Zhang Yuanqi: "It''s nothing."


    ��


    In the studio.


    A group of people were looking very happy.


    "Director Zhang, it was a great sess!"


    "It''s on fire! Our first attempt at a music video and it''s already sweeping the charts!"


    "Just look at it, these are a few of the biggest billboard charts in the country!"


    "Haha, is there anyone else? I want to know if there''s anyone who wants to challenge us!"


    "This is only our first music video single and its performance is already defying allmon sense!"


    "How can it not? I was crying after Teacher Shanshan finished dancing in the video! Just look at Weibo. That dance has gone viral! So many people are saying they want to learn it as well!"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Who are they going to learn it from? That dance will look different every time Shanshan performs it. She''s expressing her emotions through dance."


    Zhang Zuo said, "That''s why it''s so touching!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "How much has it earned?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Based on the current calctions, around 1.2 million RMB. Actually, it''s not much money at all. The music video was released for free and the only way it could earn money was through copyright fees and hosting fees from the tforms. There''s also a few cents earned each time the song is sung in karaoke, but that amount of money will only be recouped muchter on." He thought that Zhang Ye was only concerned with making money from the music video, so he said, "If you''re thinking about raising the profitability of the studio, this won''t earn you more than you could earn by appearing in amercial. A music video is just for getting your name out there."


    "I know that." Zhang Ye naturally knew that this was so.


    The business model of the entertainment industry had changed long ago.


    Releasing an album to earn money?


    Holding a concert to sell tickets?


    Such ways of earning money were things of the past.


    The model now was to release things for free. You''d still have to cut an album and hold concerts, but those were not done because it would earn you money. They were only a tool to get more popr and gain a reputation. When your fame went up, you''d automatically be worth much more. Afterwards, you could take on projects likemercial appearances, advertisements, movies, TV dramas, variety shows. They would all bring much greater profits since your name was already out there.


    Zhang Ye thought about it for a bit, then said, "About that, if anyone asks, just tell them that the music video earned 2 million RMB."


    Ha Qiqi was taken aback. "Ah? But we didn''t earn that much from it."


    "I know, but do it anyway," Zhang Ye instructed.


    "OK."


    "Understood."


    Everyone knew Zhang Ye must have a reason for doing so.


    Then Zhang Ye went to check his bank ount. Together with the money earned from the music video, he wouldn''t have a problem raising 2 million RMB. Since he didn''t domercial appearances, he didn''t really have that much money either. But gathering a few million yuan was definitely not an issue. And so, he got his assistant, Little Wang to register a debit card and checking ount in which he deposited 2 million RMB.


    Then he called Dong Shanshan.


    "Shanshan."


    "Yes."


    "The money is in."


    "OK."


    ��


    That same night.


    At Qiu Yumei''s house.


    The doorbell rang.


    "Ai,ing,ing." Little Qiu''s husband went to get the door. When he saw who was outside, he immediately weed the person in after a moment of shock. "Tie-zi, you''re here?"


    "Is Sister Qiu home?"


    "Yes, she''s in."


    Liu Tie was alone.


    From the living room, Qiu Yumei''s voice drifted out. "Tie-zi,e in quickly."


    Liu Tie entered the room with a smile. "Sister Qiu, how are you feeling? I haven''t visited you in quite a while."


    Qiu Yumei said excitedly, "You guys appeared in Zhang''er''s music video! I saw everyone! It''s good, it''s really good! Everyone''s still the same! Shanshan is still as beautiful as ever, Yingyi has now be a sports host, everything is going really well for everyone!"


    Liu Tie said, "Everyone misses you. They all wanted toe and visit you."


    Little Qiu fell silent, then said bitterly, "I''m like this, so how can I face the others? Did you tell them about me? That mouth of yours! I won''t tell you anything anymore."


    Liu Tie said, "Even if I didn''t tell them, they would have found out sooner orter."


    Little Qiu repeatedly said, "You mustn''t bring them here. I won''t see any of them."


    Liu Tie said, "I know, I didn''t ask them toe."


    Little Qiu heaved a sigh of relief. She really didn''t want to face everyone.


    "By the way, this is the money we earned from the music video." Liu Tie smiled and took out a debit card and ced it on the table. "There''s 2 million RMB in it."


    Her husband was stunned. "2 million RMB?!"


    Qiu Yumei immediately said, "What''s the meaning of this?"


    Liu Tie said solemnly, "It was not my idea alone. Every one of us wanted to do this for you. Although we''re saying that this money was earned through the music video, it was Zhang''er who made the biggest contribution. We were just doing our best to support him, not for anything else, but just for you to be able to stand on your two feet again." Then he took out a piece of paper. "Keep his telephone number safe and contact her today. Zhang''er found someone and has already contacted the best hospital in America. He already made some inquiries and found out from them that your kind of injuries are pretty difficult to recover from. But there''s still a way to treat it as they have done something simr before. The only issue was that the previous case had dragged on for too long, so it affected the treatment."


    He looked at Qiu Yumei''s husband and said, "So go over there and have a look. If there''s anything that you two needter, contact us again."


    Her husband said emotionally, "This��how can we ept this?"


    Liu Tie pushed the number into his hand. "If you need manpower,e to me. All I have is strength with no ce to use it. If you need money, go to Zhang Ye. He''s so poor that all he has left is money. So don''t drag this on. We''re all doing this so that Little Qiu can get treated. If there''s anything you want to protest, do it after you''ve recovered."


    Qiu Yumei bit her bottom lip and said, "I can still stand?"


    "Definitely!" Liu Tie said without hesitation.


    All of a sudden, Qiu Yumei looked at the window. "Did theye?"


    Liu Tie smiled and said, "No, it''s only me. Zhang''er said he doesn''t want to see you now. He wants to see that bubbly and active you from back then, not the whiny you who keeps staying in bed��those were his exact words, not mine. So take it up with him if you''re offended, hahaha."


    Qiu Yumei alsoughed. "Is he still as hot-tempered as before?"


    "Yes." Liu Tie said amused. "He''s still as short-tempered as ever."


    Qiu Yumei went silent for a moment. Then she sat up from her bed and smiled. "Go back and tell Zhang''er this. If I were to suddenly stand up in front of him someday, he better not have the living daylights scared out of him!"


    Her husband said in a stunned manner, "Little Qiu."


    Qiu Yumei said determinedly, "Make the call. I''m going to get my legs treated."


    Her husband wept with joy. "I''ll call, I''ll make the call immediately!"


    "Thanks to my old ssmates, we can go and have a taste of American food!" Qiu Yumei''s eyes shined with a glimmer of hope and she looked much more spirited!


    Liu Tie felt very happy!


    The exultant Sister Qiu from those years ago looked like she was back again!

 Chapter 1187: An invitation to the Welcoming Ceremony!

    <h4>Chapter 1187: An invitation to the Weing Ceremony! </h4>


    Chapter 1187: An invitation to the Weing Ceremony!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Downstairs, below Little Qiu''s house.


    A group of people were whispering among themselves.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye, Old Wang, and Old Zhou stood a little further away to smoke.


    At this moment, footsteps came from the apartment corridor. Liu Tie appeared aftering down from upstairs.


    "How was it?" Xiaoqian quickly asked.


    Liu Tie hushed them. "Let''s talk when we get out of the neighborhood."


    Dong Shanshan said anxiously, "Did Little Qiu agree?"


    "Will she go and get her legs treated?" Wang He asked him in concern.


    Once they were out of the neighborhood, Liu Tie smiled and said, "She finally epted the money after much persuasion. Sister Qiu''s husband is already contacting Zhang''er''s friend. I can tell that Sister Qiu''s attitude this time is different. She really wants to get her legs treated so that she can spryly stand up in front of us!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "We''re all waiting for her!"


    Ma Xufei pped his thigh. "That''s great!"


    He Kui said excitedly, "We were afraid that she wouldn''t agree to it and refuse to ept our money. Since Sister Qiu epted it, everything can be discussed!"


    Yu Yingyi asked, "Zhang''er, is the hospital you rmended good?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It was rmended by Zhang Yuanqi, so it shouldn''t be a problem."


    Recently, their group of ssmates had been gathering every day to discuss this matter. They genuinely cared about Qiu Yumei, so they were very happy about how this had turned out.


    Hope filled their hearts.


    Would she be able to stand again soon under her own strength?


    Dong Shanshan gestured with her hand and said, "Come, let''s head to my house. I''ll treat everyone."


    "Alright!"


    "Is the school belle going to cook?"


    "Me? Cook? I''m only afraid that you guys wouldn''t eat my cooking!"


    "Haha, I won''t mind even if I''m poisoned to death!"


    "I''m so happy today. Let''s drink too!"


    "Oh,e on, we better not drink."


    "Why not, Shanshan?"


    "Thest time Zhang Ye, Yingyi, and the others came over to my house, we drank too much. As a result, Zhang''er and I nearly caused a dy at the Spring Festival G''s rehearsal the next day. Everyone at Beijing TV was waiting just for the two of us."


    "Hahahaha!"


    "There was such a shameful incident?"


    "Tell us about it along the way!"


    Several cars started driving off and headed toward Dong Shanshan''s vi at Yizhuang.


    On the way, Zhang Ye received a call. It was from their former ss advisor at Media College, Su Hongyan. He quickly answered: "Yo, Teacher Su."


    Su Hongyan said happily: "I saw your music video. It was really good."


    Zhang Ye said to his ssmates in the car, "Haha, Teacher Su just praised us."


    Yu Yingyi giggled as she stretched her neck and said: "Teacher Su, did I y the violin well?"


    "Yes, it was good." Su Hongyan said: "Are you all together?"


    Zhang Ye switched the call to speakerphone. "Everyone is here. We''re holding a party right now."


    Su Hongyan said: "Heh, how convenient. College is reopening tomorrow and I have something urgent that I need to ask of you all. For tomorrow night''s Weing Ceremony for the new students, the school has ns to make it even grander and livelier this year. They wanted me to contact you toe up with a program for us, and the rest of the kids from our ss that year can also join in on the fun. It''ll be fine if you guys just perform a song or something. Just do as you guys think will be suitable for the ceremony."


    Zhang Ye eximed: "It''s only a day away, why didn''t you tell us earlier?"


    Su Hongyan said: "You wrote ''To Youth'' on the spot, don''t you think I know well enough? Isn''t one day more than enough for you? Little Zhang, I''m telling you, you better not decline this. You''re an associate professor at our Media College, but now? You haven''t even given a day''s worth of lessons or participated in any of the school''s activities. Surely you can''t do things this way, right? You would have to prepare a lesson and perform a song for the school. Otherwise, if we bring up the fact that youposed that poem for Peking University, there would be no end to it."


    Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry: "Alright, you just want us toe up with a program, right? We''lle up with something then!"


    "That''s the right way." Su Hongyanughed and said: "You have to prepare the lesson well and impart some of your experiences to this year''s iing students."


    Zhang Ye said: "Sure."


    Yu Yingyi stretched her neck and said: "We guarantee that we''ll do a good job!"


    Xiaoqian giggled and said: "Teacher Su, just you wait and see."


    Su Hongyan said in satisfaction: "Alright, I''ll be waiting to see what you guyse up with."


    The car was parked.


    They arrived at the vi.


    Upon getting out from the car, Zhang Ye said, "Our ss advisor has instructed, that as the alumni representatives, all of us are to perform a song together at the Weing Ceremony tomorrow. What do you guys say to that?"


    "Sure!"


    "Since Teacher Su has spoken, we definitely have to do it!"


    "But my singing is terrible."


    "No worries, Zhang Ye will be the lead singer anyway."


    "I know how to y the drums a little."


    "I''ve taken some bass lessons, but I''m not good at it."


    "If you need piano apaniment, look to me. This sis didn''t take seven years of lessons for nothing when I was young."


    The students who could pass the Media College entrance exam were mostly multitalented. Although they could not bepared to professionals, they had an assorted range of skills to some degree.


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright then, I''llpose the song so we can quickly rehearse!"


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Then I''ll go and borrow some instruments?"


    "Can you get those?" Zhang Ye asked, "Where are you going to borrow them from?"


    Dong Shanshan pointed at the surrounding vis. "Two of my neighbors are music teachers and have instruments at home."


    Wang He volunteered. "I''ll help you carry them over."


    "School belle, just leave the menial work to us."


    "And me too!"


    "Wow, you''re all so thoughtful!"


    Everyoneughed.


    It looked like they had been brought back to the times when they were still students. Dong Shanshan stood out from the rest as a group of male ssmates was surrounding her. Meanwhile, Yu Yingyi, Xiaoqian, and other girls provided theic relief with their impromptu remarks and gestures.


    Zhang Ye started writing the song.


    What should he use?


    What should they sing for the students this time?


    All of a sudden, Wang He, who just came back from carrying the instruments, received a call. Then he grew excited. "Da Hui! You rascal!" Then he switched the call to speakerphone and shouted to the others, "Come over quickly, Da Hui has contacted us!"


    Zhang Ye was very happy.


    Everyone came over and tried to get a word in.


    Wang He said: "You rascal, where did you disappear to?"


    Yu Yingyi said: "You even changed your phone number. Did you die?"


    Xiaoqian said: "You''re really too heartless!"


    Old Wang said: "Yeah, no one could get in contact with you at all!"


    At the other end of the line, Da Huiughed and said: "Are the bros all there? I was working in Beijing all this while but haven''t been doing well, so I was too embarrassed to face you."


    Zhang Ye asked: "Where are you working?"


    "At a construction site."


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "You''re moving bricks?"


    Da Hui answered: "Bah, I would have to be able to move them first to do that. I''m a supervisor at the work site, so you can consider me a junior manager of sorts."


    Yu Yingyi eximed: "Can the jump in your profession be anyrger than this!"


    Zhang Ye said: "Da Hui, get over here quickly! We''re going to perform a group song at our alma mater''s Weing Ceremony tomorrow. You''re the cultural backbone of our ss and we''re just missing you!"


    Da Hui replied: "Alright, I''ll head over right away!"


    Liu Tie shouted: "Hurry up, bastard! Everyone here misses you a lot!"


    Da Hui sounded like he was suppressing his excitement. "Alright!"


    Half an hourter, another ssmate who had lost contact with them finally managed to get in touch again. "You guys are awesome! Too awesome! I saw the music video you guys shot! I was so fucking touched that I cried all over the ce! Where are you guys? I miss all of you��What? There''s going to be a performance?��Me? I''ll go! Of course I''ll go! Send me the address!"


    They thought they would not see each other again after all this time. But many of their long-lost ssmates reached out to each other again because of the "To Youth" music video. Zhang Ye and the others were all very excited!


    Everyone was back!


    Their old friends were all back!

 Chapter 1188: Starting a gang fight (First Half)

    <h4>Chapter 1188: Starting a gang fight (First Half) </h4>


    Chapter 1188: Starting a gang fight (First Half)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Throughout the night.


    It got rather boisterous at Dong Shanshan''s vi.


    "Da Hui, have a taste of my kick!"


    "Damn, enough of that crap already. We have to start rehearsing the song!"


    "You deserve it for disappearing for so long!"


    "Haha, Old Zhou. You''re talking like you didn''t disappear off to somewhere yourself!"


    "Hey, hey, hey, can you guys be a little more focused?"


    "Rehearse the song properly or Boss Zhang will bug uster. His songs are all ssics, so we better not spoil it on our watch. Otherwise, he''ll definitely cry his heart out."


    "I don''t care whether he cries or not. He put his smelly socks under my pillow when we were still in uni. That son of a gun! I''ve yet to take revenge on him after our graduation! Even though that guy''s now an A-list celebrity, this bro isn''t afraid of him. I''ll expose this incident to the mediater and shame him in public!"


    "Don''t, bro! I''m a teacher now and that wouldn''t look good on me, man!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Keep it down. The neighbors have alreadyined to me three times."


    There were sounds of them fooling around, ying instruments and rehearsing their song.


    With more than twenty of them gathered together, the entire vi was extremely noisy.


    After fooling around and rehearsing for an entire night, everyone decided to stay over at Dong Shanshan''s ce. The girls took two of the bedrooms while the guys squeezed into another bedroom. Some of them even slept on the sofa or went into the guest bedroom to rest for the night. As they had some drinks earlier, they justid down and fell asleep in the most disorganized of ways.


    The next day.


    It was the day of themencement.


    When everyone woke up, it was afternoon.


    "Hey, wake up!"


    "Look at the time! We better not dy today''s important matters."


    "We need to reach the g venue before 6 PM."


    "Are we going to practice more?"


    "We''ve practiced quite a lot, so it shouldn''t be a problem."


    "Let''s have something to eat before we leave for the Weing Ceremony."


    Everyone got up and went to wash up. But as there were so many of them, they had to take turns and line up.


    Dong Shanshan ordered takeouts for everyone while Yu Yingyi, Xiaoqian and the other girls tidied up the rooms.


    Zhang Ye was the busiest of them all. This group ofypeople were free to mess around and do as they wish, but Zhang Ye could not do so. Adopting an attitude of rigorous teaching, he picked out a few of those who did not sing wellst night and taught them how to do it properly. For example, he showed them how to control their breathing during certain parts of the song, and so on and so forth. When it came to work, he would never be sloppy.


    Just when everyone got busy with their own parts, an unexpected call came in.


    Curious, Xiaoqian took a call from an unknown person. "Hello? Who is it?"


    Then she heard a girl crying on the other end of the line.


    "Who''s this?"


    "Xiaoqian."


    "Ah! You''re��Hu Feifei!"


    Hu Feifei?


    Everyone was stunned.


    They were very familiar with this name. She was a gorgeous girl who was also their old ssmate. But Hu Feifei was a very proud person and rather materialistic as well. Although she did not have any conflicts with anyone, their rtionship with her could not be considered close. At most, she got along slightly better with Xiaoqian as Xiaoqian was also the type of person who liked buying brand-name goods. However, it waster rumored that Xiaoqian and Hu Feifei had a quarrel that led to them falling out.


    Flustered, Xiaoqian said: "Don''t cry anymore, don''t cry��Tell me, what on earth happened? We''re all here��.Yes, we are all over here. Let''s talk about it when you get here!"


    After hanging up, everyone started questioning her.


    Zhang Ye asked, "What happened?"


    Dong Shanshan said, "Did something happen to Hu Feifei?"


    Xiaoqian quickly said, "I don''t know either. I haven''t talked to her much since our senior year. She just started crying over the phone, so I asked her toe over here straight away!"


    Wang He analyzed, "She never liked being outdone by others. Back in our uni days, she worked part-time for two months just to buy a bag that cost several thousand yuan. She cared a lot about face and wouldn''t cry in front of us over a trifling matter like she just did."


    Yu Yingyi said, "That''s not right. Hu Feifei met a rich boss even before she graduated from school. I heard that she was enjoying the good life, and there were even quite a few people who were extremely envious of her."


    After about half an hour.


    The doorbell rang. But when the door opened, everyone was stunned!


    Zhang Ye said in a startled tone, "Hu Feifei?"


    Xiaoqian''s jaw dropped. "You��you��"


    Their first impression of her was that she looked like an old auntie. She looked like she had aged a lot, and she did not even bother to dress up properly. To any outsiders, this woman looked around seven years older than the group of people in the house. But they could still recognize her. This was Hu Feifei, their old ssmate!


    Ma Xufei shouted, "How did you end up like this!"


    Why did the ss belle from back then be so haggard?


    How many years had it been? How many years had it been since they graduated?


    Back then, some people in the house who disliked Hu Feifei''s character. But when they saw her in such a state, they did not say anything. There was no gloating. Instead, their hearts ached for her.


    When Hu Feifei saw these familiar faces, she stood there in a trance. She looked at them one by one. "Liu Tie, He Kui, Shanshan, Zhang Ye��"


    Dong Shanshan hurriedly said, "What happened, Feifei?"


    Hu Feifei bit her lip as she shook her head. "It''s nothing, it''s nothing. It''s just that I really missed you guys. I saw your music video yesterday when I went to the grocery store. Then, I started crying because I really missed all of you. Actually, I''ve wanted to contact everyone these past few years. I''ve really missed you guys so much. I''m really fine." Tears started falling from her eyes as she spoke.


    Xiaoqian said anxiously, "Impossible! Something must''ve happened to you!"


    Dong Shanshan pulled Hu Feifei in. "Come, let''s talk in the house."


    Dong Shanshan, Xiaoqian, and a few of the girls pulled Hu Feifei into a room and closed the door.


    Wang He sighed. "I really can''t believe this."


    He Kui said, "Hu Feifei was such a beautiful and proud person in the past. How did she��"


    Zhang Ye said with a sunken expression, "Let''s see what Shanshan and the others can find out from her."


    "There''s definitely something more to this," Liu Tie said.


    About ten minutester, they heard Xiaoqian and Yu Yingyi''s furious scolding from the room. Then the door opened. The girls walked out angrily!


    Xiaoqian cursed, "Son of a bitch!"


    Yu Yingyi raged, "What a bastard! How could he bully you like that!"


    The guys asked, "What''s the matter? Hurry up and tell us!"


    Xiaoqian''s heart ached as she hugged Hu Feifei. "Her husband''s not even human. He''s been hitting her every day." She grabbed the cuff of Hu Feifei''s sleeve. "Look at this!"


    Hu Feifei did not want her to show them. "No!"


    But her sleeve got pulled up. Bruises covered her arms!


    Xiaoqian said, "This was inflicted just an hour ago!"


    Yu Yingyi clenched her teeth and said, "There''s even more on her body! We saw them just now; she''s totally covered in bruises. This is simply��" Her eyes reddened!


    Zhang Ye''s eyes turned cold!


    Wang He clenched his fists. "Goddamn!"


    Liu Tie said in a rage, "Fuck! Is he even human?"


    Dong Shanshan told them about how Hu Feifei morously married a tycoon after their graduation. But s, her happiness was short-lived. Her husband soon found another woman. As Hu Feifei was a very proud woman, how could she possibly ept that? So she argued with him. But in the end, she got beaten up by him. After it happened once, it continued without end for the next three years.


    Xiaoqian cried as she hugged Hu Feifei. "How did you endure it all this time?"


    Hu Feifei started crying.


    Yu Yingyi asked, "Why didn''t youe to us?"


    Hu Feifei sobbed, "Back then, I looked down on everyone and my rtionship with you guys was only so-so. Everyone knew that I was doing very well and even got married to a rich guy, so h-how was I supposed to bring it up!"


    Da Hui said, "Does your family know about this?"


    Hu Feifei said somewhat afraid, "I didn''t dare tell anyone, I didn''t dare tell anyone at all!" She looked at everyone as she cried. "I regret this, I regret this so much. Zhang Ye, Shanshan, Yingyi, Wang He, I''ve been watching your shows every day all these years. Ever since the first day that you guys debuted, I''ve been watching all of your shows. I''m so envious of you. Back then, if I had��if I had��"


    Xiaoqian hugged her. "Don''t say anymore, shhh."


    Hu Feifei cried for a while before suddenly looking at her watch. "I have to go now. I told him that I went out to buy groceries. If he doesn''t see me by the time hees home, he''ll��"


    Wang He flew into a rage. "You still want to go back there?"


    Zhang Ye said in a low and serious voice, "Where is he now?"


    Hu Feifei said, "He''s out drinking with his friends at the restaurant."


    Dong Shanshan raised her head and looked at them. "Fes, how should we handle this?"


    Yu Yingyi also said, "Everyone, let''s get to talking!"


    Everyone kept exchanging nces.


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye roared, "What''s there to talk about! He''s bullying her to such an extent! Is there still a fucking need to talk?"


    Liu Tie shouted, "Fuck his ancestors!"


    Wang He said, "Let''s fight him!"


    "Fuck him!"


    "He''s a blight on the earth!"


    "I''ll fucking destroy him today!"


    "Brothers, let''s go!"


    "Yeah!"


    The angry shouts were so loud that it was deafening!

 Chapter 1189: Starting a gang fight (Second half)

    <h4>Chapter 1189: Starting a gang fight (Second half) </h4>


    Chapter 1189: Starting a gang fight (Second half)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the evening.


    Night had not yet fallen though the sun had begun to set.


    Outside a restaurant situated in a remote but beautiful location, five cars sped over and stopped a short distance away. When the car doors opened, more than 20 people got out from them!


    Zhang Ye said in a cold voice, "Is it here?"


    Hu Feifei tugged at him and said, "Don''t go, don''t go!"


    Dong Shanshan stared at her. "Do you want to continue getting beaten up by him for the rest of your life?"


    "I want a divorce. I-I''ll try to think of a way to get it," Hu Feifei said.


    Wang He said, "You should have divorced him long ago."


    Hu Feifei said, "Don''t worry about me. Especially Zhang Ye, Shanshan, and Yingyi. You three are celebrities now. I''ll resolve this matter by myself. If the reporters hear of this, you''ll be finished!"


    Zhang Ye sneered. "It''s not like I have never done something like this before. When did it alle tumbling down for me?"


    Wang He said, "Right, let''s just follow Zhang''er''s lead. He''s very experienced with this sort of situation!"


    Hu Feifei said, "But there''s a lot of them in there!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "How many?"


    Hu Feifei said, "A lot. I don''t know exactly."


    Dong Shanshan said firmly, "Don''t worry, just leave it to us!"


    Xiaoqian announced, "We have to help Feifei stand up to the suffering she''s been through!"


    Hu Feifei was still trying to stop them as she was not willing to implicate everyone due to her personal problems. In the past, she was never considered to be close to them. But now that everyone was so infuriated over what had happened to her, she felt truly touched. Still, no matter what, she really did not wish to drag them down. This was especially true for Zhang Ye and Dong Shanshan. What was their status now? A university professor, a world-ss mathematician, and a famous author with countless other honors. If they really got into a fight here��


    However, Zhang Ye looked at Hu Feifei. "Hu Feifei, if you still have any pride left from back then, you should stop trying to convince us! You should be standing with us at this time in solidarity! The you that I knew was never like this! The Hu Feifei that I knew was always walking around with her nose up in the air! That''s who my ssmate was!"


    Nose up in the air?


    Could she go back to being her previous self?


    Hu Feifei''s eyes reddened!


    Suddenly, there was some movement at the entrance of the restaurant.


    "Boss He, thank you for treating us."


    "Had your fill?"


    "Of course."


    "Boss He, Sister-inw, then we''ll be going now?"


    "Hur hur, what are you talking about? I''m no sister-inw."


    "Isn''t it just a matter of time?"


    The group was led by a middle-aged fat man who was holding hands with a very beautiful young woman. He was chatting andughing in the group. There were about 18 of them in total.


    Yu Yingyi kept her eyes on the group. "Is it that fatass?"


    Hu Feifei clenched her teeth as she nodded in affirmation!


    Xiaoqian shouted, "Gentlemen, it is time to make our move!"


    Yu Yingyi pointed at them and said, "Don''t any of you back out! If anyone here gets taken down, I''ll forever look down on them!"


    Liu Tie said with a fierce look, "Cut the crap, let''s fight them!"


    Old Wang said impatiently, "It''s not like I''ve fucking never gotten involved in a gang fight before!"


    Old Wang then looked around and picked out a thin wooden stick from the bushes.


    When Zhang Ye saw that, he said, "What are you doing?"


    Old Wang eximed, "Getting ready to fight of course."


    Everyone looked at Zhang Ye, unsure about what he was driving at. But when they thought about it, they realized he was right. They were all people of status, so if they injured others badly with a stick, it would be hard to exin. Zhang Ye was right to remind them.


    Old Wang threw the stick away.


    But the next second, Zhang Ye also walked over to the bushes and searched around. He fished out two bricks and threw one of them to Old Wang. "Have you really been in a fight before? Who can you beat up with that thin wooden stick of yours! Use this instead! Smash it into their fucking faces! Brothers! Move out!"


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    "Holy shit!"


    "Zhang''er is still the most ruthless one amongst us!"


    "Well done!"


    "I''ll find a brick as well!"


    The people at the restaurant''s entrance discovered their presence as their group was toorge!


    Hu Feifei''s husband looked over in bewilderment and was startled. Then his expression darkened. His friends and hispany''s staff were also stunned when they saw them.


    "Sister-inw?"


    "Isn''t that person Boss He''s��"


    "What''s going on?"


    "Who are those people?"


    "Ah, is-isn''t that Dong Shanshan?"


    "Zhang Ye! I see Zhang Ye!"


    The mistress nched!


    Boss He cursed angrily, "Bitch, you��"


    But before he could finish, Zhang Ye rushed him. "Motherfucker!"


    He swung the brick and smashed it straight into the chest of Hu Feifei''s husband. The massive force sent the 100-kg fatass tumbling to the ground!


    Boss He cried out in pain, "Ahhhhhh!"


    He Kui shouted, "Good one!"


    Wang He yelled, "Kill them!"


    With that confrontation, a fight broke out!


    Zhang Ye did not care about the others as he lunged at the fatass and kicked him!


    Only then did Boss He''s friends who were standing beside him manage to react. They charged forward in a rage, wanting to beat Zhang Ye up!


    Wang He kicked one of Zhang Ye''s attacker''s leg!


    Old Wang screamed as he swung his brick around randomly!


    Liu Tie was the most capable at fighting. He grabbed someone who was nning to sneak up on Zhang Ye and punched the person several times!


    Da Hui got punched once and became furious. He picked up whatever was next to him and smashed it into someone regardless of the consequences!


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye repeatedly kicked Boss He. "I''ll fuck your grandpa! You wanna act mighty? Go ahead! How dare you hit our ssmate? You must be fucking crazy!"


    Boss He shouted with a bruised and swollen face, "Call for help! Go and call for help!"


    Xiaoqian cheered, "Yeah! Beat him up good!"


    Dong Shanshan did not idle around either. "Old Wang, behind you! He Kui! Get that person beside you!"


    With slightly more than a dozen people up against over twenty of them, the fight was very one-sided. Without much resistance, more than half of that fatass''s followers fell to the ground!


    Boss He''s mistress yelled, "Call the police! They''re beating up people! That bitch has gathered reinforcements!"


    Hu Feifei erupted. She rushed forward and pped the mistress. "Fuck you! You''re the one who''s the bitch!" Smack smack smack smack! She gave her a few more ps!


    The mistress fought back by grabbing Hu Feifei''s hair!


    As Xiaoqian was standing closest to her, she held the mistress tightly and kept her under control!


    Yu Yingyi let out a curse and rushed over to help as well!


    The three women started hitting one woman, each of them looking fiercer than the others!


    A short minuteter, the fatass and his followers had all been beaten to the ground!


    Zhang Ye grabbed him by his cor and punched him a few more times. "You fucking bastard!"


    Wang He ran over in anger and kicked Hu Feifei''s husband in the stomach. "Bastard!"


    With vicious eyes, Liu Tie said, "You should have checked out who her ssmates were before you hit her! From now on, I''ll fucking give you a beating whenever I see you on the streets!"


    The fatass was so badly beaten that he couldn''t say a word!


    His followers were lying on the ground and rolling around as they wailed in pain!


    As for the onlookers nearby, they were all so dumbfounded that they even forgot to take out their cell phones to take pictures or record videos of the fight. The entire time, they looked shocked and astonished!


    Zhang Ye?


    Dong Shanshan?


    Yu Yingyi?


    What are they doing?


    Are they��taking part in a gang fight?


    No, no, they must definitely be shooting a movie. How could they as people of status possibly be involved in a gang fight? Right, they must be shooting a movie! Eh, but where are the cameras?


    All of a sudden, police sirens wailed!


    Ma Xufei shouted, "The police are here!"


    Zhang Ye bellowed, "Get in the cars! Run!"


    Yu Yingyi said, "Fes, it''s time to retreat!"


    Everyone scattered at themand and drove off immediately after hopping into the cars!


    Only then did the onlookers realize what had just happened!


    This was not a movie shoot!


    This was really happening!

 Chapter 1190: Let us finish singing this last song!

    <h4>Chapter 1190: Let us finish singing thisst song! </h4>


    Chapter 1190: Let us finish singing thisst song!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The police cars came to a sudden stop.


    As someone had reported a gang fight, three police cars were dispatched to handle the case.


    When one of the police officers got out of his car and saw a group of people wailing on the ground, he looked up and saw several familiar faces running off into a car. He didn''t know what to think.


    Eh?


    Teacher Dong Shanshan?


    Teacher Zhang Ye?


    And there was even Central TV''s Yu Yingyi?


    A gang fight? Surely this was just a filming session, right? Did Zhang Ye finally cross over into the movie industry?


    The policeman was speechless. "Who called the police? Is this a prank call!"


    "Ambnce! Call an ambnce!" The fat man clutched his stomach and groaned.


    That policeman gave him a look. "Alright, quit groaning already. Which film crew are you all from?"


    The fat man: "��"


    The crowd: "��"


    That policeman said, "Get up, your director has left, so why are you all still acting? Do you have to put in so much effort? You seem pretty good at acting. Which institute did you guys graduate from? Central Academy of Drama or Shanghai Theater Academy?"


    The group of people who had just been beaten up grew helplessly angry!


    Pff! Someone spat a broken tooth out onto the ground!


    That policeman was startled.


    The nearby crowd was also taken aback!


    "Holy shit!"


    "They''re not doing a shoot!"


    "Chase after them!"


    "Get in the car and give chase, quick!"


    Up ahead.


    Zhang Ye was speeding like crazy!


    Dong Shanshan was driving another car in front and was going at an even faster speed than him!


    Liu Tie was screaming, "They''re catching up!"


    Yu Yingyi eximed, "Go faster!"


    Zhang Ye asked as he drove, "When does the Weing Ceremony start?"


    "It''s already started!" Xiaoqian said.


    Yu Yingyi added, "Our performance is going to be the finale, we can still make it!"


    Zhang Yeughed loudly. "Alright then, sit tight!"


    Hu Feifei was almost in tears. "Zhang''er, how can you stillugh? We''re in big trouble this time, really big trouble." Looking at the police cars appearing in the rearview mirror, her heart was in pieces. She said remorsefully, "It''s all my fault. I''m to me for getting all of you into such trouble. If I had known this would happen, I wouldn''t havee to you guys! What are we going to do now?"


    Wang He was also in the same car as them.


    Wang He also got a little worried after the impulsiveness of his actions. He said, "I''m only a small-time host, so it doesn''t matter much for me. At most, I''d get detained for a few days. What can they do to me? But it''s different for Zhang Ye, Shanshan, and Yingyi!"


    Yu Yingyi smiled and said, "At most, I''ll just quit my job and start over!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Well said, we can always start over!"


    Hu Feifei said anxiously, "But you guys��"


    "Hu Feifei, let me ask you this," Zhang Ye interrupted. "Did you get a kick out of beating them up?"


    "��I did!" Hu Feifei said through her teeth.


    Zhang Ye asked another question. "Did it help you blow off steam?"


    Hu Feifei revealed a smile. "Yes!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Haha, then that settles it! That matters more than anything! What''s the point of worrying? Whatever happens, happens! Feifei, your smile is very nice. You''ve shown this bro that haughtiness of yours again. Good, keep it up! The condescending Hu Feifei from that time was never one to get bullied!"


    Hu Feifei didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Stop ridiculing me already. Listen to the words you''re using to describe me. Don''t you have anything better to say about me?"


    Yu Yingyi said with a giggle, "His tongue has always been this sharp!"


    Xiaoqian hugged her over her shoulders. "Feifei, divorce him immediately when you get back!"


    Yu Yingyi said, "Yeah, you have our support! We''ve got your back!"


    Hu Feifei summoned up the courage and nodded furiously. "OK!"


    She looked at Yu Yingyi, then at Xiaoqian, then at Zhang Ye. Without realizing it, Hu Feifei closed her mouth tightly as her eyes reddened.


    Today was the happiest day since her graduation!


    It was still her ssmates who were the best!


    It was still these long-time friends who were the best!


    Thank you, everyone, thank you!


    Zhang Ye warned, "Sit tight, I''m going faster!"


    Wang He said, "Drive!"


    Yu Yingyi shouted, "Gogogo!"


    All of a sudden in this tense moment, Xiaoqian sang loudly in a rather good mood, "Run forward! / Despite the side eyes and insults��"


    There were a few cars ahead of them who were also making their escape!


    Old Wang said in a panic, "What''re we gonna do! What''re we gonna do!"


    Ma Xufei asked, "Eh? Where''s Zhang''er''s car?"


    Dong Shanshan looked into the rearview mirror. "They must have gone to draw the police away. Let''s go faster, we''ll meet up at the school. We must finish performing that song!"


    He Kui said in an unaffected manner, "Shanshan, you didn''t beat them up anyway, so don''t follow us when we reach the school. Just run. Let the police arrest us!"


    Dong Shanshan said, "Why are you saying that! All of us were in it together, so we must take responsibility for it together as well!"


    "Great!"


    "We''ll take responsibility together!"


    "All for one, and one for all!"


    Up ahead.


    They had reached Media College.


    The cars were furiously honking as they went straight in through the gates.


    The security guard was dumbfounded by the sight and did not know what was happening!


    As Zhang Ye was leading the police on a wild chase, he was thest one to enter the school premises. His car window was already down as he mmed on his brakes at the main gate. He shouted to the security guard there, "There are some police cars behind us. Help us hold them off for a bit. Thanks, man!"


    When the guard saw it was Zhang Ye, he immediately said, "Professor Zhang? Alright! I understand!"


    Police?


    Why was there the police?


    He did not probe further and immediately closed the main gate!


    Zhang Ye was a graduate of Media College and also an associate professor at the school. Needless to say, he was definitely going to side with one of their own!


    Another guard suddenly appeared. "What''s going on? Why did you close the gate?"


    That old guard said, "Don''t ask. Let''s go and pretend we''re not around!"


    The young guard said dumbfounded, "Pretend we''re not around?"


    The old guard replied, "We''ll just hang around in the bathroom and not open the gate for anyone. Professor Zhang must have stirred up some big trouble again, so let''s help him dy things for a bit!"


    The young guard said, "What? Zhang Ye? Understood!"


    At the entrance of the Grand Auditorium.


    Dong Shanshan and the others were waiting anxiously!


    "Where are they?"


    "Why are they not here yet?"


    "Give Zhang''er a call!"


    "Did he get caught?"


    "Hurry up, the ceremony is ending soon!"


    Over a dozen of them were pacing around anxiously!


    A car engine rumbled closer!


    "He''s here!"


    "It''s Zhang''er''s car!"


    "This is great!"


    The BMW came to a stop!


    Zhang Ye, Yu Yingyi, Hu Feifei, and the others got out!


    Dong Shanshan yelled, "Zhang''er!"


    Zhang Ye shouted, "Let''s run inside!"


    Wang He said, "Let''s go! Hurry, hurry, hurry!"


    With that shout, Zhang Ye led the pack into the auditorium!


    Dong Shanshan and Hu Feifei smiled at each other as over twenty people followed behind them and ran inside!


    There were students all around.


    There were also some teachers.


    Watching this happen, everyone was stunned. What''s happening? What are they doing? The ceremony has already started; why are they only here now?


    The twenty-plus group of them were running like crazy!


    All of them knew they were in trouble. They knew today''s incident was absolutely not a small matter at all. However, none of them stopped in their tracks. Instead, they ran even faster as the adrenaline rush made them even more hyper. Almost all of them felt like they had gone back to their student days where they had not a care in the world, a time whereughter and anger filled their days. At that time, they were also rowdy like now, chasing and running without stop!


    They were there!


    They were almost there!


    There was only one song left!


    Let us finish singing thisst song!

 Chapter 1191: Uncompromising through the years!

    <h4>Chapter 1191: Upromising through the years! </h4>


    Chapter 1191: Upromising through the years!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the auditorium.


    The atmosphere at the Weing Ceremony was extremely passionate.


    "It''s almost ending."


    "We''re already into the final program."


    "I heard that Zhang Ye and Dong Shanshan will be performing!"


    "Yeah, our seniors are all back!"


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "Right, I like them sooo much!"


    "I heard that they''ll be singing, and it''s going to be an original too!"


    "I applied for Media College this year just because of Zhang Ye!"


    "Me too, and we''re going to get to see them immediately too!"


    The freshmen were all waiting in anticipation. Quite a few of the sophomores and juniors also came to attend today''s ceremony. They were also waiting to watch Zhang Ye, Dong Shanshan, and the other seniors'' show!


    But unknown to them, the backstage had plunged into chaos!


    The staff members kept making calls until their cell phones died.


    "No one''s answering!"


    "Where are they?"


    "Why aren''t they here yet?"


    Ever since the ceremony began, they hadn''t seen a trace of them!


    Su Hongyan was getting very anxious and pacing back and forth. Suddenly, heavy footfalls sounded. She looked up immediately. "Aiyo! My little ancestors, where have you all been?"


    Wang He panted, "We''re here!"


    Su Hongyan was taken aback. "Hu Feifei''s here too?


    Hu Feifei felt extremely agitated. "T-Teacher Su!"


    Su Hongyan took her hand. "Where did you disappear to for so long? And the rest of you, why did you arrive in such a��"


    Old Wang huffed and puffed. "Teacher, it''s difficult to exin!"


    Yu Yingyi asked, "Is it our turn yet?"


    "It''s your turn right now!" Su Hongyan said, "Quickly get ready!"


    A distance away, a school official said, "What''s there to get ready for? There''s no time, just get onstage!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, let''s go!"


    The group of them shouted in unison, "Let''s go!"


    The stage went dark and the curtains were drawn.


    An atmosphere of excitement was building up in the auditorium as everyone knew that the finale wasing up.


    "Alumni!"


    "Alumni!"


    "Alumni!"


    "Alumni!"


    A lot of people in the audience started shouting!


    There were no empty seats in the thousand-person auditorium!


    Behind the curtains, Zhang Ye, Dong Shanshan, and the others were on their instruments. The microphones were also in ce.


    Xiaoqian smiled and said, "Fes, how long has it been since we performed on stage together? Do you guys remember?"


    "Four years," Hu Feifei said with a smile.


    Dong Shanshan''s reminiscing could be seen on her features. "Yeah, it''s been four years. Thest time was during prom in our junior year. Our ss sang a song that shocked the entire school as we performed it too terribly. We even got singled out to be criticized!"


    Da Hui bellyughed and said, "Then let''s shock them again!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Fes, let''s tell this story of ours to the underssmen!"


    Hu Feifei put out her hand. "Youth never dies!"


    Zhang Ye ced his hand on hers. "Youth never dies!"


    Dong Shanshan shouted, "Youth never dies!"


    Everyone''s hands came together!


    "Let''s do it!"


    "Gooo!"


    The curtains lifted!


    Su Hongyan and many of the other teachers were sitting in the audience.


    The many students of Media College started screaming crazily!


    Zhang Ye carried a semi-acoustic guitar and walked to the lead singer''s position. Yu Yingyi raised a violin, Da Hui took the drummer''s position, and everyone else got into their positions!


    Zhang Ye nodded to Da Hui.


    Da Hui snapped his fingers for the countdown and yed a beat!


    Once.


    Twice.


    Thrice.


    The piano yed as well.


    The strumming of the guitar followed!


    Zhang Ye closed his eyes and stepped up to the microphone. He opened the song 1 with a very high note, his voice stunning the entire audience of teachers and students. He sang loudly, "Just where is that world overflowing with flowers? / If it''s a real ce, then I will find a way to get there."


    The second lead vocalist, Wang He,ughed, "I want to tower on the highest peak in that ce, / ignoring if there are steep cliffs all around."


    While smiling, Dong Shanshan sang, "By living fast and loving hard, death is nothing to fear. / Not living for the sake of others but to be proud of myself here."


    Da Hui continued drumming and stuck his head close to the microphone. "I have never chosen to give up on my dreams, / even on days that are broken at the seams."


    Old Wang raised a hand. "Perhaps I have no talent!"


    Ma Xufei sang, "But I have the simplicity of a dream!"


    He Kui had a smile on his face. "I will demonstrate it with all of my being."


    Hu Feifei sang emotionally, "Perhaps my mouth is clumsier than my feet!"


    Xiaoqian embraced her. "But I''ll never stop searching."


    Yu Yingyi shouted, "I will give all of my youth without regret!"


    All of a sudden, a roar of voices exploded!


    The music and rhythm soared!


    Everyone who was standing onstage gave a look to the person beside them. Zhang Ye looked at Wang He; Dong Shanshan looked at Yu Yingyi; Xiaoqian looked at Hu Feifei. Then, all of them raised their hands in unison!


    They roared together!


    There were mad grins on their faces!


    "Run forward!


    "Despite the side eyes and insults!


    "How can you experience all life has to offer without suffering!"


    They put down their hands and then pounded their chests.


    "Destiny can''t make us kneel and beg for mercy!


    "Even if!


    "Our arms are soaked in blood!


    "Keep running!


    "With the pride of a pure heart!


    "How can you see the beauty of life if you don''t stick it out!


    "Instead of clinging to life, live passionately, burn brightly!


    "Someday it will sprout again!"


    Su Hongyan looked totally stunned!


    All of the students in the audience also looked very shocked!


    The imagery of a "me against the world spirit" and "youthful passion," the story of Zhang Ye, Dong Shanshan, Hu Feifei, and the others, everyone could seemingly see all of it in this moment!


    All of them stood up!


    In this very moment, the entire audience was moved!


    The auditorium doors had been opened at some point in time, and there were eight or nine police officers who had entered the building. However, they did not go to arrest anyone. They just stood there stunned as they watched the people onstage in shock. Simr to those in the audience, an image was conjured up in their minds as they felt the full effects of the song as well!


    Zhang Ye?


    Dong Shanshan?


    Yu Yingyi?


    Wang He?


    Just what kinds of people were in this group?


    Everyone saw the illusion of a brilliant light shing before their eyes!


    Zhang Ye, Wang He, and Da Hui raised their fists. "Run forward!"


    Ma Xufei, Old Wang, and He Kui roared, "Despite the side eyes and insults!"


    Dong Shanshan, Yu Yingyi, and Xiaoqian shoutsang in a high register, "How can you experience all life has to offer without suffering!"


    Hu Feifei''s tears were flowing down her cheeks as she howled while crying, "Destiny can''t make us kneel and beg for mercy! / Even if! Our arms are soaked in blood!"


    The people onstage were moving closer and closer to each other!


    Then they hugged each other by putting their hands over each other''s shoulders and screamed as crazily as they could.


    "Keep running!


    "With the pride of a pure heart!


    "How can you see the beauty of life if you don''t stick it out!


    "Instead of clinging to life, live passionately, burn brightly!"


    All of them looked at one another!


    Zhang Ye started them off by raising his middle finger and pointing it angrily at the sky!


    Dong Shanshan looked up and raised her middle finger!


    Hu Feifei put up her hand and raised her middle finger!


    All of them raised their middle fingers!


    Fuck giving up!


    Fuck cowardice!


    Fuck reality!


    All of them pointed angrily at the heavens and looked up at it.


    "For our beautiful dreams!


    "Upromising through the years!"


    Su Hongyan was wiping away her tears!


    Many of the students could feel their blood surging!


    These were their alumni!


    These were their alumnae!


    Wonderful! Your story��is just wonderful!


    1. Chasing Dreams with a Pure Heart


    - https://youtu.be/g7a1ppH3VT0

 Chapter 1192: Zhang Ye gets arrested again!

    <h4>Chapter 1192: Zhang Ye gets arrested again! </h4>


    Chapter 1192: Zhang Ye gets arrested again!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Cheers!


    Screams!


    Apuse!


    Yells!


    The entire auditorium was turned upside down!


    "Chasing Dreams with a Pure Heart" was from Zhang Ye''s previous world and GALA''s most famous song. It was an extremely difficult song to sing as its high notes were almost unreachable by most singers. It was even hard for GALA 1 ''s own lead vocalist. Other than Zhang Ye, everyone else''s singing was appalling. They sang from their throats, with some of them even cracking or getting hoarse. There was even someone who sang the lyrics wrong. And yet, somehow, no one listening felt that their singing was bad. Instead, they were so shocked they felt it was even more touching than listening to those who sang with great technique. It was an indescribable feeling!


    Some songs were probably not meant to be sung with a good voice!


    They depended more on emotions and heart.


    A pure heart?


    "How awesome!"


    "''Destiny can''t make us kneel and beg for mercy?'' The lyrics are really great!"


    "Upromising through the years!"


    "Alum!"


    "Alumna!"


    "Ahhhh!"


    "This is the best live performance I''ve ever heard!"


    "Why are our alumnae crying too!"


    Hu Feifei, Xiaoqian, and a few other girls were bawling on stage. In these few years since their graduation, they had been through too much. Treated with indifference? Setbacks? Hardship? Derision? They did not know how they made it through to where they were now. They never thought that they would be able to gather here again one day and do something so crazy, and also perform such an amazing song!


    Several teachers in the audience were sighing.


    A former teacher of theirs said, "These children have all grown up."


    But another teacher said, "They''ve not grown up at all."


    Su Hongyan smiled and said, "Yes, they''re still the same as they were back then. I''ve never in my life advised a ss of students that gave me a headache as bad as they did!"


    A female teacherughed and said, "It''s now other people''s turn to have a headache over them!"


    The performance was over!


    The Weing Ceremony also came to an end!


    Zhang Ye and the others headed backstage.


    Wang He said, "That was so cool!"


    Da Huiughed heartily. "I feel like my throat has been split open!"


    "That was fun!" Old Wang shouted. "Exciting!"


    Ma Xufei said, "We haven''t let ourselves loose in so many years!"


    Hu Feifei gave a wry smile and said, "For that bit I sang, Xiaoqian had to teach me for so long while we were in the car. But I still couldn''t remember all the lyrics and even sang a line wrong, didn''t I?"


    "Perhaps my hands are clumsier than my feet."


    That line was sung as "Perhaps my mouth is clumsier than my feet."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "It''s fine. That line suited you more, so it''s pretty good."


    Yu Yingyi rejoiced, "I had such a kickass time singing today!"


    Zhang Ye whistled to get everyone''s attention and said, "We''ve finished singing. So let''s not keep those people waiting anymore. Let''s move out, fes!"


    "Let''s go."


    "Yeah, let''s go!"


    "Haha!"


    "Time to depart!"


    "Whoa, what do you mean by time to depart? That sounds so pessimistic!"


    "Then what should I call it?"


    "We''re just surrendering ourselves."


    "That sounds even worse!"


    "We should say that we''re martyring ourselves instead!"


    "Man, you guys are going off on a tangent."


    There was no hesitation from everyone as they walked outside inughter.


    A group of police officers were standing outside, not knowing what to do.


    A policeman asked, "Brother Li, do we go inside to arrest them?"


    The old policeman rolled his eyes. "If we do that at this time, the students will definitely prevent us from leaving."


    "Then what do we do?"


    "What if they escape? We can''t��"


    "Yeah, we can''t wait around anymore!"


    While they were discussing, the police officers suddenly turned their heads in surprise when they saw Zhang Ye, Dong Shanshan, Hu Feifei, and the others walking towards them inughter. The police officers couldn''t react to this sight. What was going on?


    Zhang Ye said, "Sorry about that, officers."


    Yu Yingyi said, "We''ll be going with you now."


    Liu Tie put out his hands. "Do we need to be cuffed?"


    Old Wang blinked and said, "Does this count as turning ourselves in?"


    The police officers looked at one another. "Aren''t you guys going to run?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "We''ve finished singing and done what we needed to do, so why do we need to run?" Then he looked at two of the police officers and said in surprise, "Why do you two look a little familiar?"


    The two of them didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Because we''ve arrested you before."


    Hu Feifeiughed, "Pfft!"


    Dong Shanshan and everyone else were also giggling.


    "Ah? When?" Zhang Ye was taken aback.


    The police officers said, "A few years ago, you beat up someone at Beijing TV. That case was handled by our police station. Even now, the little dark room has that poem you wrote while you were in there."


    Zhang Ye said endearingly, "Oh, my old friends."


    The police officers gave bitter smiles. Who are your old friends? Can''t you give us less trouble to deal with? They really did not want to arrest Zhang Ye, not to mention Dong Shanshan and Yu Yingyi this time as well. Thinking back to when Zhang Ye was not as famous as he was now, he alone had almost single-handedly turned the police station upside down. There were so many reporters and citizens who nearly ttened their police station to the ground. Just that memory alone made them fearful.


    But they still had to handle the case.


    One of the police officers sighed. "Get in the car then."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Let''s go."


    The group of them rowdily followed.


    Driving back, the police still felt worried that this group of people would try to escape. They were on full alert to prevent that from happening. After all, Zhang Ye had once created trouble for them at their station. But by the time their police cars arrived back at the station, there were no tricks from Zhang Ye and the others. They did not even kick up a fuss orin about anything. Instead, they were all very calm and cooperative.


    But unbeknownst to them, Zhang Ye had already epted this oue.


    Thest time he was arrested, it was because he had been a good samaritan. It was Beijing Television''s Wang Shuixin''s son who tried to hit others first that made Zhang Ye hit him in retaliation. He didn''t find that to be wrong, so of course he wasn''t happy about getting arrested. He definitely had to reason with them as he was not at fault and just did it in self-defense. However, Zhang Ye and the others knew that they were definitely in the wrong this time. It was definitely an offense to beat up other people, so they did not argue against it!


    When it was time to admit that he was in the wrong, he would do so!


    When he had to answer to his responsibilities, he would never run away!


    ��


    Online.


    A video of the Weing Ceremony at Media College was uploaded to the inte!


    "Chasing Dreams with a Pure Heart" went viral!


    "It''s great!"


    "The lyrics are awesome!"


    "Who wrote this song?"


    "Idiot, it was definitely Zhang Ye!"


    "They sang great!"


    "Shanshan also knows how to sing? I have a crush on her!"


    "Haha, Yu Yingyi was there too!"


    "All of Zhang Ye''s ssmates were there?"


    "Their friendship is really admirable."


    "So that was what their youth was like! To keep running forward!"


    "I could feel my blood race when I listened to the song! It''s so intense!"


    Not long after, breaking news struck!


    It came with nearly no warning or anticipation!


    "Newssh: Zhang Ye Arrested!"


    "Dong Shanshan and Yu Yingyi were taken away to the police station on suspicion of taking part in a gang fight!"


    "Zhang Ye, Dong Shanshan, and others involved in a gang fight!"


    This news came like a crash of thunder. It exploded across China, and anyone who heard of it very nearly vomited blood the moment they found out!


    They had been arrested?


    A gang fight?


    Countless people fainted on the spot!


    If it were just Zhang Ye involved in the gang fight, we''d believe it. Just at the recent Olympics, he beat up those foreign referees. This fellow would always stir up some trouble every now and then, so we''ve gotten used to it!


    But what are you guys saying now?


    Dong Shanshan?


    Yu Yingyi?


    Those two were involved in a gang fight?


    Fuck that! Did you get it wrong?


    They are our goddesses,e on!


    On Weibo.


    "My titanium dog eyes are blinded!"


    "Mine too! Oh, my goddess Shanshan!"


    "What the fuck, what gang fight?"


    "Is this fake news?"


    "It''s definitely not fake news, but what really happened?"


    "Yeah, why did it happen?"


    "Zhang Ye is used to getting into fights, but how could Dong Shanshan and Yu Yingyi have fought as well? Something must''ve happened, and it must have been a major issue!"


    "Zhang Ye, your sister!"


    "Bringing our goddesses to a gang fight? Only you would do something like that!"


    "Our goddesses have been led astray by you!"


    1. GALA - https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/GALA%E4%B9%90%E9%98%9F

 Chapter 1193: A pure heart!

    <h4>Chapter 1193: A pure heart! </h4>


    Chapter 1193: A pure heart!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the police station.


    The bureau chief arrived in a hurry.


    Zhang Ye acted friendly and said while waving, "Chief, long time no see."


    The bureau said helplessly, "Teacher Zhang, what are you doing here again? I was just going to Tianjin on a business trip when I heard and had to rush back. Spare us, will you? Thest incident you stirred up caused chaos at our police station. We were put on the radar of the city''s Public Security Department and investigated until I nearly lost my job. It''s not that I''m curious, but how have I offended you this time? Why do you keeping back to haunt me? Can you do that to someone else? Go to another police station? I''ll thank you for that, Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye gave a dryugh and said, "It''s not like I know which district you''re in charge of."


    The bureau chief looked listless. "So what is it this time?"


    Ma Xufei said, "It was a misunderstanding, just a misunderstanding!"


    Da Hui blinked and said, "Chief, since we''re so familiar with each other, can you please let this go?"


    The bureau chief rolled his eyes, thinking who they all were trying to act familiar with him. "How am I supposed to let this go? Someone has reported you guys for beating up people in a gang fight out on the public streets. You even hurt quite a few people."


    Yu Yingyi asked, "Are their injuries serious?"


    The bureau chief looked at the old policeman nearby.


    The old policeman gave a bitterugh. "It''s not exactly serious, and they should only be external injuries. But a few of them are insisting on remaining in the hospital. They want to stay the night and get thoroughly examined, so they''re definitely not going to let this go."


    The bureau chief banged on the table and said, "This matter is very severe."


    Hu Feifei stood forward. "It was all because of me; I was the one who led them, so arrest me!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Ohe on, you need to be believable when you make such a im. I was the one who led them."


    The bureau chief said, "We already know part of the story from the victims themselves. Now tell me your side of it. We need to take your statements as well."


    The old policeman said, "You guys are schoolmates, right?"


    Wang He corrected, "ssmates."


    Zhang Ye immediately pointed at Hu Feifei. "Our ssmate was beaten by that fatass He. It''s a case of domestic violence that has happened for two to three years."


    Dong Shanshan said, "Feifei, show them!"


    Hu Feifei pulled up her sleeves.


    A policewoman went over to have a look, then looked at Feifei''s neck and took a deep breath before saying angrily, "The blows are this ruthless?" She turned back around and said, "Chief, this is really too much!" A woman would feel for a woman, especially on matters of domestic violence.


    Hu Feifei did not say a word.


    Zhang Ye pointed at her and said, "Tell me, do you think we can tolerate this? We had to do something!"


    The bureau chief smacked his lips. "You still can''t beat people up on the streets."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then next time, we can beat them up secretly?"


    "Of course not!" The bureau chief was floored. "You guys have broken thew."


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Alright, then let me take responsibility for this alone. Let the rest go."


    "Zhang''er!"


    "What are you saying?"


    "That''s pointless!"


    "Everyone had a part in it!"


    "Right, we''ll bear responsibility for it together!"


    "Isn''t it just getting detained? We''ll take it!"


    The bureau chief looked at the group of hot-blooded youths helplessly. "You''re all pretty loyal." After a pause, he continued asking them about the details of what happened in the evening. Then he gestured to a few of the police officers and asked them to leave the room before saying to Zhang Ye and the others, "We handle several such cases a day, and they''re considered neither major nor minor matters. From a moral viewpoint, Little Hu is definitely the victim and the judgment should be biased against you guys. But the way that you guys chose to handle this was very inappropriate. Couldn''t you have reported it to the police? Couldn''t you have contacted awyer to sue him? Why did you have to resort to violence? That''s right, Teacher Zhang, aren''t you awyer yourself?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I haven''t gotten my license to practice yet."


    The bureau chief sighed. "The one who attacks first is the most disadvantaged. Besides, they reported it to the police and have evidence and eyewitnesses as well. Even if I want to help you guys, there''s a limit to what I can do. So unless the other party decides not to pursue this, the case won''t be dropped. We''ll have to go by procedure and detain whoever needs to be detained."


    There was a knock on the door.


    The bureau chief said, "Come in."


    A policewoman said, "Chief, you have a call."


    The bureau chief looked over. "Who is it?"


    The policewoman looked at Zhang Ye. "It''s Zhang Ye''s agent, Rao Aimin."


    Then another person came in. "Chief, the PR rep of Zhang Ye''s Studio, Ha Qiqi, is here."


    Soon after, another policeman ran in and said, "Chief, a director at the Ministry of Public Security called to plead for Teacher Zhang."


    Ministry of Public Security?


    The police officers'' eyes twitched.


    Zhang Ye blinked several times. He knew who it was. Rao Aimin''s junior martial brother must have found someone to speak up for him since he worked at the Ministry of Public Security.


    "Chief!"


    "The media has arrived!"


    "There are more than 30 reporters blocking the main entrance!"


    "Chief, there are people from Beijing TV here as well. It''s Teacher Dong Shanshan''s boss!"


    "Central TV Sports Channel''s deputy director is here too! They want to bail Teacher Yu out."


    They could hear an uproar happening outside.


    Especially that loud voice of Ha Qiqi''s. It was extremely piercing. "And what are you all arresting him for? Based on what charges! Thewyer is already on the way here! I want to see Director Zhang right now!"


    The bureau chief wiped his sweat away and said, "Go and handle it."


    The door closed.


    Feeling a headacheing on, the bureau chief said, "People from all kinds of ces are starting to arrive here. Just look at this, what''s going to happen now? Do you think it''s easy for me to be a police chief here?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m sorry about that. me it on me, I''ve really troubled you guys this time."


    The bureau chief did not expect to hear such words from Zhang Ye, so he said, "Teacher Zhang, we''ve crossed paths before. I know what kind of person you are and that you would not hit others for no reason. If I were in your shoes and knew that my good friend was getting abused, I would''ve done the same even if it meant getting detained! But the problem is that you''re too well-known. Everyone in China knows you, and you have so many enemies as well. Now that this matter has blown up on the Inte, we cannot downy this case even if we wanted to."


    Zhang Ye said, "I understand, but as for my ssmates��"


    "How about this?" interrupted the bureau chief, "You and a few of the leaders of the group can''t leave today. As for the rest, I''ll give you some face and allow them to leave."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What about Hu Feifei?"


    The bureau chief thought about it. "She can go back as well."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Thank you so much!"


    "No, that won''t do!"


    "Right, we won''t leave!"


    "If we are to leave, we''ll leave together!"


    Everyone shouted in agreement.


    But Zhang Ye said, "That''s enough. Is this such a good situation that you guys want to be part of it? Feifei, Xiaoqian, Yingyi, Shanshan, all of you go back first. And the rest of you who can leave, just leave. I''ll stay behind here, so don''t worry."


    Dong Shanshan looked at him. "Are you going to be fine?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "What do you think? It''s not like this is the first time I''m here, so just lead them out. By the way, don''t let Hu Feifei go back home. Let her stay with you for now."


    Dong Shanshan nodded. "Alright, I''ll think of a way to get you out of here when I get out."


    "OK," Zhang Ye said.


    Then Dong Shanshan pulled Hu Feifei and Yu Yingyi away, saying, "Let''s go. It''ll be hard to get things settled if all of us stay here. Let''s go outside and ask around to see how we can get them out."


    Wang He waved his hands. "Just hurry up and go."


    Da Hui said with augh, "Us men aren''t afraid of staying here."


    Yu Yingyi said firmly, "Wait for us!"


    Hu Feifei said through her teeth, "I''ll think of something!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s fine. At most, we get locked up for seven or eight days."


    Hu Feifei said, "I''ll definitely get you guys out!"


    Zhang Ye waved them off, "Just go."


    The female ssmates all left.


    The remaining people were then sent to the "little dark room."


    When he went inside, Zhang Ye started reminiscing. A few years ago, he had written a poem on the wall that plunged the police station into chaos.


    The poem was still there!


    The faint writing could still be seen on the wall!


    Wang He stared at the writing. "Shut are the doors for humans."


    Da Hui continued, "Open is the entrance of a dog cage, a high pitched sound is heard��Crawl out and freedom will be granted��.Pfft, Zhang''er, you wrote this!"


    Everyone was amused!


    He Kui suddenly said, "Why not write another one now?"


    Several of the police officers who sent them into the room were scared out of their wits when they heard that!


    A young policeman shouted, "Don''t! Don''t write another!"


    A policewoman said, "Teacher Zhang, calm down! Calm down!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t worry, I''m not writing anything this time."


    The police officers heaved sighs of relief and walked off with a lingering sense of fear.


    Zhang Ye sat down on the floor. "Come on, bros. Take a seat."


    Wang He made himself at home and said, "There''s nothing to do anyway, so why don''t we talk?"


    Ma Xufeiy on the floor. "Ah, howfortable."


    Zhang Ye said with augh, "Then Old Ma can stay a few more days."


    "Forget that." Ma Xufei rolled his eyes and said, "If I can get out of here, I''ll definitely go. Who wants to stay in a ce like this?"


    Zhang Ye said, "So you guys now know how I felt a few years back?"


    He Kui said, "Ai, I wonder how many days we''ll be in here. We might even get transferred over to the prison?"


    Old Zhou whistled and said, "I suppose we''re getting badly scolded all over the Inte."


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "I bet they''re all insulting me."


    But this time, Zhang Ye was really wrong about that.


    ��


    On Weibo.


    By now, the details of this case had been uncoveredyer byyer!


    It was true that a lot of people were criticizing Zhang Ye. There were even people of status who were well-respected, consisting of experts and academics who were mainly Zhang Ye''s past foes. There were also some people who criticized Dong Shanshan and Yu Yingyi. However, there were even more people who did not criticize them. On this matter, the people''s evaluation of Zhang Ye, Dong Shanshan, and the others was instead very fair.


    "Beating up people is wrong, but it''s understandable in this case!"


    "Domestic violence should not be tolerated!"


    "It was Zhang Ye and Dong Shanshan''s old ssmate who got abused first. You couldn''t see something like this without taking action! Damn, if it were me, I would''ve beaten up that person too!"


    "That He guy indeed went overboard. We can''t me Dong Shanshan and Yu Yingyi for this incident. Instead, I see them in a different light. They are truly goddesses! They have guts and principles!"


    "Right!"


    "I''m Shanshan''s fan from now on!"


    "Think of those celebrities who only care about themselves and act dumb or divert the topic whenever something happens. They only know how to think about themselves first when their friends are in trouble and try not to get implicated. Is there any meaning in being someone like that? I prefer people like Zhang Ye and Dong Shanshan who dare to shout and fight for their beliefs! They were willing to step in and do something based on their friendship with an old ssmate. Even if they did wrong, it''s understandable why they did it! Don''t juste online to criticize others after you hear about a fight!"


    "Just on this issue, I have to pay respect to Zhang Ye and Dong Shanshan!"


    "For big shot Zhang Ye, and well-known hosts Dong Shanshan and Yu Yingyi, they were willing to put their reputations at stake. It must have really been difficult for them!"


    "That He guy deserves it!"


    "Zhang Ye should be let off with a p on the wrist!"


    "Right, cut him some ck!"


    "What a pity. I had just finished listening to that shocking ''Chasing Dreams with a Pure Heart'' and didn''t expect that they would really handle things like how they had sung. Thank you, thank you to all of you. You''ve let us witness many beautiful sights. Zhang Ye, Shanshan, Yingyi, please keep running, forever with the pride of a pure heart!"

 Chapter 1194: Released!

    <h4>Chapter 1194: Released! </h4>


    Chapter 1194: Released!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Some time in the morning.


    Ma Xufei woke up groaning, "Aiyo, my waist, it hurts so bad!"


    This groaning voice woke up everyone else in the room. All of them saw Ma Xufei, who was lying on the floor, get up while clutching his waist as he moved about stiffly.


    Wang He yawned. "What time is it?"


    Zhang Ye, who was lying on the table, also woke up. "It''s light out?"


    Suddenly, the door to the "little dark room" opened.


    The bureau chief came in with a smile. "Alright, pack it up, you guys are free to go."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Huh?"


    Wang He was also surprised. "We can go?"


    Ma Xufei was stunned. "Aren''t we getting detained?"


    He Kui rubbed his eyes in a daze. "What? Have we been sleeping for seven days and seven nights?"


    Old Wang said, "Pfft, are you a pig? Sleeping for seven straight days!"


    The bureau chief looked rxed. He said, "That He guy you all beat up has dropped the suit. He said that you guys were just fooling around, and the hospital has also cleared them of any serious injuries and said that they''d be fine." He looked at them and said, "Don''t ask me why; I don''t know the reason either. In any case, you can go now. Your cell phones and personal effects have all been brought over, soe and im whatever belongs to you."


    Zhang Yeughed. "So we can really leave?"


    The bureau chief rolled his eyes. "What''s the matter? Don''t tell me you''ve grown fond of staying here? I have to say this, Teacher Zhang. Please don''t stir up any more trouble in future. And if you decide to fight someone again, please don''t do so in my jurisdiction, alright? For all ofst night, our police station was the focus of the nation''s attention. It was so stressful that I even considered an early retirement! Please give us a break and stop bringing trouble to our police station!"


    They continued talking as they made their way out.


    In the police station''s yard, quite a few people were waiting!


    "Old Zhou!"


    "What are you doing here, honey?"


    "You jerk! You''ve been locked up, how can I note?"


    "He Kui!"


    "Ah, Dad."


    "How old are you? Why are you still getting into fights?"


    "Hehe, I got a little impulsive."


    Their family members were here to pick them up.


    Zhang Ye also knew quite a few of them. "Auntie Sun, Uncle Zhou."


    Several of the parents looked at him. "Little Ye, I have to lecture you. You''re the most sessful one of them all and should be leading by example, so how can you lead them to do something like this?"


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "It was my fault, my fault."


    But of course, Zhang Ye had the most peopleing to pick him up!


    Ha Qiqi eyes turned red. "Director Zhang! You made all of us so worried!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I''m sorry, I''m sorry."


    His parents were also here and theyshed out at him!


    Zhang Ye did not talk back and just listened to them as they scolded him.


    Little Wang and the others also hurried over. There were three or four people who came from the studio.


    "Director Zhang."


    "Have a change of clothes."


    "Are you hungry? I brought some food over for you."


    "Director Zhang, do you want a drink? It''s still warm, quickly drink some!"


    "Did you sleep well in there?"


    His junior martial sister drove here to wait for him as well. "Senior Bro, I got your car from Media College and drove it here. Master Rao is outside handling the reporters."


    A group of people busily waited on Zhang Ye, with some of them giving him something to eat and some of them giving him something to drink. When he choked, someone would instantly pass him a napkin!


    His group of ssmates were speechless as they watched. Wasn''t this treatment far too different from theirs?


    He had someone who drove here to pick him up.


    He had someone to bring him tea.


    He had someone to pour it for him.


    When can we reach the point that we can get this treatment too!


    They became incredibly jealous as they watched Zhang Ye!


    All of a sudden, more people came in from outside. They were Hu Feifei, Dong Shanshan, Yu Yingyi, and a few other female ssmates of theirs.


    So Zhang Ye said, "Dad, Mom, why don''t you two go home first."


    His mother stared at him. "I''ll pick it back up with you when you get home."


    "Alright, alright." Zhang Ye signaled to Yang Shu. "Yang Shu, send my parents home."


    "OK." Yang Shu led Zhang Ye''s parents away to send them back.


    Only then did Zhang Ye ask Hu Feifei, "So what happened?"


    Wang He, Ma Xufei, and the others also came over.


    "That''s right!"


    "How did we get released so quickly?"


    "Who''d you guys go to?"


    "Did that He guy suddenlye to his senses?"


    Hu Feifei smiled and said, "The public''s siding w. He''s under too much pressure and couldn''t bear it, so he decided to just let this go as he doesn''t want trouble for himself. Who hasn''t heard of Zhang''er''s reputation? Zhang''er is one of the biggest names in the country, so I''m sure that he''s also kinda afraid of him."


    Wang He spected, "That''s impossible!"


    Ma Xufei said, "Yeah, how could it be that simple?"


    The public was on their side this time. The majority of people felt they had their reasons for doing what they did. Although some people criticized them for their wrongdoing, they did not outright express their support for Hu Feifei''s husband either. Those who criticized Zhang Ye, Dong Shanshan, and the others were also scolding Hu Feifei''s husband without exception. In fact, they were even more critical of him. Some people dug up He''s family background andpany situation; even his home address had been exposed. If they were to say that he was under pressure, he definitely was. But that still wouldn''t amount to him doing a 180, would it?


    Hu Feifei changed the subject and said with augh, "Oh yes, I have some very good news to announce. I''m getting divorced! Please congratte me, everyone!"


    "Congrattions!"


    "Yeah, congrats!"


    "That''s a good thing!"


    "You should have done this a long time ago!"


    But Zhang Ye did not let it go. He needed to clear this up. "So what really happened? Hu Feifei, tell me the truth. Do you really think we''re so easily fooled?"


    Hu Feifei smiled and said, "But that''s really how it was, he couldn''t bear all that pressure."


    Zhang Ye looked at her. "Are you going to tell me or not?"


    Xiaoqian couldn''t hold it in any longer. "I''ll tell!"


    Hu Feifei red. "Xiaoqian!"


    Xiaoqian ignored her and said, "Hu Feifei has already signed the divorce papers. But she won''t be seeking any settlement on the condition that He must step back from taking any action on you guys and drop the suit!"


    Da Hui was startled. "What?"


    Wang He said, "Hu Feifei, aren''t you being silly like that?"


    Ma Xufei said angrily, "What are you thinking! You should have asked for a settlement! He''s abused you for so many years, how can you not get something from him? Why did you do that! However long we''re detained, so be it. It''s no big deal!"


    Hu Feifei smiled. "Well, he doesn''t have much money left anyway. Hispany has been going downhill in recent years and is almost an empty shell now. He even sold off a car and a property recently to pay off his debts. He''s in dire straits, and besides, I''ve also thought it through. I don''t want any of his lousy money. I just want to get back to being a host and earn myself a living. Ai, but I think I''m too far behind everyone now. I don''t even know if I can make up for the time I''ve lost over the past few years." She sounded a little hesitant. "Do you guys think that I can still get on a stage?"


    Wang He said, "Definitely!"


    Yu Yingyi said, "Right! You can definitely do it!"


    Zhang Ye praised, "It''s good that you''ve thought it out. You''re right, what need do you have for that lousy money of his."


    Xiaoqian gave him a look. "Zhang''er, you had better help Feifei find a good job. We''re counting on you."


    "Don''t worry." Zhang Ye, taking it all on, said, "I''ll help Hu Feifei contact some peopleter."


    Dong Shanshan also said with augh, "Feifei, stay at my ce for now. It''s boring living by myself anyway."


    Hu Feifei did not turn her down. "Sure, I have nowhere to go, so I guess I''ll have to disturb you for a few days until I find a ce to move to."


    "Let''s go!"


    "We''re going back home!"


    "Hahaha!"


    The police officers at the station got quite moved from watching this.


    All of them were willing to get detained just because they wanted to get justice for their ssmate!


    While one of them was willing to leave a marriage with nothing to her name in order to save her ssmates!


    ssmates?


    What a beautiful term it was!


    ��


    Outside, the reporters had clogged the entrance!


    When Zhang Ye, Dong Shanshan, and the others came out, the reporters rushed up to them!


    Zhang Ye gave Ha Qiqi and the others a look that they immediately understood. The studio''s staff immediately went up to block the reporters.


    "Fes, run!" Zhang Ye shouted. Hu Feifei and the others instantly widened their strides and ran away from the reporters. Someone started singing, to which Zhang Ye and everyone else loudly sang along with!


    "Instead of clinging to life, live passionately, burn brightly!


    "For our beautiful dreams!


    "Upromising through the years!"

 Chapter 1195: The prospective daughter-in-law comes to visit!

    <h4>Chapter 1195: The prospective daughter-inwes to visit! </h4>


    Chapter 1195: The prospective daughter-inwes to visit!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


    Slightly before 2 PM.


    In the courtyard of the Wu residence.


    The courtyard house door was unlocked, and Zhang Ye pushed it open to get in. "Auntie, Uncle, is anyone home?"


    Li Qinqin came out from the northern house looking rather surprised. "Little Ye? When did you get released?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I was let out this morning. Auntie, I bought you some fruit. I''ll just ce it out here in the courtyard." He left them on the stone table.


    Wu Changhe also stepped out from the house. "What are you doing here, kid?"


    Li Qinqin said, "Quick, let''s go inside."


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "I came here to escape from themotion at home. My parents will nag me if I go back. They''ve been nagging me the entire morning, and the studio is packed with reporters. If I go back there, wouldn''t I just get bombarded with questions? So I can only make my way here to your ce toy low for a while. I''ve called Old Wu. She said that she''ll being over in a while too."


    Just as he finished speaking.


    Wu Zeqing arrived.


    "Whoa, that was fast!" Zhang Ye turned around.


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "I saw you driving over here. I was right behind you."


    Li Qinqinined to Zhang Ye, "You really made us worried about you."


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "Hai, Auntie, I''m fine."


    Wu Zeqing made him go into the house. "My mom had to go around yesterday asking so many people to find out about your circumstances. She was really hoping that someone could help get you released. You don''t even know how worried she was."


    Zhang Ye was extremely touched. "Aiyo, Auntie, I''m terribly sorry about making you worry."


    Wu Changhe said nonchntly, "If you know how to be sorry, you shouldn''t have taken part in a gang fight."


    Li Qinqin gave her husband a small nudge. "Didn''t you also check with many people regarding Little Ye''s case? You even pushed for me to call up an old ssmate who was working at a police station!"


    Wu Changhe grunted, "I did that for my daughter."


    Wu Zeqingughed and said, "See how well my parents treat you."


    "Thank you, Uncle. Thank you, Auntie." Zhang Ye thanked them sincerely.


    Li Qinqin gave her daughter a sharp look. "Only you weren''t worried."


    Wu Zeqing said gently, "He can handle it himself. Why would I need to worry?"


    Li Qinqin said unhappily, "What if something had happened?"


    Wu Zeqingughed. "He knows what he''s doing."


    "What does he know?" Wu Changhe said in a speechless manner, "Which A-list celebrity out there goes around taking part in gang fights? I''ve never even heard of that happening before!"


    Li Qinqin added, "Right, don''t be so impulsive next time!"


    Zhang Ye did not know how to answer them.


    Instead, it was Wu Zeqing who answered for him. "Since he handled it that way, he must have his reasons for doing so. Alright, let''s not talk about this anymore." Then she looked at Zhang Ye. "Shall I make you something to eat?"


    Zhang Ye put his hand on his belly. "Yeah, I didn''t really eat lunch."


    "Alright, give me a bit then." Wu Zeqing headed to the kitchen and busied herself.


    Wu Changhe and Li Qinqin both rolled their eyes. Their daughter was really spoiling her boyfriend. After such a big incident, she didn''t even direct a word of me at him. Instead, she even spoke up for him? What was this! They were speaking in such harmony. If it went on like this, wouldn''t there be bigger trouble in the future? And they weren''t even married yet! If they really got married, wouldn''t these two turn the entire Chinese entertainment industry on its head? A showbiz celebrity who loved making trouble, and a woman in a position of power who was coincidentally the authority of the entertainment industry, who could stop them in the future?


    After lunch.


    Wu Changhe went to power on theputer to y Go.


    Wu Zeqing brought Zhang Ye to her bedroom in the west wing. Old Wu didn''t live here usually but she would stay over sometimes when it rained after visiting her parents.


    The decor in the room was middling, but it was quite clean and tidy.


    The moment Zhang Ye stepped inside, he flopped onto the bed. "I''m exhausted."


    Wu Zeqing sat next to the bed. "You didn''t sleep well while you were in jail? Then get some rest while you''re here. You can take off your shoes and put my slippers on."


    Zhang Ye blinked several times and turned sideways. He hugged her waist and ced his hands on her leg. Through her ck suit pants, he could feel the softness of her leg. "I''ve been too busy these days,mentating for the Olympics, releasing a music video single, and even getting arrested. I haven''t seen you in such a long time. How is everything at work? Have you been busy?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "It''s the same as usual. You know, you really should take things a little easier in the future. Don''t worry my parents anymore."


    "I understand." Zhang Ye said, "Haha, I''ll lie low for a while and work on my character. Your parents are really quite good to me. I really hadn''t expected that."


    Suddenly, the thud of footfalls approached.


    It was Li Qinqin. "Zeqing?"


    Wu Zeqing turned around. "Mom,e in."


    Zhang Ye immediately pulled his hands back and sat up on the bed.


    Li Qinqin came into the bedroom and said with a smile, "Is Little Ye tired?"


    "No, I feel awake." Zhang Ye smiled.


    Li Qinqin nodded and sat down as well. "Zeqing, I had a discussion with your dad just now. The rtionship between you and Little Ye is more or less confirmed. I''ve been thinking of having a meal with Little Ye''s parents someday to discuss you two and your wedding. How should it be held? Should it be a grand one or a simple one? Which day should we hold it on? All of that needs to be discussed. When I brought this upst time, the two of you didn''t seem anxious about it, so I''m here to hurry you two along."


    Zhang Ye grew spirited. "I''m anxious, Auntie, I''m anxious."


    Li Qinqin was happy to hear that. "I''m anxious too."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "I still have to pay them a visit, don''t I?"


    Li Qinqin followed with, "Then when will you go over to Little Ye''s ce?"


    Wu Zeqing thought about it for a moment before saying, "I have to check with my secretary first and see what my schedule''s like, and when Little Ye and I can both get a day off to go visit them. Besides, I still have to buy a gift for them when I go over."


    Li Qinqin smacked her lips. "Why does it have to be some other day? Aren''t you two free today? There''s no time like the present, so why don''t you do it today? You don''t have to worry about bringing a gift. I''ll go and do it for you this afternoon. Each of you is busier than the other; do you think it''ll be that easy for the two of you to find another free day together? Just do it today!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and looked at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye immediately understood that she was asking if he agreed. So he said with much anticipation, "I have no problem with that. My parents are both at home. I just need to call them to tell them."


    Wu Zeqing nodded. "Alright then."


    Li Qinqin said happily, "Great! Zeqing, when you go over, remember to speak nicely. This is your first time paying them a visit, so you have to pay attention and be considerate of everything. Don''t forget your manners, understand?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Hur hur, would I not know that?"


    Li Qinqin said, "Sure, you know everything!"


    Wu Zeqing said, "I''ll go and get ready then. I need to change."


    Zhang Ye snapped his fingers. "I''ll go and make the call!"


    It was a rather big affair, but it was settled just like that.


    Zhang Ye was getting very excited. Having a girlfriend and bringing her home to meet the parents were two very different things. So he went out to the courtyard and called home.


    His father answered the phone.


    The moment he heard Zhang Ye''s voice, he said, "Where''d you go? You ran away just because we lectured you a little? Hurry up ande back. Your mother is still angry with you."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Dad, I''ll be back in the evening. Tell Mom to tidy up the house a little. I''ll be bringing someone home."


    His father was taken aback. "Who are you bringing over?"


    Zhang Ye said confidently, "My girlfriend."


    His father was stunned. "You have a girlfriend?"


    When his mother heard, she eximed as well. "What?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I do. Didn''t I tell the two of you a long time ago?"


    His father immediately said, "OK, OK, we''ll get ready. What time will you two get here?"


    "Around 5 PM or so."


    "OK, I''ll let your mom know!"

 Chapter 1196: Good kid, beautifully done!

    <h4>Chapter 1196: Good kid, beautifully done! </h4>


    Chapter 1196: Good kid, beautifully done!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At home.


    His parents were currently tidying up the house.


    "Why was it so sudden?" his mother muttered.


    His father shook his head. "Who knows! He just said that he''ll be bringing his girlfriend back and told us to tidy up the house a little."


    His mother was sweeping the floor with a broom. "He didn''t mention who it was? What''s her job?"


    His father said, "I don''t know. Is Little Ye really in a rtionship?"


    "It seems like it." His mother said, "I''ve heard him mention it before, but I thought he was just humoring me. Who would have thought that he was serious about it."


    His father quickened his tidying. "Let''s hurry up then. We don''t want hering over and seeing our house in such a mess. We have to give her a good first impression."


    His mother worried, "Old Zhang, what would you say if we don''t approve of the girl who Little Ye brings home? I''m really afraid that he''ll bring home someone shady. I''m telling you beforehand, you had better present a united front with me and be on the same side. If it so happens that we find the girl unsuitable, we must firmly oppose their rtionship. We can''t let our son see a glimmer of hope in convincing us. We must deny him outright since this is marriage we''re talking about!"


    His father felt a little hesitant. "Let''s see who it is first."


    His mother said while sweeping the floor, "Alright, I''ll go out to buy some groceries then."


    "Buy more than usual," his father instructed.


    They busied themselves around the house the entire afternoon.


    After his mother came home from grocery shopping, she did not pluck or wash the vegetables. Instead, she put everything into the fridge and left some handmade noodles on the cutting board.


    His father wondered, "What are you doing? Aren''t you going to prepare some food ahead of time?"


    His mother said in a petty manner, "I have to hold back a little first."


    "Why did you buy the handmade noodles?" His father was puzzled.


    His mother whispered, "In case we''re not happy with the woman Little Ye brings home, we''ll make the noodles for them to eat and just get this meeting over and done with. It''ll also be a way to express our attitudes for her."


    His father said in a speechless manner, "You''re going to serve her noodles on her first visit to our ce?"


    His mother said, "Well, I have to be prepared for both situations. Whatever, just follow my leadter."


    His father looked at his watch. "It''s almost time, right?"


    "They should be here soon." His mother was finally done prepping. She went over to sit down on the sofa and turned on the television. However, she saw that her son was still being talked about on the news. "Why are they still talking about this? What kind of girl do you think will suit our son the best with that temper of his? He doesn''t know how to take care of people and always loves getting into trouble. Would any of the nicer girls want to settle for a guy like him? They would only get scolded every day if they choose to be with him, don''t you think?"


    His father said, "Little Ye has many good points too."


    "Good points like what?"


    "He''s quite filial."


    "Heh, cut the crap."


    "What?"


    "He''s always getting into trouble and making us worried��that itself is unfilial!"


    Ding dong, ding dong.


    The doorbell suddenly rang!


    His father''s eyes lit up. "Coming!"


    His mother hurriedly got up. "Go, open the door."


    The two of them were starting to feel a little nervous. They didn''t know what kind of girl to expect behind the door. His mother hesitated for a moment before she pulled open the door.


    When it was halfway open, they saw a beautiful, gorgeous face!


    His mother was stunned!


    His father was also stunned!


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Auntie, Uncle."


    His mother quickly said, "Aiyo, isn''t this Little Wu? Why''s an important chief like you so free toe over today?" They had met at the King of Masked Singers concert and even sat together. His mother had also invited Wu Zeqing to visit them, but who could have guessed that she woulde over today?


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "I came to visit you."


    His mother gave a wry smile and said, "Aiya, what a coincidence. My son just called to say that he would be bringing his girlfriend over today. This is really too coincidental. Why don''t youe in and take a seat?"


    His father hurriedly said, "You came at the right time. Let''s have dinner together. Little Wu has been a great help to our son all this time and should not be considered a stranger."


    Wu Zeqing smiled.


    Zhang Ye''s speechless face was finally revealed behind the half-opened door. "Dad, Mom, what are you two talking about? Hurry up and let us into the house. I''m carrying a bunch of stuff and waiting out here!"


    His mother said in surprise, "You scared me!"


    His father said startled, "Why did youe with Little Wu?"


    Wu Zeqing entered the house.


    Zhang Ye, who was carryingrge and small boxes, dropped everything the moment he got into the house. "Didn''t I say that I was bringing someone home?" He pointed at Wu Zeqing. "I was referring to her!"


    His mother eximed, "Ah?"


    His father was stunned. "Don''t be ridiculous!"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Auntie, Uncle, I''ve been in a rtionship with Little Ye for about a year, but we haven''t told you two all this while. I''m really sorry."


    His parents were so shocked they couldn''t get a word out. Who could have ever thought that his son''s girlfriend would turn out to be Wu Zeqing, the Deputy Chief of SARFT!


    This��


    This��


    His father quickly said, "Little Wu, take a seat. Come inside and take a seat."


    His mother grabbed him and whispered excitedly, "Is this true?"


    Zhang Ye smiled proudly. "Of course it''s true."


    His mother said uneasily, "You better not have gotten her to pretend to be your girlfriend to trick us!"


    Zhang Ye was floored. "You''ve watched too many soap dramas, haven''t you? You and Dad haven''t pushed me to get married or given me any pressure at all, so why would I suddenly bring someone back to trick you two? Have I got nothing better to do?"


    His mother smacked her thigh. "Good kid!"


    His father was steeping tea for Wu Zeqing. "Have some water."


    Wu Zeqing took the cup from him. "Thank you, Uncle. I''ll help myself."


    Then his mother quickly went over and sat beside Wu Zeqing. She held her hand and said excitedly, "Little Wu, you two have kept this secret so well! You really have good taste, you know? This son of mine, put simply, is just the best. He knows how to take care of people and is considerate as well. Most importantly, he''s filial! He''s especially filial! He knows how to take care of his own problems and never makes us worried!"


    His father was taken aback.


    What?


    This was not what you said earlier!


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Little Ye is pretty good, I know."


    His mother bragged, "He''s not just pretty good but really good, you know? Although society holds some prejudices against my son, it''s because they don''t understand him. My son really has a lot of good points!"


    Zhang Ye blushed. He changed the subject by saying, "Dad, what are we having for dinner?"


    His father said, "Ah, dinner? What are we having for dinner?" He looked at his wife.


    Zhang Ye went to the kitchen to have a look. "Eh, why are there only noodles?"


    His father said, "Your mother bought that for tonight��"


    His mother red at her husband and said, "What noodles? I bought that for myself to eat tomorrow. It''s Little Wu''s first timeing to our ce, so how can we serve her noodles? Why are you so funny?" She walked to the kitchen and opened the fridge. "Ignore your father, the food''s all in here!"


    His father was tongue-tied


    Didn''t you say to prepare for both situations?


    What do you mean "ignore me"?


    And you''re even calling me funny?


    His mother said, "I''m going to make dinner!"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Auntie, let me do it."


    "No, no, no, don''t you trouble yourself. Just sit and wait!" Then she shouted, "Old Zhang,e and help me. What are you doing?"


    His father walked helplessly into the kitchen.


    His mother immediately made eyes at him and whispered, "What do you think of Little Wu?"


    His father said, "She''s quite good. It''s not like we don''t know her."


    "She''s more than just quite good!" His mother beamed. "We must have been blessed by our ancestors! Are you dumb? Why''d you mention the noodles?"


    His father said in a speechless manner, "You said to follow your lead!"


    Zhang Ye did not understand. "What lead?"


    His motherughed it off and said, "Nothing, it''s nothing."


    His father said, "It''s just that she''s much older than Little Ye."


    "It''s good that she''s older!" His mother said, "She can control him that way!"


    His father asked him, "What does Little Wu like about you?"


    "My charms, of course," Zhang Ye boasted.


    His father worried, "Would her parents agree to your rtionship?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "They''ve long since agreed. Her dad is Wu Changhe, don''t you know? I''ve been to their ce a few times and they''re both pretty good to me."


    His mother asked, "They don''t object to you?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "What''s there to object to?"


    His mother pped his shoulders hard. "Rascal, you''ve done something good for once!"


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Weren''t you lecturing me this morning? You''re not angry anymore? You don''t mind that I got into a fight?"


    His motherughed hard. "If you can get someone as good as Little Wu to be your wife, I won''t care even if you get into fights every day! Good kid, beautifully done!"

 Chapter 1197: Zhang Ye gives his first lesson at his alma mater!

    <h4>Chapter 1197: Zhang Ye gives his first lesson at his alma mater! </h4>


    Chapter 1197: Zhang Ye gives his first lesson at his alma mater!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    Early in the morning.


    After several days had passed, calm returned to the entertainment industry. There was no news that could be talked about forever. Even an incident of celebrities taking part in a gang fight would blow over after some time. Other things were always happening that would catch the attention of the media and citizens as they moved on to whatever was more interesting. This was what the entertainment industry was all about.


    After the news had quieted.


    It was peaceful once more online.


    However, it was not as quiet in Zhang Ye''s house. More urately, Zhang Ye''s mother had been so excited in the past two days she couldn''t calm down at all.


    His mother kept pacing around the house and would often bring something up out of the blue. Recently, her behavior had been iprehensible. "Old Zhang, are there any beauty salons nearby?"


    His father asked, "Why?"


    His mother said, "I want to get a makeover and some beauty care, of course. When the dayes for our son to get married, I don''t want to look old and haggard. It wouldn''t look good at all, so I have to start preparing now."


    His father said, "You look good just the way you are."


    Zhang Ye had already gotten out of bed. He said annoyed, "Mom, you''ve been fussing over this for two days already."


    "But I''m really excited!" His mother still couldn''t shake off the excitement she was experiencing. "I have to say, an important executive like Little Wu taking a fancy to you, you must really be blessed, you lucky fool. By the way, what time does she get off work today? Would she like toe over for dinner? Try to ask her over again. You really have to work on solidifying your rtionship with her so that she won''t slip away from you, understand? Little Wu is so beautiful and gentle. She''s willing to cook for you and is an important executive as well. You mustn''t let her get away!"


    His father rolled his eyes. "You''ve invited her to our ce eight times over the past few days, so can''t you give her a break for a day or two? You ask her toe over for lunch and dinner every day; do you really think she has nothing better to do? Aren''t you being too enthusiastic? You might just end up causing issues if you scare Little Wu away."


    His mother stared at him. "I''m just happy to have Little Wu around. What can you do about it!"


    Ever since Zhang Ye brought Old Wu home, his mother had felt really happy about everything. She was obviously overjoyed and approved of her prospective daughter-inw.


    "This won''t do! I have to make a call!"


    "To who, Mom?"


    "To the neighbors."


    "Aiya, didn''t I tell you to keep it a secret?"


    "Then I''ll give your grandma a call."


    "Just don''t say anything, alright? If you do, everyone will find out."


    "Then just let them find out."


    "Old Wu has a special status and I''m from the entertainment circle, so let''s wait until we''re married before announcing it."


    So his mother continued to pace around the house. Every now and then, she would look at her phone or sit down and stomp her feet. "Aiyo, keeping this a secret is killing me!"


    Zhang Ye and his father gave each other a look andughed helplessly. His mother had no other fault other than being a loudmouth and braggart. Now that she was not allowed to speak about his rtionship, she had a horrible time trying to hide it.


    Then, Zhang Ye''s cell phone rang.


    Media College was calling.


    Su Hongyan said: "Little Zhang, have you left your house yet?"


    Zhang Ye said: "I''ll be leaving soon."


    "Don''t forget about today''s lesson. We''re all waiting for you."


    "Don''t worry, Teacher Su, I won''t forget." Zhang Ye hung up and told his parents, "Mom, keep keeping it secret. Dad, I''m off to give a lesson at school."


    ��


    Later that morning.


    Media College.


    There was still an hour to go, but the lecture hall was already packed to the brim. A distance away, a lot of people were still making their way over here in a hurry!


    "Fuck, the ss is full?"


    "Look at the time."


    "What''d you expect? Don''t forget that Zhang Ye will be giving this lesson!"


    "And I thought that I got here early. There aren''t any seats left."


    "Just find a random spot. I''ll attend this ss even if I have to stand!"


    "Yeah, we can''t miss out on our alum giving a lesson!"


    "Fangzi, over here! I''ve reserved a seat for you!"


    "Ah, Qiqi, you''re great! I love you so much!"


    "Just buy me a meal after this! Fucking hell, I''ve been here since 6 AM to get these seats for us!"


    "Damn! You really gave it your all!"


    Strictly speaking, it was still not the official start of the school semester. The freshmen were still going through orientation and would onlyplete it by this afternoon, so the quickest that they could start their lessons proper would be tomorrow. However, the school had specially arranged for Zhang Ye to give this ss a talk as they had a deeper intent. Looking at this turnout, other than the freshmen students, even the sophomore and junior broadcasting majors were trying to squeeze into the lecture hall for the ss. Further, there were also many students from other departments who came to take part in the ruckus.


    This was where Zhang Ye stood out from the other teachers.


    He was extremely popr.


    He had huge appeal.


    And everyone liked him very much.


    Outside, Zhang Ye arrived and was humming a little ditty.


    Su Hongyan, who had spotted him from a distance away, said with a smile, "Feeling good?"


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Haha! Good morning, Teacher Su."


    Now that Old Wu had officially been introduced to his parents and having gained their approval of her, their wedding was imminent. So how could he not be happy? He was bursting with joy.


    The dean of the Broadcasting Department smiled and said, "Professor Zhang, you have an important mission on your hands today."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "I understand."


    The dean said, "I suppose it isn''t necessary for me to mention how important the freshmen''s first ss is. The school made many considerations before handing this ss to you, so we''re sure that you would be up to the task. Basically, this is just going to be an initiation ss, so there''s no need to cover any professional knowledge or topics like that. You just need to help usher the freshmen into university life and spark their interest in our Broadcasting Department, so it would be great if the lesson is a little more fun. You don''t have to give a long talk or speech since students these days have a different way of thinking. They no longer fall for the traditional methods."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright."


    The dean patted him. "Then I''ll leave this to you."


    Su Hongyan reminded Zhang Ye, "Hur hur, do well, we''ll be listening to your lecture as well."


    Zhang Ye said, "Whoa, that''s a lot of pressure on me."


    One of the department''s associate professorsughed. "Motivationes from pressure."


    After chatting for a bit and getting to know many of the other teachers and professors of the Broadcasting Department, Zhang Ye looked at his watch before striding into the lecture hall.


    The dean smiled and said, "Come, let''s go in and listen together."


    Su Hongyan and the others proceeded in behind him.


    Many sets of eyes were now focused on the lectern!


    "Alum!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Professor Zhang!"


    "Wow, he''s so handsome!"


    "I couldn''t see him clearly at the Weing Ceremony because I was sitting too far away. I can finally have a closer look this time!"


    "Who says that Teacher Zhang is only average looking? I think he''s handsome!"


    "Right! But more importantly, he''s got a really good stage presence!"


    Apuse thundered!


    Many of the freshmen were screaming!


    Zhang Ye stood on the podium calmly and adjusted the microphone. Then he smiled. "Hello, everyone. I''m your teacher for your first ss of the semester and my name is Zhang Ye."


    Apuse sounded again!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "First of all, I would like to congratte all of you for standing out amongst so many candidates in the National College Entrance Exam and getting epted into the top department for broadcasting in the country. I would also like to thank everyone here for choosing toe here, for choosing to attend Media College. Around eight years ago, I was sitting here like all of you right now, watching as my teacher gave me my first lesson in university. I could never have expected that, eight yearster, I would have the honor of standing here and doing the same." He spread his hands. "In fact, I did not prepare any lecture material for today. I don''t have any notes with me, as you can all see. For this first lesson, I just hope to have a good talk with all of you. So there''s no need to address me as ''Teacher Zhang'' or ''Professor Zhang.'' Just call me ''Alum'' or ''Old Zhang;'' I''m fine with either of those."


    All of the freshmenughed.


    "Sure, Old Zhang!"


    "Hahaha!"


    Zhang Ye looked below and said, "I would first like to ask a question. Why did you all choose to enter the broadcasting major?"


    Immediately, countless hands shot up.


    Zhang Ye pointed at a girl. "You there, tell me."


    The girl stood up excitedly. "Alum, I chose to study broadcasting because of you. My dream is to be an outstanding host like you in the future!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Your answer doesn''t sound like you mean it. I think that even if someone else were standing here, you would say the same thing."


    Everyoneughed!


    The girl was tickled as well!


    Zhang Ye picked another person.


    A male freshman stood up. "The reason why I chose to study broadcasting is that I like the profession. I think it''s really cool."


    Zhang Ye asked a few more people and all of them had simr answers. They just liked it.


    Zhang Ye asked again, "Then what do you guys think is the most important aspect required for one to do well in the field of broadcasting?"


    "Adaptability?"


    "I think it''s being a good talker!"


    "Good looks?"


    "Wit has to be the most important thing!"


    The answers they gave were slightly more varied this time.


    Zhang Ye looked over them. "Every one of you gave different answers to that question, but my opinion is rather different from yours. I feel that the most important aspect in broadcasting is something that all of you have neglected to mention,nguage. Not just any foreignnguage, but our very own Chinesenguage!"


    The students in the audience were taken aback!


    The Chinesenguage?


    Mandarin? But who wouldn''t have a grasp of that?


    Su Hongyan looked at the stage curiously.


    Zhang Ye smile and pointed into the crowd. "I can see doubt on many of your faces. Everyone here knows how to speak, and by that, I mean that they know how to speak in Mandarin, of course. Otherwise, you wouldn''t have passed the Media College Entrance Exam and be sitting here right now. My guess is that all of you are thinking about how to improve your English and pass the CET-4 1 so that you can all graduate from university. That must be the most important thing on everyone''s minds, right?"


    Quite a few people nodded.


    Zhang Ye said, "Actually, I''ve never been in favor of English being taught as a core subject, and disagree even more about how we have to gain a Band-4 reditation to be able to graduate from university. As a broadcasting professional, this is simply a penny wise, pound foolish mindset. It is downright misleading!"


    The audience burst into an uproar!


    Misleading?


    Only Zhang Ye would dare to make that im!


    Su Hongyan gave a wry smile. "Dean."


    The dean smiled and said, "I knew that he wouldn''t give the lesson by the books. It''s fine, let''s hear what he has to say first."


    Zhang Ye added, "Of course, I''m not simply saying this because my English is bad."


    Everyoneughed again!


    Zhang Ye exined calmly, "Chinese culture is extremely deep, and all knowledge of it is contained within ournguage. Starting from today, all of you will be introduced to a series of subjects like vocal lessons, speed reading, extemporaneous speeches, and literature and cultural sses. All of them are based on the Chinesenguage, yet this most important and basguage has been neglected by everyone. Instead, the Englishnguage started getting pushed onto the teaching agenda. In overseas markets, only their homegrown hosts would bepetent enough to host their own shows. Likewise, only a Chinese host would be able to do well for our shows in China. Why is that? It''s all down tonguage itself! In the career of broadcasting,nguage is the divisive point and also the greatest limitation that one can encounter! Even if we were to learn English great, we still couldn''t speak it better than native speakers. By the same logic, even if foreigners learned Mandarin well and work in broadcasting in China, they couldn''t match up to us! Language is the greatestpetitive edge for a host, but look at what we''re doing. Rather than valuing the Chinesenguage, we''re cing more emphasis on the Englishnguage and minoritynguages? And use CET-4 and CET-6 to determine whether the students can graduate or not? What''s the meaning of this?"


    Quite a few freshmen fell into thought.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Have you ever seen any overseas broadcasting majors who are required to reach a certain proficiency in the Chinesenguage? Have you evere across any international students who aren''t allowed to graduate just because they hadn''t reached a certain level in Mandarin? None, right?"


    Everyone started shaking their heads.


    Of course not!


    Why would they have to be tested in Mandarin!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "If they''re required to be tested on their proficiency of the Chinesenguage, then I''ll be the first to fight for the right to be the question setter. Let me make it difficult for them. If I can write the HSK-4 2 and HSK-6 questions for them, I guarantee that no matter how proficient they are, they won''t be able to graduate. Do you guys believe me?"


    The freshmenughed to kingdome!


    "I don''t believe you!"


    "What kinds of questions will you write?"


    "Yeah, tell us!"


    "HSK-4 and HSK-6?"


    "If foreigners can learn it well, it wouldn''t be difficult."


    "Yeah, I''ve evene across foreigners who have great Chinese."


    Zhang Ye said, "So no one believes me?"


    Everyone cried out, "No, we don''t believe it!"


    Zhang Ye said with a smile, "Then let me give you guys a few questions to listen to, and let you think about how profound and deep the Chinesenguage is."


    The freshmen were suddenly anticipating it!


    The broadcasting major sophomores and juniors who sneaked in also pricked up their ears. They really did not believe that Zhang Ye would be able to make up questions that would befuddle all foreigners!


    Zhang Ye said, "The following are HSK-4 test questions. Please listen to the first one."


    With a straight face, Zhang Ye said, "A bird shat on the windowsill. Xiaoming''s teacher called to him, ''Xiaoming, go clean the bird poop off.''" Taking a pause, he then mimicked a voice of someone surprised and said, "Xiaoming said, ''Off I go!''"


    It fell silent!


    The entire lecture hall fell silent!


    Su Hongyan: "��"


    The dean: "��"


    The entire group of freshmen: "��"


    Zhang Ye asked in seriousness, "The question is, did Xiaoming do any cleaning or just go off?"


    Instantly, the entire audienceughed!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Off I go?"


    "Fuck that ''off I go''!"


    "I''ll go off on your off I go!"


    "Aiyo, I''m dying ofughter!"


    Zhang Ye immediately followed up with, "Now for the second question. As the floor was very dirty, the teacher told Xiaoming, ''Xiaoming, scrub the floor clean!''" Pausing, he then widened his eyes and said, "Xiaoming said, ''Scrub that!''"


    Su Hongyan burst intoughter!


    The dean nearly spat out a glob of saliva!


    Zhang Ye said, "The question is, did Xiaoming scrub the floor or not?"


    The students were all rolling on the floorughing!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Your sister, what kinds of questions are these!"


    "These kinds of questions would never be understood by foreigners!"


    "Aiyo, I can''t take this anymore!"


    "Scrub that!"


    Some of them wereughing so hard that tears rolled down their cheeks!


    Zhang Ye calmly continued, "Please listen to the third question. Xiaohong asked Xiaoming, ''Do we have to bring pens for today''s ss?'' Xiaoming said��" Zhang Ye mimicked, "��'' Dip pens 3 [Depends]!''" He looked over the audience and asked, "The question is, do they need to bring pens for today''s ss? If they do, what kind of pen do they need to bring?"


    "Hahaha!"


    "Dip pens!"


    "These questions are way too tricky!"


    The people in the audience were in stitches. Many of them were cheering and apuding!


    Zhang Ye surveyed the crowd and said, "That was only a HSK-4 test question. Now let''s listen to a HSK-6 question. This will be a listening multiple choice question."


    Everyone was listening with rapt attention.


    Zhang Ye said, "Xiaofang said 4 , ''Your sister! Yo momma''s Aunt Flo has yet to visit this month. Dis big sis is so worried! This is cheating the Allfather!''"


    "Hahaha!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "The question is, who in this passage would be panicking the most?"


    Panicking?


    If one''s Aunt Flo did not arrive, who would be panicking the most?


    Pfft! Does that mean she''s pregnant?


    Everyoneughed loudly again!


    Zhang Ye put up a finger. "A: Xiaofang''s little sister."


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahaha!"


    Zhang Ye said, "B: Xiaofang''s mother."


    "Aiyo!"


    "I''m tearing up fromughing!"


    "C: Xiaofang''s big sister."


    "Haha!"


    "D: Xiaofang''s father."


    "I''mughing my ass off!"


    "Yes, her father must be panicking the most!"


    "E: Xiaofang''s Aunt Flo."


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye: "F: Xiaofang herself."


    "Hahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye blinked and said, "And thest option, Xiaofang''s boyfriend��Xiaoming!"


    When they heard thest option, many of the freshmen and seniors instantly clutched their stomachs as they let out great bigughs. They were finally convinced. If the HSK questions were written by Zhang Ye, all the foreigners taking it would definitely die. These sorts of questions were simply too wicked. Other than the Chinese, who else could understand them!


    Apuse erupted!


    Everyone was pping with all their might!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said to everyone, "See? Isn''t the Chinesenguage extremely profound and deep?"


    Everyone nodded their heads furiously!


    "Right!"


    "It''s so extremely deep!"


    "Iughed myself dizzy!"


    "Why are you so funny, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Aiyo, let me keepughing!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Instead of focusing and cing importance on anguage that has brought together several thousand years of Chinese history, we have switched our emphasis to something else. That in itself is already a reckless waste. A host depends on their mouth, which is just a channel to bring across anguage. In the following four years of your university life, please make sure you put in the effort to learn Mandarin well, because it''s the most important skill that you can have as a host, and a skill that dictates where you stand in the industry!" Then, he looked at his watch before smiling and saying, "Alright, that''s all for today''s lesson. ss is dismissed."


    He turned around and stepped off the podium.


    All of the students immediately gave an unending standing ovation!


    Su Hongyan chuckled, then stood up as well to p!


    The dean and the other professors of the Broadcasting Department did the same!


    How wonderful!


    It was truly wonderful!


    This initiation lecture was really one of a kind. Whether it was from a professional standpoint or the suitability and interest of the subject, all was impable. Although the dean felt that there were some controversial points in there, everyone had their own views on things. They could still findmon ground in the lesson, but more importantly, the students'' interest was piqued right from the start of the lecture until the very end. There was no point during the lecture where anyone''s concentration hadpsed. This was what made the lesson even more impressive!


    Having Zhang Yee and give the first lesson was indeed the correct decision!


    From the expressions on the students'' faces, it looked like they were looking more and more forward to the official start of their sses. All of them seemed to have a very positive attitude in weing the start of the new semester!


    After the ss ended.


    The students walked off in groups.


    "That was so cool!"


    "Yeah, so this is what it means to attend university."


    "Everyone says that all the sses in college are so boring and dry, but it doesn''t seem like it!"


    "I think so too. That was such a wonderful lesson that I don''t understand why the upperssmen would want to skip their sses."


    Nearby, when some of the sophomores and juniors heard this, they couldn''t help but smile wryly. Just you guys wait until school has officially started. Then you''ll see the reality. In all of Media College, only Zhang Ye would dare and be able to lecture this way! None of the other teachers are like this at all!


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_English_Test


    2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanyu_Shuiping_Kaoshi


    3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dip_pen


    4. Illeism - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illeism

 Chapter 1198: Officially engaged!

    <h4>Chapter 1198: Officially engaged! </h4>


    Chapter 1198: Officially engaged!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the campus.


    The students dispersed.


    Su Hongyan went to look for Zhang Ye. "Zhang''er."


    Zhang Ye turned around and said with a smile, "Yo, Teacher Su."


    "Are you leaving already?" Su Hongyan asked.


    Zhang Ye shrugged and said, "Yeah, ss has ended, and I have no other business here."


    Su Hongyan looked into his eyes and giggled. "You''re a natural at teaching. Doe back again when you''re free to give the kids a lecture."


    Zhang Ye said in surrender, "Oh, spare me, Teacher Su. Shouldn''t you know me by now? I might be good at other things, but I''m no good at giving a serious lecture. It''s fine if I juste back asionally to teach, but if you''re thinking about getting me to hold sses every day for the students, I won''t be able to do that. Besides, I still have a lot of work to handle on my end, so I''ll be too busy for such things."


    Su Hongyan nced at him. "There''s some good talent in my ss; how about taking them under your wing?"


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "Are you trying to bring harm upon them?"


    Su Hongyan said in a half-threatening manner, "Will you take them or not?"


    "Aiya, I will if there''s an opportunity, alright?" Zhang Ye said helplessly.


    Su Hongyan smiled and said, "OK, you said it yourself. I''ll be sure remember it."


    Around them, some students passing by spotted them.


    "Ah!"


    "Professor Zhang!"


    "Alum!"


    "Alum!"


    "Please give me an autograph!"


    "Me too!"


    "Alum, I have a question to ask you about your line of work."


    "I also have something I''d like to consult you about!"


    More and more students were gathering around. Su Hongyan walked off with a smile on her face, leaving Zhang Ye to get surrounded by the group of students. He stood there for a long time, signing autographs for them and answering their questions.


    The video of Zhang Ye''s lecture was uploaded onto the school''s intr.


    Many of the students who did not get into the lecture hall or missed the lesson hurriedly clicked on it to watch. They ended upughing for the entirety of the video!


    "Hahaha!"


    "Zhang Ye''s lesson is so interesting!"


    "It''s so damn funny!"


    "Chinese is still entertaining to learn!"


    "Right, let''s study it well!"


    "Our alum is so cool!"


    Quite a few celebrity teachers had been hired by Media College, and many famous hosts who held honorary teaching roles in the college. However, Zhang Ye was the only associate professor in the entire college whose poprity was one of the highest in the country. Zhang Ye was a singer and a poet as well, so not all of his poprity came from him being a host. But he was a true blue broadcasting graduate, and hosting was his main profession. Since he had won both the Silver and Golden Microphone Awards as a host, even if he could not be considered a spiritual leader of the hosting world, he would still be one of the top hosts around. Not many people would disagree with that.


    Naturally, the students were in awe of him.


    Because the man they were facing was not just an associate professor or some celebrity, he was the tallest peak in the Chinese world of hosting.


    Ring ring ring. His cell phone rang.


    As there were too many people around, Zhang Ye did not hear it. It was a female student close to him who alerted him instead. "Alum, is that your phone ringing?"


    "Oh, it''s really mine." Zhang Ye took it out and saw Wu Zeqing''s name on the caller ID. He excused himself from the enthusiastic students and quickly went away to answer the call. "Hello, Old Wu. I just finished lecturing, what''s the matter?"


    Wu Zeqing said: "I''m at home now. My mother was just asking me about meeting your parents. Hur hur, she''s quite anxious about it, so when is a good time?"


    They had already talked about the two families meeting with each other, but the exact date was not set yet.


    "Any time is fine."


    "Are you done with your work?"


    "Yes."


    "What about your parents?"


    "They''re just idling at home."


    "Then why don''t we let them meet today? You can check with them first."


    "No need, it shouldn''t be a problem."


    "Where should we meet?"


    "We definitely cannot go out and have dinner. Everyone would recognize me wherever I went, and your status is special too. Uh, why don''t we have it at your parents'' ce?"


    "Sure, just check with your parents if they''re busy today. We can always arrange for them to meet in a few days."


    "What could they be busy with? My mom has been urging me for the past two days as well. Let''s just go ahead with this arrangement. I''ll give them a call and let you know after I''ve confirmed it with them."


    Zhang Ye made the call on his drive back home.


    "Mom, do you want to meet Old Wu''s parents today?"


    "What time?"


    "How about tonight?"


    "Great, that''s really great. Your dad and I are free anytime!"


    "Alright then, I''lle home to pick you two up. Get ready, alright?"


    "Alright, alright, I got it."


    When he reached home, his parents were changed and ready.


    His father had dug up a tunic suit from somewhere that resembled something from 800 years ago. But wearing it, he looked rather spirited, and it did not look outdated on him at all. His mother was checking herself out in front of the mirror.


    His father asked, "How did the lecture go?"


    Zhang Ye said happily, "So good that there was critical acim."


    His mother stood up. "Alright, let''s go."


    "Eh? You want to go now? We arranged the meeting for dinner tonight, so we can leaveter in the afternoon," Zhang Ye said.


    His mother grinned and said, "What do you know? We have to go out to buy some gifts first, and I have to get my hair done. This is our first time meeting them, so we mustn''t be too casual about it, understand?"


    His father, who rarely shared the same opinion as her, agreed, "I need to do my hair too. It''s been such a long time since I''ve dyed it. All my grey hairs are starting to reappear."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright then, let''s go."


    Buying things.


    Dyeing their hair.


    Doing makeup.


    After going around all day, they finally finished at 4 in the afternoon.


    ��


    At Old Wu''s residence.


    In the courtyard house.


    Li Qinqin kept asking, "Are they here yet? Where are they?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "They should be arriving soon."


    Wu Changhe worried, "There''s no space left in the yard to park the car. Get Little Ye to drive it to the east entrance and park there."


    "He knows." Right as Wu Zeqing finished speaking, there was a knock on the courtyard door.


    "They''re here! They''ve arrived." Li Qinqin went outside happily to wee them.


    When the door opened, Zhang Ye and his family stepped into the courtyard.


    Zhang Ye immediately introduced everyone, "Auntie, Uncle, these are my parents."


    Li Qinqin said very passionately, "Brother, Sister,e in quickly."


    Wu Changhe did not have his usual stern look and was all smiles. "Come into the house and have a seat. We''re probably older than you two by just a few years, so don''t mind if we just address you two as brother and sister."


    His father smiled and said, "Big Brother, there''s no need to be so courteous to us. I''ve always liked watching you y Go, and now I''ve finally gotten the chance to meet you in person."


    Wu Changhe''s eyes lit up. "Bro, you like to y Go too?"


    Zhang Ye''s mother smiled and said, "He really liked Go in his younger days and was adamant that Little Ye sign up for extracurricr Go sses during elementary school."


    "Then let''s y two gamester," Wu Changhe said happily.


    His father quickly waved it off. "I can''t, I''m terrible at Go."


    Li Qinqinughed and said, "Changhe will y anyone he can find. Our neighbors used to like visiting our home, but no onees around these days."


    Zhang Ye volunteered himself. "It''s alright, I''ll y Uncle."


    Wu Changhe rolled his eyes and said, "I''m not ying you."


    Zhang Yeughed.


    Next to Zhang Ye''s parents, Wu Zeqing chuckled and said, "My dad can''t beat Little Ye��that''s why he''s not willing to y him."


    Everyoneughed.


    In the house, after tea was served, everyone sat down and chatted up a storm.


    "Little Wu is such a nice child."


    "Little Ye is very nice too, I like him very much."


    "It looks like the two of them have been dating for quite some time."


    "Yeah, we only found out about it recently as well."


    "Say, why did they have to keep it from us?"


    "Hur hur, we wouldn''t understand what the children these days are thinking."


    Their meeting was arranged with the approval of both sides in regards to the rtionship between Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing. So there were no unnecessary issues brought up during the meeting. His parents liked Wu Zeqing, while Li Qinqin and Wu Changhe had also acknowledged Zhang Ye as their future son-inw. As for buying a house? The betrothal gifts? None of them mattered since neither familycked money, so there were no obstacles in their talks. With thismon understanding, it was naturally going to be much easier to handle.


    It was time for dinner.


    Wu Zeqing and Zhang Ye were in charge of cooking today. Of course, thetter''s contribution was as good as negligible. Other than messing around in the kitchen, this fellow was basically no help to Old Wu. He even secretly took a few bites of the dishes before serving them.


    At the dining table.


    Zhang Ye''s mother said, "Big Bro, Big Sis, our children''s rtionship has progressed this far and we didn''t know about it. Regarding their engagement, we wonder if you two have any traditions or practices that you might be particr about?"


    Li Qinqin immediately waved her hand and said, "Oh, we''re not fussy about that."


    His father said, "That won''t do. We''ll do it ording to your traditions; we can''t ignore them."


    Wu Changheughed and said, "We aren''t particr about it. When I got married to Zeqing''s mom, we didn''t even have any betrothal gifts. It was just a meal between two families and the wedding was consideredplete."


    Li Qinqin asked, "Do you have any traditions that need to be observed?"


    His father immediately said, "We''re not fussy either. We always meant to do it ording to your traditions."


    Li Qinqin smiled. "We only intended to have our two families meet for a simple meal to confirm the engagement. That''s how we did it back then too."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Then does it mean that we''re engaged as of today?"


    Li Qinqin looked at her husband. "I think it counts?"


    Wu Changhe nodded and said, "It does!"


    His mother eximed, "But we haven''t prepared anything. The sweets, alcohol, betrothal gifts��"


    Li Qinqin smiled and said, "Those are just a formality, so let''s not be too particr about them. We''ll talk about the formalities again when it''s time to hold their wedding."


    His mother said excitedly, "Alrighty then, let''s make today the day of our children''s engagement!"


    Wu Changhe said, "We''re one big family now."


    Li Qinqin asked, "As for their wedding, do you intend to make it a grand one or a simple one?"


    "It has to be a grand wedding!" his mother said.


    His father nodded. "Right, we''ll hold a grand wedding for them."


    Li Qinqin was thinking the same. "Then we''ll leave it to you. If there''s anything you need our help with, feel free to let us know. We can help out too."


    His mother was smiling from ear to ear. "Don''t worry, we''ll handle everything. I''ll check the almanac for an auspicious day when I get home, then we''ll set a wedding date for them."


    Li Qinqin said, "Alright."


    Wu Changhe raised his ss and said, "Brother, a toast."


    "Cheers." His father clinked sses with Wu Changhe.


    Wu Zeqing stood up with a smile. "Uncle, Auntie, I can''t hold my liquor well, so I''ll use this cup of tea in ce of wine to toast you two."


    Zhang Ye hurriedly raised his ss and said to Old Wu''s parents, "Uncle, Auntie, let me toast you two too. In the future, you can summon me anytime you need a hand at home. Just order me around like I''m your own son."


    Li Qinqin was all smiles. "Sure, sure."


    This was meant to be a meeting over dinner between the two families. But they never expected that this meal would end up as their official engagement party. Zhang Ye was so happy that he drank a lot more sses of wine!

 Chapter 1199: ’When You Are Old’!

    <h4>Chapter 1199: ''When You Are Old''! </h4>


    Chapter 1199: ''When You Are Old''!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    It was past 8 PM.


    Zhang Ye''s dad and Wu Changhe were having a game of Go in the room. His mother and Li Qinqin were both chatting happily as they discussed how the wedding should be held. Meanwhile, Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing were spending time together in the west wing.


    In the bedroom.


    Zhang Ye was finally getting buzzed from drinking too much. He was starting to mumble a lot as he hugged Old Wu''s waist.


    Wu Zeqing gently massaged his temples for him. "If you can''t drink, don''t drink that much."


    "Hai, I was just really happy today," Zhang Ye said exuberantly.


    Old Wu chuckled. "For something that was set in stone long ago, why are you only feeling happy today?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Haha, that''s different. How can wepare setting it in stone with actually being engaged? Today, everything has been officially decided, so I''m finally feeling relieved."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Were you afraid that I would run off with someone else?"


    Zhang Ye was amused. "That''s not it. I doubt you''d find anyone as good as me anyway."


    Wu Zeqing squeezed his temples. "Hur hur, that''s true."


    There was no joking around.


    There was no teasing either.


    Just a simple and assuring "that''s true."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "If there''s anything I am afraid of, there''s just one thing."


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Tell me."


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips and said, "I''m afraid that all of this is just a dream. And when I open my eyes tomorrow, I''ll wake up from it just like that."


    The meaning behind these words would not be understood by anyone but Zhang Ye. To open one''s eyes and see the world totally changed, toe to a ce where one was a total stranger, he couldn''t finish talking about it even if he had three days and three nights to do so. His experience so far was nothing short of mythical. Even if he were to tell it to anyone, no one would believe him. Sometimes, Zhang Ye really was scared he would wake up one day to find Old Wu no longer around and that everything else would disappear as well.


    Old Wu replied, "There are times I feel afraid too."


    Zhang Ye looked at her and asked, "What are you afraid of?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "I''m afraid that I''ll wake up one day and see that you''re still young while I have be old."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "You''re so good at taking care of yourself, so how could that happen? C''mon, even if it was about getting old, I would be the one to age first. You''re only a few years older than me, so I''d definitely age much faster."


    Old Wu suddenly said, "If one day, I were to really grow old, would you��"


    Footfalls interrupted her as they approached and the door opened.


    Li Qinqin, Wu Changhe, and his parents had alle over.


    Li Qinqin overheard thest part of their conversation, so she asked, "What about growing old?"


    Wu Zeqing said gently, "It''s nothing."


    Wu Changhe said, "Your auntie and uncle said that they''re leaving soon."


    "It''s getting quitete, so we''d better get going," his mother said with a smile.


    Zhang Ye stood up. "Alright then, Auntie and Uncle, we''ll be going."


    Li Qinqin smiled and said, "Come over when you''re free. There''s no need to call, juste as you please."


    Zhang Ye grinned and said, "Don''t worry, I''ll treat this ce like my own home and won''t stand on ceremony. Oh yes, about that rosewood chair Uncle has, it looks really nice. Can I bring it home?"


    Wu Changhe rolled his eyes. "How dare you!"


    His mother whacked him on the back. "You''re really not standing on ceremony, huh!"


    Li Qinqin giggled, "Hahahaha."


    Everyoneughed.


    At the entrance of the courtyard, Old Wu''s family were seeing Zhang Ye''s family off.


    When they returned back into the house, Li Qinqin casually asked, "Zeqing, what were you and Little Ye talking about earlier?"


    Wu Changhe said, "Why are you poking your nose into the lovebirds'' affairs for?"


    "I''m just asking out of concern." Li Qinqin rolled her eyes at him and said, "Why do you keep involving yourself with everything. Just go and y Go and leave us mother and daughter be."


    Wu Changhe harrumphed at them and returned to his room to switch on theputer.


    A momentter, Wu Changhe eximed from inside his room, "Eh, my daughter,e over quick. Little Ye has just updated his Weibo a moment ago!"


    Li Qinqin rushed over as well. "Didn''t he just get in the car?"


    Wu Changhe said, "He probably updated it from his phone."


    Wu Zeqing also went closer and lowered her head to see.


    " When You Are Old 1 "


    When you are old and grey and full of sleep,


    And nodding by the fire, take down this book,


    And slowly read, and dream of the soft look


    Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;


    How many loved your moments of d grace,


    And loved your beauty with love false or true,


    But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,


    And loved the sorrows of your changing face;


    And bending down beside the glowing bars,


    Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled


    And paced upon the mountains overhead


    And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.


    ��Written on September 9th.


    ��I, Lord Zhang, got engaged!


    Li Qinqin smiled. "Oh, that Little Ye."


    Wu Changhe pointed at the poem on the screen and said dismissively, "Look at this, how hackneyed can he get? When you''re old? When you''re old and grey? What day and age is it? Do people still fall for sweet nothings like that?"


    Beside, Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "I do."


    Wu Changhe was speechless.


    Li Qinqin said, "You''re just jealous of Little Ye''s literary talent. Dearest daughter, you just don''t know how your dad wooed me back then. He wrote letters to me and would always start them off with ''My dearrade Qinqin.'' Ooh, it gave me such goosebumps back then."


    Wu Changhe was furious. "Li Qinqin, are you looking for a fight?"


    Li Qinqin pouted and said, "See, he''s panicking now that I''ve mentioned it."


    Wu Zeqing stood there smiling, but her eyes fell back to the poem. In just a short span, she read it many, many times.


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    It blew up on Weibo!


    When that poem was released, heroes from all over the ce flocked to it. Zhang Ye''s followers on Weibo had reached more than 10 million people a long time ago. On top of that, he did not usually post on Weibo. And when his Weibo was updated, it was rarely about his current status, pictures, or minor details of his life. It was always either used for writing poems or scolding people. In any case, it would always lead to major events, so the citizens and media personnel always paid close attention to it in case it got updated.


    It was the same today.


    The moment everyone saw the post, all of them were dumbfounded!


    "Holy shit!"


    "Teacher Zhang''s gotten engaged?"


    "What? That''s impossible!"


    "Someone is willing to marry such an immoral guy? Who would be so bold!"


    "Hahaha, could it be that girl who is like a lc in one of his poems?"


    "I guess it should be her! Who could she be?"


    "A celebrity? Or could it be just an ordinary girl?"


    "Dunno, there''s no news at all!"


    "Those paparazzi suck at their jobs. Lord Zhang has gotten engaged, but they don''t even know who the woman is? We need to give them negative reviews!"


    "What a beautiful poem!"


    "Zhang Ye''s love poems are always different from other people''s!"


    "It''s obvious he''s been spoiled happy today. He even called himself ''Lord Zhang''! How shameless can he get! Haha!"


    "No matter what, we ought to congratte Zhang Ye first!"


    "Show us her picture!"


    "@ZhangYe! Which girl are you marrying?"


    "They must have been secretly dating for a long time. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have announced the engagement like this. Our media is behind the times, Zhang Ye has kept it too well-hidden!"


    "I thought that with Teacher Zhang''s temper, he would never find a partner in his lifetime."


    "Pfft, I thought so too!"


    "I just wonder who Mrs. Zhang is going to be!"


    "Come on out, Mrs. Zhang!"


    "Summoning Mrs. Zhang, please show yourself immediately!"


    Theizens were stirring up amotion!


    Zhang Ye''s looks had always been his disadvantage, but there were times when it turned into an advantage for him.


    Although his appearance was not remarkable, it was a bit above average. So he clearly could not take the journey of an idol. He could only work harder and put in more effort than the other idols to be able to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry. Every step of his had been extremely difficult. But likewise, now that he had climbed to his current position, it did not really have much of an effect on his poprity even when he announced that he was getting engaged. There was no need for him to hide or keep it a secret. He could openly make the announcement by posting it onto Weibo.


    Others would not dare to do so!


    Like Dong Shanshan.


    Like Huo Dongfang.


    Like Ning Lan.


    Like Zhang Yuanqi.


    Some celebrities would have a use in their contracts with their talent agencies to not get into a rtionship for a certain number of years. All of this was done to prevent them from losing poprity, since some fans were pragmatic and would go to simr celebrities and be their fans if they knew their idol had gotten married. Countless cases happened in which many celebrities lost a great deal of their poprity after announcing their marriage. Of course, there were some who managed to maintain their fan bases, but no one really dared to take such a gamble.


    However, Zhang Ye was not afraid of this. He really was not afraid.


    That was why he could behave so much more freely than any of the other celebrities.

 Chapter 1200: The top few spots of the entertainment industry!

    <h4>Chapter 1200: The top few spots of the entertainment industry! </h4>


    Chapter 1200: The top few spots of the entertainment industry!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    After returning home.


    Before they even opened the door, they heard the phone in the living room ringing.


    His mother picked up her pace to answer the call. It was from Zhang Ye''s third uncle.


    "Sis, Little Ye has gotten engaged?"


    "Haha, yes."


    "Aiyo, why didn''t we know anything about this!"


    "No one knew."


    "Whose family''s kid is it?"


    "Little Ye won''t allow me to say it. He wants to keep it a secret."


    "We''re all one family. Why''s there a need to keep it a secret?"


    "Hehe, because my daughter-inw is someone special."


    The calls kepting one after another. There were calls from his maternal grandma, his uncles and aunties. When they found out about the news, all of them called over in surprise and tried their hardest to find out who his fiancee was. His mother wanted, of course, to say who it was. She had been forcing herself so hard to keep her lips sealed in recent days. But due to the fact that the engagement was very important and of great public concern, coupled with the fact that Wu Zeqing was no ordinary woman, she prevented herself from revealing the secret for the time being.


    Zhang Ye was also busy taking calls on his cell phone.


    Or, to be exact, he took the initiative to call every one of his friends. He did not wait for them to ask. Instead, he called them to let them know about the good news, happy as a m!


    First, he made a call to Yao Jiancai, his old partner he was on the best terms with.


    "Old Yao, I''ve gotten engaged."


    "Don''t joke."


    "Damn, I really did!"


    "You don''t even have a girlfriend, so who are you getting engaged to?"


    "Heh, who says that I don''t have a girlfriend?"


    "Kid, are you telling the truth?"


    "It''s so true that it can''t get any more true. Hurry up and congratte me."


    "Congrattions! Ai, which family''s daughter was unlucky enough to get picked by you?"


    "Your sister!"


    Then he called Beijing Television''s Hu Fei.


    "Brother Hu."


    "I saw your Weibo, what''s up with that?"


    "Haha, I just got engaged."


    "This came too suddenly, but it''s still good news! Congrattions!"


    "Thank you."


    "When''s the wedding?"


    "It should be soon."


    "Great, let us know when the date is set. We''ll definitely be there!"


    "That''s a must!"


    Over a dozen calls were made, and Zhang Ye informed all those he could inform. When he finally checked his cell phone, the Celebrity Goof Group was also exploding with messages. Everyone in there was trying to guess who Zhang Ye''s fiancee was.


    Ning Lan: "Haha, who do you guys think is so unlucky?"


    Fan Wenli: "lol"


    Chen Guang: "Boss Zhang has kept the secret amazingly well. Even I did not know a thing about it!"


    Huo Dongfang: "Anyway, congrattions!"


    Xiaodong: "Ahhhh, could Boss Zhang just be joking around?"


    Chen Guang: "That might be the case too. Hardly anything honest ever spews out of his mouth."


    At this moment, Zhang Ye appeared. "It''s not a joke, I''m serious."


    Amy sent a voice message that said: "You''ve finally shown yourself! Everyone here is guessing whether she''s also in our industry. So then, who is it? I''m so curious!"


    Everyone kept flooding the chat group with messages and were constantly asking who it was!


    Many of the big name celebrities lurking in the group also came out to observe the ruckus.


    Zhang Ye answered: "She''s both in and not in showbiz."


    Ning Lan: "Do we know her?"


    Zhang Ye thought for a moment, then typed up a response with a smile on his face. "You''ve all probably heard of her, but I''m not sure if you know her personally. I''ll keep it a secret for now and announce it when we''re getting married."


    Director Li Ke: "Are you trying to suffocate us with suspense?"


    Fan Wenli: "When will the wedding reception be held?"


    Zhang Ye: "Hai, it''s not set yet."


    Li Xiaoxianughed. "But I must admit, Teacher Zhang''s way of dealing with this is so cool. He can announce such news as he wishes, or get married if he decides to, unlike the rest of us. We even have to keep a low profile when we''re meeting up with a male friend as we''re afraid that it will lead to gossip and cause our poprity to drop, much less talk about marriage. I really envy Teacher Zhang for that."


    Amy sighed. "That''s right. Lord Zhang''s fanbase is far more dependable than ours. Now that he''s reached where he is, he doesn''t have to worry about anything else. But for us, we''re still unable to get past the issue of marriage. I wonder how many people can get past it."


    Ning Lan: "Amy, you''re dating?"


    Amy: "Would I dare?"


    Xiaodong: "Heehee, Amy''s thinking of earning more money first before getting married when she no longer has anything to worry about. By then, she''ll have officially bid farewell from the entertainment industry."


    Everyone started discussing how "celebrities could get married without losing fans" and engaged in deep discussion. Using Zhang Ye as an example, and highlighting many other cases of celebrities in the entertainment industry, they did some analysis before finally arriving at a surprising conclusion��how can a celebrity get married without losing fans?


    Hur hur!


    Only God would know something like that!


    On the very same night, the media was also having a grand ol'' time.


    "Zhang Ye announces his engagement!"


    "The great reveal of Zhang Ye''s fiancee!"


    "Breaking news! Zhang Ye secretly obtains certificate of marriage!"


    "ording to eyewitnesses, Zhang Ye often haste night meetings with Dong Shanshan!"


    "The exclusive reveal of Zhang Ye''s fiancee: university ssmate Yu Yingyi!"


    There were all kinds of rumors, many of them sounding very official and true. All kinds of expertly photoshopped pictures started appearing as well, but were in fact just random people trying to ride the wave. In the end, they even bamboozled some of the official media outlets who started blindly analyzing things without verifying sources. A lot of people swore they figured out who it was.


    Without even looking at it, Zhang Ye knew they had gotten it all wrong. If anyone really knew who his fiancee was, they would never release the news just like that.


    ��


    At night.


    After themotion died down, everyone got on with their own things again.


    Zhang Ye browsed the updated Chinese Celebrity Rankings Index and checked on his current ranking. He was still in first ce in the A-list rankings and his poprity score had grown by quite a bit again. But looking at the few people in the S-list rankings who were standing at the top of the entertainment industry, he was still not closing in on their poprity score by much. Of those top few people, someone had just yed the main lead of a movie that grossed over 300 million RMB in the box office, while another''s new TV drama set the country aze. There was also someone whose new song had jumped into the middle of the charts on an authoritative international music chart. Every one of them was better than the other.


    Zhang Ye was very popr!


    But so were the others! They were also building on their fanbases every day!


    Although, among those at the top, there was a Heavenly King whose poprity was no longer as great as his younger days and was going downhill without gaining much poprity these days. But a starving camel is still bigger than a horse. With so many years of umted poprity, he was not someone Zhang Ye could easily surpass in a short amount of time. The S-list rankings had not been updated in so long. It had always been those few who ruled the entertainment industry and was a ce so monolithic that there had barely been any changes to it.


    Looking at those familiar names, Zhang Ye made up his mind. After getting engaged, his fighting spirit and motivation were kindled. All he was thinking about was how to break into that monolith and gain a foothold in the S-list rankings.


    Impossible?


    Unrealistic?


    That wasn''t something that Zhang Ye was willing to consider!


    Because this was something that he had to do sooner orter!


    There was still a veryrge gap between the A- and S-list rankings. If one could really break into the S-list, the position would probably not matter since it was theoretically not much of a difference who ranked higher or lower. They were revered all the same and were at the top of the food chain. But an A-list celebrity was just different from an S-list celebrity. No matter how close one''s poprity score was to theirs, the status was just not the same��this was also why Zhang Ye was so stubborn about climbing to the very top. He had already opened his ount on the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index, but he didn''t pay much attention to it because he knew that he needed to get to the top in China first. Only with that base could he have a future within Asia and aim for the international entertainment scene. Otherwise, if he were to aim for the international market without having gained a proper foothold domestically, it would obviously not be reliable. Everything had to be done in a fastidious and proper way.


    He would just have to put this on the agenda then!


    He needed to secure one of these top spots in the Chinese entertainment industry!

 Chapter 1201: Those seven spots!

    <h4>Chapter 1201: Those seven spots! </h4>


    Chapter 1201: Those seven spots!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    It was the annual Mid-Autumn Festival again.


    In the morning, Zhang Ye loaded up small andrge packages into the car and drove to the studio. Without anyone''s help, he carried everything and went upstairs.


    All of the staff were present.


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Boss, what''s with all that?"


    "Whoa, why are there so many things?"


    "Let me help you!"


    "Just leave them there."


    Everyone quickly came over to help.


    He brought over a lot of things, and they weren''t exactly cheap either.


    There was an entire hamper containing Brain Gold products in it, prepaid gift cards with a value of 1,000 yuan each, mooncakes, and many other goodies.


    Zhang Ye opened up a box and said to everyone with a smile, "Come, myrades. I''m giving out these items for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Everyone will get a share, so please distribute them among yourselves. All of you may go home after you''ve collected your items. Rest well during the holidays and send my greetings to your families. You''ve all worked hard recently." Zhang Ye was quite a stingy person and did not really earn that much, but he was still a very generous person. Be it the staff''s welfare or sry, those who worked at his studio were earning more than the industry standard.


    Zhang Zuo smiled and said, "You''re handing out this much stuff?"


    Little Wang grinned and said, "This isn''t considered much!"


    Little Zhou smiled. "Boss is the greatest!"


    "Oh right, we still haven''t congratted our boss yet," Wu Yi suddenly said.


    Everyone immediately responded.


    "Haha!"


    "Director Zhang, congrattions!"


    "Congrattions on your engagement!"


    "Who''s our female boss going to be?"


    "Yeah, Director Zhang, share with us."


    Seeing them kick up a fuss, Zhang Ye felt rather amused. "I can''t say right now, but everyone will know soon enough."


    At this moment, Chenchen strolled in. Old Rao''s house was not far from Zhang Ye''s office; it was only a few floors down. In the past, when Rao Aimin had to go out for some errands, she would always leave Chenchen with Zhang Ye. But it was even more convenient for her now. Whenever Rao Aimin needed to go out, she would send Chenchen straight up to Zhang Ye''s office since there were surely going to be people around to take care of her.


    Chenchen looked at all the gifts lying on the floor and said, "Zhang Ye, you''re giving out things?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yeah, why?"


    Chenchen nodded. "I want a share as well."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "You aren''t even my employee."


    Chenchen was not happy to hear that. She spoke like a little adult and said, "Ie up here every day to help you supervise their work. Without me, your studio would have closed down long ago."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Looks like I should thank you then."


    "You''re wee." Chenchen then opened up a box of mooncakes and sat and chowed down.


    Everyoneughed hard.


    The items were quickly distributed.


    After chatting and joking around for a bit, everyone sat down for a meeting.


    Zhang Ye sat at the head of the table and said, "Everyone, please enjoy your time off during this two-day holiday break. After the Mid-Autumn Festival, it''ll be time for us to get busy again. I''ll give everyone a heads-up, so be ready. On top of that, I want to announce something. When we get back from the holidays, I n to officially begin my assault for a spot in the S-list!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Of course we must."


    Ha Qiqi gave an easy smile. "You''re already at the top of the A-list, so the next target is definitely a spot in the national S-list. Even without you saying, we know what to do. All of us have always been working hard in that direction. A few years from now, we''ll be doing everything with that target in mind."


    "Right!"


    "Our target is to reach the top!"


    Everyone expressed their stance.


    But Zhang Ye said, "No, you guys might''ve misunderstood what I meant."


    Ha Qiqi was taken aback. "Eh?"


    Wu Yi asked, "Then what did you mean?"


    Zhang Ye said with a smile, "I''m not talking about getting there in a few years'' time. I''m talking about doing it immediately, right now."


    Everyone eximed, "What''s the time frame of ''right now''?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "Within the next few months."


    Everyone vomited blood and started sweating!


    Within the next few months?


    Break into the S-list?


    What the fuck! Are you dreaming?


    How is it possible to get into the S-list in just a few months'' time?


    Ha Qiqi quickly said, "Director Zhang, you''re still young and stand out more than anyone else. We''re in no rush. You can slowly gain more experience and win more awards to add to your poprity score. All that cannot be done in just a month or two. If you''re talking about doing so within a year or two, we might be able to fight for it and push our way up. But to get there within a few months? Even with the momentum of your current daily poprity growth, we still couldn''t catch up, isn''t that so?"


    This was too hasty.


    Everyone felt uneasy.


    Zhang Ye said, "I know this isn''t going to be easy��that''s why we need to fight for it. I still have time to get there? I''m 26 and turning 27 this year. I may look like I''m still young and have plenty of time left, but don''t forget that I still haven''t exactly broken into the Asian scene yet. I don''t even have the qualifications to take aim at the international scene. If I were to take a few years to slowly slog my way up to the top of domestic showbiz, how old would I be? I would be past 30! Furthermore, the scene is changing too quickly these days. You guys should have realized that there''s a lot of ''fresh meat'' out there who are getting more and more popr by the day. They''re likely to gain more than half the entertainment industry''s market share from here on out. Who can predict what will happen to the domestic entertainment industry in a few years? Who can say for certain? I''ve never depended on my looks to make a living anyway. If I just continue slogging ahead, then when the times and trends change, I might not even be able to get into the S-list after two or three years. Opportunities are not gained by slogging but by fighting."


    Everyone fell silent.


    Little Wang said, "But there''s a Heavenly King who''s on the downturn. If we wait another one or two years, it''s highly possible��"


    Zhang Ye shook his head and said, "I''ve never, ever had the mentality of getting lucky this way. That Heavenly King might not have a good product right now, but he might just suddenly be popr again around the world. Don''t take those people in the S-list to be pushovers. If I were the type to wait for those at the top to slip up, I wouldn''t have gotten to where I am now. That''s how cruel show business is. You''ve never experienced it before, so it''s probably very difficult to understand. But I''ve always been on the front line witnessing these events, so I know. If I were to slightly lower my guard, I would probably get reced by someone the very next day."


    He gave an example. "Ning Lan is very popr, right? Back then, Sister Ning was also in first ce in the A-list rankings, but what happened in the end? She was unable to squeeze into one of those seven spots. I''ve heard a few people in the industry saying that Sister Ning had been waiting for one of the Heavenly Queens to give up their spot. But after many years of waiting, that Heavenly Queen has yet to relinquish her seat to anyone."


    Ha Qiqi took a deep breath. "Is this what you''ve decided?"


    "Yes, that''s how I''ve decided I want it to be." Zhang Ye nodded seriously. "In the next few months, I must definitely get into the S-list. It''s not a joke; I am being totally serious here."


    Everyone in the studio knew that if the media heard about this, it would definitely cause a huge uproar!


    A total of seven people sat on the thrones of the Chinese S-list rankings, and they were the top seven celebrities of the entertainment industry. They were virtually unmovable, even by a lightning strike. Just think of it this way: Every time a change urred in the S-list, it would cause a great shake-up and reshuffling of the entertainment industry. In this world, this could be considered the biggest event in the entirety of show business!


    But today?


    Zhang Ye was thinking of forcing his way to the very top?


    He wanted to pull down one of those seven people standing atop the pyramid and rece them? And he wanted to do so within a short few months? How brave would he need to be to attempt that!


    "Alright, let''s do it!"


    "We''ll listen to whatever you say!"


    "Whatever you say, we''ll do!"


    "Damn, I guess we can only fight!"


    "I''lle up with a proposal and give it to you after the holidays!"


    "How else can we have it? Since the boss has spoken, let''s do it!"


    Everyone echoed theirpliance but were really quivering on the inside.


    Is this doable?


    Can they really do it?

 Chapter 1202: Project Proposal: Reach the Summit!

    <h4>Chapter 1202: Project Proposal: Reach the Summit! </h4>


    Chapter 1202: Project Proposal: Reach the Summit!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The mid-autumn festivities weren''t over yet.


    It was thest day of the public holidays 1 for the Mid-Autumn Festival. At noon, Zhang Ye celebrated the festival at his maternal grandma''s ce. Right after they finished lunch, his three sisters started pestering him with questions.


    His second sister stamped her feet. "Brother, are you going to tell us or not!"


    His eldest younger sister blinked. "Just who is our sister-inw?"


    His third sister said, "Brother, we''re gonna get angry if you don''t tell us!"


    Zhang Yeughed heartily. "Another time, I''ll tell you guys another time."


    "Then write a song for us to make up for hurting our feelings," his second sister said.


    Zhang Ye said annoyed, "Write what song?"


    His third sister said, "A song to praise your little sisters."


    His eldest young sister nodded. "Heehee, good idea."


    So Zhang Ye ad-libbed, "Sister, you ride on the prow / Brother will pull you along�� ai, this song doesn''t sound right." He changed songs and sang again, "Sister, bravely march forward / Keep marching and don''t look back�� ai, this isn''t right either." After he sung those two songs 2 , he suddenly realized that these two songs had practically nothing to do with blood-rted sisters.


    Then, Zhang Ye''s cell phone rang.


    It was from the studio.


    Little Wang said: "Boss, the project proposal has beenpleted!"


    Zhang Ye said: "Aren''t you all taking a break over the holidays?"


    "You''ve only given us a few months to reach your target, so who would have the time to go on a break? Every one of us has been putting in overtime to get the proposal out. We''re just waiting for you to look at it."


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Alright, you''ve all put in a lot of good work. I''ll be right over."


    "OK, we''ll be waiting for you." Little Wang hung up.


    Zhang Ye turned around and said, "OK, I''ve got to go."


    In the living room, his maternal grandma asked, "Where to? You''re not staying for dinner?"


    "I can''t, Grandma. I still have some work waiting for me at the studio and will probably be very busy over the next few days. You and Grandpa have to pay attention to your health, alright? If there''s anything, just give me a call. I''ll be off now." Zhang Ye bade farewell to his grandparents and patted his little sisters on the head before hurrying downstairs.


    ��


    In the afternoon.


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    It was pretty packed as everyone had squeezed into the conference room.


    Zhang Zuo took out a copy of the proposal. "Director Zhang, please have a look."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye took it from him and browsed through it. "Who wrote this?"


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Basically of us discussed it beforeing up with it together."


    The proposal had a very ambitious title. As Zhang Ye had set his sights on the very top seven spots of the entertainment industry''s pyramid, the proposal was titled: Reach the Summit. It was even emzoned in English at the bottom. They kept it locked up in the safe before Zhang Ye''s arrival, and everything done until now made it feel like they were handling the American government''s Apollo project with all the secrecy surrounding it.


    Zhang Ye skimmed through it and felt quite satisfied with the proposal. In the past, he had always been battling alone and would often do as he liked, or flip-flop on his decisions as he wished. He relied only on instinct for everything he did, including his work. But it was different now. With a team, his work productivity increased since there were more people helping him handle all kinds of issues and projects.


    "Very good." Zhang Ye nodded.


    Zhang Zuo said, "Then shall I briefly outline the proposal guidelines?"


    Interested, Zhang Ye said, "Sure."


    Zhang Zuo bluntly said, "Actually, we aren''t very confident aboutpleting our ''Reach the Summit'' n, because every step we highlighted is rather difficult to achieve. Rather than calling it a proposal, it might be better to say that these are milestones. But since we''re trying to take one of the seven spots, the proposal was written in a more idealistic manner. What''s more, all of the steps highlighted have to be achieved to realize the n. If anything is missed, there won''t be a chance of bringing the n to fruition. This proposal was written with us bravely aiming for the unthinkable."


    Zhang Ye gave a smile and said, "That''s how it should be done. We shouldn''t be afraid to fail, but we should be afraid of not daring to dream."


    Zhang Zuo heaved a sigh of relief at Zhang Ye''s acknowledgment. He was really afraid that Zhang Ye would reject the proposal as it was too "absurd" in nature. He said, "For the first step of the ''Reach the Summit'' n, we hope that you take home the most coveted domestic literary award that will be announced in the next few days, the Yanhong Literary Prize."


    The Yanhong Literary Prize was named after a person.


    It was one of the three most coveted awards in the literary world and the winners were chosen once every four years.


    Zhang Zuo said, "As we all know, awards weigh heavily in the Celebrity Rankings Index. In the calction of a celebrity''s poprity score, awards contribute inrge part. What''s more, this is one of the most coveted awards in the literary world, so it means even more. The effects of receiving it would be very positive, so you must get it. Although another top prize called the Qilu Literature Prize will be awarded very soon, that award is more skewed towards longer works like full-length novels and simr works. You don''t have a chance of winning that one since you don''t have any full-length novels, as Ghost Blows Out the Light isn''t considered traditional literature. But it''s different for the Yanhong Literary Prize, which is targeted more towards poetry and prose. You''re definitely one of the hot favorites to win this award that will be given out to five people in total. Logically speaking, you have the best hopes of winning, because in the field of poetry, be it the quality or the number of works produced in thest four years, no one should be able topete with you."


    Ha Qiqi took out an invitation letter. "This was the fax our studio received this morning, sent over by the people from the Yanhong Literary Prizemittee. They''ve included you in the list of nominees, which number 30 candidates in total. We''ve alsopiled the list for you. The final results will be based on the votes given by the judges."


    The most coveted literary award?


    He really hadn''t won an award like that before.


    Zhang Ye said while looking through the list, "Alright."


    Wu Yi said, "But there are a lot of variables."


    Zhang Zuo agreed, "What we just talked about was based on the best possible oue of our predictions and analysis. The greatest variable in this is your rtionship with the literary world. You''ve never gotten along with them, nor have you been a member of the Writers'' Association or any literary organizations. All this time, you''ve always been doing your own thing outside of the system, so I''m afraid that''ll inherently affect your scores. After our final analysis, we came to the conclusion that your best chance of winning is 50/50. It''s all going to be down to luck."


    Of those in the top seven spots, their greatest difference with Zhang Ye was that they had a lot of distinctions. With so many distinctions, it meant they umted a lot of poprity. All of them had so many awards to their names that you could just pick one of them and they would easily have multiple honors, such as being the kings or queens of the silver screen or the equivalent. All of the highest honors were basically a dime a dozen to them. The reason why those seven people were so popr was that they had all the highest honors and awards, which added to their poprity. If Zhang Ye wanted to take one of their spots, he couldn''t lose out on this aspect. He had already won the most coveted awards in hosting, mathematics, variety and documentary shows, but he had almost no achievements in the literary field that he was most famous for. In a way, this was really quite uneptable.


    He could only try to fight for it. This most coveted award in the literary field was incredibly valuable. Be it poprity, fame, or qualifications, it would undoubtedly be a huge help to Zhang Ye''s quest in trying to reach the summit!


    Zhang Ye said, "This is good. You guys only need to think of the n, not how it''s realized. No matter what the chances are, that''s my business. You just need to be responsible for nning and leave the execution to me."


    "How impressive, Director Zhang!"


    "Understood!"


    "I''ll go and contact the media!"


    "It''s time to publicize this."


    "I''ll go and liaise with the judging panel!"


    Everyone felt determined toplete the first step in the "Reach the Summit" n!


    1. In China, the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated over a designated three-day public holiday.


    2. 1st song from A Buk''s Love and 2nd song from the TV series Red Sorghum.

 Chapter 1203: ’I died for Beauty—but was scarce’!

    <h4>Chapter 1203: ''I died for Beauty��but was scarce''! </h4>


    Chapter 1203: ''I died for Beauty��but was scarce''!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The Yanhong Literary Prize winners were about to be revealed.


    And soon, the winners of the Qilu Literature Prize would also be announced.


    Being two of the most coveted awards in the literary world that were given out once every four years, a lot of people paid attention to it regardless of if they were from the literary or the entertainment circles. Many of them even predicted the results.


    "Old Tao has high hopes of winning this time."


    "He lost by a whisker for thest Yanhong Literary Prize."


    "I hope Teacher Sheng can win the award. He turns 78 this year, and of the earliest batch of pioneers, he''s the only one who hasn''t won any of the most coveted awards in the literary field."


    "Sun Fang is quite good too."


    "Sun Fang is too young and has too few works to speak of."


    "This year looks to be rather interesting."


    "Why?"


    "Haven''t any of you seen the nomination list? Zhang Ye''s one of the candidates for the award."


    "Haha, Lord Zhang has finally made it into the list of candidates for the most coveted award in the literary field."


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye debuted just after the previous Yanhong Literary Prize was given out. This is the first time that he''s been included in the list of candidates for the most coveted award, but we''ll have to see if the literary circle will want to award it to him or not."


    "Right, there''s so much suspense."


    "If he can win this award, then Zhang Ye would be really awesome!"


    "Yeah, he''s already gotten the most important awards for hosting, mathematics, documentary and variety shows. If he added the literary field''s most coveted award to his list of des as well, it would be damn impressive! But then again, this guy is already impressive! There are many people who have won high honors before. For example, Li Ke has won more than ten of the various Film Director and Best Picture awards in the country. But to be able to cross over into different industries and win the best awards in each of them like Zhang Ye did, there really hasn''t been anyone like this before. Every one of his high honors would be as valuable as five such awards that other people have won!"


    "Based on his works, Zhang Ye deserves to win this year''s Yanhong Literary Prize for sure. Who''s been in the limelight as much as him over the past four years in the field of literature? Whether it''s in the field of poetry or prose, Zhang Ye doesn''t have any opponents at all. That ''When You Are Old'' he posted on Weibo two days ago has been shared so many times by so many people. The only problem now is whether those people on the judging panel of the Yanhong Literary Prize would want to, or dare to, award it to him. After all, no matter how well-received Zhang Ye''s works are to the general popce, the final results still have to depend on the votes of those people from the literary world. Furthermore, it''s been proven countless times in the history of all the greatest literary awards��the uncertainty of winning such an award is huge."


    "Zhang Ye topete for Yanhong Literary Prize!"


    "Can Zhang Ye add a top literary award to his list of des?"


    "All attention on the results of the Yanhong Literary Prize!"


    "The Writers'' Association extends another invitation to Zhang Ye! Will Zhang Ye finally join?"


    "Winners of Yanhong Literary Prize to be revealed tonight!"


    A majority of the attention from the media was focused on Zhang Ye as he was the most well-known person in the list of nominees. Who else was there to watch?


    On Weibo.


    Zhang Ye''s friends all sent their blessings.


    Songstress Zhang Xia: "Wishing Little Zhang good luck."


    Singer Li Xiaoxian: "In the literary field, I''m Teacher Zhang''s diehard fan. This humble fan hereby wishes her idol a great victory and to take a step up to the summit of the literary world!"


    ��


    There was heated discussion among the public.


    Meanwhile, everyone at Zhang Ye''s Studio was thrown into chaos because the Writers'' Association had sent over an invitation yesterday for Zhang Ye to join them as a member. Afterwards, one of the main judges on the panel of the Yanhong Literary Prize called a press conference to answer about the invitation.


    Ha Qiqi said anxiously, "Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye was doing his makeup and did not answer her.


    Zhang Zuo was standing behind, urging him, "Why don''t you just join?"


    "Yeah, we have nothing to lose by joining." Ha Qiqi checked her watch and said, "We still have to go to the award ceremony venue tonight, but there won''t be time if we don''t answer them!"


    But Zhang Ye just said to the makeup artist, "Don''t overdo it, just some light makeup will do."


    Wu Yi was also trying to persuade him close by. "Have you forgotten about our n to reach the summit? This award is of great importance to us and you really have to win it. Now that their side is asking you to join them, that means this is their condition for you. It''s a good thing since it means they''ve decided to give in and agree to let you in to the Writers'' Association. It also means that the literary world has officially given you their recognition, so that would mean the Yanhong Literary Prize is in the bag!"


    Zhang Ye continued ignoring them.


    Little Wang dragged Zhang Ye''s agent, Rao Aimin, over.


    "What is it?" Rao Aimin said impatiently, "I was just making dinner."


    Little Wang said gloomily, "Big Sis Rao, Director Zhang''s throwing a tantrum again. Nothing that any of us says is of use. Please help us change his mind. Otherwise, the most coveted award that should be his will be gone for sure."


    Rao Aimin acknowledged her.


    Zhang Ye looked over. "Old Rao,e with me to the awards ceremony tonight?"


    Rao Aimin sneered at him. "I finally managed to grab a few days of peace and you''re already giving me things to deal with?"


    "Alright then, I''ll go by myself." Zhang Ye shrugged.


    Ha Qiqi looked at Rao Aimin.


    Little Wang gave Rao Aimin''s arm a strong nudge.


    Suddenly, a call arrived. It was from a member of the Yanhong Literary Prize''s judging panel. This was the umpteenth time they were calling to check if Zhang Ye had filled out his application to join the Writers'' Association.


    Little Wang didn''t know what to say. "We��"


    Rao Aimin took two steps and said in an unhurried tone, "Pass it to me."


    Little Wang quickly handed the telephone to her.


    Rao Aimin said to the employee on the line, "Are you crazy or what? How can you be so annoying by calling so often? The judging panel should just do their job and vote, what''s with all this nonsensical crap that you''re giving me��.Who am I? I''m Zhang Ye''s agent! Whatever it is you want, speak to me!"


    She broke that person off with a few lines!


    Everyone at the studio was dumbfounded listening!


    "Sister Rao!"


    "Aiyo!"


    We were hoping you''d persuade Director Zhang, but you''re not helping matters like this!


    They finally understood why Rao Aimin, a person who was not from this field, had ended up being Zhang Ye''s agent. Their tempers were far too alike. Each of them was more bad-tempered than the other!


    Zhang Zuo gave a bitter smile and said, "Director Zhang, this is the Yanhong Literary Prize we''re talking about!"


    Little Wang stamped her feet anxiously. "Why are you being like this, Director Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye smiled as he got up and looked at them. "Because it would look really ugly!"


    Because it wasn''t beautiful?


    Because it would look really ugly?


    What kind of reason was that!


    In the entire room, perhaps only Zhang Ye and Rao Aimin would understand what it meant by "looking ugly." Zhang Ye really wanted to reach the summit and win this important award of the literary world, but he couldn''t let it be something that would work against him.


    ��


    On the same night.


    At the Yanhong Literary Prize awards ceremony venue.


    Reporters from all the different media outlets and the nominees for the award, as well as many authoritative figures from the industry, were present.


    When Zhang Ye arrived, he immediately got surrounded by reporters.


    It was Elder Qian who came over to help him escape. "Little Zhang,e,e,e, sit over here!"


    Elder Qian was a person of distinction in the literary world. At the coupletpetition a very long time ago, Elder Qian was the judge and guest. Zhang Ye had known him for several years, and he could be considered one of the few friends Zhang Ye had in the literary world. At that time, Elder Qian had also invited Zhang Ye to join the Writers'' Association, but was tactfully rejected by Zhang Ye''s "Facing the Sea as Spring Blossoms."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "How are you doing, Elder Qian?"


    "What do you think?" Elder Qian guffawed.


    Zhang Ye said, "What do I think? It looks to me you wouldn''t have a problem running the 10,000-meter race."


    Elder Qian grunted, "You must be trying to kill me!"


    Zhang Ye: "Haha! Oh right, are you part of the judging panel for the Yanhong Literary Prize?"


    Elder Qian shook his head. "No, but I am the main judge for the Qilu Literature Prize, which will be given out sometimeter. I was invited as a guest this time. Quick, take a seat."


    Soon after, the awards ceremony began!


    The winners'' list was revealed!


    A leader of the literary world announced, "I''ll be announcing the final voting results of the 7th Yanhong Literary Prize awards. The five winners are respectively: Tao Chihao!"


    Apuse sounded from the audience!


    Everyone in the writers'' zone looked over at Teacher Tao.


    "Sheng Nian!"


    Apuse rang again!


    "Xue Li!"


    Xue Li''s jaw dropped in excitement and looked to be in disbelief!


    "Qiao Huayi!"


    Old Qiao smacked his thigh andughed happily.


    The final winner was about to be announced!


    There was only one spot left!


    The leader deliberately paused for a moment before saying loudly, "Chen Bang!"


    The five award winners were revealed and made their way up on stage to collect their prizes!


    However, the media and many of the writers were looking at one another in speechlessness. Some of them even drew in a deep breath!


    Zhang Ye''s name was not called!


    The Yanhong Literary Prize really was not awarded to Zhang Ye!


    But Zhang Ye just looked very calm and did not show any change in expression.


    Elder Qian looked at him very startled. "Little Zhang, you didn''t join the Writers'' Association?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "No, I didn''t."


    Elder Qian facepalmed. "Aiyo, you sure are great. I thought that you had joined since I heard they sent the application form to you. All you had to do was to sign it!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I didn''t sign it."


    "This is the once-every-four-years Yanhong Literary Prize." Elder Qian said, "Are you going to throw it away just like that?"


    But Zhang Ye corrected, "Elder Qian, it''s not that I don''t want this award, nor did I throw it away. If that were the case, why would I be sitting here today? This is the greatest respect I can show to the Yanhong Literary Prize. Whether or not I get it, I''ve turned up and even dressed up to attend the ceremony." He pointed at what he was wearing, thenughed and said, "I''ve already given it my best and done what I had to do, but the prize did not choose me."


    Elder Qian fell silent.


    The young writers around him also fell silent.


    Yes. Zhang Ye had done all he could. What was the role of a writer?


    It was creation!


    It was writing!


    It was picking up one''s pen!


    Zhang Ye had done all that, so what else were they expecting of him?


    The awards ceremony came to an end!


    Before Zhang Ye could even leave his seat, he was mobbed by a swarm of reporters!


    "Teacher Zhang, what do you have to say about not winning this award?"


    "I heard it was because you offended the judging panel of the Yanhong Literary Prize, so does that mean that there won''t be a ce for you in the future issuings of this award? That you will be excluded from here on out?"


    "Did you join the Writers'' Association?"


    "We received news that if you had agreed to join the Writers'' Association and be a member, you would definitely have been awarded a Yanhong Literary Prize today!"


    "Why didn''t you agree to join the Writers'' Association?"


    "Teacher Zhang, will you be back to fight for the Yanhong Literary Prize in another four years?"


    Zhang Ye did not ept their interview and walked off silently.


    Online, the news had spread as well.


    "What?"


    "They''re really not giving it to Zhang Ye?"


    "Holy shit! The Yanhong Literary Prize is getting more and more pointless!"


    "I''ve never even heard of three of the five winners before!"


    "The value of this year''s Yanhong Literary Prize is really too low!"


    "Zhang Ye is not in the list of winners? Are you kidding me?"


    "Zhang Ye''s poems are not even good enough to win the award? Oh my God, just how high is the entry barrier of the Yanhong Literary Prize? Don''t scare me like that!"


    "Is there even a need to exin? They wanted Zhang Ye to join them, but Zhang Ye totally ignored them!"


    "It''s over. Even if Zhang Ye wants to have a go at the top award of the literary world, he has to wait another four years."


    "Would the Yanhong Literary Prize''s judging panel give it to him even if he waits another four years?"


    "This is not cool at all!"


    "Actually, Zhang Ye would''ve been capable of winning if he had just bowed down and joined the Writers'' Association. They set the conditions for him, but it was just that he chose not to follow their wishes! Look at it now, it''s all over for him!"


    Countless citizens questioned this oue!


    Some experts and schrs raised their doubts to the Yanhong Literary Prizemittee. There were even some people who mmed the decision and thought that this year''s Yanhong Literary Prize had greatly damaged the reputation of one of the top awards in the literary world!


    There were scoldings!


    There were criticisms!


    The Yanhong Literary Prize''s judging panel was thrust to the forefront!


    Later, when themittee officials realized the severity of the situation, they immediately issued a response to exin why Zhang Ye was not qualified enough to win the award. They came up with reasons like how he was too young, how he had not joined any literary organizations before, how some of his works were too radical in thought, were too aggressive and harsh in nature, etc, etc. In short, all they were saying was that with Zhang Ye''s qualifications, he was not yet deserving to be awarded this year''s Yanhong Literary Prize and that their judging panel was not biased against him.


    Then, right at this moment.


    Zhang Ye posted a poem on his Weibo.


    " I died for Beauty��but was scarce 1 "


    I died for Beauty��but was scarce


    Adjusted in the Tomb


    When One who died for Truth, wasin


    In an adjoining Room��


    He questioned softly "Why I failed"?


    "For Beauty", I replied��


    "And I��for Truth��Themself are One��


    We Brethren, are", He said��


    And so, as Kinsmen, met a Night��


    We talked between the Rooms��


    Until the Moss had reached our lips��


    And covered up��Our names��


    When this poem emerged, it shocked the entire literary world. The voices of controversy became even more intense!


    When a few writers and poets who had been awarded previous Yanhong Literary Prizes saw this poem, they were rocked by a sadness stemming from the bottom of their hearts!


    For beauty?


    You died for beauty?


    All of them understood what Zhang Ye was trying to convey. They knew that if Zhang Ye had agreed to join the Writers'' Association, his name would surely be on the Yanhong Literary Prize!


    But he didn''t do so!


    Because that would look really ugly?


    For such a poem, for such a person, was he really unqualified to win one of the most coveted awards of the literary world? What was this top award set up for in the first ce? What was its selection criteria? Was it meant to be a selection of works? Or was it meant to be a selection of people? Or perhaps, all of it was simply the product of the judges'' personal preferences?


    On Weibo.


    The reaction of the people waspletely one-sided.


    "Zhang Ye is so cool!"


    "What a good ''I died for Beauty,'' it''s making my blood boil!"


    "Just based on this poem alone, which of the five winners of this year''s Yanhong Literary Prize canpare to Zhang Ye? Huh? Tell me, which of them canpare?


    "It''s just an important award of the literary world, isn''t it? It''s not like the Yanhong Literary Prize is the only one out there!"


    "Yeah, the Qilu Literature Prize that will be given out a few dayster is the true highest honor of the literary world! It''s much more valuable than the Yanhong Literary Prize for sure! Teacher Zhang, win that for us!"


    "Fuck, the Qilu Literature Prize is only meant for full-length novels."


    "I don''t care, I''ll give my support to Zhang Ye in any case! No two ways about it!"


    "Teacher Zhang, we''re cheering you on. Even if you didn''t win this time, there are still chances in the future. There will surely be a ce for you among the winners of the highest honors of the literary world! Just keep pursuing the beauty that you believe in! That''s what we like about you!"


    "Beauty��more important than anything else!"


    "Furious approval of Zhang Ye!"


    "The Yanhong Literary Prize''s judging panel must be blind!"


    1. http://.edickinson.org/editions/1/image_sets/235714 | https://owlcation/humanities/Analysis-of-Poem-I-died-for-beauty-but-was-scarce-by-Emily-Dickinson

 Chapter 1204: Zhang Ye’s new novel!

    <h4>Chapter 1204: Zhang Ye''s new novel! </h4>


    Chapter 1204: Zhang Ye''s new novel!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    The uproar over the Yanhong Literary Prize had died down. This was how cruel it was at the level of the highest awards. Even if anyone had doubt, even if everyone was protesting for Zhang Ye, the award that was held once every four years was already given. No one could change the results. Those five names would be entered into the annals of the Yanhong Literary Prize, into the annals of the literary world, while Zhang Ye missed his only opportunity to do so. After several years, the majority in the literary field were still not acknowledging Zhang Ye, whom they viewed as someone who hade from an unconventional background.


    Everyone thought the issue had blown over.


    Everyone thought Zhang Ye had been felled by the thing called "beauty."


    In the morning.


    At the studio.


    Several colleagues arrived at work in a listless mood.


    "You''re here?"


    "Yeah, morning."


    "Hai, have you seen Director Zhang''s poem?"


    "I''ve read it already. This industry is just cruel like that."


    "After reading that poem, I feel that Director Zhang''s decision was right. It''s getting really ugly in the entertainment industry these days. There''s so muchpromise, betrayal, and out-of-control hype, so there''s nothing wrong with doing things a little more beautifully!"


    "But he threw away the most coveted award because of that."


    "The ns to reach the summit have gone up in smoke!"


    "Ai, we couldn''t evenplete the first step of the n, so it''ll only get harder from here."


    "I don''t think there''s any hope of reaching the summit this year. Our Director Zhang has offended too many people and industries. The further he climbs, the more pressure there will be on him. He''s paying off his past debts. There are probably a lot of people who are waiting for Director Zhang to fall, and many of them should be apuding as well. He wants to reach the summit? If Director Zhang drops his guard even for a second, just watch, countless people are sure to rush up to try to take a chunk out of him!"


    Everyone was chatting among themselves.


    Ha Qiqi had just bought breakfast and stepped into the office.


    Then, footfalls came from upstairs. "Let them try. To be honest, I''ve never lost the many conflicts that I''ve had in all these years. I would really like to see who can take a chunk out of me."


    It was Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Zuo said, "Ah?"


    Little Wang said in surprise, "Why are you here so early?"


    "What do you mean by early?" Zhang Yeughed and said, "I haven''t left since I got back here yesterday. Quick, did anyone buy breakfast?"


    Ha Qiqi unwittingly answered, "I did."


    Zhang Ye jogged over to her and plopped down. He grabbed some soup dumplings and stuffed them into his mouth. After he ate a few of them, he even pretended to be polite and said to Ha Qiqi, "Have some too, Sister Ha."


    Ha Qiqi was speechless.


    What do you want me to eat!


    You didn''t even leave any for me!


    Wu Yi asked curiously, "You didn''t sleep the entire night?"


    Zhang Ye inserted a straw into a cup and slurped on soy milk. "Yeah."


    Seeing Zhang Ye in such a good mood, Zhang Zuo was feeling very curious. Based on Director Zhang''s temper, he would''ve flown into a rage at a time like this. Why was he still acting so calmly? He probed, "Director Zhang, has our previous n to reach the summit been canceled? Will the n still be carri��"


    Zhang Ye asked in surprise, "Why would it be canceled?"


    Zhang Zuo smiled bitterly. "But we couldn''t even achieve the first milestone."


    After he finished drinking the soy milk, Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ve said before, you guys only need to think of the n. As for how it will be realized, that isn''t for you to worry about. That''s my business."


    As they spoke, it gradually turned into a meeting, so everyone sat down.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Our first step of the n was for you to win one of the most coveted awards in the domestic literary world so that you could polish up your credentials to help push your poprity higher. With the newly gained poprity from winning the award, the second step would be to publish another novel like Ghost Blows Out the Light. We would then try our best to make it a bestseller. You haven''t written a novel in a long time, so that should help you increase your poprity within the literary field and bring it to new heights. In that way, we could''ve taken another big step towards the realization of our n to reach the summit. But now that you didn''t manage to win one of the most important awards in the domestic literary world, the next step would be��"


    But Zhang Ye pointed upstairs and said, "I''ve already started on a new novel."


    Zhang Zuo eximed, "You''ve already begun writing it?"


    "Yeah, what else did you guys think I was doing all night?" Zhang Ye suddenly remembered something. "Oh right, hurry up and contact the publishing firm. We can already get the process started."


    Ha Qiqi asked, "When will you finish writing it?"


    Zhang Ye looked at the calendar and said, "I''ll try to finish it in two days."


    Two days?


    Was he writing a short story?


    "OK."


    "Understood."


    "I will go and liaise with the publishing firm!"


    Nobody asked further.


    Zhang Ye did not say anything else either. After he finished eating, he ran upstairs. Everyone heard his office door shut. Until evening, no one saw Zhang Ye take a step out from his office.


    The next day.


    It was past 5 PM.


    The office door opened and Zhang Ye came downstairs sporting an unkempt look.


    Everyone stood.


    "Aiyo!"


    "Director Zhang, you finally came out!"


    "Quick,e and eat dinner. I''ve already bought something for you!"


    "You nearly scared us to death! You didn''t even open the door when we knocked."


    But Zhang Yeughed and said spiritedly, "Little Wang, print the draft out."


    He had finished writing it within two days, but there was a heavy price to pay. Zhang Ye had barely gotten any sleep these past two days, as he spent close to 20 hours a day typing in front of theputer. He had always been like that and was someone who would work himself to death. Everyone knew his character.


    Little Wang ran upstairs to print the draft.


    20 pages.


    50 pages.


    100 pages.


    The draft was printed out page by page.


    Everyone in the studio was getting more and more dumbfounded as they watched.


    Ha Qiqi said in a startled manner, "Why are there so many pages?"


    Zhang Zuo quickly flipped through the printed pages to have a look. "Th-This many words?"


    "There are around 200,000 words or so. I''m not sure since I didn''t count," Zhang Ye said offhandedly.


    200,000 words!


    Everyone was shocked!


    It didn''t even take two days, but you''ve already written 200,000 words? Damn, there were fast writers around, but wasn''t that still way too fast! Was a grave robbing novel that easy to write?


    When everyone gathered around to read the draft, they were stunned again!


    "What?"


    "This, this isn''t a grave robbing novel!"


    "Director Zhang, what happened?"


    "Is this a romance novel?"


    "Or is it about marriage?"


    "This doesn''t fit with what we discussed, Director Zhang!"


    Everyone in the studio looked at each other and felt that this was too risky. You can''t be writing a novel about marriage just because you''re getting married, right? This kind of novel does not have much of a market and is not easy to sell! Having written Ghost Blows Out the Light, the people had expectations of his new novel. As long as they gave it a simr title such as Ghost Blows Out the Light 2, the book sales wouldn''t do too badly. So they couldn''tprehend why Zhang Ye would touch on the topic of marriage for his new novel!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "This is it. Contact the publishing firm and get the book out there as soon as possible."


    He said that with a lot of certainty, so they had to do as they were told.


    After gobbling up his dinner, Zhang Ye was so happy that he even had some Erguotou to drink. Afterwards, he walked into the empty conference room and took out his cell phone to make a call.


    It was a call to Elder Qian.


    Du du. The call went through.


    "Elder Qian, have you had dinner yet?"


    "Oh, it''s Little Zhang? I just finished eating, why? Is there something that you''re looking for me for?"


    "You mentioned that you were on the judging panel for the Qilu Literature Prize?"


    "Yeah, what''s the matter?"


    "How does one qualify for the Qilu Literature Prize?"


    "Why are you asking? The nomination for the Qilu Literature Prize depends on the literature in question. We go through the better literature that''s published within thest four years, and every member of the judging panel is tasked with nominating one or two novels to the shortlist. These books will then be ced into the final selection pool and be voted on so that five winners will be chosen to receive the final award."


    "Oh, then why don''t you help me nominate a novel?"


    "Whose novel is it?"


    "Mine."


    Elder Qianughed aloud after being taken aback for a moment. "Your novels won''t do. Be it that Ghost Blows Out the Light or Legend of Wukong, none of those books fulfill the requirements to get nominated, nor are they considered literature in the traditional sense of the word. The Qilu Literature Prize emphasizes more on literary merit, so I''m afraid I can''t give you a pass on that."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement: "Don''t worry, it''s my new novel I''m talking about."


    Only then did Elder Qian take him seriously again. "Do you intend topete for the Qilu Literature Prize?"


    "Yes," Zhang Ye said.


    "Are you serious?"


    "Does it sound like I''m joking?"


    Elder Qian did not quite understand. "But why?"


    Zhang Ye answered with augh: "For beauty."


    Why did he fail?


    For beauty!


    And why did he stand again?


    Still for beauty!


    Elder Qian stayed silent for a few seconds before saying: "What''s the title of the novel?"


    Zhang Ye cidly answered: " Fortress Besieged 1 ."


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortress_Besieged

 Chapter 1205: The Qilu Literature Prize Judging Panel

    <h4>Chapter 1205: The Qilu Literature Prize Judging Panel </h4>


    Chapter 1205: The Qilu Literature Prize Judging Panel


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    The nominee list for one of the most coveted literary awards, the Qilu Literature Prize, was released!


    The list was packed with several dozen names and novels!


    Spring Returns, Han Dong


    Love by the Lake, Liu Tianqi


    River Maple, Li Duan


    Fortress Besieged, Zhang Ye


    And so on.


    This was the grandest affair in the literary field. After the warm-up that was the Yanhong Literary Prize, the Qilu Literature Prize selection attracted even more attention.


    The Yanhong Literary Prize, Qilu Literature Prize, and another literary award made up three of the most coveted awards in the literary field. Although they were supposed to be equal in standing, some basic differences in value and influence still existed between the three awards. It was headed by the Qilu Literature Prize since full-length novels were the most influential to the mainstream. So the Qilu Literature Prize was considered the most prestigious of the three highest awards in literature and also the most difficult title to achieve in the literary field.


    Just like the Mao Dun Literature Prize, Lu Xun Literary Prize, Lao She Literary Award, and other literary awards 1 of Zhang Ye''s previous world, it was clear that the Mao Dun Literature Prize was the most prestigious of all.


    The Qilu Literature Prize was basically the equivalent to the Mao Dun Literature Prize back in Zhang Ye''s previous world!


    Online.


    "It''s finally here!"


    "The Qilu Literature Prize, what a heavyweight!"


    "I wonder who the winners will be this time!"


    "Master Liu Tianqi should be able to win, right? Themittee owes him one from the previous time!"


    "That''s difficult to say. Just look at the Yanhong Literary Prize awards. Everyone felt that Zhang Ye had a very good chance of winning, but how did that turn out? He didn''t get anything at all, so it''s really too difficult to make any predictions."


    "Don''t bring up the Yanhong Literary Prize anymore, ptui!"


    "Haha, the officials on the Yanhong Literary Prizemittee have been badly scolded the past few days."


    "Yeah, even for someone like me who''s not a fan of Zhang Ye feels that he has been wronged this time. When Zhang Ye got into fights, I criticized him. When he created trouble, I couldn''t bear to look. But when he deserves the honor, I have to give it to him. We have to be reasonable here. His poetry and essays are truly deserving of the Yanhong Literary Prize!"


    "Previous poster''s view is very fair. I am not Zhang Ye''s fan either. I feel that the seven Heavenly Kings and Queens all know how to behave better than Zhang Ye, but his results and contribution to the literary world cannot be denied."


    "Eh, have a look at this, quickly!"


    "A look at what?"


    "Huh, why is Zhang Ye''s name on the nominee list?"


    "Ah? Damn, it''s really there!"


    "Zhang Ye? Fortress Besieged?"


    "What is this? What book is this Fortress Besieged?"


    "Zhang Ye hasn''t written that book."


    "You silly people, there are so many authors out there who are named Zhang Ye. I personally know of two literary figures named Zhang Ye."


    "Hai, so that''s how it is. I was surprised for a moment there."


    "He really does have amon name."


    "Haha, that''s what I thought too! Would Zhang Ye know how to write literary fiction 2 !"


    "I love Ghost Blows Out the Light the most!"


    Everyone joked around some and did not take the appearance of this name too seriously after that.


    Even the media reporters and industry insiders did not think too much about it. Zhang Ye''s previous books were all famous, and everyone had really not heard of him writing a book titled Fortress Besieged.


    The reporters were all busy working on their drafts, with some of chasing after interviews with several key authors, while others were writing reports to help the general public understand more about the literary awards.


    Such as the following: The literary field''s awards are unlike those given out in the film and television industry. In the film and television industry, there are all sorts of different top award ceremonies held in China, in Hong Kong, and also globally. It''s possible for one person to win a lot of them, like Zhang Yuanqi, or even Ning Lan, who had won the highest honors in the film and television industry more than once. It''s even possible to win the same awards repeatedly. Perhaps they would take the crown of Best Actress this year, and then win it again during the next year. Even though it rarely happens, it''s still a possibility. However, it''s different for the highest honors of the literary field. Here, although there are no hard and fast rules outlining it, there are some practices and traditions that have gained the consensus of the Chinese literary field. For one, an author could only win one of the highest domestic honors in their entire lifetime!


    Take for example.


    Once a certain person won the Yanhong Literary Prize, the future Yanhong Literary Prizemittees would never let them be nominated again. No matter how good that person''s future works are or how well they do, it wouldn''t matter. This is due to the fact that they''ve won it before. Furthermore, once either one of the three highest honors were won, they would lose their qualification to receive any of the other two highest honors.


    If they''d won the Yanhong Literary Prize before, they wouldn''t have a chance of winning the Qilu Literature Prize.


    If they won the Qilu Literature Prize, there wouldn''t be a need to win the other awards anyway.


    This was generally how it was.


    The public was getting rowdy.


    Especially in the literary field. It was as though they were in the opening of the Olympics. Many of the literary figures were currently very active, appearing on all the different major television stations and enjoying the attention that this grand literary affair was shining on them.


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    The members of the Qilu Literature Prize judging panel were almosting to blows with each other!


    Someone banged on the table and shouted, "I don''t agree with this!"


    Someone said with a darkened expression, "Why was Zhang Ye ced in the shortlist?"


    Elder Qian exined, "I was the one who nominated him."


    That person said, "Elder Qian, no one has read this book before, and it hasn''t even been published yet, so how could you nominate it? This hasn''t been done in ordance with the rules at all!"


    Elder Meng, who had quite a good rtionship with Elder Qian, banged the table and said, "Quiet down, all of you. This is a small room, you guys don''t have to raise your voices for us to hear you. Let me say this, Elder Qian has not done anything wrong at all. The novel Zhang Ye wrote has already been allocated an ISBN number from the publisher, and all the formalities surrounding it have also beenpleted. Although it hasn''t officially been put up for sale yet, the award''s rules only state that all nominated works shall have an assigned ISBN number. There isn''t any stiption that the book has to have tens of thousands of copies published before it can be shortlisted for the award."


    A female member of the panel said, "But no one has read this book before."


    Elder Qian smiled and said, "I did."


    Elder Meng sighed, "I did as well."


    A middle-aged member of the panel asked curiously, "How was it?"


    Elder Meng smiled wryly and said, "I don''t know how to put it, but if you really want me to use a word to describe it, I can only say it was ''shocking.'' You all can read it for yourselves to find out."


    Shocking?


    Elder Meng used the word "shocking" to describe it?


    Just how high was that praise?


    Zhang Ye? He could even write literary fiction?


    Why does it not sound believable at all!


    Someone mentioned, "But he''s such a controversial person. Just look at what happened at the Yanhong Literary Prize award ceremony. They were criticized so miserably, so we better not get ourselves into such a mess as well."


    Elder Qian looked at the several of them. "Is the Qilu Literature Prize given out for the person or for the book?"


    One of them answered, "The book."


    Elder Qian said, "I don''t care what Zhang Ye''s character is like. I''m not bothered about what kind of personality he has either. It also does not matter to me whether or not he''s part of the Writers'' Association. All I know is that in the current field of literature, there aren''t any books that canpare with Fortress Besieged! No one else can write something as good as it!"


    This was no longer a matter of high praise. This was the utmost affirmation that one could give a person or a book!


    No one else can write something as good as it?


    No other books canpare?


    How is that possible!


    After the meeting was over, everyone went their separate ways.


    "Where''s the book?"


    "In the library."


    "OK, I''ll go and read it."


    "Me too. I''ve already read all the other books that were nominated to the shortlist, so there isn''t a need to go through those again. It''s only this Fortress Besieged that I''ve never heard before."


    "Let''s head over together then."


    "I''d like to see just what kind of a novel someone like Zhang Ye who used to write grave robbing and children''s stories in the past cane up with."


    ��


    The next day.


    It was another scheduled meeting for the Qilu Literature Prize judging panel.


    The meeting was presided by Elder Meng, who was carrying out the selection progress meeting.


    Elder Meng said, "In another two days, we''ll be announcing the winners of the award. Let''s discuss them. By the way, has everyone read the nominated titles?"


    There was silence across the board.


    Elder Meng asked, "What''s the matter? No one has anything to say?"


    A female member of the panel said, "Was Fortress Besieged really written by Zhang Ye?"


    Elder Mengughed and said, "It wasn''t written by me, that''s for sure."


    Elder Qian looked at her. "Little Yan, what''s your evaluation of it?"


    The woman took a deep breath and thought about it for a long time before finally saying, "For someone who can write a book like that, I don''t think there''s even a need for them topete for any sort of award in the country! No author in China can write that kind of book. If I were to vote, I would surely vote for it. Not for Zhang Ye, but for the book!"


    Another member of the panel said with a wry grin, "I haven''te across a book like that in many years. Reading it gave me an indescribable feeling. It''s not even possible to call it ''shocking.'' All I want to do right now is run home so that I can read and analyze Fortress Besieged a few more times. The knowledge andnguage in this book is simply profound!"


    Someone said, "How is it possible that Zhang Ye wrote a book like that! For someone who used to write grave robbing novels and fairy tales, this is too great of a leap!"


    All of them had given Fortress Besieged a read!


    The first feeling that came to them upon finishing it was disbelief!


    How were they going to vote?


    Was there even a need to vote?


    Elder Qian spoke, "When I first met Little Zhang for the first time, I said that if there was anyone from our country who could win one of the top international literary awards in the next 5 to 15 years, it would be Zhang Ye. From the looks of it, my prediction is slowlying true."


    "But the Qilu Literature Prize��"


    "How can we possibly award it to him?"


    "Zhang Ye is too controversial a person!"


    "He''s someone who operates totally outside of our domestic literary arena."


    Elder Qian said, "You''re all members of the judging panel and have the freedom to vote as you wish for whomever you think deserves to win the Qilu Literature Prize. No one can stop you."


    "Hai."


    "This is really tricky!"


    Many of the judges on the judging panel got headaches due to this problem!


    Zhang Ye had given them a colossally difficult decision to make!


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_literary_awards


    2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belles-lettres | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literary_fiction

 Chapter 1206: The release of Fortress Besieged!

    <h4>Chapter 1206: The release of Fortress Besieged! </h4>


    Chapter 1206: The release of Fortress Besieged!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the morning.


    At the studio.


    After catching up on two days of no sleep, Zhang Ye returned to work.


    "Good morning, Director Zhang."


    "Director Zhang, you''re here?"


    "Have you had enough rest?"


    "Don''t pull that many all-nighters in the future."


    "Yeah, you scared us to death."


    Everyone said a few words of concern to him.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "The kind of life I lead is tiresome. I can as free as I want when I have downtime, but when I get busy, I''m especially busy. I''m used to this. Oh right, is there anything going on these next few days?"


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Nothing important, but tomorrow will be theunch of your novel."


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh? They''ve finished printing it already?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "The publishing firm put in overtime and finally managed to meet 200,000 copies for the first print run. We did not have much time to carry out any heavy promotions for the novel as it was too rushed. Otherwise, if we had had a month to prepare, the marketing would surely have been very effective. Since we couldn''t promote it properly, we aren''t really sure how the sales will do."


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "It''s fine. Just sell however much we can.


    Ha Qiqi nodded. "Starting from now, we''ll be following up with the promotional work for the novel. The money has already been paid, so we''ll start seeing the ad campaigns today."


    "Alright, great job," Zhang Ye said.


    Zhang Zuo suddenly said, "Eh, are they going to announce the winners for the Qilu Literature Prize tomorrow as well?"


    Little Wang was giggling as she looked at a monitor. Then she got stunned. "Eh? This nominee list!"


    The nearby people instinctively looked over.


    "What''s the matter?"


    "There''s a Zhang Ye on the nominee list?"


    "Haha, it must be someone with the same name."


    "Let me have a look. Heh, you''re right!"


    "How coincidental, there''s really an author with the same name as Director Zhang."


    "Eh, the nominated novel is titled Fortress Besieged?"


    "Whoa, what a coincidence! It even has the same title as Director Zhang''s new novel?"


    Having said that, everyone in the studio froze!


    What?


    The author''s name was Zhang Ye?


    And the novel''s title was also titled Fortress Besieged?


    What the hell! Coincidence, your sister!


    Isn''t this Director Zhang himself?!


    Wu Yi was dumbfounded. "Director Zhang, did you get nominated for the Qilu Literature Prize?"


    Little Wang''s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. "Surely not, right? What''s with this?"


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye said in surprise, "Didn''t I tell you guys?"


    Zhang Zuo eximed, "When did you tell us? No one knows about this!"


    Zhang Ye sighed. "I must''ve been too tired. I''ve been sleeping so much the past two days that I forgot all about it. Yes, Fortress Besieged was nominated."


    Ha Qiqi said in disbelief, "How could it be that your marriage-themed novel was nominated for the Qilu Literature Prize? Doesn''t that award only shortlist literary fiction?"


    Little Wang said, "Yeah, what''s with this?"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Haven''t you guys read the novel?


    Everyone shook their heads. They had been too busy liaising with the publishing firm, readying the promotional materials, and handling other matters, so who would have the time to flip through the novel page by page and read it carefully?


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Didn''t I say it before? We''ll continue with the n to reach the summit. If we can''tplete the first step of our n, then we''llbine it with the second step. It''s probably a good thing that I didn''t manage to win the Yanhong Literary Prize. If I did, I couldn''t have been nominated for the Qilu Literature Prize. Comparing the prestige of these two awards, the Qilu Literature Prize is actually the more coveted of the domestic literary awards." With that, he spread his hands. "But of course, I don''t know if I can win this time either."


    The studio staff got very excited!


    They thought he had missed out on getting a high honor of the Chinese literary field, but who could have expected that Zhang Ye''s new novel would actually get nominated for the famous Qilu Literature Prize as well? This was excellent, great news for them! The only thing that made everyone feel a little doubtful was that Director Zhang had taken less than two fucking days to finish writing this novel that contained 200,000 words of pure bull��pure literature, so would he really be able to win the highest honor in the literary field?


    Could he really do it?


    Why did it feel like it was hopeless no matter how they looked at it!


    Surely the Qilu Literature Prize wasn''t that "cheap," right?


    However��


    Qian Zhongshu!


    Fortress Besieged!


    They couldn''t possibly know what these four words stood for back in Zhang Ye''s previous world!


    ��


    Later that morning.


    The promotions began.


    On an ad page in the Beijing Times, the cover of Fortress Besieged, along with Zhang Ye''s photo and a written introduction by him, were printed.


    Fortress Besieged.


    Marriage is like a fortress besieged.


    Those who are outside want to get in.


    And those who are inside want to get out.


    ��Zhang Ye''s first novel, themed around marriage, will meet everyone on the bookshelves tomorrow!


    On the other newspapers and some discussion forums, advertisement spots had also been purchased for the novel!


    The official Weibo of Zhang Ye''s Studio also posted an announcement.


    Following, Zhang Ye''s personal Weibo shared the announcement post and added simply: "My new novel will go on sale tomorrow at all major bookstores. Everyone, please join in and support me."


    This news hade too abruptly!


    It was so sudden that it left everyone in the industry, as well as the public, unable to react to it!


    It was so sudden that many of the media reporters felt like they had a rude awakening!


    "A new novel?"


    "Why wasn''t there any news about this beforehand?"


    "Zhang Ye wrote another novel?"


    "Eh, Fortress Besieged?"


    "Why does it sound so familiar?"


    "Yeah, it sounds familiar to me too. I seem to have seen it somewhere."


    "Fuck! Look at the Qilu Literature Prize''s nominee list!"


    "Ah, yes. It''s the Qilu Literature Prize, I remember it now!"


    "Zhang Ye! Fortress Besieged!"


    "Your grandpa! So it wasn''t actually someone with the same name? Fuck!"


    "Oh my God! Zhang Ye has been nominated for the Qilu Literature Prize!"


    "The novel was nominated even before its release? Just what kind of novel is it!"


    "Zhang Ye is getting married soon; is that why he''s chosen to touch on the topic of marriage with a literary novel? But it''s been proven in recent years that this sort of novel doesn''t sell well. What''s more, this is even literary fiction?"


    "Zhang Ye will bepeting for the Qilu Literature Prize?"


    "That can''t be, right? He''s never written literary fiction before. In the past, he''s only dabbled in genre fiction 1 . This is Zhang Ye''s first time writing a full-length novel, so how could he possibly win an award for it? And we''re talking about the Qilu Literature Prize here. Do you think the award is like the cabbages in the market? Anyone can get one if they want one? Aiyo, let me process this for a moment! This is mind-blowing!"


    The power of the people was limitless.


    Having missed out on the Yanhong Literary Prize, Zhang Ye was in the news. When his nomination for the Qilu Literature Prize was revealed, it spread through the Inte like wildfire!


    "Come and see this, quickly! Zhang Ye will be releasing a new novel!"


    "Is Face-smacking Zhang making aeback?"


    "I must buy a copy of it tomorrow and see how it is!"


    "I don''t like literary novels, they''re too contrived! I can''t understand them!"


    "I don''t like them either, but we''re talking about Zhang Ye''s novel. Even if I won''t read it, I must still buy two copies and leave them at home. Can''t help it, I''m a braindead fan of his, after all!"


    "Hahaha, me too!"


    "Supporting Teacher Zhang!"


    "Supporting Face-smacking Zhang in his fight for the Qilu Literature Prize!"


    "I''ll reserve my judgment on how the novel is. I hope he didn''t forcefully put something together just so he could release a book."


    "I would buy the novel even if he wrote rubbish. I just want to see how Zhang Ye will write a marriage-themed novel. There might even be a description of Zhang Ye''s wife that could help us guess her identity!"


    "Zhang Ye is too crafty! He knew that people are paying attention to his marriage, so he came up with a marriage-themed novel. He''s obviously just trying to make a quick buck!"


    "Haha, then will you buy it or not?"


    "Of course I��will buy it while holding back tears!"


    "We''ll find out tomorrow if his novel is any good! The release of Fortress Besieged tomorrow will also be the day that the results of the Qilu Literature Prize are announced. It''s all going to happen on the same day!"


    Even before its release!


    Fortress Besieged was trending!


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genre_fiction (ormercial fiction)

 Chapter 1207: Fortress Besieged sells like crazy!

    <h4>Chapter 1207: Fortress Besieged sells like crazy! </h4>


    Chapter 1207: Fortress Besieged sells like crazy!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    On the day of the book''sunch.


    In the morning, a huge crowd had gathered at the Xidan Bookstore entrance. Over 200 people joined the long line and blocked off the main entrance of the building entirely.


    "Don''t push, don''t push."


    "Please line up and don''t cut in line."


    "They''re about to open."


    "Why are they taking so long? I''ve been here since 6 AM."


    "Bro, I was here earlier than you. I heard that there were some others who came here even earlier than me."


    "Ah? What time were they here since?"


    "There was someone who arrived at 4:30 AM."


    "Man, surely they couldn''t have gone to such an extreme, right?"


    "Why not? Who knows if we can even get hold of a copy of the book."


    Everyone was chatting as they stood in line.


    A passerby on his way to work was baffled at the sight. That person did not know what was going on, so he stopped in his tracks and had a look. "What are you guys lining up for? Did Hardshell Technologies release a new cell phone? Why didn''t I hear about it? In any case, this isn''t where the exclusive retail store is. It''s over there. Why are you guys lining up at the entrance of the Bookstore?"


    Someone in the line said, "We''re lining up to buy a book."


    That person said in surprise, "What book are you buying?"


    A female student said, "Zhang Ye''s Fortress Besieged!"


    The passerby said in a startled voice, "What? Face-smacking Zhang has released a new novel?"


    The girl nodded and said, "That''s right. There''re some rumors that this marriage-themed novel will contain some critical information about the identity of Zhang Ye''s fiancee!"


    "Damn, it''s that interesting?" That passerby had a look of excitement in his eyes as he immediately ran to the back of the line and joined it silently.


    It was finally the start of business hours.


    When the main doors were unlocked and the passageway into the Bookstore was opened up, the staff were stunned by what they saw. They could only watch as shadows came rushing toward them. Some of the female staff were scared stiff and had their jaws drop. They did not know at all what was happening!


    The crowd rushed straight into the Bookstore!


    "Where is it?"


    "Over there!"


    "I can see the bookshelves!"


    "I want a copy of Fortress Besieged!"


    "Give me ten copies! Pack them up!"


    Only then did the staff members realize what was going on. When they finally came back to their senses, the shelves where Fortress Besieged was ced were already emptied out. Only a bare promo board was left standing!


    "Why are they all gone?"


    "My God, I was here since 6 AM!"


    "There must still be some stock left in the warehouse!"


    An executive of the Bookstore was also alerted. He came downstairs dumbfounded by the happenings and quickly said, "Calm down, everyone, calm down. I''ve already gotten someone to transfer more stock from our warehouse. The books will be here immediately!"


    ��


    Shanghai.


    At Xinhua Bookstore.


    "I want a copy of Fortress Besieged!"


    "Give me two copies, thank you!"


    "Fortress Besieged!"


    "Why did they limit the amount that we can purchase?"


    "Each person can only purchase one copy? What kind of rule is that?"


    ��


    Tianjin.


    At the Liberation Bookstore.


    "Do you still have a copy of Fortress Besieged?"


    "There aren''t any left."


    "What''s going on? I lined up for a very long time!"


    "We only received 200 copies, and they''ve all sold out. Why don''t you all go down to West Street and ask around to see if they still have any stock left."


    "They don''t have anything left at West Street. I just came over from there!"


    ��


    Throughout the morning.


    Crazy scenes like these yed out at major bookstores around the country.


    Many of those working at the bookstores and booksellers were feeling a little dumbfounded. How was this called book buying? This was clearly book snatching! Fortress Besieged was avable as a single volume book and had a very high word count. Together with Zhang Ye''s reputation, the publishing firm had set a very high market price for the novel. But based on what they were experiencing, it seemed like everyone was buying the book as though it did not cost a thing. They did not even browse through the contents or flip through the pages and simply picked up the novel before heading straight to the cashier!


    The media was dumbfounded!


    Many of the onlooking passersby were also dumbfounded!


    Is this what Zhang Ye''s appeal is like? Is he really that awesome? In all of China, which author could cause such a scene on the release date of their books!


    At 10 AM, Fortress Besieged was sold out at 13 bookstores across the country!


    At 10:30 AM, Fortress Besieged was sold out at 35 bookstores across the country!


    At 11 AM, Fortress Besieged was sold out at 57 bookstores across the country!


    The stock of Fortress Besieged was decreasing!


    Some of the booksellers who had gone out of stock even called Zhang Ye''s Studio in their anxiety.


    At the studio.


    Little Wang was on the phone. "We don''t carry any stock of the book here��.Right, you can get in contact with the publisher and distributor��.It''s no use even if you tell me about it; we''re not in charge of this matter." After hanging up, Little Wang didn''t know whether tough or cry. She told everyone, "A bookseller just called to ask for a thousand copies of the book."


    Wu Yi said excitedly, "The demand is too explosive!"


    Ha Qiqiughed out loud and said, "Looks like we absolutely need not worry about the sales!"


    Zhang Zuo came back in a hurry from outside and panted, "You guys should really go out there and have a look. It''s crazy in the bookstore across from us! It''s packed with people!"


    Even Zhang Ye got butterflies in his stomach. "Surely it can''t be that popr, right?"


    Noticing his disbelief, Zhang Zuo quickly said, "It''s true, you can go and have a look for yourself!"


    Zhang Ye said, "The promo campaigns haven''t even fully run yet and the release was done so hurriedly, so how could we have sold that much?"


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "That''s because you didn''t consider your reputation. If it were some random dude, they definitely couldn''t achieve this. But who are you? You''re the best writer among the celebrities and the most famous person among the authors. Moreover, this marriage-themed novel arrived just in time to coincide with your own marriage too. On top of all that, the winners of the Qilu Literature Prize will be announced today. With Fortress Besieged also nominated for the Qilu Literature Prize, the poprity of the book has been pushed to a high point."


    Then, Zhang Ye''s cell phone rang.


    Zhang Ye answered the call from Yao Jiancai.


    "Old Yao, what''s up?"


    "Why can''t I get a copy of your novel?"


    "Ah?"


    "My daughter intended to get it, but it was already sold out at all three of the bookstores she went to!"


    "Hai, I didn''t expect it''d sell so well on the first day."


    "Don''t say anything else, you just need to quickly get me ten copies of your novel right now."


    "Whoa, I don''t have that many copies on hand either. The publishing firm didn''t bring over that many. I can at most spare you three copies. As for rest, we''ll talk about it again when I get excess stock."


    "Alright, three copies is fine too. I''ll get my wife to go over to your studio and get it from youter. Mimi can''t wait to get her hands on it."


    "Alright."


    Then the doorbell rang.


    Little Wang, who was standing closest to the door, opened it.


    Chenchen walked in. "Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye said, "What are you doing here? I''m busy and don''t have time for you."


    Chenchen pouted and ignored him. Her little eyes looked over to the stack of Fortress Besieged books sealed and neatly ced in a corner of the studio. She walked over and put five copies into her arms.


    Zhang Ye stared at her. "What are you doing?"


    Chenchen said nonchntly, "People want a copy of your novel."


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "Who?"


    Chenchen pointed downstairs. "Old Sun and Old Zhou. They said they didn''t manage to buy it."


    Old Sun? Did she mean Grandpa Sun?


    Old Zhou? Was she talking about Uncle Zhou?


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Take the copies then."


    Chenchen hurried away.


    A short whileter, the little kid came back again.


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "What are you doing here again?"


    Chenchen said, "Zhang Ye, give me another 20 copies."


    However, Zhang Ye noticed an awkward bulge in her pocket and could not help but grow suspicious. "What''s that in your pocket?"


    Chenchen clutched her pocket. "It''s none of your business."


    "Hey, let me see." Zhang Ye went up to her and searched through her pocket.


    "Leave me alone!" Chenchen wasn''t having any of it, but Zhang Ye overpowered her with his strength. An item fell out from her pocket.


    Everyone saw exactly 250 yuan in cash fall out!


    Chenchen could only say, "I sold your books at 50 yuan each at the entrance of the neighborhood. It''s higher than your market price. Zhang Ye, give me another 20 copies."


    Zhang Ye was floored. "Your sister, are you replenishing your stock from me!"


    Everyone burst intoughter!


    She even knew how to markup the price?


    They had nevere across such a young scalper before!


    But from this, it showed how popr Fortress Besieged was. It was really selling like crazy!

 Chapter 1208: How can such a person exist?

    <h4>Chapter 1208: How can such a person exist? </h4>


    Chapter 1208: How can such a person exist?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


    At Eastern Publishing Firm.


    The phone lines were constantly ringing, but the staff were no longer trying to answer every call!


    "The stores are pressing us for more books again!"


    "The Bookstore wants to order another 4,000 copies of Fortress Besieged!"


    "There isn''t any leftover stock that we can ship out from the first print. Increase the print run!"


    "We''ve already contacted the production line to do so!"


    "Aiyo, this release has gotten way too explosive, my God!"


    "200,000 copies of the first print and we''re already sold out?"


    "How can that be possible?"


    "Why would it not be possible? The various major bookstores have ryed the statistics back to us. The sales for Fortress Besieged have emptied their inventories by 70%. Going by this rate, we''ll be out of stock by tonight! 200,000 copies sold in a day? In the publishing world, there has never been anyone who managed this before!"


    200,000 copies for the first print run, this was really not a low figure!


    For most new authors, a first print run of 10,000 to 20,000 copies was verymon. Publishers would tend to only raise that figure to 100,000 copies for best-selling authors and would use that figure for a year''s worth of projected sales. The publishing industry was experiencing a slump as the impact from various online publishers were having a great effect. If a novel could sell 100,000 copies a year, it would be considered a very popr title. However, no one at Eastern Publishing Firm could have expected that even with 200,000 copies of Fortress Besieged printed for its first run, it was still not enough tost them a day of sales!


    This was crazy!


    This was totally crazy!


    Over there, a female editor was fast walking over.


    Everyone looked at her with smiles on their faces.


    "Little Li!"


    "Well done!"


    "You''ve made a great contribution again!"


    "Editor Li, you''re looking great!"


    Someone even led a round of apuse for her!


    Li Mei was a little embarrassed. "It''s all to the credit of Teacher Zhang for trusting us with his book. I didn''t really do much at all."


    Li Mei was the newbie from the publishing firm who had struck the deal with Zhang Ye back then. At that time, Zhang Ye had just fallen out with his previous publisher and many of the other publishers were trying to sign him. Eastern Publishing Firm stood no chance of getting him as they were not well-known and were considered a small-time publishing firm in the industry. So they just sent an inexperienced employee to handle the negotiation to try to convince Zhang Ye to sign with them. To the expectations of no one, Li Mei managed to convince Zhang Ye and even got along very well with his mother. Afterwards, all of his works rted to publishing were given to Li Mei to handle. In these past two years, the rtionship worked fine without any hups. Many of the other publishers kept trying to headhunt Zhang Ye in the hopes that they could get a slice of the pie. But they could not understand why Zhang Ye kept choosing to work with Eastern Publishing Firm only and never once gave the rights of his books to any of the other publishing firms. It was also the same for Fortress Besieged!


    Li Mei had now be a very reputable person in the publishing industry!


    Ever since then, Eastern Publishing Firm had gained a firm foothold in the industry!


    At the editor-in-chief''s office.


    Li Mei cautiously knocked on the door and went in. "Editor-in-Chief, you''re looking for me?"


    The editor-in-chief looked at her and sped his hands with a smile. "Little Li, you''re here? Quick, take a seat. What would you like to drink? I have some rather good tea here."


    Li Mei anxiously waved her hands at that. "That''s not necessary, that''s really not necessary."


    The editor-in-chiefughed heartily. "Have you seen the sales figures for Fortress Besieged yet?"


    "Yes." Li Mei was quite happy with the results too.


    "You''re really great!" The editor-in-chief said in a pleased tone, "I didn''t think we could get it again, but who could''ve guessed that Teacher Zhang would still let us have the publication rights to his new book!"


    Li Mei said, "Teacher Zhang is actually very easy to talk to. He''s not as ill-tempered as rumored. As long as we do well in our work with him, he won''t switch publishers so easily. He''s not extremely particr about the royalty fees either. A little more or a little less doesn''t matter to him. That''s just how he is."


    "It was you who handled his ount well." The editor-in-chief said with a smile, "How long have you been working at the firm?"


    Li Mei counted. "Over three years."


    The editor-in-chief nodded. "Upper management has decided to give you a promotion."


    Li Mei was taken aback. "Ah?"


    The editor-in-chief smiled. "Starting from tomorrow, you will be in charge of the Distribution Department."


    Distribution Department?


    In charge of it?


    Li Mei was stunned!


    ��


    The sales for Fortress Besieged blew up!


    During the day, many people opened the book to read it as soon as they got their hands on it.


    Sometimes, a book wasn''t a good read even though it sold well, because a myriad of factors affected the sales figure of a book, like the promotional material or the fame of the author. Fortress Besieged had sold so crazily well because of Zhang Ye''s poprity. Just like if Zhang Yuanqi or one of those seven Heavenly Kings and Queens released a book, their sales would definitely not be bad. But as for how good the book really was, that depended on the content inside.


    At Peking University.


    Yao Jiancai''s daughter, Yao Mi, came running back to her dormitory.


    "I''ve got ''em!"


    "How many do you have?"


    "My mom sent three books!"


    "Give me one!"


    "I want one too!"


    "I wonder if it''s any good."


    "This is our Chinese Department''s teacher''s book you''re talking about, how can it not be good!" Even though she said that, Yao Mi wasn''t very sure of it either. Zhang Ye was dabbling for the first time in longform literary fiction about marriage. Compared to the Ghost Blows Out the Light that he had written, it was an entirely different genre. Yao Mi did not really know how good this book was.


    So they sat down in the dormitory and started reading it together.


    They spent the next few hours reading.


    All of a sudden, one of her roommates yelled, "Heavens!"


    Yao Mi was also very surprised. "Th-This is such a good read!"


    A girl next to her said, "What do you mean by a good read? That''s such a in description! It''s simply not enough to describe this book!"


    Yao Mi asked, "Then how would you describe it?"


    The girl dered, "This is a fucking godly read!"


    That''s right!


    It was a godly read!


    The few of them felt a sense of extreme shock!


    ��


    At Zhang Xia''s house.


    Grandma Zhang was sitting back in her chair and reading a book.


    Her nearby son called for her to take her medicine several times, but she did not hear him.


    "Mom."


    "Ah?"


    "It''s time to take your medicine."


    "Oh, alright."


    "What are you reading? You look lost in it."


    "Hur hur, it''s called Fortress Besieged."


    "Zhang Ye''s new book? Is it good?"


    Zhang Xia hesitated for a moment before giving the most appropriate evaluation she could think of. "It''s not a matter of it being good or bad, it''s a shocking read!"


    Her son said, "Then I''ll read it too."


    But Zhang Xiaughed and said, "You''re such a restless person and have been so ignorant about things since childhood, so I doubt you''ll be able to understand the intricacies and culturednguage contained in this book. Such a book can only be written by someone with great wisdom. Little Zhang is really surprising. If he ever decides to venture into the literary circle, he would probably shock a great deal of foreigners. I believe that they don''t yet know about this great talent that has emerged in China."


    After taking her medicine, Zhang Xia continued reading Fortress Besieged. She sat there reading for the entire day.


    ��


    At a certain author''s studio.


    The author, Chen Xian, also received a copy of the book. Someone from his studio brought it back for him, but he threw it aside without reading it.


    "Teacher Chen, about tonight''s Qilu Literature Prize��"


    "Just leave it to fate, it''s out of our control."


    "You have a very good chance of winning."


    "Hopefully, but it''s difficult to say until the very end."


    "Do you think that Zhang Ye has any hopes of winning?"


    "Well, can he write literary fiction?"


    Chen Xian just shook his head. In the field of poetry, there was probably no one who could outdo Zhang Ye in the whole of the literary field. This had been verified time and again. But when it came to novel writing, especially longform literary fiction, no one would be afraid of Zhang Ye. That was because no one had ever seen him write anything like this before, so they did not take him seriously. It was only due to the controversy surrounding the Yanhong Literary Prize that the Qilu Literature Prizemittee had nominated him. It was simply a nomination, so of course they wouldn''t award the prize to him.


    But when he received a call, Chen Xian felt a sense of uneasee over him.


    It was his old friend on the line.


    "Old Yu?"


    "Chen Xian, did you get a copy of Fortress Besieged yet?"


    "I have one, what''s the matter?"


    "Have you read it yet?"


    "Why would I want to read it?"


    There was a two-second pause on the other end. "I suggest that you give it a read."


    Chen Xian was startled. "��Alright."


    After hanging up, he immediately found the book and flipped to the first page.


    An hourter, Chen Xian''s expression hadpletely changed. After he closed the book, he took a deep breath and tasted a bitterness in his throat, like he had taken some Chinese traditional medicine!


    Could he write literary fiction?


    Thinking of this question he posed earlier, he already knew the answer!


    That''s right!


    He really could write it!


    Chen Xian had been stunned. Even if he was one of those from the literary circle who denounced Zhang Ye several years ago, even if he was extremely biased against Zhang Ye, he was still very shocked by this book!


    How can such a book exist?


    How can such a person exist?

 Chapter 1209: Ascending to the altar!

    <h4>Chapter 1209: Ascending to the altar! </h4>


    Chapter 1209: Ascending to the altar!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    7 PM sharp.


    All the major bookstores across the country had sent in their statistics. The premiere release of 200,000 copies of Fortress Besieged was wiped clean at 6:57 PM. Not a single copy was left on the shelves in the market!


    The publishing world was shaken to its core!


    The industry was also in an uproar!


    Who said that the publishing industry was in a slump?


    Who said that physical books were already a thing of the past?


    Faced with a book whose sales figures rocketed to the stars, many of the publishing firms hurriedly held meetings. A lot of authors who hadn''t intended to read this book were now flipping through it in curiosity. Someizens were even pleading to buy it off others by offering up to a 100 yuan for the book. It had be a very sought after book on the market!


    Then, all kinds of book reviews started appearing!


    Fortress Besieged dumbfounded the entire Chinese literary field!


    ssic Quotes:


    1. If the poem has any meaning, so much the worse for it.


    2. You''re not annoying, but you''repletely useless.


    3. Life, it''s been said, is one big book. Should life indeed be so, most of us writers can only im to be book critics. Possessing the book critic''s skill, we need not read more than a few pages to churn out a pile ofmentary and wrap up a book review in no time.


    4. If a person does not go out to see the world by 20, he is a failure; by the same token, if he is still out seeing the world at 30, he is a failure.


    5. Nothing happens on ident. The different masks we wear make it inevitable.


    6. Husbands are women''s careers. Not having a husband is like being unemployed.


    And so on and so forth.


    Every word contained in Fortress Besieged, every sentence, every line was crazily picked out by people who dissected and studied them until they couldn''t help but call it wonderful!


    On Weibo.


    Theizens were passionate and excited!


    "How godly! So godly!"


    "Any sentence found in the book can be considered a ssic!"


    "It''s so good that I''m crying!"


    "Is this really what Zhang Ye''s literary novel is like?"


    "Damn, this is the most awesome book I''ve ever read!"


    "I can see all the goosebumps that I''m getting!"


    "Your sister, who said that there was a great reveal of Mrs. Zhang inside the book!"


    "Pfft, previous poster, did you really believe that?"


    "I also never expected that Fortress Besieged would actually be like this. I thought this was a pure romance novel. Isn''t Teacher Zhang not yet married? Pfft, why do I feel like he''s going to get divorced? Look at what he wrote in his book, describing marriage as a grave of love. I wonder if Teacher Zhang will get a beating from Mrs. Zhang tonight!"


    "Hahaha, he deserves it if he does!"


    "Supporting Mrs. Zhang Ye, make him kneel on a washboard!"


    "What a godly book this is! And what a godly author!"


    "Fortress Besieged is great!"


    "Motherfucker, I''ve been pulled into Zhang Ye''s fan base!"


    "Me too. Fortress Besieged has fucking left me with no resistance. Zhang Ye''s skill at indoctrinating people into his fan base is too strong! He silently creeps up and gets us hooked without knowing! But I think my parents are even more fanatical than I am. Those two don''t usually pay attention to anyone in showbiz but became Zhang Ye''s fans after reading Fortress Besieged!"


    "My grandma too!"


    "I never used to read literary fiction since I didn''t think I could appreciate it. But Fortress Besieged really is different from other works of literary fiction! This book is a drug!"


    "I''m addicted to it as well!"


    "I''ve read many of the other books that were shortlisted for the Qilu Literature Prize, but none of them areparable to Fortress Besieged. Could Zhang Ye really win this highest honor?"


    "Who knows? He should have gotten the Yanhong Literary Prize, but his rtionship with the literary world is just no good!"


    "So what if it''s not good? Just with Fortress Besieged, even if Zhang Ye fucking points right at those people from the literary circle and scolds them, he should still win the award! This book is really amazing. Even if they don''t like him in the literary field, even if he has offended many authors before, they must still award it to him!"


    "I suppose the literary field is dumbfounded!"


    "Fortress Besieged is a killing blow!"


    ��


    At the studio.


    News from all over the ce was being reported back.


    Ha Qiqi and the others were constantly getting good news and feeling excited and inspired!


    "It''s sold out!"


    "The number of reservations have broken records too!"


    "Its poprity is growing exponentially!"


    They sorted the information into a chart for Zhang Ye to look at. The number of Zhang Ye''s Weibo followers soared yet again, as well as all other aspects of his poprity.


    Even though this was not really an important statistic, it solved a problem. Most of Zhang Ye''s newly gained followers were the middle-aged to the elderly and were more learned people. Fortress Besieged helped him attract arge number of new fans! This was certainly good news for him. There were always limitations for every celebrity''s fan base. Some celebrities, like the Korean celebs, focused only on the younger crowd for their target audiences. Meanwhile, others like Dong Shanshan targeted male otakus, with arge number of them making up their fanbases. Zhang Ye''s fan base spanned a rtivelyrger demographic. There were men and women, people in their teens, twenties, and even thirties. But attracting new male and female fans in their forties and fifties or even older was a very rare urrence!


    If a celebrity''s fanbase demographic coverage was smaller, it meant their growth potential was limited.


    A celebrity who only targeted young teens would probably end up as only an A-list celebrity. Even if they could attract half the country''s teen audience as fans, that number would still be limited. Simrly, a celebrity who only targeted either men or women would also find their growth limited as they progressed further up the entertainment circle. Their fanbase would be saturated by their target audience as no new fans would join.


    Therefore, the coverage of one''s fanbase was very important!


    Fortress Besieged had undoubtedly helped Zhang Ye open up a new channel of fans. This new group of fans was really important for him to raise his poprity. If he wanted to break past the A-list and take one of the seven spots above him, the first thing he needed to lose was an "imbnced" fanbase. Otherwise, he would have already lost at the starting line!


    It was almost 8 PM.


    Weibo fell silent.


    Everyone in Zhang Ye''s Studio also fell silent.


    This was because it was almost time for the Qilu Literature Prize winners to be announced. Countless people across the country switched on their radios and quietly listened in to Central Radio''s broadcast.


    Wu Yi was wiping off his nervous perspiration. "How nerve-wracking!"


    Ha Qiqi clutched her chest. "Stop talking, you''re making me nervous too!"


    Little Wang couldn''t listen and covered her ears.


    Zhang Zuo and the others were staring at the radio in silence.


    Zhang Ye was smoking at the window and waiting in anticipation as well. He had already done all that he could, even bringing that "atomic bomb" of the literary field, Fortress Besieged, from his previous world over to this world. Whatever happened next would depend on fate. Whether his n to reach the summit could be carried out smoothly in the short term depended on the results of this award!


    The awarding method for the Qilu Literature Prize was different from the other two literary awards. It was the top literary award among the three and also the most special. In all decades until now, the Qilu Literature Prize had been awarded based on tradition. The winners were always announced over the radio to the public, and there was neither an award ceremony nor any trophies given out. However, the voice announcing the results was always intriguing to all of those from the literary arena and was the most sacred moment for the literary field!


    The broadcast started.


    The people were heatedly discussing it.


    Zhang Ye''s parents had long since tuned in to the radio station on their cell phones.


    Zhang Xia made her son take out a very old radio that he spent a long time fixing before getting to work again.


    In the dormitories at Peking University, there were no sounds of games or music. Instead, from many rooms came the sounds of a century-old radio station.


    Bzzt��Bzzt��


    Static sounded for a moment.


    Then the voice of the radio announcer came on without any unnecessary chatter. "Dear listeners, good evening. We will be announcing the five winners of the Qilu Literature Prize that is held once every four years. They will be revealed in ascending order of votes received��"


    Zhang Ye extinguished his cigarette and came over.


    Ha Qiqi almost stopped breathing.


    Little Wang sped her hands and prayed, "Let Director Zhang be on the list! Please!"


    The radio announcer said, "Love by the Lake by Liu Tianqi."


    Wu Yi eximed!


    Ha Qiqi shushed him. "Quiet."


    The judging panel had voted for the five winners, and the results were ranked in ascending order. The fifth ce winner would be announced first, so there was no need to get too anxious.


    The radio announcer said, "Spring Returns by Han Dong."


    At Han Dong''s home, his rtives all cheered!


    "Second Uncle, it''s you! It''s you!"


    "You got it! You''ve won!"


    Han Dong also felt very excited!


    The radio announcer: "Two Summer Days by Zhang Yi."


    At Zhang Yi''s home, her husband was howling. As a female author, winning the Qilu Literature Prize was the greatest affirmation she could get. When Zhang Yi realized she had won, she got so excited she had to take several aspirins to prevent a heart attack. Her hands were trembling!


    The third winner had been announced!


    There were only two left!


    The radio announcer said, "Gentle Eyes by Zang Weiguo!"


    At Zang Weiguo''s home, his children and grandchildren reacted explosively around him!


    When Zang Weiguo heard his name, he started crying. He finally won it. In the thirty years of hard work he put in, he had finally received this highest honor in exchange. Although he wasn''t in first ce, it was still enough to make him cry. He never thought that he would win first ce and felt that it was a miracle that he could even win the Qilu Literature Prize!


    There was only one spot left!


    The winner with the most votes for this year''s Qilu Literature Prize was going to be announced!


    Little Wang was perspiring from the suspense!


    Ha Qiqi was feeling extremely nervous!


    Why wasn''t it announced yet?


    Why hadn''t Director Zhang''s name been mentioned yet?


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath and closed his eyes.


    Wu Yi stamped his feet impatiently. Quick! Announce it already!


    The entire literary world was waiting for thatst name to be announced!


    Many of the citizens had pricked their ears up and were wide-eyed as they waited to find out who it was!


    When thisst name was about to be announced, the radio announcer paused for a moment before saying with a maic voice, "Fortress Besieged by Zhang Ye."


    Silence was the only sound in the studio.


    Little Wang then screamed!


    "Ah!"


    "He said Zhang Ye! He said Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s us! We''ve won!"


    "We''re first in the vote!"


    "We''ve gotten it! We''ve gotten it!"


    Screams!


    Shouts!


    The studio erupted!


    Little Wang and a few of the female staff all threw their hands up as they cheered. One of them even got so emotional she cried!


    Everyone was hugging one another, screaming and shouting. This really had not been easy. They had won this award with great difficulty! Two days. Zhang Ye had used just two days to dabble in the field of literary fiction to gain the highest honor in the literary field this year by winning the most votes. This could only be described as a miracle and as a dream. Such a result could only be achieved by Zhang Ye!


    Today, Zhang Ye had risen to the top of the Chinese literary world!


    Zhang Ye and Fortress Besieged had ascended to the altar!

 Chapter 1210: Director Zhang’s creative process is particularly arduous!

    <h4>Chapter 1210: Director Zhang''s creative process is particrly arduous! </h4>


    Chapter 1210: Director Zhang''s creative process is particrly arduous!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Presently.


    Congrattory calls wereing in one after another.


    Zhang Ye had taken the top honors in the Qilu Literature Prize!


    Further, the Qilu Literature Prize was the highest honor in the field of literature!


    He had won this award in the most perfect way. It was a best of the best performance and the highest of the highest prizes he had won. It was wless, and there was nothing else in the Chinese literary world that was a greater honor!


    Elder Qian called. "Congrattions, Little Zhang!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Elder Qian, how can you do this? If you already knew that my name was on the winner''s list, why didn''t you tell me earlier? I was cooped up for the entire day at my studio with my colleagues anxiously worrying for me. Everyone thought that I wouldn''t have a chance of winning. In any case, how did I end up getting first ce for this year''s Qilu Literature Prize? Who voted for me?"


    Elder Qian said: "I don''t know, actually. The voting process is anonymous; we ce our votes into sealed boxes which are then handed to a professional to take care of. Once the voting is done, it''s out of our judging panel''s hands. I, too, found out that you took first ce when I heard the announcement over the radio."


    "Thank you."


    "Don''t thank me, it was the book that was good."


    "Let me treat you to a meal someday."


    "Haha, alright, I''ll be waiting for it."


    Following, a call from his mother arrived. She sounded very excited.


    "Son, you''re amazing!"


    "Thanks, Mom."


    "Your dad also sends his congrattions!"


    "Alright, I''ll continue to work hard."


    Li Mei from Eastern Publishing Firm called as well.


    "Brother Zhang, I''m calling to congratte you on behalf of the publishing firm. The boss has asked me to convey his congrattions to you. And for me personally, I just want to say that you''re really awesome!"


    "Thank you."


    "For the second edition''s print run, we can add ''winner of the Qilu Literature Prize'' to the cover. With this highest honor given to it, Fortress Besieged will fly even faster off the shelves!"


    "Sure, I''ll leave it to you all to n."


    "We''ve already started on it. Shall I send you the cover after we''re done with the design?"


    "There''s no need, I trust you guys."


    "Thank you, Brother Zhang!"


    He received over a dozen calls!


    Yao Jiancai, Zhang Xia, Dong Shanshan, Yu Yingyi, and many other close friends sent their congrattions!


    The news was also reporting about it!


    "Qilu Literature Prize winners'' list announced!"


    "Zhang Ye goes against all odds to take top honors!"


    "Zhang Ye reaches summit by winning highest honor in literary field!"


    "Yanhong Literary Prize suffers terrible face smacking!"


    "The judging panel of the Yanhong Literary Prize expresses: Noment!"


    "Fortress Besieged��a masterpiece on the topic of marriage!"


    "Zhang Ye ps the faces of the Yanhong Literary Prizemittee: You want to ignore me today? Tomorrow you''ll never measure up to my expectations!"


    Congrattory messages flooded Weibo!


    "This is so impressive!"


    "He really won it! And he even got first ce!"


    "Zhang Ye has ascended onto the altar!"


    "He has taken yet another top honor! Zhang Ye''s poprity is going to soar like crazy!"


    "It''s going to increase by a lot this time."


    "Fortress Besieged is a well-deserved winner!"


    "You''re right. Even if Fortress Besieged won every domestic literary award there is, it wouldn''t be an issue! Even if there are many people from the literary field who bear a grudge against Zhang Ye, this award must still be given to him! Alright, I won''t say any more. I need to quickly get back to reading it again. I need to read it a few more times to grasp it fully!"


    "So fast? I still haven''t finished reading it!"


    "I''ll get back to reading it too! Congrattions to Lord Zhang!"


    "Lord Zhang did not disappoint us!"


    "The faces of Yanhong Literary Prizemittee have probably turned green from anger!"


    "Hahaha, those fools! When I think about that exnation the Yanhong Literary Prizemittee gave, I can''t help butugh. They were saying that Zhang Ye did not have the qualifications to win the Yanhong Literary Prize and came up with all kinds of reason to justify it. But in the end? He won the Qilu Literature Prize and pped them so hard their faces became swollen! The Qilu Literature Prize is much more prestigious than your Yanhong Literary Prize! If the most coveted literary award in the country recognizes Zhang Ye and even gave him top honors, how can you people say that he''s unqualified to win the Yanhong Literary Prize? What a joke!"


    "One of the headlines in the news put it really well! ''You want to ignore me today? Tomorrow you''ll never measure up to my expectations!'' Hahaha, that''s so cool!"


    "I need to give a Like to the Qilu Literature Prizemittee. They must have resisted a great deal of pressure to award the prize to Zhang Ye! This should also be an official acknowledgment of Zhang Ye by the literary circle, right?"


    "Who cares if they acknowledge him or not? All I care about is whether I can get my hands on a copy of Fortress Besieged tomorrow!"


    "Me too! I''ve been listening to you people praising it to the high heavens, yet I haven''t evenid eyes on it!"


    "This is killing me! Damn it, I should just go queue up at midnight!"


    "Does anyone still have the first edition of Fortress Besieged? I''ll buy it for a high price!"


    "My advice to everyone is to not buy it in a hurry. See whether you like it first, as literary fiction is not something that everyone can appreciate. You might not be able to understand it."


    "Fuck, this is the highest voted book that won the Qilu Literature Prize! Even if I don''t understand it, I still must read it!"


    "The majority of people can''t even buy this book anymore!"


    The people were heatedly discussing this!


    News about it was appearing everywhere!


    Industry insiders were also starting to react to this news!


    Some industry peers wereuding Fortress Besieged and marveling at it. A lot of plot and word analysis of Fortress Besieged also appeared. Of course, there was nock of criticism either. Some authors who had always despised Zhang Ye joined forces to nitpick and find fault with the novel. This included two old judges on the Yanhong Literary Prizemittee. However, no one took these people''s words seriously. A lot of people did not even care about them. The Qilu Literature Prize had acknowledged Zhang Ye, so it was meaningless for this group of people to say anything!


    Why did they give him the award?


    There was no why!


    The fact was that they had given it to him!


    ��


    On that same night.


    The Qilu Literature Prize money arrived. It was just 50,000 RMB, no more, no less.


    The five Qilu Literature Prize winners were "showered" with attention without exception by the media reporters. Of them, Zhang Ye was the most heavily "showered" upon.


    The reporters were clogging the entrance of the studio!


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Are you around?"


    "We''re reporters from the Morning Post!"


    "We''re reporters from Beijing Television!"


    "Please ept our interview!"


    The door was not open, but they could still be heard from inside the studio.


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Director Zhang, shall I go handle them?"


    "Yes, I''ll go and lie low." Zhang Ye was still on the line making calls. He spoke on the phone as he walked upstairs with a smile: "Teacher Su, thank you for your concern. Yes, the reporters are here."


    The door opened and Little Wang ushered the reporters inside.


    Ha Qiqi smiled. "Hi, everyone. Director Zhang still has some work to handle. I''m Zhang Ye''s Studio''s externalmunications manager, so you can all ask me questions if you have any."


    The reporters immediately pushed their cameras and microphones to the front!


    The Beijing Times reporter said, "Congrattions to Teacher Zhang for winning the highest domestic honor in literature!"


    Ha Qiqi nodded. "Thank you."


    A different reporter quickly asked, "Regarding the sales figures of Fortress Besieged, what kind of expectations did you all have?"


    Ha Qiqi shook her head and said, "We really didn''t have any expectations. We don''t do estimates for such things, wanting to concentrate onpleting whatever needs to be done, that''s all. Director Zhang''s own words for this book were to ''sell however much we can.'' This is actually Director Zhang''s first foray into writing this type of novel. It was an attempt at switching from genre fiction to literary fiction. So, to have gained the acknowledgment of the Qilu Literature Prizemittee, that was something we hadn''t expected at all."


    A female reporter raised an audio recorder and asked, "We would like to know what the creative process for a literary novel is like. How long did it take for Teacher Zhang to conceptualize it? How many years did he take to produce it? Did he ever reach a bottleneck where he couldn''t continue writing?"


    The creative process?


    How many years?


    Ha Qiqi said, "The process was very arduous."


    The female reporter asked curiously, "How arduous?"


    Ha Qiqi cleared her throat and said, "It was particrly arduous."


    Another television station''s reporter followed up with, "So just how particrly arduous?"


    Ha Qiqi said calmly with a straight face, "The process is not something that outsiders would understand, but just know that it was particrly arduous."


    The corner of Little Wang''s mouth twitched!


    Wu Yi pretended to drink water and nearly even choked!


    The studio''s staff were all madlyughing on the inside!


    Particrly arduous?


    Particrly, my ass!


    Arduous, my ass!


    How was it arduous at all? When was there ever a bottleneck that made him unable to continue writing? Director Zhang just locked himself in his office and casually finished writing it in less than two days. He didn''t even check for typos and sent it straight over to the publishing firm. If this was called arduous, what would it be like when it was not arduous?

 Chapter 1211: Another increase in popularity!

    <h4>Chapter 1211: Another increase in poprity! </h4>


    Chapter 1211: Another increase in poprity!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the morning.


    After Zhang Ye woke up, he drove over to Old Wu''s parent''s ce to bring them the good news.


    When he passed by a bookstore at the road outside their alley, it was just opening for the day. Immediately, more than 30 youths who were lining up outside rushed in like they were going to attempt to rob the store!


    "Fortress Besieged!"


    "I want a copy!"


    "Do you have any left?"


    "What? Why not?"


    "I was here since yesterday!"


    "Boss, why didn''t you guys bring in more stock!"


    "I''m so tired of this. Why is it so hard for me to be able to read a book I want!"


    "My dad ordered me to buy a copy home. Hai, how am I going to find a copy for him? Well, whatever, I guess I''ll go elsewhere and ask around."


    "The stock should stabilize by tomorrow. Right now, a lot of people are surely looking to buy Fortress Besieged for their book collection since it''s just won an important award. But that''ll slowly die down in several more days."


    "Hopefully."


    "Then I guess I''ll wait another day or two."


    Some of the bookstores were out of stock.


    Some others were sold out the moment they opened for business.


    On this morning, such events were unfolding throughout the country.


    Zhang Ye walked toward the alley happy. Hearing all the praise and discussion by everyone about Fortress Besieged, he was feeling really happy for himse��for Comrade Qian Zhongshu 1 !


    At the courtyard house.


    Zhang Ye pushed open the door and entered. "Auntie, Uncle."


    Li Qinqin had juste out to the courtyard to fetch some water. When she heard Zhang Ye''s voice, she broke into a smile. "Little Ye, you''re here? Go into the house quick, we''re all waiting for you for breakfast. It''s already been made."


    Zhang Ye went up to offer his help. "Auntie, let me do it."


    Li Qinqin said, "No, no, leave it to me. You''re a famous author now."


    "What famous author?" Zhang Yeughed and said, "No matter what awards I receive, I''ll always be your son."


    Li Qinqin smiled. "I love hearing that."


    Wu Zeqing also came out of the house. She smiled and said, "You''re here?"


    Zhang Ye waved and said, "Hey, Old Wu."


    Wu Zeqing said, "Quicklye in, my dad is getting steamed up over you."


    In the Beijing dialect, to be steamed up means to be angry.


    Zhang Ye was startled. "What''s wrong with Uncle?"


    In the house, Wu Changhe grumbled with a copy of Fortress Besieged next to his hand, "What do you think is wrong? My daughter hasn''t even gotten married to you yet and you''re already expressing despair about marriage?" He was wearing his reading sses and holding up the book, flipping through the pages. Many of the pages were bookmarked and the contents highlighted, then underlined with red or blue ink. Clearly, he had done a lot of reading and research. "Look at this paragraph here, then this paragraph over here. You rascal, how did youe up with so many flirtatious and scheming plots? You''re not sincere at all! You are totally not sincere at all!"


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted. "Uncle, it''s just a novel, none of it is real."


    Li Qinqin chuckled and said, "Little Ye, don''t worry about your uncle. He just has nothing better to do than nitpick. He didn''t even put your book down once the entire night."


    Wu Changhe harrumphed, "The book is good, but the author is really dishonest!"


    Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    Old Qian (Zhongshu).


    Someone is scolding you.


    Wu Zeqing said calmly, "He''s writing satire. You''re a person from the Go world, so don''t go around involving yourself with the literary world. You don''t understand them anyway."


    Zhang Ye also exined, "Uncle, don''t you worry. I''m full of hope when ites to marriage and really don''t have those kinds of thoughts at all. It''s not like I went digging for some emperor''s grave even though I wrote a grave robbing novel, right? It''s only a novel. No matter how real it sounds, it''s still made up."


    He finally got past it with this exnation.


    Everyone sat down to have breakfast together. After the meal, Zhang Ye quickly helped out with the chores like washing the dishes and wiping down the table in an attempt to impress his elders. Finally, he even used his future father-inw''s ount to y a few games of Go on his behalf and thrashed several of the 9-dan experts from China Qiyuan. Only then did his future father-inw start to look happier!


    Hai, do you think life is easy for this bro!


    Over the next few days.


    Zhang Ye treated his friends and colleagues to meals every day. In total, he attended around seven gatherings. Although they said it was to celebrate him, it was actually just a chance for them to get together and catch up over food and drinks.


    The sales of Fortress Besieged continued to hold up very well.


    Every batch of books from each print run that Eastern Publishing Firm ran sold out the moment they left the presses. Moreover, the print factories were also putting in overtime every day in order to ship out the goods!


    The Eastern Publishing Firm''s staff were seemingly celebrating the new year every day. Everyone was walking on air and even felt like they would float into the sky if the windows got opened.


    "Boss, we still don''t have enough to meet demand!"


    "Add another print run!"


    "It''s too popr! There''s no sign of the sales slowing!"


    "The demand for it hasn''t reached saturation yet! Print more! Print however much more they ask for!"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye is amazing!"


    "That''s right, add an additional print run for Ghost Blows Out the Light and Legend of Wukong. Use this opportunity where Teacher Zhang has climbed to the summit with that newly gained honor to sell another wave of those books!"


    "Alright, I''ll get in touch with the printers right now!"


    200,000 copies!


    300,000 copies!


    400,000 copies!


    The sales figures were so explosive that it dumbfounded many book publishers and people in the literary field. Are you people fucking intending to break the record set by Ghost Blows Out the Light? Ghost Blows Out the Light was a genre fiction novel that was specifically written to appeal to the market. Bu Fortress Besieged? Yes, Zhang Ye was extremely popr, and Fortress Besieged had also won the highest honor of the Chinese literary world. But when you boil it down, this was just a literary novel!


    Selling well on the first day? That was normal!


    Still selling well on the second day? eptable!


    But it was still selling like hotcakes on the third and fourth days?


    Even with such arge supply of books, it was not enough to satisfy the crazed book buyers? And it was even difficult to get? This was too scary! There was noparison between genre fiction and literary fiction when it came to artistic merit. Simrly, a literary novel could neverpare in terms of sales to genre fiction. However, Fortress Besieged seemed to be the exception. Be it its literary standards, the praise heaped upon it, the award it won, or even its sales figures, all of it was top notch. It had broken many of the known stereotypes in the industry, and many of the analyses and experiences of experts were no longer applicable to Zhang Ye!


    Quite a lot of literary figures were getting jealous!


    Why?


    Based on what?


    He could win an award and the book was selling so well too?


    Why could he enjoy the best of both worlds!


    When the other four literary masters who had also won the Qilu Literature Prize learned about this, they got inspired!


    Has literary fiction be popr?


    Has spring arrived for literary novels?


    On the day itself, the publishing firms they were working with reprinted and promoted their award-winning books on arge scale. This was standard industry practice as they wanted to bank on the momentum from winning the award to sell another wave of books. The publishing firms needed to make a living, and so did the authors. Who would ever think they had earned enough money? Seeing how insanely Fortress Besieged was selling, they wanted to get a slice of the pie too!


    But when the four literary masters'' books got restocked on the shelves, a lot of people were dumbfounded to find out that those winners'' books had apletely different experience from Fortress Besieged!


    One of the books had 50,000 copies reprinted, but only managed to sell one-third of the copies after two days!


    Another one had a print run of 20,000 copies and still did not sell out after three days!


    Nobody knew whether tough or cry. So it wasn''t the market that had changed. There was no springing for literary novels. It was just Fortress Besieged that was on fire, it was just Zhang Ye who was on fire!


    Zhang Ye was indeed on fire again!


    Not only in terms of poprity, but also overall statistics!


    In thetest updated Chinese Celebrity Rankings Index, on the day after Zhang Ye won the Qilu Literature Prize, he gained another increase to his overall poprity score. It wasn''t just a gain in a single aspect of his poprity but an overall surge. This was the effect of winning the highest honor. It was a percent increase umted and gained toward the overall poprity score. Moreover, the Qilu Literature Prize was different from the other awards. The highest honors in the literary world could only be won once by an author in their lifetime. Thus, the value of such awards were even greater and the percent increase would simrly be greater. It was probably even greater than thebination of the poprity scores gained from the variety shows'' highest honor and the documentaries'' highest honorbined! This was also the reason for so many celebrities to chase after those prestigious awards. If they could umte enough of said gains, it would be a colossal number! Honors, awards, fanbase, number of works, fame, all of those contributed to the total poprity scores of every celebrity! The Chinese Celebrity Rankings Index was also an aggregate chart. If a celebrity wanted to ascend to one of those seven spots in the entertainment industry, it depended on their overall poprity scores!


    And so, with the bonus from winning the award, and including the rising sales figures of Fortress Besieged, Zhang Ye''s poprity sprang up by quite a lot again!


    He was getting even closer to those seven spots!


    The first and second milestones of the "Reach the Summit" n had been reached!


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qian_Zhongshu

 Chapter 1212: A great harvest from the lottery draw!

    <h4>Chapter 1212: A great harvest from the lottery draw! </h4>


    Chapter 1212: A great harvest from the lottery draw!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    The sun was shining and the autumn wind blowing.


    Zhang Ye was finally done entertaining everyone and took half a day off to rest. The celebratory feasts, the gatherings, handling the reporters, holding autograph signing book events, all these activities had left him totally exhausted. Just the signing event alone required him to sign no less than 500 books. But as Zhang Ye wanted to quickly reach the position of the seven spots, and with his milestones of the n to reach the summit fully lined up with barely any breaks in between, Zhang Ye could only give himself half a day off with only two milestonespleted and the third and fourth onesing up immediately.


    He had no choice.


    All of this was so he could reach the top in China.


    Even though he called it a break, he actually intended to use this half day to do something very important. With thisrge chunk of free time and his game ring''s Reputation Points reaching an astronomical figure that he only asionally used to activate the Lucky Halo and buy Memory Search Capsules with, he had no idea how long he had not yed the lottery draw. He hadn''t added to his Stats and Special Category items for a long time. So he had to make the best of the time he had to restock. This was also to give himself a better foundation for what was toe in his n to reach the summit. After all, to forge iron, one must be strong. Having more skills would not be a burden and he was stillcking in many areas. Who would ever dislike being good at many things?


    His parents had been out since early morning, but he didn''t know where they had gone. In order to get luckier, Zhang Ye showered and washed himself from head to toe. He washed just his hands alone five times until his skin almost came off.


    It was about enough.


    He took the opportunity to call Wu Zeqing as well.


    It connected after only two rings.


    "Old Wu, what are you doing?"


    "I''m at work."


    "Have you had breakfast yet?"


    "I ate at home."


    "By the way, give me a kiss?"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "To give me some luck,e on now."


    "Hur hur, but I''m working."


    "Aiyo, just secretly give me a kiss."


    "There''re people around."


    "Oh, then it''s fine, go do your work."


    A short while after hanging up, his cell phone text message tone sounded. Zhang Ye took a look and saw that Wu Zeqing had sent him a photo. It did not show her entire face, and even her nose could not be seen in the picture. All the photo showed was two red lips puckered in an elegant and graceful manner.


    It was so tempting!


    Zhang Ye''s fantasies were stirred!


    Di di.


    Old Wu texted: "Is that fine?"


    Zhang Ye typed: "Haha, that''s good enough!"


    "Why do you need luck?"


    Zhang Ye replied: "I have important business."


    Zhang Ye threw the phone onto the sofa and rubbed his hands together, then took a deep breath before opening up the game ring''s interface to look at his total Reputation Points. It was ridiculously high! The long string of numbers dazzled Zhang Ye, and he didn''t hesitate as he activated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded). He was going to leave it activated all the time without caring about the idle time in between his lottery draws. This bro could afford it��.Forget it, it was probably better to be more prudent.


    Which lottery draw should he go for first?


    Alright, Lottery Draw (Two) then!


    He opened up Lottery Draw (Two) and a virtual slot machine appeared out of thin air. Zhang Ye did not even think before cing five additional stakes costing a total of 50 million Reputation Points!


    Zhang Ye had known Lottery Draw (Two)''s additional stakes function for a long time. But he''d never used it much as he was reluctant to do so. He preferred to save the Reputation Points since he did not use to have much. Lottery Draw (Two) cost 10 million Reputation Points each time he yed it, and the rate of getting an "Empty" Treasure Chest (Medium) was very high as well. If he was unlucky, he would have ended up with nothing at all. But now that he had so many Reputation Points umted, he was much more emboldened. Further, there was also the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) to bring up his chances. Without even batting an eyelid, 50 million Reputation Points were spent just like that!


    The lottery draw began!


    The slot machine started moving!


    One spin.


    Three spins.


    Five spins.


    Zhang Ye closed and eyes and did not watch.


    Finally, the prizes were dispensed!


    He heard some jingling sounds as five golden medium treasure chests fell out. Zhang Ye nervously and expectantly opened up the five treasure chests.


    They were items from the Consumption Category!


    All five were the same items!


    [Spring Water of Health] �� 5: Heals physical injuries and sickness.


    In Lottery Draw (Two), the chances of getting an item from the Consumption Category were very low. Zhang Ye could only remember getting the 1-Up item during his first try at the Lottery Draw (Two), but did note across this category in his future draws. This was because the items in the Consumption Category for the Lottery Draw (Two) were all extremely precious items.


    Spring Water of Health?


    Heals injuries and sickness?


    That sounded really awesome!


    And this Spring Water of Health was probably part of a set with the 1-Up as well? The item description for the 1-Up was quite ambiguous. From what he could understand, if any fatal injuries were inflicted on Zhang Ye, the 1-Up should revive him. But whether he would be revived to a state where he was full of vim and vigor was another matter. That sort of godly item was quite unlikely to be found in the Treasure Chest (Medium), though it might be possible to gain such an item from the Treasure Chest (Large). However, now that he had gotten the Spring Water of Health in addition to his 1-Up, it was going to be the ultimatebination. The 1-Up would be responsible for saving his life, while the Spring Water of Health would restore him to full health. Boys and girls together, the work gets lighter.


    The only issue was that the effect of this item was unknown.


    Oh yes, weren''t his own internal injuries still notpletely healed? Those old injuries he suffered at the martial arts conference had red up once during his participation in the King of Masked Singers. Although Zhang Ye closely followed the prescription given to him by Rao Aimin and took the medicine religiously for quite a period of time, he did not really dare to use his concealed power in all these months. He was afraid to aggravate his injuries again, and ording to Rao Aimin, it was very difficult to fully recover from injuries that were inflicted by concealed power and would require long-term recuperation. So Zhang Ye was bound by his hands and legs most of the time when it came to situations that required him to do something with his powers. He was afraid that it would cause more trouble at a critical moment if he were to take action and then aggravate the injury once more.


    This item had arrived quite timely!


    After temporarily deactivating his Lucky Halo, Zhang Ye picked up a bottle of Spring Water of Health and gulped it down while pinching his nose.


    Eh? Why does it taste so good?


    It tasted sweet. Then he could feel his body heating up.


    The aftereffectssted about ten minutes before Zhang Ye slowly wondered if there was any recovery. He moved his arms around and found that he was in an extremely good state of mind. It was as though his whole person was shining, and that feeling was like waking up from a particrly fulfilling sleep without the need to go to work and being able to stretch once awake!


    He moved his hands and threw several punches imbued with concealed power!


    Huu!


    Huu!


    His punches even whooshed through the air!


    Zhang Ye was ecstatic. He had recovered! His old injuries had really disappeared!


    He wondered if this Spring Water of Health would work on anyone else other than him. It wasn''t mentioned in the item description, so Zhang Ye wasn''t sure. Oh, Rao Aimin''s old injuries were even more serious than his, and then there was Qiu Yumei too. Could this thingy heal Sister Qiu''s legs? If it could, then wouldn''t that be defying allmon sense?


    Cold and fever.


    Broken hands and legs.


    Were all these included under injuries and sickness?


    Eh, could it treat stuttering? Alright, that was enough thinking for now.


    Zhang Ye was very excited. He really hadn''t washed his hands for nothing. Old Wu''s kiss was not for nothing either. Taking advantage of this lucky streak, he continued to y the lottery and activated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) once more!


    Come on!


    Come on!


    Keep going like this!


    He was ying more and more rounds of the lottery draw. This fellow waspletely unable to stop!


    The umted Reputation Points were finally starting to drop!


    [Fruit of Charm]


    [Singing Skill Experience Book]


    [Basics of Directing Skill Experience Book]


    [Higher Mathematics Skill Experience Book]


    [Lock Picking Skill Experience Book]


    [Computer Programming Skills - Network Technology Experience Book]


    [Computer Programming Skills Experience Book]


    How coincidental. Many of the items he was getting from the lottery draw today were items he had gotten in the past. Zhang Ye was randomly adding additional stakes every time he yed, so he had a lot of some items and very little of others. Like the Lock Picking Skill Experience Books. He had received this item not long after he gained the game ring system. Then the item was put to good use during the ne hijacking incident soon afterwards. At that time, he had "eaten" too few of those experience books, so it was now time to add on. It was the same for the Computer Programming Skills Experience Books and Computer Programming Skills - Network Technology Experience Books. Although he had "eaten" a lot of those, the Treasure Chest (Medium) skill experience books were not capped. He could continue "eating" more of them. Along with those, he was also able to strengthen his directing, singing, and higher mathematics skills. He also gained some Fruits of Charm that were very important for a celebrity like him, but it was unfortunate that there weren''t much of them.


    Of course, some totally new skill experience and Stats Category fruits were gained!


    [Fruit of Alcohol Tolerance]: Increase one''s drinking capacity.


    Zhang Ye received a thousand of these and ate them all!


    [Flight Engine Manufacturing Skill Experience Book]


    This skill experience book made Zhang Ye''s balls ache, and he had actually gotten quite a lot of them too. Engine manufacturing? Why didn''t you just give me an Excavator Repair Skill Experience Book instead!


    Whatever, I''ll just eat it!


    Who knows if it might be usefulter!


    At the end of the lottery draw, Zhang Ye even dropped by the Merchant Shop and bought several hundred Taiji Fist Skill Experience Books at once. He could straight up buy this item as he had its purchasing rights. He had no need to use the lottery draw and could buy it whenever he wanted, except that it was a little bit costly. This book required a million Reputation Points each, and several hundred of them would mean he had to spend several hundred million Reputation Points all at once. His Taiji Fist abilities had gained a slight improvement again, but as for whether he could step up to the level of grandmaster was still to be seen.


    Alright!


    Enough spending of Reputation Points, that''s all for today!


    Zhang Ye did a simple inventory check of his Stats and Skills Category items and felt quite satisfied with it as he raised almost every aspect of them again. He could do everything with even more confidence now!


    There was also quite a lot of items left in his inventory.


    [Difficulty Adjustment Die] x 1.


    [X-ray Vision Eye Drops] x 1.


    [Pause Game] x 1.


    [1-Up] x 1.


    [Spring Water of Health] x 4.

 Chapter 1213: Semi-grandmaster!

    <h4>Chapter 1213: Semi-grandmaster! </h4>


    Chapter 1213: Semi-grandmaster!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    Jiaomen East.


    At Old Rao''s house.


    The door was open. It seemed like Rao Aimin had just finished making lunch as the entire house was filled with the aroma of cooking. Chenchen and Yang Shu were both waiting at the dinner table when Zhang Ye showed up uninvited.


    "Yo, Big Sis Rao, are you making lunch?" Zhang Ye eyes lit up.


    Rao Aimin looked at him. "Have you eaten yet?"


    Zhang Ye took a step into the house. "Not yet, what good timing!"


    Rao Aimin''s next words were: "Chenchen, shut the door!"


    Chenchen actually listened to her and was really going to close the door.


    Zhang Ye squeezed in through the doorway. "Hey, hey, hey, what''s the meaning of this?"


    His junior martial sister was still the one who cared the most about him. Yang Shu gave up her seat and brought over another stool for herself. She said respectfully, "Senior Bro, please take a seat here."


    Zhang Ye gave her an approving nod. "OK!"


    Yang Shu went to fetch a pair of chopsticks for him.


    Zhang Ye spoke like a lord, "Get me a bowl of rice too. Make the servingrger, I''m starving."


    "Alright." Yang Shu busily attended to his requests.


    Chenchen could not look on and said in her childish voice, "Old Yang, don''t spoil him."


    Rao Aimin was shaking her head nonstop.


    Only Zhang Ye and Yang Shu remained from the Taiji branch of martial arts in this world. Their predecessors were no longer around, and no sessorsy ahead. In the whole wide world, only the two of them remained. Zhang Ye was Yang Shu''s senior martial brother. As the senior martial brother, he was like a father figure to her. Moreover, Zhang Ye was like a semi-master to Yang Shu. The line of the Taiji branch of martial arts was broken and not something Rao Aimin could take over to teach. Other than Zhang Ye, no one could teach her. Zhang Ye was also the closest person to her in this world, which was why Yang Shu had always been very respectful to him as her senior martial brother. She would do whatever he asked, be it physical work or running errands.


    At the dinner table.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Yang''er, how''s your kung fu practice going?"


    Yang Shu put down her chopsticks and answered in earnest, "I did not disappoint you, Senior Bro. I''ve made some good improvement."


    "Good." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ll teach you another couple of movester."


    Yang Shu became very excited. "Thank you, Senior Bro!"


    Chenchen curled her lips. "Hur hur."


    Zhang Ye pretended not to hear. He looked at Old Rao and said cockily, "Shall we exchange a few blows after lunch? You can take the chance to exercise a little and I can teach my junior sis a few new moves at the same time."


    Rao Aimin dismissed, "With that skill of yours?"


    Zhang Ye bragged, "I''ve made huge leaps recently. I''m no longer the old me."


    Rao Aimin said in amusement, "Sure then, I''ll give it a try."


    Chenchen said, "My aunt hasn''t fully recovered from her injuries yet."


    Rao Aimin cut her off and said, "It''s fine. I can win against him even with my injuries. How dare he challenge me!"


    After lunch.


    Zhang Ye sneakily went to pour a ss of water. With no one watching, he furtively opened up his game ring and retrieved a bottle of Spring Water of Health from the inventory. Then, he silently poured it into the ss. He wasn''t sure if this thing would actually work on other people, but he could at least try. He wanted to see if it would heal Old Rao''s injuries and at the same time test if his kung fu was good enough to match a grandmaster after he had "eaten" another several hundred Taiji Fist Skill Experience Books.


    Yang Shu went to wash the dishes.


    Zhang Ye walked over affably. "Old Rao, have some water."


    Rao Aimin was taken aback, then said to Chenchen, "Go look out the window."


    Chenchen asked, "Look at what?"


    Rao Aimin said, "See if the sun rose from the west today. This kid actually poured water for me? Are you trying to poison me?"


    Zhang Ye nearly vomited blood.


    In the end, Rao Aimin still drank it.


    Zhang Ye watched her. "How are you feeling?"


    "A little warm." Rao Aimin then stared at him. "Hey, rascal, did you really try to poison me?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Why would I poison you? You probably ate too much and the food is burning off."


    A space was cleared out within the apartment.


    Chenchen hid away at the top of the stairs, lying on the staircase observing the fight downstairs.


    Meanwhile, Yang Shu stood in a corner, watching without blinking.


    Rao Aimin said uncaringly, "Let''s begin."


    "You first." Zhang Ye got into a stance.


    Rao Aimin asked, "Should I hold back?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Doesn''t matter."


    "Alright."


    The most exciting moment was about to arrive.


    Chenchen even ced a bet with Yang Shu. "Old Yang, who are you betting on to win?"


    Yang Shu said firmly, "My Senior Bro!"


    "It''s definitely going to be my aunt," Chenchen said.


    This time, it wasn''t going to be a touch and go exchange of blows. It wasn''t going to be fought using fanciful chopstick moves either. This was going to be the first official all-out duel between Rao Aimin and Zhang Ye. It might be a duel held in a living room measuring little more than ten square meters, and there might only be two people watching, but if anyone from the Chinese martial arts world learned about this, it would surely spark a big reaction from them. A lot of people would definitely wish they were here to see this, to see whose technique was the stronger one!


    Zhang Ye vs. Rao Aimin!


    Taiji Fist vs. Eight Trigrams Palm!


    The hooligan of the Chinese martial arts world versus the evil tyrant of the Chinese martial arts world!


    A man just below the level of grandmaster versus a Chinese martial arts grandmaster!


    A duel that could probably be written in the annals of Chinese martial arts history was happening right here in this humble little apartment without any fanfare!


    Bang!


    They immediately went all out with their first exchange!


    Rao Aimin slipped into the Eight Trigrams Step and aimed a palm strike at Zhang Ye''s side!


    Zhang Ye fended it off by dampening her blow and countered with a punch!


    Rao Aimin raised her hand to block it!


    There was concealed power imbued within Zhang Ye''s palm!


    Rao Aimin met it with a palm strike of her own!


    The two of them hobbled back two steps, with no one getting any advantage over the other.


    Rao Aimin smiled and said, "Yo, you''ve recovered from your injuries?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I guess I have."


    "You''ve got good moves. Come on then." Rao Aimin used her swimming body stance and stuck close to him.


    Chenchen shouted from above, "Auntie, go on, hit him! Hit him!"


    Meanwhile, Yang Shu silently watched with wide eyes. She was memorizing every move Zhang Ye executed. She knew that her senior martial brother was already starting to teach her!


    There was another exchange of blows!


    Bang!


    Smash!


    Both sides were going back and forth!


    A closer look would reveal that Zhang Ye''s advantagey in his strength, reaction, and stamina. Together with his young age, he had all the advantages a man should have. But for Rao Aimin, her advantage was in her technique, experience, and control of rhythm. The most critical thing was that her concealed power was clearly much more ingrained than Zhang Ye''s. So as the duel went on, Zhang Ye''s strength was slowly getting sapped while Rao Aimin gradually gained the upper hand!


    A duel involving Chinese martial arts was a very quick engagement of moves. Rarely would you see those huge battles involving hundreds of blows like in the movies or on television. Even if the martial artists didn''t starve to death, they would probably die trying to hold their dders! A quick duel would be over in just one or two exchanges. If it took longer than that, probably several dozen exchanges would leave either one of the opponents lying on the ground.


    When Zhang Ye realized that things weren''t looking good, he quickly pulled back. "Alright, alright, that''s enough for now." Then he saw that his fists and several parts of his arms had turned red!


    Hai.


    He was still a step away from bing a grandmaster.


    No, it was a step away previously, but he was now only half a step away.


    Zhang Ye knew he was still not good enough to beat Old Rao, and he wasn''t justcking by a bit. Although he still had many special techniques that he did not show, Old Rao probably hadn''t pulled out any of her special moves either.


    But Rao Aimin hadn''t had enough. "Come, again!"


    Zhang Ye snorted. "I''m tired, another day perhaps."


    Rao Aimin pursed her lips. "You''re no fun." She rxed as well.


    Then Zhang Ye looked at her. "How are you feeling?"


    "What do you mean by how am I feeling?" Rao Aimin did not quite understand him but was gradually taken aback. She looked at her palm, then raised it and struck at the air with concealed power. There wasn''t a sound or any movement, but the spectating Yang Shu knew that if anyone had taken her palm strike, even if it just brushed past them a little, they would probably have ended up with shattered bones!


    Yang Shu said dumbfounded, "Master Rao, your injuries��"


    Rao Aimin was also very happy. "Hey, did I make a full recovery from my injuries? How can it be so quick?"


    Compared to the injuries suffered by Zhang Ye, Rao Aimin had nearly died at the martial arts conference. She took quite a few attacks of concealed power and suffered both internal and external injuries. If she wanted to recover to her previous skill level, Zhang Ye estimated it would take at least a year or so. On top of that, Rao Aimin would likely suffer a drop in her skill level in the two to three years that followed or even after her full recovery. She wouldn''t be able to reach her peak level again. After all, she was a woman and her age was catching up as well. But surprisingly, after today''s exchange with Zhang Ye, Rao Aimin felt that she had recovered from all her internal injuries and returned to the peak of her prowess.


    Only Zhang Ye knew what was really going on!


    It was the effect of the Spring Water of Health!


    Besides him, this item could aid others to recover from injuries and sickness? Moreover, its effects were almost immediate and could even heal such heavy internal injuries. This must be some type of a miracle cure!


    Zhang Yeughed loudly, "You should thank me."


    Rao Aimin sneered. "What has it got anything to do with you?"


    Yang Shu added, "Congrattions, Master Rao!"


    Chenchen ran down the stairs. "Aunt, this is great."


    "Alright, I''m feeling happy today. I''ll whip up a good meal for all of you tonight," Rao Aimin said evenly.


    Old Rao''s injuries were now healed. Zhang Ye''s skill level had increased. With them both standing guard now, even if those experts from the "respectable" martial sects who were seriously injured by them made a full recovery and came seeking revenge, they would have nothing to worry about. Besides, there was also one more person who was close to achieving concealed power on their side, Yang Shu!

 Chapter 1214: The pie that is the Chinese language textbook curriculum revision!

    <h4>Chapter 1214: The pie that is the Chinesenguage textbook curriculum revision! </h4>


    Chapter 1214: The pie that is the Chinesenguage textbook curriculum revision!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the afternoon.


    Ha Qiqi went downstairs to look for Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye was sparring with Yang Shu at Rao Aimin''s apartment.


    "Director Zhang, are you busy?"


    "Not at all, I''m done here."


    "Everyone has arrived and are waiting for you in the conference room."


    "Alright, I''ll be right over."


    "I just received some news about something that cropped up over at Central TV."


    "Did something happen? Come, let''s talk about it back at the office."


    His studio was located just upstairs. He didn''t even need to take the elevator and only took a minute or two by stairs to get to. The conference room was packed with all the studio employees present.


    Zhang Ye sat down. "Let''s get the meeting started."


    Everyone began reporting about the progress of their work over the past few days.


    The sales volume of Fortress Besieged, the reputation gained from winning the highest honor, and a summary of the increase in poprity during this period, etc. Work was going well and the results were very delightful too. All of them had handed in an impable answer sheet, and the main contributor definitely had to be Zhang Ye. As expected, when the studio staff were all feeling hopeless about things, Zhang Ye managed to pull it off. He saved the entire "world" with a novel he had written and put back on track the n they had for him to reach the summit. They were within sight of those seven spots at the top. Whatid ahead of them now was only thetter half of the n.


    Zhang Zuo said, "We''ve already started preparing for the third milestone."


    Ha Qiqi gave a wry smile and said, "Although we say that we''re preparing for it, there isn''t much that we can actually do."


    Wu Yi said, "Yeah, whether we can hit the third milestone target or not, we can only leave it in fate''s hands. There isn''t much hope, but there''s still a minute chance, I suppose."


    Zhang Zuo analyzed, "The biggest issue is that Director Zhang''s rtionship with many of those in the education field is just average. The people from Peking University and Media College are definitely going to be supportive of Director Zhang, even though we can ignore and discount the effect that Media College has on this matter. This isn''t something that they have much influence in, but Peking University still has a veryrge say. Then the remaining people could only be considered opponents of this milestone target that we have. Anyone who came out of Tsinghua University definitely won''t put in a rmendation for Director Zhang''s works. Many of the Redologists in the education field are still scolding Director Zhang every day. Then, there are also some others��.Hai, there are just too many of them."


    Everyone''s heads hurt.


    Zhang Ye asked, "It''s going to happen soon?"


    Zhang Zuo said somberly, "Yes, they''ll be making a decision very soon."


    Zhang Ye asked again, "Which day exactly?"


    "I tried to find out but couldn''t get any information," Zhang Zuo said.


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Alright, I''ll go check with my friends then."


    Ha Qiqi said, "When we set this as our third milestone, we did have some hesitations as well. Honestly, even if we can''t achieve it, it''s fine. It''s too difficult to achieve in the first ce."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Let''s just give it a try."


    Little Wang said loudly, "Yes, that''s right. We definitely have to give it a try and see how it turns out. This is a great chance to go down in history, and it''s also a huge sustainable source of poprity!"


    All of them were discussing the new curriculum changes to the national textbooks and teaching materials!


    That was the third milestone in the n to reach the summit!


    The nine-yearpulsory curriculum revision of the textbooks and teaching materials was going to be implemented soon. The new content for the textbooks used in elementary, middle, and high schools involved changes in many aspects and also coincided with the educational reforms introduced over the past two years. The importance of such an exercise, its importance, and its politicality were all interconnected. The rtionship between them was intricate andplex. In fact, rumors of revisions to the textbooks had been floating around sincest year. Curriculum revisions were cyclical in nature, and they had reached the key point in time again. The curriculum revision was no secret, and everyone was prepared for it. However, no one expected it to be dragged out for so long until today, when some insider news finally got leaked.


    The public still did not know, but many of the industry insiders had heard the news.


    Zhang Ye''s Studio was naturally concerned about it as they were hoping for a chance to get written into the textbooks!


    It could even be said that the first and second milestones werepleted in order to increase their chances of reaching the third milestone. By releasing a best-selling novel and winning a prestigious award, it wouldn''t matter if others did not acknowledge Zhang Ye. With such achievements, Zhang Ye would be one of the leading figures in the literary field. The studio staff were all hoping that Zhang Ye would be able to get onto a page of the newly revised Chinese Language textbooks during this time his glowing achievements stood out. Even if it was going to be on the most corner spot of a page, even if only one of his works were chosen, that was enough for them!


    Was this an important matter?


    Yes, it really was a very important matter!


    Thinking back to Beijing Television''s Wang Shuixin whom Zhang Ye had fought with over the death of Father Wei, he had a poem called "Everything" that was listed in the appendix of a Chinese Language textbook. It wasn''t even the main article, but Wang Shuixin behaved like he was some big shot. Those who could get their works into the official textbooks were either going to be the great ancients or a contemporary literary master!


    The benefits were enormous!


    A storm was probably brewing within the literary field!


    But this only affected the Chinesenguage textbooks. Mathematics? Whoever could write a question that made it into the math textbook, that would just be it. There wouldn''t be any attention given to the identity of the question writer, nor did anyone care. At most, the teacher who wrote that question could brag about it and tell their family and friends that it was they who wrote it.


    Physics?


    Chemistry?


    English?


    History?


    Geography?


    It was the same for those subjects. The Chinesenguage textbooks were the only difference. Any essays or poems that appeared in the Chinesenguage textbooks would be credited to the original authors. The students would even be required to recite some of them by heart! And what did that mean? Simply put, as long as a child was born and attended school in China, they woulde across your work or have had to memorize it when they were young. They would definitely know your name, and this wasn''t even by choice. There was simply no way of avoiding it, and they would have to know about it even if they did not wish to. You would then be known as a very great person to them from the time they were young!


    If the highest honors in literature were an ICBM missile, then having your work chosen to be published in the Chinesenguage textbooks would make it an atomic bomb. The "radiation" effects wouldst for a very long time, or even affect someone for the rest of their lives!


    As a literary figure, how important was this?


    As someone from the entertainment industry, how important was this?


    However, the other people from the entertainment industry had no chance of fighting for this opportunity. The only exception was Zhang Ye, as only he had the qualifications to fight it out with those big names in the literary field, to fight for that slim chance of having his work picked for the Chinesenguage textbook!


    Textbooks for all six grades of elementary school?


    Textbooks for all six grades of middle and high school?


    Yes, perhaps there was even get a chance of getting one''s works featured in the textbooks of both the first and second semesters of school!


    It might sound like it was a lot or that there were many chances of getting one''s work featured in the textbooks, but in reality, this was not so. The curriculum revision did not seek to change everything and would keep the majority of past teaching materials intact. For many of the ancients, their already included works would definitely not be touched. So the revision rate was notrge at all. Excluding the predecessors'' works that made it in, and excluding those sections where poems and essays were irrelevant, whatever was left of the pie was tiny!


    Ten bites?


    Eight bites?


    That was probably all there was!


    And those in the literary field who were fighting to get a bite? There were tens of thousands!

 Chapter 1215: A great opportunity!

    <h4>Chapter 1215: A great opportunity! </h4>


    Chapter 1215: A great opportunity!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The direction of the third milestone in the "Reach the Summit" n was set.


    Everyone''s n was just to wait? To ask around for information? To depend on luck?


    But that was not what Zhang Ye was thinking. He had his own ideas and knew that he had to contend for an opportunity like this. Getting included in the Chinesenguage textbooks was a great opportunity. Only an idiot would not want this! Of course, Zhang Ye wasn''t doing this for himself, he really wasn''t. He was doing this for the great schrs from his previous world. If the essence of those schrs'' wisdom from his previous world could not even make it into the Chinesenguage textbooks over here, then damn, what would that mean?


    Wouldn''t it be too goddamn insulting!


    Wasn''t it as good as getting pushed around!


    Could he tolerate that? Of course he couldn''t!


    Even if he could tolerate it, would Old Li (Li Bai) tolerate that? Would Old Du (Du Fu) tolerate that?


    And so, Zhang Ye hoped that he could seize a spot in the textbooks however small it was!


    After the meeting, Zhang Ye went to call his Peking University colleague, Su Na. Teacher Su was from the university''s Chinese Department and had maintained a good rtionship with him. Her father was also someone in the literary field.


    "Teacher Su."


    "Yo, Teacher Zhang."


    "What have you been up to recently?"


    "Teaching, what else?"


    "By the way, can I ask you something? The textbook curriculum revision will be implemented soon, have you heard about it?"


    "Yes, I''ve heard. The literary field is stirring up because of it, so who wouldn''t know? Why are you asking? Do you intend to contend for it too? That''s right, Teacher Zhang, you''re qualified to get selected!"


    "Aiyah, please don''t say that. How am I qualified? I''m stillcking by too much. I was just asking. Anyway, what are the requirements to get selected for the textbook curriculum revision?


    "Didn''t you say that you were stillcking by too much?"


    "Yeah, but a person cannot have no goals. Otherwise, what difference would that be from being a salted fish?"


    "Pfft, you can say whatever you like. In any case, I don''t know much. I''ve heard some things from my parents, but I''m not exactly sure what the selection criteria is. That''s something that the Education Department Textbook Revision work groups are handling. All I know is that they should probably be finishing the revision soon and should''ve prepared everything that needs to be prepared. I think it should be happening tomorrow morning. They''ll be holding a meeting to discuss the specifics to tie up the changes. As for when they''ll announce the changes and start the actual printing of the new textbooks, I''m not sure. For the mathematics and physics revisions, they might dy it until ater time because there''s a bigger debate over them. They probably wouldn''t be able to get it settled in the short term��that''s what I heard from the Math Department. So yeah, that''s about it."


    "Tomorrow morning?"


    "I think so."


    "Don''t just think so, are you sure?"


    "I''m sure!"


    "Alright, I got it. Thanks, you sure are well-informed."


    "That''s because you don''t evene by Peking University anymore. If you came here to teach every day, what news in the education field would you not know?"


    The call ended.


    Zhang Ye went to find Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo. "I''ve found out that the curriculum revision for the Chinesenguage textbooks will be tied up by tomorrow morning."


    Zhang Zuo said in anticipation, "I hope for good news then!"


    Zhang Ye suddenly remembered something and looked at Ha Qiqi. "By the way, Sister Ha. You told me earlier at Old Rao''s house that something happened at Central TV? What was it about?"


    Ha Qiqi hesitated for a while before saying, "It''s insider news. I learned of it from a former coworker at Central TV. It hasn''t been announced yet, but it''s been confirmed."


    Zhang Ye asked, "So what''s the matter?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Central TV Department 1 will be filming a second season of The Voice!"


    Little Wang''s ears were sharp and caught what they were saying. "What? How''d they get the copyright! Back when they signed the contract, the copyrights were all given to Director Zhang!"


    Ha Qiqi shook her head. "It was just a figure of speech. In fact, they''re going to film a new show and have already started prepping for it. The name of the show will be Sing! China, but to put it inly, they just changed the name from The Voice to Sing!. In reality, it''s just the second season of The Voice. The Voice was incredibly popr with the audiencest year, and since Central TV Department 1 does not have any good reality shows lined up for this year, they''re resorting to using The Voice again to carry the banner. They''ll probably be putting together a new program team and invite a new panel of guest coaches, although I heard that there won''t be many changes to the stage. The show''s format will also remain the same."


    Little Wang eximed, "That''s considered infringement too!"


    Wu Yi said angrily, "They''re only changing how the show looks! Sue them!"


    But Zhang Zuo said, "If they just change the segment where the guest coaches turn around in their chairs and make them stand up to turn around instead, or use some simr methods to block their views, it would really be very difficult to sue them. They can just im that it''s a new show with a new design. What can we do about that? We couldn''t win even if we went to court."


    A year had already passed since The Voice was broadcast. Counting the days, Central TV Department 1 could no longer continue sitting on it. Earlier, a lot ofizens were discussing whether there would be a second season of The Voice after Zhang Ye ended his contract with Central TV. Who would do it? And how were they going to do it? It seemed like there was an answer now. Central TV Department 1 would still carry on filming it. They would just ditch Zhang Ye, Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the rest of the old program team, then take the show and film it by themselves!


    How devious!


    But this was expected!


    Zhang Ye was not at all surprised. "Let''s put this issue aside for now."


    What else could he do? Such things had happened even in Zhang Ye''s previous world. Although they were no longer authorized to make the show due to not having the copyrights, there had always been striking simrities 1 in history and was difficult to enforce.


    Forget it, just ignore them for now. The n to reach the summit was still the most crucial of all.


    ��


    Later that afternoon.


    The news started to spread!


    The curriculum revision for the elementary, middle, and high school textbooks was finally revealed. In fact, it was the Ministry of Education that held a press conference to announce this important news. For a lot of those in the industry, this wasn''t really news. But to the majority of the public, this was the first time they were hearing about it.


    A lot of information was made avable through this press conference.


    Like how there would be an increase in difficulty for the high school math textbooks.


    And how the patriotic education in the elementary school textbooks would be enhanced.


    Or the increase in vocabry words used in the Englishnguage textbooks.


    But of course, it was still the revision of the Chinesenguage textbooks that attracted the most attention. Every time there was a curriculum revision, the elementary and middle school Chinesenguage textbooks would get the most attention!


    "Math is already so difficult, but they still want to make it harder?"


    "No, please, no! Math is the only subject I''m bad at!"


    "Hai, they shouldn''t put so much stress on children."


    "The Chinesenguage textbooks will be getting a major revision as well?"


    "Whose essays do you guys think will get into the textbooks?"


    "Hard to say."


    "Right, any master in the literary field stands a chance of getting in. Isn''t the prose by Master Liu super famous? There''s been a heated discussion for thest two days, so it should probably get selected, right?"


    "Who knows?"


    "The winners of thest two Yanhong Literary Prizes should stand a chance, right?"


    "Eh, does that mean that Zhang Ye has a chance as well?"


    "Yeah, he probably has a chance as well!"


    "Ahhh, I like Zhang Ye''s ''The Answer.'' ''Debasement is the password of the base.'' I really love this poem, but maybe it''ll be too dark for the younger people? It probably won''t get chosen."


    "''Ode to Young China'' has a higher likelihood of getting selected!"


    "Right, ''Ode to Young China''! How did I forget that!"


    "That''s right, I just remembered it too. It was even featured on People''s Daily!"


    "Zhang Ye''s essays and poems are usually too aggressive in nature. If he really stands a chance of contending for one of the spots in the Chinesenguage textbook revision, ''Ode to Young China'' is probably the most hopeful one!"


    "Teacher Zhang, we''ll be cheering you on!"


    "Damn, if Face-smacking Zhang really gets selected for the textbooks, he''ll be so awesome! Won''t that fellow be soaring to the skies then?"


    "He''s already an author, poet, host, singer, mathematician, calligrapher, crosstalkedian, skit actor, variety show director, documentary director, Go master, and so on and so forth, so would he still need to soar to the skies? That fellow is already fucking standing shoulder to shoulder with the sun!"


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "This is such a great opportunity, so let''s see if Teacher Zhang can grab hold of it!"


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_recurrence#Striking_simrity

 Chapter 1216: All of the Tsinghua University representatives meet with trouble!

    <h4>Chapter 1216: All of the Tsinghua University representatives meet with trouble! </h4>


    Chapter 1216: All of the Tsinghua University representatives meet with trouble!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Friday.


    In the morning.


    The rm sounded and Zhang Ye climbed up from bed rubbing his eyes. He headed to the bathroom to wash up while calling out to the living room, "Mom, what''s for breakfast? I''m not going to work this morning."


    His mother asked, "Did you take time off to rest?"


    Zhang Ye squeezed some toothpaste onto his toothbrush. "Yeah."


    "There are only leftovers from yesterday, so make do with that," his mother said.


    Zhang Ye said absent-mindedly, "Sure, anything''s fine."


    After breakfast, Zhang Ye kept checking his watch.


    His father wondered, "What are you doing?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s nothing, I''m just whiling away the time."


    His mother suddenly thought of something. "Did you see the news? They''re reporting about the national curriculum revision for the elementary, middle, and high school textbooks. Do you have any chance with the Chinesenguage textbooks? Can any of your works get published?"


    Zhang Ye spread up his hands. "How would I know?"


    His father was also very concerned. He said, "Go ask around."


    "I can''t." Zhang Ye shook his head. "I could ask around about the voting process for the most coveted domestic literary awards, but for something like the curriculum revision process, I can''t find out anything about it. That information is privy only to those in the Ministry of Education and a select few in the educationmunity. It''s no ce for me to speak."


    His father sighed, "I don''t suppose there''s much of a chance anyway."


    His parents also knew that the curriculum revision was a huge event. Even if it were the most reputable and respected person in the literary circle, their names would not be easily made known to the public. The importance and sensitivity of such matters clearly went far beyond the selection process of the Yanhong Literary Prize or the Qilu Literature Prize. Any person, name, or essay that was shortlisted would cause a great discussion and have far-reaching effects in the education field, or even within society itself.


    It was almost 7:40 AM.


    Seeing this, Zhang Ye went back to his room and closed the door behind him.


    His staff at the studio were all waiting for this slice of pie to drop from the sky, but only Zhang Ye was prepared to fight for it. Networking? That was not his style! This fellow had always preferred to be self-reliant!


    There were two choices.


    The Lucky Halo?


    Or the Difficulty Adjustment Die?


    After thinking about it, he felt that thetter was too precious an item. He only had one die left in his inventory. Moreover, the die was mighty powerful. Whether it be lowering or raising the difficulty level, it was overpowered. The effective duration of the item was also not fixed, so using it would be as good as wielding an atomic bomb. It couldn''t be used unnecessarily. So the remaining option was clear and simple. Although the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) could not bepared to the Difficulty Adjustment Die in terms of its might, it was far more stable and dependable. It should be more than enough to handle this sort of situation. But of course, whether this n would work was not guaranteed. He could only do his best and give it a try.


    He activated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded)!


    The Reputation Points were getting consumed without stop!


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    A halo appeared over his head.


    The bright pulsating glow rippled outward wave after wave.


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    The experts were busy chattering and analyzing things.


    Theizens were also voicing their opinions.


    The media outlets also set aside their headlines while waiting for the oue of the curriculum revision.


    Throughout society, everyone ced great hopes and expectations on this textbook curriculum revision. From a survey, everyone was happy to see the positive education reforms and changes that were going to be introduced. But as for the degree and depth of change the revisions would bring, no one other than those in the reviewmission set up by the Ministry of Education knew.


    At an office somewhere in the Ministry of Education.


    On the third level.


    Inside the conference room of the Chinesenguage textbook revision work group.


    "Old Qi, you''re here?"


    "Dr. Chen, good morning."


    "So it''s going to be decided today, huh?"


    "It''s already been dragged on for so long, so of course it has to be decided soon."


    "In the past few meetings, they''ve nearlye to blows every single time, so how can wee to a decision?"


    "Hai, hasn''t it always been this way? Every time there''s a textbook revision, it''s always our Chinesenguage team that is the most ''lively.'' We''re always locked in a fierce struggle over the decisions. Didn''t you also take part in the previous curriculum revision eight years ago? Let''s see if the group leader will make the decision this time. If there''s still no oue, we''ll have to turn to voting to decide it."


    "Yeah, just look at the math group and the physics group. There''s no resistance at all and their meetings are always carried out so harmoniously. Then look at our group over here. The only thing we''re short of now is someone flipping the table."


    "Schrs tend to scorn each other, and there are a lot of involved rtionships."


    "The main issue is the disagreements between the Peking University representatives and the Tsinghua University representatives."


    "The Fudan University representatives are also not helping by muddying things further."


    The meeting had not started yet, but people were gradually arriving.


    The Chinesenguage textbook revision work group was mostly made up of doctorates and professors in the circle of Chinese Departments within the various well-known universities, as well as relevant educators in the industry. There were also representatives from the Ministry of Education, with the work group headed by a director from there. He was a very good person and a meticulous worker.


    Several people from Peking University arrived.


    Soon after, the Ministry of Education''s Director Liu walked into the conference room with a big smile. He was the overseer of the Chinesenguage textbook revision work group. Although he was wearing a smile on his face, Liu Quancheng was actually feeling very down. It had been days and the mathematics and physics work groups had more or less wrapped up their revisions. Meanwhile, their work group was still arguing nonstop over several spots on the prominent pages of the textbooks. To be fair, the Chinesenguage work group had already finalized 80% of the content for the textbook revision, but the remaining 20% could not be finalized yet as everyone had their own ideas.


    What a difficult task it was to lead this work group!


    Whoever wishes to take this role in the future cane and take it, I''ve had enough!


    Although he had such thoughts, Liu Quancheng could explicitly say such things. Many of the work group''s members were distinguished people in the education field, and some of them were even teachers to Liu Quancheng''s bosses at the ministry, or even his boss''s bosses! All in all, the total age of the people in the room came up to over 2,000 years old, so of course he had to be courteous and polite to them. You wouldn''t know which of them had direct ess to the highest authorities, would you? The waters of the education field were too deep! As such, Liu Quancheng''s opinion was very simple. He wouldn''t offend anyone and just let them fight among themselves. He wasn''t going to care at all.


    An old academic representing Peking University looked at him. "Little Liu, are we going to have a vote today?"


    Liu Quancheng nodded. "Old Master Chu, I think we should have the vote just to be sure. There are only that dozen or so spots left to decide on, so we have to get it done by today no matter what."


    Old Master Chu used to be a dean of the Chinese Department at Peking University. He even became the vice president of the universityter on, but that was more than 40 years ago. After his retirement, Old Master Chu was still involved in a lot of the decision-making processes regarding educational reforms and policies. So just by addressing the work group leader as Little Liu, that was enough for a director like Liu Quancheng to listen to him obediently.


    Old Master Chu smacked his lips. "Why do we still have to vote? Since this is a reform, we have to be heavy-handed with the decisions. The world belongs to the young now; we have to show more eptance and care for the younger generation of academics. We should allow their essays to be published and made known to everyone through the textbooks and not keep guarding those people who already have one foot in the coffin. Is there any meaning in doing so? Then what''s the point of having a reform? By the way, I think Zhang Ye is pretty good, don''t you?


    An old man from Renmin University said, "I disagree. That Zhang Ye kid is too impulsive. ''Ode to Young China'' must not make it into the textbooks, not even an excerpt."


    "And who are you to say no?"


    "It''s not only me, many of the others disagree as well."


    "Who are the ones who disagree?"


    "Just wait for Old Hu and the others to get here!"


    There!


    Even before the meeting hadmenced, they were arguing again!


    Liu Quancheng could only sigh in his mind.


    Old Hu and the others��that referred to the representatives from Tsinghua University. The reason why the curriculum revision had not wrapped up yet in thest few meetings was due to the representatives of Peking and Tsinghua University arguing every time they were about to decide on something. Especially when they touched on that fiercely contested spot in the seventh grade (middle school) textbook where an essay was to be featured, the arguments became even more intense. Three essays were shortlisted for it: Ji Hong''s "Yangtze River," Li Yucheng''s "Above the Storm," and Zhang Ye''s "Ode to Young China"!


    These three authors were respectively rted to Tsinghua, Renmin, and Peking University. So the oldrades who represented these schools were all fervently arguing over which should be chosen. Later, the representatives from Fudan University joined the mix and started voicing their support for Peking University by agreeing that Zhang Ye''s essay should be chosen. Seeing that, the representatives from Renmin University changed their tune and expressed their support for Tsinghua University''s Ji Hong''s "Yangtze River." The mess that followed was simply too chaotic!


    Both sides stood by their views and were almost equal in numbers as well. As such, this was where it was most disputed since there was a possibility of either "Yangtze River" or "Ode to Young China" getting chosen.


    Liu Quancheng mediated, "Teachers, when everyone has arrived, we''ll decide by voting. We''ll start off with the first grade elementary school textbook and vote on the disputed works one by one."


    It was 7:55 AM.


    In another five minutes, they would officially kick off the meeting. For now, they waited.


    The few representatives from Renmin University looked at their watches and waited for the representatives from Tsinghua University to arrive. The reason why the representatives from Renmin University were supporting the Tsinghua University representatives was not that they had a good rtionship with them. What happened back on the show Lecture Room, as well as Zhang Ye''s lecture on Dream of the Red Chamber, had simply offended too many people at Renmin University. So when it was proposed that Zhang Ye''s essay be used in the seventh grade textbook, and when the Fudan University representatives started supporting the Peking University''s representatives call to include his essay, they knew that they couldn''t allow it to happen. As such, they turned to supporting Tsinghua University''s represented essay.


    Why weren''t they here yet?


    Look at the time.


    Two minutes had passed, but there were no signs of the Tsinghua University representatives!


    Everyone started looking at one another.


    At this moment, a phone rang.


    "Hello, Old Hu, where are you?"


    "I''m still at home."


    "The meeting will be starting soon!"


    "I suddenly got the runs, so I won''t be able to make it in time."


    "Ah?"


    "Aiyo, I gotta hang up, I have to get back to the toilet."


    Du du. The call ended.


    Following that, another call came in for Liu Quancheng.


    "Hello, Elder Chang?"


    "Little Liu, has the meeting started yet?"


    "Not yet, where are you?"


    "Old Qing and I got stuck in traffic not long after we set out. We''re on a viaduct and there''s an ident ahead of us. We can''t move at all, none of the cars can!"


    Then came yet another call.


    "Professor Xu, haven''t you gotten off your ne? Didn''t you catch the 5 AM flight from Shanghai?"


    "I was just calling to notify you. There was a passenger causing trouble on the flight and the ne waste, so we were forced tond at Jinan Airport 1 . We won''t be able to resume flying anytime soon!"


    "Eh? Forced tond at Jinan Airport?"


    No one had thought much of it when it was just the first call.


    But after five or six calls, everyone felt like they had seen a ghost!


    A stomachache?


    Traffic?


    The flight was forced tond?


    The train was stopped due to andslide?


    All of the oldrades from Tsinghua University were not going to make it for the meeting?


    Dammit! How can it be so coincidental?


    Do you people from Tsinghua University have to be so down on your luck?!


    Everyone has met with some kind of trouble?


    Liu Quancheng was stunned for a very long time. "This��"


    The representatives from Renmin University nearly vomited blood!


    An old professor from Peking University said, "It''s time, isn''t it?"


    Liu Quancheng didn''t know whether tough or cry. He said, "Then let''s get the meeting started so that we can vote."

 Chapter 1217: Zhang Ye’s works get selected for the national Chinese language textbooks!

    <h4>Chapter 1217: Zhang Ye''s works get selected for the national Chinesenguage textbooks! </h4>


    Chapter 1217: Zhang Ye''s works get selected for the national Chinesenguage textbooks!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At 9 in the morning.


    Back at home.


    Zhang Ye deactivated the Lucky Halo. When he saw the consumed Reputation Points, he felt pinched and squeezed. He did not know about the progress of the meeting, nor how the discussion went. All he did was activate the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) at close to 8 AM and keep it on for close to an hour. The Reputation Point consumption rate of the Lucky Halo was extremely heavy, with 100,000 Reputation Points needed for every second it was activated. Even with therge amount of Reputation Points Zhang Ye had umted by now, it was difficult to bear. He was lucky that he had only used up a portion of his total Reputation Points during the lottery draw the other day and still had some left for today''s purpose.


    Just how did it go?


    Only God would know!


    Whatever! However it turns out, so be it!


    Zhang Ye opened the door and came out of his room.


    "What were you doing in your room?" his mother asked.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Handling some important business."


    His father asked, "How did it go?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged and said, "I suppose we''ll find out tonight."


    His mother rolled her eyes at him. "What are you being so secretive about? The most important issue at hand is the curriculum revision! That''s right, isn''t your girlfriend from the education sector? She was the vice president of Peking University and has even worked at the provincial education department. Why don''t you check with her? You have to take the initiative."


    But Zhang Ye said, "Aiya, don''t bother her with such things. Mom, I''ll help you to make lunch. After eating, I''ll have to head to work." Since Zhang Ye had nothing better to do, he decided to help out with whatever chores there were around the house. In reality, it was to divert his attention from the national textbook curriculum revision so that he wouldn''t have to keep thinking about it.


    In the afternoon.


    They were still discussing it on the Inte.


    "The changes to the Englishnguage curriculum seem to have been set in stone."


    "Yeah, I heard that the middle school textbooks will get more difficult."


    "The revisions for the math curriculum aren''t out yet."


    "What about the Chinesenguage textbooks?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Even though they''re calling this a curriculum revision, the majority of the content will still remain the same. There won''t really be much change, and this has been talked about before."


    "Let''s see whose essays will get chosen this time."


    "It''s gonna be amazing for whoever gets to have their work published."


    "It''s going to be more than amazing. They''ll be famous."


    Elsewhere.


    Zhang Ye arrived at the studio.


    He had just stepped into the office when Elder Qian arrived a momentter. "Is this Little Zhang''s Studio?"


    Little Wang opened the door to greet him. "Yes, may I ask who you are?"


    Zhang Ye hurried outside when he heard the voice. "Aiyo, Elder Qian, what a rare guest."


    Elder Qian chuckled, "I was nearby when I remembered you saying that you had set up your studio not long ago, so I came over to have a look. Am I wee?"


    "Of course you are." Zhang Ye told his studio staff, "This is Elder Qian, a most distinguished person in the literary field. If I''m not around when Elder Qianes to visit, remember to give him the best reception."


    Little Wang said briskly, "Understood!"


    Elder Qian said happily, "Kid, don''t try that with me."


    "Come in, let''s talk inside." Zhang Ye and Elder Qian went upstairs.


    After ncing around the office, Elder Qian suddenly looked at him. "Is your rtionship with Wu Zeqing quite good?"


    Old Wu?


    Zhang Ye was taken aback for a moment. "Ah, it''s not too bad."


    Elder Qian gave an "oh" in response.


    Zhang Ye wondered, "Why do you ask?"


    Elder Qian said, "Your old boss is pretty good to you. I have a friend in the education field I spoke with recently, someone from Fudan University who''s also taking part in this education reform. Wu Zeqing contacted him some days ago to ask if he could help you out a little in the Chinesenguage curriculum revision. When Wu Zeqing was heading a department in the education sector, she had helped that Fudan University friend of mine out quite a bit. So he didn''t reject her request. Later on, my friend came to ask me about what kind of a person you were. I told him not to believe the rumors out there and that you were really quite a nice person. He acknowledged that without saying anything else."


    Zhang Ye really did not know about this. He said in surprise, "There was something like that?"


    This Old Wu! Why didn''t she tell me about this!


    Zhang Ye had only found out about the exact time of the curriculum revision meeting yesterday, but who knew that Old Wu was already well aware of it way before he was? And she had even helped him pull some strings?


    Elder Qian blinked and said, "You didn''t ask Chief Wu to put in a word for you? Then you better thank her properly. She really went through a lot of trouble for you. It seems she values you a lot. Although Wu Zeqing has now gone on to oversee the entertainment industry, herwork in the education field is still there. Quite a few Peking University alumni are also in the textbook revision work group. In recent years, you''re the only professor from Peking University to have any involvement in the literary field, so they''d definitely support you. Together with Fudan University''s support, you probably stand quite a good chance this time, especially with ''Ode to Young China.''"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Then I''ll hold you to your auspicious words?"


    Elder Qian said emotionally, "Kid, you''re really going to skyrocket soon."


    Yes, he wanted to skyrocket in poprity. But before that, Zhang Ye''s essay would have to be selected for the revised edition of the textbooks. Until the final moment, no one would know how it would turn out!


    Zhang Ye was waiting to find out.


    The studio staff were waiting to find out.


    The education and literary fields were waiting to find out.


    The media reporters were also eagerly looking forward to it.


    ��


    At 7 PM.


    The studio staff hadn''t left work yet.


    Little Wang said anxiously, "Will they announce it today?"


    "I don''t know." Wu Yi was browsing the news online. "There aren''t any updates. The Englishnguage and chemistry textbooks'' revisions have already been confirmed, but there''s still no news about the Chinesenguage textbooks."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Wait a little longer."


    "Hey, there it is!"


    "What?"


    "Where, where?"


    "Look at the news, the changes to the Chinesenguage textbooks have been finalized!"


    In a sh, the studio staff all gathered around. Zhang Ye also ran down from upstairs to join them.


    "Is Director Zhang''s name in there?"


    "I''m looking for it!"


    "An excerpt of Sun Fang''s novel has made it in?"


    "Meng Han''s poem will be featured in the eighth grade''s second semester textbook?"


    "Who else is there?"


    "I''m still looking, don''t rush me!"


    "Ah!"


    "I saw it!"


    "Holy shit! There''s Director Zhang''s name!"


    "An excerpt of ''Ode to Young China'' has been selected! It''s going to be in the middle school textbook!"


    "Oh my God! He really made it in!"


    "Director Zhang! It''s in! We''ve made it in!"


    "Wait, why is there another one?"


    "Holy fuck!"


    "''Tribute to the White Por''?"


    "What''s that?"


    "When did Director Zhang write an essay titled ''Tribute to the White Por''?"


    "I know this one! I''ve read it before! It was written by Director Zhang!"


    "Th-This one made it into the elementary school textbook? We didn''t only have one essay selected, two of them actually made it into the textbooks?!"


    "Tribute to the White Por"?


    Startled, Zhang Ye suddenly remembered it. This prose titled "Tribute to the White Por" was written back at the parent-teacher conference at Chenchen''s school. At that time, the teachers wanted the children to write an essay, but Chenchen did not know how to and kept asking Zhang Ye to write one for her. This was also that very well-known essay that made it into the national textbooks back in Zhang Ye''s previous world! Zhang Ye had still not made a name for himself when he brought over this essay to this world. On top of that, the circumstances in which it had been brought out made it rtively unknown here since there was hardly any publicity. That was why this essay was not well-known over here. In fact, many people didn''t even know that Zhang Ye had written the essay. So Zhang Ye was astounded that "Tribute to the White Por" had made it into the elementary school textbooks. This was indeed an unexpected gain!


    He was very happy for himse��


    Oh, he was very happy for Mao Dun!


    The studio staff started cheering!


    "Director Zhang the Mighty!"


    "This is so impressive!"


    "He''s made it into the national textbooks!"


    "There won''t be any more changes, right?"


    "No, the announcement said the selected works are final! It''s been decided!"


    "I thought it was exceedingly lucky to have one work featured, but there were two in the end? How generous of the education field to give so much face to Director Zhang! It looks like he hasn''t offended as many people as we thought he had!"


    "That''s great!"


    "The third milestone in our ''Reach the Summit'' n has been achieved!"


    "Yeah, we didn''t even think that the third milestone could really be achieved!"


    "And it was even achieved beyond our expectations!"


    Everyone was shouting and screaming!


    Zhang Ye was also quite happy with the oue, but thought to himself, Do you guys really think that it was the education field''s people who gave me face? If it weren''t for my Lucky Halo and Old Wu''s help, much less "Tribute to the White Por," even "Ode to Young China" might not''ve been selected!

 Chapter 1218: Skyrocketing!

    <h4>Chapter 1218: Skyrocketing! </h4>


    Chapter 1218: Skyrocketing!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Beijing Television.


    Central TV News Channel.


    Shanghai Satellite Television.


    And everyone else. On the same night, every television station was reporting this news!


    Which family did not have a child? Which child did not need to go to school? The issue of education had always been of the greatest concern to the public. The national textbook curriculum revision was an even greater issue for them. Any news that was relevant to the public would naturally be given the widest coverage by the media and television stations!


    "Physics textbookption fraught with difficulties?"


    "Englishnguage textbook will see increase in number of vocabry words included!"


    "Huge changes to Chinesenguage textbooks!"


    "Both ''Ode to Young China'' and ''Tribute to the White Por'' have been selected?"


    Zhang Ye might be greatest beneficiary of Chinesenguage textbook curriculum revision!"


    The Ministry of Education uncharacteristically gives Zhang Ye their approval?"


    "Expert analysis: Having works selected to be included in the national textbooks will have a major impact on Zhang Ye''s poprity and status!"


    There was a heated discussion on Weibo.


    "He was really chosen!"


    "And it''s even two his essays as entries?"


    "Has Teacher Zhang been on steroids recently or something?"


    "Yeah, selling that many copies of Fortress Besieged and taking the top honors at the most prestigious domestic literary awards. And now, he even has his works selected for the national Chinesenguage textbooks?"


    "In the future, Zhang Ye''s best-selling books won''t be Ghost Blows Out the Light or Fortress Besieged!"


    "Huh? Then what will it be?"


    "It''s going to be the elementary and middle school textbooks, of course!"


    "Pfft!"


    "Zhang Ye has boarded a rocket ship and can''t be stopped!"


    "All thetest headlines have been about him!"


    "What is he trying to achieve here? Putting in so much effort? He couldn''t have set his sights on one of those seven spots in the S-list, could he?"


    "That can''t be. Teacher Zhang''s still far from reaching the S-list. He shouldn''t be able to get there without at least another few years of hard work, right?"


    "That''s hard to say. Just look, how much has Zhang Ye''s poprity grown over the past few days? There might not even be a need to wait a few years to see that happening. Those at the top should really start being wary of him!"


    "That''s quite unlikely."


    "Yeah, you''re exaggerating."


    "I don''t think it will happen anytime soon either. After all, those seven spots are too difficult to reach, and we''ve never seen a change in the rankings after so many years. But then again, looking at the current entertainment industry, if there''s anyone who can rece one of those seven Heavenly Kings and Queens, it should only be Zhang Ye. Just look at his domestic celebrity ranking. He''s been sittingfortably atop the A-list and has been widening the gap on those who were almost even with him in just what? A month? Two months?"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye''s climb to the top of the entertainment industry!"


    Of course, there were also voices of doubt.


    "What''s with this?"


    "Is he even qualified enough?"


    "Is it really a good idea to put the essays of someone with a temper like Zhang Ye''s into the national textbooks?"


    "What the hell is ''Tribute to the White Por''? It''s just an essay written in vernacr!"


    Among those who questioned the decision of the Ministry of Education, the representative figures of the group actually turned out to be several executives from Central TV Department 1.


    Central TV Department 1''s Deputy Director Jiang Yuan: "Education is a serious matter, and so are the textbooks used to educate our children. Putting the works of a historically tainted celebrity into the teaching materials is irresponsible to our children!"


    There was a wave of scolding below thatment.


    "Get lost!"


    "It''s Central TV Department 1 that has a tainted history!"


    "Are you done trying to nder Zhang Ye?"


    "Enough is enough! It was you people who didn''t handle the matter properly back then that led to Zhang Ye suing you in court. You guys lost thewsuit, remember?"


    ��


    At home.


    When Zhang Ye reached home, he heard his mom talking on the phone with her old colleague in the living room.


    "Yes, didn''t you watch the news? It''s being reported everywhere!"


    "Really?"


    "Yes, his works were really selected to be in the Chinesenguage textbooks. One of them is for the elementary school textbook, and the other is for the middle school textbook!"


    "Your son is amazing. You and Old Zhang have taught him so well! Everyone is envious of you two."


    "Hahaha, when your granddaughter starts school, my son''s essays will be in the textbooks. She might even be asked to recite them��."


    His mother was bragging to other people again.


    Zhang Ye was used to this, and his mother could not be controlled by anyone when it came to bragging.


    "Hai, my son is home now, I''m going to hang up!" After his mother put down the phone, she said excitedly, "Son, you were really chosen! You''ve done us proud!"


    His father also said with glee, "This is a good thing! It''s an extremely good thing!"


    His mother said, "You''ll be even more well-known."


    "It''s not a matter of fame." His father said sternly, "Doing something for the cause of education is what truly matters. Using this to gain poprity is unconventional, so don''t be so short-sighted."


    Mom winked at her son. "Ignore him."


    Zhang Yeughed.


    Congrattory calls were also starting toe in one after another.


    Zhang Ye''s friends were also feeling very shocked by Zhang Ye having two of his essays selected for the national textbooks. All of them expressed their incredulity while offering their congrattions to him.


    Hu Fei wondered, "What kind of trick did it take to pull that off?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Haha, magic?"


    Hu Fei said in amusement, "Since when were you so loved in the industry?"


    Zhang Ye sighed. "I suppose everyone did give me some face."


    The industry''s opinion of Zhang Ye was improving as they felt he had a lot of potential. In the past, Zhang Ye always went around scolding and offending everyone. Not many industries were able to ept him and the industry insiders mostly did not want to acknowledge someone like him. Even though he hadn''t changed his temper much, a lot of the mainstream was slowly starting to ept him. In fact, some of them even epted that extraordinarily foul temper of his!


    It was the literary field before this!


    Now it was the education field''s turn!


    Zhang Ye was stepping onto the right path, and his ce in the industry was slowly stabilizing.


    At night.


    His parents were asleep.


    The buzz on the Inte started to die down.


    Zhang Ye was lying in bed as he took out his phone to call Wu Zeqing. His first call did not go through, but Old Wu returned his call after 15 minutes.


    Zhang Ye asked: "What are you doing?"


    "I just finished bathing. I had to work overtime today, so I got home a littlete," Wu Zeqing said with a giggle.


    Zhang Ye blinked and said: "Two of my essays were selected for the national textbooks."


    Wu Zeqingughed: "I know, I saw it on the news this afternoon. That''s a good thing. Your essays are absolutely good enough, so they deserved to be selected."


    Zhang Ye asked: "Did you help me out?"


    Wu Zeqing replied: "No, how could I be of any help? I''m heading the SARFT, so I don''t really know about all the happenings in the education sector anymore."


    Zhang Ye was amused. "You really didn''t do anything?"


    "Hur hur, you must''ve been chosen based on the quality of your essays," Wu Zeqing said.


    Nonsense!


    Elder Qian told me about it. You obviously asked your friend from Fudan University to help me out!


    Zhang Ye knew what she had done. He understood that Old Wu knew that he wasn''t someone who wanted to depend on others for help. Every time Old Wu asked if he needed her help on anything, he would always say "No, I''ll handle this on my own." After knowing each other for many years, and being in a rtionship for a long time, Wu Zeqing understood his temper quite well. This was why Old Wu had quietly handled this matter and even pretended not to know anything about it.


    Perhaps this was the greatest tenderness of all?


    Even one''s own wife would probably not go this far for her husband?


    And if you think about it, Zhang Ye found out about this by chance. If he didn''t know Elder Qian personally? If Elder Qian didn''t receive a call from his friend and find out? Then Zhang Ye would probably have never found out about what Old Wu had done for him!


    And for simr things like this, how many times had it happened in the past?


    How much more had Old Wu done for him without him ever knowing?


    Zhang Ye felt warm and fuzzy inside. He and Old Wu were both the type that wasn''t good at expressing their feelings. It was very difficult for them to say the words "I love you." Zhang Ye didn''t know how to be romantic and wasn''t good at getting into the good graces of a woman. Meanwhile, Old Wu wasn''t the clingy type, nor did she know how to be all lovey-dovey. The way they expressed their affection for each other was very different from most other couples. But! Zhang Ye felt that it was great this way.


    Yes.


    It really was great.

 Chapter 1219: Zhang Ye’s new show is coming! (First Half)

    <h4>Chapter 1219: Zhang Ye''s new show ising! (First Half) </h4>


    Chapter 1219: Zhang Ye''s new show ising! (First Half)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Zhang Ye''s Studio was still in a celebratory mood.


    The public also took some time to appreciate Zhang Ye''s soaring poprity.


    But it was at this time that something unexpected happened.


    ��These were troubled times.


    ��Gossip flies when a person gets popr.


    These two sayings were the most apt descriptions of the entertainment industry. There were a lot of unrest and activities constantly going on. No one could predict what would happen next!


    Central TV Department 1 announced without warning in the afternoon that they were going to begin production on the second season of The Voice. In fact, they were already midway through production, so it wouldn''t be long before they met the audience again. In the announcement, it was even revealed that they would stick to the old ways and continue making the show in the same style as the first season of The Voice. There would be an all-new panel of guest coaches joining the show and an all-new production team of professionals to help recreate this ssic reality show. They would bring the audience a most fresh and awesome audio sensory experience.


    When the news got out, many people were shocked!


    There was amazement all over Weibo!


    "What?"


    "Season Two of The Voice?"


    "That''s great, it''s finally returning!"


    "What so great about that? Isn''t that show copyrighted to Zhang Ye?"


    "Right, it was this exact matter that embroiled Zhang Ye and Central TV Department 1 in awsuit, so what''s with this? Has Teacher Zhang made up with Central TV Department 1? Did he give them authorization to film the show?"


    "That''s impossible!"


    "Look at what they said in the announcement. They mention that it''s headed by an all-new production team!"


    "Right, Zhang Ye couldn''t have authorized them. Who doesn''t know what his temper is like!"


    "The Central TV Department 1 executives were even scolding Zhang Ye on Weibost night on his essays getting selected for the Chinesenguage textbooks! They couldn''t have made up so quickly overnight!"


    "Then why does Central TV Department 1 still dare to call their show The Voice?"


    "It''s copyright infringement, right?"


    "I''m utterly confused as well!"


    No one in the industry expected that Central TV Department 1 would actually go against the grain and act so brazen. They even said they were already halfway through production?


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Ha Qiqi said angrily, "What the heck are they trying to do!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Old Ha, didn''t you say their show would adopt a name and format change?"


    "Yeah," Ha Qiqi said, "that''s why I don''t understand what''s going on either!"


    Zhang Ye did not even hesitate and said, "Send them a cease and desist!"


    And so, thew firm representing Zhang Ye''s Studio immediately issued a Cease and Desist Letter to Central TV on the same day and sent someone to liaise with the courts.


    The incident blew up!


    Zhang Ye and Central TV Department 1 were going to go to court again?


    However, the way things developed caught everyone by surprise!


    Just as countless people''s attention focused on this incident, Central TV Department 1 quickly deleted that promotional Weibo post and updated it with a new one. The official Weibo ount of Central TV Department 1 announced that due to copyright issues, their new show would drop the name of The Voice and be known as Sing! instead. There would be some changes to the format of the show as well. At the end of the post, it even hinted that although the name was changed, the spirit of the show would still be the same.


    Video publicity!


    Advertising campaigns!


    The promos went into full swing!


    The name of Sing! was quickly made known to everyone too!


    It was at this moment that everyone realized what was going on!


    Central TV Department 1 knew that there would be a problem with the copyright, so they hadn''t nned to produce the show as the second season of The Voice. Right from the start, they were nning to change the name and modify the trademarked segment where the coaches turned around in the chairs. By having a different look for the show, they were intending to continue doing The Voice as it was. But as they were afraid the audience would not be convinced if they just announced this new show and inadvertently suffered a drop in viewers and notability of the show, they billed it as the second season of The Voice. Seizing the opportunity to publicize Sing! while the media''s attention was all on Zhang Ye, it was their way of telling the audience that this was not an entirely new show, but in fact, the second season of The Voice! If this wasn''t their intent, Central TV Department 1 couldn''t have possibly reacted so quickly. It didn''t even take a day for them toe up with another name for the show? And change the format of the show''s segment? Even the publicity video was readily released after the announcement? It was impossible that they could do all that so quickly! They were riding on the name of Zhang Ye and The Voice!


    Moreover, they had already deleted that previous Weibo post, so it wouldn''t affect them much even if Zhang Ye''s Studio sued them in court. There was no loss for them!


    Some of Zhang Ye''s fans started cursing.


    "Fuck!"


    "How can they be so despicable?"


    "Damn, I''ve lost my faith in humanity!"


    "They were scolding Zhang Ye on Weibo justst night but are now using his name and show to promote themselves? This is what Central TV Department 1 is? How can they do that?"


    "What they''re doing is really shameless!"


    "If you all want to make Sing!, then go ahead. But why did you have to do it this way? Even back then, you were in the wrong first, no? The Voice is Zhang Ye''s baby. You didn''t want to pay Director Zhang for the copyright and even tried to steal it from him to sell it off. After that, he was even shipped off to the Documentary Channel while you continued to raise a ruckus about him until Central TV was forced to terminate his contract. In this past year, you''ve continued scolding Zhang Ye on the Inte and criticizing him at various public events. But in the end? This was what you resorted to doing? Haven''t you gone too far!"


    Of course, some people didn''t mind.


    "Anything is fine as long as we get a second season of The Voice!"


    "Right, I like this show so much. They mustn''t shelve it!"


    "Counting the days, it''s about time the second season began. I''m really looking forward to it!"


    "It''s just a name change, we''ll still watch it anyhow."


    "Yeah, there are too few good singing shows, and The Voice and King of Masked Singers are the two most representative works in the genre. Since King of Masked Singers only ended a few months ago, I doubt there''ll be a second season anytime soon. So there''s only The Voice left to look forward to. I don''t care if they change the name to Sing! They can call it Dog Shit for all I care! I''d still watch it!"


    "Hurry up and start broadcasting please!"


    "Just don''t destroy the reputation of The Voice."


    "I watched the promo vid and found it quite good!"


    There was a lot of controversy!


    A lot of attention was given to it too!


    But this was exactly the effect Central TV Department 1 was going for. They knew that even though some people would scold them, those same people would stille and watch the show when it was broadcast. This was because there was no one topete with their show, nor was there anyone who couldpete with them. Among the singing shows, they would sweep away everyone else. As long as they could hold viewer attention on the show''s premiere and make them realize that it was basically The Voice with a different name, then the viewers would give their recognition to it. They wouldn''t possibly just give up on the show just because Zhang Ye wasn''t the director or the host. Other than Zhang Ye''s diehard fans and some hot-blooded youths, not too many people were so principled and bothered by such things. In the end, what the people needed was entertainment, not some impossible to emte person standing on stage speed-reciting some advertising messages!


    The Voice was already an established show!


    Therefore, Central TV Department 1 no longer had a need for Zhang Ye!


    The host?


    The director?


    The guests?


    It would all be the same whoever held those roles!


    1. In 2016, contractual disputes arose between Talpa Holding, the owner of the show''s format and franchise, and Canxing Production, the show''s productionpany. It was revealed the former had inked a joint venture with another productionpany, Talent International, to produce the uing seasons of the show. In response to the dispute and to prevent copyright breaches, Canxing Productionsunched Sing!, a rebranded version of the show which the producers imed toe with an original format, though it still shares several simrities with The Voice of China.

 Chapter 1220: Zhang Ye’s new show is coming! (Second Half)

    <h4>Chapter 1220: Zhang Ye''s new show ising! (Second Half) </h4>


    Chapter 1220: Zhang Ye''s new show ising! (Second Half)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Everyone was sitting in a meeting.


    "They nned it all out!" Wu Yi said furiously.


    Little Wang said, "Central TV Department 1 deliberately did it this way!"


    Ha Qiqi said in anger, "By issuing our Cease and Desist Letter, we inadvertently helped them publicize the show and helped them let everyone know that The Voice has a new name. If we knew that this would happen, we shouldn''t have yed their game! We should''ve let them promote it longer with the name of The Voice before suing them!"


    But Zhang Ye said, "That would be pointless. Even if we didn''t say a thing, they would''vee up with some other excuse. They aren''t stupid."


    Zhang Zuo pped his thigh. "I''m pissed off!"


    Ha Qiqi said indignantly, "Those people will really stoop to anything to achieve their goals? Why isn''t Central TV Documentary Channel like that? We''ve worked with Central TV Sports Channel too. They''re all very nice people, respectful, and professional in their work. But why does it have to be thergest channel that behaves like this?"


    Everyone kept cursing for a long time.


    Then, Zhang Ye''s cell phone rang.


    It was Chen Guang''s wife, Fan Wenli.


    Zhang Ye said: "Hello, Sister Fan?"


    Fan Wenli asked: "Zhang''er, do you know about Sing!?"


    "Let Central TV Department 1 do what they want. It doesn''t matter to me," Zhang Ye said.


    "Well, they just contacted Old Chen and me to ask whether we would like to return to the show as guest coaches." Fan Wenli''s words seemed to hold a deeper meaning. "Do you think it will do well?"


    Zhang Ye knew what she was getting at. "It should do well. Even without me, it shouldn''t affect them much. The tform is already there, so even without any new breakthroughs in the show, the viewership ratings should still be quite good with them retaining the same format. Just go back with Old Chen, hur hur. You don''t have to make your decision with me in mind."


    Fan Wenli said: "Alright then, I''ll think about it for a while longer."


    Zhang Ye said graciously: "Sister Fan, there''s no need to think too much about it. If the appearance fee is good enough, just go ahead. You can earn the money and gain publicity on TV at the same time. Only a fool would not ept."


    Fan Wenliughed and said: "Alright, I know what to do then."


    Zhang Ye understood that Old Fan had called him to give him a heads up. The other party must have given her an offer she couldn''t refuse, and she probably still had some feelings for The Voice. However, due to the rocky rtionship between Zhang Ye and Central TV Department 1, she was slightly hesitant and probably felt bad about epting the offer. But Zhang Ye did not think of it this way. Old Fan did not work for him, after all. She was just a friend and coworker, so if she had the chance to gain more fame and money, who was Zhang Ye to stop her? How could he? He couldn''t be so particr about such things.


    But to his surprise, Chen Guang called shortly afterwards.


    The moment the call connected, Old Chen said: "Zhang''er, did Wenli call you earlier?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "What''s the matter?"


    Chen Guang said: "I''m telling you, however much that copycat version of The Voice offers me, I won''t be joining them! What nonsense is that? Without you heading The Voice, I won''t acknowledge them! But Wenli might be tempted to join, so I argued with her earlier. That woman is too short-sighted! She makes me so angry!"


    Zhang Ye said: "Whoa,e on, did you two have to argue over this? It''s not even a big deal."


    Chen Guang said: "I can''t control what she does. The Sing! program team has gotten in contact with the former guest coaches, but I''ve already spoken to Grandma Zhang Xia, and the two of us definitely won''t ept. I didn''t check with Sister Zhang, but I doubt that anyone other than you can move her. She probably won''t ept the offer either. Only Wenli is keen on returning to the show. I''ll speak to her again!"


    "Don''t."


    "I''m terribly sorry."


    "Aiya, that''s enough."


    The call ended.


    The studio staff were looking at him.


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Are both Teacher Chen and Teacher Fan going to join the production of Sing!?"


    Little Wang said anxiously, "Then the show will be even more popr. With the old guest coaches holding the fort, Sing! will be able the shed the ''copycat'' tag more easily."


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "It''s not like that. Sister Fan will probably join, but Old Chen isn''t."


    Zhang Zuo said, "That''s not so bad then. What about Sister Zhang? Could Sister Zhang also��"


    Zhang Ye said, "They can''t get her to join."


    Zhang Zuo heaved a sigh of relief. "Fortunately for us."


    Zhang Ye turned serious and said, "Let''s not talk about this anymore. We should discuss our fourth milestone in the ''Reach the Summit'' n."


    The staff each had a copy of the document and information in their hands.


    Zhang Zuo spoke, "The first three milestones have been sessfullypleted. It wasn''t easy, but they''ve helped to build a very strong foundation for thetter part of our n. For the fourth milestone, we need to create a reality show. We''re thinking that since you have a foundation and made your name in this area, a lot of viewers will ept any new show that youe up with. At the very least, it would be propped up by the celebrity effect for a while. Besides, even though the poprity we received from the domain of TV shows is quiterge, there''s still a lot to be gained and could be expanded upon."


    Ha Qiqi nodded and said, "Right. We''ve analyzed that the poprity you gained in many of the industries that you dabbled in has reached saturation. For example, in the field of Go, it would be pointless for you to beat any additional top yers. All of the poprity that you could gain from there has already been earned. And in the field of literature, the previous three milestones you reached by winning the highest honor in the domestic literary field and breaking book sale records have also helped to peak your poprity. There isn''t much you can improve on in those areas. There''s only the domain of TV shows that we still have a lot of room to work in. There are tons of viewers in this area and the market is huge. Since everyone is receptive to your works, why don''t we aim to bring up your poprity in this field to its highest? By making another show that can outdo The Voice, A Bite of China, and King of Masked Singers?"


    Zhang Ye said, "What are your suggestions?"


    Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo gave each other a look.


    One of them said, "We were originally going to suggest that you produce a singing show since that''s what you are most familiar with. But things have changed. With Central TV Department 1 bringing out The Voice, a signature show, and us being from the old program team, we know full well how popr and loved this show is. So with this condition, it''d be difficult if we were to do a singing show as well."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Why''s that?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "We can''t fight fire with fire. If it were anyone else''s show, that might be fine. We could probably still take them head on and fight it out! Who''s afraid of whom! But The Voice was the most sessful show we created, and it''s going to have a second season. There''ll be too many diehards around. If we really take them head on, it can only be a lose-lose scenario, and no one will be happy in the end. Moreover, our show''s poprity would likely fall behind since The Voice has already umted a year''s worth! Stripped to the waist, our new show is sure to suffer. Our objective isn''t topete with Central TV Department 1. We''re looking to reach the summit of the entertainment industry. If both we and Department 1 suffer, the ones who''ll lose more will be us!"


    Ha Qiqi suggested, "Why don''t we make a reality show instead?"


    Wu Yi nodded and said, "A reality show is a pretty good idea."


    "Yeah, there hasn''t been muchpetition for reality shows recently!" Everyone was chipping in with their suggestions.


    Zhang Ye looked at them and said, "Who says that if we film a singing show, we''ll definitely end up suffering along with Central TV Department 1?"


    "Ah?"


    "What do you mean?"


    Everyone was stunned.


    Zhang Ye said, "The suggestion for a reality show isn''t bad either." Thinking, he suddenly looked up and smiled. "I have an idea about a reality showbined with a singing show. Are you guys interested in hearing about it?"


    A singing show?


    A reality show?


    Could these two bebined?


    Everyone was stunned again. "What show?"


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes and said, "I would like to call it: I Am a Singer."

 Chapter 1221: Signing the new show!

    <h4>Chapter 1221: Signing the new show! </h4>


    Chapter 1221: Signing the new show!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    That evening.


    The people from Beijing Television rushed to the studio.


    Two station heads and several staff members, including Hu Fei, had been sent over by Beijing Television to negotiate the contract after they received the news. They attached great importance to this matter. It was Zhang Ye''s new variety show after all, so who in the industry wouldn''t? Many of the television stations in the country would vie to get him!


    One of the station heads shook hands with him. "Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Station Head Wang."


    "Zhang''er, what kind of show are we talking about?" Hu Fei asked anxiously.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Don''t be so anxious, Brother Hu. Let''s sit down and talk."


    Ha Qiqi had printed out several copies of the proposal they drew up and handed it out to the Beijing Television people. They eagerly started flipping through it the moment they got one from her.


    Zhang Ye said, "Everyone, please take a look at the proposal."


    I Am a Singer.


    This was a very special show back in Zhang Ye''s previous world. It was special in that it was different from many of the previous singing shows that came before it. For example, The Voice and King of Masked Singers were both used singing elements to sell the show. There was very little interaction between the contestants to disy, the most being their intro clips or conversations with their mentors. But I Am a Singer was different. The show had elements of a reality show and did not require the contestants be masked. All of the contestants were famous singers the viewers would recognize, and the truest side of these singers could be seen on the show. There would be scenes of the singers nning and practicing their songs, the pstick draws to decide the appearance order, the celebrities going on about their private lives, singers making mistakes in their hosting roles, andic relief provided by host-managers who attempted to "sign" their favored singers, among other things. There were many more variety elements, and thepetition was more intense. No one in this world had ever attempted a show of this type before.


    Actually, the analysis by Zhang Ye''s team was quite right. They knew that it wouldn''t be the wisest choice to film a singing show at this time. Central TV Department 1''s Sing! was bearing down menacingly on the industry, and anyone who knew they wereing would back away. No one wanted to encounter Sing! at this time, and even many of the better reality shows would probably choose to avoid it. They were all afraid their attention would get taken away by the appearance of the show, much less those other simr singing shows around.


    This wasn''t a good choice!


    Or rather, this was the worst decision to make!


    Zhang Ye also understood what kind of show would be the most suitable and safest to make at this time, but it was just not in him to do so. If he wanted to be safe, he wouldn''t have taken Central TV Department 1 to court. If he was wise, he wouldn''t have tangled with the SARFT! In front of a potential "face pping," everything else was secondary!


    Aren''t you people looking to challenge me?


    Aren''t you people trying to show me who is better?


    Fine! Then I''ll go all out and take you all on!


    When the people from Beijing Television finished reading the proposal, they were astounded.


    Hu Fei was the closest with Zhang Ye, having worked together on many asions. Lecture Room and King of Masked Singers were both handled by the two of them. As such, he spoke first, "Zhang''er, how confident are you of this show? What I mean is, are you sure that this show can outperform The Voice?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "I''m not sure."


    Deputy Station Head Wang blinked. "Even you''re not confident?"


    But Zhang Ye justughed and said, "What I mean is, if it were against my original version of The Voice, it would be quite difficult to put a finger on whose viewership ratings would be higher. It might not be able to outperform the ratings for The Voice, but if it were against that copycat show called Sing!, which is headed by an entirely different program team, director, host, and guests...."


    The people from Beijing Television looked at him. "How will it do?"


    Zhang Ye thought for a moment before replying calmly, "I''d beat them by ten blocks!"


    Hu Feiughed. "You sound really confident."


    Zhang Ye said, "I guess so."


    Deputy Station Head Wang was chuckled a little as well.


    Then the Beijing Television people had a short discussion among themselves.


    Finally, Deputy Station Head Wang nodded and said, "Teacher Zhang, we''ll take your show. We''ll do it like before, so let us know the production budget you require. We''ll start with a base of 100 million RMB with no upper limits, and you may allocate the staff as you wish in your role as the executive director while Old Hu takes the executive producer role. You''ll head the entire show''s production with Old Hu as your assistant."


    Hu Fei smiled and said, "When I asked you to be the executive director for King of Masked Singers, you said no. This time, you better not reject me, alright? I''ll be your assistant, hur hur."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "It''s settled just like that? Aren''t you guys going to consider it for longer?"


    Hu Fei said happily, "It''s a show by you. There''s no need to consider any further!"


    These words were undoubtedly the greatest trust they could give Zhang Ye.


    A staff member of Beijing Television suddenly asked, "Director Zhang, are you going to participate in thepetition?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "If I''m going to be the executive director, I won''t be participating."


    Hu Fei said in surprise, "You won''t be taking part? What a pity."


    Zhang Ye spread up his hands. "If I participate in thepetition as the executive director, how will the others see it? They''d definitely say that it''s rigged and unfair. We have to handle this with the show''s interest in mind and not screw it up with such controversies." He added with augh, "And besides, I''d definitely lose with so many elite singers taking part. That''d be too embarrassing for me."


    Hu Fei said, "But what about your screen time? You''ve worked so hard toe up with a show like this. Surely we can''t have you miss out on the benefits, right? It''s not like you care about the money anyway."


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t worry, Brother Hu. As the executive director, the screen time I''ll get is much more than you can imagine."


    Deputy Station Head Wang nodded to himself. In the field of show production, Zhang Ye was a very professional and responsible man. This was also what he admired most about Zhang Ye, who handled the situation in an unbiased manner. He was very clear about such things and wouldn''t bend the rules just because he could benefit himself. Even though what he said might sound simple, the truth was that there weren''t too many people in the entertainment industry who would do things this way anymore.


    The contract discussion was settled very quickly.


    Then everyone began talking about the subsequent production issues thaty ahead.


    Hu Fei asked, "How should we design the stage?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Modify the King of Masked Singers'' stage a little?"


    "That''s fine, but it''ll be very difficult to invite the singers. That''s going to be an issue."


    "That''s right. We won''t be inviting anyone who isn''t good enough. All we target must know how to sing well, and it doesn''t matter if they are has-beens. We don''t care about the poprity of the person, just their singing skills."


    "But this is apetition and no one likes to lose. It''s especially true for singers who have been famous for a long time. In King of Masked Singers, they could at least hide behind a mask. Even if they got eliminated there, they could choose to not reveal themselves and leave the stage. The audience would never find out who they were, so it wouldn''t be embarrassing to lose. But it''s different for I Am a Singer. This is a serious eliminationpetition, so will the famous be willing toe on the show? Even if we double the appearance money, they might not��"


    "I''ll take care of that."


    "Alright, then I have no other issues. What about you guys? Do you have any requests?"


    Deputy Station Head Wang looked at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "My request is simple."


    Deputy Station Head Wang said, "Feel free to request whatever you need."


    Zhang Ye said, "I only have one request. Whichever day Sing! broadcasts on, I want to broadcast on that day as well. Whichever time slot Sing! broadcasts on, I want the same time slot as well!"


    The people from Beijing Television didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    Deputy Station Head Wang said, "Alright, let''s sign the contract!"

 Chapter 1222: The lineup of singers!

    <h4>Chapter 1222: The lineup of singers! </h4>


    Chapter 1222: The lineup of singers!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    The people from Beijing Television left.


    Ha Qiqi gave a wry smile. "Director Zhang, are we really going to do this?"


    "We have to do it!" Zhang Ye insisted.


    Wu Yi said loudly, "Damn, let''s do it then!"


    Little Wang cried out, "Yeah, who''s afraid of whom!"


    Zhang Zuo felt fired up. "Let''s do it! We''ll show Central TV Department 1 who the real big brother of the variety world is! Let''s beat them once and for all!"


    Tong Fu added, "At most, we''ll get taken down along with them!"


    Ha Qiqi red at him. "That mouth of yours! Don''t jinx it!"


    Tong Fu quickly spat away his words and corrected, "What I meant was, we''ll make a clean sweep!"


    They had fought alongside Zhang Ye to the death, but their characters had be meeker ever since they joined Zhang Ye''s Studio. This was because as staff of the studio, they had to behave in consideration of Zhang Ye. Their highest priority was to do things in his interest, so they had to be more cautious when handling any issues. However, their old passion was still burning as strongly as ever. When they got pushed into a corner like now, they would still follow Zhang Ye and hop around and swear back in anger!


    Come on then!


    Only one shall remain standing!


    After work, the studio staff gradually left the office.


    But Zhang Ye did not go and instead remained behind to make some calls. Sing! was currently approaching anyone they could, probably because the guest coaches'' roles had still not been filled yet. There were a lot of singers in the music industry, but only a small group of them were truly great singers, so there weren''t really that many to choose from. If they could sign someone away, Zhang Ye would have one less person to choose from. The showdown between these two shows was not just a battle of the television station''s capabilities, it was also a battle of funding and resources. He had to handle this pronto!


    His first call went to Chen Guang.


    The call connected.


    "Zhang''er."


    "Old Chen, did I wake you?"


    "No, I was just arguing with my wife."


    "Oh,e on, stop pretending already. How would a submissive husband like you dare to argue with her? Even if you had the courage of ten brave men, you still wouldn''t do so. Old Fan is just going to join Sing!, that''s all. Do you really take me to be so petty? Shouldn''t you know me by now? So drop the act. If you really feel bad, how about giving your support to my new show? I just need you to say yes."


    "Huh? A new show?"


    "Yup."


    "Why didn''t I know about it?"


    "It was finalized today. It''s going to be called I Am a Singer."


    "What? A singing show?"


    "What do you think?"


    "Whoa, this is quite a big deal. I''ll have to give it some thought first."


    "What do you still have to think about? This is a golden opportunity others don''t even have a chance to take. Would I ever shortchange you? I''ve saved you a spot on a good show, so stop worrying ande."


    "Hai, but I''ve never taken part in apetitive TV show before, so aren''t you putting me in a difficult position?"


    "Are youing or not?"


    "Thepetition on such shows is too much pressure!"


    "Alright then, hand the phone to Old Fan. I''ll speak to her regarding her joining Sing!"


    "No, don''t. I''ll go, alright?!"


    "That settles it then."


    "Hai, I''m paying for my wife''s mistakes!"


    He had convinced one!


    And it was even one of the biggest names in the music industry. Someone who was more famous than Fan Wenli, and a music legend whose singing prowess was top notch. Chen Guang''s name was representative of an era, and more importantly, it was not a bygone era. This was his time, and having the support of someone like him was definitely a huge boost to I Am a Singer. Thinking about it, the issue of Old Fan joining Sing! no longer mattered. Securing Old Chen in exchange was definitely a much better deal.


    Zhang Ye was on cloud nine. Then he made a call to another big name!


    It was to Xiaodong, the leader of the famous Asian girl group, Spring Garden!


    "Sister Dong, it''s me."


    "Zhang Ye."


    "What are you doing? Why is it so noisy over there?"


    "I''m preparing for our concert that''ll be starting in several days."


    "The nationwide tour? Then will you be free from the end of October until November?"


    "Eh? Why?"


    "My new show will be starting soon, so how about showing me some support? It''s going to be a singingpetition with all the big names joining. Pleasee on the show if you''re confident in yourself."


    "But I''m not confident in myself!"


    Zhang Ye had no response.


    "Heehee, can you summarize the show?"


    Zhang Ye gave her a simple exnation, then said, "Li Xiaoxian has been on King of Masked Singers and proved that she''s not only capable of singing idol pop, but has great singing skills. As a result of the show, she''s gotten really popr all over China. As the leader of Spring Garden, how can you lose to her?"


    "Teacher Zhang, are you trying to goad me? Xiaoxian might have gotten very popr, but didn''t she still lose to you all the same?"


    "I won''t be taking part this time."


    "You won''t be taking part?"


    "Yeah, it''s because I know that you''re very skilled at singing. Who in the industry doesn''t know that? So what do you think? Are you interested in joining my new show? I''m sincerely inviting you. Just tell me the price."


    "It''s not a matter of money, I''m just not confident in myself. Who else will be joining?"


    "That''s confidential for now. But I can reveal this to you: None of them are your equal. Their poprity and singing aren''t as good as yours. If you join, you''ll definitely dominate the stage."


    "Ah? Really?"


    "Yep."


    "Then I''ll join! I''ll join your show!"


    "Great! Is Amy close by? I''d like to invite her as well."


    After hanging up, another two people were just about in ce!


    Xiaodong indicated that she would be joining!


    While Amy was seriously contemting it!


    Zhang Ye could lie through his teeth without blushing or his heart pounding. He had to trick whoever he could into joining the show!


    After that, he called Grandma Zhang Xia. She was someone nobody would have expected him to approach. The moment the call connected, he started introducing the show to her.


    Zhang Xia was very surprised on the other end of the line. "You''re asking me to join?"


    "That''s right."


    "Are you sure?"


    "I''m very sure."


    "But I sing bel canto. Who would want to listen?"


    "There are many ways of singing bel canto. What''s more, it''s not like you only know how to sing bel canto and folk songs, right? I don''t believe that you don''t know how to sing pop songs. Sometimes, one needs to adapt and blend in a little for the audience to be convinced. The development of bel canto singing has reached a bottleneck, so I believe it''s time for you to step up to a new challenge."


    "The stage belongs to the younger generation. Would I even be suitable?"


    "No one is more suitable than you."


    "But I''m so old and don''t have the strength for such things anymore."


    "You''re only required to sing one song per week, so it really won''t tire you much."


    "Then let me consider it for a bit."


    "Grandma Zhang, my dearest grandma, do you still need to consider it when we have this good a rtionship? Just rest assured and boldly step up. This is definitely going to be the right choice. Would I possibly do you any harm?"


    "That''s hard to say."


    Zhang Ye was speechless.


    "Alright, alright, I''ll tentatively give you my you."


    "Great, thank you for your support, Grandma Zhang. By the way, are there any other good singers you could rmend to me? It doesn''t matter if they''re no longer active. You''re the veteran here and have a lot more contacts and friends around. Why don''t you rmend me a few people so that I can go and pay them a visit? Oh, and the appearance fees will definitely be the highest in the industry."


    "Let me see who there is."


    He secured another one!


    Zhang Ye was starting to feel the pressure on him lightening. He had secured more than half of the lineup of singers. His socialwork was mediocre at best, and he didn''t have that many friends. But of those he had, they all had great rtionships with him. Those who understood Zhang Ye''s temper knew what kind of person he was, which was why they gave him a lot of respect most of the time. This was why Zhang Ye could invite some of the celebrities most television stations could not.

 Chapter 1223: Central TV Department 1 turns green with anger!

    <h4>Chapter 1223: Central TV Department 1 turns green with anger! </h4>


    Chapter 1223: Central TV Department 1 turns green with anger!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    At Central TV Department 1.


    The Sing! program team started work early in the morning.


    Jiang Yuan, the Deputy Director of Department 1, hade to check on their work. This was the tenth time he had dropped by to Sing!''s production office in recent days. For any of the other shows, the higher-ups would usually just check how everything was going at the start of production before approving the show''s executive director and staff to handle the rest of the work. It wasn''t feasible for the executives toe over every day to check on how everything was progressing. But Sing! was obviously different. Central TV Department 1 had a great deal of expectations for the show. The executives were also paying arge amount of attention to it with a "can''t lose" attitude and determination. This was because it would be Central TV Department 1''s biggest variety show this year, and it would have to get the results expected of it by sweeping away the rest of the variety show industry. That was themand issued from the top, which Central TV Department 1 would have to execute!


    "Boss!"


    "Director Jiang."


    "Good morning, Director Jiang."


    Jiang Yuan walked in with his hands behind his back.


    The program team staff immediately stood up to greet him.


    "Good morning, how''s everything going?"


    "Everything is proceeding smoothly."


    "Has Fan Wenli agreed to join us yet?"


    "We''ve already signed the contract with her. She''s been secured!"


    "Good, very good."


    "But Chen Guang and Zhang Xia won''t be joining. As for Sister Zhang, we''ve just contacted her manager, Fang Weihong. She says that Sister Zhang doesn''t have a free slot in her schedule."


    "It''s good enough that we have a guest coach from the first season of The Voice. How about the promo work? Are you guys going all out on it?"


    "We''ve already gotten started."


    "How''s the public''s response?"


    "The people are really looking forward to it. There are a lot of discussions regarding the show, and the Weibo topicality has already reached 200,000. That''s never happened before!"


    "Hur hur, that''s good. Great job, everyone. As long as we get to the top spot of the nationwide viewership ratings, I''ll personally apply to management for everyone to get recognized for their contributions!"


    "Thank you, Director Jiang."


    "We guarantee that we''ll do a good job!"


    "In the current climate of the variety show industry, no one is a match for us!"


    "Yeah, thetest variety shows that Shanghai TV and Hunan TV did are nopetition for us. After all, The Voice is exceedingly well-known for a TV show. After a year''s break, the previous viewers will surely be anticipating it even more. Once the show starts broadcasting again, we''ve reason to believe that the old viewers will return and that there will be an influx of new viewers as well. Based on past experience, Sing! should do even better than the first season of The Voice in terms of viewership!"


    Everyone felt loose and rxed as they talked andughed without pressure.


    Why?


    Because they had no opponents!


    Not a single one!


    Within the industry, in the entire satellite television market and variety show industry, there weren''t too many shows as hot and phenomenal as The Voice. With its reputation out there, even if they filmed the show with their eyes closed, even with a change to the show''s name, there would be nock of viewers. The people would sit down at their televisions and wait for the show to be broadcast. This was the charm of having reputation and also the result that umted poprity could bring about. In the whole of the country, there was no one who could stop them! Unless some other phenomenal variety show were to suddenly emerge at this time, they would not be stopped. But no matter how they saw it, it was impossible for that to happen. King of Masked Singers had just ended a few months ago, so the second season couldn''t possibly happen so soon. With such circumstances and without any opponents, they were simply invincible.


    In this situation, the program team staff were all humming a song inside their heads.


    How lonely it is to be invincible!


    How empty it feels to be invincible!


    The executive director of Sing! was even more exultant and in high spirits.


    However, when they remembered that "Invincible" was written by Zhang Ye, they felt like they shouldn''t be singing it in fear of bringing bad luck upon themselves. Zhang Ye''s name was basically taboo in Central TV Department 1, and no one would dare mention it in front of the higher-ups without good reason. His name represented the biggest enemy Central TV Department 1 had and was also a sore spot that could never be healed.


    Everyone went back to discussing the follow-up production.


    They talked about issues like the recruitment of the guest coaches, who were still missing two people.


    Everything was progressing smoothly, and they could almost see Sing! sweeping across the entire country. However, it was at this moment that a staff member came running in panic!


    "Something''s happened! Something''s happened!"


    "What''s wrong? Why''re you in such a rush?"


    "What''s happened?"


    "Aren''t you the one who''s responsible for inviting the guest coaches onto the show? Which celebrity has declined to join us this time?"


    "If they don''t wish to join us, so be it. What are you so rmed about?"


    Everyone looked at that employee, unsure of what had happened.


    He didn''t manage to invite someone as a guest coach?


    Then just approach someone else. There were so many others in the music industry anyway. With their reputation and offering price, there shouldn''t be too many people who would reject them. So was there any need to worry about having no big names for their guest coaches?


    But for some reason, that employee was looking really flustered. Just as the program team members were looking at him impatiently and wondering what was going on, he brought them an earth-shattering piece of news!


    Flustered, the employee said, "I just found out from a big shot of the music industry that other than us, another television station has approached him as well!"


    Jiang Yuan was amused. "There''s someone else who dares to produce a singing variety show at this time?"


    The program team''s executive director also smiled. "Who has the balls? They darepete with us?"


    The employee wiped away his sweat and said, "It''s Beijing TV!"


    An assistant director was taken aback. "Them?"


    Another assistant director said, "So what? Must we make such a fuss?"


    But the employee''s next words gave everyone a fright!


    Pulling a long face, he gulped and replied, "It''s Zhang Ye''s new show and Beijing TV has secured the rights to broadcast it! They intend to broadcast it at the same time as us!"


    "What?"


    "Say that again?"


    "Zhang Ye is producing another singing show?"


    "They''re going to broadcast at the same time as us?"


    Jiang Yuan nched!


    The executive director was dumbfounded!


    A few of the assistant directors looked infuriated!


    The entire program team of Sing! fell silent!


    Then, this news galloped through the internal departments of Central TV!


    ��


    Central TV Department 1.


    "What?"


    "Zhang Ye ising back with a new show?"


    "Holy shit! Damn!"


    "Is he crazy? Why does he want to sh with Sing!?"


    "Oh my god! That madman!"


    "This is bad! This time, it''s really bad!"


    "No opponents? Looks like we''ve just gotten ourselves an opponent, fuck!"


    "Is this for real? Isn''t he busy receiving awards? Isn''t he trying to get into the Chinesenguage textbooks? Isn''t he off writing novels? Then why has this great demon king returned to the variety world?"


    "He''s doing this on purpose! He''s definitely doing this on purpose!"


    ��


    Central TV Sports Channel.


    Yu Yingyi and her colleagues were also shocked at the news!


    "Fuck, I have a bad feeling about this!"


    "Me too, why do I have a feeling that Department 1 is going to flop hard!"


    "Zhang Ye is back?"


    "Pfft!"


    "Teacher Yu, why are youughing?"


    "Did Iugh?


    "You did."


    "Alright, I did. It''s just that I am absolutely tickled by the way that my old ssmate is behaving!"


    ��


    Central TV Documentary Channel.


    Zhang Ye''s old colleagues here also didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    "Central TV Department 1 is gonna be in serious trouble this time!"


    "They''re too arrogant! It''s good that this has happened!"


    "Director Zhang has returned! Let''s see how they''ll deal with this!"


    "I bumped into an assistant director of the program team from Central TV Department 1 yesterday. You should have seen that condescending look on his face thinking that they''re unbeatable. I can''t help butugh at it now!"


    "Me too, hahahahaha!"


    "Good one, Director Zhang!"


    "Beautifully yed!"


    "The faces of those people from Central TV Department 1 have probably all turned green!"


    "What else! Bumping into Zhang Ye, who wouldn''t turn green!"

 Chapter 1224: The battle begins!

    <h4>Chapter 1224: The battle begins! </h4>


    Chapter 1224: The battle begins!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Meanwhile.


    Beijing Television.


    The program team for I Am a Singer was officially up and running.


    Zhang Ye stood in the newly set up office with his arms wide open as he gave each of his old colleagues a hug.


    Xiao Lu gave him a bear hug and eximed, "Teacher Zhang! I''ve missed you so much!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "It''s only been two months, hasn''t it?"


    "But it still feels like ages ago!" Dafei also went up to hug him!


    Hou Geughed heartily. "We can work with Teacher Zhang again!"


    His twin brother, Hou Di,ughed and said, "I really like working together with Teacher Zhang. There''s nothing else that I can say except that I feel really happy and great!"


    Zhang Ye said hello to all of them one by one. "How was the previous show you guys made? I heard that it wasn''t too well-received?"


    Hu Fei stared at him. "Kid, must you bring up that touchy subject?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Haha."


    Han Qi was on the list of the program team staff as well. During King of Masked Singers, she was The Clown''s liaison with the program team, or more appropriately, his manager. She was also a diehard fan of Zhang Ye''s, so she was very excited to see him again. "Director Zhang, please don''t bring that up. The show did abysmally and we suffered a great loss because of it. In the end, the final viewership ratings did not even cross 0.4%. We had to end broadcasting after only a month when the show was canceled by the station."


    These days, it wasn''t easy producing a reality show either.


    Zhang Ye reassured everyone, "Don''t worry, I''m back. So let''s all work together and pull off another big one!"


    Dong Shanshan arrived from outside at this moment. "Now that you''re here, we don''t have anything more to worry about. But what''s this about me hearing that your new show doesn''t require a host? What''s that all about?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "That''s how the show is set up. We''ll have the singers take turns hosting the show. I didn''t actually say that there wouldn''t be a hosting position, Shanshan. You came at just the right time; I was going to look for you about something. Of course I''d have a good role lined up for you! Do you think that you can help lead the team of singers'' managers for the show?"


    Dong Shanshan gave him a look. "Of course! Did you even have to ask?"


    Everyoneughed.


    Dong Shanshan was the most popr host at Beijing Television. She was holding up two of the station''s shows that were doing rather well in the viewership ratings. Based on her current status, it was actually quite a mismatch of qualifications to use her as one of the singers'' managers in the show. But since she was Zhang Ye''s old ssmate, and based on their friendship, she agreed to it without a second thought. Zhang Ye also desperately needed someone as popr as Dong Shanshan to help him firm up the show. Other than her, no one could do it.


    After a while, most of the program team staff arrived.


    They sat together and delegated the roles ording to the program proposal.


    Then Zhang Ye started briefing them. "This show, it has the ability to advance Beijing TV within the industry. For example, there will be a regr cast of seven managers assigned to the singers during the show''s run. This time, it won''t be done like how we did it on King of Masked Singers, using the program team staff to liaise and wait on the singers'' requests. I will need a dedicated team of real hosts to handle the job. Brother Hu, could you please take care of that for me and see which hosts are avable and interested in taking the roles? Shanshan will be their team leader, which is definitely the best position there is. As for the remaining spots, I''ll need to trouble you to give me some rmendations. I want the slightly more popr variety hosts that we have right now, but at the same time, they shouldn''t be overly popr. I just need them to be someone the viewers are familiar with."


    Hu Fei smiled and said, "I''ll take care of that."


    The show''s segment where the host-managers yed a part was a very important one. Although it might look like a sideshow, they would actually get a lot of screen time. It would help increase their poprity quite a bit and should be a good role to take. Just like in I Am a Singer back in Zhang Ye''s previous world��there were quite a few hosts who became very popr overnight after getting paired with the singers as their managers. After I Am a Singer was broadcast here, it would definitely raise the standards of all of Beijing Television''s hosting lineup, as well as bring about an increase in their influence. It was just that they couldn''t see this effect since they were unsure of how it would work, although they would definitely understand what he meant after the premiere episode.


    Zhang Ye continued assigning the roles for the program team.


    "We can start prepping for recording."


    "Right now?"


    "Yes, right now."


    "But it''s still so early in production, and the stage hasn''t been set up either."


    "This new show is a little different from the other singing variety shows. Most of the time, we''ll just be filming the singers'' activities in front of the camera and behind the scenes. There''s even a need to capture a portion of the ongoings in their private lives, like going around with the singer as they pack their belongings in preparation for the show. This is why we need to get everything nned out and ready beforehand as there are a lot of reality show elements."


    "A reality show? Would that work?"


    "Director Zhang, wouldn''t that make it overlyplicated?"


    "Yeah, wouldn''t that easily scatter the audience''s attention? Isn''t this supposed to be a singing show?"


    "You guys will understand when the filming''s done."


    "Alright!"


    "Understood!"


    "Just assign us ordingly!"


    Can it really work?


    If Director Zhang says so, then it definitely will!


    The advantage of working with his old team was that they could all trust him and had a tacit understanding of things. Whatever role Zhang Ye assigned the staff, they would all give 200% and wouldn''t question why they had to do it that way.


    After the roles were all delegated!


    The rest of the tasks would be handled by Zhang Ye himself!


    Grabbing people!


    Racing against time!


    Grabbing advertising sponsorships!


    The battle with Central TV Department 1 was only just beginning!


    ��


    On the very same day, the news leaked.


    But of course, this couldn''t really be kept secret. The media outlets and newspapers were all blown away by this news.


    "Zhang Ye Returns!"


    "Zhang Ye''s New Show: I Am a Singer?"


    "A showdown between giants in the singing variety show genre?"


    "Archenemy of Sing! approaches!"


    "Sing! likely to face enormous challenge!"


    "I Am a Singer: A mantis trying to stop a carriage! 1 "


    "Central TV Department 1 and Beijing TV battle for the title of variety big brother?"


    "The battle between Central TV Department 1 and Zhang Ye restarts!"


    "Experts predict Sing! to score a resounding victory!"


    On Weibo.


    Theizens were also screaming in excitement!


    "Damn, this is beautiful!"


    "Zhang Ye has returned again!"


    "Heavens!"


    "This is so exciting! The more chaotic it is, the merrier I am!"


    "Hahahahaha, this is going to be really interesting!"


    "It will be an epic battle for sure! It''s gonna be the ultimate ughter!"


    "I Am a Singer vs. Sing!, who does everyone think will win? I think Sing! has the upper hand since they already have a reputation. They have a viewer base of over a hundred million people. Even with a name change, the TV station behind it remains the same. They''ll still be doing the same thing, so a lot of people should be able to ept it, right? With this dominance, Zhang Ye''s new show that appeared from nowhere should be at a disadvantage no matter how I look at it!"


    "That might not be true. Sing! is still not exactly the second season of The Voice. They''ve changed the program team, director, host, and I think even the guest coaches are not the same. Whether everyone can ept it is still not guaranteed. We still can''t be sure of whether the viewers are convinced by the reputation of The Voice or the reputation of Zhang Ye. I, for one, am convinced by Zhang Ye alone. The Voice was created by him and is a very strong representation of him. So I''ll only look at who makes the show, not what the show is! In my opinion, The Voice will only be The Voice if Zhang Ye is in charge. Any other versions are imitations!"


    "Why didn''t Zhang Ye just go ahead and record the second season of The Voice? He holds the copyright to it, after all."


    "There should be a limitation use in the contract that Zhang Ye signed with Central TV Department 1. Although The Voice''s copyright and naming rights are with him, as long as he isn''t working with Central TV Department 1 to create the show, he isn''t allowed to authorize it to any other TVwork. This should''ve been written into the contract. That''s why Central TV Department 1 has chosen not to use the name of The Voice, and that applies to Zhang Ye too."


    "So what is I Am a Singer gonna be like?"


    "I don''t know!"


    "Let''s just wait and see. They have begun fighting!"


    "Let''s see which is better!"


    "Yeah, it''s time for a showdown!"


    "The rising wind portends theing storm!"


    "I can already see a bloody sh happening!"


    1. overstating one''s abilities and trying to do what is beyond one''s power. | https://blogs.transparent/chinese/chinese-idioms-vol-5/

 Chapter 1225: The fight for advertisers!

    <h4>Chapter 1225: The fight for advertisers! </h4>


    Chapter 1225: The fight for advertisers!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    At a restaurant serving stews.


    It was rtively quiet at this time as everyone was at work. The restaurant had just opened for the day, and no customers had entered yet. Then a young man wearing sunsses walked in from outside.


    The restaurant owner had sharp eyes and recognized him. "Ah, Zhang Ye!"


    Several of his employees'' eyes lit up. "Zhang Ye?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Are you open yet, boss?"


    "Yes, yes, we''re open!" The boss was ecstatic. "We warmly wee you, Teacher Zhang. Why do you have so much free time today? Talk of you making a new show is all over the news!"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "Yeah, I came here to meet someone for business."


    The boss said, "Why is a person of your statusing to our small restaurant? You''ve really graced us with your presence. Please,e in and have a seat."


    Zhang Ye found a ce to sit down. "I''ve eaten here before and found your stews quite authentic. But I wasn''t famous at that time, so you didn''t recognize back then."


    The boss started trembling in excitement as though he was shot with adrenaline!


    Zhang Ye''s eaten here before?


    He even likes the taste of our food?


    If this got out, wouldn''t their restaurant be super popr?


    Soon after, the CEO of Brain Gold, Wu Mo, also arrived. "Yo, Brother Zhang, you''re already here? Have you ordered yet?"


    "Not yet. I was waiting for you, wasn''t I?"


    "I want arge bowl with extra tripe please."


    "Sure, I''ll have the small one without any vinegar, but please add extra garlic sauce."


    The boss personally went into the kitchen as he said, "Alright, please look forward to it!"


    He was pretty attentive to the situation too. After he whispered something to his employees, they went over and shut the doors. He closed the entire restaurant for Zhang Ye.


    The stews were served.


    The two of them talked as they ate.


    Zhang Ye chewed on a pork lung. "Do you want to take the title sponsorship of I Am a Singer?"


    "Your new show?"


    "Yes."


    "Is it good?"


    "Of course it''s good. Why else would I offer it to you?"


    "To be honest, I''m really quite interested."


    "Then let''s talk."


    "How much is the title sponsorship fee?"


    "200 million RMB."


    "Whoa, are you asking for my life?"


    "That''s already very low; it''s a fair price."


    "You call that low? Which variety show have you ever seen asking for 200 million RMB for the title sponsorship? 150 million was the highest, and that''s even the record created by King of Masked Singers!"


    "If you''re not interested, I''ll go to someone else?"


    "Make it a little cheaper."


    "You won''t make a loss on 200 million yuan. Yourpany is the leader of the health supplements industry, so what''s 200 million to you? You''d earn all that back within half a year. Be the title sponsor for I Am a Singer and I guarantee your sales figures will double. I only asked for a 100 million from you for the first season of The Voice, but look at how much you earned from that."


    "Aiya, we can''tpare things like this."


    "Do you want it or not?"


    "Alright, I give in!"


    "I''ll get someone to send you the contractter."


    He finished eating his bowl of stew.


    Zhang Ye got up and asked, "Boss, how much?"


    "That''ll be a total of 45 yuan," the boss shouted.


    Zhang Ye took out his wallet and ced the money onto the table before turning to leave.


    Wu Mo was speechless. "You''re leaving just like that?"


    Zhang Ye waved with his back facing him. "I''m really busy. There''s still a pile of things waiting for me to do."


    Wu Mo rolled his eyes and said annoyed, "Great, a deal worth 200 million RMB and all I get in return is a 25 yuan bowl of stew. And you''re even leaving first? Real great." He lowered his head and continued eating by himself.


    Zhang Ye no longer needed to be as polite with him. Brain Gold had be the leading health product in the market by leaps and bounds and was the top brand in the industry. It was earning more and more money now, and Zhang Ye could partly be credited with that. Whether it was him endorsing Wu Mo''spany product in themercial at the beginning, or Brain Gold bing the title sponsor of The Voiceter on, all of it brought great benefits to the Brain Gold Company. It turned a smallpany on the brink of bankruptcy around andunched it into the leading health product brand in the entire country. This was also the reason for the good rtionship between Wu Mo and Zhang Ye. Of course, the key reason was that Wu Mo was Wu Zeqing''s nephew. When Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing got married, Wu Mo would have to address him as his uncle-inw based on their statuses. As such, Zhang Ye was not as polite with him as before.


    It was just that Wu Mo did not know about all of this as of yet.


    ��


    Elsewhere.


    Central TV Department 1.


    The Sing! program team staff had all been on guard since yesterday. Everyone was kept extremely busy in their panic, not because they were easily flustered, but because their opponent was too formidable. When faced with this person called Zhang Ye, none of the program team members dared to neglect their duties!


    "We''ve tied up the advertisement sponsorship deal with Donghe!"


    "Good! Well done!"


    "Lele Mineral Water''s advertisement sponsorship has been confirmed too!"


    "Has the title sponsorship been settled yet?"


    "We''re waiting for their decision. The other party is still haggling over the fees!"


    "If they don''t want it, find someone else!"


    "There''s no one else. Those who can offer more than a 100 million in title sponsorship fees number no more than twenty corporations!"


    "I heard that I Am a Singer is also fighting for advertisers!"


    "How can a new program team like theirs possiblypete with us?"


    "But many of the advertisers have already been snatched away by them. Like the one we locked up earlier. They''ve also been pried away by I Am a Singer!"


    "How shameless!"


    "How can they behave like this?"


    "Isn''t that against the industry''s rules?"


    Suddenly, an assistant director from the program team walked in and announced in excitement, "We''ve got it! The title sponsorship has been finalized! 160 million RMB!"


    "Ah!"


    "This is great!"


    "160 million? What an astronomical figure!"


    "That has broken the record!"


    "We''ll crush I Am a Singer this time!"


    "Hahahaha, this title sponsorship fee is even higher than what King of Masked Singers got!"


    "It''s a totally unprecedented amount in the industry!"


    "Release the news straight away!"


    "Yes, Boss!"


    The news got out!


    The industry was shocked!


    The public was amazed!


    Sing!''s title sponsorship was sold for 160 million RMB?


    The title sponsorship fee might look like it had nothing to do with the quality of a show or had no rtion to the viewership ratings it would get. But in actual fact, it was a very important symbol and an indicator of things, as those with the ability to sponsor such an amount were very smart people. The title sponsorship fee would also reflect how optimistic the sponsors were about a show. Since they were willing to pay over a 100 million for it, that meant they expected it to reap a figure that would far exceed what they put in.


    Sing! was highlighted in the news once again!


    The program team of Sing! also became famous as a result!


    Quite a few industry insiders andizens were heatedly discussing this record-breaking astronomical title sponsorship fee!


    But just as Central TV Department 1 was preparing to celebrate their first victory, Beijing Television''s official Weibo released even more shocking news!


    I Am a Singer''s title sponsorship had been sold to Brain Gold!


    The title sponsorship fee: 200 million RMB!


    The industry insiders were bbergasted!


    The citizens were also stunned!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Has the Brain Gold Company gone mad?"


    "200 million yuan? Does their fucking money grow on trees?"


    "Yeah, it''s like this sum doesn''t mean a thing to them!"


    "Wasn''t Brain Gold the title sponsor for the first season of The Voice? What''s the meaning of this? They won''t be continuing their rtionship with Sing!? They''re giving their support to Beijing TV?"


    "Can they really recoup an investment of 200 million yuan?"


    "Who the hell knows? That sum is insane!"


    "The record''s been broken again?"


    "Central TV Department 1''s 160 million RMB title sponsorship fee had already given me such a shock. Then, in the blink of an eye, this news about the 200 million RMB title sponsorship fee was released? Oh my god! Do they not need to leave some money for rainy days?"


    "Central TV Department 1 has been pped in the face hard!"


    "Pfft, looks like Zhang Ye has outdone them again!"


    "Sing! still couldn''t beat I Am a Singer in the end!"


    "Did they really spend 200 million RMB on that, the fuck?"


    "Unbelievable!"


    The media was shocked!


    Central TV Department 1 was also dumbfounded!


    Many on the Sing! program team were left cursing and swearing!


    "Based on what!"


    "200 million?"


    "Is Brain Gold crazy!"


    "They''re gonna go bankrupt!"


    "For a new show with no indicators of past performance, they actually paid that much for the title sponsorship?"


    Nobody could understand and all felt a sense of frustration. They felt like they had been yed by Zhang Ye. They had rushed to announce their title sponsorship fee had broken the record. But just 30 minutester, they were pped by I Am a Singer''s program team. This was clearly a huge blow, and many of them could not ept it!


    Why?


    Based on what?


    They were all asking this in their heads.


    A deputy director from Central TV Department 2 happened to pass by and bump into several program directors of the Sing! program team.


    The executive director of Sing! sighed, "Director He."


    Deputy Director He asked, "What the matter?"


    The executive director said, "Nothing."


    Deputy Director He was on rather good terms with him as he had brought this director up within the station. "If you say it''s nothing, that means there''s something."


    The executive director hesitated for a moment before saying, "I just don''t get how we''re losing."


    Deputy Director He could see that they were feeling really bad. He shook his head and couldn''t help but say, "Don''t forget who your opponent is: the best director of the television variety world who''s also the record holder of the top viewership ratings and title sponsorship fee. He''s the gold standard in the country''s television variety circle. If I have to be blunt, just the name of ''Zhang Ye'' alone is valued at 200 million. There''s nothing to be ashamed of even if you all lose to him."


    The executive director gave a bitter smile.


    Zhang Ye?


    What a legend indeed!


    This sort of person was truly too difficult to deal with!

 Chapter 1226: I Am a Singer’s promotional video!

    <h4>Chapter 1226: I Am a Singer''s promotional video! </h4>


    Chapter 1226: I Am a Singer''s promotional video!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The fight for advertisers came to an end!


    In the following days, the battle for publicity officially began!


    Many industry insiders and onlookers were watching this unfold with their hearts in their mouths!


    "Wow, take a look at People''s Daily!"


    "Damn, I Am a Singer has taken out an entire page in People''s Daily!"


    "Howvish was that? How much did that cost?"


    "I wonder how many days they''ll advertise in the Party''s newspaper 1 ."


    "Hey, everyone. Quickly take a look at Beijing Daily, Shanghai Daily, and Huadong Morning Post. The ad pages have all been bought out by Sing! What the fuck!"


    "Tianhe Discussion Forums'' ad spot on the main page is running an ad for I Am a Singer!"


    "TT Messenger''s pop-ups are all filled with Sing! ads!"


    "These two program teams must have gone fucking insane!"


    "I''ve nevere across such hardcore promotions before!"


    "How wealthy! They''re way too fucking wealthy!"


    "I take my hat off to them. They''re taking the fight all across the country!"


    "This has got to be the biggest publicity battle in the history of variety shows, right?"


    "How much hatred do they have for each other? It seems like they''re really trying to do each other in!"


    "Let them fight it out. Sing! has already lost the fight for advertisers, so let''s see who''ll win in the battle for publicity!"


    In the various major forums!


    In the various major newspapers!


    On the various major chat apps!


    Without an exception, all of them had be battlefields between the two shows!


    The publicity battle was so widespread that even those in the music and film industries were rmed. As they were preparing to promote their new albums, concerts, and films, they discovered they couldn''t get any good spots for publicity in the media. Almost all of the critical advertising spots had been bought up by Sing! and I Am a Singer! All along, the film industry had been acknowledged as the heaviest spending industry in the entertainment circle. Be it their actors'' sries, promotional budgets, or production investments, they were the highest among the rted industries. But who could have thought that the film industry would be shocked and outdone by two variety shows!


    Just how many advertisement spots had they bought?


    How much money had they spent on buying all those spots?


    10 million?


    20 million?


    Just these sums spent would have been enough for the film industry to produce a budget idol film. Could they really be that well-off? And this was just the beginning? Could it be that the variety shows'' production fees would go over 200 million RMB? What was 200 million good for? It was enough for them to hire the best director in the country and the best A-listers to make a film for the Chinese New Year holidays! Thinking about that, the film industry''s people were unable to keep calm!


    This was too much!


    This was too frightening!


    ��


    Actually, even Beijing Television couldn''t keep calm.


    At I Am a Singer''s program team office.


    Hu Fei said nervously, "Zhang''er, we''ve already spent over a 100 million!"


    "OK, it''ll be fine." Zhang Ye replied calmly, "Let''s keep buying ad spots!"


    Hou Ge eximed, "We''re still buying more? Don''t we have enough?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "We''re still far from enough. Since Central TV Department 1 wants to fight us in this publicity battle, we must not let them to oppress us. We''ll battle them. Isn''t it just a matter of who can dump more money! Don''t worry about it, everyone. The money we spend now wille back multiple times over. If we''re going to do this, we must up our stakes!"


    Dafei didn''t know whether tough or cry. "But the stakes are getting too high!"


    It was indeed a little too much!


    But all of it would be worthwhile!


    I Am a Singer''s greatest weakness was that it did not have any umted poprity to fall back on. In Zhang Ye''s previous world, during the first three seasons of I Am a Singer, the reputation of the show declined season after season. But because it had umted its poprity and became very well-known to a lot of people, the viewership ratings got better and better with every season. The total online views of the show even managed to double. But Zhang Ye did not have the luxury of time over here. That was why they had to carry out such intense promotions for the show. He was going to spend as much as required just to up the promotions. He wanted to give I Am a Singer the most explosive viewership ratings right from the start of the first season and make it an instant hit!


    All that he had done were child''s ypared to this. Whether it be The Voice, A Bite of China, or King of Masked Singers, their production budgets were all too limited. The promotional budget in those shows were all raised by scrimping and saving on other production costs. But Zhang Ye did not intend to have it this way for I Am a Singer. Beijing Television had ced their trust in him and given him an unlimited budget. After pulling in Brain Gold''s 200 million title sponsorship fee and other advertiser sponsorships, it gave him the freedom to spend without consideration. Further, there was still the online video hosting site''s exclusive broadcast rights fee that was yet to be sold!


    So why not y a big one this time!


    Zhang Ye couldn''t wait any longer, and neither could the n to reach the summit!


    I Am a Singer was not only a show that Beijing Television had a lot of expectations for, nor was it just a show that Zhang Ye wanted to use to face-smack Central TV Department 1 with, it was also the fourth milestone in Zhang Ye''s "Reach the Summit" n. Zhang Ye wanted to use I Am a Singer to fulfill the potential poprity he could achieve from the variety world so that he could ascend onto the altar!


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh yes, earmark 2 million RMB from the production budget."


    Xiao Lu asked, "Alright, what will it be used for?"


    Zhang Ye said, "To film a promo video."


    Hou Ge was taken aback. "A promo video? How many minutes will it be?"


    "Around one minute." Zhang Ye''s answer was shocking.


    Everyone in the program team gasped. "Just one minute? Two million RMB? Director Zhang, isn''t that too much?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll personally take charge of the production of the promo video. I want to have the best equipment, the best production staff, and the best special effects!"


    "Uh��"


    "Alright then!"


    "Whatever you say."


    ��


    Several dayster.


    The promotional video for Sing! was released!


    Just watching it, it was clear that it was a big production and a lot of money had been spent on it. The style and colors used were basically a continuation of the approach used in The Voice. Although it wasn''t really anything new, the video was still beautifully produced.


    Theizens were all praising it!


    "That''s pretty good."


    "Eagerly awaiting the broadcast!"


    "The promo is really nice!"


    ��


    A dayter.


    I Am a Singer''s promotional video was officially released!


    Many people paid special attention to it, because everyone knew what kind of a show Sing! was since they''ve watched The Voice before. But they had no idea what sort of a singing show I Am a Singer would be. Even many of the industry insiders did not know anything since Beijing Television had not revealed much information about it. Zhang Ye''s program team also requested to work on the show under a veil of secrecy and did not even want to reveal the list of participating singers. It was as though they were trying to remain mysterious right until the very end. So in the absence of any information, everyone was curious and looking forward to seeing the promotional video!


    At 8 PM.


    The promotional video would get its first broadcast on Beijing Television.


    Zhang Ye''s parents turned on the television.


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli were both sitting in the living room in wait.


    Xiaodong and Amy were watching eagerly.


    Many people in the industry had tuned in to watch right on time.


    The background music yed soothingly as an image appeared on screen!


    Then Zhang Ye''s maic voice sounded.


    "The sound of a person falling.


    "Is much louder than a group of people living.


    "A moment of despair in someone.


    "Carries the significance of dying once.


    "Does life gets renewed, or does it end?


    "All of it decided by the choices of every moment and every second.


    "Music is not the goal, but a state of living.


    "Please doubt me!


    "Mock me!


    "Hurt me!


    "I shall greet life facing backwards.


    "Why do we sing? So that we stop being afraid.


    "Music is fearless.


    "I��Am��a��Singer!"


    A short 52-second promotional video ended!


    But those who caught this promotional video the moment it was broadcast were all left with shocked expressions for a very long time. The images, colors, special effects, and voice over were all superb!


    I Am a Singer''s promotional video shot up to trending on the search engines!


    Praise and shocked reactions were all over Weibo!


    "That was fantastic!"


    "How is this a promo!"


    "Right? It was too artistic! The visuals in it can all be used as my desktop wallpaper!"


    "It''s so exquisite, concise, and artistic all at once. It''s awesome!"


    "Zhang Ye''s amazing at creating stuff like that!"


    "You can immediately see how good it is!"


    "That voice over paired with the visuals and music made my heart race!"


    "It''s much better than Sing!''s promo! They''ve been flung two streets away!"


    "Pfft, it looks like Sing! has lost the publicity battle as well!"


    "They can''tin about that! Zhang Ye is Zhang Ye, after all!"


    "I''m looking forward to I Am a Singer even more now!"


    "Based on just this promo alone, I''ll catch the show when it broadcasts!"


    There were heated discussions everywhere!


    Many of the industry insiders could not help but give it a Like!


    A famous advertisement director dered on Weibo: "A wonderfully produced promotional video!"


    A program director from Shanghai Television: "I''ve watched it six times already. This is truly art."


    A little-known film director: "By creating such an artistic promotional video with an attitude of seeking perfection, the show theye up with shouldn''t be bad."


    The promotional video was on fire!


    No one expected how hot it was getting!


    It was so hot that it didn''t make any sense!


    Comparatively, Sing!''s promotional video was looking more dismal by the second!


    This was not to say that Sing!''s promotional video was bad. But things did not stand up well toparison. Once they werepared, the shorings became ring! To be exact, this wasn''t a case of Sing! losing to I Am a Singer. It was just that the gulf between the director of the Sing! promotional video and Zhang Ye was too wide!


    As well as the difference in the production budgets!


    How much was spent on the former''s promotional video?


    Tens of thousands?


    Hundreds of thousands?


    And what about thetter?


    A full two million RMB was put into it in order to create it!


    ��


    At Beijing Television.


    Inside I Am a Singer''s program team office.


    Xiao Luughed loudly. "We''ve won! We''ve won again!"


    Hou Ge said, "This video is so wonderful!


    Dafei said, "Two million? Totally worth it!"


    "We''re trending at number three in the searches!" Han Qi said, pleasantly surprised!


    Hu Fei gave Zhang Ye an acknowledging nod.


    Zhang Ye smiled back. This promotional video 2 had been carefully chosen by him and came from the fourth season of I Am a Singer back in his previous world. Zhang Ye kept the video''s artistic direction mostly intact but added in his own ideas and special effects for the images and music. This was to give the viewers a greater sense of visual impact with a more powerful feel. Every frame and detail was repeatedly hammered out. Otherwise, it couldn''t possibly have cost two million yuan to produce!


    Everything was now ready!


    There was only the official recording left to film!


    The highest title sponsorship fee in the industry, the highest production budget in the industry, the highest promotional budget in the industry. There were too many of "the highest in the industry" contained within this show called I Am a Singer. Zhang Ye had given his full effort so he wouldn''t have any regretster. He vowed to make I Am a Singer a ssic,ndmark variety show!


    1. The paper is an official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party


    2. https://youtu.be/GHvXmYBCw9U

 Chapter 1227: We have never lost before!

    <h4>Chapter 1227: We have never lost before! </h4>


    Chapter 1227: We have never lost before!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The venue was being prepared.


    The promotions were ramped up.


    The troll armies were flinging insults at each other.


    Day by day, it was getting closer and closer to the broadcast of the two shows.


    On the day that Central TV Department 1 suddenly announced their broadcast time for Sing!, Beijing Television swiftly followed with an announcement for I Am a Singer''s broadcast time!


    The same day!


    At the same time!


    Not a second earlier orter!


    When this news was released, everyone in the industry was shocked!


    Meanwhile, theizens were feeling pumped up and delighted by the news!


    Lately, these two shows were the most anticipated variety shows with no othersing close. In the history of the variety world, there hadn''t been any shows that carried out such widespread publicity campaigns like it didn''t cost a thing. Everyone knew that it would be the best choice for these two most anticipated shows to broadcast at different times so they could avoid directlypeting with each other. But Zhang Ye did not do that as he chose to broadcast at the exact same time and on the same day as Sing! It was just like what had happened with A Bite of China. This was Zhang Ye and he had always done things in this way. He would either choose not to fight at all, or go all out if he did!


    The countdown began!


    The desperate struggle between the two shows was finally starting!


    Who would lose?


    And who would win?


    No one could predict it!


    ��


    Noon that same day.


    At home.


    Zhang Ye''s parents were busy preparing lunch.


    When the doorbell rang, his mother tossed off her apron and wiped her hands clean. Then she hurriedly went to open the door with a smile on her face. "Coming,ing."


    Wu Zeqing was standing outside. "Auntie."


    His mother smiled and said, "Ai, Little Wu,e in quickly."


    "Little Wu, you''re here?" His father also came out of the kitchen with a smile.


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Uncle, you''re busy?"


    His father said, "Lunch is almost ready. Go and call Little Ye over."


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Where is he?"


    "He''s lying in his room. He''s been tired out by work the past few days," his mother said happily.


    "OK, I''ll go and get him." Wu Zeqing went to his bedroom and pushed open the door. "Little Ye?"


    Zhang Ye was lying on the bed and mumbled, "You''re here?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Is the show going to be broadcast soon?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I was actually nning it for a littleter but had to match Sing! pushing forward their broadcast date. I had to put in some overtime at work as a result. The good thing is that just about everything is ready. We''ll begin officially recording I Am a Singer''s first episode tomorrow. Hai, I haven''t really had much sleep the past few days. The executives at the station are the ones who chased me home so I could rest well today. How could I rest? I can''t even sit still for long."


    Old Wu said, "Alright, let''s have lunch first."


    They started eating.


    The whole family was seated at the dining table eating lunch.


    But Zhang Ye was preupied with his thoughts. He didn''t even take two bites before putting down his chopsticks.


    His mother stared at him. "Eat."


    Zhang Ye whined, "I have no appetite."


    Wu Zeqing could sense what he was thinking about. "Are you feeling nervous?"


    "Not exactly." Zhang Ye sighed, "But I''m under a lot of pressure."


    His father said, "You? Under pressure?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Of course. Do you know how many people I''m supporting?"


    Zhang Ye was the type of person who was very mentally strong. In normal circumstances, he would hardly feel any stress and was more carefree. But now that he had reached this position where his poprity was getting higher and higher, the people who depended on him for their livelihoods were also increasing. No matter how strong he was, he couldn''t possibly feel no pressure. What if he lost this battle? What if he didn''t manage to do well? How would he answer to Beijing Television? How could he recoup the 200 million in title sponsorship fees that Wu Mo had pumped in? What about his staff at the studio? The higher he climbed, the more he couldn''t afford to lose. He was no longer a general without an army. It was just that he rarely disyed any of such worries and stress in front of others.


    Zhang Ye had been in such situations in the past. Back then, it was always Wu Zeqing who pointed him the way forward. So he looked at her. "Old Wu, you oversee the entertainment circle and havee across many shows. You have read the content approval report for I Am a Singer, right? I''ll tell you about the specifics of the show segments again. Let me know what you think of it after and whether it can win against that copycat version of The Voice. Listen, the show will have seven designated singers��"


    Before he could finish.


    Wu Zeqing cut him off. "I don''t want to listen to that."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Why not?"


    "Because I don''t have to listen to it." Wu Zeqing smiled and grabbed some food for him. She said, "Who are you? You''re Zhang Ye, the best program director in the industry. The shows you produce will definitely be number one in the country. This is something that you don''t even have to have a doubt about��no one can beat you, none of the major satellite channels, not even Central TV Department 1. As long as you put your mind to it, as long as you do it seriously, no one in the industry is a match for you."


    Zhang Ye cheered up. "Phew, about that, can you not worship me to such an extent?"


    His mother rolled her eyes. "Rascal, stop being conceited."


    "What you need now is rest and a good meal." Old Wu grabbed some more food for him and said, "The battle will officially start tomorrow, so eat up."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "OK, I got it."


    Old Wu was truly capable!


    It only took her a few words to bring Zhang Ye''s fighting spirit back up!


    Everyone knew that Zhang Ye was one of the toughest people in the entertainment circle. But no one knew that behind this toughness, there were times he would hesitate and doubt himself. There were also moments of weakness and confusion. Luckily for him, he had Wu Zeqing by his side. She always pulled him up in those critical times.


    Zhang Ye didn''t actually think that he was a very strong person. It was only when Old Wu was beside him that he could feel invincible and indomitable!


    After lunch.


    His cell phone rang. It was a video call.


    As Zhang Ye had been forced to go on leave today, the I Am a Singer program team would only hold a video call with him to seek his instructions when something cropped up at work.


    The video call connected.


    Everyone started updating him on their work.


    Zhang Ye acknowledged them one by one.


    Finally, Xiao Lu said nervously to him: "Teacher Zhang, will we really be able to do it tomorrow?"


    Many of the others in the video call kept quiet. Each and every one of them had the same expression as Zhang Ye had earlier. There was anticipation, tension.


    Zhang Ye thought for a moment before giving them a long speech through the phone''s video camera. "I know that we''re really disadvantaged right now. On number of contacts, Central TV has a betterwork than us. On influence, Central TV''s influence is much greater than ours. On the size of the audience base, Central TV has many more viewers than we do. On the show, Sing! has a greater umted following and poprity. That''s why for our battle with Central TV Department 1, it would be bullshit if I said that I''m not feeling pressured."


    Xiao Lu gave a wry smile.


    Dafei had a frown on his face.


    Hou Ge was breathing hard.


    Han Qi kept rubbing her hands together to hide her unease.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "But we have an advantage too."


    Advantage?


    What advantage could we have?


    Everyone stared at Zhang Ye in the video call.


    Zhang Ye emphasized each word he said. "Our advantage is: We! Have! Never! Lost! Before!"


    Xiao Lu was inspired!


    Han Qi raised her head!


    Hou Ge and the others were jolted!


    Those words were so domineering!


    Only Zhang Ye would dare to speak like this!


    In the entire industry, only Zhang Ye could say something like this!


    Yes! They have never lost before!


    To be precise, it was Zhang Ye who had never lost before!


    Talk Show?


    The Voice?


    A Bite of China?


    King of Masked Singers?


    He had never lost!


    And that was their greatest advantage!

 Chapter 1228: Recording begins!

    <h4>Chapter 1228: Recording begins! </h4>


    Chapter 1228: Recording begins!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    It was a rainy morning.


    At Central TV Department 1, in the recording studio for Sing!


    "Camera 1."


    "Ready."


    "Lights."


    "They''re all working fine, Director."


    "Is Teacher Fan Wenli here yet?"


    "She''s getting her makeup done."


    "Good, get ready to roll the cameras!"


    The audience had already entered the studio. In the huge venue, there were no empty seats. Many of the audience members could not calm themselves as they kept looking at the stage and exchanging whispers from time to time. It was still very much the same setup that Zhang Ye had created back during the first season of The Voice. However, the logo had been slightly modified and the colors of the stage were also a little different. The four guest coaches'' chairs also no longer looked like the rotating type of seat. They were now blocked at the front with a screen so that whatever was happening on stage could not be seen by the guest coaches sitting in them. It also looked like the screen could be raised or lowered. As for the rest of the structures, they were virtually untouched.


    "Are they recording yet?"


    "Hurry up, I can''t wait any longer!"


    "I''m really looking forward to it. I hope there''ll be more contestants simr to themon folks we saw in Season One, like Qian Pingfan, Luo Yu, and Old Master Zhou Danian. Those contestants on Zhang Ye''s The Voice were all shockingly good!"


    "Yeah, brilliant talent walks amongst themon folk!


    "I don''t find the ordinary people who sing to be any worse than pro singers."


    "Right, some of them can sing even better than pro singers."


    "Ah, it''s starting. Someone''sing out!"


    "Is that the host?"


    " Murong 1 ?"


    "Murong is the host?"


    "She''s that really popr Spring Festival G host for Central TV!"


    "But speaking fast isn''t really her style, is it?"


    "I don''t think she can speak at Zhang Ye''s speed."


    "Hai, what a pity. Sing! can replicate everything except for the hosting role. They really couldn''t find anyone to stand in for Zhang Ye. That fellow is simply too unique in the field of hosting. This is probably what I find most regrettable about Sing! After all, that image of him reading those advertising messages of a few hundred words in a single breath left a very deep impression on everyone. I don''t think that most people can ept it now that that has changed."


    "Yes, that''s true. Hai."


    "I find it weird that the guest coaches will no longer be turning around in their chairs too."


    "Sing! isn''t the same as The Voice after all."


    The cameras started and the recording officially began.


    As everyone discussed the show while recording happened, Zhang Ye''s name kepting up. It wasn''t that they insisted on bringing him up, but that his name was just unavoidable whenever The Voice was mentioned. It was like an eternal monument.


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    At Beijing Television.


    Recording for I Am a Singer also began. In fact, their filming for the show had started ten days earlier. As the show consisted of reality TV elements, they had to follow the singers around with cameras, as well as document the behind-the-scenes activities at the television station and the program team''s nning. For example, it was depicted in the program team''s meeting how they invited the singers to the show and how thepetition''s rules were drawn up. Then there was also the assignment of tasks to Dong Shanshan and the others during a meeting between the seven host-managers. All of it waspleted earlier and would be edited into the final broadcast cut to inform the audience about the rules so they would be fully familiar with how the show worked and understand the course of thepetition.


    And today was the official live studio recording of the show.


    The staff members were standing by in their positions between 4 and 5 AM. Those who had worked with Zhang Ye before knew very well that he was usually very nice to others and an easy-going person who rolled with the punches. But when it came to work, Director Zhang was extremely demanding and paid very close attention to the details of a show. This was why no one dared to be careless with their roles.


    The walkie-talkie beside Zhang Ye crackled.


    "Director Zhang, Director Zhang, Singer #1 has arrived."


    "OK. Follow them and document the arrival in video. Ensure that everyone sticks to the route."


    "Director Zhang, Singer #3 is almost at the station."


    "Get Singer #3''s car go around again and wait for ten minutes."


    "Understood, we won''t let the singers bump into each other."


    "How''s the prep work going at the studio?"


    "Everything is A-OK here!"


    "Check again that the equipment is all set to go."


    "Roger."


    "In half an hour''s time, let the audience into the studio."


    "Copy that, Director Zhang."


    The singers gradually arrived, albeit separately, in order to keep things confidential. This wasn''t just a formality that they were preaching as the singers were really clueless about who the other participants were. Whether it was the contract talks, the rehearsals before thepetition, or arriving at the station, all of it was carried out in istion of the others. It was only when the singers got onstage that the other singers would know who they were through a television in their waiting rooms. This was done to increase the entertainment of the show.


    Backstage.


    This area had been redesigned into a very weing two story activity zone. On the second floor were seven rooms, with the logo of I Am a Singer and a room number pasted on the door. There was no indication of the singers'' information, and only Zhang Ye knew which singer was going to be behind each door.


    Room #1 was Xiaodong, the group leader of Spring Garden.


    Zhang Ye pushed the door open and stepped in. "Hey, Sister Dong."


    Xiaodong was just looking around the room when he came in. "Director Zhang, there are cameras everywhere in here?"


    "That''s right." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Are you feeling OK?"


    Xiaodong forced a smile. "I''m a little nervous."


    Zhang Ye said, "But you''re an Asian star. What big asions have you not seen before?"


    Xiaodong said, "I''ve never been in apetition with so many peers before! Tell me, who else joined? Hurry up and reveal a little to me. I walked around earlier, but why didn''t I see anyone in the other rooms?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "You''re the first to arrive and also the first who''ll find out who the other singers are. I Am a Singer will be using thepeting singers as show hosts as per what we have discussed beforehand. So unless you get eliminated, you''ll keep hosting until the finals begin, OK? But of course, with your ability and poprity, even if anyone gets eliminated, it won''t be you. The other singers aren''t as good at singing as you and less popr as well, so you can perform without any worries. Just let yourself go." He had said this before to Xiaodong. Otherwise, she couldn''t have possibly agreed to join the show so easily.


    Letting Xiaodong host the show was something Zhang Ye had given some thought. Whether it was her image, poprity, or eloquence, Xiaodong was the most suitable candidate for this role.


    Xiaodong felt a little more at ease. "That''s good then. I''m just afraid of losing. That''d be really embarrassing."


    Zhang Ye handed her the hosting cue cards. "Here''s the information about the singers. The host lines are also in there. Look through it and don''t go outside the room anymore. The other singers will be arriving very soon."


    "Don''t worry." Xiaodong giggled as she took the cards from him.


    After she did that, Zhang Ye turned around and closed the door. Then he quickly walked away.


    But before he was even gone for five seconds, Xiaodong let out an angry roar from inside Room #1. "Zhang Ye! Get back in here! What''s with this list of singers?"


    In the activity zone, a few cameramen looked at Zhang Ye.


    Xiao Lu blinked in confusion, not understanding what had happened to Xiaodong. She even gave Zhang Ye a look to indicate to him to get back in there to find out what was going on.


    But no one expected Zhang Ye to not even turn around. When he heard that angry roar, this fellow even picked up his pace and walked away like he did not hear a thing!


    In Room #1.


    Xiaodong was so shocked she nearly fainted!


    Seeing all of those names on the list of singers!


    Chen Guang!


    Amy!


    Zhang Xia!


    Xue Kaiqi!


    He Huan!


    Zhao Wuliu!


    Xiaodong felt like she had just died!


    What were all of these famous singers in the music scene doing here?!

 Chapter 1229: How did I fall for your nonsense!

    <h4>Chapter 1229: How did I fall for your nonsense! </h4>


    Chapter 1229: How did I fall for your nonsense!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the morning.


    At the venue of I Am a Singer.


    After the 1,000 audience members were admitted into the studio, they got so excited that they couldn''t stay seated.


    "What time does it start?"


    "I heard that there won''t be a professional host for this?"


    "Zhang Ye''s not hosting?"


    "It seems like he won''t participate in thepetition nor host the show."


    "Really? Then what''ll he be doing?"


    "I think he''s just the executive director. Who knows what he''s thinking?"


    "This is his show, so he''ll figure out a way to appear onscreen. Just wait and see. I know this guy too well. He''ll definitely have given himself a good role."


    "What about the judging panel?"


    "It doesn''t seem like there''s one either."


    "Huh? Are they going to base it off our voting?"


    "That''s right. I think it''s because they didn''t want a judging panel to sway the audience''s decision, so they decided to do away with it."


    "No host, no judging panel, no interactions, just seven singerspeting onstage? The professionalism and authenticity of this show are clearly much greater. It''ll also be a stern test of the singers'' skills. However good they are, it''ll be shown as is. Everything is going to be as real as it gets without any sensationalism mixed in!"


    "That''s what will make it exciting!"


    "I''m just worried that there won''t be any good singers participating."


    "Yep, that''s what I''m worried about too."


    "At least they could wear a mask on King of Masked Singers. Even if they lost, they could still choose not to reveal their identities. But there''s no such thing on I Am a Singer, so will the big names really join? If you win? That would be expected! But if you lose? Then that would be too embarrassing. They might even suffer a drop in their poprity as a result. The risks are huge, so who would willinglye and participate? Even the appearance fees shouldn''t be able to move them too easily, right? But then again, if the singers who join the show are only neers or little-known singers, it would be too boring. In that case, I''d rather watch Sing!"


    "Yeah."


    "Let''s see how it goes."


    Who would show up?


    Which singers would be participating?


    The audience waspletely clueless and couldn''t help but whisper among themselves.


    All of a sudden, the lights dimmed.


    The audience was startled for a moment before breaking into a round of enthusiastic apuse.


    Counting down to the start of recording.


    Three.


    Two.


    One.


    The entire studio fell quiet.


    Everyone stuck their necks out in the direction of the moon gate at the back of the stage.


    Meanwhile, the other singers and the team of host-managers led by Dong Shanshan were also watching this via the televisions in their rooms.


    A female host of Beijing Television asked, "Who''ll be the first singer?"


    A young male host said, "I don''t know, who''se?"


    Some of them looked at Dong Shanshan. "Shanshan?"


    Dong Shanshan shrugged. "Don''t look at me, I don''t know a thing either."


    They really didn''t know anything. As the host-managers to the singers, they did not take part in the pre-production of the show. There were also cameras pointed at them inside the room as there would be a segmentter where they would fight to "sign" the participants. They really had a big role to y in this show. This footage would be includedter by Zhang Ye in the final broadcast cut.


    In Room #3.


    Zhang Xia was sucking on a throat lozenge.


    The staff members were doing her makeup.


    In Room #4.


    Xue Kaiqi said to herself, "Who could they be? Why can''t I see anyone yet?"


    In Room #5.


    Chen Guang was watching in curiosity with wide eyes.


    In Room #7.


    Zhao Wuliu sat down like an old hand and hummed with crossed legs. "The first person to make an appearance will have tons of stress. I wish them luck."


    Every participating singer was extremely concerned with who their fellowpetitors were.


    Of course, the live studio audience felt this way as well. Some of them stood up impatiently, wishing they had binocrs to see what was happening onstage.


    Suddenly, the lights shined!


    A figure appeared in the moon gate.


    "Someone''sing out!"


    "Who is it? Who?"


    "Dammit, I can''t see anything!"


    "The backlight''s too strong!"


    "It looks like a woman?"


    "It''s a female singer?"


    "She seems a little petite!"


    "She''s stepping out!"


    "She came out!"


    One step.


    Two steps.


    Three steps.


    When she walked out into the light, the crowd screamed!


    "Ah!"


    "My God!"


    "It''s Xiaodong!"


    "It''s Sister Dong!"


    "Ahhh! My Sister Dong!"


    Apuse thundered!


    The audience was exhrated to see her and found it a little unbelievable that she was here at all. They thought there wouldn''t be any big names participating in this show and that those who joined would all be neers. But who could have expected that the first singer to make an appearance onstage would turn out to be an Asian star? She was the leader of the Asian idol girl group, Spring Garden''s Xiaodong!


    Backstage.


    Zhang Xia was taken aback. "Xiaodong?"


    Amy already knew that Xiaodong was participating, but she didn''t know that she would be appearing first!


    Chen Guang was eagerly rubbing his hands. "This is going to be interesting."


    Xue Kaiqi said in surprise, "Xiaodong is here too?"


    He Huan said, "It''s her?"


    Zhao Wuliu''s eyes narrowed.


    The host-managers'' room blew up!


    A female host shrieked, "I''m a fan of Sister Dong!"


    A male host said, "Oh, they''ve really upped the ante!"


    "Xiaodong has actually joined the show! How can that be!" another female host said in disbelief.


    "She''s so sessful, why would shee and join thispetition?"


    "I want to be Xiaodong''s manager!"


    "Get lost! Sister Dong is mine!"


    "Hahaha, let''s see who ends up being able to sign her!"


    "The rules mentioned that if the singer gets eliminated, their managers will get eliminated along with them. Xiaodong is for sure a safe choice! Anyone else might get eliminated, but she''ll surely be able to stay on!"


    The host-managers were starting to get their own ideas.


    Onstage, Xiaodong bowed slightly to the audience before turning to the music director, Bai Yuanfei, and giving him a nod to signal that she was ready. Then she took a deep breath.


    The music yed.


    The more attentive audience members were surprised. They realized the audio setup of I Am a Singer seemed even better than the King of Masked Singers'' setup. What was going on? Did they upgrade the equipment again?


    Unbeknownst to them, Zhang Ye had to withstand a lot of pressure as he negotiated with the upper management of Beijing Television for a very long time before they finally approved of his extremely high budget equipment for the show. The audio setup and other rted equipment used on King of Masked Singers were the highest-end equipment avable to the industry at the time. But Zhang Ye had sought to get all of them upgraded again. Even whenpared to other countries'' music shows, the equipment used here was definitely the very best there was. In this area, Zhang Ye had spared no expense. The extra funds in the production budget they hadpared to Sing! were all spent on this! It was obvious from this just how persistent and determined Zhang Ye was in his work. He would either not do it, or do it to the very best by producing the most professional show in the industry!


    It was a familiar melody.


    Eh?


    This song?


    It was "Woman Flower"!


    The audience was very surprised to hear it. A lot of people had never heard Xiaodong perform solo before, much less cover a song!


    All eyes in the studio fell on her. Then, Xiaodong closed her eyes, perhaps to steady her nerves or something. Thereafter, she kept her eyes closed for the entire time.


    The melody yed on.


    Xiaodong raised her microphone.


    "I have a flower.


    "It grows within my heart.


    "A bud waiting to bloom for the longest time.


    "Every moment,


    "waiting for a sincere person


    "toe to me in my sleep."


    Just a few lines were enough to enchant everyone in the studio!


    Chen Guang praised, "That was great!"


    He Huan sighed, "You''d know that she''s a great singer the moment she opens her mouth."


    Xue Kaiqi was getting even more nervous now. "She sang with such heart."


    But the greatest reactions came from the live audience. The impression they had of Spring Garden was that they were an idol group. They felt that their sess was only due to their pretty faces and the youthful songs they sang as a group! Singing skills? Talent? Nobody had ever paid that much attention to them until several months ago when one of their members, Li Xiaoxian, had donned the mask of Sunset Glow to take part in King of Masked Singers and shocked everyone with her singing. It was then that the audience first realized that the group wasn''t only about looks. Even when performing alone, they could still sing great. Xiaodong''s singing today had proven that once again. A lot of people were mesmerized as they listened. They had never seen Xiaodong perform like this before. With her singing skill, perhaps even Li Xiaoxian would sound average next to her?


    It was no wonder that Xiaodong was the leader of their group!


    "Woman Flower, swaying in the red dust.


    "Woman Flower, wavering softly in the wind.


    "Only hoping for a pair of gentle hands.


    "To sooth the solitude in my heart."


    Woman Flower.


    That''s right.


    This song reminded them of something they did not wish to remember. Everyone always had a misconception whenever they saw how youthful Xiaodong looked. Xiaodong hadn''t changed much all this time, and Spring Garden was still that youthful and energetic Spring Garden they had always known. But the fact was that Xiaodong had debuted many years ago. This woman who had been skipping and dancing around on stage for the past ten years had been through a lot. She was no longer that young. In terms of seniority, Xiaodong might even have entered the industry earlier than Fan Wenli and Chen Guang.


    The music ended.


    The audience stood up and pped!


    Sighs!


    Laments!


    Reminiscence!


    Enjoyment!


    All kinds of emotions were stirred!


    "Xiaodong!"


    "Xiaodong!"


    "Xiaodong!"


    Countless people were shouting her name!


    Xiaodong finally opened her eyes and bowed once more to the audience. "Phew, thank you."


    The apuse went on for a very long time.


    Chen Guang was pping from backstage as well.


    Zhang Xia and Zhao Wuliu couldn''t help but apud her too!


    But to everyone''s surprise, Xiaodong did not leave the stage after her song. She looked into the audience and said, "Hello, everyone. I am a singer��and my name is Xiaodong."


    Apuse rang out again!


    There was even whistling!


    Then Xiaodong flicked her hand and made a stack of cards appear out of nowhere. When she saw the confused looks on many of the audience members'' faces, she smiled and said, "At the same time, I''m also the part-time host for the first season of I Am a Singer. For here on out in thepetition, I''ll be taking over as the host. Please treat me kindly."


    "Wow!"


    "Xiaodong will be hosting?"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "That''s really new!"


    "Beautifully yed! I''ve had enough of watching Zhang Ye host!"


    The audience responded enthusiastically!


    He Huan said, "So that''s how it is!"


    Chen Guangughed, "Haha."


    Xiaodong''s first cue card was already clenched in her hand. She looked down at it and read aloud, "First off, we''d like to thank the leading brand of health supplements, the Brain Gold Company, for being the title sponsors of our show. Thank you to Hubei Pharmaceuticals��"


    A bunch of advertising messages were recited amateurishly. She even stuttered as she read her lines. But the audience was highly receptive as theyughed along endlessly. This was how tolerant the audience was of an amateur. If it were Zhang Ye standing onstage, if he even breathed while reciting the advertising messages, the audience would have scolded him for sure, let alone stuttering. This was because Zhang Ye was a professional host while Xiaodong wasn''t. She was only standing in for the role as a guest, so no one really thought much of her mistakes. In fact, they found this to be really fun.


    "Phew, I''ve finallypleted that task," Xiaodong said.


    The audienceughed, "Hahahaha."


    Xiaodong smiled and said, "You guys don''t know how nervous I just was. I debuted so many years ago and have been singing for so long, but I''ve never felt the way I felt today. Because this isn''t your usual show, nor is it a concert, and it''s definitely not a karaoke box. This is the battleground we''ll fight our peers. The singers willpete to get ranked over two weeks ofpetition, and thest ce singer will be reced by another singer. Frankly, that just means that they''ll be eliminated from the show! As for who decides whether we stay or go, it''ll be none other than you, the 1,000 lovely audience members we have in the studio. Each of your votes will decide whether the singers will stay on the show or leave. So please be very, very, very careful about who you vote for."


    Elimination?


    Yes, it was that cruel!


    They were all singers, so who could afford to lose?


    Xiaodong seemed to sense the audience''s doubts, so she said, "Some of you might ask me, why did youe to take part in the show if that''s what the rules are? Isn''t this as good as digging a hole for yourself to fall into?"


    Right!


    Why did youe?


    The audience was very curious.


    Xiaodong nodded. "Then I''ll reveal the reason to you guys right now. I agreed toe on the show because Zhang Ye called me one day." She imitated Zhang Ye''s voice. "He said, ''Come quickly, I have a good show that I want you to take part in.'' But I told him, ''I don''t want to go, I''m not confident about taking part in suchpetitions.'' Then he said to me, ''It''ll be fine, the other singers are not your equal. Their poprity and singing skills are not as good as yours. If you join, you''ll definitely dominate the stage.'' When I heard that, I immediately agreed, ''I''ll join! I''ll join your show!''"


    Everyone wasughing away.


    Xiaodong waved the cards in her hands and went on, "Then, around half an hour ago, when I received the list of singers and looked through it, I wanted to say this to Director Zhang��" Xiaodong roared, "Director Zhang! Show yourself! How did I fall for your nonsense!"


    Chen Guang chuckled, "Pfft!"


    Zhang Xia bellyughed!


    Zhang Ye, who was coordinating the recording in the wings, let out a hollowugh just as the cameras swiveled to him.


    The audience erupted withughter!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Xiaodong was scammed!"


    "Aiyo, I''m dying ofughter!"


    "Zhang Ye is such a trickster!"


    "Sister Dong! How could you believe Zhang Ye''s words in the first ce?"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    But at the same time, everyone was insanely curious!


    If Xiaodong was the first singer, who would appear after her? What kinds of people were the other six singers? Who could they be to cause Xiaodong to get so "flustered" and "scold" Director Zhang for it?

 Chapter 1230: The seven starting singers are revealed!

    <h4>Chapter 1230: The seven starting singers are revealed! </h4>


    Chapter 1230: The seven starting singers are revealed!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Who else was there?


    The audience would find out very soon!


    When the second singer came out through the moon gate, the entire studio audience stared with eyes wide. They were so surprised that their jaws nearly dropped to the floor!


    "Oh my God!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "Who did I just see?"


    "Zhao Wuliu!"


    "It''s Zhao Wuliu!"


    "He''s such a godly singer!"


    "Aiyo, it''s really him!"


    "What a surprise! This gave me such a shock!"


    The music yed and Zhao Wuliu started singing.


    The moment he opened his mouth, many of the audience members felt like they had been transported back 20 years!


    Zhao Wuliu: A singer from the earliest batch of pop music singers in the Chinese music industry. He could be considered to be from the same generation of singers as Grandma Zhang Xia. In the field of artistic singing, Zhang Xia was definitely one of the top few performing artists. But back then in the field of pop music, Zhao Wuliu was one of the leading figures who had been extremely popr all over the country. He was a definitive A-lister of his era. Now that times had changed, with the entertainment industry''s pace picking up, the number of A-list celebrities had grown much faster than 20-30 years ago when there were only a handful of them. At that time, Zhao Wuliu was at the forefront of the A-listers, and anyone who was slightly older would definitely know of him. He was one of the earliest pop music idols in China. But at some point in time, Zhao Wuliu stopped appearing on everyone''s televisions. There were also no updates about him for a very long time. After all, he was already in his forties or fifties, and the times had changed. There were rumors that he had bid farewell to the music scene, and some media outlets even imed that he had taken seriously ill.


    It blew up backstage as well!


    Zhang Xia said in surprise, "Whoa, it''s an old friend!"


    He Huan eximed, "This is a truly godly singer!"


    Chen Guang stared wide-eyed. "Senior Zhao?"


    Xue Kaiqi was also quite shocked. "Teacher Zhao is making aeback?"


    Amy yelled, "Can the program team be any more resourceful? They could even get Senior Zhao to step out from retirement! What''s there still left topete for? I grew up listening to Senior Zhao''s songs!"


    The host-managers'' room exploded again!


    "I''ll choose Teacher Zhao!"


    "Step aside, Teacher Zhao is mine!"


    "I''m telling you, don''t any of you try to steal him from me!"


    "Little Yan, didn''t you just say that you wanted to be Sister Dong''s manager?"


    "I''ve changed my mind, alright!"


    "Let''s not fight over this. Whoever can convince the singers to choose them will get them!"


    "Let''s listen to the performance first. He''s singing so well!"


    "He still sounds exactly the same as years ago!"


    ��


    In the wings.


    The third singer was preparing toe out!


    The audience''s expectations were raised to the highest point!


    "Even Zhao Wuliu has joined. Who else will there be?"


    "The next person ising out!"


    "I can''t see who it is! Who is it?"


    "Looks to be around 1.7 meters tall? A man?"


    "Eh, that silhouette looks really familiar!"


    Finally, that person walked out through the moon gate!


    The audience let out another incredulous exmation!


    "Old Chen!"


    "Chen Guang!"


    The big brother of the music industry!"


    "What the heck! What''s with this level of awesomeness!"


    "Even Chen Guang hase!"


    "What kind of lineup are we going to see? I''m already dazed!"


    "Did they have to go this far?"


    Zhang Xia shook her head and gave a wry smile. "I did guess that Little Chen woulde to support Zhang Ye''s show. Little Chen is going to be difficult to handle. I''ve heard him sing live for so many years and he hasn''t once made a mistake. When we''re talking about singing skills and experience, as well as being able to perform well in a live setting, there aren''t too many singers who can stand up to Little Chen."


    Xue Kaiqi put her head in her hands. "This is over, it''s another godly singer!"


    Chen Guang started singing. The moment he opened his mouth, he sang a high note that made everyone''s hair stand on end!


    Chen Guang was not a relic of the past nor a retired singer. He was one of the hottest singers and a supporting pir of the music industry. To say that he was the "Music Industry''s Big Brother" might be a little controversial since everyone''s evaluation and standards were different. But if it was said that Chen Guang was one of the top three male singers in the music industry, no one would raise any objections. Be it his poprity, singing skills, experience, or qualifications, Chen Guang would definitely be hailed as one of the most outstanding singers. Even his wife, Fan Wenli, was notparable to him.


    ��


    Then came the fourth singer''s turn to take the stage.


    "Amy!"


    "Wow!"


    "It''s my Amy!"


    "Two members from Spring Garden joined the show!"


    "Pfft! Amy and Xiaodong must''ve both have been scammed by Zhang Ye to join his show! Looking at this lineup, I think Amy is done for! Will she get eliminated?"


    "Get lost, Amy''s singing is very good!"


    "Listen, it''s really quite good!"


    "I''ve never seen Amy perform solo before. Her singing is really nice!"


    Amy''s performance style was more of the bubbly type. Her voice was less recognizable than Xiaodong''s, and her singing was alsocking whenpared to Li Xiaoxian''s, but she was very good at bringing up the atmosphere. She especially knew how to use the music to interact with the audience by choosing a song that was more exciting. In just a short time, she was able to excite the audience. There was even a rap portion in the song she performed so well that Xiaodong and Li Xiaoxian probably couldn''t outdo her. Her rapping was definitely her most powerful weapon of all!


    ��


    The fifth singer came out.


    "He Huan!"


    "Aiyo, it''s Old He!"


    "It''s the Prince of Love Songs!"


    "The best love song singer-songwriter in the country!"


    "Didn''t he just release an albumst month? I heard it sold like crazy!"


    "The love songs he writes are all quite nice! And his singing is great too!"


    "In the genre of love songs, He Huan will sweep away allpetition! Even Chen Guang is no match for him, right?"


    "Yeah, because Old Chen hardly ever sings love songs!"


    "What are all these godly people doing here!"


    "Who else hase?"


    "My heart can''t take this anymore!"


    ��


    The sixth singer made her appearance!


    "Xue Kaiqi?"


    "Am I seeing this correctly?"


    "It''s her!"


    "The Princess of Love Songs, Xue Kaiqi?"


    "Princess Xue was so popr at one point! She was at the same level as Fan Wenli! After she got married and gave birth, she left the industry!"


    "I''m not really familiar with her."


    "You don''t even know Xue Kaiqi? Five years ago, she could release an album and it would get at least 30 million ys on the Inte! It''s just that her poprity has dropped since she hasn''t been releasing any new songs."


    Both the Prince and Princess of Love Songs are here?"


    "How exciting!"


    "Listen, does it sound like her voice isn''t in the right condition?"


    "She''s probably just nervous."


    "I think it''s pretty good, it sounds pure to me!"


    "''Time'' was the song that shot her to fame. I won''t get sick of it no matter how many times I listen to it!"


    ��


    Only one was left!


    Who could the seventh singer for the final performance be?


    The answer was soon revealed!


    Zhang Xia came out from behind the moon gate with a smile on her face. Everyone knew who she was. As a constant presence on the annual Spring Festival G on Central TV, she had also been appearing on television variety shows recently because of Zhang Ye. Based on her rtionship with him, it shouldn''t have been surprising for her toe onto I Am a Singer. But to the contrary, the audience was even more surprised to see her than the other singers when she appeared in front of them!


    Grandma Zhang was taking part in thepetition?


    How could she possibly face off against the others?


    She wasn''t even a pop singer! Rather, she was a songstress who sang bel canto! She was someone who took the artistic route at a higher level of performing arts. She had also won so many art awards that it would fill an entire wall cab. Be it her songs or her singing, she was a singer who could easily perform at the Great Hall of the People 1 or any other world-ss theater. If thepetition was assessed through artistry, then there wouldn''t be a need topete. The other six singers on this stage couldn''t beat Zhang Xia even with theirbined strength. But since the judging criteria was going to be based on mainstream pop music, surely Zhang Xia couldn''t match up to them, right?


    But very quickly, they learned they were wrong to think that way!


    The moment Zhang Xia raised her microphone, everyone was astonished and astounded!


    "These days, seasons fly by,


    "flowers bloom aplenty.


    "Winds wander, clouds float by,


    "nature shut behind the door.


    "To be plucked uneasily,


    "I slowly realize.


    "Bloomed already, but no oneing ispletely expected."


    It was Zhang Ye''s "Wild Rose"!


    This version that Zhang Xia sang was not bel canto. Instead, she sang in mezzo-soprano 2 . And from the way that it was sung, it was definitely a technique used for pop singing!


    It sounded so good!


    So good that it shocked everyone!


    Backstage.


    The singers who had finished performing were all gathered inside a waiting room.


    Amy''s jaw dropped!


    Zhao Wuliu was a little startled!


    Chen Guang sighed in admiration!


    Xue Kaiqi was gasping for air!


    He Huan was even funnier as he bowed in respect of Zhang Xia''s performance!


    The audience was also very surprised. This was the most shocking performance that many of them had heard today. It was only when this famed songstress of thirty years dropped down a level to sing pop music that they realized how shockingly good she was at singing!


    Screams!


    Apuse!


    And there was even crying!


    Compared to Zhang Ye''s version of "Wild Rose," Zhang Xia''s version was less angry. She sang more reserved, with a greater subtleness and more sadness.


    At this point, all seven singers had finished performing!


    "It''s time to vote!"


    "Who are you going to vote for?"


    "It''s too hard to choose!"


    "Yeah, all of them sang really well. Fuck!"


    "I''m utterly convinced today! I have no way to describe the shock that I''m feeling!"


    "These are what you call pro singers!"


    "What do you mean pro singers? These people are more fucking professional than the professionals! Just bringing any of them on would be enough to scare everyone!"


    "I''ll vote for Zhang Xia!"


    "Me too, I''ll vote for Zhang Xia as well. There''s no two ways about it!"


    "I still think Old Chen sang better!"


    "I''ll give my vote to Zhao Wuliu. Oh, those feels!"


    "I think Sister Dong and Grandma Zhang Xia are the ones who surprised me the most!"


    The audience was still immersed within the seven songs, unable to snap out of it for a very long time!


    It was exhrating!


    It sounded really amazing!


    It was way too extravagant!


    So this was Zhang Ye''s new show?


    The biggest stage with the highest-end equipment, with the best variety show director, the big brother of the music industry of twenty years ago, the big brother of the current music industry, the top love song singer-songwriters, the country''s leading girl group members, and one of the top three artistic singers in the country!


    What kind of a lineup was this?


    This was a lineup that could sweep the entire "world"!


    Compared to King of Masked Singers, which became popr beyond imagination, even that show would not havee close to what they had seen here!


    The audience did not know what the final tallies were as the votes would be counted by the program team separately. Just as everyone was leaving Beijing Television wishing that the show hadn''t ended so quickly, they suddenly remembered Sing!, which was being recorded at the same time at Central TV Department 1. Since they couldn''t attend that recording, they didn''t know how Sing! was doing. But they could finally understand why Zhang Ye dared to pit I Am a Singer against Sing! by choosing to broadcast on the same day and time as them. They couldn''t help but start questioning, what if Central TV Department 1 found out what sort of show I Am a Singer was. If they knew that I Am a Singer had invited this group of singers, would they still dare to broadcast Sing! at the same time as I Am a Singer?


    The answer to this was unknown.


    The oue of that would only be revealed after the broadcast.


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Hall_of_the_People


    2. https://.youtube/watch?v=v78dz51jkYA

 Chapter 1231: Where’d that rapidfire host go?

    <h4>Chapter 1231: Where''d that rapidfire host go? </h4>


    Chapter 1231: Where''d that rapidfire host go?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The audience left.


    The votes were being counted.


    The singers went back into their respective rooms.


    And at this moment, the hosts'' battle to sign the singers began. When Executive Producer Hu Fei announced the start of this segment, the hosts yelled and rushed out of the room like sprinters. He squeezed past him, she pushed her, she tripped him over, everyone was trying to run out except for Dong Shanshan. She just walked behind them with a smile on her face.


    "Who pushed me!"


    "Stand aside!"


    "Grandma Zhang is mine!"


    "Damn, someone even tripped me?"


    "Hey, you guys are too devious!"


    "Behave, people! Watch how you''re acting, myrades. We''re recording a show here!"


    These several hosts were not the big names of Beijing Television who hosted the Spring Festival G on their satellite channel. Instead, they were the younger bunch of hosts who were lesser known to most viewers. This was specifically requested by Zhang Ye, as Dong Shanshan alone was enough to hold the group together. The others would then focus on "entertaining" with their antics and could behave without any restraints. That was why the younger and less popr hosts were more suited for these roles. This segment might look like it didn''t add any value to the show and was carried out without proper nning, but it was in fact carefully nned out by Zhang Ye with the dozen odd host-managers 1 over many meetings before the actual recording took ce. He knew exactly how this segment would proceed, which was what his role was all about. The importance of the executive director could easily be seen here! This was also why Hu Fei and Beijing Television had desperately wanted Zhang Ye to be the executive director back when they were filming King of Masked Singers. When it came to ability, experience, results, and attitude, there wasn''t any other variety show director in the industry who could match Zhang Ye''s professionalism.


    The host-managers were yfullyughing and fighting as they rushed into the singers'' waiting rooms that were notbeled. When a male host who ran the fastest pushed open one of the doors, he let out a surprised squeal and quickly entered, wanting to close the door. But two female hosts rushed up to the door behind him and quickly pulled at the door to stop him from closing it.


    One of the female hosts asked, "Who''s inside?"


    The male host shouted, "There''s no one in here!"


    "Who are you trying to fool! Open the door!" the other female host said with augh.


    Behind them, the other hosts also rushed over to help pull open the door!


    "Ah!"


    "Grandma Zhang!"


    "It''s Grandma Zhang!"


    Inside the room, Zhang Xiaughed as she looked at them. She was really amused. "What are you all doing?"


    In the end, all of the host-managers managed to get in and were each holding a contract in their hands.


    The male host who got into the room first ran over and knelt down in front of Zhang Xia. "Grandma Zhang, I''ll introduce myself first. My name is Big Lei, But you can call me Little Lei too. From now on, I shall be your manager on the stage of I Am a Singer!"


    Zhang Xia smiled. "Hello."


    "What do you mean by ''from now on''?"


    "Step aside, Big Lei!"


    "Grandma Zhang, please sign with me!"


    "Didn''t you say that you wanted to be Teacher Zhao Wuliu''s manager?"


    "I''ve changed my mind, alright!"


    "Grandma Zhang, ignore her. Sign with me instead! She''s two-faced!"


    Another female host was even more aggressive. She went and hugged Zhang Xia. "Grandma! My dearest grandma!"


    Zhang Xia reacted in surprise. "Wow, you''re even recognizing me as kin?"


    Zhang Xia was the most wanted singer right now. After she sang "Wild Rose," Zhang Xia turned into the host-managers'' favorite singer to sign as it would mean they wouldn''t have any worries of getting eliminated!


    At this moment, Dong Shanshan came into the room.


    "Sister Shan, don''t you steal her away from us!"


    "Shanshan, it''s too crowded in here! Don''te in!"


    Zhang Xia smiled and said, "You want to sign me as well?"


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Yes, Grandma Zhang."


    Zhang Xia was spoiled for choice. She said, "This is going to be difficult. Who should I sign with? I can only choose one of you."


    "Sign with me!"


    "Me! Me! Me!''


    "My dearest grandma!"


    Everyone rushed forward and started selling themselves.


    In the end, Dong Shanshan only needed to say a few words to defeat everyone else. She tucked her hair behind her ear and said, "Grandma Zhang, they''ve all introduced themselves, so it''s my turn. My name is Dong Shanshan, and I''m a college ssmate of our I Am a Singer''s Executive Director Zhang Ye. Back at school, we sat in front of and behind each other. He copied my assignments and stole my eraser too, so you should understand that I''m the one who has the best rtionship with the program team leader among these people. In the future, if you have any requests or needs, you can notify me directly. Everything will be OK and I''ll get it done for you."


    Zhang Xia pointed at her the moment she heard that. "It''s you then, Shanshan! Let''s sign the contract!"


    Dong Shanshan gave a triumphant smile.


    The other host-managers nearly fainted!


    "You can do that?"


    "Sister Shan, that was so shameless!"


    "What the hell!"


    "I have to give you that introduction!"


    Since Zhang Xia signed with Dong Shanshan, they had to switch their targets. The group dispersed amid the hubbub to go fight for their second-choice singer!


    ��


    Half an hourter.


    The seven singers and their host-managers were taken to a small recording studio by the program team staff. There were 14 chairs and some recording equipment in there.


    The singers got seated.


    The host-managers were up to their usual antics again.


    Dong Shanshanughed and said, "Has everyone been paired with their favorite singers?"


    The host-managers all said things like "yeah," "yup," and "that''s right."


    Dong Shanshan''s tone changed as she smirked. "How can that be? How could it be that fortuitous!"


    Everyone burst outughing!


    Chen Guang, Xiaodong, and the others were also tickled!


    "I suppose this is where they''re going to announce the results, right?"


    "Phew, I''m getting a little nervous."


    "Grandma Zhang, you''re feeling nervous?"


    "Your singing really convinced me."


    "Old Zhao, we haven''t met each other in a long time, have we?"


    "That''s right, Big Sis Zhang."


    "Nice to meet you, Teacher Zhao Wuliu. I''m a fan."


    "You''re Amy, right? It''s our first time meeting today."


    "Yup, yup, I was still a little kid when you were famous."


    "And I listen to Spring Garden''s songs very often. They''re really good."


    Everyone began chatting. This was their way of easing the tension that had built up. All of these big names here today, which were not famous or have not been popr before? What big asions had they not seen? Yet for some reason, even an old hand like Zhao Wuliu and national bel canto songstress Zhang Xia got sweaty palms. It was because this wasn''t a performance. To them, this wasn''t simply a variety show either. It was apetition with winners and losers, a ce they could be eliminated from. The results of their performances today were very important. If they didn''t do well in this qualifier, then they might just get eliminated in the knockout round 2 . No one hoped it would happen to them, so they were anxious and nervous and held expectations for the results that they would get.


    All of a sudden, they heard footsteps.


    Zhang Ye''s figure finally appeared in front of them. He was dressed in formal attire and walked in at a very slow pace. He had a very serious look on his face as he said, "Hello, everyone. I am the executive director, Zhang Ye."


    The atmosphere had an imposing air to it.


    "Director Zhang."


    "Are the results out yet?"


    "Please announce them."


    "Huu, I''m sweating!"


    "Me too!"


    The host-managers were chattering.


    Zhang Ye stood still and said calmly, "First off, thank you to the staff from the Beijing Notary Public Office for supervising the entire counting of votes. The results of the count have been inputted into this 8-inch tablet that I''m holding that''s running on thetest multi-core technology." Pausing, he picked up a bottle beside him as the camera zoomed in on him. "Before I announce the results, let me take a sip of this Honey Sweet fruit juice to soothe my throat." After he sampled it, he said, "Mmm, that was delicious. Actually, I''m more nervous than any of you. That''s why I still have to drink this Brain Gold, the leading health supplement brand in the country, to improve my state of mind." A crew member next to him handed him an item. Zhang Ye opened the packaging and said in surprise, "Oh, there''s even a gold bar in here? So it''s true that there''s a chance of winning a gold bar from this new gift box packaging of Brain Gold products?"


    Everyone burst outughing!


    Xiaodong said, "Director Zhang is such a professional!"


    Zhang Xia said, "Was that an ad?"


    A female host-manager said, "That definitely wasn''t an ad!"


    Another host-manager said, "That''s right, there was no hint of any advertising!"


    "Yeah, totally no hints!" Another male host-managerughed as he nced over.


    No hints? Your sister!


    That was too fuckingden with advertising messages!


    A lot of viewers had be very sensitive and negative towards product cement in shows. But that was still dependent on who was doing it. Zhang Ye''s methods had always been different from others''. This fellow coulde up with all kinds of creative ways to bring in an advertisement and even use it to make everyoneugh. This was also the reason why even though I Am a Singer''s advertisement sponsorship fees were very expensive, manypanies were willing to work with them. Zhang Ye''s professionalism was well-known in the industry. As long as he had the chance to do it, Zhang Ye would sh an advertisement onscreen. This was unlike the other television stations and other media where they were always covering up their advertising motives for fear that the viewers would realize it.


    Zhang Ye said, "Next up is the announcement of the rankings. But before that, I''d like to ask everyone what you all think about thispetition?"


    Zhao Wuliu smiled and said, "Everyone here are experts."


    Zhang Xia said, "The audio setup is pretty good."


    Xiaodong said, "I just feel that there''s too much pressure."


    He Huan gave a wry smile. "If I''d known earlier who the other six were, I don''t think I would''ve agreed to join."


    Amy said, "Teacher He, I should be the one saying that, alright!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "First of all, let me thank all of you foring on behalf of the program team. All of you have been famous singers for a long time, so by being willing to take a step down to join I Am a Singer''s knockoutpetition, I know how difficult of a choice that was to make. But you still came anyway, which is why I want to thank all of you. Of course, since this is apetition, then there must be a ranking. Honestly," he nced at the tablet in his hand and continued, "when I saw this ranking, I was a little surprised. So, for the first one, I would like to announce the fourth ce singer."


    Surprised?


    Why was he surprised?


    The singers and their managers'' hearts pounded from the suspense!


    Who would be in fourth ce?


    This was a very conservative spot that signified an alright performance and was eptable.


    Zhang Ye looked at the tablet. "In the first episode of the first season of Brain Gold''s I Am a Singer, the singer in fourth ce is��" He paused.


    Everyone was staring in wait with wide eyes.


    One second.


    Five seconds.


    Ten seconds.


    Nothing fucking happened!


    "Director Zhang?"


    "Did you fall asleep?"


    "Why aren''t you announcing the results?"


    "Aiyo, I''m dying from the anxiety!"


    The host-managers could not bear it!


    Zhang Ye apologized, "Sorry about that, I got distracted. I was thinking about how much that gold bar I found in the Brain Gold gift box would fetch on the market. Could you excuse me while I go and sell it off?" He then went to turn around to leave.


    Xiaodong was stunned. "Hey, where are you going?"


    Amy was dumbfounded. "Director Zhang, who''s going to announce the rankings if you leave now?"


    Dong Shanshan giggled, "Pfft!"


    Zhang Xia was tickled as well. "Director, please hurry up."


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips. "Well, alright then. I guess I''ll announce the rankings first. The singer in fourth ce is��" After another long pause, he said, "Xiaodong��"


    Xiaodong was just about to react.


    But Zhang Ye said in an unhurried tone, "What ce do you think you''re in?"


    What the!


    It''s not me?


    Everyone was crying out from the torture!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Come on!"


    "Can you announce it once and for all?"


    "Ahhhh!"


    The cameras had been recording for 15 minutes by now!


    But as it stood? Zhang Ye was still rambling and not a single spot had been announced!


    Everyone nearly vomited blood!


    Zhang Ye had once shocked everyone on the stage of The Voice by speaking like a machine gun. Everyone in the industry was so amazed by him that they imed there wouldn''t be a second person in the field of hosting who could speak as fast as him in the entire world!


    But now?


    What the hell is this?


    Where''d that rapidfire host go?


    Aren''t you being too damn long-winded?!


    1. The number of host-managers here includes those who will be used for the recement singers.


    2. Every 2 episodes, a knockout round is held | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Am_a_Singer_(Chinese_TV_series)#Competition_rules

 Chapter 1232: The exciting premiere!

    <h4>Chapter 1232: The exciting premiere! </h4>


    Chapter 1232: The exciting premiere!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the day of the broadcast.


    Since early in the morning, rumors were running wild over the Inte.


    "Sing! is pretty good!"


    "Yeah, I was at the live recording. It was really good!"


    "Well, I thought it was just so-so."


    "It''s a continuation from where The Voice left off, but there isn''t anything new. The host has changed, and the guest coaches are different too. I can only say that it was not bad, but there isn''t really anything surprising about it."


    "I think Sing! is going to end up in a tragedy!"


    "Why do you say that?"


    "Because I Am a Singer has invited a bunch of people that none of you can imagine. I was there on the day of the recording. Everyone was totally shocked!"


    "Ah?"


    "Who was there?"


    "Yeah, tell us quickly!"


    "I''ll just reveal one, Zhao Wuliu!"


    "That''s impossible!"


    "Haha, keep bullshitting!"


    "You went overboard with your bullshitting, didn''t you?"


    "Zhao Wuliu is such a godly person in the music industry, how could he have possibly joined a variety show?"


    "Damn, Zhao Wuliu was really there. There was also Chen Guang and He Huan too!"


    "Chen Guang? The big brother of the music industry going on a program to face off against other singers? You''re really too imaginative! With Old Chen''s status and ability, he''s more suitable as a coach. He would never strip away all pretense and go into battle! You must also be dreaming to im that He Huan was there. He''s the Prince of Love Songs, someone who can write and sing. He''s so popr in the music industry; do you think he''s gone mad? To go onto the show and battle his peers? Does he even need to do that? Those who join the show are gonna be either has-beens or neers! That''s why you should be careful if you want to brag. Don''t say things that others will find unbelievable if you really want to brag."


    "They''re just making things up. I went to the recording and Huo Dongfang was there on the show!"


    "Ah? Has Sect Leader Huo crossed industries?"


    "Old Huo''s singing is not bad, so there''s a good chance that he could''ve joined the show."


    "Li Xiaoxian was also there."


    "Surely not, right?"


    "Didn''t she just participate on King of Masked Singers?"


    "She was really there and she sang very well!"


    "Wow, that might really be true. After all, Li Xiaoxian has worked with Beijing TV before."


    "Zhang Xia was part of the lineup."


    "Get lost! Why would Grandma Zhang face off against a bunch of pop singers? Are you an idiot or do you think I''m an idiot?"


    "Fuck, you''re the idiot!"


    "I''m so annoyed by these people who weren''t even there at the recording trying to mislead people here!"


    "I+++...$&%$###%��#@!!"


    There was no official confirmation from Beijing Television either. Zhang Ye and the program team staff also stayed silent. Sometimes, maintaining a veil of secrecy would invite a greater fanfare. However, the 1,000 audience members who attended the live recording couldn''t be stopped from revealing this information. Someone would definitely expose something about the show. But Zhang Ye and the program team didn''t bother stopping them, although they stopped short of confirming anything themselves and just let everyone say what they wanted to say. As a result, the waters became even murkier!


    The names of Zhang Xia, Zhao Wuliu, Chen Guang, He Huan, Xiaodong, and the others were all mentioned. Simultaneously, many other names were brought up, like Huo Dongfang, Li Xiaoxian, Sun Han, Liao Yiqi, Sun Xiaoguo, etc. Those who revealed these names even said they had attended the live recording and were seated in the first row, iming that they had seen those artists singing onstage with their very own eyes. So things got more chaotic as the industry insiders became utterly confused by the ims made by those Weibo ounts that had jumped on the bandwagon or were just trolling for fun.


    Who was there?


    Just who had gone onto the show?


    ��


    On the set at a film location.


    Huo Dongfang''s cell phone rang.


    "Old Huo, good on you!"


    "Ah? What?"


    "Stop pretending, remember to do your best! The viewership ratings on Zhang Ye''s show won''t do too badly for sure."


    "What are you talking about, Old Liu?"


    "Didn''t you participate in I Am a Singer?"


    "What? But I didn''t?"


    "Huh?"


    "I''m filming a movie!"


    ��


    Central TV Department 1.


    Sing!''s program team.


    A summary of the news going around on Weibo had been reported back to them.


    "Sect Leader Huo has joined their show?"


    "That''s OK. Huo Dongfang''s singing skill is only average. At most he would be considered an outsider crossing industries to guest star on the show. Although he''s very popr, he isn''t a professional singer!"


    "Hur hur, Zhang Ye has also sunk to a low."


    "Yeah, he''s also starting to use big names to attract now."


    "But what use is that? Our tform of Sing! is much more professional than theirs. When the audience sees it, they''ll know whose participants can sing better. The talents are still among themon folk. Just look at those contestants we had lined up for the first episode. Their singing is all so good that even most pro singers aren''t a match for them. With that topare with, so what if they have Huo Dongfang? So what if they have Sun Xiaoguo? Singing show still have to depend on singing!"


    "Li Xiaoxian has joined Beijing TV''s show again?"


    "No worries. Li Xiaoxian''s singing might be good, but she ain''t among the best. We have Teacher Fan Wenli holding the fort for Sing!"


    "But what about Zhao Wuliu?"


    "And Chen Guang? He Huan?"


    "Oh,e on! Those are definitely just rumors."


    "Yup, I Am a Singer would never be able to invite them!"


    "Hur hur, and there''s even talk of Zhang Xia participating too. Those who believe that must have brains of mush, hahaha. Anyone with a brain knows that that''s made up! Just hearing that list mentioned by those people which consist of Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, He Huan, Zhao Wuliu, Xue Kaiqi, and Xiaodong, you would immediately know that it''s fake! The people on that list would constitute half of the music industry''s big names. If they''re really on the show, then which show wouldn''t be swept aside? Would the others still need to continue broadcasting? That''s why it''s impossible!"


    "Right!"


    ..


    On that night.


    It was the countdown to the broadcast.


    Zhang Ye was at the studio with the television on. The staff had all gathered together here, and his parents hade as well. They made a lot of dumplings in the afternoon and insisted on making something for Zhang Ye''s staff to show their appreciation, so they followed Zhang Ye to the office in the evening. There were two steaming pots in the open kitchen as the dumplings cooked inside the bubbling water.


    "Come,e, let''s eat!" Zhang Ye''s mother brought out a te of steaming hot dumplings.


    His father added, "Eat up. We''ve prepared pork and leek dumplings, as well as three delicacies 1 ones.


    Ha Qiqi went over to take the te from her. "Thank you, Auntie and Uncle."


    Little Wang said, "Auntie, let me do it!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Ah, this is so delicious!"


    Wu Yi said, "This makes me think of the dumplings that my mother used to make for me."


    Tong Fu exaggerated, "This is so good that I''m gonna cry!"


    Zhang Ye''s mother said, "Then have more. We still have enough to fill several more pots."


    Zhang Ye ate as he said, "Hey, it''s starting soon. Change the channel to Central TV Department 1."


    "OK." Little Wang picked up the remote control right away.


    But his mother stared at him. "What are you watching Central TV Department 1 for? Watch Beijing TV instead."


    Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry. "I have to study mypetition to know how they''re doing. I oversaw the recording of I Am a Singer and edited it as well. I''ve already watched the first episode more than seven times!"


    "But I haven''t seen it yet!" His mother rolled her eyes.


    In fact, the studio staff had not watched it either. They were on Zhang Ye''s private team and did not take part in the production of the show, so of course they hoped to watch I Am a Singer at the first possible chance. In the end, Zhang Ye had to glumly take his te of dumplings and head to the conference room. He sat there by himself with the television on as he ate while he watched. The rest remained outside and waited for I Am a Singer to begin. They were joined a littleter by Chenchen, who hade upstairs to scrounge on the dumplings.


    The broadcast began!


    Zhang Ye watched Sing! and started roasting the show.


    "Whoa, they even copied the logo?"


    "Heh, the sound isn''t that great! They''re still using the same set of equipment that I was using back then? It''s already been a year; that equipment is outdated. How can they be so thick-skinned and continue using it?"


    "What''s with the host? There''s nothing about her that stands out."


    "The first contestant doesn''t seem like much!"


    "Man! The fight between the guest coaches isn''t intense enough!"


    "Ai, childish! The director is simply too childish!"


    Behind the closed doors of the conference room, he talked to himself about everything. Zhang Ye tore Sing! to pieces. In any case, this fellow didn''t have a single good thing to say about it and despised everything he saw. But in all fairness, this show wasn''t even badly done. It was still pretty good. Although they copied Zhang Ye''s version of The Voice entirely, they managed to reproduce it quite faithfully to the first season of the show. All they were missing were some bright sparks of creativity.


    At this time, his parents'' exmations came from outside!


    "Xiaodong!"


    "It''s Xiaodong!"


    Not long after.


    "Heavens!"


    "Zhao Wuliu!"


    "He��he really went?"


    ��


    Central TV Department 1.


    Sing!''s program team was also dumbfounded!


    "Huh?"


    "What the heck is this?"


    "Who can tell me what just happened?"


    "They....How did they��"


    "Impossible! This is impossible!"


    "How on earth did Zhang Ye do it?"


    "How could he possibly have invited those people!"


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    It blew up on Weibo!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Quick, go and watch I Am a Singer!"


    "Xiaodong really joined the show!"


    "Zhao Wuliu has too!"


    "Next up is Chen Guang!"


    "They''ve gone mad! These people must''ve gone mad!"


    "What those people imed was really true!"


    "My titanium dog eyes are blinded!"


    "How eargasmic!"


    "Listening to this made me cry!"


    "The sound quality is way too good!"


    "This sound quality really can''t be reproduced by any other show!"


    "The singing is so good! This lineup should ount for half the music industry''s big names, right?"


    "They sang so well that I''m finding it hard to believe this is true!"


    "Sing! is gonna be screwed! Compared to I Am a Singer, don''t the contestants on Sing! all seem like childrening out to y?"


    "Ah! Zhang Xia is the final singer!"


    "Fuck! She sang ''Wild Rose'' to such a godlike level!"


    "An artist! This is what you fucking call an artist!"


    "In the face of Grandma Zhang, even Zhang Ye''s version of ''Wild Rose'' can''tpare!"


    "I have a feeling that I Am a Singer is going to blow up!"


    "The idea behind I Am a Singer and its format are simply too good!"


    "The pressure is now on Sing!"


    "That might not necessarily be true. Sing! has an existing audience base, so it''s hard to say how its viewership ratings will do."


    "Based on the quality of the show, I Am a Singer has defied the Heavens! Just by getting those seven people onto the same stage, which of theirpetitors would not be swept away?"


    "They''re about to announce the rankings!"


    "Damn! What is Zhang Ye doing!"


    "This cheat!"


    "Zhang Ye, fuck your grandpa!"


    "I wish I could snuff him out by sitting on him!"


    "Why is he still not announcing the results?"


    "My God! The total time needed for the seven singers to perform only took twenty-something minutes. But your announcement of the results have used up another twenty minutes of the time, and only two singers'' spots have been announced so far?"


    "Zhang Ye! You''re dead meat!"


    "Pfft, this is so funny!"


    "What fastest talking host in the history of TV? He''s should be called the most long-winded executive director in the fucking history of TV instead! Zhang Ye, do you believe I won''t smash your home''s windows?"


    "Ahhh, this suspense is killing me!"


    "Who on earth is in first ce?"


    "Zhang Ye! You''ve pissed off the entire audience!"


    The audience was shouting in anger and hating this. But even amid all the scolding, no one changed the channel. In fact, they were all watching with anticipation and excitement as they waited for Zhang Ye to finish his teasing. Even though they knew he was doing this on purpose, everyone still continued watching because this was the most crucial moment in the show!


    When the fifth contestant of Sing! made their appearance, I Am a Singer was still on the ranking announcement segment. When Sing!''s seventh contestant came out, I Am a Singer was still announcing the rankings. By the time Sing!''s broadcast had ended, I Am a Singer��was still announcing the rankings!


    Just think about that!


    What kind of a goddamn bloody situation was this!


    All of the viewers wanted to smash a brick into Zhang Ye''s face through their television screens!


    After finally making it through all the "hardship," the rankings for the first episode of I Am a Singer were finally out!


    First: Zhang Xia.


    Second: Chen Guang.


    Third: Zhao Wuliu.


    Fourth: Xiaodong.


    Fifth: He Huan.


    Sixth: Xue Kaiqi.


    Seventh: Amy.


    The tally was not shown to maintain a certain level of suspense. It would only be announced during the next episode after the knockout round took ce.


    1. https://.unfamiliarchina/dim-sum/dumplings/seafood-dumplings/three-delicacies-potstickers-guo-tie

 Chapter 1233: A viewership rating that would terrify anyone!

    <h4>Chapter 1233: A viewership rating that would terrify anyone! </h4>


    Chapter 1233: A viewership rating that would terrify anyone!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Early in the morning.


    On the roads, in the subway, at the breakfast stalls, heated discussions were happening.


    "Did you watch it yesterday?"


    "I watched both shows!"


    "Me too. I caught Sing! first. But after that, I switched over to I Am a Singer."


    "Hahaha, the rankings announcement segment was such a scam. That Zhang Ye could probably get away with murder by killing us with all that suspense. He really stole the thunderst night. A singing show ended up with him getting even more screen time than the singers who performed onstage. I was wondering why Zhang Ye didn''t participate in the show himself, so that''s where the Easter egg was. But then, this show is really good, haha! I just loved how he teased those singers and their host-managers!"


    "This segment is ingenious. I don''t think other shows would even dare to attempt it!"


    "Yeah, the creativity of this show is really on another level."


    "Sing! was pretty good too."


    "It was, but that show was also created by Zhang Ye. No matter how well Central TV Department 1 does it now, they''re still feeding on the scraps that were left over by Zhang Ye."


    "True that."


    At the same time.


    Dozens of morning newspapers went on sale.


    "Sing! puts up a good performance."


    "Central TV Department 1 continues its work on a ssic!"


    "I Am a Singer causes a sensation!"


    "A great half of the music industry''s big names are in attendance!"


    "Zhang Ye''s new variety show is as amazing as ever!"


    "I Am a Singer: A shocking work of art!"


    "The gap in the audio sensory experience was obvious. I Am a Singer has a world-ss audio setup!"


    "Zhao Wuliu makes aeback. The once popr God of Songs has been revived!"


    "Songstress Zhang Xia shoots to fame overnight with a career rebirth!"


    "Amy on the verge of elimination?"


    "Xiaodong''s solo performance showcases her incredible singing!"


    "Viewer survey: Chen Guang and Zhang Xia favorites to be grand champion!"


    "Zhang Ye''s ample screen time makes audienceugh and curse!"


    "Zhang Ye''s new nickname: The most long-winded executive director in the history of TV!"


    "Zhang Ye''s poprity to climb again?"


    "Whose viewership ratings will be higher, Sing! or I Am a Singer?"


    ��


    Beijing Television.


    At I Am a Singer''s program team office.


    Everyone was here today. Executive Producer Hu Fei had asked Xiao Lu to buy some newspapers that reported about their show to the office. But when Xiao Lu arrived at work, she was carrying more than 20 morning newspapers in her arms. She had probably bought a copy of every paper at the newspaper stand because they were all reporting about their show.


    Furthermore, the songs sung on the show had also charted on the biggest music chart in the country!


    On thetest Top Chinese Music Chart.


    The calction of yesterday''s statistics:


    #1: "Wild Rose" - Zhang Xia


    #2: "Don''t Say You Know Me" - Zhao Wuliu


    #3: "Hope" - Yan Yi


    #4: "Fire" - Zhang Yuanqi


    #5: "Protect" - Chen Guang


    Many of the songs performed on I Am a Singer had appeared on this chart. Of course, there were also the songs performed on Sing!, like the #3 song on the chart, as well as others like the Heavenly Queen''s song that was just released a week ago and another new song from a Heavenly King. These were the top 20 songs for the day based on the statistics calcted yesterday.


    Hou Ge said excitedly, "We''ve made it!"


    Hou Di cautiously reminded, "We still have to see how the viewership did."


    "Even without seeing that, I know that we''ve made it!" Hou Ge said, "I was worried that the segment where Director Zhang announced the rankings had dragged on for too long. During the broadcast yesterday, I even timed it on my watch to see exactly how long it took. Well alright, the announcement went on for nearly 30 minutes! Hahaha, but who could have expected that the viewers would be so epting of it. The draft report even showed that the viewers doubled at that point in time!"


    Xiao Lu giggled loudly. "I was also worried about that. But in the end, I was proven wrong by Director Zhang!"


    Dafei said happily, "That''s right, when has our Director Zhang ever gotten it wrong before?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Hey, hey, enough with the adtion."


    Han Qi said in admiration, "Teacher Zhang is so amazing."


    Hu Fei smiled and said, "It''s not like you guys haven''t witnessed the amazingness of Teacher Little Zhang before. I''m not at all surprised that the show got a good reception, but what I''m more concerned about now is the viewership ratings for our premiere episode. This is different from King of Masked Singers because we didn''t have anypetition back then and dominated the market. But with Sing! sharing the same broadcast slot with us, the viewers would definitely be divided. That makes it really difficult to put a finger on how we''ll do."


    Yes.


    The viewership ratings were the most important factor!


    It was also the area in which they and the whole of Beijing Television were most concerned about!


    Chen Guang called over.


    "Zhang''er, what''s the viewership ratings?"


    "Don''t be so anxious, Old Chen. It''s not out yet."


    "When will it be released?"


    "I''ll let you know."


    A short whileter, Dong Shanshan and the other host-managers arrived at the office. The first thing that every one of them asked about was the viewership ratings.


    Zhang Ye was also starting to feel the pressure. He had depended on his reputation and influence to form his team. After spending over the 200 million RMB that Beijing Television had allocated for the production budget and taking another 200 million from Wu Mo for the title sponsorship fee, he rounded up Dong Shanshan and the other hosts of Beijing Television, invited Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, Zhao Wuliu, Xiaodong, and the others, as well as carried out the task that his studio had prepared for him to reach the summit. If he messed up on the viewership ratings, he wouldn''t be able to answer to anyone.


    ��


    Central TV Department 1.


    Sing!''s program team staff had also arrived at work very early. Both anxiety and anticipation were written on everyone''s faces as they waited for the viewership ratings to be released.


    "Is it out yet?"


    "Hurry up already!"


    "May the Heavens bless us!"


    "We don''t ask to break 2% for the premiere, but please, just let us do better than I Am a Singer!"


    "Right, it''s good enough if we can do better than them!"


    "It will definitely be higher than their viewership ratings. A show that only spends half its time showing singing performances and the other half showing some long-winded ranking announcement, its viewership ratings couldn''t possibly be high at all!"


    "We''ll definitely win this time!"


    "Zhang Ye''s legend of the viewership ratings will be broken soon!"


    Everyone in the industry knew about the legend of Zhang Ye.


    He had never lost before!


    He was always first in the viewership ratings for simr shows!


    He was always first in the viewership ratings for the same broadcast slot!


    He was always the first in the viewership ratings of the entire country!


    Even for the documentary he filmed, it had swept aside all of the other television shows in the country. This was why so many people in the industry were waiting to see who could cut short Zhang Ye''s legend in the viewership ratings. Without a doubt, Central TV Department 1''s Sing! had the best chance to do so, even if Sing! was originally Zhang Ye''s idea to begin with.


    On Weibo.


    "I ce my bets on Sing! winning!"


    "Get lost, my bet is on I Am a Singer!"


    "For Zhang Ye''s shows, it can lose in other areas, but it will never lose in the viewership ratings!"


    "The only one who can curb Zhang Ye is the SARFT. Now that the SARFT has turned their attention away from him, that means that no one in the entire industry can win against that guy, not even Central TV Department 1!"


    "+1 to the previous poster!"


    "Brilliant analysis by the previous poster!"


    "If Zhang Ye had made the second season of The Voice, he might stand a chance of beating I Am a Singer. But with Central TV Department 1''s Sing! being just a renamed version of The Voice and having no new content, it''ll be really difficult to beat him!"


    "Anything can happen, let''s see how it turns out."


    "The two shows are quite good, so I don''t think the viewership ratings will differ by much."


    Finally, at 10 AM, the nationwide viewership ratings for yesterday were released!


    But the results dumbfounded many industry insiders andizens. A lot of people could feel their hearts turn cold and a chill rise from within!


    How could that be possible!


    How could it be like this!


    Th-This didn''t make any sense!


    Theizens were shocked!


    The industry insiders were terrified!


    Many people were unable to ept the results!


    The rankings of the nationwide viewership ratings for yesterday:


    First: I Am a Singer, with a viewership rating of 2.43%!


    Second: Celebrity Guess, with a viewership rating of 0.84%!


    Third: Sing!, with a viewership rating of 0.82%!


    The entire industry blew up over this news. I Am a Singer was first in the nationwide viewership ratings? Alright, that was still eptable. After all, this was Zhang Ye''s show. After all, he was the best director in the industry! But what was this about Sing!? How could Sing!''s viewership ratings only put it in third ce? It didn''t even pass 1%? It only managed a meek 0.82%? It wasn''t even a match for a reality TV show like Celebrity Guess?


    Didn''t the reviews say that it was quite good?


    Didn''t they say that it was very good?


    So why were the viewership ratings so low?!


    Many people in the industry were terrified. What was that nonsense about the viewers and poprity of these two shows getting split and shared evenly? It turned out there was no such thing! I Am a Singer had snatched away most of Sing!''s viewers! During yesterday''s broadcast slot, I Am a Singer''s viewers were three times as many as Sing!''s! What was there still left to y for? What was there still left topete on?


    Had Zhang Ye''s influence reached a tipping point?


    That whoever went up against him would be left for dead?


    Whoever went up against him would be finished?


    Sing! couldn''t do it?


    Central TV Department 1 couldn''t do it?


    Was there really no one in the industry who could defeat him?


    This question was finally answered today.


    That''s right. It seemed there was really no one at all!

 Chapter 1234: The people of Central TV Department 1 are made to cry!

    <h4>Chapter 1234: The people of Central TV Department 1 are made to cry! </h4>


    Chapter 1234: The people of Central TV Department 1 are made to cry!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Beijing Television.


    It was pure jubtion in the program team office!


    Even the staff from the other program teams came over to congratte them. Everyone was looking at Zhang Ye with a strangepelling sense of admiration!


    Xiao Lu screamed, "We''ve won! We''ve won!"


    Hou Ge put his arm around Dafei''s shoulder. "It''s 2.43%!"


    Hou Di shouted, "That''s so awesome, Big Bro!"


    Hou Ge said, "Yeah it is, Little Bro!"


    Dong Shanshan waved a thumbs up at Zhang Ye.


    Everyone followed suit and gave Zhang Ye a thumbs up.


    "Director Zhang!"


    "You''re awesome!"


    "You''re the best!"


    "Central TV Department 1 has lost badly this time!"


    "They didn''t even pass 1%!"


    "We must have snatched away all of their viewers!"


    "I will only respect Director Zhang in this lifetime!"


    "I could never have freaking expected this oue!"


    "Ahhh, this is great!"


    "Producer Hu, Director Zhang, looks like treat''s on you two this afternoon!"


    "Haha, that''s for sure. Let''s have a celebratory feastter!"


    Hu Fei was also feeling very excited. All of his worries and anxiety disappeared the moment the viewership ratings chart was released. Thinking back on their own analysis about having no audience base and the issue of the show''s poprity getting divided, it wasughable now! They had Zhang Ye on their side! What did they have to worry about!


    Zhang Ye was already making some calls.


    He gave Chen Guang a call first.


    "Hello, Old Chen."


    "Is it out yet?"


    "It''s out. 2.43%, we''re in first ce."


    "What? It passed the two-point mark? How much did Sing! get?"


    "0.8-something."


    "Ah?"


    "Don''t me me for that, tell Old Fan not toe looking for me."


    Then he called Xiaodong.


    "Sister Dong, the viewership ratings are out."


    "Boss Zhang! I saw it! I saw it already!"


    "Alright then, that''s all. I just wanted to tell you."


    "Do you have to tell anyone? The entire entertainment circle has already blown up over the results! Everyone in the industry is talking about you. They''re saying that you''re the undisputed leader of variety shows. Not even a Heavenly King or Queen could beat you in this field. Haha, thank you so much, Boss Zhang. Because of your show, this girl has grown in poprity again. I only just got off the phone with Grandma Zhang Xia. She says that she didn''t expect her song to get so popr. She wanted to give you her support for the show at first, but who could''ve guessed she would benefit from you instead. Grandma Zhang is already preparing her second song. She''s really motivated for the show!"


    "You should also prepare yourself."


    "That''s for sure, I''m going to vie for the top three!"


    Next, he called Amy.


    "Amy, do well on your second song."


    "Aiya, I''m so stressed out!


    "Haha."


    "The show has gotten so popr, so I can''t get eliminated just like this. I won''t talk anymore, Director Zhang. I have to start choosing my song to prepare for the performance. This time, I''m gonna give it my all!"


    Every singer was getting really motivated. In a basic sense, weren''t they participating on this show just because of poprity? With the viewership ratings doing so well, everyone would get very excited!


    Zhang Ye''s Studio also found out about this news instantly.


    Zhang Ye called Ha Qiqi. "Everything''s proceeding ording to n. Let everyone know so that they don''t have to worry."


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, I knew that there wouldn''t be any problems!"


    For the "Reach the Summit" n to seed, it was necessary for this step to proceed smoothly. From the viewership ratings of the premiere episode, as long as Zhang Ye didn''t make a mistake in the production of the show from here on out, the viewership ratings would only get higher and wouldn''t suffer a drop. Further, Zhang Ye''s screen time on I Am a Singer was unexpectedlyrge and the amount of attention he received was as much as the singers themselves. As such, the poprity he could gain from the field of television shows would surely be maxed out now!


    As Zhang Ye continued making several more calls.


    The Beijing Television executives arrived at the program team office. It was usually Hu Fei who weed them since Zhang Ye wasn''t good at dealing with higher-ups. The moment the executives came into the office, they simply made a promise to the entire team that their year-end bonuses would be tripled! This was the most practical reward that anyone could receive, so they apuded it loudly!


    ��


    Online.


    Theizens were also eximing in surprise.


    "I really didn''t expect this!"


    "Yeah, the disparity is too great!"


    "How the hell are they going topete like this?"


    "I Am a Singer is too awesome!"


    "It''s another phenomenal variety show! The premiere has done so well even with Sing! as itspetitor. If they could knock Sing! outter, the viewership ratings could even break records again! King of Masked Singers won''t be able to hold its viewership ratings record!"


    "Sing! isn''t that bad, I actually found it quite good. But the problem for them is that they had go against Zhang Ye, so it''s quite unlucky that they had to lose this way. Judging from the show trending online, their viewership ratings should definitely be able to pass 1% at the minimum. But because of I Am a Singer broadcasting at the same time slot, all of the viewers were taken away from them. Those viewers would then catch the rerun of Sing! on television or over the Inte. This statistic does not take that into consideration for the viewership ratings; that''s why the disparity is sorge."


    "How terrible."


    "I really sympathize with Central TV Department 1."


    "How did it turn out like this?"


    "My God! How scary!"


    "Yeah, which shows would dare to take on Zhang Ye during the same time slot in the future! Even Sing! has died a bloody death!"


    "Central TV Department 1 have only themselves to me for being so arrogant. They were hyping up their show using Zhang Ye''s name and even deliberately said incriminating things about him. Using someone else''s work and still stabbing him in the back was what caused Lord Zhang to get so enraged. So he created a new show and took them on in response. Otherwise, Sing! would definitely have dominated the market without anypetition. Hai, it''s happened so many times, so why won''t they just learn. Why do they keep thinking that Face-smacking Zhang is so easy to be trifled with?"


    "I Am a Singer was indeed wonderfully made!"


    "They invited all the right people!"


    "Zhang Xia''s song was spectacr!"


    "Zhao Wuliu gave us such a surprise!"


    There was a flurry of discussions!


    Zhang Xia was on fire!


    Zhao Wuliu was on fire!


    Xiaodong was on fire!


    Zhang Ye was on fire!


    Dong Shanshan and the other host-managers were on fire!


    Everyone that was rted to I Am a Singer had be really popr with the rise of the show!


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    Central TV Department 1.


    There was an eerie silence in the program team office of Sing!


    How could this be!


    How could it happen!


    Was there a mistake somewhere?


    Could the result have been miscalcted?


    How could their show''s viewership rating be so low?


    A young woman who was holding the viewership ratings chart in her hands suddenly puckered her lips as she started tearing up uncontrobly. When another woman on the program team beside her saw that, her eyes reddened as well.


    Terrible!


    They had lost too terribly!


    An assistant director saw it and immediately said, "What''s with this? Huh? What''s with this? How far are we into this? Don''t start panicking so soon. The viewers only watched their premiere episode for the fun of it to see what it was all about. They''ve never heard of a show like I Am a Singer before, so they went to have a look for themselves. By the next episode, our audience will have returned and the viewership ratings will surpass theirs. So if we work hard on the second episode''s recording, we''ll definitely be able to beat them!"


    Another assistant director added, "Right! I Am a Singer has a major w in their format, which is how they eliminate the participants too quickly. Those singers are all big names in the music industry and have many fans. Whoever gets eliminated will surely cause a stir within their fanbase. They''ll definitely be unsatisfied with the results and protest it. At that time, their viewership ratings will definitely fall, so don''t worry too much!"


    Really?


    Could that be possible?


    Only then did everyone regain a glimmer of hope!


    Right!


    They hadn''t lost yet!


    It was only the first episode!


    There was still plenty of time!


    There were still a lot of chances!


    They just had to buck up and do their jobs seriously so the show would get better. Only then could they reallypete against Zhang Ye''s team. This was just like a ser match. The winner wouldn''t be decided until the final moments of the game. So all of them took a deep breath and encouraged themselves: Come on! There isn''t much time left for Team China 1 ��.Uh, there isn''t much time left for us!


    1. Reference to Liu Jianhong''s sermentary that''s usually memed by theizens or mostmentaries whenever the Chinese ser team ys https://zhidao.baidu/question/1883360136377152148.html

 Chapter 1235: The second episode of I Am a Singer!

    <h4>Chapter 1235: The second episode of I Am a Singer! </h4>


    Chapter 1235: The second episode of I Am a Singer!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the second week.


    It was only two days away from the broadcast of the second episode.


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "Time is really dragging by, hurry up and broadcast it already!"


    "I like Grandma Zhang Xia!"


    "Sing!''s Little Huang is pretty good too!"


    "Let''s see if Sing! can catch up in the ratings this time."


    "Yeah, if they can''t do it by the second episode, then it''s all over for them."


    "I''m getting worried about I Am a Singer. Don''t forget that the second episode will be the knockout round. All of those singers can sing so well, so I won''t be able to ept whoever gets eliminated. But for now, doesn''t it look like Amy will be the one who most likely gets eliminated? I wonder how many votes she has now. She was thest ce singer during the first episode. In my opinion, this will be the only opportunity for Sing! to overtake them in the ratings. If I Am a Singer does not handle this issue well, their sess will only be a sh in the pan."


    "You can do it, Amy!"


    The online discussions were unending.


    Elsewhere.


    Beijing Television.


    The second episode''s recording of I Am a Singer was about to begin.


    The singers had gradually arrived throughout the afternoon and were rehearsing in solo practice sessions. Meanwhile, Executive Director Zhang Ye was not present onsite. Instead, he was in a room by himself making a call.


    "Teacher, pleasee."


    "Director Zhang, do allow me to think about it first."


    "You don''t need to think. Our stage is only missing a singer like you."


    "But my songs are not suited forpeting with others."


    "There''s nothing that''s unsuitable. Our audience is a very inclusive bunch and will embrace all kinds of music."


    "You''re making this difficult for me, Director Zhang."


    "Teacher, did you watch the first episode of our show?"


    "Yes, I did."


    "Grandma Zhang Xia has be very popr overnight, and the audience is very receptive to her performance, so that shows the inclusiveness of our show''s stage. As long as it''s something good, everyone will be interested in it. Of course, I know that you don''tck poprity, nor do you care about that. But if you can bring more people your art and let them appreciate it, that would also be a virtuous thing to do. Please don''t hesitate any longer. This is my fourth time calling you and your agent, so I''m sure you know how sincere I am in inviting you."


    "Well, alright then."


    "Then it''s settled, Teacher?"


    "I''ll give it a shot."


    "Great, here''s to working well together!"


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye snapped his fingers!


    It had taken an entire week, but he had finally worked it out. This really had not been easy.


    On the Inte, all the discussions were about the knockout round of I Am a Singer. Theizens were all worried that the program team would not be able to handle this segment properly and screw it up. But of course, anything that the viewers could think of would already have been anticipated by Zhang Ye. He knew in his heart of hearts that such eliminations would not really pose much of an issue. If there was one show doing this, then another two or three shows would follow suit. In the future, such elimination formats would definitely get mass adopted by every other show out there. The discussions and doubts would only serve to propel their show''s poprity and viewership ratings; it would never decrease the poprity of the show. However, he would have to be very cautious about this knockout round and handle the process very carefully. That was the most important thing of all right now, and Zhang Ye''s n was to make use of the recement singer option. He needed a very experienced and big name singer so that the viewers would not dwell on who got eliminated and instead turn their full attention to the recement singer. It would surely help to cut down on theter negativity. As they say, ring out the old, ring in the new. This was exactly what it meant.


    Once he came out of the room, Xiao Lu and the others looked to him.


    "Director Zhang, how did it go?"


    "Did he agree?"


    Everyone was asking.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s done."


    "Ah!"


    "That''s great!"


    "Director Zhang is awesome!"


    "You''ve got such great influence!"


    Everyone could finally heave a sigh of relief knowing just how important this first recement singer was.


    But Zhang Yeughed and said, "It''s not because of my influence but that our show has gotten good viewership ratings. With this ess pass, it was much easier to handle the negotiations."


    Hu Fei came over. "Zhang''er, we''re about to start recording."


    "Alright, Brother Hu. I''ll be right over." Zhang Ye started getting busy.


    The atmosphere of today''s recording was quite different from the first episode. Everyone from the program team was in great spirits. But whether that was due to the heaven defying viewership ratings or because of the management''s promise that their year-end bonuses would be tripled, no one really knew.


    The singers were also giving it their all. Amy and Xue Kaiqi, who were the two bottom ce singers in the first episode, were going all out in hopes that they could avoid the "relegation" fight, so of course they had to give everything they had. They were no longer thinking about first and second ce anymore. All they wanted was to be able to remain in thepetition. Meanwhile, the better ranked singers from the first episode like Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, and Zhao Wuliu were all not too worried about getting eliminated. However, the pressure on them was just as great since they were hoping for a shot at first ce.


    ��


    Two dayster.


    The second episode was broadcast.


    All over the country, countless viewers were watching TV and waiting in anticipation. Some of them chose to watch Beijing Television, while others had switched to Central TV Department 1. As for how many people were watching and what the ratio of viewers was between the two channels, no one really knew. They would have to wait until the broadcast was over before the viewership ratings would get released.


    In front of the television.


    "It''s starting!"


    "They''ve picked the order of appearance already."


    "Ah, Amy is so unlucky!"


    "Pfft, Amy''s host-manager is so funny! She got picked to sing first!"


    "This is going to be dangerous."


    "Xue Kaiqi didn''t get a good lot either. She''ll perform third?"


    "Wow, Xiaodong is such a good friend!"


    "Sister Dong picked number five but gave up her slot to Amy!"


    "Even at such a crucial moment, they''re still so sisterly!"


    "Xiaodong''sing on to sing."


    "Haha, Xiaodong''s hosting is quite good. At first, I felt that Sister Dong was too unprofessional as the guest host. But ever since I saw how Zhang Ye did the rankings announcement at the end of the first episode, I suddenly found Sister Dong to be very professional! This is what it means to be a host, no nonsense, no long-windedness! She would outdo that fraudster Zhang Ye by at least ten blocks! I suggest that Sister Dong take on the role of announcing the rankings at the end as well. Zhang Ye, I''ve had enough of you! You''re so full of deception!"


    "Agreed!"


    "Hahaha, seconded!"


    Xiaodong.


    He Huan.


    Xue Kaiqi.


    Everyone eventually had their turn on stage.


    "Wow!"


    "That was such a great performance!"


    "Amy is in godly form today!"


    "No one can evene close to her rap!"


    "I still think Chen Guang was better. He''s really got it in him and can perform so wlessly every time! Actually, I felt that Chen Guang should have been first in the previous episode. It''s probably just because he''s a very popr singer at the moment that everyone has be too familiar with his singing. Since everyone knows that he can sing well, there''s less to look forward to for his performances!"


    "It''s Grandma Zhang Xia''s turn!"


    "Oh my God!"


    "Fuck!"


    "The moment Grandma Zhang started singing, I knew that first ce would go to her!"


    "Grandma Zhang is the biggest dark horse on I Am a Singer!"


    "Yeah, who would''ve thought that an old-fashioned songstress could actually sing such songs!"


    The performance segment was over.


    Very quickly, it was time for the rankings announcement again.


    When Zhang Ye strolled up, then read the advertising messages at an unhurried pace, and leisurely chatted with everyone, the TV viewers started cursing and swearing again!


    "Get lost!"


    "Zhang Ye, your sister!"


    "Why is it this again?"


    "Pfft, I''ve got to give it to you!"


    "Can''t you just fucking announce the rankings!"


    "Aiyo, I''m dying of anxiety!"


    "Teacher Zhang, can you stop doing that please!"


    "You crawling bastard!"


    To crawl means to be very slow in the Beijing dialect.


    After rambling on for almost half an hour, the rankings were finally squeezed out like how one would milk a cow.


    Thebined rankings over the two episodes were:


    First: Zhang Xia


    Second: Chen Guang


    Third: Zhao Wuliu


    Fourth: Xiaodong


    Fifth: He Huan


    Sixth: Amy


    Seventh: Xue Kaiqi


    The Princess of Love Songs who was rankedst would have to leave this stage.


    Amy''s eyes reddened as she gave Xue Kaiqi a hug.


    Zhang Xia gave Xue Kaiqi a pat on her back with a sigh.


    Everyone came forward to bid farewell to Xue Kaiqi. It was a pretty emotional scene, but this was not done for the show''s effect, nor was it scripted. After meeting several times and getting along so well, everyone had be familiar with each other. Moreover, many of them already knew each other before this and could be considered old friends, so they really could not bear to see her leave.


    On the Inte, theizens erupted!


    "It''s a conspiracy!"


    "What a shady show!"


    "My Princess!"


    "How could they have eliminated Xue Kaiqi?"


    "I like her so much!"


    "This is so cruel. Xue Kaiqi indeed didn''t sing very well during the first episode, but she''s definitely capable of more than that. It''s just that she hasn''t returned to the stage for a very long time, so why didn''t they give her a chance to prove herself?"


    "Yeah!"


    "Director Zhang is so cold-hearted!"


    "Dammit, I''m not watching this anymore!"


    "Fuck, surely you guys don''t have to take it so personally, right?"


    "I think the votes are a pretty urate reflection of the audience''s choice. Xue Kaiqi hasn''t performed onstage for too long, so she didn''t seem toofortable standing there? So she got a little nervous? Hai, but I''ll still miss her anyhow."


    "I don''t want her to go!"


    At this moment, Zhang Ye spoke on the television.


    After everyone had finished shedding their tears and saying those sad words, and when Xue Kaiqi finished her emotional crying, Zhang Ye suddenly said, "Oh, right. There''s one more thing that I forgot to mention. Before the grand finals take ce, we''ll have a revival round. The previously eliminated singers will have the chance to return to the stage to battle to be the grand champion. Teacher Xue, are you willing to ept this invitation?"


    Zhang Xia was stunned.


    Amy was dumbfounded.


    Xue Kaiqi said in surprise, "Of course I''ll ept!"


    Chen Guang was floored. "Director Zhang, why didn''t you mention this earlier?"


    Zhang Ye slowly took a sip of water and even purposely shed the bottle''s logo at the camera before answering, "No one asked."


    Dong Shanshanughed, "Pfft!"


    All the host-managers were shocked!


    On Weibo, everyone was exasperated!


    "So there''s going to be a revival round?"


    "Zhang Ye, fuck your grandpa!"


    "You''re such a scammer!"


    "Damn, you should have said so earlier!"


    "Yeah, you made me cry over the elimination for nothing!"


    "I have nevere across such an unreliable executive director before! You should have mentioned those rules earlier!"


    "Hahahahaha!"

 Chapter 1236: I’ll give in, alright?

    <h4>Chapter 1236: I''ll give in, alright? </h4>


    Chapter 1236: I''ll give in, alright?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    The viewership ratings were published!


    The rankings of the nationwide viewership ratings for yesterday:


    First: I Am a Singer, 2.77%


    Second: Sing!, 0.91%


    These top two ranked shows in the nationwide viewership ratings were not only the top two shows for the day and at the same time slot. They were as good as the top two ranked shows for the weekly and monthly nationwide viewership ratings! Sing!''s viewership ratings had increased by a little, but it wasn''t really much to speak of. Meanwhile, I Am a Singer''s viewership ratings rose by so much that it could be said to have taken a step up. It was only into its second week of broadcast, but the viewership ratings were galloping towards the 3% mark. Things were going strong for them!


    Seeing this result, a lot of people reacted differently.


    The industry sighed.


    The media smacked their lips.


    The public got into debates.


    "Sing! is still not doing well!"


    "I Am a Singer is too strong!"


    "There''s nothing that they can do about it."


    "No one in the entertainment circle can curb Zhang Ye!"


    "It really is a good show, so it was well-deserved that they got such a result. Sing! was just unlucky to be broadcasting at the same time slot as I Am a Singer. Otherwise, they shouldn''t have any problems passing 1.5% in the viewership ratings. We can only see how Central TV Department 1 will react now. Are they going to put up a relentless fight? That might just be possible. After all, the two sides are very caught up in battling each other, and they''ve got some history between them as well."


    "Let''s wait and see how they''ll fight."


    "There isn''t much time left for Sing!"


    ��


    Central TV Department 1.


    At the Sing! program team office.


    "Why is it still like this?"


    "Why did it increase by so little?"


    "We''ve lost again?"


    "Goddammit, I can''t ept this!"


    "Come on, everyone!"


    "Yeah, it''s not over yet!"


    "They''ve eliminated Xue Kaiqi, so their viewership ratings will definitely fall!"


    "That''s right, this is our chance!"


    "Let''s do our best for the third episode!"


    ��


    A weekter.


    The third episode of I Am a Singer was broadcast.


    The recement singer was the final performer.


    When the figure standing behind the moon gate appeared onstage, countless TV viewers were pleasantly surprised and whooped in disbelief!


    "Ah!"


    "This is?"


    "Teacher Huang Cheng!"


    "It''s Teacher Huang!"


    "Why is he here too?"


    "Even he hase?"


    "This lineup is making me piss my pants!"


    "Did they have to go this far?"


    "It''s Huang Cheng! The famous musician!"


    Huang Cheng and Zhang Xia were both considered artists even if they each had a different style. Zhang Xia was more of an artistic folk singer who sang bel canto while Huang Cheng belonged more to the global stage as an artistic singer. He was particrly good at jazz and the like and had won global music awards on more than one asion. He had performed on some of the biggest stages in the world and was even nearly nominated for the most prestigious global music award. Of course, thatst honor was something that only the Chinese media had publicized. As for how close he had gotten to being nominated, that was undetermined.


    If the Chinese music scene had to identify someone who was closest to the global stage of music, then that person would definitely not be Zhang Yuanqi, Chen Guang, nor Zhang Xia. It would have to be Huang Cheng!


    So for an artist like him toe onto the stage of I Am a Singer, the viewers were of course very surprised. It seemed even an artist like Huang Cheng could not resist the charm of performing on such a stage. This was the biggest musical stage in the entire country and a ce where professional singers had gathered. And today, Huang Cheng was also here!


    Amy said in a daze, "It''s another heavyweight?"


    He Huan said respectfully, "This is a singing master."


    Zhang Xia smiled. "Another old friend hase."


    With great effort.


    Word by word.


    Zhang Ye finally finished announcing the rankings with an effort that was akin to squeezing out the veryst bit of toothpaste.


    First: Huang Cheng


    Second: Zhang Xia


    Third: Chen Guang


    Fourth: He Huan


    Fifth: Amy


    Sixth: Xiaodong


    Seventh: Zhao Wuliu


    Perhaps due to this being Huang Cheng''s first appearance on the show and also the fact that he had sung quite well, he took first ce with his stage debut. The audience was very respectful to him. Meanwhile, Xiaodong did not get ranked well because she had been picked to sing first and that might have affected her results. Actually, there weren''t really any problems with her singing. Zhao Wuliuing inst ce was the most surprising of all. He had clearly done very well in the first two episodes and was also given a lot of attention by everyone, but who could''ve guessed that the votes for him would drop in the third episode. Perhaps it was due to the initial surprise of his appearance waning and the fading feelings that made the audience more rational and demanding of the singers'' performances. This was a good thing, and it showed that the audience was bing more and more professional with their voting. This was a singingpetition, after all. The singers weren''t here topete on their poprity nor their seniority, and this was also an important point that I Am a Singer was targeting to achieve as the show went on.


    The viewership ratings were released very soon this time.


    First: I Am a Singer, 2.85%


    Second: Sing!, 0.90%


    I Am a Singer was still building up its poprity, but Sing!''s viewership ratings were t and had even dipped slightly. It was obvious where this was going.


    ��


    Elsewhere.


    Central TV Department 1 could no longer just sit around!


    Sing!''s program team staff were all starting to panic a little!


    "What should we do?"


    "This��this��"


    "Director, our advertisers have some very strong words about this!"


    "The title sponsor has already called us five times!"


    "It doesn''t make sense that our viewership ratings are so much lower than theirs!"


    "There must be a mistake somewhere!"


    The entire office was thrown into chaos!


    From the director to the staff members, everyone was feeling very pressured. Of this oue and these results, they simply could not give an exnation to anyone!


    The executive director sat there silently with a dark look!


    "Director!"


    "Director, give us some ideas!"


    "What are we to do now?"


    "Director!"


    Everyone looked over to the executive director.


    He suddenly banged on the table and stood up. Then, under the startled gaze of the office, he turned around and exited the office to head straight to the management office of Central TV Department 1!


    Zhang Ye?


    I Am a Singer?


    I''m scared!


    I''m totally scared of you, alright?


    I''ll give in!


    I''ll give in to you, alright?


    You guys are great! You guys are awesome! You''re the best director in the variety show industry! I can''t win against you people, alright! Even if I can''t afford to offend you, do you think I can''t choose to avoid you? I fucking admit defeat! I fucking don''t want to y around with you guys anymore!


    On the same day.


    Central TV Department 1 made an announcement that shocked the entire country!


    Due to technical issues, Sing!''s broadcast time would be changed to 9 PM on Sundays!


    The industry burst into an uproar!


    Technical issues?


    Technical issues, my ass!


    This was Sing!''s program team admitting defeat!


    That wondrous Zhang Ye was really ruthless! He could even force Central TV Department 1 to change their show''s broadcast time? When both sides were engaged in a heated battle, such decisions would almost never happen. This was because even if one of them were to lose, they would still have to hold on and get through it. Who didn''t want to keep their dignity? But obviously, Central TV Department 1 could no longer hold on. This was their most anticipated show of the year, which they had poured inrge sums of money to make. Just the advertising contracts alone were worth over a 100 million RMB. If they continued fighting with Zhang Ye and Beijing Television like this, they wouldn''t be able to bear the losses!


    Theizens were dumbfounded!


    "Ah?"


    "They changed the broadcast time just like that?"


    "Fuck! They''re not going to fight each other anymore?"


    "I could never have expected this!"


    "Zhang Ye, that jinx! He''s caused all this trouble for Central TV Department 1 again!"


    "How painful are their faces?"


    "But what else could they do? Even if it''s painful, they have to take it!"


    "Yeah, this is better than getting beaten hands down week after week, isn''t it?"


    "Central TV Department 1 has finally learned to be smarter this time!"


    "They can''t be med for that. Most people really can''t win against Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye is on fire once again!"


    "Without any morepetition, I Am a Singer will skyrocket in poprity!"


    "Yeah, even by broadcasting at the same time and period with thepetition, they could still reach almost 3% in the viewership ratings. Without Sing! in their way, what kind of viewership ratings will it get?"


    An epic war in the variety world hade to an end just like that!


    It had ended once again with the victory going to Face-smacking Zhang!

 Chapter 1237: The fifth step of the ’Reach the Summit’ plan!

    <h4>Chapter 1237: The fifth step of the ''Reach the Summit'' n! </h4>


    Chapter 1237: The fifth step of the ''Reach the Summit'' n!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Sunday.


    Noon.


    The aroma of cooked food filled the entire studio.


    Everyone had gathered here today, including Zhang Ye.


    "Director Zhang, let''s eat."


    "Wedies have cooked some food for everyone, so have a taste of our culinary skills."


    "Director Zhang, are we allowed to drink today?"


    "Feel free to!"


    "But Director Zhang, should we really be drinking during working hours?"


    "It''s the weekend, so let''s not be so uptight about the rules."


    "Alright, I''ll go get the beer then."


    "Come,e, everyone, let''s eat!"


    "A toast to I Am a Singer for getting number one in the nationwide viewership ratings again!"


    "We''ve already celebrated thatst week. This time, we should be celebrating our defeat of Sing! After battling with Central TV Department 1 so many times, we''ve finally beat them into submission!"


    "Right, let''s toast to that!"


    "Cheers!"


    "Hahaha, let''s drink!"


    A celebratory feast was being held at the studio today. After Central TV Department 1 announced the time change for Sing! yesterday, the fourth milestone in their "Reach the Summit" n could be said to have beenpleted ahead of time. Without a strongpetitor, and without Sing!''s presence to spoil the show by taking a share of their show''s poprity, they were virtually unstoppable now. Honestly, the studio''s staff felt terrified at the beginning. Everyone knew that doing a singing show wasn''t the best choice to make at the time. Even if the viewership ratings were not bad, as long as there was Sing! to sh with, they would still lose out on quite a bit of the poprity, which would in turn affect the progression of their n. But this oue was undoubtedly for the best, and they probably had been more frightened than hurt by anything. The most important thing was that Zhang Ye''s screen time on I Am a Singer had turned out to be much more than they had expected, and the segment was also getting a lot of attention from the viewers. Therefore, with arge amount of attention and poprity generated for the show, it corresponded into a transfer to Zhang Ye. This was their main objective for this milestone, and it was more important than anything else.


    At midnight, the Chinese Celebrity Rankings Index was updated.


    Chen Guang had been pushed to the forefront of the B-list.


    The once-popr Zhao Wuliu had returned to the rankings and was now among those in the D-list.


    He Huan''s rank rose by six ces.


    Amy was moving further and further up the B-list.


    Xiaodong was in a simr position to Chen Guang as they both closed in on the A-list.


    Grandma Zhang Xia had the greatest increase in poprity among their entire group. Her jump in the rankings astounded everyone. In just the timespan of one night, Grandma Zhang got promoted into the B-list. Even though everyone knew Zhang Xia because she was a familiar face to many people through her constant presence on the yearly Spring Festival G, she had always been considered just a C- or D-list celebrity due to various other reasons. The older generations all liked her a lot, but there weren''t too many from the younger generation who were her fans. This was also the cause of Grandma Zhang''s prior lukewarm poprity.


    But with the aid of her performances on I Am a Singer, Zhang Xia''s songs and singing had destroyed everyone''s mindset of her. Together with the somewhat fashionable gray hair of hers, many of the younger people turned into a fan of the olddy. This was what contributed to Zhang Xia''s overnight shot to fame. Of course, this explosion of poprity was also due to the umtion of decades of hard work by Zhang Xia, as well as her image. With all these conditionsing together, it brought about her miraculous rise in the Celebrity Rankings Index. This wouldn''t have been possible if it were any person other than her.


    As for Zhang Ye?


    His rank remained the same.


    He had been sitting in first ce on the A-list for a very long time.


    Some people simply gave it a quick nce, then skipped right past his name. But if anyone observed more thoroughly, they would have clicked on Zhang Ye''s name and discovered that his poprity score was no longer the same as it was when he first reached the top of the A-list. The increase was slightly more than twofold, and he had shaken off the other A-listers behind him. Meanwhile, the gap between him and the seven S-list celebrities was no longer asrge as before! While the public and the media still hadn''t realized it, Zhang Ye was quietly creeping up to those seven spots!


    After lunch.


    The studio''s staff sat down together.


    Zhang Ye asked, "How far are we?"


    Ha Qiqi, who was holding a statistics report in her hand, said, "We''ve caught up by quite a bit, but we''re also stillcking by quite a bit."


    Zhang Zuoughed and said, "Perhaps it''s because those seven spots have not changed in too many years, so everyone''s mindset is that no one up there will be reced anytime soon. That''s why the media did not pay any attention to it. We should take this opportunity to score an unexpected victory and take them all by surprise."


    Wu Yi sniggered. "Yeah, they still haven''t realized it."


    Tong Fu said excitedly, "Are we going to implement the fifth step now?"


    Ha Qiqi nodded. "Yes, I think it''s time."


    "Yeah, I agree." Zhang Zuo looked at the calendar and said, "Based on the time frame that we identified, we can probably go ahead and start now."


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Director Zhang, is your show recording schedule going to be busy?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s not too bad since everything is already on track, so I could spare some time."


    Ha Qiqi blinked. "Then you should be prepared to get a little busier from here."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Yeah, I was the one who called for the ''Reach the Summit'' n to be implemented. From that moment on, I knew that we wouldn''t have much time to rest. So how could I not be prepared for it? Which brands have we identified as targets? Are there any that I''m familiar with? It would be easier to deal with those that we''re worked with before. For those that we haven''t, it might be a little more troublesome to handle."


    Ha Qiqi took out a document and handed it to Zhang Ye. "While you were working on the show, we got in touch with thesepanies. Of course, it''s just preliminary contact for now. We still haven''t had any in-depth discussions with them. As there are too many rumors going around about you, some of which are quite negative, we have to start a familiarization process with them. There are some brands who are very interested in working with you. But most of the major brands already have a fixed celebrity spokesperson, so it might not be easy to approach them. Especially for those brands that are endorsed by the Heavenly Kings and Queens. I believe those will be the most difficult to take down. We can only try our luck and see how it turns out."


    Zhang Ye said, "Make a list then."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Alright."


    Try our luck?


    This wasn''t Zhang Ye''s style!


    They would either go big or go home!


    The "Reach the Summit" n was a proposal that was drawn up to aid Zhang Ye in his goal to achieve S-list status. It involved a chain of steps, and the first step was done to pave the way for the second step, the second was done toy the foundations for the third, while the fourth step to make a variety show was to service the fifth step''s target. It was done to help Zhang Ye gain the maximum poprity and get continuous increased exposure in the television show industry. That would help increase his onscreen appeal so that the fifth step could bepleted more smoothly!


    And the fifth step of the n was: fight for endorsements!


    So why did they choose this time period to take action?


    Because many of the major brand endorsements were due to expire during this period of time. There were at least seven or eight suitable lucrative endorsement deals whose contractual obligations with their celebrity spokespersons were expiring or had expired. Some of these endorsements might be renewed, but others had not been confirmed for renewal. That was why this window of time was extremely important for them!


    For some of the ordinary endorsement deals, there shouldn''t be a need for A- or B-list celebrities to fight for them. Some of the lousier endorsement deals might even get rejected by celebrities who were a little more famous. They wouldn''t take the deal even if it paid a lot. Only some of the has-been celebrities or neers to the industry would be willing to earn this sort of money.


    But for some of the bigger brand-name endorsements, even the A-list celebrities would have to fight for them. This wasn''t simply about money, as some endorsements were a great help to raise the names and public presence of those celebrities. Citing an example, a big spender leading health supplementpany like Brain Gold had already thrown out over tens of millions of yuan to the various major television stations to buy theirmercial spots and did not even feel a pinch. Just the title sponsorship fees for I Am a Singer had already cost them 200 million RMB. Every time a 15-second Brain Goldmercial finished broadcasting, there would be a shot of Zhang Ye onscreen. He would be shown on Beijing Television, Shanghai Television, and even Hunan Television.


    Why?


    Because Brain Gold had bought themercial spots on all of those stations!


    Because Zhang Ye was the spokesperson for Brain Gold!


    He could get paid and get the help of a corporation buyingmercial spots while gaining more exposure himself. As such, who wouldn''t want to fight for it?


    But some of the smallerpanies and brands didn''t have the capacity to do so. In fact, some of the shoddier and more inferior brands might even bring down the image and poprity of a celebrity. If anyone saw it, they would surely react by thinking, Whoa, you''re even taking this lousy ad? Just how badly are you doing that you''d need to ept it? That would cause themon folk to lower their perception of said celebrity, and they might really start wondering if the celebrity was really that hard up for money. It would then cause the celebrity''s endorsement value to drop and lower their market influence. As a result, the other brand names would have a lower valuation of the celebrity as well and wouldn''t look to use them even if they had a good advertisement campaigning up. Therefore, the waters of the endorsement industry were very deep. The brands with potential were all fought over, while nobody cared for the lesser ones. There was just no uniform reception them.


    And this time, Zhang Ye was getting ready to dip his hands into the endorsement industry!


    Do not underestimate the poprity brought by advertising exposure. One or two of them might not mean much.


    But what about three?


    Five?


    Or eight?


    Just imagine, when the people turned on their televisions each day, every channel would be showing Zhang Ye. As long as the television was on, there would be amercial with Zhang Ye in it. As long as they visited an online video hosting site, there would be advertisements with Zhang Ye''s picture. What kind of a concept was that? That was the power of forced advertising, and it would be enough to increase Zhang Ye''s poprity by a great deal!


    This was the fifth step of the "Reach the Summit" n!


    If they couldplete this step, the n to reach the summit would surely be nearing itspletion!


    They were approaching the day they could finally be crowned with sess!

 Chapter 1238: Isn’t this advertising message a little too casual?

    <h4>Chapter 1238: Isn''t this advertising message a little too casual? </h4>


    Chapter 1238: Isn''t this advertising message a little too casual?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Monday.


    Later that morning.


    A crowd of guests arrived at the studio.


    Little Wang opened the door. "You all are?"


    The leader of the group smiled. "We have an appointment with your Manager Ha."


    "Chairman Ma." Ha Qiqi came over to wee them with a big smile. "You even dropped by personally? Come in quickly. Our studio isn''t that big, so please make do with the space."


    "It''s a pretty nice ce," Chairman Ma said as he looked around.


    He was a vice chairman, but salutations generally wouldn''t carry the word "vice" in it.


    Ha Qiqi invited them to take a seat. "Director Zhang is taking a call upstairs, so please wait for a little while."


    Chairman Ma said with augh, "That''s fine, there''s no need to be so courteous. It''s not the first time I''m meeting Teacher Zhang anyway. We worked together on a second-tier ad during The Voice, so we''re quite familiar with each other. Mypany understands Teacher Zhang very well as a person. We can only say that he is, as you Beijingers put it, ''fair and just.'' That second-tier ad couldn''t be called great, but after ourpany''s people watched the show, we realized that Teacher Zhang would always chip in a few more words for us during the intermissions. That greatly increased the exposure of our products, and we weren''t even charged an additional cent for it, so that was a really nice touch."


    Ha Qiqi said, "That''s right, Director Zhang has always been like that. Everyone has been so supportive of him and spent so much money as well, so the least that he could do was make it worthwhile for you all."


    Chairman Ma nodded and said, "That''s why when we heard that you all were interested in taking an endorsement, Chairman Xu got me toe down personally to see you right away. The timing is perfect since the previous two-year endorsement deal that we had just expired." He pointed behind himself and said, "We even brought ourwyer over. If we can negotiate this deal sessfully, we can sign the contract immediately."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Sure."


    At this moment, Zhang Ye came downstairs.


    "Yo, Chairman Ma."


    "Haha, Teacher Zhang."


    "Sorry to keep you waiting. I had a call from the television station."


    "I know that you''re busy with your new show, it''s fine."


    "So how''s the endorsement deal going?"


    "How can it? Ha, we''re just waiting for you to give us the nod."


    "Chairman Ma sure is easy to work with. We haven''t even discussed the payment yet."


    "Just name a price."


    "Are we going to use my advertising proposal?"


    "It would be best if we could use yours. Who in the industry doesn''t know about those ssic ads that you came up with? So many advertising agencies have turned them into teaching material. To be honest, we wanted to hire you as the spokesperson for our dairy product because we would also like to use your advertising proposal."


    "In that case, the endorsement fees might have to be a little higher."


    "That''s not an issue as long as the proposal is good!"


    The endorsement deals in the Chinese market usuallysted for two years, while some were even one-year deals. As for the price, based on Zhang Ye''s worth in the market, a year''s worth of endorsement fees should probably be in the upper range of several million. It could be 6 million RMB or 8 million RMB. But even the best offer would not pass 10 million a year, and that was with the condition that Zhang Yee up with the advertising proposal.


    Zhang Ye''s endorsement fees with Brain Gold were actually much higher, but that was because it was a different situation. The Brain Gold Company did not base their valuation of Zhang Ye on his market worth. Brain Gold had gotten to where they were now because of an advertisement made by Zhang Ye. As an almost bankruptpany with the worst health supplement products in the market, they became the country''s leading health supplement brand within just two years. To say they had achieved this due to Zhang Ye was not an overstatement at all. It could almost be said that this was a miracle that was single-handedly performed by Zhang Ye, so their endorsement fees for him were definitely much higher. But for the otherpanies that already had a mature presence in the market, their endorsement fees would still be based on the market rates.


    Due to their previous cooperation, the negotiations between the two parties proceeded very smoothly.


    The endorsement deal was for two years and valued at a total of 15 million RMB.


    An additional term specified to the dairypany was: The budget spent on advertising each year must not be less than X amount.


    While the condition for Zhang Ye was: He couldn''t endorse simr brands during the contractual period and had to provide them with a full advertising proposal.


    The contract was signed.


    Then Ha Qiqi took out the advertising proposal Zhang Ye had spent two minutes writing in the morning and showed it to the dairypany.


    Chairman Ma took it from her in anticipation.


    Thepany staff around them also came forward to have a look at it.


    But when they saw it, every one of them was speechless.


    Chairman Ma said, "Teacher Zhang, there''s only going to be one sentence for the advertising message?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "That will be the only sentence."


    Chairman Ma wiped his sweat away and said, "Is it really going to be only this sentence?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "The core catchphrase will really only be that. I''m just providing the standard proposal for a 10 to 15 second TVmercial. I can also supervise the filming of themercial, but for all the other matters like the follow up to the ads and Inte marketing, that will have to be handled by yourpany''s advertising team." It wasn''t possible for him to take charge of the soft marketing content and guerri marketing content. First, he didn''t have the time to do so, and second, there was no need for it either. Theirpany would have a dedicated advertising team to oversee such matters.


    Chairman Ma said, "That''s for sure, but��"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Don''t worry about it; there won''t be any problems."


    "Then��alright," Chairman Ma said.


    The dairy brandpany''s employees looked at one another.


    Fuck!


    W-Would this really work?


    Wasn''t this advertising message a little too casual?


    Chairman Ma was feeling extremely skeptical. But because of Zhang Ye''s results and achievements in the industry, he didn''t think that he should bring it up. As such, he could only take his staff with him and return back to theirpany.


    After they left.


    Little Wang immediately cheered, "That was too easy! We''ve sessfully negotiated with onepany!"


    Wu Yi said happily, "What an auspicious start."


    Zhang Zuo was the manager of internalmunications of the studio, so when Ha Qiqi and the others were holding a meeting, he didn''te out to join them. When he finally came downstairs, he said, "They''re one of the top three dairy brands in the country and have always had quite a good reputation. The quality of their dairy products put them at the higher end of the market, so it''d be good to get more of such products to endorse. It''s a good thing that Director Zhang worked with them before this, or it wouldn''t have been so easy to get it finalized."


    Ha Qiqi flipped through her notes and said, "Director Zhang, I''ve also made an appointment with the nextpany. I''ll be heading over to meet with their manager this afternoon to chat with them."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Which industry are they in?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "They''re the number one reader app in the industry."


    Little Wang immediately said, "I know it, I know it; I use that app to read books too."


    Zhang Ye also seemed to have an impression of it. "I think Sister Zhang is their spokesperson, right?"


    "Yes, it''s Heavenly Queen Zhang''s endorsement." Ha Qiqi blinked. "But I think the contract has expired."


    Zhang Ye still had principles even though he was out to grab endorsements. Since it was his good friend''s endorsement deal, he would have to ask her about it first. If she intended to continue endorsing them, he would definitely not get involved.


    "Let''s see, I''ll go make a call first." Zhang Ye then went upstairs to call Zhang Yuanqi on her cell phone.


    The call finally connected after ringing for a very long time.


    There was definitely no one with Old Zhang as she didn''t answer in a very friendly tone.


    Old Zhang said, "What?"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Busy?"


    "I''m on set, hurry up and talk."


    "Sure, I''ll make it short. Are you endorsing that reader app? The one with the highest readership in the industry."


    "Yes."


    "Has the endorsement deal expired? Are you looking to continue working with them?"


    "You want the endorsement?"


    "That''s why I''m asking you first. If you are, I won''t go for it."


    "I won''t be continuing with them. Thatpany has too many requests; it''s too troublesome for me."


    "Alright, I understand."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye said to Ha Qiqi, "Go ahead with the negotiations. Old Zhang won''t be looking to renew the endorsement."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Sure thing, that''ll be good. Otherwise, we really couldn''t snatch it from a Heavenly Queen."


    Zhang Yuanqi was already someone at the summit, so her team surely had set their sights on the international market. Their goals would be different from Zhang Ye''s and were surely of a different level too. As such, many of the things that she might find troublesome would not be troublesome for Zhang Ye. This was the number one reader app in the market, so it already had an air of culture to it. It would be a very good advertisement to feature in and had a good quality to it as well. Zhang Ye was an author himself, and being involved in the literary arts, such an endorsement fit well with his identity and was thus more suited for him. For the app readerpany, this would also be true. In the realm of reading, even though Zhang Yuanqi was a very popr figure, the effects of her endorsement definitely would not be that much better than Zhang Ye''s endorsement. There might even be a chance that her influence in this area was not going to be better than Zhang Ye''s. As a result, the negotiations to get this endorsement were still very open and should be quite easy for them to take.

 Chapter 1239: Fighting a Heavenly King for an endorsement!

    <h4>Chapter 1239: Fighting a Heavenly King for an endorsement! </h4>


    Chapter 1239: Fighting a Heavenly King for an endorsement!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    One!


    Two!


    Three!


    In just a few days, the staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio secured three major endorsements in the market. The progress of their work was going very smoothly. After ensuring that I Am a Singer''s recording would be able to carry on normally, Zhang Ye began focusing more effort on the advertisement endorsement projects that he had taken. In recent days, he had met up with many brand-namepanies'' representatives and written up so many advertising proposals that he nearly used all of the best advertising ideas from his previous world. They had thought that the fifth step of the "Reach the Summit" n could bepleted without a hitch, but there were still several hard nuts to crack along the way.


    Fortunately, Zhang Ye had some ideas of his own to deal with that.


    It was for a jewelry brand of diamond rings that the studio''s staff had been working hard to seal the deal with to no avail. This was thergest brand name of diamond rings in the country, even if its revenue could notpare to those of the mass market jewelry chains. However, they were not targeting the mass market but the higher end luxury market. Their customers were all people from the upper ss. Just a single diamond ring could easily go for the higher end of tens to hundreds of thousands of yuan, so of course they could not go the mass market route. But the brand''s image was very good and also the reason Zhang Ye''s team had identified it as a potential target. Additionally, thepany''s endorsement contract had expired a month ago, so they were thinking about how they could take it.


    At the studio.


    Ha Qiqi frowned and said, "Director Zhang, we still can''t convince them."


    Zhang Ye looked at her. "Is it too difficult?"


    "Yeah," Ha Qiqi said, "they might''ve identified someone else. During this month of endorsement ckout, they''ve probably made contact with quite a few celebrity teams. All they have to do is decide who they want to represent their brand."


    Wu Yi said, "Could they be thinking of not getting a celebrity spokesperson?"


    "That''s shouldn''t be the case." Ha Qiqi said, "They''re not short on money."


    Zhang Zuo suggested, "Why don''t we lower our asking price?"


    Zhang Ye said emphatically, "That won''t do."


    Ha Qiqi agreed, "Yes, we cannot lower our asking price."


    Lowering one''s asking price in order to grab an endorsement deal was a pretty sensitive affair. In the past, there had been cases of celebrities lowering their endorsement fees. A male celebrity who was worth around 2 million in the endorsement market had offered to lower his asking price due to getting into gambling and was hard up for money. In the end, he lowered it to 800,000 RMB a year and managed to take quite a lot of endorsement deals. However, he had broken the industry rules. Ever since then, no other brands dared to approach him, and his poprity fell by a lot. Some of thepanies who signed him for a much higher amount criticized him badly for this behavior. You''re charging others 800,000 RMB a year, but 2 million RMB for us? What''s the meaning of this? Do you think we''re suckers?


    Hurting the market.


    Soiling one''s own reputation.


    These were the risks of lowering one''s asking price.


    In the entertainment industry, reputation was the most important thing there was. With Zhang Ye''s current status and poprity, there wasn''t a need to lower his asking price in order to get a deal. That would be too low for someone like him. The entertainment industry''s number one person below the S-list had to lower his worth to fight other A- and B-listers for endorsements? It wouldn''t be good if this got out. A lot of matters in the entertainment industry were not simply about money and couldn''t be solved by simply adopting a business mentality.


    Ha Qiqi said, "I haven''t spoken to them in-depth yet, nor have I let them know about our intentions. That would make us look like we''re trying to push a sale and lower our worth. But they haven''t revealed anything to us either. Why don''t I try to speak with them again to find out what their intentions are? Otherwise, we can switch our target to a differentpany and not waste our time trying to convince them. Hai, but then the other jewelry brands'' endorsement deals have not expired yet, so that''s real unfortunate."


    Tong Fu said, "What about the mass market jewelry brand chains?"


    Ha Qiqi shook her head. "That won''t do. If we take too many smaller brands, it would be quite meaningless. We won''t be able to bring up our endorsement profile."


    Zhang Ye thought about it for a moment. "Let''sy all our cards on the table then."


    "OK." Ha Qiqi said, "How though?"


    Zhang Ye said a few words to her.


    Ha Qiqi was stunned and her jaw dropped. "Are you sure?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Of course I''m sure."


    Ha Qiqi said happily, "Aiyo, you should have said so earlier."


    ��


    Later that afternoon.


    At a certain jewelrypany.


    In the lobby on the eleventh floor.


    Ha Qiqi brought Tong Fu along with her.


    The female receptionist stood up. "Hello?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "I''m here to look for Director Cui."


    The receptionist asked in an official tone, "May I know if you have an appointment with him?"


    "I do. My name is Ha Qiqi," Ha Qiqi said.


    The receptionist lowered her head to check the appointment schedule before saying, "Hello, Manager Ha, your appointment is at 3 PM. Director Cui is currently in a meeting, so please wait��"


    As she was speaking.


    Director Cui and two young men came walking over side by side and seemed to be heading for the conference room.


    Ha Qiqi went up to him. "Director Cui."


    Director Cui was taken aback. "Manager Ha, you''re here so early?"


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "What Manager Ha? I''m just an errand girl for Director Zhang."


    The two young men beside him probably recognized Ha Qiqi as well, so they started looking somewhat wary of her. She was Zhang Ye''s Studio''s externalmunications manager, so who in the industry wouldn''t recognize her?


    Ha Qiqi and Tong Fu also recognized them. The short-haired young man did not look familiar to them, but Ha Qiqi the other young man who had a ponytail. This guy was also pretty well-known in the industry and was the younger cousin of a Heavenly King. He was also one of several managers of that Heavenly King. When she saw him, Ha Qiqi instantly knew what was going on. She understood just why the jewelry brand''s representatives had been hesitating with their decision. It was because there was a big name celebrity among their choice of spokespersons, someone with a ce among the top seven spots, an S-list celebrity much more famous than Zhang Ye.


    Fighting a Heavenly King for an endorsement?


    Ha Qiqi suddenly found this rather exciting.


    Meanwhile, Director Cui felt a little awkward. "This��"


    Every celebrity would have a "territory" of their own. In the industry, almost every brand''s endorsement had already been taken by a celebrity. For example, Chen Guang, who endorsed a cell phone brand that focused on sound quality, had been doing so for three years now. The money was good and the advertisement coverage was wide as well. It was a quality endorsement deal and was where Chen Guang''s territory was. If any other celebrity tried to snatch this endorsement from him, they would offend him for sure. A lot of celebrities had had rtionships turn sour because of such endorsement deals. A quality endorsement deal was the livelihood of a celebrity and also a source of their long-term ie.


    Director Cui clearly understood this and was hoping that the two parties wouldn''t bump into each other, but to his surprise, he still couldn''t keep that from happening. In truth, he had already made up his mind. Faced with deciding between a Heavenly King and several A-list celebrities, he was of course more inclined to choose the Heavenly King. Disregarding any other factors, his fame alone was enough for him to make the choice. However, he also considered using Zhang Ye since he was also very popr. Further, he was constantly at the forefront of the news in recent times and had an exposure that was definitelyparable to the Heavenly Kings and Queens''. He also coveted the advertising proposals that Zhang Ye was famous for. The only factors holding him back were that Teacher Zhang was considered an oddity in the industry and had an image that fluctuated between high and low at times. He was just afraid that he might kick up some issues again in the future that would affect the image of their brand, and thus, the hesitation.


    Director Cui said, "Manager Ha, why don''t you��"


    Ha Qiqiughed. "Let''s talk together, Director Cui. We''re already here and we all know each other."


    The Heavenly King''s cousin was shaking his head in his mind. We''re already here, so what do you have to discuss?


    Director Cui couldn''t offend both of them, so he looked at the Heavenly King''s cousin for direction."


    The Heavenly King''s cousin shrugged. "Anything is fine."


    "Well, alright then. Please, follow me." Director Cui ushered them into a conference room. When everyone got seated, he had an assistant serve them tea.


    The Heavenly King''s cousin was obviously prepared for the meeting.


    The moment his assistant sat down, he took out a document and started rambling. His introduction was all about how great they were and the positive results of their past cooperations with other brands. In short, all of that was mentioned so they could talk about the endorsement fees. Naturally, they hoped to get as much out of it as possible.


    For a full five minutes, only he was speaking.


    Director Cui asionally nodded at him even though he already knew all of it.


    He was a Heavenly King.


    Had a pretty good reputation.


    And was extremely popr as well.


    But his asking price wasn''t so high that it was uneptable.


    Although Zhang Ye''s side''s asking price was much lower, theirpany had enough of a budget for it. Several million yuan for a one-year endorsement was not exactly much to them. That was why even if Zhang Ye''s asking price was only 8 million RMB while the Heavenly King was asking for almost double at 14 million RMB, they didn''t really mind. What they cared about was how much the celebrity''s endorsement could increase their revenue. For all brand endorsements, this had always been the ultimate objective. But of course, not minding didn''t mean they would pay however much the celebrities asked for. It still had to be cost-effective since no one''s money would just appear out of thin air. They would pay whatever the celebrities were worth, and on that point, the difference in value between an S-list and A-list celebrity was clearly going to berger, even if that A-list celebrity was the top A-list celebrity.


    Director Cui already had an idea of who he would go.


    The Heavenly King''s cousin asked, "Director Cui, if everything''s fine, let''s discuss the contract.


    Director Cui smiled and said, "We''ll still have to negotiate the price, but yes, we can talk about the contract."


    The Heavenly King''s cousin nodded and then looked at Ha Qiqi and Tong Fu. "What about the others?" What he meant was for them to leave. Discussing such an important issue as the contract would have to be done in private.


    Director Cui also looked at Ha Qiqi. "Manager Ha, why don''t��"


    A sensible person could see what was going on.


    However, Ha Qiqi did not move from her seat.


    Director Cui blinked several times at her.


    The two people on the Heavenly King''s management team frowned.


    But then, a single sentence from Ha Qiqi dumbfounded everyone in the room. She calmly said, "Teacher Zhang is getting married soon."


    What?


    Getting married?


    Director Cui was taken aback. "When?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Within the year."


    Director Cui gasped excitedly. "A-Are you sure?"


    "I''m a 100 percent sure," Ha Qiqi said with a smile.


    Director Cui''s breathing quickened as he said, "Please wait a moment. This news is too sudden. I need to make a call first." He wasn''t the head of thepany, just the head of the advertising department. As such, he had to seek instructions from the higher-ups.


    The two on the Heavenly King''s team were stunned!


    Within just two minutes, Director Cui returned with around eight other staff members. The moment he came in, Director Cui said, "Manager Ha, about Teacher Zhang''s endorsement, can we talk about it?"


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "But of course. That''s what I''m here for, aren''t I?"


    Director Cui had gotten clear instructions from thepany''s CEO!


    He was to sign Zhang Ye!


    At all costs!


    ��


    Outside thepany.


    The Heavenly King''s cousin and his assistant headed downstairs dejectedly. They had let it slip out of their hands. It gave them the impulse to curse and swear. It made them feel furious and, at the same time, not know whether tough or cry!


    Your sister!


    You can even do it like that?


    This is the first time I''ve seen anyone snatch away an endorsement like that!

 Chapter 1240: A Heavenly Queen’s agent genuflects!

    <h4>Chapter 1240: A Heavenly Queen''s agent genuflects! </h4>


    Chapter 1240: A Heavenly Queen''s agent genuflects!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    They held a meeting at the studio.


    Little Wang said in surprise, "Sister Ha, did you really seal the deal?"


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "I really did. Even the contract has been signed."


    Tong Fu was overjoyed and said, "You guys didn''t see the expressions on those two bros'' faces. I suppose we''ve terribly offended them, hai."


    Wu Yi said, "Why do you still look so happy when you''ve offended others?"


    Tong Fu said, "Well, it was fairpetition."


    Some people could not understand. "Sister Ha, how did you do it?"


    Someone else said, "Yeah, haven''t we been unable to convince them all this while? And we were even up against a Heavenly King for this endorsement? It''s not that I''muding the enemy and belittling our own master, but I''m making an objective observation here. Be it poprity, image, or honors, uh, I don''t think that we have any fight, do we?"


    Zhang Ye came down from upstairs. "It''s because I''m getting married."


    "Ah?"


    "What?"


    "Damn, really?"


    "Congrattions, Director Zhang!"


    "Didn''t you just get engaged?"


    "You''re getting married this soon? That''s great!"


    "I knew it!"


    "Yeah, so it''s the jewelry brand that wants to get your favor!"


    "Pfft, that''s such a lethal tactic that leaves the jewelrypany with no grounds to reject you!"


    "When I learned that they were offering to us 10 million a year for the endorsement, I thought that they must have gone crazy. So it''s because of this. They''re preparing to make full use of your wedding to create publicity. I suppose they''ll be the designated jeweler for your wedding then? No wonder the jewelrypany is willing to pay so much."


    It finally dawned on everyone!


    This was a surefire kill!


    This tactic was too fucking ruthless!


    Yes. Their Teacher Zhang did not have any advantages over the opponent. His poprity and image were not as good as that Heavenly King''s. Byparing them side by side, Zhang Ye would definitely lose out to him by quite a bit. However, Zhang Ye was about to get married, which was the only thing no one in the entire entertainment industry could outdo. The identity of Zhang Ye''s fiancee was still being actively discussed in the industry. The citizens were making wild guesses. In fact, even the studio''s staff did not know who she was and were incredibly curious. The topicality of such discussions had previously reached a high. And now, once Zhang Ye announced that he would be getting married, just how much attention would it get? No one dared to imagine it. The Heavenly Kings and Queens were either single or secretly married, so how were they going to fight with Zhang Ye over the jewelry endorsement?


    Even a Heavenly King would have to kneel to that!


    This advantage Zhang Ye had could crush everyone else!


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Everyone, it''s good enough that you know about it, but please don''t spread the news for now."


    Zhang Zuo immediately asked, "Do you need our help with your wedding?"


    "Not for now," Zhang Ye chuckled. "Me and my fiancee''s parents are handling it for now. We haven''t agreed on a date yet, but it''ll be within the year. It won''t be long now, so if I still need everyone''s help at that time, I''ll let you know in advance. Don''t worry, none of you will be able to run off. Everyone''s mission now is to take all of the endorsements that we''ve identified. Whichever of those major brand names that can be taken, take it. Every single one counts. Just do it without any restraints. Be it a Heavenly King or Heavenly Queen, I''m not afraid of offending anyone."


    "OK!"


    "Understood!"


    "Director Zhang, congrats once again!"


    "Thanks!"


    After saying a few words.


    Ha Qiqi took out a copy of a document. "This will be the toughest nut to crack."


    Zhang Zuo frowned. "Is it that sanitary ware brand?


    Ha Qiqi gave a wry smile and said, "Yes, this will be the most difficult deal to get. It''s almost impossible, so I really don''t know where to start with them. Director Zhang, do you have any suggestions?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Give me a brief introduction to the brand."


    Ha Qiqi said, "This is the biggest sanitary ware brand in the country..."


    As the leader of the industry, this sanitary ware brand mainly promoted its toiletries in the market. It had an extremely high market share in the Chinese market, and even its expansion into the foreign markets was pretty good. In Southeast Asia, their brand awareness and market share were also very high. This product did not sound like it was something very good, nor should the celebrities be too willing to endorse a brand like it. Toiletries? Sanitary ware? It just didn''t sound like it was something great. But it was quite the opposite. Thepetition to endorse this brand was the most intense of all the Chinese brand names. In the past six years, this brand had been fronted by a Heavenly King or Queen, and even some Asian megastars!


    First, this brand was targeted at the high ss.


    Second, theirpany was supremely wealthy.


    Third, they were not afraid of spending money. The advertising volume of this brand could easily be described as shocking. Not only did they flood China with advertising, they also did so for all of the Southeast Asian countries they had a presence in. This would also greatly boost the exposure of the endorsement stars as a result!


    Therefore, this sanitary ware brand was identified as the most important piece of the fifth step in the "Reach the Summit" n. It was also the endorsement project they ced the most emphasis on!


    Zhang Ye asked, "Who was their previous spokesperson?"


    Ha Qiqi replied, "It was a Korean celebrity, one of the Asian A-list superstars."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What about now? Do we have otherpetitors?"


    Ha Qiqi said in anguish, "Yes. Back then, we put in a lot of effort on this project because in the one year that the Korean celebrity endorsed them, there hasn''t been any significant growth in the domestic sales of the sanitary ware brand. I found out that they wouldn''t be renewing the endorsement contract as a result, so I thought that we would surely stand a chance of getting it. But who could''ve expected that there would be an intruder when one of the Heavenly Queen''s agent suddenly joined the bid as well? When I mentioned that you were going to get married soon, thepany''s representative did not seem to react. I suppose that isn''t enough to move them, so I didn''t go into any further detail with them. It looks to me that they''ve already decided which Heavenly King or Queen to use for their endorsement."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "It''s not Old Zhang, right?"


    "No," Ha Qiqi said, "Sister Zhang won''t take such endorsements."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright then. If it were Old Zhang, I wouldn''t want to fight her for it. But for anyone else, they''re all fair game. We''ll just have to see who''s more capable."


    Ha Qiqi said, "But the problem is that we don''t stand out at all."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s a toiletry brand, right?"


    "Yes, it''s a sanitary warepany that mainly focuses on their toiletries," Ha Qiqi said.


    Zhang Ye thought for a moment before saying, "How about this, give me an hour."


    Ha Qiqi was taken aback.


    An hour?


    What are you nning?


    Nobody understood.


    Zhang Ye went upstairs, and the sound of someone singing could be heard after a while.


    When everyone heard that, they were even more confused about what Zhang Ye was doing.


    ��


    On the same night.


    Ha Qiqi arrived at Shanghai by ne.


    The moment she got off her flight, she called the deputy director who was in charge of the sanitary warepany''s brand management.


    "Director Bai, it''s me."


    "Oh, it''s Manager Ha. Hello."


    "Regarding yourpany''s endorsement deal, we''vemunicated with you about it before. Can we have an in-depth discussion about it this time?"


    "About that, Director Ha, I''m really sorry. We''ve long heard of Teacher Zhang Ye and have been wanting to work with him as well, but I''m afraid this time��we''ve essentially made a decision. We can only hope to work together with you all next time. Is that alright?"


    "Hur hur, Director Bai, then would it be fine if we just have a meal together?"


    "Aiya, I''m afraid I can''t today."


    "But I''m in Shanghai. Surely you wouldn''t just turn me down, would you?"


    "Ah? You''re in Shanghai?"


    "Yeah, I just got off the ne."


    "Aiyo, alright then, I''ll send someone to pick you up."


    "Thank you very much, Director Bai."


    An hourter.


    At the headquarters of the sanitary warepany.


    Ha Qiqi spotted Director Bai, as well as that Heavenly Queen''s agent.


    "Director Bai."


    "Manager Ha, sorry to trouble you foring all this way."


    "Hai, it''s all for business."


    "Let me introduce you."


    When he finished introducing both parties.


    Ha Qiqi and the Heavenly Queen''s agent shook hands with each other.


    The Heavenly Queen''s agent smiled and said, "Boss Ha, I''ve long heard of your great name."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "You''re too kind. It''s me who''s long heard of your great name."


    The agent grinned and said, "Teacher Zhang has been rather active these days, huh? I heard that he''s taken quite a few endorsements recently. He''s even taken an endorsement that another Heavenly King had his eyes on."


    Ha Qiqi giggled. "It''s just fairpetition. We''ve always advocated a win-win situation for the parties involved."


    The Heavenly Queen''s agent gave her a look. "Right, fairpetition. I like those words."


    Just from the simple conversation they had, hostilities red.


    Ha Qiqi and the people she brought with her were standing on the left side, while those from the Heavenly Queen''s team were standing on the other side.


    Director Bai bluntly said, "Since everyone''s here, I''ll cut to the chase. First off, thank you for thinking so highly of our brand. This is the greatest recognition we can get, and I''d like to thank all of you on behalf of thepany. Next, we have given a lot of consideration to the endorsement deal, though the final decision will still have to be approved by thepany''s CEO. That''s why we''ll just eat and drink today, not talk shop. Since all of you are here, we''re all friends today."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Sure, we''ll do as Director Bai says."


    The Heavenly Queen''s agent also smiled, apparently confident that they had already won. They were not feeling any pressure.


    This was thepany''s reception room.


    On therge round table the dishes were quickly served.


    Director Bai was actually in a predicament. He hadn''t expected that the two celebrities'' teams would follow up on the endorsement deal so closely. At first, he wanted to meet with Ha Qiqi alone but hadn''t expected that the Heavenly Queen''s agent would be so thick-skinned to follow. He felt that it wouldn''t be nice to say anything about it, so he was forced to allow all of them to sit together. He was really afraid that the two parties would sh.


    But surprisingly, Ha Qiqi was holding up pretty well.


    She ate.


    And drank.


    And did not refuse any food or toasts that were offered to her.


    All the while, she made no mention of the endorsement contract.


    This impressed Director Bai, and he couldn''t help but start wondering what she was nning. Honestly, the moment their main office received the quote from the Heavenly Queen''s team, they decided on hiring her. Although the asking price was high, she had the fame to back it up. There was no reason for them not to work with her. As for Zhang Ye, they also found it rather tempting to hire him. Teacher Zhang was always talked about, appearing in the headlines every other day and had a very high public exposure. But even considering all of those points, they still felt that Zhang Ye''s status in the entertainment industry was notparable to any of those seven S-list celebrities.


    The Heavenly Queen''s agent did not talk about business.


    Ha Qiqi was steady as a rock.


    As it turned out, it was Director Bai who couldn''t hold it in. He smiled and said, "I Am a Singer has been doing quite well."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Director Bai watches it too?"


    Director Baiughed and said, "Of course I watch it. Everyone in thepany, including my family, watches it. Why isn''t Teacher Zhang thinking of participating? He sings really well too."


    Ha Qiqi said, "He can''tpare with those great singers."


    "How modest." Director Bai asked, "Has Teacher Zhang released any new songs recently?"


    Ha Qiqi suddenly said, "Now that you mention it, Director Zhang has written a new song."


    Director Bai got interested as he liked Zhang Ye''s songs a lot. "Oh? What kind of song is it?"


    Ha Qiqi looked at him. "How about I let you give it a listen?"


    Director Bai said in surprise, "I can listen to it ahead of release?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Director Bai is no stranger, so of course you can."


    Those on the Heavenly Queen''s team looked at her.


    Then they saw Ha Qiqi take her cell phone out and plug in earphones. She increased the volume before handing it to Director Bai. "Just press y and see how you like it."


    Director Bai said in anticipation, "Alright, I''ll have a listen!"


    Getting a chance to listen to Zhang Ye''s new song first? That was quite an honor for him!


    Director Bai looked down at the screen and pressed y. Then he got startled.


    Eh?


    This title?


    " Toilet 1 "?


    A song existed with this title?


    Through the earphones came the sound of singing. Perhaps due to the volume being too loud, even those who were sitting close by could hear it. The people on the Heavenly Queen''s team pricked up their ears too.


    As a result, the first verse that was sung stunned all those in the room!


    "I have a toilet at home.


    "There is a hole in the throne.


    "Above the hole a smile''s always shown.


    "Smiling at how helpless we are alone."


    This is?


    This is?


    Director Bai got the goosebumps!


    The people on the Heavenly Queen''s team were all dumbfounded!


    "Every house has a toilet.


    "Everyone has to use it.


    "After every use you feel rxed and carefree.


    "Guaranteed to make you infinitely happy.


    "Every single toilet is a hero.


    "With just a simple flush,


    "It can flush away all of your sorrows.


    "No matter how much your pain,


    "No matter how deep your loss,


    "For you, it will take all of it away!"


    A female employee on the Heavenly Queen''s team let out a "pfft" and spat out all the fruit juice in her mouth onto the table!


    Fuck, aren''t you shameless?


    Zhang Ye, aren''t you too goddamn shameless?


    "Every single toilet is a friend.


    "You can trust it with all your heart.


    "You can''t do without it in your life.


    "My secrets are too many.


    "My dreams are too grand.


    "But slowly, you will understand.


    "My beloved toilet bowl!"


    The song ended.


    A toilet is a friend?


    A toilet is a hero?


    Everyone looked bbergasted!


    The Heavenly Queen''s agent was even more at a loss and nearly fell out of her chair!


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Director Bai, this song isn''t too bad, right?"


    But Director Bai got really excited. It was simply too good! It was so apt! This....Wasn''t this song written with their sanitary ware brand in mind? Could there even be a more suitable song than this one?


    They had to get it!


    They most definitely had to get this song!


    Director Bai stood up then and there. "How much does this song cost?! We''ll buy it!"


    But Ha Qiqi shook her head. "Director Zhang never sells his songs. We only talk about working together."


    Working together?


    The endorsement?


    The Heavenly Queen''s agent got mad. "Director Bai! We''ve already agreed on the endorseme��"


    "Manager Ha," Director Bai said firmly, "could we step aside to talk?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "No problem."


    The Heavenly Queen''s team nearly fainted!


    "Director Bai!"


    "What''s the meaning of this?"


    "What''s going on?"


    "Didn''t we alreadye to an agreement?"


    "Director Bai, surely you can''t do things this way, right?"


    ��


    Half an hourter.


    The Heavenly Queen''s team left the sanitary warepany headquarters cursing and swearing!


    "What the heck was that!"


    "How could they be so hical!"


    "No one snatches endorsement deals the way they did!"


    "The fuck was that! Zhang Ye''s team is too goddamn immoral!"


    "Shameless! Shameless to the max!"


    "That guy''s a real hooligan!"


    Everyone felt as though their lungs were going to explode!


    Every single toilet is a friend?


    Friend? Your grandpa!


    Every single toilet is a hero?


    Hero? Your grandma!


    Do you have a shred of moral integrity left in you?


    Do you even have a bottom line that you don''t cross?


    Even a toilet can be a hero, so why haven''t you ascended to Heaven yet!


    As they cursed and swore, the Heavenly Queen''s agent also started to feel a little amused. That song had really left her with nothing to say. She was so convinced that she could have noints! The client was marketing their sanitary ware brand, after all. Zhang Ye had mythologized the toilet into a hero, and even ended the song by fucking calling it "my beloved toilet bowl"? Faced with such an unconventional advertising jingle, who could possibly take the endorsement from him?


    A Heavenly King?


    A Heavenly Queen?


    An Asian megastar?


    Whoever came would surely kneel in defeat!


    Whoever came would even have to kowtow to him!


    This time, they had really underestimated Zhang Ye''s team and totally underestimated Zhang Ye''s level of shamelessness. He was really the greatest wonder of the entertainment circle and didn''t y by the rules. All of his tricks were more devious than thest! But thinking about it again, so what even if they hadn''t underestimated Zhang Ye this time? Could they have written a song like that? Even if they did, would the Heavenly Queen go and sing it? That would be impossible! Even if the Heavenly Queen was paid 100 million RMB in endorsement fees, she couldn''t possibly go and sing it. It was the same for all the other S-list celebrities, and maybe even the other A-list celebrities. None of them could be as thick-skinned as Zhang Ye and do so!


    They had lost, but they couldn''tin!


    Just on this point alone, they were forced to ept the loss!


    This was really something that only Zhang Ye could have done. Moreover, it was done in that usual shameless style of his and was something that no one else could have copied!

 Chapter 1241: The advertisements will roll out soon!

    <h4>Chapter 1241: The advertisements will roll out soon! </h4>


    Chapter 1241: The advertisements will roll out soon!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the car.


    The Heavenly Queen''s agent called to that Heavenly Queen.


    She said: "We didn''t get it."


    A very nice-sounding female voice at the other end of the line said: "Who got it then?"


    She sighed and said: "Zhang Ye."


    The voice on the other end said: "How did we lose it?"


    She said: "It was my fault."


    After giving a simple exnation of the entire story.


    The other end of the line: "OK, I understand. Forget it then."


    Yes, they could only forget it. If not, what else could they do?


    They''d already gone as far as praising the toilet as a hero and a friend!


    But what about them? Surely they couldn''t hug the toilet and shout, "You''re so awesome, my dearest brother," could they? They could only swallow this and find a chance to regain what they''d lost another time!


    ��


    The next day.


    The sanitary ware brand''s contract agent andwyer flew to Beijing with Ha Qiqi to sign an official two-year endorsement deal with Zhang Ye.


    "Happy to be working with you, Teacher Zhang."


    "Happy to be working with you too."


    "Could we quickly start on the production and recording of themercial?"


    "Sure, I''ll leave the arrangements to you all."


    "You''re the director, so why would you need to leave the arrangements to us?"


    "Well, alright then."


    "We''ll support you with funding and manpower. As for the production work, we''ll leave all the decisions to you."


    "Sure, that won''t be a problem."


    After he was done over here, Zhang Ye hurried to the television station.


    ��


    Four.


    Five.


    Six.


    On this day, Zhang Ye''s team closed six long-term endorsement deals.


    Among these contracts, some of them went quite smoothly, others not so much. The crossing of swords and shes between these celebrity teams was something better off not mentioned to an outsider. The infighting between celebrities was always like this, fighting with their poprity, fighting with their qualifications, and fighting with their image. Such fights were generally bloodless but were even more bloody and terrible than bloodbaths.


    In the morning.


    Zhang Ye received a call from Zhang Yuanqi''s manager.


    The moment it went through, Fang Weihong said with augh: "Teacher Zhang, you''re snatching endorsements now?"


    Zhang Ye said: "No, I''m not."


    "Save it, I''ve already received news on my side." Fang Weihong wondered: "I heard that you''ve snatched two endorsement deals that a Heavenly King and Queen were very confident of getting? How did you do it?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Personal charm probably?"


    Fang Weihong half-jokingly said: "I''m telling you now, don''t you dare think about those endorsements that Sister Zhang has on hand."


    Zhang Ye said: "Well, of course. In any case, I couldn''t get them even if I wanted to."


    "Then I have nothing to worry about." Fang Weihong asked: "But I am really curious about how you did it. How did you secure the top sanitary ware brand''s endorsement? Your team is really quite capable. There''s something that I found a little strange as well. Two days ago, I bumped into that Heavenly Queen''s management team at the bar that Teacher Zhou runs. There were a few youngdies who seemed to have drunk too much and were cursing at something. They mentioned something about a toilet, something about a hero, and what''s that about a toilet being a good friend? Man, that scared me and I had to turn around while pretending that I didn''t know them. Have those people gone crazy? What kind of a hole did you push them into? It looked like they were having a mental breakdown? They even called a toilet their friend? Isn''t it just a sanitary ware ad? Did they really have to be so professional in their work?"


    Zhang Ye was really amused. "Who knows what they were thinking?"


    Fang Weihong said: "You should stop bringing harm upon others."


    Zhang Ye said: "It has nothing to do with me, Sister Fang."


    That song was called "Toilet," and was a very ssic song back in Zhang Ye''s previous world. The singer was the world-famous Andy Lau, Wah-zai! Back then, the song was also specially written for a certain sanitary ware brand in the market and proliferated through China. It wasn''tmon for an advertisement''s song to get too popr, but "Toilet" was one of those that did. So when the mention of a sanitary ware endorsement came up, this song immediately came to Zhang Ye''s mind.


    Naturally, this news couldn''t be contained.


    The media gradually became aware of it.


    "Zhang Ye''s team takes a reader app endorsement deal!"


    "Zhang Yends a deal to endorse one of the top three dairy brands in the industry!"


    "Zhang Ye''s team seizes arge share of the endorsement market!"


    "Thergest jewelry brand in the country has announced its next celebrity spokesperson��Zhang Ye! "


    "A Heavenly King and Queen''s teams are outdone by Zhang Ye''s team in a battle of endorsement deals!"


    "ording to rumors, Zhang Ye''s jewelry brand endorsement fee is valued at 10 million RMB per year!"


    "Zhang Ye to hold his wedding within the year? A jewelry brand signs him on at all costs!"


    "A Heavenly Queen''s team misses out on the biggest sanitary ware brand''s endorsement!"


    "The most popr sanitary ware brandnds Zhang Ye!"


    "A storm is brewing in the endorsement market!"


    "Will Zhang Ye be the king of endorsements this year?"


    "Stealing food off the tes of a Heavenly King and Queen?"


    The industry was quite startled.


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Why did he snap up so many endorsements?"


    "What is Zhang Ye up to?"


    "It''s rare to see anyone take so many endorsement deals within 10 days!"


    "Even a Heavenly King and Queen could not outdo him?"


    "That isn''t right, Zhang Ye should not have the ability topete with those S-list superstars! How could so many of the major endorsements be taken by him?"


    " No one grows fat in one sitting 1 . Taking so many endorsements at once, can he manage them all? If the ads are rolled out too closely, it could counteract the effect, unless the quality of those ads are really good. But with so many endorsementmercials to shoot, no matter how famous he is in the advertising industry, he shouldn''t be able to make them all ssics, right?"


    "Yeah, he''s biting off more than he can chew."


    After meal topics such as these were widely discussed across the industry.


    However, Zhang Ye''s team was still continuing to take more and more endorsements, as though they were never-ending!


    Countless industry insiders were watching helplessly as many of the recognized quality endorsement deals got taken away by Zhang Ye''s team one by one. At first, everyone was only feeling shocked but did not think much of it. But as it carried on, everyone could no longer sit still!


    Isn''t this too much?


    Aren''t you fucking taking way too many deals, bro!


    Do you intend to leave anything for the other celebrities?


    Without a doubt, this year''s endorsement king would be Zhang Ye. Be it the number of brands that he was endorsing, or the total sum of endorsement pay he stood to receive, or even the number of endorsement deals he had signed, Zhang Ye was far ahead of the other celebrities. Even the people in the top seven spots of the entertainment industry did not have more endorsement deals than him!


    There were voices of doubt everywhere!


    Some of the A- and B-lists celebrities came forward as well.


    On the Weibo of A-list film star, Jiang Hanwei: "Greed: The original sin." You might wonder if he was mocking Zhang Ye in his post.


    There was also an agent of a B-list celebrity whose endorsement deal was snatched away by Zhang Ye who publicly criticized him. He didn''t put it too offensively since he just said it to soothe his anger.


    But Zhang Ye''s fans blew up!


    His troll army rushed over to that person''s Weibo!


    "Who are you criticizing?"


    "Who the hell are you!"


    "We''re the only ones who can scold Zhang Ye! Who do you think you are?"


    "It''s all fairpetition, what are you being so sour about!"


    "Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    Even Big Saber Bro made a shy appearance!


    It has been too long since there was a fight and the hordes of fearless fans were all crying out in excitement of an impending scolding battle. Some of them couldn''t wait for it to start, but nothing happened in the end!


    Zhang Ye replied to that person almost immediately on his Weibo as well.


    Zhang Ye''s temper had be much better these days. He bluntly said to that agent: "Are you sure you want to have a go at me?"


    A scolding battle?


    A challenge to a fight?


    When it came to arguing?


    Even a seven-year-old child picked up off the streets would know that Zhang Ye had never lost one before!


    Two minutes after Zhang Ye''s reply, that B-list celebrity''s agent sneakily deleted his Weibo post and made no mention of it anymore. It seemed he understood how powerful Zhang Ye''s mouth could get. There had always been people in the entertainment industry having a go at Zhang Ye, but the only celebrity to have never lost in any scolding battle was Zhang Ye!


    The agent admitted defeat.


    So Zhang Ye did not carry it on.


    Tongues in the industry were set wagging, while the other celebrities could only look on in envy. But with this minor episode, several of the brands that had signed endorsement contracts with Zhang Ye started to get a little worried.


    ��


    That dairy brand''s manager.


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "Yes?"


    "Aren''t you taking a few too many endorsements?"


    "It''s not that many."


    "Will it affect the production of ourmercial?"


    "It won''t."


    ��


    The brand-name jewelrypany.


    "Director Zhang, can you give us a guarantee that the quality of ourmercial will not be affected?"


    "Don''t you worry about it."


    "But with just one line for the ad''s catchphrase, isn''t it a little too casual?"


    "For a ten-secondmercial, one line is more than enough."


    "I''m just afraid that with all the endorsements you''re taking, it''ll affect the attention given to our brand."


    ��


    All of the brand-namepanies were feeling very unsettled.


    Zhang Ye''s team could only reassure them one by one.


    Just how would Zhang Ye''smercials end up looking? This was something that no one knew. His studio staff could not predict it, and neither could the brand-namepanies!


    Only Zhang Ye knew that it wouldn''t be a problem!


    Themercials that he was going to make for them were market tested back in his previous world. Every one that he was going to bring out was a resounding ssic of the advertising industry. It might not look outstanding and could even be billed as simple-looking, but the actual effects that it would bring were definitely on the level of a weapon of mass destruction like an atomic bomb. Simply tossing out one into the market would get it written into the annals of the advertising field. But Zhang Ye couldn''t tell them that.


    Themercials were about to get broadcast on the widest possible scale.


    Once thesemercials were rolled out to the market, all their doubts would be cleared up.


    1. Just as no one grows fat at one sitting; no sess can be attained with one single effort.

 Chapter 1242: Attack of the advertisements!

    <h4>Chapter 1242: Attack of the advertisements! </h4>


    Chapter 1242: Attack of the advertisements!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this morning.


    The rm was buzzing.


    Zhang Ye climbed up from bed and shouted outside his room.


    "Mom, turn on the television."


    "Why?"


    "It''s broadcasting soon."


    "What? It''s today?"


    "That''s right."


    "For which brand?"


    "The mineral water brand."


    His parents were watching the TV in anticipation.


    After the morning news, Zhang Ye''s firstmercial yed.


    This was amercial for one of his many endorsement deals. It was one of thest ones that they had taken but took the shortest time to produce. The mineral waterpany''smercial spots had been scheduled long ago, so they just needed to deliver the final product for broadcast. As such, this was the firstmercial to get released. This was still a pretty good time slot as there were people who had just woken up and turned on their televisions, while some others might be packing their children''s bags to get ready for school, and others who watched the news while eating breakfast. After the news broadcast, the image onscreen switched to themercial. When everyone saw Zhang Ye on television, many of them were slightly taken aback.


    It opened on a ssroom, and Zhang Ye was teaching a ss. He was writing on the ckboard when a mischievous student sneakily opened a water bottle under the desk to have a drink of water. The squeaking of the stic cap made Zhang Ye very angry and he chided the student. But after the ss was over, Zhang Ye unexpectedly took out a bottle of the same mineral water, looking like he couldn''t wait to drink it.


    An advertising message appeared.


    " Family Spring 1 , a rather sweet thing."


    The advertisement ended.


    Then the nextmercial yed.


    His mother was stunned.


    His father was dumbfounded.


    Zhang Ye said with a grin, "Dad, Mom, what do you think?"


    His mother pointed at the television. "Was that it?"


    "Yeah." Zhang Ye said, pleased with himself, "It''s quite good, isn''t it?"


    His mother was floored and said, "What crap is this?"


    His father smacked his lips. "Family Spring''s mineral water is a well-known brand. I''ve drank it too, but how is it sweet?" His expression then changed as he looked at his son and said, "Did you add sugar to it?"


    Zhang Ye was floored!


    What the!


    Why would I add sugar to it!


    Whatever, I really can''tmunicate with you two!


    At the same time, two of thergest online video hosting sites in the industry started pushing out the Family Springmercial. As long as anyone yed the movies or videos on their website, there would be 30-60 seconds of unskippable video ads that were pre-rolled, with the first ad being the Family Springmercial thatsted for 15 seconds. The television stations also repeated showings of themercial at 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM, and at intervals of every two hours!


    Themercial had been rolled out!


    The volume at which it was yed during the first day was extremely high!


    The people of the advertising industry all had their attention on it, as did thepetitors in the bottled water industry.


    Zhang Ye was already one of the legendary figures of the advertising world. Not mentioning the few public service announcements he produced, just talking about the Brain Goldmercial alone, it was a real miracle. Hismercial hadunched a near-dead health supplements supplier into a leading corporation with thergest share of the health supplements market. Simply calling it a miracle of the Chinese advertising industry would be an understatement, since it was actually much greater than a miracle. And with this halo, Zhang Ye couldmand a much higher endorsement fee than his market value, which allowed him to fight the Heavenly Kings and Queens for the endorsements!


    Now that he hade up with a new advertisement?


    Who wouldn''t want to gather around to analyze it!


    As such, those people from the advertising industry and field of marketing all rushed over to watch it. But when they saw themercial, they were all somewhat speechless. Their reactions were just like how Zhang Ye''s mother had reacted!


    What?


    Was that it?


    It was that simple a tagline?


    What about that brainwashing technique that you used in your Brain Goldmercials? Where has that gone? What kind of amercial is this? Isn''t this just a normal TVmercial?


    Some people were feeling disappointed.


    Some people rewatched it over a dozen times.


    But there was no sense of shock!


    It was not amazing!


    For amercial like that, they could easily write ten such advertising proposals within a minute!


    Some discussions were going around on Weibo.


    "It''s Zhang Ye''s new ad!"


    "Have you guys watched it?"


    "I saw it this morning!"


    "A rather sweet thing? Bullshit! It''s not sweet at all!"


    "Hahaha, yeah, I purposely went out to buy a bottle to try it just now and didn''t find it sweet."


    "How is it not sweet? I found it to be somewhat sweet after I had a sip of it."


    "Yeah, I bought a bottle too and found it to be a little sweet as well."


    "Get lost! Where on earth can you find bottled water that is sweet! That''s juice!"


    "Taste it carefully, it''s actually sweet!"


    It was originally a random thread but nearly turned into a fight. No one could have expected that when a poll was posted the two groups of people would get locked in a fierce struggle over whether Family Spring''s bottled water was really sweet or not. The poll results also surprised a lot of people as 30% of the voters said that Family Spring''s bottled water was actually rather sweet. In fact, it really did seem that it was slightly different from the other brands of bottled water. And just like that, this advertisement went viral!


    ��


    At a small supermarket in Beijing.


    A couple were on their day off today and hade out to the supermarket to do some shopping.


    "Darling, we don''t have any more water left at home."


    "Let''s get a pack then."


    "Eh, Family Spring? Isn''t this the water that Zhang Ye was advertising this morning?"


    "Yeah, it is. Everyone says that it''s a little sweet."


    "Let''s get this then."


    "Sure, let''s buy it and have a taste."


    So the couple called out to a supermarket employee for help. "Do you have a pack of Family Spring Bottled Water? We''d like to buy it."


    The supermarket employee apologized, "The packs are sold out."


    The wife said, "Ah?"


    The employee said, "We only have individual bottles left."


    ��


    At a streetside stall.


    A teenage girl skipped over. "Auntie, give me a bottle of Family Spring."


    Thedy boss said, "Family Spring? We''re out of stock."


    The teenage girl said in surprise, "But I just saw you stocking up on it yesterday."


    Thedy boss was puzzled too and said, "I''m also not too sure why. But all morning, anyone who came to buy bottled water almost exclusively bought Family Spring. Only one other brand has been sold."


    The teenage girl asked, "Is the water really sweet?"


    Thedy boss thought for a moment. "I think it''s a little sweet, tangy sweet."


    ��


    At night.


    At the studio.


    Zhang Ye had just returned to the office after filming amercial.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others were all feeling perturbed and were talking among themselves. They didn''t even notice Zhang Ye had stepped in.


    "Themercial''s been broadcast."


    "Yeah, I wonder what the reception is like."


    "It''s pretty good. There''s been quite a bit of discussion online."


    "By reception, I mean the product sales."


    "I really don''t know about that. Themercial did seem a little too simple, ahem."


    "They paid Director Zhang quite a bit for the endorsement, a premium sum even. If themercial was not done well and causes their sales to drop, it would really look bad on us."


    "That''s true, we''re only afraid of that happening."


    Everyone was whispering among themselves.


    Zhang Yeughed from behind them. "Don''t be worried about that."


    "Aiyo."


    "Director Zhang, you''re back?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Let''s just do whatever we can do. There''s still a lot of endorsement projects that we have to shoot. Is the advertising proposal that I wanted ready yet? Let me have a look at it."


    Zhang Zuo brought it over. "Here, Director Zhang."


    Everyone busying themselves again.


    All of a sudden, the studio''s phone rang.


    Ha Qiqi was the closest to it, so she picked it up. "Hello, this is Ha Qiqi."


    The person on the other end of the line sounded jubnt. "Manager Ha, it''s me!"


    Ha Qiqi''s heart skipped a beat. "Oh, it''s AGM Li. Hello, how are you?"


    AGM Li was the assistant general manager of Family Spring. "You guys did it! You guys really did it!"


    Ha Qiqi did not understand. "What''s the matter, Manager Li? What do you mean?"


    AGM Li eximed: "It''s only the first day, but our products all across the country have practically sold out! Sales increased by 42%pared to the same timeframest year!"


    "Ah?" Ha Qiqi was stunned.


    Sold out?


    Could the sales figure have increased by that much?


    Surely not, right?


    AGM Li bellyughed. "Just how did you all do it? You guys are astounding! You must thank Teacher Zhang for me. Our GM called for an urgent meeting earlier and was saying that he wanted to add another year to the endorsement contract with Teacher Zhang. There''s still room for discussion about the pay, so just name however much you all want!"


    Ha Qiqi said: "AGM Li, didn''t we just sign a two-year endorsement deal?"


    AGM Li said: "How are two years enough? From now on, ourpany''s endorsement won''t be using anyone other than Teacher Zhang. We wouldn''t mind signing an 18-year contract with him either!"


    The call ended.


    Everyone asked, "What''s the matter, Sister Ha?"


    Ha Qiqi swallowed before announcing, "Family Spring''s mineral water has sold out!"


    "Ah!"


    "Really?"


    "This is great!"


    "Sold out on just the first day?"


    "Fuck! Could it be any godlier than this?"


    "But that water isn''t sweet at all!"


    Hearing their weirdments, Zhang Ye alsoughed.


    Themercial broadcast on television was originally from Zhang Ye''s previous world and was a very oldmercial for Nongfu Spring on Central TV. It was also after thismercial that Nongfu Spring became popr all over the country! If there was a ranking for the ssic advertisements of Zhang Ye''s previous world, this advertising tagline of " XX Spring, a rather sweet thing 2 " would surely be in the top ten. It was a marketing legend that was on par with the Brain tinummercials of his previous world!


    Simple?


    This advertisement was not simple at all!


    Just those words in that tagline alone were worth ten thousand taels of gold each!

 Chapter 1243: The ad upgrades!

    <h4>Chapter 1243: The ad upgrades! </h4>


    Chapter 1243: The ad upgrades!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    A lot of people were waiting to see Zhang Ye make a joke of himself. Those from the celebrity teams who had had their endorsement deals snatched away by him, Family Spring''spetitors in the industry, his foes, and even many of the insiders of the advertising and marketing world did not have any optimism regarding Zhang Ye''s endorsement this time.


    "He has taken too many endorsements."


    "Yeah, that''s why the quality isn''t there."


    "If the first ad is so average, I wonder how bad the rest are going to be?"


    "Hai, Zhang Ye''s reputation is going to get crushed."


    "He asked for it by being so greedy."


    "Family Spring is going to crash and burn."


    "Yeah, what''s the use of giving Zhang Ye such a high endorsement pay?"


    "This advertisement is really too crappy. It''s like something an intern would churn out."


    However, the opportunity to see this joke happen did note to pass. What came instead was an ear-ringing p!


    A lot of media outlets published news.


    "Family Spring Bottled Water all sold out yesterday!"


    Zhang Ye continues writing the legend of his ads!"


    "Reporter''s research: Family Spring Bottled Water sells like crazy!"


    "Is Family Spring Bottled Water really sweet?"


    "The phenomenal effect of Zhang Ye''s new advertisement!"


    "Family Spring''s sales soar!"


    "Family Spring to be the best-selling brand of bottled water in the fourth quarter?"


    The other bottled water brands were stunned!


    The people in the advertising world were stunned!


    What was happening?


    Sold out?


    Are you fucking kidding me?!


    A bottled water advertisement with only one sentence iming that it was a rather sweet thing had helped it sell like crazy? Going by this logic, wouldn''t an advertisement selling salted duck eggs just need a "rather salty" to take its sales figures to the moon? This didn''t make any sense at all! This was nowhere in line with what they had learned from their advertising experience and logic!


    Based on what?!


    They simply couldn''t believe this!


    Meanwhile, thepeting brands were starting to get anxious as if facing a formidable enemy. As simr bottled water brands, if Family Spring could sell one extra bottle of water, that would mean one bottle less of sales for them. This was unlike a health supplement product like Brain Gold. It wouldn''t mean that anyone who bought a Brain Gold product would not buy other health products to supplement their iron or calcium intake. But the bottled water industry was different. This was the most direct kind of market war there was!


    Theizens were amused.


    "Pfft!"


    "The legend continues?"


    "It''s like I saw a trace of Brain Gold in it from a few years back!"


    "Family Spring has earned big bucks this time."


    "The money they spent on Zhang Ye was not at all wasted!"


    "I kinda liked that ad. ''Family Spring, a rather sweet thing.'' That image and aftertaste immediatelye to mind when you hear it. I even went out and bought two packs of itst night."


    "I couldn''t manage to get any yesterday."


    "This bottled water has be really popr."


    "The key is that it has a good taste. It''s really quite nice."


    "Haha, I bought it because of Zhang Ye. Can''t help it, I''m a diehard fan of his. I''ll buy whatever he endorses."


    With that advertisement, he once again shocked the industry!


    And that wasn''t all. On the third day of the advertisement run, it received an upgrade!


    Family Spring probably had some leftover stock of bottled water and needed to clear everything before introducing the ones with new packaging. Over the past two days of crazy sales, they cleared out most of their leftover stock. When the new packaging was introduced, in addition to Zhang Ye''s picture on thebels, there was something new. The televisionmercial also had an additional line at the end.


    "Family Spring, a rather sweet thing.


    "For every bottle of Family Spring Bottled Water purchased, one cent will be donated to children in poor, rural areas."


    All the other advertising content remained the same, except for the addition of this advertising tagline. On the productbels, details of this public welfare activity were printed in small text. As a result, even after Family Spring increased their bottled water shipments, they sold out again in just one night. All of this left everyone in disbelief and shock. It was as though Zhang Ye had used some sort of sorcery to achieve it!


    No one had ever used such a move in the past!


    It wasn''t even something that the advertising industry had thought of!


    After they saw thismercial, many of the advertising industry insiders were dumbfounded!


    So it could even be made this way?


    So an advertisement could actually be made this way?!


    The public reception was great.


    "Not bad!"


    "They''re a brand with a conscience!"


    "This is it, I''m only going to drink Family Spring Bottled Water from now on!"


    "Yeah, we can even do charity while we''re at it."


    "Right, it''s the same no matter what we drink. Besides, this water really does taste slightly sweet."


    It sold like crazy in Beijing!


    It sold like crazy in Shanghai!


    It sold like crazy in Shenzhen!


    All over the country, sales soared!


    It was as though Family Spring had suddenly risen above two of itsrgestpetitors and upied the entire market overnight!


    Zhang Ye had created a legend once more!


    Yet another advertising miracle was born!


    The staff of Family Spring were allughing like crazy!


    The brands andpanies that had worried if Zhang Ye had taken too many endorsements were now feeling reassured. They were increasingly looking forward to their own advertisements releasing to the market. There was only one thing left that they wanted to say: Teacher Zhang really lives up to his name!


    ��


    After several days.


    The advertising industry hade back to its senses.


    In a lecture hall, a very experienced advertising director stood at a lectern, giving a lesson to nearly a hundred interested fellow professionals. "I''m sure that everyone here has seen thismercial that was just yed. I believe that all of you have watched it maybe ten, twenty, or even thirty times over."


    The seated audience nodded.


    Only that?


    Some of them had even watched it more than forty times!


    The advertising directorughed and said, "When a lot of people see thismercial the first time, they find it to be very ordinary and possibly even quite unprofessional. It doesn''t introduce the branding culture of Family Spring, nor does it mention how good the quality of their water is. Instead, it just says that it''s ''a rather sweet thing.'' Isn''t that totally nonsensical?"


    The crowd nodded again.


    Yes, in what way was this advertisement any good?


    Then the director said, "Then I can tell you all right now. ''A,'' ''rather,'' ''sweet,'' ''thing''��just these four words are worth 15 million each!"


    The audience burst into an uproar!


    "Huh?"


    "15 million?"


    "Fuck!"


    "Each word is worth 15 million?"


    "Isn''t that too much of an exaggeration?"


    "The credit should go to Family Spring for having good quality water. It does seem to taste a little sweet."


    When the director heard that, he couldn''t help but burst outughing. "Is the water seriously a little sweet? For that reason, I specially consulted with some experts in the water industry. I can clearly and confidently say that sweetness onlyes from the presence of sugar. But for all of the bottled water brands in the country, including Family Spring, it''s impossible that there could be any sugar or substitute sweetener in them. Zero, zip, zilch, there''s not a single trace of sweetness to it!"


    The people in the industry all looked at one another.


    The director said, "After watching themercial, I also went to buy a bottle of Family Spring Bottled Water to have a taste. It did seem to have a teeny bit of sweetness to it at the time, and I''m sure that everyone here also had a simr experience to mine. But in fact, that was just a bias we had, the most basic kind of psychological suggestion that we fell for. Family Spring''s mineral water sourcees from the Jade Lake, which is a basin fed by the mineral water that passes through the mountains around it. It is a naturally urring mineral water that is collected through the self-cleaning and purification processes of the Jade Lake. Zhang Ye must have seen this information back then and thought of this: ''How can we let the consumers intuitively be aware of the origin of Family Spring''s mineral water and learn about the brand? How can we form a beautiful impression of a sweet spring? How can we turn that image they have into consumption?'' To achieve that, it would require a simple visual marketing concept to spread the idea. And Zhang Ye is really worthy of being hailed as the smartest person in the world. He very quickly came up with an idea using those four words��A! Rather! Sweet! Thing!"


    Someone questioned, "Isn''t that false advertising then?"


    The director waved his hands. "You can''t look at it that way. Sweetness does not equate to sugar content. Sweetness does not require the water to have sugar in it. Describing water as sweet is just synonymous for it being good quality water. Just like how stinky tofu is very smelly, but there are many people who say that it smells really good. Would that be considered false advertising too? Sweetness doesn''t only convey the idea that this is a product of quality, it also makes the people think of the sweet and refreshing taste of mineral water. As such, one would naturally find it somewhat sweet after drinking. Therefore, there was no introduction of Family Spring''s branding in theirmercial, no mention of how clean their water is, nor how much better they are than the other brands out there. This is because there isn''t a need for any of that. Just by using ''a rather sweet thing,'' it covered all of those points!"


    Carefully thinking about it, everyone gasped in realization of the message behind it!


    A copy of a report with some figures was ced on the projector.


    The director pointed at it. "I did a rough calction of the sales and profit for Family Spring. This is the miracle that Zhang Ye''s ad has created over the past few days!"


    Everyone was startled!


    "That much?"


    "This��this��"


    "Their sales nearly doubled?"


    The director said, "So do you all still think that those four words are not worth 60 million in total?"


    The industry''s professionals could only smile bitterly.


    Worthy!


    It was way too worthy of that sum!


    The four words being valued at 15 million each was even sounding a little too low now!


    The director looked at the people in the audience. "After the ad got an upgrade, there was an additional line in the advertising tagline saying that a cent would be donated to children in poor, rural areas for every bottle of water purchased. Zhang Ye can even think of that way to advertise? Is one cent a lot? What''s the value of one cent these days anyway? Besides, that money wouldn''t be contributed by Family Spring at all. They won''t have to run those public welfare activities, just like the other major corporations that donate several million yuan to keep up their public image. In fact, Family Spring does not even have to fork out a single red cent. They''re just using the money in the consumers'' pockets to do charity. For every cent the consumers donate, it increases the profits of Family Spring. The greater the sales, the greater the donations, the more they earn. Zhang Ye is really too smart of a person, and he''s really too good at this. This is not just some simple ad that he''s made! You all think that it''s simple because you all are not on the same level as Zhang Ye!"


    Some people were taking notes.


    Others were looking up and listening to the lecture in earnest.

 Chapter 1244: The battle for the advertising field’s top spot

    <h4>Chapter 1244: The battle for the advertising field''s top spot </h4>


    Chapter 1244: The battle for the advertising field''s top spot


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Tianxi Purified Water''s headquarters.


    Thepany''s upper management called for an emergency meeting to discuss countermeasures on how to deal with Family Spring''s domination of the market. There were looks of worry and anger on everyone''s faces.


    The issue had developed too quickly and they''d suffered a heavy loss in recent days. Their market share has fallen dramatically, and going by this trend, it meant their profits for the year would fall drastically. This was something that they and their shareholders couldn''t let happen. And the reason for all of this was not due to their product having a quality issue. Every other bottled water supplier was still selling the same products as before, but Zhang Ye''s endorsement advertisement had created a shocking reversal of trends in the industry! The most depressing thing was that Zhang Ye''s team had actuallye knocking on their doors. They were even approached first as theirpany''s endorsement deal was expiring. However, they felt that Zhang Ye''s asking price was too high and thought that he didn''t really have a good reputation, so they ignored it and did not even meet with them. Instead, they renewed Jiang Hanwei''s contract as their celebrity spokesperson.


    8 million RMB a year?


    And you even want to call the shots on the advertising proposal?


    Anything that we say will not be taken into consideration?


    Do you think that you''re an S-list celebrity!


    Even an A-list big name like Jiang Hanwei was only asking for 3 million a year, and he was willing to do as they said and wouldn''t order them around like Zhang Ye had wanted. Although that decision put them in a ratherplicated mood, they did not regret it.


    "It has been so many days, haven''t we thought of any ideas?"


    "Family Spring''s momentum is too strong!"


    "We can''t steal the market share away from them!"


    "Zhang Ye''s advertisement was too good!"


    "Boss, what do we do now?"


    "You''re asking me? I should be asking you! Am I paying you all to do nothing? Our new ad will be on the air soon. Have you all thought of an advertising strategy yet?"


    "We did, but none of them work."


    At this moment, someone knocked on the door and came in.


    "Boss, we''ve convinced her!"


    "You''ve managed to convince her?"


    "Yeah, she''s downstairs."


    "Quick, invite her in!"


    "Boss, who is it?"


    "Haha, Li Xiaoxiao has been headhunted by us."


    "What?"


    "That famous Ms. Li?"


    "Wasn''t she with BMW China?"


    "She left that job."


    "She''s a god-tier person! A god-tier person of the advertising industry!"


    Li Xiaoxiao, female, 32 years old.


    ��A legendary marketing nner of the advertising field. She handled over a dozen advertising ounts of medium torge corporations in the country and had a proven track record that would amaze anyone. A lot of the advertisements she spearheaded were ssics, and she was recognized as the best person in the advertising industry. Of course, that opinion was with the exclusion of Zhang Ye, who was not considered a professional in the industry.


    Countlesspanies had tried to headhunt her, and even many overseas brands had thoughts of getting her to join them. She was a talented individual who was highly sought after by all in the world of advertising. Therefore, no one could understand why she would choose to join Tianxi Purified Water. They knew where theirpany stood, at least, and didn''t think that their advertising director role would be more attractive than BMW China''s. If they really had toe up with a reason, then there could only be one possibility!


    She wanted to pit herself against Zhang Ye!


    She wanted topete in the same product market with Zhang Ye to determine who was better!


    ��


    Two dayster.


    As the advertising industry was still worshiping and learning from Family Spring''s advertisement, and just as Family Spring was continuing its expansion in the market, something unexpected happened!


    Jiang Hanwei''smercial was broadcast on television!


    "Six levels of filtration!


    "Eight stages of processing!


    "Eleven steps of purification!


    "Tianxi, the clearest, purest water there is!"


    On this day, Tianxi Purified Water came out crushing everything in its path. The advertisement took only a day to boost Tianxi Purified Water''s sales by arge extent all over the country. 10%, 15%, 20%, the sales kept climbing until it even rivaled that of Family Spring''s!


    This was too sudden!


    So sudden that even the industry''s personnel and Family Spring were stunned!


    The advertising field burst into an uproar, but also simultaneously went crazy from the excitement!


    "Who came up with Tianxi''s ad?"


    "It''s amazing!"


    "They broke down the purification process into numbers? That''s had a great effect on the brand''s image!"


    "I heard from somewhere that it was Li Xiaoxiao!"


    "What? It''s her?"


    "Aiyo, no wonder!"


    "The number one goddess of the advertising field has defected to Tianxi?''


    "Is she crazy? She could have taken her pick from so many of the other bigpanies that were after her!"


    "Yeah, Tianxi doesn''t seem to be the best choice for her to make."


    "Unless she wants to try her hand atpeting against Zhang Ye?"


    "Oh damn, that might be possible!"


    "How exciting! This is definitely something to keep our eyes on!"


    "Quicklye and see, the gods of the advertising field are fighting! The two greatest gods have finally matched up!"


    It was yet another phenomenal advertisement!


    Normally, it was very difficult to have one phenomenal advertisement per year, so who could have expected that two such advertisements would make an appearance within the same week of each other? Further, these two advertisements were even forpeting brands. This was truly something major!


    Zhang Ye vs. Li Xiaoxiao?


    The two gods of the advertising field were going to face off against one another?


    Instantaneously, the excitement in the entire industry peaked!


    "Who do you guys think will win?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Li Xiaoxiao has the advantage. She''s a professional."


    "That''s true. Zhang Ye''s just someone who meddles around in every industry that he wishes to. But that''s also an achievement in and of itself!"


    "Going by results, Li Xiaoxiao has a lot of sessful projects to her name."


    "But going by effect, Zhang Ye''s has had much greater sess."


    "Let''s not blindly analyze this. We''re not at that level yet, so it doesn''t matter what we say here. Li Xiaoxiao has made her move, so let''s just see how Zhang Ye will respond."


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Family Spring''s advertising team''s manager and team members all came over.


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Have you seen Tianxi Purified Water''s ad yet?"


    "Please give us some ideas on how to deal with it!"


    "The sales of Family Spring Bottled Water have already taken a hit!"


    Taken a hit?


    How was that possible?


    Zhang Ye had been kept busy with work these few days and had too many things on his mind, so he didn''t pay much attention to such matters. So he said, "Slow down, what ad are you talking about? Let me watch it first."


    Ha Qiqi and the others came over and sit down.


    When the advertisement yed, Jiang Hanwei''s figure appeared.


    After watching, Ha Qiqi and the others were all secretly in awe of it. This advertisement was incredible!


    Simple!


    And back to the basics!


    This was definitely not the work of just anyone!


    Processing, purification, and many levels of filtration had been put forward, yet how many people would really understand the inner workings of such things? Was this really that difficult? In the water purification industry, how many were not able to achieve this? There could even be others who had a moreplicated process than theirs. But that''s just how advertisements worked. If you said so? Then people would believe you. Once the public saw it, they would think your purified water was the cleanest of them all and be very reassured. This was the power of advertising.


    And it even looked a little familiar?


    Thismercial was just like Robust Co.''s 27 1 levels of filtrationmercial back in Zhang Ye''s previous world. The core message was essentially the same.


    Zhang Ye looked up and smiled. "Who made this?"


    Someone from Family Spring said, "Li Xiaoxiao, a godly person in the advertising field. This ad has impacted our sales greatly, so much so that the higher-ups are unable to sit still. They had use over to look for you to see what you could do about it. Are we just going topete normally, or will we fight back, or should we adopt a different strategy altogether? A lot of people in the industry are guessing that Li Xiaoxiao joined Tianxi because��because she wanted to challenge you!"


    Challenge me?


    Why would she challenge me!


    Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    It was verypetitive in the advertising field!


    This was a brutal war without smoke, fire, or blood. Everyone would pass each other by, and if you weren''t careful, you might just suffer a terrible defeat. It was a ce where only the best could survive!


    In truth, Zhang Ye already had a "script" in ce for Family Spring. Their sales were soaring, and even if Tianxi Purified Water were toe in to take a share of their market, it wouldn''t do much to hurt Family Spring. Family Spring''s branding had been built up, so it wouldn''t matter even if they ignored them. At most, they would just sell fewer bottles of water and lose out on several tens of millions to hundreds of millions of yuan. Zhang Ye didn''t have to bother himself with this at all. He had already done a great job for them, as well as fulfilled his part of the agreement with Family Spring.


    But he didn''t ignore it. He decided that he had to do something about this.


    Li Xiaoxiao?


    Challenging me?


    If I don''t respond to the challenge, wouldn''t that be uncharacteristic?


    Alright then.


    As you wish.

 Chapter 1245: We’re only the porters of nature!

    <h4>Chapter 1245: We''re only the porters of nature! </h4>


    Chapter 1245: We''re only the porters of nature!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The trend in the market for bottled water in recent days could only be described as ever-changing. At times, Family Spring''s sales experienced a surge; at other times, Tianxi was pushing aggressively in the market. The two brands were going all out for their televisionmercials while fighting each other for the market share. It was like a close swordfight with sparks flying all around!


    Themon folk had headaches.


    "Which one should I buy?"


    "Both of them seem to be pretty good."


    "Theirmercials are being yed all over the ce."


    "I still prefer Tianxi. It''s cleaner since it goes through so many levels of processing!"


    "Are you saying that Family Spring''s water isn''t clean?"


    "It''s not as clean as Tianxi''s water."


    "But Family Spring''s water has a sweetness to it."


    "They added sugar in it."


    "Pfft, previous poster, please don''t make meugh."


    "Zhang Ye and Jiang Hanwei are once again on opposing sides."


    "Ah, I''ve only just realized it now that you mention it!"


    "Those two have been fighting way before this. At Xiaodong''s birthday party, Zhang Ye even crashed into his car on purpose. I even heard that Jiang Hanwei was chased away by Zhang Ye''s female agent at the party? I wonder if that was true. Then, on King of Masked Singers, when Jiang Hanwei appeared on the show to support Flowing Time, he shed with Zhang Ye again. And now these two foes have met again. Is there a sh in their eight characters of birth? They keep ending up going against each other wherever they go? This time, they''ve been matched up in the ads that they star in!"


    "Hahaha."


    The people were only here to enjoy the show.


    It was the industry insiders who really knew what sort of a level this contest was at. It was a matchup between Zhang Ye and Li Xiaoxiao, apetition between Family Spring and Tianxi Purified Water, and also a challenge between mineral water and purified water! Whoever was the number one person in the advertising industry would be revealed very soon!


    At Tianxi''s headquarters.


    In the advertising department''s office.


    Li Xiaoxiao was seated, looking as confident as could be.


    "Director Li, that was amazing!"


    "The sales for yesterday have been released. They''ve increased by 20%!"


    "We''re gonna catch up to Family Spring soon!"


    "With you here, everyone''s feeling much more confident!"


    "You''re the true number one person in the advertising field! That''s for sure!"


    "Yeah, what is Zhang Ye anyway? He''s just a broadcast host who hasn''t learned anything about advertising, so how can he possiblypare to a trained professional like you!"


    Everyone was in a good mood.


    Li Xiaoxiao said calmly, "Don''t be happy too early. Family Spring might still have some tricks up their sleeves. If they increase the promotion of their public welfare activities, or if they increase the donation amount per bottle, we will use n A to handle them. If they emphasize promoting the ''sweetness'' of their water, we will execute n B in response��"


    There were four ns in total!


    To handle every possibility they had worked out!


    Li Xiaoxiao was very meticulous. Otherwise, she couldn''t possibly be sitting in her current position. She had thought of everything that the opponent might try, then drew up ns to respond to each of them.


    She was now waiting. She was waiting for Zhang Ye to make his move!


    The advertising field was also waiting. They were waiting for the curtains of this grand battle to raise!


    Jiang Hanwei also started updating his Weibo more frequently with promotional posts of him giving out Tianxi Purified Water to his celebrity friends!


    ��


    The next day.


    The sun was shining brightly.


    The day was a peaceful one.


    At 10 AM sharp, Family Spring started theirmercial run on the television stations.


    No one had expected that an advertisement that would soon be written into the annals of the advertising industry would appear so suddenly!


    Quite a few industry insiders had gathered around anxiously to watch!


    "It''s here!"


    "The newmercial is here!"


    "Zhang Ye has made his move!"


    "Quick,e and watch, it''s beginning!"


    "Let''s see what he cane up with."


    "I reckon there''s nothing he can do."


    The advertising field was watching.


    The public was watching.


    The people from the other brand namepanies were also watching.


    Themercial had changed!


    In a valley.


    In the woods.


    There was a creek.


    Ethereal music yed.


    Zhang Ye''s voice slowly drifted out of the television.


    "Water is the source of life.


    "The quality of water dictates the quality of life.


    "We don''t produce water. We''re only the porters of nature!"


    The advertisement ended.


    It was just a short 15-second spot.


    Those who saw thismercial the moment it came on were dumbfounded. They could not react at all for a full few seconds!


    "Holy shit!"


    "This��"


    "Thismercial��"


    "Oh my God!"


    That ssic advertising tagline of Tianxi Purified Water''smercial had instinctively popped into their heads!


    Processing?


    Filtration?


    Sifting?


    Handling?


    Purification?


    But Family Spring just said, "No, we do not produce water, we''re only the porters of nature!


    Face-smacking!


    The ultimate kill!


    A headshot!


    Thismercial was just too goddamn ruthless!


    So this was Face-smacking Zhang!


    This was that Face-smacking Zhang who had left countless fellow peers gnash their teeth in hatred of him!


    ��


    At Tianxi''s headquarters.


    Everyone from the advertising department was speechless!


    Li Xiaoxiao was stunned!


    Tianxi''s CEO had a shocked expression on his face!


    There were even a few female employees whose eyes reddened as they started crying in distress. "They��they��How could they do that!"


    "Director Li!"


    "Director Li, what should we do?"


    "This��this!"


    Li Xiaoxiao looked at them and suddenly picked up pen and paper. She lowered her head and started writing.


    Everyone was filled with hope!


    She still had a n?


    Right! We must fight back!


    Director Li is the best advertising professional in the industry!


    However, Li Xiaoxiao looked up and handed that piece of paper to the deputy CEO of Tianxi. Everyone panicked at what she said. "Sorry, I''ve lost. This is my resignation letter."


    There was no n at all!


    They had nothing left up their sleeves!


    This was checkmate!


    This was a knife plunged into them in "extra time"!


    They had no way of turning this around to counterattack!


    ��


    Soon after.


    News of Li Xiaoxiao stepping down from her position at Tianxi Purified Water spread throughout the industry. Everyone was extremely shocked and were finding it hard to ept or believe!


    That was Li Xiaoxiao they were talking about!


    A godly person who made her way through the ranks of the advertising industry!


    "What''s going on!"


    "How did it turn out like this?"


    "Holy shit!"


    "I don''t even know what to say!"


    "Even Goddess Li couldn''t y him?"


    "It would be eptable to us if there''s no one in the variety world who can win against him, but there''s even no one who can rival him in the advertising field? I really can''t believe it! How can it be like this! If Li Xiaoxiao had fought Zhang Ye over the course of many rounds and they''d pushed each other to the limits before she conceded, I would probably be able to ept that. After all, they''re both elites in the industry. But what about now? They only crossed swords once! Just that once!"


    "Hai!"


    "I''m kneeling!"


    "Family Spring''smercial was simply too awesome!"


    "Not only was it awesome, it was also goddamn face smacking!"


    "Speaking from emotion, I''ll definitely side with Li Xiaoxiao since she''s my senior. But from a professional point of view, Family Spring''smercial was indeed iparable. Just based on that advertising tagline alone, I''m convinced!"


    "The waters of this industry run so deep."


    "Yeah, after seeing these two gods sh, I realize that I still have a lot to learn!"


    Just this single face-off!


    Without even needing a second move from Zhang Ye, his opponent had already lost!


    All because of that nuclear bomb of an advertising tagline: "No, we do not produce water, we''re only the porters of nature!"


    With just this simple tagline.


    It made Li Xiaoxiao genuflect!


    It made Tianxi Purified Water genuflect!


    It made all the other brands of drinking water genuflect!


    It made everyone in the entire Chinese advertising field genuflect!


    They were all convinced!


    So convinced that they could do nothing other than prostrate!

 Chapter 1246: All the advertisements roll out!

    <h4>Chapter 1246: All the advertisements roll out! </h4>


    Chapter 1246: All the advertisements roll out!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    On the way to the studio, Zhang Ye received an unexpected call.


    "Hello, who is this?"


    "Hello, Teacher Zhang, I am Li Xiaoxiao."


    "Li Xiaoxiao?"


    "You might not know who I am."


    "But Teacher Li, I do know you."


    "I''m honored."


    "Sorry about the advertisement issues. I was just entrusted with the duty since I receive pay from Family Spring, so I had to do my best."


    "Teacher Zhang, you don''t have to say that. If anyone has to apologize, it should be me. I was the one who threw down the glove, and the media was also guessing why I had suddenly joined Tianxi Purified Water. I can tell you right now that I did so because of you. I''ve long heard about you and was hoping to pit my skills against yours. The results have proven that Teacher Zhang is still a level higher. I''ve lost, and I''ve lost convincingly too. There''s nothing else I can say to that."


    "Teacher Li, you''re too modest."


    "Shall we have dinner some day you''re free?"


    "Sure, I would be more than happy to."


    "Then it''s agreed. I must really get some guidance from you, Teacher Zhang."


    "You''re too generous with your praise."


    "Are your other ads going to roll out soon?"


    "They''ll be released throughout the day."


    "Alright, I''ll wait for them then. I quite anticipate them, actually."


    Li Xiaoxiao was a big shot in the advertising field, so Zhang Ye was pretty polite when speaking to her. He knew that she was a very capable woman and had true skill to back her up. He never expected she would call him. She even spoke to him in a very calm manner and didn''t confront him over the advertisement face-off between the two of them. A person of such character was surely going to gain the respect of Zhang Ye. She was not like him. Even if she said that she would like to get some guidance from him, Zhang Ye didn''t dare think he could do so. He wasn''t up to the task of dishing out advice to a big shot like Li Xiaoxiao. Because nobody here knew that Zhang Ye was actually the biggest porter in this world!


    He wasn''t a porter of water.


    This guy would port anything he could!


    ��


    At the studio.


    Ring ring ring, ring ring ring.


    The phone was almost blowing up from the constant calls! All kinds of endorsements had found their way here. There were thirty Chinesepanies seeking a deal, and even three foreign ones approached them. This wasn''t strange at all. Family Spring''s advertisement had gotten really popr, and anyone with eyes could see why. Zhang Ye''s reputation for his 15 million RMB per word had spread all over the industry. Even if themon folk could not see this, how could the major brands not notice?


    "Director Zhang!"


    "You''re finally here!"


    "This is the list ofpanies that approached us; take a look."


    "There''s really too many of them!"


    "Are we going to ept their offers?"


    Zhang Ye flipped through it and didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    ept their offers? ept, my ass!


    If he really took all of these projects, his schedule would be booked all the way until next year!


    But with so many endorsement projects being offered to him, it was quite a pity not to take them. As such, the studio staff got busy again and started sifting through all the leads. Of the offers that could support the bottom line of their fifth step in the "Reach the Summit" n, they selected three top corporations in the Chinese market and epted their endorsement deals. As for the smaller enterprises and brands, Zhang Ye could only reject them for the time being. He really could not take those projects. Sometimes, it wouldn''t be helpful to take too many endorsements since such deals were more about quality over quantity. Zhang Ye already had so many endorsements that not even the top three Heavenly Kings and Queens could beat him bybining their endorsement deals.


    So that would be it. He would not be taking any more of them.


    He would have to make do with the endorsements he had on hand.


    After that, following Family Spring''s advertisement, Zhang Ye''s other endorsement advertisements were gradually released into the market!


    ��


    On the same day.


    In the Beijing subway.


    The billboards on the waiting tforms were reced.


    A poster showed Zhang Ye holding a cell phone as he smiled while reading a book on it. Beneath him were several sentences making up the advertising message:


    "Reading a book is like reading oneself. The more you read, the better you understand yourself.


    "I''ve taken a liking to a character because what he says reminds me of myself."


    In the Shanghai subway.


    "Reading a book is like reading oneself. The more you read, the better you understand yourself.


    "Reading about and understanding the protagonist''s every hesitation, I feel as though I can calmly make better choices at the crossroads in my life."


    Shenzhen.


    Tianjin.


    Nanjing.


    Every poster was different.


    The passengers would all stop in their tracks as they passed by to read them.


    Some passersby uploaded pictures of the advertisements online.


    "Wow, Zhang Ye''s new ad has arrived all over the subway stations!"


    "Line 1 has fallen!"


    "Line 5 has fallen!"


    "It''s everywhere in Line 13 as well!"


    "It''s even on the outdoor advertising light boxes!"


    "Damn, Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen''s subways have all been invaded by Zhang Ye!"


    "The guy''s picture in the ad actually makes him look pretty ssy. He really has the air of a man of culture."


    "Extra, extra! Teacher Zhang has taken an endorsement for the number one reader app in the market!"


    "This ad is pretty good. It''s really quite ssy!"


    "Haha, I''ll use this app to read my books from now on."


    "I''ve just realized that Lord Zhang doesn''t look that bad. In fact, he''s looking more and more charming!"


    The advertising world was very certain of one thing: Endorsing a reader app was extremely difficult. But Zhang Ye had managed to do it in a new and refreshing way. For such a boring and rigid thing like a reader app, Zhang Ye had managed to bring out the elegance and feel of a book. It raised the ssiness of the reader app. Although this reader app''s market share was already the top in the industry, that was just a statistic. Zhang Ye added a lot of value to the brand that it never had before!


    And this value was precisely what money couldn''t buy!


    ��


    At night.


    Beijing Television.


    After the broadcast of an episode of a hit spy-thriller, a dairymercial was shown.


    It was a very gentle scene with a beautiful, scenic backdrop.


    The blue sky overlooking the vast ins.


    Zhang Ye, a piano, and a little girl.


    A piano melody was ying in the background as Zhang Ye lovingly soothed the little girl.


    There were no spoken lines. Right at the end of themercial, an advertising tagline appeared onscreen: "Not just any milk can be called Jiali Milk."


    On Weibo.


    This tagline was instantly mentioned everywhere.


    "Pfft!"


    "Such showmanship I give full marks!"


    "Is it really that good?"


    "It doesn''t look bad!"


    "It''s so full of warmth. I''ll give it a Like!"


    "It''s yet another ssymercial!"


    It was shared like crazy!


    It was parodied!


    Everyone was having fun!


    Thismercial was very weird in a sense. Even those people in the advertising field who saw it could not figure out what made this advertisement so good after analyzing it for a very long time. There was just nothing in it that they could pinpoint as good. But the response of the market still let everyone know that this was yet another phenomenal marketing advertisement!


    Because on this day, Jiali Milk was sold out all across the country!


    The people were shocked and astonished.


    "Fuck."


    "I can''t get it anymore!"


    "Why are they out of stock?"


    "I wanted to try it!"


    "Is this milk really that good?"


    "Whatever Zhang Ye endorses, it always ends up getting sold out!"


    "So impressive!"


    "I''m utterly convinced!"


    ��


    A picture of elegance.


    The greenery of the grass.


    A pure white wedding dress.


    Zhang Ye was holding a woman''s hand and putting a ring on her finger.


    " A Diamond is Forever 1 ."


    The jewelrymercial was rolled out.


    A heated discussion took ce on Weibo.


    "Is Zhang Ye really getting married?"


    "Who is that woman?"


    "She can''t be seen; they only showed her hand!"


    "A second after I watched thismercial, I noticed my fiancee staring at me deeply and realized��the 100,000 RMB that I have left in my bank ount is gone!"


    "Zhang Ye, I hate you! My wife is now saying that she wants this brand of diamond rings! Your sister! The cheapest one-carat diamond ring already starts at the upper end of tens of thousands of yuan!"


    "Thismercial is too ruthless!"


    "A Diamond is Forever? As a woman, I was instantly taken by that sentence! I will definitely buy this brand in the future when I get married!"


    "Thismercial is really too lethal on a woman!"


    "My wife has fallen!"


    "Ditto."


    "Ditto +1!"


    ��


    At a school.


    In theboratory.


    There was a doctor.


    And a microscope.


    "You can wash away the visible stains.


    "But can you wash away the invisible germs?


    "Scientific research has shown��"


    This was amercial for a brand of soap!


    It was inspired by Safeguard 2 ''s soapmercial back in Zhang Ye''s previous world.


    It got boisterous again on Weibo.


    "The fuck!"


    "My hands are still so dirty even after I''ve washed them?"


    "Is that really how it is?"


    "I''m so scared that I quickly went to buy a box of it to wash my hands with!"


    "Haha, luckily for me, I''m already using this brand at home!"


    ��


    In a ratherrge bathroom.


    A set of clean-looking sanitary ware was on disy.


    Zhang Ye''s singing came on.


    "Every single toilet is a hero.


    "With just a simple flush,


    "It can flush away all of your sorrows.


    "No matter how much your pain,


    "No matter how deep your loss,


    "For you, it will take all of it away!


    "Every single toilet is a friend.


    "You can trust it with all your heart.


    "You can''t do without it in your life."


    The sanitary waremercial made its shocking debut!


    This was the first time that Zhang Ye''s new song was released in the form of amercial. Moreover, there was also a full version music videomercial that could be viewed on the official website of the sanitary warepany and on the various major online video hosting sites.


    When thismercial was rolled out.


    The industry was dumbfounded!


    The public was stunned!


    "A toilet is a hero?"


    "A toilet is a friend?"


    "Laughing out loud!"


    "Genuflecting to the thickness of Zhang Ye''s skin!"


    "A hero? Fuck, why don''t you just present the toilet with a war medal! Why don''t you just present the toilet with a Red-Banner Pacesetter 3 award!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "I was really made to kneel to thismercial!"


    "That was way too unconventional!"


    "Just based on Zhang Ye''s totalck of shame, I''ve got to buy one of those!"


    "Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst! Buy! Buy! Buy! Anything that Zhang Ye endorses, I''ll buy!"


    On this day, sales of the sanitary ware brand''s products surged!


    However, the most amazing thing was that this totally unconventional new song named "Toilet" that Zhang Ye had created actually managed to chart on thergest Top Chinese Music Chart in the country. It charted at number 10 for the day even though it was just a song for amercial! At a time when I Am a Singer and Sing! were the most popr singing shows being broadcast, the daily top 20 spots on the chart were basically monopolized by songs that were performed on the shows. For a sanitary ware''smercial song to actually get into the top 10, just what kind of a concept was that? Even those from Beijing Television and Central TV nearly vomited blood when they saw the music charts!


    What is this!


    This fellow really has too many tricks up his sleeves!


    One��


    Five��


    Ten��


    One after another, the advertisements were dropped onto the public''s consciousness like a carpet bombing run!


    For the next few days, all of Zhang Ye''s endorsement advertisements continued being shown!


    Zhang Ye was appearing in all kinds of different styles and looks on television, in the subway, at the bus stations, on the online video hosting sites, etc. At different times, he would look refined and suave, dashing, or charming.


    The advertisements blew up!


    The products sold out!


    Zhang Ye''s name was once again getting heard all over the country!

 Chapter 1247: A sprint to the S-list!

    <h4>Chapter 1247: A sprint to the S-list! </h4>


    Chapter 1247: A sprint to the S-list!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this afternoon.


    His mother was munching on melon seeds while watching a television drama.


    His father did not enjoy watching soap operas, so he sat beside her reading the papers.


    Just as the television drama was getting exciting, the image onscreen suddenly switched. Zhang Ye''s voice gently came from the television, "You can wash away the visible stains, but can you wash away the invisible germs?"


    Wash, your sister!


    How many days have they been showing this!


    My skin is peeling from washing my hands so much!


    His mother said in an impatient manner, "Why are they showingmercials at such an important moment!"


    15 seconds went by very quickly.


    Just as his mother was looking forward to the drama returning, Zhang Ye''s face appeared again. "At important times! How can you catch a cold?"


    Pfft!


    His mother said, fuming mad, "Why is it anothermercial!"


    His father said with a smile, "Can''t you watch something else then?"


    So his mother changed channels to Zhejiang Television.


    "A Diamond is Forever."


    Change channels!


    "There could be a gold bar inside when you open your Brain Gold gift box!"


    Change channels!


    "Every single toilet is a friend��."


    Change channels!


    "Family Spring, a rather sweet thing."


    Change channels!


    "I Am a Singer is brought to you exclusively by our title sponsor, the leader in health products, Brain Gold��"


    Advertisements!


    Advertisements everywhere!


    And coincidentally, every channel was currently showing themercials with Zhang Ye in them during this time!


    His mother got mad. "I''ll just stop watching TV, will that do? I''ll use theputer instead!"


    As she spoke, she powered on theputer andunched the Inte browser, wanting to read some news. However, instead of reading the news, a pop-up appeared. Zhang Ye''s smiling face appeared onscreen. "Our goal is��No! More! Tooth! Decay!"


    No more tooth decay?


    I''ll beat you up until your teeth decay!


    His mother went into his room angrily and dragged Zhang Ye out of bed. "Why is it all your ads?"


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "Mom, I was sleeping."


    "Get up! What are you still sleeping for?" His mother said, "When I turn on the TV, you''re on it. When I power on the PC, you''re on it again. You''re on the cell phone browser pop-ups, you''re there too when I''m taking the subway, just how many endorsements have you taken? Those who know will understand it''s just ads, but those who don''t will think that you''ve taken over the!"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Aiya, that''s because the brand namepanies have just renewed their endorsement deals andunched the new ad campaigns. They''re definitely going to advertise harder and more frequently at the beginning. It''s just going to be for a month or so since this is the only time that they can really build on their brand names. When they''ve established their brand''s presence, the advertising frequency will surely drop. Enough, Mom, I''m not talking anymore. I''ve been so busy filmingmercials these days, and when I can finally get some rest, you''re shouting and keeping me awake. I''m going back to sleep now."


    If even Zhang Ye''s own mother was feeling this way, how would the public feel?


    ��


    Online.


    Theizens were allining!


    "Your sister!"


    "I''m going to have a mental breakdown!"


    "Me too. The moment I switched on the TV this morning, I changed channels five times and every channel was showing fucking Zhang Ye''s face on them. Oh my God!"


    "This scammer!"


    "Yeah, I keep seeing him wherever I go!"


    "Zhang Ye has propped up half of the entire country''s endorsement deals all by himself!"


    "Half? You must mean all!"


    "There really isn''t anyone else who can get so much exposure like he is!"


    "There shouldn''t be any person in the country who doesn''t know who he is, right?"


    "That''s right. I traveled back to my family home in the countryside two days ago. The moment I stepped into town, I saw a huge billboard that was newly built with the words ''Family Spring, a rather sweet thing'' written on it. My ce is just a small town, so I was really shocked to see that. Can you guys imagine how many grass mud horses galloped through my mind at that moment? This ad has spread into cities and viges across the country!"


    "I''ve been seeing thatmercial about having no tooth decay these days while watching the TV series on Shanghai TV. It always gets shown when they head into themercial breaks. I''ve been forced to watch it more than 20 times already. I don''t even have any tooth decay to begin with, but whenever I see thatmercial, I can feel a fucking toothache in my mouth!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "I''m cramping up fromughing!"


    "Zhang Ye, that guy, has really angered the masses!"


    But even if they scolded and shouted about this, the facts proved that even with this level of advertising intensity, the people were still able to ept it. Moreover, even if it wasn''t Zhang Ye''smercials being shown at that time, it would still be impossible for the ad spots to stay empty. Some othermercials for some other brands would still be shown, so wouldn''t it be all the same no matter whosemercial they were going to see? Further, every one of Zhang Ye''smercials was ingenious. There were profound ones, elegant ones, exquisite ones, brainwashing ones, and unconventional ones. If it was impossible to escape from the advertisements, then everyone would rather watch some interesting advertisements.


    The ones who were kept the busiest were those in the advertising industry.


    In recent days, the professionals in the advertising field were holding meetings almost every day to study and research Zhang Ye''s advertisements!


    ��


    In a ssroom.


    "Here, everyone have a look at the projector. Let us talk about Zhang Ye''stest endorsement for the toothpaste product. We mentioned previously that we would be talking about the sanitary waremercial today, but after we had a quick discussion about it after we went back yesterday, we''ve decided not to talk about that anymore. That''s because it''s amercial that cannot be replicated at all, not even by Li Xiaoxiao. She doesn''t know how to write songs, and neither would the professionals in the advertising field know how to write such songs. Since only Zhang Ye can make amercial like that, we''ll skip talking about it."


    ��


    At a gathering in the advertising industry.


    "Everyone, have a look at the information in your hands. Let''s first analyze that diamond ringmercial of Zhang Ye''s. ''A Diamond is Forever''��this advertising slogan is amazing!"


    ��


    At a university.


    In an upper-level advertising and marketing ss.


    "Students, we will not be referring to the textbooks today. Instead, let''s talk about the ten endorsement ads of Zhang Ye''s. If anyone told me in the past that there was a god in the field of advertising and marketing, I will definitely scoff at them. But today, I suddenly have some hesitations. If there really were a god in the world of advertising, then in this age that we live in, Zhang Ye is probably the one who is closest to it."


    ��


    Zhang Ye''s advertisements had created a hugemotion!


    Themon folks only wanted to watch the buzz, but those in the industry were all crazily researching and learning from the ads!


    If the two Family Spring advertisements had awed them, then the series of Zhang Ye''s advertisements that rolled out afterwards would make the entire industry go crazy over them!


    The toothpaste advertisement?


    The industry was knelt to it!


    The cold medication advertisement?


    The industry was knelt once more!


    The toilet advertisement?


    The industry fell to both knees!


    The attitude of the advertising field towards Zhang Ye was no longer just admiration. It had turned into worship!


    If he only asionally came up with a ssic advertisement, everyone wouldn''t think much of it. That was because there would always be several such ssic advertising and marketing cases every year. But to continuouslye up with phenomenal advertisements one after another, and they were even for the most explosively marketed products in the industry, there were no other creatives who could do something like this, be it domestically or overseas!


    It was only Zhang Ye!


    Only Zhang Ye could achieve something like that!


    ��


    The news was spreading all over!


    "No more tooth decay has be a popr catchphrase!"


    "An advertising slogan was all it took for a diamond ring to be the standard essory for weddings!"


    "Jiali Milk goes out of stock again!"


    "Zhang Ye reaches the pinnacle of the advertising endorsement field!"


    "Zhang Ye��The leader of this year''s advertisement endorsements!"


    "Zhang Ye''s endorsement pay surpasses that of the S-list celebrities''!"


    A refreshing breeze in the advertising world!"


    "Zhang Ye: Advertisements are also a form of art!"


    "Is Zhang Ye''s wedding date imminent?"


    "Breaking insider''s news: Zhang Ye currently preparing for his wedding!"


    "Why is Zhang Ye''s endorsement pay exceeding his market value? It''s all down to those unique advertising proposals!"


    "A brand name''s evaluation of Zhang Ye: Zhang Ye is the most dedicated and professional celebrity in the industry. We are honored to be working with him!"


    "Zhang Ye''s advertisements ''flood'' the entire country!"


    "An exposure rate that defies the Heavens! Zhang Ye''s poprity soars again!"


    Everything was going smoothly!


    With this, the "Reach the Summit" n''s fifth step wasplete!


    However, the next task was to return to step four and carry it out well��the recording of I Am a Singer. If luck would have it, he would very soon be able to make his first attempt at those seven spots of the S-list!

 Chapter 1248: Xiaodong can’t host anymore?

    <h4>Chapter 1248: Xiaodong can''t host anymore? </h4>


    Chapter 1248: Xiaodong can''t host anymore?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Wednesday.


    Later that morning.


    The barrage of advertisements finally came to an end. The volume of over a dozen of Zhang Ye''s endorsement advertisements had finally normalized and were no longer shown as often as before. With that taskplete and the poprity gained, Zhang Ye turned his attention back to I Am a Singer. In recent days, he had been too busy taking various endorsement deals and filming theirmercials. That was too much of a distraction for him, so with that taskplete, he had to get back to producing the show properly.


    At Beijing Television.


    Zhang Ye arrived at work.


    "Director Zhang."


    "Morning, Director Zhang."


    "You''re here already?"


    "Have you eaten yet?"


    "Director Zhang, do I get a discount for the diamond rings if I mention your name?"


    The moment Zhang Ye came back, everyone wasughing and happily joking around with him.


    The advertisements were also brought up by a lot of them. They teased him for a long time, but Zhang Ye didn''t get angry and even yed along with them.


    Hu Fei also arrived at the office. "Director Zhang, you''re here?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Brother Hu, shall we start the meeting?"


    Hu Fei nodded. "Alright, is everyone here?"


    Zhang Ye turned to Xiao Lu and said, "Go and gather everyone up."


    "Got it." Xiao Lu obeyed.


    Five minutester, the conference room was fully seated with the staff of the program team. The new episode''s recording was scheduled for tomorrow, and the program team would always hold a meeting prior to it so they couldmunicate any issues and establish a direction for the recording. This was standard practice here. The atmosphere in the meetings was always good, with Zhang Ye usually assigning the roles and tasks while Hu Fei would add on with whatever was necessary. Everyone else would take notes and record the meeting, have discussions, and raise questions while Zhang Ye answered them.


    Today was no exception.


    Zhang Ye said, "Everyone has been working hard these days. I Am a Singer''s recording is already halfway done, and we''ve achieved very good results so far. Let''s have a look at the projector. These are the viewership ratings for our show against Sing!''s after their broadcast time was changed."


    I Am a Singer:


    Episode Four''s viewership rating: 3.08%


    Episode Five''s viewership rating: 3.22%


    Episode Six''s viewership rating: 3.19%


    Sing!:


    Episode Four''s viewership rating: 1.58%


    Episode Five''s viewership rating: 1.62%


    Episode Six''s viewership rating: 1.55%


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "As all of you can see, Sing!''s viewership ratings have obviously gone up after they changed their broadcast time. 1.5% is a very outstanding result in the industry and would also deserve quite a good ranking in the all-time historical viewership ratings. Butpared to us, they''re stillcking by far. With them stepping aside, we don''t have anyonepeting with us in the same time slot. Our viewership for every episode is now at a stable 3% or above, but I think that we can still do better."


    Hou Di said, "But, Director Zhang, we''ve already broken the record."


    Xiao Lu clicked her tongue and said, "Take it even higher? Wouldn''t that be very difficult? It feels like we''re already at the limit."


    However, Hu Fei replied, "In the past, no one thought that current TV variety shows could surpass the 2% mark. But Director Zhang did it. After that, when everyone thought that the 3% mark could not be broken, Director Zhang did it again. There has been a general consensustely in the industry that 4% has to be the limit and that it is definitely the ceiling for variety shows. But I don''t believe that''s true. I''m of the same mind as Director Zhang on this; I feel that we can still take it even higher."


    Hou Ge analyzed, "Then we can only seek to increase the excitement of the show. The audience is starting to be used to the rules and routine of our show, as well as getting familiar with the seven singers onstage, so they might be beginning to experience short-term fatigue with regard to our show. In the previous episode, we justpleted a knockout round with thetest recement singer getting eliminated immediately. He has arge fan base, so it actually affected our show quite a bit. As such, the viewership ratings for episode six were slightly weaker, even though it was still basically the same as episode five''s viewership ratings. If we really want to push it another level higher, the choice of the new recement singer for the next episode will be critical."


    Dafei said, "So who do we get for the recement singer?"


    Han Qi said, "We don''t have that many options in our hands."


    This was a difficult choice.


    Who should they send first?


    Who should they keep forter?


    All these decisions had to be weighed carefully.


    The singers on the current stage were divided into two tiers now.


    The first-tier group: Chen Guang, Zhang Xia. This was the most solid group, and the two of them were consistently ranked in the top three. They were truly excellent singers. Xiaodong could probably be considered as part of the first-tier group as well since she also asionally got rather good results. But that was still rather dependent on the songs she sang. She was not exactly solid in this area.


    In the second-tier group, there were Huang Cheng, Zhao Wuliu, and Amy. Huang Cheng was someone who went by the artistic route, so the style of his songs was more niche. During the episode he first joined as the recement singer, he got a very good ranking. However, hister songs only received lukewarm responses, with his results fluctuating. Like him, Zhao Wuliu''s results were also very rocky, with him ranking high at times and low at other times. This was not a problem with their singing but because there were too many good singers on this stage. Everyone were bringing out their best tricks as they fought each round with their all, so the results were more across the board. It was really difficult to pinpoint who was better than the other.


    Surprisingly, Amy was the most solid performer of all. He steadiness came from the fact that she was always ranked in thest two ces, either sixth or seventh. Every time she was faced with the knockout round, she would always be the one in the most danger. However, she was always able to return from the dead and survive to the next round. As such, after three knockout rounds so far, Amy was still around even though she was part of the starting list of singers for the show. As the show progressed, this also became a highlight of the show that the viewers were delighted to see.


    Hu Fei gave it some thought and said, "For the new recement singer, we will require a truly skilled singer. I hope that this recement can break into that first-tier group and create somepetition for the others."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "That''s what I feel too. Looking at the list of recement singers, I would probably be more inclined to��" As he was speaking, a phone rang. It was Zhang Ye''s cell phone. He had forgotten to silence his phone and did not intend to answer it since they were in a meeting. But just as he was about to reject the call, he saw the caller ID and was slightly taken aback. He really had to answer this call, so he said, "Sorry, I''ll have to take this call."


    Hu Fei said, "It''s fine.


    He exited the conference room.


    Zhang Ye pressed the answer button and said: "Hello."


    It was Wu Zeqing''s secretary, Bai Li, on the other end.


    "Teacher Zhang, are you busy?"


    "It''s OK, Secretary Bai, just speak."


    "There''s something that I need to give you a heads up on. Chief Wu is currently in a meeting and can''t get away, so she got me to give you a call. Someone has reported your show."


    "A report? Who?"


    "It should be someone from Central TV Department 1."


    "What was the report about?"


    "That you''ve appointed an amateur host for the show."


    "You mean Xiaodong?"


    "Yes."


    "That''s just a guest role. She only has a couple of lines and shouldn''t really be considered the show''s host, right?"


    "Strictly speaking, that is indeed not allowed. There''s an article that was issued by the SARFT that prohibits an unlicensed host from hosting a show. It''s just that this rule wasn''t so strictly applied back then and was always something that we turned a blind eye to. Furthermore, the definition of ''host'' is not that clear."


    "Yes, I do know about that article."


    "But the execs are watching this very closely because someone has reported you all. With the article brought up, Chief Wu can''t really do much about it either. Because of your show getting too popr these days, the higher-ups are more cautious about how to handle it. They''re currently holding a meeting to sort it out, but be prepared. The oue should likely be decided by today, although it''s already definite that I Am a Singer will no longer be allowed to have a guest in the host role. You''ll probably have to change it."


    "But we''ll be recording tomorrow."


    "Hai, I know."


    "Is there really no room for discussion?"


    "There isn''t any. If there were, with the good rtionship you and Chief Wu enjoy, do you think that she wouldn''t speak up for you all?"


    "Alright then, I understand. Thanks, Secretary Bai."


    "You''re wee, Teacher Zhang."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye felt rather speechless. He understood quite well that this matter was indeed going to be difficult to handle. If the article had not been passed yet, Old Wu could certainly veto its passage. Or at least, she would be able to dy it until after I Am a Singer was finisher since there weren''t even that many episodes left to record anyway. But the problem was that the article already existed. It had been passed a year ago, although it hadn''t been enforced and there were also no precedents. But they had been reported on now, and the whistleblower was even Central TV Department 1. Importantly, the head of Central TV was a party member of the SARFT. Even if he was not higher ranked than Old Wu, he was still a member of the SARFT''s Party Committee. He still had the right to speak against some issues and would be able to use the article to make sure this issue did not get ignored.


    me me!


    If only I had considered this more carefully beforehand!


    In the meeting room.


    Zhang Ye returned.


    Hu Fei said, "Let''s carry on then."


    But Zhang Ye said to the others, "Let''s adjourn the meeting."


    Everyone was stunned.


    "Adjourn?"


    "Why?"


    "What happened, Director Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye did not say anything to them but told Hu Fei, "Brother Hu, let''s go to your office."


    Hu Fei immediately knew that something must have cropped up, so he quickly left with Zhang Ye and headed back to his office.


    In the office.


    Zhang Ye said sternly, "I''ve just received news that Xiaodong cannot host the show without a ''license.''"


    Hu Fei was surprised. "Where did you get the news from?"


    "The SARFT." Zhang Ye said, "It was Central TV Department 1 that reported us. It seems the program team of Sing! hasn''t admitted defeat yet, nor are they willing to take it lying down. We''ve already forced them to change their broadcast time, so now that they''ve managed to find something against us, they''ll definitely try to counterattack and take us on again!"


    Hu Fei said heavily, "Then what do we do now? How are we going to carry on with the recording tomorrow?"


    Zhang Ye sighed. "I''m still thinking about it."


    Hu Fei said, "Why don''t I try to get the Station Head to talk to them?"


    "That won''t work." Zhang Ye shook his head. "Is our Beijing TV more powerful than them?"


    Hu Fei said, "Or we can let Dong Shanshan take over the hosting role."


    Zhang Ye said, "How can she? She still has the role of the host-manager to handle."


    "Then let me get a host from the station."


    "That won''t do either, it''s too abrupt. The original direction of the show was for it to have no outsiders and only for the singers to host it themselves and also perform. The viewers are used to that, and at the same time, it''s our selling point for the show. If an unfamiliar face were to suddenlye in and take over the hosting as a professional host, even if we can carry on with the show''s recording, what of the show''s effect? The effects are going to be really bad, and then what of the viewership ratings? Will we still be able to aim for 4% if we do that? Our show''s reputation will surely drop as well!"


    Hu Fei said anxiously, "But there''s no more time, we''re recording tomorrow!"

 Chapter 1249: What are you all looking at me for!

    <h4>Chapter 1249: What are you all looking at me for! </h4>


    Chapter 1249: What are you all looking at me for!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    That same day.


    There were still ongoing discussions about I Am a Singer on Weibo.


    "They''re going to record the seventh episode soon!"


    "I''m really looking forward to it!"


    "It was such a pity that He Huan got eliminated."


    "Yeah, the results of the fourth episode were really too unexpected."


    "Has the next recement singer been revealed yet?"


    "Not yet, no one knows who it is."


    "I''m always most anxious to find out who the next recement singer is after every knockout round."


    "This show is a st! Zhang Ye is really fucking amazing!"


    "I Am a Singer''s viewership ratings are through the roof. Sing! haspletely been dismantled."


    "Hurry up and get the new episode out. I can''t wait anymore."


    "Hahaha, let''s see if Amy will get eliminated in the new round!"


    "Amy is truly an undying goddess!"


    "Pfft, everyone is always saying that she''ll be eliminated soon, but she always manages to stay alive!"


    "There''s not going to be another show as awesome as this in the entire history of variety shows!"


    It was trending #1 on Weibo, was the top searched term, and the songs performed on it filled the Top Chinese Music Chart! Counting all of the variety shows in recent years, there was really none that was more popr than I Am a Singer. The Voice was not, A Bite of China was not, King of Masked Singers was not, and Sing! was even more not so.


    But at this moment.


    The SARFT issued a shocking announcement!


    ��After investigating a report, Beijing Television''s I Am a Singer was found to have flouted the rules of using a non-professional host ording to Article 21. They are required to rectify this immediately, and all unlicensed hosts will be prohibited from taking any hosting roles on any variety shows moving on.


    The announcement was very long, but that was the gist of it.


    The SARFT was penalizing I Am a Singer!


    At the same time, it was also sending out a warning to all the other variety shows in the industry!


    With that, all the people in the country were rmed!


    "What?"


    "Heavens! Immediate rectification?"


    "So does that mean the show will be taken off the air?"


    "How''s that possible!"


    "I know about that regtion! There was indeed something like that!"


    "But why has it been fine until now? All the other shows were untouched?"


    "Didn''t you read what they said? Someone made a report! They got stabbed in the back!"


    "Damn, do they have nothing better to do?!"


    "Needless to say, it must be Sing!''s program team who made the report!"


    "It''s over, they''re gonna get taken off the air!"


    "Surely not, right? I love this show so much!"


    ��


    Central TV Department 1.


    Many of the people here went crazy at the news!


    "Ha?"


    "Immediate rectification?"


    "Hahaha, serves them right!"


    "This is such good news!"


    "If their show gets suspended, our Sing!''s viewership ratings can definitely break 2%! It might even go higher than that!"


    "This is what you call retribution!"


    "We can finally enjoy seeing them in a predicament!"


    "Hurry up and suspend them already!"


    "They might not get taken off the air, but that should be enough to throw a spanner in the works."


    "If they don''t handle it well, their viewership ratings will surely drop like crazy."


    ��


    At Beijing Television.


    It was very chaotic.


    Zhang Ye was on the line with Old Wu, who had just gotten out of her meeting. He brought up a suggestion to use loopholes to get past the order since something like that had worked in his previous world. "Old Wu, if we register Dong Shanshan as the host for our show, but only in name, and then continue letting the singers host in their capacity as guests or participants, would it work?"


    "I''m afraid not."


    He raised several more suggestions but all were rejected.


    In the end, Zhang Ye felt rather hopeless when he realized that there were no loopholes that he could take advantage of. Or to be precise, he was left without any loopholes to take advantage of as everyone at the top had it in for him and his team.


    Over there.


    The calls also arrived one after another for Zhang Ye.


    Xiaodong asked: "Zhang''er, what''s going on?"


    Zhang Ye said: "It is exactly what you see."


    "So I won''t be hosting for this uing episode?"


    "Yeah, we''re trying to think of ways to minimize the impact of this."


    Zhang Xia also called.


    "Little Zhang, are we going to be taken off the air?"


    "No, that''s not going to happen."


    "Then what does the immediate rectification mean?"


    "It''s just on the matter of the hosting issue. I''ll be able to handle that."


    "Alright, it''s been hard on you. Are we still going ahead with tomorrow''s recording?"


    "Of course. Everyone should prepare for recording per usual. We''ll start at the agreed upon time after everyone is finished rehearsing. Nothing will be affected, don''t worry."


    "Alright."


    Although Zhang Ye was telling everyone not to worry, the participating singers were still very worried. He was reassuring everyone but had not yet thought of a way to solve the problem.


    Beijing Television was also trying their best to pull rtions and even the Station Head had seemingly gone over to the SARFT and stayed there for a full two hours before stepping out. Later on, she didn''t even say anything after she got back, so it could be assumed that there was not much hope. Even if Beijing Television was quite a major station, they did not exactly have much power or authority to speak of.


    The singers were all waiting.


    The industry was also waiting.


    They were all waiting to see how Beijing Television would handle this.


    I Am a Singer''s program team was cursing and swearing now.


    Xiao Lu shouted, "They better not let me find out which bastard made the report!"


    Dafei said in a rage, "This is too sinister! They''re so vicious!"


    "Why couldn''t they have just worked and improved on their own show? Why must they pull others down with them? Do they really think that if our show dies, their show could step up?" Hou Ge also said angrily, "It wasn''t easy to have a variety show that could surpass 3% of the viewership in China. We haven''t even managed to make a name for ourselves overseas and have already been backstabbed by one of our own!"


    Han Qi scolded, "Viins!"


    The program team''s staff were all really mad!


    Hu Fei said anxiously, "The deadline is tomorrow. Let''s think of a way to deal with this first!"


    So far, it looked like Zhang Ye was the one who was the most tolerant. It wasn''t because he was big-hearted, but that he had been through too many of such incidents before. What kind of situation had he not seen before? There were many more incidents that were even more serious than what had just happened. So he said, "Yes, listen to Brother Hu. Everyone, calm down and try to think of a something first."


    Xiao Lu said dejectedly, "There''s nothing that we can do. If we bring in a new host, it will affect the show''s quality. The singers we have don''t have hosting licenses either, so they can''t take the stage role. What options are we left with?"


    Hou Ge said, "Yeah, if we don''t want to affect anything and keep making the show as before. Unless the recement singer for this week can host as well, we could let him do it. But wouldn''t that be too far-fetched? Those singers who can sing well in the music industry are all professional singers. Like they''d have a hosting license as well! Why would they go and take the test to get a hosting license? Do they have nothing better to do? And even if we get a host to cross over, their singing won''t be good enough for them to take to stage. So that''s where the problem lies. There isn''t anyone so wondrous that they would have both a hosting license and be a professional singer at the same��."


    Hou Ge suddenly went quiet.


    The entire program team office fell silent!


    Hou Ge was stunned as he slowly turned around to look at Zhang Ye.


    Hu Fei blinked several times and turned his head in the direction of Zhang Ye as well.


    Xiao Lu looked over.


    Han Qi looked over.


    Dafei looked over.


    Hou Di looked over.


    Everyone was staring at Zhang Ye and did not say anything. They just kept looking at him.


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded!


    What the heck!


    What are you all looking at me for!


    Zhang Ye tly refused, "No! Absolutely not!"


    No one said a thing as they continued looking at him.


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted then and there. "Don''t you all even think about that! It is absolutely impossible!"

 Chapter 1250: Ah, I’ve been hacked again!

    <h4>Chapter 1250: Ah, I''ve been hacked again! </h4>


    Chapter 1250: Ah, I''ve been hacked again!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The atmosphere within the program team turned very strange. Everyone''s gaze was now on Zhang Ye and their eyes had a weird and subtle look to them.


    A professional singer?


    One who had a professional host license?


    There really was someone as wondrous as that!


    And he was sitting right in front of them!


    That''s right! How could that have slipped their minds!


    Hu Fei finally spoke, "Director Zhang, why don''t we have a meeting?"


    Zhang Ye immediately put his hand up. "I''m not going to have a meeting. Don''t even think about it, Brother Hu!"


    Hou Ge said eagerly, "Director Zhang, I think it''s better to have the meeting."


    Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Why should we have a meeting? I''m telling you now, you guys are barking up the wrong tree. You guys are really barking up the wrong tree! Do you guys think that I''m superhuman? Do you really think that I can split myself up into that many of me?"


    "But there''s really no one else that we can choose from." Xiao Lu blinked.


    Zhang Ye said, "Our countrycks everything but people."


    Dafei said, "But a professional singer who also has a host license, there really isn''t anyone other than you."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Impossible!"


    Hu Fei coughed and said, "There really isn''t."


    Han Qi nodded in confirmation. "Yes, there''s only you."


    Hou Di added, "Whether locally or abroad, you''re the only one."


    Zhang Ye was speechless.


    Hu Fei came over. "Director Zhang, let''s chat."


    "I''m not going to chat with you." Zhang Ye quickly said, "There is no room for discussion."


    Hu Fei pretended to be heartbroken as he said, "Our show is facing such a difficult time, so how can you bear to stand there and do nothing? This isn''t the Director Zhang I know."


    Zhang Ye pointed at his own chest. "Don''t say that. This is who I am and who you know, don''t doubt that."


    Hu Fei had no reply.


    Han Qi also tried to persuade him. "Just do it, Director Zhang. With your skill, which of the other singers are your equal?"


    Your sister!


    Aren''t you thinking too highly of me!


    "Any of them can be my equal!" Zhang Ye said, "Grandma Zhang, Old Chen, Sister Dong, Old Huang, which of them are not top singers in the music industry? So why would I participate in thepetition? I already said it clearly at the start: I will never participate in thepetition. Besides the issue of capability, I''m also not allowed to take part in it. If I lose, my poprity will definitely drop. If I win, the show''s poprity will definitely drop. I''m the executive director of the show and I oversee everything on I Am a Singer. From the rules to the voting process, all of those were nned and decided by me. As the guy who wrote the rules, even if I went on stage andpeted, there''s nothing to be proud of if I win. The viewers would definitely say that it was corrupt. So I''d be in a really difficult position since I''m neither allowed to win nor lose. So tell me, how can I possibly participate in thepetition?"


    Hu Fei eximed, "We have to take it one step at a time, so let''s get this issue resolved first."


    Zhang Ye had almost gone crazy. He facepalmed and said, "Alright, even if I join against my will, I only have one head and one pair of hands. Oh, and I also have to oversee the entire show''s nning as the executive director, announce the rankings, practice and rehearse the song, andpete as well." He stared with wide eyes and said, "Even if I grew another head and pair of limbs, they wouldn''t be enough to do all that! Are you guys trying to exhaust me to death?"


    Hu Fei smacked his lips and said, "Can''t you put in some overtime?"


    Zhang Ye said, "How is this putting in overtime? You''re asking me to put my life on the line!"


    Xiao Lu begged, "Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye said firmly, "I won''t join."


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "Director Zhang."


    "We''re depending on you."


    "There''s no one other than you."


    "Director Zhang."


    "Please put in some overtime, please."


    Everyone chimed in and kept begging him.


    Zhang Ye was getting dizzy from hearing everything they had to say. He had joined a singing show before. Back on King of Masked Singers, it was he who put on a mask to participate anonymously and knew how it felt to be a contestant. That feeling of having no appetite because of the pressure, having to practice his songs over and over every day, having to change the song at thest minute due to being unsuitable, and then being required to rearrange the musical arrangement as a result, the rehearsals, and sound testing, there had never been a day where he could sleep soundly whilepeting on King of Masked Singers!


    But now?


    As the executive director?


    The overall nner?


    The vote counter?


    The host?


    And they still wanted him to be a contestant?


    Are you guys fucking asking me to do everything?


    Zhang Ye was having none of it. In fact, he got even angrier at Central TV Department 1. Fucking hell!


    ��


    At night.


    On Weibo.


    "There''s reliable info that it was Central TV Department 1 who made the report!"


    "Are you serious?"


    "I have a ssmate working at the SARFT, so I''m sure of it!"


    "Damn, I knew it had to be them!"


    "They''re too wicked!"


    "Yeah, the thing is, Central TV Department 1 also used unlicensed hosts for two of their shows at the beginning of the year! So they can do it? But others aren''t allowed to? What do you call that? It''s obviously a double standard! So how could they report on others? They''re using the authorities to p their enemies? This is using public resources for their own gains!"


    "They make me so angry!"


    ��


    Central TV Department 1.


    Everyone had gotten off work and were still talking about the matter on the way out.


    "Was it really us who reported them?"


    "I think so."


    "Haha, well yed."


    "Let''s see what I Am a Singer can do about it."


    "How much do you think our viewership ratings will increase by?"


    "If they really get taken off the air, we should be able to gain an increase of 1%, at least."


    ��


    And right at this moment, a Weibo post from Zhang Ye sent shockwaves around the country!


    Zhang Ye''s Weibo: "Dropping a notice here for everyone. Toply with the SARFT''s rectification request, there will be some changes made to I Am a Singer''s time slot."


    The day.


    And broadcast time.


    Were exactly the same as Sing!''s!


    The industry exploded!


    "Holy shit!"


    "Has Beijing TV gone mad?"


    "They''re gonna broadcast at the same time again?"


    "Looks like the fight is on! They''re back at it again!"


    "Hot damn! Beijing TV is so domineering!"


    "This is Zhang Ye''s reply to them!"


    "Hahahaha, Central TV Department 1 is gonna cry!"


    "They''d just managed to avoid I Am a Singer, but Beijing TV hase chasing after them again?"


    Elsewhere.


    Central TV Department 1 also blew up!


    The calls were going out one by one!


    "Hello, Boss?"


    "Come back quickly!"


    "Ah? Back where?"


    "Back to the office, where else! Immediately!"


    Many of those who had already knocked off from work were asked toe back to the office!


    Then, when they found out that I Am a Singer was again going to broadcast at the same time as them after arriving back at the office, all of them paled!


    "How is that possible!"


    "Zhang Ye, that madman!"


    "He''s always been a madman!"


    "Is he thinking of taking us down with him?"


    "Aren''t they going to continue aiming for the viewership ratings record? If they start broadcasting at the same time as us, true, I''ll admit that we have more to lose, but they won''t get away unscathed either. Then they won''t have any more chances of breaking the viewership ratings record! That''s totally not worth it. Anyone with half a brain would not do it like this! How can Beijing TV allow Zhang Ye to behave so recklessly? Even if they allow it, the advertisers would not take such a loss!"


    "But Zhang Ye is really capable of doing something like this!"


    "Right, you cannot determine what he''ll do by using logic!"


    "It''s over! We''re done for this time!"


    "I Am a Singer was instructed to fix their problems immediately. They probably couldn''te up with any other way to deal with it, so they didn''t want us to have it easy either! They''d rather we suffer along with them! And have everyone die together?"


    "That fucking hooligan!"


    "Zhang Ye is really such a goddamn hooligan!"


    Everyone was running around like a chicken with its head cut off!


    Especially the program team staff of Sing! They were nearly in tears!


    It was starting again!


    This nightmare called Zhang Ye had returned again!


    Soon after, several key executives of Central TV Department 1 also returned to the office in a panic. They immediately called for an emergency meeting.


    Jiang Yuan.


    Jiang Naixiong.


    Several of the directors were cursing and swearing at Zhang Ye during the entire meeting. They were all very familiar with Zhang Ye as he had spent a long time at Central TV Department 1. After such a long time, that fellow was still that same old bastard he was before!


    The key personnel of Sing!''s program team moped. After the meeting, they immediately carried out the executives'' instructions and reorganized some of the tasks for the new episode''s recording. They could no longer do it as they had done before. There had to be some changes made so that their show could get a boost. Only in this way could they take on Zhang Ye''s rage and not die too ugly a death for theing episode. Along with those changes, they also began preparing themselves for another change in the broadcast time. But that was not the best way out. The previous change to their broadcast time had already taken them a great deal of effort to convince the higher-ups of the station. So if they were to change it again? That would really be too troublesome. Even if they applied to get it changed, it might not be approved. They couldn''t always be the ones having problems like this!


    But they still gave some foreshadowing of what to expect on their official website.


    Before long, Sing!''s official Weibo posted: "Due to technical difficulties, Sing! does not rule out changing its broadcast time in the near future. We would like to remind everyone to stay updated with thetest news on our official website."


    Theizens were stunned.


    "Pfft!"


    "Changing the broadcast time again?"


    "They''re changing it again?"


    "Sing! is terrified again!"


    It was very chaotic at Central TV Department 1!


    Calls!


    Overtime!


    Meetings!


    Discussing ns!


    The industry was also rmed by Beijing TV''s decision!


    However, the development of the matter did not turn out as everyone thought!


    One hour after Zhang Ye''s post on Weibo, and just as Central TV Department 1 had descended into chaos, even to the point that someone was already meeting with the higher-ups regarding another change to the show''s broadcast time, and with Zhang Ye getting pushed into the trending searches and his Weibo post making it into the Weibo headlines, the post was suddenly deleted by him.


    After that, he posted again.


    Zhang Ye''s Weibo: "Ah, I''ve been hacked again. The show''s broadcast time won''t be changed. Please do not believe the rumors, everyone. Go by your own judgment. Changing the broadcast time of a show is a veryplicated process. We''d have to submit it to the station and the SARFT to get it approved before it takes effect, so how can we possibly just change it as we wish?"


    Hacked?


    Rumors?


    The public was dumbfounded!


    The industry was dumbfounded!


    Central TV Department 1 was dumbfounded!


    Someone at Central TV did not believe this and immediately called a friend at the SARFT.


    "Hello, Old Xu!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Did I Am a Singer change their broadcast time?"


    "Change what time?"


    "Didn''t they submit an application for it?"


    "An application for what? What are you talking about?"


    "I....()%��%$##@@!!!"


    It was very clear now!


    Central TV Department 1''s people were all left cursing at someone''s ancestors!


    Zhang Ye!


    Fuck your grandpa!


    You''re too fucking wicked!


    When theizens realized the truth, they were rolling on the floor inughter!


    "Aiyo, holy fuck!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "I can''t take this anymore, I''m cryingughing!"


    "Zhang Ye is such a trickster!"


    "What a fucking bastard he is!"


    "Hacked? Your sister! Only a fool would believe you!"


    "Sing!''s program team has suffered a huge loss of face this time!"


    "Yeah, I heard that everyone went back for overtime in preparation of taking on this formidable enemy. They even rushed out an application to the higher-ups to change their broadcast time. But in the end, they just got pranked by Zhang Ye!"


    "This move by Zhang Ye is way too wicked! But it was so beautiful at the same time!"


    "Yeah, to deal with such people, it''s better to act more bastardly!"


    "Only Zhang Ye cane up with such trickery! If it were anyone else who attempted that, they would surely be scolded to their graves and simultaneously offend the entire industry. Only Zhang Ye coulde out of something like that unscathed, since everyone already knows what kind of a person he is! Besides, he doesn''t have any more people that he can offend. Everyone who can be offended has already been offended!"


    "My wife and I areughing so hard!"


    "What aedian!"


    "Things would get really boring without him in showbiz!"


    "The funniest thing is that this fe even put on a show. He told everyone not to go around spreading rumors and go by their own judgment of things. Aiyo, my dearest Teacher Zhang, can you not be so hysterical?"


    Quite a fewizens were praising him!


    A lot of people in the industry were at their wits'' end because they were angered to the point ofughter!


    This weirdo!


    This jokester!


    This hooligan!


    Holding the sun, the moon, and the stars in the palm of his hand!


    There really was no other person like him in this world!

 Chapter 1251: The replacement singer makes his appearance!

    <h4>Chapter 1251: The recement singer makes his appearance! </h4>


    Chapter 1251: The recement singer makes his appearance!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    On the day of the recording.


    In the morning at Beijing Television.


    "Eh, where''s Director Zhang?"


    "I don''t know."


    "He was around a bit ago."


    "Brother Hu, Director Zhang fell asleep backstage."


    "Director Zhang didn''t sleep all night."


    "Aiya, the audience is already here. Tell him to persevere and work some overtime."


    "Alright, I got it. I''ll go and wake up Director Zhang then."


    The audience had already been admitted into the studio.


    The singers were all standing by.


    Only the director was not here yet.


    Zhang Ye got woken up, then forced himself to go wash and freshen up with some cold water. When he came out, he bumped into Xiaodong and Amy in the corridor as they came over to greet him.


    Xiaodong asked, "Can you save the show?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "I''ve handled it."


    Amy gave him a look. "Director Zhang, you''re so bad. I saw your Weibo post yesterday, hahahaha. Central TV Department 1 must hate you to the bone!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "I got hacked."


    "Yi!" Amy jeered.


    A ways away, Zhang Xia spotted the three of them while heading to the bathroom.


    Zhang Xia came over and asked, "Little Zhang, has the recement singer arrived yet?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "I suppose so."


    "Who is it?" Amy immediately asked.


    Zhang Xia also asked curiously, "Do I know who it is?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Probably."


    Xiaodong said, "What about me?"


    "You probably know too," Zhang Ye said.


    He didn''t disclose much and quickly turned to head back to the front to get back to work.


    Half an hourter.


    The studio was packed and the audience was deep in discussions.


    "Did you guys see Weibo yesterday?"


    "I did, hahaha, it made meugh my ass off!"


    "Zhang Ye is itching for a beating! That was so ruthless!"


    "He''s a total quack."


    "But that was such an outlet. Central TV deserved it for starting the fight."


    "That''s right. I wonder how I Am a Singer will turn things around today. The singers can''t host anymore, right? Who will do it then? Dong Shanshan? Zhang Ye?"


    "Who knows? But if they do it that way, the rules will have to be changed."


    "I still prefer having the singers host."


    "Yeah. If they change the rules now, it''ll affect the viewership ratings."


    "The issue is that everyone''s gotten used to the singers guest hosting the show. It''s been ingrained into the minds of the viewers."


    Onstage.


    The band was in position.


    The staff were in position.


    Counting down:


    Three.


    Two.


    One.


    Recording began!


    The audience was already intently staring with wide eyes, wanting to see just how the show would deal with the change. Then they saw a person holding a microphone walking onstage from below. Cries of surprise rang out. Everyone was taken aback, with some of themughing loudly. In an instant, everyone stood up and apuded thunderously!


    It was him!


    It was indeed him!


    The singers backstage were also quite happy.


    Zhang Xia said with a smile, "In the end, it''s still Little Zhang hosting."


    Chen Guang said, "I coulda guessed. It was either gonna be him or Dong Shanshan."


    Xiaodong said happily, "He''s both the executive director and the host. It''s so hard on Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye stood onstage. He smiled and said, "Hello, everyone. Wee to the stage of I Am a Singer, brought to you exclusively by our title sponsor, the leader in health products, Brain Gold. I am your host for today, a host with a ''license'' to ''operate.'' I''ve been awarded the highest honor in the hosting world��I''m a true blue and legal host. Oh, some of you might be curious about where Sister Dong has gone? Well, Sister Dong is illegal and had been reported to the authorities by someone. She''s currently busy trying to get a host license."


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahaha!"


    Laughter rang out in the audience.


    This guy! He doesn''t forget to get the jabs in when hees on!


    Zhang Ye continued, "So when Sister Dong found out that I''m the stand-in host today, she specifically came to look for me and repeatedly reminded me about one thing. She told me that I must let everyone know about this. As it''s a very important matter, can those of you with a pen please note it down?"


    Everyone was stunned.


    What was it?


    What was so important?


    Everyone pricked their ears up.


    Zhang Ye cleared his throat as his expression changed. Suddenly, he spoke speedily, "Thank you to the leading health supplement brand, Brain Gold Company, for being the title sponsors of our show. Thank you to Hubei Pharmaceuticals'' strong support for us. If you''re going to use a tablet, use Li''s eight-inch tablet with multi-core technology. Honey Sweet fruit juice, so sweet that you can feel it in your heart!"


    The audience burst outughing!


    Was that it?


    This was what you meant by something important? Your sister!


    Wasn''t that just the fucking advertisements!


    The singers backstage were alsoughing hard, especially Xiaodong. While not knowing whether tough or cry, she was also quite impressed. She suddenly thought that the SARFT''s issued article was not without reason. Seeing Zhang Ye''s hosting and looking at her own hosting, there was obviously a gulf in their styles. That was the difference between a professional host who had won the Golden Microphone Award and a guest host like her. Be it the rhythm, humor, adaptability, enunciation, or stage control, she was stillcking by too much.


    These lines by Zhang Ye fired up the audience!


    Zhang Ye calmly said, "So then, let us get today''spetition started. Today''s first performer will be the recement singer for this week, so let''s hand the stage over to him."


    Apuse sounded.


    Backstage, the singers all stuck out their necks in wait. Who could it be? Was it an old friend? They were all hoping that it wouldn''t be someone too strong, because the people who were performing on this stage were already great singers.


    The audience also turned to face the moon gate.


    Who was it?


    Why couldn''t they see anyone?


    But there were also some people in the audience who weren''t paying attention.


    "They changed the rules in the end."


    "Yeah, what else could they have done?"


    "Hai, Central TV Department 1 is really too wicked."


    "Let''s just keep watching."


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye''s hosting is still pretty good. Even if it''s not a singer hosting, so be it."


    "But it''s still such a pity."


    "With a singer as the host, the interactions backstage are more interesting to watch."


    "This will definitely affect the quality of the show."


    Some musical instruments were brought up onto the stage.


    The microphone stands were put into ce.


    Gradually, around 20 men and women appeared. The men were all wearing ck suits while the women were dressed in white. It looked like they were a backing choir? Or was it going to be a choral performance?


    The audience could not understand.


    Amy wondered, "What''s all of that for?"


    Zhang Xia said in anticipation, "Just who hase?"


    Xiaodong smiled and said, "This is a prettyrge ensemble. What are they going to sing? Could it be a bel canto singer? A friend of Grandma Zhang''s?"


    Everything was set and ready.


    The lights dimmed.


    Many of the people in the audience were getting too antsy to stay seated.


    "Where''s the singer?"


    "Come on out!"


    "But there''s no one at the moon gate?"


    "Eh, why is Zhang Ye still standing on stage?"


    "Haha, that silly fool!"


    "Teacher Zhang, please leave the stage."


    "Why''s that idiot still standing there like a fool?"


    Everyone started poking fun at him.


    The next second, orchestral music yed!


    With that, everyone was stunned. What''s going on? What is happening? Why has the musice on? But where is the singer? The recement singer hasn''t appeared yet?


    Zhang Ye, who was still onstage, slowly turned around to face the audience. He raised the microphone in his hand while looking very annoyed and exhausted. It was as though he was not fully awake.


    Crows squawked through the sound system 1 .


    "Caw, caw."


    Then Zhang Ye actually started singing.


    "Night has crept up on Chaoyang Park.


    "The za dancers are all ready to start.


    "I catch a glimpse of the trees outside.


    "And wonder if this is all there is to my youth?"


    The male backing choir sang, "As petals fall off flowers."


    The audience was so shocked they all stood up at once!


    Oh my God!


    Zhang Ye!


    The recement singer is Zhang Ye!


    Oh my God! Why didn''t I think of it earlier!


    So the rules had not been changed!


    So they were still sticking with using singers as hosts!


    It was Zhang Ye who hade to the rescue!


    What the heck! This is going to be interesting!


    Amy was dumbfounded. "No!"


    Xiaodong nearly copsed. "We''re done for!"


    Zhang Xia facepalmed. "Oh! Surely this isn''t happening, right?"


    Chen Guang had a headache now and forced a smile. "An extremely strong challenger has joined us this time. Before I agreed toe on I Am a Singer, I thought that whoever joined the show would be fine as long as it wasn''t Zhang Ye."


    Zhao Wuliu didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Why is it Director Zhang? If he decides to sing seriously, he''s going to be more than a handful for everyone here. This is really a tough opponent."


    The singers all reacted in a simr fashion!


    But the audience was really happy to see him and became very excited!


    Zhang Ye sang abashedly, "I have a boss named Hu Fei."


    The male choir sang, "Named Hu Fei."


    Zhang Ye sang, "Who shows up at 6 PM every day with the eyes of a German Shepherd."


    The female choir sang, "A German Shepherd."


    SFX: "Woof, woof!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes as he sang, "Holding in his hands a steaming mug of coffee."


    The male and female choir chorused, "Hey, hey, hey."


    Zhang Ye sang, "Do you think we should hold a meeting?"


    In the wings, Hu Fei, who was hearing this song for the first time, nearly spat out a mouthful of blood!


    Beside him, Hou Ge, Xiao Lu, and a bunch of other staff burst intoughter. Hahahahaha! They could feel Zhang Ye''s emotions through his singing! This fellow was still angry about it! He was reluctant and loath to be the recement singer! It was only because of Hu Fei and them forcing him that he got dragged onstage!


    ��


    The next day.


    The episode was broadcast.


    On the television at Zhang Ye''s ce.


    "I said, ''It isn''t convenient.


    "''I still have to pick up my old man from the airport.


    "''Haven''t seen him in more than thirty years.


    "''He hails from remote Siberia.''"


    His parents were dumbfounded!


    Haven''t seen him in more than thirty years?


    How old are you this year, you rascal!


    ��


    Central TV Department 1.


    "You''ve had nothing to do all day.


    "I even caught sight of you streaming.


    "Could it be that you don''t have a family?


    "I beg of you, please don''t speak those words!


    "��Sweetheart,


    "Let''s! Work! Overtime!"


    When everyone here saw thetest episode, they were floored!


    ��


    All over the country.


    Zhang Ye''s Peking opera style singing was heard in every household!


    Some people were really excited!


    Some people were dumbfounded!


    "I can feel myself getting drained.


    "I have be dog-tired.


    "Gone 18 days without removing makeup.


    "Worn monthly contacts for two years and a half.


    "My life is a mess, and I''m getting fat."


    ��


    Very quickly, this song turned the Inte upside down!


    Countlessizens were left kneeling to Zhang Ye!


    "It''s Zhang Ye who hase!"


    "When I saw that the recement singer was him, I immediately got goosebumps all over!"


    "It''s so awesome; this song resonates so much!"


    "Is it good? Pfft! Why is it so funny!"


    "Hahahaha, when my family heard this song, everyone cramped up fromughing so much!"


    "It was really well sung! I also don''t wanna put in overtime!"


    "Zhang Ye really must have been forced into this!"


    "I''m kneeling to this song!"


    "What a divine tune!"


    "I''ll fucking give him 10 out of 10 for saving the show like this!"


    "I like Zhang Ye so much!"


    "This bel canto singing is really nice!"


    "Haha, this guy is even scolding his executive producer, Hu Fei!"


    "Pfft, I think that''s exactly how Zhang Ye feels. He definitely didn''t want to be the recement singer and must have been forced into it. That''s how ''I Feel So Drained'' came into existence!"


    Executive director!


    Vote counter!


    Host!


    And now, a contestant?


    Pfft!


    Anyone else would also feel drained if they were put into that situation!


    This course of action would kill Zhang Ye from exhaustion!


    In the history of making television shows, there hadn''t been anyone who took on so many roles at the same time. If he didn''t feel drained, then who would feel drained?!

 Chapter 1252: Reactions!

    <h4>Chapter 1252: Reactions! </h4>


    Chapter 1252: Reactions!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    On Weibo.


    In the forums.


    Tieba.


    On the music sites.


    "I Feel So Drained" kept getting yed!


    "So what now, Boss? (hahahahahahahahaha)


    "So what now, Boss? (hahahahahahahahaha)


    "So what now, Boss? (I bet you''re happy now!)


    "I really have to pick my old man up!


    "You''ll be on my cklist once I quit!


    "Who needs to sleep? It''s such a waste of time!


    "Who needs to eat? When PowerPoint is life!


    "Please no overtime!


    "Please no overtime!


    "Please no overtime!"


    On the Top Chinese Music Chart, the performance of "I Feel So Drained" was very strong. On the day of the broadcast, it charted in the top ten. By the next morning, it went up to second ce on the daily "Most Listened" chart. Its momentum was really strong, and it wasn''t likely there would be a change to its ranking today. Even the songs performed by Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, Xiaodong, and the others during the seventh episode did not rank higher than this song. This astonished countless industry insiders!


    Because this song Zhang Ye performed did not do well on the show.


    During the rankings announcement segment on yesterday''s episode of I Am a Singer, Chen Guang performed as expected and took first ce, with Zhang Xiaing in second, and Xiaodong in third ce. Meanwhile, Zhang Ye only took fifth ce and was considered to be in the lower tier of the rankings. However, that ranking was totally disconnected with the poprity of the song. The song that was ranked fifth on the show was now crushing all the other contestants'' songs on the Top Chinese Music Chart. This was also something that had never happened before on the stage of I Am a Singer.


    Theizens were very happy about this.


    "This song is such a joy."


    "The lyrics reflect the feelings of the people!"


    "This is the first time I''ve heard Zhang Ye write a song like that!"


    "My heart aches for Zhang Ye. He really is going to get drained!"


    "Well, an able man is always busy."


    "You can feel the sadness behind the humor. It''s a really good song that mirrors the thoughts of the middle ss!"


    "I feel that Zhang Ye should have gotten first ce!"


    "Yeah, the audience was too unsupportive. If it were me, I definitely would''ve voted for him."


    "The crucial thing is that this song has all the characteristics of a viral song. It''s not something that one would perform for a singingpetition."


    "Yeah, ''I Feel So Drained'' wouldn''t get a good ranking on that type of tform, so it''s already great that it came in at fifth ce. After all, Zhang Ye''s poprity is still a factor. If not, it might not have even gotten fifth ce. In the end, I Am a Singer is a stage where singers are assessed by their singing techniques and depth of skills. Previously, be it Zhang Xia or Chen Guang, they instilled such a mindset into the audience. So there''s no hope for such songs of getting first ce. However, I must say that this is the song that I like the most!"


    "Me too!"


    "You don''t need to analyze good songs!"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye!"


    "Sing properly for the next episode, and you''ll definitely ce well."


    "Yeah, if Zhang Ye chooses to get serious, even Chen Guang and Zhang Xia will have to be careful of him!"


    "Teacher Zhang, we''re cheering you on! We love you to death!"


    The viewers were all very epting of his performance and recognized his skill.


    Reviews appeared in the media.


    "Zhang Ye appears as a strong recement singer!"


    "The executive director saves the day but is burdened with multiple roles!"


    "The debut of a divine tune and its spread across the country!"


    "Zhang Ye''s spirit of humor!"


    "Chen Guang takes first ce!"


    "Zhang Ye''s rank is not ideal. Will he face elimination in the next episode?"


    "I Am a Singer''s viewership ratings take top spot again!"


    "I Am a Singer takes nationwide number one with viewership rating of 3.36%!"


    "Zhang Ye''s new show to hit 4% in viewership?"


    "Viewership ratings of Sing! suddenly plummet!"


    "Sing!''stest viewership ratings: 1.02%!"


    "Central TV Suffers Badly!"


    "Sing!''s continued slump drags down Central TV Department 1!"


    "Beijing TV confirms: I Am a Singer''s grand finals to be broadcast live. A real possibility viewership could hit ''ceiling'' of 4%!"


    News of this was everywhere in newspapers, on television, and in news reports.


    But the man at the center of all this had only just woken up.


    At home.


    In his bedroom.


    The moment Zhang Ye opened his eyes, he ached all over and his head felt swollen and huge. This was unavoidable. He hadn''t slept much the past two days as he needed to get his song ready forpetition and practice it with the choir. After that, he had to oversee the recording of the show, perform onstage, and oversee the vote counting. And if you thought that he would be free immediately after the show finished recording? No! Post-recording, Zhang Ye needed to personally edit the footage. Along with other rted work, he hadn''t caught a wink of sleep in days. When he finally got home yesterday, he instantly fell asleep.


    He really was dog-tired!


    Still though, he needed to scan the news to see what they had written about him and see the viewers'' reactions to his performance.


    So Zhang Yezed in bed as he picked up his cell phone to browse the news. This song was an especially famous divine tune from Zhang Ye''s previous world. It was called "I Feel So Drained" and was performed by the Shanghai-based Rainbow Chamber Singers. This song was originally a chorale, so Zhang Ye had to make some changes to it for thepetition. The choral parts were either reduced or changed to a backing part while he took the role of the main vocalist for it. It seemed like reactions to it were quite good?


    That''s good then.


    As long as everyone likes it, it''s good enough for me.


    Zhang Ye gave a bitterugh as he thought to himself that at least this was not a wasted effort.


    Di di.


    Di di.


    The chat app on his cell phone wouldn''t stop beeping.


    Zhang Ye opened the app and saw that someone had mentioned him.


    Goof Group.


    Ning Lan has invited Zhang Xia.


    Zhang Xia: "Hello, everyone?"


    Xiaodong: "Hello, Grandma Zhang."


    Amy: "A warm wee to Grandma Zhang!"


    Everyone came out.


    Zhang Xia: "@ZhangYe where are you?"


    Chen Guang: "Haha, he''s probably dead tired in bed."


    Zhang Xia: "It''s been tough on Little Zhang."


    Ning Lan: "The song Zhang Ye sang left me in stitches!"


    Huo Dongfang: "@ZhangYe I burst outughing too yesterday."


    Director Li Ke: "Director Zhang really knows how to be funny!"


    Fan Wenli: "Old Chen and the others are probably under a lot of pressure now. With Director Zhang as the recement singer, it''s truly a nightmare."


    Chen Guang: "Haha, I''m not afraid of him. At most, let''s have a sing-off to decide things."


    Xiaodong: "Although I don''t wish to face him, I actually look forward to 1v1ing Director Zhang once."


    Zhang Xia: "He didn''t sing properly in this episode, so his ranking wasn''t that good. It probably won''t be so for the next episode."


    After reading all of that, Zhang Ye chose not to appear in the chat, just smiling to himself.


    Sing properly?


    He shook his head lightly.


    There were some things he couldn''t say.


    After thinking for a while, Zhang Ye called Wu Zeqing. As he had been too busy over the past two days, he didn''t have time to update Wu Zeqing on how things were progressing for him.


    Du du.


    The call connected.


    "Old Wu, what are you doing?"


    "Hur hur, I''m at the office."


    "Did you watch yesterday''s episode?"


    "I did, you sang very well. I rather liked it."


    "All''s good as long as you like it. Have you been busy these couple days?"


    "A little."


    "Whoa! You always used to answer that it was manageable whenever I asked if you were busy. Now that you''re saying it''s a little busy, does that mean you''re very busy?"


    "Yes, I do have something that I''m handling at the moment."


    "What is it? Do you need my help?"


    "No, I can handle it."


    "Does it have something to do with me?"


    "You''ll find out in a few days."


    "A few days? Alright then, you''re making it sound so mysterious."


    At this moment, another voice came from the other end of the line.


    It sounded like Secretary Bai. "Chief Wu, they''re fighting back!"


    Fighting back?


    What fighting back?


    What happened?


    Zhang Ye was startled. "Old Wu, what''s the matter?"


    Wu Zeqing gently said: "It''s nothing, I''ll go and handle it. I have to hang up now. Oh yes, my parents asked you to eat with them when you''re free, don''t forget."


    "OK, I won''t."


    The call ended.


    Zhang Ye thought of all kinds of scenarios but could not figure out what she was trying to do. Old Wu was too high in the organization, so Zhang Ye could help her out with her problems. As an average person, he wouldn''t understand these political matters. Therefore, he''d rather not think too much about it and just trust Old Wu to properly handle her own matters.


    Wu Zeqing had never made him worry about her.


    And neither would she need him to worry about her.


    The door opened.


    His parents probably heard him talking on the phone from outside.


    His mother came into the room. "Yo, you''re finally awake?"


    Zhang Ye got off the bed and grabbed his belly. "I''m starving. Mom, can I have something to eat?"


    "Of course, let me make something for you." His mother knew that he had been working really hard in recent days, so she didn''t bicker with him and quickly went out to the kitchen to make lunch.


    Then a call came.


    It was from Hu Fei.


    Zhang Ye answered in annoyance: "Brother Hu?"


    Hu Fei said: "Director Zhang, it''s time to work overtime!"


    "��Are you doing that on purpose?"


    "There''s really overtime to put in. We''ve sold the exclusive online broadcast rights, but someone has been reporting the past few episodes that we''ve recorded. The authorities have notified us to rectify the previous six episodes with Xiaodong as the host. If we can''t do that, we''ll have to delete all of them. So pleasee back quickly. If we can''t appeal it, you''ll have to make up for six episodes of recording."


    Zhang Ye''s face darkened. "They''re even attacking the online videos?"


    "Yeah," Hu Fei said: "Central TV is too ruthless!"


    Fuck!


    Are they purposely causing trouble for us?


    Zhang Ye immediately said: "I''ll go back immediately! We definitely can''t delete the videos. The exclusive online broadcast rights were sold for 10 million RMB, so how can we possibly let the online video hosting site take such a huge loss. If nothing else works, I''ll rerecord them myself. Episode by episode, I''ll edit and rece them all. Just wait for me to get back!"


    "OK!" Hu Fei then stayed silent for a while before suddenly saying: "It''s been hard on you."


    Zhang Yeughed bitterly. "Just serving the people."


    He went out to the living room.


    His mother had already started cooking.


    Zhang Ye called out to her, "Mom."


    His mother said, "The food will be ready soon."


    "I''m won''t be eating anymore. Something has cropped up at the office, so I have to go back immediately," Zhang Ye said.


    His father frowned and said, "Go back after you''ve eaten."


    But Zhang Ye was already putting on his clothes. "There''s no time, it''s really urgent. Oh right, I probably won''t being home for the next two nights. There''s too much to do, I''ll be off now!"


    Bang!


    The door closed.


    Their son disappeared from their sight.


    His parents looked at each other as their hearts ached for their son.


    Before their son became famous, they kept hoping that he could be famous and earn his own keep so that he would do well in life. When he really became a celebrity, they were truly happy for him, and for themselves too. As his parents, they would also look good and have something to be proud of. But as their son became busier and busier, even to the point of risking his life for his work when working two days and nights in a row became the norm, they suddenly felt quite bad. "I Feel So Drained" had touched them deeply. It was supposed to be a funny song, but when they heard it for the second or third time, their eyes reddened. No one knew what Zhang Ye was sacrificing so much for. Only his parents understood why!


    He never cooked for them.


    He rarely did the chores.


    He hardly had any time to apany his family.


    He didn''t even spend every day together with his fiancee.


    Perhaps he had fallen short in his duty toward his parents, his girlfriend, his friends, and many others. But his parents both knew that their son has never fallen short in his duty toward the audience. He could skip sleep, work overtime every day, and get arrested and be ced in jail. He would do all kinds of things just to get augh from the audience!


    This was who their son was.


    Angering them at times!


    Making them feel like giving him a beating at times!


    Causing their hearts to ache for him at times!


    But also, making them proud!

 Chapter 1253: Old Wu’s big action!

    <h4>Chapter 1253: Old Wu''s big action! </h4>


    Chapter 1253: Old Wu''s big action!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    No one went home for the next two days.


    Beijing Television was basically working around the clock to catch up on work.


    Of course, it was mainly Zhang Ye who did the work, so the others were not that tired.


    The first episode.


    The third episode.


    The fifth episode.


    All the footage with Xiaodong as the host had to be edited out and reced with Zhang Ye''s hosting. As it was impossible to invite the audience again, nor get the singers to rerecord the episodes, the production work had be extremelyplicated. They had to consider a lot of factors so that the edited footage would not look disjointed. If they could just cut all the parts where the guest-host appeared, that would have been easy to handle. Unfortunately, it couldn''t be done this way. There were too many advertising lines and none of the guest-host lines could not be missing. All of these changes had to be managed by Zhang Ye, which made it an even more difficult task. They had to rerecord everything from the start, episode by episode.


    "Let''s do it one more time."


    "Director Zhang, this is fine."


    "No, the angle wasn''t right."


    "Then take a break first. We''ve been recording all night."


    "There''s not enough time; let''s get this line over with."


    "Director Zhang."


    "Please rest!"


    "There''s no time for rest. I have to rehearse my song tonight. The arrangement is still not done."


    "But you can''t carry on like this."


    "I was thoughtless about the host role and could have nned it much better. Besides, the people who reported us only did it to target me, which inadvertently affected the show as well. So I must ept this responsibility. Hur hur, enough, it''s no big deal. It''s not like I''ve never had a bigger workload than this in the past. Don''t you guys know what kind of a constitution this bro has? I''ll still be buzzing with energy even after working three days and three nights in a row!"


    No one knew whether tough or cry.


    You''re still in the mood to crack jokes?


    Didn''t you say that you were drained?


    And that you didn''t want to put in overtime?


    Bullshit! You''re a workaholic through and through!


    Even if we refuse to let you put in overtime, you''ll still risk your life for work!


    To his old colleagues at Beijing Television, Zhang Ye was an iron man. He wasn''t like some bosses who would stay low as much as they could, ore inte and knock off early. Everyone on the program team knew that if as they met with any trouble, if the show met with any trouble, they would never have anything to worry about. Because as long as they looked up, Zhang Ye would definitely be standing there.


    Let''s carry on recording then.


    Everyone got back to work and took the initiative in trying to get all of the taskspleted in the hopes that they could help share some of Zhang Ye''s burden. As they worked, they were cussing their hearts out in their minds at Central TV Department 1! If it weren''t for that bunch of people reporting their show and resorting to underhanded methods by privately using public services for personal gain, they wouldn''t be in such a sorry state.


    Online.


    Manyizens also realized that something was wrong.


    "Look!"


    "Ah, I Am a Singer''s online videos have been altered!"


    "There are no longer any scenes with Xiaodong. She''s been reced by Zhang Ye."


    "There are even two episodes that are unavable? Hasn''t the ban on those two episodes been lifted?"


    "They''ve been reported again?"


    "It''s Central TV again?"


    "Fuck! Are they finished yet?"


    "I heard that someone from Korea has already been in contact regarding the copyright for I Am a Singer. I think they should be interested in buying the copyright, so this is a good chance for something locally produced to make an international ssh! It''s going to be a first in history! The Voice''s copyright deal did not go through, because the Americanpany that came to negotiate for it was thwarted by Central TV Department 1, who wanted to sell it off without Zhang Ye''s knowledge. And now they''re doing this? I beg of you, please! Can you people please leave I Am a Singer alone?"


    "Isn''t there anyone who can keep Central TV in check?"


    "This is so infuriating!"


    Quite a number of people were raging at this!


    Even a y figurine retains heat!


    An hour and a halfter, they finally finished rerecording all the lines.


    Zhang Ye went to the bathroom to wash his face and freshen up. Luckily, he could still hold up since his physical stamina exceeded that of a normal person''s. Then he took a deep breath and dried his hands before texting Wu Zeqing.


    "Are you still busy?"


    Old Wu replied very quickly: "Almost done."


    "Just what is it?"


    "Hur hur, you''ll find out very soon."


    "Let me know if there''s anything I can help with."


    "That''s not necessary; we just need a bit of luck."


    Zhang Ye had been pondering for the past two days about what was keeping Old Wu busy. No matter how much he thought about it, he could not guess what Old Wu was trying to do. But he knew that Wu Zeqing must have been busy fighting for him!


    Was she going to find trouble with Central TV Department 1''s executives?


    Or was she going to pick on Sing!?


    He couldn''t figure it out. Old Wu was afraid that he would think too much about this, so she didn''t reveal anything at all.


    The matter was going to be resolved soon?


    It just needed a little bit of luck?


    I might not be able to help you in other ways, but luck?


    Sure, I''ll give you some of that!


    Zhang Ye tucked his cell phone away without further ado and brought up his game ring''s virtual interface. He activated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) and an angelic halo appeared over his head. A bright, pulsating glow rippled outward!


    -100,000!


    -100,000!


    His Reputation Points decreased rapidly!


    But since it was to help Old Wu, he didn''t feel the pinch at all!


    Five minutes!


    Ten minutes!


    Twenty minutes!


    Zhang Ye continued working and even went over to the station''s management office for a while. When he was done there, he instinctively sensed that something was amiss. However, he could not put a finger on what was wrong.


    Hu Fei was just approaching from the opposite direction.


    Zhang Ye immediately asked, "Brother Hu, what''s going on?"


    Hu Fei was also confused. "I don''t know either."


    "It feels like something is amiss." Zhang Ye said, "Several of the station heads aren''t around, and the only deputy station head I saw around was making seven or eight calls in his office. Even when he was speaking to me, his mind was elsewhere."


    Hu Fei analyzed in a low voice, "I sense that something has happened, but it should not be about our station."


    "Then where?" Zhang Ye said startled.


    ��


    At this moment!


    Astonishing news spread throughout the industry!


    Central TV''s Station Head had stepped down from his position at the station due to work reassignment orders and the iing Station Head was going to be a deputy chief from the SARFT that they''d never heard of before.


    Central TV was going through a leadership change!


    There was an uproar in the industry!


    The media was stunned!


    "This is too sudden!"


    "It''s really too sudden!"


    "Is the news from a trusted source?"


    "It''s already been verified. It''s true!"


    "Who has the power to do something like that?"


    "Holy shit! Who has the power to touch Central TV''s Station Head?"


    The industry was in utter disbelief!


    ��


    At Beijing Television.


    Xiao Lu cried out, "Damn!"


    Dafei went ck-jawed. "Wh-What is going on?"


    Hou Ge was beyond surprised. "Who has the power to do that? Even the big brother of Central TV has been removed from his post? Because of what? Could it really just be a normal job reassignment?"


    Hou Di said excitedly, "If it was just a normal reassignment, how could it have happened without any warning?"


    Hu Fei said in shock, "No wonder I felt like something was going to happen! So something big did happen!"


    ��


    Shanghai Television.


    "This?"


    "The higher-ups have begun infighting?"


    "They definitely have!"


    "Why though?"


    "Who took the first shot?"


    "Who knows!"


    ��


    At Central TV.


    A lot of people nched!


    Especially those from Central TV Department 1, they all looked as pale as ghosts!


    "Why is this happening?"


    "How did it turn out like this?"


    "That''s impossible!"


    "Where''s Director Jiang? Director Jiang must know what''s going on!"


    "Director Jiang is on leave."


    "What about the other deputy directors?"


    "They are all on leave!"


    "Th-This is a huge problem!"


    "It''s a shakeup!"


    "With the station going through a leadership change, there''ll definitely be some reshuffling in the ranks. Let''s just pray that everything will go fine for us!"


    ��


    The media reports went out.


    The reassignment was also quickly confirmed by the authorities.


    On paper, this transfer looked like a normal reassignment. But anyone would know that it was not that simple. They could all smell the bloody infighting even if no one had the inside scoop, even if nobody knew exactly what had happened between the higher-ups.


    On Weibo.


    "Did they really rece him?"


    "It''s good that they did that. I hope that this will change the culture of Central TV."


    "Yes. They shouldn''t keep picking on Zhang Ye like this. Rather, isn''t it better to think of ways to join hands to better the industry? If they could work together and go global, isn''t that much better?"


    "Was it because Sing! performed so badly that they decided to rece the Station Head?"


    "Previous poster, you''re too naive. Would such a small matter call for the removal of a Station Head?"


    "Then what could have happened?"


    "Let''s not make wild guesses. It doesn''t matter anyway."


    This was a huge move!


    Later, even the industry did not dare discuss this matter!


    ��


    The truth?


    The inner workings?


    Perhaps only Zhang Ye knew exactly what had happened.


    This fellow was also shocked by the oue. He had thought that Old Wu would only look for trouble with Sing! After all, they did take his original copyright and made some slight modifications to it in the first ce. Or she might have taken it up with Central TV Department 1, since they had also used non-professional hosts in their shows. Their double standard for the regtions was definitely something she could pick on. But never could Zhang Ye have expected that his expectations were too low. He had really underestimated Wu Zeqing and was too petty!


    Old Wu did not go for Central TV Department 1!


    Neither did she go for Sing!


    Instead, Old Wu directly "asked" their leader to step aside!


    Zhang Ye called her.


    "Hello." Old Wu''s voice was still as gentle as ever. He could not hear a trace of anything unusual in her voice.


    But Zhang Ye''s tone was one of amazement. "Are you alright?"


    Old Wuughed. "Me? What could happen to me?"


    Zhang Ye said: "What were you doing? That was too risky!"


    Old Wu said: "It wasn''t risky. It was just a difference in our political views. My rtionship with Old Yu has always been quite good. I''ve also talked with him on many asions and know what he''s like. He''s just more conservative, a little stubborn, and always keeping an eye on what he''s guarding. We''ve entered a new era, though, be it for the entertainment industry or for the TV stations. Being stubborn doesn''t help with advancing things. The first time, it was about your copyright for The Voice. I didn''t say anything about it at the time. Then, when they infringed on your copyright by modifying it, I did not say anything either. But I cannot allow them to carry on misbehaving for a third time. Therefore, this change was necessary. If he can''t perform? If he doesn''t want to help advance the industry? Then we''ll change him out. We''ll rece him with someone else who can bring us forward."


    That was so well-put!


    Just look at her consciousness!


    Just look at her awareness of the issues!


    Just look at what level she was on!


    When Zhang Ye heard that, he actually got quite embarrassed. That was because he knew that he was also one of those people that Old Wu mentioned as not having any aspirations and would only guard their own interests. But it didn''t matter. Even if his aspirations were low, it was fine as long as his fiancee''s horizons were much broader than his!


    Wu Zeqing said: "We were lucky this time. It just so happened that another deputy chief sided with me on this issue. Otherwise, it wouldn''t have been that easy. Political struggles are always ratherplicated. That was also why I didn''t wish to inform you about it beforehand."


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "It''s a good thing that you didn''t tell me about it. Because even if you did, I wouldn''t have understood."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "If you still wish to understand, I''ll teach you step by step in the future."


    "Aiyo, please don''t." Zhang Ye quickly said: "I''m not meant to understand such things, hur hur. If this bro had any talent for politics, would I have offended so many people in the industry over the years? Heh, this is just how I am. My thinking has always been that of the ordinary folk. I can''t change it."


    Central TV was undergoing a leadership change!


    There wouldn''t be anyone finding trouble with him from now on!


    Old Wu had fixed things from the front line, while Zhang Ye supported her with his "luck" from behind the scenes!


    The cooperation between this couple was seamless!

 Chapter 1254: The eighth episode’s knockout round! (First Half)

    <h4>Chapter 1254: The eighth episode''s knockout round! (First Half) </h4>


    Chapter 1254: The eighth episode''s knockout round! (First Half)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    At noon.


    It was the day of eighth episode''s recording.


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house, Zhang Ye was ying Go with Wu Changhe in the courtyard after lunch.


    "Uncle, hurry up and make your move."


    "I''m still thinking, what are you rushing me for!"


    "I have to attend my show''s recording this afternoon. I barely squeezed out some time toe over for lunch."


    "Alright, alright, I''ll make my move here, a stretch."


    "Then I''ll y a push through over here."


    "Hey, no, don''t y it there!"


    "Why would I not y it there?"


    "You shouldn''t make the move over here. Make a stand over here instead."


    "Why would I y a stand there! That would make my group dead!"


    "Are you gonna y a stand or not?"


    "I''m not!"


    "Then I won''t y that move anymore!"


    "Damn, you''re trying to cheat!"


    "Who''s cheating? Ah? Who are you using of cheating?"


    "ce it back down! You can''t take back your moves!"


    "Well, I''m taking it back, so what!"


    The two men had only just started on the game, but they nearly came to blows!


    Beside them watching, Li Qinqin didn''t know whether tough or cry. These two grown men''s tempers were really the worst when they came together.


    In the end, it was still Wu Changhe who lost. He said angrily, "I wasn''t in my best form today. I''ll definitely ughter you next time! Just you wait!"


    Zhang Ye bade farewell and headed out of the house, saying in doubt, "I''ll ughter you twice!"


    "I''ll ughter you thrice!"


    "I''ll ughter you five times!"


    "I''ll ughter you ten times!"


    "I''ll ughter you fifteen times over!"


    Li Qinqin sent Zhang Ye to the door and closed it after he stepped out. However, even after the two of them were out of each other''s sight, they still shouted over the courtyard door. Now Li Qinqin did feel likeughing.


    ��


    Later that afternoon.


    At the recording studio of I Am a Singer.


    When Zhang Ye arrived, Hou Ge and Dafei immediately came looking for him.


    "Aiya, Director Zhang, where have you been?"


    "We were all waiting for you."


    "Surely you guys have to allow me to eat lunch, right?"


    "Please have a look at this document."


    "Alright, I got it."


    "We''re starting the recording at 2 PM?"


    "Yes, there''s no change to the time."


    As the core leadership of the program team, and with all of the multiple roles that he was juggling, Zhang Ye couldn''t even step away for a bit. Every little thing that went on in the program team would require his attention. He had only juste back from lunch but was busy immediately. Even his n of taking a siesta was wrecked!


    But the sense was that everyone was in a good mood today. With the leadership change at Central TV, the main culprit behind their torture was finally gone. There was going to be a reshuffle over there, so I Am a Singer''s program team staff were all excited and motivated. They knew that no one would be picking on them in the near future.


    Backstage, he bumped into Zhang Xia and Chen Guang.


    "Zhang''er." Chen Guang waved.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Old Chen, how''s the rehearsal going?"


    Chen Guang said confidently, "Everything is great."


    Zhang Xia asked, "Little Zhang, how''s your preparation going?"


    Xiaodong also came to join in on the fun. "Director Zhang, what will you be singing today?"


    Zhang Ye blinked. "I finished rehearsing, but I''ll keep the song a secret for now."


    Chen Guang said warily, "Are you going to bring out your killer move? Looks like I had better perform to my best."


    "Oh,e on. You''re speaking like you haven''t been putting your best foot forward the whole time." Zhang Ye chuckled.


    Xiaodong giggled. "I''ve also prepared a good song for this episode. It''s bound to give all of you a scare. Director Zhang, you had better be careful. Don''t lose."


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure."


    Zhang Xia smiled and said, "I''m just looking forward to seeing what new song you''lle up with this time. I''ll go and practice a little bit more, so I''ll see all of you onstage? Good luck!"


    "OK."


    "See you onstage."


    "Do well, everyone."


    Soon after, recording began.


    They picked lots first.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Before we pick lots, I suggest that we wee the new singer onto the show. Director Zhang came onto the show too suddenlyst week, and everyone was unable to react. Director Zhang stayed onstage the entire time and didn''te to join usst week, so since we''re all here now, let''s give him an official wee."


    "Wee, Director Zhang."


    "Hahaha!"


    "Wee!"


    "Director Zhang, please have mercy on us all."


    Everyone was apuding to wee him.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright, thank you, everyone. But save the plea for mercy. I was one of the lower ranked contestants on thest episode, so it''d be great if I don''t get eliminated today."


    Xiaodong threw a jab out. "However low you''re ranked, would you be any lower than Amy?"


    Amy replied, "��Sister Dong, can I hit you?"


    Everyoneughed.


    The lot picking segment began. There were cheers and cries.


    Xiaodong had picked #1.


    Chen Guang was #2.


    Zhang Xia got #3.


    As for Zhang Ye, his luck was pretty good. He managed to pick #7, which meant that he would be thest one to sing.


    Today was the eighth episode, as well as the knockout round that took ce every other episode. The singers might all look very rxed as they joked andughed, but it would be a lie if they imed they weren''t nervous. The ones who did well would have to maintain their momentum and try to aim a little higher to not disappoint the viewers. Meanwhile, those who didn''t do so well the previous episode would have to give their all in order to stay in thepetition. They would have to pull out all the stops with their performances, or they''d soon be bidding farewell to thisrgest and most popr stage in the country.


    Everyone wanted to stay until the end!


    Everyone wanted a chance to be part of the grand finals!


    For this reason, every one of the singers would do their very best!


    At the front of the house.


    The studio was packed full.


    "I''m really looking forward to it!"


    "Let''s get started quickly!"


    "Gogogogo!"


    "I really like Zhang Xia!"


    "I super love Xiaodong and Amy!"


    "I only like Zhang Ye!"


    "Haha, I''m also looking forward to Zhang Ye''s new song!"


    "Is he really not going to sing the same song twice?"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye has never sung the same song onstage."


    "With Sing! as good as dead, there''s only I Am a Singer to look forward to now!"


    "The viewership ratings peakedst week. It''s the knockout round this week, and with Zhang Ye joining the show, it''s definitely gonna go one step further. I wonder how it''ll do."


    "The song that Zhang Ye sangst episode was a real piece of work!"


    "Hahahaha, but it was very nice to listen to!"


    "He''s definitely going to sing properly this time."


    "Yeah, it''s the knockout round, of course he has to do his best!"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye''s ranking at the moment puts him in a dangerous spot."


    "Teacher Zhang, we''ll be cheering you on!"


    Even before the singers came out, the audience was very excited about the show. Quite a lot of people were shouting the names of the singers they liked and cheering them on.


    The lights converged to a spot on the stage.


    Zhang Ye came out smiling, holding a microphone.


    The apuse burst through the roof!


    Standing still, Zhang Ye looked at everyone as he articted, "Hello, everyone. Wee to the stage of I Am a Singer, brought to you exclusively by our title sponsor, the leader in health products, Brain Gold. I am the executive director, Zhang Ye. Oh, and the host. Oh, and also a participating singer��hai, let''s not talk about that. If I say any more, I''m going to start crying."


    The audienceughed.


    Zhang Ye said, "Today is the knockout round, and one of our singers will soon exit this stage. That person could be either me, Teacher Amy, Teacher Zhao Wuliu, or Teacher Chen Guang. On this stage, anything is possible. So, as the new recement singer looking to avoid elimination, I''ve decided to seek the advice of our highly experienced Teacher Amy on how she sessfully avoids elimination every round."


    Avoiding elimination?


    Highly experienced?


    The audience was cramping up inughter!


    Backstage, Amy nearly fainted!


    Zhang Ye said solemnly, "Teacher Amy told me something that I thought was very beneficial."


    What did she say?


    What did Amy say?


    The audience was dying to know.


    Then Zhang Ye said, "To summarize what she said to me��" Suddenly, his expression changed as he took out a cue card and said, "Thank you to the leading health supplement brand, Brain Gold Company, for being the title sponsors of our show. Thank you to Hubei Pharmaceuticals'' strong support for us. If you''re going to use aputer tablet, use Li''s eight-inch tablet with multi-core technology. Honey Sweet fruit juice, so sweet that you can feel it in your heart!"


    Pfft!


    Fuck you!


    Was that it?


    You''re doing it again!


    The audience doubled over inughter while jeers rang out. "Yiiiii!"


    That feeling and atmosphere made it seem like they were watching a crosstalk performance!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "There, I''ve brought out those ads in the most inconspicuous of ways, so my job here is done. So then, shall we hand the stage over to our seven singers? Let''s wee the first singer."


    Pfft!


    Are you really inconspicuous?!

 Chapter 1255: The eighth episode’s knockout round!

    <h4>Chapter 1255: The eighth episode''s knockout round! </h4>


    Chapter 1255: The eighth episode''s knockout round! (Second Half)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    After theughter died down, the audience got settled.


    It was time for today''s first singer to take the stage!


    "It''s Xiaodong!"


    "Sister Dong will be performing first!"


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "Go Xiaodong!"


    When Xiaodong came out through the moon gate, apuse rang out.


    Xiaodong smiled and bowed to the audience. Then, sheposed herself a little as she gripped the microphone. However, she found that her palms were all sweaty, so she forced herself to calm down. Then she turned to Music Director Bai Yuanfei and the rest of the band and nodded at them.


    The music yed.


    Xiaodong''s emotions poured into the song at once.


    She sang lightly.


    "My heart��


    "is beating with her.


    "In a��


    "dream, I hold you close."


    It turned out to be an English song!


    It was a song that was rather niche with the audience but very popr and highly praised by those in the music industry. Almost everyone in the music industry knew this song��with the exception of Zhang Ye, since he wasn''t originally from this world, so he naturally did not know that this song had won a grand prize overseas.


    "How nice!"


    "It''s so touching!"


    "She''s singing her heart out!"


    "I don''t usually get to hear Sister Dong singing in English."


    The audience responded very well to her performance.


    The second to go on stage was Chen Guang.


    The moment he opened his mouth and sang, the audience was taken aback again.


    "I know,


    "someday,


    "that you''ll be by��


    "my side."


    The audience was absolutely amazed!


    "Wow!"


    "This is so good!"


    "Old Chen''s vocals are great!"


    "He''s singing an English song too? How nice!"


    "Old Chen''s singing is amazing. Even if he''s not the top singer in the music industry, he''s definitely got to be one of the top three!"


    "Old Chen is ying to our emotions with a sentimental song as well. I was so touched!"


    The third singer made her appearance.


    It was Grandma Zhang Xia.


    She actually lined up a very old Japanese song for her performance today. This Japanese song was very well-known in their country, and many of the older generation knew how to sing it. But with some changes made to it by Zhang Xia, the arrangement of the song becamepletely different.


    "Look up at the starry sky.


    "As the spring breeze races through the fields."


    The audience was transfixed by her singing.


    Many of those in the audience who were above the age of 60 even teared up when they heard the melody of the song.


    "This is so awesome!"


    "Her singing is so good!"


    "How eargasmic!"


    Following that.


    Amy was the fourth toe on. She chose to perform a Korean song that was the im-to-fame song of a famous Korean girl group. It was a song that many people knew how to sing along to, and it was very popr all over Asia.


    Then it was Huang Cheng''s turn. He brought out an Italian ssic!


    Zhao Wuliu followed next and unexpectedly sang an English rock song!


    The singers were all at their wits'' end.


    While Zhao Wuliu was performing, the singers who had finished were all sitting together backstage.


    Zhang Xia said bitterly, "It''s another foreign song?"


    Xiaodong said in a speechless manner, "How could it be such a coincidence?"


    Chen Guang sighed and said, "All of us thought of doing the same thing!"


    The show was into its eighth episode now, so they had performed too many times on this stage. The audience was bing familiar with their singing and understood them better. As such, their expectations slowly increased. It was possible that their singing was still as good as before, but the audience was longer surprised by it. So they would naturally find that their singing only sounded average. Havinge so far, it was the deadliest factor for them. As a result, everyone thought of breaking the mold and sought to change things up by singing in a different style. But who could have thought that all of them would have the same idea and choose to sing a foreignnguage song on the same episode!


    The audience was also somewhat startled.


    At the beginning, everyone was quite pleasantly surprised. But that surprise turned to numbness. No matter how good the singing was, they couldn''t stand to keep listening. If it was just one foreign song, then fine. But two songs? Four songs? Six songs? From the first singer to the sixth singer who performed on stage, they were all singing foreign songs? This made them weary, and some people could no longer appreciate the performances onstage. They were finding it tiresome.


    "Man!"


    "Really?"


    "How did that happen?"


    "Is performing a foreign song the theme for today?"


    "How boring."


    "Yeah, surely they can''t just sing foreign songs today, right? What the hell is this?"


    In the wings.


    Zhang Ye found Hou Ge. He said with a frown, "What''s with this?"


    Hou Ge wiped his sweat away. "It wasn''t supposed to be this way at the beginning. Later, three of the singers requested to change their songs at thest minute. There was no time by then, and since you said to give the singers the most freedom of control that they could have, the program team didn''t want to influence the choice of their songs. As such, we didn''t raise any objections and thought that it would be alright."


    Zhang Ye said, "You call this alright?"


    Hou Ge said, "It was my fault, me me."


    Dafei added, "We didn''t thoroughly consider things."


    "Next time there''s a ''collision'' of songs on such a big scale, you must inform me immediately." Zhang Ye was also negligent on his part as he did not check the song list for this episode.


    They were all foreign songs?


    How could that be eptable!


    In the end, I have to be the one to save the day again!


    Do you guys think it''s been easy for me in recent days?!


    Onstage, Zhao Wuliu''s performance came to an end.


    The audience still apuded, but it was obvious that it was perfunctory. There was no enthusiasm and the apuse was scattered and soft.


    Zhang Ye went up onstage. "Thank you for the wonderful performance, Teacher Zhao. You''re indeed a veteran of the music industry. You still sang as well as ever, so I believe that the pressure on the next singer will surely be enormous."


    The next singer?


    Isn''t that you!


    You''re the only one who hasn''t performed yet!


    You aren''t going to sing another foreign song too, are you?


    Zhang Ye looked at the band and nodded to signal that he was ready.


    The lights dimmed.


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath and looked into the audience. His expression slowly became serious. Honestly speaking, he didn''t really like the songs the other singers performed. English songs? Japanese songs? Korean songs? Italian songs? But there was not a single Chinese song? What is this? What is this development? This is a stage in China, a Chinese show! Do we not have our own stuff? Do we not have our own content?


    Alright then, let me do it!


    I''ll nt this g deep!


    Let me tell all of you what it means to have a Chinese style!


    Let me tell all of you what a song of the Chinese is!


    Come on! I''ll show every one of you the most authentic Chinese style song from my previous world!


    Backstage.


    The camera focused on Zhang Ye''s expression.


    Xiaodong was startled. "Zhang Ye has gotten serious!"


    Zhang Xia also turned solemn. "He''s getting real serious."


    Amy gave a wry smile. "I think we''re all in danger now."


    At the front of the house.


    The audience was also slightly taken aback!


    "Everyone, look at Zhang Ye''s expression!"


    "He''s angry!"


    "Yeah, he''s an ultra-nationalist to begin with!"


    "What is he going to sing?"


    "I''m really looking forward to hearing it!"


    "Go Teacher Zhang! Show them what you can do!"


    "Right, foreigners are scum!"


    "Let''s hear some music that we can call our own!"


    "It''s all on you, Teacher Zhang!"


    Instantaneously, the audience''s expectation overflowed. With the folk music apaniment ying, they got even more excited. Some people were even prematurely feeling their emotions run high as they stood to their feet!


    The air seemed to freeze!


    The next moment, Zhang Ye elegantly brought the microphone close to his lips. A deep, faraway look appeared in his eyes. Without any warning, he sang 1 at the top of his voice.


    "The vast horizon is my love!


    "At the foot of rolling green hills flowers bloom!


    "Whichever rhythm that is the most rocking!


    "Whichever singing that is the most! Happy!"


    Chen Guang was dumbfounded!


    Zhang Xia was dumbfounded!


    Xiaodong was dumbfounded!


    Amy was dumbfounded!


    Zhao Wuliu was dumbfounded!


    The audience was also dumbfounded from listening!


    However, Zhang Ye sang higher as he crescendoed.


    "Winding rivers gush from the Heavens!


    "Flowing into a sea of dazzling colors!


    "The hottest folk songs are what we hope to find!"


    "Singing as we travel is the most! Carefree!"


    "If we sing, we want to sing to our! Hearts''! Content!"


    Pfft!


    Some people burst intoughter!


    Everyone in the audience was floored!


    The fuck! What kind of song is this?


    Are you fucking doing that again?


    Can you be more serious? Please!


    ��


    The next day.


    The show was broadcast.


    "You are the most beautiful cloud in my sky!


    "Let me do what it takes to have you stay!


    "Have! You! Stay!


    "Slowly singing in the hottest ethnic trend!


    "Let love sweep away all of the dust!


    "You are the most beautiful cloud in my heart!


    "Filling a ss of fine wine to have you stay!


    "Have! You! Stay!


    "Forever singing in the hottest ethnic trend!


    "Is the most beautiful gesture in the whole sky!"


    Zhang Ye''s singing and dancing were being showcased on television.


    Countless viewers were dumbfounded for a moment by this scene before they burst intoughter. Some people were evenughing so hard they couldn''t breathe!


    The most rocking?


    I''ll rock your sister!


    Have you stay?


    Get lost!


    Hurry up and leave!


    "I''m kneeling!"


    "Lord Zhang, you''ve really made me kneel to you!"


    "Can you not be this funny?"


    "Fuck! Where''s my Chinese style? Was that it?"


    "Aiyo, I''m dying ofughter!"


    "Just look at Chen Guang, Zhang Xia, Xiaodong, and the others'' expressions when they''re on camera. Hahahaha, I can''t take it anymore! Please allow me tough a little more!"


    "They must''ve thought that Zhang Ye would sing some earth-shatteringly emotional song. Just look at the anticipation and wariness in their eyes. But it crumbled in an instant!"


    "This song is awful!"


    "But it''s a very nice listen!"


    "It''s not only nice, it''s too goddamn catchy!"


    "I''m done for! I''ve been brainwashed by Zhang Ye!"


    "Me too, my head is totally filled with this song!"


    "No one can save this joker!"


    "Hahahaha! Who''ll put down that troll!"


    With this episode''s broadcast, Zhang Ye defeated all of the viewers, industry insiders, and singers!

 Chapter 1256: ’The Hottest Ethnic Trend’ sweeps the country!

    <h4>Chapter 1256: ''The Hottest Ethnic Trend'' sweeps the country! </h4>


    Chapter 1256: ''The Hottest Ethnic Trend'' sweeps the country!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    The entertainment sections of the newspapers were all reporting on I Am a Singer.


    "I Am a Singer''s viewership ratings hits a new high!"


    "Viewership ratings of 3.49%��a legendary variety show!"


    "Zhang Ye performs yet another divine tune live!"


    "''The Hottest Ethnic Trend'' tops the daily Top Chinese Music Chart!"


    "Zhang Ye nearly gets eliminated!"


    "Zhao Wuliu bes the next eliminated singer!"


    "Zhang Ye and Amy barely manage to stay in thepetition!"


    "Voting for Zhang Ye continues to be sluggish?"


    "Zhang Ye ranked sixth in both thetest episode''s knockout round and in the overall ranking over two episodes!"


    "Experts are starting to doubt Zhang Ye''s singing ability!"


    Today, the country had been bombarded with news of I Am a Singer. Be it the topicality of discussions, or the viewership ratings, or on the music charts, they were number one in every aspect.


    ��


    Back at home.


    "The Hottest Ethnic Trend" was ying on a loop on theputer.


    When Zhang Ye woke up, he opened the bedroom door and looked outside. "Who''s ying the song?"


    His mother looked back. "It''s me, son. You''re up already?"


    "I got woken up by the noise you were making." Zhang Yeughed bitterly. "I was sofortable and dreaming that I was lying on soft and fluffy clouds until a crowd of aunties suddenly flew up there and started dancing. It scared me awake. So it was because you were ying ''The Hottest Ethnic Trend.''" To him, it was exactly this image he would think of whenever he heard this song.


    His mother wondered, "Dancing? What are you talking about?"


    Zhang Ye coughed and said, "Nothing."


    Beside them, his dad said, "Your mom has listened to this song more than a dozen times since early in the morning."


    "That''s because I like it." His mother said excitedly, "This song is soooo good, son. That ''Exaggerated'' or ''Wild Rose'' that you sang before can''t evenpare to this one! This song of yours is really nice. In the future, you should sing more of such songs. It''s exactly what I love to hear!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Sure."


    His father said in annoyance, "How is this good?"


    "As if you know a thing." His mother stared at his father and said, "This song is really good and my son sings it very well too. People on the Inte are iming that my son''s singing has declined and that he''s lost his touch at writing good songs. Ptui! What the hell do they know? This is what a good song is. Is mainstream art not considered art? No?"


    But his father just said, "What are you singing next episode?"


    "I haven''t thought of it yet," Zhang Ye said.


    His father said, "Why don''t you start singing seriously?"


    Zhang Yeughed in response. "Dad, I''m already singing very seriously. Do you know how many days it took me to rehearse this song? I practiced it for three straight days and went through a dozen arrangements over a dozen rehearsals. It might sound simple when you''re listening to it, but it isn''t simple at all. Since I''m going onstage, every song that I sing must be sung properly. I would never hold back."


    Did this song require any skill?


    You even needed to practice it for three days?


    And go through that many versions of the arrangement?


    His father could not understand it, so he didn''t say anything else.


    Zhang Ye said, "I need to head over to the office today, so I won''t be having lunch at home. I haven''t been there in quite a few days."


    His mother continued listening to the song. "Shoo, go then."


    ��


    Jiaomen East.


    A familiar tune was reverberating through the neighborhood.


    Deng, deng deng deng deng, deng deng deng deng deng deng deng deng.


    Deng, deng deng deng deng, deng!


    Zhang Ye was startled. He even had the sinking feeling that he somehow returned to his previous world!


    A group of aunties were standing there twisting about.


    They were even led by someone who shouted out instructions every now and then.


    "This movement should be done like this."


    "Auntie Zhou, raise your hands a little higher."


    "Big Sis Chen, you''re not letting yourself go. Your movements are too limited."


    "Right, that''s very good."


    "Everyone, follow my lead."


    "I''ll be teaching the seventh step next."


    Zhang Ye''s jaw dropped!


    Dammit! The song was only released yesterday!


    But today there are already dance moves for it?


    Isn''t this too fast?


    Zhang Ye suddenly had a bad feeling about this. Was the za (square) dance careers and industry of this world going to achieve prosperity and reach a peak because of him?


    Upstairs.


    In the studio.


    Everyone was here today, so it became noisy in the office when Zhang Ye arrived.


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Ah, Director Zhang!"


    "The boss has returned!"


    "Hahaha, we''ve all heard your new song!"


    "Awesome!"


    "Amazing!"


    Everyone was feeling extremely excited.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Can you guys get any more exaggerated than this?"


    "Oh, we can." The moment Ha Qiqi came up, she chuckled and said, "While we were watching the episodest night, we got rather worried when we heard your performance. It was a little��you know. You didn''t get a good ranking either at sixth ce, which meant you were second tost and barely survived the knockout round. But to our surprise, when the Celebrity Rankings Index got refreshed after midnight, your poprity score actually went up by a little. We were all stunned. At your current level, even gaining a little bit of poprity is a huge deal. Your ''The Hottest Ethnic Trend'' was several times more popr than your other popr songs like ''Exaggerated,'' ''I Am What I Am,'' ''Wild Rose,'' ''I Really Love You,'' amongst others. It was unbelievable!"


    Zhang Zuo gave a wry smile. "Yeah, it was really frightening."


    Wu Yi added, "All of us misjudged it!"


    Little Wang said excitedly, "This song was amazingly good. With it, we''ve gained a surprisinglyrge number of middle-aged to senior citizen fans. This was something that had never happened in the past. Our influence in the middle-aged and senior citizens group has always been the poorest, but this song has totally made up for that and brought in a lot of new fans. It has increased the pie to a muchrger size. This has an even better effect than increasing the cohesiveness of those long-time fans and will contribute greatly to the increasing of your poprity!"


    Everyone knew how advantageous it was to expand one''s fan base. If your fanbase started at 100 million, even if you were to convert all of them into diehard fans, there would still only be 100 million of them. But expanding one''s fanbase was different. It could turn that 100 million fans into 200 million fans, or even 300 million fans. With the fanbase expanding, the increase in one''s poprity would no longer be as simple as growing by severalfold. A celebrity''s development space and potential would be much greater as a result!


    Every celebrity and their teams knew this, but it was not something that most of them could achieve. A lot of people would not be able to go further once they reached a certain extent. For example, a singer like Chen Guang was already standing atop the music industry. Based on his fanbase numbers, his poprity had peaked, and it would be much harder for him to go any further. But Zhang Ye could do it. His fanbase was still expanding and extending. This time, he had extended his reach into the middle-aged and senior citizens group. This was undoubtedly inspiring and exciting news and proved that Zhang Ye''s poprity could still grow much higher!


    All of the studio staff were jumping for joy at this news!


    This song''s poprity had truly surprised them. And that spread of the other song, "I Feel So Drained," was also something they had not expected!


    It had actually gotten that popr?


    However, Zhang Ye was not surprised. It was because he knew how good this song was back in his previous world. Disregarding the song''s depth and meaning, or even any other points, just its poprity and spread were things that practically no other song could match. Jay Chou? Andy Lau? Eason Chan? Whoever came its way would be left kneeling!


    ��


    After handling some matters in the office, Zhang Ye left in a hurry again. There was still a load of work waiting for him at the television station. There was really no time for him to take a break.


    Downstairs.


    Zhang Ye took the elevator down.


    When the elevator door opened, he bumped into Yang Shu and Chenchen.


    Chenchen nced at him and waved. "Hi, Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You''re so rude. You should be calling me Uncle Zhang."


    Chenchenughed, "Hur hur."


    Yang Shu looked off. She only gave Zhang Ye one look and respectfully called him "Senior" before walking off without another word.


    Zhang Ye said, "Junior Sis, recently how''ve you��"


    However, Yang Shu had already walked up the stairs and did not seem to have heard him.


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. He looked at Chenchen and asked, "What happened with your Auntie Yang?"


    Chenchen pouted. "Old Yang is angry with you."


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye was baffled and asked, "What is she angry at me for? I don''t think I offended her?"


    Chenchen didn''t go up the stairs. She just strolled into the elevator. "How would I know about the things between you adults?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "What does a little adult like you not know? Alright, I''ll go upstairs and see how she''s doing." He followed her back into the lift and went upstairs again. His junior martial sister had always been very polite and respectful to him. She would always listen to him about almost anything he said, so Zhang Ye was rather concerned now that she was blowing him off.


    At Old Yang''s apartment.


    The door was unlocked and could be pushed open.


    Zhang Ye went inside while blinking. "Little Yang, what''s the matter?"


    Yang Shu was wiping down the table and did not say anything.


    "Who got on your nerves?" Zhang Ye intentionally put on a stern face. "Tell me and I''ll go seek justice for you!"


    Yang Shu finally looked up at him and said, "Senior Bro, can you not sing such songs anymore?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Why not?"


    Yang Shu didn''t bother holding back the moment she decided to speak up. "If I may be disrespectful, Senior Bro, I have to criticize you! Since this morning, all the nearby neighborhoods have been taken over by ''The Hottest Ethnic Trend.'' Those uncles and aunties who used to learn Taiji Fist from me have also started telling me that they don''t wish to continue the lessons. All of them went to join the za dancing clubs instead! Our Taiji Fist group has suffered a great loss, Senior Bro! There are only the two of us left in our Taiji branch of martial arts. You are the current generation''s senior brother and the leader who represents us, so how could you go and aid others! How am I going to teach Taiji now that there isn''t anyone left!"


    Ah?


    Was that it?


    Zhang Ye was floored. "I was wondering what the big deal was!"


    Yang Shu scowled and said, "This is a huge deal!"


    "Aiya, Little Yang, you must set your sights further than this." Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry. He said, "You''re a youngdy, yet you always go out to the streets to give out pamphlets. What are you always eyeing those retired old men and women for? If they want to dance, let them dance. They''re dancing to my tunes anyway, so that''ll increase my poprity. When your senior bro gets to the S-list and takes the ce of one of those seven spots, my influence will grow. At that time, we can start a Taiji Fist martial arts school to give lessons, or even set up apany to do it. At that time, would we stillck for people? At worst, I''ll film a film or a TV series, alright? I''ll use it to promote and spread Taiji Fist. At that time, will you still be afraid that people won''t know about Taiji Fist? So don''t be too anxious, just wait until I reach the top!"


    "Ah, really?"


    "Of course!"


    "Senior Bro, you have such great vision!"


    "That''s of course. How else could I be your senior!"


    After a little bullshitting, he finally cated Yang Shu.


    ��


    On this day.


    "The Hottest Ethnic Trend" swept the country!


    However, no one could have realized that this was just the beginning!


    No one could predict that in another few days, this song would actually reach a state of hysteria!

 Chapter 1257: The plaza dancing craze!

    <h4>Chapter 1257: The za dancing craze! </h4>


    Chapter 1257: The za dancing craze!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the same day.


    In the afternoon.


    At Beijing Television.


    "Director Zhang, the advertisers are asking if you could add a few lines for them in your script."


    "I can''t do that, they''re not the title sponsors."


    "Director Zhang, this is the song list for this week."


    "Is it confirmed?"


    "This was submitted by the singers, so there could still be changes."


    "Alright, I got it."


    "Director Zhang��"


    "Director Zhang��"


    Bringing over a show from his previous world untouched was a very big advantage. This was because the show would have already gone through a market testing phase in his previous world. But there were also disadvantages. For example, like now, due to all of the show''s tasking, nning, and content being totally controlled by Zhang Ye, he needed to guarantee that the show would be 100% done ording to how he pictured it. As such, it required every small detail to get Zhang Ye''s approval before it could be implemented. This no doubt increased his workload by a lot.


    He had to run around resolving issues.


    He was busy wherever he went.


    Finally, even Zhang Ye himself could not take it anymore. He found a sofa andy down. He did not even sit; he justid totally t, looking extremely fatigued. His eyes were closed and it looked like he had fallen asleep, but at the same time, he didn''t look asleep. He looked like he was paralyzed.


    Xiao Lu brought over a document to him. "Director��"


    Just as she was about to wake him up, Hou Ge, who was standing close by, stopped her. "Shh."


    "Huh?" Xiao Lu looked at Hou Ge.


    Hou Ge gave a wry smile. "Let Director Zhang rest for a bit."


    Xiao Lu nodded and looked at the sofa. She felt a little bad for him but also wanted tough. After some thought, she suddenly took out her cell phone and opened the camera. After focusing for a long time, kacha, she took a picture of him.


    Afterwards, the picture spread within the program team.


    "Hahaha!"


    "Zhang Ye''s posture is the best!"


    "Too funny!"


    "Let''s post it on the Inte."


    "Alright, let me check with Brother Hu if we should do that."


    When Hu Fei saw the picture, he immediately said, "Post it! Post it using the show''s official Weibo ount! Let everyone see how hard our program team''s people are working!"


    Soon, I Am a Singer''s official Weibo posted the picture, with a caption: "A scene from behind the scenes. You''ve worked hard, Director Zhang." It was supposed to be a simple interaction with fans as well as a publicity post to promote their show a little. But the people of Beijing Television could not have expected that this picture would actually turn the entertainment industry upside down!


    It was shared like crazy!


    Theizens were all getting augh out of it!


    "Aiyo!"


    "Look at how ugly Zhang Ye''s posture is!"


    "Hahahaha! I''m dying!"


    "Just looked at how he''s lying down! There''s really no one else who can look like that!"


    "It looks so terrible!"


    "I can see how this fellow must be burnt out!"


    "His body must be drained!"


    Out of the blue, countlessizens gave this posture a name: the Zhang Ye Sprawl!


    Everyone was having fun parodying this. They Photoshopped the picture with other pictures and posted them online. It had almost be a movement that everyone was taking part in. Later, quite a few celebrities from the entertainment circle even joined in!


    Zhang Xia posted a picture of herself in the "Zhang Ye Sprawl"!


    "Pfft!"


    "Even Grandma Zhang has joined in!"


    "Hahahaha, Liked!"


    Chen Guang also posted one.


    "Old Chen''s posture is too ugly!"


    "I''m cramping up fromughing!"


    And Yao Jiancai.


    "Old Yao, you had better stop it!"


    "How is this the Zhang Ye Sprawl? It''s more like a Coffin Sprawl! I can see at a nce that you''re not far from being in one soon!"


    Ning Lan.


    Huo Dongfang.


    And many other celebrities were all imitating Zhang Ye''s sprawl and posting their selfies to join in the memeing. All of a sudden, the Zhang Ye Sprawl had gone viral across the country!


    The person at the center of it was thest to find out.


    When Zhang Ye saw his inelegant picture being spread like crazy all over the Inte, he was dumbfounded. He was exhausted in the afternoon and had no idea that his picture was taken. The gestictions of Beijing locals were already more ungainly to begin with, so he justy down in the mostfortable position he could get into. But who could have guessed that it would be a meme? There were this many memes of him? So many celebrities hade to join the fun as well? Whoa! Even Zhang Yuanqi posted one of herself?


    The people on Weibo went crazy!


    "Ah!"


    "Even the Heavenly Queen is here?"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "I think the Heavenly Queen''s ''Zhang Ye Sprawl'' is much more elegant and beautiful!"


    "Zhang Ye is on fire again!"


    "How does he keep doing this!"


    "Because he''s a wonder!"


    The Zhang Ye Sprawl?


    Wasn''t this the same as the Ge You Sprawl 1 ?!


    Zhang Ye didn''t know what to say anymore. Hai, whatever makes you guys happy, I guess.


    The picture of him in utter exhaustion had gone viral and made it into the Weibo headlines and the headlines of the major entertainment news outlets. He had gone viral all over the country, to the point where even his poprity score had jumped by a bit. This was really something that could happen to no one but him!


    Meanwhile.


    The explosiveness of "The Hottest Ethnic Trend" had finally arrived!


    This storm hade too suddenly and strongly. It could only be described as a state of hysteria!


    ��


    In a neighborhood in Shanghai.


    "The vast horizon is my love!"


    "At the foot of rolling green hills flowers bloom!"


    ��


    In a za in Shenzhen.


    "Whichever rhythm��"


    "��that is the most rocking!"


    "Whichever singing is the most! Happy!"


    ��


    Beijing.


    "Singing as we travel is the most! Carefree!"


    "If we sing, we want to sing to our! Hearts''! Content!"


    ��


    Sweeping!


    Spreading!


    In just a few days!


    The wave of the za dance hysteria had swept across the entire country!


    Beijing fell!


    Shanghai fell!


    Shenzhen fell!


    Nanjing fell!


    Hangzhou fell!


    And to what state did the hysteria reach?


    It reached a point where if you stepped out into the neighborhood, you''d hear "The Hottest Ethnic Trend" ying, to the point where if you went out, you''d see groups of aunties dancing their za dance routines!


    The industry was shocked!


    The people were stunned!


    This was a change that had dumbfounded everyone!


    This was way too crazy!


    Th-This was simply insane!


    Overnight, China had been overtaken by a za dance song called "The Hottest Ethnic Trend"!


    Weibo was turned upside down!


    "Heavens!"


    "They''ve all gone mad! Mad, I tell you!"


    "The aunties have all emerged!"


    "At 7 AM and 7 PM, they''re always so punctual!"


    "My home has fallen!"


    "The neighborhood I live in has fallen too!"


    "Zhang Ye, your sister! Just what have you done!"


    "Zhang Ye, you cheat!"


    "That guy has opened up a door to a new world for the aunties!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "This is causing such a huge public disturbance! I''m on the verge of tears! Zhang Ye,e out!"


    "Teacher Zhang,e out!"


    "I really want to give him a good beating!"


    "Is there a spell in this song?"


    "There must be! And it''s definitely a fucking spell that only works on the aunties!"


    "Oh my God! The aunties have all gone mad!"


    The media was fighting to get their first reports out!


    The people had already started heated discussions!


    In the end, even experts and government leaders stepped in. This had obviously already turned into a societal matter. No one could have expected that a song could actually bring about such a crazy situation. This was really something that was very difficult to imagine since it was only a song, a song that Zhang Ye had casually sung onstage!


    Why was this happening?


    How did it be like this?


    The happiest people were those aunties who were retired and had nothing to do at home. All of them were very excited and were even praising Zhang Ye. za dancing had always existed, and it was a very popr activity in many ces as well. But there were only signs of this activity happening. It wasn''tmonce yet, nor did it happen on such a wide scale. With the release of "The Hottest Ethnic Trend," it was as though a bomb''s switch had been flicked and it went off so explosively that the entire situation got out of control!


    za dancing had finally been unified and be popr all over the country!


    In the past, the aunties would often get into arguments over what songs they wanted to dance to. There had been ongoing battles over the types of songs they preferred, with the list including folk songs, modern songs, and ssic songs. They had never been united before!


    Should they dance to this?


    Or that?


    Some of the groups in the neighborhoods would even get into fights over the topic!


    But now?


    There was no need to fight anymore!


    "The Hottest Ethnic Trend" had arrived!


    Deng, deng deng deng deng!


    Deng deng deng deng deng deng deng deng!


    Deng, deng deng deng deng, deng deng!

 Chapter 1258: You call this a love song?

    <h4>Chapter 1258: You call this a love song? </h4>


    Chapter 1258: You call this a love song?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    A few dayster.


    On the day of the ninth episode''s recording.


    The audience was joking and chatting as they entered the studio.


    "The Zhang Ye Sprawl has gone viral."


    "Yeah, everyone''s imitating it now."


    "And ''The Hottest Ethnic Trend'' is causing a stir around the country."


    "Let''s see what Zhang Ye will be singing today."


    "Yeah, he''s definitely going to sing a proper song today, right?"


    "Right. If he doesn''t do that, that fellow will definitely get eliminated this round."


    "Yep, the ninth and tenth episodes are going to be thest qualifying rounds before the grand finals take ce. When these two episodes are done, it''ll be time for the revival round. It''s almosting to an end."


    "Do you guys think that Zhang Ye will advance to the grand finals?"


    "If he sings the way he has been, don''t even think about it!"


    "Actually, I don''t think he isn''t singing properly. He''s actually performed quite well, but you have to take into ount who he''s up against. Who are all those people with him on this stage? Xiaodong is more popr than Zhang Ye in the Asian scene. And I don''t even have to mention Zhang Xia and Chen Guang. Those two are both top singers, pros amongst pros. Even if Zhang Ye gives it his all, he probably can''t beat them. He won''t even be able to match their singing skills, so this is very normal."


    "But he beat Fan Wenli during King of Masked Singers."


    "That was because they were masked. Everyone had already guessed the identities of the other masked singers except for The Clown, which was the decisive factor of why he could win. People are curious creatures, after all. Besides, even if Fan Wenli''s singing is good, she''s stillcking whenpared to Chen Guang and Grandma Zhang. Surely you guys agree with that too, right? Moreover, Zhang Ye only won because of the songs that he sang during the King of Masked Singers. All of those songs had very deep meanings and were written well in advance. The audience only voted for him because of the songs. But such good songs are getting harder toe by and more difficult to write these days. Even for Zhang Ye, it''s impossible that he can churn out a good song every other day. It would already be ridiculously amazing if he could produce three to five ssics per year. So I feel that he overdrew his quota during King of Masked Singers. Just look at ''I Feel So Drained'' and ''The Hottest Ethnic Trend.'' What kinds of lyrics are those? Even the melody of the songs are so simple. From that, you can get a sense that Zhang Ye''s talent has been totally spent. Since he isn''t willing to sing the songs that he''s sung before, nor those of others, how can he perform well? However, that''s also understandable."


    "That makes sense."


    "True, how can it be so easy to always write good songs?"


    "That might not be. We''ll see what he sings today."


    "Right, we''ll know how it goes after today."


    "In any case, I''ll listen to whatever Zhang Ye sings. I just like him!"


    "Who cares if he''s lost his touch? It''s good enough as long as the song is nice!"


    "He''s written a song that''s be popr all over the country, and you''re saying that he''s lost his touch? Are you kidding me? It''s just that Zhang Ye isn''t singing seriously!"


    ��


    Backstage.


    Recording had already begun.


    The singers were all gathered at the lot picking ce and were surrounded by the program team staff and cameras.


    "Let''s wee the recement singer to the show."


    "Wee!"


    "Thank you, seniors."


    "Who''s going to pick first?"


    "Not me!"


    "How about Grandma Zhang?"


    "Me? I''ll wait a bit."


    Nobody wanted to be the first to pick a lot, so everyone wasughing and joking. The recement singer for this episode was a C-list celebrity who could also be considered a neer to the music industry. He had only debuted two years ago.


    Zhang Xiaughed and said, "Amy survivedst week''s knockout round again."


    Amyughed out loud. "That''s because I''ve been proimed as the undying goddess."


    Xiaodong mocked, "Well, you''re more like an ever-LAST-ing angel!"


    Amy did not like hearing that. "Heehee, but I wasn''t inst ce the previous week."


    "So you guys are talking about me now?" Zhang Ye said in amusement. Zhao Wuliu was in seventh ce the previous episode and got eliminated from thepetition as a result. Excluding him, it wasn''t wrong to say that Zhang Ye''s sixth ce put him inst ce.


    Huang Chengughed and said, "It was a really close call for Director Zhang."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Yeah, I was hanging by a thread."


    Everyone actually had very serious questions regarding Zhang Ye''s songs choices for the past two episodes. However, they did not think it would be nice to bring it up. What could they say? How could they ask? Could they ask if he couldn''te up with good songs anymore? Ask if he had run out of inspiration? Or ask if his singing had deteriorated? And why he couldn''t sing like he did in the past? There was just no way to ask something like that!


    Chen Guang looked quite rxed. "The difference was only a dozen-odd votes, so that was really close. If Director Zhang were eliminated, we would be left without a host."


    Zhang Xia looked at Chen Guang. "What are you going to sing today, Little Chen?"


    Chen Guangughed. "Can I keep it a secret for now?"


    Amy immediately said, "No, you have to say it now!"


    Chen Guang gave it some thought. "I can only say that it''s a rock song; I can''t reveal the name yet."


    Xiaodong blinked. "What about you, Grandma Zhang?"


    "Me?" Zhang Xia said, "I''ll be singing a love song."


    Amy went on to ask Zhang Ye, "Director Zhang, what kind of song will you be singing today?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback but gave a surprising answer, "I''ll be singing a love song too."


    Everyone was stunned.


    A love song?


    He was finally going to show what he was capable of?


    Truthfully, they hadn''t really heard Zhang Ye sing love songs much even though that was his most powerful weapon of all. But whenever he did sing one, it would always be an earth-shattering performance. Like the duet he performed with Zhang Yuanqi, "Love of a Lifetime." It didn''t sound like much when you listened to it for the first time, but it would slowly grow on you until you found it to be amazing. In fact, even a lot of industry insiders wrote great reviews of "Love of a Lifetime." They imed that it was China''s best love song this year with no other songing close!


    And today?


    Zhang Ye was going to sing a love song again?


    Was it going to be a new song too? Or would it be one of his old songs?


    Originally, everyone was most concerned about Chen Guang and Zhang Xia''s performances. Because these two singers were really strong, everyone wanted to defend against them by trying to find out in advance what they were going to sing so that they could prepare themselves. But when Zhang Ye mentioned that he was going to sing a love song, everyone was caught by surprise and started putting their guards up against him as well. One of the most important reasons for this was that the issue of Zhang Ye''s wedding was really too attention-grabbing. Everyone was so curious about who his fiancee was since no one had seen her before. The paparazzi also couldn''t find out anything about her, so it could be said that the entire country was still trying to figure out her identity. And to sing a love song at this time, was Zhang Ye going to dedicate it to his fiancee? Or perhaps reveal something about the course of their rtionship? If that was the case, could you even imagine the stir that it would cause!


    He might even be able to get first ce because of it!


    Zhang Ye smiled and went forward. "If no one is picking first, I''ll go ahead."


    He picked out a ball and unwrapped it.


    Everyone looked down at it and was amused by what they saw!


    "Hahaha!"


    "Wow, Director Zhang."


    "Seems like your luck isn''t that great."


    Zhang Ye did not know whether tough or cry. The number "1" was written on the ball. "OK, I''ll be going onstage then."


    The others also picked lots to determine their order of appearance.


    Amy said, "I''ll head back to the waiting room first. I can''t miss out on listening to Director Zhang''s love song."


    Chen Guang said, "Let''s go together."


    Xiaodong gave a bitterugh and said, "Director Zhang will surely be difficult to deal with today."


    The tiger was finally baring its fangs, so what should they do?


    ��


    In front.


    The audience gave thunderous apuse!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "He came out!"


    "It''s starting!"


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    Zhang Ye stood onstage with a smile and said, "Wee to this episode of I Am a Singer. For this episode, we will be weing a new recement singer. Many of you are very concerned about who he is, and I''ve interviewed him backstage. He wanted me to pass a message to the audience��"


    Before he could finish, the audience was alreadyughing like crazy!


    "Yi!"


    "He''s at it again!"


    "Only a fool would believe you now!"


    "There''s no need to pass the message, we''re not going to listen!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "We already know about your tricks and routine!"


    Everyone hooted.


    The staff in the studio alsoughed. Everyone already knows about this approach of yours!


    But Zhang Ye just blinked and said, "The recement singer wanted me to tell the audience: He will try to sing to the best of his abilities."


    The audience was taken aback.


    Try to sing to the best of his abilities?


    Only that?


    Eh, why wasn''t there any advertising lines this time?


    It didn''t seem right! What happened to your advertising routine?


    While everyone was caught by surprise, Zhang Ye''s next words floored everyone. "But his agent wanted me to tell the audience this��" He lowered his head and brought up the cue card. "Thank you to the leading health supplement brand, Brain Gold Company, for being the title sponsors of our show. Thank you to Hubei Pharmaceuticals'' strong support for us. If you''re going to use aputer tablet, use Li''s eight-inch tablet with multi-core technology. Honey Sweet fruit juice, so sweet that you can feel it in your heart!"


    The audience burst outughing!


    The singers backstage also erupted withughter!


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "I should have known!"


    "He''s full of tricks!"


    "Zhang Ye, that''s enough!"


    "When ites to such tricks, I really have to give it to you!"


    It had already been proven that Zhang Ye''s tricks could never be predicted by them.


    After some hrity, the atmosphere in the studio was warmed up.


    Zhang Ye said, "Next up will be the performances. First up, our first singer will be performing a rare love song. So let''s hand the stage over to him."


    The audience looked at him doubtfully.


    A love song?


    What about that?


    What was so rare about singing a love song?


    But a secondter, the lights dimmed.


    Zhang Ye did not leave the stage but stayed at center stage in silence. At this moment, the audience finally realized it. Zhang Ye was singing first? And he was going to sing a love song?


    The audience burst into an uproar.


    "Wow!"


    "A love song?"


    "This is gonna be good!"


    "Is he going to dedicate this to his fiancee?"


    "I''m looking forward to hearing it!"


    "Zhang Ye is gonna use his ace in the hole!"


    "I have a feeling that he''ll be getting first ce this episode!"


    "He''s finally going to sing properly!"


    "If he sings ''Love of a Lifetime,'' he can definitely get into the top three today!"


    "It''s finally not going to be some viral tune! Singing a love song is the correct choice!"


    "Viral tune? How can he have that many viral tunes up his sleeves!"


    It was all quiet onstage.


    The audience was also quiet.


    Zhang Ye slowly closed his eyes as the image of Wu Zeqing floated into his mind.


    Backstage.


    Zhang Xia watched intently.


    Xiaodong had her eyes glued to the screen while she was getting her makeup touched up.


    Amy was feeling very nervous and full of anticipation.


    What kind of performance would Zhang Ye, who had bared his fangs, give? They were all very curious to find out!


    Onstage, Zhang Ye opened his eyes. Under everyone''s gaze, the music suddenly came on. A strong beat ripped through the stage in an instant!


    The audience was shocked. They suddenly had a bad feeling about this!


    This music?


    This beat?


    Surely not, right?


    In the end, everyone lurched the moment Zhang Ye opened his mouth 1 !


    "I nted a seed in the earth.


    "And it finally bore fruit.


    "Today is a glorious day.


    "Plucked a star as a gift for you.


    "Grabbed the moon as a gift for you.


    "Making the sun rise every day for you.


    "I turn into a candle and light myself to be amp for you.


    "Give my everything to you as long as you are happy.


    "Because of you, my tomorrows have be meaningful.


    "Life may be short, but I''ll love you forever��


    "Stay! By! Your! Side!


    "You are my-a small-a, small apple!


    "However much I love you, it''ll never be too much!


    "Your small blushing face warms my heart!


    "It lights my fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire!"


    Zhang Xia: "��"


    Huang Cheng: "��"


    Chen Guang: "��"


    Xiaodong: "��"


    Amy: "��"


    The audience: "��"


    Your sister!


    Is this a love song?


    You call this a fucking love song?!


    Teacher Zhang! How did I fall for your nonsense!


    Get lost!


    Get lost already!

 Chapter 1259: The father of plaza dancing?

    <h4>Chapter 1259: The father of za dancing? </h4>


    Chapter 1259: The father of za dancing?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    The show was broadcast.


    Countless people were sitting in nervously at their televisions to catch thetest episode of I Am a Singer. When they learned that Zhang Ye was going to sing a love song, their reactions were exactly like how the live audience had reacted yesterday. They were all full of anticipation and surprise as they wanted to know just what kind of new love song Zhang Ye woulde up with. And then��there were no more thens!


    It crumbled!


    It had once again crumbled!


    The moment Zhang Ye opened his mouth, people across the country were stunned!


    The expressions on people''s faces were as excited as you would expect.


    It lights your fire? Fire? Fire? Fire? Fire? Fire?


    I''ll fucking set your house ame! me! me! me! me! me!


    Teacher Zhang, that''s enough! Do you believe that I won''t set your house ame!


    "Lmao!"


    "What a joker!"


    "Aiyo, I give in! I really have to take my hat off to him!"


    "Why does he still have more of those songs?


    "''Small Apple''?"


    "This must be the fucking sequel to ''The Hottest Ethnic Trend,'' right?"


    "I want to go and give him a good beating, what do you guys think?"


    "Me too!"


    "Motherfucker, let''s go together!"


    "Does he think that the aunties do not have enough songs to dance to?"


    "This had better not be yet another za dance tune in the making!"


    "Surely not, right? The za dance scene has already been overtaken by ''The Hottest Ethnic Trend.''"


    "Hopefully so, but I have a bad feeling about it!"


    "It''s impossible that this song can go viral. Zhang Ye has lost his touch."


    "Yeah, that''s what I think too. ''The Hottest Ethnic Trend'' only became that popr by a stroke of luck. It was pure fortune that drove its poprity. Another miracle like it isn''t going to happen. Just look and you''ll know. Zhang Ye''s ranking on this episode of I Am a Singer was sixth ce. He only managed a few more votes than the recement singer, so it''s quite possible that he''ll be facing elimination soon. And with the reception of the song only being lukewarm, Zhang Ye has totally gotten it wrong this time."


    "The key was that the rookie recement singer did not do as well as he could have. He still isn''t that popr yet. How else could such a terrible song like ''Small Apple'' not be inst ce!"


    "Hahaha, I think it''s a great song!"


    "Yeah, it''s really nice and catchy, but it''s not suitable for apetition."


    But some people were still extremely excited!


    Like Zhang Ye''s mother!


    Like Chen Guang''s mother!


    Like Xiaodong''s mother!


    Like Zhang Yuanqi''s mother!


    The aunties were all astounded and felt like they had discovered a gem!


    There were all kinds of analysis and reviews online. Some were critical, while others poked fun orughed at it. The opinions were divided, but the general consensus from the majority of the people was that they did not feel optimistic about the chances of this song in the market.


    But reality once again pped everyone in the face!


    On the very next day, the za dance moves for "Small Apple" were released!


    ��


    Beijing.


    In a certain neighborhood.


    A couple was leaving the house in the morning to go to work. The moment they stepped out, they were shocked by the scene outside.


    "You are my-a small-a, small apple!


    "However much I love you, it''ll never be too much!"


    "No, that posture is wrong!"


    "Follow me and repeat it!"


    "One, two, three, four."


    "Two, two, three, four."


    ��


    Shanghai.


    "Listen to the beat!"


    "Yes, wave your hand, ce it down, then wave your hand again!"


    "Everyone, let''s do it together!"


    "It lights my fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire!"


    ��


    Tianjin.


    In a certain town square.


    On one side of it.


    Deng, deng deng deng deng!


    Deng deng deng deng deng deng deng deng!


    On the other side was.


    "Life may be short, but I''ll love you forever��


    "Stay! By! Your! Side!"


    ��


    There were countless versions of the dance!


    There was a Chenhua Neighborhood version!


    There was a Shanghai version!


    There was a Beijing Xicheng District version!


    There was even a certain Shenzhen street version!


    Every district''s movements might differ slightly from each other, but the songs were the same. They were all ying "The Hottest Ethnic Trend" or "Small Apple." Further, the poprity of these two songs were practically on par with each other, with 50% of the za dancers dancing to either one of them!


    Countless young men and women nearly broke down when they saw the sight before their eyes!


    The media was dumbfounded!


    The experts were stunned as well!


    "Yet another viral song by Zhang Ye!"


    "''Small Apple'' stuns the people!"


    "A new song for za dancing: ''Small Apple''!"


    "''Small Apple'' spreads across the country overnight!"


    "If you didn''t hear the song, ''Small Apple,'' this morning when you opened your doors, you must definitely be living in the faraway suburbs. The cities have all been invaded by ''Small Apple''!"


    "The suburbs have also been invaded this afternoon!"


    "Yet another miracle!"


    "The sudden rise of ''Small Apple''!"


    "The ''Small Apple'' craze! All the aunties go crazy!"


    "China has entered the era of za dancing!"


    "za dancing to be a norm in the future!"


    "Leaders of the local governments have expressed ns to support and promote a fitness dance for the elderly!"


    "How did ''Small Apple'' manage to go viral?"


    "Mother of Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi publicly deres: ''I like Zhang Ye''s songs very much!''"


    "An expert with the Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics expresses: Thank you, Zhang Ye, for contributing to the leisure activities of senior citizens!"


    There was news all around!


    It sent shockwaves all over the country!


    A lot of people thought "The Hottest Ethnic Trend" had already spread out of control and that no other song would be able to surpass it, nor would such a miracle be replicated. But to their surprise, Zhang Ye, the bastard, had actually brought it to the next level. He hade up with a song that could match "The Hottest Ethnic Trend" in terms of its viralness��"Small Apple"! If the folk song before this could not prove anything, then with the appearance of "Small Apple," it was enough to officially dere this: China had truly entered the era of za dancing! No one could stop it!


    But the person who started it remained very calm.


    "The Hottest Ethnic Trend" had already gone viral!


    So would it still be long before "Small Apple" caught up to it?


    These two songs were considered the number one heroic couple of za dancing back in his previous world!


    The only opponent of "The Hottest Ethnic Trend" was "Small Apple"!


    "Small Apple" had only one opponent, which was also "The Hottest Ethnic Trend"!


    Other than that, they had practically no rivals at all!


    Zhang Ye, though, was at his wits'' end. In the end, za dancing was still gloriously brought to life by this bro. Perhaps this was what you would call fate? I''m really not to me for this. Everything was destined and this was a product of the societal development in this world. This bro was only acting as a catalyst for it.


    ��


    On the same night.


    Zhang Ye''s name was actually brought up on Central TV''s News Simulcast!


    Ever since Zhang Ye got involved in awsuit with Central TV Department 1, Central TV no longer made any references to Zhang Ye''s news. There was practically no mention of him on News Simulcast, and they would remain silent even if he made any major news. But today, News Simulcast was reporting about the topic of za dancing and the male and female news anchors actually read Zhang Ye''s name aloud in front of the entire country''s viewers. This was clearly a big change from before. Central TV had recently gone through a leadership change, and it seemed like the effects were widespread. Just this incident today was enough to see that. It looked like the newly appointed Central TV Station Head had nothing against Zhang Ye. They would report on any news that was trending without bias.


    On News Simulcast.


    There was an interview with a passerby.


    But this interview resulted in making the entire country''s people erupt withughter!


    The female reporter walked into the za dancemunity and raised her microphone to ask, "Auntie, what type of dance are you all dancing?"


    The auntie answered with a smile, "We''re za dancing!"


    The female reporter asked, "And what is this song that everyone is dancing to?"


    That auntie answered, "This is ''Small Apple.'' ''The Hottest Ethnic Trend'' will be yed afterwards. We''re all dancing to these two songs over and over again."


    Beside them, there were over a dozen aunties chattering.


    A plump auntie said, "This song is especially good."


    A grey-haired auntie said, "Yes, I fell in love with it the moment I heard it."


    A skinny auntie said, "We''re all retired and usually at home, but there''s finally something for us to do now."


    A 60-year-old auntie said, "Yeah, we sisters are really happy to be able to dance together."


    An auntie wearing a colorful shirt said, "I was arguing almost every day with my husband when I was at home because I had nothing to do. But it has gotten so much better now. Every morning and evening, I cane out to take part in za dancing. I practically have no worries anymore!"


    The female reporter asked, "Did any of the neighborsin about any disturbances?"


    The leading auntie of the group walked over. It was obvious she was the head of the group. She said, "There were someints, but we''re not unreasonable people. When they say that we''re being too loud and affecting their sleep, we turn down the volume and try not to affect them. But of course, there are also some fellow sisters in the neighborhoods who are pretty unreasonable and cause a nuisance to the people. That''s why we would like to take the chance to remind everyone here. When we''re entertaining ourselves, we have to be considerate of other people''s feelings too. We cannot build our happiness upon others'' misfortunes, am I right?"


    The female reporterughed and said, "Well said!"


    The leading auntie proudly dered, "That''s right. We''re preparing to treat za dancing as a career and make it an industry that we can develop further."


    An industry?


    You can even make it into an industry?


    The female reporter didn''t know whether tough or cry. She said, "Any industry has to have a founder first. There''s always an ancestral founder, so is there one for za dancing as well?"


    That leading auntie was taken aback at that. Clearly, she had never considered this question before. Thus, she answered instinctively, "Of course there is. The father of za dancing is Zhang Ye!"


    The interview ended right there.


    This was an excerpt of the content on News Simulcast today!


    The public was cramping up withughter after watching this!


    Coincidentally, Zhang Ye was also watching News Simulcast with his parents today. When he saw that interview, Zhang Ye very nearly fell on his butt!


    Father?


    Who the heck is your founder!


    What the fuck has this got anything to do with me?!

 Chapter 1260: The founder imparts his moves!

    <h4>Chapter 1260: The founder imparts his moves! </h4>


    Chapter 1260: The founder imparts his moves!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Back at home.


    His parents were also dumbfounded!


    His mother turned to the side and asked, "Since when did you be the father of za dancing?"


    Zhang Ye nearly vomited a mouthful of blood. "How would I know?"


    His father: "��"


    A phone call arrived at the next moment.


    It was Yao Jiancai who called first.


    The moment Zhang Ye answered it, he heard a guffaw from the other end.


    "Hahahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye was annoyed. "What is it, Old Yao?"


    "Did you watch News Simulcast just now? Hahahaha! You''re great, you''re really great, kid! Aiyo, you''re killing me. Let meugh a little more!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "You better not go overboard."


    "I can''t, this is really too funny!"


    Soon after, another call came in.


    It was from his university ssmate, Yu Yingyi. "Hello, father of za dancing."


    Zhang Ye was speechless. "Go away!"


    Yu Yingyiughed loudly. "Your poprity amongst the middle-aged and elderly women is skyrocketing. My mother even called me today to ask me to get an autograph from you. She said that the aunties in her neighborhood have be your diehard fans. Keep this in mind. When I''m a little less busy, I''ll be looking for you, so don''t forget to sign a few more autographs for me!"


    Zhang Ye said in spite: "No, I''m not giving you any."


    The calls kepting one after another.


    His old friends and old ssmates were all calling to mock him.


    But there was nothing that Zhang Ye could do about it. He waspletely speechless. za dancing had also gained notoriety back in his previous world and its reputation was really bad. Zhang Ye didn''t mind joking around or singing a song or two for others, but if he had to get linked to the legacy of za dancing, this fellow would definitely try to get away as far from it as possible. This was not something that he wanted to get med for! But out of nowhere, someone bestowed the title of the founder upon him. This left Zhang Ye with no ce to hide. He had really been wrongfully given this title!


    Abracadabra!


    Please let this matter blow over quickly!


    Hopefully, no one will take this joke seriously!


    ��


    However, the development of this matter went precisely the opposite of how Zhang Ye hoped it would turn out!


    What was News Simulcast?


    It was the show with the highest viewership ratings without counting the Spring Festival G. If the total viewership ratings werebined, no other shows would dare to im that they were number one if News Simulcast said that they were number two. The Central TV Spring Festival G only happened once a year, but News Simulcast was broadcast every day. And it was even a mandatory broadcast that yed on all the satellite channels across the country. Comparing viewership ratings? Comparing viewership numbers? Even I Am a Singer or King of Masked Singers would have to step aside. The gap was simply too wide!


    That part of the interview spread like wildfire in the blink of an eye!


    On Weibo, theizens were allughing like mad!


    "Quickly go and watch News Simulcast!"


    "The interview segment today was so lit! It was lit af!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Aiyah, I can''t take it anymore!"


    "Founder?"


    "I somehow got tickled by that!"


    "That auntie is such aedian!"


    "Teacher Zhang has created a new industry! This is cause for a nationwide celebration!"


    "Pfft, but thinking about it, those two songs of Zhang Ye''s have indeed gloriously spread the name of za dancing. Even my mother who doesn''t usually go out went out to dance, so just think of how great his influence is. Calling Zhang Ye the father of za dancing? I don''t find anything wrong with that at all!"


    "Teacher Zhang has gained yet another nickname!"


    "A founder has to be offered joss sticks by future generations, right?"


    "That''s right. A hundred years from now, every neighborhood''s za dance groups will have to offer three joss sticks to Zhang Ye''s photograph to remember him before they start their dance routine."


    "Rofl!"


    "Hahaha, you guys, that''s enough!"


    "I really have to take my hat off to him. Why is it that when anything involves Zhang Ye, it always somehow bes a joke of some sort. Just this morning, ''Small Apple'' and ''The Hottest Ethnic Trend'' were ying below my ce. I got woken up by it and was feeling quite angry about it, but when I saw that interview on News Simulcast, all my anger fucking disappeared. Iughed for such a long time at it. In all of showbiz, only Zhang Ye can make me feel that way!"


    "He''s the biggest joker in the entertainment industry, after all, so the people and issues surrounding him would naturally be funny as well. Perhaps this is what Zhang Ye''s personal charm is. Based on looks, he can''tpare with Huo Dongfang or the others. Comparing age, he isn''t like those pretty boy celebs out there. About his physique, Jiang Hanwei could easily fling him several streets. But when ites to being funny, even if all the other celebrities in the entertainment industrybined forces, they wouldn''t be a match for him!"


    "Congrattions to Zhang Ye on his promotion to the father of za dancing!"


    "Congrattions to Teacher Zhang on bing the spiritual leader of the aunties!"


    "Where''s the apuse?"


    "Tossing flowers!"


    Theizens were all gloating andughing like mad!


    Just a simple news interview had firmly ced thebel of "father of za dancing" onto Zhang Ye. Even the media was using this title for their headlines.


    ��


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    When Zhang Ye got up, he could already hear his mother ying "Small Apple" on theputer. He couldn''t help but get annoyed at that, so he pushed the door open and said, "Mom, can you please stop ying that?"


    His mother smacked her lips. "Why?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I get a headache whenever I hear that song."


    "Did you get possessed?" His mother sneered.


    Zhang Ye harrumphed. "In the future, don''t ever mention za dancing to me again."


    His father said, "But you''re already looked upon as the founder by so many people."


    "Whoa!" Zhang Ye reacted as though his tail had been stepped on. He said startled, "Just stop mentioning those words! Don''t ever bring it up again! I''ve contracted a disease. If I hear those words, my entire body will start trembling. So don''t ever mention them to my face again. Dad, Mom, I''m off to work now. Bye!"


    But Zhang Ye could not have expected that the moment he got downstairs, he would immediately be surrounded by his neighbors!


    "Little Ye!"


    "You''ve finallye out!"


    "We''ve been waiting for you for so long."


    "Quick, give us some pointers."


    "Yeah, everyone''s moves are not uniform at all."


    "What are the standard moves for ''Small Apple''?"


    "Can you teach us the moves for ''The Hottest Ethnic Trend'' as well?"


    A group of aunties hadpletely surrounded Zhang Ye. There was no way out for him.


    Standard moves?


    Whoever said that there were any standard moves!


    Zhang Ye said dumbfoundedly, "Auntie Liu, Auntie Sun, Grandma Zhou, what are you all talking about? How would I know how to za dance? I can''t possibly teach you all anything."


    Auntie Sun said with a straight face, "But you''re the founder of this industry. If you don''t teach us, who''ll teach us?"


    Auntie!


    My dearest auntie!


    Can you not bring up the fact of who the founder is?


    Zhang Ye really did not want anything to do with this. He just wanted to get out of here.


    But the group of aunties was not going to allow him to get past them. They all had their hands on their hips as they stared at him.


    "Little Ye, Auntie really has to lecture you!"


    "Little Ye, everyone is feeling so excited now. We''re all so happy that we cane out every day to dance. It''s a different world these days, with things like the Inte, cell phones, andputers. We don''t know how to use any of them. We''re just a group of middle-aged and elderly people with few leisure activities to keep us upied. There''s really too little that we can do. But now that za dancing has been poprized despite the difficulties, it has helped to enrich the lives of us old folk. This is great, and if the others don''t wish to support it, then so be it. But you''re the creator of it and our spiritual leader, so how can you not show your support?"


    "That''s right, Little Ye."


    Who''s your spiritual leader?


    What spiritual leader!


    Zhang Ye raised his hands in surrender. "It''s not that I don''t support it. I''m actually especially supportive of this cause. I even have both my hands up in support of it, but I''m only a small-time host and at most an amateur singer. What could I know about dancing!"


    But nobody was having it.


    "You''ve even flown a ne before!"


    "And gotten the highest award in mathematics too!"


    "You can y Go and even Xiang Rong is no match for you!"


    "So what would you not know?"


    They were all saying things.


    Zhang Ye couldn''t rebuke any of them!


    His mother probably heard the ruckus from upstairs and came down looking cheerful too.


    Zhang Ye really didn''t know whether tough or cry. These were not just any people, they were all decades-old neighbors, and many of these aunties saw Zhang Ye grow up. Some of them had cooked for him, and some of them even brought him home from school when his parents couldn''t. What kind of rtionship was that? It was close to the point of being rtives! No matter how thick Zhang Ye''s skin was, he couldn''t just ignore these neighbors.


    Finally, he gave in. "Alright, but I''ll only teach it once for both songs. I still have a load of things to do at the TV station, so I have to get going as soon as possible."


    "No problem!"


    "We learn really fast!"


    The aunties were in high spirits!


    But Zhang Ye appeared despondent with a listless expression.


    If he really didn''t know how, then it wouldn''t have been so bad. He could stille up with an excuse and push this off. But the problem was that Zhang Ye really knew the dance routine of the songs. In his previous world, the State General Administration of Sports had pushed out 20 standard za dance moves. Zhang Ye did not learn them, but that didn''t stop him from seeing it almost every day, for months and even years. Just bringing up "The Hottest Ethnic Trend" and "Small Apple," he could remember the moves to these two songs even with his eyes closed. There wasn''t even a need to use the Memory Search Capsules!


    Search it from his memories?


    Are you kidding?


    This would be the greatest insult that you could give to the people living in his previous world!


    The coaching began.


    "For the first move, do it this way."


    "Right, that''s very good."


    "The second move will be like this."


    "No, that''s not it, Auntie Sun."


    "Auntie Zhang, that''s really good. Everyone, please learn from Auntie Zhang."


    "When it gets to this part of the song, you must all remember to turn around."


    "Aiya, Auntie Zhou, you''ve gotten it wrong again."


    "Auntie Chen, this move that you did was wrong. It''s totally unlike what I taught you. Can you be please concentrate?"


    "Yo, you all did pretty well this time. Auntie Chen and Auntie Zhou, you both deserve praise!"


    "Dancing is the most beautiful activity in the world, so you must learn how to rx your movements. Yes, just imagine that you''re surrounded by blue sky and are dancing within the fluffy, white clouds. Don''t rx your standards just because this is za dancing. That would be the greatest mistake of all! You have to treat it like art. Who says that za dancing cannot be beautiful? The dance of the people is always the most beautiful! The efforts of the people, that''s what art is! Right, this is it. Very good, everyone is doing quite well!"


    His mother was learning as well.


    Zhang Ye always took things very seriously. Coupled with the fact that he was also a university teacher, he lost track of time as he taught everyone the dance moves. An hour passed, but he was still teaching the steps for those two songs to everyone. Further, he was beginning to teach them in much greater detail, and he was even giving everyone a lot of attention. For some of the moves, when some people just could not get them right no matter how they tried, he would give them a hard stare. He turned into a professional dance teacher!


    Time went by very quickly.


    They finally finished learning the moves for the two songs.


    The aunties were all celebrating.


    "It''s awesome!"


    "I still prefer the moves that Little Ye taught us!"


    "That''s right, they''re logical and look good as well!"


    "He''s very professional!"


    "That''s true. Our Little Ye is the father of za dancing, after all!"


    All of a sudden, Zhang Ye had a realization. He got stunned for several seconds before he looked up into the sky and nearly burst into tears!


    Oh my God!


    What the fuck am I doing!

 Chapter 1261: The tenth episode begins recording!

    <h4>Chapter 1261: The tenth episode begins recording! </h4>


    Chapter 1261: The tenth episode begins recording!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the following few days.


    A short video clip that was taken by a bystander had stealthily been shared like crazy. Zhang Ye featured impressively in the video and was seen leading a group of aunties dancing to "Small Apple" in an open space garden in a neighborhood. He was also asionally dishing out guidance and pointers for the dance moves. There were even the za dance moves for The Hottest Ethnic Trend seen during thest 10 minutes of the video.


    "Who says that za dancing cannot be beautiful?"


    "The dance of the people is always the most beautiful!"


    "The efforts of the people, that''s what art is!"


    In the video, Zhang Ye was constantly speaking like he was giving a lecture.


    On Weibo.


    "Ah, is that Zhang Ye?"


    "This fellow is teaching dancing?"


    "Does he know how to dance?"


    "Fuck, these moves really look standard!"


    "Zhang Ye is the top A-list celebrity in the country, but he seems to be doing really well at the grassroots level too?"


    "*faints* This fellow has really be the founder?"


    "Lord Zhang, I''ll kneel to you!"


    "Yeah, hahahaha, he''s even teaching others the dance now!"


    "It looks like it''s a full set of moves!"


    "But honestly speaking, this version by Zhang Ye really looks pretty good."


    "Yep, every move is simple but carries a deep meaning. The choreography is very logical too."


    "But if he has the time to do this, why doesn''t he go and write better songs? Why is he expanding into the field of za dance? Teacher Zhang, can we focus on the proper business first, please?"


    "Shouldn''t you know Zhang Ye by now? His most proper business is having no proper business!"


    The views on the clip soared!


    1 million!


    5 million!


    10 million!


    20 million!


    A lot of people hade to watch in curiosity. They became more and more amused as they watched on, thinking how this weirdo Zhang Ye was always able to do something that no one could expect!


    The impact of this clip was huge too!


    The most direct effect it brought about was that the entire country''s aunties were all starting to learn this version''s za dance routine by Zhang Ye!


    A Downtown Tianjin version?


    The Xicheng District version?


    A Shanghai suburbs version?


    They all disappeared!


    Beijing fell!


    Shanghai fell!


    Tianjin fell!


    Nanjing fell!


    All of those versions had been unified!


    There was no need to fight over it anymore!


    With the founder imparting his moves, they were all learning the most proper version of the dance!


    At that moment, people in neighborhoods and zas all over the country started dancing to Zhang Ye''s version of "Small Apple" and "The Hottest Ethnic Trend." There was no longer a different set of moves seen!


    The media interviews were endless.


    The aunties gave a very good evaluation.


    "Teacher Little Zhang is amazing!"


    "This dance is good, it''s really good."


    "We''ve danced it a few times already, but no one''s feeling tired yet."


    "That''s right. Our neighborhood''s version of the dance was too tiring to keep up with. The motions were too big, and there were even some moves that those of us who are older could not perform. But this version by Teacher Little Zhang is really up there. Every move feelsfortable to execute, and they''re even beautiful to look at when we''re dancing to it!"


    "Everyone here really loves this set of dance moves!"


    "We''ve never chased after celebrities in the past as we felt that it was something that only young people would do. But today, all of us sisters have be particrly fond of Zhang Ye. We also catch every episode of his show each week.


    "Little Zhang is truly a good celebrity. He understands what we older people like."


    "He''s basically our spiritual leader!"


    "He is the spokesperson for us middle-aged and elderly women!"


    Another dance craze was sweeping the nation!


    In the end, even the official Weibo of the Sports Administration Liked that clip.


    Even an official from the Sports Administration came forward to give an interview. He reaffirmed this set of dance moves by Zhang Ye and expressed that they had also gotten experts in the field to analyze ande up with a set of dance moves. However, they could note up with anything good. It was only after they saw this clip that they realized Zhang Ye''s version was more logical. Afterwards, the officials also started promoting it and suggested that the middle-aged and elderly learn Zhang Ye''s version of the dance. They should also stop dancing to those self-choreographed moves as it might not match well with their physicality and could cause them to get injured. After all, za dancing was considered a body strengthening exercise, so of course it had to meet the scientific and health standards set by the authorities.


    With that, Zhang Ye''s za dance version became even more popr!


    It was officially endorsed by the Sports Administration!


    In the past, Zhang Ye and the sports world had conflicts, and he even scolded one of their executives. But during the Olympics, Zhang Ye had sung praise of the sports world and also helped the Chinese athletes seek justice over unfair refereeing, even to the point of tussling with the foreign referees. This eased the rtionship between Zhang Ye and the sports world, leading them into a honeymoon phase.


    Some people rejoiced while others were in sorrow.


    But for Zhang Ye, he was both rejoicing and feeling sorrowful.


    He was rejoicing about thisrge group of fans that was made up of these Chinese aunties. Their appearance and attention would undoubtedly be crucial in helping Zhang Ye raise his poprity. But at the same time, it was also very worrying. Having experienced the za dance "storm" 1 of his world, Zhang Ye knew this was a double-edged sword. It could harm his enemies but also injure himself. If anything went awry and caused a conflict on arge scale, he would have to be the one to bear the me for it!


    Founder?


    Spokesperson?


    Spiritual leader?


    The moment Zhang Ye taught his old neighbors how to dance, thesebels firmly became his!


    You sang the songs?


    And you taught the dance as well?


    And even suggested that za dancing was a guiding principle for the people''s art?


    Damn! If you aren''t the fucking founder, then who would be!


    Zhang Ye wouldn''t be able to rid himself of thosebels even if he jumped into the Yellow River to try to wash them off. These names would probably follow him throughout his life as he became the "specialist" scapegoat of the za dance industry. Just thinking about that gave him a throbbing headache. Hai,e what may. It was more important to gain the poprity that he needed before anything else. At least, he thought so to lessen his bitterness.


    ��


    At Beijing Television.


    In the program team.


    The new episode''s recording was about to begin.


    When they saw that Zhang Ye had just arrived, many of them started teasing him.


    "Director Zhang, you''ve be famous again."


    "When did you learn how to dance? That was so professional."


    "Brother Hu informed us just now that the station has decided to get us to dance to ''Small Apple'' at Beijing TV''s annual party in two months'' time. Why don''t you teach us a few movester?"


    Zhang Ye grunted listlessly.


    From a distance away, Chen Guang, Xiaodong, and the others came over.


    "Director Zhang, what are you going to sing today?" Chen Guang asked with augh.


    Xiaodong giggled and said, "Zhang''er, don''t tell me you''re going to sing another za dance tune?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Why would I sing another?"


    One was "za dancing."


    The other was "founder."


    Zhang Ye was sick of these two phrases. Just hearing them get mentioned was enough to send a shiver down his spine!


    Amy said happily, "You better be careful. This episode is the knockout round."


    Zhang Ye said, "I can''t sing whatever for this episode. I''ve selected a good song this time after thinking it through. I finally realized that it is better to sing a song with more depth and substance to it."


    Xiaodong was bbergasted. "You mean you''ve only just realized? That should have always been the way."


    Chen Guang said in a speechless manner, "So it''s finally gotten through to you!"


    Zhang Ye grunted, "Mmm, let''s not talk anymore. Everyone, quickly go and get your makeup done. We''ll start recording soon, and I want to rest my vocal chords a little too. It won''t be easy to sing the song that I''ve chosen for today."


    Zhang Xia came over. "Is it very difficult?"


    "Yes, it won''t be easy to sing." Zhang Ye nodded with a wry smile.


    Zhang Xia reassured him, "It shouldn''t be a problem with the singing skills that you have. The crucial part is the song selection. As long as it has substance, it''ll be alright even if you don''t sing it wlessly. The audience will definitely be able to ept it, and you''ll gain a few extra points too."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I hope so."


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_dancing_(China)#Conflicts_and_controversy

 Chapter 1262: The difference between a veteran and a newbie!

    <h4>Chapter 1262: The difference between a veteran and a newbie! </h4>


    Chapter 1262: The difference between a veteran and a newbie!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the stage.


    Zhang Ye was the fifth singer to perform.


    When the instruments were finally brought up onto the stage, around eight musicians sat down at them. At this moment, it felt like everyone in the studio was holding their breath.


    A sheng 1 ?


    A dizi 2 ?


    A cello?


    A yangqin 3 ?


    What were all these for?


    What was with this grand setup?


    Some of those in the audience even recognized the musicians!


    "Look!"


    "Chen Di? He''s that famous cellist!"


    "Old Zhao? The great yangqin percussionist!"


    "Sun Li? The famous folk music master?"


    "They''re all big names!"


    "Damn, what a big move!"


    "Zhang Ye has invited this many musicians onto the show?"


    "How awesome is this!"


    "This is gonna be great!"


    "Zhang Ye has finallye to his senses. He''s not going to sing a za dance tune!"


    The audience was shocked by this lineup!


    The singers backstage were also shocked. It was only now that they believed Zhang Ye was doing something big. Every one of those instruments was full of killing intent. These musicians were all capable of putting on a solo show by themselves. By convincing so many of them toe onstage to y for him, one could only wonder what kind of song Zhang Ye had used to convince them. They were all masters who could not be invited with money alone!


    There was a bit of shock on Zhang Xia''s face.


    Xiaodong straightened up a little in her seat.


    Chen Guang starting leaning forward as he kept his eyes on the screen.


    Everyone was staring at Zhang Ye and the folk music musicians onstage in the most anticipated of ways, waiting for their stunning performance to begin.


    The song began.


    The apaniment yed suddenly.


    Zhang Ye instantly looked lively. With a droop of his eyelids, he got into the groove of the song and looked like he couldn''t free himself.


    The sound of the yangqin was a constant presence!


    The tempo got faster and faster!


    Then Zhang Ye abruptly started singing 4 .


    "Ahhh, ohhh!


    "Ahhhhhh, oh ay!


    "Ah seh dee, ah seh doh!


    "Ah seh da geh dee ga doh!


    "Ah seh dee, ah seh da geh dooooh!


    "Ahhh, ohhh!


    "Ahhhhhh, oh ay!"


    Chen Guang was dumbfounded!


    Amy was inplete wonder!


    Xiaodong was also staring wide-eyed in disbelief!


    Director Zhang!


    Was this what you meant by substance?


    Was this what you meant by depth?


    I''m gonna faint!


    Why don''t you just ascend to the Heavens!


    Why don''t you just fly out into the universe!


    But Zhang Ye was incredibly invested in his singing.


    "Ah seh dee, ah seh doh!


    "Ah seh da geh dee ga doh!


    "Ah seh dee, ah seh da geh doooooh!


    "Ahh��


    "Ahh��


    "Ahh��


    "Ahh��


    "Ah ya yo!


    "Ah ya yo!"


    The audience was also staggered!


    So this was Zhang Ye''s big move? It was another song without any lyrics? There was only vocalizing? Zhang Ye, you are really something! Do you still have any seriousness left in you!


    A lot of people startedughing hard as they listened!


    Some of them found it interesting.


    Some of them found it hrious.


    Everyone thought that Zhang Ye was trying to be funny, but no one seemed to have noticed that tinge of seriousness in Zhang Ye''s eyes. He was really trying his best. Perhaps only Huang Cheng had somewhat realized it.


    Backstage.


    The singers who already performed were all seated together.


    Amy said, "This song''s title is ''Perturbed''? Pfft, it really is perturbing! It makes me unable to sit still as a listener. That''s really enough, Zhang Ye!"


    Xiaodong smiled and said, "I really have nothing I can say about him anymore."


    Chen Guang said helplessly, "It looks like Director Zhang is having so much fun."


    Hearing them say that, Huang Cheng suddenly said, "He''s not ying around."


    Chen Guang was taken aback. "Huh?"


    Huang Cheng said sternly, "I also y an instrument myself, so I''m more sensitive of the emotions the instruments portray. Can''t you all see it? All of those musicians onstage are really focused, especially Zhang Ye. He isn''t ying around, nor is he trying to be funny. He''s actually singing very seriously."


    Singing seriously?


    How does this song have anything to do with being serious?


    Nobody could really understand.


    Onstage, the performance came to an end.


    The audience was ridiculing him.


    "I really have to hand it to him!"


    "To think that I believed that he wasing up with something big!"


    "I''d be a fool to believe him again!"


    "Hahahaha! Hurry up and eliminate him, I''ve had enough already!"


    "Yeah, we mustn''t vote for Zhang Ye. Let''s vote for someone else!"


    "Just let this fellow be eliminated. If not, I''d surelyugh myself to death eventually!"


    "Let''s allow Zhang Ye to rest in peace."


    "Yep, yep."


    "But why do I find the song to be not that bad?"


    "Get lost, what do you mean it''s not that bad!"


    "From a certain perspective, this song has indeed shocked the studio. It''s just that it''s not the same kind of shock that we got from Chen Guang and Xiaodong''s performances. It''s an entirely different thing!"


    "I just like Zhang Ye. He''s really too good at bringingughter to people!"


    "Yeah, any ce with him will never be missing fun."


    "He''s having so much fun that it feels like he''s at a karaoke session!"


    "Yeah, this ispletely not apetition type song. It''s more like a song to warm the audience up. We mustn''t let this fellow through to the grand finals. Otherwise, who knows what kind of stunt he''ll pull again!"


    "But that''s what I want to see!"


    "I''m also quite looking forward to what Zhang Ye will sing in the grand finals."


    "Grand finals, my ass. With a song like this? It''ll be a miracle if he can even get into the grand finals!"


    "Yeah, he was already in sixth cest episode."


    The audience wasing up with all kinds of possibilities.


    The next singer to appear was the recement singer fromst week.


    But the moment he opened his mouth to sing, he made a mistake. His voice cracked when he attempted a high note in his song. By rights, this was very normal, and no singer could guarantee that every performance of theirs would be perfect. But because of this recement singer''s inexperience in the industry and onstage, coupled with the fact that he was still considered a neer, this voice cracking incident caused him to lose his rhythm. He forced himself to finish singing with a hint of self-me and regret.


    Backstage, Chen Guang, Xiaodong, and everyone else were sympathizing with him. Among the neers, this singer was truly one of the more capable ones who could sing without rushing. He had the vocals and the ability to back it up too. What hecked was only an opportunity, some good songs, and a little stage experience. Otherwise, there would surely be a spot for him among the top singers of the music industry. But it seemed like this stage might have been too big for him. He had taken a step up too quickly. Sometimes, pressure could push a person forward. For example, no stage seemed too big for Zhang Ye, and he was always able to bear the pressure no matter how great it was. Even the fiercest of criticism did not faze him. This was also the reason why Zhang Ye could make it to where he was today. But for many people, theycked such an ability. If there was too much pressure, it would make them so nervous they would break down when facing it.


    The audience also felt pity.


    "Your sister!"


    "That was such a huge mistake!"


    "I guess Zhang Ye will be advancing into the grand finals then?"


    "That fellow''s luck is too good!"


    "This recement singer couldn''t live up to his hype!"


    "Hai, this newbie is really lousy at withstanding the pressure."


    "If there''s anyone who''s the best at withstanding pressure in the entertainment industry, it has got to be Zhang Ye. If it were anyone else who went onstage to sing that song, I''m sure their faces would be flushedpletely red. But look at Zhang Ye? He just finished singing the song without a trace of embarrassment. Just how thick does his skin have to be? This fellow is really not afraid of people scolding him"


    "Who canpare with him?"


    "He''s just shameless, haha!"


    "You can see the difference between a veteran and a newbie from this!"


    The performances ended after everyone had their turn.


    The rankings were announced.


    First: Chen Guang


    Second: Zhang Xia


    Third: Xiaodong


    Fourth: Huang Cheng


    Fifth: Amy


    Sixth: Zhang Ye


    Seventh: Li Naran


    The recement singer came in at seventh ce over the two episodes and was eliminated.


    Being in the second tost ce, Zhang Ye had narrowly qualified for the grand finals of I Am a Singer!

 Chapter 1263: The eve of the grand finals!

    <h4>Chapter 1263: The eve of the grand finals! </h4>


    Chapter 1263: The eve of the grand finals!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    The tenth episode of I Am a Singer was broadcast.


    Countless people were waiting before their television sets.


    This episode was going to be very exciting as all the singers were fighting to get a ce in the grand finals. All of them gave it their all and brought out their specialty skills for the performances. Zhang Xia surprisingly performed a rock song, while Chen Guang sang an emotionally charged love song and dedicated it to his wife, Fan Wenli. Xiaodong explosively leveled up her singing by performing an old ssic to perfection. Even Amy managed to pull herself out ofst ce with her rap song shocking many people. Every line''s delivery was fast and good as she showcased a strong ability that even a lot pro rappers could not achieve. Only the recement singer failed to perform to expectations and had to miss out on the grand finals of the show.


    As for Zhang Ye?


    This fellow was still the same as before!


    "That was so wonderful!"


    "This episode is the best!"


    "Yeah, the songs are great!"


    "They''re all powerhouses, all of them are extremely capable singers!"


    The audience was very excited!


    The evaluation from the industry was also extremely good!


    Some people were amazed by Zhang Xia''s song.


    Some people were moved by Chen Guang''s song.


    And some people were touched by how tenacious Amy was.


    But no one could have guessed that the most popr song of the tenth episode was none of their songs. It just had to be that goddamn song Zhang Ye sang, "Perturbed," which left everyone at their wits'' end!


    Another viral tune was created!


    It swept across the nation!


    The moment "Perturbed" appeared, it took a spot on practically all of the music charts!


    Theizens broke down once again.


    "Again?"


    "Oh my God!"


    "Why is this happening?"


    "His song has made it onto so many of the music charts again?"


    "This crappy song can even get number one?"


    "Wasn''t he just randomly humming? I can do that too!"


    "Hahaha, I''ve finally realized something. Zhang Ye is only here to be funny!"


    "It''s a catchy song, so of course it would spread fast. But that''s not important. Just refer to the rankings and you''ll know, Zhang Ye was still ced in the bottom two."


    "I''m not optimistic about Zhang Ye in the grand finals."


    "Who''s optimistic about him, the fraud!"


    "It''s a miracle that he scraped into the grand finals, haha!"


    "Yeah, that guy should''ve been eliminated long ago. Who could have thought that he would make it into the grand finals by stumbling through thepetition in eitherst or second tost ce every time? That was super unexpected."


    "There''s still Zhang Xia and Chen Guang to watch in the grand finals."


    "Xiaodong is pretty good too."


    "Yeah, the three of them all have a chance of getting crowned champion."


    "It''s time for the revival round, and there''s only one spot in the grand finals up for grabs. Let''s see who can get it."


    "He Huan and Xue Kaiqi have the best hopes."


    "I''m more optimistic of Zhao Wuliu''s chances."


    "In any case, we can just ignore Zhang Ye as the grand champion."


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye is no longer good."


    "That might not necessarily be true. We''ll still have to see who Zhang Ye invites for the grand finals."


    "That''s right! I think they''re still using the two-round format. The first round will have a celebrity guest partner like before. If Zhang Ye manages to invite Zhang Yuanqi again, that would be quite something."


    "Yeah, true."


    "Let''s see who he''ll invite then."


    "I don''t see it that way. With Zhang Ye''s current form and the songs that he''s written, whoever he invites won''t matter. If I have to put it bluntly, of the singers who have qualified for the grand finals, Zhang Ye is the only one unworthy of his ce. He only managed to get in on luck. I won''t mention Zhang Xia and Chen Guang, or Xiaodong and Amy, but even the eliminated singers are much stronger than Zhang Ye. We can clearly see that he''s lost his touch and can''te up with any more good songs with substance. All he knows is to produce these catchy tunes that we''ve heard. But are such songs suitable forpetition? They won''t be able to get him a ranking at all. Zhang Ye has performed a song with no lyrics before. It was ''Opera'' that he sang on King of Masked Singers that I found so amazing when I heard it. But look at ''Perturbed.'' It''s also a song without lyrics but the taste has changed. This shows that Zhang Ye is really out of ideas."


    "Hai, this is the downfall of a singing champion."


    "It''s quite a pity."


    "What has happened to Zhang Ye?"


    "Who knows!"


    "He suddenly became like this, so it''s quite regrettable."


    "That''s right. I used to anticipate his songs, but who could''ve expected that he can''t write good songs anymore. Those garbage songs that he''s been singing recently shows that he''s of a different ss from the other singers. Just listen to Grandma Zhang and Old Chen''s singing, they''re totally on a different level from him. That''s what you call real singing and real singers. That''s what true art is about. Otherwise, what''s the difference between the songs Zhang Ye sings and the songs that normal people sing at the karaoke?"


    "I''m a fan turned passerby."


    "Hai, the higher the expectations, the greater the disappointment."


    "The main thing is that the opponents are too strong. Even if Zhang Ye can still write a good song, he can''t beat Zhang Xia and Chen Guang."


    "Agreed."


    By this point in the broadcast of I Am a Singer, everyone had lost confidence in Zhang Ye. Many of the music industry''s insiders came forward to give their evaluations as well. They felt Zhang Ye had entered a bottleneck and was losing his touch. It seemed like he could only go back to his old job from now on since he couldn''t write any more good songs. It got so bad that even Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, Xiaodong, and the others were feeling the same way. A singer like Zhang Ye who had amazed countless people had faded to nothing overnight. He could no longer find that feeling that inspired his singing and songwriting. It was such a shame!


    Criticism!


    Doubt!


    Derision!


    Such voices were constantly keeping Zhang Yepany.


    Even his studio''s staff were panicking.


    Ha Qiqi said anxiously, "Director Zhang, your reputation these days has been tumbling."


    "Why don''t we buy a song or two?" Zhang Zuo suggested. "We might be able to turn it around in the grand finals that way. We can''t keep going on like this."


    Buy songs?


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve already written the songs."


    Zhang Zuo sighed. "But the songs that you have been writing recently��" He was too scared to continue.


    Everyone in the studio was frowning and sulking. Zhang Ye was getting more and more popr by the day, which was a good thing. But simrly, his reputation was just as important. Now that everyone was saying Zhang Ye couldn''t sing anymore, they were getting very anxious. However, it seemed like Zhang Ye did not take it to heart and did not say anything about it no matter how much they asked. Actually, they understood Director Zhang quite well since they had known him for many years. On the surface, it might look like Zhang Ye was unaffected. He was alwaysughing, yet each time they could feel that Zhang Ye wasn''t as happy as he looked after a performance.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Hu Fei''s call came in.


    Zhang Ye answered: "Brother Hu, what''s the matter?"


    Hu Feiughed loudly. "The viewership rating has hit a new high! It has set a new record again! It''s fantastic!"


    "That''s good then," Zhang Ye said cheerfully.


    "The grand finals will being up soon, great work."


    "It was nothing."


    "For the celebrity guest partner segment, are you sure about inviting that person?"


    "Yup."


    "But isn''t that a little too��you know?"


    "Hur hur, nobody''ll be able to guess who it is. But I''m sure the viewers will enjoy it."


    Hu Fei said: "Well, alright then. We''ll do it however you say. But your results might��"


    Zhang Ye said: "I know."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye did not say another word. He quietly headed back into his office and sat there having a smoke, staring nkly at the empty wall. No one knew what Zhang Ye was thinking right now, nor did anyone know how he was feeling.


    The task waspleted.


    This was good enough, right?


    This��was all he had to do, right?


    But for some reason, after Zhang Ye put out his cigarette, he clenched his fists so hard that his fingernails dug into his palms, leaving several deep, red marks!

 Chapter 1264: Anyone can win, except me!

    <h4>Chapter 1264: Anyone can win, except me! </h4>


    Chapter 1264: Anyone can win, except me!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the day of the grand finals.


    A tense atmosphere had built up!


    The phenomenal variety show I Am a Singer was no longer watched just by those who liked it. It had long be the subject of heated discussions by people all over the nation!


    In the streets.


    In the neighborhoods.


    In the offices.


    In the schools.


    Everyone was talking about who would end up as the grand champion!


    Those who were initially scheduled for overtime at work even asked for time off in advance to go home to catch the live broadcast.


    "Brothers, remember to cast your votes for Grandma Zhang!"


    "Right, it hasn''t been easy for an oldrade like her!"


    "Where are Grandma Zhang''s fans at?"


    "Where are Chen Guang''s fans at? Form up!"


    "Who has tickets to tonight''s live broadcast venue? I''ll buy them for 2,000 RMB each!"


    "The LED boards for Sister Dong are ready. Everyone, take a look and see if they''re OK."


    "Everyone, please get others to vote for Amy. Please support her!"


    "Vote for He Huan! It wasn''t easy for him having toe through by the revival round!"


    "Tonight''s voting will be done through our cell phones. The grand finals are really too close to call. But it''s very important, so can everyone please give your votes to Teacher Huang Cheng? I''d appreciate it if you can."


    The fan groups of the singers were already teaming up to campaign for votes. The early statistics of the online poll''s support were also published. The usual suspects of Chen Guang and Zhang Xia were still the favorites to win the championship. Both their support numbers kept increasing as it became a two-horse race where their stats constantly overtook each other''s. Sometimes, Old Chen was in the lead. But at other times, Grandma Zhang was in first ce. Coming in behind them were He Huan, Xiaodong, Huang Cheng, Amy, and Zhang Ye, respectively. He Huan, the Prince of Love Songs, had performed exceedingly well during the revival round to take his ce in the grand finals today. His support numbers were also extremely high as he surpassed Xiaodong in the poll. Although this poll was only a Weibo statistic, it clearly showed the problem. For the singers the viewers were optimistic about, their rankings were generally not too bad.


    Only Zhang''s fan club kept on the down low throughout. There was almost no one helping Zhang Ye get votes. This was the most direct cause of Zhang Ye''s low rankings on the stage of I Am a Singer.


    ��


    Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    After lunch.


    His mother asked, "Son, when are you setting off for the TV station?"


    "I''m just about to leave." Zhang Ye checked his watch. "Everyone''s waiting for me."


    His motherined, "Why are they hurrying you. The live broadcast is at night, so why can''t they let you rest a bit more?"


    "That I can stay home for lunch today is already a break for me," Zhang Ye said with a smile.


    His father said, "There''s quite a lot of prep work to handle before a live broadcast. Our son is the executive director, so of course he has to go earlier. A heap of people are waiting for his instructions."


    His mother harrumphed and said, "In the future, stop taking roles like the executive director. It''s bad enough that you''re working so hard, but look at how many people are scolding you online."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright."


    Wu Zeqing was on her day off today and hade over as well.


    Wu Zeqing said, "Go over there, I''ll help you with your makeup."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Aiya, there are professional makeup artists at the station."


    "I''d be worried if they put your makeup on." Wu Zeqing insisted on doing it for him.


    Zhang Ye could only say, "Well, alright."


    They went into his room.


    Old Wu immediately started to meticulously apply his makeup.


    His eyebrows.


    His nose.


    His lips.


    Zhang Ye suddenly looked at her in the mirror and said, "Old Wu, I might not be able to get a good ce for this round, so don''t bother watching tonight."


    Wu Zeqing said, "I''ll definitely watch."


    Zhang Ye said firmly, "I only want you to see me when I''m winning."


    Wu Zeqingughed. "I''ll still watch it."


    Zhang Ye said, "But��"


    Wu Zeqingbed his hair for him. "I understand."


    "I��" Zhang Ye hesitated a little before going on, "I can''t allow myself to sing well."


    Wu Zeqing nodded, then said with a smile, "I knew that you''d already made your decision when you went up onstage for the first time. You were only doing it to save the show, to apany them on this journey. But none of them could see that you''d never nned on winning in the first ce. The show was made by you, the rules were set by you, you''re the host, the vote counter, and everything rted to the show is overseen by you, including theption of the voting numbers. Everyone in the program team are your subordinates, so anyone can win, except you. Only you are not allowed to win. They''re all so stupid to not see that. This decision must not have been easy for you. The others might not know, but how could I not know? You''re someone who never likes to admit defeat. The stage is your life, so if you''re standing on it, you must want to win. No one knows how much you''ve sacrificed until now. No one knows how much you''ve endured. But I know, I understand, and I will support your decision."


    In the end, only Old Wu knew him!


    In the end, only Old Wu understood!


    Yes. Anyone could win, except Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye sighed. "I was just afraid that you''d be disappointed."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "I''m not disappointed. I know what kind of person you are. My fiance is a valiant man who no one canpare to." With a pause, she started filling in Zhang Ye''s eyebrows and said, "Therefore, even if you came inst ce, I would still watch the live episode tonight."


    ��


    Later that afternoon.


    It was getting busy at Beijing Television.


    Everyone was putting in their best effort for the live episode that was going to happen in a few hours. As they worked, some of the staff were also excitedly discussing tonight''s grand finals.


    "I like Zhang Xia."


    "Old Chen is quite good too."


    "Yup, the grand champion has to be one of them."


    "But I still prefer Director Zhang."


    "Director Zhang is out of the running."


    "The Director Zhang of the past was really awesome, but��"


    "Has Director Zhang really lost his touch?"


    "Everyone''s saying that he''s dropped to a levelparable to that of a karaoke singer. But as for why? Who knows? Talent has never been easy to assess since it''s intangible. When you have it, you can even control the weather. But without it, you can''t even write a good song. But what can you do about that? Haven''t there been a lot of famous songwriters who havepletely disappeared from the scene? They couldn''t keep up with the times, so they got filtered out."


    "Hai."


    "Hey, Director Zhang is here!"


    The few of them immediately shut their mouths.


    Zhang Ye came over. His ears were sharp, so he actually picked up on a bit of their conversation. However, he did not say anything.


    Hu Fei soon came looking for him. "Where''s Director Zhang? Has he arrived yet?"


    Zhang Ye looked at him. "What''s the matter?"


    "We have to add another host. Shanshan can''t handle it alone," Hu Fei said with a frown.


    But Zhang Ye said, "She''ll be fine."


    Hu Fei immediately said, "I wouldn''t be worried at all if you were the one hosting. I wouldn''t raise an objection at all. Even if you dismantled the entire stage, I wouldn''t be worried that things would go wrong. You''ve seen all kinds of major events and your adaptability is great. Besides, you''ve also done many live broadcasts. However, Shanshan hasn''t. For a huge stage that''s broadcasting live to the entire country, all of the hosting, stage control, and atmosphere has to be handled by Shanshan alone? I''m not saying that she doesn''t have the ability. Shanshan was also brought up by me, so of course I want the best for her. But this jump is too big and too risky for her. It''s fine if you can''t host the grand finals since you have to sing. But why can''t we arrange for another one or two hosts to support her?"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Did Shanshan request this herself?"


    "I''m just worried," Hu Fei said.


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "Then there''s nothing to talk about. We won''t be discussing this anymore."


    Hu Fei said in a speechless manner, "Little Zhang!"


    "If she could host King of Masked Singers, why couldn''t she handle this?"


    "The hosting lines for King of Masked Singers were only announcements, and there was only a page of it. But it''s different today with there being more than 10 pages of hosting lines and a need for spontaneous additions during the entire broadcast!"


    Seeing the two heads of the program team arguing, the people around them were all too scared to speak out.


    Finally, Dong Shanshan came over when she found out. "Zhang''er, why don''t you assign me another��"


    Before she could finish speaking, Zhang Ye said decisively, "Stop bringing up things that have already been decided. We''re going ahead with what we nned. Teacher Shanshan will go onstage alone. If anything goes wrong, I''ll be responsible for it!"


    Hou Ge said anxiously, "But a station head said this morning��"


    Zhang Ye pointed at himself. "Which station head? Get him toe look for me!"


    Hou Ge coughed.


    There was nothing that Hu Fei could do about it either.


    Xiao Lu blinked and said, "I also think that Teacher Shanshan alone is enough to get the job done."


    In fact, Zhang Ye and Hu Fei often had differences in opinion over work matters, but it did not affect their personal rtionship. After the issue passed, they would be back on friendly terms. Any disagreements were just over work. Zhang Ye had not considered any other person for the role of the host. When Dong Shanshan lowered her status to take the host-manager role, Zhang Ye said that he would leave the best position for her. And it was precisely this hosting role for the live broadcast of the grand finals that was the best position. He knew that many of the Beijing Television hosts were eyeing this role as anyone could understand that whoever managed to take it would surely be the big brother or sister of Beijing TV. That would definitely cement their future status in the industry. As such, who wouldn''t be tempted? So when they heard that Zhang Ye would not be hosting the grand finals, a lot of people started having thoughts about it. But unfortunately for them, they could not get past him!


    Other than Dong Shanshan, no one would be allowed to do it!


    Zhang Ye was sometimes just this unreasonable!

 Chapter 1265: Zhang Ye’s shocking celebrity guest partner!

    <h4>Chapter 1265: Zhang Ye''s shocking celebrity guest partner! </h4>


    Chapter 1265: Zhang Ye''s shocking celebrity guest partner!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the same night.


    Counting down to the live broadcast.


    "Three!"


    "Two!"


    "One!"


    The live broadcast of I Am a Singer''s grand finals officially kicked off!


    ��


    Back at home.


    His mother was holding a packet of melon seeds and pointing at the television. "Little Wu, it''s about to begin!"


    "Coming, Auntie." Wu Zeqing walked over gracefully and sat down.


    His father asked, "When does Little Yee on?"


    His mother, who was munching on the melon seeds, said, "I don''t know."


    ��


    At the studio.


    Everyone was putting in overtime today and stayed behind to watch the live broadcast.


    Ha Qiqi gasped and said, "It''s starting!"


    Little Wang said excitedly, "Just who could Director Zhang have invited?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "I''m not sure, he said it was a secret."


    Tong Fuughed and said, "He didn''t even tell us about it. Could there be a surprise?"


    Little Wang said, "I still believe that Director Zhang will emerge as the champion!"


    When the others heard that, they could only respond with a bitterugh.


    Emerge as the champion?


    Was that even possible?


    ��


    At Peking University.


    In the student dormitories.


    "The live broadcast is starting!"


    "Sisters,e over quickly!"


    "Aiya, I don''t feel like watching it anymore."


    "Why not?"


    "I''m a diehard fan of Zhang Ye. If he can''t write any good songs and his singing has declined, what''s there left for me to watch? It will only make me feel worse!"


    "Maybe Professor Zhang will be able to turn things around?"


    "Yeah, let''s just watch."


    "Alright."


    ��


    At this moment.


    Viewers around the country were all waiting before their televisions.


    Dong Shanshan appeared in a stunning red dress and amazed countless people. The opening advertising messages were presented and an introduction of the grand finals'' rules was announced. She also did so with humor within her professionalism, making many peopleugh to tears. It was only now that a lot of them realized that this sexy goddess they thought only relied on her looks and figure was actually able to front a show by herself. Ignoring her looks and figure, she was still an excellent host!


    On Weibo.


    "Shanshan''s poprity is going to soar!"


    "She''s always gonna be my goddess!"


    "I really like her!"


    "She doesn''t have any scandals and even keeps a low profile!"


    "Right. Maintaining such a good reputation despite going the sexy route, there''s really no one who could do it except her!"


    "Teacher Shanshan is doing better and better these days."


    "That''s because she has the support of Zhang Ye."


    "That''s right. As long as Zhang Ye makes a show, the host will be Dong Shanshan. No one stands a chance against her. Their rtionship as ssmates goes way back."


    "Zhang Ye is indeed a loyal friend."


    "Yeah, Shanshan and Zhang Ye''s fan clubs have almost be a family."


    After that, the buildup performances began. The eliminated singers from before all returned to sing for the show.


    Zhao Wuliu��


    Xue Kaiqi��


    Li Naran��


    Good songs kepting one after another.


    The television viewers and live studio audience were all mesmerized from listening.


    "They''re all such great singers!"


    "I feel that every one of them could have made it into the grand finals!"


    "Yeah, they sang amazingly."


    "At the very least, they''re still better than Zhang Ye."


    "Heh, don''t mention that fellow anymore. We still don''t know which celebrity guest partner he invited for today."


    "That''s right. All the other singer''s guest partners have already been exposed. Even though it might not be true, there''s still a general idea of who''sing. It''s only Zhang Ye''s guest who hasn''t been revealed!"


    "We''ll find out very soon."


    "He better not pull some stunt again!"


    "Pfft, yeah, he''s always full of surprises!"


    The buildup performances ended.


    Thepetition proper finally began!


    When Dong Shanshan reappeared onstage, everyone''s hearts jumped into their throats as they stared hard and pricked up their ears, as though afraid of missing a scene or a note.


    In the studio.


    On the stage.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Next up, we''re going to officially begin thepetition. The order of appearance for the grand finals will still be decided by picking lots. However, our first singer today did not partake in the lot picking and requested to be the first one toe onstage to perform. After seeking the consent of the other singers, our program team chose to respect this decision." With a pause, she added on, "But of course, we didn''t dare to not respect this decision either since it is our executive director we''re talking about."


    The entire studio audienceughed.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye will be singing first?"


    "Who''s his guest partner?"


    "There''s a fool who would request to go first?"


    "The first one to sing will be very disadvantaged!"


    Everyone started whispering.


    Dong Shanshan said, "So, let''s wee the first singer and his celebrity guest partner on. We''ll hand the stage over to them."


    She left the stage.


    The spotlights immediately shone on the moon gate.


    The live studio audience turned and stared in that direction!


    No one blinked at their televisions!


    Even the singers backstage were waiting anxiously to see who Zhang Ye had invited!


    With the lights on them, two figures slowly walked out. One of them was smiling and the other was waving to the audience. When they saw who it was beside Zhang Ye, each and every person was bbergasted. At this moment, it was as though 10,000 grass mud horses were rampaging through their mind''s eye without taking a single wisp of a cloud away!


    People screaming!


    People passing out!


    People staring!


    There was disbelief!


    It blew up in the studio and in front of the televisions!


    "Ah!"


    "Why is it him?"


    "What the heck!"


    "Zhang Ye! You really don''t have a shred of decency in you!"


    "I really burst outughing! Hahahaha!"


    "Th-This is way too goddamn unexpected!"


    "My mom just asked why I was kneeling watching TV!"


    "Zhang Ye, I really have to give it to you!"


    "Th-This is something that only you can fucking think of!"


    His mother was stunned.


    His father was dumbfounded.


    Wu Zeqing quirked a corner of her lip up.


    Ha Qiqi nearly fell out of her seat!


    Zhang Zuo stared with wide eyes.


    Xiaodong burst intoughter!


    Amy was at a loss for words!


    Zhang Xia: "��"


    Chen Guang: "��"


    No one had expected it to be him!


    everyone has spected ande up with many possible candidates as to who might be Zhang Ye''s celebrity guest partner. If Zhang Ye wanted to turn things around, then the first round of the grand finals was incredibly important. At a time Zhang Ye couldn''t produce any more good songs, finding a powerhouse singer was the best way for him to get more votes. But to everyone''s surprise, Zhang Ye actually found someone no one could have ever thought of. Yes, it was someone who didn''t even cross their minds!


    It was Yao Jiancai!


    Zhang Ye''s best partner!


    "I''m gonna cry!"


    "Old Yao, don''t fool around! Hurry back home!"


    "Old Yao, did youe to the wrong studio?"


    "This is I Am a Singer, not some crosstalk contest!"


    "I''m gonna faint too!"


    "What''s the meaning of this? Are you two going to put together a crosstalk? Pfft!"


    "I''m cramping up withughter! Zhang Ye is too good at starting things!"


    "If Old Yao can really sing, I''ll fucking streak in public! I''ll do it right now!"


    "I''ll go as well!"


    "I would really like to see how these two fes are going to sing!"


    "Damn, they''ve brought out a crosstalk table!"


    "Are they really going to fucking perform a crosstalk?"


    "This is a singingpetition, why would they perform a crosstalk?"


    "If these two can really do a crosstalk with music, I''ll call them both daddy!"


    "I''ll call them mummy!"


    "Come on, how the hell can there be a musical crosstalk!"


    A group of professional music critics and fellow peers sitting in the front row were also stunned when they saw Zhang Ye picking up a " gavel 1 " block.


    The table had been carried out onto the stage.


    Both Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai were dressed in their crosstalk costumes.


    Suddenly, with a bang, the gavel block was mmed onto the table!


    Zhang Ye opened his mouth and recited.


    "Speaking and acting out the right way to live life.


    "Walking the straightest of three tracks.


    "What goes aroundes around.


    "Change is the only constant."


    After the introduction poem was said, the sound of a gong cut in and the musical instruments started ying!


    Zhang Ye sang.


    "I was born to an impoverished family,


    "with six maids and a dozen or so security guards.


    "But to be straightforward, and to embody righteousness,


    "I beat up Southern Mountain Nursing Home,


    "trample on North Head Preschool,


    "I make anyone over 90 and under 9 cower in fear!"


    Zhang Xiaughed. "Pfft!"


    Xiaodong burst intoughter on the spot!


    Born to an impoverished family?


    Is this what you call being born to an impoverished family!


    Over 90 and under 9?


    Aiyo, why don''t you just die or something!


    Amy was stunned. "Rap? Is this rap?"


    Some of those in the audience wereughing while others were taken aback. Fuck, he could really sing it!


    The audience was shocked watching!


    Zhang Ye calmly sang at a fast pace.


    "He says the Analects have recorded


    "the world was evil. Can''t deal, leave.


    "You can''t have your cake and eat it too.


    "You don''t have a house or a car, but you''re not mean.


    "Worship me so that whoever tries to bully you, will be shed by me three times!"


    Yao Jiancaitched onto that. "How?"


    Zhang Ye said, "By shing his car tires, geddit!"


    The audience was in stitches!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo!"


    "These two are so terrible!"


    "These lyrics are so damn funny!"


    By now, the song was finallying to the end.


    The audience was also getting more and more intrigued as they listened!


    Zhang Ye sang, "But right then, a fearsome being stood next to me, staring, putting his hand in his bag like a mugger." He looked at Yao Jiancai.


    Yao Jiancai already had his hand in the bag with a fierce look on his face.


    Zhang Ye continued singing, "How could Lord Zhang take this lying down? With dignity at stake, he swaggered over cool as could be and said��" Then his voice faded. "Bro, is there something you want?"


    The audience cramped up withughter again!


    Do you call this cool?


    Do you call this swagger?


    Yao Jiancai sneered, pointing with his chin, "Do you know who was responsible forst year''s mutted corpse in the moat?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Huh?"


    Yao Jiancai snarled, "Do you know who was responsible for beating someone upst month until they became a retard?"


    "Huh?"


    Yao Jiancai pointed at his feet. "Then surely you know who was responsible for that fatal stabbing right here two days ago?"


    Zhang Ye said in fright, "Huh? I don''t know, what do you want?"


    The audience was also listening attentively!


    What did he want?


    Were they going to start fighting?


    Did he bump into some vicious guy?


    Yao Jiancai stared hard as he said, "You really don''t know?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I real-l-l-l-ly don''t know!"


    All of a sudden, Yao Jiancai took a newspaper out of his bag as he switched to a sharp, high-pitched voice and said with a grin, "Hey, then why don''t you buy a copy of Legal Daily?"


    Everyone in the studio saw red!


    Legal Daily?


    So you''re just a fucking newspaper hawker?!


    The song ended!


    Apuse rang out instantly!


    At the same time, the sound ofughter went on for a very long while. Even Dong Shanshan looked like she was tearing up fromughter offstage. It was also her first time hearing this!


    Excitement was running high online too!


    "I passed outughing!"


    "That was so much fun!"


    "Musical crosstalk? They really could do it?"


    "I''m convinced!"


    "I was on my knees early on in the song!"


    "Who was the one who said that they''ll call them daddy and mummy? Who mentioned that they''d go streaking? Get out there! They''ve really used rap music to perform a crosstalk!"


    "Even this is possible?!"


    " Nonsense Has Its Nonsense Logic 2 "!


    A musical crosstalk song from Zhang Ye''s former world!


    The people of this world had obviously not heard something like this before, nor had anything like it ever appeared!


    Even the music critics and professionals in the music industry who were sitting in the front row had been stunned and overwhelmed by Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s musical crosstalk!


    1. A wooden block used in crosstalk performances.


    2. https://youtu.be/zwZ4vcZrFDA

 Chapter 1266: Zhang Ye switches songs!

    <h4>Chapter 1266: Zhang Ye switches songs! </h4>


    Chapter 1266: Zhang Ye switches songs!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Back at home.


    His mother couldn''t stopughing. "That rascal!"


    His father was also pretty amused by the performance. "This song is not bad."


    "He''s really enjoying his singing," his mother said while munching on melon seeds.


    However, when Wu Zeqing, who was sitting next to them, saw the seemingly happy Zhang Ye smiling on screen, she said with heartache, "He''s actually not enjoying himself."


    His mother was taken aback and turned to look at her. "Why?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Because this isn''t a song he wants to sing."


    ��


    In the studio.


    "He''s created a new genre!"


    "That''s pretty impressive of him then."


    "But there''s no chance of winning with this song."


    "Yeah, he won''t be able to get into the top three like this. Zhang Ye isn''t fated to be the grand champion."


    "Grand champion? I doubt he''ll even break into the top five! But I do kinda like this song, it''s pretty rxing and funny. If it wasn''t apetition today, I would''ve found it rather interesting to listen to."


    "That''s right, but aren''t his other songs on this stage all like that too?"


    "With the best matched duo of the crosstalk world singing together, I wonder if the viewership ratings will shoot through the roof again? Haha! He''s really full of surprises! A song like that will surely be very popr in the karaokes. And then there''s also ''The Hottest Ethnic Trend'' and ''Small Apple.'' Those are definitely songs that will get yed a lot in the karaoke sessions of ordinary people."


    "Pfft, did you guys see what they''re calling Zhang Ye now?"


    "I saw it, they''re all saying that he''s the King of Karaoke. Haha!"


    "Karaoke won''t be a problem for him for sure. He can certainly bring up the atmosphere during a session. But for a stage like this, it''s still a ce topete on artistic value and singing abilities."


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai left the stage.


    Quite a few audience members came rushing forward.


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "I like you so much!"


    "You''re really funny!"


    "Can I get a hug, Teacher Zhang?"


    "Your song was so funny! But I still won''t be voting for you."


    "When ites to singing, I still find that the other singers are doing better. However, I like your songs."


    Zhang Ye gave them a hug one by one. "Thank you, thank you."


    When Yao Jiancai heard that, he tried to pull in some votes for Zhang Ye. Their microphones were still on at the moment, but when Yao Jiancai was beginning to say, "Please vote for��"


    Zhang Ye nudged him.


    Yao Jiancai was startled and shut his mouth.


    Zhang Ye didn''t say anything and left with Old Yao from the wings.


    There was no need to canvass for votes.


    This was good enough.


    This was all he needed.


    Backstage.


    In the singers'' waiting rooms.


    Zhang Xia specially came out to wee them. "Old Yao, you''re crossing over into our music industry too?"


    Yao Jiancaiughed and said, "Me? How could I possibly join the music industry? I even had to force myself toe here today. I was so surprised when Zhang Ye called and asked me to be his celebrity guest partner. I said that I wouldn''t go but he threatened to tear down my house. So I just thought that it''d be better toe since I just had my house renovatedst year."


    Zhang Xia said, "It was a very good song. I suppose only the two of you could sing something like that."


    Yao Jiancai sighed. "I only came to support this kid."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Grandma Zhang, are you the third person to sing?"


    "Yes, I picked the number three lot earlier." Zhang Xia had been through many big asions before and was one of the singers here with strong mental fortitude. "Xiaodong is going second. I think she should''ve already gone up onstage?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright then, I''ll head back into my room to listen to her performance. I''ll be cheering you on too. I''m optimistic about both you and Old Chen''s chances to be crowned as the grand champion."


    Zhang Xia smiled. "Sure, I''ll do my best."


    Yao Jiancai headed back to the celebrity guest partners'' waiting room.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye went into Room #1, which was his designated waiting room. On the television, Xiaodong had already started singing. Her celebrity guest partner was Li Xiaoxian, the other member of Spring Garden. The moment they started singing, the audience became very excited and seemingly forgot all about Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s musical crosstalk. Xiaodong and Li Xiaoxian were singing a love song that depicted the story of two women fighting over a man!


    "Please leave him."


    "No, you should leave."


    "Don''t hurt him anymore."


    "It was you who hurt him."


    Their singing was outstanding!


    The song was very touching too!


    The cameras panned to the audience and showed their amazed expressions.


    Zhang Ye also found the performance to be quite good. However, he started clenching his fists tightly again for some reason.


    Xiaodong finished singing.


    Zhang Xia took to the stage.


    Followed by Huang Cheng.


    Followed by Chen Guang.


    Then Amy.


    And finally, He Huan.


    Everyone gave their best and did great!


    Their performances were either moving, touching, explosive, or sorrowful. It really felt like a feast of delicacies as the grand musical event touched countless of people!


    On the Inte, an endless debate was going on.


    "Zhang Xia must be the grand champion!


    "Get lost, victory to Chen Guang!"


    "I have a good feeling about Xiaodong!"


    "Amy might just cause an upset."


    "Huang Cheng''s song selection wasn''t that good."


    "Well, anyone could be the champion but Zhang Ye, haha."


    "Of course! Did you even have to say that? The songs he sang were utter garbage!"


    "Yeah, they were really crap! They''re all just catchy tunes!"


    "Zhang Ye has lost his touch."


    "After listening to everyone else perform and thinking back to Zhang Ye''s song, they''re indeed on a different level to his performance. He really can''t write those touching songs he wrote in the past!"


    "It''s the decline of a hero."


    "That ''Nonsense Has Its Nonsense Logic'' of his left me so sleepy."


    "What the hell happened to Zhang Ye?"


    "Who knows! He lost his talent overnight. He''s even so stubborn that he doesn''t want to sing the songs that he''s sung before, nor cover another singer''s songs, so who can be med for that?"


    The first round of performances ended.


    Everyone was waiting for the results of the first round now. The singer inst ce for the first round rankings would have to perform first in the second round, and so on and so forth. Every singer was waiting in their individual rooms and hoping they would not have to perform so early in the second round, because that would mean that their number of votes was not ideal.


    Only Zhang Ye was not waiting for the results. Instead, he was browsing through his cell phone to see the reviews from the people.


    Crap?


    Lost his touch?


    On the decline?


    He showed no expression but felt a heavy weight in his heart. He couldn''t get rid of this feeling and it felt unbearable.


    Suddenly, the door was pushed open.


    Dafei and Xiao Lu both came running in. "Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye looked at them both. "What is it?"


    Xiao Lu said pleasantly surprised, "We went past it! We went past it!"


    Dafei also sounded extremely excited. "The viewership ratings have surpassed 4%! It just managed to pass that mark by a little! We''ve broken the record for the viewership ratings of variety shows! That ceiling of the variety world!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Good, very good!"


    All of a sudden, Dong Shanshan, who was in the studio, announced the rankings. She said, "The results are now in my hands. Regrettably, the first round''s lowest ranked singer is��Zhang Ye. So then, could Teacher Zhang please get ready while we get ready to begin the second round of performances?"


    The voice sounded from the television in the room loud and clear.


    Dafei was stunned.


    Xiao Lu did not say anything either.


    Zhang Ye just smiled and said, "Alright, it''s my turn soon. Both of you hurry up and get back to work."


    Xiao Lu said, "Director Zhang!"


    "Go on." Zhang Ye waved her away.


    Dafei and Xiao Lu gave each other a look and walked away silently.


    With only five minutes left to prepare, Zhang Ye sat in his waiting room for a bit before slowly getting up. He straightened his shirt and arranged his hair a little before lightly stepping out of the room.


    Along the way, the staff all turned to look at Zhang Ye, not knowing what to say.


    Director Zhang was inst ce!


    Many of the staff members didn''t know how to feel about it!


    "Director Zhang��"


    "Director Zhang��"


    "Director��"


    Zhang Ye smiled and nodded at everyone.


    The viewership ratings had broken 4%! I Am a Singer had created history! His mission was finallyplete, and it was done so beautifully too. It was carried out perfectly without anything to nitpick!


    I''ve done all that I was supposed to do!


    Then for thest song, can I be a little headstrong?


    I don''t want any votes!


    I really don''t!


    I just want to sing!


    I just want to seriously sing something that I wish to sing!


    Can I?


    In the opposite direction, Hu Fei was walking over cheerfully. "It''s time to go onstage, Director Zhang."


    Zhang Ye stopped in his tracks and said, "Is there still time if I want to change my song?"


    Hu Fei said, stunned, "Change songs?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "No, it''s nothing, I was just saying."


    But Hu Fei pulled him back and said sternly, "Just what''s going on?"


    Zhang Yeughed at himself. "Just pretend you didn''t hear me."


    The nearby staff and camera operators who heard him were also taken aback!


    There are only two more minutes until the performance starts, and this is even a live broadcast, yet you''re asking to change songs now? How would that be possible! How could there still be time! No one could agree to it!


    No one understood what was with Zhang Ye!


    Moreso, no one could understand what Zhang Ye was thinking!


    Hu Fei fell silent. He did not say anything in response.


    Zhang Ye continued making his way to the front.


    One step.


    Two steps.


    Three steps.


    Before him, the stage was getting closer and closer.


    Suddenly, Hu Fei called out to him from behind, "Zhang''er!"


    Zhang Ye looked back.


    Hu Fei looked him in the eye. "��Just sing what you want to sing! Leave the rest to me!"


    The people around them were frightened!


    "Producer Hu!"


    "Have you gone mad!"


    "Fuck!"


    "This��! This��!"


    Zhang Ye looked at Old Hu. "Are you sure?"


    Hu Feiughed. "You''re the executive director, and I''m the executive producer. Our words arew, so who would dare disobey?" He then turned to an employee nearby. "Inform Shanshan! Get her to stall for another five minutes no matter what!"


    The employee was almost in tears. "Producer Hu��this��!"


    Hu Fei said loudly, "Hurry up!"


    The employee wiped his sweat away. "Understood!"

 Chapter 1267: ’The King of Karaoke’!

    <h4>Chapter 1267: ''The King of Karaoke''! </h4>


    Chapter 1267: ''The King of Karaoke''!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Watching television.


    Many viewers were wondering what was going on.


    "Eh? What''s with this?"


    "Why is Dong Shanshan still talking?"


    "Won''t Teacher Zhang hurry onstage already? I''m really looking forward to seeing another funny performance by him."


    "Hahaha, it better not be another za dance tune. If it is, I''ll really have to kneel!"


    His mother said, "Where is he?"


    His father said, "Probably getting ready."


    Wu Zeqing just quietly watched the TV.


    The singers backstage were finding it rather strange too.


    Zhang Xia wondered, "Why hasn''t he gone onto the stage yet?"


    Amyughed to her host-manager and said, "What kind of big move is Teacher Zhang pulling?"


    Xiaodong guessed, "It was a musical crosstalk for the first round, could he be doing a musical talk show for the second round?"


    Xiaodong''s host-manager couldn''t stopughing at that. "With Director Zhang''s personality, it might really be possible!"


    Countless people were waiting.


    Zhang Yuanqi and Fang Weihong were watching thepetition.


    Fan Wenli was watching.


    Ning Lan was watching.


    A Heavenly King was watching.


    The students and teachers of Peking University were watching.


    The students and teachers of Media College were watching.


    Suddenly, Dong Shanshan said, "Alright, let''s hand the stage over to our first singer."


    Finally, Zhang Ye appeared. The entire nation''s viewers'' attention was on him. They were either in stitches, yawning in boredom, or railing at him. Voices like these were also present on a smaller scale within the live studio audience of I Am a Singer''s grand finals.


    The stage was located not far from the live studio audience, so anyone talking in there could be heard quite clearly.


    "Let''s see what kind of nonsense he''s gonnae up with this time, haha!"


    "I like Zhang Ye, he gave me a hug after his first performance."


    "So why didn''t you vote for him since he hugged you? I saw you voting for Zhang Xia instead."


    "Uhh, don''t you tell me off. Teacher Zhang gave you a hug too, but didn''t you vote for Chen Guang?"


    "That''s because Chen Guang has true skill. Teacher Zhang only knows how to sing casually now, and those songs aren''t even touching anymore."


    "Go karaoke king!"


    "King of Karaoke!"


    "King of Karaoke!"


    Quite a few audience members were heckling him.


    Even the TV viewers were finding this rather amusing when they heard the noise!


    King of Karaoke?


    What an appropriate title!


    Karaoke standard songs!


    And a karaoke level of singing!


    A piano was ced on the stage. Usually, when a piano was put on stage, it would be ced at an angle. But this one wasn''t. It faced the audience.


    Zhang Ye sat in front of it and stretched out his hands, suddenly trembling a little.


    Was it excitement?


    Was it nervousness?


    Was it sadness?


    Looking at the stage lights, looking at the densely packed audience, Zhang Ye had the urge to cry for the first time. His heart was pounding like mad, so he took a deep breath but couldn''t slow it down no matter what.


    Did you guys know? Be it "Perturbed," "Small Apple," or even "Nonsense Has Its Nonsense Logic," none of those songs were what I wanted to sing. But I still sang each song very seriously; none of them were perfunctory performances. I practiced them time and again, I rearranged the music over and over, I used all the spare time that I had to polish those songs. I just wanted to sing them to the best I could, because I thought that since I couldn''t win, then I should at least bring some smiles andughter to all of you.


    Did you guys know that?


    Did you really know that?


    His handsnded and the sound of the piano cut through the air.


    A sad melody hit everyone right in the heart. The contrast was too great. It was so great that everyone was caught off guard. The audience was dumbfounded for a moment, clearly because this was not the viral tune they were expecting. Could there be a surpriseing up? Would Zhang Ye suddenly jump onto the piano and dance?


    The atmosphere turned quiet!


    The sound of the piano seemingly transported them to another world.


    There was only a person with a piano in this world.


    Zhang Ye lightly closed his eyes and sang 1 .


    "My singing isn''t touching enough, but please don''t frown.


    "I want to be with you til death do us part.


    "I just want to have fun and sing til the next century''s countdown.


    "So please don''t mind me ying to the emotions of your heart."


    The audience was stunned!


    Everyone was stunned!


    This!


    This song!


    Zhang Ye opened his eyes.


    "What else can I do?


    "If cuddling cannot excite you?


    "Cheaply singing,


    "the emotions written in love songs.


    "What else can I do?


    "If love no longer inspires?


    "Those cliched lyrics spur yourpassion."


    The two girls Zhang Ye hugged earlier had their eyes turn red and teary!


    Hu Fei was stunned!


    Dafei eximed!


    Xiao Lu covered her mouth in disbelief!


    Why?


    Why was it like this?


    Zhang Ye''s voice was getting louder.


    "Who still believes in shallow words like ''for all of our days''?


    "Come, I will gift you a song that made millions of people cry!


    "A never before heard vow is like a happy Ferris wheel.


    "Only that can make me scream how deeply I love, love, love, love you."


    All of a sudden, he stopped ying the piano and singing!


    Countless people looked at Zhang Ye''s face and saw that his eyes had reddened while his hands were shaking!


    One second!


    Two seconds!


    Three seconds!


    I only know how to sing casually?


    I was singing garbage?


    Zhang Ye pressed the keys.


    "Throwing my heart and soul into the Milky Way.


    "Who is garbage?


    "If you don''t want me to be sad, please spare me a bit of your love."


    Backstage, Zhang Xia stood up!


    Chen Guang was amazed!


    Xiaodong was dumbfounded!


    Huang Cheng was stunned!


    Amy''s tears started falling!


    Lost his touch?


    Couldn''t write a good song?


    His singing was declining?


    Garbage?


    Bullshit!


    Bull fucking shit!


    Clearly, you can still sing great!


    Clearly, you can still write great songs!


    Clearly, you could have beat everyone else!


    So why?


    Just why?!


    Zhang Ye sang sadly.


    "I cry whenever I sing what''s on my mind.


    "If you''re afraid of getting sad, just take my hand.


    "I have thousands of things to tell you,bined.


    "It''s simpler than wishing to be together forever, it''s no rare demand.


    "Who still believes in shallow words like ''for all of our days''?


    "Come, I will gift you a song that made millions of people cry!


    "A never before heard vow is like a happy Ferris wheel.


    "Only that can make me scream how deeply I love, love, love, love you."


    The live studio audience and television viewers had never seen this side of Zhang Ye before. They were all shocked by it!


    Zhang Ye''s singing was too shocking. His voice was like a knife, cutting bit by bit into their hearts. There were no high notes, but his perfected singing could still reach them through the TV. This type singing was something they had not heard in Zhang Xia''s or Chen Guang''s performances. Even they could not achieve this!


    How could someone who could write this sort of song have lost his touch!


    How could someone who could sing like this be a fallen hero!


    You were obviously standing at the peak!


    So why?


    Just why?


    Many of the live studio audience members stood up!


    Zhang Ye''s face was dripping with sweat. He sang loudly.


    "Wrote twenty songs for you to show that I haven''t given up!


    "And even included that your love went over the line!


    "Singing these twenty songs for you to show that I mean it!


    "Even the microphone feels for me!"


    It''s not that I don''t know how to sing!


    It''s really not!


    However many songs you guys want in the future, I can sing all of them for you!


    Are five songs enough?


    Are ten songs enough?


    Are twenty songs enough?


    I can sing them!


    I can sing to all of you for my entire life, or even two lifetimes!


    Then, he went quiet.


    The air was still.


    Zhang Ye closed his eyes.


    "I''m more than anyone else,


    "Yet you''re saying that,


    "the King of Karaoke, is me."


    You''re more than anyone else?


    No one is your match?


    The music critics in the front row looked at one another in shock!


    Zhang Ye looked at everyone in the audience below stage:


    "I just wanted to always be in love with you.


    "But that terribly ruthless yawn of yours,


    " utterly destroyed me. 2 "


    The expression on all of their faces at this moment was shock!


    A song could convey emotions and feelings. A song could also speak. In this instance, a lot of people realized that the iparable Zhang Ye, who could even make the microphone feel for him, had only been singing those catchy tunes to make everyoneugh for one reason. They finally understood what this reason was. It was the only reason he didn''t sing well even though he could!


    He wasn''t allowed to sing well!


    He couldn''t win!


    Because he was the executive director!


    Because he was the one who made the rules!


    Anyone could win, except Zhang Ye!


    After listening to the song.


    Hu Fei understood!


    Zhang Xia understood!


    Xiaodong understood!


    Amy understood!


    A lot of people understood!


    They only just realized how much Zhang Ye sacrificed for this show, for all of them, and for the audience. How much had he given and lost? It was much greater than they could have imagined. This was a sacrifice that no celebrity in the entertainment industry would ever want to pay the price for!


    They should have known better!


    Hu Fei took off his sses and wiped his tears away with a sleeve.


    Xiao Lu crouched down and cried with her head in her arms.


    Many of the Beijing Television staff were crying!


    All of a sudden, an angry roar came from the audience!


    "Champion!"


    A second voice shouted!


    "Champion!"


    A third one!


    A fifth one!


    A tenth one!


    "Champion!"


    "Champion!"


    "Champion!"


    "Champion!"


    The entire audience got to their feet!


    The entire audience was cheering in unison!


    Xiao Lu raised her head to look at it with streaks of tears still visible on her cheeks!


    Hu Fei, Hou Ge, and the others all looked at the audience in shock!


    1. https://youtu.be/PZfpPP6np6I


    2. The King of Karaoke samples the titles of many other Chinese songs from the industry in its original lyrics

 Chapter 1268: It’s been hard on you!

    <h4>Chapter 1268: It''s been hard on you! </h4>


    Chapter 1268: It''s been hard on you!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the Heavenly Queen''s house.


    Zhang Yuanqi turned her head and said with a smile, "Didn''t you say that Zhang Ye doesn''t know how to sing anymore?"


    Fang Weihong feigned ignorance and gave a wry smile. "Did I say that, Sister Zhang?"


    Zhang Yuanqi nodded. "I think you did."


    "Oh, then you just remembered wrong," Fang Weihong said.


    ��


    At Chen Guang and Fan Wenli''s house.


    Watching TV, Fan Wenli looked stunned!


    She muttered to herself at home, "I knew it!


    "I was thinking that you couldn''t have suddenly lost your ability to sing!"


    "If you had sung like this from the beginning, how many people in the entire music industry would be a match for you!"


    ��


    At the studio.


    Little Wang was wiping away her tears!


    Ha Qiqi''s eyes reddened!


    Zhang Zuo and the others were also unable to control their emotions!


    "Who fucking says that Director Zhang doesn''t know how to sing!"


    ��


    At an entertainmentpany.


    Several new singers were amazed.


    "Wonderful!"


    "This singing has to be the top in the industry!"


    "The song is really good too!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s house.


    His mother''s eyes were wet. "This is the song that Little Ye wants to sing?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Yes."


    "That was a really nice song."


    "Yes, it was."


    His mother wiped her tears away and said, "But I still prefer ''Small Apple.''"


    Wu Zeqingughed. "That''s right, anything he sings is good."


    ��


    A song.


    And a piano.


    That was all it took to move everyone!


    In the live broadcast studio.


    "Champion!"


    "Champion!"


    "Champion!"


    The audience''s shouting was deafening!


    Some of the fans who had been holding up LED boards of Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, Spring Garden, and the other singers'' names also stood up and screamed for Zhang Ye. It was as if everyone at the venue had gone crazy!


    Zhang Ye simply shook his head.


    Champion?


    Forget that.


    I can''t ept that honor.


    He only wanted to sing well for thisst song. It was a luxury and a headstrong thing to do, but it was more than enough for him. He didn''t want anything else. Zhang Ye was pretty happy. So many people listened to him sing, shed tears for him, and shouted his name, which was all he needed. He had nothing to regret now that he had expressed his true feelings at the fall of the curtain.


    Dong Shanshan went up onstage. "Director Zhang, this is your final performance on the stage of I Am a Singer. Do you have anything to say to the audience?"


    Zhang Ye thought for a bit and looked into the crowd. "Thank you."


    Dong Shanshan said, "Everyone is given a minute to campaign for more votes."


    Zhang Ye hesitated for a moment, then said again, "Thank you."


    He didn''t say anything other than thanking everyone twice.


    Zhang Ye exited the stage and walked past the audience as he left.


    A young man suddenly stood up. "Zhang Ye! Good luck!"


    A teenage girl shouted in tears, "Go Teacher Zhang!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Good luck!"


    "You''re the best!"


    "You''re just the best!"


    Once he left the stage, Hu Fei, Hou Ge, and the others were waiting for him.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Whoa, what''s with this?"


    "Director Zhang!" Xiao Lu came up to him, sobbing.


    "Hey, hey, hey." Zhang Ye quickly gave her a token hug and patted her on the back. "Alright, enough, what''s with this, what''s with all of you? Good god, we still have a show to record. With over half of our program team''s senior leadership gathered here, can we still record? Let''s get back to work."


    Han Qi was also wiping away her tears.


    Hu Fei said, "Zhang''er."


    Dafei said emotionally, "You''ve suffered!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "What do you mean I''ve suffered? Making such a good show and standing on such a big stage for so many people to hear me sing, how is that called suffering? If that is suffering, then what about those who are really suffering? I''m very fortunate. In fact, I should apologize to everyone. Changing the song, having everyone change the lyrics in a hurry, and getting a piano for the performance at thest minute during a live broadcast, I''m sorry, I promise this will be the only time it happens."


    Hu Fei alsoughed. "You''re speaking like you haven''t done this before."


    During King of Masked Singers, he had requested a song change many times.


    Zhang Ye said in embarrassment, "Brother Hu, don''t expose me like that."


    Hu Fei kept quiet for a moment. "Director Zhang, it''s��been hard on you."


    Zhang Ye said, "I was just serving the people, nothing hard about it."


    Hou Ge said, "I don''t think it''s possible to catch up on in the voting. The champion should have been��"


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "Ohe on, we should leave that fight to Old Chen and Grandma Zhang."


    Xiao Lu suddenly stopped crying. She turned around and said, "What''s Shanshan saying?"


    "Eh?" Dafei, Hou Ge, and the others also turned around to look.


    The door that connected to the soundstage was shut, but faint sounds from inside could be heard from here.


    When Zhang Ye heard it, he was also taken aback for a second.


    ��


    On the stage.


    A lot of the audience members were still immersed in the shock of that song, "The King of Karaoke."


    Dong Shanshan raised her microphone and said quietly, "Since Zhang Ye does not want to ask for votes, let me use the remaining time to say something. I''ve known Zhang Ye for many years. We sat together for our four years in university as well as shared the same office cubicle for a year after our graduation. Later on, we even worked together on quite a few shows and also shot a music video together. If we have to identify those in the industry who know him best, I should probably count as one of them. All of you should know full well what kind of a personality he has. He''s very straightforward and always speaks his mind, doing whatever he deems fit. But to tell you the truth, today''s also my first time seeing him like this."


    The audience nodded.


    Yes, they''ve never seen him like this before!


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "That guy''s always eager to win. Be it anypetition, even if it''s just a simpleparison, he always wants to get first ce." With a pause, she continued, "But he did not do so this time. Ever since joining the show as apetitor, he''s also been working in his roles as the director, vote counter, and host. He was fine with however much overtime he had to put in at work, just so that the show would be able to go on without a hitch. In order to protect the other singers, he endured? Compromised? Kept silent? In the past, these were words that I would never link to Zhang Ye. But I saw all of that in him this time. It''s only now that I realized that the Zhang Ye I knew could sacrifice so much. For the show, for his colleagues, for the greater good, he was willing to endure it and take a step back."


    The audience went silent.


    In the crowd, the music critics and fellow professionals were also silent.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "The reason why I''m saying this is not because I want to get votes for Zhang Ye. I just wanted to tell him this. Director Zhang, it''s been hard on you."


    Silence.


    There was not a sound.


    Then, in the span of a pin dropping, apuse broke out from the audience!


    The music critics were apuding!


    The audience was apuding!


    There were even some people who stood up and gave a thumbs up high in the air!


    One person!


    Ten people!


    A 100 people!


    The cameras panned over to them instantly!


    Countless audience members were giving a thumbs up in the direction of the door that Zhang Ye had left through. The sight was astonishing, and every home viewer also felt very touched when they saw this on TV!


    They had not understood!


    Didn''t Zhang Ye lose his ability to sing?


    Then how did he suddenly regain that ability?


    After listening to Dong Shanshan''s speech, they finally understood!


    So it was because he was only here to apany them!


    So it was because he had been protecting everyone all this while!


    So it was because he couldn''t win right from the moment he took on the role of the singer-host. He was destined to be a supporting role working in the shadows of the others!


    What kind of feeling was that?


    What kinds of emotions did he feel?


    It was something they couldn''t understand, but they knew that this was an extremely difficult choice for a person like Zhang Ye to take!

 Chapter 1269: Be serious, we’re showing off here!

    <h4>Chapter 1269: Be serious, we''re showing off here! </h4>


    Chapter 1269: Be serious, we''re showing off here!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On Weibo.


    Theizens were getting very excited!


    "I was wrong!"


    "Motherfucker, I take back the words I said about Zhang Ye!"


    "I''ll take my words back too. I''ve already deleted my old Weibo posts!"


    "In so many years of listening to people sing, this is the first time I''ve shed a tear while listening to a song, fuck!"


    "So it wasn''t that he didn''t know how to sing anymore. It was just that he couldn''t do it. It was only because we''vee to the final round of the grand finals when he could no longer catch up in voting that he finally sang for real!"


    "It''s too good!"


    "I''m crying too, my tears are falling all over the ce!"


    "To put a person like Zhang Ye onstage and not allow him to sing properly? That was probably even worse than killing him! It really wasn''t easy!"


    "I won''t nder Zhang Ye anymore in the future!"


    "Passerby transforming into a fan!"


    "Fan transforming into a diehard fan!"


    "Me too. Diehard fan transforming into a braindead fan!"


    "''The King of Karaoke'' is so touching!"


    "Ahhh, how can it be so good!"


    "Let''s vote for it!"


    "Yeah, let''s vote for Zhang Ye!"


    "I''ve already done so!"


    Zhang Ye''s fans all came out of the woodwork!


    Zhang Ye''s fan club, which had maintained a low profile, appeared out of the blue and overwhelmed Weibo, the forums, and Tieba with the force of an avnche!


    "Please vote for Zhang Ye!"


    "He can''t win anymore."


    "I know, but we have to at least let Teacher Zhang know that we''re still around!"


    "Right!"


    "Please vote!"


    "Let Teacher Zhang know that we''re here!"


    Dong Shanshan''s fan club also appeared.


    "Count us in!"


    "Vote for Zhang Ye!"


    "Our friends from Zhang Ye''s fan club, we''re here!"


    "As allies, we must support Zhang Ye!"


    Yao Jiancai''s fans also popped up!


    "We''re here, we''re here!"


    "How can the party start without us!"


    "Old Yao''s fans, let''s all vote for Zhang Ye!"


    "OK!"


    "Like that needs to be said!"


    Fan Wenli suddenly posted on Weibo: "I just cried. It was an indescribable feeling. Although Old Chen and Grandma Zhang both sang very well, my vote will still go to Zhang Ye. I don''t even have someone else that I want to vote for, I just want to vote for him."


    Below, many replies came in.


    "Sister Fan, aren''t you going to support your husband?"


    "*faints* Sister Fan has defected!"


    "Looks like Zhang Ye really did sing well!"


    "Alright, I''m gonna vote for Zhang Ye too."


    Suddenly, Zhang Yuanqi''s manager appeared.


    Fang Weihong posted on Weibo with a screenshot of her vote on her cell phone: "Sister Zhang and I are watching I Am a Singer''s live broadcast together. We''ve just voted for Zhang Ye. There''s nothing to say except that it was spectacr!"


    Many of theizens eximed.


    "Even the Heavenly Queen has voted for Zhang Ye?"


    "I thought that Sister Zhang would vote for Grandma Zhang!"


    "Wow!"


    "That was unexpected!"


    "Zhang Ye''sst song moved so many people!"


    "It didn''t only move us, it shocked us!"


    "Yeah, I got the goosebumps all over!"


    Even though they knew he couldn''t win!


    Even though they knew there was no time left!


    A lot of people were still voting for Zhang Ye!


    The live broadcast continued.


    Amy.


    Xiaodong.


    Chen Guang.


    Zhang Xia.


    Everyone took their turn.


    As the live broadcast neared its end, the grand champion was going to be revealed!


    Countless people were either seated in the live studio or before their televisions waiting to see the final results.


    In her flowing red dress, Dong Shanshan held the results with the rankings on it and announced, "The grand champion of the grand finals of the first season of I Am a Singer is��" With a deliberate pause, she raised her head and looked into the audience before saying the singer''s name, "Zhang Xia!"


    Zhang Xia was startled, clearly not expecting this!


    Apuse from the audience rang out!


    Chen Guang apuded with a smile on his face!


    Xiaodong apuded in celebration of Zhang Xia''s win!


    Zhang Ye gave her a thumbs up!


    The number of votes was disyed on the big screen, and the champion emerged. Zhang Xia had beaten the favorite, Chen Guang, by just a few votes to take the title of champion for the first season of I Am a Singer. This title was undoubtedly a big deal to Zhang Xia as it signified her switch from bel canto to pop music. It was also the greatest affirmation to the achievements of Zhang Xia''s work in the artistic singing field over the years!


    On the same night.


    The news reported on this!


    "Zhang Xia wins title of grand champion!"


    "Chen Guang defeated in the grand finals!"


    "Zhang Xia reaches the peak of her career!"


    "Zhang Ye''s amazing performance in the grand finals!"


    "The mystery behind Zhang Ye''s non-singing!"


    "Unveiling the secret backstory of I Am a Singer!"


    "''The King of Karaoke'' drops onto the Inte!"


    "I Am a Singer''s viewership ratings defy the heavens by surpassing 4%!"


    "Zhang Ye creates yet another legend in the variety field!"


    "A sessful finale to I Am a Singer. Surprises, shock, and regrets!"


    The dust settled.


    The public also expressed their opinions.


    "This is such a great show. Zhang Ye is indeed deserving of being called the best director in our domestic variety show market. I really have to give that to him!"


    "That''s right, I''ve never watched such a good show before. If Zhang Ye stops making variety shows, I Am a Singer might just go on to be a monumental standard in the industry forever, with no one else able to surpass it. The only regrettable thing was that Zhang Ye did not be the grand champion!"


    "That was such a pity!"


    "To me, the grand champion is Zhang Ye!"


    "Just with ''The King of Karaoke'' alone, Zhang Ye deserved to be the grand champion. That one song can easily top 10 or 20 songs by the others!"


    "Yeah, didn''t Grandma Zhang also say that when she won the title of grand champion? She said that she was rather lucky to be holding the trophy. Thinking about it now, it was truly very hard on Zhang Ye. Does anyone still remember the ''Zhang Ye Sprawl'' that went viral recently? I found it really funny at that time, but looking at it again now, I feel a little sad. He is the greatest contributor behind the scenes, yet he didn''t get crowned as the grand champion in the end."


    "Will there be a second season?"


    "Of course there will!"


    "I hope that Zhang Ye will return for the second season!"


    "Yeah, don''t make Zhang Ye the director when the timees. Let him take part as apetitor so that he can sing whatever he wants. We owe him a title!"


    At this moment.


    Zhang Ye''s fan club''s current leader spoke.


    Big Saber Bro: "Brothers and sisters of our fan club, allow me to say a word or two. Ever since Teacher Zhang became famous, regardless of scolding battles, bumping threads,petitions, or viewership ratings, we have never lost before, not once. But this time, we lost. I know that this is because Teacher Zhang is not supposed to be the grand champion. He didn''t sing well because he couldn''t do so. He had to ensure that the show would not have any ws or controversies. But the fact remains that we''ve lost. I know that everyone must not be feeling good and probably feel sorry for Teacher Zhang. I feel the same as you guys; I also can''t calm down. As the stand-in leader of the fan club, let me guarantee one thing to all of you today. This will be the first time we lose, and also thest time we lose! From here on out, we''ll never lose again!"


    In an instant, tens of thousands of people responded!


    "Alright!"


    "Understood!"


    "Got it!"


    "Got it!"


    "Got it!"


    "Got it!"


    Quite a fewizens watching this quietly clicked their tongues!


    Who could ever guarantee that they would win forever? Never lose again? Who would ever dare to make such ims? In the entire entertainment circle, was there anyone who dared to say something like that? No matter how you thought about it, only these fearless fans of Zhang Ye''s would dare to say such a thing! These people were really not afraid or worried about anything!


    Their momentum was too strong!


    Zhang Ye had too many people on his side!


    In the end, this post actually made it to the front page of Weibo. Below the post, the replies from Zhang Ye''s army of fans were getting showier and more posturing!


    "We won''t lose again!"


    "We owe Zhang Ye the title of grand champion!"


    "We''ll take that title someday!"


    "Whatever we''ve lost, we''ll take it back with our own hands!"


    "Wow, we''re on the front page. This is great, hehehe!"


    "Hey, be serious. We''re showing off here!"


    The industry was speechless!


    Theizens were all watching!


    Finally, even Zhang Ye himself was flushed out. Seeing this group of people''s derations of war, he also got quite a shock. He immediately said to Big Saber Bro: "Sis, can we be more low-key? Please?"


    How could I not lose?


    Do you think I''m a god!


    You even want me to take the title?


    Are you asking me to go and steal the trophy from Grandma Zhang''s house?!


    However, Big Saber Bro replied with: "Go away, it''s none of your business."


    ZhangYeFan#22: "Go away, it''s none of your business."


    AIDDD: "Go away, it''s none of your business."


    FlyFlewFlown: "Go away, it''s none of your business."


    OnlyConvincedByTeacherZhang: "Go away, it''s none of your business."


    Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V!


    A bunch of Zhang Ye''s fans were copypasting!


    What do you mean it''s none of my business!


    This is totally my fucking business!


    Zhang Ye nearly vomited blood. These fuckers!


    The countlessizens were greatly amused. Hahahahaha! This was such a funny scene that could only happen between Zhang Ye and his own fan club. Of all the celebrities'' fan clubs in the country, the most disparate group was Zhang Ye''s fan base. Yet, it was also this group of Zhang Ye''s troll army that was not to be provoked. If they got frustrated, even Zhang Ye would have to bear their scolding. Once they got their showy swagger going, they wouldn''t even leave a shred of respect for Zhang Ye. But if anyone else were to scold Zhang Ye, they would never allow it. They would take it up with the offender and make sure they wouldn''t get away "alive.". Frankly, each was weirder than thest. There were really no others like them!


    Aedic celebrity!


    And aedic bunch of fans!


    In the entire Chinese entertainment industry, you wouldn''t be able to find another group like them!

 Chapter 1270: Countdown to the big wedding!

    <h4>Chapter 1270: Countdown to the big wedding! </h4>


    Chapter 1270: Countdown to the big wedding!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    At home.


    Zhang Ye slept until noon.


    He couldn''t help it. His recent days had been a nightmare. It was always all about work the moment he opened his eyes. Even when he was asleep, he would be dreaming that he was instructing the staff at work. Going home for a warm meal felt like he had been given a long vacation from work. The show''s nning, directing, tasking, vote counting, hosting, and managing of singers were all overseen by Zhang Ye. No details that happened within the program team did not involve Zhang Ye''s decision. As a result, you could imagine how tiring it was for him. He really couldn''t get any rest throughout an entire day. The show had finallye to a sessful end yesterday, and Zhang Ye''s mission wasplete. He dozed off the moment heid down and slept until now. If it weren''t for his mothering to wake him up, he could probably haveid in bed for three whole days and nights.


    The door opened.


    His mother said, "Son, get up."


    Zhang Ye yawned. "Is breakfast ready?"


    "Breakfast?" His mother said amused, "The sun is shining on your butt. Get up and brush your teeth, it''s time for lunch. Hurry, I''ve cooked all the dishes that you like."


    Zhang Ye got up from bed. "OK."


    His father was working in the living room. "Little Ye, did you silence your cell phone? Ha Qiqi from your studio called our house just now, but your mother wouldn''t let me wake you up."


    His mother harrumphed and said, "Wake him up for what? Do you want my son to get worked to death!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "It might be business. I''ll drop by the studioter this afternoon."


    His mother said, "Your business now is to rest up for a few days. Don''t keep running around."


    Zhang Ye scoffed. "It''s not like you don''t know me. I''ve never been one to idle. Besides, I''m preparing for a big job!"


    "Which bank are you robbing?" his mother asked.


    Zhang Ye said floored, "Why would I be robbing a bank!"


    His mother chuckled and said, "If you have the time, you should be taking those fans of yours in hand first. They caused a ruckus thatsted past midnight. I kept seeing the ruckus they were making all over Weibo."


    Zhang Ye waved his hand and said, "Heh, don''t even bring those jerks up. I get angry at the mention of them. Look, all of them are even better at showing off than me. They''ve totally stolen this bro''s thunder by shouting those slogans and whatnot. Won''t lose again? In the end, doesn''t it all still depend on me? Those people are too unreliable!"


    His mother said, "Well, they learned from you."


    Zhang Ye: "When did I ever teach them that?"


    His mother said, "In any case, you''ve never taught them anything good."


    Zhang Ye had no reply.


    His mother said, "Hurry up and eat. When you finish, your dad and I will be going out too."


    Zhang Ye asked, "To do what?"


    His mother said, "To n your wedding, of course. The hotel has already been decided on, and it was even the Wus who found the ce. We cannot continue to let them worry about the wedding. For the other matters, I''ll be going with your dad to discuss with the relevant parties. There are still quite a few things that we need to order, like the flower baskets, the letterings, the decorations, and the wedding dress. I think you and Little Wu should go and choose that yourselves. Oh, the wedding photos have to be taken in advance too. Don''t leave it til thest minute and end up trying to catch up. And there are the wedding invitations as well. I''ll need a list from you so that I know who''ll be invited, then you can leave the rest to me."


    Zhang Ye broke into a smile. "Dad, mom, it''s been hard on you both."


    His mother cut him off. "Save it."


    Later that afternoon.


    At the studio.


    "Director Zhang is here!"


    "Director Zhang!"


    "You''re finally here. Have you seen it yet?"


    "It''s amazing!"


    The moment he arrived, everyone started chattering.


    Zhang Ye said, "Seen what? I just woke up."


    "The poprity rankings, of course." Ha Qiqi said with augh, "Thetest rankings have been published again. We''ve already sorted it out for you, so please have a look at your current poprity score."


    It was only then that Zhang Ye remembered that the Celebrity Rankings Index should have been refreshed at midnightst night. Ever since making the show I Am a Singer, Zhang Ye had been focused on Beijing Television. He hadn''t really been checking on the rankings index much, so it was now time to analyze the results thus far. The fifth step of the "Reach the Summit" n had been sessfullypleted, but as for how much of an impact it had, that would still have to depend on how he did in the Celebrity Rankings Index.


    After getting hold of the statistics charts.


    The first thing Zhang Ye saw surprised him very much. "Whoa! This much?"


    Zhang Zuo bellyughed. "During yesterday''s update, your poprity score increased by a huge amount!"


    "There are numbers from earlier too." Little Wang pointed to the form and said, "Look here, this is during the time I Am a Singer''s first episode was broadcast. This was for the second episode. This one was the episode where you took on the role as the singer-host and participated in thepetition. It was also at the start of this episode that your poprity score jumped up in steps. It kept increasing by the day, until yesterday, when it went up by the most. It''s too scary!"


    Tong Fu smiled and corrected, "You must mean it''s terrifying!"


    Zhang Ye snapped his fingers. "That''s pretty good."


    He was still in first ce in the A-list rankings, but his poprity score was no longer the same as before!


    This fifth step of the "Reach the Summit" n had brought him an unimaginable amount of poprity!


    Whether it was the show''s heaven-defying and record-breaking viewership ratings, or Zhang Ye being the executive director who announced the singers'' rankings in each episode, or Zhang Ye joining as apetitor and hosting the show, then debuting those songs like "I Feel So Drained," "The Hottest Ethnic Trend," "Small Apple," "Nonsense Has Its Nonsense Logic," and "The King of Karaoke," all of it had brought Zhang Ye a great deal of attention. Especially for "The King of Karaoke." It was now sweeping the various music charts to the point that the two songs performed by Zhang Xia in the grand finalsbined were not one-third as popr as "The King of Karaoke"!


    This show had really helped a lot of people be very popr.


    Like Zhang Xia.


    Like Chen Guang.


    Like Xiaodong.


    Like Dong Shanshan.


    Even a has-been celebrity like Zhao Wuliu was getting more attention and bing popr again because of the show. Two months ago, Zhao Wuliu''smercial appearances would onlymand a fee of several hundred thousand RMB. But now the rumors were that a single song performed by him would fetch close to a million RMB in fees, as highlighted by his recent concert at a rich businessman''s wedding. But of course, nobody really knew whether that was true.


    Let alone the others!


    Their poprity was exploding with growth!


    But if there was really a need to pinpoint who experienced the greatest growth in poprity, that person would definitely not be Zhang Xia, nor Chen Guang, much less Dong Shanshan!


    It would be Zhang Ye!


    He didn''t take the role of the executive director for nothing!


    The za dance wave was not for nothing too!


    Even more, "The King of Karaoke" amazed the nation!


    Zhang Ye undoubtedly reaped the most benefit!


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "The fifth step of Reach the Summit waspleted just perfectly. It was definitelypleted with the most outstanding result and was much better than we had expected. At that time, we were still thinking that it would be best to do a reality TV show and believed that a show like I Am a Singer would not be the best choice. Unexpectedly, Director Zhang had topete. Although it was pretty tiring and he didn''t win grand champion, the effects were still much better than what a reality TV show could achieve. That was really the most unexpected gain of all. We''re now getting closer and closer to those seven spots above us. No, I shouldn''t put it that way. I mean to say we''re finally able to see those seven spots before us!"


    Little Wang snickered. "More importantly, no one else seems to have realized it yet."


    Zhang Zuo gave a wry smile. "Don''t count on that. We can''t keep this a secret for much longer. I think they''ll find out soon."


    Ha Qiqi nodded and said, "Director Zhang''s poprity score isn''t that far apart from theirs. I believe we can''t hide this fact for long either. As of now, those seven people have yet toe to their senses and are not thinking about this. After all, the Heavenly King and Queens'' spots haven''t changed in many, many years. They''re used to the fact that no one can catch up to them. By the time they realize what''s going on and start preparing, that''s when the real fight will begin. It will definitely be a bloody battle, so we should be trying to catch up as much as possible while they haven''t yet realized."


    Wu Yi said, "But we should at least give Director Zhang some time to rest. He''s been overworked in recent days."


    Hearing that, Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''m fine. There''s no need to be so considerate of me. I''ve said that if I don''t get into the S-list, I''ll never rest. If there are any good projects, let''s hurry up and take them. We''ll push for higher poprity while they haven''t noticed. I slept all day yesterday, so I''ve recovered pretty well. When ites to stamina? Energy? No one in the entire entertainment industry would dare to im they are number one if I say I am number two!"


    This was not an exaggeration!


    A guy who was infinitesimally close to bing a martial arts grandmaster was in no wayparable to a normal person.


    Zhang Zuo said, "Actually, there''s no need to rush."


    Zhang Ye waved his hand and said, "We have to, hur hur. Because in another few days, I''ll probably have to take five to ten days off from work. I won''t be able to work on those days, so we have to make the most of it right now."


    "Apply for leave?"


    "Why?"


    "What are you going to do?"


    Everyone was surprised.


    Then they saw Zhang Ye smile and say, "I''m taking time off to get married!"


    Ha Qiqi was stunned. "In just a few days?"


    Little Wang said in surprise, "Right away?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "It''s currently getting arranged, so it should be very soon!"


    The wedding was ted for this year anyway, so the day was about to arrive!


    Instantly, congrattory voices filled the studio!


    "Congrattions!"


    "Congrattions, Director Zhang!"


    "Hope you have a lifetime of love and happiness!"


    "May you be blessed with a child soon!"


    "Just who is our sister-inw going to be?"


    "When are we getting a raise, Director Zhang? I don''t have any money left to contribute to your wedding gift!"


    "When are you and Sister-inw going to have a child?"


    Thisst sentence was a shot to Zhang Ye''s heart!


    I haven''t even touched her yet, so why are we talking about a child!

 Chapter 1271: Zhang Ye starts livestreaming!

    <h4>Chapter 1271: Zhang Ye starts livestreaming! </h4>


    Chapter 1271: Zhang Ye starts livestreaming!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Two dayster.


    Noon.


    On the Third Ring Road.


    Zhang Ye was in his car when his cell phone rang. From the caller ID, he saw that it was from Wu Mo, the CEO of the Brain Gold Company. He answered with a smile.


    "Hey, Mo''er."


    "Brother Zhang, are you for real?"


    "What for real?"


    "You''re getting married to my aunt?"


    "You just found out?"


    "Aiyo, your answer really makes me want to beat you up, my Brother Zhang. No one told me! So how would I know! Do you think I''m a fortune teller? I just happened to be sending over some things to my aunt''s ce at the courtyard house when I heard that she was getting married. The news nearly made me faint! When did you two get together? How on earth did you manage to get her to go steady with you? Aren''t you too capable? My aunt has really, really high standards!"


    "Look at yourself, describing it that way. What do you mean by getting her to go steady with me?"


    "So does that mean that I have to address you as uncle from now on?"


    "Yeah, we''re going to be rtives."


    "Yet you still asked me for 200 million for the title sponsorship of I Am a Singer? Didn''t you say we''re rtives?"


    "Well, we still haven''t married, have we?"


    "What the heck! It alwayses back to you, doesn''t it?"


    "That''s right."


    "You guys are too good at keeping it a secret. It''s such a big affair but I only just found out about it!"


    "Do help me out a little for the wedding, alright?"


    "Don''t even think about it. You and my aunt are too shady."


    "Haha, let''s stop talking, I have to get to my show."


    "Your first livestreamed show? I saw the promotions for it."


    "Don''t forget to donate to meter."


    "Donate? I''ll go on and libel you instead!"


    "Alright,e at me then."


    After some good-natured ribbing, they finally hung up.


    Yang Shu was wearing a pair of sunsses and driving.


    Next to Zhang Ye were Ha Qiqi, Little Wang, a couple others.


    The show that Zhang Ye was going to today was extremely important. He was going to livestream 1 , which had be very popr in recent years, for the first time. This was different from the live broadcasts and recordings on television and could be considered an industry of its own. As such, it had its own business model and rules to adhere to. The job was only epted after the studio staff selected it and made very careful considerations on behalf of Zhang Ye. Right now, he was going to the ce to hold his debut livestream.


    Why did he choose to livestream?


    Because the interest in this new tform was so high!


    Back when the livestreaming industry had just gotten off to a start, it was not really something people cared about. Especially the more popr celebrities in the entertainment industry, they cared even less. They believed that such tforms were inferior to the ones they were currently performing on. But as the industry took off and exploded, many celebrities could not help but turn their sights to it. Some celebrities were eyeing the poprity and advertising fees they could get on these sites, as one after another, celebrities tested the waters in this new industry. Among them, there was no shortage of A-list celebrities trying their luck.


    It was simple.


    Convenient.


    And had arge audience base.


    ��These were the advantages of a streaming channel.


    In the car.


    Ha Qiqi passed Zhang Ye something. "Director Zhang, please have another look at the show outline for today."


    "That''s not necessary," Zhang Ye chuckled as he waved it off. "I should at least be able to handle something like that, shouldn''t I?"


    Ha Qiqi said helplessly, "You may have done many live TV broadcasts and seen a lot of big events, but this is another industry. During the recording of our TV shows, you can just stand there and the audience is bound to give you respect since it''s face to face. Surely they wouldn''t start cursing and throwing shoes onto the stage, right? Even if they do, security will chase them out. But it''s different for streaming. Who cares what your status is? If they don''t like it and feel like scolding you, you oughta at least be prepared for it."


    Zhang Ye said, "When ites to scolding, I''m even less afraid."


    Little Wangughed, "Pfft!"


    Tong Fu said, "Do you intend to have a scolding battle with them?"


    Everyone in the carughed.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Alright, let''s not joke anymore. Sister Ha is correct. Since we''re going onto another''s tform, we have to respect their rules. That''s a given."


    Ha Qiqi brought up her worries. "I''m just afraid that you won''t be able to manage it. The people here aren''t interested in things that are high-ss and artistic. It''s not that they can''t appreciate it, but that the atmosphere in a stream makes it not the ce for appreciating such subjects. So, even songs like��''Small Apple'' probably won''t work. There isn''t any lighting and stage equipment to bring up the atmosphere during a stream, so you probably have to pay extra attention if you''re going to sing. As an example, Teacher Chen was invited to stream at the beginning of the year. He also did so on the same site that we''ll be broadcasting on today. The moment he went live, he brought out three songs, singing rock songs, as well as performing in falsetto. He threw out all his abilities, and even though a lot of people watched it, the reactions were only so-so. Coincidentally on that same day, a popr female streamer on the same site was celebrating her birthday. A bunch of people helped raise her streaming channel''s poprity points by donating a total of 1.6 million RMB in just a day. Meanwhile, it was much quieter on Old Chen''s channel. He only received around 300,000 RMB worth of donations. Although the quantity and value of these donations do not represent everything, his impact still got pushed down by one of the site''s own streamers. That was really too face smacking!"


    One was a B-list celebrity.


    The other was a streamer who wasn''t even qualified to be called an E-list celebrity.


    As such, the results were even more face smacking when put inparison.


    Zhang Ye said with augh, "Old Chen even has a story like that?"


    Little Wang said, "Quite a lot of the media outletstched onto this news at the time too. That female streamer who held Chen Guang off also got rather popr after the incident. The fact remains that the streamers who are part of the site have a much greater influence than us. If we encounter another female streamer who is celebrating her birthday, that would be quite troublesome for us. I believe that the incident that happened during Teacher Chen Guang''s livestream was actually carried out on purpose by that female streamer. She was deliberately stealing his show."


    Tong Fu said, "Will anyonee and create trouble for us today?"


    But Zhang Ye said, "They''re free to stream whenever they want. It''s not something that we should be bothered about, right? Let''s just concentrate on making our own stream good and it''ll be enough."


    This was going to be hisst job before the wedding. Starting from the day after tomorrow, Zhang Ye would be taking leave from work to properly prepare for the wedding. The progress of Reach the Summit was going smoothly, and they were not far from implementing thest step of the n. But before that happened, they would have to wait for Zhang Ye''s wedding to take ce. As such, today''s livestream was going to be the final chance for him to gain on those seven S-list celebrities. They had to take this chance before their agencies realized what was going on and before the media caught onto Zhang Ye''s n to surpass the A-list rankings. He definitely had to gain as much poprity as he could so that he could "surprise" everyone and let them know how much danger their positions were in!


    Ahead.


    The car arrived at the destination.


    Yang Shu, his junior martial sister, dutifully got out of the car and opened the car door.


    Zhang Ye stepped out.


    Little Wang picked up Zhang Ye''s coat and put it over him.


    Ha Qiqi went forward to talk with the streaming site''s staff.


    "Manager Ha!"


    "Boss Chen, we''ve arrived."


    "Wee, wee. Teacher Zhang, please proceed inside."


    "Boss Chen, you don''t have to stand on ceremony with us."


    "Teacher Zhang is usually very busy, so you must not be familiar with our livestreaming industry. How about this? Let me take you guys around thepany to have a look. The streaming studio has already been set up."


    "Sure. Thank you for all your hard work, Boss Chen."


    The group of them walked inside and were chatting andughing.


    Through their conversation, the site''s boss both intentionally and unintentionally let them know more about the site''s livestreaming rules. He touched on topics like what was popr, and how to interact with the fans. Their site had spent a good deal of money to invite Zhang Ye to appear on their livestreaming site and managed to sign him for his first ever livestream. They were definitely hoping to make use of Zhang Ye''s poprity to raise the name of their site and user experience, so they naturally hoped that Zhang Ye could do well enough for both parties to gain something from it. As for why they exined in such detail to Zhang Ye, it was because they assumed that he did not understand a thing about livestreaming. They thought that he would think that it was the same as a recording a television show and were afraid that Zhang Ye would not know how to trante his sess to this tform. They probably had the impression that Zhang Ye had never even watched a livestream before!


    The Inte livestreaming of this world was still standardized.


    Listening to them, Zhang Ye could not help but smile in silence.


    You people are wrong. This bro has seen much more than any of you. Just this small matter here is nothingpared to what I have seen before! I don''t know? I''ve never watched a livestream before?


    Have you all seen someone poke a ho''s nest on a stream before?


    Have you all seen people robbing a grave on a stream before?


    Have you all seen people write code on a stream before?


    Have you all seen people kneeling on a keyboard on a stream before?


    Have you seen people getting it on on a stream before?


    No, right?


    You all have not seen any of those before, right?


    Hur hur.


    I! Have! Seen! It! All!


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_streaming

 Chapter 1272: The attack of the site’s female streamers!

    <h4>Chapter 1272: The attack of the site''s female streamers! </h4>


    Chapter 1272: The attack of the site''s female streamers!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    "Zhang Ye''s debut livestreamnds at Meihe TV!"


    Meihe TV was one of thergest livestreaming sites in the Chinese market and had ample capital. The site had signed many streamers under its brand name, and the user base was one of the top two in the country. They had invested arge sum of money to get Zhang Ye toe and livestream on their site. The promotions for it were carried out in full swing with the ads running for several days.


    On Weibo.


    "Zhang Ye is going to start streaming soon!"


    "I saw the ads for it since a few days ago."


    "Yeah, there''s still half an hour until it begins!"


    "I''m really looking forward to it."


    "Is he going to sing or something?"


    "Who knows? I''ll join the channel first!"


    "Hahaha, I''ve already been waiting there for 30 minutes."


    "I''m here! Damn, the livestream still hasn''t started? The screen is still dark, but there''s more than 300,000 viewers? What''s with everyone?"


    "This is Zhang Ye we''re talking about, do you think he can''tmand at least that number of viewers who want to watch him?"


    "Pfft, everyone''s spamming the channel with messages. It''s so funny."


    In Zhang Ye''s channel, all that could be seen on the stream was a massive amount of scrollingments 1 .


    "Why is that fe not here yet?��Where is Zhang Ye?��Hurry up and start streaming already!��Gogogo��I''ve been waiting the whole day for you, hurry up!��Zhang Ye must be squatting in the bathroom��Zhang Ye didn''t bring any toilet paper with him, so he can''t get out of there��Someone quickly pass a roll of toilet paper to Zhang Ye��I''m waiting for the show to begin��Reserving a spot in advance��Haha, I came in early because I was afraid I would get locked out��Wow, there are already 400,000 people waiting in here?��This scammer''s pretty popr it seems��Yeah, there no sign of him yet but there are already 400,000 people waiting��The record for a Meihe TV channel is only around a million concurrent viewers, right?��Pfft, it was especially funny when Old Chen livestreamed. He actually got destroyed by Himi��Himi is too good at hyping up her streams��The thing is, she reveals a lot of skin��Damn, who dares talk bad about my Himi?��Eh, Himi is also going to start streaming soon��What? At this time?��Wow, Sister Yiyi is also announcing in her chat group that she''s going to start streaming soon too��They''re all doing it because of Zhang Ye��Hahahaha, Zhang Ye''s getting attacked!��I like seeing this, why am I so happy?��Haha, me too��"


    In the streamers'' chat group.


    Himi: "Sisters, I''m going in first!"


    Sister Yiyi: "All the best, we must fight back!"


    Hooo: "Yes, show him what we can do and who has the most poprity and influence on our turf. Zhang Ye''s just a mainstream celebrity, how could he know anything about streaming. He''s surely going to just sing some songs or whatnot, all those boring activities. He doesn''t know what the users on these online livestreaming sites like to see. Comparing professionalism, how could he be better than us? No one else can be more professional than us when ites to this."


    Another female streamer said: "Right, I also don''t like these mainstream celebrities. They don''t even understand what livestreaming is and they''re here to try to get a piece of the poprity pie. Who do they think they are? What makes them so qualified that the site has to spend millions just to invite them and promote their activities while we veterans have to advance slowly in the industry? I really can''t ept this! If it were any other industry, I would have nothing to say. He is indeed very famous in the mainstream. But on livestreaming sites, I don''t believe that we can''t beat him if we gang up on him!"


    "That''s right!"


    "Sisters, the time hase for us to uphold our dignity!"


    "Alright, let''s show him what it means to be a professional streamer!"


    The group of female streamers were in a frenzy.


    There were also a few male streamers who came forward to show their support.


    But at the same time, some others didn''t whether tough or cry.


    Xixi typed: "My sisters and brothers, surely we don''t have to go that far, right? Teacher Zhanging to our site for his debut show is also a chance for our site to grow further. This can bring more fans to our site, and if the audience retention is good, they might turn into our fans in the future. Why are you all so agitated?"


    A quarrel broke out in the chat group!


    "Xixi, you''re a diehard fan of Zhang Ye''s, so there''s no ce for you to speak!"


    "Right, you wouldn''t understand even if we exin it to you!"


    "So what if I''m a Zhang Ye fan? You all can hype up your own streams all you what, but do you all have to attempt to squeeze out my Teacher Zhang?"


    "It''s fine if you don''t want to join our cause!"


    "Sisters, ignore her. Let''s do it!"


    "Alright, I''ll go beyond my usual sexiness today!"


    "Do it!"


    "I''ll go and get changed!"


    "Strip! Strip! Strip!"


    The group of streamers began their streams amid the ruckus!


    Himi started her stream.


    A pretty face appeared onscreen. "Hi, everyone, did you miss me? I''m starting the stream earlier today as I have something to do tonight. I heard that there will be a celebrity streamingter, so I hope that you guys won''t abandon me here by myself, alright? Don''t do it, that would make me really sad!"


    With that.


    Thements started flooding onto the screen.


    "No, we won''t!"


    "*pats Himi*!"


    "I''ll only be watching you today, no one else!"


    "Zhang Ye''s a dick, who cares about him!"


    "Right, this lord will send you presents today, all the presents that you want!"


    "That''s right, don''t make Little Sis Himi sad. Everyone, start sending presents!"


    Sister Yiyi started streaming.


    The moment she came on, she gave three kisses to the camera.


    Her group of fans and "whales" in the channel started catcalling!


    "Sister Yiyi is so beautiful today!"


    "You''ve so little clothes on? I like it!"


    " Big 2 ! It''s so big!"


    "My eyes are bedazzled!"


    Hooo started her stream.


    Hooo: "Does everyone still remember? It''s my birthday today, so I hope that everyone can send me more presents, please? I would like to break the record for the total amount of donations received, can you guys help me with that? What? I just celebrated my birthdayst month? Yes, that''s because it''s my birthday on the Gregorian calendar today. If I receive enough presents, I''ll be dishing out some goodies afterwards~"


    "Ahhh!"


    "What goodies?"


    "I''ming!"


    "Send! Send! Send!"


    "I won''t be watching Zhang Ye''s stream anymore. I''ll just stay here and wait for the goodies!"


    In an instant, Meihe TV devolved into pandemonium!


    With a little less than half of the most popr streamers starting their streams, the remaining popr streamers showed no signs of activities. Meanwhile, some of the lesser known streamers on the site did not join in themotion over here. That was because they knew this wasn''t something that they could afford to have a part in. All they could do was watch quietly.


    It was a tragedy back when Chen Guang tried his hand at livestreaming.


    They wanted to see if Zhang Ye would follow in his footsteps.


    Thosedies were not easy to deal with at all!


    ��


    Elsewhere.


    On Zhang Ye''s channel.


    "Haha, he''s been attacked from all over!"


    "Zhang Ye will be in tears soon!"


    "Those female streamers are too aggressive!"


    "Yeah, they''re all appearing one after another. This is totally an siege tactic!"


    "Fuck, I really don''t know what I can say. Don''t they know that even with this site''s male and female streamersbined, even if their poprity were to be multiplied by a hundred times, they still couldn''t win against Zhang Ye?"


    "That might not necessarily be true. Those people are much more professional at streaming."


    "Yeah, this site is not Zhang Ye''s home turf after all, so he really might not be able to win against them."


    The livestreaming site also realized something was going on!


    The boss flew into a rage thinking about what was going on! Why were thosedies causing so much trouble! It was supposed to be Zhang Ye''s livestreaming debut, so what the heck were they joining in themotion for!


    Were they trying to hype up their channels?


    Were they trying to steal the show?


    Even if they were, they should know what day to do it on!


    He could let it slide for the incident involving Chen Guang. But it was Zhang Ye who was here today, the biggest name who had the most attention in the country at the moment! If you all were to drive this important guest of mine away in anger, I''ll definitely kill all of you!


    There was still a minute left in the countdown.


    Zhang Ye''s team was getting prepared for the stream.


    Zhang Ye was also seated in the streaming studio, familiarizing himself with the navigation and taking note of the controls. Then he received a call.


    It was Fan Wenli.


    Zhang Ye answered with a smile: "Old Fan, what''s up?"


    "Have you started streaming yet?" Fan Wenli asked.


    "Not yet, but I will soon," Zhang Ye answered.


    Fan Wenli said worriedly: "Be careful, both Old Chen and I are also watching. Old Chen''s stream was affected by one of the female streamers. It seems like they''ve discussed it again after tasting sess thest time and are nning on attacking you. Let me count, one, two, three��there are a total of five streamers who have just started streaming. I don''t know if they''re the most popr streamers since I don''t really pay attention to this industry, but just watch out."


    Zhang Yeughed: "Sure, Sister Fan. Thanks!"


    Over the phone, he could hear Chen Guang''s voice. "That''s enough, Wenli."


    Fan Wenli said, "What''s enough?"


    Chen Guangughed and said, "With Zhang Ye''s ability, would they be able to push him down? You''re really funny."


    Zhang Ye was amused and said: "It''s still Old Chen who understands me."


    The call ended.


    The boss''s secretary entered the room.


    The secretary immediately said, "Teacher Zhang, sorry about it, but a situation has urred on the site. A few streamers are causing trouble and trying to steal the show. We''ve sent our people to give them a warning, so it should get settled soon."


    Ha Qiqi froze.


    Little Wang was dumbfounded.


    What?


    They were really trying to mess things up?


    However, Zhang Ye said, "It''s fine, Secretary Sun. So what if they decide to start streaming now? It''s not like they''re breaking the rules. Why should they get warned? Just let them be. The site can''t stop all their streams just because I''m here, right? That isn''t at all reasonable. So don''t be like that and just let them stream if they want to."


    The secretary gave a wry smile. "We''re afraid that the number of people watching will be lowered as a result. After all, those who are streaming right now are the most popr streamers. They''re all professionals and know how to keep their viewers around."


    Well, whatever.


    You''re saying it as though I am not a professional.


    Alright then, this bro can only up my game and show you all what I can do!

 Chapter 1273: ’Drunk and Alone’!

    <h4>Chapter 1273: ''Drunk and Alone''! </h4>


    Chapter 1273: ''Drunk and Alone''!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    Yao Mi was staring at herputer and typing away furiously.


    "Mimi, what are you doing?"


    "Dad, I''m watching a livestream."


    "Who''s streaming?"


    "It''s Uncle Zhang''s first stream!"


    "Oh? I want to watch it too. This fellow can even stream?"


    "Uncle Zhang is currently in danger. He''s getting attacked by a lot of streamers at the moment."


    "Haha, that''s great. That''s exactly what I like to see."


    "Dad!"


    ��


    Rao Aimin''s house.


    Rao Aimin was practicing her kung fu when the clicking of a mouse came from the other room.


    "Chenchen, have you done your homework?"


    "Not yet."


    "Hurry up and get it done then."


    "I want to finish watching Zhang Ye''s stream first."


    "He can even stream with his looks? What''s there to see?"


    ��


    Dong Shanshan''s home.


    Hu Feifei, Yu Yingyi, and a few old ssmates had gathered here.


    "It''s about to begin."


    "OK, I''ming."


    "Let''s see how he''ll handle this."


    "Does he really know how to stream?"


    "Who knows!"


    ��


    It was time!


    The livestream began!


    Zhang Ye''s rtives and friends, his fans, as well as people from all over the country, had gathered to watch his debut livestream. They''d seen too much of Zhang Ye hosting a live television show and listened to him sing too many times on television as well. But for him to stream online? It was a first for everyone. This industry had be extremely hot this year, and a lot of big name celebrities hade to test the waters. Some of them did OK, while others got face-smacked. So they wondered how Zhang Ye would do on his livestream attempt. A lot of people were watching out of curiosity and trying to find out how things would go for him.


    In the livestreaming channel.


    The image flickered and then lit up.


    Zhang Ye was already seated in front of the camera, a smile on his face.


    Everyone discovered that Zhang Ye was alone, without a host or any of the site''s staff members. This meant that this livestream would not be one of those interview livestreams that promoted the site directly, but a solo stream by Zhang Ye. It was going to be a proper stream.


    Zhang Ye''s opening was done in a very regr way. Since he was paid by the site, he would have to say whatever was required of him. "Hello everyone, I''m very honored to be invited by Meihe TV toe and meet everyone in such a way for the first time ever. This is my first time trying out something as interesting as a livestream, so I really don''t know how to do this in a professional way. If there''s anything that I''m bad at, I hope that you all will be nice about it. If you think that I didn''t do too badly, then pleasee back next time. I''ll swing by often, and we can have fun and chitchat about things. It should be rather interesting."


    Endlessments scrolled by onscreen.


    "��It''s really him��Wow, so handsome��Teacher Zhang, hello. Teacher Zhang, goodbye��Time to start sending in the presents��Come on people,e and watch this quickly, the stream has started��This feels a little serious, it seems like Zhang Ye has really never watched or tried out a livestream before, haha��Sing us a song��Don''t be so serious, pump it up��The female streamers are giving it their all on their channels. Their necklines are plunging and they''re showing so much skin��Really? I''ll go and have a look��Old Zhang, do your best��Thedies are already starting to strip. If you don''t give it your all, you''re gonna lose��"


    The number of viewers in the channel was constantly increasing!


    500,000!


    1 million!


    2 million!


    It was getting really popr!


    XJ86 has sent an airne 1 .


    Xiaoguang77 has sent 999 stalks of roses.


    There were some donations sent in, but it wasn''t really that much. In real money, it was only about 70 or 80,000 yuan or so.


    Ha Qiqi, Little Wang, and the rest of the streaming site''s staff were all in another room. When they saw this, they started panicking a little. Based on the statistics, even though Himi, Hooo, and Sister Yiyi''s channels did not have as many viewers, their received donations had shot through the roof. The one with the most donations was Sister Yiyi, with two "whales" sending her donations worth a total value of 500,000 RMB. In just a short half hour, Sister Yiyi''s name was already at the top of the donations chart, followed by Hooo, then Himi, who had previously held off Chen Guang. Zhang Ye was only in fourth ce.


    An A-list celebrity.


    Yet he was held in fourth ce by a few streamers?


    This didn''t look too good on him!


    Zhang Ye looked at the camera and said with a smile, "Whoa, there are already so many viewers? This is my first time here and I don''t know what the standard practices are, so what should we do to kick things off?"


    The scrollingments ran by.


    "Sing a song��Right, sing us a song��Sing something for us��"


    When Zhang Ye saw that, he said, "Sing a line or two? Sure."


    Quite a few of the site''s own streamers also came to watch Zhang Ye on his channel. When they heard him say that, they didn''t know whether tough or cry. Sing? Sure enough, he was resorting to this. These mainstream celebrities who came onto the livestreaming site would either sing, or sing. They were simply too uninteresting. If this were a concert venue or the television station, with the stage and sound equipment they had, one could sing anything and it would sound good. But it wasn''t so for a livestream, and this wasn''t the kind of ce for singing either. What a stream needed was the pumping up of the atmosphere. It needed to be interactive and driven. He was indeed just an amateur as they thought!


    Some people were worried.


    Some people were gloating.


    But what followed utterly dumbfounded the viewers and site staff!


    They heard Zhang Ye say with a chuckle, "The atmosphere hasn''t warmed up yet. Well then, let me see. Alright, I think this tune should do the trick, let''s do it!"


    A stirring melody suddenly yed!


    A lot of people were stunned!


    What was this?


    A DJ tune?


    What are you nning to do?


    All of a sudden, Zhang Ye''s expression changed. He brought the microphone closer to him and stuck it right up against his mouth. To the music''s melody, he said loudly, "Ladies and gentlemen, peoplee and go. You can walk by or pass by, but you mustn''t miss out! If you''re rich, shower me with your money. If you aren''t, then stay around for the views. Those of you who like what you see, type 666 2 !"


    The beat kicked in!


    Zhang Ye started singing 3 .


    "Solo, I drank myself drunk. (Alone, when I was drunk,)


    "Seeing double in my bunk. (My life caught up in a funk.)


    "Our eyes are only for each other. (I see you and me as a couple.)


    "I just wanna return together. (Inebriated dreams, my vision''s tunneled.)


    "Honey, I caress the zither, (When our eyes meet)


    "For fun I go to Zizhulin. (All I want is to be together,)


    "I would walk a thousand miles to beseech the king; I''m just so lovestruck." (But my heart became weathered, swatted down and so much tethered.)


    Ha Qiqi was dumbfounded!


    Fan Wenli was dumbfounded!


    Chen Guang was dumbfounded!


    The site''s staff were dumbfounded!


    Everyone who was watching the stream was dumbfounded!


    What is this?


    Emceeing 4 !


    What the fuck!


    You even know how to rap?


    Zhang Ye was getting more and more into it.


    "Speak of you and I grin like a dork, (Your beauty''s love before pleasure,)


    "ying beautiful sounds. (I want to be with you forever!)


    "I was young and stupid, cocky and proud, acting like an orc! (I can''t imagine us, severed. My heart will follow you, wherever.)


    "Running from home, I forgot myself, (I''m in love with your face.)


    "No time to worry about breaking off love. (But I held back when you needed space.)


    "''Twas a tale told through the ages. (I''ve searched for you for a thousand miles.)


    "Just two years of fighting and grey-haired. (Sent you love letters and gifts, by the piles.)


    "Who''ll always fight by your side? (I was cocky, I was making no sense.)


    "Who''s along for the ride and who is tied? (I was too young, my heart was in defense.)


    "Who do I struggle all my life for? (A memory, I would like to dispense)


    "I shall love and hate my score!" (To get there, I will spare no expense)


    The scrollingments blew up!


    "��Damn!��6666666��This is too fucking awesome!��I admit defeat, I totally admit defeat��This is rap��Even a professional streamer wouldn''t be able to MC so well��Teacher Zhang can really connect well with the people��So cool��Fuckin'' A!��My mom''s asking me why I''m kneeling in front of the stream��I thought he''d be singing either a love song or a rock song��Ah, I''m so pumped��How exciting��So great��"


    A lot of people had the urge to sing along to the song and dance to it!


    The donations also exploded in a sh!


    100,000!


    200,000!


    500,000!


    On the donations chart, Zhang Ye was leading the way!


    The number of viewers watching the stream also jumped like crazy!


    3 million!


    3.5 million!


    4 million!


    5 million!


    ��


    Elsewhere.


    In Sister Yiyi''s channel.


    She was singing and dancing while saying, "So how is it? Do you guys like this dance of mine? Those who like it, please be generous with your donations. Help me maintain first ce and don''t let me drop down the chart. Eh? Where''s everyone gone to?" She suddenly realized that something was wrong and quickly sat back down in front of theputer to have a look. She was now only in second ce on the donations chart. Then she nced at the number of viewers who were watching her stream. It had dropped from 170,000 people to only 20,000. With so few people watching, was there any point in continuing to stream?


    What was going on?


    What the hell was going on here?


    She saw some of thements.


    "Sister Yiyi, I gotta go."


    "I need to leave the channel for a bit too."


    "Motherfucker, Zhang Ye is rapping!"


    "Quickly, go and have a look. I heard his channel has exploded!"


    "Let me see what Zhang Ye is up to on his channel first. I''lle back and donate to you after I''m done watching him."


    Himi''s channel.


    Himi was dumbfounded. "Where is everyone? Why did the number of viewers suddenly drop by so much? Where did everyone go? Is there a problem with thework? Then I''ll message an admin!"


    The viewers left her messages.


    "They''ve all gone to watch Zhang Ye''s livestream."


    "It''s blowing up over there!"


    "Zhang Ye has made a big move!"


    "Sister Himi, just stop streaming. There''s no one left."


    There really was no one around anymore!


    A channel with over 100,000 viewers was now watched by less than 10,000 viewers!


    These popr streamers were going crazy. Rapping? Go fuck yourself! That''s what we streamers are good at. What could someone like Zhang Ye know about it? How could it be possible!


    Himi stopped streaming!


    Hooo, Sister Yiyi, and a few other streamers also stopped streaming!


    They headed over to Zhang Ye''s channel in a rage to find out what was going on. The moment they went in, they heard that infectious DJ tune!


    They heard Zhang Ye''s emceeing.


    "Like mist, I''m ordinary.


    "This life, I have ambition.


    "To see your beautiful smile again, I have sworn this oath of tradition.


    "I''ll bloom among the flowers and vines.


    "Looking back, my song ends early.


    "I nce back at the sea and y a sad song of the jasmine.


    "The general fights outside of the nation,


    "Who''s still here the day I return?


    "Brothers talked up the liquid courage weight,


    "I''m looking for defeat on the battlefield!"


    At this moment, it felt as though the entire world had gone quiet!


    Hooo was left kneeling!


    Himi was left kneeling!


    Sister Yiyi was left kneeling!


    The streamers from Meihe TV and the other streaming sites who hade to watch were also left kneeling!


    Emceeing?


    You really fucking know how to emcee?


    And they''re even lyrics that we''ve never heard before?


    And you''re actually rapping much better than us?


    Your sister!


    Are you the Inte streamer or are we the Inte streamers here?


    Aren''t you being too fucking professional!

 Chapter 1274: Zhang Ye gives a monologue!

    <h4>Chapter 1274: Zhang Ye gives a monologue! </h4>


    Chapter 1274: Zhang Ye gives a monologue!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On Weibo.


    "Quickly go and watch!"


    "Zhang Ye is hrious!"


    "That guy is MCing!"


    "Those are totally new lyrics, I''m pissing my pantsughing!"


    "There were a few popr female streamers who wanted to steal his thunder, but after that rap, those streamers have all stopped streaming. There were no more viewers left in their channels!"


    "Are you serious?"


    "Damn, I wanna have a look!"


    "Here''s the URL,e and have a look, quick!"


    "Come quickly, there are already several million people in the channel!"


    "Haha, why did those female streamers think that they couldpete with Zhang Ye with just their abilities!"


    "Yeah, that Zhang Ye is well-known for crossing into other industries. Where has he not gone before? I''m not even surprised that he''s streaming and even MCed. But if it were other A-listers or the Heavenly Kings and Queens who MCed, I would definitely puke blood. That''s because the performance totally does not suit their statuses. Neither would they lower themselves to MC either. But Zhang Ye is different. He has performed ''I Feel So Drained,'' ''Nonsense Has Its Nonsense Logic,'' and performededic crosstalks as well. Ever since his debut, he has been so terrible. It even feels really right that he should be MCing now. This is too funny. Of all those in the entertainment industry, I like how shameless Zhang Ye can get! There''s nothing too vulgar or too elegant that he won''t do!"


    What was emceeing?


    It was a form of rapping that was used to host and pump things up. It wasn''t exactly music, but could be considered a special form of rapping. Its style consisted ofmercial emceeing, bar emceeing, etc.


    An A-list celebrity was actually emceeing!


    So who wouldn''t want toe and watch?


    The number of viewers in Zhang Ye''s channel kept soaring!


    ��


    Meihe TV.


    In Streaming Studio #1.


    The music stopped.


    Zhang Ye had sung his fill of the song and was very pleased with it. In the past, when he was in his previous world, whenever he watched streamers emceeing with great enthusiasm, Zhang Ye had always wanted to give it a try. But there wasn''t an opportunity to do so then, so he never expected to fulfill his dream in this world. Perhaps this was the charm of a livestreaming site, as there weren''t too many restrictions or concerns about such things. Anyone could say whatever they liked and sing whatever they wanted. And today, Zhang Ye had brought out a simply amazing song. This was a rap song called "Drunk and Alone." It was a very famous rap song from his previous world, and any streamer could immediately sing a few lines of it whenever it was yed. Regardless of its artistic value, it was always fun listening to it.


    Zhang Ye said to the camera with a grin, "Well? How was it?"


    Countless replies followed.


    "That was awesome!"


    "66666!"


    "We''re all kneeling to it!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you''re so bad. Those female streamers'' streams have been totally swept away by you!"


    "Hahaha, everyone hase over to this channel."


    Zhang Ye picked up a nearby bottle of water and gulped some of it down. He screwed on the cap and put it to the side, then smiled and said, "There are more people watching now, and the atmosphere has warmed up too. This is pretty nice. Let''s have fun today and not care so much about the rules. I''m usually not allowed to say too many things on TV shows, but I think it matters less now that we''re here. I''ll do anything that you guys might like, so we can all have a goodugh and go back to work happy tomorrow. Isn''t that what we artists are valued for?"


    Thements below:


    "Right!"


    "Well said!"


    "Being happy is more important than anything else!"


    "Teacher Zhang, I love you!"


    "Zhang Ye, show us some more songs that we''ve never heard!"


    "Right, sing something we don''t know!"


    The most outstanding feature of an Inte livestream was its interactivity.


    Zhang Ye also understood this truth. Heughed and said, "How about something a little different? There''s only so many songs that I know, and you''ve probably heard and seen most of them. So let me think for a little bit." With a pause, he said, "How about this? I''ll perform a crosstalk for you all. You''ve all watched my crosstalks with Old Yao before, and also heard that musical crosstalk from a few days ago. But I don''t think anyone has ever seen me give a monologue 1 before, right?"


    Everyone was taken back and suddenly became very excited!


    "Wow!"


    "I''ve never heard that before!"


    "You even know how to monologue?"


    "I thought you only knew how to do a crosstalk!"


    "Bring it on! Bring it on now!"


    "I''m really looking forward to it!"


    "Everyone,e quickly. This Zhang fe is going to monologue!"


    "Let''s donate in encouragement!"


    A monologue?


    Even Ha Qiqi and the others who were in another room were starting to look forward to this, much less anyone else. They''d never heard Zhang Ye do stand-up before. Becausepared to crosstalk, a monologue was much more difficult to perform. And its difficulty wasn''t just a matter of being twice or thrice more difficult, but several times harder. There would be someone else supporting you as the fall guy in crosstalk, but you could only depend on your own mouth in stand-upedy. The format of the dialogue would also have to be much more coherent andplete as a result. In this world''s crosstalk scene, of the remaining active crosstalk actors, there were really not too many who could put on a good monologue routine.


    It went quiet.


    Everyone was listening attentively.


    Zhang Ye cleared his throat as his entire aura changed. It felt totally different from when he was emceeing earlier as he said in a calm manner, "Let me tell everyone about something that happened during my childhood. Don''t judge me based on what I am now. In actual fact, I was never exactly talented at performing crosstalk when I was young. Instead, I was rather stupid when I was young. These days, the children''s childhoods are much happier than in the past. Before they can even speak a word of Mandarin, they''ve already been enrolled in English sses."


    Ha Qiqiughed, "Pfft!"


    Little Wangughed loudly. "He''s going to insult the Englishnguage again!"


    The people watching the live stream were alsoughing. Just how badly did Teacher Zhang do in English ss when he was in school? Was his hatred for it so deep that he had to hurl an insult at it whenever possible?!


    Zhang Ye continued, "And they have so many things that they can y with too. What kinds of toys do kids these days not have? They''re always carrying around electronics likeputers, cell phones, video games, and stun batons��oh, that''s not supposed to be yed with. When I was young, I had an electric gate at home and my father wouldn''t let me touch it."


    "Hahahaha!"


    "As if he would let you touch it!"


    "A stun baton?"


    "Pfft!"


    Everyone started ridiculing in real time!


    Zhang Ye shrugged and said, "Kids these days even own MP8 2 devices while I had nothing back in my day. I even got called out by my teacher during ss. I wasn''t listening in ss one day when the teacher was teaching and was instead whispering to my friends. Then, our teacher punished me and said, ''Zhang Ye! Stand up! Loudly repeat what you said just now 20 times!''" Zhang Ye sighed and said, "I didn''t dare not say it, so I stood and recited, ''There''s a veggie stuck in teacher''s teeth, there''s a veggie stuck in teacher''s teeth, there''s a veggie stuck in teacher''s teeth''��The teacher turn green with anger and quickly said, ''That''s enough, sit down and listen to ss.''"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo!"


    Ha Qiqi held her belly andughed loudly!


    Little Wang couldn''t take it anymore either!


    Zhang Ye said, "During recess, after we had yed every game we could think of, the ss monitor organized a friendlypetition for us to see who could stick their heads into the ssroom desks." Pausing, he said, "I was pretty good at it and managed to stick my head in one." Then, with another pause, he went on, "But I couldn''t get it out after that."


    "Hahaha!"


    "You deserve it!"


    Zhang Ye said, "So they called my dad over to send me to the hospital. But the janitor wouldn''t let me go. He said that the desk was public property and that I had to get it off before I could go. My dad said if he could get it off me, we wouldn''t have to go to the hospital."


    "Hahaha!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye said, "The doctors these days are really responsible to their patients. When we were young, the doctors would fool us and say that they would need to amputate me from the neck down. My dad said, ''Beheading has been abolished for a long time,'' as he pulled me away and ran off. Then we decided to return home. But as I couldn''t get onto public transportation, I had to walk home with the desk on my head. 100% of the people who saw me couldn''t help but turn their heads, wondering just which branch of the military I belonged to."


    "Military?"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "You should be called the Desk-man!"


    Zhang Ye said, "We had a neighbor who was a carpenter and he said that we could saw the desk apart. But my dad thought that maybe it wasn''t such a good idea��the school was still holding on to the deposit. He said, ''It''s not so bad to bring the desk around. It''s much more convenient for him to do his homework this way.'' But with my head stuck inside and unable to see anything, how could I do any homework? Finally after three days, I slimmed down and managed to extract myself."


    "Pfft!"


    "Do you have nothing better to do!"


    "I''m cramping up fromughing!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Children these days can watch so many meaningful shows, like crosstalk, puppet shows, dramas, musicals��while we all only had a few shows to watch, and they were even presented by the district amateur troupe. I watched ''The Taking of the Wudang Mountains'' when I was young. In the scene where Zhao Haifeng was going to execute Chen Gui with his gun, one of his hands was pressed down on Chen Gui, while the other one held the gun. Following a gesture from Haifeng, the props master backstage would bring up the hammer and smash it for the sound effect. Bang! Chen Gui would then y dead. The performance that day was staged in the yground and it happened to rain. The sound effects prop got wet and when Zhao Haifeng did the gesture, the gun didn''t ''fire.'' We students were all stunned, but the teacher told us, ''Uncle Zhao Haifeng''s gun has a silencer on it.''"


    "A silencer?"


    "Were there silencers in that era?"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    Some changes had been made to the content.


    "The Taking of the Wudang Mountains" was a very famous show in this world.


    Zhang Ye said, "But as Chen Gui did not hear the sound effect, he didn''t y dead. Zhao Haifeng continued acting and said, ''On behalf of the people''��there was no sound, the prop was still wet. ''On behalf of the people''��still no sound, it was still a wet prop. Zhao Haifeng was panicking by now. ''I''m out of bullets? On behalf of the people, I-I''ll strangle you to death!''"


    "Strangle?"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "How could he strangle him to death!"


    "Aiyo, I''m dying ofughter!"


    Zhang Ye said, "With this strangling happening, I stood up and said, ''Uncle Zhao Haifeng has such strong hands!''"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Who cares if his hands are strong!"


    Thisedy made many people stagger inughter!


    The insults and praises kept scrolling past, one after another!


    Everyone found this very interesting and refreshing. They had heard many monologues before, but never had theye across this style ofedy Zhang Ye had done today!


    Only Zhang knew what it was.


    This was called the Qingmen Style of crosstalk.


    This routine was an excerpt from Fang Qingping''s crosstalk back in Zhang Ye''s previous world. It was titled "A Blissful Childhood." Zhang Ye had always liked it a lot and thought that he might as well bring it out today. Actually, there were many other monologues that he could have done, like Master Ma Sanli''s and Master Liu Baorui''s performances. But as their works hadn''t aged well and contained a greater sense of artistry and story, it wasn''t too suitable for the mood. As such, Zhang Ye thought of Fang Qingping''s routine after much consideration as he found it to be the most apt for the stream.


    After the monologue finished.


    It became even rowdier in the channel.


    No, it wasn''t enough to describe it as just rowdy!


    The number of viewers in the channel soared as dozens of whales appeared!


    XXX has sent you an airne!


    XXX has sent you 10,000 lollipops!


    XXX has sent you 10 aircraft carriers!


    The number of viewers exploded!


    The donations kept rolling in!


    There wasughter all around in the channel!

 Chapter 1275: Zhang Ye streams a game!

    <h4>Chapter 1275: Zhang Ye streams a game! </h4>


    Chapter 1275: Zhang Ye streams a game!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the Meihe TV streamer''s chat group.


    Quite a few streamers had already admitted defeat.


    "Zhang Ye is too good at this!"


    "Sister Yiyi, are we still going to stream?"


    "What''s there left to stream for? We can''t evenpete!"


    "Hai, everyone, let''s just wash up and go to sleep."


    "All of the streams on Meihe are not active since no one''s watching!"


    "It''s not only Meihe TV, just go and have a look at the other streaming sites. How many of them are even streaming anymore? There are no viewers left. They''ve alle over to watch Zhang Ye!"


    "Is this how popr an A-list celebrity really is? There''s nopetition at all."


    "It''s not because he''s an A-list celebrity, it''s because he is Zhang Ye!"


    "Yeah, there were also other A-list celebrities who streamed before. Even a man as handsome as Sect Leader Huo couldn''t hold it together and take control. He was purely depending on his looks. But Zhang Ye is clearly different in this aspect. He can sing, MC, chat, and even doedy. He''s just too skilled in too many areas and has so many talents to speak of that if he were to just toss any single skill out, it would still be able to impress everyone. So how can we challenge someone like that? inly speaking, our abilities are still toocking. Evenbining our forces would not make us a match for him."


    ��


    In the Celebrity Goof Group.


    Fan Wenli: "Zhang Ye is amazing!"


    Chen Guang: "Hahahaha, I''mughing like crazy!"


    Huo Dongfang: "You guys are watching it too? This monologue is really interesting."


    Zhang Xia: "Little Zhang is still that Little Zhang we know."


    Ning Lan: "Grandma Zhang, even you''re watching?"


    Zhang Xia: "Yes, I''m trying to catch up with the times too by watching the livestream."


    Xiaodong: "Doing this so effortlessly shows that his skills are real. In our group, there are quite a few people who have taken part in streaming. But which of us has done better than Teacher Zhang has?"


    Li Xiaoxian: "Teacher Zhang is the kind of person who can mingle with his fans easily. He knows what the people like during different asions and is willing to lower himself to do those things for them. Although it''s very simple to say this, it''s really difficult to carry it out. Just on status alone, who is willing to lower themselves a level the way he does? This is why I''ve always respected Teacher Zhang a lot."


    ��


    On the livestreaming channel.


    The stream was still going.


    The chat had blown up long ago. There were a couple hundredmentsing up each second!


    "I''m convinced by this monologue!"


    "Awesome!"


    "That was so funny!"


    "In the past, I really didn''t know that Zhang Ye had such great skill!"


    "Performing stand-up? I have to give it to Zhang Ye!"


    "I recorded the stream. Those who want the video cane and look for meter!"


    Zhang Ye looked at the chat and said, "If I may put it bluntly, everyone is being too supportive of me. I''m not that great, I''m just trying to get augh out of everyone. Let me check the time." He looked at his watch and said, "Whoa, I''ve streamed for more than 30 minutes already? The organizers asked me to try to keep the stream to no more than one hour, but I guess they must have underestimated me. It wasn''t easy to meet all of you over this tform, so how could an hour be enough? Do you guys still want to watch?"


    The chat blew up!


    "Damn, of course we do!"


    "Yes, of course!"


    "We have to keep watching!"


    "Don''t stop, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Continue streaming!"


    "Fucking do it! For the next two hours!"


    "Zhang Ye, are you willing to stream for the next three hours? If you are, I''ll send some donations your way!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Why would I not be? If you guys really wish to watch and don''t mind skipping dinner, I''ll broadcast from this afternoon until tonight for everyone, let alone just three hours!"


    "Great!"


    "Beautiful!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "I like this spontaneity of yours!"


    "I love how you pull no punches over such things!"


    "How conscientious of you!"


    "Hehe, the organizers are gonna make a killing this time. Zhang Ye is indeed too conscientious about things. As long as he takes a payment, he''ll surely rake in returns two to three times that of his employer. There is really no other celebrity in the entertainment industry who behaves so professionally! In our Beijing dialect, this is called ''fair and just''!"


    Zhang Ye took another sip of water to wet his throat. It was pretty fun and refreshing for his first experience in livestreaming. "I''ve already sung and said enough, so what shall we do next?"


    "How about a game?"


    "Yeah, stream a game for us!"


    "Haha, Old Zhang, are you up for that?"


    "Gaming streams are the hottest thing right now!"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Streaming a game? Why are you alling up with such rotten ideas for me, hur hur. I don''t usually y games. nts vs. Zombies? That I still know how to y since it''s a game I made. But it''s not exactly a game suited for streaming, is it? Are you all really serious about me streaming a game?" Thinking for a bit, he said with a smile, "Then how about this? When we talk about games, the only other game I know is Go. Why don''t I stream Go instead?"


    Go?


    Everyone became excited when they heard that!


    "That''s good!"


    "That''ll be great!"


    "Teacher Zhang is the world number one in Go!"


    "Go it shall be! Stream Go for us!"


    "Let Zhang Ye bring us along and soar into the skies 1 !"


    "Hahaha, I''m so looking forward to seeing Zhang Ye demolish the other yers!"


    "There''s no point in watching him demolish amateurs, it has to be the destruction of professional Go yers!"


    "Yes, yes, yes, take on a professional Go yer!"


    "Pfft, I''m already getting so excited!"


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "You guys really just wanna watch the world burn, huh? So, do you really want me to y it? Well, alright then. Let me log on to my ount and switch screens to myputer."


    He logged on.


    And went onto the Online Go Server.


    After some simple controls, theputer''s desktop was disyed on the stream. Everyone could clearly see Zhang Ye moving the mouse around, and of course, the webcam had been brought down to a corner of the screen.


    The number of viewers soared again!


    More and more onlookers had gathered to watch!


    Zhang Ye was moving the mouse and slowly looking for an opponent, muttering to himself, "Let me see��it has to be a professional Go yer too? Are there going to be any teachers from China Qiyuan who are online at this time? Let me see if there''s anyone that I know. Eh, there''s someone in this room. It''s Li Yi 9-dan. So be it, let''s y him."


    Thements scrolled by.


    "��Hahahaha��Beautiful��Li Yi 9-dan is a GM��Do you guys understand Go?��I can understand it��I don''t, but why do we have to understand it to enjoy this? We''re just here to watch Zhang Ye demolish someone��Pfft, well said, that''s exactly it��Come, let''s ride along with Zhang Ye!��"


    The few million viewers were grinning at their screens.


    Zhang Ye clicked on the room to enter but was met with a password request. "Eh? There''s a password? I''m not allowed to enter? Hur hur, I suppose the password is still the same one that they''ve always been using. This is amon password that the China Qiyuan people always use. It''s just to prevent random people from getting in, but all the professional Go yers know what it is. This won''t be helpful in stopping me, let me give it a try��" He tapped a few keys and entered the password string. "Heh, I''m in."


    More messages appeared.


    "6666666666!"


    "Well done!"


    "Haha, beautiful!"


    Everyone hooted.


    Li Yi 9-dan seemed to have just finished a game and might have been waiting to y someone else. In any case, his status was lit up and active.


    Zhang Ye typed: "Let''s have a game!"


    On the stream, everyone could see Zhang Ye''s screen.


    Li Yi 9-dan immediately replied: "Go away!"


    Zhang Ye snorted. "Why?"


    Li Yi 9-dan: "Go find someone else, I''m not ying you."


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    A dialog box popped up: "You''ve been kicked by Li Yi."


    Zhang Ye did not know whether tough or cry.


    The people in the channel wereughing like crazy.


    "��This is so amusing��Zhang Ye has been ostracized��Beautiful, that was a good kick��Hahahahaha, can it not be this funny?��Teacher Zhang, your social rtions are really poor��This is just delightful to watch��Zhang Ye has humiliatingly been rejected��Pfft, even Li Yi 9-dan is trying to keep his distance from him��"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "I''ll look for someone else. I don''t believe this is happening." As he said that, he spotted another familiar name. "Tian Weiwei is around, he''s the future hope of the Chinese Go world. Let''s do it!"


    It was another password protected room.


    Zhang Ye input the password and entered.


    Zhang Ye: "Little Tian, let''s have a game!"


    Tian Weiwei was stunned. "Lord Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye said impatiently: "Gogogo!"


    Tian Weiwei suddenly said: "Ah, I suddenly have a stomach ache, I need to go offline."


    The dialog box disyed: "You''re now the room administrator."


    Zhang Ye stared, eyes wide. "What?! Why did he go offline?"


    The people in the channelughed even harder!


    "��Ahhahahaha��My tears are falling��Does it have to be this funny?��With Teacher Zhang''s reputation, no one dares to y with him ��How lonely it is to be invincible��Teacher Zhang, can you do it or not?��This is too funny��"


    This was so embarrassing for Zhang Ye!


    He sneered and snorted. "I don''t believe this. Chat, which of you have an ount on the Online Go Server? Lend it to me and I''ll go on as an alt!"


    "I have one!"


    "Use mine!"


    "Get lost, use mine instead!"


    More than 300 people sent over their ount details!


    Some were sent over privately, while some posted it directly into the chat. They were totally not bothered that their ount details would get stolen by the others, because they couldn''t wait any longer to see Zhang Ye posture in a game!


    Zhang Ye randomly picked an ount and logged in using the details of a rather average ranked ount. He again browsed through the list looking for someone to y. Finally, he spotted a familiar name!


    Chen Ying 8-dan 2 !


    The goddess of the Go world!


    A famous professional Go yer!


    The herd of hungry viewers in the channel got very excited:


    "��Goddess Chen Ying��My idol��She''s the only person I like in the Go world��She''s such a fucking beauty��Teacher Zhang, you can do it!��Get her!��Surprise Chen Ying 8-dan!��Hahahaha��"


    Zhang Ye entered the password and went into the room.


    Chen Ying had clearly just logged on and hadn''t even warmed her seat yet.


    From her side, Chen Ying typed: "Who is this?"


    Zhang Ye showily typed out: "I would like to seek a practice game from Teacher Chen."


    Chen Ying: "Only a professional Go yer would know the password to this room. I''ve never seen your name before, are you new?"


    Zhang Ye replied: "Yes, yes I am."


    "Well, alright then, let''s have a game."


    "Please guide me."


    "Shall I give you a 2-stone handicap?"


    "No, there''s no need. Let''s y a trial game first."


    "OK, I can check on your skill level at the same time that way."


    The scrollingments erupted.


    "��What a showoff!��Teacher Zhang is so amusing��Hahahaha, he''s a fucking scammer��Handicap? This will be a tragedy for Chen Ying 8-dan��Hurry up and start the game already!�� I can''t wait anymore��I''ll give him a perfect score for bluffing so well!��"


    The match began!


    Zhang Ye went second with the white stones.


    Chen Ying ced the first stone on the board.


    Zhang Ye made his move in response, speaking to the camera as he yed, "Teacher Chen Ying is perhaps the most skilled female professional Go yer in our country, or even in the entire world. She is also the strongest female yer in the game, so maybe some of you might not be able to understand these few moves that she made, right? Then let me exin it simply. Chen Ying''s y style is very steady but not easily predictable at all. Look at this knight''s move over here, it was so beautifully yed. Most people would probably choose to y in response over here, but that would mean that they fell into the trap and would get dragged back by the opponent. That''s why I ced my stone over here. Look, Chen Ying has now been made to consider her next move as she is finding this to be a rather difficult move to y against."


    He was streaming.


    Andmentating.


    As well as helping to spread interest in Go.


    Zhang Ye was exuding professionalism as a pro gaming streamer!


    Other than professionalism, it was still professionalism!


    He spoke professionally, and yed even more professionally!


    When had anyone had the chance to see the number one Go yer in the world y andmentate on Go in such a way? For many of the Go enthusiasts watching, it was like they had discovered a treasure trove, and it felt like they had gained a lot of additional knowledge as well!


    After a dozen-odd moves!


    Chen Ying began slowing down in her y!


    But Zhang Ye went faster and faster. "Look here, I yed a lethal move against Chen Ying 8-dan, although it isn''t exactly fatal. But she is still going to be very troubled by this. If she ys a bump here, I will counter with a stretch. If she makes a stand, then I will y a variation in the corner. It has already been five minutes and Chen Ying 8-dan is still thinking."


    Suddenly, his opponent said something.


    Chen Ying 8-dan sent three words: "You''re Zhang Ye?"


    Zhang Ye panicked and said to the camera, "Looks like I got recognized, but do you think that I will admit it? No!"


    He immediately replied: "I am not!"


    Everyone in the live streaming channel wasughing like crazy!


    But Chen Ying sent an enraged emoji. "No? Your sister! It''s not even 20 moves since the game has started but I''m already left without a chance of counterattacking right from the beginning. I am ying the ck stones and going first, alright? In the entire Go world, who else can achieve something like this other than you?"


    Zhang Ye carried on pretending: "Teacher Chen, what are you talking about?"


    Chen Ying sent three exmation marks: "!!! Get lost! It''s definitely you!"


    A dialog box popped up: "Chen Ying has resigned from the game. You win."


    Chen Ying: "Your standard of y is too high. I have no chance of learning anything by ying against you. I''m leaving now, you can continue scamming the other yers in here. Just don''t look for me!"


    Chen Ying ran off!


    Another one had gone!


    Everyone in the channel was rolling on the floorughing!

 Chapter 1276: Zhang Ye wreaks havoc on the Korean server!

    <h4>Chapter 1276: Zhang Ye wreaks havoc on the Korean server! </h4>


    Chapter 1276: Zhang Ye wreaks havoc on the Korean server!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the live streaming channel.


    A crazy amount ofments scrolled past the screen.


    "��You got recognized so quickly!��Hahaha, I nearly fainted fromughter��There''s no one left for you to y��Just look at you, there isn''t even a person who wants to y you��Even Chen Ying 8-dan has run off too, pfft��Aiyo, this is so amusing and funny��You''ve already been recognized yet you''re still not admitting it. Teacher Zhang, why don''t you have the air of a master at all?��Hahahaha��You''re really too shameless, but I like that��Aiyo, this is the first time I''mughing so hard at a gaming stream��Continue doing this, Teacher Zhang��When ites to shamelessness, I will only take my hat off to you��"


    Zhang Ye was also feeling somewhat helpless at this. He looked into the camera and threw his hands in the air. "There''s nothing I can do about it if they don''t wish to y against me. I probably yed too many times against those professional yers from the Qiyuan, so they''ve already gotten used to my ystyle and can recognize me very easily. Hai, what can I do about it?"


    The few million viewers started suggesting ideas.


    "Go to an overseas server��Yeah, head to the Korean server��That''s a great idea��Hahahaha, you guys are too wicked��Lord Zhang, let''s use our alts and head over to the Korean server. Your reputation as a Professional Korean Insulter is not for nothing��Yeah, we''ve never seen you y against a foreign Go yer before��Hurry, hurry��I can''t wait to see this��Let''s flood the Korean server��Gogogo��Attack the Korean server��"


    Countless people werementing furiously!


    All of them were moring for a game on the Korean server!


    And there didn''t even seem to be too many voices of objection with almost everyone agreeing emphatically!


    Zhang Ye was encouraged by this. "You guys really just want to watch the world burn, eh? The Korean server? Alright, my brothers! Let''s go and y them all!"


    ��


    On Weibo, it suddenly descended into chaos.


    "Come and quickly see this!"


    "Zhang Ye is ying Go!"


    "He''s about to head over to the Korean server!"


    "Where''s everyone at? If youe toote, there won''t be anything left to watch!"


    "Ah? Really?"


    "I''ll be right over!"


    "Damn, now this I have to watch!"


    "What? He''s going for such a big y? Well done! I''ming too!"


    "Everyone, please spread the word! This is an event that won''t happen for another 10,000 years. If you miss this one, you won''t be able to see it ever again. Brothers, hurry!"


    "Comedian Zhang is going for the kill!"


    ��


    The number of viewers in the channel was soaring for the umpteenth time!


    6 million!


    7 million!


    8 million!


    This didn''t only break Meihe TV''s viewership record, it also broke the record of all the live streaming sites in the country. Even the one time a Heavenly King streamed for his first time, he only attracted about 7 or 8 million viewers. Further, from the looks of it, the number of people watching Zhang Ye''s stream was still probably going to increase? It could still get higher? This was simply unbelievable! No one could have expected Zhang Ye''s first livestream to be so popr!


    Even Meihe TV''s CEO was feeling a little guilty.


    In the CEO''s office.


    Meihe''s CEO was watching the constant increase in viewership numbers. He was wiping his sweat away as he quickly summoned his secretary and said, "Little Qi, go and tell IT to stop boosting the numbers. Don''t overdo it. Isn''t 5 million viewers a good enough number? Why did they boost it further to 8 million viewers? This statistic is so exaggerated that it might end up bing a joke in the industry."


    That secretary said in surprise, "But boss, IT did not boost up the numbers."


    The CEO said in amusement, "Save it, how could there be so many viewers if the numbers weren''t faked? Do you think that those Heavenly Kings and A-listers who came over back then really had several million viewers watching them? Bullshit! If the real numbers could ount for one-third of the supposed viewers, it would already be very good! All of those statistics were boosted internally!"


    The secretary hurriedly said, "Boss, IT really did not do anything. I was there all this while. If you don''t believe it, you can go and have a look for yourself. There isn''t any time to boost the numbers at all. Everyone is so busy right now trying to keep the servers running. The channel already has over 8 million people watching, do you know how strained our server andwork has be?!"


    "What?"


    "It''s real!"


    "Those 8 million viewers are all real people?"


    "They''re all real people!"


    "Holy fuck!"


    The boss was so shocked that he let out a curse!


    ��


    In the livestreaming channel.


    On the Korean server of the Online Go Server.


    Zhang Ye wasn''t aware of what was going on in the outside world as he was currently leading a horde of people who wanted to watch the world burn. The interface of the Korean server was basically the same as the Chinese server, with the same settings and controls. Except the text was in Korean, but that wasn''t much of a difficulty as there were several million people watching the livestream. Even if you wanted to find someone who could understand eight nationalnguages, it wouldn''t be difficult at all, much less someone who could understand Korean. There would surely be some kind souls or students studying abroad who were willing to real-time trante for him!


    "��Click on that. Yes, yes��That''s the professional Go yers zone, but your ount rank is not high enough, so you can only watch, not enter the match room��Unless a professional Go yer invites you to a match or challenges you��That won''t work, we''re on an alt ount, they wouldn''t bother with us for sure��Aiya, what do we do then?��I can''t wait anymore, hahahaha��Everyone, try to think of something��Or why don''t we look for a challenger��Right, let''s look for someone to challenge��"


    Rank restriction.


    Password restriction.


    Zhang Ye clicked around for a long time but could not find anyone to y, with most of the rooms being inessible to him.


    So Zhang Ye listened to the advice of the viewers and said, "Alright, I''ll look for someone to y. Can someone trante ''Are there any professional Go yers who dare to exchange a few moves with me?''"


    More than a dozen trantors immediately typed it out into chat!


    The Korean trantion of the question he wanted to ask was already here!


    Zhang Ye alsoughed and said, "Look, just look at this everyone. The pros are all amongst themon folk. There''s still a lot of talented people in China. Alright, I''m gonna copy and paste this in!"


    He "shouted" into the public chat!


    In Korean: "Are there any professional Go yers who dare to exchange a few moves with me!"


    In Korean: "Are there any professional Go yers who dare to exchange a few moves with me!"


    He spammed over a dozen of the same message!


    However, everyone ignored him!


    Quite a lot of the Koreans evenughed at it.


    "Who''s this?"


    "How arrogant!"


    "A professional Go yer doesn''t have time to y you!"


    "What an idiot!"


    "You''re second-rate!"


    Of course, these Korean replies were all tranted back into Chinese for Zhang Ye. He couldn''t be sure whether these viewers had added any of their own words and exaggerated what was being said!


    You''re second-rate?


    Did Koreans speak in such a way?


    I''ve never studied much, so don''t try and trick me!


    "��Hahahaha��Teacher Zhang is getting looked down upon��Teacher Zhang, how can you bear this? Ah? Even if you can bear it, I can''t!��Get them, Lord Zhang��Lord Zhang, don''t be afraid��No one wants to y you��Hur hur, no one even knows who you are. Lord Zhang, how can you take this lying down��"


    Chat wasughing at and booing him!


    Zhang Ye also found it a little embarrassing and couldn''t help but feel annoyed.


    Ignoring me?


    No one wants to challenge me?


    I don''t believe this!


    Zhang Ye immediately found someone to trante another sentence for him and sent it out!


    "The XX Sea belongs to China, challenge me if you disagree!"


    "The XX Sea belongs to China, challenge me if you disagree!"


    In this world, China and many of its neighboring countries also had territorial disputes over the seas and political conflicts. It was also a simr case regarding Korea and both countries had been arguing over such matters for many years.


    The people on the Korean server sneered.


    "Who is this person!"


    "A Chinese?"


    "Ignore him, let him shout all he wants."


    "Everyone knows that the XX Sea belongs to us!"


    "If your fishing boats intrude into our waters, we will definitely arrest them!"


    When some of the Korean professional Go yers saw these ims, they just took it in stride andughed it off. They couldn''t be bothered to get into a worthless argument with him as it would be meaningless.


    But would Zhang Ye give up just like that?


    Still ignoring me?


    No one wants to step forward to challenge me?


    In the end, Zhang Ye sent out some stunning ims and spammed thirty lines of it!


    "Seoul belongs to China, challenge me if you disagree!"


    "Seoul belongs to China, challenge me if you disagree!"


    "Seoul belongs to China, challenge me if you disagree!"


    The several million viewers in the channel erupted intoughter!


    There were indeed some controversies between China and Korea!


    But Seoul?


    That is their capital, brother!


    But it proved to be effective!


    The Korean server exploded!


    "Fuck!"


    "Get him!"


    "We cannot take this lying down!"


    "Motherfucker, get him!"


    "Seoul belongs to you? Why don''t you im that Busan is yours too!"


    As a result, Zhang Ye spammed another im: "Busan belongs to us too, challenge me if you disagree!"


    The people watching the stream in China were bursting into madughter!


    "��Aiyo, I can''t take this anymore. I really can''t take it anymore��Teacher Zhang, why are you such a joker?��There''s really no one like you around��This fe really knows how to rile people up��"


    The people on the Korean server burst into an uproar and took it up with him!


    "Are you provoking us!"


    "This is pushing it too far!"


    "I''ll challenge him!"


    "I''ll do it!"


    "Let me do it!"


    Many of the Korean professional Go yers also came out of their slumber in rage!


    Message:


    Li Shinchi has sent you a challenge!


    Song Jeonha has sent you a challenge!


    Jeong Wonhwan has sent you a challenge!


    A total of 200 challenges were received!


    Zhang Ye smiled.


    Look, they''re all here now, aren''t they?


    He wasn''t too familiar with the Korean Go world but had still heard of a few of their names. Like Li Shinchi 8-dan, he was one of the top 30 ranked yers in the world of international Go!


    It shall be you then!


    He clicked and epted the challenged!


    At the next moment, Zhang Ye''s ount was taken into Li Shinchi''s room by the program!


    Li Shinchi 8-dan typed with a sneer: "Don''t say that I am bullying you! I''ll let you have a five-stone handicap! And make you scram from here the way you arrived!"


    Someone tranted it for Zhang Ye.


    The spectators were already ready with their melon seeds and popcorn!


    Zhang Ye replied: "Five stones?"


    Li Shinchi said: "Yes! I''ll give you a five-stone handicap!"


    Zhang Ye immediately replied: "Alright, thank you."


    Theizens watching the livestream were in stitches!


    The scrollingments galloped past.


    "��Shameless! I''ve never seen someone as shameless as Zhang Ye��Five-stone handicap? Do you mean that you''re giving your opponent that handicap instead?��Aiyo, Teacher Zhang, that''s really enough. I''m dyingughing��Are you really serious? Where''s your ir as the top yer in the world?��You''re letting Li Shinchi give you a five-stone handicap? Teacher Zhang, can you get any more shameless than this?��Hahahaha��Li Shinchi will be crying soon��If he finds out who he is facing, he''ll definitely be in tears��Can''t me him, it''s Zhang Ye who is too mean��That''s right, this fellow really knows how to seize an opportunity to mess with others��This is gonna be interesting��"

 Chapter 1277: Sweeping the server!

    <h4>Chapter 1277: Sweeping the server! </h4>


    Chapter 1277: Sweeping the server!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the Korean server.


    The local users were all in a frenzy!


    The number of spectators exploded as close to half of those users online entered the room to watch.


    "A professional yer has issued a challenge!"


    "Great, it''s Li Shinchi 8-dan!"


    "This feels a bit like using a cannon to kill a mosquito, doesn''t it?"


    "Haha, that''s why it will be good. Let the Chinese have a taste of how good we are!"


    "How dare hee to the Korean server to provoke us? Who does he think he is!"


    "Teacher Li Shinchi is giving him a five-stone handicap?"


    "Yes, give him a face-smacking game. Even with a ten-stone handicap, we would win!"


    "An amateur like this will be defeated even if they had a 20-stone handicap!"


    "Wow, there are so many people in the room? There are even other professional Go yers watching?"


    "Hehe, that Chinese yer should be getting such a fright seeing so many of us!"


    "That''s possible, he must not have seen such a grand turnout before, haha!"


    They all were talking andughing, waiting to see how the Chinese yer would make a fool of himself. But unbeknownst to those on the Korean server, the people on the other side were even more excited than they were. In fact, they were more than 100 times more excited than them!


    The match began!


    Li Shinchi chose to y a blitz game.


    A blitz game''s rules were not fixed and would differ slightly in every country, with the different tournaments also taking a different stance on the rules regarding it. The general consensus was 30 seconds per move with 10 moves allowed to take up to a total of 10 minutes of thinking time in the game. It was a battle of decisiveness without much thinking time, so ying such a style would demand a lot of the yer''s skill. In the Korean Go world, although Li Shinchi was not considered one of the top three yers, he was still regarded as one of the top in the game of speed with very few opponents who could match him at a blitz game. In the Chinese Go world, there were also not that many professional Go yers who specialized in blitz. Xiang Rong 9-dan was unable to do it, and neither could Li Yi 9-dan.


    Zhang Ye smiled.


    A blitz game?


    That was just what I wanted as well!


    The five handicap stones were ced on the board.


    Li Shinchi began by cing a stone on the game board.


    Zhang Ye followed in response.


    Li Shinchi sneered and ced another stone.


    Zhang Ye did not even think and just replied, speaking at the camera as he did so, "Some of you might not know, so let me tell you all about it. This person ying me is Li Shinchi, which I believe some viewers have already tranted and mentioned in thements. He is considered one of the top few experts in the Korean Go scene, and from the looks of it, his blitz game is even better. Looking at this move here, although the stone was ced fast, it''s position was still very well thought out. It''s a good move. But he might not know this: I am also very good at blitz. I don''t believe that anyone has ever seen me y blitz, right? Alright then, let me show it to you all today!"


    Everyone in the channel wasughing like crazy.


    "��Teacher Zhang, can you stop bragging already?��Hahahaha��Your opponent has already given you a five-stone handicap, what are you still bragging about?��Finish him!��Go Lord Zhang!��Stop bragging already, quickly end him��I want to see the Zombie Flow��I want to see the Cosmic Style��"


    The atmosphere had reached a fever pitch!


    Looking at Li Shinchi''s name, their eyes were all showing a sympathetic glow! Who was Zhang Ye? He was the number one of the international Go world who no one had beat in a normal match. Giving him a handicap? And it was even a handicap of five stones? What kind of an oue would that lead to in the end? They would find out soon enough!


    That oue would be: Li Shinchi getting utterly demolished!


    That''s right!


    Utterly demolished!


    In a short span of just 20 moves, Zhang Ye''s opponent had been routed!


    Li Shinchi was dumbfounded!


    The users on the Korean server were dumbfounded!


    Even when Li Shinchi resigned and admitted defeat, he still couldn''te to grips with it and felt like he had been dealt a heavy blow. How was this possible! Who was this person! Even if he had allowed him a five-stone handicap, it was impossible that anyone could beat him in such a rxed fashion! Then he realized in surprise and nearly vomited a mouthful of blood��his opponent was also a professional Go yer!


    The Korean server''s people returned to their senses and started cursing and swearing.


    "Despicable!"


    "Despicable rat!"


    "As a fellow professional Go yer, how can you ept Li Shinchi 8-dan''s five-stone handicap offer?"


    "Ptui, you''re so shameless!"


    "This person is indeed too despicable!"


    "How wicked of him!"


    Li Shinchi typed angrily: "Again!":


    Zhang Ye replied: "Are you still giving me a five-stone handicap?"


    You still want a handicap of five stones?


    Are you starting to enjoy demolishing me?


    Li Shinchi nearly fainted. "Handicap, my ass! Why don''t you go die instead!?"


    Zhang Ye said regretfully: "Well, alright. If you don''t want to, just say so."


    The second game began.


    It was still a blitz game, but without any handicap.


    The Korean server''s people were cheering in support:


    "You can do it, Teacher Li Shinchi!"


    "Strip him of his skills, destroy him!"


    "Blitz has always been your specialty!"


    "Yeah, even if it''s China''s Xiang Rong 9-dan ying, there''s nothing to be afraid of!"


    "That''s right, even the top Go yers like Xiang Rong 9-dan and Li Yi 9-dan are not a match for you when ites to a game of speed!"


    "This person is really such an annoyance. Teacher Li Shinchi, we''re depending on you!"


    One move��


    Five moves��


    Ten moves��


    Li Shinchi was getting more and more frightened by the developments!


    The voices of support in the room were also bing meeker and meeker!


    In the end, when the killing blow was dealt, Li Shinchi got ughtered before his very own eyes!


    He was stunned!


    The Korean server''s people were stunned!


    The spectating professional Go yers were also stunned!


    Li Shinchi''s face turned green with anger as he resigned and admitted defeat!


    Just who are you?


    Who the fuck are you!


    At this moment, Song Jeonha spoke up. "Hmph, let me handle him!"


    Zhang Ye epted the challenge and said to the live stream at the same time, "This person is Song Jeonha, a 9-dan in Go. He''s a top professional Go yer in Korea and was a previous champion at the International Go tournament! He''s an evergreen yer in the Korean Go scene and his ystyle is extremely steadfast. Come on then, let me have a taste of your skill!"


    Song Jeonha did not talk and simply ced his stone.


    Zhang Ye followed.


    They yed in turn for several moves.


    Zhang Ye said into the camera with a smile, "Everyone, have a look at this move. It''s very interesting because the opponent is actually trying toy a trap for me. He is hoping that I will y over here. Why is that? Have a look over here, and here." He moused over the positions. "Do you guys understand now? This is a very well-hidden trap. How do you think I will handle this? Hehe, I am actually got to fall for it on purpose. I''m going in!"


    "��Pfft��You jokester, stop ying around��Go ahead��Aiyo, it''s so freaking interesting to watch Zhang Ye y Go��This fellow not only ys cunning moves, his tongue is acerbic as well��Lord Zhang, can you y properly or not?��Motherfucker, don''t you end up throwing the game away��"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "How could I possibly lose? Hai, he has ced his stone already. Haha, looks like he thinks that I have fallen for his trap. He''s already nning his next move. Very good, then I''m gonna make a stand here. Is he going to go this way? Good, I''ll follow. Hur hur, see this, he''ll realize very soon that the person who has fallen into the trap is actually himself."


    After several moves.


    His opponent suddenly stopped. There was no response from him!


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "It seems like he has realized it!"


    The people on the Korean server were looking at one another.


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Why isn''t there any response?"


    Then, Song Jeonha suddenly typed over: "Who the heck are you, really?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and replied: "Guess."


    Song Jeonha resigned.


    A dialog box popped up: You have won!


    Following that, another few professional Go yers came forward!


    "Let me take him on!"


    "I''ll handle him!"


    "Old Song, take a break and leave him to me!"


    There were 8- and 9-dan yers who were all the top professionals of Korea!


    One game!


    Three games!


    Five games!


    After Zhang Ye scored an astounding victory in five straight games, the Korean server finally went silent. The reason for their silence was because they finally realized who they were ying against! If they still didn''t know his identity by now, then they would really be idiots!


    It was Zhang Ye!


    It was that madman who had utterly destroyed PeterGo back then!


    Immediately, the Korean server''s people started cursing!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Why did this fellowe over to the Korean server?"


    "Who can possibly win against him!"


    "Damn, ignore him so that he''ll leave!"


    "But he''s still shouting! He''s saying that Seoul belongs to him!"


    "This damned hooligan!"


    "Let him continue shouting. We just have to ignore him!"


    "Why are we ignoring this?"


    "Because we can''t fucking win, that''s why!"


    Zhang Ye went over to Li Shinchi''s room. "Let''s have another game."


    Li Shinchi was almost in tears. "Go away!"


    Zhang Ye said: "I''m really not Zhang Ye, let''s y again."


    Li Shinchi nearly vomited blood: "If you''re not going away, I will!"


    System notification: Li Shinchi has gone offline.


    Zhang Ye: "��"


    He went over to Song Jeonha''s room again. "Another game."


    The other party was so stunned that he could not even say a word.


    System notification: Song Jeonha has gone offline.


    Zhang Ye: "..."


    A flurry of scrollingments flew by in the livestreaming channel:


    "��Pfft, hahaha��It''s over, no one wants to y with us anymore��I got such a kick out of this��All hail the mighty Lord Zhang��Teacher Zhang is too domineering��This is so much fun. Teacher Zhang, stay around and don''t stop streaming, please��Yeah, we still want to continue watching��That was too funny��The level of our Chinese Go has always been very strong, but it''s the first time anyone has swept the Korean server like that. I finally got to witness it today��But it''s over, we can''t have fun over there anymore��Zhang Ye has been recognized and no one wants to y against him��"


    ��


    A few minutester.


    On the Online Go Server.


    The Japanese server was flooded with messages!


    "Tokyo belongs to China, challenge me if you disagree!"


    "Tokyo belongs to China, challenge me if you disagree!"


    "Tokyo belongs to China, challenge me if you disagree!"


    The Japanese server was enraged!


    "Bastard!"


    "Who dares act so atrociously like that?"


    "I''ll fight you!"


    "I''ll give you a ten-stone handicap!"


    "y me, or you''re a cowardly bastard!"


    Two hourster.


    The Japanese server went silent!


    ��


    The American server.


    "New York belongs to Japan, challenge me if you disagree!"


    "New York belongs to Japan, challenge me if you disagree!"


    "New York belongs to Japan, challenge me if you disagree!"


    The Americans swarmed up at once!


    "Fuck!"


    "Bitch!"


    "Those goddamned Japanese!"


    "Let''s teach them a lesson!"


    The users from the Japanese server who knew what was going on nearly spat out a mouthful of blood when they saw this. What the fuck has this got to do with us, Zhang Ye! You are too fucking wicked! Damn you!


    An hour and a halfter.


    The American server went silent!


    ��


    There was no one left to y against!


    The entire world''s Go servers already knew who was behind this user ount!


    Zhang Ye was still spamming messages over there. "Where is everyone? Where''d everyone go to?"


    The people on the Korean, Japanese, and American servers were all so depressed that they could just die!


    Seoul is yours!


    Tokyo is yours!


    New York is yours!


    The entire world is all yours, will that do?!


    The entire universe belongs to you, alright!


    Get lost!


    Hurry up and get lost!


    In Zhang Ye''s channel:


    "��Aiyo, my God!��Iughed til I cried��I''ve already cried five times fromughing too much��Teacher Zhang, I really have to give it to you��Hahahahahaha��y them all! Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!��There''s no one left to y anymore��The Korean, Japanese, and American servers have all been swept aside��How thrilling that was��This will surely be a new chapter in the history of the Go world��Aiyo, I can''t take it anymore, I''mughing again��Zhang Ye is really too good at attracting hate��This fellow was born with the innate ability to mock people��Teacher Zhang, don''t you intend to go international in the future? Is it good to be doing this? Hahahaha��"


    At the same time, the entire world''s Go enthusiasts were all feeling both respect and hatred for Zhang Ye!


    They respected his strength in the game as he was able to sweep everyone aside and emerge victorious. He was definitely the number one person of the international Go world, or perhaps even in the entire history of Go! But the problem was that his character was simply too detestable. He was totally immoral to no end, with no oneing close either 500 years before or after this present moment!

 Chapter 1278: ’The Great Truth’ finale!

    <h4>Chapter 1278: ''The Great Truth'' finale! </h4>


    Chapter 1278: ''The Great Truth'' finale!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    China Qiyuan.


    A group of professional Go yers had gathered here, with some of them rushing over to rubberneck after hearing about what had happened. They were all either extremely stunned, puking blood, or unable to close their mouths fromughing too much.


    Hu Liang asked, "Has it ended?"


    Xu Han said with a chuckle, "They''ve already finished ying."


    The Qiyuan president said, "No one''s bothered with him anymore."


    "Why is this fellow so free today? He even came to look for me to y a game this afternoon. How could I want to y against him? In the end, I kicked him out from the room." Li Yi 9-dan harrumphed.


    Tian Weiwei wiped away his sweat. "Lord Zhang also approached me to y a game this afternoon."


    Chen Ying 8-dan said in amusement, "He found me too, I think he was streaming."


    "Streaming? Then wouldn''t he have embarrassed us thoroughly on a global level?" Li Yi was feeling rather speechless.


    Hu Liang disagreed. "He didn''t bring us any shame at all. Clearly, he has disyed the might of our nation!"


    Xu Han said with a smile, "Yes. In the world of Go, everything is still dependent on strength."


    The president suddenly said, "I find it to be pretty good. With Little Zhang''s brouhaha, I''m certain that it will get more people interested in Go. This is good for the entire field."


    Chen Ying 8-dan said helplessly, "Zhang Ye is invincible right now, with no one able to match him at all. It''d be very difficult for the international Go world to find anyone who could possibly best him."


    He swept the American server!


    He swept the Japanese server!


    He swept the Korean server!


    Where else could they find another godly person like him?


    There wasn''t one in the past, and there wouldn''t be one in the future!


    ��


    In the livestreaming channel.


    From out of nowhere, the number of viewers had soared to a terrifying number!


    8 million!


    9 million!


    10 million!


    It actually broke past 10 million viewers!


    In the past, the record for a livestream''s total viewers did not even reach 8 million, let alone 10 million concurrent viewers. This was like a dream!


    Meihe TV''s staff were so happy they could go crazy!


    People from the other livestreaming sites were all dumbfounded!


    Why?


    Because it was just too terrifying!


    Wasn''t it just a stream of Go?


    How many people in this world even knew about or could y Go?


    So how the fuck did it get so many viewers?


    Yet it did. There were just so many people who enjoyed watching Zhang Ye posture like this and see him acting all showy. The more they watched, the more they liked it, and the more they couldn''t stop watching. It was as though this fellow had a natural charm. At times, some people who were watching would end up wanting to insult him in between theirughter as they found him to be to be too unconventional. But even after the insults, they still continued to like him so damn much that they couldn''t understand why.


    Onscreen.


    Zhang Ye had logged out from the ount. He said with a smile, "Alright, that''s enough. It''s about time I stopped offending any more people. I suppose the Korean and Japanese servers'' people must be hopping mad at me. Everyone, please be tight-lipped about this. I was not the one who yed those games today. I won''t be taking responsibility for them and be scolded for it. What? You''re asking me who yed them then? Of course it''s the owner of that ''dushd'' ount!"


    The owner of that ount nearly spat out a mouthful of blood!


    Messages scrolled by.


    "��Aiyo, can you please stop joking around��Teacher Zhang, you''re so bad that you''re oozing with evilness��Hahahaha��How sad that the owner has to bear this responsibility��dushd will be famous. To that bro, whenever you log on to the ount in the future, please take caution. I believe that when you get online, the entire world will curse at you in all kinds ofnguages��It''s a good time for you to pick up a few morenguages then��Pfft, that''s enough, guys!��I had such a goodugh today��There''s really no other celebrity like Teacher Zhang Ye��I like him so much��The best thing about Zhang Ye is how well he can pretend��Yes, if anyone else has the achievements of Zhang Ye, like being a literary schr, a mathematician, the number one person in the Go world, they would probably be conceited to an unimaginable degree. But looking at Zhang Ye, he''s still the same as before. He''s still like how he was when we first got to know him��Yes, he hasn''t changed at all��"


    Looking at the time.


    It was already 8:30 in the evening!


    Zhang Ye was surprised. "Aiyo, how did time pass so quickly? Why didn''t any of you remind me? The site only wanted me to stream for two hours, but I''ve already gone on for over six hours. I started at 2 PM and it''s now 8:30 PM? I haven''t even eaten yet! You people are really mistreating me!"


    A flurry of insults scrolled past.


    "��Go to hell��You''re the one who''s mistreating us��Hahaha, you''re the one who didn''t fucking keep track of time, so how dare you me us for it?��It was you who didn''t go offline yourself��I haven''t had dinner yet either��So you''ve also realized that it''s already past 8?��Pfft, and I thought you were gonna stream until dawn��That wasn''t enough, give us more��Yeah, Teacher Zhang, it''s thiste, so what would a few more minutes matter?��Show us something else that we haven''t seen before��Agreed��+1��Give us a finale��You can go and eat after you''re done with onest one��"


    Zhang Ye was at his wits'' end. "Another one? Something that you guys haven''t seen before? I''ve already performed a crosstalk, MCed, and yed Go, what else have you guys not seen me do? I suppose you''ve seen it all already." Thinking for a bit, he said, "Why don''t I sing you a folk song for y''all?"


    A folk song?


    You even know how to sing a folk song?


    The channel''s viewers got all excited!


    "��Come on then��Hurry up��Alright, a folk song it shall be��Let''s hear how it sounds��Quickly sing it��Is it going to be an opera song or what?��"


    There were no ppers 1 .


    There were no stringed instruments.


    Zhang Ye stood up with his full body in frame and opened his mouth to start singing.


    "About rtions?


    "The Heavens are not kin.


    "It has the Sun, Moon, and stars.


    "The cycle of the Sun and Moon ages people.


    "Taking countless people from this world.


    "About rtions?


    "The Earth is not kin.


    "Thend is full of living beings as precious as gold.


    "Fighting for fame and fortune through the years.


    "Visiting old graves after the new."


    Listening to this, many of Zhang Ye''s friends sighed.


    Yao Jiancai fell silent.


    Ha Qiqi looked at Zhang Ye.


    Hearing this tune, they just couldn''t smile no matter what. All they felt was a heavy, sinking feeling in their hearts.


    Zhang Ye sang.


    "About rtions?


    "Are my peers the closest?"


    The people in the channel cheered!


    Yi!


    Yi!


    Yi!


    Hahaha!


    Zhang Ye sighed and sang.


    "No, they aren''t either.


    "Infighting and plots, chill the heart!"


    Suddenly, he raised his voice.


    Zhang Ye looked at the camera and sang.


    "About rtions?


    "The audience is the closest!


    "The audience and actors are linked by their hearts!"


    The scrollingments were all praise!


    "��Good!��Good!��Well said!��"


    Zhang Ye was very into it.


    "As the old saying goes!


    "Without the patron, no artist would arise!


    "Braved the cold winds and snow yesterday to get to the dry north!


    "Traveling to Jiangnan today for the scenery!


    "I offer a word of advice.


    "Stay away from wine, women, and song!


    "And don''t indulge in eating, drinking, orgies, or gambling!


    "I cup my fist and pay respects to all: Everyone, may fortune shine upon you and your business thrive!"


    Zhang Ye gave a fist and palm salute and faced the camera with a mix of emotions. He had long wanted to sing the words of this folk song and had done so today because it was also a timely reminder to himself. It was just the correct day. And the correct ce. Everything else was bullshit. Only the audience was the most sincere. Only those without any motives and truly liked him were the most sincere of people. Zhang Ye wanted to tell himself that this was true no matter how far he went, and that he mustn''t forget this all his life.


    "��Great��That was very well sung��Zhang Ye, you''re really awesome��Teacher Zhang, I like you a lot��Thank you��Teacher Zhang, it''s been hard on you��"


    A folk song called "The Great Truth" from his previous world''s Deyun Society 2 had moved plenty of people here!


    Today''s stream made many viewers revel in joy. They were thoroughly satisfied through the pores of their skin to every cell in their bodies. It was such a joy to watch!


    The opening was good!


    The process was good!


    The closing was also good!


    There was nothing toin about!


    This was the first time a celebrity from the entertainment industry had seeded in testing the waters of online streaming!

 Chapter 1279: Zhang Ye is going for the S-list?

    <h4>Chapter 1279: Zhang Ye is going for the S-list? </h4>


    Chapter 1279: Zhang Ye is going for the S-list?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    After the stream ended.


    Zhang Ye could finally take a breather. He hurriedly downed a bottle of water and got up to walk out of the livestreaming studio. When he came outside, he was slightly stunned as he found more than a dozen people waiting for him.


    "Great job, Director Zhang!"


    "Great work, Teacher Zhang!"


    "You''re amazing!"


    "This stream was great!"


    "The number of viewers exploded!"


    "This is a record!"


    "The records for the value of the donations received and the number of viewers have both been broken!"


    A group of Meihe TV''s staff were chattering.


    Even the CEO of Meihe TV came over to join them. The moment he came up to them, he said excitedly, "Teacher Zhang, great job, great job. Thank you so much. In these two years, we have worked with many celebrities in show business. But there has really been no one as professional as you were today. Don''t mention the celebrities, even our own site''s full-time streamers could only stream for about two to three hours at a go. If they were asked to stream for close to seven hours? They wouldn''t be able to take it for sure! There''s nothing I can tell you!" He gave Zhang Ye a thumbs up. "Except for this!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and waved it off. "Since I''m paid for it, it''s only to be expected of me. It''s nothing too serious. I don''t have much to offer except for my energy. If we''re making a living out of this, the least we can do is make sure the audience is not short-changed, right? I''m just earning a living, it''s nothing that noble."


    Meihe TV''s CEO said, "But it''s not like that. Which other celebrity would possibly stream six to seven hours for us? It just wouldn''t happen. If we paid them for two hours, they would even charge you extra if it went two minutes over. It''s just how things work in the entertainment industry these days. There aren''t any people like you anymore. Teacher Zhang, we''re really happy to be working with you on this asion. I won''t say anything more and will remember this. If there''s anything you need in the future, just tell me."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Well, there''s something that I need right now."


    The CEO immediately answered, "Go ahead."


    Zhang Ye touched his belly and said, "Isn''t it about time for dinner?"


    Dinner?


    Pfft!


    That''s right, nobody has eaten yet!


    The CEO facepalmed and eximed, "Aiyo, just look at how forgetful I am. Quick, quick, let''s reserve a table and call a taxi. I''ll personally hold a banquet to show our appreciation for Teacher Zhang and his team!"


    "You don''t have to go to all that trouble." Zhang Ye was really hungry. "Do you have any packaged food?"


    A staff member nodded and said, "We do, but it''s just some boxed lunches that we had earlier."


    Zhang Ye pointed at him. "That''ll do."


    A female staff member said nervously, "But it''s already cold."


    "Just heat it up in the microwave," Zhang Ye said.


    Two minutester.


    A group of people watched as Zhang Ye bent over on the table and gobbled up the boxed lunches with a pair of chopsticks. They exchanged nces when they saw such a sight.


    The boss gave a wry smile. "You''re fine with just eating boxed lunches?"


    Zhang Ye raised his head and said with a smile, "Why not?"


    He was never picky about food.


    He could have delicacies.


    Or he could have instant noodles.


    The Meihe staff all looked at him and suddenly seemed like they understood a little more about why Zhang Ye could reach his level of fame. Just a simple action was enough to exin a lot of things.


    ��


    The next day.


    There were headlines of Zhang Ye on quite a few entertainment news sections!


    "Zhang Ye teams up with Meihe TV for his first ever stream!"


    "10 million viewers watching concurrently!"


    "Zhang Ye''s shocking level of appeal!"


    "An A-list celebrity who raps!"


    "Drunk and Alone'' gets mimicked by Inte streamers!"


    "Zhang Ye''s new monologue amazes the industry!"


    "Zhang Ye wreaked havoc in the Go worldst evening!"


    "The Japanese, Korean, and American Go servers have been swept aside by Zhang Ye!"


    "The Chinese Go world to wee a hundred years of prosperity?"


    "''The Great Truth'' moves many livestream viewers to tears!"


    Online, there were simr voices!


    "Did you guys watch it yesterday?"


    "Of course I did, it was so enjoyable!"


    "I diedughing. I''ve never seen such a funny celebrity before!"


    "Hahahaha. I became a braindead fan of Zhang Ye''s after yesterday!"


    "Zhang Ye has definitely got to be part of that handful of truly talented celebrities in all of showbiz. He just has too many good ideas in him!"


    "Yeah, I really have to take my hat off to him!"


    "He totally yed the Japanese and Korean servers. It really got my blood pumping just watching!"


    "I''ll give him a perfect score for this round! It was awesome!"


    "Zhang Ye''s poprity is gonna surge again."


    "Yesterday''s Zhang Ye was indeed domineering!"


    "Could he not be domineering? Even during the stream fronted by the Heavenly King, there were at most 7 million viewers online, assuming the organizers did not boost the numbers. But watching Zhang Ye''s stream, I could clearly feel that the 10 million viewers were all real people. Judging from the atmosphere in the channel and looking at Weibo''s trending topics at that time, there''s no point in arguing whether the stream was really that popr or not. Could this fellow''s appeal put him on par with the Heavenly Kings and Queens?"


    "Surely not, right? His poprity is still too far behind theirs."


    "Oh right, I haven''t checked Zhang Ye''s poprity score in a long time."


    "He''s still at number one in the A-list, no changes yet. When he got promoted to the top of the A-list, his poprity score was stillcking by severalfold to get to the S-list, so how could he get there so soon��eh��wait!"


    "Holy shit! Quick, take a look!"


    "This��what is this?"


    "My titanium dog eyes are blinded!"


    "Someone,e quick! Something big has happened! Something big has happened!"


    "Ahhhhh!"


    "But this is impossible!"


    "How could this have happened?"


    All of a sudden, quite a fewizens were rmed. Someone finally realized that something was wrong. Someone finally discovered that something was wrong with Zhang Ye''s poprity!


    Back when Zhang Ye reached the top of the A-list, it looked like he was just a step away from reaching the S-list. But this step was actually very far away and was almost considered an insurmountable gap. In recent years, so many celebrity and big shots had reached this top position that Zhang Ye was in but were still unable to take a seat among those on the S-list. In the end, it was still those seven familiar faces who stood atop the entertainment circle, unmovable by any storm. As such, no one thought a thing about it when Zhang Ye rose up to the top of the A-list!


    But today!


    At this moment!


    They were suddenly stunned to find out that not only had Zhang Ye''s poprity score caught up to those ahead of him, it had even gotten within touching distance to the poprity scores of those seven S-list Heavenly Kings and Queens!


    The media was stunned!


    The public was stunned!


    The entertainment circle was stunned!


    The teams of the Heavenly Kings and Queens were stunned!


    God!


    How was that possible!


    When did he catch up to them?


    Wasn''t this too soon!


    Fortress Besieged?


    The highest literary award?


    Advertisement endorsements?


    I Am a Singer?


    za dancing?


    Or this livestream?


    No, this was definitely not something that could be achieved with just a couple good oues. This was an umtion of everything, and Zhang Ye had been undertaking this task for the past several months. All of it was done in order for him to have a shot at the S-list! So this was the objective of Zhang Ye''s intense schedule and endorsements in all of these months! They were too foolish, too stupid. They should have thought of this long ago; they should have realized it long ago. How did they only just find out about it!


    Would Zhang Ye seed?


    Was one of those seven spots going to change owners soon?


    Was there going to be a shake-up in the entertainment industry?


    This was the first time!


    This was the first time that any celebrity hade so close to one of those highly regarded seven people at the top!

 Chapter 1280: Turmoil in the industry!

    <h4>Chapter 1280: Turmoil in the industry! </h4>


    Chapter 1280: Turmoil in the industry!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At home.


    The outside world was in an uproar.


    But Zhang Ye was still sleeping soundly in bed.


    The bedroom door was pushed open and his mother came inside looking shocked. "Son! Son! Are you serious? The news is reporting that you''re making a push for the S-list?"


    Zhang Ye was woken up. "Ah?"


    His father also came into the room. "Is it true?"


    "Yeah." Zhang Ye sat up from bed. "The media has already reported about it?"


    His mother said, "They just reported about it, and the outside world has turned upside down!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I didn''t think that they would find out so soon."


    His mother said excitedly, "So are you serious? Why didn''t you tell us about it?"


    "I told you all about it earlier. I said that I was preparing for a big job, but you insisted that I was going to rob a bank." Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and said, "I''ve been nning this for a long time. In the past few months, all the work that I did was to support this n. In truth, it''s still notplete yet and I''m still short of a few steps. But if they''ve already found out about it, I guess there''s no other way to it. Hai, I knew that it couldn''t be kept under wraps for long. No one is that silly and it looks like I can''t sneak up to them anymore, hur hur. Since they''ve found out, I''ll just carry out the n more openly. I''ve already gained enough poprity anyway. Even if they make preparations against me, I doubt they can get me off their tails in the short term."


    His mother pointed at him. "Son, Mom is optimistic that you can do it!"


    But his father said, "Can you really go up?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ll give it a shot."


    His mother said, "Go for it. Show them what my son is capable of!"


    "Alright." Zhang Ye shrugged. "After we''re done with the wedding, I''ll make sure to put up a good fight against those seven people."


    His mother said happily, "Your wedding might even be able to add quite a bit of poprity for you. If they knew who your wife is, they''d surely be surprised!"


    Surprised?


    That wouldn''t aptly describe it at all!


    Horrified should be the word!


    He wondered how many people would be horrified when they found out!


    "Mom," Zhang Ye said calmly, "keep it on the down-low."


    Ring ring ring, ring ring ring.


    His friends started calling.


    The first call was from Ha Qiqi. It sounded very chaotic on her end.


    "Director Zhang, we can''t keep it under wraps anymore!"


    "I know, I''ve seen the news."


    "The media has broken through and called us a dozen times so far!"


    "You guys handle it, sorry for all the work."


    Followed by Chen Guang.


    "Damn, are you really doing it?"


    "Doing what, Old Chen?"


    "What are you even saying! You''ve kept it too well-hidden!"


    "Haha, but I didn''t hide it at all."


    "You''re so aggressive. Wenli and I just caught the news and were stunned by what we saw. It was only then that we realized that your poprity has grown to such a level. You''re really great, aren''t ya? This is such a big deal, but you managed to keep such a straight face about it. This is such a huge deal, getting to the summit of show business. The entire industry has blown up over it!"


    "What do you mean by getting to the summit? I''m not even close yet."


    "You call this not close?"


    "Don''t listen to the hot air that the media is blowing. I''m stillcking by quite a bit in the poprity score."


    "So all the more you should be putting in more hard work to give yourself a boost."


    Yao Jiancai also called.


    "You''re aiming for the top?"


    "Can''t I?"


    "Of course you can, you totally can!"


    "Haha, I''ll give it a shot and see how it goes."


    "You won''t have a problem doing it. I purposely went to check out the rankings just now. Although there''s still a little more to go, it''s not really that far anymore. This is definitely the closest anyone has gotten in recent years to those seven people. Keep working at it and make it happen. You''ll be really great in the future when you get to the top domestically!"


    "I''ll see what I can do."


    Zhang Xia.


    Xiaodong.


    Amy.


    Ning Lan.


    Zhang Ye''s cell phone was exploding with calls!


    The media also nearly caused a stampede over at Zhang Ye''s Studio!


    The media and industry could not be med for having such a huge reaction. The main issue was that Zhang Ye''s issue hade up too suddenly. It was so sudden that no one was prepared for it!


    The S-list!


    There were only seven spots among those at the top of the entertainment industry!


    If someone wasing up? Then that would mean that someone else would be going down. This was the rule of this world''s Celebrity Rankings Index. Whether it was the S-list, the A-list, or the B-list, this rule would apply at every level since they couldn''t have an unlimited amount of celebrities in them. A celebrity wouldn''t simply get promoted the moment they reached a certain poprity score. The rankings index would always take into consideration factors like how the public''s attention span was limited, and how the development of the entertainment industry was not stagnant. The difference in poprity scores from ten years ago and now was very different. If they had implemented a fixed system back then, with the crazy development of the entertainment industry by today''s terms, there would have been at least several dozen S-list celebrities at present, if not a hundred of them. It couldn''t be done this way, so the Celebrity Rankings Index needed to have a fixed quota at each level, not depend on a fixed boundary of poprity scores dictating who would get in. It had rationale.


    Zhang Ye thought about what it was like in his previous world and felt that it was rather simr in a way. Although it wasn''t as clear-cut as this world''s way of doing it, there were still pretty well-defined S- and A-list celebrities back there. The evaluation criteria were all dependent on the media''s, industry''s, and one''s own judgment and feeling of how popr a celebrity was. Simrly, the number of S-list celebrities in his previous world was also not unlimited. If they really counted them, there would only be a handful. Although the number of S-list big names would gradually increase and looked like there wasn''t a cap to it, but if you were to look back on itter, those initial S-list celebrities would definitely have lost quite a bit of their poprity from before, and might even end up dropping from the list? Or be has-beens? Or disappear from the public''s view? With new peopleing in, the old would have to go. In terms of this point, the two worlds were essentially the same.


    If you wanted to rise?


    Then you''d have to fight for it!


    There were only those few spots. Whoever could get one would mean that they were the more capable people!


    And the current Zhang Ye had undoubtedly dered war on those seven people!


    The media was stirring with activity!


    "Zhang Ye Deres War!"


    "Can Zhang Ye reach the top?"


    "The battle for the S-list officially kicks off!"


    "Great changes areing to the entertainment circle!"


    "Industry experts are not optimistic of Zhang Ye''s chances to get into the S-list!"


    "Will the teams of the Heavenly Kings and Queens call for an urgent response?"


    "The biggest thing to happen in the entertainment industry this year!"


    There was also an uproar on Weibo!


    "I nearly vomited blood from the shock!"


    "This is so impressive!"


    "In just the blink of an eye, Zhang Ye hase to this step?"


    "Yeah! To think that I was just listening to Zhang Ye''s radio broadcast of Ghost Blows Out the Light not too long ago. At that time, I started liking him quite a bit. After following and scolding him so much over the years, damn, this jokester has actually reached a point where he has a chance of getting to the top of the entertainment circle when no one was expecting it? Hai!"


    "Hahaha. Fighting and scolding his way up to here over three years, this fellow has gone through really big changes in the entertainment circle. It''s wonderful."


    "Supporting Zhang Ye reaching the top!"


    "Go Teacher Zhang!"


    "I don''t think anything wille out of this. In the end, it will have all been for naught."


    "Yeah, no one''s been able to touch those seven people''s positions in so many years."


    "Let''s take it one step at a time and see how it turns out!"


    "If those Heavenly Kings and Queens are willing toe out to garner some poprity, they''ll easily pull away from Zhang Ye. It really won''t be easy."


    "But he has a very good chance too!"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye!"


    Theizens were arguing!


    There was a heated discussion going on in the industry!


    The entire country was talking about this news!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye received a call from Zhang Yuanqi.


    Looking at the caller ID, Zhang Ye smiled and picked up. "Hello, Old Zhang."


    Zhang Yuanqi said: "Are you reallying up?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged: "Yeah, I have to find something for you all to do."


    "How confident you sound!"


    "Haha, do you have any suggestions?"


    "No, but I do have advice for you."


    "Oh?"


    "Of the seven of us, none of us are pushovers. If you really want to bring one of us down, it definitely won''t be as easy as you think."


    "You''re saying it as though I''m a pushover."


    "True, then all the best to you."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye stopped thinking about this issue.


    About an hourter, Zhang Ye received a message. It was sent by Zhang Yuanqi''s manager, Fang Weihong. When he saw it, he was slightly taken aback. It contained the recent schedules of the six S-list celebrities other than Zhang Yuanqi. There was the screening dates of their movies, as well as a forecast of where they could increase their poprity score. All of the information was detailed very clearly. There were even the actions taken by their teams after finding out about Zhang Ye''s intention to make a bid for the S-list, like the increase in their activities, consideration of variety shows'' invitations to them, etc.


    This was clearly insider''s news!


    Then a call from Fang Weihong arrived.


    Zhang Ye hurriedly picked it up. "Sister Fang."


    Fang Weihongughed and said: "Did you see it yet?"


    Zhang Ye said: "I saw it, thank you."


    But Fang Weihong said, "Don''t thank me, it was Sister Zhang who got me to cote the information and send it to you. Your social ties in the industry are terrible, and everything you do is always an uphill battle. You don''t really get along with the higher-ups of the entertainment industry either, so your information must naturally be very limited. This is a critical moment in your bid to get into the S-list, so see if that will be of any help to you. In the future, if you need this sort of news again, you can ask me."


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "Sister Zhang wanted me to have it?"


    "Yes."


    "We were just talking on the phone and she didn''t seem like she was optimistic about my chances."


    Fang Weihong was taken aback. "She''s not optimistic of your chances? Did she say that?"


    "No, but it sounded that way," Zhang Ye said.


    Fang Weihong shook her head and said: "Well, for me, I once asked Sister Zhang about this. It was about a year ago when I asked her how long she thought the seven people of the S-list could hold on to their spots. Would it be a year? Three years? Or five years? Sister Zhang told me at that time that there wasn''t much of a chance for there to be any changes to the S-list in the short term. So I asked her again, what if changes really happened. Who would be the one to go down? And who would rise up? Guess what she said?"


    Zhang Ye listened.


    Fang Weihongughed and said: "Sister Zhang said that if changes really happened, she wasn''t sure about who would be going down, but she was sure that the person toe up would definitely be��you!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "Me?"


    He really hadn''t expected this.


    Was Old Zhang''s opinion of him so high?


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye stared at the information on his cell phone that Fang Weihong had sent to him. He felt rather touched, but moved his hand to it and deleted the message. He would remember this for sure. Whoever was good to him, he knew full well. But he didn''t need this information. Neither was he the type who would want to make use of his opponent''s information and study them. Most times, Zhang Ye preferred to be more direct about things, rather than beat around the bush.


    Wherever they were going?


    Whatever they were doing?


    However they would garner more poprity?


    Who cares about all of that!


    I will just be relentless!


    Life and death are destined. Everyone pits their skill!

 Chapter 1281: Zhang Ye designs the wedding dress!

    <h4>Chapter 1281: Zhang Ye designs the wedding dress! </h4>


    Chapter 1281: Zhang Ye designs the wedding dress!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It was the weekend.


    In the morning.


    While the outside world was still digesting the news of Zhang Ye''s bid for the S-list, the official Weibo of Zhang Ye''s Studio issued some rming news: Teacher Zhang Ye will temporarily be putting all his work on hold from today in order to prepare for his uing wedding. He gives thanks to everyone and the media for their concern. All news and schedules regarding the wedding will be announced at the earliest possible opportunity.


    When the post went up on Weibo, it became even more lively on the Inte!


    "Wow!"


    "The wedding?"


    "Zhang Ye is really going to get married soon!"


    "It''s too soon, I''m still not prepared!"


    "Congrattions, Teacher Zhang!"


    "So who''s the bride?"


    "Yeah, can we have a picture of the bride please!"


    "How nerve-wracking. The wedding will be held soon and no one even knows who the bride is? Aren''t you leaving us with sleepless nights this way? My gossiping heart can''t take this anymoreeeee!"


    "Yeah, that''s true. It''s too mysterious!"


    "I''m just curious how there isn''t any information about it at all!"


    "There aren''t even any rumors or a hint of who it might be!"


    "Where have the paparazzi been? What have the reporters been working on?"


    "Hmph, you guys always seem to know every single bit of gossip, like whoever has a mistress, or whoever has an illegitimate child, none of that ever gets unreported! But why are you all fucking up at this critical moment? Why is there just no news at all when ites to Zhang Ye''s affairs? Are you any good at your jobs!"


    "That is indeed a little weird!"


    "I really wanna see who the bride is!"


    The media outlets and paparazzi could only take the fall for this.


    The media outlets smiled bitterly, while the paparazzi were helpless.


    What has this got anything to do with us? Why are you all scolding us?


    We would also like to know! But the problem is that there isn''t any information about it at all!


    Following that, under the strong urging and pleas from the media outlets, the staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio relented and agreed to hold a mini-press conference to answer some of their questions.


    At the press conference.


    Several dozen media outlets were posing questions non-stop.


    A reporter asked, "Who is the bride?"


    Zhang Ye''s Studio replied, "We''re keeping it a secret for now."


    "Where will the wedding be held?"


    "We''re keeping it a secret for now and will inform everyone when the timees."


    "Will it be a Chinese style wedding or a western style one?"


    "ording to our knowledge, it will primarily be a Chinese style wedding."


    "Will reporters be allowed into the venue to take photographs?"


    "Yes, we will being up with a list of invitations for the relevant media outlets to send one of their reporters to attend the wedding."


    It was just a mini-press conference, but itsted for a full two hours.


    The media did not let Ha Qiqi and the others leave as they pushed their microphones forward and questioned them for a long time. When the press conference finally finished, everyone dispersed amid themotion with some of the reporters rushing back to their offices so that they could quickly report about it. There were also some reporters who had already finished their drafts at the venue and sent it back to their offices for the news to be published immediately.


    "Zhang Ye''s impending grand wedding!"


    "Identity of bride remains mystery!"


    "Could it be a celebrity? Or an average person?"


    "Heatedly discussed about, Zhang Ye''s wedding captures the attention of the public!"


    Zhang Ye''s wedding was clearly a big deal within the entertainment industry as well. After all, he was no longer the same as before. He wasn''t that small-time celebrity that no one cared about. He was now able to hold out against those seven people at the top of show business. Regarding Zhang Ye''s big wedding, the whole nation''s people had their eyes on this asion. Everyone knew that this event would again bring about a lot of fame for Zhang Ye. He was now edging closer and closer to one of those seven spots!


    ��


    Later that morning.


    Elsewhere.


    Zhang Ye received a call and went downstairs.


    Wu Zeqing''s secretary, Bai Li, had driven to his ce. When she saw Zhang Ye, Bai Li hurriedly got out of car. "Teacher Zhang, Chief Wu has been caught up in some work and might only be able toe overter. She had me pick you up first and send you over. Why don''t we leave?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright."


    Bai Li proceeded to open the car door for him.


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "I''ll get it myself."


    Bai Li said politely, "Let me do it."


    "Don''t be so polite with me, Secretary Bai." Zhang Ye got into the car and said with a chuckle, "We''re not strangers anymore."


    Bai Li gave a reserved smile. "That won''t do. You''re Chief Wu''s boyfriend, so you''re also like my boss."


    As they talked, they drove off.


    Bai Li was a little distracted as she drove. She could still remember how shocked she was when she heard about this news yesterday. Even now, she still found it quite difficult to believe!


    Teacher Zhang?


    Chief Wu?


    They were going to get married?


    Oh my God!


    Did they really have to make it this big?!


    Bai Li now understood why Chief Wu had been so good towards Zhang Ye in the past. So it was because they were a couple. She had also been catching the news these days. The newspapers were all talking about how a shake-up wasing to the entertainment industry and that Zhang Ye was nning to break into the S-list. However, only Bai Li knew that that was not even something to break a sweat over. What was that? What kind of a stupid shake-up would that be? When Zhang Ye''s wedding day arrives, all of you will realize what an earthquake truly is!


    At a bridal shop.


    She parked the car. Zhang Ye and Bai Li walked inside.


    There were a few people in here.


    Fat Sis, Wu Zeqing''s elder sister.


    Wu Mo, Wu Zeqing''s nephew.


    Xin Ya, Wu Zeqing''s best friend.


    Zhang Ye smiled and greeted them, "Fat Sis, Mo''er, Professor Xin."


    The mathematician, Xin Ya, smiled and said, "What an important man Professor Zhang is. We were all waiting for you."


    Fat Sis did not say anything pointless and simply introduced, "Zhang''er, let me introduce you to some people. These two are our country''s best fashion designers. This is Julie, a famous bridal gown designer. This is Li Xianghe, a famous Chinese Kwa 1 designer. Aren''t you nning to use a bridal gown when weing the guests, and then change into a Chinese dress for the wedding ceremony? I''ve already found you two of the best designers and got them toe down here today. They''ve brought along some samples, soe and take a look. We have to decide on the choices by today. Otherwise, it''ll be toote."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "It''s that urgent?"


    Wu Mo rolled his eyes. "Listen to what you''re saying. You and my aunt are both busier than the other. We pushed for the trying on of the bridal gown long ago, but you two just kept not turning up!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Hey, how can you speak to your uncle like that?"


    Wu Mo burst into tears. "Go away! We''re talking on our own terms!"


    Zhang Ye shook hands with both the designers and said, "Sorry to trouble the two of you."


    Julie smiled and said, "It''s nothing."


    Li Xianghe smiled. "It''s my honor."


    Fat Sis nced around. "Eh? Where''s Zeqing?"


    Bai Li said, "Chief Wu has something to attend to and can''te over yet."


    Fat Sis smacked her lips. "That Zeqing! An important matter like choosing the bridal gown and she''s not here? I''ll call her!" She had already picked up her phone and started dialing.


    "Big Sis?"


    "What are you doing?"


    "There''s something I have to handle at work."


    "But we''re choosing your bridal gown today!"


    "Just let Zhang Ye select it for me."


    "He''s a man, what would he know about such things? Can you really trust his taste?"


    "Of course I trust him. Just let him choose it, I''ll wear whatever he selects."


    "Whoa, you''re really that brave, huh?"


    "Hur hur, I have to hang up now."


    After hanging up, Fat Sis had no choice but to go ahead with the selection.


    The group of them gathered around and started picking the bridal gown.


    Julie was a female designer and also a good friend of Fat Sis. She took out five design sketches, one of which was a finished product that was dressed on a mannequin. "Everyone,e and see this. This is the style that I''m rmending as its design is concise and elegant. Look at the design of the veil, this is made from��" She gave a very detailed description of it.


    The first bridal gown:


    Zhang Ye shook his head.


    Fat Sis shook her head.


    The second bridal gown:


    Xin Ya firmly said no.


    Zhang Ye was also not too enthusiastic about it.


    The third and the fourth pieces were also turned down by Zhang Ye.


    Fat Sis said, "I think the fourth design is quite nice looking."


    Xin Ya also said, "The fourth piece is good."


    Wu Mo said, "I prefer the third one."


    But Zhang Ye firmly said, "All of them won''t do. They don''t suit Old Wu."


    It was either too simple.


    Or too revealing.


    Or it involved too manyplicated designs.


    Zhang Ye did not like any of them.


    Julie looked at him. "These styles of dresses are thetest fashion. Teacher Zhang, if you have any requests, you can let me know. I will make the modifications ording to your suggestions."


    Xin Yaughed and said, "How would he know anything about that?"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "As someone who works with math, do you think you know any better then?"


    Xin Ya said, "Whoa, you speak as if you don''t work with math yourself?"


    Wu Moughed and said, "Did you two fight over something? Why do you always bicker?"


    Xin Ya harrumphed. "At the entrance of Tsinghua, he robbed us of our students and smashed our cars."


    Realization dawned on Wu Mo. "That''s right, Sister Xin is from Tsinghua University, who hate Peking University!"


    "They were at fault at that time," Zhang Ye rebutted.


    Julie rmended a few changes and came up with some more proposals.


    Xin Ya, Fat Sis, and the others were all giving suggestions. The final proposed style was somewhat alright to Zhang Ye, but he only found it to be not too bad and did not think that it was anything special. After dragging on for a long time, there was still no conclusion. After that, Designer Li Xianghe took out his designs for the Chinese Kwa. After half an hour of discussions, Xin Ya, Fat Sis, and the others found some of the designs to be really nice, but Zhang Ye was also not happy with them. He was someone who wasn''t really picky when it came to things that he ate or used for himself. He would usually be fine with anything and could ept the shorings of whatever was given to him. But for Old Wu, he wasn''t going to be shoddy about it at all. He would not give the nod if there was even a minor detail that he was unsatisfied with. His standards were raised higher when in the pursuit of perfection.


    The two designers, Julie and Li Xianghe, gave each other a helpless nce.


    Wu Mo was sweating by now. "Brother Zhang, are you going to decide on anything at all?"


    Fat Sis said, "Are they all really not to your satisfaction?"


    Xin Ya said, "Why don''t we wait for Zeqing to arrive first before deciding."


    Zhang Ye said, "I know what she will like."


    Fat Sis remarked, "Aren''t you also involved in the arts? Why don''t you design one yourself?" She found what she said rather funny herself.


    But Zhang Ye was taken aback!


    Me? Design one?


    Right!


    I can design something myself!


    There are so many designs avable from back in my previous world!


    Zhou Xun''s Chanel?


    Yang Ying''s Dior?


    Liu Shishi''s Carven?


    How about that design that Princess Diana wore?


    And so many other world-famous bridal gown designs!


    I won''t design one that is exactly the same, but it shouldn''t be difficult if I were to use the general design of one and find a way to suit it to Old Wu''s style. The ideas he had in mind were not something that either of these designers could match. The designs in Zhang Ye''s mind were the essence of all the famous designers'' style and wisdom, and they had even had the consensus of the public who had seen it before!


    Right!


    I''ll do it myself!


    Thinking of this, Zhang Ye took the chance to go and get a drink. At the same time, he opened the game ring interface and took a Memory Search Capsule, going through the various styles of bridal gowns in his mind!

 Chapter 1282: In the headlines again!

    <h4>Chapter 1282: In the headlines again! </h4>


    Chapter 1282: In the headlines again!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the bridal shop.


    It was already noon.


    This was a private location belonging to Fat Sis. Herpany was in the business of making games, while the wedding studio was just run on the side. At this moment, only the few of them were in the shop as Fat Sis had already sent away all unrted personnel in advance. For any details rted to Zhang Ye''s big wedding and the choosing of the dress, they of course could not let any outsiders find out.


    Zhang Ye was still "drinking" water by himself.


    Fat Sis said to Julie, "For my sister''s big wedding, you better not hold back any of your gown designs, alright?"


    Julie smiled and said, "My dear sis, how long have we known each other? Even if I were to keep any of my designs hidden, I wouldn''t do it to you. I''ve already brought out all the designs I have from inside the wardrobe, so how could I still have anything to hide from you? Teacher Zhang is also involved in the arts, so his requirements are naturally of a higher standard. Everyone''s aesthetic values are different; that''s where the difficulty lies in designing a bridal gown. If he''s still not satisfied with what I have here today, I can go back and have a discussion with my team to quicklye up with a few more new designs. But there wouldn''t be enough time and we might not be able to get it out in time for the wedding."


    Fat Sis asked, "Are you sure you really don''t have any other designs?"


    Julie said, "I really don''t."


    "But you''re the best bridal gown designer in the industry."


    Julie said, "That''s why everything I brought today are my own designs. Every piece is unique and there aren''t any mass produced gowns among them."


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye came over.


    Fat Sis said, "Why don''t we go with this piece? It''s actually really nice."


    But Zhang Ye surprisingly said, "Let me design something for Old Wu myself!"


    Wu Mo was stunned. "Huh?"


    Xin Ya stared wide-eyed. "Whoa, you''re actually going to do it?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Yeah."


    "You want to design it yourself?" Fat Sis said in surprise, "This may carry a very great significance, but as a guy and ayman, what could you possibly know about designing a bridal gown?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll give it a try."


    Julie also smiled but said nothing of it.


    Zhang Ye said, "Do you have any designing tools?"


    Julie said, "All of them."


    Zhang Ye looked at her. "I don''t actually know how to use these professional tools. Why don''t I describe it while you draw it? I''ll let you know how I want it to be and what kind of floral patterns to use. You can draw it wherever I point. The overall style and look of the wedding dress, down to the stitching, is in my head. You can just help me bring out what I have in mind to life."


    You''re really going to do this?


    Isn''t this ridiculous!


    Julie forced a smile and cast a nce at Fat Sis.


    Fat Sis threw her hands up in resignation.


    Julie could only say, "Alright."


    She brought out her tools like a ruler and the such, then got seated.


    Zhang Ye stood behind her and started dictating.


    "I want the veil to be this way.


    "No, it should be a little longer.


    "Yes, the mesh size should be slightlyrger.


    "Shorten this side by a millimeter.


    "A little longer��longer.


    "Give it a doubleyer and stack them together."


    At first, Julie wasn''t really bothered by it, and neither were the others.


    asionally, she would object to some of his suggestions. "If you do it this way over here, it would look too simple. There won''t be a sense ofyering this way."


    But with every objection that she raised, Zhang Ye would always say, "Just trust me."


    And when the general outline of the bridal gown was drawn?


    Julie was greatly astonished!


    Wu Mo''s eyes grew bigger and bigger!


    The bridal shop''s door was pushed open. Wu Zeqing had finished work had driven herself over. But she realized that no one had noticed her even after she came into the shop. All of them had their heads lowered as they stared at the drawing board in amazement.


    Wu Zeqing chuckled. "What''s going on here?"


    Xin Ya looked up. "Oh, you''re finally here?"


    "Something came up and I got dyed." Wu Zeqing walked over. "What is this?"


    Fat Sis pulled her over in excitement. "Hurry up and see this. Your husband is personally designing a bridal gown for you. It''s almostplete!"


    Zhang Ye waspletely unaware of his surroundings. He didn''t realize that Wu Zeqing had arrived. All of his focus was on this bridal gown''s design sketch. At times, he would point to suggest what he wanted to be put in. When he couldn''t properly ry what was needed, he even nudged Julie aside to draw the idea in his mind so that she would understand what he meant.


    Half an hourter.


    The sketch of the bridal gown''s design wasplete!


    When they held up Zhang Ye''s sketch, everyone turned to look!


    Julie was stunned!


    Wu Mo was stunned!


    Xin Ya was stunned!


    Fat Sis was stunned!


    Wu Mo eximed, "Damn, that''s too beautiful!"


    Fat Sis said excitedly, "It''s really, really nice! It''s so befitting of Zeqing''s demeanor!"


    Julie looked at Zhang Ye in shock. "How did you do it?"


    Beside her, the Chinese Kwa designer was also quite taken aback.


    Zhang Ye said quite happily, "So is this alright?"


    Xin Ya said in astonishment, "This is more than alright!"


    Wu Mo asked, "Are you a professional, Brother Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye started. "Whoa, Old Wu, when did you arrive?"


    "Me?" Wu Zeqing smiled at him. "I got here long ago."


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "Have a look at this and see if it''s fine? Do you like it? If you don''t like it, you can have a look at the other designs too. Teacher Julie brought several designs��"


    Wu Zeqing looked at the sketch of the bridal gown''s design and said with a smile, "There''s no need to look, I''ll wear this."


    Everyone crowded around the sketch and cried out in astonishment from time to time. It was just so beautiful. Even though the finished product was not out yet, they could already feel the breathtaking beauty and luxury from the drawing itself!


    Wu Zeqing asked, "What about the Chinese Kwa?"


    Zhang Ye said spiritedly, "I''ll design it!"


    Fat Sis said, "You even want to do that?"


    Zhang Ye said, "But of course!"


    This fellow was really getting a kick out of designing the dresses!


    Without another word, he started dictating to Li Xianghe as well.


    "It will be hand-embroidered here.


    "No, not this type of pattern.


    "Aiya, that''s not it. Here, I''ll draw it!"


    Another hour passed.


    The Chinese Kwa design was alsopleted!


    When everyone saw it, they felt beyond speechless!


    Julie was stunned again!


    Xin Ya was dumbfounded!


    Wu Mo grabbed Zhang Ye by the arm. "Brother Zhang! Lord Zhang! Is there anything that you don''t know how to do! You''re too impressive!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and asked, "Does it look good?"


    Wu Mo said, "It''s so good that I''ve been blinded!"


    Fat Sis was also overjoyed. "It looks better than good! The key is that it fits Zeqing''s demeanor so well. It''s simply tailor-made for her!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Well, it''s literally tailor-made for Old Wu."


    Xin Ya looked at her best friend. "I''m starting to get jealous of you, Old Wu. To be able to wear a bridal gown and Chinese Kwa that was designed by one''s own husband, how romantic!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Do you like it?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "I like it very much."


    Zhang Ye was getting the hang of it and said, "Alright then, I''ll design another one if you like!"


    Another one?


    Wu Mo nearly tripped and fainted. "Do you think that this is a crosstalk encore! That you can keep cracking jokes if the reception was good?"


    Everyoneughed.


    ��


    On the same night.


    The news leaked.


    Some well-connected media outlets managed to seek out Julie, and it wasn''t just one or two of them. Over twenty media outlets'' and television stations'' personnel hade to look for her.


    A group of reporters interviewed her.


    "Teacher Julie!"


    "What style of a bridal gown did you design for Zhang Ye''s wife?"


    "Did you get to see the bride? Who is it?"


    "Teacher Julie, how much does the bridal gown cost?"


    "When will the finished product be out? Will you make it in time for the wedding?"


    The amount of questions was overwhelming!


    This wasn''t Julie''s first time designing a bridal gown for a celebrity. She had dealt with such situations a myriad of times and knew exactly how to handle the questions. "I can only answer a portion of your questions. Teacher Zhang''s wife''s bridal gown is actually not my design at all. It was personally designed by Teacher Zhang for her."


    What?


    Personally designed?


    This is big news!


    "Surely not, right?"


    "How could Teacher Zhang know fashion design?"


    "You probably mean designing in the symbolic sense, right?"


    Julie smiled and said, "I don''t know what you all mean by ''designing in the symbolic sense.'' I only know that after interacting with Teacher Zhang today, I feel especially honored and happy." With a pause, she gave a wry smile and said something astonishing. "If Teacher Zhang was working in the fashion industry, a lot of our designers would probably not be able to make a living anymore!"


    The media reporters who were present were all dumbfounded!


    What kind of an opinion was that?


    Zhang Ye really knew how to design a bridal gown?


    So much so that the best female bridal gown designer would im that she wouldn''t be able to make a living from designing anymore?


    Didn''t this opinion rate Zhang Ye a little too high!


    Just what kind of a bridal gown did Zhang Ye design?


    ��


    "Zhang Ye personally designs a bridal gown for his wife!"


    ��This news trended to the top of the Weibo headlines!


    Theizens were startled.


    "What?"


    "That dude even has this skill?"


    "I''m cramping up withughter, Zhang Ye really can''t rest idle!"


    "Hasn''t he taken leave from work? Why is he in the headlines again?"


    "He designed the bridal gown? Who would believe that!"


    "I don''t really believe it either. Just how ugly would it look?"


    "I believe it!"


    "I believe it too!"


    "He can even fly a ne, so why wouldn''t he be able to design a bridal gown?"


    "Pfft, true that!"


    "Teacher Julie''s opinion of Zhang Ye is really high, so I don''t think it''s a lie."


    "That raffish fe, is he nning on moving into the fashion scene this time?"


    "Why does that guy seem to know everything!"


    "But it really does feel quite romantic!"


    "Yeah, that guy actually knows how to be romantic. Expressing my disbelief here."

 Chapter 1283: The matters of the entertainment industry!

    <h4>Chapter 1283: The matters of the entertainment industry! </h4>


    Chapter 1283: The matters of the entertainment industry!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    One day.


    Two days.


    Three days.


    For the next few days, Zhang Ye was so busy with the wedding preparations it was like he was getting battered. There was hardly any time to catch his breath. Even with his parents and Wu Zeqing''s family helping out, it was still a lot of work. Every little detail had to be given to Zhang Ye to decide on. It was only at this point that this fellow discovered that he had thought too little of a wedding ceremony. This hardly felt like taking leave from work at all. It was even more fucking tiring than working.


    "Little Ye, go hurry them up about the bridal gown again!"


    "Ah? OK, Mom."


    "Otherwise it might be toote!"


    "Alright, I''ll call them."


    "Little Zhang, have you decided on the ring yet?"


    "Old Wu can decide on it."


    "Zeqing said to let you make the decision. She''ll wear whichever one you choose."


    "Alright then, let me get in touch with the jewelrypany!"


    "Hurry up, we don''t have much time."


    "Understood, Auntie."


    "Is the guest list ready yet?"


    "I''m getting it done right now."


    "A few media outlets criticized you in the past. Will you be inviting them?"


    "Let''s see how it goes, I''ll think about it again."


    "Quickly get it done, we have to get the invitations printed."


    "Alright!"


    "Aiyo, I forgot something! Do you intend to have any groomsmen and bridesmaids? Who do you want to invite?"


    "Auntie, it''s easy to get the groomsmen. There''s Old Chen, Old Yao, and so many others I could get for my groomsmen. But it won''t be easy to get bridesmaids. Old Wu has status, so I can''t possibly have Xiaodong, Amy, and the others to be Old Wu''s bridesmaids, can I? Old Wu doesn''t know them, and neither would they dare to be her bridesmaids. Old Wu is like me. She doesn''t have that many friends while her colleagues are mainly from the SARFT. Since there isn''t any mix there, it will be difficult to put them together. So I think we will just do away with that. We will not have any groomsmen and bridesmaids for the ceremony and just have everyone gather together to enjoy themselves."


    "That makes sense. What about the gifts?"


    "I''ve discussed this with Old Wu already. We won''t be taking any presents and gift money."


    "Alright then, that''s the way to handle it. Zeqing is a civil servant, and she''s even in a leadership role. Any gifts would be too sensitive. Anything below a 1,000 RMB must not be epted. Your group of friends are all big name celebrities and would surely gift in amounts ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yuan. Since that''s how it is, we should just standardize it across the board and not ept any gifts at all."


    Although it was a lot of work, it was still pretty enjoyable handling it.


    At the thought of marrying Old Wu, Zhang Ye burst with excitement on the inside!


    In the rest of the world.


    These days, the media outlets were following up closely on the matter to report about it. Some were camping in wait, while others were stalking and watching. As long as there were any slight signs of news regarding Zhang Ye''s wedding, it would cause a heated debate.


    "The identity of Zhang Ye''s wife gets revealed!"


    "Exclusive: Zhang Ye''s shotgun wedding!"


    "Zhang Ye disys a fatigued expression while preparing for his wedding. Is the marriage on the rocks?"


    "Zhang Ye to divorce, wedding to be canceled?"


    They were all tabloid ims. Any simple rumor could now get hyped up in the media!


    The people weren''t dumb either. To them, these headlines were just forughs. As the day of the wedding edged closer, everyone was looking more and more forward to the day arriving!


    ��


    On this day.


    The weather was clear.


    And everything was calm and peaceful.


    Even the sun made a rare appearance in the sky.


    However, to everyone''s surprise, something happened in the entertainment circle again. At the beginning, it was just a small issue. But as it went on, the matter blew up before finally rocking the entire entertainment industry. The bombshell that had dropped roped in nearly all of the industry insiders of the entertainment circle!


    The cause was an extramarital affair.


    Han Di, in his twenties, was a slightly well-known film star in maind China. Although he had only debuted for a few years ago and was still considered a rookie actor, his poprity already put him among the celebrities in the C-list. Even though he was near the bottom of the C-list, he had a bright future ahead of him. The only issue was that he was a very introverted person who did not like to speak much, rarely taking any interviews, and had very few friends. He was the type of person that didn''t likemunicating with others.


    On Weibo.


    The number one paparazzi tabloid that was notorious within the celebrity circle suddenly exposed a piece of news. Han Di''s ssmate from the Beijing Film Academy whom he had married after their graduation was caught having an extramarital affair.


    The number one paparazzi tabloid posted a set of photos:


    Outside a hotel.


    In the car.


    Walking towards the hotel.


    And even a picture that was taken through the window of a hotel room on the 12th floor.


    As the photos were taken at night, they were not too clear. Only the back of a middle-aged man could be seen, but the woman''s face was unusually clear, especially since it took ce on the 12th floor of the hotel. Two of the photos were taken from the opposite building through the windows. One of them showed Han Di''s wife kissing the middle-aged man, while the next photo showed her hands drawing the curtains. This frontal photo was the clearest one of the series!


    The people were in an uproar!


    "Is this real?"


    "Damn, it''s probably photoshopped, right?"


    "Han Di is quite a nice person. Don''t defame him!"


    "Yeah, Little Di is always very dedicated to filming and never publicizes his works with news like that. It wasn''t easy for him to get to where he is right now. All of it was through his own hard work, so why is this paparazzi tabloid causing trouble again?"


    "It must be fake news!"


    "Can anyone verify it?"


    "Are there any digital imaging experts around?"


    Very quickly, some experts verified the authenticity of the photos!


    "It''s real!"


    "Fuck! Han Di has really been made a cuckold?"


    "Fuck! I''m so mad!"


    "My heart aches for Han Di!"


    "This woman is too wicked!"


    "She''s not famous at all, and is always posting her pictures on Weibo to keep up her presence. All she knows is how to spend Han Di''s money. In the end, she even had an affair? Just what is wrong with her!"


    "Fuck this!"


    "Does she not care about their child?"


    A lot of people were enraged!


    Some people from the entertainment circle also came forward to condemn this!


    Even though a C-list celebrity''s status couldn''t bepared to someone like Zhang Ye, it was still quite the news in the entertainment circle. The media had often reported about Han Di and his wife too. There really weren''t many cases of a celebrity marrying before debuting in show business. The media often photographed them holding hands and shopping together, bringing their two-year-old child out to the parks, and always looking to be very much in love. As such, this was something no one sawing!


    However, the bigger mess was yet toe!


    Two smaller tabloids reported one after another.


    The person involved with the woman in the affair actually turned out to be the president of Han Di''s talent agency, Zhao Chipeng!


    Tianfang Entertainment. One of thergest entertainmentpanies in the country and was even listed on the stock market. There were countless celebrities in the industry who were signed to them. Just the S-list celebrities alone numbered two, one of which was a Heavenly King and the other, a Heavenly Queen. There were even more A- and B-list celebrities in their stables. This makeup of contracted celebrities under theirpany g was rarely seen in the other entertainmentpanies. It spanned celebrities in the music scene, the film industry, and television series too. Tianfang Entertainment was involved in many areas within the industry. Meanwhile, Zhao Chipeng as the president of thepany wielded even greater authority. In the entertainment industry, he was an important figure who could summon the wind and rain. He had many business partners in different regions as well, ranging all across Hong Kong and Taiwan too. Even if they were not Tianfang Entertainment''s artists, no one would dare to offend Zhao Chipeng. Who didn''t need to show him some face?


    The photos were exposed!


    And it had also been verified as authentic with the person identified as Zhao Chipeng!


    A shockwave rippled through the industry!


    The public was stunned!


    All of a sudden, the wind blew in a different direction!


    The industry insiders who had condemned Han Di''s wife earlier deleted their Weibo posts seemingly in agreement. Soon after, the top paparazzi tabloid also issued an apology to exin that they had gotten things wrong. Someone paid them to post the pictures that were doctored!


    The people were not fools!


    "Doctored?"


    "Stop bullshitting!"


    "You took a payment to do this?"


    "Why are they changing their stories now?"


    However, there was no response from Han Di''s side.


    Following that, an even more dramatic development took ce!


    Han Di''s wife suddenly came forward and posted on Weibo. She angrilyined of domestic abuse by Han Di and said that he had neglected their child. She even imed that he had a mistress and that he was the person who found someone to doctor those photos to make up a story in order to get a divorce from her. She used him of bribing that top paparazzi tabloid and the other media tabloids in order to tarnish her reputation!


    She also posted some so-called evidence to support her ims.


    But when theizens saw it, their scoldings got even fiercer!


    "Fucking bitch!"


    "You''re really too wicked!"


    "What kind of evidence is this! Just because your arm has a red patch, it means that Han Di hit you? And that Han Di bribed the paparazzi tabloids? Are you the fool or are we the fools? Would he possibly defame himself this way and let the whole world see that he has been cuckolded? All that just to divorce you? Get out!"


    "Do you think we are stupid?"


    "Even a fool would not believe you!"


    "iming innocence by attacking him first? This woman is too sinister!"


    "Does she no longer have any feelings for her husband?"


    "I only know now that to cover one''s own mistake, a person can actually be despicable to such a point. I''ve really learned something today!"


    Soon after, the president of Tianfang Entertainment also posted on Weibo.


    Zhao Chipeng: "Han Di, I''ve trusted you as a friend all this time. Ever since your debut, I''ve liked you very much and always gave you the best opportunities. Now that you''ve gained some fame, you''ve started to change. You even know how to resort to such underhandedness? Hur hur, take it that I''ve trusted the wrong person. Don''t forget that you still have a contract with Tianfang Entertainment. You want to mess with me? Then be prepared for the consequences. I''ll y your game since this is what you want!" He directly used Han Di of framing him and chose to gloss over the matter of the exposed pictures.


    Very quickly, this news spread.


    Han Di would not be getting any more film projects to work on!


    He wouldn''t be attending any moremercial performances!


    Tianfang Entertainment had as good as froze him forever!


    "What?"


    "Zhao Chipeng, you''re too damn wicked!"


    "Motherfucker!"


    "You''re actually using him first?"


    "Is that you in the photographs? Tell us!"


    "You fucking bedded another person''s wife and still dare to use others of wrongdoing?"


    "You old bastard!"


    "I''m so angry!"


    "Motherfucker, what is this shit!"


    "Do these people really not have a shred of humanity left in them?"


    The people were all scolding them!


    But right now, the media and industry were siding with Zhao Chipeng, strongly giving him their support!


    A B-list celebrity: "@ZhaoChipeng Boss, don''t be bothered about that gossip. Who doesn''t know what kind of a person you are?"


    Another entertainmentpany''s vice president posted a smiley face on Weibo. "Boss Zhao has met with an undeserved catastrophe. People these days really dare to do all sorts of things. I had thought very highly of Little Han back then too, but it looks like I was totally wrong about him."


    A C-list artist: "@HanDi We''re all from the samepany. Why do you have to be so ruthless?"


    The media also changed their stance entirely!


    "Han Di''s domestic abuse!"


    "Han Di gets put into the freezer!"


    "You can''t judge a book by its cover. Han Di''s true colors!"


    "Tianfang Entertainment''s president hounded by rumors!"


    There were quite a few people from the industry and media raging against Han Di!


    Meanwhile, some of the others from the industry chose to keep their silence on this matter. Even the only two friends Han Di got along quite well with did not say a word. At this moment, no one in the entire entertainment circle came forward to speak up for Han Di!

 Chapter 1284: Zhang Ye, the busybody!

    <h4>Chapter 1284: Zhang Ye, the busybody! </h4>


    Chapter 1284: Zhang Ye, the busybody!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    And this was only the beginning!


    On the same day, Han Di''s "dirt" kept getting exposed. However, none of those usations had any conclusive evidence and were just in usations!


    The media was attacking Han Di with wave after wave!


    People from the entertainment industry kept appearing one after another to condemn Han Di!


    There was also arge troll army that appeared out of nowhere that startedshing out and cursing at Han Di on Weibo and the various forums. They all used him of not caring for his child and the rtionship with his wife in his bid to gain something out of this despicable act of using his own wife and boss at work. They were saying how he totally deserved it and how it was right that he was frozen!


    The public was dumbfounded!


    "How did it turn out like this?"


    "Fucking hell!"


    "Zhao Chipeng, you should be the one who deserves to die!"


    "It wouldn''t be enough even if he were to die 10,000 times over! He''s too wicked! This man is simply too wicked!"


    "There''s Han Di''s wife too. I finally know what they mean when they say that a married woman has the most toxic heart of all!"


    "Dammit, I don''t believe this! I don''t believe that everyone has gone blind!"


    "They didn''t go blind, and know full well what is going on. Just look at who are the ones making the most serious usations. They''re all people who have connections with Zhao Chipeng. They''re all people rted to Tianfang Entertainment. Then look at the big name celebrities, which of them have spoken up? They''ve all chosen to keep their mouths shut since this is the best way of self-preservation. Han Di isn''t some big shot anyway, so would there be any point in offending one of the greatest funders of the entertainment circle? Who would be that dumb! So of course they''d act aloof regarding this matter since it doesn''t concern them directly. Even Han Di''s two friends did not say a word!"


    "Wang Zhe! Say something!"


    "Li Duohai! Aren''t you guys Han Di''s friends?"


    "Why aren''t you two speaking up for him! Fuck!"


    "What kinds of friends are they? Can you even call them friends!"


    "The photos from before have all been deleted!"


    "I posted something earlier that analyzed the evidence thus far. But dammit, all of it got deleted by the Weibo authorities the moment I posted them!"


    "Mine too!"


    "As long as it''s rted to Zhao Chipeng, it will be deleted!"


    "They''re deliberately misleading the public''s opinion!"


    "Many of the media outlets have been paid off to do so too!"


    "Just look at the familiar scenes happening everywhere. It''s obvious that this was done by them!"


    For the entire day!


    Han Di was getting scolded for the entire day by people in the industry!


    However, Tianfang Entertainment''s PR representatives had probably not expected that it was precisely because of these strong usations that led to the people getting entirely outraged!


    "What a bunch of bastards!"


    "There are no good people in the entertainment circle!"


    "My heart really aches for Han Di!"


    "I wonder how he''s coping."


    "Can he ept this?"


    "I don''t know, I''m really anxious about him too!"


    "This is too sudden. This is much too sudden!"


    ��


    Old Chen''s house.


    Chen Guang smacked his hand against the table and said, "They''ve gone too far!"


    Fan Wenli also looked frustrated. "Zhao Chipeng is behaving toowlessly."


    Chen Guang''s agent, who was beside him, forced a smile and said, "But what can be done? I believe that when the paparazzi tabloid first posted those photos, they didn''t expect that the person in the pictures would turn out to be Tianfang Entertainment''s president. They were the ones who let the cat out of the bag, and now they want to recapture it. The people are really not going to have any of it."


    Fan Wenli sighed. "Han Di has lost everything this time."


    ��


    At Ning Lan''s house.


    The members of Spring Garden were here as well.


    Feeling suffocated, Ning Lan said, "How can things be like this?"


    Xiaodong said angrily, "That woman is really too vicious! She can change at the snap of a finger. When their child grows up and learns about this event, what will the child think? Doesn''t she know how greatly this would affect the child? Are there even such mothers in this world?"


    Ning Lan said, "She''s doing this to protect herself."


    Amy scolded, "Hell! Even a vicious tiger would not eat its cubs!"


    Li Xiaoxian suddenly said, "Can we speak up for Han Di?"


    Ning Lan shook her head. "How can we say anything? Your talent agency has a close working rtionship with Tianfang Entertainment. Are you girls thinking of not continuing in this line of work? Or end up getting frozen too? Even if you three aren''t afraid of the consequences, what about the staff around you? What about your fans? Don''t forget that at our status and level, there are too many people who depend on us to make their living. Zhao Chipeng is one of thergest investors in the entertainment circle. Whoever offends him would not be able to survive long in this industry."


    The four of them fell silent.


    ��


    At an industry party.


    "What do you guys think of this?"


    "Hai, let''s not talk about it."


    "We can only pretend like we didn''t see it."


    "There''s nothing that we can do about such matters. That''s Zhao Chipeng we''re talking about."


    "Yeah, how many people in the industry would dare to go against him? There isn''t anyone at all."


    "But the people are in an uproar and it seems like they won''t let it slide."


    "So what? President Zhao does not depend on his poprity to make a living. He''s just an investor who controls the funding. And besides, it''s not like he would get hurt by a few harsh words from the people anyway. Would he care? Just look at how many people in the industry dare to say anything about this. Everyone can''t wait to speak up for President Zhao and are taking the opportunity to cozy up to him."


    "This is just what the entertainment circle is like."


    "Han Di is done for."


    ��


    The matter blew up even more!


    It was getting more and more out of hand!


    Meanwhile, the person at the center of it all still did not say a word!


    Han Di''s house.


    His two-year-old child was wailing and asking for its mother.


    Han Di''s elder sister, who was also his agent, was also crying. "Insane! Those people are really insane! Little Di, can''t you say something to address the situation? Talk to Sis!"


    Han Di sat there in silence, looking at the wall in front of him.


    It had been like this for the entire day!


    Han Di did not utter a single word!


    His sister said helplessly, "Little Di! Sis is begging you! Don''t scare me like this!"


    His wife''s betrayal!


    Zhao Chipeng''s malice!


    His friends'' abandonment!


    The media''s nder!


    The condemnation from the industry''s people!


    In the span of one night, he had lost everything!


    Han Di was silent, sitting there like a statue.


    Suddenly, the front door opened as Han Di''s parents rushed in frantically. "Little Di!"


    It was only now that Han Di''s expression changed a little. He looked up at his parents as his tears fell freely. He asked, "Dad, Mom, is this the show business that I''ve always loved and looked forward to?"


    His parents cried!


    Han Di''s mother and sister hugged him and couldn''t stop crying!


    ��


    On the same night.


    At Old Wu''s parents'' courtyard house.


    After dinner, Zhang Ye helped Li Qinqin with the dishwashing. When he was finished with the chores, he and Wu Zeqing strolled around the yard to aid their digestion.


    Old Wu asked, "Have you seen the news?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I did. No one cares about our wedding now."


    Old Wu said, "What were you thinking at dinner?"


    "Nothing." Zhang Ye blinked.


    Old Wu giggled. "Do you think I don''t know you?"


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips and said, "Well, I was just thinking about how this situation felt really familiar. Have you forgotten? Back then, I was also suppressed by such public opinions a few times. It was a good thing that this bro''s mouth is much more capable than those who used me of things. It didn''t matter how many people attacked me, I never got frightened. I ruled for so long and couldn''t find an equal!"


    Old Wu said, "Han Di is not as eloquent as you."


    Zhang Ye sighed. "That something so big has happened and Han Di still hasn''t opened his mouth to give an exnation or made any criticism yet, I really have to admit that I''m very impressed by him. I know that it''s not that he doesn''t want to speak up, nor that he doesn''t know how to do so. It''s simply because he knows he can''t do that. That guy must be a good person."


    "You''re sure of it?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes."


    "Then what do you intend to do about it?"


    Zhang Ye calmly answered, "You know that I''m a guy who loves being a busybody."

 Chapter 1285: ’A Madman’s Diary’ surprises everyone!

    <h4>Chapter 1285: ''A Madman''s Diary'' surprises everyone! </h4>


    Chapter 1285: ''A Madman''s Diary'' surprises everyone!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It was gettingte.


    The weather was turning wintry, but it was still quite bright in the courtyard.


    Zhang Ye stood in the yard and looked at the moon in silence. Footfalls approached from behind as a woman''s coat was ced over him.


    It was Wu Zeqing. "Don''t catch a cold."


    Zhang Ye nced back. "Thanks."


    Old Wu said, "What are you thinking about?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m thinking about how screwed up a ce the entertainment industry is."


    The door opened and Li Qinqin walked out. "Little Ye, it''s quitete, so why don''t you stay over for the night? You can have the guest room. Although the bed is a little small, it''ll be fine if you just squeeze in a little and make do with it. Your uncle is away on business and won''t be home tonight. This way, Zeqing can stay over with me and you can also save the trouble of having to go back sote at night."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Sure, Auntie."


    Li Qinqin reminded him, "It''s gettingte. Hurry up and get some sleep."


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "Alright, I''ll do that as soon as I''m done with some work."


    "Work?" Li Qinqin said, "Aren''t you on leave?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, but there''s something else that I need to take care of."


    A momentter, Zhang Ye entered the office and powered on theputer.


    Li Qinqin was still a little worried. "Zeqing, what''s he busy with now?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Don''t worry about him. He''s just off being a busybody again."


    ��


    On Weibo.


    The drama was still going on. In fact, it was getting more and more exciting!


    Zhao Chipeng started denouncing Han Di again, appealing to the industry to boycott a despicable celebrity like Han Di. Zhao Chipeng''s wife also came forward at around 10 PM to show her support for her husband. She expressed that she and Han Di''s wife were good friends and had heard of herining many times about the violence at home. She did not bring out any evidence of that happening but kept iming that she had seen it with her own eyes. At the same time, she raged about how Han Di was trying to frame her husband. Afterwards, Han Di''s wife also started interacting with Zhao Chipeng and his wife on Weibo. Family violence, beating their child, all kinds of terrible deeds were pinned onto Han Di!


    "Despicable!"


    "That illicit couple!"


    "None of them are good people!"


    "Aren''t they afraid of going to hell?"


    "Bastards!"


    "This is pissing me off! I''m so furious at them!"


    "I''ve never seen people as sinister as them!"


    On the streets.


    In the alleys.


    Throughout every household.


    The people were cursing like mad. It was so infuriating that a lot of them could not fall asleep!


    All themon folk knew full well what was going on, yet everyone in the entertainment industry was choosing to y dumb! The public rarely hated someone so badly. But this time, it crossed the line to the point of being abhorrent. Han Di was keeping silent for the sake of his child. But Zhao Chipeng and the others kept fanning the mes. They were openly twisting lies into truth. This was as good as putting a noose around Han Di''s neck and tightening the knot!


    Some of those who felt that they were really left with no choice went onto Weibo to ask their favorite celebrities by mentioning them!


    "@JiangHanwei Please say something!"


    "Teacher Jiang, please speak up for Han Di, will you?"


    "@FanWenli!"


    "Sister Fan!"


    "Please help Han Di!"


    "@LiYu Didn''t you act in a movie with Han Di?"


    "Teacher Li Yu, please help him out!"


    "@ChenGuang!"


    "@Xiaodong!"


    "@NingLan!"


    "@ZhangYuanqi!"


    "@SunGuang!"


    "Please help Teacher Han Di. We will remember your kindness forever!"


    "Why is this happening?"


    "Why aren''t any of you saying anything!"


    Countless Han Di fans even went over to the Weibo of his two friends!


    "Teacher Wang Zhe!"


    "Teacher Li Duohai!"


    "I beg of you two! I really beg of you two!"


    "Can you two please say something?"


    "Han Di is going through the most painful time right now, can''t you two offer him somefort!"


    "Please go and help Little Di!"


    Silence!


    The silence was deafening!


    No one said a word!


    No one made a sound!


    This silence left a chill in many of themon folk''s hearts. It was so cold that it sent a shiver down their spines. If even Han Di''s two good friends were keeping quiet at this time, who else could they rely on? Who else could they turn to?


    Was this what show business was like?


    Just what kind of a ce was it!


    Right at this moment, an unexpected person gave voice to the people!


    It was Zhang Ye!


    He suddenly updated his blog!


    Someone found out about it.


    "Zhang Ye posted something on his blog!"


    "Who cares to hear about his wedding at this time!"


    "It''s not about the wedding! It''s a story!"


    "What?"


    "Why do you care about a story!"


    "Dammit, just go and read it!"


    "This, this isn''t just any story!"


    "Everyone, get in here! Something big has happened!"


    "Fuck, Zhang Ye has made his move!"


    The news spread like it had sprouted wings, with many peopleing over the moment they heard about it. What story? What had happened?


    Chen Guang opened the blog!


    Zhang Xia turned on herputer!


    Ning Lan turned her attention to it!


    Huo Dongfang, Amy, Jiang Hanwei, Li Yu, and countless other people all came over to Zhang Ye''s blog to take a look!


    ��


    " A Madman''s Diary 1 "


    1


    Moon''s real bright tonight. Haven''t seen it in over thirty years. Seeing it now, I feel like a new man. I suppose I''ve been out of my mind for the past thirty years. But I''ve still got to be very careful. Why else would the Zhao family''s dog give me a double take?


    I have reason to be afraid.


    ��


    This first passage had very few words!


    But every word left the readers in shock!


    The Zhao family''s dog?


    Chen Guang was dumbfounded!


    Ning Lan wore a shocked expression!


    Huo Dongfang gasped!


    Jiang Hanwei was stunned!


    Countless people and industry insiders were so shocked that their hair stood on end. And thatst sentence also made them feel rather ashamed!


    I have reason to be afraid?


    When the people of the entertainment industry read this, they were silenced!


    ��


    2


    No moonlight at all tonight, I know that something''s not right. When I crept outside this morning, Old Mr. Zhao had a funny look in his eyes: maybe fearful, maybe dangerous. There were also seven, eight people who had their heads together whispering about me. One spread his mouth wide and grinned at me. I was chilled from head to toe, realizing that their n was already set in motion.


    But I wasn''t gonna let that scare me and kept walking. Ahead was a group of kids, and they too were talking about me. The looks in their eyes were the same as Old Mr. Zhao''s, and their faces were ashen. I wondered what grudge they had with me that they would also behave this way. Unable to bear it, I shouted, "Tell me!" But they just ran away.


    I''ve got it! Their parents taught them to be this way!


    3


    Now that I think about it, I get a shiver that runs from the top of my head clear down to the tips of my toes.


    If they would eat people, then who knows if they''ll eat me.


    You have to really study something before you understand it. I remembered hearing that since the olden days, people have often eaten people, though I was a bit foggy on the details. So I leafed through a history book, which was undated, and scrawled everywhere, across every page were the words benevolence, justice, virtue. Since I was tossing and turning in my sleep, I decided to study it for most of the night, when I realized that packed between the lines of the entire volume were two words: eat people!


    Well, I''m a person too, and they want to eat ME!


    ��


    Eat people!


    Eat people!


    Eat people!


    This short story framed as a diary and written in vernacr kept revolving around those two words!


    A lot of people trembled with fear!


    A lot of people felt a chill crawl up their spines!


    Eating people in the entertainment industry!


    This was a ce where people ate people!


    Every word in the short story was dripping with blood!


    ��


    12


    Can''t think of it anymore.


    Just realized that, for a long time, I''ve drifted along in a ce that has been eating people for the past 4,000 years. Little Sister happened to die right as Older Brother took over the house. There''s no telling if he gave some of her to us to eat.


    Who knows if I didn''t identally eat some of my little sister''s flesh? And now it''s my turn��.


    Even though I didn''t know it then, now that I know I have 4,000 years of cannibalism behind me, it''s so hard to look real people in the eye!


    13


    Maybe there''s still children who haven''t eaten people yet?


    Save the children��


    ��


    The short story ended here!


    A lot of people just froze after reading it!


    Lu Xun''s "A Madman''s Diary" from Zhang Ye''s previous world had been presumptuously used over here in this way. Not for conscience, nor was it for Han Di.


    But for the children!


    Or maybe it was for the future?


    1. https://imgur/a/XFL604Z

 Chapter 1286: Tearing a hole in the sky of the entertainment industry!

    <h4>Chapter 1286: Tearing a hole in the sky of the entertainment industry! </h4>


    Chapter 1286: Tearing a hole in the sky of the entertainment industry!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    100,000 hits!


    1,000,000 hits!


    10,000,000 hits!


    The views on "A Madman''s Diary" exploded!


    A short story framed as a diary and written in vernacr that many people did not even know was a style set off a tsunami in the country. It stunned everyone!


    This was going head-on!


    This was fucking going head-on against Zhao Chipeng!


    The entire work was almost fully expressed as the inner thoughts of a madman. The madman thought that all the people around him were eating people, and that he would either be forced to eat others or get eaten as well. After the madman was locked up, he refused the food sent to him by his family and also attempts to get him medically treated. He just kept telling the people around him to not eat people anymore. At the end, the madman realized he could have identally eaten his own sister''s flesh and cried out in despair. The entire story was told through the perspective of a madman suffering from the fear of persecution. It exposed the essence of "eating people," and Zhang Ye had used this madman''s ims to tear down the entertainment industry and society as a whole,yer byyer. Every word in the story left a creepy thought in the readers'' minds!


    From anger!


    To despair!


    To screams!


    And even one''s hopes of the future!


    All of that was contained in the story!


    The literary world was stunned!


    The entertainment industry was uneasy!


    The people burst into an uproar!


    "Maybe there''s still children who haven''t eaten people yet?


    "Save the children!"


    These two lines were a sword plunged mercilessly into everyone''s hearts!


    ��


    Old Chen''s house.


    Chen Guang smacked his forehead. "This is bad!"


    Fan Wenli said in surprise, "Why did Zhang Ye pop out!"


    "How would I know!" Chen Guang said anxiously.


    ��


    At Old Yao''s house.


    Yao Jiancai was startled. "The Zhao family''s dog?"


    His wife was also panicking. "This is going to be bad!"


    But Yao Mi jumped to her feet and said, "As expected of Teacher Zhang! As expected of Teacher Zhang!"


    Old Yao''s wife said, "What are you shouting for? Your Uncle Zhang has gotten himself into big trouble this time!"


    ��


    At Ning Lan''s house.


    Xiaodong was dumbfounded!


    Amy was stunned!


    Li Xiaoxian was also so startled that she felt a chill run down her spine!


    Ning Lan gasped and said, "Is this what a skilled writer is capable of? It''s really great! Zhang Ye doesn''t even need to use his mouth to kill someone! Without saying a word or opening his mouth, give him a pen and he can rip a hole in the sky!"


    ��


    At Zhang Xia''s house.


    Her daughter helped to put a coat over her shoulders. "Mom, it''s time to sleep."


    Her grandchild was sleeping soundly in the baby crib.


    Zhang Xia looked over at her little grandchild and mumbled to herself, "Save the children?"


    ��


    Online.


    On Weibo.


    In the forums.


    The people were raising a ruckus!


    No one had thought that Zhang Ye woulde forward at this time, nor did anyone expect that he would actually post such an earth-shattering story!


    "Oh my God!"


    "I can feel a chill creep up my spine!"


    "After reading the story, I felt a shiver run down my spine!"


    "Madman? Lunatic?"


    "To post this sort of story at this time, Zhang Ye must be that madman!"


    "A war is gonna break out!"


    "The entertainment circle is going to descend into chaos!"


    "Could he possibly know Han Di?"


    "That''s impossible!"


    "They''ve never had any contact or dealings!"


    "Yeah, it''s impossible that the two of them would know each other!"


    "Then why did Zhang Ye do this?"


    "Zhang Ye is also a member of the entertainment industry, so why does he try to lead the way and dere war on the entire industry? To go against someone who''s funding the entertainment industry? He really must be crazy!"


    "But then again, that''s exactly who Zhang Ye is!"


    "Yeah, that''s who he is!"


    "I like him so much!"


    "Me too, I love him!"


    "Ahhhhh!"


    "Brothers, stop sleeping. Wake up, everyone!"


    "Someone''s finally leading the way!"


    "Motherfucking hell! There''s someone standing forward atst! There''s finally someone who''s putting in a honest word for Han Di!"


    Thements below the blog post, "A Madman''s Diary," blew up!


    Zhang Ye''s fans came forward one by one too.


    "Lord Zhang, are we going into battle?"


    "Shall we get the fighting started?"


    "We''re here!"


    "I see it!"


    "Understood!"


    "Got it!"


    "Received!"


    "As you wish!"


    "Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    "Come, let''s go and help Han Di out!"


    "Charge!"


    "Let''s make Old Dog Zhao answerable for this!"


    "Zhang Ye''s fan club has gathered!"


    "Attack!"


    Han Di''s fans also came forward. They simply could not believe their eyes. When they saw the story, many of Han Di''s female fans cried. Some of them even finished reading the story with a face covered with tears! With Han Di getting framed by his boss, being betrayed by his wife, and then frozen by thepany, no one said a word in support of Han Di. Even Han Di''s two good friends chose to turn a blind eye to it, and no one in the industry offered to speak up for him. To their disbelief, it was actually Zhang Ye and his fan club who came forward in the end!


    This favor was too great!


    This sense of loyalty was too strong!


    A female fan of Han Di''s tearfully left ament. "Teacher Zhang! Thank you! Thank you so much!"


    "We will forever be grateful to you!"


    "On behalf of all the fans of Han Di, I thank you for your help. We��we don''t know what else we can say!"


    "Your grace and kindness will not be forgotten!"


    "Thank you!"


    "Thank you so much!"


    Zhao Chipeng''s malice!


    The bought off media outlets!


    The silence of all of show business!


    They had endured it for too long!


    They had been stifled for too long!


    They had been furious for too long!


    The moment Zhang Ye stepped forward, the people finally broke their silence. Many of the other celebrities'' fans also emerged from all over the ce!


    "Count me in!"


    "Me too!"


    "I can''t just stand by watching anymore, fuck!"


    "Fuck, let''s do battle with them!"


    "Go fuck yourself, Jiang Hanwei! I will be a diehard fan of Zhang Ye from now on!"


    "Go to hell, Li Yu! I won''t ever chase after him again. I''ll be Zhang Ye''s fan from now on!"


    "Damn you, Wang Zhe! Your brother has been bullied to such a point and you''re still not speaking up for him? Scram! I won''t watch any movies that you act in ever again! I''ll only support Zhang Ye from now on!"


    "Zhang Ye''s the true warrior!"


    "He''s a real man!"


    "Nothing I can say about it! This move of Zhang Ye''s is just too damn beautiful!"


    "In showbiz, he''s the only person who dares to speak up like this!"


    "Those celebrities only know how to do charity or get involved in public welfare activities asionally. They only know how to put up a good front day in and day out, but be cowardly the moment something happens! They don''t even know how to differentiate right from wrong! What is truth and what are lies! For celebrities like you, why should I bother liking you? In the end, we still had to depend on Zhang Ye! Aren''t you all very good at keeping quiet? Aren''t you all very good at holding your tongues? Fuck it then, we don''t need you anymore! We won''t beg you either! Zhang Ye alone is good enough!"


    "I''ll be a fan of Zhang Ye''s til I die!"


    "Come, let''s go and fucking curse at that Old Dog Zhao together!"


    "Right! With Zhang Ye taking the lead, there''s nothing to be afraid of. Let''s follow Zhang Ye! Let''s follow Zhang Ye''s fan club! This legendary figure and legendary fan club, they have never lost a scolding battle before. Zhang Ye is the biggest hooligan in the entertainment circle, so all we need is for him to be on our side!"


    "Charge!"


    Zhao Chipeng''s Weibo was instantaneously under attack!


    "Old Dog Zhao!"


    "Old Dog Zhao!"


    "Old Dog Zhao!"


    Han Di''s wife!


    Those from the entertainment circle who had previously shown support for Zhao Chipeng!


    And so on. All of them were getting scolded like crazy by the angry mob!


    Tens of millions of scoldingments!


    Tens of millions of people participating!


    ��


    Han Di''s house.


    His sister suddenly eximed, "Little Di, Little Di!"


    Han Di was still in a daze.


    Han Di''s parents said, "What''s the matter?"


    His sister said loudly, "Come and see this! Someone''s speaking up for Little Di!"


    His mother was taken aback. "Who is it?"


    His sister couldn''t hold back her tears anymore. "It''s Zhang Ye! It''s Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    Han Di was startled. "Teacher Zhang?"


    His sister was desperately scrolling through the pages. "It''s crazy, this is getting really crazy! With Teacher Zhang leading the way, everyone is nowing forward in support of you! The media is no longer making any noise. Those celebrities who spoke up for Zhao Chipeng and the chatter in the industry have all fallen silent! He''s amazing! Zhang Ye''s amazing! His reputation is so great that he and his fans have swept aside everyone else in the entertainment industry! They''re so dominating! There aren''t too many people who would dare to offend him!"


    Zhang Ye?


    Why?


    Why was he doing this?


    Han Di said, "I��But I don''t know Teacher Zhang personally."


    ��


    On this night, no one was able to sleep well!


    Zhang Ye''s story had torn a hole in the sky of the entertainment industry!

 Chapter 1287: China’s aunties make their move!

    <h4>Chapter 1287: China''s aunties make their move! </h4>


    Chapter 1287: China''s aunties make their move!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    In the office in the courtyard house, Zhang Ye woke up.


    He turned on his cell phone to check the time and saw that it was still pretty early. But the next second, his phone rang. He nced at the caller ID and saw that it was Yao Jiancai.


    "Old Yao, you couldn''t have caught me at a better time. I had just turned on my phone for a few seconds when your call came in."


    "What are you even talking about? I''ve been trying to get through to you for the entire night!"


    "Ah? What''s the matter?"


    "What do you think is the matter? You even dare to go against Zhao Chipeng?"


    "Haha, why?"


    "Did you have too much to drink?"


    "You''re the one who drank. I haven''t had a drink in many days."


    "You''re just great. I''m impressed. Did you go to sleep after you posted the short story? You can sleep real tight, can''t you? Hurry up and take a look. Go check on Weibo and the news too. Do you know how chaotic it is right now? With your scolding, the people are all following your lead. Zhao Chipeng and those other sponsors who spoke in support of him have all been scolded like dogs. They''re even getting called the Zhao family''s dogs as per what you described in your short story. The entire matter has spun out of control, do you know just what the situation in the entertainment circle is? As long as they''re in show business, everyone was totally shocked by what you didst night! You really don''t seem to care if this matter blows up or not, do you? You''re the only rascal who dares toe forward and speak up at a time like this, heh. Buting back to the original point, it really does feel quite good."


    "Right?"


    "I''m going to make an alt ount to have a go at him as well."


    "Ah? An alt?"


    "Of course! Do you think I''m like you? Zhao Chipeng owns 10% of my talent agency''s stocks, do you think I will dare to openly go against him like that? That I don''t have to earn a living anymore?"


    "In any case, you guys don''t have to worry about it."


    "It''s not like we can do anything even if we care."


    Zhang Ye spent the entire morning answering calls.


    He hadn''t even gotten out of bed yet and dozens of calls came in one after another.


    Ning Lan.


    Xiaodong.


    Zhang Xia.


    Fang Weihong.


    Chen Guang.


    Many of his friends called.


    They were either concerned about him or called to praise him for what he did. All kinds of things were said.


    The news also gradually reported about it.


    "Zhang Ye''s new story gets published!"


    "Zhang Ye suddenly posts a short storyst night, seemingly questioning the entertainment circle?"


    "The literary world has high praise for ''A Madman''s Diary''!"


    "A storm approaches!"


    "Zhao Chipeng turns off his Weiboments!"


    "The mysterious silence in the entertainment circle!"


    It could be seen that many in the media who reported about this event did not choose to include any radical headlines. All of it sounded very conservative and restrained, and there was no mention of the photos of Zhao Chipeng and Han Di''s wife. There was only a brief description of the events that took ce yesterday.


    Many celebrities remained silent!


    A lot of the professionals remained tight-lipped!


    There was a very subtle atmosphere in the industry, but it could be perceived from what was going on here!


    Due to the fact that they were faced with the people''s rage, nobody dared to speak up in opposition at a time like this. That was what "A Madman''s Diary" was so good at!


    ��


    Later that morning.


    At the entrance of Tianfang Entertainment''s headquarters.


    Zhao Chipeng came to work with a dark look. When the secretary opened the car door for him to step out, the passersby who saw him were immediately enraged!


    "Look!"


    "Zhao Chipeng!"


    "It''s Old Dog Zhao!"


    "Ptui!"''


    "That bastard!"


    "Can you be any more wicked than you are!"


    Everyone was pointing at him and scolding!


    Zhao Chipeng was angered by this and pointed back at them. "Who do you all think you''re scolding!"


    "You, of course!"


    "The old dog of the Zhao family!"


    "You''re such a huge bully!"


    "Do you really think that no one can curb you?"


    A lot of onlookers had gathered and were standing there to confront Zhao Chipeng!


    In the end, it was hispany''s staff that came out to guard and escort him inside!


    Zhao Chipeng was furious. When he got inside, he was still pointing at the people outside and saying, "Call the police, immediately! How dare they make a scene outside mypany! They''re too audacious!"


    In the president''s office.


    The secretary said sweating, "President Zhao, how should we handle this?"


    Zhao Chipeng said furiously, "What''s the situation?"


    The secretary said somberly, "It''s not good. Your Weibo, thepany''s website, and even the artists under us are all being bombarded with scoldings. They have too many people on their side, so many that even the public has joined them. We can''t keep them under control. I went to a few media outlets to buy some reports during the night, but they seemed to be hesitating and didn''t dare to run any more reports at a time like this. They said that they were afraid that the public would be outraged, so they rejected our requests."


    "What are they even thinking!" Zhao Chipeng banged the table.


    There was a knock on the door. Several of the vice presidents and high rankingpany executives arrived.


    "President Zhao!"


    "What should we do?"


    "The news has blown up."


    "We have to quickly do PR!"


    "We can''t leave Zhang Ye alone anymore. We have to rein him in!"


    Zhao Chipeng thought about it for a while and said, "It''s not the right time. We have to wait until this blows over before we do anything to him. Let them scold all they want for now, it''s not like we will suffer any losses because of it. Do they think that their scolding can bring down this building of mine? How stupid!"


    Everyone thought the same as well. They really had not expected things to deteriorate to such a state. Zhang Ye''s poprity was really too high and his influence too great. It waspletely unexpected that he would stick his nose into this affair, as no one in the entertainment industry would dare to challenge their sponsors like this! This person was really a total oddity. He was a through and through lunatic! But currently, all they could do was endure it. They could only ept it as there was nothing else they could do. Public opinion was surging against them, so they had to tuck their tails between their legs and behave. They needed to wait until the storm blew over, perhaps in a day or two. Themon folk couldn''t possibly scold them every day and not get on with their lives, right? Besides, it wasn''t going to be any use even if they carried on scolding them. It wasn''t like they would lose sleep over it.


    The tone had been set.


    The upper management felt relieved.


    It was close to 9:30 AM, which was when more bad news caught them by surprise. It was a news that dumbfounded Zhao Chipeng and the otherpany executives!


    "This is not good!"


    "What happened?"


    "The stock market has opened!"


    "So what?"


    "Our stock price plunged the moment the market opened!"


    "What?!"


    A call auction!


    Stock market opening!


    Tianfang Entertainment''s stock price plunged asrge multteral trades triggered a panic selling!


    Zhao Chipeng''s expression finally showed a visible change. "Goddammit!"


    Every one of thepany''s upper management''s faces paled. They finally felt it, they finally knew what impact this issue had brought to them!


    And they still thought that they wouldn''t lose any sleep over this?


    They already had their arms broken by it!


    How could it be like this!


    It was only a short story!


    It was just a work of fiction!


    How could it have caused something like this!


    Thepany''s upper management was getting anxious and immediately convened a shareholders'' meeting to discuss what countermeasures to take. Everyone came up with a suggestion to handle the problem, but their faces were also visibly shaken and fearful!


    And it was right at this moment that a loud noise sounded from downstairs!


    That familiar tune dumbfounded thepany shareholders in the meeting room!


    Deng, deng deng deng deng!


    Deng deng deng deng deng deng deng deng!


    Deng, deng deng deng deng, deng deng!


    "The vast horizon is my love!


    "At the foot of rolling green hills flowers bloom!"


    Zhao Chipeng was enraged and called out, "What is going on! Go and find out!"


    The staff at Tianfang Entertainment''s headquarters couldn''t keep working, because they could all hear the music that was ying from downstairs. That brainwashing tune left all of them a little wide-eyed. Some of them even started tapping their feet to the rhythm unconsciously!


    The findings were reported back very quickly!


    There were a 100 aunties za dancing at the main entrance of thepany!


    Zhao Chipeng nearly fainted in anger!


    za dancing?


    za dancing at the entrance of mypany?


    This is a business district!


    It''s working hours right now!


    "Call the police!"


    "Yes!"


    "Quickly call the police and chase them away!"


    When the police arrived and found that they were facing 100 aunties, the officers were all at their wits'' end. They couldn''t engage them physically or verbally, and were forced to beg them for close to half an hour before they would leave.


    When the police left, the shareholders'' meeting continued.


    Zhao Chipeng said, "As I was saying, the stock price now��"


    Suddenly, music yed strongly again!


    Deng, deng deng deng deng!


    Deng deng deng deng deng deng deng deng!


    Deng, deng deng deng deng, deng deng!


    Zhao Chipeng said angrily, "What is this! What is it again!"


    Soon, the secretary came running back with a miserable look on his face. "President Zhao, it''s the za dancers again!"


    Zhao Chipeng said in consternation, "Didn''t the police already chase them away?"


    The secretary said nervously, "The aunties who were chased away earlier were from the western neighborhood. The ones outside now are the aunties from the eastern neighborhood!"


    Zhao Chipeng smashed his ss. "Call the police!"


    The police came back again and managed to get the aunties to leave in a civil manner after much talking.


    In the meeting room.


    Zhao Chipeng heaved a sigh of relief. "Let''s carry on with the meeting. As I was saying, we have to ensure that we maintain the good rtionship between the SARFT''s leaders and us. We mustn''t��" Then he stopped talking!


    A female executive put her head in her hands!


    A vice president had a look downstairs!


    The rest of thepany executives felt like they were on the verge of copse!


    A familiar sound yed again!


    Deng, deng deng deng deng!


    Deng deng deng deng deng deng deng deng!


    Deng, deng deng deng deng, deng deng!


    Zhao Chipeng flew into a rage and yelled, "What is it again!"


    The secretary ran in with a head dripping with sweat. "The aunties from the northern neighborhood havee as well!"


    A female vice president said angrily, "The eastern, western, and northern neighborhoods have alle? Where are those from the southern neighborhood then!"


    As she spoke, a melody yed from the opposite direction!


    "You are my-a small-a, small apple!


    "However much I love you, it''ll never be too much!


    "Your small blushing face warms my heart!


    "It lights my fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire!"


    At thepany''s rear entrance!


    The aunties from the southern neighborhood arrived too!


    The female vice president was floored!


    Zhao Chipeng saw red!


    They were doing this on purpose!


    They were obviously doing this on purpose!


    How could they carry on working like this!

 Chapter 1288: So a pen really can kill a person!

    <h4>Chapter 1288: So a pen really can kill a person! </h4>


    Chapter 1288: So a pen really can kill a person!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Everypany''s office environment was different.


    Somepanies liked having ssical music ying in the background.


    Some employees liked listening to pop music while they worked.


    So what was it like to be hearing a za dance tune while working? In the past, no one knew the answer to this question. But on this day, the staff of Tianfang Entertainment''s headquarters were able to tell everyone else just how fucked up it was!


    "Oh my God!"


    "I''m on the verge of a breakdown!"


    "My head!"


    "My ears!"


    "Fuck, can I bang my head against a wall!"


    "This is too annoying! It''s too damn annoying!"


    "Just who have we offended!"


    "These aunties are awful!"


    Some people broke down!


    Some people stuffed their ears with cotton balls!


    Some people covered their ears and constantly made noise to block out the noise!


    Some people were even brainwashed by the music and started humming, unable to stop!


    The music was still ying!


    Deng, deng deng deng deng!


    Deng deng deng deng deng deng deng deng!


    Deng, deng deng deng deng, deng deng!


    Some people in group chats were also messaging their colleagues at the branches. They were sending voice messages into the group chat as the za dance tunes yed in the background.


    "To-day we still have


    "two more pa-ges of doc-u-ments


    "to��fin-ish up so��work hard."


    After sending this, the person who recorded the voice message burst into tears!


    The people from the branch who heard this message were all confused. But if they had heard "The Hottest Ethnic Trend" before, they would realize that the tempo of this message was fully in ordance with the rhythm of the music.


    The entire headquarters was now fully immersed in the ocean of za dancing!


    Downstairs.


    The police returned again.


    The nearby northern and southern neighborhood aunties totaling more than a hundred people were asked to leave.


    When the aunties left, one of the leader aunties whipped out her cell phone and hesitatingly tapped a group chat. The group chat was named "Walking the Dog" had over 2,000 members.


    "The dog has been walked, the police are here."


    "Alright!"


    "Got it!"


    "Sisters from the northern and southern neighborhoods, withdraw for now."


    "Great job, everyone, leave the rest to us."


    "The group from Northern Neighborhood One will be going in soon!"


    "Southern Neighborhood Three''s second team is ready to take over the duties!"


    "The Fourth Bridge Neighborhoods'' za dancing group is ready to respond at any time."


    For the entire day, there was no stop to the za dance tunes at Tianfang Entertainment''s headquarters. The police had to respond to the reports so many times they ran out of manpower and had to call the other district branches for support. It would have been easier to handle if they had really caused trouble. They could just arrest the troublemakers and the problem would have been solved easily. But these aunties did not exactly break thew and were only dancing. They were also very cooperative and departed when the police asked them to do so. The only issue was that the groups kept getting reced by groups of aunties from the other neighborhoods!


    The Tianfang staff were no longer in the mood to work, nor could they even if they wanted to. As such, they just stood at the windows like fools and watched thoserge groups of auntiese and go.


    Ten times!


    Twenty times!


    Thirty times!


    The consequences of everything that had gone on today were: The police and the staff of Tianfang Entertainment had all learned the dance moves to "The Hottest Ethnic Trend" and "Small Apple"!


    When a passerby saw this sight, they almost diedughing. That person stood to the side and took out their cell phone to record a video of this and published it online.


    It was titled: "China''s aunties make their move!"


    ��


    Online.


    The video was being shared like crazy!


    When theizens saw it, theyughed hard!


    "Aiyo, I''ve been left kneeling!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "I''m dying ofughter!"


    "How supportive of the aunties!"


    "Damn, this I must Like!"


    "I saw it too just now when I passed by the ce. It was such an awesome sight. They kept recing the earlier groups, which had been asked to leave, wave after wave. A few thousand aunties were taking turns doing this, and I heard that the staff from Tianfang Entertainment were nearly driven crazy! It''s rumored that Zhao Chipeng nearly trashed his office because of this!"


    "Hahahaha, well yed!"


    "This is so awesome!"


    "The aunties make a move and Dog Zhao gets chewed out!"


    "Tianfang Entertainment has been conquered by the aunties! Nicely done!"


    "Dear aunties, I''ve wronged you all in the past!"


    "Me too. I used to hate those aunties who za danced below my apartment building. But damn, I will no longer speak badly about za dancing from now on!"


    "Forever supporting the za dancing industry! This is an industry that belongs to the people, it is an art of themon folk!"


    "Hail the almighty aunties!"


    "Zhang Ye is very influential!"


    "That''s true. That guy''s the father of za dancing, after all!"


    "Pfft, hahaha! I can''t stopughing every time I watch it!"


    "Everyone''s looking to beat up those dogs of the Zhao family!"


    "Their stock price has also hit the drop limit!"


    On this day, the za dancing aunties stole the show and even managed to make it onto the news.


    Although the news did not exactly report about this in a positive light and even had a criticizing tone in their report, themon folk were all full of praise for those aunties!


    ��


    The next day.


    The headquarters of Tianfang Entertainment was once again taken over by the aunties. And this wasn''t even the end of it. Perhaps due tost night''s news report about this event, all the other za dancing aunties across the country found out about how their sisters from Beijing had carried out such a hugely satisfying event. As such, all of them were fascinated and couldn''t hold themselves back!


    In an instant, all the branch offices of Tianfang Entertainment or the organizations that worked with them were christened by this za dance event!


    The Shenzhen branch office fell!


    The studio in Shanghai fell!


    The administrative office in Nanjing fell!


    The overwhelming number of aunties swarmed everywhere to these locations!


    All of them experienced the heart-rending za dance that had descended upon them!


    The stock price of Tianfang Entertainment crashed once again!


    In the morning session of the trading day, Zhao Chipeng led a group of shareholders to prop up the price. At first, they managed to stabilize the price so that it wouldn''t increase or decrease. But by the time the afternoon session opened, Tianfang Entertainment''s stock price suddenly fell again. In the matter of a minute, it fell from its stable position and hit the drop limit again to cease trading for the day!


    ��


    On the third day.


    The za dancing activities were still haunting Tianfang Entertainment!


    Tianfang Entertainment''s stock price got hit once again by the drop limit!


    ��


    On the fourth day.


    Tianfang Entertainment''s stock price bounced back greatly!


    But by the time the trading session came to a close, a panic sell-off was triggered!


    Tianfang Entertainment got hit by the drop limit again!


    ��


    In a matter of four days, their stock price had fallen more than 30% in total. A stock that was valued at ten yuan per share was now trading at a little over six yuan. What did that mean?


    It was a crash!


    Their stock price had almost been halved!


    The selloff from the equity pledge was also triggered as a result!


    The industry was shocked!


    Even the people in the financial industry were dumbfounded!


    Retail investors steered away!


    Stock traders steered away!


    Stock exchanges steered away!


    Everyone had abandoned them!


    When Zhao Chipeng saw his stock''s price falling day after day, he was hurting badly!


    Tianfang Entertainment''s upper management and staff were also panicking over this. It was only now that they understood and truly realized what sort of a crisis thepany was going through. Even if they epted and could bear the loss from this, even if they could survive this, thepany would still have taken a beating. Their reputation, authority, resources, and financial power would all take a big hit!


    Zhang Ye!


    Fuck your grandpa!


    Zhao Chipeng and many of the others cursed!


    The prior developments left them unable to calm down. None of them could believe that the cause of this current situation was actually due to one person and a short story titled "A Madman''s Diary"!


    A short story of only 4,000 words!


    In only a matter of four days!


    It had caused Tianfang Entertainment to lose over 10 billion yuan in the stock market!


    Everyone used to say that Zhang Ye''s writing was worth a thousand taels of gold per word? Or ten thousand taels of gold per word?


    But how was this worth only ten fucking thousand taels of gold per word?!


    This was more like a 100 million taels of gold per word 1 !


    So Zhang Ye''s pen really could kill a person!

 Chapter 1289: An industry-wide boycott is ordered!

    <h4>Chapter 1289: An industry-wide boycott is ordered! </h4>


    Chapter 1289: An industry-wide boycott is ordered!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It was a good day today.


    It was a good day on both the Gregorian and Yellow 1 calendars.


    At 5:30 AM, before the sun was up, before there were any people out on the streets, before the civil servants began their workday, Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing, both dressed in low-key attire, arrived at the Xicheng District Civil Affairs Bureau. One of Old Wu''s rtives was the head of this bureau and naturally gave the green light for everything. There were no outsiders present.


    Inside the Civil Affairs Bureau.


    The middle-aged man looked stern.


    Zhang Ye and Old Wu were both standing next to him.


    "Are you two ready?"


    "We''re ready."


    "Then I''ll get started."


    "OK."


    "I''m really going to begin."


    "Third Uncle, can you hurry up?"


    "You''re obtaining the marriage certificate now. Little Zhang, please be more serious, what are you being so impatient about?"


    "Alright."


    "I''m very happy to be able to issue you two your marriage certificate. It is a sacred day today, so would the two of you answer my questions in all seriousness. Are you two getting married of your own ord?"


    "Yes."


    "Yes."


    "I now ask that the two of you face the national g and emblem and read the marriage vows together."


    "We join hands in marriage of our own ord. From this day forward, we will shoulder the responsibilities and obligations of marriage as one: filial piety, teaching our children, mutual love and respect, mutual trust and encouragement, and mutual understanding. We will share all that we have,ugh and cry together, and love each other forever. Henceforth, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, be it young or old, through thick and thin, sharing weal and woe, through the ups and downs, to love and to cherish, until death do us part. We promise to uphold our vows made today and will see that we stick firm to them!"


    Ta!


    Ta!


    With the seals stamped, the marriage was legal!


    They had finally received the little red book. From this moment on, Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing were officially considered awfully wedded couple. They were really a family now!


    Zhang Ye was feeling a little excited.


    Wu Zeqing said with a smile, "Third Uncle, we''ll be leaving now."


    Her third uncle waved. "Go on, the morning staff will be arriving soon. Congrattions, Zeqing. Have a good life together." Then he turned to look at Zhang Ye, who was still busy flipping through the little red book, and curled his lips, saying, "In the future, you must treat our Zeqing well. I don''t know how you did it, but you must have earned a lot of karma in yourst life to be able to marry a good girl like her." Then he faced Wu Zeqing and said, "Zeqing, in the future��hai, just make do."


    Zhang Ye tensed up. "What do you mean just make do, Third Uncle."


    Wu Zeqing and her third uncle bothughed.


    After exiting the Civil Affairs Bureau, Zhang Ye swaggered, putting his arm out and around Wu Zeqing''s shoulders. This fellow was also getting pumped up. "Darling."


    Old Wu asked, "Yes?"


    Zhang Ye called out again, "Darling!"


    Old Wu said, "What''s the matter?"


    "Ah, it''s nothing, I just wanted to get used to calling you that."


    Old Wu smiled. "Hmm, then say it as much as you like."


    Zhang Ye rubbed his belly and said, "Alright, let''s talk when we get home. My stomach is rumbling. It''s time for us to have some breakfast."


    The morning papers went on sale at this hour.


    "Han Di sues for divorce!"


    "Han Di takes Tianfang Entertainment to court to terminate his contract!"


    "Han Di''s wife could end up with nothing from the marriage!"


    "Tianfang Entertainment''s stock price copses. The CSRC 2 to step in!"


    "A farce triggered by a story!"


    "Tianfang Entertainment''s equity mortgage crisis!"


    Wu Zeqing bought a few copies of the newspapers.


    Zhang Ye took one and browsed through it. "Hey, this Han Di isn''t dumb, after all. He even knows that he has to turn to the courts for a settlement."


    Wu Zeqing said, "Since it hase to this, he definitely has to sue." She looked at the newspapers and said, "You''ve really given Tianfang Entertainment a big problem to deal with. I''m guessing they''ll take action against you within the next two days."


    Zhang Ye sneered and said, "Come at me then, I''ll be waiting."


    Ring, ring, ring.


    His cell phone rang. It was from an unknown number.


    When Zhang Ye answered the call, he got quite the surprise.


    "Is this Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    "Yes, this is he."


    "I''m Han Di. I managed to get your number from a friend."


    "Eh, it''s you?"


    "I''ve already filed awsuit with the courts."


    "That''s good. You should have done this earlier. If you have any trouble or anything that you need help with, you may ask me. You don''t need to worry about being rude."


    "Thank you."


    "It''s nothing."


    "You��"


    "Is there something else?"


    "Have you watched my movies before?"


    "Your movies? Nope."


    "We''ve never even met before, so why did you help me?"


    "Why? Because I''m someone who likes being a busybody."


    "��Thank you."


    "My pleasure."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye grinned as he looked at Old Wu. "How was my answer?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled back. "Pretty good."


    "Alright, let''s go eat!" Zhang Ye pulled Old Wu along and strode off.


    Being a busybody?


    Tianfang Entertainment''s stock price had almost been halved!


    The entertainment industry was also plunged into chaos!


    To be a busybody to such an earth-shattering extent, you could say that he was the first person dating back to the ancients to achieve something like that!


    ��


    On the same morning.


    Whatever was supposed to happen was finally happening!


    At Tianfang Entertainment''s headquarters.


    Zhao Chipeng called for a emergency executives'' meeting. "The stock price has finally been stabilized. The people who have been causing a disturbance for the past four or five days are finally stopping. Every issuees to pass some day. Even if it still isn''t totally peaceful, and we still have a court case against Han Di to fight, there''s still one thing that we can do right now. We must get it done. If we don''t vent, would our Tianfang Entertainment still have a ce in the entertainment industry? Could I, Zhao Chipeng, still survive in this business? Whoever started it, whoever owes this debt, I''ll fucking make him pay for it bit by bit! I''ll make him learn just whose words matter the most in the entertainment industry!"


    The higher-ups had long been waiting for this!


    "Understood!"


    "President Zhao, we''ve been waiting for your word!"


    "Everyone knows what they have to do!"


    "Zhang Ye can forget about continuing in this industry!"


    "Anyone but him can be let off the hook!"


    When they thought about how often they had been scared awake by those za dance tunes in their dreams, this group of people hated Zhang Ye to the bone. They and the rest of Tianfang Entertainment''s staff from the other parts of the country had been conditioned to feel the presence of the za dance tunes even in the quietness of their own homes. They would often hallucinate and feel like the songs were ying around them even though no one came to cause any trouble!


    These were the four darkest days of their lives!


    These were four days they wouldn''t want to remember ever again for the rest of their lives!


    And the main culprit who had caused this trouble was Zhang Ye! After bearing with it for the past four days, they could finally fight back. Thinking about this, they could no longer restrain their excitement!


    After the meeting, the higher-ups all got down to business!


    Some people went out on business trips!


    Some people went to make phone calls!


    Zhao Chipeng also made eight or nine calls out to his media partner friends, and another dozen-odd calls to his friends and peers in the industry. After being in the business for many years, what Zhao Chipeng could bank on was his socialwork. Business partners? People he had given a hand to? People whom he had guided and supported? Coupled with the fact that there had been a myriad of changes in the way the industry was run, many of the entertainmentpanies were no longer rivals. Their existences were often mutually beneficial now, and there was close cooperation between them, even working together on certain projects. Zhao Chipeng was one of the biggest funders of the entertainment industry, so if he were to release word, it would be as good as an imperial decree!


    The news spread like wildfire!


    Tianfang Entertainment had ordered an industry-wide boycott against Zhang Ye!


    Movies?


    TV series?


    Variety shows?


    Music?


    Commercial appearances?


    Starting from today, whoever dared to ept Zhang Ye''s projects would mean that they were going against Tianfang Entertainment!


    Feiyu Entertainment quickly responded to the call!


    Xiaohai Media followed close behind!


    Xiangtian Records made their stance known!


    Onepany!


    Fivepanies!


    Tenpanies!


    Many of the entertainmentpanies made their intentions to boycott Zhang Ye public!


    The momentum was so great that nothing like it was seen before!


    This was a collective boycott of Zhang Ye by the sponsors of the entertainment industry!

 Chapter 1290: Calling for his head!

    <h4>Chapter 1290: Calling for his head! </h4>


    Chapter 1290: Calling for his head!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that morning.


    Beijing Television.


    Hu Fei had a sunken expression on his face. "Something has happened!"


    Dafei asked, "What is it, Brother Hu?"


    Hou Ge said in a startled manner, "What happened?"


    Hu Fei said with a heavy heart, "I''ve just received news. Zhao Chipeng has put the word out and more than a dozen entertainment and mediapanies have started boycotting Zhang Ye. Our station also received news that if we let Zhang Ye produce his shows here, they would call back all their artists and stop all cooperation with Beijing TV!"


    Xiao Lu said in shock, "What?"


    Hou Di said angrily, "That is too unreasonable!"


    Han Qi also looked frustrated. "Then what can be done? What can be done!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Ha Qiqi received firsthand news of this too!


    "This is not good!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    Director Zhang is being boycotted!"


    "What?"


    "By who this time?


    "Who else? It''s got to be Zhao Chipeng!"


    "It''s not only Tianfang Entertainment. This time, it''s half of the entertainment industry''s funders boycotting him. It has really blown up this time!"


    ��


    At a music website.


    "President Sun, about the new song we''re working with Zhang Ye on��"


    "There''s no need to talk about that anymore."


    "Ah? But we''ve already begun negotiations with them."


    "There''s no need anymore. Zhang Ye is finished."


    "Why''s that?"


    "He''s been shut out by the funders. From now on, whoever tries to work with Zhang Ye will face sanctions from Tianfang Entertainment, as well as the other dozen-odd mediapanies. If we continue working with Zhang Ye, the artists under contract with thosepanies will no longer work with us and will even have their song copyrights retracted!"


    "How could that be!"


    ��


    In the short span of an hour.


    The entire entertainment industry had received news about this.


    Chen Guang.


    Fan Wenli.


    Zhang Xia.


    Ning Lan.


    The seven S-listers.


    All of them received this notice!


    A shockwave rippled through the industry!


    The entertainment circle flew into an uproar


    After seven years, another sponsors'' boycott has resurfaced in the industry!


    Such boycotts happened very often. When some small-time celebrity offended a big shot, the big shot would put out word that there would be no coexistence between the two of them. That was also a form of boycotting. Or when an artist offended some executive at an entertainmentpany, that executive would also put out word to give the artist a bad time. That was another form of a boycott.


    But all those were different from what was happening now!


    They were only small issues that didn''t have the same momentum as the current boycott!


    An industry-wide boycott. This was something on a totally different level!


    Thinking back to that day seven years ago, when a domestic film star who had made his mark as an A-list celebrity was boycotted by three entertainmentpanies after offending them with his diva behavior. Afterwards, an industry-wide boycott was ordered against him for the first time by the industry funders and that A-lister was banished to the bottom of the valley with no one approaching him for roles in their movies. He did not manage to get anymercial opportunities either, as his industry peers denounced him. Soon after, his friends started avoiding him as well. By the end of that year, that really popr A-list celebrity had fallen down to the ranks of the B-list, and further down, to the C-list by the following year. Without any acting opportunities, without any public exposure, that was tantamount to snuffing the life out of an artist.


    Up until today, that celebrity who had been the target of the industry-wide boycott never even made an appearance on television. In the celebrity rankings, he couldn''t even be seen in the E-list rankings. Furthermore, any reports or discussions regarding him on the Inte were removed. No one gave him any more attention. They had almost forgotten about this name, and it was only today when the industry-wide boycott resurfaced that many of show business''s veterans remembered him.


    This was what an industry-wide boycott was!


    The most brutal weapon of the entertainment circle was the one that involved the deration of an unceasing war between the sponsors and a celebrity!


    Moreover, this industry-wide boycott didn''t just involve three or four entertainmentpanies. There were more than a dozenpanies, which amounted to about half of the entertainment circle''s sponsors taking part in the boycott. It was several times more severe than the industry-wide boycott that took ce seven years ago! The sponsors collectively put out the word to "kill" Zhang Ye!


    Who could survive that?


    Who could escape from that?


    No one at all!


    Not even the Heavenly Kings and Queens!


    It was over for Zhang Ye!


    This was the immediate conclusion that everyone in the entertainment circle had arrived at!


    He had offended too many people this time around, and they were even people who had very strong backing!


    In a sh, everyone was calling for Zhang Ye''s head!


    On Weibo.


    It was the people from the crosstalk world who first made a clean break with Zhang Ye.


    The crosstalk actor, Tang Dazhang: "The so-called ''A Madman''s Diary'' is drivel. Society is not as dark as you think. Show business is not as dark as you say it is. As a public figure, instead of dutifully maintaining the image of the industry, you''re singing the opposite tune and causing a panic. There''s no one who can put up with your behavior!"


    A group of crosstalk actors echoed this!


    A part of the literary world''s members joined in the denouncement.


    A senior figure of the Writers'' Association: "Always causing trouble and writing those so-called works that can''t even be considered essays. What a disgrace to the educated. You''re as good as misleading the people and deceiving them. I can''t watch this go on anymore. Starting from today, the literary world has nothing to do with you and whatever you do!"


    A group of the literary world''s members echoed this!


    The education world.


    The calligraphy world.


    The music scene.


    A television station.


    A radio station.


    Countless people were condemning Zhang Ye!


    "Get out of showbiz!"


    "We don''t need people like you here!"


    "Ignorant fool!"


    "What kind of a professor are you!"


    "Those contributions of yours aren''t even worth mentioning!"


    "We hope that the people will not be misled by Zhang Ye!"


    "Nobody should bear with this behavior of his anymore. It''s time to speak up and make a clean break with Zhang Ye!"


    "Everyone, let''s boycott him together!"


    There were also some big shot celebrities who came forward to denounce him!


    Jiang Hanwei!


    Li Yu!


    Zhao Qiquan!


    The artists signed to Tianfang Entertainment!


    The artists signed to the other entertainmentpanies!


    All of them were calling for Zhang Ye''s head!


    Some of these were people whom Zhang Ye had offended before and were his eternal foes. Some of them were people Zhang Ye didn''t even know nor met. Still, all of them jumped in to kick Zhang Ye while he was down in order to improve their rtionships with the funders of the industry. They were basically tapping into this incident of Zhang Ye''s to take a step up as they became a pawn of the funders! But of course, some things could not be said in such a clear manner. The affair between Han Di''s wife and Zhao Chipeng could not be mentioned at all, and the boycott by the funders could not possibly be explicitly mentioned in the media either. All of these matters were an open secret within the industry, and no one would be upfront about it! All of these people were the same. The reason they gave for their attacks on Zhang Ye was not that he had offended Zhao Chipeng, but due to some other reason that they found him to be at fault!


    Zhang Ye had offended too many people.


    Thousands?


    Tens of thousands?


    Hundreds of thousands?


    Even he could not count them all.


    When the industry-wide boycott first surfaced, everyone knew that Zhang Ye could no longer survive in the entertainment industry. As such, they naturally did not have any worries and would attack him as they liked. They couldn''t wait to get revenge for the times they got bullied by Zhang Ye and were all hoping to return him the favor together on this day!


    ��


    The public was dumbfounded!


    "What''s going on?"


    "Why is this happening?"


    "Why are they denouncing Zhang Ye again?"


    "Zhao Chipeng has made his move!"


    "Ah?"


    "When Teacher Zhang wrote ''A Madman''s Diary,'' he was destined to terribly offend Zhao Chipeng and showbiz''s sponsors. All of them are now ready to deal with Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s an industry-wide boycott!"


    "What?!"


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Do you guys mean to say that this is the same as what happened seven years ago?"


    "Yes, that''s it!"


    "How ruthless! They''re really being too ruthless!"


    "And this time, it''s on an evenrger scale! Half of the entertainment industry''s sponsors have made their move against Zhang Ye. This is what''s happening within the industry, and all that I can mention. Everyone, be prepared. This will be Zhang Ye''s greatest predicament since he entered the entertainment industry. No, rather than saying it''s a predicament, it should be called a crisis. With all the sponsors cutting him off, there won''t be a chance for Zhang Ye to appear on television, nor will he have anymercial opportunities or anyone who would want to work with him again. This is as good as the end of Zhang Ye''s celebrity life. In these days, the word of the sponsors is what matters the most!"


    "Damn!"


    "Can they be any more unreasonable?"


    "Those bastards are this ruthless?"


    "Motherfucker, I''m enraged!"


    "Teacher Zhang, there''s still us standing behind you!"


    "Right, we''re still here to give you our support!"


    "What''s the point of us supporting him? The TV stations won''t get him to make any more shows, the TV series won''t invite him to act, the music tforms won''t be working with him either, so if we don''t even get to see him in the future, how are we going to support him? What do we support him with? I''m from the industry myself. The waters of the entertainment circle run too deep. It''s definitely not as simple as you guys think. Teacher Zhang has angered the sponsors this time, so they''re making an example out of him. No one can stop them!"


    "But Teacher Zhang is going to get married soon!"


    "What will happen to the wedding?"


    "Will anyone still go?"


    "If that''s the case, how many people will even want to attend?"


    "Old Dog Zhao!"


    "We''ll fight him!"


    "Bastards!"


    "Is there no ce for Zhang Ye in show business anymore? I really can''t imagine that!"


    "I can''t imagine it either. Although I''ve scolded him sometimes and have been pissed off by him before, but��I still fucking like him a lot!"


    "Is Teacher Zhang really done for?"


    "Is there no one who can stop them?"


    "No one at all?"


    Anger!


    Confusion!


    No one could keep their emotions in check.


    Someone spoke up.


    "There''s someone who can stop them."


    "Speak!"


    "Who is it?"


    "The SARFT, of course!"


    "Fuck, that''s as good as not fucking saying anything!"


    "Don''t be so facetious!"


    "Who can''t the SARFT stop! They''re the overseeing authority of the entertainment circle, after all!"


    The entertainment industry was in a great mess!


    Society was in chaos!


    The media reports were alsoing in one after another.


    "Zhang Ye''s misdeeds provoke public anger!"


    "Zhang Ye to quit show business?"


    "Zhang Ye''s story uses the entertainment industry of ''eating people''!"


    "No ce left for Zhang Ye in the entertainment industry!"


    "Will the wedding be held as scheduled?"


    "Zhang Ye''s wedding to be postponed?"

 Chapter 1291: The wedding invitation gets revealed!

    <h4>Chapter 1291: The wedding invitation gets revealed! </h4>


    Chapter 1291: The wedding invitation gets revealed!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Upright?


    Abhor evil, my ass!


    You just haven''t seen him scamming others!


    His mother smiled but did not say a word.


    Wu Zeqing also smiled.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    One by one, the wedding invitations were written.


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


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


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


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


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


    Zhang Ye gave a sardonicugh. "Sister Dong."


    "Yes?"


    "Can I speak now?"


    "Of course, please."


    "Send your address to me."


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


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


    "What invitation?" Xiaodong said in surprise.


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


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


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


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


    "Send your address, I gotta hang up."


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


    He hung up.


    Yao Jiancai called as well.


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


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


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


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


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


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


    They hung up.


    The third call arrived.


    It was from the studio.


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


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


    Ha Qiqi said: "Everyone?"


    Zhang Ye affirmed: "Yes, gather everyone!"


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


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


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


    Zhang Xia.


    Chen Guang.


    Ning Lan.


    Everyone was calling him.


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


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


    Are you serious, Lord Zhang!


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


    All of his friends were quite confused.


    ��


    That the same night.


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


    The media was still libeling him!


    His foes were still denouncing him!


    His industry peers continued to boycott him!


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


    The momentum waspletely one-sided!


    Their voices were too strong!


    Nobody could restrain their excitement!


    The scourge was finally going to be gotten rid of!


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


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


    They had been waiting far too long for this moment!


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


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


    ��


    Old Chen''s house.


    The doorbell of the vi rang.


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


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


    Chen Guang nodded. "Alright, I understand."


    The door closed.


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


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


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


    The wedding invitation was very refined and beautiful.


    When he flipped it open, written on it was:


    Groom: Zhang Ye.


    Bride: Wu Zeqing.


    sincerely invite you to grace us with your presence.


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


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


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


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    All of a sudden!


    Chen Guang jumped. "Fuck!"


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


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


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


    ��


    At Old Yao''s house.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Yao Mi also ran over in a frenzy!


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


    Yao Jiancai screamed, "What the!"


    Yao Mi shrieked, "My God!"


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


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


    ��


    At a newspaper firm.


    Quite a few people were still working overtime.


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


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


    "Are we really not going?"


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


    "Oh, I see. I understand."


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


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


    Everyone was wondering what had happened.


    "What is it?"


    "Why are you running!"


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


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


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


    They opened the invitation.


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


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "Fuck this!"


    "Fuck!"


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    "Something big has happened!"


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


    "Something big and terrible has happened!"


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


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


    ��


    At Zhang Xia''s house.


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


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


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


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


    Zhang Xia flipped open the wedding invitation.


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


    "Mom?"


    "Yes."


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Haha, it''s nothing."


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


    "There''s no need anymore."


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


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


    "What do you mean?"


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


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


    ��


    Feiyu Entertainment.


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


    A roar suddenly sounded from the president''s office!


    "Zhao Chipeng!"


    "Zhao!"


    "You motherfucker!"


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


    What happened?


    Why was President Zhou swearing at President Zhao?


    Weren''t the two of them tight business partners?


    ��


    Xiaohai Media.


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


    "Zhao Chipeng!"


    "You idiot!"


    "You fucking idiot!"


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


    ��


    Xiangtian Records.


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


    "Zhao Chipeng!"


    "Fuck you!"


    "Goddamn you!"

 Chapter 1292: Zhao Chipeng in tears!

    <h4>Chapter 1292: Zhao Chipeng in tears! </h4>


    Chapter 1292: Zhao Chipeng in tears!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Tang Dazhang''s home.


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


    "Impossible!"


    "This is impossible!"


    "It must be a same name!"


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


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


    ��


    At the Writers'' Association.


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


    The door opened.


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


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


    His colleague swallowed hard.


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


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


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


    ��


    At A-list celebrity Jiang Hanwei''s house.


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


    "What?"


    "It''s true!"


    "Are you fucking kidding me?"


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


    "This is impossible!"


    ��


    At Xiaodong''s house.


    The three wedding invitations were lying on the table.


    Amy was dumbfounded!


    Xiaodong was dumbfounded!


    Li Xiaoxian was dumbfounded!


    "W-What is going on?"


    "Zhang Ye is soaring to the skies!"


    "This is such a huge joke!"


    ��


    At Beijing Television.


    Hu Fei was shocked!


    Xiao Lu was astonished!


    Hou Ge''s hand was trembling!


    Dafei nearly fell out of his seat!


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


    "Oh, God!"


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


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


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


    ��


    The wedding invitation was exposed!


    The invitation and its contents spread rapidly!


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


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


    The literary field was shocked!


    The crosstalk world was shocked!


    The Go world was shocked!


    The calligraphy world was shocked!


    The education world was shocked!


    It was an earthquake!


    Show business was going to experience a shake-up!


    Because they had encountered an unprecedented turn of events!


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


    Everyone turned their attention to Tianfang Entertainment!


    ��


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


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


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


    A shareholder nearly fell out of their seat!


    The president''s secretary was livid!


    The president, Zhao Chipeng, nched!


    "Why did it turn out like this?"


    "How did things be like this!"


    "We''re done for!"


    "This��"


    "We''re doomed!"


    "President Zhao!"


    "President Zhao, what do we do!"


    "President Zhao, say something!"


    "President Zhao!"


    Everyone was panicking!


    The calls were alsoing in like crazy one after another!


    Zhao Chipeng''s cell phone never stopped ringing!


    "Zhao! Fuck you!"


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


    "Old Zhao, you fucking set me up!"


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


    One!


    Five!


    Ten!


    His cell phone was exploding with a flurry of calls!


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


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


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


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


    But today?


    The situation was actually reversed!


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


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


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


    His legs turned to jelly!


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


    "President Zhao!"


    "President Zhao!"


    Thepany''s upper management had lost their backbone!


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


    What?


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


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


    What are you nning?


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


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


    That''s right!


    So what if it''s them!


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


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


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


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


    Everyone was stunned!


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


    Everyone was pretty dumbfounded!


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


    A supervisor: "Ah?"


    A secretary: "Ah?"


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


    Everyone said, "Ah?"


    "Go quickly! Fuck!"


    "Under...understood!"


    Everyone nearly fainted at that!


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


    So you were actually angry about this?!


    Everyone rushed out of the room!


    PR!


    Relying on social ties!


    Finding a way!


    Preparing the gift!


    Tianfang Entertainment was in chaos!


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


    This had turned into something big!


    This had really turned into something big this time!

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

    <h4>Chapter 1293: The SARFT''s son-inw! </h4>


    Chapter 1293: The SARFT''s son-inw!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    This night was destined to not be a quiet one.


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


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


    How could it be like this!


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


    Didn''t this fellow used to fight the SARFT?


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    "Please make a quick decision!"


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


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


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


    Du du du.


    It went through, but no one answered.


    Zhao Chipeng tried calling again.


    After two rings, it was cut off.


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


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


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


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


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


    "I also received the invitation just today."


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


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


    "Phew, that''s good then."


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


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


    "Handle your own problems then."


    "Chief Wang!"


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


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


    Elsewhere.


    The board meeting was convened.


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


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


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


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


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


    ��


    Online.


    The people were still heatedly discussing the issue.


    "What will happen in the future?"


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


    "Hai, is Teacher Zhang really done for?"


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


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


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


    All of a sudden, someone shouted in bewilderment:


    "Eh, look at that!"


    "What is it?"


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


    "Ah? He really did do so!"


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


    "Eh, another crosstalkedian has deleted their post too!"


    "What are these people up to?"


    "Who knows, maybe they got hacked?"


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


    "Everyone did?"


    "Yes, all of them!"


    The people were very surprised!


    Everyone?


    How was that possible!


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


    The crosstalk world!


    The literary field!


    The calligraphy world!


    The education world!


    The entertainment circle!


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


    Then theizens noticed an even more shocking thing happening!


    Beijing Crosstalk Association''s official Weibo: "Congrattions on Teacher Zhang''s big wedding. May your lovest forever!"


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


    A-list celebrity Jiang Hanwei: "Congrattions."


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


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


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


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


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


    Theizens were dumbfounded!


    Everyone looked like they had fucking seen a ghost!


    "What''s going on?"


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


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


    "What are they doing?"


    "God knows what madness hase over them!"


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


    "Are these idiots having a fit?"


    "A mass hacking?"


    There were those who gave a speech!


    There were those who offered their congrattions!


    There were those who Liked the post!


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


    Zhang Ye''s fans were dumbfounded!


    Han Di''s fans were dumbfounded!


    The people were simply unprepared for this happening!


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


    And what cameter was an even more astonishing event!


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


    "Zhao Chipeng steps down from his position!"


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


    "Han Di bes a free agent!"


    "Zhao Chipeng apologizes to Han Di over Weibo!"


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


    The news headlines came one after another!


    The people were crazy anxious now.


    "What just happened?"


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


    "Something bad must have happened!"


    "I know, but what?"


    This farce continued for quite a while!


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


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


    "The bride is Wu Zeqing?"


    "Chief Wu from the SARFT?"


    "How''s that possible!"


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


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Holy fuck +10,000!"


    Theizens blew up at this!


    The public was stunned!


    Zhang Ye had be the SARFT''s son-inw?

 Chapter 1294: At the venue of the wedding ceremony!

    <h4>Chapter 1294: At the venue of the wedding ceremony! </h4>


    Chapter 1294: At the venue of the wedding ceremony!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    A day before the wedding ceremony was to take ce.


    The outside world was still causing an uproar!


    The people were still in shock over the revtion!


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


    On the highway.


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


    In the sedan.


    Zhang Ye was making quite a few calls.


    ��


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


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


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


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


    "Bring it back before the afternoon."


    "Understood, Director Zhang."


    ...


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


    "What? How many of them are there?"


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


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


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


    "We''ll be arriving very soon."


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


    "Alright."


    ��


    "Director Zhang, the representatives from the endorsementpanies have arrived."


    "OK, I got it."


    "So what do we do with them?"


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


    ��


    The call ended.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Is that really fine?"


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


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


    Up ahead.


    They finally arrived at the hot spring resort.


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


    Toothpaste!


    Jewelry!


    Mineral water!


    Milk!


    Soap!


    The reading app!


    Sanitary ware!


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


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


    "You''re finally here!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang, where should we ce these?"


    "Please help us find a spot!"


    Chattering came from every direction.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Instation.


    Intion.


    Within a short span of 20 minutes.


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Wu Zeqing just stood there andughed.


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


    "Inw!"


    "Aiyo, Inw, don''t hit him anymore!"


    "The media is out there watching!"


    Finally, Wu Mo and Fat Sis arrived!


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Fat Sis and Wu Mo nearly came to blows!


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    An hourter.


    The setup wasplete.


    Everyone felt rather confused when they saw the ce!


    Was this the reception area of a wedding ceremony?


    Why did it look more like a trade fair!

 Chapter 1295: The big wedding (Beginning)

    <h4>Chapter 1295: The big wedding (Beginning) </h4>


    Chapter 1295: The big wedding (Beginning)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the day of the wedding.


    In the morning, in the Beijing suburbs.


    At the hot spring resort.


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


    Before long, it was almost time.


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


    "Hey, don''t squeeze!"


    "Aiyo, slow down a little!"


    "Who stepped on me?"


    "Motherfucker, are you rushing to reincarnate?!"


    "Aren''t you rushing as well!"


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


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


    In the open-air garden.


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


    "Ah?"


    "What the heck!"


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


    "Is this a trade fair!"


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


    "Pfft!"


    "Zhang Ye, that joker!"


    "Only he cane up with so many surprises!"


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


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


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


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


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


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


    From this moment on, the wedding officially began.


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


    Outside.


    At the entrance.


    Secretary Bai was holding the fort.


    Chen Guang arrived together with his wife, Fan Wenli.


    Fan Wenli smiled and said, "Secretary Bai?"


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


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


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


    Fan Wenliughed and said, "I know."


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


    Fan Wenli giggled, "Pfft."


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    The group of them entered the building.


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


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


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


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


    Out of nowhere, two people arrived at the entrance.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Then another entertainmentpany''s representative arrived.


    "Secretary Bai."


    "Please leave."


    "About Chief Wu��"


    "Please leave."


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


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


    Therefore, how could they dare to still be angry?


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


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


    President Sun?


    Boss Qi?


    President Chi?


    President Jia?


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


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


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


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


    It wasn''t the groom that was extraordinary!


    But that the bride was someone too important!


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


    There were more than 3,000 flower baskets!


    Who had ever seen something like that before?


    No one would have ever fucking seen something like that!


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


    Tang Dazhang!


    Li Yu!


    Jiang Hanwei!


    Zhang Yuanqi!


    Dong Shanshan!


    Zhang Xia!


    Tianfang Entertainment!


    Purple Light Entertainment!


    XX Entertainment!


    XX Media!


    XX Records!


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


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


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


    But today!


    For Zhang Ye''s big wedding!


    They received flower baskets from almost the entire entertainment industry!


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

 Chapter 1296: The big wedding (Middle)

    <h4>Chapter 1296: The big wedding (Middle) </h4>


    Chapter 1296: The big wedding (Middle)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the open-air garden.


    At the wedding venue.


    The media was already in position.


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


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


    One of them was Beijing Television''s Dong Shanshan.


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


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


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


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


    Wang He.


    Hu Feifei.


    Old Wang.


    Their group of old ssmates mored, "Of course we''re affected!"


    Everyoneughed.


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


    The reporters alsoughed.


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


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


    Cheers sounded from all around!


    Apuse thundered!


    The reporters were immediately excited as they aimed their cameras!


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


    The reporters shouted.


    "Slow down!"


    "Teacher Zhang, please walk slowly!"


    "Turn around for us!"


    "Look over here!"


    "Go even slower than that!"


    "Teacher Zhang, please wave to us!"


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Several of his old ssmates came over.


    Wang He greeted, "Zhang''er!"


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Xiaoqian rolled her eyes. "Get lost!"


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


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


    Over at the SARFT''s group.


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


    However, it was different now!


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


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


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


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


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


    Zhang Ye said, "Thank you!"


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


    His three sisters were also here!


    His eldest younger sister said, "Brother!"


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Dong Zhiqiang.


    Fang Xiaoshui.


    Meng Yi.


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


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


    Fan Yingyun flicked her hair and said, "How can we note to your wedding? We would throw aside all our work just to be here!"


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


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


    "Director Zhang?"


    "What''s the matter?"


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


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


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


    Fan Yingyun shrugged. "Yeah."


    A woman?


    And she was even such a beautiful woman?


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


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


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


    His family.


    His friends from Peking University.


    His colleagues from Media College.


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


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


    Everyone turned their attention over there.


    The reporters even looked like they were injected with adrenaline!


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


    The couple walked in slowly, all smiles.


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


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


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


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


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


    Yao Jiancai and his family were here too.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    A foreigner?


    Who was it?


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


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


    Watching the redhead walking down slowly on the red carpet!


    The media was shocked!


    The guests were stunned!


    Lillian was here?


    She''s an international superstar!


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


    The reporters snapped shots like crazy!


    The atmosphere at the scene was thrust to a high!


    This was a guest that pleasantly surprised everyone!


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

 Chapter 1297: The big wedding (End)

    <h4>Chapter 1297: The big wedding (End) </h4>


    Chapter 1297: The big wedding (End)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The celebrity guests had all arrived!


    It was a star-studded event!


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


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


    Ning Lan.


    Zhang Xia.


    Chen Guang.


    Lillian.


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


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


    On therge screen disy in the open-air garden, congrattory video messages by the different celebrities were being shown as well.


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


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


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


    It was almost time.


    It was also getting more and more boisterous.


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


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


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


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


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


    "Yes!"


    "I''m looking forward to it!"


    "Wow!"


    "The bride will being out soon!"


    "Where''s the apuse!"


    Screams!


    Apuse!


    Everyone was cheering unreservedly!


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


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


    The apuse was very enthusiastic!


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


    Dong Shanshanughed and said, "Let''s wee her again!"


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Everyoneughed and jeered.


    "It''s time for the games!"


    "Teacher Zhang, do your best!"


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    A niece 2 of Old Wu''s said, "Uncle-inw, if you don''t sessfullyplete the three tests, my aunt will not being out. At that time, you can return to wherever you came from."


    Three tests?


    So they were really serious about it?


    But do you all think that this bro is afraid?


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


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


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


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


    What was this?


    What were they going topete on?


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


    Zhang Ye chuckled hard. "Who''speting with me?"


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


    Zhang Ye smiled without saying anything.


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


    One-syble essays?


    What was that?


    A lot of people could not understand it.


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


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


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


    "Yeah," Xin Ya said unashamedly.


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


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


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


    The original writing was: X�� x�� x��, x�� x�� x��. X�� x�� x�� x�� x�� x�� x��, x�� x�� x�� x�� x�� x�� x��. X�� x�� x��, x�� x�� x��. X�� x�� x�� x�� x�� x�� x��. X�� x�� x�� x�� x�� x�� x��.


    Its meaning was: The rhinoceros (x��) of the Western (x��) River (x��) loves (x��) to y (x��x��). Xi Xi (name: X�� X��) brings (x��) the rhinoceros (x��) out to the river (x��) every evening (x�� x��), and carefully (x�� x��) washes (x�� x��) the rhinoceros (x��). The rhinoceros (x��) sucks up (x��) water from the river (x��) and sprays it yfully (x�� x��) onto Xi Xi (name: X�� X��). Xi Xi (name: X�� X��)ughs (x�� x��) and hopes (x��) that the rhinoceros (x��) will stop (x��) its antics (x��). Unfortunately (x��), the rhinoceros (x��) carried on (x�� x��) yfully (x��) teasing (x��) Xi Xi (name: X�� X��). The essay depicted a scene where a child named Xi Xi was ying with a mischievous rhino on the Western River.


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


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


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


    What the heck!


    Wasn''t this too difficult!


    Who coulde up with a reply against that!


    A lot of the media''s personnel were floored!


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


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


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


    Old Wang?


    The famousnguage professor at Tsinghua University''s Chinese Department?


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


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


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


    "Zhang''er!"


    "Go for it!"


    "Think hard!"


    "This topic is too difficult!"


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


    "This person from Tsinghua is terrible!"


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


    Zhang Ye''s friends and rtives were all shouting.


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


    Looking at them, Xin Ya gave a smug smile.


    The bride''s team was also smiling.


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


    Xin Ya was taken aback. "Ah?"


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


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


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

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

    <h4>Chapter 1298: The big wedding (End, Pt. 2) </h4>


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


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    One-syble essays.


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


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


    Zhang Ye lightly acknowledged her.


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


    Zhang Ye acknowledged her again.


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


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


    Xin Ya had her eyes on him.


    Fat Sis blinked.


    The reporters were feeling doubtful.


    Zhang Ye started moving the brush!


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


    " J�� j�� j�� j�� j��. 1 "


    "J�� j�� j��, j�� j�� j��. J�� j�� j�� j�� j�� j�� j��. J�� j�� j��, j�� j�� j��, j�� j�� j�� j�� j�� j�� j��. J�� j�� j�� j�� j��, j�� j�� j�� j�� j�� j�� j��. J�� j�� j��, j�� j�� j��, j�� ji j�� j�� j�� j�� j��. J�� j�� j�� j�� j�� j�� j��, j�� j�� j�� j�� j�� j��, j�� j�� j��."


    Xin Ya was stunned!


    The reporters were dumbfounded!


    The people from Peking University were staring in shock!


    The surrounding guests could barely react!


    "H-He really wrote it out?"


    "What is its meaning?"


    "Is it a correct answer?"


    "Can anyone trante it please?"


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


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


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


    Was there a story to it?


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


    She finished tranting it!


    There was silence throughout the venue!


    Damn!


    Damn!


    Damn!


    How could that be?


    He really wrote something?


    He really made it into a story!


    Professor Zeng suddenly apuded. "Good one!"


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


    "Beautiful!"


    "This is so impressive!"


    The people from Peking University got very excited over this!


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


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


    Xin Ya was speechless.


    The bride''s team was speechless.


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


    He then picked up the brush again.


    Zhang Ye wrote and recited at the same time.


    "'' Sh�� sh��sh��sh�� sh��. 2 '' Sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh��, sh�� sh��, sh�� sh�� sh�� sh��, sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh��, sh�� sh��, sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh��, sh�� sh��, sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh��, sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh��, sh�� sh�� sh��, sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh��, sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh��, sh�� sh�� sh��, sh�� sh�� sh��, sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh��, sh�� sh�� sh��, sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh��, sh�� sh��, sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh��, sh�� sh�� sh�� sh�� sh��. Sh�� sh�� sh�� sh��."


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


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    Xin Ya began sweating!


    Chen Guang gasped!


    Fat Sis could only muster a wry grin!


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


    Then, that was followed by yet another essay.


    Zhang Ye wrote and recited at the same time:


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


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


    Then came the fourth one.


    It was actually a couplet this time!


    Zhang Ye''s calligraphy was beautiful and dazzling!


    "First line: Q�� q�� q�� q��, q�� q�� q�� q��, q�� q�� q�� q��.[Mr. Qi (q��) and his wife (q��) were ying (q��) Go (q��). Mr. Qi angered (q��) his wife by cheating (q��). Mrs. Qi walked away (q��), leaving behind seven (q��) stones (q��).]


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


    He could do it in essay form?


    And even with couplets?


    Everyone felt like kneeling!


    Zhang Ye was getting ready to write a fifth one.


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


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


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


    The guests couldn''t help but cheer loudly!


    "Good!"


    "That was nice!"


    "Beautifully done, Teacher Zhang!"


    "That was so wonderful!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Professor Zhang is so cool!"


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


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


    Everyone got a kick out of watching this!


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


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


    What the heck!


    Are you on steroids?!


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


    At the back.


    Zhang Ye''s ssmates were all having a goodugh.


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


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


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


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


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


    On the stage.


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


    Yu Yingyiughed and said, "Now for the second test, what kind of a topic has the bride''s teame up with?"


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


    2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion-Eating_Poet_in_the_Stone_Den


    3. Patience of a Benevolent Man

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

    <h4>Chapter 1299: The big wedding (If this doesn''t end, I''m a scaredy-cat) </h4>


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


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    He had sessfully made it past the first task.


    The topic that they had set was crazy difficult!


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


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


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


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


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


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


    His grandma said, "Could the bride really end up noting out?"


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


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


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


    Everyone knew that this was just to provide entertainment.


    The reporters knew this.


    The guests knew it as well.


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


    Otherwise, it would look too embarrassing.


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


    Get him to throw in the towel?


    That would be impossible!


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Everyoneughed.


    The reporters were also excited!


    Composing songs?


    And there would even be three of them?


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


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


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


    Damn!


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


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli were left speechless!


    Zhang Xia didn''t know whether tough or cry!


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    The bride''s team had clearly discussed it beforehand.


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


    Everyone was stunned.


    A poem?


    How could he do that!


    Zhang Ye also fell silent for a moment.


    Xin Yaughed and said, "Well, can you?"


    Zhang Ye grinned. "Sure."


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


    Xin Ya was stunned.


    Fan Wenli was dumbfounded.


    Don''t you need to think about it first?


    Don''t you have to conceptualize something first?


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


    A soothing melody yed 1 !


    It filled the air!


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


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


    "How many loved your moments of d grace,


    "and loved your beauty with love false or true.


    "But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,


    "And loved the sorrows of your changing face."


    It was quiet in the garden!


    Everyone was listening, mesmerized!


    A lot of people had been moved by it!


    It was that poem!


    "When You Are Old"!


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


    He really could sing it!


    He managed to arrange that poem into a song!


    Zhang Ye kept singing.


    "When you are old, with eyes draping,


    "and lights appearing dim.


    "The winds brings to me,


    "news about you.


    "It turns into a song in my heart."


    The song was over!


    Apuse broke out instantly!


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


    It was fantastic!


    How very nice!


    This song was so memorable for a wedding!


    Chen Guang gave it the thumbs up!


    Zhang Xia also gave it the thumbs up!


    A lot of people were impressed once again!


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


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


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


    A love song?


    That should be easy!


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


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


    What kind of a topic was this!


    The topics were really getting more and more tricky!


    Everyone was left dizzy at these topics!


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


    "This piece is a simple little love song.


    "It sings of the innocence in our hearts.


    "I think I''m perfect for


    "being a singer.


    "Our youth drifts along in the wind.


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


    "I can''t take it, waiting for you toe back, so I wrote down the unbearablement and mourning that I feel.


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


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


    This song was called "A Little Love Song."


    Zhang Ye sang it without a blemish.


    "Bravo!"


    "Great singing!"


    "That was fantastic!"


    "Incredible!"


    "Zhang Ye is indeed Zhang Ye!"


    "Hahahaha, awesome!"


    "I''m kneeling!"


    "Boss Zhang is such a genius!"


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


    A wedding veil?


    The hanging cloth that covered the bride''s face?


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


    Can the topics get any stranger than this!


    Everyone was blindsided!


    However, Zhang Ye opened his mouth and sang.


    He mischievously yed the piano 4 .


    "Raise your wedding veil for me.


    "Let me look at your eyebrows.


    "They are so fine and so long.


    "Like the crescent moon atop the trees.


    "They are so fine and so long.


    "Like the crescent moon atop the trees."


    A wedding veil?


    So you could write a song with that too?!


    Everyone was shocked!


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


    Some people even started dancing to it!


    Zhang Yeughed as he sang.


    "Raise your wedding veil for me.


    "Let me look at your eyes.


    "They are so bright and so clear.


    "Like the ripples in a pond.


    "They are so bright and so clear.


    "Like the ripples in a pond."


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


    You can even do that?


    You can even do it like that?


    Oh my God!


    You win!


    Zhang Ye, you win!

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

    <h4>Chapter 1300: The big wedding (Guess I''m a scaredy-cat) </h4>


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


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Onstage.


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


    "They''re great!"


    "Great!"


    "There''s no problems!"


    "All of them pass!"


    Yu Yingyiughed and said, "Congrattions to Zhang Ye again on passing the second test."


    Zhang Ye cockily said with sped hands, "Please don''tugh at my performance."


    The reporters were all amused!


    The guests were enjoying themselves to the fullest!


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


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


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


    Xin Ya had no other choice.


    Fat Sis gave her a nce.


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


    "It''s time for the big one!"


    "Auntie Xin!"


    "Bring it on!"


    "It''s the final test!"


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


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


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


    Your sister!


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "Pfft!"


    The crowd jeered.


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


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


    "This won''t do!"


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


    His father nodded.


    His mother chuckled.


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


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


    Zhang Ye responded with a helpless grin.


    The guests roared!


    "Come on!"


    "Teacher Zhang, do it!"


    "Right, express it, express your love!"


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


    There was no difficulty for this test at all!


    Thenguage of math?


    Everyone thought, whatnguage could math have?


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


    Only these two numbers were homonyms for expressing love!


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


    But Zhang Ye just smiled without saying anything.


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


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


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


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


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


    Of course, that was only a story.


    But that famous equation in the story really existed.


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


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


    Thenguage of math?


    To express his love?


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


    r = a(1��sin��)


    No one understood what it meant!


    A lot of people were taken aback!


    What is this?


    What kind of an answer is this?


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


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


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


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


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


    The bride''s team was having none of it.


    "You can''t do it like that."


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


    "How can your answer be a form?"


    "There''s nothing to it!"


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


    The reporters were puzzled.


    The guests could not understand.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    However, the Peking University teachers could.


    "What?"


    "Pr coordinates?"


    "Is she going to draw it?"


    "What use is there in graphing the equation?"


    But several minutester!


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


    "Oh my God!"


    "What am I seeing?"


    "This is so beautiful!"


    "Fuck, this is so amazing!"


    "This, this��"


    Xin Ya was dumbfounded!


    Pan Yang looked shaken to his core!


    Fat Sis covered her mouth in shock!


    The reporters were all screaming!


    All of the guests were astonished!


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


    It was an astonishing heart!


    "It could even be done like this?"


    "Is this what thenguage of math can do?"


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


    "This is too romantic!"


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


    "This is so awesome!"


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


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


    Nor was he one to whisper sweet nothings.


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


    r = a(1��sin��)


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


    This was the greatest romance of a mathematician!


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


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

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

    <h4>Chapter 1301: The big wedding (If I don''t finish you can beat me up) </h4>


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


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Xin Ya was utterly defeated!


    Old Wu''s team had been taken down!


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


    What did it mean to be capable?


    This was what it meant to be capable!


    He really had the skills to back it up!


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


    Likeing up with those one-syble essays!


    Likeposing those songs!


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


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


    "Math can even be this much fun?"


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


    "Math can be really romantic too!"


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


    "Hahaha, consider me enlightened today!"


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


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


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


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


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


    "Right!"


    "The ones before don''t count!"


    "We still have some more topics to give!"


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


    At this moment, a voice sounded from afar!


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


    Zhang Ye looked over.


    The guests looked over.


    The reporters looked over.


    "Ah!"


    "It''s the bride!"


    "The bride has appeared!"


    There were cheers all around!


    There was screaming everywhere!


    The venue was overflowing with excitement!


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


    "So beautiful!"


    "This��"


    "How morous!"


    "Hot damn!"


    "Does she have to be this pretty?"


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


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


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


    "No one elsepares!"


    Everyone present at the wedding was entranced by her beauty!


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


    This is my wife?


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


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


    Memories flooded through him.


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


    A chance meeting.


    They became colleagues.


    They became lovers.


    They became husband and wife.


    Is this a dream?


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


    I wanna dream for the rest of my life!


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


    The bride.


    The wedding dress.


    It was alling together.


    The piano rang out without warning.


    Everyone in the garden got a little surprised.


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


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


    "I could never forget your face.


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


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


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


    Zhang Ye sang.


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


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


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


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


    Everyone was infected by the emotions in the song!


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


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


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


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


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


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


    No one had ever seen Zhang Ye cry before!


    Not during the ne hijacking!


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


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


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


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


    But today!


    In this moment!


    Zhang Ye was crying!


    Many of the people here were deeply affected!


    Zhang Ye''s mother cried!


    Xin Ya cried!


    Xiaodong cried!


    Fan Wenli cried!


    Amy was also in tears!


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


    Fortunately.


    Fortunately, someone was apanying him now.


    Fortunately, someone understood him now.


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


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


    "I could never forget your face.


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


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


    At the piano.


    The bride sat down beside Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye was ying the piano and singing.


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


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


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


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


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


    Zhang Ye sang passionately.


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


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


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


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


    This sight was incredibly touching!


    Looking at them.


    Hearing their song.


    Listening to the love story between them.


    In the open-air garden, everyone was mesmerized!

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

    <h4>Chapter 1302: The big wedding (You''re actually trying to hit me?!) </h4>


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


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The auspicious hour arrived.


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


    First, a bow to the Heavens and to Earth.


    Second, a bow to the parents.


    Third, a bow to each other.


    ��


    Outside.


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


    "This is wonderful."


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


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


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


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


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


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


    "Enough talking, let''s go!"


    ��


    In the outside world.


    Online.


    On the streets.


    At home.


    In thepanies.


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


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


    "Has the wedding ceremony started yet?"


    "It must have started already!"


    "Will there be a live broadcast?"


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


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


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


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


    "It''s true!"


    "It''s been confirmed!"


    "The SARFT''s Chief Wu is a very beautifuldy!"


    "That Zhang Ye fellow has struck gold!"


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


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


    "Is it a picture from the wedding?"


    "Damn, who did I see there?"


    "Is that Lillian?"


    "Nani? Even Lillian is attending?"


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


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


    "There are so many celebrities in the photo!"


    "They''re all big names!"


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


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


    ��


    In the end, news of the wedding starteding one after another!


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


    "The beautiful bride amazes everyone at the wedding!"


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


    "Prettier than anything in the world!"


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


    The pictures were exposed!


    The videos were published!


    The people were overflowing with excitement!


    "She''s too beautiful!"


    "Does she have to be this pretty!"


    "I''m so jealous!"


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


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


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


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


    ...


    "A most unexpected guest at the wedding!"


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


    "The guest list revealed!"


    "SARFT''s leaders in attendance!"


    "Damn, it''s really Lillian!"


    "Ning Lan is there too?"


    "Shanshan is hosting the wedding?"


    "What a prestigious group of guests!"


    "They''re all there for Zhang Ye!"


    "The SARFT''s leaders are there too!"


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


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


    ��


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


    "Zhang Ye clears three tasks in a row!"


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


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


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


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


    "One-syble essays?"


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


    "J�� j�� j�� j�� j��?"[Narration on an Assembly of Starving Chickens on a Rocky Sandbar]


    "Sh�� sh��sh��sh�� sh��."[Lion-Eating Poet in the Stone Den]


    "That''s so scary!"


    "He could even write something like that spontaneously?"


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


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


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


    "When ites topeting on literary skills, who would be a match for Zhang Ye?"


    ��


    "Math can be this romantic?"


    "A mathematical form that surprises everyone!"


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


    "The heart equation makes its first appearance!"


    "The romantic expression of Zhang Ye!"


    "Holy fuck!"


    "A mathematical form?"


    "A heart?"


    "This is awesome!"


    "I''m stunned!"


    "That''s too fucking awesome!"


    "Using a math form to graph a heart?"


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


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


    "Zhang Ye''s fancy tricks keeping!"


    ��


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


    "''Raise Your Wedding Veil For Me''?"


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


    "A ''Legend'' that moved everyone!"


    "Zhang Ye''s tearful breakdown!"


    "Both bride and groom in tears!"


    "Great songs!"


    "They''re awesome!"


    "Requesting a cleaner sounding upload of the song!"


    "Is the original recording released yet?"


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


    "This song is so well-written!"


    "Zhang Ye is going to be trending again!"


    ��


    All kinds of information!


    All kinds of news!


    All kinds of songs!


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


    A 100 million!


    200 million!


    300 million!


    A few online video hosting sites were crippled by thework traffic!


    The poprity of this video was pushed into first ce without any suspense!


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


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


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


    The media blew up!


    Everyone was heatedly discussing it!


    It was simply too crazy!


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


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


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


    It was such pomp!


    And it was truly unprecedented!

 Chapter 1303: To the bridal chamber!

    <h4>Chapter 1303: To the bridal chamber! </h4>


    Chapter 1303: To the bridal chamber!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    The moonlight was shining serenely.


    At Taoran Pavilion''s East Gate.


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


    After changing into a pair of slippers.


    And taking off the tuxedo jacket.


    Zhang Ye slumped onto the sofa, dead tired.


    "Aiyo, I can''t move anymore."


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


    "Hai, I was just feeling really happy."


    "Do you want something to drink?"


    "Yes, please."


    "Alright, wait while I boil some water."


    "Old Wu, should I buy a house?"


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


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


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


    "Yeah, leave it empty."


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


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


    The water boiled.


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


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


    "Then turn in early."


    "Old Wu, I''m hungry."


    "What do you want to eat?"


    "Some hot soup noodles is enough."


    "Alright."


    Finally, there were only the two of them left.


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


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


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


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


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


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


    "Is that good enough?"


    "Again."


    "How''s that then?"


    "Again."


    "I''ve already kissed you thrice."


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


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


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


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


    "Old Wu, let me use yourputer."


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


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


    "Damn, who''s scolding me!"


    "Haha, go ahead and be jealous!"


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


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


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


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


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


    Footfalls approached.


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


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


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


    Old Wu ced down two bowls of piping hot noodles.


    "Let''s eat the noodles first."


    "You''re hungry too?"


    "Yes."


    "Alright, let''s eat together."


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


    "Me? I''ll n mine ording to your schedule."


    "I applied for seven days off."


    "Only seven?"


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


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


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


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


    Wu Zeqing smile and said, "Not really?"


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


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


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


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "OK."


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


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


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


    In the guest bedroom.


    In the shower.


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


    Why did he practice martial arts so hard for?


    Why did he practice Taiji Fist so hard for?


    It had been all for this moment of efficiency!


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


    "Why aren''t you showering?"


    "I''m already done."


    "So quickly?"


    "Yeah!"


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


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


    Quickly and easily, he undid all of them!


    Old Wu said, "Hur hur, slowly."


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


    It''s about efficiency!


    Efficiency, myrade!

 Chapter 1304: Drawing first blood!

    <h4>Chapter 1304: Drawing first blood! </h4>


    Chapter 1304: Drawing first blood!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the master bedroom.


    The red pillows.


    The red nket.


    The red mattress.


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


    Was it difficult?


    Think about the Red Army''s long march 1 !


    Was it tiring?


    Think about the revolutionary predecessors!


    "Old Wu."


    "What is it?"


    "Are you done yet?"


    "Soon."


    A few minutester.


    "Old Wu."


    "Eh?"


    "Have you finished showering?"


    "Almost."


    Another few minutester.


    "Old Wu."


    "I heard you."


    "Can you hurry?"


    "Hur hur, alright."


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


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


    Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath.


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


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


    She was gentle and beautiful.


    This was Beethoven''s Fur Elise 2 .


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


    As Zhang Ye yed, he calmed down.


    ��


    In the district.


    In a house.


    "Hubby, listen to that."


    "Who''s ying the piano?"


    "It sounds really nice."


    "Yeah, what song is it?"


    "I don''t know."


    ��


    In another house.


    "Dad, did you put the music on?"


    "No?"


    "Then is thating from outside? Someone is ying the piano?"


    "Is iting from that direction again? Someone also yed the piano in that direction before."


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


    "It''s really quite nice."


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


    ��


    In another house.


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


    "Shhh!"


    "What!"


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


    "Is it that good?"


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


    ��


    In another house.


    This was the home of a piano teacher.


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


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


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


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


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


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


    "Have you heard this melody before?"


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


    The husband said aghast, "In all of China, the number of pianists who can y at such a level can be counted on one hand. In the world, there are no pianists who can write such a piece of music and are still alive. Who could it be? When did someone of such caliber move into our neighborhood?"


    The musical piece was reaching its conclusion. Just as the melody was building up to its climax, it was suddenly followed by a descending chromatic scale over two octaves. At the same time, it tapered off until it reached a dynamics level where it blended back into the original theme. The final part of the piece ended with the omission of the arpeggiated series.


    The couple was mesmerized by what they heard.


    ��


    At Old Wu''s residence.


    In the bedroom.


    The final note of the piece echoed.


    Zhang Ye pulled his hands back, finally feeling satisfied.


    pping suddenly rang out from behind.


    When Zhang Ye turned around to look, he smiled and said, "You''ve finished showering?"


    Wu Zeqing was pping slowly as she said, "That was really such a great piece of music. What''s it called?"


    Zhang Ye casually answered, "Fur Elise."


    Wu Zeqing looked at him and asked, "Who is Elise?"


    Hearing that, Zhang Ye was taken aback.


    Who is Elise?


    How the hell would I know who Elise is!


    Zhang Ye was afraid that Old Wu would misunderstand that he knew a woman named Elise, so he anxiously exined, "Hai, I was just giving it a name. If you''re fine with it, I can call it Fur Zeqing, or Fur Wang Erhong, or even Fur Widow Sun." If Beethoven were living in this world, the first person that he would want dead would probably be Zhang Ye.


    Wu Zeqingughed and said, "What kind of names are those."


    Zhang Ye stood up. "So are we going to bed now?"


    Old Wu said reluctantly, "I still haven''t heard enough."


    "Aiya, let''s talk about that tomorrow." Zhang Ye couldn''t hold himself back anymore and said, "If you really want to hear it, I''ll hold a recital for you tomorrow. I''ll y for you alone for three days and three nights. It''s getting reallyte now, so we shouldn''t bother the neighbors in the district. Let''s hurry to bed."


    Old Wu nodded.


    Zhang Ye got into bed first and burrowed under the sheets. He even flipped open the other end of the nket and said, "Hurry, hurry."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and nodded, walking over slowly. She elegantly took off her slippers and lifted up her leg that was under her bathrobe and slid it under the nket. She had just finished taking a hot shower, and it felt like her leg was still emitting some of that warmth.


    It was fair and smooth!


    It smelled sweet and tender!


    And there was even quite a bit of suppleness to it!


    Her leg was too beautiful!


    Beneath the sheets, it was suddenly filled with the fragrance of a woman.


    Zhang Ye nudged himself over and started caressing.


    Old Wu did not move away as she stayed there meekly.


    Seeing this, Zhang Ye became even bolder. That satisfaction he felt in his heart did not even need to be mentioned. If it wasn''t because of the atmosphere, he would have burst into song. " That is a magical heavenly road, heyyyyy! 4 "


    Ba da.


    The lights were flipped off.


    Creak.


    Creak.


    The bed started rocking.


    It felt like spring had arrived within the sheets.


    Five minutester.


    The creaking stopped.


    "Old Wu."


    "Eh?"


    "Why don''t you put on the Chinese Kwa?"


    "Why?"


    "I thought you looked really pretty when you were wearing it today. It was really nice."


    "Hur hur, alright."


    "I''ll go and get it for you."


    Ba da. The lights were flipped back on.


    Zhang Ye brought the clothes over and Old Wu changed into it.


    The lights were dimmed.


    Creak.


    Creak.


    Creak.


    Five minutester.


    It went quiet again under the sheets.


    "Darling."


    "Hm?"


    "Why don''t you put on the bridal gown this time for me to see?"


    "You want me to wear it again?"


    "I haven''t had enough of seeing you in it yet. I only got a few looks today."


    "OK."


    "Where is it? I''ll get it."


    "It''s in the suitcase that we brought back."


    "Alright."


    Zhang Ye ran over to get it.


    Wu Zeqing changed into the bridal gown.


    The bridal gown was tighter and harder to get into. Zhang Ye eagerly helped Old Wu with it and tinkered around for a long time before she finally got it on. In the end, he even made a request to her.


    "Put on the high heels too."


    "The high heels too?"


    "It''s nicer if you wear them."


    "OK."


    "Don''t dim the lights any further, or I won''t be able to see."


    "Mmm."


    "Can youy down over there?"


    "How do you want me to lie down?"


    "No, not that way. This way."


    "This way?"


    "That''s right, that''s right!"


    "Hur hur, done."


    "OK!"


    On this night.


    Old Wu went through quite a few costume changes.


    On this night.


    Zhang Ye drew first blood and arrived at the peak of his life!

 Chapter 1305: Drawing second blood!

    <h4>Chapter 1305: Drawing second blood! </h4>


    Chapter 1305: Drawing second blood!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Early in the morning.


    Muted sounds of people talking drifted up as they passed by the window.


    "Old Li, going to work?"


    "That''s right."


    "Do you know who was ying the pianost night?"


    "Oh, you heard that too?"


    "Of course, it was such a joy listening to it."


    "When I finished listening to it, it felt like I still hadn''t had enough."


    "Could it be that piano teacher in our district who yed it?


    "I don''t think so, the direction of the music didn''t seem toe from his house.


    "That''s strange then, did someone new move in?"


    "Maybe it''s some master pianist."


    In the room.


    Zhang Ye had already woken up. He stretched and let out a loud yawn. This night of sleep felt very nice. He flipped onto his side and flopped his arm down but was met with nothing. He patted the empty nket and realized that there was no one there anymore.


    Eh?


    Where did my wife go to?


    Looking around the bedroom, he saw that it had been tidied up.


    The qipao?


    The bridal gown?


    The Chinese Kwa?


    The stockings?


    The high heels?


    The clothes that were scattered all over the floorst night were no longer there. Even Zhang Ye''s own clothes that he had casually thrown onto the chair had been neatly folded and ced piece by piece onto the nightstand. One look and Zhang Ye knew that Wu Zeqing had tidied it up. Old Wu was a meticulous type of person who liked to keep things neat, so she would never leave her things lying around. Meanwhile, Zhang Ye was the pr opposite. This fellow was more carefree and would always leave his clothes lying around. He never folded his bedsheets either.


    It sounded like someone was downstairs.


    Zhang Ye smiled, then put on his slippers and got out of bed to head downstairs. As the slippers were made of cotton, they didn''t really make noise while walking. He deliberately lightened his footsteps as he walked downstairs. The moment he came down, he saw Wu Zeqing cooking in the open kitchen. She was dressed in a domestic attire with an apron on top and was frying something.


    Zhang Ye sneaked up and hugged her from behind.


    Wu Zeqing turned around andughed. "You scared me."


    Zhang Ye said, "Why are you up so early?"


    "It''s my biological clock." Old Wu was frying some bacon. "You got up at just the right time; it''s time for breakfast. When we''re done eating, we still have to head over to your mom''s ce."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright."


    Old Wu looked at him. "Wait."


    "What?" Zhang Ye blinked.


    "Don''t move." Old Wu reached out to fiddle with the messy hair on his head before saying, "OK, go and wash your face first. When you''re finished, breakfast should almost be ready."


    "Let me help you fry them."


    "There''s no need."


    "Aiya, I can''t always let you do all the chores."


    "Hur hur, it''s fine, I can handle this by myself."


    "Well, alright then, thanks."


    "It''s nothing."


    Old Wu''s virtuousness really could not be picked on.


    After breakfast, they drove over to Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    ��


    Caishikou.


    In the neighborhood.


    When the car stopped, Zhang Ye immediately spotted his mother outside the apartmentplex chatting with their neighbors. He saw her chattering away and wondered what she was bragging about this time.


    "Hey!"


    "It''s Little Ye''s car!"


    "Sister Cao, your son and daughter-inw are back!"


    They got out of the car.


    Zhang Ye called out from afar, "Mom."


    Wu Zeqing also said with a smile, "Mom."


    His mother swelled with pride. "Hey, hey, you''re here? Come over quickly, Zeqing. Let me introduce you to a few of our old neighbors. This here is Auntie Sun, this is Auntie Cui, that is Grandpa Xu��" After introducing them one by one, his mother turned to them and pointed at Wu Zeqing, dering proudly, "This is my daughter-inw!" With that, it was clear that they had walked in on Zhang Ye''s mother''s bragging time.


    The neighbors surrounded them in excitement.


    "Old Cao, your daughter-inw is so beautiful."


    "That''s right, she''s even prettier in person than on the news and in pictures!"


    "Our Little Ye is so blessed."


    "Little Ye, you had better treat your wife well in the future."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "That''s for sure."


    Auntie Sun said, "We had to catch your wedding on television yesterday. Why didn''t you invite us? Now you owe us a meal."


    Everyone hooted.


    "That''s right."


    "You owe us a meal!"


    "Little Ye, you''re terrible."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Alright, you''re all picking on me now. Actually, yesterday''s wedding ceremony was just a show for the media. So many reporters were there and it was so chaotic, so I didn''t dare invite you all. I''ll arrange another day with Old Wu to treat you all to a meal, alright? It''ll only be the old neighbors, no outsiders."


    "Sure!"


    "We''ll be waiting then!"


    "You said it yourself, Little Ye."


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, I said it."


    His mother decided, "Then let''s have it the day after tomorrow. We''ll reserve a few tables and have a meal together."


    "No problem."


    "We will definitely be there."


    "Right, right, everyone muste."


    "Let''s all have a good time together."


    Back upstairs.


    The three of them came back.


    His father was reading the newspapers when he heard them and looked up. "Zeqing, you''re here?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Dad, you''re reading the news?"


    His father smiled and said, "Yes, your mom went out to buy the newspapers this morning and brought them back for me to read. The headlines are all about you and Little Ye. Oh yes, have you two had breakfast yet?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "We came after eating."


    His mother was still smiling from earlier. She said, "Both of you had such a tiring day yesterday. I said that you could stay home to rest for a while more and that you don''t have toe over so early today. We''re very casual about such things and don''t really pay attention to these traditions 1 that much."


    Old Wu said, "Mom, it''s fine."


    Zhang Ye said, "We still have to go and visit the rtives anyway. This should have been done before the wedding itself, but since we were really busy beforehand and couldn''t spare any time, we must definitely go and see them now that the wedding is over. We have to visit Grandma''s ce, and Aunt''s ce too. Where are we going first this afternoon? Grandma''s ce?"


    His mother said, "Yes, we''ll go to your grandma''s ce first."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright."


    His father asked, "Aren''t you two going on a honeymoon?"


    Wu Zeqing chuckled. "Little Ye and I don''t have too many days off from work. We only have a few days of leave, so we discussed it and decided that we won''t be going anywhere far."


    After making some small talk.


    His father looked at his watch. "It''s still a while until the afternoon. Why don''t you two get a little more rest?"


    Zhang Ye yawned the moment he heard that. "I did wake up quite early."


    "Then go and catch up on some sleep." His mother said, "Zeqing, go and lie down too."


    Old Wu smiled and said, "OK."


    The door closed.


    Both of them went back into Zhang Ye''s room.


    Zhang Ye was very sleepy. He took off his slippers and buried himself underneath the sheets. Even though Old Wu''s house was big and nicely furnished, Zhang Ye still found his own bed morefortable. After all, he had been sleeping here for over 20 years.


    Old Wu sat down. "You get some rest; I''ll read for a while."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Hey, aren''t you sleeping?"


    "I''m not tired."


    "Just lie down for a while. I can''t sleep if I don''t have my arms around you."


    "Hur hur, alright."


    "Take off your clothes."


    "It''s too troublesome to take these autumn clothes off."


    "Just take them off."


    "Why?"


    "Ahem, no reason."


    "Aren''t you sleepy?"


    "Seeing you, I feel all awake again."


    "Dad and Mom are outside."


    "We can be quiet."


    "Didn''t we just do it yesterday."


    "Yesterday was yesterday, today is today."


    "Oh, you."


    "Gogogo!"


    "Then make sure we keep it down, alright?"


    "Alright, understood!"


    On this morning, Zhang Ye drew second blood!!

 Chapter 1306: Doing a favor

    <h4>Chapter 1306: Doing a favor </h4>


    Chapter 1306: Doing a favor


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    When the door opened, Zhang Ye''s grandpa and grandma, his three uncles and aunties, and his three sisters were already here. Lunch was almost ready and it looked like it was going to be a very sumptuous meal. After all, this was Wu Zeqing''s first visit. Even though they had already met each other during the wedding and also spoken, there were too many outsiders around at that time. And with the couple so busy entertaining guests yesterday, they didn''t really manage to talk much. Only today could they have a proper conversation.


    Zhang Ye led Wu Zeqing around to greet everyone.


    Wu Zeqing said, "Grandpa, Grandma."


    Grandma replied, "Hello! Hello!"


    Wu Zeqing asked, "How has your health been, Grandpa and Grandma?"


    "Pretty good," Grandma said with a broad smile.


    "I heard from Little Ye that Grandpa hasn''t been feeling too well recently?"


    "Hai, it''s just some old chronic problems; it''s nothing much. Mengmeng''s mother, what are you looking at, all starstruck? Hurry up and bring my granddaughter-inw some water. Shouldn''t you know what to do!"


    Old Wu said, "It''s fine, Third Aunt, I''ll help myself."


    Zhang Ye''s third aunt smiled and said, "Zeqing, take a seat and don''t bother yourself."


    Mengmeng came over eagerly. "Sister-inw."


    "Hey, Mengmeng." Old Wu smiled.


    Mengmeng said in envy, "Sister-inw, you''re so pretty."


    Old Wu replied, "Hur hur, thank you. You''ll be even prettier when you grow up."


    "Really?" Cao Mengmeng got very excited.


    Only to hear Zhang Ye add, "You really believe that?"


    Cao Mengmeng said angrily, "Brother! I really want to hit you!"


    His grandma pped her head and said, "You, how can you speak like this to your brother?"


    Cao Mengmeng wailed, "Look at this, just look at this, Grandma is being biased again!"


    Everyoneughed.


    Zhang Ye''s mother was the eldest in her family, and Zhang Ye was also the eldest one of his generation. Together with the fact that he was a male, his grandpa and grandma naturally doted on him more. Now that Zhang Ye had married Wu Zeqing, his status in the family was elevated even further. Grandpa and Grandma couldn''t be more proud of that, so of course they would side more with their grandson.


    ��


    Elsewhere.


    In the Celebrity Goof Group.


    A B-list female celebrity posted several news links in the group.


    "Ning Lan''s new movie banned?"


    "Distributionpany reveals film has yet to pass approval process!"


    "Due to a few scenes that vited the rules, Ning Lan''s new film won''t get released in time for the Lunar New Year festivities?"


    Everyone emerged.


    Zhang Xia: "Little Ning, what''s the matter?"


    Director Li Ke: "It hasn''t been approved yet?"


    Xiaodong: "Sister Ning, is it serious?"


    Ning Lan responded: "Hai, don''t mention it anymore. We don''t even know how to deal with it. All our ns have been disrupted. Those scenes were not originally nned and wouldn''t affect the plot either. They''ve already been deleted, but the approval board has rejected it. It doesn''t matter what is being said anymore."


    Huo Dongfang: "Have you received the remuneration yet?"


    Ning Lan sent a crying emoji. "What could I have received? I didn''t ask for a remuneration this time and opted to get a share of the box office earnings instead. Now that it can''t even be released, how can I possibly get any payment? If the film doesn''t make it in time for the holiday screening, thepany will suffer a big loss for sure. This turn of events hase too suddenly this time. It was also our own fault for not handling it well and taking all the considerations. Otherwise, we could have been preparing for distribution already if the approval had made it through the first time."


    Li Ke suggested: "Try to pull some strings to get the problem resolved."


    Ning Lan: "Who can we find? The sponsors have only an average influence in the industry and can''t get direct ess to the top to speak with them. The film is stuck now because the authorities are not passing it."


    Amy suddenly said: "Try looking for Teacher Zhang."


    Ning Lan: "He has only just held his wedding. Is this really appropriate?"


    Xiaodong: "I think he didn''t go on a honeymoon. He''s probably still in Beijing."


    Chen Guang: "Yes, try to ask Zhang Ye."


    ��


    Late in the evening.


    Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing were driving back to Taoran Pavilion. They had been to his maternal grandma''s house in the afternoon, followed by his paternal aunt''s ce in the evening. After a day of visiting his rtives, Zhang Ye felt like it still wasn''t enough. He really enjoyed such gatherings with his family. With all his work pushed back, spending every day traveling with Old Wu was such a nice feeling. This was why a person had to take a proper vacation to enjoy themselves and not think about anything else. Otherwise, if they kept working every day, not even an iron man could bear it.


    "Old Wu, what should we do when we get back?"


    "Let''s watch a movie?"


    "Sure, we''ll stream one on yourputer."


    "Hur hur, OK."


    As they were chatting, his cell phone rang.


    Wu Zeqing picked it up and asked, "How do you want to answer it?"


    Zhang Ye said as he drove, "Put it on speakerphone."


    Old Wu answered the call.


    It was from Ning Lan.


    "Zhang''er, it''s me."


    "Sister Ning, what''s the matter?"


    "Are you at home?"


    "I''m on the road and will be arriving home soon."


    "We haven''t had a meal in a long time. Do you want to meet up?"


    "I just ate dinner. What is it? Is something wrong?"


    "Well, there''s something. It''s about a movie."


    "A movie? Then do you want toe over to my ce?"


    "Is that appropriate?"


    "Juste over, we''re all family."


    "Sure, but I might be bringing two people along with me."


    "Alright, I''ll be waiting for you then. I''ll send you the address in a bit."


    In the entertainment circle, friends were usually quite open to meeting and having discussions at their own homes. This was because doing so out in the public was quite inconvenient. If you were slightly more famous, people would still recognize you even with sunsses and a face mask on. When the reporters arrived and the fans started gathering around, what conversation could be made? Wouldn''t it be better to just go home?


    After reaching home.


    Zhang Ye happily walked upstairs with Old Wu. They picked a movie to watch on theputer and found that there weren''t too many sources for the newer films. In the end, they selected a film from half a year ago after browsing through the titles. Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing had both chosen the same romance film when the doorbell rang.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Start the download."


    Old Wu acknowledged, "OK, go on and answer the door."


    When he got downstairs and opened the door, he was greeted by the sight of Ning Lan. The two people standing beside her, though, he didn''t know. "Come on in and have a seat."


    "Boss Zhang."


    "Sorry to bother you, Boss Zhang."


    Those two people were speaking very politely.


    But Ning Lan did not stand on ceremony with Zhang Ye. The moment she stepped into the house, she looked around and remarked, "This space doesn''t look cheap? Did you buy this vi recently? Not bad at all."


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "I didn''t buy it. It''s my wife''s ce."


    When those two people heard that, they exchanged a nce and looked even more cautious.


    Zhang Ye poured them some tea. "So what is it, Sister Ning?"


    "Have you read the news yet?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "No, how would I have the time to do that in recent days?"


    "True." Ning Lan frowned and said, "Well, your sis here has encountered some trouble. The new holiday movie that I just took part in has not been approved and was left in limbo by the authorities." She exined the issue in detail to Zhang Ye and said at the end, "Actually, it was our fault to begin with. We did not make sure that everything was in order before sending it in for approval, so it ended up this way. I kept thinking about it but just couldn''te up with any ideas on how to handle it. It''s almost time for the cinemas to schedule their screenings for the holidays. If we don''t quickly get it in, we''ll definitely miss the timing. That''s why I came to look for you to see if anything could be done. If it weren''t an urgent matter, I wouldn''t havee looking for you at this time. So what do you think? Can you help?"


    The other two people were from the film distributors. They alsomented about the situation.


    Zhang Ye knew what they were trying to say. "Since Boss Ning has asked, I definitely have to help. But this is not something that I can make a decision on. I can only ask for you."


    He shouted upstairs, "Old Wu."


    A momentter, Wu Zeqing came down.


    Ning Lan smiled. "Chief Wu, sorry to disturb you sote at night."


    Old Wu smiled and said, "It''s fine."


    Then Zhang Ye said, "Their film has been stopped on your end."


    "Which one?" Old Wu asked.


    Zhang Ye said, "mes of War."


    Wu Zeqing nodded. "I know. I heard that there were some scenes that vited the guidelines and that the relevant people have notified you all to get it changed, right?"


    One of the people from the film distributor said respectfully, "Yes, they''ve already notified us and we carried out the changes immediately. But when we sent it in the second time, we heard nothing about it."


    Old Wu asked, "Have all the necessary changes been made?"


    The other person from the film distributor immediately answered, "We''ve changed everything so that there shouldn''t be any issues."


    Wu Zeqing acknowledged, "Alright, I know what to do then. I''ll make a call to hurry them up for you. If there''s nothing wrong with the source footage, then everything should proceed."


    The two people immediately gave their thanks.


    "Thank you, Chief Wu!"


    "We''re really grateful to you!"


    After sitting for a while more, they hurriedly left so as not to disturb them anymore.


    Zhang Ye saw them out.


    Ning Lan quietly whispered to him, "Thanks."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Come on, you don''t have to be so polite. You should do something more practical instead, like treating me to a big meal."


    Ning Lan was amused. "If I have to treat anyone, it would be your wife. But then again, you''ve really helped me big time. There is finally someone in the artists'' circle who can speak to the people at the top. Everyone has better days ahead. Zhang''er, it''s all credit to you."


    Zhang Ye said righteously, "Hai, it''s just a small matter. If I don''t descend into Hell, who will?"


    Ning Lan rolled her eyes. "Whoa, how is that Hell? I can see that you''ll have quite beautiful days ahead."


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "Haha, I guess so."


    ��


    The SARFT was really efficient in handling the matter.


    Of course, this was in the context of the matter being brought to the attention of Wu Zeqing.


    On that night, the film distributor received news that mes of War had been approved. With the movie approved and the paperwork filed, they could finally set the screening dates.


    This news left many of those from the film distributor and the film crew very excited!


    In the Goof Group.


    Ning Lan sent a message: "@ZhangYe It''s settled, thanks!"


    Xiaodong asked: "Has it been approved already?"


    Amy said in surprise: "That fast?"


    Ning Lan posted a smiley face. "It''s been approved. It was all credit to Boss Zhang, what a loyal friend!"


    ��


    However, Zhang Ye did not reply.


    This was because he didn''t have the time to pay attention about the chat group.


    At Old Wu''s house, Zhang Ye was busy drawing third blood from Old Wu after they finished watching the movie!

 Chapter 1307: The return, and a new high in popularity!

    <h4>Chapter 1307: The return, and a new high in poprity! </h4>


    Chapter 1307: The return, and a new high in poprity!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    A weekter.


    On this morning, it was snowing heavily in the streets.


    A familiar piece of music was ying in the vicinity of Zhang Ye''s Studio. On one side, the aunties had taken a corner of the garden and were za dancing. On the other side, Yang Shu was leading the uncles from the neighboring neighborhoods to practice Taiji Fist. The two parties did not encroach on each other''s territories and over the course of many daily encounters, it had always worked out peacefully.


    "Eh, Senior Bro!"


    "Little Yang, you''re practicing Taiji?"


    "Yup."


    The moment he spoke, everyone turned to look at him.


    "Zhang Ye is here."


    "It''s Little Zhang!"


    "Heh, you''re totally different after your wedding. You look so much more spirited."


    "Teacher Little Zhang, happy marriage to you."


    "Your wife is really beautiful. You''re very blessed."


    "You''re back from your honeymoon already?"


    "When are you going to try for a kid?"


    "We haven''t seen you in so many days."


    The neighbors chattered away as they gathered around.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yes, my break''s over. I haven''t worked in half a month, so I''m officially back starting today. Otherwise, I won''t be able to feed myself if I run out of money. Well, thank you everyone for your concern. Please carry on with your activities. I have to get to work." He then turned to Yang Shu and told her, "The snow is pretty heavy, so don''t practice for too long. They''re all uncles and aunties and aren''t young anymore. Don''t let anyone slip and fall. They''re not as strong as you are."


    Yang Shu said respectfully, "Got it, Senior Bro."


    Only then did Zhang Ye proceed upstairs.


    At the studio.


    Zhang Ye pushed the door open and entered. "Good morning, everyone."


    Everyone looked over and were pleasantly surprised.


    "Wow!"


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Why are you back?"


    "I thought you were going to take a few more days off?"


    "Good morning, Director Zhang!"


    "Good morning to you, Director Zhang."


    Ha Qiqi.


    Zhang Zuo.


    Little Wang.


    Tong Fu.


    The staff were all present. In recent days when Zhang Ye had stopped all of his work, the staff obviously could not stop theirs. A lot of matters had to be handled by them, especially since his wedding had such a great effect, even to the point of causing a stir in the Asian region. As a result, it would be odd if they could get any rest at all, but at the same time, it was the reason why they had to hold the fort. This was so that Zhang Ye could rest properly for many days without anyone disturbing him.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Everyone has done a great job during this period of time. My break is officially over and I will be starting work again today. Come on, let''s have a meeting. I haven''t checked the Inte much during my break, so I''m not up to speed about many things. Is there a summary? Just briefly run it through with me. Come."


    In the meeting room.


    The key staff members were all in attendance.


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Do you want to hear the good news or the bad news first?"


    "Let''s go with the bad news first." Zhang Ye shrugged.


    Ha Qiqi brought out a document. "This is our tabtion of those seven S-listers'' activities and their poprity scores. Ever since our target of reaching the S-list was made known, those seven Heavenly Kings and Queens also started making big moves. Three of them have made the biggest moves of all. It includes the screening of their movies, Inte livestreaming, targeting an international award, taking part in a global new year countdown concert, and so on and so forth. They''ve gained arge increase in their poprity scores and has resulted in them advancing a small step from before."


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "We can''t do anything about that. This is a fairpetition, so we cannot expect them to do nothing. If we want to make an assault on the top spots, then we must allow them to defend too."


    Zhang Zuo said, "Right, we expected this. If those Heavenly Kings and Queens did not do anything after learning our ns, then that would truly be strange. Nobody had it easy when reaching their current status. To be sitting in those spots at the top of the entertainment industry for so many years, who would be willing to give it up just like that?"


    The S-listers could no longer stay quiet.


    They were very active and were garnering more and more poprity.


    This was indeed bad news.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Then what is the good news?"


    The studio''s staff smiled at one another.


    "Look at this." Ha Qiqi pushed a form over to Zhang Ye. "This is your poprity score curve from before your wedding up until today. It''s skyrocketed!"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "By this much?"


    Zhang Zuo said excitedly, "Although those seven people have drummed up quite a bit of activity, the speed of their poprity growth has not been as fast as yours in recent days. In fact, they''regging by a lotpared to you. Your wedding has shocked everyone all over the nation."


    Little Wang interrupted, "Not only that, it has shocked everyone in Asia!"


    Zhang Ye blinked and said, "Asia?"


    Tong Fu guffawed. "Director Zhang, don''t you know?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Know about what?"


    Tong Fu said excitedly, "You''re already on the Asian A-list rankings!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "Really? No way, right? I was still hovering in the B-list, wasn''t I?"


    "This was just reflected in yesterday''s update of the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index." Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "If you had bought a copy of the morning newspapers on the way here, you would have known. We''ve also analyzed the reason for this. First, your poprity in China has soared by a lot, moving you closer and closer to the S-list. Naturally, your poprity score in the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index would go up as well. After all, the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index also takes into ount one''s domestic poprity, so it rises along with that. Second, it was mainly because of how shocking your wedding ceremony was. Be it the status of your wife, the songs that you wrote at your wedding, or the mathematical equation that you used, all of it was too shocking. Oh yes, there was also that incident where you swept the global servers in Go that brought you great attention in the Asian region. Regarding your wedding, it even got on the entertainment headlines in Japan and Korea. You''re also the first person in history to be an Asian A-lister without stepping out of the country!"


    Everyoneughed at the fact.


    Japan?


    Korea?


    Yes, Director Zhang had never been to those ces before!


    Yet he could still get promoted into the Asian A-list? Even if he was at the bottom few spots, an A-lister was still an A-lister!


    There really weren''t too many artists in China who were ranked as an A-list celebrity in both the domestic and Asian region at the same time. After all, the Hallyu wave was still the predominant culture in the Asian region.


    Copies and copies of data.


    Copies and copies of tables.


    After going through everything, Zhang Ye made a decision!


    This situation was really good!


    How delightful!


    But he still ced the most importance on his domestic poprity. If he didn''t reach the top of the domestic rankings, everything else would be pointless. Be it the Asian stage or the international stage, all of those matters would have to be considered at ater time. Zhang Ye also had not consciously made any ns to advance to the international stage, so the most important thing right now was to take a spot in the S-list and reach the summit of the domestic entertainment circle first. Moreover, Zhang Ye''s initial n did not leave much time for this to be done. He was hoping to get this done before the year ended, which meant he had to settle this big affair around the time when the Spring Festival G was to take ce. All of that had been discussed since the very beginning.


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "We''ve alreadypleted the several milestones of the ''Reach the Summit'' n."


    Zhang Zuo added, "How was that justpleting it? We basically surpassed every one of the targets. We''re now only a step away from reaching the S-list!"


    Zhang Ye looked at them. "There''s still that final milestone left in the ''Reach the Summit'' n. I guess we can start on it?"


    Zhang Zuoughed and said, "Of course!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "It''s about time!"


    Little Wang got all excited!


    Tong Fu was looking forward to it!


    Wu Yi could feel his pulse racing!


    That''s right!


    They were only a step away!


    Zhang Ye''s poprity had soared again after his wedding like it didn''t cost a thing!


    Just one more step and Zhang Ye would be able to reach the summit of the Chinese entertainment circle!


    They had been waiting and anticipating this moment for too long!

 Chapter 1308: The invitation from Central TV’s Spring Festival Gala!

    <h4>Chapter 1308: The invitation from Central TV''s Spring Festival G! </h4>


    Chapter 1308: The invitation from Central TV''s Spring Festival G!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that morning.


    The studio''s staff were all getting into action.


    Zhang Ye was not sitting idle either and had already started writing a script.


    Singing?


    Performing a crosstalk?


    Or performing a skit?


    He deleted and changed it many times as he kept working hard on it.


    In the end, Zhang Ye was still undecided about what to do. So he thought that he might as well call Yao Jiancai to ask him over.


    When Old Yao arrived, Zhang Ye had him to sit down and handed him a crosstalk script. "I''ve written something in broad strokes. Take a look and tell me how is it, please."


    Yao Jiancai was still unsure about what was going on. "Why?"


    "Have a look first," Zhang Ye urged.


    When Yao Jiancai had a look, he was stunned. After he came back around, he started wondering why Zhang Ye had written a crosstalk script. Was there a performance or ging up soon?


    The answer was too obvious!


    Old Yao said in a stunned manner, "Holy shit! You''re nning to go on the Spring Festival G?"


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands. "Do you have to be this surprised?"


    "How is this not surprising!" Yao Jiancai eximed.


    Zhang Ye said, "Let me correct you, first of all. It''s not that I''m nning to go on the Spring Festival G, we are nning to go on the Spring Festival G." With a pause, he smacked his lips and said, "But this script is too sloppy and won''t be suitable for a stage like the Spring Festival G. Although I can also do a more formal type of crosstalk, that''s not our style at all. Why don''t we perform a skit instead?"


    Yao Jiancai interrupted, "Before talking about what kind of a performance to do, can you first consider the possibility of getting invited to the g?"


    "In the past, I couldn''t. But it''s different now," Zhang Ye said with a smile.


    Yao Jiancai was startled and finally realized it. "That''s right, I nearly forgot!"


    "Haha, so are you gonna join me or not?"


    "Of course! How can I miss out on something as good as this!"


    "That''s that, then."


    "You''re really going to make a push for the S-list?"


    "Yep."


    "Alright then, let this old bro give you a helping hand!"


    Thest step of the "Reach the Summit" n was: get on the Central TV Spring Festival G!


    There really weren''t too many A-list celebrities who hadn''t been on the Central TV Spring Festival G. But Zhang Ye was exactly one of those few oddities that existed, even though this didn''t mean that he would never get on the Spring Festival G. It was just that he didn''t get a chance to do so in the past. In recent years, Central TV''s Spring Festival G had been scolded and criticized by an enormous amount of people, yet this was still thergest stage that one could be on in China with nothing elseing close. Be it Zhang Ye''s A Bite of China, King of Masked Singers, The Voice, or I Am a Singer, the viewership ratings of those shows would not even make up a tiny portion that the g would get. The number of viewers for all of those show also could not outnumber the Spring Festival G''s audience numbers even if they were all added together. This was because they were on a totally different magnitude of performance stages. In the entire country, and even across Asia or the entire world, there wasn''t another stage that was bigger than the stage of China''s Spring Festival G!


    This was what the Spring Festival G was!


    The one and only of its kind in the world!


    Back when the studio was drawing up the "Reach the Summit" n, they had not really considered the feasibility and practicality of the proposal. Zhang Ye had told them toe up with anything that they could think of and to be more daring with their ideas. That was how they came up with such a proposal in the end. At that time, Zhang Ye and Central TV''s rtionship was at a low as they battled each other with seething passion. Central TV had entirely banned him at that time, so not to mention having him appear on the Spring Festival G, if he even dared toe through the main entrance of Central TV, he would surely get a lot of disdainful looks. As such, thisst step of the "Reach the Summit" n was also the most difficult one of all. At the beginning, none of the studio''s staff thought that this could be aplished.


    So who could have expected that all of that would change in a few months down the road?


    Central TV had gone through a leadership change!


    Zhang Ye was reported about on News Simulcast!


    All of these indicated that the rtionship between Zhang Ye and Central TV was finally thawing!


    And the most crucial factor was that Zhang Ye had married the head of the SARFT. This made the situation even harder to gauge. Disregarding anything else, just the ban should no longer be in effect. So if you seriously thought about it, at this point in time, there was actually hope that Zhang Ye could get on this year''s Spring Festival G. In fact, he even stood a very great chance of doing so. The director of this year''s Spring Festival G had already been decided. It was Director Li Ke, one of the top three directors of the Chinese film industry. Zhang Ye knew him personally, and it could even be said that they had quite a good rtionship. The two of them had worked together during the opening ceremony of the Olympics, and Li Ke also attended his wedding.


    It was a golden opportunity!


    This should be the closest that Zhang Ye had gotten to appearing on the Spring Festival G!


    If he wanted to make it into the S-list, how could he not appear on the Spring Festival G? Therefore, this was why it was included as thest step in the "Reach the Summit" n. This would be Zhang Ye''s final push to get him into the S-list!


    Noon.


    A call came in.


    It was Ha Qiqi who answered. After a few words, she hung up and then announced excitedly, "Comrades, the Spring Festival G''s production team has officially invited Director Zhang to appear on the show!"


    "Ah!"


    "That''s great!"


    "They''ve really sent out the invitation!"


    "I knew it!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Then let''s make the most of today to get the show out."


    "Alright!"


    "Got it!"


    Everyone was motivated and gung ho!


    Dong Shanshan also dropped by.


    Zhang Ye waved to her. "Hurry up, Shanshan. It''s time to go through the script!"


    Dong Shanshanughed and said, "Are you serious?"


    "Of course I am!" Zhang Ye said.


    Yao Jiancai said, "The Spring Festival G''s production team has officially invited Zhang Ye to the show."


    Dong Shanshan shrugged. "Alright, but we better not get eliminated when it goes up for selection. That would be too embarrassing."


    Zhang Ye was a little exasperated. "My dear ssmate, can you have a little more confidence in me? How bad can it be if it''s a skit written by this bro?"


    Dong Shanshan beamed and said, "Just because you came up with that reject prostitution, reject gambling, and reject table tennis skit during Beijing TV''s Spring Festival G? Haven''t you been scolded enough?"


    "That was an exception. I''ll write a better one this time." Zhang Ye cleared his throat.


    Yao Jiancai chuckled and said, "Come on, Shanshan."


    Dong Shanshan said, "Alright then."


    The decision of appointing the executive director for the Spring Festival G had dragged on for a very long time this year. The main issue was that no one had wanted to take this "hot potato" of a job. In the end, it was still Li Ke who took it on. It was also during this time that the program list would slowly start forming as show proposals from all over the country got submitted to them before a selection was carried out. There was still quite a bit of time before the Spring Festival G took ce, but the preparations for it had already kicked off. The countdown to the Spring Festival G had begun!


    ��


    In a crosstalk troupe.


    "Old Tang, this script isn''t good enough!"


    "Hai, let''s keep working on it."


    "Little Sun, you guyse up with another version."


    "It''s already been a month, but we still haven''te up with an eptable version?"


    "Everyone, let''s put more effort in! The show selection has already begun!"


    ��


    In a dance school.


    "Do it once more!"


    "That''s not good enough, again!"


    "Little He, what''s with you!"


    "Little Sun, how many times do I have to criticize you? Your movements are too soft!"


    "What kind of a stage is the Spring Festival G? We''ve been practicing for half a year, but the two dances are still not good enough! I''ll say this to you all. Either do it well, or I''ll rece you with someone else!"


    ��


    At a skit actor''s house.


    "How''s the script!"


    "It''s not working out. I can''t write it."


    "We''re almost out of time."


    "Give me another two weeks. I''lle up with something even if I die trying!"


    "Are you sure you can finish it within two weeks?"


    "I can definitely do it this time!"


    "Alright!"


    ��


    For one show.


    Some people prepared for three months.


    Some people prepared for six months.


    There were even some people who took a full year to prepare for it.


    This was what the Central TV Spring Festival G was. It was a stage with the most brutalpetition as everyone gave their all just to be able to get on the show. Further, they weren''t even guaranteed a spot.


    In contrast, the situation was wholly different at Zhang Ye''s Studio!


    The scripts were gettingpleted too easily!


    It was so easy that it was scary!


    One after another!


    And another!


    Later that afternoon.


    "Old Yao, what do you think of this script?"


    "Eh? There''s still another one?"


    "Yeah, read it!"


    "Alright��OK, I''m done reading it. It''s really good! It''s fantastic!"


    "Shanshan, what do you think?"


    "It''s not as good as thest one."


    "Is that so? Then I''ll write another one."


    "Ah? You''re still writing more?"


    "Yeah, I want everyone to agree on it!"


    "This, this is already more than enough."


    During the morning hours until now, Zhang Ye had written two crosstalk and six skit scripts in total. Furthermore, to everyone in Zhang Ye''s Studio, and both Yao Jiancai and Dong Shanshan, they were all good works that would shock anyone who read them. They were all masterpieces that would definitely qualify for the Spring Festival G performances. Because of that, they were unable to decide on which one to use as they thought that all of them were way too fucking good!


    After ten minutes, another script waspleted!


    Little Wang yelled, "This one is good!"


    Ha Qiqi said anxiously, "Aiya! Actually, the third one is pretty good too!"


    Zhang Zuo disagreed with her. "I like the fourth skit''s script better!"


    Tong Fu eximed excitedly, "Director Zhang, use the fifth one please. It''s such a ssic!"


    In the end, Zhang Ye became exhausted from all the writing.


    He sighed inment and said, "In the past when people said that it was very tiring and not easy to write a script for the Spring Festival G, I didn''t believe them. But now, I finally believe it."


    Hearing that, everyone nearly puked blood!


    Yao Jiancai called out to him, "Zhang''er."


    Zhang Ye turned around. "What?"


    Yao Jiancai stared at him. "Can you not show off?"


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "When was I showing off?"


    Dong Shanshan rolled her eyes. "If anyone else hears you saying that, they''d probably be driven to their graves by you!"


    Zhang Ye did not understand. "What''s wrong? I''m really tired after writing eight or nine of these scripts!"


    Ha Qiqi was speechless.


    Zhang Zuo was speechless.


    Little Wang was speechless.


    Others couldn''te up with a good script even after working for several months on it. Just one script alone could have several dozen versions that would have taken them several months to write!


    But in only a few hours, you''ve already produced nine scripts like it!


    And you call this tiring?


    You''re saying this isn''t easy?


    Then wouldn''t it be better for the others to just go and die?!

 Chapter 1309: Returning to Central TV!

    <h4>Chapter 1309: Returning to Central TV! </h4>


    Chapter 1309: Returning to Central TV!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    At around 9 in the morning.


    In thepound of Central TV.


    When the car drove up to the entrance, the barrier gate was in the down position. But when gate security saw the car, they shivered and quickly raised it without asking who was in the car or for any identification to be produced. Then they watched the BMW X5 drove off into the distance with aplex expression and a bitter smile on their faces.


    It was this car again!


    That jinx was back again!


    In the car.


    Dong Shanshan wondered, "Don''t you need a pass to get in?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Zhang''er already made an appointment with the production team."


    Dong Shanshan said, "But shouldn''t he still have to produce identification even if he has an appointment?"


    However, Zhang Ye justughed and said, "My license te is the identification."


    Dong Shanshanughed and said, "Don''t get too cocky."


    In fact, Zhang Ye was not bragging.


    At Central TV, no one did not know of Zhang Ye''s car!


    How long had it been?


    Half a year?


    A year?


    Or perhaps longer?


    Looking at the television tower, Zhang Ye gave a small sigh.


    Hello, Central TV. I, Hu Hansan, am back again![1.]


    After he parked the car, the trio of Zhang Ye, Yao Jiancai, and Dong Shanshan got out and walked upstairs to the office of the Spring Festival G''s production team. Zhang Ye and the others hade here today for a face-to-face meeting with Li Ke, as well as have an initial meeting with thenguage performances production team to seek a general direction and requirements for their performance. This would help them to make a proper selection of their scripts. As for the first approval session of the Spring Festival G, there were still some days to go before that would happen.


    The initial meeting.


    The first approval session.


    The second approval session.


    This was the basic flow of the Central TV Spring Festival G''s selection process.


    Of course, there could also be a third approval session sometimes, but that was not always the case.


    The office space was quite the mess.


    The Spring Festival G''s production team had only been set up a short while ago. This year''s executive director role needed Li Ke toe save the day, while thenguage performances director was a famous screenwriter. The remaining members of the production team were generally the same old people as before, with most of them being staff members picked from the several departments of Central TV, and mostly chosen from those at Central TV Department 1.


    "Old Xu!"


    "I''m here!"


    "Where''s Director Li?"


    "The leaders from the organizingmittee are here and Director Li is speaking with them."


    "There''s something urgent that I have to ask regarding my team''s work. Can I check if the stage ns have been confirmed yet?"


    "The higher-ups are not in agreement. They said that it was too extravagant and did not approve it."


    "Aiya, then what do we do?"


    "Let''s see how Director Li''s discussion with them goes."


    "It''s always the same every year. They want us to make the Spring Festival G a good one, yet they don''t agree to this or don''t approve of that. They aren''t willing to let us make our own decisions, so how can we do anything?"


    "Enough, don''t speak about such things unnecessarily."


    Then Zhang Ye and the other two came in.


    The entire office fell silent.


    One person.


    Ten people.


    Twenty people.


    Everyone turned to look at Zhang Ye.


    Yao Jiancai whispered to Dong Shanshan, "See what a domineering presence Little Zhang has?"


    Dong Shanshan giggled. "That''s not presence, it''s notoriety."


    Zhang Ye asked graciously, "Is Director Li here?"


    A female employee answered, "Director Li is not around."


    Zhang Ye asked, "When will he be back?"


    Another person from the Spring Festival G''s production team said, "We''re not sure either."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright, we''ll wait for him."


    When he turned around, he immediately looked for a ce to sit down. He even reached out his hand to beckon for Yao Jiancai and Dong Shanshan toe over to have a seat. He was behaving as though he was at home and didn''t feel the slightest bit awkward.


    The people on the Spring Festival G''s production team were a little angry. They were too familiar with this person. He had fought awsuit against them, scolded their leaders, created trouble at the television station, and most importantly, led the ming ofst year''s Spring Festival G. At that time, those on the Spring Festival G''s production team had been called out so badly that they received a terrible scolding from the public. They were not sure about the attitudes of the other Central TV departments for him, but to the majority of those on the Spring Festival G''s production team, they despised him, loathed him. As such, now that Zhang Ye was at the office, they couldn''t be bothered with him at all and would rather avoid him.


    As for giving him attitude?


    Well, forget that. They really didn''t dare to do so. This guy''s spouse was even higher ranking than their Central TV''s Station Head on the SARFT''s Party Committee!


    They couldn''t afford to offend him, but that didn''t mean they couldn''t choose to avoid him!


    Hai, why did Director Li have to invite him! He could have invited anyone else, but why did he have to ask this scourge of a person toe?


    So an awkward atmosphere descended upon the entire office.


    But even if they did not say a word, Zhang Ye turned out to be rather talkative. He sat there and poured himself a cup of tea, calling out to some people at times, and also making small talk with others.


    "Eh, aren''t you Central TV Department 1''s Little He?"


    "Mhm."


    "How have things been?"


    "Ah, pretty good."


    "That''s great to hear. I see that you''ve lost some weight. Is it because you''ve been suffering under Director Jiang''s leadership?"


    "Director Jiang has been transferred!"


    "What? Surely not, right?"


    "It''s true."


    "But Director Jiang is such a ''loyal'' person."


    "��"


    "Why did he get transferred?"


    "��"


    "Eh, you are Little Liu from Sing!''s program team, aren''t you?"


    "Uh, that''s me."


    "The show was done pretty well."


    "Uh��"


    "What were the viewership ratings at the end of it? I didn''t really follow it to the end."


    "Not that much."


    "That can''t be!"


    "It really was not much."


    "Don''t be so modest. Speak proudly!"


    "It really was��not much!"


    Zhang Ye drank tea and chitchatted with everyone.


    Dong Shanshan was "impressed" by him.


    Yao Jiancai was also rolling his eyes from nearby.


    Quite a few of those who were on the Spring Festival G''s production team were close to tears. Your sister! Aren''t you spiting us on purpose?! Can you not bring up a matter as sensitive as that? After the leadership change, how could you not know that Central TV Department 1''s Deputy Director Jiang Yuan had been transferred away? Don''t bullshit! Director Jiang had more than enough run-ins with you back then, so how could you not know about something as important as this? And you dare ask what the viewership ratings for Sing! were? As if you didn''t know? Didn''t it recently get battered by your show, I Am a Singer?!


    Heavens!


    Please hurry up and make this fellow go away!


    They finally understood why Zhang Ye could so easily offend people. This fellow was born with the innate ability to taunt others. He could say anything and it would be enough to anger anyone to death!


    Finally, one of the Spring Festival G''s assistant directors appeared.


    Everyone cried out.


    "Director Wang!"


    "Director Wang, you''re here atst!"


    "Teacher Zhang is here, so about the initial meeting arrangements��"


    Someone had finallye to save them!


    They almost couldn''t bear Zhang Ye''s sarcasm!


    But when he heard them, the assistant director stopped in his tracks, stunned. Before he even stepped into the office, he was already turning around to leave. "I forgot, I still have something to attend to. Let''s wait for Director Li toe back to handle the initial meeting."


    "Ah?"


    "Director Wang?"


    The production team''s members were all dumbfounded!


    Yao Jiancai was speechless.


    Dong Shanshan was speechless.


    Zhang Ye also felt a little speechless. "What''s this about?"


    Yao Jiancaiughed and said, "Just how many people have you offended?"


    Zhang Ye had probably worked at Central TV for a longer time than he had been at Beijing Television. So how could he know how many people he had offended? There were probably some of them that he couldn''t even remember. But what was certain was that in all of Central TV, there weren''t too many who would want to have any dealings with Zhang Ye. As such, even though Spring Festival G Executive Director Li Ke had invited Zhang Ye to take part in this year''s show selection, most of those on the production team were still trying to avoid him at all costs.


    Whoever wishes to receive him can do it!


    Just don''t count on us doing so!


    ��This attitude of those on the Spring Festival G''s production team was surprisingly consistent throughout!

 Chapter 1310: The Spring Festival Gala’s executive director calls it quits!

    <h4>Chapter 1310: The Spring Festival G''s executive director calls it quits! </h4>


    Chapter 1310: The Spring Festival G''s executive director calls it quits!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Central TV.


    Department 2.


    "Have you heard?"


    "About what?"


    "Zhang Ye just arrived at Central TV!"


    "Ah? What?"


    "I saw him with my own eyes. He''s at the office of the Spring Festival G''s production team!"


    "The Spring Festival G invited him?"


    "Heavens! Who could have invited someone like him!"


    "How can they allow him on the Spring Festival G!"


    Department 6.


    "Nani?"


    "Zhang Ye came back?"


    "Damn, what is he doing here!"


    "Is he going to wreak havoc at Central TV again?"


    "I don''t think he is. He''s just there to have a ''talk'' with them."


    "Talk about what?"


    "God knows, why don''t you go and take a look to find out?"


    "Up yours!"


    Department 1.


    "Let''s go, everything''s been settled."


    "Little Qi, where are you going?"


    "Where? I''m heading to the Spring Festival G''s production team office to get something."


    "You can''t do that now."


    "They said that it was urgent."


    "It''s better if you go over in the afternoon."


    "Why''s that?"


    "Zhang Ye is sitting in there."


    "Damn! You should have told me earlier! I''ll go overter!"


    The news of Zhang Ye''s return instantly spread.


    As their biggest enemy in the history of Central TV, the return of Zhang Ye was being talked about across the ranks of the station. They felt that this fellow was haunting them at every opportunity. Since the day he left, no one had expected that Zhang Ye woulde back one day. Zhang Ye was the first artist to sue Central TV in history. He was also the first person to have won a court case against Central TV. He led Central TV Department 1 to create a viewership rating legend, but he also brought Central TV''s shows to their knees. The love-hate rtionship between Zhang Ye and Central TV was convoluted andplex. It was soplicated that it could never be unraveled.


    ��


    On Weibo.


    And the news.


    This information was also revealed.


    "Zhang Ye returns to Central TV?"


    "Someone witnessed Zhang Ye''s car driving into Central TV!"


    "Zhang Ye''s honeymoon ends!"


    "The executive director of the Spring Festival G, Li Ke, invites Zhang Ye to take part?"


    "Will Zhang Ye be able to get on the stage of the Spring Festival G?"


    "Shocking! Zhang Ye to appear on the Spring Festival G?"


    "Zhang Ye breaking into the S-list!"


    "With the leadership changes at Central TV, and a prior rtionship with Li Ke, a huge turnaround chance for Zhang Ye to appear on the Spring Festival G he has long been missing out on?"


    The Lunar New Year was approaching.


    Online, news regarding the Spring Festival G was also getting increasingly prevalent. Any news about the program lists or the invited performers were being reported on regardless of it being real or fake. And today, the moment the news broke of Zhang Ye appearing at Central TV, the topic of the Spring Festival G got pushed even higher!


    ��


    At a crosstalk society.


    "What?"


    "Zhang Ye went there?"


    "Th-This��"


    "What is that Li Ke thinking!"


    "Don''t panic, the first approval session hasn''t even begun. Zhang Ye definitely won''t be chosen."


    "Yeah, the requirements for a Spring Festival G performance are really strict. Strictly speaking, none of his works would qualify."


    ��


    At a skit studio.


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "We''re done for."


    "It''s going to get reallypetitive this time."


    "Yeah, there are only those few spots for the performances. If someone else gets chosen for one, that''s one fewer chance for us!"


    ��


    However, theizens were delighted!


    "Really?"


    "Does this fellow have the qualifications to appear on the Spring Festival G?"


    "Well, he does have the qualifications since he''s such a big name. Domestically, I doubt there''s any other celebrity on the level of Zhang Ye who hasn''t been on the Spring Festival G before!"


    "Right, this is not a matter of qualifications. The issue here is that he has offended too many people, especially after being locked in a fierce struggle with Central TV. No matter how you think about it, it''s impossible that he could appear on the Spring Festival G. But all of that has now changed with Central TV''s leader reced, and the deputy directors and rted staff of Central TV Department 1 getting transferred out, possibly due to those incidents that showed that they were indeed in dereliction of duty. Coupled with the fact that Zhang Ye and Li Ke know each other, thest hindrance preventing Zhang Ye from appearing on the Spring Festival G has been removed. As for the industry-wide ban? Hur hur, let''s ask Zhang Ye''s wife first if she is agreeable to that!"


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "Me too, I''m looking forward to seeing Zhang Ye''s new work!"


    "Will it be a crosstalk?"


    "A skit might be possible too!"


    "Ahhh, I''ll have to catch the Spring Festival G this year!"


    "Bringing Zhang Ye onto the Spring Festival G is indeed quite good publicity for it. This is a big move that the Spring Festival G is resorting to just to bring in viewership. But I don''t suppose that even with Zhang Ye''s show, they''ll able to save the Spring Festival G. The g is getting worse and worse in recent years. It''s an umted weakness that has caused everyone to lose confidence in it."


    "Yeah, I can''t help butin about that too."


    "The Spring Festival G is dead!"


    "I stopped watching it a long time ago."


    "We can''t put it that way. The issues regarding the Spring Festival G are slightly moreplicated. It''s not an ordinary g but one that carries political leanings. Together with the increasing standards and nitpicking that the audience has for it, it''s unavoidable that it would disappoint. Everyone should understand that. I still have hopes for it this year since a big name director like Li Ke has taken on the responsibility of heading it. So perhaps that might bring about some changes to the Spring Festival G."


    "I hope so."


    "We''re depending on Director Li this year."


    "He''s a big director in the film industry, so hopefully he can handle an event like a g."


    "I doubt it. Actually, Li Ke is already on the brink, and he''s only here to right the ship. The waters of the Spring Festival G run too deep, so no one is willing to take it on."


    ��


    At Central TV.


    In the office of the Spring Festival G''s production team.


    Zhang Ye kept making small talk with those people.


    Outside, Yu Yingyi came in with a smile on her face. "Zhang''er, Shanshan."


    Zhang Ye turned his head. "Hey, what are you doing here?"


    "I learned that you three hade, so I came over to have a look." Yu Yingyi was a host at Central TV Sports Channel, so it was just a stone''s throw away for her.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "How did you know that we were here?"


    Yu Yingyi rolled her eyes and said, "Do you need to ask? The moment Zhang Ye arrived, the news already started spreading all over the station. Even if I don''t wish to know about it, I can''t." Then she looked at Zhang Ye and asked, "Have they really invited you?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Yeah."


    Yu Yingyi gave him a thumbs up. "Nice!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It was mainly due to Director Li''s influence."


    Yu Yingyi said in a low voice, "Right, if it were any other executive director, they might not dare to invite you at all. But since Director Li has a pretty good rtionship with you and you''ve both worked together before, he was willing to take the risk."


    Zhang Ye said, "Haha, I''ll have to treat Old Li to a meal after this!"


    As they were chatting, Li Ke came back to the office!


    The Spring Festival G''s production team saw him and finally heaved a sigh of relief.


    Zhang Ye and the others also saw Li Keing in and stood up with a smile.


    What happened next dumbfounded everyone!


    When Li Ke pushed open the ss door, he looked infuriated as he yelled, "Old Qi, Old Qu, pack up. It''s time to leave!" He was calling out to the staff from his own team.


    His team was startled.


    "Old Li, what''s wrong?"


    "Director Li, what happened?"


    "We''re leaving? To where?"


    Li Ke said loudly, "To where? We''re going home! This job is impossible! How can it even be done? Can someone make them tell me how I should do it?! They can''t ept this, and they won''t approve that, yet they''re asking me to innovate and turn the decline around for the Spring Festival G. How am I supposed to innovate? How can I turn things around? All of the requests and suggestions that I gave did not even make it past approval! Why don''t you all show me the way, show me how I should do it? Am I supposed to achieve it through magic? I''m not going to put up with any of this. They can find someone else to do it!"


    Clearly, Li Ke must have been angered during the discussion with the organizingmittee!


    The production team staff were all shocked beyond belief!


    Damn!


    Director Li is quitting?


    Yao Jiancai was dumbfounded!


    Dong Shanshan and Yu Yingyi exchanged nces!


    Zhang Ye very nearly fell over and hit his head!


    You''re quitting?


    Damn!


    If you quit, how am I going to appear on the Spring Festival G!


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "Old Li, calm down, calm down."


    Li Ke finally saw someone with a familiar face. He immediately said, "Boss Zhang, you don''t understand. I can''tmunicate with them at all! They''re making things too difficult for people! And it''s not just this issue. There''s still the program list and invited performers. Most of it cannot be decided by me. A lot of the shows were set in stone a long time ago, but when I saw what they were, I had to roll my eyes. If those shows made it onto the Spring Festival G, it would be a wonder for the g to do well!"


    Zhang Ye tried to calm him down. "It''s not easy; we know it''s not easy."


    Li Ke said, "Boss Zhang, you''re a director yourself, so you should understand what I mean. Oh, if they''re going to decide on the shows and the format of the g, why would they still need me as a director? I''m not important at all. At most, after the g is broadcast, I''ll bear the brunt of the negativements!"


    Zhang Ye said, "You can''t say that, Old Li. The entire country''s citizens are counting on you, so you''ve got to stand firm. Please endure it for everyone''s sakes."


    Li Ke waved him off. "I can''t suffer through this. My temper is usually quite good, but if it were you talking to them just now? You''d surely havee to blows with them! I don''t want to endure this either. I''ve already told the leaders from the organizingmittee that I''m not going to stay on as the executive director. I''ll just go back to wherever I came from!"


    Zhang Ye said in panic, "Don''t!"


    Li Ke packed up and left with his team in all haste!


    Zhang Ye shouted after him.


    "Old Li!"


    "Old Li!"


    "Aiyo, what are you doing!"


    "Impulsiveness is the devil itself, Old Li!"


    Everyone on the Spring Festival G''s production team could only stare with wide eyes in shock!


    Yao Jiancai threw up his hands. "Well, looks like we''re done for!"


    Dong Shanshanughed and said, "We''ve been blinded this time."


    Zhang Ye facepalmed and speechlessly turned to the Heavens for an answer!


    This was a chance they had in the palm of their hands!


    And it was almost time for the first approval session!


    But it''s over!


    It slipped away!

 Chapter 1311: Who will the Spring Festival Gala’s executive director role fall to?

    <h4>Chapter 1311: Who will the Spring Festival G''s executive director role fall to? </h4>


    Chapter 1311: Who will the Spring Festival G''s executive director role fall to?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The news blew up!


    On that same afternoon, the news started spreading!


    "The Spring Festival G''s executive director quits?"


    "Director Li shes with the leaders!"


    "Li Ke calls it quits!"


    "Central TV has confirmed the news!"


    "A gloom cast over the Spring Festival G. No one to take the job?"


    "The public calls for the Spring Festival G to be canceled!"


    "Where will the Spring Festival G go from here?"


    Central TV issued a statement very quickly.


    Immediately after, Li Ke also issued a statement. He simply exined his reasons for withdrawing from the Spring Festival G''s production team, albeit being rtively tactful about it. But reading between the lines, it could be felt that Li Ke was rather emotional about it.


    At this point in time the previous years, Central TV''s Spring Festival G would already have assigned a director for the job. In fact, the first approval session would even have almost beenpleted. However, this year, the appointment of the executive director was still not confirmed, much less the first approval session. They had finally convinced Li Ke to take the role after dragging on the matter for a long time, but it still ended up with him quitting. Did they have to do everything all over again?


    To restart the process of selecting a director?


    To redo their n anew?


    To invite the performers from the beginning again?


    They hadn''t even gotten the stage setup ready yet!


    Would there still be enough time to get everything together?


    As such, when this news was revealed, it caused quite a stir in the country. The public''s view of this matter was more pessimistic. They already did not have much hope for this year''s Spring Festival G, but this news put even more doubt into their minds.


    On Weibo.


    "Even Director Li has quit?"


    "He never wanted to take this ''hot potato'' of a job in the first ce!"


    "Yeah, Director Li is already doing very well on his films. He should just stick to that and not get his hands dirty by taking the Spring Festival G job. That''s only finding trouble for himself."


    "Well now, they don''t even have an executive director to handle things anymore!"


    "Who else can they get?"


    "I don''t know, they''ve probably approached everyone that they could already."


    "Yeah, they''re really shuffling through a lot of people for the Spring Festival G''s executive director role in recent years. They''ve already used almost every first-rate director in the country, even getting those famous directors from the film industry and those who are based overseas. Just from the Central TV system alone, there''s already Old Hai, Old Qu, and Old Li. Who hasn''t been considered for the role before? But as it stands? They''re all getting worse and worse with each passing year. The same goes for the viewership ratings and the reputation of the g, both of which are declining as well. There are almost no examples of an executive director getting reelected for the role in the following year. Everyone who takes the job would only end up taking the rap for the poor showing, and then that repeats for the next person in line after that."


    "They''re probably not going to be ready in time this year, right?"


    "I think so too. There might not even be a broadcast of the g anymore."


    "That''s not going to happen. The Spring Festival G will surely take ce."


    "But there''s no one left to choose from anymore. The big directors have all been used already."


    "But there are still many smaller directors around."


    "There may be a lot of them, and they are surely eyeing the directing of the Spring Festival G as well, but the higher-ups would have to be willing to settle for them first. This is not a job that anyone can do. If you want to direct the Spring Festival G, you have to have some achievements first, don''t you? You have to show some capabilities and results first, right? Otherwise, who would be convinced by you? Actually, a lot of people might be criticizing and ming the Spring Festival G harshly each year, even threatening not to watch it anymore. The organizers are also often ridiculed year after year too. I remember that such things have been going on for the past four to five years already, hasn''t it? But in the end? When wee to the night of Lunar New Year''s Eve, aren''t we all still always sitting in front of our televisions and waiting there eagerly? Hai, everyone still has feelings for the Spring Festival G, after all. That''s why we''re so pissed about it. We all have our expectations and just hope that it will be well produced."


    "Yeah, my childhood memories are all of the Spring Festival G."


    "Yup, those were the days. I really miss them."


    "Let''s see who they get this time to save the day."


    "In any case, I can''t think of a suitable candidate."


    On Weibo.


    In the discussion forums.


    On the socialworks.


    On the streets.


    In thepanies.


    The people were heatedly discussing it!


    Then the media joined in!


    The people''s attention of the Spring Festival G reached a peak. All the citizens were paying attention to the developments of the matter and were waiting for thetest news updates toe from the top!


    ��


    There was also chaos within the arts circle!


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others were all frowning.


    Little Wang didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Director Li is really not going to continue working? Then what should we do?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Who knows what we can do?"


    Tong Fu said, "We don''t care who bes the director. All we want is for them to let us get on the Spring Festival G."


    Ha Qiqi said helplessly, "The problem is that other than Director Li Ke, none of the other big directors in the country are on good terms with Director Zhang, right? Even if they do give face to our Director Zhang, they wouldn''t possibly stand their ground to invite Director Zhang against Central TV''s wishes, would they?"


    Zhang Zuo said angrily, "Just tell me, what is this? The show was all prepared and the script was nearly approved too. With Director Li leaving at this time, everything will have to restart from scratch. The invite list to the performers that Director Li drew up definitely won''t count anymore. To think that we were still banking on the Spring Festival G to push us to the S-list!"


    Then, Zhang Ye''s cell phone rang.


    It was from the famous skit actress, Ci Xiufang.


    "Auntie Ci."


    "Boss Zhang, I heard that you were there when it happened? What went on in there!"


    "I''m not too sure either. Old Li seemed like he got into a fight with the higher-ups and then suddenly said that he was quitting. I couldn''t persuade him since he wasn''t willing to listen at all."


    "Hai, then what will happen to our show?"


    "You were invited as well?"


    "Yes, that''s why I am so anxious about this. So do we continue preparing for it or not?"


    "Who knows!"


    Afterwards, Zhang Xia also called.


    Zhang Xia was also one of the invited performers for this year''s Spring Festival G.


    "Zhang''er, has Central TV contacted you yet about the show matters?"


    "Not yet, how about you?"


    "They didn''t contact me after that either. I''ve already asked, but they''ve been plunged into chaos over there."


    "Hai, all the ns have been messed up!"


    "Yes, this came too suddenly. There were no signs of it happening at all. We can only wait for the new director to be appointed before the new program list gets drawn up again."


    "I guess we can only wait then. There''s no other way about it."


    ��


    At the organizingmittee for the Spring Festival G.


    In therge conference room, several dozen people were in a terrible fix.


    There were people from Central TV in here, as well asrades from the Ministry of Culture and leaders from the SARFT. Every one of them was worrying over the Spring Festival G''s executive director role!


    "Old Li went too far!"


    "Yeah, how can he just quit like that!"


    "There''s no point arguing about it anymore. What candidates do we have? Please make a few rmendations!"


    "Chief Chen, what do you think of Director Wang Qi?"


    "Wang Qi is not good enough."


    "Yes, he doesn''t have enough experience."


    "What about Li Chaoran?"


    "Little Li is a masterful director in the world of theater, but that''s too different from the stage of the Spring Festival G. It''s too big of a jump, so appointing Little Li to head the Spring Festival G would make it into aughing matter for sure."


    "Then there really isn''t anyone else!"


    "Yeah, there are only so many best directors we have in the country. They can all be counted on two hands. Even if we were to lower the requirements, there shouldn''t be more than 20 people we can consider. A majority of these people have already taken the Spring Festival G job before, but their results weren''t exactly good either. What''s more, perhaps due to there being too much criticism afterwards which affected their reputations, many of these top directors are no longer willing to take on such a ''hot potato'' role. All of them are hiding as far away from it as possible."


    "Is there really no one else?"


    "In the camp of top directors, there really isn''t anyone else."


    "That might not be true."


    "Oh? Old Han, who else is there?"


    "That person��forget it. Take it that I didn''t mention anything."


    "What''s with the suspense? Hurry up and say it."


    "That person''s status is a little bit special."


    "Special? Is he a top director?"


    "He is a top director. In fact, he''s definitely one of the best in the country. He''s also quite different from Li Ke. Although Li Ke is a top director in the film industry, he cannot be considered the best. At most, he is one of the top three directors in film. But that person is definitely the top in his industry, without anyoneing close."


    "He''s number one?"


    "Yes."


    "Is there a big difference in his role in the industry from the g''s director role?"


    "Not much. In fact, it might even be a smaller jump than a film director''s role."


    "So who is it? Don''t keep us in suspense, Old Han!"


    "But that person��well, his temper isn''t really that good."


    A silence fell upon therge conference room!


    Everyone gasped!


    "You''re talking about him?"


    "It''s him?"


    Everyone was looking at each other, clearly having guessed who Old Han was referring to!

 Chapter 1312: Zhang Ye takes charge of the Spring Festival Gala!

    <h4>Chapter 1312: Zhang Ye takes charge of the Spring Festival G! </h4>


    Chapter 1312: Zhang Ye takes charge of the Spring Festival G!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    At the studio.


    It was 9 in the morning when Yao Jiancai arrived wearing a down jacket.


    "Teacher Yao, you''re here?"


    "Where''s Director Zhang?"


    "He''s upstairs on the balcony basking in the sun."


    "Heh, what sun can there be in the middle of winter?"


    "The work progress for the Spring Festival G has been shelved, so there''s nothing for Director Zhang to do at the moment."


    "I''ll go look for him."


    Out on the balcony.


    Zhang Ye really was basking in the sun in a chair.


    Yao Jiancai said in a speechless manner, "Kid, aren''t you cold?"


    "Old Yao, you''re here?" Zhang Ye crossed his legs and put on the demeanor of an artistic youth. "Of course I''m cold, but it can''t be colder than what I''m feeling in my heart. In this cold wind, I can feel the loneliness of the world."


    Yao Jiancai rolled his eyes. "Why are you quoting some essay?"


    "Then what should I do?" Zhang Ye said idly.


    Yao Jiancai asked, "You didn''t arrange any events?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "For the Spring Festival G, I''d turned down all of my other work. There''s nothing for me to do in theing two months, so I can onlyy here and bask in the sun."


    Ding dong.


    Ding dong.


    The doorbell rang from downstairs.


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Is that Shanshan?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "I don''t know."


    Then Ha Qiqi shouted from downstairs, "Director Zhang, we have guests."


    "Who is it?" Zhang Ye shouted downstairs.


    Ha Qiqi said, "It''s an executive from Central TV."


    Central TV?


    And it was even an executive?


    Zhang Ye and Old Yao were stunned to hear that.


    When they went downstairs, Zhang Ye saw who hade. It turned out to be a deputy station head of Central TV. He went by the name of Hong, and Zhang Ye also knew him too. However, they''d never crossed paths back at Central TV. This Deputy Station Head Hong should be the only executive at Central TV who hadn''t had a falling-out or quarrel with Zhang Ye. Deputy Station Head Hong brought quite a few people along with him. There were men and women, totaling around eight people.


    What was with this group?


    What were they here for?


    Zhang Ye wondered.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others were also confused.


    Zhang Ye smiled and stretched out his hand. "Station Head Hong, what brings your important self here?"


    "Boss Zhang, you''re too polite." Deputy Station Head Hong shook hands with him. "I hope I''m not bothering you?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "No, I''m not doing anything at the moment. What brings you here, Station Head Hong?"


    Deputy Station Head Hong said, "I''m here today regarding the Spring Festival G."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "The Spring Festival G?"


    "Yes." Deputy Station Head Hong looked around the office. "Can we talk somewhere?"


    Zhang Ye called out to his assistant, "Little Wang, get the conference room ready."


    Little Wang answered, "Got it!"


    The two groups of people proceeded to the conference room and sat down across from each other.


    Before the guests could speak, Zhang Ye started rambling, "Station Head Hong, I would also like to talk about the Spring Festival G with you all. Just what is going on? Are we still supposed to continue rehearsing our act? Will the first approval session still be held? Everyone is really confused. For a good person like Old Li, you all should have just allowed him to work. But look at this, he got driven away in anger by you all. It''s not that I''m trying to put the me on you, Station Head Hong, but this matter was really not handled well."


    Deputy Station Head Hong said, "Hai, we also have our hands tied regarding this matter. Boss Zhang, the truth is that the decision-making process for the Spring Festival G is no longer under Central TV''s jurisdiction, but we still have to abide by the guidelines issued from above. We''d gone through the few proposals that Old Li wrote up, and I agree with him on one or two of them too. Central TV is actually very supportive of him, and we would also like to make those changes and innovate. But as long as the higher-ups don''t agree to it, we won''t be able to implement them. The Spring Festival G is not just a simple g. There are too many levels of decisions involved that aren''t easily exinable with a few words."


    Zhang Ye threw his hands up. "Then what about our act?"


    Deputy Station Head Hong said, "As long as the executive director is not appointed, the issue of the acts will be left hanging."


    Zhang Ye didn''t care about anything else. All he wanted to know was whether his act would be chosen for the Spring Festival G or not. "Then why don''t you all quickly appoint someone for the role? There isn''t much time left."


    "That''s right."


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, that''s right."


    "Yup."


    What are you yupping about?


    I''m getting anxious over here!


    Zhang Ye looked at him bewilderedly.


    Only to see Deputy Station Head Hong pondering for a long time. Then he said in seriousness, "This is why I brought my team here today. Boss Zhang, after getting a rmendation from the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee, and going through a selection and voting process, we received an approval from the higher management''s leaders. On behalf of the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee, I officially invite you to take charge of this year''s Central TV Spring Festival G!"


    His words were too shocking!


    Yao Jiancai was stunned!


    Ha Qiqi was stunned!


    Zhang Zuo was stunned!


    The staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio were dumbfounded!


    What?


    Get Zhang Ye to take charge of the Spring Festival G?


    What the fuck, are you all crazy?


    Dead silence fell upon the entire conference room!


    Deputy Station Head Hong called out, "Boss Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye pointed at himself with wide eyes. "Me?"


    Deputy Station Head Hong nodded. "Yes."


    "You guys are inviting me?" Zhang Ye immediately said, "Can you not tease me?"


    One of the chiefs who hade along said with a bitterugh, "Boss Zhang, we''re not joking. The higher-ups have already given the nod, and the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee has also held a meeting to discuss this. You''re the most suitable candidate, so as long as you ept the job, you''ll be this year''s Spring Festival G''s executive director!"


    Zhang Ye said dumbfoundedly, "But I''ve never taken charge of a g before!"


    A female executive adjusted her sses and said, "You might not have experience in directing arge-scale g, but that won''t stop an excellent variety show director like you. No, calling you excellent does not describe it well enough. You''re now the best director in the country when ites to variety shows, a director who can be considered one of the very best across the fields in the industry. Since we could invite Director Li Ke to take the role, why can''t we extend our invitation to you? You''re both top directors in your respective fields. And if we consider the difference in jumps between the fields, be it your I Am a Singer or The Voice, thosepetitions and show formats are all closer to a g''s style than directing a film."


    Zhang Ye waved his hands, then covered his face and rubbed it. "Let me get over this. I''m still quite shocked."


    Deputy Station Head Hong said, "Boss Zhang, do ept the invitation. It''s very chaotic, and the media is specting as well. Everyone is in a panic regarding the executive director''s role being empty, and that''s dying all the work rted to the g." With a pause, he said, "I also know that the executive director role for the Spring Festival G is not an easy job since there are so many rules to adhere to and there''s a limit to how much you can control for the event. But I feel that this would be a good test of your directing skills, and I''m sure that there would be no problem if we have you leading the production team."


    No problem, my ass!


    You''re putting it so simply!


    Who do you think you''re fooling!


    Zhang Ye said, "I like the Spring Festival G very much too. I''ve watched it since I was young and have a lot of feelings for it, but how can I possibly handle this job? This is not a situation that can easily be saved! Just look at Old Li. Even before he could start directing the Spring Festival G, he had already been so harshly scolded! Look at how badly he has been criticized! If I were to ept the role, if I finish directing the Spring Festival G, then wouldn''t I get scolded like a dog?! What will happen to my reputation then? My honor is at stake here!"


    Deputy Station Head Hong: "��"


    The apanying staff: "��"


    They were all speechless at this!


    Reputation?


    Since when did you have any reputation!


    Getting scolded?


    You''re speaking you don''t be scolded just because you''re not directing the Spring Festival G!


    But of course, they couldn''t say that out loud.


    Deputy Station Head Hong said, "Boss Zhang, don''t joke with us. You''re so battle hardened. Surely you don''t care about a little criticism, right? If you say that Old Li is hopping mad after getting scolded by people, I''ll believe that. If you say that the other Spring Festival G directors can''t bear to be criticized by people, I''ll believe that too. But you, Boss Zhang? I really don''t believe it. You''ve been through so many more storms than everyone else. How could that gossip and chatter possibly bother you? Surely it doesn''t!"


    Zhang Ye''s temper rose!


    Your sister!


    You''re putting it as though I''m really that thick-skinned!


    This bro has got pride too, alright!


    Zhang Ye said, "I have to consider it first."


    Deputy Station Head Hong said, "Sure, of course you have to."


    Zhang Ye looked at them. "Then why don''t you all lea��"


    "That''s not necessary, Boss Zhang." Deputy Station Head Hong said, "We''ll wait right here. Just let us know after you''ve decided. It''ll be easier for us when we go back to answer to the management."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "No, I was saying that you all should leave first."


    Deputy Station Head Hong said, "This is an urgent matter that has to be decided immediately. Even if we go back, there''s nothing for us to do. Just take your time to consider it while we wait for your news."


    Zhang Ye could only say, "Little Zhou, entertain the guests for a bit."


    Little Zhou stayed behind to attend to them.


    Zhang Ye and the others went outside and headed upstairs to discuss it.


    "What do you all think?" Zhang Ye immediately asked them when they were upstairs.


    He had thought that his group would object to it, but who knew that it was actually the opposite!


    Little Wang shouted, "ept it!"


    Tong Fu said excitedly, "Of course you should take the job!"


    Zhang Zuo was panting excitedly. "Director Zhang, this is a great chance. If you can direct the Spring Festival G well, that would immortalize your reputation forever!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes, "Immortalize my reputation? I''m just afraid it would condemn me to eternity!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "But you''re already condemned anyway. Even if you don''t direct the Spring Festival G, you''re still getting scolded by so many people every day, isn''t that so? So how bad can it be? Other people are afraid of ruining their statuses and wasting their umted reputation, but you have nothing to be afraid of! You''ve none of that!"


    Zhang Ye said angrily, "Fuck you!"


    Ha Qiqi could barely hide her excitement. "Director Zhang, take the job!"


    "Yeah!"


    "Let''s do it!"


    "Who''s afraid of who!"


    "Such an opportunity onlyes once in a lifetime!"


    "There are so many people who wish to direct the Spring Festival G but don''t have a chance to do so!"


    "Right, let''s ept it first and see how it goes!"


    This was a huge affair!


    This was much bigger than anything Zhang Ye had ever done before!


    This was the Central TV Spring Festival G and the role of the executive director that they were talking about. The higher-ups would be watching, the media would be watching, the citizens would be watching, and all of the Chinese people around the world would have their attention turned here. If it was directed well, that wouldn''t be so bad. But if there were any slip-ups, wouldn''t Zhang Ye be a cultural sinner? Honestly, Zhang Ye only wanted to perform in a skit or do a crosstalk on the g. He had never thought about anything else. As a result, he was totally unprepared for this. The invitation hase too suddenly! Even though he has always been a very decisive person in the past, he was now hesitating!


    Should he take it?


    Should he really ept the job?


    The studio''s staff were staring at him, waiting for him to make his decision.


    Zhang Ye clenched his teeth. "Then let''s leave it to science to decide!"


    Science?


    What science?


    Everyone was taken aback.


    Then Zhang Ye took a coin out of his pocket and piously flipped it up into the air. "Believe in science. If itnds heads, I''ll take the job. If it''s tails, I''ll reject it."


    Clink, clink, clink!


    Under the speechless gaze of everyone, the coinnded!


    It was heads!


    "Wow!"


    "It''s heads!"


    "Take it!"


    "Take the job, Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye hesitated. "Why don''t I flip it again?"


    Everyone went silent.


    Zhang Ye heaved a deep sigh. "Alright then, it''s only the role of the Spring Festival G''s executive director, isn''t it? It''s just a role that requires me taking the rap, right? I''ve already taken the rap for za dancing anyway, so it''s not like I can''t take another! I''ll ept it!"

 Chapter 1313: How did this fellow get appointed!

    <h4>Chapter 1313: How did this fellow get appointed! </h4>


    Chapter 1313: How did this fellow get appointed!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the evening.


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    When Zhang Ye came home from work with a heavy heart, dinner was already prepared.


    His parents were sitting on the sofa and watching television. On it, there was a discussion going on about the Spring Festival G. This topic had already been in the news for several days, and his parents were no exception in paying attention to it every day. Zhang Ye''s family was a typical traditional Chinese family. They would have dumplings every holiday when it called for dumplings, and eat sweet glutinous rice balls during the Mid-Autumn Festival, never missing out on celebrating the traditional holidays. It was the same for Chinese New Year''s Eve too. They would have dinner together while watching the Spring Festival G, and this was always what they did as a family since Zhang Ye was born. As such, the words "Spring Festival G" were as important as anything could be to many families, as well as in the hearts of the elderly.


    "Son, you''re home?"


    "Has Old Wu knocked off yet?"


    "She''s not back yet."


    "I''ll give her a call to check then."


    "No, don''t call her. Zeqing is busy with her work. She''lle back when she''s done."


    Zhang Ye picked up a cup to drink some water, but something else was going through his mind.


    The television was showing the news and there was a reporter conducting a street interview at the moment.


    Reporter: "May I ask if you''ll be watching the Spring Festival G this year?"


    Passerby: "I will. It''s a custom in my family to watch the Spring Festival G on Lunar New Year''s Eve. But right now, I''m quite worried about it. Didn''t they say on the news that the executive director role hasn''t been filled yet? Every year in the past, the stage would have almost beenpleted by this time of the year. That''s why I''m worried that they won''t be able to meet the deadline this time."


    "Do you have any hopes and suggestions for the Spring Festival G?"


    "I just hope that the acts can be more exciting and not always simr to what we''ve had in the past. At least, they shoulde up with something that will make our eyes light up? But of course, this is what the executive director has to take into consideration. It wouldn''t help even if I gave all the suggestions I have. I just hope that they can find a good director to do the job this year. Otherwise, if they keep doing the same things over and over, and the viewership ratings keep dropping lower and lower, I''m afraid that there will be a day when my family will finally stop watching the Spring Festival G."


    Zhang Ye was starting to feel very pressured. "Mom, change the channel."


    "Why? I''m watching it." His mother said, "Who do you think will be the executive director for this year''s Spring Festival G? Why isn''t there any news about that yet? Aren''t they anxious about it?"


    His fathermented, "This won''t be an easy role to assign."


    His mother said, "Yeah, there aren''t too many top directors in the country who are capable of directing a g."


    His father said, "Let''s wait for Zeqing toe home so that we can ask her. She should have some news about it."


    His mother nodded. "That''s right, she''s from the overseeing authority, so she''ll definitely know. Our son''s act is still waiting to be approved for the Spring Festival G, but that''s now up in the air."


    Hearing that, Zhang Ye said feebly, "There''s no need to ask her."


    "What''s the matter?" His mother nced at him. "You know something about it?"


    Zhang Ye took another sip of water and ced down the cup before saying, "Regarding the executive director role for this year''s Central TV Spring Festival G, the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee approached me during the day. I epted their offer."


    A silence fell over in the house.


    His mother said, stunned, "What did you say?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "I''m the executive director for this year''s Spring Festival G."


    His father was extremely shocked. "Don''t joke!"


    "Why would I joke about that? I''ve already signed the agreement," Zhang Ye said.


    The doorbell rang.


    "Old Wu is back; I''ll get the door." Zhang Ye quickly went to open the door. It was indeed Wu Zeqing. "You''re finally off work? It''s sote."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "I was caught in a bit of a traffic jam."


    Zhang Ye said, "Let''s start dinner."


    Wu Zeqing changed out of her shoes and stepped into the living room. "Dad, Mom. Eh? What''s the matter?"


    Both of them looked rather shocked.


    His mother immediately said, "Zeqing, Little Ye says that he''s going to be the Spring Festival G''s executive director!"


    Wu Zeqing looked at him. "Hmm? You''ve epted the job?"


    "I''ve epted it." Zhang Ye couldn''tpose himself in this moment. He was unsure if his decision was the correct one. "Why? You didn''t know?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "I heard that you were one of the shortlisted candidates, but since I''m not directly overseeing matters regarding the Spring Festival G, I didn''t ask."


    His father stood up and said loudly, "Son! Are you really going to be the Spring Festival G''s executive director?"


    Zhang Ye threw his hands up. "It''s not that I''m going to be, I already am."


    His mother eximed, "This is marvelous! It''s great! This is the Spring Festival G we''re talking about! The Spring Festival G! And my son is going to take charge of it?"


    Zhang Ye said bitterly, "What''s so great about that? I''m worried that I''ll mess it up for them."


    His mother said without a care, "If it gets messed up, so be it. Worstes to worst, you''ll get a scolding. What else can they do to you?"


    "Whoa, you''re speaking like that because you won''t be the one getting scolded." Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry. He said, "In any case, I''ve already made ns for the worst case scenario. Dad, Mom, Old Wu, let''s eat dinner quickly. I think this will thest day that I''ll be able to eat in peace for a while."


    That same night.


    The matters surrounding the Spring Festival G that had captured the entire country''s attention finally got some new developments. Compared to themon folk, the people in the arts world and entertainment industry were the first ones to catch wind of it.


    ��


    At Ci Xiufang''s Skit Studio.


    A middle-aged man answered a call and was stunned after taking it!


    "Ah!"


    "Old Hu, what''s the matter?"


    "Uncle Hu, what happened?"


    "Where''s Big Sis Ci?"


    "Big Sis Ci is studying the script."


    "Quickly inform her about this! The executive director for the Spring Festival G has been hired!"


    "Who is it?"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    ��


    At a song and dance troupe 1 .


    Some singers were having a meal together and discussing the Spring Festival G. They were also unsure of how many of them who were seated at this very table would have a chance of taking to the stage and singing.


    Then someone came in from outside.


    "Aiyo, why are you all still here eating?"


    "What is it, Teacher Chu?"


    "Didn''t you all hear?"


    "Hear about what?"


    "The executive director has been hired!"


    "What? Who is it?"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "What!"


    ��


    At a folk art 2 troupe.


    Tang Dazhang and several crosstalk actors were currently going through their scripts.


    "This is bad! Something terrible has happened!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "I''ve just received news about the executive director for this year''s Spring Festival G. They��they��"


    "What about them?"


    "They��"


    "Say it already!"


    "They''ve invited Zhang Ye to take the role!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "What?"


    "Impossible! That''s impossible!"


    "It''s true! The news has already spread!"


    "This��this��"


    "It''s over! We''re doomed!"


    Tang Dazhang and those crosstalk actors nched!


    ��


    At Grandma Zhang Xia''s house.


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli were visiting today.


    "Hai, I wonder what''s going to happen to the acts."


    "We can only wait. There should be a conclusion soon."


    "With a change of directors, will our song act still get chosen for the g?"


    "We''ll have to see who the director is first."


    At this moment, Zhang Xia''s phone rang. When she answered it, she got a surprise. "Alright, I understand. Thank you." After hanging up, she looked dumbfounded.


    Chen Guang asked, "What''s the matter, Grandma Zhang?"


    Zhang Xia looked at them and said, "The Spring Festival G''s executive director has been confirmed."


    Fan Wenli said in surprise, "Who is it?"


    Zhang Xia paused for a moment before saying, "Zhang Ye."


    Fan Wenli snorted in surprise when she heard!


    Chen Guang said dumbfoundedly, "What?"


    ��


    Abroad.


    In the hotel the film crew was residing in, Zhang Yuanqi was currently soaking in the bathtub.


    Her manager, Fang Weihong, faced her and said, "Sister Zhang."


    "What is it?"


    "Are you preparing to take part in the Spring Festival G this year?"


    "I''ll start preparing after we get back to the country, but hasn''t the executive director not been decided on yet?"


    "It''s been decided."


    "Oh? Who is it?"


    "Haha, you definitely won''t be able to guess."


    "Who?"


    "Zhang Ye."


    ��


    The industry was rocked to its core!


    This news was simply too shocking!


    Nine out of ten industry insiders were left dumbfounded after hearing the news!


    Zhang Ye?


    Zhang Ye?


    How could it be him!


    Why did this fellow get appointed!

 Chapter 1314: The most powerful person in the entertainment circle!

    <h4>Chapter 1314: The most powerful person in the entertainment circle! </h4>


    Chapter 1314: The most powerful person in the entertainment circle!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    ��


    At Jiang Hanwei''s studio.


    "Why is it him!"


    "Yeah, they could have gotten anyone else to do it!"


    "Then do we still have to make preparations for our act?"


    "What do you think!"


    "What''s there left to prepare for!"


    ��


    At his old ssmate''s house.


    Yu Yingyi''s jaw dropped!


    "Holy shit!"


    "Zhang''er is going to be the executive director?"


    "That''s so awesome! He''s going to soar to the skies again!"


    ��


    At Central TV.


    "Ah!"


    "Heavens!"


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Someone tell me this isn''t true!"


    "Why did they get him!"


    "No, please, no!"


    ��


    What was the Spring Festival G?


    How important was the executive director of the Spring Festival G?


    Just what kind of an important role was this?


    This didn''t need any exining at all. This was the leader of the Spring Festival G''s production team who would be in charge of the stage production, personnel arrangements, screening of acts, production of the event, as well as making approvals. All of those matters would have to go through the executive director! Even if any of the upper management raised an objection, they wouldn''t be able to directly intervene on specific matters of the event, nor bypass him to make any decisions. They would have tomunicate and discuss this thoroughly with the executive director!


    This was a role that the entire world''s Chinese poption was most concerned about right now!


    Yet they had appointed Zhang Ye to the role?


    Many of those in the industry who had offended Zhang Ye were unable to ept this!


    Especially to those from the crosstalk world and entertainment industry, this was simply a disaster. The images of the recent call for an industry-wide boycott on Zhang Ye were extremely vivid, so if Zhang Ye were to be the Spring Festival G''s executive director, would their group of people still be able to get onto the Spring Festival G?


    As if that would still be possible!


    They would surely be destroyed instead!


    The crosstalk world was plunged into chaos.


    Quite a few crosstalk actors quickly held emergency meetings.


    "What should we do?"


    "How are we going to handle this?"


    "What else can we do? Just carry on doing whatever we''ve been doing."


    "We''ve already been preparing for half a year!"


    "There''s nothing confirmed yet, and if there are enough people objecting to it, the higher-ups might even change their mind!"


    "Right, we''ll have to leave it to the media from here!"


    "Let''s see how the media will criticize him!"


    However, whatever they had in mind did not happen at all!


    The news arrived first to the industry.


    Then the news started reporting about it.


    "Watch out, Spring Festival G. Zhang Ye ising!"


    "The Spring Festival G''s executive director role falls to Zhang Ye!"


    "The Spring Festival G will be helmed by the best director of television variety shows!"


    "Zhang Ye in danger! Will he be able to turn the tide?"


    "Zhang Ye''s debut on the Spring Festival G turns out this way!"


    "Zhang Ye to bring a new look to the Spring Festival G!"


    "Zhang Ye''s Spring Festival G leaves us in anticipation!"


    On this night, there was a surprising consistency not only among the smaller tabloids and social media news blogs, but also the attitude through mainstream media. There were no criticism or doubting voices, with the mainstream media almost giving their full support to Zhang Ye. Some of the media even listed Zhang Ye''s achievements all the way back from Lecture Room to the present. They were all reaffirming Zhang Ye abilities in directing as though they had discussed it beforehand and were greatly anticipating his directing of the Spring Festival G!


    The people from the crosstalk world were dumbfounded!


    Tang Dazhang and several older crosstalk actors nearly vomited blood!


    "Anticipating? Your sister!"


    "What''s with the media!"


    "Why are they giving him so much support?"


    "Zhang Ye is just a variety show director. How can he be experienced enough to direct a g!"


    "Aren''t these media outlets lying through their teeth!"


    "Yeah, didn''t the media always gang up against Zhang Ye whenever there was any news rted to him? Didn''t they always question and criticize him at the earliest avable moment?"


    "That was all in the past. Have you all forgotten who his wife is? Ever since the merger of the SARFT and GAPP 1 , the newspaper media has alsoe under the jurisdiction of the SARFT. Do you think the media are crazy enough to do that in these circumstances? Knowing that Zhang Ye is the husband of their overseeing authority''s leader, would they still dare to tread around as recklessly as they did in the past? Do you think they''re idiots?"


    "They''re just swaying in the wind!"


    "Shameless! Shameless to the extreme!"


    "These media outlets really don''t have any principles at all!"


    The wheel of fortune is always turning. They could never have expected that this fellow with no artistic integrity who on kept fighting them would suddenly be the husband to the leader of the SARFT in just a few years. And now, he was even going to direct this year''s Spring Festival G and have the final authoritative say in its matters?!


    How could they ept this?


    They werepletely unable to ept it!


    To be honest, it would be a lie to say that they didn''t regret it. The crosstalk world had to swallow this insult and humiliation in silence and couldn''t voice their bitterness. Just think about it; why did they have to take it up with Zhang Ye all the way back then? Couldn''t they just have ignored him? In the end, they were the ones who made such a big enemy for themselves. This was such a terrible defeat for them. And most importantly, if they had managed to face smack Zhang Ye just once in the past, it would have appeased them slightly and made them feel less terrible now. But in every fight they had with Zhang Ye, they''d nevere out on top once. Not even once!


    So what had they been fighting for then?


    As such, many of the crosstalk actors couldn''t help but be unhappy with Tang Dazhang over this matter. It was all because of you! You were the one who led us against him, you were the one who picked on things. It was you who provoked the enemy, it was you who brought us the catastrophe. Look at this! Is the entire world going to have to be buried together with you? Why should that be the case!


    ��


    When the news got out, excitement ripped through the Inte!


    Theizens were all expressing their disbelief!


    "Oh my God!"


    "It''s really Zhang Ye?"


    "They''ve gotten him to direct the Spring Festival G? This is such a big move!"


    "How could this be!"


    "If it''s really him, then the Spring Festival G this year might be interesting to watch!"


    "Yeah, this fellow can kick up a storm wherever he goes!"


    "Why are all the media outlets praising him?"


    "I''m also not used to this. Didn''t they always speak badly of Zhang Ye in the past?"


    "Starting from today, Zhang Ye''s door sill will soon be trampled t. All of the acts'' chances of getting onto the Spring Festival G are now in Zhang Ye''s hands!"


    "The crosstalk world is gonna cry!"


    "How domineering!"


    "What''s so domineering about that? Why does Zhang Ye even want to get involved in a mess like this? He''s too bold!"


    "Yeah, there''s nothing to criticize about Teacher Zhang''s directing skills. Everyone can see that for themselves. But the executive director role for the Spring Festival G is really just to take the rap when it fails, so appointing any other person would be the same. It doesn''t matter who takes the job. The Spring Festival G is still going downhill no matter what, and nothing can be done to reverse that. The viewership ratings will still continue to drop. I''m just worried that Zhang Ye will gain nothing out of this, or even worse, end up getting med for it. If that is the case, then wouldn''t it have been better not to take the role in the first ce? There''s no point in having a moment of glory if it ends up with him suffering a defeat. How could he wrap it up at the end? Zhang Ye has already made a name for himself, so why would he still take such a risk?"


    "Well, at least he''ll have tasted glory once!"


    "I''m in support of Zhang Ye doing a good one for the Spring Festival G!"


    "I''m not optimistic about it."


    "Me neither."


    There were many different opinions among the people, with everyone saying different things about Zhang Ye''s appointment as the executive director of the Spring Festival G. However, the majority of the opinions were pessimistic. After all, the Spring Festival G had already "hurt" everyone too much!


    Year after year of anticipation!


    In exchange for year after year of disappointment!


    As such, the people were no longer hopeful of anything!


    ��


    Back at home.


    In the bedroom.


    Zhang Ye powered off his phone and went to bed early.


    A news bombardment?


    His industry peers in chaos?


    The people in an uproar?


    He couldn''t see all of this, nor did he want to know about it. This was because Zhang Ye knew very well that tonight would be thest night that he would get a good night''s rest. Starting tomorrow, he would officially be taking charge of the Central TV Spring Festival G. At that time, it would almost be impossible for him to get a proper night''s rest. From tomorrow until Chinese New Year''s Eve, Zhang Ye would be the busiest person in the entertainment circle. But of course, at the same time, he was going to be the most powerful person in the entertainment circle!

 Chapter 1315: The Spring Festival Gala is timeless!

    <h4>Chapter 1315: The Spring Festival G is timeless! </h4>


    Chapter 1315: The Spring Festival G is timeless!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    The entrance of Central TV was jam-packed with reporters from television stations and newspaper agencies. All of them had surrounded the entrance with hardly any space to maneuver. No one knew how long they had been waiting for.


    Suddenly, a car drove towards them from afar.


    "He''s here!"


    "It''s the BMW X5!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye''s car!"


    "He''s arrived!"


    "Director Zhang!"


    "How do you feel about taking over the Spring Festival G job?"


    "Can we interview you?"


    "What ns do you have to make the Spring Festival G good?"


    "Do you have the confidence to do well for this year''s Spring Festival G?"


    "What is the first step that you''ll be taking after getting appointed?"


    40 to 50 reporters had surrounded Zhang Ye''s X5, so the car was forced to stop since it couldn''t move forward. A few of Central TV''s security guards immediately came over to disperse the crowd, but to no effect even after shouting themselves hoarse. The reporters from all the major media outlets and newspapers were simply not going to allow Zhang Ye to leave. This was because everyone in the country had their attention on the role of the Spring Festival G''s executive director. Furthermore, Zhang Ye was the youngest executive director in the g''s history. So the news of Zhang Ye''s first day on the job was definitely not going to be missed being reported about by them. Some of the reporters had even been waiting here since midnight!


    But unnoticed by anyone, a sedan drove into the premises from a side entrance.


    When it stopped in the parking lot, the doors opened. Zhang Ye, Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others got out.


    Zhang Ye turned his head back to look. "Good thing you guys were smart."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Of course. You''re the center of attention, so we definitely have to consider such situations happening. Things are no longer the same as before."


    Zhang Zuo looked up at the television tower. "We''re back again."


    Little Wang sighed. "I kinda miss the days we spent at Central TV."


    Tong Fu blinked. "Does this count as a homing then?"


    Ha Qiqi said happily, "That''s not the proper phrase to use here."


    "Then what should I have said?" Tong Fu asked.


    Zhang Ye stepped forward and went in, saying as he did so, "We''re here to wreak havoc in the Heavenly Pce."


    Tong Fu got a fright. "Director Zhang, please don''t scare me like that."


    Zhang Zuo didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Can you not always be saying such terrible things? When those wordse out of your mouth, I feel really scared."


    Little Wang giggled, "Pfft!"


    Zhang Ye called out to them, "Let''s go."


    Today''s Zhang Ye was somewhat different.


    Compared to yesterday, hisposure had changed drastically.


    ��


    Upstairs.


    At the temporary holding office of the Central TV Spring Festival G''s production team.


    "Uh��"


    "Director Zhang."


    "Good morning, director."


    "Director."


    "Morning, director."


    He was getting looks from everyone along the way. Their eyes shone with aplex swirl of emotions. The look in their eyes was really indescribable.


    Was it anxiety?


    Speechlessness?


    Strife?


    Or guilt?


    In any case, it was definitely a negative emotion.


    The roomful of people on the Spring Festival G production team were all experiencing an unmentionable sense of bitterness. Thinking about the day Zhang Ye hade to attend the initial meeting with his act''s script, he was so sarcastic that they couldn''t bear it. None of these people in the room missed out on getting hit with that sarcasm of his and were almost pushed to the brink by him. But now? Just several dayster, Zhang Ye had somehow turned from Central TV''s greatest adversary into the executive director of the Spring Festival G? He had be their immediate superior?


    Where could they go to reason against this!


    A few of the those who were in charge came up to him.


    "Director, my name is Li Liyi, I''m in charge of the stage setup."


    "I''m in charge of the dance acts."


    "I''m the manager of the screenwriting team."


    "Director Zhang, nice to meet you. I''m in charge of the music."


    Everyone took turns introducing themselves.


    There were several dozen staff members on the production team who covered all aspects of the g''s requirements. It was a very well-rounded team.


    It consisted of Central TV''s current executives who were the top experts in the industry, as well as the most outstanding people from the relevant fields. This was likely a gathering of the most elite people for a g team in the country, with everyone being the best of the best in their own capacities. One would simply not be able to be part of the Spring Festival G team if they didn''t have some ability to speak of.


    Zhang Ye memorized the names and roles of each of them.


    A lot of people wondered what Zhang Ye''s first task would be following his appointment. The answer was actually very simple. It was to integrate everyone so that they would be able to perform as a united front. The waters of the Spring Festival G ran too deep. With pressure from the top and the selection of the acts, this was already enough to give them headaches. If the production team was also a mess internally, then it would be impossible to get any work started. Therefore, the first task Zhang Ye had to do was get the production team under his control!


    So he decided to say a few words to them.


    Zhang Ye said, "Good day, everyone. I''m sure you''ve all received the news that I will be taking over the Spring Festival G production team starting today. You all know my temperament too. I''m a very straightforward person, so I''ll say anything as it is. I personally know many of those who are here today, and some of you have had disagreements or quarrels with me in the past, while there are also some who have scolded me on the Inte before."


    Hearing that, quite a few people in the production team looked embarrassed.


    Zhang Ye spread his hands. "But that''s OK. All of that happened because of work matters, so I can understand. We''ll let bygones be bygones. You don''t have to get stressed over it since I''m not a petty person. Starting today, we''ll be colleagues. As long as it''s for work, as long as everyone puts in the effort, anything goes!"


    "Of course!"


    "Don''t worry about it!"


    "Definitely!"


    "We will listen to your orders!"


    There was a scattered response from those in the production team that sounded very good, but their tone did note across as too enthusiastic.


    Zhang Ye looked at them, then said, "Actually to be honest, I did not want to take this job at first. Many of you here have been part of the Spring Festival G''s production team many times, with some of you taking part twice, some thrice. But rather than gaining any credit for your work, you all received quite a fair share of the me. I believe that a lot of you have a very mixed feelings about this like me. Some of you would be hesitating, some would feel quite bitter over it. To put it bluntly, this job that we''re doing can simply be summarized as��a thankless task."


    Everyone smiled wryly.


    That''s right.


    It might sound very glorious to be on the Spring Festival G production team, but it really wasn''t a good job at all.


    Zhang Ye continued, "The viewership ratings for the Spring Festival G are falling, while the people''s criticism is getting louder and louder. And who is that me pinned on? It''s always med on the Spring Festival G production team. At the previous g, I was also one of those who showed a disgraceful side of me. I led the ming of the Spring Festival G and on you guys, so let me first offer my apologies to you. When the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee invited me to take the role, my first reaction was to hide. I had to avoid it as far as I could. I didn''t want to ept the job, I really didn''t." With a pause, he said, "But as it is, here I am. At first, I was thinking of what a foolish mistake I''d made and why I had epted the role. Why did I ept it like I had been possessed by a ghost or something?"


    Everyone listened on curiously.


    Zhang Ye suddenlyughed. "I went to bed very earlyst night. The moment I opened my eyes this morning, I understood. I suddenly knew why I chose to stand here. It''s because I still have feelings for the Spring Festival G. I love it as it is a part of my memories. This is also a beautiful memory that many of us Chinese will never be able to forget. I didn''t want it to meet its end just like that, I didn''t want it to get scolded so terribly by all the citizens and be criticized by everyone on the same day every year!"


    A few people were visibly moved.


    A few people stayed silent.


    How could they not have that same feeling for the Spring Festival G?


    Zhang Ye said loudly, "I''m someone who doesn''t believe the lies! No one is optimistic about this year''s Spring Festival G? Well, I won''t believe that! So all the more I want to create a Spring Festival G that will catch the entire world''s Chinese poption by surprise! My abilities and standards are limited, but today! I will throw all hundred pounds of myself at the challenge! I will show them all! I want everyone to open their eyes and see it for themselves! The Spring Festival G is timeless!"


    The Spring Festival G is timeless?


    Everyone took a deep breath as they felt a certain emotion stirring deep within the recesses of their hearts!

 Chapter 1316: An unprecedented sponsorship for the Spring Festival Gala?

    <h4>Chapter 1316: An unprecedented sponsorship for the Spring Festival G? </h4>


    Chapter 1316: An unprecedented sponsorship for the Spring Festival G?


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that morning.


    Zhang Ye officially took control of the Spring Festival G production team.


    The people on the production team gradually reported on their work progress.


    The operating expenses.


    The personnel.


    The stage.


    The list of acts.


    The time of the first approval session.


    All kinds of difficult issues were waiting to be solved!


    All kinds of difficulties were waiting to be ovee!


    But after that motivating speech by Zhang Ye, a lot of the production team staff were feeling motivated and pumped up. They no longer had that worrisome look they had when they first met Zhang Ye, nor was there the crushing anxiety and pressure from their work that had stalled. Some of them immediately got down to work, some of them rekindled their spirits, and some of them were full of energy!


    That''s right!


    Who says that the Spring Festival G is kaput?


    Who determined such a thing?


    ��


    In the Spring Festival G''s executive director office.


    Zhang Ye was announcing the team appointments. "Sister Ha, you''ll be the assistant director."


    Ha Qiqi nodded firmly. "Alright!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Brother Zuo, you too."


    Zhang Zuo said, "No problem."


    Zhang Ye said, "Little Wang, you will continue to be my assistant."


    "As youmand, Director Zhang," Little Wang said obediently.


    The team that he brought along were assigned to roles in the production team. For the next two months, there wouldn''t be a need to staff too many people at the studio since Zhang Ye would not be taking any other jobs for the time being. The core of his team could all be of use here in the Spring Festival G production team instead, so he brought them along with him. Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo were both originally from Central TV and were directors themselves. Putting aside their skill level, at least they had been working together with him long enough to have a good mutual understanding of each other. They understood his temper well and were familiar with his working style too. This was also where Zhang Ye needed them as he would require them tomunicate his work assignments to the rest of the team.


    Tong Fu said excitedly, "Director Zhang, what will we be doing this time? Just tell us your instructions!"


    Little Wang also said with enthusiasm, "We will surely execute this year''s Spring Festival G beautifully and let everyone know how strong our team is!"


    Zhang Zuoughed and said, "Right, let''s shock them all!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Our names will be forever immortalized."


    Hearing that, Zhang Ye was startled. "Immortalized? How?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "By making sure that the Spring Festival G does well of course."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "How are we going to make sure it does well?"


    Everyone was dumbfounded.


    "Ah?"


    "How would we know?"


    "Didn''t you say it yourself earlier?"


    "You said that the Spring Festival G was timeless!"


    However, Zhang Ye''s reply nearly made Ha Qiqi and the others faint on the spot. He said, "It''s not like I''m God or something. In all the past years of the Spring Festival G, did you guys think that the executive directors were amateurs? That none of them had any true skill? For a problem that cannot be solved even after so many years of hard work by people like them, how do you expect me to suddenly solve it the moment I arrive? How is that possible! Aren''t you guys too na?ve?"


    Us? Na?ve?


    The group of them vomited blood!


    Ha Qiqi said, "But we weren''t the ones who imed that!"


    Tong Fu said, "Director Zhang! You were the one who said it yourself!"


    Zhang Ye stared at them and said, "I was just sweet talking them and you believed me?"


    Little Wang said, "Ah?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Sweet talk?"


    Everyone was baffled!


    Damn! So you were just talking big?


    So you didn''t actually have a n at all?


    Aiyo, why are the wordsing out of your mouth so unreliable? We thought that you were really brimming with confidence!


    Soon after, the few of them left with a sense of uncertainty, leaving Zhang Ye alone in the office to go through some documents with an unceasing headache and a frown on his face. A n? Like he would have a n! That solemn speech he gave earlier was purely to reassure the team and increase their morale so that their fighting spirit could be raised. What was a speech? To put it inly, a speech was just a tool used to fool people. The words Zhang Ye had said did not even sound convincing to himself. He didn''t have any confidence that he could make the Spring Festival G good. He could only take it one step at a time and solve whatever difficulties thatid ahead of them.


    The funding issue!


    This was the most pressing matter to address!


    It was also the biggest issue that had to be resolved first!


    As everyone knows, the Spring Festival G does not actually pay an appearance fee to its performers. It was unlike those variety shows on the local and satellite channels where an invitation for a bigger name celebrity to join a show could cost up to tens of millions of yuan. Even a small-timer could cost them several million yuan to invite. This was what a joining fee was, and even an interview would have to pay a celebrity some money. But this wasn''t necessary for the Central TV Spring Festival G. On this stage, the celebrities were basically made avable like cabbages in a market. Zhang Ye could choose from any celebrity from all over the country and it wouldn''t cost a thing!


    Pay them?


    That would be overthinking things!


    All they needed to provide them with were two boxed meals a day!


    They could make ims for their train rides to get here, but not if it was a business ss ticket!


    iming the expenses for a ne ticket would only be limited to an economy ss seat, while first-ss seats were out of the question!


    You could count yourself lucky if they paid you 2,000 yuan for the appearance fee. Even if they only paid you 350 yuan, you would have to ept it. To them, the performers were all treated the same and there was no preferential treatment given to the bigger names.


    So by all rights, since they didn''t have to spend any money on appearance fees, they shouldn''t becking money. But as it stood, it was the exact opposite. Theycked money, and theycked it by too much. Why did Li Ke quit from his role? It was simply because he couldn''t carry on working anymore. Without money, without a budget, they weren''t even able to get the stage set up. Unless they continued using the same old stage from the previous years and made slight modifications to it while adding some new equipment, there was just no funding avable to get them a bigger one. Regarding that stage, Zhang Ye also knew about it. Other than it being a veryrge venue, the equipment facilities and technology supporting it werecking by a lotpared to the variety show stages used on the local and satellite channels. This was supposed to be Central TV''s Spring Festival G! It was the biggest g in the world. But why was its stage not evenparable to that of a randomly picked variety show? How could it be like that? So of course it would be a wonder if the audience liked watching the g! Therefore, this problem with the funding was a matter that Zhang Ye definitely had to solve!


    He started running through the figures!


    ��


    At the deputy station head office of Central TV.


    "Station Head Hong."


    "Hi, Boss Zhang."


    "Can you alle up with a bit more money for the Spring Festival G''s budget?"


    "Aiyo, you''re making things difficult for us that way."


    "It''s only at 80 million RMB. What is that enough for us to spend on?"


    "This was the figure approved by the higher-ups. The budget for the Spring Festival G would have to be run past them first."


    "But, Old Hong, this is really too little!"


    "I also know that this isn''t arge sum, but it has always been this figure for all the past gs. If we increase it, it won''t make it past the audits. Besides, we also can''te up with that kind of money."


    "Why can''t youe up with that kind of money? Old Hong, don''t you y dumb with me. It''s not like I''ve never done a show at Central TV before. A budget of 100 to 200 million should be child''s y!"


    "That''s because variety show can generate profits back for us. If we invest 200 million RMB into it, we can still earn that backter on. But the Spring Festival G does not earn any money for us. However much we put into it would mean the same amount has been spent. If you want 80 million or 100 million, we are still able to take that out of our pockets. But any more and it won''t be up for discussion at all."


    ��


    At the audit office 1 .


    In the chief''s office.


    "Chief Qian 2 ."


    "Yo, Director Zhang?"


    "Can you please approve an increase to the Spring Festival G''s budget?"


    "It''s already at the limit."


    "But it''s not enough at all. It''s definitely not going to work out."


    "How about this, Director Zhang? I have also known Chief Wu for a long time now, so I will definitely give face to you regarding this matter. I will personally give the green light and increase your budget by another 20 million to make it a total of 100 million RMB. You can source it directly from Central TV, but any more and I can''t do anything about it. I don''t have the authority to do so either."


    "That''s too little!"


    "How much do you need then?"


    "At least 800 million!"


    "Whoa! That''s impossible. Don''t talk about Central TV or us, which organization out there would be able to cough up that kind of money!"


    ��


    No approval!


    No money!


    They couldn''t dispense that sum at all!


    After going around for an entire day to seven or eight departments and meeting with their heads, the answer from everyone was the same.


    In the office of the Spring Festival G production team.


    There was chattering.


    "Director, this is what the situation is right now."


    "Director Li also wanted to have a higher budget to work with to solve the issue with the stage, but he wasn''t sessful in getting it at the end."


    "Your influence is already massive since you''ve managed to get another 20 million RMB. Director Li went around for so many days but wasn''t even given an additional 1 million to work with!"


    "There isn''t any more time left. If we can''t get more, let''s just make do with this amount."


    "Director, the leaders are already pressing us to quickly start work!"


    "Hai, this is always how it ends up every year."


    Everyone was giving suggestions.


    But Zhang Ye was still very stubborn. "This amount of money isn''t even enough to feed the birds! So what are we starting work for? As long as the money does note in, I won''t be moving a single nk! It''s either I don''t do it, or I''ll do it to the best of my ability!"


    This is the Spring Festival G we''re talking about, alright?


    The stage is too important!


    It''s the most crucial issue of crucial issues. We can''t be sloppy about it!


    You all can''te up with the money? Alright then! I''ll think of a way myself!


    Zhang Ye had alreadye to a decision. He immediately went to look for the leaders of the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee to convene an emergency meeting.


    In the conference room.


    The executives were all very anxious.


    "Director Zhang, has work started yet?"


    "Please quickly get the stage set up."


    "There isn''t much time left."


    But Zhang Ye said, "I can''t do anything if there''s no money."


    The audit office''s leader said, "There''s no one who can cough up the money that you want."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "I know the money issue is very troublesome. But have any of you given it any thought before? About why the Spring Festival G is getting worse with each passing year? The funding is actually one of the main reasons for it. With the rapid pace of technological development, many of the television stations have upgraded their equipment. But us? We''re still stuck in a time where we''re still using the most traditional stage and set designs. This sort of backwardness directly leads to the viewership ratings dropping. The world around us is advancing, so the Spring Festival G must also change with the times. We have been dragging our feet for too long year after year, and there''s no time anymore. If we don''t introduce the changes now, the Spring Festival G is finished for sure!"


    "But what about the money?" the chief from the audit office said.


    A leader from the Ministry of Culture said, "What suggestions do you have?"


    Zhang Ye looked at everyone and said, "I have a proposal here that, as long as it''s approved, will ensure that money will no longer be an issue. Not only will the funding issue be resolved, but we will also be able to upgrade the stage into a world-ss one. On top of that, mass profits could be generated too. And by that, I mean that the profits will keep rolling in year after year. At that time, everyone will no longer have to worry about the issue of funding anymore, and the stage will only get bigger with each passing year!"


    Everyone was stunned. "What proposal is that?"


    Zhang Ye handed out over a dozen copies of documents to them.


    When the executives on the organizingmittee flipped through them, all of them inhaled sharply!


    The people from the SARFT were shocked!


    The people from the audit office were shocked!


    The people from the Ministry of Culture were shocked!


    Advertisements!


    Oh my god!


    He was actually thinking about getting advertising sponsorships!


    In Zhang Ye''s previous world, the Central TV Spring Festival G already had a standardized mode of operation. However, in this world, the Spring Festival G had still not been introduced to the advertising format. Ever since the first g, there had never been any appearance of an advertisement in it, never! So, when the executives saw this proposal, they were all very shocked. They were shocked by Zhang Ye''s out of this world courage!


    You actually dared to think of something like that?


    In the entire country, only you would dare to think up of something like this!


    This was a big deal. It was a huge deal!


    "But there''s no such precedent!"


    "I know."


    "Have you thought about the consequences?"


    "I''ve considered them."


    "Do you know how big of a controversy this will cause?"


    "I know."


    "What if something goes wrong because of this?"


    "I will take full responsibility for it!"


    "So you''re serious about this then?"


    "Yes, I''m serious about it!"


    Zhang Ye had a determined look in his eyes!


    The Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee executives all looked at one another!


    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Audit_Office_(China)


    2. This Qian surname is also the word for money.

 Chapter 1317

    <h4>Chapter 1317 </h4>


    Chapter 1317: The most daring executive director in the history of the Spring Festival G! Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Meetings!


    Debates!


    Disagreements!


    Voting!


    Two days!


    The higher-ups spent two entire days discussing it!


    At this time, the Spring Festival G was bing a very pressing issue. The previous appointment of the executive director had already been dragged on for too long. In fact, it was one of thetest appointments in all the past years. In the end, that executive director did not even take a few days before he decided to step down from the role. After another period of dragging on, they finally invited Zhang Ye to take charge of the Spring Festival G. The timing was so tight that every minute and second was extremely precious and couldn''t be wasted. Yet the higher-ups spent these two days cooped up in a meeting to decide on the possibility of implementing an advertising format for the Spring Festival G. From that, it showed how important this matter was!


    No one dared to make the decision!


    No one was willing to bear this infamy!


    But now, Zhang Ye had stepped up. He would be responsible for all the consequences. Further, he even submitted such a shocking advertising proposal and had also worked out the preliminary negotiations with the other party. After the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee saw this proposal, they were all astounded. And even the executives above these executives could not help but feel impressed by Zhang Ye''s idea when they learned about it��he was truly a prodigy at advertising and marketing. If they adopted this advertising n by Zhang Ye, not only would they be paid the advertising fees, it could even drive up the Spring Festival G''s viewership ratings and poprity!


    Should they go ahead with it?


    Could they allow such a precedent?


    The higher-ups were hesitating!


    For such an important matter, even the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee executives were unable to make a decision about it. It would require someone even higher up, or even the higher higher-ups to approve of the n!


    ��


    In the office of the Spring Festival G''s production team.


    Zhang Ye was busy preparing the set design proposal.


    "Director, this won''t work."


    "It will work if I say it does."


    "But this would cost too much money."


    A bunch of stage designers were arguing back and forth.


    Zhang Ye was actually waiting as well. He had already been waiting for the past two days. Without money, all these set design proposals would have been done for naught. It wouldn''t get tranted onto the set at all.


    Were they still undecided?


    Was it really not possible?


    He was getting really anxious.


    Suddenly, Ha Qiqi ran in. "Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye looked at her. "How goes it?"


    Ha Qiqi eximed excitedly, "It''s been approved! They''ve approved it!"


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "How did they say it would be done?"


    Ha Qiqi quickly exined, "There can only be a maximum of five advertisers and we mustn''t exceed on that number. Of the advertisement money received, 1 billion yuan will be disbursed to us for our operating expenses. The leader has requested that every single yuan be used wisely. As for how the money should be spent, you can decide on it as long as you submit the requests for approval!"


    Instantly, the Spring Festival G production team''s staff screamed!


    "What?"


    "The higher-ups have really approved it?"


    "This is great!"


    "Ahhhh!"


    "We finally have money! We''re rich!"


    Some of the women on the team got so emotional that they almost cried!


    There was a time when these people on the Spring Festival G production team wereughed at and called the poorest production team in the industry by their peers. They had the biggest g stage to work on, but didn''t have the budget of arge scale variety show. They couldn''t afford to buy or get anything done, didn''t manage to have their ns approved, and even had to miserly calcte if they had enough money left when ordering equipment. If they spent a little more than it looked necessary, they would get criticized by the media for recklessly spending the taxpayers'' money. As a result, the higher-ups became very cautious and managed their spending very carefully. Who could understand what they went through? It was simply unbearable to look back upon that!


    However, it was different now!


    Their executive director''s proposal had been approved by the higher-ups!


    This would mean that they would be getting the funding very soon, and it wasn''t just 100 million or 200 million they were talking about. It was 1 billion RMB! And it was even money from sponsors, so they wouldn''t have to worry about others wagging their tongues about how they spent it! They were about to turn from the poorest production team into the richest one in the world!


    What did that feel like?


    They felt as though they were soaring to the skies!


    Zhang Ye also suddenly became very confident. "Old Ha, quickly contact the advertisers. Make an appointment with them to get the contracts signed so that we can immediately execute the advertising proposal!"


    Ha Qiqi replied, "OK, I''ll get to it immediately!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I only have one request for them!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "What is it?"


    Zhang Ye said, "That they disburse the advertising fees within a week!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Alright, I''ll talk to them about that!"


    Everyone got down to business!


    Some of the people were full of energy, while others had a bitter look on their faces.


    Director Zhang was ying with fire this time. Was the Spring Festival G really going to advertise now? What kind of a result would that garner? Right now, no one dared to make any predictions!


    ��


    In the outside world.


    The media was getting restless.


    It has already been two days, but there was still no sign of any activity regarding the Spring Festival G. They had spent the past few days waiting for Zhang Ye''s first move since his appointment as the executive director. However, there was still nothing that came out of that. A lot of the reporters could not believe this. This was Zhang Ye they were talking about, the well-known hooligan of the entertainment industry. If it were any other executive director who stayed quiet after their appointment, they might still believe it! But to see Zhang Ye not making a move? That was just impossible! He didn''t pick a fight with anyone? He didn''t scold anyone? When had this fellow ever been soposed? This was not his style!


    Beijing Times.


    The editorial department was abuzz with conversation.


    "The Spring Festival G production team is too quiet."


    "Yeah, it''s so quiet that it''s scary."


    "Why do I feel like a storm is brewing?"


    At this moment, someone ran in!


    "Not good!"


    "What''s the matter, Little Li?"


    "I just got back from Central TV. Something big has happened with the Spring Festival G!"


    "What is it? Say it quickly!"


    "Zhang Ye is��"


    "What did he do?"


    "He''s turning to advertisements!"


    "What?"


    "Holy shit!"


    "I knew it, I knew that something big would happen!"


    ��


    At Xinhua News Agency.


    "Something has happened! The Spring Festival G is going to advertise!"


    "Get lost, that''s impossible."


    "It''s true!"


    "Hur hur, who would dare advertise during the Spring Festival G?"


    "Zhang Ye dares!"


    "Damn, are you serious?"


    "It''s verified to be 100% true! This news has been confirmed!"


    "What?"


    "Has Zhang Ye gone crazy?"


    ��


    People''s Daily.


    The editorial department was in utter silence!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "This��"


    "This is crazy!"


    "This is insanity!"


    "They''re going to have advertisements on the Spring Festival G?"


    "Heavens!"


    "This year''s Spring Festival G is going to be chaos!"


    "That''s what they get for appointing a reckless man like Zhang Ye to take charge of the g!"


    ��


    The media was stunned!


    The industry was puking blood!


    After two days of waiting and inaction, the first thing that Zhang Ye did for the Spring Festival G had stunned the entire country''s citizens! Zhang Ye was indeed still that same old Zhang Ye. When he didn''t make a move, everything was fine. But the moment he did, it would always be earth-shattering. The Spring Festival G was going to have advertisements in it? Other than him, who would even toy with that sort of idea!


    The people were dumbfounded!


    "Are you serious?"


    "Oh my God!"


    "Zhang Ye is too bold!"


    "He fucking has the courage of a lion!"


    "I knew that there would be trouble the moment they said he was taking charge of the Central TV Spring Festival G. Just look at this. It''s only been a few days, but the Spring Festival G is going to take advertisers? If this continues for another two months, the Spring Festival G will surely get dismantled by Zhang Ye! Aiyo, goddammit, there have never been advertisements on the Spring Festival G before!"


    "Pfft!"


    "Zhang Ye is such a scammer!"


    "This is great. He''s dragged the Spring Festival G down!"


    "He''s capable of causing trouble everywhere he goes!"


    "This has turned into something big!"


    "How could he bring what they do on variety shows onto the Spring Festival G!"


    "If the Spring Festival G has advertisements on it, how much would the advertising fees cost? Just having a brief moment of screen time would cost at least a 100 million, right?"


    "What a scammer this Zhang Ye is! They appointed you to be in charge of the Spring Festival G so that you could improve it, not earn money for it. Aiyo, this is so funny!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Zhang Ye is indeed very unconventional!"


    "The higher-ups too, why would they approve a proposal like this?"


    "Yeah, the higher-ups are really giving a lot of face to Zhang Ye."


    "This year''s Spring Festival G will definitely be different from the previous years."


    "That''s right. With Zhang Ye around, how can there not be any controversies?"


    "The world can''t stop our Lord Zhang!"


    "Just let him do it. The past years have always been too traditional because everyone was so concerned with their statuses. It''s not bad to have Zhang Ye introduce some chaos into the equation. Who knows, he might just be able toe up with a few tricks. Furthermore, this year''s Spring Festival G bears his name. It won''t matter how much of a mess it gets into. Zhang Ye will be totally responsible for it. He must have considered the consequences before going ahead with this n."


    People were praising it.


    People were sarcastically poking fun at it.


    People were scolding it.


    People were criticizing it.


    Zhang Ye''s actions had caused a great uproar in the country!


    The news also started being reported about in the nation!


    Even the Asian media outlets started picking up on the reports. For a world-ss stage like the Spring Festival G, there was also a lot of attention given to it in Asia. Besides, Zhang Ye was also an A-list celebrity in the Asian Celebrity Rankings, so even if he was still not that appealing to people in Asian countries, he was still known to many of them!


    He was getting a mixed reception!


    There was a continued controversy about this!


    But there was an opinion that seemed pretty unified across all the media outlets!


    All of them unanimously agreed that Zhang Ye was: the most daring executive director in the history of the Spring Festival G!


    Daring to advertise also required courage!


    Further, on a stage like the Spring Festival G?


    This was a decision that no any ordinary person could make!

 Chapter 1318

    <h4>Chapter 1318 </h4>


    Chapter 1318: Arrival of the five rip-off cards of fortune!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    When the 1 billion RMB was received.


    Work on the stage began.


    The advertising negotiations were carried out.


    The program list was drawn up.


    Preparations for the first approval session began.


    The Spring Festival G''s production team led by Zhang Ye suddenly got busy.


    Meanwhile, there was nock of doubting voices from the outside world.


    Little Wang reported, "Director Zhang, there is quite a lot of scolding directed at us outside."


    Zhang Ye said, "I know, just leave them be."


    Tong Fu was slightly surprised. "Aren''t we going to issue a response?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "There''s no need. If they keep talking about us, it proves that there is a lot of attention given to the Spring Festival G. That''s much better than having no attention at all, isn''t it? It can also be seen as a different form of publicity. Besides, this isn''t even that much of a scolding. They still have not started with the serious scolding." There was a deeper meaning to his words.


    Everyone was dismayed.


    "Ah?"


    "Have not started yet?"


    "What do you mean by that?"


    "Is it because of the advertisements?"


    "Are there going to be problems with the advertisements?"


    They kept up with the questioning. The Spring Festival G production team members did not have the same strong mental fortitude as Zhang Ye.


    However, Zhang Ye did not give them a direct answer. He simply gave a sheepish smile and said, "You''ll find out when the timees."


    For the Spring Festival G''s viewership ratings, Zhang Ye had resorted to using his killer move. This killer move was the kind that would sacrifice a 2,000-strong army to defeat an army with only 1,000 enemies. It was one of the most controversial marketing cases in Zhang Ye''s previous world but an extremely explosive technique that was very deceitful as well. The people of this world would surely not know about it, but if it was mentioned to anyone in Zhang Ye''s previous world, eighty percent people would surely jump up and start cursing at it!


    That''s right!


    It was just such a deceitful marketing technique!


    And now, Zhang Ye was getting ready to introduce it to this world!


    ��


    The days passed.


    The production pace of the Spring Festival G started picking up.


    ��


    On this day.


    The country was in an uproar!


    Everyone had been stunned by a sudden piece of news!


    The Spring Festival G''s advertising partner, one of the country''srgest payment processors called " Unipay 1 ," had announced some extremely shocking news. With a cash prize pool of 200 million RMB, the Spring Festival G''s "Five Cards of Fortune Collection" campaign wasunched.


    And what were the five fortunes?


    The prosperity and strength card of fortune.


    The harmony card of fortune.


    The friendship card of fortune.


    The patriotism card of fortune.


    The work dedication card of fortune.


    The rules were: A user who adds ten new friends on Unipay will stand to receive three cards of fortune. The remaining two cards could be gifted or exchanged between Unipay friends, and the users who managed to gather all five cards of fortune would stand to win an equal share of the 200 million RMB cash prize. This was not simply a chance at winning the prize money, but a definite one as long as you could gather all five cards of fortune. So that would mean that if only one person could gather all the cards, then that person would win the entire share of the 200 million RMB. If two people each managed to gather the five cards, the 200 million yuan cash pool would be split equally between them!


    It was cold, hard cash!


    This was as fair as it could get!


    The Spring Festival G''s official Weibo shared the post!


    This campaign was widely advertised across all the major forums!


    Unipay''s promotions instantly covered every nook and cranny in an overwhelming fashion!


    When had the people ever witnessed such a strong marketing push before? They were dumbfounded!


    "Holy shit!"


    "200 million RMB?"


    "I didn''t read it wrong, did I? Has Unipay gone crazy?"


    "Is this what the Spring Festival G''s advertisement is?"


    "Haha, I like this advertisement!"


    "No shit, who wouldn''t like it since it involves money to be won!"


    "Are they really going to give out 200 million yuan in red packets?"


    "Did they have to make such a big move! Isn''t this a little too much?"


    "This is fucking 40 times higher than the prize money for those sports lottery tickets!"


    "My God!"


    "Ahhhhh! 200 million! It''s 200 million!"


    "Great showing, Unipay! Nicely done!"


    "200 million, here Ie!"


    "Get lost, it''s mine!"


    "I''m gonna give it a try!"


    "Hurry, add me as a friend! Quick!"


    "If we''re too slow, it''ll be gone. Requesting ten contacts to add!"


    "Let''s help each other out,rades!"


    "This is so exciting!"


    Everyone was bursting with excitement!


    The red packet war had started!


    ��


    At Tsinghua University.


    In a ssroom.


    An English teacher was currently giving a lecture from the front of the room.


    "How do we y this?"


    "Add me as a friend first, then I''ll tell you."


    "Wow, I''ve already gotten three fortune cards!"


    "Me too, I''m just short of another two!"


    "Who has the work dedication card of fortune? I''ll trade the prosperity and strength card of fortune for it!"


    "Shh, be quiet. We''re in ss."


    ��


    At apany.


    "Old Li, I''ve already gathered four cards of fortune."


    "What cards of fortune? Why are you gathering them?"


    "Don''t you know? There''s 200 million yuan to be won!"


    "Ah?"


    "Quickly sign up for a Unipay ount."


    "Alright, let me give this card gathering thing a try too!"


    ��


    In a restaurant.


    The waiters were huddled together in groups of two and three.


    "Give me a patriotism card! Hurry, hurry, hurry!"


    "I only have two cards of fortune!"


    "I''ll trade the harmony card with you!"


    "Alright, I''ve sent it to you!"


    "Where''s the work dedication card?"


    "I don''t know! No one has it!"


    ��


    In the crosstalk world.


    "What are you all doing?"


    "We''re gathering the five fortunes."


    "Whoa, you guys are also ying such games at your age?"


    "There''s no chance for us to get on the Spring Festival G anyway, so we might as well just give it a try. Who knows, we might end up winning the red packet prize."


    The number of people collecting the cards of fortune was increasing!


    Even the oldrades from the crosstalk world had joined in, so just imagine what kind of a situation this was!


    ��


    On one of the days.


    A Weibo photo went viral.


    The first person in the country to gather all five of the cards of fortune finally appeared. That person posted a screenshot with the five cards flush with color 2 , while thements below were all envious voices.


    "That''s amazing!"


    "You''ve gathered them all so quickly?"


    "Big Bro, please give me a share of your prize!"


    "This is worth 200 million, bro!"


    "If no one else manages to gather them all, the entire 200 million RMB prize will belong to you!"


    "Damn, where''s the work dedication card!"


    "I''m also looking for it. There are too few of them!"


    "Fucking work dedication card, show yourself!"


    "Collecting the work dedication card, paying 50 yuan for one!"


    "I''ll pay 100 yuan!"


    "Whoever has the work dedication card, please PM me. I can act cute for you and warm your bed too!"


    "Could this poster end up winning the entirety of the prize money?"


    "No way, right? There will definitely be others who can gather all five of them as well. In fact, I heard that there will be an indication of how many people have managed to gather all the cards of fortune during the live broadcast of the Spring Festival G on Lunar New Year''s Eve. The hosts will also be handing out cards of fortune that will be up for grabs to the viewers, so there should still be quite a few work dedication cards getting released. We can only depend on luck to see if we can get them!"


    "What? It will be a concurrent event with the Spring Festival G?"


    "That''s right."


    "This advertising campaign is really fun and gimmicky!"


    "Zhang Ye is so devious!"


    "Yeah, the campaign was thought up by him in the first ce!"


    "Pfft, Zhang Ye is too good at business. I was still wondering why he was suddenly open to taking advertisements for the g. So it was because the advertisements could help increase the viewership ratings and bring in viewership for the Spring Festival G!"


    "I don''t care about the g. All I want is the work dedication card!"


    "I''ll be the girlfriend of whoever gives me their work dedication card!"


    "Damn, previous poster, are you serious?"


    "I hope the Spring Festival G gets broadcast soon. I can''t wait anymore!"


    "I hope they''ll give out a few more of the work dedication cards during the Spring Festival G!"


    One spread to ten.


    Ten spread to a 100.


    Some people were doing it for the red packets while others were doing it purely for the fun of it. There were also people who saw their friends asking for cards of fortune who ended up joining in the activity as well. A propagation like this through social media was extremely frightening. Once a user started gathering the cards of fortune, the ten friends they added would also know about it. When those ten friends joined in to gather the cards, they would then bring in another 100 friends with them. The 100 friends would then bring in 1,000 friends, and the 1,000 friends would bring in 10,000 friends. This would go on and on until no new users were left!


    It was a form of viral marketing!


    In just a short period of time, the entire country was caught up in the craze of the Spring Festival G''s Five Cards of Fortune Collection!


    That''s right!


    It was crazy!


    It was an unparalleled madness!


    ��


    Elsewhere.


    Zhang Ye had been on the receiving end of countless phone calls from his rtives and friends in recent days.


    His mother called.


    "Son."


    "Mom, I''m busy at work."


    "Wait, I haven''t even said anything yet."


    "Go on, go on."


    "Send me a work dedication card."


    "Ah?"


    "The work dedication card! Hurry up!"


    "But I don''t have it."


    "The cards of fortune are given out by the Spring Festival G, so how can you not have any when you''re the executive director?"


    "I really don''t have any. They''re handed out by Unipay; we''re just their partner."


    "Alright then, I''ll go check with others."


    Rao Aimin called.


    "Little Zhang!"


    "Big Sis Rao, what''s the matter?"


    "Send me a work dedication card."


    "What? You''re ying that too?"


    "There''s money to be won. Only a fool would not y!"


    "But you''re already so rich. Anyway, I don''t have it."


    "Rascal, don''t you give me that bullshit. Hurry up and get me the card!"


    "I really don''t have it."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye gave a wry smile. Then he looked at Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the group of people from the Spring Festival G production team who were on their break. A lot of them were whispering to each other, and it could be seen that they were all trading cards of fortune with one another. They were really enjoying it, and it could be seen that even the Spring Festival G production team had fallen into the craze of gathering the five fortunes!


    The entire country had fallen!


    No one was spared!


    They had all been taken in by the scam!


    It had gotten big!


    It had gotten huge!


    Zhang Ye shuddered in fear on the inside. He wiped away his sweat and called Ha Qiqi over. "Sister Ha, uhh,e over for a bit. I have something that I need to talk to you about."


    "Coming, Director Zhang." Ha Qiqi quickly traded a card of fortune with Little Wang beforeing over. "Is the noon break over? Should I notify everyone to start working?"


    Zhang Ye coughed and said, "Were you the one who liaised with Unipay?"


    Ha Qiqi nodded. "Yes, I''m in charge of that."


    Zhang Ye cleared his throat and stammered, "Umm, so, tell them quickly that I said to let theme up with another promotion to create another prize pool on the day of the Spring Festival G. It doesn''t have to be much, just tens of millions, or a 100 million would be fine too. Or they could also work with some of the artist studios and invite the celebrities to join in. They can then hand out red packets in the name of the celebrities or stuff like that. This would not require the use of the cards of fortune, nor will there be any limitations on who can grab the red packets. Everyone is allowed to take part, and it''s best that everyone can participate in it. When the timees, we''ll also help them to promote it here on the Spring Festival G."


    Ha Qiqi was taken aback. "That shouldn''t be necessary, right, Director Zhang? This Five Cards of Fortune Collection campaign has taken off so crazily that everyone is trying their hand at it. Why is there still a need to directly give out additional red packets? The publicity effect is in ce, and the advertising world is totally shocked by this advertising and marketing push that you''ve started!"


    Yes!


    They were all in shock!


    But what was even more shocking was still toe!


    This marketing push was aplete scam. It was a bottomless pit!


    Zhang Ye said, "Just do as I say."


    "Alright, understood. I''ll get in contact with them about it," Ha Qiqi said.


    Zhang Ye said, "Tell them that this is to earn goodwill for them, so don''t be afraid to spend. They''ve already spent 200 million anyway, so this amount should not really matter that much."


    Ha Qiqi went to carry out his instructions. "OK."


    This proposal that Zhang Ye was suggesting was actually to help Unipay dig its way out of the pit. Once the campaign ended, Unipay should be able to benefit quite a bit from it, and the Spring Festival G would not be implicated either. Be it the Five Cards of Fortune Collection or grabbing of the red packets that the celebrities would be giving out, all of that would help to boost the Spring Festival G''s viewership ratings. As such, the Spring Festival G was the party that stood to gain the most out of this campaign. So when you thought about it, the me would only fall onto Zhang Ye. Not only was he the executive director of the Spring Festival G, he was also the manager of this advertising and marketing proposal. This fellow could already imagine how many people would curse at him on the day the campaign ended!


    Hai,e at me then. He was already mentally prepared for the bacsh that he would receive over his "scamming" of the entire country''s citizens in a bid to boost the viewership ratings of the Spring Festival G!


    The five fortunes?


    Five fortunes, my ass!


    This was more like the five deceptions!


    But the thing was, nobody knew what it was yet!

 Chapter 1319 - Zhang Ye resorts to cheating!

    <h4>Chapter 1319 - Zhang Ye resorts to cheating! </h4>


    Chapter 1319: Zhang Ye resorts to cheating!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the outside world.


    The cards of fortune continued taking the country by storm.


    And on this day, the Spring Festival G held its first approval session.


    ��


    At Central TV.


    In the morning.


    At the venue of the first approval session.


    In arge studio, only several dozen people were seated in the first two rows of the audience seating. Zhang Ye sat right in the middle with a group of executives from the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee on either side. Behind them were several assistant directors and staff participating in the approval session, while the remaining seats were all empty. Meanwhile, the backstage was filled with the waiting celebrity artists and song and dance troupes from the various government branches. Together with the staff of Central TV''s Spring Festival G, the backstage was bursting with people.


    First up was the review of the singing acts.


    Zhang Ye flipped through the list of acts andmanded, "Let''s get it started."


    Ha Qiqi read out loud, "Will the first group of performers please stand by."


    The leaders and staff participating in the approval session picked up their pens, ready to give scores.


    The list of acts for today''s approval session was actually not changed from the previous one that Li Ke had drawn up when he was in charge. Of course, a majority of the performers were in the "guaranteed" groups, which consisted of the song and dance troupes nominated through the various government branches. Zhang Ye did not make any changes to it and followed with this list of acts for the approval session. The main reason for this was simply because there wasn''t enough time. Zhang Ye had taken over the Spring Festival G event in a rush when it was almost time to hold the first approval session, so he could only follow with what had been drawn up for the time being. He would have to observe how it went before making any further decisions. As for the acts, he would have to filter through them afterwards to make selections. Zhang Ye needed to first understand what the standards of the performers and acts were.


    Chen Guang.


    Fan Wenli.


    Zhang Xia.


    Spring Garden.


    Team VAA.


    Singers from a song and dance troupe.


    The performers appeared on stage one after another.


    "This one isn''t too bad."


    "This one is good."


    "This song is a little old, isn''t it?"


    "Isn''t Team VAA''s performance too simple?"


    "That performance by Spring Garden won''t do."


    The members of the approval board for the first approval session were whispering. As the performers sang on stage, they discussed among themselves in the audience.


    Then it was time for the dances.


    Teachers from a song and dance troupe.


    Students from a dance school.


    There were a total of eight art troupes.


    "It''s a little boring to watch."


    "Who rmended this group?"


    "It''s the Naval Song and Dance Troupe 1 ."


    "It''s not really that great to watch."


    "Yes, it feels very simr to the dance they did two years ago."


    "Hai, this definitely won''t do."


    "That student group''s dance performance was somewhat interesting."


    Acrobatic performances: There were a total of three acts.


    Stage magic tricks: There were also three acts.


    They were followed by tennguage performances.


    There was crosstalk.


    Skits.


    And even a three-person talk show.


    And so on.


    "This skit is pretty good!"


    "Teacher Ci is still going strong after all these years."


    "The script still needs a little fine-tuning. There are areas that can be improved upon."


    "This talk show is no good."


    "Right, I agree. Let''s take this one out."


    "Director Zhang is the creator of the talk show genre, so performing a talk show in front of him is indeed putting on a performance in front of a professional."


    "The three-person talk show might be a rather refreshing idea, but it''s a little too nondescript."


    "Eh, what about Director Zhang, Yao Jiancai, and Dong Shanshan''s skit?"


    "Director Zhang is the main judge of the first approval session, so how would he have the time to get on stage to perform. He can only put it aside for the time being and might perform it during the second approval session."


    An hour.


    Five hours.


    Ten hours.


    From morning until night.


    From dawn until dark.


    After an entire day of work, the Spring Festival G''s first approval session finally came to an end.


    The performers had all left, and many of the staff also returned home to rest. However, Zhang Ye and the other approval board heads stayed behind at the venue in their seats in the first row.


    Zhang Ye was silent.


    Ha Qiqi looked at him.


    Zhang Zuo blinked several times, unsure of what Director Zhang was thinking.


    Ever since the first performance started during today''s approval session, Zhang Ye did not say a word. He did not express any attitude to any of the performances. Was he happy? Was he satisfied? No one knew exactly what he was thinking. They were all evaluating the performances and pointing about as they wrote down scores. Only Zhang Ye did not have any reaction throughout.


    An executive on the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee nced at him. "Boss Zhang?"


    "Boss Zhang" was clearly just a form of address they had for him since Zhang Ye couldn''t strictly be considered a boss. Based on these executives'' statuses and ranks, there wouldn''t be anything wrong if they just addressed him as Little Zhang. However, not anyone could call him that as they liked. This was because Zhang Ye''s wife was Wu Zeqing. From the perspective of ranks, the two highest-ranking leaders on the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee were only of equal status with Wu Zeqing, while the rest of them were ranked lower than her. And since the office was a ce where seniority was considered important, when they were faced with Wu Zeqing''s husband, they couldn''t address him as Little Zhang, could they? So calling him Boss Zhang or Director Zhang was the most suitable form of address.


    "Director Zhang, what do you think?"


    "The acts for the first approval session have all performed. What do you think about them?"


    The organizingmittee''s executives were all seeking his opinion.


    In the end, Zhang Ye came up with a startling response.


    He said, "I only have one thought right now. Is it toote to say I quit? ''Cause, you know, I still have some matters to attend to at home. Why don''t you check again with someone else to see if they can take the role of executive director?"


    Everyone was floored!


    "Ah?"


    "Director Zhang, please don''t joke like that."


    "You cannot be talking like this. You mustn''t joke about such things!"


    "Aiyo, what''s this about?"


    "Boss Zhang, please calm down, calm down!"


    The executives got scared!


    The production team staff were dumbfounded!


    What the heck!


    Even Zhang Ye is thinking of calling it quits?


    But Zhang Ye was feeling even more scared than them. He pointed at the stage and asked, "Those are the best acts that were ''carefully selected'' from all across the country? Every one of you saw it earlier too, right? You all watched every act without missing a single one, right? If you all say that these acts are especially wonderful, so wonderful that you''ll want to apud them, then I will feel that it is an insult to me as an artist. I''d have nothing to say!"


    Some people had a wry smile on their faces.


    Some of them were slightly embarrassed.


    A leader said, "Boss Zhang, don''t be angry. I admit that this year''s acts are indeedcking whenpared to the previous years''. But isn''t it just the first approval session? There''s still a lot of room for improvement. Didn''t the higher-ups invite you to take charge because they needed you to help with improving the acts? I know that you''re not happy about there being so many nominated song and dance troupes from the government branches and feel that it is limiting you. We can still discuss it further. If there are any acts that you still find unsuitable after watching, and which we also think is average, then we can cut it from the program list. All of that can be discussed."


    "Yes, we can talk about it."


    "Those acts performed by the song and dance troupes this year are indeed a little poor."


    The executives on the Spring Festival G organizingmittee were a little less restrictive about things this time.


    What were the reasons behind Li Ke''s resignation?


    One of them was that he could not secure the funding that he needed!


    And the other reason was that of the list of acts!


    What about the funding?


    What about the stage?


    What about the promotions?


    All of those were just auxiliary!


    Only the acts mattered. The Spring Festival G was dependent on its content to attract viewers in the end. If the acts were not good, everything else would be done in vain. Zhang Ye finally understood why Old Li had quit from his role. If he knew about the situation with the list of acts, he would never have agreed to take the job either!


    What the heck were all these acts!


    Zhang Ye had already reviewed the past Spring Festival Gs of this world.


    The previous year.


    The year before that.


    And even the ones from 10, 20 years ago, he had gone through as many as he could!


    Sometimes, Zhang Ye wondered why the Spring Festival G was getting worse year after year. Was it really because the quality of acts was declining? He didn''t feel so. Looking at the past years'' program lists and being honest about it, from the technical level of the staff to theplexity of the stage, things had always been improving year after year. What contributed to the poor reputation that the Spring Festival G was suffering from was the nitpicking of the audience. The audience''s expectations had be higher. If you could get on the Spring Festival G, everyone would know that you got there because you were good. So expectations would be raised. Even if you disappeared into thin air onstage, the audience would not be surprised by it. In fact, they would even think that this was the norm. But if you don''t disappear? Then the audience''s expectations of your show would not be met. They would start thinking that you were not good enough and that the show was just as bad.


    So what could they do about that?


    This was asking too much of them!


    Besides, this nitpicking could even be said to be extremely harsh!


    In all fairness, if those acts that were performed for the first approval session were used in any event other than the Spring Festival G, they would surely get a lot of cheers and be praised as wonderful. But since they were going to be on the Spring Festival G, they were simply uneptable. On the stage of the Spring Festival G, they were just too ordinary! There were no surprises!


    This would not do!


    It would not work out!


    If it was like this, then this year''s Spring Festival G would just be as bad as the previous years''!


    Everyone was getting anxious as they came up with all kinds of suggestions.


    "If it''s not good enough, let''s add a few more acts."


    "What about the backup acts? Maybe we can bring them in?"


    "Let''s invite another few big names?"


    "There''s not much time left until the second approval session. Will it be toote?"


    "We still have to do it even if there''s no time. I agree with Director Zhang''s opinion; the acts we saw in the first approval session only have a pass rate of 30%. The remaining ones are totally unsuitable!"


    "But the issue is that there aren''t any good acts!"


    "Where are the writers? Maybe we should employ more of them?"


    "The writing team is already very strong at what they do."


    "Get them to write another few acts that are good. The performers'' standards and technical levels are actually very outstanding. As long as they can write something good for them, there will surely be someone who can perform up to standards. The problem right now is that there aren''t enough good scripts. On top of that, even if we feel that some of these scripts are good, themon folk will not necessarily feel the same way as us!"


    "Yeah, that''s what makes this really difficult."


    The meeting went on until past 10 in the evening.


    Everyone was feeling very pressured and exhausted.


    Finally, Zhang Ye spoke, "Let''s end it here today. I''lle up with a list of acts tomorrow!"


    "You''re going to n one yourself?"


    "Yes."


    "For which kinds of performances?"


    "All of them!"


    "All of them?!"


    Everyone was stunned!


    At this point, no one seemed to have realized how great of an impact Zhang Ye''s words would have. They did not know how determined he was. At the beginning, Zhang Ye had hoped to count on the works of this world. He thought that based on the size of China, it shouldn''t be too difficult to uncover a few wonderful acts in the country. He didn''t want to touch the works from his previous world at all. Such works would only decrease in number every time he used one of them. Those who knew him would know that he was extremely "miserly." All of the works were supposed to be left for himself, and he rarely would take them out for others to use. Even if it were Zhang Yuanqi approaching him for a song that he wouldn''t sing since he wasn''t a woman, Zhang Ye would never willingly give away any of them and would always grumble about this and that.


    But he couldn''t do that this time!


    Zhang Ye had been forced to show his hand!


    The acts were not good enough?


    They really couldn''te up with something good?


    Alright then, I''ll do it!


    Dance?


    I''ll choreograph it!


    Songs?


    I''ll write them!


    Crosstalks?


    Let me handle it!


    Skits?


    I''ll write the scripts!


    Magic?


    Let me n some tricks!


    Acrobatics?


    I''ll direct it!


    The acts that I won''t be using or are unsuitable for me, I''ll write them down, choreograph them, and teach them to all of you one by one. I''ll bring out the acts that are most closely followed and talked about in my previous world, the ones that have been market tested, and present them to all of you one by one. I''ll redo all of the g''s acts from start to finish!


    Fuck!


    I won''t fucking believe it!


    I won''t believe that this year''s Spring Festival G will end in failure!


    The cornered Zhang Ye was finally about to resort to cheating!


    Legge Legge

 Chapter 1320 - An entirely new program list rolls out!

    <h4>Chapter 1320 - An entirely new program list rolls out! </h4>


    Chapter 1320: An entirely new program list rolls out!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next morning.


    News was spreading through the grapevine.


    "A situation at the Spring Festival G''s first approval session?"


    "No acts were passed at the first approval session?"


    "The Spring Festival G''s program list could be cast aside! "


    "The Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee is extremely unsatisfied with the acts!"


    "Zhang Ye loses his temper in public!"


    "Where will this year''s Spring Festival G go from here?"


    "The most difficult year of the Spring Festival G!"


    "Will Zhang Ye be able to save things?"


    ��


    At Central TV.


    In the office of the Spring Festival G''s production team.


    Zhang Ye stayed overnight. This was the fifth night he spent at Central TV. He did not step out of Central TV during the day either. He ate, slept, and worked there. As long as the production team or organizingmittee had any matters to resolve with him, they could always find him in his office or on the stage. This was who Zhang Ye was. When it came to work, he would risk his life. For the Spring Festival G, he was really throwing all he had into it.


    The brand-new program list was out!


    Only the names of the acts could be seen. No description of their contents was avable. Only he knew all about them for the time being.


    But this was the most brilliant program list that Zhang Ye felt that he hade up with after racking his brains all night. He had deliberated repeatedly and changed his choices until he thought it was the most appropriate and brilliant program list there was!


    An opening dance?


    Acrobatics?


    Magic?


    Skits?


    Crosstalks?


    It had all of that. In fact, even the order of the acts was rudimentarily decided upon!


    If the people of this world had a look at the program list, they would definitely find it rather odd and not understand it. But if it were the people of Zhang Ye''s previous world who saw it, they would surely be dumbfounded. This was because all of the acts listed were the most closely watched programs in all the years of the Spring Festival G in that world. They were the most hotly debated and talked about acts of all. To put all of these earth-shattering acts into one g, just what kind of an impact would that have? No one knew, and not even Zhang Ye himself could predict it!


    With the program list out, all that remained was to find the performers. Some of these performers were easy to get, but some were not. Many of the new acts on this list required him to pick out the performers very carefully. Not only would they need to have skill, their statuses, image, and presence would also need to fit together. This was what was so difficult.


    Zhang Ye called out, "Old Ha."


    "Director Zhang, you''re calling for me?"


    "Where''s Little Wang?"


    "She''s at the main stage."


    "Get her here. I need you both to go out with me for a bit."


    "Now?"


    "Yes, now."


    "Alright!"


    Then Zhang Ye called over Assistant Director Zhang Zuo as well and gave him some instructions. After that, he left with Ha Qiqi and Little Wang. Right now, Zhang Ye didn''t need to stay put at Central TV in his capacity as the executive director. Only one month was left until the second approval session, which was also the final one before the rehearsals, so there was a need to get all of the acts finalized before that. What Zhang Ye had to do now was to find the performers and make sure that he could get the acts out one by one!


    It was a fine day today.


    After having not been out for so many days, the sun was very piercing to his eyes.


    Little Wang was driving. "Director Zhang, where are we heading?"


    Zhang Ye handed her his cell phone. "Just follow the GPS."


    "Th-This is a construction site?" Little Wang was stunned.


    Ha Qiqi said startled, "Why are we going to a construction site?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "A song on my new program list requires two people to sing it."


    Ha Qiqi said floored, "And those two people are at the construction site?"


    "That''s right," Zhang Ye said calmly.


    Ha Qiqi was speechless.


    Little Wang was speechless.


    Both of them were a little confused.


    Half an hourter, the car reached the location.


    Loud singing reached their ears.


    Zhang Ye rolled down the car window. "Stop the car and park it to the side."


    Little Wang steered to the curb and stepped on the brakes.


    Ha Qiqi pricked up her ears.


    Two voices wereing from that direction. They were singing songs that Zhang Ye had performed on King of Masked Singers.


    ��


    "There are times I feel like I''m a small, li''l bird.


    "I wanna fly, but no matter how I can''t fly high.


    "Perhaps I''ll one day perch on the branches,


    "Yet the hunters I''ve incurred.


    "Only when I flew into the blue sky did I discover,


    "that I had nothing upon which to rely."


    ��


    "Arise!


    "ye pris''ners of starvation!


    "Arise!


    "ye wretched of the Earth!"


    ��


    One song.


    Two songs.


    Three songs.


    Two people were singing as they carried steel beams.


    They were blood-rted brothers. One was called Zhang Guang, the other was called Zhang Fang.


    Their nearby coworkers were listening in enjoyment and even sang along with them at times.


    In the car.


    Little Wang eximed, "It''s the Laborer Brothers!"


    Ha Qiqi looked at Zhang Ye in surprise. "You''re here to look for the Laborer Brothers?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You two know them as well?"


    "Of course, we know them really well." Little Wang said, "They''re really popr online. It was around the end ofst year when a passerby recorded a video of them and put it up on the Inte, which ended up going viral. That song was especially touching. I heard that a lot of people came from afar just to listen to them sing. They''ve been calling them the Laborer Brothers. In terms ofborers, the two of them are the most well-known. But I wonder why they''re still working at the construction site?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "That''s because their singing is not up to standard. Do you think everyone can sing as well as Director Zhang? Just listen to them. Even though they''re not singing out of tune and have quite an alright vocalization technique, would it be proper to describe it as an earth-shattering performance? Is their singing really that exquisite? I really don''t think so. We can pick any professional singer, and they would all sing better than them. Besides, they''re toocking in their image as well. If they''re thinking of making it in show business? That possibility is too far-fetched."


    They continued listening for a while longer.


    Little Wang nodded. "You''re right. They''re really notparable to pros."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Director Zhang, you''ve heard them too, right? Let''s go. They can''t sing your songs, and they''re also not popr enough. Right now, you have the entire entertainment circle''s performers and singers to pick from."


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "But they''re who I''ve picked."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Are you serious?"


    "Little Wang, go approach them," Zhang Ye instructed.


    Little Wang didn''t know whether tough or cry. "You''re sure about this?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Of course! Why else would Ie all the way here for? Do you think that I have a lot of time on my hands?"


    The Spring Festival G has been too routine in recent years. Other than celebrities, it was still celebrities. Other than big name performers, it was still big name performers. It seemed to suggest that only they could support the stage of the Spring Festival G. It was as though the audience would only recognize them. Actually, that wasn''t how things worked. They simply could not understand how powerful it was to subvert expectations.


    So what if they wereborers?


    So what if they didn''t have the looks?


    So what if they weren''t professional singers?


    Their voices could still be just as impressive!


    At the site.


    Zhang Guang and Zhang Fang sat down for their break. Both of them had not eaten breakfast yet and wiped their hands before picking up arge bun each and pairing it with some pickled vegetables, chewing on the food. They changed their lifestyle much ever since they became famous.


    Their coworkers were chatting with them.


    "The Spring Festival G is almost here."


    "Yeah, I heard that they''re still selecting the performers."


    "Zhang Guang, Zhang Fang, it would be great if you two could get on the Spring Festival G."


    "That would really cheer us up as well!"


    Zhang Guang gave a wry smile as he waved it off. "Us two brothers are just singing for fun, so how could we possibly dare to think of getting onto the Spring Festival G''s stage?"


    Zhang Fang chewed on his bun and whined, "I wish I could though."


    Zhang Guang rolled his eyes. "Stop dreaming."


    Zhang Fang snorted, then simpered, "We have to have dreams."


    In the distance, a pretty girl came walking over.


    The workers looked over.


    "Eh?"


    "It''s someone from the city?"


    "She must be here to listen to Zhang Guang and Zhang Fang sing."


    No one found this strange.


    Little Wang walked up to them. "Are you Teacher Zhang Guang and Teacher Zhang Fang?"


    Zhang Guang hurriedly put down his bun and stood up. "We''re not teachers, we''re not teachers."


    Zhang Fang was also taken aback by this term of address.


    Little Wang said, "Hello, I am from the Central TV Spring Festival G production team. We would like to invite both of you teachers to take part in the Spring Festival G this year. Would you be interested?"


    They were stunned silly!


    The other workers present were dumbfounded as well!


    Zhang Guang eximed, "Ah?"


    Zhang Fang did not believe it. "Us? On the Spring Festival G?"


    Little Wang smiled. "That''s right."


    Zhang Guang furiously waved his hands and said, "That''s impossible, impossible."


    Zhang Fang said, "Are you teasing us?"


    Little Wang said, "Come with me to the car and you''ll understand."


    Some of their coworkers cautioned them.


    "Don''t go! She must be lying!"


    "Yeah, you two might get sold off and still be clueless as to how it happened."


    "Yeah, there are a lot of scammers in the city these days."


    "You must not get into the car!"


    The group of them nearly surrounded Little Wang!


    A scammer?


    Sell them both off?


    Little Wang nearly fainted. You two are rugged, grown men. Who would possibly want to buy you two!


    Zhang Ye, who was inside the car, was quite amused. He opened the car door and got out, saying, "Little Wang, I only asked you to do a simple task, but look at this efficacy of yours."


    Little Wang said anxiously, "You can''t me me for that, Director Zhang. They don''t trust me."


    Zhang Ye said with a grin, "That''s because you look like a bad guy."


    Little Wang got angry.


    Ha Qiqi also got out of the car inughter.


    An uproar urred at the construction site!


    Zhang Ye!


    It was Zhang Ye!


    The executive director of this year''s Spring Festival G!


    Zhang Guang and Zhang Fang were stunned!


    At this point, their coworkers should surely know that this was for real even if they were idiots. These people were really from Central TV!


    "Alright, let me say it." Zhang Ye looked at the two brothers. "Do you wish to go on the Spring Festival G?"


    Zhang Guang''s eyes reddened. "Yes! We wish to!"


    Zhang Fang also stared with wide eyes as he nodded furiously.


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright then, I''ve got a song here. If the two of you can perfect it before the Spring Festival G''s second approval session, I''ll leave a slot open for the two of you on this year''s g."


    Zhang Guang was so excited that he almost went crazy. "Thank you! Thank you!"


    Zhang Fang said, "We, we''ll definitely sing it well! Definitely!"


    Zhang Ye said, "During this time, there will definitely be a need to practice, go to the approval session, and attend the rehearsals. As such, from now until Lunar New Year''s Eve, the two of you might not exactly have much time to work. I''ll say this first. The appearance pay for the Spring Festival G is not much, probably amounting to only several thousand yuan. So if you two have any difficulties or requests, please let me know in advance. I can help you to handle the issue in private. Be it if you need assistance in your daily lives or financial help, it''s all fine with me."


    Zhang Guang and Zhang Fang immediately looked at one another.


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Just speak. You don''t have to stand on ceremony with Director Zhang."


    Zhang Guang said hesitatingly, "We don''tck any money, we have enough to use."


    Zhang Ye said, "What about any other difficulties? You can request anything you want."


    Zhang Fang said, "Anything?"


    Zhang Guang tugged at him.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Yes, anything is fine."


    Zhang Fang cautiously said, "I''m really gonna say it then?"


    "Go ahead." Zhang Ye grinned.


    Zhang Fang suddenly said, "Can you send me a work dedication card of fortune?"


    "What?" Zhang Ye sounded like he had misheard.


    Zhang Fang quickly said, "I can use the prosperity and strength fortune card to trade for it!"


    Zhang Ye was floored!


    Little Wang giggled, "Pfft!"


    Ha Qiqi was speechless.


    Those five rip-off cards of fortune had even made its way to theborers and the construction sites?

 Chapter 1321 - The Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe!

    <h4>Chapter 1321 - The Disabled People''s Performing Art Troupe! </h4>


    Chapter 1321: The Disabled People''s Performing Art Troupe!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


    At 2 PM.


    In the car, Zhang Ye was looked at the new program list in his hand as he and his team rushed off to the next location.


    "Have you informed them?"


    "Yes, we''ve informed them already."


    "Alright, then let''s hurry over."


    "Are we selecting the dance acts this time?"


    "Yes, there''s a dance acts that Ick performers for."


    "Weren''t those dancers at the first approval session pretty good? They''re the best of the best in the entire country."


    "They''re not good enough."


    "Uh, alright then."


    ��


    At the China National Ethnic Song and Dance Ensemble 1 .


    The dance troupe was in chaos. People were running all over the ce and shuffling could be heard everywhere. It looked like there was a lot of activity going on.


    "Where''s Team Two?"


    "Hurry up!"


    "Where''s the coach?"


    "Call Little Zhou over here!"


    "Team Three''s members, step forward!"


    "All of you, look more spirited. The people from the Spring Festival G production team will be here very soon!"


    The Spring Festival G production team wasing over to do a selection. As they had just received the notification, they werepletely unprepared. After catching wind of the news, the ensemble''s general manager immediately called for an emergency meeting and was extremely concerned about the news. Everyone was instructed to fully cooperate with the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee. The assistant general manager, Sun Jie, soon received the orders and assured the leader that they would definitely get their members onto the stage of the Spring Festival G this year!


    Their original act had been canceled after the first approval session!


    This was their one and only chance!


    Sun Jie was busymanding the ce, shouting, "Everyone, listen up. This is thest chance for our dance troupe to get on the Spring Festival G. Everyone has practiced for so long, and it''s finally time for our big test today. All of you had better give 110% to secure a ce in the g!"


    "Yes!"


    "Yes!"


    "Yes, Manager Sun!"


    "We will definitelyplete our task!"


    Everyone replied loudly and energetically.


    Only one team, which was standing on the sidelines, did not make a sound.


    This team''s coach was called Qi Xiaomei. She was also feeling very anxious. Seeing the anticipating looks of those girls behind her, she clenched her teeth and quietly pulled several of them to the front.


    As a result, they got noticed by Sun Jie. "Teacher Qi, what are you doing?"


    Qi Xiaomei bit the bullet and said, "W-We would also like to��"


    "Aiya, that''s enough. Stop causing more trouble," Sun Jie said, waving her off. "Stand farther in the back. Where''s Team Five? Team Five, step forward. Where are my littledies? Why are you all still posing around at a time like this? This is the Spring Festival G, thergest stage in the country!"


    Team Five''s members squeezed forward.


    "Please make way."


    "Teacher Qi, can you move further back?"


    Qi Xiaomei and her team were pushed to the back. They stood in the corner, feeling very anxious.


    Several of the girls kept signing to her with their hands.


    Qi Xiaomei bit her bottom lip and signed back to them.


    When the girls saw, they bowed their heads in despair.


    Then someone started shouting.


    "They''re here!"


    "They''ve arrived!"


    "The Spring Festival G production team is here!"


    Sun Jieposed herself and led the dance troupe''s coaches over to wee them.


    Qi Xiaomei tiptoed over and looked forward. The children standing behind her also did the same, but they couldn''t see a thing. They were standing in a location too out of the way.


    Across the room.


    Zhang Ye, Ha Qiqi, and Little Wang came in.


    Sun Jie smiled as she stretched out her hand. "Director Zhang, I''ve heard so much about you. I am the assistant general manager of the National Ethnic Song and Dance Ensemble, and I head the dance troupe around here."


    Zhang Ye smiled and shook her hand. "Hello, Manager Sun, you''ve worked hard."


    Sun Jie said, "Oh no, it''s nothing, just doing my job."


    Zhang Ye looked with some doubt at the people standing behind her. "And these?"


    "Oh, they are our dance troupe''s teams, the very best of the best," Sun Jie rattled off. "These are the young men and women of Team One. Their average age is 22, and they''re the best in the country in terms of their physical fitness and condition. They''ve won first in many of the major nationalpetitions and also performed overseas before. Teacher Wang, what are you still standing there for? Go on and show our leaders from the Spring Festival G production team what you girls are capable of!"


    Teacher Wang ordered, "Get ready!"


    The young men and women of Team One started dancing.


    Elegance.


    Agility.


    Theypleted their dance in one go.


    Sun Jie smiled and said, "What do you think, Director Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "They''re pretty good, but��"


    "We still have Team Two!" Sun Jie said at once. "Team Two is more adept at ssical dances!"


    When Team Two''s coach pped her hands, a group of dancers behind her began performing. The music and dance were very gentle and beautiful.


    Ha Qiqi was amazed and astonished.


    Little Wang had also had her eyes opened to something new.


    Assistant General Manager Sun was right. They were indeed the elites of China.


    Their figures?


    Strength?


    Demeanor?


    Flexibility?


    There was nothing to pick on!


    Team Three��


    Team Four��


    Team Five��


    At the request of Assistant General Manager Sun, the teams showcased their dance routines one by one.


    Qi Xiaomei was getting really anxious. She kept stamping her feet, wanting to push her way to the front. However, she didn''t dare.


    Another group had finished their dance routine.


    Sun Jie asked, "Director Zhang, how was it?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "They''re all great, fantastic, even."


    Sun Jie said, "Then which team did you like most?"


    Zhang Ye paused for a moment before saying, "Are there any others?"


    "There are," Sun Jie quickly answered. "Team Eight and Nine have yet to perform. But the children on those teams are new here and not old enough yet, and then there''s also the backup team��"


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye looked towards an inconspicuous corner. "What about those girls over there?"


    Hearing that, Sun Jie was startled. "Them? Oh, they are the disabled people''s dance team."


    Ha Qiqi was taken aback. "Disabled?"


    Sun Jie acknowledged, "Yes, they''re deaf-mutes."


    Little Wang said in amazement, "The deaf and mute can also dance? But how do they that when they can''t hear the music?"


    Sun Jie smiled and said, "That''s something you don''t know about. We have a coach who signals them from offstage every time the musices on. When the children see the signals, they''ll know when to perform which movements. All of this is only possible through years of training."


    Ha Qiqi said in surprise, "Even that can be done?"


    Sun Jie said, "Of course. These girls might look young, but they''ve actually been part of the ensemble for many years. The youngest one is already 20 years old. It''s just a shame that their physical condition is not as good as the others." She continued, "Director Zhang, shall I get Team Eight''s members to show you their dance?"


    But Zhang Ye kept looking at those deaf-mute girls. "Can you let them show me their dance?"


    "You''re curious about how they manage to dance, right? Sure, no problem." Sun Jie said, "Teacher Qi, why don''t you all put on a little performance for Director Zhang?"


    Qi Xiaomei got excited at the mention. "But the music, Manager Sun?"


    Sun Jie said impatiently, "There''s no need for the music. Just a simple routine is enough."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "We''re just curious, sorry to trouble you."


    "It''s no trouble, no trouble at all." Qi Xiaomei inhaled and quickly turned around and signed to the young women.


    It''s finally our turn!


    Go for it!


    Kids, do your best!


    Qi Xiaomei was silently cheering in her head.


    In a sh, the dozen-odd girls broke out into a dance.


    Qi Xiaomei gave them a signal.


    Five of the children separated from the group.


    Qi Xiaomei gave them a different signal.


    The girls on the other side performed a movement in a magically uniform motion!


    This was the first time that Little Wang was seeing deaf-mute people dance. It was very eye-opening to her.


    Ha Qiqi was enjoying the performance very much.


    Only Zhang Ye stayed silent throughout as he stared unblinkingly at each of them. He was watching their every move, looking at each for a very long time.


    The dance ended.


    Qi Xiaomei put her hands down.


    The dozen-odd deaf-mute dancers stood still and looked at Zhang Ye.


    Sun Jie smile and said, "That''s roughly how they do it, by depending on the signals given by Teacher Qi. Alright, Director Zhang, shall I get Team Eight and Nine onto the stage then? You can slowly pick after that. There''s a lot of good young talent amongst them."


    Qi Xiaomei looked disappointed.


    The dozen-odd girls bowed their heads in dismay.


    But Zhang Yeughed. "That won''t be necessary, Manger Sun. I already have a decision in mind."


    Sun Jie''s eyes lit up. She said, "Oh? Which team is it? Team One? Or Team Two? It''s fine, pick whoever you prefer. We''ll surely do our best to cooperate." She turned her head and called for those from Team One and Two toe over.


    Qi Xiaomei''s team had once again been pushed to the back.


    Qi Xiaomei bit her bottom lip.


    But the next thing that happened stunned everyone!


    Zhang Ye strode forward and went past the crowd. He walked in front of the deaf-mute dancers. "Are you the coach? How do I address you?"


    Qi Xiaomei was stunned. "I-I''m Qi Xiaomei."


    Zhang Ye smiled and nodded. "Hello, Teacher Qi. I have a dance here that is already choreographed with a piece of music, and the costumes are also readily avable. I would like to give the dance to your team. If you can practice this dance until I''m satisfied, I''ll leave a spot for them on this year''s Spring Festival G!"


    Stunned!


    Everyone was stunned!


    Sun Jie said dumbfoundedly, "Director Zhang, we have more suitable teams for your��"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "There isn''t anyone more suitable than them."


    "But their physical conditions are much better than��" Sun Jie said.


    Zhang Ye repeated, "I want them!"


    Little Wang hesitated. "Director Zhang, you��"


    Zhang Ye cut her off. "Don''t try to convince me. The choreography for my dance only suits them." He looked at Qi Xiaomei and said, "Teacher Qi, there isn''t much time left. Do you think you guys can do it?"


    Qi Xiaomei covered her mouth as tears welled up. "Yes! We can do it! We can do it!" she sobbed. "Thank you! Thank you!"


    The deaf-mute girls did not understand.


    What was going on?


    Why was Teacher Qi crying?


    Upon that realization, the girls hurriedly signed to Teacher Qi to ask her.


    Qi Xiaomei immediately signed a long sequence back, her hands trembling!


    The dozen-odd girls were stunned!


    It''s us?


    Us?


    Director Zhang chose us?


    We''ve been chosen��to perform at the Spring Festival G?!


    Six or seven girls broke down into tears!


    Another three girls screamed and ran over to hug Qi Xiaomei!


    "Wu wu wu!"


    "Ah wu!"


    "Ah woo!"


    They couldn''t speak and were making unintelligible sounds!


    Sobs!


    Shouts!


    Hugs!


    Jumping for joy!


    The sight was very touching!


    Qi Xiaomei hugged the children and cried loudly. She said loudly, "You girls are the best! I knew it! I knew that you were the best!"


    Eight years of hard work!


    Eight years of waiting!


    Eight years of looking forward to this!


    They finally managed to get onto the stage of the Spring Festival G after waiting for so long!


    ��


    Zhang Ye left as he still had other acts to finalize.


    Leaving behind Sun Jie and the group of dance troupe members and making them confused.


    Why?


    Why was it them?


    Some people were envious!


    Some were jealous!


    Some sighed in disappointment!


    Qi Xiaomei and her team were still crying. They were still immersed in the jubnce and were in disbelief at what had just happened!


    At this moment, Sun Jie shouted angrily, "What are you all doing! Get out of here!"


    Everyone looked at Qi Xiaomei.


    Qi Xiaomei got so scared that she quickly dried her tears and dragged her team with her to head outside. "We''ll get back to practicing immediately!"


    Sun Jie was taken aback. "But this is the practice room, so where are you headed off to, Teacher Qi?"


    Qi Xiaomei was used to getting scolded all the time. Hearing that, she was startled. "Ah?"


    Sun Jie red at all of the other teams'' members and said, "I was talking about all of you! What are you all looking at me for! Can''t you see that Teacher Qi and her team still need to practice? Standing here and looking at them won''t help with that! Hurry up and clear this ce for Teacher Qi! Let me say this: Starting from today, whoever dares disturb Teacher Qi and her team from practicing will be kicked out by me personally! Starting today, all activities in the dance troupe will center around Teacher Qi and her team!"


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    Qi Xiaomei was also stunned!


    Sun Jie walked over and patted Qi Xiaomei on her shoulder amiably. "Teacher Qi, well done. Your team did very well. I knew that you girls would definitely make it!"


    The members of Team One and Two were nearly in tears.


    Damn!


    How did you change your attitude so quickly!

 Chapter 1322

    <h4>Chapter 1322 </h4>


    Chapter 1322: The one and only sessor to the art of cross-gender acting!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the evening.


    Night had fallen.


    At a theater, some performances were currently going on. It was the end of the year, and more and more of such performances were everywhere. The audience was mainly made up of themon folks, and entry fares were not expensive.


    The car came to a stop.


    Zhang Ye, Ha Qiqi, and Little Wang got out.


    Ha Qiqi wondered, "What is this ce?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Little Wang, go buy three tickets."


    Little Wangplied and went to purchase the tickets.


    The ticket booth''s window was already closed.


    The employee saw her and said, "The performances began half an hour ago."


    Little Wang took out money. "Are there still any seats left?"


    "Well, we do still have some seats," the employee said.


    Little Wang said, "Then please give me three tickets. It''s fine even if the performances have already begun."


    The employee hesitated for a moment. "Alright, as long as you guys don''t mind."


    With the tickets in hand, the three of them entered the theater.


    This was one of Beijing''srgest theaters. However, to someone like Zhang Ye and those around him who were ustomed to seeing much bigger events, such a stage was stillparatively small. It was so small that even if anyone were to offer them free tickets, they wouldn''t havee.


    In the back row.


    The three of them found an isted spot to sit.


    There were many seats in the theater, but it was only half-filled.


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Director Zhang, talents can even be found in a small ce like this?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Maybe."


    Little Wang asked doubtfully, "If it were anyone capable, they surely wouldn''te here to perform, would they?"


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s why we''ll have to review it first. I''ll only believe what my eyes tell me."


    Ha Qiqi and Little Wang said nothing else. They knew that Zhang Ye wouldn''t bring them here for no reason. He had to have someone in mind.


    There was a lot happening onstage.


    The audience members were chewing on melons seeds and shouting while watching.


    Two-people rotation 1 .


    Crosstalk.


    Singing.


    All kinds of performances were lined up.


    The performances at such theaters usually wouldn''tst for very long. When Zhang Ye''s group arrived, half the performances had been co. The acts followed one after another. Soon, they arrived at the finale performance.


    The performer came out onto the stage!


    When this performer appeared, the entire audience became very lively.


    "Gao Xiliang is here!"


    "He''s here, he''s appeared!"


    "Haha, I was waiting only to see him!"


    "Show us something good!"


    There were whistles!


    And screams!


    The audience wasughing heartily after waiting so long for this performance to begin.


    On the stage was an actor dressed as a woman. Wearing a ssical dance costume, he started dancing. He even recited a poem in a woman''s voice!


    "The great Yangtze gushes east,


    "Sweeping away heroes of times past.


    "West of the ancient fort,


    "They say, is Zhou Yu''s Red Cliffs of Three Kingdoms'' fame.


    "Jagged rocks pierce the sky,


    "Massive waves pound the shore,


    "Churning up thousands of snowdrifts of foam.


    "Thend, pretty as a picture,


    "Once the locale of countless a hero!"


    It even ended with some light singing at the end.


    This was Zhang Ye''s poem, but the melody wasposed by the actor himself.


    Little Wang was shocked. "Gao Xiliang?"


    Ha Qiqi also knew him. "That cross-gender celebrity? I remember that he''s a D-list celebrity, but this man is a very controversial figure."


    Gao Xiliang. A domestic D-list celebrity. Such celebrities were a dime a dozen in the entertainment circle. There might not be a thousand of them, but there were definitely at least 3 to 500 of them. However, to themon folk, it was actually very worthwhile for them toe to such a theater to watch a small-time D-list celebrity perform. This was also the reason why the organizers had designated Gao Xiliang''s act as the final performance.


    The audience watched as they chatted.


    "He really looks like a woman."


    "Heh, he''s so androgynous."


    "This cross-gender act 2 is pretty boring."


    "Yeah, wouldn''t it be better to get a real woman toe here and dance?"


    "Haha, I actually quite enjoyed it."


    "What do you think he stuffed in his chest?"


    Some people were relished watching the act.


    Some people were scornful of the performance.


    Some people were constantlyughing.


    Only Zhang Ye did not blink as he paid attention to the performance very seriously.


    Every move and action.


    Every frown and smile.


    They were all exactly like how a woman would behave.


    Even Zhang Ye was pretty shaken by it.


    Little Wang suddenly said, "Isn''t he simr to Qian Pingfan from The Voice?"


    Zhang Ye couldn''t help but shake his head. How could you people understand? How are they the same? Qian Pingfan only had a childish voice that sounded feminine. But from head to toe, there was no hint of cross-gender. But this man standing in front of them was the real thing! He was a true master at it!


    I''ve finally found you!


    ��


    The performance ended.


    Backstage.


    Gao Xiliang was removing his makeup.


    His wife, Zhao Ke, who was also his agent, helped him pack his stage costume. She asked, "About the Beijing TV Spring Festival G, did you receive an answer yet? Did you get selected?"


    Gao Xiliang stayed silent.


    Zhao Ke asked, "You got rejected, didn''t you?"


    Gao Xiliang answered her with a sigh.


    Zhao Ke clenched her teeth. "Why don''t you try approaching Liaoning TV?"


    Gao Xiliang answered evenly, "I''ve already done that, but there was no response from them."


    "Old Gao." Zhao Ke looked at him heartbroken. "You''ve worked hard for so long and been scolded for as many years. Can you really continue down this path?"


    Gao Xiliang pondered for a moment. "I don''t know."


    "Then you��"


    "But this is what I love doing."


    "You''re saying that again. You love it, but who will love you? You''ve been learning the art for over a decade and started acting in cross-gender roles since you were young. You and your teacher have put in so much hard work, but look at what that resulted in. The audience still can''t ept it." Zhao Ke''s eyes reddened. "Old Gao, why not��why not just forget it? I-I really can''t watch you getting scolded by others anymore!"


    Gao Xiliang said with a sinking voice, "Ever since Teacher passed away, the only sessor left is me. If I quit too, who will be responsible for handing down this art form? Little Ke, I cannot retire from this. Otherwise, this art form is finished!" He paused. "I''ll try again. I''ll try for Tianjin TV''s Spring Festival G."


    Zhao Ke said, "You already tried asking themst year, and the year before that!"


    Gao Xiliang hesitated. "Perhaps it might work out this year."


    The door wasn''t closed and someone entered at this moment.


    That person was wearing a pair of sunsses. "You don''t need to go to the Tianjin TV Spring Festival G anymore."


    Gao Xiliang looked at him suspiciously. "You are?"


    Zhao Ke also frowned and looked at him. "What are you implying?" She oftenined about her husband too, but wouldn''t stand for anyone who looked down on him. "What do you mean by there''s no need to go to the Tianjin TV Spring Festival G anymore?" Are you saying that Old Gao is not good enough for them? Who do you think you are? We''re talking amongst ourselves here; what business is it of yours? Do you think we need you to give us advice?" she spoke fiercely.


    Gao Xiliang stopped her and said, "Little Ke, what''s gotten into you?"


    Zhao Ke said angrily, "This man is crazy. He''s too nosy!"


    Zhang Ye got showered with scolding and didn''t know whether tough or cry. He adjusted his wording and said, "I was saying, there''s no need to go to the Tianjin TV Spring Festival G anymore." He looked at Gao Xiliang. "Would you like to try for the Central TV Spring Festival G instead?"


    Gao Xiliang was startled!


    Zhao Ke was stunned!


    Central TV''s Spring Festival G?


    Who are you?


    Who do you think you are?


    Zhang Ye removed his sunsses.


    Zhao Ke instantly let out a scream!


    Gao Xiliang shot out of his seat. "Director, Director Zhang?!"


    Both of them were dumbfounded!


    Tongue-tied and ck-jawed!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "So do you want toe on the Central TV Spring Festival G?"


    Gao Xiliang shouted at once, "I do! I do!"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright then,e look for me at Central TV tomorrow. I have an act to give you."


    Zhang Ye turned and left.


    Gao Xiliang stood in the same spot in surprise, unable to move!


    Zhao Ke covered her mouth in shock, then kneeled down and started crying!


    Heavens!


    The Spring Festival G!


    The day that Old Gao had been waiting for had finally arrived!


    It had finally arrived!

 Chapter 1323

    <h4>Chapter 1323 </h4>


    Chapter 1323: What sort of a Spring Festival G will it be this year!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    In the office of the Spring Festival G production team.


    After Zhang Ye returned, the news started spreading.


    "What?"


    "A deaf-mute dance troupe?"


    "Laborer singers?"


    "A cross-gender actor?"


    "Wh-What''s with all of these performers?"


    "What is Director Zhang thinking?"


    "Yeah, just what kind of acts are in this new program list?"


    "They won''t do. How can we possibly have it like that!"


    "That''s right. This��this program list is too casual!"


    When the new program list was first released, everyone was very excited. No one had expected Zhang Ye to finish nning it within a night. But when they learned about the performers that Zhang Ye had invited, everyone felt like puking blood. They felt that these choices weren''t even as good as those that were rejected during the first approval session!


    The leaders were rmed!


    The executives on the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee couldn''t sit still any longer!


    Over there, Zhang Ye was just leading some people from the production team to check on the progress of the stage. Before they could get there, they were stopped by some executives on the organizingmittee.


    ��


    Not far from them.


    The Naval Song and Dance Troupe were rehearsing. They were the star act of the Spring Festival G and had appeared on its stage almost every year. But this year, they had encountered a problem. After the first approval session had left the status of all the acts hanging, the coach, Liu Dazhi, became very anxious. They only managed to secure another meeting to put a new act up for approval by the Spring Festival G''s production team after approaching many of their contacts.


    But unexpectedly, Zhang Ye was also here!


    And there were also executives on the organizingmittee!


    From behind, a group of youngdies and men were getting excited!


    "Quickly look!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "What are they talking about?"


    "Why aren''t they walking over here anymore?"


    Among them, the most excited person was a youngdy.


    She was not old and was probably around 20 years of age.


    It was Teacher Zhang!


    It was him in the flesh!


    Hu Die''s 1 eyes were staring straight ahead. She wanted to run up to Zhang Ye to have a closer look at him more than anything!


    She really liked Zhang Ye very much. From the time before Zhang Ye became famous, Hu Die was his fan. Just to catch a glimpse of Zhang Ye, she had spent the money that she had worked so hard at saving to buy ast-row ticket from a scalper to attend the King of Masked Singers'' concert. When she saw Zhang Ye singing in the rain, she even got so emotional that she cried.


    After she learned that Zhang Ye had been appointed as the Spring Festival G''s executive director, Little Hu Die decided that she must definitely get on the Spring Festival G as well. She went to plead with the teachers and leaders to bring her along with them. But as her standard was not up to par, and she couldn''tpare with her brothers and sisters in the troupe, she did not manage to go to the first approval session. As such, Hu Die cried to herself under her bedsheets for an entire night when it happened.


    However, she didn''t expect that there could be a turnaround. The Naval Song and Dance Troupe did not pass their first approval session and the leaders had to makest-minute changes to the act for their reattempt. Theycked several dancers for this revised act, so Hu Die went about doing favors just to be considered for a role. She brought food for the teachers and washed clothes for the troupe''s brothers and sisters. In the end, she managed to get a chance to be included for a role. And now that they had arrived at Central TV, she actually got to see Zhang Ye as well. They were only 50 meters apart, and this was the closest to him that she had ever gotten!


    She felt so fortunate!


    Hu Die was getting a little overwhelmed!


    The coach, Liu Dazhi, whisper-shouted, "What are you all doing! Where is your organizational discipline? Little Hu Die! Look at how you''re behaving!"


    Hu Die said, "They''re all having a look too. Troupe Leader, why are you always picking on me?"


    Liu Dazhi rolled his eyes and said, "You''re the onlyss who''s staring so fixedly!"


    "Little Hu Die''s eyes were almost popping out."


    "Heehee, you little infatuated fool."


    "Little Top 2 has be an infatuated fool."


    The big brothers and sisters were all teasing her.


    Liu Dazhi harrumphed. "Go, stand to the side and start your punishment."


    Hu Die pulled a long face. "Again?"


    Liu Dazhi said, "You''re the worst performer in the troupe. I''ve already made an exception by bringing you along to let you gain some experience, yet you''re still not making the effort to work hard. If I don''t punish you, who will I punish?"


    Hu Die said aggrieved, "Whatever."


    Liu Dazhi said, "If I don''t say that you can stop, don''t stop."


    Hu Die went off to the side with everyoneughing around her. There, she began twisting her body and started turning around and around again��this was the standard punishment of the Naval Song and Dance Troupe. The person being punished would have to turn around in circles until they became dizzy. Not anyone could take such a punishment. Ordinary folks would often lose their bnce the moment they spin around ten times. But for these dancers, they would have tost longer than that. Some of them could go on spinning for five minutes, while others might be able to do so for up to ten minutes. Of course, there was also an oddity that existed in the Naval Song and Dance Troupe. And that oddity was Hu Die!


    How long could she keep spinning for?


    No one knew!


    That was because no one had seen her getting dizzy before!


    Hu Die was notparable to the big brothers and sisters of the troupe in all other aspects. Singing? She was only average. Dancing? She was not amazing either. Only in the aspect of taking punishment was she better than everyone else in the entire troupe. As such, she was given the nickname: Little Top.


    Hu Die started twirling in circles on the balls of her feet. Each time shepleted a circle, she would take a look at Zhang Ye.


    She felt so blessed!


    Hu Die was overjoyed!


    Liu Dazhi speechlessly shook his head, thinking about how this child was beyond help. Then he instructed the others in a low voice, "Director Zhang is having a discussion over there. When they finish and start walking over, I''ll signal with my eyes to all of you so that everyone knows when to start the performance. We have to make the best of it so that we can catch Director Zhang''s attention. That would be half the missionpleted. Remember, our Naval Song and Dance Troupe must make it onto the Spring Festival G this year as well. Otherwise, none of us will have it good when we get back!"


    "Understood."


    "We know."


    "Don''t worry about it, Coach."


    ��


    The discussion over there ended.


    Zhang Ye finally convinced the executives of the organizingmittee.


    An official from the Ministry of Culture said, "Alright then, we''ll see how everything goes during the second approval session."


    Another executive gave a bitter smile and said, "Director Zhang, these are the only three concessions we can make. If the acts don''t have a great effect, they will definitely be rejected."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Trust me on it."


    They talked as they walked.


    Liu Dazhi quickly gave the wink!


    The troupe members immediately began performing!


    A female executive asked, "So far, there are only three acts that have been firmed up?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged and said, "I already have in mind the candidates for the other acts. I''ll gather them up within three days and put them through rehearsals."


    Ha Qiqi was distracted by something.


    Zhang Zuo looked across to the front.


    An executive on the organizingmittee said, "Is this a rehearsal?"


    Another executive said, "They''re people from the Naval Song and Dance Troupe, aren''t they?"


    Zhang Ye seemed to have noticed and was momentarily stunned as he stopped in his tracks.


    The other people also gradually stopped in their tracks and watched the troupe''s performance.


    Liu Dazhi was silently cheered up by that. They were sessful at catching their attention.


    Hu Die also got excited at this. She wanted to stop turning so that she could rejoin the group of big brothers and sisters in their dance. But when she remembered the instructions of her coach, she could only carry on with her punishment. She was in pure anxiety. Teacher Zhang saw us! He saw us! Heavens! Can I stop spinning already! There goes my image!


    Eh?


    Is Teacher Zhang looking at me?


    No, no, that must be an illusion!


    Assistant Director Zhang Zuo asked, "Coach Liu, are you rehearsing?"


    Liu Dazhi hurriedly came over. "Yes, we''ve arranged a new dance for our act and would like to show it to the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee executives. We''re hoping that they could reexamine our act and consider us for the g?"


    The official from the Ministry of Culture was amused as he pointed to the side. "Why is there someone standing away from the group? And her movements are different from the others too?"


    When Liu Dazhi turned to look, he nearly blew up in anger. He went over and whispered, "Aiyo, my youngdy, why are you still spinning for! Stop, stop!"


    Hu Die came to a stop. Her breathing was still very even, and she was not even panting.


    Liu Dazhi said in embarrassment, "I was just punishing her for earlier."


    Ha Qiqi said with interest, "Your troupe''s punishment is pretty unique."


    "Haha, it''s normal, it''s normal." Liu Dazhiughed it off.


    The troupe''s dance finally ended.


    But Zhang Ye did not seem interested at all. His eyes were still on that person standing in the corner. When the dancers came to a stop, Zhang Ye suddenly asked, "You there, what''s your name?"


    You?


    Who are you asking?


    Everyone looked to their left and right.


    Hu Die had a startled expression on her face. She pointed at herself. "Me?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yeah, you."


    Hu Die got all excited and nearly fainted. "Me��My name is Hu Die!"


    Oh my God!


    Teacher Zhang has spoken to me!


    Zhang Ye asked again, "How long did you spin for just now?"


    Hu Die said excitedly, "I spun for ten minutes?"


    Zhang Ye asked, "How long can you spin for?"


    Hu Die blushed. "Me? I can spin for however long I want to spin!"


    Liu Dazhi hurriedly intervened and said, "Don''t listen to her bragging. In the past when she was punished, the longest she went on spinning for was three hours. We didn''t allow her to spin any longer than that."


    The production team''s people were dumbfounded.


    "Three hours?"


    "That amazing?"


    "Is everyone from your troupe able to spin for so long?"


    Liu Dazhi said nervously, "How can that be possible? In the entire troupe, only she can do that. The others wouldn''t evenst past 10 minutes of spinning. Thisss seems to be born without a sense of vertigo. But other than spinning, she''s no good at everything else."


    Hearing that, Hu Die shyly bowed her head.


    You freaking Old Liu!


    Freaking Old Liu!


    Why are you always putting me down!


    But at this moment, Zhang Ye said something surprising, "Four hours, can you spin for that long?"


    Hu Die was stunned. "��I can."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright, then I''ll see you at the second approval session. I''ll leave an act for you to perform."


    The entire venue burst into an uproar!


    "What?"


    "Director Zhang!"


    "What''s the meaning of this?"


    "Ah?"


    Everyone was stunned!


    Liu Dazhi''s jaw dropped!


    Hu Die was dumbfounded. "Me?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes."


    Hu Die stared with wide eyes. "I''m going to the Spring Festival G?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes."


    "I��Who will I be a backup dancer to?"


    "You''re not going to be a backup dancer. The entire act is for you alone."


    Hu Die said in shock, "What act is it?"


    Zhang Ye said matter-of-factly, "Spinning in circles, of course!"


    When they heard this, everyone who was present was floored!


    Spinning in circles?


    How is spinning in circles even an act?


    Can you fucking stop kidding me?


    The few executives of the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee could hardly breathe. "Director Zhang, you��this��Aiyo, we are going to wash our hands of this. Just do whatever you like!" The executives were driven off in anger!


    The remaining people looked at Hu Die in awe.


    Liu Dazhi''s face swirled with a mix of emotions!


    Her big brothers and sisters in the troupe were speechless!


    Why was it Little Top?


    Why did she get chosen out of all people?


    Unbeknownst to them, the Spring Festival G production team members were even more horrified!


    What a weirdo!


    What kind of fucking wondrous acts are these!


    Of the numerous singers there are, you found twoborers instead?


    Of so many dance troupes out there, you had to choose a deaf-mute group?


    Of so many actors around, you had to find a cross-gender actor?


    Of all the dancers avable, you looked for someone who could only spin around in circles?


    The Spring Festival G''s production team members were utterly confused!


    Christ on a bike!


    What sort of a Spring Festival G will it be this year!


    Legge Legge

 Chapter 1324 - 40 acts are lined up!

    <h4>Chapter 1324 - 40 acts are lined up! </h4>


    Chapter 1324: 40 acts are lined up!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The executives on the organizingmittee who had been driven away in anger did not know what else they could say.


    "What kinds of acts are these?"


    "He can even make an act out of spinning in circles? How would that even be watchable?"


    "What the heck is Director Zhang thinking?"


    "He''s always been someone who doesn''t do things ording tomon sense!"


    "Let''s see how the second approval session goes. If it doesn''t work out, we''ll just cut them!"


    "Do you even need to see how it will go? It''s definitely not going to work out. And by the time we cut the acts, it will definitely not just be one or two of them. It''s definitely going to be a mass cut, hai."


    If it were someone else?


    If it were another director who did this?


    They would have intervened much earlier on. In fact, they would probably have even lost their temper at that director!


    But when faced with Zhang Ye, they found it more difficult to use harsh words on him. Even if they didn''t do it for the sake of the monk, they''d have to do it for the sake of the Buddha. Who could afford to not spare Wu Zeqing some face?


    "Why don''t we bring this up to Chief Wu first?"


    "I''ll see what Chief Wu''s attitude on this matter is."


    One of them immediately called her.


    Du du du.


    The call connected.


    "Hello, Chief Wu."


    "Oh, it''s Chief Zhao."


    "I hope I didn''t disturb your rest at this hour."


    "It''s fine, I haven''t slept yet."


    "About the acts for the Spring Festival G, we''ve met with some problems. What I would like to ask is��"


    "Hur hur, but the Spring Festival G isn''t under my jurisdiction, right? You''re the executives of the organizingmittee, so I''m sure you can discuss it amongst yourselves."


    "You''re the SARFT''s leader, so how can we skip over you, right?"


    "Aren''t Chief He and Director Liu already representing the SARFT on the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee? Besides, you should also be aware that the executive director of the Spring Festival G is my husband. Wouldn''t I have to steer clear of this matter?"


    "But the issue is that there is a lot of controversy surrounding the acts."


    "Wasn''t there a new list of acts drawn up for the g?"


    "It''s the new acts that have an issue."


    "Old Zhao, if you''re asking me in my official capacity, I''d still say the same thing as I did before. This matter is not under my jurisdiction, so I won''t offer any opinion on it. But if you''re telling me this in my personal capacity, then I can only tell you that I understand what my husband is like. He might handle things in a rather odd way, but he has never disappointed before, has he? I believe in his judgment. If he thinks that a certain act will be good, then it will definitely be good."


    Do things in a rather odd way?


    Was this odd?


    It was more like bizarre, alright!


    Chief Zhao could only shake his head helplessly with augh. "Alright, I understand."


    From those few words alone, even though Wu Zeqing said that she had to steer clear of the matter and that it wasn''t under her jurisdiction, she was actually giving her utmost support to her husband.


    Hai, forget it.


    They could only wait until the second approval session was held.


    ��


    In the next few days.


    He scheduled the acts into the lineup one by one.


    The script for each act was written by Zhang Ye.


    ��


    The fifth act.


    Zhang Ye called Chen Guang and Fan Wenli.


    "Hello, Director Zhang?"


    "Old Chen, doe for the second approval session."


    "Me and Wenli?"


    "Yes."


    "I was just waiting to hear these words of yours. What kind of act will it be?"


    "It will still be singing, but I''ll need you to sing a different song. I''ll contribute a track for it."


    "Haha, that''ll be great. It''s our gain then."


    ��


    The eighth act.


    Zhang Ye made a video call to Zhang Yuanqi.


    "Old Zhang, are you back in the country yet?"


    "I just came back yesterday."


    "Do you know how to y the piano?"


    "I do, but I haven''t yed for a very long time. I''m afraid that I''ll be out of practice."


    "That''s fine, the song isn''t difficult."


    "Then I guess it''s not a problem."


    "Good, then I''ll leave an act for you on the Spring Festival G."


    "What act is it?"


    "It''s definitely a good act, so don''t you worry."


    "Sure."


    ��


    The 15th act.


    "Hello, how''s the progress of that matter I asked about regarding the family of three?"


    "We''ve already found them, Director Zhang."


    "Are they Mongolian?"


    "Yes, it''s a couple who''re both Mongolian singers."


    "What about the child?"


    "The child sings pretty good too."


    "Alright, bring them to Beijing and get them practicing immediately."


    "Understood."


    ��


    The 27th act.


    "Director Zhang, hello."


    "Hello."


    "You were looking for me?"


    "I heard that you''re the best magician in the country. I have a few magic tricks here that I wonder if you can perform."


    "About that, I''d have to see what the general difficulty of them are."


    "I can''t tell you about the level of difficulty. After all, I''m not in your line of work. However, I think it''ll be pretty challenging. I need someone who can perform this magic trick wlessly within the month."


    "What''s the content of the magic performance?"


    "I''lle up with something for you."


    "I''ll give it a try then."


    ��


    The 30th act.


    The staff of Ci Xiufang''s Studio came over.


    "Director Zhang, please approve the skit we wrote."


    "Auntie Ci, I really can''t."


    "Everyone''s been preparing for it for three months now."


    "That still won''t do. The skit might be quite good, but it''s still far from being wonderful. For any other station''s Spring Festival G, I don''t care what they do. But on my side, it definitely won''t pass. But Auntie Ci, don''t worry about that. I didn''t say that I won''t let you on the show. How about this? I have a skit here that I find especially suitable for you. But I''ll need you to find a partner for it. There are some requirements for their appearance and height, though, so do you think you can do it?"


    "Yes, pass the script to me."


    "Alright."


    ��


    The 40th act.


    Zhang Ye called Grandma Zhang Xia.


    "Grandma Zhang."


    "So is there a ce for me at the second approval session?"


    "Of course there is. I have a good act that I''ve kept for you."


    "How good is it?"


    "It''s thest act of the Spring Festival G, the finale."


    "Who else is there?"


    "There will also be veteran singers from the song and dance troupes, and you''ll be the one leading them in the song that I''ve nned to change this year."


    "Sure."


    ��


    There were about 40 acts in total for the Spring Festival G.


    Zhang Ye implemented the acts one by one and followed up on each of them.


    Zhang Ye''s workload in recent days started increasing as he went around looking for performers to invite onto the show. In between, he still had to take time out to n the acts, as well as hold meetings with the performers to discuss the scripts. For some of the acts like singing, it wasn''t that troublesome to handle since Zhang Ye would only have to fill in the lyrics andpose the tune. Everything else could be left to the professionals, and he only had to make sure that the final product lined up with his requirements. But for some of the other acts, they were much more difficult to coordinate. For acts like dancing, because Zhang Ye was not a professional choreographer to begin with, he did not know how to present the idea he had in mind to them. He could only demonstrate to the dancers with actual movements and then correct them afterwards. This process took up too much time. As for the magic and acrobatic performances, which were much moreplex, Zhang Ye had ns in mind that he needed to teach to the performers in person and was basically irreceable for this task.


    Looking for people.


    Practicing.


    Constructing props.


    Setting up the stage.


    Preparing the costumes.


    One day.


    Two days.


    Three days.


    Zhang Ye was always kept busy until it was pitch-dark out!


    It was also the same for the performers. Everyone went into full preparation mode overnight. Zhang Yuanqi turned down all work and refreshed herself on ying the piano. Ci Xiufang''s Studio was going through Zhang Ye''s skit for them over and over again. The deaf-mute dance troupe basically lived at Central TV''s dormitories since they had to verify the dance moves with Zhang Ye every day. Hu Die was also practicing her spinning daily and found that it was very difficult to spin for four hours straight. If she drank too much water, she would often get the urge to go to the bathroom. If she drank too little, she would easily be exhausted with the physical exertion on her body. She kept trying to find a bnce.


    Everyone was giving their best for the second approval session!


    Only two approval sessions were going to be held for this year''s Spring Festival G. The second approval session was to confirm the final program list for the Spring Festival G. Even though some adjustments were still going to be made during the rehearsal, the changes would not be that major. No one was willing to give up on this chance, and everyone was thinking only of stepping onto this dream stage!

 Chapter 1325 - The second approval session begins!

    <h4>Chapter 1325 - The second approval session begins! </h4>


    Chapter 1325: The second approval session begins!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Days passed.


    Thepetition was getting intense on the Celebrity Rankings Index.


    ��A Heavenly King achieved great sess at a global new year countdown concert!


    ��A Heavenly Queen''stest holiday movie''s box office earnings reach a new high!


    ��Another Heavenly King''s suspected rtionship was exposed butter proven to be a case of mistaken identity!


    The end of the year 1 was approaching, and the artists were starting topete with one another. Sometimes, the ranking of a celebrity at the end of a year would be an indicator of their worth in theing year. If they wanted to raise their worth, endorsement pay, or filmmissions, their position on the Celebrity Rankings Index was the most important criteria. Thepetition amongst the celebrities still boiled down to their poprities overall.


    Butmon folk were still concerned with the changes in the S-list rankings. Since Zhang Ye was making a move to reach the summit, one of those seven S-list celebrities would have to step down. Judging from the packed schedules of the Heavenly Kings and Queens, it could be seen that they were responding to this matter. In fact, their response was very intense too, and this further illustrated that Zhang Ye was truly bing a threat to them. They were finally unable to sit still. The battle had begun.


    In recent days.


    A certain Heavenly King''s poprity rose again.


    A certain Heavenly Queen had reimed her spot at the pinnacle of the film industry.


    Those seven people had more or less taken another step.


    It was the same for Zhang Ye. Wearing the halo of the Spring Festival G, a lot of attention was also given to him. Even though he didn''t have any new works to speak of, even if he didn''t appear in front of the audience, Zhang Ye''s poprity still did not drop. In fact, it continued to climb steadily. During this period of time, it was all about the Spring Festival G.


    Would it be a sess?


    Or would it be a failure?


    Would Zhang Ye be able to reach the summit?


    Was there going to be a change in the entertainment circle soon?


    All of that would have to depend on this year''s Spring Festival G!


    ��


    On this day.


    It was the day of the second approval session.


    The news reports were updated like a bombing run. Some of the news had only just been received by the media. The secrecy surrounding the Spring Festival G had always been very high, so it was very difficult for the media to get hold of thetest updates surrounding it.


    "The second approval session begins!"


    "The Spring Festival G''s production enters its final stages!"


    "Who will be chosen for the finale act?"


    "ording to a news source, Zhang Yuanqi will be joining the cast of this year''s Spring Festival G!"


    "Major insider news: Zhang Ye redos the program list!"


    "Zhang Ye personally ns out over 40 acts for the g!"


    "Will Zhang Ye be able to manage the dance choreographies?"


    "Will the magic programs also be personally created by Zhang Ye?"


    "After tonight, the final program list for the Spring Festival G will be revealed!"


    After many of the citizens saw the news, they were scared silly. Like the media, it was the first time they''d heard of such a thing!


    "What did they say?"


    "Holy fuck!"


    "40 acts?"


    "Dancing? Singing? Skits? Crosstalks? Magic? Acrobatics?"


    "All of them? All of the acts were rewritten by Zhang Ye?"


    "Are you kidding me?"


    "They must be mistaken, right!"


    "Impossible! This is probably fake news, right?"


    "Teacher Zhang is nning something again!"


    "My titanium dog eyes are blinded! Does it have to be this exciting!"


    "They''re really ying it big!"


    The media turned their attention.


    The public was in an uproar.


    The industry insiders also expressed their views.


    "This is too rash of Director Zhang."


    "Yeah, who the heckes up with all the acts by themselves?"


    "He wrote all of the 40 acts by himself? Isn''t that too exaggerated?"


    "But from another perspective, this shows that the guy is amazing."


    "Yeah! Other than him, who would dare to do it like this?"


    "Does he know anything about dancing? Why is he even doing the choreography for the dances?"


    "Of course he does. Isn''t he the founding father of za dancing? The version of the dance that the aunties these days are all dancing to for ''Small Apple'' and ''The Hottest Ethnic Trend'' were all choreographed by him."


    "Pfft!"


    "Can you even call that a dance?"


    "He should just leave those matters to the professionals. Why is he taking on everything himself? Does he feel that of all the dance choreographers and skit writers in the country, no one is better than him?"


    The controversy was no small matter.


    It was very shocking.


    There had never been an executive director who wrote all the acts in any of the previous gs. Just how confident and crazy would a person have to be to do something like that?


    ��


    At Central TV.


    The venue of the second approval session.


    The main stage was still not fully set up, so they had to use Broadcasting Studio 3 as a temporary venue.


    Backstage.


    "Teacher Qi, is everything alright?"


    "Everything is fine!"


    "Have you changed that move we discussed?"


    "We''ve already rehearsed the changes!"


    "Alright, I''ll leave it to you all then. Big Sis Ci, please don''t change the lines, alright?"


    "I got it. I tested it after that time and felt that the lines you gave were still better."


    "Little Hu Die."


    "Here, here, I''m here, Director Zhang."


    "Don''t you screw up."


    "Don''t worry. I-I''ll definitelyplete my task!"


    "The second approval session is about to begin. Management will being to observe as well, so do your best, everyone!"


    Zhang Ye gave his instructions to them one by one. Today was the most crucial day of all, and he was suddenly getting anxious as well. It was make or break. Zhang Ye was also not 100% sure if they would seed. He had drawn up all the acts and given the performers a chance, so the rest of it would be up to them to perform to their best onstage.


    Little Wang ran in and shouted, "Director Zhang, Sister-inw has arrived."


    Backstage, the looks in the eyes of quite few people turned ambiguous.


    Zhang Ye coughed. "So what if she has arrived. Why are you shouting that out?"


    When he stepped outside, he saw the executives from the management.


    Other than the executives on the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee, the officials above them from the Ministry of Culture and the SARFT were also here. Clearly, the negative news reports about the Spring Festival G had unsettled them quite a bit. Someone had probably snitched on them and made the higher-ups worried about the event, leading to this joint inspection of the second approval session''s acts. More than a dozen people hade to take part, including the Ministry of Culture''s deputy minister and the SARFT''s deputy chief.


    Wu Zeqing was among them.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Old Wu."


    Wu Zeqing also smiled and walked over. "Here, I brought you a jacket."


    "Hai, you shouldn''t have." Zhang Ye took it from her.


    "It''s quite cold these days. You should wear more." Wu Zeqing said, "Put this on."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye put on the jacket.


    Old Wu helped him adjust the cor and then gave him a nce before saying with a smile, "Alright, you look much more spirited this way."


    Zhang Ye whispered, "What''s with the group of people behind you? Why are they conducting a surprise check? Are they worried about what I''m doing?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Someone has some opinions regarding the acts you''ve nned. They have objections about the performers that you''ve invited as well."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Alright, then I guess I''ll just have to open their eyes today and show them what we have nned."


    An executive on the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee called for him.


    "Director Zhang."


    "Yes?"


    "When are we beginning?"


    "They''re almost ready."


    The leaders got seated in the first row.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and a few others anxiously came to look for Zhang Ye.


    "Are the acts really going to be OK?" Zhang Zuo asked.


    Ha Qiqi said, "I''m not really that confident either."


    Zhang Ye said, "We''ll have to see how they perform."


    The executives were already chattering among themselves.


    Deputy Minister Zhou from the Ministry of Culture was the highest ranked official and was seated in the middle.


    "The stage is notplete yet?"


    "We''re almost done."


    "Is the program list really not eptable?"


    "Hai, those performers are really somewhat��"


    "Then why didn''t you all intervene?"


    "Director Zhang was very insistent on it. Besides, it''s not exactly easy for the organizingmittee to intervene either."


    "Alright, I understand. Let''s have a look at the acts first then. The Spring Festival G is an important affair. It''s political, so it must not have any ws. If the acts don''t work, then they''ll be pulled from the list!"


    Deputy Minister Zhou''s words set the tone for today''s approval session.


    It wasn''t until when Wu Zeqing came back with a smile on her face that they stopped discussing.


    Deputy Minister Zhou had led a team here today for a "surprise attack" to check for problems with the acts. Too many people had feedback to him regarding the bizarre acts that Zhang Ye hade up with. As for what exactly the problems were, Deputy Minister Zhou did not have any details. However, since so many people hadined about it, he knew that there must be a reason.


    He was really curious to see just what kinds of acts they were talking about.

 Chapter 1326 - The approval board’s shock!

    <h4>Chapter 1326 - The approval board''s shock! </h4>


    Chapter 1326: The approval board''s shock!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At 8 AM.


    It was time.


    The Spring Festival G''s second approval session officially began.


    Zhang Ye sat down and said, "Send in the singers."


    The first approval session was the preliminary selection round, while the second approval session was to confirm the acts. As such, the music and stage effects would all have to be ready. Even if the new stage was not fully ready yet, and the facilities of Broadcasting Studio 3 were not enough to bring out the effects to their fullest extent, they would still have to showcase it. Only then would those on the approval board be given a proper performance to assess it. Other than the absence of hosts, and the acts not being presented in order, it wouldn''t be too different from the actual Spring Festival G rehearsal.


    The first group came out.


    It was Chen Guang and Fan Wenli.


    The music yed and the couple began singing.


    Ha Qiqi was nervously clenching her fists.


    Zhang Zuo and Little Wang''s palms starting to sweat.


    Come on!


    You two can do it!


    "Eh, this song is pretty good, isn''t it?"


    "Yeah, it''s quite nice."


    "Who wrote the song?"


    "Uh, it was written by Director Zhang."


    Deputy Minister Zhou lightly nodded.


    The second act came out.


    A family of three appeared.


    Deputy Minister Zhou asked curiously, "I''ve never seen this family before?"


    A person next to him said, "Yes, they''re not exactly well-known."


    But when the family opened their mouths to sing, many people were startled.


    "Eh?"


    "This is quite an interesting song!"


    "It''s pretty nice!"


    "The arrangement is really good and its target audience is also quite different."


    The executives who hade to watch were unanimously praising it.


    The executives of the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee were also extremely surprised!


    This isn''t right!


    It''s not supposed to be like this!


    Deputy Minister Zhou looked at an executive on the organizingmittee and asked, "Isn''t this pretty good?"


    Director Yang dabbed at his sweat. "The main problems are in the acts following."


    Chief Zhao nodded. "Theter ones are the problematic ones."


    Deputy Minister Zhou nodded. "Alright then, let''s keep on watching."


    ��


    The third act.


    "This song is the best!"


    "The dance is great!"


    "This act must be included in the g!"


    "Agreed. This is something new!"


    ��


    The eighth act.


    "Who is this woman?"


    "Yeah, she''s really pretty good at performing!"


    "It''s not a woman! Th-This is a man!"


    "Ah?"


    "But that''s impossible!"


    "Boss, it''s really a man."


    "What''s this performance about?"


    "Director Zhang says it''s a cross-gender act."


    "It''s very good. This art form isn''t often seen by too many people. It should be brought onto this stage so that everyone can learn about it and understand how many talented people there are amongst themon folk. That''s right, Old Yang, Old Zhao, which are the problematic acts you were talking about?"


    "Uh, they''re still further."


    "OK."


    ��


    The tenth act.


    "Oh my God!"


    "They''re��"


    "They''re all deaf-mute?"


    "How did they manage to dance like this? Th-This is amazing!"


    "Shocking! This is so shocking!"


    "All of the kids have done really well!"


    ��


    The 15th act.


    "This dance?"


    "How!"


    "How did they do it?"


    "Why didn''t they fall over?"


    "How did they keep standing upright like that without falling? What''s the method that''s keeping them upright?"


    "It''s too beautiful!"


    "Old Yang, Old Zhao, have the problematic acts appeared yet?"


    "Ah, they''reter."


    "They''re stillter?"


    ��


    The 22nd act.


    "Aiyo!"


    "This magic show is absolutely perfect!"


    "It''s absolutely amazing!"


    "H-How did he manage to pull that off?"


    "You''d have to ask Director Zhang about that. The magic trick was designed by him."


    "Old Yang, Old Zhao, are we getting to the problematic acts yet?"


    "Ah, th-they''re still further."


    ��


    The 29th act.


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, I''m dying ofughter!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "It''s so hrious!"


    "Aiyo, I can''t take it!"


    ��


    The 32nd act.


    "Hahahaha!"


    "This writing, it''s marvelous!"


    "The lines for this will definitely go viral!"


    "It''s really good! This skit is really, really good!"


    "Old Yang, Old Zhao?"


    "Uh,ter, we''re almost getting to them."


    "Yes, yes, we''re almost there."


    ��


    At the beginning, the approval board members were looking to nitpick on problems with each act. But the more it went on, the more surprised everyone became!


    Some people started crying listening to the songs.


    Some peopleughed at the skits.


    Some people marveled at the dance.


    Some people were shocked by the magic show.


    It was really good!


    All of them were very enjoyable!


    All of these acts were nned by Zhang Ye?


    Nobody could believe it!


    Ha Qiqi was dumbfounded!


    Zhang Zuo stared with wide eyes!


    Little Wang was stunned!


    The production team members were so shocked that their jaws dropped!


    It wasn''t like they hadn''t seen Zhang Ye''s program list before. In fact, they also took asional nces at the performers'' practices too. Some of the props were even constructed by them. But to watch the act from the start until finish? None of them had gone through this entire process. Today was also their first time watching the entire program list''s rundown. Their emotions could only be summed up as shocked. These acts hadpletely surpassed their expectations!


    And this was only Broadcasting Studio 3 they were in!


    This was still not the new stage that they would be performing on!


    If it were really transferred onto the new stage, the music, the lightings, the set design, all of those elementsbined would make everything wless. At that time, just how would these programs look like!?


    They didn''t even dare to start thinking about that!


    Wu Zeqing was smiling. Right from the start, she did not say a word.


    At this time, Zhang Ye heaved a sigh of relief. It wasn''t too bad, although there were some acts that still needed tweaking. Some of the performing groups also made some minor mistakes, but all of those were still within eptable limits. After all, the time given to them to prepare was too tight. So Zhang Ye was quite satisfied with how it had turned out. The remaining work was to keep letting them practice and refine their performances so that they could cut their mistakes down to a minimum. There was still a lot of room for improvement and practice.


    Several of the skit actors who had just finished performing left the stage.


    Many of the upper management who hade to observe the approval session were so amused that they couldn''t close their mouths.


    Deputy Minister Zhou looked to the side. "Old Zhao? Old Yang? Where are the acts that you two said were problematic?"


    Old Zhao wiped away his sweat. "Th-They''reingter."


    Old Yang could only bite his tongue and say, "Yes, that''s right."


    Ha Qiqi face-smackingly said, "The skit just now was thest act."


    The venue fell silent.


    Old Zhao, Old Yang, and a few other people turned green with anger!


    There was nothing else?


    All of the 40 acts finished up?


    Deputy Minister Zhou stopped smiling and looked at the several of them. He mmed the table and stood up. "What are you all trying to achieve?! Just what are you trying to do!" He pointed at the stage and said, "It''s still l? Then where is it? They''ve already finished performing, so tell me where is it then? Were these the acts that you allined to me that were problematic? Were these the acts that you told me were no good? Do you have any eyes to see with? Do you have any ears to listen with? Tell me, which of the acts were bad?! Huh? If these acts aren''t good enough, then what kinds of acts would be good enough for you people? Go and identify them for me! What kinds of acts?"


    Both Old Yang and Old Zhao were on the verge of tears!


    Wu Zeqing mediated, "Minister Zhou, let''s forget about it."


    Deputy Minister Zhou waved her off and said, "Chief Wu, don''t speak up for them. I''ve been infuriated today." He looked at the executives on the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee and said, "Chief Wu''s husband worked so hard and professionally to make the acts work that even a blind person can see it. All of the acts were created with soul, as well as blood and sweat. Nobody can know if the audience can ept them until Lunar New Year''s Eve arrives. But at least to those of us here today, I don''t believe that anyone would say that the acts were bad, am I right? None of you will say that they aren''t good enough, isn''t that so? In that case, they''re definitely good acts! But what did you all do? Nothing at all! You all only know how to snitch on the production team and tell me that we have problems here and there every single day. Are you trying to create trouble?!"


    Old Zhao hurriedly said, "Minister, we were in the wrong because we didn''t understand it clearly."


    Old Yang said, "We were derelict in our duty." Turning around, he looked at Zhang Ye. "Director Zhang, we''re sorry."


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "It''s nothing that serious. Artistic works have neither good or bad points. Some people might like it, while others might dislike it. That''s very normal."


    Deputy Minister Zhou said regretfully, "Director Zhang, you''ve done a fantastic job."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "We''re just serving the people."


    Deputy Minister Zhou said excitedly, "These acts are all really good. I really didn''t expect that the Spring Festival G could be produced so well after you took charge of it! It''s good! Very good!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Minister, you''re toovish with your praise. There are actually a lot more areas we can improve. Some of the acts had minor issues, so they weren''t presented to the best that it should have been. Right now, they''re still not good enough to be put onto the actual Spring Festival G. I still have to make further adjustments to them. I''ll do my best to rush them out in time so that we can put up the most perfect performance on Lunar New Year''s Eve."


    What?


    It was still not perfect?


    It could still be done better?


    Deputy Minister Zhou was very excited. "Alright, just do as you deem fit. Don''t feel any pressure or feel burdened by the tasks. We''ll leave the Spring Festival G to you this year. We''re depending on you."


    Zhang Ye was ttered. "Don''t stand on ceremony with me. It should be expected of me."


    Deputy Minister Zhou looked at him and said in seriousness, "I''m not trying to be polite. The Spring Festival G is on the decline, and the viewership ratings have been dropping year after year. Looking at where it is headed, we were all panicking. Seeing how the Spring Festival G is doing worse by the year, we''ve beenpletely unable do anything about it. But it will be different this year. I feel that this year''s Spring Festival G will definitely not be like how it was in the past! Teacher Little Zhang, we''re really depending on you for the Spring Festival G. Please don''t let it��be ruined in the hands of our generation!"


    Zhang Ye did not expect Deputy Minister Zhou to say that to him. For a moment, he also turned serious. "Alright! I dare not give you my word on any other thing, but I will carry out my duties to the best of my ability."


    The officials left.


    The organizingmittee left.


    The Spring Festival G''s production team was overflowing with passion!


    "This is so awesome!"


    "We''ve made it through! All of the acts have passed!"


    "Director Zhang, you''re amazing!"


    "All of the acts were so godly!"


    "Those skits were hrious!"


    "The dances were also very amazing!"


    "I have a feeling that this year''s Spring Festival G is going to be super popr!"


    "Let''s hope that it''ll really be different this year!"


    "With Director Zhang around, it will definitely be different!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Don''t speak too early. Times have changed. We still do not know if the audience might like it. Alright, everyone has worked hard in recent days, so hurry back home and get some rest. We still have a lot of work to do starting tomorrow. A lot of the acts still need working on. Some of the set designs will also have to be redone." Turning to Ha Qiqi, he said, "Old Ha, go and tell the performers about the oue, hur hur. They must be feeling very anxious too."


    "Alright, I''ll go let them know!"


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and a few others walked backstage.


    Soon after, endless cheering sounded from backstage!


    "What?"


    "We''ve passed?"


    "All of us went through?"


    "Th-Then that means, we''ve all been confirmed for the Spring Festival G?"


    "Ahhhh!"


    "I''m going on the Spring Festival G!"


    "Oh my God!"


    "I have to call my mom right now! I need to let her know about this!"


    "Are you serious? Is this really happening?"


    It was a scene of tion!


    Qi Xiaomei was crying!


    Hu Die was screaming!


    Gao Xiliang stood there in shock, his mind nk!


    This was really just like a dream!

 Chapter 1327 - Great anticipation!

    <h4>Chapter 1327 - Great anticipation! </h4>


    Chapter 1327: Great anticipation!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    The finalized program list from the second approval session was revealed.


    ��


    The doorbell rang.


    "Brother Gao! Brother Gao!"


    "Sis Chen, what''s the matter?"


    "Quick, watch the news!"


    "What news?"


    "Don''t you all know yet? Your family''s Xiliang is going to be on the Spring Festival G!"


    "But that''s impossible!"


    "The program list has been announced!"


    "What?"


    ��


    The phone rang.


    A few minutester.


    "Old Hu!"


    "What are you shouting for? You scared me half to death!"


    "Old Hu! Old Hu!"


    "What is it? Who just called?"


    "It was from our daughter! Sh-She''s going to be on the Spring Festival G!"


    "Ah? She can even go on the Spring Festival G with that standard of hers? Who''s she going to be a backup dancer to?


    "She''s not going to be a backup dancer! She has an act tailored for her!"


    "What did you say? No way! When did the Spring Festival G lower their standards for its performers?"


    "Get lost! Why can''t you have more confidence in our daughter!"


    "Our daughter keeps getting punished by the coach of the Naval Song and Dance Troupe. She can never perform any of those difficult dance moves and actions. All she knows is how to spin around in circles, so how��how could I have any confidence in that!"


    ��


    At the same time, there was another matter that was publicly announced. The upper management had issued a notice to announce that the executive director of the Spring Festival G this year, Zhang Ye, would be included in the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee as a deputymittee leader. This news caused quite the surprise in the media and industry. The executive director had always been the head of the Spring Festival G''s production team and its authority covered matters of the show''s production as well as a series of other rted matters. Meanwhile, the supervising authority of the executive directory with the Spring Festival G Organizing Committee. If there were any divided opinions, the final decision would depend on the executives on the organizingmittee. But now, Zhang Ye was going to be appointed as a deputymittee leader of the organizingmittee?


    What did this mean?


    What did this represent?


    There had never been an executive director in the history of the Spring Festival G who was admitted into the organizingmittee before!


    Zhang Ye was the first person to get in, and he was also the only exception so far!


    The signal that this event sent out was worth ruminating on!


    "The program list gets revealed!"


    "Zhang Ye admitted into the leadership group!"


    "Zhang Ye''s authority has been strengthened even further!"


    "This year''s Spring Festival G is branded with the Zhang name!"


    An interview was even broadcast on Central TV''s News Channel.


    It was a summarized conversation between a Central TV reporter and the Ministry of Culture''s Deputy Minister Zhou.


    The reporter asked, "What were the reasons behind appointing Zhang Ye as a deputymittee leader?"


    Deputy Minister Zhou said with a smile, "Because of the trust that we have in Director Zhang."


    "Can you reveal a little bit about the acts that were in the second approval session?"


    "We have to keep that a secret. All I can say is that we''re very pleased to have gotten Director Zhang to take charge of the Spring Festival G this year. Zhang Ye is the most serious and responsible director that I''ve evere across. We believe that everyone will experience a different Spring Festival G this year."


    Very pleased?


    The most serious and responsible?


    This was such high praise!


    The minister''s deration was the strongest support that could be given to Zhang Ye!


    The public was also very surprised!


    "What happened at the second approval session yesterday?"


    "I don''t know."


    "The upper management has entirely delegated the Spring Festival G to Zhang Ye?"


    "Yeah, I find that weird too. Aren''t they too trusting of him?"


    "The Spring Festival G has turned to advertising this year and the program list was changed at thest minute. With so much negative news, why would the upper management still dare to give Zhang Ye even more authority?"


    "Could it be that the acts in the second approval session were all pretty good?"


    "Zhang Ye is now someone who wields the greatest authority in the entertainment circle!"


    "Yeah. Back then, it was just a saying. But it looks like it has be true now."


    "This is so impressive. How did he achieve that? Even Hao Guang, the executive director of the Spring Festival G three years ago who enjoyed such a good rtionship with the higher-ups, did not get admitted into the organizingmittee. Be it the acts or the work put in, he had to do things ording to the decisions of the higher-ups and seek their opinions. However, Zhang Ye has managed to do it!"


    "The higher-ups must have taken a liking to the acts."


    "But just look at the program list. I don''t see anything special about it."


    "What are these songs? I''ve never heard of them before."


    "They must be new songs written by Zhang Ye."


    "There''s even going to be a magic show? And song and dance? We won''t know anything just from the title of the acts."


    "Yeah, just what kinds of acts are they? Why aren''t they revealing any more details?"


    "This is killing me! I would like to know too."


    "It seems like many of the performers this year are unknowns."


    "Right, why are there so many neers?"


    "I only know Zhang Yuanqi, Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, and Fan Wenli."


    "I know about Gao Xiliang, but why did he get on the Spring Festival G too?"


    "A deaf-mute dance group? Fuck this!"


    "How can they dance if they can''t hear the music?"


    "I really don''t get this program list at all."


    "Well, there''s Teacher Ci Xiufang who''s a regr."


    "Yeah, there aren''t too many changes in the performers'' lineup of thenguage acts."


    "They still look simr to the previous years, right? There isn''t much difference."


    "Yeah, it doesn''t seem like there''s anything surprising there."


    "There aren''t any Korean celebrities this year, though. I''ll give Zhang Ye a Like for that."


    "Hur hur, I don''t know about the other stations'' Spring Festival G. But if the Spring Festival G directed by Zhang Ye had Korean celebrities joining, I would immediately jump off the roof."


    "Who is this Little Hu Die?"


    "I''ve never heard of this person before."


    "Old Chen and Old Fan will be singing a duet, while Zhang Xia will be leading those veteran singers and sharing the stage with them for a group performance. So why does this unknown have an act all to herself? This is as good as a Heavenly King or Queen''s treatment! As a neer, what right does she have?"


    "Damn, look at the estimated duration of Little Hu Die''s act!"


    "Ah, my eyes!"


    "Fuck, this��this��"


    "What?"


    "Four hours?"


    "What the heck!"


    "''Time''? What the fuck could this act be about?"


    "The Spring Festival G itself will only be running for about four hours, right?"


    "She''s going to perform from the start to the end? It''s entirely going to be her performance?"


    "How is that possible? Won''t the others need to perform? Are we only going to watch her act?"


    "They must have written it wrong, right?"


    "Fuck, what the hell is Director Zhang nning?"


    "Why do I get a feeling of fear?"


    "I guess this year''s Spring Festival G is done for just like that!"


    When the program list was revealed, it caused a heated discussion among the public and got med. There were all kinds of criticism, and many of the acts on the list were getting analyzed by everyone. Especially that act, "Time," which would be performed by Little Hu Die. It received endless roasting from everyone. Many people were floored!


    For acts on the Spring Festival G, the songs wouldst at most three minutes, while the skits and crosstalks would go on for around 10 to 15 minutes. These were the upper end of the estimates. Sometimes when they exceeded that duration allocation, they would even have to be cut short. Some celebrities would also only be given a minute or two to sing a song. When had there ever been an act thatsted for four hours!


    Four hours?


    You might as well go on for four weeks!


    You could keep going from Lunar New Year''s Eve until the first lunar month is over!


    In the end, theizens unanimously came to a conclusion: There was a typo. After that, they all leftments to bring attention to the fact. Some people evenined about it. However, all of that got lost as though they had sunk into the deep ocean. Although there wasn''t a response from Central TV, they couldn''t believe that there would be an act that spanned four hours of the g. The general public might know that Zhang Ye never did things logically, but they were still kind enough to think that even Zhang Ye wouldn''t resort to something as atrocious as this!


    There were countless rants!


    The mers emerged without end!


    The topic of the Spring Festival G had once again been pushed to the peak after the program list was revealed!


    There were scoldings!


    There was criticism!


    There was praise!


    There was anticipation!


    From the public!


    From the media!


    From the higher-ups!


    From the industry insiders!


    No matter who it was, no matter what they were saying, no matter what kind of opinions they had, there was one thing that no one could change: Every Chinese person was now waiting for the arrival of Chinese New Year''s Eve. They all would really like to see just what kind of a Spring Festival G Zhang Ye coulde up with!

 Chapter 1328 - Zhang Ye’s post on social media!

    <h4>Chapter 1328 - Zhang Ye''s post on social media! </h4>


    Chapter 1328: Zhang Ye''s post on social media!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The days passed.


    The costumes were finished.


    The props were made.


    The stage waspleted.


    The set design was finished.


    The hosts'' rehearsals concluded.


    The acts were gradually perfected.


    Everything was progressing smoothly and in an orderly manner. The first and second dress rehearsals were nearing, which meant that the Spring Festival G had entered the final countdown!


    Zhang Ye was in a rather good mood. Seeing that everyone had been busy for so many days, he held a meeting with the organizingmittee and had a discussion with them. In the end, they decided that the Spring Festival G''s production team and rted staff would get two days off from work. They had to strike a bnce between work and rest, and would prepare for the final sprint after they came back from the break!


    Everyone went off for the two-day holiday.


    Naturally, this included Zhang Ye as well.


    ��


    Saturday.


    Later that morning.


    Today, his rtives were all gathered at Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    The moment Zhang Ye arrived, he copsed onto a bed andy down. "None of you even dare think about snatching this bed from me. Aiyo, I''m so exhausted from these past two months, and I can finally get two days of rest."


    His grandma said with her heart aching for him, "They''re tiring out my grandson so badly."


    His grandpa said, "It must have been particrly difficult on you, right?"


    "How is it just particrly difficult?" Zhang Ye corrected. "These are the darkest days ever!"


    His third aunt said, "Mengmeng, get a ss of water for your brother."


    "Alright." His third sister quickly went to get it for him.


    His eldest younger sister went over and sat down to massage Zhang Ye''s shoulders. "You''ve worked so hard, Brother."


    Zhang Ye said in a pampered manner, "Look at this, it''s still my eldest and third sisters who are the most sensible."


    His second sister rolled her eyes. "Brother, aren''t you hurting me with your words?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "By the way, Grandma, Grandpa, Dad, Mom, I probably won''t have much time after my break. I''ll be busy all the way until the first day of the Lunar New Year, so I won''t be spending the eve at home this year."


    His mother pursed her lips. "What do you mean by this year? Which year have you spent the eve at home with us?"


    Zhang Ye broke out into a sweat.


    Last year, he was busy with the Spring Festival G at Beijing Television.


    The year before that, he had been taken to the police station where he got detained.


    He really hadn''t spent Chinese New Year''s Eve at home over the past few years.


    His grandma harrumphed. "Little Ye is busy doing great things out there, so where would he find the time to spend the New Year at home? Do you think that my grandson is as free as you every day?"


    His mother was speechless.


    "Little Ye, what good acts do you have lined up for this year''s Spring Festival G?"


    "First Uncle, I have to keep that a secret."


    "Brother, just reveal a little bit, won''t you?"


    "No, I can''t."


    "Do you have to keep it a secret from us?"


    "I can''t tell anyone at all, so don''t ask me anymore. You''ll all know when you watch it on TV."


    Everyone continued chasing after him for answers anyway, as they were very concerned about the Spring Festival G. But Zhang Ye did not wish to speak about it. This fellow had been working so much on the Spring Festival G for the past two months. It was always about the g from dawn til dusk, and even in his dreams. At the moment, just the mention of the words "Spring Festival G" was enough to make him shiver in fright. It wasn''t easy getting these two days of break from it, so he really wasn''t interested in talking about the subject.


    Soon after, the elders went out into the living room to chat.


    Only his three sisters were left in the room as they chattered on while browsing through their social media.


    "It''s increased again!"


    "There are already 2,000 votes."


    "Sis, you''re doing awesome."


    Zhang Ye sped his hands behind his head while lying down. "What are you talking about?"


    His eldest younger sister said somewhat embarrassed, "They''re voting for me."


    His second sister looked over. "Oh yes, Brother, have you voted for Sis yet?"


    "What vote?" Zhang Ye did not understand.


    The second sister said, "Didn''t you see the status that Sis posted in her Moments 1 ? The selection for this year''s ''Most Beautiful School Belle'' has begun. Over a few hundred universities in the country are participating, and thepetition is really intense. Our family members have all voted for Sis already. Even Sister-inw has voted for her, so how can you not know about it?"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Do you think I have the time to check my social media? Even Old Wu has voted?"


    His third sister rolled her eyes. "Only you have not voted yet."


    "Alright, alright, I''ll vote as well, hur hur." Zhang Yeunched his social media app and scrolled up for a very long time until he saw his eldest younger sister''s post. It seemed like there really was a "Most Beautiful School Belle" selection going on. It was apetition to find the prettiest student from universities all over the country. The promotions for it were even quite intense, and many of the media outlets were following it as well.


    He had a quick nce at the rankings.


    First: Jin Ni


    Votes: 280,000


    Second: Wang Xiaohe


    Votes: 260,000


    Third: Chen Di


    Votes: 250,000


    Then, from fourth ce onward, the votes were no longer that high. They only had several tens of thousands of votes, and it was obviously of a different magnitude aspared to the top three spots. The disparity between them was very obvious.


    Zhang Ye blinked. "What rank is Dandan?"


    His eldest younger sister coughed and said, "I''m at around 700th ce."


    "Pfft, you''re that low?"


    His third sister said, "Our sis has been utterly demolished."


    Cao Dan, his eldest younger sister, did not exactly look exceptionally beautiful. In fact, she was far from it. However, she was still quite beautiful. It could be summed up as a quiet-looking kind of beauty, and one would find her particrly pleasing to look at. Zhang Yepared her with the photos of the current top three school belles. No matter how he looked at it, he thought that his sister was much more pleasing to the eye.


    They managed to get over 200,000 votes?


    While his own sister had only a little more than 2,000 votes?


    Zhang Ye was still stuck in a traditional kind of mindset. He asked, "Do the candidates in the top spots have a lot of friends and rtives?"


    His third sister was floored. "Who could possibly have over 200,000 rtives!"


    "Oops, true that."


    His second sister harrumphed angrily. "Do you think that everyone is as honest as us? They bought all those votes with money! Someone exposed that the person in first ce, that Jin Ni who''s from a film academy, has already signed a contract with an entertainmentpany. It was herpany who helped her to get most of her votes so that she can be the most beautiful school belle. By spending a bit of money to raise her profile, this bit of investment can easily be recouped once she bes famous. For the second and third ce candidates, they''re from rich families and probably also bought their votes. Look at some of thements on their profiles. They''re all scolding them for taking over ounts to vote for themselves. Basically, the people that they paid off to mass vote for them did not handle the matter properly and used stolen ounts to vote for them without the actual owner''s knowledge. Such behavior is so awful! What they''re doing is illegal!"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Whoa, it''s that shady? Has anyoneined yet?"


    His second sister said, "Many of the stolen ount owners have alreadyined, but to no avail."


    At this moment.


    Someone knocked on the front door.


    His eldest younger sister smiled and said, "That must be Sister-inw."


    When they opened the door, it was indeed Wu Zeqing who hade.


    "Zeqing, you''ve knocked off?"


    "I had something to attend to this morning, so I went back to the office for a while. Otherwise, I would''vee along with Little Ye."


    "Come in, quick."


    After greeting the elders, Wu Zeqing walked inside.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You''re here?"


    His second sister greeted, "Sister-inw."


    His eldest younger sister greeted, "Hello, Sister-inw."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Are the results for the ''Most Beautiful School Belle'' out yet?"


    His eldest younger sister smiled and blushed. "The poll is ending tonight, so the results aren''t out yet."


    "What''s your ce right now?" Wu Zeqing asked.


    His third sister came up andined, "Sister-inw, my elder sis is getting demolished. She''s ranked several hundred ces from the front. Those people are awful. They''re all resorting to buying votes to win."


    Wu Zeqing smiled gently. "Why don''t you approach your brother for help?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "I have so few friends. As though it''d help with her votes."


    His third sister pointed at him. "Look at him, sister-inw. This brother of ours is so terrible."


    Wu Zeqingughed.


    His eldest young sister had a very good character. She tugged at her younger sister. "Aiya, there''s no need. I won''t be able to get a spot that would matter anyway. It''s already pretty good to ce within the top several hundred candidates. I was just messing around when I decided to join thepetition."


    His third sister said, "If you get a better cing, we would look good too!"


    His second sister agreed, "That''s right, that''s right!"


    Zhang Ye helplessly took out his cell phone and said, "Alright, I''ll help share the post. I don''t really have that many people in my friends list, and most of them are still busy with the Spring Festival G. They won''t have time to vote for sure."


    "#029121 is my younger sister; please vote for her."


    He finished editing the post.


    Then shared it.


    Zhang Ye said with augh, "All done."


    His eldest younger sister said, "Thanks, Brother. I''m not actually thinking ofpeting and was just doing this for fun. I shared my status randomly, but who could have guessed that these two girls would pick up on it."


    His second and third sisters giggled, "Heehee."


    Someone replied to the post that Zhang Ye had just shared.


    Chen Guang: "That''s your sister?"


    Zhang Ye read it and typed his reply: "Yes."


    Chen Guang: "I got it."


    Ci Xiufang also left him a message. "Which younger sister?"


    Zhang Ye: "The eldest one."


    Ci Xiufang: "Dandan, right?"


    Zhang Ye: "Yes."


    Ci Xiufang: "I''ve voted."


    Fan Wenli: "I''ve voted."


    Zhang Xia: "I''ve voted."


    Quite a few of his friends replied to his post.


    Many of the celebrities who attended Zhang Ye''s wedding had seen Cao Dan too.


    His third sister was refreshing the rankings. "Wow, Sis! Your votes have already gone up by more than forty."


    His second sister said, "It''s all to the credit of our brother''s influence."


    Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry. "It''s so few votes and you''re saying that I have a great influence? Whatever. It''s almost time to eat. I''ll let you all have a taste of your sister-inw''s culinary skills today."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Oh, you! Don''t praise me like that."


    Everyone was joking andughing as they started preparing for lunch. No one gave another thought to the "Most Beautiful School Belle" selection.


    Zhang Ye had only shared the post in his Moments, and no one other than his friends could see it. But unexpectedly, this post was about to kick off something huge!

 Chapter 1329 - Just who the hell’s sister is this?

    <h4>Chapter 1329 - Just who the hell''s sister is this? </h4>


    1329 Just who the hell''s sister is this?Trantor:Legge | Editor: Legge


    Just before noon.


    At an entertainmentpany.


    "Jin Ni, thepany will definitely make sure you get first ce this time.


    "But the people behind me are right on our heels."


    "It won''t be a problem. Thepany has bought another 100,000 votes for you."


    "Thanks, Sister Chen, thank you."


    "We''ll buy however many votes that they are catching up by. There''s nothing to be afraid of."


    "I understand."


    "Work hard in the future and don''t let everyone down."


    ��


    At a vi.


    "Dad! Why am I only in second ce!"


    "Hur hur, Little He, don''t be anxious."


    "But I want to be in first ce. It''s no use getting second!"


    "Daddy knows. Don''t you worry, I already got someone to take care of this. When the voting ends at midnight tonight, my darling daughter will surely be in first ce."


    "Really?"


    "Really. It''s just about spending money, isn''t it? I''ll see who can outbuy whom for the votes!"


    ��


    At a university.


    In the female dorms.


    "Chen Di, you''re in third ce!"


    "Yep."


    "Why are there so many people using you of stealing their ounts?"


    "Ignore them, those are the alt ounts the top two girls sent to nder me."


    "You didn''t buy votes, did you?"


    "Would I need to?"


    "Haha, that''s true. Our Didi is so beautiful!"


    "Yeah, Didi will definitely win the most beautiful school belle!"


    ��


    Thepetition for Most Beautiful School Belle was getting intense.


    The top three were in a knock-down, drag-out brawl. At times, one of them would suddenly gain an additional 20,000 votes. At times, another one would suddenly gain 30,000 votes. The voting pattern was very strange as the three of them were determined to take first ce!


    Theizens were also watching the fun.


    "This is getting really intense!"


    "How did these three girls get so many votes?"


    "The girl in fourth ce is behind by so many times fewer votes than them?"


    "Hur hur, did you think that those votes were real? They''re all bought votes."


    "At least 95% of the votes here were bought with money. It''s too shady."


    "I don''t like any of these three."


    "Let''s see which of them will get first ce."


    "The Most Beautiful School Belle is now just a matter of who can spend more money. There''s no meaning to it anymore."


    "Yeah, this ranking''s authority is getting worse and worse each year."


    "Fuck, my ount was hacked by them! It was used to vote for one of those three!"


    "Mine too! I''ve already filed aint, but it''s no use!"


    "Motherfucker, how is this the ''Most Beautiful School Belle''petition? It should be called the ''Most Shady School Belle''petition instead!"


    "Nice sarcasm, hur hur hur."


    But it was at this time that something really surprising urred!


    A name suddenly appeared at the front of the rankings!


    30,000 votes!


    50,000 votes!


    100,000 votes!


    Theizens were stunned!


    "Damn, herees another vote buyer!"


    "What strong momentum!"


    "She gained over 100,000 votes in just five minutes?"


    "Who the hell is this person?"


    Then, in the blink of an eye, that girl''s votes skyrocketed once more!


    200,000!


    500,000!


    1 million!


    With hardly any effort, she had been pushed into first ce!


    Theizens were dumbfounded!


    "Oh my God!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "This is going to be interesting!"


    "How awesome, there''s a school belle who''s even shadier than those three shadiest school belles!"


    "This is so exciting!"


    The change in the rankings surprised everyone! A lot of people could not even react in time as they witnessed in dumbfounded shock that girl''s votes soar upwards. The votes kept going higher and higher until it reached a number that made many people piss their pants. It was only then that everyone realized that something was off!


    "This isn''t right!"


    "This doesn''t look like vote buying!"


    "Damn, is this girl insane?"


    "Who''s voting for her?"


    "There can''t be anyone buying this many votes! They wouldn''t be able to vote at such a fast rate either!"


    "The price per vote has already reached 2 yuan. Just look at the number of votes, goddamn! If a vote really cost 2 yuan each, how much would they have to pay for all of that!"


    "Of course she didn''t buy those votes!"


    "Previous poster, what''s going on?"


    "I also voted for her. You guys should go and check out the celebrities'' Weibos!"


    "Check the celebrities'' Weibos? Which celebrities?"


    "��All of them!"


    "All?!"


    "What do you mean by that?"


    ��


    At a vi.


    "Dad! What''s happening?!"


    "I''m not sure either!"


    "Who is Cao Dan?"


    "Is this girl out of her mind?"


    "Dad, I want to get first!"


    "��Little He, why don''t we just forget about this?"


    "Dad!"


    "Th-This is really too much to spend!"


    ��


    At an entertainmentpany.


    Someone ran in from outside.


    "Sister Chen, go and look at the rankings!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Jin Ni is no longer in first ce!"


    "What? Then hurry up and go buy more votes!"


    "It won''t work anymore! We can''t catch up to the girl who''s in first ce."


    "Why can''t we catch up to her? Just spend more money on it. However many votes they''re buying, we''ll buy just as much! We won''t reject anyone who''s willing to sell their vote. How many votes does the first ce girl have right now?"


    That person gulped. "12 million votes!"


    Sister Chen nearly fell over and hit her head!


    Jin Ni nearly vomited blood!


    What?


    12 million votes?


    Bro, we''ve only received several hundred thousand votes after so many hours of buying them!


    Who was this person?


    Just who could she be?


    ��


    At a university.


    The school campus was in an uproar.


    "Damn! Everyone, quickly go and have a look at the rankings for the Most Beautiful School Belle!"


    "What? First ce has changed?"


    "It''s someone from our school?"


    "Cao Dan?"


    "It''s Sister Dan?"


    "Oh my God! Cao Dan is from our ss!"


    "She has over 10 million votes?"


    "She''s even gained an enormous lead over second ce!"


    "Is ssmate Cao soaring to the skies?"


    "This is so impressive!"


    "Sister Dan is invincible!"


    "Ah, everyone! Look on Weibo!"


    ��


    Noon.


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    Everyone just finished lunch and were chatting.


    His eldest younger sister received a call from a ssmate. "Hello, Lu Zi?"


    Her female ssmate on the other end of the line yelled: "Dandan, you''re in first ce! You''re going to be super popr!"


    His eldest younger sister was stunned for a moment: "What first ce?"


    "Damn, don''t you know? Go look at the Most Beautiful School Belle. You''ve already amassed over 10 million votes, and it''s still increasing!"


    His eldest younger sister shook her head in disbelief. "That''s impossible. I''ve only got about 2,000 votes or so."


    Her ssmate yelled: "But several dozen big name celebrities are soliciting votes for you on Weibo!"


    His eldest younger sister finally got a stunned look on her face. "What?"


    His third sister asked, "What''s the matter, Sis?"


    His first uncle asked, "What happened?"


    Zhang Ye and a few other rtives also looked over.


    His eldest younger sister quickly checked the rankings and was startled. Then she had a look on Weibo and got a shock too. After that, she dumbfoundedly turned her cell phone around for Zhang Ye and everyone else to see.


    The family was shocked too!


    "The most beautiful school belle?"


    "Sis, y-you''re in first ce?"


    "Dandan, how did you get so many votes!"


    "Aiyo, how did thise about?"


    His eldest younger sister swiped the screen and switched over to show the Weibo homepage.


    This time, it was Zhang Ye who was floored!


    Chen Guang''s Weibo: "This is my friend''s little sister; please vote for her."


    A B-list singer''s Weibo: "It''s my boss''s sister. Please do give her your support and vote."


    Ci Xiufang''s Weibo: "A little sister of mine, please share."


    Gao Xiliang''s Weibo: "Please give your vote to #029121. It''s my lifesaver''s sister, please help! Please share! Thanks!"


    Countless replies were shown below.


    "Pfft."


    "Auntie Ci is also involved with this?"


    "I''ve voted."


    "Voted."


    "If Old Chen says so, then I surely have to give face to him."


    "Haha, I''ve already voted."


    In just a short while, several dozen celebrities had canvassed for votes for Zhang Ye''s eldest younger sister on Weibo!


    His third sister said, "Damn!"


    His second sister said excitedly, "It really blew up!"


    Zhang Ye''s first uncle and aunt both let out an exmation!


    Zhang Ye wiped his sweat. "I didn''t know about this. I never asked them to share it!" He quickly took out his cell phone and sent them a message. "What''s this about? Why did you all share it onto Weibo?"


    Ci Xiufang was the first to reply. "Ah? Weren''t you asking for votes for your sister? I just thought that I''d share it."


    Gao Xiliang said: "You''re my benefactor, so your sister''s business is also my business. I just shared it. It''s no big deal."


    Many of the others also replied with a simr response.


    Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry. He did not know what to say. It was only at this moment that it hit him that he was now the executive director of the Spring Festival G. He was no longer the same person as before. By sharing a post on social media, what would you expect others to think when they see it? Hai, forget it. What''s done is done. It wasn''t like he could take it back anyway.


    ��


    At an entertainmentpany.


    Sister Chen was close to swearing!


    Jin Ni asked dumbfoundedly, "Sister Chen, are we still buying votes?"


    Sister Chen nearly wanted to kick her unconscious!


    You still want to buy more votes?


    Buy, your sister!


    We''re already fucking behind by more than 10 million votes!


    Sister Chen had also taken a look at Weibo. She knew that there was no more hope of getting first ce this time. However, she could not understand why so many of the big name celebrities and other artists in the entertainment industry were giving their support and canvassing for votes for a university student? What was going on? Just whose sister could this be? All of them were big shots who had already been famous for a long time! There were A-, B-, and C-listers among them. Any one of them was a very famous person!


    This was only apetition to pick the most beautiful school belle!


    Did it really have to attract all of you godly people?


    Any single one of you stepping forward to canvass votes for Cao Dan would have been enough to leave us with no chance of winning! But now, over 60 to 70 of you big name celebrities are canvassing for votes together? Damn, did you all need to bully us like that?!


    Sister Chen was on the verge of tears!


    Today''s battle lineup had given her a terrible scare!


    ��


    It wasn''t only her though.


    Many of the media outlets and citizens were also in a state of shock!


    Cao Dan?


    Cao Dan?


    Who the hell''s sister was she?


    ��


    On the same night.


    The voting came to an end.


    Cao Dan was chosen as the most beautiful school belle with 28 million votes in the end!

 Chapter 1330

    <h4>Chapter 1330 </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    It was a Sunday. At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    It was around 9 AM when the doorbell rang.


    His mother snorted, "Who is it?"


    His father said, "Just open the door and you''ll know."


    When the door opened, Zhang Ye''s first uncle and his family were all standing outside. They were carrying quite a lot of things in their hands. Zhang Ye''s other two cousins were here as well.


    His first uncle smiled and said, "Sis, Brother-inw."


    His first aunt said, "Zeqing, you''re here too?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and nodded. "I didn''t go back home yesterday."


    His father called to them, "Come,e on in."


    "Why did you all bring so many things?" His mother nced at what they were carrying. "We aren''tcking anything at home."


    His first uncle said, "These are all food that Little Ye likes."


    His second sister blinked, "Where''s Brother?"


    His third sister looked to the bedroom. "He better not still be sleeping!"


    Wu Zeqing chuckled. "He''s still in dreand."


    His mother shouted to the bedroom, "Little Ye, wake up. Your first uncle is here."


    A sleepy voice came from Zhang Ye''s room. "I know."


    His eldest younger sister said, "Don''t wake Brother up. He''s going back to work tomorrow, so let him sleep a little longer."


    His mother said, "It''s fine. Oh yes, Dandan, did you get first ce in yesterday''s Most Beautiful School Bellepetition? We turned in early aftering back from your grandma''s ce, so we didn''t check on it."


    When Zhang Ye''s first aunt heard that, she got really excited and said, "She won, she won. She received more than 20 million votes in total."


    His second sister also eximed excitedly, "My sis is now on fire. Her Weibo followers jumped to 500,000 overnight, and she even got reported about in the newspapers."


    Zhang Ye''s mother said very happily, "Where is it? Let me have a look."


    She was handed some newspapers.


    "The Most Beautiful School Belle selectiones to a conclusion!"


    "Cao Dan wins the Most Beautiful School Belle award!"


    "Many A- and B-list celebrities collectively helped her canvass for votes!"


    "Whose sister is she? The mystery of Cao Dan''s background!"


    Although this news wasn''t in the entertainment headlines, it was still reported about in a pretty good spot.


    Zhang Ye''s father said interested, "It was really reported about?"


    Cao Dan said rather embarrassed, "It''s all credit to Brother''s influence."


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s bedroom door opened. He came out yawning while still wearing his pajamas. After greeting his first uncle and aunt, he looked at his three cousins. "Hey, why is it you three again? Didn''t we just see each other yesterday?"


    His second sister giggled. "Sis needed to look for you regarding some business, so of course we had to tag along."


    His third sister jumped in joy and said, "Brother, other than you, there''s gonna be another big star emerging in our family."


    "What big star?" Cao Dan rolled her eyes at them. "Stand aside."


    Zhang Ye also saw the copies of newspapers and picked them up to have a look. He asked, "Look for me regarding some business?"


    His first aunt spoke, "Little Ye, we just wanted to seek your advice about what we should do now. Look, Dandan will be graduating this year and will have to get a job soon. But she doesn''t have any idea about what she wants to do. And now that she has won the Most Beautiful School Belle award, some entertainmentpanies came to approach her. We''re not sure how they got her number either, but they said that they were looking to sign her so that she can carve out a career in the entertainment industry."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Are the contract terms good?"


    His first uncle scratched his head. "Like we''d know any of that."


    "What are thepanies called?" Zhang Ye asked.


    His first uncle replied, "One of them is called Feng Nian? The other one is called Hua Hai Entertainment?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "They''re just smallpanies. It''s better to not join them."


    His first uncle said, "We didn''t know what to do after discussing it for a long time, so we decided toe over to consult you. Do you think this is a viable opportunity? The issue is that such opportunities do note by every day. If we just let it pass, we might end up regretting it. But you also know how Dandan is. She''s not talented like you, so I''m fearful that she won''t be able to survive in the industry."


    Cao Dan looked at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "If you''re asking me, of course I would say no to my sister joining the entertainment circle. The waters here run too deep. I''m sure you all know how badly I''ve been scolded over the years. Dandan has a more reserved character, so I don''t think she''s suitable in this line of work. But it doesn''t matter what I say, First Uncle and Aunt. We have to see what Dandan herself thinks. "


    Cao Dan''s lips did not move.


    Zhang Ye''s mother asked, "Dandan, what are your thoughts?"


    Cao Dan stayed silent for a long time and finally said through clenched teeth, "I would like to join the entertainment industry."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "You had better consider it carefully."


    "Brother, I''ve already thought it through," Cao Dan said with conviction.


    Zhang Ye''s mother said with a smile, "Right, just do it if you''ve already thought it through. Even though the waters of the entertainment circle are deep, which industry''s waters are not deep? No industry is easy to be in, so if Dandan wants to carve out a career in the entertainment circle, at least there''s already your brother in it. You don''t know how to scold people? Your brother does! You can''t fight? Your brother knows how to!"


    Zhang Ye was floored. "Thanks for you ''praise,'' Mom."


    Everyoneughed.


    Cao Dan also covered her mouth andughed.


    His first aunt quickly said, "Little Ye, then you must guide your sister more often. If she intends to join an entertainmentpany, which one would be a good choice? How can she sign with them?"


    His first uncle said, "Yeah, we don''t know how to go about doing any of that."


    Zhang Ye said, "Thosepanies that you mentioned earlier are just smallpanies that aren''t well-known. If Dandan really wants to develop her career, let me think for a bit first." He pondered for a while. "I know Zhang Yuanqi rather well. She has part ownership of thepany she''s signed to and has quite a big say in it too, so Dandan can consider signing with them. If she goes there, Old Zhang should be able to help take care of her. As for the other entertainmentpanies, I haven''t really dealt with them much, so I don''t really know them well. So I can''t��"


    Wu Zeqing spoke up.


    Old Wu took a sip of tea before interjecting, "You can also join any otherpany you wish."


    Her words were very domineering.


    Perhaps only Old Wu would dare to speak in such a way.


    It was only at this moment that everyone remembered that there was still a leader from the SARFT in the house. Well, with the thorniest character in the entertainment circle, who would dare to provoke Zhang Ye? Meanwhile, Wu Zeqing was one of the top three leaders at the SARFT who oversaw the entertainment circle. With these two people backing her, would Cao Dan still have a hard time? Even if they did not bully anyone, at least they wouldn''t be pushed around by the others. If she could still get bullied in such circumstances, then that would be a wonder!


    His mother said happily, "Yeah, there''s still your sister-inw backing you."


    Cao Dan quickly said, "Thank you, Sister-inw!"


    His second sister eximed, "Sister-inw is almighty!"


    Zhang Ye''s first uncle and aunt were both overjoyed. "Zeqing, thank you so much."


    With those words from Wu Zeqing, they were finally much more confident.


    He had lost the opportunity to show off!


    His wife had stolen his thunder!


    Zhang Ye could only roll his eyes. But he switched his tone and said, "Actually, I still don''t rmend Dandan to sign with a talent agency too soon. First, there will be more restrictions implemented on her. Second, there are also many artists-in-waiting at therger agencies, so it won''t be that easy for her to make a breakthrough. Don''t think that several hundred thousand followers on Weibo are a lot. It really isn''t that big a deal! Moreover, such poprity is only temporary. There''s nothing set in stone yet since you don''t have any works on your resume. A celebrity still has to be capable in order topete with the others. After the momentum of the Most Beautiful School Belle award dies down in another month or two, there''s a possibility that no one will pay attention to you anymore. What then? How would you expect the talent agency to push your case? How would they promote you? Would there be any momentum? All of this is still unknown. Besides, with your current poprity, you still can''t negotiate for a good contract."


    Cao Dan humbly asked, "Then what should I do, Brother?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I suggest that you get a little more famous first before signing with an agency. It''s not exactly necessary for you to sign with one anyway. Didn''t I also strike it out on my own?"


    His first uncle and aunt didn''t know whether tough or cry. "But Dandan isn''t capable like you."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "You still have me around, don''t ya? That''s right, what did Dandan major in at university?"


    His mother said in a speechless manner, "You don''t even know what your sister studied?"


    Zhang Ye nervously said, "I forgot, I forgot."


    Cao Dan said, "I''m a directing major."


    Eh?


    Directing?


    He got an idea.


    Zhang Ye confirmed again by asking, "Sis, let me ask you this again: Are you really serious about it?"


    Cao Dan nodded firmly. "Brother, I''m truly serious about it."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Alright then, I''ll write some screenys for youter. Bring them back and read through them. If you think that you''re up for it, give it a try."


    Cao Dan''s eyes widened. "What screenys?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Something about some short funny videos."


    His third sister said dismissively, "Would anyone even watch that?"


    His second sister also said in a speechless manner, "Isn''t this starting point a little too low? The other celebrities are all involved in singing and acting, but you want my sis to make funny videos? How long would she have to do that for before she can make a name for herself?"


    Zhang Ye harrumphed. "What do you all know? Do you think that the screenys Ie up with would be average?"


    His mother said, "Will it really work out?"


    His father added, "You better not make a fool out of your sister."


    Zhang Ye said annoyed, "Alright, just wait and see then."


    His first uncle and aunt quickly said, "Little Ye, thanks for your help."


    "Thank you, Brother," Cao Dan said, feeling touched.


    Short videos?


    Would that really work out?


    Everyone was actually quite skeptical.


    ��


    Noon.


    Zhang Ye was very efficient. In just two hours, he finished everything.


    He came up with drafts of more than 20 videos for a start.


    Everyone was very interested in them and did not care about eating anymore. They all gathered around to read the drafts.


    "This is?"


    "A storyboard?"


    "She''ll be taking on multiple roles per video?"


    "And they''re all going to be so short?"


    "Will this work?"


    Zhang Ye looked at his eldest younger sister. "Can you shoot these?"


    Cao Dan studied the screenys intensely before saying, "I should be able to since there isn''t really any technical difficulty in it, and the equipment required is quite basic. I can do the editing too since I learned that in school. I''m just afraid that I can''t act the parts where I have to y multiple roles well. I''ll have to go back and give it a try to find out."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, I won''t be able to help with that then."


    "One more thing, Brother." Cao Dan said with a despondent look, "Do I really need to speak this line?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Of course, that''s definitely necessary."


    Cao Dan said, "It will appear in every video that I make?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, every one of them."


    Blushing, Cao Dan recited it once, "My name is Cao Dan, a girl who embodies both beauty and talent?"


    His third sister giggled, "Pfft!"


    His second sisterughed, "Hahahaha!"


    Cao Dan stared at them. "Noughing."


    But the more she said that, the harder everyone at homeughed.


    Zhang Ye alsoughed out loud. "Say it more domineeringly and with a little more confidence."


    Cao Dan cleared her throat and tried again. "My name is Cao Dan, a girl who embodies both beauty and talent!"


    Yes.


    This was Papi Jiang''s 1 work from Zhang Ye''s previous world and how she had embarked on her route to fame. He had brought that over here and wanted to see if his own sister could replicate it.


    As for whether it would be a sess?


    As for how far Cao Dan could go from here?


    Zhang Ye wasn''t worried about that. The path had already been paved for her. All he could do was lead his sister into the industry. The rest of it would have to depend on Cao Dan herself.

 Chapter 1331 - The Spring Festival Gala is coming!

    <h4>Chapter 1331 - The Spring Festival G ising! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It was the eve of the Chinese New Year.


    Every household in the country had already put up their festive decorations.


    There were couplets.


    Firecrackers.


    Rednterns.


    This is how Chinese New Year is celebrated. It''s one the most boisterous and festive days of the year. Children who work away from home return, and family reunions ur amid the crackling of firecrackers as everyone celebrated this joyous day.


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    His mother was full of smiles as she put up the "Good Fortune" 1 characters at the door.


    Several neighbors passed by.


    "Yo, how beautiful those words are."


    "Of course, my son wrote them in advance."


    "Little Ye''s writing is so good."


    "Haha, I guess it''s not too bad."


    "Where''s your son and daughter-inw?"


    "Them? They won''t being back home tonight. They''ve gone to fulfill their duties to the people."


    "Right, everyone''s waiting for your son to kick off the Spring Festival G."


    "Don''t forget to watch the Spring Festival G tonight."


    "Need you say? I wouldn''t watch it if it were directed by anyone else. But since this Spring Festival G is headed by Little Ye, I''ll definitely switch on both my television sets to help boost the viewership ratings for him."


    "We''re neighbors after all!"


    "Haha, we must give him our support."


    ��


    Out on the streets.


    Firecrackers were set off and crackled with mini-explosions.


    Joyous looks were on the faces of every pedestrian.


    "It''s finally the holidays."


    "Let''s hurry home and wrap some dumplings."


    "What are you gonna do tonight?"


    "What else? A reunion dinner with my family and the Spring Festival G, of course."


    "You''re really gonna watch it? I haven''t watched that in so many years already."


    "Of course I''m really going to watch it. The Spring Festival G this year has had a change in leadership. I am actually quite looking forward to Zhang Ye''s debut Spring Festival G show. At the very least, I should watch it to see how it turns out, right?"


    "True that, I guess I''ll watch it too then."


    ��


    At a stall selling fireworks.


    A few students walked out after purchasing some firecrackers.


    "Shall we light them tonight?"


    "Why don''t we light them now? I won''t be free tonight."


    "Where are you off to?"


    "I want to grab a work dedication card of fortune!"


    "Damn, how did that slip my mind!"


    "I''m only missing the work dedication card!"


    "Me too, that Zhang Ye is such a scammer!"


    "Yeah, let''s watch the Spring Festival G and grab the red packets for a work dedication card. If we manage to get one, we''re gonna be rich. I heard that are a lot of people who still haven''t managed to gather all five of the cards of fortune!"


    ��


    At a newspaper firm.


    "Old Li, are you working overtime today?"


    "Yes."


    "Thank you for covering tonight''s duties."


    "It''s fine, I can catch the Spring Festival G in the editorial office."


    "There aren''t any changes to the program list?"


    "No changes, it''s still the same as before. I can''t believe it, I really can''t believe that Zhang Ye woulde up with an act that spans four hours, so I must see for myself just what he has got nned!"


    "Yeah, the entire country''s media outlets are very curious about it."


    "There wasn''t any news that came out of the first and second rehearsals either?"


    "No, they''ve kept it really tight-lipped for this year''s Spring Festival G. It''s no longer the same as previous years since they didn''t arrange for any media and audience representatives at the rehearsals. So other than the Spring Festival G''s production team, no one knows exactly what''s happening. At both of the rehearsals, they only allowed the Central TV reporters into the venue."


    "They''re making it so mysterious that I wonder what they''re really trying to achieve."


    "I guess we''ll find out exactly what they''ve got nned when we watch it tonight."


    ��


    In a household.


    "Mom."


    "Yes, my daughter."


    "What time does the Spring Festival G start?"


    "8 PM sharp, so it''s still early."


    "Aiya, I can''t wait anymore."


    "Why not?"


    "I want to see Zhang Ye, Zhang Yuanqi, Liu Guo, and Sun Mian. They''re my favorite celebrities!"


    "My daughter, you better not get your hopes up too high. Zhang Ye has never directed such arge-scale g before, nor has he taken charge of any smaller-scale ones either, so we still don''t know how this will turn out. If he really screws up the g, there are many rumors in the industry that this might just turn out to be thest ever Spring Festival G."


    "No way?"


    "That''s what the rumors say though."


    "No, Zhang Ye will definitely have a way to reinvigorate the Spring Festival G. Teacher Zhang has never disappointed anyone before! Even if the others could not do it, he can definitely make it a sess!"


    "You''re such a fangirl."


    "Heehee."


    ��


    Online.


    "Comrades, assemble!"


    "The Spring Festival G is almost here. Let''s get ready for some roastingter tonight!"


    "Haha, are we still doing it this year?"


    "Of course we are!"


    "Where are all the mers? Hurry up and report in!"


    "Let''s start taking attendance!"


    "But we don''t have Zhang Ye to lead the group this year!"


    "Right, it was Zhang Ye who led us in the ming ofst year''s Spring Festival G. Who could have expected that he would actually be the Spring Festival G''s executive director this year? Hahahaha, why am I gloating at this!"


    "He deserves it! He''s getting his just deserts! Brothers, there''s no need to be polite with Teacher Zhang!"


    "That''s right, we don''t need Zhang Ye to lead us this year. We''ll band together and me him!"


    "Pfft, you people are too harsh. Old Hu, Old Lu, aren''t you both diehard fans of Zhang Ye''s?"


    "It''s exactly because we''re diehard fans that we mustn''t dishonor this glorious tradition that Zhang Ye has passed down."


    "Zhang Ye must not''ve thought that such a day woulde for him, hahaha!"


    "I''m here!"


    "mer #1 reporting in!"


    "Count me in too!"


    ��


    Old.


    Or young.


    Male.


    Or female.


    The Spring Festival G was entering its final countdown!


    The entire world''s Chinese poption had turned their attention to it!


    Scoldings? Criticism? None of those could be seen at this moment in time. First, it was because the matter had been going on for so long that everyone was getting tired of being doubtful. Second, this was where the charm of the Spring Festival Gy. It was an event that could change the mood and mentality of the people. A lot of people who had been scolding and criticizing Zhang Ye before this and expressing their dissatisfaction with him taking charge of the Spring Festival G were now less angry now that the actual day had arrived. Hearing those firecrackers being set off outside on the streets as well as watching their families getting reunited at home had eased their tempers.


    They were just going to watch it peacefully.


    They would have to see how the Spring Festival G would be handled by Zhang Ye.


    There were still ten hours left.


    There were still eight hours left.


    There were still six hours left.


    ��


    At Central TV.


    In Broadcasting Studio 1.


    With the time approaching, the Spring Festival G production team was under increasing pressure.


    For example, Ha Qiqi seemed really nervous and looked like she was carrying a heavy burden on her shoulders since morning.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Zuo, Little Wang, and the others were not doing any better. Even if they weathered countless storms and experiences with Zhang Ye, they couldn''t bear the pressure they were experiencing. This was not a variety show but the Spring Festival G. It was going to be a live broadcast with the entire world''s Chinese poption watching them!


    No pressure?


    No nervousness?


    That would be bullshit!


    "Where''s my cell phone? Where did my cell phone go?"


    "You''re holding it in your hand."


    "Ah!"


    "Everyone, don''t panic."


    "But my heart has been pounding ever since this morning."


    "We have Director Zhang. It''ll be fine!"


    Zhang Ye was the calmest person among them. Actually, he wasn''t really calm. But he knew that at such a time, anyone could panic except for him. Being the leader of the group, as the executive director of the Spring Festival G, he would have to bear the pressure. So he looked at everyone.


    Zhang Ye said with a smile, "Old Ha, Old Zuo, do you two really have to be this nervous?"


    Ha Qiqi wiped her sweat away. "But I can''t help feeling nervous! I''m just afraid that, that if something happens, what do we do? We''ll be sinners to our nation!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "We''ve already done all that we could and prepared for every situation. If there''s really a power outage, building copse, or a tsunami, it''s not something that we can control." He turned his head to the side and noticed an assistant director from Central TV sitting there calmly. He seemed to be eating something, so Zhang Ye pointed at him in admiration and said, "Just look at Old Han over there. He''s someone who already has three years of the Spring Festival G under his belt. Just look at how calm he is in the face of adversity. He even knows to replenish his energy by eating something beforehand. We youngsters should really learn from him and his way of handling such situations!"


    Old Han turned stiff as he looked over, surprised. "Huh? Who''s calling me?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. Having just noticed what Old Han was holding in his hand, Zhang Ye asked, "Old Han, what are you eating?"


    "It''s an instant cardio-reliever pill 2 . I''m too nervous and need to calm myself down."


    Zhang Ye was speechless.


    Ha Qiqi giggled, "Pfft!"


    Zhang Zuoughed, "Hahahaha!"


    Little Wang was also cramping up withughter!


    Old Han asked, "What''s the matter? Do you need me for something?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and said, "It''s nothing, just continue taking your medication."


    Old Han nodded: "OK."


    Sigh!


    These guys!

 Chapter 1332 - The Spring Festival Gala is really coming!

    <h4>Chapter 1332 - The Spring Festival G is reallying! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    There were only five hours until the Spring Festival G began.


    In the production control room.


    Video monitors were mounted on all the walls.


    Zhang Ye took his position and oversaw the entire operations.


    "Camera 10."


    "Director, I''m listening."


    "The camera is a little off, turn it slightly to the left."


    "OK."


    "Stage management, stage management,e in."


    "Director, please instruct us."


    "What''s the status of the problematic disy from yesterday?"


    "We''ve already reced it with a new one."


    "Carry out a final check on it."


    "Roger."


    All of the production departments were conducting their final checks!


    ��


    There were still four hours to go until the Spring Festival G began.


    The executives on the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee arrived. From the looks on their faces, no one seemed to be rxed and were looking rather uptight. They were finally going to put this year''s Spring Festival G to the test, so they were very nervous too. The pressure of the task of increasing the viewership ratings that the higher-ups had delegated to them was overwhelming. The feeling wasn''t as intense before today, but with the start of the Spring Festival G approaching, their emotions were sinking further.


    "Director Zhang, how are the preparations going?"


    "Everything is on standby."


    "There won''t be any problems, right?"


    "How do you expect me to answer that? We''ve already done everything that we could. If any unforeseen situations really happen, we''ll just deal with it on the spot. After all, this is a live broadcast, so nothing will go perfectly ording to n."


    "If you put it like that, we feel even less assured."


    "Yeah, Director Zhang, do give us some assurance."


    "Can we at least retain the viewership ratings from the previous year?"


    Everyone chipped in with something to say.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Don''t worry, everyone. Just leave it to me."


    The executives looked at one another with bitter smiles. What kind of an answer was that?


    The viewership ratings for the recent Spring Festival Gs had been dropping year after year.


    Four years ago: 23%


    Three years ago: 22%


    Last year: 19%


    It had fallen below the 20% mark and was at a historical low. If it dropped any further this year, there would really be no way for them to answer to the higher-ups. The higher-ups had already tasked them to at least maintain the viewership ratings, or if possible, to bring it back above the 20% mark. Only then would they be considered to have sessfullypleted their job.


    20%!


    It might not look like much.


    But could they reallyplete that task?


    Could they really stop the decline of the Spring Festival G?


    ��


    There were still three hours left until the Spring Festival G began.


    The backstage was packed with performers.


    "Let''s go get our makeup done!"


    "It''s still too early."


    "Where''s my costume? Where is it?"


    "Have you checked inside the cab?"


    "I found it! What a scare!"


    "Aiyo, where did I put my script? Let me have another look, I''ve forgotten the lines."


    "Little Xu, don''t be nervous!"


    "How can I not be nervous?"


    "Let''s rehearse one more time?"


    Some people were so nervous that they kept going to the bathroom.


    Some people were pacing around and trying to regte their breathing.


    There were also regrs of the Spring Festival G among them, like Zhang Yuanqi, Ci Xiufang, and Zhang Xia. Comparatively, they were much calmer than the others, especially Zhang Yuanqi who had arrived on the dot at Central TV as per schedule. She knew exactly what to do, and had taken part in the Spring Festival G many times before. As such, there was a natural air of confidence to her. But for the majority of the other performers, this was their first time taking part in the Spring Festival G. There was no need to exin just how suffocating the stress and the anxiety was.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye came backstage to encourage them.


    "Little Hu Die."


    "T-Teacher Zhang."


    "Whoa, why are you stuttering?"


    "I-I-I''m nervous!"


    "Your legs aren''t gonna stutter too, are they?"


    "Ah?"


    "It''s fine if you''re fumbling with your words. Just don''t mess up your footworkter."


    "Pfft! Don''t worry about that, I''ll be able to spin for sure!"


    Hu Die was tickled, her nerves calmed.


    "Where are the Laborer Brothers?"


    "We''re here, Teacher Zhang. We''re here."


    "What''s this about? I heard that the two of you have gone to the bathroom a dozen times!"


    "Ah, uh��"


    "We''re feeling a little scared, so we can''t really control ourselves."


    "You''ll both have to hold it in when you''re up on stage. Just hold it for three minutes. You can then go to the bathroom all day for all you like after you finish singing. If you two don''t think that you can hold it in, then please seek some advice from Little Hu Die. Look at her. She doesn''t even need to go to the bathroom for four straight hours. But you two grown men?"


    Hu Die was floored!


    The Laborer Brothers forced smiles.


    Then Zhang Ye went to look for Ci Xiufang''s team.


    "Auntie Ci, are you still rehearsing?"


    "Yup, I still want to go over it another two times. Otherwise, I won''t feel at ease."


    "Everyone, take a break for now. I rmend that you all stop rehearsing. If you don''t, you''ll lose that freshness. Once you get tired of it, you''ll just end up not being able to do well and lose the desire to perform. Everyone did great during the rehearsals. There''s no need to familiarize yourselves any further. Listen to me on this and leave some energy for your performance onstage!"


    "Sure, you''re the director, so we''ll listen to you."


    Finally, Zhang Ye came to the deaf-mute dance troupe.


    Qi Xiaomei was signing to her team, looking like she was giving them some encouragement of sorts.


    Zhang Ye walked over. "Teacher Qi, how''s everything going?"


    Qi Xiaomei turned to him. "Ah, Director Zhang. About that, the children are all a little nervous. But don''t worry, we''ll definitelyplete our performance and not screw it up."


    Zhang Ye nodded and turned to look at the girls. All of a sudden, he raised his hands and gestured for a bit. He paused for a while and gave it some thought before gesturing further.


    Qi Xiaomei was taken aback!


    The children were also stunned!


    Signnguage?


    The first sentence was: "Do your best."


    The second sentence was: "You''ll all be fine."


    When Zhang Ye saw their expressions, he turned slightly embarrassed. "Did I mess up something? I just had someone teach me a little bit."


    Qi Xiaomei shook her head furiously. "No, it was correct, it waspletely correct!"


    To encourage them, he as the executive director of the Spring Festival G who didn''t even have time to sleep had actually learned some signnguage for their sake?


    Some of the girls'' eyes reddened. They were very touched and looked at one another in the eye. They could see each other''s determination in wanting to dance wellter! They definitely wouldn''t embarrass Teacher Zhang!


    ��


    There were still two hours left until the Spring Festival G began.


    The gates were opened and arge group of audience entered to take their seats.


    "Whoa, it''s this huge?"


    "The stage looks like an entirely new one?"


    "It looks pretty good, but I wonder if the lighting effects will be as good?"


    "It''s about to start. We''ll find out soon enough."


    "I''m really looking forward to it!"


    "Yeah, I wonder what it''ll be like this year."


    "Let''s see what sort of an answer Zhang Ye cane up with."


    Celebrities.


    Leaders.


    Workers.


    Teachers.


    Students.


    People representing all walks of life were admitted into the venue.


    ��


    There was still an hour left until the Spring Festival G began.


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house, his family members had all congregated here today.


    Zhang Ye''s three younger sisters were happily cheering!


    "It''s the Spring Festival G! The Spring Festival G!"


    "Why hasn''t it started yet?"


    "It''sing up."


    "Aiya, I can''t wait!"


    "You three,e and have dinner first. We can watch as we eat."


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    ��


    There were only a few minutes left until the Spring Festival G began.


    All the staff members were fully focused.


    All of them were standing by in position.


    Zhang Ye had already returned to the production control room. Looking at the second hand ticking away, he felt his heart pounding. He took a deep breath to ease the stress and managed to control his anxiety a little.


    It had finally arrived!


    This moment was finally here!


    Bring it on! This bro is all prepared for this!


    I don''t know if you guys will like it. I don''t know if you can ept it. But this is my Spring Festival G, and it''s the gift I want to present to you for Lunar New Year''s Eve!


    So please be sure to ept it.


    Zhang Ye said loudly: "All departments, stand by!"


    "Counting down!"


    "Five!"


    "Four!"


    "Three!"


    "Two!"


    "One!"


    It was time!

 Chapter 1333 - A magnificent opening dance!

    <h4>Chapter 1333 - A magnificent opening dance! </h4>


    Chapter 1333: A magnificent opening dance!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    It was three minutes to 8 PM.


    At Zhang Ye''s inw''s house.


    "Changhe,e here quickly!"


    "Why?"


    "It''s starting!"


    "What? But it''s not time yet?"


    "Hurry over!"


    ��


    Online.


    "Ah!"


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    "It''s already beginning?"


    "Why did it start ahead of schedule?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Eh, what''s this?"


    "An introductory video?"


    "There''s never been something like that in the past gs, right?"


    ��


    America.


    Chinatown.


    "Mom, the Spring Festival G has started!"


    "Ah? Shouldn''t it be starting in another few minutes?"


    "Come and watch! It''s really started!"


    "It''s beginning!"


    ��


    Right now!


    At this minute and second!


    The entire world''s Chinese poption turned their attention to Central TV Department 1.


    In the past, the Spring Festival G would always start right in the studio. But this year, an introductory video yed before the actual event had captured the attention of every Chinese person watching!


    A piece of music yed.


    On the television screens, a row of words appeared: What is the Spring Festival G?


    An auntie: "The Spring Festival G is a celebration, a very boisterous celebration!"


    An uncle: "The Spring Festival G signifies reunion!"


    A chef: "The Spring Festival G means having loads to eat and drink, hahaha!"


    Huo Dongfang: "The Spring Festival G? It''s a reunion feast for all Chinese people around the world!"


    Xiaodong: "The Spring Festival G? It''s just something that''s there. Actually, it''s probably more of apanion to themon folk during Lunar New Year''s Eve."


    A seafood stall owner in the south: "The Spring Festival G? It''s about jokes from the north that we don''t understand!"


    A cab driver from Beijing: "The Spring Festival G signifies a good break for me. It''s the only time of the year when I can truly switch on my TV and watch something on it."


    An academic: "The Spring Festival G? I''ve never watched it before; it''s so tacky."


    The academic''s wife: "How would you know that it''s tacky if you''ve never watched it before? Don''t mind him, that''s just how he is!"


    Ning Lan: "The criticism of the Spring Festival G shows that everyone still cares deeply about it. People nitpick the g as they watch it, so that signifies how important it is in the hearts of everyone."


    A Chinese man abroad: "The Spring Festival G? If we Chinese who are stationed abroad catch the Spring Festival G, it means that we''re missing home!"


    A Chinese woman abroad: "We''re not as picky as the domestic viewers. We just enjoy whatever acts are lined up!"


    An old man who was feeding his wife: "The Spring Festival G cheers her up! When one bes old, one behaves just like a child!"


    Zhang Yuanqi: "Hur hur, the Spring Festival G? It''s just the night before Lunar New Year, isn''t it?"


    An old man from a schrly family: "The Spring Festival G should not only be about entertainment. It should also be educational!"


    The old man''s son: "Aiyo, Dad! After working hard for a year, the Spring Festival G should be a source of enjoyment to everyone. Don''t keep schooling us with your thoughts on what it should be!"


    The old man: "What''s so bad about being able to get a takeaway from it!"


    A young man: "Do you know where my greatest source of enjoyment when watching the Spring Festival G lies?"


    Several other men: "m-ing! Ah! Haha!"


    A traffic cop: "The Spring Festival G is everyone watching the performances while we safeguard your peace!"


    A nurse: "The Spring Festival G is a time when we wee new lives into this world!"


    Two Navy sailors: "The Spring Festival G is making sure we''rebat ready to protect ournd!"


    A firefighting squad: "The Spring Festival G is maintaining our readiness for any situation!"


    ��


    This introductory video stunned every Chinese person who was watching on television!


    There wasn''t any preaching!


    There wasn''t any deliberate overstating!


    It wasn''t full of praise!


    Didn''t understand the jokes? It was tacky? The greatest source of enjoyment when watching the Spring Festival G was ming it?


    A lot of negativements were casually included in the introductory video!


    This introductory video was very special. It was so special that many people felt touched by it. People from all kinds of industries, be it men or women, young or old, all of them had a different understanding of the Spring Festival G, and there were various attitudes for it. What was the Spring Festival G? There was never a definitive answer to that question. Every person had their own understanding and answer, just like those people who were featured in the introductory video.


    The main event hadn''t even started yet!


    But this appetizer of a video clip had already stunned everyone!


    They had nevere across anyone starting off a Spring Festival G that way!


    On Weibo.


    "Whose idea is this?"


    "It must be Zhang Ye''s idea."


    "This is a good one!"


    "Yeah, I quite liked it!"


    "Zhang Ye''s way of doing things is indeed different from other people''s!"


    "I like how Sister Zhang answered: The Spring Festival G? It''s just the night before Lunar New Year��hahahaha!"


    "That person who said that the Spring Festival G was about ming it spoke my mind for me!"


    "This introductory video has got a thing or two!"


    "I''m just worried that this will be the only highlight of the show."


    "Uh, I''m worried about that too."


    "That''s right, I suppose that the acts lined up will still be the same as the previous years. They''re going to have the same kinds of dances, on the same stage, and with the same songs too, haha. If that''s really how it is, I''ll just head to bed."


    ��


    At 8 PM sharp.


    Central TV, in the production control room.


    Zhang Ye said loudly, "Three!


    "Two!


    "One!


    "Curtains up, cue the music!"


    ��


    On TV.


    The scene changed and the main stage appeared onscreen!


    The sound of music and dancing exploded!


    The dancers came out onto the stage!


    The opening dance began!


    The Spring Festival G had arrived!


    This was the first act of the entire Spring Festival G, and it was also the most difficult act to handle. It went without saying how important the opening dance was, yet it was very difficult to manage it. Dancing? Singing? Getting a bunch of celebrities to strut their stuff on stage? In the many years of the Spring Festival G, this form had been repeated too many times and had totally lost the interest of the audience. As such, Zhang Ye was hoping to prevail over the dissenting views. He spent almost all of the 1 billion RMB budget to recreate Broadcasting Studio 1''s main stage, then brought over the highest rated song and dance act from his previous world''s Spring Festival G as the opener here!


    From the acts!


    To the stage!


    To the performers!


    To the effects!


    Zhang Ye had spent a lot of effort in trying to make this work!


    He did whatever it took to ensure that they could get the g off to a good start!


    ��


    Watching TV.


    "Is this a new stage?"


    "All of the facilities and equipment have been changed?"


    "Yeah, it''s different from the ones that I''ve seen in past years."


    "It does look very impressive."


    At the beginning, no one seemed to think much about it.


    But all of a sudden, the entire stage was imbued with a feeling of spring! Countless flowers started blooming onstage, across the big screen, on the floor, and in the air. It seemed like an ocean of flowers was all around with no blind corners. The 3D lighting effects conjured up many realistic flower blooms all over the ce!


    Then it turned into summer.


    Followed by autumn.


    And finally winter.


    The sun.


    The sea breeze.


    The snowkes.


    All of these effects appeared season after season onstage!


    The performers were dancing!


    The four seasons were also dancing!


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    The three sisters were squealing.


    "Heavens!"


    "Brother is so awesome!"


    "H-How did they do that?"


    "It''s too beautiful!"


    Zhang Ye''s uncles and aunties were also stunned!


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    "Aiyo!"


    "What''s with this opening dance?"


    "Are they real? Or is it special effects?"


    "How can the special effects be this good!"


    ��


    At a television station.


    "Damn!"


    "Did they really overhaul their equipment?"


    "How much would that have cost them?!"


    "The station head requested a quote from the Americans. Not including the servicing costs and just based on the hardware alone, it was quoted at 400 million RMB! If we include everything together, it would cost at least 800 million RMB! It might even be much more than that! Much less our television station, which other television station in the world could bear such a cost! Not even the Americans themselves have tried out this set of equipment before! This was just developed this year, and Central TV should be the first in the world to purchase it!"


    "Has Central TV gone mad?!"


    "It''s not Central TV that has gone mad, it''s Zhang Ye who''s the crazy one!"


    "That wastrel!"


    "It seems like Zhang Ye is really going all out!"


    ��


    Watching TV.


    Countless viewers were stunned!


    "This is magnificent!"


    "Damn, I''m dumbfounded from seeing this!"


    "Is that really special effects? How''s that possible!"


    "Has technology really be this advanced?"


    "Yeah, it has! I heard that this stage is equipped with the most advanced lighting facilities in the world! This was revealed in the news. But as for how good it really is, the media didn''t report on that. So no one really knows because no one has seen it before. But what the hell, they''ve finally revealed just what sort of a stage they''ve got set up today! As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Those words couldn''t be truer! This money is absolutely well spent!"


    "This is so awesome!"


    "If I had to give the lighting effects and colors a score out of 10, I would fucking give it 10,000 points!"


    "Look! The entire floor is made out of disys!"


    "W-Wouldn''t it break when they step on it?"


    "Who knows! How fucking much money would that have cost them!"


    "This year''s Spring Festival G has really gone through a total overhaul! They''ve really switched from shotguns to cannons!"


    "I''m gonna cry! Motherfucker, has our Spring Festival G finally been bestowed with the facilities of a world-ss stage? This opening dance has really amazed me!"


    "Me too!"


    "What a visual feast this is!"


    "Everyone, quickly start ming!"


    "Fuck, I have no idea how to me them!"


    "This year''s Spring Festival G''s main stage is too impressive!"


    "This is what I call a Spring Festival G!"


    "Right, this is what the Spring Festival G should look like!"


    What were the stages like for the Spring Festival G in the past?


    ( )


    It would only have an ordinaryrge disy, one that only gotrger and more colorful with each passing year. Basically, there weren''t usually many major changes. There was even once when the audience seating was not revamped for two years in a row. A lot of people had med the Spring Festival G regarding this duringst year''s event, so who could have thought that this year''s Spring Festival G would bring about such an overwhelming change. Zhang Ye had to withstand such great pressure back then to introduce an advertising model for the Spring Festival G. And right now, the most direct effect that it brought about was shockingly seen here!


    With an opening dance, it had stunned the Chinese poption around the world!


    At home!


    On Weibo!


    On the Inte!


    Everyone started heatedly discussing this!

 Chapter 1334

    <h4>Chapter 1334 </h4>


    Chapter 1334: The longest act in the history of the Spring Festival G: ''Time''!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In Broadcasting Studio 1.


    The venue of the Spring Festival G.


    The live audience members could feel a greater impact from this entirely new stage. It was so immersive that they could experience the four seasons changing around them. They were dazzled by the presentation.


    "Amazing!"


    "The stage is really so well-equipped!"


    "All there is left to see now is what this year''s acts will be like."


    "Eh, who''s that girl over there?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Why''s there a smaller stage next to the main stage?"


    "When did she appear there?"


    "I think she was there all along."


    "I saw her too, but I thought that she was a part of the opening dance."


    "But that dance has already ended, so why is she still dancing?"


    "How strange."


    ��


    In the production control room.


    Zhang Ye was observing the video monitor wall and giving instructions.


    "Camera 2, pan up a little!"


    "Camera 5, get ready for a close-up!"


    "Hosts, countdown in three seconds!"


    "Alright, move!"


    ��


    On TV, the cameras zoomed in to the stage!


    The hosts for this year''s Spring Festival G were already standing in a row.


    Li Chen said, "China Central Television!"


    Hao Hailiang said, "China Central Television!"


    Yan Mei said, "Distinguished guests and dearest friends��"


    The three of them smiled as they gave fist and palm salutes and said, "Happy New Year!"


    A round of apuse sounded!


    The live audience cheered!


    The hosts for this year''s Spring Festival G were still mainly the old-timers, albeit with slight changes. The hosts spoke loud and clear, calm and collected, with every word cleanly enunciated. This was especiallyforting to anyone listening to them and was exactly what a professional g host was capable of.


    "It''s New Year''s Eve today; we''reing to you live from Central TV''s Broadcasting Studio 1. Let''s say goodbye to the old and usher in the new as one tonight."


    "Tonight, when everyone is reunited with their families and spending it in joy, we''ll apany you as we await the ringing in of the new year!"


    "In this beautiful moment of the world''s resurgence, we wee yet another spring along with you!"


    "No matter where you may be right now, please ept our messages of blessings to you. Before the arrival of our annual Chinese heritage new year, let us first��"


    "Wish everyone a happy New Year!"


    ��


    Online.


    "What a morous lineup of hosts!"


    "Yeah, it only feels like the New Year when we see them standing together onstage each year."


    "That''s right. Otherwise, it feels like something is missing."


    "What''s the uing act going to be?"


    "Hurry up already!"


    ��


    Somewhere in Beijing.


    At Hu Die''s house.


    More than 20 family members had gathered here today. The television was on in the bedroom and in the living room as well. All of her rtives were staring with wide eyes.


    "Where is she?"


    "Where''s our Little Hu Die?"


    "Didn''t they say that she would be featured in the first act?"


    "Yeah, but why haven''t we seen her yet?"


    "Old Hu, could your daughter''s act have gotten cut?"


    "That''s impossible! She''ll definitely be performing! Definitely!"


    "Then what exactly is her performance about?"


    "I don''t know; she wouldn''t say. She only mentioned that there was an NDA."


    Hu Die''s parents were also getting anxious.


    Even now, some rtives still didn''t believe that their Hu Die was actually going to be on the Spring Festival G. The reason was that this was too unbelievable. How was Hu Die like since she was young? Other people might not know, but would their own family not know? She could never keep still and was not strong at learning. She was always inferior to others in many ways but had somehow managed to be admitted into the Naval Song and Dance Troupe. Although she had been going around with the troupe to perform, she was always a backup dancer to someone else. The entire family would sometimes gather together to watch when Hu Die''s immediate family members imed that she would be appearing in some g event. But they would never spot her. After all, who would possibly give a close-up shot to a backup dancer? If it weren''t for Hu Die''s parents repeatedly reying the performance four to five times and confirming an angle that coincidentally captured the back of Hu Die, nobody would''ve believed that she was even there at the venue.


    But now?


    They imed that she would be appearing on the Spring Festival G?


    How could that be possible?!


    Could they have gotten it wrong somehow?


    Suddenly, the image on the television switched!


    Hu Die''s father was stunned!


    Hu Die''s mother excitedly shrieked. She pointed at the television and was at a loss for words!


    The rtives looked up and were all startled!


    "Holy shit!"


    "Hu Die!"


    "It''s her, it''s her!"


    "It''s our Little Hu Die!"


    "Hu Die has really gotten on the Spring Festival G!"


    ��


    At the same time.


    The entire world''s Chinese poption was stunned again!


    "What?"


    "Why is there a smaller stage next to the main one?"


    "Who''s that girl?"


    "What''s this performance about?"


    ��


    At the venue.


    A woman in a colorful costume was spinning around in circles.


    It was a white dress, but the lighting that was projected onto her presented it with a colorful and dreamy effect.


    She was spinning around in the same spot.


    Unhurried.


    At her own pace.


    The dress was fluttering as she spun. Looking at this, it was amazingly beautiful!


    Yan Mei looked over there and said, "I was just going to ask about this. I saw that littledy spinning over there since the event began and she still hasn''t stopped. Who is she?"


    Li Chen said with a smile, "Her name is Little Hu Die and she''s gifted with the unique talent at spinning around in circles."


    Yan Mei said, "Ah?"


    Hao Hailiang said, "Then what''s her performance going to be about?"


    Li Chen said, "She''s just going to be spinning in circles."


    Yan Mei replied, "You can even make a performance out of spinning around in circles?"


    Li Chen smiled and pointed at Hu Die. "Yes, but there''s a meaning to that. Today, she''s here as the messenger of time. She will be using her spinning to represent the passing of time and the cycle of the four seasons. When we ring in the New Yearter, Little Hu Die wille to a stop and wee the New Year together with us."


    On the smaller stage.


    Hu Die''s feet did not stop. She continued spinning in circles.


    She was very nervous. She knew that the hosts were all looking at her, that Zhang Ye was looking at her, that the live audience was looking at her, and that her parents were looking at her. At this moment, all the Chinese people around the world had their eyes on her. She was on the verge of breaking down as she was still quite inexperienced with the stage!


    They''ve turned the camera to me!


    God, everyone is watching me!


    Calm down! Little Hu Die, you must calm down!


    Try to think of your prince, think of Teacher Zhang!


    The dress.


    Her appearance.


    The patterns.


    The colors.


    And the setting of the stage.


    This performance named "Time" was designed by Zhang Ye himself. Hu Die knew that Teacher Zhang had ced a lot of hope and expectations on her and this act. She wasn''t stupid. She could feel that Zhang Ye''s energy was limited as the attention he put into the different acts were all at a varying degree. For the songs, Zhang Ye would simply hand them over to the singers and suggest some stage choreography to them before washing his hands of the matter. But it was different for some of the other acts. Zhang Ye had to repeatedly follow up with them from start to finish, often giving instructions over and over again. As Hu Die''s "Time" was one of those acts, she didn''t want to screw it up for him. She could still remember very clearly when she heard Zhang Ye speaking to Ha Qiqi privately, saying that whether the topicality and viewership ratings of the Spring Festival G could break out right from the start would depend on Little Hu Die''s performance.


    Teacher Zhang had not said those words to her directly, perhaps in fear that it would put too much pressure on her. But Hu Die had overheard it and bore those words in mind since then. She understood very well that her act was an important piece of the puzzle in Director Zhang''s Spring Festival G that couldn''t be missed. There was no room for any mistakes!


    Smile!


    Keep smiling!


    Very good, this is it!


    You mustn''t let Teacher Zhang down!


    Little Hu Die, you can do it. You can do it!


    Hu Die kept cheering herself on!


    ��


    At a newspaper firm.


    "Holy fuck!"


    "A messenger of time?"


    "So there really is a four-hour act?"


    The reporters were all dumbfounded!


    ��


    Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    His maternal grandma was stunned. "Four hours?"


    His grandpa was also startled. "Won''t the child get dizzy?"


    His mother said, "Who knows?"


    His first aunt said, "So the allocated time on the program list was not a typo?!"


    ��


    Watching TV.


    Some people were dumbfounded!


    Some people were chuckling!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Spinning in circles? Aiyo!"


    "How can that even be considered a performance?"


    "This is such a joke!"


    "I feel that this is a pretty innovative idea!"


    "Pfft, it does look rather interesting!"


    "This really is the longest performance in the history of the Spring Festival G. What''s more, it''s fucking unprecedented and will never be repeated again, ever! There will never be another performance on the Spring Festival G that exceeds four hours!"


    "That''s not necessarily the case."


    "It''ll never happen again!"


    "Why is it not possible? As long as Zhang Ye is around, anything is possible. If they appoint him as the executive director again for next year''s Spring Festival G, who knows if the guy will create an act that will span ten hours in total! This fellow is capable of anything!"


    "I''mughing at the previous poster''sment!"


    "With this act, I''m unsure of how to start ming the g!"


    "Pfft, hahaha, that''s true. There are too many points that we canin about!"


    "There are so many issues with Little Hu Die that we can me her for!"


    "Spinning in circles? I really have to give it to Zhang Ye!"


    "This entire performance is just a spinning machine made to suck in all theints that we throw at it!"


    "She can''t stop at all? Zhang Ye must be advertising the chewing gum brand 1 that he''s endorsing! This product cement was almost done without a trace! I''m convinced!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "It''s beginning, it''s beginning! The mers have been set loose!"


    "Bravo!"


    "Almighty mers!"

 Chapter 1335 - The ’Flying Apsaras’ amazes the audience!

    <h4>Chapter 1335 - The ''Flying Apsaras'' amazes the audience! </h4>


    Chapter 1335: The ''Flying Apsaras'' amazes the audience!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On Weibo.


    ming!


    Heated discussions!


    Controversy!


    Even after losing Zhang Ye, their spiritual leader, the ming army was still as strong as ever.


    The discussion around "Time" was instantly drummed up. In an instant, it surpassed the topicality of the opening dance and moved up to the main page of Weibo. It was now trending at #1 on the headlines. Although the hosts had only briefly introduced it, and even though the cameras did not give Little Hu Die too much screen time, the performance had immediately set off an overwhelming discussion. Further, judging by things, the momentum of "Time" did not seem like it would die down anytime soon!


    Zhang Ye''s Spring Festival G was showing its lethality for the first time!


    Unwittingly, the Chinese poption all around the world was starting to get involved in this discussion!


    ��


    At Central TV.


    The Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee.


    "What?"


    "The discussion amongst the public has risen to a crazy level?"


    "The topicality has shot through the roof?"


    "This��this��"


    "This is the most controversial performance in the program list, and there were a lot of objections to it within the production team at the beginning. If not for the strong insistence of Director Zhang, this act would have been cut a long time ago!"


    "That''s right, so how did it manage to get so much attention?"


    "Isn''t it just spinning in circles?"


    "It looks like Zhang Ye was right. We were still wondering why Zhang Ye had put so much emphasis on this act. But now, we finally know why."


    "Just how did he achieve this?"


    "Yeah, why was he able to do it?"


    "I know why. It''s because we''ve always insisted on doing a serious Spring Festival G. In the past, the previous executive directors also thought this way. Everyone just wanted to focus their efforts to make it better and ensure that every act was done perfectly. We wanted to make sure that no one could nitpick on them, yet the facts have proven that the results have never been good. The audience has never epted what we did. But Director Zhang is different from the other directors. He is the best variety show director out there. What he sees from his point of view is different from what a g director has in mind. What he''s doing is to defy the expectations of people. He is trying to create a discussion amongst the audience so that they wille forward and be a part of the event voluntarily. Besides, this act is also very creative. The set and dress are both very beautiful!"


    "I still don''t get it."


    "Hur hur, that''s why we can only sit and watch from here while Zhang Ye is the executive director of the g."


    "Hai, it looks like weymen should really just stopmanding the professionals in the future. Zhang Ye has really schooled us today."


    ��


    It was a perfect opening!


    They were off to a good start!


    The emotions of the people had been stirred. This was exactly what the Spring Festival G''s opening act needed to achieve. Up until this performance, it could be said that there hadn''t been a Spring Festival G that had done it better than this year''s had. But everyone knew that this was only the beginning. The uing acts were the real highlights of the event. Those were the ones that really mattered!


    The statistics of the previous years made it very clear that in every Spring Festival G, the starting two acts would catch the attention of the viewers who just wanted to take a look for the fun of it. Perhaps they did that out of curiosity or habit. But once they found it to be uninteresting, some parents might bring their kids out to set off firecrackers or turn off the television and start ying mahjong instead. They would probably not turn the television back on after that. This was the point in every Spring Festival G where they would lose a great deal of viewership, so the next act would y an extremely crucial role!


    This was an uphill battle!


    And the army that Zhang Ye had sent forth would naturally be the elites!


    In the production control room.


    Over the inte:


    "Standby, performers!"


    "The props are to be up within ten seconds!"


    Zhang Ye pressed the inte button. "Hosts, drag the introduction out for another ten seconds."


    At the venue.


    The hosts were quick to react.


    "Oh you, you''re too good at bragging."


    "Hur hur, it looks like he''s gonna soar to the skies."


    "With my size, it would be rather difficult to do that. But it does seem like a group ofdies are going to soar to the skies instead."


    "Oh? Is that so?"


    "Shall we watch together then?"


    "Alright!"


    They did their best to churn out the ten seconds for the preparations!


    Zhang Ye immediately instructed, "Camera 2, move forward! It''s starting!"


    He silently breathed a sigh of relief.


    Ladies!


    It''s all up to you all now!


    ��


    The TV image cut to the main stage.


    "Flying Apsaras 1 ."


    Costumes: Zhang Ye.


    Score: Zhang Ye.


    Choreography: Zhang Ye.


    Performers: Air Force Song and Dance Troupe.


    The music yed!


    The stage lights dazzled!


    Sevendies dressed in golden costumes were already standing there 2 !


    The entire stage was filled with a visage as beautiful as the Dunhuang Murals 3 !


    ��


    Online.


    Everyone was once again shocked by this set!


    "It''s so beautiful!"


    "There''s simply nothing to criticize about this set!"


    "The more I look at it, the more I feel amazed!"


    "Is that a starry sky behind them?"


    "It''s also appeared below their feet! There''s a starry sky all around!"


    "I''m still more interested in to thenguage performances."


    "Yeah, I''m not interested in dances anyway. The effects are good, but there''s nothing special about it once you''ve seen enough of them."


    "Haha, did you guys see the text that was just onscreen? The costumes, score, and choreography are all by Zhang Ye. The earlier opening dance was also choreographed by him. Could all of the acts on this year''s Spring Festival G really have been nned by Zhang Ye himself? Even down to the costumes?"


    "This fellow might attract a lot of scolding, but we really can''t criticize his ability."


    "This year''s Spring Festival G must have tired Lord Zhang badly!"


    On the screen.


    The sevendies were dancing.


    It was slow.


    It was gentle.


    It didn''t feel intense.


    Every twinkle and smile was full of beauty.


    "Why are they dancing so slowly?"


    "I can''t feel any excitement in it."


    "Is it the same old thing all over again?"


    "I''m not watching anymore. I''ll take my kids out to set off firecrackers."


    "No matter how they dance, that''s all there is to it."


    "I''ll be waiting for midnight toe back to see Little Hu Die. I wanna know if she''s fainted by then or not."


    Some people were getting ready to turn off their televisions.


    But all of a sudden, the sevendies on television performed a move that shocked the entire world''s Chinese poption. They started to slowly lean backwards.


    Many of the viewers who were about to turn off their televisions stopped.


    "Ah?"


    "What are they trying to do?"


    "Don''t fall!"


    "Fuck, do they intend to lean all the way backward?"


    "Haha, that''s impossible."


    "Yeah, they already out of bnce."


    "They''re really brave to push it so far. If they fall over, that''ll be it. It''d definitely be an incident on the Spring Festival G."


    "Heavens!"


    "Why are they still leaning backwards?"


    "This��"


    By now, the sevendies had leaned over into right angles. Furthermore, they were not holding on to any supports!


    That''s right!


    They were bent 90 degrees backwards in the air!


    It was as though they were no longer bound by gravity!


    This shocked all of the audience so greatly that they almost jumped out of their seats!


    What the heck!


    Are you all serious?


    Can you really line on your backs in midair?


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His mother shouted, "Aiyo, what the hell!"


    His eldest younger sister said in surprise, "Oh my God!"


    His second sister looked on dumbfoundedly. "Heavens!"


    His first uncle and other rtives all got the goosebumps!


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    Wu Changhe was staring in shock. "What''s happening? What the heck is going on?"


    Li Qinqin was also shocked silly. "H-How did they do that!?"


    Wu Mo''s jaw hit the floor. "This is so impressive! It''s super impressive!"


    Fat Sis and the rest of their rtives were also shocked out of their wits!


    "They didn''t fall over?"


    "Why didn''t they fall over?"


    ��


    In a household.


    "Mom, let''s go."


    "Hold on."


    "Let''s get going. We have to set off the firecrackers."


    "Aiya, just go by yourself. I want to watch this."


    "What are you watching?"


    "Celestials!"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "Damn! Damn!"


    "Thosedies are really soaring to the skies!"


    "Why can they do that!"


    "Damn, this doesn''t make any sense!"


    "Why aren''t they affected by gravity?"


    "This is too godly!"


    "This dance is so beautiful!"


    "Aiyo, hey, can someone exin how they did it?"


    "They''re from the Air Force Song and Dance Troupe, right? Even gravity can''t affect them? They should fucking belong to the Space Force Song and Dance Troupe instead!"


    "Previous poster, I give you a perfect score for thatment!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    ��


    At the venue.


    At this moment, the sevendies on stage executed an even more outrageous move. They stood on one foot and then leaned sideways 4 . They were clearly not bnced anymore, and if it were any other person, they would have already fallen over. Yet, thedies were still wearing smiles on their faces and dancing uniformly as they stood firmly without falling over!


    The visual impact of this was simply too strong!


    The live audience members immediately broke out in exmations and apuse!


    "God!"


    "Does it have to be this amazing!"


    "This dance is absolutely perfect!"


    "The choreographer is fantastic!"


    "Well, the choreographer is Zhang Ye!"


    "This is obviously quite a slow dance with no particr traits that are special. But these sevendies have made the dance look so godly! This movement that defies gravity is a stroke of genius!


    "Yes! A stroke of genius!"


    "This year''s Spring Festival G really does seem like it''ll be different!"


    ��


    In a dance group chat.


    "Old He, what''s happening?"


    "I don''t quite understand it either."


    "This dance defies all logic!"


    "There must be a mechanism somewhere."


    "But where? I can''t figure it out!"


    "I know!"


    "Teacher Sun, how exactly do they do it?"


    "It''s their shoes. Look carefully, the seven of them have not raised their right legs once since the beginning. They did not move it at all. It must be affixed to the tform, so their center of gravity has been shifted to where their right leg is supported. It''s just that their costumes are covering the point of support!"


    "It looks like that''s really how they''re doing it!"


    "Is it that simple?"


    "Simple? For such a creative way of doing things, who else besides Zhang Ye could havee up with such an idea? And this dance is very difficult to perform as well. It would require a very long time to practice to sync their moves up. They might even get injured while trying to execute those moves!"


    "This Zhang Ye, how godly!"


    "When did he make the switch to choreographing dance?"


    "Damn, he really doesn''t intend to give us a chance at making a living!"


    ��


    Shock!


    Dumbfoundedness!


    Amazement!


    Thrill!


    The TV viewers were all reacting in different ways. They had never seen such a dance, nor people dancing in such a way before!


    It was simply amazing!


    And too beautiful to watch!


    Only Zhang Ye knew the origins of this dance. It was an act from his previous world''s 2008 Spring Festival G. On that year of the Spring Festival G, this performance had amazed all the viewers and stood out against many of the other acts. It received even more love than many of the poprnguage performances in his previous world and was praised by countless people. Even in the few years after that, this dance was not forgotten by people. As long as there was any mention of ssic Spring Festival G performances, as long as there were reys of the Spring Festival G''s ssic performances on television, this dance called the "Flying Apsaras" that had amazed countless people would always be included!


    This was one of the most amazing dances ever on the Spring Festival G in Zhang Ye''s previous world.


    If there really had to be another act that could be spoken in the same breath, then only that one dance could go head to head with "Flying Apsaras." And as it happened, that dance had also been brought over here by Zhang Ye. He did not let any of the most ssic Spring Festival G dances from his previous world escape from his clutches!


    Right now.


    "Flying Apsaras" had made its appearance in this world!


    It had shocked the entire world''s Chinese poption here!

 Chapter 1336 - Skit: Dance If You Like!

    <h4>Chapter 1336 - Skit: Dance If You Like! </h4>


    Chapter 1336: Skit: Dance If You Like!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The dance ended.


    The audience was left wanting more.


    This was a dance that would make people want to watch it a second time even after they had just watched it.


    On television, the hosts retook the stage.


    The male hostmented, "That was so amazing!"


    The female host said, "That''s right. Thank you to thedies from the Air Force Song and Dance Troupe for their wonderful performance."


    Apuse from the audience sounded once more.


    It was followed by some advertisement messages.


    The female host said, "Dear friends, we have prepared for everyone tonight the five cards of fortune that represent our deepest and sincerest blessings to you. These five fortunes are the prosperity and strength card, the harmony card, the friendship card, the patriotism card, and the work dedication card. So now, please take out your cell phones and open up the Unipay app, then tap on the ''Check It Out'' button. Then a card will be deposited into your ount!"


    The male host added, "In particr, we would like to remind you that before midnight tonight, if you can gather all five cards of fortune, you will get a share of the five fortunes prize pool. As they say, the five fortunes have arrived, so what are you waiting for? Hurry up and start ''checking it out!''"


    ��


    Online.


    Theizens were getting excited.


    "Has it started yet?"


    "Can we start checking it out now?"


    "Damn, hurry up and give out the cards already!"


    "Where''s my work dedication card!"


    "It''s ending right before midnight? Hurry, hurry, hurry!"


    ��


    In a household.


    "I didn''t get it!"


    "Damn, it''s another prosperity and strength card!"


    "Prosperity and strength card, get lost!"


    "What a scam!"


    "I''m not getting any of the work dedication cards. Why is it always the prosperity and strength card?!"


    ��


    "Dad, quickly check it out!"


    "Ah?"


    "The Spring Festival G has started to give out the cards of fortune!"


    "Alright, I''m definitely going to get a work dedication card for my darling daughter today!"


    "Everyone needs only that card!"


    ��


    "Heavens!"


    "It''s the work dedication card!"


    "You got it? Show me!"


    "What the heck, it''s true!"


    "I''m rich! Rich!"


    "They''ve really given out the work dedication card!"


    "Ahhh, I''m gonna post the screenshot online!"


    ��


    Very quickly, the viewers were upied.


    This was the moment they had been waiting so long for.


    In fact, many of those who didn''t used to watch the Spring Festival G were now sitting before their televisions and waiting. It was because of this deceptive Five Cards of Fortune Collection campaign that they were watching it. They initially had no intentions of watching the Spring Festival G at all and had no expectations for it either. But unexpectedly, after two or three dance and song performances, many of them became interested and actually started watching it seriously.


    These viewers who didn''t used to ever watch the Spring Festival G were converted just like that.


    Grabbing red packets for the cards of fortune.


    Watching the Spring Festival G.


    Countless families were happily experiencing the joys of the new year.


    And this joy could not be fulfilled with just those few song and dance acts.


    "It should be time for thenguage acts, right?


    "By past convention, it should be."


    "This won''t be easy to handle."


    "Yeah, the crosstalks and skits have in recent years been getting more and more unfunny."


    "They''re not exactly unfunny. They''re just too ordinary and disconnected from themon y. The performances are too traditional, which is why it doesn''t feel fun to watch."


    "Let''s see how it''ll be this year."


    "This year''s song and dance acts are pretty good."


    "Yeah, they''re amazing!"


    "I''m just worried that thenguage acts would not live up to the expectations of the asion."


    "Yeah, the most talked about acts are still the crosstalks and skits."


    "Zhang Ye himself is a crosstalkedian, and he''s also acted in a skit before. This might just be worth looking forward to."


    "Hey!"


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    Instantly, the world''s Chinese poption refocused their attention on the television. The song and dance act this year had amazed many people. But for the most anticipatednguage acts, no one had seen them yet. So they were trembling with excitement as they wanted to know how it would turn out.


    ��


    In the production control room.


    Zhang Ye issued the orders.


    "It''s starting."


    "Camera 3, follow!"


    "Cut to Camera 4!"


    "Alright, close-up!"


    It was time for the firstnguage act!


    Zhang Ye naturally understood the importance of this more than anyone else. Zhang Ye carefully thought over the arrangement of acts for a long time. Which would be the first to go? It was not an easy decision. It wasn''t until after the second dress rehearsal that he finally decided on the order and pushed for this skit to be the first one to be shown. This was the most popr skit from the 2013 Central TV Spring Festival G in his previous world. Zhang Ye was hoping for this skit to help get thenguage acts off on the right foot.


    He was not worried about the performers.


    They were veterans of the Spring Festival G, so they would definitely rise to the asion. There wouldn''t be any problems there.


    ��


    On the stage.


    The hosts were still talking.


    A fashionably dressed Ci Xiufang was in a wheelchair and was being pushed out onto the stage. She was unaffected by her surroundings and was even muttering impatiently, "Make way, make way."


    Li Chen turned his head and said with a smile, "Yo, Auntie, you''re here? Happy New Year to you! Why don''t you share with everyone how you''re doing after your retirement?"


    Ci Xiufang sat firmly in her wheelchair and gave him a look. "Tell me how you''d feel if your legs have been shortened?"


    The audienceughed:


    "Hahaha!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    The famous long-legged and handsome host, Li Chen, was at a loss. "Hai, why is this auntie speaking in such a way?"


    Hao Hailiang pushed him aside. "You''re no good at phrasing your questions. You have to be a bit more tactful and speak like this. Auntie, happy retirement! Hey, Auntie!"


    Ci Xiufang looked at him, "Who are you calling an auntie? Your face is full of wrinkles and you''re trying to act cute!"


    The audience roared withughter again!


    Host Li Yan said, "Ai, look at this. Just look at you two, getting rebuffed like this. You two are really bad at talking!"


    Hao Hailiang rolled his eyes. "Then why don''t you ask��"


    Li Yan said, "Didn''t you hear? Auntie doesn''t wish for us to bring up her retirement!"


    Li Chen said, "Alright, why don''t you give it a try instead?"


    The famous interview host, Li Yan, had always been famous for his soft approach with people. Heposed his features and knelt down gently in front of the wheelchair. Supporting himself with it, he said, "Auntie, I know that you poured blood and sweat into your career. So what do you��"


    "Stop ying to my emotions! I won''t cry!" interrupted Ci Xiufang.


    With that reply, the audience cramped up withughter!


    "Aiyo!"


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, how face smacking!"


    Li Yan sighed and said, "This��"


    Ci Xiufang waved her hand. "Enough, enough, off the stage! This is my territory now!"


    Li Chen said, "But this is a public space!"


    Li Yan said, "We''ve been hanging around here since forever!"


    Hao Hailiang said, "Yeah! What do you mean by your territory?"


    Ci Xiufang curled her lips. "Alright then, those who are ugly can stay behind."


    At that, two of the hosts turned around and ran offstage!


    Only Hao Hailiang was left stunned before he finally hurried offstage as well!


    They had all disappeared!


    Ci Xiufang harrumphed. "Like I wouldn''t be able to handle you people, tsk��"


    The audience:


    "Hahahaha!"


    "This skit looks interesting!"


    "It''s just the opening and I think it''s quite funny already!"


    "This olddy is too harsh!"


    "What a viper she is! Hahahahaha!"


    "Auntie Ci has gone through a total makeover for this year!"


    "Yeah, she''s never acted in such a role before. This is definitely a break from the kind of character that she usually ys. Zhang Ye is so bold!"


    The cameras pulled out.


    The info box was shown.


    Skit: Dance If You Like.


    Writer: Zhang Ye.


    Performers: Ci Xiufang, Lian He.


    Only now was the skit officially beginning!


    The TV viewers instantly had their appetites whet!

 Chapter 1337 - This is what you call a skit!

    <h4>Chapter 1337 - This is what you call a skit! </h4>


    Chapter 1337: This is what you call a skit!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On TV.


    On the screen.


    Hundreds of thousands of households were watching the masterful skit actress, Ci Xiufang, whose image had changed from the previous gs she had been in. They were both curious and surprised. This was very refreshing!


    ��


    In the production control room.


    Zhang Ye was observing the video monitor wall silently.


    Auntie Ci.


    I''m leaving this to you.


    You must shock the audience.


    If Little Hu Die''s performance was to increase the topicality of the event, and the "Flying Apsaras" dance was to spread word of mouth among viewers, then "Dance If You Like" was definitely to add to the cheers. This act had to work out like it was meant to!


    ��


    The skit 1 began.


    Ci Xiufang was sitting there with nothing to do.


    Then an arguing couple appeared.


    The man: "Babe, babe, don''t be mad!"


    The woman: "Stop following me around!"


    The man: "Aiya, babe, I''m begging you, please don''t be angry!"


    The woman: "Aiya, I said stop following me!"


    Ci Xiufang: "Hey, hey, hey, go home if you want to argue!"


    The man: "Hey, we''re talking here. Are we burdening you?"


    Ci Xiufang: "Of course you''re burdening me."


    The man: "Then I''ll burden you today! What can you do? I just want to burden (��i) 2 you! I burden (��i) you! I burden (��i) you! I burden (��i) you! Hmph��"


    The audienceughed heartily!


    Ci Xiufang looked at the couple. "Hear that, girl?"


    The woman came over angrily. "You disgust me!"


    The man: "I��aiya, that''s not what I meant!"


    The audience:


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    Then a jogging young man arrived.


    He was in the middle of exercising and was stretching his back and chest


    Ci Xiufang looked straight ahead and produced an item in hands. Tearing the tape loudly, she mimicked the sound of fabric ripping!


    The young man was doing some leg stretches when he heard the sound. He was shocked and extremely embarrassed, so he quickly pulled his shirt downwards to cover his pants before running off!


    Ci Xiufang said in satisfaction, "Ah, it''s finally peaceful."


    Apuse rang out!


    "Hahaha!"


    "How harsh!"


    "How devious of Auntie Ci!"


    "This is cracking me up!"


    "She''s driving away anyone whoes by!"


    "How wicked, hahahaha!"


    At this moment, famous skit actor Lian He came out onstage!


    Lian He was not young anymore, and he was very short and skinny. These characteristics of his appearance made him very unique. This skit was the first time that he was working together with Ci Xiufang, so it captured the attention of a lot of themon folk. They were all wondering if there would be any sparks from the debut partnership of these two masterful skit actors!


    It was finally time to see if that would happen!


    The highlight of the performance was here!


    The audience apuded for them!


    ��


    On the stage.


    Lian He was carrying a boombox over his shoulder and walking over happily.


    Ci Xiufang nced at him. "Hey, hey, kiddo!"


    Lian He was taken aback. "Are you calling for me?"


    Upon closer inspection, Ci Xiufang said, "Whoa, this child looks really old!"


    Lian He: "Uhh, I''m actually an adult."


    Ci Xiufang sighed, "An embarrassment to adults then! What are you here for?"


    Lian He twisted his hips. "I''m here to practice ballroom dancing!"


    Ci Xiufang: "Ballroom dancing (gu��bi��o)? More like a mouse pointer (sh��bi��o)!"


    ��


    On the other stage, Little Hu Die, who was still twirling around, found it hard to keep a straight face!


    A child?


    Mouse pointer?


    Hahahaha!


    I can''t take this!


    I must notugh!


    Bear with it! I must bear with it!


    ��


    At this point, Lian He turned on the music!


    Ci Xiufang, who was sitting in the wheelchair, suddenly removed the nket covering her legs and marched over to turn off the music before returning to sit down again, all to the shock of Lian He!


    Lian He was dumbfounded. "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, you can actually stand?"


    Ci Xiufang sneered. "Who said I couldn''t?"


    Lian He: "Then why do you sit in a wheelchair?"


    Ci Xiufang: "I want to! I get light-headed whenever I stand! Ah, I feel faint."


    Lian He: "If you feel faint, you can always go back home."


    Ci Xiufang: "Too cold and lonely."


    Lian He: "If that''s so, then sit in a more lively ce!"


    Ci Xiufang: "Too annoying."


    Lian He rolled his eyes. "Hey, olddy, you''re even more difficult to please than Empress Dowager Cixi!"


    Ci Xiufang looked at him and said in a voice dripping with sarcasm, "Yo, you''ve served Cixi before?"


    Lian He was dumbfounded. "Ah?"


    The audience was stunned for a moment before bursting intoughter!


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His grandma was clutching her stomach. "Hahahaha!"


    His grandfather was alsoughing uncontrobly!


    His second sister was pping the sofa andughing!


    "Aiyo!"


    "It''s so funny that it''s killing me!"


    "Served Empress Dowager Cixi before? Hahahahaha!"


    "So he''s a eunuch then?"


    ��


    On TV.


    Lian He was getting anxious. "Hey, big sis, it''s like this: I need to take this time to practice for ten minutes. Then I''ll be done."


    Ci Xiufang: "You can''t."


    Lian He: "Because I agreed with my dance partner to meet here in ten minutes."


    Ci Xiufang: "Yo, someone like you has a dance partner? She''s blind, right?"


    Lian He: "Seven. I''ve got seven olddies hounding me every day, insisting that I be their dance partner. But I refused them all. And all of them are as fair as snow, like princesses!"


    Ci Xiufang: "Seven Snow Whites?"


    Lian He: "Ah!"


    Ci Xiufang looked at him. "And a single dwarf? So it''s a fairy tale?"


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    Wu Mo was cramping up withughter. "Pfft, hahahaha!"


    Li Qinqin was alsoughing while covering her mouth. "Wasn''t that fairy tale written by Little Ye?"


    Even the usually serious Wu Changhe was tickled funny!


    Who thought up the script for this skit!


    ��


    On the stage.


    Lian He harrumphed. "Looking down on me, are you? Why don''t you have a look at what I can do! One and-a, two and-a, three and-a, four and-a. Hey, did you see that? This move, the Spinning Top, that swept the entiremunity was invented by yours truly! My stage name is Little Top (xi��o tu��lu��)!"


    Ci Xiufang: "No wonder I have such an urge to whip 3 you!"


    Lian He was speechless.


    The audience: "Hahahaha!"


    Ci Xiufang: "Let me ask you, Little Radish (xi��o lu��bo)."


    Lian He: "What Little Radish!"


    Ci Xiufang: "Little Screw (xi��o lu��s��)?"


    Lian He: "What Little Screw? It''s Little��"


    Ci Xiufang: "I know! Little Ostrich (xi��o tu��ni��o)!"


    Lian He said angrily, "Don''t try that on me. I''m practicing right here today, what of it? Hai, I don''t believe you can stop me!" He then started to sing and dance. "You are my-a small-a, small apple / However much I love you, it''ll never be too much��"


    Ci Xiufang deliberately messed upped his rhythm by singing, "Forever singing in the hottest ethnic trend / Is the most beautiful gesture in the whole sky."


    Lian He fumbled his dance moves at that.


    Lian He ignored her and continued singing and dancing. "Your small blushing face warms my heart��"


    Ci Xiufang continued messing him up. "Is the most beautiful gesture in the whole sky."


    Lian He went along with Ci Xiufang''s singing and kept dancing!


    He sang even louder, not giving in, "Spring hase again and the flowers are all abloom��"


    Ci Xiufang sang, "Is the most beautiful gesture in the whole sky."


    The audience was staggering inughter!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    Lian He was almost in tears. "I beg of you, big sis, can you stop making trouble?"


    Ci Xiufang threw her hands up. "Alright, alright."


    Only then did Lian He clear his throat and continued singing, "You are my-a small-a, small apple / However much I love you, it''ll never be too much. / Your small blushing face warms my heart, / Is the most beautiful gesture in the whole sky��eh, eh, eh!" He facepalmed and said dejectedly, "I''m done for! I''ve been practicing to this song for half a year, but I''ve been thrown off by just one line from you!"


    The audience was roaring withughter!


    The apuse from the audience was thunderous!


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Bravo!"


    "Bravo!"


    Cheers rang out all around!


    ��


    In the production control room.


    The gags were full on!


    The audience wasughing!


    Zhang Ye heaved a sigh of relief. Because " High Song 4 " didn''t exist in this world yet, there were some changes he had to make to this skit from the original version.


    ��


    On the stage.


    Lian He took out a rag doll. "Big sis, look. It''s my grandson��"


    Ci Xiufang nodded. "Looks just like you."


    Lian He: "It''s my grandson''s doll which he got me to buy for him!"


    Then Ci Xiufang took the doll from him and threw her voice 5 while holding it.


    This part was hrious. Many of the audience members in the venueughed until they cried!


    "Olddy, your tongue is too sharp! You must be living by yourself!"


    "Aren''t you single yourself too?"


    "Eh, how did you know?"


    "By your looks."


    The audienceughed, "Hahahahaha!"


    The gags kepting!


    ssic lines came one after another!


    Finally, the plot reached the turning point!


    A cell phone rang.


    Lian He was delighted to hear it. "Haha! My dance partner is calling me! Hahahahaha, hello! Partner, where are you? Do you need me to pick you up? Ah? You''re noting anymore? No, wait, why aren''t youing? Didn''t we already agree to it? You''ve decided to partner with Old Man Zhang instead? No, but we''ve already agreed, so how can you��.Oh, never mind, it''s fine. You don''t have to be considerate of me. Yes, I wish you both the best in your partnership! Alright."


    The call ended.


    Lian He said dejectedly, "How can she just change her mind when we already agreed on it?" He pulled off his wig and revealed a head of grey!


    Ci Xiufang was taken aback. "How old are you exactly?"


    Lian Heughed and said, "Me? I''m still young, only 70."


    Ci Xiufang: "You''re already 70, so why are you still running around so much?"


    Lian He said, "Life is about constant motion!"


    Ci Xiufang shook her head. "Wrong! Life is about stillness! Look at the tortoise, which doesn''t move around much. How long does it live for?"


    Lian He pointed at himself. "Don''t look at the tortoise, look at me!"


    Ci Xiufang nced at him and turned away. "I''d rather look at the tortoise!"


    The audienceughed. "Hahahahaha!"


    ��


    Online.


    "This is hrious!"


    "I''mughing so hard I shit myself!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Auntie Ci''s tongue is too sharp!"


    "Aiyo, why do I like her so much!"


    "Lian He is absolutely getting disparaged here! Hahaha!"


    ��


    At a newspaper firm.


    Several of the reporters working overtime wereughing so hard they lost their senses!


    "That''s so good!"


    "It''s fucking too good!


    "What a rare olddy she is!"


    "Auntie Ci''s acting is so good!"


    "It''s the script that''s good!"


    "This is cracking me up!"


    ��


    After the old man was consecutively rejected a few times over the phone.


    Ci Xiufang got up angrily. She took his phone away and smashed it onto the floor of the stage!


    The skit had entered its climax!


    Lian He bent down over the wreckage of his cell phone. "Eh, hey, hey, that''s my phone!"


    The audience couldn''t close their mouths anymore as they keptughing!


    "Come over here."


    "Ah?"


    "Let me tell you something, Little Pineapple (xi��o b��lu��)!"


    "Little Top."


    "It''s been changed now!"


    "I''ve long wanted to change it!"


    "Let me tell you this, Little Slippers (xi��o tu��xie)!"


    "Just what is my name supposed to be?" ( )


    "I''ll call you whatever I want!"


    "Sure, whatever you say!"


    "Listen to me, Little Camel (xi��o lu��tu��)!"


    "Aiyo, my God! I''ve be three people in no time. Eh, big sis, why are you standing up?


    Ci Xiufang said coldly, "For someone like you who''s standing up even though he doesn''t look like he''s standing up, what reasons would I have to not stand up?"


    The audience apuded!


    "Good one!"


    "Well said!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    Ci Xiufang: "Starting from now, I''m your dance partner!"


    Immediately, the music yed. The scene onstage suddenly changed as several dozen dancers appeared behind Lian He and Ci Xiufang. All of them started dancing together!


    "The Hottest Small Apple" had brought the entire venue''s atmosphere to a high!


    The audience''s apuse swallowed the stage whole!


    The world''s Chinese poption watching television was alsoughing like crazy!


    ��


    On Weibo.


    In the forums.


    In the chat groups.


    On social media.


    When the skit was broadcast, all of thosemunication channels blew up!


    "Ahhh!"


    "That was so impressive!"


    "How did they manage toe up with such a good script!"


    "The script''s lines are really heaven-defying!"


    "Zhang Ye is too godly! He''s really too godly!"


    "Auntie Ci and Master Lian also yed their roles really well!"


    "I really can''t believe that there could still be a skit of such quality at the Spring Festival G!"


    "Me neither, it''s incredible!"


    "I didn''t have any expectations before watching it. But who knew that I would actually tear up fromughter while watching it! Aiyo, I can''t take it. I have to gough some more, hahahahaha!"


    "What the heck is ''The Hottest Small Apple''? Hahaha!"


    "A mashup of ''The Hottest Ethnic Trend'' and ''Small Apple'' of course!"


    "Zhang Ye is really enjoying himself by writing this!"


    "Yeah, this fellow actually made a skit for za dancing!"


    "Hahaha, is this fellow trying to normalize za dancing as an activity?"


    "He''s really ying the role of the founder well. To! No! Fault!"


    "This skit is really great!"


    Thinking back on the past years'' skits, and thinking back on the traditional delivery of those skits, countless viewers could not help but agree on one thing in the bottom of their hearts:


    This is what you call a skit!


    This is what you fucking call a skit!

 Chapter 1338 - ’Because of Love’ wows the audience!

    <h4>Chapter 1338 - ''Because of Love'' wows the audience! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the organizingmittee for the Spring Festival G.


    The executives were thrilled.


    "They''reughing, everyone''sughing!"


    "The audience''s response is very good!"


    "What about the online reviews?"


    "I''ve already checked it out. There are only praises!"


    "Yeah, everyone ismenting about how funny it is! Hahahaha!"


    "This is great! Big Sis Ci and Master Lian have absolutely nailed their performance today. It''s even a step above their performance at the first and second dress rehearsals!"


    "That''s right, these are skit masters we''re talking about here."


    "They''re both battle-hardened actors, the type who''d definitely perform well when they''re put in the situation!"


    "Director Zhang wasn''t wrong to line up this skit at the beginning!"


    "That''s right! With this skit spearheading the acts, the effect will be great!"


    ��


    In a group chat of the industry.


    "Did anyone watch the first skit of the Spring Festival G?"


    "I watched it."


    "Hai, it was amazing."


    "Old Ci is going to be on fire after this."


    "Yeah, Big Sis Ci might be a regr on the Spring Festival G and a big yer in the skit industry. She''s also highly popr, but that''s not the same. Big Sis Ci has never been a main pir in the field of skits before. She has never had a breakthrough role that left a deep impression on the audience. But this time, it''s different. With Zhang Ye''s script, coupled with Big Sis Ci and Master Lian''s acting, their performance was wless. Big Sis Ci is going to rise a level after this."


    "A good script is super important for a skit actor."


    "Yes, Big Sis Ci ought to thank Zhang Ye for this."


    "That''s right. Such scripts are indeed priceless and to die for!"


    "Zhang Ye is so generous to be willing to give it out. Why doesn''t he keep it for his own use though?"


    "Because he wouldn''t be able to act in it. Even if he put on makeup to look older, he doesn''t have Master Lian''s image. He''d be too tall as well and couldn''t bring out the hrious side of the role."


    ��


    In the production control room.


    Little Wang came running in. "Director Zhang, ''Dance If You Like'' is now trending at #2! It''s only second to Little Hu Die''s act! And it''s probably going to catch up soon too! It''s really popr!"


    The staff in the room became excited and thrilled!


    It was a good start!


    They were off to a good start!


    Was this year''s Spring Festival G really going to experience a breakthrough?


    Could it really get revived in their hands?


    The production team''s staff did not even dare think in that direction!


    But Zhang Ye smiled and said nothing.


    It hasn''t even started yet.


    This is only the first skit.


    There are still many more headliners and killer acts lined up that hadn''t been brought out yet!


    The Spring Festival G would always aim to be all-inclusive, catering to the old and the young, whether they were men or women. There was no bias, and everyone''s interests would have to be taken care of. This first skit Zhang Ye brought out had immediately generated a phenomenal amount of discussion, with many young peopleughing like crazy over it. Even a lot of the elderly people liked it as well��all of it was nned by Zhang Ye. He did not just brainlessly replicate those ssic acts from his previous world over here. Everything had to be arranged carefully to achieve the effect.


    Which acts would be ced at the beginning?


    Which ones wouldeter?


    Which ones could be shown?


    And which ones would not make the cut?


    All of that had to be scrutinized properly.


    Because this was a g that spanned the entire evening and not a standalone show. It had to unite the different levels while paying attention to the quality of the acts and also take into ount the overall experience. Of course, the resources he had on hand were also a problem. Some of the acts from Zhang Ye''s previous world had characteristics that were too distinctive. Although the acts were good, he couldn''t find a suitable person for the performance, so he had to give up on using them.


    ��


    Watching TV.


    The entire world''s Chinese poption was very surprised. They had not thought that this year''s Spring Festival G would be like this. It was entirely different from what they had imagined!


    "I''ll tentatively give this year''s Spring Festival G a score of 90 points!"


    "Right, just based on the first few acts alone, I have nothing toin about!"


    "The skit was so amusing. My parents are 70 this year, and neither of them used to watch the Spring Festival G, nor liked watching skits either. But today, they were actually tickled."


    "My grandparents too, they nearly pissed themselvesughing!"


    "My mom is praising Zhang Ye too. She says that this skit was very well-written and reflective of our lives. It connects to themon folk very well and uses a fashionablenguage to depict the retirement lives of the elderly like them. It hits quite close to home for her."


    "The next act is starting."


    "Let''s keep watching."


    "What''sing up next?"


    "I''m looking forward to it."


    "This year''s Spring Festival G is quite good so far. Let''s see if that will continue or not."


    "Yes, if they can keep it up until the end of the show, that would be really awesome."


    "That would be too difficult."


    "Yeah, the opening was great, but that makes it even harder to handle theter part."


    "Surely Zhang Ye did not ce the best acts at the beginning, right? There aren''t any good acts left?"


    "Shouldn''t it be time for Old Chen and Old Fan to make their appearance?"


    "Aren''t the two of them are performing a duet this year?"


    "These two are both megastars in the music scene even when standing on their own. But they haven''t had any good duets between them, which is quite sad."


    There were doubts.


    There were concerns.


    There was anticipation.


    The world''s Chinese poption turned to stare at their televisions again.


    ��


    On the stage.


    The hosts were making some light-hearted conversation.


    Hao Hailiang said, "There''s a famous paragon couple. Do you two know who I''m referring to?"


    Li Chen said, "A famous paragon couple? I know!"


    Hao Hailiang said, "Tell us who."


    Li Chen said, "It must be Director Zhang and his wife!"


    The audience burst intoughter!


    Zhang Ye and his wife?


    He only just got married!


    The SARFT''s leaders and staff seated in the audience were also amused by this bootlicking.


    Li Yan rolled his eyes and said, "You, that was too obvious. You can''t just say that because Director Zhang is the executive director of the g." Changing his tone, he suddenly said, "Actually, I think so as well. It must be Director Zhang and his wife."


    The audienceughed.


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    Hao Hailiang said helplessly, "And who else?"


    Li Chen said, "You must mean Chen Guang and Fan Wenli, right?"


    Hao Hailiang said with a smile, "They''re also here today."


    "Oh?" Li Chen smiled. "Then let''s listen to their love story."


    ��


    In the production control room.


    Zhang Ye had a mysterious expression on his face.


    Little Wang asked in concern, "Director Zhang, what''s the matter?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s nothing, I''m just feeling the pinch."


    Little Wang asked in confusion, "What pinch? What do you mean?"


    Zhang Ye was, of course, feeling pinched by this song. It had taken a lot out of him to give this song away even though he wasn''t going to sing it himself. The real problem was that there was no one for him to sing this song with. He was married, but surely he couldn''t get Old Wu toe out and sing this with him, could he? Old Wu also wouldn''t agree to that. But even if Zhang Ye could not use this song for himself, it still pained him to give it away to other people. This was because the song was such a ssic and so popr with the people in his previous world.


    Hai.


    He had to sacrifice this all because of the Spring Festival G.


    Old Chen, Old Fan, if you two mess this up, I''ll mess the two of you up!


    ��


    The curtains came up.


    The cameras zoomed in for a close-up.


    The music also yed.


    With the effects of the dazzling stage lights, Chen Guang and Fan Wenli were standing at separate ends of the stage. Their costumes, bearing, and the stage design were impable!


    The audience was stunned.


    "Wow!"


    "How beautiful!"


    The two of them gently raised their microphones.


    Chen Guang opened his mouth and sang 1 .


    "Here is an old CD for you.


    "Have a listen to our love from back then.


    "Sometimes it slips my mind


    "that I still love you."


    Fan Wenli sang.


    "I can no longer sing those kinds of songs.


    "Just hearing them makes me blush and shy away.


    "Though I often forget,


    "I''m still in love with you."


    The man''s voice was full of charm!


    The woman''s voice carried a sense of etherealness!


    Many of the viewers were enchanted!


    "Because our love can''t be easily hurt,


    "Everything is always happy-go-lucky.


    "Because our love grew simply,


    "I can always be crazy for you.


    "Because with love, how can there be sorrow?


    "So we are still as we were when we were young.


    "Because of the love that exists,


    "people are still wandering out there,


    "pacing back and forth."


    ��


    Watching TV.


    Many Chinese people around the world were also mesmerized by what they were hearing!


    "Great song!"


    "It''s more than that! This song is fantastic!"


    "Beautiful!"


    "It''s like they''re filming a music video!"


    "This song is so well-written!"


    "Heavens, Old Chen and Old Fan finally have such a godly duet to their names!"


    "Can it not be such a good song!"


    "I love this song too damn much!"


    "Yeah, it''s only the first time I''m listening to it, but it''s really touching!"


    The songs had always been the least anticipated acts of the Spring Festival G. Everyone still preferred the crosstalks and skits, and even some of the dance and magic acts would asionally amaze them. But songs were always met with a lukewarm response from the audience. For songs that they''d listened to before, no one would find it interesting and would probably have heard it thousands of times already. For songs that they''d not heard of yet, no one knew if they would like it after just listening to it once. This led to the songs on the Spring Festival G to be quite a difficult act to handle. So the executive director of every Spring Festival G would always put in some work for these acts by inviting the more well-known singers or by getting more people to boost the lineup for the songs. In the end, they even resorted to inviting Korean celebrities to perform, all for the sake of trying to reverse the unpoprity of such acts and giving the viewers a surprise. /


    But today, Zhang Ye had given them a lesson.


    A quiet and gentle song could also be deafeningly loud!


    Before this, no one could have predicted that a duet could wow the audience like this!

 Chapter 1339 - Three songs in a row!

    <h4>Chapter 1339 - Three songs in a row! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Beijing.


    In a neighborhood.


    The sound of firecrackers being set off rang out time and again. The children were ying in the neighborhood, with some adults apanying their children to set off the firecrackers, while others were smoking and chatting nearby.


    Upstairs.


    An apartment''s window was opened and a woman shouted down.


    "Old Liu!"


    "Ah?"


    "Quick, bring the children home!"


    "Why?"


    "To watch the Spring Festival G!"


    "It''s boring, I''m not watching it."


    "Aiyo, juste back and you''ll know!"


    "Is it really that good?"


    "It''s really good this year!"


    ��


    Shanghai.


    In the streets.


    A cell phone was ringing.


    "Hello, hubby, did you knock off yet?"


    "I just did. It''s such torture to still be working overtime on Lunar New Year''s Eve."


    "Quicklye home and watch the Spring Festival G."


    "Spring Festival G? I thought that you never used to watch it?"


    "But it''s different this year!"


    "Are you serious?"


    "Yes, of course!"


    "Alright, I''ll head back immediately."


    ��


    Nanjing.


    In a household.


    Their neighbor from the opposite household came over to visit.


    "Old Li, I''m here to offer you my new year greetings."


    "Aiyo, thank you, thank you."


    "Eh, why isn''t your family watching the Spring Festival G?"


    "Spring Festival G? We don''t watch it because we don''t like those skits by the northerners. The songs and dances are not interesting, and there has been nothing new about it either."


    "Heh, you all should quickly watch it then. This year''s Spring Festival G is really good!"


    "How can that be?"


    "Old Li, why would I lie to you?"


    "What are they performing now?"


    "The songs are on right now. After I''m finished here, I have to quickly rush home to continue watching!"


    "Is that so? Then let''s have a look at it too."


    ��


    The Spring Festival G was spreading furiously via word of mouth!


    People were telling each other about it!


    One became ten!


    Ten became a hundred!


    A lot of people who didn''t used to watch the Spring Festival G had all turned on their televisions in doubt at the urging of their rtives, friends, or neighbors. They wanted to see how Zhang Ye would save an event like the Spring Festival G that was already at the end of its life. This was, in the view of a lot of people, an unimaginable thing to achieve.


    100,000 people!


    1,000,000 people!


    10,000,000 people!


    The number of people turning on their televisions was increasing by the second!


    Some people were curious, while others were forced to watch by their family members. As a result, they found themselves unable to stop watching once they started, revealing surprised expressions on their faces!


    On TV.


    Several old-school singers were performing a song 1 .


    "Return Home Often"


    "Free up some time, find yourself time.


    "Take your children and return back home.


    "Bring along smiles as well as best wishes.


    "Go with your spouse and return back home.


    "Mom has a lot of nagging for you.


    "Dad has made a table of delicious dishes.


    "Comin about life''s annoyances to Mom,


    "And share stories about work with Dad.


    "Return home often, home often.


    "Even if you will only help Mom do the dishes.


    "Parents don''t seek too much from their children.


    "All they desire in life is a family reunion."


    ��


    At the Chinese Academy of Sciences.


    In a research department.


    Several researchers were watching the Spring Festival G and listening to this song. A hush fell over the room.


    A female researcher stood up silently and walked outside into the yard to privately make a call back home. Her hands were trembling, and her heart was pounding.


    The call connected.


    "Little Wen, is that you, Little Wen?"


    "Mom, it''s me."


    "Oh, hey, how are you doing? Is your work going well over there? Is your research project sessful? How''s your health? Is it cold in Beijing? Are you wearing the down jacket?"


    "I wore it. I''ve been wearing it for some time already."


    "That''s good then, that''s good."


    "Mom, this year I might��"


    "I understand. Your work is more important. Your dad and I are fine, we''re doing well. Hur hur, we can understand. Just do your research seriously and bring glory to the country!"


    The female researcher could clearly hear the song in the backgrounding through the phone on the other end: "Return home often, home often. / Even if you will only help Mom do the dishes."


    After hanging up, she immediately teared up and couldn''t stop crying.


    ��


    There was no lip syncing!


    This year''s Spring Festival G was different from the past ones. The performers would all have to sing for real!


    This was requested by Zhang Ye, and it was apulsory rule for the performers to sing for real.


    People on the organizingmittee and the production team had raised strong doubts about this before. Many of them even expressed objections to it. They felt that on such an important live broadcast event like the Spring Festival G, the pressure on the singers would be too great. Too many things could go wrong, so to achieve the best possible effects and the steadiest performance would definitely require a certain degree of lip syncing. However, Zhang Ye rejected this suggestion. There was no room for negotiation!


    Many of those on the production team still had a very deep impression of what Zhang Ye''s original words were.


    He had said at that time, "If a singer can''t even sing for real, or have the courage to perform a song live, then what right would they have to be on the Spring Festival G!? I don''t care about other people''s Spring Festival G, but there won''t be any lip syncing on mine! If you can do it, go ahead. If you can''t, then get off the stage. We''ll just rece them with someone else who can!"


    ws?


    There could be some.


    Mistakes?


    They might happen too.


    But all of that was still eptable to Zhang Ye. Because no one singer could guarantee that they would be able to sing wlessly at every live performance they gave. But this was a matter of attitude. If you were to lip sync and just move your mouth along with the music, singing "Return home often," how could you move anyone with your fake singing?


    ��


    On TV.


    The second song also finished.


    "Because of Love," "Return Home Often," and another song were a series of three songs all about family ties and love.


    Right after, the third song began.


    ��


    In the production control room.


    Zhang Ye was still keeping up with giving out orders.


    No one knew what was so special about this song, except him.


    This was not just some group song, because no ordinary song could receive such great attention that exceeded even thenguage acts like the crosstalks and skits in his previous world''s Spring Festival G. This uing song was exactly what that was!


    ��


    Onstage.


    A Mongolian family of three came out onto the stage.


    A yful harmony and melody sounded 2 .


    The daughter asked, "Ah-Pa? Does the moon go home when the sunes out?"


    Dad answered, "That''s right."


    The daughter asked, "Where does the sun go to when the stars are out?"


    Dad answered, It''s in the sky."


    The daughter asked, "Why can''t I find it even though I look so hard?"


    Dad answered, "It went home."


    She and her dad sang, "The sun, moon, and stars are a lucky family."


    The daughter asked, "Ah-Ma, when will the flowers blossom after the leaves turn green?"


    Mom replied, "When summer''s here."


    The daughter asked, "Can I pick the fruits when the flowers turn red?"


    Mom replied, "Not until autumn."


    The daughter asked, "Will fruits sprout if I nt it in the soil?"


    Mom replied, "It will when spring arrives."


    The family 3 sang, "The flowers, leaves, and fruits are a lucky family."


    ��


    Zhang Ye''s thoughts were spot on!


    He had used facts to prove it countless times before. A song that was so popr all over the country in his previous world would definitely work in this world too!


    Once more, the countless people of this world''s Chinese poption were wowed!


    "Wow!"


    "This little girl is so adorable!"


    "This song sounds really cute too!"


    "I like it so much!"


    "It''s nice, not bad!"


    "This song is very unique. It''s not sung in a way that most songs are sung!"


    "How heartwarming!"


    "I like it! I like this song!"


    "The songs are getting cooler and cooler!"


    "I''ll give this third song a perfect score!"


    "The arrangement of these three songs is really good. The lyrics are good and so is the tune!"


    "Ahhh, what is with me? Why do I feel like I''ve suddenly be fascinated by this year''s Spring Festival G! I''ve been sitting and watching TV without moving for the past half an hour! Heavens, could I have gone crazy? I never used to watch the Spring Festival G! Even when I do, it''s only because I want to join in the ming against it!"


    "Me too!"


    "This year''s Spring Festival G has really turned things around!"


    "What''sing up next?"


    "What''s the uing act going to be?"


    "Hurry up!"


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "I wanna see what the magic acts are like this year!"


    "I care more about the skit involving Zhang Ye, Yao Jiancai, and Dong Shanshan!"


    "Little Hu Die''s performance has already clearly stated my feelings for this year''s Spring Festival G. It''s totally unstoppable!"


    "Yeah, I didn''t even bother to eat my reunion dinner and just sat here all this while to catch the Spring Festival G. All of the acts would''ve been totally unimaginable in past years!"


    "Wow, they''re giving out the cards of fortune again!"


    "They''re giving out another stash of the cards of fortune! Hurry up and grab them!"


    "200 million yuan, here Ie!"


    "The celebrities are giving out red packets as well!"


    "Hahaha, I managed to grab a red packet from Zhang Yuanqi!"


    "I''ve got a big one! There''s 7.80 yuan in it!"


    "Damn, I actually grabbed a red packet of Zhang Ye''s! There''s only 2.5 cents in it! Your sister! Zhang Ye, you''re such a miser! Why are you giving out so much less than everyone else!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "I''ve managed to grab a work dedication card!"


    "What a great harvest!"


    Countless people were sitting and watching TV. This year''s Spring Festival G had entirely captured their attention. Even if you were to tell everyone to turn off their televisions right now, they wouldn''t want to do so!

 Chapter 1340 - A stunning magic show!

    <h4>Chapter 1340 - A stunning magic show! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Watching TV.


    The entire world''s Chinese poption was eagerly waiting.


    Hurry, hurry, hurry!


    What else is there?


    What other acts will there be?


    Hurry up and bring them all out!


    Will thetter acts be as wonderful as the earlier ones?


    At this moment, the Spring Festival G''s female host, Yan Mei, smiled and revealed the next act. "Next up, let me introduce to everyone a magician. I heard that he will be bringing us some close-up magic 1 today and that the act will be pretty extraordinary. I wonder if it''s true, so why don''t we take a look?"


    ��


    In the production control room.


    Zhang Ye smiled.


    It was time for the magic show. This should be the act that he was the least confident in. He could easilypose and give out songs for the song acts, as well as teach the dance moves for the dance acts. Even for the acrobatic acts, he could still give pointers and instruct the performers on how they had to jump. Everything except for the magic acts could be handled that way. The reason was that Zhang Ye did not understand the intricacies of how the magic trick was performed. He had seen some of the magic tricks before and could also describe to the magician what it was like. But if he were quizzed on how exactly the trick worked, and what the secret behind the trick was, he wouldn''t be able to exin most of it. He only knew about some of the analysis of the tricks by theizens in his previous world. Based on the process of the trick and some clues of how they worked, he had spent over half a month working hard with the magician to deduce and slowly experiment on the magic trick. The difficulty behind it all could not be understood by any outsiders.


    The Spring Festival G!


    Liu Qian 2 !


    Coins!


    The magic trick that Zhang Ye had been anticipating for the longest time was finally going to be reborn in this world. So Zhang Ye was really looking forward to it and could no longer wait to see the stunned faces of this world''s people. Those expressions and amazement had also been observed on the faces of the people in his previous world when the trick was performed.


    ��


    The TV viewers were also taken aback.


    "A magic show?"


    "It''s time for the magic act?"


    "A close-up magic act?"


    "What''s the meaning of that?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Close-up? How close is it?"


    "I don''t like this. I prefer watching the skits and crosstalks. Hurry up and show us another one of those."


    "Haha, I agree. Thenguage acts are still better. Everything else is just a supporting act."


    "It''s always the same kind of magic acts every year. If they''re not producing pigeons out of thin air, then it''s flowers or a live human being. Watching that once or twice is enough since any more than that is boring. There''s nothing new at all."


    "That''s true. They just depend on special props and sleight of hand to execute the tricks. Any viewer who has a brain can understand how it works, so there''s no point in watching them too many times."


    "Hehe, do you all rememberst year''s magic show on the Spring Festival G?"


    "I remember, I remember! Someone exined how it worked after the act had just finished broadcasting for five minutes."


    "Yeah, they just switched the boxes in the back."


    "Yeah, it was just using misdirection to distract the audience. That''s how all magic tricks work these days."


    "You''re right. They perform the tricks at a distance and often make use of curtains or cloth to block the details. No one can see what tricks or methods they''re using behind the covers."


    Some people became disinterested the moment they heard that the next performance would be a magic show.


    In this world, the Chinese audience''s liking for magic shows had already turned from an initial liking to numbness. They hade across it very often and seen too much of it. Whenever a magician used something to block the audience''s view, the audience immediately knew that something was going on behind the covers. Even if they did not know what trickery the magician resorted to, they would assume that it was definitely happening. They would think that there wasn''t much technicality involved and thus have less enthusiasm for it.


    But when the scene cut to the stage 3 .


    When the camera focused on the magician.


    Everyone watching TV was taken aback.


    This was too close!


    They had zoomed in way too close!


    "Three meters? Two meters?"


    "Holy shit!"


    "How are they going to execute the magic trick this way?"


    "Is that really how he''s going to perform the trick?"


    "I can even see the magician''s facial pores!"


    "Whoa, they''re purposely stirring up trouble like this!"


    "Haha, where''d he get the balls to do that from?"


    "At this distance, the trick will definitely be exposed!"


    "Yeah, how daring of him!"


    The entire Chinese world''s viewers were in disbelief. Instantly, their curiosity was aroused!


    Some people who were not that interested in the magic act and were preparing to take a trip to the bathroom sat back down at this moment. They wanted to see what tricks the magician could possiblye up with.


    Onscreen.


    A magician was seated and surrounded by a round ss table. Several audience members were seated all around him. Some items were on the table.


    The magician was seated in the center.


    Chen Tian was dressed handsomely and looked into the camera that was just a few feet away with a smile. "Hello, everyone, I''m Chen Tian. What we call close-up magic is also known as table magic. It just means that the magic will be performed under close observation. As for how close it will be?" He suddenly raised his palms and showed them to the camera.


    The TV viewers could only see a hand obscuring the view.


    The live audience members could also see this clearly on another screen at the venue.


    Damn!


    This shouldn''t be more than a meter, right?


    Everyone was astonished.


    Chen Tian smiled and said, "Right, this is how close we''re talking. Then let''s cut to the chase. I''ll first give a simple demonstration to everyone." He pointed at a cup on the table and held it up. "I have a cup of apple juice here." He raised it to his lips and sipped from it. Then he showed it to the camera before picking up a bottle of juice to refill to cup with a little more juice. "Yes, let''s fill it up. This is Tianxi''s Apple Juice. It''s delicious."


    Everyone was stunned.


    With a pfft, the sound ofughter could be hearding from many audience members!


    They continued to stare at him without blinking.


    The paper cup.


    And the apple juice.


    It was filled to the brim.


    It didn''t look like anything was off.


    Chen Tian then ced his hand over the top of the cup. "Let''s not say too much here. With my hand over the top and supporting the cup from below, it''s time for everyone to witness a miracle."


    A miracle?


    What miracle?


    Was he going to make the juice disappear?


    Everyone was blinking and watching closely, not understanding what he meant.


    They saw Chen Tian pause for two seconds before suddenly turning the paper cup upside down. He was actually holding the cup upside down. Under the startled looks of the viewers, he removed the hand covering the top of the cup. However, not a single drop of apple juice sshed out. With a clench of his hand, he crumpled the paper cup!


    There was no juice!


    The paper cup had actually be empty!


    It had actually be empty under the gaze of everyone!


    Apuse erupted at the live venue!


    A lot of people were so shocked that their eyeballs nearly popped out!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Ah!"


    "What''s going on here?"


    "How did it disappear?"


    "Where''s the juice?"


    "This is one awesome trick! It''s amazing!"


    "How''s that possible! Did anyone get a clear look? How did he make it disappear?"


    "I don''t know! It just happened!"


    "My God, at such a close distance too? How did he pull that off?"


    "Yeah, there are several hundred million Chinese people watching around the world! The camera was only one meter away, and there was no cut either! So how did it disappear?"


    "Is this what close-up magic is?"


    "Zhang Ye designed this act?"


    "Goddammit, magic can even be done this way?"


    "And that Tianxi Juice ad could even be done in that way?"


    "Speaking of advertising, I really have to take my hat off to Zhang Ye!"


    It was such an eye-opener for everyone. The majority of them had never seen magic being performed so up close before and were really shocked!


    But unbeknownst to them, this was only an appetizer. They were just getting started!

 Chapter 1341

    <h4>Chapter 1341 </h4>


    Chapter 1341: The entire world''s Chinese poption gets shocked!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    "That was so amazing!"


    "This is good, this is good!"


    "How did that happen?"


    "Just how on earth did he make it disappear?"


    "Stop talking and keep watching."


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    "Aiyo!"


    "That gave me such a fright!"


    "This��this��"


    "Where''s the apple juice? Where did the juice disappear to?"


    "We have to ask Little Ye when he gets back!"


    ��


    In a household.


    "Dear, quicklye over and watch the magic show!"


    "I''m ying mahjong."


    "Stop ying! Come quickly!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "The magic show this year is unlike those from the past years!"


    ��


    This was what close-up magic was. There weren''t any grand scenes.


    But sometimes, it was exactly such simple things that would thrill and excite people!


    On television, Yan Mei was walking over in amazement. "Thank you, thank you, Chen Tian. That was spectacr."


    Chen Tian stood up and said to her with a smile, "Hello."


    Yan Mei said to the audience, "Today, we''ve invited several audience members to sit around him, in front, behind, on the left, and on the right. They will be observing from a close distance as he performs his magic. You can say that every move that he makes will be closely scrutinized." She then also sat down at the table. "Of course, I''m also one of those who will be observing."


    Chen Tian inhaled. "Such great pressure." He took his seat as well and looked at the camera with a smile. "Alright then, everyone, let''s have a look at the things that I will be using today. First, there''s this round table." He stretched out his hand and tapped on the surface. "This is acrylic ss."


    Clunk clunk clunk.


    Chen Tian said, "It''s very strong."


    Yan Mei doubtfully stretched out her hand to give it a tap.


    Chen Tian smiled and asked, "So does it feel strong?"


    Yan Mei nodded. "Yes."


    Chen Tian turned his head and asked the audience member next to him. "Give it a try too."


    The middle-aged man also tapped on it a few times.


    Chen Tian asked, "Does it feel strong?"


    The middle-aged man said, "It''s strong."


    Chen Tian said, "Alright, I will require the use of a mat for my next act." Then he took out a ck mat and ced it onto the table. "And these, some coins, as well as a ss bowl." He took them out one by one. "Actually, the entire process is very simple." He looked to the right. "Sir, could I borrow your right hand?"


    The middle-aged was a little startled before reaching out his hand.


    Chen Tian lowered his head and narrowed his eyes. "Did you wash your hands?"


    The audience broke out intoughter. "Hahahaha."


    Chen Tian ced three coins in the middle-aged man''s hand and then took one for himself. "What I will do next is to push this coin through the tabletop and catch it from below!"


    Yan Mei was surprised. "What?"


    The audience was also dumbfounded!


    What did you say?


    Push it through?


    The ss?


    How is that possible?!


    ��That was everyone''s initial reaction!


    Chen Tian smiled and said, "I know that this sounds quite unbelievable, so I want to make a pact with everyone. If I pull it off, I won''t ask for much, just give me five seconds of apuse. Can you all do that?"


    Yan Mei said, "Much less five seconds, I''ll even p for ten seconds for you!"


    The audience members stared with wide eyes.


    Chen Tian smiled. "Well then, watch closely. Don''t blink."


    He held up the coin and pinched it with his fingers. His other hand was holding the ss bowl and positioned under the table. The atmosphere seemed to have frozen.


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    All of a sudden, Chen Tian loosened his grip on the coin.


    The next moment, something clinked from below the table!


    Yan Mei was stunned!


    The audience burst into an uproar!


    Chen Tian brought the ss bowl back into view from under the table. The coin was in the bowl!


    Instantly, apuse rang out!


    "Oh my God!"


    "Damn!"


    "It really went through!"


    "How did he do it?"


    "Th-This is too unbelievable!"


    The atmosphere at the venue erupted!


    The TV viewers were also stunned. They could feel goosebumps all over their body! They had seen it happen right before their very own eyes!


    Yan Mei eximed, "H-How did you do it?"


    Chen Tian gave her a look. "Ms. Yan Mei, I can sense from the look in your eyes that you''re doubtful. I know what you''re thinking. You''re thinking that this ck mat on the table should have something in connection to the coin passing through the tabletop, am I right? Please say yes."


    Yan Mei helplessly said, "Yes."


    The audience was amused.


    That''s right!


    The mat on the table!


    That mat must be a magician''s prop!


    Chen Tian smiled and said, "Alright, since Ms. Yan Mei has her doubts, I will remove this mat from the table." He really took it away. "If I can make the coin pass through the table in such circumstances, that would really be too incredible." He looked into the camera. "So I still have the same request. If I can do it, I won''t ask for much again. All I need is two hours of apuse from you all."


    Yan Mei giggled. "Pfft!"


    The audienceughed. "Pfft!"


    Hahahaha!


    Two hours?


    And you im that''s not asking for much!


    Do you know how many hours the Spring Festival G runs for!


    Chen Tian had already picked up a coin and ced it onto the ss table. He covered it with his hand and then positioned the bowl underneath to catch it.


    The venue fell silent!


    Chen Tian did not move.


    The audience did not blink.


    Suddenly, Chen Tian shifted his hand a little.


    At the same moment, the entire Chinese world''s viewers watched as the coin suddenly fell through the ss and clinked into the bowl!


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His three sisters screamed!


    His parents also eximed out loud!


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    Wu Mo was dumbfounded from watching!


    Wu Changhe and Li Qinqin couldn''t look any more surprised!


    ��


    At the venue.


    A lot of people were so shocked that they forgot to p!


    Yan Mei said, "What just happened?" She rapped the tabletop. "What''s going on here?"


    Chen Tian looked at her. "Ms. Yan Mei, I can again sense from the look in your eyes that you''re still doubtful. I know what you''re thinking. Even though the coin has passed through the tabletop, my hand was covering it at the moment that it fell through it. You must be thinking that there''s some kind of trickery in there, right? Please say yes."


    Yan Mei gave a wry smile. "Yes."


    The audienceughed.


    "Hahahaha!"


    "She didn''t say anything at all!"


    "You''re just making things up yourself!"


    Chen Tian wiped his hands. "OK, due to Ms. Yan Mei''s doubts, I shall attempt an even harder challenge. I''ll make the coin pass through the acrylic ss without covering it up with my hands or anything else."


    What?


    Not covering it?


    The audience once again burst into an uproar!


    Then Chen Tian said something even more shocking. "And not only that, I''ll let you pinpoint which area of the ss surface you want me to make it pass through."


    Yan Mei randomly pointed. "Here then."


    Chen Tian asked, "Over here? Alright." He ced the three coins together at the spot Yan Mei pointed at on the ss. "On top of that, you can choose any one of the coins that you wish to see passing through the ss."


    Yan Mei was startled. "Me? Pick a coin?"


    Chen Tian nodded. "Yes."


    Yan Mei chose without thinking. "I''ll choose the one in the middle."


    The live audience apuded loudly!


    Good one!


    The middle coin is the most difficult one to attempt!


    Being in the middle, it was in between the two other coins!


    Chen Tian said, "The one in the middle? Alright, no one blink." He bent forward and reached a hand underneath the table. He pointed at the middle coin from below the ss. "Is it this one?"


    Yan Mei had a look. "Yes."


    But before the audience could react!


    Chen Tian suddenly pped his hand against the bottom of the ss!


    Yan Mei jumped!


    The audience was surprised too!


    Clink-ring-ring!


    The coins on the table flipped into the air from the force!


    The next moment, everyone discovered to their shock that there were only two coins left on top of the ss. Meanwhile, the coin that was in the middle had now impressively appeared in Chen Tian''s palm below the table!


    Apuse!


    Cheers!


    Screams!


    All of that filled the stage in a split second!


    ��


    It blew up on Weibo!


    "Ahhh!"


    "This��this��"


    "That was so impressive!"


    "How did he do that!"


    "My God!"


    "Does it need to be so ruthless!"


    "Why aren''t there any loopholes?"


    "Yeah, why can''t anyone spot it?"


    "Damn, I''m almostying down before the television!"


    "Heavens!"


    ��


    On TV.


    Yan Mei continuously eximed, "I''m can''t even believe my eyes."


    Chen Tian looked at her yet again.


    Yan Mei nodded and said, "I''m doubtful!"


    Chen Tian said, "Ah? But I haven''t even asked."


    "You did not ask, but I know that you''ll be asking me to say ''please say yes.''"


    The audience was rolling withughter!


    Chen Tianughed and said, "In fact, most magicians would end their show at this point. But since we''re on the stage of the Spring Festival G tonight, I''d like to extend it a little."


    The audience became very excited upon hearing that!


    Wow!


    There''s still more?


    What else can hee up with?


    Shouldn''t that already be the furthest he can go?


    He already made the coin pass through the tabletop without covering it, so what else could he be attempting?


    A minuteter!


    When Chen Tian covered one of his hands and pushed it through the ss tabletop to retrieve those coins from Yan Mei''s palm below the table!


    The entire audience went crazy!


    The countless TV viewers were so startled that they jumped out of their seats!


    "Ahhhh!"


    "My God!"


    "Fuck, did they really have to make it so ridiculous!"


    "God!"


    "Someone tell me that this isn''t real!"


    "Why?"


    "How?!"


    A magic act that had never gained eptance in the many years of the Spring Festival G had ignited the entire venue!


    Astonishment!


    Shock!


    Thrill!


    Dumbfoundedness!


    All kinds of expressions appeared on everyone''s faces!


    They had really gone crazy. This magic show was too stunning!


    This was Zhang Ye''s idea?


    This was Zhang Ye''s concept?


    It was stunning despite being simple!


    There was humor within the shock!


    This magic act was absolutely perfect!

 Chapter 1342 - Restoring honor to the art of cross-gender acting!

    <h4>Chapter 1342 - Restoring honor to the art of cross-gender acting! </h4>


    Chapter 1342: Restoring honor to the art of cross-gender acting!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Chen Tian was on fire.


    The magic act was on fire as well.


    Even the insiders in the field of magic were very amazed.


    "How did the apple juice disappear?"


    "What about the coin?"


    "Did he use misdirection to distract?"


    "Are the coins a prop?"


    "What trickery did they incorporate into it?"


    "I can''t figure it out."


    "What about the ss? What''s the mechanism to make it work?"


    "Did anyone spot how the trick was done?"


    "There weren''t enough gaps to analyze how the trick was done!"


    "I figured out one, but not the rest. We''ll need to y it back slowly so that we can analyze it carefully."


    "Chen Tian''s technique has always allowed him to be recognized as one of the better magicians in the industry. He has handled the details of the tricks very well. But even so, why have I never heard of Chen Tian having skills in this aspect of magic?"


    "Yeah, how did he suddenly get the skills?"


    "He even included humor into his interactions during the act. This isn''t his usual style of magic."


    "Could it be Zhang Ye?"


    "I heard that too, that the magic trick was designed by Zhang Ye."


    "But he''s ayman. How could he possibly think up something like that?"


    "God knows!"


    This magic act called "Myriad of Changes" had even shocked the industry insiders, not to mention themon folk. Everyone knew that magic was just an illusion. There was no such thing as instant teleportation or supernatural powers to speak of. But as for where the trickeryy, no one could figure it out!


    That was why they were stunned!


    That was why they praised it!


    Very quickly, the whole Inte was taken over by discussions rted to this magic act!


    ��


    Tianxi Company.


    The apple juice advertisement was sponsored by them.


    Thinking to back then, Tianxi Purified Water and Family Spring were directpetitors in the bottled water industry. That earth-shattering advertising battle between Li Xiaoxiao and Zhang Ye was still fresh in the minds of everyone. It could be said that Tianxi Company and Zhang Ye were foes since he had dominated them. But it was precisely because Tianxi and Zhang Ye had such a confrontation that they knew how good he was. There were no eternal foes, so they also took part in the bidding of the advertising rights for the Spring Festival G this time. In their bid, they had even identified that they wanted Zhang Ye to design the way their ads appeared. From the looks of it, this decision couldn''t be more correct!


    "The ad has been ced!"


    "This is such a good cement!"


    "Although it was only given one scene and a single tagline, it''s great!"


    "Yeah, everyone will talk about our brand now whenever they discuss the trickery behind that magic act!"


    "This money was quite well-spent!"


    ��


    At the Spring Festival G.


    The acts followed one after another.


    ��


    The acrobatics act.


    This was the most popr acrobatics show in all of the Spring Festival Gs in Zhang Ye''s previous world. Its difficulty, set design, and admiration for it were all spectacrly marvelous. Zhang Ye had spent a great deal of effort in approaching many acrobatic and performance troupes before he managed to bring the act to this world.


    The audience was dazzled by the sight.


    "Here we go again!"


    "It''s time for the acrobatics show!"


    "Wow!"


    "Bravo!"


    "Bravo!"


    "This is so exciting to watch!"


    "These performers are amazing!"


    "They can even execute a move like that?"


    "Impressive!"


    "This acrobatics show is so freaking awesome!"


    ��


    At the venue.


    In the audience.


    There was a woman who wasn''t paying attention to any of the performances. Her name was Zhao Ke, the wife of Gao Xiliang who was the sessor to the art of cross-gender acting. Watching the acts onstage and listening to the cheers and apuse of the audience around her, she waspletely indifferent to it all. Right now, she was very nervous because her husband was about to take to the stage. How could she care to watch the other acts?


    Honestly speaking, this was the first time that Zhao Ke was seated in the audience to watch her husband perform. In so many years, she had always been around whenever her husband performed. That was because she was his agent as well. However, she had not once sat in the audience to watch him perform. She was afraid that she would have to listen to the people around her speaking ill of her husband. The thing that angered her most was listening to others criticize her husband, so she might as well not hear that and just wait in the backstage for her husband to finish performing. But it was different today. She was seated in the front row to cheer her husband on. She wasn''t going to hide anymore!


    Old Gao!


    Don''t be nervous!


    You can do it!


    You won''t have any problems!


    Show them how hard you''ve worked for the past 20 years!


    Let them see what real cross-gender acting is all about!


    ��


    Onstage, the acrobatics show had just ended.


    The host came back onstage to introduce the next act.


    On TV, the info box was clearly disyed onscreen.


    " The New Drunken Concubine 1 "


    Lyrics: Zhang Ye.


    Composer: Zhang Ye.


    Choreography: Zhang Ye.


    Performer: Gao Xiliang.


    ��


    Here ites!


    Here ites!


    Zhao Ke''s heart jumped into her throat. She could feel the veins in her neck pulsing hard. The only worries she had now were that the audience would not ept the performance and not give her husband recognition. She turned her head and looked around at the audience who was still discussing the previous act. In her head, she was screaming out pleas.


    Please, everyone!


    These are Old Gao''s painstaking efforts that he put all his life into!


    Please watch him and give him your attention!


    Please listen to him seriously!


    The colors on the stage changed!


    The music came on and the lighting changed!


    What amazed everyone most was that a tform had slowly started rising up in the middle of the stage 2 . On top of it was a person dressed as a woman, wearing arge red robe, and surrounded by dancers!


    "Wow!"


    "How beautiful."


    "Who''s that woman?"


    "I don''t know."


    "I don''t know her either."


    Audience members were discussing the act.


    But when the melody yed, when Gao Xiliang started moving his long, flowing robes and began singing, countless TV viewers and live audience members were dumbfounded!


    "Love and hate happen in a second.


    "I toast the moon to show my affection.


    "Lost in this love-hate rtionship.


    "My lord, when will you love me again?


    "The chrysanthemums reflect the moonlight.


    "Who knows of the chill in my love''s heart?


    "Drunk in Your Majesty''s arms,


    "Dreaming of the Tang."


    A beautiful sleeve dance 3 !


    A stunning and beautiful face!


    A gentle and lovely singing voice!


    Everyone was enchanted at the sight!


    ��


    Not many people knew who he was.


    The majority of the people did not even know about Gao Xiliang.


    Online.


    "She''s so beautiful!"


    "She''s really beautiful!"


    "Why haven''t we seen this woman before?"


    "That''s a man."


    "Get lost, previous poster!"


    "Haha, do you know any man who''s that beautiful? And can sing with such a womanly charm?"


    "That''s really a man. His name is Gao Xiliang. You can search for him online."


    "What?"


    "Damn, I searched for him!"


    "That''s really a goddamn man!"


    "Heavens!"


    "A man?"


    "Oh my God! What''s happening?"


    "Impossible! That''s impossible!"


    "Dammit, if this is a man, then how many people in the world still dare to call themselves women?"


    "W-What kind of a performance is this?"


    "I heard that it''s called a cross-gender act!"


    "Cross-gender? This is really very impressive!"


    "He''s totally able to pass as a real woman!"


    "What the hell! This is awesome! It''s so impressive!"


    "Yeah, he must be very skilled! I don''t think he could do it if he didn''t put in 10 to 20 years of hard work into the craft! Those movements, that demeanor, and that voice, everything about it is imitated to perfection!"


    "I''ve met a truly godly person today!"


    ��


    At a newspaper firm.


    Several reporters were dumbfounded from watching this performance.


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    The entire family was in disbelief.


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    The entire family was stunned.


    ��


    At the venue.


    Zhao Ke was also stunned. She had thought that there would be voices of scolding and ridicule. However, she heard none of that!


    Everyone around her was praising it.


    "Cross-gender act?"


    "This isn''t some simple cross-dressing act!"


    "Is this some form of art?"


    "It definitely is!"


    "Yeah, if this isn''t art, then what is!"


    "Too beautiful! From head to toe, I can only describe it with one word: beautiful!"


    Apuse thundered!


    Praise flooded in!


    Some audience members even put up their hands and cheered loudly!


    Hearing all of that around her, Zhao Ke looked at her onstage husband and then smiled. Her tears started rolling down uncontrobly!


    Old Gao!


    Can you hear this?


    Do you hear them?


    All of the apuse is for you!


    They''re all cheering for you!


    What is cross-gender acting?


    Not many knew about it in the past.


    And not many understood it either.


    Contempt.


    Disdain.


    Strange looks.


    That was how everyone viewed them in the past.


    Therefore, Zhao Ke felt very grateful to Zhang Ye. Because on this day, Zhang Ye had gone against all that pressure and stood his ground to bring this cross-gender act onto the stage of the Spring Festival G. Because on this day, Zhang Ye had restored honor to the art of cross-gender acting!


    This wasn''t cross-dressing!


    It was art!


    It was a genuine form of art!

 Chapter 1343 - Attack of the ’Thousand-Hand Guanyin’!

    <h4>Chapter 1343 - Attack of the ''Thousand-Hand Guanyin''! </h4>


    Chapter 1343: Attack of the ''Thousand-Hand Guanyin''!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On Weibo.


    A heated discussion was going on.


    "This year''s Spring Festival G is really different!"


    "The acts are all very novel."


    "Yes, I agree with this view. It''s so refreshing!"


    "Many of the acts have never been seen before!"


    "Yeah, it''s my first time hearing of something like cross-gender acting!"


    "This year''s Spring Festival G is so damn enjoyable!"


    "Right, only the skits and crosstalks were watchable in the past, and some were not even that interesting to speak of. But this year''s songs and dances, as well as the magic show have all left the audience in shock!"


    "Zhang Ye is really quite capable."


    "I heard that there are still many new acts lined up."


    "Ah? There''s still more?"


    "Yes, like that dance by the deaf-mute dance troupe."


    "I''ve seen the program list too, but what kind of a deaf-mute dance troupe are they?"


    "How can the deaf-mute dance? I still don''t get it."


    "That''s true. Like that ''Flying Apsaras'' from before, I thought that it was a rather good performance. There are so many good, able-bodied dancers in China, so why didn''t they just get them instead? Wouldn''t they dance better?"


    "Eh, looks like it''sing up!"


    "It''s the next act?"


    ��


    On TV.


    The live broadcast was still ongoing.


    The Central TV host, Yan Mei, stood onstage with a smile that looked slightly restrained. "Next up, I would like to introduce a teacher to everyone. Her name is Qi Xiaomei and she is the coach of the deaf-mute dance troupe from the China National Ethnic Song and Dance Ensemble."


    The cameras switched to the audience.


    In the front row, Qi Xiaomei stood up nervously. She put out her hands and used signnguage to greet everyone.


    Yan Mei tranted, "She said hello to everyone."


    The audience greeted her with apuse.


    Qi Xiaomei once again broke into signnguage.


    Yan Mei said, "Teacher Qi is saying that the children might live in a world with no sound, but the voices in their heads are the same as yours and mine." With a pause, she observed Qi Xiaomei''s signnguage and exined, "They live in a world without a spokennguage, but they''ll use their way ofmunicating to connect with everyone, thank you."


    Qi Xiaomei gave a slight bow.


    The audience apuded again.


    Yan Mei faced the camera. "Now, I would like to introduce a very special act to everyone. It''s special because the performers who are taking part in this performance are all living in a soundless world. They can''t hear their parents'' affectionate voices, and of course, cannot perceive the beautiful melodies of music. But even so, they would still like to send us a new year''s greeting with their beautiful dancing. Let us enjoy this uing dance: '' Thousand-Hand Guanyin 1 .''"


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    Wu Changhe said, "It''s starting."


    Li Qinqin also said, "This act feels like a very risky choice."


    "Yes, there''s huge controversy over it," Wu Changhe replied.


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His eldest younger sister had her hands sped together. "God bless, God bless!"


    His other two sisters were chanting, "Please bless this act with smooth sailing!"


    Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma asked, "What are you girls doing?"


    His second sister said, "Grandma, you don''t know about it, but this act has been constantly criticized by people on the Inte ever since the second approval session. It has been mmed into the ground."


    ��


    Online.


    Everyone was indeed still arguing about this act.


    "I think that it''s pretty good."


    "What''s so good about it?"


    "It must be a task the upper management set for them."


    "There''s a really good chance that they wanted the handicapped to be included as part of the g."


    "But the effect of this act won''t be good."


    "I do sympathize with our disabled friends, but the Spring Festival G is quite different. This is not some charity g, so there''s a need to allow only whoever is good enough to perform on the show. "


    "Well, maybe they''re really that good at dancing."


    "Come on, I don''t believe that a deaf and mute person can dance better than an able-bodied one."


    "Yeah, they can''t even hear the music!"


    A lot of people had doubts about this. The deaf-mute dance troupe''s act was one of the most controversial ones ever since Zhang Ye''s program list was revealed. Some people expressed their support for it and encouraged this sort of a move. Having disabled performers on the Spring Festival G was also a humanistic touch. As for whether the dance would be good enough, that was secondary. It was more important that the handicapped could feel the warmth from watching the g on Chinese New Year''s Eve. But more people opposed this move. They felt that the quality of the act couldn''t be sacrificed just because there was a need to show concern for their handicapped friends. It couldn''t be a case of moral kidnapping, as that wouldn''t be fair.


    Everyone had their own opinions.


    The controversy did not die down.


    The act was finally going to begin.


    The answer to everyone''s doubts was going to be revealed soon.


    ��


    On TV.


    The set design was still as exquisite as before.


    The stage effects were still as stunning too.


    A performer stood onstage, and the first shot showing her was a direct close-up from the front. The girl stood there in a beautiful gold dress.


    No!


    It wasn''t just one!


    There were many of them!


    They were standing in a column?


    It looked like they were only one person.


    A lot of the audience members were slightly taken aback.


    The music came on as the guqin started 2 ying.


    Suddenly, while everyone was still in shock from seeing this, a pair of hands appeared out from behind the lead girl. It was almost instantly followed by another pair of hands shooting out from behind. This effect really gave the feeling that there were hands "growing" out from the girl''s back. It could be passed off as real!


    Three pairs of hands!


    Five pairs of hands!


    Ten pairs of hands!


    Suddenly, the dozen-odd pairs of hands retracted back inside uniformly before slowly extending out again from both sides. The hands were adorned with long golden nails, giving it an dazzling and hypnotic look!


    The entire world''s Chinese poption was dumbfounded!


    "What?"


    "How could it be?"


    "H-How did they achieve that?"


    "Why are their movements so in sync?"


    "This is impossible!"


    "Aren''t they deaf?"


    "Even normal people couldn''t do that with such precision! So how can they do it?"


    "Holy fuck!"


    However, it was still too early for them to be stunned!


    When the dozen-odd pairs of hands retracted back again, they started slowly fluttering before opening out without warning from behind the leading girl''s back like a fan. The stunning image of Guanyin with a thousand arms appeared!


    At this moment!


    Counting everyone who had seen it!


    The entire world''s Chinese poption was screaming!


    The visual impact shot into their souls!


    The audience at the venue was stunned!


    The TV viewers were also stunned!


    "Heavens!"


    "Ah!"


    "Oh my God!"


    "God!"


    "This is too beautiful!"


    "Deaf-mutes? Are they really deaf-mute people?"


    "How could it be so beautiful!?"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His mother was wide-eyed!


    His father was gasping!


    His three younger sisters were squealing!


    ��


    Everyone had finally shut their mouths!


    All of the doubters and critics were no longer talking!


    At this instant, they could only feel a sense of shock. They were staring at the breathtaking beauty taking ce on television that couldn''t be described with words!


    The dance went on.


    Retraction.


    Extension.


    The flurry of hands moved spiritedly, as though they were attached to the back of the lead dancer and entirely controlled by her alone. Fluttering, agile, and ever-changing!


    The apuse kepting round after round!


    Some live audience members were so excited that they stood up!


    Some people started weeping. When they reached up to wipe away the tears, they somehow cried even harder!


    It was fantastic!


    It was too fantastic!


    Yan Mei''s eyes reddened as well!


    In the front row, Qi Xiaomei''s hand signals were constantly changing. She pursed her lips and clenched her teeth, holding back the urge to cry as shemanded the children onstage! This is it! Very good! You''ve all performed very well today! Teacher is proud of you all! You''re the best students I''ve ever taught! Well done! All of you, well done!


    This was a dance that shocked everyone!


    Compared to the feelings that "Flying Apsaras" had given them, this was ten times more shocking!


    These were deaf and mute people!


    These girls could not hear anything at all!


    Many of the TV viewers were in tears!


    Guanyin and the Thousand Arms?


    So this was what the Thousand-Hand Guanyin was?


    For a dance like this, one could never find another like it even if they searched to the ends of the Earth!

 Chapter 1344 - Blooming in glory!

    <h4>Chapter 1344 - Blooming in glory! </h4>


    Chapter 1344: Blooming in glory!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On TV.


    The Thousand-Hand Guanyin came alive in the performance!


    The pairs of hands were blooming as flowers would!


    It was ever-changing!


    ording to their own will!


    It was like a magical fantasy!


    A golden glow had filled the entire stage.


    It was so beautiful that it left people breathless at the sight. Everyone was gripped by what they were seeing!


    When the dance was halfway in, the dancers moved into a staggered position and showed themselves one by one. It was at this moment that the entire world''s Chinese poption saw each and every one of their faces clearly!


    Nervous.


    Serious.


    Meticulous.


    The lead dancer was a girl named Sun Ye. She was 22 years old and a native of Hebei. She was born deaf and mute. Her biggest dream was to get onto the stage of the Spring Festival G one day.


    Dad.


    Mom.


    I''ve made it to the Spring Festival G!


    I, I��


    Can you see me?


    I''ve really made it to the Spring Festival G!


    Behind her, the second girl''s name was Liu Meimei. She was 20 years old and a native of Anhui. She was also born deaf and mute. Her biggest dream was for technology to advance enough so that she could ovee her handicap one day and have a chance at hearing the sounds of this world just like any normal person could.


    The third girl''s name was Hu Lijuan. She was 19 years old and from Tianjin. She didn''t have any dreams. She just enjoyed dancing and hoped that she could keep dancing with everyone even after she turned 30, 40, 50. This was what she felt happiest doing.


    The fourth girl was named Zhao Qi. She was 21 years old and from Shaanxi. Her greatest dream was to meet her Prince Charming one day so that she could have a grand wedding and be happily married to him.


    The fifth girl was Ci Xi-an.


    The sixth girl was Wu Shengnan.


    The seventh girl was Jia Fang.


    ��


    In a vige.


    Half of the vige''s residents had gathered together.


    "It''s Little Ye!"


    "My daughter!"


    "That''s my daughter!"


    A middle-aged woman pointed at the television in tears.


    ��


    In a township.


    Several young people were dumbfounded.


    "That''s!"


    "It''s Liu Meimei!"


    "It''s Liu Meimei from the dance ss next to ours those years ago!"


    "It really is her!"


    "Sh-She went to the Spring Festival G?"


    ��


    In a city.


    "Holy shit!"


    "Ah!"


    "Isn''t that Zhao Qi?"


    "What''s she doing at the Spring Festival G?"


    ��


    At a provincial capital.


    "Old Li, Old Li, quicklye and have a look!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "It''s Hu Lijuan!"


    "Hu Lijuan?"


    "Lijuan was a student of mine! Have you forgotten?"


    "Ah! I remember now! W-Why are you crying?"


    "I''m so happy for her! So happy for her!"


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    Li Qinqin wiped the tears off her face. "That was so good."


    Wu Changhe was also convinced. "This Little Ye is really capable."


    Fat Sis said rather stunned, "All of this was choreographed by Zhang''er?"


    Li Qinqin nodded.


    Wu Mo cried out, "My Brother Zhang is amazing!"


    Fat Sis gave him a look. "Don''t you be calling him what you like. You should be addressing him as Uncle-inw."


    ��


    On Weibo.


    The controversy from before?


    The criticism from before?


    All of that had disappeared at this moment!


    "I have to apologize."


    "Me too!"


    "Damn, I''ll have to take back what I said before!"


    "Who says that the deaf and mute don''t know how to dance?! The deaf-mute dance troupe would drag down the act quality of the Spring Festival G? Bull fucking shit! This dance will surely be recorded in the annals of history!"


    "Agreed, this is fantastic!"


    "Honestly speaking, I''ve never seen such an amazing dance since the time I was born!"


    "How much effort did these girls have to put in before they could achieve such a level of skill!?"


    "I''m so touched. This dance is so much more stunning than ''Flying Apsaras!''"


    "That''s right. ''Flying Apsaras'' is a performance that stuns us with its technical skill. Meanwhile, this ''Thousand-Hand Guanyin'' touches us on an emotional level! So a dance can even be performed in this way!"


    "Who choreographed this dance?! It''s so cool!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Yes, everything was nned by him."


    "How did hee up with such a creative idea!"


    "Looking around in all of the past Spring Festival Gs. No other dance can be mentioned in the same breath as this ''Thousand-Hand Guanyin'' performance!"


    "I''m crying."


    "Me too, that was so touching!"


    "It must''ve been really difficult for these girls!"


    "I suddenly feel like I''ve been purified."


    "Thank you, girls. I''ll never forget this dance as long as I live!"


    "I was surprised, Iughed, and I got touched. This year''s Spring Festival G is truly miraculous!"


    "Yeah, so the Spring Festival G can even be made in this way!"


    ��


    The dance had ended.


    The act was over.


    However, everyone was still unable to calm down after a very long time.


    The apuse at the venue was uproarious andsted for a long time without stopping.


    In the audience, Qi Xiaomei, who was sitting in the front row, was extremely proud. She had never been extroverted, but at this moment, she was sitting ramrod straight.


    Rumors.


    Criticism.


    Strange gazes.


    Doubtful looks.


    From the time she was born, she had been through so much. Especially at the time the Spring Festival G''s program list was announced, she and the children had to put up with a tremendous amount of stress. It was so overwhelming that they were all worn out by it and could hardly breathe. But they endured it and clenched their teeth while training day and night. They were physically disadvantaged to begin with but had used their hard work to make up for it. They knew that they could do anything that normal people could do. If normal people could perform this dance, then they could do it too. In fact, they wanted to do it even better!


    The tears that Qi Xiaomei had been holding back started rolling down her cheeks!


    All these years of persistence!


    All these years of waiting!


    All these years of blood and sweat!


    Today, they''ve finally shown the world their dancing!


    Today, they were blooming in glory!


    ��


    On the stage.


    Singing 1 rang out.


    The girls and teacher from the China National Ethnic Song and Dance Ensemble''s deaf-mute dance troupe had realized their dreams on the stage of the Spring Festival G. Simrly, twoborer brothers hade to fulfill theirs.


    "I still remember the spring of many years back.


    "At the time, I still hadn''t cut off my long hair.


    "I was broke and didn''t know her care.


    "A home without water or any snacks.


    "Still, I was very happy back then.


    "Even with just a broken guitar to my name.


    "On the streets, under the bridges, and in the fields,


    "Singing those songs that no one cared about.


    "If therees a day I am helpless and old.


    "Please remember me / in the stories we told.


    "If therees a day I quietly go.


    "Please bury me in / the springtime glow."


    Dreams: this word always held an eternal charm.


    The two of them did not have superb singing skills, nor did they have handsome faces. They also did not have a stage presence like the big name celebrities, but their rugged voices with broad ranges was a constant presence as it told everyone their story. This was a story rted to their dreams.


    ��


    In the countryside.


    Their coworkers were cheering.


    "They''re here!"


    "It''s them!"


    "Sweetums, did you see that? That is my work buddy!"


    "They''re doing usborers really proud!"


    "Keep it up!"


    "Keep it up!"


    ��


    Online.


    "This is great!"


    "This song is so well-written!"


    "Is it another song of Zhang Ye''s?"


    "This song hit me right in the feels!"


    "Only the two of them can sing a song like that!"


    "Why do I feel so moved listening to this? I get the feeling that they''re singing even better than the celebrities!"


    ��


    This song, "Spring Days," and this pair ofborer brothers.


    Their singing had moved everyone in the audience!


    Today, they were blooming in glory!


    The Spring Festival G kept hitting a new high, wave after wave!

 Chapter 1345 - ’The Five Senses Claim Credit’ gets sent into battle!

    <h4>Chapter 1345 - ''The Five Senses im Credit'' gets sent into battle! </h4>


    Chapter 1345: ''The Five Senses im Credit'' gets sent into battle!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The Spring Festival G continued.


    The entire world''s Chinese poption was trembling in excitement.


    At this point in time of the past Spring Festival Gs, many people would be feeling tired due to their circadian rhythm and the time difference overseas. There were viewers who couldn''t finish watching the event, or catch the ringing in of the new year as they went to bed early. However, it was different this year. It was getting quitete, but the eyes of the viewers were still beaming. No one was willing to turn their gaze away from the television, not a single person!


    It was too exciting!


    This year''s Spring Festival G was a fucking drug!


    They couldn''t look away once they started watching it!


    Hurry up, what other acts are there?


    Hurry, hurry, hurry, we can''t wait anymore!


    That''s right, what about the crosstalk? We''re already halfway through the Spring Festival G, but why hasn''t there been a crosstalk yet?


    Thenguage acts had always been the most anticipated acts for everyone. Up until now, almost all of the acts had been presented. Dancing, singing, acrobatics, magic, skits, and so on and so forth. Only the crosstalks had yet to make an appearance. A lot of people were waiting for this moment to arrive.


    ��


    On TV.


    The hosts were making announcements.


    Finally, the first crosstalk arrived!


    This was what the Spring Festival G was like. It needed to work on the bigger picture, and the flow had to be right as well. Earlier, the "Thousand-Hand Guanyin" and "Spring Days" had cheated many of their tears. As a result, they couldn''t keep them constantly immersed in a feeling of sadness and would have to bring out anguage act to rx the atmosphere. And bringing out aedy at this moment was particrly critical and an even harder task. If it wasn''t a strong enough act, it would have a hard time meeting the expectations of the audience. It would be really difficult to pull them out of the emotions the previous performances induced.


    As to that, Zhang Ye had naturally taken it into ount.


    He was extremely confident in this act!


    ��


    In the crosstalk world.


    In a small circle''s group chat.


    "Those performers are way too spineless!"


    "Hmmph, we can let it slide regarding that youngster Little Hu, but why did Old Liu and Old Li get pacified by Zhang Ye too? They really have no backbone!"


    "This olive branch was offered to them by the Spring Festival G, so did you think they could reject it?"


    "Old Liu and Old Li also did not sh with Zhang Ye back then. It seems like they were the smart ones by not participating in the denouncement of Zhang Ye by the crosstalk world."


    "Let''s see just what kind of a crosstalk they cane up with."


    "It won''t be good for sure."


    "Hur hur, as if Zhang Ye coulde up with a traditional script for the crosstalk!"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye''s scripts are all too vulgar. They aren''t good enough for the professional stage!"


    ��


    Online.


    Quite a few people were also discussing this.


    "The crosstalk is here!"


    "I''ve been waiting for such a long time!"


    "The crosstalk script is provided by Zhang Ye as well?"


    "Yeah, it''s all by him."


    "Will it be any good?"


    "Uh, all of Zhang Ye''s crosstalks seem to be a bit��"


    "Yeah, how could he possibly know how toe up with a script for a Spring Festival G crosstalk?"


    "Who knows?"


    "Does this crosstalk have five, six people in it? How can they perform that way?"


    "This is this year''s first crosstalk. Let''s see how it goes."


    However, everyone was deeply shocked the moment the crosstalk was broadcast live on television!


    ��


    On TV.


    The info box 1 appeared.


    The famous crosstalk actor, Li Xiangqi, appeared onstage with augh.


    He was a chubby man and had a jolly demeanor about him. His appearance would make anyone feel likeughing.


    Li Xiangqi was ying the role of the " head 2 " today.


    Head: "Ai, let me tell everyone about something. I had a dreamst night, and this dream was especially strange. I dreamed about my five senses, from��"


    Eyes: "Yo! Head."


    Head: "What?"


    Eyes: "Haha! Haha!"


    Head: "Hello, hello!"


    Eyes: "Do you remember me?"


    Head: "I dare not say I do! May I know what your surname is?"


    Eyes: "My surname is Eye."


    Head: "Wait��what?"


    Eyes: "Eye."


    Head: "Does your surname exist in the Hundred Family Surnames 3 ?"


    Eyes: "It''s on the first line in the list."


    Head: "Where is it mentioned?"


    Eyes: "Zh��o, Qi��n, S��n, Y��n (Y��n being Eye)."


    Head: "Never heard of that before! Zh��o, Qi��n, S��n, Y��n? Zh��o, Qi��n, S��n, L��!"


    Eyes: "Ah, Zh��u, W��, Zh��ng, Y��n!"


    Head: "Zh��u, W��, Zh��ng, W��ng."


    Eyes: "Feng, Chen, Ch��, Y��n."


    Head: "Stop poking around already! Aren''t you afraid that you''ll poke yourself blind?"


    Eyes: "No, I��"


    Head: "What''s your name?"


    Eyes: "I''m Eyes."


    Head: "Eyes?"


    Eyes: "Ai, that''s right!"


    Head: "Aiya, who would be called something like that? Ah?"


    Eyes: "Then what do you call this part of yours?"


    Head: "Don''t touch me! If you damage them, where am I supposed to get a recement?"


    Eyes: "So what do you call this part?"


    Head: "These are my eyes."


    Eyes: "Well, I am your eyes."


    Soon after, the five senses came out onto the stage one by one and started a heated debate!


    ��


    The live audience:


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, I can''t take this anymore!"


    "I''m dying ofughter!"


    "My stomach is cramping up!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His mother was clutching her stomach and was bent over fromughing.


    His three sisters were staggering back and forth inughter.


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "That was so funny!"


    "Our brother is too godly!"


    ��


    Online.


    "Awesome!"


    "I''ve to take my hat off to this crosstalk!"


    "Me too, I''m convinced!"


    "There wasn''t any Inte ng used, but it''s still really funny to watch!"


    "This format is quite novel too! But thenguage used and gags are still the traditional type!"


    "Zhang Ye actually knows how to write traditional gags too? And he can even write them so well?"


    "Yeah, I thought he only knew how to write those vulgar gags like he did in the past!"


    "Hahahahaha, this is so enjoyable to watch! This crosstalk is amazing!"


    "So a traditional crosstalk can be this funny too!"


    "Zhang Ye has smacked the face of the crosstalk world!"


    "Aiyo, it''s so funny that I''m crying!"


    ��


    The crosstalk world was nketed with silence.


    Tang Dazhang''s face was sunken and he did not speak a word.


    The other traditional crosstalk actors who did not make it to the Spring Festival G had their faces turn green with anger!


    They did not get to see what they wanted to see!


    How was this possible!


    Zhang Ye wrote this?


    So he was even capable of writing this sort of script?


    So it turned out that it wasn''t that he couldn''t write something that would be good enough for arge-scale g?!


    The format was novel!


    The idea was outstanding!


    The points ofughter were frequent!


    It was positive and healthy!


    Even those people from the crosstalk world who were biased against him couldn''t find any fault with this crosstalk of Zhang Ye''s��which was most shocking to them!


    ��


    In the production control room.


    Little Wang was pping in admiration. She whispered, "This crosstalk is hrious. I would dieughing each time I watched it!"


    Ha Qiqi also quietly said, "Yeah, it''s such a novelty."


    When Zhang Ye who next to them heard their whispers, he couldn''t help but feel amused. Novel? If they knew that this crosstalk was actually an extremely old performance from the Spring Festival G decades ago in his previous world, he wondered what their expressions would look like.


    Zhang Ye had pondered over which crosstalk to use for this year''s Spring Festival G for a very long time. He had written out the acts one after another but also rejected them one after another. He didn''t find them to be suitable at all. Finally, he clenched his teeth and brought out this masterful piece to help hold this Spring Festival G together!


    Master Ma Ji.


    "The Five Senses 4 im Credit."


    This act saw a stunning debut today and won great cheers from the audience!

 Chapter 1346 - The Spring Festival Gala draws to a close!

    <h4>Chapter 1346 - The Spring Festival G draws to a close! </h4>


    Chapter 1346: The Spring Festival G draws to a close!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In a household.


    It was a family of four generations.


    "Grandpa, this year''s Spring Festival G is so enjoyable."


    "This crosstalk is pretty good."


    "Yes, it''s really funny."


    "This year''s Spring Festival G has finally made me feel like I''m watching the Spring Festival G of when I was young."


    "Wow, it''s time for another skit."


    "This should be the second skit, right?"


    "The first skit set the bar really high, so this second one will need to do really well if it''s to do better."


    "Yeah, ''Dance If You Like'' was quite a good skit."


    "Stop chatting already; hurry up and watch."


    ��


    On TV.


    The stage had been set up.


    Two skit actors walked onto the stage.


    A lot of people who were watching TV were actually having some doubts. By putting such an amazing skit like "Dance If You Like" as the first skit, wasn''t that a bit overkill? With the quality of that skit, it could easily qualify as the finale act of the Spring Festival G. By putting it at the start of the show, it might have amazed the viewers, but what of the skits that cameter? How would they have to perform to live up to expectations? Everyone would subconsciouslypare them for sure. If thetter skits were slightly off, wouldn''t the effect be softened?


    What was Zhang Ye thinking?


    Could he be so confident that thetter skits would do even better than the first skit?


    No way, right?


    But when the skit actors yed their parts, everyone was convinced!


    ��


    Skit: " The Leading Role and the Supporting Role 1 "


    Lead actor: Gao Hong.


    Supporting actor: Qian Hao.


    Gao Hong had bushy eyebrows and a pair ofrge eyes.


    Qian Hao had a sharp chin and was balding.


    Both of them were very famous skit actors in China. They hadn''t partnered much before as they were from different skit troupes. However, as the executive director this time, Zhang Ye had put them to work on the same act. The moment they stepped onto the stage, the two of them exuded a strongedic feel that made the audience amused.


    Qian Hao: "That''s not right!"


    Gao Hong: "What''s not right?"


    Qian Hao: "This costume is not mine."


    Gao Hong: "It''s yours."


    Qian Hao: "You must''ve taken the wrong one. Let me look at the one you''re wearing."


    Gao Hong: "Don''t bother looking at it! This is yours, you''re the traitor."


    Qian Hao: "I''m the traitor?! For which y?"


    Gao Hong: "The one we''re rehearsing."


    Qian Hao: "Ah, I''m once again the turncoat, huh?"


    Once again?


    Audience: "Hahahahaha!"


    Later.


    Gao Hong: "Don''t you forget! The moment I draw my gun and raise it��you fall down."


    Qian Hao: "Why?"


    Gao Hong: "It shows that I''m a crack shot!"


    Qian Hao: "Alright."


    Gao Hong: "Mmm, are you the one who led the Japs here?"


    Qian Hao: "Captain, the Imperial Army ordered you to give up your weapons and surrender��"


    Gao Hong: "Shut up! You must be daydreaming, you traitor! I''ll execute you on behalf of the people and the government��"


    By the time Gao Hong turned his head, Qian Hao had already fallen to the ground. "Eh! Where''d he go? Where''d he go?"


    Qian Hao sat up. "I''m over here."


    Gao Hong: "Why''d you drop to the floor before I shot you?"


    Qian Hao: "Hey! Wasn''t that what you said? That once you pulled out your gun and raised it, I should fall down?"


    Gao Hong: "But I haven''t even opened fire!"


    Qian Hao: "Aiyo, then doesn''t that show that you''re a crack shot!"


    Qian Hao upstaged Gao Hong and stole the show again and again as the supporting actor while the audienceughed like crazy!


    "Aiyo!"


    "I can''t take it, I can''t take it anymore!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "I''m dying ofughter!"


    "My stomach hurts!"


    "Your sister! This is too damn funny!"


    "This is even funnier than the first skit!"


    "Damn, so this is their trump card for the skits!"


    "Can it not be so funny!"


    "That was so wonderful! I couldn''t even bear to look away for a second!"


    "I wasughing nonstop!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    ��


    In the production control room.


    Zhang Ye was calm andposed.


    Chen Peisi and Zhu Shimao''s skit had also been brought over here by him. This skit was one of the most ssic skits in the early Spring Festival Gs of his previous world, so would it look rather outdated 2 if he used it here? Zhang Ye had thought about this carefully beforehand. After some research, he realized that it wouldn''t. So he used it. The only issue was that the selection of the actors was very difficult. The actors for "Dance If You Like" were easier to choose as Auntie Ci and Master Lian were both quite apt for those roles. But for actors like Zhu Shimao and Chen Peisi who had such strong individual styles, it was quite impossible to find two people as unique as them. Zhang Ye himself couldn''t act in this either. Zhu Shimao? He did not have that imposing air about him. Chen Peisi? He could not portray that crass manner either. So Zhang Ye could only find people who were the closest fit and put them onstage.


    In the end, it was the skit actors Gao Hong and Qian Hao who caught Zhang Ye''s attention.


    Under Zhang Ye''s repeated direction, and gelling together in the rehearsals, this extremely well-known "The Leading Role and the Supporting Role" skit was finally presented to this world''s audience.


    From the look of the live audience''s reaction?


    It was had turned the world upside down!


    ��


    The skit ended.


    The audience was stillughing.


    The next act in the order began. It was a dance.


    When many of the audience saw this, they knew that it would be a transition act. After those wonderful crosstalks and skits, there was definitely a need to release all of that excitement. Besides, the first few performances of the dances had been too amazing. "Flying Apsaras" and the "Thousand-Hand Guanyin" were each more amazing than thest. When everyone thought of them, they felt that even if the following dances were well-performed, they would still be eclipsed by those at the beginning.


    Peacock Love 3 ?


    What the heck was this?


    They were wrong again!


    In fact, they couldn''t be any more wrong about it!


    ��


    When the stage lights dimmed.


    When a man and a woman used their hands and started the dance, the image of a male and female peacock came alive!


    The mannerisms!


    The movements!


    The postures!


    All of that was vividly presented!


    The audience gasped when they saw it!


    The set design also seamlessly blended into the performance. The blue tone of the background added a strong poetic feel, and the moon slowly moved across the curved screen. It created an impactful and strong visual experience, with butterflies fluttering in the bamboo forest. The particle effects slowly glowed upwards and built a beautiful environment to match the courtship of the pair of peacocks.


    With the development of the peacocks'' love, the portrayal of the dance reached a climax!


    When the peacocky down at the end, the peahen fluttered her wings as peacock plumage fanned out all across the screen behind them. Everyone was shocked and astonished!


    Beautiful!


    It was the height of beauty!


    It was so beautiful that it entered every cell of one''s body!


    It was so beautiful that it weaved through the gaps in one''s teeth!


    Screams!


    Apuse!


    Everyone in the audience spared no effort in showing their praise and amazement at the performance!


    "Masterful!"


    "I know this woman. She''s Chang Hua, a 40-something-year-old dancer who was famous in China many years ago. She won major international prizes and then retired for some reason. I heard that she settled down abroad."


    "That''s Chang Hua?"


    "Damn, I know her too!"


    "She''s a goddamn master at dancing!"


    "This is purely her own ability!"


    "The artistic and aesthetic values of this dance are too amazing!"


    "Zhang Ye is so capable. He actually convinced and invited Master Chang back from overseas?"


    "This dance is too frighteningly good!"


    "Chang Hua was famed for her portrayal of animals in her dances. This dance can only be performed by her, no one else!"


    "The choreography is very good too!"


    "Zhang Ye is too fucking talented!"


    "Yeah, that final plumage fan was so good that it blinded me!"


    "Me too, I could literally feel my blood pumping through my veins!"


    "Eh, I have a question."


    "What?"


    "Don''t peahens not have trains?"


    ��


    In the production control room.


    Zhang Ye was giving orders.


    Whether a peahen could fan out their tail plumage 4 was also widelyined about for some time by the majority of the people in Zhang Ye''s previous world after Yang Liping 5 and her partner finished with their amazing dance performance.[4.][5.]


    Because Master Chang Hua was the lead dancer, the roles for this dance were not changed by Zhang Ye. Ultimately, the highlight of the fanning of the plumage at the end of the dance was still left to Chang Hua to perform. Only she could be relied upon, as her partner was stillcking by quite a bitpared to her. As for the doubts of whether a peahen could disy a train, Zhang Ye also had his own exnation.


    And his exnation was:


    If she wants to disy it, who are you to say that she can''t?!


    There are already so many oddities among humans, so why can''t there be one in the peacock world as well?!


    ��


    The acts continued on one after another.


    They were getting closer and closer to midnight.

 Chapter 1347 - Who will come out for the finale?

    <h4>Chapter 1347 - Who wille out for the finale? </h4>


    Chapter 1347: Who wille out for the finale?


    Trantor: Legge __ Editor: Legge


    The Spring Festival G continued.


    The red packet war was also getting increasingly fierce. Regardless of gender and age, everyone was joining in to grab the red packets that were given out.


    They grabbed.


    Theyughed.


    They scolded.


    "Wow, I grabbed a red packet with 3 yuan in it!"


    "Previous poster, that''s a pretty generous red packet!"


    "Haha, I grabbed one with 60 cents in it. Thank you to Sister Zhang for the red packet!"


    "Thank you, Sister Ning. I grabbed one from Sister Ning that has 30 cents in it!"


    "Oh, Sect Leader Huo also gave out some red packets!"


    "Damn, why did I get Zhang Ye''s red packet again!"


    "Me too, I got his as well!"


    "This is infuriating! There''s only 1.2 cents in it? What kind of an odd figure is that!"


    "I received 2.8 cents! How am I even suppose to im that 0.8 cents?"


    "This Zhang Ye is such a cheapskate!"


    "Ahh, I''ve never seen a celebrity who''s so stingy!"


    "Hahahahaha, this is too funny!"


    "Zhang Ye, show yourself! I promise not to beat you to death!"


    "Zhang Ye has always been a cheat. It''s not like you guys didn''t know that."


    "And why can''t I get my hands on the work dedication card still!"


    "I don''t have it either. I''ve already collected three sets of the other four cards of fortune! But there''s no work dedication card to be seen at all! They''re just trying to stir up trouble!"


    "We''re just 20 minutes from midnight!"


    "This event is going to end at midnight! Oh, my work dedication card!"


    "Hurry, hurry, it''s our final chance to try and get it!"


    "This year''s Spring Festival G is spectacr. It''s so fun that I forgot to grab red packets!"


    "Yeah, there''s no room to be distracted!"


    And at this moment.


    On TV, Zhang Yuanqi''s act was finally starting.


    At the beginning, the audience was only expecting that the Heavenly Queen would sing a song. It shouldn''t be too different from the other songs that came before, except that the song was a Zhang Ye original. It wasn''t until the cameras cut to the stage that the TV viewers realized that this song was apparently different from the others.


    A photo album appeared onscreen.


    On it, the pictures flipped by until they animated.


    A young father and mother were with their little girl. On each picture, the dates were shown at the bottom together with the little girl''s age.


    The first picture: The girl was one year old.


    The second picture: The girl was two years old.


    The third picture: The girl was three years old.


    The audience was taken aback!


    They were all watching in bewilderment!


    Whose pictures were those?


    What were they supposed to mean?


    Zhang Yuanqi sat at a piano with closed eyes and yed softly as she sang 1 .


    "The old tree at the door has grown new shoots.


    "The dead tree in the yard flowers new fruits.


    "All my life, I''ve kept what I''ve wanted to say


    "hidden within my now head of gray.


    "I remember a girl with tiny feet,


    "and a pouty little mouth of meat.


    "I gave her love all my life, I had,


    "just to hear her call us Mom and Dad."


    In the pictures:


    The girl turned 18.


    The gray hairs on her parents'' heads were starting to show.


    Zhang Yuanqi sang loudly.


    "Where has the time gone to?


    "I didn''t get to enjoy my youth and I''m already old.


    "Raising children my whole life.


    "My head is filled with children''s cries andughter."


    The girl was now grown up. In the pictures, her parents were gradually getting older. The only thing that stayed the same were the smiles on their faces. They were still as kind and doting as ever. The girl in the pictures was not someone unknown. By the time they were showing the ten-year-old her, everyone had already guessed it. They recognized who it was!


    It was Zhang Yuanqi!


    The girl in the pictures was her!


    Zhang Yuanqi sang.


    "Where has the time gone to?


    "I didn''t get the chance to see you grow up, and I''m already going blind.


    "Taking care of daily chores my whole life.


    "In the blink of an eye, all that''s left is a face full of wrinkles."


    ��


    At the venue.


    Some of the audience members started crying.


    Some of them started hugging their parents beside them with their eyes reddening.


    ��


    Backstage.


    "Little He?"


    "Hm?"


    "Why are you crying?"


    "I-I''m just missing home."


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His mother furtively wiped away her tears.


    His father looked at her. "You''re crying?"


    She red at him. "Who''s crying! Can''t I rub my eyes?"


    His father said, "OK."


    ��


    The song ended.


    It blew up online.


    "This year''s Spring Festival G is such a tearjerker!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you''re such a cheat!"


    "The design of this song is really good!"


    "Old Zhang sang it even better!"


    "This year''s Spring Festival G is so fun to watch!"


    "Yeah, the acts thus far are finely crafted! I''m impressed!"


    "They get more and more touching, and more and more amazing!"


    "Every one of the acts can be considered a work of art!"


    "Did you guys realize something? Zhang Ye treats Sister Zhang quite differently. All of the other acts that Zhang Ye came up with were acts that he couldn''t take himself, all except for this one that Sister Zhang just performed. Zhang Ye can clearly sing this song too, but he actually gave this great song to Sister Zhang."


    "That''s true, the two of them have quite a long friendship."


    "Haha, the cheapskate has finally relented."


    "Only Sister Zhang can get something out of him."


    "I like this song so very much!"


    "This performance is a crowning touch!"


    "Yeah, the earlier acts were all fantastic too!"


    ��


    At Director Li Ke''s house.


    The entire family was watching the Spring Festival G.


    His wife said with a smile, "Old Li, you regret calling it quits now?"


    Li Ke shook his head and said, "What''s there to regret? Even if I went through with the job of this year''s Spring Festival G, even if I had thrown everything I had into it, I couldn''t have done it to such an extent. This year''s Spring Festival G Organizing Committee made one very correct decision, which was appointing Zhang Ye as the g''s executive director. They were right to get Zhang Ye because, based on his skills and talent, he was the only person who could''ve reversed the fate of the Spring Festival G."


    His wife said, "It''s really quite good."


    Li Ke said, "Yeah, Little Zhang is truly capable. All there''s left to see is how the Spring Festival G will end. I wonder who''s the finale act."


    His wife gave a wry smile. "That''s quite difficult. There were so many good acts at the beginning, so who can live up to the expectations as the finale?"


    Li Ke said, "Yeah, if it were any other Spring Festival G, the performers would all love to be the finale act. But this year''s Spring Festival G probably didn''t attract any volunteers to the final test. This is really not an enviable task as the earlier acts have set the bar too high. It''s so high that it''s probably all the way in the sky. It''s easy to step onto the stage, but the issue is who can leave it with their heads held high!"


    His wife said, "Then what can be done?"


    Li Ke chuckled and said, "Hur hur, that''s a problem for Little Zhang to bang his head against."


    ��


    Time was passing too fast!


    It didn''t feel like this year''s Spring Festival G took long before midnight started approaching!


    Theizens were startled when they checked the time.


    "Ah!"


    "There''s just a little over ten minutes left!"


    "We''re almost into the new year already!"


    "Who''s the finale act this year?"


    "I don''t know, the program list isn''t arranged in order of appearance."


    "How many acts are left?"


    "I don''t think there''s that many."


    "The tradition every year is to have a skit or crosstalk for that, isn''t it?"


    "Damn, could it be that Zhang Ye will personally take the finale act?"


    "Hahaha, then the pressure on Zhang Ye will be enormous!"


    "Based on the momentum of the earlier acts, who can carry the finale?"


    "The skits were all getting more and more amazing. If Zhang Ye, Yao Jiancai, and Dong Shanshan''s skit were put at the end, then what level of a skit would they have toe up with? Could they possibly do better than the earlier ones?"


    "Who knows!"


    "We''re gonna find out soon."


    The so-called finale of the Spring Festival G did not usually mean thest act of the evening. This was because after midnight had passed, some acts would still be performed for the audience. Most people would generally refer to thest act that was shown just before midnight as the most important finale. Without a doubt, this was what the audience and the entire world''s Chinese poption cared about the most. They looked forward to it and paid a lot of attention to this act which was the most important and heavyweight performance of the entire Spring Festival G of the year. Nothing else came close!


    What would the act be like?


    Who would take the finale?


    Could they give this year''s Spring Festival G a perfect end?


    Everyone watching TV descended into chaotic conversations!

 Chapter 1348 - ’Selling Crutches’ (First half)

    <h4>Chapter 1348 - ''Selling Crutches'' (First half) </h4>


    Chapter 1348: ''Selling Crutches'' (First half)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The countdown to midnight began.


    There were only 15 minutes left to go.


    ��


    In the production control room.


    Zhang Ye sat there and gavemands speedily.


    "Camera 2, cut over there!"


    "Yes."


    "Dim the lights a little on the left!"


    "OK."


    "That''s not enough, dim it further."


    "Understood."


    "Camera 5, pay attention when you''re doing the close-upter!"


    "Alright, Director Zhang."


    Next to him, two makeup artists were putting makeup on him. At this moment, Zhang Ye''s image was of a country bumpkin. He was dressed in a very simple dark blue getup and even wore a hat on his head.


    Ha Qiqi came running in. "Aiyo, Director Zhang, why aren''t you in the waiting zone yet? You''re on deck, up next!"


    "I''ming." Zhang Ye dished out several more instructions worriedly.


    Ha Qiqi quickly said, "I''ll take care of things here, so don''t worry."


    Zhang Ye instructed, "Alright, Old Ha, remember to pay attention to the camera angles."


    Ha Qiqi said, "OK, OK, I''ll remind them. Just hurry up and go. Teacher Yao and Teacher Shanshan are both standing by and waiting for you!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, I know."


    ��


    Backstage.


    The executives of the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee were going around and inspecting the ongoing work. They were instructing the staff to pay attention as midnight was approaching, and it was at that time that everyone would have to be even more prepared for anything that might crop up.


    When they came to the door of the staff room, they could hear the sound of a TV drifting out from within.


    "Is there someone in there?"


    "Who''s inside?"


    "They''re watching the Spring Festival G in there?"


    The several executives frowned. One of them pushed the door open to go in.


    A staff member on the production team standing in the distance quickly called out when he saw them. "Sir, don''t. It''s��"


    Who is it?


    It doesn''t matter who it is!


    Everyone is busy working, so why is someone in therezing around?


    When the door was opened, the several executives on the organizingmittee were startled!


    In the room that wasn''t big, the live broadcast of the Spring Festival G could be seen on the screen of a small television. The exceedingly beautiful woman sitting before it turned out to be Wu Zeqing.


    "Aiyo!"


    "Chief Wu?"


    "Why are you here?"


    "Chief Wu?"


    The executives were a little stunned.


    Wu Zeqing turned her head to look at them and smiled. "Old He, Old Wang, it''s all of you?"


    One of the executives asked, "Did youe to check on the work too?"


    Wu Zeqing shook her head. "No."


    Another executive wondered, "Have you been in here all this while? Hai, if we knew you were here, we would''ve prepared an office for you. It''s Lunar New Year''s Eve; why aren''t you spending it at home?"


    Wu Zeqing giggled. "Hur hur, my husband is busy working here, so there''s no point in me staying home. Wherever he is, I''ll naturally be there to spend the new year with him." She then waved them off and said, "Alright, I''m not talking anymore. My husband''s act ising up."


    The executives were ovee with emotion.


    Director Zhang took charge of the Spring Festival G.


    Chief Wu was giving him her support by staying up and apanying him here.


    Just see how good their rtionship is!


    ��


    On TV.


    The hosts had been talking onstage for quite a while.


    It was finally time for the finale act to make its appearance!


    Yan Meiughed in joy and said, "I saw a couple backstage earlier with a pair of crutches and was wondering what they were doing with it. Shall we take a look to find out?"


    The info box appeared.


    Skit: "Selling Crutches"


    Script: Zhang Ye


    Performers: Zhang Ye, Dong Shanshan, Yao Jiancai


    ��


    Online.


    "Wow!"


    "As expected!"


    "Damn, it''s really Zhang Ye who''s up for the finale!"


    "Bro, that''s so awesome! How brave would he have to be!"


    "Can this skit meet the expectations of a finale?"


    "Selling crutches? It sounds really ordinary."


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His grandpa said excitedly, "It''s beginning!"


    His auntie shouted, "It''s Little Ye himself who''s taking the finale act!"


    His third sister was so excited that shey in front of the TV. "Brother''s about toe on!"


    His eldest younger sister said in annoyance, "Mengmeng, don''t block the TV!"


    His second sister shouted, "I''m so looking forward to this! Let''s go Brother!"


    His parents were staring at the screen unblinkingly and feeling a little nervous!


    ��


    During a phone call.


    "Hello, Old Sun!"


    "Big Sis Li, happy new year!"


    "Are you watching the Spring Festival G?"


    "Uh, no."


    "Go and watch it! Zhang Ye ising on soon!"


    "It''s finally his turn? OK, OK!"


    ��


    In a household.


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Aunt, it''s your turn to y a card."


    "Let''s stop ying for a while."


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Let''s continue after we finish watching the finale skit."


    "Aiya, we can just y as we watch."


    "It''s the finale skit, so we need to pay close attention to it. I can''t concentrate on ying cards."


    "Alright then, let''s watch it together."


    ��


    In the crosstalk world.


    "I really want to see just what kind of a skit Zhang Ye cane up with."


    "Last time, his skit was really controversial."


    "That one about table tennis, right? Hur hur, he''s still not suited to acting in skits. I expected him to do a crosstalk for his self-directed Spring Festival G."


    "He actually put himself in the finale act?"


    "Yeah, isn''t he afraid that he''ll get screwed over?"


    "I have to admit that this year''s Spring Festival G is indeed spectacr and wonderful. But who doesn''t know the importance of the finale act? If he suddenly screws it up at the end, the entire Spring Festival G is done for! All of the prior hard work will be tarnished by this skit of his!"


    "Let''s see how he chooses to wrap this up."


    "It definitely won''t be as good as the earlier skits."


    ��


    More and more people hade back to their televisions!


    More and more Chinese people abroad had turned on their televisions!


    It was impossible to count the total number of people watching!


    300 million!


    500 million!


    600 million!


    The staff in charge of tabting the statistics were petrified by the figures. The few of them looked dumbfoundedly at theputer that was collecting the data!


    Chinese people from all over the world were waiting to watch Zhang Ye''s finale act just before midnight!


    They were hoping to be surprised!


    They were hoping for ast hurrah!


    ��


    On TV.


    The cameras cut to the stage 1 .


    Zhang Ye and Dong Shanshan were already onstage. Around them, the set looked very normal. It was on the streets and there was a long bench. Their clothes and style especially dumbfounded the audience. This was clearly a rural image, with Zhang Ye looking like a country bumpkin, while Dong Shanshan looked even more so. She was dressed in a little red jacket and wore a headscarf. Her face was deliberately made to look uglier as well!


    Pfft!


    What kind of an image was this?


    Why did they look like that?


    Dong Shanshan called out to him, "Hey, Great Trickster! Great Trickster!"


    Zhang Ye was carrying a pair of crutches and strolling. Hearing that, he couldn''t help but turn around slowly. "Why are you shouting Great Trickster? I came out here to sell these today, so can you not call me by my nickname?"


    The audience:


    "Great Huckster?"


    "Nickname?"


    "Hahahaha!"


    Dong Shanshan said helplessly, "Our child''s father."


    Zhang Ye replied, "Yes?"


    Dong Shanshan smacked her lips and said, "In my opinion, why don''t you forget about selling these crutches? Everyone out on the streets has got a good pair of legs, so who would buy them from you?"


    Zhang Ye curled his lips and said, "Nonsense. You''re asking me not to sell them? To make these crutches, I spent an entire day and night not sleeping putting in the effort and materials to make them. If I don''t sell them, how would I make a profit?"


    Dong Shanshan: "Aiya, but everyone on the streets ispletely healthy, so who are you gonna sell them to!"


    Zhang Ye gave a slightugh. "Don''t you know me well? And to think that you were calling me Great Trickster just now. I can trick good into evil, depression into joy, sharp into dull. Even if a couple is getting along perfectly fine, I can trick them into breaking up! And to sell these crutches today, I can trick someone with a good pair of legs into thinking that they''reme!"


    The audienceughed, "Pfft!"


    So he intends to scam people!


    Trick someone into thinking that they''reme?


    Just how on earth are you gonna do that!


    With this opening, the audience quickly became curious!


    Dong Shanshan: "Haha,e off it!"


    Zhang Ye: "You don''t believe me?"


    Dong Shanshan curled her lips. "I don''t believe that anyone who can walk perfectly fine can be tricked into thinking that they''reme!"


    Zhang Ye: "Just watch, this is where my strength lies."


    Dong Shanshan snorted andughed. "Like I wouldn''t know where your strength lies? My child''s father, he''s really interesting, you know? When he heard that someone bought a horse, he went over there to try to sell them a harness. When he heard that someone bought a motorbike, he went over to try to sell them a helmet. When he heard that someone had insomnia, he went over to try to sell them some sleeping pills. When he heard��


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "Stop rambling, that is called demand and supply. You''ve gotta grab the opportunities!"


    Dong Shanshan giggled. "But your opportunity spotting can be wrong at times too!"


    Zhang Ye spread his hands. "These crutches were a mistake, I guess."


    Dong Shanshan pouted and said, "When he heard that a neighbor had broken his leg driving a tractor, he got greedy and made this pair of crutches in advance. But the neighbor was so badly injured that he had to use a wheelchair after he was discharged from the hospital, so the crutches couldn''t be sold."


    A wheelchair?


    The audienceughed, "Hahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye harrumphed. "Don''t worry, I''ll definitely sell away this pair of crutches (gu��i) today."


    Dong Shanshan: "But everyone out here has no problems walking, so who will you sell it to?"


    Zhang Ye: "My dear wife, we''ll specially identify someone who can walk well today and sell these to him. I''ll show you how good I am at swindling."


    Dong Shanshan: "Aren''t you cheating people this way?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "He who takes the bait, know that? Help me out by shouting for buyers."


    Dong Shanshan: "But I don''t know how to trick people."


    Zhang Ye: "Just y it by ear, alright? Hey, there''s someoneing, start shouting!"


    At this moment, Yao Jiancai came out onto the stage!


    In countrified getup, he was riding a bicycle and passing by.


    Dong Shanshan reluctantly shouted, "Ah, make a turn (gu��i), make a turn (gu��i)!"


    Yao Jiancai, riding his bicycle, started swerving more and more. "Oh, ai."


    The audienceughed.


    "Make a turn (gu��i)! Make a turn (gu��i)!" Dong Shanshan tucked her hands in her sleeves and shouted.


    Yao Jiancai braked. "Hey, hey, why are you randomly issuing orders? Do you even know where I''m going when you asked me to turn?"


    The audienceughed, "Hahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye reminded her, "Peddle the wares."


    Dong Shanshan shouted, "Selling (m��i)! Selling (m��i)!"


    Zhang Ye said angrily to her, "What are we selling?"


    Dong Shanshan: "Crutches (gu��i)."


    Zhang Ye: "Put it together."


    Dong Shanshan shouted even louder, "Abduction (gu��i m��i)! Abduction (gu��i m��i)!"


    ��


    When she said those words, many of the audience members burst intoughter!


    "Abduction (gu��i m��i)?


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, I''m dying ofughter!"


    "Hahahahahahaha!"


    "Teacher Shanshan is too good at this!"


    "Their acting is so good!"


    "This finale act does seem to be pretty good!"


    "It''s only just started. Not much has been revealed yet. We still have to watch the rest of it to see if it''s any good."


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    Backstage.


    Ha Qiqi.


    Zhang Zuo.


    Little Wang.


    The members of the production team.


    The leaders of the production team.


    Everyone was staring hard at the screen at this moment. Some of them were sweating. Some of them looked very nervous their extremities turned cold. Some of them felt their hearts leap into their throats. It looked like they were even more nervous than the trio performing on the stage. This was unavoidable as the finale act was simply too important!


    They were all praying silently in their heads: This has to work! It must work!


    Director Zhang!


    Teacher Yao!


    Teacher Shanshan!


    It''s up to you three now!


    Whether the Spring Festival G is a sess or a failure all depends on this performance!

 Chapter 1349 - ’Selling Crutches’ (Second Half)

    <h4>Chapter 1349 - ''Selling Crutches'' (Second Half) </h4>


    Chapter 1349: ''Selling Crutches'' (Second Half)


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On TV.


    Confused, Yao Jiancai parked his bicycle and walked over. "Hmm? What''s going on? Who''s abducting (gu��i m��i) you?"


    Dong Shanshan said clumsily, "No one, his crutches are for sale (gu��i m��i)."


    Yao Jiancai looked at him. "You want to abduct (gu��i m��i) people?"


    The audienceughed, "Hahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye red at him. "Are you blind? Abduct? If I want to abduct, would I abduct someone like her? Would you buy her off me?!"


    Dong Shanshan did look ugly in costume!


    The audienceughed, "Hahahahaha!"


    Yao Jiancai spoke in a northeastern ent, "Hey, just what is going on between the two of you?"


    Dong Shanshan gave a dryugh. "We''re a couple, and we''re just having fun here!"


    Zhang Ye alsoughed. "Hur hur hur, there''s nothing to do, so we''re just having fun!"


    Yao Jiancai said into the camera, "These two, having fun by selling the wife on the New Year?"


    ��


    Backstage.


    A staff member came running over.


    "Boss! The viewership numbers have exploded!"


    "What? How many are there watching now?"


    "We can''t get the figures yet!"


    "Then how do you know?"


    "The staff tabting the viewership data told us! They said that since Director Zhang''s skit began, the viewership numbers shot up in a straight line! It has grown to a crazy amount of viewers!"


    "Good! Good! Very good!"


    "It''s still Zhang Ye who has the most appeal!"


    "Come on, Director Zhang! Let''s see how high of a viewership ratings you can achieve!"


    "Are we going to break the record this time?"


    "It all depends on how the skit does!"


    ��


    The skit continued.


    Yao Jiancai had sessfully been tricked by Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "In recent days, have you noticed that any part of your body is feeling different from before? Think about it, think hard about it!"


    Yao Jiancai touched his head. "I don''t feel that anything is different, except that my face keeps swelling."


    The audienceughed. "Hahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye snapped his fingers. "That''s right! But this isn''t the main illness! Do you know why your face is swelling? Because of necrosis of your peripheral nervous system causing your upper body to swell."


    Yao Jiancai was startled. "Then where am I getting affected?"


    Zhang Ye pointed. "Below the waist, and above your feet!"


    Yao Jiancai: "My legs?"


    Zhang Ye: "Spot on!"


    Yao Jiancai shook his head. "No, that can''t be. I don''t have any major problems with my legs!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes as he pointed at Yao Jiancai and said loudly, "Take two steps forward! Two steps! If you''re fine, just walk two steps to see how it feels! Walk!"


    The audience:


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, Zhang Ye is really too much!"


    "How wicked of him!"


    Yao Jiancai got frightened. His movements were very stiff. "Alright, alright, two��two steps. I''ll take two steps if you want me to take two steps."


    Zhang Ye: "Stop! There''s nothing wrong with your shoes, right? One is higher than the other?"


    Yao Jiancai: "These are sneakers, they''re almost t!"


    Zhang Ye: "That''s right, so it''s your legs that have a problem. One of them is shorter! How about this, I''ll give you a tune-up. Do you believe me? When I lift my hand, raise your leg, as high as you can, then m it into the ground when I lower it. Do you believe me? There''s definitely a problem with your legs: Your right leg is shorter! Come, raise it!"


    Dong Shanshan watched curiously from the side.


    Yao Jiancai nervously raised his leg!


    Zhang Ye''s swung his hand downward!


    Yao Jiancai followed and stomped his foot!


    Raise!


    Stomp!


    Raise!


    Stomp!


    Finally, Zhang Ye pointed at him. "Stop! Do you feel numb?"


    Yao Jiancai said dumbfoundedly, "I do!"


    Dong Shanshan hurriedly pulled Zhang Ye aside and asked in bewilderment, "Eh, how did his foot be numb?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Of course. You''d feel numb if you stomped your foot too!"


    ��


    The live audience burst intoughter!


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, I can''t take this anymore!"


    "This cheat!"


    "Old Yao has been scammed again!"


    "Hahahahahahahaha!"


    "You''d feel numb if you stomped your foot too? What a ssic line, damn!"


    ��


    Zhang Ye: "Start walking, start walking! Don''t control it, I''m 100% sure your leg has a problem. Don''t control it, rx! Let''s go! Keep walking! Walk, faster! Walk, don''t think. Why don''t you follow my lead? Keep walking, bit by bit, let''s go."


    Yao Jiancai staggered behind Zhang Ye. The more he walked, the more unsteady he was. "Aiya, aiya, aiya, oh my God!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Right, now walk by yourself!"


    Dong Shanshan said in surprise, "He''s tricked a good pair of legsme!"


    Yao Jiancai turned around. "What did you say?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "See that? My wife saw it. She says that your leg has beme from being idle."


    Yao Jiancai was almost in tears. "My dear sis, then why didn''t I notice it earlier?"


    Dong Shanshanughed. "That''s because you didn''t meet him earlier. If you did, you''d have already been crippled!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His third sister was cramping up fromughter!


    His second sister was crouched on the floor and clutching her stomach as sheughed!


    The entire family was staggering fromughter!


    "This is too funny!"


    "Little Ye is terrible!"


    "How did he even think of something like that!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    ��


    The skit was getting to the best parts.


    Theughter of the audience didn''t stop!


    Yao Jiancai: "Use a crutch?"


    Zhang Ye: "Please sit down. After you use a crutch, your legs will start bncing out and then gradually get better. Back then, when an old man noticed that my leg had problems, my wife didn''t allow me to see a doctor because it pained her how much it would cost. In the end, I was crippled." He patted his leg and said, "There''s a steel te inside and I can''t bend it."


    Yao Jiancai said in surprise, "This leg is crippled?"


    Dong Shanshan: "No, this is a good leg."


    Zhang Ye harrumphed. "What are you saying! Would I have needed crutches if it was a good leg?"


    Yao Jiancai: "That''s right."


    Dong Shanshan interrupted, "Those crutches are not��"


    Yao Jiancai got angry. "Aiya, my dear sis! Can you please stop messing around already? This is a discussion between two patients, so why do you keep trying to interrupt us!"


    Dong Shanshan was exasperated!


    ��


    Backstage.


    Some of the performers who had finished their acts had also gathered around to watch the Spring Festival G.


    Like Zhang Yuanqi.


    Like Chen Guang and Fan Wenli.


    Like Ci Xiufang and her team.


    At this moment, they were allughing hard at the skit!


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "I''m crying I''mughing so hard!"


    "I can''t take it, I can''t take it anymore!"


    "I''m dying fromughter!"


    ��


    On TV.


    Yao Jiancai: "Then where can I buy crutches?"


    Dong Shanshan said, "It just so happens that we have a pair of crutches here that we could sell to you."


    However, Zhang Ye appeared to get annoyed. "What are you saying? Stand aside! What are you trying to sell? If you sell them, what will I use? How can you behave like this? Women are so stingy. Why can''t I just gift it to him?"


    Yao Jiancai: "Don''t!"


    Dong Shanshan was stunned. "You''re not selling it anymore?"


    Zhang Ye picked up the crutches and handed them to him. "Here, take the crutches!"


    Yao Jiancai said agitatedly, "Aiya, bro, I can''t take this for free. I have to pay for it."


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips. "I know what you''re like. Women, if they want money, you can''t just not pay them. I have to uphold your honor, so if I don''t ept the money, that would mean I''m looking down on you, isn''t that so? I still have to ept it. So alright, just pay me half the amount. 100 yuan."


    Yao Jiancai immediately said, "Ai, sure, sure, sure."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "If you pay me any more than that, I''ll be angry with you!"


    Yao Jiancai fumbled through his pockets for cash for a long time. "Aiya, bro, I only have a total of 32 yuan in my two pockets."


    Dong Shanshan took the money that Zhang Ye received and sighed. "We''ll just take it then and get however much we can get out of it."


    But at this moment.


    Zhang Ye suddenly stared with wide eyes at Dong Shanshan. "What of the bicycle?" He shouted at her, "What of the bicycle?!"


    The audienceughed, "Hahahahaha!"


    Yao Jiancai pped his forehead and quickly went to push the bicycle over. "Aiya, that''s right, that''s right!"


    Zhang Ye stared at Dong Shanshan and said, "How can you be like that?"


    Dong Shanshan was so angry that she almost cried. "I didn''t say I wanted the bicycle! It was you who said you wanted the bicycle!"


    ��


    The audience:


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "I''m dying ofughter, aiyo!"


    "This is hrious!"


    "What of the bicycle? Pfft, hahahaha!"


    "That is such a ssic line!"


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    Li Qinqin wasughing and wiping away her tears simultaneously!


    Wu Mo was gasping for air fromughing too much.


    "I''m dizzy fromughing!"


    "Why is it so funny!"


    "When did she say that she wanted the bicycle!"


    ��


    On TV.


    Zhang Ye said angrily, "I''m so sorry for that. This wife of mine is really getting out of hand. How can she say that she wants the bicycle as well!"


    Dong Shanshan said in anger, "I didn''t say that I wanted the bicycle!"


    Yao Jiancai hurriedly said, "My old bro, don''t be angry. I feel that my sis here isn''t wrong in saying that. For a person with a problematic leg like me, I might as well bid farewell to this bicycle!"


    It was another ssic line!


    The entire audience''sughter roared like the thunder!


    It was so loud that it nearly tore through the roof!


    Dong Shanshan became so angry that she snatched the bicycle. "No! You can''t take another person''s bicycle!" Then she pushed it back into Yao Jiancai''s hands. "Hurry up and take it back; bring it home with you. You don''t know how badly he''s cheating you!"


    Yao Jiancai also said angrily, "You''re the one who''s cheating me! How can you be like this? I''ve been wondering. The two of you live together as a couple, but why are you such different people!"


    Dong Shanshan: "��"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Bro, please ept these crutches!"


    Yao Jiancai said gratefully, "My old bro, this must be fate!"


    ��


    The audience cramped up withughter again!


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Old Yao is such a fool!"


    "Zhang Ye is too damn immoral!"


    "It tickled me for sure!"


    "Aiyo, I need to catch my breath!"


    "I''ve never watched such a funny skit before!"


    ��


    The skit was nearing the end.


    With the conclusion, it brought the skit to a wonderful close!


    Zhang Ye pushed along the bicycle that he had earned and said to his wife, "What are you still looking at? Don''t tell me you''re feeling bad? Come, let''s go elsewhere!"


    Dong Shanshan said, "Where are we going?"


    Zhang Ye kicked up the bicycle stand and gave a smile. "Let''s find someone with a bad leg and sell this bicycle to them!"


    The skit ended!


    At this moment, the entire venue was seething with excitement!


    The Chinese people around the world were overflowing with excitement!


    Thunderous apuse erupted!


    Apuse!


    Screams!


    Cheers!


    It went on for a long time!


    ��


    Watching TV.


    Tang Dazhang''s face had turned green with anger!


    How was that possible!


    How could that be possible?!


    He had pulled it off!


    Zhang Ye had actually pulled off this finale act!


    Quite a lot of people from the crosstalk world who were waiting to see Zhang Ye make a joke of himself were silenced!


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His three younger sisters had gone hoarse from all their shouting!


    "That was awesome!"


    "Our brother is so awesome!"


    "This skit is perfect! It''s so good!"


    ��


    At Director Li Ke''s house.


    "That was really a good performance!"


    "The skit''s script was even better!"


    "Those three are such a good match!"


    "Yeah, they have so much chemistry together. This skit is simply godly!"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "The trump card!"


    "Yeah, so they actually did leave the trump card for the finale!"


    "I had thought that the crosstalks and skits before this were very godly. I was wondering how Zhang Ye would end things off, but I never expected this at all! Nothing else fuckinges close to this!"


    "This is the funniest skit I''ve ever seen!"


    "Agreed!"


    "Iughed from the start until the end!"


    "Me too, my stomach hurts from all thatughing!"


    "It was amazing!"


    "Yup, it was fantastic!"


    "It was so good that I cried!"


    "It was unbelievably good!"


    "Zhang Ye really brought out all of his tricks for this year''s Spring Festival G!"


    "This is what you fucking call a skit! This is what a fucking Spring Festival G should be like!"


    At this moment, all of the TV viewers saw a momentary illusion!


    ��The Spring Festival G has returned!


    The enchanting Spring Festival G from the yesteryears had finally made itseback after all these years!

 Chapter 1350 - Ringing in the new year!

    <h4>Chapter 1350 - Ringing in the new year! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Backstage.


    The trio had already exited the stage.


    Zhang Ye, Yao Jiancai, and Dong Shanshan''s Spring Festival G debut came to an end.


    The thunderous apuse was still ringing in their ears.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Encore!"


    "We haven''t had enough!"


    "I''m crying fromughing so much, can you see?"


    They were shouting all kinds of things!


    When Zhang Ye heard it, he gave a happy smile. The nervousness from taking charge of his first Spring Festival G and going on stage for his first Spring Festival G performance had all disappeared without a trace. He could finally heave a long sigh of relief.


    Zhang Ye had taken a really big risk on this skit, not because of the choice of the script, but because of the changes made to the characters. There were only so many ssic skits from his previous world, and even fewer that could be used as a finale, so this presented to Zhang Ye a very big problem.


    What role was he going to y?


    What roles could he y?


    Pan Changhong? He couldn''t do it.


    Chen Peisi? He couldn''t act like him.


    Zhu Shimao? That would be even more difficult.


    Even Uncle Zhao Benshan''s 1 image was not something that Zhang Ye could match!


    So when the script was finalized and confirmed with Yao Jiancai and Dong Shanshan, Zhang Ye decided that he would have to take the risk of altering the characters a bit.


    Yao Jiancai was to y the dupe.


    Dong Shanshan was to y the ugly role.


    And he would y the countrified role.


    For both Dong Shanshan and his roles, they didn''t deliberately make themselves look older than they were. This was because he knew that they might not achieve the best effects even if they dressed up to look old. Instead, it might even make the audience unable to concentrate on the performance, so they might as well just do it as their actual ages. There were also some modifications to the script. In the original version, Fan Weicheng had addressed Uncle Benshan as Big Bro, while Yao Jiancai called Zhang Ye Old Bro over here. The original also featured a middle-aged couple, reced by a young couple over here, but the effects were still the same.


    Looking back on it, the response was extremely good!


    In fact, it was even better than any of the acts that came before!


    The famous "Selling Crutches" was also restored by Zhang Ye in this world!


    Dong Shanshan clutched her chest, panting. "Did I stutter through one of my lines? It scared me and I almost said it wrong!"


    Yao Jiancai had sweat pouring down his face. "It''s alright, Shanshan, you did pretty good."


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "It looks like the audience''s response wasn''t too bad, right?"


    Yao Jiancaiughed and said, "Just listen, listen to that, it''s more than not bad. This apuse, thisughter, these screams, not many skits in the past have ever gotten such a warm reception! Isn''t that so, Zhang''er?" Yao Jiancai turned his head with a smile but was startled when he realized that Zhang Ye was no longer standing there with them.


    Zhang Ye was anxiously running off into the distance.


    Dong Shanshan shouted after him, "Where are you going?"


    Zhang Ye raised a hand at them. "I''ve gotta run. There''s still a pile of work that requires my attention. You two head back home."


    Only then did Yao Jiancai remember that Zhang Ye was the executive director of the Spring Festival G as well. He wasn''t like them, able to put everything down once they finished performing the finale skit. The entire Spring Festival G was still waiting for him to takemand. So he said, "Why would we head back home at this time? Teacher Shanshan and I will wait for you so that we can throw a celebratory feast when the g is over!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright!"


    He soon disappeared from sight.


    Yao Jiancai stared in that direction. "Hai, Zhang''er must be really tired out this time."


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Well, he always risks his life when ites to working. If the viewership ratings of this year''s Spring Festival G aren''t ideal, then it would definitely be a waste of the hard work that he''s put in over the past two or three months!"


    ��


    In the production control room.


    When Zhang Ye returned, the production team''s staff squealed!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Hahaha!"


    "Your acting was so good!"


    "That skit was really godly!"


    "Not to mention the audience, even I wasughing like crazy!"


    "You didn''t see it, but the camera operators in the venue were almost rolling on the floorughing!"


    "This finale skit just before midnight has really lived up to expectations!"


    "Our viewership ratings are gonna explode!"


    "Right, it''s definitely gonna be explosive this time!"


    They were beginning to celebrate in advance.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "The Spring Festival G isn''t over yet, so hurry back to your positions. Don''t screw it up at thest second!"


    "Right."


    "Understood!"


    "Alright, Director Zhang!"


    "Everyone, let''s give it more effort! We''re going to make the final push!"


    "Hahaha, I''m full of energy right now!"


    Everyone was very excited.


    Zhang Ye''s skit had given everyone confidence and a boost!


    Everyone was thinking that even without the prior acts, even without the new stage that was heavily invested in, just by this "Selling Crutches" skit by Director Zhang at the end, it was absolutely enough to make this year''s Spring Festival G stand out among the Spring Festival Gs in recent years. This skit was such a ssic, and it was also very critical since it was the finale act just before midnight. In just a short while, it had lit up all of the Chinese people''s emotions around the world. Just by looking at the reactions of the live audience, one would know that everyone was blown away by wave after wave of climaxes. The moment "Selling Crutches" ended, it hit the highest point of the night!


    That imagery, that enthusiasm, they could only be described as crazy!


    How many years had it been since there was such an atmosphere at the Spring Festival G!


    How many years had it been since suchughter had been heard at the Spring Festival G!


    Today, they had achieved it!


    Zhang Ye had led them to create a surprisingly amazing Spring Festival G!


    ��


    On TV.


    The hosts reappeared on the stage.


    Little Hu Die''s act was alsoing to a conclusion.


    Midnight was almost here!


    ��


    Beijing.


    "It''s time to set off the firecrackers!"


    "It''s almost New Year!"


    "Everyone, let''s countdown!"


    ��


    Tianjin.


    "There are only two minutes left!"


    "This is an interesting new year!"


    "This year''s Spring Festival G is awesome!"


    ��


    Shanghai.


    "I''ve realized that the northerners'' skits are also quite interesting to watch."


    "Yeah, I didn''t use to watch them either. But who knew that I would watch it this year and nearly ended upughing to death!"


    "I''ll be sure to catch the Spring Festival G every year from now on."


    "Zhang Ye''s skit is the best."


    ��


    Shenzhen.


    "This New Year''s feels different from before!"


    "I don''t know why, but I''m exceptionally happy this year''s New Year''s Eve!"


    "Hahaha, it must be because you watched the skit!"


    "That''s true!"


    "I actually watched the Spring Festival G from start to finish!"


    "Me too, I didn''t miss any of the acts!"


    "Me too, I watched them all!"


    ��


    Overseas.


    "The Spring Festival G is great!"


    "I left China many years ago, but I just realized that a wondrous person like Zhang Ye appeared in showbiz!"


    "Yeah, I really liked thatst skit by him. The performance was really great!"


    "I''ll remember him."


    "With the Spring Festival Ging to a perfect close and the country prospering and strong, I''m really proud to be Chinese."


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "Wow, Little Hu Die still isn''t dizzy?"


    "Did she really spin for four hours?"


    "How godly! The acts on this year''s Spring Festival G are all fucking godly!"


    "I can''t even describe how wonderful it is!"


    "Hurry, they''re giving out red packets again!"


    "It''s another wave of red packets being handed out!"


    "Grab them! Grab them all!"


    "Haha, I grabbed one with only 1 yuan in it!"


    "Damn, I got Zhang Ye''s red packet again. There is only 1.7 cents in it! This adds up with the 1.3 cents that I received earlier, so I can finally withdraw a full 3 cents now? Pfft! Zhang Ye, you great trickster!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "This cheapskate is beyond saving!"


    "Ahhh! I got the work dedication card! I got it!"


    "Aiyo, I received one too!"


    "Damn, I''ve finallypleted my collection of the five cards of fortune!"


    "It''s ending at midnight. They''ll be announcing the winners very soon!"


    "200 million! It''s gonna be mine!"


    The red packets were being distributed inrge quantities!


    The five cards of fortune were released inrge batches!


    At the end of the year, these were thest moments of craziness!


    ��


    On TV.


    The Spring Festival G''s live broadcast.


    Yan Mei raised her microphone and said loudly, "As we can see, Little Hu Die is turning faster and faster now. Dear friends, there''s only 1 minute and 7 seconds left until we ring in the new year. At this point in time, let us bid farewell to the old and wee the new with thanks. Let us embrace a better and more beautiful spring with fervor. We''re thankful for the great times, we''re thankful to our dearest homnd, we''re thankful to our parents who raised us, we''re thankful to those friends and family who helped us during the year. And of course, we should also praise ourselves and thank our own perseverance and hard work for getting us through the year! Let us confidently and passionately wee a more hopeful and even more magnificent tomorrow!"


    Li Chen smiled. "Is everyone ready?"


    The hosts said in unison, "Come, let''s count down to the new year together!"


    The live audience stood up!


    The performers sitting backstage also stood up!


    The staff members at the venue raised their hands into the air!


    "Ten!"


    "Nine!"


    "Eight!"


    "Seven!"


    "Six!"


    "Five!"


    "Four!"


    "Three!"


    "Two!"


    "One!"


    "Happy New Year!"


    Little Hu Die stopped turning!


    Flower blossoms were scattered all over the stage!


    The lights were putting on a gorgeous disy!


    At this moment, the entire venue erupted with excitement and cheers!


    The hosts shouted New Year''s greetings.


    "It''s the new year!"


    "New Year has arrived!"


    "Happy New Year!"


    "Everyone, happy New Year!"


    "Let us wish everyone a happy New Year!"


    "May you achieve everything your heart desires! And your family be happy!"


    At this very second, the whole nation was in jubtion!


    At this moment, all the Chinese people in the world were celebrating the new year!

 Chapter 1351

    <h4>Chapter 1351 </h4>


    Chapter 1351: All of China''s poption get ripped off by the five fortunes!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It was now past midnight!


    It was a new year!


    The sounds of firecrackers going off popped through the streets. Those at the venue of the Spring Festival G were also in a very boisterous mood.


    The Spring Festival G continued.


    The acts were being performed.


    When Ning Lan, Huo Dongfang, and the other celebrities appeared onstage together, when the song was performed, the world''s Chinese poption overflowed with excitement once more!


    " My Chinese Heart 1 "


    "Hills and streams appear only in my dreams.


    "I''ve not set foot in my homnd in ages it seems.


    "Yet nothing can ever possibly transform


    "My Chinese heart.


    "Though I wear a Western suit.


    "My heart is still Chinese.


    "My ancestors branded every inch of me


    "With the Chinese stamp.


    "Yangtze! Great Wall! Huangshan! Yellow River!


    "Weigh so heavily on my bosom!


    "Whenever, wherever I am!


    "You are dear to me!"


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    Wu Changhe pped his thigh and eximed, "Well sung!"


    Li Qinqin said, "''My Chinese Heart''? What a great song!"


    Wu Mo was dumbfounded. "Did Brother Zhang write this song too?"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His third sister apuded. "Our brother is indeed our brother!"


    His eldest younger sister marveled, "I thought that the acts after midnight would just go through the motions and not be so detailed and serious. But it turns out that there are actually still such good performances to watch? The quality of the acts is still as high!"


    His father said proudly, "Your brother has never been sloppy when ites to work. If it''s something that he can do, he will surely do it to the best of his abilities. Little Ye takes after me in that area."


    His mother rolled her eyes. "Go away, he takes after me!"


    His father said in a speechless manner, "With that sloppy attitude of yours, what has it got anything to do with you?"


    His mother stared her husband. "Who''s sloppy? Who are you talking about?"


    His grandma quickly stopped them both. "Alright, alright, why are you both arguing on New Year''s day? If I have to say something fair, Little Ye��actually takes after me."


    Everyone burst intoughter at that!


    ��


    This was destined to be a night to be remembered forever. Especially for those who were attending the Spring Festival G live, they knew very well what kind of a Spring Festival G they had witnessed tonight!


    Be it the introductory video at the beginning, the g''s opening, the middle, the closing, or the finale.


    Or perhaps even the construction of the stage, the lighting, the special effects, or the costumes.


    They were astounding from the start until the end!


    It had exceeded all expectations from beginning to end!


    It was unprecedented and would never be replicated again��this saying might not be really suitable when used in many other situations. To say that it was unprecedented was still quite a valid argument, since that could be verified with past cases. But to say that it would never be replicated again was something that people in the present could never be certain about. But at this moment, a lot of people were actually thinking to themselves that this year''s Spring Festival G would really "never be replicated again." It wasn''t that they weren''t rigorous about the standards, nor that they were shortsighted about the future. It was simply because they really could not imagine how future Spring Festival G could get mentioned in the same breath as this year''s Spring Festival G that Zhang Ye helmed!


    It was unimaginable!


    Truly unimaginable!


    If such a time were toe, then the executive director of that year''s Spring Festival G would probably be Zhang Ye too!


    The live audience members felt this way.


    The television viewers simrly remembered this night in their minds. Especially those who participated in the five fortunes battle, they would never ever forget this night which would leave them gnashing their teeth in anger!


    ��


    On TV.


    Host Yan Mei started the advertising talk. "Now, I would like to announce some exciting and good news. Our Five Cards of Fortune Collection campaign has ended, and the cash prize has been disbursed. Those who have collected all five cards of fortune can nowunch your Unipay app. A surprise is waiting for you inside."


    Exciting?


    Surprise?


    Haha, we''ve been waiting for this for a long time!


    It blew up in the outside world!


    Even many of those who were at the venue of the Spring Festival G started taking out their phones!


    "It''s here, it''s here!"


    "The campaign has ended!"


    "Haha, it''s time to receive the red packet prize!"


    "My 200 million!"


    "Quickly, quickly, quickly!"


    "Has it been credited yet?"


    "Ah, it''s been credited already!"


    "How much did you get?"


    "Eh?"


    "Th-This is?"


    ��


    In the production control room.


    When Zhang Ye heard the announcement, the look in his eyes started flickering.


    Ha Qiqi, who was standing next to him, asked, "What''s the matter, Director Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye coughed. "Ahem, nothing."


    The five deceptions were here!


    Their arrival could not be avoided!


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    When those people who had gathered all five of the cards of fortune opened up their Unipay wallets, each and every one of them was deeply shocked as their eyes grew wider and wider!


    Surprise? Your sister!


    Exciting? Your sister!


    "What is this? What the hell is this?"


    "220 yuan?"


    "I received 220 yuan as well!"


    "Me too, what the fuck!"


    "Your sister, didn''t they say that it would be 200 million!"


    "I, I had to fucking toil to gather those five cards!"


    "Where''s my 200 million prize money?"


    "Has it all been split and given out? Aren''t they splitting it amongst too many people this way?!"


    "Just how many work dedication cards did the Spring Festival G program team give out at thest fucking moment?!"


    "My God!"


    "Zhang Ye! Show yourself!"


    "I''m in tears! I''ve been collecting them for a month! And all I got for it is 220 yuan? It''s not even enough to pay for my Inte bill!"


    "Whose idea was this? Whose idea was this!"


    "This advertising campaign was nned by Zhang Ye!"


    "I should''ve known that this scammer wouldn''t have any good intentions!"


    "220 yuan? I might as well die!"


    "Pfft! Zhang Ye really is a fucking great trickster!"


    "Yeah, he''s just like the character he yed in the skit!"


    "This fellow has totally scammed all of us! Ahhhh! I wanna bite someone!"


    "This has got to be the biggest scam in history!"


    "Hahahahahaha! Aiyo, this is so funny it''s killing me! I knew it. Any ns created by Zhang Ye definitely aren''t anything good! Just look how this ended!"


    "This fellow only wanted us to watch the Spring Festival G to gather the five cards of fortune. He only used us to contribute to the viewership ratings!"


    "It''s a conspiracy! It''s a great big conspiracy!"


    "Zhang Ye, you''re really oozing with evilness!"


    "Quick, turn off the TV! Don''t help him by contributing to the viewership ratings anymore!"


    "What''s the point of turning it off now? The Spring Festival G is ending right after this. He''s already gained enough viewership ratings!"


    "Ahhhhhhh! I''m so pissed off!"


    It was only now that everyone realized what this was all about.


    ��


    Backstage.


    Some of the production team''s staff had also gathered all five of the cards of fortune. They secretly opened up their Unipay wallets to check but were startled and nearly fainted from the surprise that they saw!


    220 yuan?


    They nearly rolled up their sleeves and confronted Zhang Ye about it!


    Does it have to be this little!


    Does it have to be such a scam!


    We gathered them for so many days!


    Do you know how much electricity we''ve wasted?!


    And that was it?


    ��


    At Old Rao''s house.


    Rao Aimin cursed angrily, "Zhang Ye, fuck your grandpa!"


    Chenchen was also very angry. "Aunt! Zhang Ye, h-he really doesn''t have the makings of an adult!"


    Rao Aimin sneered. "You''re only giving me 220 yuan, right? Fine! Chenchen, go get the key to Zhang Ye''s Studio. I''ll see what valuable things are in there and take them for myself!"


    ��


    Theizens were enraged!


    Countless people were so angry that they broke down!


    A group that was spontaneously organized started causing amotion. They were all expressing their views by "shouting" rallying cries!


    "Denounce Zhang Ye!"


    "Denounce Zhang Ye!"


    "Return my 200 million!"


    "Return my 200 million!"


    "Zhang Ye, your sister!"


    "Zhang Ye, your sister!"


    Those who didn''t manage to gather the five cards were cursing.


    Those who did manage to gather the five cards were also cursing.


    Everyone gritted their teeth in hatred. Come on, you can''t deceive people in such a way!


    In the blink of an eye, countless threads that were titled "Zhang Ye, your sister!" started appearing in the forums and on Weibo all over the country to fully express the countless grass mud horses that were rampaging through their heads!


    ��


    And now, the Spring Festival G was finallying to an end.


    The music started ying on television. Zhang Xia appeared onstage as the lead singer.


    Behind her, all of the Spring Festival G''s participating performers came back out and the entire stage was filled with them, including the hosts. "Selling Crutches" was the finale act before the new year at midnight, while this song was going to be the finale act of this year''s Spring Festival G. It was the essential song of Zhang Ye''s previous world''s Spring Festival G: " A Night To Remember 2 "!


    "A night to remember, a night to remember.


    "Wherever you might be in this world.


    "We are in the same embrace in this vast country.


    "Wishing our homnd well, homnd well.


    "Farewell to this night, farewell to this night.


    "Whether you are a new friend or old.


    "Let us meet again next spring.


    "The green hills, forever young people, forever young people


    "The green hills, forever young people.


    "The green hills, forever young people.


    "Wishing our homnd well.


    "Wishing our homnd well."


    The song was very touching!


    The singing voices lingered in the air!


    The curtains on this year''s Spring Festival G had finally drawn to a close!


    ��


    Watching TV.


    A lot of people were feeling a swirl of emotions!


    Some people gasped in admiration.


    Some people were calling it good.


    Some people couldn''t help but appreciate it.


    Some people were discussing the prior acts with their family.


    And arge group of people were scolding Zhang Ye for being so immoral. Initially, they had been amazed by this year''s Spring Festival G and Zhang Ye''s abilities to oversee it to such sess. They also had a goodugh over Zhang Ye''s skit. But they couldn''t have expected that this fellow was so terrible to cheat all of them at the very end of the show!


    Especially this song at the end, it sounded even more sarcastic the longer they listened to it, and they got angrier and angrier as a result!


    "A Night To Remember"?


    That''s right!


    This was truly a night to remember alright!


    The five fortunes?


    They should be called the five deceptions instead!


    And they were even the five goddamn heavenly deceptions!

 Chapter 1352 - The Spring Festival Gala comes to a close!

    <h4>Chapter 1352 - The Spring Festival Ges to a close! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Central TV.


    Broadcasting Studio 1, production control room.


    All of the staff members were holding their breath.


    Zhang Ye was seated in themand position with an earpiece on and taking charge of the operations personally. He stared at the video monitor while slowly sliding two buttons upward.


    "Five."


    "Four."


    "Three."


    "Two."


    "One."


    "Cut! We''re done!"


    The Spring Festival G''s live broadcast signal was cut.


    Exhausted, Zhang Ye plucked out the earpiece and threw it onto the table. He heaved a long sigh of relief with a smile on his face before turning his head to everyone and saying, "It has ended!" The broadcast signal had been transferred over to Central TV Department 1''s backend master control 1 . The television signal was definitely still going, but whatever was being broadcast now was no longer under the control of the Spring Festival G''s executive director. Zhang Ye was only responsible for the Spring Festival G, and at this moment, Zhang Ye and the Spring Festival G''s production team''s responsibilities also ceased!


    With this "it has ended."


    Everyone in the production control room broke into jubnt cheers!


    "Our work is done!"


    "Happy New Year!"


    "Ahhhh!"


    "We did it!"


    "Yeah, we did it!"


    "This year''s g was great! We were so awesome!"


    Everyone could only express the excitement in them by shouting it out.


    Then the production control room''s door flung open. Outside, the staff members of the production team came rushing in one by one. The Spring Festival G Organizing Committee''s members were also standing outside!


    They were all here!


    Everyone hade over!


    A bustling 60 to 70 people were both squeezed into and out of the production control room!


    Some of them hugged together amid the screaming!


    Some of them fist pumped and cheered!


    Some of the female staff members were even surreptitiously wiping away tears of joy!


    It really hadn''t been easy. This year''s Spring Festival G had really not been easy at all. Li Ke had suddenly quit and there was no one left to take the role of the executive director. They kept encountering difficulty after difficulty. With the Spring Festival G fast approaching, Zhang Ye stepped in and led the production team to stage a stunning reversal to turn the tide! Before this, who could have expected that this year''s Spring Festival G could be done to such an effect?


    No one!


    No one could have expected it!


    But Zhang Ye managed to!


    All of them managed to!


    Zhang Ye embraced them one by one.


    "Old Han, you''ve worked hard!" Zhang Ye said.


    Assistant Director Han said, "It''s no big deal."


    Zhang Ye said, "Old Ha, you''ve worked hard."


    Ha Qiqi said, "No, you''re the one who has suffered!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Old He, the lighting was superb!"


    Old He said, "It was because we had your leadership!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Old Sun, you had to put up with a lot over at the venue today."


    Old Sun said emotionally, "That was nothing, that was nothing!"


    Zhang Ye asked to embrace every staff member and addressed them by their names as he told each of them "you''ve worked hard."


    But everyone knew that the one who had worked the hardest of all was not them!


    The person who almost single-handedly carried the entire Spring Festival G, the person who had spent two months in a row working on the front lines��was standing right before them!


    The executives came in and grabbed hold of Zhang Ye''s hands!


    Chief Zhao said, "It was hard on you! Director Zhang, you were amazing! You were so amazing!"


    Director Ma said loudly, "This was the best Spring Festival G that I''ve ever watched! You''re really a god!"


    Deputy Chief Liu said, "Director Zhang, thank you! Thank you!"


    But Zhang Ye sincerely responded, "I should thank the few of you instead. We had differences of opinion, but you all still gave in to me and did your best to amodate me, I��"


    Director Ma quickly said, "Let''s not bring that up, it''s already in the past."


    Chief Zhao said, "That''s right, that''s right, it''s already in the past." Then, he gave a loudugh and said, "If you''re stilling back to helm the Spring Festival G as the executive director next year, Old Zhao and I would like to team up with you again!"


    Zhang Ye was startled. He hurriedly waved it off, saying, "Whoa, please spare me! You still want me to direct the Spring Festival G? This year''s event has already nearly taken my life; I''m not gonna do it again!"


    Everyoneughed loudly. Yes, this year''s Spring Festival G was indeed full of scares and shocks!


    Suddenly, an executive on the organizingmittee said, "Here, everyone, quiet down for a bit. May I suggest that we give a round of apuse to Director Zhang?"


    Everyone started shouting:


    "Sure!"


    "Sure!"


    "Sure!"


    Zhang Ye quickly said, "Please, there''s no need for that."


    However, no one seemed to have heard him. Apuse rang out!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Thank you!"


    "Thank you!"


    "You''ve worked hard!"


    "Director Zhang, it was all thanks to you this time!"


    "You''re basically a god among men!"


    "If we didn''t have you taking charge this time, we really wouldn''t know what to do!"


    "Director Zhang, thank you!"


    The apuse continued for a long time!


    Everyone was grateful and giving their heartfelt thanks!


    They had all witnessed Zhang Ye''s suffering, hard work, and sacrifices in recent days. During the two months of preparing for the Spring Festival G, the light in Zhang Ye''s office had never been flipped off. With all of the external pressure ced onto him, the production of the programs was also overseen by him personally. Even the criticism from the fallout of the Five Cards of Fortune Collection campaign had to be ced onto Zhang Ye himself and deflected from Unipay and the Spring Festival G. Zhang Ye had already predicted early on that this would be the oue, so he started making ns when nobody realized it yet. He had Unipay settle the PR issues first, and even got them to deliberately set the amount very low when the red packets were given out in his name. All of it was done so that he would be the person to bear the me for everything!


    The dirty work!


    The tiring work!


    He took on all of it!


    He was a director worthy of all the respect in the world!


    All of a sudden, the crowd of people parted. A lot of people were pushing to the sides to create a path as a woman gracefully walked in from outside.


    "Chief Wu!"


    "Ah, Chief Wu!"


    It was Wu Zeqing!


    Zhang Ye was also stunned. "Hey, what are you doing here?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "I was waiting for you, of course."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "I was overseeing the Spring Festival G''s recording. Why did youe here to wait for me? When did you arrive?"


    Director Maughed and said, "Chief Wu was here since the live broadcast began. She''s been waiting all this while backstage."


    "Look at you." Zhang Ye grumbled, "It''s so noisy here. Wouldn''t it have been morefortable to wait at home?" He might beining, but he was very touched at heart.


    "Director Zhang, do hurry back home."


    "Yes, you must be tired out from the entire day."


    "Hurry back home with Chief Wu."


    "Director Zhang, happy New Year!"


    "Chief Wu, Director Zhang, happy New Year!"


    Everyone was wishing them well.


    Zhang Ye also said, "Alright then, all of you hurry back home too. We''ve been so busy for the past two months, so be sure to rest well for a few days. I estimate that the viewership ratings will only be released tomorrow or the day after. We''ve already done all that we could and the acts have all performed up to expectation. In fact, they even exceeded that! However the viewership ratings look, there isn''t anything regrettable. We can only wait for the results, so go back home and enjoy the new year without worry. Let''s not think too much about anything else!"


    Viewership ratings?


    Yes, they were only waiting for the viewership ratings to be released now!


    They had done their best, but the results still depended on how the viewership ratings would do. Everyone was really looking forward to the day it would be released!


    The higher-ups had set the target for them to hit at 20%?


    Could they exceed this figure?


    How much could they exceed it by?


    No one dared to presume too much!

 Chapter 1353 - The Celebrity Rankings Index gets updated!

    <h4>Chapter 1353 - The Celebrity Rankings Index gets updated! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    It was the first day of the lunar new year.


    In the morning, at the entrance to a neighborhood.


    "Yo, Old Li!"


    "Big Sis Zhou, happy New Year to you."


    "Happy New Year to you too! Why are you up so early today?"


    "Hai, I was too tiredst night, so I was already asleep by 8."


    "Ah? Then you didn''t watch the Spring Festival G?"


    "The Spring Festival G? I haven''t watched it in some years. There''s nothing interesting about it anyway."


    "Aiyo, then you''re really wrong about it this time! There will be a repeat telecast of it on Central TV Channel 1 in a bit. Quickly go back and watch it for yourself. You''ll know how wrong you were after you''ve watched it!"


    "This year''s Spring Festival G was that good?"


    "More than that! It was crazy good!"


    "Is that so? Then I better hurry home to watch it!"


    Some people did not watch it yet.


    Some people had only just found out about the news and hurried back home to catch the rebroadcast.


    ��


    The Spring Festival G was being reyed.


    A lot of those who were up early had actually waited in front of their televisions to catch the entire show once more from start to finish, Further, they were enjoying it very much!


    On Weibo.


    "This is really good!"


    "There''s nothing to nitpick for this year''s Spring Festival G!"


    "Zhang Ye is so awesome!"


    "Yeah, this is what true skill looks like!"


    "I think some changes might be stirring in the entertainment circle!"


    "Can Zhang Ye make it to the top?"


    "I don''t know, but I know that those Heavenly Kings and Queens will definitely be very worried!"


    "The Spring Festival G was truly fabulous, but I''m definitely gonna remember that fellow forever due to the five fortunes!"


    "Hahahahaha. Come on, don''t take it so seriously over this bit of money."


    "My 200 million, how can I not take it seriously!"


    "*cries* You guys don''t know this, but I cracked my phone by tapping it too much while trying to get the work dedication card. In the end, all I received was 220 yuan! That Zhang Ye is awful!"


    "Pfft."


    ��


    The newspapers on the first day of the new year went on sale!


    "Shocking! The Spring Festival G has been revived from the dead!"


    "The Spring Festival G sets off a wave of frenzy!"


    "Zhang Ye: His march from variety director to the Spring Festival G''s executive director!"


    "A Spring Festival G that everyone is praising!"


    "''Thousand-Hand Guanyin'' amazes the audience!"


    "Topicality of Little Hu Die''s act shoots through the roof!"


    "A magic show that shocks the industry!"


    "Hrious ''Selling Crutches'' receives great praise!"


    "Zhang Ye wins the affirmation of the industry insiders!"


    "Former executive director of the Spring Festival G, Li Ke,vishes praise upon Zhang Ye: ''I admit that I am not as good as him.''"


    "Many lines from the skit ''Selling Crutches'' set to be this year''s hottest Inte ng!"


    "Talk of all 40 acts on the Spring Festival G is bursting through the roof. An unprecedented urrence!"


    "The craziest Spring Festival G executive director in history: Personally crafting all of the acts on the show!"


    "Dong Shanshan''s poprity soars!"


    "Gathering the five fortunes��The biggest scam in the history of advertising and marketing!"


    "The Spring Festival G''s viewership ratings to be revealed soon?"


    "Zhang Ye''s path of defiance!"


    "Can Zhang Ye reach the summit of the entertainment circle?"


    At the newspaper stands, copies after copies of newspapers were flying off the shelves.


    Online, the news articles were getting published one after another.


    This was the effect of the Spring Festival G. This was a grand g in which the entire world''s Chinese poption participated in, and all the more so for this year''s miraculous Spring Festival G!


    The media was dominated by news of the Spring Festival G!


    From the various ranking lists, it could also easily be seen.


    ��


    On the Top Chinese Music Chart.


    #1: "Because of Love"


    #2: "Where Has the Time Gone?"


    #3: "Lucky Treasures"


    #4: "A Night to Remember"


    #5: "The New Drunken Concubine"


    #6: "My Chinese Heart"


    And so on.


    Without exception, from the first to the tenth spot, they were all songs from yesterday''s Spring Festival G. In fact, they were all leading by far in their popritypared to the other songs on the chart!


    ��


    On Weibo''s trending topics.


    First: The Five Cards of Fortune Collection scam


    Second: "Selling Crutches"


    Third: Little Hu Die''s "Time"


    Fourth: Skit - "The Leading Role and the Supporting Role"


    Fifth: Spring Festival G viewership ratings


    And so on.


    In the top ten ces, no, in the top fifty ces, the topics were all rted to the Spring Festival G!


    ��


    The views on the video highlights:


    First: "Selling Crutches," 300 million views


    Second: "Thousand-Hand Guanyin," 150 million views


    Third: "Myriad of Changes" magic show, 120 million views


    At the top of the charts were all acts that had appeared on the Spring Festival G. They had all exceeded a 100 million views, and that showed that the viewers did not get enough of it after only watching it once. They had to watch it a second, a third, or even a fourth time.


    ��


    And on the most watched Celebrity Rankings Index, it was the same as well!


    Needless to say for Zhang Yuanqi who was already a Heavenly Queen, it would not look too obvious even after her poprity had boomed. But this wasn''t the case for the others.


    Dong Shanshan''s poprity had soared. With the skit she acted in, it brought her up into the middle of the B-list celebrity rankings!


    Yao Jiancai''s poprity also rose after his outstanding performance on the Spring Festival G!


    The sessor to the art of cross-gender acting, Gao Xiliang, had risen up to the bottom of the C-list rankings overnight after being an almost unknown small-time celebrity all this while!


    Ci Xiufang''s poprity grew by leaps and bounds too. Even if she was already considered a big sister among the domestic professional skitedians, "Dance If You Like" had helped propel her to the top of the skit industry.


    Magician Chen Tian became famous overnight and was now closing in on a ce on the C-list rankings!


    The one who surprised everyone the most was Hu Die. Everyone else still had some previous poprity to base off of. Even if some of them did not have lots of poprity, they were still at least at the D- or E-list rankings and had some fans to call their own. But Little Hu Die had started off from nothing. She was just a backup dancer and hadn''t even been the focus of the camera before. But just by spinning in circles on the stage of the Spring Festival G, she actually managed to "turn" herself into a top D-list celebrity!


    It was the same for many others!


    The performers who participated in the Spring Festival G all experienced a significant boost to their poprities!


    This was what the Spring Festival G was��a stage that could work miracles. On it, nothing was impossible if you dared to dream it.


    But of course, a situation like this year was also an exception of exceptions. It was a never before seen development in the years since the Spring Festival G began. This year''s Spring Festival G had created so many stars that it was unimaginable. It was so heaven-defying that when the industry insiders and citizens saw the updated Celebrity Rankings Index, they got rather dumbfounded!


    ��


    Later that morning.


    Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    Wu Zeqing was already up while Zhang Ye was still sleeping soundly in bed. At some point in time, the cell phone on his bedside started going off.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Zhang Ye rolled over and continued to sleep.


    It wasn''t until he had no choice that he drowsily grabbed his phone and answered it.


    It was the magician, Chen Tian.


    "Director Zhang."


    "Yes?"


    "Ah, you''re still resting?"


    "It''s fine, just speak."


    "The rankings index has been updated. I just thought I''d call you to say thanks, but I won''t say too much so that you can get back to sleep. We''ll talk again when there''s a chance, or you can call me anytime you like!"


    His phone continued to ring.


    This time, it was Dong Shanshan.


    "Haha, Zhang''er."


    "Hey, Shanshan."


    "Did you see my spot on the rankings index yet?"


    "Are you a B-lister?"


    "I''m in the middle of the B-list!"


    "Whoa, congrattions."


    "I''ll treat you to dinner some time."


    "Alright, I''ll hold you to your word. It isn''t easy getting a meal out of you."


    Immediately after that, Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, Fan Wenli, Gao Xiliang, and the others who had performed on the Spring Festival G were calling to thank Zhang Ye. It was veryte when they dispersedst night, and there were also a lot of matters to attend to. With the venue quite chaotic, everyone only cared about enjoying themselves. So they didn''t get to say some words to him. But with the Celebrity Rankings Index updated now, and the dust having settled, it was expected that everyone woulde forward to thank Zhang Ye. It was Zhang Ye who had given them the chance to be part of the Spring Festival G, while the acts, set designs, and even the costumes were designed by him. Their rise in poprity was the direct cause of Zhang Ye, so it wouldn''t be right if they didn''t say a word of thanks to him.


    There were more than 20 calls.


    Zhang Ye spent a full 30 minutes answering them.


    Afterwards, he didn''t feel sleepy anymore and sat up from bed with a bitter smile. But thinking about it, he also started feeling rather excited and couldn''t help but check out the Celebrity Rankings Index as well.


    What about me?


    What about this bro''s poprity?


    He had nearly been driven crazy during these past two months. As a result, Zhang Ye immediately fell asleep in bed after returning home with Wu Zeqing. He did not even wait for his parents to get back from his maternal grandma''s house. The moment he opened his eyes again, it was already the morning of the first day of Lunar New Year, so where could he have found any time to check on the rankings index during the night?


    Page 1.


    Page 2.


    Page 3.


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and felt utterly speechless.


    He couldn''t find his name on the list!


    He knew that there could only be one exnation for this. It must mean that his poprity had increased by so much that the backend system or the manual calctions could not be handled properly. So his name and status was temporarily set as pending in the rankings. He wasn''t unfamiliar with this urrence since he also had such a status once during a previous battle of the poprity rankings. The statistics were processed several dayster and his poprity had soared at that time.


    Hopefully, it was the same case this time!


    Hurry up and let this bro get into the S-list!


    Hurry up and let this bro reach the summit of showbiz!


    Only this step was left!


    It was the final push!


    The "Reach the Summit" n that was drawn up half a year ago had been sessfully undertaken step by step. All that was left now were the results!

 Chapter 1354 - Drawing tenth blood!

    <h4>Chapter 1354 - Drawing tenth blood! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the same morning.


    The television in the living room at Zhang Ye''s parents'' house was also reying the Spring Festival G. From the sound of it, the rebroadcast seemed to have already reached Zhang Yuanqi''s "Where Has the Time Gone?" song.


    The shouting of Zhang Ye''s mother came from outside the bedroom.


    "Son, are you up yet?"


    "I''m up, Mom."


    "Come and have breakfast."


    "Alright. Where''s Old Wu?"


    "She''s making breakfast for you, soe out quickly."


    "OK, I''ming."


    They were having leek dumplings for breakfast.


    The moment Zhang Ye came out of his bedroom, he could immediately smell the aroma of the food.


    Wu Zeqing was holding a pair of chopsticks. "Why didn''t you sleep a while longer?"


    Zhang Ye sighed and said, "I wanted to, but there were so many calls the entire morning. Everyone was calling to say thanks or offer their congrattions, so how could I get back to sleep?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Yes, I heard your cell phone ringing. Come over and eat."


    Zhang Ye turned his head to the side. "Dad, what time did you all get back yesterday?"


    His father put the newspaper down. "A little before 2 AM I guess?"


    "Why didn''t you all turn off the TV before going out?" Zhang Ye asked.


    His fatherughed and said, "Your mom didn''t let me. She said that it would help with the viewership ratings that way."


    His mother said happily, "The TVs at your uncles'' houses were also left on. I called them and told them to do so before we went over to your grandma''s ce yesterday."


    Zhang Ye apuded. "Great job, Mom."


    His motherughed.


    His father said, "How much viewership could it possibly add with just these few TVs switched on in our family?"


    His mother shot his father a look. "What do you know? One more is still more than none!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "I haven''t read the newspapers yet. What is everyone''s thoughts on the g?"


    "Of course it''s getting a lot of praise!" His mother got all excited the moment she spoke. She pointed at the stack of over a dozen copies of newspapers on the coffee table. "Read for yourself, I went out to buy them this morning. There''s also news online and on TV, and they''re all talking about you and yesterday''s Spring Festival G. Many of the industry insiders are saying that this Spring Festival G of yours is the most wonderful one since the debut one. Even the one that everyone thought was the best from 20 or 30 years ago is not as good as yours from the perspective of the acts'' quality, art direction, or entertainment value!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "The masses'' eyes are sharpest."


    After lunch.


    Zhang Ye sat on the sofa and flipped through the newspapers one by one. Beijing Times, Morning Post, and even People''s Daily had all given this year''s Spring Festival G high praise.


    Zhang Ye was quite pleased with everyone''s evaluation. If even this year''s Spring Festival G were to be questioned and criticized by the people, then that would really be the biggest joke in the world. Other people might not know about the origins of these acts, but Zhang Ye knew them quite well, of course. The acts that could be shown on the Spring Festival G in his world were the ones that had emerged from thepetition in China. They went through a round of selection and those that did not make it were eliminated. The ones that remained were all the most excellent ones. And what Zhang Ye did this time was to put these selected acts through another round of selection to pick the most reputable and excellent acts from the best ones that had been on the Spring Festival G of his previous world. This was equivalent to picking out the best acts out of an already excellent pool of choices!


    He did this for all 40 of the acts!


    The "Thousand-Hand Guanyin"?


    Liu Qian''s magic show?


    "Selling Crutches"?


    "Spring Days"?


    Which of them were not well-known?


    Which of them were not the ssics of the ssics?


    So how could this year''s Spring Festival G not be enjoyable to watch?


    It would be a wonder if it wasn''t good! Zhang Ye had brought over so many of the ssic acts that spanned decades of the Spring Festival G in his previous world to this world and put them all into one show. He had basically brought over all that he could bring over. But of course, he wasn''t going to bother about next year''s Spring Festival G and the year after that. That would be left to some unlucky executive director to worry about. It was enough to be the executive director for the Spring Festival G once, and he definitely did not n on doing it a second time. This job was way too tiring and the stress was too enormous. He had never had a good night''s sleep these past two months.


    With the Spring Festival G over, Zhang Ye was finally able to take some time off. He was taking it easy and rxing now. He just wanted to rest up for the next few days to enjoy the new year properly.


    It was almost noon.


    His parents were already dressed.


    His father said, "Little Ye, Zeqing, we''re heading to your aunt''s ce now."


    Zhang Ye asked, "So we''re heading to my aunt''s ce for lunch?"


    "Yes. Your dad and I are going over early to help make lunch," his mother said.


    "Alright, then Old Wu and I will be there in a bit," Zhang Ye said.


    "There''s no rush, just be there before lunch," his mother said.


    "Alright," Zhang Ye said.


    His mother reminded him, "You still have to go over to your maternal grandma''s house tonight since you weren''t there yesterday. Be sure to go over today to give your New Year''s greetings to them. Take a shower and quickly tidy up the ce."


    Zhang Ye said, "I got it."


    His parents left.


    When the door closed, only Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing were left in the house.


    Wu Zeqing was clearing the tes from breakfast.


    Zhang Ye gave a cheekyugh and hugged her from behind. "Old Wu."


    Wu Zeqing did not turn around andughed as she continued clearing the table. "What''s the matter? Why are youughing so slyly?"


    "Pfft, what do you mean? Listen to your choice of words. Aiya, stop clearing the dishes." Zhang Ye hungrily eyed Old Wu, who was dressed in homey attire.


    Wu Zeqingughed and said, "Hur hur, aren''t I almost done clearing them away?"


    Zhang Ye blinked and said, "This bro hasn''t been home in two months. Ahem, shouldn''t you express something to me?"


    "Express what?" Old Wu asked.


    "Come, let''s talk in my room." Zhang Ye then led her into his bedroom.


    "Wait, my hands are still dirty."


    "Aiyo, quickly, we have to leave soon."


    "But it''s still so bright and early."


    "It''ll be dark once the curtains are drawn."


    "There isn''t enough time."


    "There''s still an hour."


    "Hur hur, oh you."


    "Quickly, hully-arpu!"


    This fellow suddenly threw out a phrase in English, catching Wu Zeqing by surprise.


    "Little Ye."


    "Hm?"


    "If you can''t speak English well, don''t use it."


    "Was the pronunciation wrong?"


    "It wasn''t very good."


    "Oh, then I''ll study hard to learn it."


    "Why are you suddenly thinking of learning English?"


    "Don''t just stand there. Let''s talk as we get out of these clothes. If I do get to the summit of the entertainment circle, the next goal will be to step onto the international stage. So it will definitely be useful to know some English, Russian, and Spanish too. I''m preparing to learn them all. It''s not that I want tomunicate with them, but this bro would at least know who is scolding me. I''m going to focus my learning on the foreign swear words first. I''ll check if there are any crash courses on swearing in Englishter. If there''s one, I''m gonna sign up for it so that I''ll be prepared in times of need. Ai, do you think it''s easy being a celebrity? There are so many things to learn. I don''t think that just anyone can be a celebrity."


    "Hur hur, there aren''t any celebrities in the entertainment circle who learn a foreignnguage just to scold people either."


    "Aiya, hurry up, there''s no time! No time!"


    "Alright, I''m ready."


    The door closed.


    The curtains were drawn.


    10 minutes.


    20 minutes.


    30 minutes.


    A youthful energy epassed room.


    After two months, Zhang Ye finally drew tenth blood from Old Wu!!

 Chapter 1355 - The Spring Festival Gala’s viewership ratings are out!

    <h4>Chapter 1355 - The Spring Festival G''s viewership ratings are out! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    In his bedroom.


    The two of them were putting their clothes back on.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s mother called to hurry them up.


    "Mom."


    "What are you doing?"


    "Getting ready to leave."


    "Why are you so slow? Your aunt and cousin are waiting."


    "We''ll be there immediately. We just finished watching the rebroadcast of the Spring Festival G."


    "Hurry up."


    "Got it."


    The call ended.


    Wu Zeqing chuckled. "Never does a word of truthe out of your mouth."


    "Heh, then what should I have said?" Zhang Ye got dressed very quickly. When he saw that Old Wu was still only half-dressed, he said, "I''m gonna head downstairs to warm up the car."


    Old Wu said, "OK, I''ll be right behind you."


    Zhang Ye threw on a jacket, then opened the door and left. As he made his way downstairs, he had a spring in his step and felt like he was floating. The feeling was amazing. Having worked at Central TV without much rest for the past two months, he was finally relieved of a great deal of the tiredness. He felt very spirited as well, and his eyes glistened with life. He felt "powered up" again and even started humming the melody to "The Hottest Ethnic Trend." This sort of life was so enjoyable.


    He had a harmonious family.


    His work was going well.


    His career was thriving.


    And his wife was so beautiful.


    He wouldn''t exchange this life for anything!


    Downstairs.


    Zhang Ye walked to his car. But before he could even reach it, 20to 30 people suddenly appeared in the seemingly empty neighborhood. It was just like magic, and Zhang Ye got a big scare from it.


    Three reporters materialized from behind the car.


    Five reporters sprang out from behind the tree in the garden.


    Six reporters came out from the corridor beside.


    It was as though this were an illusion where people appeared out of thin air.


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Director Zhang!"


    "We''re from the Morning News!"


    "Can we interview you for a moment?"


    "Teacher Zhang, can we take up a few minutes of your time?"


    "We''re from Youth Daily!"


    "We''re from Xinhua News!"


    The reporters from the news outlets surged forward in a chaotic fashion. They had probably been camping there for a very long time. But this wasn''t unexpected since Zhang Ye had be the most watched person in the entertainment industry ever since he took responsibility for the Spring Festival G. The news rted to the Spring Festival G was overflowing, yet the most important person rted to it had not once given an interview during the entire duration. Zhang Ye did not give any interviews, nor could the reporters find him. Even when the Spring Festival G endedst night, many of the reporters did not go back home and just waited at the main entrance of Central TV. In the end, they still couldn''t catch him leaving. As a result, they could only descend on his ce to wait for him. With the Spring Festival G doing so well this year, who wouldn''t want to get a first-hand interview with Zhang Ye?


    As Zhang Ye was in a good mood, he answered with a smile, "All I have is five minutes, so ask quickly." He opened the car door and started the engine.


    The reporters got excited and immediately shoved their cameras and microphones at him.


    "Did you n out all 40 of the acts? How did you manage to do that?"


    "I just wrote them all."


    "Director Zhang, there''s news that you''ve already been earmarked internally to be the executive director for the next Spring Festival G."


    "Your info is not reliable. I don''t know anything about it."


    "Which act are you most happy with for this Spring Festival G?"


    "I''m happy with all of them."


    "People say that you saved the Spring Festival G. What do you have to say about that?"


    "Hur hur, it was not me who saved the Spring Festival G, it was everyone who didn''t give up on it. That''s the most important reason of all."


    "What were the biggest problems you encountered while directing the Spring Festival G?"


    "The biggest problem? It would have to be that I only had 24 hours in a day. If only I had another 10 hours each day, I could''ve gotten a better night''s sleep."


    "The Spring Festival G''s viewership ratings will be announced soon. Are you looking forward to it?"


    "I guess."


    "What are your expectations?"


    "Aiyo, that''s difficult to say."


    At this moment, the click ck of high heels came from the corridor.


    Wu Zeqing hade downstairs.


    When the reporters saw her, they restrained themselves.


    "Chief Wu."


    "Uh, Chief Wu."


    The reporters all subconsciously carved out a path for her to pass.


    Wu Zeqing smiled at them. "Is the interview done yet?"


    This question left the reporters too embarrassed to say no.


    "It''s already done."


    "Thank you, Director Zhang."


    "Chief Wu, happy New Year to you."


    "We won''t hold the two of you back then."


    "Then we''ll get going."


    In fact, they still had a ton of questions to ask. It wouldn''t be enough to ask a 1,000 questions in an interview with Zhang Ye. But with Chief Wu''s arrival, the reporters could only obediently take their leave.


    ��


    At Central TV.


    A lot of people hade back to work overtime today.


    This included many of those in the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee and production team.


    Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo also rushed over early in the morning in anticipation of the result.


    "Have the viewership ratings been released?"


    "Not yet."


    "It should be out soon."


    "Yes, the stats department said that they''re going through the calction of the results right now."


    "Will we be able to surpass 20%?"


    "That won''t be a problem for sure!"


    "Yes, I also don''t think that 20% will be difficult to achieve. But anything more than that is harder to say."


    ��


    At the SARFT.


    "It''s still not out?"


    "Chief Liu, it''ll be out very soon!"


    "Let''s hope that it will be a good result."


    "Yeah, how the Spring Festival G does this year will all depend on the viewership ratings."


    "If we''re talking about word of mouth and the response from the viewers, then this year''s Spring Festival G has clearly been a big sess. But the end result is still dependent on the viewership ratings. It''s something that we cannot avoid no matter what."


    "That''s right."


    "Little Qi, notify me once the viewership ratings have been released. The higher-ups are also waiting to know about it."


    "Understood, Chief Liu."


    ��


    In the crosstalk world.


    "I hear that the Spring Festival G''s viewership ratings will be released very soon."


    "It should be really high this time around, right?"


    "That might not happen. For the past few years, they were all hovering around 20% or so. The lowest it went to was around 19%. This perennial weakening is not something that can be improved overnight."


    "Haha, it will be fun to see if the viewership ratings are not ideal this time."


    "My guess is that it won''t be too good."


    "Me too. That Five Cards of Fortune Collection campaign was too scammy. Just take a look online. There are still countless people scolding Zhang Ye over it. The viewership ratings will definitely be put in doubt too."


    "Yes, however high it might get, it definitely won''t cross the 25% mark!"


    "25%? I think you''re already overestimating it."


    ��


    At a dinner event in the directing circle.


    Li Ke and about nine well-known directors were seated together at a table. They also started discussing this matter.


    "How much do you all think it''s going to get?"


    "27%?"


    "I think it might only be 25% for a more conservative guess."


    "It should be around 27% to 28%."


    "Will it be able to reach 30%?"


    "That''s not likely to happen."


    "It will be difficult, but it''s not impossible."


    "If it does hit 30%, then Zhang Ye will truly be godly!"


    ��


    At a newspaper firm.


    "It''s not out yet?"


    "No, they still haven''t released the figures."


    "Make the necessary preparations. Leave the exact figure nk for now and get the rest of the content filled in so that we can publish it the moment it gets released!"


    "Uh, Chief Editor, then what kind of viewership ratings should we phrase it with?"


    "Write one for 20% and another for 30%. We''ll have two drafts on standby."


    "What if it hits 40%?"


    "40%? You must be dreaming, right?"


    "Damn, you''re right."


    "Stay vignt and be prepared for any news!"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "How much will it get?"


    "Yeah, this is taking so long! Why haven''t they released it yet?"


    "I also wanna know how many people got pulled back into watching the Spring Festival G by Zhang Ye!"


    "I''m sure that the viewership ratings will hit 40%!"


    "Previous poster, please wake up!"


    "Hahaha, it''s a little overblown to im that it will hit 40%. But I believe that 30% is still possible."


    "That scammer, I''ll curse his ratings to not even hit 20%! Just thinking about those five deceptions is making me angry again!"


    "Pfft, Zhang Ye also sessfully used the ''collection of the five deceptions'' to scam my family of our viewership ratings. I hope the fellow doesn''t even get 10% for the viewership ratings, otherwise it''ll be very difficult to ease the hatred I have for him!"


    "That''s right! Let''s fucking curse the viewership ratings to a historical low!"


    "You''re extremely right! Zhang Ye has always liked breaking historical records, so let''s give him a chance at it this time as well. Please condemn this jinxed scammer to an eternity of infamy!"


    "Sincerely wishing for the Spring Festival G''s viewership ratings to make a new historic low!"


    "Sincerely wishing for the Spring Festival G''s viewership ratings to make a new historic low!"


    "Sincerely wishing for the Spring Festival G''s viewership ratings to make a new historic low!"


    The group ofizens were making amotion with their jokes andughter. Arge number of them were even Zhang Ye''s fans. These people had always been unafraid of trouble. Wherever there was amotion, Zhang Ye''s army would be there as well. From that moment on, a discussion and forecast of the Spring Festival G''s viewership ratings were set off on the Inte. Regarding the final results of the Spring Festival G that Zhang Ye directed this year, they were all very concerned and wanted to know how it had done!


    The release of the viewership ratings was impending!


    There was a very tense mood at Central TV!


    The executives were feeling very nervous!


    The media was also waiting impatiently!


    The people were very eager to find out!


    Everyone was just waiting for a number!


    The entire world''s Chinese poption was waiting for an oue!


    ��


    At 12 o''clock sharp.


    It wasn''t released yet.


    At 1 o''clock in the afternoon.


    It wasn''t released yet.


    At 2 o''clock in the afternoon.


    It still wasn''t released yet.


    Many people were almost going crazy over this!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Why isn''t it out yet?"


    "Didn''t they say that it was going to get published soon?"


    "Yeah, how long has it been already?"


    "Is the statistics agency even working?"


    "Their work rate is really poor!"


    ��


    At the statistics agency.


    In the office.


    "Boss, this��"


    "That''s impossible!"


    "But the numbers show that there''s nothing wrong!"


    "Calcte it again! Use the Band II signal statistics!"


    "Yes!"


    Not long after.


    "Boss, we''re still getting the same number."


    "Impossible! Calcte it again!"


    "Uh, OK!"


    Once!


    Twice!


    Thrice!


    They calcted it over and over again!


    They used all kinds of methods to calcte it again and again!


    The end results were still the same. This left the entire office''s statisticians a little dumbfounded. They stared at the figures and were feeling at a loss at what to do. They thought that there could only be two possibilities. One was that theputer had gone crazy and caused all of the equipment to go haywire at once, and the second was that all of them at the office had gone crazy!


    How was this possible!


    How the fuck was this possible!


    Several of the leaders were stunned on the spot!


    Everyone in the office stared wide-eyed at one another!


    A minuteter, someone finally spoke up.


    "B-Boss."


    "Yes?"


    "Are we going to publish this?"


    "��Just publish it."


    ��


    Past 3 in the afternoon.


    At Central TV.


    A group of people were sitting there impatiently and having tea.


    Suddenly, the employee responsible for liaising with the statistics agency came rushing in after pushing the door open. "It''s out! The Spring Festival G''s viewership ratings are out!"


    Ha Qiqi flew over.


    Everyone else stood up!


    "How much is it?"


    "Quickly speak!"


    "Did it reach 30%?"


    "Did it?"


    That employee panted, "Everyone, everyone, you have to see this for yourselves! My God!"


    Ha Qiqi was the closest, so she snatched the viewership ratings form and lowered her head to read it. She then screamed, "Holy shit! This��this��"


    Zhang Zuo ran over and grabbed it. "What are you shouting for. Let me see��what the!" His hands trembled and he dropped the piece of paper!


    A third person rushed up. "Just how much is it? Let me have a look��damn! Damn! Damn!"

 Chapter 1356

    <h4>Chapter 1356 </h4>


    Chapter 1356: Viewership numbers that tear a hole in the sky!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Central TV.


    Everyone was screaming in surprise, feeling like they were going crazy!


    "Oh my God!"


    "This, this��"


    "Heavens!"


    "Is this for real?"


    "Ahhhhh!"


    "I''m not fucking dreaming, am I?"


    "This viewership numbers��damn, are we about to tear a hole in the sky this time?"


    "Leave out the words ''about to,'' we''ve already torn a hole in the sky!"


    ��


    At the SARFT.


    "Director! Director!"


    "What is it? Everyone''s working. Why are you shouting so loudly?"


    "It''s the Spring Festival G''s viewership ratings! Quickly look at it!"


    "It''s already out?"


    "It was just released!"


    "Let me see��aiyo, what the heck! I-Is this for real?"


    "I verified it with the statistics agency the moment I saw it. It''s real, there''s no mistake about it!"


    "Quick, bring this to Chief Hu and the others! Hurry, hurry, hurry!"


    ��


    At a newspaper agency.


    The phone was ringing. This was a call that the editor-in-chief had been waiting for a long time. He quickly went back to his office and closed the door to take it. The agency staff outside were all looking in that direction. Then they heard the exmations of the editor-in-chief.


    "What?"


    "This is impossible!"


    "There must be a mistake!"


    "No, no, go and verify it again!"


    "Really?"


    "Damn, you''ve already verified that this is real?"


    A minuteter, the editor-in-chief pushed the door open and came out.


    Everyone stood up in wait of the announcement.


    "Chief Editor, how much is it?"


    "Our drafts are ready to be published!"


    "Yeah, we''ve already prepared them!"


    The editor-in-chief screamed, "Discard all of the drafts from before! Immediately! Rewrite everything from scratch! Hurry up, write it at your fastest speed!"


    "Ah?"


    "But don''t we already have them prepared?"


    "Didn''t we already write a draft each for a viewership ratings of 20% and 30%?"


    The editors did not understand.


    The editor-in-chief said angrily, "Both those figures for the ratings are incorrect!" He lowered his head and picked up a pen to scribble something on a piece of paper. "Take a look for yourselves!" Then he turned and walked away.


    All the editors rushed forward to see. Then they were dumbfounded!


    ��


    In the crosstalk world.


    The news spread rapidly


    The crosstalk actors who had feuded with Zhang Ye all gasped when they heard the figure. There were dumbfounded looks on all of their faces!


    "What the heck!"


    "Did they get it wrong?"


    "This must be made up! It most definitely has to be made up!"


    "These viewership numbers��only an idiot would believe it''s real!"


    "This is impossible!"


    "Right, it''s impossible!"


    ��


    At a dinner party in the directing world.


    There was silence.


    And then, there was further silence.


    "Old Li."


    "Hm?"


    "After seeing these viewership numbers, what do you think?"


    "I have no thoughts. That is purely his skill."


    "Just what kind of a person is this Zhang Ye? You''re the only person among us who has had any dealings with him."


    "What kind of a person?"


    "Yes."


    "He''s probably an extraordinary talent!"


    "Luckily for us, this guy doesn''t know how to direct films and TV series. Otherwise, every one of us other than Old Li and Old Han would probably not be able to make a living anymore."


    "These viewership ratings too goddamn scary!"


    ��


    Shanghai.


    At the home of a previous Spring Festival G''s executive director.


    When he heard the news, he nearly fainted!


    His wife asked, "Old Wan, what''s the matter? Are the viewership ratings for the Spring Festival G out?"


    Old Wan''s face had turned green with anger. "This is too goddamn big of a difference!"


    His wife said in a stunned manner, "What? Could the Spring Festival G have exceeded 30% in the ratings this year? That''s not that big of a difference. The Spring Festival G that you directed years ago also received 22% in the viewership ratings, so how much is it this time?"


    Old Wan coughed. Right now, he was too embarrassed to tell his wife.


    ��


    At Beijing Television.


    Hu Fei came walking in. "Zhang Ye has absolutely defied the Heavens!"


    Xiao Lu was startled. "Is it finally out?"


    Dafei quickly asked, "How much is it? How much?"


    Hou Ge and Hou Di also rushed over anxiously. "Did it exceed 30%?"


    "30%?" Hu Fei chuckled before passing the viewership ratings form to them. "Have a look for yourselves. In the domestic entertainment industry, there''s no one who can hold back Little Zhang anymore!"


    When the several of them saw it, they nearly jumped in shock!


    They were really scared silly!


    "This��"


    "This��"


    "Oh my fucking Heavens!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    When Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing had just arrived, their cell phones started ringing.


    Wu Zeqing''s call was from the SARFT.


    Zhang Ye''s call was from Ha Qiqi who was currently at Central TV.


    In the call, Ha Qiqi''s voice trembled as she said, "Director Zhang! This is too amazing! You''re simply too godly! The viewership ratings are out! It''s simply unbelievable!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Calm down, calm down."


    Ha Qiqi said excitedly, "But I can''t calm down! Do you know how much it is?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "I''ve already guessed it. We''ve all worked hard for a long time and put so much effort into the Spring Festival G. We''ve been exhausted, and we''ve been scolded by so many people. If it''s still no good, we might as well not continue in this line of work."


    Ha Qiqi said in admiration, "So you''ve already guessed it?"


    "But of course," Zhang Ye said.


    Ha Qiqi said, "You''re still the calmer one among us"


    Zhang Ye said happily, "So what was the final figure that was calcted?"


    Ha Qiqi told him.


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "How much?"


    Ha Qiqi got a little suspicious and repeated it to him.


    Zhang Ye looked very stunned. "What?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Huh? Didn''t you already guess it?"


    "Ah? Ah, yes, yes, I already guessed it." Zhang Ye said dumbfoundedly, "These viewership ratings are well within my expectations. It''s not too low, nor is it too high. I think it''s pretty good. Well alright then, Sister Ha. Since the viewership ratings have been published, it''s time that you and Brother Zuo hurry home to enjoy the new year. You''ve both worked hard."


    On the other end, Zhang Zuo took the phone. "Director Zhang, hahahahaha, what hard work? When Old Ha and I heard this viewership figure, the two of us got so pumped up! Even if we have to go through another two months of the Spring Festival G, we would be able to hold up for sure! But aren''t you amazing to be able to guess the viewership ratings?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Well, of course. Otherwise, would I be the executive director?"


    The call ended.


    Wu Zeqing was looking at Zhang Ye and smiling.


    His several uncles and aunties were all staring at him.


    His parents and younger sisters were almost going crazy from the anxiety.


    "Little Ye, how much is it?"


    "Brother, tell us quickly!"


    "Aiya, I''m so nervous!"


    "Brother, you guessed it early on?"


    Zhang Ye gave an indifferent smile. "But of course, everything is within my control. The viewership ratings were something that I could guess too��" He finally broke down and cried out, "Your sister! As if I could guess something like that! I thought that Old Ha was just going to tell me that it reached 30%! That was the figure that I guessed!"


    Wu Zeqingughed at her husband.


    ��


    On Weibo.


    In the forums.


    In the media.


    Within the industry.


    At the SARFT.


    In the entertainment circle.


    At the entertainmentpanies.


    Among the overseas Chinese.


    When the viewership for the Spring Festival G was announced, it blew up at home and abroad. Anywhere that could blow up at this moment blew up!


    When they saw these viewership ratings, each and every person was shocked and dumbfounded!


    Disregarding everyone else, even Zhang Ye himself was dumbfounded!


    It wasn''t that everyone was making a fuss out of it, and it wasn''t that they were inexperienced in life either. Some people had predicted that this year''s Spring Festival G''s viewership ratings woulde out of left field, but no one could have expected that it would be so far out. This was a viewership that could tear a hole in the sky!


    56.8%!


    The country was stunned!


    The world was shocked!

 Chapter 1357 - Into the annals of history!

    <h4>Chapter 1357 - Into the annals of history! </h4>


    Chapter 1357: Into the annals of history!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    Zhang Ye was answering call after call.


    Many of those who received the news started calling up Zhang Ye in shock.


    ��


    An executive from the Ministry of Culture.


    "Director Zhang! Congrattions!"


    "Likewise to you, Minister Zhou!"


    "I''m really in awe of you this time!"


    "Haha, I hadn''t expected such a viewership ratings figure either."


    "Yeah, this year''s Spring Festival G was such a great sess! Director Zhang, tomorrow, tomorrow afternoon, let me throw a celebratory feast for all of those on the organizingmittee!"


    ��


    Central TV''s deputy station head.


    "Director Zhang."


    "Hey, Deputy Station Head Hong."


    "Thank you!"


    "You''re too polite."


    "If you ever wish to return to Central TV at any time, if anyone says no, I, Old Hong, will surely be the first one to take it up with them!"


    "Station Head Hong, there''s no need, there''s no need."


    ��


    The former Spring Festival G executive director, Li Ke.


    "Director Li."


    "Director Zhang, I''m calling to congratte you."


    "Hai, it was all to your credit forying the foundation for me. Otherwise, it couldn''t possibly have done so well."


    "Come on, stop ttering me. What has this got to do with me? It was all due to your own skill. If I had been the one handling the Spring Festival G this year, it might not even achieve a viewership ratings figure of 20%."


    ��


    He received over a dozen calls!


    Everyone sounded really excited over the phone!


    56.8%!


    What kind of a concept was that?


    This was nearly three times the viewership ratings ofst year''s Spring Festival G!


    This was twenty times the average viewership ratings for the first season of The Voice!


    This was over a dozen times the average viewership ratings of I Am a Singer!


    It was too impressive!


    It was too fucking impressive!


    ording to the various media outlets and the industry insiders'' forecast, there was no doubt that the Spring Festival G would reach a viewership of 25%. But whether it could hit 30%, that was still pretty difficult to put a finger on. As for 35%? Or 40%? A lot of them didn''t even dare to think that high. There was no inkling of such a figure. In their opinion, no matter how capable Zhang Ye might be, he couldn''t possibly achieve a 40% viewership with the Spring Festival G that had such a weak reception for so many years!


    However, the results left everyone nearly pissing their pants!


    This viewership performance was actually two levels above the high that no one dared to imagine. It had exceeded that forecast figure by twice the amount!


    56.8%!


    It was a viewership that sent shockwaves all around!


    The media was dumbfounded!


    The industry was stunned!


    The people pissed their pants!


    The entire country was astonished!


    "That''s such an insurmountable fortress!"


    "Zhang Ye has always been someone who''s performed miracles!"


    "He actually revived this hot potato that no one was willing to handle!"


    "I have nothing I can say! This is what true skill is!"


    "56.8! This has set a new bar for the Spring Festival G!"


    "But what about next year? Whoever takes over the Spring Festival G next year will surely die!"


    "Hahaha, that''s true. This viewership is too heaven-defying. What is going to happen to those thate after this?"


    "Is it that difficult? All they have to do is to appoint Zhang Ye again for next year''s g and the one after that!"


    "Right! That guy might have a questionable character, but the Spring Festival G that he directed was so fucking fun to watch!"


    "I''m someone who never used to watch the Spring Festival G, but I caught it this year. If Zhang Ye is invited to direct next year''s event, I''ll definitely watch it again! If they invite him to direct every year, I''ll watch it every year!"


    "Damn, although I''ve been scolding Zhang Ye for an entire day and night over the five deceptions, I still somehow got fucking pulled into his fandom after the broadcast of the Spring Festival G!"


    "This fellow has always been loved and hated just as much!"


    ��


    The news spread quickly as articles got published one after another.


    "The Spring Festival G''s viewership ratings are released!"


    "The highest in 20 years: 56.8%!"


    "A miraculous Spring Festival G!"


    "Zhang Ye makes history once again!"


    "Zhang Ye: A god-like director?"


    "The Night of Miracles! The Spring Festival G''s viewership ratings reaches 50% again after 23 years!"


    "Is Zhang Ye the most deserved best director of the Spring Festival G?"


    "The Spring Festival G''s viewership ratings shock industry insiders!"


    "Last night, Zhang Ye left a mark of his legend at Central TV''s Broadcasting Studio 1!"


    "This sess belongs to Zhang Ye, please cheer for him!"


    "Zhang Ye single-handedly helps the Spring Festival G back to the top!"


    "It''s finally safe to say: The Spring Festival G of the yesteryears has finally returned!"


    They were reporting the news without holding back!


    They did not skimp on thepliments!


    The Chinese media outlets were singr with praise!


    ��


    Overseas.


    Meanwhile, the foreign media outlets were also reporting on the news.


    The Japanese media: "Thergest new year g in China achieves great sess!"


    The Korean media: "The world''s top Go yer directs the Spring Festival G to a new record!"


    The English Media: "A colorful life of a mathematician!"


    The American media: "A Chinese g sets the world record for viewership numbers!"


    ��


    On the second day of the new year.


    The Spring Festival G''s celebratory feast was held.


    In the previous years, a symbolic celebratory feast would always be thrown within a week after the Spring Festival G was held to thank everyone for their hard work and sacrifice. Of course, it was only symbolic in nature because if it was based on the results of the viewership ratings, none of the previous 10 years of the Spring Festival G would be qualified to have a celebratory feast thrown for it. So this celebratory feast became routine and was gradually turned into a superficial practice.


    But it was different this year!


    It was not a symbolic event for this year''s Spring Festival G. They were really holding a celebratory feast!


    This reputation!


    These viewership ratings!


    If this wasn''t called a real celebratory feast, then what would?


    By the time Zhang Ye arrived, he saw that many others had also arrived. A majority of them were familiar faces. There were the leaders at the Ministry of Culture and the SARFT, people from the production team, the staff from Central TV, and many of the participating performers of this year''s Spring Festival G. A lot of celebrities were in attendance!


    There were a total of 25 tables 1 !


    There were 200-300 people in total at the venue!


    The entire three floors of the restaurant were booked for this event!


    It could be said that the celebratory feast this time was of an unprecedented scale. There was a cheerful atmosphere in the entire restaurant!


    "Zhang''er!" Zhang Xia waved.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Grandma Zhang."


    Zhang Xia smiled widely and said, "You''re surrounded by an air of glory."


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t say that, don''t say that."


    Fan Wenli came over. "Director Zhang, congrattions."


    Zhang Ye said, "And the same to you, Old Fan. Didn''t both you and Old Chen''s poprity go up again?"


    Fan Wenli smiled and said, "It was only because of you that we managed that. With the exposure from this Spring Festival G, it has given us more than enough to take a year''s break from work."


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, there should be a work-life bnce, after all."


    Yao Jiancai also came over. He said happily, "Yo, our star has arrived!"


    Zhang Ye waved it off and said with a grin, "What star? Today''s stars are the executives of the upper management. I''m just here as a supporting figure."


    Eh?


    A few people who didn''t know Zhang Ye well were startled when they heard this. They all wondered if Director Zhang was always this good at talking. He was this humble?


    But those who knew Zhang Ya well were all amused when they heard that. Like they didn''t know what kind of a personality this fellow had. Who was he bluffing? If you cared so much about the higher-ups, would you have fought against them so many times over the years? Which department''s executives have not been scolded by you before?


    Very soon, everyone was here.


    The 25 tables were filled.


    The executives were seated at the main table. When Zhang Ye saw that the banquet was about to begin, he joined the table the production team''s members were seated. As a result, the executives saw this and would not agree to such an arrangement.


    "Director Zhang, where do you think you''re going?"


    "Ah?"


    "You should be sitting over here."


    "It''s OK, I''m fine with sitting here."


    "Heh, you''re the star today, so quicklye over!"


    "Sir, you don''t have to be so courteous to me."


    "That won''t do, haha,e,e,e. We''ve already left a seat empty for you. If you don''te over, we won''t start the banquet!"


    "Well, alright then."


    Zhang Ye went over.


    In the end, he was cheerfully nudged by a few executives to sit together with Deputy Minister Zhou. This treatment would not be offered to anyone other than Zhang Ye. This wasn''t just because Zhang Ye was Wu Zeqing''s husband. Everyone knew that the reason why the Spring Festival G had done so well this year was due to Zhang Ye.


    To say that this breakout the Spring Festival G had experienced this time was all down Zhang Ye''s contributions alone would be overstating things a little.


    But if they were to say that they had also contributed to the record-breaking viewership ratings of the Spring Festival G, it would surely be quite embarrassing to im so. All of them really did not dare to ept any credit for this!


    What had they done?


    Thinking about it, it didn''t feel like they had done anything at all!


    Under the suggestion of the higher-ups, everyone raised their sses for a toast.


    Deputy Minister Zhou said loudly, "Everyone, you have all worked hard, especially Director Zhang. Turning the tide so spectacrly this time haspletely convinced everyone. There''s nothing that anyone can say to that. The Spring Festival G is not only the best New Year''s gift to us, but it is also the best New Year''s gift to the people!" He raised his ss. "I would like to take this chance to offer a toast to all of you on behalf of the leaders from the different departments. Let''s not talk too much and just drink! Cheers to everyone!"


    "You''re too polite, minister."


    "Cheers!"


    "Cheers!"


    "Cheers!"


    The celebratory feast was very boisterous and enjoyable!


    Everyone was extremely happy and carefree!


    This was the first time that the Spring Festival G''s poprity had done so well!


    A heaven-defying viewership ratings of 56.8%!


    Each and every one of the 40 acts was on fire!


    This was a day that would enter the annals of history, and all of their faces were glowing with pride!

 Chapter 1358

    <h4>Chapter 1358 </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the third day of the Chinese New Year.


    At Old Wu''s vi.


    In the morning, another wave of firecrackers was being set off.


    When Zhang Ye called out to Wu Zeqing several times after waking up and received no response from her, he continued to lie in bed, lighting up a cigarette and puffing away.


    Oh, right.


    Time to check the Celebrity Rankings Index.


    When Zhang Ye opened it to check, he saw that his poprity status was still pending. Hadn''t it been two days already? Why wasn''t it out yet? Efficiency! Efficiency, myrades! Then he remembered something. He opened up the game ring''s interface that he hadn''t checked in a long time. When he brought up the interface, a very long series of numbers was disyed. This astronomical figure was the Reputation Points that Zhang Ye had umted. It was sorge that it even gave Zhang Ye quite a scare!


    Having not used it in such a long time, it had grown to such arge figure?


    Well, this wasn''t unexpected since his poprity had been growing all this time as well!


    I Am a Singer.


    His wedding.


    The advertisements.


    And the Spring Festival G.


    Ever since his "Reach the Summit" n began, his poprity had been climbing like a rocket''s ascent. Naturally, his Reputation Points would also increase since he hadn''t used it much all this while.


    Since it was the new year, he thought that maybe he should try his luck out.


    So he activated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) and ced some additional stakes on Lottery Draw (Two). With a total of ten stakes, he spent 100 million Reputation Points.


    The lottery draw began.


    Clunk, clunk.


    The slot machine started moving.


    10 seconds.


    20 seconds.


    30 seconds.


    With a ding, the machine gave out the prize!


    Ten shiny Treasure Chests (Medium) were dispensed.


    It was a Skills Category item!


    ��Calligraphy Skill Experience Book!


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. He had received this item on more than one asion. If he remembered correctly, he should have already maxed out on the level one Calligraphy Skill Experience Books? Even if he didn''t max out on it, he was probably quite close to the limit. The Calligraphy Skill Experience Books that he just received were the higher level ones. It was a very good item which could still be used to level up on a maxed-out lower level skill. These 10 higher level skill experience books could give Zhang Ye''s originally maxed-out calligraphy skill a further breakthrough. For these skills category items, it wouldn''t be too much no matter how many of them he received. His luck today didn''t seem too bad at all.


    He immediately flipped open the skill experience books.


    One book.


    Five books.


    Ten books.


    He learned it all.


    Zhang Ye was equipped with so many skills now. Lock picking? Flying a ne? ying the piano? Directing? Photography? Acting? Taiji? Taekwondo? Hacking? Programming? And even that Flight Engine Manufacturing Skill Experience Book that he received in thatst lottery draw he attempted? If he counted the Stats Category items as well, then it would be even more. Fruit of Alcohol Tolerance, Fruit of Strength, Fruit of Agility, Fruit of Charm, etc. Even he had lost count of them. Although there were a lot of them, they were not really that refined. For example, the Commercial Airline Piloting Skill? During the ne hijacking incident, Zhang Ye had only managed tond the ne with a lot of luck. If he were to attempt it again, he would probably die trying. So Zhang Ye had a goal in mind, which was to slowly upgrade all of his Skill and Stat Category attributes to the maximum level one by one!


    It was a rather ambitious goal.


    Heh, it would be better to take it slowly then.


    Just as he was about to attempt another few lottery draws, his cell phone rang.


    The call was from Ha Qiqi.


    "Old Ha?"


    "Director Zhang, are you home?"


    "Yes, what''s the matter?"


    "Are you at your parent''s ce, or?"


    "I''m at the vi."


    "Then we''ll head over there now. Is it convenient?"


    "Why? There''s no need."


    "That won''t do. We must go over to pay you a New Year''s call 1 . Old Zuo, Old Wu, and the others are already on the way too. We''ve already bought our gifts for you. Besides, there are also some work issues to discuss."


    "Hur hur, alright then. Come on over."


    "Alright, we''ll see you in a while."


    Zhang Ye minimized his game ring interface and put on his clothes before heading downstairs.


    But to his surprise, some people were already downstairs. Wu Zeqing was sitting on the sofa and chatting with a man and a woman dressed in business attire.


    When they heard the sound, the three of them looked over to the staircase.


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "You''re up?"


    Zhang Ye sighed. "I thought you were already out."


    Those two people hurriedly stood up.


    The man said respectfully, "Mr. Zhang."


    The woman also said, "Mr. Zhang, happy New Year. We''re here to pay a New Year''s call to you and Chief Wu."


    Zhang Ye self-deprecatingly waved it off. "No need to be so polite. Just carry on chatting and don''t mind me." He quickly made an attempt to slip away. Well alright, these people were both older than him and were in leadership positions at the SARFT but were addressing him as Mr. Zhang. This made Zhang Ye feel rather awkward.


    The woman quickly said, "Don''t, Mr. Zhang. It''s about time we leave too."


    The man said, "That''s right, we won''t disturb Chief Wu and you from resting."


    Wu Zeqing stood up to send them off. "I''ll ept the fruits, but please take everything else back with you."


    The woman gave a wry smile. "Chief Wu."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Your thoughts are appreciated, alright?"


    The woman said, "We''re always in your care, but you''re still rejecting our gifts. You''re making us feel really bad about it, but alright, please continue to guide us in our work for theing year."


    The two of them left.


    Soon, another group of visitors arrived.


    For the entire morning, six groups came to pay their new year''s call to Wu Zeqing. There were those from the SARFT, the television stations, the media organizations, as well as the old subordinates of Old Wu''s. Wu Zeqing received them one after another. As her husband, Zhang Ye had to be at his best too. Every now and then, he woulde over to sit with them. But as they were always talking about things like government policies, culture, trends, and skill, Zhang Ye found it difficult to join in on their conversations. He was a coarse person, after all.


    Having arguments.


    Scolding people.


    Smacking faces.


    Bing famous.


    This was what Zhang Ye''s world was about.


    ��


    Finally, Ha Qiqi andpany arrived.


    Zhang Ye quickly led them up to the second floor.


    Little Wang giggled, "It''s so active at your ce. Who are all those people?"


    Ha Qiqi shushed her. "Quiet, those are executives and staff members from the organizations."


    "Who cares who they are?" Zhang Ye said with augh, "I don''t really know them in any case."


    Ha Qiqi said amused, "Then why were you chitchatting with them for so long?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Do you think that I wanted to? We''repletely different kinds of people, and there''s nothing inmon for us to talk about."


    Zhang Zuo said, "Pfft, department heads are always afraid of trouble, while you''re always looking to stir up trouble. It sounds more like you have nothing inmon to speak with them about."


    Everyoneughed.


    Zhang Ye also chuckled.


    Zhang Zuo handed over the gift they bought. "Director Zhang, happy New Year to you."


    Wu Yi also smiled and said, "There wasn''t a chance to wish you before the Lunar New Year since you were so busy with the Spring Festival G, but we''re finally able toe and visit you to wish you a happy New Year. Happy New Year, Director Zhang."


    Zhang Yeughed heartily. "Thank you, happy New Year to you all too."


    In the second floor''s guest area.


    Everyone was seated together.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Old Ha, what was that you mentioned on the phone?"


    "Oh, it''s an important matter that we''re very concerned about." Ha Qiqi opened her bag and took out some documents. "The Chinese Celebrity Rankings Index will be updated soon. I just received news that your ranking will be revealed at midnight today!"


    Today?


    That was only a little more than 12 hours from now?


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath. "Are you sure?"


    Ha Qiqi said in seriousness, "Yes, I''m quite sure."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "OK."


    Ha Qiqi said, "I had a meeting with Old Zuo, Old Wu, and the others before this to analyze the situation and get a gauge on our opponents. Have a look at this info."


    A copy of the information was handed out to everyone.


    Zhang Ye lowered his head and went through the information. A graph detailing the seven S-listers'' poprity growth was shown, with his own graph included as well.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Ever since the ''Reach the Summit'' n was thrust into motion, our poprity has caught up to the seven people, and the gap between us is shrinking. Although there''s still a bit more to go, it''s something we can achieve with some fight. If we quantify the data, our score would be at 85,pared to theirs at 100. Meanwhile, the other A-listers ranked below you would only score 50 or so. We''ve already pulled away from the other A-listers. Compared to those seven people, we''re really not that far away from them anymore."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yes, that''s right."


    Zhang Zuo said, "We only got dyed these past two months due to the Spring Festival G."


    Ha Qiqi said, "One of the Heavenly Kings and another Heavenly Queen experienced a breakout in poprity as their holiday movies'' box office earnings reached a record high and won many awards. This increase in their poprity was something unexpected. It was even greater than the poprity you gained when you did I Am a Singer. Meanwhile, the other Heavenly Kings and Queens have not been cking either. They''ve all been fighting their way up during this holiday period to fend you off. Because of the inactivity during these past two months, they have also pulled away from our poprity score by a bit. There was even a rumor in the industry recently that suggested that you''ve already lost your chance at fighting for a position in the S-list."


    Zhang Zuo said in amusement, "They im that it''s already been decided."


    Little Wang giggled and said, "But none of them could have expected that the Spring Festival G would be so explosive, could they!"


    Ha Qiqiughed as well. "Yeah, those seven S-listers might not be pushovers, but they forgot that we''re not pushovers either. A Spring Festival G with a viewership ratings of 56.8%, that''s over half of the world''s Chinese poption who stayed watching TV to catch the broadcast that night. I wanna ask: Who else is there? This viewership has surely given everyone a scare. All that''s left is to see how much poprity the Spring Festival G will bring us. I suppose those Heavenly Kings and Queens are also getting nervous over this. But since all will be revealed tonight, there''s nothing that they can do. It''s the same for us too. All we can do is wait for the results."


    Zhang Zuo said, "I doubt there''ll be too many people who will sleep well today."


    Wu Yi also said nervously, "Let''s stay up and wait for the results."


    Little Wang said, "What''s the use of waiting? We should go back and offer some joss sticks to ask for a blessing!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "What''s the use of offering joss sticks?"


    "Ah, I guess I''m probably too superstitious," Little Wang apologized.


    Zhang Ye said, "You''d have to give some offerings 2 as well!"


    Little Wang and Wu Yi were speechless.


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "We still have to depend a little on luck. Let''s hope Lady Luck is on our side this time. Those seven people have been holding onto their spots for too long, and there hasn''t been much change in showbiz in a decade. Those seven people, those seven spots, it''s about time that one of them gave up a seat for Director Zhang!"


    Little Wang apuded. "That''s right, this is what it means by the wheel of fortune is always turning."


    They appeared to be in a rxed and happy mood, but the truth was that they were all extremely unsettled and were just pretending not to be. They couldn''t help being nervous. Having reached this point where they were at the final step, who wouldn''t hope that they would have a surprise waiting in store for them? Who wouldn''t hope that they could take a spot from one of those seven people!


    A continuous onught for half a year!


    A n to reach the summit that was carried out for six months!


    Poprity?


    Contacts?


    Experience?


    Ability?


    Status?


    Achievements?


    Whichever it was, they felt that Zhang Ye had already achieved enough to qualify for a ce among those seven spots!


    All there was left was to see how far this miraculous Spring Festival G could take them!


    Be it sess!


    Or defeat!


    It would all depend on tonight!

 Chapter 1359

    <h4>Chapter 1359 </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that morning.


    Zhang Ye''s phone was ringing incessantly.


    His mother called.


    "Son."


    "Yes?"


    "Are the rankings going to be published tonight?"


    "I think so."


    "How confident are you?"


    "Hai, who can say for sure?"


    "How can you not know? This is such a big deal!"


    "There''s no use in worrying about it. I''m also waiting for the results."


    Zhang Xia called.


    "Little Zhang."


    "Grandma Zhang."


    "All the best; I''ll be waiting to see you get to the top."


    "Aiyo, there''s not even a hint of it happening."


    "But there''s still a lot of hope that it will happen. You''re the only person in the entertainment circle who has gotten this close to breaking into the S-list in recent years. If you can''t get up there, there''s even less of a chance for anyone else."


    "Alright, I''ll be counting on your blessings then."


    "And I''ll be waiting for your good news."


    Zhang Yuanqi called.


    "Old Zhang, what''s the matter?"


    "Can you make it?"


    "Heh, like I''d know."


    "All the best; you should be able to."


    "Let''s see what the results are tonight."


    "OK."


    A lot of his family and friends were very concerned.


    If the Spring Festival G was a big deal to a lot of people, then this battle to reach the summit of the entertainment circle was Zhang Ye''s personal big deal. The result of the Spring Festival G was already known, and Zhang Ye had given the entire country''s people a very satisfactory answer. Meanwhile, tonight''s update of the Celebrity Rankings Index would be Zhang Ye''s answer to himself. He was also extremely looking forward to it��reaching the summit of the Chinese entertainment circle was his very first goal since the day he entered the industry.


    Now it was right before his eyes!


    All there was left was this final step!


    Zhang Ye paced around the house for a long time, walking from the study to the bedroom, then from the bedroom to downstairs, and from downstairs to the garden. He was thinking if there was anything else he could do. But he realized that nothing more could be done. Activate the Lucky Halo? That would be useless. Everyone''s poprity score was already fixed. He could only wait for the results now.


    ��


    The news began spreading.


    This was also not much of a secret.


    There was overwhelming coverage in the news as everyone''s focus turned to this battle at the summit of the entertainment circle.


    "All shall be revealed at midnight tonight!"


    "The battle for the summit: Who will be thest one standing?"


    "Will today usher in a change in the seven S-listers'' spots?"


    "Analysis by industry insiders: A difficult to predict oue!"


    "Tonight, anything is possible!"


    "The entertainment circle might really be weing a new Heavenly King!"


    On Weibo.


    "It''s really happening!"


    "This day has finally arrived!"


    "Is it really possible?"


    "I think it will be quite difficult to say."


    "Yeah, those seven people haven''t moved from their spots in such a long time."


    "But their opponent is Zhang Ye. Has he not created enough miracles? Everyone never thought that he could do well when he was taking charge of the Spring Festival G, but look at what happened. Zhang Ye took charge of it so well that it was heaven-defying!"


    "That''s what true ability is."


    "This fellow might like scolding and scamming people, but it has been really emotional to see Zhang Ye climb from his role as a small-time radio host over the years to where he is today. It really has not been easy for him to make it to where he is now. He had to fight against so many obstacles every step of the way. Let''s see if he can finally reach the summit today!"


    "Lord Zhang, you can do it!"


    "It''s time for showbiz to see some shakeup!"


    "The entertainment circle has indeed undergone quite a bit of change in the years since Zhang Ye''s debut!"


    "Yeah, I feel very happy whenever I see Zhang Ye causing trouble, and I get in a better mood. This person is really infectious; I like him so much!"


    "I won''t scold you today, but I''ll definitely take it up with you another time over the five fortunes. You can do it!"


    "Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    ��


    At the team office of a Heavenly King.


    Thepany was in a frenzy.


    "Is the calction out yet?"


    "It''s too difficult to count."


    "It has to be done even if it''s too difficult. We have to know how much Zhang Ye is behind in the poprity scorepared to ours!"


    "The effects from the Spring Festival G are too great! There''s no way we can process all that data!"


    "Then estimate it! We can''t just sit around and do nothing!"


    "This really came out of nowhere. Who could have expected that Zhang Ye would execute the entire Spring Festival G so beautifully? All the momentum that we had going for us has been thrown out the window!"


    "What do we do now? He couldn''t possibly be catching up to us, could he?"


    "No, it won''t happen. Zhang Ye''s poprity score before it went pending was still too far away from our score!"


    "Right, no matter how explosive the Spring Festival G was, it shouldn''t push Zhang Ye into the S-list, right?"


    "In any case, just prepare for all possible scenarios!"


    "Understood!"


    ��


    At the team office of a Heavenly Queen.


    "We''re not in danger, are we?"


    "Uh, that''s hard to say."


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye ising on too strongly!"


    "That guy''s unstoppable now!"


    "I did some calctions and found that our Heavenly Queen Sister should not have much to worry about. Even though there''s not much difference in the poprity scores of the seven Heavenly Kings and Queens, we''re not at the lowest spot."


    "Yeah, it should be those two Heavenly Kings who should be the most worried."


    "Are you guys saying��are you guys saying that Zhang Ye is really going to jump in?"


    "Ai, who can be so sure of that. But based on Zhang Ye''s current poprity and status, he''s truly capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the S-listers. Let''s just wait for the results."


    ��


    At a talent agency that a Heavenly King was signed with.


    It had been a state of emergency everywhere in thepany for the past two days.


    "Go and arrange another event!"


    "It''s toote!"


    "Can''t we bring forward the premiere of the movie that will be shown in several days?"


    "We can''t do that. The SARFT already approved the movie''s screening schedule."


    "Goddammit! Who was the one who said that Zhang Ye wouldn''t be able to catch up the other time! Who said that the battle for the summit was already a foregone conclusion? Zhang Ye''s poprity score is still pending. Who knows what kind of a ranking he''ll get after the update! We only have this one Heavenly King in ourpany''s lineup helping us gain a foothold in the industry. If that spot gets taken away, everyone else is going to be affected as well! Hurry up and get moving. I want everyone to think of ways to drum up our Heavenly King''s poprity!"


    "Yes!"


    "President Zhou, I have an idea!"


    "What is it? Speak quickly!"


    "Let''s pull some underhanded method and bring Zhang Ye down. We''ll make him��"


    "Fuck off!"


    "Ah, President Zhou?"


    "Are you fucking trying to be funny or what? You want to bring Zhang Ye down with some underhanded methods? Don''t you fucking know who Zhang Ye''s wife is? You''re not afraid of dying, huh? Do you think that thepany''s circumstances are still not messy enough? Do you think that the face smacking that we received from the industry-wide boycott the other time was not harsh enough? Old Hong, Old Hong! What on earth made you hire someone like that?! Right now, immediately, I want him out of my sight! I don''t want to see this fool anymore by this afternoon!"


    "Understood!"


    ��


    The industry was in chaos!


    The entertainment industry was in chaos!


    Those Heavenly Kings and Queens'' teams were all preparing for any eventuality!


    A lot of the heavyweights of the industry were unsettled!


    If it were someone else, they would still be able to deal with them. The waters of the entertainment circle ran too deep, and there were many sinister things going on within. Fake news, harmful rumors, obstruction, backstabbing. In many of the crucial ranking battles in the past, there was always a lot of fighting going on behind the scenes. The celebrity teams and entertainmentpanies spared no effort in executing their "deadly ns" and enacted scene after scene of pce dramas that would leave anyone stunned and shocked. Why were the best dramas on Chinese television always those about power struggles within the pce? That was because they didn''t need to learn anything about it. They would only need to act as themselves and that would be good enough! But this time around, it wouldn''t work. Those tricks would work on anyone in the entire entertainment circle, except Zhang Ye!


    His wife was the SARFT''s leader!


    His wife was Wu Zeqing!


    Do him in with a deadly n? Entrap him?


    Do you think that they are sick of living?


    Therefore when pitted against Zhang Ye, all they could do was topete fairly!


    A storm was brewing!


    The winds were howling!


    Many of the celebrities in the industry could only stare wide-eyed at this most thrilling drama in ten years which was about to take ce. There was going to be a change soon, this time it was really going to happen!


    ��


    At night.


    It was getting closer and closer to midnight.


    The outside world had blown up and no one could sleep soundly.


    The attack by the Heavenly Kings and Queens'' fans was getting fiercer and fiercer as their spears all pointed at Zhang Ye.


    Controversy!


    Doubt!


    Attacks!


    There was no peace at all.


    However, at the home of the person in question, it was as quiet as it could get. It didn''t seem like anything had happened and felt just like any other night.


    In the garden of the vi.


    Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing were admiring the moon.


    "Little Ye, are you cold?"


    "I''m not cold, what about you?"


    "Hur hur, I''m not cold either."


    "I initially hoped to rest well over the Lunar New Year holiday so that I could spend more time with you. But it looks like whatever the oue is, I''m not likely to be able to rest much."


    "Do what you want to do; it''s alright."


    "Haha, but it''s a little tiring."


    "It looks to me like you''re enjoying this, though."


    "The happiest event in this bro''s life is marrying you, my beautiful wife. Even if I can''t get to the top today, I have no regrets."


    "It''s midnight."


    "Oh, is it?"


    "Just hit midnight."


    "Alright, let me check it out."


    "Is it up yet?"


    "��Yes, it''s up."


    "It''s pretty good."


    "Mhm."


    The Chinese Celebrity Rankings Index was updated. Zhang Ye''s name had astonishingly appeared within the ranks of the S-list!


    On the fourth day of the new year, at midnight.


    Zhang Ye ascended to the summit of the Chinese entertainment circle!

 Chapter 1360 - The birth of a new Heavenly King!

    <h4>Chapter 1360 - The birth of a new Heavenly King! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    "Has the rankings index been updated yet?"


    "Yes."


    "How is it?"


    "��"


    "Say something, will ya!"


    "He''s in the S-list!"


    "Are you serious? Check it again!"


    "I''ve already checked it three times! Our son has made it to the top!"


    "Good! Good! Very good!"


    "I-I''ll go and call our rtives!"


    His father was so excited that he couldn''t say anything else!


    His mother''s hand that was holding the phone was even trembling:


    "Hello, Mom, Little Ye has reached the top!"


    "Hello, Brother, your nephew has reached the top. Yes! For real!"


    "Hello, Little Ye''s Aunt. Little Ye, he��Little Ye��"


    His mother made the calls one by one, and her tears were slowly rolling down her cheeks as she did so.


    It had taken too long. They had been waiting so long for this moment that when it finally came, they were in disbelief that this was really happening!


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s first uncle''s house.


    "Dandan, whose call was that?"


    "It was from Eldest Aunt. Bro-Brother has reached the top!"


    "What? We have a��superstar in our family now?"


    "Brother is so awesome! He''s the best!"


    "Little Ye has finally made a name for himself!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Screams and cheers erupted!


    "It''s done!"


    "God!"


    "Director Zhang has done it!"


    "Ahhhhhh!"


    ��


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    "Dad! Look at this, quick!"


    "I saw it already!"


    "God, Uncle Zhang has done it! He''s really done it!"


    "This night oughta belong to him anyway. Little Zhang hasn''t had it easy these past few years. This should be the best gift that the world can give him for the new year!"


    "I''m so happy for Uncle Zhang!"


    ��


    At the team office of a Heavenly Queen.


    "Heavens!"


    "Zhang Ye has really be an S-lister!"


    "That can''t be possible! Just how much poprity has the Spring Festival G brought him!"


    "I''ve done some calctions. It should be an astronomical figure!"


    "This fellow is too fearsome!"


    "Little Lian, stop addressing him as this or that fellow."


    "Ah?"


    "Zhang Ye is now on equal standing with our Heavenly Queen Sister."


    "OK, Sister Li, I understand. I''ll pay attention to that."


    ��


    At Zhang Yuanqi''s house.


    She was in a call with Fang Weihong.


    "Sister Zhang, Teacher Zhang has really done it!"


    "I see."


    "Aren''t you surprised?"


    "I am, but not by much."


    "True, you already predicted that if there would be any changes to the S-list, the personing up would definitely be Zhang Ye!"


    ��


    At the team office of a Heavenly King.


    "This is truly unbelievable!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye who''s the unbelievable one!"


    "Damn, he really came up!"


    "Without much film credit to his name, not acting in any TV series, never taking onmercial appearances, and not even having a talent agency behind him, this person has actually reached the summit of the domestic entertainment circle? He has actually be one of the seven S-listers? Oh my God, I''m not dreaming, am I? If anyone told me in the past that this would happen, I would never have believed it!"


    "He''s really like some kind of god!"


    "Yeah, there has never been a celebrity like Zhang Ye in the entertainment industry, nor will there be another like him in the future! He''s truly one of a kind in the world of entertainment!"


    ��


    In the crosstalk world.


    In a group chat.


    "Fuck!"


    "He has really broken into the S-list!"


    "How the hell did this happen! What''s going on with those Heavenly Kings and Queens!"


    "Is there no one who can stop Zhang Ye? What are they all doing!"


    "With Zhang Ye reaching the summit, can the crosstalk world have a peaceful time? Wouldn''t hee and scold us every other day?"


    "Ai, there''s nothing we can do even if he does that. We were the ones who scolded him so often in the past. The fact that Zhang Ye hasn''t taken it up with us after he got married is already quite good."


    ��


    At an entertainmentpany.


    "The world has changed!"


    "It''s all to the credit of the Spring Festival G! It helped him ascend to the top!"


    "Before Zhang Ye got to the summit, the entertainment industry was already greatly troubled by him! Now that he''s reached the top, will there be any peace in the entertainment circle?"


    "Hai, who knows?"


    "Zhang Ye is just a bomb waiting to go off in show business!"


    "Yeah, even if there were going to be a change to the seven spots of the S-list, many people in the industry were hoping that the personing up would not be Zhang Ye. They would have epted anyone but him!"


    "That''s right, but it''s always what we fear most thates true! It just had to be this fellow who made it to the top!"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "Tonight''s events will definitely go down in the annals of showbiz history!"


    "I don''t know why, but I''m getting really excited over this as well!"


    "I love Zhang Ye so much!"


    "I''m so happy and proud of him!"


    "He deserves this. Even if there are some issues with this fellow!"


    "Zhang Ye is indeed well-qualified to sit in this Heavenly King''s throne!"


    "The new generation has reced the old. Sigh."


    "Congrattions, Zhang Ye!"


    "Hahaha, Zhang Ye must be ecstatic at home right now!


    "I wonder if he''ll show himself in public tomorrow. What would he say?"


    "Remember the time Zhang Ye left behind a poem after he was forced out? ''Vast snow clouds darken the skies. / The blowing north winds drive the geese and snow. / Worry not that close friends won''t appear on the road ahead. / Who in thesends don''t appreciate you?'' Haha! Wonderful! Delightful! Those people who scolded and doubted him back then could never have expected that Zhang Ye would be able to ascend to the top of the entertainment circle one day! Who could''ve expected something like that?"


    "Although he hasn''t exactly reached the status of being appreciated worldwide, but who in China doesn''t know him? Zhang Ye has done it today!"


    "I''ve been waiting for the rankings index to be updated all this while, but I wasn''t as excited as I thought I would be at the moment of revtion. Later on, I finally realized it was because Zhang Ye was already a Heavenly King in my heart. Watching hime all the way here from the time he was just a radio host to bing one of the top in the entertainment circle, I''ve actually witnessed all of that. This is truly an honor of a lifetime!"


    ��


    The dust settled!


    The battle to reach the entertainment circle''s summit ended!


    Zhang Ye had snatched a spot from one of those seven people purely through his own abilities, and this indicated the birth of a new Heavenly King in the Chinese entertainment circle!


    This was the biggest restructure to the entertainment circle in ten years!


    This was the first time that the S-list rankings had changed in ten years!


    Some people were cheering!


    Some were calling it good!


    Some were looking forward to it!


    Some were smiling bitterly over it!


    Some people broke down!


    Some people vomited blood!


    Some people were troubled!


    On this night, no one in the country was able to rest well!


    ��Zhang Ye!


    ��Zhang Ye!


    ��Zhang Ye!


    Online, in the households, on the streets, on the news, on television, this name was sshed everywhere!


    ��


    At home.


    In the vi.


    The constant ringing of the cell phone broke the silence of Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing''s time together.


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Take it."


    "Alright," Zhang Ye said with a smile.


    The call connected.


    "Zhang''er, you must treat us to a meal!"


    "But of course."


    "Haha, congrattions!"


    "Thanks, and congrattions to you too."


    "Oh? What''s there to congratte me for?"


    "You know. When you go out in the future, you can brag that you''re friends with Lord Zhang. People are going to respect you so much because of that."


    "��Shut up!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    His phone was exploding with the continuous calls from his family and friends. Ha Qiqi, Chen Guang, Zhang Xia, Yao Jiancai, Fan Wenli, Zhang Yuanqi, Dong Shanshan, Yu Yingyi, his younger sisters, his uncles, his aunties, his paternal cousin, Deputy Station Head Hong, Deputy Minister Zhou, Hu Fei, Hou Ge, Hou Di, etc. In the end, even Lillian, who was on the other side of the globe, received this news and called over to congratte him.


    It was his moment of glory!


    Old Wu was there with him.


    His friends were there with him.


    This was a night that Zhang Ye was destined to never forget.

 Chapter 1361

    <h4>Chapter 1361 </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the fourth day of the new year.


    In the morning, the newspapers went on sale.


    "Birth of a Heavenly King!"


    "Zhang Ye mightily ascends to summit!"


    "Showbiz could be entering new era!"


    Many celebrities offer congrattions on Weibo!"


    "Zhang Ye reaches new poprity high!"


    Switching on the television, it was all news of Zhang Ye as well.


    Central TV: "Tonight, A Date with Yan Mei will have a special feature episode. The famous interview host, Yan Mei, shall be taking a step into Zhang Ye''s house to bring everyone the realest side of him. They will be following Zhang Ye around for a day to document his private and work life on camera. Are you ready for Zhang Ye''s first appearance since he became a Heavenly King?"


    On Weibo.


    "Wow!"


    "It''sing, it''sing!"


    "Haha, A Date with Yan Mei ising!"


    "I''m really looking forward to the interview."


    "Right, I''ve never seen Zhang Ye in his daily life before."


    "It''s his debut appearance on a show after bing a Heavenly King!"


    "I have been watching this show. It''s rather interesting!"


    "I just want to see Wu Zeqing!"


    "Pfft! Actually, me too. Chief Wu is so beautiful!"


    "If Zhang Ye''s wife had abandoned public office to join the entertainment industry, she would definitely be much more popr than this fellow!"


    "Hahahaha, agreed!"


    "Just for Chief Wu alone, I have be a mer-turned-fan of the SARFT!"


    "Pfft, the interview is with Zhang Ye. Can you guys be serious?"


    "They should already be filming it now, right?"


    "Let''s wait for tonight to watch!"


    "+1!"


    ��


    At home.


    It was past 7 AM.


    Zhang Ye was up very early today because he had an appointment for an interview. However, he did not expect that Yan Mei and her team would be even earlier. He had just opened his eyes when the doorbell downstairs rang.


    "Oh, they''re here?"


    "I think so."


    "Can you answer the door, Old Wu?"


    "OK."


    Wu Zeqing went to open the door.


    Zhang Ye yawned as he made his way down the stairs. He and Yan Mei were already very familiar with each other as they had worked together during the Spring Festival G.


    Outside the door, a casually dressed Yan Mei was standing there with a smile. Behind her was only a single cameraman. The camera was already on and recording. From the time Yan Mei had knocked on the door, the camera was already recording. They were here to document Zhang Ye''s day at home and work after all, so it would surely be recording throughout the day.


    Yan Mei smiled and said, "Chief Wu, happy New Year."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "You''re here? Come on in."


    The camera focused on her for a short while.


    "Ay, sorry to disturb you." Yan Mei stepped into the house and said with her head lowered, "I have to change into slippers, right?"


    Zhang Ye came up to them and said generously, "Hai, there''s no need. Just walk around as you like and treat this as your own home."


    The camera shifted focus to Zhang Ye.


    Yan Mei smiled and said, "Director Zhang, I''ll be following you around today. Wherever you go to, I''ll being along too. Whatever you eat, I will be having it as well, so please do take care of me."


    Zhang Ye said, "That depends on how big of an appetite you have."


    Yan Mei smiled. "I can eat quite a lot."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then let me think if I should take care of you."


    The few of themughed.


    Yan Mei said, "There''s actually nothing too special about today''s interview, just go on with your daily life as usual and chat with me when you can spare some time. You can ignore me when you''re busy, but I''ll be following and observing you."


    Zhang Ye blinked and said, "Just go on with my daily life as usual?"


    Yan Mei nodded and smiled. "Yes, we want to capture the realest side of how you live."


    Zhang Ye turned around and walked away. "Alright."


    "Oh? Where are you going?" Yan Mei was taken aback.


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll head back to bed for another two hours. I usually sleep until 9 AM."


    Yan Mei giggled, "Pfft!"


    The cameraman also burst outughing!


    Wu Zeqing grinned. "Ignore him, that''s how he is."


    Zhang Ye was just kidding anyway, so of course he didn''t really head back to bed.


    Yan Mei looked at Wu Zeqing. "Is your husband always like this?"


    Wu Zeqingughed and said, "Yes, he''s usually like this, always joking."


    Yan Mei asked, "May I look around your house?"


    "Sure, please feel free." Wu Zeqing did not stay with them and headed off to make breakfast.


    Upstairs.


    Yan Mei and the cameraman came up.


    Zhang Ye was brushing his teeth in the bathroom when he saw hering up. He mumbled with the toothbrush still in his mouth, "Old Yan, you two haven''t had breakfast yet, right?"


    Yan Mei said, "Not yet."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "It''s not that I''m bragging, but you should try my wife''s cooking. I guarantee you that you won''t want to leave after today." He spat out the toothpaste foam without a care, then rinsed his mouth and spat out the water before saying again, "Don''t doubt me; I''m not lying."


    Yan Mei said, looking forward to it, "You''re making me hungry."


    Zhang Ye wiped his face and stepped out in his slippers. "You''re hungry? Come, let''s go."


    Breakfast was ready.


    Yan Mei said politely, "Thank you, Chief Wu."


    Wu Zeqing said, "No need to be so polite."


    Yan Mei said, "Do you usually make the meals at home?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "I don''t really have time to cook often. He''s busy with his work and I''m busy with mine as well, so we don''t usually get to have dinner together."


    Zhang Ye was really showing off. "Here, take a bite."


    "Sure." Yan Mei picked up the chopsticks and tasted the food. She then gave a surprised expression. "This is really too good!"


    Zhang Yeughed heartily. "See, I wasn''t lying, right?"


    Yan Mei immediately turned to the camera and said, "It''s not that I''m being ttering here, but this is so good that I could die."


    Zhang Ye boasted, "You still haven''t had a taste of my wife''s specialty dishes. Let''s wait for lunch so that you can find out for yourself what I mean."


    Ring, ring, ring.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s cell phone rang.


    He picked it up and said, "Old Ha, what''s the matter��OK, OK��Yes, I understand. Let''s talk when I get back to the office��alright, sure."


    They hung up.


    Zhang Ye said to Old Wu. "Something hase up at the studio. I have to go back to the office for a bit."


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Will you be back for lunch?"


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "I''ll have to see. I might not be able to if it gets busy over there."


    After breakfast, Zhang Ye put on his jacket and left.


    Yan Mei and the cameraman followed him into the car.


    In the car, Zhang Ye stepped on the elerator and drove out of the neighborhood. Then, he turned his head to the front passenger seat where Yan Mei was sitting and said, "Sometimes, I feel sorry for my wife. A lot of times after she''s finished cooking, and just as I''m picking up my chopsticks to eat, I receive a call about some urgent matters that I have to attend to immediately. There are times when I really feel like taking a break for half a year, but it''s not something that I can do. People like us who do this for a living, can we really just take a break whenever we want? Are we just going to ignore the viewers? Abandon our work? Disregard the fans? There are so many people waiting to see us, and so many people depending on us for their livelihoods as well, so how can we just drop everything without a care? We have to get to our feet even if we''re paralyzed!"


    Yan Mei sighed and said, "I have it a little better than you. My workload is not that great, although it does get quite busy at times and I can''t go home since I travel for work."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Old Yan, are you single?"


    Yan Mei smiled and said, "I''m currently single. My marriage broke down precisely because we couldn''t understand each other''s workmitments. I don''t think I''ll settle down again before retirement."


    The atmosphere became a little heavy.


    Both of them understood this feeling quite well.


    Zhang Ye was driving along when he suddenly started talking to himself.


    " Worried my affection breaks my vows, 1


    "Still fearful of beauty''s allure in seclusion.


    "In this world, who can fulfill both callings?


    "Faithful to Buddha, faithful to you."


    Yan Mei fell silent. This poem had mercilessly struck at her heart!


    The cameraman also drew in a deep breath.


    "Director Zhang."


    "Eh?"


    "May I request for a piece of calligraphy from you?"


    "What calligraphy?"


    "The poem you just recited."


    "Sure, I''ll get someone to send it over to you after I write it down."


    "Thank you."


    "You''re wee."

 Chapter 1362 - A song called ’The Clown’!

    <h4>Chapter 1362 - A song called ''The Clown''! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that morning.


    Jiaomen East.


    In the neighborhood the studio was located, Zhang Ye''s car got surrounded by reporters the moment it drove in.


    Arge number of fans were also crowding around and shouting Zhang Ye''s name.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Please give me an autograph!"


    "Congrattions to you!"


    "Heavenly King!"


    "Heavenly King!"


    "Zhang Ye, I love you!"


    It was bustling and alive in the neighborhood.


    In the car, Yan Mei was wordlessly marveling at this. It was the first time she was witnessing Zhang Ye''s poprity up-close. "What do we do now?"


    Zhang Ye was clearly very familiar with such situations. "Just stay in the car and wait."


    He opened the car door and got down to walk towards the fans. He signed autographs for them one by one while answering questions from the reporters who were standing close by their audio recorders and microphones out. Soon after, Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others rushed forward to take over the task of handling the reporters. Meanwhile, Zhang Ye finished signing autographs for the fans and also satisfied all requests of taking photos with them. In the end, he excused himself from his fans, and they were also very understanding about it, parting to let him through.


    "Thank you!"


    "Thank you, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Love you to death!"


    "Lord Zhang, I''ll always support you!"


    "Teacher Zhang, I just enjoy watching you scolding people!"


    "Haha, I finally have a picture together with Teacher Zhang!"


    "I even got to touch his hand! Heehee, I''ve decided not to wash my hands for the next three days!"


    Zhang Ye got back onto the car and drove in.


    Yan Mei did not quite understand the situation. "Are you like this every day?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "What do you mean?"


    Yan Mei asked, "Don''t you avoid the reporters?"


    Zhang Ye said, "If I have urgent matters to attend to, there''s no choice but to avoid them. But if I''m free, I''ll answer as many questions as I can. Therger news agencies and TV stations can easily schedule an appointment for an interview, just like in your case. But the smaller media outlets don''t even have a chance to do so, so it isn''t easy for them too. Some of them start staking out at 5 AM during the winter while it''s snowing heavily just for a chance to ask some questions but might not even get any work aplished for their efforts. I just have to answer some simple questions that they pose or do an impromptu interview with them, none of which takes up too much time. But because of that, they might be able to keep their jobs and bring home the bacon for their families, so what does it matter to me to just say a few extra words to them?"


    Hearing that, Yan Mei was taken aback!


    She was really taken aback!


    Yan Mei said, "Director Zhang, this is the first time I''ve heard such words from a celebrity. You''re such a kind person."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Kind? There aren''t too many people who would describe me as that."


    They got out of the car.


    Yan Mei shook her head. "Nobody would give autographs and take pictures with their fans one by one either, especially for a celebrity of your status. I''ve heard before that you never reject your fans'' requests for autographs and pictures, but I thought that was just a rumor. Now that I''ve seen it for myself, I finally believe it. You''re really kind."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "It''s not easy for someone to like another person. So just based on that, if they request an autograph, would it really be right to reject them? It''s not a matter of whether I am kind or not, haha. I also do not think that I''m a kind person anyway. All I keep doing is taking advantage of other people every day. You just haven''t seen how I get scolded by them."


    Ha Qiqi and the others returned after they finished handling the reporters.


    Everyone went upstairs together.


    Zhang Ye said as he walked, "I''ve always been someone who would not let others be happy if they made me unhappy. If they make me happy, I''ll surely make them happy as well. We only have status as celebrities because of the fans and the ordinary folks supporting us. It''s all due to them that we are who we are. Otherwise, we couldn''t have the good food and clothes that we have. If someone saw you on the streets and called out to you: ''Hey, Zhang Ye, can I take a picture with you?'', would you just turn your head and leave? If that happened, that person would probably be very disappointed in you for their entire life. It''s just a few seconds of your time; surely it wouldn''t hurt to make someone happy if you could spare it, right?"


    Yan Mei sincerely said, "I''ve learned something."


    She now realized that Zhang Ye was different from all the other celebrities that she had interviewed before!


    No fronts.


    No hypocrisy.


    No deceit.


    This was just someone who was very sincere, even if he had some shorings here and there.


    When they got upstairs, Zhang Ye began working.


    Yan Mei stayed close by to observe. No one was bothered by her presence.


    His work today required his urgent attention. The executive director of theSpring Lantern Festival G 1 , which would be taking ce in a few days, hade to seek advice from Zhang Ye. Even if Director Shen was much older than him, and was also a veteran g director of Central TV, he still came over with the sincere hope that he could learn something from Zhang Ye.


    "Little Zhang, you''ve gotta help me out!"


    "Old Shen, take a seat."


    "Help me look at this skit."


    "Alright, let me go through it."


    "I think it''s not too bad, but it still feels like something iscking."


    "Oh, I''ve gone through this skit by Old He before."


    "Yes, it''s one of the skits that was submitted for the Spring Festival G''s first approval session."


    "Then I''ll share with you my personal views on it. I think that the problem with this skit lies here��"


    He kept working until noon.


    After Director Shen left.


    Zhang Ye said to Yan Mei, "Let''s go, back to my ce for lunch."


    But Ha Qiqi said, "Director Zhang, the advertisers will be arriving very soon."


    Zhang Ye asked, "There''s still more work?"


    Ha Qiqi nodded and said, "You''ve just broken into the S-list, so two of our endorsement advertisers would like to make some changes to their ad campaigns. They want to make use of your ascension into the S-list as part of their ad campaign, but since their advertisements were nned out by you, they''re requesting that you go through it first. They only dare to submit it if it''s to your agreement."


    Zhang Ye checked his watch. "When are they arriving?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "In 15 minutes."


    Zhang Ye looked at Yan Mei helplessly, "Are you fine with eating box lunch?"


    "I''ll have whatever you''re having," Yan Mei said with a smile.


    Zhang Ye called Little Wang over. "Bring us meals quickly. We still have lots of work to attend to after lunch."


    Then he called Old Wu.


    "Old Wu, we won''t be able to go back for lunch."


    "It''s fine."


    "Eat by yourself, don''t wait for me."


    "Alright, what about dinner?"


    "I''m not sure, we''ll see how that goes."


    At 2:30 PM.


    The advertisement matters were finalized and tied up.


    Zhang Ye was just about to take a break when something else popped up.


    His Weibo ount and official website were attacked by hackers. Initial investigations judged that the attack was carried out spontaneously by the fans of the previous Heavenly King who had been reced by Zhang Ye.


    "What are the losses like?"


    "There isn''t really much of a loss, but the effect from the attack is pretty big."


    "Your Weibo ount has really been hacked this time."


    "Pfft! Director Zhang has said that his ount was hacked so many times in the past. It looks like it has happened for real this time!"


    "You guys still have time to crack jokes? Damn, hurry up and handle the issue!"


    Past 3 in the afternoon.


    The issue was finally resolved.


    Zhang Ye said to Yan Mei, "So how is it? Wasn''t it really boring to follow me around for today''s interview? I don''t really have much to do here except to deal with crap."


    Yan Mei smiled and said, "It''s indeed quite different from what I was expecting."


    Zhang Ye looked at his watch. "Is the interview ending soon?"


    Yan Mei nodded. "Thank you for your time today, Director Zhang. Congrattions again for getting into the domestic S-list. I also wish that you can continue going higher and further from here."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Thank you."


    Yan Mei looked at him and said, "So at the end of it all, there''s onest question I have for you. I''ve been thinking about something all this while during the interview, but I just can''t figure it out, nor could Ie to a proper conclusion. Therefore, I would like to ask you: What do you think being a celebrity means?"


    What did it mean to be a celebrity?


    What was a celebrity?


    This was quite a difficult question to answer.


    Ha Qiqi looked at Zhang Ye.


    Little Wang nced over.


    Zhang Zuo, Wu Yi, and the others sat down to listen.


    After some thought, Zhang Ye suddenly raised his head and looked at a wall with a mask was hanging from it. It was the mask of The Clown from his time on King of Masked Singers. He had kept it with him all this time and hung it on the wall. He asked, "Old Yan, do you know about this mask?"


    Yan Mei smiled and said, "It''s The Clown''s mask.


    Zhang Ye said without warning, "Would you like to listen to a song?"


    Yan Mei did not catch his drift. "Listen to a song?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Would you?"


    Little Wang raised her hand. "I wanna, I wanna!"


    Wu Yiughed and said, "Of course!"


    Tong Fu apuded. "Director Zhang, hit us with it!"


    Yan Mei looked at him. "Of course I''d like to listen to it."


    Zhang Ye walked over and picked up a guitar. However, he did not sit down, leaning against the wall as he strummed the strings.


    Everyone was apuding and cheering as they waited for Zhang Ye to showcase his singing!


    ��


    On the same night.


    A Date with Yan Mei was broadcast.


    Zhang Ye''s interview had been edited into an hour-long show. Countless people were sitting and watching TV as they waited to see Zhang Ye''s first appearance on television since reaching the summit. They were all looking forward to seeing what Zhang Ye would say to the world.


    His mother was watching.


    His father was watching.


    His sisters were watching.


    Wu Zeqing was watching.


    Zhang Yuanqi was watching.


    Zhang Xia was watching.


    Ning Lan was watching.


    Yao Jiancai was watching.


    The other Heavenly Kings and Queens were watching.


    Everyone in the entertainment circle was watching.


    The country''s citizens were all watching.


    They thought that Zhang Ye would be extremely happy!


    They thought that Zhang Ye would be in high spirits!


    They even thought that Zhang Ye might speak conceitedly during the show. Reaching the summit of the entertainment circle was something that many celebrities would never achieve in their lives!


    But that didn''t happen!


    There wasn''t any of that at all!


    When that song yed, when that sorrowful melody sounded from the television, everyone was stunned agape as they watched Zhang Ye y the guitar and sing onscreen. Sorrowful? Why was it a sorrowful melody? Celebrity? What did it mean to be a celebrity?


    Zhang Ye''s was singing in a deep voice 2 .


    "Apuse rings out amid the shouts and cheers.


    "Smiles welling up along with tears.


    "The rising curtain delivers you happiness.


    "The falling curtain reserves solitude for him.


    "How much practice and how many tears,


    "Does it take to stand right here?


    "The pain of failure, the encouragement from sess.


    "Does anyone know how much time and effort it took to progress?


    "The clown.


    "The clown.


    "He who turns sadness into delight.


    "And presents it to you."


    On TV.


    The camera cut to Yan Mei. Everyone could see that tears were flooding down her face!


    Watching TV.


    Fan Wenli looked shocked!


    Zhang Xia''s eyes reddened!


    Chen Guang sighed as he stared out the window!


    Zhang Yuanqi closed her eyes and thought of many things!


    Yao Jiancai sighed and sniffed!


    His mother looked at her son and felt very heartbroken!


    Dong Shanshan was stunned and her tears started falling for some reason!


    "The clown.


    "The clown.


    "He who turns sadness into delight.


    "And presents��it��to��you."


    A Date with Yan Mei concluded.


    But a lot of people watching TV could not calm down for the longest time!


    Many of them had been deeply moved by this song called "The Clown"!


    What was a celebrity?


    Perhaps this was what it meant to be a celebrity!

 Chapter 1363 - Competing for heaps of the highest awards!

    <h4>Chapter 1363 - Competing for heaps of the highest awards! </h4>


    Chapter 1363: Competing for heaps of the highest awards!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    There were reposts all over Weibo!


    It was also heavily reposted on everyone''s Moments!


    Zhang Ye''s interview was on fire!


    The poem and song were extremely touching!


    In the impressions of many people around the country, Zhang Ye had always been aedian. He was often known for starting trouble, taking advantage of people, and dealing many face smacking moments to others. He also entertained the public from time to time and had some stunning works as well, which were either amazing, funny, or wondrous. He was always able to bringughter and joy to everyone. A lot of people would break out intoughter the moment they saw him. So they subconsciously thought that Zhang Ye would also be the same in his private life.


    But after watching A Date with Yan Mei.


    When they saw the most authentic side of Zhang Ye''s daily life.


    When that poem was presented in a self-questioning sort of way.


    When that song was sung with a sorrowful voice.


    Many of the people fell silent. A lot of people also teared up over it. A song Zhang Ye sang spontaneously at his studio had touched many of them!


    ��


    At the studio.


    Everyone was reying the interview from yesterday even though they had already watched it countless times.


    When Zhang Ye arrived, everyone gathered around him and started chattering away.


    "Director Zhang, good morning!"


    "Director Zhang is here, Director Zhang is here!"


    "Did you watch the interviewst night?"


    "The effects of the show were amazing!"


    "I cried a total of two times yesterday. Once was during your singing here at the studio, and the other was when I went home to watch the show on TV. ''The Clown'' was sung so well!"


    "Yeah, it was so stunning!"


    "They''re also talking about it to no end on the Inte!"


    "A lot of celebrities reposted the link tost night''s show."


    "The results of your interview are great."


    "Our Heavenly King''s debut show was a great sess!"


    Zhang Ye had not expected that this interview would cause such a big stir either. In his previous world, The Clown had always been a song that he liked very much. However, it wasn''t exactly mainstream, and its poprity was clearly notparable to that of "Spring Days," "Because of Love," and many of the other ssics. When he heard Yan Mei asking him what it meant to be a celebrity, he got a jolt of inspiration and thought of this song that he sang to them. Who could have thought it would get such a great response?


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "If I knew, I would have sung it better."


    Ha Qiqi said, "It was already very good."


    "How was that good?" Zhang Ye shrugged. "I didn''t even tune the guitar or y it properly. And I also forgot to warm up my voice before singing."


    But Zhang Zuo disagreed. "That''s what makes it realistic."


    Little Wang agreed, "Right, that was why it managed to touch so many people!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Correct, this song isn''t exactly suitable to be sung in a ''proper'' manner."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright then." He checked his watch. "What time is the awards ceremony?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "It''s still early, but we have to get your makeup done in advance. The makeup artists at the awards ceremony are not good enough, so we''ll be bringing our own over."


    Zhang Ye sighed. "I''m not an idol. Why would I need to put on makeup?"


    Little Wang said anxiously, "How will that do? You''re now a Heavenly King, so your status is very different."


    Ha Qiqiughed. "Right, we know that you dislike having makeup on, but this is unavoidable. The awards ceremonies over the next few days are all quite important and will require you to dress up properly for it, so please just regard it as a form of respect.


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "Alright, I''ll let you guys handle things."


    The studio''s team was growingrger andrger, and they had also recruited a dedicated makeup artist of their own.


    The makeup artist was a woman who had joined Zhang Ye''s team for some time already. However, she hadn''t really been put to work much. This was actually her first time seeing a celebrity who didn''t like having makeup done. Moreover, he would even re whenever there was any mention of having him get makeup. This left the female makeup artist with not much work to do. All she did was sit around all day, and this nearly drove her crazy. But she was finally able to get a chance to do something. Her eyes had turned green from all the waiting.


    Putting on makeup.


    Removing the makeup.


    Putting on makeup again.


    Changing the hairstyle.


    She came up with four different styles for him.


    The female makeup artist was finally able to get her money''s worth at doing her job.


    Zhang Ye could only roll his eyes as he let her fiddle with his hair.


    Ha Qiqi was looking at something in her hands as she said to him, "Director Zhang, the interview yesterday came at just the right time and has addressed our most urgent concern so far. When you ascended into the S-list during the night several days ago, I had a look at the poprity score rankings. We were in seventh andst ce, and we weren''t that far off from that ex-Heavenly King who had been squeezed out by you on the S-list. The two of you were only separated by a very small difference in the poprity scores, and he could have easily caught back up to you if he experienced any breakout in his poprity, so it was still a very dangerous position to be in. It was not that safe and we couldn''t rx yet. Although there hasn''t been any precedent of a Heavenly King or Queen dropping off so shortly after making it into the S-list due to an aggregation effect, it isn''t guaranteed."


    Little Wang blinked. "Would we be the most short-lived S-lister then?"


    Tong Fu shot her a nce. "That mouth of yours! Don''t jinx it!"


    Little Wang hurriedly "spat away" her words. "Me and my big mouth!"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged her, thinking about how he never considered this point. "How much are we in the lead by?"


    "Not by much." Ha Qiqi said, "But after yesterday''s interview went viral, it helped us to put out the fire that was approaching and even gave us a push to open up a gap. But if we want to y it safe, we have to gain at least an 80% lead over our rival. Therefore, we must secure a few of the awards in theing few days."


    Zhang Zuoughed and said, "It''s a good thing that Director Zhang has had quite a bit of work this year."


    Ha Qiqi said, "That''s right. We were nominated for many of the awards, so we have a chance of fighting for them."


    Zhang Ye said, "It looks like these awards are really quite crucial. Alright then, let''s contend for as many as possible. We aren''t going to reject any of them!"


    After the new year, it was time for many Chinese awards ceremonies to be held. A lot of the highest awards ceremonies were concentrated and given out during this period of time. It was unnecessary to mention how great of an honor the highest awards would bring. This was the greatest affirmation that a celebrity could get, and the awards would also be a contributing factor to their poprity scores. So there was still a possibility that there could be some changes in this period. If that ex-Heavenly King took home several of the highest awards given out and increased his poprity score by 30%, he could surpass Zhang Ye''s current poprity score and regain his ce among the S-listers! But of course, the highest Chinese awards would only have an effect on the Chinese celebrity rankings. On the Asian and international celebrity rankings, there wouldn''t be any effect. A simr attribute was included in the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index, but that would only be contributed to by a win in an Asian or international awards ceremony.


    ��


    Elsewhere.


    At the ex-Heavenly King''s team office.


    At this moment, they were only known as the top A-list celebrity''s team.


    "Can we still fight our way back up?"


    "There''s still hope!"


    "Yes, there''s still a chance!"


    "If we can win two or three awards, we can reim the spot that we lost!"


    "Zhang Ye has no works in the area of films!"


    "Everyone, let''s do our best!"


    "There won''t be any problems for sure!"


    "Let''s fight it out with Zhang Ye!"


    "We have to regain our spot on the S-list!"


    ��


    The battle for the highest awards kicked off!


    Everyone in the media, the industry, and even the public were waiting to see how it would turn out!

 Chapter 1364

    <h4>Chapter 1364 </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the news.


    "A flurry of awards to be presented to their winners!"


    "Will Zhang Ye be able to keep his Heavenly King status?"


    "The annual Most Popr Celebrity of the Year Award has turned into the Most Watched Celebrity of the Year Award!"


    "Who will be the biggest winner of the year?"


    "The battle for the awards will be unveiled tonight!"


    "It''s time for an assessment of the celebrities'' past year!"


    "Who will take the top honors?"


    ��


    In the evening.


    Outside the venue of an awards ceremony.


    Many reporters were present. It was a gathering of the stars and their fans were screaming for them.


    One by one, the celebrities'' cars arrived and they got out of their rides before heading into the venue.


    "Ah!"


    "Sister Zhang is here!"


    "Sister Zhang is so beautiful!"


    "Sister Zhang, Sister Zhang, I love you!"


    "Wow, it''s Jiang Hanwei!"


    "All the best, Old Jiang!"


    "I love you!"


    "Ah, it''s Sect Leader Huo!"


    "Sect Leader Huo waved to me!"


    "God, Sect Leader Huo looked at me!"


    The reporters'' DSLRs were snapping away.


    The fans were shouting in a frenzy around the perimeter.


    Zhang Ye''s car was also lining up outside to get in. Whenever he spotted someone familiar through the windows, he would wave at them with a smile. Today, he had only brought along Ha Qiqi and Yang Shu, who was acting as his chauffeur. When he first saw that some celebrities would bring their families to walk down the red carpet together, he pondered whether he should also bring Old Wu with him. But after some consideration, he decided to scrap the idea. It was better not to show off in such a way. It might still be OK if this was a private event, but since his wife was an executive at the SARFT, it would surely be better for her not to apany him in to work-rted events. Zhang Ye was also afraid that it would scare the organizers.


    A car pulled up beside his and the car''s window rolled down.


    It was Ning Lan''s smiling face. "Yo, Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye also rolled his window down and pretended to say politely, "Yo, Teacher Ning."


    Ning Lan smiled and said, "How does it feel to be a Heavenly King?"


    Zhang Ye sighed and said, "I still don''t know if I can keep the title."


    "I need to discuss something with you," Ning Lan suddenly said.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Discuss what?"


    Ning Lan said, "I quite like the song ''The Clown.'' I would like to cover it and have a shot at the music scene to test my chances, so can we discuss the authorization of that?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "Sure, just sing it if you like."


    Ning Lan said, "Alright, you''re great! It''s settled then!"


    Zhang Ye said happily, "It''s no big deal."


    Ning Lan then waved at him. "Alright, I''ll go ahead then."


    Zhang Ya was taken aback. "Damn, did you just cut in line?!"


    "Hahaha." Ning Lan''s car had already driven in front of his.


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes.


    When they reached the front, it was finally their turn for the red carpet walk.


    Ning Lan got off the car. She walked down the red carpet with an extraordinary air and waved to her fans who were standing on both sides, triggering squeals from them!


    "Ning Lan!"


    "It''s Ning Lan!"


    "My Goddess!"


    "Ning Lan, I love you!"


    Ning Lan was very eye-catching in her long white dress. Her long legs and long stride allowed her to travel several meters in just a few steps.


    When her car drove off, Zhang Ye''s car pulled in and stopped there. As Yang Shu was not a professional chauffeur, her driving skills were really not that great. She tried for a long time to bring the car to a stop with some jarring movements and got so nervous that she was sweating all over her forehead. Finally, she managed to stop it right beside the red carpet. But this disy made many of the staff and reporters at the venue roll their eyes.


    Who is this?


    Can''t you hire a better driver?


    Why did you get a female driver to send you here?


    When the car door opened, Zhang Ye appeared!


    The reporters were dumbfounded!


    What? It''s Zhang Ye''s car?


    Pfft! You''re a Heavenly King, can you not be such aedian?


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "The new Heavenly King has arrived!"


    "Quick, get more pictures!"


    "Yeah, take more pictures of him!"


    In the whole of the current Chinese entertainment industry, Zhang Ye was clearly the celebrity who attracted the most attention. No one else came close. So the reporters present would obviously give him special attention!


    Zhang Ye maintained his smile as he walked forward. He looked at the people on both sides of the red carpet and waved to them just like the other celebrities had done before him.


    The fans screamed!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "The scammer has arrived!"


    "What do you have to say about the five deceptions?"


    "Haha, you still dare toe here today?"


    All of a sudden, someone started booing with a "yi"!


    With that, this sound started ringing out in the venue!


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    Everyone hooted!


    The reporters were taken back before cramping up withughter!


    Ning Lan, who was walking ahead of him, nearly stumbled!


    Chen Guang, Zhang Xia, and some others who had just entered the venue were also bent over inughter when they heard the ruckus outside!


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted! Your sister! What kind of reception did the other celebrities get when they arrived? They were all being cheered for! So why is it that when I arrive, all I''m getting is this fucking hooting! And all of this is even getting recorded on video!


    However, the crowd was still unsatisfied.


    "Our booing isn''t in unison!"


    "Yeah, it sounds really messy!"


    "I suggest we do it again!"


    "Sure!"


    "Agreed!"


    "Support!"


    "Get ready, everyone! One, two, three��"


    "Yiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!"


    There was shouting everywhere!


    Followed by loudughter!


    This interaction had never happened before!


    Zhang Ye was dismayed and nearly vomited blood.


    When Ning Lan saw this, she stopped in her tracks and waited a while for him. Then, when Zhang Ye caught up to her, she gently linked arms with Zhang Ye and finished walking the red carpet together with him. This helped to diffuse the situation a little for Zhang Ye.


    Ning Lan whisper-giggled, "I''m a loyal friend, aren''t I?"


    Zhang Ye also chuckled. "Nice, I didn''t give that song to you for nothing then."


    Ning Lanughed, "Hahahahaha."


    ��


    At the back.


    There was a car not too far away.


    The expression on the ex-Heavenly King''s face was a sullen one. He seemed to be thinking about something.


    However, his agent and assistant were both delighted at the sight of Zhang Ye getting booed.


    "Look, the public did not forget about how he deceived them!"


    "Yes, it looks like we really have a chance this time."


    "As long as Zhang Ye does not get crowned the most popr male celebrity, our chances of returning to the S-list are much higher. The importance of this award is tremendous."


    "Look at the fans'' attitudes towards him. How can he possibly be popr?"


    "Yeah, he''s offended too many people."


    ��


    Inside the venue of the awards ceremony.


    Several of Zhang Ye''s friends were waiting at the front for him.


    When Zhang Ye arrived, they immediately got down to making fun of him.


    Zhang Xia said in amusement, "Why is your entrance always different from others?"


    Zhang Ye said in dismay, "Grandma Zhang, let''s not bring that up right now, shall we?"


    Chen Guang bellyughed. "This is the first time I''ve encountered a situation like this. Aiyo, let meugh awhile longer!"


    Huo Dongfang also came over. "Teacher Zhang, what''s with those lousy social rtions of yours?"


    Xiaodong, Amy, and Li Xiaoxian were alsoughing over there. "Director Zhang, you''ve opened all of our eyes today."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Laugh all you want. This bro is not going to bother arguing with you people." He harrumphed and went off to find his seat.


    Row 1, Seat 5.


    Where was it?


    Oh, over here!


    In the end, he bumped straight into Zhang Yuanqi and her manager, Fang Weihong.


    Zhang Yuanqi said with augh, "I heard that the people were booing you in unison when you walked down the red carpet just now?"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Why does everyone seem to know about this? Who''s the one spreading rumors?"


    Fang Weihongughed loudly.


    A good deed goes unnoticed, but a scandal spreads far and wide.


    In no time at all, the celebrities and staff at the venue were all happily talking about this.


    "Hey, did you hear about it?"


    "About that incident involving Teacher Zhang?"


    "Yeah."


    "Hahahahaha, of course I heard about it."


    "It''s killing me it''s so funny."


    "Yeah, Iughed so hard I couldn''t breathe!"


    "Teacher Zhang is indeed the biggest oddity in the domestic entertainment circle."


    "Something like this can only happen to him."


    "Didn''t you see the dumbfounded looks on the reporters'' faces? Even they''ve nevere across something like that before!"


    Soon, the awards ceremony officially started.


    Talking.


    Speeches.


    Performances.


    An hourter, the main show began!


    The biggest prize of the night was finally going to be presented.


    "Next up is an award that a lot of people are looking forward to the most. It is also the most important and prestigious award today. We will be revealing the winners of the Most Popr Male and Female Celebrity of the Year Awards without any further ado."


    "The Most Popr Female Celebrity of the Year Award goes to��Zhang! Yuan! Qi!"


    Apuse sounded from the audience.


    "Congrattions!"


    "Sister Zhang, congrattions!"


    "A well-deserved winner!"


    "We already guessed it would be you!"


    "Congrattions!"


    Not long after.


    "Next, we will be announcing the winner of the Most Popr Male Celebrity of the Year Award!"


    "And the winner is��"


    "Who will the award go to?"


    "The winner is��Zhang! Ye!"


    Instantly, apuse thundered!


    "Wow!"


    "It''s been won by Zhang Ye!"


    "Congrattions!"


    "Director Zhang, congrattions!"


    "That''s so amazing!"


    "Hahaha, we''re in for a treat!"


    "This is a huge prize!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you''re the winner of the award this year!"


    Zhang Ye was very surprised!


    Many of those at the venue were also very surprised!


    The Most Popr Celebrity of the Year Award was one of the highest awards the entertainment circle gave out. Those who received this prize were the most reputable and popr celebrities around. Zhang Ye? He had the poprity, and he had the qualifications as well. But did he have the reputation? Pfft! Was there even a less reputable celebrity in the entertainment circle after him?


    In the second row.


    That ex-Heavenly King did not say a word at all.


    His agent and assistant sitting beside him were both dumbfounded!


    "How is that possible!"


    "Why is it him?"


    "How is he even popr?"


    "That''s right! Didn''t the people just boo him?!"


    "This is impossible!"


    At this moment, that ex-Heavenly King looked at them and sighed. "Can''t you two see? The people were only booing him because they like him from the bottom of their hearts!"


    His agent was stunned!


    His assistant also fell silent!


    Booing him because they liked him?


    They liked him from the bottom of their hearts?

 Chapter 1365 - Target: The Asian S-list!

    <h4>Chapter 1365 - Target: The Asian S-list! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Two dayster.


    Shanghai.


    The annual Music Awards Ceremony was held.


    The stars gathered and the awards were given out one after another.


    "The nominees for the Best Lyrics Award are: Chen Guang, ''A Small World''; Zhang Ye, ''Exaggerated''; Zhang Ye, ''I Really Love You''; Zhao Yunji, ''Blossom of a Dream''; Sun Tiandong, ''White Birch.'' And now for the announcement of the winner for this year''s Best Lyrics Award��the winner is��Zhang Ye! ''Exaggerated!''"


    Apuse rang out!


    Everyone gave their congrattions.


    "Congrattions!"


    "Haha, congrattions, Director Zhang!"


    "This is a good start!"


    "There was no doubt that Teacher Zhang would win this award!"


    "Yeah, he has written so many good songs this year."


    "Yeah, if we really base it on the quality of the lyrics, it wouldn''t be too much even if Zhang Ye had ten of his songs shortlisted for the Best Lyrics Award."


    "For this award, Old Chen is still not a match for him."


    "Zhang Ye has total dominance here."


    "It''s time for the songposition award."


    "Let''s see who wins the Best Composition Award."


    Moving on.


    The next award was announced.


    "The nominees for the Best Composition Award are: Zhang Ye, ''I Am What I Am''; Shu Han, ''A Little Dance Tune''; Zhang Ye, ''Because of Love''; Xu Qi, ''Boundless Spring.'' Now to announce the winner of this year''s Best Composition Award. And the winner is��Teacher Zhang Ye! ''Because of Love!''"


    There was apuse!


    "Wow!"


    "Another one!"


    "Impressive, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Director Zhang, you owe us three meals now!"


    "You''ve won both the annual lyrics and songposition awards! Only two people have achieved this in the history of the music awards!"


    "Yeah, only two people have won it simultaneously!"


    "Don''t worry, there''s still the Song of the Year Award up for grabs."


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye might just be the first person in history to win all three of those awards!"


    Finally, it was time to announce the Song of the Year Award.


    "And the award for Song of the Year goes to��"


    "Which is the first song thates to everyone''s minds?"


    "Which song will it be?"


    "I hereby announce that the award for Song of the Year goes to��''The King of Karaoke!''"


    Apuse rang out through the venue!


    A lot of people even gave a standing ovation and cheered Zhang Ye!


    "This song is truly good!"


    "He''s gotten the trifecta!"


    "It''s the first time that this has happened!"


    "Three of the most important awards have been presented to Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s a pity that he did not win the Best Arrangement Award as well."


    "Other than the Best Neer, the Best Arrangement, the Best Band, the Best Group, and some of the other awards, Zhang Ye has gotten all that he could get!"


    "Zhang Ye is definitely the biggest winner tonight!"


    ��


    The next day.


    Nanjing.


    The Film Awards Ceremony was held.


    The Best Actor, the Best Actress, the Best Director, the Best Screenwriter, the Best Adaptation, and other film awards were given out.


    All of these awards naturally had nothing to do with Zhang Ye.


    ��


    And the day after that.


    At night.


    The annual Best Director Award was given out.


    This was a directing awards ceremony that was independent of the film industry awards.


    "The annual award for Best Variety Director goes to��Zhang Ye!"


    "The annual award for Best Film Director goes to��Li Ke!"


    "The annual award for Best Director goes to��Zhang! Ye!"


    This announcement for the final award shocked many industry insiders!


    "What?"


    "The Best Director Award was given to Zhang Ye?"


    "Ah?"


    "That is way too surprising!"


    "The darkest dark horse has won!"


    "This is a top award that covers all of the other Director Awards. It''s usually given out to a film director since the artistic qualities of a film definitely surpass those of the variety and TV industries. It''s always been the case every year, so why was it given out to a variety director this time? This is unprecedented!"


    "It wasn''t given out to a variety director."


    "Then what is it for?"


    "The highest honor in directing was given out to the g director!"


    "You mean the Spring Festival G?"


    "So that''s how it is!"


    "You''ve enlightened me!"


    "It makes sense if that''s the case! So it was presented to the executive director of the Spring Festival G!"


    "With the heights that this year''s Spring Festival G has reached, the presentation of this award is indeed faultless!"


    ��


    On the same night.


    At another awards ceremony that was held at the same time.


    "The award for Best Dance goes to��"


    "There''s absolutely no suspense to who''s winning this prize."


    "And the winner is��''Thousand-Hand Guanyin!''"


    The "Thousand-Hand Guanyin" was awarded the highest prize in the dance category!


    As the choreographer and nner of this dance, Zhang Ye went up on stage to ept the award with Qi Xiaomei and a representative of the deaf-mute dance troupe.


    ��


    Another dayter.


    At the venue of an awards ceremony.


    "Next, we will be announcing the Outstanding Artist of the Year Award."


    "And the winner is��Zhang Ye!"


    ��


    One.


    Five.


    Ten.


    Over several days, many awards were given out.


    In this time, Zhang Ye collected so many awards that his hands went soft.


    Of the many awards given out, only a few of them counted as the highest awards and would count towards the poprity score in the celebrity rankings. Most of the other awards did not contribute any points to a celebrity''s poprity, like the Most Outstanding Artist of the Year, which may sound quite important, but was in fact just a prize that was given out by some local organizations rather than being some national award. Then, there were the awards like the online Most Talked About Person Award or the Most Popr Weibo Figure Award, which Zhang Ye also won, and could still be considered honorable prizes. This clearly showed the affirmation from the organizations and the people of Zhang Ye, so it didn''t really matter whether it would contribute to the poprity scores or not.


    All kinds of random des.


    All kinds of mainstream prizes.


    All kinds of the highest awards.


    Zhang Ye had won a total of twelve of them and was ranked third among all of the celebrities to receive an award!


    ��


    Theizens were very surprised:


    "Zhang Ye is on a crazy streak!"


    "Why is he winning so many awards!"


    "With him winning all of those awards, can he even fit everything in his house? Hahaha!"


    "Last year was a harvest for Zhang Ye, ascending to the S-list and winning all kinds of awards. There isn''t anyone else who''s had it more glorious than him."


    "Yeah, even though Sister Zhang has garnered more prizes than Zhang Ye, most of her awards are rted to the film industry. Zhang Ye wasn''t even involved in any films or TV series, but if he really acted in them and didn''t do too badly, he would likely get more awards than Sister Zhang."


    "That ex-Heavenly King can''t catch up anymore!"


    "Yeah, their poprity scores have pulled apart from each other!"


    "Zhang Ye has finally stabilized his position in the domestic S-list rankings!"


    "It''s the new year now. What do you guys think Zhang Ye will do?"


    "Who knows?"


    "He''s already near the top in the domestic market, right?"


    "Could Zhang Ye be gunning for a ce in Asia next?"


    "That sounds likely!"


    ��


    On this day.


    The final awards ceremony concluded.


    At night, Zhang Ye drove home. The moment he opened the door to the vi, he jumped at the sight before him. The interior of therge house had been decorated and brightly lit!


    Pop!


    Pop!


    Confetti streamed down!


    A big crowd of people were apuding and screaming!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Congrattions!"


    "We''re here to celebrate for you!"


    "Let''s enjoy this together!"


    "Hahaha!"


    "We were fantasticst year!"


    Wu Zeqing stood on the side with a smile and watched everyone as they enjoyed themselves. Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, Little Wang, Tong Fu, and the other employees from the studio had alle over. All of them looked really happy.


    Zhang Ye also smiled. "What''s with all of this?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "We''re here to throw you a party, of course."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Well, thank you."


    "There''s also a cake." Little Wang hummed a tune as she pushed the cake over. "Director Zhang, please cut it."


    Zhang Ye looked at Old Wu. "Did you arrange this?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "It has nothing to do with me. It was them who arranged this for you."


    Zhang Zuoughed and said, "You''ve reached the summit of the entertainment circle, yet we still haven''t officially thrown a party for you. Now you''ve won so many awards, of which five are even the highest awards! This has helped our poprity score pull away by arge distance and there isn''t a need to worry about being caught up to. We can finally celebrate in peace now."


    "Let''s have some cake."


    "Herees the wine."


    "Come, cheers!"


    "Everyone, cheers!"


    It was extremely lively inside the house and everyone was very excited.


    Bing a Heavenly King!


    Winning countless awards!


    These were the results and harvests of Zhang Ye''s past year!


    Ha Qiqi, who had had a few sips of red wine, was already starting to ramble quite a bit. "Director Zhang, we''ve already achieved the goals that were setst year, and evenpleted them beyond expectations. Now that the ''Reach the Summit'' n has been realized and we''re into the new year, why don''t you set a new target for us? What shall we do this year? Which direction should we head in? We''re at your disposal!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "This year? It''s probably time to make a push in Asia?"


    Everyone''s eyes lit up.


    "Asia?"


    "Alright!"


    "We should have aimed for the Asian region long ago!"


    "Compared to the poprity we''ve domestically, we''re still quite far behind on the Asian stage."


    "Yeah, we might also be on the A-list in Asia, but our ranking is very far at the bottom. Moreover, once we head out of our own country, we''re actually not that well-known to others. We''re actually just somewhat on par with the other Asian B-listers because arge part of the poprity score is influenced by our ranking domestically. Since our poprity score in the country is rather high, it was this that pushed us up forcefully on the Asian rankings."


    "Right, there''s potential for development in Asia!"


    "Yes, there''s a lot of potential actually."


    "Alright then, it''s settled!"


    "We''ll listen to Director Zhang for orders."


    Everyone got very excited and was full of confidence like never before.


    Ha Qiqi said, "What a coincidence then, Director Zhang. We''ve just received an invitation at the studio that we haven''t had time to tell you about. An event is about to take ce in Asia, and since you haven''t traveled out of the country before, why don''t we take this opportunity to make an appearance in Asia? We can increase our visibility, and maybe scout out some opportunities along the way?"


    Zhang Ye agreed, "That sounds great."


    Ha Qiqi nodded. "Alright, I''ll reply to them then."


    "Come! Let''s make another toast!"


    "Our target is the Asian S-list!"


    "Alright, the target is to be an Asian Heavenly King!"


    "Cheers!"


    "Cheers!"


    And just like this, the goal for this year was set!

 Chapter 1366 - Taking a trip to Korea!

    <h4>Chapter 1366 - Taking a trip to Korea! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the blink of an eye, the Lunar New Year had passed.


    A new year was beginning.


    On this day, Zhang Ye took on his first job since the turn of the year. He was scheduled to fly to South Korea to take part in an annual charity banquet. This was one of the most watched charity auction events organized by the Red Cross Society and featured many celebrities who came from all over Asia. The exposure gained from taking part in this event was pretty good and one could do charity while increasing their visibility in the Asian region as well. It was a win-win situation for all those involved. The organizers would also be rotated each year, with China being the host two years ago, while Japan tookst year''s event. This year, it was Korea''s turn to organize the charity auction and it was ted to be held in Seoul.


    At the airport.


    In the lounge for first-ss passengers.


    Zhang Ye was here by himself today. When he arrived, quite a few people in the lounge turned to look at him and were pointing their fingers and whispering, clearly having recognized who he was.


    "That''s Zhang Ye."


    "Eh, it''s really him."


    "What is he doing here?"


    "Is he taking part in the Asian Charity Banquet?"


    "He''s going too?"


    "Yes, you all can read the papers."


    There were several newspapers on the table:


    "The grand Asian Charity Banquet will be held soon!"


    "Heavenly Queen, Xu Men, confirms her attendance!"


    "The Chinese celebrity team will have a grand lineup!"


    "Will the Chinese celebrity team take the top honors?"


    In the lounge, Zhang Ye found a spot with no one and sat down.


    At this moment, several familiar faces also came in.


    They looked around the ce.


    "Hey."


    "It''s Teacher Zhang."


    "Come,e,e, let''s go over there."


    It was the three beauties of the Spring Garden girl group.


    Zhang Ye smiled and waved to them. "You''ve arrived?"


    Xiaodong said in surprise, "And where are you headed to?"


    Zhang Ye blinked and said, "Seoul."


    "You''re going too?" Amy was happy to hear that. "I didn''t know that you were going."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I only agreed to it two days ago."


    Li Xiaoxian smiled. "Teacher Zhang is an Asian A-lister, and he''s even more popr than the three of us in Asia, so how can they not invite him?"


    Zhang Ye waved it off and said, "That''s only because of my domestic poprity score pushing me up in the rankings. I''m not really well-known in Asia."


    Soon after, Chen Guang also arrived.


    Xiaodong waved. "Brother Chen, over here."


    Chen Guang was taken aback. "Lord Zhang is here too?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Yeah."


    Chen Guang asked, "You''re going too?"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Hey, why is everyone asking the same thing the moment they arrive. Why can''t I be going? But true, it''s this bro''s first time going abroad."


    Chen Guang asked interestedly, "I had thought that you would never consider going overseas to develop your career, but how about this? It looks like you''re thinking of aiming for the Asian region in the future too?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''ll just try and see how it turns out."


    Some more people arrived.


    A-list film star Ning Lan.


    A-list film star Jiang Hanwei.


    A-list film star Big Qi.


    And there was also the singer who had just made hiseback in the entertainment industry, Zhao Wuliu.


    Nothing needed to be said for Ning Lan. The rtionship between Zhao Wuliu and Zhang Ye was also quite good since they already knew each other from I Am a Singer. Jiang Hanwei and Zhang Ye were also old acquaintances, having fought before and gotten into a car crash as well. They were the type to not be on speaking terms even when they met. Meanwhile, Zhang Ye was not familiar with Big Qi. He would always see him at every year''s awards ceremonies but had never spoken to him before. Now that they had met here, the two of them shook hands and made small talk. With this, they could be considered as having officially met.


    The people here were all rather popr celebrities in the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index, with the highest ranking ones being Ning Lan, Jiang Hanwei, and Zhang Ye. Spring Garden was slightly below them, while Old Chen and Big Qi were ranked further down in the middle to bottom of the Asian B-list rankings. Oh right, there was also an exception here. Zhao Wuliu had retired from the music industry for too many years and was no longer considered a popr figure. But even if they were to consider his former poprity in the Asian Celebrity Rankings, it was quite obvious that it wasn''t that high either.


    Perhaps sensing everyone''s doubts, Zhao Wuliuughed and said, "I''m definitely not popr enough to attend the Asian Charity Banquet, but there''s another event at Seoul tonight. It''s the International Heavy Metal Music Festival, and Old Chen will be going to it as well."


    Chen Guang smiled and said, "Yes, that''s right."


    Amy eximed, "Hey, why didn''t they invite me?"


    Chen Guang said, "It''s not like you do rock ''n'' roll."


    Amy giggled, "But I have a rock ''n'' roll heart."


    Zhao Wuliu said, "If you guys have nothing to do tonight, everyone can attend the music festival and have a look."


    Ning Lan said, "Sure, we''ll go have a look."


    Big Qi said, "Alright, let''s go together."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s fine if they didn''t invite Spring Garden to take part in the festival, but why didn''t they invite me? This bro has also yed and sung rock ''n'' roll!"


    Zhao Wuliu was taken aback. "Oh yeah, why didn''t they invite you?"


    Ning Lanughed and said, "Because he has terrible social rtions."


    All of a sudden, a woman''s voice sounded from behind them. "Teacher Zhang, much less the Heavy Metal Music Festival, you were nearly rejected by the Korean organizers of the charity banquet."


    It was Heavenly Queen Xu Men!


    She was an alluring woman with graceful beauty!


    Like Zhang Ye, she was one of China''s seven S-list stars!


    Xiaodong was amused. "Sister Lan, what do you mean?"


    Xu Menughed lightly as she exined, "When the higher-ups appointed me to lead the Chinese celebrity team this time, I followed up on many issues with them. I heard that Teacher Zhang''s visa application was rejected twice as they said that he had anti-Korean sentiments, so it wasn''t approved. In the end, after some back and forth, it was finally passed."


    Ning Lanughed, "Pfft!"


    Xiaodongughed, "Hahaha!"


    Li Xiaoxian asked, "Anti-Korean sentiments?"


    Chen Guang said, "Well, Zhang''er did beat up a Korean star two years ago and argued with him as well. During the Inte livestream a few months ago, he also went on the Go server and humiliated quite a few Korean GMs."


    Amy said, "I''m convinced by no one in the entertainment circle except for Teacher Zhang!"


    Everyone was tickled.


    Teacher Zhang was someone who brought chaos along with him wherever he went.


    In these few years, just how many people had he offended?!


    Jiang Hanwei rolled his eyes. He was also one of those who had been offended by him.


    Big Qi did not interject since he wasn''t really that familiar with Zhang Ye, so he naturally wouldn''t crack a joke at Zhang Ye''s expense.


    Zhang Ye sneered. "The more they don''t want me to go, the more this bro wants to go over to have a look."


    Xu Men finally put her hand out. "Teacher Zhang, I''ve been hoping to meet you."


    Zhang Ye shook her hand. "Teacher Xu, I''ve been hoping to meet you too."


    Xu Men said, "It should have been you leading the team this time since such work is better suited for a malerade."


    Chen Guang said in an undermining tone, "Who would dare let Zhang''er lead the team?"


    Amy said, "If Teacher Zhang were to lead the team, he would surely lead everyone down the drain."


    Xiaodong nodded in seriousness. "Right, I''ll be less worried if it were Sister Lan leading the team."


    Zhang Ye was speechless.


    Everyoneughed.


    Zhang Ye was familiar with the well-known Xu Men. This was only their first meeting, but Zhang Ye''s first impression of her was quite good. At the very least, there weren''t anymunication problems between them and that was good enough for him.


    There was still some time until the flight.


    All of them sat down together and started chatting.


    Xu Men didn''te by herself. She had a malepanion dressed in normal clothes following her like a shadow. At a nce, anyone could tell that he was her bodyguard.


    Zhang Ye did not know whether he got the wrong impression, but he felt that this person was always subconsciously looking over at him. From the time when he arrived with Xu Men, this feeling was already there.


    Zhang Ye suddenly turned to look at him.


    The bodyguard was startled, then tore away his gaze and even had to wipe away cold sweat.


    Zhang Ye got curious. He wondered what on earth was he up to. Why are you suddenly getting all nervous about for no apparent reason?


    Ning Lan said, "Sister Zhang and the others will be arriving tomorrow, right?"


    Xu Men said, "Yes, we''re the first group flying over. The other group will arrive tomorrow. I''ll contact Sister Zhang tomorrow and we''ll meet up at the hotel."


    All of a sudden, two passengers in the lounge with them headed over.


    "Teacher Zhang, may I have an autograph?"


    "Sister Lan, can we get a picture together?"


    The bodyguard, Sun Aixi, immediately blocked them off with his body. "Apologies, please turn around and leave."


    But when Zhang Ye saw this, he said, "They''re just here for autographs. Why stop them?"


    Sun Aixi was taken aback and quickly put his hands down to let the two passengers pass.


    Everyone was at a loss for words. Aren''t you Sister Lan''s bodyguard? Why are you so easily ordered around by Zhang Ye as well? But even if they found this rather strange, they didn''t take it to heart.


    After signing the autographs.


    Jiang Hanwei said, "Old Xu, did you only bring one bodyguard with you? Where are your assistants?"


    Xu Men replied, "Yes, I''m going over to attend a charity event. Tongues will wag if I bring too many people with me. Look at you guys. Aren''t you also bringing hardly anyone with you?"


    Chen Guangughed and said, "I came here by myself."


    Xiaodong said, "My assistant flew over on an earlier flight."


    Ning Lan also brought only her agent with her.


    Li Xiaoxian asked in wonder, "Teacher Zhang, you didn''t bring anyone with you?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m used to being on my own."


    Chen Guang said, "It''s different abroad, especially in Korea. You''re not that well liked there, so even if you don''t have your agent or assistant with you, surely you should have brought along your bodyguard with you."


    Zhang Ye casually said, "There''s no need for that."


    Jiang Hanwei nced at him and understood what he meant by not having a need for that.


    Xu Men added, "There''s nothing wrong with being a bit more careful. It''s not really that safe over there, and if something bad really happened, the organizers might not even be of much help to us."


    It was almost time to board the ne.


    Everyone gradually got up and headed over to the boarding area.


    Xu Men turned to her head to her bodyguard and said, "Nobody brought their bodyguards along, and there aren''t too many people in the entourage either. I''ll have to trouble you a little for this trip to Korea. Other than me, could you also please take care of everyone else''s safety? I''m the team leader, so I must ensure that everyone gets there andes back safely." With a pause, she smiled and said, "Especially Teacher Zhang Ye. He''s not popr in Korea, so I''m afraid that something might happen to him. Please keep an extra eye on him."


    Amy heard that and added, "Yes, you must prioritize Teacher Zhang''s safety."


    The bodyguard''s name was Sun Aixi and he was a seventh generation disciple of the Sun Family Style. Even though it wasn''t arge sect, he was still trained in formal martial arts from a legitimate school. He began his training at a young age and was employed after Xu Men had offered arge sum of money for his services. He was also the person in charge of her security detail and has always been very trusted by the Heavenly Queen.


    But when he heard what they said, Sun Aixi couldn''t help but wipe away sweat. "Surely there''s no need, right?"


    Xu Men was taken aback. "What''s the matter?"


    Protect him?


    It would be more appropriate for this master to protect me!


    He can beat ten of me with just one of his hands!


    With my level of kung fu, it wouldn''t even make him bat an eyelid if I were to show my skills to him!


    Sun Aixi smiled wryly and said, "Sister Lan, there''s no need to worry. With Master Zhang around, as long as it''s not a firearm threat, our team''s safety definitely won''t bepromised."


    Xu Men looked at him. "Master Zhang?"


    Sun Aixi shut his mouth.


    Xu Men said, "Old Sun, can you exin?"


    Sun Aixi dabbed at his sweat. "Sister Lan, I can''t talk about it."


    Xu Men said puzzled, "Why are you addressing him as Master Zhang?"


    Sun Aixi turned silent and pretended not to have heard her.


    When Xu Men saw this, she did not inquire any further. She looked off into the distance at Zhang Ye''s receding figure with a hint of curiosity in her eyes. This man seemed like he contained quite a few secrets. So much so that even the captain of her security detail had great respect for him? It looked like this man was not simple at all. How interesting.

 Chapter 1367 - Zhang Ye’s legend in the martial arts community!

    <h4>Chapter 1367 - Zhang Ye''s legend in the martial artsmunity! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the ne.


    Zhang Ye was sending voice messages to his mother while preparing to board the ne. His conversation to her was so funny that the people around him were nearly cramping up withughter. They heard him saying, "Aiyo, Mum, you don''t have to worry at all. I''m just going on a trip abroad; nothing could possibly happen. Rest assured that I''ll abide by the principles of respect and tolerance on my trip this time. If they don''t respect me? Then I will still respect them. If they still disrespect me? I will still respect them. If they still continue disrespecting me? I will still continue respecting them? And if they still insist on disrespecting me? Then dammit, I''ll friggin'' take it up with them��they can''t keep on disrespecting me, don''t you think?"


    Ning Lanughed. "Hahahahaha!"


    Xiaodongughed. "Hahahahahaha."


    Xu Men also couldn''t hold in herughter anymore.


    Wherever there was Zhang Ye, there would always beughter and a rxed mood. Wherever this fellow went, it would always sound like he was giving a crosstalk.


    The flight attendants on the ne were pleasantly surprised when they saw him.


    "Wow!"


    "Teacher Zhang?"


    "Teacher Zhang, you are here?"


    "Let me get your luggage for you!"


    "Teacher Zhang, your luggage, your luggage, leave your luggage to me!"


    This was a China Airlines flight. When Zhang Ye boarded the ne, several of the flight attendants immediately surrounded him. They fought to help him with his stuff and hung the group of celebrities behind him out to dry.


    Zhang Ye was a little embarrassed. "There''s no need, there''s no need."


    Amy said in a speechless manner, "Look at the treatment he is getting."


    Xiaodong said, "We''re all sitting first ss, so why is the treatment so different?"


    Big Qiughed and said, "Teacher Zhang is a lifelong honorary passenger of China Airlines. He doesn''t even need to pay for his flights. Years back, he saved a ne of passengers and flight attendants, so it''s obvious that he would get different treatment from them."


    Ning Lan remembered this and said, "Oh yes, that''s indeed the case."


    A flight attendant informed the captain.


    The captain also came out to greet him. "Teacher Zhang, wee!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "There''s really no need to be so polite."


    The captain said, "That won''t do. We can neglect anyone, but we must never neglect your presence. Teacher Zhang, I''ve gotten married, and my bride is one of the flight attendants you saved."


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "Oh? Was it the slim one or the plump one?"


    The captain smiled and said, "The slim one."


    Zhang Ye said, "Whoa, you''re a blessed man. Congrattions!"


    The captain said, "Thank you. It was all because of you that I could marry her. I''ll bring some wedding candies to youters!"


    Zhang Ye was also very happy about this and felt a sense of achievement.


    In the first-ss cabin.


    Everyone got seated. Sun Aixi was helping everyone in the group with their luggage.


    Li Xiaoxian said, "Thanks, Brother Sun."


    Sun Aixi gave a sincere smile and said, "You don''t need to be so polite, Teacher Li."


    Xiaodong was on her tiptoes trying to put her luggage away. "Brother Sun, I''m also having some trouble over here."


    "Don''t bother yourself with that, Teacher Xiaodong. I''ll do it for you," Sun Aixi said, taking on everything himself.


    Xiaodong smiled. "Thank you."


    Sun Aixi said, "Sister Lan just instructed me. I''ll be in charge of the team''s safety, so everyone can look to me if there''s any trouble on the road."


    Ning Lan asked curiously, "Old Sun, are you a veteran?"


    Usually, bodyguards were veterans.


    When Xu Men heard that, she smiled and said, "Old Sun isn''t one. He''s actually a serious martial artist and has great kung fu. It wouldn''t be easy for five people to get near him."


    Amy said in surprise, "He''s that powerful?"


    Sun Aixi blushed a little. "No, no, I''m not."


    Big Qi asked, "Is there real kung fu in this world?"


    Sun Aixi exined, "We tend to just call it Chinese martial arts."


    Xiaodong smiled and said, "Then between you and Uncle Jiang, who is better at martial arts?"


    Everyone in the entertainment circle knew that the Asian kung fu superstar Jiang Hanwei was borne with a martial arts background and really had the moves to back him up. In the eyes of many, Jiang Hanwei was someone who was the most skilled in kung fu within China because he was the only martial artist that they knew of. None of them have heard of any other more skilled practitioners before, so whenever the media and news wrote any reports rted to kung fu masters, they would always think of Jiang Hanwei first. This was a publicly recognized fact.


    Jiang Hanwei looked at him. "Which sect do you belong to, Master Sun?"


    Sun Aixi said, "The Sun Family Style."


    Jiang Hanwei said in surprise, "Eh, Master Sun He is your?


    Sun Aixi said, "He is my second uncle."


    Jiang Hanwei smiled and said, "Then let''s have a friendly spar sometime when you''re free."


    Sun Aixi said, "Sure, I''ll seek Master Jiang''s guidance when there''s an opportunity."


    Then they started to chat.


    However, Zhang Ye was not interested in this conversation at all. In fact, he wasn''t even listening to what they were saying. He was making use of the time before the ne took off with his head lowered andughingly messaging Wu Zeqing on his phone.


    Ning Lan was sitting next to him.


    Ning Lan smilingly said, "They''re talking about kung fu. Aren''t you interested in hearing what they have to say? When I got detained by those people during my filming and you went to help me get out of that situation, I remember hearing those martial artists addressing you as Master Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye said in an unfocused manner, "Ah? Ah."


    Ning Lan said, "You also know a little bit of kung fu?"


    Zhang Ye answered as he texted on his phone. "Ah, I know a little."


    Xiaodong turned around in surprise, "Teacher Zhang knows it too?"


    Chen Guang said in amusement, "Don''t listen to his bragging."


    Amy giggled. "Why do I find it so unbelievable? Looking at the physiques and demeanors, it''s obvious that only someone like Master Sun is a true practitioner of the martial arts."


    Jiang Hanwei did not say anything.


    Meanwhile, Sun Aixi was almost pissing his pants. He hurriedly said, "No, no, that''s not how it is!"


    Big Sis! Please don''t praise me, alright! In front of someone like him, who dared to be called a master? He is the one who is the true Chinese martial arts master! And he''s even the master of Taiji Fist, which had been lost for over a hundred years until recently! Even if Master Jiang and I were tobine our strength, we wouldn''t be a match for him. This is someone who has even sparred with a martial arts grandmaster before. He''s a monster who single-handedly swept aside the entire Zhou Family Style School, Huashan Sect, Emei Sect, Wudang Sect, Shaolin Monastery, Kongtong Sect, and a dozen other sects! He''s someone who would instill fear to people in the martial artsmunity just at the mention of his name!


    You want topare me with him?


    Aren''t you putting me to shame that way?!


    Sun Aixi was at a loss. He couldn''t talk about the incidents involving Zhang Ye, so he was really hoping that he could crawl into a hole somewhere and avoid all the questioning.


    Finally, Zhang Ye finished chatting. He tossed his cell phone onto his chair and then got up to go to thevatory.


    One minute.


    Two minutes.


    He finished his business.


    When he opened the door to step out, Zhang Ye got surprised.


    A dark figure suddenly showed up outside the door.


    It was the Heavenly Queen''s bodyguard.


    Zhang Ye thought that he was waiting to use thevatory as well, so he stepped aside and said, "It''s yours."


    No one else was around.


    However, Sun Aixi did not go in. He turned serious and gave a fist and palm salute as he said respectfully, "The Sun Family Style''s seventh generation disciple, Sun Aixi, pays his respect to Master Zhang."


    Sun Family Style?


    Was it a small sect?


    Zhang Ye was startled. "You know me?"


    Sun Aixi continued saluting him with great care and said, "I was fortunate to have heard from my elders regarding Master Zhang''s deeds. That martial artsmunity''s big battle on the peak that day was witnessed by one of my elders too. He even had the honor of fighting alongside Master Zhang and saw for himself Master Zhang''s glory. Every time when I think about it, it always gets my blood pumping." With a pause, he quickly said, "Sister Lan asked me about your matters just now, but I know about the rules of the martial artsmunity, so I didn''t mention anything to her. Don''t you worry about that. I''m not someone who''s ignorant of the rules."


    Rules?


    You know about them?


    But I don''t know about them!


    What martial artsmunity''s rules are you talking about?


    Zhang Ye was a fellow who had never regarded himself as part of the martial artsmunity. He was just an artist in show business. Back then, he had only gone to take on the variousrge sects because he was left with no choice. Who would have thought that after that, there would be a legend about him being passed down within the martial artsmunity? Further, the people in the martial artsmunity were even saying nothing about it and trembled at the mention of that incident.


    Why don''t you all just talk about it!


    No one is saying that you aren''t allowed to speak about it!


    You all have got to help this bro out by promoting the incident so that I can gain even more poprity!


    If the martial artsmunity knew that this was how Zhang Ye thought, they would probably cough up blood!


    Actually, the so-called martial artsmunity''s rules were just referring to how if you knew something, then you''d know it. That was all down to you being qualified enough to know about it, and if you didn''t, that just meant that it wasn''t something that you should know about. For example, people like Sister Lan and the rest of the entertainment circle''s celebrities. They were not part of the martial artsmunity, so these were things that no one would tell them about. At least, Sun Aixi could not tell them, because this involved too many people and was an event way beyond hisprehension. Besides, he did not have the seniority yet, so of course he couldn''t go around shooting his mouth off as he liked, especially not to outsiders. Matters of the martial arts world were only meant to be known by those from the martial arts world. That was the rule.


    Sun Aixi said respectfully, "If there''s a chance in the future, I hope I can receive some pointers from Master Zhang."


    Zhang Ye could only give a fist and palm salute and say, "You''re too kind with your words."


    Sun Aixi was overjoyed. "Then I take it that you''ve agreed?"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Ah? Well, sure."

 Chapter 1368 - There’s no heavy metal music in China?

    <h4>Chapter 1368 - There''s no heavy metal music in China? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The ne took off.


    It was soaring tens of thousands of feet up in the air.


    Ning Lan closed her eyes and slept.


    Xu Men was reading a book.


    Chen Guang and Zhao Wuliu were discussing tonight''s music festival.


    "Old Zhao, which song did you prepare?"


    "''Bobo.''"


    "Oh, that one."


    "There''s some difficulty to it, so it will have to depend on my condition. What about you?"


    "I don''t really know too many heavy metal songs either. I''ll probably go ahead with ''Chariot.''"


    "Neither of us are true metal singers, so we''d be forcing ourselves to sing in that style."


    "But we have no heavy metal to call our own in China."


    "Yeah. Hai, in the end, we still have to do covers of other singers'' songs."


    "There are some heavy metal songs that came out in our country in recent years, but they''re still not mature enough to be called good. We''re still starting, so let''s take it slowly. I''m sure there will be a day when we can finally have good songs of our own."


    "Hopefully so."


    Zhang Ye was wearing an eye mask to nap and had overheard their conversation.


    Surely not, right?


    China does not have any heavy metal music to call its own?


    Then what is the heavy metal scene like internationally?


    He got curious about this. After all, he wasn''t from this world and had slowly gotten to understand many matters in China. But there were still a lot of things he did not know about in the international scene. Since he was now thinking about aiming for the overseas market, he would naturally have to start getting a picture of how things worked abroad, especially for things like the style of music, as well as the culture. This was the other objective that Zhang Ye had for this trip to Korea. He was going to scout for intel.


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    The nended. They had arrived in Korea.


    Seoul.


    The airport.


    When they came out to Arrivals, they were met by someone from the charity banquet''s organizers. Perhaps there was also a leak in the news, so a lot of Korean fans and Chinese international students could also be seen standing in wait.


    "Ah!"


    "Xu Men!"


    "Xu Men!"


    "Jiang Hanwei!"


    "It''s Xiaodong!"


    A lot of people were shouting in Korean.


    Many of them were even holding up signs and cheering for their idols.


    Zhang Ye could not understand nor read the Korean letters, but he could still sense that no one was shouting his name. This showed that there was a significant drop in his poprity once he got out of China. In China, Zhang Ye was of equal status to Heavenly Queen Xu Men. He would have all kinds of fans surrounding him where he went, like at the airport lounge where two passengers approached Zhang Ye and Xu Men for their autographs and pictures. However, once they arrived in Korea, Xu Men was still enjoying the same kind of attention while Zhang Ye was not as well-known anymore, with his poprity dropping by a notch. Without mentioning Xu Men, even Jiang Hanwei, Xiaodong, Amy, and the others were more popr than Zhang Ye. It was to the point that a lot of the people did not seem to know who Zhang Ye was as they did not even cast a nce at him.


    On the bus.


    Zhang Ye looked out of the window and took in the exotic scenery, feeling very rxed.


    Ning Lan asked, "You seem to be in a good mood, don''t you?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yeah, it''s rare that I can go somewhere without getting recognized."


    Xiaodong rolled her eyes and said, "But you''re an Asian A-lister."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "I''m at the bottom of the A-list, and it''s also only because of the stats that I''m in it."


    "There are also lots of people who know you here." Chen Guang said, "But it''s just that not many of them are fans of yours. This is because you haven''t had any art that''s made it overseas, nor did you participate in any of the regional Asian activities."


    Amy said, "Buting back to the point, the people who have the greatest influence and poprity in the Asian region are mainly the Korean celebrities. Of the Asian Heavenly Kings and Queens, over half of them are Korean stars. The Korean entertainment industry is world famous. From their selection criteria, to the training and promotions, all of it is quite professionally handled. I feel that we''reckingpared to them in this area."


    Jiang Hanwei spoke at this moment, "The Korean celebrities are indeed very popr. They might not have many sessful examples on the international stage, nor do they have that many international superstars, but they have it really good in Asia. Just using China as an example, as long as a Korean star has a good act and is slightly better looking, they''ll be quite popr in China. At the very least, they can develop pretty well in our market. But for our own celebrities, if they''re thinking of expanding into the Korean or Japanese markets and doing well, that bes a really difficult thing to achieve."


    The bus traveled down the road.


    Everyone chatted along the way.


    Reaching the hotel.


    Unpacking their luggage.


    Eating.


    By the time everything was done, it was already afternoon.


    They had free time now since the charity banquet would be held tomorrow. Since everyone had nothing to do, they decided to apany Chen Guang and Zhao Wuliu.


    "Shall we leave?"


    "Alright, let''s head to the heavy metal music festival to see what it''s about."


    "I hardly ever listen to metal."


    "Old Chen and Old Zhao will both be singing?"


    "Yeah, don''t mind us if we embarrass ourselves."


    "Haha, we''ll be cheering both of you on from the audience."


    After arranging for the transportation and an interpreter, they set off for the venue.


    ��


    Later that afternoon.


    A little after 5 PM.


    At a venue in Seoul, the music was pumping hard.


    They had gone in via the back entrance and were ushered to the VIP seats.


    Once they got in, Ning Lan covered her ears. "It hasn''t started yet, right? Why is it so noisy then?"


    Amyughed. "This is exactly the kind of atmosphere they''re aiming for. Heavy metal music is very enjoyable to listen to. You need to feel it with your heart. It''s a pity that we don''t have many songs in our country. Most of the performances we have are just imitating what they do overseas and are only covers of foreign songs."


    Big Qi asked, "What about Korea and Japan?"


    Amy was a professional musician, so she naturally knew about the scene. She exined, "Korea and Japan also have their own styles of heavy metal. For example in Japan, their style is closer to that of the earlier heavy metal scene. Meanwhile, for Korea, I personally do not feel that they have a very clear style. What they do is forcefully switch English heavy metal songs into Korean. But if you want to say that that''s Korea''s very own genre of heavy metal, then I guess it wouldn''t be wrong either."


    Xiaodong said, "It''s only China that doesn''t have their own identity of metal to speak of."


    Amy said, "There''s nothing we can do about that. This is a path that we have to slowly find our way in. We have to see how we can use the Chinesenguage to bring about our very own style of metal. It may sound very simple, but it''s in fact far too difficult to achieve."


    There wasn''t a style of metal that belonged to China?


    They were talking about this again?


    This was already Zhang Ye''s second time hearing this today.


    He was getting more and more curious about what this world''s heavy metal scene was really like.


    The audience filed into the venue. There were Chinese international students, Koreans, and many Westerners attending the event. The scene was bouncing and everyone was dressed in very unique ways. Some of them were more alternative, while some were fully dressed in leather jackets and leather pants. Some people had dyed their hair all kinds of different colors. A majority of the crowd were young adults, and they were all pretty unique in their own ways.


    20 minutester.


    Everyone had been admitted.


    The International Heavy Metal Music Festival officially began.


    A Korean band came out onstage.


    The moment they appeared, loud screams rang out from the audience!


    It was in Korean. They were all shouting the same thing.


    Obviously, Zhang Ye and the others did not understand what was being said.


    The interpreter who hade along smiled and exined, "They''re calling out the band''s name: Storm."


    Zhang Ye remarked, "Thunder didn''te with them?"


    Amy rolled her eyes and said, "This is one of the most popr heavy metal bands in Korea."


    Xiaodong shouted, "They''re starting!"


    Xu Men looked to the stage curiously. She wasn''t really someone who listened to heavy metal music either.


    All of a sudden, the stage lights shed and dazzled!


    Violent music rocked the arena!


    Guitar!


    Bass!


    It set the arena off!


    All the shouting was in Korean. They couldn''t understand what was being sung and could only feel the music.


    Amy was an expert in this area. She said loudly, "This is really quite good!"


    Xiaodong also knew a little about this. "This metal voice, their lead singer has got a really good voice!"


    Xu Men quietly listened in appreciation.


    Ning Lan was sitting with her legs crossed and covering her ears. She found the noise unbearable.


    Only Zhang Ye had a different expression from the others. He was stunned.


    The second band came out!


    It was a heavy metal band from Japan!


    They were followed by a third band, which was one of the American representatives!


    The fourth band was from Find!


    The fifth one was from Ennd!


    In the audience, many of the Chinese international students were hooked by the performances. They were waving their hands wildly to the music!


    "This is awesome!"


    "What a great song!"


    "I like Storm so much!"


    "It''s still more amazing to hear it live!"


    "Yeah, it was really worth the effort toe here today!"


    "Have Chen Guang and Zhao Wuliu made their appearance yet?"


    "Soon, soon!"


    "It''s a pity that we don''t have any heavy metal music to call our own!"


    Xu Men gave her evaluation.


    Jiang Hanwei and Big Qi were also discussing the performances.


    Only Zhang Ye alone was stunned as he listened to the bands perform one after another!


    That was it?


    Was that it?


    Damn, and I was wondering how special the heavy metal scene would be after listening to everyone talking today. I thought that this world''s heavy metal music would be very different from my previous world. Well, isn''t it the same, after all? Isn''t this just ordinary heavy metal?


    They didn''t have something like this in China?


    Are you kidding me?

 Chapter 1369 - Zhang Ye saves the day!

    <h4>Chapter 1369 - Zhang Ye saves the day! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the music festival arena.


    The music was restless and the fans were screaming!


    Amy was getting all excited and also started screaming!


    Xiaodong was following the beat and humming along.


    Only two people were behaving differently from the others. One of them was Ning Lan as she could not stand this kind of music. The other person was Zhang Ye. He had a speechless expression and did not seem at all interested in the performances.


    Li Xiaoxian asked, "Teacher Zhang, you don''t like this?"


    Zhang Ye looked at her and said loudly, "Ah?"


    The music was too loud.


    Li Xiaoxian also said loudly, "You don''t like this?"


    Zhang Ye grimaced and said, "They''re all singing in foreignnguages. I can''t understand a thing."


    Amy turned around and shouted, "This is what real heavy metal is!"


    Zhang Ye simply responded with a hur hur.


    Ning Lan was amused and gave a hur hur of her own.


    Amy said in surprise, "This is so good!"


    Seeing Amy constantly praising the foreigners, Zhang Ye started to ignore her.


    You call this good?


    It''s so very normal!


    Then, screams came from the Chinese celebrity team.


    "It''s Old Chen''s turn!"


    "It''s time for Old Chen to sing!"


    "Let''s go!"


    "Bravo, great singing!"


    "He hasn''t even started yet."


    "Haha, I was just shouting in advance."


    Only then did Zhang Ye raise his head.


    Ning Lan stopped covering her ears as much.


    Since this was Chen Guang''s performance, they would definitely have to listen to it.


    Chen Guang was still considered quite popr in Asia. It wasn''t that high, but it could not be considered low either. Some of the Korean fans who liked rock ''n'' roll, as well as many of the Chinese international students, liked him a great deal. But of course, he couldn''t bepared to the local Korean celebrities and those rock ''n'' roll stars from the West. Be it for cultural or political reasons, in Japan or Korea, it was still the local stars and Caucasians who were more popr with the crowd. This was a phenomenon that was very difficult to change.


    The music yed!


    The band was an in-house one since Chen Guang and Zhao Wuliu did not have their own bands. Neither were professionals when it came to singing heavy metal songs and were just representing the Chinese rock ''n'' roll scene as guests today.


    Chen Guang started shouting.


    "If you look around!


    "We''re like!


    "Stars!


    "In the sky!"


    Amy called out, "This is pretty good!"


    Xiaodong smiled and said, "It''s this song!"


    Li Xiaoxian had also heard it before. "It''s that ssic heavy metal song from America."


    Jiang Hanwei said, "Old Chen has got really good vocals."


    Zhang Ye was actually quite looking forward to it at first, but he became annoyed listening to it.


    Good vocals? What''s so good about that? Old Chen isn''t suited to singing these types of songs. As someone who sings pop rock, why are you even getting yourself involved in heavy metal?


    Their group had a portable WiFi hotspot on them.


    Zhang Ye searched the Inte for this world''s heavy metal music. There weren''t too many subgenres, and they had gotten off to a slower startpared to Zhang Ye''s previous world. They werete by at least 20 years in development over here, so it was no wonder that Zhang Ye found it a little awkward to listen to. It was also no wonder that the China of this world still did not have any heavy metal music to call their own yet. So it was all down to thete development of metal in this world that the scene hadn''t matured enough. This International Heavy Metal Music Festival was only in its fifth year, sopared to the other genres of music, metal was in its infancy.


    Of course, describing it as still in its infancy was something that only Zhang Ye could say. This was because he had experienced the growth and maturity of metal in his previous world. He had listened to many, many ssics by so many different bands. This was why he had the qualifications to evaluate this matter in such a way. But to the people of this world, the current heavy metal scene was at the forefront of things. Naturally, no one would feel that it was still in its infancy, since none of them had witnessed any mature forms of metal. Perhaps in another few years, or a decade, they would finally see that day arrive.


    Chen Guang finished singing.


    Next up, even more bands took to the stage to perform. The bands were all heavy metal bands from all over the world. The tension in the arena was growing by the second.


    Ning Lan was about to vomit from listening to the performances. She yelled, "Can I ask? When are we leaving?"


    Amy said, "We''re only halfway through! Sister Ning, continue listening; feel the music with your heart! You''ll definitely feel the soul of heavy metal!"


    Ning Lan rolled her eyes. "Feel the music with my heart? I can''t appreciate it even if I use my kidneys to listen!"


    Zhang Ye was amused by this. Likewise, he too was unable to appreciate the performances.


    Mistakes.


    Roughness.


    There were blemishes in every performance that he listened to.


    And most crucial of all, he could not understand anything in English and Korean. There was even a band that sang in Spanish, leaving this fellow even more confused. An international music festival with heavy metal bands from so many different countries singing in their ownnguages. All of them had their own form of metal, all except for China? A great country like ours still had to cover other people''s songs? This fact made it even less meaningful. There was absolutely no sense in participating at all.


    Then Zhang Ye suggested, "I think it''s about time to leave."


    Ning Lan said, "Yes, yes, it''s really too noisy here."


    While they were talking, the Korean band onstage suddenly started singing.


    Big Qi was taken aback. "''Bobo''?"


    Li Xiaoxian eximed, "Didn''t Teacher Zhao say on the ne that he was nning on singing this song?"


    Amy was stunned. "Did he?"


    Xiaodong also remembered that. "I think he did."


    Zhang Ye frowned and said, "Don''t they all have a preset song list for music festivals like this? Surely they wouldn''t let two groups of people sing the exact same song, right?"


    Amy said, "That''s right, what''s going on here?"


    Xu Men said, "Could something have happened?"


    At this moment, everyone''s cell phone sounded.


    Amy cried out, "Look at the group chat on your phones!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "What group chat?"


    Amy said, "We made a group for those of us who were on the ne."


    Everyone took out their cell phones to have a look. It turned out that Zhao Wuliu had sent the message. He should currently be backstage and would be making his appearance onstage after a few more songs finished!


    In the group.


    Zhao Wuliu: "Anyone? Is anyone here?"


    Xu Men asked: "What''s the matter, Old Zhao?"


    Amy: "Why is somebody else singing your song?"


    Zhao Wuliu started cussing: "Goddamn motherfucking hell! That Korean band changed their song at thest minute by choosing to y ''Bobo'' instead. Even the organizers were not informed of this, and it was only found out after the band had gone onstage. This is the only song that I have prepared, and I have no backup songs that I can use. I don''t think I can go onstage to sing anymore!"


    Jiang Hanwei typed: "What about changing to a different song?"


    Zhao Wuliu: "There''s no time left. It''s an in-house band who''s ying my set, and we only practiced this one song earlier. Besides, I''m also not an expert in heavy metal, so I don''t really know that many songs. Furthermore, my English isn''t good either. Even if I''m better at it than Director Zhang, it''s still not by much. If I chose a different song, how could I memorize the lyrics? I would have to correct all my pronunciations, so there''s no way I can rush it. That group of Koreans are horrible people!"


    Xu Men suggested: "What about Old Chen?"


    Zhao Wuliu: "He only had one song prepared as well."


    Amy said: "Then what can be done?"


    Zhao Wuliu said: "That is why I''m calling for help. Do any of you here know metal? Any song would do, even if you only know one! Hurry ande stand in for me! I need someone to help me out!"


    Xu Men said: "Alright, we got it, let us discuss it for a bit."


    Zhao Wuliu said: "We only have 10 minutes left!"


    Overseas, everyone was still very helpful within the group.


    And besides, it was very difficult to say that the Koreans did not deliberately cause this.


    Being the leader of the group, Xu Men naturally took the responsibility. "Now that everyone knows about the trouble Old Zhao has just encountered, how should we handle this?"


    Ning Lan threw up her hands. "I can''t even sing pop songs well, all the more so for heavy metal."


    Jiang Hanwei said, "I don''t know rock ''n'' roll either."


    Big Qi expressed, "I''m even worse: I''m totally tone deaf."


    Xu Men looked at Amy. "Amy, you know a little about heavy metal, don''t you?"


    Amy was almost in tears. "I''m only good at talking about it. I don''t know how to sing it."


    Xiaodong added, "Not too many people know how to sing heavy metal. Even if there are, our members of Spring Garden don''t have the vocals to do so."


    They were an idol group, not some rock band.


    Xu Men turned to look at thest person. "Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips. "Heavy metal?"


    Xu Men asked, "Can you do it?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "I guess I''m OK."


    Ning Lan was the first one to show her disbelief. "You know how to sing heavy metal?"


    Big Qi also said in surprise, "Isn''t your English really bad?"


    Amy said, "Teacher Zhang, are you for real? Have you ever listened to heavy metal?"


    Zhang Ye thought to himself, When I started listening to heavy metal, you weren''t even conceived yet!

 Chapter 1370

    <h4>Chapter 1370 </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    They were pressed for time!


    They had to race against the clock!


    "So who''s going on?"


    "Only Teacher Zhang can do it."


    "There''s no time left. Old Zhao is still waiting, so let''s hurry up and decide. We''re in a foreign country, and every move we make will affect our country''s image. We cannot afford to lose here."


    "Didn''t Teacher Zhang already say that he can do it?"


    "Then it''s settled."


    "Teacher Zhang, we''re depending on you."


    Everyone came to an agreement.


    Zhang Ye looked at them. "I''ll be taking the stage then?"


    Amy sighed. "There''s no one else anyway."


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Alright, but I don''t have a band."


    Xu Men said, "A band?"


    Big Qi said, "Yeah, how are we going to handle the band issue?"


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye asked, "Amy, I heard that you can y the drums?"


    Amy was taken aback. "Ah? Ah, yes, I can."


    Zhang Ye looked at Xiaodong. "Sister Dong, your skill on the bass hasn''t been lost, right?"


    Xiaodong was dumbfounded. "Ah? It''s still OK."


    Zhang Ye nced at Li Xiaoxian. "ssmate Xiaoxian, you can still y the guitar, right?"


    Li Xiaoxian was taken back. "Uh, I guess."


    Zhang Ye snapped his fingers. "Alright, our band has been formed!"


    Everyone was dumbfounded.


    The members of Spring Garden eximed, "No, we can''t do it. This is a heavy metal performance. We haven''t even tried much of rock ''n'' roll before, much less heavy metal. Teacher Zhang, please don''t pull us down with you. You should get someone else, or maybe borrow a band from the organizers?"


    Zhang Ye nced at them. "Do you guys think that I''m asking you because I want your level of ying? It''s just that there isn''t anyone else I can ask and the organizer''s in-house bands are all foreigners. It''s not like I had any practice in advance with them, nor can I properlymunicate with them about the tune. There isn''t enough time either, so the three of you will have to make do!"


    Big Qi said, "Yeah, there are only the three of you amongst us who are professional musicians."


    Ning Lanughed and said, "Surely you all can''t expect Old Jiang and me to do it, right?"


    Xiaodong finally crumbled. "Alright."


    Amy was on the verge of tears. "I''ll give it a try."


    Zhang Ye then called them over. "I''ll briefly exin it. I''ll be the lead guitarist, so Xiaoxian will apany me. This is how the melody will sound like in general: When I increase the pitch, you''ll follow me��Sister Dong, this is your part��Amy, I don''t care what you do, just improvise��It doesn''t matter whether you can remember it or not as long as you keep up with my rhythm. Don''t mess up the tempo; hold steady. When we reach verse b, repeat these notes. All good?"


    He exined and wrote it.


    The members of Spring Garden were stunned.


    Amy eximed, "Which song is this?"


    Xiaodong also asked, "Why doesn''t it feel like I''ve heard this melody before? Does this song exist?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Why do you care what song it is. I''m the one singing it."


    Li Xiaoxian was the most obedient one. "OK, I got it, Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye checked his watch. "Come on, let''s go!"


    Xiaodong facepalmed. She could only bite the bullet and follow Zhang Ye.


    Amy clenched her teeth and stared. It was like she was staring Death in the eye.


    Ning Lan watched as they walked into the distance andughed. "These guys, why do they look like they''re walking onto the execution grounds?"


    Big Qi said worriedly, "W-Will this work?"


    Xu Men smiled and said, "Whether it works or not, it still has to be him."


    Big Qi said, "I''m just afraid that with Teacher Zhang''s English, he''ll make a fool of himself. Singing a song in English and pronouncing it wrong would be so embarrassing. There are so many foreigners watching in the audience today."


    Jiang Hanwei kept shaking his head. Thisst-second band was too thrown together.


    Backstage.


    Zhao Wuliu was pacing around.


    Chen Guang was also with him to discuss a way to handle the problem.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye arrived with his people. "When do we go on stage?"


    Chen Guang was startled. "What are you guys doing here?"


    Xiaodong gave a wry smile. "We''re here to save the day."


    Zhao Wuliu was astounded and surprised. "This is great! We must depend on our own people at such crucial moments! Teacher Zhang, are you the lead singer? Do you really know heavy metal?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I know a lot."


    Chen Guang said, "Can you sing in English?"


    Zhang Ye smiled but did not say anything.


    Zhao Wuliu said, "Regardless, I''ll go and tell the organizers so that we can switch out."


    He brought along the interpreter to look for them and settled it after much discussion.


    During this time, Zhang Ye seized the opportunity andmunicated further with the members of Spring Garden about the song. He spoke to them on when to get into the flow and when to increase the power, detailing everything to them. It was a good thing that they were all longtime friends and had also performed on the same stage before, so they had some mutual understanding.


    At this moment, a Korean staff member came over from the other side and said a few words.


    The interpreter immediately ryed, "It''s your turn!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Comrades, let''s go!"


    Xiaodong said, "Alright!"


    Amy said, "Hell, let''s do this!"


    Li Xiaoxian said, "I''m gonna try my best too!"


    Chen Guang called out to him, "Hey, why didn''t you change your clothes? You''re still wearing those Chinese clothes!"


    But Zhang Ye just reached up and adjusted the cor of his Chinese jacket 1 . "There''s no need to change!"


    Chen Guang looked really helpless and dared not imagine what sort of a performance they''d give.


    The four of them took a deep breath backstage before Zhang Ye stepped up and led the others onto the stage!


    It was arge venue!


    There were nearly 10,000 people in attendance!


    Everyone''s attention was suddenly on them!


    ��


    The American audience.


    "What?"


    "Who is he?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Why do those clothes look so weird?"


    "Is he Chinese?"


    ��


    The Korean audience.


    "Ah, isn''t that Spring Garden!"


    "It''s them. That''s Xiaodong, Amy, and Li Xiaoxian."


    "Did theye to the wrong ce?"


    "Yeah, this is a heavy metal music festival, not some pop concert!"


    "Who is that guy?"


    "I know him, it''s Zhang Ye!"


    "What? He is that Zhang Ye? That Heavenly King from China?"


    "Yeah!"


    ��


    The Chinese international students.


    "Ahhh!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Damn, what is that guy doing here?"


    "Even Spring Garden is here?"


    "What are they doing up there? Where''s Teacher Zhao Wuliu?"


    "Why is there a change to the lineup?"


    "How can Zhang Ye possibly know how to sing heavy metal!"


    "That''s right. This fellow''s English cannot even bepared to a middle school student''s!"


    "Is he wearing a tangzhuang?"


    "That''s an updated form of it, right? How is he going to perform a heavy metal song wearing that? Shouldn''t he at least change into leather pants?"


    "Pfft, what an unprofessional guy!"


    "He must be trying to create trouble!"


    ��


    The heavy metal bands from the different countries were all shaking their heads.


    Especially the bands from Japan and Korea. They were very opinionated.


    "What is this?"


    "Are they even here to sing heavy metal?"


    "You wouldn''t think so just by looking at them."


    "Where did they pop out from?"


    "Are they Chinese? But China has no metal of their own."


    "They''re definitely going to cover a song. How uninteresting."


    "Of all the acts that this music festival is featuring, why did they choose to invite the Chinese? Are they trying to mess around?"


    "Just because the song they prepared was performed by someone else, they don''t have any other songs they can perform? Trash tier."


    "What do you mean?"


    "One of the Korean bands changed songs for their performance, which shed with one of the songs the Chinese selected."


    "That happened? So they can''t sing it anymore? And had to change their lineup? Well, I guess it''s not surprising. The Chinese don''t have their own metal. How many songs could they possibly know?"


    ��


    In the VIP seating.


    Chen Guang and Zhao Wuliu came over to join the others.


    Ning Lan told them, "Take a seat, it''s about to start."


    Chen Guang was not looking forward to this at all.


    Zhao Wuliu''s heart was pounding as he silently cheered them on.


    Xu Men''s pair of beautiful eyes were staring at the stage.


    Big Qi shouted, "Come on! Come on!"


    ��


    On the stage.


    Zhang Ye stood there calmly.


    Xiaodong and the others were behind their instruments.


    Seeing the audience muttering, hearing the lukewarm apuse from them, Zhang Ye was very unhappy. The bands that appeared before them did not receive the treatment that they were getting. Was it just because of his Chinese jacket? That they assumed he didn''t know heavy metal? Just because he was Chinese, they thought that he didn''t know heavy metal?


    Zhang Ye found this ridiculous and sighed.


    Thinking back to the prosperous Great Tang, how mighty was China back then?


    What did we not have at that time?


    What could we not do at that time?


    Who was not convinced by us at that time?


    Change clothes?


    Change into something that would befit metal?


    Don''t be stupid!


    Today, this is what I''ll wear!


    Today, I''m dressed in this Chinese jacket!


    I''ll let you all listen to China''s heavy metal!


    Zhang Ye''s electric guitar rang out!


    A deafening melody filled the arena. It was a melody that carried a strong feel of heavy metal in it as it stirred everyone who heard it up in surprise. All of them raised their heads and stared straight in a stunned manner at Zhang Ye who was up on stage!


    The sound of the bass came in.


    The drums started ying as well!


    The melody''s pitch was getting higher and higher!


    Zhang Ye''s face had a reminiscent look on it. He suddenly shut his eyes and a voice that was heavilyced with a sense of heavy metal suddenly rang out across the venue. The moment he opened his mouth, the entire audience at the venue eximed. The foreign Chinese students were dumbfounded, Chen Guang was dumbfounded, Xu Men was dumbfounded, Ning Lan was dumbfounded, and even the trio of Spring Flower Garden who were ying with Zhang Ye were so shocked that they nearly took their hands off from their instruments!


    Zhang Ye sang 2 .


    " Chrysanthemum, sword, and wine! 3


    "Infused into the noisy garden via coffee!


    "Another nation worships the ancient moon at a sun altar!


    "The Kaiyuan 4 golden age charms people!"


    Everyone was stunned!


    It was in Chinese!


    Jesus!


    Why was it in Chinese!


    Chen Guang and Zhao Wuliu looked at each other, stunned!


    Ning Lan gasped!


    Big Qi stared with wide eyes!


    Xu Men leaped to her feet!


    Zhang Ye sang in his head voice 5 .


    " The wind! Can''t blow away sorrow! 6


    "Flowers! Can''t satisfy nostalgia!


    "The snow! Can''t reflect thend!


    "The moon! Can''t fulfill old dreams!"


    He then raised his right hand and unfurled his fingers, singing loudly.


    "Our fate''s imprinted in the lines of our palms!


    "Tonight is sober and dreamless!


    "Following my destiny, going toward a myth!


    "Dreaming of the Tang dynasty-y-y-y!"


    A dream?


    Of the Tang dynasty?


    A majestic picture was painted for all to see!


    Instantly, the Chinese international students stood up and started screaming madly!


    The Western audience stood up in shock. How was this possible!


    The Korean audience was at a loss for words as they gave expressions of disbelief!


    God!


    This was China''s heavy metal?


    This was China''s very own heavy metal music?!


    But that was impossible!


    Didn''t China not have its own heavy metal music!


    This was not possible at all!


    Why does this song sound even moreplete than our heavy metal music?


    A lot of people were stunned!


    Zhang Ye sang loudly.


    "Tonight''s goblet reflects the bright moon!


    "Feudal peoples, a busy Silk Road!


    "Tonight''s goblet reflects the bright moon!


    "A collection of treasures and talented people!


    "Tonight''s goblet reflects the bright moon!


    "The smell of paper and ink, the artist''s soul flooding out!


    "Tonight''s goblet reflects the bright moon!


    "Heroes radiating courage to the universe!"


    Amy could feel her blood pumping as she drummed furiously!


    Xiaodong was ying the bass and was captivated by the music!


    Zhang Ye suddenly switched to an operatic style of singing and growled.


    "Reminiscing about golden ages!


    "Close friends from all over the world!


    "A vision of a borderless world!


    " If only millions of manors could be built! 7 "


    He fist-pumped his right hand!


    Chen Guang raised his hand!


    Zhao Wuliu raised his hand!


    Big Qi raised his hand!


    Even someone like Ning Lan who did not enjoy heavy metal got caught in the moment and raised her right hand!


    The atmosphere had hit a fever pitch!


    The entire venue responded!


    One hand!


    100 hands!


    1,000 hands!


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath and howled.


    "Our fate''s imprinted in the lines of our palms!


    "Tonight is sober and dreamless!


    "Following my destiny, going toward a myth!


    "Just like returning to the Tang dynasty in a dream-m-m-m-m-m-m!"


    This magnificent scale!


    This resplendent sight!


    These overwhelming emotions!


    These towering heroics!


    It was crazy!


    Everyone had gone crazy!


    Chen Guang and Zhao Wuliu could feel their pulse coursing!


    The Chinese international students'' tears were streaming!


    This is our very own style of heavy metal!


    Today, China has finally truly gained its own identity in heavy metal music!


    ��


    On this day.


    On this date.


    This pioneer heavy metal piece from China in Zhang Ye''s previous world, this most ssic heavy metal piece that made everyone go crazy over it, "Dreaming of the Tang Dynasty" debuted!


    Dressed in a Chinese jacket.


    And with "Dreaming of the Tang Dynasty."


    Zhang Ye roped in Spring Garden with him and shocked Asia!

 Chapter 1371 - The encore finale: ’Ashamed’!

    <h4>Chapter 1371 - The encore finale: ''Ashamed''! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The performance ended.


    The audience was screaming!


    "That was awesome!"


    "Oh my God!"


    "This is what heavy fucking metal should sound like!"


    "I feel all of the blood in my body pumping!"


    "This is our very own style of heavy metal!"


    "What a great Teacher Zhang!"


    "What a great ''Dreaming of the Tang Dynasty''!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    Many of the Chinese international students were chanting Zhang Ye''s name!


    Many of the foreigners also started chanting. Things were going out of control in the arena!


    Many of the participating bands were also dumbfounded from listening. Several white band members looked at one another in shock. The song that was just performed had opened their eyes. This heavy metal was clearly quite different from their styles, with many of its own elements added in. In fact, these elements were what amazed them; it was detailed and added in a cultural style. After they finished listening to the performance, it felt like they had benefited from the experience as well. This was very novel and quite high level. They did not know if it was a false impression, but they actually felt that this Chinese guy''s heavy metal music had "surpassed" theirs by a great deal! It was astonishing! This song did not even seem like it belonged to this era of heavy metal!


    Several of the Korean bands looked disgusted. How could this be?! They were just mocking the fact that China did not have its own brand of heavy metal, but their faces were smacked swollen by Zhang Ye? Zhang Ye? So this was the Chinese Heavenly King who had beaten up one of their Korean stars, Lee Anson? Where on earth did this guy pop out of!


    ��


    Zhang Ye leaped off the stage.


    The Spring Garden members followed close behind.


    The following performers, a Japanese band, went onstage next.


    The music festival continued.


    ��


    When they got backstage, the members of Spring Garden burst into excitement!


    Xiaodong eximed, "That was so kickass! It was so fun!"


    Li Xiaoxian said excitedly, "This, this song is awesome!"


    Amy grabbed Zhang Ye by the shoulder. "Teacher Zhang! My brother! My dear brother! That was so impressive of you! This song is godly! It''s so fucking godly!"


    Xiaodong said, "I think I''ve fallen in love with heavy metal!"


    Amy let out a guffaw. "We''ve really made an impression this time! We''ve earned glory for the Chinese rock ''n'' roll scene! This is the first time that the Chinese rock ''n'' roll scene has shouted its own voice on an international heavy metal music stage! It''s so awesome! Teacher Zhang, are we going to be popr?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Who knows? As long as we enjoyed ourselves, that''s enough."


    Li Xiaoxian said, "We''ll definitely be popr. Just look at the audience''s response. All of them went crazy!"


    Xiaodong marveled, "Yeah, there were several thousand people who raised their right hands. That sight was so stunning! Even the foreigners are shocked by our performance!"


    Currently, several other bands were also backstage with them.


    A Finnish band member looked at them and politely smiled.


    A Dutch band member gave them a thumbs up.


    Zhang Ye and the others smiled back at them.


    Taking a bottle of water and drinking, Zhang Ye then said, "Get some rest. That was really tiring."


    Amy said excitedly, "What was so tiring about that? I had such a great time."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "You might not be tired, but I am. I''m hoarse!"


    He did not have a voice trained for heavy metal and had to force it for today''s performance. The difficulty of this song was extremely high and not just anyone could sing it. Zhang Ye had to expend a lot of energy just to be able to perform it.


    One song.


    Two songs.


    Three songs.


    The final performance ended.


    The setlist for the International Heavy Metal Music Festival waspleted!


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Let''s go!"


    The members of Spring Garden were also getting ready to leave.


    However, the organizers came over and informed everyone that in ordance to the past music festivals, when all of the bands finished performing, there would be an encore finale. The band with the most cheers would get the opportunity to perform the final song of the night, just as how it had been done every year.


    Zhang Ye shrugged it off since he didn''t feel like they would be the ones to get the chance.


    But when they heard the shoutinging from inside the arena, he and the Spring Garden members were stunned!


    The screams were deafening!


    The crowd was shouting their names one by one!


    "Storm!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "WI99!"


    "SS Band!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    At the beginning, they were shouting for all the different bands. The cheers for the more popr bands were also very loud. But towards the end, the minority group of just over a hundred Chinese international students were shouting so loudly that they covered up the screams of everyone else. Their shouting became louder and louder, more and more in unison. In the end, even a lot of the foreigners shouted along with them!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    Cheers rang out all over the arena!


    Zhang Ye pointed at himself. "Are they shouting for us?"


    Amy said, "Yes, it''s us! It''s us!"


    Xiaodong said, "My God, they''re really calling for us?"


    Li Xiaoxian said anxiously, "So are we going on or what?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Since everyone is showing so much support for us, let''s do one more song!"


    Xiaodong said, "You have another Chinese metal song?"


    Amy could not believe it either. "There''s another?"


    Zhang Ye smiled but did not say anything.


    Another?


    Get rid of the question mark and you have your answer!


    In the VIP seating.


    Chen Guang was stunned!


    Zhao Wuliu was so excited that he nearly cried!


    Big Qi said startled, "The foreigners are shouting for Zhang Ye?"


    Xu Men gasped and said, "They''re calling for him to return onstage for the encore. Teacher Zhang''s song won over the audience!"


    Chen Guang said in a surprised and nervous manner, "B-But does he know any other songs?"


    Zhao Wuliu shook off his surprise. "Uh, yeah, where''s he gonna find another song?"


    Jiang Hanwei looked at the empty stage. "They still haven''te back onto the stage?"


    Xu Men said worriedly, "Do they really have no more songs to perform?"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    They still weren''ting out?


    As a result, the audience in the arena roared even louder!


    In Seoul, in the arena of an international music festival, over 10,000 people were shouting a Chinese person''s name in unison. What kind of a visual was this? What kind of an honor was this?


    Many of the foreign bands were dumbfounded!


    The faces of the Korean band members looked even darker!


    They were ying in their own country tonight!


    This was their home turf!


    But everyone was actually cheering for a Chinese band to y the encore?


    How could something like this even happen!


    Suddenly, the screams exploded!


    "Ah!"


    "They''re here!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Spring Garden!"


    "One more song!"


    "One more song!"


    "One more song!"


    Onstage.


    Zhang Ye led the group out and leaped onto the stage with a flourish!


    One more?


    Alright then!


    I can even sing ten more songs if you want!


    Then the guitar, bass, and drums yed together!


    When Zhang Ye opened his mouth, his voice 1 explosively filled the entire venue again!


    "Yo ohhhh, ohhhhhhh!


    "Yo ohhhh, ohhhhhhh!"


    It was crazy in the audience!


    Everyone was rocking out!


    Zhang Ye sang loudly.


    "In the middle of the crowd, there stands you and me!


    "Meeting and getting to know each other!


    "In the middle of the crowd, there stands you and me!


    "Pretending to wear honest smiles!


    "There''s no need to speak, you know exactly!


    "What it is that you and me both want to do!


    "There''s no need to care so much or feel sorry!


    "Someday, I''m sure you will understand me!"


    Chen Guang no longer knew what to say!


    Zhao Wuliu got so excited that he couldn''t control himself!


    Ning Lan cheered!


    Big Qi howled!


    There was another!


    There really was another song!


    Well done!


    Teacher Zhang, well done!


    Zhang Ye sang loudly, "Not gonna believe!"


    Xiaodong got into the flow of the song. "Believe whatever the reasons are!"


    Zhang Ye and Amy shouted together, "People have be so indiffere-e-e-e-ent!"


    Zhang Ye sang, "Not gonna remember!"


    Li Xiaoxian sang spiritedly, "Remember the past!"


    Zhang Ye, Xiaodong, Li Xiaoxian, and Amy sang, "I''m no longer the person I wa-a-a-a-as!"


    The crowd sang so hard they went hoarse. They were waving their arms like crazy!


    Some people even started crying listening to the song!


    All of a sudden.


    The guitar yed quieter.


    The drumbeat disappeared.


    The sound of the bass also died out.


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Zhang Ye clutched the chest of his Chinese jacket and closed his eyes.


    "I''ve felt lonely before.


    "And I''ve been shunned too."


    Suddenly, he opened his eyes and sang out loudly with a determined but uncaring look, "But I''ve never felt ashamed to show my fa-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-ace!"


    The arena blew up!


    Nobody could control their emotions anymore!


    Screams!


    Howls!


    Craziness!


    No one was spared!


    This final verse speared the hearts of each and every member of the Chinese celebrity team!


    They had been lonely.


    They had been snubbed.


    But they had never been ashamed!


    Zhang Ye!


    Just what kind of a person was he?

 Chapter 1372

    <h4>Chapter 1372 </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On that night.


    The event came to a sessful end.


    The International Heavy Metal Music Festival concluded with Zhang Ye''s singing.


    However, the nearly 10,000-strong audience in the arena were reluctant to leave. They were still in a state of elevated emotions as they continued shouting a name crazily��it was the name of a Chinese person!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    With "Dreaming of the Tang Dynasty"!


    And with "Ashamed"!


    It gave the attendees of the event goosebumps!


    It was great!


    It was awesome!


    ��


    On the returning bus.


    Zhang Ye had a lingering look on his face.


    Tang Dynasty''s song.


    ck Panther''s song.


    He had brought them out today and it felt great! It was so fun!


    Zhang Ye might not be a professional rock ''n'' roll musician, but he did have a rock ''n'' roll heart!


    On the bus.


    Zhang Ye and the Spring Garden members got "surrounded" by everyone!


    Big Qi gave them a thumbs up and said excitedly, "There''s nothing I can say except that it was awesome! It was so impressive! Did you all see the atmosphere in the arena? Nearly 10,000 people were chanting your name! Nearly 10,000 people were screaming and shouting! This sort of atmosphere isn''t something that we usually experience in a normal concert back at home. Such a level of craziness can only be felt in a heavy metal performance like this! I got so pumped up listening from the audience. Old Chen, Old Zhao, and I screamed until we were hoarse!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Haha."


    Amy eximed, "I had such a good time too!"


    Xiaodong said happily, "Today was such a nice outlet!"


    "Yeah!" Li Xiaoxian said, "Who says that China doesn''t have its own form of heavy metal!"


    Xu Men thenughed. "Today, I finally understood where the nickname of ''Face-smacking Zhang'' came from. In the past, I didn''t really pay much attention to it and kept wondering why people were always calling him that."


    Amy said, "Haha, you''re only learning this now, Sister Lan? Teacher Zhang has been walking the path of smacking faces for so many years! He''s even expanding it outside of China!"


    Ning Lanughed and said, "I never used to listen to heavy metal music. Listening to the others perform today only sounded like I was listening to noise. It really pained my ears to hear them sing. But when Teacher Zhang sang his song, I didn''t find it annoying at all. I even found it rather entertaining, so what was with that? That is what our Teacher Little Zhang is capable of! Haha!"


    Zhang Ye pretentiously waved it off. "Sister Ning, let''s be more modest, more modest!"


    Zhao Wuliu gasped and said, "Director Zhang, I really have to take my hat off to you today. I''m entirely convinced! Just what do you not know? You can evene up with a Chinese style heavy metal song? And it was even created on the spot? Do you know how many bands in China could not make it in the scene even after many years? If we had known, we would havee to you for guidance long ago! Then China''s rock ''n'' roll scene would''ve been able to proudly say its name on the international stage several years earlier!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I was just helping you out back there. I''m not a professional at this."


    Chen Guang bellyughed. "How was that just helping out? You absolutely killed it, you know? With today''s performance, it''s opened a new chapter for China''s heavy metal! Those two songs of yours are the stepping stones to the empire of China''s metal scene! It''s an extremely valuable contribution! It has also set a direction for the Chinese heavy metal bands who are still struggling to find their way in the international metal scene. This is as good as being the founding father of the industry. When future generations y metal, who can avoid being linked to you? In the future, when people mention the development of metal music in China, the first name they will bring up is yours! They would all talk about the 5th International Heavy Metal Music Festival! This will benefit all future generations!"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "It''s not that great, it''s not that great."


    When Xiaodong heard this, she rolled her eyes yfully. "Hey, hey, what about us? Why isn''t anyone mentioning us?"


    Amy also said unhappily, "Right, right, what about our contributions?"


    Everyone hastily started to tter them as well.


    "You guys were great too."


    "Right, your names have already gone down in history!"


    "Haha, Sister Dong''s bass ying was great!"


    "Amy''s drumming was also very on point."


    "That''s right, it''s very difficult to imagine that you guys had only refined the details just before getting onstage."


    "The singing was very good too!"


    "That ending shout that the three of you did, that was so heavy metal!"


    With this, the threedies of Spring Garden got extremely spoiled by thepliments.


    Amy puffed out her chest. "From now on, the three of us have also be rock singers!"


    Xiaodong also joked, "That''s right, we''ve switched genres and won''t be carrying on as an idol group!"


    Zhang Ye and Li Xiaoxian were speechless.


    Everyone was amused.


    But today really was an exhrating day for all of them!


    The four of them had really done China proud!


    ��


    Elsewhere.


    Somewhere in Seoul.


    At Lee Anson''s office studio.


    "Oppa! Oppa!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "That Zhang Ye is in Seoul!"


    "What? What is he doing here?"


    "I think it''s for tomorrow''s charity banquet. But just a while ago, he and the Chinese celebrity team members attended the International Heavy Metal Music Festival. He even went onstage and outdid our famous Korean Storm band, as well as the other foreign bands! The venue''s atmosphere was totally crazy! It was simply unbelievable!"


    "How is that possible!"


    "It''s true! One of our staff members was present at the venue!"


    "How would a Chinese guy know how to sing heavy metal!"


    ��


    On a Korean socialwork.


    "The video is out!"


    "Let me rmend a clip to everyone. All of you, have a listen to this!"


    "What is it?"


    "It''s a song that was performed at the heavy metal music festival!"


    "Wow, this is a great performance!"


    "What a stunning performance, I can feel my blood surging from listening to it!"


    "Who is he?"


    "This is a Heavenly King from China. He''s also an Asian A-list celebrity!"


    "I don''t know this person."


    "I don''t know him either."


    "Ah? Isn''t that the world number one in Go?"


    "Yes, that''s him!"


    "Oh, oh, oh! I remember him now that you mention it!"


    ��


    Japan.


    Online.


    "That was such a ssic!"


    "Those who like heavy metal music should all listen to this!"


    "It''s really difficult to believe that this song was performed by a Chinese guy!"


    "Who is Zhang Ye?"


    "It''s that teacher from the Chinese university. He led some students to scold our countrymen some time ago."


    "Ah? It''s him!"


    "He even knows how to sing?"


    "Yeah, I heard that this person is one of the top celebrities in China!"


    "Right, he''s also on the Asian A-list rankings!"


    ��


    The media in Asia also followed up with reporting this news!


    The reporters in Asia were very shocked!


    This news was indeed quite unbelievable to them!


    "The International Heavy Metal Music Festival Opens!"


    "A Chinese celebrity amazes the venue with a spectacr performance!"


    "China''s heavy metal musices to Asia!"


    "''Dreaming of the Tang Dynasty'' sweeps an entire music festival!"


    "A Chinese celebrity steals the limelight!"


    "Zhang Ye: An Asian A-list celebrity with a tainted past!"


    ��


    The clip from the music festival went viral!


    The two songs that were recorded live went viral!


    Instantly, Zhang Ye''s name becamemon knowledge across Asia!


    And this was even Zhang Ye''s first time stepping onto a stage abroad. It was also the first time he used this method to introduce himself to the citizens and media of Asia!


    On this night.


    The Asian Celebrity Rankings Index was updated.


    On the rankings, Zhang Ye''s poprity score had actually increased by quite a bit!

 Chapter 1373 - The news spreads back to China!

    <h4>Chapter 1373 - The news spreads back to China! </h4>


    1373 The news spreads back to China!


    On the morning of the second day.


    Back in China, people gradually caught wind of the news.


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio, everyone wasing in to work as usual.


    "Morning."


    "Morning, Director Ha."


    "Brother Zuo, you''re here already?"


    "Good morning. Nothing happened during the night, right?"


    "No, nothing. Ever since Director Zhang reached the summit, there have been fewer people scolding him these days."


    "Eh, what''s the matter? What''s with this?"


    "What is it, Little Wang?"


    "Look, why has Director Zhang''s poprity on the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index suddenly gone up?"


    "It''s very normal for it to rise by a little, isn''t it?"


    "It''s not just by a little, it''s risen by quite a bit!"


    "What? That can''t be."


    "Yeah, isn''t the charity auction going to happen tonight? Besides, Director Zhang''s activity this time is only for him increase his exposure in Asia. He''s only going to take part in the regional activity to let those who do not know him yet learn about him a little. We aren''t exactly expecting him to gain much of a rise in poprity at all!"


    "Let me have a look!"


    "Damn, it really has risen!"


    "What''s with this? What happened?"


    "Did Director Zhang kick up a fuss abroad again?"


    They were all confused. They did not understand what had happened and quickly went to find out.


    ��


    At a newspaper firm.


    "What?"


    "Are you serious?"


    "Zhang Ye has done something to shock the foreigners in Korea?"


    "At a heavy metal music festival?"


    "What the heck! There was even an incident like that?"


    "The Asian media outlets have already reported about it?"


    "Hurry, hurry, hurry! Go and find out about the events!"


    "Why would Zhang Ye participate in a heavy metal music festival!"


    ��


    At Central TV.


    "Such a thing happened?"


    "What? Something this big happenedst night?"


    "Are there any sources?"


    "Are there any sources from the music festival?"


    "What do you mean by no?"


    "Go and seek it out! Hurry!"


    "You must get your hands on the video ofst night''s music festival!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    In the neighborhood.


    "Old Zhang!"


    "Ai, Big Sis Sun."


    "Your family''s Little Ye is in the limelight again!"


    "Ah? What happened?"


    "Didn''t you watch the news? He sang in Korea and shocked to the foreigners!"


    "What did he sing?"


    "I''m not sure either!"


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    The news was spreading all through China!


    It wasn''t because of the time zone difference, nor was there a ckout in the news. The key issue was that the Chinese media was not paying any attention to the International Heavy Metal Music Festival. After all, everyone knew that China''s heavy metal bands did not have much of a status in the international scene. It could even be said that they had no status at all, and that would not be putting it too harshly. They did not even have a heavy metal music style to call their own. Over time, the media stopped paying attention to it. This was just like how the Westerners did not really pay attention to table tennis. As they were not good at the sport and always lost whenever they yed, who would want to concern themselves over that?


    As such, this news arrivedte to China!


    That was why the Chinese were thest ones to find out!


    After learning about the events that happened duringst night''s music festival, countless people became really curious. Simultaneously, they found it hard to believe. Just what songs did Zhang Ye sing? What songs did he perform? From the news in the Asian media, they found out that Zhang Ye had actually led Spring Garden onstage and outperformed all of the other heavy metal bands from the other countries? He had dominated the chance to sing the encore finale? And became the most popr band that the attendees wanted to watch atst night''s music festival?


    Was this some kind of tall tale?


    Was this some kind of nonsense?


    When did China''s heavy metal scene reach that level?


    What was going on!


    Clips?


    Sources?


    A live audio recording?


    They still didn''t know if they could get their hands on those since it happened in another country. If it had been in China, that would not have been a problem at all. One of China''s greatest strengthsy in the acquisition of pirated resources. It led all of the other countries in the world, and Chineseizens were feared for their ability and awareness of where to look for such resources.


    Very soon, they were found by those extremely resourceful citizens!


    In fact, there was even an HD video of the entire International Heavy Metal Music Festival!


    Countless people in China started watching it out of curiosity. In the end, they were all shocked by what took ce in the arena!


    ��


    On Weibo.


    A lot of metalheads were in an uproar.


    "Oh my God!"


    "That was godly! Zhang Ye sang it in such a godly way!"


    "That was truly scary!"


    "I''m getting the goosebumps!"


    "That Zhang Ye fellow can even sing heavy metal?"


    "And it was in Chinese too! Heavens! Tears are streaming down my face!"


    "It''s in Chinese! It''s really a heavy metal song in Chinese!"


    "We finally have our very own metal! Ahhhhhh!"


    "How exciting! This feeling is indescribable!"


    "''Dreaming of the Tang Dynasty''?"


    "Fuck! How can it be so stunning!"


    "Shouldn''t it be Old Chen and Zhao Wuliu going onstage to perform? I heard about this music festival, but I don''t remember that Zhang Ye was invited for it? So why did he perform? And there''s even Xiaodong and the others too?"


    "I heard from one of the Chinese students studying over there. There was a Korean band who resorted to dirty tricks and sang the song that Zhao Wuliu was ted to perform. Old Zhao only had one song prepared, so he didn''t get to sing it when the time came. It was Zhang Ye who led Xiaodong, Amy, and Li Xiaoxian to save the day. Who could have thought that by going onstage, they would end up shocking everyone!"


    "That was so impressive!"


    "Damn, I''m fucking impressed as well!"


    "Regarding Zhang Ye, a lot of people are still scolding, criticizing, and doubting him. He has been attacked by a lot of people these few years, yet why can he still get to the top of the entertainment circle by making it into the S-list step by step? Why is it that even after scolding him, everyone still loves him to death? Because in these crucial moments, people still have to fucking depend on him. You have no choice but to be impressed!"


    "Zhang Ye is on fire again!"


    "This fellow is going to be on fire all across Asia this time!"


    "Was it really that good? I don''t really enjoy it."


    "Previous poster, go listen to it a few more times. It''s really good!"


    "Yeah, these two songs signal the rise of China''s heavy metal scene. They carry tremendous meaning to them!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang has returned!"


    "He''s gone and pped the faces of those in Asia!"


    "Hahahahahaha! How satisfying! It feels so good!"


    "I just like this grumpy temper of Zhang Ye''s!"


    "That''s right, pfft! He always ends up smacking the faces of others out of the blue!"


    Quite a few people also felt that the songs were average, because not everyone was able to ept metal and rock music. But whatever everyone''s evaluation of them, no matter what the disagreements were, they all loved to hear about how Zhang Ye had shocked the foreigners with his performance on the Asian front!


    How uplifting!


    How vaunted!


    He''s shown the might of our country!


    ��


    At Zhang Xia''s house.


    "Mom, have you watched the news yet?"


    "Hur hur, I did."


    "Teacher Zhang is really capable."


    "Well, he just can''t sit idle for longer than a moment."


    ��


    At the Princess of Love Songs, Xue Kaiqi''s home.


    "Sister Xue, have you heard them yet?"


    "Yes."


    "How were they?"


    "Those songs are what heavy metal should sound like!"


    ��


    At musician Huang Cheng''s office studio.


    "Teacher Huang, what do you think?"


    "Zhang Ye is really good. Compared to our country, there are more people in Asia who listen to heavy metal, especially in Japan and Korea. The eptance level there is much higher and more professional as well. If even they were so shocked by Zhang Ye''s songs, then it clearly states his abilities. There really is no one out there who can touch him!"


    "I like these two songs as well! I always get goosebumps each time I listen to them!"


    ��


    A rock band in China.


    "These are really the stepping stones of our country''s heavy metal scene!"


    "It''s so awesome!"


    "All of us have Zhang Ye to thank for that!"


    ��


    Among the people.


    In the media.


    Within the industry.


    In the rock scene.


    Across Asia.


    There was only praise!

 Chapter 1374 - The charity banquet begins!

    <h4>Chapter 1374 - The charity banquet begins! </h4>


    Chapter 1374: The charity banquet begins!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    12:30 PM.


    Seoul, Korea.


    The air here was clear and smog free. Other than this difference, the surrounding skyscrapers and traffic almost made it seem like back home.


    At a restaurant emzoned with Hangul, the Chinese celebrity team that was now abroad did not behave too conspicuously. They simply found a random restaurant close to the hotel and went in.


    Some Koreans were pointing at them and whispering.


    "Eh."


    "Look."


    "Those women are so pretty."


    "Are they celebrities?"


    "They don''t look like they''re from our country, right?"


    "They''re Chinese celebs!"


    "Ah, that person is Zhang Ye."


    "Right, I saw a video of him yesterday!"


    "It''s really him!"


    "ording to the news reports, he''s a hooligan."


    "He has a really bad reputation back in China."


    "Yeah, Anson-oppa was beaten up by him before."


    "During the Japanese delegation''s visit to China, he also scolded them."


    "But his singing is quite good."


    When the Chinese celebrity team first arrived in Korea after their flight, the people at the airport did not know Zhang Ye, and no one gave him much attention either. But just a dayter, when the Chinese celebrity team appeared in public on the streets of Seoul and in the restaurant, already some people could recognize Zhang Ye without his shades on. This was such an obvious difference from before and was also reflective of Zhang Ye''s increase in poprity on the Asian Celebrity Rankings. Although this change was not enough to cause a qualitative change yet, it was still a good start. This indicated that there was still a lot of room for improvement in Zhang Ye''s Asian poprity. His fame was slowly rising. Zhang Ye''s trip to Korea had already exceeded his target of just making an impression on the Asian stage.


    They ordered food.


    Then started eating.


    Ning Lan was pointing behind Zhang Ye with her chopsticks and smiling. "Are those people talking about you?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Who knows, I can''t understand what they''re saying."


    Xiaodong giggled and said, "Look at our Director Zhang. He''s always so charming and capable. He gets famous wherever he goes to, and even the Asian market has opened its doors to him."


    Zhang Ye pretentiously waved it off. "Keep it down, keep it down."


    The apanying female interpreter arched her brows. Turning back to take a look, she could not bring herself to tell Zhang Ye that they were mostly speaking ill of him.


    Hooligan.


    Bastard.


    Fighting.


    Scolding.


    Which of those words had a positive ring to them?


    Chen Guang asked, "Eh, where''s Sister Lan?"


    Amy said, "She went off early in the morning to take care of some business. I guess she might be picking up the others right now?"


    Li Xiaoxian said, "I''ve already sent Sister Lan our location. She''ll being over in a bit."


    As they were talking, the others arrived.


    Outside, the two Heavenly Queens arrived side by side.


    One of them was Xu Men.


    The other one was Zhang Yuanqi.


    There were another five or so other Chinese celebrities behind them. They were all going to take part in this year''s Asian Charity Banquet and had probably arrived today on the same flight as Zhang Yuanqi. Huo Dongfang was also among them. But other than Old Huo, Zhang Ye was not familiar with the rest of the group since he hadn''t had any dealings with them before.


    Zhang Ye greeted, "Old Zhang, Old Huo, you''re here?"


    Huo Dongfang smiled and said, "You guys have already started eating? Why didn''t you wait for us?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Who knew when you would arrive?"


    Huo Dongfang went over and sat down beside Zhang Ye. He said, "You''re on fire again. Everyone back home just found out about what happenedst night. The media dropped a bunch of reports, and there was a heated discussion on the Inte as well. Just before we boarded our flight, the news was still describing how youid the stepping stones of the Chinese rock scene. You''re the man! You can''t even rest when going abroad."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Well, I couldn''t not do anything about it since there was a chance to win some glory for China, right?


    Zhao Wuliuughed. "Right, when ites to gaining glory for China, it''s a task that''s best left to Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Yuanqi also came over and sat down. "When we get to the charity banquet''s venue this afternoon, you''ll be walking down the red carpet with me."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "The two of us, together? Sure."


    Xu Men grinned. "I was arguing with Sister Zhang all day on our way here about that."


    In the lineup of this Chinese celebrity team, the three most popr celebrities back home were Zhang Yuanqi, Xu Men, and Zhang Ye. They were all S-listers, so in ordance with previous arrangements, two of them would be required to walk down the red carpet side by side. As Zhang Yuanqi and Xu Men were both female, it wouldn''t be that suitable for the two of them to walk together. So Zhang Ye definitely had to pair up and hold hands with one of them while walking down the red carpet to keep a male-female pairing. From the looks of it, they had made the choice before arriving.


    Zhang Ye was very happy about it. "Was it really worth it? To argue for so long?"


    Huo Dongfang spoke, "Yeah, in the end, they had to settle it with a match of rock-paper-scissors."


    Zhang Ye bellyughed. "Looks like Sister Zhang has got the better luck."


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "How was I lucky? I was the one who lost."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. He said, "Ah? So you mean that the person who lost has to walk down the red carpet with me?"


    Zhang Yuanqiughed and looked at him. "What did you think?"


    Zhang Ye was speechless.


    Everyone had a goodugh!


    After the meal, everyone started getting busy.


    Makeup.


    Doing their hair.


    Changing clothes.


    Some of the celebrities brought along their own teams, while others did not. The charity banquet organizers had also gotten a professional team of makeup artists for the guests. Zhang Ye did not use the organizer''s makeup artists to help him with his makeup, buttched onto Zhang Yuanqi''s team instead to have their makeup done together. Zhang Ye''s makeup was easy to do and only took half an hour toplete. The rest of the time was spent waiting on Zhang Yuanqi. It was now that he realized how troublesome it was for a female celebrity to have their makeup and hair done, taking two full hours before she was ready.


    At 4 PM.


    The Chinese celebrity team arrived at the perimeter of the venue.


    The reporters had already flocked here, with the Japanese, Korean, and Chinese media all gathered around the red carpet, ready to take photographs.


    A bit aways, the Korean celebrity team started making their way into the venue. Among them, Zhang Ye spotted a familiar face he had not seen in a long time��Korean star Lee Anson.


    The Korean celebrities walked down the red carpet group by group.


    The Chinese celebrity team was watching from afar and listening to Zhang Ye''s rambling.


    Zhang Ye was muttering, "Lee Anson is still around in showbiz? I thought that he''d have already retired. How nostalgic it is to see a familiar face. I really miss the time I sent him flying with a kick."


    Zhang Yuanqi was speechless.


    As was Chen Guang.


    And Huo Dongfang.


    Over there, a female Korean celebrity tripped over on the red carpet!


    The reporters went crazy as they rushed to snap as many photos as they could!


    Zhang Ye scoffed. "That was so unprofessional. That falling over motion was so fake. You can just see that her acting is not good. That was clearly done to increase the discussions about her. Look, you''d have to act better if you want to look like you''ve twisted your ankle. If you had fallen over after twisting it, I could have given it to you and considered you a pro. But who would just lie down on their side? Do you think you''re lining up on the runway for a takeoff or something?"


    All of Spring Garden was speechless.


    After the Korean celebrities finished walking down the red carpet.


    It was time for the Japanese celebrity team to do so.


    However, the first female Japanese celebrity to walk down the red carpet also fell over within her first two steps. The male celebrities around her rushed over to help her up, with the female celebrity lookingpletely embarrassed.


    The reporters went into a frenzy again!


    Kacha!


    Kacha!


    shes were going off everywhere!


    Zhang Ye pped and praised, "That''s a good one! This one''s a real pro! Just look at how she fell over. I bet she practiced it over and over many times. From head to toe, I can sense professionalism all over her. All of her toes were in on the act as well, with drama bursting out of every cell of hers! There''s absolutely no sign that it was a fake fall! Even in the international sporting arena, the strictest of international referees would have to give her a free kick if they saw that! It was wless!" He looked at the Chinese celebrity team. "Which ser team does that female celebrity y on?"


    Big Qi: "��"


    Xu Men: "��"


    Jiang Hanwei: "��"


    "The Chinese celebrity team: "��"


    Ser, your sister!


    She''s a renowned movie actress in Asia, alright!


    Everyone was at a loss!


    This mouth of Teacher Zhang''s, there''s really no one like him!


    Do you have to be so sarcastic?


    Huo Dongfang pped him on the shoulder. "Teacher Zhang, I finally know why Sister Zhang and Sister Lan were so unwilling to walk down the red carpet with you."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Why?"


    Amy said, "Because everything you say is likely to offend someone. Anyone else might have a chance of setting things right after offending another person. But for you, everything you say is always so extreme that it leaves no room for any backpedaling! If you let those female celebrities hear what you say, there''s no doubt that they''ll get so angry that they''d fight you!"


    Li Xiaoxian giggled, "Pfft!"


    Chen Guang alsoughed, "Hahahaha!"

 Chapter 1375 - Zhang Ye’s prepared auction item!

    <h4>Chapter 1375 - Zhang Ye''s prepared auction item! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Within the venue.


    The decor was exquisite and brilliant.


    The Asian Charity Banquet was into its umpteenth year. It was held on a nearly annual basis and was always a grand affair. However, it was slightly different this year as it would be partially broadcast live. The red carpet event would not be shown, with the signal onlying on when the main auction event began. Be it for the Korean, the Japanese, or the Chinese sides, as well as the rest of Asia, the live broadcast would all be done over the Inte.


    Four types of people were present at the event.


    The staff.


    The celebrities.


    The reporters.


    And businesspeople from all different industries.


    They would alle together and share a feast.


    After the red carpet event was symbolically held, the Chinese celebrity team was met by staff from the Asian Red Cross Society and brought to two adjoining tables to be seated.


    Chen Guang was also attending the event for the first time as his poprityst year wasn''t high enough. He craned his neck around. "There''s really quite a lot of people from the business world."


    But for Xiaodong and the others, they had been present at this event every year in recent times. "Yes, we''re mainly depending on them for the charity auction bidding. There are businesspeople from China as well as other countries."


    Huo Dongfangughed and said, "I can see quite a few people that I know. Is that the boss of Northern Pharmaceuticals? And isn''t that Sun He Wine Industry''s CEO? Eh? Even Boss Qian is also here?"


    Amy said in surprise, "Boss Qian?"


    Li Xiaoxian looked over. "Qian Haitao?"


    Big Qi also said in surprise, "You mean the richest man in China?"


    The list of those from the business world was also very morous. There were many influential CEO''s attending the event, and even the richest man in China was here. As the biggest annual charity event in Asia, the Chinese businessmen were all extremely supportive of such events, whether it was for their corporate image or for their own personal ideals.


    Many of them were old acquaintances and started chatting the moment they came into the building.


    Zhang Yuanqi, Xu Men, Ning Lan, and Jiang Hanwei also went over to greet the people they were familiar with.


    Zhang Ye didn''t really know anyone here and wasn''t interested in getting to know them either. So he sat by himself, humming and messing around on his phone, showing zero awareness or interest in expanding hiswork. As someone who was an Asian A-list celebrity, he was easily the only one who acted like this in the entire building.


    Big Qi asked, "Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye looked over. "Ai?"


    Big Qiughed and said, "What item did you prepare for the auction?"


    Zhang Ye asked in return, "What did you guys prepare?"


    Rather embarrassed, Big Qi replied, "Well, I painted an ink wash painting 1 to put up for the auction."


    Impressed, Xiaodong said, "Oh, Brother Qi even knows how to paint?"


    Big Qiughed and said, "Haha, I just know a little bit. I learned when I was young, but of course I can''tpare to professionals. I''m just in it for the ride but didn''t know what else I could bring for the auction."


    Li Xiaoxian gave a bashful smile. "We''re not here today topare how pro we are. We just have to show up to aid the cause and do our part for the donation drive."


    Amy said, "But you still have to know a little. Otherwise, if we lower the standards of the auction, that would be so embarrassing." Then she giggled and said, "Xiaoxian, don''t worry, if no one wants what you wrote, I''ll bid for it so that you won''t look bad."


    Li Xiaoxian pped Amy''s arm. "You''re always cursing me."


    Amyughed, "Hahahaha."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What did you write, Xiaoxian?"


    Li Xiaoxian answered in a reserved manner, "It''s just a simple calligraphy piece. I''ve always liked it."


    Huo Dongfang said, "Eh, doesn''t Teacher Zhang also know calligraphy?"


    Big Qi asked, "What''s Teacher Zhang''s calligraphy like?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Not too bad, I guess."


    But Li Xiaoxian said, "How is it only not too bad? Brother Qi, you just haven''t seen Teacher Little Zhang''s calligraphy before."


    Big Qi said interested, "Really?"


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "I''m just writing whatever. It''s not meant to be disyed."


    Actually, they did not really know much either and were just praising him. No one knew how skilled Zhang Ye''s calligraphy had gotten. In fact, a lot of people did not even know that Zhang Ye knew calligraphy at all.


    Zhang Ye said, "The auction item that I brought is just some tea leaves."


    Chen Guang''s eyes lit up. "Da Hong Pao?"


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Yeah."


    Amy pped. "Nice, then our Chinese celebrity team will definitely be getting the top honors today. The items that we brought to the auction are basically just filler, but Teacher Zhang''s item is on a different level. It''s the best tea since ancient times, and it''s something that only Teacher Zhang has. It''s such a valuable item."


    Zhang Yuanqi and the others came back to the table at this time.


    Ning Lan heard what they were talking about. "How much did you bring?"


    Zhang Ye said, feeling pinched, "Five grams."


    Amy was floored.


    Xiaodong was speechless!


    Nobody knew whether tough or cry!


    Xu Men said in a stunned manner, "Only five grams?"


    Zhang Yuanqiughed. "This guy is such a cheapskate that it''s incredibly difficult to just get five grams of Da Hong Pao off of him. The sun rose from the west today!" It was still Sister Zhang who knew him best.


    But Zhang Ye did not like hearing that. "Did you guys think that I brought cabbages to auction off? That the tea leaves I bring would have to be measured in catties? This tea of mine only goes by the gram. Five grams of tea leaves is enough to make a pot of tea."


    Everyone scoffed.


    Zhang Ye harrumphed. "Don''t think that I''m being cheap here. I only have a few tea trees that don''t even produce a few catties of tea leaves a year. If each and every person wants some of them and I gave away half a catty each time, would I have any left? How many of you haven''t had some of my tea?"


    Li Xiaoxian covered her mouth and giggled. "It''s pretty good indeed."


    Amy instantly changed her tone as well and gave him a thumbs up. "Lord Zhang is a loyal friend!"


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s more like it."


    Big Qi was envious. "Lord Zhang, I haven''t tried it before."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Alright,e and get some from me when we get back."


    Big Qi immediately said, "How generous! Then I''ll help myself!"


    Chen Guang said, "We can''t depend on Zhang''er''s tea leaves to bring home the top honors then. It''s only five grams, so even if it goes for a high price per gram, it won''t be much money. I guess the enormous responsibility will still have to go to Sister Zhang or Sister Lan."


    Amy said excitedly, "Right, we have to auction off an item for the highest possible price!"


    Ning Lan said, "It would look good on us if we can get first ce."


    Xu Menughed. "Alright, then Old Zhang and I will give it our best."


    Zhang Yuanqi checked her watch. "It''s almost time for the live broadcast, right?"


    "Yes, it''s starting right away," said her female assistant beside her.


    ��


    Online.


    Quite a few people in Asia were already waiting at theirputers.


    The Japaneseizens.


    "Has it started yet?"


    "It''s about to."


    "There will be a lot of celebrities today."


    "Yeah, let''s see who walks away with the highest honors."


    "It was Koreast year, wasn''t it?"


    "It''s time for our Japanese celebrity team to get it this year."


    ��


    The Koreanizens.


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    "From the pictures taken earlier at the red carpet event, there seem to be a lot of new faces, doesn''t there?"


    "Yeah, the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index is always changing, every day, so the people attending it each year are always quite different from the past years."


    "This year''s most expensive auction item will definitely be ours."


    "Haha, that''s right."


    "Let''s see what these Asian superstars will put up for auction this year."


    ��


    The Chineseizens.


    "Have you guys seen the photos?"


    "Zhang Ye walked down the red carpet with Sister Zhang."


    "Haha, look at that fellow acting like he''s all famous. It''s just because he is overseas and people don''t really know him yet. If this were back home, everyone would be booing him for sure."


    "Hurry up and begin already! I''m just waiting for the live broadcast to start!"


    "They are doing real-time interpretation on the stream this year, right? It''s getting more and more advanced these days."


    "It''s time for the Chinese celebrity team to showcase their talents!"


    "Come on, let''s get the top honors!"


    "We have to depend on Sister Zhang for that!"


    ��


    The Asian Charity Banquet had always been held very sessfully. Through promotions, hype, and the branding, it had slowly built itself into a grand charity banquet in all of Asia. It attracted great attention, and people all over the region weed it greatly! There were even people who started treating this banquet as a variety show, with it trending higher and higher each year as everyone guessed who would take home the top honors. Under these circumstances, many Asian stars and businesspeople started participating in the event willingly. With this virtuous cycle, the Asian Charity Banquet got better and bigger each year. The attending celebrities and entrepreneurs also garnered quite a bit of attention from it.


    Furthermore, this was attention from all of Asia!


    The celebrities and entrepreneurs who won the top honors would also receive a special reward from the organizer, on top of the huge amount of attention they would get, as a form of appreciation for their contributions to phnthropy. As for what the special reward was, it was always different each year. But from past experience, this special reward often had great value attached to it and was priceless.


    Everyone wondered what it would be this year!

 Chapter 1376 - Auction!

    <h4>Chapter 1376 - Auction! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The livestream began.


    The Asian Charity Banquet officially started.


    Many of theizens from countries all over Asia couldn''t wait any longer.


    The master of ceremonies was a famousedian 1 in Korea. His lines were very quickly tranted during the broadcast by the interpreters to the different countries in Asia. "Esteemed guests, good evening. The annual Asian Charity Banquet has begun once again, and I''m very honored to be chosen as the host of this event. This year, we invited 63 celebrities from all over Asia, as well as the elite businesspeople of each country''s business world. The auction will be starting very soon, so let me once again thank every celebrity who has traveled here from afar and for providing us with their personal effects to be put up for auction. We would also like to thank each and every businessperson for taking the time to participate in the auction."


    A heated discussion was already taking ce on the Inte.


    ��


    Seoul.


    At the venue of the charity banquet.


    Dinner had been served. There was even red wine. Closed captions and real-time interpretation were avable on the livestream back home, but this wasn''t the case at the venue. The onstage host was speaking, but Zhang Ye did not understand a word. He wasn''t really interested in the auction today and only showed up at the event to be present. He had no intentions of being in the spotlight today and was scarfing down the food, head down. A ss of wine was served to him, and upon tasting, it turned out to be surprisingly good too.


    Xiaodong was speechless. "Is it yummy, Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye pointed at the te. "Not bad, why don''t you have a taste too?"


    Xiaodong couldn''t think of a reply.


    Amy also said in a speechless manner, "Did you reallye here to eat?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "If you aren''t here to eat, then what are you doing at a banquet? It''s not like I can understand what the host is going on about."


    Li Xiaoxian gave a smile and said, "Even though it''s called a banquet, how many people do you see picking up their utensils? Everyone''s mainly going through the motions. What if the camera turns to you and you''re seen with your head down and gobbling up the steak like that? It wouldn''t look decent at all. For this sort of banquet, it''s about putting on a show."


    Chen Guang grunted in agreement.


    Zhang Ye turned to look at Zhang Yuanqi, Ning Lan, and the others and found that none of them were eating either.


    Zhang Ye simply scoffed. "Alright then, continue being hungry and pretend all you like. That''s right, sit up straight and stiffen that spine. Yes, keep that posture and hold it. I''ll just eat by myself."


    Xiaodong rolled her eyes at him.


    Amy was nearly driven mad.


    Zhang Ye had always behaved rather unrefined and would never be constrained by rules. He would always do whatever pleased him. If he was hungry, why would he have to pretend not to be so? He could only put on a show after he had his fill!


    Onstage, the first auction item was brought out.


    The live broadcast camera cut to focus on the female celebrity who had provided the auction item. She was a Japanese sports star and a famous tennis yer in Asia. The item she put up for auction was a tennis racket she had used many years ago. Very quickly, the people on the floor started bidding. Every guest at the venue was given a number te 2 , including the celebrities as well. Every time it was raised, it would represent a bid increase, with no cap to the upper limit. The final transaction price would not include any missions" that were present inmercial auctions. The entire bid would go towards charity, so the final value of the bids for such charity auctions were often higher than the true value of the items. This was because everyone was participating in the auction for charitable causes and not to profit. But of course, your item would have to be worthwhile in the first ce. If the item you put up for auction was too crappy, no one would be crazy enough to spend several million to bid on it.


    $1,000 USD.


    $3,000 USD.


    $5,000 USD.


    Sold!


    The first auction item was sold rapidly, with a Japanese businessman winning the bidding. This was only a warmup for the rest of the night''s auction since the people on the floor didn''t seem too interested in the first item. However, the transaction price still went far beyond the tennis racket''s value.


    The second item.


    The third item.


    The fourth item.


    The auction items were disyed in turn.


    Big Qi''s ink wash painting was the fifth item to be put up for auction.


    There wasn''t ack of people who knew about paintings at the venue. Even among the Japanese and Koreans, there were people who were hobbyists in this field. When it came to calligraphy and paintings, there really weren''t any national borders. When everyone saw it, they looked speechless.


    A Japanese businessman shook his head.


    A Korean businesswomanughed without saying anything.


    What is this?


    It isn''t even good enough to be considered an amateur piece!


    China is a giant in the world of calligraphy and paintings, so what is with this skill they were seeing?


    However, Big Qi still had quite a bit of reputation in Asia. A lot of people had watched his movies, especially the Chinese businesspeople who were also very supportive of him. They kept bidding until the price of the ink wash painting was finally closed at $6,000 USD. It was a Chinese businessman who walked away with the item, and Big Qi seemed to know him personally. All of this was done as a show of support for the actor.


    Big Qiughed and said, "I thought that my item would fetch at least tens of thousands of dors."


    Huo Dongfang said in amusement, "Perhaps you thought too much of yourself, Old Qi?"


    Big Qi pouted. "Was it really that bad?"


    Li Xiaoxian opined, "It wasn''t too bad."


    Big Qi looked at Zhang Ye. "What do you think, Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye clenched his teeth and answered supportively, "It''s not bad."


    Big Qi sighed. "See, it''s them who don''t know how to appreciate art."


    Zhang Ye nearly bust a gut.


    Not bad, my ass!


    I wouldn''t buy this lousy painting for 10 yuan!


    Ink wash painting is the hardest to produce among the different kinds of paintings out there. Do you think that you can just pick it up with a few days of practice?


    Soon, it was time for Xiaodong''s item to be put up for auction. This item was quite a special one. It turned out that Spring Garden had once released an album with only four songs on it. Further, this album did not get distributed in the market and could not be bought, with the reason being that the recordpany had closed down back then among other reasons. In the end, ns for the distribution of the album ran aground. Although the songs on it wereter adapted and reissued several years after their debut, this album was out of print. No one had seen it before!


    The bidding immediately became intense.


    "5,000!"


    "10,000!"


    "11,000!"


    "20,000!"


    "30,000!"


    "40,000!"


    Xiaodong, Amy, and Li Xiaoxian were all quite surprised.


    The final transaction price reached $50,000 USD, which converted to slightly less than 400,000 yuan. It was the most expensive item thus far in the auction, and they felt very honored.


    Ning Lan said, "Nice."


    Xiaodong blushed and said, "I never expected that it would fetch that much."


    The Korean businessman who won the bidding was also very happy. He went onstage and gave a speech, talking about how he was a longtime fan of Spring Garden.


    Xiaodong was also invited onto the stage. She gave her speech in English and expressed her thanks to the Korean businessman.


    Chen Guang said happily, "We''re in first ce for now."


    Amy said, "It''s just for the time being. The highlight of the event hasn''t arrived yet."


    Big Qi smiled and said, "But it''s still a good sign."


    Many of the Korean and Japanese celebrities cast nces at the Chinese celebrity team.


    Although there were many countries in Asia, only the celebrities from China, Japan, and Korea were considered sessful in making a name for themselves. As a result, thepetition today was mainly between them. Due to many historical hatreds, ethnic differences, and political shes, the three countries had always had an intense rivalry. It was the same for their celebrities, and no one wanted to lose to the others. Since this was an asion with a first ce, no one wanted to get second ce. All of them were hoping that their auction items would get an astronomical bid. First, this would bring honor to their country, and second, it would boost their own poprity. Walking away with the top honors on a stage that was broadcast live to all of Asia?


    How incredible would that be!

 Chapter 1377 - Who will walk away with the top honors? (Start)

    <h4>Chapter 1377 - Who will walk away with the top honors? (Start) </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the venue.


    The auction''s atmosphere was building up.


    Another three items in a row were put up for auction. One was an item that belonged to a female Japanese star, one of them was from Chen Guang, and the other one was from a Korean ser star. The final transaction values of these items did not exceed that of Xiaodong''s Spring Garden album.


    Then Lee Anson''s item was put up for auction.


    But no one at the venue saw any item ced on the auction block.


    After the host exined the item for a while, some people on the floor finally raised their paddles to bid.


    "40,000!"


    "60,000!"


    "80,000!"


    It instantly surpassed the highest value the Chinese celebrity team had set!


    Amy said in a stunned manner, "What is he auctioning off?"


    The Chinese celebrity team''s interpreter said, "Lee Anson is auctioning a beginner''s guitar lesson that he''ll teach personally."


    Zhang Ye said, "Is that all?"


    Xiaodongughed and said, "Lee Anson is really going all out."


    Big Qi said regretfully, "We''ve been surpassed."


    Amy said, "If someone gets tutored by Lee Anson for even one lesson, they would brag about it forever. This is definitely worth bidding for."


    Zhang Ye shook his head and smiled. He only cared about gorging himself and continued eating.


    Xiaodong said, "Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye did not even raise his head. "What? I''m eating."


    Xiaodong said, "Hey, Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye said, "Speak."


    Xiaodong said, "Isn''t that my steak you''re eating?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Didn''t you say you weren''t going to eat?"


    Xiaodong was speechless.


    Li Xiaoxian giggled, "Pfft!"


    Finally, the bidding for the item ended with a high price of $95,000 USD. After conversion, that woulde up to over half a million RMB. The winner of this auction item was a Korean father-daughter pair. Clearly, by the look on the daughter''s face, she was most likely to be a diehard fan of Lee Anson. With this present that her father had given to her, she could not be any happier.


    The Korean celebrity team was tentatively in first ce!


    The four tables of Korean celebrities broke into apuse!


    "Bravo!


    "Anson-oppa!"


    "Well done!"


    Lee Anson was also all smiles.


    Korea was their home field, so they wouldn''t want first ce to go to anyone else.


    Finally, it was Zhang Ye''s turn to have his item put up for auction. No one knew if the organizers had done this on purpose or if it was purely just a coincidence that his turn came right after Lee Anson''s. The Da Hong Pao was revealed, and the onstage host recited from a cue card to introduce the origins of the tea leaves.


    The camera cut to Zhang Ye.


    Amy hurriedly reminded him.


    Xiaodong also anxiously kicked his leg to get him to take note of his image.


    But to their surprise, Zhang Ye, who was holding his utensils and devouring food a moment ago, was now sitting upright with his knife and fork ced neatly back onto the table. The corners of his mouth had been wiped clean as well. He was even giving a smile to the camera as though he had been paying attention to the auction all this while.


    Xiaodong was speechless.


    Big Qi was speechless.


    Chen Guang was speechless.


    Everyone was looking at him in shock!


    Masterful!


    How truly masterful!


    Isn''t your reaction speed too fast?


    If they had not seen it for themselves, they wouldn''t have believed it. They finally understood why Zhang Ye had dared to eat and drink without a care under the scrutiny of all the cameras during a live broadcast that was shown all over Asia. So this fellow had long since been prepared for this!


    The auction of the tea leaves began.


    The Japanese and Korean businesspeople paid close attention to it.


    "5,000."


    "10,000."


    "30,000 from me."


    "I''ll bid 33,000."


    When the price went above $30,000 USD, the businesspeople from Japan and Korea ced their paddles down while shaking their heads. They weren''t going to participate in the bidding for this item anymore as they found it to be too outrageous a price.


    It was only five grams!


    All it could brew was a single pot of tea, and it was just a small pot!


    Even a diamond wasn''t this expensive!


    However, the Chinese businesspeople knew the true value of Da Hong Pao. This best tea since the ancient times had a reputation. If they saw this item at any other auction, they might not bid for it. This was because they wouldn''t know if it was authentic. But they dared to bid for it today because they were not at all worried, since this Da Hong Pao was put up for auction by Zhang Ye himself. In the entire world, only so many parent trees of the Da Hong Pao tea leaves existed, and all of them were the personal property of Zhang Ye. The Da Hong Pao that anyone else might bring out could possibly be fake, but not if it was Zhang Ye. To be able to have a sip of the best tea since the ancient times and still do their part for charity, why not?


    CEO Sun turned his head. "Boss Qian, aren''t you going to bid for it?"


    China''s richest man, Qian Haitao, smiled. "I won''t be taking part for this item."


    CEO Ci smiled and said, "I thought that you enjoyed your tea, Old Qian?"


    Qian Haitao said, "Haha, it''s because I''ve had it before. When Teacher Zhang gave some of it to the Station Head of Beijing TV, I approached her shamelessly to ask for some to brew a pot myself."


    CEO Ci asked, "How good is the tea?"


    Qian Haitao praised with a sigh, "It''s worthy of being called the best tea since ancient times."


    CEO Ci pped his thigh and raise his paddle immediately. "40,000!"


    In the end, the tea leaves were won by the Chinese businessman with a bid of $40,000 USD.


    This dumbfounded many of the foreigners. Five grams of tea leaves for $40,000 USD? Are you people crazy? Don''t you have something better to spend that money on? Do you need to go that far?


    The Da Hong Pao was sold for an astronomical price and had set a new record for the auctioning of tea leaves.


    But $40,000 USD did not even put it within the top three items of the charity auction. It was far from the price of Lee Anson''s guitar sses. For now, it was still the Korean celebrity team that was in first ce.


    Lee Anson narrowed his eyes and gave Zhang Ye a haughty look.


    Zhang Ye ignored him and went back to eating.


    The auction continued.


    Thepetition was bing more and more intense.


    Then Jiang Hanwei''s auction item was brought out. It turned out to be a trophy for an Asian film award he had won many years ago. This trophy was ted in gold and had high value as well as great significance.


    Xiaodong said in surprise, "Uncle Jiang, are you going all out?"


    Amy said, "Aiyo, that''s something really worthy!"


    Jiang Hanweiughed heartily. "Aren''t I trying to grab the top honors for our Chinese celebrity team? Of course I have to give it my all!"


    Zhang Ye said evenly, "You call that lousy trophy giving it your all?"


    Jiang Hanwei rolled his eyes. "It''s still better than your five grams of tea leaves, in any case."


    Zhang Ye stared at him. "Are my tea leaves ordinary tea leaves?"


    Jiang Hanwei harrumphed, "This trophy isn''t ordinary either."


    The two of them had fought before. When Xiaodong saw this, she tried to intervene. "Aiya, Uncle Jiang, Teacher Zhang, don''t fight. Look at where we are. At a time like this, our Chinese celebrity team should be united. We''ve gotta band together to fend off the other countries."


    Zhang Yuanqi and Xu Men, who were seated at the other table, looked over.


    The auction began. The trophy was coveted by many of the Asian businesspeople as they bid for it crazily.


    80,000!


    100,000!


    120,000!


    The Chinese celebrity team reimed first ce!


    "Bravo!"


    "Beautiful!"


    "Uncle Jiang is almighty!"


    "That''s impressive!"


    They apuded and celebrated!


    But before they could even be happy about it, a male star from the Japanese celebrity team also brought out the big guns and auctioned off his item, an electric guitar that he had kept with him for many years, at the high price of $130,000 USD. As a member of a band as well as a famous Japanese singer, it was very rare for any of his used guitars to be sold on the market, even if they were from the early days of his career. Bringing it out for the auction was clearly to show they intended to bring home the top honors. The Japanese celebrity team also coveted first ce to gain some glory.


    The Japanese celebrity team.


    "Bravo!"


    "Yoshida-kun!"


    "Great!"


    The other people were symbolically pping for him.


    It was mutual respect!


    Sometimes it would be you, sometimes it would be them!


    The parties of the three countries looked at one another. The atmosphere at the venue turned heated. Smiles were on everyone''s faces, but the rivalry was boiling over in their hearts!


    Only Zhang Ye seemed to be out of the loop as he did not appear bothered by what was going on. This fellow''s sense of patriotism was very strong, but he did not care much for a collective sense of honor. Whoever got first and second ce was unimportant to him. Wasn''t this a charity auction?


    ��


    China.


    Online.


    "Xiaodong, good job!"


    "Old Jiang has also given his all!"


    "Aiya, we got surpassed again!"


    "Quickly, catch up to them!"


    "It''s only Zhang Ye who hasn''t contributed much! What''s he doing?"


    "Yeah, that fellow is totally not contributing to the efforts at all. The Da Hong Pao tea trees are all his, but he only brought five grams of the tea leaves for auction? Are you trying to feed cats?!"


    "How exasperating!"


    "Zhang Ye is such a cheapskate!"


    "If he brought out half a catty or one catty of tea leaves, who couldpete with us? The top honors for the charity auction would surely have gone to the Chinese celebrity team! There isn''t a doubt about that!"


    "Hahaha, one catty? For a miser like Teacher Zhang, bringing ten grams for the auction would be akin to taking his life!"

 Chapter 1378

    <h4>Chapter 1378 </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In China.


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    Zhang Ye''s parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties, along with his sisters had all gathered together to watch the live broadcast. All of them were getting frantic from watching.


    "Aiyo, I''m dying of anxiety!"


    "What''s wrong with our brother!"


    "Little Ye only brought five grams of tea leaves?"


    "It''s over, we''re done for."


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' courtyard house.


    Wu Changhe and Li Qinqin were also watching the livestream.


    "This Little Ye, what is he doing!"


    "What are you going on about?"


    "Since it''s a matter of outdoing the Japanese and Koreans, he should have done more than what he did!"


    "It''s just an auction."


    "Just an auction? This is a matter of national pride!"


    ��


    At Central TV.


    In the News Channel''s office.


    "Has it ended?"


    "Not yet."


    "When the resultse out, quickly write the draft. We''re waiting to report about it on the news."


    "OK, understood. Hai, Zhang Ye is not contributing to the efforts."


    ��


    Seoul.


    At the venue of the charity banquet.


    The auction wasing to an end.


    The items for auction from several heavyweight Asian celebrities were slowly revealed!


    An Asian S-list celebrity from Korea brought out the original manuscript of the lyrics for his new album to be auctioned off. It was a manuscript that he repeatedly wrote and polished the lyrics to and was an extremely valuable item as there was only one copy of it.


    "150,000!"


    "200,000!"


    "210,000!"


    It was auctioned for an astronomical sum!


    They reimed first ce!


    Chinese Heavenly Queen Xu Men''s auction item was a pair of her own earrings. Just the market value of the earrings alone was $50,000 USD. It received yet another round of crazy bidding.


    "160,000!"


    "170,000!"


    "190,000!"


    Unfortunately, it couldn''t cross the $200,000 USD mark.


    Xiaodong shouted, "Aiya!"


    Amy said, "This is bad!"


    Big Qi said, "It was so close!"


    The Chinese celebrity team was sighing with regret.


    Finally, Ning Lan''s auction item was revealed. However, the auctioned price wasn''t high and it only went for $10,000 USD. The main issue was that the item she had put up for auction was rather boring. Ning Lan''s attitude was simr to Zhang Ye''s. These two people did not have a strong collective sense of honor and were mainly here just to participate.


    Li Xiaoxian''s calligraphy was brought out at this moment.


    The words were clear and she wrote in a running-standard style.


    Huo Dongfangmented on it even though he did not seem to know much about calligraphy. "Good writing."


    Li Xiaoxian blushed. "It was just my attempt at calligraphy."


    Jiang Hanwei smiled and said, "It''s really not bad."


    Big Qi said, "In the future, there''s going to be a great calligrapher in our entertainment industry."


    Li Xiaoxian was getting praised so much that she felt rather embarrassed.


    Zhang Ye looked up to take a look. However, he did not say anything and carried on with what he was doing. This running-standard did look rather beautiful at first nce. But in his opinion, it had no soul. All of the words looked lifeless to him. Zhang Ye guessed that this must be because she had been imitating the running-standard of famous ancient Chinese calligraphers. By doing so, she had lost the grace of her own writing. This kind of calligraphy was at most amateurish or slightly better than how an amateur would write, although it was still pretty good.


    Quite a few people at the venue knew calligraphy as well.


    Over with the Japanese, a man in his 50s gave a look of disdain.


    A female Japanese star asked, "Master Miyamoto, how is this calligraphy?"


    Miyamoto shook his head. "It''s a bunch of scrap paper."


    A male Japanese starughed and said, "If it''spared to your work, wouldn''t all other calligraphy be uneptable?"


    Li Xiaoxian''s calligraphy was auctioned off for $6,000 USD, which was quite a good price.


    In the end, they still needed to depend on Zhang Yuanqi.


    Zhang Yuanqi''s poprity was at the top, be it within China or in Asia. Old Zhang had put up the same item to be auctioned off as she always did in previous years. It was a bid for a date with her. Whoever bid the highest would get enjoy lunch with her. Further, Old Zhang would be the one treating. The winner could bring however many people they liked and order as many expensive dishes they wanted. This was the standard item Old Zhang put up for auction every year at the Asian Charity Banquet. However, this year, Zhang Yuanqi added on an item for the auction. With the "buy one, get one free" gimmick, she also brought out a calligraphy piece to be included with the lunch date.


    The auction item was disyed.


    It was calligraphy with only one character: I!


    Zhang Yuanqi stood onstage and said with a smile, "Everyone, please don''tugh at me."


    Endless apuse came from the audience.


    Li Xiaoxian said in surprise, "Sister Zhang knows calligraphy too?"


    Amy said, "What an imposing word!"


    Big Qi said, "Great! It''s great!"


    Zhang Ye also found it quite surprising. The calligraphy was indeed pretty good, or at least much better than Li Xiaoxian''s writing. It was at the level of a professional calligrapher. Heh, Old Zhang, not bad!


    Getting to dine with her?


    And to have her treat?


    And even get a calligraphy piece from her?


    This was as good as buy one, get three free!


    Quite a few people were showing great interest in the item!


    A Japanese businessman shouted, "100,000!"


    A Chinese businessman shouted, "150,000!"


    Another Chinese businessman shouted, "180,000!"


    A Korean CEO shouted, "200,000!"


    Finally, Qian Haitao made his move.


    The richest man in China raised his paddle and calmly said, "300,000."


    The venue burst into an uproar!


    "Wow!"


    "It''s higher thanst year''s bid by $100,000 USD?"


    "How generous!"


    "This is the highest bid of the night!"


    "The richest man indeed!"


    The Chinese businesspeople looked at one another and put down their paddles, all smiles. There was no need to keep bidding.


    The Japanese and Korean CEOs hesitated for a bit before falling silent.


    The host dropped the hammer.


    $300,000 USD! The Chinese celebrity team reimed first ce!


    Xiaodong apuded. "Sister Zhang, impressive!"


    Amy said, "We still have to depend on Sister Zhang in critical moments!"


    Huo Dongfang smiled and said, "We''re definitely going to win!"


    Ning Lanughed and said, "Sister Zhang was even forced to bring out calligraphy of her own. If we still don''t get the top honors, that would be unjustifiable."


    Big Qi cheered. "Yes, the Koreans don''t have any other celebrities left to front their auction items. $300,000 USD, that''s almost 2 million RMB. Atst year''s charity auction, the highest hammer price was $240,000 USD. Unless some spendthrift stepped forward to bid for the remaining items, it''s really difficult to catch up to us."


    At the Korean celebrity teams'' tables.


    Lee Anson was shaking his head.


    The others started smiling bitterly knowing that there was nothing left topete for.


    Those on the Japanese celebrity team were also looking at one another. There was nothing else they could do.


    But it was at this moment that a voice rang out!


    Miyamoto stood up dismissively and said, "Can you even call that calligraphy?"


    The crowd was stunned. Everyone turned to look at him.


    When the camera cut to him, countless people all over Asia who were watching the live broadcast were slightly taken aback.


    "Who is this person?"


    "I don''t know."


    "I know him! That''s a Japanese calligraphy master!"


    "Ah? That''s Miyamoto?"


    "Yes, it''s him! He just won an Asian gold award for calligraphy!"


    "One of the world''s best calligraphers? Miyamoto Shinshou?"


    "Damn, he''s a calligraphy master!"


    "Why is he also here this year?"


    The people at the venue were pointing and whispers could be heard.


    Somebody popped up and poked his nose in, and no one was prepared for it. Zhang Yuanqi and Li Xiaoxian''s calligraphy were not good enough? Of course it was not good enough. They were not professionals, after all. This was a charity auction where everyone would contribute to the cause and have fun. If you really wanted to nitpick their work, then more than half of the items put up for auction tonight would have to get taken out to the dumpster. This auction was mainly to raise funds and not a ce topare professionalism.


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes. "Who is this bastard?"


    Li Xiaoxian recognized him and immediately introduced him to everyone. "This is a true calligraphy master. Sister Zhang and my work definitelyck luster in his presence��."


    Amy cried out, "But he still shouldn''t undermine the efforts of others in this way!"


    Jiang Hanwei was also slightly angered. "It''s live, what is he thinking?"


    But Miyamoto Shinshou was unrelenting. It was like he had sand in his eyes that he could not rub out. He walked onto the stage and said, "Can we add another item to the auction?"


    The interpreter also walked on tomunicate with the host.


    The Korean host smiled. "Of course you may. The auction has not ended yet."


    Shinsho Miyamoto said with a straight face, "Alright, I don''t have anything with me today, so let me make a calligraphy piece on the spot. I''ll show everyone what calligraphy is all about and also do my part for charity!"


    "What?"


    "Make a calligraphy piece on the spot?"


    "This''ll be interesting."


    "We''re in for a good show."


    Many people were waiting to watch the spectacle.


    The Korean celebrity team was delighted by this turn of events.


    The Japanese celebrity team members were also getting excited!


    The organizers held an emergency discussion, and soon, the Four Treasures of the Study were brought onstage.


    Everyone turned their attention to the stage.


    The cameras also focused on the table on it.


    Calligraphy existed in Japan and Korea as well and was spread by China. But even so, some differences existed between the calligraphy of each country. For example, in Japan, they focused on improving their writing techniques until it reached the "Dao" of the skill. Their calligraphy was generally split between two styles, with one being regr script that pursued a powerful execution in writing, and the other being cursive that pursued elegance and Zen. This was in line with the sentimentality ingrained in the Japanese people.


    Grinding the inkstone.


    Picking up the brush.


    Miyamoto Shinshou began writing with no emotions on his face!


    There were simrities between both the Japanese Kanji and Chinese characters, with the former looking much more like traditional Chinese. However, there were also slight differences, although it was still generally understandable when read. The content of the writing did not carry too great of a meaning. It was nothing more than describing X person, doing X activity, in X year. It might have been a famous story that happened in ancient Japan and described in detail, but that was not the focus. It was something other than this ancient story!


    It was the words!


    When Miyamoto Shinshou put the brush to paper and started writing, voices of praise sounded around the venue!


    "Great artistry!"


    "This is what real calligraphy is!"


    "Now that''s a true master!"


    "His writing flows so naturally! This is what art truly is!"


    "Hai, calligraphy done by a master is just different. Just watching him move the brush is a sight to behold."


    "The gulf between a pro and an amateur is enormous."


    "The Chinese stars'' calligraphy pieces can''t even be considered amateur works."


    "Nothing stands up well toparison!"

 Chapter 1379

    <h4>Chapter 1379 </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Onstage.


    On the live broadcast.


    Miyamoto Shinshou wrote with swift brush strokes!


    Zhang Yuanqi watched calmly.


    Xu Men whispered to her.


    Li Xiaoxian had a look of admiration on her face.


    Meanwhile, Amy was quite angry. "Is this old man crazy!"


    Xiaodong said, "He''s very crazy."


    Huo Dongfang frowned. "Isn''t he doing this on purpose? When did Sister Zhang and Xiaoxian ever offend him? What is he acting all arrogant for? Is he trying to show off?"


    Big Qi asked, "How is his writing?"


    Li Xiaoxian sighed. "It''s like the unity of Heaven and Man, unparalleled!"


    Xiaoxian had a much kinder personality and still gave it very high praise.


    Big Qi said, "Didn''t calligraphy originate in China? So why is a Japanese guy also so good at it?"


    Li Xiaoxian said, "There are also calligraphy masters in Japan. In the international auction scene for contemporary calligraphy works, all of Master Miyamoto''s works have fetched sky-high prices."


    Xiaodong asked, "Butpared to the calligraphy masters of China?"


    Li Xiaoxian gave it some thought, then said in a low voice, "He''s only better, not worse."


    Xiaodong gasped. "He''s that impressive?"


    Li Xiaoxian gave a bitterugh. "Even in China, I''m afraid that only Master Wu and Master Lian might be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with him. Their calligraphy skill should almost be the same, but I don''t know about anything more specific than that. I''ve only heard about it, but Master Miyamoto''s writing is closer to that of China''s semi-cursive, which is slightly different from the style that is often seen in the Japanese calligraphy world. However, they might not call it semi-cursive over there, I''m not sure about that. Anyway, Master Miyamoto has already reached the pinnacle in this area."


    Zhang Ye took a nce at it.


    Semi-cursive 1 ?


    Now that it was mentioned, it really did look a bit like semi-cursive.


    One minute.


    Five minutes.


    Miyamoto Shinshouid the brush down.


    The camera cut to the work. It could also be seen clearly on the big screen at the venue.


    When the people at the venue saw it, whether they had any suspicions about Miyamoto Shinshou''s motives, many of them could only give their loudest apuse to this piece of calligraphy!


    Some of the Japanese businesspeople even gave a standing ovation!


    "Bravo!"


    "Well-written!"


    "Master Miyamoto truly deserves his reputation!"


    "I''ve finally seen him write a calligraphy piece with my own two eyes!"


    The dozen-odd businesspeople from Japan were all very excited. Even for them, it was very difficult to get their hands on a calligraphy piece by Miyamoto Shinshou. In the international auction scene, Master Miyamoto''s calligraphy pieces were always very popr and in demand. If it wasn''t a bid with a 50-80% premium on the appraised price, it would be very difficult to win it at auction.


    Based on the length of the scroll.


    And also the writing.


    The prices would vary.


    And for today''s calligraphy scroll, be it the size, length, or quality, it was impable. It could be called one of Master Miyamoto''s works at the peak of his prowess. Moreover, it was guaranteed that this was an authentic piece by him since he had only just finished writing it in front of everyone. He even signed off on it, so that would increase the value of the piece even more!


    A Japanese businessperson asked loud enough to be heard, "Master Miyamoto, are you really putting this calligraphy up for auction?"


    Shinsho Miyamoto said proudly, "Of course."


    Quite a few people could no longer sit still. They were all requesting a closer look at it onstage.


    One person.


    Ten people.


    Twenty people.


    More and more people gathered around and were praising it to no end.


    "This is really good!"


    "We weren''t wrong ining here today."


    "Nicely written! It''s so wonderful!"


    Even some Chinese businesspeople were moved by it.


    The host announced, "We will begin the bidding now, so would everyone please return to their seats?"


    As soon as he finished speaking, bids were being called out!


    "300,000!"


    "I''ll bid 500,000!"


    "550,000!"


    "580,000!"


    The starting bids had already greatly exceeded the hammer price of Zhang Yuanqi''s lunch date and calligraphy piece. Furthermore, the bids were still rising, which dumbfounded those watching at the venue and the people across Asia watching the livestream!


    "600,000!"


    "700,000!"


    "I''ll bid 750,000!"


    Thepetition was intense!


    It was a bloodbath!


    In the end, only several Japanese businesspeople remained in the bidding war!


    Eventually, the gavel dropped and the final bid price for this piece of calligraphy ended at $1.1 million USD. This was almost equivalent to 10 million RMB 2 ! This price was definitely much higher than the market value of the item, yet the Japanese businessman who won the bid certainly felt that it was worth it. He loved this calligraphy piece!


    ��


    Japan.


    Online.


    "Master Miyamoto has made his move!"


    ""The Japanese celebrity team are in first ce!"


    "Uh, is Master Miyamoto considered part of the celebrity team?"


    "I guess."


    "Yeah, in any case, he''s one of us."


    ��


    Korea.


    Online.


    "What an astronomical price!"


    "What''s there left topete on?"


    "The top honors will surely go to the Japanese!"


    ��


    China.


    All theizens were cursing his name.


    "He''s crazy!"


    "Why''d he pop out of nowhere?"


    "You''re a calligraphy master to begin with, so what is there to be smug about even if your writing is better than Li Xiaoxian''s and Sister Zhang''s? Idiot! Why don''t youpete with Sister Zhang and Xiaoxian in singing!"


    "Right, if you''re that good,pete with them in singing!"


    "This old man is bullying people on purpose!"


    "He should chill the fuck out! This is just a charity auction!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His eldest younger sister said angrily, "What kind of master is this!"


    His third sister spat, "Ptui!"


    Zhang Ye''s mother said, "This old man is such a wet nket. Look at this, there''s nothing left topete for!"


    ��


    Lots of controversy was happening outside the building.


    People were praising it, people were scolding it.


    At the venue, the charity auction continued. Or rather, the auction wasing to an end. With an astronomical price of $1.1 million USD, no one remained who couldpete with Miyamoto Shinshou.


    Ning Lan shook her head. "How pointless."


    Zhang Ye also lost interest. "Let''s go, it''s time to leave."


    Amy looked at Li Xiaoxian. "Xiaoxian, ignore him."


    But Miyamoto Shinshou still refused to step off the stage. He stood next to his calligraphy piece and looked at Li Xiaoxian and Zhang Yuanqi. He said, "Both of your calligraphy skillsck refinement." He turned around and pointed at Li Xiaoxian''s calligraphy piece that was still on the auction block and scolded, "Calligraphy is not a child''s game. It''s not something that anyone can do if they want to. Look at these words, they''re dead and lifeless. To think that the host dared to introduce this as a calligraphy piece? I won''t acknowledge it. This kind of work can''t be called calligraphy. Calligraphy is not as simple as you think it is!"


    A senior teaching his juniors a lesson?


    That was understandable.


    But it still had to be done at the right time!


    And besides, it wasn''t targeted at the right people either!


    Li Xiaoxian was extremely embarrassed. Her eyes reddened from all the criticism, but she still did not say a word. She could only bite her lip and listen to the criticism.


    Xiaodong was getting annoyed!


    Amy was furious!


    Xu Men''s face turned cold!


    What is this?


    Are you done yet?


    Zhang Ye had been getting ready to leave. But when he heard all that, he stiffened and turned back to look at Miyamoto Shinshou, who was up on stage. He raised his eyebrows at the sight of him.


    However, Miyamoto Shinshou was still going on. "China''s calligraphy skill is��"


    The Korean host felt that something was amiss and quickly interjected, "Are there any other items that anyone wants to put up for auction? Anyone?"


    This was just to change the subject, and the host did not expect anyone to respond to his question.


    No one at the venue thought that anyone would say anything either. With a master calligrapher and an astronomically priced calligraphy piece right there, there was no longer any meaning in bringing out another item for auction.


    And yet, a voice rang out without warning.


    "Xiaoxian and Old Zhang are both just amateur calligraphy hobbyists and can''t even be considered practitioners of the art. If you wish to have a ''discussion'' on the subject, then fine, I''m up for it!"


    It was Zhang Ye!


    The person who spoke up was Zhang Ye!


    Li Xiaoxian was stunned!


    Xiaodong jumped!


    Zhang Yuanqi and Xu Men looked at him!


    Everyone at the venue stared at him in shock!


    What is the meaning of this?


    Li Xiaoxian and Zhang Yuanqi are both amateurs?


    Then do you mean that you''re a professional?!

 Chapter 1380 - Preface to the Orchid Pavilion’ debuts!

    <h4>Chapter 1380 - Preface to the Orchid Pavilion'' debuts! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Everyone was bewildered!


    Miyamoto Shinshou was also surprised. He did not expect that anyone would dare to challenge him. "Who are you?"


    Next to Zhang Ye, an interpreter tranted, "Who are you?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Save the formalities, surname''s Zhang."


    Amy was speechless.


    Chen Guang was speechless.


    Xiaodong, who was very angry just a moment ago, was tickled pink.


    The Japanese interpreter grew nervous and tranted the reply.


    Miyamoto Shinshou looked speechless. Save the formalities? Who''s trying to be polite with you! But when the interpreter whispered him Zhang Ye''s full name, Miyamoto Shinshou could be seen narrowing his eyes. He obviously knew who Zhang Ye was and could not help but cast him another nce. So it was he who led the students at China''s Peking University to scold their countrymen some years ago? A hooligan like that had actually made it to the ranks of the Asian A-list? How could that be? Surely there was a mistake somewhere? How could someone like him not be banned back in his home country? How was he allowed to get to the Asian stage? And why was he still getting more and more popr?


    The Korean host asked, "Mr. Zhang Ye, do you have an item to put up for auction too?"


    Zhang Ye calmly replied, "Yes, I would like to join in the fun as well."


    The Korean host asked, "What item do you have?"


    Zhang Ye said matter of factly, "Calligraphy, of course! Is that fine?"


    The Korea host said, "Uh, well, of course it''s fine."


    ��


    China.


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    "Ah, it''s Bro!"


    "Damn, why did Bro step forward?"


    "What is Little Ye doing?"


    "Does he know calligraphy?"


    "He does, but isn''t it just something that he does for fun?"


    ��


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    "Dad,e quickly!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Something has happened at the charity banquet! Uncle Zhang hase forward!"


    "Damn, is something finally going to happen? I knew it, I knew there''d be trouble when this kid was allowed to travel abroad! He always tussles wherever he goes!"


    "Aiya, don''t trample on Uncle Zhang. Come and see this!"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "Damn, go and watch the charity banquet''s livestream!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang has been annoyed!"


    "What is he trying to do?"


    "That''s Miyamoto Shinshou, a world-ss calligraphy master!"


    "Good job, Teacher Zhang! Get him!"


    "That old fogey, he''s really fucking annoying!"


    "Right, how can he bully Xiaoxian in this way? She''s such a nice person!"


    "With that bit of calligraphy skill, can Zhang Ye do anything about it?"


    "Even if he can''t, he still has to stand up to him! This is not something that can be tolerated!"


    ��


    In the Chinese calligraphy world.


    Several calligraphy masters happened to be throwing a get-together.


    "Teacher Wu, this��"


    "Why did Zhang Yee forward?"


    "That''s Miyamoto Shinshou, a great calligrapher who is on equal standing with Master Wu and Master Qi!"


    "What is Zhang Ye even thinking?"


    "Who has seen Zhang Ye''s calligraphy before?"


    "I''ve not seen it before."


    "Me neither."


    ��


    The Japaneseizens.


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "What an absolute joke!"


    "He''s overestimating himself!"


    "He''s just a singing star. What can he possibly know about calligraphy?"


    ��


    The Koreanizens.


    "Is this the Zhang Ye who sang ''Dreaming of the Tang Dynasty''?"


    "He''s biting off more than he can chew!"


    "Why is he trying to show off now?"


    "He dares challenge Master Miyamoto?"


    "Has he gone mad?"


    ��


    The news spread!


    From mouth to mouth!


    More and more people learned about this news and quickly turned on theirputers to watch the livestream. The number of online viewers across Asia jumped by many times. There was no helping it. The people were only interested whenever something interesting happened. It was the same all over the world. Once something happened, many of those who had not been interested in the Asian Charity Banquet were now rushing to catch the live broadcast!


    Zhang Xia.


    Fan Wenli.


    Yao Jiancai.


    The Chinese calligraphy world.


    The Japanese calligraphy world.


    All of Asia turned their attention to it!


    ��


    At the venue.


    A new set of the Four Treasures of the Study was brought out onto the stage.


    This was requested by Zhang Ye. He wasn''t going to use the same ink and brush that had been used by a foreigner.


    Miyamoto Shinshou went to the sidelines and folded his arms with a sneer.


    Offstage.


    Amy tugged at Zhang Ye. "Lord Zhang, didn''t we agree to not cause any trouble while we''re here?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "We''re just going to have a discussion about calligraphy. How is that causing trouble?"


    Chen Guang did not know whether tough or cry. "He''s a calligraphy master. How can you possibly discuss anything with him? What''s there for you to discuss with him? You''d just be embarrassing yourself!"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "When have I ever embarrassed myself before?"


    Li Xiaoxian also said, "Teacher Zhang, I''m fine, really, I''m fine. Since he''s a calligraphy master, he was only making some remarks because he wasn''t satisfied with our calligraphy. You��"


    But Zhang Ye said, "I know what I''m doing."


    Zhang Yuanqiughed and said, "You sure about this?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Of course."


    Xu Men also came over. "How is your calligraphy?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "It doesn''t count if I speak."


    Was he confident? If this were a week ago, he wouldn''t be so sure. Because, even though he had "eaten" a lot of Calligraphy Skill Experience Books to the point of almost maxing out the skill, the skill was still not considered to be the highest level. But it was different now. In the previous lottery draw that Zhang Ye had yed to test out his luck, he received quite a few advanced level versions of the Calligraphy Skill Experience Book. His calligraphy skill was no longer the same as before. More crucially, with his high level of skill, he could finally bring out the piece he had not dared to bring out before!


    The ink and brush were prepared.


    The camera pointed straight at Zhang Ye, even giving him a constant close-up.


    Zhang Ye smiled and then rolled up his sleeves. He slowly walked onto the stage.


    Around him, he could hear the whispering voices of the foreigners.


    "Does he really not know who Master Miyamoto is?"


    "Who knows what this Chinese Heavenly King is thinking?"


    "Hur hur, we''re in for a show."


    "I would love to see just what kind of a calligraphy ''discussion'' he can hold with Master Miyamoto!"


    Even quite a few of the Chinese businesspeople in the crowd looked at one another.


    When he arrived onstage, Zhang Ye looked down and swept his eyes over Miyamoto Shinshou''s recent work. He was standing very close to it and could see it in much greater detail. The Japanese calligraphy style was indeed in the same vein as Chinese calligraphy, yet it had a distinct style of its own. This old man''s writing was also very good, and it might not be too much to say that he was already at the pinnacle.


    His brush strokes.


    The way the characters flowed.


    The imposing air of the writing.


    It had all the characteristics of China''s semi-cursive. It was stunning and breathtaking!


    Miyamoto Shinshou''s pride was indeed backed up by his skill.


    With such a skilled technique, perhaps no other living person who also wrote in semi-cursive was a match for Miyamoto Shinshou. China''s Master Wu, Master Kong, and a few others, Korea''s Master Kim Seongju, none of them specialized in semi-cursive. So it wasn''t easy topare them. Miyamoto Shinshou had indeed reached the pinnacle, and there wasn''t anyone above him.


    Semi-cursive?


    Did you really think that you''re invincible?


    Zhang Yeughed. It wasn''t just augh, but a mockingugh!


    He wasughing at theck of insight from this world''s people!


    He wasughing at how the mice came out to y when the cat was away!


    When were the Japanese allowed to have the final say on who was the best at writing in semi-cursive?


    Zhang Ye picked up the brush and closed his eyes. When he opened his eyes again, his entire aura had changed. It was as though he had be another person!


    His gaze!


    His expression!


    Everything about him was different!


    Miyamoto Shinshou was stunned!


    Xiaodong was startled!


    Li Xiaoxian stared at Zhang Ye in surprise!


    The people watching at the venue and over the live broadcast could also clearly feel this change!


    What was going on?


    What just happened?


    Zhang Ye pushed the nib down andnded it onto the paper!


    At this moment, countless people across Asia were gazing at Zhang Ye''s brush. What are you going to write in? Regr script? Cursive? Or clerical script? In any case, in their opinion, Zhang Ye would definitely not write in semi-cursive or running-standard 1 . He definitely would not write in either of those two styles in front of Miyamoto Shinshou.


    However, the moment Zhang Ye wrote the first character, everyone was dumbfounded!


    Yong!


    It was the yong character!


    But this was not the reason that left them dumbfounded!


    What they were dumbfounded by was the style in which Zhang Ye had written in!


    It was semi-cursive!


    He just had to write it in semi-cursive!


    Li Xiaoxian couldn''t stop smiling wryly. "This is bad, th-this��"


    Amy did not understand. "What''s the matter?"


    Zhang Yuanqi narrowed her eyes. "It''s written in semi-cursive."


    Xiaodong asked, "What?"


    Chen Guang nearly fainted. "Teacher Zhang must be doing this out of spite!"


    Huo Dongfang also understood Zhang Ye''s nature. "He''s definitely doing this on purpose!"


    Big Qi facepalmed. "There''s really no one with a temper like Teacher Zhang''s!"

 Chapter 1381 - The world’s best semi-cursive!

    <h4>Chapter 1381 - The world''s best semi-cursive! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Semi-cursive 1 ?


    Miyamoto Shinshou was irked!


    Many of the Japanese celebrities and businesspeople in the audience were also quite angered by this person''s arrogance! He was outright challenging Master Miyamoto Shinshou''s calligraphy! He actually started writing in a simr semi-cursive style as Master Miyamoto? Just how bold was this guy? Just how defiant could he be? Since you know calligraphy, then how can you not know that in the domain of writing in semi-cursive, there isn''t a living person in this world who could stand on equal footing with Master Miyamoto?!


    But what left them in even more disbelief was yet toe. After Zhang Ye wrote the second character, the third, and the fourth, they realized again��


    It was an ancient story!


    It was a descriptive piece!


    Damn!


    It was in the exact same format as Master Miyamoto''s work. He was actually going to write a descriptive piece as well!


    A simr ancient background!


    Using the same semi-cursive!


    A simr descriptive story!


    Isn''t this provocation?


    A provocation towards a world-famous calligraphy master?


    They simply could not believe it!


    But while some people were scolding Zhang Ye in their mind for thinking too highly of himself, Miyamoto Shinshou, who was standing about five meters away from Zhang Ye, was the first person to be stunned!


    The second person to be stunned was a Korean businessperson who knew calligraphy!


    The third person was Li Xiaoxian. Her jaw dropped!


    Then they were followed by China''s richest man, Qian Haitao!


    The people in the crowd were getting stunned one by one!


    "Xiaoxian?"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Master Miyamoto, what''s wrong?"


    "What happened?"


    "Old Qian? Boss Qian?"


    But those people did not say a single word to them. They just stared straight at the Xuan paper in front of Zhang Ye with horrified expressions on their faces!


    Zhang Ye''s brush flew across the page.


    In the ninth year of Yonghe 2 , the fiftieth year of the sixty-year cycle 3 , at the start ofte spring, we have gathered at the Orchid Pavilion on the ubac of Mount Kuaiji for the purification ritual. All the literati, young and old, have convened. Around here are towering mountains, deep wood and tall bamboo, as well as clean and wild rapids reflecting the surroundings. We sit next to each other by a winding creek, floating goblets. Though missing thepany of music, wine and song and conversation fill our hearts with joy.


    Zhang Ye ced the brush to the paper again and swayed with the movement of the nib. He also showed all kinds of colorful expressions on his face as he did so.


    Be it calmness.


    Be it sighing with emotion.


    Be it sadness.


    Or be it joy.


    Today, the sky is clear and bright; a gentle breeze blows. Gazing up at the immense universe, looking down at the wonders of nature; as eyes wander, so do minds. Indeed, it is pure joy for all the senses.


    Finally, Li Xiaoxian could no longer hold it in!


    "Oh my God!" Li Xiaoxian eximed.


    Xu Men said in surprise, "Th-These words��"


    Zhang Yuanqi was smiling. Her smile was one of delight!


    Chen Guang said dumbfounded, "Are those words really written by Zhang Ye?"


    Even Jiang Hanwei, who was not on good terms with Zhang Ye, could not help but gasp!


    Many of them did not know much about calligraphy. Even if they were presented with a bunch of calligraphy pieces, they wouldn''t understand what was written. Whichever brush strokes were used, whether it was written in regr script or clerical script, most of them would not get it. But when they saw Zhang Ye''s calligraphy, a lot of them were ovee with shock!


    There was no reason!


    Absolutely no reason!


    Even they did not know why they felt this way!


    They were just shocked!


    It was a shock that came from within themselves!


    How could this be?


    Why was it like this?


    The Japanese celebrity team was also dumbfounded!


    "How could that be!"


    "This��"


    "Oh my God!"


    Each and every person at the venue looked absolutely stunned!


    But Zhang Ye did not stop writing.


    Nor did he notice the expressions of those in the audience.


    A lifetime flits by as friends are made. Some tell all stealing embraces in the bedchamber; others indulge in hedonism. Interests are endless and tempers vary. We enjoy momentary happiness when we find it, but we never anticipate growing old. And as we grow weary of our loves, feelings changing, giving rise to grief. What we just enjoyed turn to relics and makes us yearn. Life may be long or short, but it muste to an end. As the ancients said, "Birth and death are major events." How agonizing!


    ��


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    "These words are amazing!"


    "Hot damn!"


    "Did Uncle Zhang get possessed?!"


    ��


    At Central TV.


    "How godly!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "Zhang Ye has broken into the realm of the gods!"


    "These words are earth-shattering!"


    "Did he really write them?"


    ��


    In the Chinese calligraphy world.


    "Master Wu! This��"


    "How could there be semi-cursive written to such a level!"


    "There''s actually someone in this world who can write such beautiful semi-cursive? How is that possible! If I may say something disrespectful, not even the ancient masters achieved such great semi-cursive!"


    "So this is Zhang Ye''s level of calligraphy?"


    "How did he get so good at it?"


    "Enough of that, just look at that zhi 4 character!"


    "Which zhi?"


    "All of them! Look at it closely!"


    "What! Why do they all look different 5 ?"


    "Christ!"


    ��


    In the Korean calligraphy world.


    "Master Kim, what do you make of this?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Ah? Why not? How good is the calligraphy?"


    "I''m not qualified to critique this calligraphy piece."


    "What?"


    "I just know that there''s another calligraphy master in this world!"


    ��


    In the Japanese calligraphy world.


    "Who on earth is this person!"


    "He''s a celebrity in showbiz."


    "How''s that possible! How can a celebrity possibly make a calligraphy piece of such beauty!"


    "Bro Yamada,pared to Master Miyamoto, which of them is better at calligraphy?"


    "Bro Isarai, you really can''t see the difference?"


    "I, I��just where did this guy pop out of! Why have I not heard of this guy before in the calligraphy world?!"


    ��


    At the venue.


    Silence!


    There was only silence!


    Everyone was looking at the stage in shock. The longer they stared, the more stunned and amazed they were!


    Only Miyamoto Shinshou had a different reaction. He could see much more than those people in the audience!


    The zhi character!


    All he could see was the zhi character!


    This first one was written 6 within "at the start ofte spring": The "dot" stroke was written in an almost horizontal way, while the "horizontal" stroke was barely visible. The "throw away" stroke joined with the closing "press down" stroke sharp and restrained. The spacing between the strokes was properly proportioned.


    The second one appeared within "we have gathered at the Orchid Pavilion on the ubac of Mount Kuaiji": The "horizontal" and "throw away" strokes appeared as almost one line, while the "press down" stroke made a slight double curvature and closed off with a gentle exit, appearing tight above and rxed beneath.


    The third one appeared within "Though missing thepany of music": The "dot" stroke resembled a goose''s head, and the pause at the turning point between the "horizontal" and "throw away" strokes was obvious. The "press down" stroke was drawn downward with implied meaning.


    The fourth one!


    The fifth one!


    The sixth one!


    All of them were different!


    Every zhi character was written differently!


    This level of skill was nothing short of godly!


    As Miyamoto Shinshou continued looking at the writing, his eyes almost popped out!


    What on earth was this essay?


    What on earth was this calligraphy?


    Zhang Ye was writing faster and faster. His wrist was flicking very quickly as the words flowed.


    Every time I read pastpositions, I sense the same mncholy in the ancients. I cannot read them without mourning, unable to express my feelings. Equating life and death is absurd, as is equating a long life with dying young. Future generations will look to us, just as we look to our past. How sad! So we record the people present and their poems. Though times will change, the thoughts and emotions will stay the same. Future readers shall be touched by the collection.


    He signed it.


    And set down the brush.


    He finished writing it in one go.


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath before he slowly calmed down. He finally saw the people in the audience. Miyamoto Shinshou, Xiaodong, Zhang Yuanqi, Li Xiaoxian, Chen Guang, Ning Lan, the Chinese businesspeople, the Japanese businesspeople, the Korean celebrity team, and even the camera operators and host were all stunned!


    This was "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion"!


    The world''s best semi-cursive!

 Chapter 1382

    <h4>Chapter 1382 </h4>


    Chapter 1382: The ''Preface to the Orchid Pavilion'' gets auctioned for an astronomical price! Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The calligraphy piece wasplete!


    There were a total of 324 characters!


    There was joy and there was mncholy!


    It started off calmly and surged in emotion as it went on!


    And from that surge, it returned back to calm!


    It was a roller coaster of emotions that rose and fell beautifully!


    Every word was like a raging torrent!


    Every word was shocking to those who read it!


    At this moment, no one at the venue said anything!


    At this moment, there was a silence among those watching the live broadcast across Asia!


    Everyone was quietly looking at this piece of calligraphy. At this precise point in time, it was as though no words could describe the shock they were feeling. It felt like this piece of calligraphy had been sent down from the Heavens for reasons unknown to amaze all mortals!


    In Zhang Ye''s previous world, there weren''t too many people who could im to be the world''s best at something. Who was the best Go yer in the world? This was greatly disputable since no one particr person could be called so! Whose ink wash painting was the number one in the world? Everyone had their own candidate in mind, so that wasn''t a surety either! Who was the world''s best when it came to poetry? The Immortal Poet 1 ? The Sage of Poetry 2 ? There were still too many and no one dared to make a conclusion! But only in the domain of calligraphy was there an acknowledged world''s best! Only Wang Xizhi was worthy of the title!


    Wang Xizhi!


    "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion"!


    The world''s best semi-cursive!


    It was indisputable!


    No one could suggest a second person for it!


    In this world, it was clear that no one knew who Wang Xizhi was, nor had anyone heard of the famous "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion." This was because they had never existed here. So when Zhang Ye was finally skilled enough to bring out this piece of calligraphy to amaze the people of this world, everyone was shocked by it. They could not help but be stunned by every written character and their strokes!


    Xiaodong said in a daze, "Xiaoxian."


    Li Xiaoxian said, "Hm?"


    Xiaodong asked, "Just how good is this calligraphy?"


    Li Xiaoxian fell silent. She did not know how to answer the question. After thinking for a long time, she finally gave her opinion, "This is something that should only belong in the Heavens!"


    Amy quickly asked, "How about aspared to Miyamoto Shinshou''s work?"


    Chen Guang also asked, "Right, which of them is better?"


    Other people around them were also talking.


    The group of Chinese businesspeople.


    "Who won?"


    "So whose calligraphy is better?"


    "Yeah, does anyone know?"


    "Don''t just keep quiet. Who here knows anything about calligraphy?"


    "Is there anyone who understands calligraphy?"


    "Won''t someone please give us an analysis?"


    Of course, some of the people in attendance knew calligraphy quite well. In fact, there was no shortage of experts here. But when they heard this question, they couldn''t be bothered to answer. Whose calligraphy was better? By now, after seeing Zhang Ye''s entire piece of calligraphy, why would anyone ask that? Aren''t you insulting others that way? Didn''t you see how even Miyamoto Shinshou has stopped talking? There was simply no way topare Miyamoto Shinshou''s and Zhang Ye''s calligraphy!


    Wasn''t it obvious enough?


    Was there still doubt?


    In the presence of the "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion," no other semi-cursive could exist in this world!


    The Korean host was staring at the calligraphy piece in bewilderment.


    Zhang Ye turned and nced at him.


    Only then did the host react. He quickly said, "Th-Then let''s get the bidding started. Teacher Zhang, this calligraphy piece is called��"


    Zhang Ye smiled and answered, "''Preface to the Orchid Pavilion.''"


    The Korean host announced, "Next up, we will hold the bidding for ''Preface to the Orchid Pavilion��''"


    But before he could even finish the announcement, people were already calling out bids from the crowd!


    "1 million!" The person who called out this bid was a Japanese businessman!


    A rather fat CEO from Korea even stood up to bid. "$1.2 million USD!"


    Another Japanese businessman red as he yelled, "2 million!"


    Everyone was horrified!


    Xiaodong nearly fainted. "My God!"


    Amy was dumbfounded. "It surpassed the previous figure! It surpassed it!"


    Chen Guang said in shock, "$2 million USD?"


    Big Qi eximed, "This is ridiculous! Ridiculous!"


    Only three bids had been ced so far!


    Just three bids and it was already at $2 million USD?


    This surpassed the final price of Miyamoto Shinshou''s item!


    And the bidders were even those Japanese and Korean businessmen who had mocked Zhang Ye for thinking too highly of himself?


    But they were still in for a greater shock. The next second, the Chinese businesspeople finally reacted as they rolled up their sleeves to join in the bidding!


    "2.1 million!"


    "2.4 million!"


    "2.9 million!"


    "3 million!"


    "3.5 million!"


    "5 million!"


    The price was getting higher and higher!


    The bids were getting scarier and scarier!


    The price was even jumping up by the millions!


    Boss Sun got angry. "Old Chu, why are youpeting with me for it!"


    Boss Chu rolled his eyes. "May the best man win!"


    He raised up his paddle. "6 million!"


    Boss Han, who was next to them, gave a fist and palm salute. "Everyone, I am older than you by a few years, so allow me to address all of you as my little brothers. Please give me some face and let me have this piece of calligraphy, alright?"


    Boss Chu was having none of it. "Brother Han, that won''t do!"


    Boss Han said, "Didn''t I give up that business deal to you thest time?"


    Boss Chu said shamelessly, "Business is business; it has nothing to do with the auction!"


    Boss Sun said, "That''s right! It belongs to whoever can fork out the most for it! I''m absolutely not giving up on it!"


    He also raised his paddle. "7 million!"


    A Japanese businessman sitting at a table across from them roared, "7.5 million!"


    It was crazy!


    The bidding on the floor had gone insane!


    ��


    Japan.


    Somewhere.


    "Sir."


    "Who''s at the venue?"


    "Mr. Matsuda."


    "Call him and tell him to make sure he gets that calligraphy piece!"


    "Yes, sir!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "Quickly, make the phone call!"


    "Yes!"


    "Tell President Park! Make sure he wins the auction for this ''Preface to the Orchid Pavilion!''"


    "Then the price��"


    "At all costs!"


    "Understood!"


    ��


    China.


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    "Oh my God!"


    "Are they high?"


    "Is Brother''s calligraphy worth so much money?"


    "Th-This is terrifying!"


    "No way, I have to get home!"


    "Mengmeng, why are you going back at this time? We''re still watching the live broadcast!"


    "Shoot, I gotta go back home to sift through my workbooks from two years ago! Brother helped me with my homework back then! He wrote so many words in there! Just think how much that''ll be worth! I gotta find it and sell it, then I won''t have to go to school anymore!"


    "Ah! I remember now as well. Brother has also helped me with my homework before! I''m rich! We''re rich!"


    The sisters were extremely excited!


    That left the adults of the family at a loss!


    ��


    At the venue.


    The bidding was still happening!


    The bids had reached the frightening sum of more than $10 million USD!


    The venue could only be described as insanity!


    Zhang Ye had long since returned to his own seat in the audience to watch the bidding with the members of the Chinese celebrity team.


    "15 million!"


    "17 million!"


    "I''ll bid 20 million!"


    "I''ll bid 25 million!"


    Boss Sun gave a bitter smile at those bids. He ced his paddle face down and was no longer in the race to win the item. He wasn''t rich enough to be so generous with his bidding. It was already above 100 million RMB. It still hurt to part with that much money.


    Over there, Boss Chu and Boss Han were still fighting to outbid the Japanese and Korean businessmen!


    "Damn! 26 million!"


    "29 million!"


    "30 million!"


    At this moment, Boss Sun received a call and was stunned for a moment. Without even thinking after hanging up, he raised his paddle again and said, "$32 million dors!"


    Boss Chu was very shocked. "Old Sun, did you have too much to drink?"


    Boss Han said angrily, "Didn''t you already give up on bidding for it?"


    Boss Sun waved the phone in his hand helplessly and said, "Old Zhou just called me. He couldn''t be here, so he wanted me to help him bid for it."


    Boss Chu said exasperatedly, "That Old Zhou, what''s he joining in the fun for!"


    Thepetition was getting even more intense!


    It was reaching the climax!


    The bids were going back and forth as the price kept climbing!


    Japan, Korea, and China. The parties from these three countries hadunched into a fierce fight for the item. The price had reached an astronomical figure that shocked many people!


    "41 million!"


    "42 million!"


    Xiaodong was wiping away sweat!


    Amy nearly pissed her pants!


    Xu Men was stunned!


    This was way too crazy!


    Were they really going all out for it?!


    But at this moment, just as the auction was reaching a stalemate with the bids seemingly unable to rise any further, and when many of the businesspeople were starting to hesitate!


    A voice rang out!


    "I''ll bid 100 million!"


    The entire venue fell silent!


    Everyone turned in shock to look at the person who had just spoken!


    100 million?


    $100 million USD?!


    It was Qian Haitao!


    China''s richest man, Qian Haitao!


    Boss Sun gave a bitter smile.


    Boss Han sighed.


    The Japanese businessmen''s faces changed and they went quiet!


    A Korean businessman was just about to say something but held back. In the end, he could only throw down his paddle!


    The host said, "100 million, going once. Are there any higher bidders? 100 million, going twice? Anyone? Are there any higher bids? And sold!"


    The hammer was dropped!


    The deal wasplete!

 Chapter 1383 - Zhang Ye’s calligraphy ascends to the altar!

    <h4>Chapter 1383 - Zhang Ye''s calligraphy ascends to the altar! </h4>


    Chapter 1383: Zhang Ye''s calligraphy ascends to the altar!


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It blew up online!


    The Japanese were stunned!


    The Koreans were stunned!


    The Chinese were stunned!


    All of Asia''s people were stunned!


    "How much?"


    "How much did he say?"


    "100 million? USD?"


    "That''s almost fucking 700 million RMB!"


    "Fuck that shit! Isn''t that too much?"


    "Even if this were an ancient masterpiece or an original manuscript of a calligraphy piece with historical value, $100 million USD is still not a practical price to pay for it. There has never been an item worth this in any of the past auctions! How can this ''Preface to the Orchid Pavilion'' measure up to those works? It was written just today! There is no history behind it! $100 million USD? Is this a joke? Is this calligraphy piece by Zhang Ye really worth such a price? Oh my God!"


    "Even Master Wu''s calligraphy doesn''tmand such a price!"


    "What do mean by it doesn''tmand such a price? That''s a far cry from this!"


    "Yeah, Master Wu''s most treasured piece of calligraphy is probably only worth about 8 million RMB! Compared to 700 million RMB, that''s almost 100 times of that!"


    "Goddammit, 100 times?"


    "Wow, you''re right!"


    "Miyamoto Shinshou''s work iscking by far as well! It''s totally not on the same level of quality!"


    "Modern calligraphers, including the living masters and those who have passed on, none of them canmand such a price for their works. How is this just an astronomical price? It''s totally gone beyond that!"


    "Zhang Ye is too awesome!"


    "This result will shock all of Asia!"


    "This fellow is too fearsome!"


    "That was really some big-time face smacking that he dished out! It was a bruising blow!"


    "I bet Master Miyamoto is in tears!"


    "Master Miyamoto must have pissed his pants!"


    "Yeah, who the fuck has seen a calligraphy piece fetch such a price?"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    Everyone was shouting for joy.


    "Ahhh!"


    "$100 million USD!"


    "He''s on fire!"


    "Our brother is on fire!"


    ��


    At Zhang Xia''s house.


    Her daughter was dumbfounded.


    Zhang Xia inhaled sharply!


    Her daughter said, "Mom, didn''t Teacher Zhang gift you a piece of calligraphy?"


    Zhang Xia was startled. "I think so, I asked him for it."


    Her daughter suddenly became very excited and shouted anxiously, "Where is it? Where''d you put it?"


    "Why?" Zhang Xia asked.


    Her daughter anxiously said, "I''ll take it out and frame it!"


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    "Changhe."


    "Ah!"


    "Why is Little Ye''s calligraphy worth so much!"


    "How the heck should I know!"


    ��


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    Yao Jiancai suddenly said, "Where''s the calligraphy that Zhang''er gave me?"


    His wife was taken aback. "I put it away in a box, why?"


    "In a box?" Yao Jiancai said angrily, "You ruinous woman! What if it gets creased or folded!?"


    Yao Mi also said in a panic, "Mom, hurry up and take it out! Bring it out quickly! That will be our family heirloom from now on! Hurry, hurry, hurry!"


    The three of them hurriedly rummaged through the boxes for it!


    ��


    The outside world was in an uproar!


    Everyone was shocked silly by this heaven-defying price that the calligraphy piece by Zhang Ye had fetched!


    The people from the calligraphy world in Asia quickly went to check through the historical auction records and found to their surprise that the value of this "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion" was unprecedented!


    $100 million USD!


    This was the highest record set in an auction for a calligraphy piece in Asia!


    This was the highest record set in an auction for a calligraphy piece in the world!


    No other works came close!


    "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion" was now the most expensive calligraphy work to have been sold in the entire world. Further, this calligraphy piece was not written by Master Wu, nor was it written by Master Miyamoto. It was actually written by the hands of a celebrity from the entertainment industry, a Chinese Heavenly King who was also a big shot A-lister in Asia!


    This moment was bound to go down in the annals of history!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s calligraphy work ascended to the altar!


    At practically the same time the hammer fell, the various major trading and auction forums in Asia blew up. They were flooded with countless threads requesting the acquisition and purchase of some items!


    On a Japanese painting and calligraphy trading and auction tform.


    "Request to buy Zhang Ye''s calligraphy!"


    "Who has any of Zhang Ye''s calligraphy? Buying for a high price!"


    "Those with Zhang Ye''s calligraphy, please approach us. We guarantee that you''ll be satisfied with the price that we offer!"


    On a Korean tform.


    "Buying in for a high price!"


    "Requesting Zhang Ye''s calligraphy, urgent!"


    It was even more so in China.


    "I remember that Zhang Ye has written many works, right?"


    "Yeah, Yan Mei owns one of them herself!"


    "Right, she requested it from Zhang Ye during the interview!"


    "Who else is there?"


    At this moment, Yan Mei posted onto Weibo the poem that Zhang Ye had gifted to her.


    Immediately, a lot of peoplemented below it with their offers.


    A Chinese toypany''s CEO: "Teacher Yan, are you selling it?"


    A CEO from the food and drink industry: "Old Yan, quote a price!"


    "1 million RMB!"


    "I''ll offer 3 million!"


    "5 million, deal?"


    Although this piece wasn''t written in the semi-cursive script that Zhang Ye had just used at the charity auction, people still offered a high price for it. A lot of businesspeople and rich second generations were asking to buy it!


    Central TV host Yan Mei was frightened by all these offers. Damn, they''re willing to pay so much? She quickly deleted the Weibo post and posted another one, saying: "I was just showing it off; it''s not for sale."


    Zhang Ye was on fire!


    His calligraphy were also on fire!


    In a sh, their prices were sent soaring!


    There was even a shopping site that had people selling Zhang Ye''s autograph!


    "Does anyone want to buy Zhang Ye''s autograph?"


    "How much for it?"


    "100,000!"


    "What? 100,000 for a signature?"


    "It''s Zhang Ye''s writing we''re talking about here!"


    Everyone was speechless!


    "Pfft!"


    "Crazy, it has gotten way too crazy!"


    "Zhang Ye''s words are practically worth a thousand taels now!"


    "Aiya, if I had known, I would have ambushed Zhang Ye at his doorstep every day to get an autograph!"


    ��


    Seoul.


    At the venue of the charity auction.


    Boss Han said sourly, "Congrattions, Old Qian."


    China''s richest man, Qian Haitao,ughed heartily and said, "Thanks!"


    Boss Sun rolled his eyes. "Let''s have a viewing session at your ce some time. Don''t you dare not let me look at it."


    Qian Haitao said, "Haha, thank you for giving in to me."


    It could be seen that Qian Haitao was in a very excited mood. He really loved this calligraphy piece so much that he was willing to spend however much it took to get it. He wasn''t short of money anyway. This was a national treasure! Even if it wasn''t that yet, it would definitely be one in the years toe! Therefore, this "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion" must nevernd in the hands of foreigners!


    The Japanese businesspeople all had looks of pity on their faces!


    The Korean businesspeople were also looking on in regret!


    They had missed out on the opportunity to get their hands on the "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion"!


    Over there.


    The Chinese celebrity team.


    Amy grabbed hold of Zhang Ye and said, "Lord Zhang, you''re so godly! That was simply too godly of you!"


    Big Qi was also utterly convinced. "So your calligraphy is actually at such a high level!"


    Li Xiaoxian said, "What an astronomical price that is!"


    Xiaodong said, "Look, Teacher Zhang''s eyes have turned red. He must not have thought that his calligraphy would fetch such a price either."


    Amy said, "Yeah, Teacher Zhang must be touched to know that his calligraphy has finally been acknowledged by the world! Who wouldn''t feel excited if they were in his shoes?"


    Excited?


    Acknowledged?


    Zhang Ye had tears flooding down his cheeks!


    Excited, your sister!


    Acknowledged, your sister!


    As if this fellow''s eyes had reddened because of that. He was simply feeling the pinch!


    $100 million USD!


    It was $100 million USD!


    Fuck your sister!


    If I had known that it would sell for this much, I would have secretly written it at home and taken it to amercial auction to sell, alright! I��As if I have nothing better to do than show off here!

 Chapter 1384 - Zhang Ye’s Asian Celebrity Ranking!

    <h4>Chapter 1384 - Zhang Ye''s Asian Celebrity Ranking! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It had grown dark out.


    The live broadcast came to an end.


    The crowd had also dispersed from the charity banquet''s venue.


    The coordinator of the Asian Red Cross Society that organized the banquet grabbed hold of Zhang Ye''s hand the moment he came up to him. He was visibly excited and kept shaking Zhang Ye''s hand.


    The coordinator said, "Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Hey."


    "Thank you! Thank you!"


    "Uh, you''re wee."


    "We''re really very grateful to you! Thank you so much!"


    "This is how it should be; this is all for charity."


    No one knew how hard it took for Zhang Ye to lie about this.


    The coordinator was so excited that he was speaking incoherently. "$100 million USD! We will never forget this contribution that you have made to the cause of charity in Asia. The Asian people will remember this good deed of yours and Mr. Qian''s! Today''s donations greatly exceeded our expectations. It''s a figure that we didn''t even dare to imagine! Our staff at the Red Cross were all holding back their tears just now. Even adding up the donations from thest five Asian Charity Banquets wouldn''t exceed the selling price of your auction item. Your generous action has moved me, and I believe many of the others as well. With your lead, there will definitely be more and more people joining in to support such charitable causes in the future!"


    Oh, so you think it''s a lot too?


    If you think so, why don''t you issue me a refund for some tens of millions of dors then!


    Can I not donate that much?


    Zhang Ye was still feeling the pinch.


    The coordinator said, "There''s actually a reward of some kind to be given away at every Asian Charity Banquet to the person who makes the greatest contribution, and we had decided on the reward earlier on." With a pause, he said, "But now, it must be changed. This reward would not be enough to express our Red Cross''s gratitude to you. I will need to go back and hold a meeting with the higher-ups to decide on it. Please wait for my news! I''ll get it done for you immediately! For someone who has made such an outstanding contribution to charity, we must return the favor with the greatest possible encouragement!"


    Close by, quite a few Red Cross Society employees who had just finished their work came over. They looked at Zhang Ye and broke out into apuse!


    This was grateful apuse!


    This was respectful apuse!


    This was admiring apuse!


    Seeing this crowd of excited people, Zhang Ye thought that it would be rather embarrassing if he were to ask whether there was amission rebate for him. Perhaps this was the price to pay for showing off. Thinking of this, he started looking around the venue. He spotted Miyamoto Shinshou heading for the exit with everyone else and called out to him.


    "Master Miyamoto!" Zhang Ye said.


    Miyamoto Shinshou turned around, stunned.


    Zhang Ye said, "What was it that you said earlier about China''s calligraphy?"


    The Japanese interpreter started tranting and exining to him what had just been said.


    Miyamoto Shinshou stumbled and nearly fell. He pretended not to have heard it and turned back around to leave.


    Zhang Ye called after him, "Eh? Why are you leaving? Why don''t we chat for a while? Didn''t you say that you wanted to give some pointers regarding calligraphy to our Chinese celebrity team?"


    Miyamoto Shinshou stumbled again before he hurried away!


    Zhang Ye sneered. What was that you were bragging to me about earlier? The calligraphy skills that you have were all learned from us, so what makes you think there is a need for us to listen to your pointers?


    The Japanese celebrity team: "��"


    The Korean celebrity team: "��"


    The staff of the Red Cross Society: "��"


    Most people just beat up others instead of smacking faces!


    But for Zhang Ye, he only specialized in smacking faces!


    He wouldn''t even settle for a hit on the head and would fucking readjust just to ensure his pnded on the face!


    Only the Chinese celebrity team''s members were still talking and chatting as though nothing much had happened. They were used to this. Which of them did not know Zhang Ye''s temper? Besides, it was Miyamoto Shinshou himself who wanted to show off. However, instead of showing off, he walked straight into Zhang Ye''s line of fire! The Chinese celebrity team was also thinking about how Miyamoto Shinshou was very unlucky!


    ��


    Outside the venue.


    It was very crowded.


    As soon as Zhang Ye came out, he was swarmed by reporters from all over Asia. They gave him no chance of slipping away and stopped him the moment he stepped out!


    "Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "I am from KBS 1 !"


    "I am from China''s Xinhua News Agency!"


    "We are from Japan''s Daito Nippo!"


    "Please ept our interview!"


    "Do you know that your ''Preface to the Orchid Pavilion'' has broken the world record for the selling price of a calligraphy piece?"


    "Who did you learn your semi-cursive from?"


    "There are experts who evaluated you to be the most skilled person in calligraphy in the world today. What do you think of that?"


    "Do you feel that your semi-cursive can be hailed as the world''s best?"


    "You''re so good at writing in semi-cursive, do you think you will switch fields to specialize in the art of calligraphy in the future?"


    He couldn''t understand Japanese.


    He couldn''t understand Korean.


    It was a good thing that those foreign reporters were all speaking in English.


    Which, of course, he couldn''t understand either!


    So Zhang Ye could only answer the questions that those Chinese reporters had posed to him. "It broke the world record for the selling price? I''m not sure about that, but it might be possible. My teacher is Wang Xizhi, but I doubt that any of you would know him. The world''s best? The most skilled person in calligraphy? I dare not ept such an assessment of me. There are so many calligraphy masters in China, and I also don''t specialize in the art of calligraphy. As everyone knows, I am just a normal, small-time artist."


    Question after question.


    Zhang Ye answered them one by one.


    During this time, he managed to figure out one thing. "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion" was not from this world and had never appeared before. So when the people of this world saw it for the first time, they were stunned by it and hailed it as a godly piece. In actual fact, if Zhang Ye were to bring out this calligraphy piece in its exact original form back in his previous world, it would still only be a copy of the original even if every character he wrote carried the same mannerisms within them.


    $100 million USD?


    Thinking of this, Zhang Ye didn''t feel that bad anymore.


    ��


    On the same night.


    News reports started appearing all across Asia.


    "A Chinese celebrity takes top honors!"


    "$100 million USD sends a shockwave throughout Asia!"


    "A shocking piece appears in the calligraphy world: ''Preface to the Orchid Pavilion!''"


    "A Chinese celebrity bes a calligraphy master of the new generation!"


    "China''s semi-cursive shocks the world!"


    "The Asian Charity Banquet a great sess!"


    "Japanese calligraphy master Miyamoto Shinshou gets face smacked onsite!"


    The reports were over overwhelming.


    Many of the Asian people who did not watch the charity banquet''s live broadcast only found out about this from the news and were all extremely shocked!


    ��


    Late into the night.


    At the resort.


    The Chinese celebrity team ordered some food and brought back some alcohol to the hotel room and threw a celebratory party.


    "What a fun day that was!"


    "We finally took the top honors!"


    "Haha, did you all see the look on Miyamoto Shinshou''s face?"


    "I saw it, I saw it. He looked so dejected when he made his escape."


    "Come, let''s have a toast."


    "Might I suggest that we toast to Teacher Zhang?"


    "Right, it was all thanks to Zhang Ye that Xiaoxian and Sister Zhang were spared the embarrassment!"


    "Cheers!"


    "Let''s drink!"


    The party concluded.


    Everyone opened up the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index and suddenly discovered that on the Asian A-list rankings, Zhang Ye''s name had jumped up two ces. He had surpassed Lee Anson, who was very popr ofte!


    This was the Asian Celebrity Rankings!


    This was the most authoritative list in Asia where celebrities battled each other!


    To rise two ranks overnight?


    How ridiculous was that?!

 Chapter 1385 - A crazy reception at the airport!

    <h4>Chapter 1385 - A crazy reception at the airport! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    On the return flight.


    The Chinese celebrity team was still discussing yesterday''s events.


    "Has the Red Cross given the reward to you yet?"


    "Not yet, but I''m not exactly anticipating whatever it might be."


    "Hur hur, it''s good enough to garner all of that poprity from yesterday."


    "Yeah, your poprity must have blown up this time."


    "You''ve shot to fame with just one appearance in Asia."


    "Haha, Zhang''er, don''t forget to treat us all when we get back."


    "You''re the only one who experienced a poprity boost."


    "Yeah, and it''s poprity in Asia too. It''s much harder to climb in the Asian rankings than our rankings back home. The changes are often and huge since there is a lot ofpetition over here. Like for Spring Garden, it would already be a very good result if we don''t drop off from our monthly ranking. It would take the best of our efforts just to maintain our position. We''re totally unlike Teacher Zhang who has it so easy. He can just go abroad for a short trip, sing a song or two, do some calligraphy, and then see his poprity in Asia shoot up."


    "You can''t say that he has it easy either. The key is that Zhang''er has already umted enough with his past results and achievements. Just naming any one of his achievements overseas would be enough to shock a bunch of people, like his status of being the world''s best yer in Go, or his world-ss mathematician title. With those serving as a foundation, once he makes his appearance in Asia, his poprity would naturally follow. And those past achievements that Zhang''er got were achieved with pure hard work from him. He hasn''t had it easy along the way, and it''s not a path that just anyone could copy."


    "Teacher Zhang, are you seriously nning to develop your career in Asia?"


    "This is good momentum. I think within the next year or two, Teacher Zhang will have a chance of making it into the Asian S-list rankings. After that, he can start thinking about fighting for a spot among the international celebrities."


    Everyone chipped in with their views on the matter.


    The international stage?


    I better concentrate on getting to the top of Asia first.


    Zhang Ye did not think that far ahead and knew that he would have to take this step by step.


    Soon after.


    Their nended.


    The Chinese celebrity team''s people were bidding each other goodbye as they walked out, ready to part ways. The various celebrities'' assistants or staff were also here to pick them up.


    Sunsses.


    Face masks.


    Caps.


    The three essentials that a celebrity should carry were worn by everyone.


    However, the moment they passed the security check, the situation outside at Arrivals spun out of control!


    It was crowded with people!


    The entire ce was packed tight as sardines!


    "Ah!"


    "It''s them!"


    "They''re out!"


    "I see them!"


    "Ahhhh!"


    There were people all around. All of them were fans!


    Screams filled the airport''s arrival hall!


    Zhang Yuanqiughed and said, "Well, it looks like the news got out."


    Xu Men said helplessly, "Let''s wait it out. It''s not safe to step out at this time."


    Xiaodong, Amy, and the others also stopped in their tracks. None of them dared to walk any further.


    Jiang Hanwei wondered, "Why are there so many people here?"


    Only Zhang Ye smiled like it didn''t matter to him. "You guys stay around then. This bro will take his leave first." Then he swaggered out.


    Ning Lanughed and said, "Aren''t you afraid that your fans will prevent you from leaving?"


    Zhang Ye waved it off and said confidently with augh, "My fans? My fans would nevere to receive me at the airport."


    But when Zhang Ye strolled, the situation that unfolded before him was not quite what he had imagined it to be. His eyes blurred at the sight as he saw everyone behaving as though they knew him very well. All of them were crying out for him and pounced forward like a pack of hungry wolves!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "He finally came out!"


    The majority of them did not even cast an eye on the other celebrities of Chinese celebrity team and went straight for Zhang Ye. It seemed like most of the people out here were waiting for him!


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded!


    Eh?


    What''s with this?


    A girl screamed, "Teacher Zhang, I like you so much. I''ve been reading your poems since I was young, and I''ve listened to all of your songs as well. Please give me an autograph!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Ah, OK."


    A youth darted over. "Teacher Zhang, you''ve brought so much pride to our country''s people and shown the might of China. Please give an autograph to me!"


    "Ah, sure."


    A young woman squeezed her way forward as she roared, "Teacher Zhang, your��your hairstyle looks great today. Please give me an autograph!"


    Zhang Ye was speechless.


    A student said, "Teacher Zhang, your shoes look great. Can I have your autograph?"


    Zhang Ye became even more speechless.


    What was with all of this?!


    What do my shoes have anything to do with getting my autograph!


    For a moment, it was jampacked. Everyone was behaving like they had gone crazy!


    "Ah! I got it!"


    "I got it too!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye''s signature!"


    "Hahahaha! I''m rich!"


    "Stop squeezing!"


    "Teacher Zhang, sign one for me too! Please give me an autograph!"


    "Damn, who''s pushing me?"


    "Don''t cut in front of me, wait for your turn!"


    "Fuck, I was here first!"


    "Teacher Zhang, please give me an autograph as well! Just one character of your name is fine too! My family is waiting for me to bring home the bacon!"


    Bring home the bacon?


    What has my autograph got anything to do with you bringing home the bacon?


    Zhang Ye stopped thinking about it and continued giving autographs to them.


    Therge crowd of people had blocked the entire hallway. Yang Shu, who had arrived from outside, could not make her way in and was stood there in a fluster!


    A distance away.


    The Chinese celebrity team members were all dumbfounded.


    Ning Lan checked left and right before attempting to walk outside. Her studio''s staff had already arrived and the path was now clear for them to pick her up.


    When Chen Guang saw this, he also stepped out.


    Xiaodong, Li Xiaoxian, and Amy also made an attempt to leave.


    No one cared about them!


    Absolutely no one had spotted them at all!


    Xiaodong turned around and said to the other celebrities, "I think it''ll be fine for us to leave now?"


    Jiang Hanwei rolled his eyes. What in the world was this?


    Big Qiughed helplessly. "So they''re all here to receive Teacher Zhang?"


    But of course, the two Heavenly Queens, Zhang Yuanqi and Xu Men, did not step out so easily. With their poprity, they would definitely get stopped by fans if they did. It was not even necessary to try it.


    Xu Men asked, "Didn''t he say that his fans wouldn''te to receive him at the airport?"


    Zhang Yuanqi smiled and said, "Do you think they''re here to receive him? They''re all here to make money."


    "Make money?" Xu Men asked curiously.


    Amy was amused. "Sister Lan, don''t you know?"


    Xu Men asked, "Know about what?"


    Amy burst outughing and said, "Back here in China, people are already offering up to 100,000 yuan each for Lord Zhang''s autographs. What''s more, there was even a sessful transaction at that price!"


    Chen Guang said in surprise, "What?"


    Jiang Hanwei stared with wide eyes. "His autograph?"


    Xu Men also said in shock, "100,000 yuan each?"


    Damn!


    Whose autograph had ever cost so much?


    Even an international superstar''s autograph wouldn''t be able to fetch 100,000 yuan, would it?


    It might be possible if there was a limited quantity. Like how some international superstars never autographed much. If a copy of it were to make it to the market, it could be possible that it would sell for 100,000 yuan since that would be a rare piece of memorabilia. But this wasn''t the case for Zhang Ye! This fellow had signed so many autographs for others that the streets were flooded with them. He basically never rejected anyone who asked him for one, after all, so how could it fucking fetch 100,000 yuan each? Just how valuable was his writing! That even his autograph had been squabbled over to a sky-high price!


    The Chinese celebrity team members weren''t about to wait for him and headed back home separately.


    Before they left, they gave Zhang Ye, who had been surrounded by the "pack of wolves," a look whileughing. That fellow was still signing his autograph for them one by one. They wondered when he would finally finish autographing for all of them.


    Zhang Ye''s writing was really on fire all across Asia!

 Chapter 1386 - The Asian philanthropic ambassador!

    <h4>Chapter 1386 - The Asian phnthropic ambassador! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    12 o''clock.


    At the vi.


    Zhang Ye pushed open the door and went in, saying loudly, "I''m home!"


    Inside the living room, he could see that his parents and Wu Zeqing were here. They were making lunch.


    Old Wu turned around and looked at him. She smiled and said, "You''re home? What tea would you like? I''ll brew it for you."


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "There''s no need. I wanna rest for a bit first."


    His mother asked, "Why are you back sote? Didn''t you say that you werending in Beijing at 8 AM?"


    "I didnd at 8 AM." Zhang Ye slumped onto the sofa and said in an exhausted voice, "But I was blocked from leaving by all the people asking for my autograph the moment Inded. I signed it for them one by one until my hands went soft." He raised his right hand. "Look, just look at this. I almost can''t lift it up. Those awful people tortured me so much."


    His father said, "Why didn''t you just turn them down then?"


    Zhang Ye said tearfully, "I bragged that I would never reject requests for autographs from my fans on A Date with Yan Mei. Who knew that this would happen? If I had known, I wouldn''t have bragged on the show."


    His mother chuckled. "Didn''t the airport authorities intervene?"


    Zhang Ye said, "They did."


    His mother said, "That''s right, drive them all away. Such amotion would have badly affected the day-to-day of the airport."


    Zhang Ye said, "Right! That''s why the airport authorities specially arranged a reception room for me so that I could concentrate on signing autographs. The ground crews and flight attendants even joined the line to get one themselves."


    The airport staff were terrible!


    Thinking about this now, Zhang Ye still had an urge to curse at them.


    His mother and father were speechless.


    Wu Zeqingughed as she prepared lunch. "It''s because your calligraphy is so very popr. On a domestic trading and auction tform, your autograph was even sold for a sum of 100,000 yuan."


    Zhang Ye nearly sprang up from the sofa. "What? 100,000 yuan? Damn, no wonder I was thinking what was up with those animals! Then how much did I sign away today? 50 million? 100 million?"


    Wu Zeqing said gently, "You''re being too hopeful. That transaction was just a one-off and not the true market price. Did you really think you can depend on autographs to make a living? Hur hur."


    His mother was reminded. "Oh yes, just what is with your calligraphy?"


    His father also wondered, "Yeah, your mom and I did not sign you up for any calligraphy lessons when you were young."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Dad, with his calligraphy, it''s no longer a matter of getting lessons."


    Zhang Ye bellyughed and said, "It was self-taught. I''m just a genius at it."


    "Little Ye''s writing has always been quite good." Wu Zeqing said, "That ''Ode of Mn'' is still framed in our house. Butpared to the ''Preface to the Orchid Pavilion,'' there are indeed noparisons. I also watched the live broadcast and found that this ''Preface of the Orchid Pavilion'' was the most stunning piece of semi-cursive calligraphy that I have ever seen. There''s nothing thates close to it."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "It''s been some time since then. I oughta have improved."


    His father said, "The media blew up yesterday as well. Little Ye''s name was all over the headlines and they even said something about his writing being the greatest semi-cursive since ancient times. I''m not sure what that means."


    His mother added insult to injury by saying, "Hmph, that means our foolish son donated away a calligraphy piece worth nearly 700 hundred million RMB to the Red Cross. Greatest semi-cursive since ancient times? More like the greatest fool since ancient times!"


    His father was speechless.


    As was Zhang Ye.


    Wu Zeqing stood thereughing.


    She was done cooking.


    The family sat down together and had lunch.


    Talking about the Korea trip, Zhang Ye bragged as he ate, his eyes lighting up. "Dad, Mom, Old Wu, it''s not that I''m bragging to you all, but it was really a crisis at that point in time. I was ignoring Miyamoto Shinshou at first, but who could''ve guessed that he''d create trouble for himself. I kept wondering to myself why he insisted on showing off! He even wanted to discuss calligraphy with me? I could easily demolish him with my eyes closed! So how could I hold back? I decided to roll up my sleeves and take him on. After I finished writing the piece, I looked into the crowd and saw that everyone had turned silent. Miyamoto Shinshou was standing there dumbfounded and tried to flee after being defeated. He didn''t even dare make a sound to me after that!"


    His father said in a speechless manner, "Why do you always look so spirited whenever you get into a fight with a foreigner?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Do I?"


    His mother looked at him. "You do!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, so be it. But I''m only doing so for our country and its people. It''s indeed meaningless to sh with our own, and I''m getting annoyed from fighting on home turf. There''s too much discord within the Chinese entertainment circle with people trampling on each other every day. Once they head overseas, they turn headless and don''t know what to do when a conflict arises. But that''s OK! Isn''t there still me, Lord Zhang, around in the Chinese show business? Have I ever been afraid of anyone in the domestic industry? So of course I can deal with them even if theye from abroad! I don''t care who it might be!"


    His mother said, "Good, that''s my son!" She picked out a piece of meat for him and asked, "So you''ve taken the first steps to your development in Asia?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "What first steps? I''ve already taken off and am soaring!"


    His mother curled her lips and said sarcastically, "Right, right, soaring."


    Wu Zeqing gave him a timely reminder. "Little Ye, don''t assume it to be so great. Your rtions with the Japanese and Koreans were already no good prior to this since you''ve fought with and scolded their people before. Although it brought you quite a bit of attention at that time and your current ranking within Asia is very high, if you really wish to continue progressing in the region and aim for the Asian S-list, all of those past incidents you were involved in will be stumbling blocks in your attempt to reach the top of Asia."


    Zhang Ye said, "You''ve said this to me before."


    Wu Zeqing acknowledged, "Yes, you have to be prepared for it."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "It''ll be fine. I''ll deal with it as ites."


    After lunch.


    The calls starteding in one after another.


    While he was in Korea, there were times he couldn''t get a signal on his cell phone. He was overseas, after all. But now that he was back, many people were looking for him again.


    ��


    Yao Jiancai called.


    "Whoa, you''re great, Zhang''er!"


    "Haha, it was alright."


    "When will you being over to my ce?"


    "Why?"


    "Write another two calligraphy pieces for me."


    "Get lost! I''m not free!"


    ��


    Grandma Zhang Xia called.


    "Little Zhang, you''re back?"


    "Yes, I just reached home."


    "You''ve managed to stabilize your position in Asia this time."


    "Haha, I didn''t expect it to be so smooth sailing either."


    "You talents always glow wherever you go."


    ��


    The Calligraphy Association called.


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "Hello, President Sun."


    "Let''s skip the niceties! Will you join the Calligraphy Association? I''ll arrange for it immediately!"


    "Ah? Please don''t."


    "That won''t do. If a great calligraphy master like you isn''t in the association, how would it look on us? You definitely have to join us. I''ll push for you to be the vice president, and when I retire next year, we can arrange for you to take over as the president or honorary president. Master Wu also feels the same way about it!"


    "President Sun, let''s talk about that again in the future."


    "Don''t push it back anymore! Everyone is really hoping for you to join us!"


    "I''m just an artist, so I really shouldn''t be poking my nose into your people''s business."


    "A calligraphy celebrity is a celebrity too! And we''re now regted by the entertainment industry as well!"


    "Pfft, don''t tease me."


    ��


    Later that afternoon.


    Zhang Ye''s phone rang again.


    But it was this call that stunned Zhang Ye.


    The caller was someone from the Asian Red Cross Society.


    "Is this Teacher Zhang Ye?"


    "That''s me."


    "Hello, I am with the Red Cross."


    "Hello."


    "Regarding your outstanding contributions to charity work, we are extremely grateful to you and also very touched by your actions. We held a meeting with the higher-ups and came to a unanimous decision. We would like to invite you to take the role of our new Asian phnthropic ambassador and join us in contributing to the phnthropic cause. Will you ept our invitation?"


    "Ah?"


    "Teacher Zhang?"


    "Ah, I''m here."


    "We''re officially inviting you. Would you be willing to join us?"


    "Of course I am. But may I ask a question first? How many ambassadors are there going to be?"


    "There will only be one in the whole of Asia."


    "Is there going to be a selection round then?"


    "No, you will be appointed as the ambassador as long as you agree to it."


    "Of course I will agree. This poprity��to contribute to the phnthropic cause, I am more than willing to y my part."


    "Thank you! Then we will immediately issue a letter of appointment to you. We will notify the media of the different countries around Asia and call for a press conference to be held."


    The call ended.


    Zhang Ye was still feeling rather stunned.


    The Asian phnthropic ambassador?


    This must be the special reward that the Asian Red Cross Society was talking about, right? This reward was indeed too generous! Prior to this, Zhang Ye actually had no expectations at all. He never thought that a charitable organization would be able to hand out such a reward! But who could have thought that such a big move would be made the very next day!

 Chapter 1387

    <h4>Chapter 1387 </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the first floor of the vi.


    Zhang Ye rushed down from upstairs. "Dad, Mom."


    "Are you done taking calls?" His parents were both watching television in the living room.


    "Yes, I''m done." Zhang Ye said with a smile, "There''s something that I want to tell you two about."


    His mother asked, "What is it?"


    Zhang Ye said, "The Asian Red Cross Society has officially appointed me as their new Asian phnthropic ambassador."


    His mother snorted. "Knock it off."


    Zhang Ye said, "But it''s true; the appointment letter will be issued very soon."


    His father also did not believe him. "Why would they appoint you?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Because my calligraphy was sold for almost 700 million RMB and the proceeds were all donated to them."


    Only then did his mother say in surprise, "Did they really appoint you?"


    "Didn''t I just get off the phone with them?" Zhang Ye said in amusement.


    Wu Zeqing asked, "When will you officially get the role?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "They should be holding a press conference soon."


    His mother said, "Aiyo, that''s great then. What a good opportunity!"


    Realizing that he wasn''t just bragging, Zhang Ye''s parents became excited. The Asian phnthropic ambassador? What a great honor that was! They certainly knew the weight that this title carried. It wasn''t just an ambassador role for one of the many phnthropic organizations across the country, but an official role for the Red Cross Society. Further, this was an ambassador role that spanned all of Asia!


    Zhang Yuanqi?


    Xu Men?


    Ning Lan?


    Jiang Hanwei?


    They were ambassadors as well, but were only so within the borders of China! It was the same in Korea and Japan. Every country had their own appointed phnthropic ambassadors who were usually the bigger name stars or elites from the business world. They were all public figures with good standing, but the pool of them was limited. That was to say, any public figure who had contributed to charity before could apply for the role. The Chinese Red Cross Society''s phnthropic ambassadors numbered twelve at most, while other countries like Japan had about nine and Korea had about ten or so.


    But for Asia?


    There was only one!


    It was a lone role!


    There would only be one Asian phnthropic ambassador each year and their status outranked all of the other phnthropic ambassadors in Asia. Usually, the person with the most outstanding contributions to charitable causes would be selected from a pool of phnthropic ambassadors across Asia, and this year, it was actually Zhang Ye whonded this honorable role? Much less his parents, even Zhang Ye himself was a little stunned by it. Before this, he wasn''t even an ambassador in China. Before this, he hadn''t even participated in any charity events. The Asian Charity Banquet was his first time doing so!


    This was indeed a great and pleasant surprise!


    To others, they might think of this as just an empty title.


    But to Zhang Ye, who wanted to make a name for himself in Asia, this was precisely the kind of good thing he wanted. It was like a pie dropping out of the sky. This opportunity had arrived quite timely for him!


    What kind of potential did this position hold?


    It was a pass to gain entry to the whole of Asia!


    This phnthropic ambassador role was the only one of its kind in all of Asia!


    Reputation?


    Exposure?


    Attention?


    It wasn''t something that any other role couldpare to!


    This was truly something that not even money could buy!


    Thinking about this, Zhang Ye no longer felt so pinched about donating away the close to 700 million RMB piece of calligraphy. The Asian Red Cross Society was still very honorable when it came to upholding their promise to him!


    ��


    In the rest of the world.


    This news started spreading as well.


    But when a lot of people heard about it, they were in utter disbelief!


    ��


    At Xinhua News Agency.


    "Who?"


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Phnthropic ambassador?"


    "But that''s impossible!"


    "Pfft, are you fucking kidding me?"


    "Where did this rumore from? Can they please stop messing around?"


    ��


    At Central TV.


    "What?"


    "This must be a joke!"


    "That can''t be, it absolutely can''t be!"


    "It''s definitely fake news!"


    "If Director Zhang can be the Asian phnthropic ambassador, then I can fucking be the president of the United Nations!"


    "Yeah, who doesn''t know how terrible Director Zhang''s reputation is!"


    ��


    At the Chinese Red Cross Society.


    "Hahaha."


    "That''s impossible."


    "Whoever did that newse from?"


    "This must be the greatest joke of the year!"


    "Yeah, it can''t be Teacher Zhang no matter what."


    Even the staff at the Chinese Red Cross Society did not believe it!


    ��


    However��


    The news spread like wildfire!


    More and more people were finding out about it!


    A lot of them finally sensed that something was wrong!


    Following that, an official announcement by the Asian Red Cross Society struck like a bolt of lightning. It ignited a crazy amount of discussion among the Asian public. "The Asian Red Cross Society will be appointing Zhang Ye as this year''s Asian phnthropic ambassador in the near future and hopes to work hand-in-hand with Teacher Zhang Ye to bring about a grand era in phnthropy!"


    Zhang Ye!


    It was really Zhang Ye!


    He was going to be the Asian phnthropic ambassador!


    Countless people were dumbfounded!


    ��


    In the Celebrity Goof Group.


    The chat group''s notifications were exploding!


    Ning Lan: "Fuck!"


    Amy: "$%^&*()(*&^%$)!"


    Zhang Xia: "What''s going on?"


    Xiaodong: "Damn! Zhang Ye hasnded the role of this year''s Asian phnthropic ambassador!"


    Huo Dongfang: "I''m quite surprised too. No one could''ve expected it to be Teacher Zhang!"


    Big Qi: "Hahahaha, I heard that quite a few of the Heavenly Kings and Queens from Japan and Korea were also vying for the honorable role this year. This is really a great job since they can perform phnthropy and also gain some fame for themselves. It would also help to increase their exposure in Asia. What''s most important is that I''ve heard that this role would also be considered in the calction of the Asian Celebrity rankings as a special qualification of outstanding contributions. Who would''ve thought that this role would actually go to Teacher Zhang!"


    Amy: "Oh my God! This is gonna be interesting!"


    Li Xiaoxian: "I truly didn''t expect this."


    Director Li Ke: "Director Zhang is quite the lucky one."


    At this moment, Zhang Ye also appeared in the group.


    Zhang Ye: "Thank you, thank you."


    Chen Guang: "Director Zhang, hurry up and give out some red packets!"


    Xiaodong: "Director Zhang, hurry up and give out some red packets!"


    Xu Men: "Director Zhang, hurry up and give out some red packets!"


    Zhang Yuanqi: "Director Zhang, hurry up and give out some red packets!"


    Instantly, the big names in the group appeared as well!


    Zhang Ye said stingily, "What red packets? This bro ismitted to his charity work. In the future, I''ll have to save all of my money and do my bit for phnthropy in Asia!"


    Fan Wenli: "Pfft!"


    Amy: "*scorn*"


    Xiaodong: "*scorn*"


    ��


    Japan.


    Theizens threw a fit.


    "Why is it him?"


    "Why didn''t they get Oda-kun instead?"


    "What is Zhang Ye?"


    "That''s right, how is he qualified for the role!"


    "He donated $100 million USD though. Hai, who can outdo him?"


    "Is that a lot of money? Oda-kun also donated quite a lot of money for the whole ofst year."


    "It''s a $100 million USD. Even if we were tobine the total amount of donations by the Asian celebrities from China, Japan, and Korea, it wouldn''t amount to half of that figure, alright?"


    "Ah, it''s that much?"


    "Why else do you guys think that they would appoint him as the Asian phnthropic ambassador?"


    ��


    Korea.


    "I don''t ept this!"


    "Right, it''s not fair!"


    "In terms of an Asian celebrity''s influence, our Korean stars are the top!"


    "Yeah, the role should belong to us. Why did they let a Chinese celebrity get it instead!"


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "I''ve never heard of him before."


    "Where did this person pop out from? He''s been all over the news for the past two days!"


    "But his calligraphy is indeed very good. Didn''t Master Kim also say it in private��that in calligraphy, he is truly unable topare to Zhang Ye?"


    ��


    Themotion was still the greatest among the Chineseizens.


    Others might not know what kind of person Zhang Ye was, but would they not know? So when they found out about this news, many of theizens nearly vomited blood!


    "Pfft!"


    "How did this scammer get appointed as the Asian phnthropic ambassador!"


    "The Asian Red Cross Society''s people are so brave!"


    "This fellow can even be a spokesperson for charity? And he''s actually going to be a spokesperson for all of Asia? I just spat blood onto my monitor!"


    "With that foul temper of Zhang Ye''s, how could he have anything to do with phnthropic causes?"


    "This fellow is always cheating people, every day, but still ends up bing a phnthropic ambassador all of a sudden? Give me a break!"


    "I''m rolling on the floorughing. Getting appointed as a phnthropic ambassador, just how ironic is that! Is the Asian Red Cross Society doing this on purpose? They must be, right?"


    "They must not have studied Zhang Ye''s background!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    No one knew where the Asian Red Cross Society found the courage to do this!


    He was the biggest thorn in the Chinese entertainment industry!


    Fighting!


    Face smacking!


    Scolding!


    There was simply no "evil" that he did notmit!


    In the end, he actually became the Asian phnthropic ambassador?


    Th-This��What an unreliable choice of person this was!

 Chapter 1388 - Zhang Ye the Great Philanthropist!

    <h4>Chapter 1388 - Zhang Ye the Great Phnthropist! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Monday.


    In the morning.


    It was a pretty good day, and the skies were clear.


    After breakfast, Zhang Ye made his way to the studio for work. When he pushed open the door, the sound of party poppers being popped made him jump. The studio''s staff had been waiting here since early in the morning to celebrate him. They had bought everything and hid in wait behind the door to wee him.


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Congrattions!"


    "Congrattions to you on bing the Asian phnthropic ambassador!"


    "We''re truly going to soar now!"


    "We''re getting closer and closer to the summit of the Asian region!"


    "A lot of people in the Asian region have learned about you."


    "You did a great job during the Korea trip."


    "Teacher Zhang is almighty!"


    "As long as we stick to Director Zhang, we''ll always have meat to eat!"


    "From now on in Asia, we''re also going to be someone with status!"


    Zhang Ye was also very happy. He pped his hands in a calming gesture and said to everyone, "Calm down, calm down, we aren''t even there yet. In the future, our goal is to reach the summit of the international scene and be an S-lister! We''re only halfway there and there''s still a long road ahead." His gaze fell onto the table where he saw a leftover bun on it. He said, "Hey, who didn''t finish the bun? How can you be so wasteful? That''s a bad habit."


    Little Wang eximed, "I''ll finish it immediately!"


    Zhang Ye looked at the trash can. "Aiyo, who drank that bottle of water? Why was it thrown away after only drinking half of it? Wasteful, how wasteful!"


    Tong Fu''s face turned red. "I was the one who threw it away. I-I''ll be more aware in the future."


    Zhang Ye took two steps to the front of the trash can. "Aiyoyo, who did this? Why were the melon seeds thrown away after only eating half of them? Lavish, howvish. Don''t you guys know how many people in disaster areas are still living in dire straits?"


    Little Wang said, "Uh, I think you threw that away."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Was it me?"


    Tong Fu confirmed, "It was you."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Why don''t I remember this?"


    Little Zhou said, "A few days ago, you said that the melons seeds had turned rancid and didn''t taste good anymore. You got me to throw it away for you."


    Zhang Ye pointed at her. "Look at you, look at you, I knew I wasn''t the one who threw it away. Little Zhou, I have got to criticize you for that. I only asked you to throw it away to test you. Didn''t you realize that? That is half a packet of melon seeds there. If you bring it to a poorer region, a family of three could munch on it for several days if they ration it well."


    Little Zhou: "��"


    Zhang Zuo: "��"


    Ha Qiqi: "��"


    Zhang Ye said earnestly, "Don''t do it again."


    Little Zhou got scapegoated. "I got it, Director Zhang."


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "Let''s all pay more attention in the future. We cannot drag Director Zhang back and must do our part for charity as well. Let''s start with not being wasteful."


    Zhang Ye pointed at her. "Look at how enlightened our Sister Ha is, just look at her." Then he looked to Zhang Zuo and said, "Brother Zuo, do hold a meeting with everyone to get a grasp of their thoughts and awareness. We must change the way we think, especially now that our status has changed. Regarding the basic necessities, we all have to be more attentive to such things."


    Zhang Zuoughed and said, "Sure thing, I got it."


    Zhang Ye pretentiously went on for a long while, clearly having slipped into his role as the Asian phnthropic ambassador. He just couldn''t tolerate many of the things that he was seeing!


    Later that morning.


    In his office.


    Ha Qiqi knocked on the door and came in. "Director Zhang, the Asian Red Cross Society''s officials have contacted us. They''vepleted the coordination on their side and will call for a press conference in Beijing three dayster to officially announce this news. Furthermore, it will entirely be broadcast live, so they reminded us to make the necessary preparations for it."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Heh, they''re making such a big fuss out of it?"


    Ha Qiqi smiled. "It''s the phnthropic ambassador for the whole of Asia, so of course it has to be a grander affair. They''re also hoping to ride on your poprity coattails to do a wave of promotions so that everyone will start participating in charity."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright, then we most definitely have to support them."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Alright, I''ll get someone to arrange for it then."


    On this day, the fax machine at the studio did not stop printing. They kept receiving congrattory messages from various organizations.


    The Chinese Red Cross Society.


    The Japanese Red Cross Society.


    The Chinese Charity Association.


    The Korean Civil Charity Association.


    The Korean Red Cross Society.


    And other civil, non-profit organizations.


    Many of the charities from many different countries had sent their congrattions, and there were even some who invited Zhang Ye to take part in their activities. For example, one of the organizations hoped to invite him to organize a charity auction at an art exhibition, or an association wanted to invite him to front their event, or an invitation to make a support trip to the countryside to bring warmth to the children of a poor rural area.


    There was even a Chinese government agency that sent over a congrattory letter too. When Little Wang brought it over in great surprise, Zhang Ye saw the stamp at the end of the letter mentioning that it was from the Office of the State Council. What did these words represent? Zhang Ye knew what it meant, of course, and was extremely ttered. Of the officials that he had met, the highest rankings ones were from the SARFT and the Ministry of Culture. Oh, there were also those from the Sports Administration he had scolded��which was also considered a form of meeting. But he had note across any other officials above that level, so this was the first time he had any contact with them.


    In the letter, they offered their congrattions and also expressed their expectations regarding Zhang Ye''s future work in the charity sector. Although a lot of it was just your usual fluff, Zhang Ye was still very honored by it. He immediately called a meeting with everyone.


    They discussed and learned at the same time.


    Everyone was receiving a baptism to their ideologies!


    Sublimation!


    Sublimation!


    And further sublimation!


    ��


    At Beijing Television.


    "Ah!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Teacher Zhang just posted on Weibo!"


    "What? Did he get into a fight again?"


    "Who is he going up against this time?"


    "Uh, it''s not a fight��"


    ��


    At Zhang Xia''s house.


    "Mom."


    "What?"


    "Zhang Ye just made a lot of posts on Weibo."


    "What? Who is he scolding this time?"


    "Uh, he''s not scolding anyone."


    "That can''t be right. Let me have a look."


    ��


    On Weibo.


    Many people discovered to their astonishment that Zhang Ye''s Weibo ount and his studio''s ount had both started posting a lot of news rted to charity work in a short period of time.


    "Who will help them?"


    "Please extend a helping hand!"


    "One nket a bed, a lifetime of warmth!"


    "Are you still wasting food?"


    "Children in rural areas have no education opportunities!"


    10 posts!


    50 posts!


    100 posts!


    He was flooding his Weibo with so many of such posts!


    There were all kinds of messages that he was reposting!


    Zhang Ye''s Studio very quickly turned from the most notorious team in the industry into a main driving force of the Asian charity scene!


    Its entire attitude had changed!


    The people in the industry rolled their eyes!


    Theizens rolled their eyes!


    "Pfft!"


    "This joker!"


    "Teacher Zhang, can you stop faking jt already?"


    "Who in China doesn''t know what kind of a person you are?"


    "It''s already toote to try to change your image! If you have the time, why don''t you write another calligraphy piece and donate it!"


    "I totally can''t fucking ept this change in attitude!"


    "Me too! In the past, whenever I saw updates from Zhang Ye''s Weibo, it would always mean that a storm was brewing in China and that there was some kind of shocking battle about to happen!"


    "Yeah, which Weibo post of Zhang Ye''s isn''t about scolding people!"


    "@ZhangYe stop messing around. Wash up and go to bed!"


    "Has this fellow repented his evil ways? Pfft! Why do I not believe it!"


    "Him? Repenting his evil ways? A pig could fly if that were the case!"


    "Carry on pretending! I wanna see just how long this fellow canst!"


    "If he can persist in not scolding someone for a month, I''ll spell my name backwards forever!"


    "Yeah right, it willst at most half a month!"


    "Hur hur, I think that even half a month would stifle him!"


    Weibo was a social media app that celebrities used very often. However, Zhang Ye''s usage of it was different from theirs, with his Weibo having an extremely special status within the entertainment industry. In the recent years of countless fierce battles and scolding wars, of which a few had gone into the annals of the entertainment circle''s history, they were mainly a result of Zhang Ye''s Weibo posts. So everyone was used to him using his Weibo to scold others, and it was something that they were very amused by, as well as something that was deeply etched into their minds. As a result, when they saw that there weren''t any scoldings on Zhang Ye''s Weibo and that it had started promoting various charity events instead, everyone felt a little shocked. They found it really difficult to adjust to this change!


    Theizens started ranting!


    Zhang Ye''s fans also came forward to start amotion!


    ��


    When those at the studio saw thesements, they nearly burst outughing.


    And when Zhang Ye saw thements, he nearly fainted.


    They were undermining him! No one had ever undermined him like this before!


    Why can''t this bro start engaging in charity?


    Fighting?


    Scolding?


    Hmph, I''m no longer the person that I was!


    From now on, this bro won''t scold anyone anymore. Because I am the great phnthropist!

 Chapter 1389 - Creating a charity storm across Asia!

    <h4>Chapter 1389 - Creating a charity storm across Asia! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Tuesday.


    Back at home.


    In the morning, Zhang Ye was checking his Weibo while still under the nket. There were traces of his phnthropic efforts in many of the news articles, Weibo posts, and trending topics as he browsed through them.


    ��This behavior cannot be advocated.


    ��Passion for charity starts from me.


    ��Come, friends, join us at #TeamCharity# 1 !


    ��Reject extravagance, resist wastefulness.


    ��Think about the children in poor rural areas. Do you think your actions are right?


    ��Comrade, I have to criticize you. We cannot give up halfway when ites to charity!


    Comment afterment!


    In no time at all, he left over a hundred of them!


    Old Wu had already left for work. It was almost 9 AM, but Zhang Ye still hadn''t got out of bed. He was holding his cell phone and typing out a flurry ofments with a serious look on his face.


    The news reports were also unending.


    "Zhang Ye''s Studio donates 200,000 RMB to aid Hope Elementary, located in the mountains!"


    "Zhang Ye calls for all of the country''s citizens to do their part for charity!"


    "Zhang Ye appeals to everyone to show love to children suffering from leukemia!"


    On Weibo.


    Theizens were sneering unceasingly.


    "This fellow is at it again!"


    "Ignore him!"


    "Iugh at his attempts!"


    "This fellow must have gotten addicted!"


    "Heavens, Face-smacking Zhang is really going further and further along the path of charity!"


    "Is there a screw loose in this fucker''s brain?"


    "Will somebody awaken Face-smacking Zhang? I find it unbearable to see him this way!"


    "Yeah, and it''s been going on for two days!"


    "Has this fe fully dedicated himself to performing charity?"


    "Are we really not going to see him fighting with others in the future? That would be really boring."


    "Zhang Ye! Wake up!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang! Come back to us!"


    A lot of people could no longer bear to watch. Very quickly, a barrage of "awaken Face-smacking Zhang"ments went out in full swing. Theizens spontaneously joined into the action. Some of them direct messaged him, while others left messages on his and his studio''s Weibo. Others replied to hisments. However. It didn''t seem like Zhang Ye saw anything at all. He continued battling at the front lines for charity. Wherever there was a topic rted to charity, there would be signs of Zhang Ye''s "industriousness"!


    The fans: "��"


    Theizens: "��"


    The entertainment circle: "��"


    In the end, they could do nothing about it.


    But with these posts by Zhang Ye, the effects turned out to be quite remarkable.


    There was an upswing in attention towards phnthropic causes.


    Donations to the Red Cross Society soared!


    The number of volunteers signing up with various charities increased!


    ��


    On the same day.


    The Red Cross Society''s letter of appointment arrived.


    The Red Cross Society had already updated the public service announcements with Zhang Ye''s picture in them. Below it, some text introduced the new Asian phnthropic ambassador for this year. Zhang Ye''s name and picture also started appearing in the various localnguages of the countries across Asia through their print ads and television stations.


    Online.


    "Eh, the ads are out?"


    "Zhang Ye has officially stepped into the role?"


    "It should be rolling out Asia-wide, right?"


    "I think so."


    "It''s no wonder those Asian celebrities are all vying to be the Asian phnthropic ambassador. It''s only logical that they''re all trying so hard to fight for it. There''s the contributing score to the Asian Celebrity Rankings and also a chance to build up a positive image in Asia, not to mention the free advertisements from the Asian Charity Association that can increase one''s exposure throughout the region!"


    "But there shouldn''t be too many people watching those ads, right?"


    " No matter how small, a mosquito is still meat 2 !"


    "Right, it''s free exposure for him!"


    A lot of people saw it, but it didn''t really cause much of a reaction.


    They were charity advertisements, after all, so there was going to be a limited amount of attention given to them.


    TV series?


    Variety shows?


    Even if they were notpared to these and just an ordinary type of advertisement, the PSAs were still less appreciated. Most people would usually only sweep a nce at it.


    ��


    Noon.


    At the studio.


    Everyone was seated together. The television was switched to Central TV where a charity advertisement was running. Such advertisements were run for free and coordinated by the charity organizations with the various countries'' television stations. Each year or each month, there would be an allocated amount of minutes given to broadcast such PSAs. This was something that Zhang Ye had done for Beijing Television as well.


    The ad was quite normal.


    Zhang Ye''s picture only shed onscreen during the final two seconds.


    Then the PSA ended.


    Ha Qiqi turned off the television. "That''s it."


    Zhang Ye was not very satisfied with it. "That''s it?"


    Ha Qiqi blinked and said, "I thought it was pretty alright?"


    "Isn''t this just a run-of-the-mill charity ad?" Zhang Ye said with a shrug.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Yep."


    Zhang Ye said disdainfully, "It''s too average. No one would watch this. The team behind this ad is too unimaginative. What time do we live in? They really need to keep up with the times. Otherwise, if they keep up their old mindset, what would be of the charity ads? Even charity ads need to be done in a way that can attract people''s eyes and catch their attention."


    Zhang Zuo said with a wry smile, "The charities are mostly run by volunteers, although there''s full-time staff as well. But from a professional point of view and their abilities, there''s really noparing to themercial businesses. Their annual sries are not on the same level, so it''s not like a truly capable advertising team would be willing to step up and bend over backwards just for a charity, right? I also find this ad to be quite alright. At least in terms of its quality, the majority of the advertising teams in the country still can''te up with something like it."


    Zhang Ye shook his head and said, "This kind of PSA doesn''t have any influence at all. They''re scheduled to be broadcast every month for free across Asia, but for such a good spot and time slot to be used in such a way, it can only be deemed as a joke. Even with a good hand of cards, it''s totally wasted by them. This is such a shame!"


    Little Wang eximed, "Are you thinking?"


    Ha Qiqi was also taken aback. "Do you mean to say?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Didn''t you guys say that they don''t have a good advertising team? Then I''ll do it for them. Old Ha, get in contact with them and let''s do it as we just discussed!"


    "Alright, understood!" Ha Qiqi immediately went to get it done.


    Zhang Zuo, Little Wang, and the others were also very excited to hear this.


    That''s right!


    Isn''t there Director Zhang?


    This is exactly what Director Zhang is a professional at!


    Conserve electricity!


    Quit smoking!


    Bottled water!


    Toothpaste!


    Milk!


    Health supplement products!


    What kinds of advertisements had Zhang Ye not done before?


    In the Chinese advertising world, Zhang Ye''s name was a prominent one. Even the former number one of the advertising world, Li Xiaoxiao, had suffered a defeat at the hands of Zhang Ye. The phenomenal advertisements that surfaced in China in recent years were the handiwork of Zhang Ye!


    Over there.


    Ha Qiqi managed to get in contact with the liaison.


    When the employee at the Asian Red Cross Society heard, he was also startled. "Did Teacher Zhang really say that?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Yes."


    The employee said, "But to remake the PSA, our budget��"


    Ha Qiqi readily said, "We''ll pay for it."


    The employee said, "But the manpower��"


    Ha Qiqi did not hesitate. "We''ll provide the manpower as well."


    Providing the money.


    Providing the manpower.


    Providing the facilities.


    Ha Qiqi clearly understood Zhang Ye''s thinking. She also knew exactly what they needed most right now. Money? What was that to them? Even if Director Zhang often yakked about money being an issue, if he really wanted to earn it, he could simply sell his calligraphy or takemercial appearances and the money woulde rolling in. There were some things that couldn''t be bought with money, like this role of the phnthropic ambassador, and even more so, the broadcast of this charity advertisement that would be shown all over Asia. If they handled this well, how much poprity and fame would it bring Zhang Ye? Ha Qiqi knew exactly what it meant!


    They did notck money! What theycked was an opportunity!


    An opportunity for him to show himself to all of Asia!


    The employee got excited. "Aiyo, th-then that''s great! Who doesn''t know about Teacher Zhang''s reputation in the advertising world? He''s absolutely the vest person in the Chinese advertising world! We''ve all seen those PSAs by Teacher Zhang so many times. They''re such ssics. To have Teacher Zhang personally directing our ads for us, we definitely won''t have any issues with that. We''re just afraid of troubling you all, and the funding is also��"


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "No worries. Since Teacher Zhang has epted the role of Asian phnthropic ambassador, he will naturally do his best. We''re willing toe up with the necessary money and manpower and not scrimp on that. We are all doing this for charity, so you don''t have to be so polite with us."


    The employee quickly said, "Thank you so much! We''re burdening Teacher Zhang!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "It''s what we should do."


    The employee said, "Then I''ll report this to the leaders immediately!"


    When Ha Qiqi was finally done talking with them, she informed Zhang Ye.


    Ha Qiqi said, "It''s done. The charity''s executives were full of praise for you. The top two executives even called in personally to convey their thanks."


    Zhang Ye smiled and waved it off. "It''s all for the people, all for the people!"


    Ha Qiqi blinked and said, "I told them that we''ll be providing the money and manpower since I doubt they can afford it."


    "Alright, that won''t be a problem." Zhang Ye said, "Let''s get started then."


    Zhang Zuo was taken aback. "Right now?"


    Zhang Ye was an impatient man. "Of course, the faster, the better. Let''s make the most of it and produce two ads today, then another three tomorrow. As for the manpower and facilities, those won''t be issues either. If we just head to Beijing TV or Central TV to borrow their venues, the production of the PSAs will bepleted in no time! When we''re done, we can quickly get them to start broadcasting the new ones. The current ads are terrible and annoy me so much!"


    Wu Yi said with trepidation, "But we haven''t even decided on what kind of ad to make."


    Zhang Zuo looked at Ha Qiqi. "Did they mention what kind of ad they want?"


    Ha Qiqi shook her head. "They didn''t say, so I guess anything is fine. In any case, the focus of each country will be slightly different from each other. Some of the countries geared their PSAs more towards addressing AIDS, while others use whichever types of PSAs based on their requirements. When the timees, someone will n out how to unify the different PSAs and decide on which country they want to show them in. They can also take turns running the different charity ads."


    Little Wang said in a speechless manner, "If they didn''t mention any requirements, how do they expect us to know what to do?"


    But Zhang Ye said, "Something for the deaf-mute children? Leukemia sufferers? A quit smoking ad? How about one for AIDS? Regardless, I''ll just give them whatever they want! If not, we can just do everything once over! It''s not like it''ll take much effort anyway!"


    "Director Zhang is mighty!"


    "I really have to give it to you!"


    "How domineering!"


    Give them whatever they want?


    Give them however many they need?


    Only Zhang Ye would dare say stuff like that!


    When it came to creating advertisements, one would have to first write a rough draft and then make a proposal. Afterwards, it would have to be approved by the higher-ups before considering the manpower and the scheduling of the shoot. From the pre-production to wrap, it would be fantastic if they could finish it within half a month. If it were slower, it might even take up to a month toplete. But Zhang Ye, he always did things in a rapid-fire fashion. The moment he opened his mouth, it was two ads a day, or three ads a day. He even said that he could give them whatever they wanted and provide the money and manpower as well? He was going to take on this huge project all by himself!


    Come on!


    Let''s do it!


    Let''s create a charity storm across Asia!


    Let''s spread the charitable reputation of Director Zhang across Asia!

 Chapter 1390 - Taking all of Asia by storm!

    <h4>Chapter 1390 - Taking all of Asia by storm! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    In the morning.


    A lot of people were chatting online.


    Some of them were university students who didn''t have sses in the morning, and there was also the working ss who were browsing their Weibo and chat app''s Moments in their free time.


    "Hey, did the sun rise from the west today?"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Take a look at Zhang Ye''s Weibo."


    "Eh, why''s there no activity?"


    "Why didn''t that guy repost any charity news today?"


    "Yeah, that bastard had been posting them for the past two or three days!"


    "Hahaha, has this fellow finally returned to being his usual self?"


    "Oh yeah, did our ''awaken Face-smacking Zhang'' operation seed?"


    "I''m very relieved to hear that Face-smacking Zhang has recognized the reality of things!"


    "This fellow has finally stopped. I''m so not used to seeing him post so often on Weibo. Everything has finally calmed down once again!"


    Amid theughing and joking, there was a flurry of ming.


    But all of a sudden, some people started eximing in surprise.


    "Holy shit! Damn!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Did something happen again?"


    "Quickly turn your TVs to Central TV Department 1!"


    "What is it?"


    "That Zhang guy has gone to promote charity on TV!"


    "What?"


    "Pfft!"


    "I knew it, I knew he couldn''t have stopped just like that!"


    "Where, where?"


    "I wanna have a look!"


    Everyone caught wind of it and came in force to have a look!


    ��


    On Central TV Department 1.


    A PSA started running.


    The scene depicted the joyous new year. A family hade together for their reunion, and it was the hundredth-day celebrations of their child. The father, who Zhang Ye yed, held a rattle and was teasing his son with it. The entire family was very happy and blessed as they celebrated this new life. Everyone had smiles on their faces.


    Zhang Ye said, "My darling baby, look at this rattle that Daddy''s holding."


    The scene cut to the child''s perspective.


    The sound disappeared and the confused child looked at the adults.


    The scene cut to a hospital.


    The doctor said, "After our hospital''s diagnosis, we found your child to be suffering from severe congenital hearing impairment. That is to say, he is deaf."


    Zhang Ye was silent.


    His wife was silent.


    The scene cut back to their home.


    Zhang Ye was smiling. "Little baby?"


    His wife said with a smile, "Little baby?"


    Day after day.


    Year after year.


    Zhang Ye started teaching his child to speak. He let him feel what sound was and made him touch his own throat as he learned and practiced.


    Zhang Ye: "Be good, my baby."


    The child: "Oo��ah��oh."


    Zhang Ye: "Be good, my baby."


    The child: "Ah��oh."


    Daddy, I want to learn how to speak.


    The child signed to Zhang Ye to let him know.


    Zhang Ye hugged him as tears filled his eyes.


    A yearter, at a school.


    The child had a scuffle with his ssmates.


    Zhang Ye hurriedly rushed to the school. "Sweetie! Sweetie!"


    The child iled his limbs around. "Ao��wu��oh!" But he couldn''t say anything.


    ssmate 1: "What a rascal!"


    ssmate 2: "He can''t even talk and only knows how to make those weird sounds!"


    Zhang Ye hugged his child and became silent. Then he stood up angrily and shouted at those people, "What are you all talking about!" At this moment, a hand tugged at him.


    "Dad��dy."


    Zhang Ye turned around, startled.


    The child was trying very hard and saying, "Be��good, Dad��dy."


    On the 11th of June, the child spoke for the first time.


    Caption: "The Heavens have silenced his world, but he can still make the most beautiful sound of all. With early training, hearing impaired children can still learn to speak."


    ��


    The advertisement ended.


    It blew up online.


    "Is this Zhang Ye''s new PSA?"


    "Motherfucker, it made me cry!"


    "This ad is really touching!"


    "I couldn''t hold it in either after hearing ''Be good, Daddy'' and started crying!"


    "He''s too good at making us cry!"


    "When ites to making ads, Zhang Ye is so goddamn good!"


    "There''s nothing I can criticize about this charity ad!"


    "Compared to those PSAs from before, this is simply on another level!"


    "Zhang Ye has personally taken them on by himself! Was this ad made by him?"


    "Of course! Other than him, who can make a PSA like that in the country?"


    "It''s indeed very impressive! This PSA is amazing!"


    "Zhang Ye is still that Zhang Ye. With him getting involved, the difference in quality can be seen immediately! He''s on apletely different levelpared to the advertising teams on the charities!"


    "After watching this ad, I''m sure a lot of people will remember it. In the future, this will definitely help a lot of hearing-impaired kids. This is so great. This is what a PSA should be like. They should have done it this way earlier since only such ssic and excellent PSAs can shock the viewers into action. It makes it unforgettable to them once they watch it, which achieves the intent of a PSA!"


    "Put it on again!"


    China gave it an enthusiastic reception!


    ��


    Elsewhere.


    Japan.


    Zhang Ye''s figure appeared on TV.


    This was a charity advertisement promoting love and care for dementia patients.


    "How touching!"


    "I couldn''t control my tears!"


    "Isn''t that the Chinese celebrity?"


    "Yes, it''s the one who was just appointed as the Asian phnthropic ambassador!"


    "He can even make ads? And it was done so well too?"


    "None of our Japanese PSAs have been shot so outstandingly!"


    "How did he do it?"


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    Korea.


    "It''s really good!"


    "I get a sense of shock each time I watch it!"


    "This PSA has greatly exceeded the quality of those in our country!"


    "Was this made by that Chinese celebrity?"


    "It certainly can''t be something the charities came up with. It''s not like we haven''t seen those charity ads they made in the past. They don''t have the skill to create something like that!"


    "It''s really good! I want to watch it again!"


    "Although I really hate this Zhang Ye person, there''s nothing I can criticize this ad about!"


    "When did China''s advertising quality reach such a level?"


    ��


    India.


    The PSA was shown.


    "How frightening!"


    "It''s too terrifying!"


    "So AIDS is this scary!"


    "Who is that guy?"


    "I think he''s called Zhang Ye. He''s the new phnthropic ambassador for Asia!"


    "This guy is amazing!"


    "Yeah, I''ve never seen or heard of a PSA that was done this way!"


    ��


    One country.


    Three countries.


    Five countries.


    The Asian Charity Association had exchanges and cooperated with many countries. Even though the state of affairs, policies, andws of each country were different, they still shared a simrity between them, and it was that they were all very receptive of charity work. If these were advertisements formercial businesses, Zhang Ye would definitely find himself with many limitations if he wanted to enter into the market of another country since he was a foreigner. Some countries would not even let you appear on their TVs. For example, there were people from a minority of countries who did not know the top Asian S-listers like Zhang Yuanqi and Xu Men. They were simply unable to develop into those markets.


    But it was different for Zhang Ye.


    Because his status now was that of the Asian phnthropic ambassador!


    Providing the money.


    Providing the manpower.


    Providing the advertisements.


    Zhang Ye did not need to worry about anything else as the Asian Charity Association and Red Cross Society had already handled the necessary work like the dubbing of the advertisements and trantion of subtitles to the countries'' specifguages. Everything else was kept intact, and it was directly broadcast to the audience. None of the Asian countries would stop this and the entire process was greenlit!


    To block a PSA from the Asian Charity Association?


    They would have to be crazy to do that!


    On this day.


    Seven of Zhang Ye''s PSAsnded on the various major television stations of countries in Asia. Although the advertisements'' duration was short and they were only broadcast once, their effects were sensational and explosive. Countless people couldn''t forget them after watching them just once!


    These were the most ssic PSAs from Zhang Ye''s previous world. There were some from China, and also foreign ones that were used by him after carefully going through them. He modified and changed whatever was necessary and repackaged them with a whole new look to present to the people of this world!


    On the same night.


    The news in Asia was endless!


    Many of the countries in Asia reported about it!


    "The new Asian phnthropic ambassador debuts!"


    "China''s Heavenly King uses his ads to send a shockwave across Asia!"


    "The best PSAs in history!"


    "PSAs take Asia by storm!"


    "PSAs can also be stunning!"


    "The Asian phnthropic ambassador personally oversaw and produced seven charity ads to a shower of praise!"


    "The Asian Charity Association issues a public statement to thank Zhang Ye and his team!"


    "The new phnthropic ambassador gets soaring exposure!"


    "Zhang Ye captures the attention of everyone in Asia!"


    "Zhang Ye: An uing, glittering Asian superstar!"

 Chapter 1391 - Throughout the ages, there has only been one!

    <h4>Chapter 1391 - Throughout the ages, there has only been one! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It was fairlyte.


    Everyone at the studio was working overtime.


    Zhang Ye''s PSAs were constantly being disseminated in Asia. Due to a simr geographical region, simr races, and also the types of diseases and illnesses, these charity advertisements were virtually applicable to all of the Asian countries. Other than the changes made to thenguages, there was basically no need to alter the advertisements in any other way. The universality of it also increased the speed in which the PSAs were propagated.


    "The Indianizens are full of praise!"


    "It''s the same for Japan!"


    "The Korean media also reported about it!"


    "The discussions in our country are even more heated and crazy!"


    "The news in Asia is all about our PSAs!"


    "The Asian Red Cross Society has been really supportive. The amount of the advertisements they''re getting out there is massive!"


    "Our Director Zhang is still the most impressive of all. The main point still lies in the quality of those seven PSAs. Without the sophisticated production and unique creativity behind them, no one would''ve paid much attention to them. It would not have been able to gain such a good reception in so many of the Asian countries if not for that. All of those ads are at the highest standards aspared to the charity sector''s PSAs. Throwing them all out in one shot made the impact even better! All of Asia was stunned by them!"


    "The ads were really great!"


    "I also cried a few times watching them!"


    Excitement!


    Exhration!


    The advertisements scored a victory all across Asia!


    Checking the news and information that was reported back to them from the various countries, the studio''s staff were all very delighted.


    Ha Qiqi looked at Zhang Ye and smiled, saying happily, "You''re still the most amazing of all. Once Director Zhang gets hands-on, we know exactly how the results will turn out. Our poprity this time is absolutely going to soar like a rocket��"


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips and pretentiously waved it off. "Aiya, what poprity are you talking about, it''s all for charity! For charity!"


    Ha Qiqi immediately changed her tone and said, "That''s right, that''s right." Pointing at her own head, she imed, "Just look at how shallow my thinking is."


    Zhang Ye then said earnestly, "Well, it''s for charity, after all, so we shouldn''t be bothered about any loss or gain in poprity."


    Ha Qiqi said, "That''s right, I was too narrow-minded."


    Zhang Zuo said, "It''s still Director Zhang who''s enlightened."


    Wu Yi said, "That''s true, how is Director Zhang the same as us?"


    Little Wang said, "Director Zhang, you''re my idol!"


    Everyone was ttering and sucking up to him.


    Zhang Yeughed and gestured with his hands a calming motion. "Keep it low-key, low-key."


    This fellow''s every move and behavior exuded the air of a "great phnthropist" now.


    But then again, the seven advertisements had indeed left everyone speechless. All of them were ssic ssics and had touched everyone who watched them. Zhang Ye had also given it his all this time. He had yed so many different roles today, switching between being the father of a handicapped child, the son of an elderly dementia sufferer, an AIDS patient, a match for a leukemia patient, and a stomach cancer-stricken smoker. On television, he had so much to be busy over. In every one of the PSAs, Zhang Ye was personally involved.


    Of course, the effects were also remarkable!


    ��


    At the Asian Red Cross Society.


    The staff were also visibly excited.


    "The phones are blowing up with calls!"


    "A lot of people are calling in to inquire about making a donation!"


    "Boss, we don''t have enough manpower! We can''t answer the calls in time!"


    "Ah. I have a Chinese businessman on the line who wants to give 5 million in donations!"


    "Boss, after the ads were shown, the Red Cross Society of the various countries started receiving multiple calls. The number of volunteers signing up has increased by tenfold from before!"


    "That''s great! That''s really great!"


    "This is the power of a PSA!"


    "To be able to arouse the attention andpassion of people in the society is truly an achievement. It looks like we have experienced the skill of Teacher Zhang today!"


    "Yeah, this is really too surprising. I never thought that a few PSAs could stir up such a heated discussion. Teacher Zhang has got too many identities, and one of them is being the number one of the Chinese advertising world. From the looks of it, that title is indeed well-deserved. In the future with Teacher Zhang as the Asian phnthropic ambassador, our charity ads will definitely do very well. There''s a chance that we might be able to reach out to every corner of Asia! With so many more donations and volunteers, it will also be much easier to advance our charitable activities in Asia!"


    ��


    In the Chinese media.


    "Hot damn!"


    "It has caused such a sensation!"


    "Is this fellow really going to rely on his charity work to advance his rank on the Asian stage?"


    "This is truly unbelievable!"


    "Yeah, no one has ever done it this way before!"


    "This Teacher Zhang really doesn''t fucking follow a conventional way of doing things!"


    "Does he intend to conquer Asia in one breath?"


    "You''re right. The news for the past few days in Asia was all about him The Heavy Metal Music Festival, ''Preface to the Orchid Pavilion'' calligraphy, appointment as the Asian phnthropic ambassador, and now, a wave of PSAs? Those Asian S-list Heavenly Kings and Queens don''t even get the kind of exposure that he had for the past few days!"


    ��


    In the advertising world.


    "How did hee up with so many das all of a sudden?"


    "I heard that Zhang Ye made them in just two days."


    "What?"


    "Two days?"


    "How capable of him."


    "I can only admire that brain of his. How did hee up with all of these creative ideas!"


    "Stop talking. Let''s study and learn from these ads first."


    "I''ve already watched them more than 20 times and they''re still as touching as ever!"


    ��


    Late into the night.


    It was almost midnight.


    Zhang Ye said to everyone, "Alright, it''s time to clock out. Hurry home."


    But Little Wang said, "We''ve already waited until now, so we might as well wait a little longer since the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index will be updated soon, Director Zhang."


    Tong Fu smiled and said, "Yeah, let''s wait another five minutes."


    Ha Qiqi said, "I''m not in a hurry to go back either."


    Zhang Zuoughed. "There''s nothing for me to do even if I go home."


    Zhang Ye blinked and said, "Eh, are y''all trying to cheat me of overtime pay?"


    Little Zhouughed, "Pfft!"


    Everyone was talking andughing as midnight approached.


    For a moment, everyone was excitedly turning to theirputers or cell phones to refresh the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index. To everyone here, only the poprity rankings meant anything. They''d already provided the money and the manpower. With so much effort put in to make all of those PSAs, they had given their best for charity. It was now time to see what grade the Asian market would give them.


    Zhang Ye also sneaked a nce over. Immediately, he saw many surprised faces.


    "Ah!"


    "We''re on fire!"


    "We''re on fire again!"


    "Our ranking has gone up again!"


    "It''s risen by three spots this time!"


    "My God, this is happening too quickly. It''s only been a few days!"


    "There must also be the additional poprity score added from the Asian phnthropic ambassador role! The appointment letter has already been issued and the press conference will be held tomorrow. The poprity from that must also have been counted in!"


    "How great, Director Zhang! You''re so awesome!"


    "From today onwards, we''ll no longer be loitering around at the bottom of the Asian A-list. We''re already getting close to the middle of the Asian A-list rankings!"


    "That''s right, we''re going to be in the middle of the A-list very soon!"


    "Who else could advance at such speed! I want to know who else there is!"


    "In the past three or four days, Director Zhang''s Asian poprity shot straight up. Who else can stand in our way? Whoever does so will be exterminated!"


    Everyone was extremely excited!


    This result was such a pleasant surprise!


    Although they already had an inkling of this, and there were already signs from today''s quick spread and heated discussions of the PSAs, they still could not help but experience a gush of satisfaction, pride, and excitement when they saw Director Zhang''s advance on the Asian rankings for themselves. This was the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index they were talking about, and not the Chinese rankings. In the region of Asia, thepetition was clearly much more intense and crueler, especially for the Chinese celebrities who had always found it very difficult to make a name for themselves on the Asian rankings. How many A- and B-listers'' names from their country were still not showing up on the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index? But for them? They actually managed to forge a bloody path and umte arge amount of poprity within such a short period of time!


    There were those who managed this via movies that took Asia by storm.


    There were those who starred in TV series that became extremely popr in Asia.


    There were those who used their music to travel across Asia.


    But to rely on PSAs to gain a foothold in the Asian market? Throughout the ages, there has only been one! Other than Zhang Ye, you would not find another who managed it!

 Chapter 1392 - Digging up dirt on Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 1392 - Digging up dirt on Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the blink of an eye.


    The day of the press conference to appoint the Asian phnthropic ambassador arrived.


    The press conference was scheduled for the evening. During the morning, Zhang Ye sat down together with the staff of the Asian Charity Association and Red Cross Society to discuss the flow of the live broadcast at night.


    "Teacher Zhang, the entire event will be broadcast live tonight."


    "Sure, no problem."


    "We''ve already arranged with all the TV stations in Asia."


    "Alright, what do you need me to do?"


    "About that, would it be OK if you wrote another calligraphy piece?"


    "Ah? You still want me to write another one? What would you like me to write?"


    "Ahem, something simple would do."


    "So you mean something like a poem?"


    "Yes, yes, that''s fine. Can you see if this lyrical poem will do?"


    Zhang Ye took it over and had a look.


    Eh? " Rivers Run Red 1 "?


    He was very familiar with this temte 2 , but he had never seen this particr poem before.


    "Rivers Run Red" was a poem temte that existed historically in both Zhang Ye''s previous world and this world. The format was the same, and the poem handed to Zhang Ye by the Asian Charity Association should be one of the more famous ones in this world. He nced at the content and memorized it. The setting of this poem was very befitting to the asion and spoke of benevolence. Writing this poem during the Asia-wide live broadcast was also a statement expressing their stand towards charity work. Of course, the most important thing was that this calligraphy piece would fetch some money when sold. Have tasted prior sess, the Asian Charity Association definitely had to organize another charity auction here. And this time, the highlight of the auction would surely be this calligraphy piece Zhang Ye was going to write tonight.


    Zhang Ye knew exactly what they were nning. However, he did not have any resistance to it.


    It was for charity, after all.


    A phnthropist should not be so fussy about such things.


    "Will this do?"


    "Sure, it''s fine."


    "Alright then, we''ll be depending on you."


    "It''s all for charity, there''s no need to be polite."


    "Teacher Zhang''s kindness is truly a role model for our generation to learn from!"


    "Aiya, it''s all for the people, all for the people."


    The preparations continued in whatever time there was left.


    Many of the media outlets were also intently watching this press conference that would be held in the evening.


    When the promotions were released, Zhang Ye also started posting on Weibo.


    Online.


    "What?"


    "Zhang Ye is going to write another calligraphy piece?"


    "Haha, then I must really watch this."


    "His semi-cursive is really beautiful!"


    "Pfft, look at his Weibo. He''s starting to post all those charity-rted news again!"


    "This fellow is at it again!"


    "I''ve gotten used to it in recent days."


    "Me too. Just let him post whatever he wants."


    "Zhang Ye has really be a phnthropist!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang is dead; let us offer joss sticks to him."


    "Hai, we might not get to see Face-smacking Zhang''s mighty killing prowess anymore!"


    "Yeah, this fellow is now single-mindedly focused on doing charity!"


    However, it was at this moment that something happened in Asia!


    No one expected it to happen so suddenly, yet it was still somewhat within expectations. Everyone just didn''t think that it woulde this early!


    ��


    Japan.


    The video of Zhang Ye leading those Peking University students to scold people surfaced.


    "What the heck!"


    "He''s scolded our people before?"


    "I said it before. Didn''t you guys know?"


    "I didn''t know!"


    "I only found out about it recently!"


    "That bastard!"


    "Goddammit, how can a person like this be appointed as a phnthropic ambassador?"


    "What on earth is the Asian Charity Association thinking!"


    "Get out of Japan!"


    "Right, boycott Zhang Ye!"


    "Boycott Zhang Ye!"


    "Boycott Zhang Ye!"


    Numerous media outlets began exposing even more news!


    Some of them were true, while some of them were fabricated!


    Misdeeds linked to Zhang Ye suddenly swept through Japan!


    ��


    Korea.


    The dirt on Zhang Ye was suddenly exposed without stop. Likewise, real and fake news were mired within and the means of propagation was very smart. Many things that didn''t happen before were now firmly ced onto Zhang Ye''s head!


    In Lee Anson''s interview: "There was one year in China when Zhang Ye did not get invited to the Spring Festival G. Because of that, I believe he must have a lot of pent-up anger when he decided toy his hands on me! As I prefer to settle things peacefully, I managed to restrain myself in the end. But who could''ve known that Zhang Ye''s behavior would get even more aggravated after that. This made me really disappointed in China!"


    Park Jaesang''s interview: "A person like Zhang Ye is verycking as a person. What happened with Lee Anson wasn''t a one-off incident. When I was in China, Zhang Ye also roughed me up before."


    Kim Jichan''s interview: "This kind of person is unfit to be an artist!"


    "What?"


    "He was the one who beat Lee Anson up?"


    "How dare he hit my Anson-oppa!"


    "Park Jaesang was beaten up by him too?"


    "Kim Jichan got scolded by him as well?"


    "This bastard!"


    "Why is there still someone as shameless as him!"


    "Chase him out of here!"


    "We must not allow him into Korea again!"


    "Right! Boycott!"


    "Boycott Zhang Ye!"


    Korea was also in an uproar!


    The people were all heatedly discussing it!


    ��


    As for the other countries, there wasn''t much of a reaction from them.


    It was only in Japan and Korea that Zhang Ye was suddenly pushed into the news!


    The Japanese and Korean citizens were in an uproar as everyone shouted in rage. The calls to boycott Zhang Ye wereing wave after wave. In just a short span, momentum had built up!


    Actually, for some of these events, Zhang Ye had never bothered hiding them. He had also never avoided the subject before. Be it the Peking University scolding incident or when he sent Lee Anson flying with a kick after the Spring Festival G, he was willing to straight-up talk about it if anyone asked. That was because he did all of it without a hint of guilt. There were reasons behind his actions. When the Japanese guests and dignitaries came to visit Peking University, they behaved arrogantly and spoke disrespectfully to our students. So why couldn''t I lead the students to scold you all? Oh, and when Lee Anson behaved like a diva byying hands on a citizen of our country, why couldn''t I do the same and hit him back? Based on what?!


    Zhang Ye was not in the wrong!


    He had always been upright wherever he went!


    But who was Park Jaesang?


    Who was Kim Jichan?


    And all of those other mentioned incidents and people? I''ve never even fucking heard of them before!


    Why are they pinning it all on me now? How did it be that I was the one who hit all of them?


    When the staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio found out about this news, they nearly exploded in rage!


    Ha Qiqi said angrily, "What is with all this!"


    Little Wang said anxiously, "Why did it suddenly be so serious? Why are there so many news reports discrediting Director Zhang all of a sudden?"


    Wu Yi pointed at the web reports from the mainstream media in Japan and Korea. "Look at these, they''re absolutely fake news. No such incidents happened at all! This is utter nonsense! And who the fuck is this person? This Korean celebrity is using Director Zhang of acting like a diva and scolding people? He even said that he witnessed it with his own eyes? Director Zhang has never even met him before, alright!"


    Zhang Zuo said with a dark look, "This is what public opinion is over in Japan and Korea!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "I won''t believe it if someone says there wasn''t a mastermind behind all this!"


    Little Wang said, "So does this mean that someone''s trying to use underhanded methods to suppress Director Zhang because his poprity ranking in Asia is getting higher and higher and he is bing more and more popr?"


    It was spreading really quickly!


    Moreover, this was a suppression from the majority of the Japanese and Korean media!


    And it was even coupled with the fanning of mes by many of the big names in the Japanese and Korean entertainment circle!


    With the shellinging from both the official media and celebrities, the affair turned more intense as it reached a point of no return!


    Only the Chinese media was still speaking up for Zhang Ye.


    "Japan and Korean set off wave of boycott!"


    "Zhang Ye bes target of public criticism!"


    "Who has Zhang Ye offended?"


    "Through investigations, Park Jaesang has never had any dealings with Zhang Ye before. The two have never met, so why did Park Jaesang im that Zhang Ye had roughed him up during his interview with the Korean media?"


    "Fake news has be the norm!"


    "Whose interest has Zhang Ye intruded on?"


    "Zhang Ye''s fight with Lee Anson was a result of an incident!"


    "Why did the Japanese and Korean media and celebrities suddenly turn menacing?"


    "Zhang Ye''s past as a nationalistic youth has returned to haunt him!"


    ��


    In the afternoon.


    Zhang Ye was taking call after call on his cell phone.


    Ning Lan called.


    "Did you hit Park Jaesang?"


    "I don''t even know who he is!"


    "These people are trying to pull you down on the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index."


    "I can see that."


    Wu Zeqing called.


    "Little Ye, the Japanese and Koreans have made their move."


    "Yeah, theye bearing ill will."


    "Are you prepared for it?"


    "You just reminded me two days ago, so of course I am. Or perhaps I''ve already been prepared for this since a long time ago when I joked about them on my talk show."


    "We''ll observe as the situation develops."


    "I still stand by what I said. I''ll deal with them as theye."


    "OK."


    Zhang Ye was not surprised by this oue. He had always known that this day woulde. The only thing he did not expect was that those people would all gang up and sully him! This made Zhang Ye sneer on end!

 Chapter 1393 - ’Rivers Run Red’ appears!

    <h4>Chapter 1393 - ''Rivers Run Red'' appears! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the evening.


    It was almost time for the press conference. The storm from the afternoon was also growing more and more intense. A lot of the Japanese and Korean media and citizens were scolding Zhang Ye. Later on, even quite a few of their government officials started publicly speaking out and condemning Zhang Ye. The criticisms came wave after wave!


    In the end, the Chineseizens were so annoyed by it that they came forward to show their support for Zhang Ye.


    "What the hell are they doing!"


    "Can''t they differentiate fake news from the truth?"


    "And why are the Japanese and Korean government officials adding fuel to fire as well?"


    "It might have been started by those officials in the first ce!"


    "That''s right, that might be possible!"


    "I''m on Zhang Ye''s side!"


    "Me too! Those people are totally unreasonable!"


    "How can they suddenly start scolding Zhang Ye like that?"


    "Zhang Ye has been garnering donations for everyone and did those PSAs as well. This is something that would benefit the whole of Asia. After giving so much effort for everyone, you people are just going to turn hostile and ignore his contributions? Stab him in the back? Do you people have a conscience? Did it get eaten by dogs?"


    "Just seeing this makes me so angry!"


    "The problem is that those Korean stars are still continuing to fan the mes!"


    "The Korean and Japan media are the same. They''re clearly targeting Zhang Ye!"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye!"


    "If it carries on like this, could Zhang Ye get banned in Japan and Korea?"


    "Damn, they wouldn''t dare!"


    "Let''s see how Zhang Ye will handle this!"


    Theizens paid close attention.


    The industry insiders paid close attention.


    Members of the entertainment circle were also watching.


    In the past, Zhang Ye''s minor skirmishes with the Japanese and Koreans had never been brought up so tantly by anyone. It wasn''t that the news didn''t report about it, but that it didn''t receive a lengthy mention and had little effect on public opinion. After all, Zhang Ye wasn''t really famous at that time as he was just a run-of-the-mill celebrity in China. But it was different now. Zhang Ye had be very active in show business these days and was starting to step onto the Asian stage. His public exposure was soaring while his Asian poprity was growing by the day. With that, many of his past incidents were now being talked about again by people and had be the ammunition and weaponry to bring him down.


    Those who havee are not friendly.


    Those who are friendly have note.


    It was at this time that the live broadcast of the press conference began!


    ��


    Japan.


    "Damn!"


    "He''sing out!"


    "Zhang Ye ising out!"


    "Scold him!"


    "Make him apologize!"


    "Right, we have to make him apologize to us!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "He still has the nerve to go ahead with the live broadcast?"


    "Zhang Ye! You better apologize to Anson-oppa!"


    "And Park Jaesang too!"


    "You owe the oppas an exnation!"


    "Right! Apologize!"


    "Calling for the phnthropic ambassador to be reced!"


    "That''s right! Rece the phnthropic ambassador!"


    "We must rid the Asian entertainment industry of such hooligans!"


    ��


    At the venue.


    The live broadcast began.


    Reporters from all over Asia were present, and it was very chaotic.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye entered the venue.


    The coordinator at the Asian Red Cross Society was next to him and whispered, "Teacher Zhang, the Japanese and Korean media will surely be targeting you today, so try not to answer too many questions and don''t talk to them too much. I''ve also heard the news and know that a lot of it is untrue. We understand everything, so don''t worry. We''re all on your side. Rumors will remain rumors, and it will copse upon itself. Since we''re involved in charity work, we cannot be afraid of such things."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Alright."


    The coordinator said, "We''ll try our best to steer clear of the reporters'' questioning session or maybe cut it short. When you''re finished writing the calligraphy for ''Rivers Run Red,'' we''ll end the press conference there."


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure, that won''t be a problem."


    Kacha, kacha. The cameras were snapping shots without pause!


    The Asian reporters immediately turned their attention to him!


    Zhang Ye walked up onto the stage and gave the crowd a smile before sitting down.


    The people from the charity joined him and sat down as well.


    Around them, many of the staff and volunteers from the Asian Red Cross Society were very worried.


    Some of them huddled together and spoke in whispers.


    "What should we do?"


    "They''re taking it too far!"


    "Teacher Zhang is such a good person."


    "Yeah, I can''t understand why there are people ndering a great phnthropist like him!"


    "He donated a calligraphy piece worth a $100 million USD just like that and also sponsored the money and manpower for our PSAs. Just think, how many people would do something like that?"


    "What''s more, Teacher Zhang is a very nice person and is especially kind."


    "I''ve never seen him lose his temper before."


    "Teacher Zhang has fully dedicated himself to charity."


    "Look over there. Teacher Zhang still has a smile on his face at this time. How gracious of him."


    "That''s right. He''s not even angry after something this big happened. He''s really too kind."


    Having interacted with Zhang Ye over the past few days, some of the youth volunteers at the Asian Red Cross Society had started admiring him a bit. So they naturally supported him and looked at the Japanese and Korean reporters with disdain. Whoever determined that volunteers in charity couldn''t have a bit of a temper?


    The press conference formally began.


    After adjusting the microphone on the table, the charity''s coordinator said with a smile, "Good evening, everyone. We''re here at the press conference today for the appointment of the Asian phnthropic ambassador. We are very honored to be able to get Teacher Zhang to take the role as our ambassador and also very happy to share this good news with the various media outlets from across Asia. I''m sure that no one''s a stranger to Teacher Zhang. Since a long time ago, Teacher Zhang has always been involved at the front lines of charity work. For example, I wonder if everyone remembers the electricity conservation PSA and also the quit smoking PSA that aired in China a few years ago?"


    The opening speech went on for a long time.


    Finally, it was Zhang Ye''s turn to speak.


    Zhang Ye smiled before saying, "Thank you, everyone. And thank you for the trust that the Asian Charity Association has ced in me. To be honest, taking this role as the Asian phnthropic ambassador really stresses me out, but it has also given me motivation. I will do my best to help whoever I can."


    Quite a few volunteers were looking at him in admiration.


    When Zhang Ye finished speaking, they apuded him with all they had!


    The apuse by the Chinese media''s personnel also rang out!


    Only the Japanese and Korean media outlets were less enthusiastic as they showed no response at all.


    The coordinator hesitated for a bit before saying, "Next up, it''s time for the reporters'' questioning session." He checked his watch and said, "Due to time constraints for the live broadcast, we will only ept three questions."


    Before they could even pick a reporter to ask the questions, a Japanese reporter was already on his feet. When the Korean reporters saw this, they also started asking their questions. They didn''t care about the rules at all.


    "May I ask, can Zhang Ye apologize for those mistakes that he made in the past?"


    "Teacher Zhang Ye, why did you attack Lee Anson?"


    "About your attack on Teacher Park Jaesang, what exnation do you have for it?"


    "I would like to ask the people from the Red Cross Society, what kind of criteria did you have for choosing the phnthropic ambassador?"


    "Zhang Ye, please apologize!"


    "The press conference is broadcast live to all of Asia and the people are watching. Since you''ve been appointed as the Asian phnthropic ambassador, you should make an example of yourself by adopting the right attitude. This is the best chance for you, so you should make an apology to the Japanese and Korean people for the things that you''ve done to them in the past. It is the only way you can earn the respect and forgiveness of everyone!"


    The Japanese and Korean reporters banded together to attack him. It made it seem like all of it had been arranged beforehand!


    The press conference looked like a public condemnation session!


    ��


    Japan.


    "Right!"


    "Apologize!"


    "Apologize!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "Apologize immediately!"


    "Apologize on the live broadcast!"


    "Hurry up!"


    ��


    China.


    "Apologize, your sister!"


    "Fuck!"


    "You''re starting to encroach even further now?"


    "Why isn''t Zhang Ye addressing the issue!"


    "This fellow is still putting on airs?"


    "Fuck, has Teacher Zhang be stupid from performing all that charity work!"


    ��


    At the venue.


    It was getting out of control.


    All of the Japanese and Korean media outlets'' personnel were kicking up a fuss as the volunteers and staff went forward in an attempt to stop them. However, they could not get things under control.


    The coordinator immediately ended the reporters'' questioning session. "Next, let us invite Teacher Zhang to write a calligraphy piece for us. This calligraphy piece will be open for bidding when it gets put up at a charity auction in a month''s time. All of the proceeds from it will then go towards our charity efforts in Asia, so let us thank Teacher Zhang for his generosity."


    The apuse was sparse.


    It was mostly just the volunteers pping.


    The Four Treasures of the Study had been brought out and prepared beforehand.


    The coordinator said, "Teacher Zhang, please."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "OK."


    A lot of people knew that the finale of the press conference today was going to be Zhang Ye''s calligraphy of "Rivers Run Red: Boundless." It was a very famous contemporary poem and was considered a very widespread piece of literature. The content of it expressed boundless benevolence and was very suited for the asion here. Using this work of poetry as the finale would bring the press conference to a close in a perfect way. Charity acts were not bound by geographical borders and also had an effect of opening up everyone''s hearts. The coordinator at the Red Cross Society also hoped that Zhang Ye''s calligraphy could appease the scoldings from the Japanese and Koreans a little.


    The volunteers understood this.


    And everyone else understood this.


    But a few Japanese and Korean reporters still continued making a scene.


    "Apologize!"


    "Apologize!"


    "Apologize immediately!"


    Zhang Ye picked up the brush. He looked calmly at the moring Japanese and Korean reporters, then looked down and ced the nib on the paper!


    "Rivers Run Red."


    The volunteers shouted.


    "Nicely written!"


    "Wow!"


    "That''s so amazing!"


    The Chinese media.


    "It''s in semi-cursive!"


    "It''s semi-cursive again!"


    "''Rivers Run Red: Boundless'' is indeed a good poem!"


    "I also like this piece of poetry."


    But when Zhang Ye carried on writing, a lot of people were stunned.


    "''On this''?"


    "Are these the first two words of the poem?"


    "They aren''t, right?"


    "Yeah, I remember that it isn''t these as well."


    "Uh, did he get it wrong?"


    "Damn, surely a literary giant like Teacher Zhang couldn''t have made such a bad mistake, right?"


    "But it''s really written wrong!"


    "This is bad. It''s even being shown on the live broadcast!"


    The coordinator was stunned!


    The volunteers were dumbfounded!


    The Japanese and Korean reporters were very happy. They looked like they were enjoying watching someone make a fool of themselves!


    He wrote it wrong?


    Serves him right!


    You deserve it!


    Hahahahahaha!


    But as Zhang Ye''s brush danced across the paper leaving a vivid trail of words behind it, theughter of the Japanese and Korean media stopped. The Chinese media was stunned and the volunteers were dumbfounded. Meanwhile, the Japanese, Korean, and other Asian peoples watching the live broadcast nearly jumped out of their seats!


    Each and every word had rocked them to their core!


    Each and every word was full of malice!


    "On this tiny globe,


    "a few flies dash themselves against a wall.


    "Buzzing drones,


    "At times whining,


    "At times weeping.


    "Ants climb a locust tree, boast of a great nation.


    "Mayflies talk of shaking trees��out of their station.


    "The west wind scatters leaves over Chang''an,


    "whistling arrows fly.


    "So much to get done, making haste slowly.


    "The world moves on, time passes by.


    "Ten thousand years is too long,


    "Seize every minute of every hour.


    "The Four Seas crash,


    "clouds and waters warring;


    "the Five Continents thrash,


    "wind and thunder roaring.


    "If we sweep away all pests, invincible we''ll be!"


    He signed it.


    And set down the brush!


    He finished writing it in one go!


    On this year.


    On this day.


    At this moment.


    " Rivers Run Red: Reply to Comrade Guo Moruo 1 " shockingly arrived!

 Chapter 1394 - Face-smacking Zhang returns again!

    <h4>Chapter 1394 - Face-smacking Zhang returns again! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Silence reigned in the venue!


    Everyone watching the live broadcast on television was dumbfounded!


    It wasn''t written wrong! He did not write it wrong at all! This was indeed a "Rivers Run Red" poem. The line length and rhythm were all typical of a "Rivers Run Red" poem. But none of them had ever seen this piece before. This was a totally different "Rivers Run Red" from the one that they knew in their world. Boundless? Benevolence? Knowing no borders? None of the words written were about that. It wasn''t even fucking close to it!


    This was a scolding!


    This was a fucking poem used to scold people!


    Flies dashing themselves against a wall?


    Buzzing drones?


    At times weeping?


    Zhang! Who the fuck do you think you are you scolding!


    The Japanese and Korean reporters at the venue were all long-term foreign correspondents stationed in Beijing, and almost every one of them could read Chinese. When they saw this calligraphy, they nearly fainted in anger!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "You! You!"


    "You''re pushing it too far!"


    "You''re scolding us!"


    "How can you do that!"


    "This is a live broadcast! You''re too bold!"


    "This is so infuriating! Pissing me off!"


    The Japanese and Korean reporters couldn''t ept it and were turning green from anger!


    ��


    At an entertainmentpany in China.


    "Heavens! Something has happened!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Zhang Ye started something again on live TV!"


    "What?"


    "Let me take a look!"


    Several celebrities immediately put down their work and ran over to watch!


    ��


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    "Uncle Zhang has made his move!"


    "What move?"


    "Dad,e watch the live broadcast!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    "Why is Little Ye scolding other people again!"


    "That child!"


    "Forget it, we''re already used to it."


    ��


    Japan.


    "Holy shit!"


    "This guy is too sarcastic!"


    "What sort of a person is this!?"


    "How can there be someone like him? Scolding others in calligraphy on live TV?"


    "Isn''t that as good as scolding us too?"


    "Ahhhhh! This is driving me so mad!"


    "This Chinese Heavenly King is just like a rabid dog!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "Oh my God!"


    "He''s turned to scolding others now?"


    "I''m gonna spit all over his face!"


    "This is provocation! He''s definitely trying to pick a fight!"


    "He''s pointing right at us and scolding us!"


    "I can''t believe my eyes!"


    "A phnthropist?"


    "What kind of a goddamn phnthropist is this, fuck!"


    "And he''s even the Asian phnthropic ambassador? Which phnthropic ambassador have you guys seen behave this way!"


    ��


    It blew up!


    When this was ryed over the live broadcast, the whole of Asia blew up!


    No one could have expected that a phnthropic ambassador would actually scold people like that during a press conference organized by the Asian Charity Association and broadcast live throughout Asia. To say nothing of the past, this was something that wouldn''t even happen in the future. As such, countless people were shocked by the scene that had just unfolded!


    Some people cursed and swore!


    Some people vomited blood!


    Some people were overjoyed!


    Some people were just enjoying the chaos!


    At the venue.


    Beads of sweat were rolling down the head of the coordinator at the Red Cross Society. He pretended not to have noticed the furious expressions of the Japanese and Korean reporters and coughed. "Thank you, Teacher Zhang, for your calligraphy piece. I hereby announce that we havee to the end of our press conference." The press conference ended just like that and the live broadcast signal was abruptly cut off. Could he not end it early? If he did not do that, it would have probably erupted into a fight! The coordinator was almost in tears. He had been in charge of several appointment press conferences for the Asian phnthropic ambassador, and all of them had been conducted smoothly. What kind of situation could possibly happen in such press conferences? Even if there were an incident, how bad could it get? This was what he had thought, as well as what the staff members expected. But to the surprise of everyone, something really went wrong today! And it was even an extremely big incident!


    The volunteers offstage froze!


    "Uh��"


    "This��"


    "This calligraphy��"


    "Ahem."


    "Teacher Zhang has torn a hole in the sky!"


    "Yeah, h-he has terribly offended them!"


    The press conference was dismissed.


    But Zhang Ye was a sea of calm. He looked like he hadn''tmitted anything wrong and the incident from just a short moment ago had nothing to do with him. The fellow walked off the stage like nothing had happened.


    The coordinator rolled his eyes. "Teacher Zhang, didn''t we agree that you would be writing ''Rivers Run Red?!''"


    Zhang Ye blinked. "It is ''Rivers Run Red.''"


    The coordinator was exasperated. "Not that ''Rivers Run Red.''"


    Zhang Ye said, "Hai, they''re all about the same. Which ''Rivers Run Red'' isn''t a ''Rivers Run Red?''"


    All about the same?


    This is fucking way too different, alright!


    The Japanese and Korean reporters did not leave and stayed behind to protest loudly.


    But at this moment, the staff of the Asian Charity Association discovered that the Chinese media''s reporters were all as calm as Zhang Ye. Some of them hurriedly headed back to their offices after packing their equipment, while some others finished up their reports before heading back to publish them. Some of them even headed out of the venue in groups amidughing chatter.


    The coordinator was speechless.


    The Japanese and Korean reporters were speechless.


    The staff of the Red Cross Society was too.


    How can you people still be this calm?


    Do you know how big of an incident this is?


    The Chinese media''s reporters knew that this was a big event, of course. But they were not as surprised and shocked as the others since they were very familiar with such situations. They''d already had many years of experience when it came to dealing with Zhang Ye. The others might not know him well, but how could they not know him well? Scolding people on a live broadcast? You guys haven''t seen such a thing before? But we''ve been through it too many times. Counting the number of cases that happened in recent years, when has Zhang Ye not scolded anyone during a live broadcast? Eight out of ten times, something would happen. Is it the first time you learned about this? In fact, the Chinese media''s reporters were also very surprised. They were surprised that there were still people who dared to challenge Zhang Ye in these situations. Do you really not know who he is? Do you really not know what kind of a temper he has? Oh, you''re letting down your defenses just because he started bing active in charity for several days? Are you thinking that he''ll be a pushover just because of that? Are you''re finding him amiable just because of that?


    Hur hur!


    Childish!


    If he really had such a good temper, there would''ve been peace in the entertainment industry long ago!


    If he were so easy to speak with, he wouldn''t be Zhang Ye!


    ��He was the most notorious hooligan in the Chinese entertainment circle!


    Did you guys think that his nickname was for nothing?


    Remember this! If you wish to scold Zhang Ye in the future, do it secretly. No matter what, you mustn''t challenge him face to face. Otherwise, you''ll realize that the person who gets scolded the most will be yourselves. Because when ites to Zhang Ye''s eloquent mouth and literary knowledge, even if there are a hundred people joining in to argue with him, you can''t beat him!


    ��


    Online.


    The Chineseizens wereughing like crazy!


    Many people were ted!


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    "The scolding has started! Zhang Ye is scolding people again!"


    "I''m shedding tears of joy!"


    "I knew it!"


    "Our Face-smacking Zhang has returned!"


    "Oh my God! Face-smacking Zhang is still the Face-smacking Zhang we knew in the past!"


    "Hahahahaha, the scolding in this ''Rivers Run Red'' was so satisfying!"


    "How awesome, how wonderful! The best thing about this is how he didn''t change the tune temte. It was still written to the format of ''Rivers Run Red.'' Zhang Ye still adhered to using the ''River Run Red'' ci tune and only changed its content. And he even changed it on the spot! This skill, this talent, this fighting prowess, there''s really no one like him in the entire world! That''s the trademark of Face-smacking Zhang! Just by today''s example, no one else has a thing on him!"


    "What a good ''sweep away all pests''!"


    "Zhang Ye has shown his might!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang is almighty! Nicely done!"


    "How exciting! I got such a fright from seeing Zhang Ye bing so involved in charity work in recent days. Seeing his Weibo filled with all that charity-rted news every day really made me uneasy and terrified. Phew, I can finally heave a sigh of relief. Face-smacking Zhang''s style is still as glorious as ever!"


    "This is the Zhang Ye we know! He won''t take it lying down as long as he''s not happy with something. It doesn''t matter whoes at him!"


    "How exhrating! What a release!"


    "This is still the Zhang Ye that I''m mostfortable with!"


    "Right, it''s so enjoyable when I see this fellow scolding people!"


    "Others would scold people with curse words, but that''s so uninteresting to watch, and there''s nothing spectacr about it either. It''s still Zhang Ye''s scolding that is ruthless! It''s so pleasing to watch! He''s alwaysing up with all sorts of different styles!"


    "Hahaha, just like I predicted, he wouldn''tst more than a few days. Who was the one who said that it would be good enough if he could go on for half a month doing this? You were so wrong! This guy can''t even hold himself back for three days! What is this? Hur hur, a leopard never changes its spots. That temperament of his will never ever change!"


    "Seeing Face-smacking Zhang scold others again, I can rest easy."


    ��


    In China.


    A lot of those in the industry who had a grudge against Zhang Ye were speechless!


    "How good would it have been if you all had just let this guy settle in his role as a phnthropist!"


    "Yeah, why did you all have to provoke him for no reason!"


    "Hai, look at this, the hooligan has returned again after only two days of peace!"

 Chapter 1395 - He lives to seize every minute of every hour!

    <h4>Chapter 1395 - He lives to seize every minute of every hour! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    That same night.


    A storm surged through Asia!


    Scoldings!


    Denouncements!


    Criticism!


    Boycotts!


    Praise!


    Apuse!


    The cacophony from all the different reactions shed together, and everyone in each camp was embroiled in a fight. All of Asia had been plunged into chaos because of a live broadcast, a piece of calligraphy, and a name! This "Rivers Run Red" by that great man from Zhang Ye''s previous world had torn a hole in Asia''s sky!


    In the sedan.


    Ha Qiqi and several staff members came to pick Zhang Ye up.


    Little Wang did not know whether tough or cry. "Director Zhang, why did you start scolding other people again?"


    Zhang Ye sneered. "Scolding? They''re lucky I didn''t hit them!"


    Tong Fu said nervously, "Didn''t you say that we will be walking the phnthropic path from now on? That we will be adopting a benevolent attitude? It''s only been three days and the image that we built up is��"


    Compared to a few days ago, the current Zhang Ye sitting in the car right looked like a totally different person. He said, "What phnthropic path! Consider me enlightened. Once you show that you''re kind and amiable, other people start thinking you''re easy to take advantage of and climb all over you." With a pause, he unbuttoned his shirt cor and sat cross-legged. "I don''t think that this path suits me much. I''ve had to hold it in so badly over the past few days. Just tell me, we''ve always been a casual and easygoing team that isn''t afraid to go up against the other celebrities'' teams, so do we have nothing better to do than acting all pretentious like this?"


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "Did that only get through to you now?"


    Little Wang said, "So, uh, are we not going to dabble in phnthropic causes in the future?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "I''ve only just been appointed to the role of phnthropic ambassador. Of course we have to carry on doing it."


    Tong Fu said, "But that calligraphy piece you wrote just now has already��"


    "We have to do our part for charity, but we also must continue scolding people!" Zhang Ye summarized, "This time, we were a little impulsive and got carried away by the temptation of a title and gaining some benefit. We forgot our surnames in the process. But this won''t do. We cannot forget our initial resolution that built our character. We grew as a team amid our scolding of other people, and it was through fighting that we reached where we are today. How can we simply forget about that just because we took a job as a phnthropic ambassador? Initial resolution,rades, initial resolution! In the future, every one of you must remember this lesson!"


    Ah?


    This is the first time we''ve heard something like that!


    So you mean that scolding others has been your initial resolution all along?


    Isn''t this initial resolution of yours really terrible!


    Little Wang gave a wry smile and said, "Director Zhang, I finally get it. Whatever it is, you''re always the right one and everything always goes by your logic. We can''t outargue you."


    Ha Qiqi said, "The way that this matter has developed makes it really difficult to resolve. The Japanese and Koreans are probably going to take action, so there might be something big happening soon!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Come on then, who''s afraid of who? Let me tell you this, Old Ha. Don''t ever be afraid of anything. Be it in the past or in the future, our studio must never lose even if it means we have no money or any work to take. Whoever tries to take a stab at us, I''ll make sure we fucking get back at them. Who cares if they''re from Japan or Korea? At most, I fucking won''t develop my career in those two countries. But I must point my finger at them and make sure I scold them til I''m satisfied."


    Ha Qiqi nodded. "I understand. In the first ce, it was the Japanese and Koreans who targeted you on purpose. Even without this calligraphy or you scolding them, they were already hoping to pull down your Asian poprity rank. In fact, they would definitely have done it. If that''s the case, then why not just scold them?"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Who do you think is pulling the strings?"


    Ha Qiqi gave it some thought. "I think everyone in showbiz in Japan and Korea has a part to y."


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "Everyone? Is this bro really that unlikeable?"


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "Did you think that you were very likable?"


    Zhang Ye thought deeply for a brief moment. "Well, true that."


    Nobody used to care about Zhang Ye. But that was no longer true as Zhang Ye became more and more popr in Asia with his rankings jumping higher. Just a few days ago, he was lurking at the bottom of the Asian A-list rankings. But now he had reached the middle of the rankings index. His poprity had soared and he was gaining a lot of fame. Based on this momentum, it was possible that no one would be able to stop him. That was the reason for the group to nder him with fake news. This was likely the Japanese and Korean entertainment circles allying to boycott him. There was even some hint of the Japanese and Korean media participating in this operation as well, and their one and only aim was to bring down Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Yuanqi could reach the summit of Asia!


    Xu Men could reach the summit of Asia!


    Any other person in the Chinese entertainment industry could reach the summit of Asia!


    But only Zhang Ye must not be allowed to do so!


    Only Zhang Ye, who had quarreled with the Japanese and Korean people before, must not be allowed to be an S-lister if the Japanese and Korean officials could have it their way!


    The seeds that he had nted in the past.


    They shall finally be sowed!


    ��


    Back at home.


    In the vi.


    When Zhang Ye reached home, he realized a guest was visiting.


    It was Wu Zeqing''s best friend��the mathematician from Tsinghua University, Xin Ya.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Yo, Professor Xin, you came to visit?"


    Xin Ya rolled her eyes and stood up as she started nagging. "I just finished watching the live broadcast earlier with Old Wu. You sure are great. Why did you start scolding other people again? You''re even firing shots across the map now? You''re directly scolding the entire bunch of them all at once? Are you crazy? That was a live broadcast to the whole of Asia. I heard from Old Wu that you were thinking of trying for the Asian S-list, so what was with that? Didn''t you think about the consequences? If all of the people in Japan and Korea boycott you, how will you be able to reach the top? Even if you were to convert all of the people over here in China into your fan, even if you were to win over the rest of the Asian people besides those from Japan and Korea, you still won''t be able to reach the top!"


    Zhang Ye was amused. "Professor Xin, I''m not even worried, so why are you panicking?"


    Xin Ya said, "Nonsense, I''m angry for Old Wu''s sake!"


    But Xin Ya''s concern was utterly refuted by Wu Zeqing''s response.


    Old Wu said calmly, "Are you tired?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Not too badly."


    Old Wu said, "I''ve already brewed tea, so have some first."


    Zhang Ye said, "Thanks."


    "How many days have you been wearing this shirt for? Didn''t I tell you to take it off this morning?"


    "Hai, I forgot. I just took whatever there was and put it on."


    "Take it off and hand it to me. I happen to have someundry I need to do as well."


    "Alright."


    The simple exchange of words was all about their domestic concerns.


    Old Wu did not mention a single word about the live broadcast and the scolding that happened during it, and neither did Zhang Ye give any exnation for his actions.


    A short whileter, Zhang Ye went upstairs to take a shower.


    That left Xin Ya very dumbfounded. "Old Wu, are you just going to ignore that?"


    Wu Zeqing said calmly, "I have my ways of handling things, and he has his style of doing things as well. I will always support whatever he decides to do, and that''s always been how our family is like."


    Xin Ya was floored. "Aren''t you going too easy on him? How can you do that? I''m not saying that Professor Zhang should not be scolding them since they pissed me off too. All of the fake news was clearly targeted at him to bring him down. It''s amon method in the entertainment circle. But he should still have taken into consideration the timing of it. What kind of an asion was it today? It was a charity''s press conference! One that was broadcast to the entire region. Everyone in the whole of Asia could see it, so why couldn''t he wait for a proper setting before responding? Why didn''t he wait for a more suitable opportunity to vent his rage? There are loads of chances and time to do so in the future. When he bes an Asian Heavenly King, he can scold whoever he wants and nobody can do anything about it! For him to write that calligraphy piece at this time, it was really the worst possible opportunity to do so. Don''t you agree with me?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "It was a bad time."


    Xin Ya said, "Then why are you leaving him be? Why didn''t he wait a little longer?"


    Old Wu smiled and said, "This is where he has always been different from the others. The calligraphy that he wrote made it very clear. If you want him to wait, how long do you expect him to wait? A year? Ten years? A hundred years? Ten thousand years?" She shook her head and looked up in the direction of the upstairs bedroom. "To him, ten thousand years is too long. He seizes every minute of every hour."


    Xin Ya fell silent and did not know how to respond.


    ��


    At night.


    The Asian Celebrity Rankings Index was updated.


    Ironically, amid all the scolding and criticism by the countless Japanese and Korean media outlets and their entertainment industry''s members, Zhang Ye''s Asian poprity rose yet again!

 Chapter 1396 - A vermin that only appears once every 10,000 years!

    <h4>Chapter 1396 - A vermin that only appears once every 10,000 years! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Early in the morning.


    It was only after waking up that a lot of people realized that there was a change to the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index.


    When many of the Japanese and Koreans saw it, they suddenly became quite enraged!


    Anger!


    Yelling!


    Annoyance!


    Many of them nearly vomited blood!


    ��


    Japan.


    Online.


    "Damn!"


    "What''s happening?"


    "How did this bastard''s poprity go up again?"


    "Could there be some error in the data?"


    "So many people are scolding him, but why is his Asian poprity score still increasing?"


    "He''s even overtaken Touji-sensei! That''s one of our country''s new generation of movie stars we''re talking about! So how can his Asian poprity not be higher than Zhang Ye''s?"


    "Motherfucker, this is infuriating!"


    "His Asian poprity score should''ve been wiped clean overnight!"


    "Ahhhhh, just what the hell is going on!"


    ��


    Korea.


    Online.


    "My God!"


    "Everyone,e and see this!"


    "Did it really go up?"


    "I''ve been scolding him all night, so how could he have risen in the rankings again?"


    "How is that possible!"


    "H-How did he manage that!"


    "This fellow''s poprity can still rise after he scolded others the way he did?"


    "Is there any justice in this world?! This doesn''t make any sense!"


    "Protesting it!"


    "Seriously protesting it!"


    ��


    Only in China was everything going on as normal.


    Only the Chineseizens did not find it surprising.


    "Hahaha!"


    "His poprity went up just as expected!"


    "I knew it, there''s no running away!"


    "Look how the Japanese and Koreans are reacting. They''re cursing the shit outta him."


    "Pfft, they must be so confused. How could such a hated celebrity that keeps scolding others rise in poprity? We can''t me them though. They''ve never encountered Zhang Ye before and do not know how he had scolded his way to the top of Chinese showbiz. The more he scolds, the higher his poprity. The worse his reputation, the higher he climbs on the celebrity rankings! This has already be Zhang Ye''s modus operandi!"


    "Haha, they don''t know what''s going on? Actually, we are also not sure of it. We just know that Zhang Ye scolded and fought his way to bing a Heavenly King in the country. We''re already ustomed to all of this."


    "Teacher Zhang has moved on to scold people on the Asian stage."


    "Yeah, he has scolded his way out of the country this time."


    "This is the Zhang Ye that I know!"


    "That''s right, this is the true glory of Face-smacking Zhang!"


    "That fellow is probably gonna get banned again."


    "Hehe, it''s not like he hasn''t been banned before, right?"


    "I just love seeing Zhang Ye start trouble!"


    "Of course. Who doesn''t love watching the world burn as long as it doesn''t affect them?"


    "I''ve really got to take a good look at how this battle is going to turn out. Zhang Ye has always been going up against his domestic peers, but it''s different this time. He has started bringing his battles to Asia and the level of fighting has shot straight up!"


    ��


    Elsewhere.


    Jiaomen East.


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    "Good morning, Director Zhang."


    "Your poprity has gone up again."


    ""Did you see it yet, Director Zhang?"


    "This is such an unexpected result. Although we don''t know if there will be any big moves in reaction from the Japanese and Koreans, we''ve gained quite a bit of poprity this time."


    "Right, every ranking rise counts!"


    "In any case, as long as the poprityes in, we can worry about other events when they happen!"


    Everyone was busy discussing and the atmosphere was rather rxed.


    After all, having been through so much with Zhang Ye, everyone had gotten used to such situations. Every time Teacher Zhang stirred something up, it would always be a bigger incident than the previous one. Once, twice, a year, or two years, it had always been this way. No matter how psychologically weak they were or how bad their mental fortitudes were, there was still nothing they couldn''t handle!


    Little Wang.


    Little Zhou.


    Tong Fu.


    The young ones had all been well-trained.


    Seeing everyone''s expressions, Zhang Ye felt very relieved. That''s right, this is how it should be. This is what my team should be like. Zhang Ye was actually not surprised by yesterday''s rise in poprity. It was a live broadcast to all of Asia, so what kind of exposure would that get? Just based on this fact alone, it should be obvious that the attention on it would not be sparse. Furthermore, the topicality that came afterwards gave an even greater boost to Zhang Ye. As for him scolding people? As for his reputation? The reputation of a celebrity was not something that could be reflected in the Celebrity Rankings Index. It would definitely have an impact on it, but no one could say for sure howrge its effect was. Otherwise, if a celebrity were to be ranked ording to their reputations, Zhang Ye would never have even made it into the Z-list rankings, much less be the Chinese S-list Heavenly King that he was now!


    See, the reason for his soaring poprity was very simple.


    And that was also why Zhang Ye had never been afraid of being scolded ever since the day he debuted.


    Rather, more than half of his poprity came from him being scolded!


    Later that morning.


    A meeting was held.


    Everyone expressed their views and discussed the measures that the Japanese and Koreans might take.


    "A warning would be the best situation to deal with."


    "Yeah, it won''t be too bad if we were to only receive an official warning."


    "I''m only afraid if it''s something slightly harsher than that."


    "Yeah, the worst oue would be either Japan or Korea banning Director Zhang. That''s not really something we can manage."


    "Hopefully that won''t be the case."


    "Right, at least Director Zhang still has his status as the phnthropic ambassador to back him up."


    "Let''s hope that that will serve as a protective talisman then."


    "But regarding the fake news, their motives and goals were so obvious to begin with. With this ''Rivers Run Red'' poem, will they really let things rest?"


    They analyzed.


    They thought about it.


    They studied the situation.


    And finally, they could only wait.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye carried on doing what he had to do. He wasn''t affected by the situation at all.


    At around noon, a piece of explosive news arrived anyway. This news had spread from Japan and Korea. It was a little worse than the worst case scenario that the staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio had predicted!


    Not only in Japan!


    But also Korea!


    Both sides released the news after the other!


    Regarding Zhang Ye''s misdeeds and remarks, the Japanese and Korean authorities had taken three measures:


    Banning him from performing!


    Banning his ads!


    Banning him from entering the country!


    When the news was revealed, it immediately spread all across Asia!


    This was a first!


    It was the first time that Japan and Korea had joined hands in banning an individual celebrity!


    There had never been a simr incident in history. Zhang Ye was the first person to be sentenced to such a punishment!


    Japan was shocked!


    Korea was shocked!


    China was shocked!


    Asia was shocked!


    Unprecedented incidents like this would usually attract the most attention from people!


    And besides, everyone knew that the rtionship between Japan and Korea was not that good either. Historically speaking, these two countries had not been that friendly towards each other. But now they had actuallye together and issued a restriction notice on the same Chinese celebrity? What did this mean? Only a scourge like Zhang Ye had the ability to make two countries that were not on friendly terms with each other gain an unexpected solidarity against him!


    At the earliest moment, the Asian Charity Association expressed their objections. What was the meaning of this? We can''t do anything about you not letting him perform in your countries. But to restrict our appointed Asian phnthropic ambassador from entering your borders? Restrict his advertisements? Then how are we going to carry out our future ns? How will our charity work ever be able to progress? Are you all going to take responsibility for it?


    The Red Cross Society was enraged!


    The coordinator called them directly!


    Several of the administrators at the Asian Charity Association were rmed!


    Finally, the Japanese and Korean authorities made a response due to pressure. They exined that the prohibition on entering the country was not an outright ban and would depend on the nature of the work that Zhang Ye was going over for. If it was for charity events and there was a guarantee from the charity that he was there on behalf of, they would still approve of his travel visa. As for the ban on the advertisements, they also relented by not prohibiting the PSAs that were made in conjunction with charities from being shown. What would be banned instead were Zhang Ye''smercial advertisements and promotional activities. In other words, the PSAs that Zhang Ye had starred in and directed could still be broadcast in Japan and Korea as usual. Any other types would not be allowed.


    However, the Red Cross Society still did not ept it. They continued issuing letters in writing to express their objections to this matter and brought up the unfair treatment that the Japanese and Korean authorities had shown towards their phnthropic ambassador!


    The Red Cross Society was extremely friendly towards Zhang Ye. They did not care what his temper was like, nor his past misdeeds. All they knew was that Zhang Ye had really given a lot to the cause of charity. Be it money or him as a person, he had really given it his all. So they would of course do their utmost to help him as well.


    And besides, this matter made their charities look very bad as well. You people are cooking up all that fake news about our phnthropic ambassador so soon after we appointed him? And then banned him over that? Whose face are you all trying to smack here? Moreover, the donations that Zhang Ye had garnered and the money from selling that calligraphy piece of his would be channeled to charity causes within Asia. That included both your countries as well, so it was not like you wouldn''t be benefiting from it!


    But look at you guys?


    Fake news?


    Banning?


    Backstabbing?


    Weren''t all of these actions too ugly?


    Wouldn''t all of these make people''s hearts turn cold?


    The various Asian charities started taking on the Japanese and Korean authorities!


    ��


    Japan.


    The media was cheering.


    "Great!"


    "Well done!"


    "They should have banned him long ago!"


    "I support this!"


    "Let''s see how he can keep on being arrogant!"


    "We''ve finally managed to vent our anger. Otherwise, I would surely have been driven to my grave by him!"


    "Let''s wait for his Asian poprity to start dropping, hahaha!"


    "Will his poprity really fall?"


    "It definitely will. With all these restrictions in ce, it''s as good as cutting off all his opportunities here in Japan and Korea. So how will he maintain his poprity? Do you think that he''s some kind of god?"


    "I''m d to hear that!"


    ��


    Korea.


    Quite a few people were also jumping with joy.


    "Great!"


    "He deserves the ban!"


    "The Asian Celebrity Rankings Index is finally going to get some peace!"


    "He''s such a ck sheep!"


    "He can mess around in his own home country, just don''t let him do it here in Asia!"


    "Hahaha, he can''te here anymore even if he wants to!"


    "Let''s see how many rankings he''ll drop this time!"


    "He most definitely will tumble down the Asian A-list rankings!"


    "Or rather, it will surely be much more than that. Hahahaha, he will definitely drop down to the Asian B-list rankings!"


    "Right, and then we''ll make his name disappear from the Asian poprity rankings!"


    "This scourge has finally been suppressed!"


    ��


    China.


    Online.


    "Damn, they made such a ruthless move?"


    "He got banned by both countries?"


    "Pfft, they''re giving Zhang Ye too much face!"


    "Yeah, the trouble that this fellow stirs up is always bigger than the previous incidents that he was involved in!"


    "No one else in history is as capable of causing trouble as him. He even attracted the authorities of two countries toe for him. To get such a level of attention, there''s really no one else!"


    "He''s just a vermin that appears once every thousand years!"


    "Surely it''s not only once every thousand years, right? More like once every ten thousand years!"


    "Teacher Zhang is really out of luck!"


    "Lord Zhang will be made to kneel for sure!"


    "Motherfucker, these Japanese and Koreans are so shameless!"


    "This move of theirs was indeed quite despicable. They were clearly the ones who provoked him first. Those fake news reports were all cooked up by them in the first ce. But when Teacher Zhang scolded them back for it, they switched to shifting the me? If they dare do that, then don''t touch the donations that Teacher Zhang helped to raise! I suggest that the Asian Red Cross Society should restrict the distribution of donations to these two countries!"


    "The Red Cross Society is still on Zhang Ye''s side. A few of the administrators have already taken a public stance against the Japanese and Korean authorities! The other volunteers and staff are also showing their support for Zhang Ye!"


    "These charities are truly honorable!"


    "That''s true. Zhang Ye is the ambassador for their phnthropic causes after all!"


    ��


    The incident blew up!


    This was probably one of the most interesting times of all in the history of the Asian entertainment industry!


    Zhang Ye''s Studio had once again be the epicenter of happenings in Asia!


    At the studio.


    Ha Qiqi said helplessly, "As expected!"


    Little Wang was floored. "This is really the worst of the worst oues!"


    Wu Yi said, "With this, Director Zhang''s development in Asia will be much more difficult. Japan and Korea are both countries with huge entertainment industries. Now that they''ve closed their doors on us, Director Zhang''s path to reach the summit of Asia has been cut off. How are we supposed to carry on like this? What''s there still left for us to y for?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "It should be reasonable to say that such official restrictions on a celebrity''s appearance are usually not indefinite. It''s just that we do not know how long it will take before the ban gets lifted. If it''s only for a short duration, that would still be eptable. We can just wait it out and everything will turn out fine in the end. But if it''s a long-term bansting a year or two, we might really be left with no choice!"


    "Director Zhang!"


    "What should we do?"


    "Tell us, how we should handle this?"


    Everyone turned to look at Zhang Ye.


    However, they only saw him with a sneer on his face.


    Banned from performing?


    Why would I perform in your countries!


    Banned my ads?


    Did you think I''m crazy enough to take advertising deals in your countries?


    Banned from entering your countries?


    Did you think that I like traveling there? I''m getting along just fine in my own country!


    Strictly speaking, the measures that Japan and Korea had implemented were just restrictions on Zhang Ye and were not an outright ban on him. Just based on these three restrictions, Zhang Ye did not think that it would do him much harm at all. He had no intention of going over there to further his career anyway. He was still going to base himself domestically on the Chinese market.


    But he couldn''t just swallow it!


    Besides, Wu Yi and the others were right too. With Japan and Korea closing their doors, it would make Zhang Ye''s attempt to reach the summit of Asia a very difficult task. This was definitely uneptable, and he would surely have to get back at them for it!


    How long had it been?


    How long had it been since he wasst banned?


    For a moment, Zhang Ye actually started reminiscing as his emotions welled up.


    Then Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes was instantly filled with fighting spirit!


    Come on!


    Let''s do this!


    I''ll let you all know why everyone refers to me as a vermin that only appears once every ten thousand years!

 Chapter 1397 - How did his popularity rise again!

    <h4>Chapter 1397 - How did his poprity rise again! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    A call arrived.


    It was from Heavenly Queen Xu Men.


    "Sister Lan."


    "Teacher Zhang, just wait it out for now."


    "OK."


    "These kinds of restrictions never go on for too long."


    "It''s fine."


    "How can you call this fine? Well, true, you''re already used to it."


    ��


    Zhang Xia.


    "Grandma Zhang."


    "Look, you''ve gotten into trouble, haven''t you?"


    "Ha, how am I supposed to increase my poprity if there''s no trouble?"


    "You sure are great. How can youugh when this has happened?"


    "Why can''t Iugh?"


    "Your mental fortitude is really great, huh? If this happened to anyone else, they''d have already broken down!"


    "Haha, I''ve been through many battles, after all."


    ��


    The Asian Red Cross Society.


    "Teacher Zhang, we''re currently sending letters to the Japanese and Korean authorities tomunicate our stand. For now, it won''t look like that it''ll help much. But don''t worry, this issue is definitely not over yet. We will definitely make them answer for it! Each day they don''t lift the restrictions on you, we will keep looking for them until they do! We will keep doing so until they lift the restrictions!"


    "Thank you, but it''s fine."


    "That won''t do. If they don''t fully exin it, we won''t let it rest. The leaders have already held two meetings to discuss this and set the tone for us to fight them til the end!"


    "Alright."


    "What ns do you have?"


    "Me? I''ll fight them to the end!"


    "Great!"


    ��


    The outside world was in an uproar!


    The news was overwhelming!


    "Japan and Korea announce ''Zhang'' restrictions!"


    "Zhang Ye hit by three restrictions from Japan and Korea!"


    "First-ever celebrity restriction order in history!"


    "Zhang Ye gets on the nerves of Japan and Korea!"


    "Zhang Ye''s path to the summit of Asia gets cut off!"


    "What will be of Zhang Ye''s advancement in Asia?"


    "Zhang Ye''s career development gets restricted to the Chinese market!"


    The Japanese media.


    The Korean media.


    The Indian media.


    And so on and so forth. All of the media outlets in Asia were reporting a flurry of news!


    The news of this unprecedented two-country restriction order instantly made rounds across Asia!


    Some people were angered!


    Some people were disappointed.


    Some people were delighted.


    Some people were waiting to see Zhang Ye fall off the altar.


    ��


    At the epicenter.


    Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    The telephone at the studio was exploding with calls from people from everywhere.


    Only Zhang Ye was unaffected by this as he went upstairs to his office and called Wu Zeqing. The two of them spoke for over 20 minutes.


    Downstairs.


    Everyone was looking for him.


    "Eh, where''s Director Zhang?"


    "I don''t know?"


    "I saw Director Zhang going upstairs to make a call."


    "Director Zhang is still holding up so well?"


    "When has Director Zhang ever not held up well!?"


    "Let''s just see how Director Zhang will handle this."


    With such a big incident happening, they didn''t have a clue how to handle it. Even the Chinese media and industry insiders were in a state of confusion right now, to say nothing of them. The main issue was that there had never been a case of Japan and Korea banning someone like this before. Therefore, they could only wait for Zhang Ye to decide on how to handle it.


    Shortly after, Zhang Ye came down.


    Everyone finally noticed that Zhang Ye, who had just gotten off the phone, had be even calmer.


    Ha Qiqi''s heart skipped a beat.


    Little Wang gave a look to Zhang Zuo.


    Zhang Zuo was wiping his sweat off.


    Wu Yi cautiously gazed at Zhang Ye.


    Tong Fu was a little rattled.


    Others might not understand Zhang Ye, but could they not know what he might be thinking? Every time Director Zhang wore such an expression, it fucking meant that something big was going to happen. What terrible idea had Director Zhange up with this time? And who in Japan and Korea was going to be down on their luck because of this?


    ��


    At night.


    At a dinner party in the crosstalk world.


    Quite a few veteran crosstalkedians came together and drank toast after toast.


    "Come on, cheers!"


    "Yeah, let''s all raise a ss!"


    "We have to celebrate this!"


    "What a happy day it is today!"


    "Yeah, that fellow has finally been stifled!"


    "There''s no one in China who can get him, but people abroad are still capable of it. Look at what happened this time, just look at it. He has offended too many people, and his past misdeeds together with the troubles caused by this ''Rivers Ren Red'' are too much for him to handle. This fellow is finally going to drop in the Asian poprity rankings!"


    "He stands no chance of reaching the summit in Asia."


    "Right, let''s toast to that!"


    "Cheers!"


    In China.


    Overseas.


    Zhang Ye had truly offended too many people over the years. Right now, a lot of people felt the same as the crosstalk world''s people, celebrating with drinks as though they were celebrating the new year.


    But right at midnight.


    The Asian Celebrity Rankings Index was updated again!


    When the rankings were revealed, countless people nearly spat out a mouthful of blood!


    It rose again!


    Zhang Ye''s poprity had actually grown yet again!


    The crosstalk world''s people nearly went crazy.


    "What?"


    "What''s happening?"


    "How did it increase again?"


    "That fucking bastard!"


    "He has already been ced on the restriction list in Japan and Korea. Zhang Ye''s reputation has gone down the drain, so how did his poprity still grow?"


    "Damn! Is there any justice in this world!"


    "Based on what!"


    That''s right!


    Based on what?!


    Many of Zhang Ye''s foes in China were hopping mad. All of them had worked so hard to grow their poprity and reputations, not daring to make any mistakes or say a wrong word. Everyone had always been on their best behavior in the public eye, but in the end? They could not even garner more poprity than Zhang Ye had received for scolding other people? Based on what could he behave sowlessly and scold whoever he wanted, yet his poprity still grew higher and higher by the day?


    ��


    Japan.


    "Holy shit!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "What is this!"


    "Zhang Ye''s poprity has gone up again!"


    "Oh God, even the restriction order couldn''t stop him?"


    "Fuck, who was the person who said that Zhang Ye was going to drop off from the Asian A-list rankings? Who said that they''ll make Zhang Ye''s name disappear from the Asian poprity rankings? Fucking hell! How the fuck did he still increase his poprity?"


    "It was like this the previous time, but it''s still happening now?"


    "I''m being driven to my grave because of him!"


    "This guy is too hateful!"


    "Ahhhhhh!"


    "Bring him down! Hurry up and bring him down the list!"


    "I can''t stand the sight of him!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "Oh my God!"


    "Is this person born in the year of the cockroach 1 ?!"


    "What the heck! He can still increase his poprity in this situation?"


    "Yeah, this is the first time I''ve seen someone who has been banned by two countries still making a ssh like that in the Asian Celebrity Rankings. This fellow is too unconventional!"


    "I know the reason why. It''s because there have been too many news reports about him across Asia today. All of China, Japan, and Korea have been reporting about his news, so he keeps getting a whole lot of exposure in the media. Even if there is a restriction order in ce, it is still exposure for him. Everyone knows about it, can see it, and are discussing it. Perhaps that''s what contributed to his rise in poprity? Let me make a suggestion! Everyone, let''s not give him any attention at all! We must not let him have it! If we see Zhang Ye''s news on television, we''ll shut our eyes!"


    "Right, I''m not going to look at him anymore!"


    "That''s right! As long as we give him our attention, he will gain poprity. The more we do so, the more popr he gets. Dammit, stop looking at him, shut your eyes, block him out!"


    "Shut my eyes? How am I supposed to fucking shut my eyes? I still have to work! I can''t just quit my job because of him! And not leave my house at all?!"


    "This is pissing me off!"


    "It''s alright, it''s only for today!"


    "That''s right. From today onwards, there won''t be any news about him here in Japan and Korea. There also won''t be any of his works, so his Asian poprity will definitely plummet! I don''t believe we can''t do anything about it!"


    "Right!"

 Chapter 1398 - Zhang Ye’s crosstalk tour!

    <h4>Chapter 1398 - Zhang Ye''s crosstalk tour! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Several dayster.


    The discussions were still going on.


    The talk of Zhang Ye''s impending drop in the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index was growing louder and louder.


    However, it was all calm over at Zhang Ye''s Studio. There wasn''t any noise from them, which made many of those who were familiar with Zhang Ye feel rather surprised.


    There was murmuring all across the industry.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Why isn''t there any news from them?"


    "This doesn''t feel like Zhang Ye''s style, does it?"


    "Who knows? I guess they must have ran out of ideas this time."


    "Yeah, what else can he do now that Japan and Korea have joined hands to restrict his development in Asia?"


    "It looks like he''s going under the radar to handle things this time."


    "That''s right, by keeping a low profile, he might even get his restriction order rescinded earlier."


    "Zhang Ye has finally wised up."


    "That''s right, he definitely can''t afford to lose the poprity in Japan and Korean."


    ��


    Noon.


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    Zhang Ye strolled upstairs and knocked on the door.


    "Who is it?"


    "Sister-inw, it''s me."


    When the door opened, Yao Jiancai''s wife appeared behind it. "Yo, Zhang''er? What are you doing here? Come in quickly, we''re just about to have lunch."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Sure."


    Hearing the voice, Yao Mi also came running out. "Wow, Uncle Zhang, it''s really you!"


    Zhang Yeughed heartily. "Has school started yet?"


    Yao Mi said, taken aback, "School started long ago. We''ve been attending sses for many days."


    "Ah? Is that so?" Zhang Ye said.


    Old Yao''s wife said, "Just look at you. You''re a professor at Peking University and Media College, yet you''re so out of touch that you don''t even know that school has started? Have you eaten yet?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Not yet, but aren''t I here to scrounge off you guys now?"


    From the kitchen, Yao Jiancai emerged. "Whoa, your timing is really good. I personally prepped lunch today and you came to visit? What are you here for?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I had nothing to do, so I came to visit."


    Old Yao''s wife asked, "Are you still banned?"


    Yao Jiancai said with augh, "Oh yeah, you can''t further your career over in Asia anymore, so of course you must be really free. It''s good that you''re getting some rest now since you''ve been really busy these past few years."


    They started eating.


    The four of them chatted happily as they ate.


    After lunch, Yao Jiancai dragged Zhang Ye out to the balcony to have a smoke.


    Zhang Ye lit a cigarette and asked, "What have you been up to recently?"


    Yao Jiancai answered, "Thest movie I acted in just finished filming, so I''m resting at home like you are too."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright, spare some time for me in theing days then."


    "What for?" Yao Jiancai asked.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Let''s hold a crosstalk tour."


    Yao Jiancai said with interest, "Oh? A crosstalk tour? Where are we holding it?"


    Zhang Ye said, "At the Beijing Exhibition Center. I''ve already gotten my people to contact them. As for the other locations, we can think about thatter. We''ve worked together for so long, yet we haven''t even held a special performance tour together. That doesn''t justify it. In any case, I''m booking you in advance. As for the detailed date and time, we''ll settle that afterwards, so don''t go taking other projects for the time being."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Sure thing, I have no problems with that arrangement."


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Zhang Ye''s cell phone rang.


    Zhang Ye answered: "Hello."


    Ha Qiqi said: "Director Zhang, the date and time has been confirmed."


    Zhang Ye said: "Alright, I got it."


    Ha Qiqi said: "Are we really doing this?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said: "Of course we are."


    Ha Qiqi said: "Oh, alright, I understand."


    ��


    On the same night.


    The entertainment circle was taken over by a piece of news.


    "Korean star Park Jaesang''s concert ising soon!"


    "Asian A-list Superstar Park Jaesang to appear in Beijing very soon!"


    "Park Jaesang''s debut concert in China!"


    "Millions of Chinese fans go crazy!"


    "Chinese market bes essentialpetition ground for Japanese and Korean celebrities!"


    "Will Park Jaesang''s debut concert be a sess? Let''s wait and see!"


    On Weibo.


    Many fangirls burned with passion.


    "Wow!"


    "My prince!"


    "Oppa ising to hold a concert!"


    "Oh my God, I have to get the tickets to the show!"


    "I have to buy them even if I end up eating dirt!"


    "Buy, buy, buy! Watch, watch, watch!"


    "Park Jaesang''s concert has been dyed for over a year now, but it is finally going to happen soon!"


    "I can''t wait!"


    "The media is so stupid. Why would they even ask if Oppa''s debut concert will be a sess or not? It''s Park Jaesang we''re talking about. He''s a big-shot A-lister of Asia who has many fans in China! How can it not be a sess?! The tickets will definitely sell like crazy. Furthermore, there will be an even greater frenzy if there''s a livestream of the concert!"


    "When do the tickets go on sale?"


    ��


    Korea.


    Park Jaesang''s team.


    "This is our first time going to China."


    "Right, we must be absolutely careful to ensure that nothing goes wrong."


    "If the first concert does not do well, there''s no way we can hold a second concert."


    "There''s no need to worry. Jaesang''s poprity in China is very high."


    "It seems like there are other people who will be holding their concerts during this period of time as well?"


    "Yeah, I''ve heard about it too. But there''s no need to worry. The dates and cities are all different."


    "It''ll be fine then."


    Nearby, Park Jaesang smiled without saying a word. He was one of the Korean stars who imed that Zhang Ye had beaten him up before during the bombardment against Zhang Ye by the Japanese and Korean media, as well as the entertainment circles of both countries. Clearly, that had been said to publicize his impending activities in China. Although he had many fans in China, there were still a lot of people who did not know him. The battle against Zhang Ye in recent days had given Park Jaesang much more attention in China, and they took full advantage of that to promote his uing concert. Park Jaesang was feeling extremely confident as well.


    But suddenly, his team''s staff started eximing.


    "What?"


    "Come look at this, quick!"


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    Zhang Ye''s Studio, which had beenpletely silent the past few days, suddenly posted a announcement poster!


    "Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s debut crosstalk tour to be held at the Beijing Exhibition Center soon!"


    It blew up online.


    "Holy shit!"


    "Old Zhang and Old Yao are going to go on tour?"


    "A crosstalk tour?"


    "That''s impressive!"


    "I haven''t heard a crosstalk from them in a long time!"


    "Right, the two of them have finally decided to go on tour!"


    "Ah!"


    "Come look at this, quick!"


    "Look at what?"


    "Look at the date and time!"


    Countless people in China were stunned!


    Venue: Beijing!


    Date: Next Friday!


    Time: 7 PM!


    It was exactly the same!


    It was exactly the same as Park Jaesang''s concert time!


    "What a coincidence!"


    "Yeah, how could it be so coincidental?"


    "Fuck, it''s a sh!"


    Instantly, there was an explosion of discussion among the people!


    ��


    The next day.


    Another piece of news came out!


    Korean star Kim Jichan would be meeting his fans during a concert in Shanghai next Saturday. This event had been scheduled a long time ago, and the news had made its way around before the new year, but the exact date was not yet announced at that time. But now, the exact time had been confirmed, and all that remained were the ticket going on sale.


    This was not Kim Jichan''s first time holding a concert in China. He had garnered a great deal of poprity in China, so the scale of the concert was going to be huge, and it would be held at one of thergest venues in Shanghai. This was a venue where most celebrities with average poprity would never hold their concerts at since they couldn''t live up to expectations. The scale and size of a venue was also sometimes the measure of a celebrity''s poprity, and Kim Jichan was clearly qualified enough to hold it there.


    "Another Oppa ising!"


    "I can''t go to Shanghai!"


    "Hahaha, I''m in Shanghai, so I can go!"


    "This is awesome!"


    "Go broke, go broke! Buy tickets, buy tickets!"


    But to the surprise of everyone, Zhang Ye''s Studio posted another announcement poster!


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalk tour''s second stop: Shanghai!


    Next Saturday!


    7 PM!


    Everyone was taken aback.


    "What?"


    "It''s on the same day again?"


    "It''s such a coincidence?"


    "Why do the dates keep shing?"


    ��


    That afternoon.


    Japanese superstar Kimura Kazuya announced that he would be holding a simrly big concert in Shenzhen next Sunday. The promotional materials for the event were massive!


    "Kimura ising!"


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "That''s an Asian rock superstar!"


    "One of the founders of rock! How cool!"


    "I love him!"


    "Kimura has always been especially popr in Asia, but he''s only somewhat famous in China. If this concert is sessfully held, he can finally gain a foothold in China and develop his career here. This is going to be especially important for him to raise his poprity in Asia. The Chinese market is the biggest in all Asia!"


    "Wishing Teacher Kimura great sess!"


    "It will definitely be sessful. In the field of rock ''n'' roll, there''s only Chen Guang who canpete with Teacher Kimura. However, Old Chen doesn''t have the seniority yet. If we were to base it on that instead, only Teacher Zhao Wuliu has a fight with him. They''re rock stars from the same generation, and no one else canpete with them."


    "This is awesome!"


    "We just celebrated the new year, and the Asian superstars are now starting to arrive!"


    "Right, the big performances always takes ce right after the new year!"


    But at the next moment, Zhang Ye''s Studio''s Weibo lit up once again.


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalk tour''s third stop: Shenzhen!


    Next Sunday!


    7 PM!


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    Everyone''s jaws dropped!


    "Ah?"


    "It''s another conflict?"


    "Holy fuck!"


    "It''s so coincidental?"


    "How could it be so coincidental?"


    Coincidence?


    Coincidence, my ass!


    Once!


    Twice!


    Thrice!


    All of them were the same?


    And even the locations and times were the same?


    This was fucking intentional!


    This was clearly Zhang Ye''s Studio trying to make trouble!


    The entertainment industry was plunged into chaos!


    The reporters stared at this situation!


    The industry insiders were all dumbfounded!


    Zhang Ye''s friends were all facepalming with bitter smiles!


    The Chineseizens were stunned!


    Both the celebrity teams of those two Korean superstars became angry!


    The Japanese rock superstar''s team nearly spat out a mouthful of blood!


    What the heck?


    What the heck is Zhang Ye ying at?

 Chapter 1399 - Anyone who comes will be sent packing by me!

    <h4>Chapter 1399 - Anyone whoes will be sent packing by me! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Everyone was at a loss tough or cry.


    Little Wang brought over a few forms. "Director Zhang, these are the listings of performances held in China by some of the Japanese and Korean celebrities in theing days. There will be three concerts held on next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The remaining ones are all listed in here as well."


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "OK."


    He took it from her and flipped through it page by page.


    The performance listings was an internal document that was of course given to him by Secretary Bai. Needless to say, when a foreign celebrity performs in China, or even when a local celebrity holds a concert or a tour, they all have to register with the overseeing authority first. As Wu Zeqing''s secretary, Secretary Bai was easily the most informed. These information were all filed with the SARFT after all. This was Zhang Ye''s home field. With just a call, there wasn''t much information that he couldn''t get his hands on.


    His cell phone suddenly started ringing away.


    The calls were all from Zhang Ye''s friends.


    Ning Lan.


    "What are you nning?"


    "I''m not nning anything."


    "If you''re not nning anything, why are you challenging those three people?"


    "It was just a coincidence, a coincidence."


    "Cut the crap, you think I don''t know you well enough!?"


    Chen Guang.


    "Zhang''er, you''re starting something again?


    "Am I?"


    "Isn''t it obvious!"


    "Do you mean to say that they''re allowed to hold their concerts, but I''m not allowed to do my tour?"


    "But your timing is just too��"


    "Hahaha, it''s just a coincidence."


    "What''s so coincidental about that!"


    After bullshitting for half a day, he finally managed to brush off his friends.


    Seeing that Zhang Ye had gotten off the phone, Zhang Zuo came up to him and said, "Are we really going to do this, Director Zhang? Those three people are all big names in Asia. Some are more popr than you and some are slightly less popr than you, but they''re still not pushovers. Even if we take them head on, it doesn''t necessarily mean that we can beat them. Besides, what are we really aiming for here? There''s no meaning in taking on just one or two of them. Even if you do vent your frustrations, the ban in Japan and Korea will still��"


    Zhang Ye gave him a look and cut him off. "Who said that we''ll only be taking on the three of them?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Ah?"


    Ha Qiqi also looked over in surprise.


    Zhang Ye calmly said, "The Asian entertainment industry''s greatest influencers are the Korean celebrities, but that''s not something that we can change for now. But let me ask you all this: Which market is thergest one in the Asian entertainment industry? It''s here! It''s China! Without the Japanese and Korean markets, it is not going to be easy for me to reach the Asian summit. But simrly for them, they won''t be able to keep their ce on the Asian A-list if they lose the Chinese market, much less reach the Asian summit. They''re all going to fall off the rankings! They won''t let me y in Japan and Korea, right? Then fine, I''m also not going to let them flourish over here in the Chinese market!" He pointed at the performance listings in his hand and said, "The few of them? Starting today, any Japanese or Korean celebrity whoes here will be sent packing by me, one by one! If there are ten of them, I''ll send all ten of them back to where they came from! I''ll make it extremely difficult for them to make any progress in the Chinese market! I''ll make sure that all of them scram back home!"


    Isn''t it just creating trouble?


    Who''s afraid of who!


    This bro will dly take all of you on!


    Do you people think I can''t get to you on my home turf? You must be joking!


    Ha Qiqi gasped!


    Little Wang wiped away her sweat!


    Tong Fu''s legs turned to rubber!


    The staff at the studio looked at one another. They had all been shocked by the words of Director Zhang. My God! Has he gotten serious? Director Zhang is really going all out this time! This is going to really blow up! And can they actually stop those Japanese and Korean stars? Just with Director Zhang alone? Just by the strength of their studio? Don''t even mention the far future. Just based on what was in front of them, how were they supposed to take on those three concerts? How were they supposed to fight them?


    However, Zhang Ye already had a n in mind.


    How do you tter others?


    He didn''t know how to do that!


    How do you step on others?


    Now this, he was extremely experienced in!


    Furthermore, the most important thing was that Zhang Ye was fighting on home field this time!


    The time?


    The location?


    The parties involved?


    He had the advantage in all of that!


    As such, Zhang Ye was brave enough to take them on. He was fine even if he had to do this forever. You all might be more popr than me overseas, you all might be more popr than I am in Asia as well, but this is China. Over here, do you dare topete with me in terms of poprity? Alright then, let''s do that and see how it turns out!


    ��This was who Zhang Ye was. The greatest thorn and the dirtiest hooligan in the entertainment industry. When he decided to get ruthless, there was absolutely no use in trying to reason with him!


    ��


    Kimura Kazuya''s team.


    "He''s obviously making trouble!"


    "How despicable!"


    "I''ve nevere across such a type of person before!"


    "I''ve never met someone as immoral as him either!"


    "And to think he''s even the Asian phnthropic ambassador? Ptui! When has there ever been such a hooligan of an ambassador before!"


    "What do we do now?"


    "This guy''s too popr in China. The��"


    "He can be popr for all we care. It has nothing to do with us. He can do his crosstalk and we can hold our concert. There shouldn''t be any conflict of interest, isn''t that so?"


    "Hopefully."


    ��


    Kim Jichan''s team.


    "That damned hooligan!"


    "He''s trying to cause trouble!"


    "He won''t seed!"


    "Right. He can sell his tickets, and we can sell ours."


    "I don''t believe we won''t be able to sell out our tickets!"


    "Don''t worry about him. Have you contacted the livestreaming site yet?"


    "I''ve already contacted them. They''re a very big tform in China."


    "Well, Park Jaesang''s concert is taking ce before ours anyway. Let''s observe and see what that Zhang guy is nning so that we can be prepared for it."


    ��


    The three Japanese and Korean celebrities went about doing their own thing.


    ns for the concert ticket sales were also underway.


    The concert preparations intensified and were not thrown off by Zhang Ye''s Studio messing around. Because up to now, they still did not believe that a totally unrted crosstalk tour would pressure them at all.


    However, the Chinese did not seem to think so!


    In the Chinese entertainment industry.


    "Did you see what''s going on? Zhang Ye has flipped out!"


    "If it were anyone else, they would surely get angry as well. The Japanese and Korean citizens, media, and celebrities all ganged up to nder him, so who can possibly take that lying down? Besides, don''t forget about that temper of Zhang Ye''s!"


    "If I were them, I would definitely change the time."


    "Me too."


    "Thinking to back then��Hai, there are just too many examples."


    "But what will Zhang Ye do topete with them?"


    "Who knows? I just know that this fellow has got too many despicable ways of doing things!"


    "Yeah. Zhang Ye''s Studio had been so quiet for the past few days. So it was all because they were preparing for this big move. I read online that someone had said that Zhang Ye had finally wised up and learned to keep a low profile. I nearly burst outughing at that. If that fellow can learn something like that, the Chinese entertainment industry would not have been in such chaos for the past few years!"


    The Chineseizens.


    "Teacher Zhang has made his move!"


    "Something big is gonna happen! Something big is gonna happen!"


    "I also have an ominous feeling!"


    "Pfft, he''s shed with someone again!"


    "Zhang Ye is challenging Japan and Korea this time!"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye! Just fight it out with them!"


    "Especially that Park Jaesang and Kim Jichan! They were both involved in that fake news debacle from before that was used to stain Zhang Ye''s reputation! Such a way of getting attention is really disgusting! I only understand now. So it was because they were garnering attention for the promotions for their concerts in China!"


    "Right! Supporting Zhang Ye!"


    "This time, I''m on Zhang Ye''s side as well!"


    "Damn, we should of course side with our own people!"


    "Ah, I support Zhang Ye too. But I also like Park Jaesang-oppa. What should I do?"


    "This is so conflicting! I don''t know if I should buy the tickets to Kim Jichan''s concert or not. I love him so much!"


    Theizens were also divided on the issue!

 Chapter 1400 - The ripping off begins!

    <h4>Chapter 1400 - The ripping off begins! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the blink of an eye, the day of the ticket sales arrived.


    The three Japanese and Korean celebrities'' concerts had all adopted online ticket sales and it was the same for Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalk tour as well. The traditional method of selling tickets had long been reced by this. These days, the sess of a concert would usually be measured by four points of information.


    1.) The size of the venue


    2.) Whether the tickets were sold out


    3.) Duration it took for the tickets to sell out


    4.) The response and praise after the concert is over


    The promotions by the three Japanese and Korean celebrities had already begun long ago and were currently underway in full swing.


    On Weibo.


    "Have they opened up the ticket sales?"


    "I''ve lost count of how many times I''ve refreshed the ticketing website!"


    "It should be starting soon!"


    "Their tickets definitely won''t be easy to get. It''s going to be all up to luck!"


    "The promotions are so overwhelming."


    "That''s right, the Chinese market is very important to them, so of course they will spare no effort in marketing their events."


    "Heh, why is Zhang Ye the only one who did not promote his tour?"


    "I''m also puzzled by that. Isn''t Teacher Zhang trying to make trouble for them? Then why is he keeping so quiet?"


    "Pfft, are you guys joking? The reason why those Japanese and Korean celebrities are advertising is that there are many people in the country who still do not know about them, so of course they will have to give it as much publicity as they can. But for Zhang Ye? Tell me who in China doesn''t know of him? He just needs to hang up a sign for his crosstalk tour and that''s good enough."


    "That''s true, but I''m not really optimistic about the crosstalk tour. Having three consecutive performances in three cities over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, he''s really putting his life at risk. It will also be very tiring as well. Besides, suchrge-scale crosstalks have not taken ce for over ten years now. They can''t even sell out tickets that cost ten to twenty yuan for a theater that holds up to 100 audience members, let alone at a venue as big as the Beijing Exhibition Center. The majority of crosstalkedians have been surviving by making appearances on the Spring Festival Gs to keep up their poprities and no longer do theater shows. No one has ever organized a show at the Beijing Exhibition Center like this. Even though Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalks are very well-spoken of, it''s still very difficult to say if their tour will seed or not."


    "It''s enough as long as Zhang Ye''s name is there!"


    "Right, Zhang Ye and Old Yao''s crosstalk mustn''t be missed!"


    "I''m still looking more forward to Park Jaesang''s concert."


    "I''m waiting here to get ahold of Kimura''s tickets!"


    "Let''s wait and see whose tickets will sell better."


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Everyone was extremely busy.


    Wu Yi had already led a team of people to head to the Shanghai venue.


    Tong Fu and his team went straight to Shenzhen to liaise with the venue and ticketing office.


    Meanwhile, Ha Qiqi took charge of the Beijing Exhibition Center venue and was running back and forth to get everything in order.


    ��


    Back at home.


    Zhang Ye was in a very rxed mood.


    His mother asked, "Are you really going to take them on?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yeah."


    His father asked, "How are you nning to do it?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Just wait and see. In my territory, I will torment them to death!"


    He then called Old Wu''s secretary.


    Zhang Ye asked: "Hello, Secretary Bai, have the ticket sales been approved yet?"


    Secretary Bai replied: "I guess they''re probably getting to it soon?"


    "Help me check with them, could you? Their work efficiency is too poor."


    "Alright, I''ll get back to you immediately."


    Soon after, his cell phone rang.


    "Mr. Zhang, it''s done."


    Zhang Ye said: "Alright, thank you."


    The three Japanese and Korean celebrities had begun nning and preparing for their uing concert in China since half a year ago. The approval process had also beenpleted very early on, and the concert was very well-nned as well. Meanwhile, Zhang Ye had spontaneously decided to go ahead with his crosstalk tour, so not many preparations were done yet. But since Zhang Ye had the home field advantage, be it the venue or the approval process, he was basically able to get the green light with just a phone call.


    The formalities wereplete.


    Now it was just a matter of setting the ticket prices.


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes and began thinking.


    How much should he price them?


    How many categories should he have for the seating?


    ��


    Kimura Kazuya''s team.


    They had already arrived in China to prepare for their concert.


    "How much should we price the tickets?"


    "How much does it usually cost in China for their concerts?"


    "It depends on the poprity of the person. Judging from our reputation, the seat categories at our level should be going for 600 RMB, 1,200 RMB, and 3,000 RMB for the premium VIP seats."


    "Isn''t that too low?"


    "Yeah, I think it should be doubled."


    "If it''s too high, I''m afraid it''ll sell very slowly."


    "But we still have to make money. If we set it too low, we won''t be able to make much at all."


    "Right, and if the ticket prices are too low, it would reflect negatively to the quality of the concert."


    ��


    Park Jaesang''s team.


    "No, the ticket prices can''t be so low!"


    "I heard that the lowest price for Kimura''s concert tickets is 1,000 RMB!"


    "What? It''s that high?"


    "Then we must set ours higher than theirs!"


    "That''s right, our poprity is higher than his!"


    "Yeah, it won''t reflect well if the ticket prices are too low."


    "Let''s raise them then! Bring them up a tier!"


    ��


    Kim Jichan''s team.


    "I heard that Kazuya Kimura''s and Park Jaesang''s ticket prices are not cheap."


    "How much is Zhang Ye selling his tickets for?"


    "We still don''t know about that."


    "He''s really popr in China, so he''ll definitely sell them at a higher price!"


    "That''s right, if we lower our prices, it''ll reflect really badly on us!"


    "Raise it!"


    "Right, set a higher price!"


    ��


    Park Jaesang''s team.


    "What?"


    "They raised it again?"


    "Let''s raise ours too then! Raise it!"


    ��


    Kazuya Kimura''s team.


    "What the hell!"


    "Are theypeting to see who can go higher?"


    "Who''s afraid of who! Raise ours too!"


    ��


    The tickets were almost going on sale!


    The three Japanese and Korean celebrity teams almost got into a fight over the pricing!


    Some did it for the sake of making money, while others did it for the sake of face. As a result, the ticket prices got pushed higher and higher!


    Finally, when the ticket prices for the three concerts were announced, many Chinese citizens were shocked!


    Kazuya Kimura''s concert ticket prices:


    The lowest tier went for 1,200 RMB.


    The middle tier went for 1,800 RMB.


    The premium tier went for 3,500 RMB.


    And the VIP seats went for 8,888 RMB.


    Kim Jichan''s concert ticket prices:


    The lowest tier went for 1,200 RMB.


    The premium tier went for 3,000 RMB.


    And the VIP seats went for 12,888 RMB.


    The highest priced tickets were for Park Jaesang''s concert.


    Park Jaesang''s VIP seats were priced at a staggering 18,888 RMB!


    ��


    Zhang Ye also received the news.


    At this moment, he immediately rushed back to the studio.


    Zhang Ye said, "Has it been confirmed?"


    Little Wang instantly pointed on herputer screen. "It''s been announced. They''ll be selling the tickets very soon!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Director Zhang, let''s hurry too. Don''t let them get a head start over us. How much should we set our prices at? Should we make them a little higher than theirs? Or the same as them?"


    Zhang Zuo added, "Although it''s a bit expensive, this is the first time we''re doing a crosstalk tour, so we''ll definitely need to set it at a higher standard. Furthermore, the cost for the venue, staff, and equipment still have to be paid to the organizers, so that should justify the higher cost of the tickets. This is the market rate these days. Prices have been increasing by the year."


    But Zhang Ye did not say anything.


    He suddenly remembered something that happened in his previous world.


    It was about how the concert of Heavenly Queen Faye Wong 1 went from being the most anticipated event to devolving into a scolding mess!


    Then, Zhang Ye made up his mind.


    He was going to start ripping off people!


    ��


    Online.


    Theizens were ridiculing.


    "So expensive?"


    "Oh my God!"


    "Even Zhang Yuanqi''s concertst year wasn''t this expensive, was it?"


    "Have concert ticket prices risen to such a level these days?"


    "*faints* And I thought that I could go to watch it live at the venue. Now it looks like I won''t be able to afford it even if I break the bank!"


    "This price seems a bit unreasonable, doesn''t it?"


    "I think it''s fine. They''re really famous after all."


    "Yeah, it''s a bit expensive."


    "But it''s still worth it for Oppa!"


    "That''s right, that''s right. At most, I won''t go shopping or eat out for the rest of the year!"


    "I just received my allowance from my family, but I''ll still buy the tickets! For Park Jaesang-oppa, anything is worth it! I just want to see him in person at the concert!"


    "Surely there''s no need for that! Previous few posters, please don''t spend beyond your means."


    "What do you know? They''re all priced like this nowadays."


    "That''s right, he''s one of the big name A-listers in Asia, so how can they price the concert tickets too cheaply?"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye''s tickets will surely be more expensive than that!"


    There was a lot of controversy on the Inte, but it didn''t cause too much of an upheaval.


    Only when the ticket prices for Zhang Ye''s crosstalk tour were announced did the entire nation blow up!


    Beijing Exhibition Center ticket prices:


    Lowest tier seating: 288 RMB


    Middle tier seating: 388 RMB


    Premium tier seating: 588 RMB


    VIP seating: 888 RMB


    At this moment.


    Some people were stunned!


    Some people were dumbfounded!


    Some people were overjoyed!


    Some people turned green!


    It was a steal!


    It was an absolute bargain!

 Chapter 1401 - The tickets get sold like crazy!

    <h4>Chapter 1401 - The tickets get sold like crazy! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    What was this?


    This was a face smacking!


    Zhang Ye could alwayse up with something unexpected!


    Today and at this moment, this scene repeated itself once again!


    At first, it was still alright. The concert tickets for the three Japanese and Korean big names were priced much higher than before, butpared to the current price levels, it was not too uneptable. Everyone just made a few remarks about it on the Inte. But when the tickets prices for Zhang Ye''s crosstalk tour were announced, it immediately flipped things on its head and left the staff of the three Japanese and Korean celebrity teams in a predicament. They had been ced right in the line of fire!


    Nothing stands up well toparison!


    With this, there was an immediate wave of scolding across the country!


    "It''s priced so low?"


    "What the hell! This is too cheap!"


    "That''s right. When we eat out with our family and friends these days, the billes up to at least five or six hundred yuan. But his lowest tier seating is only going for 288 RMB? That''s not even enough for one meal!"


    "What''s more, this is Zhang Ye we''re talking about! A Chinese Heavenly King! An Asian A-list celebrity! He''s too kind! Zhang Ye still has the best character!"


    "That''s right, these ticket prices were priced with a conscience!"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye!"


    "Teacher Zhang is so honorable!"


    "Who said that Zhang Ye''s ticket pricing would definitely be higher? Who said it?"


    "How face smacking! Hahahahaha!"


    "At first, I thought I wouldn''t have the money to buy Zhang Ye''s tickets. But now, it looks like I can even afford the middle tier seats. Damn, I definitely have to go support Lord Zhang and Lord Yao! I like their crosstalk so much, and the ticket prices are so cheap as well. Why would anyone in their right mind buy the tickets to those Japanese and Korean celebrities'' concerts?"


    "Those foreigners! They''re only here to make a quick buck!"


    "That''s right. By selling their tickets at such a high price, are they taking us for fools?"


    "They''re just taking advantage of the fact that the Chinese people have money for them to earn!"


    "What kind of status does Zhang Ye have? Do they know how popr Teacher Zhang is in our country? Even Teacher Zhang''s tickets aren''t priced so expensively, so who do they think they are?"


    "This is the first time that Park Jaesang will be holding a concert in China, so what if it''s a tad more expensive?"


    "Previous poster, you must be joking, right? You''re putting it like this is not Lord Zhang''s first time holding a special crosstalk!"


    "Furthermore, Zhang Ye will be performing three consecutive days of shows. It''s going to be a tour! Unlike those Japanese and Korean celebrities whoe over to earn our money before running away!"


    "Zhang Ye has handled this beautifully!"


    "Poor people like us will also get a chance to go watch his crosstalk live!"


    Cursing!


    Arguments!


    The situation online blew up!


    ��


    At Zhang Xia''s house.


    "Mom, this��"


    "That Little Zhang, how awful of him."


    "Pfft, Teacher Zhang is too ruthless!"


    ��


    At Chen Guang and Fan Wenli''s home.


    "I''m cracking up!"


    "Teacher Zhang is really good at stirring things up!"


    "He''s just messing around!"


    ��


    At Zhang Yuanqi''s studio.


    "Sister Zhang, Zhang Ye has really made a move!"


    "I''ve seen it already."


    "Do you think the three of them can outdo Zhang Ye?"


    "They can''t even hold Zhang Ye down in their own territory, much less here in China."


    ��


    At Central TV.


    "Zhang Ye has taken a stab at them!"


    "What a ruthless swipe this is!"


    "Hai, tell me, why did they have to provoke him!"


    ��


    The media was amused!


    The industry insiders were amused!


    However, the three celebrity teams from Japan and Korea were not amused at all. They were all cursing at this in unison. This kind of public pressure made them very ufortable!


    "What the hell is he thinking?!"


    "Why is he selling his tickets so cheaply? Isn''t he looking to earn money?"


    "Everyone was selling at a high price without any issues, but you''re selling yours at such a low price? What is the meaning of this?"


    "Are you trying to ruin the market?!"


    "He''s deliberately messing with us!"


    "This is so infuriating! What a bastard!"


    "He''s trying to put on a show of strength. That goddamned Zhang Ye!"


    "Should we lower our ticket prices?"


    "We can''t lower them anymore. The ticket prices have already been submitted, and there''s no way we can lower it either. Our publicity costs are too high. If the ticket prices are too low, we won''t be able to recoup our expenses. At the end of the day, we still have to make some money out of this."


    "Don''t worry, this won''t hurt us one bit!"


    "Right, even if our tickets are highly priced, it''s not like we won''t be able to sell them off."


    "Besides, we still have to dy releasing the VIP tickets for now. And the other tickets too, we can''t just release everything in one go."


    "Understood, that''s basic hunger marketing 1 , after all."


    "Yeah, Chinese people always fall for such tricks."


    "That''s right! Sometimes, the more expensive it is, the more likely they will buy it!"


    "Let them scold all they want. We have a lot of fans in China anyway, so there will always be someone who will buy it."


    Right at the beginning, Zhang Ye had made a fool of them. For now, they could only brace themselves and stick to the n. What other way was there? It was already toote to turn back!


    ��


    That same night.


    Park Jaesang''s concert.


    Kim Jichan''s concert.


    Kazuya Kimura''s concert.


    And Zhang Ye''s crosstalk tour.


    At 10 PM, the tickets for all the events would go on sale!


    The media was also unanimously siding with Zhang Ye:


    "When the ticketing sales channels open, who will emerge as the winner?"


    "Zhang Ye''s ticket pricesbeled as honest!"


    "Zhang Ye''s tickets for crosstalk tour sets market price!"


    "Tickets to the Japanese and Korean celebrities'' concerts are overly expensive!"


    "Who will buy such expensive tickets?"


    With five minutes to go, manyizens were standing by to buy the tickets. Some were holding their cell phones, and some were keeping watch on theirputers. Nobody blinked as they waited for the time to arrive!


    "It''s starting soon!"


    "On your marks, everyone!"


    "Someone, help me snatch a ticket for Zhang Ye''s crosstalk!"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye!"


    "Boycotting all high ticket prices!"


    "Hightail it back to Japan and Korea! This is not a ce for you all to make a quick buck!"


    "I want tickets to Park Jaesang''s concert!"


    "Why do you still want them when they''re so expensive?"


    "I''ll still buy them anyhow!"


    "The reason why this group of foreigners dare to behave so audaciously in China is because of people like you!"


    "So what? I like Kim Jichan! And I''m willing to give him my money! What''s wrong with that?"


    Everyone was quarreling over the buying of the tickets.


    Three.


    Two.


    One.


    The sales began!


    "Snatch the tickets!"


    "It''s mine! They''re all mine!"


    "Zhang Ye, Zhang Ye!"


    "I''m here!"


    "Don''t snatch from me!"


    "Damn, why are they all gone?"


    "Heavens, why are there already no tickets left?"


    "They''ve all been sold out? Fuck!"


    13 seconds!


    It had only been 13 seconds since the tickets went on sale!


    Everyone who came to purchase the tickets were shocked to discover that Zhang Ye''s tickets to his Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen shows, be it the 288 RMB, 388 RMB, 588 RMB, or 888 RMB tickets, were all sold out. In the blink of an eye, all of them had been snapped up!


    As for the other three Japanese and Korean celebrities'' concert tickets, the tickets weren''t even fully released for sale yet. At most, they only opened around half of the seating for sale. However, the tickets were still selling and there were no signs of them being sold out. In fact, they were even far from being sold out. From the looks of it, it might be possible that they could still be bought the next morning!


    The public was stunned!


    The nation was stunned!


    13 seconds. Three shows. There had never been such a crazy sales result before!


    Moreover, it had to be known that no tickets were held back from the sales channel for Zhang Ye''s shows. All of them released to the public for sale!


    And they were sold out?


    Even selling out in only a matter of seconds?


    Everyone was shocked!


    "How scary!"


    "Zhang Ye is amazing!"


    "There''s really no fucking others who are as popr as him!"


    "Even if the tickets were sold cheaply, they shouldn''t have been sold out this quickly!"


    "13 seconds? Three shows? Tens of thousands of seats? Not even Zhang Yuanqi''s tickets are so coveted!"


    "They''ve all gone mad! Mad, I tell you!"


    "My ticket!"


    "I was so close! I was just a second away from getting one!"


    "Hai, Zhang Ye is indeed Zhang Ye!"


    "I''m crying. I should''ve known there was no chance of getting a ticket!"


    ��


    The three Japanese and Korean big names were stunned!


    "How is that possible!"


    "Isn''t this too fast!"


    "What about us?"


    "We only sold a-sixth of our tickets!"


    ��


    The industry was also in an uproar!


    13 seconds!


    This was a new record!


    An unprecedented record!


    Only now did they realize that even though Zhang Ye had only recently been promoted to the Chinese S-list rankings and ascended to the top of the Chinese entertainment industry, his poprity, influence, appeal, and all other aspects were already on par with the other six Heavenly Kings and Queens in China. Just taking this record of selling out his tickets in 13 seconds, no one else should be able to break it for a long time toe!


    Zhang Yuanqi?


    Xu Men?


    Or someone else?


    From the looks of it, it would be difficult to say who would win if the veteran Heavenly Kings and Queens came face to face with Zhang Ye!

 Chapter 1402 - Zhang Ye makes yet another move!

    <h4>Chapter 1402 - Zhang Ye makes yet another move! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    There were countless news reports.


    "Zhang Ye''s tour tickets highly sought after!"


    "Ticketing website gets crippled by traffic!"


    "The Japanese and Korean celebrities'' concerts receive the cold shoulder!"


    "Zhang Ye''s appeal is still as charming as ever!"


    A lot of people whounched the ticketing website in the morning discovered that the tickets for the three concerts in China were still not sold out yet. The lowest tier tickets priced at 1,000 RMB had already been sold out, but there were still remaining tickets for the middle tier and premium seats. As for the VIP tickets, although the price was clearly shown on the website, they remained unreleased for sale.


    One event''s tickets were snapped up within 13 seconds!


    The other three still had tickets on sale even after the next day had arrived!


    The contrast was too ring!


    Zhang Ye had crushingly defeated those three Japanese and Korean celebrities!


    Previously, some fanatical fans of Kim Jichan and Park Jaesang said that the poprity of their oppas was not something that Zhang Ye could match. The two oppas both ranked slightly higher than Zhang Ye on the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index, so how could they not be a match for him? However, once the tickets went on sale, many people were dumbfounded by the results. No one would know if they did not try. But the moment they did, they got a shock. Be it Kim Jichan, Park Jaesang, or Kimura Kazuya, none of them were even close to Zhang Ye when it came to their poprity in China. They were simply not on the same level!


    ��


    The three Japanese and Korean celebrity teams.


    "It''s alright."


    "Our tickets are actually selling quite well too!"


    "We should be able to sell them out by today. After that, we can release the second batch of tickets."


    "Yeah, don''t be in a rush to push out the VIP tickets first."


    "Right, just ignore them. We''ll do it ordingly to our own pace."


    "In the end, it will still depend on reputation. Only when the concert begins will we be able topete based on our strengths. It''s still a little early to say now who has won or who has lost."


    "That''s right, it doesn''t matter how it is right now!"


    "When the actual day of the performancees, that is when the real battle begins!"


    "Let Zhang Ye do what he wants. I don''t believe that he would be able to beat us at selling the tickets!" "If they want to sell it cheaply, just do it. We will still be able to sell ours even at this high price!"


    ��


    Their fans also showed them a lot of support.


    "Sisters, let''s do it!"


    "We cannot disappoint our oppas!"


    "Why are the tickets still not sold out yet?"


    "I''ll buy one!"


    "I''ll buy one too even if I have to starve!"


    "It''s just 2,000 RMB, right? A middle tier seat? I''ve bought it!"


    "Right, we can''t let Zhang Ye steal the limelight from the oppas!"


    "Supporting Kimura!"


    "Supporting Jaesang-oppa!"


    "So what if it''s expensive? "I''ll buy one no matter how expensive it is!"


    "That''s right, we''ll buy them!"


    Many of the fans were screaming in excitement!


    The importance of the Japanese and Korean celebrities'' fan bases in China was definitely not to be underestimated!


    ��


    At the studio.


    Zhang Ye was on the phone with the ticketing agent.


    "Teacher Zhang, the tickets have all been sold out, but the profits��"


    "Isn''t it good enough that our shows have been sold out? We can just make less money."


    "But that''s not the point. Even if you had priced the lowest tier tickets at 1,500 RMB, there would still be people fighting over it."


    "Old Liu, tickets to the show that I put on have always, and will always, be cheap. This might be our first time working together, but we already agreed on this matter beforehand."


    "Well, alright then, we''ll do as you say."


    "At most, I''ll give you a bit more of my share of the profit."


    "There''s no need to, that won''t do. We''ll just divide it ording to our agreement."


    "It''s fine, I can''t let you guys work for nothing."


    "Hai, Teacher Zhang, I have nothing else to say other than that you''re the most honest celebrity I''ve worked with in all my years. Based on what you''ve just said, even if there''s no money to be earned in the future, I''ll still get your affairs handled for you."


    "Thank you, Old Liu."


    Honest?


    He was not honest at all!


    The crucial point was that he didn''t actually have much interest in making money. Would making money be more enjoyable than smacking faces? No! Such happiness was something that not even money could buy!


    He would do it even if it meant losing money!


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others came over.


    Zhang Zuoughed and said, "Director Zhang, this move of yours is superb!"


    Ha Qiqi was also tickled. "Everyone is scolding them and saying that we''re honest!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Their ticket prices are really a little too expensive. This time, they''ve caused their own downfall. It''ll be enough to cause them a headache for a while. This is what you call starting off on the wrong foot!"


    But Zhang Ye said, "It''s still not enough."


    Zhang Zuo eximed, "Still not enough?"


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "Old Ha, help me get something done."


    Ha Qiqi was startled. "Please speak."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Are the most expensive tickets for the three concerts released yet?"


    "Not yet." Ha Qiqi said, "But they''ve actually started selling them already. It''s just that they are priced really, really expensively. Even though they are marked at around 10,000 RMB each, the ticketing agent is deliberately holding on to the tickets in order to raise the prices. In the end, the scalpers start selling them at prices several times more expensive than the original prices. Everyone in the industry knows that this is actually the ticketing agent''s own personnel selling them on the ck market to make more profits. From the looks of it, the celebrities are probably also getting a share of the money. By the way, why are you asking about this?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Ask how much they are going for. I want to buy some."


    Ha Qiqi was stunned. "Ah?"


    Zhang Zuo was also dumbfounded. "Why would you buy their tickets?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Just ask them like I told you to."


    "Alright." Ha Qiqi immediately went to make a call.


    Eventually, they managed to find out the most up-to-date news.


    Kimura Kazuya''s VIP concert tickets had been pumped up to 20,000 RMB and was a negotiable price!


    Kim Jichan''s VIP concert tickets were at 19,999 RMB and non-negotiable!


    Park Jaesang''s VIP concert tickets were the most expensive ones of all, going at a fixed price of 35,000 RMB each!


    Ha Qiqi said with a gasp, "They''re all crazy! They''ve gone mad from wanting to make money so badly!"


    "These people are really too keen on making a quick buck!" Zhang Zuo also said angrily. "Aren''t they trying to scam the fools? One has to be crazy to spend so much money on buying a ticket like this! Do they really think that our Chinese people''s money is so easy to earn?"


    But the next second, Zhang Ye said something very shocking. "Old Ha, I''ll hand you a few of my bank cards. Go buy as many of their VIP tickets as you can for me. I''ll pay for them out of my own pocket!"


    Ha Qiqi was dumbfounded. "Are you crazy?"


    Zhang Zuo also very nearly fell over. "What are you trying to do? You want to buy them even when it''s so expensive? Do you have rtives who wish to go watch their concerts?"


    Zhang Ye ced his bank cards onto the table. "Don''t ask so much for now. Can we buy any?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "If it''s at the ck market price, I can definitely buy them."


    "Alright," Zhang Ye said, "get this done immediately."


    Ha Qiqi did not know whether tough or cry. "Alright then."


    One ticket!


    Five tickets!


    Ten tickets!


    In the end, they managed to get 17 VIP tickets across the three concerts, and it cost Zhang Ye less than 500,000 RMB to buy them. Several of the tickets were even bought from scalpers in Japan and Korea who demanded an exorbitant price after having initially agreed on a sum. As such, they overspent by quite a bit as well. This left Ha Qiqi rather infuriated as she gained a new understanding of these Japanese and Korean celebrities once more. To make a quick buck, they were willing to resort to all kinds of means. Ha Qiqi and the others couldn''t figure out why Director Zhang would want to buy such expensive tickets, though. However, they discovered that Zhang Ye did not even blink at the sight of this amount.


    Less than 500,000 RMB?


    Like this bit of money mattered to him!


    After obtaining the tickets, Zhang Ye''s next words scared the hell out of Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and all of the other studio staff!


    Zhang Ye lightly said, "Put these VIP tickets up for sale at 500,000 RMB each!"


    Ha Qiqi nearly spat blood!


    Zhang Zuo nearly fainted!


    500,000 RMB?


    For one ticket?


    Fuck!


    All of these tickets together didn''t even cost 500,000 RMB when they bought them!

 Chapter 1403 - Your sister!

    <h4>Chapter 1403 - Your sister! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The studio staff were all eximing in horror.


    "Director Zhang, 500��500,000 RMB?"


    "Yeah."


    "Isn''t that too hical?"


    "Oh, is that hical?"


    "It seems a little hical."


    "Then that''s right, hical is precisely what I''m after!"


    "��"


    Zhang Ye could still remember the farce that happened to Faye Wong''s concert. Even a Heavenly Queen from his previous world could not handle something like that, let alone the parties involved this time. Just like how Zhang Ye himself had imed, he might not know how to tter other people, but step on them? This fe had too many destructive tricks up his sleeve!


    The Chinese people''s money was easy to earn?


    Treating the Chinese people as fools?


    The higher the ticket prices, the more important it made you all look? The greater your standing?


    Alright then, as you wish, I will add more fuel to your fire!


    Aren''t you people going the way of selling your tickets expensively?


    Would 100,000 RMB be expensive enough?


    Would 200,000 RMB be expensive enough?


    Would 500,000 RMB be expensive enough?


    ��


    The three Japanese and Korean celebrity teams.


    At this moment, there was exhration all around.


    "They''ve been sold out!"


    "The first round of tickets that were released have been sold out."


    "Many of the VIP seats have been sold as well!"


    "Really?"


    "The ticketing agent just let us know a moment ago. Quite a few tickets costing 30,000 RMB were actually sold!"


    "Hahahaha, there are really suckers like that?"


    "Let''s pump the prices up further!"


    "Alright, let''s do it!"


    "It will be such a waste not to earn this money!"


    "I think it will still sell even if we doubled the prices another time. Our VIP tickets are only valued at around 10,000 RMB each, but they can be flipped for up to three or four times that amount. No one will be able to link it to us anyway!"


    "That''s right, there''s still a market for it. There are still people who can ept such prices!"


    "There are so many whales among the Chinese fans."


    "Yeah. Why else has everyone beening over to grab a share of the Chinese market in recent years?"


    "Beautifully done. If that Zhang fe doesn''t want to earn money, who can he me? So what if our tickets were selling slowly? Our sales can still do great. The second round of tickets can be released now!"


    "Alright!"


    They were selling so well that others started envying them!


    Who could resist the temptation of seeing suchrge amounts of money rolling in?


    A lot of people had gone crazy over this. To put it bluntly, they were here to rob them of their money!


    ��


    Online.


    The scolding was continuing.


    "Those three have also sold out?"


    "There are really people buying their tickets? Damn!"


    "They have so many fans."


    "This makes me so angry!"


    "They haven''t released the VIP tickets for sale yet?"


    "They''ve been released, but I can''t get them at the market rate!"


    "That''s right, I heard that they''re selling at 30-40,000 RMB a pop now!"


    "30-40,000 RMB? That''s already old news. Thetest I''ve heard is that Park Jaesang''s first row of VIP seats are now fetching close to 50,000 yuan! Who doesn''t know that all this was nned by those celebrities and the ticketing agents? They were the ones who pumped up the prices to sell the tickets through scalpers!"


    "Only a fool would buy!"


    "But people actually bought them."


    Many fans of the Japanese and Korean celebrities came forward at this time.


    "Why wouldn''t we buy them?"


    "I have nothing but money!"


    "Right, I''m a tycoon!"


    "So what if they''re selling it on the ck market? In the end, the money still goes to our oppas. I''m more than willing to contribute my share! Hahahaha, buy, buy, buy!"


    "Who has VIP tickets? I''ll buy one! 50,000 RMB is my offer!"


    "Does anyone still have Kim Jichan''s VIP tickets? I won''t buy them if they''re too cheap!"


    "You people are too nosy. We have the money and we can buy as expensive a ticket as we want. We can afford it! We just want to support our oppas! Deal with it!"


    "Right, we''ll buy them no matter how expensive they are! Kim Jichan, I love you!"


    "The more expensive they are, the more I''ll buy! Park Jaesang, I love you!"


    "What''s 50,000 RMB anyway? Kimura, Kimura, I desire you!"


    "For the sake of our idol, do you think we can''t bear to spend this bit of money?"


    A group of wealthy people were moring to sweep up the VIP tickets in a show of support for the three Japanese and Korean celebrities'' concerts in China. Coincidentally, a lot of VIP tickets suddenly started appearing everywhere in the form of scalped tickets. The rich and fanatical fans swarmed them at once!


    "They''ve released the tickets!"


    "They''re finally out!"


    "It''s the VIP tickets! I was worried that I wouldn''t be able to buy any!"


    "Hahaha, here Ie! Buy, buy, buy!"


    But when they saw the ticket prices, everyone was dumbfounded!


    The "whales" were so shocked that their jaws dropped!


    "How much?"


    "How much do they cost?"


    "500,000 RMB?"


    "They''re selling them at 500,000 yuan per ticket?"


    "Kimura, Kimura, I��Fuck you!"


    "Oppa, oppa��Your grandpa!"


    "The more expensive they are, the more I''ll buy��Buy your sister!"


    "500,000 yuan? Only an idiot would buy it!"


    "Have you all gone crazy!?"


    "What the heck! Do you really think I''m a sucker?"


    "I already bought tickets at 100,000 yuan! But 500,000? Why don''t you all just go to hell!"


    "Have you gone crazy from trying to make money?!"


    "I can afford a condo with that 500,000 RMB, alright!"


    "Fuck! How infuriating! Even if I''m rich, this is no way to be spending money!"


    The rich and fanatical fans who had been supporting the oppas just a moment ago were now jumping up and cursing. As for everyone else, it was needless to even mention how they reacted!


    Instantly, the entire country descended into scolding!


    "This is too sinister!"


    "Damn, damn, damn!"


    "Just go to hell!"


    "Whoever buys them is an idiot!"


    "I won''t let them earn a single cent from me!"


    "Get out of China!"


    "Get out of China!"


    "I want a refund for my ticket!"


    "Right, I don''t want to watch it anymore!"


    "I want a refund for my ticket!"


    Everyone was infuriated!


    Even the Japanese and Korean celebrities'' fans were cursing!


    The media also gave their harshest criticism!


    "Who will stop this crazy profiteering?"


    "VIP tickets at 500,000 RMB each?"


    "Excessive hype leads to sky-high ticket prices!"


    "Three concerts on the verge of copse!"


    "People request refunds!"


    "From the fans: I''m not impressed by their behavior this time!"


    Scolding!


    Scolding!


    And more scolding!


    The entire country was in an uproar!


    The initial ticket prices had already been quite controversial, with many voices of doubt among the people. When Zhang Ye''s honest ticket prices were announced, the questioning became even stronger. Later, when the Japanese and Korean celebrities deliberately pumped up their concerts'' VIP ticket prices, it aroused even more disapproval from countless people and the problem neared a tipping point. When the 500,000 RMB tickets appeared, the three concerts with sky-high ticket prices finally copsed.


    It was aplete copse!


    The Japanese and Korean celebrities'' concerts'' second round of ticket sales instantly stopped selling!


    ��


    The Japanese and Korean celebrity team members were stunned!


    Kim Jichan was dumbfounded!


    Park Jaesang was dumbfounded!


    Kimura Kazuya was also dumbfounded!


    "Who is it?"


    "Who is selling the tickets?"


    "500,000 RMB?"


    "Fuck, what the hell is the ticketing agent trying to pull!"


    Even when they were flooded by scolding from the Chinese people and media, they still did not know what had happened. They hurriedly investigated the situation, then found out some news that enraged them. Their VIP tickets had earlier been purchased in bulk by someone through their connections!


    There was no evidence!


    There were no receipts!


    However, the sources of all the purchases pointed in one direction!


    Zhang Ye''s Studio!


    "Zhang! Ye!"


    "Your sister!"


    "Fuck your grandpa!"


    "You''re too fucking mean!"


    "How dare you scam us!"


    "This is too cruel! He''s too cruel!"


    "Fuck! How can there be someone like him!"


    "The Asian phnthropic ambassador? You should fucking be the Asian hooligan ambassador instead!"


    They were finally panicking!


    The three Japanese and Korean celebrity teams hurriedly tried to salvage things!


    Issuing statements!


    Making rifications!


    Giving exnations!


    However, all of that was useless!


    It was already pointless!


    The momentum had already gathered, and public opinion was crushing them to death. By now, they could not turn things around no matter how hard they tried. They had been nailed to a cross and crucified!


    The ticketing issue was already messed up!


    Even before the concerts had begun, they were getting scolded like crazy!


    Seeing this unfold before their eyes, they were on the verge of copse!


    Before this, they had thought that it wouldn''t matter. When their concerts officially started, that would be the time topete on who was better. However, no one expected that before the concerts even took ce, they would get beaten back by Zhang Ye. Wave after wave of underhanded methods rushed in like a monsoon. Every method was more vicious and despicable than thest! They knew that Zhang Ye was wicked and shameless, and had seen this in the news as well. However, they never expected that this Zhang fellow could actually turn out to be so wicked and so shameless!


    They have nevere across someone like this before!


    Having been in the entertainment industry for so many years, this was really the first time they''de across someone like him!


    There was no one simr to him in Japan!


    There was no one simr to him in Korea!


    There was no one simr to him in the entire world!


    Only in China!


    Only Zhang Ye was like this!


    Today, their horizons had truly been broadened!

 Chapter 1404 - The three Japanese and Korean celebrities are crying!

    <h4>Chapter 1404 - The three Japanese and Korean celebrities are crying! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    It was Old Wu''s day off and included a rare family lunch.


    At the dinner table, Wu Zeqing said gently, "I''ve heard that in the past few days, the Japanese and Korean celebrities have been going through a lot because of you? They weren''t even able to sell out their concert tickets?"


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips and said, "I guess so."


    His mother rolled her eyes. "Oh, why are you so awful?"


    His parents also knew heard this in the news.


    For the past two days, a crazy amount of attention had been given to this event.


    Zhang Ye said, "I was just letting them have a taste of their own medicine. They were spreading fake news about me to hype up their concerts. The Japanese and Korean people even came together to nder me and restricted me from entering their countries? And stopped me from going over there? So now that they''vee into my territory, how could I possibly let them off easy!"


    His mother said, "Shouldn''t that be within Zeqing''s authority? Why don''t you just get Zeqing to chase them away and handle the problem?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "He doesn''t want me to interfere."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "There''s no need to bother her. It''s just a small matter. This bro will handle it himself."


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Tomorrow will the very first show of your crosstalk tour. Are you ready?"


    "Don''t worry." Zhang Ye took a bite of food and said, "I''ve been working with Old Yao for so long. We''ll be able to handle a simple crosstalk. It will definitely be executed perfectly."


    Face?


    Respect?


    Reputation?


    He wanted it all this time!


    However these people arrived, he would send them packing the same way!


    ��


    The countdown to the start of the events was getting closer!


    Elsewhere, the Japanese and Korean celebrity teams were panicking!


    Park Jaesang was currently in a call.


    "Didn''t we already agree to it, Old Hu?"


    "Jaesang, I really have somest-minute things to take care of."


    "Then who am I going to get as my guest star?"


    "Try asking someone else."


    Kimura Kazuya.


    "How can you just decide not toe?"


    "Kazuya, it''s not that we don''t wish to support your concert, but you''re putting us in a really difficult situation too."


    "In China, we have the best rtionship with your band."


    "But you guys are now in a conflict with Zhang Ye. Although we''ve never had any dealings with Teacher Zhang before, with Teacher Zhang''s status in the industry, there''s no choice for us but to show him respect."


    "But!"


    "Let''s end the call here. I have to go."


    The concerts were about to begin!


    But they''d only just realized that they couldn''t find any celebrities to support their acts!


    They were all big names in Asia!


    Yet no one wanted to y for them?


    This was absolutely the biggest joke ever!


    This was a death smack to their faces!


    Normally, when these foreign celebrities came to China to hold a concert. they would invite some of their Chinese celebrity friends to guest star during the show. At their level, or any Japanese or Korean celebrity who could host such arge concert in China, they would know some people at the very least! Out of the ten people that they invited, even if seven could not make it, the remaining ones would have no issue joining them at their concerts. It was always the same every year, finding a local celebrity to help open the show and increase the hype of the headliner.


    But it was different this time!


    All of those whom they had been in contact with since a month or two ago had changed their minds!


    First, their reputations had now gone downhill and everyone was cursing at them. The fallout from the high ticket prices could also be said to have had a fatal effect on them. Second and most important, it was Zhang Ye''s attitude towards the whole affair. It was very obvious that Zhang Ye was in direct conflict with the Japanese and Korean celebrities with the intention of challenging them. If it were Zhang Ye who started bullying them for no reason, they would not care. But the issue here was that it wasn''t so! Zhang Ye had been forced to do this after the damaging fake news. Most of the Japanese and Korean celebrities, including Kim Jichan and Park Jaesang, had also participated in it, so Zhang Ye couldn''t be med for falling out with them. So at this critical juncture, who in the country would dare to step on Zhang Ye''s toes? Zhang Ye''s friends and those Chinese celebrities who sought to overturn the injustice against him were even secretly cheering for him!


    Invite us to your concerts?


    Forget it!


    Just y on your own this time!


    We really can''t afford to do this favor for you all!


    Everyone''s thoughts and concerns were surprisingly consistent!


    The three celebrity teams from Japan and Korea were on the verge of tears. It wasn''t the first time that some of them were here in China, but it wasn''t like this in the past. Back then, be it their fans or celebrity friends, everyone had always been very friendly to them. So why was it different now?


    Zhang Ye!


    It was all because of that person!


    That they got thwarted right at the start!


    And encountered difficulties at every turn!


    Did he really have such widespread influence in China?


    What should they do then?


    How should they handle things?


    If there were no supporting acts?


    Then they could only take it upon themselves to carry the entire performance!


    ��


    On the other hand, preparations for Zhang Ye''s tour were already in full swing.


    He even managed to invite quite a few crosstalkedians for the supporting acts.


    A few of them were crosstalk rookies, and two were crosstalk veterans who had never conflicted with Zhang Ye before!


    The lineup couldn''t be called prestigious, but it was good enough, nheless. Several of these crosstalkedians had been brought onto the Spring Festival G by Zhang Ye this year, so they were currently at the height of their poprity as well. Although this was Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s tour, it would be impossible for them two to carry the entire show all by themselves. They would definitely need to have some supporting acts. Zhang Ye''s rtionship with the crosstalk world was not good, but ever since his marriage, the crosstalk world was no longer at loggerheads with him. Besides, the crosstalkedians who took part in this year''s Spring Festival G could easily be summoned with just a phone call by Zhang Ye. This showed that everyone really gave him a lot of respect as well. The Spring Festival G''s executive director role had indeed helped Zhang Ye build up quite a fair few connections. This was especially useful at crucial times, like the one he was going through right now.


    Many celebrities were even behaving uproariously on Weibo.


    Chen Guang''s Weibo: "Zhang''er, let me go and give a crosstalk for you too!"


    Ning Lan: "Actually, my dream has always been to be a crosstalkedian!"


    Zhang Xia: "@ZhangYe Reserve a ticket for me. I''ll go and support you."


    Xiaodong: "Heehee, I want a ticket too. Since I can''t do crosstalk, I can only go and give you my support!"


    Unexpectedly, Zhang Ye did not turn any of them down.


    Zhang Ye''s Weibo: "Alright, I''ll see all of you there then. Let''s all have fun and whoever wishes toe onstage to perform, I''ll y the fall guy for you. Hahahaha!"


    And back to the Japanese and Korean celebrities.


    It had been several days, but theizens were still scolding them!


    "I want a refund for my ticket!"


    "Hurry up and scram!"


    "Right, don''t evere back to China!"


    "We don''t like people who juste here with the aim of making a quick buck!"


    Park Jaesang''s concert tickets were somehow sold out.


    But the other two celebrities were not that lucky.


    Quite a few of Kim Jichan''s concert premium tickets were unsold and wasted.


    As for Kimura Kazuya, he was the least popr in China and also the one who suffered the greatest losses this time. Of all the concert tickets, even some tickets from the lowest tier couldn''t be sold and were still being promoted on the ticketing agent''s website.


    Although it seemed like they had only lost a small sum since most of the tickets were sold, the damage to their reputations was fatal!


    On one side, it was boisterous.


    On the other side, nobody showed any interest.


    With thisparison, the difference was too great!


    It was so great that everyone could feel the sting on the faces of those three Japanese and Korean celebrities!


    They were all Asian A-listers!


    And some were even more popr than Zhang Ye in Asia!


    Could it get any more miserable than this?


    Seeing this, those in the industry could not help but sigh.


    "Zhang Ye is really capable at picking fights with other people. He must have gone through loads of battles."


    "Even before their shows have started, he''s already crushed all three of them!"


    "When ites to being a hooligan, those three aren''t a match for Zhang Ye even if they team up!"


    "Let''s see how things will turn out after their concerts take ce."


    "Yeah! Whether or not they can turn things around all depends on that."


    "Right, it''s still too early to say who has won. After all, no one has put on a crosstalk show in recent years."

 Chapter 1405 - The crosstalk tour begins!

    <h4>Chapter 1405 - The crosstalk tour begins! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Friday.


    On the opening day of the performance.


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalk publicity billboard was hanging outside the Beijing Exhibition Center. It was still two hours away from the start, but sea of people had gathered below the billboard.


    "Who still has tickets for the show?"


    "They''ve all been sold out."


    "Oh my God, there are so many people!"


    "I was still thinking of trying my luck to buy a ticket from here."


    "Are there really no tickets left at all?"


    "If I can''t manage to buy a ticket, I''ll have to go back home to catch the livestream."


    "There''s really no one else who canmand a huge turnout like this!"


    "That''s right. Since the olden days, which crosstalkedian has had such great appeal? Whose crosstalk tour could be organized to such a level? Not even the most famous crosstalk masters could do it!"


    "Crosstalk has reallye back to life."


    There was an overwhelming number of cars!


    The major roads within two kilometers of the venue were jam-packed with traffic!


    It was an extremely spectacr scene that could only be called unprecedented!


    ��


    At the traffic police department.


    "The roads are all jammed!"


    "Traffic is not moving anymore!"


    "What''s happening?"


    "What''s the asion today?"


    "Today? Zhang Ye is holding a tour stop at the Beijing Exhibition Center today!"


    "I knew it! Quick, increase the manpower! Hurry, hurry, hurry!"


    The traffic police were out in full force and working at five times their usual capacity to help ease the traffic flow.


    ��


    In the crosstalk world.


    People were already waiting for the livestream to start.


    "In the past ten years, no one has dared hold a crosstalk tour."


    "That''s right, not to mention holding it at a venue asrge as the Beijing Exhibition Center!"


    "No one has dared to think about holding a crosstalk at a ce like the Beijing Exhibition Center before!"


    "Let''s see what he''s got."


    The crosstalk world was also very concerned because this was a major event that didn''t happen too often in their industry. There was actually someone who dared to hold a crosstalk at a ce like the Beijing Exhibition Center?!


    Master Sun?


    Master Kong?


    Not even they had dared do so!


    ��


    The three Japanese and Korean celebrity teams.


    Park Jaesang was performing at the same time as Zhang Ye today, but what the Japanese and Korean celebrity teams were most concerned about was this show that Zhang Ye was going to put on. They wanted to see what it was all about and what kind of a situation it would pose to them. It was likely that Korea and Japan had crosstalk as well, but the format and delivery were different from China''s. However, their crosstalks were without a doubt not popr with their people. So these Japanese and Korean celebrities, as well as their teams, were all very puzzled. Why would anyone want to watch a crosstalk? Why would anyone like it? Since when could crosstalkspete with a singer''s concert?


    It didn''t make any sense!


    There was absolutely noparison!


    Kim Jichan was watching the livestream.


    Kimura Kazuya and his interpreter were watching the livestream as well.


    They wanted to understand their "enemy" so that they coulde up with a strategy to deal with the situation.


    ��


    His parents powered on theirputer.


    Quite a few of those from the entertainment circle alsounched the livestream of the event.


    Countless citizens were waiting for it to begin.


    100,000!


    1 million!


    5 million!


    Even before the opening act, and before the show began, the livestreaming site that Zhang Ye had exclusively authorized to broadcast the crosstalk live had exceeded 6 million concurrent viewers. Further, that number was still rising. This dumbfounded the site''s executives and staff!


    7 million!


    7.5 million!


    It was too popr!


    It was way too fucking popr!


    Theizens were leavingments below.


    "I''m so anticipating this!"


    "Hurry up and begin already!"


    "This is making me so damn anxious!"


    "I haven''t heard Zhang Ye perform his crosstalk in a year already!"


    "Although Zhang Ye has been up to all kinds of different activities in the past few years like singing and skit acting, as well as so many other things, I still like his crosstalks the most!"


    "Previous poster, you''re my bosom buddy!"


    "Me too!"


    "He and Old Yao are the best duo! They''re goddamn made for each other!"


    "That''s right! They''re a pair who haven''t appeared in the crosstalk world in over two hundred years!"


    "Wow, it''s almost starting!"


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    10 million!


    20 million!


    30 million!


    At this moment, the livestream reached an astounding 30 million viewers. Furthermore, the number was still increasing as though there was no end!


    ��


    At the Beijing Exhibition Center.


    At the venue.


    The host announced, "Next, please enjoy the crosstalk by Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai."


    The live audience flew into a frenzy!


    "Ah!"


    "They''re here!"


    "Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye!"


    "They''reing out!"


    Apuse thundered!


    Tens of thousands of people were cheering!


    Ning Lan was pping in the audience!


    Xiaodong and Chen Guang were cheering in the audience!


    Zhang Ye''s celebrity friends had alle to show their support for him!


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai walked out onto the stage in their crosstalk attire. The audience had not seen this kind of clothing in a long time. Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai themselves also missed the times when they were wearing it.


    The shouting and cheering were extremely loud!


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai couldn''t make themselves heard amid the brouhaha. They could only look at each other with a wry smile.


    Zhang Ye stood in front of the microphone. "Thank you, thank you."


    Yao Jiancai sped his hands and said, "Thank you, everyone, for your support."


    The reception only toned down after a full thirty seconds.


    Only then could Zhang Ye say, "Everyone is really enthusiastic with their support. Thank you so much. We''re really can''t repay your kindness. I heard that there was a huge traffic jam around the Beijing Exhibition Center tonight?"


    The audienceughed out loud at this.


    Yao Jiancai said happily, "I think there was."


    "Since the audience is so supportive, we better give a proper performance to them today."


    Yao Jiancai said, "We should."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m gonna throw out everything I have today and talk about things that would be banned from the television broadcasts!"


    "Ah?"


    Zhang Ye added, "Actually, everything we say tonight will not be allowed on broadcast."


    "Hai."


    The live audienceughed.


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Thank you. We''re not the only ones who have a show tonight. Across from here, not far away, there is a concert going on as well. But for everyone toe and attend our show tonight and watch the livestream online, it shows that all of you truly love crosstalk."


    Yao Jiancai agreed, "That''s right."


    Across from here?


    A concert?


    The audience''s eyes lit up as they all knew who he was referring to!


    "It''s a good thing to havepetition, but sometimespetition can be so intense that it gets annoying."


    "Is that so?"


    Zhang Ye said, "With the two shows opening right across from one another and each of us trying to sell tickets to our own show, how can I allow him to push me into second ce?"


    The audienceughed, "Hahahaha!"


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Oh, really?"


    Zhang Ye said, "So we sought a master''s opinion."


    "Oh."


    "The master instructed me to put up two mirrors at our entrance and point it in his direction."


    "You mean?"


    "So that we can reflect whatever evil aura there is to him."


    The audienceughed, "Pfft, hahahaha!"


    Yao Jiancai asked, "A demon revealing mirror?"


    Zhang Ye said, "If you ce it there, the people across from us wouldn''t just ept it."


    "That''s right."


    "After their bosses out and sees himself in the mirror every day, it would get around to him what is going on. Are you shining that on me? No way, I better get a master here to deal with this!"


    "Oh?"


    "When the master arrives, he''ll realize how bad of a situation it is and say, ''Aiyo, he''s resorting to the ult.''"


    "Then what should be done?"


    "Buy four mirrors and shine it back at them."


    The audienceughed. "Hahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye continued, "The boss across from us wille out and realize it, then say, ''Aiya, they''re shining it back at me?''"


    Yao Jiancai said, "He''ll get it immediately."


    "No way, let''s seek the master''s advice again!"


    "Ah?"


    "When the master arrived, he suggested using six mirrors!"


    "He added another two?"


    The audience wasughing loudly.


    Zhang Ye said, "Ta, ta, ta, ta! There! That''s six mirrors now. So how would the boss across from us handle it? Get the master of course!" He gesticted with his hands. "Eight mirrors!"


    Yao Jiancai was floored. "There''s no need to get a master''s advice if this is all they''re saying! What''s the point of asking a master if it''s just adding two mirrors each time!"


    The audience burst intoughter.


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo!"


    "Pfft, hahahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Pa, pa, pa, pa! That''s eight mirrors now." With a pause, he said, "With this little fight of theirs, they rescued four ss factories from closing down."


    Watching the livestream.


    The viewers were bursting intoughter again!


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, I''m so tickled!"


    A simple opening was all it took to warm the audience up!

 Chapter 1406 - A huge success!

    <h4>Chapter 1406 - A huge sess! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The livestreaming channel had reached 50 million concurrent viewers!


    At the venue.


    Zhang Ye said, "But actually, none of that worked."


    Yao Jiancai said, "That''s right, so why did you even have to get a master?"


    "An actor still has to depend on their true skills."


    "That''s correct."


    "So I went to get stic surgery."


    "Ah? So that was what you meant when you said ''true skills''?"


    Ning Lan giggled, "Pfft!"


    Xiaodongughed, "Hahahaha!"


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli were bothughing hard!


    Zhang Ye said, "Yeah!"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Oh."


    "I had to make a trip to Korea."


    "Yeah, the stic surgery industry there is really quite advanced."


    Everyone sat up in rapt attention!


    Here ites!


    They''re finally touching on the topic of Korea!


    Zhang Ye said, "I bought a ne ticket and boarded the flight. When I got seated in the ne, heh, who do you think I saw? It turned out that a Korean celebrity was sitting next to me!"


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Who was it?"


    "It was a Korean big shot, the famous Asian singer, Teacher Piao Yisheng!"


    Yao Jiancai eximed out loud, " Piao Yisheng 1 ? His kidneys must be really strong then."


    The audience burst intoughter.


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo!"


    "Ahahahahaha!"


    "Phnder for a lifetime? Pfft!"


    Park Jaesang was nearby, holding a concert across the way!


    A famous Korean singer? Whose surname was also Park? The audience could not help but think of that person and immediately became very excited!


    Zhang Ye said, "I don''t know if his kidneys are strong or not, but in any case, I was extremely puzzled. I asked him, ''Teacher Piao, with your status as a big shot, why are you sitting in economy ss?'' Teacher Piao told me that their country''s economy wasn''t doing too well recently, so he had toe to China to find work."


    Yao Jiancai sighed. "True that. He thinks that it''s easy to earn money in China."


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    The audience was hooting andughing!


    Why did theye to China?


    To make a quick buck?


    The gag about the expensive tickets had already made its appearance through this joke segment!


    Zhang Ye''s crosstalk was really full of scolding!


    Zhang Ye said, "When the ne took off, I started feeling really terrible. It was so nauseating."


    Yao Jiancai replied, "Yo, don''t tell me you have airsickness?"


    "Yeah. With all that trembling in the ne, I got really nauseated, yet I could not find a ce to vomit. When I saw that Teacher Piao had fallen asleep with his eye mask on, I didn''t hesitate and vomited all over his chest!"


    "Whoa, that''s so disgusting."


    Zhang Xia and her daughter couldn''t helpughing out loud!


    Li Xiaoxian, who was wearing sunsses and sitting in a corner, was alsoughing like crazy.


    He was so bad!


    Zhang Ye was so bad to the bone that no one couldpare to him!


    Zhang Ye said, "He didn''t move, and neither did I. Soon after, the nended safely on the ground. That''s when he woke up and I hurriedly asked him, ''Are you feeling better?''"


    Yao Jiancai eximed, "Heyo!"


    "Do you still feel terrible?"


    "Could you be any more wicked than that?"


    The audience wasughing so hard they couldn''t breathe!


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Hai, please take care of your health. Goodbye."


    Yao Jiancai said, "You''re too immoral. He could end up taking the wrong medication because of this!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, I''m dying ofughter!"


    "I can''t take it anymore, I really can''t take it anymore!"


    Many in the audience were pping their thighs inughter!


    Zhang Ye continued, "I was still thinking as I got off the ne. Don''t you find it really strange? Every country has got its own unique crafts. In the field of stic surgery, only the Koreans are able to do it so well."


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Right, why is that so?"


    Zhang Ye gave it some thought. "It''s probably because they''re ugly (h��nch��n)."


    "Ah?"


    "Why else are they called Korea ( H��ngu�� 2 )?"


    "So being called Korea would mean that they''re a nation of uglies?"


    "An ugly country."


    "Whoa, if you put it that way, there''s no way to exin Japan 3 !"


    Ning Lanughed. "Hahahaha!"


    Amy was sprawled out fromughing!


    Zhang Ye tugged at Yao Jiancai. "Hahaha, then you better try and exin it to me!"


    Yao Jiancai pushed him aside. "Get lost! Why do I have to exin it!"


    The audience wasughing like crazy!


    Too cruel!


    It was too wicked!


    There was really no one else who could scold in such a way!


    Japan and Korea had both been brought into the subject!


    Countless audience members could feel themselves overwhelmed by that long-awaited rush of emotions!


    How long had it been?


    How long had they not heard Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai talking onstage without restraint? They would probably have to go all the way back to the time when Central TV had organized that crosstalkpetition to be reminded of such a scene! The show was livestreamed over the Inte today, so the rules were much more rxed than usual. Unlike being on television where they would be bound by certain guidelines, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai immediately slipped into form and put on an exceedingly good performance!


    It was so exhrating!


    It was still the same feeling!


    It was exactly the kind of crosstalk that they used to give!


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai were still as good as ever!


    ��


    The first act ended.


    The second act was by two young crosstalkedians.


    The third act was by two crosstalk veterans.


    When they put on not too bad performances, the audience was very supportive of them. If it was great, the apuse kept going without stop.


    Of course, the crosstalkedians who came to help out at Zhang Ye''s show also understood that the audience was only so supportive of them because of Zhang Ye. On today''s stage, Zhang Ye was the main lead. Other than him, there was no one in the crosstalk world who could put on such arge-scale crosstalk at a venue like the Beijing Exhibition Center!


    For the fourth act, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai returned.


    The fifth act was left to another two young crosstalkedians.


    The sixth act saw Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancaie back to stage once more.


    With their appearance for this act, they never left the stage for the rest of the night.


    The joke segments were continuously dropped!


    Insults were continuously thrown out!


    The audience went crazy!


    "Another one!"


    "Another one!"


    "Don''t stop!"


    "Tell us another one!"


    The performance went on from 7 PM to 8 PM, then from 8 PM to 9 PM. ording to the performance duration that was submitted to the authorities for approval, it should have ended by 9 PM. But the audience was unwilling to leave!


    Zhang Ye could only give a wry smile.


    Yao Jiancai was also feeling helpless.


    What else could they do?


    They could only continue with the show!


    The two of them kepting back for round after round of encores!


    One time!


    Five times!


    Ten times!


    Fifteen times!


    The moment they tried to leave the stage, the audience would go into an uproar. Then Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai would get invited back to continue performing before trying to leave again and then get invited back again. This kept repeating! At the end, Ning Lan also joined in the fun and sportingly took to the stage. She did a short crosstalk with Zhang Ye to satisfy her crosstalk cravings. Xiaodong and Amy were also pulled onto the stage at the insistence of Zhang Ye. He acted as their fall guy as they put in a short performance, with the script prepared for them beforehand. There were ns for Li Xiaoxian, Chen Guang, and Fan Wenli to do the same, but because they were too easily embarrassed, they refused to go onstage.


    The building could not be any more boisterous.


    Poking fun at celebrities.


    Scolding the Japanese and Koreans.


    Teasing the audience.


    It was very easy for Zhang Ye with that mouth of his.


    Theughter from the audience had not stopped ever since the show began!


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "I can''t take it anymore!"


    "That was so damn funny!"


    "This joker!"


    "He''s too wicked!"


    A crosstalk that was supposed to end at 9 PM had been dragged all the way until 10:30 PM!


    They returned for an encore a total of 17 times!


    It was a record number of encores not seen in the crosstalk world before!


    It was an encore number that had never happened in the history of crosstalk before!


    Finally, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s first crosstalk show could be deemed a huge sess, and the audience''s mood was also brought to the highest!

 Chapter 1407 - Park Jaesang gets scolded like crazy!

    <h4>Chapter 1407 - Park Jaesang gets scolded like crazy! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the Beijing Exhibition Center.


    Backstage.


    Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai returned.


    "Teachers, you''ve worked hard!"


    "Quick, have some water!"


    "Quickly, take a seat!"


    Zhang Ye was fine, but Old Yao was sweating profusely.


    Yao Jiancai had some water and wiped away his sweat. "The audience was so passionate!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Yeah, but it felt really satisfying."


    Yao Jiancai pped his thigh and said, "That''s right, performing the crosstalk was a great way to blow off steam. Even if you don''t pay me for this job, I''d still do it!"


    "Alright then." Zhang Ye told the organizer''s staff, "Transfer the money that was meant for Old Yao to me."


    Yao Jiancai burst intoughter. "Fuck off!"


    The staff members were alsoughing at this.


    Di di di. Zhang Ye''s phone rang with a notification.


    It was a text from his mother: "Son, that was a great performance."


    His eldest young sister''s text: "Brother, you were so cool!"


    Heavenly Queen Xu Men''s text: "I watched the entire performance. You delivered it really well."


    His family and friends had alle to congratte him.


    After reading the messages, Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Let''s go, Old Yao. Hurry home and get some rest. There are two more shows over the next two days. Are you game?"


    Yao Jiancaiughed. "Let''s take this all the way to the end!"


    ��


    In the crosstalk world.


    Many of the crosstalk actors had caught the entire performance as well.


    "What is this!"


    "Isn''t this the same old thing!"


    "The three vulgarities, it''s the three vulgarities all over again!"


    "How can you call this a crosstalk?"


    "I''m also wondering why there are so many people who like watching his crosstalks!"


    "No one''s done as many encores as he did!"


    However, when they saw how explosive the atmosphere at the venue was and that terrifying number of viewers watching the livestream, they all fell silent. Some people were watching it with the mindset to learn. Which crosstalkedian didn''t hope that they could host their own tour on such a huge stage? They also wanted to understand why Zhang Ye''s crosstalks were popr with the people. But there were also some people who watched it with the intention to criticize. They were looking for problems to nitpick.


    Vulgar!


    No value!


    Performance duration exceeding the allocated time!


    And so on.


    They had also thought of reporting him to the authorities like they had done in the past, giving feedback to the higher-ups and the SARFT. But when they remembered Zhang Ye''s wife, they were silenced.


    Fuck!


    It was better to just forget about it.


    This was a matter that they could only think about without the chance of taking any action.


    ��


    On Weibo.


    The talk surrounding Zhang Ye''s tour blew up.


    "It was so fun to watch!"


    "I was there at the venue and everyone wasughing like crazy!"


    "Damn, how did you get tickets? I''m so jealous of you!"


    "Yeah, I wanted to go to the venue to attend as well!"


    "I watched it on the livestream andughed throughout the entire show. There was no point in time that I could afford to piss!"


    "Zhang Ye was amazing!"


    "Old Yao too. He yed the fall guy really well!"


    "With this best duo around, no one in the Chinese crosstalk world would evene close to them!"


    "My mouth is all crooked fromughing so much! Those joke segments insulting the Japanese and Koreans were such ssics!"


    "Zhang Ye must have been holding in all that pent-up anger before arriving at the Beijing Exhibition Center to vent it all!"


    "The Japanese and Koreans deserve it for banning him, hahahaha!"


    "It was really great. This ticket price was really worth it!"


    "It''s more than worth it! Whoever managed to get a ticket to Zhang Ye''s tour won the lottery!"


    "Oh yes, how did Park Jaesang''s concert go?"


    "I don''t know, I didn''t pay attention to that."


    "Yeah, what was the situation over there like?"


    It was only at this time that many people suddenly remembered about that other person in the spotlight. Immediately, they began paying attention to the battle that was happening on the other side!


    At the other show.


    Park Jaesang''s debut concert in China had already ended long ago.


    He was currently having his makeup removed backstage.


    His team''s staff was unusually excited.


    "Jaesang, you were outstanding today!"


    "Yeah, you sang a few songs very well!"


    "Although the stage equipment was a little faulty, it was still very good!"


    "Hahaha, our first shot at the Chinese market went pretty good!"


    "What a good start! With this momentum, we can hold another three concerts within the year. Furthermore, the ticket prices have been epted by the audience, so we can continue selling them at such high prices. When our reputation builds up, we''ll have gained a foothold in China and our Asian poprity will grow by another level. There might even be a chance for us to take aim at bing an Asian Heavenly King!"


    Park Jaesang wasughing too.


    He was also quite happy with his performance today, and the feedback from the audience was not bad as well. Some people still refused to leave the venue after such a long time, preferring to stay behind to cheer for him.


    "Park Jaesang!"


    "Park Jaesang!"


    "Oppa!"


    "I love you, oppa!"


    The cheering was even faintly audible from backstage!


    From their past experience, this concert was definitely a great sess!


    However, when Zhang Ye''s crosstalk finished, everything changed!


    Park Jaesang and his team were all dumbfounded. Each and every one of them was stunned as they got caught by surprise!


    Then, the scolding began!


    It came with absolutely no warning!


    Online.


    "Oppa''s concert was so amazing!"


    "Yes, yes, it was pretty good."


    "You guys must not have watched Zhang Ye''s performance, right?"


    "Ah? No, I didn''t."


    "Do you know how long Zhang Ye and Old Yao performed for? Three and a half hours!"


    "What?"


    "Three and a half hours! Yet his ticket prices were only one-fifth or one-tenth of Park Jaesang''s concert prices! And you all still say that the concert was pretty good?"


    This time, a lot of people could no longer ept it!


    With that thought in mind, everyone was finally starting toe around!


    "Damn, that was so not worth it!"


    "What a bad concert!"


    "The singing was quite alright, but it was not worth it at all!"


    "I bought the 3,888 yuan tickets! I''m really feeling the pinch now!"


    "What a ripoff!"


    "I regret it so much. If I had known, I wouldn''t have gone to watch it!"


    "When I was listening, it sounded pretty good at first, and I didn''t feel there was anything wrong with it. But motherfucker! When I heard about the duration that Zhang Ye''s performance went on for, it made me so mad! With theparison, I''ve realized that Zhang Ye is truly honest and kind! The tickets were cheap and the show went on for so long too. He even returned for 17 encores! It''s simply quality and quantity! I do like Park Jaesang-oppa, but they still shouldn''t have scammed us like this! It''s not like our money fell from the sky! Even if we wish to support our idols, they shouldn''t have exploited us this way!"


    "They really dide to make a quick buck!"


    "The scolding in Zhang Ye''s crosstalk was really correct!"


    "What''s more, the microphone also went dead during the concert!"


    "Right, there were all sorts of problems!"


    "I''m a fan turned passerby!"


    "It''s better to support Zhang Ye in the future!"


    "Yeah, our local celebrities are much more honest than other people!"


    "I used to scold Zhang Ye too. But this time, I''ve really got nothing toin about for his crosstalk. He thoroughly and beautifullypleted it. It was totally wless! I''m now a passerby turned fan!"


    "A concert like that and its tickets were actually sold for such high prices? Ptui! Whoever gave you the guts to do something like that?"


    "The tickets already cost so much, yet they didn''t put on a longer show? There was only one encore and that was it? Just look at Teacher Zhang''s show, then have look at your own show. Aren''t you embarrassed?"


    There was a flurry of scolding!


    Park Jaesang''s concert quickly turned into the target of all scoldings!


    The concerns that the audience had were indeed an issue. First, there was the incident where the microphone stopped working during the concert, but the problem was solved after changing it. Later on, Park Jaesang sang out of tune in one of his songs. For thetter half of the concert, there were even some problems with the backing tracks. But logically speaking, such incidents were hardly avoidable in a live concert. Zhang Yuanqi could not avoid, Xu Men could not avoid them, and it was also impossible for any other international superstars to avoid them. Such situations were usually considered to be within eptable range, and if one had counted, the incidents in Park Jaesang''s concert were a rtively small issue. It was considered quite satisfactory overall! But with this, the problem of the high ticket prices finally surfaced!


    It was still that same old saying: Nothing stands up toparison!


    Zhang Ye''s tour had stirred up too many concerns!


    On one side:


    High ticket prices.


    Microphone failure.


    Show durationsting only slightly more than two hours.


    Only one encore.


    Setlist consisting of mainly old songs that have been heard many times before by the audience.


    On the other side:


    Low ticket prices.


    Entirely new jokes.


    17 encores.


    Show duration of three and a half hours.


    With thisparison, how could there be no scolding?


    Park Jaesang''s Chinese fans were criticizing him even more ruthlessly than the others. The unhappiness over the high ticket prices had finally boiled over!


    ��


    The faces of Park Jaesang''s team staff had all turned green with anger!


    "What the hell!"


    "Jaesang sang very well!"


    "The concert was clearly a sess!"


    "This is all because of Zhang Ye!"


    "17 encores? Zhang! You must have done this on purpose!"


    "Zhang Ye! Fuck your grandpa!"


    Instantly, Park Jaesang''s team figured out Zhang Ye''s cruel scheme and cursed at him in rage!


    But there was no point in swearing!


    They had lost!


    They had been utterly defeated!

 Chapter 1408 - You must be doing this on purpose!

    <h4>Chapter 1408 - You must be doing this on purpose! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Saturday.


    The news headlines were all upied by Zhang Ye.


    "Crosstalk tour blows up!"


    "Zhang Ye breaks many records!"


    "Park Jaesang''s concert meets its Waterloo!"


    "ns for Park Jaesang''s seven concerts within two years go up in smoke!"


    "Zhang Ye gets thestugh!"


    "The Shanghai crosstalk stop will begin tonight!"


    In the morning, Park Jaesang led his team to board the ne and returned home gloomily. Everyone knew that the results, the talk, and the scolding they were getting now made it very difficult for them to return to the Chinese market in the short term. This time, their team that had arrived confidently in high spirits had been sent packing by a ruthless p from Zhang Ye!


    Kimura Kazuya and his team were now preparing to face this great enemy!


    Kim Jichan and his team called for an emergency meeting!


    "Park Jaesang has lost so badly!"


    "It''s our turn to go up against him next!"


    "How are we going to deal with it tonight?"


    "Hurry up and discuss the countermeasures! We can''t just sit still and wait for death!"


    "Old Park''s concert was actually pretty good, but it still got criticized to such an extent. I really can''t believe it. It''s all that Zhang guy''s fault for causing so much trouble!"


    "We have to fight back. Right now, the issue that we''re getting criticized most about is the high ticket prices. Everyone thinks that the performance will not be worth the price, so I have a suggestion."


    "What suggestion?"


    "Let''s extend the duration of the concert!"


    "But the duration has already been submitted to��"


    "We''ll just get fined at most. Didn''t Zhang Ye also exceed the time limit set for his show? If he can do it, we can do it too. We can''t change the ticket prices anymore, but if Teacher Kim Jichan works harder and put in a little more effort to sing a few more songs, that will make up for it. That way, the audience will find it easier to ept the prices. We will not end up as passive and having to react to the situation as Park Jaesang did. I don''t believe we can''t get the praise we deserve that way! We mustn''t make the same mistakes that Park Jaesang made! Didn''t the audience find his concert''s duration too short? Then we''ll just have to put on a show for as long as we can!"


    "Good idea!"


    "I agree!"


    "I agree too!"


    "Alright, that''s settled then!"


    Kim Jichan''s team had decided on their emergency response!


    They absolutely couldn''t afford to screw up their concert in China. As an Asian superstar, no one could afford to lose the biggest market in Asia, China!


    ��


    That same night.


    Shanghai.


    Zhang Ye''s second show was starting!


    The explosive scene at the venue could no longer be described with words!


    "Ahhhhhh!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "I love you!"


    "You''re the best!"


    In the livestreaming channel.


    The number of viewers kept rising!


    10 million!


    30 million!


    50 million!


    60 million!


    Even more viewers were online today than yesterday''s show at the Beijing Exhibition Center!


    This was exactly what word of mouth could achieve. Zhang Ye''s crosstalk yesterday had truly made a lot of peopleugh like mad, and a lot of people had gone to watch the recorded broadcastter on at the rmendation of their family and friends. After watching it, many of them were standing by to catch today''s livestream with great anticipation.


    This was truly like a grand affair taking ce in the crosstalk world!


    It was a celebration of the people!


    And Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai did not disappoint either. The moment they appeared, they ignited everyone''sughter with just a few words!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "This is so damn funny!"


    "Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!"


    "I am really convinced by that mouth of Zhang Ye''s!"


    "This is what a true crosstalk master should be like!"


    "And he didn''t even repeat jokes!"


    "Yeah, I also thought they''d be reusing some of the jokes from yesterday or before that."


    "Every single joke is a new one. This is so satisfying!"


    "I won''t get sick of watching Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s crosstalk even if I watch it for three days and three nights straight!"


    One act.


    Three acts.


    Five acts.


    Finally, it was 9 PM.


    At the venue.


    On the stage.


    Zhang Ye watched the shouting crowd and gently rubbed his temple. He said with a headache, "It''s already 9 o''clock, why aren''t you people leaving yet? How are we supposed to deal with this?"


    The audience.


    "Hahahaha!"


    "We''re staying put!"


    "Right, we''ll be staying over tonight!"


    "We''ll all live here tonight!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Are you guys really not gonna leave? Well, alright, I''ll take my leave then."


    Yao Jiancai tugged at him. "Hey, hey, hey, how would it make you look if you leave now."


    The audience cramped up withughter again!


    Zhang Ye said, "Actually, the time on the ticket indicates that the show ends at 9 PM, so any time we run over by is all given to you all free of charge by me. Teacher Yao and I don''t have anything else but stamina. Since you all like listening to us, then alright, we''ll carry on talking for a little more!"


    The audience was shouting madly!


    "Good!"


    "Good!"


    "Tell us a few more jokes!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "You people really just want to watch the world burn. The authorities won''t be looking for you, but they''lle to trouble me. Eh, guess I''m just going to have to get fined again then."


    Yao Jiancaiughed and said, "Are you even afraid of that?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Hey, hey, don''t talk nonsense."


    Yao Jiancaiughed. "Hahahaha."


    The audience also burst outughing!


    Get fined?


    Trouble you?


    Your wife is the SARFT''s leader!


    Who would dare cause trouble for you!


    Then, Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai began giving encore after encore again!


    One time!


    Five times!


    Ten times!


    The audience went into a wave after wave of uproar!


    The entire venue was filled withughter!


    ��


    10:30 PM.


    On the other side of Shanghai, Kim Jichan''s concert came to an end.


    Once backstage, Kim Jichan nearly copsed on the spot. He was panting hard and his throat had gone all hoarse. He only managed to utter one word after trying to speak for a long time. "��Water."


    The assistants rushed over to serve him.


    Everyone on the team was extremely excited.


    "Teacher Kim, you sang very well today!"


    "You''ve worked hard! You did a great job!"


    "The praise for our concert will definitely blow up!"


    "That''s right, you sang for over an hour past the indicated show time!"


    "Hahahaha, didn''t Zhang Ye also perform until 10:30 PM? We managed to do it til 10:30 PM too! Who''s afraid of who! It''s just a matter ofpeting on who has more stamina!"


    "Right, it''s not like he''s the only one who can do it!"


    "Yeah, we can do it too!"


    But not long after, every one of Kim Jichan''s team was dumbfounded when they found out about the situation at Zhang Ye''s crosstalk in Shanghai!


    At 10:30 PM, Zhang Ye''s show was still not finished!


    At 11 PM, Zhang Ye''s show continued!


    Only at 11:30 PM did the curtains draw on Zhang Ye''s show!


    Four and a half hours!


    It went on for a full four and a half hours!


    They returned to give 25 encores!


    And broke the records yet again!


    Voices of scolding instantly swept over.


    "What the fuck!"


    "Kim Jichan, get the fuck out of here!"


    "You only performed for three and a half hours? But your tickets were so expensive?"


    "Just have a look at how Zhang Ye did it!"


    "You''re dead once theparisons are made! Dead, I tell you!"


    "There''s really nothing toin about the way Teacher Zhang treats his audience!"


    "25 encores! Let me ask around, who else can do that!"


    "This is how the audience should be treated!"


    "Strongly supporting Teacher Zhang!"


    "Throw the foreign celebrities looking to make a quick buck out of China!"


    "To sell tickets at such high prices, they''re simply shameless!"


    ��


    At this moment.


    Kim Jichan was in tears!


    His team was in tears!


    "Zhang!"


    "Your sister!"


    "Fuck your grandma!"


    "You must be fucking doing this on purpose!"


    "I''ve never met anyone as vicious as you before!"


    Kim Jichan had also lost!


    It was aplete defeat!


    It was a brutal crushing!

 Chapter 1409 - A deep sense of malice from the Chinese people!

    <h4>Chapter 1409 - A deep sense of malice from the Chinese people! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Sunday.


    Shenzhen.


    Kimura Kazuya and his team were enraged as well.


    "Kim Jichan lost too!"


    "It''s our turn to take him on now!"


    "Let''s fight it out with Zhang Ye!"


    "Right, I don''t believe he can still continue performing like that!"


    "Doing that for three straight days? He can''t do it even if he''s made of steel!"


    "This is our chance!"


    "Teacher Kimura, it''s all up to you now!"


    "It''s time for us to fight back!"


    "That''s right. Park Jaesang and Kim Jichan have already exhausted all of Zhang Ye and Yao Jiancai''s stamina. As long as we can perform for a longer duration than them today, we''ll win!"


    This was thest battle!


    The media turned their attention.


    The people turned their attention.


    The industry insiders turned their attention.


    Everyone was waiting for the oue of the epic battle of the century between Zhang Ye and the three Japanese and Korean celebrities!


    ��


    On the same night.


    At the concert venue.


    Kimura Kazuya was making his best preparations for the concert. Conserving his stamina and dragging out the time, all of that had been nned out for him by his team, with the show even including an interaction and singing segment with the fans. In this way, they could extend the duration of the show as much as possible and also save some effort on the singing portions.


    One song.


    Five songs.


    Ten songs.


    Kimura Kazuya was so tired that he almost copsed from exhaustion.


    By the time he started singing the twenty-fifth song, he was feeling sick from singing too much. His voice had also gone hoarse. However, when he checked his watch, he saw that it was only 11:00 PM. He went on to sing another five songs, even giving a speech and chatting with his fans in between, before finally managing to drag it all the way until 11:40 PM!


    It went on for almost five hours!


    Who had ever held a concert thatsted almost five hours?


    No one!


    No one had done something like that!


    Once the concert was over and upon returning to the backstage, Kimura Kazuyaid down like he was paralyzed, too tired to even move.


    "Quickly, get the oxygen!"


    "Give Teacher Kimura some oxygen to inhale!"


    "Teacher Kimura, we''ve seeded!"


    "That was great! We won''t have a problem this time!"


    "It went on for nearly five hours. We''ve broken the record!"


    "We''ve really gone all out this time, so the audience will definitely be able to feel our sincerity."


    After Kimura Kazuya recovered a little, a sense of satisfaction arose in his heart. How many years had it been since he put in this much effort after bing famous? Now that he had gone all out for his concert, he didn''t believe that it wouldn''t touch the fans! How could he still not gain a foothold in China like this?


    Kimura''s team was jubnt.


    Everyone was pping and apuding in celebration.


    But at this moment, someone suddenly eximed!


    "This is bad!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Zhang Ye, he��he��"


    "What''s about him?"


    Everyone ran over in panic.


    Then Kimura Kazuya nearly spat out blood!


    His team also nearly broke down!


    ��


    On the other side of Shenzhen.


    Zhang Ye''s crosstalk was actually still going on!


    Yao Jiancai had already retired backstage to rest. Only Zhang Ye was holding down the fort. Old Yao was very old, so his stamina was not that good. Coupled with the three consecutive shows that he had given for the past three days, Old Yao was nearing his limit. By the time Zhang Ye returned for the 18th encore, Yao Jiancai had stopped.


    Normally, the show should have ended by then.


    But Zhang Ye stood onstage to give another three monologues.


    Afterwards, when Yao Jiancai managed to recover a little, he went back onstage to partner with Zhang Ye for another two acts.


    20 encores!


    30 encores!


    In the end, they finished it off with a performance of " The Great Truth 1 "!


    They actually returned to the stage a total of 37 times for their encores!


    The Shenzhen crosstalk stop had been dragged on all the way past midnight to 12:30 AM!


    ��


    Online.


    The viewers were full of praise.


    Everyone was cheering.


    "Heavens, 37 encores!"


    "I''m shocked too!"


    "He is too dedicated!"


    "Zhang Ye really has a conscience for his viewers!"


    "I''m convinced! He really gave it his all! This is what an artist should be like!"


    "Motherfucker, I''m going to be a loyal fan of Zhang Ye''s from now on!"


    "I went to the venue to watch the crosstalk. Teacher Zhang put so much effort into it! It was so awesome!"


    "My stomach hurts from all thatughing!"


    "All three of his crosstalks were different. There was no point in time that he took the audience for a fool!"


    "It was really great! I''ve been so amused for the past three days!"


    "Did you watch Kimura Kazuya''s concert?"


    "I caught a little of it, but there was simply noparison to Teacher Zhang''s performance!"


    "His concert wascking by far. Kimura started off singing pretty well, but it was obvious that he was stalling for time after that. His voice also began failingter on, and his singing got so bad! Looking at Teacher Zhang''s side, the entire show was filled with high-quality jokes and gags. There wasn''t even a hint of puffery! The length of the show also went on for nearly an hour longer than Kimura''s!"


    "The VIP tickets cost 500,000 RMB? He should go to hell for that!"


    "That 500,000 RMB price tag was probably just hyped up. Regardless, even at 3,500 RMB, the premium tickets were not worth the money! To think that he''s not embarrassed about it! Teacher Zhang''s premium seats only went for 588 RMB!"


    Instantly, the scolding started again!


    Kimura Kazuya had been swallowed whole by the scolding from all of China''s people!


    ��


    Kimura Kazuya''s team.


    Everyone was in tears!


    "H-He did that on purpose!"


    "He''s really taking it too far! Too far!"


    "How did it end up like this!"


    "That damned hooligan!"


    "He''s doing this on purpose to get at us!"


    "This person is too wicked. If he keeps messing around and taking stabs at people like this every time, how many foreign celebrities can make it in the Chinese market? There won''t be a chance to hold any concerts at all! He''s just going to keep causing trouble for whoeveres next! Who can possibly go up against him!"


    "He''s too ruthless!"


    "He''s making it so that none of us can enter the market!"


    Be it Kim Jichan.


    Park Jaesang.


    Or Kimura Kazuya.


    These three big shot Asian A-listers had all fallen victim to Zhang Ye!


    At this moment, they could feel a deep sense of maliceing from the Chinese people!


    ��


    Within the industry.


    In the entertainment circle.


    Everyone was smiling bitterly at what had happened.


    "The oue has been determined."


    "Yeah, it''s already over."


    "In the next two years, none of them should entertain thoughts of entering the Chinese market."


    "Zhang Ye is such a bastard. With his messing around, those three people''s reputations have all been ruined! And with the crosstalk tour being such a great sess, the three consecutive shows put on by Zhang Ye has made him even more popr in China. With such momentum, who could possibly stop him? He is truly amazing!"


    "I''m not worried about Zhang Ye getting banned in Japan and Korea. Instead, I''m worried for those Japanese and Korean celebrities. With that temper of Zhang Ye''s, he might really end up relentless in his fight against them. At that time, he might just chase away or foil every Japanese or Korean celebrity the moment they try to step into our country. Then who would dare toe here? The ones who have to be worried at that time will be those from Japan and Korea. Especially for Korea, whose entertainment industry has a rtivelyrge proportion of the market. They can''t bear losing a market asrge as China!"


    "Surely Zhang Ye doesn''t have that much power, right? Do you really expect him to be able to fend off all of the Japanese and Korean celebrities by himself?"


    "That''s difficult to say."


    "Yeah, aren''t the three celebrities already a good example of that!"


    "When ites to Zhang Ye, anything can happen."


    "Hai, he''s such an oddity of showbiz that appears once every 10,000 years. Anyone who gets targeted by him is going to be in for a lot of bad luck!"


    ��


    At night.


    The Chinese Celebrity Rankings Index was updated.


    Yao Jiancai''s poprity surged!


    Zhang Ye experienced a great boost in his poprity as well!


    Although he was already at the top of the Chinese entertainment industry, the crosstalks helped him gain a lot more Chinese fans!

 Chapter 1410 - It can even be done like that?

    <h4>Chapter 1410 - It can even be done like that? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    The effects of the event caused a chain reaction.


    The Japanese and Korean celebrities with ns of holding a concert within the year in China started to receive calls from their working partners over here.


    ��


    "We can''t hold it anymore?"


    "Yes, we''re sorry about that."


    "But we settled the talks beforehand, so why can''t we hold it anymore?"


    "The people over here are now more resistant to the idea of attending such concerts. There''s too much risk now."


    "What risks could there possibly be?"


    "The three concerts that were held recently all failed."


    "But we already settled the details of this matterst year. No, we definitely have to hold the concert as scheduled!"


    "Then can you lower the ticket prices?"


    "Lower it to how much?"


    "Uh, the lowest tier tickets should be priced at 300 RMB, while the highest tier ones should go for less than 1,000 RMB."


    "How is that possible! It won''t even cover the costs!"


    "Then we can only wait for thetter half of the year before deciding on how we should proceed. We have to wait for this matter to blow over first."


    ��


    One concert.


    Two concerts.


    Three concerts.


    All of the scheduled concerts taking ce in China within the next half a year were canceled because the Chinese organizers could not afford to take the risk! Zhang Ye''s move had a cascading effect. The other parties were three of the top Asian celebrities around, yet they had been stopped at the door by Zhang Ye alone. The reviews of the three concerts were appalling, and he even influenced a majority of the people to start boycotting high ticket prices. At a time like this, who would dare to risk holding another concert for a Japanese or Korean celebrity? It would be a small matter if they only lost some money on it. But the worst thing that could happen would be to get themselves into an endless source of trouble!


    Unless the ticket prices were lowered.


    However, the standard of what was considered expensive was no longer the same as before.


    600 RMB?


    800 RMB?


    All of these used to be considered cheap for ticket prices!


    But with Zhang Ye leading the way, the people were now even finding that to be too high!


    They would only consider 300 to 500 RMB to be an appropriate price. But how could those Japanese and Koreans possibly lower it to such a level?


    Zhang Ye was fine with not making any money, but that wasn''t the case for them! Zhang Ye did not require much effort to promote himself, but they couldn''t! Tickets priced at 300 to 500 RMB? They would definitely have to take a big loss in that case! Surely you couldn''t ask them to take a loss just to hold a concert, could you? Who does business in such a way?


    As a result, all the Japanese and Korean celebrities who had ns for a concert this year were implicated by the matter.


    When the members of the Japanese and Korean entertainment industries heard about the news, they scolded Zhang Ye thoroughly. Everyone knew that this person was the main culprit behind all of this. This new standard in the ticket pricing was all because of him!


    Ticket prices of 300 to 500 RMB?


    A performance duration of 5 to 6 hours?


    Who the fuck can do that!


    Do you think that everyone else is made of steel like you?!


    You''re basically forcing everyone into a corner! You''re not giving them any chance at all!


    ��


    Soon, the news spread throughout Asia.


    "China temporarily closes its doors to foreign-held concerts!"


    "Park Jaesang and Kim Jichan receive the cold shoulder in China!"


    "The Chinese people boycott high ticket prices!"


    "Zhang Ye makes a move to stop the Japanese and Korean celebrities!"


    "Many stars from Japan and Korea affected as ns for 13 concerts in China get canceled!"


    "The Japanese and Korean celebrities suffer heavy losses!"


    Originally, the Japanese and Korean sides had issued a "restriction order" against Zhang Ye, and the media would basically not report about any news rted to him. But this time, the matter had blown up with a widespread effect. It involved almost all of their singers'' ns to make money from the Chinese market, so the Japanese and Korean media couldn''t not make a mention of it. With this report, the Japanese and Korean people finally found out about what had happened over in China during the past few days!


    Thus, Zhang Ye''s name once again spread throughout Asia in the form of the news!


    His infamy and notoriety were once again deeply felt by the people of Asia!


    The Japaneseizens burst into an uproar!


    "What?"


    "He''s purposely making trouble!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye again! It''s always him!"


    "He really dares to challenge us?"


    "Even Kimura has been driven off by him?"


    "Kimura is a leading name in the rock scene of Asia! How could he possibly get chased back home by someone who does crosstalk?"


    "He''s obviously targeting our people on purpose!"


    "Dammit! This is too infuriating!"


    The Koreanizens were having none of it either.


    "Even Park Jaesang can''t beat him?"


    "How is that possible!"


    "Kim Jichan lost as well? Oh my God!"


    "What kinds of methods did that Zhang guy resort to? How could he have foiled the Japanese and Korean singers'' concerts in China? Is he a jinx or something?"


    "Fuck, this person is too infuriating!"


    "It really makes you gnash your teeth in anger!"


    "The three Asian A-list celebritiesbined couldn''t even fend off Zhang Ye''s tricks in China?"


    "Is he superhuman or something? How can he be this fearsome!"


    "We must definitely ban him! Completely suppress him!"


    "Right! Make his name disappear entirely from the Asian Celebrity Rankings forever!"


    Zhang Ye was on "fire" again!


    Countless people in Asia were cursing and swearing at Zhang Ye for the entire day!


    They had really nevere across such a person in their lives!


    ��


    Furthermore, the Asian Red Cross Society arrived to add more fuel to fire. It might have just been a coincidence, or it could have been intentional. They were already angry over how Zhang Ye, who was their Asian phnthropic ambassador, was banned by the Japanese and Korean authorities. Since the morning, a wave of charity advertisements began showing in concentrated numbers in the Japanese and Korean markets. Every one of the PSAs was created by Zhang Ye and had scenes of him within them!


    There was the one for AIDS!


    The one for leukemia!


    The one for quitting smoking!


    The one for alcoholism!


    One after another, they kept broadcasting like it didn''t cost any money to show them!


    ��


    Zhang Ye''s face was all over the television screens!


    As long as there were ces with PSAs, there would be Zhang Ye!


    These were the regr monthly ad cements and advertising spots allocated to the Asian Charity Association, and they were free to schedule them as they wished. It was coordinated between the world''s charity organizations and the governments beforehand, so it was all done ording to an international standard. Japan and Korea had implemented the strictest restrictions on Zhang Ye, but they could not interfere in the matters of the charities and the PSAs. As a result, it led to this wondrous scene being created. A Chinese celebrity who was hated by so many people to the point of gnashing their teeth was now appearing over and over again before their eyes!


    The Japanese and Korean citizens were nearly driven crazy!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Why is he all over the ce!"


    "Didn''t they already show this ad earlier?"


    "Your sister!"


    "He''s just like a lingering spirit!"


    "Why are they showing so many PSAs today!"


    With that, their scolding of Zhang Ye got even louder!


    Over the course of the day, a lot of people from the Japanese and Korean entertainment circle, the media, and the public were finally getting tired of scolding. Their throats had all gone hoarse from doing so. It was at this moment that the most dramatic event happened!


    The Chinese poprity that Zhang Ye had gained from his crosstalks, coupled with therge amount of news coverage by the Japanese and Korean media, as well as the numerous PSAs put out by the Asian Charity Association in Japan and Korea, and not forgetting the entire day of scolding from the Japanese and Korean public!


    With so much attention!


    With so much exposure!


    With so much activity!


    When the clock struck midnight, the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index was updated!


    Everyone was dumbfounded as they discovered that Zhang Ye had advanced by another spot in the Asian rankings. He was now officially a big name who ranked in the middle region of the Asian A-list rankings!


    The Japanese public: "Damn!"


    The Korean public: "Damn!"


    The Chinese public: "Damn!"


    What is with this!


    Just what is with this!


    Why is this guy getting more popr the more he gets scolded?!


    It can even be done like that?!

 Chapter 1411 - This is what you call an impressive person!

    <h4>Chapter 1411 - This is what you call an impressive person! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the morning.


    At home.


    Zhang Ye was still sleeping when the bedroom door opened.


    "Little Ye!"


    "Mom, what do you want?"


    "Wake up."


    "What time is it? Where''s Old Wu?"


    "Your wife has already left for work. Wake up quickly! There''s news of you on TV!"


    "Hai, which day am I not in the news? I''m already sick of seeing it."


    "It''s about your Asian poprity ranking. You''ve advanced again!"


    "Huh? Surely not, right? Didn''t I get banned in Japan and Korea?"


    "Have a look for yourself!"


    "Alright, let me see."


    Upon hearing that, Zhang Ye woke up some more. He sat up in bed with a yawn and picked up his phone to browse for his ranking on the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index. He was immediately delighted by what he saw. He really rose in the rankings? He checked online and found that everyone was also talking about this.


    On Weibo.


    "The Japanese and Koreans must be dumbfounded!"


    "Hahahaha, they''re definitely dumbfounded alright!"


    "I learned Korean, so I went to have a look over there just now. The people and media in Japan and Korea are all scolding at Zhang Ye right now!"


    "Of course, it''s not like they''vee across a celebrity as wondrous as Zhang Ye in their country!"


    "That''s right! Even in our country, Zhang Ye is the one and only oddity!"


    "Even the ban couldn''t suppress Face-smacking Zhang?"


    "That restriction order ispletely meaningless then!"


    "Does he really n on fighting and scolding his way to the top of Asia?"


    "Pfft, that would be really interesting to see!"


    After browsing through thements, Zhang Ye gave a little smile. It seemed like this was a possible path too. Didn''t he also scold his way up step by step in the Chinese market? He would take on whichever industry he was in, fighting and scolding his way through the bloody shes, battling more and more valiantly as he went on to reach the top of the Chinese entertainment industry. So this method could be replicated at the Asian level as well? So it was also possible to do the same thing on the Asian stage too!


    If he had hit a wall every time he got into a fight, Zhang Ye''s temper would probably have be much more restrained.


    But instead, his poprity rose every time he got fought! It kept increasing every time it happened!


    He could be famous!


    Vent his frustrations!


    And make himself happy!


    Heh, so why not just carry on fighting then!


    So what does it take to make a hooligan?


    This is what it takes to make a hooligan!


    Soon after, the calls from his friends starteding in.


    Heavenly Queen Xu Men.


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "Sister Lan."


    "Congrattions, you''re now sitting firmly in the middle of the Asian A-list rankings."


    "Hai, you''ve already ascended to the top of Asia. What am Ipared to you?"


    "So what if I''ve reached the top of Asia? I couldn''t even get myself onto the International Celebrity Rankings Index. I only managed to earn some sess domestically, as well as in Asia."


    "You''re already setting your sights on the world, but I had better try to make it in Asia for now."


    "Anyway, congrattions. You''re the only one who can gain such wonderful sess through fighting and scolding."


    "Haha, this bro doesn''t have any other abilities, but I do have plenty of experience in fighting and scolding other people. I can''t help it. I was forced to do so because of the colleagues I''ve encountered over the years."


    "By the way."


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Um��"


    "Ah?"


    "Never mind, it''s nothing."


    There was something?


    If there was something, say it!


    Seeing how she did not want to tell him, Zhang Ye did not probe further.


    At this moment, his mother also received a call in the living room.


    When Zhang Ye finished speaking, his mother said, "Little Ye, your wife just called. She says that she left a document behind. Go and look for it and then send it to her."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Where did she say it was?"


    His mother said, "Zeqing said that it''s on the nightstand."


    Zhang Ye went back to his room to look around. "OK, I found it."


    His father urged him, "Hurry up and go. I''m guessing that Zeqing is in a hurry to have it."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Well, this is new. I''ve always been the one who is absent-minded. Old Wu has never forgotten anything before. Alright, I''ll take it to her."


    He took the car and drove off to the SARFT.


    ��


    Later that morning.


    Outside the SARFT''spound.


    Zhang Ye did not drive inside. That would be too ostentatious of him. Every time he came here, he would always park outside and walk in. But when he arrived at the main entrance today, he spotted a familiar woman. She looked like the person who was always with Xu Men and could always be seen with her on television as well. Oh yes, he suddenly remembered that this was one of the coordinators at Xu Men''s agency. She was probably the person who handled the external affairs for the Heavenly Queen.


    Yang Xue said, "Supervisor Chen, this is really an urgent matter."


    Supervisor Chen said, "I can''t make the decision regarding this either."


    "Can I see Director Xu for a bit?"


    "Director Xu is very busy. He has an entire day of meetings today."


    "But that movie of ours is��"


    "The approval is not that quick. It all has to go ording to procedure, so I can''t guarantee you how long it will take since my words don''t count for this."


    "Brother Chen, can''t you just let me inside?"


    "This is the SARFT''s headquarters. It''s not somece where we deal with external affairs. Outsiders are not allowed in, and you don''t have an appointment either, so it''s better that you go back and wait for the news."


    "But��"


    At this moment, Zhang Ye came strolling over to them.


    When Supervisor Chen saw him, he broke out into a smile. "Boss Zhang, you''re here?"


    When Yang Xue saw Zhang Ye, she was taken aback.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yes, I brought something over for Old Wu."


    Supervisor Chen said, "Chief Wu should be in a meeting at the moment."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Sure, I''ll head to her office to wait for her." Then he pointed at Yang Xue without warning and said, "I''ll be bringing her along with me too."


    Supervisor Chen broke out into a sweat. "About that��"


    Zhang Ye told Yang Xue, "Come on, let''s go."


    Yang Xue was overjoyed, but she looked cautiously at Supervisor Chen. "Brother Chen?"


    Supervisor Chen smiled wryly at her. If Zhang Ye wanted to bring her in, who was he to stop her?


    So Yang Xue followed Zhang Ye into the SARFTpound just like that. Frankly, she had seen thispound many times before. But this was her first time actually stepping inside.


    Yang Xue said gratefully, "Teacher Zhang, thank you so much!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "You''re with Sister Lan, aren''t you?"


    Yang Xue quickly said, "Yes."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Who are you looking for?"


    Yang Xue immediately answered, "Director Xu."


    "Alright, I got it." Zhang Ye nodded.


    Director Xu? So it was probably regarding a film.


    He finally understood Xu Men''s hesitation over the phone.


    A person came walking over from the opposite direction.


    "Yo, Director Zhang!"


    "Oh, Old He."


    "Wanna grab a drink?"


    "Can''t, I just came to send something to Old Wu. I still have loads of work waiting for me when I get back to my office."


    "I haven''t seen you since the Spring Festival G. Let''s meet up soon. I''ll call the others from the Spring Festival G''s organizingmittee too."


    "Sure thing, that won''t be a problem."


    Another person spotted him.


    "Boss Zhang, good morning."


    "Hey, Supervisor Liu. You look like you''ve been enjoying life recently?"


    "Haha, I just got fat from eating too much. Hey, I heard that your poprity has grown again?"


    "It''s nothing much. Oh yes, where''s Old Xu''s office?"


    "Turn left on the second floor. It''s the second door."


    "Alright."


    Along the way, anyone who saw Zhang Ye would greet him.


    When they got upstairs, Zhang Ye turned left and went straight over to knock on an office door.


    Director Xu raised his head. "Eh, Boss Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Just ate breakfast?"


    Director Xu set down his disposable chopsticks. "Hai, it''s a littlete for that, isn''t it?"


    Zhang Ye pointed back at Yang Xue with a smile and said, "Someone''s looking for you to get something done. I saw her standing outside, so I brought her in. It''s just a small matter. Why don''t you quickly handle it for her?"


    Director Xu smiled and said, "With Boss Zhang saying so, I definitely will."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, it''s out of my hands then."


    He didn''t speak any further and just left Yang Xue there before proceeding upstairs himself.


    Since the start, Yang Xue did not even manage to get a word in. Or rather, she did not even dare to say a word ever since she stepped foot through the SARFT''s entrance. She was just looking on in a daze as Zhang Ye made small talk with others along the way. If she hadn''t seen it with her own eyes, she really wouldn''t have such a strong feeling. She was so envious!


    This was the SARFT!


    The authoritative SARFT that held the most power over the entertainment industry!


    Yang Xue was welling up with emotions. At the moment, she only felt one thing.


    It was incredible!


    It was so incredible!


    In the entire entertainment industry, among the circle of celebrities, who had made it to where Zhang Ye was? Who could do what Zhang Ye had done here? Swaggering around the SARFT and treating it like his own home. Of all the Chinese celebrities, only Zhang Ye could pull this off. He was second to none!


    This is what you call an impressive person!

 Chapter 1412 - Going to be a father!

    <h4>Chapter 1412 - Going to be a father! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Upstairs.


    In Old Wu''s office.


    Zhang Ye pushed the door open and went inside. Seeing no one around, he picked up a cup and poured himself some tea. Then he sat down and started sipping the tea.


    Dong dong.


    There was a knock on the door.


    Zhang Ye shouted, "Pleasee in."


    Bai Li stepped into the office. "Mr. Zhang, I heard that you were here."


    "You''re just in time." Zhang Ye took out the document. "Old Wu wanted this."


    Bai Li smiled and took it from him. "Alright, I''ll send it over to Chief Wu. She''s in a meeting right now, and I reckon it''ll still take another hour. You''ll have to wait a little while for her."


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips and said, "This Old Wu, why has she be so forgetful recently?"


    Bai Li thought for a moment and said worriedly, "Chief Wu doesn''t seem like she is feeling very well these days."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Is that so?"


    Bai Li said, "She hasn''t been feeling very well these past few days."


    Zhang Ye snorted. "Why didn''t I know about that?"


    Bai Li said, "Chief Wu must''ve been afraid that you''d be worried, so she didn''t tell you."


    Zhang Ye got a little miffed. "Heh, this Old Wu!"


    Bai Li said, "Then I''ll send the documents over to her."


    After Secretary Bai left and the door closed behind her, Zhang Ye could not help but secretly me himself. He had been so busy fighting and making a push for the Asian A-list rankings that he did not even notice Old Wu''s difort the past few days. As a husband, he really had been too ipetent. He definitely needed to reflect upon it!


    Was it a cold?


    Or something else?


    Zhang Ye was not worried at all. He still had the [Spring Water of Health] item which he had won from the lottery draw thest time. Not mentioning catching a cold or a fever, even if you were about to take yourst breath, it would still be able to save you. At most, he would give the [Spring Water of Health] to Old Wu as a cold medication!


    Zhang Ye would never be stingy when it came to his wife.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    His cell phone rang. There was a call for him.


    Zhang Ye took it out and had a look at the caller ID. Then he smiled. It was a call from Heavenly Queen Xu Men.


    Zhang Ye picked up. "Hello? Sister Lan."


    Xu Men said: "Thank you."


    "It''s settled?"


    "Hur hur, with you around, what matter cannot be resolved with the SARFT? It''s already settled. They immediately started processing it after you intervened. You''ve done us a great favor this time. If it wasn''t for you, we wouldn''t have been able to line up the movie for the critical period in these few days. If the screening had been dyed, it would''ve caused a huge blow to the box office earnings and reputation of the movie. We couldn''t have afforded such a loss."


    Zhang Ye said: "Alright then, it''s great that it''s settled. As for you, was this the hesitation during the earlier call?"


    "Yes, but when I gave it some thought, I felt that I probably shouldn''t bother you with it."


    "Heh, it wasn''t that big of a deal. You could have just asked."


    Xu Menughed and said: "I just heard from Little Yang that you looked right at home in the SARFT. Little Yang told me that she was in such awe after stepping inside that she didn''t dare utter a word. She also said that you have a good standing there, and that I must definitely thank you properly for your help."


    "Hai, it''s all credit to my wife that I am so ''well-respected'' here."


    "Anyway, I owe you big time. Pick a date. I''ll treat you to a meal when you''re free."


    "It''s nothing, there''s no need to."


    "That won''t do. It''s settled then."


    "Sure, alright then."


    After hanging up, he sat there and waited.


    Half an hour.


    An hour.


    Finally, the click cking of high heels came from outside the door.


    Wu Zeqing opened the door and came in. When she saw her husband sitting on the sofa, she smiled and said, "You''re here?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "I''ve been here for more than an hour already."


    Wu Zeqing closed the door behind her. "I thought you already went back."


    "Why would I go back?" Zhang Ye stood up and said, "Secretary Bai told me that you haven''t been feeling well these few days. What''s the matter? Where do you feel unwell?"


    Wu Zeqing said casually, "It''s nothing."


    Zhang Ye stared at her. "And how are you suddenly feeling alright?"


    Old Wu smiled. "I''m just feeling a little tired and dizzy."


    "How is that nothing?" Zhang Ye became anxious the moment he heard. "Hurry, let''s go to the hospital to get you looked at!"


    Old Wu waved it off. "There''s no need. Why are we going to the hospital for such a small matter?"


    Zhang Ye said without exining, "That won''t do. You have to go. Come with me!"


    However, Wu Zeqing said, "Alright, let''s wait til tomorrow. Wait for me to finish my work."


    Zhang Ye said loudly, "Today, right now, hurry up!"


    Wu Zeqing gave a helpless smile. "If it were you, you would refuse to go to the hospital even if it kills you. But when someone else gets a little sick or ufortable, you go around shouting at them to go to the hospital. Alright, alright, I''ll just have to listen to my husband and go."


    Zhang Ye picked up his car keys. "That''s the way. Let''s go."


    They left and drove the car straight to the hospital.


    On the way, Zhang Ye even called someone for help. One of Yao Jiancai''s rtives was an executive at the hospital, so they managed to skip the registration process.


    Analysis.


    Checkups.


    A series of tests were conducted.


    When they received the results, Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing were both shocked!


    Old Wu was pregnant!


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "Ah?"


    Wu Zeqing carefully rubbed her stomach. "Are you sure?"


    The doctor smiled and said, "I''m sure. Congrattions."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Oh wow!"


    Wu Zeqing alsoughed. "Be quiet, we''re at the hospital."


    Zhang Ye quickly shut his mouth but was unable to control his excitement. He kept pping his thigh, unsure of how to express his happiness. "So my wife isn''t sick or something, right?"


    The doctorughed and said, "No, your wife is in good health. The signs of fatigue and dizziness are normal symptoms of any pregnancy. From now on, pay more attention to getting her enough rest and her diet."


    Zhang Ye grabbed the doctor''s hand. "Thank you! Thank you, Doctor Liu!"


    They left the hospital.


    Zhang Ye drove Old Wu home.


    On the road, he wasughing happily in the car and quickly informed his parents about the news.


    Old Wu was also smiling as she called her parents.


    ��


    Noon.


    At the vi.


    When the couple stepped through the door, both their parents immediately rushed over. All of them were looking really happy and surprised!


    Wu Changhe was overjoyed. "You''re really pregnant?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Dad, why would it be fake?"


    Li Qinqin quickly said, "Let me look at the test results, let me look at the test results!"


    Zhang Ye''s mother grabbed theb test results and looked through them with Li Qinqin.


    Then the two of them beamed and said, "It''s real!"


    Zhang Ye''s father was also very excited. "Great! This is great! Great!"


    Li Qinqin''s eyes suddenly reddened and tears almost spilled out. "Our Zeqing is quite a bit older than Little Ye. Considering her age, I was afraid that she wouldn''t be able to conceive. But now, all that worry has poofed away! There''s nothing to be worried about anymore!"


    This news hade too suddenly for them. Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing were not prepared at all. The parents of the two families were not mentally prepared for it either. This surprise had dropped on them from the sky, but it left them very happy!


    Then Old Wu was surrounded by the family.


    "Zeqing, you must start paying attention to what you eat!"


    "Right, don''t eat any more spicy foods!"


    "You are at an advanced maternal age, so the first trimester is very important!"


    "You have to stop working overtime from now on!"


    "Stop facing theputer every day as well. The radiation is too strong!"


    The parents of both families surrounded Wu Zeqing and chattered away. Zhang Ye could not get a word in since he did not know anything about pregnancies, so he listened obediently and noted everything that his parents said.


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "OK, I understand."


    His mother was still ecstatic over the news. "This is great, this is really great!"


    Li Qinqin smiled. "Congrattions, inw. You''re going to be a grandmother."


    His mother said, "I should be congratting you instead. You''re going to be a grandmother."


    Wu Zeqing sat there calmly. It was obvious that she was very happy as well. She nced at her watch and then stood up, saying, "It''s already noon. I should start making lunch."


    Zhang Ye immediately shouted, "Stay right there!"


    Wu Zeqing looked back. "Hur hur, why?"


    Zhang Ye stared. "Sit down and don''t move. From now on, you don''t have to do any chores. Leave all of that to me. It''s time for this bro to show what he can do!"


    Wu Zeqing said, "But I can still move. I''m still not that far into the pregnancy."


    Zhang Ye said, "No, I''ll do the cooking!"


    "Leave it to me. You can chat with Mom and Dad."


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t you worry about it, I''ll do it!"


    "Can you even cook?"


    The two of them argued over who should do the cooking.


    Zhang Ye''s mother eximed, "Enough, enough, let me do it!"


    Hearing that, Zhang Ye did not even hesitate. "Alright then, let my mother do the cooking."


    His mother nearly fainted from anger. "Whoa, you''re just gonna throw me under the bus?"


    Everyoneughed, "Hahahahaha!"

 Chapter 1413

    <h4>Chapter 1413 </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It was the weekend.


    An advertisement suddenly appeared on all the major television stations.


    It was for a well-known Korean brand.


    A car advertisement.


    The brand spokesperson: Lee Anson.


    Theizens in China began to ridicule:


    "Lee Anson actually came back?"


    "Didn''t he give up on developing his career in China?"


    "He was chased away back then. That incident where he knocked over a fan has made it impossible for him to survive here."


    "He''s making aeback now after that matter has blown over?"


    "Look at the timing he''s chosen. Isn''t he afraid that Zhang Ye will tear straight into him?"


    "Hahaha, there''s something for Teacher Zhang to do again!"


    "He foiled the ns of the Japanese and Korean celebrities who were nning to perform in China during the next half of the year, and has just sent three of their celebrities packing from here as well. So why does Lee Anson still dare toe back at a time like this? Doesn''t he understand how scary Lord Zhang can get!"


    "I''ll be waiting to see the buzz."


    "Yeah, there''s something interesting for us to watch again."


    Ever since the beginning of the new year when Zhang Ye was pped with a "restriction order" from the Japanese and Korean authorities, and after he had angrily chased away a wave of them from China, there were almost no signs of activity by the Japanese and Korean celebrities in China. Some of their events had been canceled, while others had not taken ce yet. Thus, when a Korean celebrity suddenly appeared in an advertisement on TV, and coupled with the fact that Lee Anson, who once fought with Zhang Ye, starred in it, it naturally attracted the widespread attention of theizens in China.


    Everyone was waiting for something to happen.


    ��


    Even the Korean car brand''spany was nervous.


    At the car brand''spany.


    In a meeting.


    "Is it really going to be fine having Lee Anson front our advertising campaign?"


    "What could possibly happen?"


    "Zhang Ye still has a lot of influence in China."


    "Yeah. Right now, he has very strong views regarding Japan and Korea. Why didn''t we get a Chinese celebrity to endorse for us instead?"


    "Are you afraid of him? What a joke. In fact, I couldn''t wish more for him toe up against us. Right now, our brand name is rtively unknown in China. If he really takes us on, there will be a lot more attention given to us. That''s more than weed to me."


    "So that''s how it is."


    "Yes, I''m just afraid that he won''t do it!"


    "Besides, what''s the worst he can do? He can cause trouble for others or challenge them if they hold a concert. But since we are only running our ads, what trouble could he possibly stir up for us?"


    "That''s true!"


    "Don''t think of him like he''s some kind of god!"


    ��


    Back at home.


    In the vi.


    Wu Zeqing was sitting on the sofa watching TV.


    Zhang Ye was running around the house and waiting on her.


    "Sweetie, are you thirsty?"


    "I''m not thirsty."


    "Have some warm water."


    "I don''t want to drink."


    "It''s better if you drink more."


    "I''ve already had six sses since waking up this morning."


    "Ah, then are you hungry?"


    "That''s enough, just sit down and get some rest."


    "I''m not tired. This bro feels so alive right now!"


    Ring, ring, ring. Zhang Ye''s phone rang. It was Ha Qiqi from the studio.


    Zhang Ye answered: "Hello."


    Ha Qiqi immediately said: "Director Zhang, Lee Anson has an advertisement campaign running in China now. It''s for a Korean car brand. I''ve asked around and found out that he has ns to make aeback in China. His fan base here isn''t small and many of the younger fans are still quite infatuated with him, which is why he came back to test the waters by taking an advertisement endorsement. The endorsement fee he requested was very low, so the Korean carpany immediately agreed to use him without any hesitation."


    Zhang Ye said: "Oh."


    Ha Qiqi asked: "So what are we going to do?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Ah?"


    Ha Qiqi was startled. "Are we going to?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Going to what?"


    Ha Qiqi said: "Uh, never mind. I just wanted to let you know."


    Zhang Ye said: "Alright, I got it."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye continued in his attempts to take care of his wife. He had not taken any of what was said to him to heart.


    ��


    Lee Anson''s advertisement was appearing more and more by now.


    From the initial run on just one television station, it was now ying on three television stations.


    In the end, they even bought quite a bit of the ad spaces at the bus stops and subway stations.


    An hour passed.


    Five hours passed.


    The people were waiting, but there was no action at all. Everyone could not help but feel surprised. Eh, what is going on? Why isn''t there a response from Face-smacking Zhang?


    That shouldn''t be happening!


    It isn''t his style!


    Many of theizens were getting anxious.


    "This is bad, did something happen?"


    "Zhang Ye must''ve fallen sick!"


    "No, he must have gotten kidnapped!"


    "Quickly call the police!"


    "Yes, yes, call the police!"


    For a while, all kinds of rumors were flying around!


    ��


    Back at home.


    When Zhang Ye got a call from the police, he nearly fainted.


    Zhang Ye said: "What? Kidnapped?"


    The police officer replied: "Everything is alright as long as you''re fine."


    "What and what?"


    "Erm, we received quite a few reports from the public saying that you''ve been kidnapped. We just wanted to perform our duties seriously, so we decided to call you to verify your current situation."


    "I''m fine, sorry to have troubled you all."


    "I''m d to hear that."


    ��


    On Weibo.


    The police also dispelled the rumors.


    When theizens saw it, they were all very amused.


    "Someone really reported it to the police?"


    "Pfft! That''s enough, alright!"


    "This is making meugh like crazy. Just what kind of an image does Teacher Zhang have in your minds! You guys actually went to lodge a police report just because Teacher Zhang did not show any signs of activity for several hours after Lee Anson''s ad was shown?"


    "It shouldn''t be like this. With that temper of Zhang Ye''s, he should have already torn into him!"


    "Yeah, didn''t the news from the grapevine already say that Zhang Ye has put out the word that he won''t allow any of the Japanese and Korean celebrities toe to China to develop their careers?"


    Rumors.


    Farces.


    Guesses.


    Atst, the truth was unraveled.


    Several media outlets suddenly disclosed a major piece of news!


    "Zhang Ye''s wife is pregnant!"


    "Zhang Ye is going to be a father!"


    This piece of news instantly caused a stir!


    "Damn!"


    "Is that for real?"


    "It''s true, the news has already been verified!"


    "Someone saw Zhang Ye and his wife at the hospital two days ago!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang is going to be a dad?"


    "What a happy asion!"


    "I knew it! I knew something must have happened to Zhang Ye recently!"


    "You''re right. How could he bother with those Japanese and Korean celebrities at a time like this!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang, are you going to be a changed man in the future?"


    "Don''t say it. There might really be such a possibility. If he''s going to be a father, he will definitely have to be more mature in the future. No matter what, he should set an example to his child. If he keeps on fighting and scolding other people every day, that wouldn''t reflect well on him."


    "That might not necessarily be true."


    "Let''s wait another two days to find out."


    "It looks like Lee Anson might have dodged a bullet there."


    "That applies to the car brand as well. They really know how to pick the date!"


    ��


    When the news was revealed.


    It also became boisterous over at Zhang Ye''s side.


    The calls from Zhang Ye and Old Wu''s family and friends starteding in.


    Zhang Ye''s phone did not stop ringing as a group of people started calling him to offer their congrattions.


    Yao Jiancai.


    "You''re great! Congrattions!"


    "Haha, thanks!"


    "How many months along?"


    "She just got pregnant."


    "Take good care of her and stop picking fights with other people."


    "I got it. I will definitely take very good care of her!"


    Ning Lan.


    "Why didn''t you say? I even had to find out from the news!"


    "Hai, I was too engrossed in being happy and forgot to tell you all."


    "I''ll say it first. When the child is born, you have to make me a nominal kin 1 ."


    "Sure, do you want to be my child''s godsister then?"


    "��Shut up!"


    "Hahahaha."


    There was even a flurry of congrattory voices on Weibo.


    This joyous news of Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing''s had shaken the entire entertainment circle!

 Chapter 1414 - Zhang Ye smashes cars! (Beginning)

    <h4>Chapter 1414 - Zhang Ye smashes cars! (Beginning) </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Sunday.


    The promotional activities of the Korean car brand that Lee Anson was endorsing had been upgraded further. This time, they had rolled out a premium bulletproof car in an attempt to break into the Chinese market. The Lee Anson advertisement that ran for the entire day yesterday was also used to promote this particr car model. However, they were even more audacious now with their promotions,ing up with a "smash one, get one free car" event. Anyone who could break the ss on their new bulletproof car at the event venue would walk away with a brand new bulletproof car for free.


    Promotions.


    Hype.


    All of that was carried out in full force.


    ��


    Theizens were watching eagerly.


    "They''re risking that much?"


    "Are they really going to give out free cars?"


    "A bulletproof car? Lee Anson is representing the brand?"


    "Is Teacher Zhang really not going to take any action?"


    "Hai, I guess we won''t have anything to look forward to this time."


    "Yeah, Face-smacking Zhang is no longer interested in what is happening over here!"


    "Now that he''s going to be a dad, he''s no longer the same."


    "I hereby announce that Face-smacking Zhang has officially retired from smacking faces!"


    "Pfft, so it was you people who were egging him on. Zhang Ye was at home trying to take care of his wife yesterday and did not make an appearance to dish out any face smacking. And as a result, you all actually fucking lodged a police report? I can reallyugh at this matter for the entire year!"


    "Hahahahaha."


    "I think the main reason for that is because everyone already has a mindset of this fellow''s fiery temper!"


    ��


    Elsewhere.


    Lee Anson''s team.


    "Anson-oppa, the advertisement campaign was very effective."


    "Yes, most of the Chinese citizens are not showing much resistance to it."


    "I think that matter fromst year has blown over."


    "We can finally settle down and restart our development in China."


    "That''s right. That Zhang guy has gone silent as well!"


    The team was very excited.


    Ever since they withdrew from the Chinese market, it had been a very tough time for them as they saw their poprity fluctuate greatly. But in the end, they managed to scrape through and survive. Because of Zhang Ye, Lee Anson''s career as an artist nearly came to an end. If it had continued, Lee Anson would definitely have lost his current A-list position in Asia. Therefore, he needed to regain his foothold in China this time no matter what.


    The first shot had been fired and the momentum was going great. Lee Anson also revealed a smile.


    So what if it was Zhang Ye?


    So what if he had a ck mark in China?


    Wasn''t he still making aeback?


    ��


    In Japan and Korea.


    Many artists whose focus was on the Chinese market also started keeping track of Lee Anson''s situation.


    They saw that the market was peaceful.


    They saw that the market had gone back to normal.


    Many of the Japanese and Korean celebrities who had been scared off by Zhang Ye were getting restless again!


    ��


    Noon.


    At a bustling location.


    In a private function room on the top floor of a restaurant, Zhang Ye was ying host to everyone from the studio. Even Rao Aimin who was some kind of a part-time agent to Zhang Ye had brought along Little Chenchen to join them for the meal as well.


    Little Wang giggled. "Director Zhang, congrattions!"


    Tong Fu asked, "Where''s Sister-inw?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "She went back to her parents'' ce today for a meal with her rtives."


    Chenchen looked up. "Zhang Ye, when will your baby be born?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "In about another nine months'' time."


    "Oh."


    "Why?"


    "When the baby is born, I''ll y with it."


    "You want to watch my child for me? Sure."


    Rao Aimin said nonchntly, "Look at how delighted you are, but hurry up and order the food already. I''m getting hungry."


    "Order, order. It''s my treat today, so no one has to be polite," Zhang Ye said loudly.


    Abalone!


    Lobster!


    Shark fin!


    Rao Aimin was really not holding back.


    When Zhang Ye heard that, he began sweating profusely. He prodded her and whispered, "That will suffice, don''t go overboard with the ordering. We won''t be able to finish all the food."


    Everyoneughed.


    Rao Aimin kept a straight face. "Chenchen and I haven''t eaten for several days. We were just waiting for this meal of yours." She closed the menu and said to the waiter, "Alright, that will do."


    Chenchen pped. "Aunt, well done!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes at her.


    As for the others from the studio, they did not dare cheer at that.


    Be it at the studio or anywhere else, only Rao Aimin dared to speak with Zhang Ye like this. No one else would dare to do so. Even when they were just joking with Zhang Ye, they still could not best him. It would always be Zhang Ye who trampled on them every single time. Only Rao Aimin had it different as she always managed to trample on Zhang Ye. Furthermore, Zhang Ye would usually never talk back to her. Those who understood Zhang Ye''s temperament would think that this was clearly something impossible. But those who truly knew him would know that it was all thanks to Rao Aimin''s support that Director Zhang got through the most difficult times during his debut period. Otherwise, Director Zhang would have starved to death long ago and would not have achieved the results that he had today. But of course, if it was someone who knew him even better, they would know that all of those reasons were pure nonsense. The real reason why Zhang Ye did not dare to argue with Rao Aimin was that: He! Could! Not! Outfight! Her!


    The dishes were served one by one.


    It was so sumptuous that it left Zhang Ye feeling a pinch in his heart.


    Zhang Ye said, "This meal will be everyone''s bonus for this month. Everyone, eat more."


    When everyone heard that, they threw an uproar.


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    "Director Zhang is such a miser!"


    "Hahaha!"


    Zhang Ye said dejectedly, "It was just a joke. The bonus will still be given. Come, let''s eat!"


    As they were eating, the sound of someone speaking over the microphone could be hearding from a distance. It was pretty loud too.


    "The event has officially begun!"


    "Smash one, get one free car!"


    "Everyone is free to participate. Who wants to have a go first?"


    "Great, let''s have thisde on up to the stage."


    Bang!


    Bang!


    There was even the sound of the participants trying to smash the car!


    Zhang Zuo looked out the window. "What is going on out there?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "It''sing from the public square right?"


    "I know." Wu Yi said, "It''s the event that the Korean car brand is organizing. They''re carrying out their activities that they had been promoting for the entire day yesterday. It has something to do with a bulletproof car."


    Little Wang curled her lips. "That Lee Anson''s advertisement?"


    Tong Fu clearly knew a little about cars. He said, "This brand''s reputation has always been bad. They''re a big car manufacturing factory from Korea that broke into the Chinese market many years ago, but it didn''t go by this name back then. At that time, there were problems with their gearboxes, and the cars were all recalled unconditionally within Korea, Japan, and America. However, there was no such recall in China, so the Chinese car buyers could only fork out their own money for the repairs. Their treatment of our market was very different, so they got criticized really badly. In the end, their sales did poorly and they exited the market altogether. In recent years, the factory has changed names and they''ve restarted their operations here again. That was probably an attempt to exonerate theirpany. It was no wonder that they invited Lee Anson to endorse for them. This is a case of birds of a feather flock together. They''re all in it together with their spotty track record here in China!"


    Bang!


    Bang!


    The sound of the car smashing attempts was incessant!


    "Hahaha."


    "Does anyone want to give it a try?"


    "We will provide you with the tools. As long as you can smash and break the ss, you will walk away with a free car!"


    Zhang Ye said impatiently, "Close the windows. It''s too noisy."


    Little Wang immediately went to close the windows.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Come, let''s eat."


    Zhang Zuo said, "Right, don''t let those people spoil our mood."


    Wu Yi raised his ss. "Director Zhang, let me offer you another toast."


    As they ate, the things they talked about were all adult and work-rted topics.


    Chenchen did not like hearing any of it, so she stood up and said, "Aunt, I want to go to the mall."


    Rao Aimin said, "I''m not done eating yet."


    Chenchen looked at Zhang Ye. "Zhang Ye, bring me to the mall."


    Zhang Ye waved her off. "Aiya, I''m chatting with them."


    Chenchen got angry.


    Little Wang said with a smile, "Little Leader, Big Sis will bring you. I just finished eating anyway."


    Little Zhou also stood up. "I''ll go along too."


    Chenchen nodded.


    Rao Aimin instructed, "Don''t let her run around."


    Zhang Ye added, "Come back quickly. If she wants to buy anything, just let her buy it. You guys can pay first and thene to her aunt for reimbursement."


    Little Wang and Little Zhou were tickled. "Understood."


    The three of them went out to shop.


    The rest of the group continued eating and talking.


    Ten minutes.


    Half an hour.


    As they were happily chatting, the suite room''s door was suddenly pushed open.


    They saw Little Zhou run in anxiously and shout, "Something has happened! Something has happened! Chenchen smashed someone''s car! They won''t let her go!"


    When the table of people heard that, they immediately stood up!


    "What?"


    "Smashed someone''s car?"


    "Where?"


    "Is she fine?"


    "Let''s go! We''ll go and have a look!"


    "How could something have happened so quickly when you three only just stepped out!"


    Instantly, the group of them rushed off!

 Chapter 1415 - Zhang Ye smashes cars! (Middle)

    <h4>Chapter 1415 - Zhang Ye smashes cars! (Middle) </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The public square was not far away, and they only had to cross a long street to get there.


    "Where is it?"


    "Right in front!"


    "At the Korean car brand''s event?"


    "Yes, that one!"


    "Why did Chenchen go there? Didn''t she say she wanted to go shopping at the mall?"


    "She insisted on going to watch the buzz."


    Rao Aimin looked solemn.


    Zhang Ye was getting very anxious.


    Even though the two of them did not usually show a lot of concern for Chenchen, they were actually very worried about her.


    The group of them walked quickly towards the square. From afar, they could already see the advertisement banners and stage erected by the Korean car brand. The floor was covered with a red carpet, and seven or eight ck bulletproof cars were parked on it. There were even some golf clubs, wooden baseball bats, and other equipment such as pliers lying around. Clearly, these were the items that were handed out to the audience for them to smash the cars. All around, arge crowd of people were watching as Chenchen and Little Wang stood in the center of the stage. The event crew and supervisor were also with them.


    At this moment, a quarrel was urring on stage.


    Little Wang had her hands on her hips as she said, "How could it be so easily damaged?"


    The male employee pointed at the car door and said, "There, take a look for yourself!"


    Little Wang said loudly, "You were the ones who allowed the child to smash it first! It was you who let her onto the stage! There were so many other people before her who tried smashing the car, so why are we not allowed to do so when it came to our turn?"


    The male employee said angrily, "Everyone else tried to smash the windows! Who told you that you could hit the car door!"


    "But you guys didn''t make it clear to us!"


    Beside them, a female employee said, "Could we have been any more clearer? Our cars still need to be sold. Now that the paint has been scratched, how are we going to sell it?"


    Little Wang yelled, "What are you shouting at us for? Look, you''re scaring the child!"


    Chenchen stood there expressionless.


    That supervisor and the crew nearly fainted!


    How is that called being scared!


    She''s even calmer than we are, alright!


    Quite a few people offstage started murmuring.


    "You guys actually didn''t make it clear."


    "Besides, you can''t me the child either."


    "The child''s frame is so small and she doesn''t know how to use her strength, so it''s very normal that she would identally smash elsewhere on the car."


    "The kid did not do it on purpose anyway, so surely you guys don''t have to be so relentless in ming her, right?"


    "Yeah, just forget it."


    "You''re a pretty bigpany. Surely you won''t miss this bit of money, right?"


    The supervisor onstage said, "It''s not a matter of missing the money. This matter has to be cleared up. She should not be messing around like this even if she''s a child!"


    Chenchen calmly said, "There''s a problem with the quality of your car."


    The supervisor got annoyed and pointed at Chenchen, saying, "You damaged our car and still dare to make such irresponsible remarks?"


    Little Wang pped his hand away like a ferocious tiger. "Who do you think you''re pointing at!"


    A few male employees came over and surrounded her. "How dare youy a hand on us!"


    By this point, things were quite clear.


    So it turned out that Chenchen had dragged Little Wang and Little Zhou here to have a look at themotion. She saw that there was an event for smashing cars, so she also joined the line to give it a try. When the organizers saw that it was a child, they just let her go up towards the car with a smile. But who could have thought that a little nine-year-old girl like that could be so strong? She picked up a brick and threw it, although it missed and hit slightly below the window. The paint on the car door was chipped off and exposed a slightly dented metal base underneath. The onlookers were already a little suspicious before this. They knew that this was supposed to be a bulletproof car and the ss seemed pretty solid too, so why did the car door get damaged so easily? In the end, with Chenchen also saying something like "there''s a problem with the quality of your car," the supervisor of the event immediately gave up on arguing and refused to let them leave.


    The supervisor shouted, "Where are the kid''s parents at? Get her parents toe and take her away!"


    Little Wang said angrily, "What rights do you have to hold her here?"


    The supervisor said, "Based on the fact that she had damaged the car! I have the rights to do so! Get her parents here!"


    From a distance away, Zhang Ye and the others rushed over.


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "I am her guardian."


    Everyone''s attention turned to him. Then it blew up!


    "Oh my God!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "So she''s rted to Zhang Ye?"


    "Pfft, this will be interesting to watch!"


    "It''s Face-smacking Zhang!"


    People were screaming.


    People were snapping photos.


    People were taking videos.


    The crew from the car brand was also stunned!


    The supervisor said with a sunken expression, "Zhang Ye?"


    Little Wang finally found her backbone. "Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye made his way onto the stage.


    Chenchen immediately came over and protested, "Zhang Ye, their car''s quality is not good."


    Zhang Ye looked at the few members of the event crew. "Let''s not say anything else first and talk about how you full-grown men have surrounded a little girl and are pointing your fingers at her and shouting. You say that the car door was damaged, that''s fine. We''ll pay to get it repaired since we''re not unreasonable people. But why are you yelling at the child?"


    A male employee shouted, "She smashed our car and still made nderous remarks about it. Even if she''s a child, she cannot make up things like that!"


    Zhang Ye looked at him. "You still want to continue shouting?"


    The supervisor said in a cold voice, "Teacher Zhang, are you here to intentionally make trouble?"


    Zhang Ye was amused. "Me? Make trouble?"


    Offstage, the staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio was angered by the situation.


    The onlooking crowd was finding the situation to be getting out of hand. They felt that the organizers had gone overboard in handling this little girl by not allowing her to leave. You people were the ones who came up with this "smash one, get one free car" event in the first ce. When Zhang Ye came over, he also made it very clear that they would pay however much the damages cost. It was very reasonable, yet why are you people doubling down by arguing with Zhang Ye after having chided the child?


    "What the heck!"


    "Teacher Zhang, don''t bother with them!"


    "They''re just trying to ride on your coattails!"


    People in the crowd shouted.


    Ride on my coattails?


    Hur hur. That won''t be easy!


    Zhang Ye said, "Chenchen, go down first."


    Chenchen nodded.


    The supervisor was holding fast. "She can''t leave! We have to make things clear!" From his words, there didn''t seem to be any intention of trivializing the matter.


    Zhang Ye stared at him. "Let the child leave first. I''ll clear everything up with you."


    The supervisor hesitated for a bit. "Alright then!"


    Zhang Ye turned around and walked up to that car. He lowered his head and had a look, pointing to the part where the paint had been chipped. "Was this done by the child?"


    A male employee said, "That''s right!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Did she use a brick to smash it?"


    The supervisor replied, "Yes!"


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Then my child is right. There''s really an issue with the quality of your cars!"


    The supervisor red at him and said, "Are you trying to shift the me?"


    The male employee said, "Don''t you spout bullshit!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Anyone with a bit ofmon sense would understand that a little nine-year-old girl could not possibly be that strong. It doesn''t matter how strong she might be, or how she could have been blessed with divine strength, that''s simply impossible!"


    The people offstageughed.


    Zhang Ye pointed to the side. "With just a brick, that was all it took to dent the door on your so-called bulletproof car? Then where is your so-called bulletproof protection?" He reached out and knocked on it. "I can believe that the paint is not bulletproof, but what about the steel ting?"


    The supervisor immediately said, "What do you know? This is just the outeryer. The real bulletproof protection is underneath that. If a bullet is fired at it, it will only be able to pass through the outeryer of the car door. There is no way that it could get into the car. There are five levels of protection built into our car doors, and they''ve gone through professional, military-grade testing!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I can''t see whether they really have five levels of protection or not, but I know that the first level has been broken by a nine-year-old girl with a brick."


    The people hooted.


    "Yeah!"


    "There''s nothing wrong with what Teacher Zhang just said!"


    "I was also wondering about it earlier. How could it have been damaged with just a smash?"


    "Is this car really bulletproof?"


    "Although the ss does seem to be pretty sturdy."


    "Yeah, it didn''t shatter even after getting hit by more than 20 people."


    The supervisor was infuriated when he heard that. "Teacher Zhang, I''m very sure that you''re here to intentionally cause trouble for us! The inner protection linings of the car door cannot be seen without breaking it open. You''re deliberately grabbing onto this issue. What do you mean to say? What are your motives? You''re purposely trying to defame our brand! All those sets of eyes offstage witnessed for themselves earlier just how strong our bulletproof cars are! Using the many tools that we provided for them here, no one could even manage to break the ss on our bulletproof cars! So how could there be a problem with the quality of our cars? We''re one of the top three car manufacturers in Korea! We promise that every one of our bulletproof cars has passed the quality test!"


    A male employee said, "You''re dirtying our reputation!"


    Another male employee shouted, "What are your motives here!"


    Their group of people spoke without a trace of politeness.


    Seeing this, the surrounding crowd was filled with a sense of disgust.


    What was this?


    What kind of a person was Zhang Ye?


    He was a Peking University professor!


    A world-ss mathematician!


    Even if you guys don''t respect him, you should at least try to be a little polite, right? How could they speak like that? Intentionally causing trouble? Why would he intentionally make trouble? Weren''t you the ones who held that little girl back and insisted on seeing her parents? Now that a guardian of hers hase, you''re picking on this and that! What kind of people are you!


    The staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio were exasperated too!


    However, what surprised everyone was how Zhang Ye was still as calm as ever. He looked at them indifferently with no signs of emotion.


    Zhang Ye turned around and tapped on the car window. "It''s really bulletproof?"


    The supervisor said coldly, "Give it a try if you don''t believe it!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Why do I somehow doubt it?"


    An employee nearby said, "We have tools here! You can use them as you wish! Pick one!"


    The supervisor sneered. "Didn''t you say that there was a problem with our quality? Alright then, go ahead and smash it. Any car that you sessfully smash, we''ll give away a free car to you!"


    They were all waiting to see him make a fool of himself!


    Zhang Ye also smiled. "I''m gonna give it a try then?"


    The supervisor stretched out his hand invitingly. "Try as you like!"


    Bulletproof ss?


    Are you joking or what!


    Not even the world''s strongest man could leave a scratch on it!


    Then, Zhang Ye raised his right hand!


    There was no baseball bat!


    There was no brick!


    With just some concealed power hidden within his palm, he nonchntly pped the bulletproof ss. A loud bang reverberated and the entire frame of the car shook!


    Cracks started appearing on the ss!


    The supervisor was dumbfounded!


    The employees were dumbfounded!


    The crowd was dumbfounded!


    The staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio was also dumbfounded!


    A secondter, Zhang Ye raised his hand again and pped it down once more!


    Bang!


    A shockwave traveled through the body of the car!


    And the ss broke with a crash!


    In this very moment, no one at the venue could say a thing!


    Silence reigned in the huge public square!

 Chapter 1416 - Zhang Ye smashes cars! (End)

    <h4>Chapter 1416 - Zhang Ye smashes cars! (End) </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Three seconds.


    The crowd exploded!


    "Heavens!"


    "It got smashed!"


    "It really fucking got smashed!"


    "Damn, what did I just see?"


    "What kind of strength is that? What the heck just happened?"


    "That can''t be possible! More than 20 people have already tried smashing the bulletproof window with a baseball bat, but it didn''t even crack! So how did Zhang Ye manage to smash it in just two hits?"


    "The key here was that he smashed it with his hand!"


    "Yes, oh my God! He used his hand to smash it!"


    "That was too godly! It was too impressive!"


    "Zhang Ye is invincible!"


    "Teacher Zhang is amazing!"


    "Those two strikes of his palm were so fucking cool!"


    Everyone at the venue was eximing in shock!


    Chenchen shouted, "Zhang Ye! Nice one! Zhang Ye! Well done!"


    Ha Qiqi was dumbfounded!


    Zhang Zuo stared, his jaw dropping!


    Little Wang, Little Zhou, and the rest of the others were also stunned!


    How was that possible!?


    Just how was that even possible!


    They knew that Director Zhang was very capable at fighting. Whatever the case, Zhang Ye was never at a disadvantage whenever there was a fistfight. But to say how good he was at it, they really did not have an idea. Moreover, this was no longer a fucking matter of whether he was capable at fighting! This was bulletproof ss they were talking about! Was this something that a human could break with a smash? And he even did it with his bare hands? In their understanding of this world, this was not something that a human being could achieve!


    It was too shocking!


    It was really too frightening!


    More importantly, Zhang Ye even turned around to look at the organizer''s supervisor and crew after smashing the bulletproof ss. "You were the ones who asked me to try it."


    The supervisor was speechless


    Zhang Ye said innocently, "See, I knew there was a problem with the quality of your cars."


    The supervisor was still speechless.


    Zhang Ye pointed. "Does this count as sessfully smashing the ss?"


    The supervisor couldn''t speak.


    Zhang Ye said, "Smash one, get one car free! Does that mean I get to drive one away now?"


    The supervisor was tongue-tied.


    They nearly pissed their pants!


    They were really shocked at what had happened!


    At this moment, the crew members nearly couldn''t stand straight. Their knees buckled, and they were screaming in their heads, "Fuck! Are you fucking human!"


    A male employee said, "What the hell just happened!"


    A female employee said, "That''s bulletproof ss!"


    The supervisor was regretting it so much that his intestines turned green. He thought to himself, Have I got nothing better to do than to ride on his coattails? Even before it made any impact, our brand''s reputation has already gone down the drain. He knew in his heart of hearts that this was no longer an issue of giving away a car for free. This was a matter rted to the brand''s image and the quality of their cars. Their high-end gship bulletproof car had been damaged by a nine-year-old girl, then got its ss smashed by a celebrity. W-Wasn''t that a great big joke? If this got out, they''d be the butt of all jokes forever! The industry insiders would allugh at this incident for a lifetime!


    The people were in an uproar.


    "Give away the car!"


    "Give away the car!"


    "Give away the car!"


    "Give away the car!"


    They were unprepared for this!


    There was totally no n to give one away at all!


    The supervisor knew that the situation was bing bad. Seeing the people around recording videos and taking pictures, and seeing how more and more people had gathered around and blocked off the square, he grit his teeth and made a decision on the spot. After looking around for a while, he found the keys to a brand new car and handed it over to Zhang Ye reluctantly.


    Zhang Ye smiled and took it from him. Then he threw it to Little Wang and said, "Drive it awayter."


    Little Wang said happily and excitedly, "Got it!"


    The supervisor immediately tried to remedy the situation. He went over and pretended to check on the broken ss before looking like he understood something. "Everyone, that was an ident just now. I had a look and deduced that it wasn''t a problem with the quality of our cars. You can rest assured. It was because the ss was not entirely new and had gone through a lot of stress testing before this. We had carried out a hardness test on the ss before the car left the factory, and our employees also did a series of tests and hammer strikes on it when it arrived at our showroom. Then, when we brought the same car over for the event today, it was pounded and hammered on by a lot of people as well. Although this is bulletproof ss, there are still limitations to it. For example, if it gets hit too many times in the same spot, the hardness of the ss will get degraded slowly. This is all very normal."


    The crowd whispered.


    "That''s not really bulletproof ss, is it?"


    "What kind of bulletproof protection is this!"


    "This is too face smacking! I''m already feeling sorry for them!"


    "Isn''t this exnation a bit far-fetched?"


    "Teacher Zhang is so skinny, yet he can still smash the ss into pieces. There must be something wrong with the quality of this car! And you''re iming it to be a bulletproof car? I''d have to swerve to avoid a brick that''s being thrown at me!"


    "This exnation makes sense though. So it was because the bulletproof ss had exceeded its limitations. Zhang Ye couldn''t have possibly smashed it with his bare hands. Just how much strength would that have required?


    "That''s true."


    Some peopleined.


    Some people were skeptical.


    The supervisor quickly exined, "It was just a coincidence. The bulletproof ss was not new and had been struck several hundreds of times by dozens or even hundreds of people. There were already cracks in it; it just didn''t appear on the surface. When Teacher Zhang Ye made his attempt, it coincided nicely as he struck the spot where cracks had started appearing. That was what resulted in the ss breaking and it''s not a matter of the quality. However, it doesn''t matter. Since we said that we''ll give away a free car if anyone sessfully smashed the ss, we will fulfill our promise. If anyone still has any doubts? We''ll bring out a brand new car that hasn''t gone through any smashing attempts. We''ll show everyone how strong bulletproof ss is when it isn''t damaged. Absolutely no one will be able to break it!"


    An employee drove a new car over.


    The supervisorughed and said, "Look, this is a brand new car, so everyone can give it a try and attempt to smash the window. It was just a coincidence that someone managed to catch a break. Actually, whoever tried to smash the ss just now would have shattered it. Our brand name is a guarantee. Please believe in our brand and believe in Teacher Lee Anson''s endorsement. This newly brought in bulletproof car for the event won''t have any issues. Who wants to give it a try?"


    Someone walked forward.


    It was a woman.


    Her name was Rao Aimin.


    Someone in the crowd recognized her.


    "Ah!"


    "What an icy beauty!"


    "She''s Zhang Ye''s agent."


    "I know her too. I''ve seen her on television before!"


    Ha Qiqi was taken aback.


    Zhang Zuo was startled too.


    No one expected that Zhang Ye''sndlord-cum-agent would actually step forward!


    Tong Fu said, "Director Zhang, Big Sis Rao, she''s?"


    But Zhang Ye justughed. "That woman is being greedy again."


    Wu Yi did not understand what he meant. "Ah? What do you mean by greedy?"


    When the supervisor saw this, he smiled. "Alright, a volunteer has stepped forward. Does this prettydy want to give it a try? Good, you can experience it for yourself. There are some tools over there, a hammer, baseball bat, anything you want. You can also try as many times as you want, but it doesn''t matter how many times you try to hit it. Just don''t assume that you have a chance of breaking it. This is a brand-new bulletproof car that we just brought out, so it''s different from before. Please experience all that you want regarding how tough ourtest bulletproof ss is. Oh, by the way, please be careful and don''t hurt yourself. If you do, we''re not going to be��"


    Rao Aimin had already walked up beside the car with an indifferent look.


    A lot of people were dumbfounded for a while.


    What was the meaning of this?


    Where are the items?


    Aren''t you going to take a baseball bat or something?


    Then they saw Rao Aimin gently raise her hand before striking it down on the passenger side window. With a crash, it sounded like the earth and mountains were shaking. The entire car even looked like it was going to be flipped over by a huge force, with the tires on her side almost lifting off the ground!


    The palm strikended!


    One strike!


    Just one strike!


    The bulletproof ss shattered!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "My God!"


    The crowd was shocked!


    The staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio were shocked!


    No one dared to believe their eyes!


    It was the same posture as Zhang Ye''s!


    It was the same move as Zhang Ye''s!


    The only difference was the number of strikes!


    The bulletproof ss had simrly shattered!


    The brand''s employees were all stunned on the spot!


    The organizer''s supervisor who was still boasting about the bulletproof car over the microphone suddenly dropped it onto the ground with a thud and a loud, piercing feedback. He slumped to the ground as though his soul had flown out of his body, staring nkly at the broken bulletproof ss that Zhang Ye''s agent had shattered with a strike. Then he looked at the broken ss Zhang Ye had just shattered and thought to himself, Fuck your sister!


    At this moment in time, his face was strewn in tears!


    Motherfucker! Is this a group of fucking animals or something?!

 Chapter 1417 - I want to smash ten more cars!

    <h4>Chapter 1417 - I want to smash ten more cars! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The venue blew up!


    Many people screamed!


    "Ahhh!"


    "That was so cool!"


    "My eyes have been blinded!"


    "A heroine! She''s a heroine!"


    "That was so amazing!"


    "Didn''t they just change it to new bulletproof ss?"


    "What kind of a person is that!"


    "An animal! A pure beast!"


    "Are Teacher Zhang and her human?"


    "Fuck, are these two people made of metal? And that little girl from earlier too, did you guys see the strength that she threw the brick with? How is that the strength of a nine-year-old girl! My child who''s already 14 years old does not have that much strength! And he''s a boy too!"


    "This family is here to p faces!"


    "I''m genuflecting!"


    Ha Qiqi was also stunned. She wrenched her head to the side. "Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Zuo''s legs turned to rubber. "Director Zhang, this��this��Big Sis Rao, she!"


    Little Wang and Little Zhou eximed, "Big Sis Rao is so fearsome!"


    They already couldn''t ept the fact that Zhang Ye had shattered the bulletproof ss with just two palm strikes. But now, the usually carefree and sharp-tongued Rao Aimin had shattered the bulletproof ss with her palm too. And she only had to strike it once! They could only be described as frightened at the present moment!


    What was going on!


    What was with this situation!


    Are they even Earthlings?


    Only Chenchen was not the least bit surprised. She shouted triumphantly, "Aunt! Another one! Smash another car!"


    Rao Aimin nced at the slumped over supervisor. "This is a smash one, get one car free event! So where''s my free car?"


    The supervisor looked over at her nkly and subconsciously reached out to hand the keys of a brand new car to her. The other employees also stared at Rao Aimin like they had just seen a god.


    But at the next moment, they nearly vomited blood!


    They saw Rao Aimin put the keys away with a satisfied look, then hold out her hand and dere audaciously, "Another one! I want to smash ten more cars!"


    Smash ten more cars��


    Ten more��


    Ten��


    The supervisor who was just about to stand up buckled again and slumped back to the ground with a plop!


    Your sister!


    You still want to smash more cars?


    You can still smash more of them?


    Are you getting addicted to this?


    We won''t have enough cars left for you to smash!


    The expressions on the employees'' faces changed!


    "We can''t do this anymore!"


    "No more smashing!"


    "Right, each person is only entitled to winning one car!"


    "We have a written rule for that!"


    Hearing that, Rao Aimin felt that it was rather regrettable. She went "oh" before casually walking off the stage.


    The supervisor and the crew all heaved sighs of relief.


    At this moment, a woman walked over from a short distance away.


    Yang Shu had arrived. "Senior Bro!"


    Zhang Ye turned around and was very happy to see her. "Why did you just get here?"


    Yang Shuined, "There was a traffic jam on the way here. When I got to the restaurant, all of you had already left. The waiter said that you were making your way here to the public square. What''s going on?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Oh, there''s a car smashing event. It''s a smash one, get one free car event."


    Yang Shu''s eyes lit up. "Did you smash one already?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Old Rao and I both sessfully smashed a car each."


    Yang Shu jumped up eagerly. "Then I''ll give it a try too!"


    She wasn''t doing it for the money, and even more so, not for the car. She was purely thinking of this as a challenge. This junior sis of Zhang Ye''s never had anything her mind except martial arts!


    When the crowd saw this, they were all tickled pink!


    "It''s her!"


    "Zhang Ye''s bodyguard!"


    "That''s right, that''s right!"


    "Zhang Ye''s bodyguard is here!"


    "Pfft!"


    "Do they need to be so relentless?"


    "Did they alle here for a meeting!"


    Upon hearing that, the supervisor and event crew were scared out of their wits. In this moment, they gave up!


    What?


    Bodyguard?


    Fuck your third uncle''s grandma!


    If Zhang Ye and his agent were like that, what would his bodyguard be like!


    Are you trying to kill us!


    In the blink of an eye, the supervisor somehow found the strength to rush over to the microphone that he had dropped earlier by crawling and rolling. He grabbed it and announced loudly, "The event has ended! I hereby announce that the smash one, get one free car event has ended! It won''t be going on any further! No more smashing! No more smashing!"


    Theughter and booing from the crowd mixed together!


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    "Yi!"


    "They''ve admitted defeat!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "I''mughing my ass off!"


    But Yang Shu was unhappy to hear that. "I haven''t even tried to smash a car yet!"


    The supervisor wiped away his sweat. "No more attempts, the event has ended!"


    Yang Shu said unwillingly, "I don''t want your car. I just want to attempt it!"


    The supervisor almost cried!


    Sister!


    My dear sister!


    Can the three of you please not mess with us!


    Zhang Ye looked at him. "It''s ended?"


    The supervisor said, "Right, right, the event is over!"


    Zhang Ye pointed at the car from earlier. "Then about when my kid damaged your car door? How much do we have to pay you?"


    The supervisor said tearfully, "You don''t have topensate us. There''s no need for that. This matter was not handled by us properly. We cannot me the child for it. Don''t me the child!"


    Rao Aimin stared at him. "Then how did you speak to my child just now?"


    The supervisor quickly said to Chenchen, "Sorry, I''m sorry. Uncle''s tone earlier was not right. Let me apologize to you. See, our event has ended and there''s nothing left to y with around here. Oh yes, there''s also another car show at the mall. Why don''t you ask your guardian to take you there to have a look?"


    Chenchen said evenly, "There''s nothing fun to y with in there."


    You may be having fun!


    But we''re not having any fun at all!


    We''re really fucking pissing our pants!


    The supervisor kept on apologizing and begging until he finally managed to convince them to leave. But at heart, he knew that a storm was just starting to brew!


    The crowd began to act!


    Phone calls!


    Weibo!


    The news immediately started spreading!


    ��


    Over there.


    The two new cars ced before them were both seven-seater bulletproof cars.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Looked at how this has turned out. We came out for lunch, but we somehow earned ourselves two cars. What good timing. Our studio needs cars right now, right? We don''t have to buy them anymore. Old Ha, Old Zuo, take a car each. Consider it your exclusive rides from me. You may drive it home for your private use too."


    However, the studio''s staff were still caught in a state of shock!


    Ha Qiqi quickly said, "How did you do it?"


    Zhang Ye said amusingly, "Actually, Old Rao and I are both ''martial arts masters.'' Do you believe that?"


    "Yi!"


    "Tsk!"


    Everyone''s lips curled when they heard that.


    Of course they wouldn''t believe it. In their minds, it must have been some kind of a strategy or technique!


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands helplessly. "Alright, that ends the conversation. Let''s go, get into the cars."


    Everyone was talking about what had just happened as they got in the cars.


    Only Yang Shu stayed still. She stood in front of the car, asionally tapping on the ss, asionally knocking on the car door.


    Zhang Ye was startled. "What are you doing? They''re Old Ha and Old Zuo''s cars, so stop you think about smashing them." But he then smiled. "Alright, stop looking at them. You can''t smash them."


    Yang Shu remained unconvinced. "Why can''t I smash it?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "That is bulletproof ss."


    Yang Shu said stubbornly, "But I can still give it a try!"


    Rao Aimin piped up, "You can''t do it."


    Yang Shu''s face flushed red then white. If it were only her senior brother who said that, it would have been fine. But even Grandmaster Rao thought the same. That meant she definitely couldn''t smash it. Thinking about it made her somewhat disgruntled. But with that, she was also able to sense the difference between her and both Zhang Ye and Rao Aimin to be too big.

 Chapter 1418 - National Buzz

    <h4>Chapter 1418 - National Buzz </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


    The news had spread far and wide!


    ��


    At Central TV.


    "What?"


    Zhang Ye smashed a car?"


    "The bulletproof ss got shattered?"


    "Holy shit!"


    "Hurry, hurry, line this up for the news report!"


    ��


    At an entertainmentpany.


    "What did you say?"


    "Zhang Ye went there to cause trouble?"


    "How is that possible!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang has made another move?"


    ��


    Lee Anson''s team.


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "That damned hooligan!"


    "He did it on purpose! It was deliberate!"


    "He''s forcing us into a corner!"


    "Bastard! He''s so awful!"


    "This is bad news! It''s terrible this time!"


    ��


    The news of Lee Anson''s endorsed car brand having its bulletproof window smashed overwhelmed the media!


    On Weibo, the forums, newspapers, and television, it was getting reported everywhere. Some of them even carried videos and pictures of the scene!


    The public burst into an uproar!


    Theizens were crazily happy!


    "I knew it! I knew it!"


    "Zhang Ye still made a move in the end!"


    "Hahahaha, I should''ve known that this fellow couldn''t have such a good temper!"


    "Bulletproof ss? How did he manage to smash it?"


    "Who knows? He must have resorted to some kind of trickery!"


    "Yeah, that''s not ss that can be broken with brute strength alone!"


    "Who''s that prettydy?"


    "That''s Zhang Ye''s agent. Her name is Rao Aimin!"


    "She''s so cool! My goddess!"


    "Are they all animals?! How did they shatter bulletproof ss with their bare hands?"


    "Teacher Zhang is going to be on fire again!"


    "Who said that Face-smacking Zhang has toned down just because he''s going to be a father? Who said that? Stand forward now. I guarantee I won''t beat you to death! Isn''t he still the same as before!"


    "Hahaha, he''s going to be like this all his life!"


    "This fellow''s fearless attitude has got nothing at all to do with him bing a father. His wickedness is ingrained in his soul! He won''t change even if he has 10 children!"


    "It''s another face smacking!"


    "They''ve all been smacked swollen and bruised!"


    "This car brand is really too fucking unlucky. Of all people, why did they have to get Lee Anson to endorse them? Idiots!"


    "The quality of this car is really not that good either."


    "Face-smacking Zhang has brought smacking faces to a whole new level!"


    "I just love seeing Teacher Zhang smack faces!"


    The mor was still growing. Such heated discussions usually wouldn''t die down so quickly after blowing up. The event was too shocking, because no one had ever encountered something like this before. It was very fresh to them! If you were to say that Zhang Ye had gone to someone''s store and destroyed the ce, everyone could imagine something like that. If you were to say that Zhang Ye had shed someone''s tires, everyone could also imagine that. But to shatter the bulletproof ss window of someone''s car when that someone was hyping up their smash one, get one free car event with amazing ims? What normal person could do something like that? What normal person would even think of something like that!


    Only Zhang Ye!


    Only someone like him who didn''t y his cards logically would do something like that!


    From the public.


    To the industry insiders.


    As well as the media.


    And even among Zhang Ye''s family and friends.


    Each and every one of them who saw the news was shocked!


    Soon, the carpany issued an emergency PR announcement to rify the issue. Their cars'' quality was not an issue. After the incident took ce, they did an emergency inspection and found that their employees had deployed the wrong vehicle model for the event. The few cars that they brought over were not their gship bulletproof cars, but an almost identical model of it, thus causing the misunderstanding.


    "So it was because they had brought over the wrong cars!"


    "But of course. How could Face-smacking Zhang have that kind of strength!"


    "That''s still very strong. Two strikes of the palm were all he needed to shatter an ordinary pane of tempered ss? What normal person could do that? Unless they have extraordinary strength!"


    "Did they really bring the wrong vehicle model?"


    "Why am I not at all convinced?"


    "Right, didn''t they also get the other people to use baseball bats to smash the ss before that? If it was ordinary tempered ss, it would have shattered in just one hit. Even if not, two hits would suffice, wouldn''t it?"


    "Who knows if they''re telling the truth."


    "This carpany has a previous track record of cheating consumers in China. They''ve got a spotty history, so I wouldn''t take their word for it!"


    Everyone discussed and analyzed the matter for the entire day and could onlye to two conclusions. The first was that there was definitely something wrong with the quality of the ss on the vehicles provided by the car brand. Otherwise, it would be impossible for Zhang Ye and his agent to smash it. The second reason was that Zhang Ye had used some trick to shatter the bulletproof ss. However, no one knew what trick it was and none of them coulde up with a suitable conclusion even after studying it for a long time.


    ��


    China.


    Beijing.


    The Korean car brand''s branch office.


    Everyone in thepany was worried. They were so worried that their faces had turned green!


    At this moment, the Korean head office''s staff arrived in a hurry. When they found the person in charge of this event, they started scolding him.


    "What''s going on with you!"


    "Sorry, President Kim!"


    "Do you know how greatly this matter has affected us? Do you know how much thepany stands to lose as a result of this? We''re likely to lose the entire Chinese market!"


    "But I��"


    "You what? What excuse can you still have! You can''t even handle a simple event like this and mixed up the regr model for the bulletproof one! What the hell is wrong with you!"


    That supervisor burst into tears. "But I didn''t get it wrong."


    The people from the head office were taken aback. "What do you mean?"


    The supervisor immediately brought them over to the garage where the two smashed cars had been shipped back to.


    The head office''s staff went up to have a look.


    The interior.


    The outer shape of the car.


    The thickness of the ss windows.


    The regr model and the bulletproof model were different from each other.


    They were stunned. "This��isn''t this thetest bulletproof car model?"


    The supervisor said, "Yes, we only said that we brought in the wrong car model as an emergency PR!"


    President Kim was stunned as he pointed at the bulletproof ss. "Are you saying that those two really managed to shatter our bulletproof ss?"


    The supervisor said, "Yes, they really managed to do it!"


    President Kim cursed like a sailor in Korean.


    How did they do it?


    Just how the fuck did they manage to do it?


    ��


    The outside world was in an uproar.


    At this moment, only the Chinese martial arts world was in a state of calm.


    Shaolin Monastery.


    "Martial Uncle, did you watch the video yet?"


    "I''ve seen it already."


    "Zhang Ye is��"


    "Yes, he has almost fully mastered the use of his concealed power."


    "Then he''s not far from bing a grand��"


    "I''m afraid he''s almost there."


    "How much longer?"


    "That''s not a realm I can fathom. If he''s fast, then two or three years. If he''s slow, maybe eight or nine years. Who can say for sure?"


    Many people in the Chinese martial arts world had seen the video as well.


    The small sects.


    Therge sects.


    The non-affiliates.


    All of them knew better.


    Seeing themoners on the Inte guessing what kinds of methods Zhang Ye had used, and guessing whether there was a problem with the quality of the ss, they could only shake their heads in resignation. From the strength he applied through his hands, the shaking of the car, and many other details, they could all see that it really was bulletproof ss. Although it might not meet military standards, the lowest grade of bulletproof ss was more than enough. This had nothing to do with the ss. It was a problem with the people.


    This carpany was really unlucky!


    In the world today, there were no more than eight people who could shatter bulletproof ss with their bare hands��but Rao Aimin and Zhang Ye were two of them!

 Chapter 1419 - Lee Anson gets sent packing as well!

    <h4>Chapter 1419 - Lee Anson gets sent packing as well! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    On Monday morning, Zhang Ye went to work.


    "Good morning, Director Zhang!"


    "You were on fire again yesterday."


    "Yeah, everyone in the nation is talking about you!"


    "The headlines, the front page, you''re on all of them!"


    "Lee Anson is out of luck this time."


    "That car brand is even unluckier. They''ve descended into a brand crisis this time!"


    "Right, everyone''s just waiting to see the oue."


    "Director Zhang, how did you and Big Sis Rao shatter the ss?"


    "Yeah, tell us how you did it. There''s a lot of people online guessing as well."


    The atmosphere in the studio was very cheerful. Every employee who worked here liked this atmosphere very much and felt a special sense of belonging to the ce. Very few employees would resign or jump to a job elsewhere, and there was a reason for that! In any other celebrity''s studio or entertainment agency, where would they get the chance to witness such entertainment and amusement happening before them every other day? The sry was good, and the work was simple. If they were to mention to anyone outside that they were an employee at Zhang Ye''s Studio, their industry peers and friends would double take.


    Zhang Ye chatted with them for quite a while.


    Then Ha Qiqi came over. "Director Zhang."


    Zhang Ye looked at her and said with a smile, "Old Ha, what''s the matter?"


    Ha Qiqi was nervous. "Um, there''s something."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What is it? Spit it out."


    Ha Qiqi hesitated for a while, not knowing whether tough or cry. She said, "When I arrived at work this morning and parked my car downstairs, Little Yang was already there waiting for me. She didn''t say anything, just stared at my car, the bulletproof car that you gave to Old Zuo and me. The way she looked at it made my hair curl. I was really terrified."


    Zhang Ye said, "That happened?"


    Zhang Zuo had also just arrived at work. He was looking somewhat flustered.


    Zhang Ye looked at him. "What''s the matter, Old Zuo?"


    "Aiyo, Director Zhang, I was looking for you." Zhang Zuo said in a terrified manner, "I was so scared just now. I just parked my car downstairs and happened to receive a call, so I answered it in the car. Five minutes into the call, a silhouette appeared outside tapping on my window and touching it. I thought that someone was trying to steal the car, but the moment I stepped out of the car, I saw Little Yang. I asked her what she was doing, but she didn''t say anything at all. It was as though she was possessed!"


    Zhang Ye was speechless.


    This junior sister of his!


    She was too troublesome!


    Zhang Ye suddenly said, "OK, I know what to do. I''ll criticize her."


    He immediately called Yang Shu and asked her toe upstairs. "What were you doing downstairs?"


    Yang Shu pouted. "Nothing."


    Zhang Ye said with a straight face, "Don''t keep eyeing and circling Old Ha and Old Zuo''s cars like that. You''ll scare them."


    Yang Shu nodded.


    Zhang Ye said, "Can you keep that in mind?"


    Yang Shu said, "I heard you, Senior Bro."


    "Alright then, that''s the right attitude." Only then did Zhang Ye break into a smile.


    When Yang Shu went off, Zhang Ye had Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuoe over. "OK, it''s done. I''ve spoken to Little Yang, so you don''t have to worry anymore. My words still hold some weight with her."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "I was really afraid that she would smash my car."


    Zhang Yeughed out loud. "She won''t. Little Yang might be a little rash, but��"


    As he was speaking, a loud crash came from downstairs. It sounded like someone had punched something. After that, a car rm went off!


    This was a sound that everyone was very familiar with. It was Zhang Ye''s BMW X5''s rm!


    Zhang Ye''s face changed immediately and he quickly opened the window!


    Everyone also looked out of the window in astonishment!


    They saw Yang Shu holding her fist in pain as she stood beside the BMW.


    Zhang Ye roared, "Yang Shu! Get up here right now!"


    Two minutester, Yang Shu was upstairs.


    Zhang Ye pelted her with scolding. "Are you trying to drive me to my grave?! Didn''t I tell you to stay away from Old Ha and Old Zuo''s cars?!"


    Yang Shu said calmly, "I didn''t touch their cars."


    Zhang Ye nearly vomited blood. "You''re not supposed to touch my car either!"


    Everyone was doubling over inughter!


    Director Zhang''s BMW was also a bulletproof car!


    Yang Shu muttered, "I was just trying out something."


    Zhang Ye said, "Trying out what! I pay for your meals, I gave you a ce to stay, and you still smashed my car? Do you have a death wish?! Why didn''t you go and smash someone else''s car?"


    Yang Shu said, "I''d have topensate them if I smashed their cars."


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted from anger. "So it wouldn''t cost anything if you smashed my car?"


    This junior sis of his that he didn''t ask for, why didn''t she have a lick ofmon sense?!


    Since Zhang Ye had nothing to do, he continued scolding Yang Shu for the entire morning and even punished her by making her do the horse stance in the office. In the end, someone went to tell Rao Aimin about it and she couldn''t stand to watch it any longer, so she came over and "rescued" her. Otherwise, who knew how long Zhang Ye would have punished her for.


    ��


    In the outside world.


    The matter finally reached a conclusion!


    And this oue ignited yet another huge ruckus!


    The SARFT got involved!


    The AQSIQ 1 got involved!


    The China Consumers Association 2 got involved!


    The various organizations opened a full investigation to take action against the Korean car brand for their quality problems, false advertising, false marketing, and a series of other issues!


    That afternoon.


    The televisionmercials.


    The bus stop ads.


    The subway ads.


    All of Lee Anson''s endorsement advertisements had been halted and taken down!


    At this point, Lee Anson had only returned to the Chinese market via the advertisement channel for two days before he got sent packing to where he came from by Zhang Ye. Furthermore, due to the car brand''s issues, Lee Anson''s image was also implicated. With this p by Zhang Ye, it was estimated that Lee Anson would not be able to return to the Chinese market again within the next few years!


    ��


    At the car brand''spany.


    "Fuck!"


    "The Chinese market is too shady!"


    "This ce is way too hostile!"


    "A conspiracy, this is all a fucking conspiracy!"


    ��


    Lee Anson''s team.


    "Did they really take it down?"


    "How did it turn out like this?"


    "How ruthless! This Zhang Ye is too ruthless!"


    "Are we really unable to get into the Chinese market now?"


    "I''m so angry that I could cry! How can there be a bastard like him around!"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    The Chineseizens were delighted.


    "How satisfying!"


    "This car brand cheated our Chinese consumers in the past!"


    "Right. Did they think that we wouldn''t know who they are by taking on a new identity?"


    "Lee Anson is so unlucky!"


    "Since he dared to hit a Chinese fan back then, he should''ve been mentally prepared that he would get chased away!"


    "This is too face smacking!"


    "Yeah, the ads had only rolled out for two days, but it got taken down by Face-smacking Zhang almost immediately!"


    ��


    Very soon, the news also spread to Japan and Korea.


    The Korean media suddenly blew up with a lot of scolding and cursing!


    "A Korean brand gets blocked in China!"


    "Zhang Ye stirs up trouble yet again!"


    "Zhang Ye smashes a bulletproof car with his bare hands?"


    "Zhang Ye: An inexorable hooligan!"


    When the Korean and Japanese celebrities saw Lee Anson''s advertisements rolling out in China with impunity, they all had the urge to enter the Chinese market again. But when the news came out, they all gasped as though a bucket of ice water had been poured on their heads!


    Zhang Ye!


    It''s Zhang Ye again!


    Why is he always picking so many fights!


    Why is he always able to stir up trouble!


    Park Jaesang had been sent packing!


    Kim Jichan had been sent packing!


    Kimura Kazuya had been sent packing!


    And now, Lee Anson has also been sent packing!


    Was there anything left to y for in this case?


    And what made the Japanese and Koreans even more furious that night was when the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index got updated: Zhang Ye''s Asian poprity was still steadily increasing!

 Chapter 1420 - Time for the lottery!

    <h4>Chapter 1420 - Time for the lottery! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    In the courtyard, the sun was shining brightly today. When Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing came over, Li Qinqin pulled her daughter aside to chat while Wu Changhe yed Go with Zhang Ye.


    Sure enough, the two men started quarreling again.


    "Dad, why are you always taking back your moves?"


    "I''m trying to let you know about the other possible moves that can be made in this game!"


    "Aiyo,e off it already."


    "How can you say that? You''re putting it like I''m ying you seriously."


    "I''m already giving you have a four-stone handicap, and you''re still not ying seriously?"


    "You''re speaking like I can''t beat you if I gave you a four-stone handicap as well!"


    "Hur hur, you really can''t beat me."


    "Heh, don''t you dare me! Give it a try then!"


    "I think it''s better if I gave you a five-stone handicap!"


    "No need for that! I''ll give you a ten-stone handicap!"


    "I''ll give you twenty!"


    "I''ll give you thirty!"


    "I''ll give you fifty!"


    "I''ll give you a hundred!"


    They stopped ying and ced stones down senselessly as they tried to outboast each other.


    Li Qinqin and Wu Zeqing were used to this. Theyughed and chatted close by as though nothing was happening, not bothered by what was going on between the two of them.


    When they got tired of it, the two men finally stopped arguing.


    Li Qinqinughed and said, "Little Ye, do you really have such great strength?"


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Of course! With my physique and body, can''t you tell?"


    Wu Changhe mocked, "Heh, it really doesn''t show at all."


    Li Qinqin asked, "But that''s bulletproof ss. Even if they said that they took the wrong car, that''s still tempered ss, isn''t it? How could it be shattered with a smash just like that?


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Aren''t you underestimating me? To put it into context, is a steel te thick? But I can put a dent in it with a strike of my palm all the same! It''s imbued with martial arts, and not even 30 to 50 people could get close to me. Back then, when there was conflict in the martial artsmunity, a dozen or so of therge sects were trying to find trouble with me. This bro went knocking on their doors one by one and sent them packing. I smashed their sects'' ques and beat up their sect leaders, and they ended up avoiding me. They did not even dare make a sound. When I learned that the Huashan Sect''s que was made of some pretty solid wood, I took it and made it into beaded bracelets and sold them. They got so angry about it, yet there was nothing they could do to me. How strong would I have to be to do that? So let''s not mention some car''s ss window."


    Martial artsmunity?


    Large sects?


    Smashing ques?


    Making them into beaded bracelets?


    How good are you at bragging! You might as well say that you''ve ascended into the Heavens!


    Wu Changhe smirked at the words, while Li Qinqin covered her mouth inughter.


    Since Zhang Ye had put it to them jokingly, they listened and took it in jest.


    However, unbeknownst to them, everything that Zhang Ye had just said was the truth.


    Noon.


    After lunch, Wu Changhe went out to y Go. Li Qinqin insisted on having Wu Zeqing rest for a while, so she dragged her back to the house to take a nap. This left Zhang Ye alone with nothing to do, so he went back into the west wing to lie down. He took out his cell phone and started browsing online for news rted to himself.


    The current situation was a stalemate.


    Zhang Ye could not get into the Japanese and Korean markets, while their artists were bing anxious with all their worries. Zhang Ye had already sent four of them packing back to their countries. At a time like this, it wasn''t likely that anyone would want to be the next person to stick their necks out. They were all hesitating and waiting to see how things would develop. On the other hand, Zhang Ye was still thriving. Although he was scolded badly and his reputation was tarnished, his poprity on the Asian Celebrity Rankings was still rising steadily. His days were indeed quite beautiful.


    However, Zhang Ye was not satisfied with such a situation. This was not a long-term n. He was going to be a father soon, so his motivation and enthusiasm had increased. He wanted to try topete for the Asian S-list rankings no matter what. Thus, he set himself a goal. Before his child was born, he would have to be an Asian Heavenly King at the least and make it to the top of the Asian stage before setting his eyes on the world stage. Otherwise, everything else would be for naught.


    But where could he make a breach?


    How could he fend off the restrictions that were set upon him by the Japanese and Koreans?


    How could he quickly increase his poprity in Asia?


    He thought about Zhang Yuanqi, Xu Men, and the others who were at the top of the Chinese entertainment circle with him. All of them were also Heavenly Kings and Queens in Asia, with the only exception being Zhang Ye. Although the influence of Korea''s entertainment industry was still the greatest in Asia, with many of their variety shows, dramas, and movies easily breaking into the Chinese market, and earning buckets of money while winning over many fans at the same time; China''s own movies, TV dramas, and variety shows found it harder to get into the Japanese and Korean markets. However, with the Chinese poption already there and the market so big, those who could reach the top of the Chinese entertainment industry were basically also at the top of the Asian entertainment industry. At least, they didn''t have much of a problem bing an Asian S-lister.


    So why was Zhang Ye the exception?


    This was because the path he walked was different from the other six Heavenly Kings and Queens. They were all popr, good-looking, idolized, starred in films, TV shows, or sang. All of them were mainstream idols, while Zhang Ye had never been associated with the mainstream, nor an idol, for that matter. This was the essential difference, so regardless of whether it was Zhang Yuanqi or Xu Men, their paths were not something that Zhang Ye could copy.


    If he wanted to reach the top in Asia?


    Then he would have to find his own way!


    A path that was different from everyone else''s!


    ��


    After pondering for half an hour.


    And drinking three cups of strong tea.


    Zhang Ye still did note up with any constructive thoughts, so he decided to take a look at the lottery system. With so many Reputation Points umted, it was time to use it again. Otherwise, all the points would all be sitting in there for nothing.


    He opened up the game ring''s interface.


    And tapped on the merchant shop.


    He activated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded).


    And then opened up the lottery draw and ced in the additional stakes.


    He did a series of maniptions with great familiarity.


    This time, he still chose to stick with the Lottery Draw (Two). The items from the medium-sized treasure chests were good and of a higher level as well, although they were more expensive to get. Each attempt cost 10 million Reputation Points, with every additional stake requiring another 10 million as well. However, what Zhang Ye did notck was Reputation Points. He still had not used many of the Reputation Points he had earned this year, while he continued gaining more as his poprity grew, with an endless amount of Reputation Points being added with each passing day. That was to say, as long as he stayed in the entertainment industry, his Reputation Points would never stop growing. Therefore, Zhang Ye was extremely generous in spending it this time. He immediately ced nine additional stakes for his first attempt, totaling 10 stakes altogether. The sum of the Reputation Points required was 100 million, and this did not even include the high consumption rate per second by the Lucky Halo (Upgraded).


    The lottery draw began!


    The slot machine was activated!


    One cycle��


    Three cycles��


    Five cycles��


    Ding. The prize was dispensed.


    Zhang Ye immediately looked at it in anticipation. The familiar Treasure Chest (Medium) was lying there in the game ring''s inventory. He carefully took it out and opened it to look inside. He heaved a sigh of relief when he learned that it wasn''t empty. All those Reputation Points didn''t go to waste.


    It was all experience books inside the treasure chests.


    They were the higher tier experience books.


    [Drawing Skill Experience Book] �� 10: Increases the drawing skill experience of the yer.


    Every one of these types of higher tier skill experience books from Lottery Draw (Two) was equivalent to a hundred of the same skill experience books that were dispensed through Lottery Draw (One). Moreover, Zhang Ye had yet to discover any upper limit to them and could "eat" them endlessly. This was the reason why he preferred ying in the Lottery Draw (Two). Sometimes, if he yed the Lottery Draw (One) too many times, the skills or stats attained would reach a cap and any more of the Skills or Stats Category items would go to waste if he won more of them. Meanwhile, the higher tier experience books did not have such a problem. So, with the current circumstances where many of Zhang Ye''s attributes and skills were already at the max level, such as his strength, agility, calligraphy, mathematics, and Go, it was obvious that Lottery Draw (Two) was the more suitable option to y. This was because he could still continue increasing his skill experience even after he reached the cap that the lower tier books could not surpass.


    Drawing?


    Alright then, it was always better to have another skill set after all.


    Zhang Ye did not pay much attention to it and continued ying the lottery.


    The slot machine started moving again.


    It spun and spun.


    And spun and spun.


    He deliberately turned his head away and did not look. This was because he realized that it would not affect the results whether he looked at it or not, so he might as well not look and wonder.


    He heard a ding and the prize was dispensed!


    It was another 10 medium-sized treasure chests!


    But when he saw what was in it, Zhang Ye was taken aback.


    [Japanese Language Skill Experience Book] �� 10: Increases the yer''s Japanesenguage skill.


    Japanesenguage?


    Drawing?


    Something dawned on Zhang Ye.


    Perhaps Heaven is implying something to me?

 Chapter 1421 - Zhang Ye’s rotten idea!

    <h4>Chapter 1421 - Zhang Ye''s rotten idea! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the afternoon.


    Zhang Ye returned to the studio.


    Everyone was working and was rather surprised to see him.


    "Director Zhang?"


    "What are you doing here?"


    "Didn''t you say that you were taking two days off?"


    "Yeah, it''s only been half a day."


    "Ah, did something happen again?"


    "Is someone trying to challenge you again?"


    If it were any other celebrity''s studio, how could there always be so many things happening on a daily basis? Besides, no one could bear that much of it either. If something big happened once every six months, that would be more than enough trouble for them to handle. But it was different at Zhang Ye''s Studio. Here, if there wasn''t a major incident or two per week, they wouldn''t be known as Zhang Ye''s Studio anymore. This was the epicenter of the Asian entertainment industry''s problems.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Nothing bad happened."


    Only then did everyone heave a sigh of relief. "You gave us such a fright."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Come, let''s have a meeting."


    In the conference room.


    Everyone took their seats.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Old Zuo, how are recent developments?"


    Zhang Zuo smiled and said, "Although Japan and Korea have introduced the restrictions, we''re actually still doing great. Our poprity in Asia rose again yesterday."


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "The more we get scolded, the more popr we be."


    Little Wang ttered, "Director Zhang is mighty! Director Zhang is powerful!"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Enough, enough, it doesn''t sound like a good thing no matter how I hear it."


    Zhang Zuo said, "If this continues, even if Japan and Korea maintain their restrictions on us, we''ll still be able to hold our ground in the Asian Celebrity Rankings. We might even be able to keep moving up bit by bit. But if we want to reach the summit of Asia, that could prove to be very difficult, and it also would take a long time to achieve."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "That''s why this is still not enough. We mustn''t be satisfied with the status quo."


    Ha Qiqi looked at him. "What do you mean?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Since things havee to this, there''s no way we can resolve it. So let''s just take it all the way with them. But we can''t keep on fighting like this. It doesn''t mean anything and doesn''t answer the problem. Yes, it does increase our poprity. But if we want to reach the summit in Asia, this bit of increase is too negligible. We need a greater spurt of poprity increase by doing something impactful, so I think there''s a need to change our strategy. We can''t wait for them toe over. We have to take the initiative and take it to them!"


    Can''t be passive or wait to get attacked?


    This thinking made sense, but��


    Wu Yi said startled, "We''re going to attack first?"


    Tong Fu also said, "But how do we fight?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Aren''t the restrictions already in ce over there?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Then let''s circumvent the restrictions. They explicitly restricted me by name, but what if I changed my name? Who would know that it is me?"


    Nobody understood what he meant.


    Change names?


    How are you going to change it?


    Use a pseudonym?


    Ha Qiqi said, "Then where are we going to take the fight to?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "We have two choices. One is Japan and the other is Korea. Which country should we begin with? Everyone, give me your opinion."


    Wu Yi said, "If you really want to do it, then I guess we should target Korea."


    Tong Fu nodded. "We''re more familiar with them since we''ve been fighting with them for so long."


    Zhang Zuo added, "Yeah, we''re more familiar with Korea."


    Then Zhang Ye said, "Alright then, I''ve decided. Let''s target Japan first!"


    Everyone was floored!


    Pfft!


    Then why did you ask us?


    Aren''t our opinions redundant!


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Th-Then how are we going to do it?"


    Previously, Zhang Ye wasn''t sure of how to proceed either. However, the lottery draw that he yed at noon had given him apletely new train of thought. It had broadened his horizons and opened his eyes. Since he had always been taking the unconventional path, then he might as well continue taking it. The paths of other celebrities didn''t fit him, so he would just have to find his own way forward!


    Japanesenguage?


    Drawing?


    The answer was obvious!


    Zhang Ye smiled mysteriously. "If we''re going to do it, we have to go big. We''re not gonna sweat the small stuff since that won''t help us get much poprity anyway. Think about it. What is the most popr in Japan, captures the most attention from people, has a lead on any other country by far, has their products sold throughout Asia, and is the most watched industry of all?"


    Zhang Zuo was startled. "Are you saying?"


    Zhang Ye grinned and said, "Yes."


    Ha Qiqi was gobsmacked. "Are you intending to?"


    Zhang Ye nodded with a smile. "That''s right."


    Little Wang said in shock, "Are you going to star in an adult video?"


    Flop!


    Zhang Ye nearly fell off his chair. He roared, "Me? Star in an adult video? Your sister!"


    Little Wang said, "Didn''t you say that it''s an industry that catches the most attention from people?"


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted from anger. "Is that the only one you can think of? I''m telling you! You had better watch less of those videos from now on!"


    Little Wang looked really embarrassed. Her face had turned all red. "I''ve never watched it before!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    Everyone in the meeting wasughing hard.


    Little Wang said anxiously, "Then what are you talking about?"


    Ha Qiqi clutched her stomach andughed. "Director Zhang was talking abouics 1 , right?"


    Zhang Ye banged the table and said, "Look at Old Ha! Just look at her! It''sics! Comics, my dearrades! I want to use this as an entry point for all Japanese people to learn about me. I want to turn everything upside down! It''s decided. We''ll go ahead with theics. Starting from today, we''ll be doing this!"


    Zhang Zuo said nervously, "You aren''t joking, right?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Do I look like I''m joking?"


    Little Wang said, "But you don''t even know how to speak Japanese."


    Zhang Ye opened his mouth and spoke what sounded like gibberish to the team.


    Little Zhou was startled. "Is that Japanese?"


    Tong Fu cussed, "Damn, when did you learn it?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I just picked it up. I''m good at studying, and the Japanesenguage is considerably simpler amongnguages. It''s not too hard to pick up."


    Not too hard to pick up?


    But you still couldn''t have picked it up that fast!


    Everyone was skeptical.


    Little Wang wiped at her sweat. "But I''ve never seen you draw before?"


    Zhang Ye said, "There are many things that you don''t know about me. Anyway, the direction is set. Within the year, we will definitely achieve the status of bing an Asian S-lister. I know that we''ve never done anything rted to the field ofics before, but it doesn''t matter. After all, practice makes perfect. Everyone, I need you to make use of your channels to get in touch with your contacts and prepare for the big n after this. By the way, keep it a secret and don''t let anyone know about it. When we contact the Japanese publishing studios, we must also ensure that our identity does not get revealed. Otherwise, there will be nothing left to y for."


    He kept going on for a while.


    Only then did everyone gasp to themselves.


    Is he serious?


    Is he really serious?


    But does Director Zhang know how to drawics? Isn''t this field mainly dominated by the Japanese?


    However, seeing how confident Zhang Ye looked, no one said anything else about it. If he could actually rely onics to break into the Japanese market and gain the poprity from their entire poption, that would really be another way of doing things. When that happened, their poprity would definitely increase by leaps and bounds! Alright then, let''s take a shot at it!


    However, Zhang Ye''s next line left everyone on the verge of copse!


    Zhang Ye was about to leave the meeting room when he suddenly turned around. "Eh, what kinds of tools do we need to makeics?"


    "Ah?"


    "You mean you don''t know?"


    "Dear God!"

 Chapter 1422 - The first comic series is decided!

    <h4>Chapter 1422 - The firstic series is decided! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the studio.


    Some people went to get in touch with their contacts in Japan.


    Meanwhile, the remaining people were giving advice and suggestions to Zhang Ye. They were discussing the necessary tools required for makingics. As the saying goes, two heads are better than one, so they held a brainstorming session together.


    Ha Qiqi said, "They use fountain pens, right?"


    Someone said, "I think it should be drawn with pencils."


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "It cannot be pencils."


    Little Zhou suddenly said, "I know, I''ve heard someone say that they draw withdip pens 1 . That''s what they use specifically in Japan to drawics. I think there are even many types that are used too."


    Zhang Ye''s eyes lit up. "Yes, yes, there''s such a thing! There''s such a thing! I''ve heard of it before. Good one, Little Zhou! Dip pens! Quickly, make a note to procure them."


    Little Wang was sitting next to him and taking minutes in all seriousness.


    Zhang Zuo said, "We need A4 paper too."


    Zhang Ye smacked his thigh and said, "That''s right, that''s needed as well."


    Wu Yi said, "A ruler, don''t forget a ruler."


    "Right, a ruler." Zhang Ye nodded.


    Little Wang raised her head and asked, "What if you make a mistake while drawing? What will you do about that? You surely need some whiteout too!"


    Zhang Ye pointed at her. "Look at how meticulous Little Wang is. Right, we need whiteout too!"


    Little Wang was very happy to get praised. "It''s all because of Director Zhang''s good leadership!"


    A bunch ofymen were enthusiastically conversing and the list of items to be procured kept growing longer.


    At a desk in the corner of the studio, a rookie who had just joined the studio was dumbfounded. He looked at Zhang Ye, Ha Qiqi, and the others in a daze as countless grass mud horses rampaged across his heart! Many of the words that wereing out from their mouths had seemingly brought him back to his childhood!


    Ruler?


    A4 paper?


    And even whiteout?!


    The fuck? What year are those antiques from!


    Why the fucking hell was whiteout even mentioned?


    Why don''t you use artist tape 2 instead if you make an error while drawing!


    Little Sun was hesitant to speak, but he slowly raised his hand. "Director Zhang, about that��"


    Everyone looked over at him.


    Ha Qiqi asked, "What''s the matter, Little Sun?"


    Little Sun didn''t know whether tough or cry. "The way they drawics in Japan these days don''t require those tools anymore. They''ve long since switched to usingputers and specialized professional drawing software."


    Zhang Ye said, "Huh?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Uh?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Damn, is that so?"


    Little Sun wiped off his sweat. "What you all just mentioned were drawing tools from many years ago. They don''t use them anymore these days. I have a rtive who settled in Japan, so I''m pretty familiar with the scene over there. Besides, I asionally drawics as well, so I''vee across these things too. There''s really no need for something like whiteout!"


    The few upper management staff of the studio reddened in embarrassment.


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Look at you guys, always blindly suggesting ideas like that. Little Sun is a professional at drawing, so we should listen to his professional opinion on this matter!"


    Us? Blindly suggesting ideas?


    You were the one who agreed with everything we just said!


    Everyone rolled their eyes.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Alright, Little Sun, I''ll let you handle this matter. Just let Little Wang know what kind of equipment and software we need and she''ll get it set up."


    Little Sun immediately received the order. "I''ll ensure that the task getsplete!"


    ��


    On that same night.


    The equipment, tools, and even specialized tables and chairs were set up.


    Zhang Ye had requested two sets, one to be ced at home in the vi, and another to be ced in the studio.


    Theputer was thetest touchscreen model from this world''s leading techpany. He could operate and draw right on screen. It did not require any other external input. The software could be downloaded from the Inte, and there were all kinds of them for him to choose from. There wasn''t anything unusual about this anymore.


    Back at home.


    A call from Wu Zeqing came in.


    "You''re home already?"


    "Ah, I had something to deal with."


    "Do you want to go to my parents'' ce for dinner tonight?"


    "No, you guys can go ahead."


    "Then I''ll go back and prepare dinner for you."


    "Aiya, there''s no need. I can just order takeout."


    "What''s going on at home?"


    "Oh, I''m setting up a drawing studio, so there''s a lot of moving to get done. Isn''t that small study of yours hardly used? I''ll be converting it into a drawing studio, OK?"


    "Hur hur, sure."


    "Alright then."


    This was the good thing about Old Wu. She didn''t mind whatever Zhang Ye wanted to do.


    Since Old Wu was going to stay over at her parents'' house tonight, Zhang Ye nned on drawing a little and making a decision on the series. As a result, he ordered some takeout and ate it for dinner. When the workers finished setting up the studio, he finished eating. After they left, he soaked in a hot bath for half an hour to sort out his thoughts before getting ready to start work.


    ��


    8:30 AM.


    In the drawing studio.


    Zhang Ye went over to sit on his new ergonomic chair and immediately got into the zone.


    He powered on hisputer, then clicked on the professional drawing software, and began trying his hand at drawing. It wasn''t supposed to be serious, but he ended up getting shocked!


    Fish?


    Birds?


    Houses?


    Cars?


    As long as it was something that he could imagine, he could replicate it in its most intact form. There was nothing stopping him, and the feeling was beyond amazing. Based on his form, he wouldn''t have any trouble drawing any of theics that he had read in his previous world. The only thing that he wasn''t too familiar with was the software. So Zhang Ye spent an hour exploring and familiarizing himself on how to operate it, such as filling in the colors, making alterations, or saving the files.


    An hourter.


    He was all set.


    He didn''t have any problems with his drawing techniques either.


    All that was missing now was a series?


    Zhang Ye opened up the game ring''s interface and immediately clicked into the merchant shop where he crazily bought a lot of Memory Search Capsules. He ate them one by one and then closed his eyes. Immediately, he started recalling all of theics that he had ever read in his previous world. He carved every single detail of every chapter from the differentics deep into his mind. In his previous world, Zhang Ye was also aics and animation fan. He watched cartoons when he was young but started readingics as he grew older. Although he was not a fanaticalic fan and did note across many of the other works, he still had the pleasure of reading some of the most famous Japaneseics.


    Which one should he choose?


    Which series should he use first?


    Zhang Ye pondered it and could not make a decision. That one? That one was quite good! How about this one? This one is not bad either! Which one should he use to fire the first shot? However, after much hesitation, Zhang Ye broke out intoughter. Damn, wouldn''t any of them be the same? Theics that he had in mind did not exist in this world, so whichever one he brought out would impress no matter what!


    Alright then, let''s try it out with "that" one first!


    With a decision in mind, Zhang Ye immediately got down to drawing!


    ��


    One Piece


    Chapter 1: Romance Dawn


    Gol D. Roger, the King of the Pirates, had achieved it all. Wealth, fame, and power had all been his. Hisst words before he died inspired people all across the world to head for the seas: "You want my treasure? It''s yours if you can find it! I left everything in the world there. You just have to find it!"


    The world��


    ��is about to witness a great age of piracy!


    ��


    Swish, swish, swish.


    Swish, swish, swish.


    There was only the sound of the stylus brushing against the screen in the drawing studio.


    An hour.


    Three hours.


    Five hours.


    He spent the entire night drawing.


    From the unfamiliarity at the beginning, he slowly got the hang of it and got faster at drawing!


    Zhang Ye lost track of time as he became engrossed. When he got down to work, it was always like this. He did not care about eating, drinking, or sleeping. No one could stop him until he was satisfied or until he was unable to move.


    One chapter.


    Two chapters.


    When dawn broke, he managed to finish drawing two full chapters!


    After Zhang Ye filled in the background of the second chapter''sst panel with ck, he took a look at the hard work that he had put in all night. He was shocked with himself. Isn''t this speed way too fast? He had finished drawing two chapters in just one night of work? He heard before that some of those cartoonists living the miserable life would either publish their work weekly or monthly. That would mean that the fastest they needed to submit their work was once per week, and it was only one chapter each time? And they would have to tire themselves out just to reach this target?


    But why do I not feel tired?


    This bro is not exhausted at all!


    Only then did Zhang Ye put down the stylus and head out in high spirits for breakfast.


    He wasn''t tired at all. He did draw very quickly, but that''s because his mind was already filled with the final product of other people''s work. He didn''t even a need toe up with a draft, or a plot, or character designs. All he had to do was draw them as he knew it! Coupled with all those Fruits of Agility and Fruits of Stamina��


    How the fuck could he not be quick!

 Chapter 1423 - The debut of One Piece!

    <h4>Chapter 1423 - The debut of One Piece! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that morning.


    At the studio.


    Zhang Ye did not look tired at all after taking a two-hour nap at home. Instead, he seemed very fresh and even arrived at work humming a little ditty.


    "Director Zhang."


    "Morning."


    Good morning."


    "Director Zhang, you''re here?"


    Everyone greeted him with a smile.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Is everyone busy? Did you manage to link up with your contacts?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "We''re doing that right now. Thanks to Little Sun''s rtive who settled down in Japan, a lot of matters became much easier and convenient to deal with."


    Little Sun scratched his head in embarrassment. "It''s what I should do."


    Zhang Ye patted him on the shoulder. "Well done, Little Sun. When the timees, we might have to ask your rtive to help represent us regarding some things. After all, everyone, including the media, knows the identities of our studio''s staff. If any of us were to reveal ourselves, we would get exposed. And besides, no one else here understands Japanese other than me."


    Little Sun immediately said, "That won''t be a problem."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright then, I''ll be troubling you."


    Little Sun quickly said, "Director Zhang, you''re wee. Oh right, your drawing studio has been set up."


    Little Wang shouted from upstairs, "Director Zhang, everything has been prepared. You can start drawing anytime you wish."


    Zhang Ye said, "Start drawing what? I''ve finished drawing two chapters already."


    Little Wang nearly tumbled downstairs!


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    "Ah?"


    "What?"


    "Finished drawing?"


    "Two chapters?"


    "What the heck!"


    "Do you have to be this quick!"


    "When ites to work productivity, I really freaking have to give it to you!"


    This difference between people was too great!


    Thinking about the other celebrities and their studios, they were all working in the same industry and would often interact with one another. In their private conversations, they discovered that everyone was alwaysining about things like how this celebrity had quit on some project, that celebrity not wanting to take on certain work, some new song getting dyed by a month, or how there was conflict in a drama crew that made the celebrities refuse to rejoin the filming. A lot of people who worked at a studio would often have to painstakingly coax their celebrities on such matters!


    But at their studio?


    It waspletely not the case!


    In fact, it was the exact opposite!


    Before the subordinates were even prepared or warmed up yet, they discovered that Director Zhang had alreadypleted it!


    What kind of an experience was this?


    It was an unimaginable situation that no one would understand unless they had worked at Zhang Ye''s Studio before!


    Ha Qiqi smiled wryly. "You''re too fast!"


    Zhang Zuo said happily, "Director Zhang has always been impatient like that."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Of course. Come,e, I''ve already emailed the final copy to everyone. Everyone, have a look at it and give me your opinion!"


    Instantly, everyone surrounded aputer to read it.


    "Ah!"


    "It really is aic!"


    "Looks like it''s really what it is!"


    "Wow, it''s in Japanese!"


    "Director Zhang really knows Japanese!"


    Everyone was eximing in amazement.


    Zhang Ye smiled as he saw everyone''s reaction. He was feeling really satisfied with this.


    A few minutester, everyone was done reading it.


    Zhang Ye said happily, "So how is it? What do you guys think?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "About that��"


    Zhang Zuo also balked and did not dare speak.


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips and said, "Don''t worry, be brave and speak up. Tell me what you think."


    Ha Qiqi was the first to speak. "So then, I''m not very intoics and have not read that many of them before. But at first nce, it does feel a little offbeat. Pirates? Is that suitable as subject matter? Isn''t that basically about robbing? If we''re to gain poprity in Japan, surely we should be a little more mainstream, right? But I don''t think I''ve ever heard of such alternativeics in the Japaneseic industry. Maybe you should��well, isn''t this a little too niche?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Any other opinions?"


    Little Wang coughed. "About this character''s design, why does he look a little��"


    Zhang Ye asked, "A little what?"


    Little Wang said, "A little ugly."


    Little Zhou wiped away his sweat. "It''s indeed a little uneptable. This character''s design is too simple."


    Little Sun looked at Director Zhang''s expression before saying, "I''ve read a lot ofics. The characteristics and spirit of a character are reflected in their eyes. B-But for this character that you drew, why are his eyes only represented by dots? I-Isn''t this as good as having no eyes? Will that work?"


    The background.


    The character design.


    The plot.


    Everyone startedining about it.


    "Director Zhang, surely this won''t work, right?"


    "Why don''t we change it to something else?"


    After Zhang Ye heard them out, he smiled and said, "Listening to your opinions, I''m rather relieved. Alright then, we''ll go ahead with this. I''ll draw a few more chapters over the next few days and send them over to Japan!"


    Everyone was speechless.


    They could not understand what Zhang Ye was talking about.


    Only he knew what was going on.


    Why was he relieved?


    Because in his previous world, that was also the assessment from everyone when One Piece first debuted!


    Weird!


    Ugly!


    Strange character designs!


    Good! Both of the worlds seem to have the same aesthetic appreciation ofics!


    Then all is well!


    One Piece is definitely going to be popr!


    Everyone was cautiously trying to persuade Zhang Ye, but they gave up after realizing there was no effect on him.


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Then what pen name are you going to use?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Oh yes, what name should I use?"


    Zhang Ye definitely could not use his own name, nor a name that was simr to any Chinese names. He couldn''t let anyone guess his identity, so he had to think of a name that was obviously Japanese in order to blend in.


    What should he call himself?


    The first name that floated up in his mind belonged to a famous Japanese person, so he immediately blurted out, "I shall call myself Sora."


    Sora?


    What kind of a name was that?


    The studio staff did not understand.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Alright, then let''s just call you��Sora?"


    As they were speaking.


    Ring, ring, ring. A phone call came in.


    Zhang Ye answered it. It turned out that it was a call from someone at the Asian Charity Association.


    It was a Chinese person named Qu Huahua, and she was one of their managers.


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "Hey, Sister Qu, hello."


    "We''ll be holding a charity event in Japan next week, so we would like to invite you to join us. Do you have time to attend?"


    "In Japan?"


    "That''s correct."


    "What kind of an event is it?"


    "It''s the Asian Public Service Announcements Award Ceremony."


    "I''m included?"


    "Absolutely."


    "Didn''t they restrict me from entering the country?"


    "It''s for our charity''s award ceremony. They wouldn''t dare stop you!"


    "Got it! Alright then, I''ll go."


    "OK, then can you please send me a photo of your passport? I''ll help you make the arrangements."


    "Sure, thanks!"


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye went to inform Ha Qiqi and the others about it.


    Ha Qiqi immediately made a note of it. "OK, I''ll follow up on it."


    Little Wang blinked and said, "Are you really going to Japan?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Why not? We intended to take the fight to them this time anyway, so we have to get a feel of the mood over there and check out the situation."


    He had just returned from Korea?


    And now he was headed to Japan?


    Everyone was trembling a little with fear!


    Director Zhang had always managed to get into conflicts with other people without having to step out of his house, to say nothing of if he did go out, and even more so if he did go abroad. When had he not caused earth-shattering chaos before? As a result, all of them shivered when they heard that Zhang Ye was heading abroad again!

 Chapter 1424 - The incident with the Japanese hotel’s magazines!

    <h4>Chapter 1424 - The incident with the Japanese hotel''s magazines! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the evening.


    In his home drawing studio.


    Zhang Ye buried himself in work and was drawing the third chapter of One Piece, looking focused. He wanted toplete at least ten chapters before heading to Japan.


    One page.


    Two pages.


    Three pages.


    The characters came to life on the canvas one by one.


    When he suddenly looked up, Zhang Ye realized another person was inside the small drawing studio.


    Zhang Ye put the stylus down. "Whoa, when did youe in?"


    Wu Zeqing, who was standing behind him, smiled and said, "I''ve been here for a while now. Did you set up this new drawing studio because you wanted to makeics?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yeah." He turned back. "Here, read it."


    Old Wu said with a smile, "I read it already. It''s pretty good."


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "You always say the same thing for everything I do."


    Old Wu said, "Hur hur, but it''s really pretty good."


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh yes, I''ll be going to Japan next week to receive an award."


    Old Wu asked, "Alright, for how many days?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m thinking of staying a little longer to get a sense of the market there."


    Old Wu said, "OK. But the people there aren''t that weing of you, so just be careful, alright?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I will. I''m gonna continue drawing then."


    Old Wu said gently, "I''ll go make you a cup of coffee."


    "Thanks, honey!" Zhang Ye acknowledged before getting back to work.


    An hour.


    Three hours.


    The third chapter was finallypleted.


    When he checked his watch, it was 12 AM.


    Zhang Ye did not go to sleep and continued drawing the fourth chapter.


    If any Japanese cartoonists would have present, they would definitely have been shocked by Zhang Ye''s speed. Zhang Ye did not even blink as he started drawing the moment he held the stylus. Swish, swish, swish. His hands seemed to produce afterimages at the speed he drew. He did not even stumble at any point in time while drawing theics. There was no erasing, no alterations, and no errors. This had nothing to do with speed. Reaction, agility, strength, and stamina, all of it was indispensable. No one could draw as quickly as he did. Only a martial arts master who had knowledge of his previous world''spletedics, like Zhang Ye, could do it!


    ��


    One day.


    Two days.


    The final copy was building up page by page.


    Eventually, ten chapters of the final copy werepleted.


    ��


    On the morning of the third day.


    Zhang Ye returned to the studio and showed everyone the final copy.


    The studio staff could no longer express how they felt at this moment.


    "Ten chapters?"


    "You drew up eight chapters in thest two days?"


    "Jesus!"


    "You''re too fast!"


    "Director Zhang, you must take care of your health!"


    "Yeah, don''t tire yourself out!"


    However, Zhang Ye said in a rxed manner, "What about me tiring out? What''s the big deal with just this bit of workload?" He wasn''t bragging; he really didn''t feel tired at all. When he left the house with Old Wu this morning, he even jogged threeps around their neighborhood before driving over to work without breaking a sweat.


    Everyone was speechless.


    They sometimes wondered if Director Zhang was made of metal.


    They really wanted to take off his clothes to see if there were steel tes underneath.


    Ha Qiqi said at this moment, "Oh right, Director Zhang, the itinerary for the Japan trip is out."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "OK, let me have a look."


    "Here." Ha Qiqi passed it to him. "It''s from the Asian Charity Association."


    Schedule:


    Next Monday.


    ne arrives in Tokyo.


    Check-in to the Asakusa Hotel.


    And so on.


    Zhang Ye read over it. "Alright, we''ll travel ording to their itinerary. But for the return trip, there''s no need to rush it. Let''s stay for a few more days."


    Ha Qiqi nodded. "Alright, I''ll go and liaise with them."


    Zhang Zuo asked, "Who will be in the entourage this time?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Who wants to go?"


    Little Wang raised her hand and shouted, "Me, me, me!"


    Little Zhou also raised her hand. "I''ve never been to Japan before either!"


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "It''s not like we''re letting you guys go there to have fun. We''re going to be handling important matters."


    However, Zhang Ye was not that particr. "Haha, it doesn''t matter. It''s going to be a work and R&R trip. Alright, Little Wang and Little Zhou will being with me. And Little Sun too, you''ll definitely have toe along as well."


    Little Sun smiled. "OK!"


    Zhang Ye looked at Ha Qiqi. "Old Ha, why don''t you go too?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "I will definitely be going."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "So then, that''s about it?"


    Zhang Zuo felt a little uneasy and immediately said, "Director Zhang, why don''t you bring Little Yang along as well?"


    Ha Qiqi quickly added, "That''s right, that''s right. We weren''t prepared when we went to Korea thest time, so we nearly got into trouble when we hit a snag. It won''t work if we don''t have a bodyguard with us while we''re abroad. Moreover, the Japanese are always scolding you nowadays, so we definitely have to bring Little Yang along with us. Safety first!"


    Across the office, Yang Shu was leaning on the windowsill and staring at the BMW X5 parked downstairs. Upon hearing that, she slowly turned her head in a daze and asked, "What''s the matter? Where are we going?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes.


    Ha Qiqi said, "We''re going to Japan. We''ll be depending on you for protection."


    Yang Shu nodded and said, "Alright."


    Zhang Ye lectured her, "Don''t cause any trouble when you''re there."


    Yang Shu replied, "OK."


    Zhang Ye said, "And stop setting your sights on other people''s car windows!"


    Yang Shu said, "Uh-huh."


    Zhang Ye harrumphed, "If you get into trouble while we''re there, we''ll leave you behind in Japan. Don''t think abouting back here either. Do you hear me?"


    Yang Shu said, "OK."


    Nobody knew whether tough or cry!


    Director Zhang!


    How can you be so thick-skinned to lecture others?


    You''re obviously the one who is always getting into trouble!


    Every one of those words that you said was referring to yourself, alright?


    The itinerary was finalized, and the entourage was determined as well. The remaining item to take care of was the paperwork.


    Getting passports.


    Booking the ne tickets.


    Making the hotel reservations.


    The Asian Charity Association had only invited Zhang Ye, but they did say that they would reimburse and make arrangements for his entourage as well. After all, they knew that for a celebrity of Zhang Ye''s level, he could not possibly travel alone for a trip like that. However, since Zhang Ye was nning to bring a lot of people with him, he didn''t want to trouble the charity to arrange all that. Zhang Ye was a fair and just person, so he decided that he would fork out the money himself.


    There were three more days to go.


    Everyone was looking forward to this trip to Japan.


    But just before they set off, an incident that would cause a heated discussion throughout Asia happened!


    ��


    On this morning.


    The news camepletely out of the blue!


    A Korean journalist brought to light the in-house magazines in a hotel in Tokyo, Japan that were provided to their guests. The articles in it were extremely harsh: whitewashing history, tampering with history, denying past military atrocities, and even usingnguage in an obviously insulting tone to the Chinese and Koreans. It was terrible and horrible! Most importantly, this hotel was even quite a famous one. It was called the Asakusa Hotel, and many of the amodation needs ofrge conferences'' attendees and foreign athletes during importantpetitions were handled here. It was also a corporate partner to many travel agencies, and a lot of Chinese tour groups would arrange for their guests to stay with them. However, those magazines were all published in the Japanesenguage, so it managed to stay undiscovered until now!


    In the history of this world, there were also quite a lot of simrities to that of Zhang Ye''s previous world. There were differences, but the general development of both universes did not vary by too much!


    As such, many of the countries in Asia were having none of it this time!


    China.


    Korea.


    The media.


    The people.


    All of them immediately started criticizing!

 Chapter 1425 - I will stay at the Asakusa Hotel!

    <h4>Chapter 1425 - I will stay at the Asakusa Hotel! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The Chineseizens.


    "Damn, they''re purposely trying to pick a fight!"


    "This is clearly a provocation!"


    "This hotel is too arrogant!"


    "The Asakusa Hotel? I stayed there when I took a vacation to Japanst year!"


    "Fuck! What''s the meaning of this?"


    "Apologize! They have to apologize!"


    "This is bullying!"


    "If it were some smaller hotel, it might not matter. But this is the Asakusa Hotel we''re talking about. Fuck, how can they do something like that? So many organizations and travel agencies work with them too! Oh, they''re secretly cing some right-wing mags in the hotel while making money off of our Chinese citizens? Motherfucker!"


    "They must make an exnation for that!"


    "Right, this is too disgusting!"


    The Koreanizens.


    "Ask the hotel manager to step forward!"


    "Does anyone care about this?"


    "Actions like these are despicable!


    "I can''t believe it! There''s actually a hotel like that?"


    "Apologize!"


    "Boycott staying in the hotel!"


    "I suggest that us Koreans should permanently cut all corporate ties with the Asakusa Hotel!"


    "Those magazines must be destroyed!"


    "This kind of talk cannot be forgiven by providence!"


    "History is not something that you can erase just because you want to!"


    Many of the Asian countries'' peoples came forward to curse at this. They had long forgotten about the boycott of Zhang Ye. When it came to such major national issues, there was absolutely no room for negotiation. So everyone''s attention was diverted to the Japanese in an instant!


    Simrly, a lot of Asian celebrities came forward to protest!


    Xu Men posted on Weibo: "Despicable!"


    Zhang Yuanqi posted on Weibo with a remark: "Let''s see how long it''ll take for your hotel to be done in!"


    Jiang Hanwei''s Studio''s Weibo: "Respect should be mutual. Don''t overstep your limits!"


    Another Heavenly King: "To all the Chinese people, please remember the name of this hotel! Even if you''re going to throw your money away, don''t let them earn it!"


    The people were firing shots!


    The celebrities were firing shots!


    The media was firing shots!


    This incident grew in intensity at once!


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Everyone here also saw the news.


    Ha Qiqi was stunned. "The Asakusa Hotel? Isn''t that the hotel where Director Zhang will be staying?"


    Wu Yi cursed, "Those fucking Japanese! Fuck their grandpas!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "They''re trying to cause trouble!"


    Little Wang said, "The main issue is, who knows how long those problematic magazines have been on disy for? It was intentional! They''re intentionally provoking us!"


    Everyone was scolding!


    This was indeed a bit too much!


    If you weren''t looking to earn the Chinese and Korean people''s money in the first ce, then fine! You could have shown that attitude right from the start. You didn''t have to ept the Chinese tourists, or corporate bookings of the other countries'' travel agencies and the amodation of the foreign athletes. They wouldn''t have wanted to stay at your hotel either! But no, the hotel actively sought out many corporate deals and managed to get a lot of Chinese and Korean tourists to stay at the hotel. Yet they still secretly ced all these problematic reading materials inside of everyone''s rooms, deliberately mocking them for not understanding what was written in them. Moreover, the other Japanese guests and hotel employees who could understand Japanese would secretlyugh at them without bringing the matter to their attention!


    What was that supposed to mean?


    Are you taking us to be idiots?


    Everyone was furious, except for Zhang Ye, who remained rather stoic. This was because he found this news rather familiar. It had happened before in his previous world as well. The incident also happened in Japan, and it was also an issue with the in-house reading materials. The only difference was that the hotel was different. It seemed like some incidents were simply inevitable even after the world was now a different one. There would always be idiots with no idea of the stupid things they were doing.


    ��


    The situation kept getting worse!


    The voices of protest were getting louder and louder!


    Sports organizations, charities, travel agencies, and many other corporate partners of the Asakusa Hotel put forward their requests to have the hotel take away their problematic reading materials!


    The Chinese authorities also protested!


    The Japanese media was also highly concerned about this incident!


    But in an interview that was leaked out, a Japanese official gave a statement.


    "Hello!"


    "Yes."


    "Can we ask you what you think about the Asakusa Hotel incident?"


    "That is a matter for the hotel to handle. We have no authority to interfere."


    "But many countries in Asia have raised serious protests!"


    "As I said, the hotel has its own way of managing its operations, so we won''t be interfering."


    After a few hours.


    The Asakusa Hotel held a press conference.


    Many reporters from China, Korea, and Japan showed up at the venue!


    In the end, the hotel owner''s first response was, "We will not be taking away the reading materials in question! Those magazines will always be ced in every one of our hotel rooms!"


    Arrogant!


    Too arrogant!


    The Chinese and Korean reporters were enraged!


    A female Korean reporter said loudly, "Aren''t you afraid of losing the foreign tourists as your customers?"


    But the hotel owner looked at her and said, "Our hotel will always wee every guest. If you don''t wish to stay here, don''te. We can''t force you to stay here either. We have our own way of doing business, and as long as we keep our real customers happy, the hotel won''t suffer any losses. On the contrary, we''re doing great every year, and the hotel is even thinking of expanding its operations. This matter won''t affect us at all."


    The Japanese authorities were indifferent!


    The Asakusa Hotel''s attitude was terrible!


    This was the answer they had given!


    The Chinese and Koreans cursed like crazy.


    "Fuck!"


    "What kinda people are those!"


    "Can''t we curb them?"


    "Quickly take away the problematic magazines!"


    "Motherfucker!"


    The matter blew up even more!


    Many Chinese and Korean travel agencies immediately announced the termination of all future cooperation with the Asakusa Hotel, and many travel service sites also announced that they would immediately cklist the Asakusa Hotel from their search results and reservation services!


    ��


    One day.


    Two days.


    Furious scolding!


    Denouncements!


    Cancetions of cooperation!


    Wave after wave of attacks were aimed at them!


    But it was all in vain as the Asakusa Hotel stood firm no matter what the outside world did. They refused to take away the reading materials and continued behaving however they wanted. They even used this matter as a way to attract more right-wing Japanese guests to their hotel. No one could do anything about them!


    It seemed like the matter was going to carry on unanswered like this.


    ��


    At the studio.


    Zhang Ye still did not make anyments about the incident.


    Theizens were scolding and the celebrities were all calling for a boycott, but only Zhang Ye did not make a response. This left everyone in Zhang Ye''s studio extremely surprised.


    Little Wang blinked. "Director Zhang, let''s express our stand as well!"


    Ha Qiqi also suggested, "Yeah, we have to at least scold them a little as well."


    However, Zhang Ye smiled and said, "There are already so many people scolding them. I won''t be missed."


    Little Wang was getting a little anxious. "But that''s not the same. We have to express our stand. Otherwise, how will people view us? Every time something like this happens, haven''t we always been obliged to say something about it?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "What does it matter what others think of me? You''ve already seen the attitude of those people at the Asakusa Hotel. What''s the use in scolding them further? They won''t give a damn."


    Ha Qiqi said, "But!"


    What was going on with Director Zhang?


    Why was he so low-key this time?


    They could not understand.


    At this moment, the Asian Charity Association called because tomorrow was the day of departure to Japan.


    The call connected.


    Qu Huahua said: "Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye said: "Hello, Sister Qu."


    Qu Huahua said: "Too many things have happened over the past few days, so we didn''t have the time to contact you until now. We''ve already held many discussions with the Asakusa Hotel, but nothing conclusive came out of it. We''ve decided to terminate our corporate agreement with them, so we''ll be switching you to another hotel. Why don''t you see if there any other ce that you''d like to stay at and we''ll arrange it for you?"


    However, Zhang Ye''s reply was shocking!


    Zhang Yeughed for a bit. "I think that the Asakusa Hotel should be pretty good."


    Qu Huahua was stunned: "Ah?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said: "Just go ahead with them. There''s no need to change the amodation."


    Qu Huahua gasped: "But no Chinese citizen dares stay at their hotel anymore. Don''t you know about the incident with their problematic magazines?" This��"


    Zhang Ye said: "No one dares to stay there anymore? Well, I do."


    Qu Huahua was speechless.


    As was the staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Zhang Ye said happily: "Sister Qu, I have decided to stay there."


    Qu Huahua said in a speechless manner: "Since you say so, then alright. But have you thought it through?"


    Zhang Ye: "Hur hur, I''ve thought it through."


    Don''t dare to stay?


    Why would I not dare to stay there!


    You should instead be worried about whether they dare to let me stay there!

 Chapter 1426 - Big news!

    <h4>Chapter 1426 - Big news! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    On the morning of departure.


    Wu Zeqing was making breakfast while Zhang Ye''s mother was helping him with his luggage.


    "Are you bringing your toothbrush?"


    "They have one over there. I don''t need to bring one."


    "Bring a towel. The ones at the hotel are not clean."


    "Aiya, there''s no need to."


    "Why do you have to go there for so many days?"


    "Hai, I just want to go there and hang out."


    "You must watch out when you get there."


    "I know, Mom. Don''t you know how skilled I am at fighting?"


    "Who''s talking about you? I was talking about watching out for other people''s safety. Don''t create any more trouble when you''re over there. Otherwise, how are you going toe back if you get arrested by the police?"


    "I won''t, don''t worry."


    "Like I could possibly not worry about that temper of yours!"


    "Just help me take care of Old Wu over here."


    "Need you ask? Just go on your trip."


    The luggage was packed.


    After breakfast.


    Zhang Ye pulled the suitcase behind him and left the house.


    At the entrance, Yang Shu had already driven Ha Qiqi, Little Wang, and the others over and were waiting outside. Little Sun quickly got out of the car to help him load the luggage into the car. Zhang Ye pulled open the door and got inside.


    The car drove away.


    Ha Qiqi said with a wry smile, "You didn''t tell your family where you would be staying, right?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "I didn''t mention it."


    Little Wang said, "Why do you insist on staying at the Asakusa Hotel?"


    Little Zhou said, "Yeah, that ce is on everyone''s tongue right now, and everyone is avoiding it."


    Zhang Yeughed. "That hotel feels pretty good to me."


    Little Wang: "Pfft! And where did you get the idea that it''s pretty good from?"


    However, Zhang Ye did not exin anything to them.


    They drove to the airport, got out, checked-in, went through security, and boarded the ne.


    ��


    On the ne.


    Everyone started to discuss theic series.


    How to submit the final copy.


    How to go about the workflow.


    How to keep their identity secret.


    After all, that was the real purpose of their trip.


    ��


    The nended.


    At the airport in Tokyo.


    Little Wang and Little Zhou were both traveling out of the country for the first time. They looked around curiously inside the airport.


    Suddenly, Little Wang pointed. "They''re here to pick us up, right?"


    Everyone looked over. Indeed, there was a wee sign with their names on it.


    Someone from the Asian Charity Association hade to pick Zhang Ye and his team up from the airport, and that person happened to be Qu Huahua whom Zhang Ye had met once. Qu Huahua was a woman in her thirties. She was slightly plump and looked extremely friendly. If you said she wasn''t involved in charity work, people would actually find it hard to believe that.


    Qu Huahua stretched out her hand. "Teacher Zhang, how have you been?"


    Zhang Ye shook hands with her. "Sister Qu, you needn''t havee personally."


    Qu Huahua smiled and said, "A lot of people have found out about your schedule. I came here personally because I was worried."


    Ha Qiqi was taken aback, as though she did not understand why being worried had anything to do with Zhang Ye''s schedule getting found out by other people. However, the next moment, all of them understood.


    Not far away.


    Several dozen Japanese people suddenly started shouting.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Over there!"


    "It''s him!"


    "That hooligan!"


    "Get out of Japan!"


    "Get out of Japan!"


    "We don''t wee you here!"


    "Ptui, whoever said that you coulde here!"


    "Fuck off back to China!"


    The group was making a scene!


    Some people even held up signs in Chinese with swear words on them.


    With the uproar over here, quite a few passengers turned to look.


    "Is that really Zhang Ye?"


    "So that''s him?"


    "Damn, he still dares toe here?"


    "That bastard!"


    In the end, a lot of Japanese passengers who were not here for Zhang Ye followed suit and started scolding him.


    Unlike the other countries in Asia, the Japanese people did not really care about the Asakusa Hotel incident. Many of them did not even know about it as the matter did not cause much of a sensation here. Their sentiments were still focused on the boycott of Zhang Ye. Be it the video of Zhang Ye''s scolding incident at Peking University, the Rivers Run Red scolding incident, or the matter of Kimura Kazuya getting "sent" back to Japan from China, everyone had umted a belly full of anger. In the past month, which day did they not spend cursing at Zhang Ye? Yet this fellow''s Asian poprity score continued rising by the day, nearly driving them to their graves. Now that Zhang Ye hade to Japan, many of the Japanese people came over and started cursing at him!


    Ha Qiqi and the others stayed very vignt.


    Little Wang and Little Zhou also stood closer to Yang Shu, feeling a little safer that way.


    Qu Huahua said helplessly, "There, your poprity over here is rather ''high.''"


    Zhang Yeughed as he calmly said, "There aren''t even this many people weing me back in China. I hadn''t expected such a reception here in Japan."


    When the charity association''s staff who came to wee them heard this, they gave Zhang Ye another look. So this was their newly appointed phnthropic ambassador? Most of them were only seeing Zhang Ye in person for the first time.


    What a legend indeed!


    This Teacher Zhang is really big-hearted!


    In the face of all this scolding by everyone, he could still banter?


    Qu Huahua said, "Shall we go then?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure."


    The airport also deployed the police to escort them out.


    It wasn''t because the Japanese police were willing to do so, but that they had their duties to perform.


    In the car.


    Qu Huahua said, "It''s still not toote to change hotels."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "There''s no need for that."


    Qu Huahua spread her hands. "Alright then, I really don''t understand what you''re thinking, though."


    Along the way, everyone was treated to a simple taste of the Japanese scenery.


    When the car reached the hotel, it was already afternoon. After they came to a stop, Qu Huahua said, "Alright, I''ll be dropping you all off here and leaving the rest to Little Yan to help you check-in."


    But Zhang Ye said, "There''s no need. I can handle it myself."


    Qu Huahua gave it some thought. "OK, but there are a lot of reporters around, and the controversy is not minor. Do be careful and immediately notify me by phone if anything happens."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Great job, Sister Qu."


    Qu Huahua said, "No worries."


    Zhang Ye and the others got out and watched as their ride drove off.


    Ha Qiqi looked across the road at the Asakusa Hotel. "So that''s the ce?"


    Little Wang snorted. "It looks like a rather big hotel."


    Little Sun said, "Director Zhang, so do we?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You guys go ahead and check-in."


    Little Zhou said, "Don''t! Let us apany you."


    Zhang Ye said, "There''s no need for that. I intend to rest up for the next few days at the hotel. Do whatever you guys need to. Don''t worry about me. There''s no need toe over to look for me either. We can keep in contact via cell."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Ah?"


    Zhang Ye said, "That will be all."


    Little Wang said, "But��"


    "Little Yang, take care of everyone''s safety," said Zhang Ye.


    Yang Shu nodded. "Don''t worry, Senior Bro!"


    After that, Zhang Ye pulled his suitcase along and crossed the road.


    Little Zhou said in a terrified manner, "Will Director Zhang be able to handle it by himself?"


    Ha Qiqi gave a bitterugh and said, "Whatever, let''s not worry about that. I''m sure he has a n."


    They did not book their amodations at the Asakusa Hotel and were instead staying at a hotel opposite it. As it was just across the road, they just needed to turn around and enter the hotel to process their check-ins. As for what Zhang Ye was really up to, they did not know nor could they guess.


    ��


    The Asakusa Hotel.


    In the main lobby.


    Zhang Ye slowly strolled inside and discovered that there was a rather long line at the counter. It seemed like business was rather brisk here and waspletely unaffected by the scolding from the Chinese. He went over and joined a line. Two or three minutester, it was finally his turn and he ced his documentation and passport onto the front desk.


    The female receptionist greeted him with a smile.


    "Hello."


    "Mmm."


    "Are you checking in to your room?"


    "Mhm."


    "Please wait."


    When the female receptionist finished speaking, she gave him a few more looks as she found him rather familiar-looking. However, she did not think too much about it. But when she flipped open Zhang Ye''s passport, she got a shock!


    What?


    Zhang Ye?


    That Chinese Heavenly King?


    The female receptionist looked up and asked in English, "Do you really want to check in?"


    Zhang Ye said with a smile, "Yes."


    The female receptionist was dumbfounded. "Are you sure you didn''te to the wrong ce? This is the Asakusa Hotel."


    Zhang Ye said, "I know. This is where I''m staying."


    The female receptionist checked the reservation list and received an even greater shock. Zhang Ye''s freaking name was really there. What is the meaning of this? Why are you staying at our hotel? Don''t you watch the news? However, she did not stop and quickly processed Zhang Ye''s check-in. She also informed the president at the same time.


    ��


    Upstairs.


    In the office.


    The hotel owner received the news soon after.


    "Zhang Ye checked in to our hotel?"


    "Yes, President."


    "Why is he here?"


    "It''s a corporate booking from the charity association."


    "Didn''t they cancel it?"


    "They did; they canceled all of them except for Zhang Ye''s booking."


    "He''s the only one who''s going to stay here?"


    "Yes."


    "For how many days?"


    "The booking is for ten days."


    "Is he crazy or what?"


    "President, his reputation in Japan is very poor and everyone is cursing him these days. Should we reject his booking?"


    "Haha, just let him stay. I was just worrying about how to hype up the publicity further. After the incident blew up, he still chooses to stay at our Asakusa Hotel? He must have so much trust in our hotel! This will show those people in China and Korea! Weren''t they trying to boycott us? Weren''t they going to cancel their bookings? Look! There will still be peopleing here to stay! And it''s even a big name in Asia! This is free publicity for us!"


    "That''s right!"


    ��


    Zhang Ye''s stay was quickly processed.


    Unbeknownst to him, he had been recognized by quite a few foreign correspondents the moment he walked in.


    "Ah!"


    "I-Isn''t that Zhang Ye?"


    "What''s he doing here?"


    "Is it for the Public Service Announcements Award Ceremony?"


    "But why is he staying here?"


    "Hurry, write a report on it!"


    "This is big news!"

 Chapter 1427 - Zhang Ye’s two demands!

    <h4>Chapter 1427 - Zhang Ye''s two demands! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the hotel.


    Upstairs.


    The elevator came to a stop with a ding.


    There was the asional chatter from the nearby Japanese guests.


    "Did you read the magazines?"


    "I read them."


    "Haha, the hotel president really dares to speak out."


    "I like him."


    "Me too, that''s why I chose to stay at this ce."


    "Yeah, many others also think the same."


    "To dare to say such things, I hope that the hotel president will continue to stand firm in his views."


    "Yeah, many organizations and people in the country have sent in words of support too."


    "The Asakusa Hotel is going to be so popr."


    In the past, Zhang Ye would definitely not understand any of these conversations. However, after "eating" the Japanese Language Skill Experience Books, he could even understand ented Japanese. He smiled as he dragged his luggage along and found his room. There, he unlocked the door.


    He swept his eyes over the ce. This hotel''syout was simr to the average star hotels back at home. The decorations were more or less the same, except it was a little small. Although he had booked arger suite, the space still felt rather cramped. He wasn''t picky about it though. He closed the door behind him and ced his luggage aside. Then he started wandering through the suite.


    The bathroom.


    The living room.


    The bedroom.


    Finally, at a very conspicuous spot on the nightstand, Zhang Ye saw a book. He bent over to pick it up and casually flipped through a few pages of it��this was it.


    The content was ugly.


    A bunch of nonsense.


    After Zhang Ye verified this, he went over to sort out his luggage.


    Towel, clothes, shoes, he took them out one at a time.


    Throughout it all, he was just like any other guest who checked into a hotel. In fact, he was even more normal than the average hotel guest!


    ��


    Across the sea.


    In China.


    At this moment, a great disturbance was stirring!


    "Asakusa Hotel president makes another snidement!"


    "Many Japanese government officials express their support!"


    "The Japanese citizens send out thousands and thousands of support letters!"


    "Thetest update: Zhang Ye checks into the Asakusa Hotel!"


    "Zhang Ye travels to Japan and stays at the problematic hotel!"


    "Reporters at the scene send in their reports: The person''s identity has been verified as Zhang Ye!"


    "Why did Zhang Ye choose to stay there at this time?"


    When the news came out, an uproar burst in China!


    Zhang Ye''s cell phone immediately exploded with calls!


    ��


    His mother called!


    "Mom, I''ve arrived. I''ve disembarked from the ne and checked in to my hotel already. Haha, I forgot to inform you."


    "Where are you staying?"


    "Why?"


    "Are you staying at the Asakusa Hotel?"


    "Eh, your news is quite up-to-date?"


    "Up-to-date my ass! It''s all over the news in China!"


    "Really?"


    "Why are you staying there! I was reminding you a few hours ago not to get into any trouble, but look at you now! You immediately came up with this stunt the moment you arrived?"


    ��


    Zhang Xia called!


    "Grandma Zhang."


    "What are you trying to do?"


    "Haha, nothing at all."


    "If it''s nothing, then why are you staying at the Asakusa Hotel? That ce is the source of all current trouble. Aren''t you trying to invite gossip by staying there right now?"


    "It''ll be fine."


    "Oh you, you''re too bold."


    ��


    Ning Lan called!


    "Old Ning, what''s the matter?"


    "Quickly check out now!"


    "I only just checked in. Why would I check out?"


    "Didn''t you see the news before you went over?"


    "I did."


    "Then why do you still dare to stay there?"


    "Haha, why can''t I stay here?"


    ��


    Xu Men called!


    "Zhang''er, what are you up to?"


    "I''m not up to anything."


    "Everyone is calling for a boycott of the hotel, yet you still stayed there? Was it a booking by the charity association? Couldn''t you have just canceled it? And book another ce yourself?!"


    "That''s too troublesome."


    "You��"


    ��


    The Koreans began scolding as well.


    Voices of denouncement resounded all over the Inte against Zhang Ye.


    "That idiot!"


    "Why did he still stay there?"


    "This is pissing me off!"


    "What is he trying to do?"


    "It''s blown up over in China too. The celebrities there are all stepping forward to call for a boycott and expressing their stand, but he''s the only one who didn''t do so? And he even stayed there?"


    "*faints* What a dipshit!"


    ��


    The Chineseizens were also rather speechless!


    "Teacher Zhang, your sister!"


    "What has gotten into Lord Zhang this time?"


    "Who knows? That fellow often rpses into fits like this every once in a while!"


    "I really have to take my hat off to Zhang Ye. How does he always manage to get into all this trouble?"


    "Can you not take your hat off to him? At a time like this, which Chinese celebrity wouldn''t avoid that ce like gue? But for him, not only does he not avoid the ce, he''s even stepping right through their doors? And took up upancy as well?"


    "Zhang Ye has never done things ording tomon sense."


    "But this is still too illogical. What is he trying to achieve by staying there?"


    "When ites to causing trouble, if Zhang Ye ims that he is number two, no one would fucking dare to say that they''re number one. He only just caused a ruckus over in Korea, but he''s already making the news in Japan? He really can''t settle down peacefully wherever he goes! This fellow is a born troublemaker. The entire world is in chaos all because of him!"


    "Teacher Zhang, please stop messing around!"


    "Teacher Zhang, your grandpa!"


    "Hurry up and check out of there. We can still get along after that!"


    No one knew what Zhang Ye was trying to do!


    No one knew what he was ying at!


    Even Zhang Ye''s rtives and friends were stunned when they heard about this. They all knew that this was not somebody else but Zhang Ye they were talking about. He was a nationalistic young man who often fought with others every other day and could start a mess from nothing. Further, it was such a big incident this time, yet? Zhang Ye didn''t even say a single word or scold anyone on the Inte, nor did he take to calling out the other party. In fact, he even went there to stay at the hotel. This was too abnormal. This was too illogical. Surely this fellow wasn''t nning to kick up some earth-shattering trouble, was he?


    ��


    Tokyo.


    The Asakusa Hotel.


    In the cafeteria on the second floor.


    A lot of Japanese people were eating. The hotel''s president dropped by at this moment, and a group of people were looking at him with smiles while making conversation with him.


    "President, we support you!"


    "Well done!"


    "Right, you must stand firm on this!"


    "We''ll be cheering you on!"


    "You''re a national hero!"


    They even went as far as calling him a national hero.


    There was even a spring in the president''s footsteps.


    At this moment, a young man came strolling into the cafeteria. He found a spot and took a seat, then ordered and ate his meal.


    Everyone noticed him.


    "Doesn''t that guy look familiar?"


    "Could he be Zhang Ye?"


    "Damn, it''s really him!"


    "What? He actually dares to stay here?"


    "What on earth is going on? Why is he here?"


    They were all stunned!


    The president looked at Zhang Ye and was prepared to ignore him. He continued chatting with everyone else as he went from table to table. But when he passed Zhang Ye''s table, a line in Japanese astonished him and stopped him in his tracks!


    Zhang Ye did not raise his head. "There are two things."


    The president was so shocked his jaw dropped. "You can speak Japanese?"


    Zhang Ye took a bite of his food and chewed as he spoke, "First, destroy all of the problematic reading material."


    The president''s face sank.


    Zhang Ye took another bite. "Second, make a public apology."


    The president looked at him with a dark expression.


    Only then did Zhang Ye look up with a smile. "Simple, right?"


    The president sneered and said, "Impossible!"


    But Zhang Ye calmly said, "Consider it. I''ll give you a day''s time. If I don''t see any response by the deadline, you''ll be responsible for the consequences."


    Consequences?


    What consequences can there be!


    You''re even giving me a day''s time?


    Who do you think you are!


    The president was not having any of it. The Japanese celebrities only cared about Zhang Ye because they were artists too, because they were interested in developing their careers in the Chinese market. But their hotel had no ns to expand into China, so what was the use of threatening him? Do you think I''m afraid of you? Do you think you''re someone important?! And besides, shouldn''t you know where you are right now? This is not China! This is not your territory! This is Japan! This is the Asakusa Hotel!


    The president stared daggers and said, "Well, I''ll be waiting then!"


    Zhang Ye nced at him. "I personally suggest that you think about this carefully first."


    The president found it ridiculous. "There''s no need to!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and went back to eating. "Alright then."


    Nobody heard the conversation between the two of them. Everyone else only saw the two of them talking about something.


    After the meal, Zhang Ye wiped his mouth and slipped out of the cafeteria. He took the elevator and returned upstairs.


    Why did hee to the Asakusa Hotel?


    Of course he wasn''t here to travel.


    Not scolding anyone?


    Not saying a word?


    Not expressing his stand?


    That was because Zhang Ye did not have to do any of that!


    Because he had always been one to let his actions speak for themselves!

 Chapter 1428 - Zhang Ye’s underhanded tactics!

    <h4>Chapter 1428 - Zhang Ye''s underhanded tactics! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Morning.


    The charity association''s car arrived at the hotel to pick him up.


    Zhang Ye packed his luggage and headed to the venue of the awards ceremony.


    It was an internal awards ceremony, so there wasn''t even anyone from the media present. After that, an appreciation event was held, followed by a luncheon.


    About two hourster, the events finished up.


    The business done, Zhang Ye returned to where he came from.


    ��


    In the afternoon.


    The Asakusa Hotel.


    Zhang Ye had just returned when Ha Qiqi''s call arrived.


    "Director Zhang."


    "Yes?"


    "Is the event over?"


    "It''s done."


    "Did it go well?"


    "Haha, of course it went well."


    "Did you see the news from back home?"


    "I''ve seen it."


    "Everyone knows that you''re staying at the Asakusa Hotel, so what do we do now?"


    "There''s nothing we need to do about that. By the way, Old Ha, have youpleted the certification that I requested?"


    "It''s already done. The certification has been passed."


    "OK."


    "What are you using it for?"


    "Hur hur, I have grand ns for it."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye looked around the hotel room. When he walked back into the bedroom, the sheets were folded and that magazine had reappeared at its original position. They still did not remove it. Zhang Ye smiled and was not surprised. After a nce, he continued to the bathroom where he filled the bathtub up before taking off his clothes and getting in. He closed his eyes and luxuriously soaked in the warm bath while humming a little ditty.


    Meanwhile.


    Upstairs in the hotel.


    Several executives were holding a meeting.


    "Did he really say that, President?"


    "This Chinese celebrity is too arrogant!"


    "Haha, how can we be afraid of him?"


    "I would like to see just what kinds of consequences he''s talking about!"


    "A day''s time is almost up? But he still hasn''t acted!"


    "Hur hur, what could he possibly do? Does he think that he can tear down our hotel? What is he bragging about! If he even dares to try, the police will take him away immediately!"


    "The Asian entertainment circle''s people are always saying this and that about him, about how amazing he is. It looks like they''ve deified him too much and made him sound more impressive than he really is. He''s only an artist, and he''s even in Japan, which is our territory, so how does he n on taking us on? Isn''t that just a fantasy! If this were China, he might be able to gather the people to surround our hotel or boycott us with just a shout. That I believe. I believe he does have that influence. I would apologize immediately if that were the case! But this is Japan! He can try all he wants to gather forces! I don''t believe that anyone will respond to him! Haha! If even ten people respond to him, I''ll be convinced!"


    "Not even ten, even five will impress me!"


    "Hahahaha, just three is enough for me!"


    "What three or five people are you two talking about? I''d consider him capable if even one person shows up!"


    The hotel''s top brass startedughing as they discussed the matter.


    But at this moment.


    In the room downstairs, Zhang Ye had finished bathing. He went over to the sofa to sit down and took out hisptop. Crossing his legs, he started doing something that was unimaginable to anyone else. He did not tear down the hotel, nor did he not haggle with the hotel staff. All he did was log on to a website with his verified ount and inject himself into Japan''s own socialwork that wasn''t unlike China''s Weibo. A lot of celebrities and government officials would also post their updates on this tform.


    On it, a lot of Japanese people were still scolding him.


    This kind of denunciation had been going on for many days.


    "I heard that he came to Japan!"


    "Yeah, he even won a prize!"


    "It makes me so angry!"


    "Who allowed a notorious artist like him toe to our shores? And he was even awarded a prize?"


    "Don''t let me find out where he stays! Otherwise, I''ll definitely avenge Kimura Kazuya-sensei!"


    "Right, we won''t take it lying down!"


    "This man is as good as a tumor in the Asian entertainment industry!"


    "It''s just too bad that we can''t locate him. Otherwise, everyone could spit on him and drown him!"


    Over here, Zhang Ye was basically the most wanted man alive. There was scolding all around as the Japanese people remained immersed in a wave of deep anger over Zhang Ye. His "poprity" over here was very high.


    Zhang Ye started typing.


    ��


    Yamashita Takenao.


    An A-list celebrity in Japan.


    At this moment, he posted the promotional activities for a new movie he was starring in. The people were eagerly waiting and wishing for him to have a box office sellout for his new film. There was a very celebratory atmosphere around.


    Then, an extremely dissonant voice appeared.


    Zhang Yemented: "Are you insane?"


    ��Sent from the Asakusa Hotel, Tokyo.


    "What the hell!"


    "Who''s he calling insane?"


    "Who is this person?"


    "Ah, Zhang Ye?"


    "Is that a fake ount?"


    "Look at the verification! It''s Zhang Ye himself!"


    "Fuck, it really is him!"


    "Motherfucker! What does he mean by that!"


    Yamashita Takenao was hopping mad!


    ��


    Koizumi Masumi.


    A Japanese S-list superstar.


    Her new song had just been released, and she was currently chatting happily with theizens.


    That "voice" appeared again.


    Zhang Yemented: "Are you insane?"


    ��Sent from the Asakusa Hotel, Tokyo.


    "Holy shit!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "You''re the insane one!"


    "Your whole family is insane!"


    "Fuck, this fellow is too arrogant!"


    Koizumi Masumi was also exasperated!


    ��


    Komatsu Ryuu.


    A Japanese A-list star.


    Thetest Japanese drama that he starred in had won a major domestic award. Komatsu Ryuu had just posted a message of thanks online, but it was met with that "voice" yet again.


    Zhang Ye: "Are you insane?"


    ��Sent from the Asakusa Hotel, Tokyo.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s him again!"


    "This is pissing me off!"


    "Ahhhhh!"


    "How can there be such a shameless person!"


    "Why is he taking the fight here?"


    "What is he trying to do!"


    When Komatsu Ryuu saw this, he nearly fainted from anger!


    ��


    B-listers!


    A-listers!


    S-listers!


    More than 30 Japanese celebrities were greeted by this message of Zhang Ye''s. Of these people, all were actively involved in the denouncement of Zhang Ye in recent days. They had their fair share of scolding him online and expressing their stance in public. But in the end, Zhang Ye came looking for them one by one. This stunned a lot of people who were watching!


    No one expected Zhang Ye to be so bold!


    This is Japan!


    You''re in Japan now!


    But you came here looking for trouble with them?


    Do you have a fucking death wish!


    At this moment, the Japanese entertainment industry was enraged!


    At this moment, the Japanese media turned furious!


    At this moment, the Japanese people blew their tops!


    "How infuriating!"


    "I can''t take this anymore!"


    "Brothers, get him!"


    "Fuck, kill him!"


    "Look! He didn''t turn off his location reporting!"


    "That dumbass exposed his address!"


    "Where is he?"


    "He''s in Tokyo! The Asakusa Hotel!"


    "Let''s get him! We found him! He won''t be able to get away this time!"


    "Everyone, let''s go together! Make him get out of Japan! Let him have a taste of our anger!"


    "Who''sing?"


    "Count me in!"


    "And me too!"


    "Damn! I''m going as well!"


    "Everyone, calm down. He''s the Asian phnthropic ambassador and is protected by the authorities as well as the charities!"


    "Fucking phnthropic ambassador, my ass! Have you seen anyone with an attitude like his be a phnthropic ambassador before?"


    "He''s gone mad! Everyone, let''s get him!"

 Chapter 1429 - The Asakusa Hotel gets besieged!

    <h4>Chapter 1429 - The Asakusa Hotel gets besieged! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


    Tokyo.


    Outside the Asakusa Hotel.


    A crowd started gathering in all directions. Some people were scolding angrily, some looked enraged, and some had sullen faces. There was a mix of men and women, young and old.


    "We''re here!"


    "It''s the Asakusa Hotel!"


    "This is the ce!"


    "Motherfucker!"


    "Zhang Ye is in there!"


    10 people!


    50 people!


    A 100 people!


    More and more people were gathering. Within a short period of time, the crowd grew to over a 1,000 people!


    The front, sides, and back entrances of the hotel had all been clogged up by angry crowds of people!


    Upstairs, in the president''s office.


    Several of the hotel''s top brass were talking andughing.


    At this moment, the hotel''s lobby manager ran in in a panic.


    "This is bad! President! Something bad has happened!"


    "What''s going on? What happened?"


    "The hotel has been surrounded by crowds of people!"


    "What? People from where?"


    "I, I don''t know!"


    "How big is the crowd?"


    "Uncountable! Totally uncountable!"


    "How is that possible!"


    "Hurry, go out and look!"


    The top brass were shocked and started panicking. They jumped to their feet and ran outside to see for themselves. But when they saw the surrounding area of their hotel jam-packed with people, they nearly pissed themselves! Why? What is this?! Is Zhang Ye the one behind all this? But it''s impossible! This is Japan! Not China! How can that Zhang fe possibly have such a great influence! These executives were mocking Zhang Ye a while ago for being unable to gather anyone to the hotel. But when they saw this scene in front of them, when they saw the densely packed crowd of people, they were all dumbfounded. This was too fucking outrageous!


    The crowd''s numbers were still increasing!


    The crowd was still growingrger!


    In the blink of an eye, another 100-odd people had joined in!


    Suddenly, someone shouted, "Hand Zhang Ye over!"


    "Hand Zhang Ye over!"


    "Hand Zhang Ye over!"


    Countless people were shouting in unison!


    The leading voice roared, "Get out of Japan!"


    "Get out of Japan!"


    "Get out of Japan!"


    "Get out of Japan!"


    "Get rid of the tumor!"


    "Get rid of the tumor!"


    The roads had been blocked off!


    The passersby looked over in shock!


    The hotel president paled. He finally understood what was going on!


    When the hotel''s top brass heard that, they also understood what was happening. They nearly jumped and started cursing at this!


    Many of the hotel staff got so scared that they did not dare show themselves!


    Shit!


    This is bad!


    Zhang! You''re too fucking evil!


    ��


    At the hotel across the road.


    Ha Qiqi and the others were holding a meeting in the room. Everyone was discussing theic series that Zhang Ye had delegated to them. As they were talking, thunderous shouts and screams came from outside. They jumped with fright and immediately felt that something big had happened. They ran over to the window in a panic and looked down. When they saw it, Ha Qiqi and the others all gasped in shock!


    Little Wang shouted, "Damn!"


    Little Zhou shouted, "Damn!"


    Little Sun shouted, "Damn!"


    Ha Qiqi anxiously said, "Are they shouting Zhang Ye''s name?"


    Little Sun, who understood a little Japanese, said, "Yes!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "This is bad! Something has happened!"


    She quickly called Zhang Ye who was staying at the hotel across the road.


    Du du du. It went through.


    Ha Qiqi said: "Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye asked: "Old Ha? What''s the matter?"


    "What''s going on over there?"


    "Nothing is happening?"


    Ha Qiqi nearly vomited blood. "How can you call that ''nothing is happening''?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "It''s fine. Just carry on with whatever you all are doing. Didn''t I already say not to look for me these few days? I have some matters to handle, so I''ll go look for you all after I''m done over here."


    After hanging up, Ha Qiqi and the rest were all shaking in fear!


    They only understood now what Director Zhang was nning!


    They only understood now why Director Zhang had insisted on staying at the Asakusa Hotel!


    Little Wang pped her forehead and eximed, "I knew it! I knew that Director Zhang would surely start something big the moment he came abroad! Look at that! Will you all just look at that!"


    Little Sun was almost in tears. "What are we going to do now!"


    Little Sun had only joined Zhang Ye''s Studio for a short period of time, and this was his first time going out for work with Zhang Ye. Although he had heard many stories about Zhang Ye, now that he was experiencing it firsthand for the first time, he finally understood why his colleagues at the studio got so terrified the moment they heard that Zhang Ye was going abroad. He finally had a taste of this feeling and thought that it wasn''t something that most people could bear. Their hearts wouldn''t be able to take all of this stress!


    ��


    At the hotel.


    Zhang Ye''s room.


    The shouting outside grew louder. However, Zhang Ye did not even have a frown on his face. Instead, he was rxing on the sofa with his legs crossed and checking out theics and animation of this world on his cell phone.


    One page.


    Five pages.


    Ten pages.


    Thisic was pretty good.


    Zhang Ye was reading it with relish.


    ��


    Downstairs.


    The crowd was howling.


    "Get out of Japan!"


    "Hand Zhang Ye over!"


    Some people made a dash for the hotel!


    The Asakusa Hotel''s security team rushed to stop them, while the hotel staff were crying over the situation. They braced themselves into a human wall to keep the crowd at bay.


    "Don''t squeeze through!"


    "You''re not allowed inside!"


    "Manager, quickly call the police!"


    "I''ve already done that!"


    "What do we do now!"


    "Block them! Stop them from entering!"


    "Go and close the back entrance! Hurry, hurry, hurry!"


    The hotel was full of guests, so they couldn''t possibly allow the protesters to get inside. If the guestsined, the hotel couldn''t bear it. Moreover, these people were all so angered, so who knew what they might do if they got in? If they were to thrash the ce, none of them could suffer the losses!


    A few minutes!


    In just a few short minutes!


    The Asakusa Hotel was plunged into chaos!


    The hotel president stepped forward to speak up. "Everyone, please calm down! Listen to what I have to say!"


    The crowd was enraged and wasn''t going to listen to any exnations. "Hand Zhang Ye over! We know that he''s inside!"


    The hotel president said loudly, "I don''t know where you all got your information from, but we really don''t know anything about Zhang Ye staying with us. We did not receive any news about it, so could everyone please go back! Hurry up and go back! Zhang Ye isn''t at our hotel! You can all go elsewhere to look for him!"


    The crowd shouted, "Impossible!"


    The hotel president said, "He''s really not here!"


    An executive of the hotel said, "Right, there''s no such person staying here!"


    For a moment, the crowd fell silent and hesitated a little.


    But right at this moment, a hotel window upstairs was pushed open from the inside. The figure of a young man appeared at the window with his elbows resting on the windowsill and a cell phone in his hand. He was readingics on it with a smile while basking in the warmth of the sun.


    Someone looked up!


    Someone pointed upstairs!


    "Quick, look up there!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Fuck! It''s him!"


    "He''s really in there!"


    "There he is!"


    "The hotel is in cahoots with him!"


    "Damn! So they banded together to lie to us!"


    With this, the people became even more enraged!


    The hotel president and staff also looked up at that window. They were so enraged they nearly burst into tears. They had nevere across someone as despicable as this!


    This bastard was doing it on purpose!


    Zhang Ye!


    Fuck your grandpa!


    Are you fucking trying to do us in?!

 Chapter 1430 - Inviting the Devil in is easier than sending him away!

    <h4>Chapter 1430 - Inviting the Devil in is easier than sending him away! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The people downstairs were furiously cursing and scolding.


    It was chaos inside and outside of the hotel.


    The police hastily arrived at this moment.


    "Zhang Ye, scram back to China!"


    "The hotel has associated themselves with this scourge!"


    "Get back, all of you! We''re the police!"


    "Who''s causing trouble here? Arrest them!"


    "Who is the hotel manager? What is going on here?"


    "Me, I''m the manager!"


    "Get back, all of you! No loitering around here!"


    With the three groups of people caught in the mix, it couldn''t get messier than this!


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye was standing absolutely still at the window. He had a smile on his face as he concentrated on his cell phone. It was as though he wasn''t the target of scolding by the people downstairs and that the matter did not involve him at all. Further, he even began singing happily. "You are the most beautiful cloud in my sky. / Let me do what it takes to have you stay! Have! You! Stay!"


    Below, when a Japanese police officer who understood Chinese heard that, his legs gave way and he nearly fell face first onto the floor!


    Have you stay?


    Have you stay, your sister!


    The police officer shouted to the rioting crowd, "Disperse immediately!"


    Three groups of people!


    Three squads of officers!


    Everyone was gnashing their teeth in hatred!


    But Zhang Ye was happily humming a song upstairs?


    What kind of a scene was this?


    When Ha Qiqi, Little Sun, and the others saw this heroic air of Director Zhang''s through their window, they were greatly touched for a moment.


    Ha Qiqi sighed.


    Little Wang gave a wry smile.


    Little Zhou''s eyes lit up in awe.


    Little Sun was stunned and suddenly ovee by a sense of fascination.


    This was Zhang Ye!


    This was their boss!


    In all of Heaven and Earth, there wasn''t another like him!


    ��


    An hourter.


    The farce came to an end. The situation was barely brought under control after three squads of police officers got deployed to the scene.


    Theints at the hotel blew up instantly as the front desk and lobby got swarmed by the hotel guests!


    "I want to cancel my booking! Refund me my money!"


    "But you only just checked in?"


    "How can I still stay here?"


    "Sir, we are sorry."


    "I was discussing a contract with my friends just now, but the shouting downstairs totally drowned out our voices. So tell me, how can I continue staying here? Cancel the booking!"


    "Uh, I have to consult with my manager first."


    "You can consult with whoever you want. I''m still going to cancel the booking!"


    "I want to cancel my booking too!"


    "Me too!"


    "What kind of a hotel is this!"


    "Is there a war going on?"


    "I was woken up by all that noise after managing to fall asleep."


    "There''s no way I can stay here anymore. I had a booking for three nights, but just cancel the remaining days of my stay!"


    "Right, refund our money!"


    "We don''t care what kind of unexpected situation your hotel has encountered, but it cannot affect us. A fight nearly broke out today. When I was downstairs observing things earlier, I nearly tumbled over from the pushing. It''s too dangerous, so it doesn''t matter what you all try to say now! I just want a full refund!"


    The hotel guests started kicking up a fuss. Many of the guests who were supposed to check-in today also left when they saw themotion outside the hotel''s entrance. Meanwhile, more than half of the guests who were already staying at the hotel were now haggling for a refund. Before this, many of these people were shouting their support for the Asakusa Hotel''s president, iming he was a national hero and asking him to stand firm in his views. But when trouble started to affect them directly, none of them cared about what had been said!


    We just want a ce to stay at!


    Surely you don''t expect us to put our lives in danger, do you?


    The crowd of over a thousand people that had surrounded the hotel earlier had frightened them terribly!


    For a moment, a wave of unrest stirred again. The hotel was struggling to deal with all the requests as the hotel president and executives came forward personally to deal with the situation. They reassured the guests one by one and offered them their apologies. They brought along the service staff and went from room to room to apologize and promise that the room rates would be halved for the day. They even presented the guests with some small gifts and fruits, and in doing so, managed to convince some of them to continue staying with them. But even so, a third of the checked-in guests still insisted on getting a full refund as they dared not stay here any longer.


    At around 2 PM.


    Peace finally returned to the hotel again.


    The hotel staff looked at one another with a sense of lingering fear, then at the mess of a ce within the hotel. An exterior wall had been vandalized by the rioting crowd with some unknown substances on it that could not be washed off no matter what.


    The hotel had suffered a heavy loss!


    Looking at this sight, the hotel president''s heart was dripping with blood. This was too painful even for him. All of this had fucking cost him so much money, yet even now, he was unsure of what had actually happened!


    Why had so many peoplee to the hotel?


    How did everyone know that Zhang Ye was staying with them?


    Why was everyone who came to make a scene so full of rage?


    They were all busy dealing with the mess earlier, so there wasn''t any time to check the news.


    A female employee said, "What the heck is this?"


    The president said angrily, "Who can tell me what just happened?"


    Someone said, "It''s Zhang Ye! Heunched a tirade at more than 20 of our top Japanese celebrities on the socialwork! What''s more, he didn''t hide his location, and it was shown on those posts that he was scolding them from our hotel!"


    The president said startled, "What?"


    An executive was stunned. "He scolded more than 20 celebrities?"


    Another executive: "Fuck! Is he not afraid of dying!"


    An executive said, "I knew it must have been him! That son of a bitch!"


    A manager said, "We got screwed over this time!"


    An executive said, "President, we cannot allow a person like him to continue staying here! He might not be afraid to die, but we cannot stand it any longer!"


    Another executive yelled, "He''s a fucking madman!"


    The hotel president said with a dark look, "The charity association booked his room for 10 days? Cancel it! Cancel it immediately!"


    A service employee responded, "Yes, I''ll get it done right away!"


    With the chaos that happened today, the president also became a little fearful.


    You''re great!


    You''re impressive!


    I will not let you stay here anymore, alright?


    Hurry up and get out of here immediately!


    However, the development of the situation was entirely different from what they had in mind.


    When the Asakusa Hotel went to cancel the charity association''s room booking, they rmed an important person at the Asian Charity Association.


    It was Director Chen!


    The call was somehow routed to him!


    The hotel employee said dumbfoundedly: "Ah, Director Chen."


    Director Chen said: "Who''s canceling our booking?"


    The employee hurriedly said: "It''s just that something has suddenlye up on our side, so��"


    "The money has already been paid, right?"


    "Uh, it has been paid."


    "And you all have epted the booking, right?"


    "We did ept the booking, but��"


    "Since the money was paid, the booking was epted, and the guest is already checked in as well, then a contract has been established. How can you chase away the guest as you wish? Can you simply not ept the booking? You can just handle it any way you want? You can just back your way out of the contract? Do you all want to die?!"


    Do we want to die?


    That employee was dumbfounded!


    She could never have expected that such an important person from the Asian Charity Association would speak like that!


    What the hell! Is this how you people from charities act and speak?!


    Director Chen said in anger: "If Teacher Zhang says that he doesn''t want to stay at the hotel, then you all can process his checkout for him. But if he wishes to continue staying, then I''d like to see which one of you dare make him check out! It''s a ten-day booking! Any day less, and I''ll bring my people down personally to find you! Hear that?" After he said that, the call ended with a loud click!


    The employee turned around to look at the president!


    The president nched!


    The Asakusa Hotel''s staff were also stunned!


    It was only now that they remembered that Zhang Ye was the one and only phnthropic ambassador of Asia!


    It was only now that they remembered that all the charities in Asia were backing Zhang Ye!


    In Asia, one could offend themon folk, the businesspeople, or the celebrities, but no one would dare to offend anyone from the charities!


    There was really no one who''d dare to do that!


    This wasn''t just some ordinary organization they were talking about. Such organizations usually had great influence and credibility among the people, and were notparable to any other organization in the world. They were basically an organization that no one would dare offend, nor want to offend. This organization and its people had always beenmitted to phnthropy and rarely took part in any other matters, but that did not mean that they had no temper. Just some days ago, when Japan and Korea joined hands to get Zhang Ye banned and restricted him from entering their countries, several major figures of the association collectively protested against the action. They made calls to the highest levels of authority and wrote letters of protest that were ced onto the desks of the highest executives! And for the oue that was now known by everyone, the Japanese and Korean governments modified their "restriction order" to allow Zhang Ye to freely enter their countries when there were charity events taking ce. Also avoiding the ban were Zhang Ye''s PSAs and his participation in those charity events.


    Even the Japanese and Korean governments had to give in!


    Much less any other organization?


    Much less the Asakusa Hotel?


    A small private hotel?


    Who had now attracted the personal denouncement of a major figure from the Asian Charity Association? They wouldn''t dare unless they were crazy!


    "President!"


    "This, this��"


    "That Zhang Ye, he��"


    The booking could not be canceled.


    They could not chase him away either.


    The hotel president''s face sank as he grit his teeth and said, "Alright! Isn''t it only for ten days? No, there are only nine days left. I''ll just have to ept it this time. Surely he can''t keep staying here all his life, can he? If he wishes to stay here, then let him stay! The police have alreadye and handled the matter anyway. And we only lost a few guests, didn''t we? We can stand these few losses! There will still be another wave of tour groups arriving tomorrow and the day after. Everyone, pay attention and service the tour groups well. We''ll make up what we lost, so don''t get affected by what happened today! From tomorrow onwards, business will resume as usual. This bit of setback is no big deal."


    "Yes."


    "Understood."


    "Got it, President."


    Everyone responded to his speech and then went back to their work.


    However, each time they passed by the room that Zhang Ye was staying in, everyone could not help but steer clear of it!

 Chapter 1431 - The Asakusa Hotel gets besieged again!

    <h4>Chapter 1431 - The Asakusa Hotel gets besieged again! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the same night.


    China.


    The news had spread back to China. A lot of people found out about the news from the Japanese media, and many of them were stunned by it. They were so shocked that their jaws dropped to the floor!


    On the Inte.


    Weibo.


    Moments.


    At this instant, the news blew up everywhere!


    "What?"


    "Zhang Yeunched a tirade at over 20 Japanese celebrities?"


    "His location was exposed?"


    "The Asakusa Hotel got besieged by the Japanese citizens?"


    "Over 30 police officers were dispatched to the scene?"


    "Holy shit! Our Zhang''er is so impressive!"


    "This��this��"


    "Hahahahaha, well yed!"


    "Lord Zhang is so awesome! My idol! How ruthless!"


    "Motherfucking hell! I knew it! I knew that a nationalistic young man and professional face pper like Zhang Ye wouldn''t possibly have checked into that Asakusa Hotel that''s on everyone''s tongue for no good reason! I should have thought of it! That fellow clearly went there to make trouble! Hahahahaha!"


    "This is gonna be really interesting to watch!"


    "Everyone, forward this piece of news! There''s something exciting to watch again!"


    "Lord Zhang has made his move!"


    "This really came without any warning at all. Face-smacking Zhang did not even say a word prior to this, so this is such a great turnaround! When I read that he had checked in to the Asakusa Hotel previously, I even criticized him for being unpatriotic!"


    "This is who Zhang Ye is. If he can prove something with his actions, there isn''t a need to pay lip service at all!"


    "What''s the situation like over there?"


    "I don''t know. Let''s wait for the news!"


    ��


    Back at home.


    Zhang Ye''s mother was floored.


    His father was speechless.


    When Wu Zeqing saw the news, she chuckled.


    ��


    At Old Yao''s house.


    Yao Jiancai was dumbfounded.


    Yao Mi was at a loss for words.


    Yao Jiancai''s wife facepalmed and didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Zhang Zuo was sweating profusely.


    Wu Yi hurriedly called Ha Qiqi to find out about the situation.


    The other staff who had stayed behind in the office were also panicking.


    Some of them were used to this, while some of them were not used to it yet. Whenever Zhang Ye traveled for work, there would always be trouble. If he went on a short trip, there would be a minor incident. If it was a longer trip, there would be a major incident. The further he went, the more trouble there would be. This was the usual practice over here, and no exception had ever been made. There were truly no exceptions!


    ��


    ��


    The next day.


    Tokyo, Japan.


    An uneventful night passed.


    In the morning, Zhang Ye got up before 8 AM. He stretchedzily and had a look at his watch before getting out from bed to wash his face. Then he headed down to the hotel''s cafeteria for his free breakfast.


    Significantly fewer people were in the cafeteria now that many of them had checked out yesterday.


    Zhang Ye found a table with no one around and ate by himself.


    At this moment, the guests who were eating breakfast and the hotel staff also noticed him.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "That''s him!"


    "The people who came and caused amotion yesterday were all here for him!"


    "This fellow is so awful!"


    "Yeah, I''ve seen the things that he said on the socialwork as well! I''ve met people who are offensive, but I''ve nevere across anyone as offensive as him!"


    "He has made enemies out of those 20 celebrities!"


    "This fellow is horrible!"


    "Why is he still staying here? Why hasn''t the hotel chased him away yet?"


    At this moment, the president arrived with his people. When he saw Zhang Ye, his expression changed as he shot a dark look at him. He didn''t say anything, conversing with the other guests instead.


    "President, what''s going on?"


    "Why hasn''t he left yet?"


    "How many more days will he be staying here? Cancel his booking!"


    "Right, he was the one who started that mess!"


    Everyone was expressing their views.


    The president could only think to himself how he would have liked to chase him away as well, but the issue was that he couldn''t do so. This fellow had really strong backing. However, he could not say that aloud. "We always try our best to serve any guest whoes to stay at our hotel. That has always been the motto of our hotel."


    Not long after.


    The president led his people and left the cafeteria.


    As the president walked past Zhang Ye who was lowering his head to eat, Zhang Ye spoke again. "About the two demands. Have you thought them over?"


    The faces of the president and his followers sank.


    Zhang Ye said as he ate, "If you haven''t made a decision yet, think it over again."


    The president sneered and said, "Do you think that we''re afraid of you just because of this little stunt that you pulled? Aren''t you underestimating us a little too much that way! Don''t mention that small crowd of people from yesterday, even if a crowd that is five or ten timesrger came, I could still bear it. At most, I''ll lose a few more customers, no? That bit of loss won''t count for much at all! Ha! If we even care about this bit of money, that would be the real joke here!"


    The hotel staff stole a nce at the president.


    Hey!


    This wasn''t what you said yesterday!


    Your reaction was the biggest for yesterday''s losses!


    But they understood that the president was just saying this so that he could continue portraying an imposing manner.


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Good." Then he continued eating breakfast.


    The president snorted and led his people away with a swagger.


    After breakfast, Zhang Ye sauntered over to the elevator and went upstairs. He went back to his room and filled the bathtub with hot water before getting in to take a hot bath.


    Five minutes.


    Ten minutes.


    Zhang Ye dried himself off and then brewed a cup of tea. After that, he sat himself down in front of theputer.


    ��


    In the president''s office.


    "Has the tour group arrived yet?"


    "They''re almost here."


    "OK, take extra care to serve them well."


    "We understand."


    "Don''t worry about that Zhang Ye anymore. He did not really affect us too much even after causing that mess yesterday. He''s probably going to behave himself over the next few days."


    After having a look at the sky outside, the president broke into a smile. It was rare to have such good weather with the sun shining so brightly, so their business would surely be quite good today as well.


    All of a sudden, someone pushed the door open!


    "President! They''re here!"


    "What are you shouting for! Isn''t it just a tour group? They''re already here?"


    "It''s not the tour group! Come and see this!"


    Everyone in the room was startled!


    The president and several of the executives'' hearts skipped a beat as they ran to the window and opened it to look down. When they saw it, they nearly slumped to the ground!


    A 100 people!


    A 1,000 people!


    2,000 people!


    The enraged crowd was converging in from all directions!


    The president froze. "Didn''t the police already handle things yesterday?"


    An executive was shocked silly from the sight. "What the fuck! Why are they here again?"


    Then someone pointed at theputer and shouted, "Oh my God! Look at this! It''s on the Inte!"


    The president and the others all leaned over to have a look and nearly spat out a mouthful of blood!


    ��


    Yamada Akira''s socialwork.


    Zhang Ye''smented, "Are you crazy or what?"


    ��Sent from the Asakusa Hotel, Tokyo.


    ��


    Fujiwara''s socialwork.


    Zhang Ye''smented, "Are you crazy or what?"


    ��Sent from the Asakusa Hotel, Tokyo.


    ��


    It was all Zhang Ye!


    The Japanese socialwork was covered with Zhang Ye''s fingerprints again!


    This time, it wasn''t just 10 or 20 celebrities!


    This time, on this day, Zhang Ye hadunched his tirade on a hundred Japanese celebrities!


    Loud, cursing voices suddenly boomed from the president''s office!


    "Your grandpa!"


    "Zhang! You motherfucker!"


    "This is crazy! That Zhang fe is a madman!"


    "Oh my God!"


    "Quick, close the doors! Hurry!"


    "Call the police! Call the police first!"


    "Zhang Ye, fuck your sister!"


    "You may fucking wish to die! But don''t drag us into it!"


    Outside, the crowd was growingrger andrger!


    A lot of people were standing in front of the hotel and cursing at them!


    In the end, it grew to a crowd of several thousand people, which was five to ten times the amount of yesterday''s crowd!


    The executives looked resentfully at the president. Why did you have to say those words to spite Zhang Ye! You wouldn''t be afraid even if it was a crowd that was five timesrger? It would be fine even if it was a crowd that was ten timesrger?


    Damn!


    He actually managed to gather that many people today!

 Chapter 1432 - The hotel gets wrecked!

    <h4>Chapter 1432 - The hotel gets wrecked! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The scolding voices on the streets thundered.


    The shouting was so loud that even the guests in the hotel across the road could hear it.


    When Little Wang leaned out the window to have a look, she paled. "This is bad! They''re here again! Oh my fucking Heavens! Why are there so many more people today!"


    "What?"


    "This is bad!"


    "What should we do?"


    "What has Director Zhang done this time?"


    "Ah, check out the Inte! Director Zhang went to direct his scolding at over a hundred Japanese celebrities!"


    "What did you say?"


    "Over a 100?"


    "Holy shit!"


    "What is Director Zhang trying to do!"


    Ha Qiqi was looking very anxious. Zhang Ye had told them not to worry about him, and to just concentrate on their work and not look for him, but as the externalmunications manager at Zhang Ye''s Studio, how could she possibly just sit around and do nothing? At a time like this, everything else was secondary. The only thing that mattered was the safety of Director Zhang. Who could guarantee that he would be fine?


    As such, Ha Qiqi immediately told Yang Shu, "Little Yang, hurry over to where Director Zhang is!"


    But Yang Shu said, "Senior Bro instructed me to take care of you all and told me not to leave your side."


    Little Wang yelled, "Aiya, look at the current situation. What''s there to protect us from!"


    Little Sun added anxiously, "Yeah, Director Zhang''s safety is the priority. If those people manage to get inside, who will be responsible for Director Zhang''s safety? Sister Yang, hurry up and go!"


    Senior Bro''s safety?


    Yang Shu nced out of the window and curled her lips. She dismissed, "Just with those people, they could never get near my senior bro."


    Everyone rolled their eyes. Why are you still bragging on behalf of Director Zhang at this time? There are several thousand people out there, so how is it impossible that they can''t get near Director Zhang? Do you think he''s a sorcerer with an AoE attack?


    However, only Yang Shu knew that at the level of Zhang Ye''s and Rao Aimin''s martial arts, it was no longer a matter of being outnumbered. It didn''t matter how many people there were since her senior brother could take care of three of such ordinary attackers with just a single p. Once he sent 20 to 30 of them flying, no one else would dare go against him. Having the numbers and using the ordinary way of "piling up" to overpower her senior brother was a possibility that only existed in theory. However, that was all bullshit in a practical situation.


    ��


    The Asakusa Hotel.


    Back upstairs.


    Zhang Ye pushed open the windows and sat down at them looking all calm and rxed.


    He picked up his cell phone.


    And started readingics.


    As well as sipping on his tea.


    Meanwhile, the situation downstairs had boiled over!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "He''s over there!"


    "It''s him!"


    "Damn! We finally found him!"


    "He didn''t leave yet!"


    "That bastard!"


    "Get out here! Who were you calling crazy?"


    "You''re the crazy one! You''ve gone mad!"


    "This is infuriating! He''s pissing me off!"


    "You had better get out of Japan!"


    Not many people had experienced getting scolded by several thousand people before, and a scene like this was very difficult to put into words. At the front and back entrances of the hotel, and up to three streets away, it was densely packed with people everywhere. The police arrived very quickly as five police vehicles reached the scene in session. However, when the dozen-odd police officers alighted from their vehicles, they were stunned by what they saw. All of them drew in a sharp breath as they stood among the rioting crowd. They could not even hear their own shouting voices as the raging crowd''s scolding voices drowned them out immediately. There were simply too many people!


    They immediately called for more support!


    Even the police officers were panicking!


    Much less those in the hotel!


    The two groups of tourists who had just arrived were petrified by the scene. Their tour bus could not even get to the entrance of the hotel as it got stuck in traffic three streets away.


    The tour guide was pissing his pants.


    The driver nearly fainted from fright.


    "This��"


    "What''s going on?"


    "Is there a riot going on?"


    "How can we still stay at such a ce?"


    "Let''s cancel the booking!"


    "Right, we don''t wanna stay here!"


    "We''re here on vacation. We won''t be risking our lives like this!"


    The few buses immediately turned around and went back the way they came!


    Inside the hotel.


    The telephone lines were bursting with calls!


    "President, the tour group has canceled the hotel bookings!"


    "President, the tour group from the UK has also canceled their bookings!"


    "President, we''re getting a load ofint calls!"


    "What do we do now? What should we do?"


    The president shouted with a dark look, "Calm down, all of you, calm down! Don''t worry, the police are already here. The situation will be brought under control, so quickly go and close the doors, and get a few young and strong employees to hold down the gates. We mustn''t allow anyone to get in. Those people are just scolding to vent their anger and wouldn''t dare be rash!"


    The situation was in a deadlock.


    One minute.


    Five minutes.


    People were still arriving in waves!


    Some came by themselves, while others brought along their whole family to denounce Zhang Ye!


    The media and television stations'' vehicles were also parked all over the ce. The reporters got out of the vehicles in shock as they took in the view before them. Having lived for so long, and worked as a reporter for so many years, this was also the first time that they''d witnessed a scene like this. Some of the reporters looked up at where Zhang Ye was staying and started scolding as well!


    In Japan, Zhang Ye had be the target of everyone''s criticisms!


    The Japanese media.


    The Japanese celebrities.


    The Japanese public.


    Everyone was gnashing their teeth in hatred!


    How dare you scold our celebrities in our country? You scolded them one after another? And didn''t stop after scolding them for one day? And then carried on scolding them for a second day? You''re back to scold them having already scolded them yesterday?


    This is uneptable!


    No one behaves in the way that you did!


    But the people outside could not make their way into the hotel. The police were standing guard at the doorways and the hotel staff had already blocked off the entrances. Although it was arge turnout and there were a lot of rioters, it seemed like the matter was going to end in the same way it did yesterday. However, at this moment, Zhang Ye, who was sitting at the window upstairs, suddenly put away his cell phone and looked down for the first time.


    Then he said something.


    He said it in Japanese.


    Zhang Ye said, "If you have a problem,e at me! Don''t wreck the hotel!"


    Hearing that, the president nearly facented!


    Zhang Ye!


    Fuck your ancestors!


    There was nothing wrong with what he had just said. Everyone was only here because of Zhang Ye and had no intentions of wrecking the hotel. But when these "well-intentioned" words came out of Zhang Ye''s mouth, it sparked something in the raging crowd gathered outside the hotel. All of them cried out in anger!


    Bang!


    A loud crash boomed!


    A rock smashed into the hotel''s ss window. It had been aimed at the window Zhang Ye was at, but as that was so high up that nobody could reach it with a throw, it resulted in a ss window on the third floor getting smashed instead. Someone was inside the room when the ss window shattered, and the sound of the guest''s shocked screams instantly rang out from inside!


    The police were dumbfounded. "Stop! Stop that!"


    With someone leading by example, a second person and third person followed suit!


    "Crush him!"


    "Crush!"


    "Everybody, get him!"


    Bang!


    A second crash boomed!


    A third crash!


    A fourth crash!


    Many people were picking up items from around them and throwing them upwards!


    Some people threw eggs!


    Some people threw bricks!


    Some people threw instant noodles!


    What Zhang Ye spoke was too devious. It was simply too evil. A lot of people had never thought about wrecking the hotel, but the moment he mentioned it, everyone erupted into action!


    Crash!


    Thud!


    Plonk!


    The hotel turned into a war zone!


    The people outside were calling for an execution!


    Inside the hotel, chaos ensued among the guests!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Who threw a slipper in!"


    "The fuck! Why did a sanitary pad get thrown in here!"


    "Motherfucker, why are you all throwing things at me for!"


    All hell broke loose!


    Everything descended into chaos!


    The hotel staff lost their spirit!


    The president slumped to the floor with a thump and a stunned look!


    It''s over!


    Everything''s finished!

 Chapter 1433 - A champion of communism!

    <h4>Chapter 1433 - A champion ofmunism! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Two hourster.


    At a room in the hotel across the road.


    Little Wang wiped away her sweat. "They''re gone."


    Little Zhou said with lingering fear, "Oh, my heart."


    Little Sun had nearly pissed his pants. "I wouldn''t havee if I''d known this would happen!"


    Ha Qiqi smiled wryly. "When we get back, I''ll have to talk to HR about the recruitment process for our new staff. The criteria for all new hires should be for them to have strong mental fortitude. Else, if we encounter such situations again in the future, not everyone will be able to withstand the stress!"


    Little Wang did not know whether tough or cry. "That mouth of Director Zhang''s, there''s really no one else like him!"


    ��


    The Asakusa Hotel.


    The crowd had dispersed, leaving behind shambles.


    The Asakusa Hotel had gone through turmoil and was barely recognizable. Its outer walls were all vandalized with swear words, and there were even traces of rotten eggs on it. The majority of the ss windows from the fifth floor and down were also shattered, leaving many of the rooms unprotected from the elements. The hotel lobby''s ss and revolving doors were also spat on by many of the rioters while the floor was in an even worse state. Rocks, stic bags, ss fragments, sanitary pads, wooden staves, thermos sks, and basically anything that you could find in a supermarket were strewn all over the ce.


    The president was crying!


    The hotel staff were crying!


    How much had they lost?


    This had probably cost them more than several million in damages!


    If they had known that this would happen, they wouldn''t have allowed him to stay here!


    If they had known, they would never have agreed to let Zhang Ye check into the hotel no matter what!


    They''d heard of Zhang Ye''s notoriety before, but until they witnessed it with their own eyes, they had always believed that the rumors were exaggerated. So it turned out that Zhang Ye''s notoriety was even more notorious than it was reported in the news. He had only said a few words, but it was precisely because of those few words that their hotel was in such a state!


    What kind of a person was this!


    What kind of a hooligan was this!


    They had finally learned to be afraid of him. This time, they were truly scared of him!


    If anyone had told them in the past that Zhang Ye could set off an earth-shattering storm with just his mouth alone, without having to lift a finger, they would never have believed it even if their lives depended on it. But now that they''d witnessed it for themselves, they were finally convinced. That wicked mouth of Zhang Ye''s could fucking kill someone!


    The president roared, "I''ll fight it out with him!"


    Everyone rushed over to hold him back.


    "President!"


    "Calm down!"


    "Don''t do something stupid!"


    The president shouted, "My hotel! Look at my hotel!"


    An executive howled, "Why haven''t the police arrested him!"


    Someone else said, "Yeah, he was the one who got the rioters to wreck our hotel!"


    Someone hesitated for a bit before saying, "I think he said to not wreck the hotel?"


    Everyone was speechless.


    "What a bastard!"


    "He was intentionally messing with us!"


    "H-How are we supposed to carry on doing business like this?"


    "The bookings have all been canceled!"


    "There''s no business left for us to do!"


    "President, is it because of those magazines?"


    "President, why don''t we��those magazines��"


    The moment someone brought it up, the president angrily cut them off. "Impossible! The magazines must not be touched! Zhang! I''m going to take it all the way with him!"


    At the Asakusa Hotel, only the staff were still around. After the rioters had dispersed, all of the hotel''s guests packed their luggage and checked out en masse. Some of them had only just checked in, but they were already asking to check out without even wanting a refund. All of them took their luggage and left the hotel in a panic, not wanting to stay around for even a minute longer!


    Who could take this?


    With all that fighting and rioting happening, they would be putting their lives at risk if they continued to stay!


    Which of these guests would want a sanitary pad or instant noodles flying through their windows while they slept in their rooms?


    All of the guests left!


    Except for one!


    Only Zhang Ye remained behind!


    He continued to stay without a care as the sole remaining guest of thisrge hotel!


    ��


    Noon.


    It was lunchtime.


    Zhang Ye strolled downstairs and came to the cafeteria.


    It was deserted. Not only was it devoid of guests, no meals were being served!


    The staff all turned to look at him, wishing they could go up and bite him!


    Zhang Ye wondered out loud, "Where''s the food? Where''s the buffet?"


    Everyone nearly vomited blood!


    You still want the buffet?


    There isn''t a guest in the hotel other than you!


    Even the cooks have gone home!


    Besides, this entire farce was started by you, and all of those people came for your head. You were the one who caused our hotel to be in this state, so how dare youe down and ask to eat! Why don''t you just die!


    Zhang Ye said, "Hurry up and get the food ready."


    The service staff broke down into tears!


    They''d rather choose to have ten years cut from their lifespans instead of talking to Zhang Ye!


    Over there.


    The president stalked over in a rage. "Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yo, if it isn''t the boss?"


    The president pointed at him and said, "Don''t think that I''ll be afraid of you! I''m not done with you! Let me tell you, Zhang Ye! This isn''t over! I won''t remove the magazines! Not only that, I''ll even ce two magazines in every room starting from today! No! I''ll put three magazines! Continue to stay here! Stay as you wish! I want to see how long you can stay here for! I''ll see if you don''t return to your country!" Since the hotel was already wrecked, the president no longer held in his anger and took it up with Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Sure then, I have nothing to do anyway."


    The president sneered. "I''ll see how long you can do nothing for! Don''t leave if you''re so capable!"


    He was expecting that an Asian big name like Zhang Ye would have a long schedule nned and be much busier than people like them. The charity association''s event had finished up, and Zhang Ye should be returning home any moment now, so how could he stay at the hotel forever? Wouldn''t he have to attend to other matters?


    However, he did not seem to understand Zhang Ye''s temper.


    Don''t leave if you''re so capable?


    Zhang Ye was truly capable of that!


    To him, work was just a triviality. He could drop everything work rted, but he couldn''t miss out on any fights!


    If there was a fight, he would join in!


    If he fought, he would definitely win!


    This had always been Zhang Ye''s principle.


    Everyone knew that the president had been forced to the precipice and was afraid that something would happen. Two of the staff went over to hold him back, not because they were afraid that the president would take it out on Zhang Ye, but because they were afraid that Zhang Ye would make a move on him. The video of Zhang Ye smashing the Korean car brand''s bulletproof cars from several days ago had also made its way around Japan, so they were terrified that their president would get shredded by a single p from him!


    Soon after, Zhang Ye ced his hands behind his back and sauntered out of the hotel to get some food.


    The president was so angry that he was panting heavily. He said loudly, "Go and clean his room, then ce three magazines��no, ce five magazines in there! One at the bedside! One on the study desk! One in the bathroom! Put them everywhere! And also, cut off the Inte ess to his room! Shut off his power! And shut off the water supply for him as well! I''ll see how long he can continue staying here!"


    "OK!"


    "Yes!"


    "Understood!"


    A group of service staff puffed off!


    ��


    In the afternoon.


    When Zhang Ye returned to the room, he was amused.


    There were the problematic reading materials everywhere on the study desk and bed. The bathroom was not cleaned, and a lot of areas were not tidied up either. When he tried connecting to the Inte, he realized that the connection was dead. When he turned on the tap, there was no water either.


    Fine!


    Not bad!


    This is what will make things interesting!


    This is what will add some spice to the fight!


    If it were anyone else that had their Inte, water supply, and power cut off? They would have red up long ago. However, Zhang Ye was different. This fellow was totally enjoying it!


    This was the mark of a true warrior!


    He was a champion ofmunism deep down inside and enjoyed fighting!

 Chapter 1434 - I’ll admit defeat, alright?

    <h4>Chapter 1434 - I''ll admit defeat, alright? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the third day of his stay.


    In the morning, Zhang Ye called Ha Qiqi.


    "Old Ha, what''s the WiFi password over there?"


    "Ah?"


    "The password."


    "12345."


    "OK, got it."


    "You don''t have a connection over there?"


    "Nope."


    "Then why are you still staying there?"


    "It''s precisely because of this that I gotta stay here."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye tried connecting to the WiFiwork. But because it was across the street, the signal wasn''t great and was quite intermittent, although it could still be used. He took out a high capacity portable charger and connected it to his cell phone. Then he leaned back on the sofa and continued readingics.


    Everything carried on as usual.


    Zhang Ye was enjoying his stay here.


    On top of that, he didn''t go online to scold Japanese celebrities either.


    Upstairs.


    In the president''s office.


    Everyone had gathered for a meeting with their guards up.


    "Is Zhang Ye up yet?"


    "I think he''s awake."


    "He didn''t post anything, did he?"


    "Not today, he didn''t."


    "Haha, that''s great then."


    "President, are we going to open for business as usual?"


    "Of course. We''ve already cleaned up the ce downstairs. Even though many of the rooms below the fifth floor can''t be used for the guests, the ones on the upper floors are all fine. The rooms'' windows are all undamaged, and we can still ept bookings as usual. We''ll see if that can make up for the losses. When that jinx of a Zhang Ye is gone, we will carry on with the hotel operations while we redecorate the rooms on the fifth floor and below. This is the best n that I thought up yesterday to recoup our losses."


    As they were speaking.


    ng! A sound made everyone jump in fright!


    "What''s the matter?"


    "What''s happening?"


    "Damn, who threw that?"


    "Why are they at it again?"


    "But Zhang Ye didn''t scold anyone today!"


    "My God, another 100-odd people have gathered out there!"


    ng!


    Bang!


    There was a flurry of scolding voices outside!


    "Get out of Japan!"


    "Zhang Ye,e out!"


    "I''lle here every day as long as you''re here!"


    "Denouncing Zhang Ye!"


    "Denouncing Zhang Ye!"


    The shouts were deafening!


    This affair had turned all Japan upside down. Zhang Ye had torn a hole in the sky here, and all eyes in Japan were now looking at the Asakusa Hotel in anger. There was no need for Zhang Ye to continue provoking anyone. It just wasn''t necessary anymore. Zhang Ye didn''t have to say anything to make the rioters descend upon the hotel. Moreover, the people who came here were clearly organized groups now, with some people leading others. When the hotel called the police, they would immediately turn around and disappear without a trace!


    The Asakusa Hotel had another dozen of its ss windows smashed!


    The president was cursing and swearing at this in his office!


    ��


    On the fourth day of Zhang Ye''s stay.


    Around 4 AM when it was still dark.


    The president and hotel staff were all fast asleep.


    Bang!


    Thud!


    The Asakusa Hotel''s personnel awoken in fright. Then they heard thunderous scoldings from outside again!


    "Get out of Japan, Zhang Ye!"


    "Denouncing Zhang Ye!"


    "Everyone, let''s stand united and boycott him!"


    "Make Zhang Ye scram back to China!"


    This time, the hotel''s revolving door was destroyed as well!


    The president and the hotel staff only dared toe out when the police arrived and the rioting crowd dispersed. Seeing this sorry sight, they were all going crazy with hatred!


    "Zhang!"


    "Why hasn''t he left yet?"


    "Who knows!"


    "He''ll be leaving. It should be soon!"


    "Right, he has so much work to handle. Surely he won''t stay for much longer!"


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye, who was upstairs in his room, did not wake up. He was still sleeping like a log in his room. Come to think of it, it was really strange because Zhang Ye often did not sleep well when everything was going well. However, it seemed like he could get a really good night''s sleep now that he was caught in conflict with other people. He felt extremely at peace with himself and did not even get awoken by themotion outside.


    ��


    On the fifth day of Zhang Ye''s stay.


    The hotel''s personnel did not see any rioterse on this fearful day. Just as they were about to heave a sigh of relief and turn in, the rioters came!


    This wave of people arrived at 11 PM!


    It was clearly a different group of people this time. They did not wreck the ce but stood downstairs cursing and swearing.


    They scolded Zhang Ye!


    They scolded the hotel!


    They scolded everything!


    They kept at it until thetter half of the night!


    The hotel president was already in the wrong state of mind. For the past two days, he had not had any shut-eye and stood angrily at the window while looking at the people down below in fear. The staff around him had bags under their eyes and looked like they were in a trance.


    "It has been five days!"


    "Five days already!"


    "Why hasn''t he left yet?"


    "This bastard, when on earth is he nning to leave!"


    "Soon, it will definitely be soon!"


    "Hold on for a bit longer. He definitely wouldn''t stay here for the full ten days!"


    "President, this is my resignation letter."


    "What?"


    "I, I can''t take it anymore!"


    "Me too, I haven''t slept for two days!"


    On this day, seven staff members resigned from the hotel.


    ��


    On the sixth day of Zhang Ye''s stay.


    All of the Asakusa Hotel''s staff were "wandering" around, muttering some strange and iprehensible incantations to themselves.


    "Leave quickly."


    "Lord have mercy, make him leave quickly!"


    "He will definitely check out today, he will definitely check out today!"


    The scolding outside the hotel was still going on.


    The current state of the Asakusa Hotel looked like andfill. It was a terrible sight, and the paint on the walls was peeling as well; the ss windows were all shattered. Anyone passing by stopped to take a look at the hotel. Some people even took their wives and children there in a taxicab to watch themotion as they exined to their children what had happened. It was as though the ce had be a tourist destination. Right now in Japan, the Asakusa Hotel was a ce that everyone know about.


    "Zhang Ye ising out!"


    "Get out of Japan!"


    This was the fourth wave of people toe today.


    It was the sixth day!


    There were a total of ten waves of people!


    The president''s face had gone numb.


    Someone came into the room. "President."


    The president looked at him with a dull face. "Has Zhang Ye left yet?"


    That person said despondently, "Not yet. I just passed by his room and think I heard him listening to songs inside."


    Listening to songs?


    He was in the mood to listen to songs?


    The president was furious and banged his fist on the table. He said, "Why isn''t he leaving yet! Just how much longer does he want to stay! It''s already been six days! We haven''t received a single booking! There isn''t any more business for us to do! He''s trying to kill us!" Then he roared, "Close the business! We''ll stop business operations starting today! Cancel his booking!"


    That person said, "I''ve already made a call. The charity association''s coordinator said that they made the hotel booking, so we aren''t allowed to shortchange them for even a day!"


    The president was disheartened!


    That person said, "There are still four days left."


    The president pointed outside and said angrily, "Four days? Look for yourself. Can our hotelst another four days? In just two more days, our building is going to copse!"


    At this moment, a service staffer rushed in excitedly. "President, we''ve received a booking!"


    The president said happily, "Oh?"


    The service staffer said, "We just received it. It''s a booking for half a year!"


    "Half a year? That long?"


    "Yes, it''s a long-term booking."


    The president said, "Good, good, this is a good sign. There''s still someone who wants to stay at our hotel at this time, and that shows that our unyielding attitude has been chiseled into the minds of the people, and they''ve recognized us for it. Our reputation is out there, so all we need now is to make Zhang Ye leave. After he''s gone, our hotel will be redecorated and upgraded to an even better one."


    The service staff said, "That''s right!"


    The president said, "Tell everyone to stand firm for a little longer. Victory is right before our eyes!"


    But at this time, another staff member suddenly came running into the room. She panted, "That''s not it! Something bad has happened!"


    The president was taken aback. "What happened this time?"


    The staff said, "It''s that booking!"


    The president quickly asked, "What''s wrong with that booking?"


    The staff said anxiously, "Th-That booking came from someone by the name of Qu Huahua at the charity association. It was an extension for Zhang Ye''s stay! He''s going to extend his stay to half a year!"


    What?


    Half a year?


    Zhang Ye wants to stay here for half a year?!


    Fuck you, motherfucker!


    Upon hearing that, the entire room of people were stunned!


    The president lost his bnce and fell to the ground. Look at what this jinx has caused our hotel to be after staying here for just six days! And he wants to stay for half a year? Won''t that level our entire building to the ground then?!


    The president was having a mental breakdown!


    Everyone in the hotel nearly copsed when they heard this news!


    At this moment, they finally knew what kind of an asshole they had offended!


    The president had to admit defeat. He really had to admit defeat this time. He didn''t know if Zhang Ye would really dare to stay here for half a year more, but he didn''t want to find out either!


    My brother!


    You''re my dear brother!


    I can''t afford to mess with you!


    I''ll admit defeat! I''ll fucking admit defeat, alright!?

 Chapter 1435 - The evil can only be subdued by the evil!

    <h4>Chapter 1435 - The evil can only be subdued by the evil! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the hotel.


    In the room.


    An elegant piece of music was drifting within as Zhang Ye sat on the sofa, slowly humming along to it. He was really enjoying the rxing mood from these several days of rare break that he had gotten in over a year. Yes, to Zhang Ye, this was indeed a break. It was a vacation for him because he didn''t have to do anything, nor was he bothered by all the fighting and rioting happening outside.


    All of a sudden, the lights came on.


    The sound of running water came from the bathroom.


    The power was back on?


    The water supply hade back?


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes and raised his head.


    Shortly after, the doorbell rang.


    After Zhang Ye answered the door, he saw the hotel president and several executives standing outside. He calmly said, "Yo, what are all of you doing here?"


    The president said, "We came here to have a look. There have been too many incidents happening in the past few days, so we didn''t have time to take care of many things. We only just found out that the power had been cut and the water supply was stopped."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s fine, I''m a man who can make do with whatever is given. I was born into a poor family, so I''m not picky about such things. It''s fine as long as there''s somewhere for me to sleep."


    The hotel''s top brass rolled their eyes.


    The president coughed and said, "It''s been so noisy for the past few days with so many waves of people gathering outside every day. Even if you could sleep, I doubt that you had sleep well, isn''t that so?"


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "No?"


    "Ah?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I think I slept rather well."


    The president and the executives were speechless.


    Are you allowing for a discussion to take ce?


    Tell us! Are you allowing for a discussion to take ce?


    You slept well? But we didn''t sleep well!


    The president said angrily, "Teacher Zhang, let''s not beat around the bush. Just say it. What do we have to do to make you leave?!"


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "I''ve already told you about my two demands, and I don''t wish to repeat myself again."


    The president had a ghastly look on his face. "I know that you have the Asian Charity Association backing you. We cannot afford to offend them, but if we were to just stop running the hotel altogether, there''s nothing they can say or do about it."


    Zhang Ye looked at him. "Then go ahead and do it."


    The president didn''t expect him to say this and was taken back.


    Zhang Ye said, "But when you finish redecorating and resume business, give me a heads up. I rather like your ce, so I''ll make sure toe back here to stay again. I can be quite free with nothing to do when I go back to my country, so I think I wille here to stay for a few days each time whenever my yearly schedule allows. Oh yes, do you have a membership program? You do offer discounts to your loyal customers, right?"


    Membership program?


    You still want a fucking membership card?


    Have you enjoyed staying here?!


    Get out of here! Hurry up and get out of here!


    The president was sweating profusely. He couldn''t imagine that scene that Zhang Ye had just described a moment ago. Come here to stay a few times a year? For a few days each time? We wouldn''t have enough floors to get wrecked if that was the fucking case! The president was scared shitless. He said, "Alright, don''t say any more. Just stop. You''re more ruthless than I am. I give up, I thoroughly give up!"


    Zhang Ye said, "The two demands."


    The president was crying. "I''ll get them done! I''ll get them done immediately!"


    Zhang Ye pouted for some reason.


    Hey, why are you agreeing to it so easily?


    I haven''t even shown you what I am truly capable of yet!


    Since Zhang Ye was here, he would surely get the matter settled. Before he came here, he had already devised a n with more than 10 different ways of causing trouble for them. But unexpectedly, he had only used one method so far and the Asakusa Hotel''s personnel were already left genuflecting. This gave Zhang Ye no sense of aplishment at all!


    ��


    Across the sea.


    China.


    The Asakusa Hotel was all over the news and the Inte in recent days. Themotion in Japan, as well as thetest updates on Zhang Ye, were all setting off unendingughter back at home!


    "The Asakusa Hotel has been wrecked again!"


    "Quickly,e and see this. There''s a picture spreading showing thetest appearance of the Asakusa Hotel!"


    "They''ve been given a fresh coat of ''pain'' again? Beautifully done!"


    "How many times is this today?"


    "It''s already the third time today!"


    "Pfft, I''m doubling over inughter!"


    "They''re really down on their luck!"


    "Hahahaha, Lord Zhang is so awesome!"


    "What a goddamn great way to blow off steam!"


    "Yeah, Face-smacking Zhang is too cruel!"


    "Zhang Ye is still staying there?"


    "Of course, he''s still staying there."


    "I heard that they cut off his power and water."


    "Aiyo, these past few days have been too fucking funny for me!"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye is merciless!"


    "Ah! There''s news!"


    "What news?"


    "Go and watch! It''s broadcasting on TV!"


    "Damn, Central TV News Channel is broadcasting live!"


    ��


    On TV.


    The Asakusa Hotel had called a press conference.


    Many Asian reporters and media outlets were in attendance. It was extremely chaotic, and it could be seen on camera that many other reporters did not manage to get into the venue. Meanwhile, some of the other reporters could not get a seat after getting inside and had to stand in the aisles where the cameras were set up. When the hotel president appeared, countless reporters immediately shoved their cameras and microphones at him!


    The president sat down on stage.


    After a moment of silence, he announced three matters.


    One: The Asakusa Hotel would be closed for business for three months with immediate effect.


    Two: The Asakusa Hotel would remove all problematic reading materials permanently.


    Three: The Asakusa Hotel formally apologized to China, Korea, and the other Asian countries.


    After saying all that, the president stood up.


    The other executives of the hotel also stood up.


    Facing the camera, the president and the others bowed deeply.


    The press conference ended.


    Immediately, there was a jubnt mood across Asia!


    ��


    China.


    "They''ve apologized!"


    "Quickly watch the news on Central TV! They''ve finally apologized!"


    "The problematic mags have been removed!"


    "There''s finally a conclusion to the matter!"


    "Lord Zhang! Well done!"


    "Damn, Zhang Ye was so cool in the way he resolved things!"


    "He''s so dashing! I love him to death! I didn''t used to chase after celebrities, but I''m going to follow Zhang Ye closely from now on. I''ve never liked a celebrity so much before!"


    "I''ve got to apologize to Zhang Ye as well. When I learned that he had checked in to the Asakusa Hotel, I totally misunderstood him. I should''ve known better. When has Teacher Zhang ever disappointed us?"


    "Teacher Zhang, you did well!"


    "I''m so excited! There''s absolutely nothing wrong with this turn of events!"


    "Fucking hell, we still have to depend on Zhang Ye when pushes to shove. When this matter was first exposed, so many people were criticizing the Asakusa Hotel. Even the Chinese and Korean celebrities expressed their stance on the matter and brought more attention to it. They also denounced the hotel, but so what? The hotel simply ignored all their criticisms and the issue remained unsolved. And what can they do about that? The situation just remained as was, didn''t it? But look at Teacher Zhang. He managed to get things done! Only he is capable of doing something like that!"


    "We have to cherish Teacher Zhang. It really wasn''t easy for a celebrity like him toe out of China!"


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    Korea was actually praising this as well. Several days ago, the Koreans were scolding him together with the Japanese. But just a few dayster, the Koreans and Chinese banded together against a newmon enemy!


    "We won''t be scolding Zhang Ye today!"


    "Right, we won''t be scolding him today. Even if we are, we''ll leave it until tomorrow to scold him!"


    "The reason why this matter has been resolved is all thanks to that fellow!"


    "This matter was really well handled!"


    "There''s a Chinese saying: ''The evil can only be subdued by the evil.'' Zhang Ye might be evil, but when people like those from the Asakusa Hotel exist, we still have to depend on a viin like Zhang Ye to subdue them! This is truly the biggest hooligan of our Asian entertainment industry! A vermin that only appears once every 10,000 years is indeed a worthy title for him!"


    ��


    On this day.


    China, Korea, and many other Asian countries were praising Zhang Ye!


    With that, Zhang Ye''s name became even more well-known across Asia!

 Chapter 1436 - Never has there been a celebrity who grows their popularity this way!

    <h4>Chapter 1436 - Never has there been a celebrity who grows their poprity this way! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    Packing the luggage.


    Taking the suitcase.


    Zhang Ye took the elevator downstairs. When he stepped out, he realized that all of the Asakusa Hotel''s staff were standing there looking at him. He walked to the front desk and took out some documents.


    Zhang Ye said, "Checking out."


    Immediately.


    The receptionist took it from him.


    In the next second.


    The receptionist handed the passport back to him.


    She said speedily, "It''s done!"


    Zhang Ye said, "That fast?"


    The receptionist said, wiping off her sweat, "Yes, that''s right."


    Zhang Ye nodded and turned around to leave.


    Many of the staff watched him as he made his way out.


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s fine, you guys don''t have to see me out."


    The staff were surprised. "Ah?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Go back to work, y''all."


    Who''s seeing you out!


    Which of your eyes are telling you that we''re seeing you out?


    When Zhang Ye exited the hotel, he stood outside on the sidewalk and stretched himself. Then he flipped open his bag and took out a face mask and sunsses to put them on. When it was time to stand out, he would stand out. Now that the Asakusa Hotel incident was handled, it was time to keep a low profile again. He crossed the road and came to the hotel opposite.


    Upstairs.


    He knocked on the door.


    The door was opened by Little Wang.


    Little Wang was taken aback. "Director Zhang?"


    Little Zhou came running out. "Ah, Director Zhang is back! Are you alright?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "What could possibly happen to me?"


    Little Sun said loudly, "Teacher Zhang, you were amazing!"


    Little Wang said, "Yeah, and the issue has been resolved too!"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Alright, alright, since that issue has been handled, let''s get down to business here. I didn''t exactlye to Japan for them anyway. It was just a by-the-by thing."


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "Theic series is currently being handled."


    "Alright, then let''s get me a room," Zhang Ye said.


    Little Wang said happily, "OK, I''ll go and process it!"


    Little Wang took Zhang Ye''s passport and headed downstairs without a second thought.


    About five to six minutester, Little Wang came back to the room with a look of speechlessness. She was followed by several of the hotel''s managers who looked horrified.


    A female manager hurriedly said, "Teacher Zhang, we don''t have any rooms left. There''s really no more rooms left."


    Little Zhou said, "But that''s impossible. Aren''t there still a lot of empty rooms?"


    A male manager wiped at his sweat and said, "There really aren''t any left, none at all. Can you find somewhere else to stay at, please? Thank you in advance. How about this? We''ll foot the bill at this hotel. Let us pay for it!"


    The few of them looked rmed and jittery.


    ��


    Later that afternoon.


    They switched to a different hotel.


    When the receptionist took their passports from them, they were shocked!


    "Ah! Zhang Ye!"


    "We''d like to check in."


    "There are no more rooms. They''ve all been booked!"


    "Weren''t you checking in other guests just a moment ago?"


    "There are really no rooms left!"


    "We don''t mind a standard room."


    "The standard rooms are also not avable anymore!"


    ��


    They switched to yet another hotel.


    The receptionist at this hotel had the same expression as the one at the previous hotel and immediately made a call to the hotel manager.


    When the manager learned about this, they nearly pissed their pants. "Don''t ept his booking! You must not ept it! Just tell them that our hotel is full! If that doesn''t work, stop all business operations! Don''t process any more bookings from any customers!"


    The hotel was in turmoil!


    They got so scared that they nearly wanted to stop their business operations!


    ��


    In the end, a hotel that had a Chinese owner ended up hosting Zhang Ye. Although the hotel was not big and the ce a little out of the way, the environment was pretty good.


    The owner was a fat man who was very warm and weing.


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "We finally found a ce to stay at."


    The fat bossughed heartily. "Don''t worry, just stay here as you like. You don''t have to pay and I wee you all to stay for as long as you want. Just do as you please and make yourselves at home!"


    Zhang Ye said, "That won''t do. We still have to pay what is due."


    But the fat owner said, "I would ask to get paid if it were anyone other than you. You would be insulting me if you insisted. If you want to pay me, then I don''t wee you here, haha. I guarantee you that no other hotel in Tokyo will take your booking. They''re in a state of panic right now. Not long after the Asakusa Hotel ended their press conference, I heard that many of the hotels in Tokyo started adopting stricter measures when processing new bookings. As long as it''s a room booking from a charity or China, the managers will make sure to screen the bookings personally. They''re all doing so because they''re afraid that you''ll somehow end up staying at their ce. They''re assuming you''re like a ticking time bomb."


    Little Wang and Little Zhouughed but did not say anything.


    A time bomb?


    With that mouth of Director Zhang''s, he''s definitely much worse than a time bomb!


    Finally, everyone settled down.


    After Zhang Ye returned to his room, he charged his phone. Only now did he realize he had missed a lot of calls. Just as he was about to return some of them, a call came in.


    "Hello, Mom."


    "Why couldn''t I get through for so long?"


    "Hai, I just charged my cell phone."


    "Did you get hurt?"


    "No, I''m fine."


    "You rascal! You''re such a troublemaker. I should''ve known that nothing good woulde out of your overseas trip!"


    "Haha, how''s Old Wu?"


    "She''s pretty good. I go over every day to prepare meals for Zeqing."


    "It''s been hard on you, Mom. I''ll be going home in another two days."


    "Come home quickly."


    Zhang Xia.


    Yao Jiancai.


    Chen Guang.


    Xu Men.


    The calls from his friends and rtives wereing in one after another.


    Zhang Ye answered them all.


    When evening fell, everyone gathered in the room and had a meeting.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Director Zhang, if you''re going to do something next time, can you please inform us in advance? Let us be mentally prepared so that we don''t have to be so shocked. Do you know how terrified we were during these past several days when the hotel you were staying at got surrounded by all those people? We couldn''t even sleep well."


    However, Zhang Ye brushed it off. "It''s no big deal."


    Little Zhou gave a bitterugh. "It might not be a big deal to you, but it affected us greatly. Coming out on a business trip with you nearly gave me a heart attack this time. Director Zhang, please don''t take me along the next time you go on any business trips. This one time is more than enough for me." Pausing, she sighed and then said, "But I''ve also benefited from this. Having gone through all these major incidents with you on this trip, I won''t have anything to be afraid of if I ever encounter another major incident in the future. This is such good training."


    Little Wang giggled and said, "Right, if you''ve worked with Director Zhang, you''ve seen it all."


    Little Sun asked, "Is our Asian poprity going to go up again?"


    Ha Qiqi looked at her watch. "We''ll find out in a while."


    But Zhang Ye didn''t seem to have thought about this. He hadn''t checked the rankings either in these past several days. "Did it go up again?"


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "After reaching the middle of the Asian A-list rankings, your position didn''t really move. But during these past several days, it went up by a little again. After all, the fallout from the Asakusa Hotel incident was quite widespread. Who in the whole of Asia does not know about it? With that issue now settled, there will surely be another outbreak of poprity. Just have a look at the Inte and the news. For the entire day today, besides in China, many of the other Asian countries, including Korea and Japan, are talking about you and discussing this matter. This time, even the Koreans are praising you, so let''s hope that there will be a pleasant surpriseter."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, let''s wait and see then."


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    Everyone sat in the room and chatted while drinking tea.


    Simrly, many people and industry insiders from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries were also waiting for the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index to be updated. They were also curious to see Zhang Ye''s ranking.


    When it was time.


    They saw it.


    One spot!


    Two spots!


    On the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index, Zhang Ye''s name had actually advanced by two spots!


    ��


    China.


    "What the heck!"


    "Quick, look at the Asian Celebrity Rankings!"


    "It''s risen again! Zhang Ye''s poprity has risen again!"


    "Eh?"


    "He can even increase his poprity like this?"


    "Amazing, My Lord Zhang!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "What?"


    "Why has his poprity gone up again?"


    "That damned hooligan! Why does his poprity get higher the more he scolds people!"


    "Who knows! How infuriating!"


    "After scolding so many of our Japanese celebrities, his poprity can still rise?"


    ��


    Korea.


    "He advanced by two spots?"


    "This fellow has gotten closer to reaching the summit of Asia again?"


    "Surely not, right?"


    "How much more ironic can it get!"


    "Yeah, I''ve nevere across something like this before!"


    "How could his poprity have gone up by so much this time!"


    ��


    Two rankings. That might not be a lot if it were the Asian C-list rankings. It would still be eptable if it was on the Asian B-list rankings. But the Asian A-list rankings were different. In this list, every position change required a huge amount of poprity to be earned. If that was even the case for one position change, then it was all the more so for two position changes!


    Countless people were dumbfounded!


    A lot of them were at a loss!


    You can even do that?


    Are you seriously considering fighting your way to bing an Asian Heavenly King?


    In all of history, never had there been a celebrity who grew their poprity in such a way!

 Chapter 1437 - The serialization of One Piece!

    <h4>Chapter 1437 - The serialization of One Piece! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Tokyo.


    At Sh��nen Publishing.


    The number ofic publishers in Japan was as many as the amount of hair on a cow. However, of all theic magazines out there, there were always three publishers who led the cirction 1 of such weekly serialized magazines targeted at teenage boys.


    Sh��nen Publishing 2 .


    Sh��kansha.


    POO Studios 3 .


    And Sh��nen Publishing was the one with the highest cirction figures.


    ��#1 in Japan, #1 in Asia, #1 in the industry.


    In the editorial department.


    Seto Kyoko looked down at aic manuscript with aplicated expression. She had been thinking over it for several days. Her breakfast ced on the side had already turned cold. She hadn''t even taken a bite from it yet.


    Beside her, an editor said, "What''s the matter, Kyoko?"


    Kyoko gave a wry smile. "I don''t know whether to submit a manuscript I have for approval."


    The editor said, "Just submit it if you think it''s good. Otherwise, axe it."


    Kyoko said, scratching her head, "The plot is fine. It''s just that the art style and character designs are so weird that it''s unlike anything that I''ve seen in all my years as an editor."


    "Oh? Let me have a look."


    "Here."


    "Pfft!"


    "Right? Right?"


    "It''s indeed a little odd."


    "Forget it, I''ll just submit it and see how it goes."


    Across the room, someone shouted, "The meeting with the editor-in-chief is starting."


    Everyone in the editorial department stood up silently and proceeded to the innermost conference room.


    13 people sat around a long table. They were the key leaders of Sh��nen Publishing''s editorial department.


    The editor-in-chief spoke, "Today, we''ll discuss the serializations for the uing issue."


    The deputy editor pushed up his spectacles and said, "We freed up two slots since Onee-chan''s Daily Life has ended, and with Monster''s Revengeing inst ce for the past three weeks in the reader polls, we''ve decided that we will cut it from serialization. We have to decide which other titles will take their ces today."


    The editor-in-chief said, "Let''s have a look then."


    All the rmended works had already been ced onto the table by the various editors.


    Everyone lowered their heads and scanned through them as the rmending editor exined their work.


    "This won''t do."


    "Yeah, it''s definitely not going to work."


    "The plot moves too slowly."


    "Next."


    "This one is not bad."


    "But it''ll require some editing. The story''s setting is not so good."


    "Next."


    They went through the manuscripts one by one.


    It finally came to Seto Kyoko''s rmended manuscript.


    Kyoko said, "This work was submitted by a rookie, someone by the pen name of Aoi. I find the story and plot to be very good, so I submitted it for the meeting."


    An editor frowned. "Someone who hasn''t debuted?"


    Kyoko said, "That''s right, a pure neer."


    Another editor said, "In principle, we would never go straight to serialization with a neer''s work."


    Kyoko said, "I know that. But the other party has submitted 10 chapters of the manuscript in one shot. I''ve gone through the work and find the continuity to be very strong. Furthermore, it really suits the style of our Sh��nen Publishing."


    So everyone lowered their heads to read it and were dumbfounded.


    What is this?


    What kind of artistic style is this?


    The deputy editor looked at her. "What''s with the character design?"


    Another editor facepalmed. "This character design is done too casually!"


    A male editor said, "Surely this won''t do, right? The story''s about pirates?"


    A female editor said, "I think it''s quite good. The plot is interesting, although the character design is really ugly. Why are the eyes drawn like this?"


    Everyone got into a heated debate.


    Kyoko said, "I think we can forget it if it''s not good enough."


    The editor-in-chief said calmly, "Let''s move on to the next one."


    In the end, after going through a dozen different manuscripts, only one of them was unanimously approved. There was still a spot left for the serialization that no one could seem to agree on.


    "Are there any more submissions?"


    "There are no other ones. This is all we have for theing issue."


    "We''re still short one title."


    "Any other works that the editors would like to rmend?"


    "Nothing, everything is here."


    "Then let''s go through them from the beginning again."


    The dozen manuscripts made their way around the table again.


    Half an hour.


    An hour.


    After a series of intense debates, and with no other good works left to choose from, the editor-in-chief picked up the manuscript of One Piece again and went through it twice in detail. "Alright, we''ll use this."


    "But what about its character design?"


    "This work will surely be cut even if it gets serialized."


    "But there''s really no other work that meets our criteria."


    "That''s true."


    "There aren''t many precedents of a neer''s work being serialized either."


    "We can only give it a try."


    ��


    Elsewhere.


    In the morning, Zhang Ye andpany were having breakfast together.


    At the dining table, Ha Qiqi asked, "They haven''t replied yet?"


    Little Sun said anxiously, "No, not yet."


    Zhang Ye said, "Who submitted the manuscript?"


    Little Sun said, "My older sister."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright, we''ll have to thank you sister when the timees."


    Little Sun hurriedly said, "There''s no need, Director Zhang. My sister is a diehard fan of you. When she heard that she would be submitting the final copy on your behalf, she reacted like she had been shot up with adrenaline." With a pause, he said, "It''s been sent in for three days, but I still haven''t heard anything from my sister. It must be because there isn''t any news from Sh��nen Publishing."


    Zhang Ye said, "Just wait a bit, there''s no hurry."


    Little Wang said worriedly, "Theics industry here is too advanced. In the streets, everyone can be seen walking around with aic in their hands. Sister Ha and I even spotted quite a few aunties and uncles readingics. We don''t know or understand anything about this industry, so could that One Pieceic of ours really work here?"


    They were starting to get the feeling that Zhang Ye''s decision was made too hastily. Using aic to circumvent the restriction order? Usingics and animation to break into the Japanese market? And extend that reach towards Asia? It sounded like a really good n, and if it were sessful, their poprity would surely jump by leaps and bounds. But they wereymen when it came to this, and it was even a case of being utterly inexperienced. So how could they possibly fight it out with the local, homegrown cartoonists of Japan? By depending on those weird character designs of Zhang Ye''s? That weird art style? Would it really work? At Zhang Ye''s Studio, they''d been pping people''s faces for the entirety of their existence. What if they got pped this time around? How humiliating would that be!


    But Zhang Ye was firm as a rock. He didn''t while away his days at the Asakusa Hotel. Over there, he took a cursory nce at some of the most popric series in Japan over the past decades and analyzed them a little. He discovered that this world''sics and animation styles were very simr to his previous world. The subject matter, genres, art styles, and many things were different, but the core was more or less the same, with amon selling point behind them. Thus, he didn''t see any problems with his n.


    At this moment, a call arrived.


    Little Sun was startled. "It''s from my big sister."


    Little Wang urged him, "Quickly, take the call."


    When he answered, Little Sun''s sister could be heard yelling excitedly in such a loud voice that anyone within three meters of the phone could her.


    His sister said excitedly: "It went through! It went through!"


    Little Sun was taken aback. "Sis, what went through?"


    His sister shouted: "Sh��nen Publishing''s editor just called me! The manuscript was passed! One Piece is going to be serialized in the new issue of their weekly magazine!"


    Little Sun said in surprise: "That''s great!"


    Little Wang nearly sprang out of her seat. "Damn, it really went through?"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "What do you mean by that? Were you hoping that it wouldn''t go through?"


    Little Wang said repeatedly, "No, no, no, I��I just didn''t expect it!"


    This news was exhrating to hear. Although they didn''t know what kind of result One Piece could achieve, the first step had been taken!

 Chapter 1438 - The astonishing One Piece!

    <h4>Chapter 1438 - The astonishing One Piece! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    Friday.


    Sh��nen Publishing''s new issue of their weekly magazine went on sale.


    In the morning, Zhang Ye''s mother called again. This was already the second day that she was nagging him.


    "Are youing back or not?"


    "I will be going back soon."


    "When are youing home?"


    "Aiya, tomorrow."


    "Have you gotten sofortable in Japan that you don''t wish toe home?"


    "I have serious business to attend to over here."


    "Who are you fighting with again?"


    "Heh, why does it always have to be a fight with others?"


    "Hasn''t fighting be your main job these days?"


    "Pfft! Goodbye, Mom."


    After hanging up and eating breakfast, Zhang Ye brought Ha Qiqi, Little Wang, and the others out. They strolled on the streets and went into a huge bookstore.


    Such bookstores were verymon in Japan. The size of theics industry here was not something that any other country couldpare with. Be it the bookstores or small shops, and even in many of the supermarkets, manyics were on sale. Moreover, they were all ced in very prominent,rge zones in the stores. Standalone volumes 1 ofics andic magazines could be seen at every turn.


    This was a country ofics and animation.


    Theics and animation center of Asia.


    Little Wang looked all around her. "There are so manyic series here?"


    Little Zhou asked, "Which ones are from Sh��nen Publishing?"


    Little Sun immediately spotted it. "It''s over there!"


    Everyone went over and picked up a copy.


    Zhang Ye flipped open a magazine and found One Piece in an inconspicuous location. It was ced very far back in the magazine and could only be seen after flipping through many pages. The magazine was quite thick and had roughly 10 serializedics in it. Actually, as a Chinese citizen, Zhang Ye found this sort of serialization method quite difficult to ept. At least, he wouldn''t have the energy to keep buying the magazine week in and week out, especially if he missed an issue, which would result in a break in the continuity of the content. But in Japan, the reading habits of the people were deeply ingrained. This was the result of cultivating it for several decades and the national sentiments being different.


    One page.


    Two pages.


    Three pages.


    The group of them were discussing as they read.


    Around them, streams of people kepting over and taking the magazines. In the blink of an eye, they watched several dozen copies of the magazine getting sold. The sales volume was rming.


    Little Wang asked, "How do we know if aic is popr?"


    Ha Qiqi replied, "By the sales volume?"


    Little Zhou said, "But aren''t there a lot of differentics in one magazine?"


    Little Sun said, "It will be based on a poprity poll, the most direct way of learning the statistics. Of course, the sales volume of the magazine will still be looked at. For example, a phenomenal national cartoon could increase aic magazine''s sales by several times. That is to say, without a hint of doubt, there aren''t too manyic magazines out there that can depend on just a singleic to carry the publication. Also, the sales of aic''s standalone volumes are also important. But since our series has only just had its first chapter released, there''s no chance of us getting a standalone volume published yet."


    Little Wang asked, "Eh, why we didn''t we just go straight to releasing a standalone volume?"


    Little Zhou pped. "Yeah, that would''ve been so great. We could have released 10 or 20 chapters at once!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "With Director Zhang''s speed, it wouldn''t be a problem releasing two chapters a day. When ites to update speed, no one is a match for Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye bragged, "Two chapters a day? I can do three chapters a day!"


    Little Wang said, "Yeah, are there anyic magazines that are sold daily? The weeklies are too slow. This business model is problematic. It''s too immature."


    Daily updates?


    Three chapters a day?


    Do you think that everyone is as abnormal as Director Zhang?!


    When Little Sun heard this bunch ofypeople discussing the matter so seriously, he was ovee by a sense of exhaustion.


    ��


    At a school.


    "Hey, have you read it yet?"


    "This week''s issue of Sh��nen Magazine?"


    "I just finished reading it. Martial King is still padding the story with filler."


    "This issue''s Dark Souls is quite good. It was really hot-blooded."


    "I like One Piece."


    "Ah, I know that one! It''s the newly serializedic!"


    "Yeah, the first chapter''s not bad. I''m looking forward to reading it."


    "It''s great, but the character designs are a little strange."


    ��


    On the light rail.


    "Eh? One Piece? It''s a new series?"


    "The character design is so strange."


    "Why are the eyes so small?"


    "It''s a good read; try it."


    "Yeah, I couldn''t really get into it at first either. But once I got past the weird character design, the plot and setting pleasantly surprised me."


    "I like thisic too."


    ��


    At apany.


    "Aoi?"


    "A pure greenhorn? I''ve never heard of this person before."


    "It could even get serialized with character design like this? Motherfucker! But why can''t I seem to get enough of it?"


    "Luffy is so cute!"


    "Yup, yup, I like him!"


    "I like Luffy too, although his eyes are a little small."


    "How is that just a little small? It''s basically just a dot!"


    ��


    Noon.


    In the editorial department of Sh��nen Publishing.


    Seto Kyoko and her colleagues came back from lunch.


    "Kyoko, theic that you''re in charge of has been serialized already?"


    "Yup, One Piece."


    "Is it that one with the really ugly character design?"


    "Don''t call it that. Every cartoonist has their own style after all. This drawing style is actually��actually quite unique. It leaves a deep impression on people."


    "Alright, if you say so. The poprity rankings should being out soon, right?"


    "The first batch of statistics should be out soon. Let''s see how the rankings are for this issue. Who do you all think will get first ce?"


    "I don''t have a chance. One Piece was included as a stopgap for this issue. If there were any otheric worth choosing from during the editors'' meeting, I wouldn''t have been in the running. The deputy editor has already put it clearly that if One Piece does not perform well within 10 issues, it will be canceled. Hai, Heavens, why can''t you just give me a goodic series to handle?"


    "Haha, Kyoko has such bad luck."


    "Yeah, Kyoko, you''re a veteran editor, but you''ve never had any of theics under you get first ce."


    "Hey, hey, can you people not bring that up?"


    The group was teasing her.


    Seto Kyoko was very disappointed.


    On a drawing board that was hung on the wall, the result of the rankings was disyed.


    A lot of editors surrounded it to take a look and were very concerned about theics they were managing. If the titles under them consistently ranked at the bottom for too long, it would be possible for theic to get its serialization run stopped.


    Kyoko also wanted to look, but she was not brave enough to do so.


    Please, oh, please!


    Don''t let me be inst ce again this time!


    Close by, a lot of people were starting to exim.


    "Ah!"


    "Quick, look at this!"


    "This��huh!"


    "Kyoko! Come here, Kyoko!"


    Everyone was shouting for her.


    Kyoko was startled. "What''s the matter?"


    She stood up and went over. Then she looked up at the drawing board.


    #1: One Piece, 1023 votes.


    #2: Martial King, 986 votes.


    #3: Dark Souls, 922 votes.


    Kyoko was dumbfounded!


    The entire editorial department of Sh��nen Publishing was also dumbfounded!


    At some point in time, the editor-in-chief arrived, along with his two deputy editors, behind the crowd. They were all staring with hanging jaws at the drawing board, disbelief on their faces!


    What?


    One Piece got first ce?


    That weirdic that they used to fill in a spot for theic magazine? It had taken first ce in the poprity rankings right on the first day of serialization? Was this some kind of a mistake?


    A secondter, a lot of the editors looked at Kyoko in envy.


    "Congrattions, Kyoko."


    "Thatic is a dark horse!"


    "You''ve hit the jackpot this time!"


    "Congrats on getting first!"


    Seto Kyoko was so happy that she almost cried!


    A goodic?


    A good series?


    I''ve finally gotten one after waiting for so long!

 Chapter 1439 - Old Wu breaks her leg!

    <h4>Chapter 1439 - Old Wu breaks her leg! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Later that morning.


    Zhang Ye and his entourage returned to China. When they left, everyone was still feeling a little perturbed over how they did not really understand theics industry. But when they arrived back at home, everyone looked exhrated.


    After they got off the ne, they drove back to the studio.


    Zhang Zuo and the others were waiting for them.


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Aiyo, you''re finally back?"


    "You''re not hurt, are you?"


    "Don''t go abroad anymore. You gave everyone such a fright."


    "Fortunately, nothing bad happened this time."


    "Pfft, and your Asian poprity has grown further too."


    Zhang Ye''s poprity was getting higher and higher by the day as he got closer to bing an Asian S-lister. As such, their studio naturally became more popr as well, with countless invitations to work on projects all over the country. Zhang Ye had been away for 10 days, so the work was also piling up. A lot of it had to be personally looked through by Zhang Ye.


    Wu Yi anxiously asked, "Oh yes, how did theic go?"


    Ha Qiqi said happily, "It was a great sess!"


    Zhang Zuo''s eyes lit up as he said, "Really?"


    Little Wang said excitedly, "Director Zhang''sic has been serialized. Furthermore, it received a very enthusiastic response as soon as the first chapter was released. It was ranked first in Sh��nen Magazine''s poprity poll." Seeing how no one reacted to that, Little Wang added, "Perhaps you guys don''t grasp what all of that meant, so let''s put it this way instead. You all know about Martial King, right?"


    Wu Yi blinked. "I''ve watched the cartoon."


    Little Wang said, "Yes, it''s that extremely popr cartoon. Martial King''sic was ranked second ce behind One Piece!"


    Everyone was shaken!


    He really did it?


    Director Zhang''sic had really be popr?


    Ha Qiqi said, "Only one chapter has been released so far, but Sh��nen Publishing''s editorial department is cing a lot of importance on it. The editor has already given us several calls, so it seems like they''re already handling thisic series with a lot of priority. Who knows? We might even get to see One Piece getting an animated adaptation soon. If that happens, it will even be able to propagate to the rest of Asia. We can only observe how popr One Piece can be for now. This is not something that anyone can guarantee at the moment, so we''ll have to see how it performs."


    Aic series also had many levels of poprity.


    Bing a little popr.


    Bing very popr.


    Or even bing popr on a national level. The degrees of poprity were all different.


    One Piece had only just started, so everything was still unknown.


    Zhang Zuo said, "Director Zhang, quite a lot of work piled up over the past 10 days��"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Put it aside, I have to go home right now. My mom has been nagging me for the past few days, so I''d better go back and report to her first. I''lle back to handle these business matters at ater time."


    Zhang Zuo said, "Alright, quickly head home then."


    He took his luggage and drove back home.


    ��


    Back at home.


    In the vi.


    Zhang Ye took out his key to open the door. When he went inside, he called out cheerfully, "This bro''s finally back!"


    However, he realized there was something wrong with the atmosphere. It turned out that his parents were here. Furthermore, Old Wu''s parents were also here. Then he saw his wife. She was sitting on the sofa with one of her legs perched up. It was wrapped in a white cloth, and a cast seemed to be on it. There was even a pair of crutches next to her.


    His mother harrumphed and said, "You still know toe back?"


    Zhang Ye was horrified. "Aiyo, my dear wife! What''s going on here?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "It''s nothing, I just fell down."


    Zhang Ye bounded over to Old Wu and crouched down beside her. He touched her leg lightly. "How did you fall?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "I wasn''t paying attention while walking, so I fell. The baby is fine, don''t worry."


    Zhang Ye stared hard and said, "It''s not fine if you''re not alright either."


    Wu Zeqing said, "I''m fine, can''t be better."


    "You''re like this, so how can you not be better?" Zhang Ye''s heart was aching badly. He turned around and groused to his mother, "Hey, how could you have kept this from me!"


    His mother rolled her eyes. "Didn''t I keep asking you to hurry back home!"


    Zhang Ye remembered that. "So it was because of this that you kept bugging me with your phone calls? Then you should have said so! If you told me directly, I would''ve returned two days ago!"


    His father said, "Zeqing insisted on not letting us tell you."


    Zhang Ye said angrily, "How many days has it been since the fall?"


    His mother curled her lips. "Two days."


    Li Qinqin said, "Her ankle is fractured, but everything else is alright."


    Wu Changhe also said, "They''ve set her bones and ced a cast on it, but she has to recuperate for the next few months." Then he looked at his daughter and said, "Why didn''t you be more careful when taking the stairs?"


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "Which stairs did you fall down?"


    His mother was amused. "Why? Are you going to chip them?"


    Zhang Ye clenched his teeth and said, "I''ll break them apart!"


    Everyoneughed at that.


    Zhang Ye checked on his wife for a long time, showing concern for her injury at times and checking the X-ray film from the hospital at times. He suddenly remembered that he still had the [Spring Water of Health] that he received from the lottery draw. If he let Old Wu drink it, it should be able to heal her injury easily. But after considering and hesitating for a long time, Zhang Ye knew that he couldn''t use it on her. He had used it on Old Rao before to cure her of her internal injuries. But as internal injuries were not something that could be seen, and coupled with the fact that Rao Aimin had also been recuperating for a long time before that, it didn''t seem strange when she suddenly recovered from it. Meanwhile, Old Wu''s fracture was a different matter as she had only just broken her ankle two days ago. The hospital X-rays were right there, so how would it look if she could suddenly skip around or run a marathon when she was still walking with the aid of crutches a while ago? How could he exin something like that?


    Noon.


    They started eating.


    Everyone began discussing how to take care of Wu Zeqing during this period.


    Li Qinqin suggested, "Changhe and I will bring Zeqing home with us. This ce has two floors, so it will be very inconvenient for her to move around. It''s better if she stays with us so that we can take care of her."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "There''s no need for that. I can handle myself."


    Li Qinqin shook her head. "You definitely can''t take care of yourself alone."


    Zhang Ye''s mother objected, "Leave it to Little Ye''s dad and me to take care of her. Haven''t we been doing so for the past two days already?"


    Wu Changhe said, "The two of you are not young anymore. If you keep traveling to and fro every day, cooking and doing the chores, that''s definitely not feasible. Why don''t you just leave it to us?"


    Both families argued over the matter for a long time.


    In the end, it was still Zhang Ye who made the decision.


    Zhang Ye put down his chopsticks. "Stop arguing. She''s my wife, so I''ll be the one taking care of her, of course."


    His mother nced at him. "Son, it''s not that Mom doesn''t believe in you. I trust that you are capable of caring for her in normal times when she is uninjured. But the problem is that it takes Zeqing a lot of effort to even go up and down the stairs, to say nothing of doing theundry and cooking. Let you take care of her? With that culinary skill of yours? Even Pigsy would starve until the skin on his stomach became loose 1 !"


    His father also said, "Zeqing is carrying a child. Fast food is full of MSG, so she mustn''t eat too much of it. She can''t take a lot of medications either, so she will have to recuperate her injury by herself. You don''t even know how to cook or make tonic soups for her to strengthen her body, so you should just forget about that idea of yours. At worst, your mother and I wille by daily to help out."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "There''s no need for that. In any case, don''t bother yourselves with this matter."


    Li Qinqin said, "That won''t do. You already have so much work to attend to every day, so where would you find time?"


    But Zhang Ye said, "I''ll push away back. Starting today, for the next few months, I''ll stay at home and take care of my wife. I won''t be going anywhere, so that''s that! Nobody say any more!"


    Doing theundry?


    I''ll learn!


    Cleaning the house?


    I''ll learn!


    Cooking?


    I''ll learn!


    This is my wife! I won''t have anyone taking care of her but me!

 Chapter 1440 - Zhang Ye turns househusband!

    <h4>Chapter 1440 - Zhang Ye turns househusband! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Zhang Ye''s Studio made an announcement: Effective immediately, due to family reasons, Teacher Zhang Ye will be halting all business activities for a period of three months. We seek your kind understanding.


    Interviews? They were turned down!


    Projects? They were turned down!


    Advertisements? They were turned down!


    All activities were stopped!


    Zhang Ye had always worked in this way. If he wanted to do something, he would take it to the extreme. Otherwise, he would not do it at all!


    This news created a buzz.


    The reporters were naturally well-informed of what had happened.


    "Zhang Ye halts all business activities!"


    "Thetest update: Zhang Ye''s wife suffers a leg fracture!"


    "Zhang Ye''s wife injured in an idental fall!"


    "Teacher Zhang to turn into a househusband?"


    On Weibo.


    "This came out of the blue?"


    "I hope it''s nothing serious!"


    "I think it''s not serious, just a regr fracture."


    "I''m d to hear that."


    "Get well soon."


    "Teacher Zhang, good one. You should be at home apanying your wife at this time."


    "Right, don''t worry about your job (fighting) for now and just take good care of your wife."


    "Right, you can work (fight) at any other time."


    "The parentheses in the previous posts made me lol."


    "Every time Face-smacking Zhang takes a leave of absence from work, his poprity soars. Meanwhile, other people experience a drop in their poprity when they go on a break from work. To a celebrity, being in the limelight is the source of their life. But this increase in poprity is exactly what makes Teacher Zhang an oddity of the industry. So I really can''t help butugh whenever I see him say that he''ll be taking a break from work."


    Back at home.


    His friends started ringing him. Although a fracture wasn''t too serious, it wasn''t trivial either.


    Zhang Xia asked in concern: "Is she alright?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "It''s not that bad."


    Zhang Xia said: "Speak up if you need any help."


    Zhang Ye said: "Sure, Grandma Zhang, I''m currently learning how to cook."


    Zhang Xia said: "Hur hur, that''s great. You can make use of these few months for some spiritual cultivation to curb that fiery temper of yours."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Forget about my temper. What I need to get in order first is to make sure my wife gets taken care of. I''ve never realized how difficult it is since I''ve never done it before. When I went to the market to buy groceries this morning, I was at aplete loss. I don''t even know what a Gibel carp 1 looks like. In fact, I got it wrong even though I was buying the ingredients off of the shopping list. It was only then that I understood how difficult it was for my wife to do all of that. I''ve really not done enough as a husband."


    Zhang Xiaughed, then sighed: "In the entire world, only your wife has the ability to subdue you."


    It was almost noon.


    Wu Zeqing was still busy working in the bedroom. Although she had applied to recuperate at home for the next few months, a lot of work at the SARFT still required her attention. She was a government official, after all, so she couldn''t possibly just willfully drop everything like Zhang Ye and stop working when she wanted. She still had to handle a lot of work from home.


    Zhang Ye was making lunch downstairs.


    This is soy sauce.


    Then what is this?


    He had a taste. Oh, this is salt.


    He cooked the rice while checking recipes on his phone.


    Right at this time, a call came in. This time, it was from Yao Jiancai.


    Yao Jiancai asked: "I just heard about your wife. How is she? Is she alright?"


    Zhang Ye said: "She''s not too bad. It''s just that she requires more effort to get around."


    Yao Jiancai said: "Did you drop all your work?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Don''t talk to me about work. Talk to me about cooking."


    "Whoa." Yao Jiancai was amused. "Are you for real, kid? Talk about cooking?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said: "By the way, is Sister-inw around you now? Hand the phone to her. I want to ask her how to make silver carp soup. There are too many different ways of cooking it that I found on the Inte. A simple soup like that has more than a dozen different ways of preparing it. Everyonees up with their own different styles, so I don''t know whose recipe I should follow. I''ve had the silver carp soup that Sister-inw made and found to be really tasty."


    Yao Jiancai couldn''t be more amused. "OK, OK, I''ll get her to the phone."


    The person on the other end of the line changed. "Hello, Little Zhang?"


    "Hi, Sister-inw, I''d like to learn your recipe."


    He managed to stew the soup.


    Next, he wanted to prepare some pork trotters.


    Who knows how to cook pig''s feet?


    Zhang Ye thought for a while before calling Spring Garden''s Li Xiaoxian.


    "Xiaoxian, how should pork trotters be prepared?"


    "What?"


    "Pork trotters. Didn''t Sister Dong and Amy always used to say that the braised pork trotters that you made were good?"


    "Ah, you''re cooking?"


    "Yes."


    "Pfft, I''m recording for a TV show at the moment."


    "What are you recording? Teach me first."


    "OK, OK, OK��Director, sorry, please excuse me for five minutes."


    After a busy hour.


    The dishes were done.


    The soup was finished stewing as well.


    Zhang Ye shouted upstairs, "Old Wu, it''s time to eat." Then he went up to help his wife down. "Slowly, watch your step."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "What did you cook? It smells so good."


    Zhang Ye said proudly, "A delicious meal, of course."


    Wu Zeqing said, "I''m really hungry."


    He wasn''t very good at taking care of people. Just going down the stairs was taking them a very long time. The staircase was too narrow for him to support and help her down, but if he gave her a piggyback ride, he was afraid that he would identally touch her ankle. And with Zhang Ye''s quick temper, he decided to lift Old Wu by her waist. Then he tookrge strides down the staircase to the lower floor.


    Old Wu quickly said, "I can walk on my own."


    Zhang Ye insisted, "There''s no need to."


    His mother opened the door with her key at this moment, just in time to see this frightening sight. She ran over as she shouted, "Stop right there! Aiyo, stop right there!"


    Zhang Ye let go of Old Wu and said, "There we go!"


    His mother said in a speechless manner, "Who goes down the stairs the way you did?"


    Zhang Ye said confidently, "I''m strong, so I won''t fall. What are you doing here? Did you follow the aroma? There''s more than enough food, so why don''t you join us?"


    "I wasn''t sure that you could take care of Zeqing by yourself, so I came to have a look. If my daughter-inw gets hurt in any way, you can be certain that I''ll get you taken care of!" His mother harrumphed. She looked to the dining table. "What is all of this?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Silver carp soup, pork trotters, and stir-fried vegetables."


    His mother said, "It doesn''t look half-bad, but I wonder how it tastes."


    Zhang Ye invited, "Have a taste, give it a try."


    Considering everything up to now, this should be the first time that Zhang Ye had seriously whipped up a meal other than making instant noodles.


    The three of them sat down and started eating.


    Wu Zeqing gracefully tasted the soup. Her beautiful eyes closed as she said gently, "This is really quite nice."


    His mother had a taste too. She smacked her lips and said, "It''s not too bad, although it''s nothingpared to the soup that I make. But based on your skill, it''s exceeded my expectations by a lot."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes at her.


    You don''t say! It''s just because I haven''t drawn the Culinary Skills Experience Book yet. If this bro had maxed out on that skill, I''d be whipping up the entire Manchu Han Imperial Feast for you!


    Eating lunch.


    Washing the dishes.


    Cleaning up the kitchen.


    His mother might''ve spoken quite harshly of him, but she still doted on him. She said, "Alright, alright, just leave the dishes for me to do. I''ve never made you do the chores in all these years."


    But Zhang Ye stopped her. "Don''t move. I won''t let anyone do my chores for me��hey, Old Wu, sit down. Who said you can stand up? You want water? I''ll get it for you, I''ll get it for you��I''m done here. Is there anyundry to be done?��Eh, where''s the detergent? Oh, found it!"


    In the house, Zhang Ye was bouncing around to get all the chores done. Although the meal that he made wasn''t that great, although he wasted a lot of water washing the dishes, although he didn''t handle theundry too well, every task at hand was taken seriously by Zhang Ye, who put in his best effort as he performed them.


    When his mother saw this, she finally put her mind at ease.


    After his mother left, Wu Zeqing said, "Little Ye, stop already."


    Zhang Ye came over to her with a smile. "What''s the matter?"


    Old Wu reached out to wipe off the detergent foam on his wrist. "Oh, you, work hard on your own work. I only had a fracture, that''s all. Do you think that I can''t take care of myself? I''m not as delicate as you think."


    Zhang Ye said, "My work now is to make sure you''re taken care of."


    "You don''t have to."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Don''t worry, I won''t fall behind on my work."


    "How''s that?"


    "Didn''t I tell you? Haha, this bro has already ''infiltrated'' the enemy''s camp. It''s just that no one knows about it yet. Comics are much more flexible to work with since I can draw them wherever I am. It''s nice that I can finally work on them in the next few months. When the timees to reveal the truth, I''ll gain a huge amount of poprity within Asia. This is not hindering my work, so you just worry about recuperating from your injury. There''s no need for any pretense between the two of us."


    Old Wu said, "Well, alright then. I guess I''ll just have to enjoy being taken care of by my husband for the next few months."

 Chapter 1441 - The comic gets very popular!

    <h4>Chapter 1441 - Theic gets very popr! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Doing theundry.


    Making dinner.


    Drawingics.


    The days passed.


    Most people would do nothing when they got a break from work. But for Zhang Ye, he couldn''t be busier. This fellow could never stay idle for long. Even if he had nothing to do, he would still find something to be busy with. Just look at how this fellow had be so fascinated with cooking,ing up with new dishes every day to surprise his wife.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye''s friends and family were the ones bearing the brunt of it.


    On set.


    At a filming location.


    The director said, "OK, let''s get ready to roll the cameras."


    The assistant director said, "Everyone, silence your phones."


    Everyone turned off their cell phones, only to hear Yao Jiancai shout, "Wait, wait, wait, I have to take a call." Then he answered the phone in a speechless manner: "What is it?"


    On the other end of the line, Zhang Ye said: "How do I stir fry eggnts?"


    "You''re already calling me for the third time today!"


    "I don''t know how to make it."


    "Just put in some oil and fry it."


    "It doesn''t work. The oil disappears the moment I add it in and the eggnt dries."


    "Aiya, why are you so stupid? Since eggnts soak up oil really fast, you can just add more oil."


    "Damn, you should have said so earlier. I''m hanging up then!"


    After hanging up, everyone in the film crew looked at him. Yao Jiancai helplessly waved the phone in his hand. "It was Zhang Ye. That fe is learning how to cook."


    Everyone chuckled at that.


    Shanghai.


    Backstage at a concert.


    "Teachers, please get ready to go on stage."


    Xiaodong and Amy were both ready.


    Only Li Xiaoxian was still on the phone. "Teacher Zhang, I''ve to get on stage."


    Zhang Ye said anxiously: "Tell me first. The pan is already hot. Hurry, hurry, hurry!"


    Li Xiaoxian could only say: "You''ll have to nch it first to remove the blood."


    "I still have to nch it?"


    "Of course. Otherwise, it won''t taste good."


    Xiaodong rolled her eyes.


    Amy pressed, "Xiaoxian, hurry up. We have to go on stage. Ignore Teacher Zhang. He''s called you eight times over the past few days. He''s just not the type who can learn how to cook!"


    Beijing.


    At the venue of amercial performance.


    Fan Wenli had just finished performing her song and did not even have a sip of water yet when the call came in.


    "Old Fan, how do you make sweet and sour mandarin fish 1 ?"


    "Huh?"


    "Hurry up and tell me, I''ve already ughtered the mandarin fish 2 !"


    "Come off it. You can''t even cook stir-fried tomato and scrambled eggs properly and you want to make sweet and sour mandarin fish? How can you learn to run if you haven''t even learned to walk?"


    "Heh, don''t underestimate this bro, alright?"


    Li Xiaoxian.


    Zhang Xia.


    Fan Wenli.


    And so on.


    As long as they were his friends and knew how to cook, Zhang Ye harassed them an ungodly amount over the past few days. Their phones would ring nearly every time mealtime approached. This annoyed and upset everyone. Further, you couldn''t get impatient and say things to spite Zhang Ye either. Because once you did that, he would be even more eager to prove you wrong. So how were they suppose to handle this?


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye was having lots of fun himself.


    He would prepare several dishes each day and wait for Old Wu to praise him after eating. Whenever that happened, Zhang Ye would always feel a sense of aplishment and be overjoyed.


    Of course, he did not forget about his proper work either.


    Zhang Ye was going after a spot among the Asian S-listers, after all.


    Each night after Wu Zeqing turned in, he would head to the newly set up drawing studio and drink a cup of coffee or strong tea to charge up before starting to draw. Once he got started, he would draw into the wee hours of the night. When he felt normal or got too tired, he would just draw one chapter a day. If he was in better condition, he could draw up two to three chapters a day. The stockpile of One Piece''s chapters was increasing. However, the release rate of the serialization in Japan was still too slow at one chapter per week. Finally, when Zhang Ye felt that he had too many chapters stockpiled, he got his studio to liaise with the publisher to see if he could up his release rate to two or three chapters per week by releasing joint chapters.


    ��


    Across the sea.


    Japan.


    A new issue of Sh��nen Magazine had gone on sale.


    One Piece''s second chapter hadnded.


    If the first chapter was an introduction of the backstory with memories serving to lead the readers into the main plot, then the second chapter was the official start of the story.


    "Wow!"


    They''ve started fighting!"


    "He''s a rubber man!"


    "This is fun, this is so fun!"


    "Luffy is so cute!"


    "There''s a new character."


    "It''s getting better."


    "Thisic is not bad. I think it''s worth reading."


    "This new serialization brings about a very refreshing feeling. I''ve already rmended it to my friends."


    "Hai, it''s just that the character design is too ugly."


    ��


    A weekter.


    The third chapter of One Piece was released.


    "What a good read!"


    "I''m starting to anticipate it more and more!"


    "I''m gonna die! I suddenly find the character design to be very nice!"


    "Me too, I''ve actually gotten used to it!"


    "This character design is too unique."


    "I''m still going to vote for it in this issue''s poprity poll."


    ��


    Sh��nen Publishing.


    In the editorial department.


    The results of the new issue''s poprity poll were released.


    All of the editors, including Seto Kyoko, had gathered in anticipation to have a look. When they saw it, all of the editors guffawed.


    "It''s One Piece again!"


    "It''s in first ce again?"


    "It''s gotten first ce for three consecutive issues now."


    "This must be this year''s biggest ck horse."


    "Kyoko, treat us."


    Kyoko was all smiles at heart. However, she said, "What treat? I''m worried to death. Teacher Aoi''s representative has called to nag me several times already. They said that releasing one chapter per week isn''t enough and were hoping that we could increase our pages for them to have two or three chapters released per week instead. There has never been a precedent like this."


    The editors nearly vomited blood!


    "What?"


    "He finds it not enough?


    "Three chapters a week?"


    "Kyoko, you''ve made it big!"


    "Hey, why don''t I have such a dedicated cartoonist under me!"


    "I''m so envious of you, Kyoko. The cartoonists under me are all experts at procrastinating til the deadlines for their submissions. They''d never make any progress at all if it weren''t for the deadlines. I always have to nag every one of them for their work. Sometimes, I even have to lose my temper with them. Why, why can''t I meet a cartoonist as dedicated as yours!"


    "Ahhh, it''s really such torture topare people with one another!"


    "Kyoko, you''re going to cause a big upset this year!"


    "One Piece already has the makings of an extremely popric series. It''s almost definite that it''ll get a standalone release. If those sales are good, it will surely be animated too."


    At this moment, the editor-in-chief arrived.


    Kyoko anxiously said, "Editor-in-chief."


    The editor-in-chief acknowledged her and said, "It''s in first ce again?"


    Kyoko said with a smile, "Yes."


    The editor-in-chief thought for a bit. "How many chapters of One Piece have been submitted thus far?"


    Kyoko said, "I''ve received 30 chapters so far. I don''t how many assistants Teacher Aoi has hired, but his work rate is too fast. Furthermore, I looked through the work many times. The quality of every one of them is top-notch."


    The editor-in-chief nodded and said, "About that matter you brought up previously, let''s have a meeting to discuss it. There might not be any precedents, but it doesn''t mean that we can''t do it."


    Kyoko said in surprise, "Are you saying?"


    "We can give it a try." The editor-in-chief said, "There''s aic series that just ended this week, so we can allocate its spot to One Piece. We''ll see if two chapters a week will work out well. If it doesn''t, then we can always cut it back down to one chapter a week."


    And with that, One Piece began to release two chapters a week.


    The poprity of One Piece also swept across the whole of Japan with lightning speed!

 Chapter 1442 - A stunning sales figure for the standalone volume release!

    <h4>Chapter 1442 - A stunning sales figure for the standalone volume release! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Japan.


    Online, on the streets, on public transport, in the schools.


    The discussions about One Piece could be heard everywhere.


    "Today''s issue has two chapters in it!"


    "It was so enjoyable to read it!"


    "My Luffy! He''s so cute!"


    "The fighting is so hot-blooded!"


    "This is the bestic I''ve read in recent years!"


    "I want to buy the standalone volume of it!"


    "Me too, when will it get released?"


    "I''ve already read it four times!"


    Chapter 4.


    Chapter 5.


    Chapter 6.


    The serialization of One Piece continued.


    Furthermore, because of the double chapters released per week, the number of pages for One Piece very quickly reached the necessary requirements of a standalone volume. The regr thirty-twomo format 1 was also known in Japan as a "new edition" and was around 180 pages in length. So Sh��nen Publishing had no choice but to bring forward the ns for a standalone volume of One Piece.


    Promotions.


    Printing.


    Cover design.


    The quantity for the first print was also being discussed.


    In one of the meetings at Sh��nen Publishing, everyone had differing opinions.


    "Let''s talk about it. What numbers should we go with for the initial print run?"


    "I think we should try with 100,000 copies first?"


    "Isn''t 100,000 copies too few? Based on the current poprity of One Piece, I think we should have at least 200,000 copies as a minimum requirement. It could go higher than that too."


    "200,000? Impossible."


    "It''s only the first volume. 200,00 copies would be too much. Besides, only the top cartoonists get such treatment."


    "But One Piece is the most popric series in the whole of Japan right now!"


    "The standalone volume has not even been released yet, so we still don''t know how the sales will do. It''s too early to say for sure whether theic is really the most popr or not."


    "Let''s go for apromise. I suggest we run a print of 150,000 copies."


    Some people were optimistic.


    But others, not so.


    One Piece was ranked very high in the poprity polls and had been continuously getting first ce for many weeks in a row. However, acim was just acim, while sales figures were sales figures. They had to be looked at separately. It wasn''t like there weren''t anyics that received critical acim but were immediately knocked off their perch the moment their standalone volumes were released. Acim was just one part of the equation, while sales figures ounted for the final results.


    Zhang Ye''s Studio sent its personnel to Japan.


    ��


    On this day.


    In the morning.


    Beijing time: 6 AM.


    Tokyo time: 7 AM. The time difference was an hour.


    Zhang Ye was in the kitchen making breakfast. With his other hand, he was taking a video call from Ha Qiqi on his cell phone. In the call, Little Sun was talking to his sister while Ha Qiqi was exuberant.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "You''ve arrived?"


    Ha Qiqi said: "Little Sun and I have reached Japan. Today is the release date of the first standalone volume of One Piece, and it''ll be going on sale very soon. You might not know this, but if we didn''te here and see for ourselves, we really wouldn''t know how hot One Piece has be. I''ll put it this way: I can understand how One Piece is pronounced in Japanese. On the way here, Little Sun and I heard other people bring up the name at least four or five times!"


    "Haha, that''s pretty good."


    Ha Qiqi smiled happily and said: "Little Sun and I will head to the bookstore first. We''ll update you again in a while."


    Zhang Ye said: "OK, thanks for the hard work."


    Ha Qiqi said: "It''s no big deal. This is what we should be doing. You can draw more and take good care of Chief Wu. Leave the rest to us."


    "Alright."


    After ending the video call, Ha Qiqi and Little Sun immediately set off.


    But when they walked up to one of therger bookstores nearby, the two of them were dumbfounded. They saw that the line extended outwards by more than a hundred meters.


    One Piece!


    One Piece!


    They kept hearing the same words being repeated!


    Little Sun was stunned. "They''re all here to buy One Piece?"


    Ha Qiqi was also a little doubtful. "Surely not, right?"


    They weren''t sure and dared not assume so. They turned around and went to another, smaller bookstore. They found the same thing happening here. Everyone was lining up!


    What is this all about?


    What are they here to buy?


    At this moment, it was time!


    When that bookstore opened its doors for business, the people in the line rushed inside. Although they were orderly and unlike the chaos that was often seen back in China, everyone was fast walking. They were all rushing in one direction��towards theics section!


    "One Piece!"


    "I want a copy of it!"


    "Give me one!"


    "Has One Piece arrived yet?"


    Little Sun was shocked!


    Ha Qiqi was enraptured!


    They weren''t full of themselves! Everyone was truly here to buy One Piece!


    ��


    Osaka.


    At a point of sale.


    "Do you have One Piece?"


    "Can I have a copy of One Piece''s standalone volume, thank you."


    "Is Volume 8 of Martial King out yet? No? Oh, then give me a copy of One Piece."


    ��


    Hokkaido.


    At a bookstore.


    "What?"


    "You''re out of it?"


    "Why don''t you have any left?"


    "I''ve been lining up since early morning."


    ��


    Kyoto.


    At a supermarket.


    "Where''s One Piece?"


    "Isn''t the standalone volume going on sale today?"


    "It''s been sold out?"


    "So quickly?"


    "There isn''t even one copy left?"


    "Ahhhhh! I came toote!"


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    In the editorial department of Sh��nen Publishing.


    Someone from the marketing department suddenly came running in. He was panting and shouted loudly, "One Piece is selling like crazy! Who is the editor in charge of One Piece?"


    Seto Kyoko stood up dumbfoundedly. "That would be me."


    The person from the marketing department said, "Quick, get ready, we''re going for an additional print run!"


    The other editors were stunned.


    "Additional print run?"


    "But it was just released!"


    "Why is it getting an additional print run so quickly?"


    "What kind of results did it achieve?"


    They couldn''t understand what was going on.


    Getting an additional print run was a big deal. Usually, the standalone volumes would have to sell out before they could use the figures to decide on how many more copies to print. So why did the additional print run get brought up just two hours after it went on sale?


    Everyone had confused expressions on their faces.


    The person from the marketing department said, "What do you all know! The 150,000 copies from the initial print run of One Piece sold out within two hours of release!"


    Kyoko was stunned!


    All of the others in the editorial department were stunned!


    It was sold out?


    All of it?


    150,000 copies?


    The deputy editor shouted, "Holy shit!"


    A male editor was floored. "Does it have to be that ridiculous?"


    Someone shouted, "Quick, quick, inform the editor-in-chief!"


    Everyone understood that something big had happened!


    This was no longer just a big deal for Sh��nen Publishing. This was a big deal that affected the entire Japaneseic world!


    How many years?


    How many years had it been since Japan had had aic that could achieve such results?


    ��


    Two dayster.


    One Piece received an additional print run for 150,000 copies.


    It sold out within three hours!


    ��


    A few dayster.


    One Piece was given another print run for 200,000 copies.


    The 200,000 copies were snapped up again!


    ��


    Additional print run!


    Sold out!


    Additional print run!


    Sold out!


    In the end, the sales figures of the first volume of One Piece reached an astonishing 1.01 million copies to break the record of the sales for the first volume of aic series.


    Sh��nen Publishing went crazy!


    The otheric publishers also went crazy!


    All of Japan went crazy!


    Thinking back to around six years ago when the nationalic The Awakening of the Races ended, there hadn''t been anotheric series that caused such a craze in the Japaneseics industry. The explosive poprity of One Piece hade about so suddenly that no one was prepared for it. Many of the Japanese were caught off guard by its appearance!


    Six years!


    It had been six years!


    And now, the new national cartoon they had been waiting for finally arrived!

 Chapter 1443 - The animated version gets released!

    <h4>Chapter 1443 - The animated version gets released! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The Japanese media blew up!


    "The birth of a new nationalic!"


    "One Piece breaks sales records for first volume debuts!"


    "Teacher Aoi bes the most sought after cartoonist in Japan!"


    "Teacher Aoi''s identity a mystery?"


    "One Piece creates phenomenal buzz!"


    On the Japanese Inte.


    "This is amazing!"


    "1.01 million copies sold! My God!"


    "Where did this cartoonist pop out from?"


    "Yeah, I can''t believe that this was drawn by a rookie artist!"


    "I can imagine One Piece leading the entireics scene for the next few years!"


    "With these sales figures and poprity, there''s no other series in theics industry that canpete with it. Moreover, this series looks like it can probably go on for at least three to five years!"


    What was a national cartoon?


    It meant that it was liked by people of all ages, regardless of their age. Although One Piece was still very "young," it had already achieved this. And those who had read One Piece knew that this was actually aic that gradually became popr. It was the type that would get much more exciting and interestingter on. So even though not a lot of time had passed, the title of being a national cartoon was bestowed upon it. Furthermore, there was hardly anyone who raised an objection to that. A lot of people had very high hopes for One Piece!


    There was a flurry of heated discussions!


    The sales figures were off the charts!


    However at this moment, another exciting piece of news came through!


    Sh��nen Publishing announced then and there that they would be partnering with an animation studio to start production work!


    One Piece''s animation would soon be released!


    The Japanese people were anticipating this greatly.


    "It''s finallying!"


    "This is great!"


    "The cartoon! The cartoon!"


    "I want to watch it so badly!"


    ��


    On this day.


    In China.


    Early in the morning, Zhang Ye had gone out to the market to shop for groceries.


    A stall owner smiled and said, "Teacher Zhang, you''re here again?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Yes."


    The female owner asked, "What are you getting today?"


    "Do you have ground pork? I''d like to buy some to make dumplings."


    "Sure, I''ll chop some up for you. I won''t use the machine, so it''s guaranteed to be fresh."


    As soon as he left the market after buying groceries, he saw a few middle school students in their school uniforms walking past him inughter. The school was close by.


    "Xixi, let me rmend aic to you."


    "Whatic?"


    "One Piece."


    "Ah, I''ve heard of it before. It seems like it''s really popr. Is it good?"


    "It''s amazingly good. Go read it for yourself when you get home. The cartoon will be airing soon as well."


    "Then I''ll just wait for the cartoon. It''s too tiring following theics."


    "What do you know? Theics are where the essence is."


    "Are you serious?"


    "You''ll know when you read them. I''ve rmended it to a lot of people and they say that it''s good too."


    "Alright, I''ll have a look then."


    Zhang Ye was slightly taken aback as he gazed around. He smiled and gave them a few more nces. This was the first time that he heard anyone talking about One Piece back in his own country.


    After reaching home.


    He ced the groceries down in the kitchen and took hisptop out to the yard. There, he sat down on the bench, basking in the sun, while checking the Inte. When Zhang Ye saw it, even he was shocked. At some point in time, a Tieba for One Piece had been set up. Moreover, the extent of the bar was huge too!


    He did a detailed search.


    Comic resources.


    Scations for download.


    Story discussions.


    All sorts of One Piece-rted information was everywhere.


    Online, a lot of people were chasing updates.


    "Is thetest chapter out yet?"


    "It''s been released."


    "Link please!"


    "Trantions please!"


    "Thisic is like a drug! When I first started reading it, I felt that the character design was atrocious. But the further I read, the more interesting it became!"


    "Right,ics like this rarely appear in Japan in recent years."


    "It''s such a joy to read. I started reading since the fifth chapter and have been catching up to thetest chapter."


    "The crucial thing is that this Aoi updates really quickly. Other authors do a weekly release, but this fellow actually does double releases every week. He''s unppable. I believe he should be hailed as a model worker of theic world!"


    "The animation will also be released soon."


    "It''s going to start showing next week. I''m looking forward to it!"


    "Fucking awesome! Release more chapters!"


    Zhang Ye couldn''t help but roll his eyes at that. However, he was smiling at the same time. This is great. Theic''s influence has spread to China? Oh yes, what about the other Asian countries?


    Korea was also going through the same situation.


    The discussions regarding One Piece were increasing.


    "This is a really goodic."


    "It''s rare that we can get such a new and unique setting."


    "Yeah, it''s no wonder that it became so popr."


    "Thisic has already beenbeled as the new generation of nationalics in Japan."


    "I like to read this."


    "I hope that the animated version won''t let me down."


    ��


    With the great anticipation of the masses.


    On this day, the first episode of One Piece''s animation was broadcast.


    In Japan, a lot of people were waiting at their televisions.


    The atmosphere at Sh��nen Publishing was like one of celebrating the new year. The editors were all in the office with their eyes glued to the screen. They were all waiting to witness this important moment.


    Online.


    "It''s starting!"


    "Wow, it''s not bad."


    "It''s just as I imagined!"


    "Great, it doesn''t deviate from theic''s storyline!"


    "I find Luffy even more adorable now!"


    "The voice talents are all top-ss!"


    "That''s Aiko''s voice! Luffy is voiced by a woman!"


    "What an extravagant lineup. It matches the expectations really well!"


    The reception from the Japanese viewers was fantastic.


    Across the sea,izens from the rest of the Asian countries were also waiting.


    "Is it out yet?"


    "I need a link!"


    "Requesting a download link, requesting subs!"


    "Hurry up, I can''t wait!"


    "Where can we download it?"


    "Where''s the subbing team?"


    The results of One Piece''s first episode were revealed very quickly!


    When the television station announced the viewership ratings, the industry blew up once again!


    It exploded!


    Another record had been broken again!


    The viewership ratings for the first episode of One Piece had steamrolled all the other popr Japanese dramas and variety shows during the same time period. It took the top spot for that day''s time slot viewership ratings! In China, if the ratings of a cartoon had outnumbered that of other television shows? Such a scenario was simply unthinkable. But in Japan where theics and animation industry was extremely advanced, such a thing was very possible. At least, One Piece managed to do it!


    And not only that!


    Not only in Japan!


    If theic helped One Piece make a name for itself in other Asian countries, then the animation was what truly lifted One Piece up onto the altar. Outside of Japan, it was clear that the animation''s influence and spread were much quicker and wider.


    China.


    Korea.


    India.


    The downloads of One Piece''s animation continued to soar!


    10 million!


    30 million!


    50 million!


    A 100 million!


    A lot of people had been captivated by it!


    More and more people started joining the camps that kept chasing updates!


    One Piece was bing extremely popr all across Asia at an astonishing rate!


    After the buildup from theic''s serialization, One Piece had blown up almost overnight. No one expected that One Piece would be so popr in Asia. Remember, thisic was almost dropped by the editorial department at Sh��nen Publishing right at the beginning!


    Sh��nen Publishing did not expect it!


    Zhang Ye''s Studio did not expect it!


    Zhang Ye himself also did not expect it!


    A lot of people were shocked silly by the explosiveness of thisic series!

 Chapter 1444 - Come on out, Naruto!

    <h4>Chapter 1444 - Come on out, Naruto! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    One Piece continued its explosive breakout.


    Theic.


    The cartoon.


    The merchandise.


    They were so popr it was terrifying!


    Zhang Ye''s n to break into the enemy ranks was proceeding smoothly and quietly. But perhaps because it was too quiet, the people and media at home could not get used to it.


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "Has Teacher Zhang really gone on break?"


    "Yeah, there''s really no activities from him this time."


    "I''m so not used to it."


    "Lord Zhang,e out and show your face!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang has not been smacking faces for so many days, and it''s leaving me with no gossip to read about."


    "There might always be major incidents happening in the entertainment industry, but whenpared to having Zhang Ye around, all of that is no big deal."


    "Isn''t Teacher Zhang trying to reach the status of Asian S-lister? Is it really OK to rest for so many days? His Asian poprity hasn''t dropped yet, but it''s also not moved for some time as well, isn''t that so? At this rate, his goal of reaching the summit of Asia will get further and further away. At the very least, he can''t do it within this year."


    "I don''t think that Zhang Ye will ascend to the summit of Asia. Although I like him a lot,pared to those celebrities who''re already at the top of Asia, Teacher Zhang is still too entric. He can''t possibly be thinking of reaching the top with scolding, can he? It might sound interesting, but there''s no way he can deliver on that. On the Asian Celebrity Rankings, the higher you go, the more difficult it bes. It''s already a miracle that he advanced to this point with his fighting. Right now, Lord Zhang has got a terrible, terrible reputation in Asia. Although his way of earning poprity was very effective in the past, that is such a fucking self-damaging strategy to execute!"


    "I feel that Lord Zhang is already at his limit."


    "Zhang Ye, stop cooking. Hurry up and make youreback!"


    "Do you still wish to get to the top of Asia? Come back already!"


    The people were discussing.


    The experts joined in.


    This topic was discussed with great relish by everyone.


    In the Asian S-list rankings, there were a total of fifteen spots.


    Five Chinese celebrities were on it, while Japan had one representative. The other nine spots were taken by Korean celebrities.


    This was the ceiling of the Asian entertainment industry. Those who could reach the top were people with the best reputations, with influential works, and had arge and wide-spanning fanbase. Historically, these three factors were indispensable when one was making an attempt at the top, but what about Zhang Ye? He wasn''t too bad in China, but be it his reputation, his works, or his fans in the Asian region, none of them were good enough. He could not ount for any of these three factors, and you could even say that he had nothing on it at all!


    If he could still reach the top this way?


    Then how many people would vomit blood over it!


    But for some reason, despite knowing that it was unrealistic and impossible, many Chinese citizens still felt a hint of unexinable anticipation deep in their hearts. They truly hoped that Zhang Ye would surprise everyone. Perhaps, this was because everyone just wanted to have something to look forward to, especially when it didn''t affect them at all!


    The media was also joined in the buzz.


    "When will Zhang Ye return?"


    "Chinese citizens looking forward to Zhang Ye''s return!"


    "Asian S-list rankings this year may not see any changes!"


    "Who will be the next Chinese celebrity to ascend to the top of Asia as a Heavenly King (Heavenly Queen)?"


    ��


    Later that afternoon.


    At home.


    Old Wu went to take a nap.


    Zhang Ye was in the study holding a video conference call with his studio''s staff.


    At the other end of the call, Ha Qiqi said: "Director Zhang, we''ve received the money. It''s the payment from theic series, animation, and merchandise of figurines and illustrations. I didn''t dare to give them our bank details in case they find out who we are, so we routed the payment through Little Sun''s elder sister and another person''s bank ounts before we transferred the money back to China."


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Is it a lot of money?"


    Ha Qiqi said happily: "Now that you mention it, it''s quite a bit."


    Zhang Zuo joked: "It''s time to hand out bonuses, Director Zhang."


    "That''s of course," Zhang Ye approved.


    Little Wang suddenly asked: "Director Zhang, have you gone online yet? There''s a lot of talk today about whether you stand a chance of reaching the summit of Asia. A lot of people are not optimistic about your chances."


    Little Zhou giggled and said: "That''s because they don''t know how amazing Director Zhang is. Who would''ve thought that during this time while Director Zhang is on a break from work, he has actually taken hold of Japan silently."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "What do you mean by silently? This is called attacking when they least expect it."


    Ha Qiqi thought about it and said: "The problem right now is that they don''t know that One Piece was drawn by you. We had a nce earlier and saw that our Asian poprity is no longer growing. It''s stuck in the middle of the Asian A-list rankings. Now that One Piece is on fire, don''t you think that it''s time we make the announcement? Shouldn''t we quickly redirect this wave of poprity back to us? It''s umted by quite a bit."


    Zhang Zuo said: "But the restriction orders have not been lifted yet."


    Ha Qiqi said helplessly: "That''s true."


    Zhang Zuo said: "With the restriction order still in ce, if we were to announce that theic was drawn by Director Zhang, who knows what actions the Japanese authorities would take against us? They might just halt ouric series indefinitely."


    Everyone expressed their views.


    There were those who agreed with announcing it.


    While others objected to that course of action.


    Zhang Ye did not participate at all. When they finished talking, heughed. "It''s not the right time to announce it. We aren''t even close to doing that."


    Everyone was stunned. "What do you mean?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "This is just the beginning."


    Nobody understood. "Just the beginning?"


    After the video conference ended, Zhang Ye sat in the study room and sipped on his tea. Everyone at the studio thought that having One Piece be popr throughout Asia was the ultimate goal. But in reality, no one knew that this was only the first step of Zhang Ye''s n!


    How much poprity could aic get him?


    Enough to advance two ces on the Asian A-list? Three ces?


    That wasn''t minor at all, but it was still far from enough!


    His goal was to reach the top of Asia, one of the 15 spots at the summit of Asia. Causing such a small stir was obviously not enough to satisfy him. Furthermore, with the restriction order still in ce, if they were to announce the truth at this time, he might be able to gain a huge increase in his poprity, but there would be nothing left for him to achieve after that!


    He had to do something greater!


    Something that would astonish and shake the world!


    One Piece was on the right track, and many chapters were stockpiled. He didn''t have to worry about any other things. So then, he could now move on to the second step of the n.


    Through his observations and understanding in recent days, Zhang Ye had be much more familiar with the Japaneseics industry. He also read many of their ssic works and discovered many things through them. Actually, the One Piece in his previous world was not aic that took off as soon as it appeared and became super popr everywhere. It only slowly became popr as it went on, and Zhang Ye was quite sure that he didn''t remember this detail wrong. However, in this world, One Piece had garnered a shocking amount of praise and enthusiasm right off the bat. It was only after he gained an understanding of the industry here that he discovered that this world had much worseics and cartoons. It wasn''t that there weren''t enoughics, but rather, there weren''t enough quality works to speak of. To find a publicly acknowledged national cartoon, one had to go back to six years ago to identify it. So as long as you coulde up with a quality work in this market that was hungry for a sessful series to appear, there was practically no need for any reputation buildup. It would immediately stand out from the rest of the series.


    What a time!


    What a market!


    If he didn''t try to pull off a big one here, how could he forgive himself?


    One Piece''s poprity was guaranteed, and it wouldn''t fade easily. In fact, it would grow even further, so he could cash in on the poprity from it at any time. What Zhang Ye needed to do now was to release as manyics as possible to round up as much of the poprity that he could muster from them. He needed to cause the biggest wave that he could before collecting all of the poprity at once!


    What sort of a concept was that?


    What kind of a situation would it be like?


    Just thinking about it, Zhang Ye was almost unable to get ahold of himself!


    As for what would happen at that time, Zhang Ye did not care about it. This fellow was still thinking that themotion would not be loud enough. How the situation would be wrapped up at that time was none of his concern!


    What should he draw?


    Whichic series should he bring out this time?


    Zhang Ye naturally did not bother with the averageic series that he knew about. He only wanted something that was among the most popr ones.


    In the drawing studio.


    Zhang Ye circled around the room with his hands behind him.


    Five minutes.


    Ten minutes.


    Alright, I choose you!


    Suddenly, with an idea in mind, he went over to theputer and sat down. Then he took a deep breath and narrowed his eyes before picking up the stylus and slowing drawing onscreen.


    Come on out!


    Naruto!

 Chapter 1445 - POO Studios gets a surprise!

    <h4>Chapter 1445 - POO Studios gets a surprise! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Drawing.


    Cooking dinner.


    Washing the dishes.


    Drawing again into the night.


    Within a day''s time, Zhang Ye had already churned out three chapters.


    Only he could do this. He had the stamina, the speed, and could bear the loneliness of it. If it were anyone else, they might get crazy tired from just drawing one chapter in two days.


    Back at home.


    Zhang Ye started a video conference call.


    Ha Qiqi and the others were already waiting on the other end.


    Everyone asked: "Director Zhang, is something the matter?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "Check your emails. I''ve sent something to everyone."


    Ha Qiqi was taken aback. "What''s the email about?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Theics, of course. I just drew another series. Get someone to submit it immediately. Remember not to expose your identity."


    Zhang Zuo was stunned. "What? Another series?"


    Little Wang stared with wide eyes. "Ah?"


    Little Sun was dumbfounded. "You have the energy to do another series?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "I have nothing to do at home anyway."


    When Ha Qiqi heard that, she got all excited. She finally understood what Director Zhang meant when he said those words yesterday. This was the real deal. "Alright, I''ll see to it immediately. Don''t worry about it, Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye told her: "Little Sun''s sister has represented us before. Don''t let her do it again, or she''ll get found out. Oh right, is Little Sun''s brother-inw free to do it?"


    Little Sun said: "Ah, he''s free."


    Zhang Ye replied: "Alright, then I''ll be troubling your brother-inw for his help?"


    Ha Qiqi asked: "Then what pen name will you use this time?"


    Zhang Ye thought for a bit. "Let''s go with Ozawa."


    Everyone looked at one another suspiciously.


    Ozawa?


    Aoi?


    What kinda names are those!


    ��


    The next day.


    Tokyo, Japan.


    POO Studios.


    This was one of the top three publishing studios for weeklyic magazines in Japan.


    The mood in the editorial department was very gloomy.


    The editor-in-chief pointed at everyone and said, "Why aren''t there any goodics out there? Huh? I don''t believe it! At a huge publishing studio like ours that employs so many cartoonists, how can there not even be oneic series that canpete with Sh��nen Publishing''sics? Find it! All of you find it even if you have to dig three feet underground! Find it no matter what!"


    One Piece had be too popr!


    And Sh��nen Publishing was now ferociously leading the industry!


    A gap had always existed between POO Studios and Sh��nen Publishing. Whether it was their sales figures or influence, Sh��nen Publishing was always ahead in first ce while they ced second. So now that a national cartoon like One Piece had appeared, that lead was extended even longer. They were already finding it difficult to keep up with the pace of Sh��nen Publishing. With just One Piece alone, Sh��nen Magazine''s sales figures had spiked by 30%!


    What was there still left topete on?


    How could they still chase after them?


    This crisis of their survivability was imminent!


    After the meeting.


    The editors were also looking downtrodden.


    "What should we do now?"


    "Sh��nen Publishing is so lucky."


    "That''s right, it''s a national cartoon that only appears once every few years. But somehow, those series always end up with Sh��nen Publishing. There''s no justice in that."


    "Stop talking. Hurry up and go through the manuscripts."


    "Go through them for what! There are too few goodics around."


    "Titles on the level of a series like One Piece might not even appear once every five years."


    The telephone on the desk rang.


    Fujiwara Koji picked it up listlessly.


    "Hello?"


    "Fujiwara, someone wants to submit a manuscript."


    "Is it by a neer?"


    "Yes, they''re downstairs."


    "Alright, I''ll go down to meet them."


    After hanging up, Fujiwara wasn''t really looking forward to meeting the person and proceeded downstairs without haste.


    He was an idler who was an insignificant member of the editorial department. The truly experienced editors all had big authors under them, while he was still in charge of the neers'' submissions after having worked here for several years. Every day, there would be these neersing to submit their manuscripts. These neers were always unknowns who had not debuted yet, so their works were usually not very professional. The quality of their manuscripts was uneven and could not even im to have met the criteria. There were always a lot of flow errors and mistakes that he had to point out to them one by one. It was always such a headache for him every day.


    A goodic!


    Where is the goodic that I am looking for!


    Downstairs.


    In the reception room.


    In one of the partitions, Fujiwara spotted the person.


    "Editor, nice to meet you."


    "Please take a seat."


    "This is the manuscript."


    "Alright, let me have a look."


    Fujiwara was not really interested and flipped through the manuscript without a care like he usually did. However, when he flipped to the fifth page, he was stunned. He sat bolt upright and breathed in deeply. Then he hurriedly flipped backwards to read it again from the beginning!


    One page!


    Five pages!


    Ten pages!


    Fujiwara was dumbfounded!


    He became a little excited and was somewhat in disbelief. Then, he reread it again!


    Ten minutester.


    Upstairs at the editorial department.


    Fujiwara ran back here at full speed and shouted, "I''ve found it! I''ve found it!"


    All the editors turned to look at him.


    "Fujiwara, what''s going on?"


    "What did you find?"


    "Look at how excited you are. What just happened?"


    Fujiwara said loudly, "Quick,e and read this manuscript!"


    An editor said, "Aren''t you in charge of the manuscripts submitted by neers? How good of aic can a neer possibly create?"


    "Aiya." Fujiwara anxiously said, "Read it before you speak further!"


    At this moment, the editor-in-chief also came over. "Let me see it."


    All the other editors stood up and came over as well.


    Ozawa?


    Naruto?


    "What sort of an art style is this?"


    "It''s indeed by a neer."


    "The supporting characters are all designed pretty well, but what''s with the main character?"


    "Yeah, Uzumaki Naruto? Why does he have whiskers?"


    "The whiskers are so ugly."


    "Fujiwara, is this the goodic that you were talking about?"


    At the beginning, everyone was talking as they went through the manuscript. But the more they read, the quieter they became. In the end, the entire editorial department had fallen unexpectedly silent!


    They finished reading it!


    All the editors were shocked!


    The editor-in-chief said dumbfoundedly, "Was this really submitted by a neer?"


    Fujiwara hurriedly said, "Couldn''t be truer!"


    The editor-in-chief said, "How did you reply to him?"


    Fujiwara said, "When I told him that his manuscript was quite good, he said that he was looking to serialize it. So I told him to go back and wait for the news while I discussed it with you first. I''ve gotten his contact details, though it didn''t seem like the other party was the author himself. He should be the author''s representative instead. He sounded like he was unwilling to reveal the author''s identity, so perhaps it might not be a neer but some well-known cartoonist who wishes to change their pen name? That could be a possibility, I don''t know."


    The editor-in-chief patted him on the shoulder, then took a deep breath and said, "Well done. From now on, you will be in charge of this cartoonist. Contact him immediately to discuss the contract. We''ll start publishing the serialization of Naruto under POO Studios this week. Tell him that we''ll give him the best rmendation and treatment. Just don''t let him go to any other magazine publisher!"


    Fujiwara said excitedly, "Understood!"


    The editor-in-chief looked at the other people and said, "About this serialization, I don''t think there''s a need to have any discussion about it, right?"


    "There''s no need for that!"


    "It''s very good!"


    "If this doesn''t get serialized, that wouldn''t do it justice."


    "With it, we''ve finally got something on our hands topete with One Piece!"


    "Can it reallypete with that?"


    "Of course! Thisic is definitely no worse than One Piece! And Naruto does the pacing of the lead-in to the main plot even faster than One Piece!"


    "Our patience has finally paid off now that this work hase to us!"


    "Hahaha, luck is on our side this time!"


    "Ahhh! We''re gonna make aeback with this!"

 Chapter 1446 - Why has another national cartoon appeared!

    <h4>Chapter 1446 - Why has another national cartoon appeared! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    A few dayster.


    The new issue of POO Studio''sic magazine went on sale.


    The newly serializedic had officiallynded.


    ��


    Naruto.


    Chapter 1: Uzumaki Naruto.


    Once upon a time, there lived a fox spirit with nine tails who was so powerful that a shake of the tails resulted inndslides and tsunamis.


    The suffering people gathered the greatest shinobi ns to fight this menace.


    One ninja risked his life to imprison the demon''s soul. In doing so, heid down his life.


    That shinobi was the Fourth Hokage.


    "Lord Hokage!"


    "What''s wrong? Some new outrage by Naruto, I presume?"


    "That young devil is graffitiing the mountainside images of all the heroes of our vige��your honored forebears! In PAINT!"


    ��


    Online.


    "Have you read One Piece yet?"


    "I read it yesterday. It was really exciting!"


    "It''s getting better and better."


    "I''m only reading Sh��nen Magazine now. I no longer buy the otheric magazines."


    "Me too, it''s all about One Piece now."


    "I read a very amazingic today!"


    "Which one?"


    "It''s called Naruto!"


    "I''ve never heard of that before."


    "It''s a new serialization by POO Studios. The first chapter was just released, and it''s fantastic. If you haven''t read it yet, hurry up and go read it. You definitely won''t regret it. It''s as good as One Piece!"


    "I''ve read it too. It''s so damn good!"


    "Yeah, there are so many hot-blooded scenes in the first chapter!"


    "There''sedy, emotion, and hot-bloodedness. It''s awesome!"


    "I have a feeling that Naruto will be popr!"


    "This new serialization from POO Studios is too strong!"


    "Are you serious? I''ll go have a look!"


    On this day.


    POO Studios released the poprity poll results for their serializations. The newly serialized Naruto actually crushed all of the other titles by an overwhelming margin to take first ce in the poll! What did an overwhelming margin mean? It meant that it had gotten three times as many votes as the title that came in at second ce! This sort of crushing was almost never seen before at the level of therge-scaleic publishers. Even One Piece did not manage such a result at Sh��nen Publishing!


    For a moment, the entire industry turned its attention to them.


    However, it was just their attention. No one at this time believed that a new serialization like Naruto could possiblypete with One Piece.


    POO Studios.


    The editorial department was a scene of tion.


    "It''s on fire!"


    "I knew it!"


    "But it''s still not enough."


    "Yeah, it needs a further push!"


    "Hai, if only Teacher Ozawa can match the two chapters a week release rate by Teacher Aoi. The rapid explosion in One Piece''s poprity also has a lot to do with his update speed."


    "Forget it, how many crazy people like Teacher Aoi can there be in the world?"


    "True. Other than him, no other cartoonist can update at a speed of two or three chapters a week."


    Everyone felt a tinge of regret.


    Meanwhile, Fujiwara Koji, who was taking a call close by, froze.


    When he put down the phone and heard the conversation between everyone and the editor-in-chief, he couldn''t help but cough. Then he said dumbfoundedly, "Teacher Ozawa''s representative just called to say that he can update two or three chapters a week. His stockpile is already at over a dozen chapters!"


    Everyone was stunned!


    Then they were pleasantly surprised!


    "What?"


    "Is that true?"


    "Holy shit! God is on our side!"


    "This is great! This is the best!"


    "There''s actually someone else who can do three chapters a week?"


    "Oh my God, are the rookie cartoonists these days all so aggressive?"


    "Teacher Ozawa is mighty!"


    "Down with Sh��nen Publishing!"


    "Take down One Piece!"


    With another boost from this news, POO Studios no longer had any worries!


    Elsewhere.


    In the editorial department of Sh��nen Publishing.


    They were very concerned about theirpetitor''s moves. After the emergence of Naruto, they also went to read it for research.


    "What the heck!"


    "Yeah, in so many years of readingics, this is the first time I''vee across a youthful main character with whiskers. What kind of character design is this? It can''t do well!"


    "This is bad! I''ve just received some news!"


    "What news?"


    "Naruto is going to be updated with two chapters a week as well!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "They can release two chapters a week too?"


    "Isn''t Teacher Aoi the only person capable of doing that?"


    "Who is this Ozawa person?"


    "They''re trying to provoke us!"


    "Motherfucker, they''reing straight for us!"


    "Hmph! It''s just a new serialization. How can it possiblypete with us?"


    "Is there going to be a battle soon? Alright then! We''re up for it!"


    And just like this, the two biggestic publishers in Japan began their war.


    ��


    One day.


    Five days.


    Ten days.


    One Piece was still as popr as ever!


    Meanwhile, Naruto''s results were gradually climbing upwards!


    A lot of Japanese people were also divided into two camps and taking each other on!


    "Naruto is such a fun read!"


    "Yeah, I never expected that POO Studios could bring out such a good series this year!"


    "Supporting Naruto!"


    "Get lost, One Piece is the best!"


    "I love One Piece to death!"


    "I''ll only support Naruto!"


    "Those who like Naruto are dumbasses!"


    "Those who like One Piece are fools!"


    "Fuck, stop arguing. They''re both very good series."


    But in the end, it was still the results that spoke. The sales figure of a million copies of One Piece''s standalone volume had broken countless records andid the foundations for it to bebeled as a "national cartoon." No matter how good the word of mouth on Naruto was, the foe they had in front of them was just too great. Even with so many people supporting it, it was still unable to be mentioned in the same breath as One Piece. What dictated this was always the market itself.


    And on this day.


    Naruto finally reached enough chapters to get released as a standalone volume.


    The first volume of Naruto went on sale!


    The industry insiders turned their attention to it.


    The media was reporting about it.


    Sh��nen Publishing was waiting to see them make a fool of themselves.


    But on this day, an unbelievable event urred. The same scene from the time One Piece attracted tens of thousands of people to line up and make a mad rush to buy its standalone volume happened once more!


    ��


    Tokyo.


    At a bookstore.


    "Give me a copy of Naruto!"


    "Naruto!"


    "I want one too!"


    ��


    Nagoya


    "Do you have Naruto?"


    "It''s sold out?"


    "How did it run out of stock so quickly when it only just got released?"


    ��


    Osaka.


    "Oh my God!"


    "It''s been sold out?"


    "I''ve been in line since 6 in the morning!"


    ��


    These scenes were taking ce all over Japan concurrently!


    The employees at POO Studios were shocked by this!


    Sh��nen Publishing and the entireics industry were shocked silly as well!


    It was insane. This wasn''t just about buyingics anymore. This was a fucking stampede to get theics!


    Additional print run!


    Additional print run!


    And another additional print run!


    The machines at the printers kept spinning without stop. In the end, two of the printing machines even had to be scrapped. It was only through this that they could manage to keep up with the demand of the fans'' intense buying!


    Finally, the sales figures were released!


    This was a number that stunned the entireic world!


    Sales of the first standalone volume of Naruto: 1.09 million copies!


    It had actually done better by some tens of thousands of copies than the first volume of One Piece. Although it didn''t do better than the 1.2 million copies sold for the second volume of One Piece, Naruto still set the record for the most copies of the first volume of aic series sold in Japan by knocking One Piece aside!


    POO Studios.


    The editorial department went crazy!


    "Heavens!"


    "It''s on fire! It''s really on fire this time!"


    "This is too frightening!"


    "1.09 million copies?"


    "This isn''t a dream, right?"


    Immediately, POO Studios announced their ns for an animated version of Naruto!


    Sh��nen Publishing.


    The people here were trembling with anger!


    "How is that possible!"


    "They really caught up?"


    "Where the heck did thisic pop out of?"


    "It''s so well-drawn, and it can even match Teacher Aoi''s crazy release speed? Damn them! Where did POO Studios find a cartoonist like this?"


    The industry blew up!


    "Unbelievable!"


    "Why has another national cartoon appeared?"


    "We''re in the golden age ofics!"


    "A national cartoon has not even appeared once in the past six years. But look at what we have now! Two such series have popped up one after another within a span of a few months? And they were both created by rookies?"


    "Yeah, and they''re both young adultics 1 too. What''s more, the quality is very high and it''s really difficult to say which is better. Theics world is experiencing the birth of a genius generation right now!"


    Naruto!


    One Piece!


    The whole of Japan had been taken over by these twoics!


    All of Asia was turned upside down by these twoics!


    This was a matter that shocked and excited everyone at the same time!


    Since when did national cartoons be so freely avable like cabbages in the market, popping up every now and then?

 Chapter 1447 - I choose you, Detective Conan!

    <h4>Chapter 1447 - I choose you, Detective Conan! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It was the weekend.


    In China.


    "Have you watched Naruto yet?"


    "I watched it. It''s awesome!"


    "I''ve downloaded it and started following the series."


    "I''m watching both One Piece and Naruto. They''ve both captured my attention!"


    "What''s the big deal? The cartoons'' progress is too slow. I''ve already caught up to thetest developments in theics. Want some spoilers? It gets even betterter on."


    "Spoilsport, get lost!"


    "Hahahahahaha."


    ��


    Korea.


    "I can''t stop reading."


    "I love Naruto."


    "I love One Piece as well."


    "They''re both good works that rarely appear these days."


    "Right, I''ve heard that the whole of Asia has had their attention captured by these two cartoons."


    "I''m looking forward to how the plot unfolds."


    ��


    Back at home.


    It was a school holiday today and Zhang Ye''s younger sisters hade to visit.


    His eldest younger sister, Cao Dan, was the most sensible of the three. The moment she came in, she asked her sister-inw, "Sister-inw, how''s your leg? Are you getting better?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "It''s much better already."


    His second sister, Cao Tong, blinked. "Sister-inw, can I listen to the baby?"


    "Sure." Wu Zeqing smiled and beckoned her over. "Come here."


    His third sister, Cao Mengmeng, yelled excitedly, "I want to listen too!"


    And so, the two of them carefully ced their ears onto Old Wu''s belly and listened to it for a long time. No one was certain if they really heard anything, but their expressions of shock and bewilderment seemed to suggest so.


    Zhang Ye started chatting with Cao Dan. "So how are the short videosing along?"


    Cao Dan gave a wry smile. "I''m still practicing. It''s really not easy to make them."


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "You haven''t graduated yet, so there''s no rush."


    Cao Dan said, "I''ve recently gotten quite into cartoons. I''ve been watching them almost every day."


    Zhang Ye''s eyes lit up. "Oh? What do you watch?"


    Cao Dan said, "One Piece and Naruto, ah!" She suddenly remembered that her brother was a nationalistic young man and was fighting against Japan and Korea, so she immediately shut her mouth.


    However, Zhang Ye didn''t seem bothered by it and said with a chuckle, "What do you think of them?"


    Cao Dan said, "They''re fine, but they don''t really suit us girls. There''s too much hot-bloodedness and fighting in them."


    The two of them chatted for a quite a while.


    The speaker spoke casually, while the listener was all ears.


    It was time for lunch.


    "Wow!"


    "Brother, your cooking is pretty good!"


    "Yeah, it''s quite tasty."


    "Brother, you really know how to cook?"


    His three sisters were very surprised.


    Zhang Ye was amused. "Of course. After cooking for so many days, even a fool would learn how to do it. But my skill is limited. I still have a lot to learn from my wife."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "It''s pretty good. You''re better at cooking than I am."


    After lunch, his three sisters left. They were only here to scrounge a free meal.


    When Old Wu went to take a nap, Zhang Ye returned to the drawing studio and thought about what Cao Dan had said. She was indeed right, China could notpare to Japan. For example in China,ics were still not as widely epted as they were in Japan. They still preferred watching the animation over reading theics, and the genres they liked were also different. One Piece and Naruto were both considered hot-blooded hero types, but were loved all the same by everyone in Japan. However, in the other Asian regions, it wasn''t as appealing to most of the female audience. This was something that he needed to consider. He was intending to use theics to make a wave, so there couldn''t be any ws in his n. He couldn''t walk forward with just one leg, so it was natural to want to have as wide an appeal as possible. It would only work if a lot of people were reading them. Thus, Zhang Ye sank into deep thought.


    Five minutes.


    Ten minutes.


    Suddenly, the drawing studio was filled by Zhang Ye''s shouting!


    "I choose you!"


    " Detective Conan 1 !"


    ��


    On the same night, Zhang Ye created two chapters of theic.


    The next morning, he held a video conference call with the studio staff.


    The studio staff had only just arrived at work when they got a scare from Zhang Ye''s voice over the conference call.


    Ha Qiqi was stunned. "What?"


    Little Wang was floored. "Another series?"


    Little Zhou yelled: "You want to do threeic series?"


    Wu Yi said: "Are you an ironman or something?"


    Zhang Zuo wiped off his sweat and said: "Director Zhang, surely that''s already enough? One Piece and Naruto have be so popr all over Asia. The poprity from them should be more than enough, right?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "No way. We have only just begun; this is still far from what I want. Hurry up and get it done. I''ve already sent the final copy to your inboxes."


    Little Sun said anxiously: "But my sister and brother-inw are already��"


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Is your uncle free?"


    Little Sun was dumbfounded. "Ah?"


    Little Wangughed. "Pfft!"


    Little Zhou also burst outughing!


    Is there some kind of enmity between you and Little Sun''s family!


    Do you have to rip off their whole family like this!


    Ha Qiqi asked: "What will you be called this time?"


    Zhang Ye answered: "Call me Hatano."


    ��


    Japan.


    Sh��nen Publishing and POO Studios were both in the midst of a furiouspetition with each other!


    The sales of the Narutoic had set a new high!


    Very quickly, One Piece broke that record again!


    Later on, Naruto caught back up again!


    It was the same case for the cartoons.


    Finally, the battle escted even further!


    The twoics startedpeting on their release rates!


    One Piece started updating at three chapters a week!


    This was an update speed that had never been seen before inics, and it came as a huge shock to many people!


    But to no one''s expectations, Naruto followed up closely and started updating at three chapters a week as well!


    Many of the cartoonists in Japan sobbed.


    "Holy shit!"


    "Do you two really have to be like this!"


    "How do you expect us to go on?"


    "Those two freaks!"


    "Fuck, if you two are so great, make it four chapters a week instead! Four chapters a week, I dare you!"


    Simrly left in tears was Sh��kansha. As one of the top three publishing studios for such weeklyic magazines, Sh��kansha was feeling non-existent. The editors who came to work every day had nothing to look forward to and might as well knit. Faced with the intensepetition from the other twoic magazines, they could do nothing about it.


    The office was idle.


    In the editorial department, everyone was busy doing their own thing.


    Right now, the sales figures of theiric magazine were decreasing with each passing week.


    Down by 2%.


    Down by 3%.


    The sales figures dropped to a new low.


    The editor-in-chief was nearly going insane. He sat there mumbling to himself every day. "Heavens! Why can''t you bless me with a national cartoon as well!"


    At this moment, an editor came running over, crying out in surprise.


    "It''s here! A goodic has arrived!"


    "What?"


    "Where?"


    All the editors reacted as though they had been shot with adrenaline!


    That editor waved a manuscript about in his hand and shouted, "It''s a manuscript submitted by a neer! It''s spectacr!"


    "Let me have a look!"


    "Bring it over here, quick!"


    Everyone gathered around to read it.


    When they were done reading it, all of them started screaming excitedly!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "It''s finally here!"


    "The wheels of fortune keep on turning. It''s finally our turn!"


    "Fuck! It''s finally our fucking turn!"


    "Detective Conan! You''re exactly what we''ve been waiting for!"


    Then that editor added something that made everyone cry in joy. "Furthermore, Teacher Hatano mentioned that he can also release three chapters a week! That won''t be a problem at all!"


    At this moment, the editorial department of Sh��kansha celebrated like it was the new year!


    "We''ve gotten exactly what we wanted!"


    "We''re going to be so popr!"


    "Listen ti what he said! That! Won''t! Be! A! Problem! At! All!"


    "Domineering! I have to admire cartoonists with a temper like that!"


    Soon.


    Detective Conan was officially serialized!

 Chapter 1448 - This doesn’t make any sense at all!

    <h4>Chapter 1448 - This doesn''t make any sense at all! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Detective Conan''s serialization.


    File 1.


    At night.


    In a mansion.


    "That''s right. The perpetrator made his escape by moving from window to window before anybody who heard the victim''s screams had a chance to rush over here. That''s why there aren''t any footprints outside the window."


    "H-How is that possible? There''s five meters between the two windows!"


    "But it''s not even two meters if you climb up the walls to the roof. However, that wouldn''t ur to you unless you knew the unique construction of this mansion. And there''s only one person who could have moved around inside the house without arousing any suspicion at that hour."


    "Who did it! Who killed my wife?"


    "It was��her husband, you!"


    ��


    The Japanese people were shocked!


    "Aiya!"


    "It''s yet another goodic!"


    "A detectiveic? I like it!"


    "Why have there been so many goodics recently?"


    "Who knows!"


    "Eh, why are there so many pages?"


    "Yeah, why is one chapter of thisic equivalent to three chapters of the otherics?"


    "What do you know? They''re updating three chapters at one go!"


    "Three chapters a week!"


    "What? Aren''t Teacher Ozawa and Teacher Aoi the only ones who can achieve that speed?"


    "Fuck, another freak who does three chapters a week has shown up!"


    "Another one?"


    "Heavens! What kinds of animals are they!"


    Sh��kansha, always the bridesmaid, had burst onto the scene without any warning!


    POO Studios and Sh��nen Publishing both trembled in fright. Many of the editors were stunned by it as well. One Piece and Naruto might be updating at three chapters a week and stillpeting for more, but there was still a lead-in to that release rate prior to this. They had both started from one chapter a week, followed by two chapters a week, before edging upwards to three chapters a week! Fuck, you''re starting off with three chapters a week? Do you have a death wish?! You might as well ascend straight to the Heavens!


    When they finished reading theic, the editors of both publishing studios were so frightened they broke out in cold sweat!


    It was too good!


    It was so wonderful to read!


    This was the pinnacle of detectiveics!


    Surely it couldn''t be, right? Did they really have anotherpetitor? There was going to be another national cartoon joining them?


    No, it was still too early to say!


    ��


    The days passed.


    Detective Conan continued its fiery run!


    It managed to forcefully grab a piece of the market from under Naruto and One Piece''s noses. It had developed into a three-horse race!


    The Japanese public had high praise for it.


    "It''s good!"


    "It''s very suitable for girls to read!"


    "Right, my boyfriend is always following the updates!"


    "Is the new chapter out yet?"


    "Who''s gonna die this week?"


    The reception from the people was very enthusiastic.


    However, the title of national cartoon wasn''t so easily given by the industry insiders. This was because they were still waiting for theic to be market tested. To say anything now would be too early. Moreover, they couldn''t give out the title so recklessly. One Piece had already been named a national cartoon. Naruto was also named a national cartoon. And now, they had to confer the title upon anotheric again? Wouldn''t that dilute the number of national cartoons around?! So if there weren''t any results to show for this time, a lot of people wouldn''t even dare to utter the words "national cartoon"!


    They didn''t dare give it out so easily anymore!


    They couldn''t afford to!


    But on this day, the results came out!


    The sales figures of Detective Conan''s first standalone volume was astonishing!


    Tokyo.


    Hokkaido.


    Osaka.


    Long lines could be seen appearing in many regions.


    Moreover, it was obvious that the majority of the people in line were female.


    "Do you have Detective Conan?"


    "I want a copy of Detective Conan."


    "How much for Detective Conan?"


    Additional print run!


    And another additional print run!


    Fortunately, Sh��kansha was well-prepared this time and did not get caught panicking!


    The final sales figures for Detective Conan stopped at 680,000 copies. It was nothingpared to One Piece and Naruto''s results but was leagues ahead many otherics! Usually, this figure would''ve been more than impressive. In any other year, this result would have taken the top honors as well. But it was different this year in that theics industry had too many sparks. It was flourishing. First, there was One Piece. It was followed by Naruto. Both series'' first standalone volumes had achieved over a million copies in sales each, so that took the shine off of Detective Conan''s sales figures. It was also an excellent series, but it wasn''t the best out there!


    Sh��kansha was a little disappointed.


    "It didn''t surpass a million copies?"


    "Is it because the release rate is too fast?"


    "Hai, detectiveics are indeed not as popr as those hot-bloodedics!"


    "We really can''t outdo them?"


    POO Studios and Sh��nen Publishing also heaved sighs of relief.


    "They did worse than us by quite a bit."


    "Fortunately for us."


    "I got such a scare."


    "It probably can''t be considered a national cartoon yet, right?"


    "Yeah, it was just a false rm."


    "Hur hur, I knew it! How could there be such an abundance of national cartoons everywhere."


    "Yeah, it''s already a miracle that two appeared this year. If there was another? That would be insane!"


    This was what a lot of people were thinking as well.


    Even Sh��kansha themselves were finding it regrettable.


    However, as things would have it, the development of things sometimes did not go ording to expectations. Detective Conan naturally went the way of getting an animated adaptation as well. With an elite lineup of voice talents and a top-tier soundtrack, many people had high hopes for it. Everything rted to it was made ording to the most sophisticated standards. And when the first episode of Detective Conan''s cartoon was broadcast, when the viewership ratings of this week was revealed, everyone was shocked to find out that something big had urred in theics and animation industry!


    No one could have expected it!


    No one predicted it!


    The viewership ratings for the premiere episode of Detective Conan''s animation had absolutely crushed that of both One Piece and Naruto''s!


    Yes, it was a crushing!


    A crushing of several magnitudes!


    And what was even more worth mentioning was the performance of Detective Conan in the other Asian countries. It attracted even more eyeballs than One Piece and Naruto!


    Children!


    Boys!


    Girls!


    All of them acknowledged Detective Conan!


    Detective Conan had a very wide audience base as it attracted all kinds of people!


    ��


    China.


    "I like Kudo Shinichi so much!"


    "How handsome!"


    "This is the first time I''m watching a cartoon. It''s really good!"


    "My boyfriend is always watching that Naruto or One Piece whatever you call them. I couldn''t even make myself finish one episode of them. I still prefer a cartoon like Detective Conan."


    "Me too, me too. I don''t like all that fighting and killing."


    "Damn, don''t people die as well in Detective Conan?"


    "They do, but that''s different."


    ��


    Korea.


    "Wow, it''s a new animation!"


    "I like detective shows!"


    "This one''s interesting!"


    "What''s going on in Japan these days?"


    "I don''t know. Why have so many good cartoons appeared?"


    "Haha, the more the merrier, of course!"


    ��


    Detective Conan took Asia by storm!


    All of Asia was enveloped in the wave of Detective Conan!


    And right at this moment, the industry in Japan was forced to admit a shocking fact!


    Detective Conan: yet another national cartoon had appeared!


    Sh��kansha was dumbfounded!


    POO Studios was stunned!


    Sh��nen Publishing was shocked!


    The industry insiders went crazy!


    One Piece!


    Naruto!


    And now, Detective Conan?


    Each was more popr than the other?


    Each was more influential than the other?


    Six years ago, only one national cartoon existed. But they were only six months into the year and there were already three of them?


    What the hell!


    Th-This doesn''t make any sense at all!

 Chapter 1449 - There can’t be a fourth lunatic!

    <h4>Chapter 1449 - There can''t be a fourth lunatic! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The Japaneseics world was in disarray.


    The entire industry had been shaken up.


    At a smallics magazine publisher, a rookie cartoonist hade for an interview to submit his manuscript.


    "Editor, please have a look at this."


    "Alright, let me see."


    "Uh, is it OK?"


    "It''s not too bad."


    "Th-Then can my work get serialized?"


    "How many chapters can you update per week?"


    "Ah?"


    "Can you update at three chapters a week?"


    "Nani?!"


    "If you can''t do three chapters, how about two?"


    In the end, the rookie cartoonist walked out of theic publishing studio in tears. Update three chapters a week? Two chapters? Even one chapter a week is already asking for my life! Who can fucking do three chapters a week!


    Uh��other than those three lunatics!


    Those three cartoonists are simply not human!


    Aoi.


    Ozawa.


    Hatano.


    Their zing speed of release every week had whetted the readers'' appetites and disrupted the rhythm of all theics magazine publishers. It had muddied the waters of the Japaneseics world. Many of theics magazine publishers these days were adding all kinds of new regtions when taking in submissions of manuscripts. They wouldn''t ept cartoonists who drew too slowly and were looking for them to hit at least two or three chapters per week to qualify. It was easy to set these rules, but how many people in the entireics world could fucking draw two chapters a week, much less three!


    The readers were raising a ruckus.


    "Hurry up and update the chapters!"


    "This is so slow!"


    "Martial King, can you make it?"


    "There''s only one chapter per week? Are you sleeping or what?"


    "To the author of Yuki-chan''s Dormitory, don''t you feel embarrassed publishing just one chapter per week? Can you not be sozy?"


    Of course, there were some who didn''t think that they couldn''t do it.


    For example, there was an author from POO Studios who clenched his teeth and increased his speed to two chapters a week. During the first week, everything still seemed pretty normal. But by the second week, that author was hospitalized and remained undischarged as of now. Then, there was a cartoonist from Sh��nen Publishing who also tried to keep up with the pace of the times. Envious of One Piece, Naruto, and Detective Conan''s sess, he set off on a path of no return by releasing two chapters per week. By the second week, hisic''s plot had fallen apart. It fell apart so badly that it became unrecognizable. It was such an earth-shattering failure that the protagonist''s development had been written into a corner!


    Chaos!


    The entire industry could only be described as chaotic!


    A lot of cartoonists starteding forward to denounce this trend.


    "It was all started by them!"


    "The readers have all gone crazy because of them!"


    "We cannot allow such disruptive behavior to continue and mess up the industry any further!"


    "Everyone, let''s boycott this trend together!"


    "Right, how can you demand speed when ites to drawingics!"


    "Those three people are exceptions. No one else can do what they''re doing!"


    "That''s right, there can''t be another fourth person who can do three chapters a week!"


    "Bring theics industry back on track!"


    Many cartoonists joined the cause.


    Some cartoonists and rookies even held up signs in demonstration outside the entrances of theics magazine publishers.


    On this day, the readers and cartoonists went to war.


    The two groups of people were quarreling over their disagreements.


    Regarding whether aic should have more releases per week, and whether it was possible to do so, everyone was trying to debate this to reach a conclusion. Finally, the industry insiders and editors calmed down a little and joined in the discussions. Everyone brought up a lot of examples, like the production process of aic series, the time required to do it, the number of assistants required to work on it, the ideas, the drafts, etc., all of which were to support the argument that drawingics was not a task that could be rushed. It was a very time-consuming job, and it was impossible to finish drawing without putting in the effort to do so. Meanwhile, they imed that those three crazy cartoonists were just an exception. People like them had never appeared in the past, and they were not likely to appear in the future. It was just a coincidence that these three speedy types had somehow gotten theirics serialized at almost the same time, so what they could do was not really something that any other cartoonist could achieve.


    Only then did the readers reluctantly ept their reasoning.


    The Japanese cartoonists could finally heave a sigh of relief.


    The unhealthy obsession with increasing the weekly release rate finally began to ease off.


    ��


    But right at this critical juncture.


    China.


    In Zhang Ye''s neighborhood.


    Zhang Ye, who wasing back from grocery shopping, heard the neighbors talking.


    They were two housewives.


    "I''ve got nothing to do at home recently, so I got into watching cartoons."


    "Me too, I watched Detective Conan."


    "It''s pretty good, but I always have to wait for the kids to go to bed before watching."


    "Yeah, I''m the same. My child is only seven years old, so I dare not let him watch a cartoon where there''s always someone dying. I don''t feel that''s a good influence on kids."


    "Yeah, that''s right."


    Zhang Ye listened and took it to heart. Right, there are children to consider as well. Whoever said that children cannot contribute to his poprity? Don''t look down on these young kids. In an Asian family, the children are the ones who enjoy the most elevated status in a family unit. Every parent sees their child as the center of their world. If your children liked watching something, would you as the parent not watch it together with them? He had to win the hearts of the children and at the same time capture the hearts of their parents!


    He returned home.


    In the drawing studio, he let out a shout.


    "Come on out!"


    "Doraemon!"


    ��


    That same night.


    Old Wu''s parents came over.


    While chatting, Li Qinqinughed and said, "It seems that cartoons are getting pretty popr these days. There are so many people I know watching them."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and looked at Zhang Ye. Then she said to her parents, "Did the two of you watch any?"


    Wu Changhe harrumphed. "Those things are full of Japanese elements. Who wants to watch it?"


    Li Qinqin added, "Right, we still prefer something with our Chinese elements in it."


    Right!


    Chinese elements!


    Zhang Ye stood up and walked off.


    The two elders were taken aback.


    But soon after, a shout came from the drawing studio upstairs!


    "Come on out!"


    " Dragon Ball 1 !"


    Li Qinqin was dumbfounded. "What happened to him?"


    Wu Changhe was bewildered. "Has that kid gone crazy?"


    Wu Zeqing just smiled.


    ��


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    Zhang Ye was woken up by a sound outside.


    "Pass it to me, pass it to me!"


    "Catch!"


    "Shoot it!"


    "Hahaha."


    Several kids were outside ying basketball.


    Zhang Ye''s sleepiness instantly disappeared as his eyes lit up. Oh yes, how could I have forgotten about sportsics? The uing wave needed the greatest potential, so no details could be missed!


    In the drawing studio.


    Zhang Ye shouted!


    "Come on out!"


    "m Dunk!"


    In the bedroom.


    The sound of the basketball game outside did not wake Wu Zeqing up, the sound of Zhang Ye getting out of bed did not wake Wu Zeqing up, but this loud shout of Zhang Ye''s woke Wu Zeqing right up!


    ��


    Noon.


    It was time for lunch.


    Zhang Ye and Old Wu were chatting as they watched television. The topic on TV was touching on the recent wave of cartoons in Japan.


    The host was saying, "Japanese cartoons are moving fast and furious these days as the past two months saw the emergence of many exciting works. In the past, almost every genre of Japanese cartoons has had a representative title to call its own, except for the sci-fi genre. The cartoons'' influence in the Asian region is widespread and has already triggered a phenomenal amount of discussions."


    Eh?


    Zhang Ye raised his head, startled.


    Except for the sci-fi genre?


    There wasn''t a national cartoon to represent sci-fiics in this world?


    Hey, how could that be allowed!


    This bro has them!


    However many you guys want!


    Without even finishing lunch, Zhang Ye threw down his chopsticks and hurried upstairs to the drawing studio.


    Wu Zeqing knew that he was busy with work, so she didn''t stop him.


    Soon after, Zhang Ye''s loud voice reverberated from upstairs!


    "Come on out!"


    "Gundam!"

 Chapter 1450 - Zhang Ye’s law!

    <h4>Chapter 1450 - Zhang Ye''sw! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    The video conference call was in session.


    But the entire conference room was silent. Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, Wu Yi, Little Wang, Little Sun, and everyone else was staring in shock at Zhang Ye, who was grinning in the video call.


    "What?"


    "What did you say?"


    "You drew another four newic series?"


    "I''m gonna faint, four?"


    "You''re ying with fire with so many of them!"


    "You already have three titles serialized!"


    "Director Zhang, that''s enough already! Enough!"


    Having woken up this morning, they found four newly drawnics waiting in their inboxes. Could you imagine just how shocked these people from Zhang Ye''s Studio were? All of them were floored!


    There were three titles before this!


    And now, another four titles are going to be added?


    That''s a fucking total of seven titles!


    Just how big of a ruckus are you nning!


    You''vee up withics for all the different demographics: sports, high action, teenage boys, teenage girls, children, young men. You''re truly carrying out a strategic bombing with no intention of leaving any room for the people to escape!


    But Zhang Ye just smiled and said: "We''ll do it the usual way."


    Ha Qiqi gave a bitter smile. "Alright."


    Zhang Ye looked at Little Sun: "Little Sun, your uncle��oh, your uncle represented us the previous time. Then, is your aunt free?"


    Little Sun nearly broke down in tears. "She''s free."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Your sister-inw''s brother and sister also settled down in Japan, didn''t they?"


    Little Sun knew deep down in his heart that none of his family members were going to be spared, so he might as well answer him. "They''re all free."


    Free? My ass, they''re free!


    Who stays at home all day and doesn''t go to work?!


    Zhang Ye nodded and said with a smile: "Great then, I''ll be troubling them. Little Sun, thank your family for their contributions to theics industry. The Asian people will forever remember them."


    Everyone at the studio didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    Please don''t tter other people like that!


    Their whole family has basically allowed you to scam them over and over again!


    If youe up with another two more titles, Little Sun would have to dig up his ancestral grave already!


    ��


    Japan.


    At a smallics magazine publisher.


    A scream rang out in the editorial department!


    "Ahhh!"


    "It''s here! It''s arrived!"


    "It''s time for our turn!"


    "The Heavens have not forsaken us!"


    ��


    At a midsizedics publisher.


    "Holy fuck!"


    "This is it! This is the one!"


    "We''re gonna prosper!"


    "Quickly get that serialized!"


    ��


    Several dayster.


    At a restaurant.


    Quite a few well-known Japanese cartoonists had gathered today, with more than 30 of them attending the gathering. All of them were respected teachers within theics industry.


    Martial King''s author was present.


    And also a few authors from the slightly smaller publishers.


    "Come, let''s eat."


    "We can finally take a breather."


    "Yeah, that Aoi, Ozawa, and Hatano are really too unruly. They''ve totally messed up the industry and misled the readers into thinking that it''s very easy to drawics. I can''t help but get angry when I hear that! How is it easy? Why don''t theye and try it for themselves! It''s easier said than done!"


    "That''s right, that sort of an atmosphere was really unhealthy."


    "We''ve finally managed to exin it to them now."


    "Yeah, it was all thanks to the editors of theics publishers backing us up."


    "That''s right. Otherwise, we wouldn''t have been able to rify it."


    "Hai, where did those three rookies pop out from? They''re really too uninformed of the industry rules. They''re so rude and don''t give us seniors any respect at all. So what if they''re doing well? Even so, they still have to abide by the rules. Otherwise, with the industry messed up, would we still have the capacity to create proper works? Hmph, I''m so ufortable just thinking of it. Everyone else is on a one chapter a week schedule, but look at them. They just have to make it two or three chapters a week? It''s like they''re trying to show that they''re better! My guess is that they''ve got a lot of chapters stockpiled. They couldn''t do that if they really had to draw three chapters every week! That would be bullshit! No one can possibly do it!"


    "That''s right, that''s right!"


    But at this moment, a cartoonist received a call.


    Everyone was toasting and eating. Eventually, they saw that person with a dumbfounded look on his face!


    After hanging up, that person said angrily, "My God!"


    Everyone quickly asked, "What is it?"


    That person was cursing. "Fucking hell!"


    Everyone said, "What happened?"


    That person was turning green with anger. "Another four titles have fucking appeared and are on a release rate of three chapters per week!"


    "What?"


    "What did you say?"


    "Three chapters per week?"


    "Four titles?"


    "Holy motherfucking shit!"


    "Do they want to die!"


    "Motherfucker! Where the hell did all these people pop out from?!"


    The cartoonists got such a fright that they nearly sprayed blood!


    Everyone in the restaurant could hear the group cursing and scolding!


    What was face smacking?


    This was a face smacking!


    This group of cartoonists had just banded together to exin that the creative process of drawingics was not easy, and they had been backed up by the well-known editors of the industry as well. After a full week of arguing and debating, they barely managed to convince the readers that Ozawa, Aoi, and Hatano were just one-off cases with a crazy work pace. They also guaranteed that a fourth such person would not appear again in the future. But in the end?


    Not only did the fourth such person appear!


    The fifth, sixth, and seventh persons also appeared!


    Four of them appeared all at once!


    At this moment, theics world in Japan broke down!


    At this time, those cartoonists even started doubting themselves. Was it really because they were too slow at drawing? They were all getting anxious!


    The readers in Japan also blew up!


    "Holy shit!"


    "Those liars!"


    "Who said that there wouldn''t be a fourth person?"


    "Yeah, who said it?"


    "Look! Open your eyes and see! Other than Teacher Aoi, Teacher Ozawa, and Teacher Hatano, there''s now Teacher Muto, Teacher Iijima, Teacher Nishino, and Teacher Takagi! If there were only one or two such cases, then we might be convinced. But what about now? There are seven! Seven such cases are happening right before our very eyes! So many of these teachers don''t seem to have any trouble updating at three chapters a week! So what exnation do you all have now! You''re just finding excuses for your ownziness!"


    "Thosezy bastards!"


    "That''s right, the editors have ganged up with the cartoonists and lied to us!"


    "You all better hurry up and release more chapters!"


    "Youzy bastards! Hurry up and update!"


    The readers were rebelling!


    Eventually, even the publishers couldn''t bear it anymore. This was the voice of the people. The pressure was enormous. Immediately, theics publishers started to change their serialization format. They started urging the capable cartoonists to follow the examples of those seven teachers. As such, many of the cartoonists could only follow suit and add more pages and chapters.


    Thus, tragedy ensued!


    Some people screwed up theirics within the first week!


    Some people started doubting their own speed and pondered how they could draw even faster. From that, they embarked on another path altogether!


    The entire Japaneseics world was plunged into an appalling situation. Almost all of the serializedics had be unworthy of reading!


    There was mourning all around!


    The pages of the failedics were strewn all over the ce!


    A well-runics industry had somehow copsed!


    ��


    China.


    When the staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio saw this, they facepalmed in speechlessness. At this moment, they suddenly remembered Zhang Ye''s other nickname!


    Shit stirrer!


    A shit stirrer that only appears once in 10,000 years!


    Indeed, Director Zhang always brought misfortune to whichever industry he went to!


    For this reason, a lot of Chinese people had named the phenomenon as: Zhang Ye''s Law 1 !


    Just look! Thisw had been proven true once again!

 Chapter 1451 - You can really fucking put out four chapters a week?

    <h4>Chapter 1451 - You can really fucking put out four chapters a week? </h4>


    Japan.


    For many days in a row.


    The cartoonists were in a state of disorder.


    The serializedics were now full of plot holes.


    It was supposed to be a great situation, a time when the industry should be booming, yet theics industry was somehow headed for an unprecedented crisis. In the past, they did not encounter such a disaster even when there were no signs of a national cartoon appearing. But now that three national cartoons had appeared? Why did the industry start moving backwards instead? They were teetering in the bnce? Comics and animation was a mainstay industry of Japan! What the heck was this! Was there even any logic in this?!


    Finally, even the Japanese authorities were rmed, and they quickly intervened.


    Manyics magazine publishers hurriedly adjusted their strategies and no longer dared to request their cartoonists to submit more chapters.


    The situation wasplete chaos, yet those "seven" cartoonists who sparked this mess were still asposed as ever. It felt like this had nothing to do with them at all.


    Three chapters!


    Three chapters!


    It continued like this week in, week out!


    Moreover, the quality remained very high with a good quantity as well!


    And it was precisely because of this contrast that the other four newly serializedics became popr quickly!


    ��


    The first one to be popr was Dragon Ball!


    When the sales figures of the standalone volume of Dragon Ball were released, it created an uproar in the industry!


    1.3 million copies! It did even better than One Piece''s and Naruto''s first standalone volume sales!


    "Wow!"


    "How cool!"


    "This is amazing!"


    ''Heavens! I can''t believe this!"


    "I love Son Goku. He''s so freaking cute!"


    "Right, right, thisic is a great read!"


    "It has a wide range of readers as well!"


    Thisic was published by a small publisher. Before this, the publisher was aplete unknown. But they became very famous after its sales soared. Raising the sales of aic magazine by many times over with just one title was only possible if it was a national cartoon. Nothing else could achieve the same effect!


    And thus, another national cartoon was born!


    ��


    The second one to be popr was Doraemon!


    The charm of the robot cat also conquered the readers of this world!


    It was different from all the fighting and killing scenes of the other national cartoons, with Doraemon possessing an entirely different style of its own. It was rxing, family oriented, and a good casual read. There might be some who disliked the art style of One Piece, the pulling of the heartstrings of Naruto, or the loose plot of Detective Conan. But for aic like Doraemon, almost everyone enjoyed and loved it very much!


    "It''s such a nice read!"


    "It''s suitable for everyone in the family to read!"


    "This fat cat is so funny!"


    "It''s the first time I''ve seen such a kind ofic!"


    "I feel so happy reading it!"


    600,000 copies!


    The sales figures of the first standalone volume blew up!


    However, what truly ced Doraemon onto the altar was its animated version!


    When the animation was broadcast, the industry was dumbfounded again. Doraemon''s viewership ratings actually surpassed Detective Conan, however small, as it knocked off its predecessor at the top where it had been the viewership ratings champion for several weeks in a row!


    It was yet another national cartoon!


    Another one!


    ��


    At the same time.


    Along with the robot cat, m Dunk became very popr across Asia!


    "That was awesome!"


    "I love this series to death!"


    "Rukawa Kaede! Rukawa Kaede!"


    "This is the pinnacle of sportsics!"


    "I get such a kick from reading it!"


    "The character designs are so handsome!"


    "Hai, I knew I would be spending money again when Iid my eyes on thisic!"


    "There are too many goodics these days. I''m going broke!"


    "I must buy it even if I go broke!"


    "Buy! Buy! Buy!"


    Theic.


    The cartoon.


    m Dunk had be a hot-selling title!


    Another national cartoon had arrived!


    ��


    The final one was Gundam.


    This cartoon was the final one to be popr.


    At the beginning, Gundam did not really catch the attention of too many people. Especially in the wake of One Piece, Naruto, Detective Conan, and other national cartoons, Gundam being a sci-fiic did not really seem that attractive. That was because in this world''s Japaneseics industry, there weren''t any science fiction works that qualified as a national cartoon yet. This genre was simply just too niche. But as time went by, with the umtion of more and more readers, Gundam blew up!


    It came out of the blue!


    Yet it was expected!


    "I rmend it!"


    "This is a great work that has nearly been forgotten!"


    "How awesome! Thisic is great!"


    "There''s finally a representative piece in the sci-fi genre!"


    "The mobile suit designs are so damn cool. Those who miss out on this cartoon will surely regret it for the rest of their lives!"


    "This is my most rmended cartoon of the year!"


    There were rave reviews all around!


    The word of mouth rmendations for Gundam had totally exceeded any other past Japaneseic series. There had never been such high praise for a cartoon before. Someone did a poll and found that the reputation and diehard fans of Gundam actually outnumbered those of One Piece''s and Naruto''sbined!


    Just what kind of a concept was that?


    Everyone in the industry found this incredulous!


    Theic''s sales blew up!


    The cartoon''s viewership ratings blew up!


    Together with thatrge number of diehard fans, it sent Gundam up onto the altar!


    It was another series!


    Another national cartoon had appeared!


    ��


    The industry was so shocked that they didn''t know how else to be shocked anymore!


    Everyone felt as though they were dreaming!


    "What the heck is going on!"


    "Who knows!"


    "Have national cartoons be like cabbages in the market?"


    "Did someone fucking tear a hole in the sky?"


    "Let me calm down first. I''m feeling a little dizzy!"


    "Who isn''t? Don''t you realize that the entireics world is in shock!"


    "I''ve never seen something like that before! I''ve never seen a flood of national cartoons being created in this way before! Th-This is too fucking many of them!"


    "It doesn''t make any sense! It doesn''t make any fucking sense at all!"


    The Japanese cartoonists could only turn to the Heavens for an answer in their speechlessness!


    The continued emergence of these national cartoons had left theirics with almost no room for survival. The most crucial factor was that these seven "beasts" were all capable of continuously releasing theirics at three chapters a week without rest. God knows just how many cartoonists had cursed and sworn at them and their 18 generations of ancestors by now!


    Later on, they even began feeling despair.


    "They''ve gone too far!"


    "These people are too much!"


    "Freaks! A bunch of freaks!"


    "Motherfucker, if you''re all so capable, I dare you to do four chapters a week! Huh?"


    "Come on, do four a week if you''re all so capable!"


    "Hahaha! Yeah, aren''t you all amazing? Aren''t you all cocky? Show me four chapters a week then!"


    Having been forced into a corner, the cartoonists started moring to no end. It was as though they''d snapped!


    Coincidentally, a piece of news came out the very next day. Sh��nen Publishing was organizing an event for its anniversary and would be printing a thicker version of its weekly magazine. One Piece was going to have four chapters published this week!


    Pfffffft!


    In this moment, all of the cartoonists in Japan were devastated!


    You can really fucking put out four chapters a week?


    Great! We take our hats off to you. We''re convinced, alright?


    ��


    Seven titles!


    In the span of just a few months, seven national cartoons were born!


    The seven works had be very popr across Japan, China, Korea, and the rest of Asia without any exception. Everywhere they went, no one was spared!


    Countless people had turned into fans of the works!


    Countless people were now closely following the new releases!


    Countless people had gone crazy for them!

 Chapter 1452 - Zhang Ye returns!

    <h4>Chapter 1452 - Zhang Ye returns! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    One day.


    Two days.


    Three days.


    The praise from China, Japan, Korea, and the rest of Asia flooded in.


    Especially in Japan. Almost everyone was mesmerized by the works.


    "How satisfying!"


    "It''s a feast of cartoons!"


    "Good cartoons are piling up by the heaps!"


    "I''ve be obsessed as well!"


    "These seven teachers are amazing!"


    "Hurry up and publish the chapters!"


    Within Asia, a lot of those who did not used to watch cartoons were attacked by this wave of Japaneseics and got pulled into the army of followers. They were no longer capable of getting ahold of themselves.


    The seven cartoons werepeting with each other, frequently breaking records in the Japaneseics world. Sometimes, it would be this series, and other times, it would be another series. All of the other cartoons had no business in thispetition. In the current Asian market, it had be a performance by these seven cartoons with no others involved.


    Throughout the history of Japan.


    Throughout the history of cartoons.


    There had never been such a feast before!


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Coming to work in the morning, everyone''s morale was soaring high.


    "Director Ha, morning."


    "Brother Zuo, good morning."


    "How are the results?"


    "The new standalone volume of Dragon Ball has broken another record."


    "That''s great."


    "It''s the same for the animations too. Detective Conan has surpassed Doraemon''s viewership ratings."


    "It''s our own record anyway, haha."


    "Yeah! No matter how the fight goes, they''re all Director Zhang''s works."


    "What new works will Director Zhange up with next time?"


    "I don''t know. We haven''t heard from him for several days."


    "Let''s hold a video conference meeting with him and find out then."


    "Alright."


    When everyone had gathered, they went into the conference room.


    Ha Qiqi turned on the software and connected to Director Zhang.


    Du du. The video call connected. But when they saw Zhang Ye on the other end, everyone in the studio was dumbfounded. They gasped endlessly!


    The video feed showed Zhang Ye, who looked like he had just escaped from a refugee camp. His hair was disheveled and he was unshaven as well. Meanwhile, his clothes were still the same as when they held theirst video conference call with him. His entire person looked listless and dispirited, and his eyelids were drooping. It was as if he were going to copse at any moment and a gust of wind could blow him away.


    Little Wang eximed in heartache.


    Ha Qiqi immediately shouted: "Director Zhang, what''s the matter?"


    Zhang Zuo was also scared: "What''s with you? Did youe up with a new work again?"


    Little Wang asked: "How many new series have you drawn this time?"


    New work?


    How many series?


    Hearing that, Zhang Ye nearly vomited blood!


    Zhang Ye said angrily: "Why would I draw any more new series? I''ve already got seven series on my hands, and there are only seven days in a week. With each series updating at three chapters a week, I have to finish three chapters a day on average. When this bro''s in good shape, I can only draw that many chapters. But now, I have to draw three chapters every day! I haven''t slept in two days already. Do you all really think that I''m made of steel?!"


    Ah?


    Haven''t you always been made of steel?


    But of course, they didn''t dare say that out loud.


    Ha Qiqi quickly said: "Aiya, quickly go and rest, quickly go and rest."


    Zhang Zuo said: "Yes, yes, don''t draw anymore."


    Zhang Ye said dejectedly: "I finished drawing after burning the midnight oil. They''ve been sent out to your inboxes, so go and check them. I can''t take it anymore. I''m going to catch up on some sleep."


    Ha Qiqi urged: "Go on, go on quickly!"


    After ending the video conference call.


    Zhang Ye returned to his bedroom andid down. He didn''t even have the energy to lift a finger. This fellow only brought out these sevenic series in a fit of excitement without thinking of themitments. In the end, he got entangled, having to draw three chapters every day, and asionally even four. Even Zhang Ye could not take such a punishing schedule! He used to actually be quite happy to see theics doing great and even bragged to Old Wu about it. But when this fellow heard the word ics" now, he trembled!


    Persist!


    Persist a bit more!


    Victory is right before my eyes!


    An hour.


    Three hours.


    He fell asleep. When he opened his eyes again, it was already noon.


    Zhang Ye checked his watch in a daze and immediately got up from bed. "Aiya, I forgot to prepare lunch!" He hurried out of bed and headed downstairs.


    The aroma of cooking was overflowing.


    As well as the fragrance of cooked rice.


    Zhang Ye was startled and increased his pace to rush downstairs.


    On the lower floor, all his family hade. His parents, Li Qinqin, and Wu Changhe were all here. Over in the open kitchen, it was actually Wu Zeqing doing the cooking.


    "Dad, Mom."


    "Ai, Little Ye is awake."


    "What are you all doing here?"


    "Zeqing called us over."


    Zhang Ye turned around and said angrily, "What are you doing, Old Wu?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Making lunch."


    Zhang Yeined, "Who said that you could move around! I already said that I''ll make the meals!"


    His mother said, "I said the same thing, but she insisted on doing it herself."


    "For today''s meal, I have to be the one preparing it." Wu Zeqing smiled and then moved her leg a little. She said, "See, my ankle has healed. I''ve been bored out of my mind these past few months. If I don''t start moving, I''ll have forgotten how to walk. Little Ye, wash your hands and get ready to eat."


    Zhang Ye went over and crouched down to have a feel. "Have you really recovered?"


    Wu Zeqing said gently, "Yes, I''ve been feeling fine since about two days ago."


    Lunch was ready.


    Everyone was seated together.


    Wu Zeqing suddenly raised her ss and said with a smile, "Before we start, let me offer my husband a toast first."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Aiya, there''s no need for that."


    But Wu Changhe said, "It''s a must."


    Li Qinqin sighed and said, "It''s really been hard on Little Ye these past few months. He has thrown aside all his work and stopped going to the office just so that he could take care of Zeqing. It really wasn''t easy at all."


    His mother said, "It''s his wife, so how could he not?"


    His father said, "Zeqing has always been the one taking care of him in the past, so it''s about time he did his part."


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Mom and Dad are right. It''s my responsibility, my responsibility!"


    Though she had an injured leg for almost a hundred days, Old Wu did not dare take any medication as she was pregnant. As such, her recovery speed was much slower than most people''s. During these several months, there had been many changes in the entertainment industry. Some neers shot to fame, while other veterans dropped in their poprity rankings. There were new movies that led the trend, and also some famous movie stars encountering their Waterloos. A lot had happened during this time, but Zhang Ye remained indifferent to it. He single-mindedly stayed at home to take care of his wife and did not step out of the house except for grocery shopping. With Zhang Ye being someone who could never stay idle, it was indeed not easy.


    He learned to cook.


    He learned to do theundry.


    He learned to handle many of the household chores.


    During these several months, Zhang Ye had also grown by quite a bit.


    Wu Zeqing said, "Go back to work starting tomorrow."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Have you really recovered?"


    His mother rolled her eyes. "Are you hoping that Zeqing won''t recover?"


    "Hey, I was just asking," Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner.


    Everyoneughed.


    Wu Zeqing said, "Go and sleep a bit more after lunch. Rest well so that you''ll have the energy to work tomorrow. There are still a lot of things waiting for you."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Sure, I''ll listen to my wife."


    After lunch, Zhang Ye went upstairs and went back to bed. It was time to recharge.


    After bidding the entertainment industry farewell for so many months, I wonder if anyone misses me?


    Haha! I, Hu Hansan, am back again!

 Chapter 1453 - Return of the Jinx!

    <h4>Chapter 1453 - Return of the Jinx! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the morning.


    It was a gloomy day.


    The fog stretched as far as the eye could see.


    Perhaps the Heavens were "giving him face" as there hadn''t been a single gloomy or foggy day all week until today. Perhaps it somehow knew that this was the day that Zhang Ye was making aeback. However, this did not affect Zhang Ye''s feelings of excitement. After taking a shower at home and changing into a fresh set of clothes, he put on his leather shoes and stood in front of the mirror admiring himself for a long time. Only then did he spiritedly leave and drive out of the vi.


    Jiaomen.


    In the neighborhood.


    When the car turned in, quite a few neighbors who got up early spotted it.


    When they saw Zhang Ye get out of the car, the uncles and aunties immediately surrounded him.


    "Aiyo, Little Zhang is back!"


    "Auntie Zhou."


    "How''s your wife doing?"


    "Thanks to you, she''s recovered."


    "Ah, Little Zhang hase to work?"


    "Grandpa Hu, good morning."


    "I haven''t seen you in a few months."


    "Yeah, I''ll be returning to work officially today."


    "And I was wondering why it was such a gloomy day today."


    "Ah? You mean it''s because of me?"


    "Hahaha, just kidding."


    The neighbors in the neighborhood had rather missed him and kept him there as they stood there chattering. They did not allow him to leave for a very long time. Over here, Zhang Ye was very well-liked by the people.


    Upstairs.


    He arrived at the studio.


    Everyone was very surprised to see him.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Yo, Director Zhang!"


    Little Wang said, "What are you doing out today?"


    Little Zhou asked, "Has Sister-inw recovered?"


    "She''s recovered," Zhang Ye smiled and said, "so I''ll be returning to work today."


    Everyone was taken aback for a moment before breaking out into apuse.


    Zhang Zuo shouted, "We must celebrate this!"


    Wu Yi smiled and said, "You''re finally back."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s been hard on everyone these past few months. I''ll just say this: Don''t go anywhere this afternoon; it''s my treat! Let''s enjoy a good meal together!"


    Little Wang put her hands up in celebration and giggled, "I want to have lobsters!"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "You''re always eating lobsters that you''re starting to look like one."


    Little Wang protested.


    Everyoneughed.


    With Director Zhang returning, they were at ease.


    After several months, there were indeed big changes in the entertainment circle. On the Asian and Chinese Celebrity Rankings Indices, the rankings had been reshuffled. If Zhang Ye did not make aeback soon, his fans would probably start forgetting about him. It was a good thing that he had already built up a foundation, or more appropriately, his social status was bad. There were many people scolding him, and the scolding got even worse after the Asakusa Hotel incident. So with this "foundation" supporting him, Zhang Ye managed to maintain his poprity level.


    The media was naturally well-informed.


    Zhang Ye had just arrived at the studio when the news came out.


    "Zhang Ye returns!"


    "Eyewitnesses spot Zhang Ye!"


    "After months, Zhang Ye finally returns to the entertainment circle!"


    "Is the industry going to be stirred up again?"


    "Zhang Ye hase back!"


    The calls from his friends came.


    ��


    Yao Jiancai.


    "You''re back?"


    "Yeah, that''s right."


    "Y''know, I really wasn''t used to missing you these past few months."


    "Haha, did anyone get into any fights during the time I was gone?"


    "Without you around, who would be so free to pick fights with anyone?"


    "Now that this bro''s back, it''s time they get ready for a fight again!"


    "Yes, we''re just waiting for you to stir up trouble."


    ��


    Zhang Xia.


    "Has your wife recovered?"


    "Yes, I''ve returned to work."


    "How''s the baby?"


    "It''s about six months and doing well."


    "That''s great to hear. Work hard then. Your Asian poprity has dropped."


    "Sure, I''ll go and pull it back up."


    ��


    Xu Men.


    "After several months of dy, it''s time to quickly get back and catch up on your work."


    "Sure, but I''ll take it slowly from here."


    "Being away for a few months without news and not experiencing any drop in the Asian and domestic poprity rankings, only you are capable of such a feat."


    "I can''tpare to you all. You peaked in your Asian poprity at the same time you reached the summit of the domestic market. But I didn''t manage that, so I definitely have to find a different way from the rest of you. This path of mine indeed makes it difficult for me to gain more poprity. But simrly, it''s not that easy for it to drop either."


    "Oh, you''re starting to brag the moment youe back?"


    "Haha."


    ��


    On this day.


    The winds were howling and the world was changing.


    The entire Asian entertainment industry was stirred up again because of a name. Because that jinx had returned to work, the entertainment circle was alive and buzzing again.


    Theizens in China had the most direct reactions to this news.


    Some were celebrating.


    Some had headaches.


    And then there were those who gloated.


    "Face-smacking Zhang has been reinstated to his post."


    "Congrats, congrats!"


    "After disappearing for so long, this fellow has finally reappeared."


    "Showbiz without him is truly boring."


    "Haha, the jinx has returned. Trouble will be brewing again in the industry!"


    The Koreanizens.


    "The news has been taken over by this gue of a person again!"


    "Why does he get so much attention in Asia?"


    "Who knows!"


    "I have to admit, even though this guy did a wonderful job in Japan, he still deserves to be scolded."


    "Right, let''s continue scolding him."


    The Japaneseizens were the most triggered by this news.


    "This bastard hasn''t died yet?"


    "This fellow still dares to make aeback?"


    "He should disappear forever!"


    "Yeah, I get so angry at the sight of him!"


    "I wonder what incidents he''s going to stir up this time bying back."


    Some people were delighted.


    While others continued scolding him.


    All across Asia, the opinion of Zhang Ye varied from ce to ce.


    But to highlight a ce that had the most consistent opinions of Zhang Ye, it had to be the media reporters. When these people heard that Zhang Ye had made hiseback, all of them celebrated like it was the new year. Especially the entertainment reporters. They were even more ecstatic about the news. They cried tears of joy and nearly set off firecrackers to celebrate.


    At a newspaper firm.


    "He''s finally returned!"


    "That guy is finallying back!"


    "If he still didn''t return, we''d be out of a job!"


    "I have a feeling that something is going to happen again!"


    "Hahaha, that''s great!"


    A lot of entertainment reporters greatly depended on reporting the news to make a living.


    Without Zhang Ye, without anyone fighting, where would they bring home their dough from?


    Sometimes, one would only know that something was precious after losing it. In the past, they didn''t think much of Zhang Ye and would even participate in scolding him for a bit too. But after Zhang Ye disappeared from public view, they finally realized who was the most adorable person in this world. Fighting every day, scolding every day, and creating big news every day! Where else could they find a person as good as him! Where else!


    Perhaps in their excitement, the news of Zhang Ye fully upied the front page of the entertainment sections. The entertainment reporters kept publishing news report after news report of him like it didn''t cost a thing.


    A lot of people were guessing what the first thing Zhang Ye would do after returning.


    Fighting?


    Scolding?


    Or just working normally?


    After all, Zhang Ye had been away for too long, so no one really knew what the situation with him was like at the moment. Could his character have toned down after all these months of being a househusband, doing theundry and cooking every day? Could he have be a much moreposed person? Was he not going to be like the old him?


    His current state?


    Zhang Ye was probably only the person who knew.


    In fact, Zhang Ye couldn''t hold himself back in this very moment. Not only did those household chores not tone him down, it even caused him to be much more eager. He was really itching to do something about it. Zhang Ye was still the same old Zhang Ye! Face-smacking Zhang was still the same old Face-smacking Zhang!


    A mind set upon dishing out face smacking!


    It would forever soar proudly as such!

 Chapter 1454 - Cas-trat-ed!

    <h4>Chapter 1454 - Cas-trat-ed! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    ��


    Shanghai.


    The team of a Japanese singer.


    "Zhang Ye came back?"


    "Damn, why does he have to choose this time of all times!"


    "Then about our concert?"


    "Why don''t we wait a little before holding it?"


    ��


    Guangzhou.


    The team of a Korean celebrity.


    "This��"


    "Everyone, be very careful."


    "Yeah, let''s keep a low profile over the next few days."


    "Right, we better stay far away from this hooligan."


    ��


    On Weibo.


    A lot of people started analyzing and discussing this news.


    "Zhang Ye''s restriction order hasn''t been lifted yet?"


    "Not yet. The Japanese and Korean authorities don''t seem to have any ns of doing so either."


    "I thought that Teacher Zhang would onlye back after the restriction order got lifted."


    "Yeah, the situation he''s in right now is a littleplicated."


    "Fighting might bring him some poprity. But if he wants to use that to get to the top of Asia, he''ll still have a long way to go."


    "He deserves it for taking such a long break. He was away for a few months, so all the food is cold. Didn''t some news outlets report that Zhang Ye was preparing to make a push into the Asian S-list before the end of the year? Which month are we in now? If he keeps going on such long breaks, he won''t even get there by next year!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang always manages to stir up some trouble whenever he goes on a break. But who''d have thought that he didn''t do so this time? Did that fellow really take a proper break this time? That can''t be!"


    "I find it unusual too."


    "Lord Zhang, quickly show us your power!"


    "Yeah, we''re pinning our hopes on you to take down another Asian S-list spot for China. You''re the only person who is closest to one right now."


    "Without getting the restriction order rescinded, don''t even think that Zhang Ye will ascend to the top. He''s totally incapable of prating into the Japanese and Korean markets."


    "Pfft, did you guys really think that he could achieve that?"


    "It''s already a miracle that his poprity didn''t drop."


    "Let''s observe and see what actions Teacher Zhang will take."


    "Haha, I''m also waiting for it."


    "You guys can wait all you want, but I''m off to watch my animation."


    "Has One Piece been released?"


    "Thetest episode just came out."


    "Wow, I''ll go and watch it as well!"


    "Same here. Has the new chapter of Detective Conan''sic been published yet?"


    "Not yet."


    The people were waiting.


    The media was waiting.


    The industry was waiting.


    Countless people across Asia were all waiting to see what actions Zhang Ye and his studio would take.


    And Zhang Ye could indeed live up to those nicknames of his. He did not disappoint and made an earth-shattering move on the very first day of his return. This move was not only unexpected by the people, the media, and the industry, even the staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio were caught unawares by it!


    ��


    Noon.


    In the private room of a restaurant.


    Zhang Ye was treating everyone today, and the entire studio was present.


    "Come."


    "Cheers!"


    "Everyone, let''s toast."


    "Cheers!"


    They ate and drank.


    All of a sudden, Ha Qiqi said with a light smile, "Oh yes, Director Zhang. Detective Conan''s new chapters are due tomorrow. Have you sent in the manuscript yet?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "What manuscript?"


    Ha Qiqi was also startled. "Theic manuscript for Detective Conan of course."


    Little Wang eximed, "Don''t tell us you haven''t finished drawing it yet?"


    Little Zhou was getting anxious. "Aiyo, then what should we do? The manuscript is due tomorrow. Director Zhang, why don''t we stop eating so that you can go back quickly and rush out the drawings. Let''s not dy the proper business."


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "Why would I draw it?"


    Zhang Zuo was dumbfounded. "Then how are we going to submit the manuscript? The other side is already rushing us."


    Zhang Ye said, "Submit the manuscript? Why would you still submit the manuscript?"


    These three answers of his had dumbfounded everyone.


    Little Sun said horrified, "W-What do you mean by that?"


    Zhang Ye looked at everyone. "Heh, I thought that you guys understood what I meant. What is our purpose in doing all of what we did this time? It''s to take the initiative and attack! To get behind enemy lines!"


    Ha Qiqi said in a stunned manner, "Yeah, we understood that. We have sessfully broken into the Japanese market and even spread that out towards the whole of Asia. So what''s left is to draw theics well and umte our poprity before waiting to announce that you''re actually the author behind them on the day the restriction order gets lifted. Or if we''re afraid that something might change midway, we can also wait until theics have ended to announce it. It''s all the same anyway, isn''t it?"


    Zhang Ye shot back, "I can only draw three chapters a day if I have nothing to do all day. Now that I''ve returned to work, where would I find time to draw them every day? Be it One Piece, Naruto, or Detective Conan, how could any of them bepleted without taking several years to a decade at least?"


    Little Wang was stupefied. "That''s right, so what do we do?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "When did I say that I was going to finish drawing them?"


    Pfft! Rice spewed out of Little Zhou''s mouth!


    Zhang Yeughed. "Do you guys know what it means to cause a wave?"


    Everyone dropped their chopsticks and stood up in shock!


    "Ah!"


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Don''t, dammit!"


    "Can you not cause such a big stir!"


    "Heavens, my heart can''t take this, Director Zhang!"


    "You''re��surely you''re not��right?"


    They felt like they were about to crazy!


    They all knew that something big was going to happen this time!


    What did it mean to "cause a wave"?


    They did hear Zhang Ye mention this since the beginning, that they were going behind enemy lines and infiltrate theics industry to "cause a wave" to gather the poprity there. When they heard that phrase being mentioned, they didn''t find anything wrong with it at first. It wasn''t until this moment that they finally understood what Zhang Ye''s "causing a wave" truly meant!


    Causing a wave meant causing a wave!


    There wasn''t going to be a second wave!


    Nor a third wave!


    Nothing else woulde after it!


    ��


    Japan.


    Sh��nen Publishing.


    The editorial department was in a jubnt mood.


    "One Piece''s sales figures have set a new high!"


    "Well done, let''s bring Naruto down!"


    "We''ll definitely bring them down!"


    "What is Naruto and Dragon Ball to us? How dare they try topete with us!"


    Everyone was chatting.


    Then, Kyoko Seto suddenly came running in. "This is bad! Something bad has happened!"


    All the editors looked at her and said with augh, "What is bad? Did Dragon Ball''s standalone volume sales figures surpass ours?"


    Kyoko said with a stunned look, "It''s One Piece! One Piece has been ced on indefinite hiatus!"


    The editorial department blew up in an instant!


    "What?"


    "Holy fuck!"


    ��


    POO Studios.


    In the office of the editorial department.


    Someone suddenly yelled.


    "I just received some news! It''s all over for Sh��nen Publishing!"


    "What happened?"


    "One Piece''s serialization has stopped!"


    "What did you say?"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Well done!"


    "This is awesome! This is so awesome! Aoi, that freak, finally can''t persist!"


    "I''m dying ofughter! Four chapters a week? He might as well just go and die!"


    Then Fujiwara Koji received a call. Afterwards, he stood up dumbfoundedly and said to the cheering editors, "Naruto has been stopped too!"


    With that, the group of celebrating editors fainted in shock!


    ��


    Sh��kansha.


    "Something big has happened!"


    "What happened?"


    "Pfft, hahahaha! I just heard that Naruto and One Piece have both stopped updating!"


    "Is that true?"


    "This is a cause for celebration!"


    "Well done! Well done!"


    "We''re gonna be on fire! Who canpete with our Detective Conan in the future!"


    Outside, the overseeing editor for Detective Conan ran in. Because he was running too fast, he stumbled and fell t on the ground. Even so, he didn''t seem to feel the pain nor did he get up. He simply shouted angrily while lying on the floor, "Fuck his sister! Teacher Hatano says that he won''t continue drawing Detective Conan! He''s going on an indefinite hiatus starting today!"


    Everyone''s smiles froze on their faces. They gasped and nearly vomited blood!


    ��


    Simr scenes were happening within many of theics magazine publishers!


    At Dragon Ball''sics publisher.


    At Gundam''sics publishers.


    At m Dunk''sics publishers.


    At Doraemon''sics publishers.


    Countless editors were cursing and swearing loudly!


    "Aoi, fuck your grandma!"


    "Ozawa, your grandpa!"


    "Go! Quickly go! I want everyone to find that Muto even if you have to dig three feet underground to get him!"


    "What happened? What the fuck happened?"


    "Why? How could the seven of them suddenly stop publishing their chapters all at once!"


    Theics publishers were in chaos!


    Theics world was in chaos!


    Indefinite hiatus!


    What did that mean?


    In Japan, it meant that the series was going to be taken out of serialization!


    In China, it was what theizens affectionately described as��cas-trat-ed!

 Chapter 1455 - A hole has been torn in the sky this time!

    <h4>Chapter 1455 - A hole has been torn in the sky this time! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    An earthquake rattled through the Japaneseics world!


    It was an unprecedented magnitude of an earthquake!


    Ever since the inception ofics, there had never been such an earth-shattering event before. If it were one national cartoon that got canceled, that would have been fine. The loss of a national cartoon might affect them greatly, but it was still somewhat bearable. That was something that could be healed over time. If it were two national cartoons, they couldn''t possibly ept it. If it were three, then that was something they couldn''t even fathom!


    Seven titles!


    A good seven titles!


    A full seven titles!


    They were collectively canceled on the same day and at the same time!


    The Japaneseics world at this moment could only be described as having 10,000 grass mud horses galloping across, then galloping back towards it, and then galloping across again��it was just that kind of a feeling!


    "These scammers!"


    "We must not reveal this! We have to keep it a secret!"


    "Right, we can''t let this news be leaked!"


    "If word gets out, this will be a devastating blow to Japaneseics!"


    "Quick, go and look for them! Locate the author!"


    "Damn, I can''t get through to their phone!"


    "This is bad!"


    "Something fucking bad has happened!"


    The industry was in tears!


    Many editors jumped in anger!


    This cannot be! You all cannot do something like that!


    In the end, the matter could not be kept under wraps. With something so big happening, it would be impossible to expect that no news would leak. Very soon, the Japanese media found out about it. Then the Japanese public found out about it. Following that, the Korean people, the Chinese people, and all of the other Asian people found out about it as well!


    ��


    It blew up in Japan!


    The people were so shocked they vomited blood!


    "What?"


    "Not drawing anymore?"


    "One Piece, Naruto, Detective Conan, Gundam, all of their serializations will be stopped?"


    "Fuck your sister!"


    "Are you fucking kidding me?"


    "Motherfucker! Aren''t all of you iron men? Didn''t you all im that you could do three chapters a week with no problems?"


    "Publish more! Hurry up and publish more!"


    ��


    The Koreanics and animation fans also went crazy!


    "Where are they? Where are they at?"


    "Stand forward right now!"


    "Damn, can you people not be like this!"


    "Heavens, I''m following all seven of the cartoons!"


    "This can''t be true! It must all be a dream!"


    "This is outrageous! How could you all cancel theics at their most crucial moments?"


    ��


    The Chinese people were also stunned!


    "Those bastards were still on a release rate of three and four chapters the past week!"


    "Why does it have to be like this, fuck!"


    "Evil! This is too fucking evil!"


    "Th-This is such a scam!"


    "I''m already addicted to reading them. How can you all fucking castrate them?"


    "Who is it? Don''t let me find out where you guys live!"


    "Ahhhh, I''m going crazy! I''ve nevere across such sinister cartoonists before!"


    ��


    All of the Asian people were having none of it!


    This was making trouble on purpose!


    This was arousing the public''s anger!


    These seven people were evil as fuck!


    If it was because theics were not doing well, that would have been fine. If it was because the plot had fallen apart, that would have been fine too. Or if it was because you were really so slow at drawing that you could no longer draw, we could have let that slide as well. But no! It was none of those reasons! Did they perform badly? They were already fucking recognized as national cartoons! Did the plots fall apart? The plots of all seven cartoons were at the most exciting moments of their stories! Was it slow in getting published? The seven of you are all freaks of naturepeting with each other on release speed! Some of you could even update at four chapters a week! If you were considered slow, then all of the other Japanese cartoonists might as well just die! Yet all of you actually canceled your series! How utterly inhuman!


    Currently, there was great discontent among the public. All across Asia, people''s hatreds were peaking at these cases of "castration." They were gritting their teeth in anger and hopping mad!


    The media!


    The industry!


    The people!


    Everyone was crying!


    All of a sudden, quite a few voices started emerging from the anger.


    "��Say, do you guys think that it could be just one person behind this?"


    With these guessesing out, many people received such shocks that they broke out in cold sweats!


    One person?


    Could these seven people be the same person?


    The media was stunned!


    The editors of theics publishers were stunned!


    The people gasped!


    Without thinking about it, they didn''t realize. But the moment they gave it some thought, it gave them a huge scare!


    Starting off with the quality of theics, the sevenic series'' art styles and genres werepletely different. But what wasmon between them were their heaven-defying quality. All of them were at the level of a national cartoon. In the past, there wasn''t even a full-length national cartoon appearing once in six years. But now? Seven of them had appeared one after another in the space of just several months? This point in itself was very suspicious. How could there be so many national cartoons!


    And then there was the release speed. The sevenics were published at an unheard of speed. Releasing two chapters a week was shocking enough, yet they could manage a stable release speed of three chapters a week. At times when there was an increase in speed, it could even hit four chapters a week. It wasn''t just one of them, but all seven of them! This was really too coincidental!


    And then there were the authors. Every one of the authors never revealed their identities. All of theic magazines'' editors had only met with the authors'' representatives. At first, everyone did not know about this. Only when it was gradually revealedter on did the variousics publishers realize that the others had also only met with the authors'' representatives. That would mean that whatever these seven people''s names were, their true identities, or even which country they were from were all unknown to them. This was also one of the suspicious points!


    Finally, the most crucial point was also the one that aroused the most suspicion. The seven cartoonists and the sevenic series had all been ced on indefinite hiatus at exactly the same time. Even the announcements were worded in the exact same manner. How could it be that great of a coincidence? This was no longer a matter that could be fucking exined with coincidence!


    In fact, many people had previously spected on the possibility of this. After all, there were too many doubts about it. However, a lot of them quickly dismissed it after giving some brief thought. They did not dwell on it further. Which was the part that stopped them from doing so? It was the release rate! Aic series that released three chapters a week was unheard of within the industry. It would basically require the authors to draw at an impossible speed. If this was the case for one series, what would it be like for seven series? In the minds of many, if those seven people were really just one person, that would mean that person would have to draw at least three chapters of content in a single day. The release rate of all theics would have to be at least 20 chapters per week!


    Other people could only do one chapter at most!


    But he could draw 20?


    How could there be such a person!


    How could there possibly be a freak like this!


    But right now, countless facts and logic had been presented to their eyes. It made them believe that Aoi, Ozawa, Muto, Hatano, and the rest of the seven cartoonists might really just be one person!


    This discovery sent shivers down everyone''s spines!


    "One person?"


    "That must be it! There isn''t any other exnation that makes sense!"


    "There can''t be such coincidences in the world!"


    "That''s unbelievable!"


    "Fuck, so it turns out that it was actually drawn by only one person?"


    "Where did such a godly persone from?"


    "Drawing more than 20 chapters a week? Which crazy person could draw that quickly?!"


    "Who could this person be!"


    "Motherfucker, show yourself!"


    "Right, quickly show yourself!"


    "This is a conspiracy! A grand conspiracy!"


    "Your sister! Which immoral bastard is trying to scam us!"


    "It''s not toote to step forward. We''ll consider it your surrender!"


    On this day, countless Asians were clenching their teeth in hatred as they sought that person''s identity!

 Chapter 1456 - The world’s number one eunuch is exposed!

    <h4>Chapter 1456 - The world''s number one eunuch is exposed! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The news was overwhelming!


    "Public resentment boils over!"


    "Big happenings in theics industry!"


    "The seven national cartoons are the handiwork of one person?"


    "Who is the mastermind?"


    "The people''s cry: We hope the person will turn themselves in!"


    "Spection in the industry: Who on earth can it be?"


    Whatever new movies were screening, whatever new songs were released, whatever gossip there was, all of that instantly lost its newsworthiness after theics industry''s biggest case of "castration" was revealed. No one was interested in any of that anymore, and even the news of Zhang Ye''s return was swept aside.


    Movies?


    Mov��your sister!


    Gossip?


    Gos��your sister!


    Compared to that most despicable "great eunuch" in the entirety of history, none of the other news mattered anymore!


    At this moment, all eyes in Asia were focused on theics industry, on that person behind those seven national cartoons!


    One by one, names were being tossed out!


    ��


    "Could it be Yamamoto Takeji?"


    "Ah, it''s possible!"


    "Right, Yamamoto can draw really fast!"


    "That''s right!"


    The retired Yamamoto Takeji''s socialwork was flooded withments!


    One page!


    Ten pages!


    A hundred pages!


    From the firstment to the 10,000thment, all of them were the scoldings of people!


    Yamamoto Takeji was stunned. He quickly wrote a post in exnation.


    But the people did not believe him and insisted that it was him.


    In the end, they only let him go after Yamamoto Takeji swore on his life that it wasn''t him.


    ��


    "Could it be Haruhi Nishi?"


    "Oh yes, Haruhi!"


    "Teacher Haruhi is known for her diverse style!"


    "That''s right. She''s perfectly capable of drawing seven different genres ofics!"


    "Damn, Haruhi,e forward and show yourself!"


    "Say it, is it you or not?"


    Haruhi Nishi was flooded by the seething voices of the people!


    Haruhi Nishi nearly passed out. What and what? What makes you think that it was me! What has all of this got anything to do with me? If I can draw at a speed of 20 chapters a week, would I still have to be hounded by my editor every week on submission day?


    I am not gonna take the rap for this!


    She hurriedly appeared to deny it!


    ��


    "I know!"


    "Who?"


    "It''s Muto Igawa!"


    "Why him?"


    "Because his wife''s maiden name is Aoi, and his mother''s maiden name is Hatano!"


    "Damn! Could it be any more coincidental?"


    "It''s him! It has to be!"


    "Muto Igawa,e out!"


    Muto Igawa was the next to be under siege!


    ��


    The people were getting really mad and weretching onto whoever they could think of!


    One by one, these cartoonists were implicated!


    One by one, these cartoonists were made to take the me!


    Some cartoonists swore on their lives or purely denied their involvement. Someone even produced evidence of them being in surgery during a certain date and getting hospitalized after that for more than two weeks, so it was impossible that they could have published theics during that time��examples of such responses were countless. This was too big of an incident to be a scapegoat for. This wasn''t something that any of the cartoonists in Japan dared to take the rap for, nor could they fucking afford to! They could only distance themselves as far from it as possible!


    But the people were relentless in their pursuit!


    The people of Asia joined hands and vowed to dig up the identity of the mastermind!


    They analyzed.


    They guessed.


    They studied the situation.


    They sought for evidence.


    The people even started checking on almost every active and retired Japanese cartoonist impatiently and ruling them out one by one until there was no one left that matched the traits of the suspect!


    The people were raging mad!


    "Who is it!"


    "Who the hell could it be!"


    "Why can''t we find the person!"


    "I don''t know! No one seems to be a major suspect!"


    "Heavens, which crevasse did that person pop out from?"


    "There must be some clues to the identity of that person. There has to be!"


    "Keep looking!"


    "Motherfucker, we must root out this person even if we have to go outside the country!"


    "This damned eunuch!"


    ��


    The outside world was in chaos.


    The whole of Asia had been affected by this!


    The staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio started to panic!


    Little Sun eximed, "Everyone, take a look at the Inte!"


    Little Wang covered her face. "We''re done for!"


    Little Zhou was crying. "We''ve gone too far this time! This matter has blown up beyond our control!"


    Ha Qiqi looked at Zhang Ye. "Director Zhang?"


    Zhang Zuo said anxiously, "You''ve poked the ho''s nest this time!"


    Zhang Ye was also checking the news andments on the Inte. When he saw the public''s sentiment and anger, he started feeling a little guilty as well. Then he coughed and said, "Their reaction has gone overboard, right? Mastermind? Who are they talking about? And there was even a mention of surrendering? They''re speaking as though I''m a criminal or something. What kind of phrasing are they even using?"


    Criminal?


    You''re even more hated than a criminal!


    Everyone rolled their eyes at him.


    They heard Zhang Ye saying with conviction, "What do they know? Creative work is a very difficult process. How can everyone be so inconsiderate? Hai, who can ever guarantee that aic series will always be smooth sailing? Do they expect everything to always be perfect? No one can guarantee such a thing! Authors are humans too, and there will be times when they encounter writer''s block or fall sick. Isn''t canceling a story very normal? They can''t just scold us like this. Everyone should be more understanding; that''s how it should be. Creative work really isn''t easy."


    Everyone rolled their eyes at him again.


    Other people only did oneic series, but you had seven!


    Other people only published one chapter a week, but you can publish more than 20 chapters!


    Creative work isn''t easy?


    Why can''t we see that that''s the case for you!


    You are clearly doing this on purpose!


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Th-Then what should we do now?"


    "How are we going to exin it to everyone?" Zhang Zuo also asked.


    Zhang Ye pondered for a moment before saying in an awe-inspiring manner, "Forget it, hai, I should just exin it properly to everyone. They are all reasonable people, so they will surely understand."


    Ha Qiqi was speechless.


    Zhang Zuo was speechless.


    Thus, in the midst of the chaos that was going on in the outside world, while everyone was going out of their way to seek out the mastermind, Zhang Ye made a post on Weibo.


    Zhang Ye posted: "After several months of rest, my wife has finally made a full recovery. Thank you to everyone for your concern. I will be officially returning back to work starting today and serving the people. Thank you for your support."


    The people responding to this were few and far between. They werepletely unconcerned with this announcement.


    Some people even started chatting under Zhang Ye''s Weibo post.


    "We know about this already!"


    "We''ve already seen it in the news."


    "Hai, all we want to know now is who that damned eunuch is!"


    "Yeah, this is so infuriating!"


    "These Japanese cartoonists are so wicked!"


    "That''s right. I used to think that Zhang Ye was the evilest person in the world, but who knew that someone more sinister would appear. That damned eunuch! The most horrible eunuch in history!"


    "Don''t let me find out who it is!"


    "We have to find this person no matter what!"


    Awhileter.


    Zhang Ye added another Weibo post.


    Zhang Ye: "By the way, in these several months that I was away, I started drawingics since I had nothing to do. Surprisingly, the results turned out pretty good, so I''d like to thank everyone for their support. But due to the restriction orders in Japan and Korea, and because of my own work, I can''t continue updating them. Sorry about that, but I''ll be castrating them!"


    Theizens replied.


    "Eh, Zhang Ye tried his hand atics too?"


    "Haha, why did you switch fields again?"


    "You''re castrating your series too?"


    "Even if you did that, you couldn''t have outdone that great eunuch! That person actually��eh!"


    It fell silent!


    It was absolutely quiet!


    The next moment, everyone screamed and jumped in shock!

 Chapter 1457 - Scoldings from all over Asia!

    <h4>Chapter 1457 - Scoldings from all over Asia! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Theizens were stunned!


    "What do you mean?"


    "What did you mean by that?"


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Comics?"


    "Eunuch?"


    "Holy shit!"


    "Surely not, right? How can that be?"


    "Ah!"


    "Please tell me that it isn''t what I''m thinking!"


    "Motherfucker, it might exactly be what you''re thinking!"


    "Lord Buddha! Dear God!"


    Thements on Weibo exploded!


    The people blew up!


    This Weibo post by Zhang Ye had set off a shockwave all across Asia!


    At the beginning, when they saw that Weibo post, no one dared to make anything further of it. This was because it wasn''t only them, but all of Asia''s citizens whose first impressions were that the mastermind of those sevenics was a Japanese person. It had to be Japanese because Japan was the country ofics and animation. It was where this whole industry thrived the most in the entire world, while those seven cartoons had originated from Japan as well. Therefore, everyone''s first thought was that the person must have been Japanese and so they had besieged them. Even when they saw this post by Zhang Ye, they still believed it to be a different matter.


    Zhang Ye also started drawingics?


    And he coincidentally "castrated" his series as well?


    If it were anyone else, any other celebrity, the people would not have possibly given it any further thought.


    Even if other people went to make a movie, and you followed suit by making a movie, that in itself wouldn''t really have much relevance with the other.


    But it was different when it came to Zhang Ye. The things that this name represented were entirely different. When they remembered that this person was Zhang Ye, when they remembered his temperament, they took another look at his Weibo post and finally started trembling. One after another, everyone''s eyes widened in shock as though they had seen a ghost!


    Who was Zhang Ye?


    A singer, a host, a director, a calligrapher, a novelist��


    He was a freak of nature that practically knew everything!


    If you said that other celebrities could drawics? They definitely wouldn''t believe it!


    But if someone said that Zhang Ye could drawics? No one would dare to not believe it!


    This fellow could even fly a ne, so what was so unbelievable about him drawingics?


    And to add on, did Zhang Ye have the time to draw them?


    He did! He really did! When the first chapter of One Piece was serialized, that was also the time Zhang Ye''s wife fractured her leg. At that time, Zhang Ye dropped all of his work and took time off to stay at home as a caregiver. When those sevenics were "castrated," it coincided with the time his wife recovered and the first day of his return to the entertainment circle! Not only did the timing match, but it matched so well that it was scary. It was eerie how there wasn''t even a difference of a day!


    And wasn''t Zhang Ye also known for his speed?


    His wit? He was the fastest in Asia!


    His talking speed? He was the fastest in Asia!


    Zhang Ye''s shocking disy during the advertising messages in The Voice had left all the hosts in Asia in awe of him! And there was even the history of him spending an entire night recording 10 episodes of his talk show. This speed, this efficiency, this record, they were all still unbroken by anyone in Asia!


    If it was imed that Zhang Ye had the fastest hands in Asia?


    If it was said that Zhang Ye''s drawing speed was also the fastest in Asia?


    There really was such a possibility, fuck!


    Finally, moving on to Zhang Ye''s temperament, was Zhang Ye capable of such a devious act and roguish behavior? Would he really dare to do something like that?


    The answer was obvious!


    He would!


    This fellow would really fucking do something like that!


    Further, this fellow had always been fond ofmitting such heinous acts. He couldn''t be more happy doing them!


    It was a match!


    It was a match!


    All of the conditions had been met!


    So when the official Weibo of Zhang Ye''s Studio made the next post, the people were not very surprised to see it!


    The studio posted a picture.


    It was the original manuscripts for One Piece, Naruto, and the otherics. The original manuscripts were basically the first drafts that originated from the author. They weren''t edited and did not have any watermarks on them. It was just a clean manuscript that only the author and the publisher would have ess to. Therefore, from this picture alone, it had confirmed more than what words could exin.


    Zhang Ye''s Studio hurriedly exined: "Teacher Zhang did not mean to do this on purpose. The main issue is the restriction order that''s in ce. All of Teacher Zhang''s work in Japan and Korea has been severely affected by the strict enforcement of it. Since Teacher Zhang has revealed his identity, there is no way for him to continue drawing. On top of that, Teacher Zhang has just returned to work, so he will be very busy. There isn''t any time or energy that he can spare to finish these seven works, so we seek everyone''s kind understanding on this matter!"


    However, those words werepletely ineffective!


    When the identity of that great eunuch was revealed, it became pointless to make any further exnations!


    They had found the person in question!


    They had finally found the mastermind!


    In the schools!


    In the offices!


    The media!


    The people!


    The entertainment circle!


    Theics world!


    A shocking storm had been set off across Asia because of this Weibo post!


    The news seemingly grew a pair of wings as it speedily made its rounds all over Asia!


    ��


    Japan.


    In the editorial department of Sh��nen Publishing.


    Many editors came together and started cursing.


    "Have we found out who it is yet?"


    "We''ve checked with every cartoonist in Japan, but it''s not any of them!"


    "Where did this persone from?"


    Then the deputy editor walked in angrily. "We''ve found out who it is!"


    Kyoko Seto stood up immediately. "What? Who is it?"


    The deputy editor clenched his teeth and said, "It''s someone we''ve been scolding almost every day!"


    A male editor was stunned. "That can''t be. Someone we''ve been scolding every day? There''s only Zhang Ye that we''ve scolded, nobody else��ah! Zhang Ye?"


    "It''s Zhang Ye?"


    "Oh my God! How could it be him!?"


    Kyoko Seto fainted!


    The entire editorial department vomited blood at this!


    ��


    Korea.


    Lee Anson''s team.


    "That Zhang fellow is back again."


    "Yeah, I wonder what trouble he''ll be starting this time."


    "In any case, he can forget abouting to Korea. If he wants to make trouble, do it in China. We''re not going to entertain his nonsense anymore!"


    "Hai, I''m just frustrated over why One Piece has been canceled."


    "Anson-oppa, you read it too?"


    "Yeah."


    At this moment, an assistant scampered in. "Something has happened! Zhang Ye has started something again! One Piece was drawn by him! Naruto was drawn by him! Everything was fucking drawn by him!"


    "What did you say?"


    "Impossible!"


    The assistant said loudly, "It''s really Zhang Ye! He admitted to it!"


    Lee Anson nearly fell out of his chair!


    ��


    China.


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    Yao Mi was at home cursing and swearing!


    "Don''t let me find out where you live!"


    "You scammer!"


    "How can you be so irresponsible!"


    "My m Dunk! My beloved Rukawa Kaede!"


    Her mother walked over from behind.


    She said, "Hey, Mimi, it looks like there''s news of your Uncle Zhang?"


    Yao Mi didn''t even turn around as she answered uninterestedly, "What news?"


    Her mother read from her cell phone, "Let me see. Hmm, it says here that m Dunk and Gundam, as well as the rest of the seven national cartoons were all drawn by him. What cartoons are they talking about? Are they referring toics?"


    Yao Mi was dumbfounded!


    Pfft!


    She spat out a mouthful of blood!


    Damn!


    It''s my Uncle Zhang?


    ��


    At a school.


    Cao Mengmeng''s ss had just ended.


    When the bell sounded, the students gathered and let off their steam by cursing and swearing.


    A female student shouted, "How can there be such an evil person!"


    A male student sobbed, "My Gundam! It got castrated just like that?"


    Cao Mengmeng said, "Damned eunuch! Awful eunuch! This is so infuriating!"


    At this moment, a female ssmate dumbfoundedly shoved her phone into Cao Mengmeng''s face. "Mengmeng, stop cursing."


    Cao Mengmeng said angrily, "Why should I stop scolding that person!"


    The female ssmate did not know whether tough or cry. "Because that person is your brother!"


    When she said that, all of their ssmates spewed blood!


    Cao Mengmeng was stupefied. "What?"


    The female ssmate waved the phone in her hand. "See for yourself! It''s thetest news!"


    After she read it, Cao Mengmeng broke down and facepalmed. She suddenly yelled, "Damn, you guys can''t swear at him anymore. You should be studying hard instead of following those cartoons!"


    Everyone was exasperated. Hey, that wasn''t what you were saying a moment ago!


    The female ssmate said, "Yeah, I won''t scold him anymore."


    Cao Mengmeng hugged her. "You''re still the best, my dear friend!"


    The female ssmate said in a speechless manner, "Because there''s no need for me to scold him. Just see for yourself. Everyone else in Asia is scolding him!"


    Cao Mengmeng was speechless.


    She was in deep grief and despair!


    She wondered why she had to have a cousin who would always get into all sorts of trouble!

 Chapter 1458 - Face-smacking Zhang gets besieged!

    <h4>Chapter 1458 - Face-smacking Zhang gets besieged! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Japan.


    The citizens broke down!


    "Detective Conan was drawn by him?"


    "They were all fucking drawn by him?"


    "Zhang Ye! Fuck your sister!"


    "You scoundrel! You fucking scoundrel!"


    "He''s doing it on purpose!"


    "This is pissing me off! I''m going crazy!"


    "Th-This is so despicable!"


    "Dammit, I''ve never encountered a person like that before!"


    "He''s scammed all of us!"


    "When did he learn how to drawics? And he can even draw so well?"


    "Heavens, tell me this isn''t true!"


    The Japanese couldn''t ept it as Zhang Ye was such a hated figure in Japan. Be it "Rivers Run Red" or the destruction of the Asakusa Hotel, they made Zhang Ye countless enemies. He was almost considered a public enemy of all Japanese people. As such, no one had expected that this fellow would sneak into their backyard and swindle them usingics and animation, the biggest industry and pride of their country, and beating them hands down with it!


    And he even "castrated" the works?!


    Canceling every series on a whim just like that!


    At this moment, the Japanese citizens even had an urge to kill him!


    ��


    Korea.


    The situation here was the same.


    "Zhang Ye? Zhang Ye!"


    "It can''t be him, it''s just not possible! It''s impossible!"


    "No, this can''t be true!"


    "Why don''t he just die!"


    "And I was wondering why the Japaneseics world had descended into such chaos recently! So it was all because of him! So it was because Zhang Ye had infiltrated into their market! We should have known that it was him! I''ve heard that the bastard always causes chaos in whichever industry he goes to. This fellow is really the number one shit stirrer of the world!"


    "My One Piece!"


    "My Naruto!"


    "My Doraemon!"


    "You��fucking publish more!"


    ��


    China.


    The citizens here were also raising a ruckus!


    "It''s Teacher Zhang again!"


    "Oh my god!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang has fucking made a move again!"


    "Zhang Ye, your sister! You fucking scammer!"


    "Japan and Korea have been pped ruthlessly this time. They clearly hated Zhang Ye to the core, but then they had to discover that their most belovedics and animations were actually all created by him. Just how embarrassing is that? This is such a ruthless face smacking! Teacher Zhang, we don''t really care about you smacking other people''s faces, but can you not drag us into it as well!? Dammit! We''re also readers of One Piece, Detective Conan, and the otherics as well!"


    "Fuck! We''ve suffered coteral damage from Zhang Ye''s face smacking!"


    "I can understand how the Japanese and Koreans are feeling right now. I''m a hardcore fan of Zhang Ye, but damn, even I have a fucking urge to kill Zhang Ye right now! So not to mention the others! This fellow seems to have been born with the ability to taunt others! He can absolutely get away with driving people to their graves!"


    "What did I say? What did I say? Every time Zhang Ye goes on a long break, he stirs up some trouble. I was still wondering why Zhang Ye managed to keep such a low profile this time and not cause any incidents. I thought that he was seriously taking a break this time! Take a break, my ass! So it turns out that he had actually gone to theics industry and turned the ce upside down! And on his first day back at work, he has immediately caused such a bigmotion?"


    "I knew he couldn''t stay idle for long! Either he does not make a move, or he causes a wave when he does something!"


    "How is this causing a wave? This is fucking scamming people!"


    "Zhang Ye has torn a hole in the sky this time! I wonder how he''ll clear this up!"


    "I was just saying when did Japan also have someone as sinister as Zhang Ye in their country. How could they also have a scourge like that? But damn, I''ve only realized now that these two are actually the same person! So it has always fucking been Zhang Ye causing all those incidents! I should have known! How could there possibly be another scourge like Zhang Ye who only appears once every 10,000 years! It doesn''t make sense that there would be a second one!"


    "Zhang Ye, you''re done for!"


    "You''ve fucking tricked us as well!"


    ��


    The news spread everywhere!


    All the Asian media outlets were so shocked that their jaws dropped!


    "Zhang Ye verified to be the original author!"


    "The mastermind gets exposed: Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye steps into theics and animation world!"


    "Zhang Ye''s shocking response to the Japanese and Korean restriction order!"


    "Zhang Ye gets besieged by all of Asia!"


    "Zhang Ye provokes public anger. How will the situation be resolved?"


    "A new kind of evil: Its name is Zhang Ye!"


    "The truth behind the greatest ''castration" in history!"


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    At the studio.


    Zhang Ye''s cell phone was exploding with calls!


    His mother!


    His cousins!


    Zhang Xia!


    Yao Jiancai!


    Ning Lan!


    Xiaodong!


    Amy!


    All of them called him in panic!


    "Teacher Zhang, have you gone crazy?"


    "Amy, calm down, calm down."


    "Calm down, your sister! I was following Detective Conan!"


    "Ah? You were reading it too?"


    "Of course I read it. And Sister Dong follows One Piece! Why did you cancel them?!"


    "Aiya, it doesn''t matter whether it gets finished or not. What''s important is the journey. The key takeaway is the enjoyment of that."


    "What enjoyment? I want to know the ending! Do you know it''s driving me crazy wanting to find out what happens next? Y-You''ve gotta at least tell us the ending to Detective Conan and One Piece!"


    Ending?


    When Zhang Ye heard that, he didn''t know whether tough or cry!


    Tell you about what?


    I didn''t fucking get to see their endings either!


    When he was done taking the calls here, Zhang Ye, who was at the studio, was startled by shouts from outside. The studio staff were also startled by them. They ran over to the window and took a cautious peek downstairs. They saw a shocking scene outside! Countless people appeared from all directions and had gathered below their studio.


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Get out here!"


    "Stop working! Go and publish chapters!"


    "You better hurry up and publish chapters!"


    "Publish them!"


    "Publish them!"


    "Your grandpa!"


    "Your grandpa!"


    "Hand over your stockpile and we''ll spare your life!"


    "Hand over your stockpile and we''ll spare your life!"


    "Hand over your stockpile and we''ll spare your life!"


    The shouting became more and more in unison as a huge crowd gathered. It was a really "grand" sight to behold!


    Ha Qiqi was floored. "Why did they alle here?"


    Zhang Zuo was also getting anxious. "Why are they here so fast?"


    Little Wang wiped off her sweat. "We have really poked the ho''s nest!"


    Little Zhou and Little Sun looked at the scene downstairs and felt their legs trembling!


    The other studio staff looked at one another with expressions of helplessness. This was the trouble that Director Zhang had stirred up. The face smacking this time had been dealt too severely! The citizens of Asia had been "attacked" all the same by Zhang Ye regardless of where they were from. The "wave" that Zhang Ye had wanted to cause this time had seeded. But perhaps it had seeded too well! They had initially banked on this "wave" to boost their poprity, but could that still happen? Could their poprity still increase after getting scolded to such a state? This matter had blown up by too much, and it had better not overturn the "car" that they were in!


    ��


    On this day.


    All of the Inte!


    All of China!


    All of Japan!


    All of Asia!


    Visiting any random forum, website, Tieba, or socialwork, a spectacr scene of scolding could be seen happening on any of them��all of these scoldings were directed at Zhang Ye!


    A scolding battle with such a grand formation, on such arge scale, and with so much unity!


    Throughout the ages, there had only been one case!


    Throughout the ages, it had only happened to one person!

 Chapter 1459 - A continuation for One Piece?

    <h4>Chapter 1459 - A continuation for One Piece? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The scoldingsted an entire day.


    It was still going on into the night and the wee hours of the morning.


    After a full day of scolding, not only did the emotions not subside, the feelings of the people intensified even further!


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    Zhang Ye drove to work today. After he parked his car and headed upstairs to the office, a young couple who lived in the neighborhood walked over. The two of them had a big brown dog with them and were probably walking their dog together after breakfast. Somehow, they ended up in front of Zhang Ye''s BMW.


    The dog wanted to pee.


    The young man quickly said, "Brownie, don''t be a bad dog!"


    But his girlfriend said, "Brownie, pee right where you are."


    The young man said anxiously, "But this is Teacher Zhang''s car."


    His girlfriend harrumphed. "I know it''s his car. That''s why I want him to pee here. Pee as much as you can, Brownie!"


    The young man was speechless.


    After the dog was done peeing.


    The young man''s girlfriend urged, "Brownie, pee some more!"


    The young man was still speechless.


    His girlfriend snorted and said, "You''re done? Then let''s go and get you some more water to drink. Mommy will continue walking you until you''re ready toe back here to pee."


    The young man couldn''t think of anything to say.


    Upstairs.


    In the studio.


    When Zhang Ye came into the office, he saw that some guests had arrived.


    Xiaodong and Amy were both rummaging through the cabs and drawers!


    Li Xiaoxian had a bitter smile on her face as she tried to hold them back. "Aiya, what are the two of you doing?"


    Amy said, "The stockpile of chapters! I''m looking for the stockpile of Detective Conan''s chapters!"


    Xiaodong also said loudly, "Where''s the manuscript of One Piece?"


    Ha Qiqi said helplessly, "Director Zhang really didn''t draw them."


    "That''s impossible. It''s definitely around here somewhere!" Amy was having none of it.


    Zhang Ye couldn''t help butugh and say, "What''s this? Are you raiding my ce?"


    Xiaodong turned her head. "You''re finally here! Hurry up and hand over the stockpile of chapters. Even if you''re not giving them to others, you have to give it to me!"


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands. "I really don''t have them. I''m no longer drawing them."


    Amy said angrily, "Teacher Zhang, you''re such a terrible person! Do you know you won''t have any friends if you keep up with that attitude? Won''t! Have! Any! Friends!"


    Xiaodong rolled her eyes. "You''re a public enemy to all Asian people, do you know that? Why did you have to cancel theics now of all times?! W-Why are you so heartless?"


    "Please, publish more."


    "Right, quickly publish them!"


    "Quickly go and draw some more chapters!"


    The two of them kept bugging Zhang Ye and went on and on.


    However, Zhang Ye waspletely unaffected by it, which made Xiaodong and Amy so angry that they could do nothing about it. They really had no way of dealing with this fellow!


    From across the room, Little Wang called out, "Ah, Director Zhang!"


    Little Zhou pointed downstairs. "There''s a dog pissing on your car tires!"


    Little Wang said, "Ah, another dog hase to pee on your car!"


    Zhang Ye shrugged and remarked, "Let them pee all they want. It''s no big deal. Which family doesn''t own a pet these days? If they''re feeling so urgent and want to pee, surely we can''t stop them from doing so, right? That would be too much. We cannot be that unreasonable. Let''s be considerate of one another since we''re all friends." He patted his chest. "We have to be big-hearted!"


    Xiaodong and Amy were both speechless.


    The two of them gazed at this fellow who was so shameless that his skin was thicker than city walls. They knew that there was nothing they could say to make him change his mind. Starting to feel annoyed with him, they left the ce while cursing and swearing as they walked off.


    It was the same situation online.


    Countlessizens joined hands in solidarity at thismon enemy!


    "Everybody, get him!"


    "I can''t stand it anymore!"


    "This damned eunuch!"


    "It makes me so mad! So mad!"


    "Detective Conan stopped publication today!"


    "One Piece is also probably going to stop publication tomorrow!"


    "Everyone, let''s scold this fellow together! He''s such a bastard! We mustn''t let him off so lightly!"


    "Right, the louder our voices, the greater the pressure will be on Zhang Ye. When he can''t take it anymore, he will have to bow down and start publishing chapters again!"


    "That''s right, let''s go! Let''s pile the pressure on him!"


    "Zhang! Show yourself!"


    "Are you going to continue drawing or not?"


    Zhang Ye''s Weibo, his fan club''s Tieba, and his studio''s blog. As long as there was a tform rted to Zhang Ye that theizens could find, the enraged masses upied them. One after another, everyone scolded Zhang Ye like clockwork. How they wished that there were 25 hours in a day for them to scold him. Everyone was hoping that this would put some pressure on Zhang Ye so that he would resume publication. After all, this wasn''t just about one or two people, nor was it just one or two countries. It was all of theics and animation fans from all over Asia who were involved!


    It was tens of millions of people!


    It was hundreds of millions of people!


    Who could withstand such great pressure?


    No one could bear that!


    This was the voice of the people!


    This was the power of the masses!


    But to everyone''s surprise��Zhang Ye was truly able to bear it!


    Three days!


    Three full days!


    The Asian citizens scolded Zhang Ye for three full days!


    If it were anyone else, if it were any other celebrity, if it were any other studio, they would have caved in from this vast scolding by the people. The celebrities would have also long since broken down in the face of such great pressure. Even if they did not break down, they would definitely be panicking and would have to step forward to give an exnation at least. But as for Zhang Ye''s Studio? Nothing! There was no response from them at all. Zhang Ye continued working, totally unmoved by everything that was going on. Business went on as usual as though nothing had happened!


    What sort of person was Zhang Ye?


    If he had to go to the hospital?


    He would be very afraid!


    If he had to get a shot?


    He would be scared to death!


    But if he was to bear the brunt from other people''s scolding?


    Hur hur, this fellow was an expert at scolding others, so he was naturally very good at bearing the brunt of being scolded. No matter how terrible the scolding, no matter how many people were scolding him, he could endure all of that without a change in expression!


    What was a hooligan?


    This was a hooligan!


    He wouldn''t bend no matter what!


    Nothing could affect him at all!


    The Asian citizens were enraged!


    "Fucking hell!"


    "This guy is too shameless!"


    "Our scoldings aren''t working? Dammit, this guy is too thick-skinned!"


    "Your sister! He doesn''t even budge after so many people have scolded him?"


    "Motherfucker, this fellow is really pissing me off!"


    "Pfft, the thing about Zhang Ye that leaves people speechless is��sometimes, he can get so detestable, yet there''s nothing we can do about that!"


    "Yeah, I finally understand. It''s absolutely useless to keep on scolding him!"


    "That''s true. How could Zhang Ye be afraid of being scolded? He''s always being scolded by people throughout the years, but does it look like he has ever cared? This fellow just can''t be bothered by such things!"


    "I give up, I really give up!"


    "There''s no one who can deal with a person like Zhang Ye."


    "Chief Wu, rein in your husband. This fellow is getting too arrogant!"


    "@WuZeqing Stop Zhang Ye from going to work and make him stay at home to finish drawing theics!"


    "Quickly lift the restriction order on Zhang Ye!"


    "Right, fucking shit, stop it with those restriction orders and stuff!"


    "Quickly lift his ban and let him continue drawing!"


    However, the Japanese authorities did not give any responses to the matter. After learning that Zhang Ye was the author of theics, they should have banned those sevenics on the basis of the restriction order and restricted their sales. This was because Zhang Ye was not allowed to have any of his non-charity works appear in the Japanese market. Yet now, after this matter was exposed, the relevant departments in Japan were still staying silent. They did not dare to ban the works nor say that they were going to lift the restriction order. Their attitude towards the matter remained very ambiguous.


    There was no effect at all!


    Everyone was finally getting tired of scolding!


    But at this moment, a piece of news that shocked all of Asia was released!


    Sh��nen Publishing announced that they were going to get someone else to continue the serialization of One Piece!


    The Asian citizens screamed!


    In particr, the Japanese were the most excited!


    "Goddamn!"


    "Well done!"


    "Continue writing it, quickly continue writing it!"


    "Although it won''t be drawn by Zhang Ye, and even if it might not feel the same, it''s still better than being fucking canceled!"


    "Hahaha, well done!"


    "I give a thumbs up to this decision!"


    "I''m just afraid that One Piece will get ruined if someone else takes over!"


    "That won''t happen. Our Japan is the glorious country ofics and animation. The cartoonists here are all very professional. If an amateur like Zhang Ye can do it, why can''t our professional cartoonists do it? Moreover, One Piece''s main plot and general content have already been more or lessid out. The character designs are there too, so there isn''t going to be much difficulty for someone to take over and continue the series. Motherfucker, as long as the story continues, I will read it regardless of who''s drawing it. Just hurry up and publish chapters already!"


    "It''s just a pity that we won''t be getting four chapters per week anymore."


    "Hai, don''t think about having four chapters, I would be satisfied with just one fucking chapter a week now!"


    ��


    There was a heated discussion about this throughout Asia.


    The outside world was getting very excited about it.


    At the same time, Zhang Ye''s Studio received this news.


    Ha Qiqi was dumbfounded. "D-Does the contract allow that?"


    Little Wang let out a curse. "They can even find someone to continue the series?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "They''re pulling out all the stops!"


    Little Zhou said, "Then what should we do now?"


    Zhang Ye harrumphed at this.


    Continue the series?


    I''ll see which of you are capable of doing something like that!

 Chapter 1460 - Zhang Ye’s ’Dead Cat Bounce’!

    <h4>Chapter 1460 - Zhang Ye''s ''Dead Cat Bounce''! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Japan.


    Sh��nen Publishing''sic magazine went on sale.


    All the staff of Sh��nen Publishing''s editorial department were here.


    "Teacher Tanaka."


    "We''re depending on you."


    "Good luck."


    "Everything depends on today."


    "The whole of Asia is watching us right now."


    "Right, there won''t be any problems. Everyone here has seen Teacher Tanaka''s continuation of theic."


    "Hahaha, I find his artwork to be much better than Zhang Ye''s."


    "That''s right. Teacher Tanaka is a professional cartoonist while Zhang Ye is at most an amateur hobbyist. How can theypare? What does he have topare with our Teacher Tanaka?"


    Everyone was cheering each other on. They were a little anxious and felt some anticipation as well.


    The most excited person would definitely have to be Tanaka Kentaro. He was the cartoonist Sh��nen Publishing had invited to continue the serialization for One Piece. In the Japaneseics world, Tanaka Kentaro wasn''t exactly the most well-known cartoonist, nor had he published any topic series before. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have agreed to take this job. However, Tanaka was recognized as a top cartoonist when it came to his drawing techniques and experience. On top of that, he was especially good at mimicking the art styles of others.


    In the past, his works did not get popr because he did not have a distinct style of his own and wasn''t that good creatively. From his works, one could always see a hint of simrity to the outstanding works of other people. But this time, it was different. To do a continuation for One Piece, it required someone who could exactly imitate the style of others. It had to be simr, the closer, the better. As such, there was perhaps no one more suitable for this job than Teacher Tanaka in the entireics industry. Tanaka himself was also very willing to ept this project. To him, this was a chance. It was a great opportunity for him to ascend to the heavens!


    What sort of a project was this?


    It was One Piece!


    A national cartoon!


    He knew that if he could draw it well, his name would go down in the annals of history!


    Tanaka was in a jubnt mood at this moment. Zhang Ye, since you''ve canceled your series, don''t me me for taking over. Haha! I, Tanaka Kentaro, will be picking up this bargain!


    Later that morning.


    Sh��nen Publishing''sic magazine went on sale.


    All of Asia''s citizens were waiting in anticipation!


    ��


    Japan.


    "It''s out!"


    "I''ve gotten my hands on a copy of it!"


    "Let me take a look at One Piece first."


    "Wow, it''s pretty good."


    "Yeah, it looks really simr to the original."


    "Is this really a continuation? It''s not bad!"


    "Hahahaha, well done!"


    "Teacher Tanaka is so impressive!"


    "Just keep on drawing like this! We''ll be relying on you from now on!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "Haha, how well-drawn!"


    "There''s no need for Zhang Ye anymore!"


    "Right! Naruto and m Dunk can also continue getting serialized this way!"


    "They definitely have to get a continuation. If One Piece''s continuation gets a good response, the other six cartoons will follow suit. I''ve heard that they''re already searching for cartoonists to take over the projects."


    "Haha, Zhang Ye must be dumbfounded!"


    "It''s OK if you don''t want to draw. There will be others more than willing to do it!"


    "Gogogo!"


    ��


    China.


    "Teacher Zhang must be stunned by this!"


    "He definitely is!"


    "Haha, this is so delightful!"


    "Honestly speaking, Tanaka''s drawing is quite eptable."


    "It''s good as long as I can read it."


    "Let''s just forget about that damned eunuch!"


    "Teacher Zhang, you can leave now. We don''t need you anymore!"


    "Hehe."


    ��


    There was a heated discussion about this throughout Asia.


    The people were cheering.


    The continuation of One Piece''s serialization had attracted huge attention.


    The authorities, the media, and the public''s evaluation of it were all pretty good.


    Although some ces weren''t perfect, since this was not Zhang Ye''s original work, the continuation was still an eptable version. At the least, it was above a passing grade, so everyone''s evaluation of it was rather high.


    Sh��nen Publishing was ted!


    The crisis had been resolved!


    They were finally back on track!


    Tanaka was also overjoyed!


    It''s on fire!


    This bro is on fire!


    This bro has finally made a name for himself!


    Immediately, Tanaka''s fame received a huge boost!


    The news started to spread.


    "One Piece''s continuation a sess!"


    "The people are convinced!"


    "ording to sources, the search for a cartoonist to continue Detective Conan has begun!"


    "Rumors spread of Gundam getting a continuation!"


    "Is the greatest ''castration'' in history subsiding?"


    The matter was gradually showing signs of improvement.


    Everyone thought that this was the end of it. One Piece would keep getting published and the story of Luffy and his friends would continue. The otherics would get their own continuations. But to everyone''s surprise, Zhang Ye''s Studio, which had been quiet for several days, made a post at this time!


    Zhang Ye had made his move!


    And with this move, the waters were even more muddied!


    The studio''s post was nothing but a new chapter of One Piece!


    Zhang Ye, who had "castrated" the series, was actually bringing it back!


    It blew up all over Asia!


    Everyone was stunned, their jaws dropping!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "What is this I''m seeing?!"


    "Zhang Ye has posted a new chapter!"


    "One Piece has been updated!"


    "Damn, didn''t you say that you weren''t going to draw it anymore? Didn''t you say that you couldn''t draw it anymore because you were busy with work? Your grandpa! Who are you trying to fool!"


    "Why did it get updated, dammit?"


    "Motherfucker, it''s so well-drawn!"


    "I''ve finished reading it. It''s really touching!"


    "Indeed, it''s so much better than Tanaka''s version. Moreover, the plot developed in apletely different direction!"


    "Isn''t this such a face smacking?!"


    "Yeah, and I thought that Tanaka''s continuation was pretty good at first. But it''s nothingpared to the original version. The storyline was different as well. I still find Zhang Ye''s version to be better! This fellow''s character and temperament are not good, but his abilities are very real. They were still drumming up how professional a cartoonist Tanaka is over in Japan and how his continuation would surely be more professional than Zhang Ye''s, who is just an amateur, hur hur. In fact, anyone would know that it was just self-deception to convince the people. One Piece is Zhang Ye''s original creation, after all, so who could possibly draw it better than him? Wouldn''t that be nonsense?!"


    "Hurry up and publish more!"


    "Quickly write more!"


    Japan.


    Korea.


    China.


    One Piece''stest chapter spread like wildfire!


    Countless people had their hopes raised as they screamed excitedly.


    And then��then, there were no more and thens!


    One Piece was just updated with one chapter before getting canceled again!


    Zhang Ye and his studio went quiet once more without any signs of activity!


    Only at this moment did everyone understand Zhang Ye''s intention. They were all so angry that they wanted to tear Zhang Ye to pieces!


    ��


    Sh��nen Publishing.


    The editorial department''s staff were dumbfounded!


    When Tanaka dumbfoundedly finished reading thetest chapter of the original version, he nearly spat blood!


    "That jerk!"


    "Bastard! That guy is an absolute bastard!"


    "That fellow is so horrible!"


    "Zhang! Just die already!"


    "Fuck your sister!"


    "Teacher Tanaka, ignore him!"


    "Right, just keep drawing as you would!"


    In fact, Tanaka had already started writing the second chapter. But now, he couldn''t carry on drawing theic! Draw? My ass! He had already nned the storyline and got into his rhythm of drawing. But who could have fucking expected that Zhang Ye would actually do a "dead cat bounce"! This fellow updated the story with a new chapter, and it was even done in an entirely different direction from Tanaka''s storyline! Zhang Ye''s original version was spreading, and the Japanese citizens all went to read the pirated Chinese version of it. If Tanaka ignored Zhang Ye and continued writing and drawing his own version of the story, how many people would be convinced by it? The basis of a continuation depended on the original story, but he had already deviated from it! But if Tanaka followed the direction of Zhang Ye''stest chapter to continue drawing? Then the chapter that he drew before this would have to get retconned! Moreover, God knows when Zhang Ye would perform another "dead cat bounce" when that happens? Even if Zhang Ye did not do that every day, all he had to do was pull this stunt every now and then, which would be enough to make it unbearable for Tanaka!


    He could do it!


    He was fully capable of something like that!


    This was why Tanaka was in tears. He could no longer continue drawing this!


    How could he?


    At POO Studios.


    The phone rang.


    "Teacher Isarai."


    "About theic''s continuation, maybe you all should find someone else."


    "But why? Didn''t you agree to do it?"


    "Just��forget it."


    Sh��kansha.


    "Teacher Yoshida, you can''t do that!"


    "Please find someone better."


    "But we''ve alreadye to an agreement."


    "Hai, can''t you all see? No matter who you get to do the continuation for any of Zhang Ye''sics, he''ll find a way to stop you from doing it!"


    On the same day.


    Tanaka quit from working on the continuation of One Piece.


    Concurrently, the cartoonists who had agreed to take on the continuation projects for Naruto, Gundam, Detective Conan, and all of the otheric series also ended up turning down this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!


    There was no way they could do it!


    Just based on this "dead cat bounce" stunt by Zhang Ye?


    None of them would want to draw for theseic series!


    Only now did they get a thorough understanding of how great a hooligan Zhang Ye was and how his shamelessness had reached a point that even the Heavens could not tolerate. You don''t want to draw them anymore, but you''re not letting anyone else continue drawing them either? And you''re even making trouble to ensure that? We''ve never seen anyone like that before! We''ve really never seen anyone like that before!


    The ns for the continuation of theics were all left hanging!


    The continuation of the seven cartoons were ced on indefinite hiatus!


    The people were scolding like crazy!


    "It was done on purpose! He''s doing all of this on purpose!"


    "Zhang Ye! You''re so wicked!"


    "I''ll curse him to get into an ident sooner rather thanter!"


    "You can''t find another person like him in the whole of Asia!"


    "It''s over! There''s nothing for us to read again!"


    "Motherfucker, everything has been messed up by Zhang Ye!"


    "This fellow is so infuriating!"


    "It makes me so mad! Ahhhh!"


    "This time, it has really been canceled. There won''t even be a continuation!"


    The scolding that had died down exploded once again. Furthermore, it blew up ten times greater this time. Zhang Ye was once again getting besieged by all of Asia''s people!

 Chapter 1461 - Zhang Ye’s latest popularity ranking!

    <h4>Chapter 1461 - Zhang Ye''stest poprity ranking! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    In the morning.


    From the day Zhang Ye announced that all seven of hisic series were canceled, the crusade against this "great eunuch" continued for a whole week. The people of China, Japan, Korea, and many other countries all volunteered to join the campaign,unching a devastating personal attack on him.


    ording to iplete statistics:


    Zhang Ye was scolded 20 million times on China''s Weibo.


    Zhang Ye was scolded 32 million times by those in Japan.


    Zhang Ye''s Studio was surrounded 11 times.


    Zhang Ye''s car was soaked with the urine of dogs peeing on it a total of 53 times.


    Right now, his BMW was emitting such a pungent smell that it could be smelled from ten meters away!


    Castrating!


    Dead cat bounce!


    Castrating again!


    Everything this fellow did caused the people to grind their teeth in hatred!


    There had never been a celebrity who got scolded by so many people. Furthermore, it was a denunciation thatsted an entire week like a bombing run. This was truly unprecedented and unheard of!


    Online.


    "Hai, stop scolding already."


    "I''m getting tired too."


    "Save your energy, everyone. This fellow will never update theics again!"


    "This fellow''s skin is too thick, and he''s totally unaffected by our scolding!"


    "I really want to cry. My One Piece, my Naruto, my Detective Conan!"


    "Wash up and get some sleep. I know this Zhang Ye fellow too well. Who knows, he might find his conscience someday and get back to drawing theics. It''s impossible right now because he''s challenging the Japanese and Korean authorities on the restriction order. Since they''ve banned him over there, he''s even more unwilling to publish any new chapters. This fellow has always had such a temper."


    "Oh yes, how''s his Asian poprity doing?"


    "Let me see��"


    "Eh, why isn''t he there?"


    "His name isn''t there? Haha, could his poprity have dropped?"


    "He deserves it! Let him die!"


    "What''s going on? Is his name really no longer on the rankings?"


    "Did you guys just notice? This has been the case for several days."


    "Could he have gotten banned on the rankings index?"


    "Could it be that he is no longer on the rankings because of the wrath of the people?"


    There were all sorts of differing opinions.


    Everyone wasing up with all kinds of wild guesses.


    ��


    Elsewhere.


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Everyone had been really busy with this matter for the past few days.


    "Where''s the contract? Where''s the contract for One Piece?"


    "It''s here!"


    "Aiya, who left it in the drawer?"


    "Is Detective Conan''s contract there too?"


    "It''s with me. The original manuscript is here as well!"


    "Alright, send it over to them then."


    A few days ago, they received a call from the staff overseeing the Asian Celebrity Rankings, requesting that they present evidence proving that Zhang Ye was Aoi, Ozawa, and all of the other cartoonists. They also informed them that Zhang Ye''s Asian poprity ranking would temporarily be suspended. Only after the verification process could they recalcte and reinstate his poprity score on the rankings index. The studio''s staff naturally understood this.


    Were theics done by you as long as you imed so?


    That wouldn''t do. It had to be backed up with evidence.


    Only after the verification process finished could the umted poprity of those seven cartoonists be redirected to Zhang Ye''s poprity score.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Will it be settled by today?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "It should be. It''s more or less done."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright then, let''s keep a lookout for tonight''s rankings."


    Little Wang was a little nervous. "Will this really work?"


    Little Sun was also unsure about this. "I''m just afraid that our reputation is not too good, and it might affect the poprity score."


    "How is it only not too good?" Little Zhou corrected, "We have no reputation left at all!"


    Zhang Ye was amused to hear this. In reality, he had estimated his poprity score. But there were still too many uncertain factors, so he couldn''t be sure of it either. He had caused the wave he wanted to, so they would have to see today''s results to know how sessful it was.


    A little more!


    Let''s increase our poprity a little more this time!


    At the very least, let us get closer to the top ten of the Asian A-list rankings. If we can''t even make it into the top ten, then all these months of hard work would have gone to waste!


    ��


    Not only Zhang Ye.


    China.


    Japan.


    Korea.


    The industry.


    The media.


    Everyone was extremely concerned about the changes in his Asian poprity!


    "Has Zhang Ye''s Asian poprity gone up or down?"


    "ording to a report, Zhang Ye''s poprity score is currently being evaluated!"


    "Zhang Ye''s poprity ranking to be revealed tonight?"


    "Would he ascend to the altar or he fall from grace?"


    "ording to industry insiders: Zhang Ye''s poprity score is impossible to predict!"


    "An unprecedented example in history!"


    There were those who were bullish.


    There were those who were bearish.


    Everyone was debating this to no end.


    ��


    Japan.


    "Let him fucking drop from the rankings."


    "Yeah, let him drop out of the A-list rankings!"


    "What are you saying? He should fall off the B-list too!"


    "That''s right! This fellow is too hateful. Hopefully, he won''t even earn a ce on the Asian C-list!"


    "Hahaha, let''s wait to see Zhang Ye''s impending doom tonight!"


    "Drop! Drop! Drop!"


    "Let him understand what will be of him when he incurs our wrath!"


    ��


    China.


    "I''ve already bought the firecrackers."


    "Hehe, we''re waiting to celebrate tonight!"


    "Here''s wishing Lord Zhang a great failure!"


    "He will definitely fail! Otherwise, the Heavens will be outraged!"


    "Since Teacher Zhang is trying so hard to fail, it wouldn''t be justified if he doesn''t at least drop down to the C-list rankings!"


    "We''re in for a show!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "Go on, cancel theics!"


    "Let''s see if he can still smile after tonight!"


    "Keep being arrogant! You''ll be crying soon!"


    "Ahem, what if this fellow''s poprity goes up instead?"


    "Fuck, surely not, right?"


    "There are so many people scolding him. How can it rise?"


    "But hasn''t it always been this way?"


    "Eh!"


    ��


    Lee Anson''s team.


    "What will happen tonight?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Let''s wait and see then."


    "It will definitely drop, that''s for sure!"


    ��


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    "Dad, is Uncle Zhang''s Asian poprity score going to be updated soon?"


    "I think so."


    "Will it drop?"


    "Who can predict that? Common sense can never be applied when ites to that kid!"


    ��


    In China.


    At a gathering of several celebrities.


    "Anyone wants to make a guess about the changes to Zhang Ye''s poprity ranking?"


    "This is really hard to put a finger on."


    "Yeah, we can make a guess for anyone but Zhang Ye. His poprity ranking is fucking impossible to guess."


    ��


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    Three hours.


    It was finally midnight.


    Countless Asian media outlets, industry insiders, celebrities, and citizens started checking the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index. Everyone was refreshing the rankings index. It wasn''t that they had nothing better to do, but that everyone was very curious about Zhang Ye''s current poprity ranking!


    They refreshed it once!


    Nothing!


    They refreshed it again!


    Still nothing!


    When most of the people refreshed it for the third time, the rankings index was finally updated!


    Several days prior, Zhang Ye wasst seen at around the middle of the Asian A-list rankings. It wasn''t considered the front, but it was slightly ahead of those ranked in the middle. But upon seeing thistest Asian Celebrity Rankings Index today, many people were stunned! A lot of them were so shocked that they nearly vomited blood. They were all tongue-tied!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "How could this be!"


    "This can''t be, dammit!"


    "How does this make any sense!"


    "How could it be like this!"


    "This great eunuch is too heaven-defying!"


    "It doesn''t make any sense at all! It doesn''t make any fucking sense at all!"


    Zhang Ye''s name had impressively appeared on the rankings index. It did not drop down to the B- or C-list rankings. Zhang Ye''s poprity ranking was still in the A-list. Not only that, he had actually advanced from his middle ranking!


    It advanced by a lot!


    It was really a lot!


    The Asian people couldn''t believe their eyes. They saw Zhang Ye''s name appear at fourth ce on the Asian A-list!


    Fourth ce!


    This couldn''t even be considered the front anymore!


    This was the fucking top of the Asian A-list!


    Compared to his previous ce in the middle of the rankings, he had advanced by 16 or 17 spots!


    This was skyrocketing!


    Japan was dumbfounded!


    Korea was dumbfounded!


    Zhang Ye''s Studio''s staff were dumbfounded!


    The Asian media outlets were dumbfounded!


    The Asian entertainment industry was dumbfounded!


    All the Asian people were dumbfounded!


    At the moment the poprity rankings index was revealed, all of Asia blew up!


    "Does it have to be so ridiculous!"


    "Does it have to be so unexpected!"


    "Fuck your sister!"


    "It can even be fucking achieved this way?"


    "Not only did his ranking not drop, it even rose? And it even rose by so much?"


    "My titanium dog eyes are blinded!"

 Chapter 1462 - Moving up the ’Reach the Summit’ plan!

    <h4>Chapter 1462 - Moving up the ''Reach the Summit'' n! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    It was a weekend.


    Zhang Ye drove his BMW to a nearby car wash.


    "Yo, Teacher Zhang, you came here?"


    "Yes."


    "Washing your car again?"


    "Wash it a few extra times."


    "Sure, I''ll definitely get rid of the pungent smell for you."


    "Thanks."


    "You''re wee. Hai, dog owners these days are too inconsiderate."


    While the car was being washed, Zhang Ye strolled over to the newspaper stand and bought a few copies of newspapers. Traditional paper media was on the decline these days, but Zhang Ye still had the habit of reading a physical copy of a newspaper. Compared to online media, paper media was more official, and the news was more factual. At least he wouldn''t have to worry about seeing too much fake news and rumors.


    Today''s front page was taken up by news of him again.


    "Zhang Ye''s poprity skyrockets!"


    "An unexpected outbreak of poprity!"


    "Zhang Ye''s path to the Asian summit!"


    "Will Zhang Ye be the next Chinese artist to step up to the summit of Asia?"


    "Zhang Ye is promoted to a top Asian A-list celebrity!"


    "Zhang Ye may be only a step away from bing an Asian Heavenly King!"


    "Will Zhang Ye be able to reach the summit of Asia within a year?"


    Zhang Ye smiled as he flipped through the papers. He was in a very good mood. His foray into theics industry went even more sessfully than expected. Not only did it meet Zhang Ye''s expectations, it went way beyond that. He had initially just hoped to get a ce within the top ten of the Asian A-list rankings, but who could have thought that he would end up heading straight to the top in fourth ce. This was indeed an unexpected gain. The sleepless nights and hard work these several months had not been for nothing. Thinking about those days when he had to release three or four chapters a day, it felt so unbearable and tiring!


    The car was washed.


    Zhang Ye drove back to the studio.


    When he got upstairs, he discovered that quite a few of his friends hade to visit.


    Yao Jiancai.


    Amy and Li Xiaoxian.


    Grandma Zhang Xia was here as well.


    Li Xiaoxian waved and greeted, "Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You''re all here? Where''s Sister Dong?"


    "Sister Dong went on a date. Since the two of us had nothing better to do, we dropped by to visit." Amy harrumphed, probably because m Dunk was still on her mind.


    Zhang Xia was looking around. "Your ce looks pretty good."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s Grandma Zhang''s first time here, right? Please, take a seat." He turned his head and said, "Little Wang, quickly make some tea."


    "Coming!" Little Wang went to brew the tea with a giggle.


    Yao Jiancaiughed and said, "Kid, you''re on fire again! So how about it? Your treat this afternoon?"


    Zhang Ye said, "So you guys are here only because you want to scrounge a meal off me?"


    Amy said, "Of course, we''re only here for the free meal from you."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Sure, sure, I''ll treat."


    Zhang Xia said with a grin, "Your Asian poprity score has increased by a lot this time. This wasn''t expected by many people, but even those who did couldn''t have imagined that it would increase by this much."


    "What''s crucial is still how you fought your way up there." Amy said dispiritedly, "Gaining an increase in poprity through fighting and scolding, our Lord Zhang has really had easy when ites to being a celebrity."


    Yao Jiancaiughed. "Yeah, it looks like I have to head in this direction as well. I won''t have to act anymore in the future, nor perform crosstalks. All I need to do is stay at home and practice scolding people. I''ll just lie down in bed and do nothing other than scolding everyone once over, then I can be an Asian superstar as well. Where else can I find such a good thing?"


    Everyoneughed.


    The staff at Zhang Ye''s Studio were also amused to hear that.


    Of course, everyone knew that this was just a joke. Zhang Ye had indeed relied on scolding and fighting others to advance in the rankings. All this while, his poprity had increased every time he scolded or fought someone. But even though it sounded simple, to scold and fight others in the way that Zhang Ye did��


    How many people could do what he did?


    He was the only person in the world who could do it!


    No others could copy this style of his, absolutely no one!


    In all of Asia, and even in the entire world, this was a highly difficult "skill" that was unique to Zhang Ye. Only he could pull it off. Anyone else who attempted it would die trying!


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "It was just a coincidence this time. Who could''ve thought thatics would have such a big impact? Those sevenics of mine mainly received maximum exposure in Japan. I wasn''t really popr or even popr at all over there in the past, so there is naturally some room for growth. It''s still a little bad over in Korea, though. Even if they are always fiercely vocal about theics, there aren''t that many Koreans who actually read them. So the poprity that I gained this time was still mainly from Japan."


    Li Xiaoxian grinned and said, "There''s quite a bit from the other Asian countries as well."


    Amy said, "That''s right, I was following m Dunk as well. Who could''ve thought that you would stop drawing it? With theic canceled, the cartoon has also stopped showing. Ahhh, just thinking about it makes me so depressed!"


    Zhang Xia looked at Zhang Ye and said with a smile, "You''re not ying nice."


    Zhang Yeughed. "I really don''t have the time to draw them."


    Zhang Xia asked, "Judging by this momentum of yours, are you really thinking about taking a ce amongst the Asian Heavenly Kings this year?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and replied, "If I can reach the top, that would be for the best, of course."


    "Your poprity is growing so fast that it''s like you''re riding on a rocket." Amy said, "Take it slow and consolidate your position. What''s the rush?"


    But Zhang Ye said, "That won''t do. My child will be born in another few months. When the timees, I''ll definitely have to divert my attention back to my family. I can''t just leave everything to my wife to take care of. I''ll definitely have to y a part too. Then there''s the issue of raising my child, so I won''t have much time left for anything else. I''m already prepared to take two or three years off work for that. From my debut until now, other than those scattered few days, I have basically not taken any time off to rest. It''s about time I do so as well, so I would like to ascend to the top of Asia before my child is born. If I can achieve that, I won''t have too much to worry about in the future. I can go on a break for a few years beforeing back to challenge the international entertainment circle!"


    International?


    When they heard this, it sounded far away.


    Zhang Xia said with a sigh, "The international arena is a stage we don''t stand a chance on in our lifetime."


    Amy also said, "Right, it''s not somewhere we can dream of. You might be the only one who can challenge it."


    "It''s still too early to say. I''m not confident either." Zhang Ye said with augh, "I better think about reaching the summit in Asia before anything else. I''m still quite a bit a ways from achieving that."


    Yao Jiancai said, "It''s not far anymore."


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "It might look very close, but it''s actually very difficult to move up."


    There were still several more months to go.


    He was still four ces away.


    On the Asian A-list, it got harder to advance the higher up you were. There was just too muchpetition up there. Back when Zhang Ye was promoted from the Chinese A-list to the Chinese S-list, it looked like he just needed to advance one spot. But in reality, how long did it take him to achieve it? It took him several months, working on variety shows and directing the Spring Festival G, before he barely overtook the person in front and move up the rankings. Meanwhile, thepetition in the Asian rankings was clearly more intense. To move up in the rankings was conceptually easy; it was in fact a veryrge step to take.


    At this moment, calls from Zhang Ye''s family and friends arrived.


    Chen Guang.


    Zhang Yuanqi.


    Xu Men.


    Zhao Wuliu.


    And so on. Everyone was congratting him.


    So Zhang Ye decided to gather all his friends and book a restaurant to treat everyone. They haven''t had a gathering in a long time, so it was time they had one to enjoy themselves.


    At the dinner table, everyone was giving toasts.


    "Congrattions, Zhang''er!"


    "Cheers!"


    "Come,e, we won''t go home until we''re drunk today!"


    "Zhang''er, I wish you an early ascent to the summit of Asia!"

 Chapter 1463 - Zhang Ye wants to create a Chinese cartoon!

    <h4>Chapter 1463 - Zhang Ye wants to create a Chinese cartoon! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the following few days.


    The Asian Celebrity Rankings Index was updated several more times.


    Zhang Ye''s poprity had risen again, but he still remained in fourth ce on the Asian A-list. There wasn''t any change in that since all the poprity he received recently was umted from before. From the looks of it, Zhang Ye''s Asian poprity ranking had stabilized by now. It wouldn''t be easy for him to advance further, but it was also impossible for him to experience a drop in ranking in the short term.


    ��


    In the morning.


    At the studio.


    After dropping Wu Zeqing off at the SARFT''spound, Zhang Ye came to work. He was the first person to arrive today since the other staff were not here yet. As there was nothing to do, he paced around the office. Seeing Old Wu''s stomach growing bigger and bigger by the day, his sense of urgency grew stronger.


    Poprity!


    Where else could he earn more poprity from?


    He was thinking of making a push for the top, so he started flipping through the work proposals that had been sent recently.


    Commercial appearances?


    No.


    Variety shows?


    Not gonna take them for now.


    Hai, isn''t there any suitable work that I can do?


    All of a sudden, he saw a document that startled him for a bit.


    Eh, this is?


    Soon after, the staff arrived at the office.


    Everyone sat down for a meeting to discuss the uing workflow.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Director Zhang, the rankings index has been updated again."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I''ve seen it."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Your poprity score has increased by a little bit. But I also took a look and realized that we''re not that far from the Japanese celebrity who''s in third ce on the Asian A-list."


    Zhang Zuo added, "Right, I''ve noticed it as well. When we shot up to fourth ce overnight, we started pulling far ahead of the Korean celebrity who is now in fifth ce. As a result, we closed in on the Japanese movie star who is in third ce. I think we should be able to surpass him if we make a greater push this time?"


    Little Wang urged, "Right, let''s get him."


    Little Zhou also said, "Bring him down."


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure, there''s only a few more months left to do it. When my child is born, I won''t have any time for this, so I''ll have to speed up the ascension process. Since I''m in fourth ce on the A-list rankings, let''s set our next goal a little shorter term. We''ll aim to surpass the person in third ce before we make our next move."


    One was in fourth ce?


    The other was in the top three?


    The values of the rankings were on entirely different levels!


    But for now, there were still some problems.


    Ha Qiqi rubbed her forehead and said, "The restraining order is still in ce, and all the tricks and strategies that we had have already been used. We don''t have many ways left to increase our poprity. The poprity that we can get from Japan has been maxed out, and we won''t be able to prate the Korean market for a while, so let''s not think about that either. No matter how I think about it, if we want to make a push in the short term to advance our ranking, we can only look to return to the domestic market."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Wherever we go to, there''s still no ce like home."


    Ha Qiqiughed. "That''s right, our homnd is always going to have our back. No matter where we go, we still have toe back here in the end. This is where home truly is."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Well said."


    Zhang Zuo said, "Then how are we fighting our next battle?"


    Zhang Ye looked at everyone and said with a smile, "Why don''t we do something to repay our homnd?"


    Repay our homnd?


    How are we going to repay it?


    Nobody understood what he meant.


    This was also a spontaneous decision by Zhang Ye. He started flipping through the documents on the table in front of him. Finally, he found a work proposal letter and pushed it forward.


    Everyone read it and were startled!


    "Ah?"


    "Wasn''t that the letter sent to us by an animationpany several days ago?"


    "What are you nning?"


    "This��surely not, right?"


    "You want to make a domestic cartoon?"


    "You''ve got to consider this carefully. A domestic animation is very difficult to handle."


    Everyone put forth their opinions as they disagreed with this move.


    But Zhang Ye said, "The more difficult it is, the more it should be done. Otherwise, why would we call it repaying the homnd?"


    Ha Qiqi gave a wry smile. "It''s not a matter of it being difficult, but that it''s way too difficult."


    Zhang Zuo wiped off his sweat and said, "It''s fine to repay the homnd, but we can''t throw ourselves into something like that. The domestic cartoon industry is a deep pit. Do you know how many people have fallen into it over the years?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I know."


    The Chinese cartoon industry in this world was like a pool of stagnant water. There wasn''t even foam, much less any scenery to admire. Countlesspanies in the country were optimistic about this industry. But aftering into it, all of them ended up dying, one after the other. As for the Chinesepanies that survived, their numbers could be counted on one hand. Not only that, but they were not profitable at all. All of them were stubbornly struggling under the pressure from the Japanesepanies, and their days were extremely difficult to bear.


    Why was the Chinese cartoon industry so bad?


    No one knew!


    They couldn''t think of a reason for it!


    Perhaps it had gone down the wrong path somewhere along the way?


    Or perhaps their standard wasn''t good enough?


    Or perhaps this path had always been a dead end since the beginning?


    An industry that everyone had been optimistic about many years ago was now struggling to make a name for itself in China. No one would have thought that the Chinese cartoon industry would be so deste!


    From hope!


    To disappointment!


    And then to despair!


    Some people gave up while others left.


    The Chinese cartoon industry''s people had gone through a lot. They were once full of dreams and thought that the world was their oyster. But now, they had be the first and foremost people, economy, and market to be abandoned by the world. Everyone was choosing to avoid this ce out of fear. Having gone through such an experience, how could it only be described as a tragedy?


    The proposal that Zhang Ye had ced on the table was from a smallpany. There were no bigpanies in the Chinese cartoon industry. Rather than calling it a proposal letter, it was more like a consultation letter sent by a Chinese animation team. In the letter, the animation team sincerely sought Zhang Ye''s advice on three issues.


    One: Is there a way out for China''s cartoon industry?


    Two: Where is the way out?


    Three: If there is a way out, please help us.


    This letter was the most sloppy and unconventional work proposal that Zhang Ye had ever seen. It was so bad that even after the proposal was faxed over, it did not make it past the filter to the upper management of Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo. It was thrown aside by the staff below them. It was only because Zhang Ye was bored and browsed through the recent work proposals that he saw it. For some reason, he was quite moved by the letter. So at today''s meeting, when Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others mentioned the homnd, Zhang Ye immediately thought of this letter.


    Where was the way out for Chinese cartoons?


    This was probably a question that no one in this world could answer, but Zhang Ye felt that he might be able to do it. It wasn''t because he felt that he was capable, but that there were already countless corpses and bones of others in his previous world lining up into a bloody trail of a path.


    Perhaps this was meant to be Zhang Ye''s responsibility?


    He felt duty-bound to do something about it.


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Have you decided?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "I have."


    Zhang Zuo said, "Are you confident?"


    Zhang Ye humbly said, "Let''s give it a try."


    Ha Qiqi gave a wry smile. "Alright then, let''s battle together again!"


    Repay the homnd.


    Increase their poprity.


    And gain some karma along the way too.


    If he could kill three birds with one stone, why not go for it?


    Thus, Zhang Ye picked up his pen and wrote a reply to the letter.

 Chapter 1464 - Zhang Ye gets another brain fart!

    <h4>Chapter 1464 - Zhang Ye gets another brain fart! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the same day.


    In the morning.


    Miracle Animation Studios.


    Thepany was located in a not too ideal location in the Tongzhou District. On the third floor of an old office building, there was an inconspicuous sign with the words "Miracle Animation" written on it. If anyone said that this was the office of an animationpany that ranked top five domestically, no one would believe it.


    In the office.


    The six shareholders of thepany were seated together.


    They had all been university ssmates. After their graduation, they had pooled their money together to form thispany and had always fought their battles in the animation field. Their past productions of Monkey and Parrot and Records of the Pugilistic War had helped thepany to shine. The team constantly grew and thepany developed until they became one of the most outstanding animationpanies in the country. However, with the arrival of the slowdown in the Chinese animation industry, thepany fell from grace and hit rock bottom as they started losing money on their projects one by one, thepany staff also leaving one after another. That sort of despair was indescribable with words. When thepany was first named, everyone unanimously voted for "Miracle" in hopes that they could create a miracle in the Chinese animation industry. But now, this name they had chosen sounded very ironic.


    Today, there was silence in the conference room.


    This was because one of their shareholders had decided to leave thepany. It was someone they co-founded thepany with, a long-time friend and fellowrade.


    They had originally thought that they would be used to such a situation since they had experienced so many parting moments over the years. However, each time it happened again, they would find themselves unable to ept it.


    Chen Xiang said, "Xiaokai has left."


    Li Zhi said, "Of the twenty ssmates we started with, there are only the six of us left."


    Han Bin said, "What''s with Xiaokai!"


    Sun Xiaobei said, "Didn''t we all agree to keep fighting til the end?!"


    Chen Xiang said, "Thepany is losing money every day, and he couldn''t endure it any longer. His girlfriend found him a programming job in Shanghai, so he went there to further his career."


    Hu Kebang said, "Which animationpany in the country has it good these days? It''s the same for everyone. I''ve always believed that there is a future for our domestic cartoon industry, there must be!"


    Chen Xiang said, "I used to think the same, but I''m starting to doubt it now."


    Hu Kebang said, "Xiang''zi!"


    Chen Xiang replied, "Let me finish speaking. It has been so many years, so I''m sure you all know which direction the market is headed towards. There''s no sign that anything will improve. Moreover, with the poprity of Japaneseics like One Piece and Naruto spreading throughout Asia, the domestic cartoon industry has deteriorated even more and leaves us with an even smaller market to survive in. Japaneseics have more than a 95% share of our domestic market and everyone is reading them. Besides, we have to admit that we started off tootepared to them. In terms ofpany size, the scale of our domesticpanies doesn''t evene close to the size of a single one of theirpanies. In terms of production level and the specialization of their teams, we arecking by too much as well. Both sides are animating, but if it were you, which one would you rather watch?"


    It didn''t appeal.


    Nor was it praised.


    The current situation of the Chinese animation productions was just too awkward.


    Then, Sun Xiaobei said, "Opportunity does not wait for us."


    Chen Xiang said, "I know that. To open up the market, we have to depend on ourselves. But the problem is, how do we do it? In all these years, how many domestic animationpanies have tried? And how many have seeded? Even if there were the asional one or two domestic animations that did quite well, the response to them was just lukewarm. They can''t even hit 5% of the poprity of One Piece! Can that even be considered a sess? What is the point of having such sess?"


    Sun Xiaobei said, "But I still want to try."


    Chen Xiang sighed. "Right now, we don''t even have a project on hand, so what can we try?"


    Sun Xiaobei had a determined look in her eyes. "I don''t believe that we can''t achieve what others have achieved. Domestic cartoons can''t possibly always be suppressed by the Japanese cartoons." With a pause, she asked, "Has Zhang Ye''s Studio replied to us yet?"


    Zhao Chengfei said, "Not yet."


    Chen Xiang shook his head. "We''re just a smallpany. Why would he bother with us?"


    Li Zhi also said, "That''s right. That work proposal letter of yours was absolutely unnecessary. Teacher Zhang is an Asian superstar with so much work to handle every day. It''s impossible that he woulde to fight our battle with us. Who doesn''t know that the domestic cartoon industry is a bottomless pit where one has to have the capital, take high risks and get low returns. Don''t mention a superstar, even a director with a little bit of fame would not jump into this pit. He has stopped drawing One Piece, Naruto, and Detective Conan, so why would hee to meddle in our domestic cartoon industry for? Toe here and wade in these murky waters?"


    Sun Xiaobei clenched her teeth. "Then I will go over to their studio to invite him to join us."


    Chen Xiang said, "They won''t let us in."


    Sun Xiaobei said, "Then I''ll wait at the door until Teacher Zhang agrees to see me. Teacher Zhang is the only Chinese person to have wielded an influence on the cartoon industry. He is the only person to have done that!"


    Li Zhi said, "We won''t be able to see him."


    Chen Xiang smacked his lips. "Hai, unless Teacher Zhang suddenly gets a brain fart or something."


    Hu Kebang harrumphed and said, "That might not even help. Lord Zhang is someone who always rpses and gets brain farts very often."


    Everyone shook their heads at this. Other than Sun Xiaobei and Hu Kebang, no one else was expecting a reply from Zhang Ye.


    All of a sudden, the conference room door opened.


    An employee ran in anxiously. " Boss Sun!"


    Sun Xiaobei looked at him. "What''s the matter?"


    That person stammered while holding a fax in his hands, "L-Look at this! Quick, look at th-this!"


    Sun Xiaobei gave a bewildered look and took the fax to read it. Then she was dumbfounded!


    "Xiaobei?"


    "What is it?"


    "What''s the fax about?"


    Sun Xiaobei stared at them in astonishment and waved the fax in her hands. "Old Hu, you were right! Teacher Zhang really rpsed again!"


    When everyone heard that, they were shocked!


    "What did you say?"


    "It''s a fax from Zhang Ye?"


    "But that''s impossible!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "Show it to me, quick!"


    The five of them were yelling as they rushed forward to have a look!


    Sun Xiaobeiughed. Sheughed until tears rolled down her cheeks. "It''s Teacher Zhang''s handwriting. I''ve seen the Preface to the Orchid Pavilion at least 50 times. These words cannot be written by anyone else!"


    She was crying.


    The moment she saw the fax, she cried.


    The fax also had three lines in answer to the three issues they raised.


    One: China''s cartoon industry definitely has a way out.


    Two: The way out lies right before our feet.


    Three: Sure, I''ll join you guys and give it a try.


    ��Zhang Ye.


    The six shareholders went crazy!


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s his signature!"


    "Oh my God!"


    "Teacher Zhang has replied to our letter!"


    "Xiaobei! You''re awesome!"


    "It''s a sess! He has really agreed!"


    "Zhang Ye! It''s really Zhang Ye!"


    "How amazing! We actually managed to invite Zhang Ye to join us?"


    They were simply unable to believe their eyes. Every one of them was embracing each other in excitement!


    At this moment, their almost extinguished hopes for the Chinese cartoon industry were suddenly zing into an uncontroble me again!

 Chapter 1465 - The deepest of the deep pits!

    <h4>Chapter 1465 - The deepest of the deep pits! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Little Wang had sorted out a stack of documents rted to the Chinese cartoon industry and ced them on Zhang Ye''s desk. It was a very thick stack, and Zhang Ye was flipping through it page by page. Since he had decided to enter this industry, he had to understand it beforehand by reading up on the relevant materials. Zhang Ye would never fight any battles without preparing for them.


    Industry situation.


    Business model.


    The past years'' works.


    He had all the information he needed.


    Little Wang said in a bind, "Director Zhang, do think about it again."


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "Hasn''t it already been decided?"


    Little Wang said, "But we didn''t know how shockinglyplicated it was until we did our research. We all knew that the domestic cartoon industry was a struggle to navigate, but we didn''t expect it to be so difficult. Look at the information. Our hearts turned cold when we were organizing what we gathered earlier. Sister Ha and Brother Zuo even walked off demoralized while covering their faces. The domestic cartoon industry is in a much worse situation than we expected. Do you know what the domestic animationpanies are doing to ensure their survivability? They''re all relying on animation targeted at young children to keep theirpanies afloat. There hasn''t been any progress at all in the past few years, and it has been such a tragic situation."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "That''s why it''s time for us to take action now."


    Beside them, Little Zhou let out a sigh. "No one is as bold as you. The more dangerous and difficult something is, the more you want to go for it."


    Zhang Ye said, "Of course. I wouldn''t care if it weren''t something challenging. Hur hur, that''s enough, stop talking with me. Have you dealt with the proper business yet?"


    Little Wang replied, "We''ve already made an appointment with them."


    Little Zhou looked at her watch. "I think they should be here soon?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Go and pick them up then."


    "Alright." Little Zhou went downstairs to wait for their arrival.


    Zhang Ye continued looking through the information.


    ��


    Downstairs.


    Sun Xiaobei and the others were already here.


    Li Zhi took a deep breath. "How should we put it when we get there?"


    Chen Xiang was also feeling extremely nervous. "Yeah, why are my legs shaking?"


    "Mine as well." Zhao Chengfei wiped off his sweat and said, "Why don''t��why don''t I stay downstairs instead of going up. You guys can go ahead. This is Zhang Ye we''re talking about, the biggest hooligan in the Asian entertainment industry!"


    Sun Xiaobei said in a speechless manner, "How can you speak like that? What do you mean by hooligan? He just enjoys scolding and fighting people sometimes, that''s all."


    Zhao Chengfei rebuked, "Isn''t that what you call a hooligan?"


    Sun Xiaobei was silenced.


    Chen Xiang said, "Do you guys think that Teacher Zhang will really work with us?"


    Hu Kebang said, "I also feel that it''s a little unreal."


    Sun Xiaobei said, "We''ll know how it is when we meet with Teacher Zhang."


    Chen Xiang clenched his teeth. "Alright, let''s go."


    ��


    A few minutester.


    They arrived.


    The several of them finally met with Zhang Ye himself.


    Zhang Ye smiled and shook their hands. "I''m sorry that I had to let you guys make the trip over. By rights, I should have brought my team to go over to look for you. But I''ve been attracting quite a bit of hate recently, so I''m afraid people will attack me with bricks if I go out. As such, I''m choosing not to appear in public too often. That''s why I had to invite you all over instead."


    How are you just attracting a bit of hate!


    You''re basically the target of everyone out there!


    Theyughed. A eunuch had no human rights.


    But with these opening few words by Zhang Ye, it brought some relief to Sun Xiaobei and the others. They discovered that Zhang Ye wasn''t that difficult to get along with.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Who is the person-in-charge?"


    Sun Xiaobei stood forward and said in a neither humble nor pushy manner, "We are all shareholders of thepany and also university ssmates. If there''s any problems, we discuss it together. Thanks to everyone''s trust, I''m usually in charge of the externalmunications for ourpany." Although she appeared very calm on the surface, Sun Xiaobei''s heart was pounding in extreme anxiety.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Were you also the one who wrote the proposal and faxed it over?"


    Sun Xiaobei nodded. "Yes, that was me."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I''ve already had someone find out more about yourpany, and I can say that it''s pretty good. Be it thepany size or your skill sets, you''re one of the better animation teams in the domestic cartoon industry. You were saying that you wished to seek my help in our cooperation, but I dare not ept that praise. I''m actually just a novice when ites to the cartoon industry. I''ve only entered the industry for a few months so far."


    Sun Xiaobei smiled and said, "But in these few months, you''ve already traveled to far more ces than we''ve been able to in so many years. Bying here, we''re actually looking to learn from you. You are the only Chinese person to have reached the top of theics and animation field. We couldn''t afford to invite anyone, so we could onlye to look for you. We''re hoping that you can show us a way to move the domestic cartoon industry forward and help our Chinese cartoons fight back and kill our way out of a market dominated by Japanese cartoons."


    Zhang Ye joked, "Alright, I may not be good at other things, but I''m really an expert when ites fighting and killing."


    Ha Qiqi said nervously, "They didn''t mean it in the same way as you did."


    Zhang Yeughed dryly. "It''s all the same, it''s all the same."


    Everyone was tickled.


    Zhang Zuo invited, "Please, take a seat."


    Zhang Ye said, "Right, right, let''s sit down and talk."


    There was tea.


    There was alcohol.


    And there were even snacks served.


    Sun Xiaobei sipped tea absentmindedly and got straight to the point. "Teacher Zhang, I''ve read all seven of yourics, and we''ve really learned a lot from them. All of them are outstanding works. But the more it''s like that, the more hopeless we feel. Forgive me for saying this, but I feel that none of those sevenic series carry our domestic style ofics. They''re all the typical Japanese style ofics."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "That''s of course."


    Sun Xiaobei asked, "Do you think that this is the way out for our domestic cartoons?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Do you mean to imitate them?"


    Sun Xiaobei: "Yes."


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "I don''t think it''s exactly that."


    Chen Xiang followed up with a question. "When you say that you want to work with us, do you mean that you want to make another series like One Piece or Naruto?"


    "Of course not." Zhang Yeughed as he said, "A domesticic will naturally need to have the vor of our own local cartoons."


    Sun Xiaobei heaved a sigh of relief. "Then I''m relieved. Before I came here, I was worried that you might be looking to make a sequel to One Piece and just change it to a Chinese name. If that were the case, it wouldn''t be a cartoon that we would want to do either."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Japanese cartoons have a style of their own, and this style is very sessful in Japan. In fact, it can even propagate to the whole of Asia and still be very sessful. But if this style were directly adapted for use in China, it might not necessarily work. For example in Naruto, how many people do you think will want to watch a domestic cartoon with the term ''ninja'' in it? And if we changed the name, it would end up bing neither fish nor fowl. As a further example, One Piece uses a pirate as its main character. Do you think the SARFT would approve of that? Would they pass it to be shown on TV? Even if my wife is the SARFT''s leader, even if I am the son-inw of the SARFT, there wouldn''t be a chance of that happening."


    Sun Xiaobei giggled, "Pfft."


    The othersughed as well.


    Zhang Ye continued, "And it''s not just a question of the subject matter. It''s also the method of delivery. Will China be able to ept weekly releases? I don''t think it will be easy in the short term, right? The Chinese market does not have a business model that is as mature as Japan''s. Therefore, the national conditions are different and the industry''s way of operation is different. A lot of things cannot just be brought over as is. We have to have something that we can call our own so that we can differentiate ourselves from the Japaneseics. That is the only way that we can create a path of our own."


    Sun Xiaobei sighed. "But a lot of people in theics industry in our country have already tried and failed. We''re really not sure of where our own path lies."


    Zhang Yeughed and then asked, "Have you all tried 3D animation yet?"


    Ah?


    3D animation?


    Sun Xiaobei and the others were stunned for a moment.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the rest were also slightly taken aback.


    Li Zhi and the others were the professionals here. When they heard this, they got so scared they quickly said, "That won''t do. Japan has already tried out 3D animation a few times, and all of them have failed. There were a fewics with a good theme that got adapted into 3D animation, but their results were very poor. The fans only found it refreshing for a few days before starting to lose interest in them. The technicalities required for a 3D animation are not difficult, but Japan has proven that this model is not feasible."


    Chen Xiang kept waving his hand. "This won''t work."


    Hu Kebang also said, "Japan is the most developed country when ites to theics and animation industry. Since they have already proven that 3D animation does not have a future, then it will be even more so for��"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "They are them, and we are us. What they can''t do does not mean that it won''t work for us."


    If it didn''t work for others, why would it work for us?


    How could that be possible!


    Sun Xiaobei fell silent.


    Zhang Ye looked at her. "Do you want to give it a shot?"


    Sun Xiaobei said, "For a 3D animation, the production budget, capital, and personnel technical skill set required exceed that of a 2D animation production by many times over. Furthermore, no one has ever tried that in the domestic market before. If it were to fail, the losses would be astronomical. Aren''t the stakes a little too high here, Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m not interested in a low stakes game."


    Chen Xiang said, terrified, "Xiaobei, this��"


    Hu Kebang kicked Sun Xiaobei''s legs a few times under the table.


    Everyone knew that a Chinese animation production was essentially a pitfall!


    Everyone knew that doing a 3D animation was also a pitfall!


    But as it stood?


    Zhang Ye was actually thinking of a Chinese 3D animation production?


    This was a fucking pit in a pit!


    This was the deepest of the deep pits!


    We mustn''t touch this!


    Otherwise, we might have to pay for it with our lives!


    Hu Kebang, Chen Xiang, and the others all thought that there wasn''t going to be a more rotten idea than what Zhang Ye had suggested!


    But what surprised them the most was, after staying silent for about 30 seconds or so, Sun Xiaobei raised her head and looked Zhang Ye in the eye. After staring for a long time, she finally said, "If it were anyone else saying this to me, I would think that it was just a fantasy of that person''s and something that the most amateur ofymen would say. I would turn around to leave without even thinking about it. However, it''s different for you. I believe in your judgment! This is a pit that we''re willing to jump into!"


    "Xiaobei!"


    "Uh!"


    "This��"


    Chen Xiang and the others were nearly crying!


    Sun Xiaobei said, "We cane up with half of the funding."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll settle the rest of it."


    Sun Xiaobei asked, "As for the director?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll take it personally. How about the technical staff and support?"


    "We''ll take care of that."


    Zhang Ye reached out his hand. "It''s a pleasure working with you."


    Sun Xiaobei took his hand and held it with a lot of strength and determination. With this shake of hands, it was as though she had ced all of her hope into the deal. "A pleasure."


    She had said that the five people with her were all fellow shareholders of thepany and that they would discuss any matters together as a team. But in the end, it was still Sun Xiaobei who made the final decision. After all, she was the director who held thergest share of thepany. Sometimes, the resolution of a woman was much more stronger than that of a man''s! Sun Xiaobei was also unsure whether her decision was the correct one, but she really wanted to take a gamble on it!


    She wanted to take a gamble for their Miracle Animation Studios!


    And also a gamble for the Chinese cartoon industry!

 Chapter 1466 - Standing united against foreign enemies!

    <h4>Chapter 1466 - Standing united against foreign enemies! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    An explosive piece of news was announced.


    Martial King, Murder of Angels, and many other Japaneseics had signed an authorization agreement with Chinese video hosting sites and would be legally broadcast in China. At that time, theic versions, Chinese dubbed animations, and licensed merchandise would gradually make their appearance in the Chinese maind market. Furthermore, several Chinesepanies had signed long-term deals with Japan''s Sh��nen Publishing, POO Studios, and several other majorics magazine publishers. With Martial King and a few otheric series leading the way, there would be even more Japanese cartoons making their way into Chinater on.


    This news set off rm bells in the industry!


    This was the first time that Japanese cartoons were getting distributed legally in China. In the past, Japanese cartoons had always been provided free of charge illegally by various trantion teams. But this time, the act of legalizing them had such an extraordinary significance that it was enough to shake up the entire Asianics industry. This cooperation would likely help Japanese cartoons further expand their market share in the Asian region as well. Predictably, it would also signal the impending decline of their Chinese cartoons!


    ��


    Japan.


    Sh��nen Publishing.


    "This deal carries great significance."


    "That''s right, this is officially the first time we''re making inroads into the Chinese market."


    "Although we don''t have a killer weapon like One Piece, Martial King has had pretty good results all this time. In a market like China where theics industry is almost dead, there are no series out there that canpare with Martial King."


    "It''s also thanks to Zhang Ye that the market has opened up for us."


    "After the loss of One Piece, we can finally w back."


    ��


    POO Studios.


    "If we still had Naruto, that would be our best weapon."


    "Murder of Angels is as good a choice too. Those seven cartoons of Zhang Ye''s havepletely opened up the Chinese market for us. That ce is full of buzz, so we can dominate with whatever works we bring over."


    "Right, this is a money-grabbing opportunity!"


    "Yeah, it''s only a matter of who can grab the fastest. Hopefully, there won''t be any unexpected incidents again."


    "Haha, what could possibly happen?"


    ��


    Korea.


    "The Chinese market is done for."


    "Yeah, they''ve opened their doors and let the wolf in."


    "By allowing Japanese cartoons to get distributed officially in their market, China''sics industry will end up a barrennd soon."


    "Yeah, no one can stand in their way!"


    ��


    China.


    At an animationpany.


    "The wolves are here!"


    "Dammit! This is bing even worse than we thought!"


    "What should we do? How should we handle this?"


    "What else can we do? Fight back, of course! We should all join hands and rebuff the Japaneseics from eroding our share of the market! If that happens, the domesticics industry is done for!"


    "But what do we fight back with?"


    "Surely we can''t do nothing and wait for our deaths, right?"


    ��


    The media was fighting to get their first reports out.


    "Japanese cartoons enter the Chinese market!"


    "What does the future hold for the Chineseics industry?"


    "The wolves have descended. Who can stand up to them?"


    "The Chineseics industry might be dealt a devastating blow!"


    "Who can save the domesticics industry?"


    For a moment, theics industry was in chaos!


    The Japaneseics and animation world was exhrated!


    The Koreanics and animation world was quietly observing the winds of change!


    The Chineseics and animation world was in a state of mourning!


    This news hade at a really bad time. The Chineseics industry had already been hurt badly and was on the verge of death. It couldn''t endure this setback.


    The Chinese citizens started discussing this matter.


    "Wow, they''re finally allowing the official versions to enter the market."


    "We''ll have all those cartoons to watch again."


    "What do you know? This isn''t a good thing!"


    "Yeah, our domestic cartoons don''t stand a chance anymore."


    "Hai, when has our domesticics industry ever been able to stand alone?"


    "Stand alone? That''s no longer possible. The capital has already been redirected to the entertainment circle. Movies, TV dramas, web dramas, all of those are the favored choices of the sponsors. As for our domestic cartoons? The sponsors abandoned them long ago. It was actually our own fault since we couldn''te up with any good productions. But with the iing invasion of Japanese cartoons, that''s adding insult to injury. I''m getting less and less optimistic of our domesticics industry''s future. It''s beginning to look like a dead end."


    "That might not necessarily be so. Sometimes, one can only find hope in the most desperate of circumstances. I believe that in a life or death situation like this, there will definitely be someone who will step forward!"


    The people argued on end.


    Meanwhile, the Chineseics industry had gathered to discuss matters of utmost importance.


    The experts gave their views on the matter one by one.


    Media reports were being published one after another.


    And it was at this time that a piece of news blew up again!


    China''s Miracle Animation Studios suddenly made a sound. They announced that they would be partnering with Zhang Ye to create an unprecedented Chinese animation to stand up to the foreignpetitors!


    The industry was shocked!


    The public was stunned!


    "What?"


    "Miracle Animation? I''ve heard of them!"


    "Damn, they actually managed to get Zhang Ye to work with them?"


    "What? Zhang Ye?"


    "Why is he everywhere?"


    "That fellow is going to make a domestic cartoon?"


    "After dropping One Piece and Naruto, that fellow hase to meddle in our domestic animation productions?"


    "Fuck, didn''t you say that you didn''t have time? Why am I not convinced no matter how I see it!"


    On Weibo.


    Right afterwards, a written call to arms appeared out of nowhere!


    It was by Zhang Ye. He had written a very impassioned and vehement piece. "Someone told me that the market had no ce for our domestic cartoons and that no one likes to watch them��but I don''t believe that. Someone told me that China cannot produce a domesticic that has its own unique traits and that only Japan can do it��but I don''t believe that. Someone told me that the world belongs to Japanese cartoons now and that our domestic cartoons have no chance of survival��but I don''t believe that. I''ve never had my beliefs shaken before. If it''s something that others can achieve, then I believe that we can achieve it as well. Moreover, we can do it even better than them! Right now, the domestic cartoon industry has arrived at a life-and-death moment. Trouble is brewing within, and the enemy has infiltrated our market. There isn''t a more difficult time than now, there isn''t a more hopeless situation than this, yet this makes my blood race faster than ever. This is the time when we as Chinese citizens must defend our honor and dignity. This is the time when we as the champions ofmunism must take action! Who wants to stand up to the foreign enemies together with us?"


    Zhang Ye''s words were fantastic at stirring the people''s emotions!


    Instantly, quite a fewizens were pumped up as they rushed forward in response!


    "Me!"


    "And me too!"


    "Count me in!"


    "Who says we can''t do it?"


    "That''s right, we can also do a very good job!"


    "Right, let''s stand united against the foreign enemies!"


    "Support our domestic cartoons!"


    "Support our domestic cartoons!"


    "Defend our honor!"


    "Boycott Japanese cartoons!"


    It didn''t take long before everyone suddenly came around and realized something!


    Eh!


    This doesn''t seem right!


    This doesn''t seem right at all!


    It was you who went to draw Japanese cartoons in the first ce!


    It was you who started all of it!


    Japanese cartoons were also very popr in the past. But upon giving it some detailed thought, it was absolutely notparable to the current situation. Be it Martial King or some of the other popr Japanese cartoons in China, they did not really create any sort of sensation even though they were popr. This wave of pro-Japanese cartoons that was sweeping the world should have started with One Piece, followed by Naruto, Doraemon, and so on and so forth. If it weren''t for those seven national cartoons, the domesticics industry in China would not have fallen into the tragic situation it was in today. This pro-Japanese cartoons trend was mainly happening only because of you! It was obviously you who opened up the market for others! And you still have the cheek to call for a boycott against Japanese cartoons? You still have the face to stand up to foreign enemies?


    Oh my god!


    Thinking of this, the people puked blood!


    "Pfft!"


    "Zhang Ye, your sister!"


    "We nearly got fooled by you!"


    "Stop listening to his bullshit! This fellow is too good at talking big!"


    "You''re the fucking biggest foreign enemy here!"


    "Lord Zhang, don''t you feel embarrassed?"


    "This fellow is making me so angry that I want tough!"


    "If it weren''t for you, the domesticics industry would never have descended into such a miserable state! If you didn''t go and start trouble, our domesticics industry would still be doing quite well!"


    "This fellow is too freaking shameless!"


    "Hmph! When has Teacher Zhang ever cared about his face!"


    "I really have to give it to him for being so thick-skinned!"


    "This problem clearly started because of him, yet he''s here talking big about defending our honor and dignity in such an awe-inspiring manner? And iming to be some champion ofmunism? Get lost! Fuck off!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "This fellow can really turn his words around. In any case, he can always back his words up with his reasoning. There''s really no one else like him!"


    The people started ming him for it!


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    At the studio.


    The atmosphere was a little awkward.


    Ha Qiqi and the others were here, and so were Sun Xiaobei andpany.


    After Sun Xiaobei had announced the news that they would be teaming up with Zhang Ye to produce a Chinese animation, Zhang Ye volunteered to work on the publicity for it. After preparing for a long time, he had confidently posted that written call to arms. In it, he vowed to fight to the bitter end with the Japanese cartoon industry and stand up with the Chinese people against foreign enemies. As a result, once the essay was posted, it got criticized badly by the people.


    Sun Xiaobei covered her mouth and coughed.


    Ha Qiqi rolled her eyes.


    Only Zhang Ye pretended to calmly clear his throat. "Look, look at this, the publicity is such a sess!"


    Such a sess?


    Which of your eyes is telling you that it was such a sess!


    Everyone was speechless.


    Little Wang said without batting an eye, "But it looks like they''re all scolding you?"


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips and said, "That is what you don''t understand. This is exactly what I wanted to achieve. Look, it''s trending, right? Everyone knows that we''re going to make a domestic animation now, right? So isn''t that a sess?"


    Well, alright.


    If you say it''s sessful, then it''s sessful.


    You''re always right anyway.

 Chapter 1467 - Come on out, The Legend of Qin!

    <h4>Chapter 1467 - Come on out, The Legend of Qin! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the studio.


    After a few jokes, everyone got down to business.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Actually, I don''t advocate taking on the Japaneseics immediately aftering onto the scene. The opponent is too big and our enemy is too strong. The state of ourics industry is already in a rtively depressive state, and we have yet to find a good direction to make profits. We don''t have a proper model to operate on either. We can''t even stand on our own two feet, but we''re already rushing to start a war against the Japaneseics industry. Isn''t this too big of a first step to take? In the case that we lose, everything would''ve been for naught. Rather than that, shouldn''t we do what is required of ourselves first? We can justpete with ourselves and stand out from the crowd of domestic cartoons, and it will be considered a sess. Why do we have to insist onpeting with the Japanese cartoons?"


    Little Wang said, "Yeah, that''s right."


    Little Zhou said, "I''m afraid that we can''t win against them."


    Wu Yi said, "The opponent ising on so strongly, but we''re totally unprepared for it. It will be very difficult for us to win."


    Other than Zhang Ye and Sun Xiaobei, everyone else was not feeling too confident about the situation.


    Sun Xiaobei said, "Actually, we never wanted topete with the Japaneseics in the first ce. We also know that there''s too great of a difference between the two countries'' industries. But since our opponent has already arrived and even dered an unbridled war on us, driving us into a corner, there shouldn''t be anything for us to be afraid of anymore. We just have to bite the bullet and take them head on!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "That''s right, since they''vee knocking on our door, what''s the logic in not epting their challenge?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "We''ve already put out the word that we''ll be challenging them, yet we still do not have a proposal for the cartoon or any ideas to work with. In that case, what can we take them on with?"


    Sun Xiaobei said, "We will definitely decide on something today. After that, we''ll immediately start work on production."


    Zhang Ye said, "I do have a few ideas here, but I haven''t considered them fully yet. Let me give it some thought first."


    Everyone started giving their suggestions and discussing together.


    Zhang Ye was actually hesitating. Which one should he use?


    This was a battle that had to be properly nned and fought. It had to sound the gong and also be won. Therefore, the choice of work was of the utmost importance. If there was any carelessness, the entire war would be lost, and Zhang Ye didn''t like losing at all. It was either he did it to his best, or he didn''t do it at all. If he had to do this, then it would have to be brilliantly executed so that no one could have any grumblings about it. There were some elite Chinese animation productions in his previous world, but some of them were already outdated, while others were not suitable for this world and the times they were in. As such, they couldn''t be used. After eliminating those, not too many other choices were left for Zhang Ye to choose from. He could only select from a few candidates.


    3D?


    Chinese production?


    Something that could take on the Japanese cartoons?


    And it would even have to ensure that it could win?


    Zhang Ye''s eyes narrowed as he kept thinking about it. In the end, it seemed like there was only that one cartoon that would work. It was the only production that Zhang Ye had the most confidence would win and not lose��a milestone work among the Chinese 3D animations. Some of the plot and details might still need to be ironed out after bringing it to this world, but it shouldn''t affect it too much. After a long consideration, there shouldn''t be any other more suitable animation than this for their situation!


    OK!


    That''s the one!


    Come on out, The Legend of Qin!


    The uprising of this world''s Chinese cartoon industry also depends on you being at the front lines!


    I''ll be troubling you! If it were any other work, I wouldn''t be able to rest easy.


    In the end, Zhang Ye had to bring out this trump card to wage the battle for him!


    ��


    Zhang Ye had returned to theics and animation field!


    This was still a very sensational piece of news. At the very least, theics magazine publishers and animationpanies in Japan were all quite rmed by it!


    ��


    POO Studios.


    "What?"


    "Zhang Ye has returned?"


    "He has gone to meddle in the Chinese animation field?"


    "Why is it him again!"


    "Damn! Why is he like an inexorable ghost!"


    "Can''t this fellow just die!"


    ��


    Sh��nen Publishing.


    "What''s going on?!"


    "He must be doing this on purpose!"


    "You don''t have the time to carry on with theics'' serializations, but have the time to engage in your Chinese animation productions?"


    "Aren''t you deliberately challenging us this way!"


    "This fellow is trying to start trouble again!"


    "Why is he always going after us? Did we anger you?!"


    ��


    Sh��kansha.


    "Why do I have a bad feeling about this!"


    "Me too, nothing good ever happens whenever this fellow appears!"


    "He''s trying to pick a fight with us!"


    "But what has he got that he can pick a fight with us!"


    "Chinese cartoons? He''s gotta be too conceited, right?"


    "What good can any Chinese-made cartoons be?"


    ��


    The Japanese side was full of scolding!


    They had really been frightened by Zhang Ye!


    When Zhang Ye announced the cancetion of hisics, it had nearly ruined the entire Japaneseics industry. Putting aside the economic losses, just the psychological blow alone was enough to scar them for life. This was a lifetime of pain for Japaneseics. Some Japanese citizens and industry personnel would even shriek whenever they remembered what happened to One Piece or Naruto!


    All of their misery was single-handedly created by Zhang Ye!


    And now? They were going to face Zhang Ye in battle again?


    Thinking about this, a lot of people trembled in fright. They really could not understand why this Zhang fellow just had to keep finding trouble with them.


    Can''t you switch targets?


    Can''t you go look for trouble with someone else?


    In reality, they didn''t honestly think that any Chinese cartoon could truly pose a threat to them. Rather than a threat, it wouldn''t even be an obstacle for them. The difference was just too great. If it were any other person who came forward to dere a challenge to them, they wouldn''t care at all. But this person was Zhang Ye, that same Zhang Ye who had just thrown the entire Asianics and animation field into chaos. Although they hated him and found the guy to be evil, they could not help but admit that Zhang Ye was indeed the most capable cartoonist in the whole of Asia. This was something they really could not help but be wary of.


    As such, the Japanese side all had their hairs standing on end as they remained cautious of their opponent''s movements.


    The news from China was slowly spreading and being announced. It was only when the details of Zhang Ye''stest animation was made known that the Japaneseics and animation field could finally put their minds at ease!


    3D!


    This idiot was actually going to make a 3D animation!


    The Japaneseics and animation world instantly gloated at this news!


    "Hahahaha!"


    "How funny is that!"


    "Ayman is indeed ayman!"


    "He even dares to jump into the pit that is 3D animation?"


    "That Zhang fellow is so stupid. Who doesn''t know that there isn''t any future for 3D animation!"


    "I was so scared. I was still worried that he might do something to cause an upset, thinking that he would produce another piece like One Piece. That would have really put the pressure on us, but it looks like we can breathe a sigh a relief now. Hur hur, Zhang Ye must not know that 3D animation was abandoned by theics and animation field many years ago. Back when 3D technology was just emerging, we were also very excited by the possibilities and wanted to create something different. But what was the oue of that? Countless experiments have proven that it doesn''t work at all. The investment is too pricey and it gets almost zero returns. The audience isn''t convinced by it, so no one even bothers with it anymore. For something that has already been abandoned by theics and animation world, he''s picking it out of the trash?"


    "That dumbass!"


    "That Zhang guy is going to be dumbfounded by the results!"


    "Let''s see if he can still skip around after this!"


    "Hahaha! This will be very interesting to watch!"


    Ridicule!


    Derision!


    Celebration!


    The Japanese side went crazy with joy!


    ��


    Over in China, the people were also stunned!


    Many of those from the Chinese animationpanies had seen some hope when they saw Zhang Ye stepping forward to produce a Chinese cartoon. Some of them were even stirred up by the call to arms essay that Zhang Ye had written and were wondering what kind of an amazing animation Zhang Ye and Miracle Animation Studios woulde up with!


    But as it stood?


    A 3D animation?


    It just had to fucking be this!


    I''m gonna faint!


    "We''re finished."


    "There''s no hope anymore."


    "This is a bottomless pit!"


    "There are still people who dare to experiment with 3D animation these days?"


    "They''re gonna lose so much money!"


    "Damn, Miracle Animation Studios is one of the best local animationpanies in the industry. What are they thinking? Teacher Zhang is behaving on a whim, but why are they following suit?"


    On Weibo.


    Theizens were also dumbfounded!


    "Does anyone even make 3D animation anymore these days?"


    "The more no one does it, the more Zhang Ye will do it. Have you all forgotten about his temperament? This fellow has always had huge balls!"


    "Teacher Zhang is looking for trouble again!"


    "W-Will this work?"


    "I have a feeling that Lord Zhang will castrate this project as well!"


    "This fellow is too bold!"


    "Yeah, and he''s even ying it bigger than thest time around!"


    "I thought that he would be using something good to take on the Japanese cartoons. So that''s all that he has? Then what''s the point of taking them on? Even before we can challenge them, we''re already dead in the water!"


    A lot of people didn''t know whether tough or cry. Almost no one was optimistic about this venture!

 Chapter 1468 - The voiceover talent for The Legend of Qin!

    <h4>Chapter 1468 - The voiceover talent for The Legend of Qin! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The battle began!


    Right now, it was the calm before the storm in the animation field!


    This was the first time in history that someone was directly challenging Japaneseics in theics industry. Whether anyone held any hopes for it, it still did not deter the continued attention of everyone!


    Who would lose?


    And who would win?


    Everyone was waiting to find out!


    ��


    Preparations for several of the Japanese animation productions had already begun.


    "Has the source footage been delivered?"


    "We''ve already sent it over."


    "Hurry up and get everything done. Only the dubbing is a little tricky to handle."


    "We''ve already asked the best voice actors in China to work on our projects."


    "Alright, and don''t save on the promotions either."


    "Understood."


    ��


    Miracle Animation Studios.


    Preparations were also in full swing.


    One after another, all kinds of proposals were tossed out.


    Sun Xiaobei said, "Teacher Zhang, have a look."


    Zhang Ye said, "This one won''t do."


    "How about this one?"


    "This won''t do either."


    All of the proposals were rejected by Zhang Ye.


    In the end, Zhang Ye took out one proposal himself and handed it out to them. "Let''s go with this. We''ll do it ording to the specifications. If there''s anything that we don''t have the resources for, leave it to me."


    The people of Miracle Animation Studios were dumbfounded.


    Chen Xiang said startled, "The investment for this is too much!"


    Sun Xiaobei was also shocked. "150 million in funding?"


    Zhang Ye added, "This is only the preliminary estimate. If it isn''t enough, we can still add to it. The publicity budget will be a separate figure."


    Sun Xiaobei gasped and said, "If we go ahead with this n, the production fees could possibly go up to 200 million?"


    "That''s right." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Since we''re taking on the Japanese cartoon industry, we definitely have to have a bigger budget. If we''re going to do this, we must do it to the best standards in the industry. Like I''ve said, I''m not interested in a low stakes game. We either go big or we go home."


    The people of Miracle Animation Studios broke out into cold sweats!


    But this is way too big!


    Whatever! Since it''s already like this, we''ll just go ahead and do it!


    If we die, we die. Come what may!


    At the point the proposal was decided on, a lot of them put on a gant face as they decided to gamble everything they had on it!


    The animation production began!


    Miracle Animation Studios started recruiting people to work on it!


    Zhang Ye started storyboarding!


    But the pressure on Zhang Ye this time was pretty huge. He understood howics worked, and that was no longer a problem for him. But directing an animation production was different from making aic. One required him to draw while the other required him to direct. That was already different. Zhang Ye had directed variety shows before, and even the Spring Festival G as well, but this was his first time handling an animation production, and it was even a 3D animation to boot! This was clearly somethingpletely new to him. Zhang Ye was crossing over into a different industry again. So all of his decisions would have to be carefully considered, and he also needed the support of others.


    For example, like the voice acting.


    Voiceover talent was one of the major features in Japanese animation. Many voice actors were even more popr than some of the D- or E-list celebrities around. It had reached the point where voice actors had be an indispensable part of Japanese animation. Since he wanted to challenge the Japanese animation industry, this was something that he had to make up for!


    But how could he make up for it?


    There wasn''t a properwork of voice actors to recruit from.


    But of course, Zhang Ye had his own ideas. He brought out his next trump card!


    He made a few calls.


    ��


    Fan Wenli.


    "Hello, Zhang''er?"


    "Old Fan, I''m looking for you for something."


    "Hur hur, speak if you need help."


    "I''m making a domestic animation."


    "I know that, it''s all over the news. But I won''t be able to help you with this. Your animation will contain only fictional characters, so it''s not like I can guest star in it or something."


    "But you can do the voice acting."


    "Ah? Voice acting?"


    "Your voice is very pleasant, and you''re also a professional musician, so how about it?"


    "Will I be good enough?"


    "You''re definitely good enough."


    ��


    Xu Men.


    "Sister Lan, it''s me."


    "Teacher Zhang?"


    "I have a favor to ask."


    "Yes?"


    "It''s about my new animation. Can you help me to do some voice acting for one of the characters as a guest star?"


    "Me?"


    "Yes, give your brother some support, won''t you?"


    "When?"


    "In a fortnight. We can arrange a time based on your schedule."


    "Alright. Since it''s Teacher Zhang asking me, it''s no problem. I still owe you one from thest time you helped me out with the SARFT."


    ��


    Dong Shanshan.


    "Shanshan, can I book you for an event?"


    "What is it?"


    "Help me do some voice acting for my animation. I''m giving you a good part."


    "As if I know how to voice act."


    "We both majored in broadcasting, so which of us have not learned how to voice act?"


    "Alright then."


    "Thanks."


    ��


    One by one, he made the calls.


    Zhang Xia.


    Yao Jiancai.


    Yu Yingyi.


    Xiaodong.


    And so on. He made appointments with whoever could help him.


    Other than a few friends who couldn''t do it due to scheduling conflicts, Zhang Ye settled things with almost all of them with one phone call. Everyone gave a lot of face to Zhang Ye.


    This was the other trump card of his!


    Couldn''t recruit enough voice actors?


    He would make up for that with celebrities!


    A simr model 1 did not exist in this world yet. But in Zhang Ye''s previous world, this was something of a form. There were multiple cases of celebrity guests starring in animations, so Zhang Ye was very familiar with it. But as this was unknown to the people here, it was still a very novel idea to them. No one had seen something like that before!


    When Zhang Ye brought out this list to show the people of Miracle Animation Studios, he could see that Sun Xiaobei, Chen Xiang, and the others were all dumbfounded!


    Chen Xiang was stunned. "What the heck!"


    Li Zhi cried out, "Heavens!"


    Han Bin said, "This lineup is way too impressive!"


    Hu Kebang said in shock, "They''re all at least A- or B-list celebrities? And there''s even a Heavenly Queen amongst them?"


    Zhao Chengfei said, "My God!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "In the past, our domestic animation productions have always had a shoring in the area of voice acting. We might not be able to make up for it in the short term, so we have to do it another way. My social rtions in the entertainment circle might be a littlecking, but I still have a few friends who I can count on. Don''t worry, this won''t cost much money. They''re all my friends and are more than willing to guest star in the production. Furthermore, there''s no need to worry about their professionalism and standards. They''ll definitely be good enough."


    Everyone looked at one another. For the first time, they were starting to have some confidence.


    With this lineup of voiceover talent, it could easily scare anyone to death. There was absolutely no precedent in history!


    Xu Men!


    Fan Wenli!


    Dong Shanshan!


    How many people could invite these big names to voice act for them?


    No one! No one could do it! Even if you were to pay others to act in a movie, they would still have to look at the script and understand the character first. Furthermore, this was for a "role" in which they wouldn''t even be showing their faces? With their status, why would they want to go behind the scenes to voice act! But Zhang Ye managed to convince them to do it?


    In Zhang Ye''s previous world, The Legend of Qin did not have such a grand lineup, nor did it have so much funding. But over in this world, Zhang Ye had a lot of resources to y with. Since he could make it better, he absolutely had to make it better. He was never afraid of hyping things up!


    Funding?


    Voice actors?


    Production?


    Publicity?


    He used only the best for all of them!


    He would make it the biggest for all of it!


    What he wanted to achieve was to make The Legend of Qin astonish everyone right out of the gates!


    Wasn''t everyone pessimistic about a homegrown animation?


    Didn''t they all feel that a 3D animation wouldn''t work?


    Alright then, I''ll broaden all of your horizons. An animation with our own style can also astonish Asia. It will sweep everything aside!

 Chapter 1469 - Zhang Ye’s new cartoon is released!

    <h4>Chapter 1469 - Zhang Ye''s new cartoon is released! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    One day.


    Two days.


    In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed.


    Japanese animation Murder of Angels was officially released. It was followed closely by Martial King and several other cartoons that also made their debut in China. Even other animated series from Japan received same day releases in China. The days of keeping up with thetest episodes, waiting for the subtitling teams and video sources were over. The Chineseizens were now able to view thetest official releases of the Japanese animated series in both Chinese and Japanese. If they wanted to watch the animation in Chinese, they could just select the Mandarin audio channel. If they wanted to watch it in its originalnguage, they just had to switch it to the Japanese audio channel.


    The industry paid close attention!


    The people were in anticipation!


    "It''s here!"


    "Atst, we don''t have to wait for the subbing teams to trante them anymore!"


    "The dubbing is quite eptable."


    "This is really a full-scale invasion."


    "The Chinese market is going to fall."


    "They''reing in with unstoppable force!"


    "The views are exploding!"


    "Damn, what a high view count!"


    "I knew it. Once the Japanese cartoons came into the Chinese market and officially began their money-grabbing attempts, they would sweep allpetition aside. They have too many fans of their works already."


    "Didn''t Lord Zhang call everyone to stand united and boycott them?"


    "Pfft, and you believe that his words would have any effect? How are we supposed to boycott the Japanese cartoons?"


    "Do you guys really believe that the 3D domestic animation by Zhang Ye could take on those Japanese cartoons? Anyone who jumps into that pit will die!"


    The view count kept climbing!


    Martial King''s single episode views reached 20 million!


    Murder of Angels was the most popr, gaining 31 million views!


    The other Japanese cartoons that came to China also performed great!


    This good start gave the Japanese side an assurance and also made those online video hosting sites and partners in China very excited!


    Over the next few days.


    Murder of Angels and the other series were getting more and more popr!


    The Chinese cartoons were being forced back in defeat!


    This was a massacre!


    An absolute massacre!


    During this period, a Chinese animation studio rushed out a production of theirs. It was called The Legend of Youth and was backed by a 20 million RMB investment. In terms of Chinese animation productions, this was a big project. But when the animation was released, the reviews for it were extremely poor. A lot of people were shaking their heads in disapproval. There were also those who really wanted to support the local animations and went to watch it in anticipation, but they were all disappointed!


    "The production quality is horrible."


    "There''s nothing new about the plot."


    "It''s just imitating the Japanese cartoons. How boring."


    "Hai, it''s really over for the domestic cartoon industry!"


    "With such a level of production, it''s not even good enough to be shown!"


    The Legend of Youth had failed without a doubt!


    Its single episode only gained a share of 550,000 views. It wasn''t even a fractionpared to the Japanese cartoons!


    It was terrible!


    The Chinese animation field mourned!


    Meanwhile, Japanese animation was doing great!


    "We''ve finally taken the Chinese market!"


    "For the next 10 years, the Chinese cartoon industry will be ruled by us!"


    "Aren''t you being too conservative by saying 10 years?"


    "Right, for the next 20 years, the Chinese cartoon industry wouldn''t have any chance of making aeback."


    "Hur hur, so where''s Zhang Ye''s new animation?"


    "Who knows!"


    "His animation production started off from nothing, so it will have to be slowly made. Furthermore, it''s a 3D animation, so the production process will be slightly more troublesome. Without a year or so, how could it bepleted? By that time, the Chinese cartoon industry will have turned into a barrennd. How could he still have any chance of fighting back against us then?"


    The Japanese cartoons were sweeping thepetition aside!


    The Chinese cartoons'' future was bleak!


    And Zhang Ye''s new production was still a long way off from being released?


    But at this moment, Zhang Ye once again proved to the people with his actions what it meant to be the fastest shot in the world. Miracle Animation Studios and Zhang Ye''s Studio suddenly announced that The Legend of Qin would be officially released on the first of the following month. They vowed to take the fight with the Japanese cartoons to the bitter end!


    The industry was in shock!


    "What?"


    "This��this��"


    "Hey, this is way too fast!"


    "Are you fucking on steroids?"


    "How could you havepleted it within a month?"


    "The Japanese animations already havepleted works that just need a little editing before having the voice actors dub over them. Even that had taken them half a month''s time to get ready, but you who started from zero has actuallypleted everything in just one month? And it''s even a 3D animation? How can it be a production worth watching? Just how shoddy will the animation quality be?"


    "The voice acting should be something to look forward to."


    "How can it not be? There''s a Heavenly Queen in the cast!"


    "But why am I so anxious about the content of this animation?"


    "This fellow is such a fast worker!"


    The Japanese side wasughing. They did not believe that the animation that Zhang Ye used a month toplete could cause much of a stir. They thought that Zhang Ye had forced it out in order to have something to fight them with.


    3D animation?


    With native elements?


    Rushed out in one month?


    Every point was suggesting it to be a failure!


    There didn''t seem to be a future for this animation no matter how you looked at it!


    Japan, Korea, the industry, the people, and even the media were all left with a big question mark over their heads regarding this new animation by Zhang Ye!


    ��


    Miracle Animation Studios.


    Everyone was gathered here.


    Sun Xiaobei was very excited. "We''ve finally arrived at this moment!"


    Chen Xiang''s heart was pounding. He had just finished watching five episodes of the cartoon that had been produced. "It''s hard to imagine it, but this animation is really unprecedented!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s our time to make an appearance. We can''t keep letting them have all the limelight, after all."


    Hu Kebang anxiously asked, "Director Zhang, is this cartoon really going to work?"


    Zhang Ye said, "As long as our production can keep up with the series release, it won''t be a problem. The animation might not bepleted, but we can''t wait anymore. We have to release it immediately!"


    Han Bin said, "At the moment, the hottest cartoon from Japan is Murder of Angels. Its single episode views have already reached an astonishing 30-plus million views, and the total series views have broken 100 million. So if we''re going to dere war, should we target Murder of Angels? Shouldn''t we aim to beat it?"


    Aim to beat it?


    Aim to beat it for what!


    What''s the use of aiming to beat it!


    Zhang Ye waved his hands and said haughtily, "I want to challenge ten of their series at one go!"


    Everyone was speechless.


    Zhang Ye currently felt exceedingly confident. The Legend of Qin had finally been resurrected in this world by him. Furthermore, it was even resurrected as a more sophisticated version of the production by him!


    Who else!


    Just tell me, who else wants to have a go?


    If it weren''t someone from his previous world, they would never know just how awesome The Legend of Qin was!


    But Zhang Ye knew!


    So this fellow had an urge to stand on the rooftops and belt out the famousQingzang teau 1 !


    ��


    On the first of the new month!


    It was time!


    The Legend of Qin shockingly debuted!


    Due to a very strong publicity campaign, the hype was real. Countless people came to watch the video with the mentality of giving the animation a try. Some of them were doing so because of Zhang Ye''s reputation, while others were here because of the celebrity voice actors. Up to this moment, there wasn''t anyone who actually felt that this cartoon could shake off the curse of being a Chinese animation!


    But after they watched the first episode, the whole of China was excited!


    The narration came on!


    It was Zhang Ye who did the voiceover!


    "The previous dynasty of a thousand years hase to an end. A sense of destion had set into the recesses of everyone''s hearts. Memories of vast and splendid ins had turned to sand in the shadows of this new world. Resistance was futile. All who stood against the new empire were crushed under merciless horseshoes. The divided kingdoms were united into one empire. What used to be a deafening mor has been silenced into one voice."


    Golden dagger-axes!


    Calvary!


    Wastnd!


    Massacres!


    In one short minute!


    The magnificent images shocked everyone into stupefaction. It caught a lot of people off guard, and they couldn''t believe what they were watching!


    ��


    The Chinese people were stunned!


    "Holy shit!"


    "This��"


    "What''s going on? Tell me, what''s going on?"


    "W-Was this produced by Zhang Ye?"


    "Is this really our own cartoon?"


    ��


    In the media.


    "Oh my God!"


    "This is too stunning!"


    "Was this really done by us?"


    "But it''s impossible!"


    "W-When did we have such quality!"


    ��


    The Japanese side was also dumbfounded!


    "This is a 3D animation?"


    "Why is it like that?"


    "This isn''t right! This isn''t right at all!"


    "What is with the look of this animation?"


    ��


    Stunned!


    Shocked!


    Dumbfoundedness!


    Astonishment!


    Only now did a lot of people realize that Zhang Ye''s new animation waspletely different from what they had imagined. How the fuck can this be a Chinese animation production?!


    Fuck, this doesn''t make any sense at all!

 Chapter 1470 - Sweeping the Japanese cartoons aside!

    <h4>Chapter 1470 - Sweeping the Japanese cartoons aside! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The imagery was amazing!


    So amazing that a lot of people nearly went blind!


    As for the plot?


    Would the plot maintain a "local vor"?


    A lot of people were waiting in anticipation at theirputers as they dumbfoundedly watched on.


    Then, even more people were dumbfounded!


    Many of those watching gasped as they continued watching!


    ��


    In the video.


    Ge Nie said, "Tianming, are you afraid?"


    Tianming said, "No!"


    "Do you know why none of them are attacking?"


    "It looks like they''re really afraid?"


    "That''s right."


    "Are they that afraid of you?"


    "They''re not afraid of me."


    "Then what are they afraid of?"


    "They''re afraid of the consequences of getting in my way. You must remember the look in their eyes. Do not forget it for the rest of your life."


    Tianming asked, "Why?"


    Ge Nie exined, "Because these are the eyes of the weak. You must not be a weakling."


    ��


    Very quickly, the first episode was over.


    A lot of people had finished watching it with wide eyes!


    What was the impression that everyone always had of Chinese animation productions?


    Low budget.


    Poor technical quality.


    Bad art.


    Boring plot.


    Bad voice acting.


    There was almost noparison between the Japanese cartoons and their Chinese cartoons. The difference was not just a little, but like that of Heaven and Earth. In all aspects, their Chinese cartoons were inferior to the Japanese cartoons. This was something that the people were used to. They never had any expectations for Chinese cartoons, thinking that they didn''t have the technical quality, capabilities, and strength topete. But on the day The Legend of Qin was released, everything changed. Everyone''s mindset of Chinese cartoons was shattered. It was utterly broken to the point they had no doubts left!


    Surprise!


    Excitement!


    Disbelief!


    This is a Chinese cartoon?


    This is our very own animation production?


    ��


    At a school.


    During recess.


    "Xiaofang, have you watched The Legend of Qin yet?"


    "What the heck is that?"


    "Zhang Ye''stest animation!"


    "I don''t watch Chinese cartoons."


    "You idiot! Hurry up and watch it! It''s awesome!"


    "Are you serious?"


    "I''d be a dog if I''m lying!"


    ��


    At apany.


    "Goodness, who here has watched The Legend of Qin?"


    "I''ve finished watching it!"


    "It was amazing! I was so dumbfounded!"


    "Me too, the art was so beautiful!"


    "The plot was very interesting too!"


    "The voice acting was even better. Zhang Ye''s voice was the best!"


    "Yeah, I''ve been a fan of his narration since A Bite of China!"


    ��


    At a Chinese animation studio.


    "Holy shit!"


    "How awesome!"


    "This is too fucking awesome!"


    "How did he manage to make the art so beautiful!"


    "Just how much money did they spend on this?"


    "This 3D imagery has got to be the most outstanding in the industry, right?"


    "The script is a ssic too!"


    "What kind of a mind does Zhang Ye really have!"


    ��


    On this day.


    The country''sics and animation fans went crazy!


    They absolutely couldn''t have expected that Zhang Ye''s new animation would actually be like this! This was already beyond anyone''s expectations and had subverted the stereotype of Chinese animation productions that many people had. Be it the art, voice acting, or plot, there was nothing to nitpick. Almost everything was done to perfection!


    It didn''t look worse than the Japanese cartoons!


    It was definitely not any worse than their cartoons!


    And more importantly, The Legend of Qin had one huge advantage that the Japanese cartoons did not have, and it was that the setting was in China. The story was based on Chinese history, so no matter how the Japanese cartoons were tranted into Chinese, it wouldn''t be as immersive to the locals as an animation that had a local vor!


    A wave of good reviews instantly followed!


    The Legend of Qin''s reputation shot through the roof!


    9.7!


    9.6!


    9.8!


    ��These were the scores that several of China''srgest rating sites had given it!


    In the blink of an eye, it became the highest rated animation in the history of Chinese animations!


    Countless reviews were published!


    "Crazily rmending The Legend of Qin!"


    "The most outstanding domestic animation in history!"


    "Zhang Ye has brought us yet another surprise!"


    "Five-star rating! The domestic animation industry writes a new chapter!"


    "Indescribable! Absolutely amazing!"


    "Zhang Ye is still the same old invincible Zhang Ye we knew!"


    "Analysis on the background of The Legend of Qin *Spoilers ahead*!"


    A turnaround for domestic cartoons?"


    A Chinese cartoon had unexpectedly set off a phenomenal wave of discussions. This was truly an unprecedented event in China!


    More and more people read the reviews and rmendations, and they clicked on the animation to watch it. Many of those who didn''t used to watch Chinese cartoons also joined in. They wouldn''t know if they didn''t watch it, but after they did, they were all very astonished as well. Everyone was calling it incredible!


    The people apuded!


    The media praised it!


    The industry was cheering!


    Although only one episode had been broadcast, this animation had given the people a morale boost!


    Zhang Ye!


    Sun Xiaobei!


    Miracle Animation Studios!


    They were all pushed into the limelight!


    These reactions dumbfounded the Japaneseics and animation world!


    "I thought that 3D animation productions didn''t work?"


    "Yeah, didn''t someone say that this was a deep pit?"


    "Why has The Legend of Qin be so popr?"


    "This Zhang fellow is too good at stirring things up!"


    "Surely Murder of Angels won''t be surpassed in views, right?"


    "That''s not possible, right? Murder of Angels has already hit 30-plus million views for a single episode and is currently the most popr Japanese cartoon in China. It won''t be that easy to surpass it!"


    "But��but The Legend of Qin''s first episode has already hit 15 million views!"


    "What did you say?"


    "15 million views?"


    "It was only broadcast an hour ago!"


    "Holy fuck!"


    The statistics were constantly being updated!


    The views for The Legend of Qin kept increasing!


    20 million!


    25 million!


    30 million!


    Under the dumbfounded gaze of everyone, and in only two and a half hours, views for The Legend of Qin surpassed Martial King and Murder of Angels. But this was still not the end. The momentum of The Legend of Qin did not slow down as it continued racking up views!


    50 million!


    60 million!


    80 million!


    And then, it actually hit 100 million views!


    Furthermore, it was still increasing!


    110 million!


    120 million!


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    The Japanese side was left kneeling!


    Such momentum could only be described as invincible. Be it Martial King or Murder of Angels, thebined single episode views of all the Japanese cartoons until now could not even match The Legend of Qin''s first episode views! Zhang Ye was right. He was really challenging ten of their series with one animation! With just The Legend of Qin alone, it crushed all of the other Japanese cartoons showing in China. Moreover, it wasn''t just a close win, but an absolute thrashing!


    Sweeping thepetition!


    None of them was a match for it!


    The first day''s broadcast of The Legend of Qin had achieved an astonishing result!


    At this moment, a lot of the Chinese cartoon industry''s people were in tears. How long had they been waiting for this day? They almost couldn''t remember!


    Sweeping the Japanese cartoons aside?


    It had really been achieved!


    A Chinese person really managed to do it!


    Spring had finally arrived for the Chinese cartoon industry!

 Chapter 1471 - A phenomenal Chinese animation!

    <h4>Chapter 1471 - A phenomenal Chinese animation! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Sun Xiaobei was crying.


    Chen Xiang was crying.


    And Hu Kebang was crying too.


    They hugged each other excitedly, sometimesughing, sometimes howling, and sometimes crying. They did not know how to express the excitement they were feeling!


    "It''s a sess!"


    "We did it!"


    "We won against the Japanese cartoon industry! It''s the first time that we''ve won!"


    "How many years have we been waiting for this!"


    "Director Zhang, you''re amazing! You''re so amazing!"


    "We finally did it!"


    "Ahhhhh! What are we going to do! I''m going crazy with excitement!"


    "D-Did we really achieve this result?"


    "We did! Of course we did!"


    Seeing their joy, the eyes of the Zhang Ye''s Studio staff also lit up. They were not in the industry, so they didn''t really understand much about Chinese animation orics. It was only when a light bulb had lit up in Director Zhang''s mind that they joined this industry with him. Frankly, they did not have that deep a feeling for the Chinese animation industry, but after interacting in recent days and gaining an understanding of it, Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the rest all felt a sense of admiration for Sun Xiaobei and the other Chinese cartoon industry workers. They really admired their persistence and belief to wholeheartedly create a Chinese animation. Few young people were like them.


    Sacrifice.


    Hard work.


    Training.


    Waiting.


    And now, this day had finallye.


    They deserved to be happy. This glory belonged to them.


    Sun Xiaobei went to give Zhang Ye a hug. "Director Zhang, thank you!"


    Hu Kebang and the others also came over to give Zhang Ye a hug, talking loudly andughing happily.


    Sun Xiaobei wiped away her tears and said, "Be quiet, the neighbors are all sleeping. Don''t cause trouble for Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "It''s alright, today is a proud day for us people of the Chinese cartoon industry. It''s only right that we celebrate this achievement."


    Us people of the Chinese cartoon industry?


    Can you stop elevating your status like that?


    The staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio rolled their eyes at this.


    People like Sun Xiaobei andpany are the true people of the Chinese cartoon industry, alright? But you''re not. You castrated sevenics and dropped all your work in Japan beforeing to meddle in the Chinese animation field, so how does that make you someone from the Chinese cartoon industry? All you''re doing is switching ces to p people in the face after you''re done elsewhere. Everything you do is based on your whims and impulses!


    Zhang Ye said, "Everyone must be hungry, right? Let''s go, I''ll treat everyone to supper!"


    "Thanks, Lord Zhang!"


    "Wow, we''re gonna have a meal!"


    Everyone went for a celebratory feast.


    Indeed, there should be a celebratory feast.


    When the "report card" for the day was published, The Legend of Qin''s first episode reached a final figure of 130 million views. This was a frightening figure that would scare anyone silly. Not only did it break the best result in the history of Chinese animation, it even matched the number of views that the most outstanding variety shows or television dramas had. Further, this was only the first episode. It was only the premiere!


    Two of the most popr Chinese television dramas and a variety show had been affected by this as well. Their number of online views had dropped by more than 20%pared to their usual traffic, which rmed the studios and production teams. At the same time, they didn''t know whether tough or cry. The number of views for the television dramas and variety show had actually been divvied up?


    When did a Chinese animation have such power!


    When was any Chinese animation able topete with the Chinese television dramas and variety shows?


    ��


    Japan.


    Severalpanies were holding a meetingte at night.


    "Martial King''s performance has been greatly affected!"


    "It''s the same for our Murder of Angels, the number of clicks has dropped by a lot!"


    "They''ve all been taken by The Legend of Qin!"


    "What on earth is it with this animation?!"


    "Who would''ve thought that the down in the dumps Chinese animation industry would suddenlye up with an animation like that!"


    "Hai, this Zhang Ye has messed up our ns!"


    "But this is only the first episode. Zhang Ye is extremely famous, and they''ve spent a lot of money on the publicity as well, so it''s quite normal that the first episode''s results are better. Theter episodes will definitely not be able to continue this run. If all the episodes keep achieving over 100 million views, there won''t be anything left to y for. It''s impossible for it to continue like that!"


    "Good point!"


    "Right, we cannot panic."


    However, what the Japaneseics and animation world was waiting for did note to pass!


    ��


    The next day.


    The Legend of Qin''s second episode was released.


    "Wow!"


    "It''s a consecutive broadcast?"


    "One episode a day? That is so exhrating!"


    "It''s so fun to watch! The second episode is good too!"


    "Hahahaha! It''s Yao Jiancai''s voice!"


    "Old Yao''s voice is so funny!"


    "I can recognize it too. I knew it was him the moment I heard it!"


    "Splendid!"


    On the same day, the statistics of the second episode were published!


    140 million views!


    It did even better than what the first episode had achieved on the day of broadcast!


    ��


    On the third day.


    Another new episode of The Legend of Qin was released!


    "It''s another episode!"


    "Awesome, awesome, awesome!"


    "This lineup of voice actors is so impressive!"


    "That''s right. In the entire industry, who canmand such an impressive lineup of S- and A-listers!"


    "This is so good. The more I watch it, the more addicted I be!"


    "The plot is so coherent!"


    "Right, and the art is so beautiful that I don''t think I''ll ever get sick of watching it!"


    "I''ve already watched it three times!"


    "This is the pride of our domestic animation productions!"


    "Zhang Ye, well done! Miracle Animation Studios, well done!"


    On this day, the statistics for the third episode were published!


    It got 150 million views!


    Meanwhile, the first episode of The Legend of Qin had reached 200 million views!


    ��


    Martial King was left kneeling!


    Murder of Angels was left kneeling!


    All the Japanese cartoons that came to the Chinese market to grab money were left kneeling!


    When the Japanesepanies saw the results, they broke down!


    "Motherfucker!"


    "What''s there left to y for?"


    "It has stabilized at over 100 million views per episode? Is this Zhang guy on steroids!"


    "How can it possibly be so high!"


    "This Zhang Ye is clearly getting involved in animation for the first time!"


    "The Legend of Qin? This should be considered a national cartoon, right?"


    "China has such a backward cartoon industry, but it can stille up with a national cartoon?"


    Despair!


    There truly was a sense of despair all around!


    If their opponent only had tens of millions of views, they might be able to chase after it or take action to remedy the situation so they could challenge it. But it was over 100 million views! It was 200 million views! How the fuck could they still challenge it? Even if they gave it their all, they still wouldn''t be able to catch up to it!


    They had lost!


    They had been utterly defeated!


    They hade to the Chinese cartoon industry in high spirits this time before being pped back to where they came from!


    At this time, some of them started thinking about One Piece, Naruto, and Detective Conan. If they still had those cartoons, would they have ended up in such a situation? They could have somewhatpeted with the opponent, right? And maybe even win? But when they suddenly remembered that those cartoons were drawn by Zhang Ye, they sunk into even greater despair. In the duration of a short few months, eight national cartoons had appeared in Asia. Seven of them originated in Japan, while one of them was from China. And the best thing of all? All of these cartoons had actually been created by one fucking person?


    Just how terrifying was this!

 Chapter 1472 - One last step from reaching the top?

    <h4>Chapter 1472 - Onest step from reaching the top? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    One day.


    Three days.


    Five days.


    The Japanese side was no longer saying anything.


    The attention surrounding the Japanese cartoons showing in China had be very low-key. It wasn''t that they didn''t want to be high profile, but that this had be a solo by The Legend of Qin. There was nothing more they could do to regain the attention of the people.


    On the streets.


    In the alleys.


    Online.


    There was no longer any talk about the Japanese cartoons.


    Instead, the discussions were now focused on their own Chinese cartoon.


    A lot of people were worried that The Legend of Qin would get canceled. After all, Zhang Ye had a very notorious history. He had a record of doing this, and it was even an extreme case where seven of hisic series got castrated and went on hiatus! Many people were ill at ease. But their worry did note to pass. On the contrary, it felt as though Zhang Ye felt fired up like a warrior. His average release rate hit almost five episodes a week. Miracle Animation Studios were also working around the clock to achieve this output. The employees were clocking so much overtime their eyes turned red. No one took a break as they invested all their time into the production of this animation. Everyone was giving the project their all!


    200 million views!


    250 million views!


    300 million views!


    A video game adaption was announced!


    ns for a movie version were initiated!


    The animation was nominated for all the Chinese animation awards!


    The Legend of Qin kept growing stronger as it became very popr. It was so popr that it was brutal. It was so popr that it was earth-shattering. The poprity and exposure of the animation in China had soared to the extreme. What did it mean by soaring to the extreme? It meant that there was nothing else beyond that. All of the websites, forums, and news outlets in the country were flooded with the mention of this unprecedented domestic animation. Miracle Animation Studios had truly created a miracle this time!


    In the end, even the citizens of the other Asian countries were rmed.


    Japan.


    "Nani?"


    "China has a national cartoon?"


    "Even Martial King could not win against it?"


    "How is that possible!"


    "Zhang Ye is the director of that cartoon?"


    "Why is he everywhere!"


    "Motherfucker, is he nning to go against us all his life?"


    "This damned eunuch, he''s so infuriating!"


    "Let''s fight back!"


    "The problem is that we can''t fight back!"


    Korea.


    "Did you hear? The Japanese cartoons are getting thrashed in China!"


    "Are you for serious?"


    "Yeah, just have a look at the news in China and you''ll know."


    "Aren''t Japanese cartoons the leader in Asia?"


    "How can there be anyone challenging them?"


    "There is, and it''s that Zhang Ye who''s doing so!"


    "Pfft! Why is it him again!"


    Although the restriction order on Zhang Ye was still active, a lot of things could not be hidden from the public. Zhang Ye''s social rtions weren''t that good, nor did he have much of an appeal and influence in Asia. A lot of people might even get furious at the very mention of him, but the attention on him was at such a level that not even most of the Asian S-listers woulde close to it. There was just too much attention given to him. Upon hearing this shocking news, the Asian people were speechless. They had never seen someone who could cause this much trouble before. And this guy was also way too capable as well. Some people might not be able to cause amotion even if they wanted to, but Zhang Ye? Just a simple move from him was enough to stun the world!


    He had sneaked behind enemy lines!


    Messed with the Japanese cartoon industry!


    Canceled hisics!


    And now, he was targeting the Japanese cartoons again?


    Who could think of something like that?


    Who could do something like that?


    This was also a fucking skill of some kind!


    ��


    The animation was broadcast to the anticipation of everyone.


    Zhang Ye''s poprity was growing higher by the day.


    The majority of his poprity came from within China. Although his poprity in China had peaked and he was already at the top, it was still possible to churn out a little bit more of it. Moreover, this was another one of Zhang Ye''s crossovers into a different field where he could freely try out something entirely new. With arger crowd of people learning about him, the amount of poprity it brought was naturally not little. And with the rise in Zhang Ye''s domestic poprity, it subsequently boosted his Asian poprity a little.


    There was still a bit more to go!


    Just a bit more to surpass the person in front!


    The staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio kept an eye on the Asian poprity rankings update every day!


    He was getting closer and closer to the Japanese celebrity in third ce on the Asian A-list!


    ��


    Today.


    It was thest episode of The Legend of Qin.


    This was the first season''s finale of The Legend of Qin.


    "Has it ended?"


    "Not yet!"


    "Why did it finish so quickly!"


    "Keep airing it!"


    "I really want to watch the second season now!"


    "It''s so good! This is a milestone production of the domestic animation industry!"


    The people, the industry, and the media were all praising it!


    At this time, Miracle Animation Studios announced a piece of news. The second season of The Legend of Qin would start production at the end of the year and be broadcast next year. But when the second season''s production team was announced, the eagle-eyed fans immediately noticed that the director for the second season was not going to be Zhang Ye!


    "Ah? Where''s Face-smacking Zhang''s name?"


    "Why isn''t he directing the animation anymore?"


    "Pfft, he ran off again?"


    "I knew it! This fellow is always going around doing things haphazardly. He''s dipped his toe into a dozen different fields, but when has he ever stayed for long in any of them?"


    "This fellow has always fled after the fight is over! He never hangs around for long!"


    "But it''s also true. How will Zhang Ye have the time to keep making the animation every day? Now that our domestic animations have gained traction, and the sponsors have turned their attention back here, Zhang Ye haspleted his mission."


    "No matter what, it''s all thanks to him this time."


    "Yeah, the people of the Chinese cartoon industry have got him to thank for this."


    "Teacher Zhang is indeed talented. He can even save an industry in the doldrums!"


    "Damn, look, Zhang Ye''s Asian poprity score is almost catching up to the person ahead!"


    "Ah? He''s almost in third ce?"


    "Yeah, he''s unknowingly closed in!"


    "Yeah, I remember that he was still quite far behind previously."


    "I wonder if he can leapfrog that celebrity by today."


    "This cartoon has won Zhang Ye quite a few fans. No matter what, it blows off so much steam! China should be where our own animations flourish, after all. That''s only logical."


    "Teacher Zhang has done us proud this time!"


    Zhang Ye''s mission ended here. It was not because he had quit, but that he really had no time to do it. As for the rest of the plot, story, and characters of The Legend of Qin, he had written them out in advance for Sun Xiaobei. This was thest thing he could do for them. The rest was up to themselves. Whether Chinese animation productions could make a name for themselves would have to be an effort on the part of the entire industry. The only thing that Zhang Ye could do was to start the initiative and bring over the sessful experiences from his previous world to them.


    ��


    That same night.


    The celebratory feast was held.


    Everyone from the production team attended.


    Yao Jiancai, Xu Men, Xiaodong, Fan Wenli, and the other big names were also invited by Zhang Ye. It was a lively party and everyone was eating together.


    The animation came to a conclusion.


    The celebratory feast ended.


    Zhang Ye "retired" afterpleting his mission.


    ��


    At night.


    The Asian Celebrity Rankings Index was updated.


    Zhang Ye''s poprity rose again.


    And with this rise, he surpassed the Japanese celebrity who was in third ce by taking his spot after jumping from his original fourth ce on the Asian A-list. Zhang Ye had finally advanced to the top three to be one of the top celebrities in Asia and reached his highest career ranking up until now!


    Two people were still ahead of him!


    He was another step closer to reaching the summit in Asia!

 Chapter 1473 - Pulling off one last job!

    <h4>Chapter 1473 - Pulling off onest job! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    News spread.


    "Zhang Ye apanies his wife to the hospital."


    "Zhang Ye''s wife''s due date approaches!"


    "Zhang Ye''s Studio reveals: Zhang Ye to bid a temporary farewell to the entertainment industry."


    As an influential figure in the Asian entertainment industry, the media and the public were paying close attention to thetest developments surrounding Zhang Ye. There was even greater attention on him, especially now he had sailed into the top three spots of the Asian A-list based on his heaven-defying domestic animation production.


    On Weibo.


    "Face-smacking Zhang is taking a break to care for his child?"


    "That''s in about two months, right?"


    "This fellow is really going to be a father!"


    "Congrattions in advance. I''m waiting to see the birth of little Zhang Ye."


    "Haha, I''m just afraid that he''ll turn out to be a troublemaker like his father."


    "He should be gone for at least a year with this farewell, no?"


    "There''s not enough time for him to reach the summit of Asia."


    "It''s highly unlikely. His poprity is not strong enough, and there''s too little time left."


    "Come on, give us something before going away."


    "Yeah, @ZhangYe hold a concert."


    "Right, right, I want to attend Zhang Ye''s concert. He''s never held one before!"


    "It''sing to the end of the year. Hold a concert please!"


    "I want to hear some new songs!"


    All of a sudden, the people responded to this and started requesting that Zhang Ye hold a concert.


    ��


    At the studio.


    Zhang Ye''s parents hade to "spot-check" him.


    "Where''s Zeqing?" his mother asked.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "She''s started her maternity leave in advance, and Mother-inw insisted that she go over to stay for a few days. I just dropped Old Wu off over there."


    His father gave him an ultimatum. "It''s about time you start preparing yourself too."


    His mother nodded. "You should be tying up your work."


    "I understand." Zhang Ye took out his cell phone and looked at the date. "I''ll settle everything within these two months and then get prepared for what''sing. This bro is going to be a full-time dad in the future."


    His mother was amused. "You? Come off it. I still trust Zeqing more. If we leave the child to you to take care of, I can''t imagine how it would end up with all the things you''ll teach to it."


    The studio staff were all secretly chuckling in the office.


    Zhang Ye didn''t like hearing that. "And what''s so bad about my teaching? Surely I can teach it how to write? No matter how good Old Wu''s calligraphy is, is she be better than me? I doubt it."


    His mother curled her lips. "Stop bragging. I''m afraid that the child won''t learn how to write its own name before learning how to write the word ''fighting''!"


    Zhang Ye was speechless.


    The studio staffughed, "Hahaha!"


    After his parents left, Zhang Ye started throwing his weight around.


    Zhang Ye harrumphed, "Who were the ones whoughed just now? Huh?"


    Everyone pretended to know nothing. "Did we?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Can''t you guys also think of something regarding what we discussed earlier?"


    Ha Qiqi said helplessly, "All of us have given it some thought, but there''s nothing much that we can do. There''s practically no hope of us reaching the summit of Asia within this year. What weck is the poprity and attention of the Koreans. Although yourics have also made their way into their market, not many Koreans like reading Japaneseics, and most of the people there are not convinced by them. Furthermore, the restrictions on you are still in force over there, so your works can''t enter their market either. There''s also a certain level of control over the news surrounding you. There''s no way we can do anything about that. We''ve already thought of all that we could."


    Zhang Zuo blinked. "Director Zhang, why don''t we forget about it?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "But we''re only a step away."


    Wu Yi said, "But this is too great a step."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Auntie also told you to tie up all your work just now. I reckon that we can only take one more job assignment."


    Korea?


    All that was left was Korea?


    Zhang Ye pondered it for a long time and could note up with any good ideas either. He found it a pity that he wascking this one final step, but there was no other way of achieving it. Furthermore, he was going away on a long break from the entertainment industry soon, so it would be difficult for him to maintain his poprity after that. If he did not take advantage of this moment to make a bid for the top, he would have to slowly catch up and start all over again when he got back. So this was really quite regrettable for him. If he could reach the top of Asia in one breath, then even if his poprity dropped by a little in the future, it wouldn''t matter much. If he could reach the top in both China and Asia, that would go into his list of honors and he wouldn''t have to go through this journey all over again. When the time came for him to make aeback, he could simply aim for the international entertainment circle without any worries.


    Filming movies?


    Making an international variety show?


    Singing global pop songs?


    He could do all kinds of things!


    But now it seemed like that was going to be very difficult to achieve.


    Zhang Ye mumbled to himself, "There''s only enough time to pull off onest job?"


    Pull off onest job?


    Only Zhang Ye would use such a phrase to describe his work in the entertainment circle. However, when the studio staff thought about it carefully, this statement couldn''t be more appropriate. At least in Zhang Ye''s case, this phrase was evocative.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Right, we can still pull off onest job."


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips. "Then what should we do?"


    Little Wang said, "A lot of people are hoping that you''ll hold a concert."


    "That''s right, that''s right." Little Zhou said excitedly, "A lot of people are saying that they hope to hear you in concert before you go on hiatus."


    Zhang Zuo nodded and said, "That''s pretty good. First, we''ve never organized a real concert before. Be it a small one, or a big one, we''ve never done it. Second, this can be a farewell to the people. These are the people who have supported you all these years since your debut, so you should definitely show some appreciation to them."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "And who knows? If the concert turns out sessful enough, the songs might even spread to Korea and instantly gather all of the poprity and attention from over there too."


    Zhang Ye said, delighted, "There''s even such a possibility?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Of course not."


    Zhang Ye was speechless.


    Zhang Zuo was at a loss. "Director Zhang, we shouldn''t just focus on poprity."


    Zhang Ye nodded at the words. "Brother Zuo is right. Alright then, for ourst job, let''s hold a concert. We''ll make it as big as we can and finish with a bang!"


    "Alright!" Ha Qiqi said with a smile, "I''ll go and take care of it and start the preparations today!"


    Zhang Zuo asked, "Where should we hold it? This is the first thing we have to settle with the organizers. Some venues are hard to get, but with our poprity, I believe that we can choose from any of the biggest venues in China."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What''s the best ce we can hold it at?"


    One, two, three, four.


    Everyone suggested a venue.


    In the end, Zhang Ye was not satisfied with any of them.


    Ha Qiqi said, "But that''s all there is?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Right, there are no other ces to choose from."


    But Zhang Ye''s next words were rming. "There''s one more ce��I want to hold the concert at the Bird''s Nest 1 !"


    Everyone had a confused expression on their faces.


    Bird''s nest?


    What bird''s nest?


    Zhang Ye was startled before remembering that there wasn''t a Bird''s Nest in this world. So he put it differently. "Let''s hold our concert at Olympic Stadium2 . I''ll go find someone to liaise with!"


    "What?"


    "Olympic Stadium?"


    "A-Are you sure?"


    "Damn, that ce doesn''t allow concerts, right?"


    "No one has ever held a concert there before!"


    "It''s a venue for at least 100,000 people!"


    Everyone was stunned!


    If they managed to secure this venue, then this matter would definitely blow up!


    It was only now that they realized that Zhang Ye had still not given up on the idea of reaching the summit of Asia. Thisst job that he was going for was still aimed at making a break for the Asian S-list!

 Chapter 1474 - Setting the Olympic Stadium venue!

    <h4>Chapter 1474 - Setting the Olympic Stadium venue! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Early in the morning, Zhang Ye rushed off to the Ministry of Culture.


    There were also different tiers when it came to holding concerts. The easiest way to identify the scale of a concert would be its venue.


    For the C- or D-list singers who were holding an experimental concert to gauge their poprity, a venue that held a thousand people would be good enough, especially in a ce like Beijing. Many of the better venues required the organizers to line up and get approval to use them. Otherwise, they wouldn''t even be considered for the venue. Meanwhile, the chance to perform at the bigger venues were only given to A- or B-list celebrities who were also professional singers. Only Heavenly Kings and Queens like Zhang Ye, Zhang Yuanqi, and Xu Men would be qualified to hold a performance at a venue which could hold tens of thousands of audience members!


    10,000 audience members?


    15,000 audience members?


    That was already the highest, the peak!


    Any higher than that? A venue that could hold 100,000 audience members?


    No one had ever pulled that off before! It was virtually unheard of!


    Olympic Stadium had only beenpleted a year ago. There were no cases of it being rented to a celebrity to hold a concert, nor did any celebrities even get such an idea. It was only Zhang Ye who dared to think of something like that. This fellow was already toying with the idea of holding his concert at Olympic Stadium. It was not that he was brave, but rather, many precedents had been set in Zhang Ye''s previous world. The Olympics had taken ce many years earlier in his previous world, so it was not as though there had not been celebrities who held their concerts at the Bird''s Nest. Although the two worlds were different, whatever worked there should logically work here as well, so it should be worth a shot.


    So he rushed over.


    Others wanting to pass through the gates to the Ministry of Culture would not find it easy, but it wasn''t so for Zhang Ye. He was the executive director of the previous Spring Festival G and hade across many executives in his work. He also knew a lot of people, so there wasn''t a need for Old Wu''s influence on this matter. Zhang Ye had his way around here just like he did at the SARFT.


    At an office.


    Zhang Ye knocked on the door and entered. "Supervisor Hu."


    Supervisor Hu looked up. "Aiyo, Director Zhang, what brought you here?"


    "I came to visit you," Zhang Ye said with a smile.


    Supervisor Hu was a shrewd man. "Come off it. It can''t be anything good since you had toe here. Speak." He got him to sit down, then called his secretary over to pour Zhang Ye a drink.


    Zhang Ye did not stand on ceremony and said with augh, "Then I''ll be straight. The ministry is in charge of the approval for cultural and music performances, right?"


    Supervisor Hu nodded. "That is correct."


    Zhang Ye said, "Well, I would like to hold a concert."


    "Yo, that''s a good thing." Supervisor Hu smiled and said, "So why are you looking for me? With your influence, Boss Zhang, wouldn''t it be easier to handle it through the SARFT?"


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips and said, "The issue is not with the approval of the performance but the venue''s approval."


    Supervisor Hu understood. "The venue? That won''t be a problem. It''s just a simple matter." He picked up his phone. "So, which location do you have your eyes on? I''ll get it approved for you immediately."


    Zhang Ye directly said, "O-lym-pic! Sta-di-um!"


    Thud. The phone in Supervisor Hu''s hand dropped. "What?"


    Zhang Ye repeated himself.


    Supervisor Hu was stunned. He reached out to touch Zhang Ye''s forehead.


    Zhang Ye asked, "What are you doing?"


    Supervisor Hu replied, "I wanted to check if you have a fever!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I don''t have a fever. So can I hold it there?"


    "Can you hold it there!" Supervisor Hu said, "How dare you even think about using the Olympic Stadium!"


    Zhang Ye said, "If sports can be held there, or arge-scale event can be organized there, why not a concert? Isn''t the schedule for that venue quite free recently? Let me book it. I''ll help generate some revenue for them. The ce would be empty otherwise."


    Supervisor Hu nearly fainted. "This isn''t about generating revenue. Sports are sports,rge-scale events arerge-scale events, but what you have nned is something very different. You intend to hold amercial performance there!"


    At this moment, someone entered from outside.


    Supervisor Chen was taken aback. "Eh, Zhang Ye is here?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Hi, Brother Chen."


    Supervisor Chen said with a smile, "What''s up? You here on business?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yeah, I came to look for Old Hu to approve a venue for me, but he''s acting all bureaucratic with me."


    Supervisor Chen was amused as he looked at Supervisor Hu and said, "Old Hu, you''re at fault if you do that. We fought closely with Zhang''er during the previous Spring Festival G. Surely you can''t refuse to help him over such a minor matter, right? That''s terrible of you." He then thumped himself on the chest and said, "Zhang''er, your Brother Chen is here. I''ll approve it for you. Just say the word. Which venue are you eying? I have no jurisdiction in Hong Kong, but as long as it''s a ce in the Maind, feel free to choose wherever you like!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Brother Chen is still the best. I''m looking to book Olympic Stadium."


    Supervisor Chen immediately turned around and went off in the opposite direction. "��Good! Bye!"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly pulled him back. "Where are you going?"


    Supervisor Chen said in a speechless manner, "Old Hu is indeed unable to help you with this. Who would dare to approve that venue for you? You''re really bold, huh? Do you know what kind of a ce Olympic Stadium is? Why don''t you choose another venue?"


    Zhang Ye went over to the sofa and sat down. He shook his head and said, "But I already have my eyes on that ce."


    Supervisor Hu spoke up, "But we really cannot approve that. There hasn''t been a precedent for something like this yet."


    Zhang Ye said, "If l start the ball rolling, then there would be a precedent for future cases, right?"


    Supervisor Chen rolled his eyes and said, "This is really something that only you dare to think of!"


    An hour.


    Three hours.


    Five hours.


    Pulling strings.


    Logical reasoning.


    Highlighting the pros and cons.


    He stayed at the Ministry of Culture for the entire day!


    When the Ministry of Culture found out that Zhang Ye had his eye on Olympic Stadium, everyone broke out into a cold sweat. Initially, nobody thought this could possibly go through. If you were organizing arge-scale Asian charity event, it would be fine to let you book the venue. But how could that be allowed for a concert?


    Then, the situation took a turn.


    One of the executives at the Ministry of Culture could no longer watch on.


    That executive called for a meeting and summoned Supervisor Hu, Supervisor Chen, and a number of other relevant personnel to attend. He asked them if they knew how greatly Zhang Ye had contributed to the national culture up until now. Literary novels, calligraphy pieces, Chinese heavy metal music, the revival of the Spring Festival G, and in recent times, the rise of Chinese animation were all started by Zhang Ye. To say that Zhang Ye was a leading figure of the new generation in Chinese culture would not be too far-fetched, would it? How much glory had Zhang Ye brought to China? How great were his contributions to the cultural cause? Wasn''t he just asking to hold a personal concert at Olympic Stadium? Was that too much to ask for? Just let him hold it! I''ll approve it! If the venue isn''t approved of, I''ll go and settle it with them personally!


    Zhang Ye still had quite the influence here.


    Or perhaps Old Wu''s influence yed a part.


    So things were settled just like that. This was a very big issue initially, but after the important leader had spoken, it soon became a triviality. With the Ministry of Culture taking the lead, the venue was secured on the afternoon of the same day. This was only possible for Zhang Ye. If it were Zhang Yuanqi, Xu Men, or any of the other Heavenly Kings and Queens, it wouldn''t be possible for them to get this booking approved.


    ��


    In the evening.


    At the studio.


    Zhang Ye returned and announced, "I''ve secured the venue!"


    Ha Qiqi was dumbfounded. "What?"


    Zhang Zuo said in a stunned manner, "How is that possible!"


    Zhang Ye smiled as he handed Ha Qiqi a business card. "This is the contact for the venue. Go and liaise with him about the performance time. Get it done as quick as possible."


    Only now did everyone believe it!


    Loud screaming rocked the studio!


    "Holy shit!"


    "It''s really happening?"


    "We''re going to hold a concert at Olympic Stadium?"


    "Heavens, it seems like this concert will be rather big!"


    Was it just rather big?


    This was thergest performing venue in China!


    And also thergest performing venue in the whole of Asia!

 Chapter 1475 - Dumbfounded!

    <h4>Chapter 1475 - Dumbfounded! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    This news was made known.


    Zhang Ye''s Studio officially announced: "Around the middle of next month, Zhang Ye will be holding his firstrge-scale solo concert at the National Olympic Stadium.


    Time to be determined.


    Ticket prices to be determined.


    Guests to be determined.


    The only confirmed details were the venue and the show''s name.


    The concert was to be called " A Night in Beijing 1 "!


    When this news was made known, a lot of people were dumbfounded!


    "What?"


    "He''s really going to hold a concert?"


    "But what''s this with the venue?"


    "Did I see it wrong?"


    "What did he say? Olympic Stadium?"


    "Fuck! Olympic Stadium?"


    "That venue that can hold 100,000 people?"


    "Zhang Ye must''ve gone crazy!"


    "How could the authorities have approved that venue for him!"


    "Can a national stadium like that allow him to host amercial performance?"


    "This has blown everything out of the water. There haven''t been any singers who''ve received such treatment before!"


    The people got into fervent discussion.


    There was incredible shock, as well as great anticipation!


    At the studio.


    Zhang Ye also saw the discussions by theizens and the media. Simultaneously, his cell phone was noisily ringing as calls came in one after another.


    Xiaodong called.


    Amy and Li Xiaoxian were also with her on the line.


    Xiaodong immediately said when the call connected: "How did you manage to do it?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Just like that I guess."


    Amy roared: "Teacher Zhang, you can''t be like this. Our Spring Garden just finished holding a concert, and it was held at the National Indoor Stadium. We had thought it was a huge affair, but you one-upped us by securing the National Stadium for your very first show? Can that venue even be applied for? Can we apply for it too?"


    Zhang Ye said: "I suppose anybody can do it."


    Amy said excitedly: "That''s great then. We''ll try to apply for it next year as well!"


    On the other end, Li Xiaoxian poured cold water over her by saying: "Come on, don''t listen to Teacher Zhang''s nonsense. That venue can only be secured by him. Other people don''t stand a chance."


    Xiaodong also acknowledged: "I doubt Sister Zhang and Sister Lan can get it either."


    Amy sounded discouraged at once. "I should''ve known. Hai, if we ever get to sing at Olympic Stadium just once, my life will be fulfilled."


    At that, Zhang Ye said: "You can experience it now."


    Li Xiaoxian said: "Ah?"


    Amy asked: "What do you mean?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said: "I was going to call you guys just now. This is the first ever concert of my career, so surely you old friends of mine would have toe support me, right? It''s my first time holding a concert, and I don''t have any experience at all. This is making me really nervous, so I''ll need you guys toe and hold the fort down for me. I''m formally sending an invitation to you three right now."


    Xiaodong said in surprise: "You want us to be your show''s guests?"


    Li Xiaoxian asked: "You didn''t invite Sister Zhang and Sister Lan?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Old Zhang has been really elusive this past year. I''m not sure what she''s been busy with, but it has been really difficult to contact her. Sister Lan is not your traditional type of singer, and her singing style is pretty different from mine, so we can''t match on stage. No matter how I think about it, I still find you to be the best match for me. Didn''t we agree to work together on metal again back in Korea? It''s time for our heavy metal group to get back together."


    Xiaodong replied: "Haha, that won''t be a problem!"


    Li Xiaoxian said: "We will definitely go and support you, Teacher Zhang!"


    Amy said: "Heehee, which dynasty will we be dreaming of this time?"


    Zhang Ye said: "We can dream of whichever dynasty you wish to."


    Then, Xu Men, Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, Fan Wenli, and several other people called to check with Zhang Ye if the news was true. Although the announcement had been made through Zhang Ye''s Studio, everyone still found it very difficult to believe when they saw the name of the venue. After confirming the news, they were also very happy for Zhang Ye. Holding a concert at Olympic Stadium once in your life would be more than enough. This was a tremendous honor and affirmation by the people.


    Of course, there were some doubts within the entertainment circle itself.


    "Is he even qualified?"


    "It should be the other Heavenly Kings and Queens who hold their concerts there instead, shouldn''t it?"


    "Based on seniority and qualifications, the other Heavenly Kings are more suited for that venue."


    "Zhang Ye''s influence is pretty big."


    "Yeah, this concert venue has indeed shocked a lot of people!"


    However, those who were grumbling and talking about such things were mainly the minor celebrities and singers.


    Meanwhile, the truly qualified singers and groups who were worthy of performing in front of tens of thousands of people were delighted. This news made all of them very excited as they could clearly see that Olympic Stadium was a ce that no others could secure even if they tried their best to squeeze themselves in for the consideration of it!


    Poprity?


    Prestige?


    Contacts?


    Rtionship with the higher-ups?


    All of that was absolutely necessary for consideration!


    In all of China''s entertainment industry, only Zhang Ye fulfilled these conditions. Just by his status as the Spring Festival G''s executive director, no one would be a match for him. Furthermore, there was also his wife''s influence to consider, so Zhang Ye was really the only person who had a chance with this venue. And then? With this precedent, it would make things easier for everyone else. With him leading by example, it would be easier for other qualified singers to apply to perform at Olympic Stadium in the future. Therefore, this was definitely a good thing. Upon seeing this, many of the A-list celebrity teams quickly reacted and began preparing their applications for the next year.


    Online.


    Zhang Ye''s fans started requesting songs to be yed at the concert.


    "I want to hear ''The King of Karaoke!''"


    "I want to hear ''I''m Just a Little Bird!''"


    "Haha, I want to see him sing ''Small Apple.'' That will definitely raise the atmosphere!"


    "Will there be any new songs?"


    "There will definitely be some. How can Zhang Ye''s concert not have any new songs?"


    "I''m looking forward to it!"


    "How do we purchase the tickets?"


    "They''re not on sale yet."


    "There will be nearly 100,000 tickets avable, so it shouldn''t be too difficult to get one!"


    "Motherfucker, I''ve got to go to Beijing to catch Zhang Ye''s concert this time! I''m a hardcore fan of his!"


    "A stadium with 100,000 people all listening to Zhang Ye sing solo. My God, just thinking about it is making my blood race! I wonder what kind of atmosphere it will be!"


    At the studio.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others went about settling their tasks.


    As Zhang Ye sat there alone, he began pondering the concert''s setlist and the song arrangements. He also considered the requests of theizens with regards to the songs they liked. As for the ssic songs he had performed before, he would definitely have to sing a few of them too. However, he had no idea what new songs he should be performing, although there wasn''t any urgency and was something he could slowly consider. He wouldn''t want to choose anything unsuitable, after all. This would be his first concert and also hisst outing before he bade a temporary farewell to the entertainment circle, so it would definitely have to be done well.


    It would be best if he could use this to get into the Asian S-list.


    But it wasn''t going to be easy since he was still quite a ways away from it.


    Zhang Ye was very stubborn and still had his mind on this matter. He was someone who pursued perfection. He would always want to do the best he could and seed in one try. If he could, he would spare no effort in taking onest shot at his goal. To a celebrity, the rankings index was essentially their battlefield!


    So he kept thinking about this over the next few days.


    His family was also very supportive of his work. His parents-inw told him they would take care of Wu Zeqing in theing days at their home so that Zhang Ye would have time to prepare his best for his concert. There would be plenty of time for him to take care of his wife and child in the future anyway.


    Buying the equipment.


    Setting up the venue.


    Choosing songs.


    Preparations for the concert were underway.


    They had officially started the countdown to thergest concert in the history of Asia!

 Chapter 1476 - The difficulty adjustment die makes its appearance!

    <h4>Chapter 1476 - The difficulty adjustment die makes its appearance! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The days passed.


    The preparations for the concert were already more than half done.


    The promotions for it were in full swing.


    These days, Zhang Ye was no longer that busy. He was sitting in the studio, studying the setlist and arranging the songs. The rest of the work was left to Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo to handle, and Zhang Ye only needed to make the final decision on them. He did not need to worry about the majority of matters. However, while he looked like he was having it easy, Zhang Ye was constantly thinking about how he could make this concert a little bigger and better. It would be good if he could stir up amotion in Asia with it, and even better if it could get him into Korea. The best oue would be if he rose to the top in one bound and rounded it off with a perfect ending before he bade farewell to the entertainment industry.


    How should he make it even bigger?


    He had already thought of everything.


    This?


    No can do!


    That?


    No can do either!


    This path was blocked, and it didn''t seem like there was any way of getting past it.


    Finally, on this morning, Zhang Ye made a decision. If there was no way of getting through with brute force? Never mind! He still had onest trump card left to y, the game ring! There was still an item in Zhang Ye''s game ring that he couldn''t bear to use, and that item was the Difficulty Adjustment Die. Moreover, he only had one left. Although this die was drawn from the Lottery Draw (One), it did not seem to exist in the higher tier Lottery Draw (Two) and Zhang Ye could not obtain this item after many tries. As such, it was easy to imagine how precious the item was. Each one that he used would mean there would be one fewer. Zhang Ye had used it to help him get through some of the most difficult situations in the past, so it could be described as an immensely valuable item, and Zhang Ye would not resort to using it so easily. But it was different this time. If he didn''t use it now, then when? This was the time he needed it the most!


    Of course, he also had a love-hate rtionship with this die. Thinking about the hijacking incident back when he had nearly lost his life, it was unforgettable to Zhang Ye and also one of the most terrifying moments in his life. If he hadn''t received the Lucky Halo after that, Zhang Ye would never choose to bring out this killer move so easily. This was because if the item worked to great effect, he could kill someone with it. But at the same time, if he did not manage to use it well, it could also achieve the effect of suicide!


    Come on then, it''s time for you to take the stage!


    Sess or failure, it all depends on this roll!


    On the second floor of the studio.


    Zhang Ye washed his hands and face before opening the game ring. From it, he took out the die from the inventory.


    [Difficulty Adjustment Die]: After it is thrown, it will randomly change the yer''s difficulty. The duration of its effects is random.


    Reduce difficulty by 10��.


    Reduce difficulty by 5��.


    Reduce difficulty by 2��.


    Increase difficulty by 2��.


    Increase difficulty by 5��.


    Increase difficulty by 10��.


    There were six faces on the die, and on each face was a different difficulty level.


    After that, Zhang Ye activated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded). When it took effect, he focused his mind and carefully took out that one and only die with some fear. The main thing was that he had experienced psychological trauma due to it, so even with the Lucky Halo supporting his attempt, he still felt panicky. This was because Zhang Ye knew that the Lucky Halo was not something that could ensure sess in everything that he did. It would only help to increase his luck factor, and it would fail at times too. But he thought that he shouldn''t be that unlucky since the Lucky Halo was rarely ineffective. There was probably only a 1% chance of failure.


    Here goes nothing!


    He kept mumbling as he pinched the Difficult Adjustment Die tightly in his hand. Then he took a deep breath and threw it up into the air. He stared at it as it arced upwards to its highest point before dropping back down.


    ck, ck. It fell onto the floor.


    Once.


    Twice.


    The die bounced three times.


    Zhang Ye''s heart skipped three times along with it. He stared without blinking at the Difficulty Adjustment Die as it rolled around on the floor before finallying to a stop. He hurriedly got up and chased after it with a look of anticipation. The next moment, he nearly spat blood!


    The system notification came up:


    [Increased difficulty by 5��!]


    [Effective duration: 49 hours!]


    Zhang Ye was stunned and swore!


    "Fuck your sister!"


    "Your grandpa!"


    "Fuck your grandma!"


    Zhang Ye was almost going crazy with hatred. The Lucky Halo had actually fucking screwed up. It had actually failed him at this critical and dangerous juncture! It wasn''t that this had never happened before. Back when the Lucky Halo was still the ordinary version, there had been situations when it would barely be effective or fail totally. When it received an upgrade, such situations became very rare, although he did remember it happening once. That was when he wasing to the end of his employment at Central TV where he attended the Central TV annual party and won all of the prizes. At that time, there was a minor incident with the Lucky Halo (Upgraded), although that hup didn''t result in any major incidents. But it was different this time. It had messed up big time, and this was a truly unfortunate time for it to happen!


    Five times the difficulty?


    A duration of 49 hours?


    That''s a little more than two days?


    Isn''t this as good as asking for my life!


    He had hoped that the Difficulty Adjustment Die would help him create something big for his concert!


    But as it turned out, his wishes came true. Something even bigger than what he wanted had happened!


    Zhang Ye was cursing like crazy. If there was anything positive about this, it would have to be that he did not roll an "increase difficulty by 10��." The hijacking incident was the result of getting a 10�� difficulty from his die roll. If he really rolled that again this time and its effect was for 49 hours, then that wouldn''t be any different from suicide. At least for now, there was still a chance of cushioning the blow. He could still be saved!


    What should he do then?


    Where could he hide for the next two days?


    Zhang Ye''s mind was racing. There was no use in thinking about anything other than how to take refuge. He entered into a state of extreme vignce. Every now and then, he would turn left and right to look around like he was afraid of something suddenly exploding or a hand grenade suddenly flying in through the window. So he kept his Lucky Halo activated. He was hoping that the Lucky Halo could resist the increased difficulty from the die roll. But this was not a long-term solution as the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) was too expensive to keep in use. Every second that it was activated cost him 100,000 Reputation Points. That was 6 million Reputation Points per minute. He could keep it on for five minutes or ten minutes, but 49 hours? He couldn''t afford that. It wouldn''t matter how many Reputation Points he had, it just wasn''t enough for something like that!


    Someone knocked on the door.


    "Director Zhang?"


    "Director Zhang, what''s the matter?"


    "Who are you arguing with this time?"


    When they heard the cursing, Little Wang, Little Zhou, and several others who stayed behind in the office ran upstairs in a panic.


    Then the office door opened and Zhang Ye came walking out in an even more panicky state than them. The first thing he said was, "Don''t say anything. Just stay far away from me. I''m going out to take refuge for two days, so I''ll leave you guys to hold down the fort during this time. If anything happens, don''t panic. Wait for me toe back to settle it!"


    Little Wang was dumbfounded. "Ah?"


    Little Sun was stunned. "What happened?"


    Little Zhou said startledly, "Who are you taking refuge from?"


    Taking refuge from who?


    I''m taking refuge from everyone!


    He was afraid that he would implicate other people, so he hurriedly departed from the studio after he finished speaking.


    Walking on the street, he looked at the passersby around him. At this moment, everyone that Zhang Ye saw seemed like they were a terrorist!

 Chapter 1477 - Someone, help! Zhang Ye has fallen in a well!

    <h4>Chapter 1477 - Someone, help! Zhang Ye has fallen in a well! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that morning.


    The studio was in chaos!


    Little Wang and Little Zhou made a call in panic.


    "Sister Ha,e back quickly!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Director Zhang has left. I think something big has happened!"


    "What? Where did he go?"


    "I don''t know, he didn''t say!"


    "Wait for me! I''ll rush back immediately!"


    Soon after, Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, Wu Yi, and the others all dropped their work to rush back to the studio. To them, there was nothing more important than Zhang Ye. This was Zhang Ye''s Studio, after all, so everything revolved around him. As such, anything could happen to anyone except Director Zhang!


    They gathered together.


    And made dozens of calls to Director Zhang. However, he did not answer any of them.


    This had happened too suddenly, and everyone was mentally unprepared.


    What on earth happened?


    What snapped in Director Zhang this time?


    ��


    On the streets.


    Zhang Ye''s eyes darted around with every step he took.


    Zhang Ye stared warily at a passerby across the road whose hand suddenly reached into their pocket!


    Is it you?


    Are you gonna brandish a handgun or a hand grenade?


    Then that person took out his cell phone.


    Zhang Ye turned his attention to a woman whose hand reached into her handbag.


    Is it you?


    Which organization sent you?


    Then that woman took out apact to touch up her makeup.


    Zhang Ye was in a state of panic. Even a pile of smelly dog shit on the ground would attract him to kneel down and ask, "Speak! Who sent you here!"


    Everything was fine yesterday, yet it had all fallen apart today. Zhang Ye was going crazy. He wondered why he had to roll the Difficulty Adjustment Die for no apparent reason. Was he too bored? Thinking about what led to this situation, Zhang Ye analyzed it and came up with three possible reasons.


    One: The Lucky Halo had coincidentally failed.


    Two: The Difficulty Adjustment Die might be unaffected by the Lucky Halo''s effects. During the crosstalkpetition where he rolled a "decrease difficulty by 10��," that roll could have had nothing to do with the Lucky Halo''s effects at all, with the results being a fluke. This time, the Lucky Halo''s luck factor might not have had any effect either.


    Three: The Lucky Halo might only be useful to Zhang Ye after it had judged the situation to be in an increased difficulty of 5�� condition. That would mean to say that the Lucky Halo did not fail, but that its usage was dependent on the effects of the Difficulty Adjustment Die.


    All three scenarios were possible.


    But of course, the third one was the least likely.


    The Lucky Halo would only be effective if there was increased difficulty in y?


    I''ve been educated, alright! Who do you think you''re trying to hoodwink!


    The Lucky Halo (Upgraded) was still activated, and its consumption rate of Reputation Points had reached an rming figure. Zhang Ye was feeling the pinch. He thought that this was a lose-lose situation no matter what, so it was better to just face the 49-hour increased difficulty of 5�� sooner rather thanter. There was no need to keep wasting his Reputation Points like this. Come on then, motherfucker, I''d like to see just how great you are! This bro ain''t afraid of nothing!


    It was just an increased difficulty of 5��, a far cry from an increased difficulty of 10��!


    Zhang Ye went for broke and deactivated the use of the Lucky Halo on the spot!


    There was heavy traffic all around.


    The people on the streets were hurrying to and fro.


    One minute.


    Two minutes.


    Everything was normal.


    Zhang Ye stood on the sidewalk and looked up at the sky for a long time. Hey, isn''t everything fine here?


    All of a sudden, several girls across the road looked in the direction of Zhang Ye.


    "Ah!"


    "Look at that person!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s him, it''s really him!"


    "Oh my God!"


    "My idol!"


    The girls screamed as they rushed over.


    Zhang Ye got startled and subconsciously fast walked forward.


    They chased after him.


    Zhang Ye went into an alley.


    They continued chasing.


    Zhang Ye kept walking.


    He was paying such close attention to the events and people around him that he did not see where he was walking. All of a sudden, the ground below him disappeared and Zhang Ye shouted before vanishing!


    The girls following him were dumbfounded!


    "Where''s Teacher Zhang?"


    "Where is he?"


    "Where did he go?"


    "Wow, Teacher Zhang has superpowers!"


    "He''s disappeared, he''s really disappeared!"


    "Teacher Zhang is amazing!"


    "He''s indeed worthy of being my idol!"


    The girls were all stoked and started screaming excitedly while ttering Zhang Ye.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye, who was at the bottom of a well, was so angry that he was nearly senseless. He grabbed the leg that had hit the ground as he shouted up at the well opening that was four to five meters above him, "Superpowers, your sister! Hurry up and call 119!"


    On the surface.


    The girls were surprised to hear that.


    "It''s Zhang Ye''s voice?"


    "Where is he?"


    "God, Teacher Zhang has turned invisible?"


    "Face-smacking Zhang even has the power of invisibility?"


    Zhang Ye was going crazy!


    Invisibility, my ass!


    Uh, although it''s true that I really can turn invisible!


    These girls were the kind who were a bit adorkable. They followed the voice and searched around the ce before discovering an inconspicuous well by the road. They rushed over in a panic, and one of the girls leaned over to look down into the well, while another girl used her cell phone''s shlight to illuminate it. Only then did they see what was at the bottom of the well.


    The several of them instantly panicked!


    One of them, a plump girl, screamed the loudest and let out a piercing shriek in her startled state. "Someone, help! The famous host, Zhang Ye, has fallen in a well!"


    Zhang Ye nearly spat out blood!


    Can you not give such a detailed introduction?


    Very soon, quite a few people were alerted.


    A lot of Good Samaritans came and gathered around the area.


    "Who fell into the well?"


    "Ah, Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s really him!"


    "Damn, Teacher Zhang, you must endure!"


    "Bear with it, you have to bear with it!"


    The passersby all gave a helping hand.


    Soon after, a fire truck arrived.


    The firefighters were also rather stunned when they saw the situation. They had not expected to meet such a big star in their lifetime, especially not in a situation where he had fallen into a well!


    After five minutes of struggling, Zhang Ye was finally rescued.


    The chief firefighter hurriedly asked, "Are you OK, Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye panted, "I''m fine, I''m fine. Thank you, my firefightingrades!"


    Someone in the crowd also asked, "You aren''t hurt, are you?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Thanks for your help, everyone. I''m fine. I''m not even hurt in the��"


    Before he could finish speaking, a strong gust of wind blew arge wooden board on the roof of a building off. Of the hundred-plus people standing there watching and taking photographs, it did not crash on any of them, nor was anyone even aware that it had fallen. The wooden board was blown right at Zhang Ye''s back!


    ng!


    Zhang Ye roared and disappeared again!


    The firefighters and the crowd were scared out of their wits for a moment!


    "Careful!"


    "Ahhh!"


    "Where''s Teacher Zhang?"


    "Not good! Teacher Zhang has fallen in the well again!"


    "Quickly, save him!"


    "Aiyo, what''s with this!"


    "He had just been rescued out of the well!"


    "Thedder, where''s thedder!"


    A lot of people were watching this dumbfounded!


    Many of the firefighters nearly burst outughing!


    Could he be any more unlucky than this! It was already very rare for a person to fall into a well once in their lifetime, but here was a person who had fallen into a well twice in a single day? And it was even the same well? Just how unfortunate did he have to be!


    Everyone went all out with the rescue.


    A few minutester, Zhang Ye was rescued out of the well again.


    Zhang Ye put on a brave front as he climbed out and waved while saying, "I''m fine, I''m fine, this is no big deal!"


    This was what an increased difficulty of 5�� could do!


    Zhang Ye was finally getting a taste of it!

 Chapter 1478 - Lotte Mart, here I come!

    <h4>Chapter 1478 - Lotte Mart, here Ie! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    This piece of news exploded.


    These days, news reports no longer relied on traditional print media. Whenever something happened, the news would be published online within a matter of minutes.


    "Zhang Ye falls into a well!"


    "Zhang the famous host, singer, and artist, falls into a well!"


    "Rescued by the concerted efforts of the people, Zhang Ye fortunately escapes without a scratch!"


    "Video of Zhang Ye''s fall into a well!"


    "Set of 56 photos detailing Zhang Ye''s fall into a well!"


    "A collection of 56 HD photographs of Zhang Ye''s fall into a well!"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    WeChat Moments.


    In the forums.


    It was posted everywhere.


    "Pfft!"


    "That fellow fell into a well?"


    "I heard that he fell in twice!"


    "I''m cramping up withughter. To think that Zhang Ye also has his unfortunate moments!"


    "This fellow has done too many wicked things before!"


    "Hahahaha, I don''t know why, but reading these headlines makes me wannaugh!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang has been pping faces for so many years. It''s finally time he gets his retribution!"


    "Iughed too. This is such a delightful piece of news!"


    "Where is the well that subdued this evildoer? I oughta pay it a visit someday!"


    "See! See what this is? It is what happens to eunuchs!"


    "He deserves to fall in! This is such good news!"


    "Damn, aren''t you guys worried if Teacher Zhang was injured or not?"


    "He can even shatter the ss window of a bulletproof car with one p. Like he would get hurt from falling into a well!"


    "That''s right, this fellow is too hardy. He''ll still be skipping around even if he falls into a well eight times!"


    Theizens did not have anypassion at all as they cheered at this news. This was such a delightful piece of news to them.


    Very soon, the news spread overseas as well. Although the restriction order was still in ce, the Japanese and Koreans were more than happy to report about such news.


    ��


    Japan.


    "Well done!"


    "This is great news!"


    "The Heavens also can''t stand seeing him always getting his way!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "There''s a Chinese saying: The wicked will get subdued by the Heavens!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "Great! Awesome! Very good!"


    "This fellow is finally down on his luck!"


    "Pfft, did he really fall into a well?"


    "What a dumbass!"


    "Hahaha! This feels great!"


    ��


    At this moment.


    In China?


    Japan?


    Korea?


    Wherever it was, almost all of the Asian people were pping their hands in glee!


    There wasn''t another person in the whole of Asia who had such bad public rtions!


    When Zhang Ye saw this news, he nearly vomited blood. This bro is suffering so badly, yet you all canugh? And even cheer? Do you think that you''re celebrating the new year?!


    It was a good thing that some people were still concerned about him.


    His family and friends all called.


    When the call connected, Ha Qiqi said anxiously: "Why didn''t you answer the phone?"


    Zhang Ye said as he looked around warily: "I didn''t hear the phone ring."


    Ha Qiqi said worriedly: "Were you hurt?"


    "I''m fine, I can bear it," Zhang Ye said.


    Ha Qiqi said: "What happened? I heard from Little Wang and the rest that something has happened?"


    Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry. "This isn''t something that I can exin in a few words. In any case, this bro is down on his luck. Just know that I won''t be going back for these two days. I''lly low outside for a bit. If anything happens, don''t panic or be rmed, just wait until I get back to the office."


    "But��"


    "I have to hang up; my mom''s calling." Then Zhang Ye answered the other call.


    His mother immediately said when the call connected: "Are you stupid? You couldn''t see such arge well?"


    Zhang Ye said dejectedly: "It''s because there was something covering it. Some stic somehow flew into the path and covered it, so I thought that it was just the ground and stepped into it."


    His mother said: "You''re so dumb."


    Wu Zeqing also called.


    Old Wu asked: "How are you?"


    "I''m fine, don''t worry."


    "Why were you so careless?"


    "It''s not a matter of being careless. Hai, stop talking about it."


    With his moves and reaction speed, he was confident that he could manage to avoid such a situation 99% of the time. But somehow, everything fell into ce and he had to encounter that 1% chance of it happening. He was absolutely certain this wasn''t a problem with him but the fucking increased difficulty of 5�� from the die roll. He also knew that only an hour had passed, and he would encounter many more of such incidents in the following 48 hours. Just thinking about it left Zhang Ye shuddering in fear.


    He finished taking the calls.


    Zhang Ye did not bother to exin things because he was in potential danger at every moment. He had to avoid this cmity first! What should he do until then? Where should he go hide? There were still 47 hours and 50 minutes left to go. Zhang Ye looked at the countdown timer in the game ring and ground his teeth in hate.


    Go back home?


    That definitely wouldn''t work!


    Stay out on the streets?


    But there was danger everywhere!


    He had to find somece to take refuge!


    When he came to an intersection, he raised his head and saw a brand name. He was stunned and started narrowing his eyes in thought.


    Lotte Mart 1 ?


    This sounded familiar?


    Which Lotte was it?


    Zhang Ye took out his cell phone to check online and discovered that this was actually a supermarket chain in China by Korea''s Lotte Corporation. It was exactly the same one as his previous world. So the Lotte Corporation that had been scolded and cursed at by the Chinese people back in his previous world also existed here? Was this what they called searching high and low only to find it where one least expects?


    Damn!


    It shall be you!


    Zhang Ye was incredibly wicked. He crossed the road and went straight into the supermarket without a second thought. Right now, he was carrying misfortune with him everywhere and could easily get hurt even if he were standing there without moving. He was afraid of causing trouble for his family if he went home and afraid of implicating the people out on the streets. But in Lotte Mart, he wouldn''t have to worry about any of that. Even if this ce were to copse, he wouldn''t feel bad about it��this was just who Zhang Ye was. He couldn''t be med for having such bad luck since he could be really wicked at times. Just look at what was happening. He was in such a state, yet he still didn''t forget about dragging others down with him!


    Inside Lotte Mart.


    A bustling crowd was in here with customers walking up and down the aisles.


    The hypermarket was very big and was likely one of the bigger branches in Beijing.


    "The apples are on discount."


    "Korean airfreighted fruits,e and have a look!"


    "Our shampoo is buy one, get one free!"


    Although Zhang Ye was wearing sunsses and a face mask, he was still quickly recognized by the staff. A few customers were pointing at Zhang Ye from a distance and whispering among themselves. Two security guards rushed over whilemunicating on their walkie-talkies.


    ��


    Upstairs.


    In the staff area.


    The general manager received this news very quickly. He was Kim Seongjae and was sent here by the Korean headquarters to oversee the operation of the branch. His Chinese was pretty good too.


    "What? Zhang Ye came to our supermarket?"


    "Yeah, the security guards have verified it."


    "Didn''t he fall into a well?"


    "Uh, he was already rescued."


    "This is a good thing, a good thing."


    "But his rtionship with Korea is��"


    "He''s basically giving free advertising to us. Quickly get someone to take a few photos and send them to the media. Tell them that Zhang Ye wants toe shop at our Lotte Mart after having just climbed out of the well and being injuries from his fall. Our branch here is gonna be really popr soon!"


    "That''s right, that''s right!"


    The general manager was very excited.


    However, he did not realize that he would soon be unable to smile.

 Chapter 1479 - A disaster at Lotte Mart!

    <h4>Chapter 1479 - A disaster at Lotte Mart! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the afternoon.


    At the Ximachang branch 1 of Lotte Mart.


    A loud explosion came from the food section.


    Boom!


    "Ah!"


    "The fluorescentmp exploded!"


    "It''s falling, it''s falling!"


    "Be careful!"


    "Quick, run!"


    The fluorescentmp exploded, and arge tube cover fell down. Coincidentally, someone was standing right under it. Needless to say, it was Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye also got quite scared. It was a good thing he was prepared for it as he hurriedly used his skillful and nimble moves to jump to the side. With a crash, the tube covernded on the floor. If that hadnded on Zhang Ye''s head instead, it might not be enough to give him a concussion, but he would still get arge amount of swelling on his head.


    With that dodge, his face mask fell off.


    The shopping crowd immediately recognized him.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s Face-smacking Zhang!"


    "That gave me such a scare!"


    "How dangerous!"


    "The light fell down? Why did it happen to Teacher Zhang again?"


    "Yeah, didn''t he just fall into a well?"


    "Pfft, he''s too unlucky!"


    The supermarket''s staff hurriedly came over to clean up the scene.


    The general manager also rushed over upon hearing that something had happened. He was thinking that this was really bad timing for the ident to happen. Why did it have to drop on this bastard of all people? This guy was well-known throughout Asia for being unreasonable, and he was the biggest hooligan in the entire Asian entertainment industry. If this fellow were to insist on holding their Lotte Mart responsible, they would definitely have a lot of trouble on their hands. Hai, how unlucky!


    But never could he imagine that Zhang Ye did not even seem to have any intention of pursuing the matter.


    They only saw him wiping away his sweat before quickly making his way to the other sections of the supermarket.


    The general manager was stunned. Eh, something didn''t feel right. This wasn''t Zhang Ye''s style, was it? When did this fellow be so understanding and reasonable? This wasn''t what his temperament was like.


    A staff member came over. "Manager, this��"


    The general manager said, "It''s alright."


    The staff member cautiously asked, "Do we have topensate anyone?"


    The general manager curled his lips. "No one was injured. What''s there topensate?"


    The staff member replied, "Understood."


    With this minor episode over, business went on as usual.


    But when the general manager returned to his upstairs office, another incident happened in the supermarket!


    An employee came running upstairs in a panic. "Manager! Something bad has happened!"


    The general manager frowned. "What happened?"


    The employee said anxiously, "The esctor malfunctioned. It suddenly moved in the opposite direction!"


    The general manager was so rmed he stood up. "What did you say? Was there anyone on the esctor?"


    The employee said, "There was one person on it. When the malfunction happened, he rolled down the esctor��Zhang Ye!"


    The general manager said in shock, "What? Why is it him again?"


    On the second floor of the supermarket.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye was dusting himself off with a lingering sense of fear. He had taken a bad tumble just now when the esctor that was going up suddenly changed direction and moved backward. Even though Zhang Ye had learned Taiji, he couldn''t bnce himself and fell backwards and rolled down twice. It was a good thing that he was agile and managed to recover by quickly stabilizing himself. Otherwise, he would have rolled all the way down from the second floor to the first floor. That was terrifying to imagine!


    The crowd was at a total loss for words.


    Falling into a well?


    Getting attacked by a falling tube cover?


    Falling down the esctor?


    What kind of luck was this!


    Did you check the almanac beforeing out today?


    From far away, the general manager shouted, "Teacher Zhang, are you OK?"


    Zhang Ye waved it off.


    The general manager eximed, "What''s with this? Who is responsible for the esctors'' operation? Quickly call their manager over!" He was very scared, but it was really lucky that nothing had happened to Zhang Ye. If anything bad happened to him, that would have been terrible. Then the general manager said, "Teacher Zhang, this has to be a malfunction. It might be due to the aging equipment, but rest assured that we will check it carefully, as well as that hanging light that fell earlier. This sort of thing definitely won''t ur again. I guarantee it!"


    Just as he finished speaking.


    A several-meter-tall shelving unit gave way and crashed to the floor. All the goods ced on and on top of it plummeted off.


    "Ah!"


    "Run!"


    "It''s falling!"


    "Run! Fuck!"


    The surrounding people scattered!


    The general manager also jumped aside and dropped to the ground in a very unmorous action.


    How quick was Zhang Ye?


    How agile was Zhang Ye?


    This guy could clearly run faster than the others, but he just had to choose the wrong direction to run toward. There wasn''t anything wrong with the direction he made his escape in at the beginning, but then the falling goods crashed into the shelf across it, and a row of four or five shelves tumbled over in a domino effect. After making a circle, it came to where Zhang Ye was, and he had absolutely nowhere left to escape to. It ended up with him diving into a small space under the shelves that were falling, which saved him from being crushed under them. However, he was trapped underneath them and couldn''t crawl out!


    "This is bad!"


    "Help!"


    "Zhang Ye has been crushed again!"


    "Hurry up and call 119!"


    The general manager was almost in tears. What was going on! What the fuck was going on here!


    The emergency response team arrived very quickly.


    Because it was in the same area, the firefighters were the same group of people from earlier.


    When the chief firefighter saw Zhang Ye browsing his Moments under the fallen shelves, he was floored. "Teacher Zhang, why is it you again?"


    Zhang Ye looked up. "Ah, yeah, it''s me."


    The firefighter wiped away his sweat. "We''re rescuing you for the third time today."


    Zhang Ye gave a dryugh. "It''s been hard on you, but great work, myrades."


    The firefighter sighed. Hai, it''s meaningless to say anything else. Just start the rescue!


    After more than ten minutes of hard work by the firefighters, they finally managed to get the trapped personnel out.


    At the same time, Lotte Mart was evacuating the customers from the premises. The falling light or even the malfunctioning esctor might not have affected anything too greatly, but for so many of the shelving units to copse, there was clearly no way they could keep going on with their business operation. They immediately took the necessary measures and temporarily closed the store. The customers did not dare stay around either. How was this a ce for shopping? They''d be risking their lives just by being in there! Luckily for them, all of the unfortunate things happened to Zhang Ye today. This scourge was very hardy and wouldn''t die that easily, but that wasn''t the case for them. They were all normal people who couldn''t smash a bulletproof car window with their bare hands.


    The customers left.


    The fire department left.


    The supermarket staff clocked out.


    But now the general manager discovered Zhang Ye still strolling around on the first floor of the supermarket near the cashiers'' checkout area. It seemed like he couldn''t find the way out.


    The general manager pointed. "The exit is over there."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Oh, I''m not in a rush. I''m gonna stay around for a while longer."


    When the general manager heard that, he nearly fainted!


    You still want to stay around for a while longer?


    Get lost!


    Hurry up and get lost!


    Everything was fine before you came in!


    Zhang Ye spent a long time strolling aimlessly around in the supermarket.


    The general manager and the security guards nearly broke down. They were all trembling in fear while staying close to Zhang Ye, afraid that something bad would happen again. It wasn''t until after they begged him to leave that he finally did so.


    ��


    At 1 o''clock in the afternoon.


    Zhang Ye came out of the Ximachang branch of Lotte Mart.


    What should he do now?


    Was there anywhere else he could go?


    Eh, were there other branches of Lotte Mart around here?


    Zhang Ye remembered that and took out his cell phone to check. Whoa, there are a total of 13 branches of Lotte Mart in Beijing? Well, alright then! It''s not like this bro is trying to rip you guys off, but that I really have nowhere else I can go to!

 Chapter 1480 - All 13 branches of Lotte Mart descend into chaos!

    <h4>Chapter 1480 - All 13 branches of Lotte Mart descend into chaos! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


    At the Xuanwumen branch of Lotte Mart.


    Zhang Ye was seen making an appearance there.


    Several minutester, all sorts of noise and screams rang out as chaos broke out inside the supermarket!


    ��


    At a fire station.


    The team of firefighters had just returned from responding to an emergency call.


    "Captain Wang, you''re back?"


    "Yeah."


    "Did you manage to rescue him?"


    "We sessfully rescued him. Hai, what a tiring day this has been."


    "Yeah, we were activated for all the big assignments today."


    "We''ve encountered at least seven waves of reporters."


    "Fortunately, nothing has happened to Zhang Ye in our jurisdiction."


    Everyone got out of their firefighting uniforms and sat down together while conversing when the phone suddenly rang.


    It was a call from themand center.


    Captain Wang hurriedly went to answer it. "Hello, Command Center, please go ahead."


    On the other end of the line, the operator said: "We''ve just received a call for assistance. Teacher Zhang Ye has been trapped again. This time, he is trapped in the revolving door of Lotte Mart. There was a fault in the electrical system of the supermarket, and all of the power has been cut. Can you hurry over to provide assistance?"


    Captain Wang was stunned. "What? It''s Zhang Ye again?"


    The operator said: "Yes."


    "But Lotte Mart has already suspended their business operations for the day? He''s already left the supermarket, hasn''t he?"


    The operator said: "It''s not the Ximachang branch. He''s at the Lotte Mart in Xuanwumen."


    "Eh? But isn''t that location not under our jurisdiction?"


    The operator said: "Zhang Ye specifically asked for your team to go. He said that you have the necessary experience in rescuing him."


    Captain Wang was floored!


    The other firefighters saw red!


    We have the necessary experience?


    Oh yeah! How can we not fucking have the necessary experience?


    We''ve already rescued him on three asions today!


    What the heck is going on here! Why does this fellow keep getting into idents! Besides, why did it happen at Lotte Mart again? Does he have some sort of feud with this hypermarket chain? Why does he have to keep appearing at that ce?


    ��


    30 minutester.


    Zhang Ye was sessfully rescued.


    Another 20 minutester.


    Zhang Ye, who had just been rescued, appeared at the doorstep of Changchun Street''s Lotte Mart.


    "Ah!"


    "Hurry up, let''s get out of here!"


    "The water pipe has burst!"


    "The supermarket is flooding!"


    "Aiyo!"


    "It''s flooding! It''s flooding!"


    ��


    2:30 PM.


    At the Fuxingmen branch of Lotte Mart.


    "There''s a fire!"


    "A fire has broken out in the men''s room!"


    "Holy shit! Put it out!"


    "Is there anyone inside?"


    "I think Zhang Ye is in there!"


    "Damn, why is it him again? There was just some news about him appearing the Changchun Street Lotte Mart, which got flooded!"


    "Hurry up and call 119!"


    ��


    3 PM.


    At the Xizhimen branch of Lotte Mart.


    "Look at that person!"


    "Isn''t that Zhang Ye?"


    "Fuck! Why did hee to Xizhimen?"


    "Did you see the news?"


    "I saw it. This guy is such a jinx!"


    "We better steer clear of him. Four or five Lotte Marts have suffered disaster by his hands!"


    "Let''s get out of here quickly. He''s so unlucky right now. Anyone who stands near him will be affected as well!"


    "Ah! The freezer exploded!"


    "I knew it! I knew something would happen!"


    ��


    The people at the Beijing Fire Department were going crazy!


    They answered call after call!


    "What? Him again?"


    "Where is it this time?"


    "He went to Dongzhimen?"


    "It''s another Lotte Mart?"


    "Damn, did he step in dog shit!"


    "That gue!"


    "He''s appeared at Xuanwumen, Changchun Street, Xizhimen, and Dongzhimen. Fuck his sister! Is he dropping by at the supermarkets based on the stations on Line 2 of the subway?!"


    "Quickly send the fire truck there! That guy''s been trapped in an elevator this time!"


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    At the China regional office of Lotte Corporation.


    Several of the managers nearly broke down!


    "We''re finished! Something has happened at the Dongzhimen branch as well!"


    "What''s this Zhang fe trying to achieve!"


    "Goddammit! Is he doing this on purpose!"


    "Those were not man-made incidents. The police have investigated and found that they were all idents. It''s because there were issues with our facility management, and a lot of our equipment did not pass regtion, which led to the idents happening. The relevant authorities have already begun their investigations into us!"


    "This is bad, really bad!"


    "Why can''t this jinx go elsewhere?"


    "I don''t know. He''s visiting basically every Lotte Mart along the subway line!"


    "Holy fuck!"


    "He should just die!"


    The people of Korea''s Lotte Corporation were furiously cursing at Zhang Ye!


    ��


    In the span of a day.


    From afternoon until night.


    All of the Lotte Marts in Beijing received devastating blows. The 13 Lotte Marts in the main city of Beijing descended into chaos on this day!


    Suspending business operations!


    Suspending business operations!


    Suspending business operations!


    Not a single branch was spared!


    All 13 branches of Lotte Mart were forced to suspend their business!


    Due to too many major incidents involving the facilities at the supermarkets, the relevant authorities quickly got involved and opened investigations into the idents. They found a lot of problems within the branches, and some of the authorities even issued a safety warning to the public, leading to many of the other Lotte Marts in China to be implicated as well. Right now, the entire country''s citizens would "clench their buttholes" in nervousness at any mention of Lotte Mart!


    It was too dangerous!


    How could so many idents happen in one day?


    How was this even a supermarket!


    It''s more like a fucking war zone!


    On Weibo.


    "I''m never going into another Lotte Mart again!"


    "Yeah, who still fucking dares to go shopping there!"


    "Is Teacher Zhang alright?"


    "He''s fine. He''s still alive and well."


    "This fellow has made a round trip on Line 2!"


    "I really have to give it to him. How unlucky can Zhang Ye get? How did he end up getting involved in every ident that happened?"


    "How is this a matter of being unlucky? There''s something sinister going on!"


    "This fellow is such a legend. The things that happen to him always leave people speechless. I don''t even find it strange anymore!"


    "I''ve never met anyone unluckier than him!"


    "Has anyonepiled stats yet? How many misfortunes did he run into today?"


    "The media''s already made aption."


    Fell into a well twice.


    Got hit by a car thrice.


    Attacked by a tube cover once.


    Caught in flooding twice.


    Got trapped five times.


    Rolled down an esctor once.


    Slipped seven times.


    Was he even a celebrity?


    He felt more like the fucking God of Death 1 !


    On this day, Zhang Ye was all over the news. On this day, there was no other news in the entertainment circle. Reports of something happening to Zhang Ye kept popping up every now and then throughout the entire day!


    The Japanese people were stunned!


    The Korean people were also dumbfounded!


    "Is this the Heavens trying to punish him?"


    "Even God can''t stand his ways anymore?"


    "I''vee across unlucky people, but I''ve never met anyone as unlucky as this!"


    "Why did every incident take ce at our Lotte Corporations hypermarkets?"


    "If you''re unlucky, keep the bad luck to yourself. Don''t drag our country''s enterprise down with you!"


    "He got into so many idents, but he wasn''t hurt at all?"


    "Damn, does this fellow have nine lives!"


    "Quickly take him away! Don''t let him bring harm upon anyone else!"


    "Jesus! If you''re so unlucky, why don''t you stay at home? Why do you have to go out? You''re even purposely going to our Lotte Marts? Fuck off! Hurry up and get lost!"


    "I wonder how many wicked deeds hemitted to deserve this."


    "He must''ve destroyed the in hisst life!"


    All of a sudden, the Asian people were discussing this fervently!


    Lotte Corporation.


    Zhang Ye.


    The God of Death


    And so on. All these keywords were ranked at the forefront of Asia''s trending search terms.


    And then, the mostedic scene yed out. After midnight, the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index was updated, and Zhang Ye''s poprity rose sharply again!


    He was still in third ce on the Asian A-list!


    But his poprity score had gone up by a vast amount!


    When a lot of people saw this, they no longer knew what to say!

 Chapter 1481 - Something major is going to happen again!

    <h4>Chapter 1481 - Something major is going to happen again! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    Theizens were relishing the situation.


    "Have you seen the poprity rankings?"


    "It went up again."


    "I really have to take my hat off to Lord Zhang."


    "Yeah, you really have to give it to him!"


    "I wonder if anything major will happen today."


    "If he keeps up the momentum, he might be able to max out his Asian poprity before his child is born."


    "That''s quite unlikely since he''s still behind by quite a bit."


    "If he continues being this unlucky, do you think he''ll be able to live to see himself reach the summit of Asia?"


    "Pfft, that''s true."


    The God of Death��this was Zhang Ye''s new nickname.


    This fellow could alwayse up with new ways to grow his poprity, and everyone had gotten used to it.


    ��


    At a park.


    Inside a tent.


    Zhang Ye was lying down on the inside with crossed legs and was on his cell phone. Since yesterday night, he had been living in the park as he dared not go home or check into a hotel. He had bought a tent ande to the empty field in the park to set it up. Although two trees got blown down by strong winds and crashed into the tent during the night, although a vicious dog went into the tent in the middle of the night, and although he woke up to find a grass snake warmly sticking out its tongue at him, he still managed to get through the night without harm.


    He checked the news.


    He checked the poprity rankings.


    His poprity had gone up again?


    But Zhang Ye just could not feel happy. It had been such a difficult day to get through yesterday, but it was still not over. There was still a full day ahead!


    How was he going to get through this?


    Where should he take refuge today?


    All of the Lotte Marts in Beijing had already been destroyed by him!


    Maybe he should go have a look at the Lotte Marts in Tianjin?


    [Increased Difficulty of 5��]


    [Remaining time: 26 hours, 5 minutes, and 15 seconds.]


    Seeing this countdown timer of the Difficulty Adjustment Die in his game ring, Zhang Ye felt very sad.


    So he thought about whether he could turn the situation around. His mind came back to the game ring. Without any hesitation, he activated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) with the hopes of trying out something and started ying Lottery Draw (Two). Without cing any additional stakes, he tried it out once to see if he could get any items that would defuse this situation he was in. He was hoping that there was an item that could end the Difficulty Adjustment Die''s effects in advance. That would be perfect.


    The lottery draw began.


    The slot machine started moving.


    Clink, nk.


    "Empty"!


    There was nothing at all!


    Zhang Ye was not convinced and tried the lottery draw again.


    Still "Empty"!


    He finally decided not to try it any further. This led Zhang Ye to reach a conclusion. The upgraded Lucky Halo''s effects could not match the increased difficulty of 5�� as thetter''s effects were strong than the former. So with the increased difficulty in effect, Zhang Ye could not get any items from the lottery draw.


    Outside, footfalls sounded.


    "Oh? Is someone in there?"


    "Yes, there''s someone in here."


    "You''re not allowed to set up a tent here!"


    "Alright, I''ll leave right away."


    The tent''s zipper was pulled open from the inside, and Zhang Ye emerged.


    The person on the outside was a park cleaner, and when she saw Zhang Ye, the woman got such a fright that she stumbled back several steps. The tone of her voice also changed. "Zh-Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye took the tent apart and stowed it before leaving.


    Throughout this, the park cleaner was standing as far as she could from Zhang Ye like he was a gue god.


    Theizens eximed when this news was reported. All of the Asian people knew that Zhang Ye was down on his luck. In the past, whenever Zhang Ye went out in public, he would always have to disguise himself as he was afraid that he would attract the attention of fans. But now there wasn''t a need to worry about this. If he stood out on the streets today, no one would even dare to get within three meters of him.


    On this day, Zhang Ye was out "wandering" the streets again.


    Wherever he went, everyone would avoid him in terror!


    "Ah!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang has appeared!"


    "Let''s get out of here!"


    "Stand as far away from him as possible!"


    "Run!"


    There was always a feeling like a devil had entered their vige.


    Zhang Ye had been prepared for this. He was going to take on today with the same attitude and caution like yesterday. But bizarrely, today did not feel quite right. Ever since Zhang Ye left the park, an hour had passed. However, nothing happened so far. There weren''t any abandoned wells on the sidewalk, nor did any cars lose control and head towards him.


    What is happening?


    This isn''t normal!


    Zhang Ye was a little stunned. The more it was like this, the more wary he became.


    Fuck, this felt like the calm before the storm. Could it be that the increased difficulty effect was building up something so that it could deal him a big shot?


    Half an hour.


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    No incidents urred. The day went by so normally that it felt scary.


    If it were a normal day, this normality would be expected. But these were different circumstances. The Difficulty Adjustment Die''s 5�� difficulty was still in effect and had not ended yet. With everything that happened yesterday, how many idents did he get involved in? Yet there were zero incidents so far today? It just wasn''t logical no matter how you thought of it!


    Slowly, day turned into night.


    Zhang Ye was getting more and more uneasy.


    At night, he started making calls.


    ��


    First, he called home.


    "Mom, it''s me."


    "Where are you?"


    "I''m outside. Did anything happen at home?"


    "No?"


    "What about Dad?"


    "He''s watching television."


    "And Old Wu?"


    "I just spoke with her on the phone. She''s at her parents'' ce."


    "What about Grandma and Grandpa?"


    "They''re both fine."


    "Hey, that''s odd."


    "Rascal, what are you talking about? Are you hoping that something will happen to us?"


    "Ha, no, I didn''t mean it that way. I was just asking out of concern."


    ��


    Then he called the studio.


    "Old Ha."


    "Director Zhang, when are youing back? Everyone''s worried to death."


    "I''m fine and doing well. What about you guys?"


    "Us? We''re all fine."


    "What about the concert?"


    "Everything is progressing well."


    "Did the venue copse?"


    "Huh? Why would the venue copse?"


    "Did any of the equipment explode?"


    "Huh? Nothing exploded!"


    "Did any of the workers fall into a well?"


    "Huh? No!"


    "Oh, alright then."


    ��


    After making a series of calls and making sure that his family and friends were fine and doing well, Zhang Ye was very perturbed.


    It can''t be!


    This is absolutely impossible!


    Something major is going to happen!


    Something major is definitely going to happen!


    Zhang Ye was hoping anxiously for something to happen now. If it kept going on like this without anything happening, he would get even more anxious. The increased difficulty of 5�� was surely not this simple and would definitely not turn ineffective after just a day. Zhang Ye knew that at this very moment, something unfavorable was definitely taking ce somewhere out of sight without his knowledge. Zhang Ye waspletely certain of this point, not because he was suspicious, but because these spections were based on his understanding of the game ring. He understood well the rules that these mysterious items operated by.


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    And into the night, it remained peaceful as ever.


    There was nomotion to keep the media and people entertained.


    "Aiya, why didn''t anything happen?"


    "Was there no news of Zhang Ye at all today?"


    "I''ve been waiting all day."


    "Pfft, don''t you guys have anything better to do!"


    "Enough already, people! How can you keep hoping that something will happen to Face-smacking Zhang!"


    "Wash up and go to bed."


    Zhang Ye started calming down. This bro isn''t afraid of anything. Come at me! It was time to sleep. If anything happened, he would know about it tomorrow.

 Chapter 1482 - The legendary hacker’s true identity!

    <h4>Chapter 1482 - The legendary hacker''s true identity! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the morning.


    The sun was up.


    And the birds were chirping merrily.


    Inside the tent, Zhang Ye was already awake. He pulled down the zipper from the inside and climbed out. Seeing a rare blue sky, he yawned and stretched. He felt refreshed. He checked his game ring and saw that there were only three hours left on the countdown timer. The 5�� increased difficulty effect was almost over, which improved his mood.


    Come on.


    Let''s see what major incident has taken ce.


    Zhang Ye took out his cell phone and went online.


    Upon checking, Zhang Ye was stunned!


    Not only him, but everyone in China, Japan, and Korea was stunned!


    Just a moment ago, the Koreans had announced a piece of news that shocked the whole of Asia: After several years of relentless effort, their cybersecurity personnel had finally managed to track down a trail leading to the world''s number one hacker, "2," and locked down a potential target!


    Chinese hacker, 2?


    The famous trojan horse, Panda Burning Incense?


    The Sino-Korean Hacker War?


    The cmity that happened to the Korean Inte?


    All of these incidents would never be forgotten by the Asian people. Many people witnessed what had happened and would still express shock whenever they thought about it now. The identity of the hacker "2" still remained a mystery to many, and they thought that this case would never be solved. This was because after the Sino-Korean Hacker War, 2 had disappeared without a trace and never reappeared again. But now, the Korean authorities managed to track that hacker? How could the people not be shocked and curious? Compared to that, those unfortunate idents involving Zhang Ye were nothing. At this moment, all eyes in Asia had turned to this matter!


    ��


    China.


    "Who is it?"


    "Who on earth could it be?"


    "God 2 is my idol!"


    "Yeah, I still remember when 2 led the Chinese hackers to wipe out the Korean Inte. Just thinking about it gets my blood racing."


    "Did they really manage to find out who it was?"


    "I really want to know who it is, but at the same time, I don''t really want to know either."


    "Being exposed as a hacker often means disaster as well!"


    "God 2 is our national hero. The country has got to protect him."


    "Yeah, with 2''s technical skills, the country will definitely have to recruit him and find a way to camouge his identity. We can''t just hand him over to the Korean authorities."


    ��


    Japan.


    "They''ve finally managed to catch him?"


    "This hacker is indeed quite impressive."


    "The Panda Burning Incense was such a frighteningputer virus."


    "At that time, the Korean Inte was really left for dead."


    "After so long and with so many people looking for him, how did the Koreans manage to find him first?"


    "Speaking of which, Hacker 2 was the one who inspired me as well. It was because of my admiration for him that I picked upworking technology. Of the Chinese people, he is the person that I admire the most."


    "He''s indeed a legendary hacker."


    ��


    The reaction in Korea was the biggest.


    "Arrest him!"


    "That fucker!"


    "I still shiver in fear whenever I see a panda these days!"


    "Right, it''s all his fault!"


    "That person sent our country''sworking andputer field into such a deep crisis, so we definitely must not let him off. He caused such great damage to us!"


    "Hand over Hacker 2!"


    "Right, hand him over to the International Court of Justice!"


    "That guy is even more detestable than Zhang Ye!"


    "Motherfucker, myputer was also infected with the Panda Burning Incense virus back then."


    "What''s the big deal with that? Myputer was infected eight times by it! Fuck!"


    The Koreans only had two public enemies.


    One: Hacker 2.


    Two: Zhang Ye.


    There were only these two people!


    These two people had caused great anguish to the people of Korea!


    And Hacker 2 was clearly ahead of Zhang Ye in terms of being hated!


    Of course, the Koreans didn''t know these two public enemies were the same person.


    ��


    2?


    This was a name that felt far away, so far away that Zhang Ye had nearly forgotten about it. He had guessed yesterday that something major would happen. As it turned out, it happened the moment he woke up. And it was even an old case from a long time ago. Zhang Ye was rather helpless at this moment. It looked like whatever had toe would stille.


    They found me?


    How did they find me?


    His cell phone rang.


    When Zhang Ye saw the caller ID, it turned out to be Director Dong of the Inte Surveince Bureau.


    After hesitating for a moment, Zhang Ye answered: "Hello, Old Dong."


    Director Dong sighed. "Did you see the news?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I did."


    Director Dong said: "I know you must be worried, so I thought I''d tell you about it. I''m not sure how the Koreans got so lucky, but while investigating another case, they found aputer that 2 had hacked into. Theputer was also used by a hacker before, and it was running in a ''sandbox'' environment. 2 used this machine as part of a bo. Although it seemed like the ess records had been cleared, there were still some traces the Koreans discovered by coincidence. After a check, the IP address was matched with our Inte Surveince Bureau''s IP. It was even specifically linked to our office''swork. This bunch of Koreans must have had such a stroke of good luck. There''s only a one-in-a-million chance of this happening. It really won''t be easy getting Little Fan out of it this time."


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "Who?"


    Director Dong said: "Little Fan."


    Zhang Ye said dumbfounded: "Fan Yingyun?"


    Director Dong said: "Yeah, Hacker 2 is her."


    Zhang Ye was speechless.


    Director Dong said: "There are also many others who have great skills over here at the Inte Surveince Bureau. But for someone as skilled as Hacker 2, there really isn''t anyone other than Little Fan. She does have a past record of doing something like that too."


    Zhang Ye asked: "Has Sister Fan admitted to it?"


    Director Dong said: "She denied that it was her. The upper management has already sent people over to investigate this case, and the Korean authorities are also urging that this matter be handled quickly. However, we will definitely not hand over anyone to them."


    Zhang Ye replied: "It''s not Sister Fan."


    Director Dong was taken aback. "Why do you say that?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Don''t you know what kind of temper she has? When she hacked into that Americanpany, she did not even bother to mask her IP address. Otherwise, could the other party have caught her? With Sister Fan''s temper, she would definitely admit to it if she did it. Trust me on this."


    "About that, we can only investigate further."


    Zhang Ye repeated: "It''s definitely not her!"


    More voices came from the other end of the line.


    Fang Xiaoshui said: "Director Dong, I trust Sister Fan!"


    Meng Yi also said: "It can''t be her!"


    The two of them had worked together with Zhang Ye in the past and were both employees of the Inte Surveince Bureau.


    Director Dong made a serious face and said: "Don''t let your personal feelings get involved. We have to see what results turn up from the investigations."


    Zhang Ye asked: "If they find out who actually did it, what will happen?"


    Director Dong thought that he was asking about this on behalf of Fan Yingyun, so he answered: "The evidence points to us, so it''s affected us badly. The upper management is also very concerned about this and insists that we hand over the person responsible no matter what. The fallout from the Panda Burning Incense was enormous and caused great losses as well. If it was really Little Fan who did it, she''ll have to be prepared to squat in jail. After all, she''s different from others. Not only does she have a previous record, but she''s part of the Inte Surveince Bureau. Bymitting a crime when you''re supposed to be preventing them, the punishment meted out will surely be heavier. But we''ll think of a way to protect her!"


    After hearing that, Zhang Ye acknowledged: "I understand."


    Three.


    Two.


    One.


    The effective duration of the 5�� increased difficulty ended.

 Chapter 1483 - Zhang Ye’s choice!

    <h4>Chapter 1483 - Zhang Ye��s choice! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that morning.


    At the studio.


    "Director Zhang!"


    "You''re finally back!"


    "Aiyo, where have you been for the past two days?"


    "You gave us such a fright."


    "Are you OK?"


    "Are you hurt anywhere?"


    When Zhang Ye came over, everyone went up and surrounded him


    Zhang Ye forced a smile. "I''m fine. How''s everything over here?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Everything''s fine. Oh yes, did you see the news yet? Hacker 2''s real identity seems to have been revealed. Everyone''s discussing this matter now."


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "I saw it already."


    "I wonder who it is," Little Wang said curiously.


    Tong Fu said, "God 2 was really cool at that time."


    Little Zhou said longingly, "Yeah, he single-handedly swept aside the entire Korean Inte and ended the Sino-Korean Hacker War with an overwhelming victory. There have been so many hacker wars between so many different countries, but there has never been one as awesome as that particr one. I''m really curious to know who this Hacker 2 is. He''s my idol!"


    They were also discussing this matter. This piece of news was being talked about in all of Asia at the moment.


    Only Zhang Ye seemed like he was not too interested in discussing it. He went back upstairs to his office alone.


    The incident had returned to haunt him.


    The media outlets were fighting to report this news.


    "Hacker 2''s identity locked on!"


    "Suspect already taken into custody!"


    "Korean authorities announce results of investigation!"


    "Korean authorities appeal for suspect to be handed over!"


    "Sino-Korean Hacker War saga from years agoes to a conclusion!"


    "Creator of Panda Burning Incense revealed?"


    "Evidence points to an employee of the Inte Surveince Bureau?"


    The evidence wasid out one by one.


    The list of possible suspects kept shrinking.


    When the Chinese side kept dying the announcement of the investigation''s results, at around noon, the Koreans could no longer sit still. They announced the identity of the suspect!


    Fan Yingyun!


    Previous hacker pseudonym: FAN.


    Current office: Chinese Inte Surveince Bureau''s First Department.


    And so on. Korea listed the details of Fan Yingyun on their own. They were the first to suspect that Fan Yingyun was the hacker and was almost positive that it was her. In the field of hacking, the name of FAN could be said to be famous. She was also a legendary hacker from many years back who had an inglorious record. To say that she and Hacker 2 were the same person, this was a statement that many people were willing to believe.


    ��


    In the hacker world.


    "It''s FAN?"


    "Is it her?"


    "She and 2 are one and the same?"


    "This��"


    "Surely that can''t be true?"


    "It doesn''t feel like their technical irs are the same, right?"


    "Has it already been confirmed?"


    ��


    China.


    "Fan Yingyun?"


    "Hacker 2 is a femalerade?"


    "Ah, I know her. FAN is a legendary hacker!"


    "Damn, so FAN and 2 are both her?"


    "Isn''t she the leader of Zhang Ye''s fan club?"


    "Is that true?"


    "It''s true. She appeared at Zhang Ye''s wedding too!"


    "Right, she''s from Zhang Ye''s fan club. I think she''s known as Big Saber Bro over there!"


    "Damn, the person in charge of Zhang Ye''s fan club is a world-legend hacker?"


    "How cool! There''s such a beautiful hacker?"


    ��


    Korea.


    "What?"


    "It''s a woman?"


    "Wow, she''s quite pretty."


    "She was the one who created the Panda Burning Incense virus?"


    "How wicked of her."


    "Why does it have something to do with Zhang Ye again?"


    "Zhang Ye''s name keeps haunting us at every turn!"


    "As it turns out, this fellow and his fan club''s leader are the two biggest public enemies of Korea!"


    ��


    Inte Surveince Bureau.


    "Why did they announce it?"


    "The investigations have not even been fullypleted yet!"


    "The Koreans are afraid that we''ll try to protect her, so they decided to spill the beans first!"


    "Those gooks!"


    "I really don''t think it''s Sister Fan!"


    "Yeah, Sister Fan was with us at that time. Everyone saw it as well. How could Sister Fan have any time to go and write the code for a Trojan?"


    "But who could it be if it wasn''t her? Is it you, Little Fang?"


    "Me? As if I''m that skilled."


    "Then that confirms it. Of those in our department at that time, only Fan Yingyun has the skills to do something like that."


    ��


    At the studio.


    A lot of people were calling.


    Zhang Ye looked at the caller ID on his phone whenever it rang but did not answer the calls. He knew what everyone was calling to ask.


    From downstairs, Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others all ran up.


    Ha Qiqi shouted, "Director Zhang, something big has happened!"


    Zhang Zuo said in a panic, "Big Saber Bro is Hacker 2!"


    Little Wang said, "Heavens! This is unbelievable!"


    Wu Yi said in shock, "So God 2 has always been so close to our side all this while!"


    "I saw her at the wedding too!" Little Zhou said, "She''s my idol!"


    Ha Qiqi looked at Little Zhou. "She''s already been taken into custody, and all of Asia''s attention is on her. What are you still so happy about? This could end up with her going to jail."


    Little Zhou yelled, "Ah!"


    Zhang Zuo asked, "Director Zhang, is there anything that we can do?"


    Ha Qiqi sighed. "This might really be something that we can''t help with. It''s too big an issue."


    All this while, Zhang Ye sat there and did not say a word.


    With the matter developing to this point, a lot of things couldn''t be helped. The effective duration of the Difficulty Adjustment Die''s 5�� increased difficulty had ended, but the mess that it left behind was too big. Of course, he knew that Hacker 2 was not Fan Yingyun and the entire matter had nothing to do with her. However, the Difficulty Adjustment Die had sessfully let that one-in-a-million possibilitye true, allowing the Korean authorities to follow the trail to the Inte Surveince Bureau''s First Department. Back then, there were only a dozen or so possible suspects in the office of the Inte Surveince Bureau''s First Department, and everyone knew that only one of them could be Hacker 2.


    Director Dong.


    Fan Yingyun.


    Fang Xiaoshui.


    Meng Yi. And so on.


    And Zhang Ye as well.


    There were only those few, and with Fan Yingyun among them, the first person to be suspected was her. Meanwhile, Zhang Ye was not even considered one of the suspects. A lot of people had already forgotten that Zhang Ye was even at the Inte Surveince Bureau at that time.


    Zhang Ye was definitely not going to let Sister Fan be the scapegoat. He kept thinking of different ways to deal with this situation and how he could help Fan Yingyun get out of this predicament. However, all he managed toe up with were two methods.


    One: With Sister Fan in custody, if Zhang Ye were to show up again as Hacker 2, that would lead to two oues. They would either not be convinced and continue the investigations on Sister Fan, or they would be convinced and rule out Sister Fan while continuing to investigate the other people of the Inte Surveince Bureau. By ruling them out one by one, Zhang Ye would still end up in the crosshairs of the investigations. With just over a dozen suspects, the range was too small. It wouldn''t take long for everyone to be investigated. It was just that they did not expect that person to be Zhang Ye.


    Two: Zhang Ye could turn himself in and take responsibility for the matter. This was the most clear-cut way of solving the issue.


    These two methods required Zhang Ye to reveal himself. There wasn''t a third option.


    Zhang Ye wished there was a better way in which he could avoid getting caught and still leave everyone happy, but there really weren''t any.


    This was the most major incident that Zhang Ye had encountered since his debut, as well as the most important decision that he had to make in his entire life. This was a decision that was going to change many things.


    His career?


    His poprity?


    His family?


    He would have to abandon them all.


    Could he do it?


    Could he bear to leave them?


    Zhang Ye fell silent.

 Chapter 1484 - No worries, I’ll start over again!

    <h4>Chapter 1484 - No worries, I''ll start over again! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    He looked back at the journey that had brought him here.


    It was four years since he started out in the entertainment industry, perhaps more?


    During these past four years, he had gained a lot of fame and won a lot of awards. He was an unknown broadcast major graduate of Media College who had reached the top of the Chinese entertainment industry before slowly making his way toward the summit of Asia. Right now, he was just a step away from standing at the top of Asia. This was the pinnacle of his career thus far in his journey. In the process, he had gained love, a family, and also a baby that was going to be born in a few months. He was going to be a father. This was supposed to be the most prosperous, most exuberant, and most glorious time of his life.


    But to have him throw everything away now?


    His work?


    His wife?


    His child?


    This was such a difficult choice.


    Zhang Ye had never had it easy all these years. He had fought his way to where he was and made many difficult decisions along the way as well. But it was different this time. This decision was too difficult to rashly make. It was so urgent that Zhang Ye was not even mentally prepared for it.


    But at heart, he already had an answer.


    However, he felt that he could not make this decision alone. If he did that, it would be very unfair to a lot of people.


    ��


    Later that afternoon.


    At Old Wu''s parents'' courtyard house.


    Zhang Ye had driven over here. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he heard his parents'' chattering, and the house in the north wing filled withughter. He didn''t know when his parents had arrived.


    He pushed the door open and entered the house.


    His mother looked over. "You''re here?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "When did you two arrive?"


    His father smiled and said, "We just got here. We came to visit Zeqing."


    "Little Ye, quickly have a seat. What tea would you like to drink?" Li Qinqin weed him warmly.


    His mother harrumphed, "Don''t bother. Let him get the drink himself. This brat doesn''t care about his family anymore and hasn''t been back for two days. How incorrigible!"


    Li Qinqin said gently, "Little Ye must be busy with work, so let''s be a little more understanding."


    His mother said, "He doesn''t look like he''s busy to me, but I think those people working at Lotte Mart have been kept rather busy by him."


    Wu Changhe smacked his lips and said, "Little Ye, why have you been so unlucky recently? You can even fall into a well twice. You have to watch where you''re going. Oh yes, do you know that something has happened in your fan club? Why is the leader of your fan club a world-famous hacker? It shouldn''t affect you, right?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It won''t."


    Li Qinqin said, "That''s good."


    Everyone chatted.


    Zhang Ye also sat down and conversed.


    However, Wu Zeqing did not say a word. The moment she took a look at Zhang Ye when he came into the house, she remained silent all the way until now with only a smile on her face.


    Not long after.


    Li Qinqin stood up. "It''s almost time for lunch. Everyone, stay and eat."


    His mother said, "I''ll help you out."


    Finally, Wu Zeqing spoke up with a smile on her face. "I''ll head back into the room for a talk with Little Ye then."


    Wu Changhe said, "Go ahead."


    Zhang Ye quickly went to help her up. "Be careful."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "I''m being very careful, don''t worry."


    Stepping over the threshold, the two of them returned to the room in the west wing.


    When they went inside, Wu Zeqing stopped smiling and looked at Zhang Ye. "What happened?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. He thought that he didn''t look too different from usual since his parents and Old Wu''s parents did not detect anything about him. But Old Wu was just too smart. Be it her IQ or EQ, not even a hundred Zhang Yes were a match for her. Zhang Ye did not even need to say a thing and she already knew that something had happened.


    Zhang Ye smiled bitterly. "Indeed, something has happened."


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Is it very serious?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Yes."


    He told Old Wu everything that had happened. From the time he beat up Lee Anson after the Spring Festival G to him being attached to the Inte Surveince Bureau and then to the matters that came to light today. In fact, Zhang Ye knew that there was another choice he could take and that was to shut his mouth over the matter. Now that the Difficulty Adjustment Die''s increased difficulty of 5�� effect was over, even if the evidence had pointed to a department in the Inte Surveince Bureau, the main suspect that everyone had in mind was still Fan Yingyun. It was the same for the Korean side, as well as for the Chinese side. If Zhang Ye kept quiet, the person that would have to take the rap for this matter would definitely be Fan Yingyun.


    This would have been the best choice for him.


    But it was never an option for Zhang Ye right from the start.


    However, Zhang Ye still mentioned it to Old Wu. He thought that Old Wu would have some hesitation at first, but she didn''t.


    The first thing she said after she heard everything was, "There''s no reason for others to take responsibility for our affairs." After a moment of silence, she said, "I understand."


    Zhang Ye wanted to speak. "But��"


    Wu Zeqing said, "You''ve alreadye to a decision, so there''s no need to ask me."


    Zhang Ye said, "How can that do? This is an important matter."


    Wu Zeqing said, "Will you still be around?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "It won''t kill me."


    Old Wu smiled. "As long as you can survive, it''s no big deal. Do what you feel is right, I will support your decision."


    "But for the next few years��" Zhang Ye did not know how to put it.


    Old Wu ced her hand on his. "You don''t have to worry about the rest. I''m at home."


    Zhang Ye hesitated. "Old Wu, I''m sor��"


    "Don''t apologize," interrupted Wu Zeqing. "My husband has an indomitable spirit. He won''t do anything shameful, nor will he bow down and apologize to others."


    But the more she put it that way, the more Zhang Ye felt guilty. If Zhang Ye was alone without anymitments, he could do whatever he wanted and handle whatever major incidents that came his way. But it was different now. He was no longer by himself. He had a wife and a child, so he couldn''t help but feel that he owed his family. As a husband, as a child, or as a parent, he felt that he was too ipetent.


    Wu Zeqing asked, "When are you leaving?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I want to finish up the concert first. I''ve promised so many people that I''ll do this, so there has to be a proper conclusion."


    Wu Zeqing nodded. "Alright."


    "I won''t be going anywhere in the following days and staying at home to apany you." Zhang Ye said.


    But Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "There''s no need. You still have a lot of issues to deal with for the concert, and there''s a lot of other preparations to make before you leave. Concentrate on doing that."


    Zhang Ye said, "Should I tell our parents?"


    Wu Zeqing gave it some thought before saying, "Don''t tell them yet. I''ll let them know when it''s a suitable time."


    Zhang Ye nodded but still had a hesitant look on his face.


    "You can''t bear to leave?" Old Wu asked.


    Zhang Ye smiled bitterly and crouched down, lightly hugging Old Wu''s belly. "I can bear to leave everything except for my parents and the two of you."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "It''s not like we''ll run off."


    Zhang Ye said, "You''re such a good wife. How can I not be afraid of losing you?"


    Wu Zeqing consoled, "You were thinking of leaving the entertainment circle in two months to take a few years off anyway. The only difference is that you''re bidding farewell in another way, that''s all. You''ve been truly tired out over the years, so take the opportunity to rest for a few years. When youe back after that, it''s only a matter of having to start from scratch again."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright."


    The decision was made.


    Although it was a very difficult decision for the couple.


    All of a sudden, Wu Zeqing said, "Little Ye, how about a song?"


    Zhang Ye said, "A song?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "I just felt like hearing you sing."


    Zhang Ye also smiled. "Sure."


    There was a guitar on the bed.


    Zhang Ye picked it up and quickly tuned it. Plucking the strings without ying, he closed his eyes and felt aplex swirl of emotions. Countless images shed through his mind.


    His career.


    His awards.


    His wife.


    His child.


    Today, he had to give up on all of the most important things in a man''s life.


    What sort of feeling was this?


    Even Zhang Ye himself could probably not describe it.


    He was tightly sping a woman''s hand.


    Zhang Ye looked to the side and smiled. It was a smile that suddenly had a bit more charm.


    He strummed the guitar.


    In the kitchen.


    His mother''s and Li Qinqin''s ears pricked up.


    "Who''s ying the guitar?"


    "It''s probably Little Ye."


    "Why is he suddenly singing?"


    "Hur hur, he''s probably rehearsing for the concert."


    In the west wing.


    A song 1 slowly yed.


    "All of yesterday''s glory


    "has turned into a distant mem''ry.


    "I''ve toiled andbored for half of my life.


    "Tonight, I again enter the struggle stormy.


    "I cannot just go with the flow,


    "for the sake of my loved ones.


    "I must stand firm no matter how hard or tough it grows,


    "all for the sake of those hopeful eyes aglow.


    "As long as there''s faith, the dreamsts!


    "There''s still love between Heaven and Earth.


    "Look beyond the ups and downs in life!


    "All it takes is to start over again!"

 Chapter 1485 - The Final Concert (First Half)

    <h4>Chapter 1485 - The Final Concert (First Half) </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    When Old Wu''s family woke up, they discovered that Zhang Ye had already left.


    Li Qinqin asked, "Did Little Ye go backst night?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "No, he stayed with me in the west wing room."


    Wu Changhe said, "Where''d he go then? Breakfast is already prepared."


    "What did you two talk aboutst night?" Li Qinqin asked, "I noticed that you two spoke deep into the night."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Nothing, we were just discussing the child."


    At this moment, a car parked outside.


    Then Zhang Ye came in carrying big and small bags of items.


    One bag.


    Three bags.


    Five bags.


    And there were severalrge boxes as well.


    Li Qinqin was startled to see so many things. "Aiyo, where did you go?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "Mom, I went out to buy some diapers for the child, as well as some clothes. There are clothes for when it turns six months, a year old, and two years old. I thought they looked pretty nice, so I bought everything." He opened a package and said, "Look at how good these diapers are. Don''t trust those foreign brands. I bought our homegrown brands because they are as good as any others. Oh yes, Mom, don''t shop at Lotte Mart in the future. That ce is run by Koreans, so there''s no guarantee of quality."


    Wu Changhe said, "All of the Lotte Marts in Beijing were shut down by you yesterday, so it''s not like we can go even if we wanted to. Hey, why''d you buy so many things?"


    Zhang Ye said excitedly, "You can never be too prepared, so I bought a lot."


    Li Qinqin didn''t know whether tough or cry. "It''s still early. The baby hasn''t even been born yet."


    "It''s not early anymore." Zhang Ye said, "Everything has to be prepared beforehand."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Just let him buy what he wants. It''s better to be ready in advance."


    Li Qinqin hurriedly beckoned and said, "Alright then, quickly bring the items into this wing."


    When he finally unloaded all of the things from the car, Zhang Ye suddenly facepalmed and eximed, "Heyo, look how me, I''ve forgotten all about the baby stroller and crib. How about I go to the shop to pick them out tonight. I''ll bring it back here if I find a good one."


    Li Qinqin gave a wry smile. "It''s the same even if you buy it another time."


    But Wu Zeqing said, "Get a lighter stroller. It''ll be easier to carry up and down."


    "Sure thing, understood." Zhang Ye said, "Then I''ll be going to work. I''ve made an appointment with someone already."


    Li Qinqin pulled him back. "Don''t go yet. Eat breakfast before you leave."


    Wu Zeqing said, "Let him go. He still has a lot of work to see to."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Right, I''lle back for dinner tonight."


    Li Qinqin said, "Hai, then drive carefully."


    "I will, Mom." Zhang Ye rushed off.


    ��


    10:30 AM.


    At the studio.


    When Zhang Ye arrived at the office, the person he had an appointment with was already here.


    It was Beijing Television''s Hu Fei, Zhang Ye''s old boss.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Brother Hu, you''re here?"


    Hu Fei pointed at him. "You called me to schedule this appointment in the middle of the night, yet you made me wait here for you?"


    "Hai, I went out to buy some things in the morning, so I got dyed." Zhang Ye had Hu Fei take a seat. "With so many types of diapers and baby products to choose from, it was all a blur to me."


    Hu Fei smiled in delight as he looked at him. "Alright, you''ve really changed now that you''re bing a father. Having known you for so long, I''ve never seen you go out to a shopping mall to buy things for yourself." With a pause, he asked, "So what is it? You didn''t want to mention it over the phone either. What''s there to be so mysterious about?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I have a contract here."


    Hu Fei was startled. "A contract?"


    Zhang Ye looked into the distance. "Little Wang, where is it?"


    "It''s all printed." Little Wang hurried over with the copy of the contract.


    Zhang Ye took it from her and pushed it to Hu Fei. "Have a look."


    Hu Fei put on his sses and went through the contract with a suspicious look. Almost immediately, he was stunned and raised his head in surprise. "Zhang''er, what''s the meaning of this?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s the authorization agreement. I won''t be heading King of Masked Singers or I Am a Singer in the future. Counting the days, it''s also about time that King of Masked Singers starts production on its second season. For the second and even the third season of I Am a Singer, I will be authorizing the show to Beijing Television from now on as well. After signing this contract, there won''t be a need to seek my agreement to go ahead with the production of the shows."


    Hu Fei immediately pushed the contract back to him. "There''s no need for this."


    But Zhang Ye said, "It''s necessary. I want to arrange everything first."


    Hu Fei said in a speechless manner, "It''s not like you won''t be around anymore. You''re just temporarily leaving the entertainment circle to take care of your child, I can still find you whenever, can''t I? Let''s talk about it when the timees."


    Zhang Ye said, "Let''s get this matter settled first. Only then will I feel at ease."


    Hu Fei thought that it wasn''t too appropriate. "But��"


    "No more buts." Zhang Ye finished speaking and took out yet another thick stack of documents with at least 20 pages. "These are the show outlines and drafts for the next few seasons of King of Masked Singers and I Am a Singer. Read up and use them if they''re suitable. Otherwise, it''s fine even if they''re not followed."


    Hu Fei looked through everything page by page and said with a sigh, "Actually, you''re more suited to be the executive director than anyone else."


    Zhang Ye did not say anything, nor did he know how to say it.


    He also wished that these shows could be properly produced, but he didn''t have any time left to do it.


    Zhang Ye said, "Brother Hu, I only have one request."


    Hu Fei said, "Speak."


    Zhang Ye said, "As long as Dong Shanshan agrees, you must keep her as the host of the shows."


    Hu Fei looked at him and said in seriousness, "I''ll promise you that. As long as I''m still around, be it for King of Masked Singers or I Am a Singer, the choice of host will always be Dong Shanshan and no one else. For the outlines that you''ve provided me with, I''ll get the program team to follow them strictly. These two phenomenal variety shows will definitely not be ruined in our hands."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Great!"


    ��


    Noon.


    Another group of people arrived at the office.


    It was a group personally led by a deputy station head of Central TV.


    Zhang Ye was also very surprised by this. "Station Head Zhou, you came down personally?"


    Deputy Station Head Zhou said with a serious expression, "Of course I did. I definitely have to handle such matters myself."


    "Please, take a seat," Zhang Ye weed.


    Deputy Station Head Zhou and the rest of the group were all very solemn.


    Zhang Ye''s rtionship with Central TV was a veryplex one. They had a honeymoon period once, and he had also worked with them before. Later on, they fought, which resulted in Zhang Ye being forced out of the station. Then when Central TV changed its leadership and invited Zhang Ye to head the Spring Festival G, the two parties'' rtionship took a turn for the better again. Theplexities were not exinable in just a few sentences.


    Zhang Ye called out to his people. "Old Ha."


    Ha Qiqi came over. "I''m here."


    "The contract," Zhang Ye said.


    Ha Qiqi gave a bitter smile at this point but still handed out the contract to them.


    Zhang Ye pushed it towards Deputy Station Head Zhou. "Please have a look at it first."


    Deputy Station Head Zhou and his staff from the legal department started looking through the documents and found that the contract was written very clearly. The several of them gave each other a look and then lightly nodded.


    The production authorization agreement for The Voice!


    The production authorization agreement for A Bite of China!


    The authorization agreements that Central TV had been hoping to get for such a long time were unexpectedly given to them by Zhang Ye just like that!


    Deputy Station Head Zhou looked at him. "What do you want for them?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I only have one request."


    "Speak," Deputy Station Head Zhou said.


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t screw it up."


    Deputy Station Head Zhou pondered it for a moment. "Alright, I''ll promise you that."


    Zhang Ye put his hand out with a grin. "Then please sign it."


    Both parties signed off.


    And the contract was established.


    Deputy Station Head Zhou felt very emotional and excited. He deeply understood how important the authorization agreements in his hands were. The authorizations to make those two shows were what they needed most right now. That copycat of a program, Sing! China, was just something that the team of the previous Central TV leader had created when they were left with no choice. Even a hundred Sing! China shows would not be as good as the trademarked name of The Voice! Right now, they could finally start producing the second season of The Voice officially!


    Deputy Station Head Zhou held Zhang Ye''s hand and said, "I won''t say anything else, Teacher Zhang. But if you need anything from Central TV in the future, just say the word. On behalf of Central TV, I thank you for your magnanimity."


    Was he being magnanimous?


    Zhang Ye shook his head slightly. He really wasn''t a magnanimous person.


    These ssic shows from Zhang Ye''s previous world had not been brought to this world by him so that they could be destroyed in his hands. Whether it was the grudge from before or those disagreements they had between them, it was no longer important to Zhang Ye. Since he was going away, he could not possibly take the shows along with him. Surely he should leave a little something for the people of this world.


    This was also one of thest things that Zhang Ye could do.

 Chapter 1486 - The Final Concert (Second Half)

    <h4>Chapter 1486 - The Final Concert (Second Half) </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    He made a call in the morning.


    It was a call to Spring Garden.


    Xiaodong answered the phone: "Teacher Zhang, have you decided on the songs you''ll perform? Will it still be a heavy metal piece?"


    But Zhang Ye said: "Sister Dong, there are some slightplications. I''m sorry, but I can''t invite you all to the concert anymore."


    "Ah?" Xiaodong was dumbfounded. "Then who are you getting?"


    Zhang Ye gave a bitterugh. "I''m not getting anyone else. I won''t be inviting any guests."


    Xiaodong asked: "What''s going on? What happened?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Stop asking."


    Amy snatched the phone over. "Damn, we''ve already prepared for the concert, so how can you just tell us that we won''t be singing anymore? Lord Zhang, can you be any more unreliable than this?"


    Zhang Yeughed dryly. "me it on me, me it on me."


    Amy said: "Aren''t you standing us up like this?"


    Zhang Ye said: "I''ll make amends to you all another time."


    Amy said: "That''s not necessary!"


    Du du.


    The call was cut.


    Zhang Ye sighed, knowing that they were really angry this time. I''m sorry, but you girls are different from me. You still have your careers to develop in Asia and move to a higher stage. I can''t implicate you three with my problems and pull all of you down together with me. That would be bringing harm to you instead.


    ��


    In the morning.


    Zhang Ye came to his eldest younger sister''s house.


    His aunt had already gone to work, but his uncle and Cao Dan were still at home.


    His uncle said in surprise, "Eh, what are you doing here, Little Ye?"


    Cao Dan came out happily to wee him. "Brother? Come in quickly."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I happened to pass by, so I came over to have a look. Uncle, there''s no need to pour me any tea. Hurry to work. I came to discuss some things with Dandan."


    His uncle said, "Alright then, I''ll leave you two to talk."


    They went into Cao Dan''s bedroom.


    Zhang Ye asked, "How are the short videosing along?"


    Cao Dan gave a wry smile. "I''ve been practicing making them for the past few months. I''ve recorded a few clips, but I''m not satisfied with them at all. I think I stillck experience in making videos. I just can''t seem to bring out that style you described."


    Zhang Ye gave it some thought. "It doesn''t have to be done in exactly the same way as I said it. You have your own character, so it should also portray your unique style. Come, let me have a look at the videos you''ve already made."


    He watched a few of them.


    Then Zhang Ye pointed out several problems.


    Cao Dan quickly took out her notepad to write them down. She was very serious about this.


    For the entire morning, Zhang Ye was helping his eldest younger sister to think up ideas on how to make the videos. Then he wrote out quite a number of Papi Jiang''s funny video storylines for her again. He did it almost without stop for two hours straight, as though he were trying to give everything that he could remember to Cao Dan.


    Cao Dan was a little surprised by this. "Brother, what''s with you?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Nothing?"


    Cao Dan said, "There are still so many things to handle for your concert, and all Asia''s attention is on it at the moment. This small matter of mine can always wait. I don''t wish to waste your time like this."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "There''s nothing much for me to handle there. Let me finish writing out everything for you first. Make another video and try it out. I''ll leave after I''m satisfied with what I see. Otherwise, I won''t be able to put my mind at ease."


    Cao Dan replied, "Alright."


    ��


    Noon.


    Zhang Ye returned to the studio. But when he reached the door, he paused for a moment before turning around to head downstairs to where Yang Shu was living.


    He knocked on the door.


    The door opened.


    Yang Shu was dressed in her training gear and probably practicing her martial arts.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You sure are diligent."


    Yang Shu said sourly, "Senior Bro, I''m not like you. I don''t have your talent where I can be good at kung fu without practicing. I definitely have to do it the hard way."


    Zhang Yeughed dryly. "Our circumstances are different. Have you eaten?"


    Yang Shu said respectfully, "I just ate."


    Zhang Ye asked, "How''s your training been going recently?"


    Yang Shu''s eyes lit up when the subject switched to this. "I''ve made some progress. Senior Bro, I''d like to spar with you."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Never mind that, maybe in the future. But I don''t mind teaching you a few moves."


    "Didn''t you already teach me?" Yang Shu said in surprise.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "There are still a few moves that I haven''t taught you yet."


    Yang Shu said dumbfoundedly, "You mean you''ve been keeping some secret moves to yourself?"


    Zhang Ye coughed. "Don''t put it that way. What do you mean by keeping secret moves to myself? You weren''t at that level yet, so there was no point in teaching them to you. Don''t bite off more than you can chew, understand?" He then took a thorough look at her. "Although you''re still not there yet, I can teach it to you first. Take your time to slowly practice them in the future."


    For the entire afternoon, Zhang Ye taught Taiji to Yang Shu.


    Eventually, after Yang Shu cooled down with her ending stance, she asked excitedly, "Senior Bro, how was I?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "You''ve got quite a pretty decent stance, not bad."


    Yang Shu got extremely excited. "Thanks, Senior Bro!"


    Zhang Ye sighed emotionally. "You''re much more talented and hardworking than I am. It''s no wonder Old Rao wants to take you in under her Eight Trigrams Palm Sect. With you leading the Taiji branch of martial arts, it will definitely be able to flourish. There''s nothing for me to be worried about anymore." With a pause, he took a card out of his pocket. "Haven''t you always wanted to start a martial arts training hall? You can be quite na?ve and I was always very worried in the past. So I used to keep finding excuses to evade your requests, but it looks the time is ripe. Here''s a card with 8 million yuan on it. It should be enough for you to open a training hall in Beijing. Go ahead and give it a try."


    A training hall?


    She could finally open a martial arts training hall?


    Yang Shu got so excited that tears nearly fell from her eyes. "Senior Bro, I''m not used to you being like this."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "You''re too kind. If I''m not around in the future, go find Old Rao if you meet with any trouble. She would never leave you in a lurch. You should also learn to be more like her."


    Yang Shu said, "��Alright."


    ��


    Back upstairs.


    At the studio.


    When Zhang Ye came back, it had already turned dark.


    Everyone still had not left work.


    When Zhang Ye saw this, he rounded everyone up and announced, "Everyone, stop working for a bit. I have something I want to say. All of you have been with me as I waged battles everywhere over the years. I know how much you guys have suffered, and I know it hasn''t been easy either. All of you had to put up with so much pressure and also offended so many people along with me. I will be bidding a temporary farewell to the entertainment circle very soon, so all of you can take a long break as well. Do whatever you wish to do. There won''t be a need toe to work every day anymore."


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "How can we do that? You''re just leaving temporarily. It''s not like you''re retiring from the entertainment circle for good. Aren''t you just staying home to take care of your child? You won''t have the time to take on any variety shows, but there should still be time to write some novels orics, take on phnthropy work, or pick fights with others. We will definitely still have to hold down the fort."


    Zhang Zuo said in amusement, "That''s right. You''ll be away for at least half a year to a year''s time, so we have to ensure that our poprity does not drop during this period. Then in a year or so, we''ll start over again once you''re less busy at home."


    Zhang Ye said, "In any case, let me give out the bonuses."


    "Wow!"


    "There''s still a bonus?"


    "But it''s not the new year yet."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''ll get really busy closer to the new year. I''m afraid that I won''t have time then, so I''ve decided to give it out in advance."


    But when they saw the amount for the bonuses, everyone was dumbfounded.


    "Holy shit!"


    "Director Zhang, isn''t this a little too much?"


    "Why is it so much?"


    "Oh my god! Are we splitting the inheritance?"


    "Hooray, Director Zhang!"


    Everyone was cheering!


    Ha Qiqi said in amazement, "This is way too much."


    Even people with sries, like Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo, were finding the bonuses to be a bit outrageous.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "This is the first time I''ve encountered anyone resenting their bonuses for being toorge. Actually, even though you''re all officially my employees, I''ve long considered you to be my friends and business partners. Just consider the bonuses to be your dividends from thepany until now. I just hope that you don''t find it to be too little if that''s the case."


    Little Wang giggled and joked, "Why does this feel like we''re disbanding thepany."


    Ha Qiqi shot her a look. "Silly girl, what nonsense are you spouting? We''re at our most glorious peak, so why would we disband?"


    Little Wangughed and said, "I''m just kidding!"


    Zhang Ye looked at everyone. He looked at all of their faces and suddenly said, "I said I wanted to call it ''A Night in Beijing,'' right? I suddenly find it to be unsuitable as the title for the concert. When holding it at a venue as big as the Olympic Stadium, this name just doesn''t sound that domineering no matter how you say it. Why don''t we change it to something else?"


    Ha Qiqi was taken aback. "What do you want to change it to?"


    Zhang Ye looked out the window. "Why don''t we call it ''The Final Concert''?"


    Little Wang pped. "That sounds good. The name sparks excitement!"


    Wu Yi said, "Right, since you''re going to bid farewell to the entertainment circle for a while, there''s nothing wrong it calling it the ''final'' concert. This name sounds attractive the moment you hear it."


    Zhang Zuo said, "Alright, it''s still not toote to change it."


    However, they didn''t know what the "final" in this name really meant.

 Chapter 1487 - The Great Hacker War!

    <h4>Chapter 1487 - The Great Hacker War! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this very day.


    On Weibo.


    The people were all fervently discussing.


    "How is God 2 doing?"


    "I don''t know."


    "I think she''s been taken into custody, and the investigations are ongoing."


    "I feel that there should be amnesty given."


    "Yes. In the Sino-Korean Hacker War, it was clearly the Korean hackers who started therge-scale attack first, and God 2 was forced to retaliate. Why didn''t the Koreans investigate their hackers first beforeing over totch onto our people? They''re such bastards! If I were from the Inte Surveince Bureau, I would pretend not to know anything nor arrest my own people."


    "Well said. When God 2 joined the war back then, all of the world''s hackers got so frightened by her. All sorts of evil spirits, demons, monsters, and thieving bastards were scared off by her. Just look, have there been any foreign hackers who dared to show up and unt themselves in China in the past few years? Not even a single one them dared to do so. If they arrest God 2 for bringing harm to cybersecurity, I''ll be the first to protest. God 2''s existence is a deterrent itself, and it alone is enough to improve cybersecurity."


    "Ah, this is bad!"


    "What happened?"


    "Our government''s website has been hacked!"


    "What?"


    "Look at this, thergest forum in China is no longer essible!"


    "Are those fes at it again?"


    "What the heck!"


    One!


    Five!


    Ten!


    Twenty!


    The Chinese websites were gradually paralyzed by the attacks. It was happening at an rming rate.


    The attack this time was too sudden and had caught everyone off guard!


    ��


    At a supermarket.


    "Shit!"


    "The cash registers have crashed!"


    "We can''t handle transactions anymore."


    "It''s the hackers!"


    ��


    At a school.


    "Teacher, what''s wrong?"


    "Everyone, do some self-studying for now. There''s something wrong with theputer."


    "Teacher, why has the screen gone dark?"


    "The school''swork has been hacked!"


    ��


    At apany.


    "Ah, theputers are all down!"


    "We''ve been infected with a trojan horse!"


    "What is this?"


    "A Korean g?"


    "It''s the Korean hackers!"


    ��


    Overseas.


    Korea. In a chat group.


    "It''s started."


    "Alright, let''s execute the n as previously discussed."


    "Don''t worry."


    "Haha, I''ve already taken down three sites."


    "I''ve taken down four sites. The Chinesework is too vulnerable!"


    "We can finally take our revenge for what happened!"


    "2 has been taken into custody. There isn''t anyone in China who can stop us anymore!"


    "Everyone, attack!"


    ��


    Overseas.


    America.


    "The Koreans have made their move."


    "They finally couldn''t sit idle."


    "It looks like they''ve been enduring the shame for too long."


    "With 2 as a deterrent, very few foreign hackers have targeted China in recent years. I myself haven''t messed around in China for a long time as well. Why don''t we go and have a look too?"


    "Haha, alright!"


    "I''m gonna join in for the fun of it too!"


    ��


    Overseas.


    Japan.


    "China has been hit by hackers."


    "It''s such a major attack?"


    "Is it the Koreans?"


    "Why are the Americans getting involved as well?"


    "With 2 in custody, it looks like a lot of people are itching to target the Chinesework again."


    "Let''s join in as well then."


    "Alright, let''s assemble with the others!"


    ��


    At the Chinese Inte Surveince Bureau.


    "Director Dong, this is bad!"


    "The number of hackers has increased again!"


    "The Japanese have joined in as well!"


    "And the Americans too!"


    "Why is this happening?"


    "We can''t hold them off!"


    ��


    Attacked by hackers from multiple countries!


    Countless websites went dark!


    Countless websites were crippled!


    This was clearly an organized and premeditated hacker attack!


    Korean, America, Japan, France, and many other countries'' hacker groups had joined in this operation. The Korean hackers were taking revenge for the Panda Burning Incense virus that raged through their country, while the other countries'' hackers were just here to be part of the action. Right now, the whole world''s cybersecurity industry had its attention on the capture of Hacker 2, so it was a good opportunity for a lot of hackers to show what they could do. Fame was equally important to a hacker as well.


    Thus, another grand hacker war began!


    The Chinese hackers fought back but kept getting defeated and pushed back!


    The opponent''s faction was toorge. They had too many people on their side, with people like America''s John, Korea''s Sun, and France''s Joseph, who were all ranked among the top twenty hackers in the world. Meanwhile, the Chinese side could not even muster enough people. The highest-ranked hackers, FAN and 2, were now thought to be the same person and was being held in custody for investigations. Don''t even mention getting on the Inte or touching aputer. All of her freedom was restricted at this moment. In the end, they still needed a big brother of the Chinese cybersecurity world to step out of retirement and get involved. The 41-year-old Li Weidong was given the responsibility of leading a team of Chinese hackers to face the attacks.


    "We can''t hold them off anymore!"


    "Dammit!"


    "Those bastards! Who do they think they are!"


    "Charge!"


    "We have to take them down even if we die!"


    This war continued being fought for three days and three nights!


    The multinational hacker army kept assaulting!


    The Chinese hacker army was overstretched!


    An American g!


    A Japanese g!


    A Korean g!


    All of them started appearing one after another on the Chinese Inte!


    In the end, even thework of the Chinese Inte Surveince Bureau''s office was brought down for a while! The war waspletely one-sided, and many of the citizens'' daily lives were severely affected. They couldn''t log on to the online forums they frequented, or encountered problems with paying for items when trying to make purchases, or thepanies''puters were collectively infected with viruses and became inoperable, etc.


    No one thought that it would be this serious!


    Very few hacker wars in history had been thisrge scale, and this one was caused by one particr incident��the exposure of legendary hacker 2''s identity!


    At this moment, the entire world''s attention was on China!


    ��


    On the other side.


    At Old Wu''s parents'' courtyard house.


    Wu Zeqing was sitting in the yard admiring the moon.


    Zhang Ye walked over with his hands behind his back. "What else is there? What else do we need for the child?"


    He always had the feeling that he hadn''t done something!


    He always had the feeling that he hadn''t left instructions for something!


    "Everything is in order," Wu Zeqing said.


    Zhang Ye waved his hands. "No, there must be something that I forgot."


    Wu Zeqing said, "That''s enough. You''ve already bought all that needs to be bought."


    Zhang Ye sighed and then sat down. "Is that right?"


    Wu Zeqing reached out and adjusted his shirt cor. The cor was not actually crooked, but Old Wu always liked doing this. "It''s good enough."


    Zhang Ye gave a bitter smile. "Yeah, I guess it''s good enough."


    At this moment, Wu Changhe shouted from the house, "Little Ye, why can''t I get into the Go server? Why is there also a Korean g showing on it?"


    Zhang Ye raised his head and shouted back, "It was probably attacked by hackers."


    Wu Changhe said, "Those foreigners, they''re all crazy! I can''t even y Go now!"


    Li Qinqin''s voice also rang out, "Hai, what''s with our country? Is there no one who can take them on?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Hacking has a very secretive nature to it. Our country has limited strength in this area, and the hacker groups have free rein. With so many hackers from so many countries joining forces, it will definitely be very difficult to cope with in the short term."


    Wu Changhe said angrily, "So many days have gone by. Are we just going to continue allowing them to be so arrogant?"


    Zhang Ye looked at his wife. "Old Wu?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Like I''ve said, I''ll support whatever you do."


    Zhang Ye also smiled. He looked up at the moon.


    It was very round.


    It was very bright.


    And it was very beautiful.


    He had said all that he needed to say.


    He had made clear everything that needed to be done.


    Then before I go, let me again do a little something for everyone.

 Chapter 1488 - The CIH virus is created!

    <h4>Chapter 1488 - The CIH virus is created! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    The mes of war spread even further.


    The entire Chinese Inte had been turned into a battlefield as more and more foreign hackers joined the war the Korean hackers had initiated as a revenge operation. They were profiting off another''s misfortune!


    500!


    1,000!


    2,000!


    The number of hackers taking part reached a terrifying figure!


    China''s Xinhua News: "China faces its most serious cybersecurity threat!"


    America''s New York Times: "Thergest-scale hacker attack in history!"


    On a Korean televisionwork: "Multinational hackers hack into the Chinese Inte on a massive scale!"


    Japanese media: "China''s Inte faces a devastating crisis!"


    The industry, the people, the media, and the entire world were keeping up with thetest news surrounding the Great Hacker War!


    ��


    In the morning.


    At Old Wu''s parents'' courtyard house.


    Wu Changhe was holding a newspaper with a very ugly expression on his face.


    Li Qinqin served up two trays of steamed buns on the table. "Little Ye, it''s time for breakfast."


    Zhang Ye shouted from the west wing room, "I''ll be right out, Mom."


    Wu Zeqing came out first. "Let''s start eating first."


    "Wait for Little Ye," Li Qinqin said as she gave her the side-eye.


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "He''s busy with something. He''lle out to eat in a while."


    Li Qinqin said, "He should still eat first even if he''s busy. Little Ye, hurry up, we''re waiting for you."


    At this moment, Zhang Ye came out carrying aptop with him. He ced it on the table and typed away furiously while saying with a smile, "I''m almost done."


    Wu Changhe said, "Did you not sleep the entire night?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I was busy with something."


    "Oh, you! You work yourself to the bone," Li Qinqin grumbled.


    A few minutester.


    When Zhang Ye finished typing thest line of code, he checked through it before happily hitting the enter key. Then he closed the lid of theptop and said, "Alright, let''s eat."


    Wu Zeqing asked, "You''re done?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, I''m done."


    ��


    Overseas.


    In a secret group chat online.


    This was where the temporarymand center set up by the multinational hackers was located.


    "QC, hold them down."


    "Alright."


    "Joseph, we''re depending on you over there."


    "Understood."


    "The website is about to get taken down."


    "Haha,e on, everyone!"


    "We''ve taken it down, we''ve taken down another one!"


    "Great showing, QC! Let''s move on to the next target!"


    "QC?"


    "QC, reply!"


    "Where''s QC? Why did he go offline?"


    "JIN, what happened to QC?"


    "JIN?"


    "Where are they?"


    "What the hell are they trying to pull!"


    "QC! JIN! Reply! Reply right now!"


    "This is bad, something has happened!"


    One!


    Ten!


    A hundred!


    Gradually, the hackers started going offline!


    Connection outage. Communications outage��this sort of outage was the most terrifying thing that a hacker could expect because it often meant a disaster. There were too many reasons why this could have happened, like having problems with their connection, or the hackers deliberately plugging out from the Inte, or theirputers crashing, or having their controls taken over by the police. If it were the first reason, that wouldn''t have been too bad. But everyone knew that this was impossible. They could have disregarded it if only one person experienced problems with their connection. But for scores or hundreds of people to gradually experience connection issues, it couldn''t have been such a coincidence!


    "Sun?"


    "Say something, Sun!"


    "We''ve lost contact with Sun too!"


    "What happened?"


    "Who''s doing this?"


    "Dammit, what''s happening?"


    "Withdraw! Run away!"


    The multinational hacker army was panicking. They had wanted to make an emergency retreat but were toote!


    ��


    Somewhere in Korea.


    Sun watched helplessly as the data on hisputer''s hard drive was quickly destroyed. Moreover, it even caused permanent damage as the hard drive was overwritten with junk!


    It was gone!


    Everything was gone!


    "Who is it?"


    "Who did this?"


    ��


    Somewhere in America.


    John roared.


    His BIOS had been destroyed!


    Hisputer couldn''t start up anymore. He could not get it up and running again, and there was no way to repair it!


    "Who did this?"


    "Goddammit!"


    ��


    Somewhere in France.


    Joseph was panicking!


    "My data!"


    "What happened?"


    "Who did this?"


    ��


    Somewhere in Japan.


    Oda grabbed his hair in frustration!


    "Why?"


    "Why did this happen?"


    "My BIOS is corrupted?"


    "But that''s hardware! How is it possible!"


    ��


    At the Chinese hacker army contingent.


    "Where are they?"


    "Where have all the foreign hackers gone?"


    "They''re not around anymore? Have they all retreated?"


    "Why have they disappeared?"


    ��


    Within an hour!


    The alliance of foreign hackers was wiped out!


    No one knew what had happened!


    No one knew what in the world had happened!


    In the blink of an eye, and with a single exchange, the entire multinational hacker army had disappeared. This baffled a lot of people!


    Silence!


    The previously spectacr Great Hacker War had gone quiet!


    This type of silence was too terrifying. This type of unknown fear was the most torturous of all!


    An hour.


    Three hours.


    Five hours.


    Finally, on the afternoon of the same day, a piece of news shocked the world!


    America issued an urgent notice!


    The Korean authorities issued an urgent notice!


    The Chinese Public Security Department made an emergency announcement!


    The Japanese issued an urgentputer virus alert!


    Thework security centers of many countries all over the world made a joint announcement. They had discovered a new type ofputer virus that overwrote the first 2,048 sectors of the system''s avable non-removable writable disk drives. Starting from the hard drive''s master boot record, it began to fill it up with a junk sequence until the hard drive''s data became inessible. Furthermore, it could even cause damage to the BIOS on a majority of motherboards, resulting in irreversible and permanent damage. After studying it, thisputer virus''s infection rate was found to be very high. But due to some limitations ced by theputer virus''s creator, it only spread to a specific target group. As for the specific rules of how it chose its targets to spread to, that remained unknown. This was the world''s most malignantputer virus discovered so far, and it was also the onlyputer virus that could cause damage to aputer''s hardware!


    Although the virus was not spreading on arge scale yet, countless countries around the world still broke out in cold sweat the moment it was discovered, and they quickly issued the highest level of alert on theputer virus. This was because once it started spreading on a global scale, there would be an unprecedented disaster for the entire world!


    All of the world''s cybersecurity experts.


    All of the world''s media outlets.


    All of the world''s hacker groups.


    Everyone was startled!


    "Oh my God!"


    "Destroy the hardware?"


    "How is that possible!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "Who could have created something so dangerous?"


    "What kind of aputer virus is this!"


    Most people hade acrossmonputer viruses or trojans before, and the most they could do was damage theputer''s operating system and programs. Once there was an anti-virus tool made avable, they could be removed, or the operating system could be reinstalled after a simple format of the hard drive. This was what everyone''s understanding of aputer virus or trojan horse was.


    But a virus that could destroy the hardware?


    They had never ever heard of something like that before!


    Even the world-famous hackers and security experts were dumbfounded!


    ��


    In this world, no one knew what kind ofputer virus this was.


    Zhang Ye obviously knew about it. And the people of Zhang Ye''s previous world also knew about it. This was one of the most malignantputer viruses in Zhang Ye''s previous world, and also the first virus that could cause damage to aputer''s hardware. In terms of its spread, harmfulness, and destructive powers, not even a hundred of the Panda Burning Incense viruses were a match for it!


    That''s right!


    This was the infamous and notorious CIH virus!


    And it was even an improved version after Zhang Ye''s modifications!

 Chapter 1489 - The world’s most dangerous hacker in a hundred years!

    <h4>Chapter 1489 - The world''s most dangerous hacker in a hundred years! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The global atmosphere was changing!


    People were panicking!


    On this day, the entire world was shrouded in the shadow of the CIH virus.


    Subsequently, cybersecurity experts from around the world urgently formed aputer virus research group and began trying to crack the virus''s code. However, they made extremely slow progress on it and were unable toe up with an ad hoc solution.


    "It''s not working!"


    "Pete, how is it going?"


    "Another machine has been scrapped!"


    "Dammit!"


    "This virus is too dangerous!"


    "The creator must be a lunatic!"


    "Has it started to spread?"


    "Fortunately, not for the time being."


    "Yeah, due to the virus creator''s rules in the coding, there hasn''t been any widespread transmission of the virus yet. But that doesn''t mean that we can rx. We have to find out if the creator explicitly limited the spread of the virus, not that he couldn''t achieve the effect. This virus is like a ticking time bomb!"


    "Who could it be?"


    "It definitely originated from China!"


    ��


    Korea.


    The citizens also broke down.


    "Our hackers have been totally wiped out?"


    "All of them got infected by aputer virus?"


    "There''s no one left at all?"


    "How the hell did that happen!"


    "Such a dangerous hacker still exists in China?"


    ��


    Japan.


    "Is it a Chinese person?"


    "It has to be."


    "The many, multinational hackers attacking the Chinese Inte were inexplicably infected with a virus and wiped out while the Chinese hackers remained unaffected. It would be a wonder if it weren''t them!"


    "China really is full of hidden talent."


    "There are too many dangerous people in China!"


    "Yeah. There was 2 previously, and now, another one has popped out?"


    ��


    China.


    "Holy shit! Damn!"


    "Is it really our people?"


    "This is so cool!"


    "Motherfucker, I''m getting so heated!"


    "Good job! Well done getting them!"


    "They''ve been hacking us for so many days, but they''ve finally been annihted!"


    "Wiped out in a single exchange? God! That''s so impressive!"


    "We have an ace among us! A true talent among the people!"


    "Don''t you guys find this to be very simr to the approach that the legendary hacker, 2, employed back then?"


    "Ah? It does feel like that, it really does!"


    "But 2 has already been taken into custody, no?"


    "What do you guys mean by that? Are you saying��?"


    ��


    Somewhere.


    Chinese cybersecurity experts had gathered.


    Li Weidong, who had led a team to fight back against the multinational hackers this time, was also present.


    "Who was the person that helped us?"


    "I don''t know!"


    "He appeared so suddenly, we weren''t even expecting it."


    "Old Chen, is it one of your people?"


    "No. How could the people under me have such advanced programming skills?"


    "No one knows anything at all? If it were one of our own, how could there not be any news of who it is?"


    "Old Li, what do you make of this?"


    Li Weidong had not spoken yet. He kept quiet for a very long time before looking up and saying in a heavy tone, "This kind of programming technique, this style of doing things, this kind of efficiency, why do I keep thinking that it feels like someone?"


    A cybersecurity expert who was in his 30s said in a startled manner, "Who?"


    Li Weidong said, "��2."


    "But that''s impossible!"


    "FAN has already been ced under the custody of the Inte Surveince Bureau!"


    "Yeah, 2''s identity has already been exposed."


    But at this moment, a youth came running in.


    The youth pushed open the door and shouted, "Go and look at the Korean government''s website!"


    Li Weidong asked, "What happened?"


    The youth said, "Go and take a look, quick!"


    ��


    Korea.


    Online.


    "Go and check the government''s website!"


    "What?"


    "Oh my God!"


    "How could this be!"


    ��


    Japan.


    A hacker group.


    "But that''s impossible!"


    "This��this��"


    ��


    America.


    At the newly set upputer virus research group.


    "Something has happened in Korea!"


    "Quick, take a look!"


    All of the cybersecurity experts were dumbfounded!


    ��


    An official website of the Korean government had been hacked. If it were just a normal hack, it wouldn''t have mattered much. But this attack was different. Not only did the hacker leave behind a bright red five-starred g on the website, there was also a message below it. Anyone who experienced the frightening Sino-Korean Hacker War would shiver at the sight of this message. It was a message that they wish they didn''t have to remember!


    "Whoever offends the mighty nation of China, however distant, shall be destroyed!


    "��2."


    It was the same g!


    It was the same font!


    It was the same style!


    It was the same message!


    It was 2!


    He had once again appeared!


    With 2''s appearance, the entire world blew up again!


    "It''s 2!"


    "Fuck! It''s him!"


    "He has appeared again! That fellow has appeared again!"


    "Is it an imposter?"


    "Imposter? Think about it. Other than 2, who else has the capability to create such a dangerous virus?"


    "My God! He hasn''t been exposed!"


    "The Koreans have had their attention on the wrong person!"


    "I knew it! How could such a legendary hacker be found so easily!"


    "So FAN and 2 are actually two different people! Thinking about it, it does seem obvious now. FAN and 2 have two absolutely different technical irs and styles of doing things. FAN''sworking skills are very good, but from the revealed intel they have on her, her programming skills seem like they''re just run of the mill!"


    "It''s over!"


    "2 has returned!"


    "This godly being has been provoked out of hiding!"


    The entire world''swork technology field copsed into panic!


    The Korean hackers were dumbfounded!


    The Japanese hackers were frightened!


    The American hackers were also shaking with fear!


    They all knew who 2 was, they all knew just how terrifying and dangerous an enemy this was. If they had known that 2 was not actually exposed and taken into custody, they would never have dared to take on China so tantly. Who wouldn''t think of the consequences before doing something like that? The scenes in Korea from the fallout of the Panda Burning Incense were still fresh in their minds!


    Analyses!


    Investigations!


    Eventually, many research groups came to the conclusion that this person was undoubtedly 2!


    There were many ways to identify a hacker: for example, through the unique styles in their programming or their technical ir.


    When the confirmation of the news broke, an American hacker group immediately announced that they had no rtion with the Korean hacker group that attacked China this time.


    Following that, famous hacker group ONE announced that they would not "take a single step" into China in the next five years.


    Gradually, the hacker groups that took part in the hacking of Chinese websites also issued statements. Some Korean hackers also expressed that they had not taken part in the operation and drew a clear line from those involved!


    When the Chinese people saw this, they got extremely excited!


    "Cool! This is so damn cool!"


    "My idol!"


    "2 is so awesome!"


    "This is what you call godly!"


    "Whoever offends the mighty nation of China, however distant, shall be destroyed! Good! Good! Very good!"


    "One man can hold the pass against ten thousand!"


    "This is what a hacker truly is!"


    "With 2 around, who darese to China and bark at us!"


    "Motherfucker, how domineering!"


    ��


    On the same night.


    The world hacker rankings, which had not had any activity for a long time, was finally seeing some change!


    The world''s most wanted hacker with the highest bounty: Still 2.


    But the names on the hacker rankings 1 saw some changes. This was a ranking that took into consideration the overall technical skills of all known hackers around the world!


    First: 2!


    2 had reached the summit of the global hacker ranking list!


    The most interesting part of this was thement in the remarks.


    2''s introduction on the global hackers ranking only consisted of one sentence:


    "The world''s most dangerous hacker in a hundred years!"

 Chapter 1490 - Investigating the suspects!

    <h4>Chapter 1490 - Investigating the suspects! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The entire world''sizens were in heated discussions.


    "First ce has a new master!"


    "The world''s most dangerous hacker in a hundred years?"


    "In a hundred years?"


    "This assessment is��"


    "How many years has it been since hacking existed? How old is the Inte even?"


    "Yeah,puters have only gained mass adoption for how many years!"


    "This person is too dangerous!"


    A multinational hacker war!


    Legendary hacker 2 reemerged!


    A newputer virus had been discovered!


    Hacker groups from many countries cowered in defeat!


    The world hacker rankings witnessed a change!


    For the past few days, the entire world was bombarded with this news. Perhaps, back when Panda Burning Incense first reared its head in this world, many people did not take notice of it, nor knew who 2 was. But now that the CIH virus was released and with every country in the world sounding the highest alert on it, almost everyone became conscious of 2''s name. As the most dangerous hacker in the world nowadays, especially in Asia and Korea, even the normal person who did not understandputerworking technology was no longer unfamiliar with this legendary hacker who used a number as his strange pseudonym!


    What a lot of people really wanted to know now was:


    Who was 2?


    Was it a male or a female?


    Where was this person right now?


    ��


    China.


    The Inte Surveince Bureau.


    At this moment, the office was also in chaos.


    The leaders kept holding meetings as they were also bing anxious. Right now, the entire world''s eyes were on them. Everyone knew that 2 was a Chinese citizen, and the target range had been minimized to within their Inte Surveince Bureau. But even now, they were still confused about it all. The person in their crosshairs had been ruled out!


    "It''s not Fan Yingyun!"


    "Can we be sure of that?"


    "For sure! Their technical irs are just too different!"


    "What if it''s someone who''s trying to help Fan Yingyun elude suspicion?"


    "And how would they do that? Who has the capability to do so?"


    "The international cybersecurity experts have also analyzed it. The person who created this virus and got involved was definitely ''2.'' We can effectively rule out Fan Yingyun as a suspect."


    "Then who can it be!"


    "Do we have someone like that in our bureau?"


    "The evidence points to one of those at the First Department, and the evidence is indisputable. Investigate them one by one and rule out whomever is not a suspect!"


    "Alright!"


    "I''ll get Director Dong to round them up, and we''ll ce them all into custody!"


    "Don''t let Old Dong take charge."


    "What do you mean?"


    "In this situation, anyone can be a suspect."


    With the tone set, the investigations were restarted!


    Director Dong.


    Fang Xiaoshui.


    Meng Yi.


    The people of the First Department were all led to an office space serving as an istion room. Two staff members who had been transferredst year were also transported back overnight in a police vehicle. All of them were put into a room of no more than 40 square meters. It was a room without anyputers. Much lessputers, there weren''t even any electronic equipment or awork signal. Outside, eight security officers were standing guard, likely armed. A lot of people from the Public Security Bureau, Information Technology Security Center, and other organizations were also present. It was such a strong showing that most people had never seen anything like it in their lifetimes. They were all made up of the highest-ranking officials��the most dangerous hacker in a hundred years was among them, so the security had to be tight.


    Director Dong sat down helplessly in the center.


    The employees around him were all flustered and bewildered.


    "Director Dong."


    "Wh-What is happening?"


    "Why did they ce us in custody?"


    ""Damn, this is gonna be bad!"


    "My cell phone has been confiscated, and my family still doesn''t know that something has happened."


    Soon after, the door opened and Fan Yingyun also came into the room.


    Fang Xiaoshui hurriedly went over. "Sister Fan, have you been let off?"


    Fan Yingyun rolled her eyes. "How would I know?"


    An employee gave a wry smile. "Are you really not 2?"


    Fan Yingyun was blunt. "No, you!"


    That employee choked and didn''t dare say another word.


    Fan Yingyun grabbed hold of Fang Xiaoshui and asked, "What happened out there in recent days? Why did someone tell me that the suspicion on me has dropped?"


    She had been held in custody recently, so she wasn''t aware of the happenings in the outside world.


    Director Dong spoke, "Hackers from many different countries started attacking our Chineseworks, leading to 2 showing up again online. He created aputer virus that could destroy the hardware of affected systems."


    Fan Yingyun turned happy at the words. "Beautiful!"


    Meng Yi didn''t know whether tough or cry. He said, "What''s so beautiful about that? We were all brought here because that happened. They suspect that one of us is 2!"


    The door opened.


    A high-ranking leader of the Inte Surveince Bureau entered. "We don''t suspect it, we know it."


    Everyone stood up.


    The leader asked his assistant next to him, "Is everyone here?"


    The assistant replied, "Everyone is here."


    The high-ranking leader said, "Alright, I don''t have to exin things. Everyone should know exactly what has happened. All of you in the First Department back then are here. You are all civil servants and should know the extent of this matter. We''re behind closed doors to talk about this, so there shouldn''t be anything to worry about. I can clearly say that I''m also very impressed with 2. Stepping up and protecting the country at a critical time, even I have secretly praised him for it. But the fallout from the Panda Burning Incense incident was too extensive, and someone has to be held responsible, so we must find out who the person is." He looked at Director Dong. "Old Dong, although you''re also one of the suspects, I believe that it''s definitely not you. Please say a few words."


    Director Dong nodded and looked at his subordinates. Then he said, "Who is it? Step forward on your own. At most, you''ll be put away for several years. After you''re released, you can still stand proud. What''s the big deal about that? Besides, the leaders and I can guarantee that after this matter blows over, we will still keep 2 in our employment at the Inte Surveince Bureau, or perhaps in an even higher office. This is because our country needs an individual as talented as that. The world''s best hacker will not be made to stay in prison forever. You can rest assured of that."


    No one uttered a word.


    Director Dong singled someone out. "Little Fang."


    Fang Xiaoshui was sweating profusely. She said in panic, "Director Dong, it wasn''t me. It was definitely not me. You should know how I am. My technical skills are terrible. I''ve only done enough to get by all these years at the Inte Surveince Bureau. All of the cases I handled were only finished after I begged Sister Fan for help. I even had to treat her to so many meals before she agreed to help me!"


    Fan Yingyun smirked.


    Director Dong was speechless.


    Meng Yi also started speaking anxiously, "It''s not me either, Director Dong. You should know that my technical skills are even worse. I y games all day in the office, so it''s not like I really do much work at all. I dare not make a im on other things, but I am definitely the worst in the First Department when ites to technical skills!"


    The high-ranking leader was speechless.


    A female employee also started panicking. "I am the worst! I really am! Director Dong, you know me well. I was only recruited into the First Department after pulling some strings. I don''t have any real skills. It''s true! If anyone says that they''re worse than me, I wouldn''t ept it without going down in a fight!" She spoke as though she were very proud of it!


    Director Dong and the high-ranking leader were still speechless.


    "I''m bad!"


    "I''m worse than you!"


    "My programming skills are especially bad!"


    "How can youpare to me in that regard! I don''t know anything at all!"


    "Sister Fang, didn''t you create a really good program once?"


    "Th-That was just a shot in the dark!"


    In the end, the several of them nearly came to blows.


    The high-ranking leader looked at Director Dong.


    In this moment, Director Dong wished to crawl into a hole!


    Their First Department was supposed to be the most elite team within the Inte Surveince Bureau. They were the team that handled the most major of crimes, and every one of them was only recruited after a careful selection. Whenever an annual evaluation orpetition was held, every one of them wouldpete to finish first. But now? Looking at this, these people were actually proudlyparing who was the worst! Why the hell are you allparing that! So you all know how to show "humility" to one another now?


    Looking at his subordinates, Director Dong was suffering a huge loss of face. He couldn''t help but lecture them. "Look at you all, just look at your behavior! Is there any meaning in this? Huh? Is there? Do you know what situation we''re in? What''s the point in acting like a smartass? Will that let you escape your responsibilities?! Will you get away as a result of that?"


    Fang Xiaoshui gave a bitter smile.


    Meng Yi and the others did not dare say another word.


    Director Dong said to the high-ranking leader, "Sir, don''t listen to their nonsense. This group of young people are all more skilled than thest. However, it''s true that my technical skills are terrible!"


    Pfft!


    Everyone was floored!

 Chapter 1491 - Good night, Beijing!

    <h4>Chapter 1491 - Good night, Beijing! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Ten minutester.


    The door was closed.


    The high-ranking leader left in anger. The team that was the pride of their Inte Surveince Bureau, from its leaders to its subordinates, were all full of lies! Check them, check all 16 of them! Actually, everyone knew that it was only a matter of time before they found out who it was. The most dangerous hacker in the world was definitely one of those 16 people.


    "Who could it be?"


    "If they don''t find the person, we won''t be able to go back?"


    "Don''t do that. Teacher Zhang''s first concert will be starting in a few days."


    "Yeah, and I''ve already bought tickets too."


    "As if you bought them with your own money? Didn''t you get them for free from Teacher Zhang?"


    "Didn''t you also get yours from Teacher Zhang!"


    "Hai, forget about the concert, none of us will be able to go and watch it."


    "Why do I feel like their investigations are heading in the wrong direction?"


    "Yeah, that''s what I actually think as well. All of us have worked together for so long, so surely we''d have a sense of how good each of us is? We definitely know everything about each other. If you say that there''s a hacker among the 16 of us, I''d believe that. We all have the technical skill for that. But if you say that one of us is the world''s best and most dangerous hacker, I won''t believe that no matter what. Have a look at each other. Which of us looks like we''re a legendary hacker? None of us! Therefore, didn''t they get something wrong?"


    Everyone sized each other up.


    He looked at her, she looked at him.


    Then they nodded in unison. None of them looked like one.


    But who could it be?


    Could there really be other suspects then?


    But there weren''t any. It was only the 16 of them.


    Even at this point, they did not think of Zhang Ye. The war had urred so long ago most of those at the First Department had forgotten about it. At that time of the Sino-Korean Hacker War, it wasn''t only the people from their department who were present in the office. Someone else was with them.


    ��


    The next day.


    Shanghai News.


    "The Public Security Department is actively investigating the matter and have already locked on to the possible suspects."


    ��


    On the third day.


    Beijing Television.


    "There is now global attention on the identity of Hacker 2. We''ll be bringing you thetest updates surrounding the case."


    ��


    On the fourth day.


    Central TV Department 1.


    "Zhang Ye''s ''The Final Concert'' will be held at Olympic Stadium tomorrow evening. With Fan Yingyun, the leader of Zhang Ye''s Fan Club, the main suspect in the hacking case, the attention surrounding Zhang Ye''s debut concert has been soaring."


    ��


    Online.


    "The concert is approaching!"


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "Haha, I''ve already gotten my hands on the tickets!"


    "Previous poster, you''re such a showoff! I didn''t manage to get any tickets!"


    "It was too difficult to buy them."


    "I''m on the train from Xining to Beijing to catch the concert. I''m a true fan!"


    "The Final Concert, this name really gets to you."


    "Yeah, those who don''t know might even think that Zhang Ye is really going to bid farewell to the entertainment circle for good."


    "What farewell? Isn''t he just staying home to wait for his wife to give birth? He''ll only be gone for a while. After that, this fellow will definitely reappear and stir up trouble again!"


    "Pfft, everyone seems to understand Teacher Zhang so well?"


    "Of course, that guy''s always been this way."


    "I hope tomorrow arrives quickly. I can''t wait much longer!"


    "Have the investigations into Hacker 2''s case reached a conclusion yet?"


    "I doubt they can find him. He''s such an awesome and legendary hacker. Unless he steps forward by himself, no one can find him."


    ��


    In the evening.


    A lot of ces received a letter.


    It was Zhang Ye''s resignation letter.


    When the people of Peking University saw this resignation letter, they were dumbfounded.


    What was going on?


    What was this about?


    Resignation?


    Dean Pan of the School of Mathematical Sciences immediately called Zhang Ye on his cell phone. "Professor Zhang, what''s with that? Why are you resigning?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "You received the letter?"


    Dean Pan said in a speechless manner: "Don''t joke around."


    "I''m not joking." Zhang Ye said: "I''m going on a break for some time, so I''ve decided to resign from all the positions that I hold."


    Dean Pan said: "You didn''te to lecture at Peking University all this while anyway. Just go on your break and keep the position at the school."


    Zhang Ye said: "That won''t do. I cannot be a dog in the manger."


    Soon after, a vice president from Media College also called.


    "Professor Zhang, what''s going on here?"


    "President Sun, it''s a personal decision."


    "No, I won''t agree to it."


    "I''ve already decided, so please just allow me to go on break."


    "You can go on your break if you want, but why do you have to resign? Are you really thinking of staying home all your life to take care of your child? Isn''t it only going to be for several months? Or at most a year?"


    "President Sun, I thank my alma mater for the trust it has in me. But I''ve reallye to a decision. I''ve been working so hard all these years, so please do a good deed and allow me to rx a little."


    "Come on, this is way too sudden!"


    Then the Asian Charity Association called.


    One call.


    Three calls.


    Five calls.


    On this day, Zhang Ye had resigned from all the positions that he held.


    Without an exception, he submitted his resignation for all of them.


    In fact, he was quite reluctant to do so. Math Department professor, Chinese Department professor, the Asian phnthropic ambassador, all of these roles held very precious memories for Zhang Ye. But this was a decision that he had to take, and it was also something that he had considered for some time. Even the hardest decision had been made, so what else was there that he couldn''t do? This matter was something that Zhang Ye had to take responsibility for by himself. He couldn''t drag down others for what he did. Tomorrow was going to be the final concert. After that, Zhang Ye could do what he needed free from anguish. He could leave his worries behind.


    The news broke.


    The news spread.


    The people were also stunned and bewildered.


    "What?"


    "Zhang Ye resigned?"


    "He resigned from both Peking University and Media College?"


    "What is he trying to achieve?"


    "Is he really going to stay at home to take care of his child?"


    "I''m wondering about that too. If it''s just taking care of his child, surely there isn''t a need to resign from all of his roles, is there? I heard that this fellow has never lectured at Peking University and Media College anyway."


    "Who knows what Zhang Ye is thinking."


    "That fellow has rpsed again."


    "Haha, ignore him, he often gets convulsions like this. We''re used to it."


    There was just one day remaining.


    Only 24 hours left.


    His staff.


    His family.


    His work.


    He had done all that he could for them.


    Everything that needed to be arranged had been arranged.


    With all of his burdens unloaded, Zhang Ye feltpletely rxed. He did not go back home to his parent''s ce, nor did he go to Old Wu''s ce. The closer he was to saying farewell, the more he did not know how to face them. Zhang Ye went out onto the streets and walked aimlessly. He wandered around in the alleys.


    He walked very slowly.


    Without a purpose.


    The streets in themon ces of Beijing were not very nice. A lot of trash, old buildings, and illegally parked cars were everywhere. But Zhang Ye felt very peaceful and calm.


    Lightly I leave,


    as lightly I came;


    I gently wave goodbye,


    to the rosy clouds in the western sky.


    Quietly I leave,


    as quietly I came;


    I flutter my sleeves softly,


    not taking any wisps of the clouds away.


    Good night.


    Beijing.


    After tomorrow''s farewell, let''s meet again another day.

 Chapter 1492 - The concert begins!

    <h4>Chapter 1492 - The concert begins! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the evening.


    Olympic Stadium was crowded with a sea of people.


    "What a grand stage!"


    "Jesus, this is gorgeous!"


    "So this is the Olympic Stadium?"


    "Is it starting soon?"


    "It''s almost time."


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    The tens of thousands of people at the venue had already started shouting Zhang Ye''s name.


    The stadium''s crowd was even doing the wave.


    Backstage.


    Zhang Ye was currently having his makeup put on.


    Ha Qiqi shouted, "Do one more round of checks on the equipment! The concert is about to begin!"


    Little Wang said excitedly, "The crowd outside is making such a bigmotion!"


    Little Zhou also said excitedly, "What a grand sight! It''s so spectacr!"


    "How can it not be? This is a venue holding close to a 100,000 people!" Wu Yi said, "No one in Asia has ever held such arge concert before! We''re the first to do so!"


    Zhang Zuo asked, "Has the livestreaming camera been set up yet?"


    Tong Fu said, "It was set up very early on. Everything is ready to go!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Great job, everyone."


    The makeup artist said, "Don''t smile, I''m doing your makeup."


    Ha Qiqi asked, "How''s your throat today?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "It''s great, never been better!"


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Then you must definitely sing well tonight. Who knows, we might just get to the summit of the Asian entertainment circle after today. If that happens, it would really be a sess after all the hard work we''ve put in. When you return from your half a year or yearlong break, we can finally take a proper shot at the international entertainment circle. The domestic scene was our first step, followed by the Asian region. Our end goal is still to make your name known throughout the world. Let''s work together towards that, everyone!"


    Zhang Ye was very happy to hear that. "Alright."


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    His father urged, "It''s starting soon. Quickly get the livestream up."


    His mother said, "What are you rushing me for? There''s still 10 minutes to go."


    His father said, "Can''t you put it on first?"


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    Li Qinqin said, "I had wanted to go to the venue to watch it live."


    Wu Changhe harrumphed, "That Little Ye! He kept insisting that we not go."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Let''s just watch it at home."


    ��


    At Old Yao''s house.


    Yao Jiancai said, "This fellow has all the glory today."


    Yao Mi giggled, "Uncle Zhang is mighty!"


    ��


    Spring Garden''s studio.


    Xiaodong called out, "It''s about to begin!"


    Amy harrumphed, "I''m not gonna watch!"


    Li Xiaoxian smiled and said, "Are you still angry about that?"


    Amy said, "Of course! No one stands people up like he did."


    Xiaodong said, "Alright then, I''ll just watch it with Xiaoxian."


    Amy grumbled, but she still nced at the livestream.


    ��


    The livestream had already started.


    In the livestreaming channel, the viewership numbers shot up like crazy!


    10 million!


    20 million!


    30 million!


    50 million!


    It kept soaring!


    It was increasing by close to a 100,000 people each time!


    In the end, even before the concert had begun, the number of people in the livestreaming channel had already broken past 100 million people. What kind of a concept was that? No one knew. Because in all of the streamed concerts that had taken ce in the past, none of them had ever reached 100 million concurrent online viewers before!


    The media.


    The industry peers.


    The citizens.


    Zhang Ye''s family and friends.


    Those who could attend the concert live were here at the venue, while those who couldn''t make it were currently waiting for the stream to begin.


    ��


    Counting down!


    Five!


    Four!


    Three!


    Two!


    One!


    Bang!


    The lights at the venue zed to life!


    Stunning stage effects exploded at once!


    The audience, be it those at the venue or those watching the livestream, were immediately thrilled!


    At this moment, the music yed. It was the strum of an electric guitar!


    "Here hees!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    "Lord Zhang is so full of spirit!"


    "Teacher Zhang, I love you!"


    "Ahhh!"


    Screams resounded through the stadium.


    The entire venue was up on their feet, and everyone was crazily waving the glow sticks in their hands!


    A morously dressed Zhang Ye was standing on an elevator tform as he made his appearance in the middle of the stage. Looking at the view in front of him, seeing the hyped crowd of people, he felt at this moment that he had a lot of things to say. If there were still time, he still had a lot would like to do. However, he did not have the luxury. He was only left with the next two hours. This was the final bit of time that the Heavens had afforded him. Zhang Ye treasured it very much, so he wanted to give a perfect closing.


    Thank you.


    Thank you all foring.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    Amid the shouting, Zhang Ye lightly raised his microphone.


    The entire venue''s audience fell silent!


    Zhang Ye closed his eyes as a lot of images appeared in his head.


    From his birth.


    To his graduation.


    To his debut in the entertainment circle.


    The experiences he had on this journey were shing through his mind.


    Opening his mouth, he sang 1 in a hoarse voice.


    "Whenever I walk on any of these streets,


    "My soul can never seem to be at peace.


    "Apart from the roar of engines and the buzz of electronics,


    "I think I hear the heartbeat of its soul."


    Zhang Ye sang in a low voice.


    "I have bellyughed here, and I have cried here.


    "I have lived my life here, and I will die here.


    "I have said my prayers here, and I''ve been at a loss here.


    "I''m searching here for what I lost here.


    "Beijing.


    "Beijing."


    The audience screamed with excitement!


    It was a new song!


    A new song!


    It was so nice to listen to. They knew he woulde out with a new song!


    However, no one knew what sort of a mood Zhang Ye was in as he performed this song. Perhaps only Wu Zeqing understood.


    ��


    Watching the stream.


    Wu Zeqing was still smiling, but her eyes had reddened.


    ��


    At the venue.


    Zhang Ye continued singing.


    "The three blocks between the coffeehouse and the za,


    "Feel like the distance between the neon lights and the moon.


    "In the struggle through life, peoplefort and hug each other.


    "Searching and pursuing, clutching at shattered dreams."


    All of a sudden.


    Zhang Ye raised his voice.


    "If one day I have no choice but to leave!


    "I hope people will bury me here!


    "I can feel a sense of belonging here!


    "I''m attached to so many of the things here!


    "I have bellyughed here, and I have cried here.


    "I have lived my life here, and I will die here.


    "I have said my prayers here, and I''ve been lost here.


    "I''m searching here for what I lost here.


    "Beijing, Beijing.


    "Beijing, Beijing."


    Cheers were ringing out through the venue!


    The audience went wild!


    This opener had pumped up the crowd!


    ��


    Old Zhang''s house.


    Fang Weihong sighed and said, "Teacher Zhang''s got such exceptional talent."


    But Zhang Yuanqi said, "Don''t you find him to be a little different today?"


    Fang Weihong was taken aback. "No, not really? What''s wrong with him?"


    "Nothing, I probably just got the wrong impression," Zhang Yuanqi replied.


    ��


    Old Xu''s house.


    Xu Men''s expression was one of total appreciation. "What a truly good song."


    Her agent said, "It''s a new song! This is amazing!"


    A female assistant said, "Just the opener alone is so good. It''s stunning!"


    ��


    Old Chen''s house.


    Chen Guang said, "The effects at this venue are awesome!"


    Fan Wenli said, "The choice of song was a good one too."


    ��


    Before this, some people were still worried that Zhang Ye would only perform his old songs at the concert.


    But now, everyone was relieved after this opener.


    Zhang Ye was still that Zhang Ye they knew!

 Chapter 1493 - Zhang Ye’s ’Eternal Summer’!

    <h4>Chapter 1493 - Zhang Ye''s ''Eternal Summer''! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The atmosphere was one of excitement!


    With "Beijing, Beijing," the crowd was pumped!


    This was the result of two months of nning and preparation by Zhang Ye''s Studio. All the audio and lighting equipment at the venue were either rented, borrowed, or bought for use in the concert. Professional teams were then brought in to design and set up the venue with the best equipment avable in China, or even in the whole of Asia. For the past two months, this was the only thing they did to turn Asia''srgest concert venue into a stunning musical stage!


    Lighting!


    Sound effects!


    It was like a fantasy!


    This was Zhang Ye''s final performance stage.


    He was very satisfied with it.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    The crowd started shouting his name again!


    Zhang Ye raised his microphone and looked at the people in the audience. He scanned around him in all directions. Surrounding him was a sea of people. "Thank you, thank you. Thank you foring to my ''Final Concert''!"


    When the audience heard that, theyughed!


    "Hahaha."


    "Final?"


    "This is the first concert you''re holding."


    "You''re speaking like you won''t being back in the future!"


    "If you really don''te back, the entire Asian entertainment circle will celebrate wildly for three whole days and nights by setting off firecrackers!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    Everyoneughed.


    Zhang Ye alsoughed. "By convention, I should be giving an opening speech for the concert. All of you know that I can speak quite well. I''ve hosted so many shows that I don''t even know how many there were. I have given so many speeches on countless asions that I''ve lost count of them. But beforeing up onstage, my mind was a total nk. I didn''t know what to say, because I''m beginning to feel more and more unqualified to speak."


    The audience quieted as they listened silently.


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m not a qualified artist; you guys know that. You can mention any artist out there, and they should be more qualified than I am. The things that I represent are generally not positive, which is why a lot of people dislike me and criticize me for my actions. I can ept all of that, because I''ve never done what was expected of me as a public figure. Sometimes when I think about it, I feel quite guilty too."


    Ha Qiqi looked at the stage.


    Zhang Zuo kept his eyes on Zhang Ye.


    The studio''s staff were all silent.


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve also thought about it these past few years. Tolerance, eptance, civility, grace, and some of the better values and morals. It would have been better if I had conveyed such an image to the people. Then, perhaps, my poprity would be better as a result, and I would also have more friends surrounding me. I wouldn''t have fallen short of my family''s expectations either. When my family mentioned my name, they would have done so with more pride. When you all talk about me, it would be with more appreciation. When the media reports about me, it would be with more praise��I would really like to experience how that feels." He smiled and closed his eyes, thinking for about three seconds, then opened his eyes again with a smile. "That would definitely be a very good feeling. Yes, it is definitely a good one."


    Then, Zhang Ye continued, "But��"


    But?


    But what?


    But what?


    The audience looked at him.


    Everyone watching the livestream was watching him. They also realized that something a little different with Zhang Ye today!


    At this moment, the music yed.


    Zhang Ye smiled for a brief second. Yes, that would be a really great life to live. In the image that came to his mind, Zhang Ye would not be holding this final concert of his, nor would he have made that decision to give up everything. He would definitely have had a good life with Old Wu, witnessed the birth of his child, apanied it as it grew up, celebrated its first birthday, second birthday, and third birthday. Whenever the child''s teachers mentioned Zhang Ye, they would say that he was a great celebrity, and the child''s ssmates would all be envious of it for having such a cultured and refined father. The child would also proudly introduce Zhang Ye as its father during the parent-teacher conferences to its ssmates. The greatest father in the world��it was a very beautiful scene, so beautiful that it kept lingering in Zhang Ye''s mind.


    But.


    He did not regret it.


    He owed his family.


    He owed his child.


    If he could apologize, he would say sorry to Old Wu a 1,000 times. He would say sorry to his child 10,000 times!


    But��he did not regret it!


    The Korean hackers?


    The Japanese hotel?


    He would take them on each time they came!


    He would beat them up twice if they came twice!


    He would send them packing ten times if they came ten times!


    He would never regret his actions!


    There would forever be no room for negotiation on such matters!


    Zhang Ye gently brought the microphone up 1 .


    "I proudly destroy


    "the mediocrity I hate.


    "Before remembering those were my favorites.


    "Let summer have its fun,


    "take the brutal future,


    "And toss it light-years away.


    "But for now��


    "Let go of the rules, indulge in love.


    "Throw caution to the wind and forget about the future."


    Zhang Ye looked at everyone. He had no hesitations or any regrets.


    "I won''t veer off.


    "I won''t veer off.


    "I won''t veer off.


    "I won''t veer off."


    The audience was stunned!


    All of the viewers watching the livestream were also stunned!


    In the blink of an eye, countless people were extremely pumped up!


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    His mother said, "Little Ye, he''s��"


    His father said, "What happened to him?"


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    Wu Changhe asked, "What''s with Little Ye?"


    Li Qinqin asked, "What does he mean by all that?"


    Wu Changhe said, "Is something the matter? Has the kid gone insane again?"


    But Wu Zeqing just smiled without answering her parents. She said to herself, "That''s my husband!"


    ��


    The venue was pumping with excitement!


    Screams and cheers were mixed into the singing!


    Zhang Ye''s live singing was also getting louder and louder as though he was going to turn the entire venue upside down!


    "I want to go crazy, I want to love!


    "Means I want to go crazy, I want to love!


    "Thousands of MP3s!"


    "Thousands of crazy loves!


    "Cannot extinguish this tiny loneliness!


    "I want to go crazy, I want to love!


    "Means I want to go crazy, I want to love!


    "A wild party in the summer brings us here to light-years away!


    "Is growing up the decay that must happen to us all?


    "Let go of the rules, indulge in love!


    "Throw caution to the wind and forget about the future!"


    Standing at center stage.


    Standing in a venue that held a 100,000 people!


    Zhang Ye raised his microphone up and clutched his shirt at his chest. He let out a loud howl:


    "I won''t veer off!


    "I won''t veer off!


    "I won''t veer off!


    "I won''t veer offffffffffff!"


    What a good "won''t veer off"!


    What a good "I won''t veer off"!


    In this moment, all of the audience members went crazy!


    In this moment, all of them stood up!


    Some of them started crying!


    Some of them frantically waved their arms about!


    Some of them followed Zhang Ye''s lead and howled along to the singing!


    That "but" statement that Zhang Ye did not finish saying had been answered by this song. Zhang Ye was still that Zhang Ye they knew. He would always be!


    Zhang Ye was right; he wasn''t a qualified artist. Whether it was in speech, in action, his character, or his resume, he wasn''t a good artist no matter how you looked at it!


    They knew that!


    Everyone knew that!


    But��


    They still liked him all the same!


    They did not know why either; they just liked him!

 Chapter 1494 - An email from Hacker 2!

    <h4>Chapter 1494 - An email from Hacker 2! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    The Inte Surveince Bureau.


    Zhang Ye''s singing was ringing out from the livestream ying in the office. The staff of the Inte Surveince Bureau who were working overtime and quite a few others were watching the livestream of Zhang Ye''s "The Final Concert."


    "This is awesome!"


    "I like him so much!"


    "Teacher Zhang has always been my idol."


    "It''s a pity that Fang Xiaoshui and the others can''t watch this."


    "Ourrades of the First Department are so unlucky."


    "They still haven''t found out who 2 is?"


    "All 16 of them have been investigated, including Director Dong, but it doesn''t seem to be any of them."


    "Hai, I wonder how more many days we''ll have to work overtime like this. It''s a good thing we have Teacher Zhang''s concert to watch tonight and kill our boredom."


    Out of the blue, an alert sounded on theputer.


    It was the sound of a new, iing email.


    "Eh, an email?"


    "What email?"


    "I don''t know. This ount shouldn''t have been activated yet?"


    "Is it an internal inbox?"


    "It''s an internal backup inbox."


    "Who sent this out on ident?"


    "Let me have a look at it first."


    But the moment they checked, all of them got a shock!


    "Hurry, hurry, go get someone!"


    "Get the leaders!"


    "Something big has happened!"


    "Yeah, it''s an email from Hacker 2!"


    "This is bad, it''s a virus!"


    "No, it doesn''t look like it!"


    "Quick, get someone!"


    The entire Inte Surveince Bureau descended into chaos at once!


    In the istion room.


    The atmosphere inside was very gloomy.


    Meng Yi said, "The concert has already started!"


    Fang Xiaoshui cried out, "I can''t get to watch my Teacher Zhang anymore!"


    A female employee said, "I wonder how many songs he''s already sung."


    "Why are you guys still going on about Teacher Zhang at a time like this?" An employee said, "We can''t even save our skin, and we haven''t been home in three days already."


    At this moment, some action was taking ce outside the room.


    Director Dong was startled. "What''s happening?"


    The others turned to the gate. From the light seeping in through the gap under the door, they could see that people were running back and forth. One, five, ten people, it felt like it was very chaotic out there.


    After some ten minutes.


    The door opened and a leader came into the room with a solemn face. "Old Dong,e over here."


    Director Dong immediately stood up. "What exactly is happening?"


    The leader said something shocking. "2 sent us an email."


    Everyone was dumbfounded. "What?"


    2?


    He''s appeared?


    The group of people hurriedly went outside and had a look around. Almost everyone from the Inte Surveince Bureau hade back, and the entire office was crowded with scores of people.


    The director of the Second Department shouted, "Old Dong, get over here!"


    Director Dong went up to him. "Old Bai, what''s the situation?"


    The Second Department''s director hurriedly said, "Those years ago, it was you guys who followed up on the case of the Panda Burning Incense virus, right? Come and have a look at this."


    On theputer screen was a file. It was aputer virus file the internal software had gged.


    Director Dong got scared. But upon clicking it open to have a look, he was stunned. "Step aside." He nudged Director Bai of the Second Department aside and sat down in his spot. Then he went through the document line by line. Fang Xiaoshui, Meng Yi, and the others also gathered around. When they saw it, they were all stunned.


    Soon after, Director Dong gasped and said, "This is the source code of the Panda Burning Incense virus!"


    That leader said, "Can you confirm that?"


    Director Dong nodded. "I''m a 100% sure."


    Fang Xiaoshui said in a dumbfounded manner, "How did we get our hands on it? Such source codes should only be avable to the creator."


    The Third Department''s director gave a wry smile. "It was sent to us by 2 himself. There''s another document attached that was named CIH. We analyzed it and think that it might be thetestputer virus that wreaked havoc. Right now, we have the source codes of both of the most destructiveputer viruses known to us in the world."


    Everyone fell silent.


    Then they shivered in fear.


    Fang Xiaoshui could not understand what was going on. She said, "What is 2 thinking?"


    Meng Yi said, "Why did he send us the source codes?"


    The Second Department''s director pointed at theputer. "Come and see this."


    The email from 2 had a lot of information in it. Other than the Panda Burning Incense and CIH viruses'' source codes, 2 also left a message for them. This was what it said: "I know that you''re all looking for me. But the direction of your investigations on the suspects has been wrong from the very start. I don''t have any intention of hiding, nor will I hide. I will be responsible for what I did, so don''t make things difficult for therades of the First Department. You all should realize that 2 cannot be amongst them if you gave the matter some thought. Does any of you know what the name, ''2,'' represents? If you know, thene and get me. You will know where to find me."


    What was the meaning of this?


    A lot of people did not understand.


    Director Dong was very confused as well. "The direction of our investigations was wrong?"


    The Third Department''s director asked, "What do you all make of this message?"


    Fang Xiaoshui said, "It just means that none of us are 2, so can we go home yet?"


    Meng Yi said excitedly, "Yes, that''s exactly what it means."


    The leader was speechless.


    As was everyone else.


    Director Dong mumbled to himself, "What does ''2'' represent?"


    The Second Department''s director said, "We don''t know either, that''s why we asked you all toe over."


    A staff of the Third Department said, "What does he mean by saying that we know where to find him?"


    A female staff of the Second Department said, "Yeah, how could we possibly know where he is at?"


    2?


    2?


    A lot of people became lost in thought. They put out their hands and made twos with their fingers.


    What did it mean?


    What could a single number represent?


    At this time, a director trotted into the office. He had rushed back after being informed about the matter. "Eh? Did you all catch 2 already? That''s great! How did he get captured?"


    Director Dong looked at him. "Who told you that we''ve captured him?"


    That director was taken aback and pointed at them. "Then why did you all make a victory sign?"


    Director Dong said in a speechless manner, "We were just wondering what ''2'' represents��. Wait, what did you say?" He was stunned. "What did you just say?"


    That director stretched out two fingers in confusion. "Isn''t this a victory sign, like ''yeah''?"


    When he said that, the entire office fell silent!


    2?


    Victory?


    Yeah?


    Ye?!


    Fan Yingyun''s expression changed!


    Fang Xiaoshui said dumbfoundedly, "This��"


    The leader was also stunned. He said loudly, "Old Dong, when was Teacher Zhang attached to your department?"


    Director Dong said in shock, "It was during the time of the Sino-Korean Hacker War!"


    The leader said angrily, "Then why didn''t you mention it before?"


    Director Dong said in a confused state of mind, "But no one asked us. What we were asked was who had served with the First Department during that period, and Teacher Zhang was not part of our department at all. Furthermore, I don''t think he''s that skilled with theputer, and his English is very bad too. We didn''t even think in that direction!"


    Meng Yi pped his forehead. "My God!"


    The Second Department''s director said, "So that''s what he meant when he said we''d know where to find him!"


    The Olympic Stadium!


    The livestream that was being broadcast nationwide!


    All of the country''s citizens knew where Zhang Ye was at this moment!


    2 was Zhang Ye?


    How could that be possible!


    Could they have gotten it wrong?


    Fang Xiaoshui started panicking. "Th-Then what do we do now?"


    Meng Yi said, "Teacher Zhang is still in the middle of holding his concert!"


    No one knew what to do!


    Because this matter had blown up far greater than they expected!


    It was so major that they didn''t know how to handle it!


    They immediately informed the higher-ups. When the higher-ups saw it, they were also dumbfounded. And then, they hurriedly informed the higher-ups above them. This was escted to further and further up the chain!


    The Inte Surveince Bureau was buzzing with activity!


    One by one, cars started arriving!


    One by one, the executives came down personally!


    A lot of people could not believe this news. They all had to see the evidence for themselves!


    One of the executives shouted at the group of Inte Surveince Bureau''s leaders immediately upon arrival, "Are you kidding me?" He pointed at the nearbyputer currently showing Zhang Ye''s concert. "This is a nationwide livestream, he''s a Peking University professor, a Media College professor, the Asian phnthropic ambassador, a famous host, a world-ss mathematician, a literary schr, a famous author, a famous calligraphy master, the husband of the SARFT''s Chief Wu, and you''re telling me that you want to apply for an arrest warrant for him? You''re telling me that Zhang Ye is that legendary hacker, 2? Do you all know how serious the consequences will be if we arrest the wrong person? Don''t talk about you all taking responsibility for it, no one will be able to take responsibility for it! Not even me!"


    Everyone knew just how earth-shattering this news was!


    If the evidence were found to be true, then this would be the biggest news story to ever break in the history of the entertainment circle!

 Chapter 1495 - Let me run wild on this stage!

    <h4>Chapter 1495 - Let me run wild on this stage! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the concert venue.


    One song!


    Three songs!


    Five songs!


    ��


    "I''m ugly.


    "but I am so tender.


    "Cold on the outside, passionate inside.


    "That''s who I am!"


    ��


    "Tonight, I saw snow drift through the cold sky


    "With a cooled off heart, I drifted far away.


    "Chasing you in the storm.


    "Can''t tell shadows apart in the fog.


    "You and I in these vast horizons.


    "Can we change?"


    ��


    "I nted a seed in the earth.


    "And it finally bore fruit.


    "Today is a glorious day."


    ��


    The concert was already halfway through.


    Zhang Ye had performed over a dozen songs. There was a mixture of new songs and old songs. As he was too focused and did not have any guest artists supporting him, Zhang Ye had stayed on the stage by himself so far. His voice was already starting to show strain and had turned hoarse under the continuous high-intensity singing.


    He finished performing another song.


    The elevator tform beneath Zhang Ye''s feet descended.


    The costume designer and makeup artist immediately gathered around him.


    Little Wang quickly twisted open a bottle of water. "Hurry up and have a sip!"


    Zhang Ye took it from her and drank from it.


    Ha Qiqi said worriedly, "Please rest for a while."


    Zhang Ye shook his head.


    "It will be too tiring if you go on like this," Zhang Zuo added.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I can still hold up."


    The costume crew suddenly said, "The hat? Where is the hat?"


    Little Zhou said, "Ah? It was still here a moment ago."


    The makeup artist was holding the makeup kit and saying, "Touch up the makeup first!"


    It wasn''t very coordinated, and the costume change still wasn''t finished after half a minute.


    The continued shouting from the venue could be heard from below the stage.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye looked at Ha Qiqi and the others. "I''m going back up."


    Ha Qiqi was taken aback. "Don''t, the costume change and makeup aren''t done yet!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "There''s no need for that, I''ll just go on like this."


    Zhang Zuo said anxiously, "But��"


    Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Ye had already cut him off by saying, "Bring me up!"


    Everyone rushed to follow his orders.


    Little Wang asked in a whisper, "Why is Director Zhang in such a hurry?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "I don''t know."


    Zhang Zuo wondered for a moment and recalled something. "Have you all realized something? Director Zhang seems to be very anxious in everything that he does these days. It''s like there''s something chasing after him."


    Wu Yi said, "I''ve felt that too."


    The makeup artist was anxious but said helplessly, "He still shouldn''t just leave his makeup half-done like that. Teacher Zhang is an Asian superstar, and for a celebrity, their image should be of the utmost importance. Who does something like during their own concert?"


    Makeup?


    Outfit?


    Zhang Ye did not need any of those anymore because he was out of time. The Inte Surveince Bureau should have received the email he scheduled to be sent out. The people over there should have guessed the true identity of 2 by now. Zhang Ye knew that his concert could be interrupted at any moment and was something that he couldn''t stop. Whatever had toe would stille, so he wanted to sing. He wanted to use thisst bit of time to sing as many songs as he could. He wanted to continue singing all the way until thest moment.


    The elevator tform was raised.


    Zhang Ye returned to center stage.


    The fans in the venue immediately screamed. Then everyone realized that something was wrong. The viewers who were watching the livestream also realized this.


    "Eh?"


    "Why is he still wearing that same outfit?"


    "He didn''t change it?"


    "His makeup wasn''t touched up either?"


    "What''s going on? Why did hee back in such a hurry?"


    The music started.


    Zhang Ye was smiling.


    Come on!


    Let''s sing!


    As long as you all want to hear it, I will keep singing for you!


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye behaved in a way that made everyone scream senselessly. In the midst of hard rock apaniment, he took off his top and flung it aside!


    He did not need any makeup!


    He did not need any costumes either!


    He only wanted to sing!


    He wanted to run wild on this final stage of his!


    Zhang Ye raised his microphone and sang hoarsely 1 .


    "Stripped to the waist, I greet the blustering snow!


    "Running down the road from the hospital I escaped!


    "Don''t try to stop me, I don''t want any clothes either!


    "Because my sickness is that I have no emotions!"


    At this moment, everyone''s blood surged and screams exploded!


    Zhang Ye roared.


    "Give me a bit of flesh! Give me a bit of blood!


    "Rece my iron will and steely resolve!


    "Please let me cry, please let meugh!


    "Please let me run wild on this staaaaage!"


    The fans in the audience were howling like crazy.


    "It''s rock ''n'' roll!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "This is so awesome!"


    "This is exhrating!"


    "This is what a fucking concert should be like!"


    "Ahhhh!"


    "What a great feeling!"


    Everyone stood up!


    Everyone followed along and screamed as one!


    Zhang Ye sang loudly.


    "I''m not wearing any clothes or any shoes!


    "Yet can''t feel the force and intensity of the nor''wester!


    "I don''t know if I''m walking or running!


    "Because my sickness is that I have no emotions!"


    He pointed diagonally upward.


    "Give me a little stimtion, my good doctor!"


    The audience shouted, "Oh!"


    "Give me a little love, my sexy nurse!"


    The audience shouted, "Oh!"


    "Please let me cry, please let meugh!


    "Please let me run wild on this stage!


    "Yee, yeah! Yee, yeah!


    "Because my sickness is that I have no emotions!


    "Yee, yeah! Yee, yeah!


    "Please let me run wild on this staaaaage!"


    The people backstage were really enjoying this performance!


    The audience at the venue was really enjoying this performance!


    The viewers watching the livestream were also really enjoying this performance!


    They had not seen Zhang Ye sing like this in a very long time. They had not seen Zhang Ye act so wildly in a very long time. But it was very satisfying. Their bodies were all surging with excitement!


    Zhang Ye shouted to the audience, "Have you heard enough?"


    Everyone shouted together, "Not! Yet!"


    Zhang Yeughed loudly, "Then let''s do it again!"


    The audience shouted, "Alllllright!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Everyone, sing it with me!"


    "Yee, yeah! Yee, yeah!


    "Because my sickness is that I have no emotions!


    "Yee, yeah! Yee, yeah!


    "Please let me run wild on this staaaaage!


    "Yee, yeah! Yee, yeah!


    "Because my sickness is that I have no emotions!


    "Yee, yeah! Yee, yeah!


    "Please let me run wild on this staaaaage!"


    Once!


    Five times!


    Ten times!


    Zhang Ye''s voice went hoarse!


    The audience''s voice also went hoarse!


    This was an Olympic venue that could hold a 100,000 people! The entire venue was singing with Zhang Ye and shouting with him. This was such a spectacr scene. The entire concert venue felt like it was about to explode with every voice thundering. This was a scene that no one had ever witnessed before!


    This was one of Cui Jian''s songs.


    "Wild in the Snow"!


    The song had its lyrics changed by Zhang Ye and was performed in this world for the first time. He had also never sung a song in such a way before. Those regrets, that unwillingness to part, the negative emotions he had, all that seemed to have disappeared in an instant. He raised the microphone and said, "I prepared fifty songs for today. I will sing however many songs you all want to hear. I will sing whatever songs you want to listen to! Do you want to listen to ''The Internationale''?"


    The audience roared, "Yeeeeeeeeeees!"


    Zhang Yeughed loudly. "Let''s sing it together!"


    "Arise! ye pris''ners of starvation!"


    "Arise! ye wretched of the Earth!"


    The concert was finally reaching a climax!

 Chapter 1496 - The legendary hacker’s true identity is revealed!

    <h4>Chapter 1496 - The legendary hacker��s true identity is revealed! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    30 minutes!


    1 hour!


    2 hours!


    The concert had already gone past its closing time. But at center stage, Zhang Ye was still holding his microphone and howling into it. One by one, the next song''s music came on immediately after he finished singing the previous song. There were no costume changes, no guest appearances, and no breaks. Not even a single minute of them!


    Zhang Ye went crazy with his singing!


    Below stage, the fans went crazy from screaming!


    The audience viewing the livestream went crazy from watching!


    If they had to describe it, 99% of people would say: This was a crazy concert!


    Everyone sang together!


    Everyone went crazy together!


    Every screamed together!


    Even the audience members'' voices went hoarse in the end!


    Whenever a song ended, screams would immediatelye from the audience.


    "Another one!"


    "Sing us another one!"


    They were all afraid that Zhang Ye would announce that the concert was over!


    They hadn''t heard enough!


    It wouldn''t be enough no matter how many songs they listened to!


    Zhang Yeughed heartily, "Alright! Another one!"


    The music yed again!


    The fans were all cheering!


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    Li Qinqin said worriedly, "Why is he still singing?"


    Wu Changhe scoffed, "That rascal will surely die from exhaustion!"


    ��


    Spring Garden''s studio.


    Amy said dumbfoundedly, "He''s still singing?"


    Xiaodong said, "How many songs does Teacher Zhang intend to sing?"


    Li Xiaoxian said, "I''ve counted. He''s already broken the record."


    ��


    At Old Rao''s house.


    Chenchen asked, "Aunt, what is with Zhang Ye?"


    Rao Aimin said with some suspicion, "This kid is not behaving normally today."


    ��


    Backstage.


    Ha Qiqi was panicking. "We have to get Director Zhang off the stage!"


    Zhang Zuo gave a bitterugh. "It''s not like you''re unaware of Director Zhang''s temper."


    Little Wang said, "Yeah, no one can persuade him to get off the stage."


    "His voice has already gone hoarse. How can we let him go on like this!" Ha Qiqi said, stomping her feet in frustration.


    ��


    At the venue.


    Quite a few fans were also feeling sorry for Zhang Ye.


    "That''s enough!"


    "Teacher Zhang, that''s enough!"


    "You can continue singing in the future. Rest for now!"


    "Right, there are still a lot of chances in the future. Even if we didn''t get enough of listening to your songs, we can still wait for your next concert!"


    On the stage.


    The makeup on Zhang Ye''s face was a mess. To sing this many songs continuously, even an ironman would find it unbearable. The audience sitting in the front row could clearly see the sweat beads on Zhang Ye''s forehead dripping down. And with the heat from the strong spotlights, even those sitting further away could see how messy Zhang Ye''s makeup had be. Without any rest, without touching up any makeup, there had never been a celebrity who looked so miserable at a concert. It was only Zhang Ye who was like this!


    Why?


    What on earth had happened?


    Did he want to finish singing all of the songs today?


    Couldn''t he do that another time?


    Perhaps only Zhang Ye himself knew that he might not have the chance to do so in the future. He would also have liked to sing to everyone all the songs that he wished to sing, but there was really no more time left! So it didn''t matter even if his voice had gone hoarse, nor did it matter that his makeup was a mess. He didn''t care about any of that anymore!


    All of a sudden, a rock and roll melody yed!


    Zhang Ye closed his eyes 1 .


    "If there''s a tomorrow!


    "How would you mask or make up your face?


    "If there''s no tomorrow,


    "How do you say goodbye?"


    Everyone was stunned!


    Tomorrow?


    Goodbye?


    What did he mean by that?


    Zhang Ye sang.


    "If you see my hesitation,


    "Don''t you want to also ask me:


    "''Exactly how many things haven''t you done


    "If there''s a tomorrow?''


    "If I can really get another tomorrow,


    "I might finish singing all of my songs.


    "Maybe everything might vanish away


    "If there''s no tomorrow."


    At this moment, even a fool could sense that something was wrong!


    If there''s no tomorrow?


    Why wouldn''t there be a tomorrow?


    What had happened?


    Just what on earth had happened?


    Zhang Ye sang loudly.


    "If there''s a tomorrow!


    "How would you mask or make up your face?


    "If there''s no tomorrow!


    "How do you say goodbye?"


    Suddenly, the emergency exit door at Zone A was opened, and over a dozen police officers filed into the stadium.


    Followed by the one at Zone B.


    Then Zone C.


    Then at another two of the exits used by the staff as well.


    A dozen exits were filled with police officers.


    Director Dong, Fan Yingyun, Fang Xiaoshui, Meng Yi, and the others were also part of the groups.


    The concert staff did not realize anything was wrong at the beginning.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the rest received this news very quickly before looking in dumbfoundedness at several of the exits.


    Little Wang said in a panic, "What''s going on?"


    Little Zhou said, "Why are the police here?"


    Ha Qiqi''s heart skipped a beat as a sense of unease suddenly built up.


    ��


    At the venue.


    The audience also gradually realized it.


    "Why are there so many police officers?"


    "What are they here for?"


    "Is there a big case going on?"


    "What big case could there be at this ce?"


    ��


    On the livestream.


    When the camera swept across, a lot of people also realized it.


    "The police?"


    "What''s up?"


    "Heavens, why are there so many police officers there?"


    "There are also armed police officers?"


    "They''re blocking off all of the exits?"


    "Who are they here to arrest?"


    ��


    Back at home.


    "The police?"


    "Why are they heading towards the stage?"


    His mother was stunned.


    His father was bing anxious.


    ��


    At Old Yao''s house.


    Yao Jiancai jumped to his feet.


    Yao Mi asked anxiously, "Wh-What''s going on?"


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    Li Qinqin grabbed her daughter. "What on earth is happening?"


    Wu Zeqing did not say a word.


    Wu Changhe shouted, "Quickly tell us! What the heck is happening there?"


    ��


    Onstage.


    He had just finished performing "If There''s a Tomorrow."


    Then Zhang Ye also saw a few of his old friendsing over from afar. He smiled and looked up into the night sky, then took another look at the densely packed audience at the venue. His grin got even wider. He raised his microphone and said, "Tonight was such a good night. I''ve never sung like this before and have never felt so good and satisfied before. Although there are still a lot of things I would like to say, although there are still a lot of things I have yet to do, thank you foring to my concert. Thank you for apanying me while I sang."


    Many of the audience members stood up!


    The people watching the livestream were stunned!


    Over a 100 million people around the country had their eyes on him at this moment. They all knew that something had happened, and it was a major event.


    After a pause, Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ve actually been thinking in recent days how I should say ''goodbye'' to everyone. Should I do it with a smile and casually say it? Or should I shout it with a serious face? Or perhaps I can be a little artistic and do it with a poem? Until now, I still hadn''t thought of how I should say it. I''vee to realize that I''m unable to say this ''goodbye'' to everyone��so let''s just leave it like that. This is pretty good too."


    Goodbye?


    Why goodbye?!


    At this moment, the ringtones of cell phones could be heard!


    There were calls!


    There were texts!


    Beep, beep, beep!


    Ring, ring, ring!


    A girl looked at her cell phone in shock!


    A young man was reading the news on his cell phone in bewilderment!


    "Hurry! Check the news!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Look it up!"


    "It''s an arrest warrant!"


    "Teacher Zhang! He''s��he''s��"


    The entire venue blew up!


    The outside world also descended into chaos!


    All across the country, no one could believe what they had just seen. This was because it was too shocking! How could this be possible? How could it be Teacher Zhang?!

 Chapter 1497 - Zhang Ye’s final song!

    <h4>Chapter 1497 - Zhang Ye''s final song! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The venue went quiet!


    The entire country fell silent!


    This was such a bombshell!


    This was news enough to shock the entire world!


    The legendary Hacker 2, the world''s best hacker, the creator of the Panda Burning Incense virus, and the creator of the CIH virus, had actually been standing in front of their eyes all this time?!


    "Impossible!"


    "Why is it him?"


    "How could it possibly be him!"


    "Zhang Ye is Hacker 2?"


    "Are you fucking kidding me?"


    "Teacher Zhang is the world''s best hacker?"


    "Based on what are they arresting him!"


    "No, please don''t!"


    "Damn! Who dares touch Teacher Zhang? Try it!"


    "Right, who dares touch Zhang Ye!"


    Instantly, the entire venue exploded!


    ��


    Back at home.


    His mother was stunned!


    His father nched!


    ��


    At an event''s venue.


    Chen Guang''s eyes reddened as he looked at his cell phone!


    Fan Wenli was shouting loudly beside him!


    ��


    Spring Garden''s studio.


    Amy fell to the floor and sat down!


    Li Xiaoxian had a look of panic on her face!


    ��


    Backstage.


    Little Wang yelled!


    Ha Qiqi clenched her fists tightly!


    Zhang Zuo held his phone in a daze!


    ��


    At Old Rao''s house.


    Yang Shu was dumbfounded!


    Chenchen was getting anxious!


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' house.


    Li Qinqin grabbed her daughter and cried out!


    Wu Changhe loudly questioned the meaning of this!


    But Wu Zeqing still did not utter a word.


    ��


    At the venue.


    In the rest of the world.


    His family.


    His friends.


    Everyone was caught in a state of shock!


    Why did Zhang Ye invite Spring Garden to be his guests at the concert at first and then cancel it midway? Why did Zhang Ye give money to Yang Shu to start a martial arts training hall and give out bonuses to his staff in advance like he was making arrangements in case something were to happen to him? Why did Zhang Ye resign from his roles at Peking University and Media College, as well as his role as the Asian phnthropic ambassador? Why did Zhang Ye ce so much emphasis on this concert and even called it "The Final Concert"? Why did Zhang Ye keep singing on stage like he had gone crazy, not even wasting any time on changing his outfit or touching up his makeup? What did that "I''m won''t veer off" really mean? What did that song, "If There''s a Tomorrow," really mean?


    They finally understood all of it now!


    They finally understood everything that had been going on!


    Zhang Ye had made arrangements for everything since some time ago!


    He was going to leave!


    He already knew that!


    A young man shouted, "Teacher Zhang, don''t go!"


    A teenage girl nearly copsed. "Don''t go! Don''t go!"


    A young girl shouted, "I want to listen to you sing! We want to listen to you sing for the rest of our lives!"


    What would an entertainment circle without Zhang Ye look like? They simply could not imagine that!


    Some people were shouting.


    Some were crying.


    Seeing this scene, Zhang Ye started welling up. The stage was the ce he loved the most. His fans were the people he liked the most. And then, there was the night sky, in which the stars looked especially brilliant tonight. Thank you, everyone, thank you. Yearster, I wonder if you all will still think of me and remember this night? However, I will never forget this night for the rest of my life because I have you apanying me. You''ve shouted with me and sung along!


    Then let''s have one more song.


    Let''s have one more final song.


    He jerked his microphone up to his lips and slowly sang in a cappe.


    "I gently look back on the nights we belonged to each other.


    "You are still the rosy, bright sun that warmed my heart.


    "I hope you can understand and forgive me if I shed silly tears.


    "The road ahead may be lonely and long after parting with you tonight."


    Everyone looked at the stage!


    Everyone watched Zhang Ye on the livestream!


    Fan Yingyun, who was at the venue, was clenching her fists so hard that her fingernails were digging into her flesh.


    Fang Xiaoshui was the first one to break down. The moment the singing started, she sobbed, "Teacher Zhang!"


    In front, a police officer was thinking of stepping up onto the stage. He already had his handcuffs out in preparation to make the arrest.


    But Fan Yingyun grabbed hold of him and stared icily at him.


    The police officer was startled. "Officer Fan?"


    Fan Yingyun said, "Let Teacher Zhang finish singing the song!"


    Director Dong also said coldly, "Let Teacher Zhang finish singing!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and sang on.


    "Suddenly, I have so much I want to say.


    "Regrettably, we''ll soon be apart.


    "So I''ll treasure this moment deep inside me."


    The moon was very round.


    The stars were very bright.


    Under the night sky, Zhang Ye was singing loudly.


    "Even if someday thousands of romances


    "get blown into my path andnd!


    "Even if someday thousands of stars


    "shine brighter than the moon tonight!


    "They won''tpare to this evening''s beauty!


    "Nor would I enjoy them any more!


    "Ah! ''Cause you are singing with me tonight!"


    Those lyrics wereshing out ruthlessly at everyone''s hearts. It hit them so hard that their faces were strewn with tears!


    Backstage.


    Ha Qiqi said, "y the music!"


    Little Wang cried and said, "But Director Zhang, he''s��"


    Ha Qiqi repeated in an even louder voice, "y the music!"


    The music yed.


    A mournful melody drifted out and filled the Olympic Stadium.


    Zhang Ye smiled and looked at everyone in the audience.


    "As our separation nears, I realize the allure of grief.


    "All because of you, I made manysting memories.


    "When and where can we meet again, just like tonight?


    "Let''s gaze into each other''s eyes, and see where our mutual feelings stand.


    "When the raindrops tap on your windows,


    "When the wind blows your thoughts into chaos.


    "Can you take the time to remember my familiar face?"


    One!


    Ten!


    A 100!


    A 1,000!


    A lot of people were covering their mouths and crying!


    At this moment, they remembered a lot of things.


    In the past, Zhang Ye had rushed to the hospital to prevent a fan from attempting suicide by forking out a sum of money and giving his support, saving her from certain death. Back then, it was Zhang Ye who came forward to stand up for a Chinese fan when she was knocked over by Lee Anson. Back then, Zhang Ye''s Talk Show had made countless people in the countryugh hard at theirputers. When the Sino-Korean Hacker War happened, Zhang Ye caused a great stir in the country with his "whoever offends the mighty nation of China, however distant, shall be destroyed." And those songs Zhang Ye sang in the King of Masked Singers had astonished many people as well.


    He had given themughter.


    He had forced them to cry.


    His name was Zhang Ye.


    He looked very ordinary.


    But this was a face they could never forget!


    They would never forget it for the rest of their lives!


    Zhang Ye sang loudly.


    "Even if someday thousands of romances


    "get blown into my path andnd!


    "Even if someday thousands of stars


    "shine brighter than the moon tonight!


    "They still won''tpare to this evening''s beauty!


    "Nor would I enjoy them any more!


    "Ah! ''Cause you are singing with me tonight!"


    Once!


    Twice!


    Thrice!


    Suddenly, a little girl in the audience cried and sang along with him. "Even if someday thousands of romances!"


    A young man loudly sang, "Get blown into my path andnd!"


    A middle-aged woman wiped away her tears. "Even if someday thousands of stars!"


    A teenage girl yelled, "Shine brighter than the moon tonight!"


    Some people did not know how to sing it!


    Some people were going off-key!


    Some people who did not know Cantonese shouted along in Mandarin!


    Everyone joined in the singing!


    The nearly 100,000-strong crowd at the venue sang loudly with Zhang Ye.


    "They still won''tpare to this evening''s beauty!


    "Nor would I enjoy them any more!


    "Ah! ''Cause you are singing with me tonight!"


    It was moving!


    There were tears!


    There was unwillingness!


    There was reluctance!


    All of those feelings were present within this song!


    Everyone was straining their voices to sing.


    "They still won''tpare to this evening''s beauty!


    "Nor would I enjoy them any more!


    "Ah! ''Cause you are singing with me toniiiiight!"


    While the music still yed, Zhang Ye broke into a smile. "This song is called ''Thousands of Songs,'' and I will only sing it this once in my lifetime. Thank you, I''ll be going then."


    A song.


    A concert.


    And a simple "I''ll be going then."


    ��This was Zhang Ye''s farewell.

 Chapter 1498 - Zhang Ye reaches the summit of Asia!

    <h4>Chapter 1498 - Zhang Ye reaches the summit of Asia! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The music stopped.


    The livestream was cut off.


    The concert was over.


    Zhang Ye felt very rxed as he said with a smile to Director Dong and the others, "Let''s go."


    A police officer produced an arrest warrant. It did not bear the seal of the district or city''s public security bureaus, but instead bore the impressive stamp of the Ministry of Public Security. "Zhang Ye, we are officially informing you that we are starting formal investigations into you as a suspect. Come with us," he said as took out handcuffs.


    Fan Yingyun shouted, "Who dares to handcuff Teacher Zhang!"


    Meng Yi, Fang Xiaoshui, and the others from the First Department red daggers at him!


    The police officer said, "Officer Fan, we''re just going by routine, you��"


    Director Dong spoke at this time. "Put away your handcuffs!"


    That police officer hesitated for a moment before stowing his handcuffs.


    Then Director Dong walked up to Zhang Ye with aplicated expression. "Teacher Zhang, we were not supposed to handle your arrest this time. But as you''ve worked with us at the First Department before, that makes us fellow colleagues andrades. I didn''t think you would want it to be anyone else in the end, so I requested permission from the leaders for us to be here."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Thank you."


    They left the venue.


    And got into the police vehicle.


    Then Zhang Ye left.


    He left in a carefree and dashing manner.


    This concert was destined to go down in history because no one had ever held a concert at such arge venue before, nor had any celebrity ever bid farewell in such a way before. This was who Zhang Ye was. Even if he were going to leave, he would go out with a bang. Even if the curtains had to fall, he would bow out in a soul-stirring manner!


    ��


    At this moment.


    The outside world was in an uproar!


    All of Asia blew up!


    Everything had happened so suddenly that no one was prepared for it. Zhang Ye''s family and friends, his studio, the Chinese entertainment industry, and all of the Asian media outlets were in chaos at this moment. Some people were even staring nkly at their monitors on which the livestream had been disconnected, unable to ept the news they had just found out about. This was the biggest concert to happen in Asia. This was supposed to be Zhang Ye''s most glorious moment! A lot of people could not ept this!


    "Zhang Ye gets arrested by the police!"


    "Hacker 2''s true identity!"


    "Shocking! Zhang Ye turns out to be the hacker with the highest bounty in the world!"


    "The biggest ''earthquake'' in the history of the Asian entertainment circle!"


    "Police disclosure: Zhang Ye turned himself in!"


    "Lawyer analysis: Zhang Ye could face many years of jail time!"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "He''s about to be a father!"


    "Based on what are they arresting him!"


    "Back then, the Korean hackers got what they deserved!"


    "Release him!"


    "Release him!"


    "Let''s start a petition!"


    "Yeah! I''ll write the petition!"


    "Count me in!"


    ��


    The Japanese Inte was in an uproar!


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Hacker 2?"


    "So it was him?"


    "W-Wasn''t he the one who made thoseics?"


    "Isn''t he a host?"


    ��


    At Sh��nen Publishing.


    "Oh my god, Hacker 2 is him!"


    "How does he know everything!"


    "Just what kind of a person is this fellow, really?!"


    "After theics were castrated, he went on to meddle in the hacker industry?"


    ��


    Korea.


    The citizens were dumbfounded!


    "How could it be him?"


    "Why is it him again?"


    The Panda Burning Incense incident was actually caused by him?"


    "Heavens!"


    "Why does he have to keeptching onto us!"


    "The two biggest public enemies of Korea, Zhang Ye and Hacker #2, are actually the same fucking person? How can that be! Can this fellow be any more ruthless than this!"


    ��


    At Central TV.


    "This��this��"


    "Teacher Zhang, he''s��"


    "He''s going away just like that?"


    "How can it possibly be him!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    "What do we do!"


    "Sister Ha, Brother Zuo, what should we do now?"


    "Enough talking, let''s head to Director Zhang''s house first. Director Zhang''s parents must have just found out about this as well. They''re old and won''t be able to ept this. Little Wang, go and get the car!"


    ��


    At Old Rao''s house.


    "How dare you all arrest my senior bro? I''ll go and get him out!"


    "Little Yang,e back right now!"


    "But my senior bro is��no, I have to save him!"


    "With those lowly skills of yours, who do you think you can save? You''d only be causing more trouble if you go there. With his martial arts level, if he wishes to leave, do you think they would be able to stop him?"


    "But! But��"


    ��


    Dong Shanshan''s home.


    Several of Zhang Ye''s old ssmates were gathered here.


    "This fellow is such a bastard!"


    "He''s going to leave the entertainment circle just like that?"


    "How carefree of him! But has he spared a thought for the others!"


    ��


    Xu Men''s house.


    "Sister Lan, this��"


    "Hurry up, I want you to head over to Zhang Ye''s Studio immediately."


    "Alright!"


    "Help them out with whatever is necessary."


    ��


    At the Inte Surveince Bureau.


    "What will happen to Teacher Zhang?"


    "It''s still debatable for the CIH virus since there was a global alert put in ce for it, and it didn''t spread. But for the Panda Burning Incense virus��"


    "Actually, by arresting Teacher Zhang first, it should be a form of protection for him by the higher-ups. The Koreans and Americans are all asking for his head, but we definitely cannot let them get their hands on him. It seems like the higher-ups have already reached an agreement on that internally."


    "But��"


    "Handling it like this is the best that the higher-ups can do."


    "B-But I really like him."


    "Me too, Zhang Ye is such a special person."


    ��


    People cried.


    People scolded.


    People shouted.


    And there were those who wanted to attempt a prison break.


    This night was destined to not be a quiet one. All of Asia had been plunged into chaos over a single name!


    Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye!


    And still, Zhang Ye!


    Japan.


    Korea.


    China.


    This name and his story were being gossiped about all across Asia.


    Even many of Zhang Ye''s foes had mixed emotions at this moment. This name had caused them to grit their teeth in hatred countless times in the past, but when they found out that Zhang Ye was going away, when they heard that this name would no longer be in the entertainment industry, they still sighed. At the same time, they were a little envious of him. Thergest concert held in Asia, with a 100,000-strong crowd sharing the stage with him, was livestreamed nationwide in China. With all of Asia''s attention on him, he had chosen to end his entertainment career at this time. Indeed, he was still the Zhang Ye from before. At the very end, this fellow still managed to leave in such an earth-shattering manner. At the very end, they still could not outdo him even once.


    There had never been such a celebrity in the entertainment circle before!


    Not in the past!


    And definitely not in the future!


    ��


    On this night.


    Amid themotion, the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index was updated!


    When the Chinese citizens checked it, they were immediately stunned!


    When some of the Korean citizens saw it, their faces paled!


    When some of the Japanese citizens went to have a look, they were also left dumbfounded!


    "The Asian Celebrity Rankings Index has been refreshed!"


    "Quickly go and have a look! It has been updated!''


    "How''s it look?"


    "S-list!"


    "He''s on the Asian S-list rankings!"


    "Teacher Zhang has reached the summit!"


    "Teacher Zhang has reached the summit of the Asian entertainment circle!"


    On this day.


    On this night.


    Zhang Ye''s almost crushing poprity catapulted him from third ce in the Asian A-list rankings directly into the Asian S-list rankings. He had be the newly-crowned Asian Heavenly King. This was the highest honor in the Asian entertainment industry. The goal that Zhang Ye had been working so hard towards was finally realized on the day of his departure from the entertainment circle!


    Ha Qiqi wept!


    Many of the staff at Zhang Ye''s Studio also teared up!


    Director Zhang, you''ve reached the summit!


    You''ve finally reached the summit in both China and Asia!


    Are you seeing this?


    Do you know what has just happened?

 Chapter 1499 - The game ring gets an upgrade!

    <h4>Chapter 1499 - The game ring gets an upgrade! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    A monthter.


    In the morning.


    In a prison.


    This was a single upancy cell. The facilities in it were very old, but the ce was kept rtively clean. There wasn''t anyone else in it except for Zhang Ye. This was already Zhang Ye''s third day here. There was no one to disturb him, no television to watch, and no Inte to browse, so it was way too fucking peaceful in here. The only drawback was that his days were bing a little monotonous. For the past few days, he had nothing better to do than sleep. He did not know how others would feel about this, but for a person like him who got restless the moment he didn''t get into the asional fight or argument, this was indeed quite boring.


    News?


    Fans?


    The media?


    The outside world was isted beyond the prison bars.


    Zhang Ye found activities to keep himself busy and would often sing a little when there was nothing else to do.


    Just look, this fellow was doing exactly that right now 1 .


    "Iron gates, iron bars, and iron manacles.


    "Gazing out with my hands clutching these bars.


    "How wonderful life is on the outside.


    "When can I return home again?


    "When can I return home again?


    "All of these shackles that locked me up.


    "Dear friend, won''t you listen to me sing��"


    Outside, a young prison guard walked over, not knowing whether tough or cry. "Teacher Zhang, why are you singing this song again? Can you change it to something else? I''ve heard it more than 20 times over the past few days."


    This was a popr song from the ''80s in Zhang Ye''s previous world. It was called "Tears Behind Prison Bars," and the prison guards were all getting tormented by it every day.


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands in boredom. "What else can I do besides sing?"


    The young prison guard said excitedly, "Why don''t you write a novel? Or a TV series script? You have nothing to do anyway, and I especially like reading the things that you write."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged and said, "I can consider writing a TV series script."


    The young prison guard said excitedly, "What do you intend to write about?"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Eh, has anyone made a drama based on breaking out of prison before?"


    The young prison guard nearly facented. He said nervously, "I think it''s better that you stick to singing ''Tears Behind Prison Bars!''"


    "Haha, just kidding." Zhang Ye was amused.


    The young prison guard opened the cell door. "Don''t scare me like that. There''s someone here to visit you. Please get ready."


    "Who is it?" Zhang Ye roused himself at the words.


    The young prison guard smiled and said, "It''s your parents and inws."


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "Then I''m not going."


    The young prison guard gasped, "Huh?"


    Although that was what he said, Zhang Ye still got up and exited the cell. "Hai, how could it be anything good if it''s them? I bet you it''ll end up as a major lecture for me!"


    The young prison guardughed. "Teacher Zhang, honestly speaking, you''ve got the best mentality of all the prisoners that I''vee across in my time. A lot of those who get sent here end up changing greatly. I''ve never seen anyone who sings every day and keeps themselves entertained the way you do. No wonder you''re my idol."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "I''m singing a song like ''Tears Behind Prison Bars,'' and you call that having a positive outlook? Come on, let''s go."


    Outside.


    After turning left and right multiple times, they finally reached the visitation room.


    Zhang Ye could see his family from afar.


    There wasn''t any shouting or yelling.


    Nor was there any hugging and crying.


    It had been a month since the incident, and everyone was at peace with what had happened.


    His mother was already harrumphing at her son without waiting for him to sit down. "Mess around, keep messing around. I want to see how you can still fight with others now. Show me!"


    Zhang Ye strolled over and sat down. "Who can I fight with now? Just wait until I get released."


    "Ah?" Wu Changhe said angrily, "You mean you''re still thinking about fighting other people?"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Dad, where''s my wife? Why is it only you four who came to visit?"


    Wu Changhe said in annoyance, "So you mean you don''t want us toe?"


    Well, of course.


    However, Zhang Ye would never say that out loud.


    Li Qinqin said, "Zeqing said she wanted toe."


    His father stared at him. "Zeqing is going to give birth soon, so how can we let her move around so much at such a time? We stopped her froming."


    "Is she feeling OK?" Zhang Ye asked in concern.


    His mother harrumphed, "Other than you, all of us are doing quite well."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Then I''m relieved."


    Li Qinqin criticized, "Oh you! You''ve really worried us so this time. Only Zeqing is gracious enough to not get anxious over anything at all. Do you know how worried your parents and I were? A media outlet even wrote that you might be sentenced to life in prison before the court gave its sentence. That scared us so much that we couldn''t get a good night''s rest for two days."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Mom, which media outlet wrote that? Tell me. When I get released, I''ll go and look for them. What life in prison? It''s not like I ughtered and burned. What I did was a chivalrous act by fighting for my country and its citizens. You''ve all gotta think of this in a positive manner. If this incident didn''t happen, could I have reached the summit of the Asian entertainment circle? Even if I could''ve, it might''ve taken a year or two, or even three to five years for that to happen. This is what we call spending on credit. For the next few years, I''m just gonna stay here and rest up. I''ll recharge. When I get out of here, I''ll take a shot at reaching the top of the international entertainment circle!"


    His mother curled her lips and said, "Stop bragging."


    Li Qinqin looked at her watch. "Are visiting hours almost over?"


    "Mom, feel free to talk as long as you want." Zhang Ye waved his hands and said, "I know the people here, and they won''t interfere even if we talk for a few more hours. But in the future, don''te here for no reason. It''s an important time for Old Wu. If you''re all here, Old Wu is at home all by herself. Go back earlier. I''m doing rather well, so don''t worry."


    The elders looked him over. Indeed, he did look rather good. He was even more spirited than when he was out. Beforeing over, they were rather worried and afraid to find him in a state of dishevelment. But it seemed like they had worried too much. What storms and cmities had this kid not been through? Not too many things could rattle him. Just look, it had only been three days and he was already all chummy with the prison guards. In addition, his rtionship with the prison warden was very good. When Zhang Ye had just been sent here, the warden even came out to personally receive him.


    Pretty good.


    Yes, he was doing pretty good.


    ��


    In the prison cell.


    After seeing his parents, Zhang Ye came back. He was touched.


    He couldn''t keep going on like that. He really had to find something proper to do. Otherwise, he might just be unable to keep up with the times upon his release. He had to umte experience and recharge. Zhang Ye had never once forgotten about his goal to reach the summit of the international entertainment circle ever since the day he debuted.


    He couldn''t get on the Inte?


    He couldn''t release any works?


    But he could gain more skills!


    Like lockpicking?


    Like wall climbing?


    He could use all of those skills after getting out��uh, actually it looks like those skills were only going to be useful in here.


    Forget it, it''s time for the lottery!


    Even if he couldn''t do other things, there was no problem with ying the lottery. Moreover, the total Reputation Points that Zhang Ye had umted in the game ring was more than enough for him to y the lottery for three straight days and nights!


    Come on,e on,e on!


    Lottery draw, lottery draw, lottery draw!


    However, the moment Zhang Ye brought up the game ring''s interface, he discovered a system notification. Having reached a specific Reputation Points level, the game ring was upgraded again. At the very beginning, the game ring only had the Lottery Draw (One) system in it and would dispense small treasure chests as prizes. Later, when it was upgraded, the Lottery Draw (Two) system was unlocked, and he was able to get medium-sized treasure chests. Now that the game ring had been upgraded again, the level threerge treasure chests got unlocked!

 Chapter 1500 - Receiving a rare item!

    <h4>Chapter 1500 - Receiving a rare item! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The Lottery Draw (Three) was entirely different.


    The lottery draw that gave the small treasure chests was a spinning wheel.


    The lottery draw that gave the medium treasure chests was in the form of a slot machine.


    Meanwhile, this lottery draw that gave therge treasure chests was a virtual tform made of an unknown material that resembled stone. The small tform of several meters had a concave space in the middle that was reserved for the treasure chests to be dispensed from. However, it was bare and empty at this moment with nothing in it. The feeling it gave was rather mysterious and intimidating.


    However, Zhang Ye felt a pinch in his heart the moment he saw the system notification in the game ring that introduced this lottery system. He had not checked the game ring in a long time. It had reached the upgrade requirement a while ago, but he had only found out after he brought up the game ring''s interface today. It was just like the previous time the system was upgraded from the basic level to the intermediate level. Once the game ring had reached the required Reputation Points, it would activate the upgrade. Meanwhile, aspayment for the upgrade 1 , his Reputation Points would be deducted from the game ring. As such, the Reputation Points that Zhang Ye had been umting for a long time was suddenly more than halved, leaving him feeling the pinch. It was a good thing there was some form ofpensation for the upgrade. The moment he yed the lottery draw for the first time after the upgrade, there would be a rare treasure chest with a 100% rate of dispensing, which made it very tempting.


    Come on.


    Let''s give it a try.


    Zhang Ye reached into the air and tapped. Then he was dumbfounded.


    System Notification: You''re about to spend 100 million Reputation Points. Please confirm.


    100 million?


    Each lottery draw attempt costs 100 million?


    Do you fucking want to die!


    This is highway robbery!


    Zhang Ye nearly went crazy with hate. The basic lottery draw only costs 100,000 Reputation Points, while the intermediate lottery draw cost 10 million Reputation Points. Now that he had reached the advanced lottery draw, it required a 100 million Reputation Points to y?


    But what could he do? He could only y!


    Zhang Ye clenched his teeth and pressed "confirm"!


    This time, he did not activate the Lucky Halo (Upgraded). First, because the game ring''s rules had already specified that the first attempt at the upgraded lottery draw would always give a rare item treasure chest, so there wasn''t a need for any luck. Second, all of the things that happened during this hacking incident had happened precisely because of the Lucky Halo (Upgraded). If it weren''t for it, Zhang Ye would probably still have it good. He was only here because he had trusted it too much.


    A bright glow erupted from the lottery draw''s tform.


    Zhang Ye was momentarily blinded.


    One second.


    Three seconds.


    Five seconds.


    The glowsted for a short while before suddenly disappearing.


    Zhang Ye opened his eyes and noticed that arge, golden treasure chest had appeared on the lottery tform. It was much bigger than the small and medium-sized treasure chests.


    Here ites!


    Zhang Ye was looking forward to it.


    He retrieved the treasure chest and opened it up.


    System notification:


    You have opened the chest.


    [Congrattions, you have received a rare item!]


    [Lucky Halo (Ultra): Dramatically increases the luck of the yer.]


    An ultra version?


    Dramatically increase?


    When Zhang Ye saw this description, he got extremely excited. He no longer trusted the Lucky Halo, but that was only the upgraded version. Since the beginning, the basic version of the Lucky Halo had failed quite a few times. The upgraded version had also screwed up at critical junctures, indicating that their effects were not strong enough. Having reached this point, Zhang Ye could no longer make any missteps. Taking this event as an example, it was a major incident the moment something went bad. He was after reliability and stability. The moment he required the Lucky Halo''s effects, he would need it to be a 100% sessful. Therefore, this ultra version of the Lucky Halo fit Zhang Ye''s requirements nicely. The only drawback of it was��


    Fuck me!


    It would consume 1 million Reputation Points per second of activation?


    This was too expensive!


    However, Zhang Ye ced it into the Merchant Shop''s interface nheless. The Special Category items were basically a purchasing right, just like how the game ring had received an upgrade the previous time and the older version of the Lucky Halo was reced by the newer one. That made the lower tier version of the item unusable, so he couldn''t use it even if he wanted to.


    What else was there?


    What else was different with the new lottery draw from the previous one?


    Zhang Ye immediately gave it another try. He rubbed his hands together and took a deep breath before tapping on Lottery Draw (Three) again. He noticed there wasn''t any option to ce additional stakes in this advanced version of the lottery draw. This was also where it differed from the basic and intermediate versions of the lottery draw in that it could only allow him to draw one item at a time!


    The lottery draw began!


    He used up a 100 million Reputation Points!


    Then that glow appeared again!


    This time, Zhang Ye did not close his eyes. Instead, he squinted hard at it.


    A momentter, the glow disappeared.


    Then��there were no more thens!


    After the glow dissipated, there was no trace of anything at all on the tform!


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded. Fuck, it can even end up like this?


    He refused to have his beliefs shaken and still kept his Lucky Halo (Ultra) deactivated. He wanted to try the odds of this advanced lottery draw first in order to familiarize himself with it. So he attempted the draw several times in a row. Although his Reputation Points were more than halved after the system upgrade, he still had a lot of Reputation Points left. He could still be considered "rich" in that sense.


    ��


    The third lottery draw attempt.


    The glow appeared.


    The glow disappeared.


    There was nothing.


    ��


    The fourth lottery draw attempt.


    The glow appeared.


    The glow disappeared.


    Arge treasure chest finally appeared!


    [Lockpicking Skill Experience Book] �� 3: Increase the lockpicking skills of the yer.


    ��


    The fifth lottery draw attempt.


    The glow appeared.


    The glow disappeared.


    There was nothing.


    ��


    The sixth lottery draw attempt.


    After the glow disappeared, anotherrge treasure chest appeared.


    When Zhang Ye opened it up, a system notification popped up.


    [Congrattions, you have received a rare item!]


    [Higher Mathematics Skill Experience Book]: Max out the Higher Mathematics Skill!


    ��


    He tried it a total of six times.


    In the end, Zhang Ye stopped ying it in shock. He was finally able to figure out how this advanced lottery draw worked. This waspletely different from the previous two versions of the lottery draw, and there was a possibility of drawing any item from it. For example, the probability of drawing nothing at all was the highest, with it happening three times out of his six attempts. Or those three Lockpicking Skill Experience Books that he had just received, they were what Zhang Ye had drawn at the very beginning when he could only ess the basic version of the lottery draw. He even put this skill to use during the hijacking incident to open the cabin door, and those three books were exactly the same thing that he had gotten before. The moment Zhang received the item, he opened them up and learned. He could feel that his lockpicking skill had improved, but it was not by much. This felt like an item that should not have belonged in the advanced version of the lottery draw. Furthermore, he received of such books. It was as though the prizes were random and there was no logic behind what could be drawn.


    It wasn''t until a rare item had appeared, when that [Higher Mathematics Skill Experience Book] came out that Zhang Ye finally understood.


    Mathematics?


    A maximum level skill?


    This was a godly skill!


    He no longer had to get books from the basic and intermediate versions of the lottery draw in order to max out the skill? He could max it out straight away!


    From the looks of it, this advanced lottery draw epassed the full range of items that were avable. The items he could get were random and could be of the basic or advanced levels. The quantities of these items that he would receive were also random. It might be one, two, or even three of them drawn in one go. Looking at this, it seemed like the payment and reward ratio wasn''t proportional at all. After all, to spend 100 million Reputation Points and get nothing, or get a basic item which could be gotten with 100,000 Reputation Points in the basic lottery draw did seem a little shameful.


    But there were rare items in this advanced lottery draw!


    And these rare items could only be gotten here!


    Uh, although the odds of getting them were rtively low.

 Chapter 1501 - The Chinese Academy of Sciences’ conundrum!

    <h4>Chapter 1501 - The Chinese Academy of Sciences'' conundrum! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Several dayster.


    In the morning.


    Somewhere.


    This was a research institute 1 under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.


    While Zhang Ye was resorting to math forme to study the sess rates of obtaining those rare items due to his prolonged boredom in prison, the researchers and schrs from the Chinese Academy of Sciences were worrying over a major matter. They had such an expression on their faces for about a month now.


    A research fellow raged, "So can we solve it or not!"


    A male researcher gave a bitterugh and said, "Give us a little more time. We will seek help from more people."


    The research fellow said, "It''s almost been two months already. We must ovee this difficulty; there are no two ways about it! I don''t care what ways you all resort to, and I don''t care who you all find, as long as it is someone who can design the algorithm, I am even willing to ignore my position and beg them for help. Mathematics is the foundation of all sciences. If we can''t get past this stage, we won''t be able to do anything else! This algorithm is too important! Even if we can wait, the country can''t!"


    A female researcher said, "It''s no use getting mad at us."


    Another research fellow rapped the table and said, "Old Chi, why are you getting angry at the kids? You can''t me them. Aren''t you yourself also at your wits'' end?"


    Fellow Chi said, "Old Zhou, my main research area is not in mathematics."


    A young man nervously said, "We''ve already approached all of the professors that we could think of and tried asking them."


    Fellow Zhou considered things. "There are still a few we haven''t asked though."


    Fellow Chi asked, "Who?"


    "Like Dean Pan of Peking University''s School of Mathematical Sciences?" a researcher said.


    Fellow Chi, who was almost 80 years old, curled his lips and said, "Are you serious? Little Pan might be good enough in education, but he has lost touch when ites to math research. I can''t imagine him being the answer."


    The female researcher said, "How about Professor Xin from the Tsinghua University alumni?"


    Fellow Chi shook his head. "I''ve never even heard of her."


    Fellow Zhou asked, "You mean Xin Ya, right? Hai, she''s rather popr among your younger generation. However, she won''t be able to design the algorithm."


    Everyone fell silent.


    Then they sighed.


    People from the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science 2 of the Chinese Academy of Sciences came over, then left. Many of the well-known mathematicians had been invited toe and take a look at the problem, but even they left. They had basically assembled all of the mathematicians in the country, but all of them were confounded. A few famous Chinese mathematicians did not get sit down before picking up the document to have a look and turning around to leave. It wasn''t that they did not want to give it a try, nor that they were unwilling to do their part for the country, but that this algorithm was too difficult toe up with. An old research fellow who had retired from the Chinese Academy of Sciences was even asked toe back to take a look at it. But after having a look, he simply said, "There can''t be more than five people in the entire world who can design such an algorithm, and all five of them are in America."


    But some people did not believe that.


    For example, Fellow Chi. For example, Fellow Zhou.


    They refused to believe any of that!


    Who says that our people can''t do it?


    If the Americans can do it, then what logic dictates that we can''t do the same?


    Fellow Chi clenched his teeth and said, "Think of someone, let''s all think of the possible candidates!"


    Someone suggested, "Will Professor Bai be able to do it?"


    Fellow Chi firmly said, "Don''t mention him. He''s changed nationalities and is a Chinese American. He''s no longer a Chinese citizen, so why would you expect him toe back to help? Would that be possible?"


    Someone said, "Then, is Old Chu still around?"


    Fellow Zhou sighed. "Old Chu is still alive, but his health is failing."


    One by one.


    One after another.


    Names were thrown out but none of them were reliable choices.


    Fellow Chi''s expression grew gloomier. "In this great country of ours with over a billion people and several thousand years of history, surely there can''t be no mathematician capable of designing this algorithm, right? Ah?"


    At this moment, a middle-aged woman entered from outside. "Dad, are you talking bad about us mathematicians again?"


    Fellow Chi frowned. "Little Xue, why haven''t you left yet? Also, don''t call me Dad when we''re at the research institute. Address me as Fellow Chi. How many times have I told you that already?"


    Chi Xue smiled. "Alright then, Fellow Chi, please don''t address me as Little Xue here either. Please call me Fellow Chi, Jr. I am one of the managers of this project, so before this math algorithm is solved, I won''t be going anywhere. Let''s all work on it together."


    This research institute used to have only one Fellow Chi around, but the Chinese Academy of Sciences had sent over Fellow Chi''s daughter from the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science due to a recent major difficultying up in a national research project that involved the formtion of a mathematical algorithm. The people at the research institute were seeing the father-and-daughter pair bicker almost every day. The father had a bad temper while the daughter was mild-mannered, so the contrast between the two couldn''t be more huge. With the two of them as research fellows of the Chinese Academy of Sciences as well, this made them a really unique pair at the academy.


    Fellow Zhou asked, "Little Chi, have you made any progress yet?"


    Chi Xue shook her head. "I''ve spent a month''s time ande up 20% of an algorithm, but I don''t know if it will work yet. Because no one will know if the algorithm is correct until we get to the final step. There''s even a possibility that we get to the final step and still find ourselves unable to produce a formal verification 3 .


    Fellow Chi said, "Then wouldn''t that be all for naught?"


    Chi Xue said, "Dad, I know that you''re not in the best of moods recently. Everyone is also feeling frustrated over how the algorithm is still not produced. But don''t vent your anger on us mathematicians. I can''t design this algorithm because I''m not capable enough and am limited in my abilities. However, there are still many talented people in our world of mathematics."


    Fellow Chi said, "Who else is there? Didn''t we already approach everyone we could? All of them said that it couldn''t be done! It''s not like I have something against mathematicians. I''m just very anxious."


    Chi Xue smiled. "Let me rmend someone to you all then."


    Fellow Zhou''s eyes lit up. "You have a candidate?"


    Chi Xue smiled and said, "I thought of someone. Other people might not be able to design this algorithm, but he should be able to."


    Fellow Chi immediately said, "Such a person exists? Why didn''t you say so earlier?"


    Chi Xue said, "I didn''t say because I was afraid that you all wouldn''t be able to get that person."


    "Why wouldn''t we be able to get that person?" Fellow Chi said, "Is he in America?"


    Chi Xue said, "Well, that''s not it. He''s in China, and he''s a Chinese citizen through and through."


    Fellow Zhouughed and said, "Little Chi, then you''re underestimating us. With your dad and my status at the academy, as well as our influence, how difficult could it be to ask for any academic or professor from anywhere in the country? Just say it! Whoever it is, your dad and I will go and ask for them to be transferred here!"


    Fellow Chi also started talking big. "That''s to be expected. As long as there''s someone who can produce this algorithm, I can invite them here even if they''re hiding in the desert, soaking in the sea, or locked up in a pris��" Fellow Chi''s words got stuck in his throat!


    Fellow Chi froze!


    Fellow Zhou froze!


    When all of the researchers present heard this, they were also stunned!


    But Chi Xue just smiled and spread her hands, saying, "There, it''s on the two of you now."


    Fellow Zhou said startled, "What? Are you talking about him?"


    A female researcher said dumbfoundedly, "D-Didn''t he get sentenced?"


    Chi Xue said, "But he''s the greatest mathematician that we have in China." She added, "And no one elsees close."

 Chapter 1502 - Requesting Zhang Ye’s help!

    <h4>Chapter 1502 - Requesting Zhang Ye''s help! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    In the morning.


    In a prison.


    Zhang Ye stretched after waking up in bed. He had no events, and no one to entertain, so he could sleep until he woke up naturally every day. After getting up, he paced around the cell with his hands behind his back, asionally practicing his horse stance and martial arts, asionally singing a few verses of "Tears Behind Prison Bars." He had gotten used to the life in here.


    "When can I return home again?


    "When can I return home again?


    "All of these shackles that locked me up.


    "Dear friend, won''t you listen to me sing��"


    He heard the thuds of approaching footfalls.


    The young prison guard walked up to the door and said with a smile, "Teacher Zhang, you''re singing again?"


    "Yeah," Zhang Ye said, "I''m exercising my vocal cords. Can''t forget the basics, y''know."


    The young prison guard said in admiration, "You''re such a professional. Oh yes, please get ready. You have visitorsing."


    Zhang Ye snorted. "Why are they here again?"


    The young prison guard said, "It''s not your parents. This visit was arranged through the prison administration. I think it''s some people from the top, but I''m not too sure of the details."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "People from the top? Then I won''t see them."


    The young prison guard said, "It might be a leader."


    "Whatever!" Zhang Ye waved it off. "Reject the visitation request."


    The young prison guard didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Th-Then let me go and ask if that''s possible."


    He left.


    Soon after, the prison warden came over personally.


    The warden was a fat man. "Teacher Zhang, the visitors are waiting."


    Zhang Ye waved his hands. "I''m not going."


    The warden said in a speechless manner. "They''re people from the Chinese Academy of Sciences."


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips and said, "Old Qian, I will definitely go and see them if it''s my family. But I''m not gonna meet anyone else. I couldn''t care less if they''re from the Chinese Academy of Sciences or wherever. If anyone justes in here and asks to see me, does that mean I have to go obediently? Anyone whoes, I have to go? Then how will this bro have any face left?"


    The warden was amused. "So that''s the reason?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Of course. Although I don''t have much of a status anymore, I must still have a style of my own."


    The warden said, "They really have something urgent to see you about. The head of the prison administration gave me a callst night and got me to arrange a meeting for them with you. They had made an appointment to see you urgently, but how could Ie looking for you in the middle of the night? Surely I couldn''te and wake you up for that, right? That wouldn''t be very nice."


    Zhang Ye finally relented. "Well, alright, I''ll give you face this time, Old Qian."


    Ten minutester.


    In the visitation room, Zhang Ye met with the visitors.


    There were two people, a man and a woman. The man looked to be in his 60s and was wearing a pair of reading sses, while the woman looked to be in her 40s and was neither pretty nor ugly. The moment Zhang Ye entered the room, the woman noticed and gave him a smile. Then she nudged the old man next to her and told him that Zhang Ye had arrived.


    The two of them stood up courteously.


    Fellow Zhou looked at Zhang Ye. "Hello, Professor Zhang. Let me introduce myself. My name is Zhou Shi and I''m from the Chinese Academy of Sciences." He pointed to the person beside him. "This is Chi��"


    "Chi Xue, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Sciences'' Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science," Zhang Ye finished.


    Chi Xue smiled. "Professor Zhang knows me?"


    Zhang Ye said, "There are only so many people in our country''s mathematics field. Even though we haven''t met before, I still know a little."


    Fellow Zhou smiled and said, "Since you two know each other, this will be easier. Come, let''s sit down and talk."


    The three of them sat down.


    Fellow Zhou and Chi Xue both ced a great deal of importance on this meeting. However, Zhang Ye looked quite uninterested.


    Fellow Zhou spoke, "Little Chi and I came here today with an important mission. It has to do with a very important national project. We are not allowed to reveal the details to you at this moment. However, in the process of this project, we''ve encountered a very difficult problem. We were stuck trying to design an algorithm."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then get someone to solve it."


    Fellow Zhou sighed. "No one could solve it."


    Zhang Ye said, "What about Fellow Yuan?"


    Fellow Zhou said, "We''ve asked; he can''t do it."


    Zhang Ye came up with another name. "Professor Hu?"


    Fellow Zhou shook his head. "Professor Hu did calctions for half a month and still couldn''te up with anything."


    Chi Xue said at this time, "Let''s put it this way, Professor Zhang. Anyone that you can think of, we''ve already approached them. All of them couldn''t do it, including me."


    Zhang Ye was groaning on the inside and did not answer them.


    Fellow Zhou gave him a look and said, "There was a retired research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Sciences who took a look at it and said that there are no more than five people in the world who could solve this algorithm and that they''re all in America. But Little Chi''s father and I were both unconvinced. In the end, it was Fellow Chi, Jr., who reminded us that not all of the top five mathematicians in the world were from the States. At least one of them was in China!"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "Whoa, don''t you put me on such a high pedestal. I''m not worthy of such a status."


    Chi Xue said, "It''s not like that. We do have quite a lot of Chinese mathematicians too. But if we really want to find someone with the title of world-ss mathematician, I''m afraid that you''re the only one at the moment. We really can''t solve this algorithm. We''ve tried countless methods, but it just doesn''t work out. Therefore, we would like to request your help. Help us, and help our country ovee this major difficulty. Would you be interested?"


    Zhang Ye looked at them. "Nah, I''m not interested."


    Chi Xue and Fellow Zhou were speechless.


    A clean rejection!


    Without hesitation!


    I''m! Not! Interested!


    What else was there to say? There was absolutely nothing else left to say!


    Fellow Zhou said anxiously, "This is a big deal for China and our people. Professor Zhang, can you not have such a low conscientiousness? You didn''t used to be like that."


    Zhang Ye spread his hands and said, "Yeah, I''ve never hesitated when ites to doing my duty for the country and our people. For example, when the Korean hackers attacked our country, it was me who chased them off, right? Wasn''t that for the country and our people? But look at where that hasnded this bro. So I''m no longer interested in anything. You two should go seek help from some other expert. I''m fine staying here and reforming myself for the better."


    Fellow Zhou said, "You''re just saying things out of spite. What''s so good about being in here? If you agree toe with us, I''ll immediately contact the higher-ups tomunicate with the relevant departments to bring you to our research institute. Although there will definitely still be some limitations on your freedom, and we can''t allow you to return home or contact your family, you can still move about freely as you wish at the research institute. It will be unlike here where you''re restricted to staying and moving about in your cell��"


    A prison guard knocked on the door. "Teacher Zhang, are you still talking?"


    Zhang Ye turned around. "Ah, yes, we are."


    The prison guard smiled and said, "It''s time for breakfast. We''re still having it at the cafeteria today. Since you guys are still talking business, I''ll leave the door unlocked. You can head over by yourself."


    Zhang Ye asked, "The chow hall in which zone?"


    The prison guard said, "Zone 2."


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Got it."


    Fellow Zhou was taken back. "Ah? Are people allowed to move around freely in here?"


    The prison guard smiled and said, "Not others, but Teacher Zhang is, of course, an exception."


    Fellow Zhou''s eyes twitched. When the prison guard left, he immediately told Zhang Ye, "We don''t have restrictions on smoking at our research institute either. Of course, you can''t smoke in the rooms, but you can go out to the yard to��"


    The door reopened and the prison guard came back in. "I nearly forgot. The prison warden brought you cigarettes." Then he handed Zhang Ye a stick. "Smoke in here if you want. No one will say anything."


    Zhang Ye said, "Aiya, is that appropriate?"


    The prison guard said, "It''s fine."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, thank Old Qian for me."


    A storm was brewing on Fellow Zhou''s face. He spoke again, "The most important thing is, our research institute does not implement hardbor or the likes for rehabilitation. You won''t have to��"


    The door hadn''t closed yet.


    It was opened again.


    The prison guard stood outside and said inside, "Oh yes, Teacher Zhang. After breakfast, it will bebor time. We''ll do it as usual. You don''t have to worry about it and may return straight to your holding cell."


    Zhang Ye said, "Hai, but is it really alright for me to keep falling out from the squad?"


    The prison guardughed and said, "I wouldn''t dare make you break a sweat! Are you taking a shot at me?"


    This time, the prison guard really departed.


    Zhang Ye turned back and said, "What did you say just now? I didn''t hear it clearly."


    Chi Xue and Fellow Zhou were speechless again.


    What did I say?


    What else could I have fucking said!


    Fellow Zhou nearly vomited blood!


    How is this fucking prison life?


    I don''t even get to rx as much as you do back at home!

 Chapter 1503 - Zhang Ye transfers out of prison

    <h4>Chapter 1503 - Zhang Ye transfers out of prison </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the visitation room.


    The atmosphere was a little awkward.


    The scene that unfolded in front of him was totally different from what Fellow Zhou had imagined before he arrived. He thought that Zhang Ye would have a tough time in prison, huddling together with a bunch of other people, with not enough to eat, not enough to keep warm, suffering from mental torture, and still having to go through hardbor for rehabilitation. Fellow Zhou thought that as long as he extended an invitation to Zhang Ye, he would definitely agree to it. What normal person would be willing to stay in prison?


    But in fact?


    He had a single cell all to himself!


    He could roam around freely within the prison!


    He could smoke and drink as he liked, and he didn''t need to perform any hardbor!


    Fellow Zhou had even prepared what to say beforehand. However, he did not have a chance to say any of it!


    Zhang Ye said, "Why don''t the two of you head back? I''m doing pretty well here, and all I want is to keep a low profile and have some peace. I don''t wish to be involved in anything else."


    Fellow Zhou said bitterly, "Professor Little Zhang, the country really needs you. You''re the only person in the entire country who can produce the algorithm, so why don''t you��"


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "Please don''t address me as Professor Zhang. I''ve already stepped down from my roles at Peking University and Media College, so I''m no longer a professor. I''m just an idler right now, a prisoner." He stood up. "Well then, the chow hall will be closing soon, so I''ll be off to have breakfast. I can''t help you with what you want, so please go back. I can''t get out of here, so I won''t be seeing the two of you off," he said as he made his way out.


    Mathematics?


    Algorithms?


    He was not the least bit interested in any of that.


    Fellow Zhou was getting a little anxious.


    Zhang Ye had already reached out to open the door.


    At this moment, Chi Xue spoke up, "What if it could reduce your sentence?"


    Zhang Ye''s hand froze. He turned around, stunned. "Reduce it by how much?"


    Chi Xue looked at him. "Whatever the maximum is allowed by the government. A year? Two years? The Chinese Academy of Sciences can apply for the reduction on your behalf and push for it to go through with all that we have!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Damn, why didn''t you say so earlier!"


    Chi Xue gasped, "Huh?"


    Zhang Ye said righteously, "Could I refuse to help at a time when my country needs me the most? I can''t! For something that will affect our country and its people, how could I, Zhang Ye, possibly refuse to help? It''s just an algorithm that you need, isn''t it? How difficult could that be? I''ll go back to my cell and pack my things. When do we leave? Quickly get someone to pick me up!"


    Fellow Zhou nearly fainted!


    What?!


    Kid, you didn''t speak like this a minute ago!


    Chi Xue said, "So you''re agreed?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Of course. When the country is in trouble, everyone has a role to y."


    Only then did Fellow Zhou heave a sigh of relief. "OK, I''ll immediately inform the higher-ups to arrange for it."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright, I''ll be waiting for your news then."


    This fellow then happily marched off to breakfast.


    A sentence reduction!


    Only an idiot would refuse that!


    After he left, both of the people in the room gave bitterughs.


    Chi Xueughed and said, "So? He''s worthy of his reputation, isn''t he?"


    Fellow Zhou said with a sigh, "Yes, that temper of his is indeed real. If I didn''t know about Professor Little Zhang''s background and just spoke with him in normal circumstances, I really wouldn''t feel like he has any great ability."


    Chi Xue smiled and said, "Professor Zhang is quite different from us traditional academics and researchers. However, his skill is not written on his face."


    Fellow Zhou said worriedly, "We''ll still have to see whether Professor Little Zhang can create this algorithm or not. If even he is unable to do it��Hai, actually, I''m not exactly that confident that he can do it either."


    Chi Xue said, "Let''s just let Professor Zhang have a shot at it."


    Fellow Zhou looked in the direction Zhang Ye had headed off toward. "Hopefully, the help that we came to seek can turn the tides."


    ��


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    The prison received a document from the higher-ups rted to Zhang Ye''s transfer from the prison. The document was passed very urgently and hastily. It was stamped with the seal of the highest administrative authority. Furthermore, the transfer was to be carried out the same day the document was received. The prison he would be transferred to wasn''t specified in the document.


    Many prison guards came over to bid farewell to Zhang Ye.


    "Teacher Zhang, why are you leaving so soon?"


    "Yeah, you''ve only been here a few days."


    "Hai, I can''t bear to see you go."


    "Why don''t you stay a day or two longer? I won''t be able to get up from bed now that you won''t be singing us a few verses of ''Tears Behind Prison Bars'' each morning."


    "Which prison will you be transferred to? We don''t know a lot of people, but we''re familiar with the people in the prison system. We can inform them ahead of time so that they take care of you."


    Everyone was sad to see him leave.


    Zhang Ye was quite touched. "Thanks! I thank you all for your care these past few days."


    Only the prison warden was slightly better informed, but even he did not know much. He thought that it might have something to do with the Chinese Academy of Sciences'' research fellows that came over yesterday, but that was still a guess. He didn''t want to jump into conclusions about such matters. "Alright, the people who are here to pick him up have arrived. It''s not like we won''t get to see him again in the future. When Teacher Zhangpletes his sentence and is released, he still has to treat us to a round of drinks. When the timees, we won''t have to coop up in here to chat and can enjoy ourselves at a better ce outside the walls."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "That''s for sure. I''ll treat everyone to enough drinks tost us for three whole days and nights!"


    "Sure!"


    "See you on the outside!"


    "This is a ce of misfortune, so we won''t wish for your return!"


    They hugged.


    They said their farewells.


    After being handcuffed, Zhang Ye strode off and left.


    Outside a vehicle to escort the prisoner. There wasn''t anything too special about it.


    When Zhang Ye got into the car, he reached up and waved goodbye to the prison guards. After the vehicle exited out of the main gate, the escorting guards beside Zhang Ye took out a key to uncuff Zhang Ye. Then, without saying a word, they looked forward again. Four people were in the car, and none of them said anything.


    The car drove for over an hour until it reached a military airbase.


    The four of them alighted from the car. In the distance, a helicopter was standing by.


    A group of people was waiting across from them. The two groups of people came together toplete some formalities and paperwork.


    Eventually, a young man who was dressed in a military uniform came up to Zhang Ye and gave him a military salute. He spoke artictely, "Teacher Zhang, my name is Zhou Xiaohe. From today onwards, I will be the guard responsible for ensuring your safety. You can look for me if there''s anything that you need."


    Zhang Ye understood the situationpletely. "Can I go home?"


    Zhou Xiaohe was taken aback. He said, "No."


    Zhang Ye said, "Can I call my family?"


    Zhou Xiaohe was taken aback again. "No."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Then what is the use of looking for you?"


    Zhou Xiaohe was speechless.


    Zhang Ye understood. Yes, some of the very important research fellows at the Chinese Academy of Sciences would also be paired with a guard to ensure their safety during critical periods. But this guard assigned to him was clearly not for that purpose. The research institute that he was going to was a military zone and would have military protection, so he would never be in any danger. Putting it nicely, this person was a guard assigned to ensure his safety. But frankly, it just meant that Zhang Ye''s freedom was still going to be limited. This guard was probably going to keep a watch on Zhang Ye for all 24 hours of the day to ensure that he wouldn''t get close to aputer ormunicate with the outside world, as well as making sure he wouldn''t escape.


    It was obvious that Zhou Xiaohe was an elite of the Central Security Bureau 1 . He even seemed to be carrying arms.


    However, Zhang Ye thought to himself, If this bro wishes to escape, not even ten of you with ten of your guns would be able to stop me!


    What a joke!


    Besides, why would I escape?


    This bro is aiming for a sentence reduction��I mean, I''m here for the sake of research!

 Chapter 1504 - This algorithm is too difficult!

    <h4>Chapter 1504 - This algorithm is too difficult! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Somewhere.


    At a research institute.


    Rotor des were slicing through the air. A military helicopter slowly descended as it swung left and right while executing itsnding on an open field behind the research institute. Zhang Ye swept his gaze around the location while in the aircraft but couldn''t be sure of what ce this was. In any case, it was definitely in a very remote area since it looked deserted within several kilometers. It seemed like this was a research institute isted from the world. The area that it was built on was also very big, and there were several blocks of buildings andrge yards within it. Among them were also some facilities that Zhang Ye didn''t know how to describe. From time to time, heavily armed soldiers could be seen patrolling the area. There was a very high level of alert here.


    What ce was this?


    Why was the security so tight in here?


    Only now did Zhang Ye realize that this research institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences was a little different. There were a great deal of research institutes in China, with up to several thousand of them, but this was the first time that Zhang Ye had seen a research institute with such a high level of security. It was virtually unheard of.


    They got out of the helicopter.


    Chi Xue was waiting for them.


    "Professor Zhang."


    "Professor Chi."


    "I''ve been looking forward to seeing you again."


    "You''re too polite, too polite."


    The personnel on both sidespleted a simple handover.


    Zhang Ye saw Chi Xue sign, for over half a minute, a dozen documents that the other party had brought along. They were likely some kind of guarantee documents or something like that. After all, it was the Chinese Academy of Sciences who borrowed him. It sounded easy but was in fact a very troublesome process. This wasn''t as simple as transferring a professor over from a university. It was loaning someone out from a prison! It entailed so many issues. Who should be held responsible if anything happened? Someone would have to answer for it.


    The formalities werepleted.


    Chi Xue then brought Zhang Ye into the research institute.


    No one from the helicopter detail besides "guard" Zhou Xiaohe followed him in. The other people were only responsible for transferring Zhang Ye over here in secret.


    Chi Xue knew Zhou Xiaohe. "Little Zhou, you''ve worked hard along the way."


    Zhou Xiaohe gave a smile. "Sister Chi, it was nothing."


    Zhang Ye said without much of a care, "You know each other?"


    "Yeah." Chi Xue said, "Little Zhou is a guard here at our research institute. We had spent a great deal of effort to get you here on loan. However, the higher-ups were still worried. After all, your reputation as the world''s best hacker is too well-known. Besides, you''re still serving your sentence, so they were afraid that something would happen. So we got Little Zhou to��"


    Zhou Xiaohe quickly said, "I''m here to ensure Professor Zhang''s safety."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes.


    Chi Xueughed. She looked at Little Zhou and said, "Alright, when Professor Zhang came out into society to work, you were still in the army and didn''t have any societal experience yet. Professor Zhang already understands what''s going on. You don''t have to hide it from him."


    Zhou Xiaohe was very embarrassed.


    A female researcher happened to pass by and hurriedly stopped in her tracks. "Professor Zhang."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback but nodded at her.


    Over there, another researcher stood still and said respectfully, "Professor Zhang."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Hello."


    "Professor Zhang."


    "Professor Zhang!"


    Some people greeted him respectfully.


    Others were visibly excited to see him.


    As long as it was a researcher who passed by, all of them stopped in their tracks to greet Zhang Ye.


    Zhou Xiaohe found this a little strange. He had been in the army for most of the year and basically did not watch television, nor chased after any celebrities. Of course he had heard of Zhang Ye''s name before, but that was only from the mouths of others. He could never have expected that all of the researchers at this highly secure research institute would be so respectful to a criminal who was still serving his sentence. This was a scene that he could never have imagined.


    Up ahead, several of the institute''s top brass came out.


    Fellow Zhou said with a smile, "Professor Zhang, you''re finally here."


    Zhang Ye said, "You''re too polite."


    Fellow Zhou said, "Let me introduce to you." He pointed to an old man beside him who looked like he was in his 70s. "This is Chi Xue''s father, and also the head of the institute, Fellow Chi."


    Fellow Chi looked at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye looked right back at him.


    Fellow Chi put his hand out. "Sorry to trouble you, Professor Little Zhang."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I''ll try my best."


    Seeing this, Zhou Xiaohe felt even more startled. He knew who Fellow Chi was, of course. Usually when he saw him, Fellow Chi would have a straight face and be in a bad mood. He did almost nothing other than participate in the various research projects and probably wished to stay at the research institute for all 365 days of the year. No, make that 366 days. As such, his temper was naturally more rigid. Zhou Xiaohe felt that it would be great if Fellow Chi addressed Zhang Ye as Little Zhang. But to his surprise, he also addressed him as Professor Zhang.


    Zhou Xiaohe was an outsider in this field. He had absolutely no idea what Zhang Ye''s status in the academic world was. Let alone the ordinary researchers, not even Fellow Zhou and Fellow Chi couldpare to Zhang Ye''s status in the academic world. After all, Fellow Chi and the others were basically just Chinese scientists, albeit great ones. But Zhang Ye was different from them. His status as a mathematician was a world-ss one. He was one of the best mathematicians in the entire world. This was twopletely different concepts.


    One person.


    Three people.


    Five people.


    Everyone was introduced.


    Zhang Ye also noted who they were.


    Fellow Chi could no longer wait. He said, "We''re in urgent need of an algorithm right now. We''ve sought help from all of the best mathematicians in the country, but none of them was able to do it. Professor Little Zhang, can you��"


    "Dad, you''re in too much of a hurry," interrupted Chi Xue.


    Fellow Zhou added, "Yes, Professor Zhang has just gotten off the helicopter. At least let him catch his breath and get some rest first. We can talk about it after he has settled down."


    But Fellow Chi said, "We''re in crisis mode. How can we have any time left for that? Do you know how many people are waiting for this algorithm? Do you know how much work has been dyed because of this?"


    Fellow Zhou sighed.


    All of the researchers frowned when they heard this.


    In recent days, there had been too much pressure on them!


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Let me have a look at it first."


    Fellow Chi immediately said, "Alright,e with me."


    In Building 1.


    In a researchboratory.


    Chi Xue brought the information to Zhang Ye to have a look at. "This is the one."


    The atmosphere tensed up.


    One minute.


    Two minutes.


    Three minutes.


    No one said a thing. There wasn''t even any coughing as everyone had their eyes fixed on Zhang Ye. Some of them looked rather nervous, while others seemed like they were anticipating his response. Some people were pacing back and forth anxiously.


    Zhang Ye was still looking at it.


    Fellow Chi said impatiently, "How about it?"


    Chi Xue tugged at him. "Dad, don''t be so anxious."


    "Let Professor Zhang finish looking at it first," Fellow Zhou added.


    Another few minutes passed.


    Zhang Ye looked up with a deep frown.


    Fellow Chi''s heart skipped a beat. "Can you do it?"


    Chi Xue also stared intently at him.


    Everyone''s attention was on Zhang Ye. They were all terrified that they would hear the same words that they had heard from all the other mathematicians who hade before.


    Indeed, Zhang Ye''s first words were: "This is too difficult."


    Chi Xue sighed lightly. "Yes, it is."


    Fellow Chi smacked his forehead. "I knew it!"


    Fellow Zhou was also stunned. "Even you can''t do it?"


    Even Zhang Ye couldn''t do it?


    Then there wouldn''t be anyone else in the country who could do it!


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "What kind of a research project are you all conducting? That you''d have to resort to using such aplex algorithm? To create this algorithm, even the most famous mathematicians in the world might not be able to do it, much less the mathematicians in our country."


    Everyone was very disappointed.


    It''s over!


    It''s still the same!


    Even Zhang Ye cannot do it!


    Chi Xue sighed and said, "I understand. Sorry to have troubled you, Professor Zhang."


    Zhang Ye hesitated for a moment and then said, "How about this? Give me three days, and I''ll get it sorted out within three days at thetest."


    At this instant, everyone froze!


    Chi Xue said startled, "What?"


    Fellow Chi yelled, "Did you say three days?"


    Fellow Zhou said dumbfoundedly, "So you mean you can do it?"


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "I didn''t say that I couldn''t do it."


    "But didn''t you say that it was too difficult?" Fellow Zhou said with wide eyes.


    Zhang Ye said, "It is too difficult. That''s why I''ll need three days."


    Chi Xue said excitedly, "You can really do it? You can really solve it?"


    "Pretty much." Zhang Ye shrugged. "But I need to get some sleep first. I can''t think properly if I don''t get enough rest. I won''t be doing it today, so I''ll start on it tomorrow."


    Fellow Chi immediately instructed, "Alright, quick, bring Professor Little Zhang to his room! Oh yes, find the quietest ce in the research institute! Let Professor Little Zhang get a good night''s rest!"


    There was finally hope!


    They had finally found someone who dared to say that they could produce the algorithm!


    When Zhang Ye left, everyone blew up.


    A female researcher said, "This is awesome!"


    A supervisor said, "There''s hope now!"


    Some people were doubtful. "Will it really work?"


    Some people did not know whether tough or cry. "Professor Zhang ims that it''s too difficult but only asks for three days to do it? We''ve sought the help of so many mathematicians and they couldn''t make any progress even after working on it for a month or two, so how could it be difficult if it will only take three days? I was so scared. I really thought that Professor Zhang could not do it."


    Chi Xue was smiling. She said, "Professor Zhang''s mind isn''t the same like ours. To him, taking three days to create an algorithm is considered difficult. Do you all know how long it took Professor Zhang to solve one of the most difficult mathematical conjectures?"


    "How long?"


    "Yeah, how long?"


    The few researchers who were not from the mathematics field pressed for an answer.


    Fellow Zhou answered on behalf of Chi Xue. He held up three fingers and said, "Three hours."


    Chi Xue nodded and said with a chuckle, "For one of the most difficult mathematical conjectures in the world, Professor Zhang only took three hours to solve it."

 Chapter 1505 - The algorithm is complete!

    <h4>Chapter 1505 - The algorithm isplete! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Early in the morning.


    Zhang Ye stretched and got up from bed.


    This was officially his first day at the research institute. As he had gone to bed soon after arriving yesterday, he woke up very early today after getting a good night''s rest. Out of habit, he turned to the window and opened it. Then he sang out the window a familiar tune: "Tears Behind Prison Bars."


    In the opposite building, Chi Xue sat up from under the covers.


    Fellow Zhou, who was living in the same dormitory block, was also woken up in surprise.


    Many researchers, professors, and doctors were simrly awoken by this singing voice at 5:40 AM.


    Iron gates?


    Iron bars?


    Iron manacles?


    Where the heck are there any iron manacles at this ce!


    "Who''s that causing amotion so early in the morning?"


    "It must be Professor Zhang."


    "Uh, can someone go tell him to tone down? Does he know what time it is?"


    "Why don''t you go?"


    "I''m not gonna go."


    "So you know too? The entire research institute and Chinese Academy of Sciences'' only hope of solving that algorithm lies with Professor Zhang. Surely you can''t stop him from singing, right?"


    "Can''t we get Professor Zhang to change to a different song?"


    "Hai, hearing this makes me feel like I''m living in a prison too."


    "Professor Zhang is treating us like his prison mates."


    A lot of people could no longer go back to sleep, so they might as well get out of bed.


    In the cafeteria.


    People were gradually arriving for breakfast.


    Fellow Chi was also here. "Where''s Professor Zhang?"


    Chi Xue was also looking for him. "I didn''t see him. Didn''t he already wake up early in the morning?"


    At this moment, Zhou Xiaohe jogged in. He said to the cafeteria worker, "A set of breakfast, to go."


    "Little Zhou," Fellow Chi called out to him, "where is he?"


    Zhou Xiaohe turned around and said, "Professor Zhang has already started working. He''s over at theb, so I came over to pack his breakfast."


    Chi Xue said in surprise, "He has started already? This early?"


    Fellow Chi said, "OK, OK, let''s go and take a look!"


    "Dad," Chi Xue said helplessly, "Finish your breakfast first."


    Fellow Chi waved her off. "I''m not eating any more."


    The group made their way to theb at once. The moment they entered it, they saw the situation in theb. It wasn''t big, but it was segregated into an inner and outer room. This was the ce that the research institute had specially arranged for Zhang Ye to work in. Inside bookshelves, a ckboard, rulers, a writing desk, pen and paper, and everything else with the exception of aputer. There weren''t even any calctors as all electronic items had been carried away from here. Zhang Ye was busy working at the moment and did not even turn around . He also did not notice that this group of people was behind him. He was very focused on writing out a form on the ckboard, asionally doing some calctions on a piece of paper.


    Five pages.


    Ten pages.


    Twenty pages.


    In just one morning, Zhang Ye''s writing had filled up twenty pieces of papers.


    "Fellow Chi��" a researcher began to say.


    Fellow Chi put a hand up and cut him off, signaling for him to keep quiet.


    No one dared make a sound. They stood there quietly watching Zhang Ye, looking at those forme and drawings that didn''t make any sense to them. They realized that today, Zhang Ye was totally different from when he had just arrived yesterday. This person he was right now really felt like a world-ss mathematician working.


    Soon after, everyone quietly exited the room.


    A female researcher said, "Is Professor Zhang really not allowed to use aputer?"


    Another young researcher said, "Yeah, it''s too tiring to calcte mentally and on paper like this. It increases the time required as well as raises the difficulty of solving the problem."


    Zhou Xiaohe quickly said, "That''s not allowed!"


    Fellow Chi said, "If Professor Zhang needs any assistance, he can pick any of our people at the research institute. However, he definitely isn''t allowed toe into contact with any forms of electronic devices. This was the only requirement that the higher-ups mandated on our Chinese Academy of Sciences."


    Everyone gave bitter smiles.


    That''s right.


    There was actually nothing scary about hackers.


    And neither were mathematicians scary.


    But the world''s best hacker who was also a world-ss mathematician, that was way too scary. This was because he could do many things that no one could ever achieve in their lifetimes.


    For example, the CIH virus!


    For example, the Panda Burning Incense virus!


    They had both left the entire world shivering in fright!


    So who would still dare let Zhang Ye get near aputer? To let the world''s most dangerous hacker in a hundred years touch aputer?


    Time slowly passed.


    Problems started surfacing.


    ��


    Noon.


    Zhang Ye''s shouting suddenly rang out from theb.


    "It''s too difficult!"


    A lot of people were waiting outside the room. If Zhang Ye couldn''t finish the algorithm, they wouldn''t be able to continue their work. So this shout rmed Fellow Zhou and the others who were waiting outside. Everyone came running into the room.


    Fellow Chi said anxiously, "So how is it?"


    Fellow Zhou said worriedly, "What problems did you encounter?"


    Zhang Ye sulked, "There''s a big problem."


    "Which part are you stuck at?" Chi Xue asked in a hurry.


    Zhang Ye said, "Everything''s stuck. Forget it, you all wouldn''t understand anyway. I''ll just continue with my calctions."


    Everyone''s hearts sank a little.


    ��


    The next day.


    Banging on the table came out of theb.


    Everyone reacted like frightened bunnies as they rushed into the room.


    Chi Xue asked anxiously, "Professor Zhang, what is it?"


    Zhang Ye said angrily, "There''s no way to do this! It''s too difficult!"


    Fellow Zhou was unable to help too and could only say, "Then what can we do? What can we do?"


    Fellow Chi encouraged, "Professor Little Zhang, give it another shot. Try it once more and don''t give up. If even you can''t do it, then no one can get it done!"


    Zhang Ye sighed. "I''ll try it again then."


    Everyone looked at each other and sighed.


    ��


    On the third day.


    It was bad news again.


    Early in the morning, Zhang Ye was already cursing up a storm in theb. "Who the fuck can solve an algorithm like this!"


    Chi Xue encouraged, "Try calcting it again. You can definitely do it. You can do it!"


    However, Zhang Ye asserted, "Let me tell you guys this. Even if all of the other top mathematicians in the world were here, they wouldn''t be able to validate it!"


    Fellow Zhou paled.


    Fellow Chi sighed deeply.


    Everyone was looking at one another and disappointment was written all over their faces.


    No one could do it?


    Not even the top mathematicians of the world?


    Then what could they do?


    How were they going to carry on with the research for the country?


    We''re done for!


    Everything''s over!


    All of a sudden, a female researcher turned around. She covered her mouth and started weeping.


    Beside her, a female doctor sniffed and started crying as well.


    Everyone was instantly infected.


    Even Chi Xue''s eyes started reddening


    When Zhang Ye saw that, he coughed hard and said, "However!"


    Everyone looked at him in shock. "However what?"


    With a loud p, Zhang Ye pped a piece of paper onto the table and said, "However, I did it! There, it''s the algorithm that you all wanted. Have a look."


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    Chi Xue said in shock, "What did you say?"


    Fellow Zhou''s jaw dropped. "You did it?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yeah."


    Fellow Chi said exasperatedly, "Didn''t you say you couldn''t do it?"


    Zhang Ye corrected, "I''m saying that the other top mathematicians couldn''t do it, but I did it."


    Everyone nearly spat out a mouthful of blood!


    "Why did you sigh so loudly then!"


    "Professor Zhang, were you trying to scare us?"


    "Aiyo, you scared me to death!"


    "I really thought that you couldn''t get it done!"


    "Professor Zhang, you''re so awful! You made me cry!"


    "For the past few days, you''ve been shouting about how difficult it was and how you were stuck, as well as cursing and banging tables, so we thought that you hadn''t made any progress at all! So how did it suddenly end up gettingpleted?"


    They had seen Zhang Ye run himself ragged for the past few days.


    He wouldin, he would shout in anger, he would bang on tables. So any normal person would think that no progress had been made on the algorithm. But Zhang Ye? When everyone was feeling hopeless and crying, this fellow suddenly took out a piece of paper and told them that the problem had been solved? And it didn''t even take three days? At most, it had only taken him two full days toplete it!


    Then why were you banging on tables every day?


    Why were you cursing and swearing every day?


    Wasn''t it proceeding great?


    It was maddening and funny at the same time, so everyone was at a loss for words.


    Chi Xue burst outughing. "Professor Zhang, I think I finally know why you''ve got such bad rtionships with others."

 Chapter 1506 - Zhang Ye’s path to science stardom!

    <h4>Chapter 1506 - Zhang Ye��s path to science stardom! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the front yard of the research institute.


    Someone shouted from a window above.


    "It''s out!"


    "What''s out?"


    "The algorithm! That algorithm!"


    "What?"


    "Are you serious?"


    "That''s impossible!"


    "Wasn''t Professor Zhang not making any progress at all?"


    "Holy shit! Let''s go and have a look!"


    "Is it really true? Has it really been solved?"


    Several people who were doing morning exercises ran into thepound without even changing!


    Some twenty researchers who were eating breakfast dropped their chopsticks and ran out of the cafeteria!


    At the same time, everyone from the research institute came running over in disbelief. Theb that had been Zhang Ye''s dedicated workspace was now packed with over 80 people!


    Everyone was saying something.


    "Fellow Zhou, is it really out?"


    "How did Professor Zhang do it?"


    "It has only been two days!"


    This news hade as a surprise and was shocking as well!


    When they first managed to bring Zhang Ye over to help them, they had very high hopes for him. But everyone knew exactly what this algorithm entailed as they had also been stuck on it for a long time. They had also seen so many of the famous mathematicians in Chinae here confidently and leave crestfallen. All of them returned to their institutions in low spirits. As a result, many of the people here understood things. Even if it were Zhang Ye who came to help, he might not necessarily be able to produce the algorithm they needed.


    But what had happened?


    Zhang Ye had onlye to their research institute for two days, and the problem that had confounded the Chinese mathematicians and researchers was solved just like that?


    Fellow Chi suddenly raised his hand. "Stop talking! Little Xue is leading a team to validate it!"


    Everyone shut their mouths and nervously looked in the direction of theb.


    Chi Xue was fully focused while checking the feasibility of this algorithm with a few other researchers. This was the most important step of all. If it didn''t get through this step, then everything would have been in vain. All of the work would have been for naught. So they needed to do this final verification.


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    Everyone inside was busy calcting.


    Everyone outside was anxiously waiting.


    Some people closed their eyes and did not dare to watch.


    Some people sped their hands and prayed to God.


    Fellow Chi and Fellow Zhou were even more anxious as they paced in the hallway. At times, they would look into theb. At times, they would ask for an update on how the process was going.


    "Are they done yet?"


    "Is itpleted?"


    Zhang Ye was the most rxed. He was leaning on the windowsill and tapping his fingers like he was calcting something.


    Zhou Xiaohe was not standing outside theb either. His mission was to stick with Zhang Ye and keep an eye on him.


    He asked curiously, "Professor Zhang, what are you calcting?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m calcting my wife''s due date."


    Zhou Xiaohe said, "Ah, I thought you were still thinking about the algorithm. Although I don''t know anything about research, I can still see that the work you''re doing is extremely important for the country. If it really works, then your aplishments would be enormous. When the timees, you''ll definitely be awarded an honor."


    But Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''ve already received so many awards in the entertainment circle."


    Zhou Xiaohe said in seriousness, "But in my opinion, a celebrity scientist is a celebrity with the most glory."


    Zhang Ye was amused to hear that. "I absolutely can''t refute what you''ve just said. You''re right, a celebrity scientist is a celebrity too. Looks like this bro will gain another de to his name."


    Poprity!


    All of this was going to his poprity!


    Suddenly, there was some activity in theb.


    Chi Xue came out.


    The researchers who were in charge of the verification also came out.


    Fellow Chi asked anxiously, "How''d it go?"


    Fellow Zhou strode up to them. "Tell us quickly, Little Chi!"


    Everyone had their eyes on them.


    Anticipation!


    Nervousness!


    Everyone''s hearts were pounding!


    Chi Xue was waving Zhang Ye''s algorithm around excitedly, unable to say a word.


    In the end, it was the female researcher next to her who cried as she shouted, "The calctions for the algorithm were a sess! We did it! We did it!"


    The entire hallway exploded!


    "Ahhh!"


    "It''s a sess! It''s a sess!"


    "Oh my God!"


    "Professor Zhang is so awesome!"


    "I knew it! I knew Professor Zhang would be able to do it!"


    "How impressive! It only took him two days! Two days!"


    Screams!


    Cheers!


    Tears of joy!


    Everyone was bubbling over with excitement!


    The next moment, everyone rushed to Zhang Ye, startling him.


    Fellow Zhou grabbed hold of Zhang Ye''s hand and said, "Thank you! Thank you, Professor Little Zhang!"


    Fellow Chi also said excitedly, "You''ve done us a great favor! You''ve done China a great favor!"


    Chi Xue marveled, "You''re amazing. You managed to solve such aplex algorithm in such a short time without the help of anyputers. In the entire nation, no one other than you can do something like this. I am utterly convinced by you today."


    They were convinced!


    They were truly convinced!


    Knowing how Zhang Ye was usually unreliable from the way he spoke, he did not screw up at all at this critical time. As one of the world''s best mathematicians, he was indeed worthy of his reputation!


    Zhang Ye did not think that they would be this excited. Seeing their ecstatic expressions, seeing them cry tears of joy, he was infected by the atmosphere. "It''s no big deal. There''s no need to stand on such ceremony, everyone. It''s just a matter of good timing. If you all came to me a few days earlier, I might not have been able to solve it." Zhang Ye''s mathematics skill level had indeed been very high. He had maxed out his basic level, as well as leveled up on the intermediate skill experience books. But to say that he was already at the top of the mathematics world? There had still been some way to go to be considered that. But it was different now. No one knew, but Zhang Ye''s mathematics skill level had reached the cap!


    What did it mean by reaching the cap?


    Zhang Ye''s understanding was: There wasn''t another mathematician in this world who was better than him.


    Zhang Ye said again, "But let me say this first. I won''t be able to do another algorithm of such difficulty again. It''s tooplex and too stressful on the mind. Do you all know how many years of my lifespan I''ve lost just working on it these past two days? Don''t look for me again when you encounter such problems in the future."


    Seeing how Zhang Ye was washing his hands of the matter, they started feeling anxious.


    Fellow Chi hurriedly said, "That won''t do!"


    Fellow Zhou also quickly said, "We will still need you to follow up on the algorithm''s post-application usage. No one else can handle this!"


    Zhang Ye waved them off and said, "I''m not touching it anymore. Look at how much hair I''ve lost. See for yourself."


    Everyone tried coaxing and persuading him to no avail.


    It was Chi Xue who knew what to say. She looked at her father and said, "Dad, since the algorithm has been worked out, why don''t you report it to the higher-ups first? After that, you can quickly arrange for Professor Zhang''s sentence to be reduced."


    Fellow Zhou quickly said, "Right, right, this is a such a great feat! It should help reduce his sentence by half a year at least, right?


    Zhang Ye was taken back. "By how much?"


    Fellow Zhou was startled for a moment. "Half a year?"


    Zhang Ye repeated, "Half a year?"


    Chi Xue exined, "We can only apply on your behalf, although it still remains to be seen whether the higher-ups will approve of it. But I don''t think that it''ll be too difficult to reduce your sentence by half a year?"


    Zhang Ye''s attitude changed in the blink of an eye!


    This fellow pped his thigh and pointed in usation. "Are there any simr algorithms? I want to do ten of them!"


    Everyone was floored!


    Damn, didn''t you just say that you couldn''t do them anymore?

 Chapter 1507 - Zhang Ye’s new project!

    <h4>Chapter 1507 - Zhang Ye''s new project! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Meanwhile.


    Beijing.


    At the Chinese Academy of Sciences.


    In a conference room, several executives of the Chinese Academy of Sciences were holding a meeting. Just as everyone was frowning unhappily, a call delivering a piece of good news arrived.


    "What?"


    "The problem we had with the algorithm has been solved?"


    "That''s great! That''s really great!"


    "Good work by Old Chi and the others!"


    "Beautifully done! We must award them for that!"


    "This issue has dragged on for two months already! But it has finally been resolved!"


    "Who was the one that came up with the algorithm? Didn''t they say that even the most authoritative mathematicians in the country were stumped by it?"


    "Old Xu, weren''t you there on a work trip just days ago? Surely you should know, right? They brought Zhang Ye over to help them with it."


    "Zhang Ye? No wonder. I was thinking of who could be skilled enough."


    "Even within the management, this is a ssified topic, so please watch what you all say."


    "Then what about the honoring of his work with an award?"


    "Let''s note that for Professor Zhang first. We will award it to him when the time is right."


    "Alright, that''s that, then."


    ��


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    There was a lively atmosphere at the research institute. With a breakthrough in the algorithm that had been stuck for two months, all of their work could finally carry on.


    Zhang Ye was up very early, but as there wasn''t any work for him to do, he went jogging, ate breakfast, and then sang his usual "Tears Behind Prison Bars." Afterwards, he began wandering around the research institute and dropped by the different departments. The reduction of his sentence was the only thing on his mind now. There was already an update from the higher-ups as they responded to Fellow Chi''s application on the very same day it was submitted, and a draft of the documents was even faxed to the research institute. Regarding Zhang Ye''s outstanding contribution towards an important national project during his sentence, the relevant authorities and leaders had specially approved of a reduction of six months and seven days on his sentence after verification.


    There were even seven days in addition to the full six months of reduction, so he didn''t really understand how it was calcted.


    But to Zhang Ye, being able to leave even a day earlier was one more day earned for him.


    In ab.


    Zhang Ye strolled in.


    "Professor Zhang."


    "Dr. Li, you''re busy?"


    "Yes, I''m currently working on a highway extension project."


    "Did you encounter any problems?"


    "Ah? No, I didn''t."


    "Is everything going well?"


    "Yes, it''s all going great."


    Zhang Ye pursed his lips and nodded. "Alright then, that''s all."


    Doctor Li and a group of researchers looked at one another in confusion.


    In the research office next door.


    Zhang Ye arrived here after turning a corner.


    "Professor Chen."


    "Aiya, it''s Professor Zhang?"


    "Have you encountered any difficulties?"


    "Ah? No, I haven''t?"


    "No?"


    "Yeah, everything is going swell afterpletion of the algorithm."


    "So there''s not even a little bit of a problem then?"


    "Ah? Were you hoping that we would meet with some problems?"


    Of course!


    If nothing happens, how can this bro get another sentence reduction!


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips. "That''s good then, I was just concerned about how everything was going."


    All morning, Zhang Ye made his rounds at all of the departments. The first thing he would say when he arrived was "Did something happen?" Many of the researchers did not know whether tough or cry, but they did not dare offend Zhang Ye as they knew he had a bad temper. He would always act on impulse, so no one could predict what he might do.


    Finally, Fellow Zhou could no longer watch. He hastily summoned Zhang Ye to his office to have a talk with him.


    Fellow Zhou said earnestly, "Professor Zhang, what are you doing?"


    Zhang Ye curled his lips. "What''s wrong?"


    Fellow Zhou said with a wry smile, "I understand that you wish to do more for the country, but we have only just ovee a difficulty��"


    Zhang Ye corrected, "It wasn''t we, it was me."


    Fellow Zhou said, "Right, it was you who helped us ovee the difficulty, so everyone is really motivated right now. How can you keep going around pouring cold water on everyone and affecting the morale of ourrades? We have yet to officially begin the application of the algorithm, so you don''t have to put in so much effort. However, you can still do other things. For example��oh right, it''s almost the new year, and we won''t be able to go home this year either, so we''ll be spending it here at the research institute. Since we have the practice of holding our own g here, why don''t you take charge of that this year?"


    Chi Xue arrived at this moment.


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "I don''t have time."


    Take charge of a g?


    Like he was in the mood to do that!


    Chi Xueughed and said, "Uncle Zhou, are you trying to get a Spring Festival G director to take charge of an internal g here at the research institute? Aren''t you insulting him that way?"


    Fellow Zhou suddenly thought so too. "Indeed, that might really be making trivial use of great talent."


    Chi Xue said, "But it''s true that there isn''t really anything much for mathematicians like me and Professor Zhang to do here at the research institute other than things rted to the algorithm."


    Zhang Ye said, "I can do other things too."


    Fellow Zhouughed. "We mostly handle physics research projects here. It''s not that I am underestimating you, Professor Little Zhang, but there''s really not much you can help us with here."


    Zhang Ye said, "That might not necessarily be true."


    Chi Xue gave a wry smile at that.


    Fellow Zhou alsoughed while shaking his head. He opened the drawer and took out a dozen or so stacks of documents. "Alright then, you can take a look at these. These are the projects that the research institute has piled up over the past few years, some of which have proven to be failures while others have been put on hold indefinitely. There are also some that are being worked on currently but have yet to make any progress. Why don''t you take a look at which of the projects you think you can help out with? They''re all physics or experimental research. Just have a look at them and you''ll know what I mean."


    Zhang Ye flipped through them.


    "No. 23 (Unnamed) Gravitational Experiment"


    "Quantum Mechanics Experiment (Test No. 58)"


    "No. 5 Radar Measurement Project"


    And so on.


    What were all these!


    Zhang Ye constantly rolled his eyes!


    Fellow Zhou smiled and said, "So?"


    Zhang Ye held up one of the documents. "How much can I reduce with this?"


    Fellow Zhou was taken aback. "Reduce what?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Reduce my sentence, of course."


    Fellow Zhou said, "Ah? The hell would I know?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Roughly by how much?"


    Fellow Zhou said, "We won''t be able to conduct the quantum mechanics experiment by ourselves. That will require the coordinated research efforts of many organizations. If you can get that done, the reduction will definitely be a lot."


    Zhang Ye took out another one. "How much can this reduce my sentence by?"


    "Pfft." Chi Xue burst outughing. "Professor Zhang, this is the first time I''ve seen anyone try to categorize a project by asking how much time it can reduce a prison sentence. You really won''t be able to take on any of these projects. Moreover, they''re not projects that you canplete in a year or two."


    Zhang Ye was not having any of it. "This bro just wants to make it back home quickly. I don''t care what they are. I''m going to give it a try anyway. Which is the most difficult project that you all have here? The type that can reduce my sentence by the most. The type that can shock the world if it getspleted and would allow me to get released the very next day!"


    Shock the world?


    Get released the very next day?


    Fellow Zhou and Chi Xue looked at one another and could sense the helplessness in each others'' eyes.


    Seeing how Zhang Ye was still unwilling to give up, Fellow Zhou said, "We do have the kind of project you mentioned. Alright, I''ll let you have a look then." He rummaged through his drawers and found a thick project book that he ced onto the table. "Here it is. If you can get this done, they would definitely allow your sentence to be reduced by however many years you wish!"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Whoa, it''s that bad?"


    Fellow Zhouughed and said, "Yes, because this is something that the country needs the most right now. Moreover, no one in the country has managed to do this in all these years."


    When Zhang Ye flipped the book open and scanned through it, he was stunned.


    Chi Xue smiled. "What''s the matter?"


    Fellow Zhou also smiled and said, "So do you get it now?"


    They had thought that Zhang Ye had been scared silly by it.


    Actually, Zhang Ye''s reason for being stunned was that he found the title of this project rather familiar!


    "New Generation Fighter Engine Manufacturing"


    It sounded familiar!


    It sounded too familiar!


    Where did he hear this name?


    Zhang Ye was stunned for a bit as he remembered. Didn''t he draw something like that from the lottery a long time ago? At that time, he still thought that this skill was pretty much useless and had grumbled about how he would have been better off with an excavator repair skill than this aircraft engine manufacturing skill. He had believed that this lousy skill would nevere in handy in his lifetime, but who could have thought that after such a long time, there would actually be a ce where he could put this skill to use?


    He had this skill!


    And he even "ate" a lot of the skill experience books!


    Zhang Ye got a very excited look as though he were injected with adrenaline!


    Zhang Ye said, "This is it!"


    Fellow Zhou was speechless.


    Chi Xue rolled her eyes.


    They were thinking that Zhang Ye was ribbing them, but never did they expect that Zhang Ye would actually know how to do this!

 Chapter 1508 - Old Wu is almost due!

    <h4>Chapter 1508 - Old Wu is almost due! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    One day.


    Two days.


    Three days.


    It was getting closer and closer to the Lunar New Year. Rednterns were being hung up all over the ce at the research institute. The decorations brought a jubnt mood as the researchers waited for the arrival of the new year.


    "Put up the couplets!"


    "Old Li, the couplet you wrote is too ugly."


    "Hahaha, I can''t help it. That''s just how skilled I am."


    "True, we''re all academics doing research day in and day out, so it''s not like there are many of us who have good calligraphy."


    "Hey, you better not say something like that. Have you all forgotten? The best calligrapher in the country is attached to our research institute."


    "Oh yes, we should be asking Professor Zhang to write some couplets for us instead."


    "Forget about that. Professor Zhang''s words are worth 10,000 taels of gold each. Who would dare to hang them up even if he wrote them? Would you bear to stick it up on the walls? Wouldn''t that be such a waste?"


    "By the way, where is Professor Zhang anyway?"


    "You''re right, I haven''t seen him in several days already."


    "If it weren''t for someone singing ''Tears Behind Prison Bars'' every morning, I would have thought that Professor Zhang had already left."


    "It seems like he''s taken up some research project or something?"


    "There''s nothing to argue about regarding Professor Zhang''s talents, but it''s just that he gets a crazy idea every now and then."


    In the dorm.


    Zhang Ye had not left his room for several days. The interior was filled with all sorts of notes. A series of forme filled a ckboard, and the walls were pasted with all kinds of iprehensible drawings. On the table and on the floor were drafts and scratch paper lying all over the ce. There were even several scale models lying in the corner of the room that Zhang Ye had borrowed from who knows where.


    He did research.


    He made measurements.


    He designed a model.


    No one knew what Zhang Ye was doing, because no one at the research institute could understand the research that he was conducting. Besides, no one believed that Zhang Ye was doing anything feasible either. That was because the project that he was attempting was too frightening. There were tens of thousands of difficult projects in China, but even so, Zhang Ye still went ahead and chose the most difficult one of all! How many researchers had fallen in the face of this adversity? How many researchers had been troubled by it? Yet Zhang Ye as a mathematician was actually attempting to ovee this research void? Who could believe that?


    Only Zhang Ye believed that he could get it done. It was just that he needed time, a lot of time, so for the past few days, he worked around the clock on it and did not get much rest at all.


    Until some news arrived.


    The news was brought to him by Chi Xue.


    Chi Xue congratted, "Professor Zhang, my early congrattions to you."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What are you congratting me for?"


    "Your wife is almost due." Chi Xue continued, "We''ve just received news. Chief Wu has been admitted to the hospital while awaiting delivery. Her due date is estimated to be within the next few days."


    Zhang Ye froze.


    She was about to give birth?


    She was going to deliver their child soon?


    But of course!


    Wasn''t the expected due date supposed to be in these few days?


    Zhang Ye immediately threw out all thoughts of his work and research. He was not in the mood for those anymore. All he could think of now was Old Wu and his child!


    He sat down.


    And stood up again.


    Then he paced around several times and sat back down.


    Zhang Ye paced around aimlessly. Finally, he stepped out of the room.


    Zhou Xiaohe came up to him and said, "Professor Zhang, congrattions."


    Several researchers also came over with congrattions.


    "You''re going to be a father soon."


    "Congrattions in advance, Professor Zhang."


    "This is joyous news."


    "It''s happening just in time for the New Year. We must celebrate this!"


    "Hahaha, Professor Zhang, you''ll have to treat everyone!"


    Everyone had already found out about the news and were all feeling overjoyed for Zhang Ye.


    But no one could understand how Zhang Ye was feeling at this moment. He was going through suchplicated emotions. In his excitement, he was a little worried as well. He had no other thought right now than to head straight for the hospital. He wanted to be there to apany Old Wu and witness the birth of his child with his own eyes. This thought was very intense. It was so intense that the moment Zhang Ye thought of it, he went to look for Fellow Chi and Fellow Zhou.


    The moment he spoke, it exasperated the two elderly research fellows!


    Zhang Ye said, "This bro here wants to go outside to seek medical treatment!"


    Chi Xue was speechless.


    Fellow Chi rolled his eyes. "And how are you sick?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m feeling sick all over."


    Fellow Zhou said, "But you look like you''re in really good health."


    Zhang Ye pointed to the ground and said, "Do you believe that I could faint right here in front of you?"


    Fellow Zhou said in a speechless manner, "Then which hospital do you wish to go to?"


    Zhang Ye dered loudly without hesitation, "To the maternity hospital my wife is admitted to. I''m fine with staying there."


    "You''re a man, so how could there be any doctors for you at a maternity hospital?" Chi Xue was amused.


    Zhang Ye harrumphed, "As long as you guys allow me to go out, this bro will even be willing to stay at a mental institution!"


    Whoa!


    You''re really going all out, huh!


    Fellow Chi said, "Professor Zhang, we understand how you''re feeling. But you''re still in the midst of serving your sentence. Our Chinese Academy of Sciences put in a lot of effort to get you here. We were required to give a guarantee and also sign on the dotted line to ensure that we kept our word. Do you really think that you can just go out as you wish? Dutifully wait here for the news. How about this? We''re not unreasonable people, so I''ll allow you a special privilege. As long as there''s any news from the hospital that your wife is admitted to, be it aboratory test, or ECG, we will get someone to inform you about it. I guarantee that you can rest assured of everything that is happening, and we will also let you know about thetest news immediately."


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips. "Why would I want theboratory tests!"


    Fellow Zhou said, "Old Chi has given you a privilege. If it were anyone else, there wouldn''t be such treatment at all."


    "That won''t do." Zhang Ye did not agree to it. "If anything, let me call my wife."


    Fellow Chi said firmly, "That is not possible."


    Fellow Zhou also said, "Yes, definitely not possible."


    But Chi Xue said, "Dad, can''t you just let Professor Zhang make one call?"


    "No." Fellow Chi shook his head. "Little Zhang''s transfer out of the prison has a confidentiality use. He is not allowed to have anymunications with the outside world; that''s the rule."


    Chi Xue said, "Rules should be reasonable and special circumstances should call for special treatment. Professor Zhang has given so much effort to our research project already. Now that his wife is about to give birth, you won''t allow him to visit her, or even call her. Surely that''s too cruel, right? Uncle Zhou, don''t you agree with me?"


    Fellow Zhou became a little hesitant after hearing the logic. "Well, that makes sense."


    Fellow Chi stared and said, "Old Zhou, what realization dawned on you?"


    Fellow Zhouughed and said, "It''s just a call. As long as Professor Zhang doesn''t reveal any information about our research institute or the research project, it will be fine."


    Zhang Ye said, "Aiyo, you guys are overthinking things. I haven''t seen my wife in several months, so why would I be talking to her about some research project if I only had a few minutes to talk to her? Do you think I have nothing better to talk to her about?"


    Chi Xue said, "Isn''t that right, Dad?"


    Fellow Chi frowned. "This is against the rules!"


    Zhang Ye looked at him. "Isn''t plucking me out of a prison also against the rules? Can you borrow anyone from a prison like so? Which rule would that fall under?"


    Fellow Chi had no answer.


    He really couldn''t refute this.


    Fellow Zhou also helped to persuade him. "His wife is giving birth. It''s the event of a lifetime."


    Fellow Chi frowned.


    Seeing this, Fellow Zhou said, "Alright, alright, I''ll approve it. If anything happens, I will take responsibility."


    Zhang Ye was thrilled. He patted Fellow Zhou on his shoulder and said, "Old Zhou, you''re still the righteous one!"


    Who are you calling Old Zhou!


    Fellow Zhou rolled his eyes.


    Fellow Chi harrumphed. "You''ll take responsibility if something happens? It''s not like you''re the head here, so how will you be able to take any responsibility?" He then pulled open his drawer and took out something. Then he wrote some words and signed off on it. He even stamped a seal on it before throwing it onto the table. "Take this with you. I''ll only allow it this once. Three minutes is all you get, and there won''t be another time."


    Zhang Ye bellyughed. "Alright, thanks, Old Chi!"


    ��


    In the telephone room.


    Some security guards were standing guard at the entrance.


    This was the only phone in the research institute that could make calls to the outside world. Zhang Ye brought the slip that Fellow Chi had signed off on and handed it to the security guard before entering. Chi Xue and Zhou Xiaohe also came along to supervise him.


    Excitement.


    Perturbation.


    Zhang Ye picked up the old-fashioned telephone with a shaking hand.


    ck, ck, ck. He took a deep breath as he dialed the numbers.


    Du du du��


    Du du du��


    Answer!


    Quickly answer it!


    Zhang Ye was very anxious!


    Suddenly, the line went through.


    On the other end, the familiar voice of a woman could be heard. "Hello? Who is it?"


    When he heard this voice, Zhang Ye''s heart fluttered. "Old Wu!"


    "Little Ye?"


    "How are you doing?"


    "I''m waiting to give birth at the hospital. I''m feeling quite well. How about you?"


    "I''m doing good too."


    "That''s good to hear. Are they not allowing any visits where you are?"


    "Yeah, it''d be a bit of a problem."


    "Where are you calling from?"


    "I can''t say."


    "Alright, I won''t ask any further then."


    "I can only speak for three minutes. I know that you''ve already been admitted to the hospital while waiting to give birth. Actually, I have a lot of things that I want to say, but I don''t know how to say them. In any case, Old Wu, don''t worry about me. This bro will definitely do his best to get back home sooner. I will definitely go back as soon as I can!"


    "Alright, I will wait for you."


    At this moment, Chi Xue reminded, "There''s still two minutes."


    Old Wu probably heard it on the other end as well.


    The people on both ends of the line turned quiet.


    There was so much to say.


    But how could it be conveyed in only two minutes?


    "Little Ye."


    "Yes?"


    "Sing me a song."


    "You want to hear me sing again?"


    "Yes, I wish to listen to your singing."


    "OK."


    If you wish for that, I''ll sing for you!


    I''ll sing for you all my life!


    Zhang Ye brought the receiver closer to his mouth. He gazed out the window and looked at that blue sky.


    Then, with a hint of tenderness, he started singing 1 .


    "I wanna fly you everywhere.


    "And enjoy the''s sights as a pair.


    "There''s no worries and none of that woe.


    "With our freedom, we''re happy to go.


    "Forget your pain and forget that ce.


    "Let''s adventure at a roving pace.


    "We may not have opulence or wealth.


    "But we''ve got lots of hope in our hearts.


    "We want to fly to that faraway ce to see


    "that this world really isn''t that dreary.


    "We want to fly to that faraway ce to gaze


    "at this world that still shines brighter than sun rays."


    The three minutes were already up. At some point, the phone call had been cut off.


    But Zhang Ye continued singing. He continued looking out the window and kept singing for a very long time.


    "We want to fly to that faraway ce to see


    "that this world really isn''t that dreary.


    "We want to fly to that faraway ce to gaze.


    "at this world that still shines brighter than sun rays."


    Chi Xue''s eyes reddened.


    Zhou Xiaohe reached out twice but did not have the heart to interrupt Zhang Ye.


    They just listened quietly. They could feel his voice drifting out the window to a faraway ce, carrying Zhang Ye''s heart with it.

 Chapter 1509 - It’s born! It’s born!

    <h4>Chapter 1509 - It��s born! It��s born! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Two dayster.


    It was the eve of the Lunar New Year.


    "Where are thenterns? Go and hang them up."


    "Coming,ing!"


    "Old Li, how''s the programing along?"


    "Haha, it''s all finished."


    "Great, it''s all on you guys now. I''m really looking forward to it."


    "We''re just a bunch of old people, so we''re only going to be singing in the name of fun."


    "The Spring Festival G will be happening soon as well, I wonder what it will be like this year."


    "It''s difficult to say since Professor Zhang is here at our ce."


    "Yeah, without Professor Zhang directing the Spring Festival G, I just can''t seem to look forward to watching it."


    "Hai, if only Professor Zhang hadn''t gotten embroiled. The Spring Festival G this year would definitely have been headed by him. I can imagine just how wonderful it would''ve been."


    "Haha, but Professor Zhang doesn''t have time to worry about the Spring Festival G now."


    "I heard that his wife has already gone into the delivery room."


    "Yes, she was just brought in there a short while ago."


    "Hopefully everything goes well."


    It was almost the New Year and the mood at the research institute couldn''t be more boisterous.


    People gathered together andughed in conversation.


    Some were preparing for their night show in their groups.


    Others were busy preparing the dishes for dinner, with the kitchen bustling with activity.


    Only Zhang Ye was unlike everyone else. This fellow kept circling the research institute''s yard in extreme anxiety. Sometimes, he would look up into the sky and let out a sigh; sometimes, he would stamp his feet in frustration; and sometimes, he would whisper something at the sky with his hands sped together.


    Please let everything go well!


    Old Wu, you can do it!


    May mother and child be safe!


    Please let them both be safe!


    Just then, Chi Xue passed by. "Professor Zhang, what are you still doing here? The g is about to begin. Hurry up, let''s head over together."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "How can I be in the mood to attend the event?"


    Chi Xueughed and said, "Chief Wu is a blessed woman, so she''ll be fine. We will inform you once there is any news, soe along. Everyone has gone to the event premises already, and the Spring Festival G is about to start. Our self-organized g will be held concurrently, and we''re all waiting for a famed g director to give us advice to improve."


    Fellow Zhou also called out from afar, "Professor Zhang, we''re all waiting for you. Hurry up!"


    Zhang Ye answered absent-mindedly, "Coming."


    The banquet hall was already packed with people.


    There were over a dozen round tables with over a hundred researchers attending the event.


    At the front, there was even arge TV disy where an advertisement from Central TV Department 1 was showing. It was now less than five minutes until the Spring Festival G began. There was also a stage set up in front, and it was obviously going to be used for theter performances. Sniffing, he could smell the aroma of the food. Then he saw that the staff had already started serving the dishes.


    Zhang Ye had been very worried about Old Wu and hadn''t rested or ate well for the past few days. Hungry, he sat down and started eating immediately.


    The Central TV Spring Festival G began.


    Only then did Zhang Ye raise his head.


    Zhang Yuanqi.


    Zhang Xia.


    Chen Guang.


    Xu Men.


    One after another, familiar faces started appearing before his eyes. They were so close, yet so far away. Were his old friends all doing well? Was Old Zhang still that fond of drinking? How did Old Xu''s new movie do at the box office? Had Old Chen released any new songs? Was Grandma Zhang still going strong and healthy? Who was Old Yao partnering with for his crosstalks?


    Zhang Yemented.


    However, everything happening in the outside world no longer had anything to do with him.


    A female researcher said, "The Spring Festival G this year isn''t that good."


    A young researcher said, "Yeah, it''s much worse than the Spring Festival G Professor Zhang directed."


    "That''s right." Another person said, "That song fromst year, ''Return Home Often,'' really made me cry when I heard it. I haven''t been home for the Lunar New Year in two years."


    A middle-aged doctor said, "That''s nothing, I''ve already been here for four years straight."


    An old scientistughed and said, "Are youparing such things now? There''s nothing glorious about that. Hai, this is all because of work. There isn''t any choice for us."


    At this time, the research institute''s own shows started.


    Several doctors had formed a choir and took to the stage, while the audience looked very excited.


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    "Dr. Xu, you can do it!"


    "Your singing went off-keyst year, so hopefully it won''t happen again this year!"


    "Haha, can you not expose other people''s shorings."


    The self-organized g began with a song that rang out within the banquet hall.


    Singing.


    Magic shows.


    Dances.


    Skits.


    There were all kinds of programs.


    Out of nowhere, Fellow Zhou asked Zhang Ye, "Professor Zhang, why don''t you go up on stage and give us a performance too?"


    Chi Xue smiled and said, "That sounds great, Professor Zhang. Be it a skit, crosstalk, or even singing, you''re a professional at all of them. Why don''t you let us amateurs broaden our horizons?"


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "Please spare me."


    Fellow Chi also said, "Come on, show us a little something."


    Chi Xue said, "You''re about to be a dad, so that''s definitely something worth celebrating!"


    Just as a song finished onstage, the banquet hall''s main door was suddenly pushed opened.


    A employee from the telephone room came rushing in. He shouted excitedly, "It''s born! It''s born!"


    Everyone looked over to that person!


    Zhang Ye shot to his feet. "What?"


    The employee congratted, "Professor Zhang, your wife has delivered your child! They are both safe and sound!"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "Is it a boy or a girl?"


    That person said, "It''s a girl! She weighed 3.6 kilograms at birth!"


    The banquet hall erupted with excitement!


    "Great! Great!"


    "Congrattions, Professor Zhang!"


    "Your child has finally been born!"


    "Professor Zhang, you can finally rest assured!"


    Everyone was really feeling jubnt for Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye was at a loss for words. He wanted to give a shout or two to express his joy, but he couldn''t push his voice out of his throat. He suddenly became quiet.


    Fellow Zhouughed heartily. "You''re a father now. How does it feel?"


    Chi Xue alsoughed. "Professor Zhang, why don''t you say a few words to everyone?"


    Everyone echoed, "Yeah, say something!"


    Zhang Ye was a little dazed.


    Say a few words?


    What should he say?


    He didn''t know. He really didn''t know what to talk about.


    Zhang Ye left without waiting for the g to finish.


    Everyone looked at one another.


    Chi Xue said, "What''s with him?"


    Fellow Zhou said, "Heh, that kid, shouldn''t he be screaming with joy at such a time?"


    Fellow Chi watched Zhang Ye as he left and did not say a word.


    ��


    Midnight arrived.


    The New Year bell was rung.


    After the g ended, everyone headed back to their dorms to rest.


    However, soft notes from a guitar suddenly thrummed in one of the dormitories at the research institute. It was apanied by a low singing voice.


    People were stunned to hear this.


    Some of them pulled open their curtains.


    Others leaned out onto their windowsills and listened 1 quietly.


    "What should I say? I just don''t know.


    "So much to say, yet they don''te out.


    "Blue skies above, my lingering silence.


    "With you by my side, I''mposed and serene.


    "On lonely nights, I have prayed for you.


    "I hope that I am a gift in your life.


    "When the joy in my heart blossoms in an instant.


    "I wish I could be by your side, to share it with you.


    "An endless journey, an unbroken horizon.


    "Years of burning passion, but what a long wait.


    "When the joy in my heart blossoms in an instant.


    "I wish I could be by your side, to share it with you."


    It was a very light and gentle voice. It was a song sung by a man for his wife and child. In the singing, there was a hint of the man''s joy, as well as his sadness.


    His name was Zhang Ye.


    Today, he had be a father.

 Chapter 1510 - A nation’s dream for an aircraft engine!

    <h4>Chapter 1510 - A nation''s dream for an aircraft engine! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    It was the first day of the Lunar New Year.


    Early in the morning, the people at the research institute were once again woken up by Zhang Ye. This time, it wasn''t "Tears Behind Prison Bars" that woke them up, but Zhang Ye''s loud voice.


    "I''ve be a father!"


    "This bro is now a dad!"


    "I have a daughter now!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    Some people pulled their nkets over their heads.


    Some people were rolling their eyes in bed.


    They were used to being woken up by Zhang Ye every morning. This fellow was even more punctual than an rm clock and would always cause somemotion at this exact time. They couldn''t figure out what Zhang Ye was thinking either. Last night, he was singing sorrowfully despite his wife having just given birth. Instead of celebrating yesterday, why are you reacting to the news today? Aren''t your brain circuits moving too slowly! Indeed, geniuses were really such oddities that most normal people would never be able to understand their behavior.


    In the cafeteria.


    A lot of people discovered that Zhang Ye was in charge of the cooking today when they arrived.


    Chi Xue said, "Wow, Professor Zhang is cooking?"


    Fellow Zhou was also amused. "Are you sure of your culinary skill?"


    Fellow Chi and the others were also suspiciously eyeing Zhang Ye, who was busy cooking.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "But of course. But this is cooking for a crowd, so it''s a little moreplicated. This is also my first time cooking for so many people, so this is still what we will be having whether it is tasty or not. We''re limited by what we can serve here. Otherwise, I would have brought you all out to eat at a Beijing restaurant if we were outside. Just make do with it, I guess."


    Everyone sat down and tried it. It actually tasted quite good.


    "Delicious, delicious."


    "Professor Zhang''s cooking is pretty good."


    "Congrattions on the birth of your daughter."


    Everyone congratted him once again.


    Zhang Ye thanked them one by one.


    Chi Xue asked, "What was that song you were singingst night?"


    A female researcher asked, "Yeah, what is it called?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "''The Gift.''"


    Chi Xue nodded. "It''s really nice."


    A young researcher said, "That''s right, I nearly cried listening to it."


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s why this bro''s current goal is to find a way to go back home to my family!"


    Hearing that, Zhou Xiaohe immediately turned and looked at Zhang Ye warily.


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "What are you looking at me for? This bro wants to leave this ce with my head held high. Do you think that I would attempt to break out of prison? Anyone in China can break out of prison, but would that even be possible for me?"


    Zhou Xiaohe was taken aback but felt that what Zhang Ye had said was true.


    When everyone else heard that, they were left chuckling in amusement.


    Yes, anyone could attempt to break out of prison except for Zhang Ye. Break out of prison? How was he going to break out? Other people could hide their identities after getting out and find a ce where no one knew them to settle down at. But Zhang Ye? How was he supposed to hide his identity? In all of China, in all of Asia, was there anyone who did not know him?


    For the entire morning, Zhang Ye remained in a very excited mood. The feeling of bing a father was something that was very different and could not be described with words. And when Zhang Ye received a photo of his child, it became even harder to describe that feeling. It was like a sense of happiness filling up within him.


    Those tiny arms.


    Those little legs.


    It was too adorable.


    Zhang Ye could not bear to put the photo away.


    Chi Xue smiled and said, "I asked someone to get it for you. I believe this was what you needed?"


    Zhang Ye was grinning from ear to ear. "I need this more than anything!"


    Then Zhang Ye went around the entire research institute and showed it off to everyone. As long as he met someone, he would stop them on the spot and start chatting with them.


    "Little Liu, this is my daughter!"


    "Aiyo."


    "What do you think?"


    "She''s so cute!"


    "Of course!"


    "Old Li,e,e,e, have a look at my daughter!"


    "Wow, not bad."


    "Pretty, right?"


    "Yes, she''s pretty."


    "Dr. Hu, have you seen my daughter''s picture yet?"


    "Not yet."


    "Come quickly and have a look then. Doesn''t she look like me?"


    "Uh, no, she doesn''t look like you at all."


    "What? It''s obvious that she looks just like me!"


    "In what way? She clearly resembles your wife."


    "Look at this fingernail. Isn''t it exactly like it was made from the same mold as mine?"


    "Damn, how can you base resemnce off of something like fingernails?"


    He was loving his feeling.


    In the afternoon, Zhang Ye even requested a photo frame from Fellow Zhou''s office. He slotted his daughter''s picture in and ced it on the study desk in his room. One moment, he would gaze at it with a smile. The next moment, he would hold it up and give it a kiss. It was as though he were mental.


    With newfound motivation, he knew that he needed to get out of this ce even sooner. My daughter is still waiting for me!


    Thus, Zhang Ye closed his room''s door, pulled up his sleeves, and took a deep breath. He went back to working again in high spirits and full of fight!


    An hour.


    Three hours.


    Five hours.


    At 11:30 PM.


    A sudden shout came from Zhang Ye''s room. "It''s done!"


    Then Zhang Ye knocked on the doors of every room!


    "Fellow Zhou,e quickly to my room!"


    "What is it at this time of the night?"


    "Aiyo, stop sleeping. Hurry up!"


    "Sister Chi, get up, get up!"


    "What is it?"


    "Come over and you''ll find out! Hurry up!"


    A lot of people were called up by Zhang Ye.


    Everyone got out of bed and put on their clothes before heading to Zhang Ye''s room.


    Chi Xue was rather displeased. "It''s the New Year. Just what is the matter?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I''ve made great strides in my project!"


    Fellow Chi said angrily, "What project? What project could you possibly have? Hasn''t the algorithm already been produced?"


    "That''s right." Fellow Zhou was also wondering. "Why would you have any project to work on?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Have you all forgotten? About the project you passed to me?"


    Fellow Zhou had truly forgotten about it. "Which one? When did I give you a project to handle?"


    Chi Xue was stunned. "Y-You''re talking about that new generation fighter engine project?"


    An aircraft engine?


    That project no one had managed to seed at for the past few decades?


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    Zhang Yeughed. "That''s the one! Come and have a look." He pointed inside the room at the walls, the desk, and even the floor and the bed where diagrams and equations were pasted on.


    Chi Xue couldn''t be more shocked. "You actually took it seriously?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Didn''t I already say? That I''ll take on this project!"


    Fellow Chi said, "You''re a mathematician. Why would you be conducting research on an aircraft engine?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Mathematics and physics belong to the same family."


    Fellow Zhou was quite shocked. "Did you really make progress on it?"


    "I''ve made major progress!" Zhang Ye corrected him.


    Chi Xue quickly looked down.


    A group of doctors and professors also went up to have a look.


    "What kind of a model is this?"


    "It even looks somewhat like the real thing."


    "Professor Zhang even has knowledge about physics and mechanical engineering?"


    "Will this model work?"


    "This is a little impractical, right?"


    "Uh, I don''t understand this."


    "It doesn''t seem like it would work?"


    A lot of people were frowning, unable to figure out what was going on.


    But if they could understand what Zhang Ye hade up with by just ncing at it, then the nation''s dream for an aircraft engine would not have taken so many years and still not be realized. The details involved in this project were veryplicated. If one didn''t specialize in fighter engine research, it would be very difficult to understand anything here.


    When Zhang Ye saw everyone''s faces, he knew that there wasn''t much hope. He curled his lips and said, "It''s normal that you guys don''t understand since you haven''t reached the right level yet. Fellow Chi, quickly report this to the higher-ups for me. I''m sure there will be people who can understand this research. I''ll need money, manpower, and equipment. As long as I have all of that, just give me some time and I can guarantee that our nation''s dream of an aircraft engine will be fulfilled. I, Zhang Ye, will keep my word!"


    An aircraft engine dream?


    Was that really so easy to fulfill?


    Everyone rolled their eyes. You''re saying that we do not understand? Then are you saying that you understand? Couldn''t you just messing with us by randomly writing and making up some drawings?


    Everyone was very skeptical.


    Fellow Chi and Fellow Zhou also felt the same.


    But as this matter was deemed too serious and Zhang Ye also seemed to be very sure of himself, they couldn''t help but take it seriously as well. Although they felt that what Zhang Ye had done was still not exactly reliable, the two of them still got someone to organize the documents and send them out on the very same night. It was ayman like Zhang Ye who started this entire matter anyway, so even if the authorities criticized them, Zhang Ye would shoulder the me. They weren''t going to be held responsible for this debacle.


    After that, everyone headed back to their rooms to get some rest.


    While lying in bed, they couldn''t help but find this matter a little funny when they thought about it.


    Manufacture a fighter engine?


    Hai, aren''t you thinking too highly of yourself?

 Chapter 1511 - People from all over descend upon the research institute!

    <h4>Chapter 1511 - People from all over descend upon the research institute! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Dawn had just broke.


    A loud propeller could be heard in the sky above the research institute, along with the constant buzzing of engines arriving. It was so noisy that many of the researchers who were still deep asleep got woken up.


    "What''s with all that noise?"


    "What is happening?"


    "What time is it?"


    "What is Professor Zhang up to this time?"


    "It doesn''t feel like it''s Professor Zhang today!"


    "Listen to that? Isn''t that the sound of a helicopter?"


    "Ah? Wake up, quick!"


    "I''ve not had a good night''s sleep yet this new year."


    No one knew what was going on. Everyone came out of their rooms grumbling about themotion.


    At this moment, they heard Zhang Ye being woken up as well. His window opened and they saw Zhang Ye shouting out of it with drooping eyes, "Who is that! Are you driving an excavator or something? It''s so early in the morning and you''re not letting people sleep! Can you be any more inconsiderate than this! People these days, why are they so rude and ssless!"


    After shouting all that, he closed the window with a loud bang and probably went back to bed.


    The researchers were floored at his words!


    Just how much more shameless can you get?


    You''re the most unqualified person here to say those words!


    You''re saying that they''re inconsiderate? Aren''t you the one who''s always opening your windows every morning and singing "Tears Behind Prison Bars"? Weren''t you the one who made so much noise early yesterday morning and then woke everyone up againte at night? It''s not like themotion that you''ve been causing every day is any less than what is going here! And you dare to criticize other people?


    Fellow Chi and the others also came out at this time.


    Fellow Zhou asked, "Old Chi, what''s going on?"


    Fellow Chi also wondered and said, "I don''t know."


    Two helicopters came.


    And seven or eight vehicles.


    Updates were being reported back bit by bit as well. When everyone heard who hade, they were all confused by what was going on.


    The military?


    The Chinese Academy of Sciences?


    The Chinese Aeronautical Establishment 1 ?


    The Chinese Aero Engine Control System Institute 2 ?


    These four groups of people had arrived at the research institute out of the blue?


    Chi Xue said nervously, "Dad, could something have happened?"


    Fellow Chi looked very serious. "Something must have definitely happened!"


    "And it must be something major too!" Fellow Zhou added.


    Then they saw several groups of people striding towards them from afar. When they saw the person leading the groups, everyone from the research institute froze.


    President Fu?


    The president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences?


    Why had President Fue down here personally?


    Fellow Chi and the others hurriedly went up to wee him. "Old Fu, what''s the situation?"


    Privately, the rtionship among them was very good, with both Fellow Chi and Fellow Zhou being long-time veterans of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. So there wasn''t really a distinction based on their ranks, and they would often address the academy''s president as Old Fu.


    President Fu walked over with a great big smile and pointed at them. "Good on you, Old Chi! And you too, Old Zhou! You guys have kept the secret well!"


    Fellow Zhou stared nkly. "What did we keep a secret?"


    President Fu bellyughed. "Go on, keep pretending!"


    Fellow Chi and Fellow Zhou looked at each other,pletely confused at what was going on.


    All of the others at the research institute also did not know what it meant.


    From the other side, a military leader said loudly, "If this project has beenpleted, you will all have rendered a great merit. A great merit for us! And a great merit to benefit the future generations!"


    Fellow Chi said, "Old Li, what do you mean by us rendering a great merit to benefit the future generations?"


    General Li said excitedly, "Aiyo, Fellow Chi, don''t pretend anymore!"


    President Fu alsoughed and said, "Old Chi, you''ve really done our Chinese Academy of Sciences proud this time. In these recent years, we had thought that no one would dare get involved with this project, but who would''ve thought that you all had yet to give up on it and even managed toe up with such great results. Bravo! Well done! We researchers need to have a strong mind like you all to not give up so easily. You guys have really taught me a lesson this time. You''ve taught all of the scientific research institutions in China a very valuable lesson this time!"


    Fuck, why is this talk getting so serious?


    What project are you talking about?


    Who did we give a lesson to?


    Chi Xue froze up. She tugged at her father aside. "Dad, could it be that project?"


    Fellow Chi was startled. "Surely not, right?"


    Fellow Zhou was also dumbfounded. He just remembered the incident which happenedst night. "Old Chi, Old Li, is this about the information we sent outst night?"


    President Fu smiled and said, "You were the ones who sent it over. Why are you asking me about it?"


    Huh?


    So it''s really that?


    Fellow Chi said, "That project isn''t feasible, right?"


    President Fu rolled his eyes. "Why is it not feasible? Aiyo, we''re already at this juncture, so why are you all still trying to keep a low profile? What''s there to be humble about? Don''t you know howrge of a stride you''ve made? This is virtually unprecedented! It''s a step no one has managed to take in several decades to close to a century! We''ve already seen the material that you sent over. At two in the morning, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Aeronautical Establishment, the Chinese Aero Engine Control System Institute, and many other departments all called for emergency meetings in the dead of night. Hundreds of doctors, professors, schrs, and researchers studied them all night and finally managed to verify the material and proposal that you sent over as feasible! This will be a brand-new page in the history of Chinese aircraft engines! You''ve all scored a great merit! I''m proud of every one of you! So that''s why I brought the team here today. I wanted to see for myself what our heroic researchers looked like!"


    Surely not, right?


    That had actually worked out?


    Everyone at the research institute was dumbfounded by what they heard!


    Chi Xue was stunned while Fellow Chi had a shocked look on his face.


    President Fu looked at them with a smile. "Old Chi, was it you who came up with the proposal?"


    Fellow Chi waved it off. "I''m not that capable."


    President Fuughed and pointed to Fellow Zhou. "Then it must be you, Old Zhou!"


    Fellow Zhou gave a wry smile. "Me? It wasn''t me."


    "Hmm?" President Fu was taken aback. Then he looked at someone else. "Dr. Chen, is it you then?"


    Doctor Chen wiped off his sweat. "It wasn''t me, it wasn''t me."


    President Fu said in anticipation, "Then which heroic researcher was it? Old Chi, Old Zhou, quickly get that person to step forward so that we can see who it is!"


    The people from the Chinese Aeronautical Establishment were looking around.


    The people from the military were also looking around.


    Only those from the research institute were looking at one another.


    Finally, Chi Xue raised her head and shouted upwards at the building beside them. "Professor Zhang, the leaders are looking for you. Get your ass down here!"


    A shout responded from the window, "I''m sleeping!"


    Everyone looked up.


    President Fu was a little stunned as well.


    Fellow Zhou hurriedly said, "What are you still sleeping for! Get down here!"


    The male voice said impatiently, "Who''s looking for me?"


    Fellow Zhou shouted, "Get up already! We''re all waiting for you!"


    "Alright, alright."


    After shouting all that, Fellow Zhou quickly exined, "Professor Zhang has been very busytely. He''s been��he''s been working on this research deep into the night. That''s why he still isn''t up yet. He usually wakes up very early."


    President Fuughed and said, "It''s all for the project, so that''s very understandable!"


    General Li asked, "Which Professor Zhang is it? Professor Zhang Yi?"


    Fellow Zhou said anxiously, "No."


    President Fu guessed again. "Professor Zhang Hanlei?"


    Fellow Zhou still did not know how to put it. "It''s not him either."


    Fellow Chi sighed. "You all will know when he gets here."


    President Fu was pleasantly surprised. "You mean we all know him?"


    Fellow Chi nodded. "Yes, all of you should know him."


    Everyone turned to look at the stairway exit of the building.


    Under the anticipating and excited gazes of countless people, the figure of a young man appeared.


    Then, everyone was dumbfounded!


    "What?"


    "Eh?"


    "Zh-Zhang Ye?"

 Chapter 1512

    <h4>Chapter 1512 </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The group of people were dumbfounded.


    Zhang Ye strolled up. "Who''s looking for me?"


    President Fu looked at Fellow Chi. "Old Chi, what''s going on here?"


    Fellow Chi said, "The project you all were talking about was basically handled by Professor Zhang Ye."


    "What?" General Li was stunned.


    President Fu and the group of people behind him were also dumbfounded.


    Zhang Ye?


    He did what?


    How is that possible!


    There''s absolutely no link at all!


    Many of those who were here knew that Old Chi''s research institute had only loaned Zhang Ye out of prison because they wanted to ovee a problem with the design of a mathematical algorithm. They also knew very well what Zhang Ye''s skill in mathematics was like. In the entire Chinese field of mathematics, there shouldn''t be anyone who was better at math than Zhang Ye. This was something that everyone agreed on. But this aircraft engine research project was apletely different matter. It was two entirely different concepts.


    Dynamics 1 .


    Mechanical engineering.


    And even materials science.


    None of those had anything to do with mathematics!


    President Fu said in surprise, "Oh, Professor Little Zhang, you even about know this subject?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I''m not bad, I guess? I know a little."


    Ten minutester.


    In arge conference room at the research institute.


    Zhang Ye was standing behind a podium and speaking confidently, "What are the difficulties faced in our nation''s aircraft engine manufacturing process? One of them is the main bearingsponent, a key part of an aircraft engine. A military aircraft engine requires the bearings to have a durability lifespan of 3,000 hours and above, while a civilian aircraft engine requires an even higher standard at up to 10,000 hours. Not only does it have to rotate at high speeds of over tens of thousands of revolutions per minute, it also has to tolerate various forms of stress andpression forces, friction, as well as ultra-high temperatures. In addition, for general structural parts, it must remain safe to use even when there are slight cracks��this is known in the industry as damage tolerance levels. But for key transmission parts such as the aircraft engine''s main bearings, no damage tolerance is allowed at all. Cracks and other forms of damage are not allowed to ur in the process of usage. Therefore, that is the first difficulty we''re stuck at. We havepleted aircraft engine designs, but questions remain on them as their rate of failure is too high, being at least ten times greater than what other models are known for. This clearly makes them impractical for use in actualbat."


    President Fu said from the audience, "Right, this is a technical difficulty we''ve been trying to tackle."


    But Zhang Ye said, "Actually, there''s no need to tackle it. I can tell you that we already have the technical capabilities to achieve it. Our current scientific technology is fully capable of achieving it."


    On the ckboard, he wrote and drew.


    Zhang Ye was giving his speech on a stage, while a bunch of experts and professors who specialized in dynamics and mechanical engineering were listening in the audience.


    A mathematician giving them a lesson in their field of specialization made everyone feel a little strange. However, it was also a lesson that left them very surprised.


    For two full hours.


    Everyone raised their questions while Zhang Ye answered them.


    At the end of the meeting, excited looks were on everyone''s faces.


    President Fu grabbed Zhang Ye''s hands and said, "Professor Zhang, you''re a genius! You''re really a genius! It is truly our country''s blessing to have a scientist like you!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "President Fu, please don''t put me on a pedestal. Just tell me, are we going ahead with this project?"


    "Of course! Of course we are!" President Fu said, "I havee here on the instructions of the higher-ups. I''ll immediately go and seek their approval to let you handle this project. All of the design, research, and testing will be wholly in your care. You''ll be given all the authority on this matter. Furthermore, we will also have you assumemand for the project to design the new generation fighters. After all, the aircraft and its engine''s design process will have to be unified."


    General Li immediately asked, "Professor Zhang, what do you need?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Money, manpower, and facilities."


    President Fu agreed without even thinking. "Alright, that won''t be a problem. We will assign however many people you need and approve however much funding you require. For the facilities you want ess to, we will do our best to get whatever we have for you as long as you ask for it!" With a pause, he said in seriousness, "But we also have one request. It has been so many years, so it''s about time we fulfill our nation''s dream for an aircraft engine. The country and its citizens have been waiting far too long for this to happen!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Don''t worry, leave it to me."


    President Fu turned around and instructed, "Old Chi, Old Zhou, the two of you are to cooperate closely with Professor Little Zhang. We must get this project sessfullypleted no matter what, even if it means giving our lives to it!"


    Fellow Zhou smiled and said, "Alright, we will give our fullest support to Professor Little Zhang."


    Chi Xue said with augh, "Well, alright, looks like Professor Zhang has be our new boss."


    Zhang Ye phonily said, "Hai, what boss? This is all for the people."


    President Fu suddenly asked, "Old Chi, what title does Professor Zhang have at your institute?"


    Fellow Chi shook his head. "What title can he have? We even had to borrow him secretly, so it''s not like we can arrange for him to take a role here, can we?"


    President Fu said, "That won''t do. Since Professor Zhang will lead the project as the project lead, he''ll need to have a title. We can''t let him assumemand as a civilian, right?"


    Zhang Ye corrected, "I''m not even considered a civilian now. I am just a prisoner."


    Everyone rolled their eyes.


    President Fu looked at him. "Professor Zhang, are you interested in taking a role with our Chinese Academy of Sciences?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "What role?"


    President Fu said with a smile, "Just a basic position as a research fellow."


    Everyone broke into a sweat.


    A basic position?


    How could a Chinese Academy of Sciences research fellow be considered as a basic position?


    That was the highest title granted to a scientist!


    But Zhang Ye asked, "Are there any benefits to that?"


    President Fu said in amusement, "What kind of benefits are you looking at?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Something like one or two months of home visit per year?"


    President Fuughed and said, "There isn''t something like that. Your status with us is a special one, and this project is also ssified as top secret, so it''s impossible for us to allow you to go home. That''s definitely out of the question. However, there are still a lot of benefits that you will enjoy. If you ept the appointment, you will be the youngest ever research fellow of the Chinese Academy of Sciences since its establishment, as well as the youngest superstar scientist in history. When your sentence isplete, we will also give you the necessary recognition in public. I know that your mind is not on scientific research and that you still care more about the entertainment industry. So all the more that you should join our Chinese Academy of Sciences family. There are many titles in the entertainment circle, like being the best actor or actress, the king of singers, and so on and so forth. But even with all the titles that they''ve got, they would never be able tond the title of being a research fellow with the Chinese Academy of Sciences all their lives. You are the only person who could achieve that."


    President Fu was quite artful in the way he dealt with people. Their Chinese Academy of Sciences had already tried to invite Zhang Ye to join them on more than one asion. But their invitations to him were all turned down, and he showed no interest in joining them at all. Therefore, this time, President Fu put it to him in a different way. Their Chinese Academy of Sciences really needed a research fellow like Zhang Ye. Be it his achievements in mathematics, or his knowledge in physics, they were all irreceable.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Since you put it that way, I really can''t seem to find an excuse to reject you."


    President Fu said, "Alright then, we''ll get you to fill out an application form and approve it in ater meeting."


    Zhang Ye said, "Thanks."


    However, the researchers around them all sighed when they heard.


    An elite, world-ss mathematician!


    An expert who was even proficient in dynamics!


    One of the youngest elite scientists in China, even the entire world!


    Yet his mind did not rest on research? Wasn''t this too great of a waste! If anyone had just a bit of your talent, they would surely be able to walk all the way til the end on the path of scientific research. How great of an achievement and glory would that be? But you? Why would you be so single-mindedly focused on only making it in the entertainment industry?


    Two dayster.


    The appointment was passed.


    Zhang Ye was officially inducted as a research fellow ( Division of Mathematics and Physics 2 ) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences


    Zhang Ye had officially takenmand as the manager of the Chinese aircraft engine project, as the assistant chief designer of the new generation fighter (unnamed) project, as well as a host of other appointments.


    The manpower issue was resolved.


    The funding arrived.


    The facilities were in ce.


    This was going to be a tough battle!


    And it was a tough battle that had to be won!


    Zhang Ye was very eager and excited. He was going to give 110% to fight this battle!


    Old Wu.


    My daughter.


    Wait for me. This bro will be able to go back home once I pull off this job!


    The entertainment circle.


    My old friends.


    Wait for me. When this bro gets out, let''s again take on the world together!

 Chapter 1513 - Three years later

    <h4>Chapter 1513 - Three yearster </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Three yearster.


    It was the second morning of the Lunar New Year.


    Another Lunar New Year was here again. At a military airbase in Sanya 1 , a military aircraft had just arrived. The aircraft slowlynded on the runway and came to a stop. When the cargo hatch was opened, the first group of people toe out were some military personnel. Behind them, a man around the age of 30 walked out, squinting. As the sun was shining too brightly, he used his hand to block the re above his forehead while his other hand took out a pair of sunsses. Then, he put it on with a reminiscing smile on his face.


    Blue skies.


    White clouds.


    And freedom.


    It has been more than three years, but this bro is finally back!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ll be going then."


    One of the soldiers asked, "Fellow Zhang, do you really not need us to send you off?"


    Zhang Ye curled his lips. "There''s no need."


    Another soldier said, "But the world has seen such great changes in these past few years."


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "No way, I''ve been dealing with you all for three years already. Even if you''re not sick of me, I''m sick of you guys. Now that I''m finally out, please stay as far away from me as you can."


    The few of them gave wry smiles.


    Then Zhang Ye smoothed his clothes and strode forward.


    Behind him, the voice of a young soldier rang out.


    "Attention!"


    "Salute!"


    Shuffle.


    Shuffle.


    Shuffle.


    The military personnel stood at attention and respectfully saluted Zhang Ye as he walked off into the distance. Even when he was 50 meters away from them, they still did not put down their hands. This wasn''t some perfunctory farewell they were giving him, but one that was done with the deepest of respect. This was because every one of them knew what Fellow Zhang had done for them, China, and the citizens over the past three years plus.


    Outside the military airbase.


    This was a suburb situated quite far from the city.


    Zhang Ye kept walking straight along the road. After 20 minutes, there was still no sight of any cars, let alone a cab. Finally, when a tourist bus passed by, Zhang Ye quickly put out his hand and hailed it. The bus drove past him and then came to a sudden stop about a 100 meters away.


    Zhang Ye ran over and caught up. "Driver, can I get a ride please?"


    The driver said, "Call for one with your cell phone."


    Zhang Ye said, "Hai, my cell phone is dead."


    The driver said, "You won''t be able to get a ride here. There are too few vehicles passing by this ce. I have to send these people somewhere, so I suggest that you wait for another vehicle instead."


    At the back of the bus were over a dozen young boys and girls who looked like they weren''t even 20 yet.


    Chen Qiqi asked, "Where are you headed?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m going to Yalong Bay 2 ."


    Chen Niannian, who was beside her, said, "Eh, we''re going to Yalong Bay too. It''s on the way."


    Zhang Ye was pleased to hear that. "That''s great then."


    Huo Yan blinked and said, "Are you a Beijinger?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You guys are from Beijing too?"


    Huo Yan said, "Yeah, we are."


    Thus, Chen Qiqi said, "Driver, let hime on board with us."


    The driver naturally did not object to that. This bus was rented by them, after all.


    And so, Zhang Ye boarded the bus. He said to the teenagers, "Thanks, guys, I won''t take the ride for free. Let me share a part of the cost with you." He then took out a 100-yuan bill from his wallet.


    The teenagers were stunned when they saw it.


    Zhang Ye was startled for a moment too. What? Do you think it''s not enough?


    In the end, Chen Qiqi said something that dumbfounded Zhang Ye. She looked at the 100-yuan bill in Zhang Ye''s hand and said, "Big Bro, isn''t this bill a little old?"


    Zhang Ye shook the bill in his hand. "Ah? This isn''t that old. It still looks quite new, doesn''t it?"


    Chen Niannian also said in a speechless manner, "This version of the RMB has stopped circting since three years ago. The banks recalled them, and we''ve been using the new version for a long time. If you pay others with this money, I doubt that they''d even ept it. Why are you still keeping it around? Unless you want it as an antique? Are you a collector?"


    Ah?


    The currency version has changed?


    Damn, why didn''t anyone tell me?


    Zhang Ye could only put the money away in embarrassment. "Looks like I''m getting a free ride then."


    Chen Qiqi said, "It''s alright, this bus was rented by Teacher Tian anyway. We didn''t spend a cent on it. So did youe to Sanya on vacation?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You can say so. My parents, wife, and kid are vacationing in Sanya. I came here to look for them. What about you guys? Is it a group tour?"


    Huo Yan said, "It''s our Qiyuan''s vacation trip."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Qiyuan?"


    Chen Qiqi dered proudly, "It''s the China Qiyuan."


    Zhang Ye looked at them in surprise. "You''re professional yers?"


    Huo Yanughed and said, "Of course. I''m a Xiangqi 3 yer while Qiqi and Niannian are both Go yers."


    Professional Go yers?


    These female twins?


    Zhang Ye had never heard of their names before. "Is Xiang Rong still the world number one in the Go world?"


    Everyone was at a loss for words again.


    Huo Yan asked, "Master Xiang?"


    Chen Niannian said, "What old history are you basing that off of?"


    Chen Qiqi replied, "Master Xiang retired two years ago."


    Zhang Ye said, "Huh?"


    Chen Qiqi said, "The best in Go is Teacher Tian."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Teacher Tian? Who''s that?"


    Chen Qiqi said, "Teacher Tian Weiwei of course!"


    Zhang Ye was startled to hear that. "Little Tian?"


    Of course he knew who Tian Weiwei was. Back then, he had been hailed as the sessor of Xiang Rong and was the hope of the Chinese Go world. The only problem was that Tian Weiwei''s skill level at that time had not matured yet, so he was unable to perform consistently in his games. Who could have thought that in just a few years'' time, Little Tian, who used to be a crybaby, would reach the top?


    Chen Qiqi said, "What Little Tian? You''re addressing him as though you know him."


    Zhang Yeughed. "And why can''t I know him?"


    Chen Niannian didn''t believe him. "You can y Go too?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "A little."


    Chen Qiqi sped her hands in glee and said, "That''s great! Let''s y a game right now. My sister and I were worried about how we had nothing to do on the bus with Yalong Bay still so far away from here."


    Since Zhang Ye had nothing to do either, he said, "Sure thing, what are your ranks?"


    Chen Niannian bragged, "I''m a 5-dan and my older sis is a 4-dan."


    Chen Qiqi rolled her eyes. "Go to hell. Why do you keep bringing that up."


    "Sis, mind yournguage. You''re a professional Go yer, so you have to have manners." Chen Niannian giggled.


    Chen Qiqi harrumphed, "Don''t be so proud yet. I just didn''t perform to my potentialst year. I''ll definitely get to 5-dan this year." She then took out a travel Go setplete with maic stones so that the bumpy road wouldn''t be a problem. After setting it up, she even said to Huo Yan, "Put on some music, put on some music. I''m about to start a killing spree!"


    Everyone gave her a look of contempt.


    "Qiqi, that''s enough."


    "Pfft, a killing spree?"


    "Please remember that you''re a professional Go yer."


    "Oh you, always looking for a chance to bully amateurs."


    Huo Yan took out his cell phone and yed some music.


    Since he would be meeting his family again soon, Zhang Ye was in a great mood. He hummed to the music and remarked, "This song is not bad. Who sings it?"


    Everyone looked at him like he was a fool.


    Huo Yan said, "That''s Guan Zhaohua."


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Is he a neer?"


    Chen Qiqi was floored. "A neer?"


    Chen Niannian was disgusted. "Uncle, that''s a domestic Heavenly King you''re talking about!"


    Zhang Ye froze. "Ah? A Heavenly King?"


    Chen Qiqi facepalmed and said, "Don''t you watch television?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Not really."


    Chen Qiqi said, "You don''t watch the Spring Festival G either?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve been too busy in these past two years, so no."


    Chen Qiqi sighed and said, "Then you''re really a hermit. You don''t even know who Guan Zhaohua is? That''s my idol, alright? He''s my Prince Charming, the hottest hunk around right now. My God, how could anyone in China or Asia not know who Guan Zhaohua is? Uncle, you''ve really changed my perception of things."


    Zhang Ye wondered, "When did this person be a Heavenly King?"


    A professional Xiangqi yer gave up and said, "Could your impression of the entertainment circle''s Heavenly Kings and Queens have stopped at the time of Zhang Yuanqi and Zhang Ye?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yeah."


    Huo Yan said, "That''s such old news. If you didn''t mention Zhang Ye or Zhang Yuanqi''s names, I would have forgotten about them. The world''s entertainment circle is moving too rapidly these days, and eras are changing almost every half a year, so don''t mention what can happen in two years. Or three years. All that is too far away to predict."


    Chen Qiqi called out to him, "Come,e, let''s start ying."


    Everyone had been "amazed" by this young man who boarded the bus halfway through the journey.


    Using out of cirction RMB notes?


    Talking about celebrities who had faded in time?


    Which remote mountains did this person juste out from? Why does he not know anything at all?

 Chapter 1514 - You guys still can’t beat me!

    <h4>Chapter 1514 - You guys still can''t beat me! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    As the tourist bus traveled to its destination.


    The Go board was set up.


    All of the Qiyuan''s teenagers were very interested in this game that was about to be yed. They were chattering as they crowded around, ready to watch Chen Qiqi''s game with that youth.


    Zhang Ye was, of course, familiar with China Qiyuan. Be it his rtionship with those people involved in the "war between humans and machines" or with his father-inw, he had always had an inextricable link with the Qiyuan. But he had not met any of these teenagers in the bus before, nor had he heard of them either. He was very sure that these teenagers had turned professional recently in the past year or two. They were all neers who obviously did not know about him. Although Zhang Ye had a pair of sunsses on, he had still been an Asian Heavenly King. Hai, perhaps he had been away for so long that everyone had forgotten about him.


    Chen Qiqi asked, "How many stones handicap do you need?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "There''s no need for that yet."


    Huo Yan said, "Big Bro, our Qiqi is a professional yer."


    "I''m not too bad either," Zhang Ye said.


    Chen Niannian asked in surprise, "What rank are you?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "9-dan or so."


    Chen Qiqi obviously did not understand this correctly. She said in surprise, "Yoho, an amateur 9-dan? That''s about the same level as our professional 3- or 4-dans then?"


    Chen Niannian said, "Then there really isn''t a need for any handicap."


    Thus, Chen Qiqi said, "Come,e, let''s guess the stones 1 ."


    An amateur 9-dan?


    Zhang Ye didn''t say anything to that.


    They guessed the stones. Chen Qiqi was to go second while Zhang Ye would start with ck.


    Zhang Ye ced his first stone in a rather casual manner.


    But the moment Chen Qiqi picked up her stones, it felt as though she had changed into apletely different person. Her ystyle was very solid, and it felt quite different from her personality. She prioritized ying a defensive style and adopted a careful and steady approach. On top of that, her positioning of the stones and opening strategy were all yed to perfection and in a very professional manner. Just one look and you''d know that she had had professional training before. Further, Zhang Ye found this approach and ystyle to be very familiar. He kept thinking that he had seen it somewhere before. It was as if he had yed a simr opponent before.


    Zhang Ye couldn''t help but ask, "Who''s your teacher?"


    Chen Qiqi looked up. "My aunt."


    "Your aunt?" Zhang Ye was taken aback and suddenly thought of someone. "Chen Ying 8-dan?"


    Chen Qiqi eximed, "How did you know?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Your approach and ystyle are exactly like hers."


    Chen Niannian gave Zhang Ye a few more nces. "Impressive, Big Bro, you can even guess something like that? But I need to correct you. My aunt has been a 9-dan since two years ago."


    9-dan?


    That''s good.


    Zhang Ye was very happy to hear the name of a familiar old friend.


    "In the field of Go, is China still number one in the world?"


    "I suppose so."


    "What do you mean by you suppose so?"


    "If we''reparing Japan and Korea, then we are."


    "Aren''t China, Japan, and Korea the countries that are best at Go?"


    "That''s only true if you don''t count artificial intelligence."


    "Ah? Artificial intelligence?"


    "Don''t you know about PeterGo?"


    "I know, but didn''t someone already win against it four years ago?"


    "But two years ago, PeterGo reappeared again after getting some modifications and upgrades done by the Americans."


    "Did no one challenge it?"


    "We did. But in the end, all of our human Go yers were thrashed by it. For two whole years, everyone, including Teacher Tian Weiwei, my aunt, and many others, all lost to it. All of the top 100 human Go yers couldn''t beat it, including the amateur Go yers. During the entire two years, PeterGo''s match records were a thousand wins, zero losses. My sister and I also challenged it. PeterGo is online 24 hours a day on the Go server. Anyone is wee to challenge it anytime, but we still lost all the same. To be honest, it''s not even on the same level as a human. PeterGo''s Go ability has already far surpassed the reach of humans."


    "Surely someone can beat it, right?"


    "That''s what everyone had thought as well, but two years have gone by without anyone even winning once, much less winning two games out of three as per the victory conditions. In this past year, there isn''t anyone who can challenge PeterGo. That''s because everyone knows that they can''t win, so they might as well just give up trying."


    Five minutes.


    Ten minutes.


    They talked and he listened.


    Zhang Ye found out about a lot of things from their conversations and realized that so much had changed in the world. Three years made a world of difference.


    Zhang Yuanqi had retired from the entertainment circle?


    The young bloods ruled the industry?


    A change of the guard among the Heavenly Kings and Queens?


    PeterGo had made aeback?


    Zhang Ye sighed. Then he ced a stone down.


    Chen Qiqi smiled and said, "So, you should watch more television when you have the time. Otherwise, your news will be too outdated. And you''ll end up getting eliminated from society." Chen Qiqi then looked at the Go board and froze. She yelped as though someone had stepped on her tail. "Oh damn, y-you yed the Cosmic Flow?"


    Chen Niannian was dumbfounded!


    Huo Yan was also very surprised!


    Everyone looked like they had witnessed some sort of novel thing.


    "The Cosmic Flow?"


    "It''s really the Cosmic Flow!"


    "Damn, how many years have we not seen this!"


    "There are still people who use the Cosmic Flow?"


    "Uh, this is already such an outdated way of ying!"


    Everyone was speechless and sighed at how the style of y was really a reflection of the person. This was such an old way of ying!


    But Zhang Ye said, "What''s wrong with the Cosmic Flow?"


    Chen Niannian said, "After that earth-shattering war against the machines, the Cosmic Flow became the prevalent ystyle in Go. Be it the professionals or the amateurs, almost everyone adopted this style of y. I don''t remember when it started, but the Cosmic Flow became overyed and researched, so just about every variation of it got studied to the point where there could be no more secrets behind it. Therefore, almost no one uses it these days. It''s a style that has virtually been eliminated from y."


    But Zhang Ye just smiled and said nothing.


    Huo Yan said, "But Qiqi, you''re really in danger this time."


    Chen Niannian also said, "This big bro is very strong."


    Chen Qiqi said dejectedly, "I was distracted and didn''t notice that he was ying the Cosmic Flow. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have yed the way that I did. There are so many ways of countering this ystyle."


    Zhang Ye said kindly, "Then let''s not count this game."


    Chen Qiqi resigned and conceded the game. "Let''s y another game."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Sure."


    This time, Chen Qiqi yed in a more serious manner.


    But not long after the game started, everyone eximed again.


    "What?"


    "It''s the Cosmic Flow again?"


    "Big Bro, just which era do you hail from?"


    But Zhang Ye yed on as usual.


    Soon after, Chen Qiqi admitted defeat in the middlegame. "Aiya, I made a mistake!"


    Although Huo Yan was a Xiangqi yer, he also knew how to y Go. "Qiqi, you could''ve won."


    Chen Qiqi thought so as well. "Yeah, I made the wrong move."


    Chen Niannian giggled, "Sis, why don''t I y instead. I''ve never lost against the Cosmic Flow. I figured out that outdated style of ying when I first picked up Go."


    Chen Qiqi pursed her lips and said, "Alright, alright, it''s your turn."


    Chen Niannian sat over. "Big Bro, I won''t be going easy on you."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "No problem, let''s just y normally."


    Chen Niannian smiled. "Alright then! I''m gonna show you why the Cosmic Flow has been eliminated from y. You should really change to a new style of y."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "We''ll see about that after you''ve won."


    Chen Niannian said, "Alright!"


    Huo Yan said, "You can do it, Niannian."


    Another teenager said, "We''re professional Go yers, so don''t you embarrass us."


    Huo Yan said, "Niannian will be fine."


    In their group, Chen Niannian''s standard of y was the highest, and her ranking was also the highest. The opponent was only an amateur 9-dan, which was equivalent to a professional 3- or 4-dan. But ying against a professional 5-dan yer like Chen Niannian was going to make a difference. Furthermore, the opponent was using the outdated Cosmic Flow, so that would make it really easy to y against. They did not think that Chen Niannian would lose, and neither did Chen Niannian think so.


    However, after just a few moves in the opening, Chen Niannian looked suffocated. It was as though she could not muster any strength.


    Zhang Ye smiled.


    Eliminated?


    Outdated?


    He had already heard those words too many times today.


    I might really have fallen behind.


    And I might really be outdated too.


    Perhaps times really have changed.


    However��


    Zhang Ye raised his hand to ce the final stone.


    Across from him, Chen Niannian''s game had already copsed!


    Chen Niannian was stunned!


    Chen Qiqi was dumbfounded!


    Everyone looked at Zhang Ye in astonishment!


    Zhang Ye grinned.


    But you guys still can''t beat me all the same.

 Chapter 1515 - I’m back!

    <h4>Chapter 1515 - I''m back! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Throughout the journey, despair enveloped the group.


    This was a group of professional Go yers who had just begun their careers. They were supposed to be at their most sessful and glorious peaks right now, yet in the end, an amateur who seemed to be out of touch with this era had used the eliminated Cosmic Flow from yesteryear to crush the group of them once over. Every game was yed using the Cosmic Flow, and every game followed the same standard approach!


    But they just could not win against it!


    The Tian Style that Teacher Tian Weiwei had founded?


    The Turtle Style 1 that Chen Ying had created?


    They were all ineffective!


    None of them could win against the Cosmic Flow!


    What was with this situation?


    Who the hell was this person?


    Wasn''t this amateur a little too strong for his ranking?


    For a moment, the group of teenagers had a suspicion. It felt like this young man sitting across from them was the professional, while they were the amateurs!


    Chen Niannian was convinced at her loss this time. "We''ve encountered an expert today."


    Huo Yan said, "There''s that saying about how talents walk among themon folk. I didn''t used to believe it!"


    Chen Qiqi shouted, "Big Bro��Uncle, you call this standard of yours amateur? You wouldn''t have a problem even if you yed professionally. Why don''t you join our China Qiyuan?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m someone who has fallen behind in time, so I''d better not be a bother to you guys."


    Chen Qiqi rolled her eyes. "Why are you so petty?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Haha."


    Huo Yan rolled up his sleeves and said, "Looks like you guys need me to get called into action."


    Chen Niannian curled her lips and said, "With your Go skills, I think you can forget about it."


    Huo Yan chuckled. "I''ll be ying Xiangqi with this big bro."


    Everyone gave him looks of contempt.


    "Get lost."


    "He''s a Go expert."


    "Yeah, why would he y against a professional Xiangqi yer like you?"


    But Zhang Ye said, "We''re stuck in traffic anyway, so why not y a game?"


    Huo Yan said excitedly, "Alright,e on!"


    20 minutester.


    The bus arrived at Yalong Bay.


    When the coach reached the westernmost zone of the resort where the vi hotel was located, Zhang Ye nced out the window before lowering his head to y thest piece. "Checkmate." Then he said to the driver with a smile, "Driver, don''t drive any further. You can drop me off at the curb. I''ll be getting off here, thank you."


    He stood up and walked towards the exit.


    The group of teenagers were left behind on the bus in disbelief!


    "Holy shit!"


    "You can even y Xiangqi?"


    "Oh my God!"


    The bus stopped and the door opened.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Thanks for giving me a lift. I''ll be going then."


    Chen Qiqi shouted outside, "Master, who exactly are you?"


    Chen Niannian also said, "Don''t tell me you really know our aunt?"


    Zhang Ye got down from the bus and waved at their outstretched hands. "Send my regards to your aunt and Little Tian."


    Chen Qiqi asked, "Send what regards?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Just say that I''m back."


    Zhang Ye took his leave as his figure disappeared into the vi hotel.


    Everyone on the bus looked at one another.


    Huo Yan said in astonishment, "Could he really know Master Tian and Sister Chen?"


    Chen Qiqi said angrily, "Who knows? He doesn''t even make himself clear and just says ambiguous things like ''I''m back''? So who the hell is he?"


    All of a sudden, a teenager said, "Hey, don''t you guys find him a little familiar?"


    Huo Yan said, "Do you?"


    "Ah, now that you mention it, it really feels so!" Chen Qiqi eximed.


    Chen Niannian was also stunned. "He does look a little familiar!"


    Chen Qiqi said, "But as his face was mostly covered up by the sunsses, I couldn''t get a clear look at him!"


    Huo Yan said, "In any case, the hotel he got off at isn''t that far from where we''re headed. Who knows, we might just bump into him again over the next few days."


    A girl said, "He''s staying at the No. 1 Vi Hotel? He must be really rich."


    ��


    The sun.


    The sea.


    The sand.


    Zhang Ye''s mood was lifted by the blowing sea breeze.


    In front of him, a single vi stood close to the sea. Such standalone vis that faced the sea weren''t particrly abundant in the entire hotel. So there weren''t that many people to be seen on the private beach. Some tropical and subtropical nts stood in the vi''s yard and created arge shady region. The environment here felt quitefortable to live in.


    One step.


    Two steps.


    The closer Zhang Ye got, the harder his heart thumped. He was a little excited and a little scared at the same time.


    It had been more than three years. How was his family doing?


    Were his parents doing well?


    Were there wrinkles on Old Wu''s face now?


    Would his child not acknowledge him?


    In a split second, Zhang Ye started imagining all kinds of scenarios. The next moment, he heard two very familiar voices that nearly made him cry.


    A middle-aged woman''s voice rang out. "Let''s go and swim."


    A middle-aged man''s voice sounded. "You''re like lead in water. Why would you want to go swimming for?"


    "Zeqing spent so much money to bring us here to Sanya for a vacation. What a waste it would be if we didn''t go swimming."


    "I''m toozy to move. I''ll just lie down here in the yard. Hai, how much longer do you reckon it''ll be until Little Yees home? Why aren''t we allowed to visit him anymore?"


    "The sentence was for six years, so there are still three more years to go."


    "It''s the Lunar New Year again. Don''t you miss our son?"


    The middle-aged woman harrumphed and said, "Don''t mention him. I''ve almost forgotten that he exists."


    Outside.


    Seeing his parents out there in the yard, Zhang Ye was almost unable to control himself. But when he heard those wordse from his mother, he couldn''t help but roll his eyes. He harrumphed and strode over, eximing, "Who have you forgotten about?"


    When his voice red, it dumbfounded the couple in the yard!


    His father looked over, startled!


    His mother turned around in shock!


    Zhang Ye gave them a smile. "I''m back!"


    His father stood up at once. "Son!"


    His mother also shouted and rushed up to him. "Damn, what are you doing out here, kid? Did you break out of prison?"


    Zhang Ye saw red. "Why would I break out of prison!"


    His father said excitedly, "So what''s going on?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ve made contributions to the country and received a sentence reduction."


    "So you mean that you''ve earned an early release?" his mother asked.


    Zhang Ye replied, "Yes."


    His mother said, "Has the formal paperwork been processed already?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Of course."


    His father yelled out thrice, "Good, good, good!"


    His mother held his hand and did not let go. "Quick, let me take a good look at you. How were you in prison? Did you suffer? Did they make you perform hardbor?"


    Zhang Ye said happily, "No."


    "You must have suffered. Let me see if you became thinner." His mother pinched his cheeks and squeezed his shoulders, then remarked in a speechless manner, "Hey, why does it seem like you''ve put on weight instead?"


    Zhang Ye said, "The food inside was pretty good."


    His mother said, "How did you know that we were here?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I naturally have my ways of finding out."


    His father said, "Whatever it is, it''s just good to have you back! It''s so good to have you back!"


    His mother smiled and said, "Zeqing will be so happy. They will return very soon. You haven''t met your daughter yet, right?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I saw her photo right after she got born."


    "The girl is very adorable," his father said with a smile.


    His mother said happily, "I can only say this: It seems like fortune favors the foolish when ites to you."


    Zhang Ye was also unable to wait any longer.


    At this moment, an intable beach ball bounced several times and rolled towards the beach that was just beyond the vi''s yard. Then a little girl around three years old stumbled over to pick up the ball. She looked eagerly at Zhang Ye, who was standing in the yard.


    Zhang Ye was stunned!


    She''s so adorable!


    She''s so cute!


    Tears nearly rolled down his cheeks. Then he strode over in a hurry and picked the child up. "My daughter, my dear daughter, let Daddy have a good look at you. Did you miss Daddy? Did you? Aiyo, I missed you so much! Come, let Daddy pinch your cute little face."


    Someone tugged at him from the side.


    Zhang Ye looked up in shock and saw a woman in her 20s standing beside him.


    The woman did not know whether tough or cry. She said, "Bro, that''s my child."


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded. "Ah?"


    The woman bent down to pick her daughter up and hurriedly carried her away.


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted onto the beach.


    Behind him, his mother clutched her forehead and said, "Can you embarrass yourself any more than that?"


    Zhang Ye said angrily, "Why didn''t you tell me then?"


    His father said, "You rushed over to her before we could even react."


    Zhang Ye was a little embarrassed.


    At this moment, another little girl came walking over from the beach.


    Zhang Ye immediately fixed his eyes on her. "Daughter!"


    His mother anxiously pulled him back. "That''s not her either!"

 Chapter 1516 - The couple reunites!

    <h4>Chapter 1516 - The couple reunites! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the beach.


    Zhang Ye was iming every little girl that he saw as his daughter.


    His parents quickly pulled him back into the vi. "Zeqing brought the child out to y in the water. I think they went to take a ride on a speedboat. But since your dad and I get seasick easily, we didn''t go with them. I assume they''ll be back soon. Rascal, don''t you go out to the beach and create any more trouble. Other people might just mistake you as a child trafficker if you keep doing that."


    His father said, "After three years in prison, your mom and I thought that you would have changed for the better and learned how to calm down. But just look, you''re still the same as before."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Aren''t I just anxious and looking forward to seeing my wife and daughter?"


    His father said, "What''s the use of being anxious?"


    Zhang Ye urged, "Give Zeqing a call, quick."


    His father said, "But she didn''t bring her cell phone with her."


    So Zhang Ye paced around in the living room, looking outside asionally. "What do you two think I should say when I see Old Wu and my childter?"


    His mother said in amusement, "You''re asking us that?"


    Zhang Ye was very perplexed.


    There was so much to say, but when the time came for a reunion, he ended up feeling extremely nervous. In these past three or so years, Zhang Ye had been looking forward to this day when he was finally able toe home. He had imagined this scene on countless asions, thinking about what his first words would be when he saw Old Wu again.


    ��I''m back?


    ��Thank you?


    ��How have you been?


    Just what should he say?


    And how should he say it?


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye looked at the corner of the living room.


    "Eh, there''s even a piano in the vi?"


    "It was probably ced there by the hotel. There''s one in every vi."


    "Hai, I haven''t touched the piano in so long."


    ��


    Half an hourter.


    On the beach.


    A beautiful woman was holding the hand of a little girl around the age of three and slowly walking over.


    Other parents had also brought their children out onto the beach as well. When they saw this little girl, all of them immediately took a liking to her.


    "Yo, this child is so beautiful."


    "Yes, she''s just like a porcin doll."


    "Big Sis, is this your child?"


    "Do be careful around here. The beach is a little dangerous at the moment."


    "Yes, that''s right. A man nearly carried away my daughter just now, and all of that happened in broad daylight too."


    "Aiyo, I met that crazy person as well. When he saw my child, he kept calling her his daughter. That gave me such a scare. In the end, her father heard it in the distance and even took it up with me by questioning me about who the child really belonged to. He even insisted on getting a paternity test done. Just tell me, how was I supposed to argue against that with logic? I don''t even know what happened."


    "Hahahaha."


    Wu Zeqing had a pair of sunsses on. She smiled and said, "Alright, we will be more careful as well."


    The little girl had taken this opportunity to loosen herself from Wu Zeqing''s grip. She squatted down alone on the beach and used her little hand to clumsily write something in the sand. It looked like she was trying to write her own name. From the looks of it, she must have just started learning how to write since she wasn''t good at it yet. A simple "Zhang" character was written very crookedly, and it looked ugly.


    Wu Zeqing patted her head and said, "Let''s go, Nana and Pops are waiting for us."


    The little girl did not listen and insisted on continuing to write.


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Let your daddy teach you how to write it next time."


    Only then did the little girl look up. "My daddy knows how to write?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Does he know how to write? Of course he does. Your daddy is the best in the nation when ites to calligraphy. His semi-cursive is the best in the world too. Mommy can''tpare to him at all. When he gets back, I''ll have him teach you properly. He will surely teach you better than Mommy has taught you."


    The little girl said, "Oh, when will Daddy get home?"


    Wu Zeqing held her hand and said, "Soon."


    The little girl asked again, "Is Daddy really very, very awesome?"


    Wu Zeqing gave a wide smile and said, "Yes, your daddy is really amazing. He''s the most impressive host in China, and the best calligrapher, mathematician, and Go master in the world."


    The little girl said in a childish voice, "The pre-school teachers also talk about my daddy a lot."


    Wu Zeqing led the child back in the direction of the vi. "Your daddy''s legend is everywhere. Be it in the hosting field, in the music industry, in the calligraphy world, in the field of mathematics, or in the Go world, your daddy is someone they will never be able to escape talking about no matter how long has passed. If you want to listen to the things that your daddy has done in the past, Mommy will slowly tell you about them. I could tell stories about him for over a year and not tell them all."


    Up ahead, they had almost reached the vi.


    All of a sudden, the keys of a piano rang out.


    Several of the men and women who were out on the beach to sunbathe turned to look in the direction of the music.


    "Eh, who''s that ying ''Legend'' 1 ?"


    "There are still people listening to such an old song?"


    "It''s a ssic nheless."


    "It''s a ssic alright. That''s a song of its time."


    "Yeah, a song of its time."


    The singing drifted out.


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


    "I could never forget your face.


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


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


    Wu Zeqing wore an expression of reminiscence.


    The little girl eximed, "It''s Daddy''s song! It''s Daddy''s song!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Yes, it was the song that Daddy sang for Mommy at our wedding. He has only sung this song one time in his life, but the impression I had of it was so deep. It was even the first time that I saw your daddy crying, and Mommy cried that day too." Then, she led her daughter into the vi''s yard. "Nana and Pops must be thinking of your daddy too. That''s why they''re ying his song."


    She pushed open the door.


    Zhang Ye''s parents were standing there.


    Wu Zeqing said, "Dad, Mom, are you the ones ying the song?"


    Zhang Ye''s mom smiled.


    As she finished speaking, Wu Zeqing froze. This was because she had suddenly discovered after she came in that the piano sound did note from the TV or theputer. The television wasn''t even on, and theputer was not booted up either. The piano was seemingly right beside her. It was very close, very, very close!


    Wu Zeqing was taken aback. Her eyes fell at once to the corner of the living room!


    The little girl was also stunned. She stood there stupefied, watching that man sitting there and ying the piano.


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


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


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


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


    Zhang Ye yed and sang at the same time. His eyes had already reddened!


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


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


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


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


    Wu Zeqing smiled and then she cried.


    Because of his excitement, Zhang Ye''s hands that were ying the piano were trembling.


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


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


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


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


    He had only sung this song once in his life, and that was during his wedding to Wu Zeqing where he yed and sang for her. This song contained so many of Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing''s stories and carried so many of their feelings for each other. Today was the second time that Zhang Ye was singing this song. All he wanted to say was spoken through this song.


    In prison.


    At the research institute.


    At the military airbase.


    No matter where Zhang Ye had been, his heart had never left her; it had never been far away.

 Chapter 1517 - Daughter!

    <h4>Chapter 1517 - Daughter! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    By the beach.


    "Eh? This song doesn''t sound right?"


    "Yeah, it doesn''t sound like the original version?"


    "Yup, some parts of the song sound different. The piano melody isn''t right either."


    "But there''s only one version of ''Legend.'' That man has only sung it once before."


    "It''s probably a cover by someone?"


    "Could it be an impersonator singing?"


    "Now that you mention it, this voice really sounds like that guy''s."


    "Right, it''s too alike."


    "The contestants in the impersonation shows these days are amazing."


    After listening for a while and chatting about it withughter, everyone dispersed and went back to their own activities like swimming or ying with their children. No one really took it seriously. But no one could have thought that this song was actually being sung by Zhang Ye himself. No one could have thought that Zhang Ye had actually returned!


    No one outside could have expected it!


    And neither could those who were inside!


    In the vi.


    Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing stood face to face.


    After more than three years, their family was finally reunited.


    He looked at her.


    She looked at him.


    She asked, "You''re back?"


    He said, "I''m back."


    This familiar face was still as gentle and beautiful as ever.


    Zhang Ye sniffed and said with a smile, "Why do you still look the same?"


    Wu Zeqing also smiled. "You''ve not changed either."


    "That''s for sure." Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''ve been eating and sleeping well. Mom even remarked that I seemed to have put on weight."


    Wu Zeqing said, "Why were you released three years ahead of schedule?"


    His mother said, "He said that he made some contributions to the country, so he got a sentence reduction. Who knows what he has been doing? This kid is always blowing smoke and never speaks truthfully."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "It''s good that you''re back."


    His father also said happily, "Right, it''s good as long as you''re back!"


    His mother suddenly pped her thigh. "We have to quickly inform your grandpa and grandma. And your uncles, cousins, and aunts. Everyone misses you so much!"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly waved them off. "Mom, don''t do that yet. We''ll be going back to Beijing in some days anyway, so I''ll definitely go and pay them all a visit. Don''t tell anyone about this yet. If the news gets out, I won''t have a moment of peace. I still wish to spend this holiday happily with you all."


    His mother scoffed, "Kid, don''t be overthinking things. If the news gets out? Do you still think that you''re the same old Heavenly King? You''ve left the entertainment circle for more than three years. Do you know what the world has be? Do you know how advanced technology has be? Do you know that the entertainment circle has been turned upside down? There are too many celebrities these days, and most of them are young hunks. The media can''t even handle the number of neers entering the industry these days, so who would care about you?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "True that."


    His father asked, "Now that you''re back, are you still thinking of getting back to the entertainment circle?"


    Zhang Ye nodded.


    His father said, "But��"


    Zhang Ye grinned and said, "We''ll talk about it again in the future."


    He did not want to talk about anything rted to work right now. All he wanted to do was to take a break for a while and not do or think about anything at all. He just wanted to spend time with his family.


    At this moment, Wu Zeqing suddenly remembered something.


    His parents also facepalmed when they thought of an important matter.


    The child! They had totally forgotten about the child!


    Zhang Ye had never met his child before, and neither had his child met her father!


    Wu Zeqing turned around and said, "Sisi,e here."


    Sisi?


    Zhang Ye swept his gaze to the corner where a little girl stood. She was so adorable. Her nose, eyes, and chin were exactly just like Old Wu''s. She looked like she was an exact replica of her mother and seemed to have a very quiet personality. The cheeks on her little face were flushed and herrge eyes were staring at Zhang Ye. Zhang Ye''s heart melted. He could feel his legs turning to rubber. It was like he was floating.


    This is my daughter?


    This is my daughter?


    Zhang Ye took two quick steps forward.


    Seeing this, Sisi hid behind Wu Zeqing. She clutched her mother''s long dress and pressed her little head against her mother''s leg. She wouldn''te forward no matter what they said.


    Zhang Ye stopped in his tracks. He was also extremely nervous.


    Wu Zeqing caressed her daughter''s head with the back of her hand. "This is Daddy."


    Sisi looked down and stayed quiet.


    Zhang Ye''s mother said in amusement, "Heh, this child."


    His father also said, "Aren''t you always asking when your daddy will be back? Now that he is back to see Sisi, why don''t you say Daddy?"


    Wu Zeqing patted her head and said, "Quick, say Daddy."


    Zhang Ye''s heart was pounding. "Daughter."


    Sisi''s head poked out warily from the side of her mother''s leg as she stole a nce at Zhang Ye. Seeing him also looking at her, Sisi got scared and quickly turned around not knowing what to do and ran back into the bedroom.


    "Sisi!"


    "Where are you off to?"


    "Come back."


    Zhang Ye''s parents were calling for her.


    Wu Zeqing said, "I''ll go and get her toe out."


    Zhang Ye said, "No need, no need, it will take time."


    His mother pondered and said, "You''re right. The child must be scared now that her father has popped up out of nowhere."


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "What do you mean by popping up out of nowhere? Why would you put it like that?"


    His motherughed and said, "It''s your fault for messing around and getting yourself locked up. Otherwise, if you had apanied the child since her birth, would she not acknowledge you?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and said, "Mom, did you keep talking bad about me in front of my daughter during these three years that I wasn''t around?"


    His mother said, "I was just speaking the truth."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Sisi is just shy. I''ll go and look at her."


    Zhang Ye rubbed his hands together and said, "Alright, help me find out what''s wrong, Old Wu."


    He quietly followed behind but did not enter the bedroom. He stood outside the door and peeked in.


    Sisi had burrowed herself under the bed''s nkets.


    Wu Zeqing turned around and shook her head with a smile at Zhang Ye, then lifted the corner of the nkets and had a look inside. "Sisi, what are you doing? Are you sleeping this early in the morning? Daddy hase back, so why are you running away?"


    Zhang Ye''s mother also went into the room. "Granddaughter, where are you?"


    A voice came from under the nkets. "Nana, I''m under the covers."


    Zhang Ye''s mother said, "Oh, you''re hiding under the covers?"


    Sisi said, "Mhm."


    Zhang Ye''s mother said in amusement, "Is your daddy so scary?"


    Sisi did not say anything.


    Wu Zeqing reached her hand in and patted her daughter on the head. "Is it because you can''t believe that Daddy is back?"


    Sisi said, "Mhm."


    Zhang Ye''s mother said, "That''s your daddy, your father."


    Wu Zeqing said, "That''s right, would Nana lie to you?"


    Sisi said, "The teachers at preschool all say that my daddy is the greatest celebrity in Asia."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Is it because he doesn''t look great to you?"


    Sisi said, "Mhm."


    Zhang Ye was floored.


    I''m not great?


    I''m just keeping a low profile, alright!


    When I''m great, I even scare myself with how great I can be!


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Silly girl, Daddy''s greatness isn''t something that you can see from his looks. When your daddy was calling the shots years ago, today''s big shots were not even known. At that time, whenever your daddy''s name was mentioned, even demons would shiver in fright."


    Zhang Ye''s mother echoed, "Even the monsters would avoid meeting with your daddy."


    Eh?


    Why does this sound like he was being scolded?


    Zhang Ye saw red. Is this how you all have been introducing me to my daughter all these years?!


    Monsters?


    Demons?


    It''s no wonder my child is so afraid of me!


    Even I would fucking panic if I heard something like that!

 Chapter 1518 - Old friends

    <h4>Chapter 1518 - Old friends </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    His mother had called to order a barbecue.


    "Just ce it here."


    "Alright, Auntie."


    "Oh yes, bring some more beer. It''s a grand asion today."


    "Is someone celebrating their birthday?"


    "It''s not that. My son has juste back!"


    Several of the hotel''s staff carried the barbecue equipment and food over to the vi''s yard. They also brought over a lot of cold beers and ced them on the table. As Zhang Ye was afraid that he would get recognized, he habitually put on his sunsses again. This had be a reflex of his over the years ever since he started working in the industry. But he soon discovered that no one seemed to have noticed him at all, much less recognized who he was.


    When the hotel staff left.


    His motherughed and said, "Was that necessary?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "The sun was too bright. Can''t I put on my sunsses on for that reason?"


    His father called him over. "Son, let''s drink together today!"


    "Whoa, it''s so rare seeing you wanting to drink," Zhang Ye said happily.


    Wu Zeqing brought their daughter out and said, "Our dad is just really happy today."


    His father said, "That''s right, I''m very happy today."


    His mother said sarcastically, "What are you so happy about? Now that this kid is back, something big is surely going to happen again. Do you think he can give it a rest for even a day? Like I''d believe that!"


    Wu Zeqingughed.


    Everyone got seated.


    Sisi was sitting in Wu Zeqing''sp. Sometimes, she would give Zhang Ye a look, then steal another nce at him every now and then.


    Wu Zeqing smiled and signaled to Zhang Ye with her eyes. She whispered, "Our daughter seems to be paying a lot of attention on you. Let her get used to it first and take it slowly."


    Zhang Ye nodded.


    His father said, "Come, let''s toast."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Sure."


    Wu Zeqing also raised her cup. "Cheers."


    Zhang Ye said, "Dad, Mom, Old Wu, it''s been hard on you these past few years. I''m not gonna say anything else, so lemme toast you. I''ll drink first, and you can drink at your own pace."


    He emptied the cup into his mouth.


    His father sighed like he had a lot to get off his chest.


    Only then did Zhang Ye ask, "How has everyone in the family been?"


    His father said, "Your grandpa had some heart issuesst year and underwent a heart stent procedure. He has recovered quite well since then. Your grandma still has the same old problems. She still has high blood pressure and cerebral thrombosis, but they''re all under control. As for your mom and I, we''re doing quite alright."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Have we renovated the house yet?"


    His motherughed and said, "Renovate? We''ve already moved out from there."


    Zhang Ye said, "Where did you move to?"


    His mother said, "Some ce not too far from where Zeqing is living. She has to go to work, so your dad and I take care of your daughter. Oh, and sometimes it''s Zeqing''s parents who take care of her."


    Zhang Ye looked at Old Wu, "How''re Mom and Dad doing?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Pretty good."


    His mother said, "Yes, it''s just that Zeqing''s dad would put you down so often."


    His fatherughed and said, "That''s only because our son did not live up to their expectations. Since there''s some resentment, surely we can allow him some criticism."


    His mother said, "About your return, aren''t you going to let Zeqing''s family know about it?"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly waved his hands. "Please don''t tell them. Wait until I return to Beijing so that I can go and apologize to them in person. If we tell them now, I''m afraid that Father-inw will take the next ne ande for me in the afternoon."


    Everyoneughed.


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Don''t say that. I think it''s actually possible that he would do something like that. Quite a few people from the China Qiyuan have alsoe to Sanya on vacation. If I remember correctly, they should be staying near our hotel. My parents had wanted toe as well, but they didn''t as they don''t really like flying."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve already met the Qiyuan people."


    Wu Zeqing said, "When did you see them?"


    "On the way here." Zhang Ye said with augh, "I got a ride from them, but they didn''t recognize me. I even yed several games of Go with them.''


    His mom eximed, "You haven''t touched Go in so many years. Can you still y?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Of course."


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Did any of the neers catch your eye?"


    Zhang Ye gave it some thought and said, "They''re alright. They aren''t too bad. I yed some games with Chen Ying''s two nieces and saw many ways of ying that I''ve never encountered before."


    Wu Zeqing nodded and said, "In these years that you''ve been away, the Go world has undergone a lot of change. There are a lot more ystyles now, and many of them were innovated by my dad and those oldrades he retired alongside. They studied all the different ways of ying and came up with new ones in order to deal with the AI. But after two years, there is still no one who can beat PeterGo in a match."


    His father sighed and said, "The Go world is in such a terrible state right now."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve also heard a little about this."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "That''s why my dad keeps putting you down whenever he''s at home. He says that if you were around, there could still be a chance that humans could turn the tables on PeterGo."


    Zhang Ye''s eyes narrowed as he smiled and said, "Aren''t I back now?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "When do you intend to announce this to the public?"


    Zhang Ye said, "We''ll see about that. I haven''t decided yet."


    Out of the blue, Sisi said, "Mommy, I''m full."


    Wu Zeqing nodded. "Alright, why don''t you go and y by yourself?"


    Sisi said, "I want to y Go."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Why don''t you y with Daddy then?"


    Zhang Ye replied excitedly, "Yes, yes, Daddy will y with you."


    Sisi was unwilling. "I want Mommy to y with me."


    Wu Zeqing ruffled her hair and said, "Mommy isn''t as good as Daddy. Didn''t I already tell you that? Daddy is the greatest Go yer in the world. Back then, there was no one in the entire world who could beat him."


    Zhang Ye corrected, "What do you mean ''back then''? It''s still relevant now."


    Sisi whispered, "Is he better than Grandpa?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Of course."


    "Hur hur." Zhang Yeughed and said, "Even if there are ten of your grandpas, they wouldn''t be a match for Daddy. He will always lose to me."


    His mother rolled her eyes. "Will it kill you to brag less?"


    Sisi did not believe that. She tugged at Wu Zeqing''s sleeve. "Mommy, I want you to y with me."


    Wu Zeqing could do nothing about it. "Alright then."


    The mother and daughter set up the Go board nearby.


    Zhang Ye asked his father. "My daughter can even y Go?"


    His fatherughed and said, "It was Zeqing''s dad who taught her. He teaches her whenever she goes over to their ce. He says that it would help with the early development of her intelligence. In fact, Teacher Changhe''s teaching method is quite good. The girl is very smart too and doesn''t y too badly. It happens that Sisi is also quite interested in the game herself."


    She likes to y Go?


    That is good!


    This is an opportunity!


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    At Yalong Bay. In a hotel''s restaurant.


    A group of over 30 people were sitting together. Chen Qiqi and Chen Niannian were also among them.


    "Have you all stowed your luggage in your rooms?"


    "Yes."


    "Alright, let''s eat then. We''ll assemble for training tomorrow."


    "Ah? We''re starting tomorrow?"


    "Did you really think we''re here on vacation?"


    "Alright, we get it, Teacher Tian."


    "We''ll have one day of rest and start taking on PeterGo in batches from tomorrow onward."


    "Ah? Please, no."


    "What are you guys yelling about? This is the training schedule we nned."


    Tian Weiwei lectured them with a stern face. He looked like he had matured a lot and was no longer the green teenager who was a crybaby several years ago.


    Much had happened in these past few years. The artificial intelligence had dealt the Go world a bloodbath and a storm was raging. The former world number one of the Go world, Xiang Rong 9-dan, had quietly gone into retirement, while Li Yi 9-dan and the others gradually left the scene as well. The Go world was devastated, so a lot of people were forced to grow up quickly.


    At this moment, Chen Ying came over from afar.


    There were also a few others with her. They were all of the higher ranked professional Go yers.


    Chen Qiqi pulled a long face and said, "Aunt, are you all going to challenge PeterGo again?"


    Chen Ying said with a smile, "Yes, you guys are the future hope of the Go world. What you have to do now is to study your opponent and familiarize yourselves with it. You have to believe that PeterGo is not unbeatable. There wille a day when someone will beat it. Teacher Tian and I, along with everyone else at the Qiyuan, are hoping that the person will be one of you. This is because you are the most outstanding yers among the neers."


    Chen Niannian gave a bitter smile. "What future hope of the Go world? Aunt, don''t speak so highly of us already."


    Chen Ying was taken aback. She said in amusement, "What''s the matter?"


    A girl said, "Hai, don''t mention it."


    A boy said, "While we were on the way here, we were crushed by someone."


    Tian Weiwei was startled. "There''s someone who can defeat you guys in Go?"


    Chen Qiqi said dejectedly, "Yeah, it was an expert amateur yer who beat us."


    Chen Niannian added, "And he even uses that really old Cosmic Flow ystyle. It was such a bloodbath, and he also knows how to y Xiangqi."


    An 8-dan Go yer asked curiously, "Who is that person?"


    Chen Qiqi shook her head. "I don''t know."


    Chen Niannian said, "Oh yes, I think he said that he knows Teacher Tian and Aunt."


    Chen Ying and Tian Weiwei looked at each other. "He knows us?"


    Chen Qiqi couldn''t exin it. "The man is about this tall, and he was wearing a pair of sunsses, so we didn''t get to see his face properly. In any case, his Go skill is pretty impressive. He ims to be an amateur 9-dan, but I think he''s higher ranked than that."


    Chen Niannian interrupted, "He didn''t say that he was an amateur 9-dan. Now that I think about it, he only said that he was a 9-dan."


    Chen Qiqi rolled his eyes. "Like he would be a professional 9-dan? There are only so many professional 9-dan yers in history. Would we not know if he was one of them?"


    Chen Niannian said, "Well, that''s true."


    Tian Weiwei said, "Or maybe it was one of the retired Go yers?"


    Chen Ying said, "Where is he staying?"


    Chen Niannian pointed west. "At No. 1 Vi Hotel."


    Chen Ying didn''t really take this matter to heart either. "I guess we''ll know who it is if we ever bump into him over the next few days."

 Chapter 1519 - Zhang Ye, the first-time dad

    <h4>Chapter 1519 - Zhang Ye, the first-time dad </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    On the third day of the Lunar New Year.


    It wasn''t even 6 in the morning yet.


    His parents were still in bed, and Old Wu and his daughter were still sleeping as well. Zhang Ye had already woken up and walked out of the vi to the beach. Heid down on a recliner and watched the sea from behind his sunsses. Listening to the sound of the waves and enjoying the cool sea breeze, he felt particrly at peace.


    Family.


    Freedom.


    This is what life is.


    Zhang Ye was in a fantastic mood. This was one of the happiest days of his life in recent years. He didn''t usually have any problems with falling asleep, but this time, he didn''t manage to sleep much for the entire night. His mind was filled with the smiles of his family members, as well as that cute daughter of his. Although the little girl was still afraid of him and had not even called him "Daddy" yet, Zhang Ye was not bothered by it because he knew that he owed his family too much over the past few years. He knew that he had not fulfilled his responsibilities as a father yet, so he was looking to make up for everything that he had not done for his child since her birth.


    Not far away.


    Several teenagers were on their morning jog.


    "Aiyo, I''m so tired."


    "We have onep to go."


    "Qiqi, you can do it."


    "How can Teacher Tian make us exercise so early in the morning!"


    "We need to improve our mental and physical strength."


    Hearing that, Zhang Ye looked over and broke into a smile. Laying down luxuriating, he waved at them, saying, "Hey."


    The teenagers turned to look at him and were startled for a bit.


    Chen Qiqi said in surprise, "Wow, it''s Masterful Bro!"


    Chen Niannian waved and said, "Master, why are you wearing sunsses so early in the morning?"


    Huo Yan stopped in his tracks. "We meet again."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Are you guys doing morning exercises?"


    Huo Yan sighed and said, "Yeah, it''s included in the Qiyuan''s training schedule. Actually, it''s only the Go Association that has to do the training. But since Teacher Tian is the one leading the group, our Xiangqi Association''s yers were also rounded up and forced to follow their training schedule."


    Chen Qiqi went over. "Master, we mentioned you to Teacher Tian and our aunt yesterday. My aunt is pretty curious as to which old friend you are and would like to meet with you. Why don''t you go back with uster? It''s only at the hotel at the east side of the resort, so it''s not that far away."


    Zhang Ye waved if off and said with augh, "Forget it. I''m not part of your Qiyuan, so I won''t be going."


    Chen Niannian said, "But you really do have the ability to y professionally. Even if you can''tpare to Teacher Tian, you''re pretty close to the level that we professional 4- or 5-dan yers are at. If you train a little and learn some new ways of ying instead of sticking to that outdated Cosmic Flow strategy, you''ll definitely be better at the game. Maybe you don''t know this, but do you have an idea of who Changhe 9-dan is? Teacher Changhe has been working with us to innovate many new ways of ying Go over the past few years, and I think you should learn to y in those ways."


    Changhe 9-dan?


    How can I not know him? That''s my father-inw, alright!


    Learn his style of ying?


    Forget it! What sort of ystyles can he possibly create with that standard of his?


    Chen Niannian asked, "What''s your current job?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "I''m temporarily unemployed."


    Chen Qiqi said, "Eh, then why are you staying at such an expensive hotel?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "My wife is rich."


    Chen Niannian criticized, "Uncle, you shouldn''t be depending on your wife like that. A man has got to be independent. Come to our Qiyuan. It''s pretty good money if you be a professional Go yer."


    Chen Qiqi took a stab at him and said, "It''s just that you''re a little old for it."


    Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Is that so?"


    Chen Qiqi said, "The acknowledged prime age in the Go world is around 20 or so. The older you are, the more likely your level of y will drop."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Alright then."


    A female Go yer said, "Hai, you have it pretty easy here. We still have to go and y against PeterGoter in the morning."


    Chen Qiqi said pained, "Yeah, just thinking about it makes me so frustrated. Teacher Tian is making us take turns to y against PeterGo, then study the matches and write reports about them."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Isn''t that quite good? You can train yourselves that way."


    Chen Niannian said sadly, "It''s not good at all. ying against PeterGo makes us feel so hopeless. It''s hopelessness right from the start until the end, and that affects our confidence badly."


    Zhang Ye said, "You''re all young, so it''s necessary to practice more."


    Chen Qiqi harrumphed, "Would you enjoy it if you lost at Go every day?"


    But Zhang Ye said, "I''ve never lost before."


    When everyone heard that, they couldn''t help but roll their eyes.


    Never lost before?


    How is that possible!


    How can there be anyone in the world who has never lost a game before?


    Can you not brag?


    But unbeknownst to them, Zhang Ye had truly never lost before. He did lose some single games, but in the context of a match, be it two wins out of three, or three wins out of five, Zhang Ye had not ever lost once.


    At this moment, a hotel employee came over. "Hello, sorry about this, but this beach is private property. We can''t allow anyone who isn''t staying here toe in."


    Huo Yan said, "Alright, we''ll leave right away."


    Chen Niannian waved. "We''ll carry on with our morning jog then, Masterful Bro."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "See ya around."


    After they left, Zhang Ye had a look at his watch and got up to go back into the vi. Seeing that his parents and Old Wu were still not up yet, he started feeling a little sleepy again. So heid down and returned to sleep.


    Five minutes.


    Ten minutes.


    After some time, Zhang Ye''s ears pricked up. He could feel that someone was by the bedside. He sneaked a peek through the slit in his eyes and saw something that made him very happy.


    It turned out that it was his daughter standing by the bedside.


    Sisi was holding a doll in her hands and looking curiously at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye pretended to have just woken up. He yawned and opened his eyes. "Eh, daughter?"


    Sisi jumped up in fright and ran out of the room.


    Zhang Ye was very happy, and sweetness was drenching his heart. Then he got out of bed.


    Outside, he could hear Old Wu''s voice.


    "What''s the matter, Sisi?"


    "N-Nothing."


    "Did you go and see daddy?"


    "No."


    "Why did you run out of the room then?"


    Sisi was mumbling.


    Zhang Ye came out. "Daughter, can Daddy pick you up?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Can Daddy pick you up?"


    Sisi shook her head and hid behind her mother.


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Then why don''t you get Daddy to teach you how to y Go?"


    Sisi was undecided for a long time before finally nodding her little head.


    Wu Zeqing looked at her husband. "Teach her with a game."


    "Sure." Zhang Ye said excitedly, "Here,e with Daddy to y Go."


    Soon after, his parents also got up. When the two of them came out of their room, they saw the father-daughter pair ying Go in the living room and looked at each other, all smiles.


    Zhang Ye''s mother smiled and said, "Sisi, you didn''t allow your daddy to go into your room to sleep with you and Mommy yesterday, but you''re ying Go with him today?"


    Zhang Ye said proudly, "Don''t you meddle in the matters between me and my daughter."


    His mother harrumphed, "Alright, I won''t get involved then. Will that do?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "This little kid ran over to her father''s room the moment she woke up this morning. She''s paying quite a bit of attention to him."


    His father said, "That''s because blood is thicker than water."


    Wu Zeqing nodded and said, "Let''s leave them alone and let the two of them spend some time together. Our daughter is meeting her father for the first time, and Little Ye is experiencing what it''s like to be a dad for the first time. There needs to be a process, but I believe that Little Ye can do well."


    His mother gave them the side-eye and said, "I''m just afraid that this rascal will influence my granddaughter in the wrong way."


    Wu Zeqingughed. "That won''t happen."

 Chapter 1520 - Zhang Ye vs. AI!

    <h4>Chapter 1520 - Zhang Ye vs. AI! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the morning.


    Zhang Ye''s parents and Old Wu were preparing to head out.


    Sisi was getting anxious. "Mommy, where are you going?"


    Wu Zeqing patted her head. "Mommy is going out to buy some groceries with Nana and Pops."


    "Don''t go." Sisi tugged at her.


    "Your daddy is a picky eater and isn''t used to eating non-home-cooked meals. Mommy and Nana will cook something nice for you and Daddyter." Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Mommy will be back soon, so why don''t you y Go with Daddy and have him teach you? Be good and listen to Daddy, OK?"


    Zhang Ye''s mother instructed, "Keep your eye on the child."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I got it."


    His father added, "Don''t let her run out to the beach by herself."


    Zhang Ye said, "I know. Do you have to be so worried with me around?"


    "It''s precisely because you''re back that we''re worried," his mother muttered.


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes at her.


    After they left the vi, Zhang Ye''s father said, "Is it alright to leave them by themselves?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "It''ll be fine, Dad."


    Zhang Ye''s mother said, "Let''s go. We''ll be back in an hour or two anyway."


    Zhang Ye''s father thought about it and agreed. They would only be away for a short while, so no matter how unreliable their son was, what was the worst that could happen? With that thought in mind, he felt reassured. Actually, they were deliberately doing this because they wanted to let the father and daughter spend some time together, to see how they could get along and get to know each other better.


    In the vi.


    Only the two of them were left in here.


    It was quite evident that Sisi was starting to panic. The little kid kept peering towards the door while ying Go with Zhang Ye and would ask questions every now and then.


    "When is Mommying back?"


    "In a while."


    "When is Nanaing back?"


    "They just left. It''ll be a while."


    Her childish voice and behavior were incredibly adorable.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Why? Is Daddy really that scary?"


    Sisi lowered her head and stammered, "A-Are you really my daddy?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Of course I am. I cannot be more real than this, so why don''t you believe it? Didn''t Mommy tell you? Would she lie to you?"


    Sisi still did not seem to believe him. Zhang Ye''s return had reallye too suddenly.


    Zhang Ye smiled and asked her, "Then how did you imagine Daddy?"


    Sisi suddenly became a chatterbox. "Mommy said that my daddy is the most amazing person in the world who knows everything. Mommy would tell me stories that Daddy wrote. I''ve heard the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and the Emperor''s New Clothes too. They were all written by my daddy."


    Zhang Ye reminisced. "Daddy wrote those stories when he first debuted."


    Sisi said proudly, "My daddy can also sing, and he''s the king of singers. He can write too, and is a calligraphy master, so he''s very, very awesome."


    Zhang Ye bragged, "I''m not that awesome, I''m just better than most people, that''s all."


    Sisi blinked and looked at him.


    Zhang Ye said, "I really am your dad. What can I do to make you believe me?"


    Sisi asked, "C-Can you beat the robot?"


    Robot?


    Did she mean the artificial intelligence?


    Zhang Ye chuckled, "That thing has lost to me before."


    Sisi said, "You''re lying. Only my daddy has beat the robot before."


    Zhang Ye said with a smile, "But I am your daddy. Why don''t you believe me?"


    Sisi bit her lip and said, "My grandma said that if my daddyes back, he''ll definitely beat the robot. Then Grandpa won''t be so unhappy every day." Sisi then made a face that was just like Old Wu''s as she looked at Zhang Ye with big, puppy dog eyes, waiting for him to say something.


    Zhang Ye gulped and hesitated.


    Sisi was immediately disappointed. "If it''s my daddy, he would win."


    Zhang Ye said with a wry smile. "My daughter, it''s not that I can''t win. I just want to spend more time with you and your mommy. Be it the entertainment circle or the matters of the Go world, I don''t wish to get involved now that I''ve just returned. Your daddy hasn''t been in contact with society for three years, and the world has experienced such rapid changes. Daddy has be really outdated, so there are many things that I would like to understand before I decide what to do next." Taking a pause, he said, "However, since it''s a request from my daughter, I don''t see a problem with it. Alright then, let me try ying against PeterGo to see how it is. I would like to see how much that loser has improved over the years."


    Sisi was in a daze.


    Zhang Ye bellyughed. "Come, let''s go and see Daddy fight the robot!"


    Sisi also got excited. "Can you win?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Give me a kiss first. If you give me a kiss, I''ll be able to win for sure."


    Sisi wasn''t willing to.


    Zhang Ye crouched down and pushed his face towards her.


    Sisi mped her lips together and nted a kiss on Zhang Ye''s cheek.


    Zhang Ye was on cloud nine. He bent down and picked his daughter up, then nted a kiss on her tender cheek. "Hahahaha, let''s go, Daddy is full of strength!"


    In the study room.


    Zhang Ye booted up theputer.


    Sisi sat down beside him and stared at theputer screen without blinking.


    Zhang Ye said, "Wait while Daddy looks for his ount."


    Sisi said, "Mmm."


    Zhang Ye typed in his password several times to no avail. "Man, my old ount is gone. It''s been more than three years, so I suppose they''ve shut it down? This Go server also seems to have been updated. It''s totally unlike the one that I used before. Never mind, I''ll just register a new ount. Daughter, what name do you think we should call ourselves?"


    Sisi blurted out, "Hero!"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Why did you choose that name?"


    Sisi said, "Mommy says that my daddy is a hero."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, we''ll use that then."


    The ount registration didn''t ept Chinese characters and could only be made with English letters.


    Zhang Ye typed "HEOR" into the registration field and then said to his child confidently, "This is how you spell hero in English. Do you know English? Yes, this is the word for hero."


    He went on and on exining to her, but this fellow didn''t even know that he had actually spelled it wrong.


    The ount registration waspleted.


    They logged on to the Go server.


    After three long years, this was the first time that Zhang Ye was touching a mouse. It was so nostalgic that he found the feeling of a mouse in his hand a little unfamiliar. Holding the mouse, he pressed it several times but did not manage to click on the correct ce on screen.


    Sisi said anxiously, "Over there!"


    Zhang Ye said in confusion, "Where?"


    "There." Sisi reached out and pointed it out to him.


    Zhang Ye followed to his daughter''s instructions and finally found where PeterGo was hiding. This was apetition zone that was specially segregated for the artificial intelligence. Zhang Ye browsed through the instructions and found that PeterGo could ept a challenge from anyone. Perhaps due to server constraints or other restrictions, PeterGo wasn''t able to challenge multiple yers at once and could only y against one person at any point in time. Zhang Ye thought that he would have to queue to y since there were so many Go enthusiasts around the world and only one of PeterGo. If there were three to five people waiting ahead of him, then it would take several hours of waiting at least, wouldn''t it?


    However, he discovered upon clicking into the match room that there was not a single person inside!


    No one was challenging PeterGo!


    No one was viewing any games in here!


    It was quiet beyond imagination. Thepetition match room was totally empty except for Zhang Ye''s "HEOR" ount. The only other thing that existed in here was a series of shocking records!


    7451 wins!


    0 losses!


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes and smiled. What an arrogant track record this was. He suddenly remembered the things that the people from China Qiyuan had told him about on the way to Sanya. Just the number of games that the professional Go yers around the world had challenged PeterGo to numbered in the thousands. The records here probably included those matches as well, while the rest of it was probably contributed by the semi-professional yers and amateur enthusiasts. In two years, it had recorded 7451 wins in total. This was indeed too arrogant!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s been two years, so it''s about time that someone puts it in its ce."


    He felt like he had returned to the time he took on the machine years ago.


    PeterGo, do you remember me? You made aeback the moment I left? Did you think that I wouldn''t return? Or did you think you''ve studied the games that we yed thoroughly? But you definitely do not know that there are still many ssic Go strategies from my previous world that you''ve never seen before, right? Hur hur, then I''ll show them to you. Humans are still different from machines.


    ��


    Sanya.


    In a seafood marketce.


    Zhang Ye''s mother suddenly rubbed her eyes. "Why are my eyes twitching?"


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Are you alright?"


    His mother said suspiciously, "Why does it feel like something is about to happen?"


    His father curled his lips. "Stop going on and on about that. Little Ye has just returned. What could possibly happen?"

 Chapter 1521 - PeterGo has lost?

    <h4>Chapter 1521 - PeterGo has lost? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Before noon.


    On the Go Server.


    The global chat was full of talk.


    "Zone 3, Table 56, looking for an opponent."


    "Are there any amateur 5-dan yers avable for a match?"


    "I''m not ying anymore today. I Am a Singer''s fourth season is rerunning and I want to watch it again."


    "Are there any professional yers in a match right now? Looking to observe."


    "I think 9-dan Chen Ying 1 is online at Table 17 in the pro zone."


    "Has anyone challenged PeterGo these past few days?"


    "Why would anyone do that? They''ve been losing for over two years."


    "How many wins has that puter'' racked up?"


    "7000-plus wins, should be. Don''t really remember."


    The chat was constantly scrolling with messages. But unbeknownst to everyone, at this very moment, a match worthy of going down into the annals of the Go world''s history books was about to begin!


    Zhang Ye clicked on the button to challenge PeterGo with a smile. "It''s starting."


    Sisi''s small fists were clenched, and her face was tense with nervousness.


    However, Zhang Ye appeared very rxed as he clicked to confirm the match.


    The battle began!


    Zhang Ye picked white and was to go second.


    Peter went first and ced a stone in the corner without calcting.


    Zhang Ye clicked and ced a white stone.


    Peter followed up.


    Zhang Ye smiled as the white stones'' framework got set up.


    For a battle of such level, a three-year-old child like Sisi who had just started learning Go would definitely not be able toprehend what was going on.


    However, Zhang Ye still patiently exined to his daughter as he yed his moves. "The first step is to create the opening. On the surface, this is a very regr way of ying, but there exist many variations." He then ced another white stone on the board. He smiled and said, "For this move, your grandpa is actually very good at it. He really loves using it."


    Sisi said disappointedly, "But Grandpa still lost to theputer."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Even if your grandpa lost, it doesn''t mean that Daddy will lose. Though it''s the same move, it bes different when he uses it and when I use it. Your grandpa definitely does not know how to y the variations that follow after this move, nor do the professional Go yers of this world know it either. You''ll see what I meanter."


    Sisi was feeling confused. "Oh."


    But two movester, Zhang Ye eximed, "That''s interesting."


    Sisi said, "Huh?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It has predicted my intentions and is beginning to remedy things."


    Sisi said, "Ah?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "PeterGo really seems to have been upgraded. It''s much more astute than before. Actually, the performance of such AI can be pretty iffy. Those years ago, the Americans were so confident when they dered that machines had already surpassed humans. In actual fact, PeterGo''s basic principle only lies in its processing power. It depends on an extremely powerfulputer to make calctions that humans are unable to make within a short period of time. As such, be it your grandpa or Little Tian, all of them would lose to it no matter what. They didn''t lose because of their ystyles, but because of the difference inputing power andputing speed. The dozens to hundreds of variations that can be yed after a move cannot be predicted by them, but PeterGo can do just that. That''s its advantage."


    Sisi was getting anxious. "What about you?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m naturally an exception."


    Sisi asked, "Why?"


    Zhang Ye gently patted his daughter''s little head and said with a smile, "Because your daddy does not only know how to y Go. I''m also a mathematician." He added, "The most outstanding mathematician in the entire world, and that is where Daddy is different from them."


    It was hard to tell if Sisi understood.


    ��


    Yalong Bay.


    In the hotel the Qiyuan''s people were lodging in.


    Quite a few neers had gathered together and were ready to start training.


    "Who wants to go first?"


    "Definitely not me."


    "Old He, you''re the eldest here, so you go first."


    "Get lost, I''m only 21, and I''m also just two months older than you."


    "Niannian, you''re the most skilled; you go first."


    "No."


    Everyone was pushing the responsibility around as they did not wish to y first. The training schedule the Qiyuan had nned was to let everyone y against PeterGo by the batches. They had a total of over a dozen people, so everyone would likely get a game each throughout the day. After that, they would discuss the experience and write a research report about it before continuing the same process on the next day.


    Chen Qiqi eximed, "Aiya, hurry up, we don''t have much time."


    A girl said, "Yeah, Teacher Tian will being to check on uster."


    Suddenly, Chen Niannian said, "Eh? There''s someone ying against PeterGo?"


    Chen Qiqi ridiculed, "Hah? There are still people who want to y against the AI these days?"


    A teenager asked, "Is it someone from our Qiyuan?"


    Chen Niannian shook her head. "No, it''s someone called ''HEOR.''"


    Chen Qiqi giggled. "It must be some amateur who wishes to y against the famous PeterGo. With so many Go enthusiasts around, it''s not surprising even if PeterGo is challenged by someone. Haha, this means we''re free to do whatever we want."


    A teenage girl rolled her eyes. "Free from what? When this match is over, it''ll still be our turn, won''t it? It''s just a matter of ying earlier orter. There''s no difference."


    Chen Qiqi said, "Then let''s just chat for a while. We''ll let Niannian go first afterwards."


    Chen Niannianined, "Sis, why should I be the one ying first?"


    Chen Qiqi harrumphed, "That''s what you get for being a 5-dan."


    Half an hour.


    An hour.


    Everyone was chatting happily and had lost track of time.


    "It should be over soon, right?"


    "Is that person done ying yet?"


    "Damn, why is it taking so long?"


    "There''s someone who can y for an hour against PeterGo?"


    "Yeah, PeterGo ys really quickly and practically doesn''t need any time to think through its moves. It must be that amateur who''s dragging the game out by taking a long time to consider every move."


    "But the time rules should apply as well."


    Someone clicked into the match room and had a quick nce to confirm that the game was not over yet, then closed it without paying any attention to how the game was going.


    Another twenty-odd minutes went by.


    Chen Niannian impatiently went onto the Go server again. "Why is it still not over? Let me see. Eh? It''s done, it''s over, they''ve finally finished the game."


    Chen Qiqiughed and said, "Little Sis, you can do it!"


    Chen Niannian gave a bitter smile. "Alright, I''ll be ying first then. Please pray for me, everyone."


    A teenage girl said, "The rest of us will go outside then? We don''t want to disturb you."


    But at this moment, they realized that Chen Niannian had frozen!


    "Sister Niannian?"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Why aren''t you responding?"


    "What''s with you?"


    Everyone found this strange.


    Chen Niannian''s jaw dropped, as if she had seen a ghost. She stared at theputer screen and shouted, "What the fuck!"


    Chen Qiqi went over. "Little Sis, what''s the matter?"


    Chen Niannian was so shocked that her hands were trembling. She reached out and pointed at theputer monitor while yelling, "Oh my God! Look at this, quick! Quicklye and see this!"


    A teenager wondered, "Look at what?"


    A teenage girl said, "What are you rambling about?"


    Everyone went up to her.


    All of them were dumbfounded by what they saw!


    Chen Qiqi was so shocked that she screamed!


    Two of the teenagers almost fell to the ground!


    Three of the teenage girls were staring with wide eyes just like Chen Niannian!


    They were all stunned. Because in this very moment, what they saw on the monitor was making them utterly doubt their eyes. They could see the match records clearly showing two lines of data.


    PeterGo''s Record:


    ��7451 wins!


    ��1 loss!


    "Oh my God!"


    "Something has happened! Something big has happened!"


    "How is this possible!"


    "What the hell is this?"


    "PeterGo has lost?"


    "Fuck! PeterGo has lost?"


    Screaming rang throughout the room!

 Chapter 1522 - The world is shocked!

    <h4>Chapter 1522 - The world is shocked! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Astonishment!


    Disbelief!


    Chen Qiqi was scared silly. "What exactly has happened?"


    Chen Niannian said, "Who the hell is this guy?"


    A teenager said anxiously, "Hurry, tell the teachers!"


    A teenage girl shouted, "Right, go and tell everyone!"


    "The Go world will be shaken by this!" Everyone stopped caring about the training regimen and rushed out of the room to go look for Tian Weiwei.


    ��


    In a room.


    Tian Weiwei and several 8 and 9-dan professional Go yers were watching 9-dan Chen Ying''s match. Her opponent was a professional Korean 8-dan Go yer who was also their rival in recent years.


    8-dan Li Fang smiled and said, "This push through that Sister Chen made is such an interesting move."


    Tian Weiwei said, "This is a 2-5 approach 1 that Sister Chen has mastered superbly."


    But Chen Ying said, "What''s so superb about this move of mine? The best 2-5 approach that I''ve ever seen yed was made by PeterGo. It can only be described as impable."


    "But it''s not human," 8-dan Zhou Zhen said.


    Li Fang said, "Yes, PeterGo has argeputing tform to support its decision making. Strictly speaking, that''s considered cheating. It''s the same if this were a mathpetition with everyone doing their calctions using pen and paper while someone else makes use of a calctor orputer. It would be a wonder if we could win against it. What is it if that''s not cheating? Technology these days has be too advanced. Theputing efficiency and processing power have gotten much more powerful than before. There isn''t anyone who can beat Peter anymore."


    At this moment, there was a flurry of knocking on the door!


    Knock knock knock!


    Knock knock knock!


    Li Fang said to the outside, "Who is it?"


    He went over, opened the door, and saw Little Chen and the others.


    Tian Weiwei said, "What''s the matter? Didn''t I arrange for you all to practice?"


    Chen Qiqi was panting from running over here. "Master Tian! Something big has happened!"


    Tian Weiwei was startled. "What happened?"


    Chen Ying''s game was more or less already won. She couldn''t help but turn her head. "What''s all the fuss about?"


    Chen Niannian took a deep breath and said, "You''d never believe what happened if we told you!"


    Zhou Zhenughed. "Is there anything that we wouldn''t believe?"


    A teenage neer said loudly, "PeterGo has lost!"


    Chen Ying was stunned. "What?"


    Tian Weiwei''s eyes widened. "What did you say?"


    Li Fang said dumbfoundedly, "It lost?"


    Zhou Zhen straight-up said, "That''s impossible!"


    Chen Qiqi pointed at theputer and said, "Have a look for yourselves! It''s true!"


    Chen Ying no longer cared about the ongoing game at this moment. She clicked on the mouse and exited the match, then went into PeterGo''s dedicated match zone and got dumbfounded by what she saw! The top Go masters in China��Tian Weiwei, Li Fang, and Zhou Zhen��were all dumbfounded too!


    Tian Weiwei gasped. "Who was it?"


    Chen Qiqi quickly said, "We don''t know. It''s an unknown ount!"


    Chen Ying shouted, "Show me the game record!"


    Chen Niannian said, "There''s no record of it. We didn''t watch the game!"


    A neer said excitedly, "Awesome! This is so awesome!"


    Zhou Zhen said horrified, "Is there really someone in the world who can beat PeterGo?"


    Chen Ying clicked the mouse several times before saying, "It''s still too early to say. I tried essing the match room, but PeterGo is currently not avable to y against. I believe that the Americans set it as a best-of-three format, so that person still has to y another game against PeterGo!"


    Tian Weiwei said, "It''s gonna get crazy in the Go world!"


    ��


    Beijing.


    At Old Wu''s parents'' courtyard house.


    Li Qinqin was washing vegetables while Wu Changhe sat outside in the courtyard, looking at the sky.


    Li Qinqin smiled and said, "Why aren''t you studying that new style of y you just created?"


    Wu Changhe said uninterestedly, "What''s the point of that? We still can''t win."


    "It''s the New Year, so don''t put too much pressure on yourself." Li Qinqin said, "It''s been two years, but still no one can win against it. I suppose we should just forget about it."


    At this moment, a cell phone rang.


    After Wu Changhe got off the phone, he looked stupefied. He put down his cell phone and suddenly felt a decade younger. He was so excited that he couldn''t get a hold of himself!


    Li Qinqin asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Wu Changhe replied, "PeterGo has lost!"


    Li Qinqin said in surprise, "What?"


    ��


    In America.


    At thepany where PeterGo was created.


    When the alert data was transmitted back, the entire team was dumbfounded!


    "This��"


    "This is impossible!"


    "Peter has lost?"


    "What''s going on? What in the world has happened?"


    "Where''s the game record? Send it over quickly!"


    "It''s a new ount? There''s only one record of it signing in?"


    "The IP address points to China?"


    "Goddammit!"


    It was a state of chaos at thepany, and the higher management had to call an emergency meeting. In their opinion, PeterGo couldn''t have lost. There was absolutely no chance that it could have lost!


    ��


    Korea.


    At a Go circle party.


    "Come, let''s drink."


    "Hai, let''s not talk about the AI anymore."


    "Right, let''s just enjoy the food and drink up."


    Then these people''s cell phones started ringing.


    "What?"


    "Are you serious?"


    "It really lost?"


    "Holy shit!"


    ��


    Japan.


    At a Go club.


    Some amateur enthusiasts were ying Go when this piece of news hit them without warning.


    "Oh my God!"


    "Are you serious?"


    "How is that possible!"


    "Someone beat it?"


    "W-Who could this godly person be?"


    ��


    China was shocked!


    Korea was shocked!


    Japan was shocked!


    This news had set off a raging torrent across the entire Asian Gomunity!


    The Go server that served all international yers was suddenly bustling with activity. In the global chat, the various zones'' chats, as well as PeterGo''s dedicated match zone,izens and Go yers from all over the world were filling chat up with messages. For over two years, the human yers had been driven back in defeat one after another. Against the dominance of the artificial intelligence, the humans stood no chance of winning at all. This dominance even struck a devastating blow to the Xiangqi world along with the Go world, leading to more and more people leaving the game. The Go server''s daily activity and number of users started dropping year after year. But right now, there was a flurry of activity on the entire server. It felt like the entire world''s people had flooded into the server at this moment. It felt like the suppressed anger and gloom that had built up over the past two years had erupted at this moment!


    ��7451 wins!


    ��1 loss!


    When many of the people saw this, they almost burst into tears!


    "It''s lost!"


    "It''s really lost!"


    "Thank God!"


    "Which godly yer did that?"


    "Yeah, could it be an alt ount of Teacher Tian''s?"


    "Impossible! If Teacher Tian and the others could win, they would have already won at some point during the past two years. Why would it take them until now to do so? And why would he use an alt ount to do it?"


    "I also do not think that it''s them!"


    "Amazing!"


    "There''s finally a master who did it!"


    "Does anyone have the game record?"


    "No, no one was watching the game when it was being yed."


    "I saw that PeterGo was in a match with someone, but I didn''t watch it, just logged off. When I came back, PeterGo had lost! My God, I should chop off my hands. Just what did I miss? I totally missed out on watching a Go match that is worthy of going down in the annals of Go history! Heavens, please strike me down with lightning! W-Why did I have to log out at that time! I regret this so much!"


    "What''s the username of the person who won?"


    "HEOR!"


    "This is a newly registered ount. It has only 1 win and 0 losses? This was the only game yed so far? In just one game, Peter was defeated? Damn, what kinda fucking person is that?"


    "What does HEOR mean?"


    "I don''t know. It doesn''t look like a word?"


    "Uh, do you guys think it should have been HERO instead? And that the person just misspelled it?"


    "Ptui, how can that be? That person is such an amazing expert, so how could they have misspelled a word like ''hero''? Can you stop cracking jokes!"


    "You''re right!"


    "HEOR must mean something much deeper than that!"


    "Right, it must definitely mean something that we''re unaware of!"


    "What could it represent?"


    Craze!


    Exhration!


    Jubtion!


    The global Go world felt like they were celebrating the New Year!


    Although based on the festivities in China, they really were celebrating the Lunar New Year right now.


    Everyone was talking about and guessing the identity of this HEOR person. In the end, they started going off on a tangent and instead guessed the meaning behind the name!


    Someone said that it was the English acronym of "Health Economics and Oues Research."


    Someone said that it was the pinyin abbreviation of a Chinese phrase.


    And others imed that this name carried a hidden barb at PeterGo, or said that it was something that critiqued the hegemony of America, etc.


    In reality, everyone had overthought things.


    This name was simply a typo by that fellow Zhang Ye!

 Chapter 1523 - Please battle on behalf of mankind!

    <h4>Chapter 1523 - Please battle on behalf of mankind! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Yalong Bay.


    At the beach.


    Zhang Ye''s parents and Old Wu were strolling back to the vi.


    His motherughed and said, "We bought too much again."


    Wu Zeqing said, "It''s alright, Little Ye has a big appetite."


    His father said, "Zeqing, let me carry it for you."


    "You don''t need to, Dad. It''s not heavy," Wu Zeqing said with a smile.


    Two hotel guests who were out swimming were talking excitedly. They were speaking so loudly that Old Wu and Zhang Ye''s parents could hear what they were saying.


    The husband said, "PeterGo has finally lost!"


    The wife said, "Although I don''t understand Go, this news really blows off steam."


    "Yeah, humanity has finally wed back a game. It''s been more than two years, so it must not have been easy."


    "I heard the rules call for two wins out of three. That person might have to win one more game before they can secure a total victory. I wonder when the second game will be yed."


    "We definitely have to watch it!"


    "Yeah, this is mankind''s counterattack. We definitely should give our attention to it."


    When Zhang Ye''s parents heard that, they were stunned.


    What?


    PeterGo has lost?


    What was this about?


    When did it happen?


    His mother suddenly thought of something and drew in a sharp breath. "Surely not, right?"


    His father also looked quite surprised. "Come, let''s head back quickly!"


    The three of them immediately picked up their pace and rushed back to the vi. But when they got back, they were all stunned by the sight before their eyes!


    In the living room.


    Sisi was in a very happy mood.


    "Daddy, this is my writing."


    "Ai, it''s pretty good."


    "Daddy, this is my toy. She''s called Little Xi."


    "How nice,e and show her to Daddy."


    "Daddy, can you tell me a story tonight?"


    "Sure, Daddy will tell you any stories that you wish to hear."


    Sisi was overjoyed. She hung around Zhang Ye and kept calling him "Daddy" every time she spoke. Her little voice sounded so sweet to Zhang Ye.


    His mother was dumbfounded. "What happened here?"


    Zhang Ye looked to the door and said happily, "Yo, you guys are back?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "She''s started addressing you as Daddy?"


    Zhang Ye said excitedly, "Of course! Don''t you know how charming this bro is?"


    His father was convinced. "Kid, you''re great."


    They were thinking that it would be very difficult for Sisi to ept Zhang Ye since he had been away for so long. They believed that it would have to take some time for her to get used to his presence, but who could have thought that Sisi''s attitude towards Zhang Ye had done a 180 after leaving them alone for less than two hours. This situation was the opposite of what they had expected.


    Sisi ran over. "Mommy, what did you buy?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and crouched down to show her what was in the stic bags. "There''s seafood and some fruit."


    Sisi looked down. Then she reached in and clumsily took out tworge mangoes. As her hand was too small, she had to attempt twice before she managed to take them out of the bag. Then she turned around and hobbled to Zhang Ye. "Daddy, have some fruit."


    Zhang Ye was on cloud nine. "Ai, thank you, my dear."


    His mother said jealously, "You''re only thinking of your daddy? What about Nana?"


    Sisi blushed. Then she went over and took out anotherrge mango. "Nana, for you."


    Zhang Ye''s mother teased, "Hey, you gave your daddy two mangoes, but only one to Nana?"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "My daughter is implying that you need to go on a diet."


    His mother rolled her eyes at him. "Get lost."


    Everyoneughed.


    At this moment, Sisi came looking for her mother. She was tugging at her mother''s dress excitedly and saying, "Mommy, Mommy, Daddy is so great. Daddy yed Go with the robot!"


    Wu Zeqing patted her daughter on the head and asked, "Who won?"


    Sisi said proudly, "My daddy won!"


    Zhang Ye''s father said in surprise, "Little Ye, it was really you?"


    His mother also said, "You won against PeterGo?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I guess so, but I only won by half a stone."


    His mother said in disbelief, "You''ve not touched Go in so long. How do you still know how to y so well?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "I''m not too bad."


    His mother said, "I was wondering why my eyes kept twitching just now. I knew that something big must have happened."


    "It''s just a Go game. What''s the big deal?" Zhang Ye said indifferently.


    His father said, "If it were anyone else who lost, that would be easy to exin and wouldn''t really mean a thing. But this is PeterGo we''re talking about. It''s called the most powerful Go AI in history. Just have a look online. It''s be so chaotic. Your mom is right. You really can''t rest on yoururels for a day. You started something big the moment you came back!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Let''s have lunch first. I''ll cook."


    Zhang Ye rubbed his belly and said, "Right, let''s eat, let''s eat. I''m hungry."


    Lunch was served.


    Everyone got seated and Zhang Ye started wolfing down the food.


    Sisi stared at him. "Daddy, I wanna eat those big crabs."


    Only then did Zhang Ye react. "Look at me, all I cared about was eating my own share. Alright, Daddy will crack the shell for you. Come and sit on Daddy''sp."


    Wu Zeqing picked their daughter up and asked, "Do you want to?"


    Sisi murmured a yes.


    Only then did Wu Zeqing carry her daughter over.


    Zhang Ye grabbed hold of his daughter with one hand and used the other to crack crabs for her to eat.


    Zhang Ye''s mother shook her head. "Little one, you''ve forgotten all about your mommy now that your daddy is back."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Looks like I can take it easy for a few days."


    Zhang Ye''s father suddenly said, "Turn on the TV."


    His mother facepalmed and eximed, "Oh right, I nearly forgot."


    The five of them watched TV as they ate lunch.


    Sure enough, the media outlets and television stations in the country had burst into uproar!


    ��


    Central TV News Channel.


    "We interrupt your regrly scheduled programming with breaking news. Just half an hour ago, the American created AI, PeterGo, had its unbeaten record of more than two years running broken. In a game that was yed, it lost to an ount that originated from an IP address in China. This has sparked an uproar in the Go world as countlessizens and Go enthusiasts guess the identity of this person. As for how this person won against PeterGo, that is still unknown as of yet. Some people guess that PeterGo''s program bugged out and resulted in its loss. Our reporters are still investigating this matter to find out more, so stay tuned for further updates."


    ��


    Beijing Television.


    "Which godly person could HEOR be?"


    "Tian Weiwei?"


    "Chen Ying?"


    "Xu Haodong?"


    "Park Hwaseon?"


    "For now, no professional Go yers have stepped up to admit that it was them."


    ��


    Shanghai Television.


    "Our reporter interviewed 9-dan Tian Weiwei of China Qiyuan over the phone. He expressed that he does not know who HEOR is and publicly rified that HEOR is unlikely to be a Go yer of China Qiyuan, or even an active professional Go yer from China. As there was no game record saved on the Go server, there is a lot of debate over how HEOR won the game and what his identity is. Everyone is looking forward to the second match to be yed between HEOR and PeterGo."


    "Breaking news: The American team behind PeterGo has officially confirmed the news of PeterGo''s first loss. They did not borate on any specific details as to its loss but have sent an official invitation to HEOR to take part in the second game of the match. The battle between PeterGo and HEOR is scheduled to begin at 10 AM tomorrow, but so far, there''s been no response from HEOR."


    ��


    There was a bombardment of news.


    The media was going haywire.


    The people got into heated discussions.


    Zhang Ye''s parents were watching the television in surprise. They hadn''t expected there to be such a great reaction.


    Wu Zeqing asked, "What does HEOR mean?"


    Zhang Ye answered matter-of-factly, "It means hero of course. Our daughter wanted me to use that name."


    Wu Zeqingughed and said, "Your English has not improved at all."


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye said nervously, "Did I spell it wrong?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Yes."


    Zhang Ye sighed. "Who cares as long as it''s close enough."


    Wu Zeqing took a bite of her food and asked, "What do you n to do?"


    His mother said, "The Americans have thrown down the gauntlet, and you''re leading one to nothing. If it''s based on three games, you would have to win twice to truly be victorious, right?"


    His father looked at him. "Can you win the second game?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "Who knows?"


    But Sisi looked up and said determinedly, "Daddy will definitely win!"


    Zhang Ye''s mother humored, "Right, right, your daddy is the best."


    Sisi nodded hard. "You can do it, Daddy."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "If you win another game, it won''t be possible to keep the news of your return a secret."


    His mother said, "Will they be able to guess that it''s Little Ye?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Other than him, who can do that?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Then allow me to think it through first."


    After lunch.


    Zhang Ye yed with his daughter for a while until she got tired. Then Old Wu took her to have her afternoon nap while Zhang Ye returned to his bedroom. He powered on theputer and logged in to his HEOR ount again. The moment he got on, he saw that the inbox was almost exploding with messages!


    He had received over 10,000 messages!


    "Master, you''re so good!"


    "You''re my idol!"


    "Fucking kill PeterGo!"


    "Master, please sign an autograph for me!"


    "Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!"


    Zhang Ye smiled while going through the messages one by one. Later, he even spotted many familiar names messaging him.


    9-dan Li Yi: "Who are you?"


    Xiang Rong: "Thank you."


    Tian Weiwei: "Please help the Go world."


    Chen Ying: "I don''t know which old friend you are, but I know that we humans must not lose. If you also love Go, then please battle on behalf of Go and on behalf of mankind!"


    As he went through the messages, a smile crept onto Zhang Ye''s face. He made up his mind.

 Chapter 1524 - That person and his story

    <h4>Chapter 1524 - That person and his story </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    All the lights in the vi were switched off except for a bedsidemp in the bedroom.


    Zhang Ye carried his nket into the room. "Daughter."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and asked Sisi, "Will you let Daddye in?"


    Sisi, who had already tunneled under the nket, softly affirmed.


    "Great." Zhang Ye was very happy to hear that. He walked over and got onto the bed, then kissed his daughter on her cheek thrice. "Alright, Daddy will tell you a bedtime story."


    Sisi said, "I wanna hear a new one."


    Zhang Ye said without hesitation, "Alright, Daddy will tell you a story that no one has ever heard before."


    As he was speaking, Old Wu''s cell phone rang on the other side.


    Wu Zeqing took a look at her cell phone. "It''s from my dad."


    Zhang Ye put his index finger to his lips.


    Wu Zeqing answered: "Dad."


    On the other end, Wu Changhe said: "Sleeping yet?"


    "Not yet."


    "Haha, have you heard?"


    "Heard about what?"


    "About PeterGo losing!"


    "Yes, I''ve heard about it."


    "It''s so satisfying! It''s simply too satisfying! Hahahaha, what did I tell you, Zeqing? There are all sorts of capable people here in China, and someone was bound to beat it! Did you think that only your Little Ye knows how to y Go? Did you think that he''s the only one who can y well? Just look, there are other experts around!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled as she nced at Zhang Ye who was beside her. "Yes, you''re always right."


    Wu Changhe said: "That rascal, just let him rot in there. Even without him, we have others raising the g of our Go world."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes.


    Wu Zeqing said: "Dad, I have a surprise for you and Mom when I get back to Beijing."


    Wu Changhe asked: "What surprise?"


    "Hur hur, you''ll know when I''m back."


    "Don''t keep me guessing. Tell me right now."


    Wu Zeqing looked to her side and said with a smile: "I''m afraid it''ll shock you if I tell you now."


    The call ended.


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "Is Dad mocking me again?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "No."


    "I heard it all," Zhang Ye harrumphed. "They can beat the AI even without me? If this bro didn''te back, did they really think that someone could win?"


    Sisi cut in, "Daddy is the bestest!"


    Zhang Ye said proudly, "Of course! Who do you think your daddy is?"


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Have you thought it through yet? About epting tomorrow''s challenge?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "I suppose I''ll give it a try. Master Xiang, Little Tian, Sister Chen, and so many others have left me messages on my alternate ount, so it''s not like I can reject ying." He said with augh, "In the past, I couldn''t because I wasn''t around. But now that I''m back, there''s no reason why I should allow that American-made AI to carry on winning like this. Otherwise, it won''t be easy to exin when I meet my old friends."


    ��


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    The outside world was flying off the handle.


    On Weibo.


    "What time does it start?"


    "10 AM."


    "There''s still no response from HEOR?"


    "Maybe he doesn''t want to y?"


    "I heard that PeterGo only lost because of a bug."


    "Huh? Are you serious?"


    "That''s how the American newspapers are reporting it anyway, so who knows!"


    "I suppose we''ll find out what really happened in a short while."


    "Eh, will there be a live broadcast on Central TV today?"


    "Yes. Not only is it going to be on Central TV, it''ll also be broadcast live on several other satellite channels. TV stations in Japan and Korea will also be covering the event live, and arge number of American journalists arrived in China overnight too."


    "This is going to be interesting."


    "Would it not be? The war between humans and machines this time is absolutelyparable with the one that happened several years ago."


    "Speaking of that time, hai, what a pity it was."


    "Yeah, time really flies by. There''s a world of a difference now."


    ��


    At Central TV.


    "Are the hosts here yet?"


    "Go and hurry them up. The rest of us, get into position."


    "Yes, Producer."


    "The guest has arrived. Go meet them and bring them over. I don''t have to emphasize how important today''s live broadcast is. The people of the nation have their eyes on us, so we must do well!"


    "Understood."


    ��


    At China Qiyuan.


    Wu Changhe arrived.


    "Teacher Changhe."


    "You''re here so early?"


    "Yeah, it''s just past 7."


    "The president will be here soon as well."


    Wu Changhe looked at everyone. "Whoa, you''re all here already?"


    Hu Liang, Li Yi, and many other familiar faces started showing up at the Qiyuan. Some of them had retired from the scene while others had turned to coaching. But whatever they were up to nowadays, all of them descended upon China Qiyuan at the same time without prior arrangements. It was just like the day from four years ago.


    ��


    Korea.


    A reporter was interviewing a Korean Go master who was the current world number seven.


    "Teacher Park, what do you think of the match that will be happening today?"


    "I''m also waiting for it and am looking forward to seeing the game."


    "Who do you think has a greater hope of winning?"


    "I don''t know, but I hope that HEOR will win."


    "But isn''t he Chinese?"


    "At this stage where Go is on the verge of death, is there a need to differentiate between whether he is Chinese or Korean?"


    ��


    Japan.


    The highest ranked Go master in the country had been invited by a television station to appear as a guest on the live coverage of the game.


    "Teacher Yamashita, whose chances are you more optimistic about?"


    "Peter definitely has a greater chance of winning, but it''s not going to be that straightforward either."


    "What do you mean?"


    "China is a country of fascinating depth. Four years ago, a Chinese man beat PeterGo, so who can say that they won''t win a second time four yearster?"


    ��


    Sanya.


    Tian Weiwei and the others had booked a small conference room at the hotel.


    Chen Qiqi said, "I tuned the signal."


    Chen Niannian said anxiously, "Can we really win? Can we?"


    Chen Ying looked at Tian Weiwei. "There''s still no news from HEOR?"


    "No, no response of any kind." Tian Weiwei gave a bitterugh.


    Chen Ying smacked her lips and said, "Tell me, who could it be?"


    Tian Weiwei sighed. "I gave a call to Teacher yesterday, but he couldn''t guess who it might be either. It''s a problem because there was no game record made avable from yesterday, so everyone can only make wild guesses for now."


    Chen Ying said, "We should be able to find out today whether this person is a master or a fluke."


    A former professional Go yer turned coach said, "I hope that he''ll stand forward and turn the tide just like how that person did back then."


    Tian Weiwei started reminiscing.


    Chen Ying also remembered that person from the past.


    ��


    Beijing.


    At apany.


    Ha Qiqi was reading up on some Go-rted news on herputer and started spacing out.


    Over the past three years, Ha Qiqi had gotten more crow''s feet. Her hairstyle had changed as well, and she was sporting short hair that made her look very capable. If Zhang Ye were here, he would probably not recognize her immediately.


    Knock knock.


    Someone knocked on the door and came in. "Director Ha, the script is ready. The boss wants you to have a look at it first."


    Ha Qiqi didn''t even turn her head and said, "Got it, just put it down."


    That person peeked at theputer screen and said with augh, "Eh? You''re getting ready to watch the live broadcast of the Go match too? Everyone says that PeterGo is very difficult to beat. The Go world is gonna be in for a disappointment again."


    "That so?"


    ��


    At another location.


    Zhang Zuo sighed softly as he read the news on his cell phone.


    He mumbled to himself nostalgically, "The war between humans and machines?"


    ��


    In an apartment.


    Yao Jiancai was watching television and drinking beer as he unwittingly started thinking of someone.


    ��


    It was yet another battle between humans and machines.


    On this day, and at this moment, a lot of people couldn''t help but think of that person and his story.

 Chapter 1525 - What kind of playstyle is this?

    <h4>Chapter 1525 - What kind of ystyle is this? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the beach.


    In the vi.


    Zhang Ye sneezed twice in a row. "Hey, who''s thinking of me?"


    His mother said anxiously, "Don''t overrate yourself. Hurry up and get ready. The live broadcast is about to begin."


    His father also cared greatly about this matter. "Hurry up, all of Asia has their eyes on this game."


    "I know," Zhang Ye said with a smile.


    At this moment, Sisi brought over a slice of watermelon. "Daddy, this is for you."


    Zhang Ye felt very happy. "Thanks, my dear."


    His mother said, "Alright, Sisi, let your Daddy concentrate on his game. Let''s leave the room."


    Sisi nodded.


    Zhang Ye called out to her. "Give Daddy a kiss before you go."


    Sisi acknowledged and kissed Zhang Ye''s face in embarrassment.


    Zhang Ye smugly held out his face. "Another one."


    Sisi hesitated for a moment before nting another kiss onto his face.


    His mother said angrily, "Aiyo, kid, do you not know when to be anxious about something?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "I''ve already waited for three years. Would I care about waiting a little longer?"


    Finally, Zhang Ye booted on theputer without any sense of urgency. The room he was in was the best spot in the vi. It faced the sun, and there was a view of the sea as well. Cracking open the window, the sea breeze could blow in, which made the room''s temperature just right while filling it with the salty smell of the sea. Munching on the watermelon that his daughter had brought him, Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes and felt very refreshed. He was in the best shape.


    His parents brought his daughter into the living room.


    Wu Zeqing had already turned the television on.


    ��


    The live broadcast had already started.


    The guestmentator Central TV had invited turned out to be 9-dan Xiang Rong, the former world number one in Go.


    The host said, "Oh, we can see that HEOR''s ount has logged on. Yes, HEOR has finally appeared. He has now entered PeterGo''spetition zone. Due to the official restrictions put in ce, only HEOR is allowed to enter PeterGo''spetition zone. Although HEOR didn''t give any word after yesterday''s game, he has still appeared right on time at 10 AM today. He will now continue the match against PeterGo from yesterday!" Turning around, the host asked, "Teacher Xiang, do you have any clue as to who this person might be?"


    Xiang Rong shook his head. "I can''t put a finger on it either."


    "Even you do not have any idea of who it might be?"


    Xiang Rong smiled. "If I don''t see him ying, I can''t make any guesses."


    "Every yer has their own ystyle, and that''s something that cannot be hidden. I believe that in the process of the game, Teacher Xiang will be able to notice some clues leading to HEOR''s identity."


    Xiang Rong said, "That''s right."


    "Alright then, the second game is about to begin."


    ��


    In the Online Go Server.


    The chat was blowing up.


    "HEOR, you can do it!"


    "God HEOR,e on!"


    "Fuck Peter!"


    "Humanity will prevail!"


    Tens of millions of people were watching online!


    Wave after wave of cheers rang out!


    That audience, that reception��it was overwhelming!


    ��


    At China Qiyuan.


    Li Yi shouted, "It''s starting!"


    Hu Liang yelled, "HEOR has finally shown up!"


    Wu Changhe stared at the big screen. "Quickly make your move. Let me see who you really are."


    ��


    Three.


    Two.


    One.


    The game began.


    HEOR was to go first with the ck stones.


    At hisputer, Zhang Ye banged on the table in delight. He had used up most of the tricks he had yesterday, so he didn''t think that there would be anything interesting left to y. This was also the reason Zhang Ye had not thought beforehand about how he would take on his old rival today.


    The Cosmic Flow?


    The Chinese Opening 1 ?


    y a fewplex josekis?


    Or try out a few unconventional openings?


    A momentter, Zhang Ye shrugged and ced his first stone with the mouse.


    ��


    At Central TV.


    The host said excitedly, "He has ced his stone. After nearly two minutes of consideration, HEOR has yed his first ck stone. Teacher Xiang, what do you make of this?"


    Xiang Rong remarked, "At least it shows that HEOR isn''t another AI."


    "Oh?"


    Xiang Rong said, "There were rumors that HEOR was an AI made by another Americanpany to y Go, possibly why Peter was defeated during yesterday''s match. But from the looks of it, this rumor has clearly been refuted. If it were an AI, it wouldn''t have taken so long to think of its move under the circumstances of having no stones on the board or any opening of any kind. HEOR is definitely human, and based on my deduction, he''s a yer with a very good mentality too."


    The host asked, "Why is that?"


    Xiang Rong said, "During the first game yesterday, theypleted the guessing of stones to decide who would go first. If it were me, or even any other professional Go yer, we would''ve gone back and pondered what opening strategies to y in today''s game and what tactics to use. We would have nned out our strategy beforehand. However, HEOR didn''t do that. The time that he used to consider his move shows that he hasn''t made any preparation at all, and that his move was decided spontaneously."


    ��


    Sanya.


    Chen Niannian yelled, "Why did he take so long for the first move?"


    Tian Weiwei said in a speechless manner, "Has he not nned this out at all?"


    Chen Ying facepalmed and said, "What on earth is this fellow trying to pull!"


    Chen Qiqi said, "This person can only be a grandmaster or a noob. This game is against the best AI in the world, so how can he be so casual about it!"


    Beside them, a female professional Go yer said, "Does this HEOR not understand the situation?"


    Chen Niannian pointed at the screen and said, "He''s ced another stone!"


    Everyone looked and was a little stunned to see this move.


    ��


    At Central TV.


    Xiang Rong was also slightly taken aback.


    The host quickly said, "About this opening��"


    Xiang Rong fell silent for a moment before saying, "HEOR has yed on a star point."


    A star point?


    Just the sound of it was impressive!


    The host did not really understand Go, so he immediately said in anticipation, "What style of y is this?"


    "��There''s no such style."


    The host''s eyes gleamed. "Is this a new opening?"


    "��No."


    "Are thereplex variations that can be derived from this move?"


    "It''s notplex at all."


    "Huh?"


    "This is the mostmon opening."


    "Huh?"


    ��


    In the Online Go Server.


    The viewers were whispering to one another.


    "A star point?"


    "I often use this for my opening as well."


    "Me too."


    "The star point cement is a very conventional way of ying, and it belongs to one of the more simple openings, so why did HEOR use it as well? Shouldn''t the experts use the rotating star point or an even moreplex opening?"


    "Yeah, only a newbie would y a star point opening, isn''t that so?"


    "What the fuck is this HEOR doing? Peter is the most outstanding AI in the world to y Go. It can even calcte the mostplex of josekis, yet you yed such a simple opening? How are you going to make things difficult for it? Can''t you see that the entire Go world has been creating new ways to y precisely because of that? Everyone is trying to win against PeterGo. But you! Why would you y such a simple and cliched move? Aren''t you walking directly into the line of fire this way?"


    "Could this person really be a newbie?"


    "Ah?"


    "It seems so to me."


    "Fuck, could yesterday''s game really have been won by HEOR due to a bug affecting PeterGo?"


    ��


    At China Qiyuan.


    Wu Changhe said angrily, "What is this HEOR doing!"


    9-dan Li Yi could not understand either. "This is toomon."


    A coach said, "An opening of such level can easily be found in any amateur game."


    "It''s over, we''ve got the wrong person."


    "If this is really a newbie, then we''re gonna be screwed."


    "Yeah, all of Asia is watching this game."


    ��


    In the vi''s living room.


    Zhang Ye''s father said dumbfoundedly, "This move?"


    His mother said excitedly, "Did Little Ye win?"


    His father said, "Win? The game has only just started, alright!"


    His mother rolled her eyes. "Then why are you looking so surprised?"


    "An approach and a star point." His father said, "Even I know how to y that way. Little Ye has yed another stone and advanced again. Right, this over here, I can''t be more familiar with this style of y."


    His mother eximed, "Even you know how to y it? Then what good can this move be?"


    His father looked at Old Wu. "Zeqing, do you understand this game?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and shook her head. "I don''t understand it either."


    His father pped his thigh and said, "This Little Ye! What the heck is he doing? Why isn''t he ying properly? Where''s that Cosmic Flow he created? That Zombie Flow that he used to y? Doesn''t he always have all kinds of different strategies?"


    Wu Zeqingughed and said, "Dad, let''s watch the game slowly and see what happens. The level that Little Ye is on, not even my dad can understand it, much less us."

 Chapter 1526 - I might just know who he is!

    <h4>Chapter 1526 - I might just know who he is! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    One move.


    Three moves.


    Five moves.


    Click, click, click. It was the sound of the mouse being tapped.


    In the vi, Zhang Ye was leisurely ying his match on theputer.


    ��


    In the Online Go Server.


    The viewers suddenly eximed.


    "The formation has changed!"


    "Peter has made its move!"


    "What a great move that is!"


    "This move is amazing!"


    "It''s over, HEOR has been forced into passive y!"


    "He was toockadaisical during the opening. Since he didn''t attack first, PETER will definitely take the chance to do so!"


    "Let''s see how he''s going to deal with this."


    ��


    On TV.


    Xiang Rong zeroed in. "There it is."


    The host said nervously, "How will HEOR respond to this?"


    Xiang Rong said, "This move by Peter is marvelous. With it, the situation on the board has be much moreplex. It yed a push through over here to leave HEOR in a very awkward position. If he is a highly ranked professional Go yer, he will likely go for a basic 2-5 approach strategy so that he can take Peter head on. By being a little more careful, he would at least not be pushed back by too much. Let''s see how HEOR will handle��"


    Very quickly, HEOR ced a stone onto the board as well.


    There was almost no unnecessary hesitation from him.


    But Xiang Rong frowned at this move.


    What kind of move is this?


    The host asked, "Has HEOR countered that move?"


    "No."


    With the next stone, Peter forced another move.


    ��


    At China Qiyuan.


    Hu Liang marveled, "What a strong killing intent."


    Li Yi said, "Great move. This is the part PeterGo is really good at."


    Wu Changhe got angrier the more he watched. "What is this HEOR doing!"


    Hu Liang also said, "Why didn''t he counter that move?"


    Wu Changhe couldn''t wish more for himself to y in HEOR''s stead. "How would I know!"


    At this moment, HEOR yed another stone.


    When everyone saw it, they couldn''t be more disappointed!


    A professional 7-dan yer said, "What an amateurish way of ying. Doesn''t he know that danger is right at his doorstep? He should''ve yed the Little Qi Flow over here and taken Peter head on!"


    ��


    Sanya.


    Chen Qiqi said anxiously, "If it goes on like this, he will definitely lose."


    Chen Niannian said, "He''s totally not a match for Peter!"


    Chen Ying said, "The difference in strength is too great. HEOR''s ystyle is just at the level of the average amateur. There''s no creativity and no strategy to his moves. Instead, Peter is ying so well with so many magnificent moves made. Little Tian, what''s your opinion of this game?"


    But Tian Weiwei frowned and kept quiet.


    Chen Ying said, "What''s the matter?"


    Tian Weiwei wondered, "HEOR''s first-move advantage seems to still be intact."


    "Eh?" When everyone heard that, they took a look and froze.


    Chen Qiqi said, "It''s true!"


    Chen Niannian was stunned. "What''s going on?"


    Tian Weiwei said, "Something isn''t right."


    ��


    Korea.


    A few professional Go yers were huddled together and watching the game.


    "Why?"


    "I don''t understand what''s going on."


    "Is this a neer or an expert?"


    ��


    At Central TV.


    The host asked, "This?"


    Xiang Rong said, "I don''t understand either."


    "Ah?"


    Xiang Rong wondered, "If we look at it from the angle of a high-ranking game, HEOR''s responses do seem a little mediocre. He didn''t make any counterattacks and simply ignored Peter''s provocations. Instead, he modestly continued ying his moves down here. The following few moves in response to his opponent also seemed to have been made very hastily."


    "So those were bad moves?"


    But Xiang Rong said, "No, it''s not like that."


    The host was taken aback. "It''s not?"


    Xiang Rong looked at the screen. "This is where it gets weird. These few moves are all very ordinary with nothing special about them. There''s nothing new, yet look��HEOR did not lose his advantage."


    ��


    Ten minutester.


    The game was getting intense.


    Blood had already been "spilled" on the board.


    PeterGo was pressing hard with every step, and every move that it made was out to kill. Every few steps, it would y an outstanding move that made the viewers marvel. But on HEOR''s side, there was not even a single magnificent y by him since the very beginning of the game. The difference was too great, and it seemed like his board would copse at any moment.


    On Weibo.


    "It''s over."


    "He''s definitely going to lose."


    "Hai, I don''t want to watch anymore."


    "I knew it. Other than that person, there''s no one else who can beat PeterGo."


    "Peter is ying too beautifully."


    "Yeah, look at this cut, it''s such a divine move!"


    ��


    20 minutester.


    Japan.


    In the Go world.


    "HEOR won''t be able tost much longer."


    "I''m afraid he''s going to have to admit defeat once it gets to the middlegame."


    "His y is too simple."


    "He''s probably not a neer, but he''s not an expert either."


    "Yeah, he''s just an average yer, that''s all."


    "Hai."


    ��


    Half an hourter.


    America.


    The team behind PeterGo.


    "We''re about to win, right?"


    "Why haven''t we won yet?"


    "This HEOR is pretty stubborn."


    "How did the board develop to such a state?"


    ��


    And then, at some point in time, a lot of people fell silent!


    On the Online Go Server.


    "Holy shit!"


    "What''s with this?"


    "This��"


    "How can the game still be yable?"


    ��


    At China Qiyuan.


    Wu Changhe was dumbfounded. "W-Who is this person?"


    Li Yi was also shocked. "How can this be?"


    Hu Liang stared with wide eyes like he had seen a ghost. "How did HEOR manage to keep his first-move advantage for so long? This is impossible! How can it be?"


    ��


    Sanya.


    Chen Niannian yelled, "My God!"


    Chen Qiqi also said in disbelief, "What''s with this?"


    The 9-dan yers like Tian Weiwei, Chen Ying, and several others also looked at one another in shock.


    Chen Ying gasped. "We were wrong in our judgment!"


    "He''s already made it past the middlegame."


    "How?"


    "What did he do?"


    ��


    There was no change in the situation at all.


    From the opening, to the middlegame, and even beyond that.


    PeterGo kepting up with all sorts of magnificent moves, while HEOR continued his ordinary style of y.


    There were no magnificent moves!


    There were noplex josekis!


    There were no specific styles of y!


    But a lot of people shockingly discovered at this moment that HEOR had not ceded his first-move advantage since the beginning. There was no point that he was shaken or surpassed by Peter. To say how much HEOR was winning by? That wasn''t exactly it. He only had an advantage of about a point or half a point, yet no matter what, he still kept his lead!


    At this point, even a fool would realize that something was not right!


    ��


    On TV.


    Xiang Rong, who had been quiet for some time, finally opened his mouth.


    When he spoke, his words couldn''t be more shocking!


    Xiang Rong drew in a deep breath. "This is a master-level yer. Furthermore, he is so skilled at Go that it would be unimaginable for everyone."


    The host said in surprise, "What? A master? But there''s nothing special about his ystyle at all, isn''t that so?"


    But Xiang Rong questioned back, "What do you think is worthy of being called a good game?"


    The host said, "I only remember that during the war between humans and machines those years ago, I got such a shock when the Zombie Flow was yed out of nowhere. It was only then that I knew that Go could even be yed in such a way."


    Xiang Rong asked again, "And why was there a need to use the Zombie Flow at that time?"


    The host was stunned by that question. "There isn''t really a reason for it, no? Maybe because it''s strong?"


    But Xiang Rong shook his head and said with augh, "If it was really such a strong move, the stones wouldn''t have ended up getting surrounded by the opponent and dying. Then, there wouldn''t have been a need to use the Zombie Flow to bring the stones back to life either, right? What is the Zombie Flow, really? It''s just a strategy to bring dead stones back to life due to a yercking the necessary skills in the first ce and falling behind in a game."


    The host froze.


    Xiang Rong said, "Simrly, that holds true for the Cosmic Flow. If one isn''t inferior to their opponent in territorial fights, then why not take the opponent head on, and at the same time, expand their influence in the surrounding area where the formation lies? Wouldn''t nting more seeds around the board allow the flowers a better chance at blooming? Why would someone throw away an attacking opportunity and focus on the overall situation instead? It is only because they are not able to take on the opponent directly that a lot of people turned to ying the Cosmic Flow. This ystyle makes up for one''s weakness in territorial fights by working on their influence on the overall formation. As such, that is how the different strategies and ystyles were created. They are all methods that a yer has researched to increase their chances of winning based on their own weaknesses and the opponent''s strength in a game. In a way, these are all pretty crafty tactics."


    The host asked, "Then what style does HEOR employ?"


    Xiang Rong said, "He doesn''t have any."


    "None?"


    Xiang Rong said, "It''s because he doesn''t need any strategy or ystyle to cover any weaknesses. He doesn''t need to resort to those bells and whistles or springing a surprise on the opponent." He pointed at the screen that was showing HEOR and PeterGo''s match. "Don''t you see? This is an absolute strength, a power so strong that it needs no hiding. Ever since the game started, HEOR has been suppressing Peter with every move he made. Regardless of whether it is the overall situation, the attacking or defending, or plugging any holes, HEOR did not y any special moves. But at the same time, you don''t see any mistakes from HEOR either. Every move of his was yed right where it should be. This is a truly terrifying technique and strength that he has. Of all the professional Go yers in the world, no one is capable of something like this!"


    The host eximed, "Not even you?"


    Xiang Rong shook his head.


    The host was extremely shocked to hear that.


    HEOR is an expert?


    An unprecedented Go master?


    Who the heck could he be?


    Where did this fellow pop out from?


    Then Xiang Rong made twoments, twoments that would leave anyone who heard it in shock!


    Xiang Rong thought for a moment before making the firstment in a soft voice. "Peter is about to lose."


    The host was dumbfounded.


    Peter was going to lose?


    How do you know that?


    Why are you so sure of it?


    For the secondment, Xiang Rongughed and said, "I think I might just know who he is."

 Chapter 1527 - Identity exposed?

    <h4>Chapter 1527 - Identity exposed? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the vi.


    The gentle sea breeze waspping against the windows.


    Zhang Ye, who was seated at theputer, narrowed his eyes. Although it looked like he was spacing out, he had in fact bepletely unaware of his surroundings. All of his focus and concentration was on this game. His brain was speedily doing calctions by the second and analyzing the situation.


    Should he make a cut?


    The ck stones were in an uninteresting state of y.


    Perhaps he could do a push through here?


    White advanced.


    ck was able to y on and the stones'' formation was good.


    After some thought, another ck stone was yed.


    It was still as uninteresting a move as it could get, yet the ck stones did not lose its advantage!


    No one had ever seen this ystyle of Zhang Ye''s before. Today, he had schooled this world with a jaw-dropping lesson in Go. Compared to his previous world, this world''s standard in Go was behind by too many years. They were too fixated on creating ystyles and strategies. The Zombie Flow? The Cosmic Flow? The Higher Chinese Opening? The Lower Chinese Opening? A lot of professional Go yers were overly infatuated with such things and ended up neglecting the fundamentals of Go. In fact, for thepetitive professional Go games back in Zhang Ye''s previous world, especially in the higher-ranking matches, special ystyles were hardly seen unless very unique circumstances called for their usage. This was due to an elevation in standards as the level of Go developed.


    In the past, Zhang Ye had also pursued the surprise element that ystyles had. During the war against machines four years ago, that was exactly how he had won. In the game against PeterGo yesterday, he had also done it this way. But now that four years had passed, PeterGo had improved by too much after receiving an upgrade to its system. Zhang Ye had used seven to eight different strategies that involved never before seenplex josekis to take on Peter to try to make it fumble, but he still won the game by just half a point. At that time, Zhang Ye knew exactly why this world''s professional Go yers were unable to win any games against PeterGo. That was because PeterGo was already ahead of them. Its massiveputing system had already ovee the surprise element of all their so-called styles and strategies. As such, Zhang Ye thought it through before he started his match today regarding how he should handle this game. He considered everything before finally deciding to justpete on the most basic rules of Go.


    Zhang Ye had only thought of giving it a try by tossing away all ystyles, tricks, and disguises. In this way, they would find out who was actually the one skinny dipping.


    Without any ystyles.


    Without any surprises.


    Without any magnificent moves.


    Zhang Ye was now suppressing PeterGo with just his level of y!


    ��


    Japan.


    Many of the professional Go yers were dumbfounded from watching.


    "How is Peter getting pushed around like this?"


    "This is simply unbelievable!"


    "This Chinese person is too skilled at Go!"


    "Can Go even be yed in such a way?"


    ��


    Korea.


    Several Go masters were gasping.


    "Just who is this person that is ying?"


    "Even 9-dan Wu Changhe and 9-dan Xiang Rong did not possess such great prowess at their peaks!"


    "This is too scary!"


    "This is absolute strength!"


    ��


    America.


    "Dammit!"


    "What''s happening with Peter?"


    "Why hasn''t it taken the game yet?"


    "They''re advancing into the endgame!"


    "There''s no time left! Hurry up and finish it off!"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "Oh my God!"


    "Can he win?"


    "Can he really win?"


    "Th-This is such a fucking unexpected situation!"


    "How did they end up ying to such a state?"


    The game had developed in an unprecedented way!


    With the mostmon of openings!


    With the most basic way of ying!


    Yet as they got closer to the end, the more shocking it was for everyone watching!


    Xiang Rong was very strong. As the former world number one yer of the Go world, his ystyle was thunderous and he was good in both attack and defense.


    Tian Weiwei was also very strong. As the current world number one in Go, his ystyle was highly varied and he was full of tricks and magnificent moves.


    Thus, in the eyes of many, these two people were indeed both very strong. This strength of theirs was enough to make anyone exim in admiration. With just a look at how they yed, one could tell that they would never be able to win against them in their lifetimes. But it wasn''t until today that a lot of people finally understood the true meaning of strength after witnessing this game. This was a feeling that would make anyone tremble with fear. It was a feeling of not ever wanting to y against such a person!


    ��


    At Central TV.


    In the live coverage studio.


    The host was eximing anxiously, "You can guess who it is?"


    Xiang Rong said, "I probably can."


    The host hurriedly asked, "But this ystyle of his hasn''t been seen before?"


    Xiang Rong said with a smile, "The way a person ys can always change. Their moves can change, and their ystyles can even be disguised. However, there''s one thing that cannot be hidden."


    The host asked, "What is that?"


    Xiang Rong looked at the screen and said with a smile, "It''s the level that one is at." With a pause, his eyes showed reminiscing. "In all of the world, there''s only that person who could possibly reach this level in Go."


    The host looked confused.


    That person?


    Which person?


    ��


    At China Qiyuan.


    Hu Liang said excitedly, "He has yed another stone!"


    Xu Han clenched his fists and said, "Peter has already been tested four times!"


    A professional 5-dan yer shouted, "How scary! This person is such a fearsome yer!"


    Wu Changhe even started swearing. "Who the fuck is this person?"


    9-dan Li Yi stamped his feet and said, "Yeah! Who is this person? Who the hell could it be?"


    A female Go yer said, "When I yed against Little Tian in the past, I could still see a chance of winning whenever I analyzed our games after my loss. If I didn''t make some mistakes or if I had yed some moves at a different position, there would have been a possibility of me winning. At least, that''s how I feel. But this HEOR is really too scary. Watching up to here, I suddenly realize that even if I were to y a hundred games against him, even if I were to y to my fullest potential in all of those games, and even if I were to get a little lucky in them, I would still never be able to win a single game against him. This is the first time I''ve felt like that since my debut. He''s the most terrifying yer I''ve ever encountered!"


    Wu Changhe said in annoyance, "An expert like this would never have just popped out of nowhere. Think about it, everyone! We definitely know this person!"


    Hu Liang gave a bitter smile. "I don''t know if I know anyone as strong as this."


    Xu Han said, "Yeah, a yer of such a level is really unheard of. Even Master Xiang at his peak and the current level that Little Tian is at are still not as strong as HEOR."


    Hu Liang remarked, "Unless that person hase back, otherwise��"


    All of a sudden, Hu Liang froze.


    Then 9-dan Li Yi also froze!


    Xu Han was so startled that his legs started trembling. Then he nced at Wu Changhe.


    Li Yi drew in a deep breath and said, "Teacher Changhe, do you��do you think that it could be��"


    Wu Changhe said tly, "Impossible!" Then, he took a look at the screen with every move that HEOR had made. Seeing that, he didn''t feel so sure anymore. "Damn! Surely not, right?"


    ��


    Sanya.


    Chen Qiqi cried out, "What a good endgame!"


    Chen Niannian was nearly kneeling. "My idol! HEOR''s gonna be my idol for life!"


    Chen Ying gasped in amazement. "This is what you truly call assuming formlessness 1 !"


    Everyone was dishing out praise over and over again.


    But off to one side, Tian Weiwei was looking visibly excited.


    Chen Ying looked at him. "Little Tian, what''s the matter?"


    Tian Weiwei looked at her. "Sister Chen, do you think��"


    "Think what?" Chen Ying asked.


    Tian Weiwei pondered for a moment. "Do you think that that person could be back?"


    Chen Ying was instantly startled. "What?"


    Tian Weiwei gave a bitterugh. "Other than him, I can''t think of anyone at all."

 Chapter 1528 - That person who can beat it has returned!

    <h4>Chapter 1528 - : That person who can beat it has returned! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the living room.


    Zhang Ye''s father said excitedly, "We''re still in the lead! Our son is still ahead!"


    Wu Zeqing said, "The endgame is almost over."


    His father said, "Hang on! Keep hanging on!"


    His mother said excitedly, "Are we really going to win?"


    His father stared at the television without blinking. "We''re almost there. All that''s left is the endgame!"


    Sisi clenched her little fists and said, "Daddy, you can do it! Beat the robot! Beat the robot!"


    ��


    America.


    The team was in chaos.


    "There''s still a chance!"


    "Peter can''t hang on for much longer!"


    "Optimize the program''s operations!"


    "It''s toote!"


    "Dammit!"


    "The endgame is all dependent on who can perform the calctions faster! Topete with an AI on such operations? How the fuck does this person do it? Are you guys sure that the opponent is a human and not someputer?"


    ��


    In the Online Go Server.


    Theizens were in an uproar.


    "This is such a godly state for an endgame!"


    "This is the most awesome endgame 1 I''ve ever seen. Nothing elsees close!"


    "HEOR is ying so well!"


    "What kind of brain does this guy have?"


    "Fucking hell, even Peter can''t process its moves faster than him?"


    ��


    At apany.


    In an office.


    Watching the game, Ha Qiqi froze. She picked up her cell phone and called up Zhang Zuo.


    Zhang Zuo said: "Old Ha, what''s up?"


    Ha Qiqi got straight to the point. "Are you watching the Go game?"


    "You''re watching it too? I''ve been watching it for a while now. This HEOR is amazing!"


    Ha Qiqi hesitated before saying: "Don''t you find it a little familiar?"


    Zhang Zuo was taken aback. "Familiar?"


    Ha Qiqi said: "HEOR''s aura, his strength, and especially that endgame''s ystyle!"


    When Zhang Zuo heard this, he gasped. "Are you saying��"


    ��


    At China Qiyuan.


    A professional Go yer called out, "He''s yed another stone!"


    9-dan Li Yi said in amazement, "That''s too fast. He''s too quick at calcting!"


    "How can he possibly think faster than aputer!" Hu Liang could already feel goosebumps all over his body. "The endgame should be the most difficult stage of y. Every move made could change the entire board''s situation and lead to one losing or gaining an advantage in y. Furthermore, one has to predict the overall advantage three or five moves ahead, so how did he manage to consider all those factors so quickly and still continuously suppress Peter by one and a half points advantage after taking into consideration thpensation 2 rules? The few times that Little Tian lost to Peter, he only lost because of the endgame. Some experts and the media havemented that this is the difference that humans would never be able to surpass an artificial intelligence in. But how did HEOR do it?"


    Xu Han was silent for a moment before saying, "If it is indeed that person, there''s a possibility that he could really do it."


    Everyone agreed. If it was that person, he could definitely do it!


    Hu Liang said excitedly, "C-Could he have reallye back?"


    ��


    Sanya.


    On the screen, the battle had entered its final stages.


    Chen Ying said dumbfoundedly, "Could it be him? But the timing doesn''t seem to be correct."


    Tian Weiwei said, "Could he have returned early?"


    Chen Ying said, "But if he dide back, why would Teacher Changhe not know about it? We were still discussing this matter over the phone yesterday, and Teacher did not seem to know anything about it."


    Tian Weiwei said, "Teacher might not know."


    Chen Ying said, "But Sis Wu would surely know, right?"


    Tian Weiwei said, "That''s right. If that person is back, he would surely want to meet with Sis Wu and Sisi first."


    Chen Ying said, "That''s why it can''t be him, right? Sis Wu and her family are here in Sanya right now, and their ne tickets and hotel were all booked together with ours through the Qiyuan. They��" Chen Ying then froze. She suddenly remembered something, a matter that she hadn''t taken to heart. "Wait!"


    She shouted, "Qiqi, Niannian,e over here!"


    The two of them were still watching the game and did not know what was going on when they heard that shout. They ran over.


    Chen Qiqi said, "What is it, Aunt? The game is just getting exciting!"


    Chen Ying grabbed her by the arm and said, "You told us the other day that you all met an expert who ys the Cosmic Flow?"


    Chen Qiqi blinked and said, "Yeah, why?"


    Chen Niannian added, "Didn''t we already tell you about it?"


    Tian Weiwei also saw the light and reacted. "What did that person look like?"


    "He was wearing sunsses, so we couldn''t see his face clearly." Chen Niannian said, "In any case, he looked a little familiar and we might have seen him somewhere else before, although I can''t remember where."


    Chen Ying anxiously said, "Is he staying at the No. 1 Vi Hotel?"


    Chen Qiqi said, "That''s right."


    Tian Weiwei pressed further. "Is it at Vi #1?"


    Chen Qiqi replied, "I don''t know about that. We bumped into him yesterday too, but I don''t really remember where it was at."


    Chen Ying said, "Did he say what he came to Sanya for?"


    Chen Niannian thought for a moment. "I think he said he was here on vacation?"


    Chen Qiqi nodded. "I think so too. He also mentioned that his wife and child were here as well."


    They questioned them for a long time.


    Chen Ying facepalmed and said. "Little Tian, what you said might really turn out to be true after all!"


    The twin sisters were still confused by all that was happening. "Aunt, what are you all talking about?"


    Tian Weiwei said with a smile, "Do you know who you yed against the other day?"


    Chen Qiqi said, "Who?"


    Tian Weiwei said, "Come, I''ll bring you guys to meet him."


    Chen Ying pped and called everyone over. "Stop watching the game! Let''s go and see someone!"


    Nobody understood what was going on.


    "But it''s almost ending."


    "We still don''t know who will win!"


    "Don''t do that, Sister Chen, Master Tian. Let''s wait until the game has been won before we go."


    Tian Weiwei shook his head and said, "There''s no need to watch anymore. PeterGo will not win against that person!"


    8-dan Li Fang said in a stunned manner, "You know who it is?"


    Tian Weiwei smiled and said, "I think I do."


    Chen Ying said, "But we still have to go and verify it for ourselves."


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "Who?"


    "Master Xiang says he knows who it is!"


    "Quickly tell us, Master Xiang!"


    "Hurry up and tell us!"


    "Yeah, where does this expert hail from?"


    All over the country.


    All across Asia.


    And even the Go enthusiasts from all over the world were going mad with curiosity!


    ��


    At Central TV.


    The host stifled his excitement and said, "Dear viewers, it will soon be clear whether the Go world can turn a page in its history books. After four years, whether or not humans can defeat the AI, PeterGo, will all be up to the endgame moves that HEOR ys! It''s almosting to an end!"


    Xiang Rong smiled. "Actually, it has already ended."


    The host said in shock, "Huh?"


    Xiang Rong said, "I believe a lot of people are now very curious about who HEOR is. In these two years since PeterGo''s reappearance, he has defeated many human yers, including me. Even though the situation was very one-sided, no one in China Qiyuan, the Go world, or the industry thought that humans could never beat an artificial intelligence in Go. Because we all know that there''s someone out there who can win against it."


    The host misunderstood and said, "Right, and that person has now appeared. There''s always going to be a new generation of talent."


    But Xiang Rong smiled and said, "It''s not like that."


    The host said in confusion, "Ah?"


    Xiang Rong said, "The Go world has actually been waiting quietly all this while. They were not waiting for the new blood to surpass their teachers, nor were they hoping for some neer to suddenly appear and turn the tide. We were actually waiting for a particr person." Looking at the Go board, looking at the ck stones, Xiang Rong was smiling again. "Right now, that person who can beat PeterGo has returned."


    ��


    On the Go board.


    HEOR ced hisst stone on the board.


    The second game was over!


    2-0!


    HEOR had secured aplete victory!

 Chapter 1529 - Return of the Heavenly King!

    <h4>Chapter 1529 - Return of the Heavenly King! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Sanya.


    On the beach.


    A female tourist was lying down on a recliner and browsing the Inte on her cell phone. All of a sudden, she sat up in shock and shouted for her husband who was swimming in the sea toe over.


    "Hubby!"


    "Hm?"


    "We''ve won! We''ve won!"


    "Holy shit! Did we really win?"


    "HEOR has won the game by one and a half points!"


    "What an amazing person!"


    "The legend of PeterGo''s undefeated record of two years has finally been shattered!"


    In reality, the two of them did not know how to y Go at all. They could not even understand the basic rules of Go and werepleteypeople. But just as how a lot of people in China and across Asia were at this moment, the war between humans and the artificial intelligence was something entirely unrted to them not knowing how to y Go. This was a matter of human dignity, the bottom line of human intelligence that must not be crossed. Be it the Go enthusiasts, professional Go yers, or even the everyday person, everyone was paying very close attention to this "Battle of the Century"!


    Tian Weiwei, Chen Ying, and the group of Go yers happened to pass by at this moment.


    He really won?


    The game has ended?


    Chen Qiqi''s eyes became a little wet.


    Chen Niannian and several neers of the Qiyuan got so excited they couldn''t control themselves.


    They had been waiting for this victory for too long. It had been far too long!


    Chen Qiqi said anxiously, "Aunt, just who is that person?"


    Chen Ying smiled. "Aren''t we bringing you guys over to meet him?"


    Chen Qiqi eximed, "What did you say!"


    Chen Niannian was also dumbfounded. "Y-You''re saying that HEOR is that folk expert we met on our way here?"


    The dozen-odd neers of the Qiyuan in the group were dumbfounded.


    Up ahead, they arrived at the No. 1 Vi Hotel.


    Tian Weiwei and Chen Ying looked like they already knew where that person was staying. Without even looking or asking, they headed straight for the vi that wasbeled "Vi #1."


    The neers followed behind in a daze.


    How could that be possible!


    How could a folk expert with an amateur background possibly win against PeterGo?


    Somehow, they weren''t very convinced by Chen Ying and Tian Weiwei''s ims.


    The gate at the vi''s yard wasn''t closed and was wide open. However, Chen Ying did not go in, and neither did Tian Weiwei. They courteously stood outside at the door and pressed the doorbell.


    Ding dong.


    Ding dong.


    A middle-aged woman''s voice crackled through the inte: "Who is it?"


    Tian Weiwei hurriedly said: "Auntie, is Sis Wu around? I am Tian Weiwei."


    Then another woman''s voice came through the inte. "Little Tian?"


    Tian Weiwei said: "Sis Wu, it''s me."


    The woman asked: "What are you doing here?"


    "Did hee back?"


    "Hur hur, who are you talking about?"


    Tian Weiwei did not know whether tough or cry. "Sis Wu, don''t try to fool us. If we can''t even recognize that, we''re better off dead!"


    The inte went silent.


    A momentter, the vi''s door opened.


    A young man wearing sunsses came out looking annoyed. He leaned against the door with folded arms and said, "You guys are great, huh? You can even recognize that it''s me from a game?"


    This was a face they had not seen in a long time!


    It was a face that they had been waiting to see for far too long!


    Tian Weiwei''s face was full of joy.


    It was really him! It had been three years, but he was finally back!


    When Chen Ying saw the young man, she also got a little excited. But she said, "Do you take us for fools? To have such a level of skill in Go, could there be another person in the world? We would know that it was you even if we had our eyes closed!"


    Zhang Ye was delighted. "True that."


    Tian Weiwei couldn''t hold in his excitement and went forward to give Zhang Ye a bear hug. "We''ve waited for you for too long!"


    Zhang Ye nudged his chin in loathing. "Shoo! I haven''t even talked to you yet. After so many years, why has your skill at Go still not improved? You got pushed around by aputer like that?"


    Tian Weiwei was extremely embarrassed. "But that''s because the opponent is too strong."


    Zhang Ye said. "In my opinion, it''s all down to your skill not being good enough."


    Tian Weiweiughed and said, "That''s right, how could I possiblypare to you?"


    Zhang Ye looked at Chen Ying. "Old Chen, you''ve put on some weight, huh? Seems like age has finally caught up with you."


    Chen Ying said angrily, "Get lost, don''t you also have several more wrinkles?"


    Zhang Ye touched the corners of his eyes. "Do I? I don''t think so."


    The group of neers, including Chen Qiqi and Chen Niannian, were all dumbfounded. Having known Tian Weiwei and Chen Ying for so long, they had never seen Master Tian and Sister Chen look like that before. That person dared talk down to Master Tian? And even said that Sister Chen had put on weight?


    Wh-Who exactly was he?


    Chen Qiqi said in surprise, "Master!"


    Zhang Ye looked over to her. "Yo, ssmate Qiqi."


    Chen Qiqi said in disbelief, "Did you really win against PeterGo?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yes, that''s right."


    Chen Niannian yelled, "Damn, you lied to us!"


    Zhang Ye said startled, "Ah? When did I lie to you all?"


    Chen Niannian said angrily, "Didn''t you say that you were an amateur?"


    Zhang Ye spread his hands. "But I am an amateur. I was never a part of your Go world."


    Those veteran 8 and 9-dan professional Go yers had recognized who he was!


    Li Fang had a stunned look!


    Zhou Zhen was thrilled!


    Only the neers looked totally confused.


    Chen Ying nced at her two nieces. "Have you guys managed to recognize who this is yet?"


    Chen Niannian said, "No!"


    At this moment, a woman who looked as pretty as a painting came out from inside the vi. "Don''t make people stand out here. Invite them in."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Come on in then."


    The neers were dumbfounded!


    Chen Qiqi gasped. "Auntie Wu?"


    Chen Niannian was also shocked silly. "Auntie Wu, what are you doing here?"


    They naturally knew who Wu Zeqing was.


    She was Teacher Changhe''s daughter, so how could they not know?


    But what was she doing here?


    Why did she appear beside the master?


    Finally, these idiots realized and almost jumped in fright!


    Chen Qiqi pointed at the young man in horror and stammered, "You! You! You! You are Zhang Ye!"


    Chen Niannian roared, "Damn!"


    A teenager''s jaw dropped. "Lord Zhang?!"


    Another teenager was nearly left kneeling. "Oh my God!"


    Chen Ying said helplessly, "You guys are so stupid. You only just managed to recognize him?"


    Chen Qiqi was almost going crazy. "Lord Zhang is my idol! He was my idol when I was a kid!"


    Tian Weiwei said in amusement, "Your idol traveled here in the same bus as you, yet you couldn''t recognize him?"


    Chen Niannian shouted, "We weren''t prepared! Who could have thought that something like that would happen! God! It''s really Lord Zhang!" She suddenly rushed forward. "Lord Zhang, I love you! I''m a hardcore fan! I listened to your songs when I was growing up, and I also became a professional Go yer because of that battle between you and PeterGo years ago!"


    A teenager raised his hand. "Me too! Me too!"


    A teenage girl shouted, "I''m also your fan! When I was in school, there were a lot of your essays and poems in mynguage textbooks. We were required by the teachers to memorize them!"


    They were all very excited.


    Although many years had passed, the memories and nostalgia were all pouring out at this moment!


    Years ago, how many people had started liking poetry because of Zhang Ye?


    Years ago, how many people had started liking music because of Zhang Ye?


    Years ago, how many people had started liking Go because of Zhang Ye?


    Zhang Ye: this was a name that could never escape being mentioned during that era!


    Three years had gone by in the blink of an eye!


    And the former Heavenly King had finally returned!

 Chapter 1530 - Shaking up the entire world!

    <h4>Chapter 1530 - Shaking up the entire world! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Meanwhile.


    The outside world burst into an uproar!


    Because of what Xiang Rong had said over the live broadcast, the entire world was stunned!


    ��


    In the Online Go Server.


    "What?"


    "What did Master Xiang say?"


    "That person who can beat PeterGo has returned?"


    "Holy motherfucking shit!"


    "Surely that can''t be true?"


    "Are you serious? Is that for real?"


    "Ahhhhh!"


    "What are you all talking about? Who is he referring to?"


    "Damn, previous poster, are you dumb? Who else could he mean!"


    ��


    At China Qiyuan.


    Li Yi said in surprise, "Teacher Changhe!"


    Wu Changhe insisted, "Impossible!"


    Hu Liang said, "Even Master Xiang has said that it''s him!"


    Wu Changhe said, "Would I not know if my son-inw came back?"


    Then a call from Tian Weiwei arrived.


    Tian Weiwei said: "Teacher, Lord Zhang is back!"


    Wu Changhe replied: "That can''t be!"


    "He''s right beside me."


    "What?" He nearly red up: "That rascal, get him on the phone right now! Immediately!"


    "Ah, Lord Zhang says that he''s not around."


    Wu Changhe got very angry at that. "Little Tian, tell him he can stay at Sanya if he wants. If he dares toe back here, watch how I''ll punish him!"


    Xu Han pped his thigh. "I knew it! I knew it must''ve been him!"


    Hu Liangughed heartily. "Teacher, don''t chide Lord Zhang. Lord Zhang has done our Go world another big favor. If it weren''t for him, we would never have beaten PeterGo. We couldn''t beat it four years ago, and we still couldn''t beat it four yearster!"


    Wu Changhe harrumphed, "Bullshit! There are lots of talented people in the Go world! Would the Earth stop spinning without him?"


    Li Yi chuckled. "I don''t know if the Earth would stop spinning or not without your son-inw, but the truth is that the Go world has not been moving forward at all in the past few years."


    ��


    In the Korean Go world.


    "That person is back?"


    "I should have known it was him!"


    "Yeah, how could an expert like that possibly pop out of nowhere!"


    "It''s really him?"


    "It''s almost definite!"


    "That fellow isn''t a good character, but his Go skill is truly crazy. After four years, even the upgraded PeterGo can''t beat him?"


    ��


    In the Japanese Go world.


    "It''s him?"


    "He hasn''t yed Go in so long, but he can still y so well?"


    "I wonder if this hooligan''s return should be considered a good thing or a bad thing!"


    "When they arrested him back then, the whole of Asia was overjoyed, thinking that this hooligan would never be able to cause any more trouble. But seeing him back today, I don''t know why my blood seems to be racing with excitement. No matter what his reputation is, everyone still has to admit that the Go world could never have beaten the AI without his help."


    "I''m also thrilled today."


    "This hooligan can be so loved and hated at the same time!"


    "Hai, the king has returned, and his ways are as glorious as ever."


    ��


    America.


    PeterGo''s team.


    That familiar name was ringing in their ears once again, giving everyone a sense of despair!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "That can''t be possible! Wasn''t he sentenced to seven years in jail?"


    "Yeah, why has he been released?"


    "And why haven''t his skills regressed at all?"


    "Even Peter could not beat him?"


    "To think we''ve even upgraded the system too!"


    Anger.


    Despair.


    Helplessness.


    These were the emotions the team was experiencing


    ��


    At Youth Daily.


    Someone in the editorial department let out a shout.


    "Something has happened!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Zhang Ye hase back!"


    "Ah? How?"


    "This piece of news came from the Go industry! It''s basically verified!"


    "Hurry, follow up on the news! Be sure to get a firsthand interview!"


    "God, has that fellow really returned?"


    "How many years has it been?"


    "It''s already been three and a half years."


    "Time really flies."


    ��


    At Beijing Television.


    In the news department.


    "Where is he currently?"


    "We haven''t found out yet, Producer!"


    "Quickly go and check then!"


    "Right away!"


    ��


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    Old Yao, who was drinking beer at this moment, stared dumbfoundedly at the TV. The beer can in his hand had dropped to the floor and he hadn''t even noticed.


    The door was pushed open.


    Yao Mi, who had graduated from university, rushed in and eximed, "Dad!"


    Old Yao''s wife also rushed over. "Old Yao! What''s going on?"


    Yao Jiancai smiled. "That kid, he''s finally back."


    Yao Mi said excitedly, "Is it Uncle Zhang? Is it really him?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Who else could such a big stir other than him? This fellow has never been one to hold back. He''s only just returned, but the entire world has already found out!"


    Yao Mi bellyughed. "That''s exactly what can be expected of my Uncle Zhang!"


    Old Yao''s wife said with a sigh, "It''s been so many years. I wonder how Little Zhang is doing."


    Yao Jiancai pointed at the television. "As you can see for yourself, he''s still alive and kicking!"


    ��


    At an old friend''s house.


    "Zhang''er is back?"


    "That fellow is too much. He didn''t even tell us that he''s back?"


    "He''s still as capable of stirring things up as ever."


    "Hahaha, quick, give him a call to ask if it''s really him."


    "It won''t go through. His cell phone is off."


    "Well, it''s been almost four years. I suppose his number has been disconnected?"


    "Let''s wait til he gets back to catch up with him."


    "The entertainment circle is gonna be lively again from now on."


    "Yeah. An entertainment circle without him around always feels a little less exciting than it should."


    ��


    At Zhang Xia''s house.


    Grandma Zhang was on the phone with someone.


    "Yuanqi, Zhang Ye is back."


    "I just heard about it."


    "Aren''t you going to make aeback?"


    "Forget it, I think it isn''t too bad taking a break."


    "Us old friends should hold a gathering sometime. I wonder if the kid will be getting back into the entertainment industry now that he has returned. Who knows? He might just have be tired of that ce like you and decides to take a break from it as well."


    "He''s not the type who would want to take a break."


    "Is that so? Then I guess we''re probably going to see some interesting developments."


    ��


    At apany.


    It was very noisy in the office space.


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "What a nostalgic name!"


    "Is he really back?"


    However, Ha Qiqi, who was also in the office, startedughing. She wasughing so exuberantly she was tearing up. Then she took a deep breath and lowered her head to sort out the matters she had on hand. After that, she started typing out something on herputer and sent out an email. She stood up and walked towards the boss''s office.


    Knocking on the door.


    Entering the office.


    The boss looked up. "Director Ha."


    Ha Qiqi said something stunning. "CEO Han, thank you for taking care of me these past few years."


    The boss gave a wry smile. "I knew that this day woulde."


    Ha Qiqi smiled. "I''ve already sent my resignation letter to you."


    The boss said, "What would convince you to stay?"


    Ha Qiqi shook her head.


    The boss sighed. "The entertainment circle is no longer the same as before. Times have changed, and a new generation has reced the old. The fame that Teacher Zhang once enjoyed is a thing of the past. If you go back now, you''d have to start all over again. You��"


    Ha Qiqi smiled and interrupted, "Then I''ll just start from the beginning."


    ��


    At a private clubhouse.


    A dinner event.


    Several rather popr B-list "young hunks" were holding a party.


    "Did you hear? Zhang Ye is back."


    "That name sounds like a st from the past."


    "Yeah, no one has mentioned him for the past three or four years."


    "He was taken off the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index, as well as the Chinese Celebrity Rankings Index, since around that time too, right?"


    "That''s right. Be it the Chinese or the Asian Celebrity Rankings Indices, he doesn''t have a spot on them anymore."


    "Even he''s a former Heavenly King, we still shouldn''t underestimate his poprity. If he decides to return to the entertainment circle, he will definitely have some appeal. But as for how strong his appeal is, I guess no can really be sure."


    "That''s not necessarily true. This is no longer the same era as when he left the industry."


    "You''re right. So what if a former Heavenly King has returned? The entertainment circle has been seeing a generational change every half a year to a year these days, so let''s not mention what changes have taken ce in three years. Or four years. Who can remain popr forever? What''s more, he hasn''t appeared in front of the audience during this entire period. The young people these days won''t acknowledge him."


    "Speak softer. His wife is Minister Wu, after all. It wouldn''t be good if this conversation gets out."


    ��


    In China and abroad, heated discussions were going on.


    The media and the citizens were all relishing it.


    After more than three years, an almost forgotten name had once again shaken up the world!


    That biggest hooligan of the entertainment circle and that greatest shit stirrer of the industry��he was back!


    ��

 Chapter 1531 - The highest spot of the international entertainment circle!

    <h4>Chapter 1531 - The highest spot of the international entertainment circle! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    Zhang Ye was still fast asleep.


    His entire family was already up and was having breakfast in the vi''s living room.


    Sisi kept turning around to look behind her with every bite. "Mommy, when will Daddy wake up?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Daddy is tired. Let him sleep for a little longer."


    Sisi gave an OK.


    Zhang Ye''s mother nagged, "Eat the egg. Don''t be picky."


    Sisi widened her eyes and looked back again. "Nana, when will Daddy wake up?"


    His mother rolled her eyes. "Why do you only know how to look for your daddy?"


    His father doted on his granddaughter. He immediately shouted to the bedroom, "Little Ye, your daughter is looking for you."


    After a while, Zhang Ye came out in his pajamas, yawning.


    Sisi jumped off Wu Zeqing''sp and ran straight for Zhang Ye. "Daddy!"


    Zhang Ye''s sleepiness immediately disappeared. He smiled and bent down to pick his daughter up and gave her a kiss. "Hey, why are you looking for Daddy? Little one, you''re quite clingy, aren''t ya?"


    Sisi got prickled by his stubble and started giggling.


    Suddenly, the doorbell rang.


    His mother said, "Who''s that so early in the morning?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It must be Little Tian and the others again, right?"


    When the door opened, everyone in the house was startled.


    They saw Wu Changhe and Li Qinqin standing right outside the door.


    Zhang Ye was shocked. "Dad, Mom, what are you two doing here?"


    Li Qinqin hurriedly said, "How could we note over knowing that you''re back? Your dad and I rushed over on a red-eye flight to get here. Quick, let me take a look at you. You didn''t lose weight, did you? Did you have a hard time?" Then, after checking out Zhang Ye for a long time and squeezing his shoulders, she said, "Eh, why does it seem like you''ve put on weight instead?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I was treated well in there and ate well too."


    Meanwhile, Wu Changhe was ring at Zhang Ye the moment he stepped in. He said angrily, "Rascal, get over here!"


    Zhang Ye refused to go over to him. He yed dumb and said, "Dad, what is it?"


    Wu Changhe pointed at him angrily and said, "Why didn''t you tell me about something as important as youing back?"


    Zhang Ye immediately diverted the me. "It wasn''t me. Old Wu said not to tell you about it."


    Wu Zeqing said with a chuckle, "Dad, it was me who told Little Ye not to tell you."


    When Zhang Ye''s mother heard that, she smirked.


    His father was also amused.


    When Wu Changhe heard that it was his own daughter who didn''t want him to be informed, his anger lessened. "Why would you hide such an important matter from me?"


    Li Qinqin looked at her husband. "You''ve been nagging about Little Ye every day for the past few years, so would anyone dare to inform you about something like that?" She then smiled and looked at Zhang Ye. "It''s good that you''re back, it''s good that you''re back."


    Sisi said in a childish voice, "Grandpa, Grandma."


    Li Qinqin said happily, "Aye."


    When Wu Changhe saw Sisi, his expression instantaneously became one of joy. "Sisi,e here. Did you miss Grandpa? Does your daddy treat you well? If he doesn''t, tell Grandpa about it. Grandpa will punish him for you."


    Sisi replied, "Daddy is very good. Daddy even taught me how to y Go."


    Wu Changhe harrumphed, "Didn''t Grandpa teach you as well?"


    Sisi said innocently, "Grandpa isn''t as good as Daddy."


    Wu Changhe got furious. "Who did you hear that from? Huh? I''m not as good as him? I can win against three of him in one go. Do you believe that?"


    Zhang Ye seethed. "Hur hur."


    Wu Changhe said, "What are you hurhur''ing about?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Dad, don''t say that I''m trying to talk back. But if you insist that you can take on three of me and still win, I''m having none of that. It''s more like I''ll be the one taking on three of you and winning."


    Wu Changhe was irritated. "You? Take on three of me? I''ll take on four of you!"


    "I''ll take on five of you!"


    "I''ll take on six of you!"


    Li Qinqin said in a speechless manner, "You two are grown men. Why are you arguing the moment you meet? It''s been so long, yet the both of you are still the same."


    Everyoneughed.


    Li Qinqin whispered to her son-inw with a smile, "Don''t listen to your dad. When you won against PeterGo yesterday, he was showing off at the Qiyuan and being all proud."


    Zhang Yeughed.


    Wu Changhe said, "What are you two talking about?"


    Li Qinqin turned around. "Good things about you."


    Wu Changhe thought of something and said to Zhang Ye, "Oh yes, there''s a batch of neers that came to Sanya as well. You met them yesterday, right? Afterwards, train them a little for me."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "I''m on vacation here. We''ll talk about it again when we get back to Beijing."


    Wu Changhe clearly knew what he was thinking. "Can I find you when we get back to Beijing?"


    Zhang Ye said perfunctorily, "Alright, alright, I''ll do it."


    Wu Changhe said with a stern face, "Take this seriously. They''re all good saplings!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I got it, Dad, I''ll teach them well."


    Wu Changhe said, "Oh yes, there''s a consultant role avable at China Qiyuan. I''ve already epted the appointment on your behalf."


    Zhang Ye said, "Why would I want to be a consultant?"


    Wu Changhe said, "Don''t talk nonsense. It wasn''t easy for someone to beat PeterGo, so we can''t allow this honor to go to somece else. It would definitely have toe to the Qiyuan."


    Zhang Ye did not argue back. "Alright, alright, handle it however you like."


    Li Qinqin smiled and said, "You''ve really done us proud this time. In fact, your dad and quite a few people at the Qiyuan were very worried. They were afraid that your skill level would drop and that you wouldn''t be able to defeat PeterGo since you haven''t touched Go in so long."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You''re thinking too much. My skill will never drop. It can only go up."


    Zhang Ye caught a glimpse of a huge stack of newspapers on the table. He picked them up and flipped through them. Looking at the reports, he broke into a smile.


    It was his news all over the papers.


    "PeterGo suffers a terrible defeat."


    "HEOR''s identity turns out to be Zhang Ye."


    "China Qiyuan has confirmed this news."


    "A former Heavenly King gets an early release from prison."


    "A long-forgotten name."


    "Heated discussions are set off across Asia."


    "PeterGo''s development team expresses: It is not a shame to have lost to Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Where did all these newspaperse from?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "We got them from the front desk of the hotel."


    His father said, "When we were watching the morning news, several of the TV stations were discussing you. You''vee back too suddenly this time and left everyone in shock."


    Li Qinqin looked at him. "Now that everyone knows you''re back, what are your ns from here?"


    Zhang Ye picked up a mango and started eating it. "I''ll rest for a bit first and think about it after getting back to Beijing."


    A delivery person arrived.


    Wu Zeqing went to receive the package and handed it to Zhang Ye. "I bought you a new cell phone. Have a look."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s still my wife who is the meticulous one. What brand is it?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Ruihe, made in China."


    His mother said, "This is the best domestic cell phone brand in China right now."


    Zhang Ye spread his hands. "Whatever, I''ve never heard of it before."


    "But your SIM card is no longer usable." Wu Zeqing said gently, "They''ve switched the card type. If you still want to use your original number, you''ll have to get the card reced."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Eh? They''ve switched to a new generation of SIM cards so quickly?"


    Wu Changhe said, "Quick?" Do you know how many years it has been?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Many things are no longer the same."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, I''ll slowly get ustomed to it."


    Li Qinqin said with a hint of pain. "How have you been spending the past few years?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "About that, I won''t be able to finish telling you all about it even if I spoke for three whole days and nights. I''ll exin it in detail in the future when I have more time."


    Zhang Ye already knew that it would be very difficult for him to continue his journey in the entertainment circle after being away for close to four years. Actually, even before he was released, he had a premonition of how things had be. Although he hadn''t watched the Spring Festival G during the years of his sentence, and the restrictions onmunications were rather strict, and it was all the more so for Zhang Ye, he still asionally heard some news and developments from the people around him. He could clearly tell that the world had changed. As such, Zhang Ye was already mentally prepared for this. Now that he was back, he would have to slowly get used to the environment again.


    How should he proceed from here?


    What direction should he take?


    What was going to be the focus of his work?


    How was he going to build a team?


    All of this needed re-examining.


    However, there was one thing that he had already decided on. Zhang Ye''s return this time was not going to be for trivial reasons. He wasn''t just going to do this to make a living. He had never forgotten about his goal and ambition. Until the day he rose to the top of the international entertainment circle, he would never stop in his tracks. This was the one and only thing that he was stubborn about. No matter what happened, no matter how bad the circumstances, he had never wavered on his path.

 Chapter 1532 - The most popular Internet celebrity currently?

    <h4>Chapter 1532 - The most popr Inte celebrity currently? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the same day.


    In the afternoon.


    In the shade on the beach.


    Zhang Ye and Tian Weiwei were ying a game of Go. A group of China Qiyuan''s neers had surrounded them and were watching the game, fixated. Even though Zhang Ye had given Little Tian a two-stone handicap, it was still very hard to distinguish who had the upper hand. The neers were watching this game with dropped jaws and gasps. Master Tian was the current world number one Go yer, the person who was regarded as the most highly skilled of the active professional yers. Who here had ever seen Tian Weiwei receive a handicap when ying against others? And it was even a handicap of two stones? And he still got pushed around? Only then did they understand the level of skill that Zhang Ye possessed!


    A game waspleted.


    After ounting forpensation, Zhang Ye won by two and a half points.


    Tian Weiwei had lost convincingly. "I''ve never been able to beat you sincest time. I thought that my skill had improved by a lot in these few years and had really looked forward to ying against you after you were released. It looks like I''ve thought too highly of myself. At the level you''re at, I won''t be able to win against you no matter how many years have passed. We''re atpletely different levels."


    Chen Qiqi shouted, "Lord Zhang is almighty. You''re still as good as ever!"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Didn''t you say that I was already a thing of the past?"


    Chen Qiqi yed dumb. "Ah? Did I ever say that?"


    A neer exposed her. "Yes, you said that before."


    Chen Niannian added, "You said it when we were traveling here on the bus."


    Chen Qiqi raised her hand to hit them. "Do you all want to die!"


    Everyoneughed. "Hahahaha."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "But you were right. The Go world and the entertainment circle are two entirely different ces. After all, this bro hasn''t shown his face in too long, so how many people still remember me? And how many people still like me? I don''t even have an idea of that. The entertainment circle isn''t as simple as the Go world."


    Tian Weiwei said with a sigh, "Too much has changed in recent years."


    Zhang Ye asked, "How''s Old Yao doing?"


    Chen Qiqi said, "You mean Yao Jiancai?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes."


    Chen Qiqi said, "I don''t think there''s a lot of news about him."


    Chen Niannian said, "What do you mean by not a lot of news about him? He''s still acting. But it''s just that he''s always been ying the antagonists these days and doesn''t have any particrly well-known shows that he''s in, so his poprity has dropped as a result."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "That fellow, has he not been doing any crosstalks?"


    Tian Weiwei said, "Without you partnering with him, Teacher Yao isn''t able to do it."


    Zhang Ye asked further, "How has Shanshan been doing?"


    Tian Weiwei replied, "That old ssmate of yours?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes."


    "Teacher Shanshan is still very popr. In the past two years, she went to study the performing arts. Now, she rarely takes on host roles and is usually acting."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Wow, she''s turned to acting now?"


    Chen Qiqi giggled, "Teacher Shanshan''s acting pay is very high too, so most productions are unable to afford bringing her on board."


    Tian Weiwei said, "Butpared to those popr young studs, her sry is still way off from theirs."


    Chen Niannian said, "That''s right."


    Zhang Ye said, "Has Old Zhang really retired?"


    Tian Weiwei answered, "Yeah, she''s retired from the entertainment circle."


    Zhang Ye said, "What about Sister Lan?"


    "You mean Heavenly Queen Xu Men?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Is she still a Heavenly Queen?"


    Tian Weiwei: "Yes, she is. But I think she''s only hanging on because of her past status. The rise of the young studs has had a really big impact on your generation of celebrities. Heavenly Queen Xu''s poprity in recent years has dropped by quite a bit. If it goes on like that, she probably won''t be able to keep her status as a domestic S-lister for much longer."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Even Old Xu can''t fend them off?"


    Tian Weiwei gave a wryugh. "All of the veteran celebrities from back then have been hit. You still remember Jiang Hanwei, right? The martial arts superstar who was an A-lister? I heard that he even had a few disagreements with you in the past? Jiang Hanwei has now be a C-list artist in China. When that scandal broke, his poprity took a big hit and he plummeted down the rankings."


    Zhang Ye continued asking, "How is Spring Garden doing?"


    A teenage girl blinked and said, "Who is Spring Garden?"


    Zhang Ye eximed, "You don''t even know Spring Garden?"


    Tian Weiwei exined, "She''s young and wouldn''t have paid attention to such matters at that time. For us, we haven''t heard the name of Spring Garden in a long time. They disbanded a few years ago."


    Zhang Ye said in disbelief, "Disbanded?"


    Tian Weiwei scratched his head, "I think it had something to do with the talent agency? They didn''t disband of their own ord, but they went solo afterwards. With the group disbanded, their poprity would of course not be as high as before."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What about Grandma Zhang Xia?"


    Tian Weiwei shook his head. "We haven''t heard much from her these few years, nor do we see her appearing on the Spring Festival G anymore. I suppose she has also retired from the scene? It''s really difficult for the older generation of artists to make a living. There''s hardly any events for them to take, and many of the older artists that I like have retired, which is quite a pity. The feeling that we get from the entertainment industry these days is that there is an ongoing generational change. The only thing that no one expected is how this generational change is happening so quickly."


    Old Zhang had retired?


    Old Yao had been left in the dust?


    Spring Garden was disbanded?


    Old Xu was unable to hang on for much longer?


    After asking all those questions for a long time, Zhang Ye''s expression was one ofment.


    He said, "Then who''s popr now?"


    Chen Qiqi said, "Lord Zhang, you wouldn''t know even if we told you."


    Chen Niannian giggled, "You definitely wouldn''t know any them."


    All of a sudden, a shout rang out from a distance away.


    "Wow!"


    "It''s a celebrity!"


    "Oh my God!"


    "It''s Dandan!"


    "It''s her in person!"


    Several young tourists reacted in a crazed manner!


    A young man swimming in the sea nearly choked on water. Then he started swimming in a hurry to the shore and didn''t even stop to catch his breath before running over!


    The people from the Qiyuan were also dumbfounded!


    Tian Weiwei looked very surprised!


    Chen Qiqi kept screaming, "It''s Dandan! I love her to death!"


    When Zhang Ye saw that person, he was startled.


    The people from the Qiyuan all jumped to their feet and looked over.


    Chen Niannian pointed and said, "Lord Zhang, weren''t you just asking about who the current hottest celebrities are? She''s one of them. That''s the most popr Inte celebrity in recent years!"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "The most popr Inte celebrity?"


    Tian Weiwei said, "Yeah! In recent years, other than the young studs sweeping the entertainment circle, there''s another group of people who have risen up, the Inte stars! The kind of poprity they enjoy is entirely different from the Inte celebrities of your time. The ones now are really, really popr. Their poprity can even be said to rival the mainstream entertainment circle''s celebrities."


    A neer Go yer shouted, "What''s she doing here?"


    Another Go yer said, "Did Dandane to Sanya on vacation too? We''re so lucky! We managed to bump into her here! Did shee here to shoot her videos?"


    Chen Qiqi cried out, "No, we can''t let the chance slip. I''m going to get her signature!"


    Chen Niannian shouted, "I''m going too, I''m going too!"


    Tian Weiwei fell silent. Then he called out to Chen Qiqi, "Qiqi, get one for me too."


    Chen Qiqi eximed, "Why don''t you go over yourself?"


    Chen Niannian nced at her sister. "What''s Master Tian''s status? Would it be appropriate for him to go over himself?"


    Zhang Ye was amused. "Little Tian, you''re chasing after idols too?"


    Tian Weiwei coughed in embarrassment. "No, I just like her a little."


    Chen Qiqi said, "Lord Zhang, when Dandan became popr, you were still not out of jail yet. You haven''t seen her videos, but they''re especially funny and arge portion of the younger people in the country are her fans!"


    A distance away.


    That female celebrity was surrounded by a few people.


    Nobody didn''t know if they were her agents or her assistants, but they started shielding her from the crowd.


    The female celebrity was looking around when she suddenly saw the Qiyuan''s people. Her eyes reddened and she ran over without caring about her image!


    When the other two girls saw this, they also ran over, screaming!


    Tian Weiwei was dumbfounded. "Ah?"


    Chen Qiqi said in surprise, "They''re running towards us?"


    Chen Niannian was at a loss. "Damn, what''s going on?"


    Twenty meters.


    Ten meters.


    Five meters.


    Zhang Ye broke into a smile and stood up.


    The next moment, under the dumbfounded gazes of everyone, the female celebrity jumped right into Zhang Ye''s embrace and started crying. "Bro! You''re finally back!"


    Zhang Ye patted Cao Dan on her back. "Yes, I''m back, I''m back."


    Behind her, the other two girls rushed up one after another!


    His third sister wailed loudly, "Bro! I missed you so much!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I also missed you guys."


    When his second sister saw them crying so hard, she pretended to rub her eyes. "Bro, why didn''t youe back on Lunar New Year''s Eve? Are you still going to give us the New Year money?"


    Zhang Ye rapped his second sister on the head. "Girl, you''re always thinking about money!"


    His second sister giggled.


    His three cousins kept hugging Zhang Ye and did not let go of him.


    Zhang Ye said, sounding relieved, "You''ve all grown up."


    His third sister said in tears, "Bro, you''ve be an old uncle. Look at your wrinkles!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''m past 30 now, so how could I not have wrinkles?" Then, he patted his eldest younger sister on the head and said, "Stop crying. You''re all grown up and a big star now, so why are you still acting like a child?"


    His eldest younger sister said in a spoiled manner, "So what if I''m a child!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Where''s Grandpa and Grandma?"


    His second sister said, "They''re all here. They''re in the vi at the moment."


    Zhang Ye said, "Aiyo, but I''ll be going back in a few more days."


    His eldest younger sister said, rubbing her eyes, "Grandma and Grandpa said they couldn''t wait and insisted oning with us."


    "Let''s go, let''s go. Go inside quickly." Zhang Ye hurriedly pulled his sisters towards the vi.


    The people from the Qiyuan were left standing there with dropped jaws!


    They had only just found out that Cao Dan, the most popr Inte icon in recent years and an idol of the new generation, was actually Zhang Ye''s younger sister!


    What is with this?


    Isn''t this news huge?!

 Chapter 1533 - The team returns!

    <h4>Chapter 1533 - The team returns! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    By the beach.


    The vi was crowded with people.


    Zhang Ye''s first uncle, his first aunt, grandpa, and grandma were all here.


    Zhang Ye pushed open the door and went in. "Grandpa, Grandma!"


    His grandma immediately looked over. "Little Ye! Come and let your grandma have a look at you!"


    Zhang Ye jogged up to her and said in pain, "Aiyo, why has all of your hair grayed?"


    "I''m old, so of course my hair has grayed." His grandma touched his face and said, "Did you suffer?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "No."


    His grandpa said, "How could you not have suffered? Look at how tan you''ve be."


    Zhang Ye said guiltily, "I was going to go back in a few days to pay you two a visit. You''re so old, so why did you fly over here?"


    His grandma said matter-of-factly, "My grandson has returned home. How could I note?"


    His grandpaughed and said, "Don''t you know how your grandma is? No one could dissuade her."


    The entire family was thrilled to see Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye also felt the same. "It''s all my fault that I couldn''t be by your sides for these past few years. There were quite a bit of restrictions, and I wasn''t even allowed to have a phone call. I''ve been so worried about your health. Is everything alright at home?"


    His grandma smiled and said, "It''s all good, it''s all good, everything is fine. When you weren''t around, Zeqing often came to visit us."


    His grandpa said happily, "Yes, we''re still in good health. The children have all grown up too."


    His grandma said, "Your eldest younger sister has be a big star."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I just heard about it."


    His eldest younger sister said in embarrassment, "Grandma, what big star are you talking about? How big a star can I be in the presence of my brother?"


    "Well, that''s not true." Zhang Ye chuckled. "You''re now more popr than me."


    Zhang Ye''s mother said in amusement, "Right, you''re much more popr than him."


    His eldest young sister blushed. "No, I''m not."


    His first aunt was excited the moment they talked about this. "Little Ye, your sister is in this position because of your guidance. Then there''s the ideas for the videos you wrote for her. They have been very useful for Dandan in these few years, and the reception to them were all great. She even has her own team and has bought an apartment by herself too."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Impressive. I saw that a lot of the people from China Qiyuan are also fans of hers. But why do they not know that you''re my sister?"


    His first uncle said, "Dandan did not ride on your name in these past few years, so a majority of the people still do not know about it."


    Zhang Ye lightly nodded. "Our littledy is all grown up."


    His second sister giggled, "Bro, the main reason was that your reputation had already gone down the drain. The incident that happened back then was so major that no one dared to mention your name, so who would dare to ride on it?"


    Zhang Yeughed and pretended to raise a hand against her to scare her.


    His second sister immediately admitted defeat. "Bro, I was in the wrong."


    The entire familyughed.


    Zhang Ye joked, "Looks like I''ll have to rely on my sister to guide me then."


    His eldest younger sister eximed, "Aiya, don''t tease me like that."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Where are you on the domestic celebrity rankings?"


    His eldest younger sister said with a smile, "I''m at the bottom of the B-list."


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "You''re that highly ranked? Then aren''t you even further ahead than Jiang Hanwei?"


    His mother smiled and said, "Your eldest younger sister is not a normal person anymore. Her social rtions in the entertainment circle are much better than yours, so she''s a genuinely big star."


    His third sister asked, "Who in the industry wouldn''t have better social rtions than my brother, though?"


    His mother was amused. "That''s true."


    Zhang Ye was speechless.


    His eldest younger sister asked, "Are you thinking of making aeback to the entertainment industry?"


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s right."


    His eldest younger sister said, "That''s great. I can finally fight alongside with my brother."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''m all alone. I don''t have any money or anyone working for me, so how can I fight any battles? I''m still unsure of what I should do after Ie back. When I was popr back then, I had a greater say in things, and my past performances had helped me a lot as well, so everything that I did was rtively easy for me. But that isn''t going to work anymore. I have to start all over from nothing. The industry is dominated by young guns these days, so even if I were to send out a message that I''ming back, I won''t be able to make much of an impact."


    His eldest younger sister said, "I can''tpare to those hunks either. They''re too popr topete against."


    Zhang Ye said, "When I get back, I''ll have to build my team up again before I think about what to do next. I just wonder if my old friends still want to join me in wading into these muddy waters again."


    At this moment, Cao Dan''s cell phone rang.


    She answered and spoke softly on the phone. Then, after hanging up, she looked at Zhang Ye and said, "Bro, I have a surprise for you."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "What surprise?"


    His eldest younger sister smiled mysteriously. "Come outside with me."


    She pushed open the vi''s door.


    Outside in the yard were over a dozen people standing in a crowd.


    Zhang Ye looked astounded!


    When the group of people saw him, some of them became very excited and others started crying!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Boss!"


    "Sob sob sob!"


    "You''re really back?"


    All of them rushed up!


    Some were screaming!


    Some were crying tears of joy!


    Looking at all those familiar faces, Zhang Ye also got very excited!


    Ha Qiqi!


    Zhang Zuo!


    Wu Yi!


    Tong Fu!


    Little Wang!


    They were all here!


    The people from Zhang Ye''s Studio were all here!


    Zhang Ye said in disbelief, "Why are you all here?"


    His eldest younger sister smiled and said, "Director Ha came to me to find out where you were, so I told her. As for the rest, I know nothing."


    Zhang Ye looked at the almost unrecognizable Ha Qiqi. "Sister Ha, when did you start keeping your hair short?"


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "I cut it short the year you left. Later on, I got used to having short hair and didn''t bother growing it out anymore."


    Zhang Ye looked at Zhang Zuo. "Brother Zuo, you are sporting a beard now?"


    Zhang Zuo dried the tears at the corners of his eyes and smiled. "Yeah, thought I should change styles."


    "Little Tong, how''s your girlfriend doing?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Tong Fu said, scratching his head, "In reply to my boss''s question, she''s no longer my girlfriend. We held our wedding ceremonyst summer, so she''s my wife now, and she''s recovered well too."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Great, I''ll give you your wedding gift money at ater date."


    His eldest younger sister said at this moment, "My brother was just talking about you all a moment ago."


    Ha Qiqi asked, "What about us?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I was just wondering if you all were willing to join me in wading into these muddy waters again. After so many years, all of you must have sought out better opportunities elsewhere, and everyone should probably be doing quite well in their current jobs. Meanwhile, I''m broke with nothing to my name. Honestly, I would like for everyone toe back, but I find it difficult to ask."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Who says we''re doing well? We''ve been struggling these few years and were thinking of changing jobs when you came back."


    But Little Wang exposed her. "Don''t believe her, Director Zhang. Sister Ha is a very famous director and can independently take on her own productions. Be it documentaries or variety shows, she has helmed them all. Central TV even wanted to get Sister Ha to join them as the assistant director for this year''s Spring Festival G, but she turned them down. The moment she learned you hade back yesterday, Sister Ha submitted her resignation notice. Then she called us one by one to ask if we were willing toe back and work with you."


    Ha Qiqi shot her a look. "Girl, you talk too much!"


    Little Wang stuck out her tongue. "I''m just telling the truth, that''s all."


    Zhang Ye was very touched. "Old Ha, why would you do that?"


    Ha Qiqi was just about to answer.


    But Little Wang cut in again and said, "Sister Ha says that you have just returned and surelyck some people and ammo, so this is the time that you need us the most. With the return of the Heavenly King, if the Heavenly King''s original team did not get back together with him, the story would somehow feel a little less wonderful."


    Ha Qiqi opened her mouth, wanting to speak.


    Little Wang said, "Sister Ha also said��"


    Ha Qiqi was angry and amused. "Do you want to continue talking or can I talk?"


    Little Wang said, "Ah, please go ahead, please go ahead."


    Actually, there wasn''t anything more to say.


    The moment Zhang Ye saw them again, he understood everything.


    Zhang Ye asked, "So all of you have already resigned?"


    Zhang Zuoughed. "Yes."


    Tong Fu said in high spirits, "We still want to follow you!"


    Wu Yi bellyughed and said, "Without us in the entertainment circle, it won''t be lively at all!"


    Ha Qiqi smiled. "It''s time we cause some trouble for them again."


    Zhang Yeughed. "You guys, you''re all really brave, huh? Haven''t you suffered enough? How much trouble did we used to get into? How much scolding did we used to attract? How many people have we offended? After all these years, all of you are still willing to follow me? Alright then, since you''re not afraid of death, I don''t have anything to fear either. Let''s start from the beginning again!"


    Zhang Ye''s family members all looked at one another.


    His mother was shocked.


    His grandma was relieved.


    His first uncle was impressed.


    His sisters were pping and cheering.


    A mass resignation!


    And a collective return!


    Not a single person was missing!


    In all of China and all over the world, there would absolutely not be another celebrity team who could do this! How much trust did this require? Everyone was certain about this!


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "Director Zhang, you didn''t lose your skill, right?"


    Zhang Zuo alsoughed. "Can you still direct? Can you still fight? Can you still sing?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "What do you think?"


    He turned around and slowly walked into the living room, then towards the piano where he sat.


    Everyone followed him.


    Zhang Ye''s fingers gently touched the keys as he yed a melody.


    He closed his eyes and then opened them again. There was a smile and a tinge ofment in his gaze.


    He sang.


    "All of yesterday''s glory


    "has turned into a distant mem''ry.


    "I''ve toiled andbored for half my life,


    "Tonight, I again enter the struggle stormy.


    "I cannot just go with the flow,


    "for the sake of my loved ones.


    "I must stand firm no matter how hard or tough it grows,


    "all for the sake of those hopeful eyes aglow.


    "As long as there''s faith, the dreamsts!


    "There''s still love between Heaven and Earth.


    "Look beyond the ups and downs in life!


    "All it takes is to start over again!"


    Several years ago, Zhang Ye sang this song.


    Several yearster, he was singing it again, albeit with a very different mood.

 Chapter 1534 - Does Old Lian Po still enjoy his food?

    <h4>Chapter 1534 - Does Old Lian Po still enjoy his food? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Several dayster.


    Several photographs were published in the news.


    "Zhang Ye arrives back at Beijing!"


    "Zhang Ye and his team show up together at the capital''s airport!"


    "The Heavenly King''s team regrouped?"


    "Sending out a clear signal: Zhang Ye to take a shot again at the entertainment circle!"


    "In the entertainment circle now, could there still be a ce for Zhang Ye?"


    "Has this Heavenly King be a thing of the past? Can he still take on the industry?"


    Some media outlets and television stations even did man-on-the-street interviews on this topic.


    A reporter asked, "Do you know who Zhang Ye is?"


    A girl around the age of thirteen said, "Zhang Ye? I don''t know who that is, but I think I''ve heard my parents mention that name before."


    The same reporter asked, "What''s your opinion of Zhang Ye''s return to the entertainment circle?"


    A young man in his 20s said, "I''m not optimistic of his chances. Zhang Ye, Zhang Yuanqi, Ning Lan, Jiang Hanwei, everyone''s memories of that era''s stars are bing fuzzier and fuzzier these days. The Heavenly Kings and Queens from back then are all old now. The only person left from that generation who''s still active in the public eye is Xu Men, right? But even Sister Lan can''tpare to her former glory days."


    The reporter asked, "Are you optimistic about Zhang Ye''s return?"


    An auntie in her 60s said, "Zhang Ye? I liked him a lot in the past. If he were to make aeback, I would surely pay attention to it. I just wonder if he is still as capable as before after so many years away. After all, he should probably be quite affected having been locked up in jail for so many long. Hai, everyone prefers the young, hot stars these days. They are young and beautiful, with an innocent outlook and are untainted by the industry, so I think most people wouldn''t really care about Zhang Ye''s return. The world''s most dangerous hacker in a hundred years, the entertainment industry''s hooligan of the yesteryears, none of his nicknames portray a positive image, so why would anyone still acknowledge him? I don''t know, I suppose we''ll have to see what kind of work hees up with."


    ��


    Beijing.


    In a sedan that was traveling on the highway back from the airport.


    Zhang Ye gazed at the city from the inside like he was a country bumpkin.


    He asked, "Eh, where has the shopping mall gone?"


    Ha Qiqi replied, "They tore it down long ago."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Wasn''t there a movie theater here in the past?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "It''s moved away. They shifted to Dongcheng 1 ."


    Zhang Ye said, "Whoa, the changes are so big? I can''t even recognize the roads anymore."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Yeah, the changes that happened over the past few years are indeed not small."


    Little Wang said, "Director Zhang, you have to call us along the next time you go out. Otherwise, you''re gonna lose your way, and we won''t be able to locate you."


    Everyone had augh.


    Zhang Zuo asked, "So when do we start work?"


    Zhang Ye thought about it. "Tomorrow, I guess?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Alright, we''ll go and make the necessary arrangements then."


    Zhang Ye said, "Is our studio still around?"


    Ha Qiqi shook her head. "That''s something I really don''t know about. We haven''t been in contact with Sister Rao these three years. After your incident, the studio staff disbanded."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "How much money do we have left?"


    Little Wang gave a bitter smile. "You''re out of your mind. There''s not even a single cent left."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Ah? We''re that poor?"


    Ha Qiqiughed as she exined, "We didn''t pocket the money for ourselves, just to be clear. After your court sentence, quite a few advertisers and business partners came over to requestpensation due to your breaking of the contract. Whether it was for your previous endorsements or the other projects that you had taken, the terms were not up yet, so there was no way for us to argue with them on that. After all, we didn''t fulfill our part of the contract, so we could only dip into the studio''s funds to pay them off. When we realized that there wasn''t enough money left, all of us nned to split the debt among ourselves and were prepared to fork out 200,000 RMB. However, your wife did not agree to it. Chief Wu said that this was your family''s own matter and that we shouldn''t have to dip into our own pockets for it. In the end, we didn''t really end up helping much at all."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "There shouldn''t be any reason for you guys to do that anyway."


    Zhang Zuoined, "That''s why money is a problem for us right now."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Take it slow. We''ll slowlye up with a way to solve that. As long as everyone is around, nothing will be too difficult to handle."


    Ha Qiqi also smiled and said, "Right, we also started with nothing back then, and we still managed to turn the entertainment circle upside down. What we are going through is just a matter of starting from scratch again. There will surely be difficulties along the way, and the road ahead will be tough, but as long as we people are around, there''s nothing that can''t be solved. On the day we found out that you were back, we thought this through. The first shot that we make with your return will definitely have to be well-taken. It will have to be with a bang and executed as beautifully as we can pull it off. This is of the utmost priority for us!"


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s what I think too."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Manyizens are saying that this is now the era of the young stud celebrities, and that someone like you is a thing of the past. But I don''t think that''s true. Our poprity back then was really high, so it''s impossible that it would just disappear like that. There''s just no reason for that. The only problem is that we''ve been away for too long, so a lot of people have started forgetting about your glory days. The thing that we have to do right now is to invoke the memories of everyone and to gather former fans. If we can really find an entry point and have something to propel us back in, I believe that it won''t take much effort at all. All we might need is a new work from you for us to regain our past glory. At that time, we can tell the world that we''re back, that the Heavenly King has returned, and that he is still the same Heavenly King he was before!"


    Zhang Ye mumbled to himself, "Heavenly King?" Then he said, "An employee called me yesterday to ask if I wanted to renew my poprity rank. What do you guys think?"


    Ha Qiqi immediately said, "I don''t suggest that we renew your rank at this time."


    Zhang Zuo agreed, "Right, we must not renew the rank at this time. It''s been close to four years, so no one knows what position you might be at right now. No, I should say that your rank is probably very low. Since that''s the case, why don''t we ignore the international and Asian celebrity rankings for now? We should recharge and regain our poprity before we think about this matter again."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright."


    Zhang Zuo said, "Starting tomorrow, we will begin reaching out for partnerships and seeking cooperation."


    Wu Yi said, "Right, let''s pull off another big one!"


    Little Wang said, "Long live Zhang Ye''s Studio!"


    Everyone was full of fighting spirit.


    ��


    Up ahead.


    They had reached Zhang Ye''s ce.


    Ha Qiqi and the others bade them farewell and drove off. Wu Zeqing had gotten her secretary to send Zhang Ye''s grandparents, her parents, and the others back to their respective homes, while Zhang Ye''s parents and Wu Zeqing took another vehicle back here. They had arrived first and were already out in the yard unloading their luggage.


    Zhang Ye went forward to help them.


    The house was still the same old house, but once on the inside, the interior couldn''t be more beautiful.


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Whoa, did you renovate the ce?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "I got it renovatedst year. You like it?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s grand; it''s really beautiful."


    Sisi ran up and reached out to him. "Daddy, carry me."


    Zhang Ye dotingly picked her up. "What is it?"


    Sisi pointed upstairs. "I wanna show you my room. It''s really pretty."


    Zhang Ye kissed her. "Alright, bring Daddy to have a look around."


    Once upstairs, he stuck his head into every room to have a look.


    Zhang Ye felt an indescribable warmth in his soul. Coming home again after so long was very difficult to put into words. Everything looked great to him, and all of it made him very happy.


    Wu Zeqing came over at this time.


    "This is your study. I refurbished it for you, and you can draw in here if you like. It''s also soundproofed with new panels that I got added in. You won''t hear anything on the outside when you''re inside. In the future, you can have more peace while you''re working."


    "That''s good."


    "And here''s the master bedroom. I think you''d like the decor, so I got people to do it up that way. Look, how''s this table? If you''re tired, you can also lie down in bed to work. The table is adjustable and can be pulled in or out. It''s pretty convenient."


    "Yes, that''s really good."


    "We actually have a basement at home as well, but I''ve never used it before. It''s not a big area though, so I''ve never furnished the interior. I thought that you''d find it useful after you got back, so I renovated it as well. It''s been turned into a recording studio, so you can sing and record at home. But it''s just that I haven''t been able to get the equipment in time. I thought you''d be back after another few years, so I didn''t get around to buying them. You can tell me what kind of equipment you need. I can get my secretary to handle it."


    Everything that could be thought of was already nned for him by his wife.


    Zhang Ye had a fuzzy feeling in his heart. "The studio will be announcing the news of myeback tomorrow. Old Wu, do you think I''ve be old?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and rubbed the corners of his eyes. "Do you think you''ve be old just because you have a few more wrinkles? Rest easy and go do what needs to be done. Let everyone judge for themselves whether you''re old or not."

 Chapter 1535 - Zhang Ye announces his comeback!

    <h4>Chapter 1535 - Zhang Ye announces hiseback! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    It was the seventh day of the Lunar New Year.


    The holidays had ended, but the students had not returned to school yet. Meanwhile, the adults were starting to return to work.


    At around 8 in the morning, a major incident urred in the entertainment circle. After being silent for close to four years, the Weibo ount of Zhang Ye''s Studio reactivated.


    Original text source from Weibo:


    ��Teacher Zhang Ye is officially making hiseback.


    The entire post consisted of only one sentence.


    It was simple, clear, and direct.


    There were no unnecessary words.


    ��


    Somewhere.


    A female assistant came over quickly. "Teacher Shanshan, Teacher Zhang has announced hiseback!"


    Dong Shanshan grinned. "Got it."


    ��


    Somewhere.


    Yao Mi shouted, "I knew it!"


    Yao Jiancai smiled and said, "This kid, it looks like he''s really incapable of staying idle for longer than a day."


    Yao Mi yelled, "Watch out for my Uncle Zhang as hemands nature at his beck and call again!"


    ��


    In a house.


    Zhang Xia said helplessly, "He''s making aeback so soon after returning?"


    Her daughter covered her mouth inughter. "Teacher Zhang is still as impatient as ever."


    Zhang Xiaughed and said, "It''s a good thing that he hasn''t changed."


    ��


    In another house.


    Ning Lan was humming a song as she walked down the stairs in a vi.


    Her husband was very surprised. "Lan, why are you in such a good mood?"


    Ning Lan smiled and said, "Well, an old friend of mine hase back."


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    Jiaomen East.


    In the vicinity of Rao Aimin''s ce, Zhang Ye was carrying his daughter in his arms when he and his team got surrounded by a group of uncles and aunties.


    The crowd was visibly excited.


    "You''re finally back, Little Zhang!"


    "Uncle Li, how has your health been?"


    "Me? I''m doing great! Yo, is this your daughter?"


    "Yes. Sisi, greet grandpa."


    "Grandpa."


    "Ai, she''s so adorable."


    "Little Zhang, all of us have missed you so much!"


    "Thank you, thank you, my dear neighbors."


    "Now that you''re back, do you intend to return to your old business?"


    "Haha, that''s right."


    "You can do it, Little Zhang. All of us will support you!"


    "Thank you. Is everyone still into za dancing?"


    "Yes, of course. We''re dancing every day."


    "It''s a good activity to keep yourselves strong and healthy. That''s pretty good. All of you have to persist, OK?"


    "Everyone, did you hear that? Our ancestral founder has spoken. All of you must keep persisting!"


    "Damn, what ancestral founder? How long has it been?"


    They were all familiar faces and old friends. Seeing them, Zhang Ye felt overjoyed and stayed around for a long time, standing there and chatting with his old neighbors.


    They talked about everything.


    They babbled nonstop.


    At times, the uncles and aunties would utter some trending buzzword, making Zhang Ye stumble and not know how to react. He couldn''t understand those words at all.


    He had fallen behind the times.


    He was out of touch with this era.


    It looked as though he would have to do some catching up afterwards on all that had happened.


    After chatting for half an hour, Zhang Ye finally took the elevator up. It was still the same building as before, but it was obvious from many of the other ces that the buildings in the neighborhood had be quite decrepit.


    Upstairs.


    At the door to Rao Aimin''s apartment.


    Sisi had already jumped down from Zhang Ye''s arms in excitement. She reached out and knocked on the door. "Sister Chenchen! Sister Chenchen! Sisi is here!"


    A momentter, the door opened.


    Zhang Ye habitually nced downward. In the past, he had always known the kid to be at that height. But when the door opened and the figure of a girl was revealed, he was taken aback. He could not help but look up higher from where he originally had his gaze to renew his mental image of the child.


    Sisi said happily, "Sister Chenchen!"


    Chenchen nodded and put her hand out.


    Sisi obediently put her hand into Chenchen''s hand.


    Chenchen pulled Sisi to her and looked up at Zhang Ye. Then she reached out with her other hand to pinch Zhang Ye''s face.


    Zhang Ye did not shrink away and said with a sigh, "Kid, when did you be so tall?"


    Chenchen curled her lips. "I''m already in the first year of middle school."


    Zhang Ye lightly smacked her hand aside and said, "Enough, don''t pinch me anymore."


    Chenchen asked, "Zhang Ye, you have wrinkles now?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "You''ll have them too when you grow up."


    Chenchen said, "I won''t have them."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Alright, watch and see then."


    Chenchen smirked. "Hur hur!"


    Hur hur, your sister!


    This kid, she was still as beautiful and annoying as ever.


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


    Chenchen replied, "She went traveling."


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "She left you alone at home? Then who''s taking care of your meals?"


    Chenchen said boldly, "I go to your house every day for my meals."


    "Sister Chenchen can eat so well." Sisi giggled.


    Zhang Ye was at a bit lost for words. "No wonder my parents insisted on hurrying back home. So it was because they had to cook for you? You''ve been freeloading off my family?"


    Chenchen seethed, "I''ve been taking care of your child for you."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Alright then, thank you for that."


    Then Chenchen behaved like a little adult and adjusted Sisi''s crooked pigtail. She said to Sisi, "Now that your daddy is back, you mustn''t listen to everything that he tells you. He is a very childish person and also very stupid at doing things."


    But Sisi said, "My daddy is the greatest."


    Chenchen sighed. "You must''ve been deceived by his appearance. Eh, why didn''t you wear your scarf? Didn''t I tell you? Winter hasn''t passed yet."


    Sisi stuck her tongue out. "I forgot."


    Chenchen went back into the apartment and grabbed a scarf. "You can have mine."


    Sisi joyfully took it from her. "It''s very pretty."


    Looking at Chenchen taking care of Sisi like a true elder sister, Zhang Ye felt very pleased. He couldn''t help but caress Chenchen''s hair and say, "Alright, you''re all grown up now. So did you miss your Uncle Zhang during these few years?"


    Chenchen nodded. "Yes."


    Zhang Ye broke into a smile. "I suppose you still have a conscience."


    But this rascal''s next sentence made Zhang Ye hop in anger.


    He heard Chenchen let out a sigh. "There''s finally someone who can help me do my homework again!"


    Zhang Ye shouted, "Get lost!"


    Upstairs.


    At the doorstep of the former Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    The sign had not been removed, and a lot of dust had umted on it.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others were all waiting here. When they saw Chenchen, all of them rushed up and surrounded her. They had missed her greatly.


    "Chenchen!"


    "You''re this tall already?"


    "Do you still remember Auntie?"


    Chenchen was pulling Sisi with one hand and holding a key in her other hand. She listlessly greeted them, "Old Ha, Old Zuo, Old Wu, Little Wang, you''re all here?" She then turned the key a few times and opened the door. She turned around and handed the key to Zhang Ye, saying, "My aunt knew that you got back a few days ago, so she called me. She told me to hand the key to you and wait until she got back to discuss the rent."


    Everything in the apartment was fully intact. It was kept in almost the exact same state as Zhang Ye had remembered before he left.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "This ce hasn''t been rented out all this while?"


    Chenchen said, "No."


    Zhang Ye felt a warmth in his heart. "Old Rao is still as reliable as ever. Knowing that this bro would be back, she actually left the ce empty for me. I won''t call Old Rao a moneygrubber anymore."


    Chenchen suddenly said, "Oh, right. After the studio disbanded, my aunt opened up the ce as the original site of Zhang Ye''s Studio for the public to visit and sold tickets at 10 RMB per person, so she made quite a bit of money off it. But there hasn''t been much business in recent years. I suppose it''s because you''re washed up."


    Zhang Ye did not know whether tough or cry.


    Ha Qiqi and the others startedughing.


    Selling tickets?


    To the original site of Zhang Ye''s Studio?


    Only a miser like Big Sis Rao would think of a rotten idea like that!


    However, that did not matter to anyone anymore. Because, when they walked through the main door of the studio again after three years, when they saw this familiar environment once more, most of them got lost in their reminiscence of the ce. There was once a time when this was the ce they fought their battles. How many storms had they weathered in this ce? How many storms did they create in this ce? This was where Zhang Ye had gone, step by step, from an ordinary celebrity to be a top celebrity in Asia. It was also in this ce that they had gone from being an unknown celebrity studio to one of the most prestigious studios in China, or even Asia. This ce encapsted so many of their memories.


    And today, they were back.


    Today, they would start all over again from here.


    Looking at the tables and chairs in here, looking at the umted dust on them.


    Memories kept flooding into their minds.


    Some of them were excited, some were reminiscing, and some were sad. It was a gush of different emotions for every one of them.


    Zhang Ye smiled and pped his hands. "Come on then! Now that our studio has been reestablished, we cannot leave it in such a dirty state. Our first task will be to clean up the ce!"


    Zhang Zuoughed and said, "Alright!"


    Ha Qiqi rolled up her sleeves. "It''s time for some spring cleaning!"


    Little Wangughed loudly, "Haha, watch out! The most notorious team in showbiz is back in the game!"

 Chapter 1536 - The Heavenly King forgotten by the world!

    <h4>Chapter 1536 - The Heavenly King forgotten by the world! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the morning.


    Zhang Ye''s Studio, which had been silent for over three years, was back in action.


    On Weibo, quite a few people were discussing this topic.


    "Zhang Ye has actually returned!"


    "I''ve really missed Face-smacking Zhang."


    "Could this fellow be trying to start something again?"


    "But he''s probably not going to be able to call the shots in this day and age, right?"


    "Yeah, any random young, hot celebrity is more popr than him these days."


    "Let''s wait and see what kind of projects he''ll be taking."


    "Right, I wonder what Teacher Zhang''s market value is like these days."


    "If I were Teacher Zhang, I wouldn''t have made aeback. Back then, he was so popr, and so many people loved him like crazy. But it''spletely different now. Too many years have passed. If Zhang Ye makes his return and can''t evenmand one-third of the endorsement fees of a B-list hunk, that would be so embarrassing. I''d rather he leave us with the memory of his good times and just retire. The entertainment circle is being rejuvenated with young blood, with an emphasis on good looks and idol values. Teacher Zhang doesn''t fit in with any of that. He''s never been an idol since the start, so he''ll definitely find it even harder to get ahead now."


    "I''m not too optimistic either."


    "Hai, Face-smacking Zhang has really gotten old."


    There were all kinds of talk.


    Most people held a skeptical stance regarding this matter.


    ��


    At the studio.


    Everyone got busy.


    Ha Qiqi was making some phone calls:


    "Boss Yan."


    "Director Ha, has Teacher Zhang really made hiseback?"


    "Yes, he''ll be returning to the entertainment circle starting today."


    "Then we''d like to arrange an endorsement deal with Teacher Zhang."


    "Sure."


    "We have a new beverage that will be released to the market soon. It''s a new product for the brand name that Teacher Zhang used to endorse for us several years ago. Will you be interested in working together on it?"


    "Of course, we can always discuss about it. What is the endorsement pay?"


    "Why don''t we do it this way? We''ll sign a year''s contract at three million RMB first, how about that?"


    "Three million RMB?"


    "Director Ha, that''s already quite a big sum of money."


    "If you aren''t sincere in your offer, I''m afraid we won''t be able to discuss this further."


    "I am sincere, but that''s the market rate these days. Director Ha, I know that you find this amount to be somewhat little, but times have changed. We were able to ept Teacher Zhang''s rate of 30 million RMB a year for his endorsement back then and would never have bargained with it. But it''s not the same anymore. I''m sure you know Teacher Zhang''s situation clearer than I do. It''s also a big risk for us to get Teacher Zhang to endorse us. Surely you can''t let us lose money, right? And besides, the amount that we''re offering to Teacher Zhang is still very high. I believe that, after some time, when the news of his return as a Heavenly King fades away, and when the news of humans winning against PeterGo has cooled, his value will drop even further."


    Nearby.


    Zhang Zuo was also in contact with apany.


    "Amercial appearance?"


    "Right, is Teacher Zhang willing to take the job?"


    "What''s the price?"


    "Why don''t you quote us?"


    "If it''s arge ribbon cutting ceremony, that will be 3 million RMB per engagement."


    "Come again?"


    "Three million RMB, that''s not asking for much. Teacher Zhang has never taken anymercial appearances before, but we''re willing to make an exception since our studio has just reopened and we''re in need of money."


    "That''s too expensive. Even if we were to invite a male idol for this event, it would only cost three to four million RMB. That won''t do. We can only offer up to 600,000 RMB, not any higher than that. Brother Zuo, you worked with us at your previouspany, right? You''ve also been in the entertainment business for the past few years, so surely you should know the market rates better than us, right? If this were four years ago, we''d surely grab the offer even if Teacher Zhang was asking for five million RMB, much less three million RMB. How manypanies in the industry were able to invite Zhang Ye for amercial appearance, after all? But now? You must be joking, right? Teacher Zhang''s name isn''t even in the poprity rankings anymore, so how could it cost that much?"


    On the other side of the office.


    Little Wang was also making calls on her cell phone.


    The entire office could hear Little Wang screaming.


    "What did you just say? 500,000?"


    "Yeah, that''s right."


    "Director Chen, you''re offering 500,000 RMB for Teacher Zhang to act in a show? Are you alright?"


    "Little Wang, Teacher Zhang isn''t going to be the main lead in the show. It will only be a guest appearance. There are only two scenes and a line for him, so surely 500,000 RMB isn''t little, right?"


    "We don''t intend to take a guest appearance!"


    "You want to take the leading role?"


    "Yeah, and there''s also a requirement to vet the script first."


    "Hur hur, then I think you better check with the others. There isn''t such an opportunity in our production crew. Little Wang, don''t mind me saying this, but go ask around in the industry about which big productions for a TV drama or film are not hiring young, hot male celebs to be their leading roles. Without them, where would the box office earningse from? Where would the viewershipe from?"


    An hourter.


    None of the studio''s staff could get any leads.


    Zhang Ye was busy humoring and ying with his daughter.


    Ha Qiqi came over and said, "The ads and endorsements these days are paying too little!"


    Zhang Zuo sighed. "I couldn''t get anything either. All of the offers were basically insincere."


    Little Wang said angrily, "Don''t even mention the production crews that I had to contact. What are they even thinking! Trying to get Director Zhang to act in a supporting role? No, it''s not even a supporting role; it''s just a guest star! And they''re only paying 500,000 RMB too!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "How much are the others getting?"


    Ha Qiqi hesitated.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "You can speak the truth."


    Only then did Ha Qiqi say, "Two months ago, young gun Guan Zhaohua was reported to have received 50 million RMB a year for an advertising endorsement deal."


    Zhang Ye asked, "And what are they offering to me? "


    Ha Qiqi said in anger, "They''re offering three million."


    Three million?


    50 million?


    This was a difference of more than just one zero!


    Zhang Ye smiled. "This is normal."


    Little Wang said, "What''s normal? It''s not normal at all!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Do you guys remember that I said four or five years ago that the entertainment circle would be taken over by young, hot men? That''s why I told everyone at that time that we''d have to get to the top within a year, or it would get very difficult after that to advance. Look at this. The entertainment industry has be the entertainment industry I predicted, so this isn''t surprising to me at all."


    Zhang Ye had already experienced a simr situation in his previous world, so he did not find this to be a strange phenomenon and was in fact mentally prepared for it.


    Zhang Ye took out his cell phone and said, "Let me make a call."


    He had just changed his SIM card today, and his cell phone number was back in use.


    He still had telephone numbers stored in his SIM, but he wondered if any of his old friends had changed their numbers. If they did, he would really be unable to get in contact with them.


    Du du du.


    The call connected.


    Famous film director Li Ke answered: "Zhang''er?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Director Li, you still have my number saved?"


    Li Ke said in surprise: "You haven''t changed your number either. I was trying to call you yesterday, but I couldn''t get through."


    "I just got a new SIM card today. The old card couldn''t be used anymore, but the numbers were still saved on it." Then Zhang Ye said: "I heard that you were preparing for a new movie recently? I''ve juste back, so would you like to offer your old friend a job?"


    Li Ke said: "I was looking for you regarding this matter as well. Did you think that I didn''t think of you? When I learned that you were back, my guess was that you''d definitely have nothing much to do. At that time, the second male lead was not selected yet. Therefore, I suggested to the investors to get you, but��" he sighed. "They were not willing to."


    Zhang Ye asked: "Was it a matter of the sry?"


    Li Ke said: "It''s not that. They were just worried that you''d affect the screening of the movie. After all, your case caused a huge impact. You were taken off the poprity rankings because you had be a banned artist. Although almost four years have passed, they are still afraid that it will have some implications now and in the future. You might not know this, but after you went to prison, many of your projects got affected. The investors are only out for profit, so it''s only natural that they would have concerns. As such, the productionpany overrode me today and selected a B-list young gun to join the film. They didn''t even seek my opinion on it."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement: "Old Li, you''ve been in the industry for so long, and you''re considered one of the few elite directors in the country, but why does it feel like you''re starting to lose your authority?"


    Li Ke said helplessly: "The environment has changed. It''s a different era now. I''m getting old, and my previous few movies didn''t do well either, so I''ve lost the influence that I had. It''s now the era of the male idols. Do you know why the investors love them so much? Even though their sries are high, with some productions hitting 200 million RMB in investment, half of that being used for their sries, they''re still willing to pay that amount. That''s because their involvement in the movie basically guarantees a certain profit. A male idol can bring in a massive number of fans, and that means that even before a movie is filmed, or before a television drama starts production, the box office earnings and viewership are already a guarantee."


    Zhang Ye said: "Is it really that exaggerated?"


    Li Ke told him: "That is how it works these days. With a young stud cast in a leading role of a movie, even if the word of mouth for the movie is terrible, with ratings so low that even the industry insiders are unable to bear seeing it, the box office earnings at the end still leave everyone dumbfounded. 500 million yuan! Can you imagine that?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Then help me find a reliable investor. I''ll shoot something myself."


    Li Ke asked: "You want to self-direct and act in it?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Yes."


    "A TV series or a movie?"


    "Either is fine."


    "I don''t think there are any opportunities like that. Who would be willing to invest in you? Be it a movie or TV series, you''ve never done any of them before. Can the investors trust you? To shoot a production these days, all you need is arge investment and have hot, young men join the project to make it work. Do you think they still care about acting skills? Or experience? All of those are outdated ways of doing things. Do you know why Ning Lan retired? It''s not because she got married, but that herst two movies after her marriage only took in just over a 100 million yuan at the box office. This is Ning Lan we''re talking about, an A-lister and a best actress winner. What does it mean to earn just over a 100 million yuan at the box office? Can you imagine that?"


    The call ended.


    Zhang Ye shrugged.


    Endorsements?


    Commercial appearances?


    Acting?


    Directing?


    All of the possible inroads seemed to be cut off for him.


    Ha Qiqi rubbed her forehead. "Even Director Li can''t help?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Director Li can''t even fend for himself anymore. He also has it tough."


    When Chenchen, who was ying with Sisi nearby, heard that, she said, "So, Zhang Ye, it''s true that you''re a has-been?"


    This was show business.


    The cruelest ce in the world.


    Hearing that, Sisi panicked. "Daddy isn''t a has-been! Daddy is the greatest!"


    Zhang Ye picked up his daughter with a smile and gave her a kiss. "Right, they just don''t know how to appreciate what''s good."


    Sisi nodded enthusiastically. "Daddy is the greatest superstar!"


    Zhang Zuo was tickled. "That''s right, your daddy is the most unique celebrity in the world. You can''t find someone like him no matter how hard you look."


    Ha Qiqi came over and patted Sisi on her head. She said emotionally, "It''s been four years already. A lot of people seem to have forgotten about the earth-shattering events that your daddy caused. Since they''ve forgotten, let us remind them once more! Since no one is optimistic about your daddy, let''s tread our own path to move forward on. We''ll make them remember your daddy''s name again!"

 Chapter 1537 - An anti-corruption drama project?

    <h4>Chapter 1537 - An anti-corruption drama project? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    One day.


    Two days.


    Three days.


    Be it in China.


    Or in Asia.


    The entire entertainment industry was observing the activities of Zhang Ye''s Studio. However, after several days had passed, there were still no signs of anything happening. The first project that Zhang Ye would be taking after his return did note to fruition. Originally, everyone was not too optimistic about Zhang Ye''s chances and felt that his status in the entertainment industry was kind of awkward. But now, they felt even more pessimistic about it.


    Quite a few news reports came out.


    "The fees to invite Zhang Ye for amercial appearance falls to a low!"


    "Zhang Ye''s endorsement fee drops like crazy!"


    "Advertising fee is not evenparable to a C-list celebrity?"


    "ording to an inside source: Li Ke''s new film had the intention to invite Zhang Ye on board their project but was blocked by production''s investors!"


    "Zhang Ye''s Studio reopens, but obstacles abound!"


    "Experts'' opinion: It will be difficult for Zhang Ye to rise again!"


    "For now, no entertainmentpany is willing to offer an olive branch to Zhang Ye!"


    "A Heavenly King returns, but no one is optimistic!"


    ��


    On this morning.


    At the studio.


    Ha Qiqi keptmenting, "Out of sight, out of mind."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Still no suitable projects?"


    Ha Qiqi shook her head. "I''ve already asked everywhere."


    Wu Yi said, "We''re not asking for those big projects like we used to do four years ago. But the problem is that there aren''t even smaller but reliable cooperative deals that we can find. The investors are only thinking of making a quick buck. They''re trying to make use of the momentum from youreback to stir up those nostalgic feelings from the yesteryears, but their offers are quite insincere."


    Zhang Yeughed. In the entire studio, he was the only one who was taking it well. He said, "Take it slowly. I''ve only just returned, so everything will have to start afresh."


    Cooperation?


    Projects?


    Where were they supposed to look for all of that?


    Zhang Ye''s Studio was really short of money right now. Zhang Ye had given in on takingmercial appearances. They could ept those jobs, but the offers were too low. Further, this wasn''t going to be a solution for them in the long run either. For work likemercial appearances, one''s poprity would decrease the more they took. The root of the problem was: They had to urgently get a project to prove themselves with. They had to prove that they could still do everything well after so many years away!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s cell phone rang.


    It was a call from Wu Zeqing.


    Zhang Ye walked off to answer. "Old Wu, you''ve reached your office?"


    She said: "Yes, I just got out of our morning meeting. Where''s Sisi?"


    "I sent her to my parents'' ce this morning."


    She asked: "Are you at the studio?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Yeah."


    She asked: "You haven''t received any work yet?"


    "Not yet, everyone is just chatting."


    She said: "Then why don''t youe to my office to have a look."


    "What''s up? Is there something?"


    She said: "Come over and talk."


    "Alright, I''ll go over to have a look then. I haven''t been to your workce after you were transferred to a different department."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye informed his staff and drove out.


    Around 20 minutester.


    At West Chang''an Avenue 1 .


    At thepound of the Central Publicity Department 2 .


    In front of a high wall, Zhang Ye''s car drove over. There were three cars waiting in the line ahead of him, and the security guard at the gate was checking them one by one. One of the cars did not have a valid pass and was stopped.


    The woman in the car said, "I have an appointment with Deputy Director Chen."


    The security guard said with a straight face, "We did not receive any notice of that."


    The woman had to make a call on the spot. Soon after, a young man who seemed to be a secretary working here ran out to bring the woman in. All of the inconvenience left her very unhappy.


    The woman said, "Little Sun, why is it so strict over here?"


    Secretary Sun smiled and said, "A lot of meetings have been held here recently, so the checks have gotten stricter."


    Zhang Ye''s car also drove in.


    The security guard stopped him.


    Zhang Ye lowered his car window and took off his sunsses.


    When the security guard saw his face, he immediately waved him through.


    The woman wasn''t happy to see that. "Why didn''t they check him?"


    Secretary Sun also wondered and said, "I''ve never seen that car before?"


    When the BMW got parked, the car door opened and Zhang Ye got out.


    The woman said angrily, "Why is there such biased treatment? I needed someone to escort me in and even had to go through the security checks, but why is that person allowed to juste in like that?"


    When Secretary Sun saw the young man, he froze. Then, when he heard theints of his boss''s cousin, he got scared. He anxiously hushed her. "Sister Li, be quiet, be quiet!"


    The woman asked, "What''s the matter?''


    Secretary Sun whispered, "That''s an official''s husband."


    "And I am an official''s cousin!"


    Secretary Sun gave a wry smile. What kind of official is yours, and what kind of official is that person''s!


    Secretary Sun said, "That''s Minister Wu''s husband."


    The woman was startled. "Isn''t Deputy Minister Wu''s husband that guy?" She finally reacted as she looked at the man. "Ah? That''s��"


    There were a few people in thepound.


    One of the young men who spotted Zhang Ye reacted very quickly. He hurriedly went up to greet him. "Mr. Zhang, you''re here?"


    Zhang Ye didn''t know who he was, so he just smiled and said, "What floor is Old Wu on?"


    The young man replied, "I''ll bring you there. This way, please."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Alright, sorry to trouble you."


    "Aiyo, you''re too polite," the youth said courteously as he led the way.


    On the way there, they met a few other people, and all of them also greeted Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye smiled and nodded back at them.


    The environment here was clearly different from the SARFT when Old Wu was working there. It was very quiet in thepound, and everyone seemed to be very reserved and careful when they spoke.


    A few minutester.


    In a building block.


    Zhang Ye met with Wu Zeqing''s new secretary.


    The young man said, "Sister Ci, it''s Mr. Zhang''s first time here, so I led him over."


    Secretary Ci smiled. "Thanks, Little Han."


    The young man said, "You''re wee, you''re wee."


    Secretary Ci quickly opened the door. "Teacher Zhang, pleasee in."


    Zhang Ye went inside.


    In the room.


    Wu Zeqing was altering a document with her head lowered.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s so difficult to meet you in here. I had to go all over the ce just to get here since you didn''t arrange for anyone to bring me in."


    Wu Zeqing finished writing and put aside the document. She said with a smile, "I didn''t know what time you''d get here, so I didn''t arrange for Little Ci to meet you downstairs."


    "You''re so busy?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Wu Zeqing said, "Yes, I was just transferred here a few months ago, but there''s already a lot of work piling up. It wasn''t so bad in the past few years when I was in a non-leadership role. There wasn''t much to do then, and I could still asionally take care of our daughter when I wasn''t busy. But I can''t do that anymore."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You''re a deputy minister, so of course you''d be busy."


    Wu Zeqing said, "I''m just at the lowest rank of ministers in the Party, and it''s just a deputy post."


    Zhang Ye spread his hands and said, "It''s still a high-ranking official position. You didn''t see it earlier, but when I entered thepound, so many people were greeting me to the point that I felt embarrassed. It wasn''t so bad with the ''Mr. Zhang,'' but some others were clearly around your age and greeted me as ''Big Brother Zhang.'' I don''t even know if I should acknowledge them. I think it''s best that Ie here as little as possible."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "I''ll talk to them next time."


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "Forget it, this happened when you were at the SARFT too. I''m used to it."


    Old Wu had been officially posted to the Central Publicity Department, so Zhang Ye was actually pretty happy. He knew that after his incident, Old Wu also got implicated. They were a couple, after all. When Old Wu took the initiative to resign from her role at the SARFT after the incident, the party transferred her to a standard department. For several more postings after that, she continued being transferred to other standard departments, holding a non-leadership role as well. Now that her career was back on track, Zhang Ye felt very happy for her.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Oh yes, Old Wu, why did you ask me toe here?"


    Wu Zeqing pulled a drawer open and took out a document. "Take a look at this."


    "What is it?" Zhang Ye crossed his legs and sat back, taking the document from her.


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Aren''t you getting no work at the moment? I have a project over here, but it''s not anything good. Take a look and tell me if you''re OK with it."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "You even have something for me here?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "I really do."


    Zhang Ye flipped through the document. He was dumbfounded!


    A film and TV project?


    An anti-corruption drama?


    Wu Zeqing exined, "This was a project that the Central Publicity Department came up with at the end ofst year. You may call it a political duty, because there is a very fierce crackdown 3 on the ''tigers'' going on, and the State is very determined to fight corruption. As an ideological mouthpiece, the ministry is leading the way by producing a TV series, and the basic concept is anti-corruption. It''s been over half a year, but there hasn''t been any progress at all. There are many reasons for this, with one being that no one dares to take on a TV series with propaganda, and two being that there isn''t much funding for it. The funds that the ministry has for this project is limited, with at most 30 million RMB allocated to it. Based on the specifications, it''s not really enough to get any of the more popr actors on board for the project. We''ve approached quite a few directors, but none of them are willing to take it on. Although the ministry also has an in-house video department, they are only meant for doing promotions. There aren''t any professional film directors. With theck of a director and a script, the project kept getting put on hold."


    Zhang Ye was already getting very excited. "Are there any limitations on the script?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "No."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What about the scope of involvement?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "It can involve official ranks."


    Zhang Ye said, "OK."


    Wu Zeqing said, "Without any restriction on how high up thedder it can go."


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t try to fool me. I know the criteria that the SARFT will assess it on. When one of the dramas back then showed a police station''s director getting involved in criminal activities, the SARFT banned it."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "That''s old news from so many years ago. The SARFT is under our jurisdiction, so would they dare ban a project headed by the Central Publicity Department?" With a pause, she said, "Since this was requested by the higher-ups, everything will naturally be greenlit. But since this is a drama with a political message, there are some requirements to it. We request that it meet a 1% nationwide viewership rating. We don''t want to fork out 30 million yuan and end up having no one to watch it. That wouldn''t do. At the very least, there must be a minimum amount of viewers. This was also why a lot of the directors that we approached were unwilling to take on the project. There''s no profit to be made, yet they must still guarantee a minimum amount of viewership. Therefore, just like I told you, this project isn''t actually that good. Otherwise, it wouldn''t have been dyed until now with no one wanting to take it on."


    An anti-corruption drama?


    Without any restrictions?


    Hahahaha!


    Zhang Ye jumped to his feet.


    Wu Zeqing said, "What is it?"


    Zhang Ye strode up to Old Wu and excitedly kissed her. "Old Wu, you''re really my dearest wife!"


    Wu Zeqingughed. "What am I if I''m not your dearest wife?"


    What do you call timely rains?


    This is what you fucking call timely rains!


    What do you call timely assistance?


    This is what you bloody call timely assistance!


    He was getting whatever he needed!


    Wu Zeqing knew that her husband did not have any experience filming TV series and films, so she asked, "Can you direct a TV drama?"


    Zhang Ye banged the table excitedly and said, "Can I direct it? I''ll direct one and show you what I can do. Old Wu, I ept this project!"

 Chapter 1538 - Come on out, In the Name of the People!

    <h4>Chapter 1538 - Come on out, In the Name of the People! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    At the studio.


    Zhang Ye came back to the studio with the project in high spirits. "Everyone, gather around. We have work to do!"


    Everyone was startled and pleasantly surprised.


    "There''s work?"


    "So quickly?"


    "I thought you went to look for your wife?"


    "So what big job is it?"


    Zhang Ye ced the documents down and said, "Have a look."


    When the studio''s staff saw the project details that Zhang Ye had brought back, many of them were dumbfounded.


    Ha Qiqi said dumbfoundedly, "An anti-corruption drama?"


    Tong Fu eximed, "What the hell!"


    Wu Yi said anxiously, "Director Zhang, calm down! Don''t rush into it!"


    Little Wang said in a panic, "Although we aren''t exactly in the best of situations, we cannot take any job that is offered to us. Th-This project mustn''t be taken!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Why can''t we take it?"


    "This sort of project is a trap!" Tong Fu was sweating. "A political drama isn''t going to be easy to shoot. Even up to a few years ago, no one would dare to take on such a drama. The topic is too serious, and there''s too strong a political inclination. The public definitely won''t ept it. Furthermore, what era are we in now? It''s the age ofmercial productions. To surpass 1% in the viewership ratings, only amercially motivated drama or an idol show could do it. Nothing else can achieve that. We cannot jump into a pit like this. What if the viewership does not meet the requirements of the Central Publicity Department after we film it? Who is going to take responsibility for that? That kind of pressure is too great!"


    Ha Qiqi gasped and said, "There will only be an investment of 30 million RMB?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "That''s all that they have."


    Ha Qiqi still understood the market. She said, "To throw 30 million yuan into a TV series, that should only be enough to cover the shooting costs, right? Which TV series these days don''t have an investment of a 100 or 200 million yuan? There''s even a TV series with a budget of 500 million yuan. This is indeed not a good project to take."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I know that."


    Zhang Zuo wiped his sweat away. "And we even have to assemble the production crew ourselves?"


    "Isn''t there already a production crew?" Zhang Ye said.


    Zhang Zuo was taken aback. "Where are you getting that from? It''s not like the Central Publicity Department will be providing us with one, right?"


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "Isn''t our forte exactly in filming things? What''s wrong? Have you all thrown away all your skills after so many years away?"


    Everyone was floored!


    Turning the studio into a production crew?


    Little Wang was horrified. She said, "We have only shot variety shows in the past!"


    Tong Fu said, "At most, we dabbled in documentary filmmaking!"


    Zhang Ye sighed and remarked, "Isn''t that more or less the same?"


    More or less the same?


    It''s way too different, alright!


    This is an entirely unrted subject!


    This is two entirely different skill sets!


    Ha Qiqi gave a wry smile. "Director Zhang, aren''t there any better options than this?"


    Zhang Ye spread his hands with a smile. "This is the best option we have in our situation, a 30 million RMB anti-corruption drama. I''ll be the director and the project manager. From the casting, allocation of funds, filming, and editing, all of that will be decided by us alone. There won''t be anyone else getting involved, and we will have absolute autonomy over the project."


    Ha Qiqi gave it some thought before saying, "Then let''s do it."


    Little Wang said, "Director Zhang, Sister Ha��but!"


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "There''s indeed no better option than this."


    Everyone sighed.


    Tong Fu asked, "So it''s gonna be a TV drama then?"


    Wu Yi asked, "We''re crossing over again?"


    Little Wang said, "It feels like we''ve been crossing over all our lives."


    Zhang Zuo said, "For a celebrity''seback, instead of restarting in a familiar field, we''re taking on a totally new trade. We''re truly the only ones who dare risk it all and do something like this in the entire industry. But alright, the general trend in the entertainment industry these days is slowly moving towards TV dramas anyway. It is the same be it locally or abroad, so we definitely have to dip our hands into doing them from now on if we wish to advance further. It''s not something that we can avoid, so this is a good time for us to try it out. Hai, it''s just that this feels really stressful."


    Zhang Ye snapped his fingers and said, "Alright, then our production crew has been officially set up."


    Since Director Zhang had had made his decision, everyone went along with it.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Please delegate the tasks."


    Zhang Ye said, "Old Ha, you''ve been involved in directing for these few years too, so you definitely have to be my assistant director. I''ll let you be responsible for the filming."


    "OK." Ha Qiqi responded.


    Zhang Ye said, "Brother Zuo, you will also be appointed as an assistant director. I''ll leave all internal matters and affairs to you."


    Zhang Zuo said, "Understood."


    Zhang Ye said, "Old Wu, get in contact with the Central Publicity Department and have them get the equipment and funds ready."


    Wu Yi said, "OK, I''ll get it done."


    One by one, the tasks wereid out.


    Ha Qiqi asked, "What about the script?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ll write it myself."


    Finally, Zhang Ye returned to his own office.


    There had never been a change in the order of poprity for a celebrity in the entire entertainment circle before.


    #1: Film and television stars.


    #2: Singers.


    #3: Variety stars.


    #4: Hosts.


    #5: All other artists.


    From the 2nd to 5th ces, they might vary a little due to certain factors surrounding the celebrities themselves, but it was always the film and television stars who were in first ce. Their status in the industry was virtually unshakable. Be it in China or Asia, or even the world, a film and television star always ranked first in their orders of magnitude. This was a long-recognized phenomenon in the industry.


    Many years ago, a lot of experts and media personalities had evaluated Zhang Ye as someone who walked the celebrity path with only one leg. If a celebrity wanted to develop a long-term career in the entertainment circle, how could they not get involved in film and television? The film and television field was a much bigger one than the music scene, so a lot of people were not that optimistic about Zhang Ye''s chances in the entertainment circle. But today, Zhang Ye was finally getting involved in a television project. He was going to make an attempt, and it was also an opportunity for him. Having journeyed with only one leg so far, he had managed to get to the top of both the Chinese and Asian entertainment circles. And now, Zhang Ye was finally going to walk without anything holding him back. As for how far he could go on this path and how well he could walk it, no one knew yet.


    Only Zhang Ye was very much looking forward to it. He smiled and booted up hisputer.


    A script?


    Let it be that one then.


    He didn''t even think of a second option.


    An hour.


    Three hours.


    Five hours.


    Night had fallen, but Zhang Ye''s office door did not open all this while. Only the sound of tapping away at keys could be hearding from inside. They couldn''t create a grand setting with a 30 million yuan investment, nor could they afford to hire any hot, young guys. In the understanding of this world''s people and industry insiders, even if this sort of television drama could be shot well, it wouldn''t garner much viewership. Because no matter which angle you looked at it from, it didn''t have any qualities that would suggest the drama would be explosive. That was an absolutely impossible oue.


    Perhaps only Zhang Ye knew.


    Perhaps only the people of Zhang Ye''s previous world had witnessed it before.


    Without any hot, young men.


    Without any huge investments.


    An anti-corruption drama could be so explosively popr that its own mother would not recognize it!


    Zhang Ye could already see the dumbfounded expressions of this world''s people!


    Come on out, In the Name of the People 1 !


    This is going to be this bro''s first project since myeback. I''ll be depending on you!

 Chapter 1539 - A group of old friends take on the industry again! (First half)

    <h4>Chapter 1539 - A group of old friends take on the industry again! (First half) </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Several dayster.


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    Ding dong, ding dong. Someone was pressing on the doorbell.


    When Old Yao''s wife opened the door, she froze right there. Then she eximed, "Zhang''er! What are you doing here? Come in quickly!"


    Zhang Ye came in carryingrge and small bags of items. "Sister-inw, it''s been a while."


    Old Yao''s wife''s eyes had reddened. "It''s been four years."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Yeah. In a sh, four years have already passed."


    A scream came from a bedroom. Yao Jiancai''s daughter, Yao Mi, came running out. "Is it Uncle Zhang? Is it Uncle Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye smiled broadly. "It''s me."


    Yao Mi went up to him and gave him a hug. "You''re finally back!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yes, I''m back. Where''s your dad?"


    Finally, Yao Jiancai, who was still dressed in his pajamas, slowly walked out of his bedroom.


    When the two saw each other, they both broke into smiles.


    Old Yao had changed too much.


    He had less hair now and was thinner than before.


    Yao Jiancai looked at him. "You''ve been back for how long now? So you''ve finally remembered abouting to visit, huh?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "There were too many things to handle since I got back. I haven''t even met up with any of our old friends yet. Let me say this first. You''re the first person that I came to look for, so how''s that for a friend? I heard that your career has been going backwards these few years? You don''t even do crosstalk anymore? And the roles that you y on TV are always as the antagonists? What''s with that?" He sized him up. "Why have you gotten so thin? You''re old, why would you go on a diet? What''s the meaning of this? Are you nning to be an idol celebrity?"


    Old Yao''s wife snickered. "What diet can he be on? He has be thin from anger."


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "Oh, who has offended our Teacher Yao?"


    Old Yao''s wife said, "It''s all because he couldn''t get any roles in the good productions these days. The market is being dominated by the young studs nowadays, so there are fewer and fewer spots for the other actors to maneuver around."


    Yao Jiancai smacked his lips and said, "Enough, why are you bringing that up?"


    Old Yao''s wife rolled her eyes. "Little Zhang isn''t an outsider."


    Yao Mi hurriedly said, "Uncle Zhang, what do you n on doing now that you''re back? Quickly start something. My dad has been cking at home for the past two months."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "I do have a project on hand."


    Yao Jiancai said curiously, "There''s actually someone who would hand you a project to do?"


    Zhang Ye said a bit embarrassed, "It''s a project from the Central Publicity Department."


    When they heard that, they were astounded.


    Yao Jiancai burst intoughter. "You two intend to keep the family store running, huh?"


    Zhang Ye ignored him and ced the script down. "I''ve kept a role for you. Take a look and see if you want to take it. But let me say this first: Don''t have any expectations for the pay. It will definitely be very low. I''ll let you in on something, though. If you can act well in this role, I guarantee that you won''t have a problem staying popr for the next three to five years. But I''m afraid that you''ll screw it up with your acting. It''s been so many years. Can you still do it?"


    Yao Jiancai chuckled and said, "Your bro has only got his acting skills left now."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then read the script."


    Yao Jiancai said, "There''s no need for that. Just let me know when the filming begins."


    ��


    In a luxurious vi neighborhood.


    Ning Lan''s home.


    Zhang Ye and Ning Lan were sitting across from each other. Ning Lan''s husband got their servant to step down as he personally brought over some tea.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Boss Yuan, you''re too kind."


    Ning Lan smiled. "Why would you call him Boss Yuan? Just address him as Old Yuan."


    Old Yuanughed and said, "Right, any friends of Lan''s are also my friends."


    "Sure then, I''ll address you as Old Yuan." Zhang Ye said, "So when did you two get married? "


    Ning Lan crossed her legs and said, "Two years ago. In the past, I thought that I would definitely have to get you as the emcee for my wedding. But since you couldn''t be released, I thought maybe I shouldn''t wait any longer. So I went ahead and got hitched."


    Old Yuan was a very rich businessman.


    But Zhang Ye could see that the two of them enjoyed a very good rtionship with each other.


    Old Yuan smiled. "Go ahead and chat. I''ll be in the living room watching TV."


    When he left, Ning Lan smiled and said, "You''ve been back for a fortnight already, right? So how''s everything? Can you sense how different the world has be?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yeah, it''s very obvious."


    Ning Lan said, "Do you really intend to take on the industry again?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Why not?"


    Ning Lan said emotionally, "We''re all getting old, and our poprity is no longer the same."


    "Is that why you retired? Is that why you didn''t take any more acting roles?" Zhang Ye looked at her. "You were the model worker of the entertainment circle, a best actress winner who dared to take over a dozen projects in a single year, so what''s this about? You''re retiring so soon? Are you thinking of sitting back and enjoying a rich housewife life from here on out?"


    Ning Lan was looking a little out of sorts. "I''ve already gotten married and am a wife now, so of course my focus would have to shift towards my family."


    Zhang Ye could see that Ning Lan still couldn''t let go of acting.


    Having been in this industry for her entire working life!


    Having been involved in so many films and television series!


    How could she possibly just drop everything so easily!


    To people like her, work was a part of their life.


    Zhang Ye said, "There were only two recognized model workers in the entertainment industry back then, with the male artist being me, and the female artist being you. Of course, calling me a model worker was a little ironic and I only got called that because I kept causing trouble every day. But for you, calling you a model worker was a really well-deserved title. Until now, no one has managed to break your record for the number of projects taken in a year." He then took out a script and ced it on the table. "I''ve epted a TV drama project, and there''s a role in it that I just can''t seem to think of anyone who it''s suitable for. It calls for a really skilled actor to be cast, so I could only think of you and no one else."


    Ning Lan looked at the script on the table but did not reach out to take it. "I''ve retired from the scene."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Then can I invite you to make a return?"


    Ning Lan looked out towards the living room. "Forget it, I''m old, and I don''t have the energy for acting anymore. So what if you can act well these days? That isn''t worth even half of what a young hunk can offer."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Take a look at the script first."


    Ning Lan shook her head.


    Zhang Ye said, "Read it."


    Ning Lan hesitated for a moment before picking it up. "Alright, alright, I''ll have a look."


    After she did that, she read for the next hour.


    When she finished reading it, Ning Lan put down the script with a bitter smile and pointed at Zhang Ye. "I finally understand now. You''re purposely trying to hook me in!" She was itching to take the project.


    From the living room, Old Yuan walked over.


    Ning Lan smiled and said, "Old Yuan, quickly chase him out."


    Old Yuan said in amusement, "What''s the matter?"


    Ning Lan sighed. "I''m happy being your wife, but this fellow keeps insisting that I return to the industry. Isn''t he trying to scam me?"


    Old Yuan nced at his wife. "You still wish to act, don''t you?"


    Ning Lan did not reply.


    Old Yuan stayed silent for a while before saying, "If you wish to act again, go and do it."


    Ning Lan looked at him. "I thought you didn''t want me to act anymore?"


    Old Yuan said with a wry smile, "I just didn''t want you to be too tired. But ever since we got married, I can see that you haven''t been as happy as before. I heard from the servant that you''re always catching up on the entertainment news when you''re at home. I know that you can''t let go of those old friends of yours or your acting. If you wish to act, then do it. I will support you."


    Ning Lan smiled at this and asked Zhang Ye, "So what do you think of my husband?"


    Zhang Ye gave him a thumbs up. "He''s a good man!"


    Ning Lan decided, "It''s only you who can convince me to make a return. Alright, I''ll apany you to take on the industry again!"


    Old Yuan was floored. He said, "I finally understand now. So the two of you were trying to set me up?"


    Both Zhang Ye and Ning Lan burst intoughter.

 Chapter 1540 - A group of old friends take on the industry again! (Second half)

    <h4>Chapter 1540 - A group of old friends take on the industry again! (Second half) </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Zhang Xia''s house.


    Zhang Ye came over uninvited.


    Grandma Zhang Xia said in surprise, "Little Zhang?"


    "Grandma Zhang, I''m here to visit you." Zhang Ye put some fruit down. "How has your health been?"


    Zhang Xia was very happy. "I''m doing well, I''m doing well."


    Zhang Xia''s daughter said from her side, "Teacher Zhang, my mom has been talking about you almost every day for the past few years. When she learned that you were back, she was so happy."


    Zhang Ye said, "What about me have you been talking about?"


    Her daughter smiled and said, "She would bementing whenever she watches TV, saying how the artists these days have no entertainer''s ethics and how they''re all only out to earn money. She says that they all should really learn more from your generation of artists about what social responsibility is and what serving the people is about."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "They should not learn from me. I ended up in jail when I served the people."


    Zhang Xia said, "Stay for dinner."


    Zhang Ye rubbed his belly. "Alright, I''m feeling hungry too. I didn''t eat anything when I was at Sister Ning''s ce earlier."


    Zhang Xia smiled. "You went to look for Little Ning?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yeah, I met Sister Ning''s husband too. He''s not bad."


    Zhang Xia nodded and said, "Her husband is a pretty good man. I met him once too, when they got married."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yes, he''s pretty good. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have managed to convince Sister Ning to return."


    Zhang Xia was taken aback. "Get her to return?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I took a TV drama project recently, so I''ve been busy recruiting cast members for it. I''ll also be acting in it and be directing it as well. But as you should know, I only know so many people. They''re all our old friends, so I''ll definitely need to get everyone''s support. This will be my first TV series since I debuted, and also the first project I''ll be working on since my return to the entertainment industry. As such, I''ll definitely have to do it well. Grandma Zhang, you''ll have to give me your support too."


    Zhang Xia smiled and said, "What do you need me to do?"


    Zhang Ye said, "The theme song, sing it for me."


    Zhang Xia looked at him. "There are so many popr singers. Why would you get an old singer like me who''s washed up instead of them? Who would still want to listen to me sing these days?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I do. I really like listening to you sing."


    Zhang Xiaughed for a long time. "Alright, alright, I''ll sing one for your sake."


    Her daughter said, "Mom, aren''t you no longer epting any more work?"


    Zhang Xia grinned. "That depends on whose work it is."


    Her daughter giggled. "So you''ve also be picky about your work?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Grandma Zhang is just picky about the people."


    ��


    At Dong Shanshan''s Studio.


    It was a busy in here.


    When Zhang Ye pushed open the door and entered, everyone froze and stared at him.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Is Shanshan around?"


    The next moment, Dong Shanshan appeared in his sights. When she saw Zhang Ye, Dong Shanshan smiled. She suddenly raised her hands and opened her arms with a smile.


    Zhang Ye also opened his arms.


    They looked at each other.


    And then hugged.


    Dong Shanshan asked, "You''re back?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "I''m back."


    "How does prison fare taste?"


    "It''s great. I''ve even put on weight."


    "You finally remembered your old ssmate?"


    "I just epted a TV drama, so I''ve been busy writing the script for the past few days."


    "You need my help?"


    "y a role for me."


    "When does filming start?"


    "In a few days'' time. I heard that you''ve be quite popr these days and even turned to the performing arts? Do you have free time?"


    "Yes, I''ve been quite free recently."


    "How''s Yingyi, Old Wang, and the others doing?"


    "We''ve all been waiting for you toe back to throw a party."


    "Alright, let''s set a day sometime to have our ss reunion."


    When Zhang Ye left, Dong Shanshan''s agent came over to her not knowing whether tough or cry. "Shanshan, you''ve got quite a few events lined up next month. Why did you��"


    Dong Shanshan smiled happily and said, "Reschedule all of those events forter."


    The agent did not say any more. She knew well the friendship between Dong Shanshan and Zhang Ye. In the recent two years, Dong Shanshan had not taken host positions for any variety show. She had already left Beijing Television for some time. But each year the new season of King of Masked Singers came around and at every grand finals of I Am a Singer, Beijing Television would always check in first with Dong Shanshan. As long as Dong Shanshan agreed, the host role would go to her. No one else in the entertainment circle could fight her for this.


    Quite a few hosts were very jealous of her.


    Quite a few industry insiders could not understand it.


    The staff of Dong Shanshan''s Studio did not used to understand either and were very puzzled. Later, someone from Beijing Television told them that it was because Zhang Ye had authorized quite a few of his shows to their station without requesting anypensation. The only condition he had for it was that as long as Dong Shanshan did not refuse, she would be the only choice of host for these shows. At that moment, the staff of Dong Shanshan''s Studio finally understood.


    How strong was their friendship?


    One wouldn''t have many such friends in their lifetime!


    ��


    At night.


    It had turned dark.


    At an old, two-story vi.


    A woman looked warily at Zhang Ye, who was standing at the door. "What are you doing here?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m looking for Old Jiang."


    The woman said with a dark expression, "He''s not around!"


    At this moment, Jiang Hanwei''s voice came from inside the house. "Let him in."


    Only then did Old Jiang''s wife unwillingly stand aside to let Zhang Ye into the house.


    Jiang Hanwei looked at him. "Take a seat. How did you find out where I lived?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "This bro has been in the circle for so many years. How hard would it be for me to find someone? Aren''t you belittling me?"


    Jiang Hanwei asked, "What do you want to drink?"


    "Anything''s fine." Zhang Ye was not picky.


    Jiang Hanwei said to his wife, "Pour him a cup of water."


    Zhang Ye said, "Thank you, Sister-inw."


    His wife still did not show him a weing attitude.


    Everyone in the entertainment circle knew about the old feud between Zhang Ye and Jiang Hanwei. It would be ridiculous if his wife did not also know about it.


    Jiang Hanwei said, "Why are you looking for me?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I heard that you haven''t been doing too well in the industry these past few years."


    Jiang Hanwei sneered. "I''m still better off than you."


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Is that so?"


    Jiang Hanweimented, "We''re both has-been celebrities, so let''s notugh at one another."


    Zhang Ye said, "I heard from someone that you got into a fight with a young gun? And even sent that guy into the hospital? Which nearly caused you to get cklisted?"


    Jiang Hanwei threw his hands up and got angry the moment he was reminded of it. "That brat was riding on his poprity and getting all touchy with my goddaughter, so of course I had to beat him up!"


    His goddaughter''s rtionship with Zhang Ye was very good. After all, she was a former member of Spring Garden, Xiaodong.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "That''s a good punishment. Even if you had not beaten him up, I would have done so myself."


    Jiang Hanwei curled his lips. "You''ve gotten into all that trouble and were even sent to jail. As if you could beat him up."


    Zhang Ye grinned and said, "So how? You''ve witnessed the might of the male idols'' fans, right?"


    Jiang Hanwei rolled his eyes and did not pay attention to him.


    Zhang Ye said, "I heard that he has so many fans that they can each spit on you once and drown you. The media also scolded you terribly in a one-sided affair. Hur hur, you understand it now, right? That when ites to fighting, you aren''t a match for me? This bro was involved in so many fights back then and even scolded so many popr artists, yet there was nothing they could do about me. I still carried on living my life as normal."


    Jiang Hanwei said with contempt, "That''s true, who canpare with you in that aspect? I''m a professional actor, but you''re a professional fighter."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "It''s been so long, yet you still haven''t forgotten about our feud? I don''t even bear a grudge anymore."


    Jiang Hanwei nearly blew his top. "At Xiaodong''s birthday banquet, bastard, it was you who sent me flying with my car into the ditch. Why would you bear any grudge!"


    Zhang Yeughed loudly at that.


    When Jiang Hanwei saw his reaction, he also couldn''t hold back hisughter.


    About their feud years ago, who could really say who was to me?


    It was all water under the bridge. Now that they were talking about it again, there wasn''t a hint of hatred. The only thing left was a sense of nostalgia.


    Zhang Ye brought out the script at this moment. "Let''s get down to business then. I''ve taken a TV drama project recently, and there''s a role that reminded me of you. Take the role."


    Old Jiang''s wife was bringing the water over when she heard that. She was dumbfounded. "You''re looking for our Old Jiang to act in a show?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yes, Sister-inw."


    Jiang Hanwei also did not expect this. "My reputation is quite bad now."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s fine, it''s an antagonist role anyway."


    Jiang Hanwei got extremely curious. "Why did you think of approaching me?"


    Zhang Ye spread his hands. "In the entertainment circle, how many can still act well? The shows these days are all reliant on the male idols and their looks. Acting skills have be a secondary consideration for a role, right? But that won''t work for my show. This role has a very specific requirement and needs to be yed in the way that I want. I''ve seen your acting before. They''re almost always fighting roles, so I think it''s time that you change your form. This role of mine could very well be your breakthrough role. For such a good job, I only ever considered you for it. It can''t be given to just anyone. What''s more, I think that you can definitely act well and bring the character to life. After all, you''ve won the best actor award before."


    He looked through the script.


    Jiang Hanwei read through every single word in it.


    Finally, he said to Zhang Ye, "You even dare take a drama like this?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and asked, "Of course I dare. But the question is, do you dare act in it?"


    His wife said, "Old Jiang��"


    Jiang Hanwei waved her off. "Which other actors are there?"


    Zhang Ye exined, "Me, Yao Jiancai, Ning Lan, Dong Shanshan, and a few other veteran actors. They''re basically the same group of people that you knew."


    Jiang Hanwei broke into a smile. "Other than Dong Shanshan, the people you approached are either retired or washed up?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged and said with augh, "I can''t afford to hire any of the male idols, after all."


    Jiang Hanwei pondered it. "I''ll ept the role."


    Zhang Ye said, "Aren''t you going to ask about the pay?"


    Jiang Hanwei sneered. "Yours is a political drama. What pay can there be? It''s already good if you don''t ask me to dip into my own pockets."


    His wife said in a speechless manner, "Then why did you ept it?"


    Yeah, why did I ept it?


    Jiang Hanwei didn''t know how to answer either.


    Perhaps he wanted to make use of this opportunity to find out if he was really old.


    Perhaps he wanted to see if the industry still needed veterans like them who used to call the shots.


    ��


    One person.


    Three people.


    Five people.


    Ten people.


    Some of them had retired.


    Some of them were old.


    Some of them were no longer popr.


    They were disheartened by the state of the industry.


    On this day, on Zhang Ye''s return, he had gathered many of his old friends and foes together. It wasn''t for the money, and it wasn''t for the profit. All of it was to remind the industry of their names!

 Chapter 1541 - Dear Showbiz, I trust you’ve been well?

    <h4>Chapter 1541 - Dear Showbiz, I trust you''ve been well? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this night.


    At Zhang Ye''s house.


    The main door of the vi was open. Zhang Ye was busy washing vegetables and cooking the dishes in the open kitchen all by himself. It was going to be the first meeting for the main cast of the drama In the Name of the People. Zhang Ye had chosen not to hold the gathering at a restaurant this time. Instead, he held it at his house because it meant a lot to him.


    Outside.


    The door was being knocked on.


    Ning Lan was the first to arrive. "Zhang''er, may Ie in?"


    Zhang Ye said, holding a kitchen knife in his hands, "Come in, the door''s open."


    Ning Lan looked around. "Where''s Minister Wu?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh, her? She''s working overtime today."


    Ning Lan broke into a smile. She didn''t even change out of her shoes and stepped in with her high heels still on. "You could have said so earlier. I wouldn''t have knocked otherwise."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Big Sis, can''t you be a little more courteous?"


    Ning Lan chuckled and said, "What''s the need to be polite with you?"


    Zhang Ye ordered her, "By the way, help me take care of my daughter. She''s upstairs."


    Soon after, Ning Lan went upstairs to bring Sisi down.


    From outside, Yao Jiancai entered the vi. "Yo, kid, you''re personally whipping up the courses?"


    Zhang Ye grinned. "But of course. I gotta show you guys what I''m capable of, after all."


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Is your wife around?"


    "No, she''s working overtime today," Zhang Ye replied.


    Yao Jiancai also came in casually and started rummaging through the cabs for tea leaves without any courtesy. "Where''s the Da Hong Pao? Hurry up and hand them over!"


    Sisi, who had just been brought downstairs, asked, "Daddy, who are they?"


    Zhang Ye patted his daughter on her head. "They''re your uncles and aunties. Have you greeted them yet?"


    Sisi shook her head as she became rather shy.


    Yao Jiancai got rather excited. "This is your daughter? Do you know me, little girl?"


    Sisi tugged at her father''s shirt. "Daddy, can you y with me?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Daddy is preparing some good food. Go find Auntie Ning and y with her."


    Ning Lan pped her hands and said, "Come here, Sisi, Auntie will y with you. Let your daddy cook dinner for us."


    Outside the doorway, Zhang Xia also slowly walked in. "Is everyone busy with something? Hur hur."


    Yao Jiancai greeted Zhang Xia.


    Ning Lan smiled and said, "Grandma Zhang, this kid even managed to convince you to make a return?"


    Zhang Xia smiled back. "Yes, I couldn''t refuse him at all." Then she asked Zhang Ye, "Is your wife around?"


    Before Zhang Ye could answer her.


    Jiang Hanwei had also arrived.


    The moment Jiang Hanwei came into the house, he said, "Minister Wu isn''t at home?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "She''s not around. She''s working overtime today and probably won''t be back before 9 PM. Hai, but this is really interesting. Why are all of you asking whether my wife is around or not the moment you step in?"


    Ning Lanughed and said, "Your wife is now an important minister at the Central Publicity Department. If she were around, do you think we would dare to speak so casually? We''d have to behave ourselves."


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t worry about her. She is her, and I am me."


    Dong Shanshan arrived shortly after as well. "Zhang''er, is your wife��"


    Before she could finish asking, Zhang Ye was already answering, "My wife is not around. Make yourself at home."


    All of the guests arrived.


    Sun Qishuo: a big name in the theater scene.


    Shu Han: a former A-lister.


    Jiang Bin: a veteran actor who had debuted 30 years ago.


    Over a dozen people had gathered here, but none of them needed any introduction to one another. Everyone knew each other, although some were more familiar with others, while some were just acquaintances.


    Half an hourter.


    The dishes were served and the drinks were waiting.


    Zhang Ye said confidently, "Come, have a taste of my cooking!"


    Dong Shanshan smiled and took a bite of the food. "It''s pretty alright."


    Ning Lan smacked her lips. "It''s edible."


    Only Shu Han was patronizing. After all, she wasn''t all that close to Zhang Ye in the past. "It''s quite delicious. I really couldn''t have expected Director Zhang to be so good at cooking."


    Zhang Ye said, "When my wife broke her leg years ago, I had the opportunity to learn and practice."


    Ning Lan raised her ss. "May I suggest that we have a toast first? It''s not easy for the group of us to gather here today. Especially for Old Jiang. I really couldn''t have expected that you managed to convince him to join."


    Jiang Bin wondered, "Yeah, didn''t you two have some disagreements back then?"


    Jiang Hanwei said indifferently, "Work is work, and private matters remain private."


    Ning Lan asked, "Why has Shanshane as well? You aren''tcking opportunities, right?"


    Dong Shanshan said with a smile, "He came to my studio, crying and begging me to join the cast. My heart softened at the sight, so I said yes to him."


    Zhang Ye was floored. "Did I?"


    Everyoneughed.


    With the first toast, it got lively on the dinner table.


    Zhang Ye stood up and said, "Allow me to say a few words. I gathered everyone here today for the first meeting, but it''s actually just a party for old friends. All of us here should know each other, right? Some of us have deeper friendship with others, while some of us might even have a grudge against someone. But with that toast earlier, and with this dinner party, let''s all agree to turn over a new leaf. Let''s gather all of our strength and focus it onto the project and act well for the drama. It''s time that us old-timers produce some results for the world to see, so don''t screw it up."


    Yao Jiancai said, "I''m just afraid that you''ll be the one screwing up."


    Ning Lan agreed, "Yeah, all of us here should be best actors and best actresses, right?"


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Is that so?"


    Shu Han smiled. "Of course. I don''t think there''s a need to mention more about Old Ning''s achievements. The number of best actress awards that she''s won are uncountable, and I myself have gotten it twice before."


    Jiang Hanwei said stiffly, "I''ve won it four times."


    Yao Jiancaiughed and said, "I''ve gotten it once, and another four for best supporting actor."


    Jiang Bin smiled. "I''ve not counted it before, but I''ve probably won two or three domestic awards too?"


    Sun Qishuo said, "Do theater awards count? If it does, then I''ve won eight or nine awards."


    Dong Shanshan looked at Zhang Ye. "I''ve won it once as well."


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "You have one too?"


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "I got itst year, but it was just a best actress award for a short film."


    Ning Lan said in amusement, "The best actress for a short film is a best actress award nheless."


    Zhang Ye wiped away his sweat. "So I''m the only one who isn''t a former winner?"


    Dong Shanshan said, "It''s not only that. You haven''t even acted in any dramas before."


    Zhang Xia was alsoughing from all of this. She said with a sigh, "For someone who hasn''t even acted in a TV drama before, he actually dares to gather everyone to act in a drama? Zhang''er, just how bold do you have to be to do something like that? In the entire entertainment industry, when ites to courage, I really can''t think of anyone else who is braver than you."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Then why did all of you dare to take part?"


    Shu Hanughed. "That''s because we all know how capable you are."


    Ning Lan smirked. "Yeah. Other people might''ve forgotten about how capable you are, but how could we? This time, it''s only you who can manage to convince us veterans toe out of retirement to join you."


    Zhang Ye cupped his fists and said, "Thank you for your love, everyone. Now then, all this talk is putting so much stress on me. I''ll do my utmost not to drag you best actors and best actresses down with me. Although I''m the director, I still hope that everyone will criticize and correct me freely if there are any problems that I cause during filming. I promise that I won''t get angry."


    Everyone rolled their eyes.


    Are you just the director?


    The project manager.


    The producer.


    The executive director.


    The protagonist.


    You have a part in all of those roles, so who would dare point out your mistakes like you asked!


    "Don''t listen to his nonsense anymore. Let''s drink."


    "Right? When others criticized this fellow back then, he would hit back at them with a barrage of criticism. If he were someone who could ept criticism so easily, he wouldn''t have offended so many people years ago."


    "Haha, that''s right."


    "Do you guys still remember that one time? Zhang''er unexpectedly turned the police station upside down with those poems of his. They''re still inscribed in the walls there and have be an attraction of the police station."


    "I heard about this matter back then as well. But the details, I don''t really remember them. Little Dong, quickly tell us about it."


    "Shanshan, quiet!"


    "Haha, but everyone wants me to talk about it."


    "Alright then, I''ll spill some of your embarrassing secrets too if that''s the case."


    "Get lost!"


    Banter.


    Jokes.


    Reminiscing.


    Speaking of the past.


    Everyone drank heartily in happy moods.


    Eventually, Zhang Ye suggested, "Come, let''s take a photo together."


    Ning Lan said, "Sure, this is a day worth remembering."


    Dong Shanshan asked, "Does this mean that the production crew is officially set up?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Yes, it''s officially set up."


    Zhang Xia said, "Come, let''s take the picture."


    Shu Han said, "Grandma Zhang, you stand in the middle."


    Zhang Ye said, "Quick, I''m gonna take the picture."


    "Three."


    "Two."


    "One."


    "Cheese!"


    In this picture were all sorts of silly behavior.


    Dong Shanshan made bunny ears over Zhang Ye''s head.


    Zhang Ye mischievously pinched Yao Jiancai''s face.


    Ning Lan pinched Shu Han''s chin.


    Shu Han wasughing and tiptoeing to appear much taller than everyone else.


    With the photo taken, everyone gathered around to look at it. Then all of them burst outughing.


    Even Jiang Hanwei couldn''t help but shake his head in amusement.


    Dong Shanshan said, "Quick, put this up on Weibo."


    Zhang Ye didn''t want to. "But I look really ugly in this photo."


    Yao Jiancai said, "My face was already all distorted, yet I''m not grumbling about it being ugly!"


    Ning Lan said, "This is a pretty good shot. Quickly post it!"


    Zhang Xia said, "We shouldn''t just post the picture alone. We should write something to go along with it too."


    Shu Han said, "We could inform people that our production crew has been set up."


    "What should we write then?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Shu Han smiled. "That''s your job."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Yeah, we''re not as talented as you when ites to writing showy."


    Ning Lan looked at him. "You''ve been locked away for three years. Surely you didn''t be stupid during that time? You can still write, right?"


    A bunch of washed up veterans were behaving mischievously like teenagers. Perhaps deep down in their hearts, none of them wished to admit that they were old.


    That was the reason they came.


    That was the reason they were making a return to the industry today.


    For dignity?


    For beliefs?


    Or maybe it was for that lost honor?


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Alright then."


    Uploading the picture, Zhang Ye closed his eyes and thought for a while. Then he opened his eyes and started typing on his phone with a smile. Very quickly, Zhang Ye''s first Weibo post since his return appeared and showed itself to the world.


    The original Weibo post went:


    "The torrents of the Yangtze wash away heroes of yore,


    "Right and wrong, sess and failure��all are no more.


    "Green hills remain the same,


    "Deep the setting sun spreads its me!


    "Fishermen with gray locks work on rivers and banks,


    "The scenery and good times simply nks.


    "They lug jugs of spirits and drink at ease,


    "Chatting about the past and smiling in the breeze."


    Finally.


    At the end were two simple lines.


    "Dear Showbiz, I trust you''ve been well?


    "��From Zhang Ye & the main cast of In the Name of the People."


    Yao Jiancai shouted, "Great!"


    Ning Lan said excitedly, "Well written!"


    Shu Han gave him the thumbs up.


    What a good "torrent of the Yangtze"!


    What a good "green hills remain the same"!


    What a good "deep the setting sun spreads its me"!


    What a good "Dear Showbiz, I trust you''ve been well?"!


    With just a few sentences, it left a soul-stirring impression!

 Chapter 1542 - As reckless as ever!

    <h4>Chapter 1542 - As reckless as ever! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    It was getting rowdy on Weibo.


    The " Immortal by the River 1 : The Torrents of the Yangtze" by Zhang Ye, along with his selfie with Ning Lan, Dong Shanshan, Jiang Hanwei, Shu Han, and the others had created a hugemotion. There was just too much information within it that could be processed, so much so that it dumbfounded a lot of people as everyone crazily discussed it.


    However, Zhang Ye did not care about the onlinements. He hade to the Central Publicity Department early in the morning with Wu Zeqing and borrowed a small conference room. The production crew was about to start filming, and the equipment, venue, and actors were more or less set in stone. However, the most important matter of the funding still remained unresolved. They had already done an expense calction for the initial funding of 30 million RMB that was supposed to cover the cost of filming. However, this did not include the misceneous expenses. Unless the actors did not take a single cent for their work, or the amodation arrangements and packed lunches were done away with, they would barely have enough to spend even if they scrimped and saved. But how could they possibly do that? The Central Publicity Department was also unwilling to use any social funds, so there was only onest option left. Zhang Ye could only turn to using advertisements to get more money.


    There was a knock on the door.


    Zhang Ye said, "Come in."


    Old Wu''s new secretary pushed open the door and came in. "Brother Zhang, I''ve brought the people over."


    There were around eight advertisers who entered the room. They were all old acquaintances that Zhang Ye had contacted.


    Aftering into the conference room, the group of them turned very cautious. This was, after all, their first timeing to the Central Publicity Department to discuss a deal.


    This was also Zhang Ye''s intention as well. He had to fly the g of this ce since he was no longer as influential and popr. In that case, surely the name of the Central Publicity Department should do the job, right?


    "Come,e, have a seat, everyone," Zhang Ye said with a smile.


    Secretary Ci and another supervisor who was in charge of overseeing the project also joined the meeting.


    Zhang Ye bluntly said, "There are no outsiders in here. We''ve all worked together before on advertisement projects. I''m sure that every one of you has already heard that the Central Publicity Department is funding an unprecedented, blockbuster, anti-corruption drama. I''ve epted the job and will be the producer and director. That''s why I''ve invited all of you here to talk about certain coborations on this project. I tend to take very good care of my old friends, so I did not sell off any advertising opportunities yet. I''ll be leaving that for everyone here."


    The advertisers gave each other a look and seemed to have a lot of concerns, but none of them said anything.


    Zhang Ye blinked. "What''s the matter?"


    Boss Liu finally spoke up. "Zhang''er, we''ve made a lot of money from our past coborations with you, and we''ve never suffered a loss whenever we worked with you. We''re all old friends, so now that you''re back, all of us should be showing you some support. B-But this is a political drama we''re talking about, so it''s definitely going to be a little sensitive. It won''t be easy to insert any advertisements."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Why would it not be easy to insert them?"


    Boss Li added, "It''d be fine if this were amercial coborations. But for a drama like this��" As he spoke, he cast a wary look at both Secretary Ci and Supervisor Ke.


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s fine, just speak."


    Boss Li smiled wryly. "For a drama like this, ads definitely won''t be allowed in in sight, isn''t that right? Ourpany is currently advertising a product called Great River Medicinal Wine. If it''s just going to be a few covert shots here and there, the advertising is not going to work effectively for us."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "How about this? I''ll think up a n for you."


    Boss Li said with some interest, "Go on."


    Zhang Ye lowered his head and flipped through the script. Suddenly, he banged on the table. "I''ve got it. There''s a scene where a prosecutor was hit by a truck and turned into a vegetable. Lying in a hospital bed, there was nothing that the family could do. At this point, I''ll add a close-up caption for you. It will go like this: Great River Medicinal Wine, Drink Away Your Sickness!"


    Secretary Ci was disgusted!


    Supervisor Ke nearly fainted!


    That guy has turned into a vegetable. How do you expect him to drink away his sickness?


    He can''t even drink water by himself. As if he could drink any of that damned wine!


    But Boss Li said excitedly, "W-Will that be allowed?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Of course it will."


    Boss Li stood up. "I''ll sign on for it then! I''ll sign on to advertise!"


    Boss Liu said in a dumbfounded manner, "Zhang''er, what about our Jiacao brand of cosmetics?"


    Zhang Ye flipped through his script again. Very quickly, he snapped his fingers and pointed, saying, "How about this line? I''ll change this line in the script, then get the role Dong Shanshan will be ying to use your cosmetics after washing her face in the morning. She will say after that, ''For good skin, use Jiacao day and night!''"


    Secretary Ci was stunned. "You can change the script just like that?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Of course, I''m the screenwriter, so I can change it however I want."


    Boss Liu was very happy. "Good! Good! I''ll ept this ad insert! And we''ll go ahead with the agreed price as spoken over the phone!"


    The other bosses were also getting excited.


    "What about us?"


    "Teacher Zhang, what about us?"


    "Give us a product cement as obvious as possible!"


    "Right, we don''t want any subtle advertising. We want it to be as obvious as it can be!"


    "Don''t get anxious. One by one, everyone will be included!"


    Adding captions.


    Changing the lines in the script.


    Having some writing on the shirts.


    Every other idea that they came up with for the advertisements was getting more and more unconventional!


    Crooked tricks, wonderful tricks, Zhang Ye was full of them.


    In the end, Supervisor Ke really couldn''t keep looking on. "Mr. Zhang, y-you can''t do something like that!"


    Zhang Ye said without a care, "Why not?"


    Secretary Ci wiped her sweat away. "This is such tant advertising. You''re just adding in whatever you can think off. Don''t forget that this is an anti-corruption drama. Aren''t you kinda deviating too far from that if you do this?"


    They were people from the organization. Regarding such matters, they were definitely going to have more reservations.


    But Zhang Ye found this to be very normal. After all, he was very experienced and had been doing such things since many years ago. Was this even considered a big deal? That was how the people from my previous world did it too. You don''t wish to fork out more money nor agree with turning to social funds, yet you''re refusing to allow the advertisers to do some tant advertising of their products? Does such a good deal exist in the world? They''re the ones forking out the money, so of course we have to handle it well for them.


    One advertiser.


    Three advertisers.


    Five advertisers.


    The advertisement contracts were signed one after another.


    Theck of funding was finally resolved.


    Zhang Ye was very happy that they could finally start their production work.


    However, Secretary Ci and Supervisor Ke could not feel happy no matter what. They kept thinking that these advertisements were simply too immoral and had no bottom line. However, when they suddenly remembered the wedding that happened between Zhang Ye and Minister Wu those years ago, they looked at each other and saw the helplessness in each other''s eyes. Thinking back to that time, for someone who could even turn their own wedding into an advertisement and productunch, what bottom line could he possibly have!


    Forget it, he can do whatever he wants. In any case, it wasn''t like they could do anything about it either.


    The two of them suddenly turned very pessimistic. They felt that the illustrious reputation of their Central Publicity Department was going to be ruined in the hands of Zhang Ye. Having left the entertainment industry for so many years, they couldn''t have expected that the character of Minister Wu''s husband would still be the same as before. He was still as bold and reckless as ever!


    ��


    At the same time.


    On Weibo.


    "This is so fucking nostalgic!"


    "How many years has it been since we''ve seen a poem from Zhang Ye?"


    "Hai, it''s a pity that the times have changed so quickly."


    "Why has this bunch of former big names gathered together?"


    "Who knows!"


    "What''s this In the Name of the People referring to?"


    "They''re going to film a show? Of these people, other than Dong Shanshan, aren''t all of the others washed up? And even if it is Dong Shanshan, how can she fight the poprity of those young hunks? Which show these days aren''t headed by a cast of male idols? For them, there isn''t even one stud on board, so what show can they possibly shoot?"


    Eventually, the details were revealed on the news.


    "Central Publicity Department funds the production of an anti-corruption drama!"


    "Zhang Ye''s first job is here!"


    "Zhang Ye takes on his first drama series!"


    "The title of the drama is confirmed: In the Name of the People!"


    "The list of starring cast members is released: Zhang Ye, Yao Jiancai, Ning Lan, Dong Shanshan, Shanshan, etc."


    "Ning Lan''s first return to show business after her marriage?"


    "Zhang Ye''ste night post on Weibo: A group of veterans take on the industry again!"


    The people were dumbfounded!


    "What?"


    "The investment amount is only 30 million RMB?"


    "Are they really going to film the show?"


    "*faints* For a drama based on such a serious topic and with a political message, who would want to watch it?"


    "This is going to be dead on arrival!"


    "Has Teacher Zhang directed a TV drama before?"


    "Like hell he has!"


    "For someone who has never directed or acted in a TV drama before, he''s actually leading a group of has-been celebs to take on an anti-corruption drama? Are these people crazy?"


    "I''vee across daring people, but I''ve nevere across people as daring as them!"


    "Hahahaha, this fellow is still as reckless as ever!"


    "Pfft, I wanna see how Face-smacking Zhang will handle this!"


    "Can Face-smacking Zhang still be the old Face-smacking Zhang?"


    "Hai, who knows?"


    "Inparison, my attention is going to be more on hunk Li Shao''s new TV drama!"


    "Yeah, I heard that the production has already begun. It''s a big production with an investment of 500 million yuan and is headed by a well-known director."


    "When you put it like that, it really makes Zhang Ye''s drama series feel nonexistent."


    ��


    At the team office of a male idol.


    "Eh?"


    "Zhang Ye, Ning Lan, and Yao Jiancai are going to shoot a drama?"


    "Looking at the time, I suppose they will be scheduled for the same slot as us?"


    "Ignore them. They''re just a bunch of old-timers messing around. There''s nothing to worry about."


    "Hur hur, that''s true."


    ��


    At Chen Guang and Fan Wenli''s house.


    "Ah?"


    "Those guys had a party?"


    "Haha, it''s gonna be interesting."


    "I''m also looking forward to seeing how the drama''s plot will develop."


    ��


    At Xiaodong''s house.


    Li Xiaoxian was around as well.


    "Teacher Zhang has really made his return!"


    "That''s great!"


    "Looking at them, why do I feel like I''m suddenly wriggling with excitement?"


    "Me too."


    ��


    At his eldest younger sister''s house.


    Cao Dan clenched her fists.


    "Bro, you can do it! Show them that you''re still relevant!"

 Chapter 1543 - Zhang Ye’s daughter goes back to school

    <h4>Chapter 1543 - Zhang Ye''s daughter goes back to school </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the morning.


    At home.


    Wu Zeqing was helping Zhang Ye pack his luggage. "How long will you be away for?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "At least a month."


    Wu Zeqing nodded and smiled. "You don''t have to be worried about anything at home, I''ll take care of it all. Just film the drama. When you get back, I''ll hold a reception for you."


    Zhang Ye hugged Wu Zeqing, who was kneeling on the floor and packing his luggage for him, from behind. "My wife is still the best. I had wanted to spend more time with you and our daughter since I just came back. It hasn''t even been half a month, but I have to go away again. Hai, look at me, why can''t I just seem to sit still?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. After packing the luggage, she stood up and adjusted Zhang Ye''s cor. "It''s good to be active. I gave you the project, after all. Since you have to do it, do it well. Don''t disappoint those who are still supporting you and show them what you''re capable of."


    Zhang Ye said, "OK."


    Sisi looked a little sad. "Daddy."


    Zhang Ye smiled and picked her up. "What is it, my dear?"


    "Don''t go," Sisi said.


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Daddy will be back soon."


    Sisi said unhappily, "Sisi has to go to school today. I want Daddy toe with me."


    Wu Zeqing said, "Didn''t we already agree that Mommy will go with you?"


    Sisi tugged at Zhang Ye''s cor and said softly, "I want Daddy to go with me."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "You''ve clinging to your daddy?"


    Sisi said shyly, "Teacher hasn''t met Daddy before."


    When he heard that, Zhang Ye''s heart melted. So he said, "Alright, Daddy will go with you to school."


    Wu Zeqing said, "You still have a flight to catch."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "The production crew''s flight is in the afternoon, so there''s still time."


    Sisi immediately cheered up. "Oh! Long live Daddy!"


    Wu Zeqing reminded, "Drive slowly then."


    "I know. Let''s go, my dear." Holding his luggage in one hand, Zhang Ye carried his daughter in his other arm and walked out of the vi.


    Sisi was ted.


    ��


    At the kindergarten.


    Today was the school''s reopening day. The school had already prepared a public ss for the parents had to sit in on. Many of the parents had arrived with their children very early in the morning.


    Zhang Ye brought Sisi in and entered the kindergarten ssroom. Everyone''s eyes focused on him. The parents were all very surprised to see him.


    Everyone was really excited to see Zhang Ye in person.


    The children looked at Zhang Ye and Sisi with curiosity.


    Several of the young children who usually yed with Sisi ran over to her.


    "Sisi, is this your daddy?"


    "Yes! He''s my daddy!"


    "Is your daddy a big star?"


    "Yes, my daddy is amazing!"


    "Your daddy is so handsome."


    "Heehee."


    Sisi was feeling really proud. She pulled on her father''s hand and showed him off to everyone.


    At this moment, the teacher entered.


    Sisi''s form teacher was a woman who had the surname Cui. She wasn''t old, and was at most in her 20s. Judging by her appearance, she was a very well-mannered teacher.


    Teacher Cui also spotted Zhang Ye. In the moment, her heart couldn''t stop pounding. She was also Zhang Ye''s fan years ago. Although Zhang Ye''s position in her heart had been reced by several male idols, that didn''t stop her from getting somewhat excited at meeting her former idol.


    However, it didn''t show on her face. She had to treat every parent equally.


    After a simple opening speech, the public ss officially began.


    Teacher Cui said with a kind expression, "During the holidays, did all of you finish the homework that Teacher assigned? Alright, Teacher will test you a little. Who wants to answer the first question?"


    "Me!"


    "Me! Me! Me!''


    "I want to answer it!"


    The children were all putting their hands up!


    Sisi didn''t make any movements at first. But when she saw everyone raising their hands, she was startled and hurriedly put her hand as well.


    Teacher Cui''s gazended on her. She smiled and said, "Alright then, let''s have Sisi answer the first question."


    Sisi was a little nervous.


    Zhang Ye nudged his daughter encouragingly.


    Only then did Sisi timidly stand forward.


    All of the parents were looking at her.


    Teacher Cui put up all five fingers of her hand and said, "Sisi''s pocket has five pieces of candy. If Teacher takes away two pieces of candy, how many pieces of candy are left?"


    Sisi counted with her fingers and thought for a long time. "There are��there are still three candies left!"


    Teacher Cui asked again, "Then if Teacher were to take away another piece of candy?"


    Sisi spent a long time thinking before saying, "Two pieces of candies! There are two pieces of candies left!"


    Teacher Cui smiled. "That''s very good. Then what if Teacher were to take away another two pieces of candy?"


    Sisi was getting anxious by now. She counted with her fingers and couldn''t find out the answer at all.


    Teacher Cui said, "Count it carefully. How many pieces of candy are left?"


    Sisi turned around and tugged on Zhang Ye''s sleeve. "Daddy! Daddy!"


    Teacher Cui said, "You cannot ask your daddy for the answer. Think for yourself."


    Sisi couldn''t calcte it no matter what and her eyes reddened.


    Many of the parentsughed under their breath.


    Now Zhang Ye demonstrated how protective he was of his daughter. He bent down and picked Sisi up, then said to Teacher Cui with a smile, "Teacher Cui, there''s a problem with your question."


    Teacher Cui was taken aback. "Ah? What problem?"


    Zhang Ye said, "The child only has five pieces of candy, but you took all of it away and didn''t even leave one for her. Aren''t you being a little too unkind?"


    Teacher Cui was horrified!


    The group of parents burst intoughter!


    "Pfft!"


    The ss ended.


    Teacher Cui angrily called Zhang Ye and Sisi to her office.


    Teacher Cui criticized, "Professor Zhang, how could you do that? You cannot be so protective of children. You were also a professor at Peking University''s Chinese and Math Departments, as well as an honorary associate professor at Media College. Thenguage textbooks also have your essays in them. In the field of academia, you''re my senior. You''re also involved in education work, so��so how could you have low awareness of things?"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly epted the criticism. "Teacher Cui, I''ll change my ways."


    Teacher Cui did not know whether tough or cry. "In the past, it was always your wife who came for the parent-teacher meetings. In terms of educating the children, you really have to learn how from Minister Wu."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yes, yes, I will learn from her. It''s only because I''m a first-time father who hasn''t spent much time with his child that I am so inexperienced. If there''s anything that I did wrong, please criticize me further. In the future, if my child makes any mistakes, please guide her well." Then he patted his daughter on the head and said, "Sisi, Daddy is going away for work today. From now on, you must listen to Teacher Cui''s words, understand?"


    Sisi made a noise in acknowledgement.


    Seeing this attitude from Zhang Ye, Teacher Cui felt more at ease. Then, she looked at Zhang Ye and suddenly asked, "Are you really going to shoot an anti-corruption drama?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Yes, we begin shooting today."


    Teacher Cui said worriedly, "This is your first time directing a TV drama, right?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yeah, it''s my first time."


    In the office space, several other teachers stood up.


    A male teacher smiled and said, "Teacher Zhang, you can do it!"


    A middle-aged female teacher said, "We''re all waiting to watch it."


    Zhang Ye cheerfully waved his hand about. "Alright, please give me your support when the timees, everyone."


    "Definitely."


    "That''s a must!"


    The teachers all nodded in response.


    But of course, this was only them being courteous.


    In fact, none of them were actually optimistic about it.

 Chapter 1544 - The cameras start rolling for In the Name of the People!

    <h4>Chapter 1544 - The cameras start rolling for In the Name of the People! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Nanjing.


    The ne slowly descended.


    Zhang Ye led the production crew as they disembarked from the ne. They were chatting andughing as they came through the security checks. But before they could even take a few steps out, they heard a screame from the other side.


    "Ahhh!"


    "He''s here!"


    "He''sing out!"


    "How handsome!"


    Quite a few young girls were behaving like they were crazy.


    Zhang Ye was startled. "Are they here to wee us?"


    Ning Lan smiled. "Surely not, right?"


    In the end, they saw that those fans were indeed not here for them.


    "Qu Dong!"


    "Qu Dong!"


    "Qu Dong!"


    A lot of people were looking in one direction and chanting a name.


    Zhang Ye sighed. "I had thought they were here for us."


    Jiang Hanwei sneered. "Do you think this is a few years ago?"


    Dong Shanshan exposed him. "You''re speaking like he ever had anyone wee him at the airport."


    "Can you not speak the truth?" Zhang Ye was very embarrassed. "My fans are all very sane people. They don''t believe in things like receiving me at the airport or whatnot. They''ll silently support me."


    Several of the crew membersughed. All of them knew that Zhang Ye''s fans were indeed quite different from the fans of other celebrities. For the fans of other celebrities, there was always a feverish sense of support for them. It was like this for Ning Lan, Jiang Hanwei, and Shu Han as well. Everyone received simr treatment from their fans except Zhang Ye. This was because one would never be able to guess that the people who scolded him in the fiercest possible ways were actually also his most diehard of fans. In the entertainment industry at that time, it was a scene to behold.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Who''s that fellow?"


    Ha Qiqi turned her gaze over to where a young man in his twenties had just stepped out. "That is Qu Dong, an extremely popr male idol these days who first debuted as a singer. I''ve not been paying attention to his celebrity ranking recently, but he should be at the forefront of the domestic A-list rankings and making a push for a Heavenly King spot. Oh yes, didn''t they already start showing the fifth season of I Am a Singer? Qu Dong is this season''s favorite, and he''s really popr on the show."


    Zhang Ye said emotionally, "They''re already into the fifth season?"


    Shu Han smiled and said, "What thoughts do you have about it, being the show''s first season winner?"


    "What thoughts can I have? Come on, let''s go." Zhang Ye led the team forward.


    Many of the people at the airport had their attention on Qu Dong, so there was basically no one who noticed Zhang Ye, Ning Lan, and the rest of the group. Someone even brushed past Zhang Ye without recognizing him wearing sunsses. There were some things that didn''t need any exining at all. Ever since Zhang Ye''s return, this atmosphere and his dwindling poprity felt very obvious to him. It had been close to four years. To a normal person, this wouldn''t feel like very long. But for a celebrity, it was a passage of time where everything could change.


    Outside.


    The bus that was picking them up had already arrived.


    On the bus, Zhang Ye said, "We''ll get the cameras rolling and start filming today. Let''s strive to finish filming the entire series in one and a half months. We''re going to aim to finish earlier rather thanter."


    Ning Lan said, "Won''t there be a lensing ceremony 1 ?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "How many people are paying attention to this production of ours? So what''s the point of holding the ceremony?"


    Jiang Hanwei said, "A lensing ceremony is the convention. Which production crew doesn''t do it?"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "I''m not one to stick to convention."


    Jiang Bin, who was the oldest of the lot and more superstitious about such things, said, "Traditionally, shouldn''t we at least hold a simple one?"


    But Zhang Ye said, "Nope."


    Jiang Bin could only helplessly say, "Alright then."


    Dong Shanshanughed and said, "You''re the director, you have the final say."


    Praying to the Heavens.


    Offering joss sticks.


    Cutting the roast suckling pig.


    Covering the prayer table with red cloth.


    This was the customary opening ceremony for the filming of Chinese movies and TV series. Every production crew did it, but Zhang Ye refused. He had always been a superstitious person, but he didn''t want to believe in this. Whether or not a drama could seed depended on the director, actors, and the entire production team working together. Would praying to the Heavens and offering joss sticks ensure its sess? Wasn''t that bullshit? If holding a lensing ceremony worked, then what was the point of having a director direct the actors?


    Zhang Ye had always been considered a maverick in the entertainment circle. He had his own style of doing things, and it wouldn''t matter how others tried to persuade him. Everyone understood this to be Zhang Ye''s nature. Be it directing variety shows or documentaries, or even a television drama, Zhang Ye had always been a very headstrong director. He was like this in the past, and he was still like this now.


    Zhang Ye said, "Come on, I''ll run everyone through the script again."


    On the bus ride, he was telling everyone about the key points of today''s shoot.


    The script that he had written for In the Name of the People was not entirely the same one as his previous world''s and had gone through many changes in the details as dictated by Zhang Ye. There were many reasons for that, such as the issues of the actors, and how they were their own persons. Since the actors from both worlds were different, the script had to be adjusted ording to the actors'' qualities and acting skills. Among the changes were also some subjective adjustments made by Zhang Ye, such as the son of the chairman of Big Wind Factory''s union, Zheng Chenggong, and his daughter-inw. Zhang Ye felt that it was too long-winded and had nothing to do with the main storyline, with more than eight episodes of scenes focusing on them. Not only that, a lot of advertisements were injected in between the scenes. All of that was absolutely unnecessary and the people from his previous world had criticized this too. So Zhang Ye cut a lot of scenes from the original, leaving his version of In the Name of the People at only 42 episodes instead of 55. There was no guarantee that he wouldn''t cut it further in post-production as he intended to strip away many of the cumbersome and non-essential storylines. What he needed to do was create an excellent anti-corruption drama that would open the path for simr works!


    On location.


    The prearranged venue had been set aside for them.


    Without any unnecessary chatter, they started setting up the cameras, decorating the set, and putting makeup on the actors.


    At 5:10 PM, the filming of In the Name of the People officially started in Nanjing.


    "Three."


    "Two."


    "One."


    "Action!"


    Zhang Ye fell into his working mood, which was clearly quite different from his day-to-day. What was most obvious was his intense gaze and the serious expression on his face.


    "Cut!"


    "That''s not good enough, again!"


    "Cut, again!"


    "Cut!"


    "That''s still not good enough!"


    "That''s not right, you can''t eat a bowl of noodles like this."


    "Do you eat zhajiangmian 2 that way? Your mannerisms are too elegant!"


    "Again!"


    Just a single scene took them eight or nine takes!


    The actors of the production crew were not small-timers either. This lineup of best actors and best actresses couldn''t get more luxurious. Although they no longer enjoyed the poprity of yesteryear, their status in the industry was still there. The two assistant directors, Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo, were trembling with fright. They were so afraid that the best actors and actresses would quit filming as a result, and also felt that Director Zhang was being too harsh for one scene. But the two of them could not have expected the actors to not grumble one bit.


    Especially the veteran actor who was filming the noodle eating scene. He was a very senior figure in the industry. He had already eaten three bowls of noodles, but the glimmer in his eyes was shining brighter and brighter.


    Ning Lan smiled.


    Jiang Bin and Jiang Hanwei looked at each other.


    Shu Han also gave a slight grin.


    At this moment, everyone was reminded of how much hard work they had to put into filming not just several years ago, but even decades back!


    This was how it should be!


    Acting was always supposed to be like this!


    This was what you truly called acting!

 Chapter 1545 - Wrapping up!

    <h4>Chapter 1545 - Wrapping up! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the filming location.


    Zhang Ye was at the scene overseeing all operations.


    "Action!"


    "Cut! Alright, that''ll do!"


    "Shanshan, well done. Your expression is spot on!"


    "Beautiful, Old Yao!"


    "Let''s go, we''re moving to the next location.


    All of the actors were getting in the groove. Being veteran actors from yesteryear, they knew exactly what was required of them. There was no real need for Zhang Ye to make any unnecessary remarks. A hint was all they needed to make the scene work out. Furthermore, the production crew was in a very good form and it only took a short time for them to work seamlessly as a team. Even during their breaks and moving between filming locations, no one would be on their cell phones. Instead, they would be discussing their roles and the storyline for the next scene. Everyone was very serious, with a deep sense of dedication towards their love and determination for acting. This was something that wasn''t present in any of the production crews that consisted of those hot, young men.


    Ning Lan said, "Old Yao, can you put on a more intense expression?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "This is good enough. If I overdo it, that would make it worse."


    Shu Han said, "Teacher Yao is right. I feel that it''s enough."


    Jiang Hanwei said, "Director Zhang, I want to modify my lines for the next scene."


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure, the lines are just written for you, but it will still have to depend on how you deliver it during the shoot. There''s no need to adhere exactly the script. That would be meaningless."


    Jiang Hanwei said, "OK."


    Ning Lan asked, "Director Zhang, I''m wondering how you honed your acting skills?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Haha, guess."


    Yao Jiancai said, "That''s right, Zhang''er has really changed my view of him. He''s really got such great presence in front of the camera. When we were acting opposite each other in a scene, I was nearly upstaged by him."


    Shu Han said, "Hur hur, that''s why we mustn''t take our director for a neer. Although Director Zhang has never acted in a TV drama before this, don''t forget about how capable he is. If he really gets serious at acting, he won''t becking to any of us best actors and actresses! Otherwise, would Zhang Ye still be called Zhang Ye?"


    Ning Lan said, "What a good bootlicking that was."


    Shu Hanughed. "Pfft!"


    Jiang Bin said, "With today''s shoot, it really felt like the old days again."


    Yao Jiancai replied, "Yeah, wasn''t this exactly how we used to act years ago when we first debuted? It''s totally unlike how the other production crews do it these days. They think that everything will be fine as long as they can get a young gun on board their productions? Can''t remember their lines? Requiring a stunt double whether they''re ying a role in an emotional drama or action movie? And they aren''t bothered by their acting standards either? What the hell!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Actually, there isn''t really any designated lead or supporting roles in this drama in my opinion. As long as we y our roles well, everyone can be the main lead. Every role has its own shine and can be performed well with our different styles. This is also the effect that I would like to achieve. So, please, let me request this of everyone. Whatever acting chops you have or however good you are at acting, please pour all of that effort into this drama. Once we leave this behind, there won''t be another chance like it again."


    Ning Lan said, "I''m just afraid my screen presence will oust you, making me stand out in our scenes."


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, as the male lead, my role is actually just to serve all of you. Hur hur, but it won''t be that easy to upstage me."


    Ning Lan said, "Sure, let''s give it a try."


    Zhang Ye said, "If everything proceeds smoothly, we''ll add another two scenes after this."


    Yao Jiancai said, "I have no problems with that."


    Dong Shanshan agreed, "Sure thing."


    For some directors of a movie or drama, their production t would be based on the principle of "slow work means careful work." Li Ke was an example of one who did it that way. He would repeatedly polish his projects until they were to his satisfaction. Others ced more emphasis on the actors. As long as the actors were popr enough, and as long as the actors could bring up their productions, all other requirements could be lowered. Every director had a different style of directing, and Zhang Ye was the type who focused on efficiency. He asked for both quality and speed in a production, not because he didn''t want to seek the finer details through slowing down, but because in his opinion, it would be an insult if he had to keep hammering out every detail with a group of veteran actors.


    ��


    One day.


    Two days.


    Three days.


    Time passed very quickly.


    On the tenth day since In the Name of the People hadmenced filming, manyizens were on Weibo discussing the uing television series that they were anticipating. It was currently a lull for television series. At the end ofst year, Heavenly King Guan Zhaohua''s xianxia series had set a record high viewership rating in recent years. With no highly anticipated series since then, the people were all causing a ruckus at the shortage of series, and at the same time, anticipating the next blockbuster.


    Heavens of the Gods, a xianxia series starring Li Shao, a hot, young man.


    As well as a costume period drama titled Age of Kingdoms, starring Chi Hao, another hot, young man.


    Both series had put in a huge publicity effort in recent times, making the people look forward to them in great anticipation.


    "Li Shao''s new show ising soon."


    "I''m so looking forward to it."


    "I like Chi Hao."


    "Chichi is the most handsome of all!"


    "It looks like the viewership ratings for this year''s television series will have to depend on the two of them."


    "Yeah,st year was Guan Zhaohua''s year, so it should be our Li Shao''s year this year. I believe his ascendancy to the throne of a Heavenly King is just around the corner!"


    "Get lost! The new Heavenly King will definitely be our Chi Hao!"


    "Heavens of the Gods should be wrapping up filming soon, right?"


    "Yeah, it''s almost done."


    "Oh yes, how is Zhang Ye''s production doing?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Yeah, I''ve heard no updates about it."


    "Has that anti-corruption drama already started production?"


    "I didn''t see any publicity for it?"


    "I suppose they just started the production then? I''m not gonna pin any hopes on a political drama. There will be all sorts of restrictions and praisevished on the government, so it''s not likely that it will be interesting. The production is going so slowly as well. If it were Zhang Ye of yesteryear, he would not have needed to take on that sort of TV series. But look at him now. His appeal is reallyckingpared to the male idols these days. And with that temper of his, how many people has he offended before? So who would possibly invest in a production of his? Therefore, the only projects he can take will be these small productions."


    "Hai, for a Heavenly King of his generation, it''s such a pity."


    "Yeah, looking at thements and topicality of the matter, it''s clear to us how things are. No one is paying any attention at all to that In the Name of the People production of theirs."


    ��


    Elsewhere.


    At the Central Publicity Department.


    At this moment, some people were reminded of this production as well.


    Although this production was headed by their Central Publicity Department, Zhang Ye''s status in the project was still too unique. He was Deputy Minister Wu''s husband, so who would dare question him? Today, when Bureau Chief Liu, who was assigned to oversee this project, found out about the news online, he called for an update from Supervisor Ke.


    Bureau Chief Liu asked, "How is the production that we''ve invested in progressing so far?"


    Supervisor Ke said, "I didn''t ask for details."


    However, Bureau Chief Liu didn''t get angry at him.


    If it were some other director who was directing the show, even if it were the famous Director Li Ke, the Central Publicity Department would definitely be hounding him for an update every day. To check if the production has started? To see how the filming was progressing? They would definitely ask for a report every day. After all, it was their Central Publicity Department who was forking out the money, so of course they would have to supervise the project. But it was different for Zhang Ye. He was Minister Wu''s husband after all. Who would dare to call him every day for an update? If they did that, how would Minister Wu view them?


    Bureau Chief Liu said, "It''s been so many days. It''s probably time to ask for an update."


    Supervisor Ke replies, "Alright then, I''ll check with them."


    Bureau Chief Liu said, "They should have started on the production, right?"


    Supervisor Ke nodded, "I believe they have already started."


    Bureau Chief Liu said, "Check out what the situation is. This sum of money is not small for our department. If the higher-ups ask about itter, we should at least be able to give them an ount of things. We cannot act like we don''t know anything."


    Thus, Supervisor Ke made a call to the site. He did not call Zhang Ye directly but got in contact with the production crew''s assistant director, Ha Qiqi. It was usually her who handled the externalmunications of their studio. Supervisor Ke also knew that Ha Qiqi was the externalmunications manager for Zhang Ye''s Studio, as well as a temporary agent for him.


    The call connected.


    Supervisor Ke said: "Director Ha."


    On the other end, Ha Qiqi said: "Supervisor Ke, hello."


    "Well, about that, how is the production crew''s preparations going?"


    "We''re already all prepared."


    "Have you allmenced with the filming?"


    "Commenced with the filming?"


    "It''s been ten days? And the filming still hasn''t started yet?"


    However, the response from the other end of the line left Supervisor Ke in shock.


    "Whatmencement of filming are you talking about? We''ve already wrapped up the shoot!"


    Supervisor Ke was stunned. "What?"


    Ha Qiqi said: "We just wrapped up filming an hour ago. All of the scenes have been shot, so filming has ended. We should be returning to Beijing tomorrow. After that, we will start on the post-production work, and Director Zhang has said that he will personally oversee it. He will edit the show scene by scene, so once everything ispleted, the source footage will be submitted to the SARFT for approval. And after it passes the approval of the SARFT, we will get in contact with the TV stations. Supervisor Ke, please don''t worry about the progress of the drama. When has Director Zhang ever caused any dys for the matters that he is personally overseeing?"


    After hanging up, Supervisor Ke was dumbfounded.


    Bureau Chief Liu looked at him. "What''s the matter?"


    Supervisor Ke wiped away his sweat. "They said that they''ve��"


    Bureau Chief Liu frowned. "They''ve notmenced filming yet? "


    Supervisor Ke didn''t whether tough or cry. "They said that they''ve already wrapped up the filming!"


    Bureau Chief Liu''s jaw dropped. "What? Wrapped up? H-How many days has it been!"


    Supervisor Ke was also nearly going crazy!


    Writing novels!


    Recording radio broadcasts!


    Recording variety shows!


    Writing songs!


    Everyone knew what Zhang Ye''s other nickname was��the fastest draw!


    Years ago, the incident in which Zhang Ye recorded several episodes of a variety show in a single day had shocked the entertainment circle!


    But it was different this time!


    This was a television series they were talking about!


    A television series that spanned over 40 episodes in total?


    But you wrapped up filming for it in just 10 days?


    You filmed four episodes per day?


    Wasn''t this too fucking fast!


    How is this just the fastest draw! You should be fucking known as the fastest machine gun!

 Chapter 1546 - In the Name of the People gets allocated a broadcast slot!

    <h4>Chapter 1546 - In the Name of the People gets allocated a broadcast slot! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    Beijing Airport.


    Supervisor Ke came here personally to receive them. The moment they boarded the bus, he started asking anxiously, "Director Zhang, what''s going on? Did you encounter some problems while filming?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "No, there weren''t any problems."


    Supervisor Ke said, "Did the script change?"


    Zhang Ye blinked. "No, it hasn''t been changed."


    Supervisor Ke wiped at his sweat. "It''s still the original 42-episode script then?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yeah, not a single episode less."


    Supervisor Ke said, "But it has only been 10 days."


    "10 days is enough." Zhang Ye smiled.


    Supervisor Ke said, "I''ve never heard of anyone in the industry who can wrap up a TV series shoot in 10 days!"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Now you''ve heard of it."


    Supervisor Ke facepalmed. He did not know what else he could say.


    The area that Supervisor Ke was in charge of at the Central Publicity Department was the promotion of government ideological films, propaganda. Although he wasn''t professionally involved in the production of television series, he wasn''t a fool either. He had ears that he could listen with, so of course he knew how other drama production crews worked and what was involved in the workflow of a drama production. In his opinion, filming a television series consisting of around 40 episodes would have to take at least two to three months toplete, and this was under the pretext of having no production issues either. Some other production crews could even take up to half a year, while the even longer ones took up to two to three years toplete. For many directors, especially the older generation ones, most of them aimed for perfection and would not allow one w to appear in their works.


    As for Zhang Ye?


    He only took 10 days?


    No one had evere across something like that before!


    Nearby, Ha Qiqi also asked with some doubt, "Director Zhang, is there really no need to shoot any additional scenes? We allowed the main cast members to leave yesterday, but what if there are any scenes that were missed? Then that would��"


    Zhang Zuo was smiling wryly.


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "That won''t happen. Is there a need to worry with me handling the matter?"


    Supervisor Ke looked at him and felt it would be a wonder if they could feel assured. Could a television series with more than 40 episodes filmed in 10 days even be watchable? You sure you aren''t messing around with us? Supervisor Ke had a niggling feeling that the 30 million RMB the Central Publicity Department had invested had likely gone smoke. This entire matter just didn''t feel like it was reliable!


    ��


    A whileter.


    At the Central Publicity Department''s editing studio.


    Zhang Ye did not even head home aftering back to Beijing. He immediately came here to start editing the footage. Looking at the scenes that they had recorded, Zhang Ye felt very satisfied.


    Let''s get started then.


    An hour.


    Three hours.


    Zhang Ye started burying himself in his work.


    Meanwhile.


    A debate was going on within the Central Publicity Department.


    Everyone had found out that Zhang Ye was back in Beijing after wrapping up the filming.


    "Have you heard?"


    "I''ve heard."


    "Did they really wrap up filming already?"


    "My God!"


    "Isn''t that too fast?"


    "Why is Teacher Zhang''s productivity still as efficient as ever?"


    "B-But this is a TV series we''re talking about."


    ��


    That same night.


    Wu Zeqing had just finished making dinner.


    Zhang Ye''s parents were also here.


    As soon as Zhang Ye arrived home, his daughter pounced up to him in excitement.


    "Daddy! Daddy! Carry me!"


    "Ai, my dear, did you miss Daddy?"


    "Yes!"


    "Then give Daddy a kiss."


    "OK!"


    Father and daughter were very close.


    His motherined, "Why are you back so early?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ve already finished filming, so why would you want me to stay there for a few more days?"


    His mother curled her lips. "Don''t take others for a fool regarding this matter."


    "Who did I take for a fool?" Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner. "I''ve dedicated my very best to the project."


    His mother said, "It takes others more than 10 days to shoot one episode of a drama. But for you? You only took 10 days to shoot over 40 episodes. What is that if it isn''t taking others for a fool? What if none of the TV stations agree to take your drama after that? You can go wallow in your tears!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Have you contacted the TV stations yet?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Not yet."


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Should I get the Central Publicity Department to head a meeting with them?"


    Zhang Ye said, "There''s no need for that. Surely I still have enough influence left for that, right?"


    His mother sneered. "Don''t overestimate yourself."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ve already made an appointment with an old friend, and he''ll be here soon to discuss this matter."


    While they were talking, the doorbell rang.


    Zhang Ye opened the door and was met with a familiar face.


    Hu Fei looked at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye looked at Hu Fei.


    Then the two of them broke into smiles and gave each other a bear hug!


    Hu Fei was a little excited to see him. "Well, well, you haven''t changed one bit, I see! You really haven''t changed at all!"


    Zhang Yeughed heartily. "You too, Brother Hu, you too. You still look as spirited as ever. So how have you been? I just came back, but I''ve already heard about your promotion. You''re the Deputy Station Head of Beijing TV, huh?"


    Hu Fei smiled and said, "I worked hard to get there."


    Zhang Ye brought his daughter over and said, "Greet Uncle Hu."


    Sisi hid behind her father and peeked at Hu Fei. Then she said timidly, "Uncle Hu."


    Hu Fei gave her a broad smile and said, "So this is our little princess? How pretty."


    From the dinner table, Wu Zeqingughed. "You''re here?"


    Hu Fei''s expression quickly shifted, and he said courteously, "Minister Wu, I''m here for a free meal."


    Wu Zeqing said, "Quick, have a seat."


    Hu Fei also knew Zhang Ye''s parents from before. He went over to greet them.


    They sat down and began eating.


    While eating, Hu Fei asked, "I thought you went away to shoot the drama? Has the filming started yet? Why are you so free to treat me to a meal today? I was thinking of meeting up with you after you finished with the shoot."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Filming has already wrapped up. "


    Hu Fei nearly spat out a mouthful of food. "What?"


    Zhang Ye said, "We wrapped up filming yesterday."


    Hu Fei smacked his forehead. "When ites to work efficiency, I will only take my hat off to you in the entire entertainment industry."


    Zhang Ye said amused, "Well, I always work very quickly when ites to filming. You should know that."


    Hu Fei said helplessly, "But I didn''t know that you could shoot a TV series that quickly, though."


    "They''re all the same." Then Zhang Ye said, "So how about it, Brother Hu? I''m still editing the footage and can probably send it in for approval in a few more days. Do you want to purchase the broadcast rights of the drama?"


    Hu Fei smiled and said, "How much?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It will surely be a fair price for you since both of us go way back. If it were anyone else, I wouldn''t sell it to them no matter how much they offered."


    Hu Fei chuckled and said, "Get off it, since when did you speak so honestly? Do you think that anyone would dare to buy a show that''s produced by you? It''s only our station that would do it." With a pause, he said, "Alright, I''ll make the decision on the matter. Once the approval goes through, we will still need to have a quick look at the footage before signing the contract. I wouldn''t honor this if it were anyone else, but since it''s you, Little Zhang, I have no choice even if I didn''t want to give you face."


    Zhang Ye said, "Sweet, it''s settled then. Don''t forget to leave us the best time slot that you have for the scheduling of the show."


    Hu Fei said, "Don''t worry about that. How could I possibly shortchange you?"


    Zhang Ye said, "So which time slot will we be taking over?"


    Hu Fei gave it some thought before saying, "There''s going to be a primetime show ending next month, but that slot isn''t too good. Heavens of the Gods and Age of Kingdoms are both very highly anticipated blockbuster series for the year. Although you have only just returned, I think you should have heard of them too, right? These two series will be broadcasting at around the same time on two other TV stations. They''ve already gone through the final round of talks, so my guess is that they will begin their broadcast run in the following month. Two very popr young guns are going to be fighting for a spot in the S-list rankings, and the battle will be happening in full force, so it''s better that you don''t join in the fun there. Which series is not stepping back and avoiding them? How about this, I''ll arrange a broadcast slot for you two months from now. There shouldn''t be anyonepeting with you then, and it will be much easier to get good results."


    Hu Fei''s idea was created with good intentions. In this era of hot, young male stars, with Zhang Ye having just returned and his poprity slowly recovering, there wasn''t any need for him to fight it out with them.


    But Zhang Ye did not appreciate his kindness at all.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Two months is too long."


    Hu Fei was taken aback. "Ah? "


    Zhang Ye said, "Let''s just go ahead with the broadcast next month."


    Hu Fei didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Are you sure?"


    "I''m sure." Zhang Ye grinned. "Brother Hu, it has always been others avoiding my shows and time slots. Back when we were doing variety shows at Beijing TV, even Central TV Department 1 had to steer clear of us and change their show''s broadcast time. When have you heard about me avoiding others?"


    His mother rolled her eyes and said, "Do you think you''re still living in that time?"


    Zhang Ye boasted, "It has always been that way, and it will continue being so."


    His father said, "Little Hu, don''t listen to him. This kid is getting big-headed again."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Dad, I know what I''m doing."


    Hu Fei massaged his temples and said, "Kid, that temper of yours still hasn''t changed." He couldn''t help looking at Wu Zeqing to see what she had to say. This matter wasn''t something that Zhang Ye could decide on alone. Being a project led by the Central Publicity Department, the final say still rested with them.


    At this moment, Old Wu spoke up.


    Wu Zeqing smiled as she ate. "Just schedule it ording to what my husband says."


    No matter what decisions Zhang Ye made, Wu Zeqing has always been very supportive of him. There was really no one else like Zhang Ye''s wife.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "This is a good opportunity to pit the appeal of the young hunks against the strength of the veterans. Bring it on! Actions speak louder than words. It''s time to see who is worthy. This is no big deal."


    Competing on appeal with the young male idols?


    Competing on viewership with the young male idols?


    If any other person heard this, they would probably think that Zhang Ye had gone mad.


    In this age, who could still fight against the hunks?


    Hu Fei had no choice, so he smiled and said, "As long as you''re not afraid that it will affect the viewership ratings, I won''t have any problems with it on my side. Scheduling a show is just a matter of scheduling for us after all. Isn''t that so?"


    Zhang Ye was amused. "Affect the viewership ratings?"


    How was that possible!


    This was In the Name of the People they were talking about!


    If a single serieses at me, I crush them!


    If a group of seriese at me, I''ll crush them all!

 Chapter 1547 - An invitation from I Am a Singer!

    <h4>Chapter 1547 - An invitation from I Am a Singer! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Several dayster.


    The SARFT received the source footage of In the Name of the People.


    "What?"


    "They''ve finished filming?"


    "And it''s even been edited already?"


    "I-Isn''t this a little too fast!"


    "Is this for real?"


    "It''s really that anti-corruption drama that was sent over from the Central Publicity Department?"


    "I''m gonna faint. How many days has it been!"


    "Let''s have a look at it first."


    "Uh, the scope of involvement is really big."


    "Yeah, it involves so many issues of the political arena?"


    "Can a show like that even get approved?"


    "The tune was set by the higher-ups, so how can we not pass it?"


    "That''s true. In that case, there''s no need to watch it anymore. Let''s just get it approved and certified."


    "Zhang Ye is too daring to film a drama like this!"


    "Shouldn''t you know who Zhang Ye is by now? This fellow has always been stupidly brave, so what doesn''t he dare to do!"


    Not even a day passed.


    After only a few hours, Zhang Ye received news that In the Name of the People had been passed for broadcast. The permit for the distribution of television ys and the drama approval ID were also issued, with all the paperwork in order. This was what you called "a man leaning against a big tree can enjoy the shade it provides." If anyone else had produced this sort of an anti-corruption drama, just the approval process alone would have taken several months to a year, with the oue not even guaranteed. But since the Central Publicity Department had set the tune by investing in the drama, the SARFT didn''t even need to finish watching it to issue the permits. This was what you called efficiency.


    The production was brought to a sessfulpletion.


    They could throw the celebratory feast now.


    So Zhang Ye smilingly made a call to book a location to hold it.


    ��


    Noon.


    Somewhere in the suburbs.


    It was now spring, so the temperatures had risen a bit. The outdoor barbecue pit was set up through the efforts of Zhang Ye and several others. Then they took out their cell phones to check the news.


    "I Am a Singer Season Fivees to a close!"


    "The grand champion, Qu Dong, will be holding a concert tour next!"


    "The countdown begins for the television series Heavens of the Gods!"


    "Li Shao and Chi Hao battle for a Heavenly King''s throne!"


    "Xu Men to fall off soon from the S-list rankings?"


    "Sister Lan��the only remaining Heavenly Queen from the old generation!"


    The others also arrived.


    Other than Dong Shanshan and several actors who had events to attend today, the rest were all here.


    Ning Lan greeted from afar, "What are you guys reading? Why isn''t anyone weing us?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "We''re reading the news."


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Is it about us?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "There''s not a mention of us. It''s all news rted to the young guns. Is this how the news is these days? I saw them writing about our group of people, and we were described as belonging to the ''old generation.''"


    "It''s fine once you get used to it." Zhang Xia wasn''t bothered by it one bit.


    Jiang Hanwei said indifferently, "That''s how the media is these days, or should I say, that''s how the people like it these days. Since it''s something that everyone is fond of, they would naturally report it in that way."


    Ning Lan asked, "Has it been approved?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yes, it was passed."


    Ning Lan said, "Have you contacted the TV stations yet?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Yes, Beijing TV."


    Shu Han said, "Beijing TV is strong at variety shows, but they''re not that good when ites to their TV series."


    Zhang Ye said, "Beijing TV is the only station that I have a good rtionship with. For the other,rger TV stations, they immediately steered clear of me the moment they knew that it was an anti-corruption drama with a political message. In any case, it''s quite good that we could get the show to broadcast on a satellite channel in a primetime slot. Oh yes, I haven''t informed you guys about this yet, but our series could be starting its broadcast during the same period as Heavens of the Gods and Age of Kingdoms. Therefore, I hope that you will be mentally prepared for it, hur hur."


    Shu Han was taken aback. "The same period as them?"


    Zhang Xia looked at him. "You''re that confident?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I guess."


    Ning Lan said, "Kid, are you trying to p others again?"


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Guess."


    Shu Han said, "If our viewership ratings can perform on par with those two hunks'' dramas, it wouldn''t just be a p to their face, nor would it only be a p to the industry. This is going to be us old-timers returning to the industry to p the entire world!"


    On par?


    Why does it have to be on par?


    Zhang Ye smiled but did not speak. There was no need to exin further since no one would believe his ims at this moment in time. Zhang Ye would either not do it at all, or he would do it to an earth-shattering effect. He had spent so much effort to gather these old friends together not because he wanted to be on par with those hot, young men, but because he wanted to tell the entire world that even after three years, five years, ten years, or twenty years, they would still not be a match for him!


    "Come,e, let''s start eating."


    "Shall we give a toast?"


    "Sure."


    "Cheers."


    They barbecued the meat.


    They drank beers.


    Everyone was heartily enjoying the food.


    Zhang Ye said, "There''s about half a month more until our drama is broadcast, so I''d like everyone to put in some effort during this time to give our show more publicity on Weibo. You can also ept interviews if approached."


    Ning Lan said, "Understood."


    Yao Jiancai said, "I''ve already epted some interview requests."


    Jiang Hanwei said, "We know better than you regarding what needs to be done."


    Shu Han said, "But the media and people aren''t giving us any attention at all. Those two hunks'' new dramas and thetest season of I Am a Singer have stolen all the limelight. Nobody''s focus is on us." Taking out her cell phone and waving it around, she said, "I just had a quick look, and there''s really no news of our drama. No one outside our group even knows that we''ve already wrapped up filming, or perhaps no one cares. This makes it hard to deal with."


    Zhang Xia said, "If we want the viewership ratings to increase, then the topicality and publicity will have to increase as well."


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "The Central Publicity Department does not have any additional funds to put into purchasing ad spots. They can''t exactly request that the media outlets report about their self-funded drama either. That isn''t how authority is used. So we can forget about depending on them for publicity. It''s all on us now, so let''s just do however much we can. Everyone, let''s give this matter a little more of our attention."


    Ning Lan shook her head. "We''re no longer popr like before. Even if we were to make an announcement right now, it''s nothingpared to a single word by the hot, young guys."


    Zhang Ye was also considering his options.


    The following publicity work was indeed not going to be easy.


    Five minutes.


    Ten minutes.


    Twenty minutes.


    All of a sudden, a young actor said, "Hey, people, look at this."


    Everyone looked at him. "What is it?"


    The young actor said, "There''s some activity from I Am a Singer''s program team!"


    Everyone gathered around to check out what the news was about.


    When Zhang Ye read it, he was stunned. "I Am a Singer is already in its final season?"


    Zhang Xia nodded. "Beijing TV announced half a year ago that this will be the final season of the show. After this, the variety show will cease to exist."


    Zhang Ye knew that in the Chinese entertainment circle, all the singers that could be invited in these recent years had already all been invited. If I Am a Singer were to continue, it would keep repeating the same old form, and there wouldn''t be any meaning to it. Instead, why not finish at the peak with all the honors? Actually, Zhang Ye had put forward two conditions when he handed over the authorizations of the shows to Beijing Television Station before he left to serve his sentence. First, Dong Shanshan had priority when considering the host candidate for the shows. Second, the shows have to be done well no matter what. From the looks of it, Beijing Television had indeed carried out their promise with Zhang Ye. In their judgment, they believed that I Am a Singer would likely head downhill by the next season, so they decided to bring forward the decision of ending this phenomenal variety show that no one could bear to abandon. To be able to make a decision like that required a very strong will.


    Zhang Ye felt quite pleased about it.


    It was a different era. This was now a time where the hot, young male stars dominated the industry.


    Acting skills? Singing skills? These things were getting less and less important nowadays.


    It was a good thing that it wasing to an end. There was indeed not much meaning in having a stage for singers topete based on poprity.


    But at this moment, what surprised Zhang Ye and everyone else was that the program team of I Am a Singer had actually announced a new n. This was also to be the final curtain call of I Am a Singer. They had thought of organizing a battle between the former grand champions of I Am a Singer as its closing show!


    What was the meaning of this?


    This meant that the grand champions from season one to season five would all stand on this stage to fight it out among themselves to decide the greatest


    champion of all five seasons of I Am a Singer!


    In the past, it was singers versus singers!


    And now, they were nning to have grand champions versus grand champions!


    Zhang Xia was amused. "They''ve really upped the ante."


    Ning Lan said, "They''re really dare to try something like that?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Would anyone go?"


    Shu Han said, "Yeah, being a grand champion is the highest honor that can be achieved. But now, they''re asking for all the past grand champions to return for another battle to decide the greatest champion?"


    Beijing Television was very clear about it.


    This was purely going to be voluntary and no one would be forced to take part. They would hold this battle of the grand champions in a fair and just manner. It would be best if the previous seasons'' winners were willing to take part. But if that didn''t work out, the first runner-up of that season could choose to participate instead, and so on and so forth.


    ��


    On Weibo.


    Theizens blew up.


    "Wow!"


    "This is good! This is really good!"


    "This is so exciting!"


    "A battle of the grand champions?"


    "This is going to be a contest between two different generations of singers!"


    "Qu Dong has just emerged as the grand champion of season five. His poprity is at its peak, so he''ll surely have a veryrge advantage."


    "That might not be true. The past few seasons'' winners are not pushovers either."


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "What a good n by the program team!"


    "Right, this is surely the most suitable ending for I Am a Singer!"


    "I wonder if those previous grand champions will participate or not."


    "Everyone probably cherishes their past honors very much, so it''s unlikely that they would agree to participate so easily, right?"


    "Yeah. Besides, some of the grand champions have l aged and can''t sing good enough."


    "Can the past grand champions really stand together on the same stage?"


    At this moment.


    The Weibo of Qu Dong''s Studio gave their response.


    ��Qu Dong''s Studio announces that they will be taking part in the uing battle of the grand champions.


    Ten minutester.


    Season four''s grand champion of I Am a Singer also made an official announcement.


    ��They would ept Beijing TV''s invitation to join the show.


    The other grand champions responded in session.


    Heated discussions broke out on the Inte.


    "They''ve really decided to join?"


    "Oh my God!"


    "How exciting! It''s gonna be really exciting!"


    "Qu Dong will definitely emerge as the greatest champion!"


    "Get lost, Qi Liang''s season of I Am a Singer is the best one ever!"


    "Right, season four''s grand champion, Qi Liang, is definitely the singer who will give everyone a run for their money!"


    ��


    In the suburbs.


    Zhang Ye''s cell phone rang.


    It was a call from an old friend.


    Xiao Lu said: "Heehee, Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Xiao Lu, what''s this that you''re nning?"


    Xiao Lu said: "You saw the news already?"


    Zhang Ye said: "It''s l all over the Inte."


    Xiao Lu said gleefully: "We spontaneously decided to hold thepetition. In fact, we talked about this with many of the other grand champions and discussed it as well. At that time, you hadn''t been released yet, so I couldn''t get to you in time. But it''s not toote, so how about it? Will you be interested to take part?"


    Zhang Ye said: "You''re really daring, huh."


    Xiao Lu said: "I learned that from you, didn''t I?"


    Zhang Ye said: "That''s a fight between the young guns. Why would I want to join in the tussle?"


    Xiao Lu said: "Don''t joke around. You''re the creator of I Am a Singer, and also the first season''s grand champion, so how can we leave you out?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "I haven''t sung in so many years."


    Xiao Lu said: "Are you scared?"


    Zhang Ye let out a chuckle. "Why would I be scared?"


    Xiao Lu said: "Teacher Zhang, don''t tell me that you''re admitting you''ve be old?"


    "Don''t try that with me." Zhang Ye said: "This bro is not gonna fall for it."


    The call ended.


    Zhang Xia chuckled and said, "Is Beijing TV inviting you to join?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Yes."


    Jiang Hanweiughed and said, "That''s the best promotional tform that we can get. With the status and viewership ratings of I Am a Singer in the variety scene, there isn''t another variety show that''s a match for it. If they''re going to hold a battle of the grand champions, the viewership ratings will certainly go up a notch. This is a hard toe by opportunity."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes.


    Ning Lan looked at him. "Don''t tell me you''re scared?"


    Zhang Ye curled his lips.


    Ning Lan said, "If you aren''t going, then Grandma Zhang will have to go in your stead."


    Zhang Xia waved it off. "Age has really caught up with me, I won''t be able to out-sing the other contestants."


    Shu Han said, "If you two aren''t going, then wouldn''t there be no representative for the first season of I Am a Singer? Without any representative, wouldn''t that look really bad on the participants of the first season?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Isn''t Old Chen still singing?"


    Ning Lan said, "Chen Guang can''t win against them."


    Zhang Xiaughed. "Honestly speaking, I can''t beat them either."


    Yao Jiancai said, "So does it mean that there will only be a chance of winning if Zhang''er participates?"


    For a moment, everyone on the production crew looked at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "What are you all looking at me for?"


    Ning Lan said, "We''re all depending on you for the publicity work."


    Shu Han grinned and said, "If Director Zhang wins this battle of the grand champions, that would be the best publicity we can get for the drama. For the sake of our production crew, and as a director, it looks like you have no choice but to stand up for us."


    Zhang Ye said with augh, "Are you guys throwing me under the bus?"


    Jiang Hanwei said, "You''re the director, after all."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Alright, alright, let me think about it."


    But Zhang Xia said, "Little Zhang, I actually rmend you don''t take part."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "I know."


    Zhang Xia sighed and said, "It''s too risky."

 Chapter 1548 - The list for the finale battle of the grand champions!

    <h4>Chapter 1548 - The list for the finale battle of the grand champions! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Two days went by.


    The other grand champions officially announced their intention of joining.


    The fifth season''s grand champion of I Am a Singer, Qu Dong.


    The fourth season''s grand champion of I Am a Singer, Qi Liang.


    The third season''s grand champion of I Am a Singer, Hai Yifei.


    Although the second season''s grand champion had declined the invitation due to poor health, he rmended the female first runner-up from his batch of singers, Guan Xue, to participate in his stead. Guan Xue had received a simr amount of votes as the grand champion during that season''s grand finals, so she could also be considered a very acknowledged and popr singer to the audience.


    The grand champions from the five seasons had nearly assembled.


    Only the singers from the first season did not respond to the call for them.


    Being the earliest season of I Am a Singer, and also the opening ss of this phenomenal variety show, none of the people from this generation of participating singers made a sound. Among them, those who had aged had aged, and those who have retired had retired. For some of them, they suffered from vocal injuries, while others were embroiled in contract issues with their talent agencies. Everyone was caught up in all kinds of different problems.


    On Weibo.


    "Qu Dong is prepared!"


    "Supporting Hai Yifei!"


    "Qi Liang is definitely gonna win!"


    "In terms of poprity, Qu Dong is definitely the most popr one. After all, he was the winner of thetest season of the show. In terms of singing skills, it should probably go to Qi Liang. He hails from a musical family, after all."


    "Has anyone from Season Onee forward yet?"


    "The first season''s grand champion is Zhang Ye, right?"


    "Hasn''t Face-smacking Zhange back?"


    "Can he still sing?"


    "Who knows!"


    "I guess that fellow will probably not be taking part. Isn''t he busy filming a drama?"


    "And besides, it''s been such a long time. Actually, even the second season''s runner-up, Guan Xue, does not have that much of a presence in the music scene these days. She''s slowly getting marginalized from the industry."


    "Grandma Zhang was really popr back then."


    "Well, that was back then."


    "Seasons Two to Five have already sent out their participants, so all there is left now is for someone from Season One to respond."


    "But they should send someone to participate no matter what."


    "Hurry up!"


    "@ZhangXia!"


    "@ChenGuang!"


    "Everyone, guess who will be chosen to represent the ss of Season One!"


    The people were in an uproar.


    In the end, even the hot, young male stars started speaking up.


    On Qu Dong''s personal Weibo ount, he mentioned many of the singers of Season One, saying humbly: "Back when the first season of I Am a Singer was shown, I was still a part of the audience. At that time, I hadn''t even debuted yet and was a fan of all our seniors on the show. Yearster, I am standing on this stage myself, so I really hope that I can get the chance to have a friendlypetition with my predecessors."


    Following that, Qi Liang also posted on Weibo: "I''ll do my best starting now to prepare for the battle of the grand champions finale. I look forward to meeting with the seniors to exchange tips with them."


    On the surface, it sounded like they were asking for guidance from their predecessors. But in reality, challenge was in their tones.


    Apetition between different generations of singers.


    A battle between the old and new singers.


    Beijing Television''s gimmick was well-crafted. Back when they were pitting the singers against each other, the viewership was already at a high figure. But with the impending battle of the grand champions, all of the people''s'' appetites were whetted again. Over the past few days, a lot of attention was given to this show on the news, media, and Inte. Rumors said that the grand finals of this grand champions'' battle would be held live as well, which made the anticipation even greater. A lot of people moring and couldn''t wait to watch it.


    Even before thepetition had begun, a fiery atmosphere arose between the different fans of the male idols.


    ��


    In a group chat.


    This was a very old chat group from years ago. In it, the group members consisted of the singers who appeared in Season One of I Am a Singer. There hadn''t been any activity in here for many years, and it was one of the so-called "dead groups" that peoplemonly called them. But today, this dead group was resurrected. Many of the chat members had emerged from their slumber.


    Chen Guang: "1111."


    The Princess of Love Songs, Xue Kaiqi: "2222."


    The Prince of Love Songs, He Huan: "Huh?"


    Zhang Xia: "???"


    Amy: "Oh, the dead group hase to life."


    Xiaodong: "What''s going on?"


    Chen Guang: "Someone''s challenging us. What do you guys feel about it?"


    Xiaodong: "Hur hur, I don''t feel anything."


    Chen Guang: "��"


    Amy: "Old Chen, go for it! Don''t embarrass us!"


    Chen Guang: "My voice hasn''t been that good for some years. I can''t reach the high notes anymore."


    He Huan: "Amy, why don''t you go and spar with them? You''re one of the younger ones around here."


    Amy: "I don''t have any good songs that I can sing. The songs that people like these days are different from what we used to like. I don''t even know what it is that they like anymore."


    Xue Kaiqi: "You guys go ahead. I''ve retired from the scene."


    He Huan: "I still have an issue with my contract, so I can''t go even if I wanted to."


    Xiaodong: "Grandma Zhang, what''s that fe up to these days?"


    Zhang Xia said, "Him? He just finished filming his show and should be idle."


    Chen Guang: "Damn, why don''t he go participate then?"


    Amy: "Yeah, he has to step up no matter what. Otherwise, how embarrassing would it be for us? Even if we know that we will lose, we cannot do nothing about it."


    Xue Kaiqi: "@ZhangYe Come on, go do all of us proud!"


    He Huan: "@ZhangYe It has been so many years. Can you still write new songs?"


    Xiaodong: "He can always stick to singing his old ones."


    Chen Guang: "If no one is going, I guess I have no choice."


    ��


    At night.


    Back at home.


    Zhang Ye was carrying his daughter and eating dinner.


    His mother was asking from beside him, "So who''s going to participate in thepetition?"


    His father asked, "Don''t tell me you''ll be the one going?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I''m still thinking about it."


    His mother rolled her eyes. "What''s there to think about? I Am a Singer is no longer the same. They''ve already finished broadcasting the fifth season. Even though the results are supposed to be determined based on singing skills, and should be assessed on whether a song is performed well, the actual oue still depends on how popr one is. The realpetition is on who has a bigger fanbase, while singing skills are a secondary concern. You should just take it easy. What if you end up inst ce after deciding to go onstage? How embarrassing would that be? In that case, you might as well not join at all."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "That''s what the staff at my studio says as well. Just how little confidence do you all have in me?"


    His mother said, "That''s what you get for being away for so long."


    Zhang Ye looked at his wife. "Old Wu, what do you think?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Decide by yourself. I''ll support you no matter what."


    Zhang Ye rubbed his daughter''s head and asked, "My dear, do you think that Daddy should join?"


    "Daddy should join, Daddy is the greatest," Sisi said loudly.


    Zhang Ye jutted out his chin. "See, it''s still my daughter who is the most confident in me."


    Sisi shouted, "Daddy will win for sure!"


    His mother pouted.


    His father suggested, "Think about it again."


    The calls kepting in one after another.


    His friends called to ask about the situation.


    And Beijing Television called him to harry him for a decision.


    Only a few days remained until the battle of the grand champions began.


    In fact, Zhang Ye had still not formally met with everyone since the announcement of hiseback. The people had only heard about this news through the media, and he had note face to face with everyone through his activities so far. Therefore, he wanted to say many things to them.


    Should he join?


    To take to the stage of I Am a Singer once more?


    So that he could let everyone know that he was back, not through the media or over Weibo, but by telling it to them face to face?

 Chapter 1549 - The five contestants gather!

    <h4>Chapter 1549 - The five contestants gather! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    At Beijing Television.


    In the program team office of I Am a Singer.


    Today was the day when the program team would finalize the list and also hold the initial meeting for thepetition''s contestants. From early in the morning, the staff were getting busy everywhere.


    Just a moment ago, Beijing Television had announced the rules andpetition format for the battle of the grand champions.


    The show would continue using the stage of I Am a Singer, and it would be held live. There would be a total of five grand champions or their stand-ins representing each of the five seasons'' winners, and everyone would have to perform their songs in turn. The format was very brutal, with only two episodes dedicated to the entirepetition, and each episode consisting of two elimination rounds. The contestant with the greater number of votes would not get ranked while the one who received the lowest number of votes would have their names announced and eliminated without being allowed to advance to the next round. That was to say, within the first two rounds of the first episode, two grand champions would get eliminated from thepetition. The second episode will also see two more grand champions being eliminated, leaving thest surviving contestant as the glorious greatest champion of I Am a Singer''s finale battle of the grand champions.


    The citizens would be allowed to vote in real time for their favorite contestants.


    Each contestant would be allowed to perform one song per round, and one person would be eliminated afterwards.


    Regardless of whether it was in terms of the show''s quality, intensity, or scale, thispetition was truly an unprecedented one in history. This was going to be the most brutal battle between the famous singers of the music scene.


    The outside world was abuzz with discussion.


    The program team was busy preparing for the uing battle.


    "We''re going to have song rehearsals today. Is the band here yet?"


    "They''ll be here right away."


    "What time are the contestants arriving at?"


    "We''ve asked them toe at 8 AM."


    "Who is going to be the representative for the first season?"


    "I don''t know. I haven''t received any updates on that yet."


    "Logically speaking, it should be Grandma Zhang Xia who ising."


    "Yeah, even though everyone acknowledges Zhang Ye to be the deserved winner of the first season, and even Grandma Zhang Xia herself said so in the media, the official grand champion of the first season is still Grandma Zhang. If Grandma Zhang decides not to participate due to her age, there will surely be someone to take her ce."


    "Who do you guys think wille today?"


    "I can''t guess at all."


    At this moment, the executive director arrived.


    Everyone immediately greeted her.


    "Director Lu!"


    "Director Lu, good morning."


    "Sister Lu, you''ve arrived?"


    Xiao Lu nodded calmly.


    Maturity.


    Reliability.


    Authoritative.


    After several years, a lot of people were no longer the same.


    Following close behind, the grand champions also arrived.


    The first to step into the team office was the fourth season''s grand champion, Qi Liang, and his agent. Other than that, he also brought along two assistants. Qi Liang hailed from a music family and was young and handsome too. Without any scandalous gossip affecting him, he was one of the more popr male idols at the moment.


    Qi Liang wore a very brisk smile and his voice was very crisp. "Director Lu, am I the first to arrive?"


    Xiao Lu smiled back politely. "Yes, the others aren''t here yet."


    Qi Liang smiled and said, "Alright then, I''ll wait."


    Xiao Lu acknowledged, "Have a seat."


    Soon after, the first runner-up of the second season, Guan Xue, arrived with the third season''s grand champion, Hai Yifei. They had probably run into each other downstairs before heading up together.


    Guan Xue waved and said, "Director Lu, long time no see."


    Xiao Lu said, "Yeah, it''s been two to three years since we saw each other."


    Hai Yifei asked in concern, "Director Lu, which senior will being to represent the first season''s participants? Has it been decided yet?"


    Xiao Lu shook her head. "I''m also waiting to find out who it will be."


    Qi Liang stood up. He said, "Even you''re not sure who it will be?"


    Xiao Lu said, "Yep."


    Behind them, the fifth season''s grand champion arrived with his team.


    Qu Dong had only arrived slightly after them. However, there were really too many people with him in his entourage. Not mentioning his agent, there were four other assistants who came along with him. It was obvious just how important this battle of the grand champions meant to him since he had nearly moved out all of his staff for this. Although Qu Dong and Qi Liang were considered to be at the forefront of the Chinese A-list rankings and were highly rated by the media as the most hopeful candidates to rece Heavenly Queen Xu Men as the new generation of S-list superstars, I Am a Singer was still a very important show that these male idols would fight hard to win. After all, they also needed to gain the honors of winning such a prestigiouspetition and the poprity that woulde along with it. As such, every one of them treated Xiao Lu very politely as they understood she had the final say on all aspects of the show.


    Qu Dong greeted, "Director Lu."


    Xiao Lu replied, "Oh, you''re here?"


    Qu Dong''s agent went up to her to shake her hand. "Director Lu, you''ve grown prettier since Ist saw you a few days ago."


    Xiao Lu smiled but didn''t carry on the conversation.


    Qu Dong''s agent didn''t mind and asked, "Can I check if you have a quieter waiting room somewhere around here? Our Little Qu just got off the ne, so he''s pretty tired, you see. Can you make arrangements?"


    Xiao Lu said, "Let''s wait for everyone to arrive first. There''s a lot that I need to brief you all on."


    His agent smiled and said, "Oh, never mind then."


    Hai Yifei asked, "Director Lu, is there a smoking area somewhere?"


    Xiao Lu looked at him. "Beijing Television has banned smoking in the entirepound."


    Hai Yifei gave a slightly derisive smile. "Alright then."


    Xiao Lu didn''t talk much with them and did her work.


    The four celebrities started chatting.


    Qu Dong said, "Sister Guan, your new song is pretty good."


    Guan Xue said, "You''ve heard it?"


    Qi Liang replied, "I''ve listened to it as well, and I think it''s nice."


    Guan Xue said, "It''s nothingpared to you guys. My song didn''t even make it into the top ten of the charts."


    Hai Yifei said, "I heard that Grandma Zhang Xia won''t being?"


    Qu Dong replied, "Grandma Zhang might be a veteran singer, but she''s at that age, y''know."


    Qi Liang said, "I wonder who will being as the recement."


    Guan Xue wondered, "Could it be Big Brother Chen Guang?"


    Hai Yifei said, "We''ll find out soon enough."


    Qu Dong said, "Why isn''t he here yet?"


    Qi Liang said, "We are scheduled to begin at 8. There are still a few more minutes to go."


    The four of them were confirmed as contestants. The only thing they were unsure of was who the first season''s contestant would be. They were also very concerned about who their opponent was and were hoping that it would be a weaker one since all of them wanted to win. Everyone here knew how valuable the title of the greatest champion was, and it was unlikely that there would be another chance to earn an honor like it in their lifetimes. Winning thispetition would likely help bring their poprity to a new high as well.


    Zhang Xia?


    Chen Guang?


    Amy?


    He Huan?


    Or would it be Zhang Ye?


    At 8 AM sharp.


    Xiao Lu looked at her watch with a frown.


    Qu Dong and the others knew that Director Lu had been angered.


    "We''re not waiting anymore!" Xiao Lu took out some documents and handed them out to everyone. "Let me briefly exin thepetition format and point out some things to take note of. The live broadcast this time is mainly��"


    Behind her, the door opened.


    A man wearing sunsses slowly walked in. When he noticed that Xiao Lu did not see him, he walked up to her with a smile and stretched out a hand. Under the startled gazes of Qu Dong, Qi Liang, Guan Xue, Hai Yifei, and everyone else, he ced a hand on Xiao Lu''s head and noogied her. "I had to send my daughter to school this morning and was held back by her form teacher. Am Ite?"


    Xiao Lu turned around in shock.


    Zhang Ye took off his sunss and grinned at her. "Comrade Xiao Lu, long time no see."


    Xiao Lu let out a weird shriek. Sheughed and pounced on him, giving him a bear hug. "Director Zhang!"


    The other members of the program team also got excited!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Aiyo, Director Zhang!"


    "Director Zhang, you''re finally back!"


    A lot of people rushed up to him!


    The program team erupted into a frenzy!


    Zhang Ye looked at all of his old friends and greeted all of them by name. They were all colleagues that Zhang Ye had worked with. Some of these people had only worked under Zhang Ye once, while others worked under him from the day he joined Beijing Television until the day he left.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Don''t keep addressing me as Director Zhang. Director Lu is the one who is our boss now."


    Xiao Lu grinned cheekily. "Are you teasing me? Wasn''t I brought up by you in the first ce?"


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Where''s Hou Ge and Hou Di? And Dafei?"


    Xiao Lu said, "They''ve all been promoted."


    Zhang Ye said, "Well, alright, lunch is on them then."


    Xiao Lu said, "No problem, I''ll go and arrange it!"


    Zhang Ye looked at her. "Did you grow taller?"


    Xiao Lu rolled her eyes. "What age am I? How could I possibly have grown any taller?"


    "But it looks to me like you''re still a child." Zhang Yeughed.


    Qu Dong stared at Zhang Ye.


    Qi Liang and Hai Yifei looked at each other.


    When Guan Xue witnessed this scene, she smiled bitterly.


    Director Lu''s attitude towards Zhang Ye waspletely different from how she treated them. They couldn''t help but think about how Director Lu was behaving like a child in front of him.


    Qi Liang said politely, "Senior."


    Zhang Ye looked over. "Hello. Excuse me, but I''ve only just returned to the entertainment circle, so I''m not very familiar with everyone. How should I address you?"


    Qi Liang smiled. "My name is Qi Liang."


    Hai Yifei put his hand out. "My name is Hai Yifei."


    Zhang Ye shook his hand. "Hello."


    Qu Dong also introduced himself. "I''m Qu Dong."


    Zhang Ye said, "Hello."


    Guan Xue smiled. "Teacher Zhang, it''s been a long time."


    Zhang Ye said with a sigh, "Yeah, it has. You''re also taking part this time?"


    Guan Xue gave a wry smile. "I didn''t expect that you''d be the one joining."


    Zhang Ye threw his hands up. "I didn''t have a choice. Grandma Zhang refused toe, and that Chen Guang kept pushing the responsibility around. He Huan has a contract issue with his talent agency and was frozen by them. In the end, only I coulde."


    Zhang Ye knew Guan Xue a little as he had met her during an award ceremony four or five years ago. At that time, Guan Xue was not popr. Although they weren''t exactly close, and he didn''t have many dealings with her, the two of them were still celebrities from the same generation. But for Qi Liang, Hai Yifei, and Qu Dong, Zhang Ye did not know them at all. They were all neers who had emerged only after Zhang Ye had been sent to jail. Back when Zhang Ye first debuted in the industry, these three people were probably still in school.


    Right now.


    All five of the contestants had gathered.


    The battle of the grand champions was about to begin!

 Chapter 1550 - My spirit is still full of fight!

    <h4>Chapter 1550 - My spirit is still full of fight! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Later that afternoon.


    The news spread.


    The list for I Am a Singer''s finale battle of the grand champions was finally confirmed.


    On Weibo.


    "Have they announced it?"


    "It''s gonna be Zhang Ye?"


    "*faints* Why is it him again?"


    "It''s been so many years. Can he still sing?"


    "Hard to say."


    "This fellow should have lost most of his poprity, right?"


    "Hai, being away for four years is basically a death sentence for a celebrity."


    "I wonder how the progress of the TV drama that he''s making is going."


    "Can the good ole Face-smacking Zhang rise once more?"


    "We''ll know after watching."


    "This will be his first time onstage since hiseback."


    "I''m just afraid that this fellow will be the first to get eliminated."


    ��


    Qu Dong''s fan club.


    In a group chat.


    "Why is it him?"


    "I know this Zhang Ye. He''s such a cheat!"


    "Yeah, his works are all over thenguage textbooks."


    "His essays are so damn difficult to memorize that I''m sick of him."


    "Me too. I felt like vomiting when I was made to memorize ''Ode to Young China.''"


    "My parents were both his fans in the past. I just don''t get what''s so good about him. He''s not handsome at all and is totallyckingpared to our Qu Dong."


    "Supporting Ququ to win as the greatest champion!"


    ��


    Qi Liang''s fan club.


    In a group chat.


    "There''s nothing about Zhang Ye to be afraid of."


    "Yeah, our biggest opponents are Qu Dong and Hai Yifei."


    "Zhang Ye might''ve been awesome in the past. I believe anyone would admit to that. But there''s no room left for him to stand in the entertainment circle."


    "Our Qiqi is the most handsome of all."


    "As the most notorious and infamous hacker in the world, Zhang Ye still has the cheek to join this battle of the grand champions? Isn''t he a little too thick-skinned?"


    "That''s right, this person has such a tainted history."


    "The people these days like idols who are clean-cut and handsome. He''s only average-looking and has so many blemishes to his reputation. Celebrities like that are already slowly getting marginalized."


    "Qiqi will definitely be victorious!"


    "Kick that tainted celebrity out!"


    ��


    Back at home.


    Zhang Ye''s mother said, "That kid really went to join thepetition?"


    His father said, "If he wants to go, let him go. Do you think that you can still control him?"


    His mother said angrily, "I''m just afraid that he''ll lose. That would be so embarrassing."


    ��


    At his eldest younger sister''s house.


    His three sisters had gathered to catch the show on TV together.


    "Wow, our bro is participating in thepetition!"


    "It''s true!"


    "I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "Bro! You can do it! Defeat those hunks!"


    ��


    At Zhang Yuanqi''s house.


    Her phone rang.


    "Hello, Weihong."


    "Sister Zhang, have you seen the news?"


    "I haven''t been paying much attention to the entertainment circle''s news for the past two years. All I get is you calling me to tell me about what''s happening every day. What''s the matter now? Did something happen again?"


    "Haha, Teacher Zhang has really gone to join thepetition."


    "The battle of the grand champions?"


    "Yeah, they just announced the news."


    "I knew that he wouldn''t be able to sit idly by."


    ��


    Somewhere.


    The former Spring Garden group.


    Although their group had disbanded, Xiaodong, Amy, and Li Xiaoxian still met up regrly.


    "Look at this, Teacher Zhang has been confirmed as the representative of the first season of I Am a Singer!"


    "Hahaha, this is awesome!"


    "Can he win?"


    "Who knows? I only know that this has gotten much more interesting to watch."


    "There are already signs of Qu Dong and Qi Liang''s fans scolding him on the Inte. Pfft, Teacher Zhang has been away in jail for so many years, yet his social rtions are still as crappy as ever."


    ��


    At Zhao Wuliu''s house.


    "Old Zhao, Zhang Ye went to join thepetition."


    "Really?"


    "They''ve already announced it."


    "Hopefully he can help us win back some dignity."


    ��


    At the studio of a Heavenly King.


    "He''s really gonna participate?"


    "Zhang Ye is still as ballsy as ever, huh?"


    "But what he doesn''t realize is that he''s no longer the Heavenly King from before."


    "Could he be thinking of reiming his throne as a Heavenly King?"


    "Times have changed. How could it be that easy for him to make aeback?"


    "In this battle of the grand champions, he might end up bing the first person to get eliminated."


    ��


    In Zhang Ye''s fan group #37.


    Someone sprang out in this previously dead group.


    Big Saber Bro: "Brothers and sisters, how many people are still in here? Give me a shoutout if you are! Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    Immediately, seven or eight people responded.


    "Big Saber Bro!"


    "Ah, I haven''t seen Big Saber Bro in several years!"


    "Is it the real Big Saber Bro?"


    "Where have you been for the past few years?"


    Big Saber Bro: "It''s me. I''ve been restricted from using the Inte for the past few years. But now, I''ve finally regained my freedom. I''m currently gathering people by giving a shoutout to everyone in different groups. For those of you who see this message, please pass it on. Tell our brothers and sisters from years ago that Teacher Zhang has returned, and that I have returned as well. How many of you are still willing to follow Teacher Zhang to take on the industry again?"


    "Hai, there aren''t that many of us left from back then."


    "Yeah, we used to have a full 1,000 members in each group in the past. Right now, there are at most a 100 or so people left. Many of them have quit the group, and there are many who are just lurkers. It will be very difficult if we want to gather everyone back together again."


    Big Saber Bro: "Gather up however many people you can. Our friendship from years ago and the stories from that time, I''m sure that everyone wouldn''t forget it just like that. It''s only because a long time has passed, and some people have gotten married or had children, so they''re busy with their own matters, that''s all. Teacher Zhang will be taking part in the battle of the grand champions very soon. This will be his first time appearing in public since hiseback, and it''s going to be an elimination roundpetition as well. We''ve been pping the faces of others all our lives, so it had better not be us who gets pped this time! Hurry, hurry, gather everybody. Get as many people as you can so that we can show Teacher Zhang we''re still around!"


    "Sure!"


    "Understood!"


    ��


    In the Celebrity Goof Group.


    Back then, this was the most important celebrity group in the entertainment industry. The people who were added into this chat group were either Heavenly Kings and Queens, or at least A or B-list superstars. But right now, most of the members in this group were washed up or retired from the scene. The chat group was deserted and no longer lively.


    Xu Men: "@Zhang Ye make sure you don''t lose in the first round."


    Li Xiaoxian: "Teacher Zhang, bring out your abilities and show them what you''re capable of."


    Ning Lan: "@ZhangYe Damn, so you really ended up joining?"


    Xiaodong: "Pfft, wasn''t it you guys who urged him to join?"


    Shu Han: "We were only saying it for fun."


    Chen Guang: "Haha, Zhang''er, you better seek your own blessings."


    Fan Wenli: "Zhang''er, all of us will be supporting you. Go show those young guns what real singing is all about. That is, provided you can still sing."


    Amy: "Ah? Teacher Zhang can''t sing anymore?"


    Fan Wenli: "I don''t know. I haven''t heard him sing since he got back."


    Ning Lan: "We didn''t get to hear him sing either."


    Xu Men: "Why does it sound like the chances are getting lower the more I hear about it? I''m about to fall off the S-list rankings, so I was hoping that Teacher Zhang could shield me from that for a while longer. If he can get into the limelight more, the poprity of those male idols won''t increase so quickly, and they won''t be able to catch up to me so soon. Otherwise, I doubt I can stay in this seat for much longer."


    Ning Lan: "Then I guess you better not pin your hopes on him. Let''s ce our bets on how many rounds Teacher Zhang canst."


    Chen Guang: "He should be able tost for at least two rounds, right?"


    Amy: "I estimate he''llst only one round."


    Ning Lan: "One round, agreed."


    Xiaodong: "Don''t joke around. Teacher Zhang will be so saddened if he sees this."


    Everyone: "Hahahaha."


    After several years, the group was still as joyous and fun as ever.


    ��


    At around 9 PM, Zhang Ye had finally returned home from Beijing Television.


    When he turned on his phone to have a look, he saw many messages from his friends.


    Chen Guang: "If I had not had surgery on my vocal folds during these two years, I would''ve gone instead. I''ll leave the responsibility to you then. Don''t disappoint the first season''s ss of I Am a Singer. You''re not only representing yourself; you''re also representing the entire lot of our old generation of singers. It''s all up to you from here!"


    Amy: "Teacher Zhang, you can do it!"


    Xiaodong: "Defeat all of them!"


    Big Saber Bro Fan Yingyun: "Teacher Zhang, I''m back as well. The incident from four years ago lifted the lid on some of my past misdeeds, like the matter of helping you to delete your Weibo posts and hacking into the official websites of the other celebrities. Later on, those idiots even banned me from using the Inte. I''ve finally had the restrictions lifted, so I''m trying to gather up the people of the fan club again. Wait for my good news!"


    After Zhang Ye read through every one of the messages, he smiled to himself.


    Anxiety?


    Anticipation?


    Excitement?


    He realized that he was feeling those emotions all at once.


    Zhang Ye was very happy because he discovered that he still hadn''t changed. Although he had taken many detours along the way, had a lot of bumps in the road, and undergone difficult trials and battles, he was still the same person he was before.


    Ten years of icy drinks.


    Can''t cool my impassioned soul.


    Diving back into the struggle tonight.


    My spirit is still full of fight.

 Chapter 1551 - The battle of the grand champions begins!

    <h4>Chapter 1551 - The battle of the grand champions begins! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    It was the day of the battle of the grand champions.


    In the afternoon, at a kindergarten.


    "Sisi, over here."


    "Daddy, my daddy is here."


    "Come on, let''s go home."


    "Daddy, carry me."


    "Hur hur, you clingy little girl."


    At the front gate of the kindergarten, Zhang Ye hade to pick Sisi up from school.


    The teachers were all very surprised to see him. Next to them, quite a few of the other children''s parents crowded around them. They couldn''t understand why Zhang Ye was in the mood toe to school to fetch his daughter.


    His daughter''s form teacher asked anxiously, "Aren''t you taking part in thepetition tonight?"


    Zhang Ye was carrying his daughter and said with a smile, "Yes, it''s happening tonight at around 8 PM."


    "Then why are you still so leisurelying around to pick your daughter up?" one of the children''s parents asked.


    Another teacher asked dumbfoundedly, "Don''t you have to prepare for thepetition tonight?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Of course I''m going to prepare for it. But I can''t forget about my child either. Hur hur, no matter how important work may be, my daughter is much more important to me." He then lowered his head and gave Sisi a peck on the cheek. "Right, my dear?"


    Sisi nodded hard. "Yes, Sisi is the most important!"


    Everyone could only take their hats off to him.


    They suddenly felt that Zhang Ye was no longer the same person. For a moment, everyone felt even more pessimistic about Zhang Ye''s battle tonight. Being tied down with a family, how could Zhang Ye possibly win? Could he still press forward without a care like the younger male idols of the entertainment industry these days?


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "What time does it start?"


    "There are still two more hours to go."


    "Let''s see who will be the first to perform."


    "Haha, my Ququ will definitely sweep everyone aside."


    "Qiqi will definitely be victorious!"


    "Haihai is the best!"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye."


    "Previous poster, get lost!"


    "What does a banned artist have against the might of our older brothers?"


    "When Teacher Zhang was famous, those hunks weren''t even around yet!"


    "That''s such old news, isn''t it?"


    "Yeah, that''s right. Who isn''t more popr than Zhang Ye now?"


    "He will surely be the first to get eliminated!"


    ��


    At Beijing Television.


    There was one hour left until the live broadcast began.


    Although Zhang Ye was already runningte, he still walked over at a leisurely pace.


    The other contestants had already arrived. Immediately, all of them looked at him.


    Xiao Lu was panicking badly. "Brother Zhang! My dear brother! Where on earth were you? I even had to call you twice before I could get through? The live broadcast is almost starting."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I was cooking dinner, so I must have missed your call."


    Guan Xue said in a speechless manner, "You cooked dinner today?"


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "I even picked up my daughter from school. That''s why I got dyed for a bit."


    Xiao Lu facepalmed. "I really have to give it to you."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''m not the same as you. Having been separated from my family and home for those few years, I have a lot of regrets. So I can only slowly make it up to them."


    Qi Liang looked at him.


    Qu Dong was at a loss for words.


    Hai Yifei was also rather taken aback.


    Pick up his daughter?


    Cook dinner?


    Don''t you know what day it is today?


    This is I Am a Singer''s battle of the grand champions, the culmination of the five seasons of the show! Whoever wins this honor would surely be sent directly to the top of the Chinese entertainment circle to stand alongside the big brothers and sisters!


    Xiao Lu quickly said, "We''re going to begin immediately. I''ll brief you once more regarding the procedures. Everyone will first have to draw lots, then��" She went through the instructions very quickly.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Understood."


    Xiao Lu subconsciously said, "You must bear that in mind." After saying that, she suddenly realized who she was speaking with and couldn''t help but blush in embarrassment. She tried to cough it off. This show itself was thought up by Zhang Ye in the first ce, and it was he who sessfully produced and directed it. When Zhang Ye was doing the live broadcast arrangements back then, Xiao Lu was just a member of his team. So when she finished saying those words, she couldn''t help but feel a little embarrassed about it.


    But Zhang Ye said, "OK, I''ll remember it."


    Xiao Lu chuckled and said, "Come off it. I had better stop all that bullshit in your presence."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "You''re the executive director now, so of course I have to listen to you."


    In fact, Xiao Lu was very nervous today. She had served as the executive director of I Am a Singer for two years now. Previously, it had always been Hu Fei who was in this role. But when Hu Fei was promoted to be the Deputy Station Head, Xiao Lu couldn''t have expected that Brother Hu would hand over the star show of the station to her. She could still remember the exact words that Brother Hu said to her at that time. He told her that this show was left behind for them by Teacher Zhang, so she mustn''t screw it up and disappoint him. Those words remained very clear in her mind, so when she learned that Zhang Ye was going to join the finalepetition of the show, she couldn''t help but feel perturbed. She felt even more nervous than when she first took over the reins as the executive director of the show. This was because she wanted to hand in the best possible answer that she could to Zhang Ye. She wanted to let him know that the show he had brought into this world had not been screwed up by her, and that she had not disappointed him!


    The scheduled time was fast approaching.


    The preparations for the broadcast were all in order.


    After Xiao Lu had arranged everything, she suddenly went to Zhang Ye on her own and said to him, "Teacher Zhang, there''s something that I''ve always found very regretful."


    Zhang Ye was startled. "What is it?"


    Xiao Lu looked at him. "Back on the first season of I Am a Singer, you didn''t win as the grand champion because we had forced you to save the day after the role of the host was vacated. But as the executive director of the show, and for the sake of the station, you made many sacrifices on your part. We at Beijing TV, as well as the people, all of us owe you the title of grand champion. You''re not the executive director today, and you don''t have any responsibilities for Beijing TV either, so you can finally sing as you like. It''s time that you took home the title of grand champion. It belongs to you anyway, or at least, you should''ve been crowned as the grand champion four years ago."


    Zhang Ye smiled and patted her head in response. "The grand champion was voted on by everyone, and nothing should ever be taken for granted. In this current day and age, do you still think that I can be the greatest champion?"


    Xiao Lu said, "Of course."


    Zhang Ye shook his head andughed.


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    The whole family had gathered in front of the television.


    "Has it started yet?"


    "It''s beginning soon."


    "Bro, you can do it!"


    ��


    Old Chen''s house.


    Chen Guang and Fan Wenli were both sitting quietly before their television.


    "It''s about to start."


    "I''m feeling a little nervous."


    "Why would you be nervous?"


    "I''m nervous for Zhang''er, of course."


    ��


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    "Dad, hurry up!"


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    "It''s blown up all over the Inte. Today''s viewership ratings of I Am a Singer are gonna be heaven-defying!"


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' courtyard house.


    Wu Changhe and some members of his family had gathered around to wait in front of the television.


    "Will Little Ye be able to do it?"


    "Who knows?"


    "I wonder how popr he still is."


    ��


    Dong Shanshan''s house.


    Several of their old ssmates had gathered here today.


    "Comrade Yu Yingyi, why have you only arrived?"


    "Aiya, I was caught in traffic."


    "Shanshan, increase the volume of the TV."


    "What song do you guys think Zhang''er will sing today?"


    "It''s probably going to be an old song?"


    "He''s not writing songs anymore?"


    "Who knows if he can still write them. Having spent so many years in jail, his talents might have dried up. Hai, I feel such pain for our Zhang''er!"


    ��


    At home.


    Wu Zeqing was carrying Sisi and sitting down on the sofa.


    "Mommy, where''s Daddy? Where''s Daddy?"


    "Daddy will be out soon."


    "Mommy, can Daddy win?"


    "If your Daddy wants to win, he will not lose. It''s been like this in the past, and it will be like this in the future."


    ��


    The countdown started.


    Three.


    Two.


    One.


    The live broadcast began!

 Chapter 1552 - Taking to the stage!

    <h4>Chapter 1552 - Taking to the stage! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On TV.


    The live broadcast was being shown.


    The host was someone called Cui Na. Ever since Dong Shanshan stepped down from her role as a Beijing Television host, Cui Na took over the hosting responsibilities of I Am a Singer. She was one of the new generation of popr hosts.


    The host said, "Hello, everyone! This is Beijing TV, and wee to the finalepetition of I Am a Singer. Today, we''ve invited the representatives of the past five seasons'' contestants to hold a never before seen battle of the grand champions in the music industry. The five contestants are all very talented singers of the music scene, and they''ll being together on the same stage for a versuspetition in a bid to be crowned the greatest champion of the show. I believe that all of our viewers watching TV and the live audience at our venue cannot wait. Now then, we''re only 10 minutes away from the official start of thepetition. Everyone, follow me to the backstage to have a look at the drawing of lots. Who will be the first contestant to take to the stage today? Let''s take a look."


    Backstage.


    There were a total of five waiting rooms.


    Room One was Zhang Ye.


    Room Two was Guan Xue.


    Room Three was Hai Yifei.


    Room Four was Qi Liang.


    Room Five was Qu Dong.


    The room order was based on which season the grand champion had emerged from.


    The female host came to the door of the first room. She spoke excitedly to the camera with a smile, "We''ll be knocking on the door of Room One soon. I''m quite nervous. The teacher in there was once a legend of the entertainment circle, as well as my school senior. Returning to the industry after so many years, he has once again stepped onto the stage of I Am a Singer. This is a phenomenal stage that he had helped to build back then, so I believe his mood is a little different."


    Knock knock.


    A voice came from the inside. "Who is it?"


    The female host cautiously tried to push the door open. "Senior, we''ll be starting thepetition soon. How are your preparationsing along?"


    The man on the inside said, "So-so, I guess."


    The female host pushed at the door a second and third time, then said, "Eh, why is it locked?"


    The manughed and said, "I''ll see you guyster onstage."


    The female host whispered into the camera, "I believe a lot of people are quite curious about how Teacher Zhang looks like now. Has he gained weight? Or did he be thinner? Ever since Teacher Zhang''s return, I haven''t met him. Thest time I saw him was four or five years ago when I was still in my fourth year of university. It was a lecture that Professor Zhang had given at Media College, so Teacher Zhang is an industry senior, a school senior, and also a teacher to me. Since Teacher Zhang wants to leave his first meeting with everyone until he gets onstage, we''ll respect his wishes. Come on then, let''s go to the second room to have a look."


    Knock knock.


    Room Two''s door opened.


    "Sister Guan, I''m here!"


    "Nana."


    "Today is the first round of thepetition. Are you confident?"


    "No, I have no confidence at all."


    "Ah?"


    "Hur hur, the youngsters these days are too strong. I can only do my best and hope that I won''t get eliminated in the first round."


    Room Three.


    "Teacher Little Hai, are you nervous?"


    "I am, in fact."


    "What song have you prepared? Can you reveal it to us?"


    "Haha, that, I have to keep a secret."


    Room Four.


    "Teacher Liang-liang, we haven''t met in a long time."


    "Sister Nana, you''ve gotten prettier again."


    "Haha, thank you! We''ll be drawing lots soon. What order would you like to appear onstage?"


    "I don''t ask for much, but it would be good if I were to appear third or fourth."


    Room Five.


    "Teacher Qu, you''re the favorite to win as the greatest champion. A lot of people are very optimistic about your chances. Besides, as we know, you''ve just won as the grand champion half a month ago on the fifth season of I Am a Singer. So are you going to make a push for it as well this time and take the title of the greatest champion of the five seasons?"


    "Of course I would like to win, but everyone is very strong too, so it won''t be easy at all."


    "We''re looking forward to your performance. All the best."


    "Thank you."


    The interview ended.


    The highly anticipated drawing of the lots began.


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    "Let''s see who''ll be the first to take the stage."


    "Who''s gonna draw lots first?"


    "Qi Liang is drawing first. Wow, it''s number three, not bad."


    "Hai Yifei is going first?"


    "Haihai won''t fear that. He tends to sing the more powerful type of songs, so going first is an advantage for him."


    "Guan Xue is going second."


    "Qu Dong drew fourth!"


    "Why hasn''t Zhang Ye revealed himself yet?"


    "There''s no need to do that. Everyone else has drawn their lots. He''s going to appearst."


    "I haven''t seen Guan Xue in two years. It seems like she''s put on weight."


    "Yeah, I wonder what Zhang Ye looks like now."


    "It doesn''t matter what he looks like now. He wasn''t handsome in the past."


    "Our Ququ and Qiqi are still the most handsome. Haihai is also quite good-looking as well."


    "I''ve already decided to give my vote to Ququ."


    "Damn, they haven''t even started performing yet."


    "Perform what? Who cares as long as they''re handsome. For the old generation of singers, just leave them to be forgotten in time."


    ��


    Zhang Yuanqi''s house.


    Ning Lan said, "Zhang''er''s luck is quite good."


    Zhang Yuanqi said indifferently, "That won''t help."


    Ning Lan said, "True, it still depends on what song he sings."


    ��


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    Yao Jiancai said, "It''s starting soon."


    Yao Mi replied, "I''ve already told my ssmates to vote for Uncle Zhang."


    "How many people did you get?"


    "It''s depressing. Only two of them responded positively to me. The others are all saying that they will be voting for Qi Liang and Qu Dong. To think that they graduated from Peking University. How could they forget how much they liked Uncle Zhang back then."


    "People change."


    ��


    At Zhang Xia''s house.


    Her daughter asked, "Is Teacher Zhang already in grave danger in the first round?"


    Zhang Xia said, "Yes, everyone is saying that he''ll likely be eliminated in the first round."


    Her daughter said, "Then what''s going to happen?"


    Zhang Xia said, "That depends on him."


    Her daughter said, "Do you believe in Teacher Zhang?"


    "Actually, I don''t know either. I haven''t heard him sing in many years."


    ��


    The drawing of lots ended.


    There were only five more minutes before thepetition began.


    The host had returned to the stage to mingle with the audience. Backstage, all of the staff and contestants were getting ready.


    On Weibo.


    In the forums.


    In everyone''s Moments.


    Today, at this moment, everyone was crazily posting and checking out the news online.


    The trending poprity of I Am a Singer''s finale battle of the grand champions kept growing. An increasing amount of people were turning on their televisions to catch the live broadcast, and there was a continuous stream of people going onto Weibo to cheer on their favorite singers. The topicality of the show had shot through the roof. From the looks of it, it could only be imagined how glorious the viewership ratings would turn out. The entertainment circle had experienced a generational change. Many of the old variety shows from four, five, or six years ago were no longer around. For example, King of Masked Singers, Talk Show, as well as Do You Remember. Only I Am a Singer had firmly survived the changing times, and it even managed to be more popr.


    ��


    At the venue.


    The countdown was getting closer and closer.


    The audience was screaming in excitement.


    "Haihai!"


    "Haihai, you can do it!"


    "Haihai is the best!"


    "Supporting Haihai!"


    Glow sticks and LED light boards were being waved around by Hai Yifei''s fans at the venue.


    The next moment, when the stage lights dimmed and the spotlights focused onto the moon gate, the crowd blew up. Countless people stood up and started shouting.


    "He''sing on!"


    "Haihai ising on!"


    "Ahhh, he''s so handsome!"


    "Haihai, I love you!"


    "Come on!"


    Thepetition began!


    Hai Yifei was the first contestant to take the stage!


    He bowed.


    And gave his thanks.


    Amid the apuse of the crowd, the music yed.


    A song from Hai Yifei''s album that came outst year yed onstage.


    "Don''t Say You Love Me"


    "I''ve always tried to hide.


    "Not knowing how to face you.


    "I''ve always tried to leave.


    "Recalling the past''s melody.


    "Don''t say you love me!


    "I can only be silent!


    "Don''t say you love me!


    "I know, it was my fault!"


    Today, Hai Yifei had uncharacteristically belted out a love song.


    It was very tender.


    It was very touching.


    Quite a few people in the audience looked like they were enchanted by the performance.


    When this song finished, the apuse and screams nearly brought the roof down!


    The faces of several youngdies were streaming with tears. Their voices had all gone hoarse from shouting!


    ��


    Online.


    "Let''s vote!"


    "I already did!"


    "It''s too good!"


    "Haihai is great!"


    ��


    Backstage.


    There was no camera set up in Zhang Ye''s waiting room.


    He was alone and watching the live performance from the venue on the television.


    So this was a hot, young male star of this world?


    And he wasn''t even the most popr one?


    Even if it were the Heavenly Kings and Queens of his previous world, they would probably just be able to attract this level of screaming and shouting that was heard here. This was the first time Zhang Ye hade face to face with the poprity and appeal of the young studs of this world. No wonder his old friends were so pessimistic about his chances. No wonder his parents had not wanted him to join thepetition. No wonder the people andizens all felt that he would get eliminated in the first round. This was an era where the explosive poprity of male idols was unstoppable. Everyone had witnessed simr situations like this happening countless times in the past few years, and all of them were already used to it.


    No one could understand why Zhang Ye would choose toe here.


    Everyone felt that Zhang Ye was asking to be humiliated.


    They had such a high level of poprity and such passionate fans supporting them. Some of these fans could even have been his fans in the past. However, people changed; people moved on. It really wasn''t going to be easy to seek what he had lost.


    Zhang Ye, how will you respond?


    Can you continue standing on a stage like this?

 Chapter 1553 - ’The Ordinary Road’!

    <h4>Chapter 1553 - ''The Ordinary Road''! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The second contestant came on!


    Guan Xue quietly went onstage amid scattered apuse.


    Compared to Hai Yifei''s onstage appearance, it was an entirely different reaction.


    A melodious voice floated out.


    "Where is the piano?


    "Where does the sound drift?


    "To the heavens maybe?


    "Can this be fate?"


    Guan Xue sang with all that she could.


    She hit the high notes.


    She sang in falsetto.


    She incorporated portamento into the song.


    She was constantly switching between different techniques.


    But not many people in the audience was taking her seriously.


    ��


    Online.


    The voting window had opened.


    Even before some of the singers had taken the stage to sing, the fans were already voting crazily for them.


    "Haihai shall be victorious!"


    "Damn, let me give my vote to Qiqi first."


    "I''ve already voted for Qu Dong."


    "He hasn''t even performed yet, big sis."


    "So what? I''ll just vote first."


    "Guan Xue sang quite well too."


    "Yeah, I''ve voted for her."


    "Has everyone already voted? Why aren''t you all saving your votes until they finish singing? There are still three more contestants."


    "Zhang Ye is in real danger."


    "It was expected that he would be the first to get eliminated."


    "Actually, a lot of people here were Zhang Ye''s fans in the past, but there really aren''t too many of them left."


    "No matter what, he''s still a former Heavenly King. How can he get eliminated in just the first round? That would be so embarrassing."


    "He asked for it for not admitting that he has be old and insisting oning topete with the hunks."


    "Actually, I really wanna know what song Zhang Ye will sing."


    ��


    On the stage.


    Qi Liang went onstage.


    The cheering was deafening.


    "Qiqi!"


    "Qi Liang!"


    "Qi Liang!"


    "Let''s go!"


    "He''s so handsome!"


    "Qiqi, I''ll love you forever!"


    Many girls started crying the moment they saw Qi Liang.


    The extent of chasing after a star like that could only simply be described as feverish!


    Today, Qi Liang had chosen an English song to sing. It was also a genre that he was very adept at performing. The moment he opened his mouth, many people in the audience stood up!


    Compared to Hai Yifei, he had even more fans!


    Qi Liang''s poprity was much higher than Hai Yifei''s!


    ��


    Backstage.


    In Room One.


    An employee knocked on the door and entered.


    The employee said, "Director Zhang, Teacher Qu Dong will be going onstage next. Please get ready for your turn."


    Zhang Yeughed. "Don''t address me as Director Zhang anymore."


    The employee scratched his head in embarrassment. "Hai, I''m used to calling you that."


    "I''ve ready and can go at any time," Zhang Ye said.


    The employee said, "Alright then, have some water. We''ll bring you over in another two minutes."


    Zhang Ye nodded and figured that he might as well turn off the television. The room was suddenly plunged into silence, although the shouting from where the stage was could still be heard. There wasn''t a lot of time left. He then lowered his head to look at his hands and discovered that they were actually trembling. It had been four years, four years without meeting the audience, four years without standing on a stage to perform. Will they still acknowledge me? Can my voice still move them?


    Zhang Ye did not know.


    He only knew that he had a lot of things that he wished to say to them. He really had a lot to say.


    I''m back.


    But are you still here for me?


    Do you guys still remember my story?


    The employee said, "Teacher Zhang, let''s go."


    "Alright." Zhang Ye stood up and went with him.


    As they got closer to the stage, the shouting in the venue became clearer.


    Qu Dong was still singing.


    Zhang Ye was in the holding area now.


    From where he was, he could see a portion of the audience and the stage. It was a very familiar sight and something that he missed greatly. This was the same stage as the one he helped to design. After five seasons, there wasn''t too much change. For a moment, Zhang Ye lost his focus. He suddenly remembered many things, such as the explosive poprity of "Small Apple," how za dancing took the country by storm, and his finale song, "The King of Karaoke." All of that was part of his story on this stage those years ago.


    After four years, he was back.


    Time really went quick.


    All of a sudden, thunderous pping and roars pulled him back to reality.


    "Qu Dong!"


    "Qu Dong!"


    "Qu Dong!"


    The onstage performance had ended.


    The audience couldn''t contain their excitement.


    Madness!


    Screams!


    Yells!


    All of the apuse was for Qu Dong!


    Zhang Ye knew that it was time for him to go onstage.


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "Ququ is invincible!"


    "This song was performed in such a godly manner!"


    "Qiqi''s song was quite good too."


    "The greatest champion of the five seasons can only be a fight between Qi Liang and Qu Dong. Even if the others can sing in such a fantastic way, there isn''t much hope of them winning."


    "Yeah, their poprities are entirely different from these two."


    "Who''s the next singer?"


    "Ah, it should be Zhang Ye''s turn, right? Next is thest one."


    "I don''t hold any hope for him."


    "Hai, he shouldn''t have joined at all."


    "I don''t even feel like listening to this cklisted artist perform."


    "Right, with such a tainted history, he thinks that he can challenge Qiqi and Ququ?"


    "He''s probably gonna get eliminated in the first round."


    ��


    Old Chen''s house.


    Chen Guang was startled. "It''s Zhang Ye''s turn!"


    Fan Wenli actually became nervous. "Will he be alright?"


    "Let''s watch," Chen Guang said.


    Fan Wenli said, "He had better not get eliminated in the first round!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His cousins were making a ruckus.


    "It''s our brother''s turn!"


    "It''s finally our brother''s turn!"


    "This is suffocatingly tense!"


    "What song will our brother be singing?"


    "I don''t know."


    "It''s probably going to be an old song?"


    ��


    At Old Wu''s parents'' courtyard house.


    Wu Changhe asked, "Hai, why have some people started leaving their seats?"


    Li Qinqin said, "I don''t know."


    Wu Mo said, "Damn, this is so uncalled for."


    Li Qinqin said, "Yeah, why are the audience members leaving right now?"


    ��


    At Qu Dong''s Studio.


    "Pfft."


    "There are people standing up to leave?"


    "They probably want to visit the bathroom after watching the performances for so long."


    "Go to the bathroom when it''s Zhang Ye''s turn? His social rtions are godawful then."


    "His current poprity is really no longer the same as before."


    ��


    Back at home.


    Zhang Ye''s mother roared, "What''s the meaning of this?"


    His father was stunned. "Why would they visit the bathroom right now?"


    His mother said angrily, "I told him not to join thepetition! See! What did I tell you!"


    ��


    Dong Shanshan''s house.


    "What the hell!"


    "Zhang''er is in a dangerous position."


    "Yeah, judging by the atmosphere, it really doesn''t seem like he stands a chance of going through."


    "Let''s see how Zhang Ye will handle this."


    "Can he turn the tide?"


    "Who knows!"


    ��


    At the live venue.


    In the audience, a lot of people were leaving their seats.


    "It''s been an hour already."


    "Yeah, let''s make use of Zhang Ye''s performance to quickly use the bathroom."


    "Yeah, there''s still the second round to go after this."


    "I''ll be looking forward to seeing Ququ''s performance in the second round."


    "Qi Liang is very good too."


    "Haha, they''re both quite good. Our ears are gonna have a feast today."


    "Look, Zhang Ye hase out onstage. He seems like he has put on some weight."


    "That''s because he was too thin in the past."


    "It''s been so many years since I''ve seen him."


    "Let''s go to the bathroom first. We''ll see how he performs after we get back."


    Over a dozen people were joking andughing as they casually left their seats.


    At this moment, on camera, Zhang Ye had walked out of the moon gate.


    Some people were about to leave.


    While some remained seated.


    There was no apuse.


    There were no cheers.


    The executive director, Xiao Lu, looked solemn. However, she was panicking badly on the inside!


    How did it end up like this?


    Why wasn''t there any apuse?


    Have you all really forgotten about Teacher Zhang?


    Zhang Ye slowly walked out and stopped in his tracks. He stood quietly onstage and looked into the audience. Looking at those people who were leaving their seats without even giving him a look, he did not say anything at all. There was nothing he could say anyway. All he did was hold his microphone as he slowly closed his eyes.


    At this moment.


    The entire nation''s viewers were watching this scene on their televisions.


    The entire nation''s viewers were staring at him curiously.


    Backstage, Qi Liang, who had finished performing, was shaking his head.


    Sitting beside him, Guan Xue let out a small sigh.


    This was a scene they had anticipated.


    The music yed.


    But what no one expected that everyone would be stunned when Zhang Ye opened his mouth!


    The spotlights were focused on Zhang Ye.


    The melody of the music was gentle and mncholic.


    Then Zhang Ye opened his mouth.


    Under everyone''s gaze, Zhang Ye gripped the microphone with his eyes closed. Standing on this stage that he helped build four years ago, he lightly sang.


    This was his first time singing a song in an official setting since his return.


    There were no high notes.


    There were no techniques.


    He was just singing 1 in a calm and quiet manner:


    "As you waver on the pathway


    "Will you move forward? Via, via.


    "Fragile, arrogant.


    "That''s how I used to be as well."


    In the audience.


    The people who had left their seats froze!


    Zhang Ye sang gently.


    "Impassioned, apprehensive.


    "Where are you going? Via, via.


    "Silent as a puzzle.


    "Are you listening to my story?"


    The people who were leaving stopped in their tracks!


    They looked at Zhang Ye in surprise!


    Xiao Lu was stunned!


    The live audience members were dumbfounded!


    The people watching TV were staring in shock at their screens!


    Zhang Ye opened his eyes.


    He looked at the stage.


    He looked at the audience.


    He looked at everyone.


    He sang.


    "I''ve traversed mountains and the seas,


    "And cut through crowds of people.


    "Once upon a time, I had it all.


    "But it was all gone in the blink of an eye.


    "I''d lost and was beyond hope, and even lost all direction.


    "Until I saw that being ordinary was my only solution."


    Listening this, Xiao Lu''s eyes reddened!


    ��


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    "He can still write songs?"


    "It''s a new song!"


    ��


    Old Zhang''s house.


    "This fellow is amazing."


    "So he can still sing."


    ��


    Dong Shanshan''s house.


    "How has Zhang''er been living his life these past few years?"


    "To have a home that he couldn''t go back to, to have a child that he couldn''t see. Just tell me, how did he live through all of that?"


    ��


    At the venue.


    Zhang Ye sang lightly.


    "While you are still fantasizing


    "About your future, via, via.


    "Will it improve, or worsen?


    "For me, it''s just another day."


    The crowd fell silent.


    The people who hadn''t been paying attention to him earlier were now dumbfounded.


    Zhang Ye reached out and clutched his chest. His grip tightened as he sang.


    "I once destroyed everything I held dear,


    "So I had to leave for good.


    "I once fell into endless darkness.


    "I struggled but failed to get out.


    "I''ve been like you, like him, even like weeds and wildflowers.


    "I''m desperate and yearning, I cry andugh, but stay ordinary."


    This was Zhang Ye''s story.


    These were his experiences over the past four years.


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    His mother was crying. "Son!"


    His father''s eyes were a deep red.


    ��


    Back at home.


    Sisi asked, "Mommy, Mommy, what''s wrong?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "Mommy''s fine."


    "Mommy, don''t cry."


    "OK, Mommy won''t cry."


    ��


    Onstage.


    Zhang Ye sang.


    "Move forward, keep going, even if you were given over.


    "Move forward, keep going, even if you were robbed.


    "Move forward, keep going, even if you miss out.


    "Move forward, keep going, even if you��


    "I''ve traversed mountains and the seas, / And cut through crowds of people.


    "I''ve asked all around the world, / But have never gotten an answer.


    "I''m just like you, like him, even like weeds and wildflowers.


    "As I face the unknown, this is the only road I will take."


    Xiao Lu was crying.


    Many of the Beijing Television staff were crying.


    Zhang Ye''s old ssmates were crying.


    Fan Wenli was crying.


    When many of the audience members at the venue realized it, tears were already dripping from their eyes. They couldn''t even wipe them dry or get them off their faces.


    Zhang Ye lowered the microphone.


    Then he raised it again.


    "Time flies by, and just like that.


    "Tomorrow is here. Via, via.


    "The wind blows, the road ahead is still long.


    "How far am I into my story?"


    The song ended.


    There was still no apuse.


    There were still no cheers.


    There were still no screams.


    But Qu Dong froze.


    Qi Liang, Hai Yifei, and the others also found it a little unbelievable.


    They discovered that many of the staff and audience members at the venue were crying.


    Those who had stood up to leave their seats, those who did not anticipate listening to Zhang Ye sing, all of them had thought that after so many years, Zhang Ye would have be a memory to them. They had thought that even after seeing Zhang Ye again, that passion in them from years ago would not get stirred up. They believed that they had all grown up and changed, that all of them had already moved on. But they didn''t expect that when faced with Zhang Ye again, upon hearing him sing again, they would still burst into tears!


    His story from years ago had appeared in front of them once again!

 Chapter 1554 - The contestant to be eliminated in the first round is—

    <h4>Chapter 1554 - The contestant to be eliminated in the first round is�� </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The singing stopped.


    The music stopped.


    When the live audience was finally able to react, Zhang Ye was already quietly retreating from the stage. All they could see was his receding figure.


    In the audience.


    A child asked, "Mommy, why are you crying?"


    His mother wiped away her tears and said, "Mommy doesn''t know either."


    The child asked, "Who is that uncle?"


    His mother looked in the direction of Zhang Ye''s departure. "He was Mommy and Daddy''s favorite celebrity in the past."


    A wife was wiping her tears away. "Teacher Zhang''s got wrinkles on his face."


    Her husband made a noise in acknowledgement.


    The wife said, "Hubby, have the times changed, or is it us who have changed?"


    The husband replied, "Maybe it is everything that has changed."


    "B-But I realized that I still like him. Hubby, what about you? Do you still like him?"


    The husband did not answer.


    The wife turned to look at him and was stunned by what she saw.


    She discovered that her husband was crying too.


    After so many years, a person from the past had returned. "The Ordinary Road" brought tears to countless people.


    Many memories flooded through in an instant!


    Zhang Ye, who fought a Korean celebrity to stand up for the average person.


    Zhang Ye, who went bankrupt in order to save his fan by lending her money to treat her disease.


    Zhang Ye, who typed out the words "whoever offends the mighty nation of China, however distant, shall be destroyed" for his country.


    He was back. That fellow who had caused them to fall madly in love with him, that fellow who had left them gnashing their teeth in anger, that fellow who had made them howl withughter��he was back. He had changed. His hair had be shorter, and he had several more wrinkles on his face. However, he could still sing like before.


    That was an indescribable sense of nostalgia.


    A lot of people at the venue and watching television were lost in their thoughts at this moment.


    ��


    At Old Yao''s house.


    Yao Mi broke down crying.


    Yao Jiancai sighed "It has really not been easy on Zhang''er these past few years."


    Yao Mi sobbed, "Uncle Zhang!"


    ��


    Dong Shanshan''s house.


    "Why isn''t anyone pping?"


    "What''s with everybody?"


    "Have they really forgotten all about Zhang''er? There were so many events, so many memories, how can they just forget him like that!"


    ��


    At Zhang Xia''s house.


    "Mom, Teacher Zhang can still sing!"


    "Yes."


    "But will everyone acknowledge him?"


    "Little Zhang is back, and he''s still the same Little Zhang that we knew. But I wonder if the people are still the same?"


    ��


    Zhang Yuanqi''s house.


    "''The Ordinary Road''?"


    "This fe has made me cry again with his singing."


    "He has changed quite a bit."


    ��


    In the holding area.


    When Zhang Ye got back here, he bumped into Xiao Lu.


    Xiao Lu was crying. "Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and went up to give her a hug. "What are you crying for? Did I not sing well? I thought it was quite satisfactory as I''ve managed to sing out what I wished to tell everyone. It was pretty good."


    "But the audience, they��"


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s fine."


    ��


    Backstage.


    The contestants who had finished performing had returned here.


    Zhang Ye was thest person to arrive.


    Guan Xue stood up. "Teacher Zhang."


    Qi Liang also stood up. "That was a good performance."


    Qu Dong alsoplimented him.


    How many years had Zhang Ye been in the entertainment industry? He could easily tell who was being sincere and who was not. He simply returned a smile and said thank you to them.


    Actually, Qu Dong, Hai Yifei, and Qi Liang were all very surprised that so many people had cried after hearing Zhang Ye sing. In their opinion, "The Ordinary Road" had a very t melody, without any high notes and didn''t require any techniques to sing it well. Although they had never heard this song before, possibly because it was a newlyposed song by Zhang Ye, the song still had the "vibes" of an old song and had apletely different melody and rhythm from the contemporary pop music they were used to. Furthermore, be it the singing or technique, there was nothing special about Zhang Ye''s performance, so why did the audience react in such a way? Instead, the only normal thing was theck of cheers and apuse from the audience at the beginning and the end of his performance. From this point alone, they knew that Zhang Ye would definitely be out of luck for this first round ofpetition. If there were no surprises, he would surely be the first one to be eliminated.


    They had never seen such a peaceful performance before.


    A performance that didn''t even get apuded. So how many votes could he possibly get?


    It looked like it was just as everyone had expected. Zhang Ye would be the first person to lose his qualifications to be the greatest champion of I Am a Singer, and in that, they would have one less opponent.


    ��


    Zhang Ye''s fan group #7.


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Damn, I''m crying!"


    "I cried too. I feel so terrible!"


    "Is there no one supporting Teacher Zhang anymore? There wasn''t even any apuse for him?"


    "Motherfucker, vote!"


    "Right, let''s quickly vote!"


    "Where is everyone? Where did everyone go!"


    "Teacher Zhang has returned! Where have all of you gone? Where?!"


    "Are there only the few of us left?"


    "After listening to this song, how can you guys sit still or do nothing?"


    "Stop shouting. They won''t hear you."


    "Hai, the people from back then have gone their separate ways."


    "Eh, wait."


    "Admin, what''s the matter?"


    "What the hell!"


    All of a sudden, several of the administrators were stunned.


    Di di di!


    Di di di!


    Notifications of people applying to join the group exploded!


    Group #7.


    Group #8.


    Group #15.


    Group #37.


    All the formerly dead fan groups of Zhang Ye''s blew up with alerts!


    "LittleGrass55 reporting in!"


    "To our dear admins of Zhang Ye''s fan group #9, I''m back!"


    "ChiChi is back!"


    "OldChu520 is back!"


    "Open up, I''m back!"


    "ZhangYeFanNumber55 is back!"


    "I''m sorry, I left the group due to some family issues. But I''m back now!"


    "Motherfucker! Now that Teacher Zhang is taking on the industry again, how can I not be a part of it!"


    "I''ve been busy with work, and my wife is really strict with me. I wasn''t supposed toe in here, but when I heard Teacher Zhang''s song today, motherfucking hell, I decided to check in again even if it means my death!"


    "DriftingSnow is back!"


    "HeJiale is back!"


    Familiar faces!


    Familiar nicknames!


    10 people!


    A 100 people!


    A 1,000 people!


    The eyes of the group administrators welled up!


    Big Saber Bro scolded everyone the moment they entered the groups. "You bunch of idiots, why did you just respond? Hurry up and vote!"


    "Spare us, Big Saber Bro!"


    "We''ll immediately vote!"


    "My cell phone has been confiscated by my wife. I can''t vote!"


    "Old Knife, why are you still so afraid of your wife?"


    "Damn, I won''t let you say that about me. Watch how I take my cell phone back!"


    "Old Knife, you can do it! He''s risking his life just to vote, haha!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    ��


    At the venue.


    Watching TV.


    Everyone was getting very anxious as they waited for the final result.


    The host, Cui Na, hade back out onto the stage. "The first round of voting has ended. I believe that everyone has used the most practical of actions to show their support for the contestants they like the most. But unfortunately, of the five contestants in the first round, one of them will have to leave our stage. The voting results are in my hands. I won''t be announcing the rankings of the first round. However, I will be announcing the name of the contestant that has been eliminated. So then, the contestant who will be leaving us in the first round of the culmination battle of I Am a Singer is��"


    The crowd fell silent.


    It was all quiet in front of the televisions.


    In the contestants'' zone backstage, no one made a sound.


    Cui Na looked at the camera and recited, "��Guan Xue."


    At this moment, a lot of people were dumbfounded!


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    "Ahhh!"


    "Our brother has advanced into the top four!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    ��


    Old Chen''s house.


    "The kid has made it, huh!"


    "He actually advanced?"


    ��


    Dong Shanshan''s house.


    "Aiyo, that scared the hell out of me!"


    "I was so scared too. I thought that Zhang''er would be the first contestant to leave the show!"


    "Yeah, there wasn''t any apuse earlier!"


    ��


    Backstage.


    Qi Liang was surprised at this result. How?


    Qu Dong was shocked. Shouldn''t it be Zhang Ye?


    Hai Yifei was also astonished. Zhang Ye managed to remain in thepetition? How was this possible? There wasn''t any apuse. How did he manage to stay on? Just how on earth did he manage to stay on? Were people still supporting him? What spot did he take?


    Zhang Ye was also startled.


    But Guan Xue wasn''t surprised at this result, nor did she reveal a disappointed look. Instead, she just smiled, stood up, and gave a hug to every contestant to bid farewell.


    Hai Yifei said, "Sister Guan, I can''t bear to see you go."


    Guan Xue smiled and said, "I''m leaving now. Do your best, everyone."


    With the camera around, everyone was exchanging pleasantries.


    It was only when Guan Xue hugged Zhang Ye that she whispered, "All the best. Do be careful in the second round. I hope you can go all the way and give us something to cheer about."


    Zhang Ye only said one word in reply: "Alright."

 Chapter 1555 - A song called ‘Immense World’!

    <h4>Chapter 1555 - A song called ��Immense World��! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On TV.


    The live broadcast continued.


    Guan Xue had been the first contestant to get voted off the stage. However, no one wasmenting this as the second round of the battle of the grand champions was about to take ce immediately. Another contestant was going to get voted off. That would cut down the number ofpeting singers for the culmination battle to three people. The drawing of lots began.


    Who would stay on?


    Who would advance to the top three?


    Who would get a chance topete for the title of greatest champion the following week?


    It would all depend on this next round.


    Backstage, the staff had already brought out the little balls representing the order of appearance.


    Many people were watching the proceedings nervously on TV.


    Hai Yifei picked a ball.


    Qi Liang picked a ball.


    Qu Dong casually picked a ball as well.


    The remaining ball was given to Zhang Ye.


    Opening them up, the order of appearances was determined.


    Zhang Ye was going to sing first.


    Hai Yifei was next.


    Qu Dong would be third.


    And Qi Liang would gost.


    Seeing this oue, the trio of Qi Liang, Hai Yifei, and Qu Dong heaved sighs of relief. When Zhang Ye didn''t get eliminated, they were all rather surprised. Neither could they understand why that had happened, just like how the people of Zhang Ye''s generation could not understand how this era belonged to the hot, young male stars, and vice versa. Furthermore, being so well-known back then, and with so many legends about him in the industry, they were naturally more wary of Zhang Ye. This time, with Zhang Ye performing first, there was clearly no chance that he couldpete with them. Only with this arrangement did they feel relieved. It looked like the climactic battle of the grand champions next week was going to be a fight between the three male idols. In their opinion, this was how it should have been in the first ce.


    But Zhang Ye didn''t seem to mind and was looking rather indifferent on camera.


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His three sisters were all getting anxious.


    "Oh no, oh no!"


    "Our brother is going to perform first?"


    "This is not good!"


    ��


    Dong Shanshan''s house.


    "He didn''t draw a good lot."


    "This is the worst order of appearance for him."


    "Zhang''er has just finished singing and didn''t get enough rest."


    "Yeah, and his remaining opponents are all hunks!"


    ��


    In Zhang Ye''s fan groups.


    "What the hell!"


    "Old Zhang is too unlucky!"


    "Did he not wash his hands before drawing lots?"


    "He''s in danger this time."


    ��


    Old Chen''s house.


    "He just made hiseback, and his poprity hasn''t recovered. It''s indeed a very difficult situation for him to be performing first."


    "I wonder how many fans he still has left at this point?"


    "No one knows."


    ��


    At Xiaodong''s house.


    "The remaining contestants are all male idols."


    "How is he going to fight this battle?"


    "Come on, Teacher Zhang, show us if you''ve really be old!"


    ��


    On TV.


    The host, Cui Na, said, "Next, we''ll be going into the second round of the performances."


    Everyone watched intently.


    Countless people were holding their breaths.


    The lights flicked off and the moon gate was illuminated.


    The figure of a person slowly walked out.


    The audience was still as quiet as before, just like how it was when Zhang Ye appeared on stage earlier. Some people had raised their hands to p, but they suddenly put them down again. Some people were already standing up and getting ready to shout, but they sighed and sat back down again. Nobody knew how they should be reacting. Right now, everyone was experiencing veryplex emotions. They were all still intoxicated from the earlier song and by their memories of Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye''s return hade too suddenly.


    The war between humans and machines.


    Announcing hiseback.


    Producing a television drama.


    Taking to the stage of I Am a Singer.


    A lot of people were not mentally prepared for this, and they didn''t know how to face this man they had nearly forgotten about, whom they had once loved and hated so much. Time could be terrifying thing sometimes. Just a few years were enough for them to forget about many things. Back at Zhang Ye''s final concert, many of them had shouted and dered that they would wait for Zhang Ye to return, that they would always support him. But it wasn''t until now that they realized they hadn''t fulfilled their old promise.


    Shame.


    Regret.


    Guilt.


    It was extremely quiet at the venue.


    Many of these people were gritting their teeth.


    Many of their eyes had reddened.


    Many of them were balling up their fists.


    Then the strings of a guitar disrupted the silence.


    Rock?


    Was this rock ''n'' roll?


    They looked in shock at Zhang Ye, who was onstage. They realized that he was looking back at them. He was looking at everyone in the audience.


    He raised his microphone.


    Zhang Ye sang 1 .


    "Are you tired yet?


    "Will you put out your hands?


    "If you want a hug, how can you clench your fists?


    "We still have a lot of dreams to achieve.


    "And many tomorrows to travel.


    "We want to let the world hear our song."


    In the audience, a married couple suddenly started crying. They couldn''t control their emotions anymore!


    Qi Liang was stunned!


    Hai Yifei was stunned!


    This��


    This song��


    Zhang Ye looked at everyone and sang.


    "Are you ready yet?


    "Time doesn''t flow back.


    "There''s no reason for wanting to fly.


    "The ends of the world may get lonely,


    "But you will have me by your side."


    All of a sudden, his voice went higher. "We''ve said before that it doesn''t matter how immense the world gets!"


    That''s right!


    They had said it before!


    That they would stay with him all the way!


    That they would support him forever!


    Why had they forgotten?


    Why?


    A young stood up in tears!


    A young woman stood up with her fists clenched!


    Zhang Ye sang loudly.


    "Let''s fly to the ce highest, furthest, and freest!


    "Embrace in the most beautiful moment!


    "I wanna see who will stay friends with me to the very end!


    "You are the one I hope seeing the most!"


    I am back!


    I know that you all are still around!


    I know it!


    It has been four years. I am standing on this stage today because I want to tell all of you that I am back! Perhaps, this is a little headstrong of me. But all those stories that we haven''t finished writing, I really hope that we canplete them together. This journey that we haven''tpleted yet, I really wish that we can try again toplete it together!


    Will you guyse along with me?


    Are you still willing to apany me on this final journey?


    Zhang Ye clutched his chest and sang loudly.


    "We can get into trouble, stay quiet, and walk together!


    "We can soar together andnd together!"


    Please let me see all of you again!


    Please let me hear all of you again!


    I can still fight!


    I can still sing!


    My passion hasn''t cooled!


    But what about you guys?


    Have you turned cold?


    He opened his eyes and clutched his chest tightly. He shouted.


    "Stay with me no matter how immense the world gets!


    "Stay with me and roar together!"


    At this moment, the crowd erupted with excitement!


    At this moment, everyone watching television could feel their pulse racing!


    Amotion followed!


    All of the audience members shot to their feet!


    They crazily stretched out both their hands!


    And shouted out like crazy!


    Xiao Lu had her right hand held up high!


    Tears were streaming from Han Qi''s eyes!


    A lot of people were crying and singing with him!


    Screams!


    Shouts!


    Howls!


    They had all gone mad!


    Everyone was in a craze!


    The entire stage seemed to havebusted!


    Zhang Ye howled.


    "Let''s storm to the ce highest, furthest, and vastest!


    "Let''s finish singing the most touching song!


    "I won''t let go without seeing that immense world for myself!


    "Because I have friends that I really want."


    The music stopped.


    The apaniment stopped.


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Zhang Ye sang lightly, "You are the friend that I want the most."


    With that, he put down the microphone and looked at the audience. Seeing those passionate and excited faces, he smiled. He smiled, grinned in delight, almost to the point of tearing up.


    Hello, everyone.


    I trust you''ve been well?

 Chapter 1556 - The eliminated contestant of the second round!

    <h4>Chapter 1556 - The eliminated contestant of the second round! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    ��


    At Zhang Xia''s house.


    "Mom! Teacher Zhang, he''s��"


    "He''s amazing!"


    "Yeah! I''m so pumped!"


    "That kid is amazing!"


    ��


    Dong Shanshan''s house.


    The old ssmates were moring!


    "He''s so fucking awesome!"


    "Those high notes, those vocals!"


    "That''s what you fucking call singing!"


    "My blood is racing with excitement! What should I do!"


    ��


    At Xiaodong''s house.


    "Xiaoxian, why are you crying again?"


    "I can''t help it."


    "This is the real Zhang Ye! He''s reallye back!"


    "I wonder how many people are still willing to apany him on his journey!"


    ��


    At a male idol''s studio.


    "How could this happen!"


    "H-He''s still so good at singing?"


    "Hasn''t he been in jail all these years?"


    ��


    At an entertainmentpany.


    "Who said that he can''t write songs anymore?"


    "I don''t know. Someone imed so on the Inte."


    "Utter crap!"


    "I have a hunch that Zhang Ye will start something big again now that he''s back!"


    "Surely not, right? Everyone admittedly knows that the entertainment industry is now in the age of the male idols, right? Ning Lan, Zhang Yuanqi, Zhang Xia, Yao Jiancai, all of them have already taken a step back, haven''t they?"


    "But he''s not the same."


    "Ah? How is he different?"


    "Because he''s Zhang Ye!"


    "Even if it''s him, in this day and age, he can''t win against the male idols, right?"


    "Who can say for sure?"


    ��


    Backstage.


    In the respective rooms of the three hot, young male stars, there was apuse all around.


    "Well done!"


    "This is such a nice song!"


    "What a great song!"


    Cameras had been ced in all of their rooms.


    However, their mood right now couldn''t be in a more tumultuous state.


    So this is Zhang Ye?


    This is the most legendary celebrity of that era?


    When Zhang Ye was calling the shots years ago, they hadn''t even debuted yet. Naturally, they knew who Zhang Ye was, had listened to his songs and watched his variety shows, and even read his novels and poetry as well. But to deal with him face to face, this was really a first. Honestly, they were all quite shocked. If they were a little unsure because of Zhang Ye''s first song, then his second song had truly scared them!


    It was truly amazing!


    For the celebrities of that era, none could emerge from the rest of thepetition without having some real skills!


    However, they still did not think that the current Zhang Ye couldpare on this stage with them. After all, the level of poprity between him and them was too different.


    They were very popr currently.


    While Zhang Ye had been away for too long and was in the twilight of his poprity.


    Zhang Ye might enjoy a greater poprity than Guan Xue, who was also a has-been singer. At her peak, Guan Xue was only a domestic A-list frontrunner, while Zhang Ye had peaked at the summit of Asia once before. If they thought about it that way, all of this would feel more eptable. Butpared to them, Zhang Ye''s current poprity was clearly far from theirs. The three of them and their teams, as well as their talent agencies, all firmly believed it to be that way.


    An employee entered.


    "Teacher Little Hai."


    "Yes?"


    "It''s your turn."


    "OK."


    Hai Yifei took a deep breath and gave a confident smile before he strode out of the room.


    ��


    Zhang Ye came backstage.


    He was the first to finish performing in the second round, and he was alone in the room. He sat down and had a drink, then looked up at the television as he slowly waited for the other contestants to take the stage. He had already done all that he could do. He had no regrets. All he was waiting for was the results. It wasn''t because Zhang Ye ced a great importance on winning or losing, but that he wished to know how many people were still willing to apany him for the rest of his journey after listening to his song.


    That was much more important to him.


    That was way, way more important to Zhang Ye.


    ��


    On the live broadcast.


    Hai Yifei''s singing drifted out.


    On Weibo, Hai Yifei''s fans were canvassing for votes from wherever they could.


    "Let''s vote!"


    "Vote for Haihai!"


    "He sings great!"


    "Wow, he even rapped in his song!"


    "This is the critical period where only three out of four will advance! Hurry up and cast your votes!"


    ��


    Next.


    It was Qu Dong''s turn to perform.


    It became even more boisterous on Weibo.


    "What the heck was Hai Yifei singing? I still find Ququ to be a better singer!"


    "Don''t listen to Zhang Ye and get cheated of your tears. Give your votes to Qu Dong!"


    "Haha, surely our Ququ doesn''t need our canvassing of votes, right? He has so many fans, so even if only two out of ten fans were to vote for him, he would still have more votes than the other contestants, right?"


    "Yes, yes!"


    "Ah, I was actually thinking of voting for our Ququ too. But when I heard Zhang Ye perform his song just now, I don''t know what came over me, and I ended up giving him my vote instead."


    "Fuck, me too."


    "The previous two posters, can you get a hold of yourselves?"


    "We know we were at fault, but Zhang Ye sang really well."


    ��


    Finally.


    Qi Liang took to the stage.


    "Qiqi''s performance today is so awesome."


    "Yeah, his singing has always been among the best in the music industry."


    "Indeed, it''s really awesome. B-But I still gave my vote to Zhang Ye."


    "What? Shuishui, you''re a senior member of Qi Qi''s fan club, how could you!"


    "*cries* Actually, I was Zhang Ye''s hardcore fan four years ago. When I heard those two songs by Teacher Zhang today, I just couldn''t hold back my tears anymore. *kneels* Please forgive me!"


    "This is so depressing. Shuishui has betrayed us!"


    "Can''t me Shuishui for that. I also gave my vote to Teacher Zhang. There are some things I thought I had forgotten about, but when I saw Teacher Zhang again, I realized that I wouldn''t be able to forget those things all my life."


    ��


    The second round of performances came to an end.


    Hai Yifei, Qu Dong, and Qi Liang had all returned backstage.


    Hai Yifei smiled and said, "Teacher Zhang, I''ll have to seek some pointers from you in the future."


    Zhang Ye smiled back. "Sure, sure."


    Qi Liang also said, "Brother Hai, you sang really well."


    Hai Yifei said, "Thank you."


    Qu Dong said, "This is so stressful."


    Hai Yifei said, "What''s there for you to be stressed about? I should be the one who''s stressed."


    Zhang Ye didn''t really say anything.


    It was mainly the three young men who were exchanging pleasantries. At least on the surface, it looked like they all had mutual respect. But as for what they were thinking, only they themselves knew. But from this exchange, one thing could be verified. The three of them still acknowledged each other, while there was some level of subconscious ostracizing of Zhang Ye. Perhaps they had judged early on that Zhang Ye wouldn''t qualify for the culmination battle of the grand champions next week.


    The contestants gathered and sat waiting for the final result.


    They were all looking at the television.


    The live audience was looking at the host.


    The viewers were also staring fixedly at their TVs.


    ��


    Host Cui Na stepped out onto the stage.


    Cui Na said, "I hereby announce that the voting for the second round of I Am a Singer''s battle of the grand champions has ceased, and the final results have been sent to this tablet in my hand. So then, let''s have a look." She lowered her head to take a look and was slightly taken aback. Very quickly, she hid her expression and looked up again. "Next, I''ll be announcing the name of the contestant who will be leaving in the second round. Unfortunately for him, he will also lose the qualification rights to take part in the culmination battle next week."


    It was quiet.


    A lot of people did not even dare to breathe.


    In the media.


    Among the celebrities of the entertainment circle.


    At the various celebrity studios.


    At the entertainmentpanies.


    Among the public.


    Countless people pricked their ears up.


    They heard Cui Na say, "The contestant that will be leaving our stage after the second round is��" With a long pause, she finally read out the name. "Hai Yifei!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His three sisters were jumping with joy!


    "Ahhhh!"


    "Our brother has won!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    ��


    Dong Shanshan''s house.


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Zhang''er has advanced into the top three!"


    "Heavens!"


    "This fucker has actually defeated one of the young guns?!"


    ��


    Chen Guang''s home.


    "Holy shit!"


    "I didn''t hear it wrong, did I?"


    "No, you didn''t! Hai Yifei has been eliminated!"


    "Zhang''er is too fearsome!"


    ��


    At Xiaodong''s house.


    "Awesome! Th-This is so awesome!"


    "This is the first time I''ve heard of a celebrity from our time defeating a male idol!"


    "Yeah, this is the first time it''s happened!"


    "Teacher Zhang has really advanced?"


    ��


    Hai Yifei''s studio.


    "How is that possible!"


    "This, this��"


    "How can Haihai possibly lose to Zhang Ye in terms of poprity! How is that possible?!"


    ��


    Online.


    Countlessizens were also dumbfounded!


    "Wasn''t Zhang Ye supposed to be the one to get eliminated?"


    "How can this be?"


    "Just how many fans does Zhang Ye still have!"


    "That is too surprising!"


    "That''s one of the most popr hunks around! And he actually won against him?"

 Chapter 1557 - Predicting the champion!

    <h4>Chapter 1557 - Predicting the champion! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Monday.


    In the morning.


    The rebroadcast from that day was reying on television.


    "So then, with the final list confirmed, the three contestants who will bepeting for the title of the greatest champion of I Am a Singer''s culmination battle are��"


    "Qu Dong!"


    "Qi Liang!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Let us look forward to their performances next week!"


    "Let us look forward to the finale night of the battle of the grand champions!"


    "Who will get crowned as the greatest champion?"


    "Please stay tuned and catch us again next week at the same time!"


    There was also a bombardment of news.


    "I Am a Singer''s viewership ratings are out!"


    "I Am a Singer once again takes first ce in the nationwide viewership ratings!"


    "I Am a Singer breaks the variety viewership ratings record again! "


    "Zhang Ye fights his way out of a predicament! "


    "Zhang Ye advances as the final three. Experts express incredulity! "


    "Hai Yifei is unexpectedly eliminated! "


    At the entrance of the kindergarten.


    Zhang Ye''s car arrived.


    Instantly, over a dozen reporters sprang out and rushed over from nowhere. It was as though they had just appeared out of thin air. They came out from behind the doors, the bushes, and every nook and cranny to surround Zhang Ye.


    "Teacher Zhang, I am from the Beijing Times!"


    "Teacher Zhang, can you please take an interview from us!"


    "Did you make aeback this time to take back your spot on the Heavenly King''s throne?"


    "How confident are you of bing the overall grand champion of I Am a Singer''s culmination battle?"


    "Do you think that you can really win against the fresh meat celebrities?"


    "Teacher Zhang, please give us an exclusive interview with you!"


    "How have you made it through all these years? What was life in prison like for you?"


    The male reporters and female reporters were all pushing their cameras and microphones up at him.


    When Zhang had just announced hiseback, no one paid any attention to him at all. But overnight, after I Am a Singer was broadcast, Zhang Ye''s name was once again being tossed up by everyone. The media reporters also came in droves to wait for him. It was too unexpected and they found it really surprising. No one could have expected that a has-been celebrity like Zhang Ye would actually be able to stand up so well against the most popr contemporary fresh meat celebrities. He had actually advanced into the finals of thepetition!


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Will you all please let me drop off my child first?"


    A female reporter asked anxiously, "Please say a few words to us before that."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Actually, I don''t know what to say either."


    That female reporter chuckled and said, "With that mouth of yours, all of us here wouldn''t be able to out-talk you at all. If even you are not sure of what to say, then the entire world''s poption should just be dumb and mute."


    Zhang Ye was amused. "Sister Zhou, I have just returned to the industry, but you''re already making fun of me so soon?"


    That female reporter eximed, "Oh my, you still remember me?"


    "We''re already such old friends, how can I forget?" Zhang Ye looked at the others and saw that there were two of them whom he remembered as well. "Old Hu, Old Sun, how long has it been already? Why are you all still out on the frontlines doing field reporting?


    The few of themughed in embarrassment. "I guess that''s our lot in life."


    Zhang Ye quipped, "It''s because you all keep ambushing me like this that you''re unable to get a promotion."


    The few of the reporters: "Pfft, is that how it is?"


    All of the reporters were amused when they heard that.


    However, Zhang Ye''s words warmed their hearts up. As a former Asian Heavenly King who had bid farewell to the entertainment industry for thest four years, he was still able to recognize every reporter who had interviewed him back then and could even affectionately call them by their names. They were willing to bet that no other celebrity could do what he had just done. Zhang Ye was truly different from the others, he was really different from the other celebrities of the entertainment circle��On this point, four years on, this feeling was further reinforced.


    A lot of reporters hated Zhang Ye.


    Four years ago, it was so. Four yearster, it was still the same.


    A lot of reporters liked Zhang Ye.


    Four years ago, it was so. Four yearster, it was still the same.


    Zhang Ye carried his child and spoke with the reporters for quite a while before heading into the school.


    In the kindergarten.


    The teachers and parents of the students were all thrilled to see him.


    "Aiyo, Teacher Zhang is here!"


    "You sang so well!"


    "Those two songs which you performed yesterday had really left me in tears."


    "Me too. It has been so long since I''ve heard anyone sing like that."


    "Congrattions, Teacher Zhang!"


    "What are you nning on singing this week?"


    "Yeah, reveal a little bit to us."


    "I''m so looking forward to it. You can do it, Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye said gratefully, "Thank you, thank you."


    Sisi was feeling so proud that she walked around with her head held up really high.


    ��


    In the morning.


    At the studio.


    It had been a long time since Zhang Ye dealt with the media and he was almost unable to cope with handling them anymore, having be quite unfamiliar with how to deal with such situations.


    When he pushed open the studio''s door, he got yet another fright.


    Bang!


    Bang!


    The confetti streamers came flowing down!


    All of the staff at the studio were cheering and pping!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "You''re so awesome!"


    "Congrattions on winning your opening battle, Director Zhang!"


    "You won it so beautifully that day!"


    "You left me crying so raucously at home!"


    Ha Qiqi gave him the thumbs up.


    Zhang Zuo was alsoughing out heartily.


    They were all really happy for him from the bottom of their hearts. Back then, when they knew that Zhang Ye was going to participate in thepetition and challenge the fresh meat celebrities, many of them objected to it. They really did not want Director Zhang to start a war against those people so quickly upon his return. Some things just wouldn''t stand up well toparisons, and that applied to one''s poprity as well. But who could have thought that Director Zhang would be so fearsome? He had actually managed to stay on until the finals even though he was at such a disadvantage? Although Hai Yifei was not the most popr one amongst those three, although he was still a level below Qi Liang and Qu Dong, it still left everyone extremely surprised. Zhang Ye had been away from the entertainment circle for four years prior to this!


    At this moment, there was the sound of knocking on the door.


    At the next moment, the door was pushed open by someone.


    A man and a woman both walked in with a smile. "Where''s Zhang''er?"


    Zhang Ye turned around to look at them and was stunned for a moment. Then, he broke into a smile and said, "We''ve rare guests!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Teacher Chen Guang?"


    Zhang Zuo was surprised to see them as well. "Teacher Fan Wenli?"


    "What rare guests!?" Chen Guang went up to give him a hug. "Kid, you didn''t even treat us to a meal since you came back and we had toe here personally to look for you?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I was busy."


    Fan Wenli waved and said, "Hi, Director Zhang."


    Zhang Ye waved back. "Old Fan, you still look the same."


    Fan Wenli gave a bitter smile. "I''ve be older already."


    Zhang Ye nced in the direction of Chen Guang and said, "He does look much older now, but not you."


    Chen Guang rolled his eyes. "Get lost!"


    "Haha." Zhang Ye said, "How''s your throat?"


    Chen Guang casually yed it down and said, "Just like that, it''s no big deal."


    But Fan Wenli exined on his behalf, "He can still sing, but he can''t hit the high notes as strongly as before anymore. Otherwise, he would surely have grabbed at the chance to appear in this culmination battle of I Am a Singer. Do you think he''d have pushed it to you?"


    Chen Guangughed and said, "It was the correct decision to let Zhang''er go. Hurry up and bring the trophy back for our first season''s ss of singers! Everyone is waiting for your victory report!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "That will be difficult."


    Chen Guang said, "You so talented, how could anything hinder you?"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    A lot ofizens were making their predictions about this week''s battle of the grand champions.


    The live broadcast of thepetition this time had garnered a much higher viewership rating than the grand finals of I Am a Singer''s fifth season, so just imagine how it was like. Almost everyone was watching it and discussing about it. It had already be the grandest asion of the music industry. In the end, even the media and the entertainment circle''s industry insiders joined in the discussion. From the participants'' singing skills to their poprities, an in-depth analysis was carried out.


    "Zhang Ye is really such a dark horse."


    "We''ve witnessed the glory of a Heavenly King again."


    "The overall grand champion should be Qi Liang, right?"


    "Get lost, it will surely be our Qu Qu."


    "It''s possible that Zhang Ye might win too."


    "Zhang Ye has the least chance of winning it."


    "Hai Yifei''s elimination was purely idental. This sort of surprise wouldn''t happen again, or that would be abnormal. It just wouldn''t be logical at all. I admit that at the peak of Zhang Ye''s poprity, Qi Liang and Qu Dong would both not be a match for him. But he has already been away for the past four years, so there''s no reason why his poprity wouldn''t have dropped. In any case, I wouldn''t believe that to be the case. Let''s just wait for the finals this week to find out whether he''s a mule or a horse."


    "Qi Liang, Qu Dong, and Hai Yifei''s poprity are absolutely on a different level from Zhang Ye''s."


    "Don''t underestimate Teacher Zhang. We have all witnessed his capabilities before four years ago."


    "Exactly, that was four years ago!"

 Chapter 1558 - The Same Moonlight’!

    <h4>Chapter 1558 - The Same Moonlight��! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    One day.


    Two days.


    Time went by very quickly. In the blink of an eye, it was the day of thepetition again.


    But on this morning, there was a subtle change in the atmosphere. Zhang Ye''s past deeds and "dirt" were suddenly dug out again by someone.


    The Japanese hotel incident.


    The flying kick to the Korean star.


    Being held at the police station.


    The scolding battles.


    Theics getting castrated.


    One after another, some people were listing the incidents.


    Someone was clearly instigating them.


    Soon after, some male idols Zhang Ye did not know stepped forward.


    Yan Han''s Weibo openly dered: "Brother Qi Liang, you can do it. We''re at the final stage, so, everyone, please show your support. Thank you."


    Little Xuan''s Weibo: "This is the final push in I Am a Singer''s climactic battle. Everyone, don''t forget to give your votes to Ququ, my little godbrother."


    Big Ci''s Weibo: "The battle is about to begin, and this is going to be the final one. I''m looking forward to seeing everyone''s support for Qiqi and Ququ in the live broadcast. These two youngsters haven''t had it easy at all. They''ve been practicing their songs until early in the morning every day, so much so that the dark circles under their eyes are getting more and more pronounced. Hardworking artists who are willing to suffer like them are decreasing these days."


    Five!


    Ten!


    Twenty!


    The fresh meat celebrities were all calling for support and pulling votes for their friends. There was really a good sense of team spirit going on.


    Theizens were talking about this as well.


    "Yan Han is pulling votes for Qi Liang?"


    "Little Xuan has spoken as well?"


    "There are so many big names canvassing for votes for them?"


    "Qu Dong and Qi Liang have so many friends."


    "Yeah, they''re both extremely popr big names, so of course they''d have a lot of friends."


    "Isn''t this against the rules? Thepetition hasn''t even started yet and they haven''t even performed their songs, so how can they be campaigning for votes now? Are they stillpeting in singing this way? Isn''t this more like a poprity contest?"


    "Yeah, it''s a little too much to do it like this."


    "This is where Zhang Ye loses out."


    "Yeah, that guy''s social rtions have always been terrible."


    "Didn''t Zhang Ye''s friends help him canvass for votes?"


    "His friends are all from the previous generation of artists and are either has-beens or retired. Even if they were to canvass for votes on his behalf, how great of an effect would it have?"


    "The finals are too dependent on one''s poprity."


    "Then Zhang Ye doesn''t stand a chance."


    "I wonder how many people are still willing to apany him on his journey."


    ��


    At night.


    At the recording venue of I Am a Singer.


    The audience had already arrived and gotten seated.


    "Eh, Chen Guang is here?"


    "Zhang Xia too?"


    "And there''s also Zhao Wuliu? He Huan? Xue Kaiqi? There are so many contestants from the first season of I Am a Singer here today. Ah, over there! The contestants from the fourth and fifth seasons are here as well."


    "Beijing TV must''ve invited them to cheer the contestants on."


    "This is gonna be interesting."


    ��


    In the front row.


    Chen Guang, Zhang Xia, and a few others were chatting.


    "Did you all see what''s happening on Weibo?"


    "Yeah, Little Zhang is at a huge disadvantage."


    "They''re campaigning for votes so fiercely on there. I wonder if Little Zhang can hold on if it carries on."


    "Should we help him to get votes too?"


    "Forget that. Don''t you guys know Zhang Ye''s temper? He would never want us to do something like that."


    "That''s true."


    ��


    At Old Wu''s house.


    In the vi.


    The entire family had gathered here today.


    Wu Zeqing, Zhang Ye''s parents, Wu Changhe, Li Qinqin, and the rest of the family were all sitting around the television, watching as they waited for the event to begin. They all knew how important this day was for Zhang Ye.


    "Mommy, Mommy, where''s Daddy?"


    "Daddy will be appearing very soon."


    "There are only three contestants left. Let''s see which spot he manages to pick."


    "The further behind, the better."


    "Yeah, the situation is very unfavorable to Little Ye."


    ��


    In the music industry.


    At a party.


    "Has it started yet?"


    "Soon."


    "Let''s talk while we watch."


    "Who does everyone think will win?"


    "Teacher Zhang should''ve been eliminated already."


    "That might not be true. Those two male idols can''tpare when ites to singing."


    "But the problem is that Zhang Ye isn''t popr enough, isn''t it?"


    "The realpetition today will be on their poprities."


    ��


    At a media outlet.


    It was past working hours, but several reporters had gathered together in the office to watch the show.


    "It is the final battle today."


    "Do you all think that Zhang Ye can still call the shots like he used to?"


    "Who knows!"


    "I think this is where it ends for Zhang Ye. I do feel some sympathy for him as well. Leaving the industry for so many years anding back to find out that it is no longer the same is such a terrible feeling for anyone."


    ��


    Online.


    "It''s starting!"


    "They''re about starting drawing lots."


    "Let''s see what order they will perform in."


    "Ah, Qu Dong is going third."


    "Qi Liang is second?"


    "Zhang Ye is going first again?"


    "This fellow is so unlucky."


    "Looks like it''s truly over for Zhang Ye then."


    ��


    The live broadcast began.


    The first segment was drawing lots to decide the order of appearances in the third round.


    Zhang Ye did not even move and just left it to the two youngsters to go ahead with picking their lots. Whatever remained would be his lot, and unfortunately, he was going to be the first to perform again.


    The order was determined.


    Zhang Ye smiled and got up to head to the holding area.


    Over at the live broadcast stage, the host was interviewing the various groups of guests. "Everyone, do you have any words of encouragement or something that you''d like to say to the contestants?"


    Season Five''s ss of singers.


    "Come on, Ququ!"


    "You must win as the champion!"


    "Bring the trophy back for our ss of season five!"


    Season Four''s ss of singers.


    "Qiqi, don''t be nervous and sing well."


    "Of course we hope that it will be Qi Liang who takes the title of greatest champion."


    "Qiqi is the representative of our season four singers. We are all very confident in him!"


    At this moment, the microphone was handed over to season one''s ss of singers.


    Chen Guang did not know what to say and handed the microphone to the next person.


    Xue Kaiqi shrugged and passed it on again.


    Zhao Wuliu didn''t even take the microphone and pretended not to have noticed.


    Eventually, the microphone came into Grandma Zhang''s hands.


    Grandma Zhang Xiaughed for a bit, took the microphone, and said, "I don''t think there''s much for us to say. Little Zhang knows what he needs to do, so there''s no need for us to say anything."


    There was no canvassing for votes.


    There was no unnecessary banter.


    Cui Na gave an awkward cough before taking the microphone back and handing it to the fourth and fifth seasons'' singers. They were unlike the ss of singers from the first season and were more fond of showmanship and talking. When the microphone was in their hands, they couldn''t stop chattering.


    "Brother Qi, win it and treat us to a meal!"


    "Ququ, prepare yourself well. We''re all here to cheer for you."


    "It''s all up to you today."


    "The title of the greatest champion will definitely be won by our season four representative."


    "Go away, it will be our season five representative who wins it."


    "Everyone, please remember to vote."


    Both of the groups'' guests were happily bickering with one another. Their groups mainly consisted of other male idols who were also very young. They had a very strong sense of variety and knew how to speak well.


    A few minutester.


    Cui Na announced, "Next up, the third round of performances will begin. Let''s wee the first singer onto the stage!"


    The crowd fell quiet.


    The TV viewers also hushed up.


    The spotlights focused onto the moon gate.


    Zhang Ye had been waiting there for a long time and heard everything that was being said onstage from where he was standing. Without saying anything, he slowly walked up onto the stage.


    Everyone was looking at Zhang Ye.


    They wanted to know what song he would be performing today.


    There are all kinds of unfavorable news about you online.


    Your opponents have also been canvassing for votes from everywhere.


    This is no longer your era, so how can you stillpete with them on poprity?


    The entertainment circle is no longer the entertainment circle where you used to call the shots!


    So what more can you do?


    Zhang Ye nodded at the band.


    The band members nodded back in acknowledgment.


    In the next moment, the sounded.


    The audience''s eyes were all on him.


    The guests were looking at him.


    The executive director, Xiao Lu, had her fists clenched.


    The TV viewers did not blink at all.


    Zhang Ye raised his microphone and sang 1 in a low voice.


    "When did my childhood friends distance themselves from me?


    "When did the people close to me be unfamiliar?


    "The push and pull of the crowd increased the distance between us.


    "In thend of silence, I silently weep into the quiet night."


    The ss of Season Four was stunned.


    The ss of Season Five was shocked.


    Zhang Ye averted his gaze from them.


    He continued singing in a low voice.


    "When did the croaking frogs and buzzing cicadas be memories?


    "When did our hometowns turn into these crowded ces?


    "Skyscrapers tower over everything.


    "Rainbows of neon have sullied the night sky with blemishes."


    It had been four years.


    Everything was different.


    A lot of the old alleys had disappeared.


    A lot of old friends had left.


    Zhang Ye did not like the current crop of celebrities.


    Zhang Ye did not like the current state of show business.


    He sang.


    "Who can tell me?


    "Who can tell me?


    "Is it we who changed the world,


    "Or is it the world that changed you and me?


    "Who can tell me?


    "Who can tell me?


    "Is it we who changed the world,


    "Or is it the world that changed you and me?


    "The same moonlight,


    "Shines upon thends as usual.


    "The same winter,


    "Brings icy rain as usual.


    "The same dust clouds,


    "umte in the wind as usual."


    Inhibited.


    Low spirited.


    Mncholic.


    A lot of people were affected by the mood of the song.


    All of a sudden, the audience transformed!


    Many audience members reached up and held out LED light boards spelling out Zhang Ye''s name. This instantly lit up the area where the audience was!


    One!


    Ten!


    A hundred!


    Everyone was on their feet!


    Everyone was proudly holding up their LED light boards with Zhang Ye''s name!


    The expressions on those faces were spelling out either determination, calmness, tearfulness, or excitement��


    The cameras quickly panned over!


    This scene was earthshaking!


    Xiao Lu was stunned!


    Chen Guang was dumbfounded!


    Qi Liang was shocked silly!


    Qu Dong was also startled!


    The contestants from seasons four and five all looked back in surprise!


    Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye!


    Zhang Ye!


    Behind them, there was an incredibly dense showcase of Zhang Ye''s name!


    Zhang Ye also saw it.


    He smiled.


    His eyes reddened.


    He sang with even more might.


    "The same smiles!


    "The same tears!


    "The same days!


    "The same you and me!"


    Qi Liang and Qu Dong''s fans were sitting in the audience as well. But when they saw the crazed crowd of people holding up Zhang Ye''s name, they also felt very shocked!


    Oh my God!


    Why are there so many of them?


    Why?


    Just what is with all of these!


    Zhang Ye sang loudly.


    "The same smiles!


    "The same tears!


    "The same days!


    "The same you and me!"


    Chen Guang was smiling.


    Zhang Xia was smiling.


    He Huan and Xue Kaiqi looked at each other in astonishment and also broke into smiles.


    They had not expected to see something like this!


    Nobody had expected this!


    Four years had passed, but this fellow still had so many fans around?!

 Chapter 1559 - Who will win it all?

    <h4>Chapter 1559 - Who will win it all? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It had been four years.


    The smiles were still the same.


    The tears were still the same.


    The stage was still the same.


    And the crowd was still the same.


    In the outside world, many of those who were watching the live broadcast were stunned.


    The scene that unfolded before their eyes did not feel unfamiliar.


    On the same stage several years ago, they had witnessed something simr. That crazed crowd, that radiant singer, they had seen it all before. And on this day, a few yearster, when Zhang Ye once again stood on the stage of I Am a Singer, no one had expected that the scene would appear again!


    ��


    Back at home.


    His mother was dumbfounded. "W-What''s going on!"


    Li Qinqin said in surprise, "They''re all holding up Little Ye''s name?"


    Wu Changhe said, "Damn, has this kid really lost any poprity?"


    Wu Mo said in amazement, "That''s a ton of people!"


    ��


    At Ning Lan''s house.


    The few friends'' jaws had dropped.


    "What''s with this situation?"


    "Who knows!"


    "Who said that he''s no longer popr?"


    "This is kinda scary!"


    ��


    At a newly crowned Heavenly Queen''s studio.


    The roomful of people were all frowning.


    "This��"


    "This shouldn''t be happening!"


    "Yeah, it doesn''t make any sense!"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "My God!"


    "Am I seeing things?"


    "It''s already been four years. How can there still be a scene like that?"


    "Qi Liang and Qu Dong''s fans have totally been outnumbered?"


    "What the hell! This is too amazing!"


    "Could Zhang Ye really have turned the tide?"


    ��


    On the live broadcast.


    It was Qi Liang''s turn to go on stage.


    The moment Qi Liang stepped on stage, his heart was pounding. This was because he suddenly realized that everything had changed. The audience was still apuding and cheering for him, but it was somewhat different from what he had experienced the week before. He discovered that the audience''s apuse for him was actually less than what they had given Zhang Ye!


    What did this mean?


    Qi Liang was afraid to even think in that direction.


    Did most of the audience members today happen to be Zhang Ye''s fans?


    Did a lot of his fans happen to be here today?


    Qi Liang could only think in this way.


    Over there, the music was already ying.


    Qi Liang knew that he had no choice but to bring out his trump card. This was a song he had prepared for over a month and was also the song that he could sing the best and was most confident about. The reason he decided to bring it out today at the grand finals was that he badly wanted to be the greatest champion.


    He started singing.


    He hit the high notes.


    He sang with an abundance of emotion.


    There was nothing to nitpick.


    When he heard the thunderous apuse afterwards, Qi Liang could finally heave a sigh of relief. He smiled and bowed before exiting the stage.


    Then it was Qu Dong''s turn.


    Qu Dong was also a mixed bag of emotions right now. Regarding Zhang Ye''s return, Qu Dong and many of the other newly minted celebrities of the entertainment industry were actually not very bothered by it. In their opinion, Zhang Ye was a has-been and did not have much poprity left. There was no way he couldpete against the currently popr celebrities like them. But the facts had left Qu Dong and many others quite terrified. The scene that happened earlier left them in utter disbelief.


    They couldn''t take it easy anymore!


    The stakes were real now!


    Qu Dong''s fighting spirit became stronger in response. He nodded at the band to signal that he was ready.


    The music started ying.


    Qu Dong started singing.


    He was going all out!


    Today, Qi Liang and Qu Dong gave it their all!


    ��


    In the audience.


    The guests gasped.


    Season Four''s ss of singers.


    "He''s really giving it his all!"


    "Brother Qi has pulled out all the stops for his performance."


    "Yeah, it was precisely that tenor that led him to win as the grand champion of Season Four."


    "His tenor is so unique. No one else in the music scene can sing in the same way as him."


    Season Five''s ss of singers.


    "Brother Qu has used his ultimate move."


    "Great showing, that''s really good!"


    "Right, he will definitely advance to the next round!"


    "But Qi Liang''s performance was very good too."


    "I''m still more optimistic about Qu Dong. This song was in his first album when he debuted. His fans will surely be convinced."


    Season One''s ss of singers.


    Chen Guang breathed a sigh of relief. "They''ve finally finished performing."


    He Huan smiled and said, "So what do you think of this?"


    Chen Guang said, "You mean their singing skills?"


    He Huan said, "Who do you think sang better?"


    Chen Guangughed. "You''re asking the obvious. Who else?"


    Xue Kaiqi said, "In regard to singing skills, even Grandma Zhang isn''t a match for him. This fellow is a natural-born singer. If there''s a need topete on singing skills, there''s probably only Zhang Yuanqi who can match him. But now that Sister Zhang has retired from the scene, there isn''t another person who can fight him in singing."


    Zhang Xia said, "I''m just afraid that this isn''t apetition of singing."


    Chen Guang smiled. "The results will be out soon. We''ll know for sure this time just how much poprity our Zhang''er has got left. Let''s wait and see."


    He Huan said, "Qi Liang and Qu Dong sang very well too."


    Chen Guang acknowledged that too. "The youngsters these days are truly amazing."


    ��


    The performance ended.


    Online, the fighting had descended into a crazy state.


    "Give your votes to Qi Liang!"


    "Vote for Ququ!"


    "Everyone, please vote!"


    "The voting will close soon!"


    "Vote for Zhang Ye!"


    "Get lost, previous poster!"


    "Don''t vote for Zhang Ye!"


    The fans of the contestants were tussling.


    Quite a few fans from the other fanbases also came to mess around. Everyone had a celebrity they supported, and there were countless people pulling for votes as they tried to fight for their idols to get thest two ces in the grand finals!


    ��


    One minute.


    Two minutes.


    Three minutes.


    The voting ended!


    The fans were getting nervous!


    The media was in a state of anxiety!


    The people from the entertainment industry were looking forward to seeing the results!


    Who will it be?


    Who will be the one who gets eliminated in this round?


    Qi Liang''s heart was pounding. He wanted to win! He really wanted to win!


    Qu Dong looked very calm on the surface, but he was in turmoil on the inside. He kept thinking back to his performance. Were there any mistakes? There shouldn''t have been any mistakes? It all depends on how everyone has voted. Surely Zhang Ye isn''t going tost any longer, is he? There''s no reason why he still remains in thepetition! Qi Liang and himself had not given Zhang Ye any chance!


    ��


    On TV.


    Cui Na had already stepped out onto the stage.


    For a moment, everyone was staring fixedly at her. The atmosphere became very tense.


    Cui Na could also feel everyone''s gaze on her. She took a deep breath and smiled. "The voting results of the third round have been sent to me, but I haven''t looked at them yet. In fact, I''m as nervous as you. I dislike the arrival of this moment as well, because it means that another contestant has to leave us. But this is unavoidable. That''s what apetition is about." With a pause, she said, "Now then, I''ll be announcing the results."


    She then lowered her head to look at the oue of the voting that had been sent to the cell phone in her hand.


    Cui Na was startled for a moment before she looked up again. "Honestly speaking, this is a little unexpected to me."


    The crowd was going crazy with anxiety.


    "Tell us already!"


    "Who is it?"


    "Who has been eliminated?"


    The TV viewers were also on the edge of their seats.


    "Your sister!"


    "Announce it already!"


    "Has Zhang Ye been eliminated?"


    Then they heard Cui Na announce, "The contestant who will be leaving us in this round is��Qi Liang! That means Qu Dong and Zhang Ye will be heading into the final matchup of this culmination battle!"


    Chen Guang jumped to his feet!


    Zhang Xia gave Zhang Ye a thumbs up!


    Xue Kaiqi looked happily surprised!


    He Huan''s jaw dropped!


    The singers from Season Four and Five were also shocked!


    Qi Liang?


    It''s Qi Liang?


    How is that possible!


    There was an uproar at the venue!


    Qi Liang''s heart sank to the pit of his stomach. He sat backstage, stunned for two seconds, but still couldn''t react. I''ve lost? It''s me?


    Qu Dong was also startled. Although he had advanced to the next round, he realized that he didn''t feel happy about it. It wasn''t because he sympathized with his opponent, Qi Liang, but that he had been frightened by how popr Zhang Ye was. If the atmosphere in the venue earlier did not clearly exin this, then the voting result was the most direct reflection of it. This couldn''t be falsified as the votes were cast by the people. Zhang Ye had actually defeated Qi Liang? Qu Dong knew that even if Qi Liang''s poprity ranking was two ces below his, their poprity couldn''t have been too far apart!


    What the hell?


    Just what the fuck is this oue?


    However, there was no time for him keep thinking about this!


    Qu Dong and Zhang Ye''s final round was going to begin immediately!


    The greatest champion of I Am a Singer would soon be revealed!

 Chapter 1560 - Fleeting Time’!

    <h4>Chapter 1560 - Fleeting Time''! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It blew up in the outside world!


    The industry was in chaos!


    The public was in chaos!


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    "Our brother has won! He has won!"


    "This is too exciting!"


    "He managed to stay in thepetition!"


    "Qi Liang has been defeated by our brother!"


    ��


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    "This fellow is defying allmon sense!"


    "Uncle Zhang is almighty!"


    "Let''s see what song he''ll sing for his final performance."


    ��


    At a party in the industry.


    "Hai, who said that he has be old?"


    "Don''t tell me he might really walk away as the greatest champion?"


    "If that happens, it would get really interesting in the entertainment circle!"


    "He doesn''t really stand a chance there, does he?"


    "Who knows!"


    ��


    At a musicpany.


    "Zhang Ye is still hanging on?"


    "No one could have expected this!"


    "Qi Liang actually lost? Fuck!"


    "Four years! It''s already been four years since he left! This��"


    "It''s going to be theirst songs next. Let''s see how they perform!"


    ��


    Back at home.


    "They''re going to start drawing lots!"


    "The performances will be beginning soon!"


    "Will Little Ye be able to win?"


    "Daddy will win!"


    ..


    On TV.


    The two contestants were drawing lots.


    Only two small balls were left to be picked now that only the two of them remained.


    Zhang Ye still did not pick a lot and left it to Qu Dong.


    Qu Dong took a deep breath and put in his hand to draw out a ball indicating #1.


    Qu Dong shrugged.


    Zhang Ye looked very calm.


    Qu Dong had a sip of water before standing up to head towards the holding area.


    ��


    On the stage.


    Apuse.


    Cheers.


    They wereing from all around the stage.


    The music ying.


    Qu Dong''s singing rang out.


    It was a rock song.


    It was a rock song which Qu Dong had prepared for a very long time.


    "The air has changed!


    "The world has changed!


    "This is our time!


    "A brand new era!


    "This world is a nk canvas!


    "Let''s embrace it with pride!"


    This song was called "Our Time" and it was a very popr song in these past two years. Qu Dong had made some rearrangements to the song and used his own style to reinterpret the melody and emotions. It felt as though this song was being sung for Zhang Ye to hear.


    Chen Guang narrowed his eyes.


    Zhang Xia gave a look to Qu Dong who was onstage.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye arrived at the backstage holding area. When he heard this song, he gave a slight grin. In his heart of hearts, he also admitted that the times had indeed changed.


    But so what?


    What could he do about that?


    I''m still the same as before.


    I haven''t be old yet.


    Qu Dong finished performing and left the stage.


    It was Zhang Ye''s turn to take to the stage.


    The lights dimmed.


    All of the spotlights focused onto the moon gate.


    Zhang Ye strode out and appeared onstage.


    Thunderous apuse rang out from the audience.


    Many of the audience members were looking at him in surprise. A lot of them were still in a state of disbelief at the results of the voting. In the days since Zhang Ye announced his return to the entertainment industry, there were too many doubting voices about him. There was an overall mood of pessimism surrounding hiseback, so no one could have expected Zhang Ye to make it so far on the stage of I Am a Singer. From advancing into the top four? To the top three? Then to the final two? Zhang Ye had pressed on until now?


    Could he still go further?


    Could he keep it up?


    Would he make it past this final step?


    In the audience.


    Chen Guang stood up.


    Zhang Xia stood up.


    Even before Zhang Ye had started singing, a lot of the audience members were on their feet.


    This was going to be the final performance of thepetition.


    Zhang Ye had a lot that he wanted to say, and all of it was going to be said with this song. At this very moment, he wasn''t nervous in the slightest. Recalling the events of the past few years and the people that he came across, he was deeply moved. He felt his blood pumping with excitement. He wanted to keep fighting, he wanted to keep scolding, he really wanted to keep battling!


    The music yed.


    Everyone had their eyes on Zhang Ye.


    It was like this for those watching TV and at the venue.


    Zhang Ye raised his microphone.


    "I don''t know how long I can keep persevering,


    "Even though it won''tst beyond this lifetime."


    He clutched his chest and sang steadily.


    "To prevent all this filth from staining my heart,


    "To prevent all this shame from breaking my spirit,


    "I sit on this patch ofnd and gaze into the distance.


    "While I try to be an upright, stubborn person,


    "While my stubborn heart tries to learn to be strong.


    "Oh, fleeting time!


    "What can you do!"


    Qu Dong was stunned!


    The guests were stunned!


    Xiao Lu was stunned!


    The entire venue was stunned!


    Zhang Ye smiled and sang.


    "I don''t know just how much persistence I have.


    "Although I''m nothing but the velvet among steel,


    "Not gonna let fatee between my aspirations,


    "Not gonna drag out my life just ''cause the world sucks."


    Four years.


    Those were the hardest four years Zhang Ye had to go through in his life.


    To his wife, child, parents, family, friends, and fans, he had disappeared for that entire period of time. None of them knew where Zhang Ye had gone. Meanwhile, however, Zhang Ye knew exactly where they were. He could see them on TV, he could hear about how they were doing from others, but he couldn''t see them.


    He had beenpletely isted from the outside world!


    He had no one to care about him.


    Yet he made it through.


    He had endured and made it through all of that!


    He was still smiling!


    He could stillugh!


    Zhang Ye sang loudly.


    "I stand on this stage looking back on my journey!


    "As a stronger personughing at my mistakes!


    "While my mistakes intensify my soul''s desire!"


    "Oh, fleeting time!"


    He thumped his chest. "What can you do!"


    Some people started crying!


    Some people were screaming!


    Some people were howling!


    Many people were hit right in the feels!


    It hit them so hard that they were caught off guard!


    They had no way to fight back!


    Zhang Ye sang loudly.


    "I sit on this patch ofnd and gaze into the distance.


    "While I try to be an upright, stubborn person.


    "While my stubborn heart tries to learn to be strong."


    Chen Guang gave him a thumbs up!


    Zhang Xia stood up and gave him a thumbs up!


    He Huan, Xue Kaiqi, and the others also gave a thumbs up in the direction of the stage!


    The entire audience was on their feet!


    The TV viewers at home also stood up in shock!


    Zhang Ye pointed at the sky and shout sang in a higher register.


    "Oh, fate!


    "What can you do!


    "Oh, fleeting time!


    "What can you do!"


    ��


    Cui Na went up on stage. "The voting window has closed. The final results are out. So then, the contestant who will be crowned as the greatest champion is��"


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Cui Na said loudly, "Teacher Zhang Ye!"


    ��


    Back at home.


    "He won!"


    "Greatest champion!"


    "Little Ye has won!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    "Holy shit! Damn!"


    "It''s our brother!"


    "Our brother has won!"


    ��


    At Ning Lan''s house.


    "Oh my God!"


    "He really pulled it off!"


    "This fellow is amazing!"


    ��


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    "Good showing, Little Zhang!"


    "Uncle Zhang, well done!"


    ��


    Within the industry.


    "How could this be!"


    "Qu Dong lost?"


    "Zhang Ye is the greatest champion?"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "Ahhhh!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "This is too fucking unexpected!"


    "Yeah, how could it possibly be him?"


    ��


    In the forums.


    "The greatest champion has emerged!"


    "This is so awesome!"


    "The Heavenly King has returned, and his ways are still as glorious as ever!"


    ��


    The media was stunned!


    The industry was dumbfounded!


    The public was astonished!


    The whole nation was shocked!


    "Fleeting Time" sent Zhang Ye to the summit of the music industry once more!


    It wasn''t the music industry of four years ago!


    But the music industry four yearster!


    Four years!


    A whole four years!


    Oh, fate! What can you do?


    Oh, fleeting time! What can you do?

 Chapter 1561 - That old song!

    <h4>Chapter 1561 - That old song! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The champion was crowned!


    The winner of the five seasons'' culmination battle was crowned!


    A new king of the Chinese music industry had emerged!


    Or to better phrase it, the former king had returned!


    Zhang Ye''s sorrow.


    Zhang Ye''s determination.


    Zhang Ye''s smile.


    Zhang Ye''s pride.


    Zhang Ye''s obsession.


    All of that had exploded with hisst performance!


    He had taken a detour.


    He had stayed quiet.


    He had suffered.


    He had cried.


    He hadughed.


    He had felt lost.


    He had waited for four years.


    This was a song that he was singing for himself, a song that he was singing for the world, and also a song that he was singing to the Heavens. Today, Zhang Ye had shone brilliantly. Even after the song had ended, even after the music hade to a stop, even after thepetition was over, everyone could still hear the final cry of Zhang Ye''s ringing in their ears. Thest line sent a lot of people into a craze, made them shed tears, and even made them shout out in excitement!


    Oh, fleeting time!


    What can you do!


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    The audience was crazily shouting his name!


    Chen Guang, Xue Kaiqi, and the others rushed over.


    He Huan put his arms around Zhang Ye. "You were awesome!"


    Chen Guang gave him a bear hug the moment he went up to him. "Hahahaha! I knew you still had it in you!"


    Zhang Xia said, "Well done, boy! Well done!"


    Xue Kaiqi said excitedly, "You''ve really done us proud!"


    The ss of Season One all huddled together.


    Xiao Lu, the executive director, also came running over. "Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye gave her a hug. "I did it, it''s done."


    Xiao Lu cried. "I knew you could do it!"


    The program team staff approached from every direction!


    The live broadcast was still happening. If it were anyone else, the people would''ve had a feeling that something wasn''t right. After all, if the program team''s director and staff members were also celebrating the win, it would reveal a certain bias on the show''s part and how they were anticipating Zhang Ye to be the greatest champion. However, since that person was Zhang Ye, no one said anything when they saw this scene. None of the people felt that anything was wrong with their behavior. Because, as everyone knew, it was Zhang Ye who created this entire show by himself years ago. These people had all worked under Zhang Ye. That was why Zhang Ye had chosen this ce for his first stage appearance aftering back. It was because this ce held extraordinary significance to him.


    They cheered!


    They celebrated!


    They had not expected Zhang Ye to actually win!


    No one could break them up, because everyone knew that this moment of glory belonged to them!


    When the singers of Season Four and Five saw them behaving like this, they could only give each other wry smiles before standing up to p as well. They were helpless in these circumstances. There was nothing they were dissatisfied about. After listening to this song, they were also extremely shocked. They couldn''t help but admit that they wouldn''t be able topose a song like that ever in their lifetimes. Zhang Ye was amazing. He had never needed any gimmicks in his songs, nor make his performances very showy. His songs had always been about his feelings and his story, which he then told with his performances.


    His story was very touching!


    They felt their blood surging just listening to it!


    They looked over to Qu Dong, who seemed like he still couldn''t ept the result and sympathized with him. This former Heavenly King was truly a freak of nature. This was clearly no longer his era, yet he still managed to fight his way through thebined siege of the male idols, Qu Dong, Qi Liang, and Hai Yifei, and even ended up winning as the greatest champion. Before tonight, this was something no one had expected him to be capable of achieving!


    The media couldn''t have expected it!


    The people couldn''t have expected it!


    The industry couldn''t have expected it!


    Was this really the entertainment industry''s legend from years ago?


    Qu Dong had suffered a huge setback. He still looked stunned and couldn''t understand why or how he had lost!


    This was impossible!


    How could he still have fans?


    How many fans did he still have?


    Fleeting time couldn''t do anything about him?


    Fate couldn''t do anything about him?


    This shouldn''t have been the case!


    This was supposed to be our time!


    There shouldn''t be any ce left for him in the present time!


    Then, right at this moment, a scene that would shock the entire country''s viewers took ce.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    The shouting gradually came to a stop.


    All of a sudden, someone stood up.


    It was a woman who strained her throat and sang in a high register 1 , "I gently look back on the nights we belonged to each other!"


    A young also stood up and followed with, "You are still the rosy, bright sun that warmed my heart!"


    Then countless people stood up together. "I hope you can understand and forgive me if I shed silly tears!"


    Chen Guang was stunned!


    Qu Dong was stunned!


    Zhang Xia was stunned!


    Xiao Lu was stunned!


    Zhang Ye was also stunned!


    One person!


    A 100 people!


    200 people!


    More and more voices were heard!


    Everyone had gotten up from their seats!


    Some of them were crying!


    Some of them were shouting!


    Some of them were howling with emotion!


    "As our separation nears, I realize the allure of grief.


    "All because of you, I made manysting memories.


    "When and where can we meet again, just like tonight?


    "Let''s gaze into each other''s eyes, and see where our mutual feelings stand."


    Xiao Lu sang along!


    The staff of Beijing Television sang along!


    Countless people watching TV started singing along as well!


    "When the raindrops tap on your windows,


    "When the wind blows your thoughts into chaos,


    "Can you take the time to remember my familiar face?


    "Even if someday thousands of romances


    "get blown into my path andnd!


    "Even if someday thousands of stars


    "shine brighter than the moon tonight!


    "They still won''tpare to this evening''s beauty!


    "Nor could they wash away my memories of tonight!


    "''Cause I don''t know when I''ll be able to sing with you again!"


    Zhang Ye smiled.


    His eyes reddened.


    He couldn''t be more familiar with this song.


    This was thest song that Zhang Ye had left behind for this world three to four years ago.


    They hadn''t forgotten.


    All of them still remembered.


    Today, they were singing loudly together.


    This sight shocked countless people!


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "I''m in tears!"


    "Damn, I''m crying too!"


    "That old concert is unforgettable!"


    "The moon that night, the songs that night, I''ll definitely remember them my entire life!"


    "So there were that many people who were still waiting for Teacher Zhang!"


    ��


    At a celebrity dinner party.


    "This sight is so stunning."


    "It''s gonna get messy in the entertainment industry again."


    "Hai, he''s really returned."


    "If he has the same poprity, these peaceful times won''tst for a lot of people."


    ��


    At the studio of a Heavenly King.


    "How could this happen!"


    "He''s��"


    "Zhang Ye has really returned. Everyone better be careful from now on."


    "A change might being to showbiz soon."


    "Hai, this is too big a change."


    ��


    At a media outlet.


    "Face-smacking Zhang hasn''t changed one bit!"


    "Yeah, he either doesn''t make a single move, or he does it with an earth-shattering effect!"


    "Those young guns, newly crowned Heavenly Kings and Queens, and A-list superstars all have something to worry about now."


    "They might just get a taste of how Zhang Ye operated when he waspeting to get to the top!"


    ��


    Online.


    Back at home.


    On the news.


    In the industry.


    Zhang Ye''s name was getting mentioned everywhere at this moment!


    On this night of Zhang Ye''s return to the stage, a lot of people were destined to lose sleep!

 Chapter 1562 - Spring Garden wants to make a comeback?

    <h4>Chapter 1562 - Spring Garden wants to make aeback? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    The media was still abuzz.


    "I Am a Singeres to an end!"


    "The viewership sets an astonishing record!"


    "Zhang Ye defies all odds to take the crown!"


    "The most popr male idols suffer a collective defeat!"


    "A night that will shock anyone!"


    "Last night, in the town squares, bars, and restaurants, tens of thousands of people sang along to ''Thousands of Songs'' in unison!"


    "Zhang Ye''s return: Oh, fleeting time, what can you do?"


    "Zhang Ye''s song in the grand finals engulf the updates on Moments!"


    "All four of Zhang Ye''s new songs storm into the Top Chinese Music Chart!"


    On Weibo.


    "The viewership ratings have been published too!"


    "That is such a frightening figure!"


    "Yeah, this is a viewership figure that has never been seen before!"


    "I''m afraid that there won''t be any variety shows that can exceed this viewership even in the future!"


    "At least it''s not likely to happen for the next 10 years."


    "This is such a perfect ending."


    "I Am a Singer was created in the hands of Zhang Ye, and it came to an end in the hands of Zhang Ye. Perhaps it was fated that he would be the greatest champion upon his return."


    "I love him!"


    "Me too! I was initially supporting the hunks, but I turned traitor on their fanbase the moment I heard Zhang Ye sing!"


    "I was also reminded of many past events. What a nostalgic feeling."


    "It''s such a pity that we''re gradually seeing less and less of the people from the past generation."


    "Sister Zhang has retired."


    "Chen Guang hardly makes an appearance anymore as well."


    "Old Chen had surgery done on his vocal cords."


    "Yeah, and Spring Garden has disbanded too."


    Zhang Ye''s victory had a very significant effect.


    He had triggered the memories of a lot of people regarding past matters and people of yesteryear.


    ��


    Back at home.


    Zhang Ye was shaken awake by his daughter.


    "Daddy, Daddy, wake up!"


    "Eh?"


    "Daddy! Daddy!"


    "What is it, my dear?"


    "Daddy is on TV!"


    "Is that so? Don''t you think Daddy is cool?"


    "Daddy is cool! Daddy, carry me!"


    Zhang Ye crawled out from under the covers and picked his daughter up to give her a kiss. This little girl had be his number one fan. He could hear the televisioning from the first floor of the vi, and there was indeed mention of his name on the news. For a moment, Zhang Ye even imagined that he had been transported four years back to when news of him dominated the headlines.


    Buzz, buzz.


    His cell phone was vibrating without stop. He didn''t know how long it had been ringing for.


    After being woken up by his daughter, Zhang Ye couldn''t get back to sleep. He yawned and turned around to grab his cell phone from the nightstand to answer the call.


    It was from Ha Qiqi.


    On the other end of the line, it was extremely noisy.


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Sister Ha, what''s the matter?"


    "Don''te to the studio today no matter what!"


    "Ah?"


    "Our entrance is packed with reporters. There are people everywhere!"


    "Whoa, surely not, right?"


    "Aiyo, you''re saying that because you aren''t seeing this. The building''s elevator is on the verge of breaking down from all the human traffic, and the reporters and TV station vans are all camping out in the yard and perimeter of the neighborhood, waiting for you to arrive to give them an interview."


    "Turn them all away."


    "I understand. You better not go out onto the streets without your sunsses either, at least not for a while."


    "Alright, I understand. I''ll leave it to you guys then."


    "Don''t worry, we can hold down the fort."


    Soon after, his cell phone rang again.


    It was famous director Li Ke.


    "Director Li."


    "Director Zhang, hur hur, the investors have changed their minds."


    "Ah?"


    "About the role I reserved for you, they would like you to y the part. The pay this time is quite hefty too."


    "Forget it, my drama will be broadcasting soon anyway."


    "I knew you wouldn''t want it, but I just thought I''d inform you. You''ve be highly sought after now, and manypanies have their eyes on you. No one expected you to be so popr again. Congrattions!"


    "Haha, thanks."


    Yao Jiancai.


    Ning Lan.


    Hu Fei.


    His cousins.


    Calls from his family and friends arrived without a break. After Zhang Ye had arrived home yesterday, he immediately went to sleep and couldn''t be contacted by a lot of people. As such, the congrattory calls only starteding in today. A lot of them found it hard to believe and even found it difficult to ept that Zhang Ye had won on the show.


    Zhang Ye was kept busy with taking calls for the rest of the day.


    At night, Amy''s call came.


    "Hi, Amy."


    "Teacher Zhang, you''ve totally defied allmon sense!"


    "Haha, not really. However, isn''t this call from you a littlete?"


    "Pfft, are you ming me for not congratting you earlier?"


    "Of course not, it''s good as long as I get a congrattion from you. Thank you."


    "You''re wee. Well, Teacher Zhang, there''s actually something I''m looking for you for."


    "What is it?"


    "Um��well��"


    "Speak up. What''s the matter?"


    Amy stammered, unable to express herself.


    Then another voice came from the other end of the line.


    "You''re so slow. I''ll tell him." It was Xiaodong''s voice.


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Sister Dong? The two of you are together right now?"


    "Yes."


    Zhang Ye said: "Didn''t Spring Garden disband?"


    Xiaodong rolled her eyes. "The group has disbanded, not our friendship."


    Zhang Ye said: "Fair."


    Then Xiaodong said: "There''s something we''re looking for you for."


    "Just speak," Zhang Ye said.


    Xiaodong replied: "Actually, we wanted to solve this matter by ourselves, but we couldn''t resolve it for the past two years. We thought of many ways and sought out many people we thought could help, but none of it worked. So we have no choice but to approach you."


    Zhang Yeughed. "So what is it?"


    But Xiaodong said: "I won''t talk about it yet. Let''s rewind to the time when you held your final concert. Didn''t you promise to invite me, Amy, and Xiaoxian to perform?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "I guess so?"


    "And you even said that you wanted to sing metal with us?"


    Zhang Ye coughed and said: "I think I did say that."


    "But in the end, you invited none of us. Was there something like that?"


    Zhang Ye eximed: "That''s because I got into big trouble at that time. I figured I shouldn''t drag you guys down with me."


    "But do you admit to not inviting us to perform?"


    Zhang Ye gave a dryugh. "I''ll admit to that."


    Xiaodong said: "Then you must help us out with this problem."


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Alright, shoot."


    Only then did Xiaodong say: "It''s about Amy''s contract with the talent agency. This matter has been left hanging for the past two years without getting resolved. The talent agency has basically shelved her and isn''t helping her find any work or allowing her to leave, which as good as freezing her. Amy has always wanted to leave the agency and go solo, but she can''t. They''re not letting her to leave no matter what. Even if we let her contract run out, it''ll still be some time before that happens. By that time, Amy''s poprity will have dropped even further."


    Zhang Ye asked: "You''re requesting that I help Amy settle her contract dispute?"


    On the other end, Amy finally spoke: "I just need to cancel the contract. It doesn''t matter even if I have to paypensation."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement: "Why did you guys think of approaching me?"


    He heard Li Xiaoxian speaking this time.


    "Because you have a lot of influence."


    Xiaodong said: "Teacher Zhang, we''re depending on you to help us out with Amy''s contract issue."


    Zhang Ye could understand there was something going on here. He couldn''t help but ask: "Sister Dong, aren''t you holding a solo concert soon? Why are you in such a rush to deal with Amy''s contract?"


    There was silence over there.


    Then they said something shocking.


    Xiaodong, Amy, and Li Xiaoxian said in near unison: "We''re hoping that our Spring Garden can make aeback."


    Zhang Ye was stunned and then chuckled. "Alright, I''ll help you out with this for sure!"

 Chapter 1563 - Zhang Ye handles the matter!

    <h4>Chapter 1563 - Zhang Ye handles the matter! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At Xiaodong''s house.


    The trio were getting extremely worried.


    Amy said, "Will Teacher Zhang be able to handle it?"


    Li Xiaoxian said, "There isn''t much time left."


    Xiaodong said, "I only wonder if it can be dealt with before the concert happens in a few days."


    Li Xiaoxian said, "I guess we can only leave it to Teacher Zhang."


    Amy said, "I''m only afraid that they wouldn''t even give face to Teacher Zhang."


    The three of them had gone solo for nearly two years now. Ever since Spring Garden was forced to disband over a contract dispute with their talent agency, their days have not been smooth sailing. They were one of the most famous girl groups in Asia, and every member had their own fanbase within the group. However, since going their separate ways, their fans followed suit and went their own ways as well. With the impact from the "male idol" effect, their appeal fell as their poprity dropped by leaps and bounds. As a result, the name of Spring Garden became a memory of the people. Seeing how Zhang Ye had returned and took victory at thepetition, they felt really envious of him. They wanted to get back together and be like Zhang Ye, to battle again in show business as the three sisters!


    Perhaps their futures were not guaranteed.


    Perhaps there wasn''t going to be any glory.


    But they still wished to try. They really did.


    ��


    Monday.


    In the morning.


    After sending his daughter to school and his wife to work, Zhang Ye parked his car at the curb. He took out his cell phone to call the number Amy had given to him.


    Du du.


    The call connected.


    On the other end, it was a woman who answered.


    "Hello, this is Tianhe Entertainment."


    "I''m looking for CEO Li."


    "You are?"


    "I am Zhang Ye."


    "Ah?"


    "I''m looking for CEO Li regarding some business. Can I make an appointment?"


    "CEO Li has gone on a work trip and will probably be back on��"


    "Please help me to get in touch with him."


    "Alright, I''ll pass along the message."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye gave a sneer.


    Work trip?


    Amy clearly told him that CEO Li was in the country.


    Zhang Ye understood that the other party did not wish to see him. When he thought of that, he turned the steering wheel and stepped on the elerator, heading straight for the headquarters of Tianhe Entertainment.


    At thepany entrance.


    Zhang Ye stepped on the brakes and parked, got out of the car, and headed straight in.


    When several of the security guards and staff saw him, they were stunned.


    "Oh my God!"


    "Zhang��Zhang Ye?"


    "What is he doing here?"


    Seeing him here, everyone became terrified. They obviously did not think that their Tianhe Entertainment could have possibly signed Zhang Ye under its wing since it was well-known that he had never signed with any talent agency before. So when Zhang Ye appeared here, everyone could sense that something bad was about to happen. Especially when it was alsomon knowledge that Amy''s rtionship with the talent agency had soured.


    A male idol had juste down from upstairs.


    It was Hai Yifei. He was a member of Tianhe Entertainment as well.


    Hai Yifei was also taken aback. "Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye did not look at him and went straight into the elevator.


    The security guards had wanted to stop him. But in the end, none of them dared to make a move.


    Everyone had heard of Zhang Ye''s notoriety. Even after three to four years, no one dared to provoke him.


    A security guard said, "Something bad is gonna happen!"


    The receptionist said, "Quickly call upstairs to inform them!"


    Ding.


    Upstairs, the elevator arrived.


    When Zhang Ye stepped out, he was greeted by the sight of a female secretary running over in panic. "Teacher Zhang, why are you here? CEO Li is not around, he''s��"


    Judging by her voice, she was definitely the woman who had answered his call.


    Zhang Ye ignored her and walked forward with narrowed eyes.


    The female secretary was getting anxious. "Aiyo, Teacher Zhang! Teacher Zhang, what are you doing!"


    The office was just up ahead.


    Zhang Ye didn''t even bother to knock before pushing the door open.


    A middle-aged man was sitting at his desk and taking a call. When he saw Zhang Ye, he was startled before immediately saying to the person on the phone: "Old Chu, something has cropped up over here. I have to hang up."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "CEO Li, you''re back so soon from your work trip?"


    The female secretary looked very embarrassed.


    But CEO Li put on a smiling face. "Well, if it isn''t Teacher Zhang! Please,e in!"


    Zhang Ye did not keep harping on this. "CEO Li, sorry foring uninvited today."


    "You''re always wee here. I''ve been thinking about buying you dinner ever since you came back, but I couldn''t find an opportunity to do so." CEO Li asked, "Is Minister Wu well?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "She''s pretty good."


    The two of them were not friends, but neither were they strangers. Although Zhang Ye didn''t have a particrly goodwork, he still knew quite a lot of people in the entertainment industry from back then.


    The two of them sat down.


    The female secretary served him tea with a bitter smile.


    CEO Li asked, "What brought you here?"


    Zhang Ye didn''t beat around the bush. "Amy''s contract, please try to resolve it."


    CEO Li looked troubled. "Oh, that matter?"


    Zhang Ye said, "They were the most sessful girl group in the country with no one elseing close. Now that they''ve disbanded, only Amy remains contracted to yourpany, yet you''re not giving her any support or giving work to her. She still has to make a living, doesn''t she? Since that''s the case, wouldn''t it be better to just let her go? We''re all industry insiders and can''t avoid seeing each other. It won''t do any of us any good by making matters the way they are now. How about this, CEO Li? I won''t make things difficult for you. Just treat it like I owe you a favor. Sever her from her contract and name thepensation amount. I''ll pay on Amy''s behalf."


    CEO Li did not say anything.


    The female secretary suddenly said, "That won''t do. Amy''s matter is veryplicated. Back then, she��"


    Zhang Ye gave her a look.


    "I''m speaking with Teacher Zhang here. What business is it of yours?" CEO Li interrupted his secretary.


    The female secretary shut her mouth.


    CEO Li looked at Zhang Ye. "Teacher Zhang, since you''re putting it like that, alright, I''ll do it for your sake. We won''t even mention thepensation since that would be disrespectful." He then instructed his secretary, "Get in touch with the legal department. Terminate Amy''s contract by the end of today!"


    The female secretary replied, "Yes, sir!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Thank you very much, CEO Li."


    Within ten minutes.


    Zhang Ye left.


    CEO Li heaved a sigh of relief.


    The female secretary also came back at this time.


    CEO Li asked, "Is it done?"


    The female secretary said in an agonized manner, "It''s done. The contract has been sorted out. We just need to wait for Amy to get here. The contract can be terminated at any time after that."


    "Alright," CEO Li said.


    The female secretary asked out of curiosity, "Why did you agree to his request?"


    Several of the deputy CEOs also came in after knocking.


    "CEO Li."


    "Amy has been released from her contract?"


    "But why?!"


    "You didn''t even ask for anypensation?"


    CEO Li threw his hands up. "Enough, stop talking about this. Let''s just leave it as that." He sighed and said, "Zhang Ye came calling, so we have to give him face."


    When everyone heard that, they couldn''t help but smile bitterly.


    CEO Li said, "It isn''t easy to get Zhang Ye to owe us a favor. His wife is in a high ce, so there will surely be an opportunity to get his help someday. Moreover, it''s not like you all don''t know what Zhang Ye''s temper is like. Now that he''s back, my guess is that the entertainment industry is going to turn chaotic again, so let''s avoid being the bird that sticks our head out first. Hai, with Zhang Ye on the right and Minister Wu on the left, we better not rile them up!"


    Everyone looked at one another.


    That''s right.


    One was a hooligan.


    The other was a minister.


    Who could they afford to offend?


    ��


    Outside.


    Zhang Ye called up Amy.


    "Teacher Zhang?"


    "The problem has been resolved. You just need toe down to Tianhe Entertainment to finalize things."


    "What?"


    "Hurry up ande over to terminate the contract."


    "Damn, I love you to death, Teacher Zhang!"


    On at the other end of the line, Amy, Xiaodong, and Li Xiaoxian cheered!


    It had really been dealt with?


    Amy had regained her freedom?


    Teacher Zhang was truly influential!


    They couldn''t hide their excitement. They were overjoyed at the oue!


    Two years!


    It had been a whole two years!


    Their Spring Garden group was finally able to make aeback!


    Xiaodong immediately said: "Teacher Zhang, for the concert that is happening soon, we''re now officially inviting you to be our concert''s guest to support us with your singing. You have toe no matter what, alright?!"


    Amy shouted: "Yes, yes, yes! You definitely have toe!"


    Zhang Ye was very happy for them too. He said with a heartyugh: "Sure, for this important asion, I will definitely be there. I''ll write you three another song, so let''s have fun together! During the concert that I held in Olympic Stadium, I gave you all my promise that we''d perform together once more. In the end, I stood you up, so I''ll have to make it up to you this time. Treat it as a gift from me!"


    Li Xiaoxian yelled: "That''s great!"


    Amy shouted: "Lord Zhang, what a loyal friend!"


    Xiaodong said: "Hahahaha, let''s get all our friends from back then to attend the concert. We can all have fun together!"

 Chapter 1564 - Years of Friendship’ leaves the venue in tears!

    <h4>Chapter 1564 - Years of Friendship'' leaves the venue in tears! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Many dayster.


    On the day of the concert.


    The name of Xiaodong''s solo concert had been changed a few days before the tickets went on sale. It was now called: "Spring Garden''s Comeback Concert"!


    The industry was shocked!


    The country was shocked!


    Asia was shocked!


    There wasn''t much publicity, nor any promotions!


    With just the name of Spring Garden alone, it was more than enough to create hype!


    This was one of the most popr girl groups in Asia a few years ago!


    A legendary group that had apanied a lot of people in their teenage years!


    At the venue.


    The audience had already entered.


    "The tickets are too difficult to get!"


    "I only managed to get one because I got lucky."


    "I think the tickets were sold out within a day."


    "I''m still in disbelief!"


    "Yeah, have they��have they really decided to reunite?"


    "This came too suddenly. Wasn''t the contract issue still unresolved?"


    "Don''t you guys know? I heard that the matter has been dealt with."


    "That can''t be. Tianhe Entertainment has publicly argued with Amy and Xiaodong before. How could they possibly let her go so easily?"


    "Apparently, Zhang Ye personally went down to thepany on Amy''s behalf."


    "Ah? Zhang Ye?"


    "Damn, no wonder. So it was because of him!"


    "Zhang Ye''s got huge influence, doesn''t he?"


    "It''s not his influence, but his notoriety!"


    "Hahaha, yeah! Back then, when those entertainmentpanies issued that industry-wide boycott on him, how many of them got hit by Zhang Ye''s actions on the backswing? He''s got such a bad reputation, so now that he''s back, I''m sure none of the entertainmentpanies would want to offend him again."


    "I am a hardcore fan of Spring Garden!"


    "Me too! Thank you, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang is so cool! I thank you on behalf of Spring Garden!"


    "He''s such a loyal friend!"


    "I heard that there''s a mystery guest today."


    "I heard about it too."


    "I wonder who''s gonnae and be the supporting act. I''m so looking forward to it!"


    Screams!


    Yells!


    The concert had not started yet, but the audience was already in a frenzied state!


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "Is there going to be a stream?"


    "I couldn''t get tickets."


    "There''s a livestream. It''s gonna start soon."


    "That''s great. I haven''t heard them sing in so long!"


    "How nostalgic, I''m getting so emotional."


    ��


    Within the industry.


    "Spring Garden has made aeback?"


    "Yet another one has returned."


    "Zhang Ye''seback has affected the entertainment circle quite a bit."


    "Ning Lan has made aeback in acting, Grandma Zhang Xia has made aeback in singing, and now, even Spring Garden has reunited and made aeback too!"


    ��


    It was time.


    The stream began.


    The concert venue was suddenly dazzling with lights!


    The audience screamed even louder when they saw this!


    "Xiaodong!"


    "Amy!"


    "Xiaoxian!"


    Everyone was shouting their names!


    Some fans even started crying!


    Two years!


    They had been waiting for this day for far too long!


    All the onstage lights were extinguished. Then some words shed across the big screen: "Years of Friendship."


    The music yed.


    The moving melody silenced everyone!


    A spotlight shone down onto the stage!


    Xiaodong was already standing in the spotlight!


    Xiaodong closed her eyes and sang lightly 1 , "Wasted time scatters into the wind."


    A second spotlight shone down at the other end of the stage where Li Xiaoxian was. She closed her eyes and sang, "As if unable to face it again."


    A third spotlight shone on Amy, who was revealed next!


    The three of them suddenly opened their eyes and looked at each other. Their eyes were brimming with tears.


    "Our roving days,


    "You followed along.


    "Let fate reunite us."


    Many of the audience members who listening to these lyrics could not bear it any longer. They bawled their eyes out!


    Watching TV, a lot of people also started crying!


    At the next moment, another spotlight shone down!


    Jiang Hanwei was on stage as well. "Innocent voices have died down."


    Yet another spotlight shone down. It was Chen Guang who appeared this time. "We separated for our own goals."


    The next beam revealed Fan Wenli. "Gazing at the night sky, who in the past��"


    Another spotlight revealed Ning Lan. "��understood my tired heart?"


    Finally, thest spotlight lit up!


    Zhang Ye made his appearance onstage!


    He looked at the tearful Xiaodong, then at Amy and Li Xiaoxian who were sobbing hard. He smiled as he gripped his microphone and walked over to them. Chen Guang, Fan Wenli, Jiang Hanwei, and Ning Lan also walked over. They gathered around and stood together, hugging, giving each other high fives, crying, or bellyughing!


    "Let''s forget our mistakes.


    "Let''s cherish the past.


    "Once we get through these troubled times, there will be joy.


    "No way is it hopeless!


    "There''s no hesitation!


    "Competing in our dreams!


    "Keep forging ahead every day!


    "Running in the storm!


    "Unruly drunk and awake!


    "All our stories seem to have drifted into years gone by!


    "The wind''s blown past and quieted!


    "Who should I return my kindness to!


    "Let my tears take away the night''s worries!"


    The audience members were wiping away their tears as they stared dumbfoundedly at the stage!


    A lot of people were up on their feet and screaming like crazy!


    Zhang Ye smiled and raised a fist!


    Chen Guang raised a fist too and gave him a fist bump!


    Ning Lan put her arms around Amy''s shoulders.


    Fan Wenli hugged Xiaodong.


    Xiaodong sang in tears, "Let''s forget our mistakes."


    Li Xiaoxian voice was hoarse from crying. "Let''s cherish the past."


    Amy sang loudly as she sobbed, "Once we get through these troubled times, there will be joy."


    At present, all of them were standing shoulder to shoulder with their arms around the person next to them. They looked at one another, then looked at the audience and sang in unison.


    "No way is it hopeless!


    "There''s no hesitation!


    "Competing in our dreams!


    "Keep forging ahead every day!


    "Running in the storm!


    "Unruly drunk and awake!


    "All our stories seem to have drifted into years gone by!


    "The wind''s blown past and quieted!


    "Who should I return my kindness to!


    "Let my tears take away the night''s worries!"


    The singing was thunderous, and it was making everyone''s blood race with excitement!


    Those familiar faces from years ago!


    Those familiar voices from years ago!


    The audience members also shouted until their voices went hoarse!


    Ning Lan?


    Old Jiang?


    Chen Guang?


    Fan Wenli?


    Zhang Ye?


    Spring Garden''s old friends were all here!


    The friends they gone through adversity with were all here!


    What song was this?


    Who was the one who wrote this song?


    Onstage, Xiaodong held her microphone with a lot of emotion. Her hand was trembling as she said loudly while crying, "Thank you, Teacher Zhang, forposing this song for us old friends. Thank you to our friends who came here today to sing together with us. Thank you to those of you who are attending the concert today. Thank you to all of you who are watching the livestream on yourputers. And thank you to everyone who has not forgotten us! I hereby dere that Spring Garden has officially returned!" Her voice trembled as she said, "Sorry that we had to make you all wait two years! Sorry for being away from everyone for the past two years! But now��"


    At this moment.


    Xiaodong, Amy, and Li Xiaoxian inteced fingers and yelled together, "We''re back!!!"


    The three of them were crying andughing!


    The audience was shouting for them!


    The crowd at the concert blew up in an instant!


    "Spring Garden!"


    "Spring Garden!"


    "Spring Garden!"

 Chapter 1565 - The shit stirrer makes his move!

    <h4>Chapter 1565 - The shit stirrer makes his move! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    At the studio.


    Everyone came together for a meeting.


    "Our poprity has clearly started picking up again."


    "Yeah. Although Director Zhang''s name hasn''t be relisted in the poprity rankings yet, we can still get a clear sense of the signals from the news and Inte."


    "Director Zhang''s songs were fucking awesome!"


    "''Years of Friendship'' has charted to first ce on the Top Chinese Music Chart as well."


    "That''s right. Oureback has gone perfectly."


    "All that''s left is to see how the TV series performs."


    "Hai, I really can''t get a feel of how that might do."


    "When will it be broadcast?"


    "They''ll determine the dates today. Director Zhang is in talks with Beijing TV right now."


    "Let''s hope that we get a good date."


    "We don''t need the anti-corruption drama to be popr as long as it can reach the 1% viewership ratings mark set by the Central Publicity Department."


    "1% is already a heaven-defying figure, so there''s no need to think about anything higher than that."


    "If this drama is sessful, Director Zhang might really be able to get back to the peak of his poprity and return to his position as a domestic Heavenly King."


    ��


    On Weibo.


    Theizens were also having a discussion about television dramas.


    "There haven''t been any good TV series recently."


    "Yeah, the ones they''ve been showing these past few months are not interesting at all."


    "There are two blockbuster seriesing up."


    "Yeah, Heavens of the Gods and Age of Kingdoms will be showing soon!"


    "I''m anticipating them so much!"


    "Go Li Shao!"


    "I think Chi Hao can take the step to be a Heavenly King this time."


    "Their poprities are about the same, and both are ranked in the top five of the A-list, so it''s still unclear who will end up winning. It all depends on how well their series perform."


    "With their appeal, there wouldn''t be a need for the series to be good. Even without asking, the viewership ratings will exceed 1.5%. You guys are really underestimating the appeal of a young hunk by too much."


    "Those two are gonna start battling now."


    "Yeah, this is going to be a fight to the death."


    "It''s a fight to be a Heavenly King!"


    "We''re really in for a show this time. Their two series are scheduled for the same day. If either one of them holds off the other, that person''s status as a Heavenly King will be assured and Xu Men would drop off the S-list rankings. In that case, the old generation of Heavenly Kings and Queens will finally be a thing of the past. The future of showbiz will then be dominated by the hunks."


    "There''s still Zhang Ye."


    "Has Zhang Ye''s finished filming his TV series yet?"


    "I doubt Zhang Ye can make a ssh. He''s just messing around by taking on the project. A political drama spearheaded by a government department, what sort of viewership ratings could that get? I believe he took on the production only because he didn''t receive any offers for work in the days when he first made hiseback. He probably did not take it seriously either. What''s more, the actors cast in the drama are all has-beens, and the invested sum isn''trge either, so how can it possibly take on the current professional production teams and actors? You people are expecting too much from him."


    "If Zhang Ye''s drama can get popr, I''ll fucking eat myputer."


    "What was it called again?"


    "I think it''s called In the Opinion of the Name or something like that"


    "Huh? Is that what it''s called?"


    "What opinions could a name have?"


    "Damn, I forget what it was called as well."


    ��


    At a restaurant.


    The production crew of Heavens of the Gods was holding a get-together.


    "Li Shao, we''re depending on you this time."


    "Director Wu, what''s your estimate for our drama''s viewership ratings?"


    "It''s not easy to give hard figures now, but it won''t be bad for sure."


    "We''ve spent four months working on this production and put in so much blood, sweat, and tears, so it will definitely be good enough."


    "We only have one opponent in Age of Kingdoms!"


    "They must be crazy, right? Why would they choose to broadcast on the same day as us?"


    "They''re obviously trying to challenge us! If so, then let''s find out who is better!"


    "Yeah, who''s afraid of who!"


    ��


    At Chi Hao''s studio.


    "It won''t be long."


    "Let''s shoot down Heavens of the Gods!"


    "Right, Teacher Chi Hao will definitely take the step to the top this time!"


    "We''ve spent more than half a year on this series, from the preparations to the filming. It has been meticulously polished to the point of being impable, so I don''t believe it can''t outdo Heavens of the Gods!"


    "Qu Dong, Qi Liang, and Hai Yifei have all been knocked down a peg, so it''s a good chance for us!"


    "They were unlucky to run into Zhang Ye. That fellow might not be good at other things, but he''s invincible at singing."


    "The battle for the Heavenly King''s spot will be between just us and Li Shao."


    "Everyone, let''s put in a bit more effort! We are gonna bring down Xu Men!"


    ��


    Online.


    Li Shao and Chi Hao''s fans tangled with each other!


    "Chi Hao''s worth a fart!"


    "Li Shao''s worth shit!"


    "Whatcha lookin'' at!"


    "So what if we''re looking at you!"


    "Look again, we dare ya!"


    "Oh, we dare!"


    ��


    The public was watching intently.


    The production crews were creating hype for their series.


    The media was also helping with the publicity.


    After several days, the topicality of Zhang Ye''seback victory had faded. The entertainment industry returned back to its previous state as the media, news, and Inte started moring over the male idols again. This sort of atmosphere and attitude was clearly not something that a few songs or people could change that easily. The male idols'' fans would not leave their idols overnight. After all, they were still the most popr artists in show business at the moment.


    Especially in the field of television and film.


    The overwhelming poprity and appeal they had was unparalleled.


    Yet someone had toe to mess things up!


    No one could have expected that someone woulde and cause trouble at such a critical juncture!


    ��


    In the Celebrity Goof Group.


    Xu Men appeared. "I''m in danger."


    Xiaodong quickly replied: "All the best, Sister Lan!"


    Amy: "Supporting Sister Lan!"


    Li Ke: "Their time hasn''t arrived yet."


    Ning Lan: "Right, their poprities are still a way off from yours."


    Xu Men sent a smiley face in the chat group. "They''re not that far off anymore"


    Amy said dejectedly: "Are the artists from our generation really bing irrelevant?"


    Fan Wenli: "The younger generation has to be feared. Competing with the young guns in poprity is just impractical."


    Li Xiaoxian: "But Teacher Zhang managed to do it."


    Chen Guang: "He''s a freak, so don''tpare us to him."


    Out of the blue.


    Zhang Ye appeared and said cheerfully: "Sister Lan, your little bro will aid you."


    Aid her?


    What did he mean by that?


    Xu Men, Ning Lan, and the others were taken aback and did not understand what he meant.


    But the next second, when the news was revealed online, all of them were dumbfounded!


    Xu Men: "What?"


    Amy: "Fuck!"


    Xiaodong: "Damn!"


    Li Ke: "What the hell!"


    Ning Lan: "Your sister!"


    Jiang Hanwei: "Zhang Ye, your grandpa!"


    Chen Guang: "That guy is crazy!"


    ��


    The news broke!


    The media pissed their pants!


    The public pissed their pants!


    The industry pissed their pants!


    Zhang Ye''s new TV series, In the Name of the People, had quietlypleted its post-production and was even given a time slot for broadcast on Beijing Television!


    When they saw the time slot for the drama''s premiere, the entire country''s citizens were stunned!


    Heavens of the Gods!


    Age of Kingdoms!


    In the Name of the People!


    They were all going to be broadcast at the same time slot on the same day!


    Countless people utterly horrified!


    ��


    In the industry:


    "That madman!"


    "What is he trying to do!"


    "Hepleted the filming in just 10 days? Fuck your sister!"


    "Are you a motherfucking machine gun?!"


    "It''s even scheduled to broadcast on the same day as them?"


    "That fe must be drunk, right?!"


    ��


    The public:


    "Yours is just a fucking shitty, low-budget 30 million RMB production. Why didn''t you schedule it for some off-peak time slot and get it over with? Why would you even try to challenge Heavens of the Gods and Age of Kingdoms?"


    "Zhang Ye is crazy!"


    "When has this fucker ever been normal!"


    "Isn''t he trying to start trouble?!"


    "Pfft, this troublemaking shit stirrer!"


    "He really can''t stay idle for a day!"


    "Those two are fighting it out to be a Heavenly King, so what is this fellow messing around for!"


    ��


    At the Central Publicity Department.


    "We''re done for!"


    "This series has as good as doomed!"


    "Ours is a political drama. How can it possibly challenge theirmercial dramas!"


    ��


    Heavens of the Gods'' production crew.


    Everyone was tongue-tied!


    "Is he drunk?"


    "W-W-What the hell does this have anything to do with him!"


    "It''s a fight between our dramas, so why is he throwing in his lot?"


    "Where did he get the courage!"


    ��


    At Chi Hao''s studio.


    "How dare he broadcast on the same day as us with that shitty drama of his?"


    "Jesus!"


    "What on earth is that fellow thinking!"


    "Could it be a coincidence?"


    "Coincidence, my ass! That Zhang guy is clearly doing this on purpose!"


    If it were anyone else, it might have been a coincidence. But since this was Zhang Ye, they knew to rule out that possibility. All of them knew that Zhang Ye must be doing this on purpose, because he had pulled something simr a few years ago by broadcasting on the same day as another show even though he had nothing concrete to back it up with. Further, it had happened on more than one asion too. This fellow seemed to enjoy doing such things!

 Chapter 1566 - A godly drama is about to appear!

    <h4>Chapter 1566 - A godly drama is about to appear! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    With the revtion of this news, the details surrounding the activities of In the Name of the People were unearthed.


    The production cost.


    The production period.


    The cast list.


    And so on.


    Zhang Ye and this drama had been pushed into the headlines!


    ��


    In the car, on the way back to the studio, Zhang Ye''s cell phone was blowing up with calls.


    Ning Lan, Jiang Hanwei, Shu Han, Yao Jiancai, and the main cast members of In the Name of the People all looked for this fellow in outrage.


    "Zhang''er, do you want to die?!"


    "Haha, what''s the matter?"


    "What do you think is the matter! Why are you pitting our drama against theirs!"


    "Didn''t I already tell you guys? That our new drama will be broadcasting at the same period as those two young guns? Didn''t you already know?"


    "The same period is not the same as the same day!"


    "Wasn''t that quite close to what I said?"


    "I''m gonna faint! That''s way off, alright!"


    "Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing."


    "Your sister!"


    All of them wanted to vomit blood!


    They had been looking forward to the drama quite a bit before this. Although the production''s investment wasn''trge, although it was the director''s debut TV series, although the cast did not feature even a single hot, young male star, this group of out-of-time celebrities still cherished the rare opportunity to act. This was especially true when many of them were personally invited by Zhang Ye to join the cast. Even people like Ning Lan, who had long since retired, were convinced by him to make a return.


    But look at this.


    This bastard actually decided to take on two of this year''s most anticipatedmercial drama productions? Isn''t this as good as jumping into Hell! Others can''t wait to steer clear of them! How many directors and TV series are looking to avoid broadcasting at the same time slot as Heavens of the Gods and Age of Kingdoms! But you? Not only are you not attempting to avoid it, you even chose to fucking take it head-on! Just how confident do you have to be to do something like that? Do you really think that this low-budget political drama can possibly make a challenge on thosemercial drama productions? How is that possible! If the viewership ratings get apportioned out to the point where we don''t even hit 0.2%, that would be such a huge p to our faces! How will we answer the Central Publicity Department then!


    ��


    Up ahead.


    He had reached the studio.


    The moment Zhang Ye got back here, he spotted Ha Qiqi and the others handling a group of reporters.


    The news hadn''t even broke for half an hour, but the media reporters were already swarming the ce. There was a surprised expression on every one of their faces, and he could clearly see that the news had shocked them too!


    "Ah!"


    "Zhang Ye is here!"


    "Director Zhang!"


    "For your first drama production, why did you choose to broadcast it at this time slot?"


    "Do you intend to fight the male idols?"


    "What opinion do you have about your own TV series?"


    "What sort of a TV series is it?"


    The reporters were all pointing their cameras and microphones at him.


    Having hardly received any interviewstely, Zhang Ye said confidently, "This production is led by the Central Publicity Department, and it''s an unprecedented anti-corruption drama. We suffered a lot during the filming process and encountered many difficulties along the way, but I have to thank the cast for being so awesome. They were great, so we overcame a lot of hardships that were beyond our imagination. So I hope that everyone will look forward to our drama. I believe that the premiere episode''s broadcast will surprise everyone."


    The reporters rolled their eyes upon hearing that!


    Suffering?


    Hardships beyond imagination?


    For a drama production that wrapped up filming in ten days, what fucking hardships beyond imagination could there be!


    If this could be considered as hardships beyond imagination, then how would it be for those people who had to fucking film their dramas for one to two years!


    ��


    The interview footage was broadcast.


    Theizens responded to it with contempt.


    "This fellow is too shameless!"


    "His skin is so thick!"


    "Beyond imagination, your sister!"


    "10 days? Are you on drugs or something! Just how shoddy is this production!"


    "This fellow is still as efficient as always?"


    "Yeah, he''s fast at recording shows, he''s fast atposing songs, he''s fast at writing novels, and he''s even so fast when filming a drama that the process is described as a matter of days. In the entire entertainment industry, I''ve never encountered a faster worker than him!"


    "To be honest, I''m already starting to look forward to it."


    "Me too, motherfucker, I''d like to see just how this fellow''s debut TV drama will turn out!"


    "If Zhang Ye''s drama can get above 0.2% viewership, he''ll have to thank the gods!"


    "I doubt it will even hit 0.2%!"


    "He''s asking for it!"


    "The Central Publicity Department will probably hold him responsible when the timees!"


    Back when Zhang Ye first announced hiseback, there wasn''t much attention given to the drama. A lot of people knew that he was shooting a drama, but they couldn''t even remember its name. But with this hubbub, In the Name of the People sent the country into an uproar. All of a sudden, a lot of people found out about it, and it even grabbed the limelight from Heavens of the Gods and Age of Kingdoms! Everyone was talking about it.


    ��


    At Li Shao''s studio.


    Li Shao was hopping mad.


    "He can even steal away the headlines of our drama this way?"


    "This Zhang Ye is full of heinous tricks!"


    "So this is the legendary Heavenly King from years ago?"


    "I finally understand why this fellow made so many enemies back then! H-He''s totally not sticking to convention with how he does things!"


    ��


    At Chi Hao''s studio.


    "Bring it on, who''s afraid of who!"


    "Right, it makes no differencepeting against one or two dramas!"


    "Does Zhang Ye still think that he''s the Asian Heavenly King from back then?!"


    "I don''t believe it. How can a shitty drama that you finished filming in just 10 days possibly challenge us!"


    ��


    In the Name of the People''s actors also cast Zhang Ye aside as they came together and scolded him.


    "That dumbass!"


    "If I ever ept a role in a show that he directs again, I''ll spell my name backwards!"


    "Yeah, my heart can''t take this!"


    "How unlucky to have encountered a director like him!"


    "I no longer hold any hope for the viewership ratings of the drama."


    "I can only hope that our drama doesn''t perform too badly, that''s all."


    It seemed like Zhang Ye was born with a "Hatred Halo" over his head!


    It was so for his foes.


    It was so for the disinterested.


    And it was so for his friends.


    ��


    One day.


    Two days.


    Three days.


    It was getting closer to the day of the premiere episode''s broadcast.


    The three drama productions were keeping pace with one another as their news constantly came up in the media.


    "The premiere episode is nearing!"


    "Experts predict the viewership ratings!"


    "Two more days to D-Day. Who will end up victorious in the battle for a Heavenly King''s throne?"


    "A TV drama that wrapped up filming in 10 days shocks the industry!"


    "Experts im: ''Zhang Ye doesn''t understand the TV industry at all. He''s only here to make trouble!''"


    Zhang Ye was very happy. This was exactly the effect that he wanted. It was a different time now. With the male idols holding sway andmercial productions dominating the industry, everyone''s attention was focused on them. It was a situation that was very difficult to turn around, so Zhang Ye thought of a way to stand out and diverted everyone''s attention to In the Name of the People. As long as there was attention given to it, as long as no one ignored it, he believed that this good drama production would not get buried.


    As for Heavens of the Gods?


    As for Age of Kingdoms?


    Zhang Ye didn''t care about them at all.


    It wasn''t because he was arrogant, nor that his confidence was inted. If it were any drama production other than In the Name of the People, he would have judged his opponent first to see how much they had invested and what their scripts were about. But there was no need for that, because this was In the Name of the People they were talking about!


    No matter who the opponent was!


    No matter how many of them there were!


    None of that mattered. Whoever crashed head-on with it would get utterly destroyed!


    Come, I''ll show you all the godly drama that swept away everything in its path back in my previous world!

 Chapter 1567 - In the Name of the People’s premiere episode!

    <h4>Chapter 1567 - In the Name of the People��s premiere episode! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Friday.


    On the day of the scheduled broadcast.


    It was getting lively on Weibo.


    "Come,e, ce your bets!"


    "My bet is on Heavens of the Gods!"


    "I''ll ce my bet on Age of Kingdoms!"


    "Count me in! I''ll put my money on Heavens of the Gods!"


    "Damn, Qingqing, aren''t you Zhang Ye''s diehard fan?"


    "Yeah, why did you ce your money on Heavens of the Gods?"


    "I''m a fan of Teacher Zhang''s music, not his shows. He''s never even shot a drama before."


    "So which TV series does everyone intend to catch today?"


    "I reckon more people will watch Heavens of the Gods."


    "All their broadcast times sh with one another, so I can only choose one to watch first."


    "Haha, I intend to watch In the Name of the People first. I would like to see just what kind of surprises a shit stirrer like Teacher Zhang cane up with. I''ll catch Heavens of the Gods and Age of Kingdomster when they get uploaded."


    "I''m also waiting to see how Face-smacking Zhang will die."


    "Hahaha, Face-smacking Zhang is finally going to be face smacked. I get excited just at the thought."


    It was a public holiday today, and everyone had knocked off from work early. Some people had even pushed back their business engagements to get home earlier so that they could wait for this grand feast of dramas to begin. In recent years, there hadn''t been such a boisterous mood in the TV industry for quite a while. Two highly anticipated blockbuster dramas would be starting their premiere episodes at the same time, and oh, there was also going to be the premiere episode of one terrible drama as well. All of the attention from the media, the industry, and the public had virtually been pulled over here. Many people couldn''t wait any longer for the broadcasts to begin!


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Inside, the aroma from the cooked food was attacking the nose. Alcohol had also been brought out to the tables.


    Ding dong.


    Ding dong.


    The doorbell rang.


    Zhang Ye personally went to open the door.


    Outside, Ning Lan, Yao Jiancai, Dong Shanshan, Zhang Xia, Jiang Hanwei, Shanshan, as well as the rest of the production crew''s staff had arrived. Zhang Ye had called all of them over to the studio today to watch their drama''s premiere episode together.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Come in, quick. Dinner is almost ready."


    Ning Lan rolled her eyes.


    Jiang Hanwei put on a stern face.


    Shu Han did not show Zhang Ye a weing attitude either.


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Yo, what''s wrong with all of you?"


    Dong Shanshanughed and said, "We''ve already discussed things. If the viewership ratings turn out to be terrible, we''ll chop you up into eight pieces, so you better be prepared for it."


    Yao Jiancai added, "You''re too good at causing trouble."


    But Zhang Ye said, "Really? I haven''t even gone all out yet."


    Shu Han said, "You still haven''t gone all out? I nearly got a heart attack because of your antics."


    Jiang Hanwei said, "Didn''t you read what they''re saying online? Everyone is waiting for us to make a fool of ourselves."


    "Alright, whatever, just get seated. The dishes are ready." Zhang Ye greeted everyone with a smile and ushered them to take their seats. "We have food and drink, so please help yourselves."


    The stove in the open kitchen was turned off.


    Wu Zeqing, who was wearing an apron, carried over thest dish to the table and served it. "Alright, let''s eat."


    When everyone saw her, they stood up in panic.


    "Aiyo."


    "Minister Wu."


    "Why is it you who''s cooking?"


    Everyone was overwhelmed.


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Have a taste of the food. I hope it suits everyone''s tastes."


    Zhang Ye was bragging, "Let me tell you all this: My wife''s cooking is particrly good. Most people don''t even get the chance to try it. If you''ve tried it once, you''ll ask for seconds."


    Wu Zeqing chuckled. "Don''t listen to his nonsense."


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others also got seated.


    With Wu Zeqing around, nobody daredin about Zhang Ye. They hurriedly lowered their heads and got down to eating. The moment they tasted the food, everyone was pleasantly surprised and praised it to no end.


    "This shredded pork with garlic sauce is delicious."


    "The braised pork belly is amazing."


    "Director Zhang, you''re such a blessed man."


    "It smells so good."


    For most of the people here, it was not their first time seeing Wu Zeqing. Several years ago at Zhang Ye''s wedding, they met her. But no matter how many times they met her, they were always speechless in her presence. They could not understand why such a beautiful woman who could cook so well and had such a good temperament would throw her lot in with a spitfire like Zhang Ye. She was even such a high-ranking official as well. They just couldn''t wrap their heads around this at all!


    Slowly, the time passed.


    Zhang Ye suddenly said, "Little Wang, it''s about to start."


    Little Wang responded, "Alright, I''ll turn the television on."


    The television was turned on.


    Everyone watched it.


    In fact, no one other than Zhang Ye had seen the final cut of the drama. Although all of them had filmed every scene of the show together, no one knew exactly how the shots had turned out and what kind of effects it had. Their hearts were beating fast, and they couldn''t help but feel nervous to watch the finished product.


    "It''s starting!"


    "It''s starting!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    His parents were already waiting around the television.


    "It''s starting!"


    "Turn up the volume!"


    ��


    At his eldest younger sister''s house.


    His three sisters had gathered.


    "It''s starting!"


    "Oh, there''s our brother!"


    ��


    On TV.


    Beijing Television.


    The opening theme song was ying.


    Executive Producer: Zhang Ye


    Project Director: Zhang Ye


    Supervising Producer: Zhang Ye


    Art Director: Zhang Ye.


    Screenwriter: Zhang Ye.


    Editor: Zhang Ye.


    Executive Director: Zhang Ye.


    The production credits stunned a lot of people. Zhang Ye, who was self-directing a television series for the first time, had taken multiple roles in the production team as well. His name filled nearly every possible role of the production.


    Then the story began.


    Whistling came from the television.


    This was one of Zhang Yuanqi''s songs that a lot of people had listened to before.


    Beijing.


    In a neighborhood.


    In the car, someone''s hand was fiddling with a cell phone.


    "Chief Hou, why don''t we take action right now? We''ve been waiting for almost two hours already."


    "Exactly. What if his wife and child don''t leave the house tonight?"


    Then the owner of the phone spoke.


    "They will. She normally brings her kid out for tutoring at 5 PM. Let''s wait a little longer."


    "You still want to wait? Hang on, Chief Hou, do you realize the times are strange now? Jumping out has bemonce. I''ll give you a friendly reminder. This Chief Zhao we''re looking for, he lives on the fourth floor."


    All of a sudden.


    The man sat up straight.


    Zhang Ye''s face appeared onscreen at this moment.


    Captions appeared: Department Chief of the Investigation Department of the Anti-Corruption Bureau of the Supreme People''s Procuratorate 1 .


    ��Hou Liangping.


    He smiled and said, "This Chief Zhao we''re looking for has countless reasons to want to live on."


    In just a simple scene.


    With just a few short exchanges of words.


    A thrilling anti-corruption operation was about to begin.


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Many of the people gasped.


    The premiere broadcast today consisted of two episodes without anymercial breaks in between.


    It cut to a scene of Zhao Dehan eating mincemeat noodles with soybean paste.


    The scene of the provincial leadership holding a meeting was next.


    Then the scene in which the mastermind disposed of the SIM card came.


    Yao Jiancai yed Secretary 2 Li Dakang, Jiang Hanwei yed the role of Bureau Director Qi Tongwei, Dong Shanshan was cast as Lu Yi''ke. One by one, the actors were introduced.


    The money that was stashed away in a fridge.


    That hoard of cash that was revealed when the bedsheets were pulled aside.


    The piles of money that were hidden behind arge painting on the wall.


    It was too shocking!


    The scenes that were unfolding gave Ning Lan, Yao Jiancai, Shu Han, and the others watching goosebumps!


    Inside the studio, there was only the sound of Zhang Ye eating and drinking. Meanwhile, the rest of the people had put down their chopsticks at some point in time. They were all staring at the screen in astonishment and gasping with every scene!


    Did they shoot this?


    This was what they had filmed in those 10 days?!

 Chapter 1568 - An intense battle!

    <h4>Chapter 1568 - An intense battle! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Meanwhile.


    Heavens of the Gods was also broadcasting its premiere episode.


    It was a very magnificent scene on television.


    "Dongfang, are you really going to do this?"


    "I''ve already decided to."


    "Are you going to give up on Cangsheng just like that?"


    "I don''t wish to give up on others, but they have given up on me!"


    Li Shao appeared.


    Another popr male idol was guest starring in the episode.


    A lot of people were constantly getting surprises as they watched. This was because the visuals of such quality were rarely seen. Just one look and you''d know that a huge investment had been poured into the production, with the venues and scenes easily described as grand. Although some of the technical details in the scenes were still unseasoned with some slight ws observed, there really weren''t too many television series that could reach such a level in China.


    On Weibo.


    "Li Shao is so handsome!"


    "He''s really suited for a period drama role!"


    "Heavens of the Gods has already won."


    "The investment in this production shouldn''t be lower than 300 million RMB!"


    "How awesome, how enjoyable!"


    "This drama is gonna explode in poprity!"


    "I wonder how Age of Kingdoms looks."


    "It''s definitely not as awesome as Heavens of the Gods, of course!"


    "I don''t suppose there are still any doubts that Li Shao will get an S-list ranking after this drama has broadcast."


    ��


    On the other channel.


    Age of Kingdoms'' premiere episode.


    There were also a lot of grand scenes.


    It was a simr-looking period drama.


    Compared to the special effects of Heavens of the Gods, Age of Kingdoms had obviously put more thought into its details and portrayal of battles. The scenes were magnificent as well.


    In the forums.


    "It''s good!"


    "Chi Hao''s so damn suave!"


    "This is the must-follow drama of the year!"


    "My Chi Hao will definitely reach the S-list summit!"


    "The quality is really good. There are hardly such attractive TV dramas these days."


    "We finally have something to look forward to. Heavens of the Gods seems pretty good too."


    "Zhang Ye is done for."


    "Yeah, he''s gonna be edged out of thepetition!"


    "Showing the premiere episode at the same time as these two blockbuster dramas, any other production would be wiped out as well!"


    ��


    Of those who had watched Heavens of the Gods and Age of Kingdoms, almost no one believed that Zhang Ye''s new drama could survive. But unbeknownst to them, the viewers who were watching In the Name of the People were also stunned to the same level. This shock wasn''t something that could simply be described in a few words!


    Online.


    Everyone was bursting with excitement.


    "Why is Zhang Ye heading all of the roles in the production crew?"


    "Just how many roles has he taken!"


    "The way that actor ate the noodles, that was such an awesome scene!"


    "That actor looks really familiar. I think he''s a big name in the theater scene!"


    "His acting was too fucking good!"


    "Yeah, this is the first time I''ve realized that eating a bowl of mincemeat noodles with soybean paste can even be done this way. His expression and movements were all amazingly portrayed!"


    "Heavens! A wall full of money!"


    "What a shocking scene!"


    "My Dong Shanshan has appeared!"


    "Teacher Shanshan''s role is really distinctive!"


    "There''s nothing to nitpick on Jiang Hanwei''s acting as well!"


    "Zhang Ye seems like he''s just acting as himself this time, right? Monkey Sun1 ? This fellow is as much of a shit stirrer in real life as he is in the show. He can be so reckless in the drama too?"


    "The plot is packed with so much tension. I can''t stop watching."


    "Is this really his first time directing a TV series?"


    "It was filmed in just 10 days? How is that possible?!"


    "They''re clearly a bunch of has-been actors. How could the end result be something like this?"


    "Is this what acting skills are about? They''re too fucking good!"


    The first two episodes of In the Name of the People finished broadcasting.


    But a lot of the viewers were left wanting more as they couldn''t wait to find out what would happen next.


    At this moment, the ending theme song started to y.


    Zhang Xia''s thick vocals drifted into the credits.


    Everyone pricked their ears up and listened to that song. They dropped whatever they were doing and fell silent.


    They listened.


    They thought.


    They were suddenly ovee by a sense of awe.


    Zhang Xia sang 2 .


    "With whom I fought, to shoulder the duty,


    "Hearing the leaves fall and bloom,


    "Seeing the clouds break the twilight,


    "Right here and now, I have a close friend beside.


    "With whom I lived, for our shared perseverance,


    "Listening to childhood stories,


    "Gazing at the starry, twinkling sky,


    "Right here and now, love continues to keep us close.


    "You''re bestowed with the name of the people.


    "A life of honor, dedicated to rights.


    "Like a ship going full steam ahead, a soaring cyclone,


    "Your words show an embodiment of righteousness.


    "You''re entrusted with the name of the people.


    "With the scepter''s weight, the significance of the badge,


    "When all the dust has settled, retired from the bustle,


    "You''ve returned home and begun on a brilliant tale."


    No one else could sing this song.


    Jiang Hanwei couldn''t sing it.


    Zhang Yuanqi couldn''t sing it.


    And even Zhang Ye could not sing it.


    This was one of the few rare songs that Zhang Ye had brought over to this world but was unable to sing. Instead, he had to find someone else to perform it. Grandma Zhang Xia was the most suitable candidate. Be it her age, her vocal weight, or the emotions she sang with, she was impable. Hence, Zhang Ye had gone to look for Grandma Zhang before filming began to convince her toe out of retirement. It was all for this drama''s ending theme, which he hoped Grandma Zhang Xia could help bolster the drama with.


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Everyone silently kept their eyes on the television. It wasn''t until thest line of the song finished and the song hade to an end that everyone turned to look at Zhang Ye in unison.


    Zhang Ye looked at his wife and said with a smile, "It wasn''t too bad, was it?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "It''s very good."


    Zhang Ye said, "Is this what the Central Publicity Department expected?"


    Wu Zeqing nodded. "I''ll always rest easy as long as it''s you handling things."


    "That''s good then." Zhang Ye chuckled.


    Shu Han said in a daze, "I-Is this really the drama we filmed?"


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Of course! Who else could have filmed it?"


    Shu Han still hadn''t regained herposure. She said in surprise, "But didn''t we follow a very tight schedule and rushed through the filming of scenes one after the other? So how did it end up like this?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It might have been a little rushed, but I know what I''m doing. I considered all of the angles and shots beforehand, so all I had to do was piece them up together in post-production."


    Ning Lan immediately said, "I want to see what happens next."


    Yao Jiancai said anxiously, "I want to watch what happens next as well. Do you have the source footage?"


    Unsurprisingly, Zhang Ye said, "That won''t do."


    Ning Lan stared with wide eyes. "Even we''re not allowed to watch it?"


    Zhang Ye said in a bureaucratic tone, "About that, I can''t just pass it around carelessly. It''s too dangerous. What if the footage gets leaked? Beijing TV is broadcasting it daily anyway, right? Just watch it on TV."


    No matter what they said, Zhang Ye didn''t want to show it to them.


    Finally, Zhang Ye even instructed Wu Zeqing. "Go and inform the SARFT to have them pay more attention to it. They had better not let the source footage leak out, or I''ll take it up with them!"


    Take it up with the SARFT?


    Only Zhang Ye would dare to say something like this.


    But they knew that Zhang Ye was truly capable of doing so. However, they could not understand why Zhang Ye was being so wary about the source footage. Only Zhang Ye himself knew. Back in his previous world, the original footage of In the Name of the People was leaked to the public. But even so, its viewership ratings still managed to break records and hit an astonishing figure. As a result, he would like to see just how high that figure could go in this world where the source footage hadn''t been leaked. This was the reason for his extreme cautiousness.


    All that was left was to wait for the viewership ratings.


    Whether it was a mule or a horse would be revealed tomorrow!

 Chapter 1569 - The viewership ratings get published!

    <h4>Chapter 1569 - The viewership ratings get published! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    There was a constant stream of news online.


    "Countdown to the viewership ratings release of the premiere episode broadcasts!"


    "Heavens of the Gods receives extremely high praise!"


    "Age of Kingdoms getting good reviews!"


    "Li Shao and Chi Hao to wee an all-out battle!"


    Countless people were waiting for the viewership ratings to be announced.


    Although viewership ratings weren''t everything, the reputation and influence of these figures were still critical factors for a drama series. To a lot of people, viewership ratings were still the overall most intuitive andprehensive indicator of a TV series. It directly reflected the poprity of the drama, the poprity of the director, and the poprity of the celebrity cast members.


    ��


    Shanghai Television.


    "Is it out yet?"


    "Not yet."


    "The name of Heavens of the Gods must get off to a good start!"


    "Producer, don''t worry, it definitely won''t be a problem."


    "Producer, I''ve watched In the Name of the People yesterday. It seems like��"


    "Seems like what?"


    "It seems like the praise surrounding it is especially good."


    "Ignore that production. It''s just a serious political drama, so of course there would be more praise surrounding it than amercial drama. There''s nothing topare. Beijing TV isn''t going to be a match for us."


    "True that."


    ��


    At Chi Hao''s studio.


    "The viewership ratings list still hasn''t been published yet?"


    "It should be out soon."


    "Is there any movement from Li Shao''s side?"


    "Not yet."


    "Keep a close eye on him. If he takes any actions, we''ll respond immediately."


    "Do we need to get ready for Zhang Ye''s side��"


    "Zhang Ye? Who cares about him?"


    "I''ve seen the online reviews of In the Name of the People. It seems like they''re not bad."


    "A political drama that the country is using as a project to fight corruption, how could the reviews be bad? Reviews are just reviews, but viewership ratings are viewership ratings. No one ever thought that drama was an opponent."


    "Understood."


    ��


    At Xu Men''s studio.


    The staff had taken on event after event.


    "Sister Lan, there are seven events to attend today. It will be a little tight."


    "It''s fine. We''ll take it one by one."


    "You''ve been pushing too hard recently. Do you want to take a short break? Teacher Zhang has just made hiseback. Why don''t you meet up with your old friend and take it easy?"


    "The youngsters these days are too amazing. If I don''t give it my all, I''ll get reced very soon. More than one person has their eyes on the spot that I''m in now, hur hur, so how can I not put in more effort?"


    "Pfft, didn''t Teacher Zhang say he will help you give them some trouble?"


    "Don''t listen to him. Who knows what he''s thinking?"


    "You shouldn''t just dismiss him like that. Lord Zhang''s shit stirring ability has always been world-ss. If Teacher Zhang makes a move against them, I believe they''ll surely be given a lot to deal with."


    ��


    At the Central Publicity Department.


    Everyone was having a fervent discussion on the matter.


    "The viewership ratings will be out soon, right?"


    "Will Teacher Zhang be able to do it?"


    "I''ve watched In the Name of the People. It''s so wonderful!"


    "I''ve watched Heavens of the Gods. It''s also wonderful."


    "Teacher Zhang is fighting with his back to the wall."


    "That''s true. He shouldn''t have much poprity left, and with those has-been celebrities in the cast, a low production budget, and also it being his first time crossing over into the TV industry, all the odds are stacked against him."


    "There''s no need topare with themercial dramas. It will already be quite good if it can get 1% in the viewership ratings."


    "That''s right, our boss''s goal for the drama was also 1% in the viewership ratings."


    ��


    At Beijing Television.


    Ning Lan, Yao Jiancai, and the others hade to the station for an interview today. This was in conjunction with their promotions for the new drama.


    Before the interview even started, they were very anxious backstage.


    "How long before the viewership ratings get released?"


    "I don''t know. My heart is in my throat because of this."


    "Although I found the drama to be quite good, I still can''t get a feel of how it might do."


    "Let''s wait a little more. It will be published soon."


    "I''m just worried that we might really get dealt a p to our faces by those male idols."


    "It''s only ever been Director Zhang smacking the face of others. Since when have you guys seen Director Zhang getting pped by others?"


    "That was four years ago. Four years has passed, so who can really say?"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "ce your bets, we''re into the final hour!"


    "I''m betting on Heavens of the Gods!"


    "I''ll bet on Age of Kingdoms!"


    "Supporting Age of Kingdoms!"


    "Crazily supporting Heavens of the Gods!"


    "Fuck, why isn''t anyone supporting In the Name of the People?"


    "Do you think we''re stupid? Even though that drama was really good, it''s still a political drama. Its main aim is propaganda, so how could it possiblypete with amercially motivated drama?"


    "Zhang Ye is indeed very capable. In just 10 days, he was able to film a low-budget political drama with such quality. There''s really no one else who can do something like that. You can only me him for epting the project without thinking it through in the first ce. If he had taken amercial drama instead, he probably could''ve challenged blockbusters like Heavens of the Gods and Age of Kingdoms. However, a political drama''s target audience is just too niche. There''s absolutely no chance it will do well. If Zhang Ye manages to one-up those two blockbustermercial dramas with a political drama and a cast of has-been stars, this fellow will really be too fucking godly!"


    "Haha, that''s right. If that happens, there really won''t be anyone left in this world who can curb him!"


    "Fuck, surely what you said won''t happen, right?"


    "Pfft, I''m just kidding. Of course it won''t be possible."


    ��


    Ten minutes.


    Half an hour.


    The outside world was chattering in excitement.


    Almost everyone was debating the issue of the viewership ratings.


    But at this moment, there was onlyughter at Zhang Ye''s parents'' house. Old Wu was working overtime today, so Zhang Ye brought his daughter over to his parents'' ce to y.


    "Daddy,e and catch me!"


    "Boo, herees the big bad wolf!"


    "Hehehe, Daddy, you can''t catch me, you can''t catch me. Sister Chenchen,e and catch me!"


    "Haha, I''ll catch you together with your Sister Chenchen."


    "Catch me,e and catch me."


    "Zhang Ye, why are you so childish?"


    Sisi ran.


    Zhang Ye chased after her.


    Chenchen was also here and she gave them a look of contempt. She waspletely uninterested in ying with them.


    But Zhang Ye kept chasing after Sisi happily without feeling tired.


    His parents watched helplessly.


    His mother said in annoyance, "Why are you so nonchnt?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Huh?"


    His mother facepalmed. "Shouldn''t you be more concerned about the viewership ratings of your new drama? Just look at what everyone is saying online. They''re arguing and saying that your TV series is gonna fail big time."


    Zhang Ye continued chasing after Sisi and said with augh, "Just leave them be. When the viewership ratings is released, they''ll most likely be surprised. That is the kind of face-smacking that this bro likes to give."


    His father was taken aback. "Do you really think that your drama can take the top spot?"


    Zhang Ye remarked, "Just about."


    His mother curled her lips. "Would it kill you not to brag for once?"


    Chenchen cut in, "Definitely."


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    It was a call from Beijing Television.


    Only then did Zhang Ye finally stop in his tracks. "My dear, Daddy needs to take this call. I think the viewership ratings are out." He then put his phone to his ear. "Brother Hu, what is it?"


    Hu Fei said excitedly: "It''s out! The viewership is out!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "So how is it?"


    "You''re too freaking awesome!"


    Zhang Ye said: "So how much is it?"


    Hu Fei mentioned some numbers to him.


    But Zhang Ye blinked. "It''s that low?"


    When he put down the phone, Chenchen giggled. "It failed?"


    His mother gave him a look. "Go on, keep bragging."


    Zhang Ye smiled but ignored them.


    At this moment, his father lowered his head to look at his cell phone. "The news is out, the viewership ratings!"


    Chenchen immediately walked over.


    His mother also went over to take a look.


    When they saw it, all of them were dumbfounded!


    Chenchen said angrily, "Zhang Ye! Why are you always lying!"


    His father was stunned for a while. "How is this possible!"


    His mother cursed, "Damn!"

 Chapter 1570 - A crazy viewership ratings figure!

    <h4>Chapter 1570 - A crazy viewership ratings figure! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Shanghai Television.


    "It''s out!"


    "Heavens of the Gods'' viewership ratings for the first and second episodes are 1.43%!"


    "That''s eptable, but it''s a little off from our expected results."


    "Yeah, I thought that we would be able to get more than 1.7% for the premiere broadcast!"


    "I wonder what went wrong."


    "I don''t know, our drama was very highly praised."


    "The viewership must have been taken by Age of Kingdoms."


    "I guess there''s nothing we can do about that. For two blockbustermercial dramas to premiere together, there will surely be some splitting of the viewership. It''s unavoidable. Oh yes, what is the viewership ratings for Age of Kingdoms?"


    "Let me see. Ah, it''s 1.42%, very simr to ours."


    "But it''s still lowerpared to us!"


    "It''s good as long as we were able to win against Age of Kingdoms."


    "Right, let''s not get into the details of beating them by how much. It''s good as long as we get first in the nationwide viewership ratings."


    "Wait, dammit!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Guys, quickly take a look at In the Name of the People''s viewership ratings!"


    ��


    At Chi Hao''s studio.


    "The viewership has been announced!"


    "We got 1.42%!"


    "This is bad, Heavens of the Gods has taken the top spot from us!"


    "Their viewership is only 0.01% higher than ours!"


    "Goddammit, how could this happen!"


    "It''s such a pity! We were so close!"


    "It''s fine. We still have a chanceter on since we''re only at the starting line. It doesn''t matter much even if they top the nationwide viewership ratings at first."


    "Holy shit!"


    "Old He, what''s the matter?"


    "Heavens of the Gods isn''t first in the viewership ratings!"


    "What did you say?"


    "How is that possible!"


    "Oh my god! Quickly check out the viewership ratings of Zhang Ye''s new drama!"


    ��


    Online.


    The viewership ratings were announced.


    Everyone was dumbfounded by what they saw!


    #1: In the Name of the People, 1.62%!


    #2: Primordial Grand Heavens, 1.43%!


    #3: Age of Kingdoms, 1.42%!


    It was at this moment that the jaws of countless people across the country dropped as a chill ran up their spines. This news caught thempletely by surprise!


    ��


    At the Central Publicity Department.


    "What?"


    "What the heck!"


    "This��this��"


    "We''re in first ce?"


    "A political drama has held off twomercial dramas?"


    "Heavens! Minister Wu''s husband is defying allmon sense!"


    "Is this for real?"


    "This is totally illogical! It doesn''t make any sense at all!"


    ��


    At Li Shao''s studio.


    Everyone was startled and surprised.


    "Motherfucker!"


    "What''s with this situation?"


    "I''d let it slide if it were Age of Kingdoms that got the top spot, but why is it a political drama?"


    "What sorcery did that Zhang guy use?"


    "A bunch of has-been celebrities in a low-budget political drama, how could it possiblypare to amercial drama? How did they manage to achieve it? Is that Zhang guy on steroids or something?"


    ��


    At Beijing Television.


    "Director Zhang is so fearsome!"


    "He''s soaring to the Heavens!"


    "I knew it, I knew Director Zhang still had it in him!"


    "Who said that Director Zhang has be old? Who said that Director Zhang can''t do it anymore? Fuck whoever said all of that!"


    "So what if four years have passed? Zhang Ye is still the same ole Zhang Ye!"


    "Awesome! This is so awesome!"


    "I''m stunned. This is even more shocking than Director Zhang winning as the greatest champion on I Am a Singer. This is only Director Zhang''s first foray into directing a television drama; it''s just his debut drama production!"


    ��


    In the media.


    "Holy motherfucking hell!"


    "This is too amazing!"


    "We got it totally wrong this time. Everyone has got it totally wrong this time!"


    "Zhang Ye is really still the same Zhang Ye!"


    "I should''ve known. How could this guy possibly be pped by others! It''s always been him pping the faces of others!"


    "This p of Zhang Ye''s should''ve smacked everyone in the face!"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "Your sister!"


    "Teacher Zhang, are you crazy!"


    "Even Li Shao and Chi Haobined couldn''t defeat you?"


    "I''m going crazy! Just what the fuck is going on?"


    "They''re both the most popr hunks around! Those two are practically the closest to reaching the status of an S-list Heavenly King! If even they can''t stop Zhang Ye, who can stop him?"


    "This fellow is truly a shit stirrer!"


    "This pile of shit must be driving Li Shao and Chi Hao mad!"


    "I feel like it won''t only be them? I''m pretty sure that everyone is going crazy over this right now!"


    "Zhang Ye is amazing! He''s indeed the king of crossovers!"


    ��


    At Xu Men''s studio.


    "Sister Lan!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "The viewership ratings are out! Teacher Zhang, he''s��he''s taken the top spot in the nationwide ratings!"


    "What?"


    "We''re safe! Teacher Zhang has really delivered on his promise. He''s really done us a big favor. Li Shao and Chi Hao are probably dazed from this defeat. He''s really used a political drama that no one was optimistic about and destroyed two blockbustermercial drama productions! Teacher Zhang is too godly!"


    ��


    In the Name of the People''s cast members looked at one another. They were suddenly ovee by a blood coursing sense of excitement.


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Director Zhang really did it!"


    "Yeah, Zhang''er has really achieved it!"


    "Are we gonna be popr now?"


    "Hahahaha, I knew that it wasn''t the wrong decision to act in his TV production!"


    "Damn, Sister Ning, didn''t you say before this that you would never take part in Director Zhang''s dramas again?"


    "What? Did I say that?"


    ��


    At the studio of a Heavenly King.


    There was silence.


    Everyone in the room was quiet.


    "So that''s Zhang Ye?"


    "So that''s the legendary former Heavenly King?"


    "He is too fearsome!"


    "He even managed to make a political drama with such quality? I suddenly realize just how great the pressure must have been for those artists who were active at the same time as Zhang Ye!"


    ��


    Back at home.


    His mother said angrily, "You call that low? Low, my ass!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It was lower than I expected."


    His father said in surprise, "How much were you expecting then?"


    Zhang Ye remarked, "It''s only the beginning. We''ll see how it turns outter on."


    Chenchen said angrily, "Zhang Ye, can you stop bragging!"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Let''s wait and see then. This low viewership figure doesn''t interest this bro one bit."


    "Daddy, Daddy!" Sisi said anxiously, "Did you win?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and picked his daughter up to giving her a kiss. "Of course I did. When has your daddy ever lost?"


    ��


    The country was shocked!


    The media was shocked!


    The industry was shocked!


    The public was shocked!


    The 1.62% viewership ratings of In the Name of the People wasn''t actually considered high in the field of television series in recent years. It wasn''t like there were no series that exceeded 2%. Just a year ago, a blockbuster drama starring a hot, young Heavenly King had reached an astonishing 3% in the viewership ratings and sent shockwaves across the industry. Compared to a viewership ratings figure of 3%, 1.62% was really not much at all. However, that wasn''t the case in reality. This 1.62% viewership was only for the premiere broadcast. It was only the figure for the first and second episodes of In the Name of the People. That drama that starred Heavenly King Guan Zhaohua did not even hit 1.62% for its premiere broadcast. It had only gotten around 1.6% as well. And what was even more unbelievable was that the blockbuster drama production in which Guan Zhaohua had taken part in did not have such fiercepetition in the same time slot when it was shown!


    But for In the Name of the People?


    There was Heavens of the Gods!


    And Age of Kingdoms too!


    Yet it had still gotten a viewership ratings figure of 1.62%?


    This was an entirely different concept to speak of!

 Chapter 1571 - The fearsomeness of Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 1571 - The fearsomeness of Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the same day.


    The news spread like wildfire.


    "Astonishing turnaround!"


    "In the Name of the People bucks the trend to take the top spot!"


    "A double-win in both reputation and viewership ratings!"


    "The biggest dark horse appears in the TV industry!"


    "Has springtime arrived for political dramas?"


    "Shock! Commercial dramas unable to beat a political drama?"


    Back at home.


    Zhang Ye''s phone was exploding with calls.


    Xu Men called.


    "Zhang''er."


    "Hey, Sister Lan."


    "Thanks."


    "Haha, you''re wee."


    "Oh you, you''re great. Congrattions."


    Soon after, Supervisor Ke from the Central Publicity Department also called.


    "Teacher Zhang, have you seen the viewership ratings yet?"


    "I''ve already seen it, Supervisor Ke."


    "It''s amazing! No one expected that the viewership ratings would be so high. Great work, Teacher Zhang. The higher-ups are praising this production of yours nonstop and giving it their affirmation. We knew that it was definitely the right move to choose you as the director."


    "It was nothing. You all put in the money while I put in the effort. It''s only fair."


    Xiaodong called.


    "Teacher Zhang, hurry up and tell me about what happenster on in the story."


    "I can''t do that. It''s a secret."


    "Aiya, you''re making me so anxious."


    "Haha, the next episodes will be broadcasting tonight."


    In the evening, In the Name of the People, Heavens of the Gods, and Age of Kingdoms'' third and fourth episodes broadcast again at the same time. The three dramas were facing off against one another once more!


    ��


    In the Name of the People''s third episode.


    Beijing.


    Dijingyuan Vis.


    On the wall, under the nket, there were stacks and stacks of money!


    "Chief Hou, everything is here. I was too scared to spend a single cent."


    "Does your wife know about this house and all this money?"


    "She doesn''t know, I didn''t tell her about it. I was afraid that she''d worry about me. Chief Hou, do you think I''ll get leniently dealt with? My son is still young. What would happen to them if I went to jail for this?"


    "If you knew this would happen, why did you do it? You''ve only been chief for four years, but you got greedy��just how much is this?"


    "266,576,400,40 yuan."


    "You remember it perfectly, don''t you?"


    "I kept ounts. I recorded every single transaction. But I was too afraid to spend it. Not even a single cent."


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    A few of the supporting cast members of In the Name of the People gathered together.


    "This is so impactful!"


    "The plot is so tense."


    "The storyline is very good too. It''s amazing."


    "It didn''t feel like this when we were filming it. It felt like a very ordinary shoot at the time, with us changing the shooting venue after every few scenes werepleted. It was a very rushed process like we were on a guided tour, so how did it end up looking so good? It was the case for yesterday, and today''s two episodes as well."


    "That''s why Teacher Zhang is the director."


    "I just wonder how Director Zhang is so good at everything!"


    ��


    Elsewhere.


    At Li Shao''s studio.


    "Our episodes today were quite good."


    "Right, we can go higher in the viewership ratings for sure!"


    "Can we catch up to In the Name of the People?"


    "It will definitely catch up. Actually, there wasn''t much of a difference between us for the first two episodes."


    "That''s right. A political drama has limitations. How many past examples have proven that a political drama does notst? They only managed to do it this time because of the hype surrounding Zhang Ye''s victory on I Am a Singer. The momentum from that led to all the attention on his drama. That was the reason why they managed to secure an opening victory. I don''t believe that every episode of In the Name of the People will get higher viewership ratings than us. Let''s see how long they''llst!"


    "We''ll be able to know that by the end of today!"


    ��


    At Chi Hao''s studio.


    Everyone was getting anxious as well.


    "Let''s go for first ce!"


    "We have to catch up tonight no matter what. Otherwise, it will be toote."


    "How can it be possible that our poprity doesn''t match up to Zhang Ye''s? That makes no sense at all!"


    "I''ll admit that the first two episodes of In the Name of the People are good. But this is Zhang Ye''s first time shooting and acting in a drama production. It must be full of ws. They wrapped up filming in just 10 days, so it''s impossible that every episode can be that good. We''ll wait and see. There will definitely be mistakester, and we''ll be able to catch up!"


    "Right, a political drama doesn''t have such a long lifespan anyway."


    ��


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    The third episode.


    The fourth episode.


    Slightly before 10 PM, the three dramas finished their broadcast.


    On Weibo, theizens started predicting the viewership ratings again. The viewership ratings figures had been the focus of everyone. Zhang Ye had won the first battle yesterday after emerging victorious in a way that left everyone gobsmacked. Right now, everyone just wanted to know who would get thestugh in this second battle.


    "Heavens of the Gods was really great today!"


    "Yeah, although Li Shao''s acting was a little off, he''s too handsome!"


    "That speech at the end was so domineering."


    "Age of Kingdoms was really good too."


    "Chi Hao''s allure is different from Li Shao''s. It''s charming on a different level."


    "It''s going to be a close fight for today''s viewership ratings."


    "Yeah, there''s no reason why Zhang Ye will keep winning against themercial dramas."


    "Tonight''s results are very critical. It''s likely we will find out how each of the three dramas will do after today."


    "Hai, I still have a feeling that Li Shao and Chi Hao won''t win against Zhang Ye."


    "Surely not, right? Shanghai TV has increased their promotions for the show."


    "Let''s wait for the results and see."


    "They''ll have to get it sorted out this time."


    ��


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    Under everyone''s attention, the three dramas'' viewership ratings were finally published!


    When the viewership ratings were announced, the media, the industry, and the public were instantly left at a loss for words!


    Heavens of the Gods:


    Episode three, 1.12%


    Episode four, 1.09%


    Age of Kingdoms:


    Episode three, 1.01%


    Episode four, 0.96%


    In the Name of the People:


    Episode three, 2.67%


    Episode four, 2.69%


    On Weibo.


    "Heavens!"


    "W-What''s with this?"


    "They''ve gone mad! They''ve fucking gone mad!"


    "How could something like this possibly happen?"


    Heavens of the Gods and Age of Kingdoms'' viewership ratings plummeted, with Age of Kingdoms'' fourth episode dropping below 1%. This left everyone in disbelief. Meanwhile, the viewership ratings for In the Name of the People practically defied the Heavens for yesterday''s broadcast. The 1.62% viewership ratings for the premiere broadcast was already a figure that no one had expected, yet the viewership ratings had surpassed 2.6%. It even got infinitely close to 2.7%! It had only broadcast four episodes so far!


    ��


    At Li Shao''s studio.


    "We''re done for!"


    "Motherfucker!"


    "Zhang Ye, your sister!"


    ��


    At Chi Hao''s studio.


    "What steroids is he on?"


    "Thebined viewership ratings of Heavens of the Gods and Age of Kingdoms are not even higher than his?"


    "Why! Just why!"


    ��


    At Heavenly King Guan Zhaohua''s studio.


    "Li Shao lost."


    "Chi Hao lost as well."


    "Don''t tell me that In the Name of the People''s viewership ratings might actually break our record fromst year?"


    ��


    At one of the advertising partners of In the Name of the People.


    "That was so impressive!"


    "We''re gonna earn big bucks this time!"


    "I knew that it would be alright as long as we followed Teacher Zhang!"


    "We have to invest in Teacher Zhang''s advertisements no matter how much they cost!"


    ��


    Within the industry.


    "Hai."


    "The oue has been determined."


    "Zhang Ye''seback has practically frightened everyone to death!"


    "I don''t know if it frightened everyone to death or not, but he has definitely frightened me to death!"


    ��


    Some people cried.


    Some peopleughed.


    Some people were hopping mad.


    After four years.


    The current day''s entertainment industry was once again reminded of Zhang Ye''s fearsomeness!

 Chapter 1572 - The viewership ratings break 6%?

    <h4>Chapter 1572 - The viewership ratings break 6%? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the Name of the People was on fire!


    In the matter of a night, it became extremely popr all across the country!


    Heavens of the Gods and Age of Kingdoms were now out of the running. The talk of the town was In the Name of the People!


    In the morning.


    Zhang Ye''s phone was constantly ringing.


    A productionpany came looking for him.


    "Director Zhang."


    "Boss Liu."


    "Can we work with you on a show?"


    "We''ll see. I have no ns to take on any show right now."


    "We''re willing to invest up to 200 million RMB. Is that enough? The entire production will be your call, from the script to the casting to the filming. We guarantee that we won''t interfere with it, so do give it some consideration."


    "Hmm? Let''s talk about it another time."


    A call came from Central TV as well.


    "Teacher Zhang, what show do you n on making next?"


    "Station Head Sun, how could I possibly have another show?"


    "Hurry up and take one."


    "What are you nning on?"


    "We''ll buy your show after you''ve finished filming it. We''ve known each other for so many years; surely you and our Central TV are old friends, right? You have to let us have the rights to your next production, alright?"


    "We''ll see about that, I have nothing nned at the moment."


    "Let us know when you have any ns, deal?"


    After taking all the calls, Zhang Ye saw the messages that were directed to him on his cell phone.


    In the Celebrity Goof Group.


    Shu Han: "@ZhangYe I''ve been approached so many times to act in other shows."


    Dong Shanshan: "I''ve been asked by six productions to join their cast. It seems like all of them are pretty good, but I can''t decide on which to take."


    Ning Lan: "I''ve been approached quite a few times as well. Some are pretty reputable production crews and some, not so."


    A former A-list celebrity said in envy: "You guys have really be popr this time."


    Shu Han sent a smiley face in the chat. "I''m just making a living by following Director Zhang around."


    Zhang Ye appeared at this moment and said: "Don''t ept any jobs yet. If you want to take any of the projects, wait a bit longer before you do so."


    Dong Shanshan: "You think there''s a chance to raise it by a level?"


    Shu Han: "You''re not really thinking that the viewership ratings will surpass 3%, are you? That''s one of the highest records in recent years. It was set by Guan Zhaohua''s dramast year."


    Zhang Ye: "I know it''ll be the case. Right now, the viewership ratings still have not exceeded what I''m expecting."


    Shu Han: "You''re even thinking of exceeding 4%?"


    Ning Lan: "It''s already quite good to be able to exceed 3%."


    Zhang Ye smiled but did not say anything.


    3%?


    4%?


    If this were the variety industry, Zhang Ye would not be able to say anything to that. After all in this world, the variety industry was only so big. At that time Zhang Ye dabbled in that industry, he had more or less reached the upper limits. Perhaps there was still a possibility of the viewership ratings going higher, but there really wasn''t too much room to grow it any further. But it was a different matter this time. This was the television series industry, and it was much bigger than the variety industry. As such, Zhang Ye''s expectations raised as well. Moreover, he also knew how high the final viewership ratings figure of In the Name of the People had reached back in his previous world.


    That was a really frightening viewership figure!


    A viewership ratings figure that none of them could possibly imagine!


    Therefore, Zhang Ye might as well not tell them in fear that he would give them a bad shock.


    ��


    Jiang Hanwei''s house.


    Old Jiang''s wife was extremely excited.


    "Old Jiang, should we treat Zhang Ye to a meal?"


    "Treat him for what?"


    "The two of you had such a bitter feud back then. Maybe it would be better if we try to ease things a bit?"


    "There''s no need for that."


    "You''re such a stubborn fool. Why are you always like that? Regardless of who was right or wrong back then, Teacher Zhang still came to you to get you to star in his series the moment he got released from jail. Why didn''t he get someone else? That''s because he trusts your acting. Look at how many television productions have approached you just today. This is only possible because of his help, so we have to thank him."


    "There''s no need for that. If Zhang Ye were someone who could be handled with just a meal or two, would he have had such a bad reputation and socialwork in show business years ago? I know what I''m doing. He helped me out this time, so I owe him a favor. There''s no need to keep harping on this matter. I''ll definitely repay him in the future."


    "Oh, you!"


    ��


    At a gathering in the industry.


    "We''ve gotten such a surprise."


    "Li Shao and Chi Hao have stumbled."


    "Yeah, who could have thought that the viewership ratings would be like this? With I Am a Singer and In the Name of the People, Zhang Ye has totally defeated the male idols with hiseback. He has also pped the faces of those people in the industry who weren''t optimistic of his chances. I suppose Zhang Ye will be the most hated figure among the male idols."


    "Actually, my opinion is that most of the male idols have to thank him."


    "Why?"


    "If Zhang Ye didn''t leave the entertainment industry three or four years ago, those male idols wouldn''t have be so popr. Just by the performance of this drama alone, it can be deduced that if Zhang Ye were still around all these years, none of the male idols would be a match for him. It was only because of his departure from the industry that gave them the break, so shouldn''t they be thanking him instead?"


    "This fellow is such a freak of nature!"


    "Yeah, if he were around back then, who would dare say that they could outdo him?"


    ��


    In the advertising world.


    "There are really no principles left in this advertisement cement by Zhang Ye."


    "Yeah, he''s basically captioning the slogan and adding in the graphics, then calling it an advertisement! This is totally forced advertising!"


    "But the effects seem to be really good. In fact, it''s different from product cement advertising since it is standalone and doesn''t interfere with the plot of the show."


    "He''s really too unorthodox and always manages toe up with things that no one else would dare to think of."


    "I have a very strong feeling that the advertising strategy of In the Name of the People will catch on as a new trend. The advertisers on other TV series might start resorting to this method to advertise their products from now on."


    ��


    At a productionpany.


    "What is it that makes this drama so sessful?"


    "I think it''s due to the script and the actors'' skills."


    "In the current day, do people really still care about acting?"


    "In these recent years, the effect that the hot, young male stars had on showbiz was too great. A lot of the industry''s standards have been led awry by them. Zhang Ye has schooled everyone this time. Not every TV show needs to depend on a male idol to earn money. If the script and filming are good, if the actors are good, a TV series can still sweep thepetition aside."


    ��


    On Weibo.


    Theizens were also predicting the viewership ratings.


    "We''re going to have a broadcast again today."


    "Could it exceed 3%?"


    "It should be able to?"


    "That might not necessarily happen. Is its momentum sustainable?"


    "The battle between the three dramas has clearly been won by In the Name of the People. The only thing we don''t know is how much In the Name of the People will win by and how far ahead they wille out against thepetition."


    ��


    One day.


    Three days.


    Five days.


    The television series continued their broadcast run.


    The viewership ratings were announced with every episode.


    Each day, everyone''s jaws continuously dropped!


    Everyone was almost constantly getting stunned to death each day by the viewership ratings of In the Name of the People!


    In the Name of the People''s viewership ratings:


    Episode six: 2.82%


    Episode seven: 2.98%


    Episode nine: 3.21%


    Episode 13: 3.78%


    Episode 15: 4.33%


    Episode 20: 5.10%


    Episode 23: 5.69%


    Episode 25: 5.86%


    There were still over a dozen episodes to go, but In the Name of the People''s viewership ratings had nearly surpassed 6%. From the looks of it, there was still the possibility of it going higher!


    The media went crazy!


    The male idols went crazy!


    The productionpanies went crazy as well!


    The highest viewership ratings figure in recent years had been set by Guan Zhaohua''s blockbuster drama fromst year at 3%. However, Zhang Ye had almost doubled that statistic of the television series industry in one go!


    Your sister!


    A lot of people wanted to swear at this!


    It was way too high. How could anyone fucking expect to make a mark on this industry in the future!

 Chapter 1573 - In the Name of the People comes to an end!

    <h4>Chapter 1573 - In the Name of the Peoplees to an end! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the Name of the People had broadcast for several weeks now.


    The entire Chinese market had been turned upside down because of one man and his TV series.


    As the plot unfolded, the actors in the thriller also became more and more popr.


    ��


    At a productionpany.


    "We have to sign this big name of the theater industry no matter what."


    "Yeah, although he didn''t have too many parts in the series, the viewers were all very convinced his acting.


    "The first three episodes were basically held together by him. Just look at how he ate that bowl of mincemeat noodles with soybean paste. He really brought the role to life."


    "And that scene where he leaned over the stack of money, he acted so well for that."


    "Give him an offer and see if he has any intention of developing a career in the television and film industry."


    ��


    Ning Lan''s former talent agency.


    "Sister Ning acted as Gao Xiaoqin so well!"


    "She brought the character to life. She''s such an amazing actress!"


    "That''s a best actress winner we''re talking about!"


    "Why did ourpany let Sister Ning go?!"


    "God knows."


    "This time, Ning Lan will be popr again. No, I should say that she''s already be very popr again!"


    ��


    On set at a film location.


    "Old Jiang is still so good at acting?"


    "Wasn''t he declining?"


    "For this production of ours, Jiang Hanwei''s agent had originally approached us with his client''s requirements for the role. He was asking for very little at that time, but the director ended up not using him as the male lead."


    "I guess the director must really be regretting it now."


    "Jiang Hanwei''s asking pay must have doubled at the very least."


    "Be quiet, don''t let anyone hear you."


    ��


    On Moments.


    There were traces of Yao Jiancai''s emotes 1 everywhere.


    Everyone was chatting in the group chats and sending emotes as theypeted on who could do better.


    "Yoyoyo."


    "What can I do? I''m in despair."


    "Professional scapegoat of 30 years."


    "Please start performing."


    "My eyes are slits I''m so happy."


    ��


    On Weibo.


    Theizens were having augh.


    "The two episodesst night were great fun."


    " Secretary Dakang 2 was made the scapegoat again!"


    "Hahahaha, Secretary Dakang''s narrowed eyes are too good!"


    "Old Yao''s acting is superb!"


    "I like Sister Ning as Gao Xiaoqin."


    I like Dong Shanshan as Lu Yi''ke."


    "Shu Han also acted very well in her role as Zhang Ye''s wife."


    "I think I''ve finally realized something. There isn''t really an absolute lead in this show. Zhang Ye''s role as the male lead is only to connect the entire plot and characters together. In actual fact, everyone is the lead in this drama. Every episode is a performance opportunity for these veteran actors. How cool!"


    "Zhang Ye has made such painstaking efforts for his long-time friends."


    "That''s right, Zhang Ye is a very loyal friend indeed."


    "I like Zhang Ye so much! This fellow might be very hated, but he can be so charismatic as well. He can direct, act, and even do it with such efficiency. He finished filming such an astonishing blockbuster drama in just 10 days, so who dares to fucking say that Zhang Ye has be old? I canugh at this joke for a year!"


    "Pfft, I canugh at it for two years!"


    ��


    Shanghai Television.


    Quite a few people looked listless.


    "What is Heavens of the Gods'' viewership ratings like?"


    "It''s already dropped to 0.8%."


    "Hai, what''s wrong with it! Why has this happened?"


    "We can only me ourselves for having bad enough luck to run into Zhang Ye''s drama."


    "Did you guys see how it''s going for Age of Kingdoms? They''re in an even worse state than us."


    "Zhang Ye''s drama is going to put the TV series industry at an impasse. Its highest viewership ratings so far have hit close to 6%. How are the other TV stations going to go on from here? What about the future of all the other production crews? How will the productionpanies survive in the future? There won''t be another TV drama that can surpass his drama for the next 10 years!"


    "Surely it won''t be for that long, right?"


    "Why wouldn''t it? Just looked at the variety shows these days, and the documentary films as well. Many of the viewership ratings records were set by Zhang Ye four to five years ago. He was locked up in jail for so many years, yet nobody was able to break his records. The only viewership rating record that was surpassed belongs to I Am a Singer. But even that show was created by Zhang Ye in the first ce. It''s been five years now; what about in another five years'' time? Who would dare guarantee that they could break his records set in the variety show industry and the documentaries industry? It will be the same for TV series!"


    "Fuck, it''s too scary now that I think of it!"


    ��


    Within the industry.


    At a meal gathering.


    "The viewership ratings figures are too terrifying to look at."


    "I only have one wish."


    "Director Sun, what wish do you have?"


    "I just hope that the viewership ratings for In the Name of the People will stop here. It had better not go any higher, or we will really be left with nothing to y for."


    "Yeah, 6% is already more than enough."


    "The grand finale will happen soon, so we don''t know how high it can still go."


    "Hai, may the Heavens bless us!"


    "I hope that their ending sucks!"


    "Right, hopefully, it will be a shitty ending!"


    "Pfft, Director Xu, Director Zhou, aren''t you two being too ruthless? We''re industry peers, so please don''t speak like this."


    "Who''s an industry peer with that freak? This is just his first time shooting a TV series. In the past, I found it amusing whenever I saw him fighting and causing trouble in the literature world, the crosstalk world, the hosting world, and the variety world. Only now do I understand how this guy destroys an industry the moment he steps into it. It''s a viewership ratings figure of 6%; which industry can tolerate him causing trouble like that? It would be a wonder if his industry peers do not fight with him!"


    "Hai, some people are unable to keep a low profile by nature."


    "Yeah, indeed. I would like to be as high profile as Zhang Ye too. But I really don''t have the skill to do so."


    ��


    On this day.


    In the Name of the People finally ushered in its grand finale.


    " Monkey 3 !"


    "You, me, our feud is over!"


    "I''ll repay Chen Hai''s life!"


    "But no one in this world can judge me!"


    "Fuck you, cursed Heavens!"


    Bang!


    The sound of a gunshot.


    With this gunshot, the fate of many characters in the show were sealed.


    Zhao Dehan.


    Gao Xiaoqin.


    Gao Yuliang.


    All of them were tried in a court ofw.


    Chen Hai regained consciousness.


    The old procurator-general passed on.


    When the ending theme song yed again at the end, some people were filled with emotions, some people burst into tears, and some people stared at the screen with their blood racing. This drama was a special one. There had never been a television series that could touch their hearts in this way.


    The next day.


    The viewership ratings for the grand finale of In the Name of the People was released.


    Episode 42: Nationwide viewership ratings of 7.01%


    The industry burst into an uproar!


    The media burst into an uproar!


    The people burst into an uproar!


    ��


    Online.


    "It broke 7%!"


    "I''m so astonished that I don''t know what emote I should use!"


    "I''m already numb."


    "It''s such a good show!"


    "Is there going to be a sequel?"


    ��


    Within the industry.


    "Zhang Ye, your grandpa!"


    "We''re done for! The motherfucker has surpassed 7%!"


    "What drugs is this guy on!"


    "How are we going to carry on filming dramas in the future?"


    "There''s no fucking way that we can survive! This is 7% we''re talking about!"


    "Why didn''t he screw up the ending? Why!"


    ��


    At 12 AM sharp.


    The Chinese Celebrity Rankings Index was refreshed.


    Zhang Ye still did not appear on the charts as his ranking was currently inactive.


    However, a lot of people''s names were now appearing at the forefront of the rankings.


    Ning Lan returned to the A-list!


    Shu Han was only a step away from making it into the A-list!


    Jiang Hanwei jumped to the forefront of the B-list rankings!


    Dong Shanshan made it onto the A-list rankings!


    The most exaggerated improvement was for Yao Jiancai. Previously, he had dropped down to the C and D-list rankings. However, in the matter of just one night, he had now jumped up to the bottom of the A-list. His poprity right now was even higher than years ago!


    Even they themselves were unable to believe it!


    The media and the entertainment industry''s people couldn''t believe it either!


    Ning Lan?


    Jiang Hanwei?


    Yao Jiancai?


    Some of them were old.


    Some of them had retired.


    Some of them had given up on taking on the industry again.


    But because of a drama, because of a former Heavenly King who had returned after a long time, a miracle had been created. It helped a bunch of "old people" no one was optimistic about regain a footing and shock the entire entertainment industry. This was apletely unprecedented event. The main cast members of a drama had been restored close to their former glory of years ago from the has-beens they had be? Some of them were even more popr than they were before?


    This was too frightening!


    This was truly too frightening!


    Looking at those familiar names.


    Looking at their names that had returned back to the forefront of the index.


    At this moment, countless people could not help but be reminded of the song Zhang Ye had sung on the stage of I Am a Singer. Its lyrics were echoing in their minds!


    Oh, fleeting time!


    What can you do?


    Oh, fate!


    What can you do?

 Chapter 1574 - Martial arts master, Yang Shu!

    <h4>Chapter 1574 - Martial arts master, Yang Shu! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    In the morning.


    With the drama finished, Zhang Ye''s time was freed up. He slept well and only woke up around 9 AM. After he got up, he realized Old Wu and Sisi were both not around. He was the only one at home. In the living room, Old Wu had prepared breakfast for him and left it on the dining table. But it was already cold. There was also a note beside it.


    "I will send the child to school today. Heat up the food before eating. Oh yes, go to the garage and have a look after you''ve eaten. I have a surprise for you."


    ��Wu Zeqing.


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. He immediately headed outside to the garage. After opening the garage door, this fellow was dumbfounded by what he saw. A brand new BMW was parked inside of it. He did not know which X series this was because he had be so out of touch with the world. He was no longer aware of what thetest BMW models were. But when he tapped on the car window, Zhang Ye obviously knew that it was a bulletproof car. It should be thetest generation of the BMW X5 bulletproof car he owned a few years ago!


    Daaamn!


    What the hell?


    Zhang Ye called his wife immediately.


    "Hello, Old Wu."


    "You''re up already?"


    "Whose car is that?"


    "Hur hur, it''s yours. Do you like it?"


    "I love it! But where did you get the money?"


    "Have you forgotten about the game you created for Fat Sis?"


    "nts vs. Zombies?"


    "The third game in the series hase out, and we get royalties from the sales of the game every year. But since you haven''t been around, my sister deposited it straight into my ount. I topped it up with some of my own money and bought you a new car."


    "Aiya, why didn''t you discuss it with me earlier?!"


    "I was afraid that you would feel bad about spending such money on a new car."


    "Hai, my wife still treats me the best."


    "Alright, I have to go to a meeting. Go give the car a test drive."


    "Alright, I''ll go pick you up after work tonight!"


    Muah! Muah! Zhang Ye blew some kisses to his wife over the phone. After hanging up, he got into the car excitedly and drove off without eating breakfast.


    This power!


    This speed!


    It was so fun!


    Zhang Ye loved it so much that he drove straight to the studio.


    Along the way, he suddenly nced at the rearview mirror and saw a car that seemed like it had been following him since he came out of the neighborhood. It kept its distance from him throughout the journey and did not look like a paparazzi''s car.


    He reached the studio''s neighborhood.


    The moment Zhang Ye parked his car, he saw the other car park a distance away. He got out and strode towards it.


    The person in the other car did not try to hide. However, he did look a little embarrassed.


    Zhang Ye stood beside the car. Then he tapped on the window.


    The window rolled down to reveal only one person in it.


    Zhou Xiaohe gave a sheepish smile and said, "Boss."


    Zhang Ye gave him the side-eye. "Why are you following me?"


    Zhou Xiaohe said, "Since I''m your assigned guard, I have to ensure your safety."


    Zhang Ye said impatiently, "I''ve said before that there''s no need. Hurry up and leave!"


    "That was before." Zhou Xiaohe insisted, "Your safety was guaranteed when you were based at the research institute. After your release, there wasn''t a need to worry about your safety either since some news has yet to be announced. But it''s different now. General Li and Fellow He wanted me to inform you that it''s almost time. Many of the people who were involved in the research projects are going to get a performance review over the uing days. At that time, there will be no way to keep the matter a secret anymore. Every country will get wind of the news, and your safety will bepromised."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and said, "I will be responsible for my own safety. As a celebrity, why would I have an armed guard following me around wherever I go? How would that look?"


    Zhou Xiaohe said, "But what if something happens to you? That will be a great loss to the country."


    Zhang Ye said, "I have my own bodyguard. Go back and tell Old Li to stop bothering me!"


    When he heard the word "bodyguard," Zhou Xiaohe revealed a mocking look as he muttered, "The bodyguard that you''re referring to are just amateurs. 10 of them can''t get past me."


    Zhang Ye was amused. "It''s best you don''t brag about this."


    Zhou Xiaohe smiled and said, "You''re talking this way because you haven''te across an expert yet. Usually, the bodyguards that most celebrities'' have are not very reliable. They''re at most retired military personnel, that''s all. I can easily take on five of them without breaking a sweat. If you don''t believe me, ask your bodyguard toe over some day to spar with me. You''re always looking down on those of us who came out of the Central Security Bureau. We''re actually very professional."


    As they were speaking.


    A woman''s delighted voice rang out from an open window above them.


    "Senior Bro!"


    Zhou Xiaohe looked up.


    Zhang Ye looked up as well.


    It was Yang Shu.


    She has grown older.


    And be more beautiful as well.


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Hey, speak of the devil!"


    Yang Shu shouted, "Senior Bro, wait for me!"


    She mmed the window closed.


    Zhou Xiaohe was dumbfounded. "That is?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Uh, my bodyguard."


    "Your bodyguard?" Zhou Xiaohe said in a speechless manner, "A woman?"


    Very quickly, Yang Shu raced downstairs at her fastest speed.


    "Little Yang."


    "Senior Bro!"


    "When did youe back?"


    "I just got back this morning!"


    When she ran up to him, Yang Shu excitedly hugged Zhang Ye like a child.


    Zhou Xiaohe looked at them strangely.


    Zhang Ye coughed. "Alright, alright, just a short hug will do."


    Yang Shu''s eyes were brimming with tears. "Senior Bro, you''re finally back! When I knew that you were released, I wanted to return to Beijing immediately. But Master Rao did not allow me. She insisted that I calm down and continue with my cultivation. You don''t know this, but I went to the prison that you were held in custody at quite a few times over the years. But��" She murmured, "But I couldn''t get any opportunities."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Ah? What were you thinking?"


    Yang Shu said, "I wanted to break you out of prison!"


    Zhou Xiaohe was speechless.


    Zhang Ye did not know whether tough or cry. However, he knew what his junior sister''s character was like. She was na?ve, stubborn, and not very smart, while her EQ was rtively low too. Other than practicing martial arts, the only other thing she cared about was her senior bro. So when Zhang Ye heard that, he felt quite touched. It wasn''t so bad having a junior sister like this.


    Zhang Ye chuckled and asked, "You haven''t forgotten your kung fu after all these years, have you?"


    Yang Shu stiffened. "Of course not."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What level have you attained with your practice thus far?"


    Yang Shu replied excitedly, "Master Rao said that I have mastered the use ofdivine skill 1 ."


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes. "Not bad."


    Kung fu?


    Level?


    Mastered the use of divine skill?


    Listening to their conversation, Zhou Xiaohe couldn''t help but sneer unceasingly. Brag, carry on bragging!


    Yang Shu had rolled up her sleeves by now and starting boasted, "Senior Bro, let me show you!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright." Then he turned around and looked at Zhou Xiaohe. "Little Zhou, watch carefully. This is my bodyguard. Don''t judge her by her appearance. Her skills are��"


    As he was speaking, he caught sight of Yang Shu standing in front of his BMW in his peripheral vision. He got a bad premonition.


    Yang Shu had already raised her fist!


    Zhang Ye roared, "Fuck!"


    Before he could stop her, Yang Shu threw a punch!


    Crack!


    The BMW''s side window shattered!


    Zhou Xiaohe was also startled. "Why is she so strong?"


    Smashing a ss window?


    With a bare hand?


    Zhou Xiaohe had also practiced martial arts before, so he naturally knew how much force this required. Although using tools, one could easily break an ordinary car''s tempered ss windows, a certain technique was still needed to do it sessfully, not to mention smashing it with one''s bare hands. That required the force to be exerted at one point in order to break through the protection of a piece of tempered ss. Zhou Xiaohe was also capable of doing this. But seeing a woman use a punch to create suchrge cracks on the car window, it still gave him quite a shock. He couldn''t tell that Teacher Zhang''s bodyguard was actually quite skilled.


    Over there, Zhang Ye rushed up to her. "Yang Shu! Fucking get over here!"


    Zhang Ye was infuriated!


    When Yang Shu saw him like this, she immediately turned tail and ran away.


    "Senior Bro, you were the one who asked me to demonstrate it to you!"


    "But I did not ask you to fucking smash my car''s window!"


    "Didn''t you smash it as well?!"


    "What I smashed was someone else''s fucking window! This is my new car!"


    The moment he caught up to her, Zhang Ye raised his leg andnded a kick on Yang Shu''s butt!


    Yang Shu shrieked in pain and continued running!


    "Senior Bro, why are you hitting me!"


    "Get over here!"


    "I won''t!"


    "Don''t you fucking run!"


    "You can''t stop me from running!"


    "Just because you''ve mastered using concealed power, you''re getting all arrogant!?"


    "I''m not!"


    One was running away while the other kept chasing.


    Everyone in the neighborhood was rmed by this!


    Zhang Ye''s staff from the studio hurriedly came down to stop the fight!


    This was a truly strange scene to behold. Everyone had known Zhang Ye and Yang Shu for a long time, so they knew that Yang Shu must have gotten on the nerves of Zhang Ye.


    "Little Zhang, what are you doing!"


    "Auntie Sun, don''t worry about this. It''s none of your business!"


    "Aiyo, Little Yang can be a little stubborn sometimes, but do you have to go this far?"


    "Why are you fighting with a girl?"


    A crowd of people was holding Zhang Ye back. Everyone was siding with Yang Shu on this.


    Over here.


    Zhou Xiaohe shook his head and gave a wry smile. He did not join in themotion. Instead, he walked up to the BMW and examined the cracks on the car window.


    That punch was quite strong.


    But it was still not strong enough.


    Zhou Xiaohe believed that if it were his punch, it would definitely be a much harder punch than hers. He tapped the car window and was about to turn and walk away. But he was stunned. He turned around in shock and tapped on it again. With a deep breath, hended a heavy hit on it once more!


    The window did not budge!


    Zhou Xiaohe tried a strong punch on the unbroken window!


    Even though his fist had turned red from the punch, there were no changes to the window!


    Zhou Xiaohe nearly spat out a mouthful of blood!


    Fuck your sister!


    This isn''t tempered ss!


    Th-This is fucking bulletproof ss!


    How is that possible!?


    Who is that woman?!


    Zhou Xiaohe could not believe it. He looked at the car and took out his cell phone to check the Web for which model it was. As it turned out, it was indeed BMW''stest bulletproof car!


    Checking the model!


    Looking at the bulletproof ss type!


    Reading the test specifications of the bulletproof ss window!


    Zhou Xiaohe cried. He knew that even if he shot at it with a gun, it would be impossible to recreate the effects of that woman''s punch. He turned around to look at Yang Shu, who was being chased by Zhang Ye and threatened to get beaten up by him. His knees wobbled, and he nearly kneeled to her. He knew that he had encountered an expert today!


    He raised his cell phone and called his former squad leader who taught him close quartersbat.


    The call connected.


    "Squad leader."


    "What''s up, Little Zhou?"


    "You mentioned that there is a kind of power in internal styles known as concealed power?"


    "Yes."


    "What sort of force does concealed power have?"


    "I''ve never seen it before. But I''ve heard that if one manages to master concealed power to a certain level, one could leave a fist imprint on a five-mm thick steel te with just one''s bare hands. However, there are less than ten martial artists in all of China who have achieved this. You can''t find them easily."


    "B-But I saw one today."

 Chapter 1575 - The number one person in the entertainment circle?

    <h4>Chapter 1575 - The number one person in the entertainment circle? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the call.


    His former squad leader was startled. "You saw it happen?"


    Zhou Xiaohe wiped away his sweat and said: "Yes."


    His former squad leader asked anxiously: "Where did you see it?"


    Zhou Xiaohe said: "It happened not far away from me."


    His former squad leader gasped. "Such masters don''t usually show up in the public. How did you manage to coincidentally run into one? What is that martial arts master doing? Teaching others kung fu?"


    "No." Zhou Xiaohe stuttered as he rted what was happening. From his location, he could see Zhang Ye chase after Yang Shu for several hundred meters: "She''s getting chased after by someone who wants to beat her up."


    His former squad leader did a spit take. "Ah?"


    Zhou Xiaohe found this scene to be very "beautiful."


    ��


    After about 10 minutes.


    Back upstairs.


    In Yang Shu''s apartment.


    The three of them returned here.


    Zhang Ye was still scolding fiercely, "You prodigal woman! My wife just bought me a new car and you''ve already damaged it! Do you know how much it costs to repair it? Do you know how much recing the ss costs? Huh? How am I going to answer to my wife when I get back! Sit up straight!"


    Yang Shu quickly stiffened.


    She lowered her head like she was repenting.


    Zhang Ye said angrily, "It was only because the uncles and aunties were holding me back. If it weren''t for the old neighbors protecting you, I would have killed you to clean up the sect!"


    Zhou Xiaohe hurriedly tried to smooth things overs. "Bo��Professor Zhang, don''t be angry, don''t be angry."


    Only then did Zhang Ye look at him. "Hey, what are you still doing here? Didn''t I ask you to go back?!"


    Zhou Xiaohe was silent.


    He thought to himself that it might really be better to leave.


    With a martial arts master like this beside him, no one would probably even be able to get close to Professor Zhang. At least in China, which had strict gun control, there shouldn''t be a need to worry about the safety of Zhang Ye. However, Zhou Xiaohe was also extremely puzzled. He couldn''t understand why a martial arts master like Yang Shu who knew how to use concealed power would want to be Zhang Ye''s bodyguard. Wasn''t this too degrading? Even if it were those other chief figures he knew, they wouldn''t really have a martial arts master as their bodyguard, would they? Further, Professor Zhang even treated her with such a fierce attitude? He could hit her or scold her as he wanted? And why didn''t Master Yang retaliate? What did she mean when she addressed him as "Senior"? Could it be that she was also a graduate of Media College? Was she Zhang Ye''s junior in broadcasting? Hence, the exnation for her not daring to speak out to Zhang Ye?


    Zhou Xiaohe left.


    Chenchen came over.


    The moment she entered the apartment, Chenchen said excitedly, "Zhang Ye, I heard that your car has been smashed? Who was the hero who did that?"


    Zhang Ye red at her.


    Yang Shu hurriedly gave Chenchen a tug.


    ��


    At the studio.


    Everyone also knew about what had happened earlier.


    The moment Zhang Ye came over, all of them chipped in to speak up for Yang Shu.


    "Director Zhang, don''t scold Little Yang anymore."


    "Yeah, Yang Shu has always been saying that she wanted to go and break you out from prison for the past few years. If it weren''t for Big Sis Rao holding her back, she would probably have done it already. She really cares a lot about you."


    "Director Zhang, don''t be angry anymore."


    "Pass me the keys, I''ll go and repair for you."


    Zhang Ye''s temper had alwayse and gone very quickly. Moreover, his junior sister had always been rather silly, so what could he do? Zhang Ye waved it off and handed the keys to Little Wang. Then he gathered everyone else to the conference room to discuss their future ns and business.


    In the conference room.


    Everyone was high-spirited.


    "Director Zhang, we''ve be really popr this time!"


    "Yeah, even Teacher Yao has been promoted to the A-list."


    "Your poprity has probably been restored by now. No, it must definitely have been restored."


    "When are we going to reopen our poprity ranking?"


    "The staff from the Chinese Poprity Rankings Index checked in with us again yesterday, asking if we wanted to reopen our ranking. As long as we agree, they can get it back up immediately. Then yourtest poprity score will be recalcted and be shown on the rankings index. I feel that the spot of a Heavenly King is definitely within our grasp."


    "I think we can possibly do better than the past."


    But Zhang Ye just smiled and said, "Let''s hold it off til a littleter."


    Ha Qiqi asked, "You still want to wait? In the Name of the People has finished broadcasting, and we don''t have any work left on our schedule, so why are we still not reopening our spot on the rankings index?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "I also think now is an opportune time."


    Zhang Ye said, "Sister Lan is still inst ce on the S-list rankings at the moment. If I were to reopen my spot on the index, what if I really made it into the S-list and caused Sister Lan to drop down to the A-list? I cannot stab her in the back, so let''s wait it out. Sister Lan will have a movie premiering soon. Shu Han and Old Yao have a part in it as well. They''re really popr right now, so it should be able to give a boost to Sister Lan''s new movie. When Sister Lan''s spot on the S-list has stabilized, it still won''t be toote for us to reopen our spot on the index."


    Wu Yi said with a sigh, "There''s really no one as loyal as you in showbiz nowadays."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Alright, it won''t take more than a few days anyway."


    Zhang Ye said, "Furthermore, restoring our poprity is only the beginning of oureback. Surely we don''t want to stand still in our original position, do we? Surely we don''t want to stay in the same spot as before, do we?" He chuckled and said, "I''ve already thought about it. Our next step will have to be getting to the top of the domestic entertainment circle."


    Everyone was startled!


    "Ah?"


    "You want to reach the summit of the domestic entertainment circle?"


    "You want to be the number one person in the poprity rankings?"


    The number one person in the country!


    The number one person in the entertainment industry!


    That was the highest position in the Chinese entertainment industry!


    In the Chinese poprity rankings, there were still just seven spots in the S-list. To an ordinary celebrity, reaching the S-list was equivalent to getting to the top. This was the summit of the entertainment circle to them. However, only those who had reached this position would know that there were still differences between the statuses of the Heavenly Kings and Queens. Those seven positions at the top of the entertainment circle were still ranked ording to the different poprity scores.


    Four years ago, Zhang Ye had reached the summit of the Chinese entertainment circle, although he only hovered around sixth or seventh ce of the S-list. Butpared with Zhang Yuanqi and Xu Men, the difference between them was still huge. Four years had since passed, and the entertainment industry had gone through turbulent changes. Zhang Yuanqi had retired, while Xu Men had dropped to seventh ce on the list. The remaining former Heavenly Kings and Queens had all dropped off from the S-list rankings as they got reced by the current crop of male idols. Zhang Ye felt that he had to take down this top spot of the entertainment circle no matter what since that was the most coveted spot in the Chinese entertainment circle.


    Ha Qiqi asked, "I have confidence that we can regain the throne of a Heavenly King if we were to reopen our spot on the rankings. But to be the number one person with the highest poprity score in the domestic entertainment circle? That''ll be really difficult."


    Zhang Zuo said, "What''s your n?"


    But Zhang Ye answered, "I don''t really have a n."


    Tong Fu said, "Then how are we gonna make a charge for the top?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Wait and see."


    Wait?


    What do you mean by that?


    Are you just going to wait for your poprity to increase?


    The Heavenly Kings and Queens you''ll be facing are all the most popr celebrities of the current era!


    But then, they heard Zhang Ye say with augh, "Did you guys think that I''ve just been serving my time in prison for the past three to four years? Actually, this bro hasn''t been idle. I''ve done something that might be able to boost my poprity score. Haha, I guess you''ll find out in a few days."


    Everyone looked at one another in confusion.


    Did something?


    What was it?


    What could you have possibly done in prison?

 Chapter 1576 - Zhang Ye gets shortlisted for the country’s State Science and Technology Prizes!

    <h4>Chapter 1576 - Zhang Ye gets shortlisted for the country��s State Science and Technology Prizes! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    It was break time, and the studio staff were seated together, having lunch and chatting.


    On the television, the news surrounding the State Science and Technology Prizes was increasing.


    "The State Science and Technology Prizes 1 will be announced soon!"


    "Will there still be no recipients for the Highest Science and Technology Award this year?"


    "The Highest Science and Technology Award has not been awarded to anyone for two years running!"


    "Our self-developed fighter jet will be entering service soon!"


    "The first self-developed fighter jet in China will be unveiled soon!"


    "The list of newly appointed research fellows of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering 2 to be revealed soon!"


    "The celebrity scientists will be making a collective appearance at the event!"


    Online.


    Theizens were getting extremely excited.


    "We''reing to the ''tech month.''"


    "The fighter jet will be entering service? It''s happening so soon?"


    "We''re finally getting our own fighter jet!"


    "It was researched and developed independently by our own country too. This is the result of our country''s grand efforts!"


    "Military enthusiast here expressing that I cried tears of joy!"


    "This is such exciting news."


    "The key issue is still the engine technology. Since when did we gain expertise in that? There was absolutely no news about something like this in the past. I''ve never heard of any breakthrough in technology surrounding our engine manufacturing process either."


    "Yeah, when it was announced that we were going to conduct a test flight of our self-developed fighter, I was stunned by the news. How did we manage to deal with the issue of the engine in the first ce?"


    "The media didn''t report about it either."


    "I guess it was some genius who did it."


    "There''s going to be a lot of attention on the State Science and Technology Prizes this year. I''ll be watching it closely."


    "I don''t think they still won''t give out this prize again this year, right?"


    This year was such a great year for the citizens of China. Not mentioning anything else, just the sessful test flight of thetest self-developed fighter jet alone had shocked everyone both at home and abroad. And now, it was even announced that this fighter model had passed all of the tests and would be put into service soon. What did this mean? It meant that the military strength and technology of China had taken a big step forward. Furthermore, this was a key step forward!


    ��


    Japan.


    Online.


    "China''s self-developed fighter jet is entering into service?"


    "This is too fast!"


    "This��"


    "It''s impossible that they have the technology to do this."


    "When they said that they were conducting a test flight, I thought it was just a bluff."


    "So it is really entering service soon? Will it trante intobat power for them?"


    "China is developing too quickly!"


    ��


    Korea.


    Online.


    "China has its own fifth-generation fighter jet too?"


    "Their aircraft engine was self-developed too?"


    "How did they do it?"


    "Could this be a smokescreen? Fake news?"


    "I also think that it''s too soon."


    Could a foreign expert have helped them?"


    "That''s impossible. There aren''t even that many countries that have fully mastered the development of a fifth-generation fighter jet on their own."


    ��


    America.


    Online.


    "Did they really manage to do it?"


    "The Chinese are so scary."


    "In just a few short years, they had managed so many breakthroughs in technology?"


    "The Chinese scientists are such geniuses."


    "Who''s the lead scientist behind the development of their aircraft engine?"


    "I don''t know."


    Countless countries around the world.


    And many military enthusiasts were shocked by this news!


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "This is such great news."


    Zhang Zuo said as he ate, "There''s so much meaningless news being reported these days, so this news is finally something to get excited about."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "You''re right. Only when our country gets strong will we as citizens and celebrities rest easy. This is why the celebrity scientist is the true celebrity." These were the exact same words that someone had used to dupe him with years ago, and it was reproduced in its whole now by Zhang Ye over here. Moreover, this fellow believed deeply in what he had just said.


    All of a sudden, someone knocked on the door.


    Tong Fu was the closest to it, so he opened the door. "Eh?"


    A woman who looked slightly familiar was standing outside.


    Ha Qiqi recognized her. "Professor Xin?"


    The visitor turned out to be one of Wu Zeqing''s few good friends. She was also a mathematics professor who came out of Tsinghua University and one of the well-known young mathematicians in the country.


    Zhang Ye put down his bowl. "Yo, Professor Xin."


    Xin Ya narrowed her eyes and looked at him. "How have you been, Professor Zhang?"


    "Please,e in." Zhang Ye said in delight, "What brought you here today?"


    Xin Ya said, "I just got off work from the research institute and happened to pass by your office, so I came over to have a look. I haven''t seen you in four years. Why haven''t you bought me a meal yet?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You''ve already applied to the Chinese Academy of Sciences and soon will be the second woman appointed as a research fellow, so shouldn''t you be the one buying me a meal?"


    Ha Qiqi said in surprise, "Aiyo, congrattions."


    Zhang Zuo also smiled and said, "Congrattions, Professor Xin."


    But Xin Ya was startled. She looked at Zhang Ye and choked out, "How do you know?"


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye was taken aback. He said, "Didn''t they announce it?"


    Xin Ya looked at him. "The application hasn''t even been approved, and no discussions have happened at the Chinese Academy of Sciences yet, so how could it have been announced!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "My wife, she''s��"


    "I haven''t told Old Wu about this matter either!" interrupted Xin Ya.


    Zhang Ye coughed and said, "Eh, then who did I hear it from? I can''t seem to remember."


    Xin Ya pressed, "Where did you hear it from?"


    "I''ve really forgotten," Zhang Ye continued lying.


    Xin Ya wasn''t stupid. She didn''t believe the bullshit that wasing out of Zhang Ye''s mouth for a second.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t want to say it, but that he could not talk about it yet. This was because he had signed so many confidentiality uses. He had to keep a lot of matters a secret until the time was right to talk about them. Actually, Zhang Ye had even taken a look at Xin Ya''s application to the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The reason for this was that Zhang Ye was currently a research fellow with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. At the academy, with the exception of a special case like Zhang Ye, all applications to be a research fellow had to pass through the unanimous voting of the relevant academy''s research fellows. Therefore, for most research fellow applications rted to the field of mathematics that had been submitted, every research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Sciences'' Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science would have to have a look at it. As it happened, Zhang Ye hade to know many of the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science''s research fellows over the past few years, so he even helped to canvass votes for Xin Ya from them. However, none of that needed to be mentioned to her.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "In any case, treat me to a meal."


    Seeing his lips were sealed, Xin Ya couldn''t do anything about it. She knew that as a mathematician, she couldn''t possibly outtalk a person like Zhang Ye. As such, she took out an invitation and said with a smile, "It will be the State Science and Technology Prizes Award Ceremony in another few days. I just received the invitation this morning. It says that I can bring a person along. Considering you''re Old Wu''s husband, what say you about going with me? I, Sister Xin, will bring you along to broaden your horizons."


    Everyoneughed. They knew that the two of them were just kidding.


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Oh, thank you."


    Xin Ya smiled and said, "You''re wee. We''re friends, after all."


    Suddenly, there was another knock on the door.


    Ha Qiqi went to answer the door this time and saw that it was a courier. "Director Zhang, it''s for you."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What is it?"


    Ha Qiqi opened up the package and was surprised. "An invitation?"


    Hearing that, everyone gathered around her out of curiosity. Even Xin Ya came over to have a look.


    It was a very simple invitation letter that was red in color.


    ��The State Science and Technology Prizes Award Ceremony!


    It was exactly the same as the invitation Xin Ya had received!


    Xin Ya said in surprise, "Ah? Why did you get one too?"


    The studio staff were also confused. "Yeah, this doesn''t make sense."


    Zhang Ye snorted as he opened the invitation letter to read it. "And why can''t I get one too?"


    "Which row are you in? We''re both in the field of math research, so we should probably be sitting next to each other?" Xin Ya stuck her neck out to have a look at his invitation. When she saw it, Xin Ya got so surprised that her eyeballs popped out of their sockets. "Damn, you''re in the first row?!"


    Zhang Ye didn''t understand what she meant, so he reactively asked, "Which row are you in?"


    Xin Ya said in a daze, "I''m��row sixteen."


    Ha Qiqi said in amusement, "Director Zhang''s seat is right up front?"


    But Xin Ya knew! How was this as simple as sitting at the front!


    The first row!


    And the second row!


    The people sitting in these two rows were clearly��


    Suddenly, Wu Yi, who was watching the news, eximed, "Come and see this! It''s the announcement of the nominees for the State Science and Technology Prizes Award Ceremony! There are a total of 102 people shortlisted for it!" He turned to Zhang Ye in astonishment. "Director Zhang, what the fuck! You��you��why is your name also on it?"


    Ha Qiqi was dumbfounded. "Could it be someone with the same name?"


    Wu Yi pointed at the television and said, "It''s not! There are even the details of their birthdays beside their names. This is clearly referring to Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "What?"


    Xin Ya asked, "Did you really get shortlisted for the awards?"

 Chapter 1577 - The entire country watches!

    <h4>Chapter 1577 - The entire country watches! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The nominees were revealed!


    It blew up online!


    "What?"


    "Why is Zhang Ye''s name on the list of the 102 shortlisted candidates?"


    "Is it him?"


    "Yes, the birthday is the same!"


    "Damn, what this guy sticking his foot in for!"


    "That''s true, this fellow has been locked up in jail for four years, so how did he manage to get shortlisted for the State Science and Technology Prizes? What field of study in science and technology was he involved in?"


    "Could it be that global mathematical conjecture from before?"


    "Possibly."


    "But that conjecture has already been solved for four years."


    "That''s right, why would he get shortlisted only after four years?"


    "Teacher Zhang must have taken a back door to gain entry!"


    "This fellow probably resorted to some trick again. Hai, I really have to take my hat off to him!"


    "Pfft, can you not put it that way?"


    "This fellow is probably here to round off the numbers."


    "It must be. No one thinks that he can get an award."


    "The Highest Science and Technology Award hasn''t been given out for two years in a row. Will anyone win the award this year?"


    There were over a hundred names on the shortlist, but most of them were unknown to the public. Unless it was a really famous celebrity scientist who often appeared on television or in the textbooks, the rest of the names were unfamiliar. But how could they not know who Zhang Ye was? A lot of people immediately realized it was him at the moment they saw the name. Such lists always included the candidates'' birthdays so as to avoid repeated names being mistaken for one single person, and to inform everyone about the ages of the scientists. Meanwhile, the birthday listed behind Zhang Ye''s name clearly indicated that it was the shit stirrer they were familiar with!


    Everyone was stunned.


    Zhang Ye''s nomination was indeed a little odd.


    What kind of an award ceremony was this?


    It was the State Science and Technology Prizes!


    The was the most prestigious award that one could receive in China''s scientific field with no other awardsing close!


    This was the highest honor in the discipline of science in China and winning it would be an honor that would follow the recipient for a lifetime!


    To be shortlisted for the awards, a strict set of guidelines had to be followed. The recipient must have:


    1. Made major breakthroughs in contemporary scientific or technological frontiers, or have outstanding achievements in the development of science and technology.


    2. Created huge economic or social benefits through scientific and technological innovations, achievements, or high-tech industries.


    3. No personnel who only works in organization management or assistant services in any project of scientific research or technological advancement may be a candidate of any national award for science and technology.


    4. Any candidate considered for the Highest Science and Technology Award shall love their homnd, shall have good scientific ethics, and is still active in the modern scientific and technological frontiers and is engaged in scientific research or technological advancement.


    There were a total of four criteria to follow, but which of them did Zhang Ye adhere to?


    Scientific research?


    Outstanding achievements?


    Good scientific ethics?


    Active in the modern scientific and technological frontiers?


    Looking through the criteria, this fellow probably only qualified for the nomination based on the word "active." In terms of being active, the remaining 101 candidates wouldn''t be a match for Zhang Ye even if they were to unite against him. Who could be better than him when it came to stirring up things? But your activities aren''t in line with the criteria at all. What does the science and technology world have anything to do with you?


    Medical doctors.


    Botanists.


    Biologists.


    Gicists.


    Guided missile experts.


    Mathematicians.


    Of the shortlisted 102 scientists, they all hailed from many different fields of studies. No matter how everyone thought about it, they could assume that Zhang Ye had been nominated through his work in the mathematics field. After all, even the mathematics world would have to admit that Zhang Ye was the best mathematician in the country, with his name even included in the global mathematics hall of fame.


    On Weibo.


    "Why are there traces of Teacher Zhang everywhere?"


    "I wannaugh whenever I see him."


    "This fellow is too active. He just finished producing a drama, and now he''s messing around in science and technology!"


    "Yeah, he''s even meddling in the State Science and Technology Prizes now!"


    "He still hasn''t reopened his poprity rankings. Do you guys think that he can get on the S-list rankings if he reopens it?"


    "It''s too difficult to predict at this moment."


    "No one knows what kind of poprity he has now."


    "I''m also waiting for him to reopen his spot on the rankings index."


    "The State Science and Technology Prizes is a really awesome award. It''s also authoritative too. That Highest Science and Technology Award will even be personally presented by the President of the Academy. Just getting shortlisted and attending the event alone should be able to bring quite a bit of poprity to Zhang Ye."


    "Zhang Ye is the pinnacle, and there''s only one of him in all of China. Be it a celebrity, an academic, a novelist, or a professor, Zhang Ye should be the only person to have been awarded so many prizes in history, right? In music, crosstalk, the literary field, variety shows, mathematics, calligraphy, he''s dabbled in all of them before! And now, this fellow has even been fucking shortlisted for the State Science and Technology Prizes? Does he intend to win an award in every industry once?"


    "These awards really don''t seem like it has anything to do with him."


    "I know. But it''s still quite impressive. Just look at who the scientists who have been nominated along with him are. They''re all research fellows from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering!"


    ��


    Spring Garden''s studio.


    "Teacher Zhang has been shortlisted for the awards ceremony?"


    "Pfft, he really can''t stay still, can he?"


    "This is hrious!"


    ��


    At Guan Zhaohua''s studio.


    "Him?"


    "Why would he be a part of it?"


    "Why does it seem like he''s everywhere!"


    ��


    At a Heavenly Queen''s studio.


    "I really have to take my hat off to him."


    "I''ve nevere across a celebrity like this before!"


    "That''s also a skill."


    ��


    Back at home.


    "What? Our son was shortlisted?"


    "There''s even such a thing?"


    "Like our son knows anything about the sciences! He''s always been the superstitious type since childhood! He even threw his shoe to help him decide which university to apply for!"


    ��


    At the Chinese Academy of Sciences.


    "Zhang Ye is on the list of shortlisted candidates?"


    "Ah?"


    "Who approved of it?"


    "I think it was our Chinese Academy of Sciences who nominated him."


    "Impossible. I''d believe it if you said he can fight, but what could he possibly know about science? Are you fucking kidding me?"


    "Mathematics is also considered a scientific discipline though."


    ��


    "Zhang Ye shortlisted for the State Science and Technology Prizes!"


    "The names of 102 shortlisted candidates are revealed!"


    "Zhang Ye''s nomination gets the attention of many!"


    "Who will be the most watched celebrity scientist this year?"


    "Zhang Ye''s nomination questioned by the industry!"


    "The State Science and Technology Prizes shortlist is a sham?"


    There was a constant stream of news.


    The scientificmunity was in fervent discussions.


    The public held heated debates.


    ��


    At the studio.


    Everyone was very excited.


    Ha Qiqi said excitedly, "I''ll go and pick out your attire immediately!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "This is such a big deal!"


    But Zhang Ye said, "Leave it. Why is there a need to pick out an attire? It''s not like this is an awards ceremony in showbiz. There won''t be a red carpet, so don''t get all fancy or I''ll end up bing a joke."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "You think I don''t know that? Don''t you worry, I''ll get in touch with the designer to tailor make a tunic suit that will be fitting for the asion."


    Zhang Ye approved, "Great idea!"


    Xin Ya looked at him from nearby. She was still very confused by all of this. "How did you get shortlisted for the awards? I''ve had a look at the nominees, and there are only five mathematicians who were nominated this time. All of those five people are research fellows at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. You''re just a civilian, so why did the State Science and Technology Awards Commission select you?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Who''s just a civilian?"


    "You!" Xin Ya said without hesitation.


    Zhang Ye said, "Goodbye."


    Xin Ya said, "In any case, we''ll go there together on the day of."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You wanna bask in my glory?"


    Xin Ya sneered. "What glory do you have to bask in? You were only nominated, alright? You won''t be receiving an award. Do you really think that the country is crazy enough to hand you the Highest Science and Technology Award?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "Maybe?"

 Chapter 1578 - The awards ceremony begins!

    <h4>Chapter 1578 - The awards ceremony begins! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the day of the awards ceremony.


    In the afternoon, at home.


    Wu Zeqing was helping Zhang Ye style his hair and put on makeup.


    "Don''t move around."


    "Aiya, there''s no need for the makeup."


    "I''ll just put on some light foundation."


    "It''s good enough to just style my hair."


    "That won''t do. It''s a formal asion today."


    "It''s not like I''ve never attended an awards ceremony before."


    "Hur hur, but today''s event is different."


    Zhang Ye had never liked putting on makeup, being the type who didn''t pay much attention to his appearance. If it weren''t for Old Wu buying him clothes or nagging at him to get a haircut, he probably wouldn''t even have had a full set of clothes in a year.


    His parents were also here.


    And so were Old Wu''s parents. All of them hade to visit their child today.


    His father said with a stern look, "Listen to Zeqing."


    His mother curled her lips and said, "What kinds of awards ceremonies were those that you attended in the past? They were just the entertainment circle''s awards ceremonies. And where is the awards ceremony today held at? The! Great! Hall! Of! The! People!"


    Li Qinqin smiled and said, "That''s right, you ought to put on makeup if you''re going there."


    "He won''t win an award anyway, so why the fuss?" Wu Changhe said unbothered by their concerns.


    Li Qinqin didn''t like hearing that. "He still has to be more serious. Although there isn''t going to be a live broadcast today, the TV stations will still broadcast the recording. When Central TV''s News Channel shows itter, and with our Little Ye so popr, the reporters and the media will surely have their focus on him even if he doesn''t win an award. It won''t be good if he is dressed too casually."


    His clothing was prepared.


    His makeup was done as well.


    Zhang Ye shrugged as he looked at himself in the mirror. He turned to look at Sisi, who was staring at him, then said with a smile, "My dear, is Daddy handsome?"


    Sisi immediately nodded. "Daddy is handsome!"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "How handsome is Daddy?"


    How old was Sisi? How could she possibly describe it? After stuttering forever without being able to express herself, she blushed.


    "Don''t get cocky." His mother gave him a look. "It''s time for you to go."


    Honk.


    Honk.


    A car was sounding its horn outside the vi.


    Wu Zeqing smiled and opened the door. She said to Xin Ya, who was in the car, "He''ll being out soon."


    Zhang Ye then said, "Alright, my chauffeur is here. I''ll be leaving now. Wait for the news of my victory!"


    Outside, Xin Ya seemed to have heard him. She couldn''t help shouting, "Who''s your chauffeur?"


    ��


    In the car.


    Xin Ya looked at him and said, "Why are you so overdressed?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Old Wu insisted that I dress well. I couldn''t get her to stop."


    "It''s not like you''re going there to receive an award." Xin Ya couldn''t helpughing as she spoke.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m still a nominee."


    Xin Ya rolled her eyes. "Goodbye."


    ��


    Online.


    The citizens couldn''t wait any longer.


    "Has it started yet?"


    "Not yet."


    "I don''t think they''re gonna have a live broadcast of the event."


    "There will probably be updates from the awards ceremony very quickly though."


    "How many awards will be given out this time?"


    "I think there will be at least seven or eight?"


    "Yeah, things like honorary awards or contribution awards. It seems like there will be quite a few awards given out. But the most important award that everyone has their attention on is still the Highest Science and Technology Award. The other awards are merely constion prizes that the relevant technologies'' leaders will be presenting. Only the Highest Science and Technology Award will be presented by the President of the Academy!"


    "Will it remain unawarded this year?"


    "We''ll find out soon."


    ��


    At 10 AM.


    Tiananmen.


    The Great Hall of the People.


    This was also Zhang Ye and Xin Ya''s first time attending such a formal event. The moment their car arrived, the event staff immediately came over to check their invitations. Then they went through two rounds of security checks before they were allowed in.


    Up ahead, more and more people had gathered.


    A lot of people were here to attend the awards ceremony.


    Xin Ya was a little nervous. In the field of mathematics, she was at most considered a well-known, young mathematician in China. In terms of qualifications, she couldn''t even be considered one of the top mathematicians in China. As such, she couldn''t be med for not feeling confident. Practically all of the awards ceremony''s attendees were older than her, and were considered the elites of the scientific and technologicalmunity. Together with the pressure of being in the Great Hall of the People, Xin Ya became somewhat restrained in the way she walked.


    But it was different for Zhang Ye.


    He was exactly the opposite of Xin Ya. This fellow was calm and serene.


    In the industry, how many people could be more experienced than Zhang Ye? There really weren''t too many of such people. What awards had he not won before? What hadn''t he been through before? Just his status as a world-famous mathematician alone was enough to let him swagger around, not to mention his other titles.


    The venue was up ahead.


    The two floors of the auditorium that could seat close to 10,000 people.


    Xin Ya walked in as though she was overwhelmed by the venue. She looked at Zhang Ye. "Don''t you feel nervous?"


    Zhang Ye turned to face her. "Why would I be nervous?"


    All of a sudden, Xin Ya saw an old man. She hissed, "That''s Fellow Liu!"


    It was Fellow Liu!


    Fellow Liu Qiwei!


    He was a research fellow at the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He was one of the most prestigious research fellows of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and an extremely famous scientist in China, as well as an idol of Xin Ya''s.


    Then Xin Ya whispered, "It''s Fellow Chi!"


    Chi Xue, the only female research fellow of the Chinese Academy of Sciences!


    Following, Xin Ya spotted yet another idol of hers from her childhood.


    It was Fellow Han, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Engineering. His main research area focused on information technology and electronics engineering. He had taken part in several projects that contributed to key technological breakthroughs in China, so he could be considered a very famous senior figure in the scientificmunity. He was also the winner of the Highest Science and Technology Award ten years ago!


    Xin Ya was bedazzled by this lineup of attendees.


    There were so many scientists here she had heard about but never had the chance to meet!


    When Zhang Ye saw her acting all excited and astonished, he couldn''t help but ask, "What''s with you?"


    "I''ll talk to you in a bit!" Xin Ya hurried ran over to Fellow Liu and said, "Fellow Liu, good morning."


    Fellow Liu was startled by her greeting. "And you are?"


    Xin Ya hurriedly said, "My name is Xin Ya, and I''m in the field of mathematical research, I''ve read your papers and found them extremely helpful. Because of your paper, I nearly transferred to the Physics Department when I was still attending university."


    Fellow Liu pointed at her. "Xin Ya? I''ve heard of you before and think that you''re quite capable. I heard from Little Chi that you''ve been part of several math projects that the country has undertaken? The world right now belongs to you youngsters."


    Xin Ya replied, "No, no, I''m nothingpared to you."


    Fellow Liu said, "Hur hur, you don''t have to be so humble, youngdy."


    Xin Ya said, "Can I get your autograph?"


    "Fellow Liu smiled and said, "Sure. Hmm? I don''t have a pen."


    Xin Ya felt around and realized she didn''t have a pen either. So she turned around and shouted to Zhang Ye, "Do you have a pen with you?"


    Fellow Liu followed her gaze and saw Zhang Ye as well. He trembled as a wave of anger surged through him.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Why would I have a pen?" Then he saw Fellow Liu and waved to him. Under Xin Ya''s dumbfounded gaze, he said, "Old Liu, how have you been?"


    Old Liu?


    Who are you calling Old Liu?


    Xin Ya was stunned!


    Fellow Liu said in anger. "I would''ve been much better if I didn''t see you!" He then told Xin Ya, "Comrade Little Xin,e look for meter and I''ll sign an autograph for you."


    He turned and walked away.


    Xin Ya was dumbfounded. "Old Liu!? What Old Liu?"


    Themotion had attracted quite a bit of attention. Some people were looking at Zhang Ye withplex emotions.


    Zhang Ye happened to meet the eyes of Fellow Han from the Chinese Academy of Engineering. He greeted, "Old Han, how about a drink tonight? At my ce."


    Fellow Han pretended not to have seen him and rolled his eyes as he walked away.


    Zhang Ye curled his lips and said, "You still hold a grudge against me?"


    Fellow Han turned around and said, "Stay away from me."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''ve got some really good wine at my ce. Don''t you want to try it?"


    Fellow Han harrumphed, "Drink your wine? I don''t want you poisoning me!"


    Zhang Ye spotted yet another familiar face. "Old Ma."


    Fellow Ma hadn''t seen him at the start. When he heard the voice calling him, he realized who it was without even having to look. Then he quickened his pace and rushed far away in an instant!


    A lot of people were watching in surprise.


    What was this?


    Who was Zhang Ye greeting?


    Old Liu?


    Old Han?


    Old Ma?


    Fuck! All of them were famous veteran scientists of China!


    What kind of social rtions did this guy have?


    Why did those veteran scientists all run away to hide the moment they saw him?


    Xin Ya was also stunned. Even a fool could see that he knew them from the way he addressed them and spoke to them!


    What is happening?


    When did this fellow''swork be so widespread?


    Didn''t he get locked up in prison for four years? Why does he seem to know more people than me?


    Zhang Ye was also left speechless. He thought about why they were all avoiding him!


    At this moment, Chi Xue came walking over from afar. Even though Zhang Ye knew a lot of the people here at the venue, Chi Xue was probably the only one who was willing to talk to him.


    Xin Ya was startled to see her. "Fellow Chi?"


    Chi Xue smiled and said, "Professor Xin? Did the two of youe together?"


    "Two of you" was clearly referring to her and Zhang Ye.


    Xin Ya said, "Oh, yes."


    Chi Xue smiled and said, "I''ll give you some advice: Stay away from Professor Zhang in the future."


    Xin Ya said, "Ah?"


    Chi Xue said, "His rtions within the scientificmunity are terrible."


    Xin Ya knew that Zhang Ye''s social rtions with others were bad, but she didn''t know that his reputation was so notorious in the scientificmunity as well!


    Zhang Ye didn''t like hearing that. "What about me? What''s so bad about my rtions?"


    Chi Xue rolled her eyes. "What do you think?"


    Those who didn''t understand the situation would probably have no idea of what Zhang Ye''s name meant to the scientificmunity. But those who were privy to the inside story, like Fellow Han, Fellow Liu, Fellow Ma, and the others who had dealings with Zhang Ye, probably couldn''t wish more than to direct a loud "damn you" at him from the bottom of their hearts!


    In these four years, they had all suffered so much in the hands of Zhang Ye!


    In these four years, they had finally realized why so many people called him a shit stirrer!


    This fellow was too good at causing trouble!


    It was so in show business!


    It was so in the crosstalk world!


    It was so in theic world!


    And it was so in the scientificmunity!


    At the research institutes.


    At the research bases.


    In theboratories.


    In the test sites.


    Due to work requirements, Zhang Ye had been to many of these ces and worked with many of the scientists as well. But any scientist who worked with him only had swear words reserved for him. Before Zhang Ye came to them, their research institutes andboratories were all peaceful and doing fine. But after Zhang Ye''s arrival, when he took over the relevant project, those scientists and the leaders finally learned what chaos really meant!


    Requesting pay raises!


    Requesting days off!


    Requesting better food!


    They would carry out demonstrations!


    They would go on strikes!


    ��All of these were instigated by Zhang Ye!


    This fellow was too eloquent at speaking. He had a tongue that was too wicked and too great at incitement, to the point that the researchers employed under them would only listen to Zhang Ye!


    The people at Fellow Liu''s research institute went on strike for three days and caused all projects to be stalled!


    Fellow Han''s office was blockaded during a demonstration that went on for a whole day and night, and he couldn''t even go to the bathroom!


    Fellow Ma had it even worse. Zhang Ye led the researchers in singing "Tears Behind Prison Bars" every day below his office. They used him of restricting the personal freedom of the researchers and asked for additional annual leave to go back home. Furthermore, all this happened while there was an inspection at the institute by the higher-ups, so it was needless to describe how chaotic the scenes were. Fellow Ma was so angry that his blood pressure shot up and he had to be hospitalized for more than two weeks. In the end, he had no choice but to approve the researchers'' applications for leave.


    How hateful!


    How exasperating!


    Before Zhang Ye came into the picture, everyone was getting along fine. The political thoughts and collective honor of the researchers were impable. But after this fellow came over, everything changed. All that the researchers were talking about these days were human rights and thew. Their judicial awareness was even higher than that of fucking Americanwyers!


    It was at this point that the directors finally remembered who Zhang Ye was. He was a qualifiedwyer, and someone who had passed the judicial examination1 with a perfect score!


    They had also taken measures against Zhang Ye!


    Comin about him?


    Report him?


    Protest his actions?


    But all of that was useless!


    Zhang Ye was the deputy chief designer of the project!


    His leadership authority alone was much higher than these scientists. To a certain extent, they even had to take instructions from Zhang Ye and listen to hismands!


    So what could they do?


    They could only endure it!


    And as it went, they ended up tolerating him for more than three years!

 Chapter 1579 - A research fellow of the Two Academies—Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 1579 - A research fellow of the Two Academies��Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the auditorium.


    Everyone was pointing at Zhang Ye while whispering.


    "What''s happening?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Why are Elder Liu, Elder Han, and so many others avoiding him?"


    "I suppose Zhang Ye has offended people again?"


    "Then we oughta stay away from him as well."


    "That''s right, that''s right."


    No one dared toe within 10 meters of Zhang Ye.


    Xin Ya asked in confusion, "Why do you know so many scientists?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Am I not allowed to have a few friends?"


    "Friends?" Xin Ya was floored. "Are you really so respectable now?"


    Everyone is avoiding you!


    Everyone is ignoring you!


    And you can still say that they''re your friends?


    Zhang Ye waved to her. "I''ll go and get seated."


    "See ya." Xin Ya also went to the back to look for her seat. They weren''t going the same way as she was in the sixteenth row, which was really far from Zhang Ye''s first-row seat.


    In the front row.


    Zhang Ye found his seat and sat down heavily.


    Seated beside him was Lu Yi, a young research fellow from the Chinese Academy of Engineering. When he saw Zhang Ye sit down beside him, Lu Yi said in a respectful manner, "Fellow Zhang, long time no see."


    Zhang Ye asked, "You''ve been nominated as well?"


    Lu Yiughed in derision. "I''m just here as part of the crowd. Even if the Highest Science and Technology Award does get awarded this time, there are only those few people who are expected to win it. We all know who they are."


    "That''s right." Chi Xue came over and sat down beside Zhang Ye as the two chatted. "Little Lu and I are just here to join in the fun. But as for you, you really do stand a chance of winning."


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "Me? Come on, I''ve offended so many people in the scientificmunity."


    Upon hearing this, Chi Xue and Lu Yi both gave wry smiles.


    Yeah, that''s right, who had he not offended in the scientificmunity? Sometimes, they really had to take their hats off to Zhang Ye for his troublemaking abilities.


    Before he went to jail, Zhang Ye had debuted in the entertainment industry four years ago. But in that four-year timespan, how many incidents had taken ce? How much trouble did he cause? Even the most veteran entertainment reporters would probably need a while before they could recount all of it. From fighting and scolding to instigating and causing trouble, there were countless examples of such incidents. And after he was sent to prison, Zhang Ye had spent a full four years in the science and technology field. Based on this fellow''s character and temper, it would be a wonder if he didn''t cause a lot of trouble during this time!


    ��


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    "Dad, it''s the awards ceremony today, right?"


    "Yes, it''s the State Science and Technology Prizes Awards Ceremony."


    "My Uncle Zhang has been nominated as well."


    "It should be starting soon?"


    "It''s a pity there won''t be a live broadcast. Let''s wait for the results to be announced."


    ��


    Dong Shanshan''s house.


    Four of their old ssmates were here today.


    "Shanshan, are there any updates yet?"


    "The awards presentation should be starting soon."


    "What''s the point of watching for updates? Don''t tell me you guys expect Zhang''er to go on stage for an award?"


    "Yeah, what kind of an asion is this? What kinds of awards are they giving out? I doubt that he can even get a constion contribution award. The Dale''s Conjecture he solved was five years ago."


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "Someone''s posted a photo."


    "I think it''s about to begin."


    "Do you guys think that a celebrity scientist can get on the domestic celebrity rankings?"


    "Of course there''s a chance. The poprity rankings are based on one''s poprity, after all."


    "I have a feeling that there will be some heavyweight celebrity scientists emerging in the future. They could even reach the C-list. The trends nowadays are in the field of scientific and technological development."


    ��


    At the Chinese Academy of Engineering.


    "I hope the Highest Science and Technology Award will be given to a research fellow of our Chinese Academy of Engineering."


    "Of the veteran research fellows at our academy, only Fellow Qi and Fellow Meng have the greatest hope of winning it."


    "Yeah, those two veteran fellows have made significant contributions this year."


    "Has the ceremony started yet?"


    "It should be starting soon."


    ��


    At the Chinese Academy of Sciences.


    "Fellow Sun has a chance."


    "Yeah, I think so too."


    "We can only say that there''s a chance. There are too many variables."


    "We''ll see who themission ends up selecting."


    "Even basing it on qualifications, achievements, and academics, it''s still very difficult to make a choice."


    ��


    Everyone watched intently.


    The media blew up.


    China''s leaders also arrived at the Great Hall at this time.


    The huge auditorium hushed up. Then continuous apuse was given to them.


    One person.


    Five people.


    Ten people.


    There were people from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.


    The China National Space Administration 1 .


    The Central Military Commission 2 .


    The leaders gradually entered and got seated.


    Soon after, a leader from the Ministry of Science and Technology 3 went onstage and gave a speech with a microphone for more than 10 minutes. Afterwards, the awards presentation was announced.


    The atmosphere at the venue turned serious.


    Xin Ya took a deep breath.


    Chi Xue kept her eyes on the stage.


    Lu Yi got quite nervous.


    Countless people had their eyes on the podium.


    The first science and technology prize to be announced was: The State Natural Science Award.


    At the podium, a leader announced, "I hereby announce the scientists who will be awarded the State Natural Science Award are��" He lowered his head and read out from the winner''s list, "��Zhang Heng, Li Xicheng, and Yu Lei!"


    Apuse erupted.


    The three people stood up in surprise and shock. Without an exception, the three were scientists above the age of 50. The oldest one was Li Xicheng, who was 72 years old. When he heard the announcement, tears streamed down his old face. He had been waiting for this moment for God knew how long.


    Several of Li Xicheng''s students were also tearing up.


    "Teacher!"


    "Congrattions, Teacher!"


    "You''ve finally won it!"


    "This is great! This is really great!"


    The three of them went up onstage to receive their award and give an eptance speech.


    Zhang Heng held the microphone and said, "Thank you, thank you."


    Then he passed the microphone to the next person. Li Xicheng also said, "Thank you for the trust that the Party and the people have ced in me and for giving me an affirmation of our efforts."


    The speech was very short.


    Zhang Ye was somewhat unused to this. "Their eptance speech is so short?"


    Chi Xue said in a speechless manner, "Do you think this is like an awards ceremony in showbiz? All of the winners here today have spent their entire lives on research. Did you expect that they would be as eloquent in speech as you?"


    Zhang Ye said, "True. But the speech is very concise and to the point, so that''s pretty good."


    The next award was announced.


    At the podium, the leader announced, "The winners of the State Technological Invention Award are��"


    Zhang Ye held a little bit of hope for winning this award.


    Will I win it?


    Will this bro get a chance to go up onstage?


    The leader announced loudly, "Han Cheng and Bai Xiaoyan!"


    Zhang Ye gave a smile in his head and conceded.


    Bai Xiaoyan covered her mouth in excitement and started crying.


    Han Cheng was in disbelief as well as he sat there dumbfoundedly. He couldn''t react until his research institute''s colleague who was sitting beside him offered his congrattions in surprise. It was only then that he rushed up onto the stage.


    The other awards were announced.


    In the end, there were even prizes given out for different ssifications of projects.


    Electrical studies.


    Medical studies.


    Engineering studies.


    And so on.


    ��


    In the back row.


    Xin Ya was chatting with the people beside her.


    "Fellow Meng has won the State Science and Technology Progress Award."


    "That means to say he won''t be getting the Highest Science and Technology Award."


    "Yeah, I thought Fellow Meng stood the best chance of winning that too."


    "Elder Qi has won the Engineering Studies Award. That should be considered one of the constion prizes, right?"


    "The veteran fellows who were the favorites to win it are all out of the running?"


    "Why did it end up like this?"


    "Then who will the Highest Science and Technology Award go to?"


    "There are still a few veteran fellows who have a chance of getting it."


    Xin Ya and the others analyzed this for a long time but couldn''te to any credible conclusions.


    ��


    In the front row.


    Lu Yi gasped. "It''s time for thest award!"


    Chi Xue was also holding her breath. "It''s time!"


    Zhang Ye looked at the stage. "But there''s no one at the podium."


    At the next moment, they saw it. The leader who had been on stage announcing the winners had stepped down from the podium. Then, from the audience, someone slowly stood up before walking onto the stage with a smile.


    The people around were already starting to whisper.


    "It''s the president!"


    "The president is going to give out the award?"


    "That means there will finally be a winner for this year''s Highest Science and Technology Award!"


    "Who will it go to?"


    "Who will the winner be?"


    At the podium, the president adjusted the microphone.


    Everyone in the audience had quieted as they looked at the stage with wide eyes.


    The president opened the winner''s envelope and spoke in a stately pace. He smiled and said, "Next, I will be announcing the winner of the Highest Science and Technology Award." With a pause, he read out, "The research fellow from the Chinese Academy of Engineering��


    The audience blew up.


    Everyone started exchanging whispers.


    "The Chinese Academy of Engineering?"


    "It''s someone from the Chinese Academy of Engineering!"


    "Who though?"


    "Is it Fellow Liu?"


    The president continued, "��and the Chinese Academy of Sciences��"


    Everyone was stunned.


    Xin Ya was also taken aback.


    "A research fellow from the Chinese Academy of Engineering? And the Chinese Academy of Sciences?"


    "Holy shit!"


    "A fellow of the Two Academies 4 ?"


    "There aren''t many Two Academies fellows!"


    "Yeah, the Two Academies fellows who are still alive can be counted on one hand!"


    "So who is it?"


    Everyone started looking around in curious amazement.


    The president looked into the crowd and read a name that nobody could believe!


    "��Zhang Ye!"

 Chapter 1580 - Zhang Ye’s acceptance speech!

    <h4>Chapter 1580 - Zhang Ye��s eptance speech! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Onstage.


    In the audience.


    It was dead silent!


    It felt like time had momentarily stopped!


    Everyone stared at the podium in shock. No one could believe what they had just heard. After a whole three seconds, the crowd erupted into an uproar!


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Zhang Ye?!"


    "Was that the name that was announced?"


    "I think so!"


    "Think so? The president indeed said ''Zhang Ye!''"


    "Is there another person called Zhang Ye? Is it someone with the same name?"


    "No, there''s only one Zhang Ye on the candidates'' shortlist!"


    "That''s impossible, what the fuck!"


    "This, this��"


    "What''s happening? Can anyone tell me what''s happening?"


    "Why was the Highest Science and Technology Award given to Zhang Ye!"


    "Yeah, isn''t this such nonsense?!"


    "My ass! As if he knows anything about science and technology!"


    "Besides, they''ve gotten the title totally wrong too!"


    "That''s true! A Chinese Academy of Sciences fellow? A Chinese Academy of Engineering fellow?"


    "As if he could possibly be a research fellow! What''s more, a Two Academies fellow?"


    Everyone went crazy!


    Xin Ya was also so shocked that her jaw fell to the floor!


    Zhang Ye?


    The Highest Science and Technology Award?


    Are you fucking kidding me!?


    At this very moment, the majority of scientists at the venue were stunned!


    Only a few veteran scientists who knew about the inside story were left rolling their eyes. They were exceedingly speechless. So they really decided to give it to this guy?


    At the front row.


    Zhang Ye was also very shocked. "Ah? Me?"


    Chi Xue patted Zhang Ye on the shoulder and said, "It''s you! Your name was the one that was announced!"


    Lu Yi also got very excited. "Fellow Zhang! It''s really you! They really gave it to you!"


    Zhang Ye found it a little hard to react.


    Chi Xue said, "This is the highest honor that can be granted in our country''s scientific field!"


    Off to the side, a middle-aged mathematician also said anxiously, "Professor Zhang, hurry up and collect your prize! The president is waiting for you! Stop staring, it''s you!"


    Zhang Ye stood up. The attention of the crowd was now focused on the podium.


    The president held a very special trophy in his hands. It was a trophy made out of very ordinary materials and looked unremarkable to the naked eye. The trophy of an award that was handed out in the entertainment circle, even if it was an award that no one really cared about, would still look much better, more beautiful, and more valuable than what they saw here right now. This was the trophy for the Highest Science and Technology Award. It was an honor that could only be achieved once in one''s lifetime!


    In the audience.


    The Chinese Academy of Sciences'' people looked at one another.


    "That''s impossible!"


    "Did they get it wrong?"


    "Is Zhang Ye a part of our Chinese Academy of Sciences?"


    It was about the same for the Chinese Academy of Engineering.


    "He''s a research fellow of our academy?"


    "I didn''t hear about it before!"


    "Yeah, why didn''t I know about it either?"


    "Did they get it wrong?"


    "If they really awarded the wrong prize, that would be a huge mistake!"


    Still, not too many people believed it.


    Xin Ya nearly fainted. You''re really going up onstage? This absolutely has to be a case of reading the wrong name, right?


    On the stage.


    Zhang Ye hade to a stop in front of the president.


    The president smiled and handed the trophy to him. "Congrattions."


    Zhang Ye hurriedly took it from him and said graciously, "Thank you, Mr. President."


    The president said, "The country thanks you, and so do I."


    Zhang Ye was overwhelmed and ttered. "It''s what I should do. I''m just doing my part for the people."


    The president was very happy to hear that.


    When the people in the audience heard this, they were even more surprised.


    What was the meaning of this?


    What did the president say?


    He thanked Zhang Ye?


    The country thanked Zhang Ye?


    But why??


    Why did the country have to thank him for a global mathematical conjecture that was solved a few years ago?


    However, the next moment, the big screen behind Zhang Ye lit up. Just as it had happened for the earlier award winners, their names, birthdays, resumes, and achievements were all listed on the big screen. When everyone hastily looked up at it, many of them were so shocked that they nearly jumped out of their chairs!


    Screams rang out one after another!


    "Ah!"


    "Heavens!"


    "This��"


    "What is this!"


    Zhang Ye:


    Chinese Academy of Sciences'' research fellow.


    Chinese Academy of Engineering''s research fellow.


    World-famous mathematician.


    Deputy chief designer of the new generation fighter jet.


    "During his sentence, he single-handedly led his team to ovee all kinds of difficulties and developed the technology for the new generation of fighter aircraft, including the U2 technology and over 10 key projects for the country. He has participated in the research and development of the new generation fighter aircraft, radar system operations,unch directives'' data framework, and broken the international monopoly on these technologies. Alone, he has tackled more than 30 technological bottlenecks and acquired over 20 international, leading technological patents, of which many are world''s firsts. In the field of military affairs, information technology, andputing operations, he has made great contributions by working together with many scientists. In just a span of three years, he has created one technological miracle after another."


    A lot of the scientists who went on stage to ept their awards had introductions generally limited to a hundred words or so. Some of them even had their resumes and achievements condensed to around 40 to 50 words. But for Zhang Ye, his resume and list of achievements went over 2,000 words!


    One!


    Ten!


    Twenty!


    All of the projects that he had participated on were listed on the big screen!


    There were even a lot of technological projects with names that a lot of the scientists at the venue could not understand that shed on the screen!


    Xin Ya was dumbfounded!


    Everyone was stunned!


    Major breakthroughs in dozens of technologies had been made?


    International, leading technological patents?


    Scientific research that were world''s firsts?


    All of those details were astonishing!


    "The aircraft engine was designed by him?"


    "And there are several dozen other international, leading technologies too?"


    "Technologies that even Europe and America don''t have?"


    "Absurd! How is this possible!"


    "The technological breakthroughs we''ve had these few years were all led by him?"


    "That''s so fearsome!"


    "So he didn''t go to jail!?"


    "Yeah, so he had been away doing research all these years?!"


    "Isn''t he a mathematician? Isn''t he a hacker? I believe that he knows math, I believe that he knows programming, and I can also believe that he knows information technology. But why does he even know physics, dynamics, and mechanical engineering too?"


    Everyone was shocked!


    This was too scary!


    If Zhang Ye really had such a resume, it could be described as an extremely great feat!


    Xin Ya quickly looked at a veteran scientist not far away. "Elder Han! J-Just what is this about!"


    Another young mathematician also asked, "Yeah, why does Zhang Ye��"


    Elder Han clearly knew a bit of the inside story. He said, "I worked with Zhang Yest year because of an important project for the country. Zhang Ye truly deserves his reputation as the smartest person to exist in the world for the past few centuries. In these few years, he has done a lot of things, things that we would never even dare to imagine in our lifetimes. The president is right. The country should be thanking him, and so should the citizens." He looked at the stage and said, "This Highest Science and Technology Award belongs to him without a doubt."


    Nearby, a middle-aged research fellow sighed. "It''s just that this guy is too brash and keeps inciting the researchers to hold demonstrations at every turn. Our research institute was nearly smashed because of him!"


    Elder Hanughed and said, "But that project at the end, who was the one who supplied the technology to you all?"


    That middle-aged research fellow rolled his eyes and kept quiet.


    It was really him?


    All of this was really because of him?


    Everyone couldn''t be more shocked!


    Xin Ya was visibly moved!


    But this shouldn''t be. He wasn''t someone who could sit down and do things in a proper way. He didn''t like being controlled and restricted by others. Wasn''t he bent on making it in the entertainment industry? Didn''t he just want to be a celebrity? To sing and act? So why? Why did he suddenly do so much all at once for the nation?


    This wasn''t like him.


    This wasn''t his style.


    Everyone stared at Zhang Ye in stupefaction.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye was holding a microphone, about to give his eptance speech.


    Like the others, his eptance speech was very short.


    Holding the trophy aloft, he looked into the audience. The experiences he had been through these past few years were all still very vivid in his mind. He did not regret his contributions to China in these few years. Even though he couldn''t get to see his child, his wife, and his family, Zhang Ye always believed that since some things had happened, he would have toe to ept them and just do it. He had the obligation to do so.


    Zhang Ye recited into the microphone calmly.


    "Snow on Mt. Tian in May,


    "No flowers, instead cold and gray.


    "I hear the flute y the Song of Sorrow,


    "And am reminded of a spring I''ve never seen.


    "The beating of drums and gongs calls dawn battle;


    "In the evening, clutched are jade saddles.


    "But I long to use the sword I carry,


    "For the State, oh, the barbarians I''ll bury!"


    He finished speaking.


    Zhang Ye gave a slight bow and walked off the stage.


    The president was looking at him.


    Many of the higher-ups were looking at him.


    The scientists in the audience were also staring at him in amazement.


    A short and simple poem had left countless of them trembling with excitement!


    "But I long to use the sword I carry?!"


    "For the State, oh, the barbarians I''ll bury!"

 Chapter 1581 - The entire nation’s citizens get shocked!

    <h4>Chapter 1581 - The entire nation''s citizens get shocked! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the auditorium.


    The awards ceremony ended and the crowd dispersed.


    Instantly, the reporters made a mad dash towards Zhang Ye.


    "Teacher Zhang!"


    "Fellow Zhang!"


    "Please, don''t go yet!"


    When Zhang Ye saw this, he hurriedly avoided them.


    General Li happened toe over.


    "Old Li," Zhang Ye said.


    General Li smiled and said, "Congrattions."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Since the news is now public, the confidentiality uses should be invalid now, right?"


    General Li took out several documents and gave them to him. "These three are invalid, but the rest are still in effect. As long as you''re alive, they won''t be invalid."


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "Alright, I understand."


    From nearby, quite a few scientists also came over and surrounded him.


    "Fellow Zhang."


    "Congrats, congrats!"


    "Our research institute has encountered some technical difficulties for a dynamics issue. We can''t seem to ovee it. Can we ask which day you might be free? Can youe over to our research institute to have a look?"


    "Fellow Zhang, will you be free tomorrow? Let me buy you dinner!"


    Zhang Ye became very highly sought after all of a sudden.


    Xin Ya squeezed her way to the front. She said in astonishment, "Professor Zhang, what is it with you?"


    The venue descended into chaos!


    ��


    On Weibo.


    Theizens were still analyzing the situation.


    "It''s still not announced yet?"


    "The awards ceremony should be ending soon, right?"


    "I wonder who won?"


    "I don''t know."


    "I just received news that Fellow Chen was only awarded a constion prize."


    "All other awards are just constion prizes. They''re only there as the bridesmaids to the Highest Science and Technology Award, which is the true highlight of the ceremony!"


    "So when are they gonna announce it?"


    A lot of people were waiting.


    A lot of people were watching the buzz.


    A short whileter, the news was announced!


    On the television.


    In the papers.


    Online.


    The news blew up!


    "More than 10 science awards have been announced!"


    "Zhang Ye takes home the Highest Science and Technology Award!"


    "Zhang Ye wins the highest honor in science and technology!"


    "Zhang Ye''s resume shocks everyone both at home and abroad!"


    "Zhang Ye fulfills the dreams of the people for an aircraft engine!"


    "Zhang Ye develops dozens of advanced international technologies!"


    "Zhang Ye: The youngest research fellow of the Two Academies!"


    "Zhang Ye''s speech: ''Bu I long to use the sword I carry, / For the State, oh, the barbarians I''ll bury!''"


    "During his sentence of over three years, Zhang Ye has actually been working for the country all the while!"


    "Zhang Ye to be the most sessful scientist in the country?"


    The news was too shocking!


    It shocked so many people that they thought they had been reading fake news!


    ��


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    The entire family was stunned.


    "What?"


    "Uncle Zhang?"


    "How is it him!"


    "The highest award in science?"


    ��


    At Beijing Television.


    "Ahhh!"


    "Didn''t they say that Zhang Ye''s nomination was just to round off the numbers?"


    "H-How did he end up getting it!?"


    "What the heck!"


    "Developed an aircraft engine?"


    "Designed a fighter jet?"


    ��


    At his old ssmate''s house.


    "Holy shit!"


    "Quick,e and see this!"


    "Zhang''er, he''s crazy!"


    "The president presented him with an award!"


    "They''re showing a recording from the venue!"


    ��


    At Li Shao''s studio.


    "Shit!"


    "Why is it him again!"


    "Yeah, why is it him again!"


    "He can even qualify for an award like this?"


    "Fuck! What happened!"


    ��


    At an entertainmentpany.


    "How scary!"


    "He''s absolutely unstoppable now."


    "So thattest self-developed fighter jet was actually a project led by Zhang Ye!"


    "Has he really crossed over to the field of science?"


    "And he has even reached the summit of the scientificmunity too?!"


    ��


    At the Chinese Academy of Sciences.


    "Zhang Ye is one of us?"


    "So it was him?"


    "He joined the Chinese Academy of Sciences long ago!"


    "My idol! He''s so amazing!"


    "So this is the person who''s been hailed as the smartest person to exist in several hundred years?"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    "This is absolutely crazy!"


    "Director Zhang has won the highest prize in science!"


    "I knew it! I was wondering why Director Zhang insisted on waiting longer before reopening his spot on the poprity rankings!"


    "We can finally reopen our spot!"


    "Just how much poprity will this bring to Director Zhang?"


    "I don''t know, but he''s definitely going to be on the level of a Heavenly King!"


    ��


    Online.


    "There''s really no one in the world who can stop him!"


    "Teacher Zhang��no, I should be addressing him as Fellow Zhang instead!"


    "So he has actually been doing so many things since he got sent to jail!"


    "Why can''t I seem to believe it!"


    "I can''t believe it either."


    "Is this some sort of tall tale?"


    "Is Teacher Zhang really so awesome?"


    "That poem is too domineering!"


    "What a good ''For the State, oh, the barbarians I''ll bury!''"


    "My blood is also racing from that!"


    "Teacher Zhang is mighty! This is truly a contribution that will fucking benefit the future generations!"


    "Yeah, this sort of an important award is worth far more than 10 awards earned in the entertainment circle. Zhang Ye has really made a great contribution to the might of our country! Patriotism isn''t simply talk. It has to be acted on!"


    "Ahhhh, I''m so in love with Zhang Ye!"


    "This is what you truly call a star!"


    ��


    On the way home.


    Calls kepting in from his family and friends!


    Zhang Xia.


    Chen Guang.


    Hu Fei.


    Ha Qiqi.


    Ning Lan.


    Xu Men.


    Dong Shanshan.


    "Zhang''er, you weren''t resting even when you were in prison!"


    "Hahaha, I guess."


    "Aren''t you being too clever? You can even dabble in the field of science and technology?"


    "Just doing my part for the people."


    "What on earth happened?"


    "Hur hur, I''ll exin it in detail in the future."


    Up ahead, he had arrived back at home.


    Xin Ya''s car came to a stop outside as the vi''s gate opened.


    Zhang Ye''s parents, Wu Changhe, and Li Qinqin all came rushing out!


    "Little Ye!"


    "Damn, what is going on?"


    "How did you win it!?"


    "Hurry up and tell us!"


    The four of them were very anxious and excited!


    When the scene showing Zhang Ye epting the award from the president was broadcast on television, they were the people in the entire nation who were the most surprised!


    Li Qinqin grabbed Xin Ya and asked, "Little Ya, did that really happen?"


    Xin Ya said with a bitter smile, "It''s real. They really did give him the award."


    Behind them, Wu Zeqing came out holding their child. She smiled and said, "Let go inside and talk."


    But Wu Changhe couldn''t wait a second more. He stared at Zhang Ye. "Tell us right now! You''re really too good at keeping a secret! Have you never spoken the truth before!"


    Zhang Yeughed and threw up his hands. "Dad, what do you mean by I''ve never spoken the truth before? I was just held back by the confidentiality uses that I''ve signed off on. I couldn''t talk about it until they were canceled." Now he could talk about it. "In any case, this was what happened. When I was in prison, the government insisted on recruiting me to help them out. As such, I helped them out by tackling a few technical difficulties that they had, and dabbled in developing an aircraft engine, a radar system, guided missiles, and the like. Why else did you think I was able to get released in half the time from my original sentence? It was all because I got a sentence reduction."


    The lot of them came back into the house.


    Zhang Ye rted the events of the past few years to them.


    Everyone listened to him, expressing surprise and astonishment at times, and getting dumbfounded at other times!


    Xin Ya had to take her hat off to him as well. She was speechless and astonished by how capable Zhang Ye was!


    You can even do that?


    That''s even possible?


    Building an aircraft?


    Manufacturing an engine?


    Designing a radar system?


    And you even know about missile technology too?


    Why the fuck do you seem to know about everything!

 Chapter 1582 - Three professorship titles!

    <h4>Chapter 1582 - Three professorship titles! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    The news of the State Science and Technology Awards was all over the television.


    On Central TV.


    On Beijing Television.


    On Shanghai Television.


    On Jiangsu Television.


    There was a constant bombardment of this news!


    And the more reports there were, the more detailed the information became!


    On a military show.


    An active colonel said excitedly, "Developing a fifth-generation fighter jet on our own is something that many other developed countries are still unable to achieve. This is a qualitative leap in standards for our country''s military, so I''m hailing Professor Zhang as a technological hero. He has made a great contribution to our country. In fact, there are also a few other technologies like the radar system the Americans still do not have, yet we do! It was forcefully pulled out of nowhere by Professor Zhang! We''re now the only country to have this technology and are at the forefront of this area in the global arena!"


    The host said, "I can see that Colonel Sun is very excited about this."


    "Yes, I''m extremely excited and also very proud of this."


    "Then in your opinion, what status does Zhang Ye have in the field of science and technology?"


    The colonel answered without even thinking, "He''s currently the most outstanding scientist in China!"


    The host followed up with, "Do you mean he is the most outstanding scientist, or one of the most outstanding scientists?"


    The colonelughed. "I dare not say that no one elsees close, but I can confidently say that no one can rece Professor Zhang''s role in the field of science and technology in China!"


    ��


    Back at home.


    Xin Ya stayed behind for lunch.


    Zhang Ye was in the living room ying with his daughter.


    "Daddy, catch me!"


    "Boo! The big bad wolf ising!"


    "Heehee! The big bad wolf can''t catch me!"


    "Watch out, the big bad wolf will catch and eat you!"


    "You can''t catch me! Daddy can''t catch me!"


    One was running away.


    And the other was chasing after.


    The father-daughter pair was nearly turning the house upside down. Several of the chairs had fallen onto their sides.


    His mother had a headache. "Rascal, sit down and take a break."


    Li Qinqin was preparing lunch andughing as she said, "Just let them be since Little Ye and the child are both so happy today. I''ll clean up the house afterwards."


    His mother looked at them and said with augh, "Those two."


    Half an hourter, lunch was ready.


    Li Qinqin called out to them, "Little Ye, Sisi, it''s time to eat."


    His mother nagged, "Hurry up ande over quickly."


    "Coming." Only then did Zhang Ye carry his daughter over.


    Sisi was panting in exhaustion, and her head was full of sweat.


    His father said, "Sisi, eat."


    Sisi said breathlessly, "Pops, I''m tired."


    Wu Changhe side-eyed him and said, "It was almost time to eat. Why did you let the child run around so much?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged it off. "It''s good to exercise a little."


    Xin Ya rubbed Sisi on her head sympathetically. "You must''ve had really bad luck in your past eight lifetimes to have a father like this."


    Everyoneughed.


    Wu Zeqing carried the child over to wipe off her sweat. While doing that, she asked Xin Ya, "Has your application to the Chinese Academy of Sciences been approved yet?"


    Xin Ya smiled and said, "There''s no news of that yet."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Why don''t you get my husband to help you with that?"


    Zhang Ye yed dumb. "Help with what?"


    His mother said, "Aren''t you a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Sciences?"


    Zhang Ye said, "About the approval of new research fellows, my words don''t count for anything."


    Xin Ya said in annoyance, "You''ve won the Highest Science and Technology Award. Even if there are a hundred research fellows at the academy, you still rank at the front, not to mention that you''re also a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Engineering too. Of all those who are Two Academies fellows and still alive, there aren''t more than five, including you, in the whole of China. So how can your words not count?"


    Wu Zeqing chuckled and said, "Enough, Little Ye, don''t tease Little Ya anymore."


    Only then did Zhang Ye say, "Actually, I already knew about your application to be a research fellow. I''ve spoken to those that I know. Fellow Chi Jr., Fellow Chi, and Fellow Zhou will surely cast their votes for you and help speak up for you."


    Xin Ya said happily, "That''s more like it!"


    Wu Changhe asked, "Kid, do you really intend to stay and work in the scientific field?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I will do whatever can make me famous. It has nothing to do with the industry."


    Li Qinqin said, "How much poprity will you be able to get this time?"


    "I don''t know." Zhang Ye said, "I''ve gotta wait until they reopen my spot on the poprity rankings."


    His mother said, "When are you going to reopen it then?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m also waiting for news of it."


    They all chatted for a bit.


    Li Qinqin suddenly raised her ss and said, "Come, Little Ye, let''s drink."


    Zhang Ye hurriedly picked up his ss and said, "Let me give you a toast."


    Li Qinqin smiled with a pleased look. "For you to have achieved what you''ve achieved, Mom is very happy for you."


    "Thank you, Mom." Zhang Ye respectfully clinked his mother-inw''s ss and downed the drink. "I will work even harder from now on so as to not disappoint the expectations that the Party and country have for me."


    His father nodded. "Well said!"


    When Xin Ya heard that, she started wondering to herself.


    You''ve already built an aircraft!


    And you still want to work even harder?


    Damn, don''t tell me you intend to build a spaceship next?


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Zhang Ye''s phone rang.


    When Zhang saw the caller ID, he smiled and answered the call.


    On the other end of the line was Dean Pan Yang of Peking University''s School of Mathematical Sciences.


    "Hello, Fellow Zhang."


    "Dean Pan, long time no see. Oh no, I should be calling you President Pan instead. I heard that you were promoted during these few years. You''re now the vice president of Peking University?"


    "Haha, I''m still nothing aspared to you. Coming back after four years, you took the Highest Science and Technology Award just like that!"


    "I was just lucky, just lucky."


    "There''s no need to be humble. Anyway, I''m looking for you for something."


    "Please speak."


    "About the professorship at Peking University, why don''t you continue on in the position?"


    "Ah? Didn''t I resign from my post a few years ago?"


    "That''s why I''m reinviting you."


    "I had better not. I don''t have time to give any lessons."


    "There''s no need for you to give any lessons. As long as you agree, I''ll get someone to send the appointment letter to you by tomorrow. It''s settled then. I''ll take it that you''ve agreed whether you like it or not. I didn''t say anything when you resigned a few years ago. I knew that you must''ve been afraid that you''d drag Peking University down over the hacking incident, so let''s not talk about that anymore. Since you''re back, don''t turn down the offer. Peking University will forever be your home."


    "Sure, alright then."


    "Haha, great, then it''s settled!"


    After hanging up.


    Another call came from Media College.


    "Professor Zhang."


    "President Chen."


    "I''ve sent off the appointment letter for your professorship. Don''t forget to ept it."


    "Ah? I''ll be a professor just like that? You should have at least informed me beforehand."


    "Is there a need to do that? You''re a student who went through the doors of Media College, so you''re forever a member of our Media College family. This professor position was originally yours anyway. I didn''t agree to your resignation back then, so as it happens, we''re rejecting your resignation from back then. You''re still a professor of our school."


    "Damn, alright then."


    "Little Zhang, you''ve done well these past few years. You''ve done really well. You didn''t embarrass your alma mater at all!"


    "Ahem, President Chen, I''ve been involved in scientific research and development for the past few years. I didn''t do anything regarding broadcast at all��"


    "Our university also teaches physics, mathematics, and aviation��uh, I think there''s no aviation course yet, but we''ll have it in the future. Where did you develop your talent? At our school, of course! You were developed and trained by Media College, isn''t that so?"


    "Ah, yes, yes, it''s all due to my alma mater."


    "Remember to say it like that to the media as well."


    "Pfft, I understand."


    However, that was not the end of it.


    After putting the cell phone down and attempting to get back to lunch, it rang again.


    But this time, the call startled Zhang Ye.


    It was from General Li.


    "Fellow Zhang."


    "Old Li, what''s the matter? Didn''t we meet at the Great Hall earlier?"


    "So you mean I can''t look for you for other matters?"


    "Haha, of course you may, please go ahead."


    "I am at the National Defense University 1 right now."


    "National Defense University?"


    "Yeah, it''s my alma mater. I was pulled aside by the school''s president right after a meeting. He bought me a meal and spoke to me for such a long time. Only then did I realize it was because he wanted to look for you about something."


    "What does the National Defense University want with me?"


    "They would like to invite you to join the National Defense University as a professor. It''s a full professorship too, not an associate one."


    "Professorship? But the National Defense University is the highest educational institute for military affairs. Shouldn''t that be a military rank? I''m not in the military."


    "There are civilian professors too."


    "Damn, why me again?"


    "What do you mean again?"


    "Ahem, it''s nothing."


    "They understand that you''re busy, and that their invitation to you to join the National Defense University after you''ve won the Highest Science and Technology Award might feel like it''s a bit of an afterthought, as though your efforts are there for the picking, so they feel a little embarrassed about it. That''s why they found me to talk to you about whether you''re willing to join the university. They even said that you basically wouldn''t need to give any lessons. It''s fine to just show up over there once in a while, and you won''t need to worry about anything else. It''s just going to be a title, so what do you say?"


    "If that''s the case, it''s fine."


    "Alright, I''ll help you say yes to them then?"


    "Sure."


    The call finally ended.


    Zhang Ye walked back to the table and sat down.


    His mother said in annoyance, "Why are you so busy?"


    Li Qinqin smiled and said, "Little Ye has just won the highest award and is currently in the news, so he''s busy."


    Xin Ya asked, "Who was that? Look at how gleeful you are."


    Zhang Ye grinned. "It''s from a few universities. Peking University, Media College, and National Defense University all approached me to take on a professorship role with them. I ended up agreeing to it since I wouldn''t suffer any losses and it would help me with my poprity too."


    Xin Ya was stunned. "The National Defense University also came looking for you?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yeah."


    Li Qinqin said happily, "That is a good thing!"


    Xin Ya said helplessly, "You''ve be so sought after! The National Defense University is the military''s highest educational institute in the country, but even they''re fighting to get you to join them?" Pausing for a moment, she sighed and said, "But that''s not exactly surprising either. You''ve attracted so much attention this time. The Highest Science and Technology Award that hadn''t been given out for the past two years was even won by you, so it''s only expected that they''re fighting over you. If you join them as a professor, it will also be an honor for their schools, and they''ll be able to rub off of your glory."


    Sometimes,parisons were torture.


    Xin Ya had spent her entire life doing mathematics research. It was so during her school days and also the same after she had graduated. She was now almost 40, yet she still hadn''t managed to get the title of a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. For now, she was still just a researcher with the academy. But Zhang Ye? He was a celebrity who had graduated with a broadcasting major, someone who totally had no rtion to the scientificmunity and had never stayed long in a field of work. Instead, it was someone like that who was appointed a research fellow at the Two Academies, as well as securing professorship titles at the various key universities of China. He even reached the summit after having won the Highest Science and Technology Award, so what would you make of that?


    Several years ago, Zhang Ye had lost all his honor when he left.


    Several yearster, when Zhang Ye returned, he regained all of that glory and even more!


    A Two Academies research fellow!


    Three professorship titles!


    This was totally unprecedented!


    What could time do about him?


    This guy was absolutely unable to be measured with anymon sense!


    ��


    After lunch.


    Xin Ya said goodbye.


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Do you need me to see you out?"


    Xin Ya said with augh, "Sure."


    Wu Zeqing acknowledged, "OK."


    Zhang Ye even urged from behind, "Old Wu,e back in quickly after you see her out. The appointment from the National Defense University has been sent over already, and it''s full of words. Help me take a look at it."


    Wu Zeqing gave him a smile. "Sure, why don''t you put it down."


    His mother stared at him. "Don''t you know how to read it yourself?"


    Zhang Ye said, "My wife is better at such things than I am."


    His mother harrumphed, "Without Zeqing around, I doubt you''d be able to survive."


    Outside.


    The two of them walked to Xin Ya''s car, which was parked outside.


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "What did you want to talk about?"


    Xin Ya looked at her. "When you got married to Zhang Ye, I''ve mentioned that you two might not be right for each other. I''m taking back those words of mine."


    "Why did you suddenly think about this?" Wu Zeqing asked.


    Xin Yaughed. "I just wanted to get it out since I remembered. I''m not as good as you when ites to choosing a man. I''m just curious how you managed to snag such a great person out of the crowd."

 Chapter 1583 - A change is coming to the entertainment circle?

    <h4>Chapter 1583 - A change ising to the entertainment circle? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It was the weekend.


    In the morning.


    Old Wu took a rare day off from work while Sisi was on summer break from kindergarten. The mother and daughter were up early in the morning, leaving Zhang Ye stillzing in bed. He wouldn''t get up no matter what.


    "Daddy, Daddy."


    "What is it?"


    "Daddy, get up."


    "Let your father sleep another two hours."


    "Mommy said that you aren''t a good child if youze around in bed."


    "Daddy is not a child."


    "Get up quickly, Daddy."


    "Thene and give Daddy a kiss."


    Zhang Ye was being shameless.


    Sisi was getting anxious.


    Wu Zeqing slowly walked to the bedside and said with a smile, "How are you not a child? You''re a child through and through. How old are you? Shouldn''t you be setting an example to our child? Hur hur." She then carried Sisi onto the bed. "Give Daddy a kiss and ask him to get up."


    Sisi gave Zhang Ye a kiss.


    Zhang Ye turned over and said, "Your Mommy has to give me a kiss as well."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and lowered her head to kiss him as well. "There."


    Yawning, Zhang Ye finally stretched himself and sat up in bed. His outstretched arms wrapped around his wife and daughter and he hugged them. "Say, this bro''s days are sofortable. Every day is such a wonderful day. I wouldn''t exchange such a life even if I were offered the position of president." He then took his cell phone from the bedside table and opened the camera app. He selected the selfie mode and said, "Quick, let''s take a family picture together."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "But I haven''t washed up yet."


    Zhang Ye said, "My wife is good-looking even if she hasn''t washed her face yet."


    "Oh, you." Wu Zeqing was left with no choice.


    When Sisi saw herself on the screen, she revealed a very cute look.


    Kacha!


    Zhang Yeughed heartily and said, "It''s done. I''ll put it up on Moments!"


    With just a few taps, he uploaded it.


    Almost instantly, quite a few people in his Moments liked the picture.


    Yao Jiancai replied: " Sharenting 1 ?"


    Fan Wenli replied: "Minister Wu is so beautiful!"


    Ning Lan replied: "You''re showing off your wife and sharenting so early in the morning? Should you really be doing this?"


    The deputy station head of Central TV replied: "Your daughter is so cute."


    Xiaodong replied: "Wow, Sisi is such a good girl. I want to give her a kiss! *drooling emote*"


    Amy replied: "Minister Wu still looks so good without her makeup? So jealous *tableflip emoticon*"


    The response was very enthusiastic.


    Zhang Ye was very happy.


    This was exactly the effect he wanted!


    As a result, this fellow was getting the hang of this feeling. After breakfast, Wu Zeqing started ying with Sisi. They would go out into the yard to y on the swing, water the nts, y with Sisi''s new toys, and let her try on her new clothes. Wu Zeqing was unlike Zhang Ye. Zhang Ye''s enthusiasm would onlyst a short while. He could y with the child crazily for half an hour before feeling tired and pulling himself out of the situation. But Old Wu could y with the child for an entire day, even squeezing in cooking in between. She was meticulous as a person. Perhaps this was the difference between a father and a mother.


    The mother and daughter were happily ying while Zhang Ye took pictures of them. Sometimes, he would take pictures of his wife, and sometimes, he would take pictures of his daughter.


    Five pictures.


    Ten pictures.


    A hundred pictures.


    His Moments started filling up with his posts.


    The text that he posted along with the pictures were also particrly poetic.


    "Mommy is the best in the world."


    Tap, tap, tap. He attached nine photos of Old Wu to the post.


    "My daughter is a good little girl."


    Tap, tap, tap. He attached nine photos of Sisi to the post.


    "Mother and daughter are my two treasures."


    Tap, tap, tap. He attached nine photos of Old Wu and Sisi to the post.


    "While Daddy is only a de of grass."


    Tap! He attached a single photo of himself nestled in a corner.


    The people on Zhang Ye''s Moments were going crazy.


    His eldest younger sister: "Pfft, Brother is obsessively posting pictures of his wife!"


    His third sistermented: "And also obsessively posting his daughter''s pictures too!"


    Grandma Zhang Xiamented: "Little Zhang has gone crazy."


    His mothermented: "Why are you posting so many updates? Do you have nothing better to do?"


    At the beginning, everyone was liking his posts and replying to them. After all, Zhang Ye didn''t usually post much on Moments. But when he posted his 10th post on Moments, the number of people liking it had be significantly fewer. By the time he reached his 20th post, barely anyone gave him any more Likes ormented on them. Oh, but it wasn''t totally no one. There was still a person who was tirelessly liking andmenting on his posts. Whenever Zhang Ye posted something, he would like it. He didn''t miss out on any of the posts.


    This guy was Supervisor Ke.


    A department head at the Central Publicity Department.


    Supervisor Ke was also going crazy. Wu Zeqing was his supervisor and his direct boss. Due to the TV series the Central Publicity Department had funded, he had added Zhang Ye to his contacts. When he saw all those posts of his boss and her daughter, how could he possibly not like them and add ament? Supervisor Ke was well-known at his workce for going on a spree with his Likes. As long as it were anyone in his Moments, he would always make sure to press Like on their posts. This was a habit for him. If he could always press Like on the posts of his normal colleagues, how could he not Like the posts that his direct boss was in? That wouldn''t be eptable. This was a mistake that Supervisor Ke would obviously notmit. But as things would have it, Zhang Ye posted several dozen updates onto his Moments today. As such, he also liked all several dozen posts and would wrack his brains to think of what toment on each of them.


    Supervisor Ke: "It''s been hard on Minister Wu. She works hard at the office and also has to take care of her child on the weekends."


    Supervisor Ke: "Sisi is so adorable. She''s bing prettier and prettier."


    Supervisor Ke: "What flowers are these? They''re nice."


    Supervisor Ke: "Where did you buy this toy? It''s nice!"


    Supervisor Ke: "This outfit suits Sisi great. It''s nice!"


    Supervisor Ke: "This hairpin on Sisi''s head��It''s nice!"


    For the entire morning.


    Zhang Ye didn''t feel tired at all from his postings on Moments.


    However, Supervisor Ke was almost burnt out by it. His eyes had turned green with nausea!


    ��


    Noon.


    During lunch, Wu Zeqing finally checked her cell phone.


    Old Wu said helplessly, "Just how many times did you post? I browsed through five of them already, and I''m still not done."


    Zhang Ye said, "I don''t remember, but it''s not a small number."


    "Oh, you." Wu Zeqing smiled as she shook her head.


    Zhang Ye casually switched on the television. When it came on, it was a news report about the State Science and Technology Prizes. It seemed like the momentum of this news wouldn''t die off for at least a week. However, it could be deduced from this point that the people and the media were all in shock and disbelief over Zhang Ye bing a great scientist. From a notorious hacker, he had now turned into a hero of science. This contrast couldn''t be greater, so everyone definitely found it difficult to ept at the moment.


    Wu Zeqing asked, "You''re still not nning to reopen your poprity ranking?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m still waiting for Sister Lan''s news."


    They had been friends for many years, so there was a need for this. He also understood that it was the best opportunity to reopen his Chinese poprity rankings right now. Prestige, topicality, reputation, he was at the pinnacle of all that at this moment. In fact, his current reputation was even better than before he got imprisoned. To say that his poprity had doubled from that time would not be an exaggeration.


    Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise. Back then, Zhang Ye''s poprity had reached a bottleneck, especially his Chinese poprity. The highest he got to at that time was around the sixth ce of the S-list rankings. Based on the order of that, he didn''t even manage to get into the top five in China. Moreover, Zhang Ye had pushed it to the extremes. Even if he were to continue with his efforts at that time, he would probably not have seen too great of a change in one or two years. However, after consolidating for several years and with that rapid era change in the entertainment circle, Zhang Ye could still stand here and regain the poprity that he once had. In fact, it was even higher than that, close enough to the point that he had hopes of catching up to the seat of the person at the top. This was a miracle that no one else could replicate. His name was a legend in the entertainment industry!


    He was only one step away.


    And this was a step Zhang Ye wasn''t sure he could take.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    His cell phone suddenly rang. It was from Xu Men.


    Zhang Ye answered: "Sister Lan?"


    On the other end, Xu Men said with a chuckle: "You''ve been waiting a long time, haven''t you?"


    "It''s fine, I''m not anxious," Zhang Ye said with augh.


    Xu Men said: "Thank you. This time, Big Sis owes you a great big favor. If there''s anything you need in the future, just tell me."


    Zhang Ye was startled to hear that. "Your movie has premiered?"


    Xu Men said: "It premiered two days ago."


    Zhang Ye eximed: "Ah? Then how''s your poprity ranking?"


    Xu Men giggled. "You didn''t check the poprity rankings, right?"


    "Nope."


    "True, you were busy posting on Moments all morning. Hur hur, Big Sis has risen to sixth on the S-list rankings. I''m no longer inst ce, so hurry up and reopen your ranking. I don''t want to dy your matters for too long." She said sincerely: "I hope that you will be able to soar to the Heavens this time. Of all the celebrities from back then, it all depends on you now."


    Zhang Ye bellyughed and said: "Sure, I''ll be counting on your blessings then."


    After hanging up.


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Is it time?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Sister Lan''s matter is dealt with. She''s now second tost on the S-list rankings. Even if my poprity score is ahead of hers and pushes her back down the rankings, she will still get to keep her Heavenly Queen status." Rubbing his hands together, he took a deep breath. "But I really do feel a little nervous right now. This bro has been doing so much recently, but what if I can''t even get back on the S-list? What if I still remain below Sister Lan in the rankings? That would be so embarrassing. Where will this bro hide his face if that happens?"


    But Wu Zeqing said, "Don''t think too much."


    Zhang''er said, "Alright, I''ll listen to my wife."


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Are you going out now?"


    "Yes, I''ll head to the studio for a bit," Zhang Ye said.


    Wu Zeqing said, "Come back early."


    Zhang Ye said, "OK."


    It was the calm before the storm.


    This was what many of those in the entertainment circle who were well-informed were feeling. Perhaps a change might really being to the entertainment circle soon!

 Chapter 1584 - The competition for first place in the entertainment industry!

    <h4>Chapter 1584 - Thepetition for first ce in the entertainment industry! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the afternoon.


    At the studio.


    When the door opened, Zhang Ye came walking in.


    Looking at the inside, not a lot of people were at work today. Only four or five people were on duty as it was a Saturday today. The rest of the staff were all on their weekend break.


    "Director Zhang?"


    "What are doing you here?"


    "Aren''t you supposed to be on your day off today?"


    "Haha, I saw your posts on Moments."


    "Why aren''t you at home apanying your child?"


    "Yeah, we''re here."


    Then Zhang Ye said, "Sister Lan''s matter is settled."


    Tong Fu said in surprise, "So quickly?"


    "I think Sister Lan''s box office earnings for her new movie are pretty high," Zhang Ye said with augh.


    Little Wang was taken back. "Ah, we didn''t notice at all, then��"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Hurry up, call Old Ha and Old Zuo back."


    Little Wang replied, "Understood, I''ll call them immediately!"


    Soon after, Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo drove back to the office in a hurry.


    Zhang Ye instructed them, "Old Ha, you were the one liaising with the poprity rankings agency all this while, right? Let them know that my poprity ranking spot can be reopened."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Alright! I''ve waited a long time for this!"


    Zhang Zuo was also extremely excited. "It''s finally time!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Brother Zuo, can I trouble you to make a trip to the media outlets?"


    Zhang Zuo obeyed. "Will do, I''ll handle it."


    Zhang Ye pped his hands and said, "Everyone, let''s buck up. Whether we seed or not will all depend on this day!"


    "Got it!"


    "Alright!"


    "Director Zhang will prevail!"


    At this moment, the staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio were filled with great fighting spirit!


    They also wanted to know how far Director Zhang could go this time!


    ��


    Very quickly, the news got out.


    The official Weibo of the poprity rankings agency announced some news. "We have just received thetest news from Zhang Ye''s Studio. Teacher Zhang has decided to reopen his spot on the poprity rankings (the subject hasn''t had his poprity score updated in three and a half years). Our staff are already working on it, and we''re stepping up our efforts to process the relevant information and data. We will tentatively be reopening Teacher Zhang''s poprity ranking spot at 7 o''clock sharp this evening. For updates of any changes, please follow our Weibo, thank you."


    A tossed stone creates a 1,000 ripples!


    The media erupted!


    The industry blew up!


    The public was in chaos!


    "Zhang Ye reopens his poprity ranking?"


    "Show business circle to experience a change soon?"


    "How much poprity does a former Heavenly King have left?"


    "Can Zhang Ye stage a glorious return?"


    "What a bombshell!"


    "Stormy times for the entertainment circle again!"


    ��


    At an entertainmentpany.


    "Oh my God!"


    "He''s really reopening his poprity ranking?"


    "This is big news!"


    "I was wondering why my eyes have been twitching for the past few days. I should''ve known that something big was gonna happen!"


    "Zhang Ye ising back and bearing ill will!"


    "How will it end up now that he''s reopening his poprity ranking?"


    "No one knows for sure!"


    ��


    At Central TV.


    "He''s reopening it?"


    "This is too sudden!"


    "It''s not exactly sudden. Actually, he had wanted to reopen his rankings earlier."


    "Yeah, it was expected that his ranking would get suspended after the hacking incident from before. But now that he''s been released from jail and even made such a great contribution to the country''s scientific and technological advancement, there''s no reason why they would continue suspending his ranking. So then, why did he reopen it at this time?"


    "Could it be because of Xu Men?"


    "Based on Zhang Ye''s character, that''s really a possibility!"


    ��


    At a male idols'' gathering.


    "What?"


    "There''s really such a thing?"


    "This is bad, let''s leave. I have to make a trip back to the studio!"


    "Let''s leave together. Hai, I don''t have an appetite anymore."


    "I thought that he didn''t care about the poprity rankings."


    "If his poprity ranking really��uh, surely it won''t happen, right?"


    "There''s still Guan Zhaohua holding down the fort at the top."


    "Yeah, Brother Guan is currently at the top of the domestic poprity rankings."


    ��


    At Guan Zhaohua''s studio.


    "This is bad!"


    "Zhang Ye is going to reopen his poprity rankings!"


    "Will it affect us?"


    "It shouldn''t. He can''t possibly be that popr, right?"


    "Yeah, no matter how awesome Zhang Ye is, he returned just a while ago. He hasn''t been involved in the entertainment circle for nearly four years. There''s no reason he can affect us!"


    "He''s still very dangerous. That fellow is a legend, after all!"


    "Let''s get prepared!"


    "Hurry up, contact the media to issue a write-up about us!"


    ��


    At another Heavenly Queen''s studio.


    "Why is heing out and creating trouble for us at this time?"


    "Xu Men has just risen to the sixth spot of the S-list, and he''s choosing this time to reopen his poprity ranking? Then aren''t we in great danger? We''re in the seventh spot! That''s the bottom of the S-list!"


    "We can''t let Zhang Ye get into the S-list!"


    "Get in touch with the media outlets that we''re close to and see if they can dig up some dirt on Zhang Ye and publish it?"


    "You''ve got it wrong. No media outlets would dare to publish such news on Zhang Ye at this time."


    "Pay them!"


    "This isn''t a matter of money! Don''t you know who Zhang Ye''s wife is?"


    ��


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Uncle Zhang is almighty!"


    "This kid is finally back!"


    "I guess a lot of people in showbiz won''t be able to sit still any longer."


    ��


    At Xu Men''s studio.


    "You can do it, Teacher Zhang!"


    "I hope Teacher Zhang wins!"


    "Teacher Zhang has given us a lot of help this time in our fight against the male idols and in the poprity rankings. Sister Lan is so fortunate to have a friend like that."


    "Yeah, Teacher Zhang is such a loyal friend."


    "That''s of course. Don''t you know how many years their friendship goes back?"


    "I hope that Teacher Zhang score an opening victory!"


    ��


    At Xiaodong''s house.


    The trio of Spring Garden were all here.


    "Teacher Zhang is finally moving!"


    "This is such great news!"


    "He should have reopened his rankings long ago!"


    "It''s too critical to have a spot on the poprity rankings!"


    "Yeah, by reopening his poprity rankings, it will disrupt the current state of showbiz!"


    ��


    In the Go world.


    "All the best!"


    "Lord Zhang''s making a push on the poprity rankings, we oughta give him all our support!"


    "Lord Zhang, you can do it!"


    ��


    In the advertising world.


    At Li Xiaoxiao''s house, she was currently chatting with several of her close friends.


    "Xiaoxiao,e and watch the news!"


    "Is the news real?"


    "Zhang Ye is going to go on a rampage again!"


    "You''re speaking like he hasn''t been going on a rampage ever since he came back."


    "But it''s different this time. The poprity rankings are the true standard for measurement of everything."


    "I don''t like this Zhang Ye. Back in the advertising war against our Xiaoxiao, he came up with that slogan of ''Family Spring, a rather sweet thing'' and caused her to get held back by so many years! It angers me just mentioning it!"


    "Yeah, our Xiaoxiao was the best person of the advertising and marketing world back then, yet Zhang Ye as a host had toe and mess things up for her. How infuriating!"


    "Hur hur, but he''s really capable."


    "Xiaoxiao, why are you speaking up for him!"


    "I''m just stating the facts."


    ��


    At Xinhua News.


    "What''s supposed toe will stille."


    "Are they going for a win this time?"


    "Who''s Zhang Ye gonna be stacking up against this time?"


    "The male idols, I guess?"


    "No, he''s going after all of the domestic celebrities!"


    ��


    Zhang Ye''s fan club.


    In a group chat.


    "Teacher Zhang is going to smack faces again!"


    "Hahahaha, I''m so looking forward to it!"


    "Zhang Ye is the best!!"


    "He''s taking action when it''s the right time. Go fuck them up!"


    "Come on! Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "I''m in shock!"


    "I''m really anticipating it!"


    "Sister Lan''s movie has just had an explosive box office opening. She just moved up to sixth ce in the S-list and Zhang Ye is reopening his poprity rankings? This is clear as day!"


    "So he was waiting for Xu Men!"


    "I knew it. So that was why he didn''t reopen his poprity rankings earlier!"


    "What a loyal person Zhang Ye is!"


    "This is what you call a real friend!"


    "@ZhangYe Thank you on behalf of Sister Lan!"


    "The righteous Lord Zhang!"


    "Teacher Zhang is a real man!"


    "I am the vice president of Sister Lan''s fan club. On behalf of all her fans, I thank Teacher Zhang. From now on, we will forever be allies and share weal and woe together. @BigSaberBro If there''s anything you need us for in the future, just speak!"


    "Yao Jiancai''s fan club is here to show our support!"


    "Dong Shanshan''s fan club is here to show our support!"


    "Ning Lan''s fan club is here to show our support!"


    "Awaiting the final oue!"


    "Right, let''s wait for the results together!"


    ��


    This day was destined not to be a quiet one.


    A single Weibo post from the poprity rankings agency had turned the entire entertainment circle upside down!


    Everyone knew that after today, the current state of the Chinese entertainment circle would end up going through a turbulent change!

 Chapter 1585 - The latest popularity rankings are revealed!

    <h4>Chapter 1585 - Thetest poprity rankings are revealed! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The outside world was in chaos.


    Demons.


    Monsters.


    All of them came crawling out at this moment.


    The entertainment industry had seen two different eras in recent years and undergone two huge waves of changes. The first was when the veteran artists such as Zhang Yuanqi and some other celebrities ruled the industry many years ago. With Zhang Yuanqi''s retirement from the entertainment circle, an era ended with her withdrawal. Afterwards, most of the veterans of that era also left the public eye. The only person who had somewhat managed to maintain her poprity from back then was Xu Men. The entertainment industry ushered in a new era. It was the era of the male idols led by Guan Zhaohua. His poprity with the public and the media had pushed the Chinese entertainment circle to a whole new level. These days, the shadows of these male idols and hunks were seen everywhere, from variety shows to television series, to films��


    Until Zhang Ye returned from serving his sentence.


    Until Zhang Ye announced hiseback.


    A lot of things changed overnight.


    Shock!


    Astonishment!


    Disbelief!


    Was this the end of the male idols'' era?


    Could it be that tonight would usher in a third wave of changes in the entertainment circle and wee a new era?


    Back when Zhang Ye debuted, he boarded at the tail end of the train of Zhang Yuanqi''s era. During that era of the entertainment industry, Zhang Ye''s name was always going to be an indispensable part of it, with his story always a legend of that time. However, he was not the protagonist of that era. Zhang Yuanqi, Xu Men, and a few others were the main people who had founded that era of the Chinese entertainment circle and ruled it for a full ten years. At that time, Zhang Ye had still not reached the height of his status.


    But that situation had changed.


    An era belonging to Zhang Ye might very well being soon!


    They might just be witnessing the arrival of the entertainment industry''s third revolution!


    ��


    The media turned serious!


    The atmosphere in the entertainment circle had be very tense!


    The people were all counting down in their minds!


    There were still two hours to go!


    There was still an hour to go!


    It was 6 o''clock in the evening.


    The poprity rankings were about to be refreshed!


    ��


    In the evening.


    At home.


    Zhang Ye arrived home in a leisurely mood.


    "You''re back?" Wu Zeqing had already prepared dinner. The dishes were all on the table.


    "Why haven''t you two eaten yet?" Zhang Ye looked at the table.


    Sisi replied, "Mommy said that we had to wait for Daddy toe home first."


    Zhang Ye quickly got seated and eximed, "Aiya, why did you have to wait for me? Quick, let''s eat. Look at how hungry my daughter is."


    Sisi looked at Wu Zeqing. "Mommy."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Daddy is home now. We can start eating."


    Sisi let out a cheer and started gobbling down her food.


    When Zhang Ye saw this, he smiled. She warmed his heart.


    After dinner, Sisi went back to her bedroom to y.


    Zhang Ye helped Wu Zeqing out with the chores. He washed the dishes and cleaned the table.


    Old Wu said nonchntly, "Mom called twice this afternoon. She''s concerned about the Poprity Rankings Index."


    "My mom always loves worrying for nothing." Zhang Yeughed and said, "What''s the use of her asking you about that? Even I don''t know what the results will be after the poprity rankings are refreshed."


    Wu Zeqing looked down as she washed the dishes. "This afternoon, I suddenly got reminded of something from the time when I was serving in the lower levels. Do you want to hear about it?"


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "Sure."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Well, I used to be the head of the city''s ideological control department. Before I was appointed, I didn''t think much of it. All I wanted to do was to get my job done. I thought it would be easy, but in fact, it didn''t work out to be simple. The stress that I had at that time was really quite bad. The people under me were all waiting for me to get some results, so I had to handle a lot of matters by myself, including socializing with others and solving issues, all because I was the head of the department. If any problems surfaced, others would say that I was not capable enough, hur hur. So even now, I do not think that that was a good position to be in. Sometimes, the higher you climb, the easier it is to trap yourself in an unfavorable position."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. He blinked for a bit and then smiled. "I understand what you''re getting at."


    But Wu Zeqing just smiled and said, "I didn''t say anything."


    After the dishes were washed.


    Wu Zeqing pulled Zhang Ye out to the yard.


    The moonlight.


    Thewn.


    The long bench.


    The two of them sat shoulder to shoulder as they looked up and admired the moon.


    "Are you prepared?"


    "I am."


    "It will only get harder from here."


    "As long as you''re by my side, I''ll walk this path even if it means going through trials and tribtions!"


    The look in Zhang Ye''s eyes turned even more determined.


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Little Ye."


    Zhang Ye said, "Hmm?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "I haven''t heard you recite a poem for me in a while."


    Zhang Ye gave a slight smile and grabbed Old Wu''s hand. Then he looked up at the moonlight.


    He understood Old Wu''s intentions and knew that she was worried for him. Zhang Ye knew clearly that if he were to take this step forward, it would be into a whole new world. The opponents he would be facing were going to be the top international stars from around the world. Zhang Ye had never seen that world before, nor had he experienced the dangers of it before. Perhaps every step would have to be taken with great difficulty. Perhaps he wouldn''t even make a mark even if his head was broken and bleeding.


    Yet, he was truly ready for it.


    He was willing to go into that "world" to have a look around!


    He was willing to give it a shot on behalf of all the Chinese celebrities!


    Zhang Ye recited:


    "I''d be the whitewater


    "Flowing through mountain streams,


    "Over rugged streambeds,


    "Sshing over the rocks��


    "So long as my belov��d


    "May be a little fish,


    "Swimming in my rolling waves,


    "Happy and fancy-free.


    "I''d be the wild forest


    "On either river bank,


    "Facing the howling winds


    "And bravely fighting them��


    "So long as my belov��d


    "May be a little bird,


    "Nesting in my foliage,


    "Dense, on branches warbling.


    "I''d be the wrecked ruins


    "Atop the mountain peaks.


    "This silent destruction


    "Does not make me depressed��


    "So long as my belov��d


    "May be green ivy vines,


    "Clinging to my crumbling walls,


    "Climbing ever upwards.


    "I''d be a thatched cottage


    "Hidden in a valley.


    "The cottage''s roof torn,


    "Pounded by the weather��


    "So long as my belov��d


    "May be a lovely me


    "Inside of my firece.


    "She gently flutters there.


    "I''d be the frazzled clouds,


    "Graying and tattered gs.


    "In the vast open skies,


    "Floating without a care��


    "So long as my belov��d


    "May be the rose sunset


    "Shining upon my pale face,


    "Burning with bright brilliance."


    A smile appeared on Wu Zeqing''s face. "That''s really nice."


    This was a poem about love.


    A poem from his previous world called "Lennek en foly��v��z" by S��ndor Pet?fi 1. Zhang Ye''s current thoughts, moods, and emotions were all contained within this poem.


    He''d be those rapids!


    So long as Old Wu was by his side.


    Domestically?


    Asia?


    The world?


    He dared to take on everything and turn them upside down!


    Wu Zeqing tightly gripped his hand. "I''d be that little fish, that little bird, and that ivy too. I''ll walk with you, no matter how far you wish to go."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "That''s great!"


    Di di di.


    The rm that Zhang Ye had set earlier went off.


    It was 7 PM.


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "It''s time."


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath and grabbed his cell phone to check the Poprity Rankings Index.


    ��


    At the same moment.


    In the media.


    Among the celebrities.


    Among the people.


    Everyone was also anxiously refreshing the Poprity Rankings Index.


    At the next moment, all of them saw it. The rankings were updated!


    The Chinese Poprity Rankings Index:


    Celebrity rankings:


    First: Zhang Ye.


    Second: Guan Zhaohua.


    Third: Ai Fei.


    In that instant, the entire nation burst into an uproar!


    Zhang Ye had reached the summit!


    It was the birth of the king of the new era!

 Chapter 1586 - To see other summits dwarfed, and savor the scene!

    <h4>Chapter 1586 - To see other summits dwarfed, and savor the scene! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The Poprity Rankings Index was published!


    There was an uproar across the nation!


    Zhang Ye''s name was boldly inked in first ce!


    It wasn''t the first ce of the A-list rankings!


    It wasn''t the first ce of the other categories!


    But the first ce of the entire Chinese poprity rankings!


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    "It''s my son!"


    "It''s Little Ye!"


    "He''s in first ce! He''s in first ce!"


    "We''re not dreaming, are we?"


    ��


    At Ning Lan''s house.


    A few of his friends were gathered here.


    "First ce!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye''s name!"


    "Oh my God!"


    "He has reached the summit! This fellow has really reached the summit!"


    ��


    At an entertainmentpany.


    "Even the male idols are unable to stop him?"


    "There''s going to be a change of eras!"


    "But the times have already changed!"


    "I can''t believe that it''s him!"


    "He''s someone who left the industry for four years!"


    "Hai, a legend is still a legend."


    ��


    At a media outlet.


    "Something big has happened!"


    "There''s really going to be a change!"


    "Hurry! Work on the draft report!"


    "A few years ago when Zhang Ye was sent to prison, everyone thought that it was all over for him. Everyone thought that it would be impossible for him to make aeback again. But who could have thought that after four years, the domestic poprity rankings would actually be ruled by him? If this is a joke, then this joke has gotten way out of hand!"


    "I''m still in a state of shock!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    "Ahhhh!"


    "Hooray, Director Zhang!"


    "We did it! We really did it!"


    "I feel like crying!"


    "Director Zhang is too fucking awesome!"


    "We''ve won!"


    ��


    At a male idol''s studio.


    "But that''s impossible!"


    "This��oh my God!"


    "Has he really reached the summit?"


    "How did it turn out to be him! How can it be!"


    "It''s over! Guan Zhaohua has been pushed down by him!"


    ��


    At Guan Zhaohua''s studio.


    "We''re no longer in first ce?"


    "How is he so popr!"


    "This doesn''t fucking make any sense at all!"


    "Damn, what do we do now!"


    "Surpass him, of course! We have to catch back up!"


    "Look at the gap between Zhang Ye''s poprity score and ours, look at that number. In the short term, there''s no chance that we can possibly catch back up to him. His poprity right now is simply too high!"


    "This is illogical! This is totally illogical!"


    ��


    In the Go world.


    "Minister Wu''s husband has really reached the summit!"


    "How freakishly awesome!"


    "Lord Zhang is so domineering!"


    "The entertainment circle is finally presided over by Lord Zhang!"


    ��


    At the Chinese Academy of Sciences.


    "How could it��"


    "Damn, someone from our Chinese Academy of Sciences has actually reached the summit of the domestic poprity rankings?"


    "Ah? Is Zhang Ye considered one of our academy''s people?"


    "Why not? Isn''t he a research fellow from our academy?"


    "Uh��"


    ��


    At Central TV.


    "It''s a change of dynasties!"


    "Yeah, a new state of showbiz has arisen!"


    "Now that Zhang Ye has reached first ce in the domestic poprity rankings, it will be really difficult to say how our showbiz''s future will pan out."


    "With Zhang Ye''s temper, it might just signal that chaos will be breaking out in the international scene soon!"


    "Or perhaps he might bring the Chinese entertainment industry towards a brighter future?"


    "Brighter future?"


    "Zhang Yuanqi''s era of celebrities did not achieve it, and neither did Guan Zhaohua''s era of celebrities seed, so can Zhang Ye do it?"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    Theizens went crazy!


    "This is too exciting!"


    "An oddity of a generation, a legend of a generation!"


    "I''m so happy for Teacher Zhang!"


    "Ahhhh, I''m so fucking excited!"


    "It''s been eight years, eight whole years! I''ve been with Teacher Zhang since the beginning. I''ve liked him ever since he debuted and followed him all the way til now. I''ve personally witnessed how Teacher Zhang has made it thus far in these eight years, and it has really not been easy at all. It has been so difficult for him! There hasn''t been a celebrity like Zhang Ye before, and there won''t be another like him in the future either!"


    "I''m also a fan of Guan Zhaohua''s, and I like Ai Fei too. They''re both so good-looking and without a blemish to their reputations, so who could dislike them? But when ites to one''s verve, courage, and charisma, they''recking by far aspared to Zhang Ye! Therefore, I''ll ept that Zhang Ye has taken the top spot of the domestic poprity rankings!"


    "There has never been anyone so ordinary-looking who has taken the number one spot in the domestic poprity rankings!"


    "But I find Zhang Ye to be very attractive!"


    "Hehehe, I feel so too!"


    "Whether a person is attractive or not doesn''t depend on their looks alone!"


    "Motherfucker, I only like people like Zhang Ye. I love seeing him scold people, love seeing him write poems, love seeing him stir up trouble, and love seeing him cross over to all the different fields and shocking the eyeballs out of others. Pfft, aren''t I asking for it?!"


    "Congrattions to Zhang Ye!"


    "Congrattions on starting your reign, Teacher Zhang!"


    ��


    It blew up in the outside world.


    Countless people sent their congrattions.


    At home.


    Zhang Ye''s cell phone was exploding with calls, together with thendline at home, Old Wu''s cell phone, and Old Wu''s parents'' cell phones.


    Ha Qiqi screamed excitedly: "Director Zhang, you''re amazing!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "It was all to the credit of everyone!"


    In the call, Little Wang could be heard crying. She sobbed: "We''ve finally reached the top! The top! Director Zhang! I knew you could do it!"


    Zhang Ye said: "If not for you guys, I couldn''t have gotten to where I am."


    Zhang Zuo snatched the phone and said: "We didn''t do anything at all. If it weren''t for you, we wouldn''t have witnessed such a situation either! You were the one who brought us to the summit!"


    Tong Fu also shouted from the other end of the line: "You were the one who made it possible for us!"


    Wu Yi said loudly: "Director Zhang! Thank you!"


    Little Wang was still crying. "You''ve worked hard!"


    Yao Jiancai.


    Ning Lan.


    Zhang Xia.


    Chen Guang.


    Hu Fei.


    Dong Shanshan.


    Zhang Yuanqi.


    His three sisters.


    His aunts and uncles.


    His family and friends were all congratting him!


    There were even a lot of unexpected people who sent him messages on Weibo.


    The male idol, Hai Yifei: "Congrattions, Teacher Zhang!"


    The former most popr celebrity, Guan Zhaohua: "Congrattions!"


    A newly crowned Heavenly Queen posted on Weibo: "Fully deserving of being the number one!"


    At this moment.


    On this day.


    In the entire country.


    In the entire media.


    In the entire entertainment circle.


    Perhaps some were sincere and some not so. But practically everyone still came forward with congrattions!


    Zhang Ye couldn''t help but sigh.


    Eight years.


    It had been eight years.


    The grievances that he had felt.


    The difficulties thatid in his path.


    The ups and downs he had been through.


    Along the way, he had experienced so many incidents, too many twists and turns. Sometimes, when he thought about the suffering he had gone through years ago, he felt like he was telling a story. Even Zhang Ye himself did not know how he had made it through all of that. In fact, he couldn''t believe it at all. Did he reallye this far by himself?


    He had been banned by the industry more than 10 times!


    He had been detained at a police station!


    He had crossed paths with death on a hijacked airne!


    He had been besieged by several hundred people from the martial arts world!


    He had been sent to jail!


    He had bade farewell to the entertainment circle!


    If he had to experience these things again, he didn''t know if he could get through it all. But here he was, leading his team step by step towards the highest ce in the Chinese poprity rankings. He had reached the peak, the pinnacle, the spot where he was the most popr celebrity in the country!


    Countless people came to congratte him!


    Zhang Ye was surging with emotion!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye got reminded of a poem that he posted before.


    It was Du Fu''s "Admiring the Mountains."


    How to describe the Revered Peak?


    Towering over all Shandong with endless green.


    Heavenly beautiful splendor Nature gathered;


    the shaded north side cut off from the south side''s sheen.


    Clustering clouds cleanse the cracks in the heart,


    eyes strain watching homebound birds fly through the ravine.


    Someday I shall ascend your highest heights


    to see other summits dwarfed, and savor the scene.


    This was a promise he made back then. Today, Zhang Ye had finally made it!

 Chapter 1587 - Zhang Ye barges into a livestreaming channel!

    <h4>Chapter 1587 - Zhang Ye barges into a livestreaming channel! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Sunday.


    In the morning.


    At Zhang Ye''s eldest younger sister''s house.


    The entire family had gathered here today. His maternal grandparents, his uncles, and his aunts.


    When Zhang Ye''s parents arrived, everyone congratted them joyously.


    His third aunt said, "Congrattions! Little Ye has finally reached the top!"


    His second auntughed heartily and said, "This is a joyous asion for our family!"


    His second uncle said, "Yeah, when I saw the newsst night, I couldn''t believe it!"


    His grandma also said excitedly, "This is great! I haven''t doted on this grandson of mine for nothing." She still asked in disbelief, "Has my grandson really gotten first ce on China''s poprity rankings?"


    His motherughed and said, "That''s right! In the whole of China, there''s no one with higher poprity than Little Ye. He''s in first ce. It can''t get more real than that."


    His grandpa hurriedly asked, "Where''s Little Ye?"


    His father said, "He should be on the way."


    His first uncleughed and said, "Little Ye has just gotten to the summit, so he should be quite busy handling matters. There''s no rush."


    His mother smiled widely and said, "What can he be busy with? He''s the most popr celebrity in the entire country. He''s already at the top. Even if he wants to go higher up, there''s no ce to go any further. It has been so many years. It''s time the kid gets a good rest. I told him yesterday to rest for a period of time."


    His grandma said immediately, "That''s right."


    His third sister took out her cell phone and said, "I''ll send a message to Brother to hurry!"


    His second sister had also just arrived. "Where''s Big Sis?"


    His first uncle pointed upstairs. "She''s streaming. Some livestreamingpany paid her to stream on their tform, but her allocated time is not up yet, so she can''t go offline. Don''t disturb her."


    At this moment, the doorbell rang.


    Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing brought Sisi and Chenchen over.


    At this moment, the entire household turned lively.


    "Grandma, Grandpa!"


    "Hey!"


    "Bro, why are you sote!"


    "Haha, traffic, lots of traffic!"


    "Little Ye, congrattions!"


    "Thanks, First Uncle,"


    "Chenchen is here too?"


    "Yes, she''s here to scrounge."


    "Bro, I want a red packet!"


    "Ah? What red packet?"


    "You''re the number one person in show business. Surely it wouldn''t be nice if you didn''t give out some red packets to your younger sisters, right?"


    "Hahaha, sure, I''ll give, I''ll give."


    "Wow, long live Brother!"


    "Zhang Ye, I want one too."


    "You girls, all you know is how to scam me of my red packets!"


    "Hehehe."


    It was a lunch party for the entire family today, as well as Zhang Ye''s celebratory feast. Originally, they had agreed on holding it over at Zhang Ye''s house at the vi. However, they decided to change it to Cao Dan''s ce, his eldest younger sister''s new house. His eldest younger sister was a very popr celebrity in China as well. She was known as the top Inte celebrity in recent years and was doing very well. Naturally, her economic status wasn''t too bad either. With events andmercial performances to attend almost every day, she was probably even richer than Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye looked around the house and said, "This ce is not bad."


    His first aunt smiled and said, "It was only because you pointed your sister in the right direction years ago."


    "I was just leading her in, but it was still down to her own capabilities that she got there." Zhang Ye looked left and right. "Where''s Dandan?"


    His mother said, "Your sister is streaming at the moment."


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "She knows that I''d be here, yet she''s still busy streaming?"


    His first uncle said with augh, "It''s a job she took on some time ago."


    ��


    Upstairs.


    On the second floor of the duplex.


    There was a specially constructed studio up here that Cao Dan had always used to record her videos. The livestreaming event that she had today was also being carried out here.


    Cao Dan''s sweet voice rang out inside the room.


    "I''m really not good at singing.


    "Haha, I can''t dance either.


    "Believe me, you guys definitely don''t want to see me dance.


    "Aiya, I''m getting really hungry.


    "Yes, I have lunch with my family today."


    She chatted on and on.


    Over 4 million viewers were online watching the stream!


    The fans were crazily typing in the chat and sending donations 1 .


    AK has sent a car.


    SleeplessNights has sent a flying kiss.


    The fans:


    "Everyone, send in your donations!"


    "Otherwise, Dandan is going to get trashed by the other streamers!"


    "She''s still third in the donation rankings?"


    "Pfft, they''re teaming up to take on Dandan."


    "Dandan, hurry up and ask for donations! Or else we''re gonna fall back into fourth ce."


    "This tform is home field for those streamers. It would be surprising if they didn''t receive a lot of donations from their fans!"


    "Dandan, hang on! You had better not sing or dance. If not, you''ll drop even further down the donation rankings! We all know how ''good'' your singing is!"


    "Enough, alright!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    Cao Dan wasn''t an ambitious person. She only said with a smile: "It''s alright. You guys can donate if you like, but it''s fine even if you don''t. Juste to the livestreaming tform more often in the future to support our streamers. This is thergest livestreaming tform in the country at the moment. If I have time in the future, I wille often as well."


    The fans chatted.


    "Dandan is such a nice person."


    "They''re stepping on our heads."


    "No, this won''t do. We have to help Dandan get first on the donation rankings!"


    "Right, it would look really bad on us if she loses!"


    "I''d feel ashamed too. Let''s support Dandan!"


    "Hai, even the mighty dragon is no match for the native serpent?"


    "But our Dandan is still a B-list celebrity!"


    Another wave of donations filled the screen.


    For a short while, she was pushed into second ce of the donation rankings before dropping back down again.


    ��


    In a different livestreaming channel.


    The donations here were even crazier.


    This was Qiqi''s channel, the big sister of this livestreaming tform.


    The fans chatted.


    "Hahaha, this feels great!"


    "We''re first on the donations leaderboard!"


    "We gotta give it another push!"


    "Qiqi is my true goddess. Bring Cao Dan down!"


    "A goddess from elsewhere wants topete with our tform''s own goddess?"


    "Supporting Qiqi. We''ll send you soaring to the skies!"


    Qiqi covered her mouth as her eyes reddened. "Thank you, thank you to all the big brothers. Ahhh, what do I do, I''m gonna cry." Then she blew a few kisses to everyone.


    ��


    In another channel.


    In Xiaoling''s livestreaming channel.


    Xiaoling kept asking for donations.


    "Big brothers, you can do it!"


    "Keep the donationsing in!"


    "I want to fight for first ce today, so please allow this willful girl to have her way once!"


    "Whoever gets onto the top three of my donation rankings will get my cell phone number in your private messages!"


    ��


    In a group chat.


    It was a private group chat for the tform''s streamers.


    "Qiqi is in first ce."


    "Xiaoling is in second ce!"


    "Poor Cao Dan."


    "These whales are sending donations in like crazy."


    "Qiqi''s and Xiaoling''s ies for the day are probably going to exceed a million RMB, right?"


    "Cao Dan can''t possibly catch up. The gap is too wide."


    "Cao Dan doesn''t urge her viewers to donate either."


    "Let''s see if there will be any big reversal near the end."


    "Sister Cao is done for."


    Many of the tform''s streamers.


    Many of the tform''s users.


    Everyone had their attention on this matter.


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s eldest younger sister''s house.


    In the living room downstairs, they were making lunch in the kitchen.


    Zhang Ye leaned back onto the sofa and did a Beijing Sprawl 2 . "Is the food ready yet? I''m hungry."


    His mother gave him the look from the kitchen. "Then why don''t you get over here and help out?"


    Zhang Ye saidzily, "I can''t move, I''m tired."


    Chenchen gave a hur hur. "Zhang Ye, you''re such azy ass."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Come here and take care of the child. I''ll go and help Mom."


    "I can''t," Zhang Ye said shamelessly.


    His first auntughed and said, "There''s no need for you two to do anything. Just wait for the food."


    His father checked his watch. "Little Ye, go and get your sister. It''s almost time to eat."


    Zhang Ye ordered Chenchen, "Go, ask your Sister Dandan toe down."


    Chenchen got angry. "Why are you sozy?"


    His grandma was so amused that she gave him a look. "Go on, don''t just sit around. You can eat more if you move around a little."


    With her saying that, Zhang Ye finally stood up and went upstairs.


    ��


    Back upstairs.


    In the studio.


    The battle was entering a fever pitch.


    The fans were yelling.


    "Charge!"


    "Keep donating!"


    "Can someone send a spaceship 3 ?!"


    "Dandan is really going to lose!"


    "Damn, Qiqi has linked up with someone to do a joint stream!"


    "Xiaoling has also gone to get support!"


    "WindsAreBlowing? That''s a really popr streamer!"


    "Their ranks on the donation leaderboard have gone even higher!"


    "Getting support from others? They''re making it look like our Dandan doesn''t have friends or something!"


    "Pfft, I think Dandan-jiang 4 really doesn''t have any friends on this streaming site."


    "It''s over. The headlines tomorrow will surely be: ''The most popr Inte celebrity can''t win against the local tform streamers!''"


    When Cao Dan saw what her fans were typing, she said with a smile: "Everyone, please don''t worry about that. The other streamers are just doing their jobs. This isn''t a big deal." Then she looked at thements again and said, "Pfft, where am I going to get outside support from? My short videos have offended quite a few people, so it''s not like you guys don''t know how poor my social rtions are."


    At this moment, the door behind her opened.


    Zhang Ye pushed the door and entered, then said listlessly, "Hurry up and go downstairs for lunch."


    Cao Dan turned around, startled. "Bro?"


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "What are you still doing?"


    "I-I''m streaming." Cao Dan blushed in embarrassment. She was shy, so be it livestreaming or recording videos, she never liked doing it while her family and friends were around as she found that awkward.


    Zhang Ye blinked several times before walking over, interested. " Let me have a look."


    Cao Dan hurriedly stood up to block him. "Aiya, what are you looking around for? There''s nothing to see here."


    Zhang Ye said, "Can''t I just have a look?"


    Cao Dan''s face was burning. She said, "There''s gonna be trouble if you show your face!"


    This was a livestream.


    The stream dy was no longer than a second.


    At this moment, Cao Dan''s channel went silent!


    One second!


    Two seconds!


    Three seconds!


    In that instant, the livestreaming channel blew up!


    The fans screamed in surprise!


    "Ahhh!"


    "Fuck! Fuck!"


    "Who is that?"


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "What did I just see?"


    "Oh my God, Zhang Ye?"


    "The most popr celebrity in the country?"


    "Dandan, what''s going on there?"


    "This��this��"


    "I''m going crazy!"


    Cao Dan turned around and had a look at the monitor. She knew that this secret couldn''t be kept hidden any longer. She couldn''t help but facepalm. Then, without caring about Zhang Ye, she sat back down on her chair, helpless, and pulled the microphone over. "Uh, so about that."


    The fans pressed her.


    "What''s going on?"


    "What is Zhang Ye doing at your ce?"


    "What an interesting situation this is!"


    "Dandan, you''ve really roped someone in for support!"


    "*faints* Can your support be any more impressive than this!"


    "I''m in genuflection of Dandan!"


    "Dandan, you''ve won. You even managed to invite the number one person in showbiz?"


    "When we asked you to call for aid, we were only joking! But you really found someone?"


    Cao Dan didn''t know whether tough or cry. She exined: "I didn''t get any outside support. We have a family gathering today, and everyone came over for lunch. He��he''s my cousin."


    The fans were stunned!


    "Cousin?"


    "Your cousin is Zhang Ye?"


    "Zhang Ye is your rtive?"


    "Damn, why haven''t you mention this before!"


    "This��this is big news!"


    "I''m shocked too!"


    "Dandan, to think that you have such an impressive rtive!"


    "This is truly unfathomable! You are truly unfathomable!"


    "Fuck!!!"

 Chapter 1588 - Your sister!

    <h4>Chapter 1588 - Your sister! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    One spread to ten.


    Ten spread to a 100.


    The entire livestreaming tform burst into an uproar!


    ��


    In Xiaoling''s channel.


    The channel was in an extremely boisterous state at the moment.


    Airnes!


    Cars!


    Tanks!


    The donations kept flooding in!


    Xiaoling made a heart with her hands and said gratefully: "Thank you, Brother Little Zhou and Brother Dafei. You are all so kind to me. How far am I away from first ce?"


    The fans replied.


    "You aren''t that far from it!"


    "You''re catching up, awesome!"


    "Since Xiaoling covets first ce, we''ll get you first ce!"


    "Right! Everyone, do your best and donate as much as you can!"


    The streamer holding a joint stream with Xiaoling was also canvassing for donations on her behalf. As that person was also a very popr streamer on the tform with many fans, a lot of people responded to her calls for donations to Xiaoling.


    But suddenly, a lot of talk appeared.


    In the chat.


    "Stop donating."


    "Sister Xiaoling, let''s just forget it."


    "Cao Dan has also invited someone onto her channel to support her!"


    "Quickly go and have a look at Cao Dan''s channel. Something big has happened!"


    Xiaoling was startled. "What happened?"


    The streamer who was helping Xiaoling smiled and said: "Even if she has roped in someone to help, so be it. Everyone ispeting fair and square. We''ll just see who is more capable in the end. What''s the big deal?"


    HEHE sent a fainting emote. "What''s there topete for!"


    Bluesky520 sent a sobbing emote. "Even if all the streamers of the tforms in the country were to join forces, they would also not be able topete with that person!"


    Xiaoling was taken aback. "Even if all the streamers in the country were to join forces?"


    Xiaoling''s supporting streamer mocked: "Unless Cao Dan invited God Zhang Ye over!"


    Xiaoling burst outughing as well.


    Invite Zhang Ye?


    Are you kidding me?


    The fans replied.


    "She has really invited him!"


    "It''s really Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s him in person! It''s the real deal!"


    Xiaoling was stunned. "That''s impossible!"


    Xiaoling''s supporting streamer was dumbfounded. "Are you joking?"


    All of a sudden, Xiaoling''s channel moderator shouted: "Damn! What the heck! What the heck! I took a look in Cao Dan''s channel! Goddamn, Zhang Ye is really there!"


    Everyone was stunned!


    Xiaoling''s jaw dropped so low her mrs could be seen!


    ��


    In Qiqi''s channel.


    Qiqi said in surprise: "I''m no longer in first ce in the donation rankings? What happened?"


    The fans chatted.


    "What?"


    "Wasn''t she in first ce just now?"


    "Who jumped up into first ce then?"


    "It''s Cao Dan?"


    "She was in third ce just a while ago!"


    Qiqi''s supporting streamer was suddenly taken aback. She had just received a screenshot sent by the other members of the streamers'' group chat. When she saw this screenshot, she nearly fainted. She couldn''t help but look up at Qiqi, who was sharing the other half of the screen and said: "Sister Qiqi, I doubt we can catch up."


    Qiqi asked: "Why?"


    Qiqi''s supporting streamer was sweating. "Cao Dan has invited Teacher Zhang Ye over!"


    "What?" Qiqi nearly spat out a mouthful of blood!


    Damn, surely she doesn''t have to go that far, right!


    This is just apetition for the tform''s donation rankings!


    We''re just a small livestreaming tform!


    It''s not like we''repeting to get the best actress award!


    Norpeting to be the king of singers!


    Why would you invite the number one person of the entertainment circle over a donation ranking?


    Thinking about this, Qiqi nearly spat out another mouthful of blood. After holding it in for a long time, she finally shouted: "I''m not streaming anymore. I''m going offline!"


    The fans shouted.


    "Ah?"


    "Where are you off to?"


    "Qiqi, don''t go!"


    "Why are you going offline?"


    Qiqi said excitedly: "Do you need to ask? I''m going to watch that godly person on stream!"


    ��


    In the streamers'' group chat.


    "It''s really Zhang Ye!"


    "Lord Zhang is so handsome!"


    "Are Cao Dan and Zhang Ye really rted?"


    "This will surely be the entertainment headlines for today''s news!"


    "Pfft, this will be super interesting to watch!"


    "Yeah, it''s turning into something big this time!"


    "Compete with Cao Dan on the donations ranking? What''s there still topete on!"


    "If it were any other celebrity, that would still be something to fight for. Be it Cao Dan, Shu Han, or even Ning Lan and Dong Shanshan, everyone would still have a fighting chance if it were them who came. After all, this is our home field and territory. But if it''s Zhang Ye��then how are we supposed to fight against him? That''s the boss of the entertainment circle! The number one!"


    "I''m genuflecting to Cao Dan!"


    "This person that she has roped in to help is totally unprecedented!"


    "Ah, Qiqi has gone offline?"


    "What? Sister Xiaoling has gone offline too?"


    "@Qiqi, what''s going on?"


    "Yiyi has gone offline too?"


    "Damn, all of the streamers who were streaming just now have all gone offline? Where did they go off to?"


    ��


    In Cao Dan''s channel.


    5 million!


    6 million!


    7 million!


    In the blink of an eye, the number of viewers in the channel had surpassed 10 million people. They were not only made up by the subscribers of the tform, even a lot of other people who didn''t usually watch streams came to have a look when they heard about this news.


    Live.


    Cao Dan looked on helplessly.


    Zhang Ye stood beside her and put his head up to the camera. Then he smiled and said: "Thank you, everyone, for giving my cousin so much support in these past few years." He then touched Cao Dan''s head and said: "If there''s anything my sistercks, please bear with her. Treat it as giving me face."


    Cao Dan turned her head away and said in embarrassment, "Brother, hurry and eat."


    "Ah? I haven''t said enough yet," Zhang Ye said.


    Cao Dan pushed him away. "That''s enough. This is my channel."


    The chat was blowing up.


    "Come quickly to see someone godly!"


    "I''m kneeling to Dandan!"


    "This is too surprising! I never expected to see Zhang Ye!"


    "Lord Zhang, congrattions to you!"


    "Right, you''re finally the number one!"


    "Love you to death!"


    "Zhang Ye, Zhang Ye, I <3 u!"


    "Dandan, can we get Zhang Ye''s signature?"


    At this moment, many of the popr streamers also appeared!


    Qiqi said excitedly: "Damn, it''s really him in person! Lord Zhang! I want an autograph! I want an autograph! I''m your hardcore fan! Ahhhh!"


    Xiaoling alsomented: "It''s really God Zhang!"


    Xiaoxue said: "I''m ending my stream too!"


    Another male streamer: "Quick,e and see God Zhang for yourselves!"


    Another female streamer: "Heavens! This is the closest I''ve ever been to Face-smacking Zhang!"


    The donation notifications were pinging one after another!


    Qiqi has sent an aircraft carrier!


    Xiaoling has sent an aircraft carrier!


    Xiaoxue has sent an aircraft carrier!


    The people in the channel didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    "What is Qiqi doing here as well?"


    "Sister Xiaoling is here too?"


    "The popr streamers are all here? Weren''t they all streaming earlier?"


    "Pfft, the lure of Zhang Ye is too great."


    "So everyone is a fan of Zhang Ye!"


    "This is such a rare sight to see!"


    "Yeah, when have we ever seen so many popr streamers going offline from their channels toe to another one, then sending aircraft carriers as a show of support! Before this, they were all fighting to get first ce in the donation rankings!"


    Zhang Ye said in confusion, "How much is an aircraft carrier?"


    Cao Dan exined, "It''s equivalent to 10,000 RMB!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "Thank you, Qiqi. Thank you, Xiaoxue. Thank you, Xiaoling."


    Cao Dan also said immediately: "Thank you, everyone." When she saw the number of viewers in the channel, Cao Danughed and said: "What? There are already 10 million viewers watching? I said it just now that for every 1 million viewers we get, I''ll hold a lucky draw. Including the number of times I owe you all from just now, uh, we still have to hold seven lucky draws? What prizes would everyone like?"


    Everyone started shouting.


    "Zhang Ye''s autograph!"


    "Zhang Ye''s nudes!"


    Most were requesting these two items.


    Only Qiqi said something different. "I want God Zhang''s calligraphy!"


    Everyone was stunned for a moment beforeing around!


    "Yeah, that''s right!"


    "Make the prize his calligraphy!"


    "Zhang Ye''s words are worth ten thousand taels each!"


    "Yeah, there are only two words if it''s his autograph!"


    "With a calligraphy piece from him, we''d be rich!"


    "Hahahaha, good suggestion!"


    Cao Dan was also amused to see that. She looked to the side and said, "Bro, you asked for it, so you better handle this yourself."


    Zhang Ye said, "Huh?"


    A peaceful livestreaming session ended on an extremely high note.


    This was Zhang Ye''s first appearance since taking the number one position of the entertainment circle. From it, a lot of assumptions could be made. This momentum, this influence, this appeal, Guan Zhaohua didn''t have it, nor did Ai Fei. In the entire entertainment industry, only Zhang Ye wielded all of that!


    ��


    Half an hourter.


    Downstairs, everyone had already started eating.


    Finally, Zhang Ye and Cao Dan joined them.


    His motherined, "What were you two doing? What took you so long?"


    His first aunt asked her daughter, "You were streaming for so long?"


    Cao Dan said helplessly, "It was all Brother''s fault. He insisted on showing his face on stream, and everyone now knows that he''s my brother. In the end, so many people joined the stream to watch."


    "Isn''t that good?" His grandma said, "Let''s see who dares to bully you in the future."


    Cao Dan giggled. "No one bullied me before this anyway."


    His third sister suddenly waved her cell phone around and said, "Damn! The news has already reported about it!"


    His second sister said, "Sis, you''re in the headlines!"


    Cao Dan was taken aback. "Ah, so fast?"


    His first aunt said smilingly, "That''s of course. Don''t you know how popr your brother is now? He has just taken over at the top spot, so anything that is rted to him right now will end up in the headlines for sure."


    ��


    The media these days caught wind of everything too quickly.


    "Zhang Ye appears in a live stream!"


    "Zhang Ye actually turns out to be Cao Dan''s cousin?"


    "A great expose! The most popr Inte celebrity is actually Zhang Ye''s cousin!"


    "Zhang Ye makes a special appearance for Cao Dan!"


    "The impressive family circumstances the most popr Inte celebrity hails from!"


    Soon after, this news was broadcast on television as well!


    ��


    On Weibo.


    Theizens were having a greatugh!


    "I really didn''t expect this!"


    "I wouldn''t have believed that these two were actually cousins even if my life was threatened!"


    "Dandan is so cute. How could she be Zhang Ye''s sister?"


    "I only know now that when we used to curse at Zhang Ye with ''your sister,'' we were actually scolding Cao Dan!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "My sympathies for Dandan!"


    "In the future, let''s not scold Zhang Ye with ''your sister''!"

 Chapter 1589 - World news!

    <h4>Chapter 1589 - World news! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the start of this day, Zhang Ye got his studio to make a Weibo post announcing his break from work. He turned down all work and events in preparation to stay at home to apany his family and catch up with his ssmates. Ever since hiseback, he hadn''t been idle. He was involved in shooting a television series and participating in a singingpetition, so he hadn''t had a chance to catch up with many of his old ssmates and friends. Having not met them in over four years, he didn''t know how much everyone had changed. By reaching the summit of the entertainment circle, Zhang Ye had finally fulfilled the goal he had been striving towards for many years. So it was about time for him to get some rest.


    In the following days, he attended dinner parties every day.


    ��


    Dong Shanshan''s house.


    It was a party with his old ssmates from university.


    "Wow, Zhang''er is here!"


    "Haha, ssmate Yu Yingyi, you haven''t changed."


    "Yo, you still remember this old ssmate of yours?"


    "Listen to what you''re saying. Are you ridiculing me?"


    "Well, that''s what you get for not meeting up with us sooner after you came back."


    "Well, wasn''t I really tied down before this?"


    "But you didn''t forget about meeting up with Shanshan?"


    "Hey, Wang He, you''re still alive?"


    "But of course. I''m flourishing."


    "Zhang''er."


    "Hah! Hu Feifei!


    "You''re a big star now!"


    "Hahaha, I guess I''m doing not too bad."


    Wang He, Yu Yingyi, Dong Shanshan, Hu Feifei, He Kui, Ma Xufei, Xiaoqian��his old ssmates were all here today. Everyone kept teasing each other andughing happily.


    Suddenly, Dong Shanshan walked down from the upper floor of the vi. "Zhang''er, there''s someone here who I want you to meet."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Meet who?"


    Everyone looked at Zhang Ye. "Haha, guess!"


    Dong Shanshan smiled. "I''ll give you 10 seconds to guess."


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "I really don''t know. Which of our former ssmate is here?"


    Dong Shanshan turned her head and looked to the stairwell. She sang some notes. " Dadada dunnn 1 !"


    At the next moment, the figure of a woman appeared at the stairs. The woman seemed visibly excited as she looked at Zhang Ye. She covered her mouth as she made her way down the stairs step by step.


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "Sister Qiu!


    Qiu Yumei said, "Zhang''er!"


    Zhang Ye rushed up to her. "Damn! You can walk? Your legs have healed?"


    "Yes, they''ve healed," Qiu Yumei said as her eyes reddened.


    Dong Shanshan said with a smile from the side, "Sister Qiu listened to your advice and went to the hospital that Zhang Yuanqi rmended for her treatment. After you were sentenced, Sister Qiu had wanted toe back on several asions, and a few of us went over to America as well to persuade her not to. As a result, during the middle ofst year, Sister Qiu suddenly returned to the country. She appeared in front of us without a wheelchair or anyone supporting her."


    Hu Feifei smiled and said, "We were all stunned on the spot!"


    Wang He said, "Little Qiu might not be able to exert herself with any running, but she doesn''t have problems with walking anymore. We''re all so happy for her." He pointed at Zhang Ye. "To say nothing of the other things, you handled this matter really beautifully. You''re one loyal friend alright!"


    Zhang Ye was still in disbelief. He crouched down in front of Qiu Yumei and stared at her legs. "You really can walk now?"


    "I really can walk." Qiu Yumei wiped tears from the corners of her eyes. "Zhang''er, thank you. If it weren''t for you, I would have to lie in a bed for the rest of my life."


    Zhang Ye eximed, "Do we still need to talk like this? Quick, walk a few more steps and let me see."


    Qiu Yumei walked around for him.


    Zhang Yeughed in great surprise. "This is great!"


    Qiu Yumei smiled and said, "I''ve gone back to work as a broadcast host at the radio station. I''ll return the debt I owe you with the money I earn."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "There''s no need to."


    But Qiu Yumei said, "That won''t do, I have to return it."


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "It''s not like you don''t know what Sister Qiu is like."


    "Alright then." Zhang Ye said, "Return it slowly if you must. I have no urgent need for the money."


    Xiaoqian grinned and said, "What a happy day this is! Let''s have a drink, everyone!"


    He Kui pped his thigh. "Alright, we''re not going home until we''re drunk!"


    Ma Xufei shouted, "To Zhang''er!"


    Zhang Ye toasted, "To Sister Qiu!"


    Everyone shouted, "Not going home until we''re drunk!"


    ��


    The next day.


    At the prison Zhang Ye had served his sentence in.


    "Aiya, Teacher Zhang!"


    "Haha, how''s everyone doing?"


    "What are you doing here?"


    "Didn''t I say it four years ago? That when I got released, I would treat everyone to a meal? I''m always true to my words."


    "Everyone, gather quickly! Teacher Zhang has returned to visit us!"


    "Lord Zhang, how did youe in?"


    "Haha, I''m so familiar with the militarymand here. Would I not be able to gain entry into your prison? Don''t worry, I already filled out all the formalities beforeing in. I have a pass, alright?"


    "Where''s the warden? Quickly get the warden!"


    "Let''s go,e on. I''m treating everyone today!"


    "We can''t do that, Teacher Zhang. We still have to work."


    "Then we''ll have the staff lunch together!"


    "W-Wouldn''t it be bad luck for you to eat here?"


    "What bad luck? It''s not like I''ve never eaten the food before!"


    "Hahaha, alright!"


    The prison guards were all very excited. They really did not expect that Zhang Ye would keep a simple ceremonial promise to them after all these years.


    ��


    The next day.


    At China Qiyuan.


    "Ah, Lord Zhang!"


    "Damn! Lord Zhang is here!"


    "Hurry out, everyone!"


    Everyone came out.


    9-dan Li Yi.


    8-dan Hu Liang.


    Xu Han.


    Tian Weiwei.


    At Sanya, Zhang Ye had only met up with Tian Weiwei, Chen Ying, and the batch of younger professional Go yers. He did not get to see many of the older veterans who had battled alongside him years ago. Many of them had retired and be coaches, so Zhang Ye rather missed them.


    "Old Li, Brother Hu, Brother Xu, you''re all around too?"


    "Wow, what brought you here?"


    "Haha, I missed you guys! It''s my treat today. Let''s go and eat!"


    "Who are you treating?"


    A group of young Go yers at the Qiyuan were all looking at Zhang Ye in admiration. Looking at this legendary God of the Go world, their eyes were shimmering brightly.


    Zhang Ye said, "Everyone, of course!"


    With that, all of the young Go yers cheered!


    Tian Weiwei couldn''t do anything about that, so he said to the young Go yers, "Alright then, since Lord Zhang has given the word, everyone can go. Hai, you were all supposed to practice today."


    Everyone cheered again!


    Zhang Ye patted Tian Weiwei on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Don''t always be thinking about practicing. Go is a never-ending journey of learning, so it''s better to practice abination of effort and ease. Oh yes, I heard that you became the world champion in some tournament recently? Congrattions!"


    Tian Weiwei blushed. "Stop teasing me."


    9-dan Li Yi also looked at Zhang Ye and said, "In apetition without you, is there a point in winning?"


    Chen Ying giggled and said, "You''re the uncrowned king of the Go world. No matter who wins in apetition, no matter who gets presented a trophy, the sense of fulfillment is not that great anymore. Everyone knows that as long as they can''t win against you, any championship titles won are essentially pointless. That''s why we''ve started instilling a target for everyone these days��and that is to beat you."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Sure, I''ll wee any challengers."


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    Abroad, the news surrounding this matter spread very slowly.


    Perhaps this was done intentionally. Or perhaps no one was bothered about it. The news of Zhang Ye bing the most popr celebrity in China only reached the shores of other countries after a few days.


    Japan.


    "What?"


    "Who?"


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Why does this name sound a little familiar?"


    "Yeah, it sounds very familiar, doesn''t it? I seem to have heard it somewhere before?"


    "Damn! Is it that Zhang Ye?"


    "The one who was crowned an Asian Heavenly King years ago? The one who drew theics?"


    "It''s really him!"


    "Damn, didn''t he go to jail?"


    "The number one person in the Chinese poprity rankings?"


    "Why is it him?"


    ��


    Korea.


    "Ah? Zhang Ye has been released?"


    "How is that possible! Wasn''t he sentenced to prison for many years?"


    "Yeah, it isn''t time yet!"


    "It''s not impossible that he got an early release. But it has been so many years. How did he manage to be the number one person of Chinese showbiz?"


    "What happened?"


    "That damned hacker, is he trying to make trouble again?"


    "Seriously protesting it!"


    "How can this guy be number one?"


    "The Asian Celebrity Rankings Index still has him blocked from their rankings!"


    ��


    America.


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Who''s that?"


    "The Chinese Celebrity Rankings Index has seen a change in its leaderboard?"


    "I know him!"


    "Goddammit, that''s the person who''s known as the most dangerous hacker in a hundred years!"


    "It''s him?"


    "The Panda Burning Incense and CIH viruses'' creator?"


    "The hacker with the highest bounty in the world?"


    "He managed to snag the top spot of the entertainment circle in China?"


    "With such arge poption in China, how did he manage to do it?"


    "He''s been released from jail?"


    ��


    Russia.


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Scientist?"


    "When did he be a scientist?"


    "He built a fighter jet? Oh my God!"


    "Wasn''t he a world-ss mathematician?"


    "I heard of him a few years ago too. It seems like he''s very famous in both China and Asia."


    "Is he on the International Celebrity Rankings?"


    "Let me see. He''s not on it yet."


    "The Chinese entertainment circle is indeed quite weak in the international arena. Their number one person can''t even make it into the C-list of the international celebrity rankings. It''s so for Zhang Yuanqi, it''s so for Guan Zhaohua as well, and even Zhang Ye is the same too."


    "The celebrities of China have always had a very poor influence on the world stage."


    ��


    Ennd.


    "I know that he can y Go."


    "He can not only y it, he''s basically a god in the Go world!"


    "Yeah, I heard that he came out tops against the American-made AI, PeterGo! It was his second victory against it!"


    "Yeah, America''s AI technology has fallen t in his presence."


    "He has be the most popr celebrity in China?"


    "Looks like there will be something interesting to look forward to."


    "Yup, I think he has a good rtionship with Lillian, the most beautiful woman in Ennd!"


    "Being the most popr in China doesn''t actually mean a thing. Let''s wait and see how far he can go on the International Celebrity Rankings before we pass any judgment."


    ��


    In the international news:


    "China''s entertainment circle sees a change in its top spot!"


    "The number one hacker returns?"


    "Zhang Ye: A celebrity with a tainted past!"


    Zhang Ye''s climb to the top of the Chinese entertainment industry had shocked the entire industry and the country''s citizens. However, it did not make much of a ripple on the global stage.


    On this day, many countries'' news carried a short report about this matter. It was only then that a lot of people remembered there was still such a person in China. However, it did not cause much of a sensation. The influence of China''s entertainment industry was quite weak and was pretty muchmon knowledge. If not for Zhang Ye''s identity as the world''s number one hacker, a world-ss mathematician, and the number one person in Go, this news would probably not have made waves. No one would actively go and check news regarding a Chinese celebrity.

 Chapter 1590 - The International Celebrity Rankings Index!

    <h4>Chapter 1590 - The International Celebrity Rankings Index! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    A few dayster.


    Beijing.


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    It was 6 in the morning when Zhang Ye arrived at the studio by himself. The entire office was still empty at this time, so he had to unlock the door with his own key. In his roughly 10 days of vacation, he had met up with the friends he wanted to meet and rested enough as well. From his state of mind to his physical well-being, Zhang Ye was currently in his best form. Hence, he ended his 10-day break slightly earlier than nned. This fellow had never been someone who could sit idle. He would be itching to go if he didn''t work for a day.


    Reach the summit?


    Be number one?


    To others, this might have been the final goal.


    But for Zhang Ye, his goal wasn''t just that. He still had a very long journey ahead of him.


    There wasn''t anyone at the office yet?


    How about a lottery draw then?


    Since he had nothing to do, Zhang Ye brought up the game ring''s interface to have look at his total Reputation Points first. During the three to four years of his sentence, the Reputation Points in his game ring had mostly stagnated. Each time he used it, the points would only get lessen. As such, Zhang Ye did not really dare to use it much during that period as he couldn''t bear to spend the points. But now, in just a short amount of time, his total Reputation Points had soared once again. The amount of Reputation Points that he got from reaching the top had exceeded his expectations.


    So he opened up Lottery Draw (Three).


    The virtual stone tform suddenly appeared in the air.


    It cost 100 million Reputation Points per draw��buy!


    The tform lit up, and at the same time, Zhang Ye activated the Lucky Halo (Ultra) in extravagance.


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Three seconds.


    His Reputation Points went down very quickly. It decreased so fast that Zhang Ye was feeling the pinch.


    At this moment, the tform shed as arge golden treasure chest suddenly appeared in the center. Zhang Ye deactivated the Lucky Halo and quickly opened up the Treasure Chest (Large).


    [World Languages Skill Experience Book] �� 427


    Item Description: A skill experience book to learn the mainnguages of the world.


    When Zhang Ye saw this, he let out a heartyugh. "Beautiful!"


    Worldnguages!


    Russian?


    English?


    French?


    Korean?


    And there were even 427 of such skill experience books?


    This was enough for Zhang Ye to gain an instant mastery of quite a few worldnguages!


    This was what he needed the most right now!


    Without even thinking, Zhang Ye studied all of them.


    Soon after, it was time for work.


    Ha Qiqi and Little Wang were the first to arrive.


    Little Wang said, "Eh, the door''s unlocked? Who''s here so early in the morning?"


    Ha Qiqi pushed open the door and had a look. "Aiyo, Director Zhang?"


    Little Wang said in surprise, "You''re back from your break already?"


    Zhang Ye was in a rather good mood. He smiled and said, "Yes, I decide toe back early."


    Zhang Zuo also arrived shortly after them. "Weren''t you supposed to take a two-week break?"


    "I couldn''t keep staying at home." Zhang Ye greeted them and said, "Everyone, do whatever you need to do and eat breakfast quickly. We will start the meeting at 8 AM sharp."


    "Sure."


    "Got it."


    Everyone knew that this meeting was very important as it would set the direction of Zhang Ye''s future ns. Having reached the summit of the Chinese entertainment circle and secured the number one position, how they proceeded from here and what work they would take would all depend on Zhang Ye''s intentions. Furthermore, they had a feeling that Zhang Ye was probably going to make another big move.


    8 AM.


    In the conference room.


    All of the studio''s staff except for one person who was on medical leave were in attendance.


    Zhang Zuo said, "Everyone who is around is here."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright, we''ll start the meeting then."


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Are you setting the direction going forward?"


    "Yes." Zhang Ye then said something astonishing. "Everyone has worked hard during this period. We fought the battle for the top position really well. I''ve thought about the path that we will be taking from here. I would like to take on the international entertainment industry head-on and try my luck there, to have a look at what it is all about. At the very least, I would like to earn a spot on the international celebrity rankings."


    Little Wang was stunned. "Take on the international entertainment industry?"


    Tong Fu wiped sweat away and said, "But we haven''t even stabilized our domestic position, have we?"


    "Why would we need to stabilize our domestic position?" Zhang Ye questioned.


    Tong Fu said, "Shouldn''t we wait a little while?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "I''m not waiting."


    Everyone knew that Zhang Ye''s goal had always been the international entertainment circle, and Zhang Ye had never hidden his ambition from them either. Everyone was prepared for this, yet when they reached this step, just as they had to make a decision on how to move forward towards that goal, everyone still couldn''t help but feel apprehensive.


    Would it work out?


    Would they really be able to do it?


    In China, once you entered the top three positions of the domestic entertainment circle, it was as good as gaining the qualifications to take on the international arena. Zhang Yuanqi had also made an attempt and had seeded in doing so as well, but it didn''tst for long. She only managed to get into thest ce of the international C-list rankings for a short while before dropping back down after failing to secure her position. Afterwards, she never managed to get back onto the rankings. Xu Men had also attempted it as well. However, she couldn''t even get a position on the international celebrity rankings. Many generations of Chinese celebrities had gone down this path, and without exception, none of them seeded. It was as if this were some sort of curse that no one could secure a footing in the international stage of the entertainment circle.


    So as time passed, a lot of celebrities no longer chased after the international dream. For example, both Guan Zhaohua and Ai Fei, who were previously the top two people of the Chinese entertainment circle, did not even think about taking on the global stage. After getting to their positions, all they concentrated on was making money in the Chinese market and around Asia. Therefore, even though the era of the male idols seemed morous and was said to have pushed the standard of the Chinese entertainment industry to a higher level, it in fact caused the Chinese entertainment industry''s influence on the global stage to weaken. The gilded front was just an illusion.


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s time someone did something. If the others won''t do it, I will. We cannot just sitfortably in our position and not push forward."


    Ha Qiqi said, "This is a path that no one has sessfully taken before."


    "I know," Zhang Ye said with a smile, "but there still has to be someone giving it shot."


    Zhang Zuo said in worry, "In our domestic conquest, there was at least a reference, and we could see how the others before us did it. But every step starting here, there are no precedents and experiences that we can fall back on. We have to depend on ourselves to surge forward no matter what lies ahead of us."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Yes."


    Little Wang said yearningly, "To be an international celebrity��"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Is everyone still willing to continue walking with me?"


    Ha Qiqiughed. "As if you need you ask!"


    Zhang Zuo alsoughed. "Wherever you''re headed, we''re headed there too!"


    Tong Fu clenched his teeth. "We''re at yourmand!"


    Wu Yi said, "It''s just the international celebrity rankings, isn''t it? Let''s give it a try then!"


    Little Wang said, "Right, when have we ever feared anyone? Even if no one else seeded in the past, it doesn''t mean that we can''t achieve it!"


    For a moment, everyone expressed their stance.


    The International Poprity Rankings Index.


    Also known as the International Celebrity Rankings Index!


    This was a hall of fame with the highest honors in the world.


    The rankings index was divided into four tiers.


    The S-list.


    The A-list.


    The B-list.


    And the C-List.


    The international C-list celebrity rankings was the lowest entry barrier for an international star.


    Zhang Ye''s target was to get onto the international celebrity rankings to im a spot for Chinese celebrities!

 Chapter 1591 - Zhang Ye wants to get the Nobel Prize!

    <h4>Chapter 1591 - Zhang Ye wants to get the Nobel Prize! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    Zhang Ye was looking through the International Celebrity Rankings Index.


    One page.


    Two pages.


    Three pages.


    The people on the list were probably going to be his opponents in the near future.


    At this moment, a long-distance call arrived.


    It was from Lillian, the most beautiful woman in Ennd.


    "Hello, fellow smoker."


    "Oh hey, it''s Lillian."


    "What are you up to?"


    "I was just thinking about something."


    "I got the newste, so I only just found out about your ascendancy to the top of Chinese showbiz."


    "Haha, indeed, your news is quitete."


    "When were you released from jail?"


    "Just recently, in these past two months or so. It''s been a while already."


    "Oh, why didn''t you call your old friend then?"


    "You''re an international superstar. How could I disturb you? Which tier of the rankings are you at now?"


    "I''m still in the international A-list but slightly at the front. How about you?"


    "I''ve recently been thinking about making a push into the international scene as well."


    "That''s a good thing. It''s much more interesting here than the entertainment circle that you''re used to back at home."


    "But I haven''t thought of a way to make a push into it."


    "Shouldn''t you be getting onto the rankings soon? The number one person of the Chinese entertainment circle should logically not be far from the international C-list rankings. When I first debuted in Ennd before stepping up onto the international stage, I was ranked third on the S-list domestically. Then, I was automatically included in the international C-list celebrity rankings. I believe it should be a simr situation for you. With so many people in China, it''s much harder to get to the position of number one in the industry. Even if there are slight differences due to our countries'' circumstances, I believe you''re only a step or two away from the international C-list."


    "But it''s exactly these one or two steps that so many of our celebrities have fallen at."


    "You''re not the same. Don''t you have a lot of different titles to your name? Just get a prize and you''d make it onto the international rankings."


    "Get a prize?"


    "It should be enough if you win an international prize, don''t you think?"


    "Now that you mention it, that does seem like an idea."


    "For an international prize, there will be an additional percentage added to one''s poprity score in the rankings. For some prizes, it''s a 1.1 multiplier, and for others, it''s a 1.2 multiplier. They''re all different, and it depends on how valuable and prestigious the award is."


    The two of them might not have met each other in a long time, but once they started chatting on the phone, it still felt like their rtionship was very close. It was especially so when Lillian''s Beijing ent kepting up which made Zhang Ye want tough each time he heard it. After hanging up, he gave Lillian''s suggestion some thought. He wanted to get onto the international C-list rankings, but there were really not too many ways for him to achieve that.


    Singing?


    Variety shows?


    Television series?


    It wasn''t that he couldn''t do it, but there were no opportunities like that.


    To the global audience, Zhang Ye was just a neer. Not many people knew about him, and he didn''t have any connections with the people there either. There was basically no chance of getting onto the rankings through the normal channels, and neither did he have the conditions to slowly develop his international fanbase. Therefore, the only feasible way was what Lillian had suggested. This was also the most direct, simple, and brute force way of achieving it!


    To win a prize!


    And force his way onto the rankings!


    He had never gone the conventional way before anyway!


    Zhang Ye suddenly shouted for the studio''s staff to gather to tell them about his idea.


    When everyone heard it, they were floored!


    Ha Qiqi was stunned. "You want to force your way into the international celebrity rankings?"


    Zhang Zuo stared in shock. "Make use of winning an international award for additional poprity?"


    Tong Fuughed, "Pfft! Will that work?"


    Little Wang also giggled. "This indeed has the characteristics of Director Zhang''s style!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Lillian was the one who suggested this rotten idea to me, but I thought it was a pretty good suggestion. This bro likes something as simple and crude as it!"


    Wu Yi was sweating bullets. "But I''ve never heard of anyone breaking into the international scene by winning an international award. Would the Rankings Index Agency allow something like that? Would that count as cheating?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "This bro will be getting an award using my sheer capabilities. How would that count as cheating? No one else has done something like this in the past because they did not have the ability to win an international award before getting onto the international celebrity rankings. But this bro is not the same. An international award? Let me think about which one I wanna get? Math! Right! Math it shall be!"


    Wu Yi blinked. "Didn''t you forfeit that international math award?"


    Zhang Ye said startled, "Ah, was there something like that?"


    Ha Qiqi was speechless.


    Zhang Zuo asked, "You don''t remember?"


    Wu Yi said, "But that math award doesn''t actuallymand that much prestige. Of the few international math awards out there, that prize is at the lowest rung and it also doesn''t seem like it will contribute any additional percentage to your poprity score either. The additional percentage will only increase if it is a prestigious international award. Some of these awards even give an additional 1.3 times more poprity, so it would mean that if our international poprity score was originally at 10,000, it would go up to 13,000 after winning an award. If you really intend to break into the international entertainment circle through that channel, you would certainly have to go after a prestigious international award. Otherwise, I doubt it will be enough."


    Zhang Ye said again, "Does a Go award count then?"


    Zhang Zuo said startled, "Uh, I don''t think there are any prestigious awards in Go? There are only titles to be won through differentpetitions."


    Zhang Ye asked again, "How about hacking then? This bro is the world''s number one hacker!"


    Ha Qiqi wiped at sweat. "Do they give out awards for hacking? Aren''t those hackers all wanted criminals?"


    Zhang Ye was also floored!


    Damn!


    This won''t do?


    And that won''t do either?


    Even with all these skills that I''ve got, there isn''t a ce where I can make use of them?


    Zhang Ye said, "Then can everyone search for something? To see if there are any prestigious international awards out there that I may have a chance of winning."


    Everyone dispersed and went looking.


    Ha Qiqi checked online.


    Zhang Zuo made some calls to inquire.


    Little Wang checked through some information.


    The prestigious international awards numbered several dozens, including the big and small ones.


    The Best Actor award?


    The Best Director award?


    The Most Popr Singer award?


    The Best Rock Singer award?


    All of these didn''t have to be considered since Zhang Ye wouldn''t stand a chance of winning them right now. The only prestigious international awards that he had a chance of winning were few and far.


    A short whileter, everyone came back with their findings.


    Little Wang yelled in surprise, "I''ve got it! There''s one!"


    Zhang Zuo also seemed to have found something. "The only problem is that it will be too rushed."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Which award is it?"


    Ha Qiqi spoke, "The Nobel Prize."


    What?


    The Nobel Prize?


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "That''s what you guys call it too?"


    Ha Qiqi said in confusion, "What do you mean by ''that''s what we call it too''? Well, it''s true that this award wasn''t called this in the past. But due to the poor running of the foundation that led it to bing bankrupt, a new consortium took over and injected new funds into it. Afterwards, they continued awarding this prize and changed the name of the award."


    Fate!


    This was fate!


    Zhang Ye hurriedly asked, "How many prizes does it consist of?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Shouldn''t you know about the Nobel Prize? It consists of Mathematics, Chemistry, Peace, Literature, Physiology or Medicine, and so on and so forth. They''re the most critically acimed international prizes and also the most prestigious in their relevant fields. Like the Nobel Prize in Mathematics, it''s ranked higher than the international math award you forfeited. Although that award can be considered one of the top few prizes in the field of mathematics, the highest honor will always belong to the Nobel Prize in Mathematics 1 ."


    Zhang Zuo said, "The only problem we have is that it''s almost time for the selection process to take ce. It''s happening in one and a half months from now."


    Ha Qiqi nodded and said, "Yeah, we won''t be able to make it in time, right?"


    Little Wang said, "Are you thinking about getting the Nobel Prize in Mathematics or the Nobel Prize in Literature?"


    Wu Yi said, "Uh, I think either would be a little difficult."


    Mathematics?


    Literature?


    He wanted both of these Nobel Prizes, and it was only a matter of time before he got them.


    However, if Zhang Ye really had to choose one, he would choose to win the Nobel Prize in Literature!

 Chapter 1592 - A famed work from Zhang Ye’s previous world appears!

    <h4>Chapter 1592 - A famed work from Zhang Ye��s previous world appears! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    Back at home.


    In the vi''s study.


    The heat from the summer weather was sweltering hot. He turned the air conditioner down to a very cool temperature and browsed the Inte on theputer alone in the study. He read and updated himself on international news, hoping to find some inspiration.


    Russia was in a state of disorder, and it seemed like they would be going to war soon.


    A French artist''s oil painting was auctioned for several hundred million US dors.


    America shot a film remake of a famous work and broke box office records.


    The countdown to the announcement of the Nobel Prize nominees began.


    An Indian writer could clinch the Nobel Prize in Literature this year.


    ( Boxno vel. co m ) Changes in the international celebrity rankings again.


    And so on.


    He went through the world news articles one by one. This was something that Zhang Ye hardly paid attention to in the past. But since he had reached this position, he would probably have to keep an eye on these international developments in the future. In this way, he would be better able to connect with the international audience and grasp the world''s situation so that he knew which direction to head towards in the entertainment industry. He had reached the top of the Chinese entertainment circle, after all. From today onwards, the world stage was going to be his main battlefield, so he definitely had to keep up and be serious about it.


    "The Nobel Prize.


    "How can I get my hands on it?"


    He muttered to himself.


    With Fortress Besieged?


    With a poem he hadposed in the past?


    With the prose he had written?


    None of them would probably work.


    To him, he was fine with winning any of the Nobel Prizes. He only wanted a chance to break into the world stage. But based on his current situation, the Nobel Prize in Literature was his only choice. He didn''t have any knowledge in chemistry, and verifying a mathematical conjecture would take too long, so only a literary piece could be produced the quickest, as Zhang Ye could write it at any time he wanted. There was still a month and a half to go, so he could probably make it before the deadline. But counting the time remaining, he would probably only be able to produce a single work. Therefore, the choice of work was going to be extremely important.


    ��


    On Weibo.


    The topicality surrounding the Nobel Prize was growing.


    "There''s still a month and a half to go."


    "Yeah, it''s time for the Nobel Prizes to be awarded again."


    "Who will they give it to this year?"


    "Will there still be no winners for the Nobel Peace Prize this year?"


    "There''s only a few people nominated for the Chemistry Prize."


    "Surely the Literature Prize won''t be won by that Indian writer this year, will it?"


    "I don''t like that Indian writer."


    "Yeah, there''s a problem with his character. But I do have to admit, his works are really good."


    "A lot of people are cheering for that Japanese author too."


    "Yup, it was such a pity that neither of them won the Nobel Prize previously."


    "If even India can produce such a masterful writer in the world of literature, when will one of our Chinese citizense home with a Nobel Prize?"


    "Hai, I doubt we have a chance at it."


    "We''ve never won a Nobel Prize before."


    ��


    At the Chinese Writers'' Association.


    "Has the nomination process started yet?"


    "The Nobel Committee has already requested for us to submit a list of names."


    "Who will we nominate this year?"


    "Let''s keep to the old rules and submit all the names."


    "Yes, let''s just submit all the names of those who have won a domestic literary prize and are still alive."


    "We''ll just be trying our luck if we do that."


    "What do you suggest then? We''ve been trying our luck every year."


    "Actually, everyone knows full well that the Nobel Prize in Literature has almost nothing to do with us."


    "How I wish someone could bring home the prize someday."


    "Is Old Zhou good enough to do it this year?"


    "Old Zhou''s books are too limited to love and affection."


    "How about Old Sun?"


    "Master Sun is not good enough either. His literary style is too localized."


    "Hai."


    ��


    India.


    "It will definitely be ours this year!"


    "Yes, it would be outrageous if they don''t award it to us this year."


    "Does Teacher have another new work out this year?"


    ''Yes, it will be going on sale very soon."


    "There''s no one who canpete with us this time."


    ��


    Japan.


    "That Indian writer is our onlypetitor this year!"


    "That master writer from India doesn''t have a good character."


    "We have a very good chance at winning."


    "But the Nobel Prize isn''t awarded based on one''s character. It''s only dependent on the quality of the work."


    "The key still lies in which style of novels themittee is inclined towards."


    ��


    America.


    "The Nobel Prizes will be awarded very soon?"


    "I''m quite looking forward to it."


    "Our female writers are just short of a Nobel Prize in Literature."


    "Yeah, that''s the only thing we''re missing."


    ��


    Ennd.


    "The Nobel Prizes will be given out soon."


    "Several of our top writers will be publishing their new books soon?"


    "They''ve already started vying for an award nomination."


    "I have a feeling that thepetition for this year''s Nobel Prizes will be extremely intense."


    "Let''s see who will emerge victorious at the end."


    ��


    China was in a heated discussion.


    The media was in a heated discussion.


    The world was in a heated discussion.


    This world''s most prestigious award was gripping the hearts of countless people across the world. Everyone was hoping that their own country''s writers, academics, mathematicians, chemists, or medical professionals could bring home this prize. This wasn''t just going to be a personal honor, but an honor for the entire country.


    On an international social media site.


    The equivalent of Facebook and Twitter of Zhang Ye''s previous world.


    A poll had been started on the site.


    Who are your favored nominees to win the Nobel Prize in Literature?


    India: 23%


    America: 19%


    Japan: 9%


    Ennd: 8%


    Russia: 6%


    These were the top five results.


    Behind them were several dozen more countries that had been voted for.


    Meanwhile, China did not even get into the top 20 countries that were voted for.


    It was also about the same results for the Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physiology or Medicine prizes. There was basically no one who was optimistic about China''s chances, and many of the votes that were given to China came from the Chinese themselves.


    ��


    Back at home.


    Zhang Ye was still hesitating.


    His ce in the Chinese literary world was still very exceptional, and his influence was very strong. He also had the recognition of the public, although his rtionship with the industry insiders was less than cozy. But regarding Zhang Ye''s works and its literary value, even the most nitpicking industry insider would not deny Zhang Ye''s contributions. But it was different on the international scene. If those works of his were brought to the global stage, it wouldn''t be enough. To win a Nobel Prize, the novel would have to cover more of a historical or war theme. It needed an even higher standard of literary value, and a more inclusivenguage as well.


    Using Frog 1 ?


    Going down Mo Yan''s Nobel Prize path?


    No, that would be too risky.


    Zhang Ye had really wanted to use Mo Yan''s work for a time, but he ended up giving up on that idea because Mo Yan''s path was unsuitable for him. First, he didn''t have Mo Yan''s umtion of reputation. Although the Nobel Prize was awarded based on a single novel, Mo Yan''s win was actually more of an umtion of his previous works. By just using Frog alone, it was likely that it wouldn''t be enough. Secondly, this was a different world from his previous one, so who''d know what themittee''s preferences were over here?


    What Zhang Ye needed was a very special work.


    This work would have to have the following points:


    War had to be included.


    It needed to have humanity.


    It would have to be a full-length novel.


    And also something that could astonish the readers without any need for buildup based on the writer''s reputation.


    Zhang Ye kept thinking about it until he finally narrowed his eyes. He could only think of one person, a female, American writer!


    Margaret Mitchell!


    She was from Zhang Ye''s previous world, and the only writer to have secured a ce among the world''s literary figures with a single novel. She wrote only one book in her entire lifetime, but that work was considered one of the top ten novels in Zhang Ye''s previous world. The people of this world would of course not have heard of it, but it was an extremely well-known novel in Zhang Ye''s previous world. As long as this novel''s title was mentioned, no one would have not heard of it!


    That one and only novel that Margaret Mitchell had written was called��


    Gone with the Wind!


    Zhang Ye was preparing to bring out this "nuclear weapon" of a novel from his previous world!

 Chapter 1593 - The English version of Gone with the Wind!

    <h4>Chapter 1593 - The English version of Gone with the Wind! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It would have war.


    And humanity.


    And slice of life.


    As well as love.


    And history.


    With this one novel, it would amaze everyone.


    This was it! There wasn''t another work more suitable than this!


    As Zhang Ye considered his options, he made his decision. Although he wasn''t sure if he could win the Nobel Prize in Literature in this world with hisst-ditch efforts of writing a novel, he still had to give it a try. After all, this was the closest he had been to a ce on the international celebrity rankings, and it was his one and only chance at it.


    Knock knock.


    There was a knock on the study''s door.


    Zhang Ye looked up and smiled. "Come in."


    Wu Zeqing brought a cup of iced coffee into the study after opening the door.


    "I told you already, there''s no need to knock," Zhang Ye said.


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Alright. Here, have some coffee."


    Zhang Ye took it from her. "My wife still treats me the best. Has Sisi slept already?"


    "She just fell asleep." Wu Zeqing nced at theputer screen and said, "What are you busy with?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m about to make a book."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Others call it writing a book, but why do you call it making a book?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "It''s about the same thing."


    Wu Zeqing was the person who understood him the most. "You have your eyes on the Nobel Prize?"


    "Yeah." Zhang Ye said, "I''m thinking of trying for it."


    Wu Zeqing nodded. "Don''t tire yourself out, rest early."


    Zhang Ye said, "I will. Go sleep with Sisi. Don''t worry about me. I''m guessing I''ll have to put in some overtime over the next few days. There aren''t too many days left until the Nobel Prize selection."


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Are you confident of getting it?"


    Zhang Ye gave a wry smile. "I think I have a 20% chance."


    He wouldn''t usually fight a battle that he wasn''t prepared for. But it was clearly a different matter this time. The Nobel Prizes were too important, so there was also a lot of uncertainty surrounding it. So it was definitely impossible for him to be 100% sure of winning it. Moreover, this matter hade up too abruptly, so there wasn''t really sufficient time for him to prepare. As such, Zhang Ye could only take it one step at a time.


    After Old Wu left the room, Zhang Ye got down to business.


    He downed the iced coffee in one gulp and rolled up his sleeves. Then he began reading in detail the history of the United States, especially the period in which Gone with the Wind was based on. Although there were some differences in the events and names of some people, the general history of this world was quite simr to that of his previous world, with some events even strikingly simr. This would reduce the obstacles in the creation of the novel. At the least, Zhang Ye wouldn''t have to make too many changes to it and would only need to tweak some minor details to avoid any problems. It would definitely not spoil the original work''s literary nature��which was what Zhang Ye ced the most importance on. He needed the novel to be in its most original form. Otherwise, if the two world''s history differed by too much, he would have chosen a different novel rather than blindly making changes to this one.


    Research.


    History fact-checking.


    Then he also checked the types of novels that had won the Nobel Prize in Literature before seeking out the preferences of the pastmittees.


    He even researched themittee members for this year''s Nobel Prize in Literature.


    After doing all the necessary groundwork, Zhang Ye finally created a new file on theputer, naming it Gone with the Wind. Then he started tapping away at the keyboard and began writing the original English version of the novel. He had read many versions of this novel, having done aparison of the English and Chinese versions, even perusing the Russian version when he was in university. Using the Memory Search Capsule, he could easily reproduce the different versions in their entirety.


    ��


    Gone with the Wind.


    Chapter I


    A Beautiful Secret Admirer


    (English Version)


    Scarlett O''Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm as the Tarleton twins were. In her face were too sharply blended the delicate features of her mother, a Coast aristocrat of French descent, and the heavy ones of her florid Irish father. But it was an arresting face, pointed of chin, square of jaw. Her eyes were pale green without a touch of hazel, starred with bristly ckshes and slightly tilted at the ends. Above them, her thick ck brows nted upward, cutting a startling oblique line in her magnolia-white skin��that skin so prized by Southern women and so carefully guarded with bos, veils and mittens against hot Georgia suns.


    ��


    One page.


    Two pages.


    Three pages.


    Gone with the Wind had an estimated word count of around 800,000 words.


    But the English version was shorter, at 418,053 words 1 .


    With Zhang Ye''s speed, he could still write it out very quickly. After all, he had eaten the Fruit of Agility. Moreover, every single word of the original edition was imprinted in his mind, so there was basically no need for him to do any thinking. The words were already appearing onscreen at a cracking speed as he typed in double time.


    Five pages.


    Ten pages.


    If Zhang Ye could type out around 8,000 words per hour, he shouldn''t have a problem with writing roughly 120,000 characters in about 15 hours. Even without putting in much overtime, it shouldn''t take him more than four days to finish writing it. Currently, his biggest rivals for the Nobel Prize in Literature were the Indian and Japanese writers. They had both recently published their new books and were making a final push in their bid for the Nobel Prize. As such, Zhang Ye knew that he could not fall behind them. At the least, he would have to catch up to them to ensure that they would all begin at the same starting point.


    ��


    On the first day.


    Zhang Ye typed out 120,000 words.


    His eyes blurred at the number of words he had written.


    ��


    The next day.


    Zhang Ye wrote another 145,000 words.


    He wrote for 18 hours.


    ��


    On the third day.


    Zhang Ye continue typing for 20 straight hours.


    He finished writing 160,000 words.


    He hadpleted work on the English version of this novel!


    ��


    Sometimes, people just needed a push in order to achieve something. Without being their backs against the wall, humans would never know their limits. This was a saying that Zhang Ye deeply understood at this moment. Back then, when he brought out Fortress Besieged into this world, he didn''t even write it this fast. Moreover, he had been working on it continuously this time, which required a lot more willpower and stamina.


    It waspleted sessfully!


    Gone with the Wind had finally been brought into this world!


    For a moment, Zhang Ye felt a sense of aplishment.


    He had read this book more than three times when he was in his previous world, and every time he read it, he gained a deeper understanding of it. After all these years, now that he was intending to bring the novel into this world, he went through the experience once more as he wrote it. The words that described the war and the pressures of living had given him an even deeper understanding. He really felt that words were beautiful and wondrous things.


    This was truly a great novel!


    No matter how many years had passed.


    No matter which world it was.


    No matter how manynguages it was tranted into!


    It was truly a great novel!


    All of a sudden, Zhang Ye called the studio. "Contact an overseas publishing house."


    Ha Qiqi replied: "Ah?"


    "I''ve finished writing it."


    "What?"


    You''ve finished writing it?


    A full-length novel?


    In three days?


    Everyone at the studio was shocked into a daze!

 Chapter 1594 - The whole nation’s citizens wouldn’t have any of it!

    <h4>Chapter 1594 - The whole nation''s citizens wouldn''t have any of it! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the studio.


    Everyone was in a state of shock.


    On theputer was the draft that Zhang Ye had written over the past three days. Everyone was looking at one another, over and over again, with a sense of horror. Many of the staff were very surprised that Director Zhang could actually finish writing a novel with so many words in just three days. But even that would have been eptable since Director Zhang had fallen into such a state before when he was writing other prose. In a way, everyone here was so used to seeing something like that that they could ept it even if Zhang Ye were to write out 1 million words in a day. The thing that horrified them was something different.


    Ha Qiqi stared and said, "English?"


    Zhang Zuo also thought that he had it wrong at first. "Is that really English?"


    Little Wang couldn''t believe her eyes. "Is this English?"


    Tong Fu said in an unsure tone, "It looks like English."


    Zhang Ye harrumphed, "Why? Haven''t you all been to university? Don''t you all know English? Let''s not talk any further if you guys don''t even have the ability to understand this English."


    Little Wang was aghast!


    Ha Qiqi was floored!


    You''re criticizing us now?


    Of course they all went to university.


    Of course they all could understand English.


    But what they were stunned about was that Director Zhang could actually fucking write in English!


    Who didn''t know what Director Zhang''s English was like!


    Pick out any random middle school student from across the country, and they would be bound to find someone whose English was better than his!


    Director Zhang had actually written an English novel?


    Did the sun rise from the west today?


    Ha Qiqi said in surprise, "Since when did you pick up English?"


    "I''ve been locked away for close to four years." Zhang Ye found an excuse and said, "Surely I could have learned some foreignnguages in that time."


    Zhang Zuo pointed at theputer screen and said, "B-But this isn''t an ordinary level of English. There are a lot of words in it that even I don''t know existed. This level��it''s probably what an American would know at most, isn''t it?" With a pause, he said again, "And there''s even the mention of the American Civil War? And talks about the lives of American people?"


    Zhang Ye said confidently, "Yeah."


    Ha Qiqi looked at him. "Have you ever been to America before?"


    "No, I haven''t," Zhang Ye answered.


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, Little Wang were speechless.


    You haven''t been to America.


    Your English years ago was really bad as well.


    So how did you evene up with wanting to write a novel with an American setting!


    Aren''t you being too ballsy with your subject matter!


    As a member of Zhang Ye''s Studio, as long-time staff of Zhang Ye''s, they had followed Zhang Ye everywhere over the years. If there was one thing they had to say they were most convinced about Zhang Ye, then all of them would absolutely answer unanimously that it was: Zhang Ye''s bravery! This was something that they all had to take their hats off to him for. The balls Director Zhang had would sometimes even frighten them to death. That "courage" he had would often shock them as well!


    However, they still contacted the publishing houses.


    One.


    Three.


    Five.


    In the end, they managed to find five publishing houses that were willing to publish the book for them.


    Actually, this was quite good. Zhang Ye had never published a novel, poetry anthology, or anything of the like before. In international literature, it wouldn''t be wrong to call him a neer. But because he was so well-known now, with the title of the number one celebrity in the Chinese entertainment circle, it gave him a greater advantage in doing things. Together with his status as a mathematician and the world''s number one hacker, among many other titles, some overseas publishing houses were still willing to publish a novel for him. They probably thought that having just 20,000 copies of the initial print run and stamping them with thebel of "by the world''s number one hacker" on its cover, they wouldn''t have a problem selling them. Even if the novel didn''t do well, the publisher was unlikely to lose any money. In terms of cost-benefit analysis, the publishers were much better at it than them.


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Will this work, Director Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye said without a care, "Yeah."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Then we''ll go ahead and sign the contract with them?"


    "Alright." Zhang Ye said, "Notify me if you need me to speak with them. If you can''t get through to me on my cell phone, go look for me at my ce."


    Zhang Zuo was taken aback. "You won''t being into the office the next few days?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Yeah, I won''t being in for the next few days. Since we''re going for the Nobel Prize in Literature, how would a singlenguage edition be enough? Although English is the world''s lingua franca, it still isn''t enough. I''ll spend some time working on it and push out the Chinese and Russian trantions no matter what."


    Chinese?


    Russian?


    When did you even fucking pick up Russian?


    Why didn''t we know about it?


    Did you learn it in prison as well?


    Wu Yi suddenly said, "Director Zhang, what kind of prison did you go to?"


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Why are you asking that for?"


    Wu Yi said, "My child''s foreignnguage has always been bad. I''m thinking of sending him there to learn."


    Zhang Ye had no reply.


    In Zhang Ye''s previous world, Gone with the Wind had been tranted by many countries in the world, especially the major ones. The tranted versions were all quite good, but Zhang Ye didn''t get to read too many of them. He had only read the Chinese, English, and Russian editions of the novel. So he could at most trante it into those threenguages here in this world. Even though he had eaten all those skill experience books that gave him the knowledge of many worldnguages, knowing anguage and tranting it are two entirely different matters. It required too much literary knowledge, so Zhang Ye''s current skill ofnguages was still not enough for that. But as long as the English version existed, it was pretty much enough. As the world''s lingua franca, it wouldn''t be a problem getting published throughout the world. If the novel really ended up selling well, the other trantednguages would naturally follow. Many of the world''s leading trantors woulde looking for him instead of him looking for them.


    ��


    Back home.


    The door was closed.


    Zhang Ye buried his head in writing.


    With hardly any rest, he continued working and working.


    To win this Nobel Prize, he was willing to risk his life.


    One day.


    Three days.


    Five days.


    Chinese.


    Russian.


    He wrote so much his brain nearly turned into paste.


    ��


    Online.


    The news leaked.


    "Did you hear? Zhang Ye is going to publish a new novel."


    "Ah? Are you sure?"


    "It''s already been published. It''s a global release with the first version being an English edition!"


    "Pfft, can you not joke!"


    "It''s true! A friend from a foreign publishing house told me about it!"


    "Get lost, that''s impossible!"


    "Hahaha, I''mughing like crazy!"


    "Why don''t you guys believe it! It''s true!"


    "Iughed so hard my sides hurt. This joke can keep me entertained for an entire year!"


    "Zhang Ye has written an English novel? Are you making fun of me for not attending university?!"


    "This fellow wouldn''t even know how to write the English word for ''novel,'' would he!"


    "If this fellow can write an English novel, I''ll fucking change my name! I''ll start spelling it backwards! Stop joking. It''s obviously fake news from the sound of it!"


    "I''m not having any of it! Not even a three-year-old kid would believe it!"


    "Zhang Ye''s English is shit! Like he would know how to write a novel in thatnguage!"


    Zhang Ye''s English was very well-known to the people!


    In that grand battle between humans and machines, this guy had faced off against PeterGo. In a critical match, he could even fucking spell his name wrong and call himself "HEOR" instead of "HERO"! So how could anyone expect him to know English?


    Hur hur!


    The whole nation''s citizens wouldn''t have any of it!

 Chapter 1595 - Gone with the Wind gets released worldwide!

    <h4>Chapter 1595 - Gone with the Wind gets released worldwide! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Several dayster.


    America.


    A novel quietly went on sale.


    There were no promotions.


    There was no publicity.


    There was no hype.


    The English edition of Gone with the Wind wasunched in America.


    At a bookstore.


    Several Americans walked up to a shelf.


    "Eh, what''s this?"


    "A new novel?"


    "Gone with the Wind?"


    "What author wrote this?"


    "Ye Zhang?"


    "I''ve never heard this name before."


    "I think it''s an Asian name."


    "Ah, there''s a bio on the back of the first page!"


    "What? A Chinese guy?"


    "Why is a Chinese person''s book on sale in America?"


    "A world-ss mathematician? The number one hacker in the world? Fuck, I remember now! It''s him! The Panda Burning Incense and CIH viruses were created by him!"


    "CIH?"


    "Have you guys forgotten? That''s the virus that raised a global alert as the most dangerous virus in the world. That was created by him!"


    "It was that fearsome?"


    "He even knows how to write a novel?"


    "Could this be a professional guide to hacking?"


    Behind them.


    The store''s door opened.


    Two Chinese international students had just walked in. When they heard the name that those people were talking about, they thought it sounded a little familiar. They were startled. When those Americans walked away from the shelf, they quickly went over to have a look. When they saw what was on the shelf, the two of them were dumbfounded. A lot of foreigners would probably find this name unfamiliar. Perhaps some people knew who it was, but the majority of them would not know. But in China, and as a Chinese person, how could they not know the name Zhang Ye? He was the number one celebrity in China!


    Zhang Ye?


    It was Zhang Ye?


    What the heck!


    What was his new novel doing here?


    Could the rumors be true?


    The English edition of Zhang Ye''s novel had really been released worldwide?


    ��


    In China.


    On Weibo.


    At the same time, quite a few international students or Chinese people who were in America posted pictures.


    "Everyone,e and see this quickly. Look what I found in America!"


    "Heavens, so that rumor is true!"


    "Damn, that''s got to be photoshopped, right?"


    "It''s not! I took this picture at the scene. It''s really Zhang Ye''s book. The author bio was also about him!"


    "I guarantee that it''s real. I also saw it just now and even bought the book as well. Flipping through it, it''s all in English. There are even some words that I could not fucking understand! Goodness, I''ve lived in America for 20 years. How could Zhang Ye''s English be this good?"


    "Could it be a trantion?"


    "No, there isn''t a trantor''s name credited. He''s the one who wrote it!"


    "*faints* Face-smacking Zhang is soaring to the Heavens!"


    "Has he been learning English these past few years?"


    "That might be it. He must know that if he didn''t learn a foreignnguage, it would impede his future in the international entertainment industry. He probably learned it in the few years that he was in jail."


    "B-But what is he trying to do?"


    "I don''t know. Why did he choose to release it first in America?"


    "And he even based it on life during the American Civil War?"


    "Ah! I know!"


    "What do you know?"


    "H-He''s making a push for the Nobel Prize in Literature!"


    "What the heck! You''re right!"


    "An international theme that touches on people''s life during wartime. This is the most favored novel to win a Nobel Prize in Literature!"


    "So that''s his motive! Can he make it? There''s only a month left!"


    "Zhang Ye must be crazy!"


    "He still hasn''t stabilized his position in China yet, right?"


    "He''s going too fast!"


    "I have a feeling that something big is gonna happen!"


    ��


    At the Chinese Writers'' Association.


    "Quickly check the Inte!"


    "What? Zhang Ye has his eyes on the Nobel Prize?"


    "How bold of him. Even he''s thinking of vying for it?"


    "I thought he would be consolidating his position in China first!"


    "Damn! He intends to force his way up!"


    "And how would he do that?"


    "Have you all forgotten? An international award gives an additional percentage to the poprity scores. Furthermore, this is the Nobel Prize we''re talking about. A Nobel Prize in any field is still the most prestigious award in the world, so the additional percentage it gives is also the highest. It should be enough for him to jump from the first ce of the domestic rankings into the international C-list celebrity rankings! An international C-lister is a very well-respected star in the international entertainment circle. He''s trying to make use of this method to break the curse that has prevented Chinese celebrities from gaining a foothold on the international stage! He means to take the title of an international celebrity with this method!"


    ��


    At a television station.


    "Will it really work?"


    "Who knows!"


    "He actually dares to try to force his way into the international celebrity rankings?"


    "Damn, only Zhang Ye would dare to think of something like that!"


    "Moreover, he''s the only one who has a chance of seeding. For the other domestic stars, it would be more practical to qualify for the international celebrity rankings than to win an internationally acimed prize!"


    "Does Zhang Ye really intend to do it this way?"


    "Yeah, why else would he have a global release for his new novel?"


    "He''s too bold!"


    ��


    In the Chinese entertainment industry.


    "This is who Zhang Ye is."


    "He''s really trying to go international!"


    "Well, whether he seeds or not, he will still have my admiration."


    "Yeah, just look at the state of our country''s male idols. None of them have their eyes on the international arena. All they want is to get famous in China, then take onmercial performances and make a money grab. Which of them have any intention ofpeting on the international stage? None at all! So Zhang Ye is really something different. He dares to do things that no one even dares to think about! It was poetic that Zhang Ye took over the position of the number one person of the Chinese entertainment circle. It''s a good thing to let him have a go at the international entertainment circle."


    "But there''s only a small chance that he will seed."


    "That will have to depend on how his novel performs."


    "Even if he gets defeated, it will still be a glorious attempt."


    ��


    At a male idol''s studio.


    "Zhang Ye is too rash."


    "Yeah, he''s as good as arrogant."


    "For something that no one in our entertainment circle has seeded at in so many years, he''s actually thinking of breaking into the international stage so soon after taking over the number one position of Chinese show business? Is that even possible!"


    "He''s too naive."


    "I''m not optimistic of Zhang Ye''s chances either."


    "Hur hur, does he think it''s that easy to win the Nobel Prize?"


    "Yeah, that''s right. Even though Zhang Yuanqi didn''t gain a foothold on the international stage, she still managed to break into it once. But the Nobel Prize? There hasn''t been a Chinese person who has won since our country had a history. Chemistry? Mathematics? Physiology or Medicine? Literature? Not one person has won it before! So what makes him think that he can do it?"


    ��


    Among Zhang Ye''s friends.


    Ning Lan.


    Yao Jiancai.


    Xiaodong.


    Amy.


    Chen Guang.


    Dong Shanshan.


    When they heard the news, all of them were left kneeling!


    "Does he really intend to do that?"


    "I''m fucking kneeling!"


    "I was still thinking about how Zhang Ye would make a rush for the international scene in the future!"


    "I''ve also thought about it before, but I never could have expected him to use such a method."


    "So he wants to force his way in!"


    "He''s really trying to stir up something big!"


    ��


    The media blew up as well.


    "Zhang Ye''s new novel debuts in America!"


    "Zhang Ye makes a rush for the international entertainment circle!"


    "Who will win the Nobel Prize?"


    "Can Zhang Ye create a miracle?"


    "Blind faith? Or self-confidence?"


    "Breaking into the international entertainment circle��a path that no one could ever think of!"


    ��


    On this day.


    The entire country was bombarded by this news!

 Chapter 1596 - Gone with the Wind sells like hotcakes!

    <h4>Chapter 1596 - Gone with the Wind sells like hotcakes! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing brought Sisi over.


    When his mother came up to them, she held her hand over her son''s forehead.


    Zhang Ye said, "What are you doing, Mom?"


    His mother said, "I''m checking to see if you have a fever."


    Zhang Ye said, "Why would I have a fever?"


    His mother asked, "So it''s true then, what they said on the news?"


    His father also said in dismay, "You''re really trying to get the Nobel Prize?"


    "Yeah," Zhang Ye replied in a casual tone.


    His mother said in a speechless manner, "Rascal, is something wrong with you?"


    Sisi tilted her head in response and said, "Daddy is awesome!"


    His mother rolled her eyes and said, "Your daddy might be awesome, but that''s the Nobel Prize. No Chinese person has ever gotten it before. All the online news articles are calling your daddy arrogant for wanting to get it."


    Sisi was having none of it. "They''re all baddies!"


    Wu Zeqingughed. She patted her daughter on the head and said, "Yes, your daddy is the most awesome. Just wait until Daddy brings home the Nobel Prize and show them."


    Sisi nodded happily. "Mhm! Mhm!"


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Don''t give Daddy so much pressure. I''m only going to try for it. I can''t be sure I''ll get it."


    Wu Zeqing said, "Just give it a shot."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "That''s what I mean. Let''s see how the book sales do first."


    Even though the Nobel Prize in Literature was not awarded based on a novel''s sales figures, since that would make the existence of themittee pointless, the sales figures would definitely still affect the consideration of who it was awarded to. Oh, so if your novel had a cirction of 10,000 copies around the world, and no one had even read it before or even knew who you were, how could the Nobel Prize possibly be presented to you? There would have to be at least arge enough basis in sales for the world to know about you, giving you the chance to break into the international scene. And this was exactly what Zhang Ye wascking at the moment. And taking a 1,000 steps back, so to speak, even if Zhang Ye didn''t manage to get the Nobel Prize at the end of it all, if this book could hit a certain sales figure globally, it would still give Zhang Ye''s poprity a great boost and get him closer to the international scene.


    There was still a month until the Nobel Prizes were given out.


    But just how would the international audience react to this top ten masterpiece of a novel from his previous world?


    Would they ept it?


    Or would they reject it?


    Would they give it recognition?


    Or would they disapprove of it?


    It would either silently fade away.


    Or be a bestseller across the world.


    Zhang Ye knew that these were the only two oues for Gone with the Wind in this world. There wouldn''t be a third possibility of it performing lukewarmly, so he was waiting, waiting for a result!


    ��


    America.


    At a college town.


    "North, why haven''t I seen you around the past couple days?"


    "Oh, hey, Alice. I''ve been reading a book."


    "What book? That has you so hooked?"


    "It''s a great read! I rmend you read it."


    "What''s it called?"


    "Gone with the Wind."


    "Eh? This book again?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "Ricky also rmended it to me."


    "He read it too?"


    "Since so many people have rmended it, it should be pretty good. I''ll buy a copy too then."


    ��


    Canada.


    On social media.


    "Rmending a book! It''s a great read!"


    "What book?"


    "Gone with the Wind! It was recently published!"


    "I''ve never heard of it. Who''s the author?"


    "Someone called Zhang Ye. I''ve never heard of this person before either."


    "That''s an unknown writer, so it''s probably a neer, right?"


    "But the book is so good. I''ve never read such an amazing book before! I have a feeling that this book will down in history!"


    "Seriously?"


    "It''s such a great book! You guys will understand after reading it!"


    "I''ll go and buy a copy."


    "Where can I get it?"


    ��


    New Zend.


    At a bookstore.


    "Manager! I''d like a copy of Gone with the Wind!"


    "I want three copies. My friends are asking me to buy it for them."


    "Sorry, it''s sold out."


    "What? Wasn''t it just published?"


    "Yeah, the stock is limited, so it was already sold out by this morning."


    "When are you going to restock it?"


    "I''ll call to the publisherster. Er, is the book really that good? I''ve had a lot of peopleing in to ask about it these past two days."


    "I''ve not read it either, but a lot of people are rmending it online."


    ��


    The UK.


    "Heavens!"


    "This is a book that absolutely has a fight with The Pullus Family!"


    "The Pullus Family? That''s one of the top ten famous works of the world!"


    "Just read it and you all will know what I mean. That Chinese writer is absolutely incredible!"


    "So this is the book that was written by the world''s number one hacker?"


    "Yes. Lillian even sung with him during the Olympics."


    "Ah, so it''s that guy?! I know him!"


    "Where''d you get your copy of the book?"


    "It''s not sold anywhere anymore. It''s out of stock."


    ��


    Australia.


    "Can anyone get a copy of Gone with the Wind?"


    "Why are you asking as well?"


    "Everyone''s rmending the book like crazy!"


    "Yeah, my uni''s form teacher and everyone else are rmending I read it too."


    "I managed to get a copy of it. I only bought it with the mentality of giving the book a try. But I couldn''t have expected that by the end of the third day, I didn''t even want to go to work!"


    "Is the book really that good?"


    "It''s a rare work that only appears every 100 years!"


    "There''s war and the impact that it has on the livelihood of the people. It''s so well-written!"


    "Agreed, this is fucking the best novel!"


    "The only problem is that I can''t buy it anymore. It''s out of stock everywhere!"


    ��


    At an international publishing house.


    One of the partners for the English edition of Gone with the Wind.


    Within the office of the publishing house was a flurry of talking on phones.


    "What''s happening?"


    "It''s about Gone with the Wind again?"


    "They''re asking us for a restock again?"


    "We''ve already printed 50,000 copies, but it''s been sold out in only four days?"


    "It''s such a popr book?"


    "Chief Editor, what do we do now?"


    "What else can we do? Print another run! Increase the supply! Give them however much they''re asking for!"


    "Then how many copies should we n for the second print run?"


    "��Another 500,000 copies!"


    "What? That many? Wouldn''t that be too risky?"


    "Risky? My ass! I''ve been reading this book for the past three days! After today, this book will definitely have a ce in history among the literature of the world! I guarantee it!"


    "Understood!"


    "We will step up the publicity as well!"


    ��


    On the first day.


    Gone with the Wind was unknown.


    The next day.


    The word of mouth surrounding Gone with the Wind picked up.


    On the third day.


    Gone with the Wind had blown up.


    In just a few short days.


    Its reputation.


    Its sales.


    The English edition of Gone with the Wind had experienced an explosion in countless English-speaking countries around the world!


    There were almost no promotions, with very few advertisements run, and just a small initial print run for the book, so no one really knew about it. But just like that, a novel named Gone with the Wind that was written by a Chinese citizen was suddenly standing out from the rest of itspetition and pushed to the forefront! It was as though the global literary field had been taken over by Gone with the Wind! This shocked countless people all around the world!


    Additional print run!


    Additional print run!


    And another additional print run!


    500,000 copies!


    1 million copies!


    2 million copies!


    Gone with the Wind was selling like hotcakes!


    It was so crazy that everyone was dumbfounded!


    Following the CIH incident from years ago, Zhang Ye''s name appeared on the international scene for the second time!

 Chapter 1597 - Uproar!

    <h4>Chapter 1597 - Uproar! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Several dayster.


    The New York Times: Gone with the Wind sells out in North America!


    Canada, National Post 1 : Gone with the Wind sets a new sales record!


    The Australian 2 : A novel that swept across the country!


    UK, The Daily Telegraph 3 : Gone with the Wind sets a new standard in literary fiction!


    The New Zend Herald 4 : An in-depth analysis of the characters in Gone with the Wind!


    Irnd, Raidi�� Teilif��s ��ireann 5 : Why is Gone with the Wind such a sess in English-speaking countries?


    Many of the Englishnguage media and television stations around the world were reporting about it!


    Gone with the Wind!


    Gone with the Wind!


    Gone with the Wind!


    This name appeared everywhere!


    This was undoubtedly even bigger publicity for the novel!


    For a moment, the reputation of the novel, Gone with the Wind, had be even greater internationally. More and more people in English-speaking countries found out about this book and knew about this author named Zhang Ye. Even the people of many non-English-speaking countries where Gone with the Wind hadn''t been published yet had developed a very strong interest and curiosity about this novel. Some of the foreign citizens whose English was better sought their friends'' help to buy the book for them. If there was no localized edition of it, they were willing to read the English edition too. They wanted to see what was so magical and amazing about this book! Once this cycle began, it became very difficult to stop!


    Thus, Gone with the Wind was selling even crazier now!


    The sales volume each day was skyrocketing!


    3 million!


    3.5 million!


    3.7 million!


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    In China.


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    At this moment, everyone was screaming with joy!


    Ha Qiqi was very excited. "It''s a sess! We''ve done it!"


    Zhang Zuoughed heartily. "The foreign market has been opened! This is a historic breakthrough! Even without winning the Nobel Prize, we would go down in the history books! There has never been a Chinese novel that has sold so well overseas! The sales figures must have broken all records! And it''s still setting a new high every day!"


    Tong Fu was nervous. "C-Can this count as a Chinese novel?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "I''m a Chinese citizen, and I wrote it, so why wouldn''t it count?"


    It was written in English!


    And released overseas!


    And the setting was even in America too!


    And you''re fucking telling me that this is a Chinese novel?


    Tong Fu was floored.


    Little Wang said in surprise, "Who cares what novel it is! All that matters is that it can sell well! We''re gonna be rich this time! It''s all money!"


    Wu Yi was catching his breath from the excitement. "How much money will we earn? Ever since Director Zhang''seback, the studio has been struggling to make ends meet. We finally have money!"


    Zhang Ye proudly said with a smile, "Well, the money isn''t important. What''s important is the fame we earn. If we can break out onto the international stage, if we can gain a spot on the international celebrity rankings, there won''t be a shortage of money making opportunities in the future. So don''t set your sights too low. Oh yes, when will the Russian and Chinese editions be released?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "They''ll be released today!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, let''s build on that and take the next city!"


    "Got it!"


    "Director Zhang is mighty!"


    "You''re so impressive!"


    Everyone was sucking up to him. But maybe, it shouldn''t be called sucking up since they were truly convinced by Zhang Ye''s capabilities. They were utterly convinced by him from head to toe! By writing an English novel based on an American setting, everyone had thought that Director Zhang had fucked up and that he was being too rash. He was someone who had never ever been to America before, so how could he possibly write a novel with a setting that covered the American Civil War? Yet the reality was that Director Zhang could do it. He had actually used the novel to kick open the door to the international literature market. So how could they not be convinced by him?


    At this moment, Zhang Ye finally felt reassured. It was a load off his mind.


    He knew that Gone with the Wind wouldn''t have any problems of unsuitability in the market. That it could sell so well had absolutely nothing to do with the promotions, advertisements, or his character. It was purely because this was a good book. This was a novel that could astonish the entire world''s literary field even if it was just left there. The history of his previous world had proven this point. For a person to reach the pinnacle of the international literary world with just one novel, only Margaret Mitchell had achieved that!


    And now.


    Zhang Ye had recreated Mitchell''s achievement in this world!


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    It blew up in China as well!


    The news that had made it back to China''s shores from the international scene had dumbfounded countless Chinese citizens!


    On Weibo.


    "Holy shit!"


    "Is this fucking real?"


    "Did he really break into the international market?"


    "Gone with the Wind has sold like crazy?"


    "Zhang Ye! Teacher Zhang! Fellow Zhang! I am truly in fucking genuflection of you!"


    "You can even do it like this?"


    "Is this novel really that good?"


    "Who the hell knows? How on earth did it sell like crazy?"


    "It''s sold out in America, Britain, Canada, and Australia?"


    "I''m feeling a little faint. Please allow me to calm down a little!"


    "I''m also wondering just what sort of a novel this is."


    "Who can still get the English edition?"


    "You can''t get them anymore."


    "I heard that the Chinese edition is going on sale today!"


    "Are you sure? Then I''ve got to buy a copy to read it!"


    "I''ll have to read it too. Just what is so awesome about this book?"


    "I''ve never read foreign novels since childhood, but I''ve got to read it no matter what."


    "What do you mean by a foreign novel? This is clearly a Chinese novel."


    "Pfft! You call this a fucking Chinese novel? None of the main leads'' names are even in Chinese!"


    "That Zhang Ye has really made such a great transformation in his bid to get into the international scene!"


    "But it does feel like this guy has managed his transformation sessfully!"


    "Hai, when has he not sessfully made a transformation before? As long as it''s something that he wants to do, there''s basically nothing that he can''t do. There''s really something sinister going on with this fellow!"


    ��


    In the Chinese literary circle.


    "Heavens!"


    "It can even be done like this?"


    "Has it really sold so crazily?"


    "The novel in all of the dozen English-speaking countries like America and Canada are sold out?"


    "That''s something that very few foreign writers can achieve!"


    "What book is this called?"


    "I don''t know, I can''t read English."


    "I''ve read it a little, and it seems like it''s about war and life. It''s purely based on American history!"


    "Just how did he manage to write something like that!"


    "Actually, for someone who was able to write a book like Fortress Besieged years ago, I wouldn''t be surprised by any book he writes. Zhang Ye''s literary prowess is just too deep! He has mastered everything!"


    "But he still couldn''t have possibly mastered it all the way to America!"


    ��


    At a male idol''s studio.


    "Can he really do it?"


    "Why do I find this so unreal!"


    "It is being sold around the world already?"


    "And there''s even a fucking Russian edition?"


    "How does he know Russian!"


    "Who can tell me the answer to your question!"


    "He already knows English, so what''s so surprising that he knows Russian as well!"


    "When will the Chinese edition go on sale? Let''s buy a few copies too. I wanna know what it''s about! How can someone as notorious as Zhang Ye possibly write something that could convince the international audience!"


    ��


    The Chinese media.


    "Zhang Ye''s new novel sells well overseas!"


    "Zhang Ye might be the number one in China''s literary field!"


    "Will the Nobel Prize Committee cast a nce at Zhang Ye?"


    "Gone with the Wind goes on sale in China today!"


    "The Russian edition of Gone with the Wind will be released soon!"


    "Can Gone with the Wind sell well in non-English-speaking countries? Wait and see!"


    Zhang Ye''s new novel had given a great shock to many people!

 Chapter 1598 - Selling like hotcakes all over the world!

    <h4>Chapter 1598 - Selling like hotcakes all over the world! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Somewhere else.


    In Russia.


    The Russian edition officially went on sale.


    At a bookstore, the line inside was growing longer and longer.


    "I want a copy of Gone with the Wind."


    "Give me five copies."


    "Everyone''s here to buy this book?"


    "Yeah, I heard it sold really well abroad. It''s the best-selling book in recent years."


    "I heard about that too. The book is very sought after in America, Canada, and Britain. That is why I also came to buy one to read it. There should be a reason why it''s so popr."


    "I was rmended to read it by other people too."


    "How''s the Russian trantion?"


    "I don''t know. I heard that it was written by a Chinese person and the trantions were even done by the author himself without the help of a trantor, although that sounds doubtful."


    "Wow!"


    "What is it?"


    "This person''smand of the Russiannguage is really good!"


    "Are you serious?"


    "I just bought a copy and browsed through it. This trantion is so good!"


    "I''ll have a look as well��aiyo, it''s true."


    "The way this Russian is expressed is even better than how a native can do it!"


    "Is this person Russian or Chinese?"


    "I heard that the Chinese edition has also been put on sale in China. It''s not unusual for a person to know threenguages, but how many can im to be proficient in threenguages?"


    "I''m even more interested in this book now."


    On the same day.


    Many Russian bookstores also went out of stock as Gone with the Wind sold crazily on its first day of sales!


    Some people bought the book because they simply liked reading novels and would always look for newly published works to read. Meanwhile, others were attracted by the talk surrounding the book. After all, Gone with the Wind had been making a name for itself in the international arena for the past few days. It was very popr, so everyone was curious about what kind of a book it was. Moreover, Russia had quite a few disputes with its neighboring countries over the past two years. There were many incidents that were even brought to the attention of the United Nations, and the international arena was getting worried that a war could break out at any moment. So, within Russia itself, war novels became very popr, whichid the foundations for Gone with the Wind to sell so well.


    ��


    At a Russian publishing house.


    "Chief Editor, they''re out of stock!"


    "That''s how many stores already?"


    "It''s the fifth store!"


    "Why is it selling so quickly?"


    "I don''t know. We''ve already taken that into consideration and printed 500,000 copies for the initial print run. But we still couldn''t have expected the sales to be this crazy! It''s simply too frightening!"


    "Print! Print some more!"


    "OK!"


    ��


    At another ce.


    In China.


    The bookstore industry''s reaction was even more astonishing!


    Beijing.


    Shanghai.


    Shenzhen.


    Nanjing.


    Countless cities.


    Countless points of sale.


    At this moment, long lines were forming!


    "Gone with the Wind! Give me a copy!"


    "I want one too!"


    "Please give me ten copies! Thank you!"


    "Do you still have Gone with the Wind?"


    "Sorry, we''re sold out."


    "What? I''ve been lining up since morning!"


    "Why is it sold out already?"


    "Damn, I''ve been waiting for Teacher Zhang''s new book for a very long time!"


    "Why aren''t you all bringing in more stock! Why are you all so dumb! That''s Face-smacking Zhang''s book, and which book of his hasn''t sold well in the past? Why didn''t you all consider that beforehand!"


    "Yeah, I only managed to get Fortress Besieged thest time round after waiting in line for three days! You people are so incapable. You don''t even know how to n your stock orders? It''s Face-smacking Zhang''s book we''re talking about. Even a first print of two million copies wouldn''t satisfy the demand locally, much less abroad! Just by Zhang Ye''s name alone, who wouldn''t buy a copy of it to read?"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    The Chinese release of Gone with the Wind was already making headlines!


    "Did anyone manage to get it?"


    "I couldn''t get a copy. I was a step toote!"


    "*cries* Me neither! *flips table*"


    "Hahaha, I managed to buy one!"


    "I''ve already read over twenty pages of the book. It''s so wonderful!"


    "This is such aplete change from Zhang Ye''s previous styles! But it''s still very nice to read! The description of life during the war is amazing! It feels as though Zhang Ye really lived during that period!"


    "The characters in the book are outstanding too!"


    "The racial tensions are palpable and run deep!"


    "Eh, the war really affected the livelihood of people. Zhang Ye has made his point on this really well. This novel is absolutely on the level of a world-famous work! It''s no wonder it''s been so well-received in the international market!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang has finally managed to be a little more international!"


    "He has really defied the Heavens this time!"


    "True that, I never expected that he could write a novel like this!"


    "I''ve looked through a few pages, but I didn''t quite like it. Still, I bought ten copies!"


    "Previous poster, why did you do that?"


    "To collect! If you don''t buy Zhang Ye''s book, you aren''t Chinese!"


    "Pfft, Face-smacking Zhang has really got a lot of fans!"


    "Of course, the number one of the Chinese entertainment circle is not just for show. In order for Face-smacking Zhang to march into the international celebrity rankings, I''ve got to do my part as well!"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye''s foray into the international entertainment circle!"


    "Right, China should have had a celebrity who can stand firmly in the international celebrity rankings long ago! Zhang Yuanqi couldn''t do it, Xu Men couldn''t do it, and Guan Zhaohua was also unable to do it. It''s all up to Zhang Ye now. That scammer of a fellow is full of ideas, so I would also like to see if he can break into the international scene and start some trouble there!"


    "Well said! I''ll go buy five books too!"


    Thus, Gone with the Wind also sold like crazy in China!


    This was also where it sold the most crazily in the whole wide world!


    ��


    At the Chinese Writers'' Association.


    "W-Was this written by Zhang Ye?"


    "This is so impressive!"


    "I''ve heard that bookstores everywhere are already out of stock for this book."


    "Yes, it seems to be the case for Russia too."


    "It''s even selling well in the non-English-speaking countries?"


    "Perhaps he really does stand a chance of winning the Nobel Prize."


    "I really dislike Zhang Ye as a person. But if he can really bring back an unprecedented Nobel Prize, I''ll be the first person to p for him!"


    "Does he really have a chance?"


    "That depends on the Nobel Committee."


    ��


    India.


    "What? That Chinese writer''s novel has broken sales records?"


    "Is he thinking ofpeting with us for the Nobel Prize?"


    "He only has one book to his name, how dare he?"


    "The Nobel Prize in Literature will surely be ours this time!"


    "That''s right! We didn''t manage to get it the previous time around, but it will definitely be ours this time! Teacher Bangalore has been umting reputation for ten years and has released seven or eight best-selling novels. This Chinese guy has only got one book, so there''s basically nothing to worry about. Hai, if it weren''t for Teacher Bangalore''s temper and his character, he wouldn''t have had to wait for ten years to get a Nobel Prize."


    ��


    At themittee for the Nobel Prize in Literature.


    "Gone with the Wind?"


    "This novel has very strong momentum right now."


    "I''ve read it. It''s truly worth rmending!"


    "This is indeed a good novel. But there are some topics in it that are quite insensitive."


    "I don''t find it insensitive at all. What was written in the book is really just a naked manifestation of the contradictions during those times. This is absolutely a great work in the history of literature!"


    "You''ve got such a high opinion of it, Stanford?"


    "Yes, I love this book to death!"


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "This person is worth giving attention to."


    ��


    With three differentnguage editions of the book.


    Gone with the Wind was selling exceptionally well in countries around the world!


    Suddenly, the international focus on Zhang Ye and his poprity also started increasing. As such, he was now a big step closer to the international celebrity rankings!

 Chapter 1599 - Zhang Ye’s heavyweight move!

    <h4>Chapter 1599 - Zhang Ye��s heavyweight move! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    One day.


    Five days.


    Ten days.


    Gone with the Wind sold like hotcakes around the world.


    The bookstore industry in every country was ripped apart by this novel.


    5 million copies!


    6 million copies!


    7 million copies!


    When the sales figures hit 7.23 million copies, Gone with the Wind officially broke the global sales record that an American novel had held for nine years. It leaped ahead and became the hottest-selling full-length novel in the world. Gone with the Wind had only taken half a month to do this. If it was just based on the speed of sales, Gone with the Wind would even have broken all of the sales records that were set by the officially recognized world-famous works!


    15 days!


    Over 7 million copies!


    ( B oxnovel.c om ) This was something that had practically not happened before in this world!


    But as it came to this point, a sales bottleneck also appeared.


    ��


    India.


    "Bangalore''s new novel is on sale!"


    "This is great!"


    "It''s a global release!"


    "It''s avable in sevennguages?"


    "What''s the novel called?"


    "Embers of Humanity!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "Teacher Itou has published a new novel!"


    "It should have been published long ago!"


    "Yeah, it''s because the trantion has been dyed for so long."


    "It still isn''t toote!"


    "That''s right, there''s still half a month to go before the Nobel Prize is given out. There''s still enough time!"


    ��


    America.


    A nominee of the Nobel Prize in Literature.


    "Is there still time?"


    "Yes. We cannot allow Gone with the Wind to keep selling like this."


    "Yeah, that Chinese writer is too rampant!"


    "This is our home field. There are even Indian and Japanese writers too. They''re dipping their hands too far into our territory."


    ��


    On this day.


    Three strong contenders for the Nobel Prize from the literary world published their books one after another. Some of them had already nned to release their works before the Nobel Prize ceremony, but there were also others who didn''t have this n. Then, after seeing the momentum generated by the release of Gone with the Wind, they couldn''t sit still anymore and decided to bring forward the sales of their books. Even though some of the trantions were not done to perfection, they still brought forward the release of their novel by several months!


    All of the books were released globally!


    All of them were in multiplenguages!


    The world was in an uproar!


    This was an unprecedented battle of the century!


    Everyone had a feeling that this year''s Nobel Prize contention would be one of bloodshed and probably the most intense one in nearly a decade!


    On the World Wide Web.


    "It''s starting!"


    "Thepetition is too intense!"


    "Who will win?"


    "It''s too difficult to say!"


    The sales figures were very quickly published on the day of.


    The American writer sold 200,000 copies!


    The Japanese writer sold the least with 150,000 copies!


    The Indian writer, Bangalore, sold the most with 300,000 copies!


    ( B oxnovel.c om ) Although the three books might not match up with the global sales figures of Gone with the Wind, their authors were all famous writers with a long history and a reputation, to boot. They all had previous novels that astonished the world, so even if the sales figures of theirtest novels could notpare to Gone with the Wind, their chances of getting the Nobel Prize was still much greater than Zhang Ye''s. Zhang Ye''s novel had amazed the world, but it was only enough to ce him in the sights of themittee for the Nobel Prize in Literature.


    ��


    China.


    On Weibo.


    "Something bad is going to happen!"


    "Gone with the Wind''s sales have slowed down!"


    "The problem is that there''s too muchpetition!"


    "Gone with the Wind''s sales figure is still tops! And it''s an undisputed first ce!"


    "But those other writers'' sales figures aren''t bad either. There isn''t a clear gap yet!"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye is in danger. It''s still not enough to have just one book under him."


    "But Gone with the Wind should have won without question. This is something that no Chinese author has seeded in doing before! Shouldn''t seizing the sales throne of the global literary world be awesome enough?"


    "But Zhang Ye''s goal is the international celebrity rankings, right?"


    "Has he managed to do it yet?"


    "Not yet. We don''t even know how much more poprity score he needs to get onto the international celebrity rankings."


    "Unless he gets the Nobel Prize, it will be very difficult for him to break in."


    ��


    Elsewhere.


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Little Wang said, "Bangalore can''t match up to our sales at all!"


    Ha Qiqi said with a serious look, "But they''re better qualified than us."


    Zhang Zuo sighed. "Yeah, that''s the deadliest point for us. If Director Zhang had been writing more books like Gone with the Wind in recent years, this matter would have been settled once and for all. We would have at least a 50 to 60% chance of getting the Nobel Prize. But the problem is that Director Zhang has only got this one novel that can take on the world with."


    Tong Fu said anxiously, "Director Zhang, why don''t you write another one then?"


    "It won''t be in time." Zhang Ye shook his head.


    He still had books that he could use, and there were even a lot of them.


    10 novels?


    20 novels?


    A 100 novels?


    He could bring them out if he wanted to!


    But it wouldn''t be now. There wasn''t enough time!


    Little Wang also said anxiously, "The sales aren''t growing as much as before!"


    Wu Yi said, "We can only leave it to fate."


    In the past, when they were very far from having any chance of getting the Nobel Prize, there weren''t any expectations at all. In fact, when Zhang Ye brought up the matter of trying for the award, the studio staff did not even really think about it since they did not believe it could happen. But now, after Zhang Ye''s novel had amazed the global literary scene, their chances of getting a Nobel Prize had be better than before. With news on the grapevine saying that Director Zhang had been identified as a key nominee by themittee for the Nobel Prize in Literature, everyone was starting to worry about whether they could really get it.


    However, Zhang Ye didn''t like leaving things to fate. Moreover, he believed in Gone with the Wind. He felt that this book would have a great effect on this world and that its potential was still far from met. The slowdown in sales was due topetition from several of the Nobel Prize nominees. Since there was only enough time to bring out this book, Zhang Ye would have to ensure that its potential was met. The highest sales figures in the same period? The number one bestseller in a decade? This was still far from enough!


    You guys have written many books before?


    You guys are better qualified as a result?


    Then I can only fight it out with you on sales and influence!


    7 million copies weren''t enough?


    Then will 10 million copies be enough?


    Will 15 million copies be enough?


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m going back up to my office."


    Little Wang said, "Ah?"


    "Don''t bother me." Zhang Ye waved and headed upstairs.


    ��


    Upstairs.


    In his office.


    Zhang Ye lit a cigarette to smoke and rx. Then he focused his gaze and brought up the virtual game ring''s interface. He was going to y the lottery to see if the game ring could give him a useful item. The Nobel Prize was way too important for his career, so he definitely had to fight for it!


    Abracadabra!


    Hocus pocus!


    Give me something good and useful!


    He activated the Lucky Halo (Ultra)!


    Zhang Ye then started Lottery Draw (Three)!


    The lottery draw began!


    The virtual tform appeared!


    One second��


    Five seconds��


    With a sh, arge golden treasure chest appeared!


    Zhang Ye hurriedly went up to have a look. Instantly, heughed heartily at what he saw. This was entirely not what he had imagined getting, yet it was perfectly what he wanted!


    [Lucky Medal (Upgraded)] �� 1


    Description: Substantially increases the luck of the yer.


    Effective duration: 57 hours.


    Zhang Ye understood this to be simr to his previous version of the Lucky Halo (Upgraded), except that it had appeared as a Consumption Category item. Although it couldn''t bepared to the Lucky Halo (Ultra), it could still pull off a heavyweight move!


    57 hours!


    This was more than two days'' worth of luck!

 Chapter 1600 - A paranormal event takes place around the world!

    <h4>Chapter 1600 - A paranormal event takes ce around the world! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    After Zhang Ye washed his face, he ate breakfast before returning to the study.


    When the door closed, he opened up the game ring''s inventory to retrieve the Lucky Medal and put it on. The Lucky Medal instantaneously shattered as a stream of white light shot out of it, rippling in all directions through the entire world.


    The Lucky Medal had been activated.


    Counting down: 57 hours.


    Then Zhang Ye sat down in front of theputer and started waiting!


    Sales!


    Give me more sales!


    All he wanted was that!


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    At crosstalkedian Tang Dazhang''s house.


    Today, his wife and child were both at home.


    His wife asked, "Old Tang, do you have any performances scheduled for today?"


    Tang Dazhang was looking at theputer and smiling absentmindedly. He said, "No, hur hur."


    "Why are you so happy?" his wife wondered.


    Tang Dazhang chuckled and said, "The sales for Gone with the Wind are no longer moving. Several of the world''s literary giants have finally appeared and are fighting him. They have already snatched away quite a bit of the market share, so his chances of getting the Nobel Prize are as good as gone."


    His wife said in a speechless manner, "Your feud with him was so long ago."


    Tang Dazhang rolled his eyes. "I''ll be at odds with him my entire life! Hmph!"


    His wife advised, "He''s still bringing glory to the country. Besides, I''ve heard that this novel is pretty good. A few of my friends and colleagues are all reading it."


    Tang Dazhang said anxiously, "Don''t you dare buy it. I''ll take it up with whoever does!"


    His wife said, "I know, I know, I won''t buy it."


    Tang Dazhang harrumphed, "I won''t let him gain any increase in his book sales, not even by a single copy!"


    Ding dong. The doorbell rang. It was a courier.


    His wife smiled and said, "The technical books our son ordered are here."


    Arge box of books that looked extremely heavy was delivered.


    But when they opened it up, they were dumbfounded!


    Gone with the Wind!


    Gone with the Wind!


    Gone with the Wind!


    There were a total of 53 books inside, and all of them were Gone with the Wind!


    Tang Dazhang spat out a mouthful of blood!


    His son said in shock, "I, I didn''t buy these!"


    His wife was stunned. "Did they send it to the wrong address?"


    His son hurriedly contacted the seller online. In the end, the seller turned out to be ck-hearted. After haggling for a long time, they still refused to ept a return on the items!


    Tang Dazhang was so furious at this!


    No returns?


    Over fifty copies of Gone with the Wind?


    Do you fucking expect me to open a bookstore!


    The enraged roar of Tang Dazhang rang out inside the house. "Zhang! Why the hell do you keep haunting me like this!"


    ��


    Japan.


    At a bookstore.


    Seto Kyoko and her friends were out window shopping.


    "Wow, Kyoko."


    "Isn''t this the English edition of Gone with the Wind?"


    "Weren''t you the editor for Zhang Ye''s One Pieceic?"


    "Do you want to buy a copy?"


    When Kyoko heard this name, she shivered from head to toe. She said angrily, "Don''t mention him. I''ve sworn that I would never read another work by this great eunuch! Let''s go, let''s go!" A momentter, someone in front bumped into her, pushing her into the bookshelf that Gone with the Wind was disyed on. It shook from the force, and a copy of Gone with the Wind slid into the bag that she was carrying, unnoticed.


    After paying.


    They returned to the office.


    When Kyoko got back, she opened the bag and discovered the book in it.


    "What?"


    "When did I buy this?"


    "Heavens, what''s going on?"


    She felt like she had seen a ghost and quickly threw the book aside.


    But after thinking about it, she felt that since it had been bought, she couldn''t let the money go to waste.


    Kyoko clenched her teeth. Her English was pretty good, so she ended up flipping through a few pages. Once she did that, she found herself unable to stop as she got more and more fascinated by what she was reading.


    It was time to start working again. The other editors gradually arrived back at the office as well.


    "Ah, Kyoko, what are you doing?"


    "N-Nothing."


    "Why are you reading Zhang Ye''s book?"


    Kyoko almost burst into tears. "I don''t know how I ended up buying it."


    Many of the editors cast her a contemptuous nce before cing the things in their hands down. Some of them had bought boxed lunches back, while others went out to buyic magazines to read. All of a sudden, a lot of people eximed in shock!


    A female editor shouted, "Ah, why is there a copy of Gone with the Wind in my bag?"


    A male editor said, "Damn, why do I have a copy too?"


    Another female editor said, "Oh my God, I''m sure I bought a copy of Bangalore''s new book. That bookstore employee is too unprofessional. How could he get me the wrong one?"


    Everyone was dumbfounded!


    It was as though they had all encountered a ghost!


    ��


    America.


    At a publishingpany, the editors were currently holding a meeting.


    The editor-in-chief said, "Let me say this: There isn''t a need to promote Gone with the Wind any further. The momentum for this book has weakened, and besides, it was written by a Chinese guy. Our focus will still be on the sales of our own domestic books. Isn''t that American writer vying for the Nobel Prize in Literature? There''s no reason for our publishing house to not support it. Therefore, I want all aspects of our marketing and publicity efforts to focus on the American writer''s book. We can attempt to sell a few of the Japanese and Indian writers'' novels as well."


    "Alright."


    "Understood."


    "I will arrange it right away."


    Everyone responded positively.


    Suddenly, an employee ran in and panted, "This is bad!"


    The editor-in-chief kept a straight face. "What''s the matter, Will?"


    Will said in panic, "Our guys at the printers got it wrong!"


    The editor-in-chief was startled. "Got what wrong?"


    Will said in tears, "The novels scheduled for printing have been mistakenly printed as Gone with the Wind!"


    "What?" The editor-in-chief shot to his feet. He said in a trembling voice, "How many copies were printed by mistake?"


    Will did not dare tell him. "Um, uh��"


    The editor-in-chief roared, "Speak!"


    Will wiped his sweat away. "A million copies!"


    The editors in the conference room nearly fell out of their chairs!


    The editor-in-chief saw red!


    A million copies?


    A million copies were wrongly printed?


    How many years would it take to sell all of that!


    A female editor quickly asked, "So, Chief Editor, the direction of the marketing you wanted us to take, should we go ahead and implement it as you said? If there''s nothing else, we''ll get back to our work."


    However, the editor-in-chief surprised the room. "Implement, my ass! I want all of the publicity and marketing efforts to fully focus on Gone with the Wind! Push it! Sell it! Put it on sale! Make sure to sell them all!"


    "Ah?"


    Everyone was horrified!


    ��


    On this day.


    The entire world was in chaos!


    Some people returned home to find a copy of Gone with the Wind in their bags.


    Some people ced orders online and realized that they had bought the wrong book after it was delivered.


    Some publishing houses printed the wrong books and ended up approaching other publishing houses they had a better rtionship with to help them share the burden so as to reduce their losses. As a result, the replies they got shocked them ever more: Eh, you guys mistakenly printed Gone with the Wind too?


    Too?


    Mistakenly printed it too?


    What the fuck is going on?!


    What the hell is this!


    On this night, the entire world felt like they had encountered a paranormal event!


    ��


    On the same day.


    Gone with the Wind''s sales figures broke records once again!


    The sales of the novel had nearlye to a standstill under the assault of the other Nobel Prize nominees'' works. 7.3 million. 7.4 million. The rate of sales crawled to a slow. It had lost the momentum it had at the beginning. But on this day, the sales of Gone with the Wind exploded again. It blew up so greatly that it chilled everyone in the world!


    8 million copies!


    9 million copies!


    10 million copies!


    It surpassed 10 million copies in sales!


    Now, the poption of the world was stunned!

 Chapter 1601 - Major international news!

    <h4>Chapter 1601 - Major international news! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    The Lucky Medal''s countdown duration: Still 32 hours to go.


    ��


    At the studio.


    A lot of reports wereing in.


    "Director Zhang, we''ve sold 10.8 million copies!"


    "Good, very good."


    "Director Zhang, we''ve been contacted by someone from Portugal!"


    "Director Zhang, a Korean publishing house has also contacted us!"


    "Director Zhang, several trantors from Japan have approached us for an opportunity to cooperate on the novel."


    "They''re looking to trante Gone with the Wind?"


    "Yes."


    "Let them do it."


    "Great! In that case, it shouldn''t be long before the tranted versions of your novel are sold all over the world. I''ll go and hold talks with them."


    ��


    On the news.


    The multilingual editions of Gone with the Wind were announced, and they would gradually be making their way into the markets.


    A storm called Gone with the Wind swept across the globe.


    The characters in the novel.


    The plot.


    The symbolism in the book.


    They were all broken down and thoroughly analyzed.


    All of a sudden, it spread throughout the world!


    When a novel gets extremely popr, the impact it has can also be astonishing!


    ��


    North America.


    Many ck people came out onto the streets.


    A lot of white people also joined in the protest.


    "Abolish the Exclusion Act!"


    "We demand equality!"


    "Reject racial discrimination!"


    The appearance of Gone with the Wind had turned the pages of history to its darkest times!


    Numerous people were holding up the novel Gone with the Wind and protesting against thest remaining bill from years ago!


    ��


    Russia.


    Many citizens were out on the streets.


    "Say no to war!"


    "Halt the use of military force!"


    "We want peace!"


    "Open the peace talks!"


    More and more people were joining in the protests as the crowd size exploded.


    They were holding up signs with quotes taken from Gone with the Wind as their protest slogans.


    ��


    India.


    Countless womenunched their protests.


    "Please respect women!"


    "Reject discrimination!"


    "We want equality!"


    "We want respect!"


    "We want freedom!"


    "Bring all criminals who humiliate women to justice!"


    ��


    Bangalore''s team.


    They also saw the crowds protesting in the streets.


    "Damn!"


    "Why is it like this?"


    "This book''s influence is too massive!"


    "Has the Chinese writer really be ourpetitor?"


    "How''s Embers of Humanity''s sales doing?"


    "Gone with the Wind has left it in the dust!"


    ��


    Within the Japanese writers'' circle.


    "What?"


    "It''s sold over 10 million copies?"


    "How is that possible!"


    "What sorcery is this!"


    "Does he really intend to charge towards the Nobel Prize in Literature?"


    "Only the old masterpiece novels have had such influence. How did Gone with the Wind also do it?"


    "Several literary giants have also released their new books during this period, but his sales volume still exceeded theirs by more than ten times!"


    "This is too terrifying!"


    However, they did not know that something even more terrifying stillid ahead.


    ��


    Russia.


    In the Presidential Senate 1 .


    "Mr. President, the citizens are marching to protest us going to war."


    "Alright, I understand."


    "The Western troops have begun to mobilize, and the military is on standby."


    "Understood. You may return."


    "But��"


    "Go back."


    "Yes."


    The door closed with a gust of wind.


    The wind flipped open a book that was lying on the president''s desk.


    The president walked over and picked up the book with curiosity.


    Gone with the Wind?


    He sat down and began reading it quietly.


    ��


    On the same night.


    At the studio.


    The staff had already left the office, but Zhang Ye remained behind. He called Old Wu to inform her that he would not be going home tonight. Then he started browsing the Inte in his office and looked around online. He checked out the reviews of Gone with the Wind from everywhere in the world and the impact that his novel had on the people.


    Tick tock.


    Tick tock.


    Time slowly ticked away.


    Zhang Ye was still hoping for something much bigger to happen.


    Because he knew that the duration of the Lucky Medal was still not over.


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    On the rankings, the sales of Gone with the Wind kept setting new records.


    In the end, it even charged into the International Top 50 Best-selling Novels chart!


    This was the overall rankings chart that tracked the global sales figures of novels. They were the top 50 best-selling books in the world! Gone with the Wind had already broken records and been hailed as the best-selling full-length novel in a decade. But no one would have expected that Gone with the Wind could actually get onto the International Top 50 Best-selling Novels chart in such a short period of time!


    It entered the charts at 48th ce!


    What did that mean?


    Of the 50 books on it, every one of them had a history of 10 or more years. Some of the books had even been selling for over 20 to 30 years, or even 50 years. The novels on this best-seller chart had several decades of sales before they appeared on it. Some of the original authors were not even alive anymore, with some of the book''s sales figures extremelyrge in the tens to hundreds of millions of copies. But how long had they been published? How many years did it take for them to get such results? But for Gone with the Wind? It had only taken it less than a month to get there!


    11 million copies!


    11.5 million copies!


    Gone with the Wind''s ranking was still increasing! With its momentum, when all of the variousnguage editions were sold in countries around the world, it shouldn''t be much of a problem for it to squeeze into the international top 20!


    The top 20?


    Every novel at those rankings were masterpieces of the world!


    Zhang Ye was very happy to see this. Then he dozed off.


    The next day.


    Early in the morning.


    Sunrays shone in as dawn broke.


    A noise from downstairs woke Zhang Ye up. He opened his eyes and yawned several times before realizing he had fallen asleep in the office in his chair.


    The door suddenly opened.


    Little Wang came in, screaming, "Ah, Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "What? Are you trying to frighten me to death?"


    Little Wang shouted, "You didn''t go homest night?"


    "No, I didn''t." Zhang Ye stretched.


    Many of the others also rushed into the office.


    Tong Fu shouted, "Something major has happened! Director Zhang! Something major has happened!"


    Zhang Ye was startled. "What happened?"


    Zhang Zuo also came upstairs. "Q-Quickly check the news!"


    Ha Qiqi came up shortly after. "Gone with the Wind has made waves again!"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly asked, "What is it?"


    Ha Qiqi said in shock, "It''s major international news! Russia has withdrawn its army from neighboring countries! They''ve started to engage in peace talks! They''ve formed several negotiation groups and sent them to the neighboring countries!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "What? They aren''t going to war anymore?"


    Tong Fu cried out, "There won''t be any more fighting!" There won''t be any more fighting!"


    Zhang Ye said, "What''s that got to do with us?"


    Zhang Zuo said loudly, "In his speech at the press conference, the Russian president mentioned Gone with the Wind. He said that he had a sleepless night and read the book all night. From it, he saw how great an impact war had on the people. So he decided to respect the opinion of the public and turned to diplomatic means to resolve the conflict!"


    Zhang Ye stared at her in shock. "Impossible!"


    Ha Qiqi said happily, "He was really influenced by your novel!"


    Zhang Ye''s eyes widened. "Are there any anti-war sentiments in Gone with the Wind?"


    Little Wang was aghast. "You don''t even know what''s in your own book?"


    Zhang Ye said, "He decided not to go to war after reading my book? Ohe on, don''t joke!"


    "It''s true! Go and see for yourself!" Little Wang said.


    Zhang Ye''sputer was still on. He moved the mouse and the screen came on. Then he checked the news, and his jaw dropped!


    Damn!


    It''s true!


    Immediately after that, Wu Yi also ran up.


    "Something has happened again! Where''s everyone? Where''s everyone?" Wu Yi shouted.


    Ha Qiqi shouted at the staircase, "Over here!"


    The moment Wu Yi came upstairs, he said something astonishing. "America has repealed that bill!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Huh?"


    Ha Qiqi was stunned. "Which bill?"


    Wu Yi said, "The news was just announced a minute ago. Thatst remaining Exclusion Act has been repealed in part due to the protests of the citizens. The repeal was announced after Congress passed it, and countless ck and white Americans have gone onto the streets to celebrate!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Has that got anything to do with us?"


    Zhang Zuo was also very excited. "Of course it has. The citizens only started protesting due to the influence of Gone with the Wind! But actually, this bill was already in discussions to be repealed in America. It was only a matter of time before they did it. However, our novel was definitely a catalyst for it to be repealed at this time, so of course it''s to our credit!"


    Ha Qiqi yelled, "This is the Heavens aiding us!"


    Little Wang shouted, "The Heavens are on our side!"


    Tong Fu said, "Gone with the Wind will surely rise to another level!"


    Zhang Zuo bellyughed. "What do you mean rise to another level? It''s probably gonna sell like crazy now!"


    Only Zhang Ye was still somewhat unable to believe it.


    ��


    Russia.


    The cheering crowd took to the streets.


    "There won''t be a war anymore!"


    "This is great!"


    "Supporting the peace talks!"


    "Supporting the use of diplomatic negotiations!"


    ��


    America.


    "The bill has been repealed!"


    "Whooooo!"


    "Let''s celebrate, bros!"


    "Victory is ours!"


    "This is the most glorious moment in American history!"


    "Long live equality!"


    ��


    China.


    On Weibo.


    "I''m gonna faint!"


    "The Russian president read Zhang Ye''s book?"


    "And he even decided to hold peace talks because of it?"


    "The bill that America has been dragging on has also been repealed?"


    "Fuck! It''s so awesome!"


    "For the first time, a novel from our country has had a great impact on the world!"


    "Pfft, why do I think it''s only a coincidence!"


    "Hahaha, I think so too. In fact, the Russians might not have even wanted to go to war. Why else did they drag it out for so long? It was only a coincidence that the president read Zhang Ye''s book yesterday and a coincidence that they announced the peace talks today. That was the only reason why Gone with the Wind was quoted by the Russian president! It''s the same thing in America as well. The bill was already ted to be repealed anyway, except that the date hadn''t been confirmed yet. In the end, with the poprity of Gone with the Wind, as well as the American citizens protesting, the government saw a chance to bring forward the decision and repeal the bill. Pfft, Face-smacking Zhang''s luck is so good!"


    "He has always been quite lucky."


    "Yeah, he''s really be famous internationally this time!"


    "He''s probably closed in on the Nobel Prize in Literature by yet another step!"


    ��


    At the studio.


    Videos.


    Press conferences.


    Interviews.


    News articles.


    Zhang Ye was browsing through the news and getting shocked by everything that he was seeing!


    Damn!


    It can even be done this way?


    Isn''t this as good as a free lunch?


    To think that something like this could have happened the moment this bro woke up!


    But thinking about it, he also began to understand. How was this a free lunch? It was all the credit of the Lucky Medal. He lowered his head to look at the effective duration left on the item.


    Three.


    Two.


    One.


    System notification: The Lucky Medal''s effects have ended!

 Chapter 1602 - Zhang Ye gets nominated for the Nobel Prize!

    <h4>Chapter 1602 - Zhang Ye gets nominated for the Nobel Prize! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Japan.


    Korea.


    America.


    Canada.


    The UK.


    Australia.


    The news spread across the world.


    Zhang Ye and Gone with the Wind were once again pushed into the headlines of the news!


    ��


    During the day.


    Some guests dropped by the studio.


    When Zhang Ye opened the door, he saw a few familiar faces standing outside. Yao Jiancai, Ning Lan, Shu Han, and even Xu Men were here.


    Xu Men waved and greeted, "Zhang''er."


    Ning Lan said graciously, "Do you have any water? I''m thirsty for a drink."


    "Come in,e in," Zhang Ye said happily. "A warm wee to you all! What are all of you doing together? And you all even thought ofing up here to my ce too? Did you n this together?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "We had an event just now."


    Shu Hanughed and said, "The event just ended, and we happened to pass by, so we talked abouting over to have a look."


    "Wee, wee." Zhang Ye said, "Little Wang, pour some tea for the guests."


    Little Wang said, "Got it."


    Yao Jiancai asked, "How many copies of your novel have been sold?"


    Zhang Ye looked to Ha Qiqi.


    Ha Qiqi giggled and said, "Over 10 million copies. We could surpass 15 million copies by today."


    Yao Jiancai said in amazement, "I really have to take my hat off to you!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I guess it''s doing OK."


    Xu Men asked, "Have you seen the news yet?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Haha, I just saw it."


    Yao Jiancai said with a sigh, "You''re gonna be damn famous now!"


    Shu Han said, "That''s right, we specifically came here to cheer you on. The nominees for the Nobel Prize awards will be announced today, right? Are you gonna be one of the nominees?"


    "I don''t know. I haven''t received any news about it." Zhang Ye threw his hands up.


    Xu Men smiled and said, "That shouldn''t be a problem. Even the Russian president has read your book."


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "That counts for nothing. The president isn''t part of the Nobel Committee."


    Yao Jiancai asked, "Actually, with that novel of yours selling so well and it being so popr, you shouldn''t be far off from the international celebrity rankings. Can you get onto it?"


    Zhang Ye waved and said, "I still have a little more to go before that happens."


    Ning Lan exined, "If it were someone else, they would have already gotten onto that rankings index. But for him, he''s stillcking by a bit. Although Zhang''er is the number one celebrity in the country, don''t forget how he got to that position. A lot of it was due to him winning the highest awards in the country and getting the additional percentages added to his poprity score. He has won so many awards, ranging from mathematics, to variety shows, to singing, as well as in the hosting field. As such, his poprity score would naturally umte through winning those honors. However, the international entertainment industry does not recognize our domestic awards, nor does it take into consideration the additional poprity scores gained from them. That''s why this guy has the Nobel Prize in Literature on his mind. He''s thinking of forcing his way onto the international scene."


    Shu Han finally understood. "So that''s the reason."


    Xu Men smiled. "In any case, we''re all hopeful about you."


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "Even I''m not so sure myself."


    "Do give our Chinese celebrities something to cheer about," Xu Men said.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "We''ll have to see how the selection goes then."


    Shu Han stayed for a while longer before leaving.


    Ning Lan, Xu Men, and Yao Jiancai did not have anything else to do, so they decided to stay behind and wait for the invitation to arrive from the Nobel Foundation.


    The so-called invitation was an important signal.


    The Nobel Committee of this world had never announced the oue of their selection process, like who was being nominated for a certain prize, how many nominees there were, or who got eliminated within the first round of the selections. None of this would ever get detailed in ck and white. Each year, they would only send out the Nobel Prize invitations shortly before the Nobel Prize award ceremonies took ce. The people that were issued with this invitation would then be considered the main nominees of the Nobel Prizes. This meant the Nobel Prize would only be awarded to one of the people in the pool. If they didn''t get invited to the venue of the award ceremony, that would mean that they stood no chance of winning.


    Half an hour.


    An hour.


    Everyone was chatting as they waited.


    Ning Lan kept looking over. "It still hasn''t arrived?"


    Yao Jiancai said in amusement, "Could it be that you did not make the final cut?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Can''t you pick something nicer to say?"


    Xu Men said, "You shouldn''t have a problem being selected as a nominee, right?"


    "That might not necessarily happen." Yao Jiancai said, "The international awards''mittees have always had a bias against China, so it''s really hard to say."


    Xu Men said, "I don''t think that would happen for the Nobel Prizes, though."


    Suddenly, Tong Fu, who was sitting at hisputer, shouted!


    "It''s here! It''s here!"


    "What''s here?"


    "The invitation to the Nobel Prize award ceremony!"


    "Ah?"


    "It has really arrived?"


    "Let me see, let me see!"


    In an instant, everyone surrounded him!


    It was an email that was written fully in English!


    The first line of the email was: "Dear Mr. Zhang Ye."


    Thest line of the email was: "Nobel Prize Committee."


    Yao Jiancai cried out, "Damn, it''s really an invitation!"


    Xu Men gave Zhang Ye a thumbs up. "Impressive!"


    Ning Lan asked, "How many Chinese citizens have been nominated for the Nobel Prizes before Zhang''er?"


    "He''s exactly the tenth person to have received a nomination." Xu Men had clearly done her research.


    China had never won a Nobel Prize before. Be it in mathematics, chemistry, or literature, it had never happened before. But throughout the decades of the Nobel Prize history, there were still nine Chinese citizens who had made the final cut and received an invitation to the Nobel Prize award ceremony. And today, that number increased by yet another, with Zhang Ye bing the tenth person in China to stand a chance at winning the Nobel Prize!


    The date: Eight dayster.


    The venue of the awards: Ennd.


    Dressing requirements: White tie and tails.


    Remarks: You may bring along two family members or staff with you. Amodation and meals for additional personnel are excluded.


    The invitation to the Nobel Prize award ceremony was not exactly elegant and was just a short and simple email. It was basically just information rted to the event, as well as arrangements for the amodation and meals. Now that Zhang Ye''s English was no longer the same, he could finish reading it with just a nce. After that, he called over Ha Qiqi and Little Wang.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Both of you, get prepared when the timees."


    Little Wang said in surprise, "Ah? I can go?"


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Aren''t you gonna bring your wife and kid?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "It''s not convenient for Old Wu to go abroad. She would have to apply to the higher-ups, and there wouldn''t be enough time." Then he looked at Little Wang with a smile. "What? You don''t wish to go?"


    Little Wang cried out, "Of course I want to! This is the stage of the most prestigious award in the world!"


    It was only then that everyone remembered Zhang Ye''s wife was a deputy minister, so it would be extremely troublesome for her to go abroad since she would have to go through a lot of paperwork.


    Tong Fu said in tears, "Director Zhang, I want to go too!"


    Little Sun raised his hand. "Director Zhang, me too! I want to go as well!"


    Wu Yi said, "It''s the venue of the Nobel Prize awards. It''s something that you can brag about for the rest of your life!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "We''ll talk about that another time. You guys wouldn''t be allowed in even if you were there anyway." He then thought of something. He picked up his phone and said helplessly, "Even I might not necessarily be able to go."


    Yao Jiancai said, "Huh?"


    Xu Men let out augh. "Why couldn''t you go?"


    Ning Lan was taken aback before realizing what Zhang Ye meant.


    Zhang Ye was already calling the Chinese Academy of Sciences.


    Du du du.


    The call connected.


    "Hello, Old Chi?"


    "Who is it?"


    "Who do you think it is?"


    "Oh, kid, it''s you. What is it?"


    "I have to travel overseas. Help me with the application."


    "Travel overseas? That''s impossible!"


    "Honestly, I have some serious business to attend to."


    "It doesn''t matter what serious business you have; no means no. You''re third on the list of key protected scientists by the military. Who''s gonna ensure your security when you''re overseas? There''s no need for any applications. This won''t be approved by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and even the military itself. If anything happens to you, we can''t answer for it!"


    Old Chi was very firm in his answer.


    Zhang Ye said angrily: "I''ll be responsible for my own safety. Hurry up and handle this matter for me. There aren''t too many days left. If I can''t go, are you going to ept the Nobel Prize on my behalf?"


    Fellow Chi was stunned. "What did you say? The Nobel Prize?"


    Zhang Ye said: "I''ve received an invitation from them!"


    Fellow Chi couldn''t believe it. "Are you serious?"


    "Do you want me to send it to you?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Fellow Chi said excitedly: "I understand! I''ll send in the application for you right away!"


    Zhang Ye said happily: "Didn''t you say that I''m not allowed to go overseas?"


    Fellow Chi said in embarrassment: "If it''s the Nobel Prize, you would still have to go. Which prize are you vying for?"


    "The field that I started off in, of course," Zhang Ye said.


    Fellow Chi clearly did not read the news much. "The field you started off in? The Nobel Prize in Mathematics? The Nobel Prize in Physics?"


    Zhang Ye coughed and said: "The Nobel Prize in Literature."


    "What?" Fellow Chi said in surprise: "When did your old job have anything to do with literature?" With a pause, he suddenly remembered. "Oh, I nearly forgot. You used to write books and poetry. I still wanted to personallymend you for a citation if you really won the Nobel Prize, but I think I better not since it''s only the Nobel Prize in Literature, which has nothing to do with our scientific field. Why didn''t you work harder, kid? You should have gone for the Nobel Prize in Mathematics!"


    Zhang Ye said helplessly: "Old Chi, I''ve just realized how narrow-minded you are. Winning a Nobel Prize is already a blessing, yet you''re still being so picky?"


    "Haha, just kidding. Do well, ande back home with the Nobel Prize. It doesn''t matter which field it is. You''ll still be hailed as a hero of the nation!"


    Zhang Ye said: "That''s what I like hearing."


    The call ended.


    Everyone stared at Zhang Ye in shock.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s settled. Hmm? What are you all looking at me for?"


    Yao Jiancai said, looking astonished, "Since when did you be a key protected scientist by the military?"


    "I''ve always been one," Zhang Ye said with a smile.


    Ning Lan said stunned, "You''re even ranked in the top three on that list?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I don''t know about that."


    Xu Menughed and said, "He''s the winner of the country''s Highest Science and Technology Award. He the one who built China''s first self-developed and mass-produced aircraft engine, and also participated in the research of the radar systems and design of the fighter jet. If I were the military, I would also be sure to focus on ensuring his safety."


    Yao Jiancai said in envy, "When will I be able to get the treatment this kid is getting?"


    Ning Lanughed and said, "Why don''t you start with bing a scientist?"


    Yao Jiancai waved his hands. "Forget it then, I don''t have his smarts."


    ��


    The news was revealed!


    China was in a heated discussion!


    "Zhang Ye has been nominated?"


    "He has really been nominated for the Nobel Prize?"


    "Is it the Mathematics or Literature Prize?"


    "It should be for the Literature Prize!"


    "Zhang Ye has really be a nominee for the Nobel Prize! He''s the tenth person in China to be nominated for the Nobel Prize!"


    "Oh, my awesome Face-smacking Zhang!"


    "India''s Bangalore has also been nominated!"


    "The Japanese writer too. There are a total of about a dozen people nominated for the Literature Prize!"


    "There are still eight more days to go? This will be an intense battle!"


    "I really wish that Zhang Ye brings home the Nobel Prize!"


    "Yeah, it''s not only going to be an honor for China and the Chinese people, this will also help Zhang Ye to break into the international celebrity rankings!"


    This might be the closest that China will get to the Nobel Prize!"


    "You can do it, Face-smacking Zhang!"


    "If you don''t win it, don''t think abouting home!"

 Chapter 1603 - You’re a fucking nominee for the Literature Prize?

    <h4>Chapter 1603 - You��re a fucking nominee for the Literature Prize? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Several dayster.


    At home.


    The car was already waiting outside.


    Wu Zeqing smiled as she helped him with his luggage. "Everything is packed."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright."


    His mother reminded him repeatedly, "You better not cause any trouble!"


    "Aiya, I know," Zhang Ye said impatiently.


    His mother said, "You had better not get into another fight this time!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "It''s the Nobel Prize award ceremony. Why would I be fighting?"


    His mother harrumphed, "When have you not caused trouble whenever you''re overseas?"


    "Enough." His father said, "Our son still has a flight to catch."


    Sisi said in her childish voice, "Daddy, when are youing home?"


    Zhang Ye lowered his head to give her a kiss. "Daddy will be home in another two days. Be good and listen to Mommy, Nana, and Pops. Daddy will bring you a little present when I get back."


    Sisi nodded hard. "Mhm!"


    Zhang Ye waved and said, "I''m off."


    His father said, "If you really can''t win, then so be it."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I know."


    He was about to set off for Ennd. This time, Zhang Ye maintained a very good attitude ahead of the award ceremony. With only so much time and so much that he could do, he had done everything that he needed to do and could do. Everything would depend on the Nobel Prize Committee''s decision. He had already done his best, so there was nothing more he could do even if they chose not to award it to him.


    ��


    In the evening.


    At the airport.


    Zhang Ye and his colleagues boarded the ne.


    Zhang Ye''s seat was in the first-ss cabin. Due to there being very few direct flights from Beijing to Ennd, there were not too many tickets avable either. This flight was operated by British Airways, so Ha Qiqi and Little Wang were both booked in economy. If it weren''t for Zhang Ye''s poprity, he would probably not have even qualified for a upgrade. The Nobel Foundation had only provided an economy seat.


    Little Wang brought a nket over. "Here, I brought this for you."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I already have one here."


    "It''s too thin. Cover yourself anotheryer. It will get really cold at night," Little Wang said.


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "We''ll be heading back to our seats then. Call for us if there''s anything you need."


    Zhang Ye said, "Go on then. Rest early tonight."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Alright."


    Zhang Ye said, "If it''s too much of a squeeze there, let me know. I''ll change seats with you two."


    Little Wang said, "Aiya, there''s no need."


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "You don''t have to worry about us."


    The two of them went back to the economy ss.


    At this moment, an English stewardess came over to help ensure that all of the passengers had their seatbelts on. The flight was about to take off.


    Zhang Ye checked his watch. He knew that the ne would bending tomorrow morning, so he pulled up the nket and reclined his seat to catch some z''s.


    Half an hour.


    An hour.


    After who knows how long, he was awoken by the sound of people speaking near him.


    A few foreigners were talking with each other. Their voices were not that loud, and it was obvious that they were trying to keep it down. But as the few of them were seated very close to Zhang Ye, he could still hear their conversation.


    "There''s no solution to this model!"


    "I feel that this train of thought is correct."


    "I don''t think it is. It was headed in the wrong direction ever since the beginning."


    "Yes, this is still an impossible to calcte three-dimensional quantum system."


    "I''m hoping to use the exact diagonalization techniques to find the quantum system''s low energy state."


    They were all speaking in English. Some of them had an averagemand of English, while others spoke it better. They didn''t seem to be from the same country. Two of the foreigners were by themselves, while the other two were probably teacher-student. The older of those two was debating with the others while the younger one did not say anything at all. He just raised his head and looked at them as he drew and wrote into a notebook while listening to them. It seemed like he was jotting down their viewpoints.


    Zhang Ye also got rather interested the more he listened.


    Unable to sleep, he casually joined in on the conversation by saying something in English.


    Zhang Ye said, "How about using a density matrix renormalization group 1 ?"


    The few foreigners looked at the youth in astonishment.


    The gray-haired foreigner who was the oldest of the group said, "You know what we''re talking about?"


    His student asked, "You''re also a physicist?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Something like that. I know a little."


    The 40-year-old foreigndy who was sitting at the front got excited and turned around to pass Zhang Ye a piece of paper. "Have a look at my algorithms and model."


    Zhang Ye took it and scanned it. His eyes lit up. "Interesting."


    The gray-haired man immediately said, "That model of hers is wrong. It definitely has to be wrong."


    Thatst foreigner, who was a balding man, said, "I still think there''s some feasibility to, and it''s a possible breakthrough. I''ll be preparing a ss on this topic when I get back."


    Zhang Ye looked at the calctions for a long time and suddenly shook his head. "This method is pretty interesting, but it still won''t work. You''re trying to reduce the degrees of freedom in the quantum system and attempting a renormalization technique here in the reduced space. In this iterative process, you would want to employ a reduction method to retrieve the true low energy state of the system, but the NRG 2 way is generally only suitable for aplex system. When it is used for a grid system like this, it often returns results of rather poor uracy."


    When the four of them heard this, they were astonished.


    Thedy eximed, "You actually understood that?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ve done research on it for a simr project."


    The bald man said, "There will surely be a slight error, but it should be fixable."


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "For this kind of error, it wouldn''t be fixable even if there was only a difference of 0.01."


    The gray-haired man said in a serious tone, "What are your thoughts then?"


    "I think," Zhang Ye said, "we possibly split the system into two subsystems, or blocks, with one being the system and the other being the surroundings. These two blocks would thenbine to be known as a superblock. Now a candidate for the ground state of the superblock, which is a reduced version of the full system, may be found. The density matrix renormalization is then applied after that to select the most important states to be kept at the end of each step."


    Thedy said excitedly, "This is a marvelous way of approaching it!"


    The gray-haired man frowned. "But there are still problems with this method."


    Zhang Ye did not shy away from it. "Yes, it remains an unsolvable problem. For example, when ites to specific applications, it would be very difficult to build a model for it."


    The bald man immediately said, "Let me do some calctions first!"


    The gray-haired man said, "There''s no need to calcte anymore. This kid is right. It will be very difficult to establish a working model."


    They just couldn''t stop chatting.


    They analyzed.


    They debated.


    They studied the problem.


    They did calctions.


    They chatted all night, and in the end, no one slept at all.


    The seats were littered with model drawings and algorithms, filling up over fifty pieces of paper.


    It wasn''t until the nended that they finally snapped out of it.


    The gray-haired man looked out the window. "We''ve arrived?"


    The bald man sighed and said, "How time passes."


    Thedy said, "Thank you all so much. I have gained a lot of new ideas today on this subject. Let''s exchange contact info and stay in touch. When can we meet again?"


    But the gray-haired man just smiled. "I''m afraid we''ll still be seeing each other a lot these few days, right?"


    The bald man said with augh, "I think so too."


    Thedy looked at Zhang Ye and the others. "You are?"


    "My name is Hans." The gray-haired man pointed at his student next to him and said, "This is my student, and we''re here to attend the Nobel Prize award ceremony."


    Thedy said in surprise, "Oh, you''re Professor Hans! The world''s leading authority in physics?!"


    The gray-haired manughed and said, "I dare not ept that title."


    Thedy introduced herself. "My name is Anna, and I''m also one of the nominees for the Nobel Prize in Physics."


    Hans said in surprise, "So you''re Anna?"


    The bald man also looked at her. "The Anna who specializes in quantum physics?"


    Anna said, "That''s me."


    The bald man said, "My name is Paige."


    Anna eximed, "That''s you? Professor Paige? I''ve read your paper!"


    Paige said, "I''ve read yours too."


    Anna said with a wry smile, "Your reputations precede you. So you''re all here to attend the Nobel Prize award ceremony." She looked at Zhang Ye and the others. "I was wondering what a coincidence this was. How could there possibly be so many physicists taking the same flight together? Our country does not have direct flights to Ennd, which is why I am transferring flights in China."


    Hans smiled and said, "Me too."


    Paige noticed that Zhang Ye had already started to take his luggage. He couldn''t help but ask, "And which professor might you be?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and introduced himself. "Zhang Ye."


    Anna asked, "Are you also a nominee for the Nobel Prize?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and gave a nod.


    The three world-famous physicists looked at each other, obviously not having heard of his name before. However, they also knew that there were too many famous physicists in the world, and they couldn''t possibly know everyone. If nominated for a Nobel Prize, none of them would be a pushover. All of them must surely have made significant contributions in some aspects to the field of physics.


    Anna said happily, "Let''s mingle more over the next few days."


    Hans nodded with a smile. "Our ride should have arrived already. Let''s continue the talkter."


    Paige said, "Alright!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "No problem."


    A momentter, the cabin''s hatch was opened.


    Zhang Ye and the few physicists chatted as they got off the ne.


    On the way, they discussed yet another problem. This time, Zhang Ye and Hans had a different stand on the matter. Anna supported Zhang Ye''s point of view, while Paige supported Hans''s. The group started yet another round of debates at the baggage carousel.


    In the distance.


    Ha Qiqi and Little Wang also came over.


    Little Wang said startled, "Who is Director Zhang talking with?"


    Ha Qiqi did not know whether tough or cry. "Who knows?"


    Little Wang said with a sigh, "Director Zhang is so good at conversation. He can make friends everywhere he goes."


    The two of them did not know what the group was talking about. They knew that it was English, but they could not understand any of the technical vocabry used in the conversation. After getting their luggage, they followed Zhang Ye and the others out of the airport.


    The person from the pick-up service had already arrived.


    There were two cars over there.


    An Englishman raised a card with Zhang Ye''s name on it.


    Zhang Ye went up to him. "You must have waited a long time."


    The Englishman said, "You''re Mr. Zhang Ye, right?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Yes, that''s me."


    The Englishman smiled. "Please enter the car."


    Beside them, Hans, Anna, and the other two men wanted to get in as well.


    But they were stopped by the driver of the other car.


    The English cabbie said, "You all must be Professors Anna, Hans, and Paige, right? I''m here to take you all to the hotel. Please enter this car."


    Zhang Ye waved to them. "I''ll see you allter."


    Hans and the others were taken aback. He asked, "Why aren''t we traveling in the same car?"


    Anna clearly hadn''t had enough of the conversation yet either. "Aren''t there still seats avable in there?"


    The English cabbie looked at the car carrying Zhang Ye and exined, "Oh, he''s not taking the same car as you all."


    Paige asked in a speechless manner, "Why is that? We''re all physicists, so wouldn''t it be better for us to be taking the same car?"


    The English cabbie was taken aback. "Physicists? That car isn''t arranged for picking up physicists."


    "Ah?" Anna was stunned.


    Hans said with a chuckle, "How is that possible!"


    The English cabbie didn''t know whether tough or cry. He said, "That cab is for the nominees of the Nobel Prize in Literature."


    Paige said stunned, "The Nobel Prize in Literature? Did you all make a mistake?"


    The English cabbie wiped at his sweat. "It can''t be wrong."


    Anna said, "He''s obviously a physicist. We''ve been talking about the frontiers facing the field of physics for the entire night!"


    "I had a look at the sign just now," the English cabbie said with a wry smile. "That person''s name is Zhang Ye, right?"


    Hans said dumbfoundedly, "Right, he''s called Zhang Ye!"


    The English cabbie coughed and said, "Then I definitely did not get it wrong. He''s a nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Don''t you all know him? He was the one who wrote Gone with the Wind."


    Gone with the Wind?


    He was the one who wrote Gone with the Wind?


    The trio of Hans, Anna, and Paige nearly spat out a mouthful of blood upon hearing that!


    We''ve been talking about physics the entire journey here!


    But you''re telling us that he''s actually involved in the literary field?


    Are you fucking kidding us!


    Looking at the sedan that Zhang Ye was in driving off into the distance, the four of them were utterly confused!

 Chapter 1604 - Why have you become a mathematician?

    <h4>Chapter 1604 - Why have you be a mathematician? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    London.


    The neat streets.


    An old church.


    Exotic beauties.


    Along the way, the scenery outside the car waspletely unobstructed.


    Little Wang leaned against the window and eximed, "How beautiful."


    Ha Qiqi narrowed her eyes and said, "It indeed does feel different here."


    Zhang Ye was also in the UK for the first time, so he was quite curious about the local customs.


    Little Wang looked at Zhang Ye. "Director Zhang."


    "Hmm?" Zhang Ye said.


    Little Wang pleaded, "Can Sister Ha and I go shopping tonight?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Don''t you two have jetg?"


    Little Wang giggled and said, "We slept on the ne for the entire journey. We can''t sleep anymore."


    Zhang Ye said, "Go on then. It''s a rare chance for us toe out here anyway, and the award ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow as well."


    "Alright! Thanks, Director Zhang!" Little Wang said excitedly.


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Shall we go to Oxford Street?"


    Little Wang pped. "That will be great!"


    Up ahead, they arrived at the hotel.


    This was the hotel that housed this year''s Nobel Prize award ceremony''s personnel. It was over ten stories high, and the entire hotel had already been fully booked. Besides the Nobel Prize Committee members, there were also the staff for the ceremony, foreign dignitaries, and guests. The remaining people were all the nominees for this year''s Nobel Prize. They came from all walks of life and could be said to have made great contributions to the world in their relevant fields. The guest list was so prestigious that it would shock anyone who saw it.


    The car stopped.


    The cabbie got out and opened the door for them.


    Zhang Ye and his staff came into the hotel and checked in.


    Quite a few guests checked in, but some of those who had just arrived were still processing their check-ins. All of them were foreign faces that Zhang Ye could not recognize.


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Which floor are we on?"


    After registering them, the female English employee smiled and said, "You''re on the seventh floor. That floor is reserved for all the nominees of the Nobel Prize in Literature and their entourage."


    The Literature Prize.


    The Physiology or Medicine Prize.


    The Physics Prize.


    The Mathematics Prize.


    The Economics Prize 1 .


    And so on and so forth. All except for the Nobel Peace Prize, which was a tad special as it did not have any nominees. The amodation arrangements for the rest of the award nominees were made ording to the category of awards. The organizers had purposely arranged for them to stay on the same floor so that everyone could interact with one another. This was in the spirit of the Nobel Prizes, after all.


    Ha Qiqi nodded. "Alright."


    The pretty Englishdy pointed. "The elevators are over there."


    Little Wang smiled and said, "Thank you."


    "Um��" The pretty Englishdy looked at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Yes? What''s the matter?"


    The pretty Englishdy looked around to check that no one was looking before reaching under the table taking out a book while smiling graciously. It was the English edition of Gone with the Wind. "Teacher Zhang, can I get your autograph?"


    Zhang Ye was very happy to hear that. "Sure."


    He grabbed a pen and signed it for her.


    This was the first time he met a foreign fan asking for his autograph. It was a different feeling. Zhang Ye could clearly feel his international reputation growing. However, when he signed the book, he still stubbornly signed it in Chinese. He only had this signature since he did not have an English name.


    The pretty Englishdy was obviously very happy. "Thank you, thank you so much!"


    Zhang Ye said to Ha Qiqi and Little Wang, "Let''s go."


    Little Wang whispered, "Looks like you also have foreign fans now."


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "Director Zhang is no longer who he was."


    The three of them walked to the elevator.


    Behind them, several people suddenly caught up to them.


    "Zhang!"


    "Wait a moment."


    "Slow down."


    Turning around, he saw Hans, Anna, and Paige. They arrived slightly after Zhang Ye and had already cleared their check-ins.


    They came up to Zhang Ye andpany with their luggage behind them.


    Anna stared at him in surprise. "Are you really the author of Gone with the Wind?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Yes."


    Paige stared in surprise. "Aren''t you a physicist?"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "I do know a little about physics."


    "You call that knowing a little?" Hans said floored. "To be able to hold a discussion and debate with us Nobel Prize nominated physicists, you call that knowing a little?"


    Hans''s student was also looking at Zhang Ye in shock.


    On their way here in the car, they werepletely unable to ept this fact. If he only knew a little, even with a very deep understanding of physics, he would not have been able to hold a debate like they had on the ne and after they disembarked. What about was Hans''s student? He was also an expert in physics. Even though he was a student in name, he was still a full-fledged physics professor. However, in their discussions about the topic, Hans''s student was unable to say anything. This was due to his limited ability and knowledge. But Zhang Ye? Not only was he able to chat with them, some of his thoughts even gave them some inspiration. How could he be just an ordinary physicist?!


    A world-leading authority on physics like you!


    Yet you went into the literary field?


    Are you serious!


    Hans couldn''t be more disappointed. "Why did you write a novel!"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "But I originally started out writing novels."


    Anna was stunned. "Ah?"


    Paige''s eyes widened in surprise. "You used to write novels?"


    "Yeah." Zhang Ye said with a smile, "Why else would I be vying for the Nobel Prize in Literature?"


    Paige couldn''t help but look up into the sky in astonishment.


    Anna''s legs turned to rubber.


    What the heck?


    As they talked, the elevator was dyed.


    All of a sudden, a group of people arrived behind them. One of the people recognized Zhang Ye immediately.


    "Zhang!"


    "It''s you?"


    "Zhang! My Chinese friend! You''re here too?"


    Zhang Ye turned around. He was very happy to see who it was that called out to him. "John, Steve, were you two nominated as well? Congrattions! I wouldn''t have known if I didn''t see you here."


    An English mathematician said with a smile, "I''m just joining in the fun, not here to vie for the prize."


    An American mathematicianughed and said, "Me neither. I''m not hopeful of winning anything even though I was nominated."


    A French mathematician said, "I have no regrets now that I''ve been nominated for a Nobel Prize. I never thought about winning, but there''s hope for you."


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "I wouldn''t be so sure of that."


    The English mathematician said, "At least you stand a greater chance than us."


    The American mathematician said, "But thepetition for this year''s Nobel Prize in Mathematics is indeed quite intense. There were 28 people who were identified as the nominees of this award alone."


    Zhang Yeughed, knowing that they had misunderstood the situation.


    These few people were the best foreign mathematicians Zhang Ye had met back when he solved the global mathematical conjecture. In the global mathematics field, he still knew quite a few people.


    When Anna the physicist heard that, she said in stupefaction, "Mathematics Prize? What Mathematics Prize?"


    Paige was also stunned. "Mathematics?"


    When these people said hello to Zhang Ye, the physicists had thought that they had known Zhang Ye from before and assumed them to be the nominees for the Nobel Prize in Literature. At the beginning, they did not pay much attention to it, but as they listened, they suddenly realized something was amiss.


    Who are you all?


    Hans''s student''s eyes narrowed as he hurriedly whispered to his teacher, "I know that English guy. He''s Professor John, a world-famous mathematician!"


    Ah?


    Paige heard it.


    Anna also heard it.


    This was a group of mathematicians?


    The English mathematician looked at the physicists and wondered, "Eh, aren''t you all together? Don''t you know?"


    Hans said in confusion, "Know about what?"


    The French mathematician smiled and said, "So you all don''t know each other? Then allow me to introduce you. This is Zhang Ye, a world-ss mathematician. Years ago, we took part in the verification process of the proof to Dale''s Conjecture that he proposed. That''s why we''re saying Zhang Ye has a chance of getting the Nobel Prize in Mathematics. Ugh, if not for the trouble that he got into back then that led to him disappearing from the public for three or four years, he would have been nominated and possibly won it at that time"


    The American mathematician teased, "Even better, he forfeited an international mathematics prize at that time and made so many people in the world of math fuming mad."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''m not vying for the Mathematics Prize this time."


    The English mathematician was taken aback. "What do you mean?"


    "I was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature," Zhang Ye said.


    All of the mathematicians'' jaws dropped!


    What?


    The Literature Prize?


    Why are you battling in the field of literature!


    The physicists were confused once again!


    What?


    A mathematician?


    What the hell! When did you be a mathematician!

 Chapter 1605 - The Nobel Banquet!

    <h4>Chapter 1605 - The Nobel Banquet! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the resort.


    Outside the elevator on the seventh floor.


    Zhang Ye bade farewell to the physicists and mathematicians and excused himself.


    "I''ll go back to my room first."


    "Uh, are you really staying on the seventh floor?"


    "You were really nominated for the Literature Prize?"


    "Didn''t I already say so?"


    "Alright then, you sure are impressive."


    "Zhang,e visit our room when you have time."


    "Which floor are you all on?"


    "We''re on the eighth floor."


    "We''re on the ninth floor."


    "OK, I''ll move around as much as possible if I have nothing on."


    Ding. The elevator door closed. The rest of the party proceeded upstairs.


    Only then did Zhang Ye, Ha Qiqi, and Little Wang walk to the rooms with their luggage.


    Little Wang wasughing as they walked in. "Director Zhang has left them all so confused."


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "That''s right. The thing here is that Director Zhang is really involved in too many industries. Forget about what those foreigners think. Even our own countrymen, including those who know Director Zhang well, would not know which prize he was nominated for if the Nobel Prize Committee did not publish the nominee list."


    Zhang Ye said, "Actually, either one of them would be fine."


    Little Wang said, "That''s right. As long as it''s a Nobel Prize, we can break into the international celebrity rankings."


    "We''re here." Ha Qiqi matched the keycard with the room number. "Director Zhang, this is your room."


    Zhang Ye took his luggage from them. "Alright, I have nothing else for you all here. Carry on and go shopping or eat if you want. Do anything you wish to. I''ll call if there''s anything."


    Little Wang said happily, "OK!"


    After they left, Zhang Ye drew open the curtains to have a look at the scenery outside. He took out his cell phone and sent Old Wu and his parents a message to inform them that he had arrived. He even took a few pictures to show them. Then he did some simple unpacking before checking his watch and closing the curtains. After that, he pulled the covers over himself in bed and went to sleep. On the ne, he had chatted with the physicists for almost the entire journey without getting much rest. There was a dinner banquet 1 in the evening, so he decided to sleep for a while.


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    Ding dong. The doorbell rang.


    Zhang Ye yawned and woke up. He thought that it was Ha Qiqi and Little Wanging to look for him, so he went to open the door.


    He saw two people standing outside the door. He was slightly taken aback by them. They were two strangers he did not know at all.


    Zhang Ye blinked. "You two are?"


    Standing outside were a man and a woman.


    The man was around forty years old and looked like a very refined gentleman.


    The woman who was in her thirties was a pretty blonde.


    Anthony smiled and said in English, "Hello, are you Zhang Ye?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I am. "


    Anthony said, "My name is Anthony, and I''m English."


    The blonde beauty said in a friendly manner, "I''m Felicia, a Swede."


    Zhang Ye didn''t know these two people, but he had heard their names before. "So it''s Mr. Anthony and Ms. Felicia. Hello to the two of you."


    Anthony grinned. "It''s almost time for the evening banquet. We''re all nominees for the Nobel Prize in Literature, and Felicia and I were about to head downstairs for dinner when we talked about your book. So we asked around to find which room you were in. We were hoping to get to know you and maybe ask if you would like to join us for dinner?"


    Felicia had a very sweet smile. "Anthony and I have been researching your book for quite some time now. It''s such a wonderful read. I have note across such a soul-stirring novel in many years, so when we learned that you were also nominated for the award, we were both very happy. We felt that we definitely had to get to know the author of Gone with the Wind."


    Zhang Ye shook their hands. "I''ve also read both your works before and was really inspired by them. It''s my pleasure to get to know the two of you. Please,e into my room and have a seat."


    The three of them were all famous writers of this world, so after he introductions, there wasn''t a need to act like strangers in front of each other. With pleasantries exchanged, everyone became familiar with each other quite quickly. Zhang Ye had brought along his own tea leaves on this trip. He brewed them a pot of tea, using the Da Hong Pao tea leaves, of course. The two writers liked the tea so much they couldn''t stop praising it.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Are the you two a couple?"


    Feliciaughed. "Of course not."


    Anthony said, "I''ve known Felicia sincest year when we were both nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature, so we''re extremely familiar with the entire process of the awards. If there''s anything you do not understand, feel free to ask me since I''m English, or you could ask Felicia."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "That would be great."


    Felicia asked, "There will be a lot of peopleter at the banquet. I''ll introduce a few of them to you."


    Anthony said, "Right, it''s your first time, and you don''t really know a lot of people here. We''ll go as a group, and Felicia and I can introduce the other nominees to you."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Sure."


    Anthony said, "You''re the favorite to win the Nobel Prize this year."


    Zhang Ye said humbly, "It''s both your second times being nominated. I don''t think I stand that great of a chance."


    Anthony shook his head and said, "It has nothing to do with the number of times we were nominated."


    Felicia nodded and said, "That''s right. Some people have been nominated over seven times, yet they still didn''t win the Nobel Prize. But for some people, they win it immediately after being nominated once. All of it depends on the quality of their work. Gone with the Wind is too popr, and its sales figures have broken so many records as well. It''s already reached 17 million copies in sales worldwide, hasn''t it? And it even caused America to repeal the bill that enabled racism, as well as made Russia enter into peace talks with its neighbors. This sort of influence is unmatched by any other. The only people who can possiblypete with you are the Indian writer, Bangalore, and the Japanese writer."


    Anthony grunted. "That Indian writer has a terrible temper."


    Felicia smiled and said, "I don''t like him either. So if we see him, let''s stay far away from him. It''d be for the better if we don''t engage with someone like that."


    Stay away from him?


    Zhang Ye was amused to hear that.


    This was a phrase that others would often say about him. When had he ever needed to stay away from others?


    It was almost time.


    The three of them chatted as they took the elevator down to the banquet hall. Although it was called a banquet, it was actually just a buffet dinner with music and performances. This was held for the Nobel Prize nominees to interact with one another. It was not an enforced event, so those who wished to join could join, but it didn''t matter even if they did not want to go.


    In the banquet hall.


    Violin music was serenading the crowd.


    Quite a few people had already arrived, and the atmosphere was very lively.


    Anthony was a local and had previously participated in the Nobel Prize award ceremony, so he automatically started showing Zhang Ye around since he was a neer. "Zhang, there''s nothing to be nervous about. This is your first time taking part in an event like this, so it will definitely take a little getting used to. All of the world''s leading authorities are gathered here. There are mathematicians, chemists, medical practitioners, and people from all sorts of different fields here. We don''t have much inmon with them, so there''s nothing much for us to interact with them on. We just need to mingle with the people from our own field since we can''t take part of the other fields'' conversations."


    Zhang Ye nodded.


    Felicia smiled and said, "Let''s go, we''ll introduce a few friends to you."


    When the three of them entered the dinner venue, some people immediately took notice of Zhang Ye.


    Hans and his student waved at him from afar. "Zhang, over here!"


    Anthony was startled.


    Felicia was also stunned for a bit.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Hi, Professor Hans."


    Hans said, "Why did you just get here? Who are these two?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Oh, let me introduce you to each other. This is Anthony, and this is Felicia. They''re both world-renowned authors." He turned his head and introduced, "This is Professor Hans and his student. Professor Hans is one of the world''s leading authorities in the field of physics."


    Anthony said, "Ah, hello, Professor Hans."


    Felicia said in a stunned manner, "Nice to meet you."


    Over there, another two people came over.


    "Zhang, I''ve been looking for you for a long time." Anna fast walked over.


    Paige was also beside her. He got very happy when he saw Zhang Ye. "Zhang, you''re finally here. Quick, I was just conversing with Anna. Come and give us your opinion."


    Anthony was dumbfounded. "These two are?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Professor Paige and Professor Anna."


    Behind them, another voice rang out.


    "Zhang!"


    "You''re here already?"


    "Bond has just arrived, and he''s looking for you."


    A group of mathematicians from all over the world walked into the venue.


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Yo, Professor Bond."


    Bondined, "Where have you been all these years? I had so many research projects that I wanted to work with you on. Have you been purposely avoiding me?"


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "How could I?"


    Bond said with a straight face, "There''s a mathematical conjecture that I wanted us to work together on!"


    Zhang Ye wasn''t too interested. "Let''s talk about it again in the future."


    "No, you have to give me an answer today," Bond said.


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Let''s eat first, let''s eat. Oh yes, I still haven''t made introductions. This is Anthony, and this is Felicia. They''re both my friends."


    The English mathematician, Steve, said curiously, "Anthony? I''ve read your books before."


    The English writer, Anthony, hurriedly said, "I''ve seen you on television before, Professor Steve."


    Steve was very happy to hear that. "I''ve wanted to meet you for a long time."


    Anthony said, "Me too, it''s an honor."


    Group after group.


    After they went away, only Zhang Ye, Anthony, and Felicia were left.


    Felicia was going crazy!


    Anthony was aghast!


    Isn''t this your first time in Ennd?


    Isn''t this your first time getting nominated for the Nobel Prizes?


    Damn! Why do you know even more people than I do?


    Are you the local or am I the local?!


    The two of them had been very eager to bring Zhang Ye around to get to know some people before this. But how could they have imagined it would end up with Zhang Ye introducing a host of other Nobel Prize nominees to them!

 Chapter 1606 - Who is the one with the worst temper here?

    <h4>Chapter 1606 - Who is the one with the worst temper here? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    London.


    At the banquet venue.


    Zhang Ye''s entrance still made some people take notice of him. There weren''t too many Asians who were nominated for the Nobel Prizes, so even if they did not know what Zhang Ye looked like, they could still guess who he was. Furthermore, if they asked around, they would be able to find out his identity too. So some of the people at the venue cast curious nces at him. Gone with the Wind and its author became very well-known throughout the world during this past month.


    "So he''s the writer from China?"


    "He''s this young?"


    "It''s the first time I''ve seen him too."


    "Why does he know the Nobel Prize nominees from the math and physics crowd?"


    "Don''t you guys know?"


    "Know about what?"


    "He''s a well-known mathematician to begin with."


    "Huh?"


    "Really?"


    "Surely he can''t be a very well-known mathematician, right?"


    "You''re wrong, he''s really famous. I''ve checked his profile. He was awarded an international math award some years ago, but for some unknown reason, he didn''t ept it."


    "He forfeited the award? Oh my God!"


    "In the field of physics and mechanical engineering, he''s also an expert."


    "Are you serious?"


    "I only learned about it from the news, and I don''t really know him that well. Oh, he has another identity too. I''m sure you''ve all heard of it before. He was once the hacker with the highest bounty in the world!"


    "What?"


    "That''s him?"


    "He''s that 2? The world''s number one hacker?"


    "Why does he have so many identities?"


    "He''s involved in so many different industries?"


    "That''s why the international media oncemented that he was the smartest person to exist in a few hundred years. However, people have rarely heard of his name and news. This is because of political factors. Many countries around the world have limited coverage of the news in China, which everyone knows. It''s just that this time, the sensation caused by his novel was too great, which is why he has finallye to the attention of the mainstream international media as well."


    "So that''s how it is."


    "Yeah, there wasn''t any news rted to him in my country before Gone with the Wind was released."


    Everyone was fervently discussing him.


    Some people were even pointing at him and whispering among themselves.


    Anthony could hear the voices of discussion around him.


    The look in Felicia''s eyes changed as she gazed at Zhang Ye. "You''re actually this impressive?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "No, not really. They''re just undeserved titles."


    Anthony said, "How are they undeserved!"


    "I''ve got a really bad reputation," Zhang Ye said with a smile.


    Felicia didn''t believe him. "You''re a writer and a scientist, how bad can your reputation be? Can it be any worse than Bangalore from India?"


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Why isn''t his reputation good?"


    Anthony shook his head. "He has lifestyle problems. He won''t budge once he has his eyes on a woman. Even Felicia has been pestered by him before. And that''s still not considered too bad. He has a terrible temper as well and often yells at his own assistants for no rhyme or reason. In India itself, his reputation is also very poor. He has many conflicts with many people and is apulsive gambler too."


    Zhang Ye said, "Uh, is that it?"


    Felicia said in a speechless manner, "What more are you expecting?"


    Anthony looked at him. "Can your reputation be any worse than his?"


    Zhang Ye hesitated for a moment before deciding not to say anything.


    How could this be called a bad reputation?


    How could this be called a bad temper?


    And I thought it was bad!


    Forget it, I better not bring up my embarrassing incidents!


    As they chatted, the people at the venue burst into an uproar.


    "Why is he here?"


    "Bangalore?"


    "This guy is really thick-skinned!"


    "After all that fuss at the banquetst year, he still dares to show up this year?"


    "Let''s go, we better stay far away from him."


    A lot of people walked away shaking their heads.


    Zhang Ye turned around and saw that person as well.


    It was an Indian man?


    Bangalore?


    He had a very dark skin tone and did not looked particrly handsome, but neither was he ugly. Two of his assistants were trailing close behind him.


    Anthony''s expression changed slightly. "Doesn''t he know that he''s not wee here?"


    Felicia also looked on with disdain. "How can he wear slippers to the banquet?"


    Bangalore was clearly a regr at the Nobel Prize award ceremony. He had been nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature for many years running, so he knew the majority of the people here. He even said hello to a few of them.


    "Horne, long time no see!"


    "Felicia, you''re here too?"


    Felicia ignored him.


    Bangalore wasn''t bothered andughed it off. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he led his assistants to the dining area. He took a sip of the red wine and frowned. Then he tasted a piece of meat and started chattering about how horrible it tasted. Even without saying much, the situation was already getting out of hand.


    Anthony pursed his lips. "There, Zhang, you understand now?"


    Felicia said, "This is the Nobel Prize ceremony, and the choice of the recipients has never been assessed based on a person''s character, only on their works. Otherwise, that guy would never have been nominated in the first ce."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Let''s just eat."


    Anthony said, "Yes, we mustn''t let this kind of person affect our mood."


    They ate.


    They drank.


    They chatted.


    Half an hour went by.


    Eventually, Bangalore finished causing a ruckus and was starting to walk to the entrance with a look of contempt. As he passed by, he suddenly gave Zhang Ye a look.


    Bangalore asked, "You''re the author of Gone with the Wind?"


    Anthony became a little nervous.


    Felicia stepped in front of Zhang Ye. "What do you want?"


    But Zhang Ye just smiled. "That''s me. Is anything the matter?"


    Bangalore looked at him for a long time. "You won''t win the Nobel Prize."


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "Really?"


    Bangalore said, "If you don''t believe me, wait for tomorrow."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Sure."


    Bangalore walked away while chuckling.


    Anthony said in annoyance, "Isn''t that a provocation!"


    Felicia said, "Ignore him."


    Many of the Nobel Prize nominees gathered around, thinking that Zhang Ye would get angered.


    However, unbeknownst to them, Zhang Ye did not take this to heart at all.


    ��


    Elsewhere.


    China.


    On Weibo.


    "Tomorrow is the Nobel Prize award ceremony."


    "I''m looking forward to it!"


    "We''ll see if Face-smacking Zhang has the ability to win it."


    "Are they going to broadcast it live?"


    "Of course they will. The award ceremony is broadcast live around the world."


    "I can''t wait."


    "I heard that Bangalore is the only person who canpete with Zhang Ye, but his temper is not so good."


    "Pfft, previous poster, are you joking? In the presence of Zhang Ye, who dares to im that they have a bad temper? If anyone dares to say so, motherfucker, I''ll take it up with them!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Damn, that''s true, I take back my words."


    "Many of the international media outlets are saying that the Indian writer has a bad temper. Did you guys read the news online? The Chinese people are allughing at such reports. Those people have not seen Zhang Ye''s hooliganism for themselves yet!"


    "There''s really no way topare. A person like Bangalore would only grumble and scold people at the most. But Zhang Ye? He''d dare to turn physical on you! Comparing their qualifications and number of works, Bangalore is probably much better than Zhang Ye. But when ites to having a temper? On daring to fight? Not even ten Bangalores could beat Zhang Ye!"

 Chapter 1607 - The live broadcast of the Nobel Prize

    <h4>Chapter 1607 - The live broadcast of the Nobel Prize </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    An uneventful night passed.


    The next morning.


    Ha Qiqi and Little Wang knocked anxiously on the door.


    Little Wang said in panic, "Director Zhang, what happenedst night?"


    Ha Qiqi also hurriedly asked, "Did you get into a fight with Bangalore?"


    "What fight?" Zhang Ye had just woken up.


    Little Wang said, "We heard about what happened during the banquetst night. The two of you��"


    Zhang Ye sighed. He said without a care, "He said that I wouldn''t be able to win the Nobel Prize, so I just told him sure thing. It was just a simple exchange of words. How did that be a fight?"


    Little Wang said timidly, "Y-You didn''t hit him, did you?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and said, "Am I that sort of person?"


    Little Wang and Ha Qiqi both rolled their eyes.


    You''re not that sort of person?


    If you aren''t that sort of person, then who is!


    Have you ever held back from doing such things in the past?


    Ha Qiqi said with lingering fear, "It''s good that you didn''t hit him."


    If anyone else heard what Ha Qiqi said, they would probably be vomiting blood right now. For a public figure, if they just gave a slight nce, had a slight conflict, or even spoke with a slight hint of sarcasm, the actions could easily get interpreted by the media for the headlines, much less if they hit someone. All of those actions would have an extremely serious impact, so how could they be sloppy about it? However, the staff from Zhang Ye''s studio were different. They really did not ask for much from Director Zhang. As long as he did not get into fights, or hit anyone, then he could do anything he wanted. Everything else was trivial.


    Zhang Ye looked at his watch. "What time is the award ceremony?"


    "Ten in the morning," Ha Qiqi said.


    Little Wang immediately said, "It''s time to put on some makeup."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright."


    He ate breakfast.


    He did his makeup.


    He got into the line.


    And waited to enter the venue.


    The award ceremony staff were very busy, and the international media outlets also descended on the venue for the event.


    Before getting admitted into the auditorium, there was going to be a brief outdoor interview. From here, you could see how popr some nominees were. To the surprise of many, a lot of reporters surrounded Zhang Ye, especially reporters from America, Russia, China, and even Japan.


    Bangalore.


    Felicia.


    And several others also received simr treatment.


    On the other hand, much fewer reporters were around the nominees from the chemistry and mathematics fields.


    This wasn''t surprising at all. To the people of this world, the Nobel Prizes in Mathematics, Physics, and Physiology or Medicine were just too distant to them. These academic awards were not something that ordinary people could understand or participate in. They probably did not even know most of the schrs and professors who worked in these fields. However, the Nobel Prize in Literature was different. The nominees were all world-renowned authors, and every normal person had ess to and could buy any of their books from a bookstore. They could also recognize them or even judge who was a better author and whose works were the better ones. It was the same thing for the Nobel Peace Prize, so naturally, people around the globe would be more intrigued by them. As such, the media paid special attention to these two awards, and the winners from each year would be greatly discussed by everyone around the world.


    This was also the reason why Zhang Ye had insisted on aiming for the Nobel Prize in Literature. It was much more popr than the Mathematics and Physics Prizes.


    Zhang Ye''s interview was in progress.


    The Chinese reporter said excitedly, "Teacher Zhang, you are the tenth person from China to be nominated for a Nobel Prize. Millions of Chinese citizens are looking forward to seeing you bring home a Nobel Prize."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Sure, I''ll do that."


    The Chinese reporter said excitedly, "You''re that confident of bringing home the prize?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "I''ll ask them where they mint the medals afterwards."


    That Central TV reporter burst outughing!


    Who''s asking you to mint a medal!


    I was asking you how confident you were of winning it!


    A female Russian reporter immediately said, "Professor Zhang, I''m a Russian journalist. The President has praised your novel endlessly and even started peace talks because of it. He has taken the most crucial step in these past few years, which in turn affected the state of world affairs. This is something that no literary work has been able to achieve so far."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I''ve heard about it too."


    The Russian reporter said, "What do you think is the charm of your work?"


    An American reporter interjected, "In America, Gone with the Wind has sold extremely well. With the repeal of thest remaining Exclusion Act, tens of millions of people in North America have benefited greatly. Many ck people and others who oppose racism have a high opinion of your work, and the impact of it on the world is still ongoing. Do you think this will help you to ascend onto the podium of the Nobel Prize in Literature?"


    Question after question.


    Zhang Ye answered them one by one with a smile on his face.


    He was neither humble nor arrogant.


    He spoke in a gentle and refined manner.


    He had a graceful demeanor.


    Many of the foreign reporters couldn''t help but nod in agreement at his answers.


    ��


    China.


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    Due to the time difference, it was already evening in Beijing.


    "Has it started yet?"


    "Which station is it showing on?"


    "Central TV Department 1."


    "Let me have a look. Ah, it has started!"


    "Zeqing,e quickly."


    The entire family sat down in front of the television.


    Sisi also ran over. "Where is Daddy? Where is Daddy?"


    His mother pointed excitedly at the television. "Look, quick, look! Your Daddy is getting interviewed right now. Hey, whatnguage is Little Ye spouting? It''s not being tranted either!"


    His father also hurriedly said, "Zeqing, what is Little Ye saying?"


    Wu Zeqing chuckled and tranted it for them.


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His three sisters had gathered here.


    "The live broadcast is starting!"


    "It''s almost time for them to enter the venue!"


    "Wow, there''s even an interview with our brother!"


    "Why are foreign reporters interviewing our brother as well?"


    "Our brother is so popr!"


    His grandma gave them a stern look. "Be quiet. Don''t make such a ruckus."


    His grandpa was also quite excited. "It''s the Nobel Prize! I never could have imagined that my grandson would one day attend the Nobel Prize award ceremony."


    His second sister shouted, "Brother, you can do it!"


    His third sister also shouted, "Bring glory to our country!"


    ��


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    "Dad! Hurry over!"


    "It''s on, it''s on! The live broadcast has started?"


    "The interview finished. They''ll be entering the venue soon."


    "How long until they announce the prize winners?"


    "At least half an hour more, I think!"


    "Today is the most important day for Zhang''er since his career started."


    "It''s also a very important day for the Chinese entertainment industry and literary world!"


    ��


    At the Chinese Academy of Sciences.


    "Old Chi, I''m a little nervous!"


    "Me too, Old Zhou."


    "It all depends on Zhang Ye now!"


    "That''s right! Whether he seeds or fails, it all rest on this moment today!"


    "Hopefully, Zhang Ye will give us something to cheer about!"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "Pfft."


    "Thisedian!"


    "Look at that Central TV reporter! He''s about to cry!"


    "Haha, he says he will ask them where they minted the medal? My sides hurt!"


    "Seeing how Face-smacking Zhang can still crack a joke, it seems like he''s still very rxed."


    "It''s the Nobel Prize! Bring it back home!"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye!"


    "China''s first Nobel Prize will all depend on whether Zhang Ye can get it!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "This fellow was really nominated?"


    "He''s our sworn enemy!"


    "Does he intend to finish theics or not?"


    "This damned eunuch! I''d rather the Indian writer win the award than him!"


    "Supporting our Japanese author!"


    "Good luck, Teacher!"


    "The Nobel Prize in Literature will definitely be ours!"


    ��


    Australia.


    "We have a candidate who was nominated for the Physiology or Medicine Prize."


    "Is there any hope of winning?"


    "I don''t know. There are too many variables to consider for the Nobel Prize."


    "Yeah. Even if someone is the favorite to win, they might not win it. It''s too hard to say."


    "Who do you all think will win the Literature Prize?"


    "I still think that the Indian writer has the best chance."


    "Yeah, they haven''t given it to Bangalore in the many years he was nominated, so I doubt the Nobel Prize Committee will be able to withstand the pressure to award it to him this time. It''s obvious to all that Bangalore''s works are very good."


    ��


    America.


    "It''s starting!"


    "Today will be very interesting."


    "The winners of this year''s awards will be revealed soon."


    "Yeah, let''s see who''s the biggest winner."


    "I think it''s gonna very close this time."


    "Too bad that our female author is out of the running 1 to win the Literature Prize."


    "That''s right, the sales of her new book suffered greatly due topetition from Gone with the Wind."


    ��


    Ennd.


    "We''re the hosts for the awards this time, so our chances should be greater."


    "Not necessarily."


    "We can only fight for the Economics Prize."


    "Right, we have a chance of winning that."


    "We stand a chance at winning the Literature Prize too, right?"


    "I''m afraid we don''t have any chance at the Literature Prize. The Chinese and Indian writers are too strong."


    "But I''m not optimistic about the Chinese author''s chances. China wants to win an international award, especially when it''s the world''s most prestigious Nobel Prize. So I doubt they''ll give it to a Chinese man so easily."


    "Yeah, no Chinese person has ever won a Nobel Prize."


    ��


    On this day.


    At this moment.


    100 million people.


    500 million people.


    1 billion people.


    With the time in many countries gettingte into the night due to the time difference, countless people crawled out of beds and turned on their televisions like China would during World Cup season. With a beer in their hands and some snacks, everyone started watching the live broadcast of the Nobel Prize. This world''s Nobel Prizes were much more influential than the ones in Zhang Ye''s world. Almost every country''s television stations were showing the live broadcast, and all eyes around the world were focused on this event. They were all waiting for the awards ceremony to begin so that they could find out who would walk away with the most prestigious prize in the world!

 Chapter 1608 - The award ceremony!

    <h4>Chapter 1608 - The award ceremony! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the venue.


    In the auditorium where the award ceremony was held.


    The guests and nominees were gradually admitted inside.


    "Hello, please produce your invitation."


    "Here."


    "OK, thank you."


    "Hello, may I have your invitation card please?"


    "Is it this one?"


    "Yes, you may enter."


    Security checks.


    Producing invitations.


    Verifying identities.


    Running facial recognition.


    All kinds of high-tech equipment were employed, and it made everything look very professional and formal. A person had to go through at least three rounds of checks before they could get admitted into the venue. After entering the auditorium, a dedicated English receptionist would greet the nominees and lead them and their family or entourage to their seats. Zhang Ye''s seat was somewhere on the right side of the venue and further to the front in the second row. For the sake of convenience, Zhang Ye sat in the aisle seat. Ha Qiqi and Little Wang both sat down on the inside beside him.


    At the back.


    Anthony also arrived. "Zhang."


    Zhang Ye turned around and smiled. "You''re here?"


    "I''m sitting behind you," Anthony said.


    Immediately, Felicia came over and sat down with them as well. "Hi, did you all get a good night''s sleep?"


    Zhang Ye said happily, "It was alright."


    The nominees for the Nobel Prize in Literature had all been ced in this area.


    The female American writer arrived.


    India''s Bangalore also arrived. Incidentally, he did not cause any trouble today after being admitted into the venue. He showed a cold and indifferent expression, scoffing when he saw Zhang Ye. He ignored all of the other nominees. By the looks of this, the Indian writer also understood that his biggest rival for the Nobel Prize was the Chinese writer.


    Ha Qiqi whispered, "Is that him?"


    Little Wang also had a look at the Indian writer who was seated two rows behind them. "What''s he acting so smug about!"


    The Japanese writer was thest to arrive, and he sat down right beside Anthony, close behind Zhang Ye.


    Anthony clearly knew him. "Why didn''t I see you atst night''s banquet?"


    The Japanese writer smiled. "My wife wanted me to go shopping with her."


    Felicia smiled and said, "You''re such a good husband."


    Zhang Ye also turned around to take a look at him.


    Felicia introduced, "Oh yes, I would like to introduce a friend to you. This is Zhang Ye."


    Surprisingly, the Japanese writer snorted and did not answer.


    Zhang Ye smiled. He shrugged and didn''t care.


    Anthony was a little taken aback. "Ah? What''s the matter?"


    The Japanese writer rolled his eyes. "I don''t wish to know this person."


    "Why not?" Felicia said startled.


    In the end, it was Zhang Ye who spoke. Heughed and said, "His countrymen are not too friendly towards me."


    The Japanese writer was fuming. "Is it us who are unfriendly, or you who is unfriendly!"


    Anthony replied, "Zhang Ye is quite a nice person. Don''t judge him by his appearance."


    The Japanese writer was floored!


    Quite nice, my ass!


    What has that got to do with judging him by his appearance?


    Felicia also tried to calm things down by saying, "The Indian author should be the person we should stand together against."


    As Felicia and Anthony did not know the inside story, they wondered why the Japanese writer would have such a bias against Zhang Ye. They thought that some kind of misunderstanding had happened.


    The Japanese writer was too angry to say anything!


    The Indian author?


    Not even 10 Bangalores can match the wickedness of this Zhang guy!


    Compared to Zhang Ye, the Indian author is the edelweiss!


    How can you not know of his past deeds!


    Of all the people at the venue, the only people other than Ha Qiqi and Little Wang who understood Zhang Ye the most would have to be the Japanese and Korean Nobel Prize nominees. The people of other nations might not be familiar with Zhang Ye, but how could they not be familiar with him? Although Zhang Ye had disappeared from the public eye for close to four years, the Japanese and Koreans still couldn''t help but clench their teeth in hatred when his name was mentioned!


    Scolding!


    Fighting!


    Smashing cars!


    Trashing hotels!


    Making trojans!


    He was the hooligan whomitted all kinds of evil in Asia years ago!


    Yet you consider him to be the angel here?


    Don''t you have it wrong?!


    Last night, the Japanese writer did not show up at the banquet not because he had to go shopping with his wife. In fact, it was because she was afraid that Zhang Ye would cause trouble, so she decided to steer her husband away from him. As for Bangalore? The Japanese writer and his wife were not concerned about him at all. They both knew that the Indian author was only all bark and no bite.


    One was a sheep in wolf''s clothing!


    The other was a wolf in sheep''s clothing!


    There was no way topare these two people. Only you guys would regard the Indian author as a troublesome person. But little can you imagine that the most troublesome person is actually this person talking andughing beside you!


    At 10 AM sharp.


    The venue''s doors were shut and the security checkpoints closed.


    For a moment, the entire auditorium fell silent. Everyone had arrived.


    Little Wang said nervously, "It''s starting!"


    Ha Qiqi took a deep breath. "Which prize will they be announcing first?


    Little Wang said, "It''s always different each year. Ahhh, I''m so nervous."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Calm down, this is a live broadcast."


    Little Wang also took a deep breath. However, her heart was still pounding. She couldn''t be med for being nervous, because they knew how important this award was for Director Zhang. It was the most prestigious prize in the entire world with no other awardsing close. This was also the first time they were attending an international award ceremony, so it was no wonder they were nervous.


    Countless cameras were facing the stage.


    The venue of the award ceremony was looking as luxurious as a concert hall.


    The atmosphere.


    The decorations.


    The colors.


    All of it was vividly presented.


    Under the attention of the people of the world, the director of the Nobel Foundation went up on stage. Holding a microphone, he announced to the world with a smile, "Ladies and gentlemen, good morning."


    Apuse thundered!


    The crowd pped.


    Next, the Nobel Foundation''s director delivered an opening speech thatsted for ten minutes. It gave an in-depth exnation of the creation of the Nobel Prizes, the predecessor awards, the change of the award''s name, the number of prizes that have been given out thus far, and so on, giving everyone a deeper understanding of and a recap on the value and history of the Nobel Prizes. This was because today happened to be the 50th anniversary of the Nobel Prize, so the ceremony was held in a grander manner.


    Ten minutes passed.


    The speech finished up.


    The audience broke out into apuse.


    Every country''s television stations had a real-time trantion of the event as the viewers watching listened to it carefully. The live audience also listened intently with almost no one getting distracted. To countless people, the Nobel Prizes represented a solemn and dignified award ceremony. Everyone respected the importance of this award and also the highest honor it brought to its recipients.


    On the stage.


    A ceremony employee walked onstage with a medal.


    The director took it from the employee and gave a smile. "So then, let me first announce this year''s first Nobel Prize winner." With a pause, he held up a card and flipped it open. "After voting by the Nobel Committee, the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is��"


    It was all quiet in the audience.


    The viewers watching TV also hushed up.


    The nominees who were seated in the Physiology or Medicine zone were even quieter. Every one of them was staring at the stage with wide eyes.


    Then the director announced, "��the famous American MD 1 , Dr. James Strong!"


    Immediately, the entire live audience looked in one direction!


    James looked very surprised!


    The people around him broke out into apuse!


    Some of them also smiled bitterly in sorrow.


    Others kindly gave James hugs and celebrated his win!


    In the field of physiology and medicine, America was much more advanced than the rest of the world. For this Physiology or Medicine Prize, 7 of the 20 nominees were Americans. The predictions by the public also showed that an American would win this year''s prize, just like they had won it the previous year. The only point of contention was which American doctor would be presented with the highest honor in the world. Unexpectedly, it was won by the youngest MD in the group, Dr. Strong!


    The director smiled. "Pleasee onstage to collect your medal."


    James was smiling broadly, hugging and kissing his friends around him. Then he strode onstage and received the medal from the director with a serious look. "Thank you, thank you. I can''t believe this." He was so excited he even stuttered while delivering his eptance speech.


    Little Wang was very envious.


    Ha Qiqi sighed.


    On this day, James''s name would be entered into the annals of history.


    On this day, the entire world was cheering for him!


    This was the Nobel Prize!


    The highest honor in the entire world!

 Chapter 1609 - The winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature is unveiled!

    <h4>Chapter 1609 - The winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature is unveiled! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    America.


    "It''s ours!"


    "Well done!"


    "It''s James!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    ��


    Ennd.


    "Sure enough, it was won by an American!"


    "There''s almost no suspense for the Physiology or Medicine Prize."


    "Hai."


    ��


    The Nethends.


    "Congrattions to him."


    "The medical world has another doctor who has ascended to the top."


    "The Americans have upied this position for the past three years."


    ��


    China.


    "When will the Literature Prize be announced?"


    "The Literature Prize and Peace Prize have always been thest to get announced every year."


    "I can''t wait to find out!"


    ��


    At the venue.


    James''s eptance speech ended.


    Round after round of apuse rang out from the audience until James left the stage. All of the world''s media were still showing him on their live broadcast. At this moment, he was the star of the show and the focus of attention of the entire world. Perhaps some people didn''t know about James''s contributions to the medical field or this their first time hearing his name. However, that was not important now because everyone knew what it meant to be able to win a Nobel Prize.


    Ha Qiqi apuded.


    Zhang Ye was also pping.


    After some time, the live broadcast cut back to the main stage.


    The foundation''s director stepped back onstage.


    The director said, "Next up, I will be revealing the recipient of this year''s Nobel Prize in Mathematics."


    All of a sudden, the Mathematics Prize nominee zone fell silent.


    Zhang Ye turned his attention to their direction with a look of interest.


    Little Wang said with a tinge of regret, "It''s a pity we didn''t get shortlisted for that award."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Yeah. If Director Zhang had been willing to make a push for it, we might have gotten nominated for the Nobel Prize in Mathematics as well. However, each person can only be nominated for one award each year. Otherwise, we could have vied for the Mathematics Prize, the Physics Prize, and the Literature Prize. Who knows, we might''ve won all three of them. Then that would truly be unprecedented!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes in response. "Old Ha, you''re overthinking things."


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "In any case, we''ll be vying for the Nobel Prize in Mathematics someday too."


    Little Wang said, "And the Physics Prize as well!"


    Zhang Yeughed. "We don''t even know if I can get the Nobel Prize this time, but you two are already thinking about winning three of them? I don''t even dare to think that far and high!"


    On the stage.


    The director said in a clear voice, "The recipient of this year''s Nobel Prize in Mathematics is��English mathematician Hank House!"


    Anthony cried out in surprise, "It''s one of our English mathematicians!"


    Everyone in the venue turned to look.


    All the cameras were now aimed at an old Englishman in his 70s!


    Hank House was slightly startled, although his expression didn''t make him look particrly excited. However, when he pushed himself out of his chair, everyone discovered that his hands were trembling. They were trembling with excitement.


    There was thunderous apuse!


    Bba bba bba bba!


    When the old man went up on stage to receive his medal, the apuse became even more enthusiastic!


    It was as though all of the world''s apuse was for him alone in this moment!


    Little Wang asked, "Director Zhang, do you know him?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ve heard of his name before, but I haven''t had any dealings with him. He''s a very famous mathematician in the global mathematics world and was nominated for the Nobel Prize when he was still in his 50s. This time, his wish has finally been fulfilled."


    Thepetition for the Mathematics Prize this time was a very close one. At least four of the candidates were very strong contenders for the prize, which had made it very difficult to distinguish who would win. Perhaps due to a variety of reasons and also after discussions by themittee, they decided to present the award to House in the end. He was a veteran in the field who had dedicated his entire life to mathematics.


    Next up.


    The Chemistry Prize.


    The Physics Prize.


    The Economics Prize 1 .


    The recipients were announced one by one!


    Each time they announced the results, the entire venue would shake from apuse as it filled the auditorium. One after another, new Nobel Prize winners emerged. Right now, only the Literature Prize and Peace Prize remained to be awarded. These were also the prizes that attracted the most attention of the people each year and were the highlights of the award ceremony! Although there were cases of these two awards getting announced first in the previous years, it didn''t happen often. By andrge, they were announced at the end of the awards ceremony. These were also the Nobel Prizes that this world''s people were most familiar with and the most interested in.


    ��


    In the rest of the world.


    France.


    "We didn''t even win a single one this time!"


    "What a pity!"


    "The Americans actually got two of the awards!"


    ��


    In Germany.


    "The Physics Prize is ours!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "It''s enough winning one!"


    "We''re still the authoritative voice in the field of physics!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "There''s nothing for us?"


    "We were only nominated for the Economics Prize, but it was won by an American."


    "Hai, when will our country finally have a Nobelureate of our own?"


    "Don''t worry, there will surely be one in the future."


    "The Chinese are in the same boat as us. They''ve never had any of their citizens win a Nobel Prize before."


    "Haha, I feel better hearing that."


    ��


    India.


    "It''s here!"


    "The next award to be presented is the Literature Prize?"


    "You can do it, Bangalore!"


    "It''s all up to you now!"


    "The Chinese and Japanese writers definitely can''t beat you!"


    "Bring home the Nobel Prize for India!"


    "The award should have been yours 10 years ago!"


    ��


    China.


    "It''s finally time!"


    "I''m so nervous!"


    "Will Face-smacking Zhang stumble at the finish line?"


    "Who knows what the Nobel Committee will choose!"


    "Honestly, I still feel that Bangalore has a greater chance of winning."


    "The main reason is that Zhang Ye''s works are too few in number. In the global novels industry, he only has Gone with the Wind as his representative work. If he had more time to write a few more novels, he would stand a much greater chance of winning the award."


    ��


    At home.


    His mother was staring wide-eyed as she waited. "It''s almost time!"


    His father took a deep breath and sat bolt upright.


    Wu Zeqing was smiling with Sisi in herp.


    Sisi was also staring intently at the television with wide eyes.


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Everyone was here today.


    "It''s time for our turn!"


    "Ahhh, Director Zhang, you can do it!"


    "Give the award to us! Give the award to us!"


    "We''re only one step away from breaking into the international celebrity rankings!"


    ��


    Zhang Yuanqi''s house.


    Ning Lan was visiting today.


    "Sister Zhang, do you think he can win it?"


    "I don''t know."


    "If he can do it, he will be making a great contribution to the country."


    It wouldn''t just be a great contribution. He would be hailed as a national hero."


    "Yeah, the Nobel Prize is too important to China!"


    ��


    At Spring Garden''s ce.


    "Amy,e quickly!"


    "I have a stomachache!"


    "They''re giving out that award soon!"


    "Ah? They are? Aiyo, wait, wait, let me pull on my pants first!"


    "Quick! Hurry up!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "They''re about to announce the Literature Prize recipient!"


    "Just don''t let Zhang Ye win it!"


    "Right, I''d rather the Indian writer win this Nobel Prize!"


    "It mustn''t be given to that Chinese writer!"


    ��


    The outside world was in a mess!


    Countless people were guessing about who would win!


    Countless people were debating who should win!


    Compared to the announcements for the Mathematics and Economics Prizes, the Literature Prize was causing a great debate across the world before the winner was even announced. The amount ofments on the Inte made it obvious, with three, four, or even five times morements than the discussions that the other prizes had generated. Perhaps everyone around the world already had their choice of winner.


    Anthony gave Zhang Ye a nudge. "It''s all up to you."


    Zhang Ye said helplessly, "Everyone stands an equal chance of winning it."


    Felicia was also holding her breath.


    The Literature Prize nominees around them also looked very tense in this moment.


    The gaze of many of the reporters and other Nobel Prize nominees were directed over here as well!


    They saw how calm Zhang Ye looked.


    They saw how conflicted the Japanese author was.


    They also saw that haughty and arrogant look on the Indian author''s face.


    The live broadcast camera was pointing at all of them, and everyone''s expressions were different.


    The Nobel Committee''s director was already standing onstage.


    The medal.


    The card.


    They were right beside him.


    When the card was flipped open, the name of the Literature Prize recipient would be announced.


    Nobody knew if the director was doing it intentionally, but he took out the card very slowly, likely because he knew that the global viewership was at its peak and that the attention given to the Literature Prize and Peace Prize waspletely different from the previous awards.


    The director smiled. "There are still two more Nobel Prizes to announce."


    The people in the audience could no longer sit still!


    Many of the viewers watching TV were also getting very anxious!


    The director said, "So then, I''ll first announce the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature."


    Gulp.


    Gulp.


    The sound of him swallowing could be heard.


    The director said in a slow manner, "The recipient of this year''s Nobel Prize in Literature is��"


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Three seconds.


    The director looked into the audience and announced, "Indian author Bangalore!"


    Little Wang face fell. "It''s over!"


    Anthony could only give Zhang Ye a squeeze on the shoulders. "s!"


    Felicia kept shaking her head. "As expected!"


    The Japanese author sighed.


    Only Bangalore was smiling with delight. It was the first time a lot of people saw him smile.


    However, the apuse at the venue wasn''t enthusiastic in the least. This was because everyone viewed him as the hooligan of the literary world!


    Ha Qiqi felt a little dejected and said, "Director Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye let out a chuckle and said, "It''s alright, there will be another chance in the future."


    "B-But how can we wait any longer?" Little Wang said bitterly.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m lucky if I get it; it''s my fate if I don''t."


    He knew that his chances of winning this Nobel Prize were not that great. If he could win it, he would naturally be very excited. But not winning it was expected as well. Ever since Zhang Ye boarded the ne in Beijing toe to Ennd, he knew.

 Chapter 1610 - The kick that shocked the world!

    <h4>Chapter 1610 - The kick that shocked the world! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    China.


    On Weibo.


    "Fuck this!"


    "We''ve lost the Nobel Prize!"


    "It''s gone, everything is gone!"


    "It''s been won by that Indian writer!"


    "Hai, it''s over for us!"


    "I''ve been anticipating it for a long time. The media also reported that this was the closest that China was to winning a Nobel Prize. In the end, we still couldn''t get it!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang has failed this time!"


    "It''s not like he could help it. That''s the Nobel Prize we''re talking about. Zhang Ye has never lost when ites to domestic awards, but the Nobel Prize is the world''s most prestigious award. Perhaps it was still a step too far for us."


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    His three sisters roared with rage.


    "Dammit!"


    "Do they not have eyes!"


    "It obviously should have been awarded to our brother!"


    "The Indian has cheated his way to a win again!"


    ��


    At home.


    His father looked on in regret.


    His mother pointed at the television and started scolding.


    "What the heck!


    "Hai.


    "There must be some kind of conspiracy!"


    ��


    At the studio.


    Sighs sounded from all over the room.


    Some of the female employees were even trying to hide tears.


    "It still couldn''t be done?"


    "Is it so much to ask to win the Nobel Prize?"


    "I can''t ept this!"


    "Me neither!"


    "Gone With the Wind isn''t any worse than those other books!"


    ��


    At the Chinese Writers'' Association.


    "We couldn''t win it after all!"


    "What a pity!"


    "Yeah, we were so close! We only missed out by a little bit!"


    "Never mind, Zhang Ye has done quite well already."


    ��


    London.


    Lillian''s house.


    "What a pity!"


    "Sis, is he your Chinese friend?"


    "Yes, I was even the one who suggested that he try for the Nobel Prize."


    ��


    India.


    The people were all cheering.


    "Oh my God!"


    "It''s ours! We''ve won it!"


    "Long live Bangalore!"


    "Long live India!"


    "Unbelievable! India has finally gotten a Nobel Prizeureate!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    I knew it, I knew that the Chinese and Japanese authors would not get the Nobel Prize!"


    "I really wish I could see the face of that Chinese author right now!"


    ��


    In Germany.


    "The Indian writer has gotten thestugh!"


    "This is a very important award!"


    "It was unexpected, but still within reason!"


    "This year''s winner of the Literature Prize has finally been unveiled!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "I figured it would be him!"


    "It''s such a pity that we didn''t manage to win it!"


    "It''s good as long as it''s not Zhang Ye who gets the Nobel Prize!"


    "That''s true!"


    "Congrattions to the Indian author."


    ��


    China.


    The UK.


    Korea.


    Greece.


    Find.


    Canada.


    When the Nobel Prize in Literature was announced, every country in the world blew up!


    Theizens discussed it like crazy!


    The media reports were numerous as well!


    ��


    At the award ceremony.


    The director smiled and said, "Would Mr. Bangalore pleasee onstage to collect his medal."


    Bangalore smoothed his clothes and rose from his seat, all smiles. Then he strode up to the stage in high spirits. At this moment, it could be said that Bangalore was the person with the most attention on him in the entire world. The Literature Prize had such great influence.


    He went up on stage.


    He received his medal.


    They took a picture together.


    On the big screen behind the stage, Bangalore''s works over the years were listed.


    The dense list of novels dumbfounded everyone.


    Little Wang said, "He has written so many books?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "It''s just that we have too few works."


    "It''s only because Director Zhang doesn''t have the time to write them." Little Wang had absolute confidence in Zhang Ye''s writing ability and speed. "If we had another half a year, Director Zhang could surely 20 novels for them!"


    Felicia consoled, "Zhang,e back again next year."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Alright."


    Anthony alsoforted the Japanese author.


    The Japanese author said, "I was already prepared for this."


    This event gave Zhang Ye a better understanding of the Nobel Prizes. While he had intended to use one novel to win the Nobel Prize, he realized now that he had thought too simply. In his previous world, a lot of people still missed out on winning the Nobel Prize even after writing for an entire lifetime, finishing 10 books, 20 books, or even 30 books. This included many of the famous literary giants, so for him to win a Nobel Prize with just one work, that really did seem to be quite impossible.


    Hai, I should havepeted for some other prize.


    The Mathematics Prize?


    The Physics Prize?


    Perhaps I''d have stood a better chance for those.


    However, it was toote. Besides, there wasn''t enough time for him to do anything.


    Under the attention of countless people, Bangalore picked up the microphone.


    Everyone in the audience was looking at him.


    The viewers around the world watching the live broadcast were also looking at him.


    However, the moment the Indian author opened his mouth, many people were bbergasted.


    Bangalore cleared his throat and said proudly with augh, "First of all, I would like to thank the Nobel Prize Committee. After ten years, they''ve finally made one correct decision."


    The people in the audience burst into an uproar!


    People all over the world were speechless!


    Made just one correct decision in ten years?


    So the previous winners of the Nobel Prize in Literature were blindly selected then?


    They only got it right when they chose you this time?


    Anthony was speechless.


    As was Felicia.


    And so was the director of the Nobel Foundation.


    Everyone around the world rolled their eyes.


    They''d long heard of Bangalore being the biggest hooligan in the global literary field, and it was indeed true!


    Zhang Ye was bemused. He looked at the stage and listened to him speak.


    Then Bangalore raised his medal and continued, "This medal should have been mine ten years ago. As such, I won''t be giving any further thanks to anyone. This is because this medal is what the Nobel Foundation owes me. It''s what the entire world owes me. I will forgo the interest owed to me in thest ten years."


    ��


    India.


    "Hahaha!"


    "That arrogance!"


    "This should be how it is!"


    "Good one, Bangalore!"


    "Right, this is what the world owes us!"


    ��


    China.


    "This idiot must be crazy!"


    "I''m gonna faint. Where did this dumbasse from!"


    "He can even win the Nobel Prize like this?"


    "He''s not afraid that the Nobel Prize Committee will take the prize away from him?!"


    ��


    America.


    "What kind of person is this?"


    "The Nobel Prize Committee owes him the award?"


    "He''s too arrogant!"


    "Ugh, this guy is so obnoxious!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "I wanna beat him up!"


    "Me too!"


    "This Indian is asking for a beating!"


    "Where does he get his confidence!"


    ��


    The entire world was scolding!


    There were voices of doubt all across the venue!


    After Bangalore''s eptance speech, there was not a single p for him. Most foreigners were very graceful, especially on an asion like the Nobel Prize. No matter how much they disliked someone, they would still apud them if they won. This was the minimum respect and decorum they could show. But Bangalore''s speech was so outrageous that no one wanted to apud him.


    Everyone present was muttering something.


    "This is so exasperating."


    "The world owes you the prize?"


    "Hmph!"


    The situation was very awkward!


    There was no apuse!


    There was no movement!


    But Bangalore was indifferent to it all. He swaggered off the stage with the medal in hand.


    The reporters from the international media outlets were all looking at him with their mouths agape. The cameras in their hands were not shing either. The live broadcast camera kept its focus on him with a close-up the entire time.


    The Nobel Prize Committee members in the audience looked like they were already regretting their decision.


    Some people facepalmed.


    Some looked furious.


    Walking back towards his seat, Bangalore even gave Zhang Ye a smile. No one knew if it was intentional, but he also raised the medal slightly at him as if making a statement.


    Little Wang red at him.


    Ha Qiqi curled her lips.


    Only Zhang Ye was smiling.


    The foundation''s director went up on stage again.


    Bangalore walked past Zhang Ye as he returned to his seat.


    But right at this moment, just as the live broadcast camera was about to cut back to the main stage, an unbelievable scene that no one in the world could have expected happened!


    Anthony saw a leg!


    Something blurred across Felicia''s vision!


    The Japanese author stared wide-eyed in shock!


    The entire world''s people also saw a leather shoe on the television screen as it smugly materialized in the picture. The leg appeared right in front of Bangalore''s feet!


    No one could react to it!


    The people at the venue could not!


    The people watching TV could not!


    Bangalore was even more unprepared for it!


    "Ahhhhhhhhh!"


    Bangalore shrieked!


    The next moment, the Indian author''s entire body was thrown off bnce. With a loud bang, he mmed into the ground!


    The medal broke!


    Bangalore took a hard fall!


    Psst. Blood was spurting from a cut above his eyebrow!


    At this moment!


    It was as though time had stopped!


    It was as though the entire world had frozen!

 Chapter 1611 - The people of the world fall to their knees!

    <h4>Chapter 1611 - The people of the world fall to their knees! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the venue!


    On TV!


    The entire world was silenced!


    Ha Qiqi was dumbfounded!


    Little Wang''s jaw dropped!


    Anthony''s jaw dropped!


    Felicia''s jaw dropped!


    In the live broadcast camera, the Economics Prize winner who was taking a sip of water spat it out!


    Nothing like that had happened before in all 50 years of the Nobel Prize award ceremony. The nominees, staff, guests, media reporters, and even the viewers watching television at home were all dumbfounded at this moment. It was as though 10,000 grass mud horses had galloped past in front of their eyes!


    ��


    Ennd.


    The Inte blew up!


    "Holy shit!"


    "Who is that?"


    "Whose leg was it?"


    "Jesus! W-What just happened?"


    "God, what did I just see?"


    "The Literature Prize winner was tripped?!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "Who was that?"


    "Why does that leg look so familiar?"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "I saw it! It was Zhang Ye!"


    "Damn, was it really him?"


    "How is he so bold!"


    "What does he not dare to do!"


    "True that, this fellow was really notorious back then!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "Oh my God!"


    "Zhang Ye is crazy!"


    "This leg looks familiar!"


    "At the Olympics, he did exactly the same thing by tripping an international referee!""


    "Oh yeah, I remember now. This isn''t the first time he''s done something like this!"


    "I''m gonna faint! He''s too bold!"


    "I really have to take my hat off to this Chinese guy!"


    ��


    America.


    "It''s him?"


    "Gone With the Wind''s author?"


    "The hooligan of the literary field, Bangalore, was tripped by someone?"


    "Tripping someone at the Nobel Prize award ceremony?"


    "Is that Chinese author crazy?"


    "My God! Why are there so many hooligans in the literary field!"


    "This is a global broadcast!"


    "Yeah, everyone in the world is watching this!"


    ��


    India.


    The people''s resentment was boiling over!


    "Fuck your sister!"


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "That Chinese guy is so despicable!"


    "That bastard!"


    "How dare he do that!"


    "This is provocation!"


    "He purposely trying to make a fool of us!"


    ��


    Back at home.


    His mother was shocked!


    His father nearly fell off the sofa!


    His mother asked, "Old Zhang, was that our son''s leg?"


    His father said, dabbing at his sweat, "I think so."


    Wu Zeqing affirmed, "It was him."


    His mother broke down and bellowed, "This is a global broadcast!"


    ��


    At Central TV.


    The live broadcast studio was terribly quiet at this moment.


    The host and the studio''s guestmentator were stunned.


    The host said, "Um��uh��it seems like an ident has happened at the venue."


    The guestmentator said, sweating, "What on earth just happened?"


    "Let''s y it back in slow motion."


    A lot of people who were watching the Central TV live broadcast nearly burst outughing!


    A rey?


    In slow motion?


    Do you think this is a ser match!


    It was the first time they had encountered a slow motion rey for an award ceremony!


    ��


    At Spring Garden''s ce.


    Xiaodong went crazy!


    Li Xiaoxian''s legs turned to rubber!


    Amy was dumbfounded!


    "Did you guys see that?"


    "Yes."


    "I didn''t see it wrong, did I?"


    "No, you didn''t."


    "I''m gonna faint!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Many of the staff fell out of their chairs!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "What the heck!"


    "It''s over! We''re done for!"


    "This is going turn into something major!"


    "Are we��are we going to get cklisted from the Nobel Prizes?"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "Face-smacking Zhang has gone mad!"


    "Zhang Ye is gonna soar to the Heavens!"


    "Damn, he really turned physical!"


    "This is a global broadcast! It''s a fucking global broadcast!"


    "Teacher Zhang, I''m kneeling to you!"


    "The entire world is watching the live broadcast. This is the Nobel Prize award ceremony! Do you think that is happening back at home?!"


    "Aiyo, I really have to hand it to Teacher Zhang!"


    "I''m genuflecting as well! Teacher Zhang is too rash! He always gets into a fight without any warning! Like he''d care that this is broadcast live around the world!"


    "This is great. Face-smacking Zhang''s notoriety is gonna spread across the world this time!"


    "I knew it! I knew that Teacher Zhang would cause some trouble when he went overseas! This fellow doesn''t give a fuck about the asion!"


    "The glory of that trip feels so familiar."


    "Of course it feels familiar! Back here at home, who knows how many people have already been felled by the feet of Zhang Ye! This is the fucking Zhang Ye''s im to fame move!"


    "Motherfucker, why do I feel likeughing the more I hear you guys talk about this!"


    "Pfft, hahahahaha! I can''t hold it in any longer either!"


    "Although it''s a little inappropriate, I would still like to say: Teacher Zhang, beautifully done!"


    "That Indian author was absolutely asking for it!"


    "He asked for it by being a showoff in front of Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s been four years, but Face-smacking Zhang''s temper is still the same as ever. He still takes action when it''s called for and never hesitates to do so!"


    ��


    Yao Jiancai.


    Ning Lan.


    Zhang Yuanqi.


    Zhang Ye''s family.


    Zhang Ye''s friends.


    The Chinese citizens.


    The Japanese citizens.


    The French citizens.


    The Australian citizens.


    Countless countries around the world were left kneeling!


    Why would you dare to do that!


    How could you do something like that!


    Y-You''re too mean!


    ��


    At the venue.


    The live broadcast was still continuing.


    Bangalore got up angrily and pointed at Zhang Ye. He roared at him, "What did you do!"


    Then everyone became even more exasperated. Zhang Ye looked straight at Bangalore''s bloody face and asked in confusion, "Huh? What''s wrong?"


    Bangalore nearly fainted in anger. "You!"


    Anthony was stunned!


    Felicia was stunned!


    The four physicists that Zhang Ye had gotten to know were also stunned!


    What kind of expression is that?


    Just what the heck is that expression?


    Can you be any more thick-skinned than this!


    The trip had been witnessed by everyone in the venue and around the world. But to everyone''s surprise, Zhang Ye was ying dumb before everyone!


    Anthony wiped at his sweat. "Zhang��"


    The Japanese author snorted and said, "So now you know why I was unwilling to get to know him? You''ve seen it for yourself? The biggest hooligan in the global literary field has actually been sitting close to you all this while! Yet you considered him the angel!" The Japanese author didn''t appear surprised by what Zhang Ye did at all.


    Felicia and Anthony were speechless.


    Little Wang didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Director Zhang."


    Ha Qiqi covered her face and felt like she had beenpletely disgraced. If this had been recorded, so be it. They could edit out this incident. Even if it would still cause a stir, it could be containable at least. Unfortunately, this had to happen on a live broadcast. And it was even fucking broadcast live around the world! "The winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature gets attacked by a Chinese author?" Thinking about the headlines that would be sshed across international media, Ha Qiqi was speechless!


    But Zhang Ye thought otherwise.


    His take on this matter was extremely simple. He had been unhappy with the behavior of the Indian for a long time!


    Acting arrogant with me?


    Saying that the world owes you the prize?


    You''re even feeling all righteous about saying that?


    Fuck off!


    If I had gotten the Nobel Prize, I would''ve cared about my image and my actions. But since the prize has already been awarded, it has nothing to do with this bro anymore! Why would I still care who you are?!


    I don''t give a damn at all!

 Chapter 1612 - The Nobel Peace Prize is announced!

    <h4>Chapter 1612 - The Nobel Peace Prize is announced! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In a certain country.


    In a household.


    "Mom,e quickly!"


    "What''s the matter, Tom?"


    "The winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature has been tripped by someone!"


    "Tom, children shouldn''t tell lies."


    "It''s true, Mom!"


    "Impossible, this is broadcast live around the world."


    "I swear it happened! Come and see, quick!"


    "What?"


    Simr scenes were ying out around the world.


    Many people around the world who were originally uninterested in the Nobel Prize award ceremony had also been called over to watch it by their families and friends. They sat down in front of their televisions with a look of shock! The Literature Prize and Peace Prize had always been the highlights of the award ceremony and were closely watched by people all over the world. The number of people watching had already doubled or tripled from the prior announcements of the other prizes. But now that Bangalore had been tripped, the viewership ratings of the Nobel Prize award ceremony started increasing at a terrifying rate!


    The global viewership ratings!


    The global viewership numbers!


    They were all rising like crazy!


    ��


    On an international social media site.


    In just a short time, this trending news kept popping up!


    "Oh my God. I''ve dug up some news regarding that Chinese author!"


    "What news?"


    "It''s about the things that he did in Asia in the past!"


    "I found something too! Oh my God!"


    "He gave up an award? It was an international math award?"


    "He beat up an Olympic referee?"


    "He trashed a hotel? So that Japanese hotel got trashed because of him?"


    "He even beat up a Korean celebrity too?"


    The Panda Burning Incense and CIH viruses were created by him?"


    "Back then, hackers from all over the world viewed China as a forbidden zone, and many well-known hacker groups from all over the world dered that they would not invade the Chinese Inte in at least ten years. So it was all because of this Chinese author?"


    "Just what kind of a person is he!"


    "There''s actually such a hooligan of a person in the world?"


    ��


    At the venue.


    The medical personnel rushed over.


    They helped Bangalore up and treated his wound.


    "Zhang Ye!"


    "Just you wait!"


    "Just you wait, I tell you!"


    Bangalore was yelling in fury.


    Faced with an out of control scenario, the venue''s staff rushed over to calm him down. "Mr. Bangalore, please rest for a while. We''re still in the middle of the live broadcast. Let''s wait until after the award ceremony to handle things."


    Bangalore nearly fainted in anger. "Why are you still giving awards out!"


    Beside him, quite a few nominees were also trying to persuade him.


    "Calm down."


    "Let''s wait until the awards are all given out."


    "The entire world is watching."


    "You''re not that badly hurt anyway."


    "The medal can be reced even if it broke."


    Bangalore saw red at the words!


    Fuck you!


    How is this "not that badly hurt"?


    Why don''t you fucking crash to the ground before saying that!


    Everyone chipped in with a word or two, but none of them sided with Bangalore. He had offended too many people over the years, plus the "eptance speech" he had just given probably added even more people to that list. The wicked could only be subdued by the wicked, so when they finally saw someone who was willing to stand up to Bangalore and teach him a lesson, a lot of them couldn''t help but gloat in their heads. They thought to themselves, You''re usually so smug, but now you''ve finally met a tough opponent!


    In the corner, several Nobel Prize nominees wereughing under their breaths.


    "The Indian author has been totally disgraced."


    "He asked for it by behaving so arrogantly."


    "He probably did not think that he would meet someone who is more of a hooligan than him!"


    "That Indian author only knows how to talk tough!"


    "Yeah, that Chinese author is the real badass here. I didn''t expect that he could be such a thorn in the side because he was all smiles and being so friendly!"


    "How do you guys think this matter will be handled?"


    "Who knows?"


    Several of the foundation''s people also came over to persuade Bangalore.


    Finally, Bangalore clenched his teeth and sat back down. "Alright, I''ll wait for the award ceremony to finish! I want a fair exnation of this after that! And a proper answer for my country!"


    The drama was temporarily glossed over.


    The Nobel Foundation''s people heaved a sigh of relief.


    Only then did the director, who was standing onstage all this while, pick up the microphone again. He smiled apologetically and said to the live audience members and into the live broadcast camera, "Sorry to keep everyone waiting. There was a small incident. I hope it didn''t affect anyone. Next, I will be announcing the winner for this year''s Nobel Peace Prize, thest Nobel Prize that we will be giving out this year!"


    Following that, the exnation of the prize began.


    One minute.


    Two minutes.


    Perhaps the director was trying to turn the atmosphere at the award ceremony back around, so he gave a very interesting exnation of the history of the Nobel Peace Prize.


    Gradually, many of the live audience members and viewers watching TV refocused on the awards.


    Although they had gone through an unprecedented "side show," everyone still managed to refocus their attention back on the award ceremony when it was time for the Nobel Peace Prize winner to be announced. The Literature Prize and the Peace Prize. These were two of the most anticipated and valuable awards of the Nobel Prizes. If there had to be aparison, then needless to say, the Peace Prize would definitely have to be much more important than the Literature Prize. The Nobel Peace Prize was the only award that was not given out every year. For example,st year, five years ago, nine years ago, there were no winners at all. This also reflected the value and weight of the Nobel Peace Prize. In addition, it was one of the hardest Nobel Prizes to win as the entry barrier to it was the highest. Nothing else came close!


    In the history of the Nobel Peace Prize, the winners were all very famous and important people in the world!


    Presidents.


    Premiers.


    Prime ministers.


    Chairmen.


    Great phnthropists.


    Since they could not invite such people to the award ceremony, the Nobel Peace Prize was the only Nobel Prize that didn''t have any nominees.


    Everyone in the venue was discussing.


    "Which president will it be this year?"


    "The Russian president?"


    "He already won the Peace Prize four years ago."


    "Oh, right, I forgot."


    "The current American president has also won it before?"


    "Although it was very controversial, he did win it."


    "Then there isn''t really anyone left to pick from."


    "Will it go unawarded again this year?"


    In the crowd.


    There were also people who didn''t care.


    Like Zhang Ye, for example. He crossed his legs and leaned back in his seat, no longer bothering to act like a gentleman. Since he didn''t manage to win the Nobel Prize, he was no longer interested in the other awards.


    Little Wang scratched her head. "He won''t call the police, will he?"


    Ha Qiqi said bitterly, "Why do we always manage to get into trouble with the police whenever we''re overseas?"


    Little Wang didn''t know whether tough or cry. She said, "I guess that''s our lot in life. In any case, I''m used to it."


    Zhang Ye said, "Why aren''t they continuing with the award ceremony? We can head back to Beijing after all of this is done."


    Ha Qiqi rolled her eyes and said, "We might not even be able to make it back home."


    Zhang Ye shrugged and said, "If anything happens, I''ll just get locked up over here for a few days. You two can go back first."


    "You make it sound so simple." Ha Qiqi said helplessly, "I reckon Little Wang''s and my passports are also going to get put on the global cklist. In the future, I doubt anyone will let us into their countries."


    Anthony was a local. "Zhang, if you really get into trouble with the police, I''ll bail you out."


    Zhang Ye smiled. He turned around and said, "Just by that, I''m making you a friend." Then heughed and said, "There''s no need to bail me out. I''ve had a lot of experience in situations like this."


    Little Wang pouted and replied in English, "Mr. Anthony, you don''t have to worry. In this aspect, our Director Zhang has been through many of such experiences. He has already had many run-ins with the police of a lot of countries."


    Anthony said, "Huh?"


    Felicia sped her forehead.


    Their attention was no longer on the award ceremony.


    Behind, Bangalore was fuming and ring at Zhang Ye. He wasn''t looking at the stage at all.


    At this moment, an awards staff member brought up a red card and handed it to the director.


    The foundation''s director nodded and then gently said with a smile, "Next up, I will be announcing the winner of this year''s Nobel Peace Prize��"


    He raised the card.


    And flipped it open.


    The director looked at it for a few seconds.


    The entire world''s people were holding their breaths!


    Zhang Ye was still chatting with Anthony and the others.


    Bangalore was still ring at Zhang Ye.


    All of a sudden, the director raised his head and looked into the audience with a smile.


    "This year''s Nobel Peace Prize winner is��


    "His name is��"


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Three seconds.


    The director said calmly, "��the Chinese author, Zhang Ye!"


    Zhang Ye was still in the midst of a conversation when he suddenly looked up!


    Little Wang was so surprised that she squealed!


    Ha Qiqi was absolutely dumbfounded!


    Anthony was stunned!


    Felicia was shocked!


    Bangalore fell out of his seat!


    In this moment!


    It fell silent in the venue!


    The entire world went silent!

 Chapter 1613 - ‘I Have a Dream’!

    <h4>Chapter 1613 - ��I Have a Dream��! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the venue.


    It was dead quiet.


    So quiet that the sound of Bangalore crashing to the floor could be heard!


    So quiet that the sounds of a few Nobel Prize nominees doing spit takes could be heard!


    Zhang Ye was still leaning back in his seat with a posture that wasn''t very proper, with his hand maintaining the posture from when he was chatting with Anthony and Felicia. He turned his head to the stage and looked dumbfoundedly at the director, then at the winner''s card in his hands!


    Little Wang''s jaw was hanging. "W-What did he say?"


    Ha Qiqi said in shock, "Zhang Ye?"


    Felicia looked like she had her tail stepped on. "Chinese author?"


    Anthony was going crazy. "The Nobel Peace Prize?!"


    Zhang Ye pointed at himself in disbelief. "Me?"


    Bangalore became agitated. "Th-This is impossible!"


    If the prize recipient was only known as Zhang Ye, everyone would surely think that it was just someone with the exact same name. However, when the announcement of the prize winner was made, the director added the prefix "Chinese author" to his name. Only one person had the name of Zhang Ye and could be called a Chinese author in this event!


    Instantly, everyone at the venue stared at him in shock!


    Instantly, the live broadcast cameras aimed at him in a frenzy!


    Then screams rang out!


    "Oh my God!"


    "The Peace Prize?"


    "A Chinese author?"


    "Heavens!"


    "This��this��"


    "Who can tell me what just happened!"


    "This is the Nobel Peace Prize we''re talking about!"


    "The most important of the Nobel Prizes!"


    "Could they have gotten it wrong?"


    "Could the Nobel Foundation have made a mistake?"


    Watching TV.


    Zhang Ye''s parents were dumbfounded!


    His parents-inw were dumbfounded!


    His three sisters were dumbfounded!


    The staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio were dumbfounded!


    Yao Jiancai was dumbfounded!


    Ning Lan was dumbfounded!


    Spring Garden was dumbfounded!


    China!


    Japan!


    Korea!


    America!


    The UK!


    Russia!


    The entire world''s people were dumbfounded!


    People around the world stared at their television in shock and could not believe their ears!


    Not just them, even Zhang Ye, who was sitting in the audience, could not believe it either. Perhaps he had thought about getting the Literature Prize, or even the Mathematics Prize and the Physics Prize. But the Nobel Peace Prize? He had never even thought of it before! Not a single thought at all!


    Me?


    The Peace Prize?


    Are you kidding me?


    How could I have anything to do with this prize ever in my lifetime?


    Suddenly, Little Wang eximed, "Director Zhang! The Americans repealed that Exclusion Act!"


    Ha Qiqi also thought of something. "And the peace talks that Russia is holding!"


    Zhang Ye was stunned. "Ah?"


    Repealing the bill?


    The Russian peace talks?


    What the hell has that fucking got to do with me!


    At this moment, the Nobel Foundation''s director who was standing onstage looked at Zhang Ye with a smile. He picked up the microphone and said, "This is the first time that the Nobel Peace Prize has been presented during the ceremony itself. Would the recipient pleasee up on stage to receive the prize and give an eptance speech?" After a pause, he said, "Mr. Zhang Ye, pleasee up on stage."


    Anthony nudged him. "Zhang! Go on!"


    Felicia said excitedly, "Zhang! Quickly go and ept the prize! Hurry up!"


    Only then did Zhang Ye stand up in a daze.


    A lot of people were currently looking at the director in shock!


    Only then did they remember that this director of the Nobel Foundation was a ck person!


    Bangalore went crazy!


    A lot of others at the venue also went crazy!


    Their minds were no longer able to process this. If Zhang Ye hadn''t tripped someone, they might not have had such a great reaction. But what exactly happened earlier? Everyone around the world saw the Chinese man trip the Nobelureate in Literature to the ground. A person like this! A hooligan like this! Someone who was so full of violence!


    The Nobel Peace Prize?


    Fuck your sister!


    Th-This doesn''t make any sense at all!


    There must have been a mistake!


    Zhang Ye had gone onstage.


    That ck director nodded while smiling and handed the medal to Zhang Ye. "This is the first time a Peace Prize has been awarded to a writer. A novel that helped America repeal thest remaining Exclusion Act; a novel that saved the citizens of Russia and many neighboring countries from the baptism of war; a novel that helped the entire world realize the horrors of war and the importance of unity. It saved hundreds of millions, maybe even billions of people from going through war. Today, I am very proud and honored to be able to hand this medal to you."


    Zhang Ye epted it in a daze.


    The director made a gesture to take it from there before walking off the stage.


    The rest of the time was to be allocated to Zhang Ye.


    The cameras of the media were all aimed at him!


    At this moment, the entire world''s attention was on Zhang Ye''s face!


    Everyone knew that this Chinese man must have not prepared a speech. Perhaps he did prepare one, but it would definitely have been for the Literature Prize instead!


    Zhang Ye took the microphone. He had no idea what to say.


    It''s me?


    It''s really me?


    Hans wiped his sweat away. "Zhang doesn''t believe it himself either!"


    Anna could also see that. "Who can believe it!"


    Paige gave a wry smile. "Do the Russian negotiations and the repeal of the American bill really have anything to do with him?"


    A mathematician nearby added, "Let''s see what he has to say."


    Ha Qiqi clenched her fists. "Come on, Director Zhang!"


    Little Wang said anxiously, "Say something! Hurry up and say something!"


    Then Zhang Ye spoke.


    On the stage.


    Right here.


    On this day.


    Zhang Ye delivered a speech that would shock the entire world!


    He looked at the camera and everyone else. "I have a dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed: ''We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'' I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Africa sons of former ves and the sons of former ve owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even India, a country sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low. The rough ces will be made in, and the crooked ces will be made straight. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together!"


    The people in the live audience were stunned!


    The viewers watching TV were also dumbfounded from hearing the speech!


    Some people''s blood was racing with excitement!


    Some people wanted to vomit blood!


    For example, Bangalore nearly blew his top!


    India?


    Sweltering with the heat of injustice?


    Sweltering with the heat of oppression?


    Fuck your grandpa!


    Zhang Ye said loudly, "This is our hope. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for peace together, knowing that we will have peace one day."


    With every word, he spoke louder and louder!


    Zhang Ye raised both his hands.


    "And so let peace ring from the prodigious hilltops of America. Let peace ring from the mighty mountains of India! Let peace ring from the snowcapped Urals of Russia. Let peace ring from the volcanic mountains of the Antic! From every mountainside, let peace ring!"


    The venue was shocked!


    The world was shocked!


    This was, of course, their first time listening to this speech. But if the people from Zhang Ye''s previous world were present, they would definitely find it familiar, very familiar, extremely familiar��because this was one of the greatest speeches given back in Zhang Ye''s previous world. It was called "I Have a Dream"!


    Immediately, apuse rang out!


    Anthony jumped to his feet. "Bravo!"


    Felicia was also quite excited. "Well said!"


    Little Wang''s hands were red from pping. "Well done, Director Zhang!"


    Ha Qiqi was so excited she was overwhelmed by a rush of emotions!


    That was fantastic!


    It was so well said!


    Director Zhang was still Director Zhang. He would never drop the ball at the critical juncture. So what if he hadn''t prepared a speech? So what if there was no draft? This was Zhang Ye they were talking about! On any asion, at any time, he would not require a prepared speech!


    Apuse!


    Screams!


    Cheers!


    A lot of people couldn''t help pping when they heard this speech!


    Quite a few people from the Nobel Foundation were also nodding in approval as they stood up to p!


    The Japanese author rolled his eyes.


    Bangalore also found himself going crazy! You have a dream? Let peace ring? Like I''d fucking believe you! You don''t need to write a draft to bullshit, do you!


    The world''s number one hacker!


    The Panda Burning Incense that destroyed Korea!


    Making weapons for China!


    Trashing a Japanese hotel!


    Beating up a Korean celebrity!


    And even resorting to underhanded moves at the Nobel Prize award ceremony to hit someone!


    There really wasn''t another person as much a hooligan as him in the world!


    He really was the most notorious bastard in the entire world!


    The Nobel Peace Prize?


    Goddammit, did you make a mistake?!


    How did you see any signs of "peace" in this bastard!


    On the stage.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye was also very confused. Even he himself felt that this was a tad nonsensical. He had thought that getting the Literature Prize would''ve been good enough, but he had never expected that he would actually end up with the Nobel Peace Prize instead. This was an even bigger award than the Nobel Prize in Literature!

 Chapter 1614 - The entire world is made to laugh!

    <h4>Chapter 1614 - The entire world is made tough! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Japan.


    Countless citizens closed their eyes in disbelief!


    "Oh no!"


    "Oh my God!"


    "Please tell me this is not true!"


    "Why is it him! How can it be him!"


    "Yeah, how can it be this guy!"


    "That eunuch won the Peace Prize?"


    ��


    Korea.


    There was a wave of cries in the country!


    Those who had been infected by the Panda Burning Incense virus years ago nearly flipped their tables and started cursing!


    "This��"


    "They really gave it to him?!"


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Is the Nobel Prize Committee stupid?!"


    "He tripped over the Indian author just now! It happened just a while ago! Didn''t you guys see that? Did you really not see that?! Has themittee gone crazy?!"


    ��


    The UK.


    "This is unbelievable!"


    "They actually gave it to a Chinese man?"


    "The Peace Prize is the most important award of the Nobel Prizes!"


    "This award is too unexpected!"


    "No one could have expected this!"


    "Zhang Ye? I''ll remember his name."


    "This person is truly capable. He was obviously unprepared before going onstage, yet he could deliver such a rousing speech. Impressive."


    ��


    India.


    The citizens were enraged. Countless people were cursing and swearing!


    "Sweltering with the heat of injustice?"


    "Sweltering with the heat of oppression?"


    "He even wants the sound of peace to ring out from our country?"


    "You''re the one who''s sweltering with the heat of injustice!"


    "You were the one who tripped Teacher Bangalore, yet you''re still fucking making sarcastic remarks about us? Why don''t you just die!"


    "This person is too infuriating!"


    "How can there be such a shameless person around!"


    ��


    America.


    This dramatic news also shocked the American people.


    "The Nobel Prize has been won by a Chinese person for the first time?"


    "The crucial thing is that it''s the Peace Prize!"


    "There has never been a Chinese person who has stood on such a high pedestal!"


    "China these days feels different."


    "Zhang Ye? This Chinese guy is quite different."


    ��


    An international hacker group.


    Many of the members were dumbfounded by the news.


    "Holy shit!"


    "Even a hacker can win the Nobel Peace Prize?"


    "What has be of the world?"


    "Boss, why don''t you make a push for the Nobel Prizes next year as well?"


    "Get lost!"


    ��


    Back at home.


    His mother said dumbfoundedly, "It''s really my son?"


    Wu Zeqing acknowledged and said with a smile, "We''ve gotten the Nobel Prize!"


    His mother asked again, "My son really won it?"


    His father got so emotional that his eyes reddened. "Yes! It''s our son! The Nobel Peace Prize! You''ve been repeating yourself more than ten times!"


    Then his mother went crazy and took out her cell phone. "Quick! Give our rtives and friends a call!"


    His father said, "There''s no need to do that! Everyone has definitely found out!"


    Sisi''s childish voice rang out.


    "Daddy is awesome!"


    "Daddy is awesome!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    There were also screams in this house!


    "Our brother has won! He''s won!"


    "So cool!"


    "It''s really our brother!"


    "We have a cousin who''s a Nobel Prizeureate!"


    "That''s right! That''s right! I can brag about this for the rest of my life!"


    His grandparents were also looking at the television in astonishment. They didn''t know how to express what they were feeling!


    ��


    At his inw''s house.


    Li Qinqin was thrilled and excited!


    Wu Changhe looked very stunned!


    "The Peace Prize?"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Everyone was roaring in celebration!


    "We''ve won!"


    "We''ve won!"


    Someone was crying. "We really did it! We really won!"


    "Director Zhang is gonna blow up!"


    "We''ll be breaking into the International Celebrity Rankings Index soon!"


    A lot of the studio staff were already in tears. They were crying and shouting at the same time. But no matter how many words they said or tears they cried, it was still not enough to express the excitement they had!


    ��


    At the Chinese Academy of Sciences.


    It was chaos here as the eight buildings were overrun by shouting!


    "He''s won it!"


    "Professor Zhang has won the Nobel Prize!"


    "Oh my God! Oh my God!"


    "He really pulled it off!"


    "Hahahaha! Old Zhou! What did I say! Ah? What did I say? I knew this kid wouldn''t have a problem! I knew he could do it!"


    ��


    At Central TV.


    In the live broadcast studio.


    The host was incoherent!


    The host said, "He won it! He won it! The Nobel Peace Prize is ours! The Nobel Prize has been awarded to a Chinese person for the first time!"


    Even the guest stood up and dered loudly, "Please remember this day, everyone! Please remember this name! Zhang Ye! He has won the first Nobel Prize for China! I''m very proud right now. I''m proud of Teacher Zhang, and I''m proud to be Chinese!"


    The female host was also tearing up. "My current emotions echo Professor Sun''s. Everyone witnessed how Teacher Zhang missed out on the Nobel Prize in Literature and might have turned off their television right after. But who could have expected that at the end, at the veryst moment, Teacher Zhang Ye managed to bring a Nobel Peace Prize home! This moment belongs to the Chinese people. It is the moment when China''s name is ringing out across the entire world! Amazing! Teacher Zhang, you''re fantastic!"


    ��


    At Spring Garden''s ce.


    Amy''s mouth was still wide open. She hadn''t been able to close her mouth all this while!


    Xiaodong, who still looked very shocked, was unable to believe her ears. She pointed at the television and asked Li Xiaoxian, who was next to her, "Zhang Ye?"


    "Yes."


    "The Peace Prize?"


    "Yes."


    Xiaodong nearly vomited blood!


    ��


    Dong Shanshan''s house.


    His old ssmates were all looking at one another.


    Several of them were floored!


    "Zhang''er has won the Peace Prize?"


    "When did the Nobel Foundation be so humorous?"


    "To award the Peace Prize to this fellow, can it get more ironic?!"


    "I''m feeling faint. Someone get me some wine to calm my nerves!"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    The Chineseizens were writhing in excitement!


    "Face-smacking Zhang?"


    "The Peace Prize?"


    "Th-This is too face smacking!"


    "Who would have thought that this bastard could actually bring home the Peace Prize! Is he thinking of scaring everyone around the world to death?! It''s the Nobel Peace Prize, alright!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang is going down in the annals of history!"


    "Yeah, not only is he going down in the annals of China''s history, he is going to fucking go down in the annals of world history!"


    "Pfft!"


    "That Indian author is gonna be crying!"


    "Don''t mention that Indian author, even I am fucking crying!"


    There was still a minority who did not know about this matter.


    Some people had only just signed into Weibo.


    "Ah?"


    "What are you guys talking about?"


    "What''s going on here? What about the Peace Prize?"


    "Previous posters, don''t you know yet? Then let me tell you all a joke. The joke is: Zhang Ye has won the Nobel Peace Prize!"


    "Pfft, don''t joke!"


    "Do you guys think I''m an idiot?"


    "Hahaha, if Face-smacking Zhang won the Peace Prize, then I''ll go and run for the American presidency!"


    Then tens of thousands of people replied to that Weiboment!


    "Go on then!"


    "Hurry and go!"


    "I''m cramping up fromughing!"


    "Bro, all the best!"


    "Pfft, you people better go and watch the news!"


    In such a short period of time, tens of thousands of people hade to join in on the fun, dumbfounding those people!


    Only then did they realize that something was wrong and quickly went to check the news.


    If they didn''t check, it would have been fine. But when they saw it, they either vomited blood or fainted!


    What?


    It''s true?!


    ��


    In this world, many things were simply uneptable.


    For example, pigs flying.


    For example, an iron tree blooming.


    For example, a vegetarian tiger.


    For example, Zhang Ye winning the Nobel Peace Prize.


    Everyone in China was cheering at Zhang Ye''s Nobel Prize win. But the only problem was that this Nobel Prize made them slightly embarrassed, and they didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    Who was Zhang Ye?


    China, Japan, and Korea knew him better than anyone else!


    He was someone who would scold people regardless of the asion!


    He was a hooligan who would unexpectedlyy a hand on others!


    He was an asshole who would make trouble out of nothing at all!


    Counting the number of times that Zhang Ye had done such things over the years, none of those incidents would fucking have any corrtion to the word "peace" at all! Yet it was exactly this person who won the Peace Prize!


    Very soon, the news headlines were published as well!


    America.


    The UK.


    France.


    Japan.


    Russia.


    A simr headline appeared on the news all over the world.


    It was a very long headline that had never appeared in the history of the news before.


    "The Nobel Prize in Literature nominee who tripped the Nobel Prize in Literature winner at the Nobel Prize awards ceremony wins the Nobel Peace Prize!"


    This joke made the entire worldugh!

 Chapter 1615 - The people from the embassy arrive!

    <h4>Chapter 1615 - The people from the embassy arrive! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the venue.


    The live broadcast ended. The award ceremony was also over.


    Everyone got up and left their seats. Naturally, the Nobel Prize recipients were the focus of everyone''s attention. Many friends and colleagues congratted them, as did reporters. In previous years, once the award ceremony ended, the media from all over the world would surround the Nobelureates, hoping to get the first interview after the awards had been given out. However, the atmosphere today was a bit funny. When the live broadcast camera switched off, all the reporters were moved!


    "Mr. Zhang Ye!"


    "Mr. Zhang!"


    "I''m with the BBC!"


    "I''m a reporter from ABC!"


    "I''m with the CBC!"


    "Please ept our interview!"


    "Can we have two minutes of your time, please?"


    Countless people looked at Zhang Ye in a surprise. They just managed to blink their eyes before the international media surrounded Zhang Ye!


    The Economics Prize recipient?


    The Physics Prize recipient?


    The Mathematics Prize recipient?


    None of the reporters went over to them!


    Almost all the reporters were sprinting towards Zhang Ye with their microphones and cameras. A few foreign reporters couldn''t squeeze in and even resorted to squatting down and pushing their microphones into the crowd. That scene, that situation, it was ridiculous.


    Little Wang felt very ttered.


    Ha Qiqi said in a hurry, "One at a time, please, one at a time!"


    Zhang Ye maintained his smile and stood there patiently, waiting for them to ask their questions.


    This was his chance to get on the international media and television stations to boost his international fame. For a celebrity like Zhang Ye, this was too rare an opportunity, so of course he would not reject them.


    A female Spanish reporter asked, "Did you ever think you''d win the Nobel Peace Prize?"


    Perhaps because she had been too anxious, she spoke in Spanish. When she realized, she immediately thought of asking in English again.


    However, Zhang Ye answered her in Spanish. "Honestly, it never crossed my mind before. This award was indeed unexpected."


    The female Spanish reporter was startled. "You, you can speak Spanish?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "A little."


    The female Spanish reporter said, "May I ask if Gone With the Wind will get published in Spanish?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Definitely."


    A German reporter beside her quickly said, "Did you make up your eptance speech on the spot?"


    "Yes." Zhang Ye said in German, "As I''ve said, I really hadn''t expected to get this award, so I just said what I was thinking and shared my thoughts."


    The German reporter was taken aback!


    You know German too?


    The surrounding reporters were also stunned when they heard this!


    You can actually speak so manynguages? Aren''t you too professional!


    One.


    Five.


    Ten.


    Zhang Ye dealt with reporters from all over the world.


    At the end, a Chinese reporter finally squeezed in after much effort. He hurriedly said, "Teacher Zhang, I''m with Central TV! I''m with Central TV!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Go ahead."


    The Chinese reporter quickly asked, "First of all, let me congratte you for bringing home the first Nobel Prize for China. But when the award was announced earlier, I noticed a lot of people all over the world doubting it. They''re saying that you''re part of the grassroots and don''t deserve the Nobel Prize. They im that there are a lot of other people more qualified than you to receive this award. In the past years, this award was only given out to country leaders who have identity and status. This is very different from what you represent, so what do you have to say?"


    Little Wang looked at Zhang Ye.


    Ha Qiqi had a grave expression on her face. This was a rather difficult question to answer.


    But nobody expected Zhang Ye to smile and say, "I agree with this viewpoint."


    He had remembered a famous quote from Guo Degang.


    The Chinese reporter was stunned. "Ah?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled. "I am part of the grassroots."


    The Chinese reporter said without thinking, "Uh, is that so?"


    Zhang Ye put up his fingers and raised a few examples. "What exactly are grassroots? They''re made of up things like ginseng, lingzhi 1 , and cordyceps."


    Ginseng?


    Lingzhi?


    Every example that he mentioned floored all the people around him!


    You call those fucking grassroots?


    Those things are more valuable than gold!


    Zhang Ye sighed. "It''s stuff like these that can''t even be shown off. I can''tpare to those people who are like red toons 2 , leeks, or cabbages you''d find in a greenhouse." As he spoke, he gave a thumbs up. "They''re all so green3 !"


    The Chinese reporter did a spit take!


    Little Wang and Ha Qiqi were speechless.


    The two of them didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    When he was dealing with the foreign reporters, Zhang Ye spoke properly to them, perhaps due to restrictions innguage. But when he answered the Chinese reporter, everything that Zhang Ye spouted was nonsense. In his mother tongue, Zhang Ye had gained absolute mastery in thenguage. He could scold people without using any vulgarities.


    The interview ended.


    The international reporters all had a great harvest.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s friends came over!


    Anna said excitedly, "Zhang, congrattions!"


    Zhang Ye opened his arms and embraced her. "Thank you, Professor Anna."


    Anthonyughed heartily. "You''re gonna get famous!"


    Professor Hans alsoughed and said, "Zhang, aren''t you going to treat us?"


    "Sure thing." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ll treat everyone to lunch afterwards. All of you must show up!"


    Suddenly, Ha Qiqi''s expression changed. "Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye looked at her.


    He saw Ha Qiqi nudge her chin at the outside.


    Several English police officers arrived.


    Beside them, a furious Bangalore was pointing in Zhang Ye''s direction. He was rambling to them after reporting him to the police at some point earlier.


    It fell silent!


    Quite a few people were looking in this direction.


    The chief police officer said, "Are you Zhang Ye?"


    Zhang Ye did not say anything.


    But Bangalore shouted, "It''s him!"


    Anthony took two steps forward. "What are you all trying to do?"


    The English police officer said, "We''re looking for Zhang Ye to understand the situation. Please step aside."


    Zhang Ye tugged at Anthony and said, "Don''t worry, let me handle this."


    All of a sudden, anotherrge group of people walked in from outside.


    From their appearances, the group of roughly eight people turned out to be Chinese. All of them were dressed in suits and looked very formal, startling many people who were at the scene.


    The lead Chinese guy said, "Wait!"


    The English police officer turned around. "Huh?"


    The lead Chinese guy pulled out his identification. "We''re from the Chinese embassy. Professor Zhang Ye is on a special visa, so we cannot allow you all to take him away. If there''s something, you can speak with us."


    The embassy?


    They''ve sent someone from the embassy?


    Bangalore''s expression darkened.


    Anthony heaved a sigh of relief.


    Felicia also felt a sense of relief.


    They knew that with the embassying forward, this matter would definitely be resolved very quickly.


    Zhang Ye and Ha Qiqi had not expected that the Chinese embassy in Ennd would get rmed either. For China toe out and help handle his issues? Who else could possibly get such treatment?


    The Chinese embassy officials were very tough.


    The English police officers could only seek advice from their superiors since this was out of their hands.


    10 minutester.


    Both sides were donemunicating over the problem.


    The embassy official told Zhang Ye, "Professor Zhang, you''re free to leave now."


    Zhang Ye asked, "It''s settled just like that?"


    The embassy official said, "You can go back to rest at your hotel first. We''ll pick it up from here to settle the issue with them. Once everything is fine, you''ll be free to return home. We will arrange for your ne tickets as well. This is something that Ambassador Lin has specially instructed us to oversee. Just rest up and don''t worry yourself over anything else."


    Zhang Ye said gratefully, "I''m sorry to have caused you all such an inconvenience."


    The embassy official gave a bitter smile. "As long as you know that. Please don''t be so rash again in the future."


    In fact, before Zhang Ye came to Ennd, the Chinese military had already informed the Chinese embassy here through official channels that they must ensure Zhang Ye''s safety in Ennd. If anything happened, they had to make sure to send him back to China at all costs. The embassy staff obviously knew what Zhang Ye meant to China. He was one of the top three key protected scientists in China. Further, he was now the person who won the Nobel Peace Prize for China. Anything could happen to anyone, except Zhang Ye!


    Therefore, they had toe.


    They had to send Zhang Ye off.


    This greatly astonished everyone at the venue!

 Chapter 1616 - Zhang Ye’s debut on the International Celebrity Rankings Index!

    <h4>Chapter 1616 - Zhang Ye��s debut on the International Celebrity Rankings Index! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    A dayter.


    Beijing, the capital''s airport.


    Zhang Ye was all smiles. "We''re finally home."


    Ha Qiqi smiled. "I still like China better."


    "I was terrified each day we spent abroad." Little Wang giggled and said, "Director Zhang, if you have to go overseas again in the future, please don''t bring me along. We should leave such ''good opportunities'' to our colleagues at the studio. It''s fortunate that the embassy officials showed up and fished us out of trouble. Otherwise, we really might not havee back."


    Zhang Ye nced at the two suitcases in her hands. "But it looks to me that you enjoyed the shopping."


    Little Wang blushed. "Not true."


    Ha Qiqi was also a bit embarrassed. "I bought quite a few things too."


    "Come on." Zhang Ye said, "It''s time to go home."


    It had only been three days since he left, but Zhang Ye was already very anxious to return home.


    However, when the three of them exited the arrival gates, they were shocked!


    Both ends of the passage were densely packed with people who were here to wee them home!


    A 1,000 people!


    5,000 people!


    Over 10,000 people!


    Some of them were screaming!


    Some of them were holding up banners!


    ��Wee home, our hero!


    ��Congrattions, Teacher Zhang, on winning the Nobel Peace Prize!


    ��Face-smacking Zhang''s glory, shocking the world!


    ��Zhang Ye, Zhang Ye, I love you!


    ��Honor for China, glory for us Chinese!


    ��Annihte the Indian, a surprise win, congrattions to Teacher Zhang on a safe return!


    All of those banners dazzled the eye.


    "Zhang Ye hase out!"


    "He''s here!"


    "How handsome!"


    "Teacher Zhang! Look over here! Look over here!"


    "You''re the best!"


    "We''ve finally gotten a Nobel Prize!"


    "Zhang Ye, I want a picture with you!"


    "Zhang Ye, I want your babies!"


    "Ahhhhh! I''m so excited!!"


    "You''re the pride of the Chinese people!"


    "Well done! You haven''t embarrassed the Chinese people!"


    It was very crowded, and everyone was screaming nonstop. Many reporters were also trying to squeeze their way in with their cameras. This crazy scene of over 10,000 people was spectacr. The situation kept going out of control!


    Little Wang eximed, "Why are there so many people?"


    Zhang Ye was very touched. He quickly hollered, "Thank you! Thank you!"


    It was only a short 10-minute walk to the parking lot, but Zhang Ye andpany took over an hour to get there. The crowd, reporters, and airport security staff had them surrounded the entire way there. In China, it was amon urrence for people toe and greet their celebrity idols at the airport. However, such arge wee party wasplete unprecedented. This was no longer something that could be described as greeting a celebrity at the airport. It was more like weing a hero back home!


    10,000 people!


    15,000 people!


    The further they walked, the more people gathered around them!


    However, the trio of Zhang Ye andpany were not angered by this, nor did not they get impatient. They just walked and stopped, and walked and stopped, giving thanks to the people who came to receive them.


    In the parking lot.


    The three of them finally got into their transportation.


    The studio staff were all in the minibus!


    Tong Fu eximed in surprise, "Director Zhang!"


    Wu Yi excitedly went up to give him a hug. "That was so impressive! Impressive!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It was just a happy coincidence, I didn''t expect to win the Nobel Prize either."


    "It''s such a surprise!" Zhang Zuo bellyughed and said, "You might not know how it was here in China since you were in Ennd, but the Inte, streets, and the media were all blowing up over this!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Is that so?"


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "Let''s get going first!"


    The driver shouted, "Sit tight, everyone. We''re leaving."


    On the way, everyone was pulling and tugging at Ha Qiqi and Little Wang, asking nonstop about what happened.


    Little Wang said without reservation, "You guys didn''t see Director Zhang extend his foot and make the Indian author bleed from his head. Did you watch the live broadcast? Those of you who weren''t there definitely can''t get a sense of the atmosphere. For real, in that instant it happened, the entire hall fell silent, and I saw those foreign reporters staring with wide eyes. Ahem, but of course, Sister Ha and I also broke down mentally on the spot. We thought it was all over for us, that Director Zhang had caused yet another disaster. But in the end, who could have guessed that Director Zhang would go on to win the Nobel Peace Prize!"


    Tong Fu got very excited from listening. "Tell us the details!"


    Zhang Zuo also said, "Yeah, give us the details!"


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "What details can there be? Everyone who was there was startled by what happened!"


    They were all chatting.


    Smiling, Zhang Ye lowered his head to check his cell phone. He had only just turned it on to check the Chinese news andizenments. But before he could read much, his phone starting ringing like crazy.


    ��


    It was Fellow Chi.


    "Why am I just getting through?"


    "I just got off the ne and turned on my phone."


    "Haha, on behalf of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, I offer you our congrattions."


    "Thank you, Fellow Chi."


    "Bring the medal over some time and let me have a look. There are a lot of people at the academy waiting to take a picture with you."


    "Sure thing, no problem."


    ��


    Grandma Zhang Xia also called.


    "Zhang''er."


    "Hey, Grandma Zhang."


    "Congrattions to you."


    "Thank you, and the same to you."


    "You''ve surprised the world this time."


    ��


    Ning Lan also called shortly after.


    "You''re back in the country?"


    "I just got off the ne."


    ""You''re really good at surprising people!"


    "Haha, I guess."


    "You will definitely break into the international celebrity rankings."


    "Who knows, the international rankings index has not been updated yet."


    ��


    Dong Shanshan also called.


    "Treat us!"


    "Pfft, alright."


    "Our old ssmates are all demanding that you treat us to a big meal this time."


    "Alright, pick any ce you guys like. How have you beentely? Has your movie started screening yet?"


    "What screening? It''s been dyed. The news is all over you right now. Your name has been upying all of the news, headlines, and television shows for the past two days. At this time, who would dare to vie with you for attention? Director Li''s new movie knows to take a step back for now!"


    "Are you sure it''s that exaggerated?"


    "Just take a look for yourself."


    ��


    The minibus was still on the road.


    Zhang Ye fielded calls one after another.


    All of a sudden, Ha Qiqi''s cell phone rang. After taking the call, she took a deep breath and hung up. Then she looked at Zhang Ye and the others. "I''ve just received news!"


    Zhang Zuo asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Ha Qiqi said nervously, "The international celebrity rankings will be updated soon!"


    Zhang Ye, who was still on his phone, also looked over. "When?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "In ten minutes."


    Little Wang asked, "Shouldn''t it be at midnight?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "It''s not like they follow our Beijing time."


    "Ah, that''s true." Little Wang facepalmed. "Will we be able to get on the rankings? Will we?"


    Zhang Zuo was also getting anxious. This was something that would decide their future developments. "Although Director Zhang hasn''t appeared on the international celebrity rankings yet and is definitely below the international C-list rankings, he must not be too far away from it. Furthermore, there is the attention gained from the global sales of Gone With the Wind and his Nobel Prize win. And then, there''s also that trip that most definitely shocked the entire world so much that the otherureates from yesterday''s Nobel Prize award ceremonybined can''t take the spotlight away from Director Zhang. With this kind of exposure, if he still doesn''t make it into the international rankings, it would be quite strange."


    Ha Qiqi said excitedly, "And there''s also one more thing! The additional percentage to the poprity score from winning the Nobel Peace Prize!"


    "That''s right, that''s right, that''s right," Tong Fu repeated. "This is the most important factor of all!"


    Little Wang said, "What''s the percentage?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "I''ve checked it. It will be 1.3 times his international poprity score. Even at Director Zhang''s previous poprity score, which had him somewhere in the D-list international rankings, he should be able to get onto the international C-list rankings after this!"


    Little Wang sped her hands. "Please let him get in! He must break into the C-list rankings!"


    One minute.


    Two minutes.


    Three minutes.


    It was all quiet in the minibus.


    Everyone was both nervous and looking forward to the International Celebrity Rankings Index getting refreshed.


    Writing a novel.


    Vying for the Nobel Prize.


    Everything they did before this was all for this day.


    Time slowly ticked by.


    All of a sudden, the people in the minibus shouted!


    "It''s been refreshed!"


    "The International Celebrity Rankings Index has been refreshed!"


    "What spot are we?"


    "Did Director Zhang manage to get onto it?"


    "Hahahaha! Take a look for yourselves!"


    Everyone gathered!


    On this day, Zhang Ye''s name appeared on thetest international celebrity rankings!


    The International Celebrity Rankings Index.


    International C-list Rankings.


    #67: Zhang Ye (China).


    When the studio staff saw it, they shouted in surprise and thrill!


    International C-list?


    67th ce?


    How could that be possible!


    C-Could they have gotten it wrong?


    Little Wang jumped up. "Oh my God! 67th? 67th?"


    Tong Fu screamed, "Aren''t there only a 100 people on the International C-list Rankings?"


    A lot of them started to anxiously scroll down to check if this was the truth. Indeed, there was no mistake about it. There really were only a 100 people on the International C-list Rankings! What did this mean? This was too terrifying to think about. They had initially thought that it would be enough for Director Zhang to break into the international celebrity rankings. Before this, whether it was them, the people, or the media, all of them thought that if Zhang Ye actually won the Nobel Prize, he would rankst or second tost at the bottom of the international celebrity rankings. A few Chinese celebrities had briefly appeared on the international rankings before, but they were always ranked near the bottom at around 99th or 100th ce. So they thought that Zhang Ye would be the same!


    But this?


    International C-list Ranking of 67th ce?


    This was fucking near the middle of the International C-list Rankings!


    Director Zhang''s international poprity had already reached such a high standard?

 Chapter 1617 - China’s Troll Army stuns the world!

    <h4>Chapter 1617 - China''s Troll Army stuns the world! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On Weibo.


    "We''re in! We''re in!"


    "In what?"


    "Go and check out the international celebrity rankings!"


    "What? Zhang Ye has made it in?"


    "Not only that, he''s ranked 67th on the C-list rankings too!"


    "That high?"


    "He''s already closing in on the middle of the International C-list Rankings?"


    "Holy shit! Face-smacking Zhang is soaring to the Heavens!"


    "We have to call him International Zhang from now on!"


    ��


    The Chinese media.


    "He really pulled it off!"


    "Winning the Nobel Prize, getting onto the international celebrity rankings, Zhang Ye has undoubtedly be the number one celebrity of China!"


    "Yeah, no one in China has achieved anything like this before!"


    "There''s finally a trace of a Chinese person on the international celebrity rankings?"


    "And it''s not ast ce spot either!"


    "To be ced 67th in his debut appearance on the International C-list Rankings, not even Lillian managed something that! Lillian still had to slowly climb her way up from the bottom!"


    ��


    At a get-together in the entertainment circle.


    "He really made it into the international celebrity rankings!"


    "God, he''s already closing in on the middle of the C-list?"


    "Look at that person who''s behind him in the rankings. That''s the famous American host, Dave!"


    "Dave has been nudged down by him. He''s now in 68th ce of the international C-list rankings?"


    "Today, Zhang Ye has achieved what Zhang Yuanqi and Xu Men were unable to achieve!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang has really broken into the international scene!"


    ��


    Zhang Ye''s fan club.


    "Myrge saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst! Brothers and sisters, it''s time to register on international social media! Once you''ve registered, add me. My handle is Big Knife!"


    "Pfft, Big Saber Bro, what are you trying to do!"


    "Big Knife? I can''t even start to roast a name like that!"


    "Big Saber Bro''s English is simple and violent!"


    "Are we gonna go international now?"


    "Yeah, Teacher Zhang has advanced into the international entertainment circle, so we cannot just remain within our country''s borders. We definitely have to apany Teacher Zhang to conquer the world!"


    "Got it!"


    "Haha, I''ve already registered my ount!"


    "I''m here!"


    "My ount registration isplete as well!"


    "Let the world experience the storm that our Chinese Troll Army brings!"


    "It''s time for the world to know about the power of the Chinese Troll Army!"


    "Hahaha, that''s right. We have nothing but people!"


    "Looks like I''ll have to practice my English hard!"


    "Who has the book A Thousand Swears in English? Lend it to me so I can practice!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "What''s happening?"


    "There''s an update on the Asian Celebrity Rankings Index?"


    "Why is Zhang Ye''s name on it?"


    "Zhang Ye has reopened his Asian celebrity ranking? Who reopened it for him?"


    "What ce is he in?"


    "Third! He''s in third ce on the Asian S-list rankings!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "Zhang Ye''s Asian celebrity ranking has been reopened!"


    "He won the Nobel Peace Prize, so he''s practically unstoppable now!"


    "Quickly go and look at the international celebrity rankings!"


    "Ah? He''s an international C-lister now?"


    "67th ce?"


    ��


    America.


    "The Nobel Peace Prizeureate has ascended into the international celebrity rankings?"


    "Is it that Chinese man?"


    "It''s him, the rankings were refreshed!"


    "His poprity is that high already?"


    "Dave has dropped in the rankings?"


    "It''s the first time I''m seeing a Chinese celebrity in these rankings!"


    ��


    India.


    "Your grandpa!"


    "Based on what!"


    "What does that Chinese man have!"


    "How can a person like this get on the international celebrity rankings?"


    "I can''t ept this!"


    "Me neither!"


    "Come, let''s go on social media to insult him!"


    "Let''s do it together!"


    ��


    On an international social media site.


    "That Chinese guy has gotten onto the celebrity rankings?"


    "I don''t like that Chinese guy. He''s such a hooligan!"


    "Yeah, he''s probably not gonnast long on the international celebrity rankings."


    "That''s right, thepetition in the international celebrity rankings is not something that the Chinese entertainment industry can match. There are changes in the rankings practically every day, and people fall off the top to be reced by new ones. There have been many precedents, and even if they are the top international celebrities, a rumor or a scandal is enough to bring them down from the top overnight. Thepetition is too intense. It''s like a meat grinder for celebrities from all over the world. It won''t be that easy for that Chinese guy to gain a foothold."


    "I''m not optimistic of his chances either."


    "Haha, let''s see how long he canst on the celebrity rankings then!"


    "I bet two months."


    "I bet one month!"


    The Americanizens


    The UKizens.


    The Australianizens.


    The Germanizens.


    The Japaneseizens.


    Netizens from all over the world were currently discussing the Chinese celebrity''s ascendancy into the international celebrity rankings. If this were the Zhang Ye of the past, the world''sizens would definitely not have paid any attention to him. Even during the time when Zhang Ye was the most wanted hacker in the world, he still wouldn''t have attracted as much discussion as he was now. After all, his Nobel Prize win of the Nobel Peace Prize and his entry into the international entertainment circle was quite a big deal for the world. Naturally, a lot of people would be discussing it. From this point alone, it could be seen that Zhang Ye''s rise into the international celebrity rankings was based on his international poprity score.


    Soon after, the Indianizens also appeared.


    "Zhang Ye is just a hooligan!"


    "Punish this murderer severely!"


    "He''s not worthy of being on the international celebrity rankings!"


    "If he can be on it, so can Bangalore!"


    "I suggest that we add Bangalore''s name to the international celebrity rankings as well!"


    "Right, remove Zhang Ye!"


    Vitriol!


    Personal attacks!


    Discrediting!


    Denouncements!


    They were crazily attacking Zhang Ye!


    In an instant, the international social media site was bustling with activity!


    Finding it amusing,izens from all over the world came to have a look!


    It was right at this time that a wave of anonymous new ounts appeared. The moment they showed up, the Indianizens were surrounded!


    "Idiots!"


    "Fuck you!"


    "What about Bangalore? He''s dogshit!"


    "If you won an award, keep quiet and don''te here to brag! Haha, what a joke! You should find out about who Teacher Zhang is first! Don''t think you can have things your way!"


    "Be thankful that Teacher Zhang only used his leg this time. If he had used his hands, Bangalore would''ve been crushed!"


    "My big knife is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst!"


    "*****!"


    "************!"


    It was all vulgarities!


    A lot of thements had been censored!


    10,000 people!


    50,000 people!


    100,000 people!


    The Indians were stunned!


    The Americans were stunned!


    The French were stunned!


    The Canadians were stunned!


    The world''sizens were stunned!


    It was the Chinese!


    Over a 100,000 of them!


    The Indianizens who were scolding Zhang Ye earlier had only numbered around 300 to 500. At most, there were no more than 600 of them. However, when the Troll Army from China showed up on arge scale, the Indianizens did not even have a chance to speak and were drowned out!


    The Indianizens saw red!


    "What the fuck!"


    "Why are there so many people?"


    "Get them!"


    "Let''s attack together!"


    "No, we can''t outscold them!"


    "There��there are too many of them!"


    That''s right! They were drowned out!


    The overwhelming formation that showed up dumbfounded the world''sizens!


    They arrived together!


    They were well-trained!


    There was a tacit understanding!


    It was just like an army!


    Each person only had to scold once, and a 100 others would copy-paste the reply below it. It was a sight to behold!


    Just one attempt was enough to defeat the Indianizens!


    It was as if this were a fight between an adult and a child. There was absolutely no chance of hitting back!


    On the international social media site.


    Theizens from the different countries were all stunned.


    "How terrifying!"


    "Damn, what just happened?"


    "The Indianizens were defeated?"


    "This is too scary!"


    "So this is the Chinese Troll Army?"


    "The Chinese are too scary!"


    They came in a hurry.


    And left in a hurry.


    All they left behind were the stunned looks of the world''s people!


    This was the first time that the Chinese Troll Army had gone international, but it was enough to leave an indelible impression on the world''sizens. A lot of people couldn''t help but think of the same thing: The Chineseizens y too dirty!


    ��


    In China.


    On Weibo.


    "Fuck!"


    "Zhang Ye''s fan club has gone onto the international social media site to fight!"


    "Hahahaha, I saw it!"


    "How awesome! They were so ferocious! I thought it was really funny!"


    "Zhang Ye''s fans are too fearsome!"


    "The Indianizens must be crying now after they got scolded to no end!"


    "The Indianizens are really weak in an online argument. We just showed up and they crumbled. There''s no rush from the scolding battle at all! Can they not be so weak!"


    "Pfft, do you think they''re Chinese? Our Chinese people''s swearing has already reached the pinnacle. Besides, is this the first time you''ve heard about the infamy of our Chinese Troll Army? In particr, Zhang Ye''s troll army has got the strongestbat power of all. They''re considered unmatched in the entire legion of China''s Troll Armies, so how could the foreigners possibly fight against them?"


    "China''s Troll Army has be famous!"


    "Yeah, they must have fucking stunned the entire world!"


    "Hahahaha, the foreignizens have all been shocked. When have they evere across guerris as united and orderly as this!"


    ��


    Along the way.


    The minibus was stuck in traffic.


    The studio staff also received news of the matter.


    Little Wang was floored.


    Zhang Zuo gave a wry smile.


    Zhang Ye facepalmed.


    Ha Qiqi said helplessly, "I wonder if it''s a good thing or a bad thing for the Chinese Troll Army to go international. Why do I feel like our reputation is absolutely going down the drain!"


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands and said, "Just let it go down the drain. It''s never been good before anyway."


    Ha Qiqi said nervously, "You seem really epting of that?"


    Everyoneughed.

 Chapter 1618 - A letter and a reply!

    <h4>Chapter 1618 - A letter and a reply! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Back at home.


    After getting stuck in traffic for most of the journey, the minibus finally arrived at its destination.


    Zhang Ye was so eager that when the vehicle came to a stop, he immediately jumped out after taking his luggage. He said with a smile, "I''m finally home."


    Then the vi''s door flew open!


    Pop!


    Pop!


    Pop!


    Confetti and streamers cascaded!


    A group of people rushed out cheering!


    Zhang Ye was startled. "Whoa, what''s with this!"


    His daughter.


    His cousins.


    Old Wu''s rtives.


    His rtives.


    Even Chenchen and Yang Shu were among them!


    His three sisters screamed, "Brother, you''re so awesome!"


    His eldest younger sister popped a party popper. "We warmly wee our brother back home!"


    Wu Mo bellyughed. "Have you checked the international celebrity rankings yet? You''re on it! You''ve gotten onto the rankings!"


    "Little Ye," his mother-inw said excitedly, "you''ve really done our family proud this time!"


    His mother strode up to him. "Where''s the medal?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s with Old Ha."


    His second sister eximed, "I want to see the medal too! I want to see it too!"


    "Let Little Ye into the house first!" his father said loudly.


    "Daddy!" His daughter ran over to him.


    Zhang Ye smiled so broadly his eyes disappeared. He lowered himself and picked his daughter up. "Did you miss Daddy?"


    Sisi nodded. "Yes! Daddy, where''s my present?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "It''s in the suitcase. I''ll get it for you in a bit."


    His first and second uncle also asked to see the Nobel Peace Prize medal and insisted on taking a picture with it.


    Ha Qiqi carefully handed it to them. "Slowly, handle it carefully."


    At this moment, Wu Zeqing walked out with a smile. She said to the studio staff, "Come on in. I''ve already made some food. Eat before you all go."


    Zhang Zuo hurriedly waved his hands. "No, no."


    Little Wang also said quickly, "Sister-inw, don''t stand on ceremony with us."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Little Ye has won an award, and every one of you has been working hard behind the scenes to make it happen. Come in and have something to eat."


    Zhang Ye also spoke. "Yeah,e in and let''s eat together."


    The studio staff finally relented and went inside the vi.


    The celebratory feast was already prepared. There were three tables in all, and it was clear that the entire family had been waiting for him toe back. However, when Zhang Ye arrived, it felt as though he was no longer the star of the show. That honor belonged to the Nobel Prize medal. His family did not care about eating and began taking turns taking pictures with it. His mother refused to let go of the medal and made them take over twenty pictures of her with it. After taking pictures with the medal, they all started posting it onto their Weibo or Moments. It was a very boisterous scene.


    "This is the Nobel Prize medal!"


    "It''s so beautiful!"


    "Haha, 70 people have already liked my post."


    "Uncle, are you done taking pictures yet? Take another one for me."


    "Wait a while, I''ll be done soon."


    "Aiyo, let''s start eating first."


    "Ah, right, let''s eat."


    The celebratory feast began.


    His family members were all very happy, happy to the point of being thrilled. Although Zhang Ye had won a lot of honors in the past, it was very different this time. This was China''s first ever Nobel Prize, and it was even the most prestigious Nobel Peace Prize.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Old Wu''s cell phone rang.


    A momentter, Wu Zeqing handed the phone to him. "It''s for you."


    Zhang Ye was taking a sip at this second. "Who is it? I''ll take itter, we''re eating."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "It''s the minister of the Central Publicity Department."


    It fell silent in the house.


    Zhang Ye was also taken aback. He took the phone and said: "Hello?"


    On the other end of the line, he heard a middle-aged manughing. "Teacher Zhang, congrattions."


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "Leader, I respond to anyone calling me teacher but you."


    The middle-aged man alsoughed. "Come now! You''re the first ever Chinese Nobel Prizeureate. Of course you''re deserving of the title ''teacher'' in front of anybody. Let me congratte you on behalf of the Central Publicity Department and thank you as well."


    Zhang Ye said: "You''re being too generous with your words. It''s me that should be thanking the country for cultivating and supporting me."


    Following, another few calls came.


    Some of them called Zhang Ye''s cell phone.


    While others called Wu Zeqing''s cell phone to look for him.


    From the military.


    From the Chinese Academy of Sciences.


    From the Chinese Academy of Engineering.


    From Central TV.


    The calls were all made personally by the key leaders of the various official departments. They were all calling to offer an official congrattion rather than a personal one.


    Finally, there was even an email.


    Ha Qiqi suddenly shouted, "Director Zhang, there''s an email!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Who is it from? Read it to me."


    Ha Qiqi quickly came over, looking awe-inspired. "I''m afraid you better look at this yourself."


    Zhang Ye was taken back. "Eh?"


    He opened the email.


    The contents looked just like a regr congrattory message.


    But when they reached the end of the message, everyone gasped.


    The email was from��the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China 1 !


    Zhang Ye wiped his sweat and looked towards Old Wu. "Do I need to reply to this?"


    The studio staff all vomited blood. They shouted, "Of course you have to! You most definitely need to do that!"


    His mother was fuming and kicked her son. "This is no ordinary congrattory message! You don''t even intend to reply to Central? Do you want to die?!"


    Zhang Ye said nervously, "I was asking precisely because I didn''t know!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Yes, it''s better to reply."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What should I write then?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "You can reply however you want."


    His father-inw repeatedly reminded, "Don''t you dare reply however you want, hear that!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and said, "Dad, with my literary ir, how bad do you think it could get?"


    Wu Changhe curled his lips. "This is not about having a literary ir or not. When you reply to Central, there are rules to abide by, and you have to be formal about it. With that Beijing ng of yours, it would surely give Central a shock."


    Everyoneughed.


    Zhang Ye just had to prove him wrong. "Formal? I got it." He turned around and asked Old Wu, "Where did we keep the four treasures? I''ll write a reply to them right away."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Calligraphy?"


    Zhang Ye grunted an affirmative.


    In turn, Wu Zeqing said to her nephew, "Little Mo, go to the study on the second floor and bring the items for your Uncle."


    "Alright." Wu Mo immediately went to get them.


    Very quickly, the four treasures were brought down.


    Everyone was very curious about what Zhang Ye would write, so they all made some space for him.


    Sisi was blinking her big eyes and asking, "Sister Chenchen, what is Daddy doing?"


    Chenchen pulled her by her little hand and walked outside. "Stay away, your daddy is trying to act cool again."


    Grinding the inkstone.


    Picking up the brush.


    A beautiful semi-cursive was written onto the paper.


    Everyone was amazed by it. No one had expected that Zhang Ye would actually reply with a poem.


    ��


    " Hymn 2 "


    A vast expanse of rolling peaks and rivers and grasnds,


    Countless dense viges, roosters crowing and dogs barking,


    Connected to an originally wild Asiannd,


    An arid wind whistles across a wilderness of weeds,


    Low, dark clouds gather overhead the eastbound, gurgling stream,


    An untold number of years buried in somber forests.


    They quietly embrace me��


    The never-ending stories tell of never-ending disasters; silence


    Is love, or an aerie of eagles flying high,


    Or dried-up eyes expecting a gush of hot tears to stream


    When the steadfast gray ranks are crawling across the distant horizon;


    I have too many words, my feelings too long-standing.


    I want to use the deste deserts, rugged paths, and mule carts,


    I want to use canoes, wildflowers on hills, and rainy weather,


    I want to use e''rything to hug you, you.


    The poption I see e''rywhere, oh,


    People living and working in disgrace, people stooping,


    I want to embrace each one of you with my bloody hands.


    Because you have risen up, one peoples.


    This is like the centuries-old, enduring wind,


    This is like the endless groans and chilliness


    Coming from the dpidated eaves,


    It sings atop a withered canopy of trees;


    It has blown past barren swamnd, reeds, and chirping insects,


    This is like the sound of ravens flying overhead.


    When I passed by, lingering on the road,


    I was lingering for the history of disgrace


    Among vast rivers and mountains, still waiting,


    Waiting, as we had suffered too silently for too long,


    But now we have risen up, one peoples,


    But now we have risen up, a nation.


    ��


    He signed off on it.


    And put away the brush.


    His feelings.


    His anger.


    His pride.


    It was all contained within.


    Zhang Ye said, "Send the reply."


    Ha Qiqi took a picture of the calligraphy piece in a daze and sent the reply.


    Wu Mo suddenly looked at Zhang Ye.


    A lot of people in the house also looked at Zhang Ye.


    Zhang Ye asked Old Wu, "Will this reply do?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. She held her husband''s hand. "There''s no reply better than this."


    ��


    On the same night.


    People''s Daily published Zhang Ye''s reply!


    Xinhua News, Youth Daily, and many other mainstream media outlets also published Zhang Ye''s reply prominently on the front page of their newspapers. It was headlined:


    ��"We have risen up, a nation!"

 Chapter 1619 - Central TV International’s invitation!

    <h4>Chapter 1619 - Central TV International''s invitation! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Three dayster.


    The table on the first-floor living room was piling up with newspapers that reported about Zhang Ye over the past few days. Old Wu had ced them together after Zhang Ye''s parents kept bringing over stacks of newspapers on a daily basis. This did not include the news reports on the various television stations and foreign media outlets, as well as those from the online media. Counting everything, they likely couldn''t finish reading all of the news even if they spent two days and two nights reading them word by word.


    In the morning.


    After Old Wu went to work, Zhang Ye got up early and stayed at home to take care of their daughter.


    "Daddy, are you going out today too?"


    "Nope. I''ve finished all the business and entertainment for the past few days."


    "Daddy, I want to watch a cartoon."


    "Not today."


    "But why?"


    "It''s Army Day 1 today. We''re going to watch the parade."


    "Daddy, what is Army Day?"


    "It''s a very, very important holiday."


    "Oh, then Sisi doesn''t want to watch cartoons anymore."


    "Good girl."


    The military parade began.


    Zhang Ye was cuddling his daughter on the sofa as they watched television together. He wanted to expose her to some patriotic education.


    Zhang Ye was very happy today, as well as very honored. Bringing home a Nobel Prize was considered a great gift for his country.


    Half an hour.


    An hour.


    The doorbell rang. It was the studio staff.


    When Ha Qiqi saw what was on TV, she smiled and said, "You''re watching it too?"


    "Of course." Zhang Ye said, "Take a seat and make yourselvesfortable. Pour yourselves a drink if you want."


    Zhang Zuo chuckled and said, "You''re even making your daughter watch?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "I need her to learn to love her country at a young age."


    Little Wang said nervously, "Would a child understand?"


    Zhang Ye said, "She''ll have to watch it even if she doesn''t understand. My only fear is that she''ll start worshipping foreigners when she grows up."


    Tong Fu cramped up withughter. "Director Zhang, you''re overthinking it. I can''t say if other people''s children will worship foreigners, but I''m definitely sure that your daughter won''t. On this point, the entire country''s citizens will guarantee it, so rest assured that Sisi will definitely follow in both your and Minister Wu''s footsteps."


    What sort of a person was Zhang Ye?


    He was a well-known nationalist!


    The spiritual leader of the nationalistic youths of China!


    Would his child worship foreigners? The entire country''s citizens wouldn''t have any of that!


    Sisi pointed at the television and said, "Daddy, they''re really good at walking!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "That''s called parade march 2 . These are our country''s soldiers are."


    Sisi said excitedly, "Is Daddy also as amazing as them?"


    "Daddy doesn''t know how to do the parade march," Zhang Ye said with augh.


    However, Ha Qiqi said to Sisi, "Sisi, although your father is not a soldier and doesn''t know how to parade march, our soldiers walking with such confidence today and with their heads held high is all thanks to your father. Look, this aircraft formation is made up of thetest fighter jets that your father designed. Then, there''s also China''s first ever Nobel Prize that your father won for us too. That''s also why our country''s soldiers are bing stronger, and why our country''s soldiers are bing more confident. Only when they can hold their heads up high will they be able to march in such an upright manner in front of the whole world. You are still young and might not understand, but you will know what your father''s name means to China when you grow up."


    Sisi said happily, "I understand, Daddy is the greatest!"


    Zhang Ye patted his daughter on her head. "Let''s watch the military parade."


    Sisi said, "Mhm!"


    Zhang Zuo asked, "Director Zhang, what type of missile is this?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s a C-5 ICBM."


    Ha Qiqi blinked and said, "Is it good?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s thetest model of ICBMs and can hit the maind of America, so do you think it''s good?"


    Little Wang said excitedly, "How about this one? And this one?"


    All of them knew that Zhang Ye had been working with the military after starting his prison sentence and had participated in many research projects and weapons research. Since he knew the subject inside and out, they asked him everything they wanted to know. Zhang Ye fielded their questions and detailed the military equipment that he was very familiar with.


    Soon after.


    The military parade ended.


    Zhang Ye put Sisi upstairs to y by herself while he and the studio staff discussed some matters. They had to sort out the details of their future direction. To Zhang Ye and his studio, they had reached a new height that no other Chinese celebrity had reached before. From here on out, there weren''t any prior references for them to follow, and they would have to figure out how to continue on this path they were taking.


    Everyone sat down for a meeting.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Why don''t you set a direction?"


    Zhang Zuo asked, "How are we going to carry on?"


    "Actually��" Zhang Ye smiled. "I don''t know either."


    Little Wang eximed, "Then what should we do?"


    Zhang Ye spread his hands. "I''m quite surprised we reach this height, so how could I have any ns? We can only take it one step at a time."


    Ha Qiqi said, "In the past few days since we returned, we''ve been researching the International Celebrity Rankings Index. It''s really toopetitive and dissimr to our domestic celebrity rankings that hardly see any change each month. The rankings change basically every day, with people getting onto the rankings and others falling off of it. This is why we''re all quite jittery about it. Although the Nobel Prize win helped us make a shock entry into the rankings, our foundation is still pretty shallow. The poprity cane fast, but it can disappear quickly as well. These days, there are already hardly any additional reports and coverage in the foreign media. The attention we got from winning the Nobel Prize has almost faded, so how are we going to continue making inroads on the international scene?"


    Zhang Ye asked, "Do we have any jobs invitations?"


    Ha Qiqi gave a wry smile. "There are quite a few offers domestically but nothing from the international scene as of yet."


    Zhang Zuo said, "Our domestic poprity has be saturated. Almost every person in the country has be your fan, so there isn''t really a point in taking on variety shows or TV series anymore. We won''t be making any progress that way, so our goal is definitely to fight our way overseas. That''s where our citizens and domestic industry want to see you heading as well. They want to know how far you can go and how much you can spread the name of China internationally."


    Zhang Ye said, "But no one is extending invitations to me?"


    Ha Qiqi suddenly asked, "Are you very knowledgeable on military affairs and weapons systems?"


    Zhang Yeughed, "What do you think?"


    "Then we still have a pretty good offer in China," Ha Qiqi said.


    Zhang Ye asked with interest, "What is it?"


    Ha Qiqi smiled and said, "Central TV has contacted us regarding an interview touching on military affairs since we''re in the midst of celebrating Army Day."


    Little Wang said, "Isn''t that still a domestic broadcast?"


    "It''s not." Ha Qiqi said, "It will be broadcast on Central TV International 3 ."


    Zhang Ye said, "CTV International?


    Ha Qiqi nodded. "That''s right. Almost every country in the world can watch it, and it''s also the only international channel that China has. Although not everyone in those countries might catch it, they can still receive the broadcast signal. As for how the interview will turn out and how many people will watch it, that will all depend on you. I think with the poprity you''ve earned from winning the Nobel Peace Prize and your international celebrity ranking, you should still be quite popr internationally. It''s likely that many foreigners will still be interested in you, so this should be a pretty good opportunity."


    Tong Fu scratched his head. "I know about Central TV International. Some programs are dubbed in English while others have English subtitles, but the viewership ratings aren''t that high, right? There are not too many people who watch it in China, right?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "But at least it''s an international channel. Its viewership range is iparable and covers the entire world, so it won''t hurt to try. In the past, CTV International didn''t do well because the programs were all simr, and we didn''t have any international celebrities to speak of. But now that Director Zhang has stepped onto the international scene, his appeal and influence are certainly not the same as before. Perhaps that might have a positive effect."


    They discussed it for a long time.


    Finally, Zhang Ye made the decision. "Alright, we''ll give it a try."


    Ha Qiqi smiled. "OK, I''ll go and contact Central TV and have them to set a time."


    Very quickly, Zhang Ye''s first job invitation after breaking into the international entertainment industry was confirmed!

 Chapter 1620 - Is this something that a Nobel Peace Prize recipient should say?

    <h4>Chapter 1620 - Is this something that a Nobel Peace Prize recipient should say? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    The news had already spread around China.


    "Teacher Zhang is going to be interviewed?"


    "Yeah, it will be on Central TV International!"


    "This will be his first appearance since breaking into the international scene."


    "I''m looking forward to it. I''ve heard that it will be a military show."


    "The People''s Liberation Army has astonished the world with their military parade this year."


    "That''s right, a lot of foreign media outlets have given the parade full coverage, and even the western media outlets are reporting about it as well. This is the first time that so much of our military equipment and weapons have been showcased to the public. Moreover, they are all ourtest, self-developed equipment, and many of the weapons technology are at a world-first standard!"


    "I''m interested in hearing what Zhang Ye has to say."


    "Would he know anything?"


    "Pfft, you seem to have forgotten who it was that designed the new generation fighter jet?"


    "Oh, right, right, I forgot Zhang Ye is an expert in military science."


    "I would like to know about Zhang Ye''s opinions regarding military affairs."


    "Yeah, in the field of weapons research, Zhang Ye is still an authoritative figure."


    The public was looking forward to it.


    The media paid close attention.


    The military attached great importance to this.


    In recent times, everyone''s attention had been focused on the military. They were all very interested in matters rted to this aspect. When they heard that Zhang Ye was going to be interviewed on a military show on CTV International, it immediately raised a lot of discussions. Abination of Zhang Ye and military affairs needed no publicity at all. There was a natural attractiveness to something like that.


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    At Central TV.


    At the recording studio of CTV International.


    Recording had not started yet, but the guests and host were already here.


    Coincidentally, Zhang Ye happened to know them.


    Zhang Ye greeted, "Fellow Chi, I''ll be partnering with you today?"


    It was Chi Xue, one of the few female research fellows of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.


    Chi Xue smiled and shook his hand. "So it''s Fellow Zhang, long time no see."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "What''s with the long time no see? We just met at the State Science and Technology Awards."


    Yu Yingyi said with a smile, "You two are familiar with each other? That''s great, it''ll be easier to handle the program." Then she said to Chi Xue, "Hello, Fellow Chi. My name is Yu Yingyi, and I will be the host for today''s interview. You can just call me Little Yu. It''s nice to meet you."


    Chi Xue shook hands with her. "Hello."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "You''ve grown taller?"


    Yu Yingyi rolled her eyes. "It''s just the high heels."


    Zhang Ye said, "Since when did you get transferred from the Sports Channel to CTV International?"


    "I just came over this year," Yu Yingyi said with a smile.


    Chi Xue said in surprise, "So you two know each other too?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "More than that. We were even university ssmates."


    The three of them started chatting.


    The producer also came over tomunicate.


    All of a sudden, Zhang Ye''s cell phone rang. When he saw the caller ID, he walked away to answer it. It was someone from the military.


    "Hello?"


    "Fellow Zhang, it''s me, Old Li."


    "General Li, hello."


    "Are you recording the interview?"


    "Not yet. You know about it too?"


    "Of course I know. That''s why I''m calling to give you a heads-up. You know too many military secrets, so you have to know your limits and not reveal too much. As for the projects and rted military secrets that have not been announced yet, be sure to zip your lips. Don''t forget you have a confidentiality agreement with us. Anything else that can be said and has already been announced to the public, go ahead and talk about them. There won''t be any restrictions on that. Just be sure to control what you say."


    "I understand."


    "Also, this is an international channel, so you better perform well. It''s likely that military organizations from all over the world will be keeping tabs on us. They are interested to see what our weapons construction and strategic thinking are like. Haha, all the countries have now set up specialized research groups to deal with China. If you find a suitable opportunity, feel free to throw them off with some misleading ims."


    "Sure, I know what to do."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye smiled.


    Chi Xue asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Zhang Ye said, "That was General Li. He left some instructions for us."


    Chi Xue giggled and corrected, "You mean he left some instructions for you, right?"


    Zhang Ye did notment.


    The military did not give any notice to Chi Xue and had only informed Zhang Ye to pay close attention to what he said on the show. Clearly, this was because Zhang Ye knew much more than Chi Xue in the military science and research fields. In these few years, Zhang Ye had worked with a vast amount of military information that Chi Xue had no ess to.


    Yu Yingyi checked her watch. "It''s almost time."


    A producer came up to them. "Teachers, please get to your seats. Fellow Chi, sit over here. Fellow Zhang, sit over here. This will be a recorded program, and if you feel that something is not right, we can stop at any time. This is the microphone. Try to speak as close to it as possible so that you can be heard clearly. If there''s anything else that you don''t understand, feel free to ask us."


    Yu Yingyi said in a speechless manner, "What''s there to ask?"


    The producer blinked. "Ah?"


    Yu Yingyi pointed at Zhang Ye and said with augh, "The person sitting in front of you has won the highest award in the hosting profession, yet you''re instructing him on what to watch out for? What does he not know?"


    The producer facepalmed after he was reminded about this. "Hai, I forgot all about that."


    Zhang Ye had not been in any programs in a very long time. Furthermore, he also won the Highest Science and Technology Award and the Nobel Peace Prize this year, so a lot of people had already forgotten that this fellow used to be a professional host. Filming a television show? Recording a television show? He was the most veteran of veterans.


    Testing the microphones'' volume.


    Tuning the equipment.


    Three.


    Two.


    One.


    Recording began.


    ��


    On the same night.


    At 8 PM sharp.


    Central TV International Channel''s Army Day Special premiered.


    The program was to be shown over three episodes.


    The global satellite signals were transmitted simultaneously. There were already English subtitles as well.


    ��


    In China.


    "It''s beginning, it''s beginning!


    "The show has started!"


    "Haha, Teacher Zhang is here!"


    "I''m waiting to listen to Zhang Ye''s professional views."


    "Let''s hope they''ll reveal some secrets that wemoners don''t know."


    "Yeah, the guests that were invited onto the military shows in the past have always beenypeople. Even though they im to be military experts, they''re at most amateur military geeks. They definitely don''t have any real experience with the military and weapons research. All they do is analyze the issue based on statistics and add their logic. But Zhang Ye is different. He''s a real military expert who has participated in many weapons system projects. He definitely knows much more than the others, so we will surely hear about a lot of things this time."


    ��


    India.


    "Eh?"


    "China''s channel?"


    "Isn''t this person Zhang Ye?"


    "Damn, it''s really him!"


    "This goddamned fellow!"


    "Let''s listen to what he has to say!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "Zhang Ye is on CTV International?"


    "Why is he on it?"


    "A military expert?"


    "Yes, I think he is the deputy chief designer of China''s fighter jet project."


    "Let''s have a listen and see what he will talk about."


    ��


    America.


    "It''s the Nobel Peace Prizeureate?"


    "China has an international channel too?"


    "I guess we just didn''t notice it before."


    "China''s military parade was broadcast to the world yesterday. It looked impressive."


    "China''s military strength is developing really quickly."


    "Let''s watch and see what other new weapons systems and strategies they have."


    ��


    Pakistan.


    "It''s our Chinese brothers!"


    "I know him, he''s Zhang Ye!"


    "They''re our all-weather ally!"


    "There''s been a lot of shes at the border recently. Let''s see what their experts have to say about that."


    ��


    Canada.


    "Come and see this. It''s an interview on the military show of China."


    "Looks uninteresting."


    "Why''s that? Don''t you always watch military shows?"


    "China''s military shows have always covered topics like peace, negotiations, and protests. There''s nothing other than that, so it''s really pointless."


    "Should I change the channel then?"


    "Never mind, let''s just have a look."


    ��


    Russia.


    The UK.


    France.


    Korea.


    Many countries turned their attention to the television show.


    Needless to say, Central TV International''s viewership ratings had blown up back in China. At this moment, in addition to China, there were also some people from around the world who were watching this program. Some of them had randomly switched to this channel, while others had tuned in specifically after finding out about it through the news orments on the Inte. First, they did so because they were interested in understanding China''s military strength and strategy. And second, they were interested in a fellow like Zhang Ye who dared to trip someone at the Nobel Prize award ceremony.


    As an international celebrity, the appeal of Zhang Ye''s name was no longer limited to just within China. It had spread all over the world.


    ��


    On TV.


    Yu Yingyi said with a smile, "Good evening, everyone. Wee to Central TV International Channel''s Army Day Special. Today, we are honored to have Fellow Chi Xue of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on our show."


    Chi Xue greeted the audience, "Good evening, everyone."


    Next, Yu Yingyi introduced, "As well as the famous scientist, mathematician, military expert, Chinese Academy of Sciences'' research fellow, Chinese Academy of Engineering''s research fellow, and Nobel Peace Prizeureate, Zhang Ye."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Hello, everyone."


    Yu Yingyi said, "It''s Army Day again."


    Chi Xue said, "That''s right."


    Yu Yingyi asked, "Fellow Chi, what are your views on the military parade this year?"


    Chi Xue smiled. "It was very stunning to watch, and it also made my blood race with excitement."


    Yu Yingyi grinned and said, "I have the same feelings as you. It feels like our country has be stronger. So next, I would like to ask a slightly more sensitive question. What is your understanding of the recent border dispute?"


    Chi Xue turned serious and said, "It''s a provocation and a very serious matter. I feel that everyone should sit down and negotiate the problem by addressing the dispute clearly based on internationalw, to see who is in the right and wrong. To see who were the ones to cross the borders first. The issue itself is actually very clear."


    Yu Yingyi nodded and turned her head. "Fellow Zhang, what is your opinion on the matter?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "My opinion differs from that of Fellow Chi''s."


    "Oh?" Yu Yingyi said, "So what''s your take on it?"


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "There''s nothing to talk about. Just attack them!"


    Yu Yingyi said, "Ah?"


    Attack��attack them!?


    What kind ofnguage was this?


    Chi Xue rolled her eyes.


    The entire recording studio fell silent!


    Zhang Ye said, "We should always advocate and hope for peace. But if there are any unprovoked territorial disputes when thew is clear, there''s nothing left to talk about. Just take them on! We should go out and fight! If we''re afraid that such actions will start a war, that would be overthinking it. It''s impossible that would happen. They''re already in the wrong to begin with, so there''s no reason for them to fight. Do you expect that they would hit back? No way! They wouldn''t have the guts to do so, nor the strength, nor the rights based on internationalw. So what more can be said? Sometimes, we need to let the world see our country''s determination in upholding the peace. This is why I say we should get them!"


    Yu Yingyi was speechless.


    Chi Xue was speechless.


    The Chinese people were speechless.


    People around the world were speechless.


    Attack them?


    Take them on?


    Get them?


    What kind ofnguage is this!


    Aren''t you being too harsh with your words!


    I-Is this something that a Nobel Peace Prize recipient should say?


    When has anyone seen a Nobel Peace Prizeureate talk like this before?!

 Chapter 1621 - Kelp that entangles submarines!

    <h4>Chapter 1621 - Kelp that entangles submarines! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At this moment.


    The whole world did not know whether tough or cry!


    ��


    Japan.


    "Damn!"


    "What kind of person is this!"


    "This fellow is such a hooligan!"


    "This program is being broadcast all over the world!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "How bold of him to say something like that!"


    "What sort of a Peace Prize recipient is he!"


    "The Nobel Prize Committee is probably in tears right now!"


    ��


    India.


    "Your grandpa!"


    "Who are you thinking of attacking!"


    "How can he speak so recklessly!"


    "This Zhang fellow is too shameless!"


    ��


    The UK.


    "Quick, go and watch China''s CTV International!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "The Peace Prize recipient is encouraging violence!"


    "Ah?"


    ��


    China.


    "Pfft! I''m cramping up fromughing!"


    "What a brilliant answer!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Well said, just attack them!"


    "This is indeed Zhang Ye''s style!"


    "Seeing Zhang Ye still behaving like the old times is really reassuring for me. I had thought at first that this fellow would start behaving cautiously after winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Who could''ve thought that he''d still be as reckless as ever? He said it really well! Who cares about negotiations and protests? Just get them! Attack them!"


    ��


    The interview went viral the moment it was broadcast.


    It started spreading on the Web.


    More and more people came over to watch when they heard about it. They switched over to the Central TV International Channel, wanting to see what kind of shocking words the Nobel Peace Prizeureate would say. Which of the Nobel Peace Prize recipients in history were not presidents or heads ofrge organizations? Which of them did not have a graceful demeanor to them and would speak prudently? So it wasn''t like they had ever seen a Nobel Peace Prize recipient like that before! In this world, it wasn''t only the Chinese who loved watching entertainment.


    Very quickly, they knew they were right ining to see this!


    Because Zhang Ye was about to say something that would dumbfound people around the world!


    ��


    On TV.


    Yu Yingyi hurriedly changed the subject.


    The three of them began conversing about the current military strategy of China.


    Zhang Ye drank his water and did not cut in at the beginning.


    Yu Yingyi and Chi Xue probably did not dare to ask him any further questions in fear that this fellow would say something staggering. As such, the two of them only talked between themselves.


    Yu Yingyi said, "If a war starts, will the Yellow Sea 1 be a crucial spot of contention?"


    Chi Xue said, "Of course it will. This is a very important location where the situation of the neighboring countries is veryplicated, so the Yellow Sea will be a key strategic location to battle for. I was involved in a military project rted to nuclear submarine data processing, so I know about the threat and terror they pose. Its technology has advanced greatly these days. For example, America has nuclear submarines that can sneak into the Yellow Sea without getting detected at all."


    Yu Yingyi asked, "Then what weapons does China have to take on such threats at the moment?"


    Chi Xue gave a bitter smile. "ording to what I know, we don''t have any measures against such threats yet. And even if we do detect such threats asionally, we don''t really have a quick response to strike back."


    Yu Yingyi said, "Perhaps there are some new weapons systems that haven''t been announced yet?"


    Chi Xue shook her head. "I''m not in the field of weapons research, so I don''t really know." She then turned to look at Zhang Ye. "But Fellow Zhang is in this field, so maybe he can analyze it better?"


    Only then did Yu Yingyi ask, "Fellow Zhang, can you give us an analysis of this?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "We definitely have new weapons systems, but it''s not convenient for me to talk about them. However, about the Yellow Sea��" He looked at the map and pointed it out. "The situation here is ratherplex. If a war really does break out, China is still fully capable of finding ways to not let the enemy''s nuclear subs in."


    Chi Xue said in surprise, "What ways?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "The Yellow Sea is rtively shallow, so it''s very dangerous for a submarine to enter into the territory. There''s no way to dive deep, and they would need to surface to be able to pass into it."


    Chi Xue nodded. "That''s true."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m not sure if you two have seen how they cultivate kelp in the countryside?"


    "Ah?" Chi Xue was taken aback.


    Yu Yingyi was also dumbfounded. "Kelp?"


    Zhang Ye gestured. "Yes, kelp, in the Yellow Sea area, how do the vigers grow them? Nylon ropes this long are thrown into the sea, where the kelp slowly grow to several meters long after being nted. If we scale up the nting, without even needing to cover the entire area and nting them at several key locations in a linear fashion, which submarine can enter the area? If they dare toe in, you know what the nylon ropes with kelp will do, right? Once they get entangled with the submarine''s propellers, the submarine is as good as scrap. Every submarine they send in will get sunk. There won''t be a need for any strategic weapons at all. In the Yellow Sea, kelp is the most strategic weapon we can employ against the nuclear submarines."


    Yu Yingyi stared nkly at him!


    Chi Xue nearly spat out a mouthful of blood!


    The entire recording studio felt silent!


    Kelp?


    Strategic weapon?


    Entangle the submarines?


    Yu Yingyi stated, "Well, we have reached the end of our program today. Please join us tomorrow at the same time, and we will continue to hear about Fellow Zhang and Fellow Chi''s views on military affairs."


    The first episode ended.


    Then the entire world blew up!


    ��


    China.


    "I''m gonna faint!"


    "When did kelp be a fucking strategic weapon!"


    "Aiyo, I''m dying ofughter!"


    "Kelp that entangles submarines?"


    "What the heck! Only Zhang Ye would dare to raise a viewpoint like that!"


    "Misleading! This is fucking misleading!"


    "This is a military show? Military, your sister! Even kelp can be a fucking strategic weapon?!"


    "I''ve been looking forward to hearing Zhang Ye''s views on military affairs! But what is this shit about kelp? Teacher Zhang, do you have to be so funny!"


    "Kneeling to Face-smacking Zhang!"


    ��


    America.


    "What kind of military show is this!"


    "Kelp?"


    "Why doesn''t he just die!"


    "This guy is too good at bullshitting!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "I have to take my hat off to him!"


    "I really have to take my hat off to him too!"


    "Can kelp really entangle a submarine?"


    "Like hell it can! You actually believed him?"


    ��


    Korea.


    "What the hell!"


    "Why does he dare to speak so recklessly!"


    "Don''t you know Zhang Ye? Whatever he says, even the punctuation marks are not to be believed!"


    "I''m cramping up withughter!"


    ��


    The UK.


    "W-What kind of a military expert is he?!"


    "Kelp that entangles submarines? He should go to hell!"


    "This is bullshitting on a whole new level!"


    "China''s kelp industry could soon be an asset in its strategic warfare!"


    ��


    The entire world was shocked!


    "Kelp that entangles submarines" soon became a trending phrase!


    The various countries'' media were all rushing to report about this!


    But to everyone''s surprise, amid theughter of people around the world, the matter got a shocking reversal!


    America: "China''stest weapon: Kelp?"


    Russia: "Would entangling a submarine with kelp really work?"


    Canada: "China''s CTV International''s interview attracts controversy!"


    China: "There have been simr cases of kelp entangling submarines in the past!"


    Germany: "Incidents of kelp entangling submarines have happened before!"


    Many people around the world were doubling over withughter. A lot of them nearly passed out at this revtion, while others cursed at it. They had thought that this was pure bullshit, but surprisingly, this was refuted by the various countries'' media outlets that dug up cases of simr incidents happening in the past. Entangling submarines with kelp was really a workable strategy!


    Countless people were horrified!


    Even this can be done?


    Damn! It really can!


    People around the world found themselves going crazy at this discovery!


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    Back at home.


    Zhang Ye''s phone was exploding with calls.


    Yao Jiancai was on the other end of the line,ughing. "Kid, are you trying to kill me with your jokes?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "I was being serious, alright? That was not a joke."


    Soon after, General Li called.


    General Li said in a speechless manner: "You really went all-out to mislead foreigners, huh?"


    Zhang Ye replied: "Didn''t you ask me to feel free to mislead them?"


    General Li was floored. "I said to throw them off, not bullshit them with such outrageous ims!"


    "Actually, this isn''t really misleading either." Zhang Ye smiled and said: "There''s a basis to it."


    Of course, the people of this world hadn''t heard of it before. But back in Zhang Ye''s previous world, a lot of people knew of a saying that was very popr across China: kelp that entangles submarines!


    Zhang Ye had also been thinking of what to say on his first appearance on a military show. What should he say? What topics would arouse the interests of everyone? As a result, he suddenly remembered the chief of the "Strategic Fool You Agency" in his previous world, Zhang Zhaozhong, 2 and ended up bringing out his famous words onto the program!

 Chapter 1622 - Smog that stops lasers!

    <h4>Chapter 1622 - Smog that stopssers! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the span of a night.


    The phrase "kelp that entangles submarines" went viral.


    By the next day, products bearing this phrase started appearing in online stores.


    [Kelp that entangles submarines totes]: 10 RMB each.


    [Kelp that entangles submarines T-shirts]: 35 RMB per top.


    [Kelp that entangles submarines caps (ck)]: 15 RMB each.


    [Yellow Sea Kelp (Chinese strategic weapon)]: 7 RMB per 500 grams.


    All kinds of products.


    A variety of choices.


    Most crucially, they were all selling very well too.


    Even the merchants on the streets and alleyways started hawking the same products.


    A lot of people were very amused by what they saw. There were also countless people sharing their purchases on Weibo.


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Check out my new cap!"


    "LOL, that''s so cool!"


    "I bought a bag too! The ''kelp that entangles submarines'' typeface is too eye-catching. Everyone keeps staring at me when I''m carrying it out on the streets. The double-take rate is 200%!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang is too damnical!"


    "Hasn''t that fellow always been this way? Haha!"


    "Quite a few media outlets around the world are reporting about this."


    "He''s too good at misdirection."


    "Will the interview be on today?"


    "Yes, the second episode will be broadcast at 8 PM. There will still be a third episode tomorrow."


    "I''m so looking forward to it."


    "I can''t wait either."


    "Yeah, let''s see what he''s going toe up with tonight."


    "I think it will be a more serious talk today. They can''t possibly keep having nonsense on a program like that."


    ��


    At Central TV.


    The International Channel.


    It was time to record the second episode.


    When Zhang Ye arrived, the program team went up and surrounded him.


    "Fellow Zhang!"


    "The viewership ratings have totally blown up."


    "Our domestic viewership ratings have increased by over tenfold!"


    "It''s the same for our overseas viewership ratings as well. It''s increased from our usual ratings by a few times. The viewership numbers for the overseas audience has broken a record!"


    "Our International Channel has never seen such viewership ratings before!"


    Everyone was very excited.


    The Central TV International Channel was the only international channel in China. It might sound like the channel was very important and one of a kind, but in reality, they did not get much attention as very few people watched it. Whether it was domestically or overseas, the viewership ratings had always been rather embarrassingly low. When did they ever get such a good result before? All of this was brought to them by Zhang Ye��China''s one and only international celebrity!


    Zhang Ye himself had not expected the broadcast to attract such a great reception. Not only did it blow up in China, but it also gained the attention of the overseas audience as well?


    Yu Yingyi coughed and said, "You''re here?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Yeah."


    Yu Yingyi said, "The clips from yesterday have already gone viral. It''s also viral overseas."


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "Then wouldn''t you also be rather well-known on the international scene?"


    Yu Yingyi rolled her eyes and said, "I''ll have you to thank for that."


    "You''re wee," Zhang Ye said.


    Chi Xue came over reluctantly and sat down. "Shall we start?"


    Yu Yingyi said, "Counting down to recording in one minute."


    Zhang Ye said, "OK."


    The second episode''s recording began.


    ��


    That same night.


    On the Web.


    An Americanizen: "The Chinese show is starting!"


    A Dutchizen: "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    A Frenchizen: "This program is too funny. I didn''t get to watch it yesterday, so I must have a look today."


    A Japaneseizen: "I invited a few friends over to watch as well. I would like to see what kind of outrageous ims this Zhang fellow will make today."


    A Koreanizen: "It''s starting."


    After yesterday''s farce, a lot more people around the world who had heard about this matter from the news started tuning in to the Central TV International Channel.


    10 million people.


    20 million people.


    30 million people.


    The overseas viewership numbers continued to soar!


    There were even people from the various countries'' media outlets and their military personnel watching.


    This was the first time that a Chinese program had attracted such attention overseas!


    ��


    On TV.


    The show had already started.


    Yu Yingyi smiled and said, "Good evening, everyone. We meet again. Wee to Central TV International Channel''s Army Day Special. I am your host, Yu Yingyi."


    "I am Chi Xue."


    "I am Zhang Ye."


    Both of them also looked into the camera and greeted the global audience.


    "Yesterday, when we talked about the nuclear submarine threat, Fellow Zhang suggested a n that caused a heated debate and questioning by people around the world. Actually, I know what Fellow Zhang meant to say was that victory in war does not depend on who has the more advanced technology or weapons. A battle is determined by aprehensive mix of factors, and there are a lot of variables and tactics involved. Even an ordinary thing like kelp might stop a nuclear submarine''s advance. Hence, we can say that no matter how advanced a weapons system is, it will still not determine the oue of a battle."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "That''s right."


    Yu Yingyi asked, "What is Fellow Chi''s view on this?"


    Chi Xue shook her head and said, "I only agree partially with this opinion. I have a different view on the other portion of it. Technology, arms, and weapons determine the military strength of a country. I am a scientist, so what matters more to me is data. Against certain strategic weapons, battlefield tactics don''t mean much at all. For example, a guided missile''s range is only so long. It will either hit its target or not. That''s all there is to it."


    Zhang Ye smiled but did not say anything.


    Yu Yingyi said, "I heard that a country has already developedser weaponry."


    Chi Xue acknowledged, "Yes, and that''s indeed a very real threat."


    Yu Yingyi said, "Is there a way we can handle it then?"


    Chi Xue said without thinking, "No, and it''s not only us who can''t handle it. Right now in the world, no country has the capability to deal withser weaponry. We can intercept guided missiles, we can fend off aircraft carriers, but we can''t do anything aboutsers. This is a very powerful weapon we have no answer for. No technology yet exists to stop such tactics."


    Zhang Ye spoke up, "That''s being too absolute."


    Chi Xue said helplessly, "It''s not being absolute; rather we really have no way to handle it."


    "Laser weaponry are not invincible," Zhang Ye said bluntly.


    He was starting to stir up Chi Xue. "Oh? So being unstoppable doesn''t mean it''s invincible?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "Who says it''s unstoppable?"


    Yu Yingyi said in surprise. "Ah? There''s a way?"


    Chi Xue rolled her eyes. "That''s impossible. No country has the means to deal with it."


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "But China does."


    China said startled, "China does?"


    Then Zhang Ye said something astonishing.


    He said, "Smog can stopsers."


    Silence!


    Dead silence!


    It was all quiet in the recording studio and in front of the televisions!


    Smog?


    Stoppingsers?


    Chi Xue vomited blood. "Ah?"


    Zhang Ye looked at the shocked Yu Yingyi and Chi Xue and smiled. "Laser weaponry is very powerful, but they also have their weaknesses. Furthermore, this weakness is very obvious. Fellow Chi should know quite well that conventional weapons cannot stopsers, but what about smog? Thergest diameter of a smog particle is 80 microns, with the majority of them between 1 micron and 10 microns. Aser wavelength is smaller than 1000 nanometers, which is 1 micron, so it will be difficult for aser to bypass these smog particles."


    Yu Yingyi didn''t understand at all.


    But Chi Xue was dumbfounded. "That��"


    Zhang Ye said, "A lot of metal particles exists in a smog. If we magnified them, they would all be metallic balls. Once the smog reaches a certain density, tell me, how will theser weaponry prate it? Alright, even if it does manage to prate it in the end, the original range of over 10 kilometers would have now shortened to less than a kilometer. It wouldn''t be able to hit anyone or touch any targets. With its intended targets so far away, tell me what use wouldser weaponry be then?"


    Chi Xue was speechless.


    The audience watching TV was speechless.


    Yu Yingyi was truly shocked. "The smog even has such an effect?"


    Zhang Ye said indifferently, "I''m not saying that the smog is good. I''ve even made a documentary called ''Under the Dome,'' though I''m not sure if you two have watched it before. I am purely analyzing the effects of the smog from a military and scientific perspective and saying that the smog can stop aser attack. In fact, it can even stop guided missiles from reaching its intended targets." He said something astonishing again!


    Damn!


    It can even stop guided missiles?!


    Yu Yingyi said in shock, "How would it stop that?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Currently, the majority of the world''s guided missiles are guided visually, withsers, through infrared imaging, or using GPS. The first two types of guided missiles are more affected by smoggy environments. Smog, for example, can make visual-guided andser-guided missiles less effective inbat. Although they can still beunched, the hit-rate is not high. Of these, the visually guided missiles have a simrity to optical reconnaissance radar. It requires an operator to see the target before they can aim, lock on, and execute the attack. If this happens in a smoggy environment, they can''t lock on to the target if they can''t see it. In that case, they can''t hit it."


    Chi Xue said in a speechless manner, "Fellow Zhang, ording to what you say, wouldn''t the smog also be able to prevent paratroopers fromnding?"


    Zhang Ye solemnly nodded in agreement. "Of course it can. Smog can indeed prevent paratroopers fromnding. Without being able to see their ground target, how would the paratroopers be able to parachute down? Isn''t that obvious?"


    Chi Xue was floored!


    Yu Yingyi was also looking truly dumbfounded!


    The second episode of the interview ended.


    However, the outside world was already blowing up again!


    ��


    China.


    On Weibo.


    "The smog can stop guided missiles?"


    "The smog can stopsers?"


    "The smog can stop paratroopers?"


    "Stop your sister!"


    "Misleading! This is fucking misleading!"


    "Hahahahahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, I''m dying ofughter! I can''t take it anymore!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang just doesn''t fucking give up on saying astonishing things!"


    "Fellow Chi has been totally confused by him!"


    "This fellow is too good at bullshitting! Yesterday, he imed that kelp can be turned into a strategic weapon. Today, he''s fucking saying that smog can also be a strategic weapon!"


    "Teacher Zhang, enough! This is really enough!"


    "I''m not convinced by anyone other than Zhang Ye!"


    "How can he be soical!"


    ��


    On the Web.


    "Oh my god!"


    "Smog?"


    "Just what is he thinking!"


    "W-Would this really work?"


    "Scientifically speaking, it really seems usible!''


    "*faints*"


    "That''s clearly nonsense!"


    "Do you guys really believe him?"


    "This is even more ridiculous than submarines getting entangled by kelp!"


    "This guy even calls himself a military expert?"


    "This is the most misleading military expert in history!"


    "I''ll admit it. This Chinese guy has really seeded. He has seeded in bringing me such joy! Hahahahahaha!"


    "In the future, I will really not trust anything that a Chinese person says!"


    ��


    The whole world was in heated discussions!


    The whole world wasughing hard at this!


    On this day, another phrase went viral!


    Smog that stopssers!

 Chapter 1623 - Meteorites that destroy carriers!

    <h4>Chapter 1623 - Meteorites that destroy carriers! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    At a US Department of Defense press conference.


    The press conference was being held to answer questions on the recent public concerns about defense budget overspending and weapons exports. But before they could even answer a few questions, a female reporter from one of the well-known American media outlets raised her hand and stood up to ask a question.


    The female reporter asked, "Is America''stestser weaponry really ineffective against a smog-ridden China?"


    The DOD official was clearly taken back. "Huh?"


    The female reporter asked again, "Is China''s kelp really the nemesis of our nuclear submarines?"


    The DOD official was stunned. "What?"


    The female reporter raised yet another question. "With China so smoggy, can our paratroopers parachute onto the maind?"


    Smog?


    Kelp?


    Parachute?


    The entire venue was quiet!


    The reporters at the press conference were speechless.


    The American people were speechless.


    People around the world were speechless.


    In the end, that DOD official did not answer the female reporter''s questions during the live broadcast. This was because he did not know how to answer her. He probably had not seen the interview on the Central TV International Channel. However, from theughter of the reporters present, it could be seen that many of them knew what this was about. The program that Zhang Ye was on had attracted a lot of discussion in many countries around the world. Some people thought that he was talking nonsense, but others felt that Zhang Ye''s ims were reasonable. Whether it was the smog or kelp, they all had a scientific basis to them.


    This was also why a lot of people didn''t know what to do.


    Because even though they knew this guy was fucking bullshitting, there was no way they could refute his nonsense!


    ��


    In China.


    The online stores were selling their products like hotcakes again.


    ["Smog that stopssers" cup]


    ["Smog that stops guided missiles" cell phone case]


    ["Smog that stops paratroopers" mask]


    And so on and so forth. All of these products were sold out.


    On Weibo.


    "I''ve had such a goodugh these past two days."


    "Me too, the entire world has been tickled funny by Zhang Ye!"


    "The funniest thing to happen was the DOD''s press conference. Did anyone see it?"


    "Hahahaha, I watched that!"


    "Zhang Ye''s bullshit has arrived in America!"


    "They really took it seriously?!"


    "The US DOD officials were probably stunned by those questions!"


    "That''s right, these new strategic weapons have all been made kaput by Face-smacking Zhang with a single sentence. This guy''s bullshitting skills are astonishing!"


    "There''s still another episode tonight!"


    "Right, it''s the final episode!"


    "I''m really anticipating it!"


    "Let''s see what he will say today! Hahaha!"


    "I love Zhang Ye!"


    "I love him too! This fellow is always able to bringughter to people!"


    ��


    In the morning.


    At Central TV.


    Zhang Ye was on the phone with General Li.


    "As I was saying, Professor Zhang."


    "What is it, Old Li?"


    "It''s thest episode. Can you stop fooling around?"


    "I wasn''t fooling around."


    "Can''t you be more serious at the appropriate times?"


    "I''ve always been serious."


    A distance away, the Central TV International Channel''s staff were all exuberant. This was due to the fact that their viewership ratings achieved yet another high. It was so high that it was shocking!


    Domestically!


    Abroad!


    The viewership ratings had exploded!


    Actually, in China, a lot of people just treated this as a passing matter that amused them. They did not care about what Zhang Ye said, nor if his methods were feasible. They only knew that due to the Zhang Ye effect, the world was bing more and more receptive towards China. This was something that no celebrity in the history of China had achieved before, as even the US DOD had been confused by Zhang Ye''s ims. Who else could do something like that?


    ��


    That same night.


    The show started.


    Parties gathered from all over.


    The entire world was watching.


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    His father said, "It''s on."


    His mother said angrily, "If this kid spouts nonsense again today, I''ll beat him to death!"


    His father also felt somewhat helpless.


    ��


    At Spring Garden''s ce.


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    "Hahahaha, it''s finally beginning!"


    "Let''s see what strategic weapons will fall to Zhang Ye''s ims today!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    "I really have to take my hat off to Director Zhang."


    "Director Zhang has been pushed into the global limelight these few days!"


    "It''s a good thing. Our poprity is going to grow again."


    ��


    India.


    "It''s starting!"


    "Let''s see how this fellow is going to bullshit today!"


    "Who cares about submarines andsers? The greatestbat strength in the world is the aircraft carrier!"


    "Yeah, build an aircraft carrier if you''re so capable!"


    ��


    America.


    "Nothing the Chinese say makes any sense."


    "That''s right. As long as we have aircraft carriers, any theories theye up with are hogwash."


    "The Chinese do not have any aircraft carriers yet, right?"


    ��


    On TV.


    Yu Yingyi had put on a heavier makeup today, while Chi Xue who hardly put on any makeup usually was requested by the program team to dress up a little more. This was because they knew that it wasn''t just the locals who were watching CTV International. The overseas viewership numbers had exploded to a new high. Therefore, just by sitting there, they were responsible for portraying the image of China. Of course, Zhang Ye still kept to his usual look. He didn''t put any makeup on, and he was still dressed in those clothes. He rarely bothered about his appearance. However, in the current situation, this fellow probably did not have much of an image to speak of anyway.


    Zhang Ye.


    Bullshit king.


    These two words had been associated with him by many of the audience members both at home and abroad.


    Yu Yingyi smiled and said, "Wee to this episode of our Army Day Special. We meet again. I read some news this morning about the US DOD''s press conference that took ce recently. Did you hear about it, Fellow Chi?"


    Chi Xue gave a wry smile. "I saw it too."


    Yu Yingyiughed and said, "Fellow Zhang''s battle tactics have astonished a lot of people, and manyizens around the world are debating about them. Fellow Zhang, what is your opinion on this?"


    Zhang Ye said nonchntly, "It''s good to debate over such things. Being involved in the military and weapons development, there are times when we cannot just confine ourselves to technology. A battle can be fought in many ways. I am only offering everyone something to think about. Some might agree, while others would disagree. All of this is to be expected."


    Chi Xue shook her head. "I think I still have my reservations regarding Fellow Zhang''s conjectures."


    Yu Yingyi said, "Looks like Fellow Chi and Fellow Zhang''s debate will continue today."


    Chi Xue nodded. "That''s right, I still insist on sticking with technology."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s not wrong to stick with technology, but there are times when it would take time to catch up with technology. Let me offer you an example. Take for example that China has been embroiled in a war and our technology is as-is. The weapons and equipment that we have are just what we have, with only that many fighter jets and tanks avable. How will we fight the war? How are we going to use the existing weapons to effectively attack the enemy? I think this is what we have to consider."


    Chi Xue said, "These words are quite sensible."


    Yu Yingyi said, "Speaking of war, there is a term that we cannot avoid: aircraft carriers."


    Chi Xue acknowledged her and said, "We still can''t build our own aircraft carriers at the moment. This is where there is a difference in technology levels and we have to admit it."


    Yu Yingyi said, "An expert once said, ''Whoever has aircraft carriers shall rule the world.''"


    Chi Xue said, "In modern warfare, under the circumstances of not resorting to nuclear weapons, I agree with that statement."


    Yu Yingyi asked, "What about Fellow Zhang?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I disagree."


    Chi Xue started bickering with him again. "I also would like to see our Chinese military growing stronger and have the most advanced weapons in the world. But based on our current technology, we still can''t do that. There''s no way to avoid the issue that our weakness is in not having any aircraft carriers. I also know that our military has been sparing no efforts in this area of research. I didn''t have a chance to participate in this project, but I believe Fellow Zhang should have, right? You definitely know how important an aircraft carrier is to a country''s military."


    Zhang Ye said, "An aircraft carrier is indeed very important, but it is not invincible. It can still get blown up."


    But Chi Xue said, "How would it get blown up? With guided missiles and bombing? But have you considered the presence of the carrier''s destroyer escort? Do you think they''re there on a sightseeing tour? There are jamming systems, interceptor missiles, and arge array of defense systems aboard an aircraft carrier, and this is not taking into ount the aircraft on the carrier yet. If an aircraft carrier is so easily sunk, it wouldn''t be called an aircraft carrier."


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "I feel that you have deified the aircraft carrier."


    Chi Xue said in annoyance, "What ways do you have to deal with them?"


    Yu Yingyi had a bad feeling about this. "Fellow Zhang has thought up another new strategy?"


    Zhang Ye thought about it for a moment before saying, "Of course I have."


    Chi Xue wasn''t convinced. "What method do you have?"


    Zhang Ye said shockingly, "Meteorites!"


    In this moment.


    In this instant.


    The world fell silent again!


    Countless people around the world felt their jaws drop!


    No one could have expected this fellow to blurt out something like that!


    Yu Yingyi said in a stunned manner, "M-Meteorites?"


    Zhang Ye continued, "It is the nemesis of an aircraft carrier. For example, I''ll provide a train of thought here. We can create a massive meteor shower to do it. But how do we create something like that? We can use rockets to transport arge number of rocks or simr materials into space. Then, with great nning, we can determine the direction that the aircraft carrier is traveling in to determine the target''s location. By detonating the rocket, we can create a dense meteor shower that will strike a devastating blow to the aircraft carrier and its aircraft!"


    Chi Xue said in shock, "Impossible!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and asked, "Why is it impossible? What are meteors? They''re just rocks. Its biggest advantage lies in the fact that it is not a guided missile and does not react to electromaism. So what if the aircraft carrier deploys its jamming systems? An EMP? Go ahead and try! They''re just rocks, so how are you going to jam them? If they send out their destroyers to intercept the attack? Those are rocks, hundreds of thousands of rocks. Try intercepting those. Even if you can intercept 10 or a 100, could you intercept 10,000? A 100,000? In the face of a meteor shower, what is the use of technology? It''s basically useless."


    Chi Xue said, "This��"


    Yu Yingyi said, "Does a meteor shower have such power?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Of course it does. When the rocks fall, they do so at speeds of Mach 10 to Mach 30. What does that mean? It means that even if an egg-sized rock were to fall down to earth, it would prate a 15 to 20 cm-thick steel te!" He gestured with his hands. "What would that mean for an aircraft carrier? Even if just five rocks were to hit the carrier, it would immediately sink!"


    ��


    The final episode ended its broadcast!


    The entire world was thrown into disarray as a result!


    Nobody knew how to react to Zhang Ye''s bullshit!


    First, he talked about kelp that entangled submarines!


    Then, he talked about smog that stoppedsers!


    And now?


    He''s fucking talking about meteorites destroying carriers?


    Teacher Zhang! Would you die if you don''t bullshit like this?!

 Chapter 1624 - China’s spiritual military strategist!

    <h4>Chapter 1624 - China��s spiritual military strategist! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the Web.


    Countlessizens from countries all over the world were criticizing like crazy!


    A Japaneseizen: "That Chinese guy is so full of bullshit!"


    A Koreanizen: "He really dares to talk big! Even an aircraft carrier is unable to escape his viciousness!"


    An Indianizen: "Meteorites that destroy carriers? Why don''t you just die!"


    A Frenchizen: "After the nuclear submarines andser weaponry, aircraft carriers have now been given the death sentence by the Chinese as well!"


    An Englishizen: "I can''t stand to look at the tactics that the Chinesee up with. They''re so powerful that even a carrier is not a threat to China anymore!"


    A Germanizen: "*faints*"


    A Canadianizen: "I''m fucking kneeling to China!"


    A Pakistaniizen: "How impressive, my Chinese bro! You''re all so powerful!"


    An Americanizen: "Based on your arguments, nuclear submarines would not be able to enter your waters because of the kelp, the smog would preventser weaponry from hitting you, affect the visualizations of guided missiles, and prevent paratroopers from parachuting down. And now, even aircraft carriers have be paper tigers? Using a meteor shower to destroy them? Fuck you! Doesn''t that make China invincible to the entire world? Who else could beat you that way!"


    A Russianizen: "Hahahahahaha!"


    A Dutchizen: "Zhang Ye��China''s spiritual military strategist!"


    A Pakistaniizen: "How impressive, my Chinese bro! I''m so proud of you all!"


    An Egyptianizen: "There''s no one who can stop the rise of China!"


    An Australianizen: "This is the first time I''ve seen a military expert who can speak so well!"


    An Italianizen: "That''s right, I actually thought that what he said was very reasonable, even if I know that he''s just bullshitting!"


    A Brazilianizen: "I had thought that the Indians were the best at talking big, but it looks to me that they''re nowhere near Zhang Ye."


    Countless Indianizens scolded: "Get lost!"


    A Chineseizen: "You guys know too little about Teacher Zhang, so here''s an introduction of him again. He is China''s most amazing celebrity whose ability entirely hinges on his mouth. He''s someone who can even y ser and dribble the ball with his mouth alone. So you guys should be d that this program only ran for three episodes. If it were thirty episodes long, all of the world''s weapons systems would get taken apart by Face-smacking Zhang''s mouth. Not a single one of them would make it out intact!"


    The Pakistaniizen: "How impressive, my Chinese bro! You guys are so impressive!"


    The Americanizen was speechless.


    America.


    Japan.


    Korea.


    Russia.


    The UK.


    The entire world was criticizing Zhang Ye.


    Only the Pakistani brethren gave him their full support.


    ��


    On the same night.


    In the international news.


    "China''s television program gets the attention of many!"


    "China''stest military strategies?"


    "An aircraft carrier or a paper tiger?"


    "China''s battle tactics shock the world!"


    "Seven American-linked OEMs 1 withdraw from China. What is the reason for this?"


    "Is America''s reason for withdrawing its OEM factories to help reduce China''s smog?"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    After recording the episode at the Central TV International Channel in the morning, Zhang Ye spent the rest of the day at the studio where he and his studio''s staff watched the show together. When it ended, they went online to have a look, only to discover the Web filled withints about him. He chuckled but did not take it seriously.


    Little Wang sprawled out on a table. "Hahahahaha!"


    Ha Qiqi burst outughing as well. "How long are you going tough?"


    Little Wang clutched her belly. "Aiyo, I can''t take it anymore. Let meugh a little while more!"


    Tong Fuughed until he cried after seeing thements left by the world''sizens and reading the international news.


    "Director Zhang is amazing!"


    "Director Zhang''s eloquence is unmatched in the world!"


    "Pfft��hahahaha!"


    "I was really tickled today!"


    "Yeah, I nearly diedughing over the past three days!"


    "We''re gonna get really popr again!"


    There wasughter all around the studio.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye received quite a few calls on his cell phone from his family and friends.


    His mother.


    His eldest younger sister.


    His mother-inw.


    Yao Jiancai.


    Ning Lan.


    Zhang Xia.


    And so on and so forth. His phone was blowing up with calls from everyone.


    It was at this moment that something major urred!


    It was a totally unexpected incident that nearly made everyone vomit blood!


    Ha Qiqi was looking at the news when she suddenly shouted, "Ah! Quiet! Everyone, quiet down!"


    Zhang Zuo jogged over. "What is it, Old Ha?"


    Little Wang stoppedughing. "What happened this time?"


    Ha Qiqi spun around and looked at them. "This year''s Global Military Rankings Index 2 has just been published!"


    "So what if it''s published?" Zhang Ye said indifferently, "What''s the big deal?"


    Ha Qiqi said in astonishment, "China''s military is ranked second in the world!"


    The studio fell silent!


    Zhang Ye eyes widened!


    Little Wang was stunned!


    Tong Fu was so shocked that his legs turned to rubber!


    "What?"


    "Second?"


    "This is impossible!"


    "H-Haven''t we always been in third ce?"


    "We''ve surpassed Russia?"


    "Holy shit!"


    "This��this��"


    At the next moment, all of the studio staff turned to look at Zhang Ye in unison!


    Zhang Ye nearly fainted. "Damn, what are you all looking at me for? What the heck has this got to do with me!"


    It was a coincidence, a fucking coincidence that this year''s global military rankings had to, unfortunately, be published at this time. Further, perhaps due to the dmissioning of Russia''s only aircraft carrier, it had caused Russia''s military ranking to slide and be overtaken by China for the first time. Logically speaking, this should be quite normal. But somehow, it just had to happen at such a critical point in time. Of course Zhang Ye knew it had nothing to do with him, and the studio staff also knew that it had nothing to do with him either!


    But this was not what the people thought!


    It was not what the world''sizens thought either!


    Therefore, when the military rankings were published, the entire world blew up!


    ��


    India.


    "What?"


    "China is in second ce?"


    "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "Oh my God!"


    "Zhang Ye has brought China to second ce in the world with his big talk!"


    "Th-This doesn''t fucking make any sense at all!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "What does China have!"


    "How can they possibly be second?"


    "Comparing their military, and the number of nuclear submarines they have, Russia has nearly double of what China has. China only has how many subs?"


    "But China has kelp."


    "Ah?"


    ��


    The UK.


    "Heavens!"


    "The Chinese are defying the Heavens!"


    "China''s spiritual military strategist has somehow pushed China into second ce with his big talk!"


    "Russia must be crying! Their military strength is not inferior to China''s! It''s even more painful that they lost due to that mouth of Zhang Ye''s!"


    ��


    America.


    "I''m gonna break down!"


    "How can it even be like this?"


    "Bullshitting can increase the ranking of a military too?"


    "If Zhang Ye recorded a few more episodes of the show, China would probably overtake America and be the world''s leading military power. It would just be a matter of time!"


    ��


    China.


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "I''m dying ofughter! I''m really dying ofughter!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang is so fearsome!"


    "That mouth of his is too fearsome!"


    "Kelp, smog, meteorites, these three new killer weapons of China have pushed China into second ce in the world!"


    "The world''s leading military duper��Zhang Ye!"


    "This rankings index doesn''t make sense at all! We should have already overtaken America and be ranked first! With a single Face-smacking Zhang, we can fucking take on ten of their aircraft carriers!"


    "Pfft! That''s enough, alright!"


    "Teacher Zhang is gonna get mocked beyond recognition soon! Hahahaha!"


    ��


    The Chinese military.


    Several of the generals were on the verge of a mental breakdown!


    "This can even fucking happen?"


    "It shouldn''t have anything to do with Zhang Ye, right?"


    "Even if we say that it has nothing to do with him, no one will believe it!"


    "This fellow is too good at inciting controversy!"


    ��


    China was stunned!


    The world was shocked!


    Countless citizens around the world were in stitches!


    Zhang Ye''s cell phone was blowing up with calls again!


    Wave after wave of family and friends were calling!


    Yao Jiancai wasughing like crazy on the other end of the line. "Hahahahahaha! Don''t stop doing the show! Keep going at it. Whether China can ascend to the top of the military world rankings is all up to you now!"


    Zhang Ye chided him with augh. "Get lost!"


    Right now, Zhang Ye was a little confused!


    Of course he knew that he didn''t have a talent for military affairs. All of what he had said was just nonsense and only done for the program''s effect. He was still putting entertainment as his main priority, so he didn''t expect that the matter would get blown up so big.


    ��


    "China has realized its dream of bing a superpower!"


    "China reaches second ce on the Global Military Rankings Index for the first time!"


    "Zhang Ye''s divine assist!"


    "China''s second ce was all down to misleading ims?"


    The media also joined in the buzz.


    ��


    Zhang Yuanqi had briefly stepped onto the international stage before, and other Chinese celebrities had also appeared on the international celebrity rankings before. Without an exception, their first task after breaking onto the international stage was to take on film projects or release an English song in order to stabilize their positions on the international rankings. Although they had all failed in the end, and no one managed to gain a foothold, one could tell just how much they valued their position on the international celebrity rankings. The first assignment after stepping onto the international stage was an extremely important one. A lot of people also thought that Zhang Ye would attach great importance to this.


    But in the end, it was theplete opposite!


    The first task that Zhang Ye did after getting onto the international celebrity rankings was to talk! Bull! Shit!


    He did so to an earth-shattering effect!


    He bullshitted until the world was stunned!


    To be able to bullshit to such an effect?


    Throughout the ages, only one person had seeded!


    On this day, Zhang Ye''s name once again resounded throughout the world!


    On this day, Zhang Ye had truly gained a foothold on the international stage for the first time!


    Moreover, he also gained a new nickname.


    ��The spiritual military strategist of the global military career field!

 Chapter 1625 - Rising in rank on the International Celebrity Rankings Index!

    <h4>Chapter 1625 - Rising in rank on the International Celebrity Rankings Index! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    The outside world was still in disarray.


    At this moment, the International Celebrity Rankings Index was suddenly refreshed.


    On the Web:


    "The celebrity rankings have been updated!


    "Are there any changes?"


    "There are!"


    "Wow, the French celebrities are going very strong!"


    "But the popr stars are still the American celebrities."


    "An American celebrity has advanced a spot again!"


    "It''s another neer yet again."


    "Thepetition is too intense."


    "What about that Chinese?"


    "Ah, that Chinese celebrity ising up too!"


    "What?"


    In thetest rankings index, the rankings of the international celebrities had changed yet again. An international B-list celebrity''s poprity dropped, and he was downgraded to the International C-list Rankings, while the top international C-lister was promoted to the B-list. Two international A-listers kept swapping ces as well. Furthermore, many people around the world also noticed that the ranking of the Chinese celebrity who had caused such a greatmotion in recent days had moved as well!


    International C-list Rankings:


    Zhang Ye (China).


    C-list ranking: #59!


    His previous international ranking was only #67 on the C-list. After this recent incident, he had shot up by eight ces. There were only a 100 celebrities on the C-list rankings. Being ranked around 50th meant that Zhang Ye was truly considered a middle-tier C-lister! To note, the international celebrity rankings were simr to the Chinese celebrity rankings. This meant that the upper ranks would require a higher poprity score to reach, almost to the point of exponentially doubling as it went further up. From this, it could be seen that the rise in China''s military ranking and Zhang Ye''s spiritual battle strategies had a great impact on his international fame and poprity.


    Many of the world''sizens were amazed.


    "Incredible!"


    "The Chinese celebrity has affirmed his position!"


    "You can even increase your poprity by bullshitting?"


    "Who was it that said the Chinese celebrity couldn''t go far in the international celebrity rankings?"


    "He''s reached the middle of the C-list!"


    "It was an Indian who said that."


    "What a dark horse he is."


    "With just his mouth alone, he forcefully increased China''s global military ranking from third ce to second ce. He deserves all this poprity."


    "This is such an unorthodox celebrity."


    "Impressive, my Chinese bro! I''m proud of you!"


    The Japanese people rolled their eyes.


    The Indian people were scolding and cursing!


    The American people were speechless.


    The Chinese people were poking fun.


    Only the Pakistani brethren behaved as always.


    ��


    In China.


    Noon.


    Zhang Ye''s house.


    "I''m smiling proudly.


    " I''m smiling proudly 1 ."


    In the house, Zhang Ye was humming and singing.


    Ring ring ring, ring ring ring. The phone rang continuously.


    Zhang Ye couldn''t answer it as he was preparing lunch in the kitchen. He said to Sisi, "Dear, help Daddy to answer the phone. Tell them I''m busy."


    Sisi clumsily picked up the phone.


    "Hello, Zhang''er, congrattions."


    "Hello?"


    "Eh? It''s Sisi?"


    "Mhm."


    "Where''s your daddy?"


    "Daddy is making lunch for Mommy."


    "Haha, your daddy is such a good husband. This is Auntie Shanshan. Tell your daddy that our old ssmates are all congratting him again on his rising international poprity."


    "OK, Auntie Shanshan."


    "Come to Auntie''s house to y when you have time. Have you worn the clothes that I bought for you thest time?"


    "Yes. Mommy says it''s very pretty."


    Zhang Ye overheard part of the conversation and said smilingly to his daughter from afar, "Thank your Auntie Shanshan. Tell her not to buy so many clothes in the future. If she really wants to, just gift money instead."


    Sisi replied in a childish voice: "Thank you, Auntie Shanshan."


    On the other end of the line, Dong Shanshanughed. She clearly heard what Zhang Ye had said. "You''re wee. Tell your daddy to stay out of this!"


    The call ended.


    Sisi went over to pass the message to her father. "Auntie Shanshan says congrattions to Daddy."


    Zhang Ye more and less knew it was a congrattory call as he had also seen thetest international celebrity rankings. This was the thing that he had been waiting for today. Zhang Ye had not expected that his international poprity would surge by so much. He was so happy that he even started humming a tune as he prepared lunch.


    Working on the show for the past few days.


    And bringing out the chief of the Strategic Fool You Agency.


    Wasn''t all of that just for this little bit of international poprity?


    Some people had thought that Zhang Ye''s first assignment after reaching the international stage was decided a little too hastily, But now, no one was saying such a thing. This was because everyone knew very clearly that the job he had chosen was actually perfect for him. It was an assignment that only Zhang Ye could handle. No one could imitate him. How could they? Could international superstar Lillian start talking nonsense on a program like that? No one would ept it if it were any of the other international celebrities who did something like that. Only Zhang Ye was an exception. They could all ept this fellow who had tripped an Indian writer at the Nobel Prize award ceremony and still brazenly called for world peace to bullshit like he did on the program. From a certain perspective, this was a "demeanor" that only Zhang Ye exuded. This demeanor wasn''t found on any of the other international celebrities.


    Lunch was prepared.


    It was packed into an insted lunch box.


    "Sisi, let''s go. We''re going to bring lunch to Mommy."


    "OK!"


    The father-daughter pair got in the car and headed straight for the Central Publicity Department.


    ��


    At Old Wu''s workce.


    When Zhang Ye entered thepound, there was a huge reaction.


    Quite a few people working at the Central Publicity Department crowded over in surprise.


    "Aiyo, if it isn''t Teacher Zhang?"


    "What is Teacher Zhang doing here?"


    "Sending lunch to Minister Wu?"


    "Aiya, Sisi has grown taller again. She''s getting prettier and prettier!"


    "Fellow Zhang, congrattions on your rising international poprity."


    "You''ve really done us Chinese people proud!"


    Zhang Ye also chatted a little with everyone.


    At this moment, Wu Zeqing and another deputy minister came out of the office building. They were talking as they headed in the direction of what seemed to be the cafeteria. It was lunchtime, after all.


    That deputy minister immediately spotted Zhang Ye. He said with a smile, "Your husband is here."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "What are you doing here?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I brought you lunch. I just made."


    "Mommy, Mommy." Sisi ran over excitedly.


    Wu Zeqing picked her up dotingly. "You''re such a good girl? Bringing lunch to Mommy?"


    Sisi nodded enthusiastically. "Daddy said that the food at the cafeteria here isn''t tasty."


    The deputy minister beside them smiled and said, "No? I think it''s pretty good?"


    Then Zhang Ye said, "About that, Minister He, don''t mind me saying this. This is a pretty big organization. Surely there can be more varieties of food being served? It''s always those few dishes getting rotated through the menu, and they''re not easily digested food either. My wife has been suffering from some stomach diforttely and gets gastric reflux at night. She''s only been eating from the cafeteria here."


    Minister He didn''t get angry. He smiled and said, "Sure, I''ll speak with the cafeteria managementter and get them to change the menu from tomorrow onwards. Minister Wu will surely enjoy the food tomorrow."


    When a nearby employee heard, he smiled and said, "I''ll go and let them know immediately."


    Zhang Ye instructed, "Make sure they add more greens."


    The employee said, "Sure."


    Everyoneughed.


    All across the country, which official''s family at the Central Publicity Department would dare to speak in such a way? Only Zhang Ye dared to do this. This was because Zhang Ye wasn''t just the family of an official, he was also China''s first Nobel Prizeureate and a Two Academies research fellow who had won China''s Highest Science and Technology Award. He wouldn''t go as far as to direct their work, butining a little about the food here and getting the canteen to tweak the menu was still something that everyone here would listen to and follow.

 Chapter 1626 - The practical usage of spiritual tactics!

    <h4>Chapter 1626 - The practical usage of spiritual tactics! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Upstairs.


    Wu Zeqing''s office.


    "Mommy, Sisi is hungry."


    "You two haven''t eaten either?"


    "Mhm."


    "Let''s quickly eat lunch then."


    "Daddy, I don''t want to eat these carrots."


    "That won''t do. Carrots are full of nutrition. Eat them."


    "OK."


    "Haha, how is Daddy''s cooking?"


    "Daddy''s cooking is delicious."


    "Old Wu, how does it taste?"


    "Mmm, it''s quite delicious, hur hur."


    Usually, it was either Wu Zeqing or Zhang Ye who would work overtime at the office. That left the family of three with very few opportunities to eat together, so Zhang Ye did not like to be disturbed whenever they could eat together. However, after only taking a few bites, someone knocked on the door.


    Wu Zeqing called out while eating, "Come in."


    Secretary Ci entered. "Minister Wu, the people from the Supreme Court are here."


    Four people walked through the door.


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Old Qian, you''re this early?"


    Old Qian was startled. "Oh, you''re having lunch?"


    "Yes, my husband brought me lunch," Wu Zeqing said with a smile.


    Old Qian looked at Zhang Ye and Sisi with a smile. "Teacher Zhang, you''re around too? I suppose we arrived at the wrong time. Sorry to disturb your lunch."


    Wu Zeqing stood up and tidied up a little. "It''s fine. Come, let''s head to the conference room to speak."


    But Zhang Ye wasn''t having any of that. He frowned and said, "But we just started eating."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "I''ll eat after I''m done here."


    Zhang Ye said, "You haven''t eaten all day. Can you bear it if you get gastric reflux afterwards?"


    Sisi also tugged at her mother''s sleeve. "Mommy, eat. Mommy, eat."


    The people from the Supreme Court hurriedly said:


    "That''s right, that''s right."


    "Teacher Zhang is right. Eating is more important."


    In the end, it was still the leader of the group, Old Qian, who said with a smile, "Why don''t we just have the meeting here. We can discuss the matter while you eat."


    Zhang Ye stood up and said, "Alright, you all go ahead. I''ll head outside to eat."


    "There''s no need." Old Qian said happily, "Teacher Zhang, you''re not an outsider. You''re also one of us legal professionals, after all."


    When the other Supreme Court people heard that, they realized it as well. Zhang Ye was a legend among legal professionals. In the history of the judicial examination, he was the only person to have gotten a perfect score on it! Others might not know about the difficulty of the judicial examination because they had never taken it before. But these people here were different. They had all gone through the judicial examination before, so of course they knew what that meant. As such, they were all in awe of Zhang Ye''s perfect score achievement.


    The meeting began.


    As Old Wu discussed some matters with them, Zhang Ye and Sisi stayed out of the way and ate their lunch.


    Listening to their conversation, Zhang Ye formed an idea of what they were talking about. The Supreme Court''s people hade over the matter of some "deadbeats." What was a deadbeat? To put it simply, they were people who legally owed money. However, these people would avoid paying their debts even though they had the money to do so. This time, there were orders given from above to crack down on such behavior. As such, the Supreme Court''s people came knocking on the Central Publicity Department''s door in hopes of finding some practical ways to deal with this dishonest behavior and make them pay up, rather than pursuing them through the usual legal court notices.


    Five minutes.


    Ten minutes.


    They couldn''t settle on a solution even after discussing for a long time.


    Wu Zeqing said, "What I can do on our side is to contact the newspapers, media outlets, and even Central TV and People''s Daily to help publish a debtors list."


    Old Qian sighed. "We''ve also tried those ways before, but the results weren''t that great. The main issue is that not enough publicity is generated this way. If we were to publish the debtors'' personal information in greater detail, their privacy will be infringed, and that''s not a line we''re allowed to cross. Therefore, these are the difficulties that we face, and they''re not easy to deal with."


    Wu Zeqing asked, "How many people are there on the list?"


    Next to them, a female cadre of the Supreme Court said, "The list of such debtors has a total of 175 names."


    Wu Zeqing acknowledged her. "That''s quite a lot of them."


    Something came over Old Qian as he looked at Zhang Ye, who happened to be scooping up some food for his child. He blinked and said, "Teacher Zhang, do you have any suggestions?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Ah?"


    The four people of the Supreme Court asked:


    "Yeah, why don''t you suggest some ideas?"


    "This matter is too difficult to deal with."


    "You are resourceful with lots of ideas and tactics."


    When they heard the word "tactics," the people in the room couldn''t helpughing.


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "My tactics are basically just me blowing hot air."


    Old Qian pped his thigh. "Even so, we''re open to hearing them!"


    Zhang Ye looked at his wife. "I''m only a family member here. Is it really appropriate for me to take part in this discussion?"


    "You''re not any ordinary family member." Old Qian paused for a moment before saying, "You''re also a legal professional. When ites to defeating these deadbeats, it''s better toe together and brainstorm."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright, I''ll say a few words then. This situation that you mentioned is quite tricky, but at the same time, it is very simple as well." He remembered the many effective ways that the people in his previous world had implemented to deal with such deadbeats. "Aren''t they just refusing to pay up? Then you don''t have to be courteous with them. If they wanna act shamelessly? Then you gotta be even more shameless than them. If they wanna be thick-skinned? Then you gotta be even more thick-skinned than them!"


    The Supreme Court''s people said, "Ah?"


    Compete on shamelessness?


    Compete on being thick-skinned?


    W-What kind of underhanded strategy is that?


    Zhang Ye said, "How about this? You guys contact the relevant mobile telmunicationspanies and get them to attach a customized iing ringtone to the cell phone numbers of those deadbeats. Whenever someone calls them, a recorded message from the Supreme Court will y before the call connects. It can go like: ''The person you are calling has been identified as a debtor by the Supreme People''s Court. Kindly urge the individual to fulfill their obligations under the legal documents as soon as possible,'' or something simr to that. This will let them know that the person they''re calling is a deadbeat."


    The roomful of people were amazed!


    Damn!


    This is indeed such a fucking spiritual tactic!


    This tactic is too wicked!


    Old Qian wiped at his sweat and said, "W-Will this work?"


    Wu Zeqingughed. "I think that it makes some sense to do it this way."


    "Th-Then let''s give it a try?" Old Qian said.


    Zhang Ye lowered his head and continued eating. "Go on, it definitely won''t be a problem."


    ��


    Submission to the courts.


    Getting the approval.


    On the very same afternoon, the document was issued.


    ��


    At a constructionpany.


    Sun He was in his office smoking a cigar and waiting for a very important call.


    His wife smiled and said, "Has the project been confirmed?"


    Sun Heughed and said, "The discussions areplete, and we''ll be signing the contract very soon."


    His wife said excitedly, "This is a project worth tens of millions of yuan. There''s a lot of money to be earned from it."


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Sun He''s cell phone rang.


    Sun He took a deep breath. "Haha, here ites!"


    But when he answered the phone, he was dumbfounded.


    The CEO on the other end of the line said angrily: "Old Sun, what''s with you?"


    Sun He said in surprise: "Boss Zhang? What''s the matter?"


    The CEO said: "So you''re actually a deadbeat? Let''s forget about the project. I''ll go and speak to anotherpany and work with them instead. You��hai, you better act appropriately."


    Sun He was panicking. "Boss Zhang! Don''t! Boss Zhang!"


    His wife panicked. "What happened? How does Boss Zhang know?"


    After a while, they finally understood what was going on!


    When Sun He picked up the office telephone to call himself on his cell phone and heard the pre-recorded message from the court, his face turned green with anger!


    An angry roar rang out from within the office!


    "Fuck your sister!"


    "Whose rotten idea was this!"


    ��


    Inside a luxury sedan.


    Two people were in the middle of a conversation.


    "Have you changed the registered owner of the car yet?"


    "Yes, it''s under my younger brother''s name now."


    "Hur hur, that''s good. Those people from the courts are too annoying."


    "Yeah, they keeping in person to look for me. Don''t they know that they''re really irritating?"


    At this moment, a call from his parents'' house arrived.


    The man hurriedly answered and said respectfully: "Mom."


    On the other end of the line, his mother did not say anything for a long time.


    The man wondered: "Mom, what is it?"


    His mother said coldly: "Little Fu, do you owe people money?"


    The man said dumbfoundedly: "No, Mom, who told you something like that?"


    His mother said: "Tell me the truth!"


    The man said: "I really don''t!"


    His mothermented: "Little Fu, why have you be like this! Pay off whatever you owe immediately. Otherwise, don''t evere back to our home!"


    The man said in panic: "Mom! Mom?"


    The line went dead.


    Not long after, his elder sister also called.


    The man hurriedly asked: "Big Sis, what''s with Mom? Did someone say something to her?"


    His elder sister said angrily: "Would anyone need to tell our Mom anything? Call yourself on your cell phone and listen to it! You! You have totally disgraced our family!"


    The man quickly used his chauffeur''s cell phone to call himself.


    "��The person you are calling has been identified as a debtor by the Supreme People''s Court. Kindly urge the individual to fulfill their obligations under the legal documents as soon as possible!"


    The man''s eyes darkened and he nearly fainted!


    "Fuck your grandpa!"


    "Who did this!"


    "You''re too fucking wicked!"


    ��


    At a vi.


    A couple was having a conversation.


    "Little Juan, I really like you a lot, so marry me."


    "My parents still have some hesitations, but they''re starting to relent a little."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll go visit your family today and convince your parents."


    "Alright. Oh yes, my cell phone has died. My mom to call your pher. Let''s select a restaurant to eat at. She likes spicy food the most, and my dad loves drinking. Don''t forget that!"


    "Sure, no problem."


    Ring, ring, ring.


    A call arrived.


    The youth hurriedly answered it with a sweet and polite voice. "Hello, Auntie."


    The woman on the other end said coldly: "Get my daughter on the phone!"


    The young man was startled. He hadn''t expected the other party''s attitude to change so suddenly. He handed the phone to the girl.


    He heard her mother railing at her: "Are you stupid or what? Don''t you know that he owes money?"


    The girl was stunned. "Owes money? Impossible! His family is pretty well-to-do!"


    Her mother said: "There''s a court notice linked to his phone! My foolish daughter! What kind of man did you find! You''ve been lied to by him all this while! Leave him immediately! Our family may be poor and average, but you must not find someone like that! Ande home right now!"


    The girl left.


    Before leaving, she even gave the young man a p across his face.


    The young man waspletely stunned, not knowing what had happened. When he used the vi''sndline to call his cell phone, he finally learned what had happened!


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Who is it!"


    "Who the hell is so wicked to do something like this!"


    ��


    On this day.


    Countless deadbeats around the country were in a state of confusion!


    They had thought that they were the most shameless people in the world!


    But never could they have imagined that there was someone who was even more shameless than them!


    The Supreme Court!


    We were wrong about you!


    Since when did you fucking be like this!

 Chapter 1627 - A brilliant reputation!

    <h4>Chapter 1627 - A brilliant reputation! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In a group chat.


    Many of the deadbeats in here knew each other personally.


    "Old Hu, did something happen to your cell phone''s iing ringtone?"


    "It got changed by the Supreme Court!"


    "Old Qi, how about you?"


    "Mine too!"


    "Will it stop if we turn off our phones?"


    "It doesn''t work that way; I''ve already tried it. Even after turning the phone off, people can still hear the Supreme Court''s message when they call in. Only after that will it say that the phone has been turned off!"


    "Can we cancel the number then?"


    "That doesn''t work either. Moreover, all the cell phone numbers, including our homendlines, have had their iing ringtone changed by the Supreme Court via the telmunicationspanies!"


    "How fucking devious!"


    "Aren''t they being too shameless by doing this!"


    "Who the hell came up with such a rotten idea!"


    "The business deal that I sessfully negotiated has fallen through because of it! It''s worth over tens of millions of yuan!"


    "What''s the big deal about that! I lost my fiancee because of it!"


    "They''re totally out to get us this time!"


    "When did the Supreme Court start behaving in such troublemaking ways!"


    "W-What times do we live in! Even a government organization has started behaving like the mob!"


    There was a wave of scolding in the group chat. Many of the deadbeats were driven crazy!


    A lot of these people were not afraid of being called out in the public notices since not many people would look at them anyway. Who had the time to check the list of criminals on the television and newspapers every day? But it was different this time. It wasn''t a public notice, but something that was a million times harsher. These people also had rtives, friends, and colleagues. Some even had business partners too. But with this, the people around them were now aware of their situation. This sort of pressure was simply too overwhelming.


    ��


    This also made the news in China.


    "The Supreme Court mps down hard on deadbeats!"


    "The Supreme Court makes its move!"


    "The ''Deadbeat Iing Ringtone'' is born!"


    "Shock! The Supreme Court resorts to unorthodox measures!"


    The news also did a detailed writeup on the "Deadbeat Iing Ringtone."


    ��


    On Weibo.


    Theizens were gobsmacked when they saw the news!


    "Holy shit!"


    "This��"


    "The Supreme Court is so smart!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, I''m dying ofughter! This is hrious!"


    "They can even fucking do this?"


    "Whoever came up with such an idea?!"


    "This move is the best! It''s so devious!"


    "I''mughing like crazy! Here''s a Like for the Supreme Court!"


    "The Supreme Court is amazing today! Beautifully executed!"


    "Pfft, hahahahaha! Is this still the Supreme Court that I thought I knew? A wicked move like that couldn''t have been thought up by just anyone!"


    "What a bright move by the Supreme Court!"


    "All hail our country''s governmental organization!"


    "When faced with such scum, there''s a need to use simrly scummy tactics to deal with them!"


    "Well done! This should have happened a long time ago!"


    "Those deadbeats have always thought that they were unscrupulous, but who could''ve guessed our governmental organization can be even more unscrupulous when they want to! The Supreme Court has yed it really well. I just want to know now whose great idea this was! What a genius! They had better get a promotion and a raise!"


    ��


    At night.


    Zhang Ye''s parents'' house.


    As he was toozy to cook, Zhang Ye brought his wife and child over to his parents'' ce for dinner.


    As soon as Zhang Ye entered the house, he called out, "Dad, Mom, I''m hungry."


    His mother stared at him. "All you know is to eat!"


    Sisi said listlessly, "Nana, I''m hungry too."


    His mother dotingly said, "Aiyo, eat some grapes to tide you over, my dear. I''ll get Pops to quickly heat up dinner!" Turning around, she said, "Go on now. Didn''t you hear our granddaughter say that she''s hungry?"


    Wu Zeqing immediately said, "Mom, I''ll go heat it up."


    His father said, "You don''t have to. You''ve been working all day."


    It was time to eat.


    His mother, who happened to have just watched the news, said to her daughter-inw with augh, "Oh yes, there was news that really tickled your Dad and me. That iing ringtone for those deadbeats stunt by the Supreme Court is so satisfying to hear about!"


    His father alsoughed. "That was a good idea! It was such a good idea!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "The idea was suggested by Little Ye."


    His mother was stunned. "What?"


    His father eximed, "Little Ye suggested it?"


    Wu Zeqing said, "The Supreme Court''s people came by to the Central Publicity Department today when Little Ye brought me lunch, so he floated the idea to them."


    "Son." His mother looked at him. "Why are you so wicked?"


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "I''m just doing a service to the people."


    His mother said in amusement, "Those deadbeats have probably been done in by you!"


    At this moment, a cell phone rang.


    It was Wu Zeqing''s phone.


    She picked up a napkin and wiped her mouth before walking off to take the call. "Hello?"


    On the other end, it was Old Qian from the Supreme Court. His tone sounded different from the afternoon as he spoke very excitedly, "Minister Wu, it''s me!"


    "It''s Old Qian?"


    "Let me give you a piece of good news. You absolutely can''t imagine it, hahahaha. Of the 175 names on thetest batch of major debtors list, 103 of them have already repaid their debts. Furthermore, this number is still increasing as we��" Another person could be heard talking to Old Qian. Then he said excitedly to Wu Zeqing: "Latest update, there are 108 people who paid up!"


    Old Wuughed. "That''s good."


    "Thank your husband for me. Thank Teacher Zhang. He has really helped out the courts this time. Let me find a day and I''ll treat Teacher Zhang to a meal in my personal capacity! You must convince him to ept my gratitude!" He then repeated: "You must thank your husband for me!"


    Old Wu smiled. "Alright, I''ll let him know."


    The call ended.


    Old Wu came back to the dining table and said calmly, "That was from the Supreme Court. 108 debtors have already paid up, so Old Qian wanted to give you his thanks. He mentioned that he would like to buy you a meal someday."


    His father was stunned. "It was that effective?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I knew it would be."


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    The various courts around the country received many calls.


    The deadbeats they had been chasing for repayment were now all actively looking for the courts.


    ��


    Beijing Municipal High People''s Court.


    "Judge Liu!"


    "Yes?"


    "I''m willing to pay up! Right now!"


    "Ah? Sure."


    "I give up, I really give up this time!"


    ��


    Shanghai Municipal High People''s Court.


    "Judge Zhou!"


    "Oh, it''s Boss Li. How''s the moneying?"


    "I''ve already paid up. Can you all quickly retract the iing ringtone!"


    "Oh, I have to verify it first. There''s no rush."


    "You might not be urgent, but I am!"


    ��


    Shenzhen Municipal High People''s Court.


    "Judge Wu, you people are too extreme!"


    "Hur hur, when ites to dealing with you all, there''s a need to do so."


    "Alright, I give up, I admit defeat."


    "Can you pay up within this week?"


    "��Yes! I can!"


    "You should have done so earlier!"


    ��


    On TV.


    Central TV News Channel.


    The host said, "Today, the Supreme Court, together with the Central Publicity Department and various telmunicationspanies,unched a special crackdown against deadbeat behavior. The effect is very clear, and as of now, 111 people have paid their arrears to the government. About 10 people have promised the local courts that they will make up for their arrears within the week. ording to our reporter''s understanding, the person who rmended this severe action that was undertaken by the Supreme Court was actually the Nobel Prizeureate, Teacher Zhang Ye. During the course of our interview with the Supreme Court, they repeatedly expressed their gratitude to Teacher Zhang Ye."


    When this news was broadcast.


    The Chinese society blew up!


    ��


    In the deadbeats'' chat group.


    "Holy fuck!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye?"


    "That rotten idea was suggested by him?"


    "Fuck! He''s too ruthless!"


    "That hooligan! That fucking hooligan!"


    ��


    Online.


    Theizens wereughing like crazy!


    "What?"


    "Face-smacking Zhang?"


    "Damn! So he was the one behind it!"


    "I knew it! I was wondering who could havee up with such a despicable strategy!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "So it was the rotten idea of our spiritual strategist! No wonder it felt so familiar! Your sister! Zhang Ye''s spiritual tactics have finally found a practical usage! And it even seeded!"


    "So our spiritual strategist isn''t just talk!"


    "It really seeded!"


    "Amazing job, Face-smacking Zhang!"


    "This is the first time a spiritual tactic has been put into practice!"


    "Would that meteorites that destroy carriers theory work then?"


    "It just might!"


    On this day.


    The reputation of Zhang Ye as a spiritual strategist became even more brilliant than before!

 Chapter 1628 - Setting sights on Hollywood!

    <h4>Chapter 1628 - Setting sights on Hollywood! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    At the studio.


    "Good morning, Director Zhang."


    Good morning."


    "You were all over the news again yesterday."


    "I saw it."


    "Oh yes, Sister Ha was looking for you just now."


    "Is there a new project?"


    "I think so."


    The moment Zhang Ye arrived at the office, he had a quick chat with everyone.


    Ha Qiqi also came down from upstairs at this time. She looked radiant. "Director Zhang, you''re finally here. I was just looking for you. Shall we talk in the conference room? There''s something big."


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure, let''s have a meeting then."


    Ha Qiqi said to everyone, "Come on, everyone, let''s have a meeting."


    In the conference room.


    Everyone got seated.


    Zhang Ye spoke first. He said with augh, "Our work has been smooth sailing recently. We''ve broken into the international celebrity rankings and stabilized our position there and fought hard to gain a certain degree of fame. It''s now time for us to think of the next step, so I want everybody to think of which jobs we should take from here. The international entertainment industry is unlike the domestic one, with a lot more restrictions to it. For example, on the issue of ethnicity, the international scene is still not that impressed with Asians. So this is another problem that we must consider carefully when epting a job offer. Let''s talk about how we should feel our way forward towards the next step. Oh right, Old Ha mentioned a big matter earlier. Why don''t you tell us about it first?"


    Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo smiled at each other.


    Ha Qiqi suddenly said, "What do you make of us going to Hollywood?"


    Zhang Ye was startled. "Hollywood?"


    Zhang Zuoughed and said, "Yes."


    Variety.


    Music.


    Television series.


    Animation.


    Comics.


    Novels.


    Zhang Ye had already dabbled in all the various forms of entertainment and industries except for the film industry, which he had basically still not touched yet. Although during his early years, Zhang Ye had acted in some supporting roles on one or two movies, he wasn''t that different from an extra on the set. So those experiences couldn''t be considered as having dabbled in film before. As such, Zhang Ye''s resume and achievements in the film industry were still a nk, nor had anyone ever addressed him as an actor before.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Right now, it''s only the film industry that we haven''t dipped our toes in. Everyone should know that film is thergest industry in the entertainment circle, with nothing elseing close. Today, more than half of the international celebrities are movie stars, with all the other countries'' celebrities still obsessed with getting into the film industry. This is because they have the greatest audience numbers, and it''s also the fastest path to fame. So I feel that we can attempt to enter Hollywood now and open a path forward from there."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Did Hollywoode forward with a project for me?"


    "Yes." Zhang Zuo smiled and said, "In fact, you wouldn''t believe which film crew approached us."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Which one?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Commando 2!"


    All of the studio staff were surprised.


    "Commando?"


    "Isn''t that a Hollywood blockbuster?"


    "It was first shown two years ago, and the global box office earnings were around 500 or 600 million USD!"


    "They''re going to film the sequel?"


    "And they''ve invited Director Zhang?"


    "Heavens!"


    Zhang Ye said, "What role is it?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "There are six lead characters in the show, with two of them being the main leads. The other four will be supporting characters, and one of them is a Chinese character that they''re inviting you to act as. It''s still considered a leading role, and I''m guessing they''re doing this in an attempt to expand into the Chinese market. Moreover, Commando 2 will be helmed by Director Wilson, a famous director in Hollywood. With him, and the fact that the first movie of the series is very well-known and performed very well at the box office, Commando 2''s box office earnings will definitely not be bad either."


    Zhang Zuo also said, "This is indeed a rare opportunity."


    Little Wang said, "Commando is one of my favorite movies of all time!"


    Zhang Ye looked at all of them. "So does everyone think this will be fine?"


    Tong Fu nodded. "It''s more than fine!"


    Wu Yi also chuckled and said, "If we can increase our poprity and fame through this movie, it will be much easier to take on the international scene in the future."


    A movie?


    Hollywood?


    A blockbuster''s sequel?


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright then. Old Ha, you''re in charge of the liaison."


    Ha Qiqi said excitedly, "Alright, I''ll go and speak with them!"


    Instantly, the studio staff were basking in this pleasant surprise.


    ��


    One day.


    Two days.


    Three days.


    Negotiating the sry.


    Auditioning.


    Holding the contract talks.


    All of the relevant processes were proceeding smoothly.


    ��


    On the Web.


    The news went viral.


    "What?"


    "They''re going to film Commando 2 soon?"


    "A Chinese person will be joining the production?"


    "Why did they get him?"


    "Are they thinking of entering the Chinese market?"


    "He''s already acting in a blockbuster film on his first foray into Hollywood? That Chinese guy is too lucky."


    "It''s a good thing that Zhang Ye isn''t the main lead. Otherwise, I would definitely not watch it!"


    ��


    In the international news.


    "The cast list of Commando 2 has been set!"


    "A Chinese actor will be joining the cast of Commando 2?"


    "Wilson to direct his tenth blockbuster film!"


    "Hollywood has set its sights on the Chinese market?"


    ��


    The outside world was bursting with excitement.


    But just before the movie was about to start shooting, just as Zhang Ye''s contractual talks were about to be finalized, an unexpected incident happened.


    At a press conference.


    The famous American director, Wilson, bluntly said, "After negotiations with different parties, we havee to a decision to not hire the Chinese celebrity. The Chinese film market is still not mature and regted yet. I don''t wish to affect our film''s production and quality just because of the overseas box office earnings in China. Therefore, after discussions with the production studio, we have arrived at a decision. The role that was originally nned for Zhang Ye will be taken over by the Japanese star Seta."


    An American reporter hurriedly asked, "Then why did you choose to invite Zhang Ye then?"


    Wilson shook his head and chuckled. "He was invited by the investors, but I have always been against it."


    A female reporter said, "Seta''s clearly not as popr as Zhang Ye, so why did you make the decision?"


    Wilson said indifferently, "This is a consideration we made based on aprehensive number of factors. We have judged that Seta would be more suitable for this role, and his acting and image are also better."


    The reporter followed up with, "Are you trying to hype up the movie using the name of a Nobel Prize winner?"


    Wilson said disdainfully, "Is there a need to hype up our movie?"


    ��


    The news got out.


    A heated discussion followed on the Web.


    A Japaneseizen: "This is great!"


    Another Japaneseizen: "I like Seta!"


    An Indianizen: "As long as Zhang Ye isn''t starring in it, I''ll watch it."


    A UKizen: "Surely it''s not good to go back on their word like this, right?"


    A Frenchizen: "Does this mean they''re giving up on the Chinese market?"


    An Americanizen: "That''s not called giving up. With Wilson''s reputation and the brand name of Commando, the Chinese people would still watch it all the same even without a Chinese star acting in it. Their country''s film market has always been dominated by Hollywood productions since there aren''t any outstanding domestic movies. The six months'' box office earnings of their domestic moviesbined wouldn''t even match what a single movie of ours can earn. So the Chinese market is negligible."


    A Canadianizen: "Zhang Ye has failed in his bid to enter Hollywood."


    An Australianizen: "Hur hur. There''s a saying in China that goes ''losing the first battle,'' meaning ''getting off on the wrong foot.'' I''m guessing he won''t have an easy time in the future."


    A Russianizen: "The international entertainment circle is already a very difficult ce for a Chinese celebrity to survive in. Zhang Ye has probably gone the furthest that he can."


    A Koreanizen: "Although I don''t really like Zhang Ye either, I can say that he isn''t someone who can be bullied this way. I think Director Wilson''s behavior was too hasty."


    An Americanizen: "Hur hur, since when did Koreans start speaking up for the Chinese?"


    The Koreanizen: "I''m not speaking up for him. I''m just trying to tell you that you guys know too little about Zhang Ye. Trying to use him to hype up the movie? Going back on your word like this? Based on my understanding of Zhang Ye, he absolutely will not take this lying down. Director Wilson and Hollywood are behaving too carelessly. At least in Asia, no matter how much one might dislike Zhang Ye, even if they''re a Korean or Japanese director, no one would dare to make fun of Zhang Ye like this! Besides, you can''t imagine how united the Chinese are! You have absolutely no idea of what the name Zhang Ye means to their country. Wilson has cut himself off from the Chinese market."


    An Americanizen mocked: "The Chinese film market''s box office earnings in recent years have indeed exploded. There are already movies that can reach earnings of around 700 to 800 million. But remember this: That is not in USD, but RMB. Besides, any of our blockbusters can already easily earn 700 to 800 million USD!"


    Another Americanizen: "That''s right. It''s too bad that Wilson is the director, so he can choose not to use him if he wants. If Zhang Ye is so capable, let him make his own movie!"

 Chapter 1629 - Zhang Ye is going to make a movie!

    <h4>Chapter 1629 - Zhang Ye is going to make a movie! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In China.


    Be it the public.


    Or the media.


    Or even the entertainment circle.


    It blew up everywhere in an instant!


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "Damn, what the hell!"


    "Aren''t they purposely ying with us?"


    "What''s so great about Hollywood! Do you guys think you''re that impressive?!"


    "So you think that our Chinese market is negligible? Why don''t you die instead!"


    "Don''t you believe that we''ll one day make a Chinese movie that will outperform your box office earnings? There''s nothing that''s impossible in this world!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang didn''t beg to appear in your movie. If you had found him unsuitable during the audition, just leave it at that. Why would you need to announce something like that during the press conference? And you had to drag in the Chinese market by calling it unregted? And even say that Zhang Ye''s acting and image are not good enough? That Wilson must have done it on purpose, right! And there was an American actor whose role had been confirmed earlier on like Zhang Ye but waster removed. Why was there a need for Wilson to bring it up during the press conference? It''s not like that person provoked you, so why did you have to do it like this? This is tabloidization!"


    "It''s clearly hype!"


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye has been really popr in the international scene recently."


    "Motherfucker! I liked Wilson a lot in the past. He''s a famous international director, after all. But by the looks of it, he''s really not much of a person. I won''t watch his movies in the future."


    "Right, I won''t watch them either!"


    "Boycott Commando 2!"


    "Let them earn nothing at the box office in China!"


    "We''ll fully boycott the movie! Fuck! This is so infuriating!"


    "Is there a need to boycott? Those people from Hollywood are all so snobbish and think that we Chinese people would watch a movie just because it was made by them. They''re way too overconfident. What''s more, they probably don''t know who Zhang Ye''s wife is, right? She''s the head of the Central Publicity Department. Whether or not Commando 2 will get published in China is still an unknown. The film crew of Commando 2 is really asking for it!"


    "Pfft, that''s quite true!"


    "I''ve never liked Zhang Ye. However, I''m on his side this time!"


    "Supporting Teacher Zhang!"


    The citizens were furious and showing their solidarity for Zhang Ye.


    Following, many of the entertainment circle''s celebrities and directors also stepped forward.


    Famous Chinese director Li Ke: "Don''t be putting all the me on China. We''re not as weak as you think!"


    Another famous Chinese director came forward and posted on Weibo: "The Chinese film market is rapidly growing, and Zhang Ye has always been one of the most dedicated celebrities in the Chinese entertainment industry. So please don''t speak nonsense like this, and be careful of being caught out by your words."


    Ning Lan''s Weibo: "Despicable people are always trying to make trouble."


    Heavenly Queen Xu Men''s Weibo: "I hate people who disparage others to create hype!"


    ��


    People''s Daily.


    Xinhua News.


    Youth Daily.


    Many of the news media started targeting Wilson.


    "China''s film market is unregted?"


    "To respect and be respected!"


    "The conceit of a Hollywood director!"


    "Hollywood''s arrogance and prejudice!"


    The incident blew up!


    Zhang Ye and his studio were once again pushed into the headlines of the news!


    ��


    At the studio.


    The atmosphere was a little subdued.


    Some people were angered!


    Some people were frustrated.


    Some people were cursing.


    Some people were feeling bad for Zhang Ye.


    Because of the offer from the Hollywood blockbuster production, their studio had turned down almost every job and worked hard to make it happen. Be it the audition or the contract negotiations, they had put in 200 percent of their sincerity, even asking for a very low sry, all this just to have a chance to show up in a Hollywood movie. For a time, they had thought it was a done deal. This was also the feedback given to them by the film crew of Commando 2. But no one could have expected that at the press conference, Director Wilson would take a vicious stab at them. Only now did they realize that the crew of Commando 2 had no intention of hiring Director Zhang at all. From start to finish, it had just been a plot to hype up their movie!


    They first offered an olive branch.


    Then they trampled it.


    This wouldpletely cut off Director Zhang''s future path in Hollywood!


    Little Wang roared, "They''ve gone too far!"


    Tong Fu said angrily, "Those bastards!"


    But Zhang Ye wasn''t affected. Heughed and said, "That''s enough, it''s not even a big deal."


    Ha Qiqi took the initiative and admitted to her mistake. She said solemnly, "Director Zhang, the responsibility lies with me this time. It was my problem because I was too eager for us to go forward."


    Zhang Zuo added, "I''m also to me. I should''ve known such a good opportunity wouldn''t just fall into ourps. We were all too anxious to seed."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "The decision was made by me. What has it got to do with you guys?"


    However, Ha Qiqi and the others knew and could tell during the meeting when they were making the decision to enter Hollywood, Director Zhang did not seem to care much for it. It was only because of their insistence that he agreed to go for the audition. Perhaps Director Zhang already had a hunch about the offer at that time.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Alright, let''s not try to take responsibility from each other over the matter. This incident has also taught us a lesson. We have never been the type of people to y by the book anyway. It''s clear that we aren''t suited to follow in the steps of other international celebrities, moving step by step into Hollywood by shooting one, three, or five movies and building up our poprity a little at a time. We still have to carve out our own unique path. That''s the case for the domestic market, and also the case for the international scene."


    "But now��" Ha Qiqi sighed. "��even Hollywood isn''t an option anymore."


    Zhang Zuo said, "With this negative impact, I''m afraid the Hollywood directors won''t even invite us."


    But Zhang Ye shook his head and said calmly, "It''s just making movies. It''s not like we can only do that in Hollywood."


    Wu Yi was taken aback. "What do you mean by that?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Isn''t Wilson trying to act all high and mighty with me? Since he''s issued the challenge, there''s no reason for us not to ept it."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Ah?"


    Little Wang said startled, "What are you nning?"


    What am I nning?


    Zhang Ye only had two simple words: "Get him!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "How are we going to do that?"


    Tong Fu said, wiping his sweat, "That''s a famous Hollywood director we''re talking about!"


    "I''ve already decided." Zhang Ye astonishingly imed, "We will also make a movie ourselves. We won''t go to Hollywood, but instead, stay in China to make a Chinese movie. I would like to see if we can end up with the bigger box office earnings, or would it be his Commando 2''s box office earnings that win. We''ll find out who''s the mule and who''s the horse!"


    What?


    Film a movie?


    Little Wang was floored. "W-We haven''t even made a movie before!"


    Tong Fu stammered, "Y-Yeah, we��we don''t know how to do it."


    But Zhang Ye questioned, "Wasn''t the TV series we produced also the first time we made one?"


    Zhang Zuo was already shivering in fear. "But a movie is a different matter! It''s entirely different, alright!"


    Ha Qiqi also said in panic, "Director Zhang, we shouldn''t make a movie just to get even. We''re really inexperienced in this field. And besides, the opponent is a Hollywood director who is directing the sequel of a Hollywood blockbuster. What are we going to use to fight them in the box office earnings? It''s impossible topete. The gap between our Chinese film market and the American film market is not just a small one. Th-This will be too risky. We mustn''t make such an impulsive decision."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Actually, when you guys mentioned Hollywood and making movies, I got some ideas. What Wilson said at the press conference has made me even more certain of it. Why is it that our Chinese-made movies cannot show their face to the world? We can''t do it? Why can''t we do it?! I''ll present to our homnd a grand gift this time! Hollywood? Wilson? Commando 2? This bro is going head-to-head with them this time! I would like to see for myself whether a Hollywood blockbuster is really as good as they im it to be! Hur hur."


    The studio staff all looked at one another.


    Everyone knew that they couldn''t dissuade Director Zhang.


    Ha Qiqi didn''t know whether tough or cry. "What movie are we going to make then?"


    Zhang Ye didn''t even think. "A military-themed movie."


    "Military themed?" Zhang Zuo blinked.


    Zhang Ye said something astonishing again. "I''ve even thought of the movie''s name already. It shall be called Wolf Warrior 2!"


    Silence!


    Dead silence!


    Little Wang''s eyes widened. "What?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Wolf Warrior 2!"


    Ha Qiqi was stunned. "What number?"


    Zhang Ye said, "2."


    2?


    2?


    Everyone nearly fell to the ground!


    Zhang Zuo gasped and said, "Director Zhang, can you not joke with us?"


    Zhang Ye said nervously, "I''m not joking with you guys."


    Wu Yi said, "We know that you''re taking it up with Hollywood, but, but you can''t make a movie that ends with 2 just because they''re filming Commando 2! The Commando series has a first movie, alright? Even if we want to film a movie, we cannot just call it Wolf Warrior 2 for the first movie of the series!"


    But Zhang Ye said, "Whoever made the rule that the first movie in a series cannot be called 2?"


    Wu Yi couldn''t find any words to refute that. "Uh, it''s true that there''s no such rule."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Then it''s decided. We''ll call it Wolf Warrior 2."


    Everyone was at a loss for words!


    They didn''t even know how to argue!


    They''d never seen this before!


    They''d never seen someone do things like this before!


    Be it in China or in Hollywood, in all these decades of the global film industry, there had never been a person who did not y their cards ording to the rules when making movies!


    Director Zhang was indeed Director Zhang!


    The way his brain was wired was totally unlike that of a normal person''s!

 Chapter 1630 - The funding is in place!

    <h4>Chapter 1630 - The funding is in ce! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    One day.


    Two days.


    Zhang Ye started getting busy with raising money for the production.


    Call after call, he checked with everyone he could.


    ��


    "Hello, CEO Zhou."


    "Oh, it''s Teacher Zhang, haha."


    "I am going to make a movie, are you interested?"


    "Ah? Make a movie? That''s great. I''m quite interested."


    "I would like to approach you to make an investment for it."


    "Who are you working with this time? Director Li? Does Director Li still need to get investors for his films?"


    "No, I''m filming the movie myself. I''ll be acting and directing."


    "What? Filming it yourself?"


    "Yes."


    "This��"


    ��


    "CEO Hu, there''s something I would like to discuss with you."


    "Please speak, Director Zhang."


    "Please give me some funding."


    "Funding? Are you making another TV series? Hur hur, why would you need to make pitches for investments for your TV series? Just a word from you, and we would send the money straight on over."


    "It''s not a TV series but a movie production."


    "You''re making a movie?"


    "Yes."


    "Uh, if it''s that, then forget it. There has been a downturn in our domestic film market''s box office earnings these days, so we''re not dipping our toes into the industry for now.


    "Alright, I''ll ask someone else then."


    ��


    "CEO Chen, how about it?"


    "Are you really going to make a movie?"


    "Of course!"


    "You want a 200-million-yuan investment?"


    "I''ll need at least 200 million."


    "A 200-million-yuan investment, could you be thinking of making a 3D movie? You''re making a 3D movie as your directorial film debut? Teacher Zhang, it''s not that I don''t believe in your abilities, but that''s 200 million we''re talking about. Ourpany alone can''t fork out such a sum. Why not allow us to invest a few million instead? You can get a few dozen morepanies and we can all bear the risk together?"


    "Forget it then."


    ��


    Onepany.


    Fivepanies.


    Tenpanies.


    Zhang Ye had approached almost every investmentpany and movie studio that he knew in the entertainment circle, but he still did not manage to pull in any money in the end. Everyone was either scared off by Zhang Ye''s desire to be a film director, or scared off by the title of "Wolf Warrior 2," or if not, scared off by the huge investment amount needed for a 3D movie. Although some were willing to put in the money, they were at most willing to spend several million RMB as an investment sum. That would be totally useless as there would be too many investors required to raise the full sum. In that case, if every party were to point him in the direction they wanted the movie to be made in, Zhang Ye wouldn''t be able to make the movie at all.


    No money?


    What could he do then?


    Without any money, there was nothing he could do.


    Back at home.


    Zhang Ye paced around the house with his hands behind his back.


    His parents and parents-inw were also here today.


    His mother said in astonishment, "Kid, are you really serious about making a movie?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Of course I''m serious. I''ve even written the script already."


    "You''ve never made a movie before, though." His father said helplessly, "Even if you''re taking it up with that Hollywood director, you shouldn''t be taking such a gamble."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Not only am I taking it up with them, I''m also trying to do a little something for our domestic film industry."


    Li Qinqin asked worriedly, "No one is investing any money in the production yet?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged and said, "The main issue is that I have no connections with the entertainmentpanies. From the moment I debuted, I''ve been on my own. Moreover, this is my first time making a movie, so it''s very normal for the investors to not trust me. Besides, most of the investors already have their own production studios and artists, so of course they would prioritize their own people when making movies. I''m also making a 3D movie that requires more funding, so they probably have their concerns."


    His mother said, "Don''t talk about them. Even I have my concerns."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Mom, aren''t you too distrusting of me?"


    His mother rolled her eyes. "You decided to make a movie at the snap of a finger, so who could trust you?"


    "If you can''t pull in funding, how are you going to film it?" Wu Changhe asked.


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands. "I''ll think of a way myself. At worst, I''ll use my own money to make the movie." He did a quick calction. "Gone With the Wind has sold very well and has earned a fair bit of royalties. Up until now, it should be around 30 million. Together with the bit of savings fromst time, I should be able to take out more than 30 million yuan."


    At this moment, Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others also came.


    Ha Qiqi asked in concern, "Did you manage to pull in any funding?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head and asked, "How much money does our studio have left?"


    Ha Qiqi was taken aback and looked to Zhang Zuo.


    Zhang Zuo was in charge of the studio''s internal matters. He said, "There isn''t much money left in the studio. I suppose we can take out about three to five million or so."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then together with what I have, we should be able to raise close to 40 million."


    Little Wang was startled. "You''re thinking of putting in your own money?"


    Zhang Ye said, "If not, what can we do?"


    Tong Fu coughed and said, "Director Zhang, why not��why not forget about it?"


    Zhang Ye gave him a look. "That''s not an option. I must make this movie!"


    Wu Zeqing was ying with their child. When she heard that, she calmly said, "I can fork out a little."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "No need!"


    His father also said, "Your Mom and I also have around two million in savings."


    "Aiya." Zhang Ye said, "You guys don''t have to worry. Besides, that money wouldn''t make a difference, so don''t bother yourselves with my affairs. I''ll think of something and definitely gather enough. I don''t believe I can''t do it!"


    This was Wolf Warrior 2 they were talking about, the same Wolf Warrior 2 that broke the Chinese box office back in his previous world. Although Zhang Ye was taking a risk by skipping over Wolf Warrior to make Wolf Warrior 2, he had already nned everything properly. In his previous world, a lot of people went to watch the sequel without catching the original first, so it wouldn''t really impact the experience. With some slight tweaking of the script, it was entirely possible to avoid any abruptness in the storyline and make Wolf Warrior 2 into a standalone movie.


    But what was the current situation?


    He couldn''t even get any investors to fund the production?


    Even Zhang Ye did not know whether tough or cry!


    ��


    After lunch.


    His parents-inw went home.


    On the way, Li Qinqin suddenly said, "Changhe."


    "What?" Wu Changhe asked.


    Li Qinqin said, "I have something to discuss with you."


    ��


    Another two days went by.


    On the Web, there were discussions of Commando 2 everywhere.


    "Commando will start filming soon."


    "Yeah, I''m looking forward to it."


    "It surely won''t do badly at the box office."


    "Whatever is showing during the same period as Commando 2 is really unlucky."


    "Director Wilson''smercial effect is bing more and more pronounced these days."


    "Haha, there''s no news from that Chinese guy either."


    "Yeah, his international path is probably going to end here."


    "That''s true. Hollywood has shut him out, so what else can he do? If he wants to develop in the international entertainment industry, movie productions are going to be a part of it, and no one can get around that."


    ��


    On the road.


    In the car.


    Zhang Ye was also looking at a lot of world news. Commando 2 had already started filming, so this gave him an even greater sense of urgency. Of course, he had reason to believe that Wolf Warrior 2 could destroy the simrly themed military movie of Commando 2. But the problem was that other than himself, no one believed him. No one would dare to believe him!


    A Chinese movie wiping out a Hollywood blockbuster?


    A Chinese director destroying a Hollywood director?


    However you put it, it sounded like pure fantasy!


    Whoever heard that would also think that Zhang Ye was bragging!


    As such, the investment that Zhang Ye was looking for just couldn''t be secured.


    How worrisome!


    How worrisome!


    Up ahead, he reached home.


    Zhang Ye got out of the car and took out his keys to open the vi''s door. The moment he stepped in, he discovered that his family members were all here. It was the weekend today, and his wife wasn''t at work.


    He washed his hands.


    Then got ready for dinner.


    The entire family sat together and started eating.


    His mother asked, "You haven''t secured the funding yet?"


    Zhang Ye said in a dejected tone, "The potential funders are all too shortsighted."


    Wu Changhe curled his lips and said, "It''s because you''re taking such a huge risk this time, boy."


    His father said with a sigh, "That bold temper of his, I really wonder who he takes after."


    His mother harrumphed, "In any case, he doesn''t take after me."


    "Oh, so does that mean he takes after me?" his father asked.


    Everyoneughed.


    Only Zhang Ye did not. This fellow was totally distracted thinking about the matter of the funding.


    At this moment, his mother took out a card and ced it on the table. "Here."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "What?"


    His father said, "It''s your mother and my savings. There''s two million in it."


    Zhang Ye clicked his tongue. "Aiya, I don''t need it."


    His mother harrumphed, "We don''t have more than that. It''s all we have."


    Zhang Ye was about to say something.


    On the other side of the table, after Wu Zeqing finished feeding their daughter, she suddenly reached into her pocket and took out a bank card as well. She pushed it towards Zhang and said calmly, "There''s 90 million on it."


    Exmations rang out all around!


    Zhang Ye was absolutely shocked. "What?"


    His mother''s jaw dropped. "90 million?"


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said, "Damn, where did you get so much money?"


    Old Wu casually said, "From the mortgage."


    Zhang Ye jumped. "Y-You mortgaged the house?"


    Old Wu nodded and said almost indifferently, "Use it. We can always pay off the mortgage when you earn back the money."


    "But what if it doesn''t make enough to pay off the mortgage!" his mother asked in panic. She said in an angry and caring manner, "Aiyo, why is my daughter-inw so foolish? This is the only ce you all have to live, so how can you casually mortgage it? What if the movie fails? where will you all stay then? What about the child?"


    Zhang Ye said anxiously, "Quickly go and cancel the mortgage and return the loan!"


    Old Wu said, "It''s already been signed."


    Zhang Ye felt really touched, but he still said, "Oh, you! How could you not discuss such a big matter with me? Besides, even with this 90 million, it''s still not enough to shoot the movie. You''re just��"


    All of a sudden, his mother-inw next to him said something.


    Li Qinqin also took out a bank card. "It should be enough with this."


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "Mom? What are you doing?"


    Li Qinqin handed the card to him. "There''s a 100 million on it, but the money hasn''t been transferred yet. The bank will credit the amount by the end of the week. Take it."


    His mother was dumbfounded. "A 100 million?"


    Tears nearly fell from Zhang Ye''s eyes. "Where did you get so much money?"


    Li Qinqin smiled and said, "After we went home that day, I had a talk with Zeqing''s father. At first, we wanted to go around to borrow some money for you. But after asking around, even though Little Mo and Zeqing''s sister''s businesses are doing alright, they don''t have that much profit. so Zeqing''s father thought that we might as well not trouble them. Since this is our son-inw''s career, we definitely have to support him. After that, we decided to mortgage the courtyard house to the bank."


    His mother said anxiously, "That won''t do!"


    His father also hurriedly pushed the bank card back. "Inws, you all absolutely mustn''t!"


    His mother said, "Even if someone needs to mortgage their house, it should be us doing it!"


    Li Qinqin pushed the card back again. "Our courtyard house isrger and can get a greater mortgage. Besides, Little Ye is our son-inw. We have always treated him as a son. Since we''re all a family, what''s there to differentiate? Just take it."


    Zhang Ye said, "Mom, keep it. How can I take your money! This really won''t do!"


    Wu Changhe said coldly, "If we say that it''s for you, just take it. What are you rambling for!"


    Zhang Ye said, feeling moved, "Dad! But��"


    Li Qinqin said, "Seeing you going out from early in the morning untilte at night to pitch investors, we don''t feel good about it. We''re unable to help out with other things, but we can still fork out this bit of money. Don''t bother yourself with anything else and just make sure to make a good movie. Show those foreigners and Hollywood that our Chinese movies can make a name for themselves."


    Zhang Ye said, "Mom��"


    His mother.


    His father.


    His father-inw.


    His mother-inw.


    His wife.


    The entire family had somehow taken out their entire family fortune and gathered 200 million for him!


    Right now, Zhang Ye really did not know what he could say!


    With 190 million raised, and his own tens of millions of yuan, that would total over 200 million RMB in funding. It was enough for him to make Wolf Warrior 2!


    In the end, Zhang Ye didn''t refuse their help.


    He gathered up all three of the bank cards and said earnestly, "Dad, Mom, Old Wu, I''ll take the money. Don''t you all worry. I will make a good movie. When the box office earnings are tabted, I will return this money back to you all several times over. I''ll consider this movie funded together by our family, so just wait, and see what I can do!"

 Chapter 1631 - Choosing the cast!

    <h4>Chapter 1631 - Choosing the cast! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    It was still the weekend.


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Everyone looked like they had seen a ghost.


    "What?"


    "What did you say?"


    "The funding has arrived? Over 200 million?"


    "It was all contributed by your family?"


    "Director Zhang, th-this is too risky!"


    "What if the movie doesn''t do well at the box office? Then what will you do?"


    "Yeah, it''s too risky. You shouldn''t be putting all of your own money into it!"


    Everyone in the studio felt extremely pressured. This was all of the savings and property that Director Zhang''s family had put into the movie. If they ended up losing money on it, wouldn''t it mean that Director Zhang''s family would have to sleep on the streets? None of them had expected Zhang Ye to actually do something like this. It was a gamble to the death over the movie. Furthermore, they could not understand why he was so sure that this movie would be sessful even though this was only his first time making a movie. He didn''t even leave a path of retreat for himself?


    "There''s no need to talk about this anymore. Making a movie is always a risk that must be taken. Now that the matter has been settled and we have the funding as well, we can finally start the show. Everyone, quickly finish the work that you have on hand. Do whatever needs to be done, and turn down whoever we can turn down. For the next few months, we won''t be doing anything else or taking any other jobs. We are going to go all out to make this movie. Our entire studio staff will form the base of the film crew of Wolf Warrior 2."


    "Director Zhang, we don''t have enough manpower."


    "Then go hire more people."


    "We don''t have any professional filming equipment either��"


    "Then go buy some."


    "What about the cast?"


    "I''ll select them."


    The tasks were assigned as the film crew officially entered the preparatory phase.


    Although many of the studio''s staff predicted that they would end up in the film crew of Wolf Warrior 2, they still turned to the Heavens for an answer in their speechlessness when they heard Director Zhang telling them this! A majority of them hade through from television stations and used to make television shows.


    But now?


    What had they been doing all these years?


    Filming documentaries!


    Shooting music videos!


    Shooting advertisements!


    Making television series!


    And now, they had to fucking shoot a movie next!


    Sometimes, even they themselves felt that they were too ballsy!


    In this world, there was nothing left that Director Zhang didn''t dare to make them film!


    ��


    At the office.


    Zhang Ye flipped open the script and started thinking.


    It was time to determine the roles. Which actors should he invite on board?


    He picked up a pen and started scribbling on the first page. However, he only managed to write a single line at the top of the page: Wolf Warrior 2 Cast (Draft).


    Producer: Zhang Ye


    Executive Director: Zhang Ye


    Screenwriter: Zhang Ye


    Stunt Choreographer: Zhang Ye


    Assistant Directors: Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo


    Male Lead (Leng Feng): Zhang Ye


    Female Lead (Rachel): To be decided


    Some of the roles still required further consideration, but he had alreadye to a decision for others.


    So he picked up the phone and called Yao Jiancai.


    Du, du, du, the call connected.


    "Old Yao, what are you up to?"


    "I''m eating out."


    "How''s your schedule looking?"


    "I''ve got nothingtely, but I''m in negotiations to take part in an uing TV series that might start filming next month."


    "Have you signed the contract yet?"


    "Not yet."


    "Don''t sign it then. Turn it down and leave your time for me."


    "What are you nning?"


    "I want to make a movie. I''ve left a good role for you, and it''s a character that only you can y. Other than you, I can''t find anyone else who is suitable for it."


    "What? You''re making a movie?"


    Then Zhang Ye made another call to action star Jiang Hanwei.


    "Old Jiang, I would like to invite you to take part in a show."


    "What show?"


    "I''m preparing to make a movie, and there''s a role of a veteran soldier that I would like you to y."


    "Ah?"


    "Are you agreeable?"


    "Make a movie? Since when did you start making movies?"


    "I just decided on it recently."


    "Is it an international-themed movie?"


    "No, I''m just going to make an ordinary domestic movie."


    The call ended.


    He gave Yu Qian''s role to Yao Jiancai.


    And Wu Gang''s role to Jiang Hanwei.


    These two were the actors he was absolutely sure about. There was no need for them to audition for their roles. This was because, during the course of filming In the Name of the People, Zhang Ye learned everyone''s acting chops, how good they were, and what they could do. He was very familiar with them.


    An hourter.


    Yao Jiancai and Jiang Hanwei rushed over.


    "Are you serious?" Yao Jiancai still had a look of disbelief on him.


    Jiang Hanwei also asked, "Are you really thinking about making a movie? You''re directing and acting?"


    Zhang Ye tossed the script onto the table. "The script is done, and the funding is secured. All weck now are the actors, so why don''t you both take a look at the script."


    Yao Jiancai rolled his eyes. "Why would I read the script? Let me ask you this first: Do you even know how to make movies?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Why would I not know how to?"


    Jiang Hanwei pointed over at two books that were on his table. "Then can you exin what these books are for?"


    The two books were:


    How to Make Movies


    What is Film?


    Zhang Ye was extremely embarrassed. He opened a drawer and threw the two books in. "Aiya, don''t be bothered by these minor details. I was just browsing through them."


    Yao Jiancai said in a speechless manner, "You don''t know a thing about making movies at all."


    Zhang Ye boasted, "I really know how to make a movie."


    Jiang Hanwei was speechless.


    Zhang Ye said, "Just tell me, are you two willing to act in it or not?"


    Yao Jiancai said dejectedly, "My contract negotiations are nearly done. Is this movie of yours really reliable?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "If it wasn''t, I wouldn''t have approached you two. How many years have we known each other? Would I scam either of you? Don''t worry, they''re definitely good roles. Wasn''t it also my first time directing a TV series during In the Name of the People? How did that end up? You two still don''t believe in me?"


    Yao Jiancai said helplessly, "Alright, I understand. I''ll turn down the offer by the other party."


    Zhang Ye looked at Jiang Hanwei.


    Jiang Hanwei nodded. "Alright then."


    Zhang Ye pped his hands. "Alright, it''s settled then."


    After the two of them left, Zhang Ye continued to ponder of the roles.


    At this moment, Ha Qiqi happened to bring in something.


    Zhang Ye called out to her, "Old Ha, I just thought of someone. What''s the name of that American star who got reced by Wilson on Commando 2?"


    Ha Qiqi was taken aback. "He''s called Jacques."


    Zhang Ye decided on the spot. "OK, Jacques, he has a very good image!"


    Ha Qiqi had also read the script. She said in surprise, "Are you thinking of getting him to y the main antagonist, Big Daddy? He''s an international C-list celebrity! Although he isn''t ranked higher than you, he''s still an international celebrity. Ours is a Chinese movie, and the role is also a viinous one. Would he even agree toe? Even if you and him were both used to hype up Commando 2, it still wouldn''t be easy to get him, right? With the funding we have, we wouldn''t be able to give him arge sry either."


    Zhang Ye said, "Help me get in touch with him. I''ll speak with him myself."


    Ha Qiqi said sweating, "You really have to gall to think that way. Alright, I''ll go and find out how to contact him."


    Very soon, they found his contact.


    Zhang Ye directly called Jacques.


    "Hello, Jacques?"


    "Hi, who are you?"


    "I am Zhang Ye."


    "Oh, it''s you? Zhang Ye?"


    "Are you interested ining to China to make a movie?"


    "China?"


    "There''s a movie that I''m producing, and I think you would be interested in it."


    Half an hour.


    An hour.


    Zhang Ye coaxed Jacques for two full hours.


    Something about getting back at Wilson.


    Something about taking on Hollywood!


    Something about how he must retaliate!


    Something about getting into the "billion-dor box office earnings club"!


    When the studio staff heard Zhang Ye''s coaxing, they felt really speechless.


    Little Wang nudged her chin. "Director Zhang is at it again."


    But to everyone''s surprise, Jacques was moved by Zhang Ye. "Zhang, I''m willing to ept the role! I''ll head to China with my agent tomorrow!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright, Jacques, I''ll be waiting for you!"


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye said, "It''s settled."


    The studio staff rolled their eyes or facepalmed.


    Ah? You can even do that?


    You''re too good at cajoling others!


    I-Isn''t this hoodwinking others?


    Billion-dor box office earnings club? That''s over 6 billion RMB!


    In the history of the Chinese film market, no more than three movies had earned over a billion RMB! But you''re so casually iming something like 6 billion RMB? Do you get ufortable if you don''t brag for a day? And the most speechless thing is, Jacques, you actually believed it? Oh my God! Aren''t you too honest a person! Don''t you know Director Zhang''s nickname? He''s the internationally renowned Great Trickster!


    ��


    Selecting the actors.


    Auditioning.


    Buying the equipment.


    Renting the venues.


    The film crew of Wolf Warrior 2 had quietly been formed.


    They were getting closer and closer to the day when the production would start shooting.


    ��


    Several dayster.


    The news couldn''t be contained any longer.


    "Zhang Ye wants to make a movie?"


    "Shock! Zhang Ye crosses into the film industry!"


    "It has been reported that after Zhang Ye''s failure to enter Hollywood, he will be acting in a self-directed movie!"


    "Movie title revealed: Wolf Warrior 2!"


    "Zhang Ye''s virgin movie production to start shooting soon!"


    "Zhang Ye wants to challenge Hollywood?"


    The news was too shocking!


    In an instant, all of China was bursting in excitement!


    On Weibo.


    "Holy shit!"


    "Zhang Ye has flipped out!"


    "Yeah, he''s making a movie himself? He''ll be the director?"


    "I''ve already said that Zhang Ye wouldn''t just sit around and do nothing after getting yed by Hollywood. So Zhang Ye still had such a big trick up his sleeves!"


    "Challenging Hollywood?"


    "These guts, there''s really no one else like him!"


    "But why do I feel it won''t work? Even if Commando 2 isn''t a box office sess, it still shouldn''t earn less than 500 million USD, right? That''s equivalent to 3 billion RMB! Besides, this is the Commando franchise, and with Wilson''s name as a famous Hollywood director, it should definitely surpass 3 billion RMB! I think Zhang Ye is only going to shoot a domestic movie, right? How is he going to take on take on Hollywood with that? If he loses, that would be such a loss of face. It would surely affect Zhang Ye''s international poprity and further prove Wilson''s ims that China''s film industry is not good enough!"


    "Zhang Ye isying down everything for this!"


    "I heard that he poured all of his family''s fortune into funding the movie! He even mortgaged his house!"


    "That can''t be true, right?"


    "It''s true. Someone from a bank revealed that Zhang Ye has really mortgaged his property. He has put all his money, honor, and reputation into making this movie! It''s like he intends to fucking fight to the death with Wilson and Commando 2!"


    "Zhang Ye is a real man!"


    "But why is the movie named Wolf Warrior 2?"


    "Pfft, how would I know!"


    "Yeah, what about 1?"


    "Face-smacking Zhang must have gobbled up the first one!"


    "This fellow really doesn''t follow the fucking rules at all!"


    Some people were cheering for Zhang Ye.


    Some people were not optimistic about this movie.


    In just a short time, the entire country was in a ruckus!

 Chapter 1632 - The cameras start rolling for Wolf Warrior 2!

    <h4>Chapter 1632 - The cameras start rolling for Wolf Warrior 2! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the Web.


    Netizens from all over the world were in a heated discussion.


    "That Chinese man is going to make a movie?"


    "Are you serious?"


    "It was reported on an international news outlet."


    "What movie is he going to shoot?"


    "I don''t think Hollywood invited him to take part in any productions, right?"


    "He''s making a Chinese movie. I heard that it''s also a military movie, hur hur."


    "He''s already an international celebrity. Why is he still doing domestic movies?"


    "He failed to step into Hollywood, so of course he could only make a movie himself. This Chinese man really has a backbone. He actually went ahead to direct a movie on his own!"


    "But what influence can a Chinese movie possibly have?"


    "Yeah, his international poprity score will surely fall sharply."


    "Does he intend to fight against Hollywood with his box office earnings?"


    "I canugh at this joke for an entire year!"


    "Instead of ying his part well as an actor, he had to go and be a director?"


    "Does he think that just anyone can direct a movie?"


    "Foolish! He''s gonna take a tumble this time for sure!"


    "Let''s wait and see how the Chinese man makes a fool of himself, hahaha!"


    America.


    Russia.


    Canada.


    India.


    The Nethends.


    Netizens from all over the world found this to be aughing matter.


    ��


    On this day.


    In the morning.


    It was the official lensing ceremony for Wolf Warrior 2.


    All of the cast members were present today.


    Zhang Ye stood there looking at everyone, then gave a short speech. "There will no incense table, no red cloth, no sacrificial ceremony for the gods today. We won''t be following any of the standard practices of the film industry here, and neither do I believe in them. I''ve always believed that man will conquer fate. A movie is made by people, not given by the Heavens, so I believe only in people; I believe in you all. I know that a lot of people in the outside world are waiting to see us make a fool of ourselves. They''re waiting to step on our faces and spit on us when we fail. Many people around the world do not value us, nor value the Chinese film industry. They never address our Chinese celebrities by their names and always refer to us as ''that Chinese person.'' They don''t say our movies by their titles either. It always ''this Chinese movie'' or ''that Chinese movie.'' This is the arrogance and prejudice that the world has against China. Chinese person? Chinese movie? Never mind! That is what I like too! I am a Chinese person, and I will make a Chinese movie to show them!"


    Everyone in the audience was listening to him speak.


    Then Zhang Ye said loudly.


    "Wilson? Fuck your grandpa!


    "Commando? Fuck your grandpa!


    "Hollywood? Fuck your grandpa!


    "Foreign movies? Fuck your grandpa!


    "I hereby dere! We have officially started rolling the cameras for Wolf Warrior 2!"


    Suddenly, cheers rang out!


    Yao Jiancai pped!


    Jiang Hanwei nodded.


    Dong Shanshan smiled.


    Jacques gave him a thumbs up.


    Quite a few people could feel their blood racing!


    In the history of all lensing ceremonies for a movie production, there had never been a person who dared to speak like that. Zhang Ye was indeed quite different from other directors. He was someone who dared to say anything and do whatever was necessary!


    The lensing ceremony was over.


    The movie started its shoot on the very same day.


    The lensing ceremonies of other film crews would just consist of the ceremony itself, and they wouldn''t officially start the shoot on the same day. At most, they would just capture a few scenes for the sake of it since the important and major scenes would require a lot of preparation. But it wasn''t so for Zhang Ye as his lensing ceremony really signaled the rolling of the cameras. He even chose the venue of the ceremony to be near the shooting location. After he finished his speech, Zhang Ye brought all of the cast of the film crew aboard a ship. Everyone was to follow the film crew to carry out the shoot today. Although many of the cast members were not required for the scene today and had free time, Zhang Ye still requested for them to follow the crew. This was because he wanted to quickly get the team to gel and for them to get familiarized with the filming atmosphere and his style of directing. This was so that they could get into the groove of filming as soon as possible.


    At sea.


    The weather was pretty good.


    The ocean breeze was gently blowing.


    The cargo ship was moored at a predetermined location in the open ocean. More than 30 African extras were already ready and waiting. The speedboats, rescue rafts, diving equipment, and waterproof cameras were all standing by.


    Zhang Ye directed the set.


    "I want the speedboats to maintain a distance of 20 meters at all times."


    "The extras will run towards here afterwards."


    "You, take a fall here, but be careful."


    "You, after you''re done filming the underwater scene,e up to the surface."


    "I need the lifeguards to be vignt here. Please take care of the situation."


    The moment Zhang Ye got down to the scene, he turned serious. It felt as though he were on adrenaline as he started taking care of all small and big matters alike on the set.


    The actors were all standing in the distance.


    "This set of scenes won''t be easy to shoot."


    "It might take up to two weeks toplete."


    "I don''t think so. Director Zhang is well-known for his speed when ites to filming. It''s not like you guys don''t know that."


    "That''s true."


    "Is this really the director''s first time making a movie?"


    "That''s right."


    "I suppose it is the first time we''re meeting as well? Why don''t we introduce ourselves to each other?"


    "Yes, there are a lot of fresh faces here that I''m not really familiar with."


    "Hello, seniors. My name is Sophia. My father is American while my mother is Chinese. I''m still a rookie in the industry, so please be kind to me."


    "My name is Ricky, and I''m a stuntman from Hollywood."


    "My name is Dolby; I''m also a Hollywood stuntman."


    Some introduced themselves in Chinese.


    Others introduced themselves in English.


    Each of them had been carefully selected for their roles by Zhang Ye. Some of them, like Yao Jiancai, Dong Shanshan, and Jiang Hanwei, had been approached by Zhang Ye over the phone and were friends of his who had worked with him before on previous productions. Meanwhile, others were chosen from a mass audition, like the female lead, Sophia. Then there were some like the American stuntmen who were rmended by Jacques. He knew a lot of people from the years that he worked in Hollywood, so when he heard from Zhang Ye the special requirements that he had for the American action stars, Jacques took the initiative to contact them. He even personally helped Zhang Ye negotiate their pay. Through this, Zhang Ye felt that Jacques was quite a good person.


    ��


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    The preparatory work took the entire morning toplete.


    But when the actual filming was just about to begin, an argument broke out.


    "No way!"


    "That absolutely won''t do!"


    "Director Zhang, you''re mad!"


    "I don''t agree either!"


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others were all getting anxious.


    But Zhang Ye just looked at them. "Are you guys the director or am I the director? Are we going to follow what I said or what you said?" Then he bluntly said, "Get ready, we''ll try out a shot first! Everyone, to your positions!"


    Ha Qiqi called out, "Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye shouted, "Begin!"


    The cameras started rolling!


    The extras started moving!


    The speedboat also drove to the predetermined location!


    Right at this moment, all of the film crew saw the blur of a person sprint across the ship''s deck. He stretched his arms out wide and jumped right into the vast ocean!


    Ssh!


    The person disappeared!


    It was Zhang Ye!


    Dong Shanshan screamed, "Zhang''er!"


    Yao Jiancai was petrified. "Where is he? Where is he?"


    Jiang Hanwei rushed over. "What''s the meaning of this?! Where''s the stuntman?"


    Jacques and several of the American actors also started to panic. "Where are the stuntmen? Where''s Zhang Ye''s stuntman?"


    "Why has the director jumped in!" The female lead, Sophia, also started panicking!


    At this very moment, everyone was stunned. There were questions marks all over their heads!


    Where was the double?


    Where was the double?!


    Ha Qiqi said with a sunken expression, "He said he didn''t want to use a stuntman!"


    Jacques hurriedly said, "How is that possible! This is such a dangerous scene. Even in Hollywood, we have our stuntmen handle them! No actor would possibly jump into the sea without any protective measures!"


    There was no diving suit!


    There was no oxygen cylinder!


    There weren''t even any diving goggles!


    He just jumped in like that?


    The people on the ship were going crazy!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Come up quickly!"


    "Where is he?"


    "I can''t see him anymore!"


    "Quick, someone, save him! Hurry!"


    One minute.


    Two minutes.


    After a full two minutes and ten seconds, a head suddenly emerged from the surface of the water. That person grabbed onto the side of the speedboat and gasped for air. The expression on his face had already changed. The rescue rafts in the vicinity and the rescue team swarmed. They were also worried out of their minds.


    Zhang Ye waved it off and shouted, "Tong Fu!"


    Tong Fu, who was in full diving gear, swam over. "You scared me to death!"


    Zhang Ye reached out and took the camera. "Let me see the footage." After scrubbing through it, he said, "No, the angle is not right. You have to move further back."


    Soon after, Zhang Ye reboarded the ship.


    As soon as he got on the ship, everyone came over and surrounded him.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Are you alright?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I''m fine."


    Zhang Zuo shouted, "Change into some dry clothes first!"


    Zhang Ye scraped the seawater off his face. "Another shot!"


    Little Wang was so anxious that she nearly cried. "It''s too dangerous like this! You''re taking such a big risk!"


    Ha Qiqi also said, "If anything happens to you, what of the film crew? How are we going to continue shooting the movie? How are we going to answer to Minister Wu!"


    But Zhang Ye was not bothered by it. "Nothing will happen."


    Zhang Zuo didn''t know what to say. "Besides, why does it have to be a long take!"


    Jacques asked Dong Shanshan, who was beside him, "What are they talking about?"


    Dong Shanshan tranted for the American actors. "Something about a long take."


    A lot of people did not understand what that meant.


    But when the Americans heard it, they were scared out of their wits!


    Jacques eximed, "Long take?"


    Ricky nearly jumped. "No!"


    Dolby yelled, "Director, you''re risking your life that way. Even a Hollywood director wouldn''t dare to lightly use a long take! What''s more, this scene is happening in the ocean!"


    Yao Jiancai asked, "What does that mean?"


    Dong Shanshan said, "I don''t know what a long take is either."


    Jacques and the others exined it to them.


    The "long take" is a shot where the camera would continuously roll throughout a scene without any cuts. Using this scene as an example, after Zhang Ye dived into the sea and wrestled with the African actors in the water to when he surfaced, the entire three minutes or so underwater would be shot in one entire take. There would be no time for him to take a breather, no cuts, and no switch in the sequence. So there wasn''t a need tobine the scene in post with the different sequences shot from when he dived into the water and fought with the other characters. This is amonly used technique in Hollywood, and it helped to create a more realistic scene to the viewer and gave them a better sense of immersion and shock.


    There were too many good points!


    The advantages were really great!


    But the only drawback was that it could be fatal as well!


    It wasn''t easy to film!


    There were even some scenes that couldn''t be shot this way!


    Yao Jiancai was stunned. "So that''s what long take means?"


    Sophia gasped. "Holding his breath for three minutes? Who can possibly do that!"


    Jacques said, "What''s more, he needs to hold his breath in an intense fight scene. You''re risking your life like this! Zhang, this is not something you should joke about! No one can film a scene like that!"


    Zhang Ye had already changed into dry clothes. "Will the nonessential personnel please step back!"


    Jacques facepalmed.


    Sophia said, "Director!"


    Zhang Ye shouted, "One more shot!"


    Three!


    Two!


    One!


    Action!


    The next moment, amid everyone''s screams, Zhang Ye jumped into the ocean again!


    He held his breath!


    Dived into the water!


    Fought the enemies!


    Roped them up!


    However, the second take still failed.


    This time, the shot went great. It had gone ording to Zhang Ye''s intentions. But the problem was with Zhang Ye himself in the end, as he was unable to hold thatst bit of breath. He choked on a mouthful of water and quickly surfaced. Shooting a fight scene while holding his breath for two to three minutes was even difficult for a martial arts master like Zhang Ye.


    Back on the ship.


    A change of clothes.


    Zhang Ye said, "Again!"


    One take!


    Five takes!


    Ten takes!


    Everyone aboard the ship fell silent. On the very first day of the movie''s filming, they were already jittery from watching. Perhaps it was only at this moment that they fully realized what Zhang Ye''s earlier words really meant. It was absolutely not spoken just for the sake of it!


    He was really serious!


    He was prepared to risk his life!


    Jacques suddenly sighed and said, "If this is how the Chinese film their movies, it wouldn''t take ten years before Hollywood gets surpassed."

 Chapter 1633 - A last-minute actor swap!

    <h4>Chapter 1633 - Ast-minute actor swap! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Two dayster.


    Beijing, at home.


    "Mommy."


    "Mhm?"


    "Why isn''t Daddy home yet?"


    "Your daddy has gone overseas for work."


    "I miss Daddy."


    "Daddy is very busy, so Sisi must be obedient."


    "Sisi will be obedient, but I miss Daddy."


    "How about this? I''ll video call your daddy so that we can see what he is doing."


    "Yay! I want to video call Daddy! I want to video call Daddy!"


    Wu Zeqing took out her cell phone and video called Zhang Ye. Although she didn''t know whether he was busy or not, she still gave it a try.


    Du du��


    Du du��


    The video call connected.


    On the cell phone, Zhang Ye''s face appeared.


    Sisi said in surprise: "Daddy! Daddy!"


    On the other end, Zhang Ye was smiling happily and saying: "Hey, my dear daughter, did you miss Daddy?"


    Sisi nodded in response. "I miss Daddy!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "Then give Daddy a kiss."


    "Muah!" Sisi gave him a kiss.


    Old Wu asked: "How''s the shoot progressing?"


    Zhang Ye said: "It''s going pretty smoothly."


    Old Wu said: "Why have you be so tan? Are you tired?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "I''m not tired. It''s just that I was out in the sun a lot. It''s no big deal."


    Old Wu reminded him: "Filming an action movie is dangerous. You must watch out for your safety."


    Zhang Ye said: "It''s not dangerous at all, don''t worry."


    After chatting for a while, they finally hung up.


    ��


    On the other end.


    At a hospital.


    Zhang Ye put down his cell phone and looked at the end of the bed.


    The doctor and nurses were helping him change his dressing while an IV drip was attached to him.


    Quite a few people from the film crew were also standing next to him.


    Ha Qiqi said anxiously, "Doctor, how is it?"


    The doctor replied, "Fortunately, he didn''t break any bones."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "See, I told you guys I was fine. You''re getting all worried for nothing."


    "What do you mean by you''re fine?" Zhang Zuo said, "You scared us to death!"


    Jiang Hanwei said with some lingering fear, "It was too dangerous today. What a close shave!"


    Dong Shanshan shook her head furiously. "You''re too good at lying to your family."


    Zhang Ye warned, "It''s very normal to get injured on a movie set, so what''s the big deal? You guys had better not tell anything to my wife and daughter. I''m really fine."


    The doctor said, "You''ll be OK after recuperating for a few days in the hospital."


    But Zhang Ye said, "That won''t do. I''m OK already. I can leave after the IV is empty."


    Ha Qiqi said in annoyance, "You have to listen to the doctor!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I know my own body. There are still two more sets of scenes scheduled today. Let''s hurry up and change venues after we finish with the shoot."


    Be it the money.


    Or time.


    Zhang Ye couldn''t afford either of them in his current state.


    He had directed many shows before, but it was different this time. Movies were still too huge of a leap forward from the television series and variety shows that he used to film. Furthermore, this was an action movie that required them to shoot their scenes across China and Africa. There were simply too many things to prepare and shoot. The extras, the explosion scene, the props, all of that meant that the movie couldn''t be filmed too quickly. Their funds were limited as his own family had pooled together 200 million for the production. Each day they dyed it was money lost, so Zhang Ye had to hurry and make the best of his time.


    But sometimes, things happened the more anxious one was.


    After Zhang Ye insisted on being discharged from the hospital, an incident happened.


    ��


    On the third day after the shoot began, the film crew''s final cast member finally arrived. It was the actor who would y the role of the spoiled brat: Song Qi. Due to the role''s requirement, Zhang Ye had invited a very popr male idol to join the cast. Although Song Qi was not an S-lister in China, he was still a big star who was a top-tier celebrity on the Chinese A-list rankings and had many contracts on a lot of productions. He had been acting in a movie that had just wrapped up filming. This was the reason why Zhang Ye gave him the green light to join the cast only after he was done with the other production. As such, he was thest member to join the production set of Wolf Warrior 2. Zhang Ye had not worked with Song Qi before, but as his reputation online was pretty good and with Li Ke''s rmendation, Zhang Ye decided to invite him to join the cast.


    But in fact, this was not the case at all.


    On the night after Song Qi arrived with his agent and assistants, Song Qi''s agent approached the directorial team.


    The agent bluntly said, "Director Zhang, why didn''t you get a double for Song Qi?"


    Zhang Ye frowned. "There are no dangerous scenes. Why would he need a double?"


    The agent said, "No one does a shoot like this. The amount of work is too great. We didn''t ask for a high sry in the first ce, so this won''t do."


    Ha Qiqi said coldly, "Song Qi''s sry is the highest on the set."


    Zhang Zuo also said, "Isn''t everyone else doing the same?"


    The agent shook his head. "That won''t do. We have to ask for a higherpensation."


    Zhang Ye asked, "By how much?"


    The agent said, "If this is how we''re going to do the shoot, then the sry will have to be doubled."


    Song Qi''s contract was worth 20 million.


    By doubling that, it would mean he was asking for 40 million?


    Zhang Ye replied, "Impossible."


    The agent said, "We don''t usually take part in productions that pay us less than 40 million. It''s even quite normal to getpensated 50 to 60 million for other movies, and that''s currently the market price."


    Ha Qiqi said, "You''ve already signed the contract. Why didn''t you bring this up back then? Where''s the logic of raising the asking price after the production is already underway? What the hell are you guys trying!"


    The agent simply said alright and left.


    But when the actual shoot began that night, Song Qi clearly started goofing off.


    His expressions were rigid.


    His actions were slow.


    He was not giving any effort on purpose.


    Even Jiang Hanwei was angered by this. "What are you doing!"


    Song Qi said, "What about it?"


    Zhang Ye lost his temper on the spot. "Get the fuck out of here! Rece the actor!"


    Song Qi''s agent immediately said, "It''s you guys who are requesting a recement, so that''s a breach of contract!"


    Song Qi led his agent and assistants off the set.


    Zhang Zuo cursed, "What the fuck is this!"


    Jiang Hanwei said, "The male idols these days have totally been spoiled by the investors'' money." He looked at Zhang Ye and said, "Don''t get angry over this. Your injury hasn''t healed yet."


    It would be a wonder if Zhang Ye didn''t blow his top!


    He immediately called Director Li Ke and took it up with him: "Director Li, we''ve known each other for so many years. Are you trying to trick me?"


    Li Ke was startled. "Zhang''er, what''s the matter?"


    Zhang Ye said: "What kind of person did you rmend me! I even asked you which male idol in the industry was most reputable and you told me that Song Qi was OK. OK, my ass! He asked for greaterpensation at thest minute and even wanted it to be doubled. When we were filming a scene that required him to perform some rolls, he deemed it tiring and fucking wanted a double to do it instead. When I didn''t agree, he acted like a bastard on the set and deliberately acted badly. After shooting for the entire night, there isn''t even a single scene that can be used! What the hell!"


    Li Ke said with a heavy voice: "That happened?"


    Zhang Ye said feeling annoyed: "I''ve already told him to get lost, so tell me, where am I going to get another actor to save the day?"


    Li Ke said in a serious tone: "Zhang''er, I understand. Don''t worry, I''ll give you an exnation for this matter."


    The call ended.


    Ha Qiqi said, "We can''t me Director Li for this either."


    Zhang Zuo said, "The main issue is who do we get to rece Song Qi?"


    Zhang Ye was also considering his options.


    ��


    In a chat group for directors.


    Li Ke put out the news. "Don''t use Song Qi ever again."


    Quite a few directors started asking: "Why is that, Old Li?"


    Li Ke gave them an ount of the events.


    "Such a thing happened?"


    "Isn''t Little Song''s reputation quite good?"


    "An actor like this has got real problems with their character."


    "Director Zhang has really been taken for a ride."


    "Alright, we know what to do."


    "This sort of actor can''t be used again."


    "No one would dare to either."


    The actors had their own circle.


    And so did the directors.


    ��


    At Song Qi''s studio.


    Song Qi and his people had just gotten off the ne when they got wind of the news through the grapevine.


    "What?"


    "Director Zhou''s next movie is going to change actors?"


    "Hasn''t the deal already been negotiated? We were going to be the first male lead in that movie!"


    "I heard that Director Li lost it in the directors'' group and said that he wants us cklisted!"


    "How can he do that!"


    Song Qi''s expression darkened!


    Song Qi''s agent was panicking!


    They had not expected the situation to turn out like this!


    ��


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    The entire film crew''s progress was at a standstill.


    Without the important cast members on set, they couldn''t proceed with the shoot.


    The role of the spoiled brat was too important to the entire show. So Zhang Ye couldn''t be sloppy about it. He needed a suitable person to y the role.


    Who should he look for?


    Who could y the role?


    He didn''t sleep the entire night and kept thinking about this.


    All of a sudden, Zhang Ye thought of a person. It was someone who was even more suited to y the role than Song Qi. However, he didn''t know if he could invite that person onto the movie. He hesitated for a long time before he finally called Ha Qiqi over to help him get that person''s contact information. When Ha Qiqi heard the name, she was stunned for quite a while.


    They found his cell phone number.


    Then called him up.


    "Hello, who is this?"


    "I am Zhang Ye."


    "Zhang Ye? Teacher Zhang?"


    "Boss Qian Jr., how are you?"


    "Why did you call me? Are you looking for my dad? He''s at the office and his cell phone isn''t off either. Is this about your movie?"


    "It''s about the movie."


    "Regarding the movie''s distribution? You can speak directly to my dad then. Based on your rtionship with my dad, it shouldn''t be a problem for him to distribute the movie for you."


    "It''s not that. I''m actually looking for you."


    "Looking for me?"


    "There''s a role that I need you for. Do you think you can help me?"


    "What?"


    "I''m asking if you can y a role in the movie."


    "You''re asking me to act?"


    "That''s right, are you interested?"


    The two of them spoke for 30 minutes.


    Noon.


    The film crew was on their lunch break.


    Zhang Ye came over in high spirits and took a boxed lunch to eat together with everyone.


    Yao Jiancai was surprised. "Did you manage to get someone?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I''ve found a person."


    Jiang Hanwei asked, "Who?"


    Zhang Ye said, "You''ll know when he arrives."


    "Surely not, right?" Ha Qiqi eximed, "He''s reallying?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "It''s settled."


    An actor asked, "So who is it, Director Ha?"


    Ha Qiqi did not know whether tough or cry. "You guys definitely can''t guess who it is."


    ��


    Later that afternoon.


    1:30 PM.


    When that person hurried down to the filming location on a private jet, when his figure appeared in front of everyone, all of the film crew members were dumbfounded!


    That person suavely waved. "Hi, Teacher Zhang, I''m here."


    Zhang Ye stood up and went to wee him respectfully. "Thank you foring to save the day."


    That personughed and said, "I''m a good friend, right?"


    Zhang Ye shook his hand. "I owe you one."


    That person looked to be around 20 years old or so.


    He wasn''t considered handsome, nor was he ugly.


    He wasn''t someone from the entertainment circle.


    He wasn''t a professional actor.


    However, everyone on set knew who he was!


    "So it''s him?"


    "I''m gonna faint!"


    "What''s with this?"


    "This!"


    He was known by many names.


    ��Boss Qian Jr.!


    ��China''s Richest Son!


    ��China''s Husband!


    ��China''s Son-inw!


    The entire film crew was dumbfounded!


    No one had expected Zhang Ye to get this person!

 Chapter 1634 - Who’s the real special forces operator here!

    <h4>Chapter 1634 - Who''s the real special forces operator here! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The actors of the two worlds were different.


    So naturally, the movie wouldn''t be exactly the same either.


    For example, there were some shback scenes of Wolf Warrior 1''s female lead, Long Xiaoyun, in the movie. This role was still a very important one, but as Zhang Ye was unable to find a female actress who was as unique as Yu Nan 1 , he decided to get Dong Shanshan to y the role instead. Even so, Shanshan had her own valiant bearing after putting on the military uniform that Zhang Ye found to be very suitable.


    Then there was also the role of the spoiled brat who was the son of the owner of an African factory. In Zhang Ye''s previous world, even though Wu Jing 2 had cast the male idol, Zhang Han 3 , in this role, the original person he had hoped to y the character was actually Wang Sicong. However, due to various reasons, Wang Sicong 4 did note on board the movie. In the end, he could only get a male idol. But in this world, Zhang Ye ended up getting the son of China''s richest man to y the character. Even though Boss Qian Jr. was not a professional actor, he was still a true-blue affluent second generation. He would definitely be able to bring the true vor of that in his role and y it better than a professional actor could. Besides, with his status as "China''s Husband," his poprity was definitely much higher than most celebrities.


    As such, it sometimes depended on luck when it came to casting the right actor in a role. The stars had to align!


    Boss Qian Jr.


    Dong Shanshan.


    Yao Jiancai.


    Jiang Hanwei.


    Jacques.


    Zhang Ye was very happy with this cast.


    This was the perfect cast to him.


    ��


    The next day.


    "Cut!"


    "Very good, this will do!"


    "After this set of scenes are done, get ready, everyone. We''ll be heading to the barracks tomorrow!"


    The dialogue scenes were more or less finished. All that was left were the fight scenes.


    But to film the fight scenes, the actors would require some training.


    Some movies would simply require the actors to fight each other with some simple props, and then add a tank in during post-production toplete to scene. However, Zhang Ye didn''t want to do that. Since he was going to make the movie, he might as well be detailed. So he was prepared to use real tanks and guns for the production. As such, this made it even more demanding on the role that Zhang Ye was ying.


    Therefore, after they finished filming here, Zhang Ye started to y the lottery draw.


    He opened up the game ring''s interface and activated the Lucky Halo (Ultra). What he needed most were skills that would be useful in the production of his movie.


    One draw��


    Two draws��


    Three draws��


    [Firearms Marksmanship Skill Experience Book] �� 212


    [Tank Driving Skill Experience Book] �� 67


    [Fruit of Strength] �� 21


    Zhang Ye was very happy to receive these.


    Firearms?


    Tanks?


    These were exactly what he needed. Moreover, the number of skill experience books he received were quite a lot too.


    Although he had eaten a lot of the Fruits of Strength before, no one would think there could be too much.


    ��


    The next day.


    Early in the morning.


    A part of the film crew were getting ready for their trip to Africa.


    Another group of actors who were involved in the fight scenes were brought to a military region by Zhang Ye.


    A sentry put his hand out and stopped them. "Show your identification."


    Zhang Ye rolled down his car window. "I''m looking for Commander Fang."


    The sentry recognized Zhang Ye and felt a little agitated. However, he still made a call to check. A minuteter, he quickly raised the barrier and let the convoy pass.


    In the barracks.


    On the drill grounds.


    Themander came out personally with a squad to wee them.


    "Fellow Zhang."


    "Old Fang, why have you put on weight again?"


    "Did I?"


    "I remember you were still quite slim when I saw you two years ago. You must have been sitting around in your office, right?"


    "No good words evere out of your mouth, you scoundrel."


    "Haha, have you prepared the drill grounds for us?"


    "It''s all been arranged. I''ve even found you the instructors too. They''re all special forces soldiers in our militarymand."


    "Alright, I''ll have to trouble you with some of my people for theing days. I mainly require them to train their firearms handling and action sequences. Oh yes, where are the guns and tanks that I requested?"


    "It''s easier to find the guns, but the tanks are a no-go."


    "Hey, didn''t we already agree on it?"


    "I thought you only needed tanks that had been scrapped. We have those, and many film productions request that from us. But how am I supposed to lend you a tank that is still in service? If you feel that the scrapped tanks look too fake, you can add some special effects. Isn''t that what everyone else is doing? Who would use a real tank anyway!"


    "Nonsense, do you think it doesn''t cost money to add VFX? Hurry up and get them!"


    "If you''re thinking of going into a tank to have a look and fiddle around as you please, I can allow you aboard any of the main battle tanks that are here in my militarymand. Your status is different since you''re not considered an outsider. But I can''t allow it to be used for the movie since this involves military secrets."


    "I don''t need the MBTs. Just get me a few tanks that will be dmissioned soon but can still be driven around. I''m not picky, Old Fang, so you''ve definitely gotta help me out with this. I have great use for them!"


    "Even if I give them to you, you won''t know how to drive them!"


    "Just get me the tanks and you''ll find out."


    During his years at the research institute, Zhang Ye had a lot of dealings with people in the military. Commander Fang was one of them, and their rtionship was quite good. This was why he could speak without reservations with him. If it were anyone else who came to borrow some tanks to use in a movie production, Commander Fang would definitely ignore them. However, Zhang Ye''s status was different, and face had to be given to him.


    When the people saw this situation, their hearts turn cold.


    Zhang Ye had his way around the barracks!


    ��


    In the morning.


    The training officially began.


    The instructors brought the trainees over. "Have any of you fired a gun before?"


    Jiang Hanwei replied, "I''ve practiced firing them a few times before."


    Boss Qian Jr. smiled and said, "I''ve been going to the shooting range since I was ten."


    Jacques said in English, "I have my own guns at home."


    The other American actors also smiled and said, "Guns are not illegal in America."


    The instructor nodded and said frostily, "OK, then let''s give it a try."


    At the range.


    Bang bang bang.


    Bang bang bang.


    The firing of the guns was deafening.


    "Ring 6."


    "Ring 3."


    "Miss."


    "Miss."


    "Ring 3."


    Someone was reporting the scores out loud.


    The instructor shook his head lightly. "You call this having used a gun before? With such standards, none of you are even at one-tenth the level of an ordinary soldier."


    He picked up a gun.


    Turned around


    And fired.


    "Ring 9!"


    "Ring 9!"


    "Ring 10!"


    "Ring 9!"


    Everyone watched in shock.


    Quite a few special forces soldiers were standing nearby, watching andughing.


    The instructor put down the gun. "And the way you hold the gun when you shoot, your stances, all of you fail! Starting from today, I will teach you how to handle a gun and Instructor Li will coach you on hand-to-handbat. I don''t care whether you''re actors or celebrities, or who brought you here. As long as you''re in my house, you will have to do everything ording to the standards of military training."


    Boss Qian Jr. picked on that. "Wouldn''t it do as long as we know how to use a gun?"


    Jiang Hanwei said, "You mean we''re going to do this for real?"


    The instructor said coldly, "This was Fellow Zhang''s request. If you have any doubts, please go and look for him."


    The training began.


    Under the scorching sun, the actors couldn''t help but feel miserable.


    Zhang Ye and the film crew stood there watching.


    Ha Qiqi gave a wry smile and said, "Director Zhang, can they really handle such training?"


    Zhang Ye said, "They''ve gotta do it even if they can''t stand it. Some of the scenes we shoot have to look realistic. It might be easy to just get a few prop guns and film the scene, but it will be obvious that they''re fake. The loading of the magazine, the shooting, all of these actions have to be done professionally. There are a lot of gunfights and fight scenes to be edited in post, so how can they not train?"


    Little Wang said in worry, "I''m only afraid that China''s Husband will quit the cast."


    Zhang Zuo was also terrified of that happening. "Yeah, he''s been spoiled since childhood and even takes his father''s private jet whenever he travels. Furthermore, doesn''t everyone in China know about his temper? Which celebrity in the entertainment circle hasn''t been scolded by him before? If he really decides to quit the movie, there''s nothing we can do about it."


    Ha Qiqi was a little bewildered. "Come to think of it, Boss Qian Jr. doesn''t treat anyone with courtesy except for Director Zhang, right?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "I know his father."


    Little Wang said, "Ah, so that''s why."


    Boss Qian Jr. was indeed very polite to Zhang Ye. This was because he knew that he didn''t need to care about the other celebrities in the entertainment circle since his family had a share of the entertainment industry with their entertainmentpanies and movie theater chain. This was why he did not have to give face to any of them. But it was different for Zhang Ye. Be it the identity of Zhang Ye''s wife, or the status of Zhang Ye as a Nobel Prize winner, or the rtionship between Zhang Ye and his father, he would have to treat him with courtesy at all times. Zhang Ye was the only person to be personally weed by his father out in the yard of their house when he went over to visit them. Moreover, the entire world knew that his father, Qian Haitao, was a fan of Zhang Ye''s calligraphy too, and Zhang Ye''s Preface to the Orchid Pavilion was still up on the walls of their home. Other than his father, no one in the family could touch it.


    Noon.


    The actors were drenched in sweat and nearly dehydrated.


    Zhang Ye came out from the shade at this time. "Get some rest."


    The instructor nodded. "Take a break!"


    Jiang Hanwei gulped down two bottles of water.


    Boss Qian Jr. copsed into a chair and didn''t get up.


    Zhang Ye said, "Great work, everyone. Please endure it. Our film crew will be headed to Africa tomorrow to shoot some scenes and won''t be back for some time. I''ll need you all to continue training until I''m back to shoot the scenes in China. I also hope that by the time I''m back, I''ll be able to see everyone''s improvement and results."


    Jiang Hanwei was much older and couldn''t really bear this. "How many days will you be away?"


    Zhang Ye said, "If everything goes smoothly, about 10 to 14 days. If progress is slow, maybe an entire month."


    Boss Qian Jr. got a little cranky. "Director, if I may say something, you keep telling us to practice this and that, yet you as the main lead have not been practicing at all."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "I don''t need to practice."


    Boss Qian Jr. was dumbfounded. "Why don''t you need to practice?"


    Nearby, the instructor and special forces soldiers all looked at him.


    Jacques looked at him.


    Jiang Hanwei blinked.


    That''s right.


    Why don''t you need to practice?


    Zhang Ye shrugged without saying a word. He calmly walked to the shooting range. Looking down, he picked up a gun. Then he swapped magazines and reloaded before raising the gun to take aim.


    Bang bang bang bang bang bang bang!


    The soldier reported the scores in shock.


    "Ring 10!"


    "Ring 10!"


    "Ring 10!"


    "Ring 10!"


    There were a total of seven shots!


    All of them hit the bullseye!


    Boss Qian Jr. nearly fell out of his chair!


    Jiang Hanwei was dumbfounded!


    Jacques was dumbfounded!


    Ha Qiqi was dumbfounded!


    The instructor was dumbfounded!


    The special forces soldiers were dumbfounded!


    Commander Fang, who was standing in the distance, was also dumbfounded!


    The entire drill grounds were silent!


    After putting down the gun, Zhang Ye slowly walked back and spread his hands, saying, "I told you I didn''t need any practice."


    Boss Qian Jr. eximed, "Fuck! You''re amazing!"


    In the distance, the rolling of tank treads suddenly rumbled, making a lot of noise.


    Four old tanks that had already been dmissioned slowly drove over. The sound attracted everyone''s attention. Ha Qiqi, Little Wang, and many of the others were seeing a real tank for the first time. They were a little awed. They finally understood why Zhang Ye had insisted on using a real tank. A real tank and a tank that was added in with VFX were clearly different.


    The tanks came to a stop.


    The tank crew crawled out of it.


    The soldiers saluted. "Reporting in, Commander. The mission isplete!"


    Commander Fang acknowledged them. Then he turned to look at Zhang Ye. "Will these do?"


    Zhang Ye was overjoyed. "If you had something this good, you should have brought them out sooner! Why did you keep dancing around the subject!"


    Commander Fang said in a speechless manner, "Even if I brought them out, you wouldn''t know how to operate them."


    But in the next instant, Zhang Ye walked up and touched a tank affectionately. Then he leaped up and got into the cockpit of the tank. Under the stunned gazes of everyone, the tank suddenly started moving after several seconds. The tank rolled along the drill grounds for dozens of meters before drifting anding to a perfect stop!


    Zhang Ye opened the hatch and popped out. "Not bad, I''ll take these!"


    Everyone was extremely confused!


    Commander Fang''s jaw had dropped!


    Boss Qian Jr. was dumbfounded!


    Ha Qiqi nearly vomited blood!


    The instructor and many of the special forces soldiers were also stunned by what they were seeing!


    What the fuck!


    You know how to drive a tank?


    And you can even fucking drift it?!


    Then they thought about Zhang Ye''s marksmanship!


    And remembered how Zhang Ye seemed to have flown a civilian aircraft before as well!


    These special forces soldiers even started to suspect that Zhang Ye could drive an aircraft carrier away if they got him one!


    What kind of person was this!


    Are you the special forces operator or are we the special forces operators?!

 Chapter 1635 - A very scary Chinese film crew!

    <h4>Chapter 1635 - A very scary Chinese film crew! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Soon after.


    "Alright, I''ll be off then."


    "OK."


    "Everyone, train hard."


    "Ah, OK."


    "Oh yes, Old Fang, teach them how to load the tank shells as well."


    "Alright, I got it. Don''t worry, just leave them to me."


    "Thanks."


    Then Zhang Ye left with the film crew.


    Boss Qian Jr., Jiang Hanwei, Jacques, and some of the American actors couldn''t help but stare in awe. The rest of the special forces soldiers were also dumbfounded. Everyone''s eyes were fixated on Zhang Ye and the film crew''s cars as they drove out of the barracks. It wasn''t until they left that the group of people finally came back around. Looking at the target shot full of tens, and then looking at the tank that had drifted to a stop, they realized how infuriating it was topare people.


    Ricky sighed, "The director is ridiculous."


    Dolby wiped his sweat off. "This marksmanship, even our SEAL teams are probably no better than this."


    "And the tank, can it even drift like that?" Jacques said in a speechless manner, "What does he not know?"


    Ricky said, "The director must have specially trained in these areas. He''s a military expert who is also involved in the development of military weapons, so it''s very normal for him to be familiar with such weapons systems."


    When he heard the words "military expert," Boss Qian Jr. nearly wanted to curse and swear.


    Dolby forced a smile. "That''s right. If wepare martial arts, the director would probably fare much worse than us."


    Jacques said, "He doesn''t need to know much about martial arts since we''re just filming a movie. All the moves are fake and just for show. They''re all choreographed fights, although I''m looking forward to sparring with Zhang Ye. When he gets back, the scenes left to shoot will all be action scenes. It''d be good to get to know each other''s skills in advance so that we can try to avoid injuring the director."


    Boss Qian Jr. turned eager and said, "When he''s back, I also want to spar with him!"


    The instructor for hand-to-handbat said, "Then you will all have to practice hard in theing days."


    Jiang Hanwei said in a speechless manner. "It''s useless even if we practice hard."


    Boss Qian Jr. looked over. "It''s useless?"


    Jiang Hanwei asked them, "You guys want to spar with him?"


    "Yeah." Jacques said.


    Dolby also said with augh, "We can''t beat him at shooting, nor do we know how to drive a tank. But we''re action stars, and me, Ricky, and the others started out as stuntmen. What danger have we not been through? We''ve been sparring with real knives and guns all this time, so we definitely won''t do worse than the director."


    They were very confident in their skills.


    Jiang Hanwei rolled his eyes. "Then go ahead and try him."


    They didn''t catch the true meaning in Jiang Hanwei''s words and even very eagerly tried out a few moves.


    Firing weapons.


    Hand-to-handbat.


    Loading tank shells.


    Their daily training began.


    ��


    Several dayster.


    Africa.


    In the savanna.


    There was a tense atmosphere surrounding the film crew.


    This was because there were several fearsome lions in a cage not far away.


    Zhang Ye stood there and kept reminding, "Today''s scene is very dangerous. I''ll repeat myself again. Sophia, the rest of the crew, all of you must watch out for your safety. Even though the animal trainers are around, that doesn''t mean no idents can happen when the cage is opened. So once the cameras start rolling, I want all of you to be ready to run for your lives. If the situation does not seem right, don''t wait for me to shout ''cut.'' I want everyone to run to the safety zone, understand?"


    "Understood!"


    "Got it, Director!"


    Everyone answered in a weak voice.


    The female lead, Sophia, was in the jeep and constantly trying to control her breathing.


    Many of the cameramen looked pale as a sheet. Only the actress who was about to face the lions looked much calmer than everyone else.


    Zhang Ye got into the car and looked at her. "Are you going to be fine?"


    Sophia forced a smile. "I think I can handle it."


    Zhang Ye said, "Are you ready?"


    "I am, Director." Sophia inhaled.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Do you know why I chose you out of so many mixed-race actresses?"


    Sophia was taken aback. She shook her head and said, "Honestly, I don''t know."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s because you''re ballsy."


    Sophia said, "Huh?"


    Zhang Ye added in a whisper, "The main reason is that your asking price is low."


    Sophia chuckled.


    Only then did Zhang Ye shout to the outside, "This set of scenes is very dangerous, so let''s aim to finish it in two takes. Alright, let''s try the first take!"


    The cage was opened.


    The lions were let out.


    When everything was ready, the animal trainers left.


    The cameras started rolling.


    Two people were speaking their lines.


    Sophia opened the door angrily and stepped out of the car.


    The camera followed her, and everything up to here was perfectly going ording to script.


    However, at this moment, something unexpected happened. For some reason, one of the lions suddenly turned its head to look at Sophia before charging forward. The safety distance set between the beasts and the crew was 50 meters. However, the lion was too quick. Before anyone could react, the lion had already sprinted 20 meters and was getting closer and closer to Sophia. Everyone panicked!


    Tong Fu carried the camera and ran!


    The employee who was responsible for the fill lighting got so afraid that he screamed!


    The animal trainers ran over while hollering!


    The other crew members scattered and flusteredly got into the cars to avoid danger!


    Ha Qiqi yelled, "Run!"


    Zhang Zuo roared, "Sophia!"


    Sophia was braver than most actresses. But even if she was brave, she was still a woman. She nched. She shouted out a vulgarity she had learned from Zhang Ye in recent days. "Fuck your sister!" Then she turned around and started running, but tripped over, which caused her to be even slower in getting out of the way!


    "Save her!"


    "Quickly, save her!"


    "Ah!"


    "We''re done for!"


    Everyone was in a state of panic!


    At this critical moment, someone sprang out of a car!


    "It''s Director Zhang!"


    "Director Zhang, be careful!"


    "Don''te out!"


    "Run! Run!"


    "Sophia, get up!"


    Sophia leaped off the ground!


    That lion was closing in. When the other lions behind saw this, they turned their heads and looked at Sophia. Then they padded over.


    Zhang Ye stepped in front of Sophia at this moment.


    "Director!" Sophia was very happy to see him and she nearly cried!


    In the blink of an eye, the lion pounced!


    Zhang Ye stared coldly at it and raised his right hand, imbuing some concealed power into his palm. The moment the lion pounced at Zhang Ye, he moved his feet in the pattern of a Taiji Fish 1 and instantly shifted himself to the left side of the lion. Without any hesitation, he struck his palm onto the lion''s body!


    Bam!


    It was a soft sound.


    In fact, it was so soft that no one could hear it.


    But the next second, that majestic lion trembled as a force traveled through it, and it mmed down onto its side. It slid on the ground for a full two meters. Zhang Ye had pped it right into a bushed area!


    Sophia''s jaw dropped!


    Ha Qiqi was staring with wide eyes!


    Little Wang was so shocked that her jaw dropped!


    The animal trainers who were running over nearly tripped over themselves!


    What the hell!


    What kind of strength is that!


    A lion?


    It was sent flying?


    With a p?!


    Silence!


    The entire film crew fell silent!


    The entire savanna was silent!


    Then they saw the lion shaking as itboriously climbed to its paws. Its eyes red hate at Zhang Ye. With a loud roar, it looked as though it wanted to attack again!


    Zhang Ye simply said one word: "Scram!"


    The lion suddenly turned timid and gave a weak growl. Then it spiritlessly turned its head and padded away.


    When the rest of the lions saw this, they also slowly turned their heads away. They were behaving like they hadn''t seen anything.


    Zhang Ye turned around and pulled Sophia to her feet. "Into the car."


    As Sophia''s knee was injured, she limped along and followed Zhang Ye into the car.


    The moment the door closed, everyone in the crew could finally heave a sigh of relief!


    Zhang Ye said in concern, "Where are you hurt?"


    "I''m fine." Sophia said gratefully, "Thank you! Thank you!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You''re wee. You''re with us to film a movie, and I was the one who brought you guys here, so I have to guarantee everyone''s safety. No matter how I brought you over from China, I have to bring you back all the same. That''s my responsibility."


    Two other cars drove over.


    Ha Qiqi said from inside the other car, "Director Zhang, how is she?"


    Zhang Ye said with a smile, "Fortunately, everything is fine."


    Little Wang''s eyes were red. "You guys scared us to death!"


    Meanwhile, the rest of the film crew and the African employees were looking at Zhang Ye with a terrified gaze. They had a look in their eyes that suggested they had seen an immortal of some kind. The scene that happened just now was beyond theirprehension and allmon sense. They had never seen something like that before!


    Zhang Ye asked Sophia, "Can you continue to act?"


    Sophia nodded firmly. "Yes!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Alright, let''s do another take!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "We''re still going?"


    Zhang Ye instructed, "We must guarantee that there will be no mishaps this time!"


    "Understood." Ha Qiqi went over to get everything set up and in order.


    Zhang Ye then looked down and helped Sophia spray some medicine onto her leg. "Today''s scenes have to be shot andpleted. There''s no way to stop, so let''s hang in there a little more. After this set of scenes is done, we''ll stop work. There''s no need to be afraid, I''m here."


    Sophia nodded. "OK, Director."


    20 minutester.


    The prep work wasplete.


    When the cameras started rolling again, the second take went underway.


    This time, when Sophia got out of the car, everyone in the film crew took a deep breath as their hearts leaped into their throats. They were all afraid that another ident would happen.


    The lions turned around to look again.


    Sophia was very tense.


    But this time, everyone noticed that Zhang Ye, who was sitting in the car, was ring daggers at the lions.


    The lions looked at Sophia, then looked at Zhang Ye again before quietly turning back again. They went back to doing whatever they were doing. The lion that was beaten by Zhang Ye even let out a whimper.


    The African employees looked at one another.


    "The lions are afraid!"


    "Jesus!"


    "Who is this? What kind of person is he?"


    "I''ve worked in the savanna for so many years now, but I''ve only heard of lions eating people. I''ve never heard of lions being scared of people!"


    "Does a person who can fight a lion with their bare hands really exist?"


    "I''ve seen something unbelievable today!"


    "This Chinese film crew is really too scary!"


    On this day, a film crew from China had given the local African people an indelible and terrifying memory!


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    On the other side of the.


    At the barracks'' drill grounds.


    Boss Qian Jr., Jacques, and several of the others were practicing hand-to-handbat.


    Jiang Hanwei had answered a call. He was stunned for a while before walking back over to the group and saying, "I just received news. The film crew just met with a mishap in Africa."


    Jacques was startled. "What happened?"


    Everyone crowded around anxiously. "What mishap?"


    Jiang Hanwei said, "A lion tried to attack Sophia and there was nearly a tragedy."


    Boss Qian Jr. said, "What? Did she get hurt?"


    Jiang Hanwei said, "No, she wasn''t hurt."


    Ricky said in surprise, "She got so lucky?"


    Jiang Hanwei looked at him and said, "It wasn''t luck. It was Zhang Ye who sent the lion flying with a palm strike."


    "What did you say?" Boss Qian Jr. was stunned.


    Several of the nearby special forces soldiers were also dumbfounded. "Sent flying with a palm strike?"


    Jacques was speechless.


    Dolby was speechless.


    Everyone at the drill grounds was speechless.


    Jiang Hanwei suddenly got reminded of something. "Oh yes, which of you said that you wanted to spar with him?"


    Boss Qian Jr. said, "Huh?"


    Dolby blinked. "No one said anything like that."


    Ricky kept shaking his head, "I didn''t say it either. Did you say it?"


    Jacques shook his head firmly. "No!"


    They were going crazy!


    Spar? Spar your sister!


    You can even fucking send the king of the savanna flying with a palm strike? Who the fuck would want to spar with you? Even the several of usbined couldn''t fucking p a lion like you did!

 Chapter 1636 - Wolf Warrior 2 wraps up!

    <h4>Chapter 1636 - Wolf Warrior 2 wraps up! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Many dayster.


    In China.


    At a filming location.


    Bang! A loud crash rang out!


    "Ah!"


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Director!"


    "Where are the paramedics!"


    "Get the first aid kit over here!"


    "Director, how do you feel?"


    During the filming of the tank battle scene, due to a staff member being insufficiently prepared and making a mistake, Zhang Ye got injured once again. This was the umpteenth time that Zhang Ye was injured on the set of Wolf Warrior 2 since production began. It happened so many times that even the film crew had lost count of it.


    Treatment.


    Dressing.


    Taking care of the injury.


    After a great deal of fussing, Zhang Ye was finally able to sit upright with some aid. He waved it off and said, "I''m fine, don''t worry. Jacques, get some rest first. We still have thest few scenes to shoot, so let''s finish it up in one go."


    Ha Qiqi disagreed. "You should recuperate first!"


    Zhang Zuo also said, "Yeah, we can''t continue filming!"


    But Zhang Ye said, "We''re filming an action movie. How can you expect there to be no injuries? Don''t make such a big fuss over it."


    Jacques said, "I watched the footage that we captured earlier and I think it''s good enough."


    "No, the actions were not done properly." Zhang Ye had seen it as well, but he wasn''t satisfied with what they had.


    As Zhang Ye was the executive director, no one dared to say anything more.


    Actually, during the filming process, a lot of the scenes were captured pretty well. At least, the film crew thought so. Even Jacques and several of the American actors also said that the quality had already reached the level of Hollywood. They felt that there wasn''t a need to risk it by reshooting the scenes again because many of the shots were very dangerous to film. However, Zhang Ye did not agree. As long as he felt that the scenes had ws, he wouldn''t ept it and would insist on shooting them until he thought they were perfect. This had always been Zhang Ye''s work ethic. He would either do it to his best or not do it at all. He wouldn''t allow the Wolf Warrior 2 of his previous world to not even be able to cause a wave over here. He had to make his version worthy of this Chinese movie''s name by recreating it in this world his way.


    Half an hourter.


    They continued shooting.


    Ha Qiqi whispered to Jacques, "Take it easy. Don''t be too tough when you fight him."


    Jacques nodded solemnly. "I understand."


    "Take what easy?" Zhang Ye heard that and said, "Just fight as you normally would."


    Jacques said, "But you''re��"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Same rule applies. No fake moves, let''s fight for real."


    Zhang Zuo shouted, "You''re still bleeding!"


    Zhang Ye looked down. "Nice, we can save on the color dye for the makeup."


    Seeing Zhang Ye limping, the film crew was very speechless.


    Fight for real?!


    How are you going to fight for real in your state?


    But when the cameras started rolling, and when Jacques and Zhang Ye started fighting, everyone knew they had gotten it wrong. Jacques was even more surprised!


    Bam!


    Jacques punched!


    Zhang Ye dodged sideways and kicked in response!


    Jacques used his leg to block it!


    However, Jacques ended up paling!


    A few blowster, the entire film crew was astonished! Only now did they realize that even though Zhang Ye was injured, even if his bleeding had notpletely stopped, none of the action stars on set could outfight him, including Jiang Hanwei, who was resting off to the side. Everyone in China knew that Jiang Hanwei had real kung fu and was a true martial artist since he hailed from the Huashan Sect. So in the eyes of many of themon folk and even those in the industry, Jiang Hanwei was someone they saw as the most skilled at kung fu in China. This was the limitation of their interaction with a martial artist, after all. Although there had also been constant rumors that Zhang Ye knew kung fu, no one had seen it for themselves before. The previous incident in which he smashed two Korean bulletproof car windows were also thought of by the media to have been some trickery or technique that he used. But it was only now that they finally understood that Zhang Ye also knew real kung fu. In fact, it was a very high level of kung fu too.


    As for how high level it was?


    The crew members had secretly asked Jiang Hanwei this question before: "Teacher Jiang, if you and Director Zhang got into a one-on-one fight and both of you gave everything you had, who would win?"


    At that time, Jiang Hanwei answered, "I won''t fight him."


    Everyone in the crew was startled. "Why not?"


    Jiang Hanwei said, "Because I can''t beat him."


    It was at that time that the crew members finally understood that Director Zhang was actually much stronger than Jiang Hanwei. It was as if the level of his kung fu was unfathomable!


    On location.


    There was the constant sound of fighting.


    "Cut!"


    "This shot won''t do!"


    "Jacques, didn''t you eat? Another round!"


    "Cut!"


    "Another take!"


    It was very tiring to be a director.


    It was very tiring to be an actor.


    But what did it feel like when one was the director and the male lead as well?


    The suffering and hard work was probably only understood by Zhang Ye!


    ��


    On this day.


    In the morning.


    Everyone in the film crew was present.


    Dong Shanshan, Yao Jiancai, Boss Qian Jr., everyone who could be here was here. They were all very excited as they watched Zhang Ye, who was still filming. Everyone had a different expression on their face.


    All of a sudden, Zhang Ye shouted, "Cut!"


    He heaved a long sigh of relief and smiled. "That will do!"


    The entire film crew burst into cheering!


    Jacques fell to the ground, feeling dead tired!


    Zhang Ye also sat down heavily and dered loudly, "I hereby announce: Wolf Warrior 2 has wrapped up filming!"


    "We''re done!"


    "Awesome! We''ve wrapped up!"


    "We''re done with the shoot! We''ve finally finished filming!"


    "Everyone has worked hard!"


    "Director Zhang has worked hard!"


    "It''s finished!"


    "Why do I kinda wanna cry!"


    "Motherfucker, me too!"


    "Everyone has really suffered these past two months!"


    Some of them roared.


    Some of them really started crying.


    They had tasted suffering and bittersweet moments over the course of filming!


    Zhang Ye had been injured a dozen times!


    He suffered minor injuries eight times and serious injuries four times!


    Jacques had suffered a spine injury and couldn''t even stand up at one point!


    Many of the actors and crew members had fallen seriously ill!


    They had been attacked by lions in the savanna!


    They had been pushed around by African rebels with guns!


    They could still vividly remember everything that had happened, and it was an experience they didn''t want to go through again in their lifetimes. They had suffered too much, but they still managed to get past everything with Zhang Ye''s guidance. Many of them did not even expect that they would really finish filming this movie!


    Hugs!


    Joy!


    Tears!


    It was a jubnt scene.


    After catching his breath, Zhang Ye stood up from the ground with great difficulty and went around embracing everyone and thanking them.


    "Thank you, you did a great job."


    "Thank you, Boss Qian Jr., you did a great job."


    "Great work, Jacques."


    "Great work, Old Yao."


    But every one of them knew that it was Zhang Ye who had done the best and worked the hardest.


    When the lions attacked, he was there.


    When the rebels held them hostage, he was there.


    When a dangerous explosion happened on the set, he was there.


    Some of them might have experienced danger on one or two asions, but it was different for Zhang Ye. He was the executive director and the male lead as well, so he had experienced all the dangers and hardships during the filming process. At a lot of dangerous moments, Zhang Ye even stepped forward to protect everyone. Besides being the film''s producer, director, screenwriter, lead actor, and choreographer, he also had to take on the role of bodyguard. Zhang Ye had really given a lot to the movie.


    Jacques gave him a bear hug. "Zhang, it''s been quite the pleasure working with you."


    "Same." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''ve always felt that you American actors would behave like divas. I didn''t expect you to be such a professional. It has changed a lot of my views on things."


    Jacques smiled and said, "I always thought that there weren''t any good actors in China and that a lot of them depended on their looks to earn a living. You''ve also changed my opinion of Chinese movies. Beforeing to China, we never thought that there would be such an impressive director and actor like you. Zhang, I have a feeling that within ten years, you''ll be a world-famous superstar."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll be banking on your words then."


    Boss Qian Jr.ughed and said, "Are we going to celebrate? I''ll y host!"


    Zhang Ye gave it some thought. "We can hold it when the box office earningse out!"


    Boss Qian Jr. said, "Alright!"


    Zhang Ye looked at him. "What about the distribution of the movie?"


    Boss Qian Jr. patted his chest. "I''ll speak to my dad! There won''t be any problems!"


    The filming of the movie wrapped up.


    The actors'' work was basically done.


    However, the movie still wasn''tpleted. There was still a lot of work waiting for Zhang Ye.


    The post-production.


    The VFX.


    The editing.


    Zhang Ye''s battle had just begun!

 Chapter 1637 - Zhang Ye, King of Posturing!

    <h4>Chapter 1637 - Zhang Ye, King of Posturing! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge#


    On this day.


    In China.


    On Weibo.


    "I heard that the filming of Commando 2 has already wrapped up."


    "Yeah, Hollywood productions move so quickly."


    "Themercial films of Hollywood have an ecosystem of their own when ites to movie productions, and the process is like a pipeline of sorts. Besides, this is the second movie of the franchise, so of course they wrapped up filming that quickly. It''s totally unlike our domestic movie productions that sometimes take up to a year or two to finish. In the end, their box office performances don''t even have the results to show for all that effort. Hai, there''s really noparison at all."


    "Commando 2 will be out in theaters soon."


    "Calling for a strong boycott of that movie by everyone."


    "Yes, based on the ims that Wilson made, we must boycott it!"


    "Let him have zero box office earnings in China!"


    "I heard a rumor that Zhang Ye''s movie has wrapped up filming too!"


    "What? So fast?"


    "Is Face-smacking Zhang on steroids?"


    "Didn''t Wolf Warrior 2 start filming half a monthter than Commando 2?"


    "Zhang Ye is really too fucking fast when ites to filming things!"


    "Hahaha, this should be considered slow. Remember In the Name of the People? That fellow only took 10 days to finish shooting it. That''s a TV series with over 40 episodes!"


    "Is he really thinking of challenging Hollywood?"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye! Fuck them up!"


    "Damn, can he really beat them?"


    "Who cares if he can win or not, just fight them!"


    "I''m looking forward to Teacher Zhang''s debut film appearance!"


    ��


    Noon.


    Back at home.


    The wee banquet had been prepared in advance.


    The entire family had gathered here today, and Sisi was even lying on her belly at the first-floor window, looking outside eagerly and listening for the sounds of a car.


    A car drove over.


    Sisi shouted in excitement, "Daddy! It''s Daddy!"


    When the door opened, Sisi mbered out!


    Zhang Ye had just gotten out of the car when he saw his daughter running to him. His heart melted. He sprinted over to pick her up,ughing loudly as he raised her in the air and spun around a few times. Then he lowered his head and gave Sisi a dozen kisses!


    "Daddy!"


    "My dear, I missed you so much!"


    "Daddy, I missed you too!"


    "Good girl, good girl!"


    Behind her, his family had alsoe outside.


    Wu Zeqing looked at him and said with a smile, "You''ve gotten a little tanner."


    His mother stared at him and said, "How is this just a little tanner! He''s as tan as a ck dog''s bollocks! If not for the car''s license te number, I wouldn''t have recognized you!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "The sun was really strong in Africa."


    Li Qinqin said, "Why did you just get back?"


    His father also said, "Yeah, Yao Jiancai and Shanshan both returned much earlier than you."


    Zhang Ye sighed. "I was outside of Beijing all this while. After the filming wrapped up, I remained with the VFX firm to supervise their work. Then there was also the editing work to do. I couldn''t leave it to the others, so I had to handle it myself. Luckily, it''s all done now, haha. Zeqing, I sent the film''s footage to the SARFT this morning. Get someone to quickly approve it for me. After that, there are only the publicity, distribution, and screening work left. Everyone will be able to watch it soon."


    Li Qinqin asked in concern, "How did it go?"


    Zhang Ye said as he followed them into the house, holding his daughter in his arms, "When we just started rolling the cameras, this bro still had some reservations and felt a little unsure about it. After all, it was my first time making a movie, so I didn''t know how it would turn out. But after filming wrapped up, when the VFX were added in and the film''s editing waspleted, haha, don''t mention Commando 2, even if Hollywood released a few more blockbusters this year, I would still freaking challenge them!"


    Wu Changhe curled his lips.


    His family members were also quite skeptical.


    As it was time for lunch, the entire family sat down to eat.


    Li Qinqin smiled and said, "You haven''t been back in two months. Why don''t you share a drink with your father-inw?"


    Zhang Ye waved it off. "I can''t drink today. I still have a press conference to hold in the evening."


    "You must have suffered a lot this time?" Wu Zeqing asked.


    Zhang Ye sighed. "It was no big deal, no big deal at all!"


    His mother muttered, "You even went to Africa. Don''t you know how chaotic it is over there?"


    "Aiya, it was fine," Zhang Ye said, brushing it off.


    His father said, "Your mom is just worried that you''ll fail."


    Wu Changhe rolled his eyes at that.


    Li Qinqinughed.


    All parents are the same. Ever since the day Zhang Ye debuted, Zhang Ye''s parents had been worried that their son would suffer. They were worried when he was with the radio station, they were worried when he was at Central TV, they were worried when he got banned by the SARFT, and they were worried when he quarreled with Japan and Korea!


    However, in which of those situations did this fellow even suffer once?


    Have you all ever seen him getting the short end of the stick?


    Worried that Zhang Ye would fail��this was a joke that would keep everyoneughing for an entire year!


    ��


    On the same night.


    The venue of the press conference.


    The livestreaming equipment had already been set up, and all the reporters were waiting at the scene. The reporters from the Chinese newspapers, online media, and television stations had all descended like a swarm of bees. As too many people were in attendance and the organizers were not prepared for it, many of the reporters could not even get a seat. Even though around 20 chairs were added at thest minute, some reporters still had to stand in the aisles and behind thest row.


    It was such a crazy scene.


    There had never before been such a turnout for any of the movie press conferences in China!


    This was the current state of poprity that Zhang Ye had as an international star, and it further reflected the people''s attention and interest for Zhang Ye''s debut movie!


    Backstage.


    Ha Qiqi reminded, "There are still two minutes to go."


    "OK." Zhang Ye straightened his clothes.


    Zhang Zuo smiled and said, "This is the first promo run we''re doing for Wolf Warrior 2, so maybe you should reveal some tidbits for the press. Whether the movie can get hype or not all depends on you now."


    Reveal some tidbits?


    Well, alright.


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I understand."


    Ha Qiqi checked her watch. "It''s time."


    Zhang Ye gathered everyone and said, "Let''s go."


    Yao Jiancai wasn''t here.


    Dong Shanshan wasn''t here.


    Jiang Hanwei and the others were not here either.


    There were no actors present today. The press conference was going to be headed just by Zhang Ye and the main production team.


    When Zhang Ye and his team appeared, the media at the venue blew up!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "How do you feel about your first time making a movie?"


    "Why is it called Wolf Warrior 2? When are you going to film the prequel?"


    "How much money was invested into this production?"


    The reporters were all shouting out their questions!


    Zhang Ye smiled and answered them one by one.


    The press conference was streamed live as well and countless citizens were watching it with anticipation.


    From the investment sum, to the filming process, to the actors, Zhang Ye described it all to everyone. He also bragged to the media about how good the movie was. What else was needed for a movie''s initial press conference? Nothing but some self-confidence and good old posturing would do. It was only through this that everyone would feel that your movie was going to be worth watching. In this way, everyone would start anticipating it and want to go to the theaters to catch the movie. This was something that Zhang Ye was very familiar with. He couldn''t be more familiar with posturing. Once Zhang Ye started posturing, it never ended!


    The reporters barrage him with questions.


    The questions gradually shifted from the movie to Zhang Ye himself.


    A female reporter from Xinhua News asked, "You''re probably the celebrity with the highest worth in China right now. But as everyone knows, you''ve never epted amercial appearance before, so how did you earn your money? Could you share some of the secrets to making money with ordinary people like us?"


    The reportersughed.


    They had thought that Zhang Ye would not answer this question.


    But to their surprise, Zhang Ye calmly answered, "How to make money? I can talk a little about that. A lot of young people these days have goals in life. For example, it''s not wrong to dream about bing the richest person in the country and is a direction they can work towards. But it''s better to set smaller goals first." He raised a finger and said something that would make all of the reporters at the venue and the people watching the livestream around China want to vomit blood. "For example, I can aim to earn a 100 million first. Then, see how long it takes you to earn that amount of money. Are you nning to do it within three or five years? Once you reach your target, aim for the next goal of earning a billion or even 10 billion."


    Set smaller goals?


    A 100 million?


    1 billion?


    10 billion?


    Fuck! Set smaller goals, your sister!


    Three years? Five years?


    I can''t even earn a hundred million in my entire fucking lifetime!


    Standing next to him, even Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others could feel their legs sway a little as they nearly spewed!


    Another reporter said dumbfoundedly, "But to people from ordinary families like us��"


    But Zhang Ye answered, "Actually, I don''t think I''m that rich either. I''m also from an ordinary family. Years have passed, but our family''s lifestyle hasn''t changed much at all, other than the house getting a little bigger."


    The reporters saw red!


    Theizens saw red!


    House getting a little bigger?


    That''s a fucking vi, alright!


    Is that just a little bigger?!


    And you''re even iming to be from an ordinary family?


    Your wife is a minister at the Central Publicity Department!


    Ordinary family, your grandpa!


    The reporters were dumbfounded and just sat there, not knowing how to continue.


    Then a reporter from People''s Daily finally broke the silence again. "Teacher Zhang, can you tell us about the greatest mistake you''ve made?"


    Zhang Ye gave it some thought and said, "The greatest mistake in my life must be setting up Zhang Ye''s Studio. I had originally nned for it to be a smallpany and did not expect that there would be so many responsibilities. There are so many matters that I have to resolve on a daily basis, and they take up almost all of my time." Looking at the dumbfounded reporters, he said with a sigh, "In my next life, if there is one, I wouldn''t want to be a celebrity, nor would I want to step up onto the international stage. I just want to do my own thing and enjoy life."


    The reporters were going crazy!


    Fuck your sister!


    Why don''t you just die!


    Zhang Zuo''s lips were trembling!


    Ha Qiqi couldn''t bear to listen anymore. She hurriedly kicked him below the table.


    Little Wang was trying to hold back herughter so much that she nearly teared up!


    Finally, another Central TV reporter stood up to ask, "Teacher Zhang, can you tell us about the most correct thing that you''ve done in your life? Or something that made you particrly proud? Uh, like having such a good daughter? Or perhaps a beautiful wife?"


    This was a very normal question.


    The reporters were all thinking that he couldn''t possibly talk big this time.


    But to everyone''s surprise, they underestimated Zhang Ye!


    They saw Zhang Ye shake his head with a solemn look. "Actually, I''m not good with faces. I can''t tell if someone''s pretty or not. Frankly, when I was wooing my wife, it was mainly because her personality attracted me since I don''t know if she''s considered pretty or not."


    When he finished speaking.


    All of the reporters at the venue went crazy!


    Theizens around the country were all vomiting blood!


    Even vomiting blood wasn''t enough to express the emotions they were feeling right now!


    Will you die if you don''t posture? Will you?!


    You don''t know if Minister Wu is considered pretty or not?


    Fuck your second grandma!


    Fuck your third grandpa!


    You win, Zhang Ye!


    You fucking win!


    On this day, all of China''s citizens were left kneeling!


    On this day, Zhang Ye gained yet another nickname!


    ��King! Of! Posturing!

 Chapter 1638 - American film vs. Chinese regulations!

    <h4>Chapter 1638 - American film vs. Chinese regtions! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    That night.


    At home.


    When Zhang Ye drove home, he saw the speechless looks of his family''s faces.


    "Dad, Mom, you still haven''t left?" Zhang Ye said with a smile.


    His father said angrily, "Why do you always speak so recklessly!"


    His mother also said angrily. "Can you not brag for once? Huh?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "Wasn''t I just trying to promote the new movie?"


    His mother stared at him. "You''re really good, huh? Aren''t you afraid that your wife will punish you?!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Hahaha!"


    "You still dare tough!" His mother was infuriated.


    From nearby, Wu Zeqingughed. "Mom, it''s fine. Can''t you see that he was just joking?"


    However, Sisi was having none of it. She had also watched the livestream together with her grandparents. She went right up to her father and tugged on his sleeve. "Daddy, Mommy is pretty! Mommy is pretty!"


    Zhang Ye dotingly picked her up. "That''s right, your mommy is the most beautiful in the world."


    Only then was Sisi satisfied. "Mhm."


    Wu Zeqing also smiled and patted her daughter on the head.


    Posturing was an art form.


    And today, Zhang Ye had performed it to perfection.


    Back in Zhang Ye''s previous world, theizens unanimously elected four people as the Kings of Posturing. These four people 1 were:


    Wang Jianlin 2 , the one who had nothing to his name.


    Ma Huateng 3 , the one who hailed from a normal family.


    Ma Yun 4 , the one who regretted setting up Alibaba.


    Liu Qiangdong 5 , the one who doesn''t know his wife is pretty.


    This was because these four people had all publicly talked about things that were so unbelievable that it shocked China''s citizens. Each and every one of those words they uttered had beenughed at by the people of his previous world, with all kinds of screenshots, all kinds of emotes, and all kinds of ridicule aimed at them. And today, Zhang Ye had brought the famous words of these four people out to use at the press conference. As a result, Zhang Ye had be the King of Posturing in this world overnight. There were absolutely nopetitors at all!


    ��


    In China.


    Online.


    Theizens were allughing nonstop!


    "Fuck! This fellow is too reckless with his speech!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Aiyo, I''m dying ofughter!"


    "A small goal of a 100 million? I don''t see any problems with that, buddy!"


    "This fellow is making me so angry that I want tough! If you''re from an ordinary family? Then maybe we all should just die!"


    "Motherfucker, not even the world can hold down this fellow anymore!"


    "He''s really bragging to the Heavens this time!"


    "This is the first time I''ve seen someone posture so shamelessly!"


    "You don''t know that your wife is pretty? I can only give it to you when ites to posturing!"


    "Pfft, hahahaha! The reporters at the scene were all crying and didn''t know how to respond! This is the first time I''ve seen a celebrity make a bunch of reporters not want to ask any further questions!"


    "This era''s King of Posturing has been born!"


    "The way he postures is refreshing!"


    "Does this fellow intend to drive everyone to their graves?!"


    "Yeah, he''s obviously fucking showing off!"


    "If I can have a wife as beautiful as that, I would die a happy man. I can''t believe this fellow had the cheek to say that he doesn''t know if his wife is pretty! Oh my god, I''m gonna faint! Why don''t you just go to hell!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang is beyond redemption!"


    "That mouth of Zhang Ye''s! Hai!"


    "This fellow weighs 60 kilograms, but 59 of them are in his mouth!"


    Ridicule!


    Speechlessness!


    Hrity!


    The four famous quotes from Zhang Ye''s press conference instantly resounded throughout China!


    Emote packs converted from screenshots of the livestream by some meddlesomeizens went viral across the country and were crazily forwarded by countlessizens. In an instant, China''sizens found themselves anticipating the screening of Wolf Warrior 2 even more. They wanted to find out why Zhang Ye had suddenly be so confident of himself.


    The media reports were also spreading like crazy.


    "Zhang Ye has face blindness?"


    "Zhang Ye: Ie from an ordinary family!"


    "Zhang Ye''s advice to young people: Earn a 100 million first!"


    "Zhang Ye''s expressions go viral!"


    "Zhang Ye''s new movie has gone viral even before it is screened!"


    Online.


    Offline.


    The news spread everywhere.


    It had to be said that this press conference was indeed such a sess. After all, Zhang Ye had held the press conference in order to promote the movie. As a result, Zhang Ye and Wolf Warrior 2 ended up dominating the headlines overnight as their topicalities were pushed right up to the top!


    ��


    The next day.


    Early in the morning.


    The Celebrity Goof Group was very active.


    This had been the chat group for the top veteran celebrities of the Chinese entertainment circle years ago and was dying out. But ever since Zhang Ye''s return, it had miraculously been revived.


    Ning Lan: "@ZhangYe are you up yet?"


    Shu Han: "Teacher Zhang,e and chat with us. I was doing a shoot yesterday and could only watch the press conference that you heldst evening today. Hahahaha, it kept meughing all morning!"


    Amy: "Genuflecting to Lord Zhang!"


    To everyone''s surprise, Zhang Ye really appeared in the chat. "Sorry for incurring your ridicule."


    Chen Guang: "This is the first time I''ve encountered anyone promoting their movie in such a way!"


    Fan Wenli: "Zhang''er, that mouth of yours is beyond redemption."


    Zhang Ye: "Hahaha @YaoJiancai @DongShanshan It won''t be long until the movie gets a release date. The promotions are already underway, so let''s give our best."


    Dong Shanshan: "Bye!"


    Yao Jiancai: "Hur hur, we can''t posture as well as you did!"


    Li Ke appeared. "Wishing you a record box office earnings."


    Zhang Ye: "Thanks, Old Li."


    Li Xiaoxian sent a smiley face. "We also helped you promote your new movie on our Weibo."


    Xiaodong: "I forwarded it this morning."


    Huo Dongfang: "I''ve forwarded it as well. All the best for your box office earnings."


    Zhang Ye: "Thank you, everyone, thank you so much!"


    Ning Lan said in an extorting tone: "If the box office earnings reach 500 million, you''ll have to treat us until you''re broke!"


    Another film director also popped into the chat. "Haha, I agree!"


    Zhang Ye smiled as he typed back: "500 million?"


    Shu Han: "There''s still a chance of hitting that mark."


    Yao Jiancai: "I''ll be satisfied with 300 million."


    In this world, in the mindset of China''s citizens and the industry''s people, a movie would be deemed quite good if it could cross 300 million in box office earnings. Even for Li Ke and several of the other big-name directors in China, they wouldn''t dare to im that every one of their movies could surpass 500 million, much less for a new director like Zhang Ye.


    But clearly, Zhang Ye did not think this way.


    300 million?


    500 million?


    He found it too little even if it was ten times that amount!


    This was fucking Wolf Warrior 2 they were talking about!


    The Wolf Warrior 2 that had made everyone in his previous world piss their pants!


    However, he did not say it publicly in the group. This was because the movie had not even been released yet. For now, he didn''t dare to say such big words yet. If Wolf Warrior 2 somehow didn''t work out in this world, he would be humiliated. After all, he did not make the first movie and jumped straight to filming the second movie.


    Anxiety.


    Anticipation.


    Excitement.


    He was in a veryplicated mood right now.


    That same day, Zhang Ye had just returned home and did not take any further rest. He brought the film crew out to do more publicity work. Yao Jiancai, Jiang Hanwei, Dong Shanshan, Sophia, and Jacques were also part of the team this time.


    Interviews.


    Appearing on television.


    Posting on Weibo.


    The promotional activities were in full swing!


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    In America.


    Commando 2''s promotional activities were alsounched around the world. Be it the Hollywood brand, Wilson''s reputation, or the Commando franchise''s influence, all of those had an immediate impact in hyping up the attention and anticipation of the movie fans of this world.


    The movie had already wrapped up filming.


    The publicity work and distribution of the movie quickly followed.


    The cinemas in the UK ced an importance on this blockbuster film.


    The cinemas in France filled their schedules with the movie.


    The Japanese theaters also gave the green light for it to be shown there.


    The Korean theaters were giving the movie a lot of publicity.


    The work on Commando 2 was progressing very smoothly in multiple countries around the world.


    All except for one country where it met with multiple obstacles!


    At Wilson''s office.


    A white man came running in, huffing and puffing.


    Wilson said, "How''s the preparation for the distribution of the movie?"


    The man said, "It''s going very well in the other countries."


    Wilson nodded. "Hehe, that''s great."


    The man immediately said, "But it encountered some problems in China!"


    "What?" Wilson frowned. "It didn''t get approved?"


    The man said, "Yeah, it didn''t! Their censorship board rejected it! They said that our movie has too many gory and violent scenes, so they didn''t approve it!"


    Wilson was floored. "Gory? Gory my ass!"


    The man said angrily, "Yeah, didn''t a lot of Hollywood movies also get shown all the same in China?"


    Wilson said, "All the countries in the world approved it, all except for China? What are they trying to do?"


    Although they''d never ced much priority on the Chinese film market, they still knew that the box office earnings there wouldn''t be too bad. At the least, it would be the icing on the cake for them. Besides, who doesn''t want to make more money? As such, even though Wilson had made those outrageous ims, he wasn''t actually thinking of giving up on the Chinese market.


    Wilson clenched his teeth and said, "Edit the movie as per their requests and send it in for approval again!"


    The white man sulked, "Understood."


    Two dayster.


    Another piece of news came!


    Commando 2''s second approval submission had been knocked back as well!


    This time, the reason given was: The movie''s runtime was too long and didn''t adhere to the Chinese requirements.


    The film crew of Commando 2 nearly blew their top!


    "What do they mean?"


    "The movie''s too long?"


    "This can even be a fucking reason?"


    "Holy shit! How can they call a movie with a two-and-a-half-hour runtime too long?"


    "What can we do now?"


    Wilson decided, "Edit it again! Edit it ording to their requests!"


    Not long after, Commando 2 was rejected by the censors for the third time!


    Wilson said anxiously, "How can it be possible for the movie to keep getting rejected for approval? What was the reason this time?"


    The reporting staffer''s face had turned green with anger. "They said that our ticket price is too high and that it doesn''t adhere to China''s requirements, so we were told that we had to lower it!"


    Wilson was very dumbfounded to hear that. "Why didn''t they just tell us everything in one go! Aren''t they deliberately doing this? And what has the ticket price got to do with them? Do they have any say in that?"


    The staffer wiped his sweat away and said, "The Chinese censors have a say in everything."


    Wilson was so infuriated. "They''re taking it too far! Those goddamn Chinese regtions!"


    Once!


    Thrice!


    Five times!


    Commando 2 kept getting rejected from showing in China!


    In the end, someone from the Directors Guild with knowledge of the matter quietly informed Wilson. This made Wilson see red!


    The director said, "Who oversees the approval of films in China?"


    Wilson answered, "The SARFT."


    The director continued, "And who oversees the SARFT?"


    Wilson answered, "I think it''s the Central Publicity Department?"


    The director asked, "Do you have any idea who Zhang Ye''s wife is?"


    Wilson was taken aback. "Who is she?"


    That person said, "She''s a minister at the Central Publicity Department!"


    Wilson and the Commando 2 film crew were floored!


    They finally realized what was happening behind the scenes. When they decided to use Zhang Ye to hype up their movie, they offended a lot of the citizens and leaders in China!


    Wilson nearly cursed out loud!


    Fuck!


    A hooligan like Zhang Ye who dared to hit someone at the Nobel Prize award ceremony that was broadcast live actually managed to get a wife? And she was even a minister at the Central Publicity Department?


    There must be a mistake somewhere, right?!

 Chapter 1639 - The global premiere date is announced!

    <h4>Chapter 1639 - The global premiere date is announced! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In China.


    The news spread.


    There was praise all over Weibo.


    "Commando 2 was rejected for approval seven times?"


    "Because the movie''s duration was too long? And the ticket price was too high?"


    "Hahahaha! Beautifully done!"


    "The SARFT is awesome!"


    "Pfft, hahaha! I''ve gotta give a Like to the SARFT this time no matter what!"


    "Well done! This is in ordance with the public''s opinion! How satisfying!"


    "The SARFT did really good this time!"


    "It''s rare that the SARFT does something that makes everyone want to p for them!"


    "The long reach of capitalism has fallen short again in front of our Chinese regtions!"


    "That Wilson basically asked for it by saying that he doesn''t care much for the Chinese market. During the press conference, he mentioned that the Chinese film market wasn''t good? That it was unregted? That the box office earnings were low? Sure then, since you people don''t fucking care about it? Then don''te! The Chinese market and our citizens don''t wee you either! So what if you''re a famous Hollywood director? So what if Commando is a great movie franchise? So what if the entire world is giving you all face? Our Chinese people won''t!"


    "Yeah, well said!"


    "Even if the movie manages to get a showing here, we will ensure that they go back with zero earnings!"


    "Supporting the SARFT! Go fuck them up!"


    "This news haspletely changed my impression of the SARFT!"


    In the past, whenever the SARFT implemented its strict broadcast standards on imported foreign television dramas and movies, it would always make the people suffer. Many of the television series and movies that everyone wanted to watch did not get a chance to broadcast in China. When that happened, theizens would always curse and swear at it. They felt that the SARFT was too harsh and making a fuss out of nothing, that they were being too intolerant. However, it was an unprecedented reaction this time as everyizen in the country was unanimously praising the SARFT for their action.


    Well stopped!


    Well rejected!


    And just like that, Commando 2 lost its chance to be shown in China!


    ��


    America.


    Hollywood.


    Quite a few directors from the Directors Guild were denouncing this.


    "China is outrageous!"


    "How can they shut out Commando 2 like that?"


    "They''re destroying the market this way!"


    "Wilson, you cannot just let it slide!"


    "We have to fight back!"


    "Opposing Hollywood? Where did they find the courage to do this!"


    "Isn''t Zhang Ye''s new movie also showing soon? Alright! We won''t let him have it easy in the overseas markets either! Doesn''t he intend to challenge Wilson? Isn''t he thinking ofpeting with Hollywood? Heh, take a big step back. Even if his movie has a 0.01% chance of breaking out, as long as his overseas box office earnings are cut off, I want to see how he can fight this fight. Does he intend to depend on the Chinese film market that will at most bring him a few hundred million in earnings? What a joke! Commando 2 will surpass his movie with just two or three days of box office earnings! And that''s just based on the box office earnings in America! We don''t even need the global box office earnings to beat him! The Chinese market is only so big. Without the global box office to support it, he can''t turn the tables!"


    "That''s right. I''ll contact my friend about this. I still have some influence in the industry to speak of!"


    "Wilson, I''ll help you too!"


    "Thanks, everyone!"


    Very quickly, many of Hollywood''s people took action.


    Many people in Hollywood had always had disdain for Zhang Ye and China.


    ��


    China.


    At the film distributionpany of Qian Haitao, the richest man in China.


    Zhang Ye and thepany''s representative were seated together.


    The representative said angrily, "Director Zhang, there definitely won''t be any problems with the movie''s domestic scheduling, don''t you worry about that. However, there are some problems with the overseas distribution!"


    Zhang Ye said indifferently, "Why''s that?"


    The representative said, "We have distribution channels in multiple countries as well as cooperative deals with their theaters. Although the rtionships may not be that strong, we are still assured of getting some showtimes. However, a lot of people from Hollywood have suddenly shown up, including the investors of Commando 2 and people from their Directors Guild, and intervened with our overseas distribution of the movie. Many of the theater chains we had already negotiated with have all stated that they won''t be importing Wolf Warrior 2 anymore! The overseas distribution has been ground to a halt as a result! If it goes on like this, our overseas showings will be so low that they could be negligible! This��"


    Boss Qian Jr. was also around today. He banged the table and stood up. "Fuck! So they want to y such a shady game, huh?!"


    The representative said, "They''re obviously retaliating!"


    But to their surprise, Zhang Yeughed and said, "It''s fine."


    "It''s fine?" The representative sounded a little startled.


    Boss Qian Jr. anxiously said, "Without the foreign box office sales, we will��"


    "Are the other distribution ns going smoothly?" Zhang Ye asked.


    The representative said in a stunned manner, "Everything else is proceeding smoothly."


    Zhang Ye nodded and said with a smile, "That will do then. Great job."


    The representative said, "But the foreign box office earnings will definitely take a��"


    Overseas box office earnings?


    What was hell was that?


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "No worries. If those people from Hollywood like to mess around, let them do it. There''s no need to worry about the overseas showtimes."


    The representative said nervously, "No need to worry?"


    Boss Qian Jr. was speechless.


    In the media.


    Within the industry.


    In the entertainment circle.


    Everyone thought that Zhang Ye would re up over this matter, but to everyone''s surprise, he wasn''t even bothered!


    When Zhang chose to make this movie, he had never even considered the foreign box office earnings. If there were any, so be it. Otherwise, no big deal! He didn''t care about it at all. Perhaps some people in the industry thought that if Zhang Ye wanted to challenge Hollywood, it would be impossible to depend on just the domestic box office. The movie would definitely have to be distributed overseas as even many of Hollywood''s blockbuster movies had a higher box office earnings globallypared to their own North American market. But unbeknownst to them, Zhang Ye never thought of it this way. Ever since the beginning, he had excluded all of the box office sales of the other regions around the world. This was because he knew exactly the market this movie was aimed at.


    North America?


    Japan?


    India?


    The UK?


    If his goal was to take over these foreign markets and their box office earnings, he wouldn''t have made Wolf Warrior 2, a production that was a Chinese movie through and through.


    All he cared about this time was the Chinese market!


    He only wanted to use the domestic box office earnings to beat Hollywood!


    Of course, Zhang Ye did not tell the distributor about this, nor did he reveal it to the media or the film''s actors. Even if he had told them, they would think that Zhang Ye was crazy��although no one in this group of people felt that Zhang Ye was normal to begin with. In many of their eyes, Zhang Ye had always been crazy like that.


    If they thought he was crazy, then so be it.


    In a person''s lifetime, one must do something crazy once!


    He was going to get crazy with a billion Chinese citizens this time!


    ��


    In the international scene.


    The news was spreading all over the world!


    "A Hollywood movie gets blocked in China?"


    "Surprise! Commando 2 gets buried in China!"


    "Hollywood''s Directors Guild protests!"


    "Zhang Ye''s debut movie to y soon?"


    "Zhang Ye''s new movie nearly fails to get distributed overseas!"


    "An overly confident challenge from China!"


    Based on Zhang Ye''s current international reputation, he still wasn''t that famous. Originally, the news of Zhang Ye''s new movie would not have gotten such a huge amount of international coverage. However, with Wilson''s reputation, and Commando 2 being such a popr franchise, as well as Hollywood''s backing, thepetition helped to propel Wolf Warrior 2 into international attention as the media madeparisons between the two movies.


    ��


    On the Web.


    There was the sound of ridicule everywhere.


    An Americanizen: "Are they really trying to challenge us?"


    An Indianizen: "That Chinese man must be cracking an international joke, right?"


    A Frenchizen: "A Chinese movie vs. a Hollywood movie? There''s noparison at all! How can anyonepare these two movies? Isn''t that as good as an insult?"


    A Japaneseizen: "It was Zhang Ye who tried to challenge them."


    A Pakistaniizen: "No, it was Wilson who initiated the challenge!"


    A UKizen: "No matter who provoked whom first, these two movies have gone to war. Commando 2 has lost its chance to screen in China, so there will be quite a big loss in the box office. Simrly, Wolf Warrior 2 has lost its chance to screen in the majority of the overseas markets and suffered even greater losses because of that."


    A Canadianizen: "Zhang Ye is at most an average international C-lister. Although his poprity isn''t low, it isn''t that high either, so how much could he possibly earn at the box office with a movie that he self-directed and acted in? Look at Commando 2, the two main leads are international A-listers, and there are also a few international B-list celebrities from Japan and the UK joining in as well. The overseas box office sales won''t be too bad either. Together with Wilson''s brand, heh, I would consider Wolf Warrior 2 to have won if they can even get 10% of the box office earnings of Commando 2!"


    An Americanizen: "That''s right, but you haven''t considered the possibility of the two movies showing during the same period. If they are released at around the same time, Commando 2 will crush the Chinese movie based on its reputation and influence. That will make the difference between the two movies even more obvious."


    A Dutchizen: "What is Wolf Warrior 2 about?"


    An Australianizen: "Who knows?"


    A Germanizen: "Does anyone have a link for Wolf Warrior 1? I''m quite interested in watching it."


    A Koreanizen: "There isn''t a part one. He shot the sequel right off the bat."


    The Germanizen: "Huh? He made Wolf Warrior 2 first?"


    A Pakistaniizen: "How impressive, my Chinese bro!


    An Americanizen: "Heh, I just want to see if the Chinese guy has the balls to release his movie at the same time as Commando 2. If he does so, I''ll have to give it to him."


    Another American citizen: "That''s impossible. He wouldn''t do that."


    A Canadianizen: "Yeah, that Chinese guy can''t be that stupid."


    Then quite a few Chineseizens appeared.


    "Is that so?"


    "Let''s wait and see then."


    "Hur hur, see if he has the balls."


    Theizens from the various countries were a little startled.


    Only the Chineseizens were smiling. This was because they knew Zhang Ye''s temper very well. After so many years, how could they not know what kind of person Zhang Ye was and what his character was like? What kind of temper did Zhang Ye have? The more other people didn''t think he would do something or have the courage to do so, the more this fellow would want and dare to do it!


    Soon after.


    The entire world blew up.


    As it turned out, the Chineseizens were right.


    ��


    On this day.


    Commando 2 announced its global premiere date.


    It was going to premiere on the first of next month!


    ��


    Concurrently.


    Wolf Warrior 2 also announced its global premiere date.


    It was also scheduled for the first of next month!


    ��


    The media was exhrated!


    The industry was dumbfounded!


    The public was stunned!


    The entire world''s attention was now focused on these two movies!


    Two movies that had been hyped up before their release beyond anything prior were about to premiere around the world on the same day!

 Chapter 1640 - Battle of the premieres!

    <h4>Chapter 1640 - Battle of the premieres! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the first.


    It was the day of the premiere.


    The entire world''s attention was on this.


    Today, a total of three Hollywood movies were being released. They were all big productions, and the one that attracted the most attention would have to be Commando 2. A global poll showed that it was the most anticipated Hollywood movie of the year with no othersing close.


    The presales results.


    The early reviews.


    The attention from the moviegoers.


    All those metrics were going off the charts.


    ��


    America.


    Lines were already forming up at the entrance of the theater.


    "It''s still not time?"


    "I can''t wait any longer."


    "I heard that this movie is pretty good."


    "Yeah, the media''s early reviews rated it quite good."


    "That''s right, the most authoritative film ratings site has given it a score of 7.1. For a Hollywood action movie, that''s a good score."


    ��


    Japan.


    "Have you bought tickets yet?"


    "I couldn''t get any tickets for today''s showing!"


    "I ended up booking tickets for tomorrow."


    "I managed to get one, haha."


    "There''s a Japanese celebrity starring in it too, so I definitely have to watch it."


    ��


    Korea.


    "The presale tickets have already sold out?"


    "Wilson''s appeal is still impressive."


    "Looks like Commando 2''s box office earnings are gonna explode."


    "Yup, it might end up being the global box office earnings champion this year."


    "Yeah, no other movies in the same period have anything on it."


    ��


    The UK.


    Chinatown.


    "Commando 2 has been released first?"


    "I think it''s due to the time zone differences that Wolf Warrior 2 hasn''t been released yet."


    "I just went to the cinema. Most of the sessions are showing Commando 2."


    "Hai, even though Zhang Ye''s new movie was said to be a global premiere, it''s actually showing mainly in China."


    "There''s nothing that can be done about that. Our Chinese movies aren''t popr internationally."


    ��


    India.


    "Haha, let''s go in now."


    "They''re ying the trailers, but it should start immediately!"


    "I''m so looking forward to watching it!"


    "It''s a full house in the cinema. This shows the appeal of Hollywood movies."


    "After today, Zhang Ye is gonna end up as a joke."


    ��


    In multiple countries.


    In many of the big theater chains.


    Moviegoers from around the world were entering theaters.


    Amid the enthusiastic atmosphere, Commando 2 premiered!


    Bang!


    Bang bang!


    Smash!


    The movie began with a battle!


    "Farrow!"


    "Retreat!"


    "Retreat already!"


    "Goddammit!"


    The moviegoers were wearing 3D sses and staring at the silver screen as characters they were familiar with appeared one by one. Emotions surged through the audience. This was the advantage of a sequel. After the first movie established a certain degree of poprity and fame, the second and third movies were much easier to make.


    Memories.


    The protagonists went their separate ways.


    The squad regrouped afterwards.


    The entirety of the movie which ran for two hours was bursting with a ssic Hollywood vor.


    When the first round of the global showings ended, the moviegoers were left wanting more as they walked out of the theaters.


    ��


    On the Web.


    Netizens from all over the world were discussing it.


    "I just finished watching it!"


    "How did you find it?"


    "Pretty good."


    "Yeah, it was a really fun watch."


    "Wilson''s films are getting much better."


    "Hahaha, the tickets are really worth it. I rmend that everyone watch it."


    "I thought it was alright. The plot is still the same, so I don''t really rmend it."


    "In reality, it was OK. But since it follows the same format as Commando, the moviegoers will find the experience a littlecking. However, I thought the VFX were really good."


    "Yeah, the CGI was quite good."


    "Although it was not as good as I expected, I can''t deny that it was a good movie. I bet that the global box office rankings are gonna be dominated by Commando 2 this month."


    Some were calling it good, while others found it to be average. Everyone had a different opinion of the movie. Although the reviews were mixed, there was hardly anyone who rated this movie as terrible. For a Hollywood blockbuster, that was more than enough.


    ��


    On a movie ratings site.


    Commando 2''s rating saw some changes.


    ��7.1


    ��7.0


    ��6.9


    ��6.8


    In the end, the score stabilized only after dropping to around 6.5.


    Although the movie''s rating had quietly fallen lower from before, it wasn''t by much, and the trend was still considered a normal phenomenon. This was due to a limitation brought upon by the scale and number of moviegoers who reviewed the movie, leading to the score dropping lower than when it was reviewed during the early release sessions. Even so, 6.5 was a score above themonly epted standard.


    ��


    The daily global box office real-time rankings.


    With the hotly anticipated release of the Hollywood movies, the rankings chart was getting updated constantly.


    Real-time statistics:


    #1: Commando 2


    ��Box office earnings: US$4,257,700


    #2: Life of Jimmy


    ��Box office earnings: US$2,184,400


    #3: Despicable


    ��Box office earnings: US$1,981,200


    There were a hundred movies on the global box office rankings, and the chart could only show that many of them. It was mainly dominated by Hollywood movies, with some British movies, some French movies, and some Japanese movies on it as well. Meanwhile, two of the top three movies had premiered globally today. The other movie was Life of Jimmy, which had been releasedst week and was the previous global box office leader until Commando 2 premiered.


    Of course, the day had not ended yet.


    There could still be some changes in the rankings until then.


    ��


    Wilson''spany.


    At this moment, the film crew was together and everyone was cheering.


    "First ce!"


    "The reviews are still OK!"


    "We''re assured of the weekend box office earnings champion!"


    "Hahahaha, this is great!"


    "Director Wilson, congrattions!"


    "You''re going to exceed 500 million dors at the box office again!"


    "It''s still hard to say."


    "We''ve already earned over 4 million dors at the box office. In the span of this day, we should be able to reach 20 million dors in the North American region. Counting all the other regions, it should surpass 40 million dors, and that''s still for the first day of release! It''s just the premiere!"


    "Yeah, 500 million is definitely not going to be a problem!"


    "We can already celebrate it in advance!"


    "It''s a pity we couldn''t get the Chinese market, otherwise it would''ve been even higher."


    "It won''t be higher by much. Although it looks like there are a lot of people in China and their market is big, the box office there isn''t actually that big, so there''s no need to care about it."


    "Oh right, what''s the update on that Chinese movie?"


    "Wolf Warrior 2? It''s a joke!"


    "Haha, why do you guys care about the Chinese movie?"


    "It''s not that we care, but didn''t it premiere on the same day as us? Our box office earnings are more or less known. All I''m curious about is the look on that Zhang Ye''s face!"


    "He''s probably regretting his decision!"


    "Our movie''s premiere has already earned over 4 million dors at the box office in just two hours, how could he not be regretting it!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    ��


    The box office earnings kept soaring!


    The reviews wereing in one after another!


    Commando 2 became very popr the moment it premiered!


    With the poprity of Commando 2, many of the other movies that were showing in the same period got overshadowed by it. This also led to many people around the world forgetting about Wolf Warrior 2!

 Chapter 1641 - Wolf Warrior 2 premieres! (First half)

    <h4>Chapter 1641 - Wolf Warrior 2 premieres! (First half) </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the first.


    In China.


    The news of Commando 2''s strong premiere made it into the country.


    On Weibo, theizens were feeling a swirl of emotions.


    "Wilson''s new movie is selling well?"


    "They''ve earned 4 million USD in just two hours?"


    "How did they do so well in the box office! Damn!"


    "Is the Commando franchise on steroids?!"


    "Goddammit! I was hoping it would fuck up!"


    "It looks like Wilson and Hollywood have won the bragging rights again this time!"


    "Yeah, I really can''t stand that look on Wilson''s face. It''s so annoying!"


    "Hai, this is terrible news."


    "Zhang Ye''s new movie is in danger."


    "Whatever, I''ll just buy a ticket."


    "Motherfucker, support domestic movies!"


    "Haha, I booked the tickets half a month ago."


    "Whatever it is, we definitely have to watch Zhang Ye''s new movie."


    "I''m already waiting at the theater entrance. It looks like there''s quite the crowd!"


    "Looking forward to Zhang Ye''s new work. I''m also waiting to see Zhang Ye''s crossover into the film industry and what kind of movie he can bring us. This is his first time making a movie."


    ��


    Beijing.


    At the premiere of Wolf Warrior 2.


    Zhang Ye and the main cast and crew were in attendance. There was also a grand lineup of special guests who graced the event that was unlike any other past movie premiere.


    Other than the media.


    Other than the staff.


    Zhang Ye had nearly invited half of the entertainment circle!


    Ning Lan.


    Huo Dongfang.


    Shu Han.


    Chen Guang and his wife.


    Grandma Zhang Xia.


    Li Ke and seven or eight other big name directors.


    His eldest younger sister, Cao Dan, as well as many of her Inte celebrity friends.


    His parents, his parents-inw, his rtives, and close friends.


    The entire theater was full. By rights, a movie premiere should have set aside some tickets aside for public moviegoers, but Zhang Ye really couldn''t do so this time.


    On the stage.


    Zhang Ye was holding a microphone and saying with a smile, "Thank you, everyone, foring to attend the premiere of Wolf Warrior 2. I''m really grateful. Actually, the organizers asked me to get an emcee for the event today as per standard practice." He then turned to look at Dong Shanshan, who was standing next to him. "But when I thought about it, Shanshan and I are both professional hosts anyway, so surely there wasn''t a need to get someone else, right? We might as well do it ourselves."


    Dong Shanshan added with augh, "The crucial thing is that we can save money this way."


    "Yup, that''s right," Zhang Ye said.


    The people in the audience were tickled.


    After that, it was time for the media reporters'' question and answer session.


    A Central TV reporter asked, "Director Zhang, do you have any expectations for your new movie''s box office performance?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Of course I do."


    The Central TV reporter asked, "How much?"


    Zhang Ye gave it some thought. "I''ll be d if it breaks even, hur hur."


    A newspaper reporter asked, "This is your and your team''s first time making a movie. Strictly speaking, you and the team are not really professionals, right?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "But we''ve got courage."


    Another reporter stood up with a smile. "Why wasn''t there an advance screening this time?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "I was thinking that if we want to watch it, everyone should watch it together, so I decided to go with screening it all at the same time. It''s not my style to do it any other way."


    A dozen-odd questions were thrown out.


    Then it was almost time for the movie to start ying.


    Zhang Ye led the team offstage and sat in the first row.


    Ha Qiqi was very nervous and her hands were trembling.


    Beside her, Sophia kept taking deep breaths.


    Zhang Ye smiled andforted, "It''ll be fine."


    Ha Qiqi gave a wry smile. "I''m really worried about the box office earnings."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "We''re at this point, so let''s just leave it to the market to decide."


    Actually, not even Ha Qiqi, Sophia, Yao Jiancai, and the others knew how the movie turned out after it had been edited. This was because everything was handled by Zhang Ye alone. They didn''t even see the final version of the movie, and no one knew what it was like, so how could they not be nervous?


    It was finally time!


    Their production was finally going to be assessed by the market!


    The atmosphere in the theater had be a little bit tense.


    ��


    At the seats of several of the few big name directors.


    "Old Li, how many theaters is the movie released in?"


    "I heard they''re showing in 33.7% of the total domestic theaters.


    "That high?"


    "Yeah, they''re really giving him face."


    "But the foreign screening rate is not even 0.01%."


    ��


    Near where Zhang Ye''s family was seated.


    His three younger sisters were busy chattering.


    "It''s starting soon!"


    "Come on, Bro!"


    "You can do it! Our Bro has never failed before!"


    ��


    At the celebrity seating area.


    "Sister Ning, do you feel optimistic about this movie?"


    "Who knows?"


    "Is Zhang Ye really intent on challenging Hollywood?"


    "I guess."


    "But how is he going to do that?"


    "God knows!"


    ��


    The lights dimmed in the theater.


    The big screen lit up and the movie began.


    The theater fell silent. Everyone picked up their 3D sses and put them on. Some of the people here were not too used to wearing 3D sses. This was because, in the context of the Chinese market, even though 3D movies were no longer considered to be using some sort ofplex technology, there weren''t too many Chinese directors who were willing to film in 3D. The VFX could not catch up to 3D technology, and the costs were just too high. In addition, there were no Chinese 3D movies that had performed very well at the box office either. For example, his parents and his parents-inw. Some of these people were evening to the theater to watch a 3D movie for the first time, and they all found this to be quite a novelty.


    The music started ying.


    In the vast ocean, two speedboats were attacking.


    "Attention, pirates alongside!"


    "Attention, pirates alongside!"


    "Take cover! All crew below deck!"


    "I repeat, pirates alongside! Initiate emergency procedures!"


    The cargo ship was halted!


    The pirates surrounded it!


    Gunfire rang out in stato bursts!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s figure appeared on the deck of the cargo ship as a piece of passionate music yed. He opened his arms wide and dived into the ocean!


    "Ah!"


    "Wow!"


    "Aiyo!"


    Everyone in the theater began shouting!


    This scene immediately left an impact on everyone!


    But this was only the beginning. When Zhang Ye started the intense hand-to-handbat with the pirates in the ocean, everyone in the theater gasped!


    Li Ke was startled!


    Beside him, several of the Chinese big name directors were also so shocked that their 3D sses nearly fell off!


    What the heck!


    A long take!


    It was Hollywood''s long take technique?!


    Zhang Ye, have you gone crazy? You actually resorted to doing a long take in the ocean?


    Ayman might not know about the danger of this, but how could Li Ke and the other directors not know!


    The fight scene was very intense!


    Everyone was on the edge of their seats!


    One!


    Three!


    Five!


    Zhang Ye bound the pirates together.


    When Zhang Ye climbed onto the speedboat, he picked up a sniper rifle belonging to the pirates and took aim. Then he fired it! There was a loud bang, and the bullet came flying towards the screen!


    The entire theater screamed!


    "Ah!"


    "Ah!"


    The bullet looked like it was headed straight for them!


    This was the effect of a 3D movie. It was just too realistic!


    Many of those who hadn''t watched a 3D movie before were petrified!


    Clearly, Zhang Ye had deliberately created this scene. This was done through abination of film and VFX techniques to bring out the 3D effect. It was a "badass" move that was done to make the bullet look as though it were flying out of the screen and into the audience to excite their visual sense.


    It was really badass!


    And the effect it had was extremely obvious!


    At this moment, the movie''s title mmed into view��Wolf! Warrior! 2!


    Ning Lan took a deep breath. "Fuck!"


    Shu Han said stunned, "This��"


    Yao Jiancai was nearly left kneeling. "Awesome!"


    Jacques said with wide eyes, "This wasn''t there when we were filming the scene!"


    Ha Qiqi said dumbfoundedly, "Was this filmed by us?"


    His eldest younger sister, Cao Dan, had her jaw drop. "Heavens!"


    The group of Inte celebrities were also shocked. "Our domestic movies can actually achieve such a level of special effects?"


    Zhang Zuo looked at Zhang Ye. "Was this made with imported techniques?"


    Zhang Ye couldn''t help but chuckle. He said, "What do you mean by imported techniques? It was created by our very own domestic VFX firm. Don''t always think that something imported is gonna be good, China isn''t that backward."


    Everyone found this a little unbelievable!


    The short opening to the movie turned out to be shockingly beautiful!


    At this moment, a question surfaced in the minds of a lot of people: Is this really something that a fucking nonprofessional film crew could film?


    Geez!


    Are you fucking kidding me?


    This is clearly at the fucking level of a Hollywood production!


    A team that had previously worked on variety shows!


    A director who had never made a movie before!


    Abination like that can actually produce a domestic movie like this?

 Chapter 1642 - Wolf Warrior 2 premieres! (Second half)

    <h4>Chapter 1642 - Wolf Warrior 2 premieres! (Second half) </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The movie was still showing.


    With just the opening, everyone''s attention was caught. The theater fell silent. There wasn''t any more whispering. Everyone just stared at the screen with wide eyes, wanting to see how to plot would develop. They wanted to know about Leng Feng''s story and what would happen next.


    ��


    On the silver screen.


    The movie shed back.


    A real estatepany''s demolition team was demolishing residential houses.


    Zhang Ye escorted the remains of hisrade back home.


    Zhang Ye got into a fight.


    He got dishonorably discharged from the military.


    Went to jail.


    The most elite special ops team known as the Wolf Warriors was revealed as a result.


    ��


    The movie cut away.


    Africa.


    Yao Jiancai made his appearance.


    "Look, we''re both Chinese. You do this to your own people?"


    "Hey, ever since 3 PM on the 14th ofst month, I haven''t been a Chinese citizen."


    A gunfight started and chaos erupted. The intense shootout on the African streets and in the supermarket made everyone tremble in anxiety.


    "What do we do now?"


    "The Chinese Embassy."


    "Let''s go to the embassy. They''ll take us in. We''re Chinese."


    "What about us?"


    "Will they ept us too?"


    "Hard to say, that''s our country."


    In the theater, peals ofughter could be heard.


    Chinese?


    You''re back to being Chinese now?


    ��


    On the coast.


    The Chinese fleet was preparing for emergency evacuation operations.


    "47 Chinese workers are still stuck at the Hanbond Chinese factory. What''s worse, Dr. Chen is stuck 55 kilometers behind enemy lines on a medical relief mission. He''s a high value target for the rebel army."


    "Everything is in total lockdown from Lochino to St. Francis. Without the UN''s authorization, our troops aren''t allowed to enter the war zone."


    "This operation is highly important! We have to evacuate those Chinese workers and Dr. Chen by all means!"


    "Under the current circumstances,bat troops are prohibited from entering the war zone. Someone has to undertake the mission alone!"


    "I''ll go."


    "Stop right there. What are you doing?"


    "Former People''s Liberation Army, Southeast Military Region, Special Operations Forces, Wolf Warriors, Leng Feng, reporting for duty!"


    ��


    On the savanna.


    In the jeep.


    "Stop the car. Stop it!"


    "Stop the car, I want to get out!"


    The car stopped.


    Sophia opened the door and got out of the car. But before she could even take a few steps, she stopped in her tracks. On the silver screen, several lions were gnawing on the carcass of a zebra. Sophia coolly brushed her hair back and shrugged before turning around "calmly." She slowly walked back to the car and closed the door after getting in.


    "Your Marines are here to pick you up."


    "��"


    Everyone in the audience doubled over inughter.


    Hahahaha!


    ��


    At an African factory.


    It was time for Boss Qian Jr.''s appearance.


    "Seen one of these? Ever shot one of these before?"


    "This wolf here, I killed it myself with this rifle."


    "This is a real man''s toy. Don''t be afraid. From now on, your safety will be my responsibility."


    The mercenaries attacked the factory.


    "Ahhhh!"


    "Help me! They got my leg!"


    "You''re fucking fine!"


    Everyone in the theater wasughing.


    But as they watched, they saw Boss Qian Jr.''s character transform from a boy into a man. When his character viciously shot dead the mercenary built like a bull, the one-liner he delivered excited the audience.


    "Didn''t your momma tell you not to y with the weap��"


    Bang!


    "Didn''t your momma tell you not to fuck with spoiled brats!"


    The moviegoers were so astonished that they let out a loud "wow"!


    ��


    On the warship.


    "Sir, we''ve triangted the cell phone''s signal!"


    "Sir, targets: locked on!"


    Sir, we''ve received orders from highmand��"


    "Fire!"


    Shu Han''s eyes turned red!


    Ning Lan was on the edge of her seat!


    Many of the moviegoers started tearing up!


    ��


    "The war zone is up ahead."


    "We can''t get through."


    All the guns were aimed at them.


    All the tanks were aimed at them.


    "Where''s the g?"


    "Here."


    "Drive."


    When Zhang Ye hung the five-starred red g on his arm, when the vehicles drove safely through the battlefield, the entire theater fell silent!


    "It''s the Chinese!"


    "Hold your fire!"


    "Hold your fire!"


    "It''s the Chinese!"


    The g!


    It was the Chinese g!


    Li Ke clenched his fists!


    Emotion surged through Zhang Ye''s parents!


    Many of the celebrities were holding back tears!


    Pride!


    Fervor!


    They could feel the different emotions flooding in!


    ��


    At the end of the movie was a Chinese passport.


    Everyone in the audience was startled to see it.


    A passport?


    What did this mean?


    At this moment, several lines of text appeared on the back of the passport.


    Looking at the words, the audience was unable to get a hold of themselves. It was like a dam had burst!


    "To the citizens of the People''s Republic of China:


    "When you encounter danger overseas,


    "do not give up!


    "Remember this:


    "There is a powerful homnd backing you!"


    ��


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Three seconds.


    Silence reigned in the theater!


    Suddenly, the ending theme yed. When the credits scrolled down the silver screen, the theater blew up!


    Zhang Ye''s mother jumped to her feet. "Bravo!"


    His father was also very excited.


    Li Ke stood up and apuded!


    The directors around him were also pping in amazement!


    Ning Lan was cheering!


    Zhang Xia gave a thumbs up!


    Shu Han nearly jumped to her feet!


    Everyone in the theater was on their feet!


    There was round after round of apuse!


    Half a minute!


    One minute!


    The apuse didn''t stop!


    Ha Qiqi shouted, "That was great! Great!"


    Sophia cried!


    Little Wang cried!


    Jacques and a few of the American actors were still staring at the screen in disbelief!


    Yao Jiancai, Dong Shanshan, and the rest of the film''s actors looked at one another in astonishment!


    Inside the theater, every one of the industry insiders and celebrities had been stunned!


    Even the actors who starred in Wolf Warrior 2 were stunned!


    They didn''t dare believe what kind of Chinese movie they had watched today!


    Although they did not say anything specifically and were all congratting and saying good things when they saw Zhang Ye earlier, it would be a lie to say that they did not have any doubts at heart. Ayman, a pureyman who didn''t hail from the film industry had suddenlye to make a movie. Who wouldn''t have misgivings about that? Many people were afraid that Zhang Ye''s new movie would turn out to be neither fish nor fowl. They were afraid that he would shoot the movie based on his experience in making variety shows or television series and end up making a joke out of it. But now, they realized they were mistaken. Zhang Ye was indeed Zhang Ye. He was indeed still that fucking "King of Crossovers."


    Filming.


    Casting.


    Acting.


    Visuals.


    3D.


    VFX.


    Plot.


    Pacing.


    From the start until the end, there was nothing to nitpick!


    It was seamless inside and out!


    He really could do it!


    He really knew how!


    He really knew!


    So this is Zhang Ye''s new movie?


    This is Wolf Warrior 2?


    A movie without any male idols, yet it was an enjoyable watch?


    Without a Hollywood team, this kind of 3D could be achieved?


    Our domestic movies can even be made to such a standard?


    Be it the media reporters, the directors from the industry, or the many celebrities who had graced the premiere of Wolf Warrior 2, all of them were left with a very deep impression of the movie!

 Chapter 1643 - On fire!

    <h4>Chapter 1643 - On fire! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The movie ended.


    The premiere was supposed to be over.


    But there was an extremely excited atmosphere in the theater at the moment, and no one was leaving. Many of the Chinese reporters immediately rushed out of their seats and surrounded the main cast of Wolf Warrior 2. The female lead, Sophia. The spoiled brat, Boss Qian Jr.. The main antagonist, Jacques. They spared none of them.


    "Ms. Sophia!"


    "Please ept our interview!"


    "Mr. Jacques, how did Zhang Ye manage to convince you to join the production?"


    "Boss Qian Jr., why did you decide to join the cast of this movie?"


    "Teacher Yao, I really liked your role in the movie!"


    "Teacher Shanshan, you didn''t have too many scenes in this movie, but it''s obvious that you should be the female lead of the first movie. Has Director Zhang said anything about when he will shoot Wolf Warrior 1?"


    Groups and groups of reporters surrounded them.


    Many of the actors were scrambling to cope with the media personnel.


    There was a shimmering light in the eyes of the reporters as they descended into a frenzy!


    Over there, Zhang Ye was swarmed by his rtives and friends.


    Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo both hugged Zhang Ye. "Director Zhang, you''re amazing!"


    Ning Lan walked over. "Zhang''er, you''re so impressive!"


    "I feel the same." Shu Han sighed and said, "You really managed to make the movie!"


    Chen Guang was yelling as he ran up, "Damn, how did you do it!"


    Fan Wenli gave him a thumbs up. "Watching you in your first movie, your acting was quite good."


    Zhang Xia said, "Whatever movies that get released at the same time as you are in for a bad time."


    His parents.


    His parents-inw


    His cousins.


    Everyone came over excitedly to congratte him.


    At the back, after several of the big name directors in China had gotten over their shock, they fell silent all at once. Then they looked at each other before finally shifting their gazes to one person. They stared at him in a particr kind of way.


    They were looking at Zhou Zhao.


    An elite Chinese film director.


    Zhou Zhao said in a speechless manner, "Why''re you all looking at me!"


    Li Ke asked, "Old Zhou, isn''t your new movie opening next week?"


    Several of the directors next to him nodded.


    "Yes."


    "Next week."


    "His movie will be released next week."


    Zhou Zhao was speechless.


    He didn''t say anything. He just turned around and picked up his cell phone to make a call. "Hello, Old Chen, go and contact the theater chains and amend the proposal to the SARFT. We''re not going to show our movie next week��if I say we aren''t, then we aren''t! Why do you care! Just hurry up and get it done as I said! Push the release back by another two weeks!"


    Li Ke was dumbfounded!


    The other directors were also dumbfounded!


    After hanging up, Zhou Zhao looked at them and said, "It''s not going to be next week anymore."


    After holding it back for a long time, Li Ke finally said, "Shameless!"


    The other directors around him looked at him in contempt. "That''s how you react?"


    But Zhou Zhao spread his hands. "There''s nothing else to do. You need to know when to cut your losses."


    They were all elite directors in China, especially Zhou Zhao, who was one of the most senior figures in the directing world. But after watching Wolf Warrior 2, Zhou Zhao did not even hesitate and immediately postponed the premiere of his new movie. This showed just how great of apetitor he thought Wolf Warrior 2 would be.


    A female director asked, "What kind of box office earnings do you guys think he''ll achieve?"


    Another director sighed and said, "Let''s see if the regr folks will buy tickets."


    Li Ke turned his gaze to the outside of the theater and said, "The first showing at the other theaters should be over as well, right? I wonder how many people have gotten shocked by this new movie of Zhang Ye''s!"


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    Shanghai.


    At a theater.


    The moviegoers were still staring dumbfoundedly at the big screen.


    "Oh my God!"


    "This is a domestic movie?"


    "Can it not be so impressive!"


    "Is that Zhang Ye fellow on steroids or something!"


    "W-Was this movie really fucking made by him?"


    "Someone else must be behind it! There fucking must be someone else who directed the movie!"


    "Th-This doesn''t make any sense!"


    ��


    Beijing.


    At the entrance of a theater.


    "Old Li, why are you crying?"


    "Motherfucker, you''re asking me? Aren''t you crying yourself?"


    "Hai, it was such an exciting watch, I couldn''t hold back my tears!"


    "When themand to fire was given, that must''ve left so many people in tears!"


    "No good, I muste back tomorrow!"


    "I also want to watch it again. I''m gonna bring my family this time!"


    "This is the best domestic movie I''ve watched this year��no, it''s the best domestic movie I''ve ever watched!"


    ��


    Shenzhen.


    Outside a theater.


    A group of teenagers were screaming as they came out.


    "Ahhhh!"


    "I haven''t had enough, I really haven''t had enough!"


    "Oh, my amazing Face-smacking Zhang! You''re truly my idol!"


    "This movie impressed the shit out of me! It was just that fantastic!"


    "I love Boss Qian Jr.! My hubby can act so well! He can actually act!"


    "Get lost, that''s my husband you''re talking about!"


    ��


    Guangzhou.


    At a theater.


    "Zhang Ye has done it again!"


    "That fellow is so amazing!"


    "I liked the scenes with Yao Jiancai. They were really funny!"


    "Old Yao and Zhang Ye are truly the best fucking duo in the industry!"


    "Hahaha, Sophia''s scene in the savanna was hrious!"


    "The lion chasing after the car was so thrilling!"


    "The 3D effects were spot on! No other domestic movie has ever been made with such quality shots and CGI!"


    "How can it be so fun to watch!"


    "The movie was shot well, and the cast was chosen well. It was perfect!"


    ��


    Nanjing.


    At the People''s Square.


    "The tickets were so worth it!"


    "That tank battle gave me goosebumps!"


    "Motherfucker, I want to watch it another time!"


    "When Zhang Ye raised the Chinese g, I actually cried!"


    "Yeah, it was so touching!"


    "And that image of the passport at the end. It really makes your blood race!"


    "Our homnd is so powerful!"


    "Yeah, I''ve never felt such a sense of pride being Chinese as I do right now!"


    ��


    Tianjin.


    "It was crazy good!"


    "This won''t do, I have to quickly rmend this movie to my coworkers!"


    "Yeah, if they don''t watch this movie, they''re going to regret it for the rest of their lives!"


    "The best quote from the movie has to be: ''Whoever offends the mighty nation of China, however distant, shall be destroyed!''"


    "These were the exact words that Zhang Ye dered back when he was an unknown hacker!"


    "That''s right. I always get pumped when I hear it!"


    "When I learned that Commando 2 wouldn''t be showing in China, I felt so bad about it for several days. I quite like that series and have always liked Director Wilson''s movies. But after watching Wolf Warrior 2, the only thing I wish to say now is: Fuck you, Wilson! Fuck you and your Commando movie!"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    The majority of the people had not watched the movie yet.


    "Has the premiere ended?"


    "Has anyone watched Wolf Warrior 2?"


    "How was it? If it isn''t good, I won''t be watching it."


    "I just came out of the theaters. Go and watch it!"


    "Motherfucker, it has to be the best movie of the year!"


    "Strongly rmending it! Rmending everyone watch Wolf Warrior 2 with everything I''ve got! It was crazy good! I still haven''t calmed down! I have a feeling that Zhang Ye''s new movie might break the domestic box office earnings record!"


    "What?"


    "Was it that good?"


    "What''s the movie about, exactly?"


    "OK, I''ve bought tickets as well. Your review is making me want to watch it!"


    "If it isn''t good, feel free toe and beat me up!"

 Chapter 1644 - The premiere’s box office earnings!

    <h4>Chapter 1644 - The premiere��s box office earnings! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    One person.


    One movie.


    That was all it took to turn the entire country upside down.


    The real-time statistics of movies'' box office earnings in China:


    #1: A Cause to Kill 3 (Hollywood action movie), CN��21.07 million


    #2: Cosmic Crisis (Hollywood sci-fi), CN��19.8 million


    #3: My World (Chinese published), CN��11.51 million


    ����


    #10: Wolf Warrior 2, earnings pending.


    These were the ten films currently being shown in China. The first and second ce movies of the day were both Hollywood films that had just been released. Although they were already past the peak of their box office period, these two top Hollywood films were still making tens of millions of yuan at the box office each day. Compared to that, the Chinese movies were performing much weaker rtively both abroad and at home. My World, ranked third, was already one of the highest-grossing movies of the year, and its box office gross thus far stood at 520 million RMB.


    As for Wolf Warrior 2, its statistics had yet to register on the rankings. This was because today was Wolf Warrior 2''s first day of release. Due to the underdeveloped real-time tracking technology of ticket sales, many cinema chains and movie theaters could not upload their figures to the database in time. This resulted in Wolf Warrior 2 not appearing on the real-time box office rankings. Nobody knew when it would appear on the real-time leaderboards.


    ��


    Noon.


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    After the premiere, Zhang Ye brought his team back to the office.


    "Why haven''t they refreshed the rankings?"


    "Just how much have we earned at the box office so far!"


    "I''m so anxious that I could die!"


    "Hocus pocus, may the Heavens bless us!"


    Ha Qiqi kept refreshing the rankings every once in a while.


    Zhang Zuo sped his hands in prayer.


    The premiere had ended, so it was all about the box office earnings now!


    The studio staff all knew exactly how important the premiere''s box office result was. It could even be said that it would affect the survival of a movie. If the box office earnings were good, there would be an increase in the showtimes of the movie at the various movie theater chains. With a reputation and good word of mouth, the public''s enthusiasm would definitely rise and that in turn would increase the box office earnings. If that happened, the battle would have been half won. But if the box office earnings were poor? The theater chains would surely lower the shown rate of the movie, and that would spell the end for Wolf Warrior 2. No matter how good the word of mouth the movie had earned, it would be difficult to revive it��this was how important the opening day box office earnings of a movie was!


    Commando 2''s global box office earnings had already almost assured that they would have a good performance in the theaters.


    As for them?


    Everything was still an unknown right now!


    Little Zhang was getting restless. "Director Zhang, how much do you think we can bring in?"


    Zhang Ye was amused. "Ever since we left the theater, you''ve asked that me 800 times!"


    "But I''m worried!" Little Wang had her head in her hands as she cried out, "Shooting this movie was such torture. Before we started production, we were worried about whether there was enough money. After the scenes were shot, we were worried that we didn''t film it good enough. When the production was finallypleted, we got worried about the premiere. And now that the premiere has ended, we''re starting to worry about the box office earnings. To think I used to wonder why those domestic movie directors were always unshaven. So it was because they always had such intense stress!"


    Tong Fu felt like he had met a confidante. "That''s right, I seriously agree!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Don''t worry, because worrying won''t affect anything anyway."


    Wu Yi also said anxiously, "Director Zhang, why don''t you say something reassuring?"


    Little Zhou nodded repeatedly. "Yeah, give us something to fall back on; give us a prediction."


    Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo were both looking at Zhang Ye eagerly.


    Zhang Ye thought for a bit. "A prediction? Maybe around 30 million?"


    Little Wang said, "Wow, 30 million isn''t too bad."


    Tong Fu nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I''ll be satisfied with 30 million."


    Ha Qiqi did some calctions on her fingers and then said, "If the premiere can bring in 30 million yuan, the final box office earnings could reach 300 million, or even 400 million yuan. That''s already very good for a domestic movie. You''re still a new director, so that would be a very good result and a dazzling achievement."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback.


    Yuan?


    What yuan?


    He replied, "I was talking about US dors."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Ah?"


    Zhang Zuoughed, "Hur hur."


    Tong Fu chuckled, "Pfft!"


    Little Wang said, "Director Zhang, you sure are funny."


    Zhang Ye sighed. "Look at how inexperienced you are."


    Everyone in the studioughed at that, and their nervousness also dissipated a little because of it.


    No one took Zhang Ye''s words seriously.


    ��


    At the studio of a director.


    "Director Sun, Wolf Warrior 2 seems to be quite good."


    "Director Li and the others have given rave reviews of it."


    "Furthermore, it seems like Director Zhou Zhao has dyed the release of his new movie after attending the premiere of Wolf Warrior 2��should we also be cautious?"


    "Are we going to change our date too?"


    "The box office earnings aren''t out yet. Let''s wait awhile."


    "Right, it would make us look really bad if we change the date now. Our movie is also very good."


    "Let''s see what Wolf Warrior 2''s opening day box office earnings are first."


    ��


    At male idol Song Qi''s studio.


    "Wolf Warrior 2 has premiered?"


    "Yeah, it''s showing in theaters."


    "Hmph, the box office earnings shouldn''t be great, right?"


    "It''s still unknown, but the reviews online seem to suggest it''s pretty good."


    "What use is word of mouth anyway? The box office earnings still have the final say on the performance. Without any male idols, how can he earn any money at the box office? Zhang Ye is too short-sighted."


    "That''s right. If he had agreed to double our Song Qi''s pay back then, his movie''s box office performance would surely not be bad, hur hur. But since he couldn''t bear to part with the money, there''s no one he can me for this."


    "He can me himself."


    "This is what short-sightedness is."


    "Zhang Ye is too arrogant. He always thinks that there''s nothing he can''t do."


    ��


    Japan.


    "Commando 2 is pretty good."


    "Yeah, I watched the premiere as well."


    "Eh, Zhang Ye''s movie hasn''t been released yet?"


    "I think it has already."


    "How are the box office earnings?"


    "They''re not out yet."


    "Hur hur, I can''t wait to see Zhang Ye make a fool of himself."


    ��


    India.


    "Commando 2 was so awesome!"


    "What about that Wolf Warrior 2?"


    "Who knows? Wasn''t that Chinese person thinking of taking on Hollywood?"


    "Like he could challenge them. It''s more appropriate to say that he''s gonna get beaten up, no?"


    "Hahaha."


    ��


    America.


    "The day''s almost over."


    "The box office earnings shoulde out soon."


    "No movie can challenge on Commando 2."


    "How''s that movie the Chinese guy made?"


    "The box office sales must be terrible."


    "The Chinese only know how to talk big!"


    ��


    China.


    "Hurry up and tabte the statistics!"


    "What the heck are the theaters doing?"


    "I can''t wait anymore! Where are the box office earnings for Wolf Warrior 2?"


    "It''s almost the cutoff time, right?"


    "Don''t get so anxious. Wait awhile more. We''ll see how Face-smacking Zhang did very soon."


    "I think everyone should calm down. We shouldn''t be thinking about challenging Hollywood anyway. It''s enough topete within our own market. For Zhang Ye to make such a good domestic movie, it''s an unprecedented achievement."


    "That''s right!"


    "In any case, I''ve already contributed by purchasing a movie ticket!"


    "I''ve contributed my share too!"


    ��


    Half an hour.


    An hour.


    It was time!


    Finally, the global premiere box office earnings for Commando 2 came out!


    At Wilson''spany.


    Someone came running in. "It''s closed!"


    Wilson and the others asked, "What''s the final figure?"


    That person was beaming. "We got 19 million dors in the box office for the North American region. Together with the other countries for the global box office earnings, the premiere brought in a total of 36 million US dors!"


    Wilson felt very reassured when he heard that. "Nice! Great!"


    Everyone around him started cheering!


    "That''s awesome!"


    "I knew it!"


    "It was just as we predicted!"


    "No, it''s much higher than we expected!"


    "Congrattions, Director!"


    An opening day box office earnings of 36 million USD. Even in the history of Hollywood, this would count as one of the highest-grossing box office releases. Not many Hollywood movies could bring in an amount like 36 million USD at the box office on their first day. 36 million USD was equivalent to over 200 million RMB. Looking at the global movie market as a whole, many of the better local movies that did quite well and were better performers could not beat Commando 2''s one-day box office earnings with their gross box office earnings! This was the reputation of Wilson''s brand, as well as the reputation of Hollywood. No one in the world could match it.


    Suddenly, Wilson thought of something and said with augh, "What about that Chinese guy''s movie?"


    That personughed mockingly and said, "The final figures should be calcted soon, I guess."

 Chapter 1645 - Wolf Warrior 2 tops the box office!

    <h4>Chapter 1645 - Wolf Warrior 2 tops the box office! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In China.


    Deep into the night.


    It was already past midnight, but a lot of people could not fall asleep, especially those who had caught the premiere of Wolf Warrior 2. Even though none of them really believed that Zhang Ye could seriously mount a challenge on Hollywood as that would be considered quite a "fantasy." This because they all knew in their hearts just how big the Chinese box office was. All they wanted to know was how much the domestic box office earnings for Wolf Warrior 2 would get on its first day of release.


    On Weibo.


    "I can''t sleep!"


    "It''s the end of the first day."


    "Just how much did it earn in the box office!"


    "Commando 2''s results came out first?"


    "Over 36 million USD?"


    "What about Wolf Warrior 2?"


    "I want to know about Wolf Warrior 2 as well!"


    Countless citizens were looking forward to it.


    One time.


    Five times.


    Ten times.


    Everyone kept refreshing the box office rankings.


    In the intense atmosphere of the public''s attention, the opening day box office figures for Wolf Warrior 2 were finally released. The public and industry had waited the entire day for this! The results were finally going to be revealed!


    ��


    Zhang Ye''s house.


    His daughter was already asleep.


    Zhang Ye had his hands behind his back as he paced around the living room on the first floor. Having reached this point, he was also starting to feel a little nervous. Would it work? Could it really be done? The scale of this world''s Chinese theater chains should be about the same as his previous world''s. There was certainly a basis for the box office earnings here to be simr, but would the movie be epted?


    Wu Zeqing came downstairs with a cup of coffee. "Have some, it''ll perk you up."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Aiya, why haven''t you slept yet?"


    Old Wu smiled. "I''m not tired."


    "You don''t have to wait with me." Zhang Ye said, "Go to bed first."


    Old Wu sat down on the sofa. "I''m really not tired."


    Di di. Zhang Ye''s cell phone rang again.


    It was the umpteenth time that his mother had sent him a message. "Are the box office results out yet?"


    Zhang Ye replied: "It''ll be out soon."


    The entire family knew just how important today was for Zhang Ye. This was perhaps the biggest turning point in his career thus far. He had bet their entire family''s property on it, his reputation, and his career. Zhang Ye had ced himself on the verge of losing everything for this one movie, all in order to carve out a way forward. He was doing this for himself, as well as for the sake of Chinese movies!


    Ring, ring, ring!


    Ring, ring, ring!


    A call came in!


    Zhang Ye had raised his cell phone alerts to the highest volume, and they could be heard clearly throughout the first floor of the vi.


    Here ites!


    He immediately picked up his cell phone and answered: "How much is it?"


    The voice on the other end of the line trembled as it read out the figure.


    Zhang Ye hung up and sat down slowly.


    Wu Zeqing gave a slight smile and asked, "How is it?"


    She heard Zhang Ye cackle withughter, "Hahahahahaha!"


    He continuedughing for half a minute straight!


    When Wu Zeqing saw this, she understood.


    ��


    At a movie theater chain.


    Looking at the numbers on the screen, the staff were all dumbfounded.


    "Th-This��"


    "Oh my god!"


    "Did they get it wrong?"


    "Old Li, calcte it again! Quick! Hurry up!"


    "The entire country''s box office statistics have already been connected to thework, and it''s the same for all the other theater chains. There can''t be any possibility of an error. There''s no need to calcte the data again! This is the final box office figure!"


    "My God!"


    "This is crazy! It''s fucking crazy!"


    "Zhang Ye has fucking yed it real big this time!"


    ��


    At a newspaper agency.


    "It''s still not out?"


    "We''ve been waiting the entire day. How are we supposed to write the draft like this?"


    "Yeah, we have to publish the report by morning."


    "I''ve alreadypleted my article. ''Commando 2 tops the global box office ranking, Wolf Warrior 2 sells well in China with good earnings''��it won''t go wrong if we write it like that."


    "Delete that, you''ve gotten it wrong."


    "What? Wrong?"


    "Chief Editor, what do you mean?"


    "Wolf Warrior 2''s box office earnings have been revealed!"


    "How much is it?"


    "Did it surpass 30 million?


    "It surpassed that figure. Take a seat before I tell you guys."


    "We''re already sitting!"


    "Aiya, just say it already."


    "Wolf Warrior 2''s opening day box office earnings are��over 260 million yuan!"


    "Huh?"


    "How much?"


    At this moment, the entire newspaper agency fell silent!


    ��


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    Zhang Ye''s call came.


    When Yao Jiancai put down the phone, he appeared extremely stunned!


    His wife anxiously asked, "How did it do?"


    Yao Mi was even more anxious. "So how was it? How did it do?"


    Yao Jiancai said dumbfoundedly, "Zhang''er said that the box office earnings were over 260 million yuan."


    His wife was shocked. "What!"


    Yao Mi eximed, "What the hell!"


    ��


    Dong Shanshan''s house.


    Zhang Ye called.


    "Say that again?" Dong Shanshan said with wide eyes.


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "More than 260 million yuan."


    Dong Shanshan eximed: "Can you not brag?"


    Zhang Ye said: "It''s true!"


    Dong Shanshan didn''t believe him. "How can it possibly have done so well at the box office!"


    ��


    In a hotel.


    Jacques and several of the American actors finally received a call from Zhang Ye. After hearing the figure that Zhang Ye provided him with, Jacques dropped his cell phone in shock, and the call was cut off!


    "What did the director say?"


    "Fuck!"


    "260 million?"


    "Impossible! This doesn''t make any sense!"


    "Jesus, we''re not dreaming, right?"


    ��


    At the house of the richest man in China.


    Boss Qian Jr. eximed, "How can it be that high!"


    Upstairs, Qian Haitao and his wife were awoken by the shouting and came downstairs to have a look.


    Mrs. Qian asked, "What is it, son?"


    Qian Haitao frowned. "Why aren''t you sleeping?"


    Boss Qian Jr. said in a daze, "Wolf Warrior 2 earned 260 million in the box office on its first day of release!"


    As the wealthiest man in China, Qian Haitao was obviously a very calm soul. But when he heard this box office figure, his knees nearly gave way. After a moment of silence, he sighed and said, "Teacher Zhang is going to tear a hole in the sky!"


    ��


    At Song Qi''s studio.


    The entire room of people nched!


    "Are you serious?"


    "It''s been published online!"


    "How did it turn out like this?"


    "260 million?!"


    Song Qi and his agent both looked disgusted and terrible. This box office figure had shocked them so much that they nearly spat out a mouthful of blood!


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Silence reigned in the office.


    "How much?"


    "260 million!"


    "How much?"


    "260 million!"


    "Come again?"


    ��


    At Li Ke''s home.


    A call from a director friend woke him up.


    "Old Zhou, do you know what time it is?"


    "Something big has happened!"


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Zhang Ye has started something big!"


    "What?"


    "Wolf Warrior 2 scored 260 million yuan on its first day at the box office!"


    "What did you say?"


    With a bounce, Li Ke sat up in bed in shock.


    ��


    America.


    At a banquet.


    It was still daytime here. The entire film crew of Commando 2 was present. The director, the actors, the investors, everyone had gathered together and were celebrating with a party.


    At this moment, someone came running in!


    "This is not good!"


    Everyone looked over.


    "What''s the matter?"


    "What''s the matter, why are you carrying on?"


    That person said with a panicked expression, "The box office earnings of that Chinese guy are out!"


    Wilsonughed and said, "So how much did they take in? A fraction of ours?"


    That person wiped his sweat away and said, "40 million!"


    Everyoneughed.


    "40 million? You mean yuan, right?"


    "That''s not too bad a performance."


    "Oh yeah, it''s chump change."


    "Ours is 36 million dors, his is 40 million yuan. With the exchange rate, they''re at most a fraction of our box office earnings, haha!"


    But the person who came bearing the news had an ashen face.


    Wilson looked at him. "What is it? Is something wrong?"


    That person gulped. "In dors!"


    Wilson was startled. "What about dors?"


    That person said with a bitter smile, "Wolf Warrior 2''s box office earnings were counted in US dors!"


    The entire venue fell silent!


    US dors?


    40 million USD?


    Wilson spat out a mouthful of blood!


    ��


    The day''s global box office rankings were out.


    Daily rankings:


    #1: Wolf Warrior 2


    Box office earnings: US$40,080,000


    #2: Commando 2


    Box office earnings: US$36,120,000


    #3: Life of Jimmy


    Box office earnings: US$15,500,000


    These were the calcted box office statistics for the previous day of screening and would not be updated any further. The box office rankings were set in stone.


    When the rankings came out!


    People around the world were shocked!


    Media around the world was shocked!


    The world''s film industry was shocked!


    Something big had happened!


    At this moment, the entire world knew that something big had happened in the global film industry!

 Chapter 1646 - Zhang Ye becomes famous with a single battle!

    <h4>Chapter 1646 - Zhang Ye bes famous with a single battle! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Korea.


    In the film industry.


    "This is not good!"


    "That hooligan from China is at it again!"


    "What''s happening?"


    "Didn''t Commando 2 get crowned as the champion of the global box office earnings yesterday?!"


    "Huh?"


    "Wolf Warrior 2 took its ce!"


    "Hai, I said that when Wilson used Zhang Ye to hype up his movie, it was best not to provoke that fellow since he''s not someone that you can push around so easily. Look at what has happened now."


    ��


    The UK.


    Online.


    "My God!"


    "How did it turn out like this?"


    "Yeah, how could this happen!"


    "Is the film industry going to see a change soon?"


    "Just who the hell is that Chinese Nobel Prize recipient, really!"


    ��


    America.


    Hollywood.


    "40 million?"


    "What in the fucking hell!"


    "It must be in yuan, right? It has to be!"


    "It''s in US dors!"


    "Commando 2 has been crushed!"


    "Sh-Shouldn''t he have been stifled after we blocked his global release of the movie?"


    "That was purely the Chinese market''s box office earnings!"


    ��


    India.


    "How did something like this happen!"


    "Commando 2 has lost?"


    "Wilson lost?"


    "Hollywood lost?"


    "What''s more, they actually lost to a Chinese director and movie too?"


    "Motherfucker, what the hell is going on!"


    ��


    Australia.


    "This p to the face is too ruthless!"


    "Wilson has probably gone out of his mind!"


    "This is a p to the face of Hollywood by the Chinese!"


    "The Chinese are too terrifying!"


    "No, it''s that Chinese celebrity who''s the scary one!"


    ��


    Japan went crazy!


    America went crazy!


    Europe went crazy!


    On the day, every person in the world went crazy!


    All of this had happened too suddenly and without any warning. At this moment, even the international entertainment news hadn''t reported on it. The entire world did not have time to react, and the media wasn''t even prepared. As such, everyone who saw the global box office rankings from yesterday was all shocked!


    There was a very strange atmosphere in the international scene!


    It was as though the people of the world had encountered a ghost!


    ��


    Only China was different.


    No one could fall asleep tonight.


    Every household was filled with surprised shouts and exmations!


    In a home.


    "Ahhhhhh!"


    "Honey, what''s wrong?"


    "Hubby! Stop sleeping! Wake up and see this!"


    "What are you going on about sote at night?"


    "Zhang Ye has won! He''s won!"


    "Won? Against who?"


    "He has totally crushed Wilson!"


    "Hur hur, go wash up and sleep, you must be dreaming."


    "Dammit, I''m serious! Look at this, quick!"


    "What?!"


    ��


    At a bar.


    Several Chinese movie directors were holding ate night meeting. Many of them had been woken up by calls toe here and were only just starting to find out about this big deal that happened in the film industry.


    "Old Zhou, Old Zhou, just how��"


    "We don''t know either, but the box office statistics can''t be wrong!"


    "How did Zhang Ye do it?"


    "No matter how he did it, this is still a milestone for China''s film industry!"


    "Right, the reason why we called everyone out this time is to celebrate that. It''s very possible that the Chinese film industry is headed for good times from here on out. That kid Zhang Ye is amazing!"


    "He''s more than amazing!"


    "Yeah, he might as well soar to the Heavens with his opening day box office earnings of 260 million yuan!"


    "This is the first time I''ve heard of anyone being able to step on a Hollywood movie like that. I''m still wondering if all of this is just a dream! Did that really happen?"


    ��


    In a group chat.


    The Celebrity Goof Group.


    Many of the celebrities appeared in the group.


    Ning Lan sent a shocked emote in the chat: "Something big has happened!"


    Xiaodong: "@ZhangYe You bettere right out and send me a red packet! Damn! You''re gonna be so popr, Teacher Zhang! You''ve shocked the entire world!"


    Shu Han was stunned: "@ZhangYe So the word that you put out about challenging Hollywood, that was really fucking true? W-We thought you were just joking!"


    Yao Jiancai also emerged: "I also thought it was just a joke!"


    Chen Guang: "Old Yao, give out some red packets!"


    Li Xiaoxian: "Old Yao, give out some red packets!"


    Amy: "Teacher Yao, you''re going to get real popr this time too!"


    Yao Jiancai sent a sweating emote: "What''s this about getting popr? The box office earnings have shocked me silly. All I can feel right now is my pounding heart. I still haven''t recovered from the shock!"


    Amy: "Where''s Director Zhang? Director Zhang? Why aren''t you showing yourself?"


    Dong Shanshan appeared: "I tried calling him earlier, but I wasn''t able to get through. He must be getting a ton of calls."


    Ning Lan: "I''m afraid to say, Zhang Ye must be the busiest person in the entire world right now! Today''s battle has made him famous around the world!"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    The news was spreading everywhere!


    Late into the night, there was ten times more activity on Weibo than in the morning!


    Zhang Xia.


    Huo Dongfang.


    Xu Men.


    Famous people in the industry.


    Several Heavenly Kings and Queens.


    The moguls of the movie industry.


    Countless people were sending their congrattions!


    This was a grand affair for the Chinese film industry!


    It was a grand affair for China''s entertainment circle as well!


    Every industry insider knew exactly what it meant for Wolf Warrior 2 to crush so many Hollywood movies to take the top spot on the day''s box office rankings!


    The Chineseizens were in an even greater frenzy:


    "Ahhhh!"


    "How cool! This is so fucking cool!"


    "Number one on the global box office rankings for the day!"


    "Zhang Ye has really done it!"


    "When I saw the box office results, I actually cried. It hasn''t been easy at all! It really has not been easy for our domestic movies! How many years has it been! I can''t believe I got to see this day!"


    "Who says that the Chinese market isn''t good enough? Ah? Who said it!"


    "That idiotic Wilson really looks like an idiot now!"


    "So you think that our Chinese market is negligible? How about now? Our domestic movie''s box office earnings in the domestic market are fucking greater than your gross global box office earnings!"


    "I''m so excited that I don''t know what to say!"


    "It''s too amazing!"


    "Zhang Ye has shown the might of our country!"


    "Wolf Warrior 2 is too heaven defying!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang is indeed Face-smacking Zhang!"


    "I knew he could do it! I just knew it!"


    "Hahahahaha. When Zhang Ye says that he will smack their faces, he will definitely smack their faces. Never has he failed before��that''s the true mark of Zhang Ye!"


    "What a good day to celebrate!"


    "This is the most important day for our domestic movies!"


    "Letting Face-smacking Zhang step up to the international scene was the best choice we made! He can really lead the Chinese and our Chinese works to take on the world! Unlike those male idols who keep circling the domestic market for money grabs after they''ve reached the top, Zhang Ye takes on any challenge. And he always wins!"


    "I wasn''t Zhang Ye''s fan in the past, but I''m so excited today. After being woken up by my roommate in the middle of the night and seeing the global box office earnings, my blood is racing and I can''t go back to sleep! I''m so proud for Wolf Warrior 2! I''m so proud for Zhang Ye! I''m so proud that I''m Chinese!"


    Cheers!


    Excitement!


    Screams!


    Every person felt an exultant sense of pride!


    They all knew that Zhang Ye did not have any intentions to make a movie initially. But for himself, and for the sake of the Chinese people, he wore the hat of director and took the role himself, all just to prove in practice to Wilson, Hollywood, and the entire world:


    Whoever offends the mighty nation of China!


    However! Distant! Shall! Be! Destroyed!

 Chapter 1647 - Breaking yet another record!

    <h4>Chapter 1647 - Breaking yet another record! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Sunday morning.


    Zhang Ye had been taking calls until verytest night. When he opened his eyes again, his parents and parents-inw were already at his house. From his bed upstairs, Zhang Ye could hear his mother''s loud voice. He smiled and yawned, then stretched as he walked downstairs.


    "Dad, Mom," he said.


    Wu Zeqing looked at him. "Why didn''t you sleep for a while longer?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I can''t sleep anymore."


    His mother pulled at her son. "Did you see the box office earnings? Did you see it?"


    "I knew about it earlier than you. How could I not have seen it?" Zhang Yeughed.


    His father said excitedly, "Those earnings are beyond belief. You''ve broken the record!"


    Li Qinqin also said excitedly, "Little Ye, you''ve caused quite a sensation this time!"


    Wu Changhe had a tired and weary look on his face. Clearly, he also couldn''t sleep well after finding out about the opening day box office earnings of Wolf Warrior 2.


    It was too high!


    It was too frightening!


    There had never been such a high opening day box office in the history of the Chinese film industry!


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "Dad, Mom, it''s only the first day, so we still need to see how we''ll do in the next few days. The opening day box office is very important, but in the end, it''s still the total box office earnings that count. I won''t be able to stay around to entertain you all. I''ve got to head back to the studio to arrange for some publicity. I''ll be busy this entire month and won''t be home early most days, so I''ll hand Sisi over to you all."


    His mother said, "Don''t worry, we are here!"


    Li Qinqin urged, "Hurry up and go to work!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Let''s go, I''ll drive you to the studio."


    "What are you doing?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Old Wu said, "I''ve booked a theater for this morning and invited my colleagues to watch Wolf Warrior 2."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Alright, let''s leave together then."


    ��


    The news was overwhelming.


    "A Chinese film''s rampage!"


    "A great enemy rises up against Hollywood!"


    "The ultimate box office breakout of the Chinese film market!"


    "What incident took ce yesterday?"


    "Commando 2 gets defeated by Wolf Warrior 2 in the battle of the premieres!"


    "The first time in history! A Hollywood movie has lost to a Chinese movie!"


    "The world may need to re-examine the Chinese market!"


    "How far can the breakout of the Chinese film industry go on for?"


    "Who''s going to be the global box office champion of this weekend?"


    "Hollywood''s industry insiders predict: Wolf Warrior 2''s performance might only be a sh in the pan! "


    The UK.


    America.


    France.


    Japan.


    Canada.


    The news outlets in many countries all over the world were crazily reporting on this matter. Some countries even published the news in the most prominent headline spot on the front page. It was clear that the sudden emergence of this Chinese movie had truly shocked the world. It was a fact that the media and industry insiders from all over the world found this hard to ept!


    The news in China was even more ferocious!


    Xinhua News!


    Central TV!


    And even People''s Daily!


    Many of the Chinese media outlets were giving their support to Zhang Ye!


    ��


    At the studio.


    The atmosphere was a jubnt one.


    When Zhang Ye arrived, he immediately got surrounded by the staff.


    "Ah!"


    "Director Zhang!"


    "We''re the best!"


    "We''re on fire! On fire!"


    "Have you seen the international news yet?"


    From the night until now, a lot of the studio staff had not gotten any sleep. They were all immersed in this great joy and couldn''t control themselves!


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''ve seen it already. How is it now?"


    Everyone gave him a report about the situation.


    Ha Qiqi said, "In order to avoid our limelight, three directors have confirmed that their new movies will have their releases dyed. That''s why our showtimes have increased."


    "How much is the screening rate today?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Ha Qiqi said excitedly, "It''s already reached 45%!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Nearly half of the movie theaters are showing our movie!"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright, are the real-time box office earnings for today out yet?"


    "Of course, the box office earnings can be tracked in real-time now!" Little Wang held up her cell phone and said, "I''ll check for thetest updates again. Ah, as of right now, we''ve already hit 93 million in the box office earnings for today! And it isn''t even noon yet! Ahhhh! 93.5 million! It''s gonna cross a 100 million very soon!"


    Zhang Ye said, "What about Commando 2?"


    Tong Fu checked. "Almost the same. They''re already past 10 million dors in earnings."


    Zhang Ye suddenly said, "Just winning for a day isn''t considered much. Everyone, don''t ck off. The battle has only just begun. Don''t screw up at this critical juncture. We''ll need to keep up the momentum and continue following up with the promotions. Where''s the graphic designer? Is the movie poster highlighting a total box office earnings of 300 million done up yet?" When he got a positive response, he immediately said, "OK, do it again, keep working on it. Make sure we have it out on time. Old Ha, go and inform the actors to take a few more events. Be it the news or variety shows, get them to help out with the promos as much as they can. In short, I want us to get first on this weekend''s box office rankings no matter what!"


    "Sure!"


    "Got it, Director Zhang!"


    "Understood!"


    Everyone got down to business.


    ��


    In China.


    On Weibo.


    "It broke 100 million today!"


    "Yeah, it''s already surpassed that figure!"


    "Wolf Warrior 2 is breakingmon sense!"


    "Can it be the box office champion this weekend?"


    "It''s still quite difficult to say! Commando 2 is starting to catch up!"


    "Come on, Face-smacking Zhang!"


    "Fuck that Wilson up!"


    "Vanquish Hollywood!"


    "Lord Zhang is almighty! It''s all up to you now!"


    ��


    America.


    Wilson''spany.


    "We will definitely be able to catch up by today!"


    "That''s right, the opening day performance doesn''t mean anything. The box office earnings depend on what happens after!"


    "The weekend box office champion will definitely be us!"


    "There''s never been a foreign movie that has performed better than Hollywood at the weekend box office earnings! It won''t be an exception this time either!"


    "Keep up with the marketing. Increase the publicity for all major markets!"


    "We must be the box office champion this weekend no matter how much money is required for the marketing!"


    Wilson was getting anxious.


    The Commando 2 film crew was getting anxious.


    Hollywood was also getting anxious.


    ��


    On the Web.


    Netizens from all over the world had pulled their chairs up to watch the battle.


    "This is so intense!"


    "The box office rankings have me gripped!"


    "Wolf Warrior 2 vs. Commando 2, who will win?"


    "This is a battle of honor!"


    "The quality of this Chinese movie is really scary!"


    "The oue will be revealed very soon!"


    "Could history of cinema really get rewritten today?"


    "It won''t, Hollywood''s legend won''t be destroyed so easily!"


    "Yeah, that is Hollywood we''re talking about, it''s the pinnacle of the film industry!"


    ��


    On this day.


    The entire world was anxiously staring at the box office rankings. Everyone had a look of shock on their faces as they watched with trepidation!


    10 million USD!


    20 million USD!


    30 million USD!


    The two movies were neck and neck!


    The media.


    The people.


    The industry insiders.


    China.


    America.


    Japan.


    There were only a few more minutes to go!


    Everyone was waiting for the final oue!


    When the global weekend box office closed, when those numbers finally stopped moving!


    The entire world descended into an uproar!


    It blew up on the Web:


    "God!"


    "How did this happen?"


    "It won again?"


    "The Chinese won again?"


    "This��What is this! How could it be!"


    "Who said that Wolf Warrior 2 was just a sh in the pan?"


    "This is a Hollywood blockbuster! This is Director Wilson we''re talking about! This is the sequel to Commando! How could it not even beat a Chinese movie?!"


    "This is such a fucking miracle!"


    "What the hell!"


    "Impressive, my Chinese bro! You''re awesome!"


    The global weekend (Saturday and Sunday) box office rankings:


    #1: Wolf Warrior 2


    #2: Commando 2


    The Chinese movie had taken first ce again!


    Wolf Warrior 2''s Sunday box office earnings were 48.21 million USD, with the total weekend earnings at 88.2 million USD!


    Commando 2''s Sunday box office earnings were 45.8 million USD, with the total weekend earnings at 81.05 million USD!


    At this moment, Wilson''s face was ashen. Many Hollywood directors and industry insiders could not ept this. They could ept losing to a fellow Hollywood movie, they could ept losing to a fellow Hollywood director, but they definitely couldn''t ept losing to a foreign movie! Furthermore, it was even a movie made by the Chinese! To them, this was the greatest insult they could receive. It was as though they were dealt a p to their faces that left a stinging pain!


    How the hell did the Chinese movie do it!


    Are you people on steroids or something!

 Chapter 1648 - Did you fly here?

    <h4>Chapter 1648 - Did you fly here? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Monday.


    In the morning.


    On the third day since the movie opened.


    The International Celebrity Rankings Index was refreshed. The index saw yet another astonishing change of the rankings. Zhang Ye advanced from the 59th ce on the international C-list rankings by seven ces and was now ranked 52nd after his international poprity grew tremendously.


    It had to be said that Zhang Ye''s international poprity had not moved at all prior to this. Furthermore, this was the third day since Wolf Warrior 2 had premiered. In fact, even though Wolf Warrior 2 was given a "global" release, its showtimes overseas were as good as negligible, and it could be considered as having only released in China. Yet that was still enough to increase Zhang Ye''s international poprity by a lot, so it could be seen just how great of a feat it was for a Chinese movie to defeat a Hollywood movie in the past weekend''s global box office rankings. It hadpletely shocked everyone around the world!


    The whole world had their attention on this!


    The media outlets of many countries were reporting about it!


    Something about a world-ss director.


    Something about an international action star.


    All kinds of titles were attached to Zhang Ye.


    At this moment, the attacks from Hollywood started.


    "The final box office earnings are still not confirmed."


    "World-ss director? That''ll depend on the gross box office earnings the movie gets. It has only been two days."


    "I won''t acknowledge that he''s an international action star!"


    "It''s clear as day that Zhang Ye''s physical fitness is atrocious, so how can he be called an international action star? That''s actually too professional a term to use for him. Actors who can bebeled as action stars are all very good at fighting. They have to do it for real and not just shoot a few action scenes to be called an action star. Neither would having a slightly better global box office performance earn them the title of being an international action star. Just look at Zhang Ye. Does he even look like he''s an actor who can fight? Don''t mention fighting, just based on his physical fitness alone, I doubt he can even run a mile, heh."


    The barbs were all pointed at Zhang Ye.


    The purpose of Hollywood''s attack was obvious. It was to stifle the bluster of Wolf Warrior 2''s performance to affect their box office earnings. Even now, they were still hopeful that Commando 2 would be able to beat Wolf Warrior 2 and that their own box office earnings would surpass their rival''s by the end of the day!


    ��


    In China.


    Shanghai.


    Outside the airport, in a van.


    Zhang Ye and several actors were on the way to a promotional tour stop. For the next few days, the main members of the film crew would be traveling the entire country to promote their movie. This was also their way to express their sincerity and help push Wolf Warrior 2''s box office earnings to a new high.


    Ha Qiqi said, "Why is there a traffic jam?"


    Zhang Zuo said anxiously, "There are news reports of major traffic jams happening all over Shanghai."


    "This is bad." Sophia kept checking her watch. "The tour starts at 9 AM, but it''s almost 8. What if we don''t make it on time?"


    Honk honk honk!


    Honk honk honk!


    There was the sound of honking all around, but the traffic wasn''t moving at all!


    Zhang Ye couldn''t sit around and wait anymore. "This show is our first stop and is crucial to our box office earnings, so we must not bete for it. How many kilometers are we away from the theater?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "We''re still more than 20 kilometers away."


    Ha Qiqi checked the GPS. "The entire way is congested."


    Boss Qian Jr. let out a curse, "Fuck. If I knew it would''ve been like this, I would''ve asked my dad to buy a private helicopter. This traffic is dying us! If we arrivete to our stop, those Hollywood bastards will surely seize the opportunity to attack us and im that we don''t respect the audience! The entire world is looking at us under a microscope. If there is even a small mishap, they will definitely exaggerate and blow it out of proportion!"


    They waited another two minutes.


    The traffic was still not moving.


    Zhang Ye looked out to the roadside. "Where''s the bike share 1 ?"


    The several people in the car were taken aback. "What''s a bike share?"


    Oh right.


    That didn''t exist in this world yet.


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath and did not say anything. Suddenly, under everyone''s puzzled gazes, he took out everything from his pockets: his cell phone, his wallet, and his keys. Then, he undid the buttons on his suit and took it off. Then he reached out to open the car door and said without looking back, "I''ll head over first!"


    The several of them were dumbfounded.


    "You''ll head over first?"


    "But there''s a traffic jam!"


    "H-How are you going there?"


    At the next moment, they saw Zhang Ye sprinting forward!


    The people in the car were all stunned!


    Sophia nearly fainted. "Where are you running off to?"


    Boss Qian Jr. eximed, "The fuck! It''s more than 20 kilometers away!"


    Yao Jiancai shouted, "Did you drink this morning? You won''t be able to get there even if we gave you a day!"


    Ha Qiqi and the others nearly vomited blood. They wanted to stop him but couldn''t, so they watched as Zhang Ye disappeared running through the traffic!


    Jacques could not understand Mandarin and was still looking bewildered by what just happened. "Where is the director going?"


    Boss Qian Jr. facepalmed and said, "He running to the theater."


    Jacques was stupefied. "What?"


    ��


    On the way there.


    Countless people lowered their car windows.


    "Oh my God!"


    "Everyone, look at who that is!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s really Face-smacking Zhang!"


    "What is he doing?"


    "Is he jogging? But this is the highway!"


    ��


    At another section of the road.


    "Ah!"


    "Zhang Ye?"


    "Damn, I just saw a celebrity!"


    "Ah, Zhang Ye is jumping off the bridge!"


    "Damn, he really leaped over and jumped down!"


    "What''s he in such a rush for?"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    A headline began to trend on Weibo.


    The Weibo headline was called: The Running Zhang Ye.


    "The coordinates are in Shanghai!"


    "Zhang Ye is still running!"


    "Wow, I saw him too! He''s run to where I am!"


    "Where''s he heading?"


    "Isn''t the first stop for the movie''s promotional tour happening today?"


    "Oh yes, there are traffic jams everywhere in Shanghai today. C-Could he be fucking thinking of running to the theater?"


    "Huh?"


    On this morning, Zhang Ye was all over Weibo.


    Passing through the various sections of the highway,izens took pictures of him and provided real-time updates on Weibo.


    ��


    At 9:30 AM.


    The promotional tour stop event had begun half an hour ago.


    The traffic in Shanghai started easing up.


    Ha Qiqi said to the driver, "Quick, drive, we need to hurry!"


    Zhang Zuo asked, "Did you spot Director Zhang?"


    Sophia kept her eyes on the road as the car drove. "No, I can''t see him at all!"


    "Who knows which way he went!" Yao Jiancai also had his face close to the car window as he looked for any signs of Zhang Ye. "He couldn''t have run off too far ahead in one and a half hours. I guess he must have been running blindly and took a wrong turn somewhere. Since he left his cell phone in the car, we can''t reach him either. We''ve almost reached the destination, so he might as well have just stayed with us and beente by only 40 minutes."


    Sophia said, "What will we do if the director is not there with us?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "We still have to do it. We have to try to hold out for a bit."


    Jacques sighed. "I guess that''s the only way."


    Zhang Zuo said, "When we get there, let''s apologize first"


    Ten minutester.


    The car reached the entrance of the movie theater.


    The crew jumped out of the car and fast walked inside.


    Upon seeing one of the event staffers, Ha Qiqi and the others hurriedly apologized, "Sorry, we werete due to traffic."


    The staffer said, "It''s fine. Go in quickly."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Everyone must be getting impatient, right? It''s our fault. Director Zhang also encountered some problems and will probably not be able to make it in time for the showing, so��"


    The staffer said startled, "Director Zhang?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "We''re sorry about that."


    But the staffer said, "Director Zhang arrived long ago."


    Everyone was stunned to hear that. "What?"


    The staffer pointed inside and said, "Director Zhang has already arrived. In fact, he even got here at five minutes to 9."


    Sophia''s legs nearly gave way!


    Yao Jiancai stared with wide eyes. "Impossible!"


    No one could believe it, and they rushed inside to have a look.


    In the end, they saw Zhang Ye in the theater, holding a microphone andughing as he said confidently, "If everyone likes this movie, then please show us some support. As for the nder from those people in Hollywood, just pretend that you didn''t hear it. Consider it nonsense from those bastards."


    The media and audienceughed.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye spotted Ha Qiqi and the others. He smiled and said, "Alright, the main crew and actors have arrived. I''ll leave the rest of the questions for them."


    Sophia stared in shock!


    Boss Qian Jr. looked like he had seen a ghost!


    What the hell!


    You''re here already?


    How did you manage to run here?


    Did you fucking fly here or something?!


    ��


    On the same night.


    The news broke.


    "Wolf Warrior 2''s first tour stop is sessfully held!"


    "Major traffic jams across Shanghai, Zhang Ye runs to the theater!"


    "What is professionalism?"


    "Zhang Ye really lives up to the people''s expectations!"


    "Running a half-marathon to get to a tour stop?"


    "Zhang Ye''s crazy run in Shanghai tops the trending list of searches!"


    Some of the nosier media outlets even used the times and geolocation information of theizens'' Weibo posts to write a detailed article and tracked the distance and time of Zhang Ye''s run on the highway to the theater. If they hadn''t counted it, it wouldn''t have mattered. But now that they did, it gave the entire world something to be shocked about!


    For the entire journey, Zhang Ye had actually run 22 kilometers in total!


    How long is a half-marathon? 13.1 miles! Converted to the metric system, that would be 21.1 kilometers!


    In other words, the distance that Zhang Ye ran was actually one kilometer longer than a half-marathon. And the time that he took to run to the theater was a shocking 59 minutes and 18 seconds. Upon checking the results of this year''s international half-marathon races, everyone was shocked to discover that Zhang Ye had run the best time in the world this year. Even the professional marathon runners were not as fast as him!


    This conclusion was frightening!


    It was so frightening that the world was astonished!


    ��


    The Web blew up!


    An Americanizen: "What?"


    A Japaneseizen: "That''s too fast a time!"


    A UKizen: "Is that the best time this year?"


    An Indianizen: "How is this possible!"


    A Canadianizen: "This is the level of an elite athlete!"


    A Frenchizen: "Didn''t Hollywood im that Zhang Ye''s physical fitness was atrocious? That he wasn''t qualified to be called an action star? H-How is that fucking called having atrocious physical fitness? Just how fit is he really!"


    A Koreaizen: "Did you guys see the photos? His clothes and shoes!"


    A cored shirt.


    And dress pants.


    Paired with leather shoes.


    He didn''t wear any running apparel!


    Even like this, he was still able to run the best time of the year?


    People around the world didn''t know how to react.


    Only the Chineseizens wereughing.


    "Did you guys just find out?"


    "This fellow isn''t human to begin with."


    "Teacher Zhang has smacked Hollywood in the face again!"


    "Right after Hollywood speaks, Face-smacking Zhang ps them in the face!"


    "Zhang Ye''s physical fitness is atrocious? This is a joke that can make meugh for a 100 fucking years!"

 Chapter 1649 - A first in the history of Chinese film!

    <h4>Chapter 1649 - A first in the history of Chinese film! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the same day.


    The box office earnings were tabted.


    Hollywood was silenced.


    The global film industry was silenced.


    Wolf Warrior 2''s third-day domestic box office earnings: CN��197 million.


    Meanwhile, Commando 2, which Hollywood had high hopes for, only scored a box office earnings of 81 million RMB for the day after allowing for conversion. Previously, Commando 2 was still close behind Wolf Warrior 2 and could have surpassed it at any moment. However, it was finally showing signs of fatigue.


    On the Web.


    "This is too scary!"


    "The gap has been widened!"


    "Commando 2 has been affected by the Chinese movie!"


    "Zhang Ye''s movie is too fearsome. It''s dragged down the global box office earnings of Commando 2!"


    "Wilson has no way of catching up!"


    "Yeah, the oue has been decided."


    "These box office earnings are so scary. And it''s even Monday!"


    "Very few movies can achieve such box office earnings during the workweek!"


    "Do the Chinese not need to work?"


    "Hollywood has really lost this time."


    "The only thing to look forward to now is how much Wolf Warrior 2''s final box office earnings will be."


    ��


    There was something unique about the Chinese: They were busybodies.


    There was still another unique point about the Chinese: They loved being spectators when drama unfolded.


    Now that Zhang Ye and Wolf Warrior 2 had been deified by the masses, the enthusiasm of the Chinese for watching the movie was bursting through the roof. When people were out and having conversations with one another, there was almost a necessity to bring up the topic of Wolf Warrior 2. Such a phenomenal level of discussion had never happened before. In the span of a night, it was as though there was no differentiation between men and women, old and young, or even the rich and poor anymore.


    There were only two kinds of people now.


    Those who had watched Wolf Warrior 2.


    And those who hadn''t.


    ��


    At apany.


    "Come on, let''s not work overtime today."


    "Ah?"


    "The boss has booked a theater and invited everyone to watch Wolf Warrior 2!"


    "Wow!"


    "Long live the boss!"


    "This is great!"


    ��


    In a neighborhood.


    "Old Man Li, have you watched Wolf Warrior 2 yet?"


    "Not yet."


    "Whoa, why are you so out of date? You haven''t even watched it yet?"


    "You''ve watched it already?"


    "My son brought me to watch it. I thought it was especially good."


    "Wow, then I should get my daughter to book a ticket for me too."


    ��


    In a school.


    "Hurry, hurry, it''s time to go!"


    "Have you bought the tickets already?"


    "I''ve bought them long ago. Let''s go and watch it together!"


    "Haha, let''s go!"


    "I''ve already watched it three times! But I still want to watch it again!"


    "I''ve already watched it four times, but I still want to do my part to help Zhang Ye take on Hollywood!"


    ��


    In the neighborhood where Tang Dazhang, the crosstalk actor, lived.


    Tang Dazhang was currently taking a stroll in the neighborhood.


    "Yo, Old Tang."


    "Auntie Zhao, you''re walking the dog?"


    "That''s right. Ai, have you watched Wolf Warrior 2 yet?"


    "I don''t watch Zhang Ye''s movies."


    "Heh, why didn''t you watch it? It''s really very good."


    "I''m not gonna watch it."


    "Go and watch. You aren''t Chinese if you don''t watch it!"


    Tang Dazhang nearly vomited blood. What do you mean by I''m not Chinese! Don''t you all know that I''m at loggerheads with Zhang Ye? Why would I watch his movies!


    But in the end, Tang Dazhang still went to watch it. He put on his sunsses and a face mask and sneaked into the theater. He was just very curious about why Zhang Ye''s movie was able to bring everyone together in China. What right did Zhang Ye have to challenge Hollywood? This was something that no one in the Chinese film industry had ever managed to seed at in many years!


    ��


    At Song Qi''s studio.


    In these past few days, the atmosphere in the studio had been changing by the day. In the beginning, everyone was waiting for Zhang Ye to make a fool of himself. Later on, they started hoping that Wolf Warrior 2 would fail at the box office. However, with how everything had developed to this point, they were powerless. They were all stunned by Zhang Ye''s new movie.


    "They''ve broken the record again!"


    "If only we had known, we wouldn''t have asked for a raise back then!"


    "A movie that will enter the annals of history like this one, we would have acted in it even without pay! If only we had taken this role, Little Song would''ve had a lot more development potential!"


    Song Qi was regretting his choice now!


    His agent was also extremely regretful!


    They had now be the butt of the joke of the Chinese film industry!


    Song Qi had posted an advertisement on his Weibo to promote his new movie today. However, countless people left a lot ofments replying to that post calling out Song Qi. It was revealed he had gone back on his word and backstabbed Wolf Warrior 2 during its production phase.


    Comments:


    "Get out of the entertainment circle!"


    "How can there be anyone as petty as you!"


    "Song Qi, go to hell!"


    "Because of you, Wolf Warrior 2 nearly didn''t make it out of production!"


    "Changing yourpensation terms at thest minute? Why don''t you just die instead!"


    Song Qi''s reputation stunk up the entire street.


    ��


    One day.


    Two days.


    Three days.


    Wolf Warrior 2''s box office earnings continued to soar.


    The speed at which the box office earnings was rising was totally unprecedented.


    800 million!


    900 million!


    1 billion!


    1.1 billion!


    In only a short period of five days, Wolf Warrior 2''s gross box office earnings had already surpassed 1.2 billion RMB. At this point, it alsopletely broke the Chinese film industry''s highest-grossing box office earnings and sessfully took first ce in the Chinese box office rankings. Moreover, this record would still be rewritten over the uing days. There were almost no signs of thising to a stop.


    ��


    On this day.


    A celebratory feast was held.


    Zhang Ye booked a banquet hall and arrived early at the venue to make sure the arrangements and the ce were set up properly. He even stood at the door to personally wee the guests.


    An endless stream of friends walked in.


    Yao Jiancai wasughing out loud from afar. "Haha, Zhang''er!


    Zhang Ye opened his arms and embraced him. "You''ve worked hard, Old Yao."


    "I just went to a few more interviews. How is that hard work?" Yao Jiancai said with a smile.


    "Zhang''er, I''m here." Dong Shanshan appeared in a spectacr getup.


    Zhang Ye was wowed. "Whoa, you''re so beautiful today?"


    Dong Shanshan smiled gleefully and said, "Of course, the celebratory feast this time is held in honor of us winning against Hollywood, so I definitely had to dress up more presentably."


    Behind her, another few honored guests arrived.


    ��The richest man in China and his wife.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Boss Qian, we owe it to you for the movie''s distribution this time."


    Qian Haitao grabbed hold of his hand and said, "It was all down to your movie being good. Moreover, I should be the one saying thank you instead. You''ve really done our Chinese movies proud this time!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "It''s because everyone is supportive."


    Mrs. Qian added, "Teacher Zhang, I''ll be depending on you to watch out for my son in the future. He''s still young and has been spoiled by us all this time. He hasn''t achieved anything to be proud of, but after working with you on your movie, I''ve seen a great change in him. Moreover, he really respects you too, so please guide him well in the future."


    Zhang Ye hurriedly said. "Ma''am, you''re too generous."


    Boss Qian Jr. also walked up from behind. He had heard what they said and couldn''t help butugh and say, "Mom, Teacher Zhang is even more vicious at scolding others than I am. He has also scolded more people than I did, so are you sure you want me to learn from him?"


    Mrs. Qian pped him upside the head. "Oh, you!"


    Jacques and the other American actors were here as well.


    Jacques smiled and said, "Zhang, congrattions, you''ve be the number one director in China."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Oh,e one, there are a lot more directors who are better than me. As for you, have you seen the newstely? You''re even more popr in China than a Hollywood A-lister is!"


    Jacques said emotionally, "That''s all due to you."


    Zhang Ye ushered them in. "Come in. Let''s catch up over drinkster."


    Very quickly, the guests had all arrived.


    Zhang Ye stood on the stage. He picked up the microphone and said, "Everyone is here now. There are no reporters today and no outsiders either. The only people who are present are the actors, crew, and distributor of Wolf Warrior 2. First, let me thank everyone here for their support, which has allowed Wolf Warrior 2 to achieve the results that it has. Today''s celebratory feast isn''t held for me but in honor of all of you. Let me raise a toast to every one of you. I also hope that our Chinese film industry will get better and for China to get stronger!"


    "Nice!"


    "Well said!"


    "Hahaha, cheers!"


    Celebrations!


    Cheers!


    The atmosphere at the celebratory feast was extremely warm!


    Zhang Ye was on fire!


    Sophia was on fire!


    Yao Jiancai was on fire!


    Jacques was on fire!


    The Chinese film industry was on fire!


    This was a celebration of the people!


    And an unprecedented celebration for Chinese movies!

 Chapter 1650 - Wolf Warrior 2’s final box office earnings!!

    <h4>Chapter 1650 - Wolf Warrior 2��s final box office earnings!! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    1.3 billion!


    1.5 billion!


    1.7 billion!


    2 billion!


    The box office box earnings grew higher and higher with each passing day!


    These days, Wolf Warrior 2 had dominated the global box office champion so much so that Hollywood could hardly breathe anymore. Everyone around the world could only see this Chinese movie putting on a one-man show, and no one could do anything about it.


    Challenge it?


    How would they mount the challenge!?


    There was nothing they had on it at all!


    Logically speaking, the ten days after the release of a movie was the best period for the box office earnings to grow. This was because those ten days, which included two weekends, were often the most concentrated period where movie-goers would watch it during. After that, the box office earnings growth will slowly decline. This was a general rule of thumb in the film industry, and no matter how good a movie was, the box office earnings wouldn''t be able to grow exponentially anymore. However, Wolf Warrior 2 broke this rule. Ten days had already passed, but the box office earnings of Wolf Warrior 2 still did not show any signs of weakening. It was as if the movie was on steroids, with the box office results continuing to soar by the day. With every new day, it created history over and over again. No one could see where the end for this movie was as Wolf Warrior 2 continued being unstoppable!


    ��


    America.


    Chinatown.


    "There''s finally a screening for the movie!"


    "We can watch Wolf Warrior 2 already!"


    "I''ve already watched it, it was really enjoyable!"


    "How blood boiling! Oh my awesome mothend!"


    ��


    France.


    "The cinema at the entrance is showing Wolf Warrior 2!"


    "What?"


    "Come, let''s go and watch it!"


    "I was still considering to buy a ticket home to catch it. This is great!"


    "Supporting Zhang Ye!"


    ��


    Japan.


    At one of the Chinatowns.


    "Wolf Warrior 2 is screening now!"


    "Even Hollywood is unable to hold down Wolf Warrior!"


    "Our Chinese movies are the best!"


    "Come on, let''s go and get the tickets! We''re aren''t Chinese if we don''t watch it!"


    ��


    Abroad.


    When the cinema chains in many of the countries saw this trend, they started increasing the screening schedule of Wolf Warrior 2.


    Some of them added a single session.


    Some added two sessions.


    Many of the countries were adding more sessions to their screening schedules.


    The movie was being shown in a lot of countries.


    Although the screening schedules overseas couldn''tpare to the ones in China, although 90% the movie-goers who went to watch Wolf Warrior 2 were all international Chinese students, these small groups added up would still count for something. Furthermore, even if the significance of the overseas markets was different, it still helped to give a boost to Wolf Warrior 2''s box office earnings.


    America.


    Korea.


    Ennd.


    Germany.


    Canada.


    Countless Chinese citizens were headed to the cinemas.


    All over the world, the cinemas were ignited by the Wolf Warrior fever!


    ��


    In China.


    A lot of people were also caught by surprise.


    Director Zhou Zhao''s office.


    "Director Zhou."


    "Yes?"


    "It''s time that our new movie��"


    "Push it back another week."


    "Ah? Dy it again?"


    "What else do you suggest then? Do you want to go up against Wolf Warrior 2 at a time like this?"


    "Damn, I understand."


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Ha Qiqi said in surprise, "It''s already the 11th day now, why are the box office earnings still so high? The screening rate is already at 55%, but the attendance rate per session is still above 30%?"


    Zhang Zuo said in shock, "This doesn''t make any sense at all!"


    Tong Fu was staring wide-eyed. "Are we headed for 2.5 billion?"


    Little Wang eximed, "What''s 2.5 billion? We''re targeting 3 billion!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "We may be able to go even higher than that."


    Ha Qiqi said dumbfoundedly, "There''s still a possibility of even higher than that?"


    "That''s enough, let''s go." Zhang Ye had already put on his shirt and packed up. "I just received a publicity opportunity from Central TV. Old Ha, Little Wang, go together with me."


    Little Wang said, "Aren''t you resting today?"


    Ha Qiqi also advised, "Yeah, take a rest for a day. No amount is enough if we''re talking about the box office earnings, but I''m just afraid that your body can''t take it anymore. Since we started production on the movie, it has already been two months since you''ve gotten any proper rest."


    Zhang Ye said, "I don''t care about that. When the movie is taken down, I''ll have plenty of time to rest. Right now, we have to make the best of the box office earnings momentum. If we don''t take advantage of that and do more promotions, when are we supposed to do it then? Let me tell you all this first. Actually, the box office performance right now is still far from what I was expecting."


    Wu Yi was taken aback. "Ah?"


    "What?" Tong Fu said, widening his eyes.


    Little Wang was stunned. "This is still not within your expectations?"


    Ha Qiqi said with a sweat, "It''s already at 2 billion RMB!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ve already said it before, we''re going for a big one this time. We''ve only topped the overall Chinese box office rankings now. Since we''re already at this position, shouldn''t we at least try to aim above that?"


    Above that?


    Where would that be?


    Could he mean the all-time global box office rankings?


    ��


    On Weibo.


    Theizens were constantly refreshing the box office earnings.


    "It''s at 2.1 billion already!"


    "This is too fucking scary!"


    "Charge!"


    "Go a little higher!"


    "Come on, let''s go and watch it for the third time!"


    "Motherfucker, this bro has already watched it six times! I can even fucking recite all of the lines in Wolf Warrior 2 backwards now!"


    "Kneeling to the godly person who watched it six times!"


    "Pfft, all of you are warriors!"


    "I''m not doing this for anything except to support our Chinese movie!"


    "Yeah, well said!"


    "We have never had a Chinese movie to be so proud of before!"


    "Let us give our support once more to Zhang Ye!"


    "Agreed!"


    "Count me in!"


    "Send Zhang Ye up onto the altar!"


    "Right, send Face-smacking Zhang up onto the altar!"


    "It''s at 2.2 billion already! It''s at 2.2 billion already!!"


    "Bros and Sis, great showing!"


    ��


    2.3 billion!


    2.5 billion!


    2.9 billion!


    In the following days, Wolf Warrior 2 continued putting on its solo performance!


    The entire world was shocked at this!


    ��


    Back at home.


    His mother was stunned. "It''s at 3 billion already?"


    His father was startled, "It''s really 3 billion!"


    His mother said, "This��this has surpassed the previous domestic box office earnings record by three times!"


    His father said, "Little Ye has torn a hole in the sky this time!"


    ��


    Several dayster.


    At Ning Lan''s house.


    Several female celebrities were having a gathering.


    "Did you all see that?"


    "Yeah, saw it."


    "Damn, it''s almost hitting 3.5 billion!"


    "It''s not almost, it has already surpassed 3.5 billion a minute ago."


    ��


    Several dayster.


    At a directors'' gathering.


    "It has reached 4 billion!"


    There was an air of silence at the gathering.


    "Old Zhou, you haven''t released your movie yet?"


    "Not yet."


    "When are you going to start screening it?"


    "It''s still to be confirmed. What about you?"


    "Me? I''ll wait a while longer as well."


    "Hai, there''s no fucking way we can release any movies at a time like this."


    ��


    Another few days went by.


    At a media outlet.


    "It has hit 4.3 billion!"


    "This is fucking crazy!"


    "Yeah, everyone in the country is going crazy! I''m going crazy too!"


    "Wolf Warrior 2''s box office earnings have already started slowing."


    "Yeah, it will be taken off from screening pretty soon as well."


    "I wonder how much it will be at the end."


    ��


    On thest few days before the movie was to be taken off from screening.


    There was amotion on the inte.


    "It''s almost there!"


    "It''s at 4.6 billion already!"


    "It''s getting closer and closer to the top hundred of all-time box office earnings!"


    "There''s really hope for that!"


    "Yeah, it''s really just a step away now!"


    "Heavens, we might be about to witness a historical moment!"


    "Come on, Zhang Ye!"


    "Come on, Wolf Warrior 2!"


    "It''s all up to you all now!"


    "It''s just a step away!"


    ��


    On this day.


    Wolf Warrior 2''s screening ended.


    There was no extension of the movie''s screening. The Wolf Warrior 2 box office performance in this world was different from that of Zhang Ye''s previous world, and the exchange rate here was also different. Zhang Ye knew that there were many differences between the two worlds, so of course not everything could develop in the same way. Zhang Ye was already very satisfied with this box office performance. This was even a very big surprise to him, and to the whole of China too. Meanwhile, for America, for Hollywood, and for the rest of the world, this was simply a huge shock!


    The box office earnings were tabted!


    Wolf Warrior 2''s final box office earnings were: CN��4.8 billion 1 !


    Under the current exchange rates, the box office earnings brought in 738 million USD!


    On this day.


    All around the world, people were shocked to discover that a new movie had suddenly appeared on the all-time global box office rankings top hundred. It was also the only non-Hollywood movie to ever make it onto the chart!


    It was called Wolf Warrior 2.


    Its global box office ranking was: #96!


    ��Wolf Warrior 2 was deified!


    ��Zhang Ye was deified!


    On this day.


    The world was shocked!


    Hollywood bore this name in mind!


    The entire world bore this name in mind!

 Chapter 1651 - The International Celebrity Rankings Index!

    <h4>Chapter 1651 - The International Celebrity Rankings Index! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    A day after the movie was taken out of theaters.


    On the Web.


    "738 million USD!"


    "It''s ranked 96th ce on the global box office rankings of all time!"


    "This is truly heaven-defying!"


    "The Chinese movie has created a miracle!"


    "It''s the first time a foreign movie has defeated a Hollywood movie in history!"


    "The final box office earnings that Commando 2 took in was only 398 million USD. It didn''t even cross 400 million!"


    "China finally has a world-ss movie director."


    "That''s right. He''s the only Chinese director who canpete with Hollywood''s might!"


    "It is hard to imagine, but you have to admit, China has really risen."


    "For a Nobel Peace Prizeureate to have a military movie that climbed into the all-time global box office rankings, is it a joke or did it really happen? Shouldn''t a Nobel Peace Prizeureate bemitted to the cause of peace? Shouldn''t they all be dedicated to phnthropy? Why is hepletely different from all the others! Ever since he got onto the international celebrity rankings, he''s been beating up people at awards ceremonies, promoting military strategies on television, and filming military movies. Is this something that a Nobel Peace Prize recipient should be doing?"


    "Pfft, the people from the Nobel Prize Committee are probably regretting awarding him the Peace Prize!"


    "Zhang Ye? I''ll remember him."


    "I''ve remembered it as well. He''s a weirdo."


    "International showbiz is gonna get interesting."


    Netizens from all over the worldmented one after another.


    Zhang Ye''s international poprity blew up again. Many foreigners who did not know Zhang Ye before were now starting to learn of his name through this incident. Those who had heard of Zhang Ye in the past were now bing more familiar with him through this topic as well. From the discussions of the foreignizens, it was very obvious that everyone used to refer to him as "that Chinese guy," and hardly anyone could name him. But now, the foreigners were all typing out Zhang Ye''s name every few lines, so this showed just how much his poprity had grown.


    ��


    Back at home.


    In the vi.


    After being busy for close to three months, Zhang Ye was finally able to get some rest. When he got homest night, he immediatelyid down and fell sound asleep. He did not wake up until this morning.


    His back ached.


    His feet ached.


    His neck ached.


    He was aching everywhere.


    Old Wu asked, "Are you up yet?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I want to sleep a little more."


    "Hur hur, but aren''t you already awake?"


    "I can''t get up, I want to lie down for a while longer."


    "I have to go and buy some groceries to make lunch."


    "No, let me hug you for a while more."


    Sisi said, "Daddy, y with me."


    Zhang Ye said, "Daddy can''t move anymore."


    Zhang Ye closed his eyes and hugged his wife. He did not want to get up, nor did he allow Old Wu out of the bed. He ced his hand over her stomach and put his leg over hers, mumbling shamelessly about not letting her get up.


    Old Wu smiled and massaged his head and neck. She knew that he must have been utterly exhausted during the past few months.


    The television was on.


    The news on it was all about Wolf Warrior 2.


    Thest day of the box office earnings yesterday had allowed a Chinese movie to break the monopoly that Hollywood had on the global box office rankings. With this, they were finally able to make their name and voice known to people from all over the world. This incident had caught countless Chinese media outlets and industry insiders off guard, and the news started blowing up yesterday.


    On the television: "This is the first time a Chinese movie has left an impression on the world, so let us remember this historic moment and remember the name Zhang Ye as well!"


    Astonishment!


    Mania!


    Disbelief!


    There was jubtion everywhere!


    ��This was the atmosphere in China at the moment.


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes at the television screen. "Turn it off. I''m getting tired of listening to that racket."


    Old Wu chuckled. "But I haven''t."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Have the international celebrity rankings been updated yet?"


    "Let me see." Old Wu browsed online and said, "Not yet."


    Zhang Ye said, "How inefficient!"


    He had been waiting for today''s international celebrity rankings to be updated. To him, his work this time had beenpleted. He had given his country a huge gift, given the whole world a huge shock, and given Hollywood a p to the face. He had achieved all that he wanted to do. All that was left were his personal affairs he was most concerned about, such as his international celebrity ranking, his achievements, the news about him, how many awards he could get��all of which were directly dependent on how much poprity he had. This was also an important indicator of his results. After putting in so much blood and sweat for close to three months, it had better not be for nothing.


    Noise suddenly came from downstairs.


    His parents and parents-inw were here.


    Only then did Zhang Ye and Old Wu get up to go downstairs.


    Li Qinqin said with a smile, "Little Ye, why didn''t you sleep in for a while longer? You''ve be a national hero. Did you see the news yet?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Mom, tell me, in what way do I look like a hero?"


    Li Qinqin scanned him from head to toe, then covered her mouth andughed. She said, "You totally look like one."


    Zhang Ye threw his hands in the air. "I dare not be called a hero. I''ll be thanking the Heavens as long as no one scolds me."


    "Who still dares to scold you now?" His mother said in amusement, "Take a look for yourself online."


    Li Qinqin also said, "No one in the country dares to criticize you anymore. It''s fine if theypliment you, but if it''s anything negative, they''ll immediately attract a storm. Don''t you know what happened a few days ago? Two celebrities who feuded with you in the past had pointed out ws in Wolf Warrior 2 on Weibo. On the very same day, they were immediately taken to task by the entire country''sizens. As a result, both of them had to shut down their Weibo ounts and still haven''t reopened them as of yet. Then there''s also that male idol, Song Qi, the one who backstabbed the production. He has been collectively boycotted by the country''s directors and is being scolded crazily by theizens as well."


    Zhang Ye said nervously, "Surely not, right?"


    No one is scolding me?


    Why do I not feel used to this?


    His father said, "Do you know your domestic poprity right now? Chenchen showed the domestic celebrity rankings to your mom and me this morning. You''re still in first ce on the S-list, but you''ve already surpassed that male idol who is in second ce by almost double his poprity score."


    This was indeed the truth.


    In the past, everyone thought that after Zhang Ye rose to be the number one celebrity in China, his poprity would not increase by too much anymore. But no one could have expected that Zhang Ye, who had already ascended to the top of the entertainment circle, would still be able to increase his Chinese poprity score by so much. From another point of view, Wolf Warrior 2 had provided a really huge boost to Zhang Ye''s poprity. Furthermore, his domestic poprity would umte and be counted towards his ranking on the international celebrity rankings as well. Back when he was still bordering on an appearance in the international celebrity rankings, and before winning the Nobel Prize, Zhang Ye had mainly gotten there as a result of his domestic poprity score.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It looks like I''ve made the right choice in shooting this movie."


    His mother beamed. "More than that, this movie has catapulted you to fame. How much has our family earned this time?"


    His father also asked in concern, "Have you counted it yet? Your parents-inw and Zeqing still have their properties mortgaged, so you should quickly return the money to them."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I''ve already done the calctions."


    Everyone sat down on the sofa.


    Zhang Ye brought over a pen and paper, then happily scribbled on it. When it came to this matter, he was very excited. "Everyone, take a look. The gross box office earnings figure is 4.83 billion yuan, with some of iting from overseas. That part of the split will be a littleplicated, so let''s not talk about it for now. Domestically, we''ve earned around 4.8 billion from the Chinese market alone. After deducting taxes and rted expenses, we will be splitting the sum with the various major movie theater chains so that they will take about 50% to 51%. After that is ounted for, the investors will end up receiving about 1.8 billion or so. Since it was our own family who wholly invested in the movie, there isn''t a need to split the earnings with any other investors. All of the 1.8 billion belongs to us. Oh, there will also be some additional ieter on. For example, Wolf Warrior 2 will be selling its Inte streaming copyright and TV broadcast copyright as well. Based on the box office earnings we had, that won''t be a small sum either. Furthermore, this future sum basically belongs to us, and there won''t be a need to share it with anyone else. Therefore, I calcted the final sum to be this in the end."


    A figure was written on the piece of paper.


    When the family members saw it, they all shook in their boots.


    ��2 billion RMB!


    His mother''s jaw dropped. "We''ll be getting 2 billion in total?"


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "That''s right, and I''ve already deducted the rest of the money as well."


    Wu Changhe, who had been silent all this time, was startled. "Why is it so much?"


    "Because the box office earnings are high," Zhang Ye said with a smile.


    His mother yelled, "We''re rich! We''re rich!"


    His father sighed and said, "Why does this feel so unreal? 2 billion? That''s all ours? I''ve never seen so much money before in my entire life!"


    Wu Changhe sighed. "I''ve never seen it before either."


    Li Qinqin said in surprise, "We invested 200 million, and we got back 2 billion?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I said it before I started the shoot. Since all of you were willing to invest the money in me, I''d return it by several times the amount."


    His father waved it off. "Your mom and I only came up with a bit of money, so don''t count our share of it."


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Dad, that won''t do. Business is business."


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s right, you gotta take your share."


    His mother was feeling generous for once. She waved it off and said, "Enough. Your dad and I don''t have anywhere we can spend that much money on anyway, so keep it for yourself."


    Li Qinqinughed and said, "We don''t want it either. When the moneyes in, let''s just pay back the mortgages. You two can keep the rest of the money. In the future, if you wish to shoot a movie or TV series, there won''t be a need to go around raising money or be afraid that you can''t get any investors again."


    Zhang Ye was getting anxious. "That won''t do!"


    Wu Changhe said, "Just keep it with the both of you."


    After haggling for a long time, they still insisted on not epting it.


    Finally, Wu Zeqing said, "Then let Little Ye and me put the money aside for you."


    At this moment, thetest International Celebrity Rankings Index was refreshed!


    Old Wu said, "It''s been updated."


    Li Qinqin asked, "What ranking are you now?"


    His mother asked, "What''s your rank?"


    Ever since Wolf Warrior 2 was released, Zhang Ye''s international poprity had been on a continuous rise.


    59th ce.


    52nd ce.


    47th ce.


    45th ce.


    He had gradually been moving higher on the International C-list Rankings.


    But it was only today that the poprity that Zhang Ye had amassed was finally revealed. His position on the international celebrity rankings changed once again.


    The International Celebrity Rankings Index.


    International C-list Rankings:


    Zhang Ye''s ranking: 29th ce!


    He jumped a level from mid-tier C-lister to be a front runner. He was getting closer to the B-list. Remember, just three months ago, Zhang Ye wasn''t even on the international celebrity rankings yet. At that time, he still wasn''t considered to be an international star!


    From not being in the rankings.


    To getting onto it.


    From being at the bottom of the rankings.


    And advancing to the middle of the rankings.


    To bing a front runner.


    All of that took only three months!


    He had rocketed to his current position!


    This momentum that he was progressing at was simply too shocking for the people of this world!


    ��


    On the Web.


    "It''s out!"


    "The celebrity rankings index has been refreshed!"


    "Heavens! Jacques has advanced!"


    "Jacques has risen to the middle of the International C-list Rankings! He was previously just a lowly C-list celebrity!"


    "It must be due to the poprity that he gained from China with Wolf Warrior 2!"


    "Guys, look at Zhang Ye''s ranking!"


    "He''s at 29th ce on the C-list rankings!"


    "This is too frightening!"


    "No one has progressed so quickly before!"


    "Yeah, the international superstars from back then like Farrah, Robert, and Lillian, none of them progressed at such a speed before!"


    "How many months has it been? That Chinese celebrity has only been on the international celebrity rankings for three months, but he''s already making a push for the International B-list Rankings?"


    "This is too fast!"


    "What''s wrong with this world?"


    "There has never been a Chinese celebrity who has reached such heights on the International Celebrity Rankings Index!"


    "With just one movie, Zhang Ye''s path on the international scene haspletely opened up!"

 Chapter 1652 - The first international brand endorsement contract!

    <h4>Chapter 1652 - The first international brand endorsement contract! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Sunday.


    In the morning.


    Outside the window, the clouds were a cottonlike presence.


    "It looks like quite a good day today."


    "Daddy, I want to go out and y."


    "Where would you like to go to y?"


    "I don''t know. I want Daddy and Mommy to bring me out to y."


    "Alright then, but you''ll have to let you Mommy shower you first."


    "I, I don''t want a shower."


    "Be good. If you clean up, Daddy and Mommy will bring you out to y."


    "Oh, will Sister Chenchen be going too?"


    "Yes, we''ll all be going together."


    "Mhm!"


    Zhang Ye signaled to Old Wu with his eyes.


    Wu Zeqing smiled slightly and took Sisi to the shower.


    This little girl was good in every way and was usually very obedient as well. However, she would always start getting resistant at the mention of a shower as she did not really like it. This was why Zhang Ye and his wife always had to work together to cajole her into taking one.


    Two hourster.


    At a vacation destination in the suburbs.


    The family drove their car and went on an outing.


    Fishing.


    Swimming.


    Soaking in the hot springs.


    Sisi was having heaps of fun and feeling spoiled.


    Zhang Yeid down on the deck chair andmanded, "Chenchen, watch your sister closely. Don''t let her bump into anything, and keep her away from the riverbank. Make sure she doesn''t fall into the ditch as well."


    Chenchen was furious. "Zhang Ye, why are you sozy!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "This bro hasn''t had any rest at all during the two months of filming, so why can''t you let me have some rest now?"


    Chenchen said angrily, "You said over the phone that you were bringing me out to y. Zhang Ye, how the hell did I believe you!"


    "Sister Chenchen!" Sisi pointed at the river and eximed, "It''s a big fish! A big fish!"


    Chenchen wanted to shirk her responsibility. "Get your daddy to help reel it in."


    Sisi grabbed Chenchen''s hands and yfully waved them around. "I want Sister Chenchen to catch it for me."


    Chenchen rolled her eyes. "I''m gonna end up bing your little nanny soon." Although she said that, she still used the kid''s fishing rod to reel in the fish earnestly.


    "It''s a big fish! Sister Chenchen, hurry! Sister Chenchen, quick!"


    "I know, I know, don''t rush me."


    "Ah, there''s another one!"


    "Stand further back. Be careful of falling in."


    "Quickly! Quickly! Ah, quickly catch it! Oh! You''ve caught the big fish! Mommy,e and see. Daddy,e and see! The big fish is so big!"


    "Hey, that''s cool!"


    The whole family was enjoying themselves and having a great time.


    When it came time for lunch, it was a feast of grilled fish.


    Wu Zeqing was smiling as she fanned the mes. She had taken the responsibility of grilling the fish. Off to the side, three mouths were waiting eagerly to eat them.


    Old Wu said, "OK, I''ve got one that''s ready, a non-spicy one."


    Sisi called out, "Mommy, give me, give me."


    "Alright, eat it slowly. It''s hot." Old Wu handed it to her.


    A momentter, another piece was done.


    Chenchen called out, "It''s mine! Mine!"


    Zhang Ye tried to snatch it from her. "Give it to me!"


    Chenchen said in annoyance, "This one''s mine!"


    Zhang Ye said, "You can have the next piece."


    The two of them nearly got into a fight over a piece of grilled fish.


    Finally, Wu Zeqing had to step in and say something. "No fighting over the food. Let Chenchen have this piece first." She stretched out her hand to block off her husband and personally handed the grilled fish to Chenchen.


    Chenchen gave Zhang Ye a look before gobbling up the fish.


    Zhang Ye harrumphed.


    Wu Zeqingughed and said, "You''re an international star. Why are you still fighting over food with a child?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "An international star still needs to eat, right?"


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s cell phone rang.


    It was from the studio.


    Zhang Ye answered: "Hello, Sister Ha."


    Ha Qiqi immediately said: "Director Zhang, something big has happened!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "I''m most afraid of something big happening right now. Is it good news or bad news?"


    "It''s good news." Ha Qiqi said: "We have been approached for an endorsement contract."


    Zhang Ye wasn''t too interested in that. He said: "Is it a brand endorsement? Which brand is it for? If it''s any of those brand names that I had endorsed before, reject them. I won''t do it no matter how much money they are willing to pay. When this bro was sent to jail back then, all of them kicked me while I was down and took legal action against me for breach of contract. In the end, we had to pay so much inpensation that my wife even had to dip into her savings and pay them off for me. We nearly went bankrupt as a result. I''ll always remember them for that."


    Ha Qiqiughed and said: "It''s not a domestic brand name."


    Zhang Ye said: "An overseas brand?"


    Ha Qiqi said: "And you won''t be able to guess which one it is for sure!"


    Zhang Ye blinked and said: "Which one?"


    Ha Qiqi said something astonishing. "The number one beverage brand in the world."


    "Is it C?" Zhang Ye was taken aback.


    "That''s right!" Ha Qiqi said excitedly.


    Zhang Ye said happily, "Why would theye to me?"


    Ha Qiqi said: "Your international fame is on apletely different level from before. You''re at the peak of your poprity right now, have you forgotten? The biggest sales market of C is China, so I guess that''s why they wanted you to be their brand ambassador. We''ve just been contacted by them, and this is an opportunity for us to increase our international presence and visibility. This is why we quickly got in touch with you to let you know."


    "How much are they offering?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Ha Qiqi said: "10 million US dors."


    "How long is the contract for?"


    "One year."


    "When does the contract negotiation start?"


    "Their representatives will arrive tomorrow."


    "OK, I got it."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye was in a very good mood.


    Wu Zeqing said, "I''ve finished grilling another one, who wants it?"


    Zhang Ye immediately scuttled forward. "It''s mine, it''s mine!"


    "Oh, you!" Wu Zeqing shook her head andughed. "Who was that call from?"


    Zhang Ye ate while answering, "It was from the studio. There''s a global brand endorsement deal from The C Company in America. It''s the leading international beverage."


    Chenchen loved drinking C the most. When she heard that, her eyes lit up. "Zhang Ye, you''re going to endorse C?"


    Zhang Ye said, "What do you want?"


    Chenchen said, "Get me ten boxes!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Ten boxes? Do you want to die from drinking all of that!"


    There weren''t many c brands in this world.


    Coca-C?


    PepsiCo?


    Future C?[1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_C]


    All of those didn''t exist. There was only The C Company.


    This brand was also thergest beverage brand in the world, with no otherpanying close. Usually, a first- or second-tier international celebrity would be chosen to represent an international brand name like this, and the choice of the brand ambassador would be changed on an annual basis. Even for an international celebrity like Lillian, an endorsement deal from C was considered a huge contract. This was a slice of the pie many celebrities had their eyes on. And unexpectedly, just as the current endorsement deal for The C Company was running out, the first person they approached turned out to be Zhang Ye. This one movie did open up Zhang Ye''s international path.


    ��


    The negotiations.


    Signing the contract.


    Shooting the ads.


    Everything progressed very quickly.


    Several dayster, the advertisements were out.


    A new batch of products was gradually pushed out onto the shelves all across the world.


    ��


    China.


    "What?"


    "Why is Zhang Ye''s picture on this C?"


    "Wasn''t it endorsed by Francis?"


    "Ah! They''ve changed the brand ambassador to Zhang Ye?"


    "Zhang Ye has taken an endorsement deal for a top international brand?"


    ��


    America.


    "There''s new packaging for C?"


    "Zhang Ye is endorsing it?"


    "This is such a big contract. Why did they get him to do it?"


    "He''s be really popr."


    ��


    Korea.


    "Holy shit!"


    "Look at this ad!"


    "C has changed its brand ambassador?"


    "Does he even have the qualifications?"


    "It looks like after Wolf Warrior 2, the entire world has changed its perception of the Chinese market."

 Chapter 1653 - A television show that has yet to appear in this world!

    <h4>Chapter 1653 - A television show that has yet to appear in this world! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Several dayster.


    In the morning.


    After resting for a few days, Zhang Ye finally got back to work at the studio.


    Ha Qiqi smiled and greeted, "Good morning, Director Zhang."


    Zhang Zuo greeted, "Good morning."


    "Have you finished resting?" Little Wang said, giggling.


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "What rest? I''ve been apanying my wife and child at home for the past few days. I was either cooking or going on outings with them. It was even more tiring than working."


    Little Zhou burst outughing. "What a humblebrag! I was taken by surprise!"


    Little Wang rolled her eyes. "Have you ever spared a thought for those lonely people in the office? You''ve got such a good daughter and a beautiful wife. How could you feel tired about that? Don''t you know how to be content with what you have in life? Oh right, I forgot. You''re face-blind and don''t know that your wife is pretty."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "You''re teasing me now, are you?"


    Everyoneughed.


    Zhang Ye asked, "How''s the ad doing?"


    "They''ve started a global campaign." Ha Qiqi said, "The effects are quite good."


    Zhang Zuo smiled and said, "I''ve spoken with The C Company, and they''ve mentioned that they''re pretty satisfied with it and it''s on the right track overall. Our international presence and fame are slowly building up too. Our position on the international celebrity rankings these few days has been very stable and we didn''t increase or drop in ranking as we maintain our grip on a frontrunner position. It might be quite difficult to go further up the rankings, but it won''t be easy to drop down in the near future either."


    Ha Qiqi said pleased, "We''ve gained stable footing in the international scene."


    "That''ll do, not bad." Zhang Ye nodded approvingly.


    Ha Qiqi asked, "What are your ns?"


    Zhang Ye questioned back, "What do you guys think I should do?"


    Ha Qiqi waved her hands in response. "We don''t dare to give any more suggestions. When Hollywood invited you to shoot a movie, we persuaded you to do it. As a result, we nearly caused a huge mess that would have sent our international poprity plummeting. So it''s better that you make your own decisions when ites to work. We''ll carry out the dirty work in whichever direction you point us in." She thenughed and said, "History has already proven countless times that the projects you choose will always turn out fine."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Come on, I haven''t thought of anything yet either."


    Movies?


    Music?


    Novels?


    Games?


    What should he dabble in this time?


    He really had no ideas.


    The movie this time had indeed brought him a lot of gains, and things like fame and qualifications were earned through it as well. But strictly speaking, he also resorted to quite a few gimmicks to achieve those results. Wolf Warrior 2 had indeed entered the Top 100 of the global box office rankings and shocked the entire world. But in reality, most of the box office earnings were achieved in China. Meanwhile, the people in most other countries had almost not even watched this movie. Hence, the poprity that he received through the screening of this movie was alwayscking a little something and had its own set of restrictions in turn. This was also the reason why Zhang Ye would find it hard to break past the international C-list rankings in the short term. Even if he were to make another movie like Wolf Warrior 2, or another two or three movies like it, his poprity wouldn''t be able to go much higher. At most, he would be able to stay at the top of the International C-list Rankings.


    C-list?


    B-list?


    There was a fundamental difference between these two rankings!


    Since this was the international stage, he would of course have to do something with an international appeal and influence. It couldn''t be a show that only his own countrymen would like, but something that foreign citizens would take to as well. Only by crossing that line would Zhang Ye stand a chance of advancing towards his goal of reaching the International B-list Rankings. Any other talk right now would just be for naught.


    Noon.


    The takeout was delivered.


    "Director Zhang, it''s time to eat."


    "You''re still pondering about it?"


    "Mhm."


    While they were eating, Zhang Ye was still considering this matter.


    He asked, "We didn''t receive any invitations for any projects?"


    Ha Qiqi said with a wry smile, "We really didn''t."


    Zhang Ye wondered out loud, "How is that possible?"


    "It''s because your poprity right now is too high." Ha Qiqi said helplessly, "That''s why everyone thinks that you''re too expensive to work with and that they can''t afford you. That is probably the reason."


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Sure, it''s my fault for being so popr."


    Zhang Zuo said, "The main issue is you''re way too popr. You''re a director of a five billion yuan movie!"


    Zhang Ye corrected, "It''s 4.8 billion."


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "Don''t mention 4.8 billion yuan. In China, even a director or actor who has had a part in an 800 million yuan production can easily call the shots in the entertainment circle. Just think, how many times have you exceeded their achievements by? But I guess we can wait for a bit longer. There will be no projects extending an invitation to us. The only thing we should be concerned about is whether it suits us or not. What weck now is not work, but a good project. We have to first open up our path on the international market before we can go further."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "I agree with that."


    Suddenly, his cell phone rang.


    It was a call from his old ssmate, Yu Yingyi.


    "Zhang''er."


    "Yingyi? What''s up?"


    "Are you at the studio?"


    "Yeah."


    "Alright, I''ll head over for a visit."


    "Sure,e over."


    10 minutester, Yu Yingyi arrived.


    The moment she entered the office, she said in surprise, "You''re still eating takeout?"


    Zhang Yeughed as he ate, "Then what should I be eating?"


    "You''re already worth over 2 billion yuan, so why are you still eating this?" Yu Yingyi said in amusement, "I would have thought that you''d be feasting on abalone and lobster every day. I wanted toe here to scrounge a meal off of you."


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "The money is not in yet. I''m still as poor as I was right now."


    Ha Qiqi gave up her seat. "I''ve finished eating. Take a seat here, Teacher Yu."


    Yu Yingyi smiled and said, "Thanks, Sister Ha."


    Zhang Ye looked up and asked, "What made youe to my office to visit today?"


    Sitting down, Yu Yingyi said, "Someone never visits unless they need something."


    "So what is it?" Zhang Ye blinked.


    Yu Yingyi looked at him. "You''ve really done us Chinese people proud with your movie. In just a few months, you''ve built such a good reputation for our Chinese film industry. However, you''re still a host based on your profession, and we both came through the television system. Surely you can''t only be thinking of making movies now, can you? Shouldn''t you also do your part and better the television industry of China as well? By making a TV show that can bring us up onto the international scene, right?"


    Zhang Ye said nervously, "Do you think it''s that easy?"


    Yu Yingyiughed and said, "It''s not easy, which is why I came to you."


    "Forget it, I''m not that capable." Zhang Ye hurriedly waved it off.


    Yu Yingyi said, not giving up, "What do you think of Central TV International?"


    Zhang Ye said honestly, "I don''t think it''s much."


    Yu Yingyi was horrified. "We''re the only international channel in China. How is that not something?"


    "Do you guys have the viewership ratings to back it up?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Yu Yingyi said coldly, "We have the coverage!"


    Zhang Ye said, "What do you mean by that? Are you thinking of doing an entertainment show on CTV International? Hasn''t it always been showing only politics and military programs?"


    Yu Yingyi said, "We have to keep up with the times too."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s not easy making a TV show these days."


    Yu Yingyi said, "You mean there are still things that you can''t do?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Sister, I''m not a god. Do you think that making a show is that easy? And you even want it to be interesting to international viewers too? Do you know what kinds of shows foreigners like? Talk shows? Although I was the one who started that format, it spread overseas a long time ago. They already have their own talk shows that are quite popr with the viewers. Who still wants to watch ours? Or do you want to make a documentary? The international documentaries have higher production value than ours'', and their investments arerger as well. Their hosts fly all over the world to film their footage, so how can wepete? Or do you want to make a survival show? They''re so overdone by the other countries that we won''t have the first-move advantage, so it will be a surefire fail if we were to do them as well. This is why China does not have a share in the world when ites to TV shows. If we wish to use our own TV shows to promote ourselves overseas, it''s an almost impossible task. No one will watch any of them."


    It wasn''t that he didn''t want to make a television show to open up China''s path overseas. This was something that he wished to do back then, but making television shows was different from making a movie. China''s television shows had even less of a presence in the world than China''s movies. After thinking for a very long time, there wasn''t anything that Zhang Ye could bring to the table.


    As such, he said, "Just forget about it."


    Yu Yingyi was taken aback. "Wait a minute."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What?"


    Yu Yingyi looked at him with a puzzled face. "When you mentioned that talk shows and documentaries are very popr overseas, I know that. But did you mention something about survival shows just now?"


    "Yeah," Zhang Ye said matter-of-factly.


    But Yu Yingyi asked, "What''s that?"


    Zhang Ye was startled. "Haven''t you watched a survival show before?"


    Yu Yingyi scratched her head. "No, I''ve never watched one before."


    Zhang Ye said, "They have such shows overseas, and they''re under the exploration genre"


    Yu Yingyi said, looking confused, "I really don''t know about them. What are you talking about?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "Why are you such a hick?" Then he turned and looked at Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others. "Exin it to her."


    However, their reactions were the same as Yu Yingyi.


    Ha Qiqi said, "I don''t think I''ve heard of it before either."


    Zhang Zuo seemed like he was thinking hard. "Are there shows like that?"


    Little Wang said, "Exploration? Exploration of what? Digging for oil?"


    Everyone was shaking their heads. No one had heard of it before.


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded. "Ah? There isn''t such a thing?"


    He quickly searched for it on hisputer.


    Soon, a surprised expression appeared on Zhang Ye''s face. He shouted, "What the fuck, it really doesn''t fucking exist!"


    Yu Yingyi said curiously, "Just what sort of strange show did you watch?"


    Strange show?


    That show isn''t strange at all!


    It was a phenomenal show that was extremely popr all around the world!

 Chapter 1654 - I’ll film it!

    <h4>Chapter 1654 - I��ll film it! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On that night.


    Beijing.


    At a gym.


    A car parked outside. Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing stepped out with their daughter.


    Old Wu asked, "What made you want toe to the gym all of a sudden?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I wanted to train a little and also wanted to have Sisi learn how to swim since there are coaches here. I''ve already made the arrangements. There won''t be any outsiders around."


    Old Wu asked, "Who''s the owner?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Xu Men. It''s not usually open to the public."


    Sisi was a little conflicted. "Daddy, I don''t want to swim."


    Zhang Ye patted her on the head. "Be good. When you learn how to swim, Daddy will buy you something nice to eat."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "She''s been afraid of water since birth."


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s why I want her to learn. It''s best to conquer your fears."


    Someone was already waiting for them at the entrance.


    That person came up and weed them. "Teacher Zhang, you''re here? Myst name is Zheng. I''m a coach here. Sister Lan just called me and arranged everything. Please follow me."


    Zhang Ye said, "Thank you."


    Coach Zheng smiled and said, "You''re wee."


    The gym wasn''t big, but it was very luxurious. As it wasn''t open to the public, there was hardly anyone around. Most of the people here were either employees or coaches. When they saw Zhang Ye, there was a noticeablemotion. Although Heavenly Queen Xu Men had opened the gym, and the people who came by were often celebrities and big shots they were used to seeing, they still reacted a little differently when they saw Zhang Ye. Zhang Ye was an international star.


    Sisi went to learn to swim.


    Sitting where the equipment was, Zhang Ye and his wife watched through a ss panel.


    Zhang Ye suddenly said, "My ssmate came to look for me today."


    "Mhm?"


    Zhang Ye said, "CTV International approached me to make a show for them."


    Old Wu asked, "Have you epted it?"


    "I haven''t given them my word yet."


    "If it''s going to be for the international audience, it won''t be easy."


    "Yeah, I know that."


    "Do you a concept?"


    "I do have some ideas, but I''m not sure if they''ll work. I still have to ponder over it for a bit. If I''m really going to make that show, I won''t be able to stay at home for a period of time again. That''s why I''m hesitating. I have to get my wife''s permission since I just finished making a movie."


    "What genre is it?"


    "Wilderness survival."


    "Wilderness survival? Are there shows like that?"


    "It''s precisely because there aren''t any that I wanted to give it a try."


    "Any danger involved?"


    "Uh, no."


    "Do it if you think it will work. I''ll take care of matters at home."


    "Alright, I''ll think about it then."


    Wu Zeqing stretched her arms a little. "Let''s go and work out as well."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Do your warmups first. Don''t pull any muscles."


    Not far away.


    Several female trainers were arguing.


    "I''ll take them, I''ll take them!"


    "Sister Chen, you''ve already clocked out."


    "Can''t I apply for overtime today?"


    "I''m the one who''s supposed to work overtime today. Don''t you all dare to fight with me over it!"


    "Aiya, stop arguing already. Why don''t we all handle this together?"


    Coach Zheng shook his head and said, "Look at you all, arguing over something like this! I''ll take Teacher Zhang. You all can go and guide Minister Wu."


    Two of the female trainers went over to help Wu Zeqing. However, their eyes turned to Zhang Ye every now and then.


    Coach Zheng went over and said with a smile, "Teacher Zhang, what kind of workout would you like to do?"


    Zhang Ye shrugged. "I''ll be fine with any workout."


    But Coach Zheng said sternly, "You shouldn''t be working out like that. You don''t usuallye to the gym and work out with the equipment, right? You''ll need someone who can guide you. Otherwise, you won''t be able to achieve the full effects of the workout. It will also be easy to injure yourself that way. From your physique, you''re slightly on the thin side and don''t have much strength and muscle, so you''ve got to do a full workout."


    Zhang Ye said, "That won''t be necessary."


    Coach Zheng said, "You really should." He raised his arms and flexed to show off his muscles. "Look, all this is a result from years of training. I know that you''re doing this for your movie roles, but it''s still your muscles or strength in the end. It''s not something that anyone would find too much of. Your physical fitness should be quite good, so let me think up a workout regimen for you. I''ll also suggest a diet that you can incorporate protein powder into. If you can stick to this n for the next three to five years, you can also have nice muscles and be strong like us. I can guarantee you that."


    Zhang Ye waved his hands and said, "Protein powder? Count me out."


    Nearby, a female trainer also said, "You have to take it, or you won''t be able to increase your strength."


    Coach Zheng added, "That''s right."


    But Zhang Ye kept waving it off. He said with augh, "Forget it, I''m not really thinking of working out so hard anyway. Just put the focus on my wife and guide her well. You don''t really have to worry about me."


    Everyone was helpless.


    Wu Zeqing had already started her workout.


    Zhang Ye found a random machine beside her and started working out on it noisily.


    The trainers were all shaking their heads. "Alright then, let us know if there''s anything you need."


    Zhang Ye''s mind was not on gym workouts at all. He hade out with Old Wu today mainly to get her opinion on a matter. He had been filming Wolf Warrior 2 for two months and then being busy for another month for the screening of the movie. During these three months, Zhang Ye was hardly at home, so he was afraid that his wife would mind if he were to be away again for his work. Fortunately, Old Wu had always been fully supportive of him when it came to work. This made Zhang Ye feel very grateful about his situation.


    Should he make the show or not?


    Could it work?


    No matter how much Zhang Ye thought about it, he found it to be an enormous risk.


    Just as he had said to Yu Yingyi, it was almost impossible for a show from China to get epted by the entire world''s viewers. Be it the region,nguage, or culture, all of those factors would have already made this path an unwalkable one. But a wilderness survival show was different. This type of show was not limited by international boundaries of any type. It just needed one person and a film crew, and they''d be able to film the show in the wilderness anywhere in the world. Then the show would just have to be tranted into English or anothernguage, and everyone around the world could watch it. The method for survival would also be scientific, so it isn''t limited by cultural differences either. In addition, Zhang Ye was an international star now, so he had a certain influence on the international scene. Therefore, it didn''t really matter much whether the person who hosted the show was Chinese, English, or American. The most important thing was: this kind of show didn''t exist in this world.


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    Wu Zeqing checked her watch. "It''s about time, isn''t it?"


    "Alright, let''s get going." Zhang Ye smiled and got off the equipment.


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said to the trainer beside her, "Thank you for your guidance."


    The female trainer smiled and said, "When youe here next time, do look for me again."


    Old Wu said, "Alright."


    Another female coach said, "It''s just that Teacher Zhang didn''t really do much working out."


    Zhang Yeughed. "Didn''t I just work out for two hours?"


    The female trainer covered her mouth andughed. "That weight you were working out with, even us female trainers find it to be too light. We''d only lift that during our warmups."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "That''s because you''re all professionals."


    The female trainer pointed to the side. "Coach Zheng is the most professional one here. Look at him."


    Coach Zheng was bench pressing some weights.


    A few trainers were standing around him.


    "He''s increasing the weight."


    "It''s already at 180 kilos!"


    "How impressive!"


    "That''s twice his weight."


    When Coach Zheng saw so many people watching him, he felt even more motivated. He probably didn''t lift this much normally. Letting out a shout, he braced himself until his veins were showing. With great effort, he unracked the bar and pushed it upwards with his arms trembling mightily!


    Everyone cheered.


    "Great!"


    "Nice!"


    "He lifted it!"


    The trainers were all pping.


    Zhang Ye and Wu Zeqing did not pay much attention to that. They just smiled and prepared to go and fetch their daughter.


    But at this moment, just as they were walking past, a loud voice rang out. "Aiyo!"


    The bar in Coach Zheng''s hands slipped. His left hand couldn''t grip it and he lost control momentarily as 180 kilograms of weight came crashing down towards him!


    "Ah!"


    "Careful!"


    "Old Zheng!"


    Several of the female trainers paled!


    The male trainers rushed up, wanting to help, but none of them dared to even stretch out their hands out to catch the bar. It contained 180 kilograms. For such a load to fall downwards, they wouldn''t be able to catch it unless all three of them caught it at the same time. However, none of them were prepared for this.


    Coach Zheng was so terrified his face turned green!


    At the veryst moment, a hand suddenly appeared above Coach Zheng''s head.


    Zhang Ye was happening to pass by when he turned his head and noticed the situation. With just a look, his reflexive response caused him to stretch one hand out and grab hold of the bar.


    He stopped it from falling!


    It was stopped just 2 centimeters above Coach Zheng''s eyes!


    Zhang Ye asked, "Are you OK?"


    Coach Zheng was stunned!


    The trainers around were all dumbfounded!


    Coach Zheng said, "Ah, yes, I''m fine."


    Zhang Ye nodded before lifting the barbell up with one hand and cing it back onto the rack with a loud ng. Throughout all of this, he did not even blink at all. "Don''t push yourself too hard. Take it easy."


    Then he left together with his wife.


    The two of them chatted as they walked off.


    Old Wu asked, "So how''s your thinkinging along?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Hur hur, I''ve already thought it through."


    "What''s your decision?"


    "I''ll film it!"


    "That''s good."


    "If I miss this opportunity, there won''t be another chance like it. I definitely have to seize it. It''s just that there''s some difficulty to it. I haven''t even climbed a mountain or lived in the wilderness before. I''m just afraid that my fitness isn''t good enough."


    "Work out more then."


    "I will."


    After picking up Sisi, the family of three walked out of the gym.


    Leaving the coaches in the gym nearly vomiting blood at what just happened!


    Everyone looked at Zhang Ye as he left. Then they turned to look at that 180-kilogram barbell on the equipment rack. Beads of sweat formed on every one of their foreheads. They looked at Zhang Ye like they had seen a god!


    A female trainer gulped. "180 kilos?"


    A male trainer grunted, "Mhm."


    Another female trainer said, "H-He caught it with one hand?"


    Another male trainer said, "He did."


    Everyone knew what this weight represented.


    They knew even better what it meant to be able to catch that with one hand.


    And it looked like he did not even put in any effort?


    What left them even more speechless was that before leaving, Zhang Ye actually said, "I''m only afraid that my fitness isn''t good enough," while speaking to his wife.


    Your fitness isn''t good enough?


    Then how fucking good does it have to be before it can be deemed good enough!


    Silence.


    It was so silent that it was awkward.


    It was so awkward that they could feel their faces flushing.


    They thought about how they even suggested to Zhang Ye earlier to take protein powder to increase his strength.


    Protein powder? You couldn''t fucking train to that level even if you took 50 kilograms of protein powder every day!

 Chapter 1655 - Preparing to shoot Man vs. Wild!

    <h4>Chapter 1655 - Preparing to shoot Man vs. Wild! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    The moment Zhang Ye arrived at work, he pped his hands and gathered everyone together. "Everyone, drop your work for now. I have something to announce. Yesterday, CTV International invited us to make a show that is suitable for international audiences. I''ve thought about it for a whole day and finally decided that this will be our next project. I won''t be taking any new jobs for the next few months and I want everyone to make the development of this new show their top priority."


    Little Wang said in surprise, "What?"


    Tong Fu was taken aback. "We''re really going to do it?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Really."


    Ha Qiqi said curiously, "Didn''t you say that you didn''t want to do it?"


    "Yeah." Wu Yi said nervously, "You said yourself that it wouldn''t work."


    China''s television shows had always been stuck in a difficult spot, especially in the three years that Zhang Ye was serving his sentence. The bustling activity was just an appearance, but be it variety shows or documentaries, or even television series, their potential had always been limited to China. None of them were able to make it out there. During these years, there was also a continuous stream of television workers who tried to bring China''s shows onto the international stage. But the end results were always failures without exception. Gradually, no one attempted it anymore.


    But this time, Zhang Ye wanted to give it a try.


    Zhang Ye smiled gleefully. "If it were any ordinary show, of course it wouldn''t work. This show we''re trying to make will be totally different. It''s a genre the world has never seen before. It can even be described as unique. Believe me, if this show is produced ording to my expectations, it wouldn''t be too exaggerated to say that it will be popr all over the world. Whether or not a Chinese television show can make it outside of our own country will all depend on this. But I have to tell everyone this first: The show won''t be easy to shoot. It''s going to be extremely difficult, so I will also have very high expectations for our crew. This is an outdoor survival show that will be filmed in the wilderness. Although we also have a lot of experience filming documentaries, television series, and movies, even if we have trekked through the mountains and the countryside, this is still going to be something different. Therefore, for the film crew this time, I prefer women not to take part and stay behind in the office to work."


    Little Wang rolled her eyes. "Director Zhang, you''re discriminating against women this way."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Believe me, you definitely do not want to follow along. It''s possible that everyone will have to stay out in the wilderness for up to three or four days without any sort of logistic support. The amodations and living conditions are not going to be too convenient for women, so you might as well not go. I''ll n around that by focusing on our male staff for the shoot."


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Just what is the show going to be like?"


    Little Wang also asked, "Yeah, is it really that good?"


    Make it out of China?


    Be popr all over the world?


    They werepletely unable to imagine what Zhang Ye described.


    Zhang Ye chuckled and thought that he might as well bring out the proposal he had worked on through the night to prepare.


    Everyone immediately lowered their heads to read it.


    ��Man vs. Wild?


    One page.


    Five pages.


    Ten pages.


    After looking through it, everyone in the studio had a look of shock on their faces. Before this, none of them understood exactly what Zhang Ye had meant when he talked about it being a survival show shot in the wilderness. It was even more difficult to understand what the format would be like and how it would be filmed. But after looking at the program proposal, they finally got a taste of what it would be like!


    Little Wang eximed, "Oh my God!"


    Ha Qiqi said anxiously, "No way! Th-This is too dangerous!"


    Zhang Zuo stared, aghast. "You''re risking your life like this!"


    Wu Yi said in shock, "If anything goes wrong, someone could die!"


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips and said, "Die? I know the limits!"


    "The safety of the film crew is not a big problem since we won''t have to follow along for every scene." Tong Fu said, "But who''s going to be responsible for your safety? This is even more dangerous than the time we were filming the lion scene in the African savanna. If something really happens, we won''t even have enough time for the rescue. ording to this program n, it wouldn''t be enough even if you had ten lives. Who the heck wrote this lousy proposal!"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. "I wrote it."


    Tong Fu said, "Uh��"


    Zhang Zuo said firmly, "I object!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "I object too!"


    Almost everyone protested against it.


    But Zhang Ye said bluntly, "Objections overruled. We''re going to do it. We''ll prioritize the stronger guys to be the members of the film crew. Of course, it''s all voluntary. Those who are afraid or can''t endure hardships don''t have to go. Same for those who are physically weak. Otherwise, they can''t handle any unforeseen situations in the wild. After you''ve thought it through, register your interest with Old Ha. I want to see the list for the film crew before getting off work today. Oh yes, I will also need a dedicated cameraman to stick with me throughout. This job is going to be very dangerous as well, but our studio''s staff won''t be able to do it since they don''t have the abilities. See if there''s anyone out there who''s suitable for this job and employ them for the production. I don''t need someone who''s very good at filming as this is not an art film. What''s more important is that they are hardy and physically fit and have wilderness survival experience."


    Everyone kept looking at one another.


    Zhang Ye blinked and said, "What are you all standing there for? Old Ha?"


    Ha Qiqi said helplessly, "Understood."


    Zhang Ye looked at Zhang Zuo. "Brother Zuo?"


    Zhang Zuo threw his hands up and gave in. "Whatever you say."


    They both understood that if Director Zhang had decided on it, there would be no point in persuading him.


    Zhang Yeughed. "Come on, let''s get moving. When we''re done filming the show, you guys will understand why I''d rather take the risk and finish making the show. Just wait and see how this show will sweep the world off its feet. Whatever TV shows from America, the UK, or Japan, whatever talk shows, variety shows, and documentaries, they will all be vanquished! It''s not going to be difficult at all."


    Everyone was speechless. They didn''t know if Director Zhang was serious or just taking them for fools.


    Sweep the world?


    Broadcast all over the world?


    Was that possible?


    With just a survival show in the wilderness?


    Would anyone enjoy watching a show with a "fool" wandering around in the mountains?


    ��


    On the same day.


    The news of Zhang Ye''s cooperation with Central TV International spread.


    Although there weren''t any specifics and details made known, many media outlets and citizens could already guess through the existence of this news. Zhang Ye''s new work was going to be revealed soon, and it was going to be an international television show too! This was really big news. Ever since Wolf Warrior 2, media outlets from all over the world were paying attention to Zhang Ye''s activities. To everyone''s surprise, Zhang Ye, who had just be famous worldwide as a movie director, was turning back to making television shows!


    On the Web.


    "Zhang Ye is not going to make movies anymore?"


    "You''re a movie director. Why would you be making TV shows!"


    "There''s a saying in China: If you''re don''t have a diamond drill, don''t be mending ceramics 1 , lol."


    "What''s there in China that''s worthy enough to make into a TV show?"


    "Who knows? Do you guys have any memory of a Chinese TV show?"


    "Nope, never watched one before."


    "Me neither, I''ve never heard of any."


    "In the field of the global television industry, there has never been a share for China."


    "China''s shows don''t have a shred of presence."


    Theizens of the various countries couldn''t feel optimistic at all as all kinds of contemptuous voices rang out.


    In the end, they were pped by the Chineseizens.


    A Chineseizen: "Previous posters, I wouldn''t refute it if you said anything else. But since we''re on this topic, I have to say something about it, hur hur. Perhaps you guys still don''t know about this, but the talk shows that you love watching the most actually originated in China."


    Theizens of the various countries were surprised.


    "What?"


    "Talk shows?"


    "It spread from China?"


    "How is that possible!"


    Many of the foreigners could not believe it.


    Countless Chineseizensughed and said: "Go on and check it out. It''s especially legendary!"


    When theizens of countries around the world heard this, they went to check if it was true. Only then did they realize that the talk show format really originated in China and that the earliest talk show first appeared there. Many of their foreign talk shows had imitated that show, and some even paid copyright fees to China to adopt the format. This discovery really shocked them.


    The foreignizens:


    "It was really from China!"


    "This is ridiculous!"


    "I''m finding out about this for the first time!"


    "There''s such an impressive TV personality in China?"


    "So who was the first person to do a talk show?"


    They were really curious.


    Immediately, the Chineseizens gave them the answer: "The first talk show in the world was made by Zhang Ye. The copyright money that you guys have been paying all these years were paid to him."


    Many of the foreigners couldn''t help but yell, "Fuck!"

 Chapter 1656 - Zhang Ye turns survival specialist in double time!

    <h4>Chapter 1656 - Zhang Ye turns survival specialist in double time! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The world still did not know Zhang Ye well enough.


    At least, they did not know him as well as they thought they did.


    To them, Zhang Ye was a Nobel Prize winner, an author, and a movie director. They might also know that he was the current number one hacker in the world. But other than that, they didn''t really have a deeper understanding of him. After all, Zhang Ye''s status in the international scene still hadn''t reached the stage where the entire world was obsessed with his every move. As such, when they heard that Zhang Ye was actually thinking of moving into the field of television, the people of the various countries all found itughable. They thought that Zhang Ye was a total amateur andyman. But on this day, after getting pped in the face by the Chineseizens, countless foreigners shockingly discovered many facts that they didn''t know.


    He was the one who invented the talk show!


    Their countries'' television stations had actually been paying copyright fees to Zhang Ye all this while!


    Not only that, Zhang Ye also did many other things as well!


    Documentaries.


    Educational programs.


    Variety shows.


    Television series.


    Television actor.


    Program nning.


    Skit actor.


    Crosstalkedian.


    Host.


    Television guest and coach.


    Even the world''srgest program, the Spring Festival G, had been directed by him as well!


    As long as there was anything rted to television, and as long as it could be shown on television, Zhang Ye had done them all! If they had to find the most professional and most legendary television personality in China, if they had to find the number one person in the television industry, then that person would definitely be Zhang Ye. There would be no other choice!


    At this moment, the entire world finally found out that Zhang Ye was the most professional television personality in China. So he didn''t start off by writing novels, nor did hee through by making movies. Instead, he had majored in broadcasting in university. That was the field that he was most proficient at!


    The number one television personality in China!


    It would be his first time creating an international television show!


    Could a miracle be about to happen again?


    At this moment, no one knew. They would have to wait until the show was broadcast!


    ��


    In the morning.


    Back at home.


    Zhang Ye''s parents came to pick up his daughter.


    Zhang Ye said with an embarrassed smile, "Dad, Mom, I''ll have to trouble you two again for a while. This bro will be getting busy again and won''t have time for other things."


    His father said, "It''s fine."


    His mother gave him a stare and said, "What''s fine? You''ve only rested for how long after shooting the movie? Besides, why did you go back to making TV shows? How many years has it been since you''ve made a TV show?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "That''s why I''m doing it again."


    His father asked, "Everyone''s discussing it on the Inte. So what kind of show is it?"


    Zhang Yeughed. "I''ll be keeping it a secret for now."


    His mother said, "Is it an international show?"


    "That''s right." Zhang Ye nodded.


    His mother said suspiciously, "Are you sure you can do it? You better not fool around ande up with something lousy."


    Zhang Yeughed. "If I can''t do it, then no one else can."


    His mother said, "When are you going to start filming it?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Once Central TV has finished their arrangements. It should be soon."


    The equipment.


    The personnel.


    Travel visas.


    Funding.


    There was a lot of preparation work to handle.


    Zhang Ye had only needed to set up the film crew, and he was already pretty much done. The rest of the work that would be handled by Central TV International were tasks like chartering a ne, renting boats, coordinating for the entry of the crew to various countries, and so on. Zhang Ye couldn''t handle all that, so he had to leave it to them. Zhang Ye had his own matters to deal with. During the preparation period, he urgently needed to fix any ws with the show.


    The selling point of the show was not as simple as just having a few skills to survive in the wilderness. The relevant knowledge, the ways to survive, the methods to make camp, what could be eaten, what could not be eaten, how to build a boat, how to escape danger, etc., all of these were skills that Zhang Ye did not possess. If he were to shoot the show in his current state, it would definitely not work. Therefore, there was still a lot of preparation work that he needed to do. He had to transform from ayman who knew nothing into an all-around survival specialist with knowledge of everything!


    And so, his wife was currently helping him shop for books online.


    Old Wu asked, "The Wilderness Camping Manual, is this fine?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Yeah, buy it."


    "Ten Ways to Identify Time in the Outdoors?"


    "Buy it."


    "A Detailed Description of Animal Species?"


    "Buy it."


    "Fire Starting with the Hand Drill Method?"


    "Buy them all."


    His mother was dumbfounded. "Rascal, are you thinking of setting up a library?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "That''s not even a lot of books."


    His father said, "Will you be able to read them all?"


    "Of course," Zhang Ye said.


    During the day.


    The books were delivered.


    100 books.


    200 books.


    300 books.


    The entire living room was almost filled to the brim with books.


    Some of the books covered outdoor experiences, some covered scientific knowledge, and some were introductions to flora and fauna. There were Chinese books and English ones as well. These books covered nearly all of the knowledge on how to survive in the wilderness around the world. There were even medical books that taught about how to give treatment for external injuries. For others, wanting to gain experience in a short period of time from books was not too practical a method. But doing this was not difficult for Zhang Ye. This was because he could use the game ring''s Memory Search Capsule to quickly assimte this knowledge into his mind, which would then be a part of him. As long as it was written in the books, as long as the information was avable online, he could learn them all.


    If a 100 books weren''t enough, he would read a 1,000 books.


    If a 1,000 books weren''t enough, he would read 2,000.


    In just a short duration, Zhang Ye had speedily absorbed the knowledge and gained experience. He learned so much that he even believed that no other survival specialist in the world knew more knowledge than him. And neither would any specialists from his previous world. In his previous world, on many of such survival shows, most of the survival specialists only looked like they knew a lot. In actual fact, they had a professional team supporting them from behind. There were botanists, zoologists, and medical experts too. It was those people who supported and channeled their knowledge through the host from behind the cameras.


    But Zhang Ye didn''t need such a team. He could do it all by himself.


    Of course, the things that involved mobility and operational skills were too difficult to learn by just reading about them in books. After all, without actual practice, there would be no umtion of experience. This was different from looking at a nt and being able to name it. Hence, Zhang Ye opened up the game ring with the idea of getting some items from it.


    The virtual screen popped up. His total Reputation Points was at a terrifying figure. He had not used it in such a long time, and he had umted a lot of Reputation Points. Naturally, Zhang Ye did not feel the pinch anymore. This was something that would directly affect his new show, which was a very important step in his ns to go international. As such, he definitely could not be stingy. He activated the Lucky Halo (Ultra) and picked Lottery Draw (Three). It was finally time to try his luck, so Zhang Ye held his breath in anticipation.


    He opened the golden Treasure Chests (Large) one by one.


    [Skydiving Skill] �� 56


    [Knife Skills] �� 100


    [Fruit of Agility] �� 33


    [Diving Skill] �� 128


    [Surgical Technique] �� 66


    And so on.


    There was an assortment of items.


    In the space of a night, Zhang Ye had turned into a wilderness survival specialist like he was on steroids. He couldn''t be more awesome than this!

 Chapter 1657 - Chenchen gets into a fight!

    <h4>Chapter 1657 - Chenchen gets into a fight! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the morning.


    At Sister Lan''s gym.


    Zhang Ye was here again today. His main purpose ining to the gym was to lose some fat and bulk up. After the movie was done filming, he had begun to neglect his training. As his wife''s cooking was so good, he would always have a huge appetite whenever he ate at home. His abs were almost gone, so he thought of working out to make his musclesrger and more defined again before the show started filming. There would surely be scenes in the show where he would not be wearing any clothes, so he was doing this to make sure that he would appear nicer on television and hopefully boost the ratings a little.


    Bench presses.


    Squats.


    Lat pulldowns.


    Cardio.


    After he was finished the whole set of exercises, he wasn''t even sweating all that much.


    Coach Zheng and the other trainers who were standing nearby were looking at him as though he were some kind of god. No one dared to give Zhang Ye any advice or offer him any guidance because they knew that he much fitter than they were. Even if all of them were to join forces, they would probably still not match up to Zhang Ye in terms of fitness.


    At this moment, Ha Qiqi called.


    Zhang Ye answered: "Sister Ha, have you found someone?"


    Ha Qiqi said: "Not yet, the requirements for the camera operator are set too high. The ones that I''d managed to find were already some of the more outstanding ones in China."


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "Those few definitely won''t do. If they don''t have any experience surviving in the wilderness, or if they haven''t attempted skydiving before, how could they handle being my dedicated videographer? How are we supposed to film the aerial scenes? What about when we get into a situation that requires me to rock climb? Even though I can take a camera with me and film myself, such angles would only work once or twice in an episode. Surely I can''t be doing that throughout the show, right? This is why having a dedicated videographer is very important. He''s going to be more important than anyone else in the film crew, so I have to find a professional no matter what. Keep looking. Go and ask around in the circle and see if there are good ones somewhere."


    Ha Qiqi said: "Alright, I''ll continue asking."


    Zhang Ye said: "Hurry, there isn''t much time left."


    Ha Qiqi said: "Understood."


    Central TV''s preparations were more or lesspleted, while his own matters were mostly settled as well. It was only the issue of the dedicated videographer that was still up in the air, so he couldn''t help but feel a little anxious.


    Suddenly, another phone call arrived.


    It was from his mother.


    Zhang Ye picked it up. "Mom, I''m working out at the gym. What is it?"


    His mother immediately said: "Chenchen got into a fight in school!"


    "Ah?" Zhang Ye was dumbfounded. "Who did she fight?"


    His mother sounded very anxious. "She beat up a male ssmate. Her form teacher has called to ask for her guardian to head down to the school right now. The boy''s father is at the school as well and refuses to drop the issue, so run on over!"


    Zhang Ye said: "Alright, alright, don''t worry, I''ll go over right away!"


    His mother said angrily: "You few are always making me worry!"


    Zhang Ye didn''t know whether tough or cry: "She''s the one who got into a fight. What does it have to do with me?"


    "Isn''t it all because she learned it from you!" his mother harrumphed.


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye drove over to the middle school Chenchen studied at.


    ��


    At a school.


    In a middle school ss.


    It was extremely chaotic in the ssroom that was packed full of people!


    A tanned man who looked very strong stood there refusing to leave. He was so angry he was blue in the face. "Get your parents here immediately! Immediately! Let me tell you, this isn''t over!"


    Chenchen curled her lips. "Hur hur."


    The form teacher hurriedly said, "Mengmeng''s dad, everything can be worked out."


    Several nearby teachers were also trying to persuade him. "That''s right, everything can be worked out if we talk through it."


    Sun Kuang spat out, "No, this will not be worked out through talking! How did they educate their child? Huh? Such a young child, and such a young girl at that, and they actually taught her martial arts? And it''s even the highly lethal Eight Trigrams Palm? How can her parents be so inconsiderate! I must teach them a lesson today!"


    Chenchen snorted and looked up at him.


    Her ssmates and the other teachers looked at Chenchen in confusion.


    Martial arts?


    Eight Trigrams Palm?


    How could a child like that possibly know martial arts?


    Actually, the incident in ss today had given the students and teacher a bad scare. It wasn''t such a big deal at the beginning, and Sun Xiaomeng and Chenchen were both ssmates. During the break, Sun Xiaomeng, who was a rather mischievous child, had pranked a female ssmate. He stuffed a caterpir into her pencil case and frightened the female ssmate so badly she burst into tears. But Sun Xiaomeng was still not done. He continued running around with the caterpir and scaring the girls in the ss to the point of crying. In the end, Chenchen banged on a table and stood up, then gave Sun Xiaomeng a beating right in front of their shocked ssmates. When the teacher arrived, she was also dumbfounded by this scene. A petite girl chasing after a plump boy wanting to beat him up��can you even imagine a scene like that? Only then did they realize that this little girl who didn''t mix well with the ss was actually so fearsome!


    Sun Kuang roared, "Why aren''t your parents here yet?"


    His son, Sun Xiaomeng, had a bruised face and tugged at his dad, whispering, "Dad, forget it. We were just ying."


    Sun Kuang said furiously, "You rascal, would your face be all bruised if it was just ying? Would it? And what''s this? You''re so big, yet you couldn''t even beat a girl? You refused to learn the Eight Extremities Fist when you were young, so look at what''s happened now. You''re getting stepped on!"


    Chenchen narrowed her eyes. "You practice the Eight Extremities Fist 1 ?"


    Sun Kuang sneered. "Don''t think that you can act all arrogant just because you have a grandmaster in your Eight Trigrams branch of martial arts. I just want to know what kind of people your parents are."


    The teachers all knew that something big was about to happen.


    After his child was beaten up, this parent was looking to get revenge on the other party''s parents!


    Listening to what had been said, these two families were even trained in martial arts? If they were to start fighting, would someone end up dying?


    The form teacher said in panic, "What do we do?"


    Thenguage teacher said, "Call the police!"


    The math teacher wiped at her sweat. "Something bad is gonna happen!"


    Sun Kuang shouted, "I''m gonna teach your parents a lesson today on how to be a person!"


    At this moment, a young man wearing sunsses appeared at the entrance of the ssroom.


    He said, "Hey, who wants to teach me a lesson on how to be a person!"


    The protagonist had arrived!


    Everyone lost their wits!


    "It''s Chenchen''s parent!"


    "You, go back first!"


    "Hold him back!"


    A few teachers hurriedly tried to protect Chenchen''s parent, but they were still a step toote.


    Sun Kuang stared hard at him, and without saying anything further, threw a punch out. "Watch my punch!"


    In the end, the young man wearing sunsses blocked the attack head-on. His wrist lowered as he swiftly struck back with it.


    After a single move, the young man wearing sunsses did not move his feet in the slightest.


    Instead, Sun Kuang had been thrown back three steps.


    The young man wearing sunsses said in amusement, "The Eight Extremities Fist?"


    Sun Kuang''s eyes widened as he pointed at him in shock. "Damn! It''s the Taiji Fist! You''re��you''re��" He instantly knew who it was. Immediately, he thought of something else and nearly wanted to vomit out a mouthful of blood. He turned and stared at Chenchen. "Eight Trigrams Palm? Christ! Y-You''re the child from Rao Aimin''s family!


    Chenchen chuckled, "Hur hur."


    Sun Xiaomeng said in panic, "Dad, are you OK?"


    Sun Kuang felt like crying. He had never wanted to cry this badly before in his entire life!


    Zhang Ye!


    Rao Aimin!


    As a member of the Chinese martial arts world, and as someone with a rather high rank in the Eight Extremities Fist branch of martial arts, others might not know what those two names represented to the martial arts world, but how could he not know? One was a female hooligan who had dominated China''s martial arts world for decades. The other was a hooligan who had single-handedly swept aside more than a dozenrge sects. They were the ones who ran rampant in China''s martial arts world, and anyone who saw them would want to stay as far away from them as possible!


    What the hell!


    How did I manage to provoke those two hooligans!


    The atmosphere got a little awkward.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Would you like to go on?"


    Go on, your sister!


    Sun Kuang waved his hand and said, "Forget it, forget it. I''ve already thought it through. We should let the children handle their own matters. As parents, we shouldn''t interfere with their affairs. Moreover, this is a school, a sacred ce, so we should listen to teachers and not just do anything rash."


    The students jeered, "Boo!"


    The teachers rolled their eyes. That wasn''t what you said earlier!


    But even if they were fools, they could also tell that Mengmeng''s parent was not a match for Chenchen''s parent!


    Zhang Ye walked over to Chenchen. "What happened?"


    Chenchen pointed at the little fatty. "He used a caterpir to scare others."


    Zhang Ye stared at her. "That doesn''t mean you can beat up others. You''re getting bold, aren''t you?"


    Chenchen said, "It''s not like I used my full strength."


    Zhang Ye said angrily, "That still won''t do."


    Chenchen curled her lips. "OK, got it."


    When Sun Xiaomeng heard that, he trembled a little.


    Sun Kuang was also chiding his son. "Don''t bully girls in school again in the future! Do you hear me!"


    Sun Xiaomeng said submissively, "I understand, Dad."


    The matter was finally resolved. Both parties shook hands and made peace.


    Seeing this, the teachers heaved a sigh of relief. Fortunately for them, nothing major happened.


    However, the students in the ss could no longer sit still. They immediately surrounded Chenchen, talking back and forth excitedly.


    "Chenchen, you''re so impressive!"


    "You''re really fearsome!"


    "Even a boy can''t beat you?"


    "How did you learn that?"


    "Chenchen, teach me!"


    "Chenchen, your dad is very impressive as well. Is he some sort of a martial arts expert? Ah? He''s not your dad? But anyway, I feel that he looks a little like some superstar celebrity."


    ��


    In the teachers'' office.


    Zhang Ye and Sun Kuang were both called over. The form teacher lectured, "Earlier on in ss, I didn''t want to criticize the two of you in the presence of the students. As parents, you two were too incorrigible! Chenchen''s parent, why do you still have your sunsses on? Can''t you give a little respect to a teacher?"


    "Hai, I forgot." Zhang Ye took off his sunsses.


    As a result, the form teacher was stunned by what she saw. She screamed, "Zhang Ye?!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I didn''t discipline the child properly and caused trouble for you."


    The form teacher hurriedly said, "It''s not troublesome, not troublesome at all."


    The teachers next to her were also stunned. Then they eximed and came over to look!


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "It''s really him!"


    "Heavens! I''ve finally seen him in person!"


    The teachers were all very surprised.


    The form teacher suddenly felt that her reaction didn''t look so elegant, so she put on a straight face again on purpose. "Of the two of you, one of you is an international superstar, while the other is a famous domestic cameraman. You''re both persons of status, so please pay more attention to your children''s education in the future. You can''t ck off or spoil them, understand?"


    Sun Kuang said, "Understood, Teacher."


    Zhang Ye said, "me it on us, me it on us."


    The form teacher nodded in satisfaction and took out two pieces of paper. "Sign your names here and leave your contact numbers. If your children cause trouble again in the future, I''ll look for you two."


    Zhang Ye signed his name and then handed the pen to Sun Kuang.


    Sun Kuang was also about to sign, but the ballpoint point happened to run out of ink. "Teacher, do you have another pen?"


    He watched the form teacher carefully stow away the piece of paper with Zhang Ye''s signature and cell phone number on it. She put it into the drawer like it was a collector''s item. When she heard Sun Kuang''s request for another pen, she waved it off. "Oh, never mind, I don''t need yours."


    Sun Kuang was floored.


    What do you mean you don''t need mine!


    ��


    Outside the school.


    The two of them were walking side by side.


    Sun Kuang didn''t continue making a big fuss. He gave a fist and palm salute. "Master Zhang, sorry if I''ve offended you today."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Master Sun, please don''t stand on ceremony. After all, friendship grows out of an exchange of blows. We were just doing it for our children."


    Sun Kuang felt the same way. "Hai, the children these days are really too worrisome. Alright then, let''s meet again if there is a chance. I''ll be off now."


    "Master Sun, please wait." Zhang Ye held out a hand to stop him.


    Sun Kuang was startled. "Master Zhang, is anything else the matter?"


    Zhang Ye looked at him and asked, "You''re a cameraman?"


    Sun Kuang smiled and said, "That''s right. Not that I wanna brag, but I''m quite well-known in China. Many of my works have won gold medal awards in cinematography. I''ve also won prizes overseas too."


    Zhang Ye asked with interest, "How are your martial arts skills?"


    Sun Kuang was slightly embarrassed. "In front of Master Zhang, I definitely would not dare to im that I''m very skilled. But ordinarily, not even three to five well-built men could get near me."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Do you have any experience in wilderness survival?"


    "Yeah, I do." Sun Kuang could not understand why he was being asked such questions. "The subjects that I usually shoot are things to do with nature, nts, insects, sunrises, and sunsets. In order to capture a shot, I sometimes have to wait up to a day or two. Of course I can''t stay at a hotel. I have to set up a tent and camp outside. Mountaineering has be a standard affair to me. I''m not bragging, but I''ve scaled Everest twice already."


    Zhang Ye said excitedly, "Do you know how to skydive?"


    Sun Kuang said, "Yeah, I know that."


    Zhang Ye asked, "How about diving?"


    Sun Kuang said, "For an underwater project that I did, I spent half a year to get a diving certification."


    Zhang Ye asked, "How about rock climbing?"


    Sun Kuang said, "I might not be able to free solo, but I''m fine with ropes and protective gear."


    Zhang Ye got even more excited the more he listened.


    But Sun Kuang was extremely confused. "Why are you asking all this?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m nning to make a show and need a dedicated videographer with me. I haven''t been able to find anyone up to the task, so I wonder if Master Sun would be interested?"


    Sun Kuang was surprised. "You want to hire me?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Yes."


    Sun Kuang said, "When does filming begin?"


    Zhang Ye replied, "Immediately!"

 Chapter 1658 - Shooting begins for Man vs. Wild!

    <h4>Chapter 1658 - Shooting begins for Man vs. Wild! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    A few dayster.


    Overseas somewhere.


    At a small public airport, Zhang Ye was on the phone with his family. The signal wasn''t very strong and there was a lot of background noise. He had to speak as loudly as he could.


    "Mom, I''ve arrived."


    "Be careful."


    "I know, but it won''t be dangerous."


    "Still, watch out for your safety."


    "I understand. It''s about time to start the shoot. I''m gonna hang up."


    There were a total of three groups of people on the scene.


    One group was made up of the locals.


    Another group was Zhang Ye''s film crew.


    Thest group was sent by Central TV, and they were responsible formunication and ground coordination.


    A person from Central TV ran over and said, "Director Zhang, the ne is ready to take off at any time. An advance partyprised of your people has already gone ahead. I''ve just established contact with them, and everything is progressing smoothly. We''ll leave the remainder of the filming and coordination to you now. If anything unexpected happens over the next few days, you all must send us a signal. The locals have repeatedly reminded us that it is very dangerous over there. It''s considered an uninhabited zone, so be very, very careful."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I understand, thanks."


    The person from Central TV shook hands with him. "All the best to you guys."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll count on your blessings."


    On the other side of him, the pilot stepped forward and handed them the parachutes.


    Zhang Ye and Sun Kuang were the only two on the film crew who needed to skydive this time.


    Sun Kuang took his parachute and went off.


    However, Zhang Ye did not move. Instead, he unfolded his parachute amid everyone''s startled gazes.


    Sun Kuang was taken aback. "What are you doing?"


    The pilot said in English, "What?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll pack it myself."


    He unfolded it.


    He spread it t.


    He folded it properly.


    He executed the steps in a flowing motion.


    The pilot had a look of surprise on his face as he showed a smile and gave him a thumbs up.


    Sun Kuang was also a little surprised. "You''re such a professional!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I feel at ease knowing that I packed it myself."


    Sun Kuang could be considered someone who knew his stuff when it came to skydiving, although he wasn''t exactly a professional skydiver. However, he hade across many such professionals before and knew that most experts would not usually allow others to pack their parachutes for them. Due to certain beliefs or safety concerns, they would only trust themselves with such a thing. They would only feel at ease if they folded and packed it themselves. There were not a lot of such people, but Sun Kuang was clearly not one of them. That was why he a little impressed by Zhang Ye as he didn''t expect him to actually know his stuff.


    Soon after, the ne took off and headed straight to the filming location.


    In fact, they had already started the shoot while on the ne.


    Sun Kuang secured his recording equipment.


    Zhang Ye started recording his narration.


    Sun Kuang asionally nced down. "It''s so beautiful!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Stick close to me in a bit. There will be time to enjoy the views in theing days."


    Sun Kuang confidently said, "Don''t worry, wherever you''re going, I''m going too. I guarantee you I won''t miss a shot."


    "We''re almost there. Get ready." Zhang Ye took out an action camera 1 .


    Sun Kuang said, "Do you need me to put that on for you?"


    Zhang Ye waved him off and affixed it very quickly.


    Sun Kuang shrugged and put on his equipment as well.


    The two of them repeatedly checked their respective gear to ensure everything was in order.


    The staff on the light aircraft were giving them instructions in English. "It''s very dangerous to do low-altitude jumps. We''ll find an open site where you cannd. There are crocodiles and other ferocious beasts in thesends, and all kinds of different dangers as well, so are you sure you all want to head there to film the show? I suggest that you say your prayers. I hope that we can still see you when wee back to get you." He didn''t know what kind of show they were going to shoot. All he knew was that this group of Chinese people might just be crazy.


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "We''ll make it back."


    The pilot shouted, "This ce will do!"


    Sun Kuang started getting nervous.


    Zhang Ye took a breath. "Let''s go!"


    The cabin''s hatch opened, and a strong gust of wind blew in.


    Speaking of which, this was Zhang Ye''s first time skydiving. Although he had grasped the technique of skydiving, this feeling was still very strange. When this fellow leaped out of the ne, his adrenaline surged as he started free falling!


    "Wow!"


    Zhang Ye had a smile on his face as he yelled.


    The blue sky!


    The white clouds!


    The jungles!


    The mountains!


    It was such an exhrating feeling!


    At this moment, Zhang Ye finally entered the wilderness. He pulled the ripcord and sessfully deployed the parachute, slowing his descent speed. Above him, Sun Kuang also deployed his parachute. He controlled the steering and chased after Zhang Ye from behind while keeping the camera pointed at him.


    Sun Kuang roared, "This is so fun!"


    Below them was open ground, the best spot tond.


    They were even able to see the campsite the advance party of the film crew had set up.


    On the ground.


    Many of the crew members were waving.


    Tong Fu shouted, "Director Zhang!"


    Wu Yi shouted, "We''re over here!"


    Zhang Zuoughed, "Haha, they''ve arrived!"


    Sun Kuang was also calling out to them from above.


    Everyone wasughing and the atmosphere was iparably wonderful.


    Actually, before they came here, everyone was still feeling a little worried. They knew how dangerous it was in a primitive uninhabitednd like this, so they were all very nervous. But when they arrived, they realized how beautiful this ce was. Having lived in the city for so many years, they had not experienced something like this before. It was a kind of release and exaltation for their souls. For a moment, everyone even rejoiced that Director Zhang hade up with such a show. Wasn''t this as good as disguised tourism? Haha!


    But very quickly, that thoughtpletely disappeared!


    This was because at this moment, Zhang Ye suddenly had an idea. Isn''t this going too smoothly? A sessful parachute jump? A safending? There was absolutely no sense of survival urgency that way. If one really ran into danger and was forced to parachute out into the unknown wilderness, it wouldn''t be in the carefree situation that they were in now. It just wouldn''t match up with the objective point of view of the show. Thus, he took a look around the area before suddenly twisting his body and shifting his weight to maneuver away from the open ground below him. He leisurely flew in the direction of the jungle a short distance away. This sight stunned everyone!


    Zhang Zuo called out, "It''s not that way!"


    Tong Fu yelled, "Fuck! That''s not it! You''re going the wrong way!"


    Wu Yi shouted, "Director Zhang, where the hell are you going off to!"


    Sun Kuang was also scared out of his wits. "Your sister!"


    One of the greatest dangers of low-altitude jumps is the tness of thending site, which is a very important factor. If the ground environment was tooplex? If there were swamps? If there were seas? If there were jungles? All of those could threaten the safety of the parachutist, leading to injuries or even death. They were originally supposed tond out in the open, which would be extremely easy to pull off. All they needed to do was close their eyes and they wouldnd without any problems. The only issue was that Zhang Ye had to get a brain fart at this moment when he decided to drift towards the jungle that was further in the distance!


    Sun Kuang didn''t dare follow him. Instead, he hurriedly prepared fornding!


    When the studio staff saw Director Zhang drifting towards the jungle, they started panicking!


    After Sun Kuangnded, everyone immediately gathered and headed toward the location Zhang Ye had drifted off to!


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Where are you!"


    "Aiyo!"


    Half an hourter.


    They finally found Zhang Ye hanging in mid-air. His parachute had been caught in a tree, and his body dangled more than ten meters in the air!


    Tong Fu was so scared that he was trembling. "Hurry up and rescue him!"


    Zhang Zuo called out, "Come down, Director Zhang!"


    But Zhang Ye was very calm. "Why would I go down? Hurry up and start capturing this on camera!"


    Sun Kuang turned on the camera in a speechless manner. "This is ridiculous!"


    Then Zhang Ye muttered some words and started narrating the situation that he was in. After that, he took out a dagger with much difficulty and start saving himself. If he really fell from a height of over ten meters, even if he didn''t die, he would still be crippled. So the people standing below him could not be more terrified of watching him at this moment.


    A few minutes passed.


    Zhang Ye jumped down from the tree looking pathetic.


    Tong Fu said, "Your stunts are too dangerous!"


    Wu Yi said, "Why did you have to purposely get yourself into trouble! There was t ground for you tond, but you had to choose tond in the jungle! I really have to take my hat off to you!"


    Zhang Ye looked at them. "Didn''t you guys go through the script?"


    Sun Kuang was taken aback. "What script?"


    "Our show''s objective is to teach others how to ovee difficulties," Zhang Ye exined.


    Sun Kuang said dumbfoundedly, "What if there aren''t any dangers?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Then we have to create danger."


    Oh my god! You mean making something out of nothing, right!


    Zhang Ye knew that they had never watched a simr show before, nor did they understand the value of this show, so he exined it to them. "The significance of this show lies in teaching others how to survive in the wild. Over theing days, I will show everyone the different ways of survival and also tell the audience what they should do when they get into danger in the wilderness. So we can''t have everything go smoothly for us either. Whatever danger that other people go through or experience when they are trapped in the wilderness, I''ll also have to experience it once myself. It''s not as though a person who is truly in danger can make a phone call, and someone will be dispatched toe and rescue them. They couldn''t choose where they couldnd after parachuting out, or find hardtack the moment they flip their bags open. That''s not realistic. So from now on for the recording, I will enter a state of true wilderness survival. I want all of you to just treat me as someone who is trapped in this ce and not try to help me."


    Sun Kuang gasped. "You''re going to die!"


    At this moment, they finally understood how dangerous of a show they were going to shoot!


    The terrain was dangerous!


    The environment was dangerous!


    The wild animals were dangerous!


    The director was even more dangerous!

 Chapter 1659 - Man v. Food!

    <h4>Chapter 1659 - Man v. Food! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the jungle.


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    Zhang Ye had already been hiking for three hours. His pants had been torn by the bushes, and his face was covered with dirt. There was no food or water, and his lips were so dry that they were cracked. His energy level was rapidly decreasing. This was not a state he could achieve through makeup but an absolute effect from the reality of survival in the wild.


    The camera was recording.


    Zhang Ye said tiredly, "When you lose your way in the wild, the first thing you need to do is to locate a river. That means you''ll have a source of water and even food. I''ve been walking for several hours, but I still don''t know how far I am from a water source. I might have to continue walking for another day? Or two days? I don''t know. All I know is that I''m hungry, very hungry. My energy levels have depleted rapidly and I can''t take it anymore. I need to find some food to replenish my strength. Otherwise, I might really end up unable to get out of this jungle." His breathing then became much heavier.


    Awhileter.


    He squatted down around a patch of grass.


    The film crew also stopped.


    Then they saw Zhang Ye pull out a nt from the ground. It looked just like a bunch of grass, and there was nothing special about it. "It looks like I have no other choice left. Although not many people would eat it, I am convinced that this is edible."


    Sun Kuang widened his eyes.


    Tong Fu''s jaw dropped.


    Everyone looked at him dumbfoundedly.


    They watched Zhang Ye look a little unsure before stuffing the wild vegetation into his mouth. He chewed on it and began to frown. "It doesn''t taste bad, but it tastes a little like grass."


    Nonsense!


    That is fucking grass!


    You really dare to eat anything, don''t you!


    Sun Kuang said anxiously, "That had better not be poisonous!"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Don''t worry, it isn''t."


    Everyone continued on their way forward.


    The wild vegetation was clearly not enough to fill Zhang Ye''s stomach. His physical fitness was much better than everyone else''s, and he had good stamina too. But because of that, his energy consumption was also much greater than most people. At this moment, Zhang Ye''s stomach was rumbling with hunger. Along the way, his eyes glinted whenever he saw anything that looked edible.


    As he walked.


    He kept eating.


    Strange wild vegetation.


    Strange shrubs.


    And even strange tree bark.


    Zhang Ye tried all of them at least once.


    "This one''s not bad."


    "This tastes a little strange."


    Everyone looked at him speechlessly.


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye looked up a tree. "Wait! There''s a bird''s nest! From this angle, I can''t really see what species of bird it is. But it shouldn''t be a bird of prey. I also don''t know if there are any bird''s eggs in it." He stood underneath the tree and observed for a long time. "It''s at a height of around 15 meters, and the tree trunk looks a little thin. I do not suggest climbing this sort of tree because it will be very difficult to support my entire weight. However, I''m feeling too hungry right now. I need to give it a try."


    The film crew said anxiously:


    "Aiyo!"


    "Please be careful!"


    "You can''t possibly climb that, right?"


    Everyone looked skeptical.


    But in the next moment, Zhang Ye climbed right up the tree. With a grab and hooking his legs around the tree trunk, he began climbing while saying, "This kind of tree has a very thin trunk, so one has to pay close attention to their bnce. It has to be done very slowly to keep movement to a minimal extent. Aiyo, that was a little dangerous. The trunk is starting to sway a little. Let it steady first, there''s no hurry."


    Five meters.


    Ten meters.


    He finally climbed up the tree.


    Zhang Yeughed. "Haha, how fortunate. I spotted two eggs, but they''re not big. It''s about the same size as a quail''s egg, but it should be enough for me to replenish my protein intake." Saying that, he reached out to grab the eggs and held them lightly in one hand. Then he prepared to descend. But when he slid down a few meters, due to his one-handed maniption, he lost his bnce, and the tree titled to one side!


    Sun Kuang eximed, "Careful!"


    Tong Fu paled. "He''s falling down!"


    Wu Yi said, "Damn!


    Zhang Ye fell off the tree with a loud thud. The moment hit the ground, hended on his feet and rolled on the ground to relieve the impact. However, he still let out a loud, pained cry in the end. He picked himself up with some difficulty and opened his hand to have a look. "Luckily for me, the eggs are fine."


    Everyone ran up to him.


    "How are you?"


    "Did you get hurt?"


    Zhang Ye stood up with a smile. "I''m fine."


    Everyone heaved a sigh of relief.


    Zhang Ye said into the camera, "I still haven''t found a water source yet, so I don''t think I''ll have a chance to cook the eggs. There''s only one way left." The next second, under the shocked gaze of the film crew, he tilted his back head and opened his mouth wide. Then he crushed one of the eggshells with one hand and swallowed the egg in it. "Oh, there''s quite a stench, but it still tastes quite good. Maybe it''s because I''m too hungry. Not bad, another one." He also downed the second egg.


    Wu Yi said, "You ate that for real?"


    Tong Fu was a little disgusted. "Can that be eaten raw?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "All eggs can be eaten raw."


    Sun Kuang was impressed. "You''re good!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Come on, let''s go and see what''s up ahead."


    They walked for another hour.


    The film crew was exhausted, so they set up camp.


    Zhang Ye brought Sun Kuang along to explore the surroundings.


    Suddenly, Zhang Ye shouted, "Old Sun! Don''t move!"


    Sun Kuang blinked in confusion. "What''s wrong?"


    When the film crew came over after hearing themotion, they were all quite shocked!


    At this time, Sun Kuang noticed a snake at his feet. His face turned green. "Fuck!"


    Seeing that he was about to run off, Zhang Ye shouted again, "Don''t move!"


    Sun Kuang said in panic, "What kind of fucking snake is this?"


    "A rattlesnake." Zhang Ye said, "It''s highly venomous."


    A venomous snake?


    And it was even a rattlesnake?


    Everyone was feeling really scared!


    But Zhang Ye was very calm. In fact, he even looked excited. "This is a snake''s nest. I can already see three snakes, and there should still be more hiding within the grass. Old Sun, don''t move. I''ll take care of it for you." Lowering his head to look around, he slowly crouched down and picked up a tree branch that was on the ground. He walked up and quickly caught the rattlesnake with it. The tip of the tree branch was Y-shaped and it pressed the rattlesnake down in ce.


    Sun Kuang quickly ran away!


    Tong Fu said, "Run, Director Zhang!"


    Wu Yi said, "Hurry up and get back over here. Teacher Sun is fine now!"


    However, Zhang Ye did not move. Instead, he bent over and picked up the rattlesnake by its tail. Bang, bang, bang. He killed it by smashing it several times against the ground. Then, he heard the familiar sound of rattlinging from within the grass. When around five or six rattlesnakes suddenly rushed towards him, Zhang Ye finally turned around and made a run for it!


    "Let''s go!"


    "Ah!"


    "Run!"


    When they returned to the campsite.


    Everyone was sweating. It was too dangerous, so dangerous that they might just have lost their lives. Everyone was chattering among themselves tofort each other. Suddenly, they remembered Zhang Ye and looked around to find him. Eh? Director Zhang? When they finally spotted Zhang Ye, everyone felt like vomiting blood!


    This guy was trying to make fire by drilling wood together!


    He actually wanted to eat snake meat!


    Sun Kuang broke down. "Y-You still want to eat that?"


    Tong Fu eximed, "That''s a poisonous snake!"


    Wu Yi said, "I''m fainting!"


    This glutton!


    He didn''t care about his life at all when there was something to eat!


    Zhang Ye spent more than half an hour before he finally got the fire started. Then he began handling and preparing the snake. He cut off its head and dug out its internal organs before cing it over the fire to roast it. His actions were all fluid and experienced. When the snake meat was done roasting, the aroma spread in all directions. Even the film crew had their appetites whetted.


    Zhang Ye tore off a piece of snake meat and sniffed. Then he ate it. "Whoo, it smells so good. This is really the most delicious thing I''ve eaten today. Compared to the grass and eggs I had, this is what real food should be like."


    Sun Kuang rolled his eyes.


    Go on and eat!


    You''d die from it sooner orter!


    Man vs. Wild?


    This is obviously closer to Man v. Food!


    At this moment, a member of the film crew discovered a pawprint and immediately called out to everyone in a fluster, "Director Zhang, everyone,e and see this. What kind of pawprint is it?"


    "It''s so big?"


    "What animal does it belong to?"


    "I don''t know."


    They couldn''t identify it.


    When Sun Kuang saw it, his face immediately changed.


    Zhang Ye narrowed his eyes and looked down. He reached out to feel the pawprint, "It''s a bear! This mark should have been left here less than two hours ago."


    The film crew was dumbfounded!


    A bear?


    There are bears here?


    And it was just here awhile ago?


    Sun Kuang said nervously, "We can''t stay in this spot!"


    Tong Fu said, "Hurry, let''s go!"


    On this mountain range, the bears were near the top of the food chain!


    However, Zhang Ye''s next words scared them out of their wits!


    Zhang Ye muttered to himself, "Aren''t bear paws quite tasty?"


    Sun Kuang pulled him back. "Damn! You''re still thinking about eating bear paws?"


    "Director Zhang, calm down!" Tong Fu called out.


    Wu Yi hurriedly grabbed onto him. "You mustn''t eat that!"


    Little Liu said, "What are you trying to do!"


    Zhang Yeughed dryly, "Haha, I was just joking."


    You glutton!


    You really don''t fucking care about your life!


    Everyone nearly broke down. On the way here, Zhang Ye seemed to have fucking eaten everything that he came across, like grass, tree bark, bird eggs, and snake meat. Although Zhang Ye said that he was only joking, no one knew whether that was true. This guy''s brain circuits had always been wired differently from that of a normal person''s, so they were afraid that Zhang Ye would start hungering for bear meat so much that he would send them to their deaths together with him. This was the wilderness, an area uninhabited by people. If they really encountered a bear here, they didn''t know if Director Zhang would really end up having bear meat or not. But one thing they knew was that the bunch of them would definitely get eaten by the bear first!

 Chapter 1660 - The bear appears!

    <h4>Chapter 1660 - The bear appears! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    It was gettingte at night.


    The temperature in the jungle plummeted.


    Zhang Ye was lying in his temporary shelter made from branches and leaves. He wore a windbreaker jacket and huddled with himself. Holding the camera in his hand, he scrubbed through the footage that had been recorded today. Sometimes, he would fast forward it, and sometimes he would pause it. With that, he was already forming an idea of which footage could be used and which had to be discarded. Although he was exhausted and did not even get a sip of water, he was still quite happy with how things had turned out. This was because they had managed to achieve many of the scenes he had wanted to shoot. The only pity was that they stillcked some terrifying and exciting scenes. There still wasn''t enough tension.


    It was time to rest.


    The rest could be thought out tomorrow.


    After turning off the camera, Zhang Ye took out a photo of his wife and daughter and kissed them before putting it away carefully and slowly falling asleep.


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    Three hours.


    After some time.


    Zhang Ye jolted awake.


    "Roar!"


    His muscles tensed, and he immediately turned on the camera. He flipped over and looked outside while whispering to the camera, "It''s the dead of night right now. I don''t know exactly what time it is, but I can hear some sounds out there, and it''s giving me a bad feeling. There, it''s happening again! Did you hear that? It sounds like a wild beast, but I''m not sure what it is. This is terrible feeling, and I can''t help but think of the bear prints during the day. Although I tried to stay as far away from the area as possible when I set up shelter, I know that bears have a very keen sense of smell. If it has really set its eyes on me, it''s definitely not good news for me."


    The film crew was still asleep.


    Zhang Ye whispered, "Old Sun! Old Sun!"


    A tent in the distance moved. "What is it?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Listen."


    The other side went silent for a moment before someone eximed, "Holy shit! Is that a bear?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m not sure."


    "What should we do?" Sun Kuang was flustered.


    Zhang Ye said, "I think we should leave."


    The film crew was called up. As they listened to the sounds made by the beast in the distance and heard the approaching rustles, they were all terrified!


    Zhang Ye asked, "Where''s the tranquilizer gun?"


    Wu Yi took a deep breath. "It''s here."


    Zhang Ye said, "Everyone, be careful. Get ready to leave. Old Sun and I will go take a look first."


    Sun Kuang said, "What do you still want to look for? Run!"


    Zhang Ye said, "With so many of us, our group is just too big. We have too much equipment, so our movement speed will be slowed down for sure. It''s also nighttime, and in uncertain circumstances, do you think you can outrun a bear?"


    Hence, Zhang Ye and Sun Kuang turned on their cameras and went over.


    100 meters.


    200 meters.


    Suddenly, a dark figure shed by in the distance.


    Sun Kuang said in shock, "Did you see that?"


    Zhang Ye took a deep breath. "I saw it."


    Sun Kuang said, "It''s a bear!"


    Then the dark figure vanished. The roars of the wild beast suddenly approached!


    Zhang Ye shouted, "Run!"


    Sun Kuang did not even think about it. He flew after Zhang Ye and ran away!


    Zhang Ye said, "Don''t run towards the campsite. Head in the other direction. The film crew has a tranquilizer gun, so they won''t be in danger!"


    Sun Kuang said, "Then what about the safety of the two of us!"


    Zhang Ye said, "That depends on how fast you can run!"


    Sun Kuang said, "Fuck!"


    As they ran, Zhang Ye was still holding up his camera and aiming it behind him.


    Sun Kuang was astounded. He wondered how Zhang Ye could still have the presence of mind to shoot the scene at a time like this. As he ran, he asked, "Master Zhang, give me some reassurance. If the bear corners us, can you defeat it?"


    Zhang Ye asked back, "Can you?"


    Sun Kuang was in tears. "Like I could fucking do that! Don''t mention me, even my master would be kneeling if he were here!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Then I can''t beat it either."


    Sun Kuang was somewhat skeptical. For people who practiced Chinese martial arts like Sun Kuang, be it the internal or external styles, it wouldn''t be a problem to use them against most ordinary people, nor would it be ineffective when dealing with some small-time gangsters. But when faced with a wild animal, and in such rough terrain, there was basically no way to even make a move. The moment they encountered one would mean the end for them. But Sun Kuang knew that experts like Zhang Ye and Rao Aimin were different from the rest of them. No one knew how powerful their concealed power was.


    They ran for five kilometers.


    Sun Kuang was panting. "Has it caught up to us?"


    Zhang Ye did not look too good. "It''s still behind us!"


    Sun Kuang said, "Motherfucker! It''s got its eyes on us!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Listen, there''s water around here!"


    Sun Kuang said, "A river?"


    It was almost dawn, and visibility in the jungle was starting to get a little clearer.


    In the distance, they could see that the path ahead had been cut off, and there was a cliff beyond it. The sshing of the water wasing from nearby, below the cliff. Behind them, the beast growled. They couldn''t see the figure of the bear, but Zhang Ye and Sun Kuang both knew that it had been following closely all this while.


    Sun Kuang said anxiously, "It''s a dead end! How about we run along the cliff?"


    Zhang Ye stood on the cliff and looked down. "I have an idea on how to shake the bear off our trail."


    Sun Kuang said, "What is that?"


    Zhang Ye picked up the camera and said into it, "It''s a dead end up ahead. The bear ising. It''s my only option to shake it off my trail." He lowered the camera and aimed it down at the river that had a rather slow current. The height was over 20 meters!


    Sun Kuang had a bad premonition!


    "What are you doing?" Sun Kuang shouted.


    Zhang Ye shouted, "Jump!"


    Saying that, Zhang Ye leaped off the cliff!


    Sun Kuang had such a fright that he cursed. Then he heard a roare from behind him and couldn''t help bursting into tears. He clenched his teeth and stomped his feet before jumping down as well, all while scolding, "Zhang Ye! Fuck your sister! Sooner orter, you''ll be the death of me!"


    Plop!


    Plop!


    As both of them were martial arts experts, theynded in the water with their bodies rigidly straight!


    Zhang Ye poked his head out of the water first. "Old Sun!"


    "Over here! Pfft!" Sun Kuang spat out a few mouthfuls of water.


    Zhang Ye bellyughed. "Let''s get ashore!"


    When the two of them finally swam ashore, they were so exhausted they were gasping for air.


    Zhang Ye startedpping up over a dozen mouthfuls of water from the shore. "Phew, I''m alive again! The thirst was killing me."


    Sun Kuang said angrily, "You''re alive, but I was nearly scared to death by you!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Let''s contact the film crew and get everyone to gather."


    Two hourster.


    The film crew hurried over in panic.


    Tong Fu was going crazy with anxiety. "Where''s Director Zhang? Where''s Director Zhang?"


    Wu Yi cried out, "Are you two alright? Is anyone hurt?"


    Little Liu looked around. "Where''s Director Zhang? What happened?"


    Sun Kuang pursed his lips, then nudged his chin in the direction of the river.


    Everyone''s gaze followed in that direction, and they nearly facented into the ground. A bonfire had been set up by the river, and several fish had already been cooked!


    What the hell!


    You are way too efficient!


    You can still think of eating at this time like this?!


    Can''t you stop eating for a minute!


    After Zhang Ye finished filming with his camera, he turned around and said to everyone, "The fish have been cooked. Those who want some, please register your names first. There''s a limited quantity, so it''s firste, first served." Looking at his appearance, it didn''t seem like he tookst night''s life-or-death situation seriously. His mental fortitude was clearly on a whole other level.


    Sun Kuang asked, "Does your director usually not care about his life when he shoots a show or movie?"


    When this point was raised, Tong Fu was filled with bitterness. "That''s right, he''s usually like this. We''ve been scared to death countless times by Director Zhang over the years. Hai, let''s not talk about this anymore. It will just make me want to cry. I think I''ll take a bite of that fish to calm myself down." Then he quickly ran over and said, "Leave one for me, Director Zhang!"


    The others also shuffled off to eat.


    Sun Kuang did not go over as he was still angry at Zhang Ye. He snorted as he took two bites of the hardtack that he had before he quickly got sick of eating it. Looking at the grilled fish they were eating, he stubbornly picked up two sticks of wood and tried to make a fire. In the end, he couldn''t even manage to get the fire started. Sun Kuang was extremely embarrassed. Throwing away the wooden sticks in his hands, he shamelessly went over and ate the roasted fish that they were having.

 Chapter 1661 - The first episode is out!

    <h4>Chapter 1661 - The first episode is out! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Two dayster.


    It was the weekend.


    On Weibo.


    "There''s nothing to watch on TV. Anyone with any shows to rmend?"


    "I have none. There haven''t been any good shows recently."


    "That''s right. The variety shows these days are all the same."


    "The domestic TV dramas aren''t good either. They''re all following the same plots."


    "I''m watching an American TV series now. It''s quite good."


    "Yeah, the American and British TV series are all very exquisitely made."


    "There are several good TV shows overseas as well. They''re really enjoyable to watch. If China can also produce such quality programs someday, that would be really great!"


    "Isn''t Face-smacking Zhang making an international show too?"


    "I heard that they''ve already started shooting for the show."


    "Yeah, I wonder how the shoot is progressing so far."


    "I''m quite looking forward to it."


    "Do you guys really expect Face-smacking Zhang to pave a way forward for our Chinese shows?"


    "What do you think? If Zhang Ye can''t do it, then no one else can."


    "Let''s see if Face-smacking Zhang can perform another miracle!"


    ��


    Beijing.


    Xijiao Airport 1 .


    This was originally a military airport that was predominantly used for military purposes, and they also epted aircraft support missions. However, a civilian flight route was approved today to fly into Xijiao Airport, and a small civilian ne was cleared to enter the airspace.


    On the ground.


    Ha Qiqi and the others were here.


    Little Wang looked up. "Why aren''t they back yet! Why haven''t they arrived!"


    Ha Qiqi was also incredibly anxious, but she said, "Don''t be so impatient. They should be here soon."


    "I wonder how everyone is doing?" Little Zhou was worried sick. "The people are all waiting for our new show to broadcast. If by any chance it isn''t filmed well, then��"


    Everyone from Zhang Ye''s Studio was eagerly looking into the sky.


    Most of them were the female employees who had stayed behind to watch over the studio''s day-to-day operations.


    Suddenly, a ne appeared in their line of sight and slowlynded.


    "They''re here!"


    "They''re here!"


    "It''s their ne!"


    The group of them shouted in excitement and rushed forward to wee the team back!


    Not long after, the cabin''s hatch opened, and someone came out of the aircraft.


    The first toe out was Tong Fu.


    The moment they saw Tong Fu, the group consisting of Ha Qiqi, Little Wang, and the others were dumbfounded!


    The once fairplexion of Tong Fu had been tanned as dark as a ck dog''s bollocks! He was tanned to the point where a gloss glowed from his dark skin. His hair was a mess, and it was obvious that he had not even taken a bath. His clothes were torn and his pants were tattered. The most speechless part was that he only had one shoe on his feet. The other was bare.


    His wife was also here today.


    Huang Dandan eximed, "Damn, Hubby, what happened to you!"


    Tong Fu started crying and hugging his wife, "My wife! My lovely wife! Your Brother Tong thought that he would never get to see you again in this lifetime!"


    Little Wang was stunned. "Where are your shoes?"


    Ha Qiqi was shocked. "What happened to you guys?"


    Behind him, the second person came out.


    Wu Yi said, "He lost his shoes when we were running away from something."


    Huang Dandan said in disbelief, "But I prepared three pairs of shoes for you."


    Tong Fu cried and said, "I lost them all."


    Everyone was floored when they saw the film crew disembark from the aircraft. They either looked pathetic, tired, tanned, or had only one shoe on. The weing party could only wonder what the film crew had been through!


    In the end, Sun Kuang and Zhang Ye also disembarked.


    Ha Qiqi rushed over to wee them back. "Director Zhang! How was it?"


    Zhang Ye looked to be in an even worse state than them. He was almost unrecognizable as there were dust and mud caking his face. However, his state of mind was especially good. This was clearly where he was different from others. Heughed and said, "Haha, I''m fine, it''s just that I look a bit worse off than the others. It''s just that I headed straight to the airport after getting out of the wilderness. No one wanted to rest for another day at the local hotel, so I made some arrangements with the military, and they approved a flight route for us to fly back directly."


    Little Wang asked, "Why didn''t you all rest up first?"


    Tong Fu was crying. He said, "Rest? How can we rest? I couldn''t stand staying in that damned ce for a minute longer. I just wanted toe home as soon as we could!"


    Wu Yi also said with some lingering fear, "It was too dangerous. It was really too dangerous this time. Have you guys encountered a bear before? We did! The bear came after us for three days and nights! The first time, we managed to escape from it. Then it came back on the second day. We don''t even know if it was the same bear as the one we met on the first day. All we knew was that we had to run. We ran so much that our legs almost broke!"


    Everyone was extremely shocked!


    "What?"


    "A bear?"


    "Damn, you guys encountered a bear?"


    Sun Kuang rolled his eyes. "There were also venomous snakes, wild beasts, and high cliffs too. We encountered all of those things on this trip."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Filming isn''t done for the show yet?"


    Tong Fu said nervously, "Sister Ha, based on Director Zhang''s temper, do you think we coulde home if we didn''t finish the shoot?"


    Zhang Ye called out to everyone, "Let''s go. This is a military airport, so let''s not cause any dy for them. We''ll go back to the studio first and talk on the way there!" As they were walking out, he introduced Sun Kuang to everyone. "This is Sun Kuang. Some of you have not met him yet, right? Thanks to Old Sun, this time, we were able to sessfullyplete the shoot. There were many dangerous scenes where Old Sun followed me and caught them on camera. In the future, Old Sun will be appointed as our studio''s independent videographer."


    But Sun Kuang said, "Who''s from your studio? Don''t drag me into this. You want me to work with you? Even if I have several lives, it wouldn''t fucking be enough!"


    Zhang Yeughed, "Haha."


    On the way back.


    In the minibus.


    Everyone startedining. They began rting their adventures in the wild and recounting their encounters over the past few days in detail. Ha Qiqi and the others from the studio were all frightened out of their wits when they heard about it. They had never experienced it before, nor had they seen the things that were being described by the film crew. But just by their words alone, it was enough to shock them to death. Only then did Ha Qiqi and the others realize how greatly the film crew had suffered over these past few days!


    Bear attack?


    Leaping off cliffs?


    Falling into a river?


    Encountering venomous snakes?


    Ha Qiqi said, "I said this show is too dangerous!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Fame and fortunee from taking risks."


    Sun Kuang harrumphed, "But will this show of yours be any good?"


    None of them really knew what the show would be like.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You guys don''t know, but when the show is edited, you will all understand. I''ll take a hot shower right after we get back and have something to eat first. After that, I''ll head over to Central TV to edit the footage and add in the narration and subtitles. I''ll do my best to finish up the first episode as soon as possible and then broadcast the first episode to test out the market. Since everyone won''t have anything to do for the next two days, I want you all to go back home quickly to get some rest and rx a little. If the first episode is well-received, we will still have to shoot the second and third episodes. At that time, we''ll get really busy and probably won''t have any time to go back home between shoots."


    Tong Fu sobbed, "There''s still some more filming to do?"


    Sun Kuang said in a terrified manner, "I''m not gonna do it anymore!"


    Zhang Ye said, "That won''t do. Actually, I didn''t have much experience either when we filmed the first episode. It''s my first time doing such a show after all, so the prep work wasn''t done well. That was why we ran into so many problems during the trip. But since we have the knowledge now, we''ll just have to add a little more manpower and work out better safety guidelines to ensure that there won''t be any more hups." He added, "Don''t worry, with me around, everyone''s safety will be assured, I guarantee."


    Everyone mourned.


    Guarantee, my ass!


    You still went over to get two photos when the bear was approaching!


    You still wanted to get a selfie when the venomous snakes wereing!


    It''s precisely because of you that we''re in danger!


    The minibus arrived back at the studio.


    The film crew dispersed and went back to their respective homes.


    After Zhang Ye took a shower, he didn''t stay idle when he came out. He started organizing the footage that he had on hand and got Ha Qiqi to contact Central TV.


    Sun Kuang was still around. "Aren''t you gonna get some rest?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''ll consider it after I''m done with work."


    Sun Kuang was impressed. "You''re truly a warrior!"


    Ha Qiqi said helplessly, "This is what Director Zhang is like. No one can persuade him otherwise."


    They had survived out in the wilderness for so many days, so even though everyone else wasining loudly after they came back, they still knew that Zhang Ye was actually the most tired. But who could have known that he would return to work the moment he arrived back without even resting? On this point, no one in the industry would dare topare themselves with Zhang Ye. This fellow was really just like an ironman!


    On the same day.


    At night.


    After Zhang Ye had returned to Beijing, he did not even go back home. Instead, he went straight to Central TV International and locked himself up in the studio. Then he began editing the show for the rest of the night.


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    Three hours.


    Finally, the footage was fully edited!


    Total runtime: 42 minutes and 30 seconds!


    The first episode of Man vs. Wild was out!

 Chapter 1662 - Advertising abroad!

    <h4>Chapter 1662 - Advertising abroad! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Sunday.


    In the morning.


    After working all night, Zhang Ye returned home exhausted.


    When the door opened, Wu Zeqing was startled. "Whoa."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m home, Old Wu."


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "How did you get so tan?"


    "Hai, it''s because I was exposed to the elements." Zhang Ye said, "My daughter!"


    Sisi cheered and ran over happily. "Daddy! Daddy!"


    Zhang Ye picked her up and kissed her many times. "My dear, Daddy has missed you so much! Have you been obedient and listened to Mommy these past few days? Hmm? Have you been a good girl at school?"


    Sisi nodded firmly and said, "Sisi has been a very good girl!"


    Zhang Ye''s smile filled his face.


    Wu Zeqing asked, "Have you eaten yet?"


    "Not yet." At the mention of it, Zhang Ye became very hungry. "Old Wu, quick, I haven''t had any hot food in so many days. Hurry and cook some meat for me to eat. I want to have red braised pork as well as stewed pork ribs."


    Wu Zeqing said, "You want to eat that this early in the morning?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''m hungry."


    Wu Zeqing chuckled, "Hur hur, alright."


    Soon after, his parents also came by. When they saw their son, the two of them got a fright as well.


    His mother said dumbfoundedly, "Did you get conquered 1 by the Japanese?"


    His father said, "Just what kind of show are you making? Why does it look like there''s so much hardship involved?"


    Zhang Ye copsed on the sofa and said listlessly, "It''s a show that no one in the world has ever done before. Both of you will find out in a few days when it broadcasts."


    Pork belly.


    Pork ribs.


    Chicken soup.


    Zhang Ye devoured the dishes and even had five bowls of rice along with them.


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Can''t you eat slower?"


    Zhang Ye didn''t want to hear that. "It''s tasty and oh so delicious!"


    His mother stared at him. "You''re gonna get indigestion. Don''t overeat."


    Zhang Ye pushed an empty bowl over and said as he wiped his mouth, "Another half a bowl of rice please."


    His mother harrumphed. "Oh, alright, keep stuffing yourself."


    Old Wu smiled and served him more rice.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s cell phone rang.


    When Zhang Ye saw the caller ID, he answered it.


    It was from the director at Central TV International.


    Director Meng''s voice sounded a little excited: "Director Zhang, a few of the leaders and I have already watched the first episode of your show."


    Zhang Ye smiled and asked: "How was it, Old Meng?"


    Director Meng said: "I think it''s pretty good."


    Zhang Ye asked: "So what about the publicity for it?"


    Director Meng was silent for a moment before saying: "Our Chinese TV shows have stayed quiet for too long. This time, we should try to pull off a big one. I''ve already fought to get the advertisements broadcast in over 10 countries. If we can get even more funding approved, we''ll be showing the ads in up to 20 countries."


    Advertisements?


    Abroad?


    It was the first time that Zhang Ye had heard of something like this. He knew that Central TV was famous for being tightfisted and would rarely do any advertising for their own station''s programs, much less advertising abroad.


    Zhang Ye was surprised. "How much does that cost?"


    Director Meng smiled and said: "Teacher Zhang, you know what we''ve always been hoping to achieve, and I know that is also what you want to get done. This time, we have partnered up in order to try to push China''s shows out into the world. With all the great effort that you''ve put in, we naturally cannot afford to hold back. Everyone knows that the viewership ratings for CTV International have always been poor. If there isn''t enough publicity and advertising, a show''s potential will be limited no matter how good it is. We at the station have already discussed this, so we''ve already decided that we''ll take a bet on it together with you this time. It will also be a bet on the future of our Chinese TV shows."


    Zhang Ye said: "You really trust me, huh?"


    Director Meng said in seriousness: "Right, I really do trust you. The entirety of Central TV trusts you as well."


    Zhang Yeughed. "Thanks."


    "It should be us thanking you instead."


    After hanging up, Zhang Ye finished his food and went upstairs to sleep.


    In his sleep, he dreamed of millions of heroic soldiers.


    In his dream, all of the past dynasties of China came to worship him.


    ��


    Submitting for review.


    Requesting approval.


    Getting approved.


    The show was filed with the authorities.


    A series of procedures were quickly formalized.


    At this moment, Zhang Ye''s new show was finally revealed.


    The promotions for the show were also carried out in full swing!


    On Central TV.


    On the forums.


    On the video hosting sites.


    In the media outlets and newspapers.


    It was getting publicized everywhere.


    Man vs. Wild''s synopsis: Central TV International hasunched a brand new show hosted by Zhang Ye, who will travel across the globe to find the most dangerous tourist locations and environments in order to show us how to survive in them. Zhang Ye will trap himself in some of the most popr destinations in the wilderness where tourists often get lost or encounter danger. He will go airborne and descend into tropical rainforests, rappel into deserts andkes, and climb the highest and most isted peaks in the Americas. By cing himself in the most realistic of situations, Zhang Ye will use his professional survival skills to escape from danger, survive, and find his way back to civilization.


    ��


    In the Chinese entertainment industry.


    "His new show is about to get broadcast."


    "I heard about it too. It''s called Man vs. Wild?"


    "What genre is it?"


    "I think it''s something about survival in the wild. It''s a show that he created himself that no one has done before. So no one really knows what this show is going to be like."


    "How risky!"


    "Yeah, I thought he would do a show that he''s good at."


    "Zhang Ye wants to rely on this brand-new genre to take on the world?"


    "It''s difficult to predict anything right now. After all, this is Zhang Ye we''re talking about. His shows have created miracles countless times before, so who knows if it will be the same again this time."


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "It''s finally showing!"


    "Zhang Ye''s new show has been announced!"


    "Ah? Which day is it on?"


    "Next Saturday!"


    "That''s right, it''s called Man vs. Wild. The broadcast date has been set!"


    "Man? Vs. Wild? What the heck is that?"


    "Pfft, Face-smacking Zhang has created another new format for his show?"


    "I''m really worried for Zhang Ye. Although he has also done TV shows before, he only had topete against one or twopetitors at the same time slot in the domestic market back then. But it''s different this time. He going to broadcast the show on China''s only international channel andpete with all the other TV shows that are showing at the same time slot from around the world. American TV series? Talk shows? British TV shows? Korean reality shows? Japanese cartoons? Unless Face-smacking Zhang''s new show is really so heaven-defying, and even then, it has to be heaven-defying to an absolute extent for it to be able to break out of the encirclement by the TV shows from all over the world. Is that even possible?"


    "It won''t be easy."


    "Let''s see if Face-smacking Zhang can keep at it this time."


    "We can''t control what other people do. But for Zhang Ye''s show, we definitely have to give our utmost support!"


    "That''s right! As long as it''s a show made by Zhang Ye, I will watch it even if it''s shit!"


    "Haha, just six more days! I''m looking forward to it!"


    ��


    America.


    "Eh?"


    "An ad for a Chinese show?"


    "The hell? It''s Zhang Ye''s new show?"


    "This is the first time I''ve seen a Chinese show get advertised!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "Man vs. Wild?"


    "Zhang Ye''s new program?"


    "They even showing the ad for it in Japan?"


    ��


    Korea.


    "It''s going to broadcast this soon?"


    "They''re showing so many ads for it?"


    "They must have spent a great deal of money!"


    "China''s TV station is really rich."


    ��


    The UK.


    "Wilderness survival?"


    "It does sound quite interesting."


    "Mhm, let''s have a watch when it broadcasts."


    "I quite like this Nobel Peace Prize recipient, haha."


    ��


    China.


    "Holy shit!"


    "Central TV has a little something, doesn''t it?"


    "They''re going crazy with the ads!"


    "I even saw it at Times Square in New York!"


    ��


    Many countries around the world were seeing advertisements for Man vs. Wild!


    Unlike Man vs. Wild, Wolf Warrior 2 did not get any publicity overseas as its target audience wasn''t there. Even if he did any advertisements for the movie, they would have been wasted. But Man vs. Wild was different. To Zhang Ye and Central TV, it was an international show whose audience was the entire world. It wasn''t just going to be shown in China. With this status, the advertisements would also have to be targeted. And this time, Central TV was going all out. Be it the publicity efforts or coverage, it was almost unprecedented. The advertisements were so numerous that quite a few television industry insiders overseas were shocked.


    For a moment.


    The global attention on Man vs. Wild was soaring high!

 Chapter 1663 - The International Hosting Qualifications Examination!

    <h4>Chapter 1663 - The International Hosting Qualifications Examination! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Tuesday.


    Advertisements.


    Promotional footage.


    Trailers.


    The publicity efforts were in full swing.


    The countdown to Man vs. Wild''s premiere officially began. There were only four more days left to the broadcast of the show, and all preparations for it were ready.


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    In the early morning, everyone had gathered for a meeting.


    "It''s time to get ready to shoot the next episode."


    "Ah? So quickly?"


    "Who''s signing up to join the film crew this time?"


    "Director Zhang, can I not go?"


    "Tong Fu, you have to go."


    "I lost three pairs of shoes the previous time around."


    "Then bring four pairs this time."


    "Pfft!"


    "Where are we going to shoot the second episode, Director Zhang?"


    "I''ve already decided on the destination and am in contact with them right now."


    Zhang Ye had always been very efficient when it came to nning his work. The first episode was just a pilot that he lined up to be broadcast on Saturday. But after that, he didn''t want to broadcast just one episode a week. His original n was to have two episodes a week, with one episode on Saturday and one episode on Sunday. Therefore, the filming n involved a heavy workload with a huge time crunch.


    At this moment, a call arrived.


    It was from Yu Yingyi.


    Yu Yingyi said in a hurry: "Zhang''er!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said: "What''s up, Yingyi?"


    "Hurry down to Central TV! Something has happened!"


    "OK, I''ll be right there."


    At Central TV.


    Central TV International.


    When Zhang Ye and his staff from the studio arrived, he saw a panicky Yu Yingyi together with the staff from CTV International. Even the channel''s Director Meng was here as well.


    Zhang Ye asked, "What''s the situation?"


    Yu Yingyi hurriedly said, "Zhang''er, do you have an international hosting license?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "What?"


    Director Meng said, "An international hosting license!"


    Zhang Ye threw his hands up. "I only have a hosting license for China."


    Ha Qiqi was also taken aback. "Why does he need that?"


    Director Meng immediately said, "It''s not us who require you to have it. All the different countries have their own host qualifications exam. Even at Central TV International, we don''t usually have to worry about this. But it''s true that many of the other countries do require their international channel hosts or announcers to have this certification to be able to work. We also request this from our hosts and announcers. Before Yingyi came to our channel, she also spent a year earning her international hosting license. But we didn''t originally need you to have it since this type of show doesn''t truly have a host."


    Ha Qiqi said, "That''s right, Man vs. Wild doesn''t have a host."


    Director Meng said, "But there are people finding trouble with this right now. They''re questioning Zhang Ye''sck of international hosting credentials. In their minds, Teacher Zhang''s role in Man vs. Wild is as a host. India, America, and Canada have all suggested that if they do not see Zhang Ye''s license, they will unterally halt the broadcast of the show.


    Ha Qiqi''s face sank. "Halt it?"


    "How can they halt it at this time!" Zhang Zuo said angrily.


    Little Wang said in a rage, "This was clearly targeted at us!"


    No one had expected this to happen when the show was about to be broadcast.


    Zhang Ye said, "Is there any way to remedy this?"


    Director Meng said, "The worst case scenario is that we have to give up on broadcasting the show in America, India, Canada, and some of the other countries. But if we give up on premiering it in those countries, the impact on our show will surely be fatal. The viewership ratings will be greatly reduced, and all of the previous publicity efforts would have been for naught. This loss will be difficult to bear for us. Our people are still negotiating with the relevant authorities in those countries, but it seems like it will be very difficult to reach an agreement."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What''s the best way to deal with this?"


    Director Meng looked at him. "The best way would be for you to obtain an international hosting license."


    Zhang Ye asked, "How often is the exam held?"


    Yu Yingyi knew about this. "Once every half a year."


    "When is the next time they''re holding it?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Yu Yingyi said, "Uh, tomorrow."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Is it toote to register for it now?"


    Yu Yingyi hurriedly exined, "The designated exam center in China this year is in Shanghai. There''s still time to register for it, but the international hosting exam is different from the one we took for the domestic license. They''re aimed more at the professional international news broadcasters, so the topics tested are slightly biased on their profession. International geography, international history, and topics regarding politics are all tested. It basically doesn''t have anything to do with what we''ve studied before. Moreover, it is also separated into an interview segment and a written test and requires a very high score to pass!"


    Next to them, another male host from CTV International smiled bitterly and said, "That''s right, I prepared for it for a year and took the exam three times before I passed. The questions are extremely difficult. Yingyi managed to get it faster than me, but even she took two tries. Many of the other professional hosts in the country can''t pass the exam even after many attempts."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "No problem, just help me register for it."


    Director Meng nced at him. "Can you handle it?"


    Zhang Ye said indifferently, "Don''t worry, Old Meng."


    Yu Yingyi clenched her teeth. "I won''t be going anywhere today. Let me guide you on how to study for it."


    Zhang Ye said happily, "No need for that. Just rmend me the relevant books to study for the exam."


    Director Meng sighed and said, "We''re depending on you."


    Registration.


    Purchasing the books.


    Booking tickets to Shanghai.


    They could only do this. The rest was up to Zhang Ye himself. No one else could help him with this matter.


    ��


    On the same day.


    The international news started spreading.


    "Man vs. Wild faces a broadcast suspension?"


    "Zhang Ye doesn''t have an international hosting license!"


    "Multiple countries demand the halt of show''s broadcast!"


    "China''s show faces an international stranding!"


    "China''s show gets besieged by multiple countries!"


    "Zhang Ye applies for this round of the International Hosting Qualifications Examination at thest minute!"


    On the Web.


    People from all over the world were watching themotion.


    An Indianizen: "Hahaha, he deserves it!"


    An Americanizen: "Zhang Ye''s new show is done for!"


    A UKizen: "Someone must be deliberately targeting him, right?"


    A Frenchizen: "Many of the program and talk show hosts in America also broadcast their shows internationally, but why don''t I see anyone asking for their international hosting licenses? If it''s not something they themselves can enforce, what gives them the right to demand a Chinese host have it? Handling matters in such a way is shameful."


    A Dutchizen: "That''s right. The famous American talk show host, Jeff, has not been able to earn his international hosting license in two years. However, he''s still doing great in his job as a host."


    A Germanizen: "I heard that this is the most difficult exam for a host to take."


    A Finnishizen: "Zhang Ye has already registered to take the exam?"


    A Thaiizen: "The exam is taking ce tomorrow. Even a god couldn''t pass it if they decided to take it on a whim."


    A Koreanizen: "Not necessarily."


    A Japaneseizen: "Yeah, I agree."


    An Americanizen: "Haha, do you guys really think he can pass?"


    Many people around the world were waiting to see China make a fool of themselves.


    At this moment, the Chineseizens came forward.


    "Fucking idiots!"


    "You guys are trying to mess with Face-smacking Zhang again?"


    "Hur hur!"


    "It''s just the International Hosting Qualifications Examination, isn''t it? Just wait and see!"


    "Just watch Zhang Ye pass!"


    Zhang Ye.


    Man vs. Wild.


    For a moment, these two names were pushed into the headlines again!

 Chapter 1664 - A shocking examination result!

    <h4>Chapter 1664 - A shocking examination result! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    The outside world was in an uproar.


    This year''s International Hosting Qualifications Examination had attracted worldwide attention.


    To watch themotion.


    To see a joke.


    There were all kinds of people paying attention to it.


    Many of Zhang Ye''s family, friends, and colleagues also heard about the difficulty of the exam and were feeling nervous for him. They knew that if he did not pass the exam this time, it would spell the end of his new show. He had received three calls from his mother alone. But at present, on the high-speed rail from Beijing to Shanghai, Zhang Ye was sitting crossed-legged with a rxed expression. He was listening to music and flipping through books rted to the International Hosting Qualifications Examination. The matter did not bother him at all. From his expression, there was no trace of Zhang Ye being nervous or worried. This fellow would even hum a few lines of the song that he was listening to every so often. asionally, he would also take out his cell phone to browse Weibo.


    On Weibo.


    "Good luck, Face-smacking Zhang!"


    "Don''te back if you don''t pass the exam!"


    "Teacher Zhang! Fuck them all!"


    "Hurry up and get your license. Don''t be afraid!"


    "We''re all waiting to watch your new show!"


    "Teacher Zhang, can you do it or not?"


    Zhang Ye replied to one of the Weibo posts: "Who knows?"


    That Weibo reply immediately blew up!


    "Damn!"


    "Teacher Zhang has suddenly appeared!"


    "Haha, what a surprise to see Face-smacking Zhang!"


    The atmosphere was a jubnt one.


    The train arrived.


    A car came to pick him up and he headed straight to the examination venue.


    When Zhang appeared, he immediately became the center of attention. All of the announcers and hosts who hade to take the exam were looking at him in surprise.


    A young woman came walking over in a hurry and said respectfully, "Pro-Professor Zhang."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Did you graduate recently?"


    The young woman said shyly, "I just graduated this year."


    Another youth came over. "Professor Zhang, it''s really you!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and nodded at him. "Hello."


    The youth said worriedly, "Are you prepared for the exam?"


    The young woman stared at him. "You''re worried that Professor Zhang won''t pass?"


    The youth said in embarrassment, "I''m not. But I''m worried because I''ve studied this exam all year. The questions are especially odd, and the paper is all in English too. It''s too difficult."


    The young woman clearly knew him. "That''s because you''re dumb."


    The youth said in shame, "Alright."


    As the two of them addressed Zhang Ye as professor the moment they met him, Zhang Ye immediately deduced that they must be students or recent graduates of Media College. Zhang Ye was a professor at Media College, so he would also be considered their teacher. This was even though this teacher was a little raffish and didn''t even hold any sses over the years.


    Everyone was chatting as they headed in.


    There was only one examination venue, and the number of people taking part in the exam this time was 27. There weren''t many people here, as many people had already given up on taking it after failing the exam several times. There were both Chinese proctors and foreign ones. The exam was the same throughout the world in every country and was in English.


    It was time.


    The exam began.


    When Zhang received his exam, he smiled and started answering the questions.


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    Three hours.


    The written exam.


    Handing in the exam.


    Lunch


    Lining up.


    Going through the interview segment.


    When Zhang Ye came out of the venue, it was almost dark.


    There were still a lot of things to handle back in Beijing, so he had no time to check the answers, nor pay further attention to any exam-rted matters. He just took the high-speed rail straight back to Beijing.


    ��


    The next day.


    In the afternoon.


    Because of the small number of candidates who took the exam, the results came out very soon.


    The International Association for Broadcasters and Announcers had already published the results and passing candidates on its website. Every person who had obtained the international hosting license would have their names appear on a dedicated page of the website. Currently, there were only 239 people in the world who had obtained a certificate of qualification as an international host. Some of the countries had eight to nine of such hosts in total while a few countries didn''t even have anyone with the qualifications to be an international host. From this, it could be seen how valuable the license was.


    On this day, the website nearly crashed.


    Countless people from all over the world hade to check the results of the examination.


    ��


    At home.


    Zhang Ye''s parents had Chenchen take control of theputer.


    "Did he pass?"


    "How many points did your Uncle Zhang score?"


    "It''s out, have a look at it yourselves."


    "Ah!"


    "What?"


    ��


    At Central TV.


    "Is it out?"


    "Why haven''t they announced it yet?"


    "The scores are out!"


    "Where? Where is it?!"


    "Did he pass?"


    "Holy shit! This score��"


    ��


    Media College.


    "Oh my God!"


    "Something big has happened!"


    "Quicklye and have a look at Professor Zhang''s score!"


    "What the hell!"


    "Awesome! This is too fucking awesome!"


    ��


    Dong Shanshan''s house.


    Yu Yingyi and she were having a chat.


    "I wonder how it went."


    "I think the scores have been announced."


    "Damn, they''re really out!"


    "This madman!"


    "I should have known! Why did I bother worrying about him? Just how on earth did this guy take his exam!"


    ��


    The scores were announced.


    The results of every country''s candidates were published.


    Emerson: Written test, 167 points; Interview, 75 points (Passed)


    Zhang Fanghua: Written test, 148 points; Interview, 69 points (Failed)


    Arthur: Written test, 154 points; Interview, 62 points (Failed)


    This was a list containing the results of several hundred candidates who took the exam. The majority of everyone''s scores were spread between 160 to 250 points, although there were also some who didn''t do well and only had abined score of 120 points for the written test and the interview. This exam had 250 points as the maximum score for the written test. The interview segment had a maximum score of 100 points. For most of the candidates, reaching abined 240 points would mean that they had passed the exam. But of course, there were also special circumstances. If one did outstandingly excellent on the interview portion, the requirements for their written test could be adjusted lower.


    The scores densely popted the list.


    But currently, the entire world''s attention was only focused on one person''s results!


    When they saw this person''s result, nobody could believe their eyes!


    Zhang Ye''s result:


    Written test, 250 points (Full marks)


    Interview, 100 points (Full marks)


    Total score, 350 points (Full marks)


    He had scored perfectly for the written test and interview segment!


    ��


    On Weibo.


    Everyone was eximing.


    "Hahahaha!"


    "It''s a perfect score!"


    "Oh my awesome Zhang!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang is smacking faces again!"


    "666!"


    "There''s no problem at all, buddy!"


    "I''m doubling over withughter! This is who Zhang Ye is!"


    "I''mughing as well. There were actually some foreigners who thought that he wouldn''t pass the exam? They must not be in the know about how Zhang Ye had scored perfectly in the judicial exam back as a host!"


    ��


    On the Web.


    The people of the world were stunned.


    An Americanizen: "What the fuck!"


    An Indianizen: "How on earth did he take the exam!"


    A UKizen: "Full marks?"


    A Canadianizen: "He really managed to pass it?!"


    A Japaneseizen: "I knew it!"


    An Americanizen: "This is the International Hosting Qualifications Examination. It''s known as one of the most difficult exams in the world, but he can still get a perfect score on it?"


    A Germanizen: "He didn''t even have a full day to prepare for it and went to take the exam directly, yet he still managed a perfect score? This Zhang Ye is too smart. It looks like there''s no fault inbeling him as the smartest person to exist in a few hundred years. Those who were waiting to see him make a fool of himself had wishful thinking!"


    ��


    On this day.


    On the website of the International Association of Broadcasters and Announcers, Zhang Ye''s name was right at the top.


    The list was ranked ording to the results of the exam candidates. Ever since the International Hosting Qualifications Examination was implemented, Zhang Ye was the only person in several decades to have scored full marks on it!

 Chapter 1665 - Premiere broadcast!

    <h4>Chapter 1665 - Premiere broadcast! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Two dayster.


    Saturday.


    China was filled with anticipation.


    "The premiere episode is about to begin."


    "There''s only one more hour before it begins."


    "I really want to see it. Hurry up and start already!"


    "I''ve been waiting all morning!"


    "Zhang Ye, go for it!"


    "I hope to be surprised!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang has returned to doing entertainment programs after so many years. I wonder if it will still be as brilliant as before?"


    "We''ll find out soon, won''t we?"


    ��


    Back at home.


    Old Wu was taking the day off today. His parents were also here.


    Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Aren''t you going down to Central TV?"


    Zhang Ye was leaning back on the sofa and amusing his daughter. "I''m not going. Let''s watch together at home as a family."


    His mother had already switched the channel in anticipation. "Why isn''t there anything on TV?"


    His father said, "Aiya, it isn''t time."


    His mother asked Wu Zeqing, "Zeqing, have you told your parents to watch?"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "I''ve told them about it already. They know what time it will be showing, so I suppose they''re also watching it at home right now."


    His mother smacked her lips and said, "Why do I feel a little nervous?"


    "Mom, I''m not even nervous, so what are you nervous about." Zhang Ye was amused. "Just rx and watch it normally. Since I dared to bring this show out, it will definitely be a good one. Don''t you worry."


    His father was in high spirits. "It''s starting!"


    His mother hurriedly sat down. "Stop talking!"


    Countless pairs of eyes.


    Countless discussions.


    The media, public, industry insiders, and even viewers from countries all over the world were attracted by the advertising and news. Their curiosity for the show had peaked. Some people were already waiting in front of the television early in the morning, while it was nighttime for others. Some people in China also turned on their televisions and switched it to Central TV International, a channel they had never paid attention to before today.


    Under everyone''s attention, Man vs. Wild finally premiered!


    This was the first time that China had brought out a show they wanted to show to the whole world!


    ��


    On the screen.


    Zhang Ye appeared.[note: https://.dailymotion/video/x3b76tn]


    "I''m Zhang Ye. Some people say that I''m a host, and others say I''m a writer, film actor, movie director, singer, mathematician, and hacker. I won''t deny any of those, but I know that there is still a title I have that nobody knows about. I am a wilderness survival specialist. Now, my challenge is to go alone into one of America''s deadliest ces: the Rocky Mountains. Millions of people visit them every year; 2,000 don''t return alive. I''m going into one of the most remote areas in the Rockies with only the clothes I''m wearing to show you how to be an ultimate survivor."


    On the ne.


    The wind was whistling.


    "I''m flying 3,000 meters above the Rockies, somewhere near the Canadian border. Since most people who end up in trouble here are caught by surprise, my team has arranged one for me. At any moment, the pilot will tell me to jump. Where? I don''t know. I don''t have a map, spare clothing, water, or food. Not even a cell phone. My mission is simple: Use all my skills to get out alive in under three days."


    The cabin''s hatch was opened.


    Zhang Ye parachuted down.


    "Oh, it''s a jungle!"


    "This is a very dangerous position to be!"


    "God save me!"


    "Damn, I''m stuck in a tree."


    "Phew, I''m lucky to still be alive. I have to find a way to leave this ce. I''m at least 10 meters up. If I jump, I''ll break my legs. There''s only one way out of this, and it''s something I''ve never done before. Remember, if you get into danger in the wild, the first thing to do is to keep calm, because that will likely save your life."


    "Ah!"


    "I''m down."


    "I need to look for a river now, as that means food and water."


    "Look at what I found. This is a type of local vegetation. I know that it might not taste good, but I don''t really have a choice. I have to eat it to recover some of my strength."


    "Oh, a snake!"


    "This is a rattlesnake and it''s extremely venomous."


    "You''ll need a branch that looks like this. See, I''ve caught it."


    "This is great. That''s gonna make for a good bit of dinner."


    "It''s the dead of night right now. I don''t know exactly what time it is but I can hear some sounds out there, and it''s giving me a bad feeling. There, it''s happening again! Did you hear that? It sounds like a wild beast, but I''m not sure what it is. This is a terrible feeling, and I can''t help but think of the bear prints during the day. Although I tried to stay as far away from the area as possible when I set up shelter, I know that bears have a very keen sense of smell. If it has really set its eyes on me, it''s definitely not good news for me."


    "Heavens! It''s a bear!"


    "Goddammit! I have to get out of here!"


    "Run!"


    "It''s a cliff, I have nowhere else I can go!"


    "I''m gonna jump, wish me luck!"


    ��


    At the studio.


    Many of the staff were speechless. They were watching it for the first time.


    "What kind of grass is that!"


    "No idea."


    "Did Director Zhang really eat it?"


    "Yeah, he really ate it."


    ��


    At Yao Jiancai''s house.


    "Dad, Uncle Zhang could even eat tree bark?"


    "This fellow must have gone crazy from hunger!"


    "Ah, he even ate the venomous snake?"


    "This glutton!"


    ��


    At Central TV.


    "It''s a bear!"


    "Heavens!"


    "It''s a real bear! It''s been recorded!"


    "It''s over! This is too dangerous!"


    ��


    Back at home.


    "Son, have you gone crazy!"


    "You even leaped off the cliff?"


    "Didn''t you say that there wouldn''t be any danger?! There was even a bear!"


    "Ahem, it''s really not dangerous. We found actors to y it. It was just actors."


    "Actors, your grandpa! Like you have any actors with so much body hair!"


    ��


    China.


    "Ahhh!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang is gonna get sacrificed!"


    "It''s really a bear!"


    "How thrilling! This is so fun to watch!"


    "He really risked his life to film this show!"


    ��


    America.


    "Holy fuck!"


    "Zhang Ye has been attacked!"


    "Will he escape?"


    "He jumped off the cliff! God! That was terrifying!"


    "His physical fitness is really good!"


    ��


    The UK.


    "Whew, he finally shook it off!"


    "It was so close!"


    "Oh no, there''s another bear! It doesn''t look like the one from before!"


    "The Chinese man is out of luck! He''s in danger!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "It''s a real situation!"


    "Are there shows that are shot like that?"


    "Has he gone mad?"


    "Of course he''s mad! Is this the first day you learned about him?"


    ��


    Korea.


    "Quick, watch Man vs. Wild!"


    "I''m definitely not watching Zhang Ye''s show!"


    "Zhang Ye is going to get eaten by a bear!"


    "What? Which channel is it on? I''ll go watch it right away!"


    "Pfft, can you guys be a bit more humane?"


    ��


    India.


    "Devour him! Devour him!"


    "Quickly eat him! This stupid bear! Chase after him, quick!"


    "Zhang Ye is escaping by swimming away! Quickly chase after him!"


    "What a dumb bear, why is it running so slowly!"


    ��


    Pakistan.


    "He''s managed to escape!"


    "There''s a road there!"


    "Thank goodness!"


    "Impressive, my Chinese bro!"


    "He''s indeed the man who ran the best half-marathon this year!"


    ��


    Another 40 minutes passed.


    The first episode ended.


    Immediately, heated discussions blew up all across the world!

 Chapter 1666 - The international viewership ratings are out!

    <h4>Chapter 1666 - The international viewership ratings are out! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The UK.


    At the home of international superstar Lilian.


    Lillian praised with a sigh, "Oh my awesome fellow smoker."


    Her father pointed at the television and asked, "Is this that friend of yours from China?"


    "Haha, that''s right," Lillian said.


    Her father said, "He''s really quite different from most other people."


    Lillian smiled and said, "In my opinion, it won''t be long before he chases up to me."


    Her father was taken aback. "You''re an international A-lister. Do you really think that highly of him?"


    Lillian acknowledged him and said, "In the past, his development was limited to just within China, so his works also tended to be aimed at only the Chinese audience. That made it difficult for him to achieve anything internationally. But it''s different this time. Coming back after three years, he has finally decided to make an appearance on the international stage. Even I don''t know how far he can go. You''re right, Dad, this smoking buddy of mine is indeed unlike most other celebrities."


    ��


    On the Web.


    "This is a Chinese show?"


    "Oh my god!"


    "Amazing! The host is so impressive!"


    "Why does this Chinese man know everything!"


    "Moreover, he can even identify everything! He actually knows about the local vegetation as well?"


    "Watching this gives me goosebumps all over!"


    "Yeah, my eyes never left the screen the entire time!"


    "Is it really that fun to watch?"


    "Go and watch it to find out. There might be a rerun, or maybe a video will be uploaded!"


    "I really can''t believe that this show was made by a Chinese guy! It''s so unbelievable!"


    "So this guy is Zhang Ye? I''ve heard of his name, but this is the first time I''ve seen his work!"


    ��


    In China.


    On Weibo.


    "Face-smacking Zhang, 666!"


    "It was crazy fun to watch!"


    "Where''s the second episode? When''s it showing?"


    "I knew Zhang Ye would pull it off!"


    "Hahahaha, Face-smacking Zhang might really be able to defy the heavens this time!"


    "A Chinese show is finally going to make it out there on the international stage!"


    "I wonder what the viewership ratings abroad are going to be like!"


    "Yeah, I''m not worried about the viewership ratings in China. It''s mainly how it performs overseas!"


    "We should find out tonight!"


    ��


    At home.


    The entire family was dumbfounded.


    Sisi screamed in fright the entire episode.


    After the broadcast finished, Zhang Ye''s mother looked at him in shock. "This is your new show? How did youe up with an idea like this?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I just thought of it."


    Wu Zeqing said, "It''s a bit dangerous."


    Zhang Ye exined, "Actually, it was really nothing. The danger that you guys felt was just from the effect of my editing. I purposelynded in the jungle, and everything was under my control the entire time. I knew exactly what I was doing. For the bear, the film crew was also equipped with a tranquilizer gun. If there were any signs of danger, they would immediately tranquilize it. With two shots of that, even a bear thatrge would drop to the ground. Besides, I''m sure you all know how skilled I am. It was really nothing much."


    Sisi yelled out, "Daddy is awesome!"


    Zhang Ye gave his daughter a kiss. "Thanks for thepliments, my dear."


    His father pped his thigh and eximed, "This show is going to be on fire!"


    His mother also said, "It was really good, but I wonder if the foreigners will ept it."


    At this moment, the calls started arriving one by one.


    His mother-inw, Li Qinqin, was the first to call.


    "Little Ye."


    "Mom."


    "That was such a good show. I loved it!"


    "Haha, thanks, Mom."


    "When does the second episode broadcast?"


    "I haven''t filmed it yet, but I''ll be getting to it tomorrow."


    "You must take care of yourself, alright?"


    "Alright, Mom."


    Then Ning Lan called.


    "Zhang''er, I''ve watched the show."


    "Was it OK?"


    "It was way too OK! I think it''s gonna be on fire!"


    "Hopefully."


    "Believe me, this show is definitely going to be very popr!"


    Then Dong Shanshan called.


    "It''s indeed a show done by you. It was amazing."


    "Thanks, Shanshan."


    "I bet the entire world didn''t expect you to make a show like this."


    "All they know is how to stab me in the back."


    "This time, I feel like you''re gonna end up smacking their faces again."


    "Haha, who knows?"


    Call after call.


    Countless family and friends phoned him.


    The feedback from everyone was almost unanimous praise. They all felt that the show was very refreshing, because no one in the world had ever made something like it before. Wilderness? Survival? Absolutely no one had such an idea for a show, and no one thought that there would be anyone who would watch something like that. Therefore, after watching Man vs. Wild, a lot of people were dumbfounded.


    It could even be done this way?


    There was even such a thing?


    Choosing to do Man vs. Wild and using this particr episode for the premiere broadcast was a decision that Zhang Ye made after having considered it for a very long time. He had filmed the first episode with a rtively conservative attitude, and there were not too many shocking scenes in it. He did this mainly because he wanted to use it to open up the global television market and pull in the viewers first. In the past, the shows that he made were generally limited to a certain type of audience. For example, the performances on the music shows mainly covered pop songs, which made a lot of the older viewers not want to watch it. Or the Lecture Room series, which most younger people did not have the patience for. And even a show like A Bite of China, which attracted viewers of all demographics, was still limited by the cultural differences of overseas viewers. However, Man vs. Wild wasn''t the same. Be it man or woman, young or old, be it the nationality of the viewers, there were no clear limitations. This was also why Zhang Ye ced great importance on this show and was the least worried about it.


    On the same night.


    At the studio.


    Zhang Ye drove back here.


    Ha Qiqi looked very excited. "Director Zhang!"


    "Whoa, you guys haven''t knocked off yet?" Zhang Ye smiled and looked at everyone in the studio. Almost all of the staff were still around and no one was rushing to knock off yet.


    Zhang Zuo said anxiously, "Why would we want to knock off so early? Everyone is waiting for the viewership ratings toe out!"


    Zhang Ye asked, "So are they out yet?"


    Little Wang said, "They''lle out soon."


    Zhang Ye said, "How about the stats from the overseas market?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "The overseas viewership ratings will be gradually made known. The other countries use different calction methods. Some are based on the viewership ratings, and some are based on the viewer numbers. We''re just waiting for Central TV to draw up a summary of the results before they call and update us."


    Half an hour.


    An hour.


    In fact, it wasn''t just them.


    All of China was also waiting.


    The entire world''s media outlets were also waiting.


    People around the globe were also waiting.


    Everyone wanted to know what kind of answer Zhang Ye coulde up with!


    Finally, under everyone''s attention, the answer was revealed. When they saw the results, the entire world had a look of horror just like the one they had when they saw Zhang Ye''s International Hosting Qualifications Examination score. To say nothing of them, even Zhang Ye and his studio''s staff were all dumbfounded as well!


    Man vs. Wild''s global viewership ratings (or viewer numbers) ranking for the day.


    China: #1


    The UK: #4


    America: #6


    France: #5


    Japan: #3


    Korea: #4


    India: #9


    Canada: #7


    Pakistan: #2


    An international channel had actually made it into the top ten of the viewership ratings or viewer numbers rankings of so many different countries. It had to be known that all of these countries had their own television shows, as well as many television channels on their own country''sworks. Among the dozens of channels and hundreds of television shows showing in those countries, the performance of Central TV International''s Man vs. Wild was too shocking for the rest of the countries to handle!

 Chapter 1667 - It’s time to go wild!

    <h4>Chapter 1667 - It��s time to go wild! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At the studio.


    The viewership ratings for each country waspiled and sent over.


    "Another one has been made known!"


    "The ratings for Australia are out!"


    "What ce did we get?"


    "We''re in 9th ce!"


    "The viewership ratings for the Nethends are out too."


    "How did we rank in the Nethends?"


    "We''re in 6th ce!"


    "Heavens!"


    The rankings were not limited to entertainment programs alone, but also included all other programs like variety shows, television series, and even documentaries that broadcast on the same day in each country. Therefore, the importance of the viewership rankings for the various countries was obvious.


    There were screams of astonishment everywhere in the studio!


    Nobody could believe their eyes and ears!


    Ha Qiqi looked at the datasheet and said in shock, "We''re ranked within the top ten in almost every country? Even in India, we''re in 9th ce? How can it possibly be that high? This makes no sense at all! This is only the first episode! How can the premiere episode achieve such high viewership ratings? It would be understandable if this was just the domestic viewership ratings since we already have a certain level of influence back home. But what''s with this situation overseas? They''re giving so much face to us? Since when did we also be so influential abroad?"


    Zhang Zuo was stunned. "It''s like the show is on fucking steroids or something!"


    Little Wang was roaring withughter. "How awesome! It''s awesome!"


    Tong Fu said pleasantly surprised, "Director Zhang, you''re simply godly!"


    Zhang Ye alsoughed. "I guess it wasn''t too bad."


    Wu Yi pped his thigh and said loudly, "We were initially hoping that the show would make it beyond our country''s shores. But damn, with the results we''ve gotten, it''s no longer going to be as simple as that. This has totally exceeded all our expectations! Even a rocket couldn''t have propelled it out China''s doors so quickly! This sort of result can be hailed as one of the top few achievements in the global television show industry!"


    Sun Kuang was also here today. Right now, he was also somewhat stunned by the developments.


    The publicity.


    The show''s quality.


    The show''s innovation.


    Zhang Ye''s fame.


    All of these factors had blown the doors off!


    All of the preparation and effort they had put in was repaid to them through the viewership ratings!


    ��


    At Central TV.


    Screams rang out through the International Channel.


    "Look at this!"


    "Ahhhh!"


    "The viewership ratings have blown up!"


    "The show has made it into the top ten all around the world!"


    "Heavens! Is this really happening?"


    "Can someone pinch me? I''m not dreaming, am I? W-We actually got to witness a day like this?"


    "It has broken all the records! All of the statistics for Man vs. Wild have broken the records for a Chinese TV show! It has broken the domestic records! And also broken the overseas records!"


    "I knew we were right to bring Director Zhang aboard to do the show!"


    ��


    In the Chinese entertainment industry.


    "What the hell!"


    "He really did it!"


    "Yeah, this fellow really managed it!"


    "He''s really brought a Chinese TV show to the international stage!"


    "How impressive!"


    "This battle was well fought. I''m so proud!"


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "Invincible!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang is truly invincible!"


    "First, he did it with a movie. Then he did it again with a TV show! 666!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang has gained another achievement to his name!"


    "Hahahaha, beautifully done!"


    "The entire world has probably been dumbfounded by what happened!"


    "Zhang Ye has made history again!"


    ��


    On the Web.


    "It has such a high viewership rating?"


    "It ced 6th on the American viewership ranking?"


    "How did theye up with that number?"


    "It actually exceeded the viewership ratings of so many other American TV series?"


    "Two talk shows have been swept aside by him as well!"


    "The results are a little shocking. But I have to say, this show is indeed quite enjoyable to watch!"


    "Is that Chinese man unstoppable?"


    ��


    The media outlets of the various countries.


    "A Chinese TV show shakes up the industry!"


    "Man vs. Wild ignites a heated global discussion!"


    "Yet another counterattack by Zhang Ye?"


    "A new, global rising star!"


    "Man vs. Wild innovates a new genre for TV shows!"


    "Rave reviews received in many countries!"


    A media outlet reported the following:


    ��ording to an analysis by a panel of international experts, the poprity of Man vs. Wild was quite expected. This is apletely new genre that matches very well with the discipline of television shows, and includes adventure, knowledge, and food, making it very easy for the audience to rte to the host''s perspective as they go with him on an adventure. They might even experience the same sense of danger that the host is experiencing. This show has opened up new grounds for future shows and has to be praised. The father of talk shows is worthy of his reputation.


    ��


    There was a sense of exhration in China!


    The world was in an uproar!


    Man vs. Wild became very popr just like this!


    The heaven-defying results that the premiere episode had achieved was an urrence that was considered extremely rare in the global television show industry.


    On the same day.


    The International Celebrity Rankings Index was refreshed.


    On it, it could be seen that Zhang Ye''s poprity had blown up once again.


    On the index, he had climbed five ces up on the International C-list Rankings in one shot. This rate of increase was shocking for many of the international A- and B-listers. As such, more and more international stars and people from various countries started taking note of Zhang Ye. In the past, when Zhang Ye first made it into the international celebrity rankings, many of the international celebrities did not pay much attention to him. But at this moment, no one could ignore him anymore. This was only the first episode, so who knew how much more popr Zhang Ye would get when aplete season of Man vs. Wild had been broadcast?


    ��


    The next day. In the morning.


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    Right now, attention from all over the world was focused on them. Countless eyes were watching and waiting to see how their show would turn out.


    Zhang Ye''s luggage was already packed. "We''re going to shoot the second episode today, followed by the third episode after that. I seem to remember that many of you had wanted to quit the show previously? So how about now? We''ll be setting off very soon, so there''s still time to think about it. Once we get to the wild, you can''te back even if you want to."


    Tong Fu was the first to call out, "Why would we want toe back? Let''s do it!"


    Wu Yi said, "Who says we''re quitting the show? Let''s do it!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "I want to join in this time as well!"


    Zhang Ye looked around. "Where''s Old Sun at?"


    The door opened. Sun Kuang had arrivedte. "I''m here, I''m here."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I thought you had run away."


    Sun Kuang rolled his eyes. "With viewership like this, I''ll have to take part in the filming even if I don''t want to. So what if it''s a little dangerous, I''ll just have to be more careful. If I miss this opportunity, I will regret it for the rest of my life." Seeing everyone looking at him in surprise, Sun Kuang couldn''t help but chuckle. "This might be the one and only time that China has a TV show that can be proudly shown to the world. I may not be brave, but I''m not dumb either. Let''s just go ahead and do what needs to be done, I''ll be going all out this time!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "The first episode''s viewership ratings don''t mean much. Whether or not a show gets popr depends on the long-term development. A good start is a good thing, of course, and that tells us that we''re already halfway to sess. The other half will be decided by the rest of the show. Let''s put in more effort and aim to bring the viewership ratings to the next level!"


    Little Wang said, "Ah? It can still go higher?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "Let''s give it a try."


    Tong Fu was exuberant. "That''s right, we never aim for second ce!"


    Wu Yiughed heartily. "Yeah, if we have to aim for something, it would be for the top of the world!"


    Zhang Ye raised his arm and waved, saying, "Let''s go, bros! It''s time to set off!"


    The first episode had been filmed in a rather conservative manner.


    But starting from the second episode, Zhang Ye felt that it was time to go wild!

 Chapter 1668 - Zhang Ye eats an alligator!

    <h4>Chapter 1668 - Zhang Ye eats an alligator! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Several dayster.


    Saturday.


    Many viewers around the world had turned their televisions on.


    "It''s about to begin!"


    "It''s time for the second episode."


    "Yeah, I''ve been waiting an entire week for this."


    "I wonder if the second episode will be as good as the first episode."


    "I didn''t watch itst week, so I definitely have to watch it this week."


    "Is it really that good?"


    "You''ll find out after you watch it."


    "Is it broadcasting on Central TV International?"


    "Yes, it''s on the only international channel that China has."


    "Alright, it''s starting, it''s starting."


    "What? A swamp?"


    "He''s heading into such a dangerous ce?"


    "I know where this ce is! There are alligators there!"


    Under the anticipation of viewers from all over the world, the second episode of Man vs. Wild officially began. A lot of people took out their snacks, soft drinks, or beer as they watched the show on television with their families. Unlike ser, talk shows, and the various TV series, Man vs. Wild was a show that was very suited for a family of all demographics to watch together.


    ��


    On TV.


    Zhang Ye appeared on screen again.


    This time, he appeared at a terrifying swamp.


    "I''m Zhang Ye. Some people say that I''m a host, and others say I''m a writer, film actor, movie director, singer, mathematician, and hacker. I won''t deny any of those, but I know that there is still a title I have that nobody knows about. I am a wilderness survival specialist. I''m in the Everdes, in Florida, over 20,202 square kilometers of waterlogged grasnd. Every year, this wilderness attracts 6 million visitors. Many get lost and need to be airlifted to safety. I''m starting in the most challenging part of the Everdes, the swamps. I''ll only have a knife, flint, and a canteen with me. I''m gonna put myself in the position of a lost tourist and show you how to survive in a wilderness like this."


    "I''m descending into the swamp."


    "Oh, there''s water all around."


    "I don''t like this ce at all. It''s very disorienting, and you just can''t see what is in the water. It''s a very bad feeling, so I have to get out of here as quickly as possible and find drynd."


    "What I need now is a weapon, so I''m going to cut this pop ash branch down. At a critical moment, this could very well save my life."


    "First of all, I need to get my bearings."


    "I''m going to teach everyone a technique. Basically, the Everdes has a really wide river that runs from the north to the south, but it runs really slowly. So a good way of working out directions is to tie a water bottle to a stick and wait half an hour to see which way the bottle swings ''round. From there, I can find out which direction to head toward��OK, I''ve determined the direction, let''s go."


    "It''s been two hours, and I''ve been walking all this time. This is very tiring."


    "Walking through the swamp uses up a lot of energy, and you need to eat something."


    "Look, what''s this?"


    "Break open a piece of deadwood and you''ll find carpenter ants in there."


    "These are carpenter antrvae. Let me have a taste."


    "Hm, I can say for sure that it doesn''t taste good."


    "Oh,e and have a look at this. Ahead of me now is muddy bog. It''s a ce where the earth will literally suck you in. The more you struggle, the more it sucks you into it. Each year, many people around the world lose their lives because of this. This is also one of the greatest dangers that you can encounter in the swamp. Usually when we see it, we should avoid it or go back the way we came. But what I''m going to do is jump in and show you how to get out of it if you fall into one."


    "I''m going in!"


    "The sinkhole is constantly sucking me in!"


    "My waist haspletely sunk in!"


    "Remember the stick that I had from before? It''s time to use it to save my life now. Use that to create more surface area to put your weight on, and try to wriggle your chest onto it. Once you''re up on the surface, just prone crawl until you hit solid ground. And then it''s quite easy like that."


    "Let''s keep going forward."


    "Look at what I found."


    "It''s a little tree frog."


    "Alright, I''m going to eat it."


    "Goddammit, the taste is really terrible."


    "I''m feeling extremely cold and hungry now. I''m in really bad shape, and I have to find food and water and build a campsite as well. Otherwise, I might not be able to get out of this swamnd."


    "Wait!"


    "There are some air bubblesing up from the water!"


    "Dammit! It''s an alligator! I''ve been noticed!"


    "In the swamp, I won''t be able to outrun it. It''s much faster than me!"


    "Damn! There are three of them!"


    ��


    Dong Shanshan''s house.


    His old ssmates had gathered here.


    "I''m gonna faint!"


    "Those are ants!"


    "How is this bastard able to eat everything!"


    "Wasn''t he like this when we went to university? Cicadas, crickets, grasshoppers, he has eaten all of those before."


    "But he''s eating the ants raw!"


    "He said that it didn''t taste good, so why did he still eat a dozen of them?"


    ��


    The UK.


    "Oh my God!"


    "It''s a sinkhole!"


    "Other people can''t wait to avoid something like that! Yet you still jump right into it!"


    "He''s trapped!"


    "Oh, he''s asking for it!"


    "Wow, he managed to escape!"


    "How terrifying!"


    ��


    Russia.


    "A frog?"


    "He ate it! He really ate it!"


    "I''m gonna puke!"


    "Me too! Urgh!"


    "He ate a live frog?"


    "Everyone says we Russians are a warrior people! But damn! It feels like this fellow is even more of a warrior than we are!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "An alligator!"


    "It''s the American alligator 1 !"


    "There are three of them! Zhang Ye is done for!"


    "He''s been surrounded!"


    "This is the real deal!"


    "Haha, that''s what he gets for only caring about eating. See what a surprise he''s gotten into?"


    ��


    India.


    "You can do it, gator!"


    "Bite him!"


    "Bite him!"


    "Attack him, gator!"


    "Please attack, gator!"


    ��


    China.


    "Hahaha, Face-smacking Zhang is screwed!"


    "Let him eat it!"


    "Why isn''t he eating the alligators!"


    "Yeah, he should continue with that next. Why is he running away!"


    "I''m cramping up withughter. This fellow is too reckless!"


    "Wait, dammit!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang hase back again!"


    "What?"


    ��


    Canada.


    "Why did hee back?"


    "The gators are still there!"


    "Ahhh! One of the gators dropped out of the group!"


    "Oh my God! Zhang Ye, h-he''s back for revenge!"


    "He pounced on it!"


    "My God! He pounced onto the back of the gator! He held its mouth shut!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "Holy shit!"


    "He killed the alligator!"


    "W-What is he trying to do!"


    "He''s skinning it."


    "Oh my god! H-H-He''s going to eat the alligator!"


    "He really ate it!"


    "This glutton has gone mad!"


    "Does he have to go this far!"


    ��


    The second episode finished up.


    The entire world''s viewers were stunned!


    Ants.


    Frogs.


    Turtles.


    Alligators.


    With the second episode of Man vs. Wild, Zhang Ye once again swept through another wilderness. Everywhere he went, the ce would be left barren. He ate everything that could be eaten!


    On this day.


    Countless people pissed their pants!


    On this day.


    Countless people were left kneeling!


    The second episode''s viewership ratings had gone up again!


    China: #1


    America: #5


    The UK: #3


    Korea: #3


    India: #7


    Russia: #4


    Man vs. Wild was close to unstoppable!

 Chapter 1669 - Zhang Ye eats a shark!

    <h4>Chapter 1669 - Zhang Ye eats a shark! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    Sunday.


    It blew up on the Inte.


    "Wow!"


    "There''s another episode today!"


    "There will be two straight episodes shown on Saturday and Sunday from now on!"


    "How generous!"


    "I can''t wait!"


    "Yesterday''s episode was too fucking good!"


    "The first episode was quite good as well!"


    "This show must be very difficult to shoot, right? Doesn''t Zhang Ye need to rest?"


    "Start broadcasting already! I''m dying from the wait!"


    "I''m also dying of anticipation. I want to see how reckless Face-smacking Zhang can be again today!"


    "Hahahaha, this glutton will get into trouble sooner orter!"


    "Yeah, he even dares to eat an alligator! I really have to take my hat off to him!"


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    "Wow! They''re off to an ind for this episode!"


    "What a beautiful ce!"


    The entire world had its attention on this.


    After the massive round of heated discussions and word of mouth for the first two episodes, the number of viewers watching Man vs. Wild around the world surged even higher. More and more people were waiting at their televisions with the channel switched to Central TV International. It was as though this show had a magical touch. After only broadcasting two episodes, it had captured the attention of the entire world.


    ��


    On TV.


    It was Zhang Ye''s standard introduction again.


    "I''m Zhang Ye. Some people say that I''m a host, and others say I''m a writer, film actor, movie director, singer, mathematician, and hacker. I won''t deny any of those, but I know that there is still a title I have that nobody knows about. I am a wilderness survival specialist. I''vee to a deserted ind in the Western Pacific. The scenery here is beautiful, but danger is lurking everywhere as well. I''ll be showing everyone how to survive in a wilderness like this."


    "Oh, this ce is so beautiful."


    "Look, the ocean, the blue sky, and the beach."


    "I would really love to lie down on this beach to enjoy the beautiful scenery, but I know that''s not going to happen. The mistake people often make is that they wait too long to take action towards their survival. The time to act is when you''re feeling strong and feeling fresh. My priority right now is to orient myself and work out my options. Let''s go."


    "There''s nothing here."


    "This ind is too small."


    "There are no coconuts, no fresh water, and no food."


    "I''m already hungry, so I must start looking for food."


    "Look, what''s this over here?"


    "Oh, there''s a giantrva 1 in here."


    "Alright, this is it. I''m going to have to replenish my protein."


    "Damn, this tastes really bad."


    "Hey, have a look at this. There''s an ind opposite and is separated by the sea. This is a twin ind, and the ind on the other side looks muchrger, so there should be more resources as well. The chances of survival over there will be much higher. I''ve already decided I''m going to try to get to that ind. What I need to do is build a simple raft to get there with."


    "I''m going out to the sea, wish me luck."


    "I''m almost there, I can already see the opposite shore."


    "Oh, damn! It''s a shark!"


    "It''s hitting the raft!"


    "The raft is gonna sink! Damn!"


    "I''m gonna have to swim over!"


    "Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!"


    "A shark just swam past my leg! It''sing after me!"


    "I''ve finallye ashore!"


    "I''m so exhausted. I need some food."


    "I''ve got terrible luck. There''s no food on this ind either. All I see is a few sharks swimming around in the shallow waters. It seems like they''ve gotten trapped after trying to chase me. I can''t go out to the sea to catch any fish, and there''s no food sources on this ind either. My biggest problem right now is hunger."


    "What should I do now?"


    "It looks like I have no other choice."


    "Come on, I''m going to try to pull a shark onto the shore!"


    ��


    At Peking University.


    "How beautiful."


    "I have an urge to go on an adventure too."


    "Ah! What''s Professor Zhang eating this time?"


    "It''srva!"


    "Urgh!"


    "I''m gonna puke!"


    "Me too!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "Why does he eat everything!"


    "He can even eat therva raw?"


    "He''s so impressive!"


    "I''m convinced!"


    ��


    In Germany.


    "He going to the opposite shore."


    "The raft''s very well-made."


    "This Zhang Ye really has the skills to survive in the wilderness."


    "He''s impressive."


    "Ah, a shark!"


    "There''s a sharking!


    ��


    The UK.


    "Oh my God!"


    "There are four of those sharks!"


    "No, there''s five of them!"


    "They''re chasing up to him! The raft is sinking!"


    "Zhang Ye is in danger!"


    ��


    India.


    "Eat him!"


    "Bite him!"


    "Get him, shark!"


    "Attack him!"


    "Chase after him! Do it!"


    ��


    China.


    "Danger!"


    "Aiyo, oh my God! Those are real sharks!"


    "Hurry up and swim, Face-smacking Zhang!"


    "Who told you to brag! Now look who''s the foolish one!"


    "Hurry up and run!"


    "He''s back on shore! He''s safe now!"


    "Thank God! I got such a scare!"


    ��


    America.


    "There''s no food."


    "He has no way out."


    "Haha, he''s not going to make it past this episode."


    "If there''s no food, he''ll starve to death."


    "He deserves it! If he''s so great, maybe he should try eating a shark, haha!"


    "Wait!"


    "What is he nning?"


    "Fuck! H-He''s really going to eat a shark!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "He''s gone back to the beach!"


    "What is he trying to do?"


    "Oh my Heavens! He''s trying to catch a shark!"


    "This fellow has gone mad!"


    ��


    Canada.


    "Jesus!"


    "He really went for it!"


    "He''s gone into the sea!"


    "Ahhh! This Chinese man is too fearsome!"


    "Th-That''s a shark, alright!? You should be counting your blessings that it doesn''t eat you! So why are you trying to eat it instead?"


    ��


    Australia.


    "You can''t catch a shark!"


    "He''s got huge balls!"


    "Holy shit! Look!"


    "It''s been caught! He caught it!"


    ��


    The Nethends.


    "Wait, no."


    "It slipped from his hands. He didn''t manage to catch it!"


    "One of the sharks got away! He has his eyes on another one!"


    "Even the sharks are running away when they see him. Is this fellow still human?"


    "He''s caught one again!"


    "Fuck! He pulled it ashore!"


    ��


    China.


    "He ate it!"


    "He ate the shark!"


    "I''m gonna faint!"


    "He really fucking ate it!"


    "That''s a shark! That''s a motherfucking shark!"


    "I thought that he wouldn''t dare to eat it, but I was wrong!"


    "Lord Zhang, I''m kneeling to you!"


    "I''m fucking kneeling as well!"


    "That was so fucking barbaric!"


    ��


    Man vs. Wild''s third episode rolled credits.


    On this day, the entire world had been astonished by Zhang Ye once again!


    The entire world had been convinced by this Chinese glutton''s spirit once again!


    They had never seen a person like him before!


    They had never seen someone as daring as him before!


    Just like he had done on the first and second episodes, anywhere that Zhang Ye went to, the ce would be left barren. He ate everything that could be eaten, including a shark, and evenrvae! The scenes, the atmosphere, the tension, all of it was shockingly astounding. Countless viewers around the world started to look at Zhang Ye in a different way. They were really starting to suspect that an alien was actually under the skin of this person!


    On the same day.


    The global viewership ratings were published.


    Everyone was once again dumbfounded by the viewership ratings of Man vs. Wild!


    China: #1!


    The UK: #2!


    France: #2!


    America: #4!


    Japan: #2!


    Korea: #2!


    India: #5!


    Canada: #3!


    Man vs. Wild had actually made it into the top three most viewed shows in many countries!

 Chapter 1670 - Help me up, I can still take another bite!

    <h4>Chapter 1670 - Help me up, I can still take another bite! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    America.


    At a television station.


    "Dammit!"


    "Our show''s viewership numbers have dropped again!"


    "It''s such a huge drop?"


    "Ugh, everyone has gone to watch Man vs. Wild."


    "That show is too good."


    "Many of our American shows and series can''t even beat it!"


    "That''s not necessarily true. We can always copy it."


    "That''s right, we can do a simr survival program!"


    "It''s toote now. Putting aside the fact that an identical show almost always isn''t as good as the original, just who do you guys have in mind to invite as the host?"


    "Anyone would do. There are so many survival specialists in the world."


    "But can they eat alligators?"


    "Uh��"


    "Can they eat sharks?"


    "Uh��"


    "So tell me, who can we get?"


    "��Well, alright then."


    At this moment, the global television industry was in a state of helplessness.


    Back then, they hadn''t even considered Man vs. Wild to be an opponent.


    But now, they ended up not daring to go against Man vs. Wild.


    The industry insiders from other countries could not do anything about Zhang Ye. They could not even imitate his style. If only Zhang Ye''s performance on the show wasn''t this good, then others could introduce their own shows ande up with a television show better than Man vs. Wild. However, Zhang Ye did not give anyone the chance to do so. He immediately stunned the entire world with his abilities and took only three episodes to capture the hearts of countless viewers around the world. There were many survival specialists in the world, but only one who behaved so "recklessly"��and that person was in China.


    ��


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    "Director Zhang!"


    "Good morning, Director Zhang."


    "Have you seen the viewership ratings yet?"


    "The third episode has broken records again!"


    "We''re practically unstoppable now!"


    "Ah, the international celebrity rankings have been updated."


    "Where is it? Where is it?"


    "What rank is Director Zhang now?"


    Today, the International Celebrity Rankings Index was refreshed again.


    On the rankings, Zhang Ye''s international poprity soared once more. With unstoppable momentum, he advanced another four positions and nted himself firmly among the frontrunners of the international C-list rankings. Several famous international hosts from America and the UK who were at the top got surpassed by Zhang Ye.


    Overnight, Man vs. Wild became very popr!


    Overnight, Zhang Ye also became very popr!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "We''ve edged closer to the International B-list Rankings once more.


    Ha Qiqi said excitedly, "It might not be long before we really get into the International B-list Rankings. Many viewers around the world and the media have high praise for our show, but I feel that it''s still not the peak. The results from here on out could get even more astonishing."


    Zhang Zuo agreed, "I agree with that point!"


    Little Wang said with augh, "It''s on fire! We''re on fire again!"


    Ha Qiqi was overwhelmed with emotion. "The global television industry is already in chaos. Have you guys watched the news? Many people are pouring cold water on us. Actually, I can understand how they feel, I really do. They must not have expected that a TV show from China would one day ride over their heads."


    Zhang Zuo gave a wry smile. "It''s not like we expected that such a day woulde either, right?"


    Tong Fu said, "I expected it! It''s just that I didn''t think it woulde so soon!"


    Ha Qiqi grinned from ear to ear. "That''s right. This day has arrived so quickly that it feels a little unreal. When I woke up this morning, my family told me that Iughed myself awake."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Then we ought to shoot the next episodes even better."


    Wu Yi said, "Don''t you worry about that, we''re all ready."


    Zhang Ye said, "Let''s get ready to set off then. I''ll be counting on everyone to put in a little more hard work!"


    Tong Fu said with a grin, "It''s not hard work at all. We''ve already gotten used to it."


    The office door opened. Zhang Ye''s mother was here as well.


    His mother said, "You''re leaving again?"


    Zhang Ye nodded and said, "The itinerary has been established."


    His mother smacked her lips and said, "Be careful!"


    "I know, Mom," Zhang Ye said.


    His mother instructed, "Don''t keep eating anything that moves!"


    When she said that, the studio staff broke out intoughter.


    Zhang Ye was also amused. "Alright, I''ll heed your words."


    Of course, it wasn''t clear whether those words really had an effect on this fellow.


    Without getting much rest, the film crew was about to set off again.


    Film!


    Film!


    Film!


    The studio staff only had one thing on their minds right now, and that was to film Man vs. Wild to the best that they could. This was the first television show they had that went global, as well as the first Chinese television show that made it abroad. Everyone''s eyes were on them, and they needed to live up to the expectations by presenting the best show they could to everyone. As for how high Zhang Ye could lead them, they no longer cared.


    ��


    Several dayster.


    The fourth episode was broadcast.


    "It''s starting!"


    "Quick, let''s watch it!!"


    "What the hell! It''s a volcano!"


    "It''s getting more and more dangerous each time."


    "What kind of bug is that?"


    "Heavens, Lord Zhang! Why are you catching bugs again?"


    "Your sister, you just parachuted down less than a minute ago and you''re already thinking about food?!"


    "Lord Zhang is gonna sweep clean the volcanic valley."


    "I can already see barrennd at the end of this."


    "Let''s see what he''s gonna eat today!"


    "Ah, there''s an animal carcass."


    "Lord Zhang has spotted it!"


    "Damn, how long has it been dead for?"


    "He''s dug the eyes 1 out of the carcass! Could he fucking be thinking of eating them? Damn! I refuse to believe that he''ll eat them!"


    "Ah! He ate them!"


    "Yeah, he ate them."


    "I''m gonna faint!"


    "I''m gonna puke!"


    "I''ve already puked!"


    ��


    The fifth episode was broadcast.


    "It''s a spider!"


    "RIP, the spider and its family won''t be able to escape this killer!"


    "Haha, it''s gonna get roasted and eaten by Zhang Ye."


    "Ah, he didn''t roast it!"


    "He ate it raw!"


    "He swallowed the spider raw!"


    "Oh my God!"


    "Does this guy have an iron stomach or something?"


    "He''s putting his will to survive ahead of everything else. On this aspect, Zhang Ye is showing that he''s really dedicated to his job. I don''t think there''s another person like him."


    "Hahaha, watch this, Face-smacking Zhang is down on his knees!"


    "Zhang Ye is down!"


    "I''m pissing my pantsughing. You''ve finally gotten ill from eating! You deserve it for eating anything that you can find!"


    "This fellow has finally fallen ill. That''s what he gets for pretending to be tough!"


    "Then what will happen in this episode?"


    "Who knows? I''m gonna gloat anyways!"


    "You guys are awful!"


    "Wait, he''s getting up again. Damn, he''s eating more insects!"


    "He''s down again! It looks like he''s gotten really sick this time. He looks terrible. It''s really dangerous for this to happen in the wild! He could die!"


    "Ah, there''s a snake!"


    "Lord Zhang is up again!"


    "The snake has been eaten!"


    "I''m gonna faint! You''re in such a state, yet you can still fucking eat? You just can''t forget about eating even though you''re already this sick, can you?"


    "Zhang Ye says: ''Help me up, I can still take another bite!"


    "Pfft, hahahahahaha!"


    ��


    Man vs. Wild continued to be a global hit!


    At times, there was tension.


    At times, there were screams.


    At times, it was shocking.


    At times, it was hrious.


    ��Perhaps this was the charm of the show.

 Chapter 1671 - A Man vs. Wild Special!

    <h4>Chapter 1671 - A Man vs. Wild Special! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Five episodes.


    Ten episodes.


    Twenty episodes.


    One month.


    Two months.


    The show was getting more and more popr.


    Zhang Ye''s international poprity was also ever-changing.


    He was advancing every week on the International C-list Rankings.


    24th ce on the C-list.


    20th ce on the C-list.


    11th ce on the C-list.


    Everyone knew that the higher one was on the international celebrity rankings, the more poprity they would need in order to advance. There might not be a big difference between the 100th ce and 99th ce celebrities on the international C-list, but once you reached the forefront of the International C-list Rankings, the difference in poprity scores between the rankings would get further and further apart. Don''t mention advancing a dozen spots in one shot, just advancing by one position was already a very tough achievement. The other international celebrities were not idle either and would definitely not be waiting for the others to catch up. But even so, over the past two months, Zhang Ye still managed to advance close to twenty ces.


    This was obviously a very shocking matter. However, a lot of people did not feel too surprised about it.


    In these two months, the international entertainment circle had seen drastic changes and many excellent works had emerged.


    Novels, songs, movies. Some neers rose to fame, some washed-up celebrities returned for a second shot, while some popr celebrities fell off their altars. But when it came to the television show industry, only Man vs. Wild was worth a mention. Ever since its premiere broadcast, it had monopolized the entire television show industry. During these two months, Zhang Ye might not have had any contributions in other areas, like writing a novel,posing a song, or making a movie. However, his work in the television industry alone was more than enough. With Man vs. Wild, he had given more than what was necessary. Currently, Zhang Ye had ascended to the top of the global television industry.


    ��


    On this morning.


    At the studio.


    Ha Qiqi was at a loss "Are we really going to end it?"


    Zhang Zuo said anxiously, "Do reconsider, Director Zhang."


    "Yeah, we have only done 20 episodes!" Little Wang yelled in protest. "Although it has achieved heaven-defying viewership ratings around the world, there are still many countries where it hasn''t reached the top. Shouldn''t we at least make a few hundred more episodes?!"


    Zhang Ye was amused. "A few hundred more episodes? Can you really grasp the concept of what a few hundred episodes entails? For just twenty episodes, we''ve already spent two months working on them. Are you saying that we shouldn''t be working on anything else for the next few years and only shoot Man vs. Wild? First, we don''t have the time, and second, viewers will get tired of it. Even the best shows shouldn''t be watched so often, and there will be a time when viewers get weary of it. I''ve seen the viewership ratings, and I think that the numbers for the past few episodes have peaked. There shouldn''t be much room for growth. In fact, yesterday''s episode is already reflecting a downward trend, so that indicates the show''s momentum has already reached its limit."


    Tong Fu said, "Are you really willing to give it up?"


    "Let''s just end the first season here." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "When the viewers are no longer tired of the show, who knows, we might go on to shoot a second season. However, we can''t tweak the format much further, so making more episodes is actually rather pointless. It would get very repetitive, and that''s not how I like it."


    Little Wang said, "But you''re almost into the International B-list Rankings!"


    "Yeah." Ha Qiqi took a look at the rankings. "You''re already in 11th ce."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I can bear with not being home much for two months, but are you guys up for that physically?"


    Tong Fu had gotten very tan.


    Zhang Zuo had be thinner.


    Wu Yi lost even more weight.


    Everyone had really suffered a lot over the past two months.


    Tong Fu stiffened up and said, "I can still take it."


    Wu Yi also said, "Let''s do it again, Director Zhang! Everyone can take it!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "That''s right! It would be such a pity otherwise. Even if we have to end the first season, we should finish it off with a bang! It wouldn''t be our style if we didn''t do it that way!"


    Zhang Ye said, "Make it a big ending?"


    "Right!"


    "Let''s do it, Director Zhang!"


    "We''ll give it our all for one final time!"


    "We haven''t gotten first ce in American viewership yet!"


    "We''re not yet first ce in Japan and Korea either."


    "Yeah, I''m not ready to give up until we''re first in those countries."


    "We''re in our most glorious period right now, and our international influence and fame are their highest as well. If we don''t fight for it now, who knows when we''ll get another chance?"


    Everyone started expressing their views on the matter.


    Zhang Ye had his own way and style when it came to doing a show. For example, the original version of Man vs. Wild in his previous world was indeed made up of several dozen episodes and ran for several seasons. But Zhang Ye did not do it the same way because he felt that it was sufficient to extract just the most interesting and exciting parts of the show. If he shot more than what was required, it would only be a burden to his reputation and hasten the viewers'' fatigue of the show. Therefore, he felt that it was good enough to finish the show here. However, his studio''s staff were also right in their views. There really weren''t too many opportunities to reach the top of the global television industry. Blinking for a bit, he suddenly had an idea.


    Zhang Ye said, "You guys really want to finish this off with a bang?"


    Everyone nodded their heads.


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Alright, then how about this? We''ll still go ahead with our original n to finish up Man vs. Wild, but we will add in a few more episodes at the end and call it the Man vs. Wild Special."


    Ha Qiqi was taken aback. "A special?"


    Little Wang said dumbfoundedly, "What do you mean?"


    Tong Fu said, "Yeah, special in what way?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "I''ll invite some celebrities toe with me to survive in the wilderness."


    "Ah!"


    "This is good, this is good!"


    "Damn, what a wonderful idea!"


    "This will definitely work!"


    When everyone heard that, they couldn''t be more excited. They didn''t know who Zhang Ye would invite, but just the thought of it was already something to look forward to. If the special was filmed well, they would definitely give an additional boost to the viewership ratings that had already peaked. As long as the celebrity guest lineup was good, it would surely work!


    On the same day.


    Zhang Ye made a few calls.


    It was very important to find the right celebrity guests. As his socialwork wasn''t good and he didn''t know a lot of people, there were only a few people he could think of.


    ��


    America.


    Jacques was currently on set for the filming of a show.


    "Hello, Director."


    "Jacques, what are you doing?"


    "Haha, I''m filming a show."


    "I heard that you''ve taken roles with several Hollywood productions, and their box office earnings are quite good too. I haven''t congratted you for that yet."


    "Hollywood is cing more and more importance on the Chinese market. The p that Wolf Warrior 2 dealt them has woken them up. Actually, it''s only because of my poprity in China that I managed to secure several good offers. Speaking of that, Director, I really have you to thank for it."


    "You''re wee. Oh yes, I was looking for you regarding business."


    "Please, go ahead."


    "Do you want toe on Man vs. Wild?"


    "Huh?"


    "Are you interested?"


    "Doesn''t that show only star you?"


    "I''ve added in a special episode and would like to invite a few celebrities to join me on my adventures."


    "Haha, of course it won''t be a problem for me."


    "Alright, it''s settled then. Set aside your time for me. We''ll start filming next week."


    "Alright."


    ��


    Ennd.


    Lillian''s house.


    A call arrived.


    "Hi, fellow smoker?"


    "Lillian, what are you up to?"


    "I''m just at home."


    "Whoa, you don''t have any events today?"


    "Hur hur, I gave myself a vacation. Can you hear it? I''m watching Man vs. Wild right now. I didn''t have time yesterday, so I''m watching the rerun today."


    "How do you find it?"


    "It''s quite good."


    "Are you interested in being my guest then?"


    "Guest? For Man vs. Wild?"


    "Yes, but I wonder if I can convince an international superstar like you to take part in the show."


    "Your show is so popr around the globe, so it shouldn''t be difficult for you to invite a guest on the show, right?"


    "I''ll take that as you''re willing then."


    "Sure."


    ��


    China.


    At Heavenly Queen Xu Men''s studio.


    "Sister Lan."


    "Zhang''er, what made you think of calling me?"


    "We haven''t met in a while. Wanna get together?"


    "Are you sure you have time for that? Don''t you have to go out into the wilderness?"


    "I''m waiting for you to go with me next week."


    "What do you mean?"


    "I''m doing a special episode and would like to invite some celebrities to survive in the wilderness with me."


    "Ah?"


    "So how about it?"


    "Who have you already invited?"


    "Jacques and Lillian."


    "Your show has gone international. Will it be OK if I go?"


    "What''s there not to be OK about? You''re an Asian Heavenly Queen!"


    "But beyond Asia, who would know me?"


    "That might not be true. Even if they don''t know you now, they''ll know you soon enough. So then, I''ll take it that you''ve agreed? I''ll fill you in with the details when we meet up."


    "OK."


    The call ended.


    Her studio staff all looked over not knowing what was going on.


    Sister Lan''s agent also asked, "Was that from Director Zhang?"


    Xu Men nodded.


    Her agent asked, "What was that about the wilderness?"


    Xu Menughed and said, "He''s going to do a special episode and would like to invite me as one of his guests to go on a wilderness adventure with him."


    Her agent was stunned. "Zhang Ye''s inviting you to go on Man vs. Wild? Who are the other guests?"


    "Lillian and Jacques," Xu Men said.


    Immediately, the studio''s staff screamed in excitement.


    "Lillian?"


    "Lillian''s going too?"


    "That''s an international A-list superstar!"


    "Oh, I nearly forgot! Director Zhang and Lillian are friends!"


    "Has Director Zhang really invited us?"


    "Director Zhang is such a loyal friend!"


    "Yeah, Man vs. Wild is such a popr TV show around the world. If we can also appear on it, that would mean global exposure for us. Heavens, we finally have a chance to step onto the international stage!"


    "Director Zhang is a true friend!"


    "Director Zhang is definitely one of our people! He actually thought about us when a good opportunity arose!"

 Chapter 1672 - I thought you people were vegetarians?

    <h4>Chapter 1672 - I thought you people were vegetarians? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Several dayster.


    The news spread.


    China.


    "The first season ising to an end?"


    "No!"


    "I haven''t had enough of watching it."


    "Yeah, give us some more episodes!"


    "We still haven''t seen Face-smacking Zhang eat an aircraft carrier!"


    ��


    America.


    "What?"


    "A Man vs. Wild Special?"


    "What does that mean?"


    "I heard many celebrities will be guest starring."


    "Are you serious?"


    ��


    The UK.


    "Lillian''s going too?"


    "The UK''s most beautiful woman is participating in Man vs. Wild?"


    "Jesus, I have a bad feeling about this!"


    "Me too, but I''m also looking forward to it at the same time."


    "Good luck, Lillian! Lillian, you must endure!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "There are so many celebrities participating?"


    "I must catch the uing episodes!"


    "I like Xu Men."


    "I love Lillian! My goddess!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "He even managed to bring Lillian onto the show?"


    "It seems like Zhang Ye''s got a pretty big influence."


    "It''s also because Man vs. Wild is super popr."


    "Jacques is another tough guy! Let''s see what kinda sparks fly when he meets Zhang Ye."


    "When does it air? I really want to watch the next episode!"


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    Somewhere abroad.


    The filming started.


    The entire crew had already set up camp in the wild.


    Zhang Ye was recording his opening narration. "Today, I''ll be weing yet another adventure. But unlike before, I''ll be doing it together with a few friends of mine. For the next three days, I''ll be trying to survive together with them and find our way back into civilization. This will be an extremely tough test for them, as well as for me, so please wish us luck."


    Lillian.


    Xu Men.


    Jacques.


    The three guests were already dressed in their full gear.


    Xu Men asked, "Are we setting off now?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Yes."


    Jacques looked left and right. "You guys are doing this for real?"


    "What do you mean by for real?" Zhang Ye asked.


    Jacques said, "Are we really going to depend on ourselves to survive for the next three days? There won''t be any food? Or water? Are we supposed to look for all of that ourselves?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Of course."


    Xu Men smiled and said, "That seems like quite a challenge."


    Lillian spoke at this moment. "Zhang''er, did you bring any cigarettes?"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Believe me, in another two hours, you won''t be thinking about smoking. Let''s go, it''s time to set off. We need to look for a high point to observe the surrounding terrain. After that, we''ll decide on a n to survive for the next few days. Everyone, get ready, our adventure is about to begin."


    Everyone started marching off.


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    Three hours.


    Zhang Ye had to shoulder the responsibility as the team leader and take care of his teammates at every point in time. This was also quite a challenge for him because the team was made up of people who had no experience in surviving in the wilderness. They usually ate and drank well and were all more pampered than thest, so this made the challenge even harder for him.


    On the first day.


    The performance of his teammates was already leaving him speechless.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Look what I found!"


    Xu Men rolled her eyes and said, "It''s a bug."


    But Zhang Ye said, "No, this is protein."


    Lillian had a look. "Nah, that''s just a bug."


    Zhang Ye corrected her, "It''s food. Come and have a taste."


    Lillian flipped her hair. "I wouldn''t eat something like that even if you tried to kill me."


    Xu Men also said firmly, "Count me out as well. I''m a vegetarian."


    Zhang Ye blinked. "Why don''t I roast it for you two?"


    "We won''t eat it even if it''s cooked." The two women expressed a firm stance against it.


    Zhang Ye simply shrugged and looked to Jacques. "Jacques? Wanna have a bite?"


    Jacques gulped. "I-I guess I''ll give it a try?" He took the unknown bug from Zhang Ye and brought it towards his mouth in fear.


    The next second, the tough guy was kneeling!


    Jacques started vomiting!


    He vomited like he had never vomited before!


    Zhang Ye facepalmed. "You didn''t even manage to bulk up on your protein intake and you''re already puking your guts out?"


    Jacques yelled, "I''m not eating that anymore! Absolutely not! It''s too disgusting!"


    Lillianughed and said, "I told you not to eat it."


    Zhang Ye said, "Then are you guys just gonna stay hungry?"


    Xu Men said calmly, "Scientific evidence shows that humans can go seven days without food."


    Lillianughed and added on, "And three days without water."


    Hearing that, Zhang Yeughed. "Well, alright."


    At night.


    The three guests were each assigned a mission.


    Xu Men and Lillian were in charge of setting up the shelter.


    Meanwhile, Jacques would help Zhang Ye build a snare.


    "It''s done!"


    "We''ve caught something!"


    "Haha!"


    The two of them returned, having caught a rabbit.


    Xu Men said, "What a cute bunny."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''ll leave the rabbit to you guys while I start the fire."


    Jacques was hungry. "Let''s eat it quickly. I''ll ughter it."


    Lillian gave him a look. "I think you should set it free."


    Jacques said, "Huh?"


    Xu Men chipped in, "Right, we can''t eat it. It''s too cute."


    Lillian curled her lips and said, "Jacques, if you eat such a cute rabbit, I''ll look down on you."


    "How cruel!" Xu Men harrumphed.


    Jacques was extremely embarrassed. He immediately turned on Zhang Ye. "Zhang Ye was the one who caught it. It has nothing to do with me. Actually, I don''t want to eat it either. I don''t like taking lives."


    Lillian nodded and said, "That''s the spirit, quickly release it then."


    Jacques quietly released the rabbit under the egging of the two women.


    Zhang Ye who was standing far off in the distance trying to build the fire noticed it as well, but he didn''t stop them and just smiled slightly. Sun Kuang, who was filming this, exchanged a look with Zhang Ye. They both smiled.


    The shelter was built.


    The four of themid down on the dry grass bedding.


    "The night is so beautiful."


    "Yeah, it''s just that I feel a little hungry."


    "It''s not just a little, I''m extremely hungry."


    "I thought that there would be some wild vegetation out here."


    "Let''s bear with it a little. It''s only going to be for three days."


    "Yeah, we''ll get used the hunger very quickly."


    "Only a fool would eat a strange bug like that!"


    The three of them were encouraging one another.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ye was already fast asleep and snoring.


    The next day.


    Early in the morning.


    When Zhang Ye woke up, he discovered that no one was around. Then he heard some shouting and cheering in the distance. It turned out to be from Lillian and Xu Men. It was only then that he realized that the three people had woken up earlier than him, or perhaps they had not slept a wink at all for the entire night? So he got up and went outside to have a look. If he didn''t do that, it would have been fine. But upon seeing them, he was utterly dumbfounded.


    Lillian was shouting, "Catch it!"


    Xu Men''s eyes were bloodshot. "It ran over there!"


    Lillian yelled, "Jacques, what are you doing! Speed up!"


    Xu Men said, "Don''t let it get away!"


    Meanwhile, Jacques was pouncing around in the grass. "I can''t catch it! Ah! There''s a snake over here!"


    Lillian''s eyes lit up. "The snake will do too!"


    Xu Men roared, "Catch it! Catch them all!"


    Zhang Ye said in a stunned manner, "What are you three doing?"


    Jacques said, "Aiyo, Director Zhang,e over and give us a hand!"


    Xu Men said, "Why did you only just get up!"


    Lillian said, "Catch it, Zhang''er! We''re all depending on you for breakfast!"


    Sun Kuang was capturing the entire scene from the side. He wasughing hard as he filmed them. This scene had tickled him pink.


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "I thought you people were vegetarians?"


    "What vegetarians?!" Lillian swallowed and said, "If we have to eat meat, we''ll still eat meat!"


    Zhang Ye asked again, "Didn''t you say that scientific evidence shows that humans can go seven days without food?"


    Xu Men said, "Science can be wrong sometimes."


    Zhang Ye was speechless.


    Feeling helpless, Zhang Ye could only help them out. When the expert got down to work, it was clearly very different from these amateurs. He caught a rabbit again today, which might have been the same rabbit from yesterday. On top of that, he also caught the snake.


    The three guest hosts'' eyes were turning green from hunger.


    "I''ll go and look for firewood!"


    "I''ll start the fire!"


    This time, there wasn''t a need for Zhang Ye to say anything more.


    With their assistance, the first big meal since they came out into the wilderness was cooked.


    Lillian gorged herself!


    Xu Men also had no qualms for her image.


    Jacques kept saying "this is so delicious" as he ate the food.


    On the other hand, Zhang Ye did not even manage to eat a few bites of food. However, he had a smile on his face. That''s right, this is starting to feel more like a wilderness survival show.

 Chapter 1673 - Zhang Ye’s first English song!

    <h4>Chapter 1673 - Zhang Ye��s first English song! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    During the day.


    Inside a valley full of blooming flowers.


    "Zhang''er, is this edible?"


    "No."


    "Zhang''er, how about this one?"


    "That''s poisonous."


    "I''m so hungry."


    "Think of something, quick."


    The energy they gained from breakfast had already been expended. As they traveled, every one of them experienced how difficult it was to survive out here. When they watched the show on television, they didn''t think much of it. But now that they had been thrown into the wilderness, they finally realized how difficult everything was. If they didn''t have Zhang Ye to depend on, they knew very well that they wouldn''t make it out of here alive.


    "Look."


    "What?"


    "Honey bees."


    "Honey bees?"


    "That means there''s definitely a beehive nearby. Come, let''s follow them!"


    "A beehive?"


    Eventually, they found the beehive.


    It was located in an extremely secluded spot.


    Jacques said excitedly, "It''s over there!"


    Lillian asked, "What do we do now?"


    Xu Men said, "How are we going to get it down? There are too many bees!"


    "We''ll have to divide up the work now." Zhang Ye started assigning the tasks. "Sister Lan, go and look for some dried branches or grass. I want something very mmable."


    Xu Men nodded. "Alright, leave it to me."


    Zhang Ye said, "Lilian, I taught you how to use the hand drill method to make a fire yesterday."


    Lillian nodded and said, "I''ll give it a try."


    Zhang Ye said, "Jacques, you and I will go up to the beehive."


    Trembling, Jacques said, "We won''t get stung, will we?"


    Zhang Ye said, "That''s why we''ll need to prepare some clothing to cover up any exposed areas on our bodies."


    "OK, I''ll go look for some," Jacques said.


    Soon after, some dry grass was set on fire.


    Zhang Ye and Jacques brought the burning grass towards the beehive.


    Xu Men said, "Come on, you guys can do it!"


    Lillian called out to them, "Be careful!"


    Every one of them was extremely hungry, so they were drooling at the thought of feasting on the honeb.


    Smoking the beehive.


    Baking it with fire.


    The bees started escaping in all directions.


    Zhang Ye found an opportunity and used a tree branch to pick up the hive before turning around with it and running off. As he ran, he called out to Jacques, "Hurry! Run, run!"


    Jacques scampered down the tree but stumbled.


    Xu Men nched. "Get out of there!"


    When Lillian saw the bees flying towards them, she turned tail and fled as well!


    Ten minutester.


    At the campsite far away, the four of them returned.


    Zhang Ye, Jacques, Xu Men, and Lillian had all been stung by the bees. Some of them had been stung a few times, and that was already rtively little. Zhang Ye, being at the front line, had been stung over a dozen times, and his face was swollen. It was especially bad around his eyes where the clothes could not cover. But at this moment, none of them cared about this. They were all staring at the beehive while salivating buckets.


    Zhang Ye started to distribute it.


    One piece for you.


    One piece for me.


    The three of them immediately chowed down on it after receiving a piece and were smiling so widely that their eyes narrowed.


    Xu Men eximed, "Why does it taste so good!"


    Lillian said, "What a delicacy!"


    Jacques was crying out, "This is awesome! This is so awesome!"


    In fact, the honebs that were sold in the market were all processed to make them taste better and increase their shelf life. It would definitely be much more delicious than this honeb that they were eating. The four of them must have tasted that kind of honey before, but the only reason they found the honeb they were eating now to taste better was mainly because of the environment they were in. This wasn''t something they could buy with money. But obtained through their team effort, it tasted better to them.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Do you three have a different view of survivalism now?"


    Jacques nodded. "It''s such a good feeling to be alive."


    Xu Men said, "I used to think that being alive couldn''t be more ordinary a thing. You should know that people like us work under great stress, and thoughts of taking the easy way out can happen asionally. But in these two days, I haven''t felt that way. Being alive��it''s such a sacred thing."


    Zhang Ye said, "Do you know what ce this is?"


    Jacques was taken aback and shook his head.


    Xu Men also shook her head.


    Only Lillian answered, "A war took ce here.."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "This ce has been through a war. Several thousand lives were lost due to an artillery barrage, and many of those who died were children and young soldiers no older than 18. They were allid to rest here forever."


    No one said a word.


    There was silence.


    The atmosphere was a little grim.


    All of a sudden, Zhang Ye bent over and crouched down. He dug at the ground under a tree and picked up a dirt stained badge from underneath it.


    There was blood on it.


    And a name as well.


    The badge belonged to someone named Andy.


    Jacques was startled. "This is?"


    Zhang Ye said softly, "Let''s all go for an afternoon nap."


    Lillian said, "OK."


    Xu Men tugged at Jacques and walked away together with him.


    The three of them went to get some rest.


    But Zhang Ye remained behind. He held the badge and stayed silent.


    Half an hour.


    An hour.


    The celebrity guests who were sleeping soundly were suddenly awoken.


    "Hear that?" Xu Men said.


    Lillian said, "What''s that sound?"


    Jacques said in surprise, "Who''s that singing?"


    Lillian and Xu Men were awoken by a singing voice.


    They came out from the campsite and checked around the area to look for the source of the voice. Then they saw Zhang Ye and a sight they would not forget for the rest of their lives. Zhang Ye was clutching the bloodstained badge in his hand. He stood at the highest point in the secluded valley and was looking into the clear blue sky. His crisp voice rang throughout the valley.


    Zhang Ye gently sang 1 .


    "Mama, take this badge from me.


    "I can''t use it anymore.


    "It''s getting dark, too dark to see.


    "Feels like I''m knockin'' on Heaven''s door


    "Mama, put my guns in the ground.


    "I can''t shoot them anymore.


    "That long ck cloud isin'' down.


    "Feels like I''m knockin'' on Heaven''s door.


    "Knock, knock, knockin'' on Heaven''s door.


    "Knock, knock, knockin'' on Heaven''s door.


    "Knock, knock, knockin'' on Heaven''s door.


    "Knock, knock, knockin'' on Heaven''s door."


    ��


    Zhang Zuo.


    Wu Yi.


    Tong Fu.


    Sun Kuang.


    The film crew all came over.


    It was a rock song.


    But there wasn''t any guitar.


    There wasn''t any apaniment either.


    There was only a sorrowful voice ringing out in the valley. It almost sounded like the voice was breaking through the clouds and drifting off to a farawaynd. It was a feeling that was so indescribable that even Lillian, who was a professional singer, was stunned on the spot when she heard it. It was mesmerizing!


    The valley.


    The clouds.


    The singing.


    The badge.


    Everyone was in a state of shock!


    The voice that was knocking on Heaven''s door was also tugging at their heartstrings!

 Chapter 1674 - Ascending to the altar!

    <h4>Chapter 1674 - Ascending to the altar! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    In the morning.


    The Man vs. Wild Special was finally broadcast.


    Due to the participation of several big name celebrities, the attention on this show was at an unprecedented level.


    On TV: "Hello, everybody. Today, I''ll be weing yet another adventure. But unlike before, I''ll be doing it together with a few friends of mine. For the next three days, I''ll be trying to survive together with them and find our way back into civilization. This will be an extremely tough test for them, as well as for me, so please wish us luck."


    ��


    China.


    "Hahaha!"


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    "Wow, it''s Lillian!"


    "My goddess, she''s so beautiful!"


    "Wow, Sister Lan has actually appeared on the show without any makeup. How bold!"


    "Jacques is pretty handsome too!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "He caught a bug!"


    "What kind of bug is that?"


    "Who knows!"


    "It''s been eaten by Zhang Ye again!"


    "Jacques is gonna try it too?"


    "Pfft, Jacques puked his guts out!"


    "This guy is so weak! And I thought he was supposed to be some tough guy from Hollywood!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "The tough guy has been left kneeling!"


    "Everything pales inparison."


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye is truly too fearsome of a person!"


    "No tough guy in the world would dare to eat like the way he does!"


    "Well done, Lillian! Don''t eat it!"


    "Come on, Sister Lan! You can''t eat it!"


    "Don''t fall for Zhang Ye''s tricks!"


    ��


    The UK.


    "Oh my God!"


    "Lillian and the others went out to hunt by themselves!"


    "They''re trying to catch a snake!"


    "Oh my God! My goddess!"


    "I thought they were vegetarians?"


    "They must be terribly hungry!"


    "They''re eating, they''ve started eating with Zhang Ye!"


    ��


    America.


    "There''s no water around."


    "Yeah, they couldn''t find a water source."


    "Ah, what is Zhang Ye doing?"


    "Pee?"


    "Holy fuck!"


    "He''s drinking it! Zhang Ye is drinking pee!"


    "I''m gonna puke!"


    ��


    Australia.


    "Jesus Christ!"


    "Does he need to go that far!"


    "He really fucking drank it?"


    "Jacques is also drinking pee! Pfft, he''s puking again!"


    "That Chinese female celebrity also puked after taking a whiff of it!"


    "Only Zhang Ye will drink something like that!"


    "This cunt! Not even the world can stop him!"


    ��


    France.


    "This is so thrilling!"


    "This is why it''s so fun to watch Man vs. Wild."


    "Right, if you can''t find a water source in the wild, the only choice left would be to drink urine. Believe me, when ites down to it, a lot of people would make this choice as well."


    "Ah! Lillian drank it too!"


    "Yeah, she really drank it!"


    "Well done, Lillian!"


    "I''m afraid Lillian''s fans will be hunting down Zhang Ye soon!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    ��


    Russia.


    "Those are honey bees!"


    "They''ve been stung!"


    "The four of them are in such a miserable state!"


    "Their faces are all swollen."


    "They''re finally getting some decent food."


    "Wow, that honeb looks so delicious."


    "Yeah, I''m drooling."


    "The scenery is so beautiful."


    ��


    In Germany.


    "It''s a badge?"


    "There''s even blood on it."


    "I remember where this ce is!"


    "It''s the ce where young soldiers were once deployed!"


    "Hai, a lot of soldiers are buried there."


    "I''m feeling down now."


    "Many of them were still children."


    ��


    India.


    "Listen to that!"


    "Someone''s singing!"


    "Who''s singing?"


    "Look!"


    "It''s Zhang Ye!"


    "He''s over there!"


    "Everyone hase out into the valley!"


    ��


    "Mama, take this badge from me.


    "I can''t use it anymore.


    "It''s getting dark, too dark to see.


    "Feels like I''m knockin'' on Heaven''s door."


    ��


    When the singing rang out.


    The entire world fell silent.


    Everyone was looking at their screens in astonishment and looking at the man who was singing in the valley.


    Some people were stunned!


    Some people were dumbfounded!


    Some people closed their eyes and listened!


    Some people''s tears started falling uncontrobly!


    This was a very famous and ssic rock song from Zhang Ye''s previous world. It could even be called as one of the most ssic rock songs of all time. The song''s name was "Knockin'' on Heaven''s Door," and it had been covered by multiple international superstars and Chinese celebrities. Meanwhile, the version Zhang Ye had performed was even more special as there wasn''t any music apaniment. He had sung it a cappe, yet it was precisely because of this that gave the song an even greater "wow" factor!


    ��


    China.


    "It''s an English Song!"


    "Zhang Ye sang an English song!"


    "Is this his first ever English song?"


    "Yeah, it is!"


    "So he can really sing in English!"


    "It''s such a nice song!"


    ��


    America.


    "Why does he know how to sing?"


    "I don''t know, but his singing doesn''t sound like an amateur''s!"


    "And he even sang a cappe! That really tests a singer''s skills!"


    "This guy has absolutely got to be a professional singer!"


    "I just found out that he can sing as well. Also, I''ve never heard of this song before!"


    "Was itposed by him on the spot?"


    "He''s that great?"


    ��


    Australia.


    "How nice!"


    "I''m a little touched!"


    "I teared up listening to it!"


    "For the first time, it finally feels like he''s a Nobel Peace Prizeureate."


    "Yeah, this is clearly an anti-war song."


    "It was really great!"


    "You don''t usually get to hear such a heartfelt song!"


    ��


    The Nethends.


    "He''s called Zhang Ye?"


    "I''m getting more interested in this Chinese celebrity!"


    "He''s too talented at too many things."


    "I have a feeling that this song is gonna get really popr around the world!"


    "The episode has ended."


    "I wanna hear it again!"


    "Has it been released as a single?"


    ��


    That same day.


    The entire world burst in an uproar!


    Man vs. Wild blew up once again!


    "Knockin'' on Heaven''s Door" also unexpectedly became very popr across the world!


    This was something that Zhang Ye and the staff at his studio had not expected. When Zhang Ye sang the song, he had done so spontaneously and did not n on recording it as part of the show. But at that time, the film crew had brought over their cameras when they heard the singing, so when Zhang Ye saw that it wasn''t too badly performed, he included it in the final cut of the episode. He had not expected such a great reaction to it. This song was actually getting spread around by countless people, celebrities, and media outlets all over the world.


    At the studio.


    Everyone was dumbfounded.


    Ha Qiqi eximed, "The song is getting spread everywhere!"


    Little Wang said in shock, "This is so crazy!"


    "Does this make it a package deal?" Zhang Zuo was very amused. "We were just working on a TV show, but it ended upunching Director Zhang''s international music career as well?"


    Tong Fu said gleefully, "This song''s arrival is so timely. When Director Zhang beat up someone at the Nobel Prize award ceremony and stirred up so much trouble, the Nobel Prize Committee must''ve hated him to the bone. With the release of this anti-war song, we can finally consider ourselves acquitted."


    On the same night, the viewership ratings were released.


    America: #1!


    Japan: #1!


    China: #1!


    Korea: #1!


    The UK: #1!


    Man vs. Wild had actually gotten first ce in the viewership ratings ranking across multiple countries!

 Chapter 1675 - Ascending to the International B-list Rankings!

    <h4>Chapter 1675 - Ascending to the International B-list Rankings! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Online.


    "It has ended!"


    "The season has ended!"


    "It was such a great show!"


    "Yeah, I''ve never watched such an exciting show before!"


    "It got first ce in the viewership rankings of multiple countries!"


    "The show''s viewership ratings are so scary!"


    "I can''t bear to see it end!"


    "I really hope that it will continue airing!"


    "Let''s congratte Zhang Ye! Face-smacking Zhang has really done it this time!"


    "Did you guys see what the foreign media wrote about him?"


    "Haha, I saw it!"


    "��The man at the top of the food chain!"


    "Pfft, that''s a really apt nickname for him. There''s really nothing that this fellow doesn''t dare to eat!"


    ��


    On this day.


    From the premiere broadcast to the season finale.


    After a full three months of broadcast, Man vs. Wild finally came to an end.


    When the special final episode ended, a celebratory feast was finally thrown. It was only then that everyone could afford the time to gather and celebrate this historical moment. Be it for Zhang Ye, for Central TV, for the industry, or for China, this was a show that would go down in the annals of history.


    The people from Central TV.


    The industry insiders.


    They were all here today.


    Director Meng came over with his ss raised. "Director Zhang, congrattions."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "And the same to you!"


    Director Meng said, "Come, let me toast you!"


    Zhang Ye said, "No need to be so polite, Director Meng."


    Yu Yingyi stood up. "Zhang''er, let me toast you as well."


    Zhang Ye clinked sses with her. "Alright."


    A person from Central TV said, "I wish you great sess in the future. It was all thanks to you this time. You''re very capable!"


    "Yeah, who would''ve thought that such a day woulde for a show from China!" Director Mengughed heartily. "Director Zhang, honestly speaking, you''re the only person in the industry whom I will take my hat off to!"


    Zhang Ye said politely, "Haha, thank you. It was all down to thebined efforts of everyone. My job was just to film and edit the show. The rest of the venue arrangements, manpower allocation, and publicity were handled by Central TV. The show couldn''t have gotten popr if any of that were missing. So let me offer a toast to everyone, cheers!"


    "Alright!"


    "Director Zhang, cheers!"


    "Let''s work together again in the future should any opportunities arise!"


    "Sure, no problem."


    It was very boisterous at the drinking table as everyone toasted each other amidughter and chatter. In the past three months, everyone had gone through an unprecedented experience. This feeling of them rising up above the clouds was simply too fantastic. The glory and pride that they had earned was simply something that could not be bought with any amount of money.


    Zhang Ye was also very happy today. He drank around eight sses of rice wine all by himself, and no one could stop him. To tell the truth, it was very risky for him to make this show in the first ce. Back in his previous world, Man vs. Wild was actually a foreign television show and Zhang Ye had forcefully ported it over to adapt into a Chinese show. Now that he had gained such good results, he was also very surprised by it himself. It could be said that in the many years since his debut, this was the project that brought him the most poprity. The stars had aligned perfectly for him this time.


    Yu Yingyi smiled and asked, "Have the international celebrity rankings been refreshed yet?"


    Zhang Ye checked his watch. "I don''t think it has?"


    "It''s about to be updated." Ha Qiqi said anxiously, "I wonder what it will be like."


    A person from Central TV said, "It''s definitely won''t be a problem."


    Director Meng said, "Just three days ago, Director Zhang reached third ce on the C-list, right?"


    Ha Qiqi nodded. "That''s right."


    Director Meng looked at Zhang Ye. "If you manage to break into the international B-list, you''re going to create history again. China has never had a celebrity who reached the heights that you''re at. Not mentioning China, even for the other celebrities from other countries, there aren''t that many of them who can reach the International B-list Rankings either!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Who knows what will happen? Let''s just wait and see."


    The International B- and C-list Rankings were two entirely different concepts. Even if someone was ranked at the top of the C-list, they were still just a C-lister. They would still becking by a tierpared to a B-lister. This time, Zhang Ye had used Man vs. Wild to ascend to the top of the global television industry, so of course he also wished that this show could push his poprity up by another level. He and his staff at the studio had had their eyes on the International B-list Rankings for a very long time and had been waiting for this day since then. It was such a rare opportunity. Zhang Ye was also hoping that he could muster up and break through to the next level in one shot. If he were to miss out on doing so, it might be a very long time before he could make another attempt on ascending to the International B-list Rankings. There might not be such a good chance again within the year.


    The poprity rankings were about to be updated.


    Zhang Ye was full of anticipation.


    The studio''s staff were starting to get anxious as well.


    ��


    America.


    "It''s out!"


    "The International Celebrity Rankings Index has been updated!"


    "Let me see, let me see!"


    "Oh my God!"


    "This��"


    ��


    Japan.


    "The index has been published!"


    "What ranking is Zhang Ye at?"


    "Uh, have a look for yourself."


    "Ah, he''s not on the C-list anymore?"


    ��


    Korea.


    "He''s made it into the B-list rankings!"


    "The International B-list Rankings!"


    "Heavens, China has finally gotten an international B-lister?"


    ��


    China.


    "He really went up!"


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "Lord Zhang is almighty!"


    "I knew it! I knew it!"


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s maternal grandma''s house.


    "He did it! He seeded!"


    "Little Ye is an international B-lister now!"


    "Are you serious?"


    "Look at it yourself!"


    ��


    At the celebratory feast.


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "You''ve ascended to the B-list! You''ve done it!"


    "You''ve really reached the B-list rankings!"


    "Director Zhang, it''s your treat!"


    "We''re going to continue eating tomorrow, and it''s going to be your treat!"


    ��


    The international celebrity rankings.


    The results were finally revealed!


    Zhang Ye''s name had disappeared from the International C-list Rankings. By the time the index was updated, his name was among those in the International B-list Rankings. Although he was inst ce, although this was the very tail end of the International B-list Rankings, a B-lister was still a B-lister. What it represented was entirely different from before. If an international C-lister was regarded as having only made inroads into the international entertainment circle and was at the periphery, then an international B-lister could be described as truly having be a core member of the international entertainment circle. The title, poprity, status, qualifications, all of that was on a different level!


    The media erupted!


    The entire world was in a heated discussion!


    "The International Celebrity Rankings Index has been updated!"


    "The man at the top of the food chain has ascended to the International B-list Rankings!"


    "China''s first international B-list celebrity!"


    "A Chinese celebrity''s poprity soars!"


    "Zhang Ye''s path of defiance!"


    "Zhang Ye: an all-around artist?"


    "Just how far can Zhang Ye keep going?"


    In the past few months, Zhang Ye''s international poprity had been skyrocketing. His poprity score was ever-changing by the day. On the day the season ended for Man vs. Wild, he finally broke into the International B-list Rankings andpleted a major milestone in his career.


    To the staff of Zhang Ye''s Studio, they had long heard from Zhang Ye himself that his final goal was to reach the highest spot in the international entertainment circle. At the time, they just listened to it as a joke and weren''t too bothered by it. But they realized now that Zhang Ye had actually been serious at that time. Over the years, he had really made it to the spot that no one else dared to aim for!


    The International B-list Rankings!


    This was just like a dream!

 Chapter 1676 - Taking on Hollywood!

    <h4>Chapter 1676 - Taking on Hollywood! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Several dayster.


    Overseas, on an ind.


    This was a world-famous vacation resort. Today, Zhang Ye had brought his wife and daughter, his parents, his cousins, his parents-inw, and his staff from the studio here for a vacation. The whole lot of them booked all of the rooms at the only hotel on the ind.


    Blue skies.


    White clouds.


    Crystal clear seas.


    The sand.


    The coconut trees.


    Everything was very beautiful.


    "Wow!"


    "This is so beautiful!"


    "Boss, isn''t this a little too extravagant?"


    "Haha, everyone, let loose and enjoy yourselves! We''re on vacation for the next few days!"


    "Oh yeah!"


    "Long live the boss!"


    "Director Zhang is so generous! We can finally get a vacation!"


    "I love the sea! This is such a nice ce!"


    "We''re the only ones here! This is so awesome!"


    Everybody was intoxicated by the beauty of this ce.


    Some of them went straight out to sea to swim while others returned to the cottage by the sea to sort out their luggage. Cao Dan, Zhang Ye''s eldest younger sister, even started livestreaming while taking a stroll along the beach. She was fiddling around with her cell phone on a selfie stick as she chatted with her fans on the stream. It was getting really boisterous all around.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Dad, Mom, how do you like the ce?"


    His father nodded. "It''s so beautiful."


    His mother muttered, "Just how much did all of this cost?"


    "Aiya, it''s not much," Zhang Ye said.


    Li Qinqin smiled and said, "Sister-inw, wanna go for a swim?"


    His mother immediately said, "Alright, let''s go."


    Wu Changhe said, "I won''t be joining you two."


    Li Qinqin said, "Then y some Go with your son-inw."


    Wu Changhe rolled his eyes and said, "I''m not gonna y with him."


    Zhang Yeughed, "Haha."


    His second sister shouted from the sea, "Brother! Come and teach us how to swim!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and shouted back at her, "You guys y by yourselves for now. I''ll teach you all in a while. Don''t go out too far into the sea, it''s very deep. Just stroll along the shore for now!"


    His third sister yelled, "We''re all waiting for you! Hurry up!"


    Wu Zeqing smiled. "Why don''t you go y with them for a bit?"


    Zhang Yeid on the deck lounger not wanting to move. "I''m so exhausted from the past few months, and I have yet to recover. Let me rx a little first." He gave azy yawn and said, "I''m so sleepy."


    Sisi said childishly, "Daddy, I''m going to y with Sister Chenchen."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Go on, go on."


    Chenchen pulled Sisi by her hand, and they headed off together to y.


    Zhang Ye was lying down with his eyes closed and felt veryfortable. Seeing his family so happy, he was also very happy. He had been too busy during this period and was hardly home. Most of his days were spent out in the wilderness in order to film the show. Now that the show had ended its run, and he had also risen onto the International B-list Rankings, he was finally able to get some good rest. So he decided to bring his family and colleagues here to the ind for a vacation. As they said, there had to be a proper work-life bnce.


    An hour.


    Two hours.


    Everyone was enjoying themselves and there wasughter all around.


    Soon after, Ha Qiqi and the others came back to the beach.


    "Director Zhang." Ha Qiqi asked, "Are we really going to rest for the entire week?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "We''re afraid that you''ll slip off the International B-list Rankings."


    "Yeah." Little Wang said worriedly as well, "It wasn''t easy getting up there, so we had better not get pushed back down after spending just a few days on it. That would be so embarrassing."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "That won''t happen. I''ve already seen the poprity scores on the rankings. Although we''re currently inst ce on the B-list, there''s still a significant difference in poprity between me and the number one C-list celebrity. I dare not say that it will remain the same for the next month or two, but we definitely won''t be surpassed by that person in a week. Everyone has been working hard for some time now, so enjoy yourselves while we''re here. Don''t think about work. I haven''t really organized any trips over the years, so now that we have an opportunity to do so, let''s not waste it."


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "Sure, we won''t hold back on enjoying ourselves then."


    Little Wang said, "Director Zhang, can we drink the liquor in the hotel?"


    Zhang Ye gave the go-ahead and said, "Drink as you like, eat as you like, it''s all on me."


    "Wow!" A few of the younger employees cheered. "Director Zhang is almighty!"


    Ha Qiqi said helplessly, "Do the few of you only know how to eat and drink?"


    But Zhang Zuo still couldn''t rx. Sometimes, the higher one''s position was, the more stress they had. There were some matters that he couldn''t not think about. "What''s our next step going to be?"


    Ha Qiqi also asked, "Do you have any ns?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "I''m not sure."


    Ha Qiqi said, "The higher we climb, the harder it is to go on."


    "That''s for sure." Zhang Yeughed and said, "But the harder it is, the more we have to go on."


    Little Wang said excitedly, "Our next step is definitely to make a push for the International A-list Rankings."


    Wu Yi sighed and said, "The International A-list Rankings, that was something that we didn''t used to dare think about. We''ve actually gotten so close to it already?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Actually, it''s still very far away. Getting from the International C-list to the B-list Rankings was still rtively easy. But to get from the International B-list to the A-list Rankings, it''s almost an insurmountable task toplete. Lillian herself is an international A-list superstar, butpared to her, I stillck too much poprity. When we get back, the first task will be to stabilize our footing in the International B-list Rankings. Afterwards, we can start considering what options we have. The main thing we need are the right opportunities."


    Ha Qiqi sighed and said, "The best choice is still to make a movie."


    Zhang Zuo agreed, "Yes, in the international entertainment industry, movies are ranked at the very top. If we want to increase our poprity, the fastest way would be by making a movie. Unfortunately, we have no say in Hollywood. It''s not a ce where we cane and go as we please. Although we also recently had quite a few offers from Hollywood to join their productions, most of them are only looking for you to be in a supporting role. Those who can offer you the main lead are the smaller productions with a lower budget, so let''s not even mention your chances of getting approached to direct a movie. They wouldn''t have the guts to do so even though you directed a domestic movie that got close to breaking the global records and a TV show that became very popr around the globe."


    Hollywood?


    Movies?


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Hollywood would be crazy if they really approach me to direct a movie."


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Zhang Ye''s cell phone rang.


    From the caller ID, he saw that the call wasing from the richest man in China.


    "Hello? Boss Qian?"


    "Teacher Zhang, where are you?"


    "I''m on a vacation overseas."


    "I haven''t congratted you on reaching the international B-list yet."


    "Hai, who knows if I might fall off of it in a few days."


    "You won''t. I have enough faith in you to know that."


    "So what is it, Boss Qian? Is something the matter?"


    "What are your ns from here on out?"


    "Hur hur, I haven''t thought of them yet."


    "What if I want you to make a movie for me?"


    "But I don''t really have a good script for a domestic movie right now."


    "It''s going to be a Hollywood movie."


    "Hollywood? What do you mean?"


    "I''m in the midst of acquiring a Hollywood studio, and we''ve entered the final stage of negotiations. The studio isn''t exactly arge one, but it''s also not small. So I''m calling to give you a heads up. When the deal ispleted, I want you to make a movie for me. You''ll be the director, and I''ll leave the casting and editing to you as well. I''m not going to interfere with the production at all. Go ahead and film anything you want. Even if the final box office earnings are just OK, it''s fine with me. So how about it?"


    "Haha, it''s a deal."


    "Alright then, it''s a deal."

 Chapter 1677 - Acquiring a Hollywood studio!

    <h4>Chapter 1677 - Acquiring a Hollywood studio! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    A few dayster.


    On Weibo.


    The news got out.


    "Have you heard?"


    "China''s richest man is buying out a Hollywood studio!"


    "I heard about it too."


    "That''s probably just a rumor, right?"


    "No, it should be true. It seems like the deal is almostplete."


    "Qian Haitao is too rich!"


    "If he can sessfully buy it, many of our Chinese celebrities will get a chance to enter Hollywood."


    "There are some media outlets saying that Qian Haitao has already invited Zhang Ye to help him out."


    "Wow! Is that really true?"


    "If Zhang Ye were to make a movie in Hollywood, that would definitely be big news!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang is going to make a Hollywood movie? I will definitely watch it!"


    "I''m also looking forward to it. Even with the military-themed domestic movie that Face-smacking Zhang made, he was still able to use it to break into the Top 100 global box office movies of all time. If he were to really make a Hollywood blockbuster, just how fucking crazy would the box office earnings be? It''s very possible that it would break Wolf Warrior 2''s record! In the past, Zhang Ye has always done unconventional things like poetry, crosstalk, calligraphy, Go, hacking, math, etc. But if he really wishes to keep advancing in international showbiz, he will need to depend on making movies. This time, Face-smacking Zhang is finally going mainstream!"


    ��


    Back at home.


    The family had already returned from their vacation.


    Old Wu asked, "Do you want to bring this?"


    Zhang Ye answered, "Yes."


    "I''ve also packed some gastric medicine for you."


    "Aiya, that won''t be necessary."


    "Just bring it along."


    "Alright. Pack in a few more clothes as well."


    "OK."


    Wu Zeqing was packing for Zhang Ye.


    His mother said in a speechless manner, "You''re going off again so soon aftering back?"


    "I''m just packing in advance." Zhang Ye said with a chuckle, "I''m still waiting for the confirmation from Old Qian, so I''ve got to be ready to set off at a moment''s notice. I don''t want to get blindsided byck of preparation."


    His father said, "Why don''t you rest a few more days?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I''ve already rested for a week, it''s time I got back to work. Otherwise, my poprity is going to fall and I''ll drop back into the C-list. It''s fine, I won''t be too worn out this time. It''s just making a movie in Hollywood anyway. Once I''m done there, I''ll head home immediately. It''s my first time making a Hollywood movie, so this is a rare opportunity for me."


    Sisi said, "Daddy, you can do it!"


    Zhang Ye gave his daughter a kiss. "Thanks, my dear!"


    His mother said, "Will the staff from your studio be going as well?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Yeah. I''m bringing them with me."


    His mother asked, "Why can''t you shoot the movie in China?"


    His father also asked, "Yeah, why do you have to insist on going to America?"


    Zhang Ye exined, "It''s different. Making a Hollywood movie isn''t just about where you shoot it. There''s also the facilities, personnel, technical skills, distribution channels, and publicity efforts to consider. They have a lot of equipment that isn''t readily essible here, while their personnel and technical skills are also top-notch. As for the distribution of the movie, there is a need to consider the overseas market as well. That''s why I still have to go to America. Why else do you think Old Qian is spending so much effort to acquire a Hollywood studio? What he really wants is to get ahold of is their technical facilities and distribution channels. Perhaps in the future, I can choose to shoot a movie wherever I want after bringing our people over there to learn from them."


    His mother curled her lips. "Learn from them? As if!"


    His father said, "Your mom is afraid that you''ll go there and start trouble again."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I won''t."


    Even Wu Zeqing, who was beside them, couldn''t help but smile when she heard that.


    They still understood Zhang Ye very well. What learning? They were quite sure that Zhang Ye absolutely did not hold such a belief. They also knew that Zhang Ye was going to America this time simply because he wanted to cause trouble there. They had already seen too many such incidents happen before. This fellow would always cause chaos in whichever industry he went into. Just look, he had basically turned the television industry upside down over the past few months, and now, he was thinking of taking on Hollywood again. However, they were still supportive of Zhang Ye''s choice. The influence of Hollywood movies in the international entertainment industry was so obvious that even a three-year-old kid knew about it. This could be seen by how 90% of the current crop of A- and B-listers in the international entertainment industry hade through from Hollywood movies.


    He rested.


    He prepared.


    He waited.


    Zhang Ye was ready to leave at any moment. Even now, countless choices were popping up in his mind as many ssic movies from his previous world kept shing by. He could pick any one of them with his eyes closed and still be confident that he could shoot a Hollywood movie that would stun the world. Zhang Ye had been thinking of entering Hollywood for a long time. However, the chance to do so hadn''t presented itself. Now that it had, he didn''t know how to select which movie he wanted to film.


    This movie?


    Or that movie?


    He kept going through his choices.


    ��


    America.


    Wilson''spany.


    "What?"


    "One of our Hollywood studios is getting acquired by China?"


    "They''ve alreadymissioned Zhang Ye to make a movie?"


    "Is that fellow reallying to Hollywood?"


    "Dammit! I don''t like him!"


    "Me neither. Over the years, Director Wilson has only had one movie, Commando 2, underperform at the box office. It was precisely Zhang Ye who ruined that record!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "Zhang Ye is going to Hollywood?"


    "The day has finallye?"


    "I knew that the day woulde, but I never expected it to arrive so soon."


    "If he manages to establish himself in Hollywood, won''t he be unstoppable?"


    "Yeah, but he''s already as good as unstoppable now."


    "The showdown between Zhang Ye and the Hollywood big shot directors is finally going to happen."


    ��


    The UK.


    "Zhang Ye should still be considered a neer to Hollywood, right?"


    "I guess so. After all, he hasn''t directed a Hollywood movie before."


    "There''s a huge gap between Chinese movies and Hollywood movies, so there shouldn''t really be much to worry about, right?"


    "But don''t forget this: He never made any movies prior to the Chinese movie."


    "Yeah, for someone who has never made a movie before, he broke into the Top 100 global box office movies of all time with the very first movie he directed and acted in. It would be a wonder if Hollywood isn''t worried about him!"


    ��


    Russia.


    "I heard that there are people from the Directors Guild making amotion."


    "What are they making amotion about?"


    "It seems like they''re trying to block the acquisition by the Chinesepany."


    "There are indeed a lot of difficulties in the way of this acquisition deal."


    "Haha, so those big shot Hollywood directors also have something to fear?"


    "The man at the top of the food chain has turned his sights on Hollywood!"


    "I''m actually looking forward to what kinds of works he produces."


    "This could very well determine how far Zhang Ye can go in the international entertainment industry."


    ��


    There was uproar in the outside world.


    There was international buzz.


    People from all over the world turned their attention to this acquisition deal. In fact, they were even a little overly concerned about it. If it were an American CEO acquiring the studio, or an Englishpany doing so, there wouldn''t be a problem at all, nor would it cause such a big hubbub. It was such a big issue because a Chinesepany was looking to acquire the studio. The ownership of a medium-sized Hollywood studio could eventually affect the status quo of the international entertainment industry, so be it the media, themon folk, the industry, or the celebrities, everyone would naturally pay attention to this matter and wait to see what the oue would be.


    Some people were pleased.


    Some people were excited.


    Some people were worried.


    Some people protested.


    There were all kinds of reactions from people.

 Chapter 1678 - An animation studio?

    <h4>Chapter 1678 - An animation studio? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    America.


    Los Angeles International Airport.


    In the evening, an airne slowly descended.


    Zhang Ye said, "How was everyone''s sleep?"


    Tong Fu smiled and said, "We all got enough sleep on the ne."


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Director Zhang, do we need to get in contact with Boss Qian?"


    "No." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "He''s probably busy now. We''ll go ahead and hang out by ourselves first."


    Little Wang said in a rush, "I''ll go get the luggage, I''ll go get the luggage!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Transportation has already been arranged."


    Zhang Ye stretched. "Alright, let''s go."


    They had chartered a minibus to take everyone from the studio directly into the Los Angeles suburbs where the world-renowned entertainment capital was��Hollywood.


    The coast.


    The old theaters.


    The movie theme park.


    The Hollywood Walk of Fame 1 .


    Zhang Ye led his team to visit the attractions and traveled the entire Hollywood area just like the usual tourist. For Zhang Ye, this was only a so-so experience. This fellow was never really into foreign culture anyway, so he just went around with the others and joined in the fun. However, the rest of the studio was visibly excited. For example, Little Wang and Little Zhou both had stars in their eyes when they arrived at the Walk of Fame. They were yelling as they ran up to it to take pictures with the handprints and autographs of their favorite foreign celebrities. Throughout the tour, they behaved as though they got an adrenaline rush.


    Little Wang giggled and said, "When will Director Zhang have his name and handprints imprinted here as well?"


    Little Zhou said, "Soon, very soon. Director Zhang''s handprints will surely be installed here in the future."


    There was also a Walk of Fame in this world, and it was the highest honor that could be given to a celebrity in this world.


    However, Zhang Ye had to be a wet nket by saying, "Forget it, just look at all the stars on the floor. Whoever visits this ce would be stepping all over them, so why would I want my name to be put here? As for the handprints, these people really don''t have any awareness of their security. What if they leave their fingerprints in the concrete and have their bank credentials stolen as a result?"


    Ha Qiqi was speechless.


    Zhang Zuo was speechless.


    Little Wang was speechless.


    Every one of them was very speechless in regards to Director Zhang''s sense of security.


    Further down, they found the star with Lillian''s name on it.


    Zhang Ye immediately went up to it and stepped on the star, then took out his cell phone to take a picture. After that, he sent it to Lillian.


    A momentter, he received Lillian''s reply: "Get lost!"


    When Zhang Ye saw it, heughed out loud.


    On the sidewalk, quite a few foreign tourists recognized Zhang Ye.


    "Quick, look."


    "That man looks very familiar!"


    "Is that Zhang Ye?"


    "It''s him! It''s that Chinese celebrity!"


    "Wow, he really came to Hollywood?"


    "I like him a lot!"


    "Me too! Man vs. Wild is a very good show!"


    "I like his Gone With the Wind."


    "Did he reallye to Hollywood to make a movie?"


    Many of the foreigners had taken out their cameras to take photos of him, and several prettydies also came up to him to graciously ask for an autograph and picture together. Naturally, Zhang Ye did not reject them. He obliged everyone''s requests and got a new understanding of his fame overseas as well. From the time he turned into an international B-list celebrity, he realized that his fame and influence was different from before. If this were the past, he wouldn''t possibly get so much attention even if he were out walking the streets overseas.


    This event also surprised many of the studio''s staff.


    Ha Qiqi whispered, "Director Zhang is really an international star now."


    Zhang Zuo sighed and said, "Yeah, there are so many people who know about him now."


    "It''s more than that." Little Zhou said, "Director Zhang has many foreign fans now."


    Little Wang said proudly, "That''s true, who do you think our Director Zhang is?"


    Tong Fu said excitedly, "After we enter Hollywood, our poprity will surely go higher and higher."


    "We haven''t even made the movie yet." Zhang Zuoughed and said, "Be more modest for now."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Just look at these names on the Walk of Fame. If we want to make it to the top of the international entertainment circle, we definitely have to make a movie."


    Everyone nodded in agreement.


    Two hourster.


    A call arrived from China''s richest man.


    Zhang Ye answered: "Boss Qian."


    Qian Haitao sounded a little tired. "You''ve arrived?"


    "Yes," Zhang Ye answered.


    Qian Haitao said: "Shall we meet?"


    Zhang Ye said: "Is the deal not done yet?"


    Qian Haitao said: "Let''s speak when we meet."


    Zhang Ye said: "OK."


    After hanging up, everyone turned serious.


    Ha Qiqi said nervously, "What is it, Director Zhang?"


    Zhang Zuo said in surprise, "The deal didn''t work out?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "I don''t know. But with how Old Qian spoke over the phone, there''s likely some problem."


    "How could this happen?" Little Wang said, "Boss Qian isn''t short on money and made the best offer as well. There shouldn''t be any otherpanies who canpete with him to bid for the studio, right?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Acquiring a Hollywood studio is sometimes not just about the money."


    Everyone got onto the minibus and headed straight to Qian Haitao''s hotel.


    But while they were on the minibus, the news came out.


    Just as Zhang Ye had expected, the acquisition deal met with a major stumbling block.


    Ha Qiqi''s face sank. "We might havee to America for nothing this time!"


    Little Wang said in shock, "What happened?"


    "Have a look for yourselves." Ha Qiqi handed them the cell phone with the news on it.


    The news was already talking about it.


    All over the world, people were already discussing this news.


    ��


    China.


    "The acquisition fell through?"


    "How can that happen!"


    "The Directors Guild went on a demonstration to block it?"


    "They even sent an American official to act on the matter?"


    "They aren''t allowing a Chinesepany to buy a Hollywood studio?"


    "Damn, they''re going too far!"


    "There was even an official intervention on the matter?"


    "There was also price gouging involved?"


    ��


    France.


    "As expected, it didn''t go through."


    "It seems like they''re not letting China step into Hollywood''s territory."


    "An official intervention is such ast-ditch effort."


    "Hollywood''s stance on this is tough!"


    "It looks like Zhang Ye has failed to enter Hollywood again."


    "Yeah, he failed to do so the previous time with Commando 2. Seems like he has no luck with a Hollywood debut."


    ��


    Russia.


    "The Chinesepany has still gained something out of this."


    "They might not have acquired the film studio, but they did manage to buy an animation studio."


    "The price they paid for it was too great though."


    "Yeah, it''s only an animation firm. There''s not much they can do with it."


    "Animated films barely make a dent in the box office earnings."


    "I suppose acquiring the animation studio is more of a symbolic statement."


    ��


    Japan.


    "Zhang Ye has gone to Hollywood?"


    "Seems like he has already arrived."


    "It looks like he''s gonna have to return to China again."


    "This fellow''s journey in showbiz has not been smooth at all."


    "The deal was already sealed, yet they still lost it."


    "The strong objection in America still yed a key role in stopping the deal."


    ��


    America.


    At the Directors Guild.


    "We''ve seeded!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "We''ve finally shut out the Chinesepany!"


    "Well done!"


    "But we still allowed them to get away with one of our animation studios."


    "An animation studio doesn''t matter much. Animated films don''t make much of an impact at the box office anyway."


    "Our protests still had a huge effect!"


    "We won''t allow Hollywood to be a mouthpiece for the Chinese!"


    "That''s right. If they''re so capable, go ahead and make an animated film! Let them suffer an enormous loss! Hahahahaha!"

 Chapter 1679 - Zhang Ye wants to make an animated film!

    <h4>Chapter 1679 - Zhang Ye wants to make an animated film! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    At night.


    In a hotel in Hollywood.


    Zhang Ye brought his people over. Qian Haitao and his acquisition team were currently putting away the contractual documents. They had probably just finished the negotiations, and every one of them had a look of frustration and anger. There was a sense of defeat in their expressions. Boss Qian Jr. was also here, and he was currently cursing and swearing.


    Boss Qian Jr. shouted, "Those bastards!"


    One of the managers said angrily, "No one does things the way they do!"


    Qian Haitao looked towards the door. "Teacher Zhang, you''re here?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "I just arrived."


    Boss Qian Jr. roared anxiously, "Director Zhang, have you seen the news yet?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "I saw it on the way here. What happened?"


    Boss Qian Jr. said angrily, "Don''t bring it up. Those Hollywood bastards teamed up to take us down. They marched in protest and made trouble until the government stepped up. With just a statement, they denied our acquisition. Right now, none of the Hollywood studios dare to sell theirpany to us anymore. It doesn''t even matter how much we offer them. In the end, Dad had no other choice. There''s no such thing as stepping back on a business n that has been announced, so we had to settle for the next best thing. In the end, he forked out arge sum of money to buy an animation studio instead. The scale of the studio isn''t big either, yet the price was so high. This acquisition deal can be considered a failure. Motherfucker, I''ll be at odds with those Hollywood executives forever!"


    Qian Haitao frowned. "Rascal, be quiet and talk a little less."


    Boss Qian Jr. rolled his eyes in anger.


    It could be seen that Qian Haitao was someone who had been through a lot. "In the business world, things are always unpredictable. It''s often not as simple as you think." Then he looked at Zhang Ye and apologized, "I''m afraid I''ve made youe here for nothing this time. The n was originally proceeding quite well, but who could have thought it would go so awry? I''ll take full responsibility for it. I never expected that Hollywood and the Directors Guild would have zero tolerance for our Chinesepanies. I wasn''t even sure that we could seal the deal for the animation studio, but luckily, Hollywood already has an established system. No one really watches animated films, and the box office performance for such productions is not high either, so the deal has more of a symbolic significance for us. From here on out, we can only try to see if we can transform the animation studio into a movie studio. We might have ended up using a different way to help our country, but I doubt we can make much of an impact within the next two years."


    A manager said, "We apologize for this, Director Zhang."


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s fine."


    Someone arrived from outside.


    The youth said, "Boss Qian, the press conference is about to begin."


    Qian Haitao said, "Alright, I''ll head over once I''m ready."


    Very quickly, Qian Haitao brought his people downstairs to join the press conference.


    Leaving the group of people from Zhang Ye''s Studio looking at one another.


    Ha Qiqi sighed, "Hai, let''s go back then."


    Little Wang said angrily, "Why is it so difficult when we just want to make a movie!"


    Zhang Zuo looked at Zhang Ye. "Should I book the ne tickets back now?"


    "Wait a bit first." Zhang Ye said, "Let''s go down and have a look too."


    Tong Fu was taken back. "What else is there to see?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I want to know if Old Qian can hold up."


    ��


    In the meeting hall downstairs.


    The venue of the press conference.


    Many foreign reporters had their equipment up in anticipation.


    By now, the news of how China''s richest man had failed in his acquisition of a Hollywood studio had spread around the world. It had made it into many of the entertainment news reports and who knew how many people wereughing at them right now.


    An American reporter smiled and said, "First, congrattions on your sessful acquisition."


    Qian Haitao smiled. "Thank you."


    That American reporter asked, "It''s a pity that the other Hollywood studio could not be brought under yourpany''s fold. I heard that this was because there was some pressure from various parties, so do you have any opinions on that?"


    Qian Haitao shook his head. "I don''t wish to answer this question."


    A female reporter said, "Acquiring Star Moon Animation Studios is the first step that yourpany has taken in Hollywood. Can you share with us your future ns?"


    Qian Haitao said, "Acquiring the studio is to make movies, of course."


    A male reporter said, "As far as we know, two of Star Moon''s animation directors resigned awhile ago. They were also the only two contracted directors of thepany, so it can be said that Star Moon doesn''t have any directors. Therefore, if I may ask, can yourpanye out with any movies?"


    Qian Haitao said, "You don''t have to worry about that."


    Quite a few reporters startedughing.


    "Has Zhang Ye already arrived in Hollywood?"


    "About the project that you guys were ted to work on together, has it been canceled?"


    "When will Zhang Ye head back to China?"


    "What kind of productions will Star Moon participate in next?"


    "Will you all be getting a Chinese animation director to start a project?"


    "Does China have any animation directors?"


    "Why did the Hollywood Directors Guild collectively boycott against you?"


    "Have you considered that it was a mistake for you to acquire an animation studio?"


    Question after question, it was like these reporters were on adrenaline as they kept asking all of the questions Qian Haitao and his people did not wish to answer. Perhaps to these reporters, the Chinese were really suckers for money. They hade so far from China to Hollywood and spent such a big deal of money just to end up acquiring an animation studio that no one really wanted to buy. This was clearly a losing deal no matter how they saw it. And it was precisely because this was a losing deal that no government officials intervened with the Chinesepany from acquiring the Hollywood animation studio. Otherwise, they wouldn''t even be able to acquire anypanies at all.


    The expressions of the Chinese team didn''t look good.


    Outside the venue, the people from Zhang Ye''s Studio were also getting infuriated.


    Little Wang said, "They''re pushing it too far!"


    Tong Fu said enraged, "Are they done yet!"


    Boss Qian Jr. rolled up his sleeves and was about to head inside. "Fuck!"


    Fortunately, he was held back by Ha Qiqi and Wu Yi. "Calm down! Calm down!"


    Only Zhang Ye was not angered. In fact, this fellow seemed to be very amused after listening to all of those questions.


    Taking arge stride, Zhang Ye went up to them.


    Ha Qiqi was startled. "Director Zhang!"


    Zhang Zuo was dumbfounded. "What are you trying to do?"


    Tong Fu said in panic, "Aiyo!"


    None of them could have expected what Zhang Ye was nning to do this time!


    On the stage, Qian Haitao and his team were also stunned for a bit.


    In the audience, the reporters'' eyes lit up!


    It was Zhang Ye!


    He had finally appeared!


    This was going to get interesting!


    Just as they were about to continue asking those hurtful questions, Zhang Ye went ahead and picked up a microphone from the table. He said something to them that left them all in shock!


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Let me answer the questions that you all raised earlier. Of course my cooperation with Boss Qian isn''t over. When will I return to China? I have no ns to do so in the short term. What kind of projects will Star Moon be working on next? We''re going to make an animated film! Does China have any animation directors? Of course we do! Coincidentally, the person standing right before you is one of them. In theing days, I''ll be working with Boss Qian to make a Hollywood animated film!"


    The reporters were shocked!


    Qian Haitao was stunned!


    Boss Qian Jr. was dumbfounded!


    Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others were also startled!


    An animated film?


    You want to make an animated film!?


    Originally, Zhang Ye hade to Hollywood this time to make a live-action movie, and he also made advance preparations for it.


    But making an animated film?


    Who says he doesn''t know how to?


    This bro is gonna show you that it can be done all the same!

 Chapter 1680 - The animation film production is initiated!

    <h4>Chapter 1680 - The animation film production is initiated! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The press conference ended.


    Some reporters hurriedly left the venue.


    Some reporters hurriedly made some calls.


    And there were some reporters who had shocked looks as they stood there in a daze.


    This breaking news hade too unexpectedly! Zhang Ye was already a true blue international B-list celebrity now, and he was also one of the most popr idol celebrities currently. His fame and poprity were no longer the same as before, so everyone would naturally be more attentive to his developments. This was especially so after Man vs. Wild got really popr around the world, leaving many people wondering what his next step would be.


    An animated film?


    What kind of joke are you cracking!


    Isn''t that something that children watch?


    ��


    On the other side.


    Boss Qian Jr. said dumbfoundedly, "What''s this about?"


    Little Wang was also stunned. "What just happened!?"


    "Director Zhang! You��" Ha Qiqi facepalmed and looked at Zhang Zuo. "You! Why didn''t you stop him!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "I couldn''t react in time. You were standing closer. Why didn''t you hold him back!"


    Ha Qiqi said, "I''m a woman, like I''d have the strength to hold him back."


    Tong Fu didn''t know whether tough or cry. "Sister Ha, Brother Zuo, please don''t me each other. What should we do now? Director Zhang has already announced his intentions!"


    Qian Haitao also came over. "Teacher Zhang, what was that about?"


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Didn''t I already agree to make a movie for you?"


    Qian Haitao looked at him and said, "But what I mentioned was a live-action movie, a Hollywood blockbuster, a tform that would allow you to showcase yourself without restraint. Now that we didn''t manage to acquire the studio, that agreement would naturally be null and void. I only have an animation studio now, but you''re the director of a Top 100 global box office movie, so why would you want to direct an animated film under me? You��wouldn''t that be a joke?"


    But Zhang Ye said, "Is an animated film not a movie?"


    "It''s a movie," Boss Qian Jr. said hurriedly, "but they''re movies for children."


    Zhang Yeughed. "Whoever told you that?"


    Boss Qian Jr. was taken aback. "What do you mean who told me that? Everyone knows it."


    Zhang Ye said, "The animated films that I make are naturally going to be different from other people''s."


    Boss Qian Jr. said, "It''s all the same whoever makes them!"


    Ha Qiqi advised, "Director Zhang, this is a big deal. You should really consider carefully whether it will work or not. A movie''s production cycle is very long. If we really spend time on making it, and it ends up with no one watching it, that would be a blow to your career for sure. Your poprity will definitely drop if that happens. We''re currently on the rise, and it wasn''t easy getting onto the International B-list Rankings, so we had better not fall from grace overnight because of this. In any case, I don''t agree with making an animated film!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "I don''t agree either. No matter how the overseas response to your previous movie was, Wolf Warrior 2 is still a production that earned 4.8 billion yuan at the box office. With this as a benchmark, how much would we need to earn to be considered a sess if our next project is an animated film? 1 billion? 2 billion? I''m afraid that wouldn''t be enough at all. Moreover, the historical global box office earnings for animated films have never crossed 200 million USD before. The animated film market is only sorge with a niche demographic, so it will be very difficult to achieve any results."


    Everyone was trying hard to persuade him.


    But Zhang Ye said, "I don''t think that''s how it is."


    Qian Haitao said in a serious tone, "What are you thinking then?"


    "I''m thinking of pulling off another big one!" Zhang Ye said.


    Pull off a big one?


    Again?


    How many big ones have already you pulled off this year!


    The studio staff were flustered when they heard that. Whenever Director Zhang said something like this, he would alwayse up with some earth-shattering move. They had already learned to be afraid of him.


    Boss Qian Jr. said with a wry smile, "Are you really nning on making the movie?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Of course! I''ve already announced it, haven''t I?"


    Qian Haitao said, "Will it really work?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It will."


    Qian Haitao asked, "Are you sure?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "I''m very sure."


    Qian Haitao said, "OK, I believe you."


    "To a happy cooperation." Zhang Ye stretched out his hand.


    Qian Haitao grasped his hand and said, "We''ll be depending on you then."


    Zhang Ye cautioned them. "You all know very well how I am. I either don''t do it, or I do it to the best of my abilities. Therefore, the project''s budget might get a littlerge."


    Qian Haitao said domineeringly, "Ick everything but money."


    Talking to me about money?


    Can you be any funnier!


    Besides, how much funding could an animated film possibly need?


    Qian Haitao said, "Is 100 million enough?"


    Zhang Ye blinked. "RMB?"


    Qian Haitao was taken aback. "Yeah."


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "That definitely isn''t enough."


    Qian Haitao said without hesitation, "How about 200 million?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s still not enough."


    Qian Haitao said, "Ah? 200 million is still not enough? Even a big production like Wolf Warrior 2 only cost 200 million to make, right?"


    Zhang Ye quoted an astonishing figure next. "I''m thinking more like a billion to start."


    Qian Haitao''s smile froze!


    Everyone present was dumbfounded as well!


    How much? A billion? For a start? This is only an animated film, alright! The highest box office record for an animated film did not even reach a billion RMB in earnings, yet you''re asking for a billion RMB investment as a start? Even if this was a Hollywood blockbuster, even if many international A-listers were invited to take part in the movie, and even if it was going to be filmed in 3D, there should still be leftover change with a billion RMB budget, right? But that''s not what we''re making! Ours is just going to be an animated film! Have you gone crazy or something? Isn''t that a little too much? They finally had a taste of what Zhang Ye''s "pull off a big one" really meant. Just look, even China''s richest man had been shocked by him. Zhang Ye was probably the first person who could give a scare like that to China''s richest man and China''s son-inw over a matter of money.


    Boss Qian Jr. said nervously, "Does this movie require that much money?"


    Zhang Ye acknowledged, "Yes, it definitely does."


    Qian Haitao gave him a look. "But it''s just an animated film."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "I know that."


    Qian Haitao said, "Then do you know what the average cost of production is for other Hollywood animated films?"


    "That, I''m not sure about," Zhang Ye said.


    Qian Haitao said, "The average cost is only 20 to 30 million USD."


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "This animated film of mine is different."


    Over there, one of the managers said, "We also have a limit to our cash flow over here. We just spent a great deal of money to acquire Star Moon, so there might be some issues with the��"


    Zhang Ye directly said, "I''ll fork out the bulk of the funding."


    Wolf Warrior 2''s box office profits had already been paid out. Together with the endorsement fees he received from The C Company, his earnings from Man vs. Wild, and so on and so forth, Zhang Ye had a worth of over 2 billion RMB. Moreover, this 2 billion RMB was purely in cash deposits too, so he could take them out to use at any time he wanted.


    The manager looked at him in amazement.


    Qian Haitao also said in surprise, "Can it really break even?"


    Zhang Ye said, "If there are no mishaps, yes."


    Boss Qian, Jr. said, "What if there are?"


    Zhang Ye replied very domineeringly, "In my dictionary, there isn''t such a word."


    If anyone else had said this, they would definitely have refuted them.


    But since it was Zhang Ye who said it, no one could refute him!

 Chapter 1681 - What kind of a director is this!

    <h4>Chapter 1681 - What kind of a director is this! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the same night.


    The news spread across the world.


    "A Hollywood animation studio gets acquired!"


    "Zhang Ye announces the production of an animated film?"


    "Zhang Ye forces his way into Hollywood!"


    "A Chinese celebrity might be dropping off from the International B-list Rankings!"


    "An animated film? An unwise choice!"


    "Is it a surge in confidence? Or has something gotten to his head?"


    "The Chinese celebrity is acting crazy again!"


    ��


    China.


    On Weibo.


    "Goddammit!"


    "Go watch the news!"


    "An animated film? Wasn''t it supposed to be a live-action movie?"


    "The acquisition of the movie studio failed, so they ended up buying an animation studio instead."


    "Even so, they shouldn''t be making animated films because of that! Does Zhang Ye have any experience in animated movies?"


    "Uh, actually, he does. Have you guys forgotten? Before he went to prison, there was a cartoon called The Legend of Qin that swept aside all of the Japanese cartoons. Wasn''t that directed by Zhang Ye!"


    "But that was just a domestic cartoon. It''s nothingpared to a movie!"


    "Motherfucker, this fellow has jumped industries again!"


    "This guy never stays in the same industry for more than three months!"


    ��


    The UK.


    "Holy shit!"


    "He''s really going to do it!"


    "Is he really going to make an animated film?"


    "Although this is also a genre of Hollywood movies, it caters to a very niche audience. Even if they had the best Hollywood director out there to direct it, the box office earnings wouldn''t be high. Moreover, this is going to be his first movie since arriving in Hollywood! He has never been on any Hollywood productions before!"


    "What is he nning?"


    "God knows!"


    "This guy is always doing things the ''unorthodox'' way!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "An animated film?"


    "Ah, could this fellow be thinking of making a One Piece movie?"


    "Or perhaps, a Naruto movie?"


    "You all are overthinking things. Thoseics of his have long been castrated."


    "That''s right, shouldn''t you guys know this fellow by now? He''s not that kindhearted!"


    "Let''s just wait and see what he''s going toe up with again this time."


    ��


    America.


    At the Directors Guild.


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "This is cracking me up!"


    "Wilson, did you see this?"


    "This fellow has really gone to make an animated film!"


    "He might as well be asking for death!"


    "I am really impressed by his guts."


    "Hollywood movies are the best in the world, but Hollywood animated films are an exception. This Zhang Ye guy has basically chosen a path of no return."


    "We''re gonna be in for a goodugh."


    ��


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    At Star Moon Animation Studios. The main business of thepany was in animations. It was considered a well-established name in Hollywood, even if it wasn''t a veryrgepany. After all, an animation studio in Hollywood had always been considered a second-ss entity. In recent years, Star Moon Animation Studios hadn''t been run well and had only taken in 18 million USD, 17 million USD, and 2 million USD for each of its three animated films that had been released one after the other. Even among the animation studios in Hollywood, they were considered an averagepany and were on the verge of bankruptcy as well. It was only because of this that they were bought by the Chinese business group.


    In the office.


    Qian Haitao was walking at the front. "I''ll show you around the ce."


    Zhang Ye said, "Sure."


    Ha Qiqi was looking around the ce and said, "This is a prettyrge ce."


    Zhang Zuo nodded. "The atmosphere here is quite different too."


    Little Wang muttered, "So this is a Hollywood studio?"


    Beforeing over, they had also heard of Star Moon being an averagepany. Therefore, they didn''t really have any anticipation of the ce. It was only after they came here that they discovered it wasn''t like what they had thought. Apany of this scale was only considered average in Hollywood? Then what would the top Hollywood studios look like?!


    Qian Haitao continued walking as he exined, "This is thepany headquarters, but it''s not like we have other branches. The offices are based here, and the production and editing are also carried out here. We''ve already given assurance to the staff and settled them down. Some of the upper management have left their posts along with two animation directors while the remaining technical personnel have all stayed behind. I dare not im that they are the best in the industry, but they''re still a professional Hollywood animation team. Even if I don''t wish to admit this, Hollywood''s animation teams are much more professional than those in our country. The facilities are also the best out there, so you don''t have to worry about that. I''ve kept an essential team running and made the necessary facilities avable, and all of these are the greatest assets that we have at Star Moon Animation Studios."


    The equipment.


    The technical staff.


    The distribution channels.


    All of these were what Zhang Ye needed the most. He could gather up a team to shoot Wolf Warrior 2, and he could also pull people from his studio to shoot Man vs. Wild, but that was not possible for an animated film. Be it him, or his studio''s staff, they were allpletely inexperienced in this field. Most of them did not know anything about animation, so Zhang Ye needed the most professional team to help reproduce the script and scenes that he had in mind and make it into an animated film.


    Zhang Ye asked, "Who''s in charge at thepany?"


    Qian Haitao pointed and said, "There, he''s justing over."


    A Caucasian man strode up with a smile and said, "Boss."


    Qian Haitao said, "Let me introduce you. This is Mark Foran."


    Zhang Ye put his hand out. "Hello, my name is Zhang Ye."


    Mark Foran shook his hand. "I know who you are. Hello, Zhang."


    Qian Haitao said, "Mark is an old friend of mine. Our acquisition this time only seeded because of him linking us up with the right people. I want you two to work together on this new project. Discuss things often. If there are any differences in opinion��" He looked at Mark Foran. "��let Teacher Zhang make the final decision. There is no need to consult me."


    Mark Foran smiled and said, "I understand."


    Zhang Ye smiled. "Please don''t say that. It''s better that we work things out by discussing them."


    Qian Haitao said in amusement, "Get off it. You''ve invested arger sum of money than me for this project, so even if there are any disagreements, I''ll still have to listen to you. Therefore, you''ll have the final say for the project. I''ll be cooperating fully with you on my side. I already gave you that promise before we came to Hollywood, so I''d like to deliver on that."


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright."


    Qian Haitao asked, "Have you thought of what style of animation you would like to make?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll have to do some market research first."


    Mark Foran proactively said, "I''ve got all the information here regarding Hollywood''s animated films from over the years. You can find out anything you need to know about whichever animated films you want. We have all of them on VHS tapes and CDs as well."


    "That would be great." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Let me do some research on them first."


    Mark Foran asked, "Which ones have you watched? I''ll get someone to bring over those that you haven''t seen before."


    Which ones have I watched before?


    Zhang Ye was a little embarrassed. He said, "Bring all of them over."


    Little Wang burst intoughter.


    Ha Qiqi rolled her eyes.


    Zhang Zuo also knew very well what this meant.


    How could they not know what Zhang Ye''s approach on matters was like?


    Mark Foran was taken aback. "That will be too many of them. Shouldn''t we be picking out some titles you haven''t watched before that are worthier to research?"


    Zhang Ye smiled in embarrassment. "Actually, I haven''t watched any before."


    "What?" Mark Foran was dumbfounded.


    Zhang Ye''s exined, "I don''t usually have time to watch movies."


    A group of foreign employees around them were also stunned to hear that!


    What?


    Haven''t watched any before?


    What the hell! You''ve never even watched a Hollywood animation before, but you still fucking decided to go ahead and make an animated film?!


    At this moment, everyone from Star Moon felt an unprecedented sense of despair. Just what kind of a director had God sent to them?!

 Chapter 1682 - Zhang Ye gets into an argument with the Hollywood directors!

    <h4>Chapter 1682 - Zhang Ye gets into an argument with the Hollywood directors! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Star Moon Animation Studios.


    On the third floor, in the screening room.


    The animated films of this world were being projected onto the screen.


    One film.


    Two films.


    Three films.


    "Teacher Zhang."


    "Mhm?"


    "Have you seen this before?"


    "No."


    "Then you must have watched Squirrel before, right?"


    "Nope, never watched that before."


    "Surely you must have watched Toy Cat then!"


    "I really haven''t watched any before."


    At first, Mark Foran and the others did not believe him. They thought that Zhang Ye was just kidding with them, or perhaps they didn''t understand the kind of humor that the Chinese people had. As such, Mark Foran specially picked out a few of this world''s better known Hollywood animated films that had the highest box office earnings and showed them to Zhang Ye. In his opinion, even if one wasn''t professionally involved with animated films, they would probably still have watched them before. This was because these titles were world-famous. But after ying a few of them, they finally plunged into despair when they realized that Zhang Ye had really not watched any of them before. He had not seen a single animated film before!


    Mark Foran was on the verge of breaking down.


    The staff of Star Moon were facepalming.


    "I have a bad feeling about this."


    "Me too."


    "Surely you don''t need a feeling to see where this is going, right?"


    "We''re screwed."


    Everyone looked depressed.


    But Zhang Ye stared fixedly at the screen with a serious expression.


    An hour.


    Three hours.


    Five hours.


    It was getting dark and about time to clock out.


    Ha Qiqi asked, "Director Zhang, how is it?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Have you made any headway after watching them?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Go back first, I''ll continue watching."


    Mark Foran also came in at this time. "Shall I get the staff to clock out first?"


    "Sure." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Go home, all of you. There''s no need to worry about me. Haven''t all the movies been brought over? I''ll just y them by myself and research further."


    Everyone left. Only Zhang Ye was left in the screening room as he continued watching. Later on, he sped up the yback and watched it in fast forward.


    10 movies.


    20 movies.


    30 movies.


    Some of them did well at the box office.


    Some of them didn''t do so well at the box office.


    Some of them were from the early era of animated films.


    Some of them were just shown this year.


    Zhang Ye had been wondering why everyone around him kept saying that it wasn''t OK to do animated films. It felt like they were trying to avoid making one. Qian Haitao was like this, and so was Ha Qiqi, Mark Foran, and the others from Hollywood. It seemed like this industry was simply a dead end. It wasn''t until Zhang Ye watched a portion of the Hollywood animated films that he finally understood why they had said that.


    The production budget was low!


    The investments were small!


    The plots were childish!


    How the fuck do they even call those animated films?


    What nonsense is this!


    So the animation film industry in this world was still stuck in its most primitive state? Their target audience was children and teenagers? Although there were also some animated films made for adults, they all contained dark humor and satire without exception. Such animated films were only targeted at an extremely small demographic, and the younger crowd did not like watching them at all. Therefore, their final box office earnings tended to be extremely poor as well. Year by year, animated film after animated film, an illusion that such works were bad started building up. This resulted in the current situation where no directors liked making animated films and no viewers liked watching them either.


    In actual fact, Zhang Ye knew that Hollywood animated films were an extremely strong medium. Many excellent animated films were able to give the top Hollywood live-action movies a run for their money at the box office. In his previous world, if anyone shouted on the streets that Hollywood animated films were bad, they would surely be seen as idiots. This was because in that world, of the Top 100 Highest-Grossing Movies of all time, a quarter of the list was taken up by animated films!


    If even that didn''t work?


    Then what else would work?


    This is only happening because you people are not good at making them!


    Sitting there, Zhang Ye spent the entire night researching.


    "What the heck is this?"


    "This movie isn''t good either."


    "I guess only I can broaden you people''s horizons!"


    "Which animated film should I use then? I will crush all of you with whichever one that I bring out!"


    Zhang Ye kept muttering to himself in the screening room. But he wasn''t wrong either. All of the animated films he could think of were far better than this world''s animated films. Whichever one he chose to bring out would definitely astonish a lot of people. This gave Zhang Ye a headache over which one to choose.


    ��


    The next day.


    Hollywood, in the morning.


    An incident suddenly happened in the outside world. The members of the Directors Guild were once again targeting Zhang Ye. In an instant, a battle started on the Web!


    "What?"


    "An investment of 160 million USD?"


    "And that''s only just the production budget?"


    "If we count the publicity expenses, wouldn''t ite up to 200 million USD?"


    "That Chinese man has really gone crazy!"


    "Do they even understand how the film industry works?"


    "Hollywood has been upied byymen!"


    "The things that Zhang Ye does are way too crazy!"


    "If this animated film can make money, I''ll eat my head!"


    "Thebined box office earnings of all the Hollywood animated films over the past two years didn''t even cross 160 million USD, yet you invested 160 million just like that? What a joke!"


    "This is an international joke!"


    "Even a live-action movie wouldn''t cost that much!"


    "Ha! I''m so exasperated by this!"


    Many Hollywood big name directors couldn''t help but step forward and say something.


    Many Hollywood industry insiders also started a barrage of scolding aimed at Zhang Ye.


    Star Moon Animation Studios.


    The employees had not arrived for work yet.


    Zhang Ye had gone out alone to buy breakfast for himself. He hadn''t gotten any sleep all night and was hungry. As he ate, he browsed the Inte and happened toe across the news as well.


    You people stuck your noses in when we wanted to acquire a movie studio?


    You people are sticking your noses in again now that I am going to make a movie?


    Why the fuck are you all such busybodies!


    Zhang Ye logged into his ount and replied: "It''s my business what I want to make. You guys are such busybodies!"


    A big shot Hollywood movie director shot back: "Wanna make a bet?"


    Zhang Yeughed and asked: "What are we betting on?"


    Another Hollywood director said: "A bet on your box office earnings!"


    Zhang Ye replied: "Sure."


    A third Hollywood big name director said: "Your box office earnings won''t exceed 30 million dors!"


    Zhang Ye said: "What if it does?"


    That American director said: "I''ll eat my own head!"


    Zhang Ye sneered and said: "Don''t talk about things that you can''t do. Say something more realistic."


    Another American director joined in. "How much do you expect an animated film to earn at the box office? Us directors will all get box office earnings that are multiple times yours. Let''s make a bet! It will be limited to this year alone. If your animated film''s box office earnings can exceed any of our new movie''s box office earnings, we will consider it your win. But if you lose, then get out of Hollywood! Ayman like you shouldn''t being here to make trouble!"


    Zhang Ye said: "That won''t do."


    Wilson was also here. "Haha, you won''t bet on that, will you?"


    Many of the directors started deriding him.


    But at the next moment, their expressions froze.


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "How about this? If any of your new movies'' box office earnings can exceed mine, I will consider it my loss. The wager of the bet will remain as you guys suggested. But if none of your new movies'' box office earnings can exceed mine, I won''t ask too much of you in case any of you back out. When I get a chance to make a new movie, I want you all to guest star in it, free of charge, and y any role that I assign you. How about that? It''s not too difficult a request, is it?"


    What?


    Exceed your box office earnings?


    Many of the Hollywood directors were enraged!


    Wilson said angrily: "So long as any of us exceeds your box office earnings?"


    Zhang Ye said: "So are you going to take the bet?"


    Tony said: "I''m just afraid that you''ll go back on your words!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said: "This is the World Wide Web; there are records of what everyone has said. The entire world''s media outlets and people are looking at this now, and they can all bear witness to what I said. I should be the one who''s afraid of you guys going back on your words!"


    "Who gave you the balls to say something like that!"


    "This is so infuriating! I''ll take the bet! Take his bet!"


    "I don''t believe you can do it! I''ll take the bet too!"


    "Alright, count me in!"


    "And me too!"


    This was a provocation!


    This was an insult!


    How could this group of elite, international Hollywood movie directors take this lying down? They were all stirred up by this, and many other Hollywood directors who did not appear earlier also starteding forward at this time. The entire Directors Guild came forward to take the bet and swore to chase ayman like Zhang Ye out of Hollywood. As for that wager to act for free in a movie by Zhang Ye? It was something that they didn''t even consider! Lose? How could they possibly lose! The worst performer of this bunch was already a member of the 100 million USD box office earnings club. Even if they shot a movie with their eyes closed, they couldn''t possibly bring in less than 50 million USD at the box office. But an animated film? Of the Hollywood animated films that were shown this year, none had exceeded 10 million USD at the box office!


    Zhang Ye sneered and said: "So it''s on then?"


    The group of Hollywood directors all said: "It''s on!"


    Zhang Ye said: "Let the world bear witness!"


    The directors said: "Let the world bear witness!"


    What kind of temper did Zhang Ye have? If this fellow didn''t look for trouble with others, it would be a blessing. But for this group of Hollywood directors, they kepting back time and again to take it up with Zhang Ye, so of course he would strike back at them. Moreover, he was the type who would either do nothing or retaliate in the most vicious of ways! And this time, with several dozen Hollywood directors joining the bet, it was the perfect time for him to strike them down all at once!


    The argument was reaching a boiling point!


    The outside world was watching in shock!


    Something big was happening again in the international entertainment industry!


    Zhang Ye had gotten into an argument with the Hollywood directors again!


    With the entire world bearing witness, the craziest bet in the history of the international entertainment industry was official!

 Chapter 1683 - Come on out, Frozen!

    <h4>Chapter 1683 - Come on out, Frozen! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Korea.


    "Zhang Ye and the Directors Guild got into an argument?"


    "If he loses, he''s gonna have to quit Hollywood?"


    "How can he win?"


    "He''s betting against all of the big name Hollywood directors!"


    "He will lose as long as any of the Hollywood directors'' box office earnings surpass his?"


    "Unless his new movie can make a billion dors at the box office!"


    ��


    America.


    "Zhang Ye will be bidding farewell to Hollywood soon."


    "Yeah, he actually epted a bet like that?"


    "The Directors Guild are clearly targeting him."


    "These veteran Hollywood directors are all very united. Now that a new director hase to Hollywood, and it''s even a Chinese guy, they will definitely not allow it."


    "The matter has blown up."


    ��


    China.


    "What?"


    "There''s no end to the bullying?"


    "Motherfucker, Face-smacking Zhang, get them!"


    "Yeah, fuck them up!"


    "But the wager of this bet is indeed a little big."


    "Is he really going to spend a billion yuan to make this animated film?"


    ��


    India.


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "This fellow is gonna be down on his luck!"


    "Yeah, he even dares to take on the Hollywood directors?"


    "He''s challenging all of the Hollywood directors by himself?"


    "Whoever gave him the confidence to do something like that!"


    "Zhang Ye is gonna end up losing very badly this time! I''ll be popping the popcorn!"


    ��


    It blew up in the outside world.


    The media.


    The people.


    The international celebrities.


    The industry insiders.


    Everyone was stunned by this news.


    At the same time, there was chaos at Star Moon Animation Studios in Hollywood.


    Mark Foran and the rest of the staff at Star Moon came rushing back to the office in a panic. When they arrived, they saw Zhang Ye sitting there calmly while enjoying his American breakfast.


    Mark Foran said startled, "Teacher Zhang! W-What did you just do?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Ah? Me? I was having breakfast." Then he went on to say in a dissatisfied way, "The breakfast here isn''t much. Do you guys have soy milk and fried dough sticks?"


    One of thepany executives nearly fainted in anger. "How can you still be thinking of eating?"


    Ha Qiqi said anxiously, "Director Zhang, why are you fighting with others again!"


    Mark Foran took out his cell phone and pointed at the screen. "Did you say this?"


    Zhang Ye nced at it. "Yeah, I said that."


    Mark Foran was floored. "You''re just one person. Why did you dere war on all of the Hollywood directors? And you even made a wager like that? D-Do you know who those directors are?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head. "I don''t."


    Mark Foran said, "Wilson has already started production on his new movie."


    "Oh, is that so?"


    "You know Tony, right?"


    "I don''t know him."


    "Then surely you know who Becky is, right?"


    "I''m not sure who that is."


    "You have to know who nders is!"


    "nders? I don''t know who that is. I''ve already told you, I don''t usually have much time to watch movies."


    When everyone heard that, they were on the verge of a breakdown!


    You don''t even know them?


    You haven''t even heard of them?


    Then why the fuck would you challenge them?


    The Star Moon staff eximed:


    "They''re all famous Hollywood directors!"


    "And their new movies are all going to be released this year."


    "Tony''sst movie earned 500 million dors at the box office!"


    "Becky is a director with a movie ranked in the top thirty worldwide highest-grossing movies of all time!"


    "nders''s new movie has a conservative estimate of 600 million USD for its box office earnings by the industry insiders!"


    "All of them are elite directors in Hollywood!"


    "We''re only doing an animated film. How can we possiblypare to them in the box office!"


    Zhang Ye gave a smile and cated, "There''s me around, so don''t worry."


    The Star Moon staff were almost in tears by now. They thought to themselves, Like we can do that! It''s fucking because you''re here that we''re so worried! For someone who hasn''t even watched a Hollywood movie animated film, you actually had the guts toe to Hollywood to make an animated film? And you even dared to challenge all of the directors in Hollywood as well? Even God would be worried for you!


    Mark Foran couldn''t take this anymore. He jogged off to the side and called his boss.


    "Boss!" Mark Foran said: "Something major has happened!"


    Qian Haitao had returned to China on a flightst night. "I''ve already heard about it."


    Mark Foran said: "What do we do now?"


    "Just prepare to start production on the movie."


    "Huh? How are we gonna do that?"


    "Just do what has to be done and listen to Teacher Zhang''s orders. You don''t have to worry about him. That''s just how he is. You''ll be fine once you get used to it."


    Get used to it?


    How can I get used to that!


    Mark Foran was extremely dumbfounded. When he discovered his boss''s nonreaction to Zhang Ye''s challenge to the Hollywood directors, he immediately understood something. These kinds of incidents must have happened quite often when Zhang Ye was in China. He remembered that this man at the top of the food chain was someone who even dared to beat up a person at the Nobel Prize award ceremony, so what else would he not dare to do?


    The nearby chatter reached his ears.


    Mark Foran looked over and saw that the people in Zhang Ye''s team were conversing. He could understand Mandarin and speak it as well.


    Zhang Zuo said helplessly, "Something always has to happen whenever we go overseas."


    Little Wang put her head in her hands and said, "Even without going overseas, we''ve also encountered many such incidents."


    Tong Fu gave a wry smile. "I think this is happening because Director Zhang hasn''t been in a fight in a while."


    Ha Qiqi bluntly said, "You''re just thinking that? It''s precisely because he hasn''t been in a fight in a long time!"


    Wu Yi said, "Ever since he got into that conflict with Wilson, Director Zhang hasn''t really fought with anyone during the three months we spent filming Man vs. Wild. Now that we have some people delivering themselves to us, how can Director Zhang possibly turn them away? He''s the type who feels uneasy if he doesn''t get into a fight daily, so it must''ve been really hard on him to endure the three months of peace and quiet that we had."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Yeah, it must have been difficult."


    Little Wang thought about it. "Now that you say that, it does seem to be true. Ever since Director Zhang was released from prison, his temper has gotten much better."


    Zhang Zuo nodded. "It''s true that his temper has gotten better."


    Mark Foran almost cried listening to their conversation.


    His temper has gotten better?


    You fucking call this having a good temper?


    Jesus Christ! Just how low are your standards!


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Ring, ring, ring.


    Thendlines in the office were blowing up with calls!


    Because of a wager, the entirety of Star Moon Animation Studios had been pushed into the headlines. Right now, everyone knew very clearly that no matter what would happen, the incident had already taken ce. There was no way back for them. All that they could do was to go ahead and make an animated film, then lose the bet in the most terrible of ways! They were going to end up as theughing stock of Hollywood for a lifetime!


    Mark Foran asked, "Teacher Zhang, have you decided what you want to make?"


    Ha Qiqi also said, "What genre are we going to do?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Do you have any ideas?"


    Zhang Ye finished up his sandwich and took out a napkin to wipe his mouth. Then he confidently smiled. "I''ve already made a decision."


    He had been thinking a lot before this, and there were many choices that he could select.


    Make one that had Chinese elements?


    Or one that could win an award?


    Or perhaps a brand new style of animated films?


    However, he didn''t have to consider any of that anymore.


    Compete on box office earnings, right? Alright, I''ll take on all of you this time!


    Don''t me this bro for being a bully! You were the ones who forced my hands!


    Zhang Ye looked at everyone. "I''ve already thought of the title for the animated film."


    Everyone asked, "What''s it called?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Frozen!"

 Chapter 1684 - The fastest draw takes to stage!

    <h4>Chapter 1684 - The fastest draw takes to stage! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Frozen?


    Everyone looked at one another.


    Mark Foran asked, "What genre is it?"


    Zhang Ye said, "It''s a fairy tale."


    Ha Qiqi said, "Isn''t that still targeted at children and teenagers?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s not the same."


    Zhang Zuo asked, "What other elements will there be?"


    Zhang Ye thought about it and said, "It will have musical elements."


    Mark Foran rolled his eyes. "Will there also be a princess? And a prince too?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Eh, that''s right."


    A MoonStar Studios staff said, "And magic as well?"


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Did you all sneak a peek at my script?"


    Everyone was floored!


    What script did we sneak a peek at!


    You would have to have a script first!


    Mark Foran said despondently, "Isn''t that the standard temte for most Hollywood animated films? It has been so overused in recent years! Everyone bases their films on this temte!"


    But Zhang Yeughed and said, "Mine is different."


    How is that different?


    Aren''t they the same?


    Everyone felt pessimistic and let out sighs.


    Only Zhang Ye knew that this animated film he was going to make was going to be absolutely different from the animated films that they had imagined it to be.


    Frozen, also known as The Snow Queen or Anna and the Snow Queen, had many other tranted names. However, all of them referred to that one movie. It was a movie from Zhang Ye''s previous world that was the highest-grossing animated film of all time, as well as the only animated film to have made it into the top ten worldwide highest-grossing movies of all time! But in this world, animated films were generally weaker performers, and Zhang Ye did not know if Frozen could create the same miracle that it did in his previous world. But at the very least, he believed that it would easilye out on top against those several dozen Hollywood directors'' movies.


    The project was confirmed.


    The animated film was set to be produced.


    The next stage would be the animation production.


    On the very same day, Zhang Ye''s figure was seen everywhere around the various departments of Star Moon Animation Studios.


    ��


    At the character design department.


    "Teacher Zhang, we have some ready-made character designs. Why don''t you have a look and see if they''re OK?"


    "No, that won''t work."


    "Eh? We have a lot of them, so why don''t you take a look first?"


    "There''s no need to take a look. Just do it ording to my specifications."


    "Your specifications? Where are they?"


    "Do you have a pen and paper?"


    "Yes, here you go."


    "Alright, just base it off of this drawing. I''ll let you all know about the character color palettes at ater time."


    "Y-You know how to sketch character designs?"


    "Of course, I used to drawics, after all."


    ��


    At the screenwriting department.


    "Teacher Zhang, what about the screeny?"


    "What''s our main storyline?"


    "Oh, wait for me for a little while."


    "Huh? Where are you off to?"


    "Teacher Zhang?"


    "You''re back already?"


    "Here, this is the screeny."


    "What? You''ve alreadypleted it?"


    "Did you just write this? But it''s only been 10 minutes!"


    "Thi-This is too fast!"


    "Shouldn''t it take at least several months of revisions and development toplete the screeny?"


    "There''s no need for that. You can just use this."


    ��


    At the music department.


    "Teacher Zhang, what style should the background music and main theme be?"


    "Are we going topose and write the music ourselves or will we be licensing other people''s music?"


    "There''s no need for that. We''ll produce it in-house."


    "But we''re not professionals at this after all. If we do it in-house��"


    "I am a professional."


    "Ah?"


    "I''ll write the songs andpose the orchestration and submit it to you to work on."


    "Alright, we''ll wait for your score then."


    "Here, it''s done. Go ahead and produce these three songs first."


    "What? You''ve finishedposing them?"


    "This��"


    ��


    At the animation department.


    "Teacher Zhang, which techniques should we use for the animation?"


    "Use the best CGI 1 avable."


    "But that would be too expensive. For most of our Hollywood animated films, we usually employ traditional hand-drawn techniques 2 . When we reach the critical scenes, we will then work on them frame by frame."


    "For us, we''ll create the entire film frame by frame."


    "Do you know how much that would cost?"


    "Is 160 million dors enough?"


    "Uh��"


    "If it isn''t, I''ll ask for more money. However, there must be a guaranteed quality."


    "That''s like burning cash. No one has ever done it like this before!"


    "Making an animated film is basically burning money in the first ce. The only reason why all of those past Hollywood animated films received such lukewarm receptions was because they were reluctant to spend money. But I''m willing to!"


    ��


    At the voiceover department.


    "Teacher Zhang, who should we cast for the voice actors?"


    "That will be tricky to handle. Normally, we would look to cast some Hollywood celebrities. But now that you''ve dered war on so many big name directors in Hollywood, I''m afraid that none of those celebrities would dare to do voice acting for us."


    "It will be fine."


    "Fine?"


    "I''ll look for the voice actors."


    Having said that, Zhang Ye started making some calls.


    He contacted Dong Shanshan first.


    "Shanshan, how''s your English?"


    "Do you have to ask?"


    "Haha, that''s great then. Come and do some voice acting for me soon?"


    "For your animated film?"


    "That''s right."


    "You''re really going to do it?"


    "Yeah, I''m really doing it. I''ve already epted the bet, so how can it not be real?"


    "Alright, I''ll be looking forward to basking in your glory as a Hollywood director."


    Then he called Ning Lan.


    "Sister Ning, busy?"


    "I''m reading the news about your bet with other people. You''re really capable, huh?"


    "Great timing. How about doing some voice acting for me?"


    "Voice acting for what?"


    "A role in my new movie."


    "You''re looking for me to do that? My English is only so-so."


    "Go practice then. The post-production will only happen in several months anyway."


    "Whoa, so will this be considered my Hollywood debut?"


    "Of course!"


    He made another call to Yao Jiancai.


    "Zhang''er, what''s up?"


    "Old Yao, go and brush up on your English."


    "Why would I do that?"


    "Just practice a few lines. I''ll need you to do some voice acting soon. I''ve reserved a role for you."


    "For your animated film? Fine! Haha!"


    After a string of calls.


    Zhang Ye turned around and said to the people of the voiceover department, "It''s finished. The majority of the roles have been assigned."


    The voiceover department''s staff had nk looks on their faces.


    ��


    On this day.


    Many of Star Moon''s employees were genuflecting.


    Even Mark Foran was stunned.


    It wasn''t for anything else. They were just too shocked at Zhang Ye''s efficiency. They had assumed that Zhang Ye was just ayman who did not know anything about animation productions. They thought that he was just messing around when he said that he would be making a Hollywood animated film. But the moment Zhang Ye started working on the project, it felt like he had turned into an entirely different person. His work efficiency could shock people to death, and he wouldn''t have to pay for it. Whenever he told the staff under him that he would get them the information they required, most people would subconsciously ept this to mean a few dayster or within a month''s time. But in Zhang Ye''s context, this only meant a few minutes!


    He went away and came back.


    The screeny was ready.


    He picked it up and ced it back down.


    The character designs were sketched.


    He turned to leave and returned.


    Three songs were alreadyposed.


    He made some calls and hung up.


    The voice casting was finalized.


    Mark Foran and the others looked like they had seen a ghost!


    This was only the first day of production, but the majority of the work was already done?


    Only Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the rest of Zhang Ye''s personal team were not surprised because they understood full well what Zhang Ye''s work style was. His nickname of China''s fastest draw was not for nothing. This fellow was someone who couldplete the filming of a 40-episode television drama in just 10 days. But more importantly, he did not sacrifice any quality for speed.

 Chapter 1685 - Who exactly is the fastest draw around here?

    <h4>Chapter 1685 - Who exactly is the fastest draw around here? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    The news had spread around the world.


    The American media: "Zhang Ye''s high-stakes bet with Hollywood!"


    The UK media: "An impossible-to-win bet!"


    The Japanese media: "A production cost of nearly 200 million USD?"


    "The Korean media: "The most expensive animated film in history will soon be produced!"


    The Indian media: "Zhang Ye paints himself into a corner!"


    The French media: "Hollywood directors express that they''re under no pressure!"


    The Chinese media: "Zhang Ye''s written challenge to Hollywood?"


    The matter got blown up even further. Fueled by the deliberate encouragement from the international entertainment industry and media outlets, this bet turned the world upside down. Some nosy people even made the bet into a contract and posted it onto an authoritative media outlet so that everyone could bear witness to the wager.


    Someone even started a poll.


    "The Hollywood directors will definitely win!"


    "Haha, obviously."


    "There isn''t a need to vote. Zhang Ye will lose for sure!"


    "Is there even a need to vote?"


    "Anyone with brains should know that Hollywood animated films will never be able to win against Hollywood live-action movies even if a 100 or 200 years pass."


    "We don''t even know if Zhang Ye canplete production of his animated film by the end of the year."


    "Yeah, the production cycle of an animated film usually takes up to a year or two to finish."


    "If he can''t finish making the movie this year, he won''t be able to release it for screening, which means he''ll lose the bet."


    "Pfft, why does everyone say that he will lose?"


    "Are you expecting otherwise? Do you think that anyone really expects him to win?"


    The oue of the poll was decided very quickly.


    But the results still surprised many people.


    Votes for the Hollywood directors: 95%


    Votes for Zhang Ye: 5%


    So there were actually people who felt that Zhang Ye could win!


    ��


    Wilson''s studio.


    "There are people who voted for him?"


    "Hahaha, I''m dying ofughter."


    "There really are a lot of idiots out there."


    "I guess those votes are all from his Chinese fans."


    "There''s no need to worry about him. We just have to make sure we do well on our own movie and let the box office do the talking."


    "Yeah, let the box office do the talking."


    "We''ve already started filming our movie and will wrap up production in less than three months. Star Moon was acquired just two days ago. Counting the time that they''ll need to get the project initiated, raise the funds, and get the screeny sorted out, it would be considered very good if they can start production in two months. However, I''m quite sure they won''t be able to finish making the movie by the end of the year."


    ��


    Tony''s film crew.


    "Director, the preparations are in order."


    "Alright, let''s start filming next week."


    "We''re definitely going to hit a new record at the box office."


    "Yeah, everybody is confident about that."


    "Everyone, let''s take the filming seriously. We have to let the Chinese know exactly what makes a Hollywood movie. It''s not something that just any Tom, Dick, or Harry cane to Hollywood and make."


    ��


    Director Becky''s studio.


    "Is there any news about Zhang Ye''s movie?"


    "Nothing at all."


    "Hur hur, they''ve only arrived in Hollywood for two days. I''m afraid they''re still far from making any progress on the preproduction stage of the animated film."


    "It''s impossible to make a good animated film without three to five months of preproduction."


    "This bet that we have with him does make us seem like bullies."


    "There was no way around it. The Chinese guy asked for it."


    "Come on, let''s get prepped for the shoot."


    ��


    Director nders''s studio.


    "We have to hurry."


    "Yeah, many of the other movies are about to start filming."


    "We were a littlete in initiating the project."


    "It''s alright. Don''t you know who Director nders is? Our director is well-known for being the fastest worker in Hollywood. The screeny should be finalized within the next few days."


    "That quickly?"


    "Haha, as expected from Director nders."


    "In all of Hollywood, no one dares topete with us on the speed of making a movie."


    "That''s right. Especially not for a production like an animated film whose process can be excruciatingly slow. Even the character design process can take over a month toplete, hahaha."


    ��


    At this moment.


    Many of the Hollywood directors were also giving their best.


    For those who epted Zhang Ye''s bet, some were already into the initial stage of filming, while others had alreadypleted their preproduction work and received the initial funds to begin production. They had much more time to prepare than Zhang Ye did. Some of them had already received the confirmation for their projects several months ago and had started casting and booking locations. As such, their progress was much faster. When they did not see any activitying from Star Moon Animation Studios, every one of themughed without making anyments. They understood very well what was going on. Even though most of them had not made an animated film before, they were still considered industry insiders and knew what an animated film production entailed. The production cycle of a project like this could simply be described as horrendous. This was also the reason why many directors were unwilling to work on an animated film.


    The screeny would take at least a month toplete.


    The character designs would take at least two months to work on.


    There was also a need to design the sets for the scenes.


    And outsource the soundtrack to professionals.


    Coupled with the frame-by-frame drawing and production work, an animated film could take up to a year or two toplete, so how could they possibly finish it within the year?


    The Hollywood directors were in a good mood and didn''t seem worried at all.


    Many of the media outlets were also fanning the mes. After interviewing the Hollywood directors who made the bet with Zhang Ye regarding the progress of their movies, many of these Hollywood-based reporters deliberately went over to Star Moon Animation Studios to interview them on their progress. A majority of the reporters headed there with the mindset of seeing a joke, but upon getting feedback from thepany, these reporters were all dumbfounded. Every single one of them who went to Star Moon Animation Studios walked out with a bewildered look!


    Finally.


    Breaking news exploded onto the scene.


    Star Moon Animation Studios announced the title for itstest animated film, Frozen.


    The progress of the animated film production: midway!


    ��


    America.


    "What?"


    "Midway into production?"


    "Holy fuck!"


    "They''re already in the middle of the production cycle?"


    "How can they be this fast!"


    "Is that guy taking off?"


    ��


    Japan.


    "What?"


    "How is that possible!"


    "The screeny has been finalized?"


    "The character designs are already done?"


    "The set designs have beenpleted?"


    "They''ve cast the voice actors already?"


    ��


    The Hollywood directors.


    "Jesus Christ!"


    "Is that dude on steroids?!"


    "What do they fucking mean by midway through production?"


    "Our project started half a year ago, but we aren''t even midway into production. How many days has it been since their project started?"


    ��


    China.


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    "The fastest draw, Zhang Ye, has appeared again!"


    "The work efficiency of this fellow is always leaving the world in shock!"


    "Some foreigners had imed that Zhang Ye would definitely not finish making the movie by the end of the year. At that time, I justughed and said nothing. If this fellow gets serious, will you believe that he''ll finish the animated film by next week?"


    ��


    The media.


    The industry.


    People around the world.


    Everyone was terrified!


    They''d seen a movie getting made quickly before, but they''d never seen one getting made so fucking quickly!


    You just arrived in Hollywood three days ago, and the animation studio was only acquired three days ago by the Chinese businessman. After initiating the project yesterday, you''re already midway through the production by today? The screeny? The character designs? The set designs? The music? The voice actors? All of the preproduction work was alreadyplete?


    At this moment, even Director nders, who had been hailed as the fastest worker in Hollywood, was dumbfounded. What the fuck! Who exactly is the fastest draw around here!?

 Chapter 1686 - Convincing the Heavenly Queen to come out of retirement?

    <h4>Chapter 1686 - Convincing the Heavenly Queen toe out of retirement? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Heated discussions.


    Side bets.


    Watching themotion.


    Joking around.


    This wager set all of Hollywood abuzz.


    All the Hollywood directors who were involved in the bet were stepping up on their movie productions. They had been spurred by the revtion that Zhang Ye was progressing quickly on his animated film. Onlookers from around the world also couldn''t wait for the day they could finally see these people''s finished products.


    ��


    A few dayster.


    Hollywood.


    In a chartered car.


    Yao Jiancai looked out of the window curiously. "So this is Hollywood?"


    Ning Lan smiled and said, "Old Yao, is this your first time here?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "Yes. Have you guys been here before?"


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "It''s my first time visiting as well."


    Ning Lan said, "I came here a few years ago, but only as a tourist. There are almost no Chinese actors whoe to Hollywood for work."


    Chen Guang gave a bitter smile and said, "The only person who is qualified to act in Hollywood chose to make an animated film instead."


    Ning Lan also smirked and said, "Yeah, if I were as capable and popr as him, I would just take part in a few Hollywood productions first. I''d take whatever movies and roles that I could since it''s more important to build up my reputation first. But for Zhang Ye, he''s always choosing to take the unorthodox path." Then she looked at Ha Qiqi and Little Wang, who came to pick them up. "Hai, why didn''t you all talk him out of making an animated film?"


    Ha Qiqiughed and said, "Don''t you guys know Director Zhang''s temper?"


    Little Wang sighed. "Yeah, who other than Minister Wu has the ability to change his mind? Besides, Minister Wu has always been such a good wife to him and always supports Director Zhang in whatever he does."


    Ning Lan said, "This animated film will take at least a few months toplete. Isn''t he afraid that his poprity will fall and he''ll drop back down to the International C-list Rankings?"


    Ha Qiqi was amused by this. "Actually, that doesn''t seem like it will happen. We''ve been keeping an eye on the international celebrity rankings for the past few days as we were also afraid of that. However, not only has Director Zhang''s poprity not dropped, it even rose by a little bit. At the very least, his position on the international B-list has stabilized. He definitely won''t lose his ranking in the short term. The main cause of concern this time is his bet with the Hollywood directors. As everyone knows, it''s a must to raise one''s poprity. What I''m worried about now is the wager they have. If the box office earnings at the end are not good enough, there probably won''t be a way to turn things around. Director Zhang has always been the type to carry out his promises. If he says that he''ll quit Hollywood, he''ll definitely do it."


    Dong Shanshan flipped her hair. "We were worried about this too. That''s why we came over in advance to see if there''s anything we can do for him."


    The car arrived at its destination and stopped in front of Star Moon Animation Studios'' main entrance.


    The moment they stepped out of the car, Zhang Ye was there to wee them.


    "Haha, you''ve all arrived?"


    "Zhang''er!"


    "Wee, wee!"


    "We haven''t seen you in a few days, but you''re already jostling with Hollywood again?"


    "It was what I had to do."


    "Can you win?"


    "Definitely."


    "No matter what, we''re here to help."


    "Now that you''re all here, I feel much more reassured."


    Zhang Ye invited them inside and brought them around for a simple tour of the ce. Seeing his old friends here, he felt very happy and also calmed down a little. They were, after all, his partners he had worked together with for a very long time. With them around, he would always feel much more at ease.


    Finally.


    They came to the conference room.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Brothers and sisters, we''re going to be working together again. Since we''re such old friends, I''ll skip the formalities."


    Dong Shanshanughed and said, "Since when have you ever said anything formal before?"


    Yao Jiancai said, "If only he knew how to do that, we wouldn''t be in this situation."


    Zhang Ye chuckled and said, "With you guys, I don''t need to be so polite. I''ve worked together with Shanshan on many variety shows and have been longtime partners with Old Yao for many years as well. Old Chen has also always joined me on many of my shows as a guest, and I don''t think I need to mention Sister Ning, do I? We''re such old friends, so of course I would think about you guys first when a good opportunity arises. As the saying goes, a family always looks out for one another. We used to work so well together back in China, and now that I''m making my first movie abroad, it''s actually not that different."


    Yao Jiancai rolled his eyes. "But this is Hollywood. How is it not different?"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "How is it different? Isn''t it just making movies?"


    Ning Lan couldn''t help butugh and say, "It''s only you who dares to think that way."


    Zhang Ye said, "For these voice acting roles, some of you might have done it before, and some of you might not have. But it''s actually not that different from traditional acting. You still have to carry out your work as an actor. I don''t have to exin to you all how important a voice actor is for an animated film. We have two main problems right now��English and singing. How is everyone''s English? Tell me."


    Yao Jiancai took the initiative and said, "I have to practice more."


    Chen Guang said with a wry smile. "My English isn''t up to par. I''m only around the level of CET-4 or so."


    Ning Lan said, "It''s not a problem for me."


    It was even more unnecessary for Dong Shanshan to mention hers. Graduating as a broadcasting major, her English would definitely not be bad.


    Zhang Ye nodded. "Old Yao doesn''t have too many lines and should do OK with some practice. Old Chen has more scenes, so do hurry and put in more effort to practice."


    Chen Guang said, "Alright, you don''t have to worry about it."


    Ning Lan looked at him. "I can understand your concerns about our English, but what was it about singing?"


    Zhang Ye said, "There will be many scenes in the movie where the characters will be singing."


    He assigned the roles to them.


    The leads.


    The supporting roles.


    Ning Lan said in anguish, "I''m not great at singing."


    Dong Shanshan smacked her lips. "I''m only so-so, but I can sing."


    Chen Guangughed. "I''m a professional when ites to singing."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Let''s do a table read."


    The group had just arrived, but they were already pulled in for practice by the workaholic Zhang Ye.


    One song.


    Two songs.


    Three songs.


    There wasn''t a need to mention Chen Guang since he was a professional singer. Even though his English was average and he had a heavy ent, when he opened his mouth to sing in English, the ent disappeared, and all of the words were properly enunciated. Perhaps this had to do with him singing English rock songs in his early years in the industry. Hence, Zhang Ye was very happy with his performance. What most astonished him was Dong Shanshan''s good singing. It wasn''t at a professional level yet, but it fit the role she was going to y. The ingenuous sense in her singing portrayed Princess Anna''s character quite well, and there was nothing in her English to nitpick either.


    Zhang Ye only had praise for her.


    Ning Lan blinked. "What about me?"


    Zhang Ye said nervously, "Sister Ning iscking a little."


    Ning Lan said helplessly, "That''s all I''ve got though."


    Chen Guang said, "Why don''t you practice more? There''s still time."


    Ning Lan shook her head. "This is a matter of talent. It''s not something that can change with practice. I can''t sing the songs that the character sings in the movie. Zhang''er, do you have any other roles that don''t require me to sing?"


    "I do." Zhang Ye gave it some thought. "But who will sing the female lead''s songs then?"


    Chen Guang said, "The female lead hasn''t been decided yet?"


    Zhang Ye said, "There are two female leads. Shanshan will be ying one of them, and I wanted Sister Ning to take the other one because I think her voice is very suitable for it. But that''s not really possible now since Sister Ning can''t sing the key song. This song is the crux of the entire movie. It''s even more important than all of the other songs in the moviebined. That''s why I must cast someone with the right voice who can both act and sing. Old Chen, do you think your wife is up for it?"


    Chen Guang said, "She might not be able to sing it good enough."


    Dong Shanshan said, "Can Sister Lan do it?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll check with them."


    Fan Wenli.


    Xu Men.


    Zhang Ye went looking for them.


    They recorded their samples and sent them to him.


    In the end, Zhang Ye was still unsatisfied. Fan Wenli was a professional singer, and there was nothing to say about her singing. However, her voice was not suitable for the role. A person''s vocal register was not something that can be changed. It was the same for Xu Men as well. Not only did her vocal register not match Zhang Ye''s requirements for the character, she was also not a professional singer. She made her name as an actor, so her singing was rtively weaker.


    What should he do then?


    Who else was there?


    Zhang Ye was starting to get worried. He could improvise on everything other than this role and song.


    Suddenly, Ning Lan smiled. "I thought of a person who can definitely do it."


    Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Who?"


    Chen Guang gave Ning Lan a look. "I also thought of someone."


    Ning Lan smiled. "The two of us must be thinking of the same person."


    Chen Guang said, "Yes, if it''s her, she''ll definitely be able to do it."


    Zhang Ye urged them, "Hurry up and say it. Who?"


    Ning Lan blinked. "I''m just afraid you won''t be able to convince her."


    Zhang Ye chuckled. Then he boasted, "Sister Ning, are you looking down on me? I dare not im so for the celebrities abroad, but in China, this bro still has some influence, alright? Who can there be in Chinese showbiz that I cannot convince?"


    Ning Lan gave him a look. "Can you convince Sister Zhang?"


    Sister Zhang?


    Zhang Yuanqi?


    The former Heavenly Queen?


    One of the rare few people in the Chinese entertainment industry who stood on the international stage before?


    Zhang Ye had a contemtive look on his face. Then he suddenly pped his thigh and shouted out, "That''s right! That''s right! How could I have forgotten about Sister Zhang! She will definitely be suitable for this role!"


    Singing?


    Acting?


    Vocal register?


    Sister Zhang was a perfect fit for the role!


    There wasn''t even a need for her to audition. Zhang Ye knew that she could absolutely y the role!


    But the only problem was that Sister Zhang had retired from the entertainment circle for a long time. Was there anyone who could possibly convince her toe out of retirement?

 Chapter 1687 - The Heavenly Queen is sick?

    <h4>Chapter 1687 - The Heavenly Queen is sick? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Several dayster.


    A surgical mask.


    A pair of sunsses.


    A cap.


    Zhang Ye was all wrapped up as he returned to China quietly.


    The moment he got off the ne, a car from the studio came to pick him up. He got in and passed an address that Ning Lan wrote for him to the driver. Without going home, he headed straight for that location. Along the way, he even found a stall where he bought a drawer of soup dumplings, two fried dough sticks, and a bowl of savory tofu pudding. After being on a ne overnight, he was hungry. As he gorged himself with the food, he kept praising how delicious it was. Home-cooked food was still the best thing ever. It was a pity he didn''t have time to get some stewed pork liver. Hence, Zhang Ye decided that he must eat enough stewed pork liver and pork offal stew 1 before returning to America.


    An hourter.


    The car arrived at the destination.


    Checking his watch, it was only about 8 in the morning.


    A security guard stopped the car.


    "Who are you looking for?" The security guard asked in an unamodating manner.


    Zhang Ye got out of the car. "I''m here to look for Zhang Yuanqi."


    The security guard was taken aback. He said warily, "You''re a reporter?"


    Zhang Ye said, "A friend."


    The security guard looked at him, then lowered his head and picked up a phone to make a call. "Hello, it''s the guard at the gate. There''s someone looking for Sister Zhang��" Then he looked up and asked, "What is your name, sir?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Zhang Ye."


    The security guard felt his legs give way and nearly fell over. "Ah?"


    Zhang Ye took off his sunsses.


    The security guard said into the telephone: "It''s really Teacher Zhang!"


    A momentter, a young woman walked out from the vi district and looked out towards the gate. "Are you serious? Where is he?"


    The security guard waved his hands.


    When the woman saw it, she was delighted. "Aiyo! It''s really Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Is Old Zhang at home?"


    The woman said, "Yes, she''s around."


    Zhang Ye looked at her. "You are?"


    Ma Fei said, "I''m her cousin. My name is Ma Fei."


    Zhang Ye said, "Whoa, what a good name. How refreshing!"


    Ma Fei said, "��Aren''t you supposed to be in Hollywood making a movie? Why did youe back to China? I didn''t see any reports of that on the news?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "I sneaked back. I''m looking for Old Zhang regarding some matters."


    Ma Fei didn''t probe further. "Come inside with me."


    At the entrance of a vi.


    Ma Fei opened the door and brought Zhang Ye into the house.


    Ma Fei shouted, "Sis, your friend is here."


    The television in the living room was on. From Zhang Ye''s angle, he could see a woman sitting cross-legged on the sofa and watching TV. But it was only her back that he could see. Because of their rtionship, Zhang Ye knew that this woman was definitely her even though this was the first time he was seeing her again after four years. During the few years that he was serving his sentence, there was not much news about Zhang Yuanqi. It was only after he was released that he found out that Old Zhang had already retired from the entertainment industry. But all this while, he hadn''t had a chance to meet her.


    Four years had passed.


    Time really flew by.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Sister Zhang, long time no see."


    The woman on the sofa did not turn around. "Take a seat, pour yourself a drink."


    Ma Fei rolled her eyes. "Let me do that instead. Teacher Zhang, don''t mind her. My sis has always been like this, if you didn''t know."


    But Zhang Ye just smiled and said, "How could I not know?"


    Since Zhang Ye''s return, he had heard from others and saw the news from back then. Zhang Yuanqi had gotten into trouble after getting exposed as someone who hid her temper and character in front of others. At that time, a lot of people criticized her for being a hypocrite and many of her fans turned into her haters. The media even added fuel to fire and caused many of Sister Zhang''s friends to start avoiding her. This past incident blew up and caused quite a shake-up in the Chinese entertainment circle at that time. However, Zhang Ye was not surprised by this matter. This was because he might have been the only person who knew about Old Zhang''s temper before this incident was exposed.


    Ma Fei was taken aback. "You knew already?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Does she still drink every day?"


    Ma Fei said, "Drink? How could she? Her health isn''t good anymore."


    Zhang Ye said, "She''s sick?"


    Ma Fei said, "Yeah."


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "You talk too much, just pour the water."


    "OK, OK, I''ll leave you two to talk." Ma Fei harrumphed and walked off.


    Zhang Ye walked up to the sofa and sat down beside her. He stared at her for a long time before saying, "Looks like you haven''t aged, but you seem to have lost quite a bit of weight?"


    Zhang Yuanqi looked at him. "You look like you''ve gained quite a bit of weight."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Have you really retired?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said indifferently, "I''ve long since retired."


    Zhang Ye smacked his lips and said, "Wasn''t it only your fans finding out about your temper? What''s the big deal with that? Although there were many people who criticized you at that time, it''s years in the past now. The chapter has closed. Many of your fans are still waiting for you toe back, and those old friends of yours are also waiting for you to take on the industry again."


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "I''m happy with staying home."


    Zhang Ye said, "Actually, I think it was a good thing that they revealed this about you. You should just act normally. What''s the big deal with that? Don''t I also have a bad temper? Haven''t I been scolded a lot by people over the years as well? Do you see mecking anything? Didn''t this bro still make it all the way to Hollywood? It''s pretty good for you this way. You can just let yourself go and be who you really are. Come back to showbiz and take on the industry again with a brand new attitude!" This fellow started getting all philosophical with her.


    Zhang Yuanqi probably understood what he meant. "So what are you really here for?"


    Zhang Ye coughed. "Didn''t I just take a new animated film production? There''s a role in it that I can''t find anyone to do the voice acting for. Why don''t help me and take the role?"


    Zhang Yuanqi didn''t even consider it. "No."


    Zhang Ye said sternly, "How many years of friendship do we have between us?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "Go look for someone else to try it."


    Zhang Ye said, "Did you think I didn''t do that? I''ve looked all over and can''t find anyone who is suitable for it."


    Zhang Yuanqi watched the television and said, "I''ve already retired. Don''t look for me if it has anything to do with showbiz."


    Zhang Ye pointed at the television screen and said, "If you''ve really retired, why are you still watching entertainment news?"


    "Am I not allowed to watch the news?" Zhang Yuanqi said.


    Zhang Ye said, "You still haven''t returned the favor from back then."


    Zhang Yuanqi replied, "I don''t remember it."


    Zhang Ye said, "Aiya, quicklye and y the role for me!"


    Zhang Yuanqi said tly, "No."


    He talked about the sry.


    He talked about their friendship.


    He got philosophical with her.


    Zhang Ye tried everything, but it was all for naught.


    Old Zhang seemed really firm in her decision not toe out of retirement.


    In the end, Zhang Ye even resorted to bringing up their surnames. "We''re both Zhangs and were one family 500 years ago. Surely you wouldn''t want to shatter the Hollywood dream of your kin, would you?"


    When Ma Fei heard that, she nearly spat out a mouthful of blood.


    Kin, your sister!


    You two are Zhangs!


    But are they even the same fucking Zhang 2 ?


    Ma Fei came over and said, "Teacher Zhang, stop making things difficult for my cousin. She really can''t help you right now. Can''t you see that my sis doesn''t look well? She''s not healthy, so we''re going to the hospitalter."


    Zhang Ye asked, "What is she sick with?"


    Zhang Yuanqi suddenly coughed.


    Zhang Ye said, "A cold? Why would you need to go to the hospital for that? This bro in front of you is a doctor. I''ll take a look at you. If I get you cured, will you go with me straight to Hollywood tomorrow?"


    Zhang Yuanqi didn''t even look at him. "If you can cure me, I''ll go with you right away today."


    Zhang Ye pped his thigh and let out a heartyugh. "That''s what I want to hear." He pointed at Ma Fei and said, "Sis, you heard it too. Be my witness."


    Ma Fei said in a speechless manner, "Sure, I''ll be your witness. But you won''t be able to cure her."


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "Are you two messing with me? How hard can it be to cure this minor illness?" He then grabbed Zhang Yuanqi''s arm and pretentiously pressed on her wrist.


    Zhang Yuanqi frowned. "What are you doing?"


    Zhang Ye said calmly, "Taking your pulse."


    Zhang Yuanqi was speechless.


    Ma Fei asked, "Are you sure you know what you''re doing?"


    Zhang Ye said, "You must trust the doctor."


    Zhang Ye did not take this matter seriously at all. Wasn''t it just a cold and cough?


    Awhileter, he turned around and walked away without saying a word. Then, roughly 30 minutester, this fellow returned with tworge packets of traditional Chinese medicine that he had gotten from a Chinese pharmacy. He casually handed them to Ma Fei and told her, "Boil these for your sister. When it''s almost ready, call me." Just before the medicine was prepared, Zhang Ye chased them away. Then he opened his game ring and took out an unidentified vial of liquid from the inventory to pour into the medicine.


    The item was [Spring Water of Health].


    Its effects were: heals physical injuries and sicknesses.

 Chapter 1688 - Divine Physician Zhang Ye!

    <h4>Chapter 1688 - Divine Physician Zhang Ye! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    In the morning.


    Old Zhang''s house.


    The whole vi was filled with the scent of traditional Chinese medicine.


    Zhang Ye brought out a bowl and said, "The medicine is ready."


    Ma Fei pinched her nose. "Why does it smell so strong?"


    "Good medicine is always bitter." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Old Zhang, drink it up."


    Ma Fei looked unconvinced by the ck medicinal brew. "Is this even drinkable? It had better not cause more problems after drinking. Teacher Zhang, do you really have medical knowledge?"


    Zhang Ye said, "I guarantee all illnesses will be cured after drinking it. Don''t worry, I''ve grasped the extent of your sister''s illness. There''s no need for her to go to the hospital over something like that. This matter is solved now that I''m here. Quickly drink it and pack up your luggage. We''re going to Hollywood today."


    Zhang Yuanqi looked on doubtfully. "What is this?"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Hurry, drink it and you''ll be cured."


    Ma Fei blinked. "Sis, do you want to give it a try?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "Are you making me ab rat?"


    Ma Fei said, "Teacher Zhang is quite reputable. He knows everything from airnes to tanks to singing and acting, so it wouldn''t surprise me if he knew medicine too."


    Zhang Yeughed. "See, she understands me!"


    Zhang Yuanqi couldn''t stand bbering any longer and drank the medicine.


    Zhang Ye said in anticipation, "How is it? Don''t you feel much better?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said coldly, "I don''t feel anything."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "Sniff and see if your nose is still runny."


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "Do you really know what illness I have?"


    Zhang Ye said in amusement, "It doesn''t matter what illnesses you have. This bro can cure it all the same."


    At this moment, a cell phone rang.


    Old Zhang picked up. "Hello? OK��OK, I got it��I''ll go over now." After hanging up, she said, "I''ve got to make a trip to the hospital."


    Why do you need to go to the hospital for some lousy cold!


    This is why people say you celebrities so fragile!


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and said, "You''ve already been cured. Juste with me."


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "Whether or not I''m cured will be determined by the doctor."


    Ma Fei immediately said, "Sis, I''ll apany you."


    Zhang Ye threw up his hands and said, "Hur hur, I''ve already told you that you''re cured, but you just won''t believe me, huh? Alright, go to the hospital and get it checked then. You''ll see that this bro did not lie about his medical skills. Go on, I''ll stay here and watch TV. Come back quickly if there''s nothing wrong after checking. I''ll book the ne tickets for this afternoon."


    Old Zhang and her cousin left.


    Leaving Zhang Ye alone humming a little ditty as he watched the news.


    ��


    At a major hospital.


    There were around seven doctors seated in the consultation room.


    Soon after, Zhang Yuanqi and Ma Fei arrived.


    Dr. Sun, who was in his sixties, said, "Little Zhang, you''ve arrived?"


    Zhang Yuanqi acknowledged him and said, "How are things, Professor Sun?"


    Dr. Sun pointed to the several people beside him. "Let me introduce you first. Everyone who''s here are China''s most authoritative doctors. Professor Chen, Professor Fang, Professor Han, Professor Hu, and Dr. Qi. All of us have been following up on your test results in recent days and have called for this specialist review with you today to decide on a surgical n. Actually, the final decision still lies with you. We can only offer the best advice to you."


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "Sorry to have troubled you all."


    Professor Hu spoke up. "Consider removing it. That''s the safest option."


    Ma Fei said anxiously, "But her image��"


    Professor Han said, "You have breast cancer. Why would you still care about your image?"


    Dr. Qi said, "It was fortunate that we discovered it early before the situation became worse. All you''ll need is a simple procedure, and you''ll basically be assured that there will be no rpse nor any danger to your life. But if you dy it and choose a conservative treatment, it will be difficult to say whether there will be no problems after that. If it gets serious, there will definitely be a danger to your life. You shouldn''t wait for it to spread before you decide on having surgery! Of course we understand what this means to a woman. Image is still very important, so we considered the post-recovery cosmetic surgery process as well. Professor Chen is an expert in this area."


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "Is there no other choice?"


    Professor Sun said, "With the existing medical technology in our country, this is the best that can be done. The medical technology in America is better, but not by much. Little Zhang, we''ve known each other for over a decade. I also suggest that you quickly get it removed. Do the surgery as soon as possible."


    Zhang Yuanqi asked again, "Is there really no other way?"


    Professor Sun shook his head. "The most authoritative figures in breast cancer research are all in this room. From your scans andb results, we strongly suggest that you do the surgery."


    One minute.


    Two minutes.


    Three minutes.


    Zhang Yuanqi finally said, "Alright, I''ll do it."


    Ma Fei looked at her. "Sis, have you really thought it through?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "Staying alive is more important."


    Everyone knew that this decision must not have been easy for her.


    Professor Sun said, "When do you want to be admitted?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "Since I''ve already decided, let''s do it today."


    Professor Fang said, "OK, we''ll arrange for your admission to the hospital then. We''ll do further testing and give you another scan, essentially aprehensive preop exam, to verify your current state of health first. If everything is in order, we''ll arrange for the surgery to take ce in a week''s time. Rest assured that with us here, nothing will go wrong."


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "Thank you for taking the trouble."


    A series of tests were carried out.


    The several doctors started discussing the surgical procedure.


    "Who will be the main surgeon?"


    "Old Sun, will you do it?"


    "Yes."


    "Do another biopsy to make sure."


    "OK."


    "We''ll take a look at the indicators again afterwards."


    However, when Zhang Yuanqi''sb tests came out an hourter, when a nurse came running in looking shocked with a thick stack of the test results, the top experts of China in the room were all dumbfounded. Everyone looked like they had seen a ghost!


    Professor Sun asked, "A-Are these results from today?"


    The female nurse said in panic, "Yes."


    Professor Sun eximed, "Damn!"


    Professor Fang was floored. "How is this possible!"


    Professor Han was holding a form and said in a daze, "Where''s the breast cancer?"


    Professor Qi immediately said, "Could you have taken the wrong results?"


    The female nurse wiped her sweat away and said, "It can''t be wrong. This is it. I, I followed up on it personally!"


    Professor Sun had a scare and said, "Impossible! Check it again! Something must be wrong somewhere!"


    Another hour passed!


    They repeated the testing again!


    In the end, the results were still the same!


    Zhang Yuanqi was back. "What''s the matter?"


    Ma Fei was also wondering, "Why did you all do the tests twice?"


    They saw the dumbfounded looks on the doctors'' faces as they didn''t answer.


    Ma Fei''s expression changed. "Did it spread?" When she asked that, her tears started falling. She hugged Zhang Yuanqi and bawled, "Sis! Why is your life so cruel, Sis!"


    Zhang Yuanqi turned gloomy.


    Professor Sun hurriedly said, "It didn''t spread!"


    Ma Fei looked back tearfully. "Ah?"


    Zhang Yuanqi asked, "Then what''s the matter?"


    Professor Fang wiped his sweat away and said, "Th-The cancer has totally disappeared."


    Ma Fei was stunned. "What? It disappeared? "


    Professor Han nodded. "It disappeared. The biopsy and tumor markers are all indicating that everything is back to normal again!"


    Professor Qi corrected and said, "It''s more than just normal. Little Zhang''s health indicators are showing that she is healthier than 99.9% of people!" After saying that, he looked at her in disbelief. "Then what''s the matter? We should be asking you that instead! We clearly ran several tests at each of our hospitals and found traces of breast cancer. Th-The cancer couldn''t have just disappeared into thin air!"


    It disappeared?


    Her cancer was cured?


    Ma Fei jumped in surprise. "Is that true? Th-This really happened?"


    Professor Sun said, "There has never been a case like this in the medicalmunity!"


    Professor Fang also said, "This case will live on for ages!"


    If it had only been a single hospital that diagnosed this, it may have been a mistake or a case of switched biopsy samples. But this was not the case for Zhang Yuanqi. Before this, she had visited several hospitals to get tested, and all of them had concluded that it was undoubtedly breast cancer. There was no chance of being misdiagnosed. Unless these three top hospitals in China had all taken the wrong patient''s scans, and at the same time, taken the same patient''s test results, this was obviously something that couldn''t have happened!


    There must be some supernatural forces at work!


    What the fuck is this situation?


    The authoritative experts were very confused. Having lived for so many years, it was the first time they felt doubtful of science.


    Even Zhang Yuanqi found it strange.


    However, Ma Fei thought of an incident. She suddenly yelled, "Could it be Teacher Zhang?"


    Zhang Yuanqi said, "That''s not possible."


    Ma Fei said firmly, "It has to be Teacher Zhang!"


    Professor Sun stared at her. "What Teacher Zhang?"


    Ma Fei said, "It''s Teacher Zhang Ye. He came to my sister''s ce to visit her today and said that he would treat her illness. He even took her pulse and then brewed some Chinese medicine for her to drink, iming that it would definitely cure her illness. After drinking it, we came here together. Heavens, Teacher Zhang really knows how to cure diseases. It has to be the effect of that Chinese medicine that he gave her!"


    Zhang Ye?


    Zhang Ye from the Chinese Academy of Sciences?


    Isn''t he involved in physics and math research?


    Chinese medicine?


    Can Chinese medicine cure cancer?


    How can that be possible!


    This is cancer we''re talking about!


    It wouldn''t be cured even if you had eaten the flesh of Tripitaka 1 !

 Chapter 1689 - The miracle of the fake medicine!

    <h4>Chapter 1689 - The miracle of the fake medicine! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Noon.


    At Old Zhang''s vi.


    Zhang Ye was watching a ser game by himself.


    "Run!"


    "Dribble past him!"


    "It went it! It''s a goal!"


    "Beautiful y! Score another one!"


    "The Chinese team is quite good this year!"


    At this moment, the door behind him suddenly opened.


    Zhang Yuanqi and Ma Fei led Professor Sun and the others in.


    When Ma Fei entered the house, she shouted excitedly, "Teacher Zhang! Teacher Zhang!"


    Zhang Ye turned around and said, "You''re back? How was it?"


    Professor Sun came up to him. "Fellow Zhang, long time no see."


    Zhang Ye was startled. He stood up and said, "Oh, Professor Sun, why are you here?"


    Ma Fei said, "Ah, so you two know each other?"


    Professor Sun said, "We both had appointments in the Chinese Academy of Sciences, so we''ve met once or twice before."


    At the Chinese Academy of Sciences, one of them was involved in mathematics, while the other was involved in the biomedical sciences. Although they had crossed paths before, they hadn''t really spoken much and were not familiar with each other. It was only because Zhang Ye had a good memory that he remembered him. As long as he met someone once, he could address them by their name.


    The several of them exchanged some pleasantries.


    Then Zhang Yuanqi asked, "What was that medicine that you gave me?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It''s good medicine, why?"


    Ma Fei said excitedly, "My sis has been cured! Her illness has gone away!"


    Zhang Ye simply chuckled and said, "I already told you all that I had Old Zhang''s illness under control. Once I did something about it, her illness would be cured."


    Behind them, Professor Han stared dumbfoundedly and said, "Did you really cure her?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Of course."


    Professor Qi said in shock, "How did you do it?"


    Zhang Ye let out augh. "What''s so difficult about curing a simple illness like that?"


    "A simple illness?" The medical professors were confused.


    Zhang Ye pointed over to the other side of the house. "I just prescribed some medicine for her and cured her."


    Professor Sun hurriedly said, "Where is it?"


    Professor Han also said eagerly, "Let me have a look at the prescription!"


    Zhang Ye was dumbfounded. It was only at this moment that he realized something was off. "What for?"


    Professor Sun said, "What do you think! You''ve cured cancer!"


    When he heard that, Zhang Ye almost fell to the ground before he could catch his breath!


    What?


    Cancer?


    Cancer?!


    I thought you had a fucking cold!


    Zhang Ye said in surprise, "What cancer?"


    Ma Fei said, "Breast cancer. I thought you already had a grasp of the situation, no?"


    Zhang Ye nearly spat out a mouthful of blood!


    Breast cancer?


    Old Zhang had breast cancer?


    Me? Grasped the situation? Your sister!


    Zhang Ye stared at Zhang Yuanqi with wide eyes. "Didn''t you have a cold and a cough?"


    Zhang Yuanqi asked him back, "Who told you I had a cold?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Huh?"


    Ma Fei was stunned. "So you didn''t know what illness my sister had?"


    Zhang Ye was almost crying. "If you didn''t tell me, how could I have fucking known!"


    Ma Fei was infuriated. "You were the one who said that you knew what was going on!"


    Zhang Ye said, "I was just bragging. You actually believed that?"


    Ma Fei was speechless


    Zhang Yuanqi was speechless.


    Professor Sun was speechless.


    Professor Han was speechless.


    The professors couldn''t believe it either. They quickly took the prescription that Zhang Ye had gotten and repeatedly studied its contents. In the end, they came to a surprisingly important conclusion!


    ��This was just ordinary cold medicine!


    Professor Sun asked, "Are you sure?"


    Professor Qi was a traditional Chinese medicine expert. I''m very sure."


    Professor Han said, "Is it really just ordinary cold medicine?"


    Professor Qi added, "In fact, one part of the medicine has already expired and turned damp. Even as cold medicine, this is not a particrly effective concoction."


    Zhang Yuanqi looked at him. "You gave me expired medicine?"


    Zhang Ye rolled his eyes and said in embarrassment, "How could I have known that? That lousy pharmacy picked it out for me. I''ll go seek an exnation from them afterwards!"


    Professor Sun said, "But how did Little Zhang recover from her cancer?"


    Naturally, Zhang Ye knew what was going on. The Spring Water of Health could cure a cold, but it could cure any other injuries and illnesses as well. However, he could only y dumb at this moment as he pretended to be shocked. "You all must have misdiagnosed her." This fellow was pointing his fingers at others first. He sighed. "The big hospitals these days are getting so unreliable. How can they misdiagnose something as major as this! Old Zhang, I''ll support you if you want to sue them. This bro has awyer''s license. I''ll fight the court case for you!"


    Ma Fei thought to herself, You''re saying that other people are not reliable? The one who is the most unreliable is you! Divine Physician? You even gave my sister expired medicine to drink!


    Professor Han said anxiously, "It''s impossible that we misdiagnosed her!"


    Professor Sun also said, "Absolutely impossible!"


    With the matter left hanging, it was finally dropped in the end.


    After the medical professors left, Zhang Ye could finally heave a sigh of relief. He had panicked so badly that he had broken out into a cold sweat. That was too fucking close!


    Ma Fei was still grumbling, "Then what on earth happened?"


    Zhang Ye''s tone immediately changed. Heughed and said, "Whatever it is, isn''t this something worth celebrating? Now that Old Zhang''s illness has been cured, it''s time to head to Hollywood."


    Ma Fei said in a speechless manner, "It''s not like you were the one who cured her."


    Zhang Ye didn''t like hearing that. "Hey, what do you mean I wasn''t the one who cured her? If it weren''t for that miracle drug of mine, could Old Zhang havee back home without any issues?"


    What miracle drug!


    Ma Fei corrected, "It''s fake medicine."


    Zhang Ye said, "You don''t have to worry about what medicine it is. In any case, do you admit that her illness has been cured?"


    Ma Fei was speechless.


    Zhang Ye looked at Old Zhang. "So is our deal still on?"


    Ma Fei turned sideways and looked at her. "Sis."


    Zhang Yuanqi did not say anything. She went over to the sofa by herself and sat down.


    Zhang Ye said, "Come on, Sister Zhang, give me something to be happy about."


    One second.


    Five seconds.


    Ten seconds.


    Zhang Yuanqi suddenly said, "When do we leave?"


    Zhang Ye jolted. "Whenever you wish."


    Zhang Yuanqi said softly, "Book the tickets."


    Zhang Yeughed and pped his thigh. "Alright, leave it to me!"


    ��


    Later that afternoon.


    The ne tickets were booked.


    Zhang Ye made a call to Hollywood.


    Ning Lan, Yao Jiancai, and the others were just discussing this matter.


    Ning Lanughed and said, "Do you guys think that Zhang''er can convince Sister Zhang?"


    "Surely not, right?" Yao Jiancai shook his head.


    Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "I think it''s difficult to say."


    Chen Guang said, "I don''t think it''ll happen."


    Being one of Zhang Yuanqi''s closest friends, Ning Lan also said, "I think so too. I suppose the fellow is currently getting snubbed all over the ce."


    Ring, ring, ring.


    A call arrived.


    Ning Lan answered: "Hello, what''s up?"


    Zhang Yeughed out loud. "I''ve got her! We''ll be flying back to Hollywood tomorrow."


    Ning Lan was stunned. "You really managed to convince Sister Zhang toe out of retirement?"


    Zhang Ye said: "When this bro personally handles something, can there be any other oue?"


    Ning Lan said in disbelief: "Impossible!"


    Didn''t he just arrive in China?


    Yet he already convinced her?


    How could it be so smooth-sailing!


    Which of them didn''t know about Sister Zhang''s temper!


    After hanging up, everyone came to the consensus that Zhang Ye was only bragging.


    ��


    The next day.


    At Los Angeles International Airport.


    When Ning Lan, Dong Shanshan, and the others who came to receive Zhang Ye saw Zhang Yuanqi walking beside him, every one of them looked like they had seen a ghost!


    "Sister Zhang?"


    "Heavens!"


    "You really came?"


    "Zhang''er, how did you do it?"


    Zhang Yuanqi had retired from the entertainment industry for many years!


    During this period, countless people had approached her to get her toe out of retirement. Her fans, people from entertainmentpanies, and many of Zhang Yuanqi''s friends, including Ning Lan, brought this matter up to her many times. However, she had turned all of them down without exception. In the end, Ning Lan also felt that Sister Zhang had made up her mind to just spend the rest of her days leisurely, and that there wouldn''t be anyone else who could possibly get the former Heavenly Queen, who was the number one person of the Chinese entertainment circle, to make a return. But as it had to be, Zhang Ye managed it. He even used less than a day''s time to get it done. Wasn''t this fellow''s influence a little toorge?


    However, Zhang Yuanqi''s arrival clearly boosted their confidence too. With Sister Zhang joining the cast of Frozen, it would only make them stronger!


    On the same day.


    The news came out.


    "An Asian Heavenly Queen returns!"


    "Zhang Yuanqi''s surprising appearance in Hollywood!"


    "Has the Chinese Heavenly Queen decided to return to showbiz?"


    "Zhang Ye casts yet another big name!"


    "Zhang Yuanqi joins the cast of Frozen!"


    "The strong team up! Can it create another miracle?"

 Chapter 1690 - The first showdown!

    <h4>Chapter 1690 - The first showdown! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    Hollywood.


    Star Moon Animation Studios.


    "Director."


    "This won''t do. Build the scene evenrger."


    "You still want itrger?"


    "Yes. Tom, how''s the progress on your side?"


    "I''ve done it ording to your requirements."


    "Let me have a look. Good, this is not bad at all. This is exactly the feeling I wanted to portray."


    "Director, I''ve finished one version of the soundtrack. Please listen to it."


    "This works, we''ll go ahead with it."


    "Teacher Chen and Teacher Shanshan have recorded the insert songs."


    "OK, let the production team animate the scene ording to the insert song''s lyrics and rhythm."


    "Understood."


    The animated film''s production was in full swing.


    And right at this time, one of the Hollywood directors who was involved in the bet with Zhang Ye premiered their movie. This director was called Hanson. He was also one of the more well-known directors in Hollywood and had many previous works under him. Some of these productions only performed average, while others did quite well. For histest project, Hanson had painstakingly spent a year working on it. The public also had high hopes and was looking forward to watching the movie.


    Ha Qiqi came looking for Zhang Ye with some statistics in hand.


    Tong Fu said anxiously, "They''re premiering so early?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "They started filming a long time ago. The production has been going on for a year already."


    Wu Yi said, "The first challenger has arrived!"


    Zhang Ye casually smiled and said, "OK, got it."


    Zhang Zuo said in worry, "They''re really stepping up on their promotions anding on very strong."


    Little Wang wickedly sped her hands together and looked up to the sky. "Amit��bha, Grand Supreme Elderly Lord 1 , abracadabra, may the Heaven''s bless this fellow to fuck up real badly." She even made the sign of the cross as she closed off her "prayer."


    Zhang Ye said in a speechless manner, "Just which religion do you follow?"


    Little Wang said bluntly, "I''ll follow whichever one that will make him fuck up. This is what is called ''casting a wide.'' There''s no harm in believing a few more gods. Surely one will respond to your prayers."


    ��


    Meanwhile.


    The premiere ceremony began.


    The guest lineup for the premiere of Hanson''s new movie was a grand one. Many of Hollywood''s directors hade in a show of support, while many Hollywood movie stars and key creative teams also attended. The ceremony also attracted countless media reporters from all around the world. As this was the first battle between the Hollywood directors and Zhang Ye, everyone would be very concerned about it.


    Very soon, it was time for the Q&A session.


    A reporter said, "How do you view the bet you''ve with Zhang Ye?"


    Hansonughed and said, "I think with just my movie alone, it''ll be enough to make it his loss."


    A female American reporter asked, "Are you that confident?"


    Hanson let out a chuckle. "Our opponent is just an animated film. Surely everyone knows that Zhang Ye can''t win, right? So of course I''m confident of winning. I''ll also be waiting for Zhang Ye to carry out his promise. As a neer to Hollywood, he started feuding with all of our Hollywood directors on the first day he arrived. We''ll let him know what an unwise move that was and also show him that this isn''t China but Hollywood!"


    A few of the Hollywood directors led the apuse.


    Some of the actors also broke into uproariousughter.


    ��


    The UK.


    "It''s premiering!"


    "I managed to buy tickets."


    "I''m waiting to see how this sci-fi movie will turn out."


    "Hanson hasn''t made any new films in two years. He''ll be staking everything on this movie."


    "I love sci-fi movies."


    ��


    France.


    "Me, the Extraterrestrial?"


    "The title sounds attractive."


    "I watched the trailer and thought that it was quite good."


    "Cool, I''m gonna watch it."


    "You''d have to buy the tickets quick. The premiere is today."


    ��


    Japan.


    "Supporting Hanson!"


    "I like the style of his movies."


    "I''m supporting Hanson as well. Even though I''ve never watched his movies before, I really dislike Zhang Ye."


    "High five, me too!"


    "Unless Zhang Ye makes a One Piece, Naruto, or Dragon Ball movie, I''ll be resolutely boycotting him!"


    ��


    India.


    "I must watch the movie!"


    "Zhang Ye is destined to have to quit Hollywood."


    "Let''s contribute some box office earnings to Hanson."


    "Haha, I might not know who he is, but I''ll definitely support whoever challenges Zhang Ye."


    ��


    China.


    "How are we dealing with this, bros?"


    "Are we going to watch it or not?"


    "Why would you watch it! I''m definitely not watching it!"


    "I''ve decided that I won''t be watching any Hollywood movies for the rest of the year!"


    "Yeah, I''ll wait until Frozen screens!"


    "Motherfucker, have you guys seen the video taken at Hanson''s movie premiere? Listen to what he said. What does he mean by ''this isn''t China''? Isn''t he clearly looking down on us?"


    "All the foreigners have such an attitude!"


    "We should really show them the glorious tradition of China!"


    "Ah? What tradition does China have?"


    "Watching the world burn, of course! Aren''t they looking to fight Zhang Ye? Aren''t theypeting on box office earnings? Fuck, so what if he''s making an animated film? Even if Face-smacking Zhang shoots a shitty movie, we''ll still make him into a god! All I want to see is how much trouble Face-smacking Zhang can stir up in international showbiz!"


    "Haha, good one!"


    "Right, let''s make Face-smacking Zhang a god!"


    "Fight it out with them!"


    "It''s time we sent the shit stirrer up onto the altar!"


    ��


    At the movie premiere.


    The reviews were excellent.


    The media published their reviews of the movie.


    There were also detailed analysis from the professional film critics.


    "One of the rare sci-fi movies to screen in the year!"


    "A deep plot with great visuals."


    "One of this year''s most outstanding sci-fi films! A worthy watch!"


    "Hanson could be deified once again with this movie!"


    The box office earnings for the day were released.


    North America: 13 million USD


    The UK: 2 million USD


    France: 1.2 million USD


    Japan: 3.7 million USD


    The Nethends: 600,000 USD


    Korea: 1.8 million USD


    India: 2.9 million USD


    The box office earnings were astonishing!


    It was even performing very well in a country like India where the foreign film market was suffering from a downturn!


    When the box office data was revealed, many people got excited by what they saw!


    ��


    The Hollywood directors.


    "Hahaha!"


    "We''ve already won!"


    "Zhang Ye can''t surpass Hanson''s first-day box office earnings even with his total box office earnings!"


    "Yeah, victory has been secured!"


    "It''s been secured before it even started. Did you people really think that an animated film could make a ssh? That won''t happen even if it were made by the same Zhang Ye who directed Wolf Warrior 2 and Man vs. Wild!"


    "There are still a few countries that haven''t calcted their earnings yet."


    "How I wish I could see Zhang Ye''s expression right now."


    ��


    Hanson''s crew.


    "This is so awesome!"


    "It''s on fire! On fire!"


    "We''ve finally proved ourselves!"


    "Director Hanson, congrattions!"


    "There''s a chance that the first-day box office earnings can break 30 million dors!"


    "Which other countries have not released their box office earnings yet?"


    "There are still Russia and China."


    "We don''t have to consider Russia since their film market isn''t good. But the film market in China is really strong. They''re recognized as the secondrgest box office market in the world."


    "Director Hanson, the box office earnings for China is out!"


    "How much did we get?"


    "5 million!"


    "It''s a little low, but I guess it''s still not bad."


    "It''s not that, director!"


    "Not what?"


    "It''s��it''s 5 million yuan!"


    "What? Why is it so low?"


    "How can that be possible? Haven''t the Chinese always been big admirers of Hollywood movies?"


    What was 5 million RMB?


    It was only about 800,000 USD!


    Notparing it to America, or even Japan, it wasn''t even close to the figure that they had earned in Korea? It was only around the same as the Nethends that had a much lower poption?


    Everyone was speechless. But upon further thought, they understood the reason. It must have had something to do with Zhang Ye. Their ongoing challenge against Zhang Ye, as well as their attitude towards China and the Chinese businessman''s attempted acquisition of the Hollywood studio, had all seriously broken many of the Chinese people''s hearts.


    The Chinese box office earnings?


    Perhaps they had expected too much of it right from the beginning.


    Hanson''s crew was outraged.


    "The Chinese are too vengeful!"


    "The mindset and thinking of Easterners are indeed too different from us Westerners."


    "We''re still doing well at the box office anyway!"


    "Yeah, we''ve gotten 28 million dors for our first-day box office earnings!"


    "Estimate whether we can bring in 200 to 300 million dors for the global box office earnings."


    "It should be doable. It might even be higher; we can aim for 400 million!"


    "It''s only a matter of time before Zhang Ye leaves Hollywood!"


    "The mess that''s going on in Hollywood and China''s unstable box office is all because of Zhang Ye. If it weren''t for him, Hollywood would be so peaceful. Right now, Zhang Ye is the only Chinese celebrity with international influence. He''s China''s treasure, so every move that he makes will have a veryrge effect on the Chinese box office."


    "Although we might have lost the Chinese box office, we still managed to rid the world of evil!"


    "That''s right. As long as we can chase Zhang Ye out of Hollywood, any price that we pay will be worth it!"


    "Actually, if we think of it in another way, we might''ve gained something out of Zhang Ye this time."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Why do you say that?"


    "Just look for yourselves. Although the Chinese box office earnings are not high, our box office earnings in India, Japan, Korea, and many other countries are surprisingly good. Some of those regions'' box office performances even exceeded their previous records for a Hollywood movie. We''ve never had a Hollywood release with such high earnings before. Clearly, this shows that Zhang Ye has many enemies around the world. It was because of him that those people who never used to spend a single cent watching Hollywood movies went to the theaters to watch our movie!"


    "Hey, that''s true!"


    "Yeah, it is like that!"


    "The box office earnings in India are ridiculous!"


    "Fuck, just how many people has that Zhang Ye guy offended!"


    Everyone was overwhelmed with emotion.

 Chapter 1691 - Zhang Ye’s contribution to the global film industry!

    <h4>Chapter 1691 - Zhang Ye��s contribution to the global film industry! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    Star Moon Animation Studios.


    Everyone was in an uproar.


    Little Wang yelled, "Why is it so high!"


    Zhang Zuo scratched his head and said, "With these box office earnings, what''s there still to y for?"


    Ha Qiqi said, "Hanson''s movie earned a total of 400 million USD when it was taken down from screening."


    "This is only the first movie that we''re betting against?" Tong Fu said, breaking down, "There are still over 20 movies lined up behind that we have to challenge? What''s there still to challenge!"


    Wu Yi cursed, "Are the Indians on steroids or something? How did the movie get such good box office earnings there?"


    Tong Fu said angrily, "It''s the same for Japan and Korea too. Those markets have contributed a lot to its box office performance."


    Mark Foran felt really powerless at this.


    The Star Moon staff rolled their eyes.


    "It''s game over."


    "Yep."


    "There''s no way we can beat them."


    "What bet? We''ve already lost!"


    "As if we can catch up to that!"


    "Is ourpany going out of business?"


    "I reckon so."


    "They have over 20 Hollywood directors on their side. Just one movie alone is enough to finish us off!"


    Everyone had lost their confidence.


    Only Zhang Ye didn''t feel so. "It''s only the first movie, and we haven''t even shown ours yet, so it''s not like the results have already been decided. In fact, I even wish that their box office earnings will be better. Otherwise, it won''t be interesting to fight them if they perform too poorly at the box office."


    Everyone was speechless.


    What?


    You''re still bragging at such a time?


    Ha Qiqi said, "We can only hope the rest of them screw up."


    Little Wang started praying again. "They have to screw up!"


    Zhang Zuo consoled himself with, "Such good box office earnings are not likely to happen for most of the other movies. Even if there are, it might not be one of those directors who have a bet with us."


    ��


    In the following days, dramatic scene after scene took ce!


    The films of the Hollywood directors who made the bet with Zhang Ye premiered one by one!


    Hello, Andy


    The Proposal


    Mech Warfare


    The Wheel of History


    Night Terrors


    Sci-fi.


    Romance.


    History.


    War.


    Supernatural.


    There were all kinds of genres shown, and their box office performances also stunned people around the world. It was as though a golden age had started in Hollywood.


    ��


    Japan.


    "The Proposal is quite good!"


    "Really?"


    "I''ll buy tickets to watch it then!"


    "Haha, let''s give it our support!"


    "Down with Face-smacking Zhang!"


    "Count me in!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "Who has watched Night Terrors?"


    "I watched it. It''s alright."


    "Yeah, it''s pretty good."


    "I must watch it in theaters to show my support."


    "Yeah, it''s a rare opportunity where we can do our part to strike at Zhang Ye!"


    "I''m going to watch it too!"


    ��


    India.


    "What good moviese out recently?"


    "The recent Hollywood movies are all pretty good!"


    "I''ve already watched three of them!"


    "I''ve watched five!"


    "Buy, buy, buy! Watch, watch, watch!"


    "Whoever dares to challenge Zhang Ye is worth supporting!"


    ��


    America.


    "The quality of the recent movies is really high."


    "They''re all great movies."


    "It''s quite good. I rmend it."


    "I bet Zhang Ye is already in tears!"


    "Hahaha, let''s wait a bit more to see what the box office earnings are."


    "Not many of us had expected this!"


    ��


    China.


    "How''re things looking?"


    "Damn, what''s the meaning of all this!"


    "Pfft, Face-smacking Zhang is in danger!"


    "They''re grouping up to have a go at him!"


    "This is way too fucking over the top!"


    ��


    The box office results were gradually released.


    Maybe due to coincidence or some other reason, but the new movies of the directors who were involved in the bet with Zhang Ye had all performed extremely well in the box office. Even the worst performing movie had a final box office earnings of 200 million USD, while the best performer reached 600 million USD in earnings. Some of these movies had not even been taken out of theaters yet and were still constantly breaking new highs!


    The entire worldughed!


    The Hollywood film industry was very happy!


    The media outlets from around the world did not know whether tough or cry!


    Only at Star Moon Animation Studios was there a wave of scolding.


    Ha Qiqi said, "They must be doing this on purpose!"


    Little Wang said angrily, "What the hell? All of their movies are so popr?"


    Wu Yi broke down. "There wasn''t even a single one that screwed up?"


    Tong Fu sobbed, "The movies that were directed by those who are not involved in the bet with us are only doing average at the box office. But as long as it''s a movie that was directed by any of the directors betting against us, their box office earnings have all exploded? Does it have to be this obvious!"


    Zhang Ye was shaking his head a little. "Steady now, we can still win!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Steady? There''s no way to win at all!"


    Just the performance of one of the movies alone was enough to make them suffer!


    And now, they had to win against every one of them?


    ��


    In the Hollywood film industry.


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "This is cracking me up!"


    "Something like that happened?"


    "Zhang Ye probably doesn''t even know how he has lost this time!"


    "Phil, what are your box office earnings?"


    "My movie brought in 400 million dors."


    "Haha, mine got 420 million dors."


    "This is so exciting!"


    "Yeah, I never ever thought that we could do so well at the box office!"


    "Our international box office earnings will set a new high this time!"


    ��


    The global media.


    "The box office earnings of Hollywood movies have set a new high!"


    "An unstoppable era for Hollywood!"


    "Global box office earnings blow up!"


    "Zhang Ye, a man perhaps yed by fate?"


    "Hollywood enters a glorious era! "


    "The entire world is watching Hollywood movies!"


    "Zhang Ye to bid farewell to Hollywood in advance!"


    ��


    On the Web.


    The people who hade to watch themotion were going crazy with joy.


    Actually, it was quite clear that all of this was probably just a coincidence. The Hollywood directors who had bet against Zhang Ye had only done so well with their movies because they managed to catch the market trends. However, all this sess was still somehow attributed to Zhang Ye. Some formerly well-known Hollywood directors who had not made any good films for many years ended up encountering Zhang Ye this time.


    How unfortunate for them!


    They were really down on their luck!


    People around the world startedughing.


    "Hollywood wasn''t doing too well before this."


    "That''s right. For the past two years, the total box office earnings for Hollywood movies have started going on a slight downward trend. But they''ve started performing well this year as the movies saw a collective surge in earnings!"


    "Yeah, this is so scary!"


    "Hahahaha, I''m dying ofughter!"


    "Thank you to Zhang Ye for contributing to Hollywood''s rise!"


    "Zhang Ye has turned the dismal box office performance of Hollywood around!"


    "I strongly suggest the bet be called off and let Zhang Ye continue making movies in Hollywood!"


    "That''s right, call off the bet, keep Zhang Ye around!"


    "Don''t let him go, Hollywood needs him, and the global film industry needs him as well!"


    "He''s insurance for the Hollywood box office!"


    "Thank you to the Indian people for their contributions too!"


    "Our Japanese friends have also given a lot of effort!"


    "Pfft, just how unlucky is this Chinese celebrity? How many people has he offended? When he''s down, ''help'' from everywhere pours in?"


    On this day.


    In the media.


    Among the people.


    Within the industry.


    The entire world had been amused by all that had happened.


    They had met unlucky people before, but they had never encountered anyone as unlucky as this!"


    Even the Chinese citizens felt a little speechless at this. Were the Heavens no longer tolerable towards Zhang Ye''s power that they had toe to subdue him?!

 Chapter 1692 - The Hollywood directors are on steroids!

    <h4>Chapter 1692 - The Hollywood directors are on steroids! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The days passed.


    The miracle of Hollywood was continuing.


    This was an unprecedented cinematic feast in all of history.


    Wilson.


    Tony.


    nders.


    Becky.


    The several key figures involved in the bet against Zhang Ye were also some of the most famous Hollywood directors. Their movies gradually began to screen, and under the attention of people around the world, these new movies also performed like they were on steroids. The box office earnings kept increasing at a rate that didn''t make any sense at all.


    100 million!


    200 million!


    300 million!


    400 million!


    Very soon, another movie earning 600 million USD in the global box office appeared! On top of that, it was even moving towards 700 million USD, with some industry insiders estimating a final box office earnings figure of 750 million USD. This also meant that it would be exceeding Zhang Ye''s Wolf Warrior 2''s earnings. It happened that this movie was also directed by Wilson, Zhang Ye''s old foe. Commando 2''s box office earnings did not meet its expectations at the point and had been absolutely held down by Zhang Ye''s Wolf Warrior 2. This caused Wilson''s career to hit a low point for a while. But Wilson very quickly used this new movie to get back onto the altar to prove to everyone that a veteran Hollywood director like him wasn''t a has-been just yet.


    Hollywood was excited.


    The American people were excited.


    Perhaps even Wilson himself had not expected such a result. Sometimes, making a movie required a little luck. A movie might just happen to get pushed into the headlines and when that happened, then even pigs could fly.


    ��


    Wilson''spany.


    "Hahahahaha!"


    "This is so satisfying!"


    "We''re gonna have another movie in the global Top 100!"


    "Yeah, the stain from Wolf Warrior 2 has finally been erased!"


    "Losing to Wolf Warrior 2 was really the shame of a lifetime. But this time, we''ve managed to fight back. There''s no way for Zhang Ye to challenge us anymore!"


    "Well done!"


    ��


    At the Directors Guild.


    "The oue has been determined."


    "It has reached 700 million dors!"


    "Even if Zhang Ye can perform well at the box office, he won''t be able to surpass that figure."


    "Yeah, it''s as good as over for him."


    "Director Wilson has not disappointed at all."


    "He has finally gotten revenge for what happened."


    ��


    Beijing.


    At home.


    Zhang Ye''s mother said in a speechless manner, "This time, we''re the ones left dumbfounded! Little Ye has spoken too strongly! When will he start changing his habit of bragging!"


    His father said, "Didn''t he learn it from you?"


    His mother said angrily, "Get lost!"


    His father said, "Quick, give our son a call to check up on him."


    ��


    At Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    The staff who stayed behind didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    "What''s with this situation!"


    "Something like this can happen?"


    "Are these people on steroids!?"


    "Has it been easy for Director Zhang going to Hollywood? Why does he have to encounter such an incident?"


    "Hai, we can only pray for Director Zhang, Sister Ha, and the others."


    ��


    On Weibo.


    "Motherfucker!"


    "What''s there still left to y for?"


    "No matter whoes, they won''t be able to win!"


    "Pfft! Face-smacking Zhang is going to be left kneeling!"


    "Tell me, guys, is this what they call good and evil will always be rewarded?"


    "Face-smacking Zhang can''t get any more unfortunate than this. What''s happening is such an unlikely situation and yet? He just had to run into it!"


    "It''s over, he''s gonna lose."


    "I still believe that Face-smacking Zhang can turn the situation around!"


    "Turn things around, my ass! One of the movies has already reached 700 million USD in earnings!"


    "Yeah, even if Face-smacking Zhang makes a Wolf Warrior 10, he''s still probably going to lose!"


    ��


    Director after director.


    Movie after movie.


    By the time the box office earnings of Wilson''s movie came out, the entire matter was considered to be settled.


    This bet that Zhang Ye had made with the Hollywood directors was already over in the eyes of the global media, people around the world, and the industry insiders. At this point in time, no one thought that Zhang Ye could rise from the dead to return victorious. The difference was simply toorge! Even if it was based on the wager that the Hollywood directors had proposed��that as long as Zhang Ye''s animated film''s box office earnings exceeded any of their directors'' movies'' box office earnings, they would consider it his win��Zhang Ye still had no chance of winning. Further, Zhang Ye had proposed a different wager in the end. If any of those Hollywood directors could exceed his box office earnings, he would consider it his loss.


    Star Moon Animation Studios.


    His cell phone kept ringing.


    Zhang Ye had to take several calls from his family and friends.


    In the end, even China''s richest man couldn''t sit still.


    Qian Haitao said: "Hello, Teacher Zhang."


    Zhang Ye said: "Boss Qian."


    "About that, are you still confident?"


    "Ahem, I suppose so."


    "Are you sure?"


    "More or less."


    Qian Haitao was very familiar with Zhang Ye''s capabilities, and he trusted him as well. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have put Zhang Ye fully in charge of this project. But the situation now was different. This wasn''t about whether he trusted him or not anymore. The issue now was that the opponents were like "monsters." Every one of the directors was performing beyond their usual levels, and every one of them was getting box office results that even they themselves could not believe. This was what made the situation so awkward!


    The call ended.


    Ha Qiqi and the rest of the people looked at Zhang Ye. They realized that Zhang Ye was speaking in a more muted manner now.


    How did he used to speak?


    No problem!


    Don''t worry!


    We''ll crush them!


    But how was he speaking now?


    I suppose so.


    More or less.


    His tone had obviously be more restrained!


    Ha Qiqi gave a bitterugh. "Director Zhang, you can''t be med."


    Zhang Zuo said, "It''s our opponents who are too cunning!"


    Little Wang said, "Is this going to be the end of our ''one-day tour'' of Hollywood?"


    Wu Yi also said pessimistically, "Let''s just concentrate on making a good movie. This could be our veryst Hollywood movie, so we should do it to our very best."


    Zhang Ye was also feeling a little dizzy at this point in time.


    What is with this situation? Have these people eaten Tripitaka''s flesh or something? So many of the has-been Hollywood directors are also experiencing a surge in their box office earnings? Over the past few days, two global Top 100 movies appeared just like that? Are you fucking kidding me?! When I hadn''t yet arrived in Hollywood, why didn''t I see you people turning in such good performances! Motherfucker! I won''t believe this shit! Do you all think that you''ve already won? Huh? Fine! This time, I''ll show you exactly how I earned my nickname of Face-smacking Zhang!


    Looking at the news on television.


    Looking at those box office earnings.


    Looking at the panicking staff of Star Moon.


    Zhang Ye waved his hands and dered, "Don''t panic!"


    The crowd of people fell silent and looked at him.


    Zhang Ye said, "Calm down and steady yourselves. What''s the big deal with these box office earnings? Don''t worry, everything is within my grasp. I''ve expected this situation for a long time. This time, we''re going to show them what an ultimateeback looks like, what turning the tide means, and what an earth-shattering battle is like!"


    In the end, everyone remained unaffected by his talk. They had built up a resistance towards Zhang Ye''s bragging.


    Within your grasp, your sister!


    You were obviously also shocked by the results earlier on, alright!


    Mark Foran wasn''t even going to refute him anymore.


    The Star Moon staff also did not botherining about this.


    Everyone just remained silent; no one said anything in reply.


    Brag.


    Let the director brag for a little more.


    He might not have the chance to do so again.

 Chapter 1693 - Frozen’s production is complete!

    <h4>Chapter 1693 - Frozen��s production isplete! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On this day.


    The international entertainment circle was abuzz.


    An American actress rose to the International B-list Rankings.


    An English movie star leaped up into the International A-list Rankings.


    And many of the Hollywood directors were holding their celebratory feasts.


    The unprecedented breakout of Hollywood movies had benefited a lot of people in the international entertainment circle this time. Reporters, celebrities, directors, investors, many of these people were thoroughly enjoying this glorious period of movies. And at this moment, Zhang Ye''s animated film had already beenpletely forgotten by everyone. The average person knew that Zhang Ye didn''t stand a chance of winning. Zhang Ye''s international poprity had also been affected as hisst-ce position on the International B-list Rankings became shaky. It felt like he could drop back down to the International C-list Rankings at any moment after losing much of the momentum that he had gained.


    But it was at this time that Frozen''s production was finallypleted.


    ��


    In the morning.


    Star Moon Animation Studios.


    After three months, a budget of nearly 200 million USD, and all of Zhang Ye''s efforts, an animated film with the highest production cost in history was born.


    Mark Foran came over. "It''spleted."


    Zhang Ye said excitedly, "The production is done?"


    An animator said, "We''ve done it all ording to your requirements."


    Zhang Ye immediately said, "OK, where''s the footage?"


    Mark Foran said, "It''s over here."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll do the editing."


    Mark Foran said unconvinced, "Shouldn''t we get a professional to work on that?"


    "There''s no need to." Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I''m a professional myself."


    Mark Foran threw his hands up and said, "Alright, if you insist."


    Zhang Ye patted him on the shoulder. "Don''t you worry, Mark. You just have to ce your trust in me on this matter. I dare not guarantee that the works in my lifetime will all be sesses. However, I can absolutely guarantee you that I won''t fall here!"


    Mark Foran didn''t know what to think. "Alright."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll be depending on you for the publicity efforts."


    "Don''t worry." Mark Foran said, "I''ll handle that."


    An hour.


    Three hours.


    Five hours.


    In the afternoon, Zhang Ye came out of the editing studio.


    Ha Qiqi hurriedly asked, "How does it look?"


    Zhang Zuo said, "Director Zhang, why don''t you take a break?"


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Why would I take a break? I''m already finished with the editing."


    Ah?


    Finished with the editing?


    So quickly?


    Have you been doing it seriously at all?


    Star Moon''s staff all panicked a little when they heard that. They had worked on animated films for many years, so they knew the critical phase of an animated film was in the editing stage. Every person had their own style, and the effects of their editing would turn out different. This was something that would also affect the quality of a movie. But to finish editing a film in just five hours? Aren''t you being too sloppy! But when they thought about what Zhang Ye''s work ethic was like during these days, they also felt a little relieved. This director from China had always been known for being fast at work, his style of doing things.


    Mark Foran came back at this moment. He said dumbfoundedly, "It''s already done?"


    Zhang Ye nodded. "The product has been finished."


    Mark Foran wiped at his sweat. "Is it the final version?"


    "Yes, it''s the final version," Zhang Ye affirmed.


    Dong Shanshan came over. "So how exactly does it look?"


    Ning Lan said, "Yeah, what''s the result?"


    Chen Guang said eagerly, "You''ve been keeping it so secretive since the start. Other than the script and our lines, we don''t know anything else about the movie. Hurry up and reveal a little of it to us."


    Zhang Yeughed heartily. "Wouldn''t it be better to find out by watching for yourselves?"


    Ha Qiqi gasped and said, "Can we watch it?"


    Zhang Ye said, "Of course!"


    Little Wang started feeling afraid. "I��I think I better not watch it."


    Zhang Zuo said nervously, "I''m also a little worried."


    Ha Qiqi said, "I would like to have a look."


    Mark Foran said, "Me too."


    Little Wang changed her mind again. "Then I want to watch it as well."


    Zhang Ye gathered them and said, "Come on, let''s go!"


    The screening room was on the third floor, just a few steps away.


    But everyone felt like it took extremely long to make their way over. They all had so many thoughts of what to expect and were either feeling nervous, looking forward to it, or afraid of what they would see.


    In the screening room.


    Everyone got seated.


    Zhang Ye smiled and asked, "Are you all ready?"


    Mark Foran took a deep breath. "Yes."


    Zhang Yuanqi sat there quietly.


    Ning Lan urged, "Hurry up, hurry up!"


    Little Wang wore a grim look. "Come on then! Who cares how it''ll turn out!"


    Several of Star Moon''s upper management were trembling on the inside.


    One of the foreigners was even making the sign of the cross and muttering a prayer under their breath.


    Zhang Ye chuckled. He took a deep breath himself and pressed the y button. After switching off the lights, he followed everyone and took a seat with them as he watched the big screen in silence.


    The movie began.


    ��


    Outside.


    The Star Moon staff kept looking over at the screening room.


    "It hasn''t finished yet?"


    "How long have they been in there?"


    "It''s been almost two hours."


    "It should be ending soon, right?"


    "Just how is it going to be?"


    "Do you need to ask? It''s definitely not going to be great. Just listen, there isn''t a sounding from inside. If it were a good movie, how could there not be anyughter?"


    "It''s over. We really have to start looking for new jobs soon."


    "Ah! The door opened!"


    "They''reing out, they''reing out!"


    "Uh, what''s with the expressions on their faces?"


    Instantly, thepany''s staff all looked over.


    Zhang Ye.


    Mark Foran.


    Ha Qiqi.


    Dong Shanshan.


    Zhang Yuanqi.


    Everyone filed out of the screening room.


    Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Mark."


    Mark Foran came back to his senses and said, "Oh, yes?"


    "Can I leave the rest to you?" Zhang Ye said.


    Mark Foran said, "Ah, sure."


    Zhang Ye said, "I''ll head back to China first then. You''re the professional when ites to doing the publicity and distribution of a film. I won''t be able to help out much anyway, so it''s better that I go home to see my wife and kid. As for the publicity in China, you don''t have to worry about that. Leave it to me. I''ll be waiting in China until the movie''s premiere."


    Mark Foran immediately said, "OK, sure! I''ll book the ne tickets for you!"


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "There''s no need for that. I''ll book them myself."


    Mark Foran said hurriedly, "Let me arrange for someone to send you off!"


    Ha Qiqi looked excited.


    Little Wang didn''t even know what to say.


    As for the other Star Moon senior production staff who were qualified to sit in on the screening, all of them had shocked expressions on their faces and looked like they couldn''t snap out of their daze.


    Was this movie made by us?


    How could it be made by us?


    After Zhang Ye left, everyone gathered around.


    "Emich, how was it?"


    "Koch, was the film good?"


    "Was it godawful?"


    "I knew it!"


    "I knew thatyman couldn''t do it!"


    When Mark Foran heard this, his expression sunk. "You knew it?" You know shit all!" Everyone in thepany was stunned. They heard Mark Foran shout, "All of you, listen up! Don''t keep muttering the word yman'' around here. If I hear it from anyone again, I will make sure that person leaves thispany! Director Zhang Ye is a real filmmaker. All of you know shit all!"


    Him?


    A filmmaker?


    A real one?


    No one could understand why Mark Foran, who used to always doubt Zhang Ye, would do a 180!


    A cell phone rang.


    When Mark Foran saw the number, he returned to his personal office and closed the door behind him before answering. The call was from Star Moon Animation Studios'' chairman, Qian Haitao.


    Mark Foran said: "Boss."


    Qian Haitao asked in concern: "The movie has beenpleted already?"


    "Yes."


    Qian Haitao asked: "Have you watched it?"


    "I just did."


    "Can you make an estimate of the box office earnings?"


    "No."


    "You are so experienced in the industry, yet you can''t make an estimate of it?"


    Mark Foran collected himself and said: "I really don''t know how much we can earn at the box office. The animated film industry is too untested, and no one has truly been able to open up the market before. But what I know is that no one in the whole of Hollywood can make another movie like this animated film within the next one, five, or even ten years. Boss, I finally understand why you brought Teacher Zhang on board. I''ve never seen anyone like him before."


    Qian Haitaoughed at the words. "I told you before: Teacher Little Zhang is an extraordinary individual."


    Mark Foran gave a bitterugh. "I believe that now."

 Chapter 1694 - Premiere day!

    <h4>Chapter 1694 - Premiere day! </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    More than half a monthter.


    On the eve of the premiere.


    Back in China, it was extremely busy at Zhang Ye''s Studio.


    The showtimes in the various countries were being aggregated here at the office.


    America: 4.5%


    Ennd: 6.4%


    Japan: 3%


    Korea: 3.1%


    France: 3.8%


    China: 32.6%


    The Chinese first-day screening rate went as high as 30%, and this was for an animated film that most people were not optimistic about. In the entire film industry, it was perhaps only Zhang Ye whomanded such influence and had such great appeal. When everyone saw this, they couldn''t help but feel terrified. But upon thinking about it, no one was particrly surprised either. It was Zhang Ye''s home field, after all. Now that Zhang Ye was getting besieged by the Hollywood directors, it would be quite uneptable if they didn''t give their support and help one of their own. As for the overseas screening rates, there wasn''t really much that Zhang Ye could do about them. The average overseas screening rate was not very high and could only be described as minimal. One could also say that it was a rate at which the theaters of the various countries were testing the market with. Although Star Moon Animation Studios had been bought out, its business rtions still existed, and thepany''s deals and contracts were still in effect. If one considered that this was an animated film, and even a Chinese-directed animated film at that, this screening rate would be regarded as very high. At leastpared to Wolf Warrior 2''s screening rate of 0.x% in the various countries around the world, it was already much, much higher.


    Little Wang said dejectedly, "That''s such a low screening rate."


    Zhang Zuo sighed. "We''ve already lost at the starting line."


    Zhang Yeughed and said, "We can still make it."


    Ha Qiqi said, "I think it isn''t too bad either. Fortunately for us, we''re making a Hollywood movie this time. Otherwise, the overseas screening rate in North America and other markets would be close to zero. This was also the main reason why Boss Qian acquired a Hollywood studio. At the very least, the screening rate wouldn''t be too low. What we needed was a chance, a chance to use Hollywood as a springboard to move towards the global stage."


    Zhang Ye asked, "Is everything ready?"


    "Everything is prepared." Ha Qiqi nodded.


    Tong Fu asked, "Director Zhang, are we not going to hold a premiere ceremony this time?"


    Zhang Ye shook his head and said with a smile, "There''s no need. It''s too troublesome."


    Little Wang said anxiously, "Why do I feel so nervous now?"


    "Who doesn''t?" Little Zhou was getting restless. "The movie will be premiering tomorrow!"


    Zhang Zuo said, "This movie will really determine the sess or failure of our careers. Director Zhang, I still feel that you shouldn''t have made that bet with them back then."


    Ha Qiqi said, "There are both pros and cons to making this bet. But it''s pointless talking about that anymore. Let''s all give it a final push. This is our most important battle to date. If we lose, we''ll have to leave Hollywood, and Director Zhang won''t have any hope of getting to the top of the international entertainment circle in his lifetime. If we can still win in the face of such adversity, then we''ll win both fame and fortune and can evenpletely branch out to open up a path towards the international entertainment circle."


    With that being said, everyone could understand the justification.


    But the problem now was, could they really win?


    If they won, then everything would be fine.


    But if they lost, they would fall off the altar.


    For a celebrity, this was as good as a "life-or-death" agreement.


    ��


    Hollywood.


    At the Directors Guild.


    "The screening rate is so low?"


    "Haha, that''s how it should be."


    "The Chinese man really won''t be able to turn this around."


    "It''s just an animated film. What kind of screening rate are you expecting?"


    "I''m also waiting for tomorrow to see what sort of a movie he can bring out."


    "The production cost of 200 million dors will definitely go up in smoke."


    "Tomorrow will be the day that Zhang Ye officially leaves Hollywood."


    "Hehe, I can''t wait for it."


    "I''m already looking forward to seeing the look on Zhang Ye''s face."


    "How dare he bet against us veteran Hollywood directors? He''s too full of himself!"


    ��


    America.


    "Frozen will be in the theaters soon."


    "Do you want to watch it?"


    "I''m not really looking forward to it. Most animated films aren''t that good."


    "The trailer looks quite good though."


    "I''ll wait for the reviews first."


    "Zhang Ye is in a very dangerous position. If he can emerge as the winner from such circumstances, I''ll admire him. Actually, I quite like this Chinese celebrity."


    "This guy is a little different from the other celebrities. He''s pretty interesting."


    "Yeah, he''s the only person in international showbiz who would dare to ept a lost bet!"


    ��


    Japan.


    "Zhang Ye''s new movie is premiering."


    "We already know. They''ve been advertising it for a long time."


    "How many people will go and watch it?"


    "Who knows? In any case, I won''t be one of them."


    "I''m still looking forward to it a lot. Who knows if Zhang Ye can dramatically turn things around this time?"


    "That''s impossible. Wilson''s new movie has already earned over 700 million USD at the box office."


    "But��he''s Zhang Ye. Honestly, have any of you seen him lose before?"


    "Uh��"


    "Um��"


    ��


    Korea.


    "The final showdown is happening soon!"


    "Victory will be decided tomorrow!"


    "Haha, this fellow will finally be chased out of the international entertainment industry. Without Hollywood as a tform, it is as good as losing the qualifications to be in the international entertainment industry."


    "Will it really go that smoothly?"


    "Huh? Why do you say that?"


    "I saw a Japaneseizen''sment just now and became doubtful."


    "What did the Japaneseizen say?"


    "He asked if we''ve ever seen Zhang Ye lose before."


    "Uh��"


    "It seems like��yeah, he really hasn''t lost before."


    ��


    China.


    On Weibo.


    "Brothers! Sisters!"


    "Face-smacking Zhang''s new movie is about to get released!"


    "Everyone, get ready! It''s time to start booking the tickets!"


    "Need you bring it up? I''ve already booked mine!"


    "Haha, I''ve already booked tickets for my entire family."


    "Me too, I''m going to bring my children to watch the movie."


    "Although I''ve never been much of a fan of animated films, I''ll have to watch this one since it''s made by Zhang Ye. This is because none of Zhang Ye''s work has ever disappointed me before!"


    "That''s right! Face-smacking Zhang might be quite hated at times, but in this critical moment, we should still support one of our own. Chinese showbiz is too messy, and there''s too much infighting. Only Zhang Ye dares to pick a fight with people on the outside. Now that he''s motherfucking fought his way to Hollywood, if we don''t support him now, then when? Ignoring how it performs at foreign box offices, we must make sure that the box office earnings in China aren''t bad. We have to let Zhang Ye know that we''re standing with him!"


    "Well said!"


    "I''m willing to do everything I can to help Zhang Ye fight Hollywood!"


    "It''s time for Zhang Ye''s fan club toe together to get something done!"


    "Is there anyone willing to help Teacher Zhang reverse his possible defeat?"


    "Even if I know that we can''t win, we still must lose with pride!"


    "Herees Sister Zhang''s fan club! Count us in!"


    "Sister Lan''s fan club reporting in to assist! Teacher Zhang has done quite a few favors for Sister Lan, so thank you for that. It''s time we repaid our debts. Isn''t it just a few movie tickets? We can still afford that!"


    ��


    With a day left until the premiere.


    A global storm started brewing.


    The media.


    Hollywood.


    The industry.


    The people.


    At this very moment, everyone''s attention had turned to Zhang Ye and his new movie, Frozen. The final battle was right about to begin!

 Chapter 1695 - This is an animated musical?

    <h4>Chapter 1695 - This is an animated musical? </h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    The next day.


    In the morning.


    At a theater in Beijing.


    "It''s time for work."


    "Little Liu, do a check on the equipment."


    "Little Wang, how many movies are screening today?"


    "Just four, but most of the sessions are for Frozen."


    "Hai, to give an animated film such a screening rate, will it really work out? Will people really watch it?"


    "Sister Han, the ticket bookings have been tabted!"


    "What are the ticket sales for today?"


    "They''re all sold out!"


    "What? Sold out?"


    "The tickets for all of Frozen''s showtimes have been sold out."


    "Huh? There are people buying tickets for the morning sessions too?"


    "Damn, just how many fans does Teacher Zhang have!"


    ��


    Shanghai.


    In a theater.


    "Look!"


    "Isn''t that Director Li Ke?"


    "He''s here?"


    "Ah, I saw Xu Men!"


    "Sister Lan also came to support the movie?"


    "And Jiang Hanwei too! That''s Jiang Hanwei, right?"


    "It''s him. Old Jiang has also been filming a show in Shanghai recently."


    "That theater is booked for the day. The attendees are all celebrities."


    "Awesome!"


    ��


    New York.


    Several Hollywood animation directors came together in a group.


    These people were all well-known animation directors in Hollywood. One of them was even the director of a Top 3 animated film of all time at the Hollywood box office, even though its earnings weren''t that muchpared to Hollywood live-action movies.


    "Are we really going to watch it?"


    "Come on, let''s have a look."


    "It cost 200 million dors to make, so I would like to see what he came up with."


    "I don''t have much hope for it."


    "The new directors are all too arrogant for their own good."


    "Yeah, who doesn''t know how tough it is to make an animated film? As someone who has only made a live-action movie, what does he know about animated films? What does he know about Hollywood animated films?"


    ��


    London.


    "Wow!"


    "Who is that?"


    "Lillian!"


    "Lillian brought her family here to watch a movie?"


    "Is she going to watch Potter''s new movie?"


    "Surely? She has a guest role in that movie, after all."


    "Eh, that''s not right. She didn''t go into that cinema hall!"


    "That cinema hall is��the VIP cinema hall for Frozen?"


    "What? Lillian is going to watch Zhang Ye''s animated film?"


    "Lillian has actuallye to support Zhang Ye''s movie on its premiere day? She''s not even going to watch the movie she acted in?"


    "Uh, it''s making me wanna watch Frozen as well."


    "Why don''t we also buy a ticket for it?"


    ��


    Japan.


    At a downtown theater.


    Several acquaintances bumped into each other in the crowd.


    "Ah, Kyoko."


    "Ah, Seki-chan?"


    "Editor Fujita, what are you also doing here?"


    "Ahem, you all came to watch Frozen too? Weren''t you all calling to boycott Zhang Ye at the editorial department yesterday? You were so hyped about the boycott, so what are you are doing here!"


    "No, that''s you! You''re always the first person to criticize Zhang Ye''s new works, but aren''t you here too?"


    "I''m just curious, aren''t I?"


    "Hai, we were curious too."


    "Keep this matter a secret. We never saw each other."


    "Uh, OK."


    ��


    France.


    At a media session.


    Many media personnel hade, with quite a few film critics among them. When everyone got seated in the theater, they took out their pens and notebooks and got ready to write their reviews of the movie.


    "This farce is finallying to an end."


    "Yeah, Zhang Ye was too impulsive this time."


    "Everything was actually going very well for him in the international entertainment scene."


    "Who let him challenge the Hollywood directors?"


    "The movie hasn''t even started yet. Talk after we finish watching it."


    "Is there still a need to watch it? Do you really think that he can win?"


    "During the Nobel Prize award ceremony, during the premiere of Wolf Warrior 2, during the time Man vs. Wild was showing, I''ve always stood on the losing side by writing my drafts in advance. So I''ve decided this time that as long as it''s a report on Zhang Ye, I will only write my drafts after I''ve watched to the end. This is a very special person we''re talking about."


    ��


    On the Web.


    Netizens from all over the world appeared.


    Quite a few social media personalities also joined the festivities. They used their own ways to share this moment of the ultimate bet between Zhang Ye and the Hollywood directors by livestreaming to their fans.


    "It''s starting!"


    "The live textmentary for Frozen is beginning now!"


    "I''ve arrived at the theater, and I''ll be updating everyone on how Zhang Ye''s new movie turns out, haha."


    "Two minutes and counting down!"


    "The lights have dimmed! I can''t wait!"


    "Everyone, wait for my video review."


    "The worst animated film with thergest budget in history will being soon!"


    ��


    On the day of the premiere.


    Media outlets from around the world were all in attendance.


    The entire world''s industry insiders were paying attention to this.


    Many normal people also went to watch the movie at the earliest showtime.


    Zhang Ye''s sisters.


    Xu Men.


    Lillian.


    Fan Wenli.


    Jiang Hanwei.


    Zhang Xia.


    Many of Zhang Ye''s family and friends hade to catch the premiere.


    A lot of people knew how capable Zhang Ye was and what he could do, but his opponents this time were simply too good. That 700 million USD box office movie that Wilson directed had backed Zhang Ye into a tight corner. They had never seen Zhang Ye lose before, but they knew even the most capable person couldn''t keep winning forever. If there was ever a time when Zhang Ye would lose, then it would probably be this day.


    At this time.


    Frozen premiered around the world.


    When the first scene yed, many people were taken by surprise.


    ��


    On the screen.


    "Elsa. Elsa! Wake up. Wake up. Wake up."


    "Anna, go back to sleep."


    "I just can''t. The sky''s awake, so I''m awake, so we have to y."


    "Go y by yourself."


    "Do you want to build a snowman?"


    "Hehe."


    "Come on,e on,e on,e on! Do the magic! Do the magic!"


    "Ready?"


    "This is amazing!"


    "Watch this!"


    "Wow!"


    ��


    Korea.


    The theater burst into an uproar.


    "Oh my God!"


    "What kinds of visuals are these?"


    "It looks exquisite, doesn''t it?"


    "The character designs are so pretty!"


    "These two girls are so cute!"


    "I''ve never seen an animation with such good visuals before!"


    "This looks like it was really made frame by frame!"


    "So this is what 200 million USD can make?"


    "Zhang Ye is such a wastrel. He''s so bold to spend money like that!"


    "Yeah, no one else would dare to spend as much as he has!"


    "Ah, Anna''s hurt!"


    ��


    On the screen.


    The story continued developing.


    Anna''s memory was altered.


    Elsa was confined to the castle and isted from others.


    Everything had calmed down and seemingly returned to normal.


    "Do you want to build a snowman? / Come on, let''s go and y. / I never see you anymore. / Come out the door. / It''s like you''ve gone away. We used to be best buddies / And now we''re not. / I wish you would tell me why. / Do you want to build a snowman. / It doesn''t have to be a snowman."


    Elsa said, "Go away, Anna."


    Anna sang dejectedly, "OK, bye."


    When this song yed, it surprised countless moviegoers around the world once more.


    ��


    New York.


    The Hollywood animated film directors were stunned.


    "Music?"


    "Why is there music?"


    "It has tied music into the plot and dialogue?"


    "Can it even be done this way?"


    "Woode, has anyone made an animated film in this way before?"


    "I think��it''s never been done like this before!"


    "Zhang Ye really does know how to make a Hollywood animated film!"


    "This does have the style of Hollywood! Yet it''s not quite the same!"


    ��


    Beijing.


    At the theater that Zhang Ye''s sisters were.


    "Ahhh!"


    "Anna is so cute!"


    "It''s such a good song!"


    "Why is this song so good!"


    "They''re both so adorable!"


    "I thought this was going to be a sad story, but when the song yed, why does it change the entire mood of everything? They even used the lyrics as their lines?"


    "This animated musical was made by our brother?"


    "Oh, our amazing brother!"


    ��


    London.


    Lillian''s family was rather surprised.


    "So how is it? I wasn''t wrong in bringing you all to watch this, right?"


    "Sis, that Chinese friend of yours is so impressive."


    "I''m sure this opening has captured everyone''s attention."


    "Is this a brand new type of animated musical? It''s truly unimaginable."


    Lillian smiled and said, "This fellow has always had a lot of guts to try out new things. But even with what we''ve seen, it might not be enough to outdo those Hollywood directors. Let''s see what else he has up his sleeves for the rest of the movie."

 Chapter 1696 - ‘Let It Go’ debuts!

    <h4>Chapter 1696 - ��Let It Go�� debuts!</h4>


    Trantor: Legge Editor: Legge


    On the screen.


    The plot took a sharp turn.


    The king and the queen died at sea, leaving the two sisters behind by themselves.


    Anna came to Elsa''s door and started singing in a sad voice.


    "Elsa?


    "Please, I know you''re in there.


    "People are asking where you''ve been.


    "They say, ''Have courage.''


    "And I''m trying to.


    "I''m right out here for you.


    "Just let me in.


    "We only have each other.


    "It''s just you and me.


    "What are we gonna do?


    "Do you want to build a snowman?"


    Anna slumped against the door.


    On the other side, Elsa was also leaning back on the door.


    On one side, it was a lonely castle. On the other, it was a dark, wintry room.


    ��


    Japan.


    In the theater.


    Several of theic publishers'' editors'' eyes had reddened.


    "So this is Zhang Ye''s new movie?"


    "It''s so touching."


    "They can even use music in this way?"


    "How did he think of this!"


    ��


    At a theater in Hollywood.


    Star Moon Animation Studios had booked the entire ce.


    Mark Foran brought the entirepany''s staff here today.


    From the moment the movie started ying, the employees were dumbfounded. Other than thepany''s upper management, everyone was watching the movie for the first time today.


    "Oh my God!"


    "This was made by us?"


    "We made this movie?"


    ��


    On the screen.


    The movie continued.


    A few yearster, the castle was finally going to reopen its gates to the public.


    The ce was filled with a sense of festivity again. Dignitaries from different nations came to visit. It was a beautiful scene to take in.


    Anna sang:


    "The window is open!


    "So''s that door!


    "I didn''t know they did that anymore.


    "Who knew we owned 8,000 sd tes?


    "For years I''ve roamed these empty halls.


    "Why have a ballroom with no balls?


    "Finally, they''re opening up the gates!"


    Elsa sang:


    "Don''t let them in.


    "Don''t let them see.


    "Be the good girl you always have to be.


    "Conceal. Don''t feel.


    "Put on a show.


    "Make one wrong move and everyone will know.


    "But it''s only for today.


    "It''s agony to wait.


    "Tell the guards to open up the gate."


    Today was Elsa''s coronation day. The castle was opened to wee guests from different nations. The two sisters were also finally going to meet again.


    ��


    Shenzhen.


    In a theater.


    The manager came to check up on the employees and was dumbfounded. "Where is everyone? Where is all the staff?"


    The female employee at the box office mumbled, "Um��"


    The manager said in shock, "Where''s the security? The ticket collectors? Why aren''t they at their posts?"


    The female employee coughed and pointed to one of the theater halls on the inside.


    The manager ran over and saw the doors of the theater hall for Frozen open. Around eight theater employees had gathered here and were staring at the silver screen on the inside. They had actually abandoned their work ande over to watch Zhang Ye''s movie.


    The manager was disgusted. "Is it good?"


    One of the employees did not even turn their heads and just replied subconsciously, "It''s super great!"


    Another employee remarked, "Everyone, scooch a little so that we can make room for another spot."


    Another person said, "Shh, be quiet, it''s getting exciting!"


    "Ah!"


    "Manager!"


    "W-Why are you here?"


    Everyone realized it at this moment and started panicking.


    The manager said angrily, "Get back to your posts! If you all want to watch Teacher Zhang''s movie, buy tickets and watch it during your off days!"


    "OK."


    "Got it!"


    Everyone immediately dispersed.


    After the manager chased them off, he felt a little puzzled. Wasn''t it just an animated film? Weren''t such movies only used for cating children? Was it really that good? As such, he also stood there curiously and watched.


    ��


    Shanghai.


    At a theater booked by celebrities.


    Xu Men sighed and said, "It''s really Old Zhang''s voice."


    Fan Wenli said emotionally, "Sister Zhang is still as good as ever."


    "It was really sung well," Jiang Hanwei also said with emotion.


    Director Li Ke said, "Whoever said that animated films are only for children?"


    Xu Men smiled and said, "This movie of his should be suitable for children and adults alike, right?"


    Another director said in surprise, "This new movie by Director Zhang is quite stunning."


    Yet another director said, "The pacing of the movie is very good, the visuals are great, and the plot is so enjoyable. It''s making me want to make an animated film as well!"


    "Old Li, any guesses on the box office earnings?"


    "I can''t say for now."


    "Why?"


    "The movie is stillcking something, something explosive."


    "Yeah, I''m also waiting for that."


    ��


    On the silver screen.


    Anna met her "Prince Charming" and fell in love at first sight. Elsa was officially crowned queen, and the coronation ceremony was going smoothly. No one realized that she had magical powers. Everything seemed like it was going on track, and it looked like the two sisters were going to resume their previous rtionship and return to the lives they had before.


    But at this moment, an ident happened.


    Elsa couldn''t keep her secret hidden as her powers eventually got revealed.


    "Ah!"


    "Sorcery!"


    "Elsa?"


    "Stop her!"


    "Monster! Monster!"


    During the chase, Elsa ran away.


    The story turned tense.


    In the snowy mountains, it was wastnd all around.


    Elsa was walking in the cold wind by herself. She was sad and full of despair.


    Music yed. The sound of the piano filled thend.


    "The snow glows white on the mountain tonight.


    "Not a footprint to be seen.


    "A kingdom of istion.


    "And it looks like I''m the queen."


    ��


    At this moment.


    Elsa''s voice and Zhang Yuanqi''s singing resounded around the world!


    Countless people were listening in shock.


    "The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside.


    "Couldn''t keep it in.


    "Heaven knows I tried.


    "Don''t let them in, don''t let them see.


    "Be the good girl you always have to be.


    "Conceal, don''t feel.


    "Don''t let them know.


    "Well, now they know."


    The music suddenly turned cheerful!


    The scene''s mood switched!


    One by one, Elsa''s magical powers were unfurling from her hands. She no longer had any concerns nor any fear. She wasn''t going to hide anymore!


    Elsa smiled and sang loudly.


    "Let it go! Let it go!


    "Can''t hold it back anymore.


    "Let it go! Let it go!


    "Turn away and m the door.


    "I don''t care what they''re going to say.


    "Let the storm rage on.


    "The cold never bothered me anyway!


    "It''s funny how some distance / makes everything seem small.


    "And the fears that once controlled me / can''t get to me at all.


    "It''s time to see what I can do / to test the limits and break through.


    "No right, no wrong, no rules for me.


    "I''m free!


    "Let it go! Let it go!


    "I am one with the wind and sky!


    "Let it go! Let it go!"


    Elsa''s sadness, pain, and joy, all of it was unleashed at this moment!


    ��


    The Nethends.


    There were screams in the theater.


    "Ah!"


    "Heavens!"


    "This song��"


    ��


    Japan.


    "Heavens!"


    "I''m getting goosebumps!"


    "Me too!"


    ��


    Korea.


    "So cool!"


    "Th-This is so good!"


    "Who''s singing this?"


    "Former Asian Heavenly Queen Zhang Yuanqi!"


    ��


    Beijing.


    At a theater.


    Zhang Yuanqi''s parents were looking at the screen and listening to the song. For some reason, they started crying.


    In their eyes, Elsa had turned in to Zhang Yuanqi. The two of them were incredibly simr. They were almost exactly the same!


    Zhang Yuanqi''s cousin, Ma Fei, understood in this moment why Zhang Ye insisted on getting Zhang Yuanqi to sing this song no matter what. Perhaps this song could only be sung by Zhang Yuanqi. Perhaps, she was the only person who could perform it well!


    ��


    Ennd.


    "Who is this!"


    "Her singing is wonderful!"


    "China''s got a singer like that?"


    "How impressive!"


    ��


    Shanghai.


    At the celebrity-booked theater.


    Many of the celebrities and directors were shocked!


    Li Ke pped his thigh and said, "Bravo!"


    Another director sighed and said, "This singing, there''s absolutely no fucking way to describe it!"


    "It''s alive! This character has been brought to life!"


    "Sister Zhang is still the Sister Zhang we knew!"


    ��


    Hollywood.


    "How is this possible!"


    "A Chinese guy can actually write a song like this?"


    "A Chinese guy can actually make a movie like this?"


    "I''m going crazy!"


    "Th-This is such a good movie!"


    "So this is a musical film? Music can be incorporated into a movie so beautifully?"


    ��


    "Let It Go" had shocked the world!


    "Let It Go" had given the movie a breakout point!


    At this moment, countless moviegoers in theaters all over the world were dumbfounded and couldn''t speak!


    -inserts spinning top scene-


    -cuts to ck-


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